Dairy product consumption, eating habits, sedentary behaviour and physical activity association with bone mineral density among adolescent boys: a cross-sectional observational study.

BACKGROUND: During childhood and adolescence, skeletal microarchitecture and bone mineral density (BMD) undergo significant changes. Peak bone mass is built and its level significantly affects the condition of bones in later years of life. Understanding the modifiable factors that improve bone parameters at an early age is necessary to early prevent osteoporosis. To identify these modifiable factors we analysed the relationship between dairy product consumption, eating habits, sedentary behaviour, and level of physical activity with BMD in 115 young boys (14-17 years). METHODS: Bone parameters were measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry using paediatric specific software to compile the data. Dairy product consumption and eating habits were assessed by means of a dietary interview. Sedentary behaviour and physical activity was assessed in a face-to-face interview conducted using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data collection on total physical activity level was performed by collecting information on the number of days and the duration of vigorous and moderate intensity (MVPA) and average daily time spent in sitting (SIT time). RESULTS: The strongest relationships with BMD in distal part of forearm were found for moderate plus vigorous activity, sit time, and intake of dairy products, intake of calcium, protein, vitamin D, phosphorus from diet. Relationships between BMD, bone mineral content (BMC) in the distal and proximal part of the forearm and PA, sit time and eating parameters were evaluated using the multiple forward stepwise regression. The presented model explained 48-67% (adjusted R2 = 0.48-0.67; p < 0.001) of the variance in bone parameters. The predictor of interactions of three variables: protein intake (g/person/day), vitamin D intake (µg/day) and phosphorus intake (mg/day) was significant for BMD dis (adjusted R2 = 0.59; p < 0.001). The predictor of interactions of two variables: SIT time (h/day) and dairy products (n/day) was significant for BMD prox (adjusted R2 = 0.48; p < 0.001). Furthermore, the predictor of interactions dairy products (n/day), protein intake (g/person/day) and phosphorus intake (mg/day) was significant for BMC prox and dis (adjusted R2 = 0.63-0.67; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High physical activity and optimal eating habits especially adequate intake of important dietary components for bone health such as calcium, protein, vitamin D and phosphorus affect the mineralization of forearm bones.

Sex-related differences in the impact of nutritional status on in-hospital mortality in acute coronary syndrome: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In patients with some cardiovascular disease conditions the result of Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and body mass index (BMI) is related to the in-hospital mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic impact of BMI and NRS 2002 on in-hospital mortality among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in relation to sex. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study was based on a retrospective analysis of 945 medical records of AMI patients admitted to the Cardiology Department between 2017 and 2019. Patients with a score NRS2002 ≥ 3 are considered to be nutritionally at risk. The WHO BMI criteria were used. The endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression was used to analyse the impact of quantitative variables on dichotomous outcome. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were reported. Female patients were significantly older than male patients (73.24 ± 11.81 vs 67 ± 11.81). In an unadjusted model, the risk of malnutrition was a significant predictor of the odds of in-hospital mortality only in female patients (OR = 7.51, p = 0.001). In a multivariate model adjusted by all variables, heart failure (HF) (OR = 8.408, p = 0.003) and the risk of malnutrition (OR = 6.555, p = 0.007) were independent predictors of the odds of in-hospital mortality in female patients. The only significant independent predictor of the odds of in-hospital mortality in male patients was HF (OR = 3.789 p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Only in the case of female patients with AMI, the risk of malnutrition was independently associated with the odds of in-hospital mortality. There was no effect of BMI on in-hospital mortality in both sexes.

Can Frailty Be a Predictor of ICD Shock after the Implantation of a Cardioverter Defibrillator in Elderly Patients?

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of frailty among elderly patients who had an implanted cardioverter defibrillator, as well as the influence of frailty on the main endpoints during the follow-up. METHODS: The study included 103 patients > 60 years of age (85M, aged 71.56-8.17 years). All of the patients had an implanted single or dual-chamber cardioverter-defibrillator. In the research, there was a 12-month follow-up. The occurrence of frailty syndrome was assessed using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator scale (TFI). RESULTS: Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 75.73% of the patients that were included in the study. The mean values of the TFI were 6.55 ± 2.67, in the physical domain 4.06 ± 1.79, in the psychological domain 2.06 ± 1.10, and in the social domain 0.44 ± 0.55. During the follow-up period, 27.2% of patients had a defibrillator cardioverter electric shock, which occurred statistically more often in patients with diagnosed frailty syndrome (34.6%) compared to the robust patients (4%); p = 0.0062. In the logistic regression, frailty (OR: 1.203, 95% CI:1.0126-1.4298; p < 0.030) was an independent predictor of a defibrillator cardioverter electric shock. Similarly, in the logistic regression, frailty (OR: 1.3623, 95% CI:1.0290-1.8035; p = 0.019) was also an independent predictor for inadequate electric shocks. CONCLUSION: About three-quarters of the elderly patients that had qualified for ICD implantation were affected by frailty syndrome. In the frailty subgroup, adequate and inadequate shocks occurred more often compared to the robust patients.

Assessment of frailty syndrome using Edmonton frailty scale in Polish elderly sample.

The aim of the study was to assess the incidence and severity of the frailty syndrome assessed with the Edmonton Frailty Scale. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 382 patients (236 men and 146 women, mean age 71.9 years). The Edmonton Frailty Scale was administered during the patient's admission to the hospital. The Polish adaptation was performed using the standard methodology. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the whole Edmonton Frailty Scale was 0.709. The mean correlation between positions and the overall result was r = 0.180. There were no statistically significant differences between women and men in the area of Edmonton Frailty Scale mean score (p < 0.05). The socio-clinical analysis, showed statistically significant differences in the age of respondents, educational attainment, occupational activity, number of drugs taken and co-occurrence of chronic diseases. A higher values of the Edmonton Frailty Scale were indicated for individuals >70 years than for those <70 years (p < 0.001). The Edmonton Frailty Scale proved to be a reliable tool which may be used in the Polish population. The use of this questionnaire for frailty syndrome may be helpful in everyday clinical practice.

The influence of sleep disorders on the quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common pain syndromes, and its prevalence has increased significantly in the past three decades. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of insomnia and daytime sleepiness on the quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from chronic back pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study conducted among 100 people (aged 25-75 years - mean age 49.53 ± 10.92) treated in a neurological clinic for chronic back pain lasting longer than 3 months. The diagnostic survey method was applied for the purposes of this study with the use of: the author's questionnaire and standardised questionnaires that is Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Polish version of WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). The results were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Analysis of the study material showed that 83% of patients suffered from insomnia (scored 6 or more points on the AIS) and 29% experienced mild daytime sleepiness. People who were more sleepy during the day were characterised by lower perception of the QOL (r = -0.034, p = 0.029) and lower perception of general health (r = -0.035, p = 0.04). Analysis of multiple variables (using linear regression) showed that independent predictor of the QOL in all domains is the result of the AIS questionnaire (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders - both insomnia and daytime sleepiness - are a common health problem experienced by people with LBP. Insomnia is an important predictor affecting the QOL in people with LBP.

Intensity of Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Lung Cancer in Relation to Quality of Life.

Psychological factors, such as the anxiety and depression, which often occur in patients with lung cancer might negatively influence their quality of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of anxiety and depression in lung cancer patients on quality of life. The study included 180 lung patients of the mean age of 62.7 ± 9.7 years. The following scales were employed in the study: Quality of Life Questionnaire QLQ-C30 and LC13 scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS). The overall score of quality of life measured by QLQ-C30 was 47.1 ± 23.4 points on a hundred-point scale. Anxiety was diagnosed in 67 patients (37.2%) and depression in 75 patients (41.7%) by HADS. Quality of life was significantly worse in case of anxiety and depression (p < 0.05), which negatively influenced both functional and symptom intensity scales measured with QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13. We conclude that early identification of anxiety and depression may help in therapeutic decision-making and may be a useful predictive factor in lung cancer patients.

Factors affecting the quality of life of chronic dialysis patients.

Background: Patients on hemodialysis must adjust their life plans to the treatment. They are aware of losing their health and independence. Therefore, acceptance of illness (AI) is important and allows the patient to adjust to new situation and alleviates negative emotions. Methods: The aim of study was to assess the impact of AI and other socioclinical variables on hemodialysis patients' quality of life (QoL). The study included 100 patients aged 20-85 (M = 57), treated with hemodialysis for at least 2 years. Two validated instruments were used: the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire. Results: High, moderate and low level of AI was found for 15, 61 and 24 patients, respectively. The QoL increased with the AI score. In physical domain, it reached 69.8 ± 12.4 in the high AIS group, 54.2 ± 15.3 in the moderate AIS group and 42.7 ± 12.3 in the low AIS group ( P < 0.001). The psychological domain scores were 70.3 ± 12.8, 57.2 ± 15.0 and 49.7 ± 11.8 ( P < 0.001), respectively. The environmental domain scores were 68.8 ± 13.3,59.0 ± 12.6 and 53.0 ± 11.6 ( P < 0.001), respectively. AIS scores were positively correlated with QoL in three domains: physical ( r = 0.549; P < 0.0001), psychological ( r = 0.505; P < 0.0001) and environmental ( r = 0.444; P < 0.0001). In multiple-factor analysis, AI was independent predictors in physical domains (ß = +0.210), psychological domain (ß = +0.402) and environmental domain (ß = +0.204). No correlation or predictive value was found for the social relationship domain, however. Conclusions: Patients on dialysis have moderate-to-low AI. AI is an independent predictor positively correlated with QoL in all domains except for social relationships. The social and psychological support for dialyzed patient might improve their HRQoL and illness acceptance.

[Health-related quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Jakosc zycia zalezna od stanu zdrowia u chorych na astme oskrzelowa

A patient is not, or at least should not be, a passive subject, but the active participant of the process of asthma treatment. This naturally imposes covering patients with bronchial asthma with a holistic model of care. Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is one component of this model. HRQoL of asthma patients can be determined with an array of generic instruments, e.g. Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36), EuroQoL questionnaire (EQ-5D) or World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL), as well as with the specific tools, among which Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRO) and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) belong to the most widely used. HRQoL is significantly associated with the degree of asthma control. However, literature data suggest that a determination of HRQoL alone, with either specific or generic instrument, can be insufficient, as the level of health-related quality of life turned out to be modulated by three groups of factors: 1) demographic characteristics of patients, 2) clinical parameters, and 3) personality traits of respondents. Due to particularly strong effect of psychological characteristics on the quality of life of patients with bronchial asthma, also the level of depressiveness should be examined along with the HRQoL determination. Furthermore, complex assessment of the quality of life and its determinants should be conducted longitudinally, either in individual patients or in epidemiological studies.

Determinants of bone mineral density in various regions of the skeleton among smokers and non-smokers: the role of physical activity.

Background: The adult human skeleton is composed of cortical and cancellous bone. The proportions of these two types of bone tissue differ in various parts of the skeleton. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to quantify the determinants of bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content in various regions of interest (ROIs) in smokers and never-smokers. Methods: In this study, 4,332 bone scans of three regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed: the forearm (distal and proximal), femur, and lumbar spine. Body composition and bone parameters were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Smoking was measured using the Global Adult Tobacco Survey questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated, and physical activity (PA) was characterized by the metabolic equivalent of task (MET). Results: Among women, the interaction between PA (positive ß coefficient) and smoking (negative ß coefficient) was a significant predictor of BMD in the distal and proximal forearm (adj. R2 = 0.40 and R2 = 0.58; p < 0.001). The interaction of three variables-age, smoking (negative ß), and MET (positive ß)-was significant for total hip BMD (adj. R2 = 0.54; p < 0.001). The interaction between BMI and MET (positive ß) and smoking (negative ß) was significant for BMD in the lumbar spine (adj. R2 = 0.62; p < 0.001). In men, the interaction between MET (positive ß) and smoking (negative ß) was significant for BMD in the forearm and lumbar spine (adj. R2 = 0.44, R2 = 0.46, and R2 = 0.49; p < 0.01). Smoking alone was a significant negative predictor of total hip BMD (adj. R2 = 0.34; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Among both women and men, never-smokers had significantly better bone parameters than smokers. Smoking was a significant negative predictor for BMD in the various ROIs in both women and men. Physical activity was a significant positive predictor of BMD, with a strong association with bone parameters.

Sex-related differences in the impact of nutritional status on length of hospital stay in atrial fibrillation: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Nutritional status is related to the length of hospitalization of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to assess the prognostic impact of nutritional status and body mass index on length of hospital stay (LOHS) among patients with AF relative to their sex. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the medical records of 1,342 patients admitted urgently with a diagnosis of AF (ICD10: I48) to the Cardiology Department (University Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland) between January 2017 and June 2021. Results: In the study group, women were significantly older than men (72.94 ± 9.56 vs. 65.11 ± 12.68, p < 0.001). In an unadjusted linear regression model, malnutrition risk was a significant independent predictor of prolonged hospitalization in men (B = 1.95, p = 0.003) but not in women. In the age-adjusted linear regression model, malnutrition risk was a significant independent predictor of prolonged hospitalization in men (B = 1.843, p = 0.005) but not in women. In the model adjusted for age and comorbidities, malnutrition risk was a significant independent predictor of prolonged hospitalization in men only (B = 1.285, p = 0.043). In none of the models was BMI score a predictor of LOHS in either sex. Conclusion: The risk of malnutrition directly predicts the length of hospital stays in men but not women. The study did not find a relationship between body mass index and length of hospital stay in both women and men.

Comprehensive Cardiac Care: How Much Does It Cost?

The benefits of coordinating care between healthcare professionals and institutions are the main drivers behind reforms to the payment and delivery system for healthcare services. The purpose of this study was to analyse the costs incurred by the National Health Fund in Poland related to the comprehensive care model for patients after myocardial infarction (CCMI, in Polish: KOS-Zawal). METHODS: The analysis involved data from 1 October 2017 to 31 March 2020 for 263,619 patients who received treatment after a diagnosis of first or recurrent myocardial infarction as well as data for 26,457 patients treated during that period under the CCMI programme. RESULTS: The average costs of treating patients covered by the full scope of comprehensive care and cardiac rehabilitation under the programme (EUR 3113.74/person) were higher than the costs of treating patients outside of that programme (EUR 2238.08/person). At the same time, a survival analysis revealed a statistically significantly lower probability of death (p < 0.0001) in the group of patients covered by CCMI compared to the group not covered by the programme. CONCLUSIONS: The coordinated care programme introduced for patients after myocardial infarction is more expensive than the care for patients who do not participate in the programme. Patients covered by the programme were more often hospitalised, which might have been due to the good coordination between specialists and responses to sudden changes in patients' conditions.

Do Body Mass Index and Nutritional Risk Score 2002 Influence the In-Hospital Mortality of Patients Following Cardiac Arrest?

BACKGROUND: Contemporarily, cardiac arrest (CA) remains one of the leading causes of death. Poor nutritional status can increase the post-CA mortality risk. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and Nutritional Risk Score 2002 (NRS 2002) results and in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS: A retrospective study and analysis of medical records of 161 patients admitted to the ICU of the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw (Wroclaw, Poland) was conducted. RESULTS: No significant differences in body mass index (BMI) and nutritional risk score (NRS 2002) values were observed between non-survivors and survivors. Non-survivors had significantly lower albumin concentration (p = 0.017) and total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.015). In multivariate analysis BMI and NRS 2002 scores were not, per se, associated with the in-hospital mortality defined as the odds of death (Model 1: p: 0.700, 0.430; Model 2: p: 0.576, 0.599). Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between the hazard ratio (HR) and TG (p ≈ 0.017, HR: 0.23) and hsCRP (p ≈ 0.018, HR: 0.34). In multivariate analysis, mortality risk over time was influenced by higher scores in parameters such as BMI (HR = 0.164; p = 0.048) and hsCRP (HR = 1.006, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: BMI and NRS 2002, on their own (unconditionally - in the whole study group) did not alter the odds of mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The risk of in-hospital mortality (expressed as hazard ratio - the risk over the time period of the study) increased with an increase in BMI but not with NRS 2002.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on In-Hospital Mortality in Post-Cardiac-Arrest Patients-Does Sex Matter?

BACKGROUND: A number of factors influence mortality in post-cardiac-arrest (CA) patients, nutritional status being one of them. The aim of this study was to assess whether there are sex differences in the prognostic impact of BMI, as calculated on admission to an intensive care unit, on in-hospital mortality in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survivors. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective analysis of data of 129 post-cardiac-arrest patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University Teaching Hospital in Wroclaw between 2017 and 2022. RESULTS: Female patients were significantly older than male patients (68.62 ± 14.77 vs. 62.7 ± 13.95). The results of univariable logistic regression analysis showed that BMI was not associated with the odds of in-hospital death in either male or female patients. In an age-adjusted model, age was an independent predictor of the odds of in-hospital death only in male patients (OR = 1.034). In our final multiple logistic regression model, adjusted for the remaining variables, none of the traits analysed were a significant independent predictor of the odds of in-hospital death in female patients, whereas an initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT) was an independent predictor of the odds of in-hospital death in male patients (OR = 0.247). CONCLUSIONS: BMI on admission to ICU is not a predictor of the odds of in-hospital death in either male or female SCA survivors.

Influence of Disease Acceptance on the Quality of Life of Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis - Single Centre Study.

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, progressive disease, often with multiple complications, with periods of exacerbation and remission. The onset of the disease usually affects people under 30 years of age. The disease impairs physical, psychological, and social functioning, leading to disability. Therefore, patients with AS face the challenge of adapting to life with the condition and deteriorating quality of life (QoL). Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of disease acceptance on quality of life in patients with AS. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Rheumatology and Internal Diseases of the University Hospital in Wroclaw among 110 patients (67 men and 43 women) with the diagnosis of AS, aged 20-89 years (M=48.44 years, SD±12.55). The study used the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the WHOQoL-BREF Quality of Life Scale, and a self-constructed questionnaire of clinical and sociodemographic data. Results: Respondents rated the quality of life as good and moderate (M = 3.49 points, SD=±0.84). The mean AIS score was 27.44 (SD=±8.67). AIS scores are positively correlated with all QoL domains and perception of quality of life and health (p<0.001). The strongest correlation was in the physical domain (r=0.71), while the weakest correlation was observed in the social domain (r=0.329). AIS and QoL measures showed significant relationships with selected sociodemographic data (eg, gender, age, education, and occupational activity) and correlated with selected disease data (eg, type of treatment used, duration of disease, or comorbidities). Conclusion: AIS in patients with AS condition correlated positively with their QoL in all domains. Both disease acceptance and quality of life are influenced by specific sociodemographic and disease-related data. Prevention of complications and the type of treatment for AS (primarily biological treatment) can be essential in improving patients' quality of life.

Digital health and modern technologies applied in patients with heart failure: Can we support patients' psychosocial well-being?

Despite advances in the treatment of heart failure (HF), the physical symptoms and stress of the disease continue to negatively impact patients' health outcomes. Technology now offers promising ways to integrate personalized support from health care professionals via a variety of platforms. Digital health technology solutions using mobile devices or those that allow remote patient monitoring are potentially more cost effective and may replace in-person interaction. Notably, digital health methods may not only improve clinical outcomes but may also improve the psycho-social status of HF patients. Using digital health to address biopsychosocial variables, including elements of the person and their context is valuable when considering chronic illness and HF in particular, given the multiple, cross-level factors affecting chronic illness clinical management needed for HF self-care.

The Level of Self-Care among Patients with Chronic Heart Failure.

INTRODUCTION: In a long-term approach to the treatment of heart failure, importance is given to the process of self-care management and behaviors. The number of rehospitalizations and unscheduled medical visits can be reduced by actively engaging patients in the self-care process. METHODS: The study included 403 patients with chronic heart failure (mean LVEF 40.53%), hospitalized in the Cardiology Department. Medical record analysis and a self-report questionnaire were used to obtain basic sociodemographic and clinical data. The European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale, revised into a nine-item scale (EHFScBS-9), was used to evaluate self-care behavior. RESULTS: Analysis of the EHFSc-9 self-care behavior scale showed that the mean score was 49.55 out of 100 possible points (SD = 22.07). Univariate analysis revealed that significant (p < 0.05) negative predictors of the EHFScB-9 self-care scale included: male sex (b = -5146), hospitalizations in the last year (b = -5488), NYHA class II (b = -11,797) and NYHA IV class (b = -15,196). The multivariate linear regression model showed that a significant (p ˂ 0.05) negative predictor of the EHFScB-9 self-care scale was male sex (b = -5.575). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic HF achieve near optimal self-care behavior outcomes. A patient prepared to engage with self-care will have fewer rehospitalizations and a better quality of life.

Readiness for Discharge from Hospital after Myocardial Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a common cause of cardiovascular deaths. Education of patients with myocardial infarctions essential to prevent further cardiovascular events and reduce the risk of mortality. The study aimed to evaluate the associations between patients' readiness for hospital discharge after myocardial infarction, acceptance of illness, social, demographic, and clinical factors. The study used a cross-sectional design and included 102 patients, who were hospitalized for myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Two questionnaires were used: The Readiness for Hospital Discharge After Myocardial Infarction Scale (RHD-MIS) and Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). Low readiness characterized nearly half of patients (47.06%), 27.45% of patients showed an intermediate level of readiness, while 25.49% of patients had high readiness. Readiness for hospital discharge was higher among younger patients, respondents living in relationships, living with a family, with tertiary or secondary education, and professionally active. Acceptance of illness was higher among male patients, respondents living in relationships, and family, with secondary education and professionally active. The AIS score positively correlated with readiness for hospital discharge.

Evaluation of Frailty Syndrome and Adherence to Recommendations in Elderly Patients with Hypertension.

Frailty syndrome (FS) often coexists with many diseases of the elderly, including arterial hypertension, and may affect the disease course and adherence to therapeutic recommendations. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between frailty and adherence to therapeutic recommendations in elderly hypertensive patients. The study included 259 patients hospitalized between January 2019 and November 2020 due to exacerbation of hypertension symptoms. Medical records were used to obtain basic sociodemographic and clinical data. The study was based on the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) and the Hill-Bone Scale (HBCS). The obtained data were analyzed within a cross-sectional design. The mean frailty score indicated by the TFI questionnaire was 7.09 ± 3.73. The most prominent FS component was associated with the physical domain (4.24 ± 2.54). The mean overall adherence measured with the HBCS was 20.51 ± 3.72. The linear regression model testing the Hill-Bone "reduced sodium intake" score against the TFI domains showed no relationships between the variables. Another regression model for the Hill-Bone "appointment-keeping" subscale indicated significant predictors for physical and social TFI domains (p = 0.002 and p < 0.0001, respectively). For the Hill-Bone "taking antihypertensive drugs" variable, the regression model found significant relationships with all TFI domains: physical (p < 0.0001), psychological (p = 0.003) and social (p < 0.0001). Our study suggests that frailty in patients with arterial hypertension can negatively impact their adherence to therapeutic recommendations.

The Impact of Clinical, Biochemical, and Echocardiographic Parameters on the Quality of Life in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Despite significant advances in HF diagnosis and treatment over the recent decades, patients still characterize poor long-term prognosis with many recurrent hospitalizations and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to check the potential relationship between clinical, biochemical, or echocardiographic parameters and HRQoL in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We included 152 adult patients hospitalized due to chronic HFrEF. We used the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire to assess HRQoL and GNRI to evaluate nutritional status. We also analyzed several biochemical parameters and left ventricle ejection fraction. Forty (26.3%) patients were hospitalized due to HF exacerbation and 112 (73.7%) due to planned HF evaluation. The median age was 57 (48-62) years. Patients with low somatic HRQoL score had lower transferrin saturation (23.7 ± 11.1 vs. 29.7 ± 12.5%; p = 0.01), LDL (2.40 (1.80-2.92) vs. 2.99 (2.38-3.60) mmol/L; p = 0.001), triglycerides (1.18 (0.91-1.57) vs. 1.48 (1.27-2.13) mmol/L; p = 0.006) and LVEF (20 (15-25) vs. 25 (20-30)%; p = 0.003). TIBC (64.9 (58.5-68.2) vs. 57.7 (52.7-68.6); p = 0.02) was significantly higher in this group. We observed no associations between HRQoL and age or gender. The somatic domain of WHOQoL-BREF in patients with HFrEF correlated with the clinical status as well as biochemical and echocardiographic parameters. Assessment of HRQoL in HFrEF seems important in everyday practice and can identify patients requiring a special intervention.

The Summarized Assessment of Endothelin A Receptor Expression in Renal Transplant Compartments Associated with Antibody-Mediated Rejection.

The occurrence of anti-endothelin A receptor antibodies may be useful in diagnosis of transplant damage. We noticed that the presence of the endothelin A receptor (ETA receptor) in biopsy compartments is yet to be defined. We decided therefore to analysed the presence and relevance of the ETA receptor in biopsy to define the cause. Our study aims to evaluate the expression of ETA receptors in renal recipients after a biopsy due to the worsening of transplant function. METHODS: The expression of ETA receptors was analyzed in renal transplant biopsies using the immunohistochemical method. The evaluation of ETA receptors was performed on paraffin sections. ETA receptor expression was analyzed in four compartments of renal transplant biopsies: glomeruli; vessels; tubular epithelium; and interstitium. The assessment was presented using a three-step scale (0: lack of expression; 1: mild to moderate immunoreactivity; 2: high expression). The results of each compartment from a single biopsy were summarized and assessed in the context of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). RESULTS: We analyzed 156 patients who had a renal allograft biopsy after renal transplantation. For each patient, we created a summarized ETA receptor expression score. The summarized ETA receptor expression score analysis showed statistically significant differences in patients with and without AMR. In addition, we noticed that patients with AMR had a significantly higher mean summarized expression of ETA receptor score of 3.28 ± 1.56 compared to patients who had a biopsy for other reasons with a mean summarized ETA receptor expression score of 1.47 ± 1.35 (p < 0.000001). ROC analysis of the ETA receptor expression score for detecting AMR status showed that the most appropriate cut-off for the test of the chosen binary classifier is between 2 and 3 of the summarized ETA receptor expression score. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of endothelin A receptors in renal transplant compartments may be associated with antibody-mediated rejection. The positive ETA receptor staining might be a vital feature in the diagnosis of damage in AMR. The summarized ETA receptor expression score seems to be an exciting diagnostic tool in transplant injury assessment.