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Katarzyna Nowak

Publications and source records attributed to Katarzyna Nowak.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Fludarabine, cytarabine, and mitoxantrone (FLAM) for the treatment of relapsed and refractory adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A phase study by the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG).

Outcome of adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who fail to achieve complete remission (CR) or who relapse soon after initial response is poor. The goal of this phase II study by the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG) was to evaluate safety and efficacy of a new salvage regimen (FLAM) consisting of sequential fludarabine, cytarabine, and mitoxantrone. Fifty patients were included with primary (n = 13) or secondary (n = 5) refractoriness, early (<12 months) first relapse (n = 15), first relapse after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) regardless CR duration (n = 13), and second or subsequent relapse (n = 4). Median age was 31(18-60) years, 28% of patients were bcr/abl-positive. CR rate equaled 50% and was significantly higher for patients in whom FLAM was administered as a second-line therapy compared to those more heavily pre-treated (66 vs 13%, p = 0.02). Seventeen patients had leukemia regrowth after initial cytoreduction, whereas, eight patients died in aplasia. The incidence of early death was higher in patients aged > or =40 years compared to the younger subgroup (33 vs 8%, p=0.03). Septic infections were the most frequent severe complication. At 3 years, the probability of disease-free survival for patients who achieved CR equaled 16%. Seven patients underwent allogeneic HCT. FLAM regimen is feasible for relapsed and refractory adults with ALL and could be recommended in particular for younger patients as a second-line treatment. However, as the remission duration is short, allogeneic HCT (alloHCT) should be considered as soon as possible.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Deep neck infections].

Deep neck infection is relatively rare but potentially life threatening complication of common oropharyngeal infections. This retrospective study was aimed at analyzing the occurrence of complications, diagnostic methods and proper management of deep neck infection. A review was conducted in 32 cases who were diagnosed as having deep neck infection from 1995 to 2005. The causes of deep neck infections were tonsillitis (16 cases), tooth diseases (6 cases), paratonsillar abscess (4 cases), parotitis (1 case), pussy lymphonodes after tonsillectomy (2 cases), pussy congenital neck cyst (1 case), chronic otitis media (1 case), parotitis (1 case), foreign body of the esophagus (1 case). All the puss bacterial cultivation were positive. All the patients were treated by different ways of chirurgical drainage and use of large dosage of antibiotics. Deep neck infection should be suspected in patients with long lasting fever and painful swelling of the neck and treatment should begin quick as possible.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

[Rare case of schwannoma of the sinonasal tract].

Schwannomas of the sinonasal tract are extremely uncommon lesions. An interesting case of this tumour in young 19-year old woman involved in nasal cavity, the maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinus is presented. A long, above 2-year history of symptoms was emphasized. The magnetic resonance findings and metod of treatment modo Denker was described.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Malignant tumours of the pharynx in the years 1992-2001].

All cases of malignant tumours of the pharynx (excluding tumours of the tongue) were analyzed based on the retrospective data from the 5 clinical centers in Poland from the years 1992-2001. A considerable--over 50% increase in morbidity was found out regarding particularly tumours of the oropharynx. In the analyzed material there is a predominance of males (3:1) and the peak of morbidity significantly falls. The subjects with advanced tumours of the pharynx made 26% of the studied group. The most common histopathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma and the most common site--the oropharynx, in particularly the tonsil. The data the center in Katowice, where tumours of the hypopharynx have been predominant in the last few years, may point a similar tendency in the other centers in the future.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

[Cochlear implantation in visually impaired patients--long-term rehabilitation results].

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to assess the rehabilitation results in visually impaired patients with cochlear implants. Material consisted of 9 patients (2 with prelingual deafness, 3 with perilingual deafness, 4 with postlingual deafness) from 244 implanted persons in Poznań. METHODS: In all the patients the rehabilitation results were evaluated using Test of Auditory Perception of Speech (TAPS) and screening test. RESULTS: In the group of patients with pre- and perilingual deafness a little bit slower progress of rehabilitation was found, according to 117 persons with prelingual deafness and 34 persons with perilingual deafness without vision disorders. Within the group of patients with postlingual deafness important progress of rehabilitation was observed. Two brothers with Usher syndrome 1-2 months after speech processor switch-on reached the highest level of test, they could communicate with family. One person after 5 months of rehabilitation could talk by phone without any problems. In all implanted visually impaired patients improvement of auditory perception of speech was observed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

The impact of immunosuppressive therapy on an early quantitative NK cell reconstitution after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to examine the impact of various immunosuppressive regimens on an early NK cell recovery following haematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). METHODS: The number of peripheral blood NK cells was analysed with the use of flow cytometry on day +30 (+/-2) after alloHCT from an HLA identical sibling (n=43) or an unrelated (n=34) donor. RESULTS: Patients receiving prednisolone as a prophylaxis of acute graft-versus-host disease had lower number of NK cells compared to those not given steroids prophylactically (110(10-694) vs. 212(33-890) x 10(6)/L, p = 0.005). In contrast, administration of anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) (7.5-15 mg/kg) as a part of preparative regimen was not found to influence the NK cell recovery. Similarly, no effect on the number of peripheral blood NK cells was observed with regard to other analysed factors: cell dose, type of myeloablative conditioning, source of stem cells, patient and donor characteristics, number of post-transplant methotrexate doses. CONCLUSIONS: Immunosuppressive therapy may affect NK cell recovery following alloHCT. Since NK cells are considered a potential tool for cellular therapy of haematological malignancies, our findings should be taken into account when planning this kind of treatment in the context of allotransplantation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Successful treatment of pure red cell aplasia with repeated, low doses of rituximab in two patients after ABO-incompatible allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for acute myeloid leukaemia.

We describe two patients with acute myeloid leukemia successfully treated with anti-CD20 antibody for pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) following ABO-mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). PRCA following HSCT is associated with major ABO incompatibility between donor and recipient and is due to an inhibition of donor erythroid precursors by residual host isoagglutinins. The first patient developed PRCA resistant to several treatment options including donor-derived leukocyte infusions (DLI), high-dose erythropoietin (EPO), and rapid tapering of cyclosporin A (CsA). This patient also received anti-viral therapy as CMV and parvovirus B19 infections were regarded as additional causes of PRCA. Due to a loss of donor chimerism, he underwent second HSCT, but PRCA still persisted. He showed no evidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Finally he was administered anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab) at a dose of 150/m2 and PRCA resolved in a short period of time. The case was complicated by life-threatening pulmonary aspergillosis with septic shock, successfully treated with anti-fungal therapy. The second case concerns a patient, who revealed PRCA after major ABO-incompatible HSCT from his brother. Considering our experience with the previously described patient, he proceeded to rituximab at a dose of 150/m2 as first line treatment. We observed rapid recovery from PRCA without any side effects. We conclude that rituximab seems to be a promising therapeutic option in patients with PRCA after ABO-mismatched HSCT, in whom conventional treatment fails.

ABO Blood-Group System↗
PubMed2005

[Fatal necrotizing mediastinitis as a complication of peritonsillar abscess].

In the paper showed the case of fatal necrotizing phlegmon of the neck and descending mediastinitis in 48 year old male patient with primary peritonsillar abscess. On the base of literature it was showed the etiology, pathomechanism of the evolution of this heavy complication and surgical and pharmacological methods of its treatment. In spite of prompt wide incision and drainage of phlegmon of the neck and mediastinum and intensive treatment in intensive care unit conditions patient died in the image of septic shock and pus changes in the mediastinum, heart and lungs, what was showed on the base of post-mortum examination.

Drainage↗
PubMed2005

[Median rhomboid glossitis--change of inflammation origin or developmental anomaly?].

The etiology and pathogenesis of median rhomboid glossitis have been subjects of controversial discussion for a long time. In the past it was thought to be a developmental defect involving the tongue. This condition was believed to have been caused by the failure of the embriologic tuberculum impair to be covered by the lateral processes of the tongue. In the recent years the possible role of Candida albicans has been stressed. It is proposed that Actinomyces like Candida induces pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of the mucosa of the tongue and inflammatory hyperplasia of the underlying connecting tissue, resulting in the characteristic elevated lesion. In the paper we present a case of 63 years old female with median rhomboid glossitis and methods of its treatment. The importance of tobacco smoking and denture wearing in the etiology of median rhomboid glossitis has been evaluated.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2004

[The dynamics of habituation of perception and reaction in tinnitus patients treated with TRT].

In this paper the authors present the dynamics of habituation of reaction and perception in tinnitus patients. All patient with subjective chronic tinnitus were diagnosed and treated using TRT method according to Jastreboff's neurophysiological model. 110 patients was estimated during last 4 years treated in ENT Rehabilitation Center in Poznań. The authors present the most frequently troubles in every day life caused by tinnitus and also the dynamics regression of complaints during period of treatment. Speed of disappearance of suffering is very important for all patients already in the beginning of cure.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed2004

[Case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the nose with rapid course].

A case of adenoid cystic carcinoma in 41-year old man, localised on nasal septum was described. The course of disease was very unsatisfactory--many local recurrences, lymph node metastases and in the last period generalisation of the neoplasms. The period between diagnosis and the time of death was only 8 months in spite of repeated operations of the tumours local recurrences and lymph nodes metastases as well as radio- and chemotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Transversal resection of trachea as the method of treatment of postintubational stenosis].

We present an experience with transversal tracheal resection with end-to-end anastomosis in 3 patients with extensive subglottic stenosis because of prolonged intubation. All the patients were treated chirurgically based on the Pearson's method. In order to attein the fixation of tracheal stumbs, poroplastic splint was applied into the lumen of the trachea and patency of airways was protected by tracheotomy.There were no major complications during treatment and time of the treatment was significally shortening.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Arterial hypertension with brachydactyly in a 15-year-old boy.

Autosomal dominant brachydactyly with hypertension is the only form of monogenic hypertension which is not sodium dependent. The disease is characterized by brachydactyly type E, short stature, arterial hypertension and aberrant loop of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) causing neurovascular conflict. So far the syndrome was described in one family in Turkey and two in Canada. We report a case of a 15-year-old boy who was admitted because of arterial hypertension 160/100 mmHg. He complained also of attacks of bilateral numbness of hands with deterioration of visual field. Examination revealed short stature (156 cm) and bone deformities of hands and feet consistent with brachydactyly type E. Ophthalmoscopy showed mild narrowing of retinal arteries. Serum electrolytes, blood gases, and renal function were normal. Renin activity and aldosterone concentrations were raised, and 24-h urinary excretion of catecholamines and urinary steroid profile were in normal range. Renal Doppler ultrasound was normal, but renal scintigraphy suggested vascular changes in the left kidney. Echocardiographic examination, besides mild left ventricular hypertrophy, was normal. Magnetic resonance angiography (angio-MR) revealed bilateral abnormal PICA loops and neurovascular conflict. Spiral angiotomography of renal arteries revealed narrow additional left renal artery. Both nonconsanguineous parents and younger brother were healthy, with normal height, without bone deformities, and had normal intracranial vessels. Amlodipine and metoprolol were given, and blood pressure lowered to 143/87. Adding rilmenidine gave no effect and enalapril was then added. It led to further improvement in blood pressure control. To our knowledge, this is the first pediatric description of a sporadic form of autosomal dominant brachydactyly with hypertension with abnormalities of brain and renal arteries.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Multitude of symptoms in Wegener's granulomatosis].

It was introduced the interesting case of Wegener's granulomatosis with full sinus, neurological and ophthalmological symptoms. Entire synthesis of clinical aspects of Wegener's disease was made The course of the disease ascertained superior orbital fissure syndrome, glossopharyngeal paralysis. Disease was concerning on c-ANCA test. During immunosuppressive therapy the patient showed progressive better symptoms, until almost total remission. The diagnosis and treatment of that disease was showed.

Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic↗
PubMed2003

[Angiofibroma juvenile in the clinical material of Department of Otolaryngology in Poznan in the years 1977-2000 ].

30 patients suffering from angiofibroma juvenile were treated in the Department of Otolaryngology in Poznań in the years 1977-2000. The patients aged from 9-36 years. All the patients were treated surgically and the method of choice was Denker's surgery. 3 patients were reoperated because of local recurrence. On the base of own material good results of full recovery of patients with angiofibroma treated surgically are presented.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Adjuvant radiotherapy of the neck lymph modes in patients after partial laryngectomies].

Adjuvant radiotherapy after partial laryngectomy is still controversial mainly due to high level morbidities which may occur in the irradiated larynx. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results (locoregional control) and toxicities (acute and late) of combined treatment. Between 1996 and 2001 the group of 14 patients (12 men, 2 women), aged less than 60 years, Karnofsky scale > 70, were investigated retrospectively. The following surgical procedures were carried out: cricohyoidopexy (CHP) and cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP) in 9 out of 14 patients, horizontal laryngectomy in 1 patient, fronto-lateral laryngectomy in 4 patients. In all cases diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed. According to pathological classification the stage of disease in the neck was as follows: N1 = 8 patients and N2 = 6 patients. Indications for adjuvant radiotherapy were a high risk of microscopic spread of disease and expectation of regular follow-up problems in treated patients. The main rule of radiotherapy technique was avoiding the irradiation of the preserved larynx. All patients were irradiated postoperatively in conventional way to the elective dose of 50 Gy to the neck with additional dose of 16 Gy to the area of high risk of local recurrence. During follow-up no patients had locoregional failure. The toxicities (early and late) concerned the skin and mucosa of pharynx. These toxicities, evaluated according to the RTOG scale, in all cases were less than III grade. We conclude that combination of partial laryngectomy and postoperative radiotherapy with protection of the larynx during irradiation in the group of patients with high risk of regional recurrence plays an important role in decrease of treatment failures and permits preservation of laryngeal function without any significant side effects. Therefore the described method is an effective treatment for selected patients with the carcinoma of the larynx.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Merkel cell carcinoma of the nose].

Despite an increasing number of reports Merkel cell carcinoma still is a rare neoplasm. We therefore present the imaging feature of the case of Merkel cell carcinoma involving the nasal region in 65-year woman with lymphoma malignum lymphoplasmocytoides and its rapid progression with fast metastasis to lymph nodes. Surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, chemotherapy appeared to provide optimal local control.

Aged↗