Biomedical subjects

Maciej Jabłkowski

Publications and source records attributed to Maciej Jabłkowski.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

[Hormonal activity of the hypophysial-gonadal axis versus the mineral bone density and specific markers of bone turnover in haemodialysis population].

UNLABELLED: Among the numerous complications associated with chronic renal disease both bone and hormonal disturbances have long been recognized. The aim of this study was to assess the relations between bone mineral density, gonadal status and specific markers of bone turnover in haemodialysis (HD) population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study involving 40 HD patients: 27 men (mean age 54 +/- 14, 2 years) and 13 women (mean age 58.9 +/- 9.8 years), mean HD time 68 +/- 43 months. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, osteocalcin (OC), beta-CrossLaps, iPTH and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Bone mineral density (BMD) was estimated in the lumbar spine and in the femoral neck using dual energy absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: 67.5% of HD patients showed a low BMD. Diagnostic criteria of osteoporosis were fulfilled by 32.5% of subjects, they were found more frequently in women (38.5%) than in men (29.6%). Osteopenia was observed in 35% of patients, more frequent in women (46.2%) than in men (29.6%). Mean serum levels of FSH and LH were above the normal range and they were higher in women that in men. The serum levels of estradiol in women were below normal range in 11 from 13 subjects (84.6%). The mean serum testosterone concentrations in HD men were in normal range. We also observed a positive correlation between serum beta-CrossLaps concentrations and PTH (in men p < 0.001, r = 0.66; in women p < 0.006, r = 0.71) and between serum OC levels and PTH (in men p < 0.02, r = 0.44; in women p < 0.01, r = 0.65), respectively. CONCLUSIONS; The frequency of low bone mineral density in haemodialysis patients is high, more common in women. Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism that occurs in dialysis patients may be one of the main risk factors of bone disturbances in these patients. The levels of bone turnover markers are mainly determined by the severity of hyperparathyroidism.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Herpes simplex encephalitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in antiviral therapy over the past 2 decades, herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) remains a serious illness with significant risk of morbidity and death. HSE is the most common cause of sporadic viral encephalitis, with a predilection for the temporal lobes and a range of clinical presentations, from aseptic meningitis and fever to a severe rapidly progressive form involving altered consciousness. Clinical features of HSE include fever with mental status changes (depressed level of consciousness, confusion, disorientation, personality changes) sometimes with seizures (focal or generalized), dysphagia, or other focal neurological signs. Symptoms vary in intensity early in the disease, but tend to progress rapidly. CT and MRI can play an important role in determining the diagnosis and extent of the disease. CASE REPORT: This case report refers to a 17-year-old girl, previously diagnosed with herpes encephalitis, and presents the outcome of rehabilitation on the patient's mental state during a 7-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for patients with HSE has been dramatically improved by the availability of specific antiviral therapy; sequelae in surviving patients may include severe neurological deficits, seizures, and/or neuropsychological dysfunctions that greatly impair quality of life. To improve the prognosis for patients with HSE, acyclovir treatment should be initiated as soon as HSE is suspected. After discharge, rehabilitation should be provided, in the effort to improve the patient's self-reliance in everyday life.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

[Peginterferon alpha-2b in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

150 adult patients were assigned pegylated interferon alpha-2b (once weekly 1.5 microg/kg) plus ribavirin (800-1200 mg depending on bodyweight). The treatment lasted 52 weeks and was completed by 139 persons (92.7%). Because of adverse events the treatment was interrupted in 7 persons, 4 other persons resigned. Periodical reduction of pegylated interferon doses was necessary in 19% and the reduction of ribavirin in 21% of patients. Six months after the completion of treatment HCV-RNA was negative in 82 (59%) patients. Neither hepatitis C virus genotype, nor viremia was marked in the study. The negative correlation between the degree of fibrosis in the liver tissue and the results of sustained virological response was stated. Degree of inflammation at liver tissue, sex, age over and less than 40 years did not correlate with the final virological results. The recurrence of infection happened at 7% of the treated persons (negative HCV-RNA directly after the treatment--positive 6 months after the completion). During the treatment period, and comparison with the results obtained before its implementation, statistically significantly decreased: hemoglobin concentration, the number of leukocytes, granulocytes and thrombocytes. They returned to the referential values half a year after the completion of treatment. The activity of enzymes (AIAT, AspAT, GGTP) was decreasing statistically significantly since the first weeks of the treatment till the end and remained significantly lower after 6 months. In both sexes statistically significant reduction of bodyweight was stated, while it increased during the six months after the completion of treatment. Adverse events, which mostly were mild and were not the cause of interruption of treatment, were numerous and occurred at different frequency, in the range from over 50% (flu-like) to 0.7%.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

[Cancer antigen 125 as a marker of ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis].

Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) is usually used to monitor the course of epithelial ovarian cancer. It has recently been reported that liver cirrhosis is associated with elevated serum CA-125, especially in the presence of ascites. The aim of the study was to evaluate CA-125 as a marker of ascites in patients with liver cirrhosis. Seventy-two (72) patients with liver cirrhosis of different aetiology were studied. Ca-125 levels were measured in stored serum collected from the patients. Ca-125 concentrations were elevated in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites, irrespective of patients' sex and cirrhosis aetiology. CA-125 concentrations were normal in cases of liver cirrhosis without ascites. Elevated cancer antigen 125 is a sensitive marker of cirrhotic ascites. An inappropriate use of this test in cases of liver cirrhosis in females may suggest the ovarian cancer incident and lead to unnecessary surgical intervention.

Ascites↗

PubMed2003

A competitor DNA template for the molecular quantification of the hepatitis B virus.

The molecular determination of viral load in the serum represents the most valuable prognostic marker of HBV infection. In this paper, a new molecular assay for the quantitative measurement of HBV presence is described. It is based on PCR performing with a HBV-specific competitor DNA template. For the construction of the DNA template, a HBV DNA-originated 436 bp DNA fragment was modified by introducing a 110 bp deletion and cloned into pUC19. The resulting vector serves as the competitor DNA template in the competitive PCR. Post-PCR, the competitor DNA generates an amplified fragment of 306 bp; it could be easily distinguished from the product generated from the viral-originated DNA product (416 bp) when the same primers are used. The quantitative ratio between the two products enables the quantitative determination of viral load. The range of the HB-PCR assay is from 3 x 10(4)to 6 x 10(10) particles/ml. A serum HBV load determination performed by HB-PCR assay indicated a close correlation with the results of the Quantiplex HBV DNA assay (bDNA). The HB-PCR assay is cheap, reliable and easy to use in any laboratory working with PCR methods.

DNA, Viral↗

PubMed2002

Prevalence of markers of hepatotropic viruses A, B, C and the efficacy of vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B among medical students.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis A and B can be prevented by active immunization. The purpose of our study was to estimate the prevalence of viral markers of hepatitis A, B, and C among medical students, to assess the efficacy of vaccination against HBV infection after 4 years, and to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination against HAV infection. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study group consisted of 150 medical students, who were vaccinated with Engerix B at the beginning of medical studies. From this population we identified a subgroup of 45 students, in whom the presence of anti-HAV was not confirmed; they were then vaccinated with HAVRIX 1440. Viral markers for HAV, HBV, HCV were determined in this group. RESULTS: In the group of 150 persons, we found anti-HBc in 8 students (5.3%), and HBsAg in 1 (0.7%), who did not have either HBeAg or anti-HBe. Anti-HBs antibodies were found in 146 students (97.3%); anti-HCV in 3 cases (2%), and anti-HAV in 15 cases (10%). After 2-fold vaccination against viral hepatitis A, 100% of the students presented with anti-HAV. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of HBsAg and anti-HCV among our students is the same as in the general population, while the incidence of anti-HAV is much lower (10%). The presence of anti-HBs 4 years after vaccination was detected in 97.3% of the students, and anti-HAV 1 month after the complete course of vaccination in 100% of cases.

Adult↗