Occupational work and quality of life in osteoarthritis patients.

The ageing European population suffers from chronic diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to investigate the work activity/ability, the quality of life and reciprocal interaction between both in OA patients. A total of 750 OA outpatients were evaluated by a questionnaire study.

Analysis of total work inability in Poland in 2000 and 2001 according to age, disease diagnosis and occupation.

This study was to determine the main health-related reasons, age and occupation of those who took early retirement. This was done through an analysis of the data from Poland's Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) from 2000 and 2001. An analysis of these data showed an increase in the number of certificates confirming total inability to work in people over 40 years old.

Work ability in ageing workers suffering from chronic diseases.

The aim of this study was to investigate the work ability in ageing workers suffering from osteoarthritis (OA), coronary heart disease (CHD) or hypertension (H). One hundred and sixty-six OA and 355 CHD/H outpatients were evaluated. The Work Ability Index (WAI) served for work ability assessment.

[Benign tumour of aortic valve in a patient with tight aortic stenosis - a case report].

A case of 58-year-old male with aortic stenosis who was admitted due to chest pain suggesting acute myocardial infarction, is presented. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed the presence of aortic valve tumour and the patient underwent successful surgery. Symptomatology and treatment of cardiac tumours are discussed.

The rupture of periaortic infective aneurysm into the left atrium and the left ventricular outflow tract: preoperative diagnosis by transthoracic echocardiography.

We present a rare complication of infective endocarditis, perforated periaortic abscess with fistulous communication between the aortic root, the left atrium, and the left ventricular outflow tract. Preoperative transthoracic echocardiographic diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively. The patient was treated successfully by aortic homograft implantation.