[Perioperative risk assessment tailored to elderly patients].

Proper preparation of the patient for surgery has a crucial impact on the outcome. Due to the continuous increase in life expectancy more and more often the problem of proper perioperative preparation of the patients over 65 years of age burdened with a higher risk of perioperative complications is undertaken. Proper assessment of the health condition and physical capacity allows to optimize treatment and thus minimize the risk of complications.

[The prevalence and clinical significance of antiphospholipid antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis].

Published data were reviewed to evaluate the occurrence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to investigate their clinical relevance in this population. The mean prevalence of aPL in RA patients was calculated at 28%. Few studies have found a relationship between aPL and thrombosis, particularly in combination with other risk factors.

[Follow-up studies of rheumatoid arthritis patients with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies].

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was 2 years follow-up observation of clinical course in RA patients with the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL).

Methods: Among 395 patients with RA hospitalized in the Clinic of Rheumatology from January 2003 to December 2004 (2 years), in 39 patients with suspicion of antiphopspholipid syndrome the aCL antibodies were determined. In 7 cases we confirm the presence of aCL antibodies.