How anti-c in a D- patient prompted lifesaving work between a transfusion service and a blood center reference laboratory.

This case report showcases an extraordinary collaboration to support the transfusion needs of a patient with a rare phenotype and long-standing anemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding. This report describes the Immunohematology Reference Laboratory testing and logistics of rare blood provision over an 11-year period, as well as a summary of the hematologic, gastroenterologic, and surgical interventions. This case illustrates how a strong collaboration among the clinical team, laboratory, blood center, and the rare donor community facilitated successful management of this patient's anemia until the patient could receive life-changing treatment.

[Cardiovascular system in patients in different stages of chronic kidney disease].

The term "chronic kidney disease" (CKD) was introduced recently to nephrological literature. CKD is a growing epidemic problem, which affects 11% of adult US population. CKD, particularly with GFR below 60 ml/min/1, 73 m2 is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Endothelial function parameters in patients with unstable angina and infection with Helicobacter pylori and Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Background: Endothelial dysfunction may be a factor linking infection with atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between seropositivity to Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and/or to Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cp) and some endothelial function parameters in patients with unstable angina.

Methods: In 31 patients with unstable angina, we determined the serum concentration of the von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin, tissue plasminogen activator antigen, and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 antigen, the concentration of IgG antibodies to Hp and Cp (all by ELISA), and the level of C-reactive protein.

The role of intrinsic fibrinolytic system activation in pathogenesis of hemostasis disturbances in hemodialyzed patients with chronic renal failure.

In the hemodialysis patient, hemostasis changes may occur. The contribution of fibrinolysis in pathogenesis of these disorders is unclear. The aim of the study was to estimate intrinsic fibrinolysis pathway in patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) because of chronic renal failure caused by chronic glomerulonephritis.

[The diagnostic value of stress dobutamine echocardiography in stable coronary artery diseases].

Unlabelled: The relation of stress dobutamine echocardiography test results to angiographic features was assessed in 551 patients with chest pain regarded as definite or probable stable angina pectoris. The indications for catheterization in each patient were determined at the discretion of the attending physician. All patients underwent diagnostic coronary angiography (clinically important coronary artery disease was defined as > 50 per cent narrowing of the diameter of at least one major vessel or > or = 50 per cent of the left main coronary artery) and stress dobutamine echocardiography (DSE): Ischemia was defined as new or worsening wall motion abnormalities using a 16-segment model.

[Cardiac tamponade as a cause for exploratory laparatomy - a case report].

We present a case of 39-year-old male with symptomatic cardiac tamponade due to neoplastic disease. Because of abdominal symptoms the patient was diagnosed as having acute abdomen and underwent exploratory laparatomy which revealed enlarged liver and ascites. Correct diagnosis was established later by echocardiography and effective pericardiocentesis was performed.

Endothelial dysfunction in acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation in the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is one of the most common chronic infections in humans. While a causative relationship between H.

Calcium blocker therapy before myocardial infarction increases post-infarction short- and long-term mortality. Data from the INJECT trial.

Background: Short-acting calcium channel blockers (Ca-blockers) have been shown in some studies to increase the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and post-MI complications. Data from large, international, randomised studies such as the INJECT trial may bring new important information on the effects of medication used before MI, on the course of MI and post-MI complications.

Aim: To assess the effects of beta-blocker and Ca-blocker therapy administered prior to MI on the early and late outcome after MI.

Antibodies to Chlamydia pneumoniae and haemostatic factors in acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation.

Background: Various chronic infections, including Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae), are regarded as one of the possible factors which initiates, progresses and exacerbates atherosclerotic process. The relationship between C.

[Coronary artery stenting in the treatment of 5-fluorouracil-induced unstable angina].

Cardiotoxicity is a rare but very serious side effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. Many theories have been suggested to explain the mechanism of this problem. Most commonly, coronary artery spasm is considered responsible in cardiovascular toxicity.

[Incomplete percutaneous coronary revascularization in 82-year-old patient with chronic renal failure and neoplastic disease. Case report].

We report a case of octogenarian with pharmacotherapy resistant angina pectoris, who was successfully treated by percutaneous coronary intervention.

[Taking history in diagnosing coronary artery disease in the 21st century--wasting time or a valuable diagnostic tool?].

Unlabelled: The relation of chest pain characteristics and other features of the history of disease to coronary angiograms was assessed in 551 patients with chest pain regarded as definite or probable stable angina pectoris. A standardised questionnaire was used to record demographic details and chest pain characteristics of interviewed patients. The differentiation between typical, atypical or nonanginal pain was based on classification proposed by Diamond.

[Infective endocarditis in adults].

Objective: The aim of the research was to demonstrate that the early diagnosis of infective endocarditis influences significantly the results of treatment.

Methods: The following clinical analysis covered 56 patients, aged 18 to 81 (the average age--50 years) with infective endocarditis treated in the years 1998-2000. Data from patient history, physical examination, laboratory investigations and treatment were analysed.

Selenium and glutathione levels, and glutathione peroxidase activities in blood components of uremic patients on hemodialysis supplemented with selenium and treated with erythropoietin.

Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) often have reduced concentrations of selenium (Se) and lowered activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in blood components. The kidney is a major source of plasma GSH-Px. We measured Se and glutathione levels in blood components and red cell and plasma GSH-Px activities in 58 uremic patients on regular (3 times a week) hemodialysis (HD).

Selenium, glutathione peroxidases, and some other antioxidant parameters in blood of patients with chronic renal failure.

In the present study several parameters associated with oxidative stress were examined in the blood of 25 chronic renal failure (CRF) patients and the results were compared with 18 healthy subjects. Mean creatinine concentration in patients was 1,216 +/- 292 micromol/l. Selenium (Se) concentration in red cells, whole blood and in plasma of CRF patients (106 +/- 32.

[Von Willebrand factor in hemodialysed patients with chronic renal failure].

The aim of the work was to evaluate the von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag) concentration in the blood plasma of hemodialysed patients with chronic renal failure. The study was performed in the group of 43 patients (means aged 42.8 years) with chronic renal failure dialysed means 4 hours 3 times a week.

Increased plasma glutathione peroxidase activity in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Aim of the study was to determine the concentration of selenium (Se) and the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to observe the behavior of these parameters during thrombolysis therapy.

Material And Methods: The study comprised two groups of AMI patients and a control group. The first group consisted of 49 patients from whom blood samples were taken after admission to the intensive care unit and subsequently after 3, 7, 14 and 30 days of hospitalization.

Thrombomodulin--endothelial thrombin receptor in blood of patients with unstable angina pectoris.

Background: Thrombomodulin (TM) a membrane receptor for thrombin generated in blood in vivo, is present on the surface of vascular endothelium cells. The aim of our work was the determination of thrombomodulin in the blood of patients with unstable angina pectoris.

Material And Methods: In the study took part 87 patients with unstable angina pectoris (40 women and 47 men) at age 41-79 years.

Parathormon, calcium, phosphorus, and left ventricular structure and function in normotensive hemodialysis patients.

Clinical and experimental data suggest that Parathormon (PTH), calcium, and phosphorus participate in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and affect myocardial contractility in end-stage renal disease. Cellular calcium overload and interstitial fibrosis induced by PTH may lead to impairment of left ventricular diastolic function. Hyperphosphatemia is an independent risk of cardiovascular mortality in dialysis patients.

[Retrospective analysis of prognostic factors for annual mortality in 97 patients with chronic congestive heart failure].

The aim of our study was to find clinical and biochemical factors, which are prognostically important for the annual mortality in patients with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). The studied group consisted of 97 people with CHF (31 females and 66 males, mean age--61). The causes of the heart failure were: coronary artery disease or/and hypertension (80 patients), valvular mitral heart disease--(12 patients), dilated cardiomyopathy--(5 patients).

[The diagnostic value of resting electrocardiography in stable coronary artery disease].

The relation of resting electrocardiographic (ECG) patterns to angiographic features was assessed in 566 patients with chest pain regarded as definite or probable stable angina pectoris. The indications for catheterization in each patient were determined at the discretion of the attending physician. All patients underwent diagnostic coronary angiography (clinically important coronary artery disease was defined as > or = 70 per cent narrowing of the diameter of at least one major vessel or > or = 50 per cent of the left main coronary artery) and standard 12 lead electrocardiography which was interpreted by 2 cardiologists independently in coordinating centre.