Aortic Stent Graft Treatment in a Medium-Size Aortic Center Performed by a Cardiac Surgeon Only-The 9 Years Experience in Poland.

: The incidence of thoracic aortic aneurysms is estimated at 3.0-8.3/100,000 persons per year.

Hydroxychloroquine as an important immunomodulator: a novel insight into an old drug.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an increasingly popular drug owing to its efficacy, long‑term safety, and a wide range of therapeutic effects. Currently, due to the numerous benefits it provides, the use of the drug goes beyond the treatment of rheumatic and dermatologic diseases. As HCQ shows anti‑inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, and photoprotective action, it has a great potential to be applied also in the treatment of oncologic diseases, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or recurrent miscarriages.

Current treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: a clinician's perspective.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Its variable course makes it difficult to standardize patient treatment. This article aims at a literature review on available drugs for treating SLE and on drugs that have shown therapeutic effects in this disease.

Identification of Clinical Response Predictors of Tocilizumab Treatment in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Based on Single-Center Experience.

Hyperinflammation in COVID-19 plays a crucial role in pathogenesis and severity; thus, many immunomodulatory agents are applied in its treatment. We aimed to identify good clinical response predictors of tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment in severe COVID-19, among clinical, laboratory, and radiological variables. We conducted a prospective, observational study with 120 patients with severe COVID-19 not improving despite dexamethasone (DEX) treatment.

Development and validation of COVID-19 Radiological Risk Score (COVID-RRS): a multivariable radiological score to estimate the in-hospital mortality risk in COVID-19 patients.

Objective: To develop and validate in-hospital mortality risk score comprising radiological aberrances in chest computed tomography (CT) performed on admission.

Patients And Methods: Single-center, longitudinal cohort study in adult patients admitted with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) to our ward. Patients were followed-up during hospitalization until discharge or death.

Neuropsychiatric manifestations and their attribution to systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective single-center study in a Polish population.

Introduction: Neuropsychiatric (NP) manifestations occur in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and it is challenging to distinguish these manifestations from other neuropsychiatric conditions.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the prevalence of primary neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) in a Polish cohort of SLE patients.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective, cross‑sectional study evaluated 164 patients with SLE.

On-admission laboratory predictors for developing critical COVID-19 during hospitalization - a multivariable logistic regression model.

Introduction And Objective: Recognition of patients with COVID-19 who will progress clinically and need respiratory support remains challenging. The aim of the study was to identify abnormalities in on-admission laboratory results that can precede progression from moderate or severe to critical COVID-19.

Material And Methods: Laboratory data analyzed of 190 patients admitted with moderate or severe COVID-19 to our ward.

Lack of Association between Serum Interleukin-23 and Interleukin-27 Levels and Disease Activity in Patients with Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of multiple autoantibodies, resulting in tissue and organ damage. Recent studies have revealed that interleukin-23 (IL-23) and interleukin-27 (IL-27) may be therapeutically relevant in selected SLE manifestations. This study aimed to identify associations between serum IL-27 and IL-23 levels and disease activity in Polish patients with different manifestations of SLE: neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), and lupus nephritis (LN).

Autologous fibrin sealant application in cardiac surgery - a single-centre observational study.

Introduction: To minimize the risk of blood loss and post-transfusion complications in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery, different strategies are used.

Aim: To analyse the efficacy of the intraoperative use of autologous fibrin glue to seal suture lines of cardiac and vascular structures.

Material And Methods: The early results of 62 patients who underwent complex cardiac operations in extracorporeal circulation were analysed.

[Progressive cardiac tamponade and right ventricular free wall perforation as complications after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation - a case report].

Unlabelled: In recent years the number of complications related to implantation of cardiac stimulating systems is increasing. Life-threatening myocardial perforation leading to cardiac tamponade is one of the rarest complications. In that case it is necessary to take the immediate lifesaving procedures.

[Lyell's syndrome complicated with multi-organ failure and patient's death after complex cardiac surgery - a case report].

Unlabelled: A complex cardiac surgery may be associated with a number of complications. The occurrence of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) in the postoperative period in a patient who has already experienced other complications contributes to the worsening of his prognosis. Despite the regression of necrotic skin lesions TEN can lead to tragic complications.

Work instability and associated factors among patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Greater Poland.

Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects patients' capacity to work. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Work Instability Scale (RA-WIS) is a reliable method to measure work instability (WI) (1-3). We lack data on the relationship between RA and work instability among Polish patients.

Short-term outcome after ischemic stroke and 24-h blood pressure variability: association and predictors.

To examine the association between blood pressure (BP) variability measured within 24 h after admission for acute ischemic stroke and functional outcome 30 days after stroke onset and to find outcome predictors. A total of 174 patients were included in this retrospective study. Supine BP was measured every 4 h during the first 24 h after admission.

Beneficial Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field during Cast Immobilization in Patients with Distal Radius Fracture.

To assess whether pulsed electromagnetic field therapy during cast immobilization of distal radius fractures has beneficial effects on pain and limb function, the study included 52 patients (mean age 60.8 ± 15.0 years) with distal radius fractures treated with cast immobilization.

[Cardiosurgical treatment of pneumomediastinum caused by polytrauma].

Unlabelled: Pneumomediastinum (also known as mediastinal emphysema) is defined as the presence of gas in the mediastinum. It can be spontaneous or arise as a result of trauma. Most cases can be effectively treated conservatively, however, if severe symptoms occur, cardiosurgical intervention is necessary.

Assessment of education requirements for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, based on the Polish version of the Educational Needs Assessment Tool (Pol-ENAT), in the light of some health problems - A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) need advice in order to face the problems of everyday life, as well as suffering associated with the disease. Health professionals should attempt to raise the level of resourcefulness and independence of the patient.

Objective: To assess the relationship between the deficit of knowledge about RA and the degree of pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, assessment of disease activity as well as functional efficiency.