Seroprevalence of viral hepatitis E in hunters and consumers population in Slovak Republic

Juraj GAŠPAROVIČ1, Oľga JANÍČKOVÁ1, Ladislava WSÓLOVÁ2, Katarína HOLEČKOVÁ3

1Národné referenčné centrum pre vírusové hepatitídy, Ústav mikrobiológie LF SZU, vedúca prof. RNDr. S. Bopegamage, CSc.
2Ústav biofyziky, informatiky a bioštatistiky, FVZ SZU, vedúca RNDr. L. Wsólová, PhD.
3Katedra infektológie, LF SZU, vedúca doc. MUDr. K. Holečková, PhD.

SUMMARY
Background: The aim of the study was to found a seroprevalence of viral hepatitis E in population of hunters and a consumer of the meat of the game in the Slovak Republic.
Patients: This group consisted of 225 hunters and a consumer of the meat of the game from Western, Northern and Central parts of Slovak Republic.
Methods: There were tested anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM antibodies by ELISA tests in the samples of sera.
Results: In the tested group were 225 volunteers, 160 males (71.1 %) and 65 females (28.9 %) with average age 47.11 years and median 47.00 years. In 197 volunteers (87.55 %) were not detected antibodies against viral hepatitis E (anti-HEV IgG a IgM). Antibodies anti-HEV IgG a IgM were detected in 7 volunteers (3.11 %); and in 8 volunteers were detected anti-HEV IgM only (3.55 %) and in 13 (5.77 %) volunteers were detected anti-HEV IgG only.
Conclusion: Conducted study confirms that this group of population is a risk group for infection with HEV. This study is the first in the Slovak Republic on HEV infection. Results of this study do not exclude hunting activity as a factor linked to HEV infection.
Key words: hunting, meat of the game, viral hepatitis E, HEV IgG, HEV IgM.
Lek Obz (Med Horizon), 2019; 68 (10): 311 – 313

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 – marker of incident and complications in peripheral arterial disease of lower extremity

Denisa ČELOVSKÁ, Viera ŠTVRTINOVÁ

I. interná klinika, LF Univerzita Komenského a UNB, Staré mesto, Bratislava, prednostka doc. MUDr. S. Kiňová, PhD.

SUMMARY
Background: The aim of the present study was to determine risk factor profile in symptomatic patients with peripheral arterial disease of lower extremity (PAD) and to assess the relation of novel biomarkers to vascular risk in PAD patients.
Patients and methods: A total of 20 patients (12 men, 8 women, 63 ± 11 years of age) newly diagnosed for PAD in claudication stage Fontainea IIa, IIb without cardiovascular (CV) disease, were studied. PAD was determined by an ankle brachial index (ABI) < 0.9 in all patients. Patients with critical limb ischaemia were excluded. These were compared to 20 participants without history of any cardiovascular event, being of similar age and sex. Except for clinical profile and classical laboratory tests, novel biomarkers tested were hs-CRP, fibrinogen, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in symptomatic patients and control group without CV disease.
Results: Arterial hypertension was present in 90%, diabetes mellitus in 60%, active smoking in 50% of PAD patients. We found out significant association between LDL cholesterol level and symptomatic PAD compared to control group
(p < 0.01). The best diagnostic efficiency of novel biomarkers was found in fibrinogen and Lp-PLA2 in PAD patients
(p < 0.05). 30 % patients with claudication with higer activity of (Lp-PLA2) developed critical limb ischemia during 3 years and 20 % of controls were followed for the development of PAD.
Conclusion: Atherogenic dyslipidemia is significant risk factor for vascular risk stratification in PAD patients. Higher Lp-PLA2 activity is associated with an increased risk for incident and complications of PAD.
Key words: peripheral arterial disease of lower extremity, risk factor, marker, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, cardiovascular risk.
Lek Obz (Med Horizon), 2019; 68 (10): 314 – 318

Lipoprotein(a) in terms of cardiovascular risk

Alexandra LISOVSZKI1, Eliška FATĽOVÁ1, Eva SZABÓOVÁ2, Nikolas RYBÁR3

1IV. interná klinika UPJŠ LF a UNLP, Košice, prednosta prof. MUDr. I. Tkáč, PhD.
2Angiologická klinika UPJŠ LF a VÚSCH, a.s., Košice, prednostka doc.MUDr. E. Szabóová, PhD.
3Neurologické oddelenie, FNsP J.A. Reimana, Prešov, prednosta MUDr. Š. Meľuch

SUMMARY
Although the role of lipoprotein(a) is assumed in many pathological processes, the mechanism, by which vascular disease is affected, is not entirely clear. Many studies have shown that elevated serum level of lipoprotein(a) is an independent predictor of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, as well as a risk factor for the development of carotid atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke and aortic stenosis. New pathophysiological contexts explaining the relationship between lipoprotein(a) and atherosclerosis as well as the role of lipoprotein(a) in personalized management of cardiovascular diseases are presented in the article.
Keywords: lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein(a), atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease.
Lek Obz (Med Horizon), 2019; 68 (10): 319 – 324

CURRENT MR IMAGING TECHNIQUES IN RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE REPAIR

Radoslav ZAMBORSKÝ1, Michaela JEZBEROVÁ2, Miroslav KILIAN3

1Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Children’s University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovak Republic, head prof. M. Kokavec, MD, PhD., MPH
2Dr. Magnet, s.r.o, Bratislava, Slovakia
32nd Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, University Hospital Saint Cyril and Metod and Comenius University
in Bratislava, Slovakia, head assoc. prof. B. Šteňo, MD, PhD.

SUMMARY
The diarthrodial articulations remain prone to trauma or degeneration, thereby influencing the need for surgical intervention in context to repairing hyaline cartilage affected by aging or injurious conditions. The requirement of surgical intervention for repairing hyaline cartilage assessed through a non-invasive technique of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) employed to evaluate the pathological or stress-induced volumetric changes in the native articular cartilage. Furthermore, the evaluation of chondrocytes implanted through autologous and matrix-associated chondrocyte implantation techniques (MACT) warrant the application of MRI to monitor the progression of postoperative repair tissue. The MRI sequences developed in context to their cartilage specificity have optimized the assessment of articular cartilage disorders and repair processes in terms of evaluating hyaline cartilage, chondrocytes, stem cells, growth factors and structural changes following the surgical intervention.
Key words: MACT, cartilage repair, magnetic resonance imaging.
Lek Obz (Med Horizon), 2019; 68 (10): 325 – 331

Clinics, diagnostics and treatment of relapsing polychondritis


Jozef ROVENSKÝ1, Michal BERNADIČ2, Marie SEDLÁČKOVÁ3, Marián BERNADIČ4

1V. interná klinika LF UK a UNB, prednosta prof. MUDr. J. Payer, PhD., MPH, FRCP
2Klinika chirurgickej onkológie LF SZU a NOÚ, Bratislava, prednosta doc. MUDr. D. Pinďák, PhD.
3Reumatologické a rehabilitačné oddelenie Thomayerovej nemocnice, Praha, vedúca MUDr. L. Zouharová
4Ústav patologickej fyziológie LF UK, prednosta prof. MUDr. F. Šimko, PhD., FESC

SUMMARY
Relapsing polychondritis is a rare disease manifested by inflammatory cartilage damage. Inflammation results in destruction and cartilage fibrosis. The cause of the disease is unknown. Immunological processes play an important role in pathogenesis. Impairment of the integrity of the cartilage structure appears to be an important stimulus for the immunological response to these components, which are also present in the cartilage of the respiratory system, in the structures of the eye, and in the cardiovascular system. Specific antibodies against type II collagen, particularly IgG, were detected in serum in 50% of RP patients. There is significant pain, eye pain and arthralgia in the clinical picture. The treatment is problematic, in the last time the biological treatment is well established, but the prognosis is uncertain.
Key words: relapsing polychondritis, clinics, diagnostics, therapy, prevention.
Lek Obzor (Med Horizon), 2019; 68 (10): 332 – 334

Herpetic keratitis as the result of cornea infection with Herpes simplex 1 and 2 viruses or Varicella zoster

Dana NAGYOVÁ

Augenzentrum Eckert, Neu-Ulm, Spolková republika Nemecko, vedúca Dr.med. Sophie Eckert

SUMMARY
Primary herpetic keratitis is the result of direct exposure of the host cornea by infection with Herpes simplex virus or Herpes zoster. Clinical diagnosis is based on the characteristic symptoms seen in the slit lamp examination. In primary herpetic keratitis, a latent infection occurs in sensory ganglia, most often the trigeminal nerve. Exposure factors and immune
impairment tend to recurrent infection. Accurate and timely diagnosis is important in selecting the appropriate treatment. It allows to prevent serious complications. Current treatment has reduced the incidence of recurrence or leads to the maintenance of a latent phase. However, it is unable to completely eradicate the virus. Recurrent infections increase the risk of potential complications. These include uncorrected and
irregular astigmatism, fibrosis, scarring and corneal vascularization, decreased sensitivity and ultimately blindness. Antiviral treatment improved management of herpetic infections. Acyclovir is the first choice drug. Increasing resistance requires the development of new antiviral drugs and vaccines. Herpes zoster keratitis complications have had a significant impact on quality of life and daily activities.
Key words: herpetic keratitis, latency, recurrence.
Lek Obz (Med Horizon), 2019; 68 (10): 335 – 341

Dental focal infection – an asymptomatic chronic infection and cause of septic shock

Jakub STEBEL1, Alžbeta KRŠÁKOVÁ1, Dušan HOLLÝ2, Ľubomír MALÍČEK2, Adam STEBEL1,2,3

13S DENT, Stomatologické Centrum, Bratislava, primár MUDr. J. Stebel, MHA
2Klinika stomatológie a maxilofaciálnej chirurgie LF UK a OÚSA, Bratislava, prednosta prof. MUDr. P. Stanko, PhD.
3Oddelenie maxilofaciálnej chirurgie, Fakultná nemocnica s poliklinikou F.D. Roosevelta, Banská Bystrica, primár MUDr. R. Slávik, MHA

SUMMARY
Oral chronic inflammatory diseases are common findings. Periodontal disease and chronic apical periodontitis associate with many systemic diseases and may significantly increase inflammatory burden. Current knowledge in preventive medicine can not estimate which dental focal infection will cause sudden life threateting health condition in particular patient. In consequence it is crucial in prophylactic dental care to eliminate all dental focal infection as a prevention of severe, life-threatening odontogenic perimaxillar and perimandibular infection, deep neck infection or metastatic odontogenic general infection as well as severity of systemic diseases. We provide two case reports about these issues.
Key words: dental focal infection, chronic apical periodontitis, periodontitis, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, septic shock.

Lek Obz (Med Horizon), 2019; 68 (10): s. 342 – 346

Patient with hyperfunctional and infected arteriovenosus fistula and deep femoral artery aneurysm

Martina ZAVACKÁ, Jana POBEHOVÁ

Klinika cievnej chirurgie VÚSCH, a.s., a LF UPJŠ, Košice, prednosta MUDr. P. Berek, PhD.

SUMMARY
Artery aneurysms are defined as a permanent increase in the external, transverse or anterior diameter by more than 50% (or 1.5-fold) compared to the most common proximal section of the unaffected artery with respect to sex. Increasing its diameter is a rupture risk factor. In the case of non-treatment of vascular access infection, there is a risk of some serious complications occurring in patients with A-V conjunction, which do not only endanger the function of the linker itself, but mainly the life of the patients.
Key words: aneurysm, arterio-venous fistula, infection, surgical treatment, endovascular treatment.
Lek Obz (Med Horizon), 2019; 68 (10): 346 – 350