Reiter's syndrome and pelvic inflammatory disease in a couple.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Adult↗
Biomedical subjects
B Chodynicka
Publications and source records attributed to B Chodynicka.
Effect of psoriasis treatment on plasma concentrations of metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1.
AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of psoriasis treatment on plasma concentrations of metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) with respect to disease severity. METHODS: MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were measured using an enzyme immunoassay in plasma of 32 patients before and after topical treatment. Data were analysed with respect to baseline values of the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). RESULTS: Baseline plasma concentrations of both TIMP-1 and MMP-1 (1487 +/- 102 and 21.0 +/- 2.5 ng/mL, respectively) were significantly higher (P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively) than normal. Both TIMP-1 and MMP-1 decreased significantly after completion of treatment to values similar to normal (1112 +/- 127 and 11.3 +/- 1.3 ng/mL, respectively). There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.522) between baseline PASI and TIMP-1 values. Significant differences were observed between baseline TIMP-1 concentrations in groups with PASI < 15 and PASI > 20. Baseline values (1697 +/- 162 ng/mL) in patients with severe course of the disease (PASI > 20) were significantly elevated in comparison to normal values. Treatment caused a decrease in TIMP-1 plasma concentrations in all groups, but a significant difference was noted only in patients with pretreatment PASI > 20. Baseline MMP-1 concentrations exceeded significantly normal values only in patients with PASI < 15 (27.2 +/- 6.3 ng/mL) and 15-20 (18.4 +/- 1.4 ng/mL). Treatment caused a significant decrease in MMP-1-values in all groups to levels similar to normal. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the role of TIMP-1 and MMP-1 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Pretreatment plasma TIMP-1 increased whereas MMP-1 decreased in patients with a more severe course of the disease. However, successful treatment causes normalization of these plasma protein concentrations irrespective of psoriasis baseline activity.
Administration, Cutaneous↗
[Effectiveness of a micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) in the healing process of lower limb ulcers. An open multicentre study, controlled and randomized].
OBJECTIVE: To determine the increase in healing rate of venous ulcer in patients receiving a micronised purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF) as supplementation to standard local care. METHODS DESIGN: A randomised, open, controlled, multicentre study. SETTING: Departments of Dermatology and University Outpatients Clinics. PATIENTS: One hundred and forty patients with chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulcers. INTERVENTION: PATIENTS received standard compressive therapy plus external treatment alone or 2 tablets of MPFF daily in addition to the above treatment for 24 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Healing of ulcers and their reduction in size after 24 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The percentage of patients whose ulcers healed completely was found to be markedly higher in those receiving MPFF in addition to standard external and compressive treatment than in those treated with conventional therapy alone (46.5% vs 27.5%; p<0.05. OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.6). Ulcers with diameters <3 cm were cured in 71% of patients in the MPFF group and in 50% of patients in the control group, whereas ulcers between 3 and 6 cm in diameter were cured in 60% and 32% of patients (p<0.05), respectively. The mean reduction in ulcer size was also found to be greater in patients treated with MPFF (80%) than in the control group (65%) (p<0.05). The cost-effectiveness ratio (cost per healed ulcer) in the MPFF group was 1026.2 compared with 1871.8 in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that MPFF significantly improves the cure rate in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.
Aged↗
[Antibodies against Borrelia afzelli in patients with an early stage of Lyme disease].
The aim of the study was evaluation of specific immune response against Borrelia afzelii in patients with erythema migrans, as a sign of an early stage of Lyme borreliosis. The study was performed in 42 patients, residents of Podlasie province, who were initially evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay as a seropositive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Antibodies against particular antigens of B. afzelii were demonstrated using a Western-blot technique. Evaluation of results showed the most frequent prevalence of antibodies against 41 kDa antigen in majority of patients, which were predominantly of IgM class in patients with short-lasting lesions, and IgG class in patients with long-lasting lesions. Results of IgM blots were recognized as a positive in 26 patients, and IgG blots in 22 patients. Positive result in at least one class of antibodies was noted in 34 patients (81%), and in both classes in 14 (33%). IgM antibodies against 21 kDa antigen, and IgG antibodies against 43 kDa antigen were two fold more frequent in patients with short-lasting lesions. These results confirm the diagnostic usefulness of determination of antibodies against B. afzelii antigens in Poland. The most important for an early diagnosis can be simultaneous demonstration of IgM antibodies against 21 and 41 kDa antigens.
Adult↗
[The role of selenium in skin].
The paper reviews the data on the content of selenium in the skin and its appendages and the influence of the micronutrient on skin functions. The paper focuses on antiproliferative, photoprotective and immunomodulatory properties of selenium compounds. Dermatological symptoms due to selenosis are described and skin disorders with low selenium status are mentioned.
Adult↗
Lymphocytoma cutis: cases linked with Lyme disease.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Animals↗
Epidemiology of syphilis and gonorrhoea in eastern Poland in the years 1988-1997.
Because of the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) epidemic in the former Soviet Union and the possibility of a rise in early syphilis and gonorrhoea in the eastern region of Poland it seemed important to calculate the incidence rates for early syphilis and gonorrhoea for 3 border regions (east, west and south) and the central part of the country in the last 10 years. In addition, data were analysed on patients and their sexual partners (from Poland and abroad), and the country where the contact took place obtained from 14 Provincial Skin-VD Out-Patients' Clinics of eastern Poland. The results from 1988/89 and 1996/97 were compared. It was shown that early syphilis morbidity significantly decreased in western and southern Poland, fell in the central part and rose in the east slightly. Gonorrhoea morbidity significantly decreased in all regions. However, the number of provinces with early syphilis and gonorrhoea incidence rates in the 1990s of the same value or higher than in the 1980s, or of the whole of Poland clearly increased in eastern and central regions. The early syphilis and gonorrhoea morbidity in east Poland in the 1990s in relation to 1980s was marked by significant increase in the percentage of the foreigners treated (12.2 vs 1.8, P<0.001 for early syphilis, and 10.0 vs 2.3, P<0.001 for gonorrhoea) and in sexual contacts with foreigners reported by Polish patients (23.7 vs 0.8, P<0.01 for early syphilis and 17.7 vs 4.3, P<0.01 for gonorrhoea). Of the foreign contacts reported in 1996/97 by early syphilis and gonorrhoea patients, 60.4% and 82.2%, respectively, were casual. Contact with foreigners took place, mainly, in the former Soviet Union. The study illustrates that there may be a danger of an increase in the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhoea in Poland due to the epidemics in the neighbouring countries.
Emigration and Immigration↗
[Selenium nutritional status and the course of psoriasis].
A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the role of dietary selenium (Se) intake and the selenium nutritional status in the course of psoriasis. The cases studied were 30 psoriatic patients with a history of the disease no longer than 10 months and 29 psoriatics with the disease lasting at least 3 years, 24 other dermatological patients and 14 healthy subjects constituted 2 control groups matched to cases studied by sex and age. Se dietary intake was calculated from 24-hours dietary recall and Se status was assessed with plasma Se level as well as plasma and erythrocyte GSH-Px activity. Dietary Se intake was found to be correlated to erythrocyte GSH-Px (r = 0.50, p < 0.05). The selenium nutritional status seemed to be insufficient, especially in females with psoriasis of no longer than 10 months' duration and males with long-lasting psoriasis. In these males plasma and erythrocyte GSH-Px activity were inversely correlated to the severity of the disease (r = -0.64 and r = -0.41, p < 0.05, respectively). The results obtained suggest that Se dietary intake could be one of the contributing factors in the pathogenesis and course of psoriasis. Further studies are needed to explore this relationship.
Adolescent↗
[Application of pentoxiphylline to treatment of leg ulcers: a Polish multicenter study].
Aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerance and safety of treatment of leg ulcer with pentoxiphylline administered orally in daily dose of 1200 mg divided for 3 doses for six months. The study was carried out in 19 centres in Poland. The results of clinical and laboratory (HGB, WBC, PTL) examinations made before, during and after treatment were documented in individual case-records. Pentoxiphylline was administered to 184 patients (124 F and 60 M) aged 22-86 (mean-61.6) yrs. One hundred and thirty-five patients had non-arterial ulcers, 37-partly arterial and 12-arterial. The duration of the disease was 1 to 1620 (mean 158) weeks. Resting pain was reported by 131 patients. In 9 persons the treatment was stopped after 1-2 months; in 6 (3%) of them due to side effects. In 175 patients pentoxiphylline was administered as follows: 1200 mg daily for 6 months in 92 cases, 1200 mg daily for 2-5 months--in 58, 1200 mg daily for 3-5 months and 800 mg daily for next 1-3 months--in 12 cases, and 800 mg daily for 1-6 months--in 13 cases. In 161 (92%) cases a beneficial effect was achieved including complete healing of the ulcers in 79 (45%) or improvement in 82 (47%); in 14 (8%) there was no improvement. The resting pain was significantly reduced in 114 (87%) patients within 1-24 weeks and completely disappeared in 69 (53%) patients within 2-20 weeks of treatment. No significant abnormalities in the results of laboratory tests were found. Transient side effects of the therapy appeared in 11 patients but they did not require administration of the drug to be discontinued. The study showed that pentoxiphylline is a effective, well tolerated and safe drug in the treatment of leg ulcers.
Adult↗
Epidemiology of erythema migrans in north-eastern Poland.
The aim of the study was to evaluate erythema migrans (EM) prevalence and treatment in north-eastern Poland during the last 25 years. The material for the study consisted of data sent to the Department of Dermatology by physicians from fifteen regional out-patient clinics. They were collected according to specially prepared questionnaires. The data were analysed with respect to the total number of EM cases, patients' age, seasonal prevalence of the disease, dynamics of its prevalence and treatment methods in successive years. Of the 262,421 case histories, retrospectively analysed 1235 EM cases (0.4%) were found. The age of the patients varied from 4 to 78 years. The highest incidence was observed between August and October (57.7% of all cases). The annual number of cases increased from only a few, in the years 1969-76, to over 436 in 1993. Penicillin or erythromycin were preferred for the treatment of EM before 1981, tetracycline or ampicillin between 1982-90, and amoxicillin or doxycycline in the last three years. Our results showed a significant increase in the number of EM cases in the dermatological clinics of north-eastern Poland in recent years. The treatment of the disease applied at present, complies with the generally accepted guidelines.
Adolescent↗
[Late consequences of untreated lyme borreliosis].
The study aimed to evaluate late clinical symptoms and serological changes in persons with erythema migrans (EM) diagnosed 4-11 years ago who were not treated with antibiotics. Among initially included into the study 28 untreated EM cases, twelve persons responded for invitation to the Department. The symptoms and signs which could be related to previous Borrelia burgdorferi infection were present in 9 (75%) untreated patients. They included ischialgia (42%), arthritis (33%) and positive serological tests results (33% of patients, including 2 with clinical signs). These results demonstrate that lack of antibiotic treatment in the early LB stage can result in the development of late disease manifestations.
Adult↗
Study on clinical picture of erythema migrans.
Clinical picture of erythema migrans (EM) was evaluated in 83 patients from north-eastern Poland. Patients were in mean age of 42,8. Most of patients (71%) were women. Tick bite remembered 64% patients. Mean incubation period of EM was 33 days. The mean diameter of the skin lesions was 14.8 cm. They persisted for 2-270 (mean-54) days. Lesions were located mostly on the skin of lower extremities. The largest lesions were found on trunk and the smallest on lower extremities. EM of diameter exceeding 20 cm were observed in patients with longer history of the disease. Specific antibodies were found in 53% of cases and were present more frequently (78%) in patients with shorter incubation period (< 30 days).
Adolescent↗
["Prognostic markers" in serum of active and passive intravenous drug users infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)].
The analyse of neopterin (NPT), beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in active and passive intravenous drug users was made to show the influence of intravenous drug taking on the level of so called "prognostic markers" in the serum of HIV infected persons. The intravenous drug users remained in the same, symptom-free stage of infection. The level of NPT in active drug users was higher than in passive drug users (statistically essential difference). In both analysed groups the level of NPT considerably exceeded the norm range (10 nmol/l). The differences in beta 2-M concentrations between analysed groups were not statistically essential, although higher values were observed in active drug users. The concentration of IgA in analysed persons were within the norm range. Current life conditions of the HIV-infected persons should be taken into consideration when estimating prognostic values of analysed indices.
Adult↗
[Levels of neopterin in serum of narcotics abusers infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)].
Concentration of neopterin (NPT) was measured in 3-6 months intervals in the serum of HIV-infected drug users taking continuously intravenous drugs and those who stopped the habit (MONAR, ZOZ). After 6-12 months of observation the mean NPT concentration was higher in the active drug users what was statistically essential. The outcome of our study indicates that current state of the patient concerning taking of drugs must be taken under consideration when NPT concentration is assessed as marker of progression of HIV disease.
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
[Nelson-Mayer test in treated secondary recurrent syphilis].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
[Application of gene and chromosome studies to dermatology].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Aneuploidy↗
Plasma and scales levels of interleukin 18 in comparison with other possible clinical and laboratory biomarkers of psoriasis activity.
The aim of the study was to assess plasma and scales levels of interleukin (IL) 18 collected from psoriatic patients with different disease activity. IL-18 concentrations were measured using an enzyme immunoassay in the plasma and scales of 34 patients with chronic plaque type psoriasis. IL-18 levels were analysed with respect to plasma-transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), the disease duration and the duration of the present relapse, and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI). Plasma IL-18 concentration varied from 90 to 1300 pg ml-1 and means (368.2 +/- 42.4 pg ml-1) were significantly elevated in comparison with healthy controls (205.9 +/- 31.8 pg ml-1). The presence of IL-18 was also demonstrated in scales from skin lesions. Treatment caused a significant decrease of plasma IL-18 concentration to 250.2 +/- 13.8 pg ml-1. There was a significant correlation between plasma IL-18 levels and PASI values (r = 0.554). There was no correlation between IL-18 concentration in scales and PASI, between IL-18 concentrations in plasma and scales, and between plasma IL-18 and the disease duration or duration of present relapse. Plasma TGF-beta1 concentration demonstrated a significant correlation with PASI (r = 0.353), but not with IL-18 levels in plasma (r = 0.063) and scales (0.141). The sum of plasma levels of IL-18 and TGF-beta1 divided by the optimal coefficient demonstrated a statistically significant correlation with the highest r-value. The findings confirm an association between plasma IL-18 concentration and psoriasis severity. Moreover, it was shown that combined measurement of IL-18 and TGF-beta1 in plasma can be considered as a possible biomarker of psoriasis activity.
Biomarkers↗