Katarzyna Korzeniowska

Coenzyme Q10 - A new player in the treatment of heart failure?

Coenzyme Q10 is the only endogenously synthesized lipid with a redox function which exhibits broad tissue and intracellular distribution in mammals. Beneficial effects of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation were observed in several age-related diseases including heart failure. CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) level is significantly decreased in patients with this disease, which correlates with severity of clinical symptoms. Supplementation with various pharmaceutical formulations of CoQ10 improves impaired cardiac function and clinical course of heart failure. Current data from clinical trials indicate that CoQ10 can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality of heart failure patients in addition to guideline recommended pharmacotherapy.

Current approach for detection of sub-clinical left ventricular dysfunction associated with chemotherapy

The article describes the current knowledge concerning approaches for detection of sub-clinical left ventricular dysfunction associated with chemotherapy. The authors focused on the problem of defining cardiotoxicity as well as diagnostic methods, which may be useful in predicting the occurrence of such complications. Currently, cardiac biomarkers measurement (troponin, NT-proBNP), tissue Doppler-based strain imaging and peak systolic longitudinal strain rate are most useful for detection of early myocardial changes during therapy, whereas speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and peak systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS) appear to be the best measure. The problem of cardiotoxicity requires close cooperation between oncologists and cardiologists, particularly in light of the growing number of cancer cases.

Phytoestrogens use by Polish women

The aim of the study was to evaluate knowledge about phytoestrogens among Polish menopausal women, and to assess their applicability and safety. The study included 300 women from the Wielkopolska Region, aged 40-60 years. The questionnaire was designed especially for the study. Crosstabulation tables and Pearsonís chi-squared test was used for the statistical analysis. 147 respondents continued to menstruate. Hormone Replacement Therapy was used by 69 subjects; 114 respondents, used phytoestrogens. The place of inhabitance influenced the reasons for not using phytoestrogens. Media, healthcare providers, and personnel were the main sources of information about phytoestrogens. Most of the respondents perceived phytoestrogens as substances displaying a beneficial effect on health. 69% of the subjects reported positive effects of non-hormonal preparations for the relief of climacteric symptoms, mainly reduction in hot flushes and alleviation of joint pain. Our results support the postulate of efficacy and safety of phytoestrogen use to relieve climacteric symptoms. Both education and place of inhabitance appear to affect the opinions of the affected females about phytoestrogen use during menopause.

Vulvodynia – still a challenging therapeutic problem

Introduction. Vulvodynia is a chronic condition characterized by pain and burning in the vulvar area without any abnormalities in clinical and laboratory examinations. The diagnosis is based on detailed assessment of medical history, physical examination and exclusion of other potential causes of vulvar pain. As yet, no definitive treatment algorithm has been universally accepted for vulvodynia. Objective. To present a case of successful treatment of generalized spontaneous vulvodynia with low doses of amitriptyline. Case report. A 42-year-old patient presented to a dermatology outpatient clinic with chronic generalized vulvar pain of 2 years’ duration. She was diagnosed with generalized spontaneous vulvodynia. Amitriptyline treatment was introduced and supported by topical application of lignocaine gel. After 13 months of amitriptyline therapy a complete remission was achieved. Conclusions. Vulvodynia is a complex disease with numerous presentations, the symptoms of which often overlap. Since the diagnosis of vulvodynia requires the exclusion of other abnormalities, it is fundamental to raise the awareness of the disease among clinicians, so as to enable early correct diagnosis and adequate treatment.