Piotr Terlecki

Effects of cigarette smoking, metabolic syndrome and dehydroepiandrosterone deficiency on intima-media thickness and endothelial function in hypertensive postmenopausal women

Summary Background Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between smoking and arterial hypertension as well as endothelial dysfunction in postmenopausal women without clinically manifested symptoms of atherosclerosis. Material/Methods The study groups consisted of 35 current smokers and 45 nonsmokers. The thickness of intima-media complex (IMT), a marker of atherosclerosis, was measured in carotid arteries. Plasma concentrations of fasting glucose, insulin, lipoproteins, inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule-1), matrix metalloproteinases (metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1), insulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) were measured. Results Smokers compared with nonsmokers showed lower fasting glucose levels in blood (87.0±10.9 and 93.2±13.6 mg/dl, p<0.05), higher mean systolic (131.1±15.9 vs. 123.0±10.9 mm Hg, p<0.05) and diastolic (81.7±11.4 vs. 75.2±9.2 mm Hg, p<0.05) blood pressure during daytime, and higher average heart rate during the daytime (78.2±9.3/min vs. 71.5±9.5/min, p<0.01) and at night (67.2±10.6/min vs. 61.7±7.7/min, p<0.05), respectively. The IMT in the right carotid artery was significantly higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (0.96±0.16 mm vs. 0.82±0.21, p<0.05) and was positively correlated with smoking intensity (R=0.36) and habit duration (R=0.35). The comparison of inflammatory markers, metalloproteinases, and DHEA-S concentrations in plasma did not reveal significant differences between the 2 groups. A significant negative correlation between DHEA-S concentration in plasma and IMT in right carotid artery was found in smokers. Conclusions Smoking in hypertensive postmenopausal women is associated with lower fasting blood glucose and BMI values, but higher arterial pressure and heart rate, and increases in IMT in right carotid artery.

Trichophyton mentagrophytes-associated Majocchi's granuloma treated with cryotherapy.

We here report the case of a woman with dermatophytosis of the thighs due to Trichophyton mentagrophytes where an unusual clinical picture posed considerable diagnostic and therapeutic problems. She presented numerous skin lesions located on the dorsolateral face of the left thigh and the medial surface of the right calf. The initial lesions consisted of small itchy pustules that evolved to exfoliation after scratching. Results of histopathologic examination of a skin biopsy were consistent with dermatophytosis, although the negativity of PAS staining did not allow confirmation of this diagnosis. Direct microscopic examination with 10% KOH was negative; however, skin cultures on BioMerieux media revealed Tr. Mentagrophytes. Following the diagnosis of Trichophyton infection, the patient was treated with a combination of isoconazole nitrate and difluocortolone valerate. After therapy, both direct microscopic mycologic examination and culture on BioMerieux medium were negative; however, the lesions persisted, assuming a completely different aspect. Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen was started. This led to a spectacular improvement: the surface of the skin became almost normal, merely showing slight discoloration. An unusual clinical presentation and non-responsiveness to treatment should prompt revision of the primary diagnosis. A negative result of direct microscopy should not exclude the diagnosis of dermatophytosis. Cryotherapy should be considered in cases that do not respond to conventional antifungal medication.

Carotid surgery affects plasma kynurenic acid concentration: a pilot study.

Background An increase in plasma kynurenic acid (KYNA) concentration has been observed following surgery, inflammation, and cerebral pathologies. The aim of the present study was to analyze the changes in plasma KYNA concentration in patients undergoing carotid surgery (CS). Material/Methods Adult patients undergoing elective carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid angioplasty with stent placement (CAS) were studied. Plasma KYNA concentrations were analyzed before surgery and at 4 time points after CS. The amount of inflammation was measured as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Results Forty patients (10 female and 30 male) aged 55–86 years of age were evaluated in this study. In patients with unstable carotid plaque, the plasma KYNA concentration was higher than in patients with stable carotid plaque. Moreover, the NLR was significantly higher in patients with unstable carotid plaque undergoing CEA than in patients undergoing CAS. Plasma KYNA concentration increased after surgery in patients undergoing CEA and CAS. There was a strong correlation between plasma KYNA concentration and NLR in patients with postoperative neurological disorders. Conclusions CS increases plasma KYNA concentration, and changes in plasma KYNA concentration can indicate neurologic outcomes in patients undergoing CS.

The changes of plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex in the patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing surgical revascularization.

UNLABELLED In patients with severe lower limb ischemia the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems have been found to be activated preoperatively. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes of TAT level as a selected coagulation factor, before, during and after surgical revascularization and the analysis of the impact of coexisting diseases on the coagulation during the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS 50 patients with PAOD, in Fontaine stages IIb to IV (29 men and 21 women; median age 65.8 years, ASA II/III) undergoing elective surgical revascularization were studied. Two groups of patients were compared: 20 undergoing reconstruction on aorto-femoral and 30 on femoropopliteal level. Blood samples were collected 5 times: 24 hours before the operation; intraoperatively after artery exposure; after heparin administration and clamping; after reperfusion and -24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS Elevated values of TAT (10.5 g/l ±7.1) were found before the operation. The elevated value of TAT increased intraoperatively (25.1 g/l ±44.58; p<0.001) (norm 1-4.1 g/l) and maintaining higher levels after the surgery. The significant correlations between plasma level of TAT and ischemia degree were found. Also the correlation between intraoperative increase of TAT and the duration of surgery was noticed. No significant differences between two analysed groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate the activation of coagulation and prothrombotic state in the patients with advanced arteriosclerosis. During the surgical revascularisation permanent increase of activation of blood coagulation was observed. This activation depends on duration of the procedure and maintains increased one-day after the operation. Our findings may explain the unexpected occurrence of early thrombotic complications after technically successful vascular reconstructions.

Axial splitting of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve facilitates second-stage elevation of basilic or brachial vein in patients with arteriovenous fistula

We describe a novel surgical technique to facilitate the second-stage elevation of the basilic or brachial vein in patients with first-stage brachial-basilic or autogenous brachial-brachial arteriovenous fistula by axial splitting of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve (MABCN). Filaments of the MABCN typically traverse the anterior aspect of the basilic and brachial veins. The second-stage elevation/shelf superficialization of the basilic or brachial vein, so as not to cause an injury to the MABCN, requires division of these veins with transposition over the nerve branches and subsequent reanastomosis. Our method of axial splitting of the MABCN enables elevation and shelf superficialization of the basilic or brachial vein without the division and reanastomosis of the vein. Twenty-eight patients underwent this simplified elevation. The nerve perineurium was incised longitudinally, nerve fibers were divided intrafascicularly, and cutaneous nerve branches were retracted aside. The vein was elevated between the divided nerves. On discharge and at 1-month follow-up, only one patient complained of localized patch hypoesthesia as reported in a simplified neurologic assessment questionnaire and neurologic examination.

The evaluation of the effectiveness of Tachosil in the treatment of lymphorrhea of the postoperative wound in the selected group of patients, after vascular reconstructive surgeries--preliminary report.

UNLABELLED Lymphorrhea of a postoperative wound after vascular reconstructive surgeries does not occur frequently but it accounts for a major complication. It should be brought to attention that during the intraoperative period it is impossible to diagnose any damages within the lymphatic system of the operated area. Additionally, the treatment of lymphorrhea with thermal abrasion does not usually bring the desired outcome. Therefore, the extended time of the postoperative wound treatment with the lymphatic drainage constitutes a standard method in such cases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Tachosil surgical patch in the treatment of lymphorrhea of the postoperative wound in a selected group of patients who have undergone vascular reconstructive surgeries. Additionally, the aim of the study was to analyze the results and draw conclusions pertaining to the validity and effectiveness of the treatment with the use of Tachosil surgical patch. MATERIAL AND METHODS The observed group included 10 patients with lymphorrhea developed during the postoperative period. 6 of the observed patients have undergone the vascular reconstructive surgery with the implantation of the vascular prosthesis (distal femoropopliteal reconstruction bridge - 3 patients; iliofemoral reconstruction bridge - 1 patient; angioplasty of the common femoral artery (CFA) with the use of the prosthetic patch - 1 patient; the implantation of the bifurcated (type Y) aortofemoral prosthesis - 1 patient). The remaining patients in the observed group have undergone the restoration of patency of the CFA. Additionally, 1 patient has undergone the resection of the pseudo aneurysm in the distal part of the iliofemoral prosthesis. The vascular reconstructive surgery required the denudation and isolation of the common femoral artery from the surrounding tissue as a step 1. The persisting lymphorrhea of the postoperative wound, in the volume of more than 200 ml per day during the first 3 postoperative days, indicated the necessity for the inguinal wound revision. In addition, Tachosil surgical patch was applied at that time. The drain was placed over Tachosil patch. RESULTS Complete stop of lymphorrhea was shorter by 4.87 days in patients treated with the use of Tachosil in comparison to control group. These patients also had an average hospitalization time shorter by 3.88 days than patients in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Early intervention in the cases of lymphorrhea of the postoperative wound allows planning and conducting successful treatment. The use of Tachosil surgical patch in the treatment of lymphorrhea of the postoperative wound shortens the treatment and hospitalization periods. The use of Tachosil in the treatment of postoperative lymphorrhea appeared to be significantly more effective than the standard drainage method of treatment. Results obtained through this study pave the way for the research on other possible applications of Tachosil in the cases of lymphorrhea after vascular reconstructive surgeries.

Psoriatic erythroderma coexisting with erythema multiforme‐like lesions induced by retinoids or retinoids combined with an antibiotic: case report

Psoriasis is currently considered a multifactorial disease, which can coexist with many somatic and psychological disorders. We present the case of a 50‐year‐old woman referred to our department due to erythroderma with concomitant peculiar violaceous, polycyclic lesions most likely induced by medications. Past medical history revealed numerous systemic disorders, including metabolic syndrome, hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, obesity, and depression. Additional examinations and consultations demonstrated dyslipidemia, xanthelasma, incomplete block of the right branch of His bundle, thyreocardiac syndrome, benign adrenal tumor, and delusions. Recently, psoriasis has been intensively studied. We present the case in which erythroderma was most likely triggered by acitretin combined with ceftriaxone. Treatment of many diseases and psychiatric disturbances coexisting with psoriasis is extremely difficult and requires cooperation of various specialists.

Serumska razina za neuron specifične enolaze kao biljeg ishemijsko-reperfuzijskog oštećenja u bolesnika podvrgnutih karotidnoj endarterektomiji

In patients with atherosclerotic stenosis of the extracranial segment of internal carotid artery, surgical intervention is an effective method to prevent cerebral ischemic stroke. However, this surgical procedure may cause vascular brain damage. The aim of the study was to investigate consequential brain ischemia-reperfusion injury by measuring the cerebral specific marker, neuron-specific (NSE), in serum of patients having undergone internal carotid endarterectomy (CEA). The study involved 25 patients that underwent CEA due to internal carotid artery stenosis. Blood samples were obtained from each patient on three occasions: within 24 h prior to surgery, 12 h after surgery, and 48 h after surgery. Serum NSE levels were measured by a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The study showed that serum NSE level was statistically significantly increased 48 h after CEA as compared with the level 12 h after surgery and the level before surgery (p<0.05). Difference in serum NSE between the level before surgery and 12 h after CEA was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Data from our study showed CEA to affect serum NSE in patients with significant internal carotid artery stenosis. Thus, serum NSE may be used as a biochemical marker of brain ischemia-reperfusion injury following CEA.

Antioxidative mechanism in the course of varicose veins

Objective Our objective was to evaluate the state of oxidative stress in the great saphenous varicose vein wall and blood of varicose vein patients taken from the antecubital vein. Methods The superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione (GSH) and total antioxidant status were measured with commercially available colorimetric kits in erythrocytes, plasma and varicose vein wall of 65 patients (second degree of clinical state classification, etiology, anatomy and pathophysiology) aged 22–70 (49 women, 16 men) in comparison to normal great saphenous vein walls collected from 10 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft and blood collected from 20 healthy individuals. Results A statistically significant decrease (p < 0.001) in superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes and the increase (p < 0.05) in superoxide dismutase activity in varicose vein has been observed. There have been no significant changes in the concentration of GSH in plasma and in varicose vein. The decreased concentration of total antioxidant status in plasma (p < 0.001) and in varicose vein wall (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control has been noticed. Conclusion The varicose vein patients are affected by oxidative stress. Our results indicate impaired antioxidant defense mechanism in the blood of varicose vein patients. In contrast to the blood, an increased process of antioxidant defense in the varicose vein wall was noticed.

Effect of carotid endarterectomy on brain damage markers

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a recommended treatment in the prevention of ischemic stroke. However, this procedure may cause neurological complications caused by cerebrovascular damage. While YKL‐40 is a proinflammatory protein, neurofilament light polypeptide (NEFL) and brain lipid‐binding protein (FABP7) are structural components of the brain. The aim of the study was to investigate YKL‐40, NEFL, and FABP7 in the serum of patients undergoing CEA.