Medicina
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Background and Objectives: Testing for anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies both before and after transplantation is of fundamental significance for the success of lung transplantation. The aim of this study was the evaluation of anti-HLA immunization of patients before and after lung transplant who were subjected to qualification and transplantation. Materials and Methods: Prior to the transplantation, patients were examined for the presence of IgG class anti-HLA antibodies (anti-human leukocyte antigen), the so-called panel-reactive antibodies (PRA), using the flow cytometry method. ⋯ Immunization levels before and after the transplantation were compared. In 10.87% of patients, DSA antibodies (donor-specific antibodies) with MFI of over 1000 were found. Conclusions: It seems that it is possible to confirm the correlation between pre- and post-transplantation immunization with the use of the two presented methods of determining IgG class anti-HLA antibodies by increasing the size of the group studied and conducting a long-term observation thereof.
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Frontal bone trauma has an increasing incidence and prevalence due to the wide-scale use of personal mobility devices such as motorcycles, electric bicycles, and scooters. Usually, the patients are involved in high-velocity accidents and the resulting lesions could be life-threatening. Moreover, there are immediate and long-term aesthetic and functional deficits resulting from such pathology. ⋯ We illustrate and propose different approaches in the management of cases with long-term complications after frontal bone trauma. The team attending to these patients should unite otorhinolaryngologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, and maxillofacial surgeons. Take-home message: Only such complex interdisciplinary teams of trained specialists can provide a higher standard of care for complex trauma cases and limit the possible exposure to further legal actions or even malpractice.
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Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are autoimmune idiopathic systemic inflammatory diseases, characterized by various degrees of muscle inflammation and typical cutaneous lesions-the latter found in dermatomyositis. The underlying pathogenesis is characterized by a high level of uncertainty, and recent studies suggest diseases may have different immunopathological mechanisms. In polymyositis, components of the cellular immune system are involved, whereas in dermatomyositis, the pathogenesis is mainly mediated by the humoral immune response. ⋯ In patients with anti-MDA5 Abs, mixed or unclassifiable patterns are frequently observed at imaging. HRCT is a sensitive method that allows one not only to identify disease, but also to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and detect disease progression and/or complications; however, radiological findings are not specific. Therefore, aim of this pictorial essay is to describe clinical and radiological features of interstitial lung diseases associated with polymyositis and dermatomyositis, emphasizing the concept that gold standard for diagnosis and classification-should be based on a multidisciplinary approach.
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Background and Objective: Although rigid bronchoscopy is generally performed in the operating room (OR), the intervention is sometimes emergently required at the intensive care unit (ICU) bedside. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of rigid bronchoscopy at the ICU bedside. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of patients who underwent rigid bronchoscopy while in the ICU from January 2014 to December 2020. ⋯ In the fully adjusted model, the ICU group had increased odds for severe post-procedural complications, but statistical significance was not observed (odds ratio, 2.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-8.88; p = 0.144). Conclusions: Although general anesthesia is generally considered the gold standard for rigid bronchoscopy, our findings indicate that rigid bronchoscopy may be safely performed at the ICU bedside in selective cases of emergency. Moreover, adequate patient selection and close post-procedural monitoring are required to prevent severe complications.
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Background and Objectives: Body mass index (BMI) is widely used as a standard screening method for obesity and an indicator of related diseases. However, its inability to distinguish between lean body mass and body fat limits its utility. This limitation may be more prominent in older populations, wherein age-related sarcopenia and increased visceral fat due to the redistribution of adipose tissue may preclude a precise estimation of obesity. ⋯ Those with abdominal obesity tended to have an increased HR of MI. Conclusions: This study found that HR for MI has a negative relationship with BMI, whereas it has a positive relationship with WC. Furthermore, WC is a more appropriate indicator for predicting the risk of MI in the older population.