Casopís lékar̆ů c̆eských
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Casopís lékar̆ů c̆eských · Jan 2007
Review[Ten years since the successful introduction of the first monoclonal antibody (rituximab) into the therapy of lymphomas].
Cancer treatment is based on combination of systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The new methods of therapy based on biological priniciples have been introduced within last decade. The monoclonal antibody rituximab was launched ten years ago in 1997. ⋯ Rituximab has become the inevitable part of therapeutic regimens for other B-cell lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia as well as for some non-malignant diseases. The important milestones, the therapeutic results of rituximab and other approved monoclonal antibodies (alemtuzumab, ibritumomab tiuxetan 90Y) is reviewed in this paper as well as short compendium of new antibodies is given. The cost effectiveness of the new therapy is discussed.
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Polymorphisms in drug metabolizing enzymes are considered as a major factor influencing the incidence of adverse drug reactions or failure of pharmacotherapy. Our aim was to compare the distribution of functional polymorphisms in the genes CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 between healthy control group and of patients reffered to our department due to adverse drug reactions or insufficient efficacy of a treatment. ⋯ Clinically apparent alteration of drug effects are often caused by partial or complete deficit of CYP2D6 activity. Our results confirm the importance of CYP2D6 polymorphisms on the efficycy and safety of pharmacotherapy.
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Casopís lékar̆ů c̆eských · Jan 2007
[Knowledge level of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in secondary school students of non-medical specialisation in the Czech Republic].
Knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential part of the first aid skill. Constant attention is given to education in CPR mainly among adolescents. The aim of our epidemiological study was to asses the actual level of theoretical knowledge in CPR. ⋯ Our results demonstrate that in spite of the effort to increase the level of knowledge in CPR in laymen, the actual level of knowledge is low and more frequent repetition of courses should be considered. In the future, we shall evaluate the effectiveness of new educational film.
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Casopís lékar̆ů c̆eských · Jan 2007
Review[Obesity based on mutation of genes involved in energy balance].
Within the last decade an intensive research led to an identification of several genes which are involved in a regulation of energy balance. In most cases, carriers of these gene mutations do not exhibit further characteristic phenotypic features except for a severe obesity. Obesity based on mutation of one gene product is called monogenic obesity. ⋯ Mutations of the other genes involved in energy homeostasis are very rare. Although these mutations are sporadic we assume that further research of monogenic forms of obesity might lead to our understanding of physiology and pathophysiology of regulation of the energy homeostasis and eating behaviour. Additionally, they may open new approach to the management of eating behaviour and to the treatment of obesity.
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Sepsis represents an important infectious process with systemic manifestation. The incidence of sepsis is continuously increasing. This epidemiologic trend reflects the aging population, increasing number of chronically ill patients and invasiveness of the modern medicine. ⋯ As an example is a failure of clinical study with monoclonal antibody against TNF-a. Thus, the search for new clinically effective therapeutic agents is aimed at pathogenetic mechanisms activated in longer time frame after the primary insult. Currently, out of drugs modulating the already known immunopathophysiological mechanisms of sepsis corticosteroids and activated protein C are used.