Introduction and objective: Epinephrine is the most important and primary drug that resuscitation team use to reverse cardiac arrest. The provision of epinephrine is currently suggested by both the American Heart Association and the European Resuscitation Council. It is vital to improving the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), however the evidence for the use of adrenaline in resuscitation is inconclusive. Materials and methods: The literature was reviewed in the Pubmed database, in the Via Medica Journals database, and in the guidelines of the Polish Society of Anesthesiology, European Resuscitation Council and the American Heart Association with the use of keywords. State of knowledge: There is a clear evidence of an association between epinephrine and increased return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Its action is based on stimulation of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors. Epinephrine have a role in resuscitation, during CPR it increases the probability of restoring cardiac activity with pulses, which is intermediate step toward long-term survival. However, there are conflicting results regarding long-term survival and functional recovery, particularly neurological outcome. Conclusions: Research shows that epinephrine administration in patients with cardiac arrest increases the chance of restoring spontaneous circulation and patient survival to hospital admission and discharge. However, there are arguments questioning the validity of using epinephrine in resuscitation. Publications show that the compound contributes to post-resuscitation syndrome, which reduces a patient's chance of long-term survival. There are a number of conflicting studies that vary widely in the results presented. The current evidence is insufficient to either confirm or exclude the efficacy of epinephrine, which is why it is still recommended in the latest resuscitation guidelines by the European Resuscitation Council (ERC 2021) and the American Heart Association (AHA 2020).

Introduction and purpose of the study: Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome (SIBO) is a syndrome characterized by an increased number of bacteria in the small intestine. The condition causes many non-specific symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. The purpose of this study is to review the current knowledge regarding treatment options for SIBO.                                            Methodology: A literature review was conducted based on PubMed, GoogleScholar databases and American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guidelines. Current knowledge: SIBO is a heterogeneous syndrome. Symptoms of bacterial overgrowth include bloating, abdominal pain and abnormal bowel motility. In more severe cases, patients may experience malabsorption leading to weight loss and malnutrition. SIBO can occur in healthy individuals, but very often accompanies other conditions. The primary test for diagnosis is non-invasive lactulose or glucose breath tests. For treatment, the antibiotic rifaximin is preferred. It exhibits a broad spectrum of activity and a low toxicity profile. Treatment may also include diet therapy and the use of probiotics. Summary: SIBO continues to be both a diagnostic and therapeutic problem. Effective treatment includes not only elimination of the bacteria but also treatment of predisposing conditions. Conclusions of the study show a positive effect of rifaximin on the reduction of SIBO symptoms and improvement of patients' quality of life. The use of certain probiotics has a proven effect. According to the currently available literature, the effectiveness of the low-FODMAP diet in SIBO is hypothetical and further studies are needed to unequivocally confirm its efficacy.

Introduction and objective: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic inflammatory diseases. Usually they affect young people, often during pregnancy. Insufficient knowledge about the evolution of the disease during pregnancy, as well as the effects of drugs used, often result in resignation from motherhood, while unfamiliarity with the principles of therapy or discontinuation of treatment during pregnancy are significant causes of obstetric failures. The aim of the study was to summarize the data available in the literature as well as recent reports, to enable a better understanding of the disease and care of pregnant women with IBD.Materials and methods: The literature was reviewed in the Pubmed database, in the Via Medica Journals database, and in the guidelines of the Polish Society of Gastroenterology with the use of keywords.State of knowledge: 85% of women with IBD become pregnant without complications, but the inflammation has a negative impact on both the course of pregnancy and the fetus itself. Complications, which often depend on the activity of the disease before and during pregnancy, may occur: i.e. premature birth, inadequate fetal weight, miscarriage, as well as complications in the child itself and flares of the underlying disease. Therefore, it is important to know rules of safe pharmacotherapy that apply before and after pregnancy in order to prevent the negative effects of the disease. Special situations caused by IBD, i.e. surgical or endoscopic procedures, can be successfully performed in pregnant patients with the observance of certain rules.Conclusions: Understanding the causes of complications that may occur in the patient and the child allows them to be prevented. Both for the mother's health and for a positive course of pregnancy, education and pregnancy planning, preceded by the change of medications to safe for the fetus, are extremely important.

Introduction and objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus, which is responsible for an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This pathogen is widespread worldwide causing a pandemic that has been going on for decades. Researches around the world are trying to end this situation and it seems that the greatest hope lies in finding an effective vaccine. It is important due to the fact that AIDS and its consequences are responsible even nowadays for death of many people infected around the world. The aim of this study was to provide the most important information about major HIV vaccine trials and efficacy of vaccine candidates. Materials and methods: For the purposes of writing this article, the available literature was reviewed. The database of medical publications – Pubmed datebase and other publicaly available books, database and online sites was searched, with the use of keywords such as HIV, HIV vaccine, HIV epidemiology. State of knowledge: According to review studies HIV vaccine trials has been going for 4 decades. Over 250 trials has been conducted since then, but unfortunately, none of them resulted in effective vaccine. The difficulties of this task are mainly connected with the nature of HIV virus. To date, one study has shown some effectiveness, but not enough to claim success. Other studies are ongoing around the world and more are planned. Conclusions: Developing an effective HIV vaccine is the clue to solving the problem, which is new HIV infections. Further researches, further research funding and international cooperation are needed to end this pandemic.

Asthma, an inflammatory disease of the lower and upper airways, is one of the most common diseases in society. Depending on the source and the population studied, the percentage of asthma patients ranges from 5% to as high as 15%. The development of asthma is believed to be caused by an overlap between the body's personal propensity to develop the disease and environmental factors. For years, scientists have been studying the genetic basis of asthma. For several years they have had a new weapon in their arsenal - the GWAS method. The use of this method has enabled researchers to discover the relationship between gene variants found in patients and an increased risk of developing asthma.