Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Systematic treatment of COPD decreases symptoms and reduces the frequency of exacerbations and hospitalisations because of the disease. It is estimated that only 50% of patients use prescribed drugs systematically. The aim of this study was to identify the factors which can influence adherence to treatment of the patients who were treated due to exacerbation of COPD. Material and Methods: A questionnaire probe was conducted on 49 patients hospitalised at the Regional Lung and Tuberculosis Hospital in Olsztyn, Poland due to COPD exacerbation. The assessed variables were: quality of life and adherence to treatment 30 days after discharge from hospital in relationship with demographic factors, social status, disease and hospitalisation course, and relief after systematic treatment. Results: Most of the patients assessed their health condition as poor and the disease as limiting their everyday social and occupational activity. 30 days after discharge from hospital the adherence rate to therapy was only 67%. There was an association between systematic treatment and the rate of exacerbations (p = 0.045) and hospitalisations (p = 0.005) but also clinical benefit after long-term treatment (p = 0.023). There were no associations between adherence to treatment and sex, place of residence, education or occupation. Conclusions: Lack of systematic treatment is the main risk factor for COPD exacerbations and hospitalisation rate. A subjective sense of relief after drugs is a factor improving patients’ compliance.

No abstract

No abstract

Introduction Mast cells (MCs) constitute an important component of the immune system. They were first described by Paul Ehrlich, a German scientist born in Strzelin in Lower Silesia, who was awarded a Noble Prize for his contribution to immunology in 1908. The physiological function of MCs is related to several areas of human physiology. They are the main effector cells in type I allergic reactions and diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, urticaria, and anaphylaxis. 1 The binding of allergen to immunoglobulin E (IgE) connected with the FcἐRI receptor on the MC surface leads to the degranulation and release of MC mediators. 1 Clinical symptoms caused by local or systemic MC activation are present in the skin (flushing, pruritus, urticaria, and angioedema), respiratory system (nasal congestion, nasal pruritus, wheezing, throat swelling, dyspnea, cough, and stridor), cardiovascular system (hypotension, incontinence, and shock), and gastrointestinal tract (abdominal cramping, abdominal pain, vomiting, and

IntroductionSevere aortic stenosis (AS) is associated with the reduction of physical activity and muscle mass and may be associated with decreased appetite.AimTo assess the nutritional status and the impact of nutritional status and appetite on the hospital length of stay and postoperative complications in elderly patients with severe AS before aortic valve replacement.Material and methodsNinety-nine patients (55 male, 44 female; 74.3 ±5.2 years old) with severe AS and an indication for aortic valve replacement (AVR) were included. The nutritional status was assessed by different questionnaires (7-point Subjective Global Assessment Score – 7-SGA, full-Mini Nutritional Assessment – full-MNA) and anthropometric measurements (body mass index (BMI) kg/m2). Body composition was estimated using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Appetite was assessed by the Simplified Nutrition Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ).ResultsThe average BMI of patients was 28.8 ±5.8 kg/m2. Results of the 7-SGA and f-MNA questionnaires revealed that 39 patients (39.4%) were at risk of malnutrition. The mean SNAQ score was 15.8 ±1.8. The average length of hospital stay was 10 ±5.8 days. There was a positive correlation of LOS with age (r = 0.26, p = 0.03) and a negative correlation with fat mass (kg) (r = –0.28, p = 0.04) and BMI (r = –0.22, p = 0.03). Postoperative complications were observed in 37 patients (37.4%). Patients who developed complications were older and had poorer nutritional status according to the results of the 7-SGA.ConclusionsDespite many patients undergoing AVR being overweight and obese, a considerable proportion displayed clinical signs of malnutrition. The results suggest that an assessment of nutritional status and appetite in this group of patients should be conducted regularly and that the 7-SGA scale could represent a reliable tool to assess malnutrition.