The genetic basis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was discovered only about a quarter-century ago. Since then, researchers have gathered a wealth of knowledge about the effects of causal mutations. Today, new drugs are available that directly target the molecular basis of the disease. The following text explains how mutations in heart muscle proteins are linked to myocardial hypertrophy.

The Rome criteria for diagnosing disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) have recently been modified due to discrepancies with their use in clinical practice. The Rome Foundation board has created modified Rome IV diagnostic criteria. When caring for patients with DGBI, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it will be possible to diagnose even with shorter duration and lower frequency of symptoms.

The foundation of managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) typically involves lifestyle adjustments, including dietary changes. Can intermittent fasting (IF) or the ketogenic diet (KD), popular dietary trends, help diabetics with weight loss and reduction of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels? The answer was sought by authors of a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing IF or KD with other dietary regimes.

Empagliflozin entered the market as an antidiabetic drug operating on the principle of reducing glucose reabsorption by the kidneys from the urine and increasing its excretion through urine. Thanks to its very favorable impact on cardiovascular (CV) risks, it has gradually become an important part of treatment in cardiology as well. On May 1st, the long-awaited expansion of its reimbursement from public health insurance (ZP) for symptomatic heart failure with mildly reduced and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF LK) will take place. It will thus be possible to improve the prognosis and quality of life for patients with this diagnosis. However, upon the availability of clinically verified therapy, another challenge arises in the form of underdiagnosis of patients with heart failure with preserved EF LK.

The use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) is a known risk factor for thromboembolism. Therefore, we should consider the individual risk of each patient before prescribing COCs. Women with a positive personal or family history of thromboembolic events should undergo molecular genetic testing for the presence of thrombophilic mutations.

Effective pain control is a crucial part of recovery for patients after painful surgical procedures. In clinical practice, combined analgesia using paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is commonly utilized, which, however, is not suitable for up to a quarter of patients. An alternative could be metamizole. A study published in the European Journal of Anaesthesiology evaluated the non-inferiority of the combination of paracetamol/metamizole versus paracetamol/ibuprofen in pain management for patients after day surgery.

Obesity is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism; however, there is uncertainty regarding the optimal dose of enoxaparin for treating acute episodes in the obese population. Two observational studies published last year focused on the efficacy and safety of enoxaparin depending on the dose. The standard dose of 1 mg/kg may be too high for some patients, and fixed dosing without monitoring Xa levels may not be adequate.

A recently published French study sought to answer the question of whether there is a connection between the presence of preservatives in antiglaucoma eye drops and the probability of undergoing glaucoma surgery.

The accelerated approval of elamipretide by the U.S. FDA marks a historic milestone in the treatment of mitochondrial diseases. It is the first therapy targeting cardiolipin dysfunction and the first approved drug for patients with Barth syndrome —⁠ an ultra-rare, life-threatening disorder that primarily affects boys.

Hashimoto's (chronic lymphocytic) thyroiditis is the most common cause of acquired hypothyroidism in both adults and pediatric patients in developed countries. The study presented below explored the relationship between thyroid gland (TG) echogenicity observed in ultrasound (US) examinations and its function in patients diagnosed with this condition.

Zinc oxide dressings have a long-standing tradition and continue to find their place in modern dermatology. Compression therapy is the cornerstone of conservative treatment for chronic venous insufficiency and lymphatic insufficiency and should not be overlooked even at the stage of venous leg ulcers.

At the annual congress in Milan in 2023, new recommendations from the European Association of Urology (EAU) for the acute treatment of patients with renal colic were presented. We summarize the key points concerning primarily analgesic treatment.

Despite the advent of new surgical methods, urinary incontinence after prostate procedures remains a clinically significant iatrogenic complication. For patients, it represents a significant stress factor that carries physical and psychosocial consequences.

Spinal cord injury is often accompanied by painful conditions. A study published in the prestigious journal Neurology demonstrated that administering pregabalin to these patients can bring more than just pain relief.