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News Subcutaneous zilucoplan –⁠ the end of necessary “trips” to the hospital for myasthenia gravis patients?

A study recently published in Lancet Neurology demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the subcutaneously administered complement component C5 inhibitor –⁠ zilucoplan –⁠ in the treatment of myasthenia gravis (MG). This drug has the potential to alleviate the severity of this disease and improve the quality of life of patients.

Source: Rare Diseases in Neurology 3. 4. 2024

News How Does Myelodysplastic Syndrome Affect Patients' Quality of Life?

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of disorders of hematopoietic stem cells with varying degrees of risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The therapeutic options for this disease are continually evolving. But what is the impact of this diagnosis on patients' quality of life?

Source: Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) 15. 2. 2024

News How Important is the Time Factor in the Treatment of Heart Failure?

Current guidelines emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and immediate treatment for patients with heart failure (HF). These patients are most vulnerable immediately after the decompensation of chronic HF, and intensive treatment can therefore reduce the risk of further hospitalization and mortality. The prognosis for these patients is unfavorable, and any delay in initiating therapy further worsens it. The treatment of chronic HF is often postponed if the symptoms are stable, and the risk of adverse outcomes and sudden death is underestimated. The time factor thus plays a significant role in all stages of HF.

Source: Heart Failure 13. 11. 2023

News Prim. MUDr. Gustáv Ondrejka: Biological treatment of asthma eliminates the need for systemic corticotherapy

Despite advances in the therapy of bronchial asthma, a portion of patients still do not achieve the desired control of the disease. The introduction of biological treatment marked a significant milestone in management, improving the prognosis for patients previously dependent on long-term systemic corticotherapy with all its negative impacts. The recently approved reimbursement for dupilumab expands treatment options for patients with severe asthma, relieving patients of common asthma comorbidities. The current perspective on the treatment of bronchial asthma is provided by the head of the Pulmonary Department at KNTB Zlín, which includes the Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Forms of Bronchial Asthma, Prim. MUDr. Gustáv Ondrejka, Ph.D.

Source: Systemic treatment of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis – Type 2 inflammation 18. 4. 2022

News INFOGRAPHIC: Diagnosis and Monitoring of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy –⁠ Current Guidelines

What examinations should be conducted when suspecting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a hereditary disease caused by mutations in genes encoding cardiac muscle proteins? What is the subsequent procedure for monitoring patients and their at-risk relatives? The comprehensive infographic summarizes the current recommendations of American professional societies.

Source: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) 1. 11. 2023

News Pregabalin Relieves Patients with Central Neuropathic Pain

Treatment of central neuropathic pain, whether caused by spinal cord or cerebral damage, is often lengthy and not always successful. Study results show that pregabalin may be a suitable alternative to traditional preparations, affecting not only pain but also the quality of life of patients.

Source: Neuropathic Pain 25. 6. 2020

News Prophylaxis with Enoxaparin After Total Knee or Hip Replacement

Venous thromboembolic disease is a significant cause of complications in surgical patients during and after hospitalization. The authors of a recently published Portuguese observational study evaluated the incidence of complications with prophylaxis using low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) enoxaparin in a population after hip or knee joint replacement.

Source: Thromboprophylaxis 28. 11. 2023

News Alopecia Areata –⁠ Autoimmune Inflammatory Disease and a New Targeted Treatment Option

Alopecia areata (AA) is one of the non-scarring focal alopecias. It is an autoimmune disease of the hair follicle, the etiopathogenesis of which is not entirely understood. At the hair root, a lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate develops, resulting in follicle miniaturization and the growth of a thin dystrophic hair. Recently, however, a new strategy for the treatment of AA has emerged, focusing on reducing inflammation of the hair follicle by inhibiting Janus kinases (JAK). This is the first therapeutic modality officially approved for this indication.

Source: Biological Treatment 31. 10. 2022

News When the Cause of Hematomas in Anticoagulated Patients is Not Anticoagulants –⁠ Case Report

Not every bleeding during anticoagulation, especially if within the therapeutic range, can be attributed to this treatment. Particularly in older individuals and the presence of typical extensive hematomas, it is necessary to consider another cause, such as acquired hemophilia A. The following case report illustrates how such a case can be detected and what can be done to improve the patient's prognosis.

Source: Acquired Hemophilia 18. 11. 2022

News ITP from the Patients' Perspective: How It Affects Their Lives and Which Needs They Find Unmet?

In recent years, new therapeutic options for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) have been introduced, which are effective for many patients and have significantly improved their quality of life. However, it remains crucial to listen to patients' experiences with treatment and any unmet needs they may have. A meeting of the Platelet Disorder Support Association brought forth many interesting findings and shared experiences. So what troubles ITP patients the most?

Source: Immune Thrombocytopenia 28. 11. 2022

News Current findings on the treatment of gestational diabetes and DM2 in pregnancy with metformin

Recent reviews have shown that metformin is a safe alternative to insulin in the treatment of diabetes during pregnancy. For gestational diabetes (GDM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), metformin administered to pregnant women has its benefits, but also certain risks.

Source: Modern Treatment of Diabetes 12. 3. 2024

News Dravet Syndrome –⁠ Get to Know It

Dravet syndrome is a severe myoclonic epilepsy occurring in early childhood. It is classified as a rare progressive epileptic encephalopathy, characterized by generalized or lateralized clonic seizures often prolonged and linked to febrile infections. Other forms of seizures later appear, leading to deterioration in psychomotor development and the onset of mental retardation. Early diagnosis and treatment are desirable.

Source: Rare Diseases in Neurology 2. 5. 2023

News Effect of Telmisartan and Losartan on Bone Turnover Markers in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Stage I Hypertension

Telmisartan, an AT1 receptor blocker for angiotensin II and partial agonist of the PPAR-γ receptor, is a widely used antihypertensive. The PPAR-γ receptor plays a role in the genesis of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and antidiabetic drugs from the thiazolidinedione group, which act as agonists of this receptor, have a known inhibitory effect on bone metabolism and increase the risk of non-traumatic fractures. Knowledge regarding the potential similar effects of telmisartan is limited. The following study compared the effects of telmisartan and losartan (an AT1 blocker without agonistic effect on PPAR-γ) on bone turnover markers in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension.

Source: Sartans in the Treatment of Hypertension 12. 8. 2021

News Doc. Jitka Fricová: The biggest challenge remains the patient with unbearable chronic pain

Research findings are pushing the boundaries of optimal chronic pain treatment, including better prevention and reduced side effects of analgesics. Algological care is readily accessible in the Czech Republic, yet it faces limitations, such as the less manageable nature of unbearable pain, particularly neuropathic or oncologic. We briefly discuss the topic with the head physician of the Pain Treatment Center at the Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation, and Intensive Care Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and General University Hospital in Prague, Doc. MUDr. Jitka Fricová, Ph.D.

Source: Analgesia 29. 3. 2023

News Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Network Meta-Analysis

A literature review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in the journal Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine demonstrates the high efficacy and good tolerability of 6 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including etoricoxib, celecoxib, meloxicam, diclofenac, naproxen, and ß-D-mannuronic acid in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Source: Updates in Pain Treatment 30. 3. 2023