Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a serious chronic cholestatic autoimmune liver disease that predominantly affects middle-aged women and can lead to end-stage liver failure and the need for transplantation. Several studies published this year show a reduction in the quality of life of patients with this disease due to its accompanying symptoms.

Sepsis represents one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Laboratory markers play an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of septic states. The aim of the study by the Czech authors was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of new laboratory markers in the form of monocyte distribution width and specific markers on the surface of neutrophil granulocytes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050, infections untreatable with antibiotics could become the leading cause of death, surpassing cardiovascular and oncological diseases. Rising antimicrobial resistance was one of the main topics at the VIII Congress of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Epidemiology (KMINE 2022), held in September in Prague. The topic was also the focus of the expert block ‘ATB stewardship,’ where epidemiologist Petr Smejkal, infectologist Aleš Chrdle, and microbiologist Václava Adámková discussed possible solutions to this global problem. We asked Adámková to summarize insights into the presented issues for us.

The possibility of actively preventing severe bleeding after a major cardiac surgical procedure using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) by administering a concentrate of activated procoagulant complex seems feasible, although a larger study will be needed to confirm its effect.

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.

Levothyroxine (LT4) in oral form is the standard therapy for patients with hypothyroidism. Given the legislative possibility of generic substitution and the number of original and generic preparations containing LT4, its substitution is possible, though not recommended. What are the practical conclusions?

According to literary sources, 17–28.5% of Europeans suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR), which negatively affects the quality of daily life. Below, we summarize the new recommendations from ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) from 2019 regarding the treatment of this condition and highlight a new therapeutic option offered by the fixed combination of mometasone furoate with olopatadine hydrochloride.

Metamizole is a well-established and widely used molecule in many countries worldwide, suitable as an alternative to opioids for patients with moderate to severe acute or chronic pain. The popularity of this drug is associated not only with its efficacy but also with its safety, with no contraindications for patients with cardiovascular, renal, or gastrointestinal comorbidities.

Dupilumab is now fully covered by public health insurance for pediatric patients from 6 years old with atopic dermatitis. This opens up a new possibility for pediatric patients with this condition to improve their quality of life.

Bilastine is a non-sedating H1-antihistamine, which is very well tolerated by patients. It can be indicated in the therapy of allergic diseases in both pediatric and adult populations. What are the possibilities of its use in specific patient groups?

In September 2023, experts from Miami Cancer Institute published their consensus statement on the treatment of HER2-positive advanced breast cancer (BC). The latest change in therapeutic strategy is the preference for the antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan in the 2nd line.

Bipolar disorder is among the most severe psychiatric illnesses, and if not treated properly, it can negatively affect the patient's quality of life. Does switching therapy from other valproates to Depakine Chrono lead to better outcomes in treating this disease? The following study aimed to find the answer to this question.

Pregabalin appears to be an effective aid in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. This is evidenced by numerous clinical studies comparing the effects of pregabalin and gabapentin. It can be expected to alleviate painful symptoms and improve sleep quality, thereby significantly enhancing patients' quality of life.

According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective therapeutic interventions for reducing dyspnea, improving physical performance, and enhancing quality of life. Below, we summarize current insights on the effectiveness and possibilities of rehabilitation for these patients.