Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by the development of osteoproductive changes in the spine which could possibly result in ankylosis. Treatment with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) inhibitors has proved to be an important step forward in the treatment of this disease, but for the time being it is not clear whether it favourably influences radiographic progression of the disease. Vascular endothelial growth factor most probably plays a role in the development of osteoproductive changes and recently its predictive influence on radiographic progression has been demonstrated. Bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP-2) participates in the regulation of bone proliferation and its increased serum level has been demonstrated in patients with advanced AS and correlated with the degree of radiographic changes. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the VEGF and BMP-2 levels in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and how these levels relate to the concurrent treatment with TNFα inhibitors. Methods: Sera were evaluated from patients at the Rheumatologic Clinic of the Hradec Králové Faculty Hospital who fulfilled the modified New York Criteria for AS (n = 55). In these patients, the parameters of the activity of the disease (BASDAI = Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, CRP = C-reactive protein) and the concurrent therapy (TNFα inhibitors, n = 21, vs. non-anti TNFα, n = 34) were recorded. The levels of VEGF and BMP-2 were analyzed using the ELISA method. Results: In patients treated with TNFα inhibitors, a significantly lower VEGF level was found when compared to untreated patients (140.3 (109.4; 262.2) vs. 261 (172.4; 396.6) pg/ml; p = 0.02). No difference was found between BMP-2 levels in both groups (treated vs. untreated patients) (254.8 (2301; 267.3) vs. 261.1 (248.6; 273.5) pg/ml; p = 0.24). A correlation analysis did not reveal any relationship between VEG F and BMP-2 (r = 0.057; p = 0.68). Serum levels of VEGF correlated with serum levels of CRP (r = 0.56; p = 0.00001) and the BASDAI value (r = 0.33; p = 0.015). Conclusion: Significantly lower VEGF levels were found in patients treated with TNFα inhibitors versus the untreated patients. These findings are in harmony with some hitherto published analyses and may give evidence of a favourable effect of TNFα inhibitors on radiographic progression. Neither influence on the BMP-2 level by treatment with TNFα inhibitors nor correlation with VEGF levels was demonstrated. and M. Tošovský, P. Bradna, C. Andrýs, K. Andrýsová, E. Čermáková, T. Soukup
The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of total hip arthroplasty in patients with Parkinson's disease during a period of five years, focusing on the assessment of the risks and benefits of surgery. During this period we performed total hip arthroplasty in 14 patients (15 hips) with Parkinson's disease. Patients were evaluated by subjective symptoms and objective findings, with a focus on the use of support while walking and walking distance, severity of Parkinson's disease before surgery and at the time of the last follow-up. During the postoperative period, the following parameters were assessed: length of ICU stay, mobilization, complications, the total duration of hospitalization and follow-up care after discharge. Of the 11 patients (12 hips) followed-up 1-5 years with an average of 3 years after operation 8 cases showed progression of neurological disability. 5 patients (6 hips) showed an increased dependence on the use of support when walking and reduced distance that the patient was able to walk. Subjectively, 10 hip joints were completely painless and 2 patients complained of only occasional mild pain in the operated hip. Complications that were encountered were urinary tract infection (5 patients), cognitive impairment (3 patients) and pressure ulcer (2 patients). We did not observe any infection or dislocation of the prosthesis. Three patients fell and fractured the femur and 3 patients in our cohort died during follow up. Implantation of total replacement is possible with judicious indication after careful evaluation of neurological finding in patients with minimal or mild functional impairment of the locomotor system. Prerequisite for a good result is precise surgical technique and optimal implant position with balanced tension of the muscles and other soft tissues around the hip. and PG. Mathew, P. Sponer, T. Kucera, M. Grinac, J. Knízek
BACKGROUND: Intussusception of the large bowel in adults is a very rare pathological condition. However, it has its clinical importance because intussusception is very often associated with an intraluminal lesion. CASE REPORT: We report two cases of the large bowel intussusception, ileocolic and colorectal. Both intussusceptions were associated with a malignant tumor. However, the clinical presentation was different. One of the intussusceptions was of non-transient character, while the second one resolved spontaneously before operation. Both patients underwent surgery and malignant tumors were found and removed. RESULTS: The purpose of the article is to draw attention to intussusception and emphasize that intussusception, either transient or non-transient, should be further examined. CONCLUSIONS: The intussusception may be the first and the only signal of the existence of a malignant tumor, very often colorectal carcinoma. and R. Vobořil, J. Fanta, P. Bačkovský, D. Ehrenberger, J. Vobořilová
The pilot study deals with the clinical results of the regenerative therapeutical method in intraosseous periodontal defects done by surgical augmentation procedure using a material of a new generation prepared on the basis of a bioactive glass. A group of 10 individuals were treated properly for chronic periodontitis. Some of treated infraalveolar periodontal lesions, both periodontal pockets and interradicular defects, persisted or recurred in posterior teeth. In order to eliminate them they were indicated for advanced periodontal surgery or regenerative surgical therapy stimulating healing processes of supportive tissues, mostly alveolar bone around treated teeth. Relevant clinical parameters, i. e. values of the pocket depth, gingival recession, and loss of attachment were evaluated before and after the periodontal surgery and compared with each other. The therapy led to significant improvement of clinical parameters in terms of the reduction of pocket depth and loss of attachment values. and R. Slezák, V. Paulusová