Heavy metals are naturally occurring components of the Earth's crust and persistent environmental pollutants. Human exposure to heavy metals occurs via various pathways, including inhalation of air/dust particles, ingesting contaminated water or soil, or through the food chain. Their bioaccumulation may lead to diverse toxic effects affecting different body tissues and organ systems. The toxicity of heavy metals depends on the properties of the given metal, dose, route, duration of exposure (acute or chronic), and extent of bioaccumulation. The detrimental impacts of heavy metals on human health are largely linked to their capacity to interfere with antioxidant defense mechanisms, primarily through their interaction with intracellular glutathione (GSH) or sulfhydryl groups (R-SH) of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and other enzyme systems. Although arsenic (As) is believed to bind directly to critical thiols, alternative hydrogen peroxide production processes have also been postulated. Heavy metals are known to interfere with signaling pathways and affect a variety of cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, survival, metabolism, and apoptosis. For example, cadmium can affect the BLC-2 family of proteins involved in mitochondrial death via the overexpression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 and the suppression of proapoptotic (BAX, BAK) mechanisms, thus increasing the resistance of various cells to undergo malignant transformation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important regulator of antioxidant enzymes, the level of oxidative stress, and cellular resistance to oxidants and has been shown to act as a double-edged sword in response to arsenic-induced oxidative stress. Another mechanism of significant health threats and heavy metal (e.g., Pb) toxicity involves the substitution of essential metals (e.g., calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe)) with structurally similar heavy metals (e.g., cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)) in the metal-binding sites of proteins. Displaced essential redox metals (copper, iron, manganese) from their natural metal-binding sites can catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide via the Fenton reaction and generate damaging ROS such as hydroxyl radicals, causing damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Conversely, some heavy metals, such as cadmium, can suppress the synthesis of nitric oxide radical (NO·), manifested by altered vasorelaxation and, consequently, blood pressure regulation. Pb-induced oxidative stress has been shown to be indirectly responsible for the depletion of nitric oxide due to its interaction with superoxide radical (O2·-), resulting in the formation of a potent biological oxidant, peroxynitrite (ONOO-). This review comprehensively discusses the mechanisms of heavy metal toxicity and their health effects. Aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr) and their roles in the development of gastrointestinal, pulmonary, kidney, reproductive, neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), cardiovascular, and cancer (e.g. renal, lung, skin, stomach) diseases are discussed. A short account is devoted to the detoxification of heavy metals by chelation via the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), dimercaprol (BAL), 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA), 2,3-dimercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid (DMPS), and penicillamine chelators.

• MeSH
• Antioxidants metabolism   MeSH
• Bioaccumulation MeSH
• Environmental Pollutants toxicity   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Oxidative Stress * drug effects   MeSH
• Metals, Heavy * toxicity   MeSH
• Environmental Exposure adverse effects   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

Úvod: Luxační zlomeniny distálního bérce jsou indikovány k operačnímu řešení. Pokud kvalita měkkých tkání a kůže neumožňuje primární suturu rány, jedná se o závažný problém, který musí operatér řešit. V našem případě jsme po repozici a fixaci skeletu byli schopni provést suturu fascie s reziduálním velkým defektem kůže a podkoží. Rozhodli jsme se pro využití kombinace aplikace Amniodermu a podtlakové terapie. Metodika: Autoři popisují postup léčby akutní rány u mladého morbidně obézního pacienta s poraněním hlezna po dopravní nehodě. Diskuze: Uzávěr operační rány v terénu otoku a hematomu představuje častý problém, se kterým se setkáváme u nemocných po osteosyntéze hlezna. Existuje několik možných způsobů, které lze využít, zcela jistě mezi ně patří i možnost využití podtlakové terapie, jejíž efekt lze umocnit aplikací Amniodermu. Závěr: Přestože se jedná o první využití prezentované techniky, na podkladě našich dalších zkušeností s Amniodermem obecně a častého využití podtlakové terapie z jiných indikací si dovolujeme tvrdit, že se jedná o bezpečnou metodu, která nabízí efektivní řešení složité ultimátní situace.

Introduction: Dislocation fractures of the distal lower leg require surgical treatment. If the quality of the soft tissues and skin does not allow primary suture of the wound, it presents a serious challenge for the surgeon. In our case, after reposition and fixation of the fractures, we were able to perform a fascia suture with a residual large skin and subcutaneous defect. We decided to use a combination of Amnioderm application and negative pressure therapy. Methods: The authors describe the procedure for the treatment of an acute wound in a young, morbidly obese patient with an ankle injury following a traffic accident. Discussion: Closure of the surgical wound in the field of swelling and hematoma is a frequent problem encountered in patients after ankle osteosynthesis. There are several possible approaches, one of which is the use of negative pressure therapy. Its effect can be enhanced by the application of Amnioderm. Conclusion: Although this is the first use of the presented technique, based on our other general experience with Amnioderm and the frequent use of negative pressure wound therapy from other indications, we dare to say that it is a safe method that offers an effective solution to a complex, critical situation.

• Keywords
• Amnioderm,
• MeSH
• Biological Dressings MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Ankle Fractures * surgery   complications   MeSH
• Wound Healing MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Obesity, Morbid complications   MeSH
• Ankle Injuries surgery   complications   MeSH
• Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy * MeSH
• Fracture Fixation, Internal MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Case Reports MeSH

BACKGROUND: In patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest, a higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) may increase cerebral perfusion and attenuate hypoxic brain injury. Here we present the protocol of the mean arterial pressure after cardiac arrest and resuscitation (MAP-CARE) trial aiming to investigate the influence of MAP targets on patient outcomes. METHODS: MAP-CARE is one component of the Sedation, Temperature and Pressure after Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation (STEPCARE) 2 x 2 x 2 factorial randomized trial. The MAP-CARE trial is an international, multicenter, parallel-group, investigator-initiated, superiority trial designed to test the hypothesis that targeting a higher (>85 mmHg) (intervention) versus a lower (>65 mmHg) (comparator) MAP after resuscitation from cardiac arrest reduces 6-month mortality (primary outcome). Trial participants are adults with sustained return of spontaneous circulation who are comatose following resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The two other components of the STEPCARE trial evaluate sedation and temperature control strategies. Apart from the STEPCARE trial interventions, all other aspects of general intensive care will be according to the local practices of the participating site. Neurological prognostication will be performed according to European Resuscitation Council and European Society of Intensive Care Medicine guidelines by a physician blinded to allocation group. The sample size of 3500 participants provides 90% power with an alpha of 0.05 to detect a 5.6 absolute risk reduction in 6-month mortality, assuming a mortality of 60% in the control group. Secondary outcomes will be poor functional outcome 6 months after randomization, patient-reported overall health 6 months after randomization, and the proportion of participants with predefined severe adverse events. CONCLUSION: The MAP-CARE trial will investigate if targeting a higher MAP compared to a lower MAP during intensive care of adults who are comatose following resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest reduces 6-month mortality.

• MeSH
• Arterial Pressure * physiology   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Equivalence Trials as Topic MeSH
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation * methods   MeSH
• Coma etiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Multicenter Studies as Topic MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic MeSH
• Resuscitation * MeSH
• Heart Arrest * therapy   physiopathology   mortality   MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest * therapy   physiopathology   mortality   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Clinical Trial Protocol MeSH

High specification mattresses periodically redistribute pressure using alternating air cells, offloading tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of alternating air pressure gradients on sacral tissue physiology. This randomised cross-over study recruited 15 healthy participants to test the three mattress settings (fast cycle, normal cycle, and slow cycle). Participants were asked to adopt supine, lateral, and high sitting (head of bed at 40°) postures, whilst transcutaneous tissue gas tensions and interface pressures at the sacrum were continuously monitored. Comparison between mattress settings and postures showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between peak pressure index values at the sacrum for each air inflation cycle speed setting. By contrast, a significantly higher sacral (p < 0.05) contact area was observed for high sitting. During high sitting, ischemic responses during both fast and normal air inflation cycle speed settings were recorded. During the slow air inflation cycle speed, most participants (60%-100%) showed high levels of perfusion. The present study identified a main effect of posture on interface pressure and perfusion over the sacrum. The alternating mattress speed influenced local tissue perfusion, with the greatest changes in tissue oxygenation occurring in a high-speed setting.

• MeSH
• Pressure Ulcer * prevention & control   MeSH
• Equipment Design MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Cross-Over Studies MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Beds * MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Posture * physiology   MeSH
• Air Pressure * MeSH
• Healthy Volunteers MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH

BACKGROUND: Fever is associated with brain injury after cardiac arrest. It is unknown whether fever management with a feedback-controlled device impacts patient-centered outcomes in cardiac arrest patients. This trial aims to investigate fever management with or without a temperature control device after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS: The TEMP-CARE trial is part of the 2 × 2 × 2 factorial Sedation, TEmperature and Pressure after Cardiac Arrest and REsuscitation (STEPCARE) trial, a randomized, international, multicenter, parallel-group, investigator-initiated, superiority trial that will evaluate sedation strategies, temperature management, and blood pressure targets simultaneously in nontraumatic/nonhemorrhagic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients following hospital admission. For the temperature management component of the trial described in this protocol, patients will be randomly allocated to fever management with or without a feedback-controlled temperature control device. For those managed with a device, if temperature ≥37.8°C occurs within 72 h post-randomization the device will be started targeting a temperature of ≤37.5°C. Standard fever treatment, as recommended by local guidelines, including pharmacological agents, will be provided to participants in both groups. The two other components of the STEPCARE trial evaluate sedation and blood pressure strategies. Apart from the STEPCARE trial interventions, all other aspects of general intensive care will be according to the local practices of the participating site. A physician blinded to the intervention will determine the neurological prognosis following European Resuscitation Council and European Society of Intensive Care Medicine guidelines. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality at six months post-randomization. To detect a 5.6% absolute risk reduction (90% power, alpha .05), 3500 participants will be enrolled. Secondary outcomes include poor functional outcome at six months, intensive care-related serious adverse events, and overall health status at six months. CONCLUSION: The TEMP-CARE trial will investigate if post-cardiac arrest management of fever with or without a temperature control device affects patient-important outcomes after cardiac arrest.

• MeSH
• Fever * therapy   MeSH
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Multicenter Studies as Topic MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic MeSH
• Body Temperature MeSH
• Hypothermia, Induced * instrumentation   MeSH
• Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest * therapy   complications   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Clinical Trial Protocol MeSH

Pacientka náhle v domácím prostředí dušnost, kolaps a bezvědomí. Provedena laická telefonicky navigovaná kardiopulmonální resuscitace, po příjezdu lékaře rychlé záchranné služby úspěšná rozšířená kardiopulmonální resuscitace a poté pacientka převezena na oddělení urgentního příjmu Nemocnice České Budějovice. Byla provedena základní stabilizace klinického stavu, zajištění pacientky, intubace a odvoz na CT. Zde byla pomocí CT verifikována masivní bilaterální plicní embolie. Ihned v prostorách urgentního příjmu byla provedena trombolýza, stabilizace oběhu a pacientka byla uložena na ARO. Za hodinu na oddělení ARO znovu těžká oběhová nestabilita – vysoká podpora oběhu noradrenalinem. Provedeno UZ a následně CT břicha s nálezem masivního hemoperitonea. Urgentní chirurgické konzilium a doporučena operace z vitální indikace. Provedena urgentní laparotomie u hemodynamicky těžce nestabilní pacientky s TK 60/30 a pulzy 180/min. Za masivní oběhové podpory a převodů erymasy odsáty 4 l zcela nesrážlivé krve v oblasti jater. Játra byla tržena na několika místech od zlomených žeber a nejvíce dorzálně v levém laloku v oblasti jaterních žil. Chirurgicky při těžké oběhové nestabilitě neověřitelné a bylo rozhodnuto o stabilizaci pomocí perihepatického packingu a pacientka byl uložena na ARO RES. ARO pokračuje v konzervativní terapii a dochází k postupnému zmenšení odpadů do drénu. Provedena second-look operace za 48 hod – revize původní ranou, odstranění roušek. Nalezeny mnohočetné trhliny na pravém laloku od zlámaných žeber a dorzálně silně krvácející jaterní žíla. Provedena kombinace selektivních sutur s elektrokoagulací trhlin, pro přetrvávající oběhovou nestabilitu se znovu rozhodujeme dát pouze perihepatický packing. Pacientku znovu necháváme na ARO k oběhové stabilizaci a domlouváme se znovu na operační revizi po stabilizaci oběhu za 48 hod. Přistupujeme k další operační revizi. Provádíme znovu revize perihepatického prostoru a anatomickou resekci jaterního segmentu II a III a selektivní podvaz jaterní žíly. Následně dochází k hemodynamické stabilizaci oběhu. V rámci pooperačního průběhu nejprve dochází k rozvoji fluidothoraxu, který byl vyřešen hrudní drenáží, a akutní akalkulozní cholecystitidě, která byla vyřešena punkční cholecystostomií. Pacientka je nyní primárně zhojena a angiologiem nasazena trvalá antikoagulační terapie. Příčina plicní embolizace nebyla zjištěna.

The patient suddenly experienced shortness of breath, collapse, and loss of consciousness at home. Layperson-performed, telephone-guided cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated, and upon the arrival of the emergency medical team, successful extended CPR was performed, after which the patient was transported to the emergency department at Hospital of České Budějovice. Basic stabilization of the clinical condition was carried out, the patient was secured, intubated, and transported to the CT scanner. A massive bilateral pulmonary embolism was verified byCT. Thrombolysis was immediately performed in the emergency room, circulation was stabilized, and the patient was transferred to the ICU. An hour later, the patient experienced severe circulatory instability in the ICU, requiring high-dose norepinephrine support. Ultrasound was performed, followed by a CT scan of the abdomen, which revealed massive hemoperitoneum. An urgent surgical consultation was performed, and surgery was recommended on a vital indication. An urgent laparotomy was performed on a hemodynamically unstable patient with the blood pressure 60/30 and the pulse 180/min. Despite massive circulatory support and erythrocyte transfusion, 4 liters of noncoagulable blood were drained from the hepatic region. The liver was torn in several places due to fractured ribs, most severely in the left lobe at the hepatic veins. Due to severe circulatory instability, the injury was deemed inoperable, and it was decided to stabilize the condition with perihepatic packing, after which the patient was transferred to the ICU. The ICU continued conservative therapy, and there was a gradual reduction in the drainage output. A second-look operation was performed after 48 hours – revision of the original wound and removal of the drapes. Multiple fissures were found in the right lobe, caused by broken ribs, with heavy bleeding from the dorsal hepatic veins. A combination of selective suturing and electrocoagulation of the fissures was performed. Due to ongoing circulatory instability, the decision was made to use perihepatic packing once again. The patient was left in the ICU for further circulatory stabilization, with a plan to do another surgical revision after stabilization in 48 hours. Another surgical revision was performed, revisiting the perihepatic space and performing an anatomical resection of liver segments II and III, followed by selective ligation of the hepatic vein. Hemodynamic stabilization was achieved. Postoperatively, a fluidothorax developed, which was managed by thoracic drainage, and acute acalculous cholecystitis, which was treated with puncture cholecystostomy. The patient is now primarily healed and has been started on long-term anticoagulation therapy by the angiologist. The cause of the pulmonary embolism was not determined.

• Keywords
• damage control surgery,
• MeSH
• Hemoperitoneum * surgery   diagnosis   etiology   MeSH
• Liver surgery   diagnostic imaging   injuries   MeSH
• Laparotomy MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Critical Care MeSH
• Pulmonary Embolism * diagnosis   complications   therapy   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Case Reports MeSH

• MeSH
• Pressure Ulcer diagnosis   nursing   therapy   MeSH
• Home Nursing MeSH
• Nursing Assessment MeSH
• Home Care Services MeSH
• Publication type
• Case Reports MeSH

Každý operačný výkon predstavuje u pacienta určité riziko a možnosť vzniku pooperačných komplikácii, hoci ide o bežne vykonávanú operáciu. Najčastejšie sa komplikácie vyskytujú u obéznych pacientov, kedy aj z banálnej operácie môže pacient skončiť na oddelení poskytujúcom intenzívnu starostlivosť a bojovať tak o svoj život. U obéznych pacientov je poskytovanie intenzívnej starostlivosti náročnejšie, nakoľko je potrebné u nich saturovať všetky základné potreby od prijímania potravy cez hygienu až po vyprázdňovanie. Cieľom príspevku je predstaviť a opísať priebeh liečby a ošetrovateľskej starostlivosti u extrémne obéznej pacientky po cholecystektómii, ktorej stav si vyžadoval intenzívnu starostlivosť z dôvodu rozvíjajúcej sa sepsy v oblasti operačnej rany, kde bolo potrebné využitie inovatívnych liečebných postupov a metód pri jej hojení. Metodika: Pomocou kvalitatívneho výskumu formou kazuistiky, opisujeme zaujímavý prípad pacientky, ktorá si vyžadovala 95 dňovú hospitalizáciu na intenzívnom oddelení s ťažkou sepsou, kardiovaskulárnym zlyhávaním, nutnosťou umelej pľúcnej ventilácie (UVP), s využitím VAC systému (vacuum assisted closure) na hojenie rany, dekubitmi rôznych stupňov, infekčnou hnačkou a syndrómom závislosti od UVP. Výsledky: Pacientka preložená z chirurgickej jednotky intenzívnej starostlivosti (JIS) v poruche vedomia, s potrebou zabezpečenia dýchacích ciest, napojenia na UVP, potrebou vazopresorickej podpory, septickým stavom, rozpadom operačnej rany a potrebou korekcie glykémie inzulínom v lineárnom dávkovači. Po cirkulačnej stabilizácii pacientky na 13. deň hospitalizácie bol naložený chirurgom do operačnej rany VAC systém, ktorý sa v pravidelných intervaloch menil. Počas hospitalizácie stav pacientky komplikovaný vznikom dekubitov a Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). U pacientky postupne vznikol syndróm závislosti na UVP, preto extubovaná až na 91. deň. Na 95. deň pacientka v stabilizovanom stave so zhojenými dekubitmi, preliečenou CDI infekciou a s VAC systémom preložená na oddelenie dlhodobo chorých. Aj banálna operácia môže skončiť bojom o život. U extrémne obéznych pacientov je riziko komplikácii vyššie, nakoľko trpia viacerými ochoreniami, ktoré spomaľujú proces hojenia rán a zároveň zvyšujú nároky na poskytovanú ošetrovateľskú starostlivosť vo všetkých oblastiach. Zachránený život však prevyšuje všetky nároky a je najväčšou odmenou pre celý personál oddelenia.

Every surgical procedure represents a certain risk and possibility of developing a patient. postoperative complications, although it is a commonly performed operation. Most often, complications occur in obese patients, when even a banal operation can cause a end up in an intensive care unit and fight for their lives. In obese patients, the provision of intensive care is more difficult, as it is necessary to restoreall basic needs from foodintake to hygiene to defecation. The aim of the paper is to present and describe the course of treatment and nursing care in an extremely obese cholecystectomy patient who secondition required intensive care for developing sepsis in the area of the surgical wound, as a result of which the wound It fell apart and it was necessary to use innovative treatments and methods to heal it. Methodology: Using qualitative research in the form of a case report, we describe an interesting the case of a patient who required 95 days of hospitalization in an intensive care unit with severe sepsis, cardiovascular failure, the need for artificial pulmonary ventilation (APV), using the VAC system (vacuum assisted closure) wound healing, pressure ulcers of varying degrees, infectious diarrhea and addictionsyndrome UVP. Results: Patient transferred from the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in a disorder of consciousness, with a need securing the respiratory tract, connection to UVP, the need for vasopressor support, septic condition, disintegration of the surgical wound and the need for glucose correction with insulin in lineardispenser. After circulatory stabilization of the patient on the 13th day of hospitalization, loaded by the surgeoninto the surgical wound of the VAC system, which at regular intervals Changed. During hospitalization, the patient’s condition is complicated by the development of pressure ulcers and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The patient gradually developed UVP dependence syndrome, so shewasextubated on day 91. At the 95. day a patient in a stablecondition with healed pressure ulcers, retreated CDI infection and with the VAC system transferred to the long-term care unit. Even a banal operation can end in a fight for life. In extremely obese patients, it is the risk of complications is higher, as they suffer from several diseases that slowdown the process of wound healing and at the sametimeincrease the demands on the nursing care provided in the allareas. However, a life saved exceed sall claims and is the grea test reward for the entire staff of the department.

• MeSH
• Clostridioides difficile MeSH
• Surgical Wound Dehiscence nursing   therapy   MeSH
• Pressure Ulcer nursing   therapy   MeSH
• Wound Healing MeSH
• Obesity complications   MeSH
• Critical Care Nursing MeSH
• Critical Care MeSH
• Pulmonary Ventilation MeSH
• Postoperative Complications nursing   therapy   MeSH
• Sepsis MeSH
• Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy MeSH
• Treatment Outcome MeSH
• Publication type
• Case Reports MeSH

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, often driven by prolonged exposure to pathological stimuli such as pressure and volume overload. These factors contribute to excessive oxidative stress, adverse cardiac remodeling, and dysregulation of the nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-sGC-cGMP) signaling pathway. Given the urgent need for effective treatments, this study investigated the potential of sGC stimulators to mitigate HF progression. We utilized male hypertensive Ren-2 transgenic (TGR) rats and a volume-overload HF model induced by an aortocaval fistula (ACF). Rats received the sGC stimulator BAY 41-8543 (3 mg/kg/day) for 30 weeks, while normotensive Hannover Sprague-Dawley rats served as controls. At the study endpoint (40 weeks of age), left ventricular tissue was analyzed using mass spectrometry, Western blotting, and histological assessment. TGR rats treated with sGC stimulators exhibited a significant increase in key antioxidant proteins (SOD1, CH10, ACSF2, NDUS1, DHE3, GSTM2, and PCCA), suggesting enhanced resistance to oxidative stress. However, sGC stimulator treatment also upregulated extracellular matrix remodeling markers (MMP-2, TGF-β, and SMAD2/3), which are typically associated with fibrosis. Despite this, Masson's trichrome staining revealed reduced collagen deposition in both TGR and TGR-ACF rats receiving sGC stimulators. Notably, all untreated TGR-ACF rats succumbed before the study endpoint, preventing direct assessment of sGC stimulator effects in advanced HF. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of sGC stimulators in HF, particularly through their antioxidant effects. However, their concurrent influence on fibrosis warrants further investigation to optimize treatment strategies.

• MeSH
• Chronic Disease MeSH
• Fibrosis MeSH
• Cyclic GMP metabolism   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Disease Models, Animal MeSH
• Morpholines MeSH
• Oxidative Stress * drug effects   MeSH
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley * MeSH
• Rats, Transgenic MeSH
• Pyridines pharmacology   therapeutic use   MeSH
• Pyrimidines MeSH
• Ventricular Remodeling drug effects   MeSH
• Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase * metabolism   MeSH
• Signal Transduction drug effects   MeSH
• Heart Failure * drug therapy   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Pressure ulcers (PUs) impose a significant economic burden on healthcare systems, affecting patient quality of life and leading to substantial treatment costs. This study presents a cost-of-illness analysis of PU treatment in hospitalized patients in the Czech Republic, based on real-world clinical data. The analysis was conducted using a comprehensive methodology at a Czech university hospital, involving 304 hospitalizations. The study included all hospitalized patients with PUs. Data were collected employing a bottom-up, person-based approach, which refers to the collection and analysis of cost data at the individual patient level. This method captures detailed resource utilization for each patient. The methodology accounted for both systemic and local costs, including materials, medications, caregiver time, and procedures. The study involved 304 hospitalizations, with a mean length of stay of 13 days. The total cost of PU treatment, excluding pharmacotherapy, had a median of €678, while including pharmacotherapy, the median cost rose to €929. Younger patients incurred higher treatment costs. Significant cost variations were observed among different departments. We developed and applied a novel cost model to quantify the expenses associated with PUs, which accurately highlighted the financial burden in the hospital care setting. We present a rigorous methodology for PU cost-of-illness analysis, providing a valuable tool for future research and clinical practice. This comprehensive approach supports the development of targeted interventions to reduce the incidence and severity of PUs, ultimately improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs.

• MeSH
• Pressure Ulcer * economics   therapy   MeSH
• Length of Stay economics   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Hospitalization economics   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Health Care Costs statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Hospitals, University * economics   MeSH
• Cost of Illness * MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH