[The joint appearance of pregnancy and cancer is rare. It is highly recommended that the tumorous pregnant should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. The early diagnosis is very important, but it is not easy, because the symptoms of pregnancy and cancer are rather similar. Imaging diagnosis has to avoid ionizing radiation (e.g. PET/CT). The same is true for chemotherapy in the fi rst trimester, due to the increased risk of developmental abnormalities. Consequently, radiation therapy is not allowded throughout the pregnancy, and the chemotherapy in the fi rst trimester is a strong indication for the interruption of pregnancy. Surgery, with good practice, usually can be performed without complications. Chemotherapy, given in the second and third trimester generally follows the standard protocols with a low frequency of developmental errors. Early delivery should not be encouraged, except the delay has a hazardous effect on the mother and/or on the child. The pregnant should be informed about all steps to be an active part of the fi nal decision.]

[Peripheral neuropathy is caused by structural or functional damage of nervous system. The pathophysiology is not well known. Its clinical features are established but there is a need to standardize CIPN assessment, also considering that health care providers and patients frequently have a different perception of CIPN severity. Neurotoxicity caused by traditional chemotherapy is widely recognized in patients with cancer. The adverse effects of newer therapeutics, such as targeting and immunotherapeutic agents, need more information for the proper management. This review addresses the main neurotoxicities of cancer treatments with a focus on the newer therapeutics. Recognition of these patterns of toxicity is important because drug discontinuation or dose adjustment might prevent further neurological injury. Treatment is symptomatic. For prevention or treatment there is need for further basic research outcomes.]

[INTRODUCTION - Inactivated influenza and H1N1 vaccination is recommended yearly for patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving immunosuppressive therapy; however, immunomodulator and biological therapy might impair the immune response to the vaccination. In our study, we assessed whether immunity can develop in response to H1N1 influenza vaccination in patients receiving immunomodulator and/or biological therapy. We also assessed the occurrence of side effects after the immunisation in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS - In our prospective study, blood samples were obtained from 24 patients (12 Crohn’sdisease, 12 ulcerative colitis) one month after immunisation against influenza A/California/ 07/2009 (H1N1) virus. At the time of vaccination, all patients have been receiving immunomodulator and/or biological therapy for at least three month. Antiviral antibodies were detected by using microneutralisation assay. The safety of the vaccination was assessed by questionnaires. RESULTS - Every patient developed complete immunity against influenza A (H1N1) virus, independently from the type of immunosuppressive therapy. Regarding side effects, local symptoms occurred in six patients and systemic symptoms in another six patients. Mild diarrhea occurred in five patients. Moderate exacerbation of the disease was observed in 2 patients with Crohn’s disease and in one patient with ulcerative colitis. CONCLUSIONS - According to our results, immunocompromised patients with IBD can be safely advised to receive the vaccination. In our study, all patients developed adequate immunity according to microneutralisation titers.]

[Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, lifelong disease that causes severe joint deformity, reduces quality of life, and, if not treated appopriately, leads to disability and substantial premature mortality. Its treatment is a multistep procedure, where different grades of treatment options follow each other. Besides traditional, diseasemodifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological therapies inhibiting TNF, a new therapautic option is the use of a chimeric antibody, rituximab, which inhibits B lymphocyte function. This drug is an effective and safe choice for those patients who have received various anti- TNF therapies or do not tolerate TNF inhibition.]

[Purpose - Whereas the protective effect of mild-to-moderate alcohol consumption against ischemic stroke has been well recognized, there is conflicting evidence regarding the link between alcohol consumption and hemorrhagic strokes. The aim of the present study is to summarize the results of case-control and cohort studies published on this issue. Methods - Recent epidemiologic articles on the relationship between alcohol consumption and hemorrhagic stroke were identified by Medline searches limited to title words using the following search terms: ”alcohol AND cerebrovascular dis*”, ”alcohol AND stroke”, ”alcohol AND cerebral hemorrhage” and ”alcohol AND hemorrhagic stroke”. Results - Most case-control and cohort studies either repor-ted only on total strokes or on a combined group of hemorr-hagic strokes including intracerebral as well as subarachnoid hemorrhages. There was a consensus among reports that heavy alcohol consumption was associated with a higher risk of hemorrhagic strokes. Controversy remains regarding the effect of mild-to-moderate alcohol consumption: while some studies reported a protective effect, others found a dose-dependent linear relationship between the amount of alcohol consumed and the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. The differential effect of moderate alcohol consumption on hemorrhagic compared to ischemic strokes is mostly attributed to alcohol- and withdrawal- induced sudden elevations of blood pressure, and coagulation disorders. Conclusions - Heavy drinking should be considered as one of the risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke. In contrast to the protective effect of mild-to-moderate alcohol use against ischemic strokes, moderate drinking might result in an increased risk of hemorrhagic strokes.]