[Background – The recently published “EarlyStim” study demonstrated that deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with early fluctuations is superior to the optimal pharmacological treatment in improving the quality of life and motor symptoms, and preserving sociocultural position. Our retrospective investigation aimed to evaluate if DBS therapy was able to preserve the working capabilities of our patients. Methods – We reviewed the data of 39 young (<60 years-old) PD patients who underwent subthalamic DBS implantation at University of Pécs and had at least two years follow-up. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their working capabilities: Patients with active job (“Job+” group, n=15) and retired patients (without active job, “Job-” group, n=24). Severity of motor symptoms (UPDRS part 3), quality of life (EQ-5D) and presence of active job were evaluated one and two years after the operation. Results – As far as the severity of motor symptoms were concerned, similar (approximately 50%) improvement was achieved in both groups. However, the postoperative quality of life was significantly better in the Job+ group. Majority (12/15, 80%) of Job+ group members were able to preserve their job two years after the operation. However, only a minimal portion (1/24, 4.2%) of the Job- group members was able to return to the world of active employees (p<0.01, McNemar test). Conclusion – Although our retrospective study has several limitations, our results fit well with the conclusions of “EarlyStim” study. Both of them suggest that with optimal timing of DBS implantation we may preserve the working capabilities of our patients.]

[Aim of the research: The aims of the authors were to compare the clinical proceeding of periprosthetic infection with comorbidities and age, respectively. They were investigated the proportion of prothesis removal to achieve healing in case of periprosthetic infection and the influence of certain comorbities to infection elimination. Research and sampling methods: In the study, clinical and follow up data was collected retrospectively through 3 years from 46 patients treated due to hip and knee joint periprosthetic infection. For statistical analysis, SPSS program was used. Results: According to the examination, loss of function in joints occurs in 82% of cases, although 50% of the infected prostheses can be salvage primarily based on patient follow up data. In case of diabetic patients, positive tendency was observed between the days of hospitalization or age and the chance of loss of function. Significant difference (p=0.022) was determined between the leucocytosis at the time of admission and the loss of function. Conclusions: There is no clear prognostic factor, which can enhance a patients group, who has failed to commit everything to keep the prosthesis observance. ]

Background and purpose - There is a lack of data on the impact on health related quality of life of peripheral neuropathic pain in Hungary. The main aims of the study were to assess the health related quality of life of nondiabetic PeNP patients identified in general practices through screening, and to assess the relationship between condition specific pain scores and health state utilities. Methods - Non-diabetic patients aged ≥30 years were recruited in 10 general practices in Hungary. At first, patients filled in the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q) and those who have achieved ≥13 PD-Q score (unclear or possible neuropathic pain) were further assessed by the DN4 questionnaire. Patients with PD-Q score >18 or DN4 score ≥4 were considered to have PeNP and they completed the EQ-5D health questionnaire. Results - Among the 111 patients identified as non-diabetic PeNP patients the mean age was 62 (SD=14) years, 69% were women. Average EQ-5D score was 44% lower than the gender and age matched Hungarian norm (0.42 vs. 0.75, p<0.001) and it worsened with increasing pain intensity. The pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were the most affected EQ-5D dimensions. Strong relationship was demonstrated between the PD-Q and EQ- 5D score. Most of the PeNP patients (86%) were undiagnosed. Conclusions - Non-diabetic PeNP pain has a huge negative impact on health related quality of life. Although PeNP is a serious chronic condition, the disease burden is seriously underestimated, both on the level of individuals and society, due to the fact that patients are rarely identified.

[INTRODUCTION - Health care professionals undertaking treatment/nursing of the seriously ill are equally overburdened emotionally, intellectually and physically. This condition might have several, sometimes irreversible negative consequences: avowed difficulties within the communication with patients, families and colleagues, various harms of accumulating, unprocessed stress, severe physical and psychological symptoms of mental burn-out which is very frequent and failures and difficulties of the private life. In our survey we aimed to gain a realistic image of the physical and psychological condition and quality of life of professionals working in Hungarian clinical care in order to provide with indelayable help. METHODS - The basis of the survey was a version of the Hungarostudy 2002 questionnaire, modified for health care professionals. In our sample there were 200 health care professionals dealing with seriously ill and in the control groups 1356 non health care professionals, and 227 health care professionals, choosen from the Hungarostudy survey. In all three groups the proportion of gender, age and education were the same. The results were analysed by the SPSS 10.0 statistical program and the relationship analysis was completed by ANOVA test. RESULTS - The analysis of the answers of those attending in our questionnaire survey - compared to those working in other health care field and to the control group of non health care workers - proves that the ratio of exhaustion and stress-dependent physical and psychological symptoms are prominently, in many cases significantly higher among health care workers dealing with the seriously ill, addiction is more frequent and social net is more unfavourable. These data are even worse for nurses than for doctors and other graduates. CONCLUSION - In treating difficult cases we can start to help with special education that should be general both in gradual and postgradual training.]

[The increase of incidence of overweight and obesity is a worldwide problem. Its therapy, as well as prevention, require holistic perception of the issue. The results demonstrate that these diseases cannot be perceived separately but from the perspective of health impact. The socio-economic area, the influences of ethnicity, cultural particularities and a lot of other factors must be considered. This article is focusing on the relation between the socio-cultural environment and perception of overweight and obesity as factors which can be directly reflected with preventive and therapeutic measures. The results show that ethnicity, cultural particularities, acculturation level, social status etc. are factors that influence the incidence of the relevant diseases to some degree. At present, there is lack of sufficient research studies which support the creation and implementation of culturally adequate interventions not only on the territory of the Czech Republic but worldwide. ]