UDC 616.36-004-06:612.015.11:616.24-008.4]-092

Background. Hepatopulmonary syndrome is one of the most dangerous syntropies in case of liver cirrhosis. Consequently, it is important to determine the role of oxidative stress, acid-base balance and ventila-tion-perfusion disorders as factors of hepatopulmonary syndrome development in cirrhotic patients.

Materials and methods. We included 44 cirrhotic patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome verified according to the patented. Method for diagnosing degrees of hepatopulmonary syndrome severity in patients with liver cirrhosis. In addition tothe traditional examinations, we determined the gas composition parameters in venous blood, acid-base balance parameters, catalase activity and malondialdehyde level in all the patients. The received material was processed on a personal computer using Excel 2010, Statistica 6.0, RStudio v. 1.1.442 and R Commander v. 2.4-4.

Results. Analysis of blood gas parameters revealed the reliability of the difference for PCO2(р = 0.03) depending on the class of liver cirrhosis severity. Also, with the liver cirrhosis severity increase, the malondialdehyde level increased,and catalase decreased. Moreover, significant inverse relationships between malondialdehyde content and PCO2(p = 0.039), HCO3(p = 0.039), TCO2(p = 0.036), Beb (p = 0.049), BEecf (p = 0.043) were found resulting in hypo-capnia and partiallycompensated metabolicacidosis.The found direct correlation between malondialdehyde level and AaDO2(p = 0.044) indicates the arteriovenous pulmonary shunts, ventilation-perfusion disorders. The absenceof catalase content changes can obviously be explained by the fact that its activity can be partially compensatory maintained.

Conclusions. In patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome, the peroxidation activity enhances with anincrease in the liver cirrhosis severity, resulting in the redox homeostasis imbalance, leading to the ventilation-per-fusion disorders and partially compensated metabolic acidosis.

Keywords: liver cirrhosis; hepatopulmonary syndrome; intrapulmonary vasodilatation; oxidative stress; metabolic acidosis

Today there is a danger of spreading Ixodes ticks, which can cause Lyme disease, which is characterized by polysystemic lesions. As a rule, treatment involves antibiotic therapy. We studied the effectiveness of apitherapy by bee sting method in the complex treatment of patients with Lyme arthritis. Patients were prescribed a course of bee stings from 1 to 15 bee stings once every other day, a total of 102 stings. After a course of apitherapy, patients had significantly reduced or eliminated pain in the spine and joints, there was a significant decrease in IgM during bee stings between courses of antibiotic therapy and IgG in tests performed after a course of treatment with bees. Apitherapy can have a pronounced antibacterial effect over the next 2 years. In addition to these findings, further observations indicated that the immunomodulatory effects of bee venom may play a crucial role in mitigating inflammatory responses. Patients not only experienced relief from pain but also reported improved mobility and overall quality of life. The gradual reduction in specific antibody levels suggests that the bee sting treatment may help recalibrate the immune system over time. This additional benefit, coupled with the direct antibacterial properties of the venom, positions apitherapy as a promising complementary treatment approach. Continued research into the long-term effects is warranted to better understand its full therapeutic potential. Moreover, the observed improvements were supported by both subjective patient reports and objective clinical measurements. The treatment appeared to modulate the inflammatory cascade associated with Lyme arthritis, leading to fewer flare-ups and a reduction in joint stiffness. This innovative method also showed potential in preventing further joint degradation, thereby extending its benefit beyond immediate pain relief. Future studies are needed to explore the optimal dosing, frequency, and possible synergies with conventional antibiotic therapies, ensuring that patients receive the most effective comprehensive care.

Introduction. Celiac disease (CD) is a global public health problem. Recent studies have revealed the global prevalence of approximately 1.4% in adults. It is known to manifest usually in childhood and have different symptoms similar to other diseases. In the presented case reports the case of CD in adult, manifested by various atypical symptoms, that became the obstacle to diagnosis the CD in time was described.

Methods. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We performed a comprehensive literature search using such databases as Web of Science, Embase, PubMed. The search strategy included the following terms: "celiac disease", "gluten sensitivity", "pathophysiology", "diagnosis and treatment", "case report". Case description was described according to Case Report (CARE) guidelines.

Results. Recent advances in CD research have significantly enhanced our understanding of its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management in adults. Advances in genetic and immunological research have deepened our understanding of disease mechanisms, paving the way for novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

А female patient had the complaints of constant pain in the periumbilical and left hypochondriac areas, irregular defecation, diarrhea; legs swelling up to the level of knees. During the ultrasonography of the internal organs, free fluid in the abdominal cavity (approximately 2.0l) was detected. During the gastroscopy it was found pyloritis, gastroptosis, gastroduodenal reflux, CD was suspected, biopsy was taken. The results of the duodenal descending part biopsy: chronic enteritis with significant atrophic-inflammatory changes. To confirm the CD the serological testing also was conducted: IgA to deamidated gliadin > 9.0 (N-<1.0), IgG to deamidated gliadin 0.22 (N-<1.0), IgA to tissue transglutaminase 2 – 2.88 (N-<1.0), IgG to tissue transglutaminase 2 – 0.06 (N<1.0). After the mentioned examination the diagnosis of CD was set. The patient received symptomatic treatment followed by the gluten-free diet (GFD). After 10 days in the hospital the patient was discharged with improved condition and the main recommendation to maintain the GFD.

Discussion. CD is “getting older” and can be very similar to or accompanied by chronic pancreatitis, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome etc. As could be seen from the clinical case description, the combination of the characteristic symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, continuous or frequently repeated diarrhea should lead to the thorough examination of a patient including endoscopy with biopsy and if any suspicion exists, subsequent serological testing. GFD remains the cornerstone of treatment, ongoing research into enzyme supplements, immunomodulators, and even genetic modification of wheat offers hope for additional management options.

Conclusions. Only the multifaceted approach, combining serological tests, instrumental examinations and qualified histopathological assessment, offers a comprehensive means of identifying CD and enabling the timely treatment.

УДК 616.36–004:616.24–008.811.6–036

The aim of the study. To determine the frequency and character of syntropic extrahepatic lesions in cirrhotic patients depending on the hepatopulmonary syndrome severity degree.

Materials and methods. In a randomized manner with preliminary stratification by the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome were studied 93 patients with liver cirrhosis, who underwent the comprehensive clinical-laboratory and instrumental examination.

Results. According to the obtained results, most often in patients with liver cirrhosis associated with hepatopulmonary syndrome syntropic extrahepatic lesions affected other organ systems as follows: digestive system - 100.0 % patients under investigation; hematopoietic system - 84.9 %; nervous system - 81.7 %; integumentary system and mucous membranes - 78.5 %; blood circulatory system - 76. 3 %; osteoarticular system - 67.7 %; urinary system - 22.6 %. Increased severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with thein creased frequency of lesions.

Among syntropic polymorbid lesions of the integumentary system and mucous membranes, 68.8 % patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome had jaundice, 66.7 % - telangiectasia. Among lesions of the osteoarticular system osteopenia was diagnosed in 44.7 % of patients, osteoporosis - in 27.7 %. Among lesions of the circulatory system 52.7% of patients suffered from heart rhythm disorders, 49.5 % - from arterial hypotension, 20.4 % - from cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Among lesions of the hematopoietic system anemia (76.3 %), coagulopathy (73.1 %) and thrombocytopenia (61.3 %) were diagnosed most often. Digestive system lesionsinclude esophageal veins varicosities (94.6 % of patients), hemorrhoidal veins varicosites (68.8 %), and cirrhotic gastropathy (62.4 %). Among lesions of the urinary systemin 21.5 % of patientswas diagnosed type II hepatorenal syndrome. Among the lesions of central nervous system in 81.7 % of patientswas diagnosed hepatic encephalopathy. The frequency of syndromes and nosological units increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the increase of hepatopulmonary syndrome severity.

Conclusions. 100.0 % patients with liver cirrhosis accompanied byhepatopulmonary syndromewere affected by syntropic polymorbid lesionsof the digestive system, 94.6 % of which were represented by esophageal vein varicosites. Out of 84.9 % of patients with hematopoietic lesions anemia was diagnosed in 76.3 %, coagulopathy - in 73.1 % of cases. Of total 81.7 % patients withnervous system injurieshepatic encephalopathy was diagnosed in 81.7 % patients. In 78.5 % cases of damaged skin, its appendages and mucous membranesjaundice covered 68.8 %, and telangiectasia 66.7 % of cases. In 76.3 % of cardiovascular system lesions arrhythmias were diagnosed in 52.7 %. With the increasing severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome, the frequency of the above lesions increased significantly (p < 0.05).

УДК: 616.36–004:616.24–008.811.6–036

The aim of the study. To determine the frequency and character of syntropic extrahepatic lesions in cirrhotic patients depending on the hepatopulmonary syndrome severity degree.

Materials and methods. In a randomized manner with preliminary stratification by the presence of hepatopulmonary syndrome were studied 93 patients with liver cirrhosis, who underwent the comprehensive clinical-laboratory and instrumental examination.

Results. According to the obtained results, most often in patients with liver cirrhosis associated with hepatopulmonary syndrome syntropic extrahepatic lesions affected other organ systems as follows: digestive system - 100.0 % patients under investigation; hematopoietic system - 84.9 %; nervous system - 81.7 %; integumentary system and mucous membranes - 78.5 %; blood circulatory system - 76. 3 %; osteoarticular system - 67.7 %; urinary system - 22.6 %. Increased severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with thein creased frequency of lesions.

Among syntropic polymorbid lesions of the integumentary system and mucous membranes, 68.8 % patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome had jaundice, 66.7 % - telangiectasia. Among lesions of the osteoarticular system osteopenia was diagnosed in 44.7 % of patients, osteoporosis - in 27.7 %. Among lesions of the circulatory system 52.7% of patients suffered from heart rhythm disorders, 49.5 % - from arterial hypotension, 20.4 % - from cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Among lesions of the hematopoietic system anemia (76.3 %), coagulopathy (73.1 %) and thrombocytopenia (61.3 %) were diagnosed most often. Digestive system lesionsinclude esophageal veins varicosities (94.6 % of patients), hemorrhoidal veins varicosites (68.8 %), and cirrhotic gastropathy (62.4 %). Among lesions of the urinary systemin 21.5 % of patientswas diagnosed type II hepatorenal syndrome. Among the lesions of central nervous system in 81.7 % of patientswas diagnosed hepatic encephalopathy. The frequency of syndromes and nosological units increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the increase of hepatopulmonary syndrome severity.

Conclusions. 100.0 % patients with liver cirrhosis accompanied byhepatopulmonary syndromewere affected by syntropic polymorbid lesionsof the digestive system, 94.6 % of which were represented by esophageal vein varicosites. Out of 84.9 % of patients with hematopoietic lesions anemia was diagnosed in 76.3 %, coagulopathy - in 73.1 % of cases. Of total 81.7 % patients withnervous system injurieshepatic encephalopathy was diagnosed in 81.7 % patients. In 78.5 % cases of damaged skin, its appendages and mucous membranesjaundice covered 68.8 %, and telangiectasia 66.7 % of cases. In 76.3 % of cardiovascular system lesions arrhythmias were diagnosed in 52.7 %. With the increasing severity of hepatopulmonary syndrome, the frequency of the above lesions increased significantly (p < 0.05).