Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the burden of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care units (ICUs) globally. However, epidemiological data on VAP in Slovak ICUs, particularly in the context of the pandemic, remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, microbial profiles, and risk factors of VAP in Slovak ICU settings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective analysis of VAP data was conducted for respiratory intensive care unit (ICU) patients in a Slovak university hospital, comparing data from the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The CDC/NHSN definitions for VAP were applied, and statistical analyses were performed using STATISTICA 13.1. Results: A total of 803 patients were analyzed, representing 8385 bed days and 5836 mechanical ventilator days. VAP rates increased significantly during the pandemic by 111%, from 8.46 to 17.86 events per 1000 MV days (p < 0.001). VAP rates in non-COVID-19 patients increased by 86% during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Pandemic conditions also increased ICU mortality from 25.66% to 40.52% (p < 0.001). VAP was identified as a critical determinant of ICU mortality, contributing to a 21.62% higher mortality rate among patients during the pandemic. Younger age, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and medical (vs. surgical) hospitalizations were associated with higher VAP incidence. Gram-negative bacteria dominated the pathogen profiles, with significant increases observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (183%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (150%), and Acinetobacter spp. (100%). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the incidence and epidemiology of VAP in Slovak ICUs, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in HAI surveillance and IPC practices.

(1) Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), its etiology, and risk factors in critically ill patients, because Slovakia was one of the countries experiencing a high burden of COVID-19 infections, and hospitals faced greater challenges in preventing and managing CLABSI; (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of CLABSI data from all patients admitted to adult respiratory intensive care units before and during COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. We followed the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control surveillance methodology for CLABSI. Data were analyzed using STATISTICA 13.1; (3) Results: We analyzed the data of 803 ICU patients hospitalized for 8385 bed days, with 7803 central line days. Forty-five CLABSI events were identified. The CLABSI rate significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic (2.81 versus 7.47 events per 1000 central line days, (p < 0.001). The most frequently identified pathogens causing CLABSI were Gram-negative organisms (60.20%). The risk factors found to increase the probability of developing CLABSI were length of stay (OR = 1.080; 95% Cl: 1.057–1.103; p < 0.001) and COVID-19 (OR = 5.485; 95% Cl: 32.706–11.116; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increases in CLABSI in ICUs. These data underscore the need to increase efforts in providing surveillance of CLABSI and implementing infection prevention measures.

The study describes the benefits of MIS-TLIF (minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) and compares them with OTLIF (open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion). It compares blood loss, length of hospitalization stays (LOS), operation time, and return of the patient to the environment. A total of 250 adults (109 males and 141 females), mean age 59.5 ± 12.6, who underwent MIS-TLIF in the Neurosurgery Clinic (NSC) Ruzomberok, Slovakia, because of lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD), participated in this retrospective study. Data were obtained from the patients’ medical records and from the standardized Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) index questionnaire. To compare ODI in our study sample, we used the Student’s Paired Sample Test. To compare the MIS-TLIF and OTLIF approaches, a meta-analysis was conducted. Confidence intervals were 95% CI. The test of homogeneity (Chi-square (Q)) and the degree of heterogeneity (I² test) among the included studies were used. Statistical analyses were two-sided (α = 0.05). All monitored parameters were significantly better in MIS-TLIF group: blood loss (p < 0.001), operation time (p < 0.001), and ODI changes (p < 0.001). LOS (p < 0.042) were close to the significance level. ODI in the study sample decreased by 33.44% points after MIS-TLIF, and it significantly increased as well (p < 0.001). The percentage of patients who were satisfied with the surgery they underwent was 84.8%. The study confirmed that the MIS-TLIF method is in general gentler for the patient and allows the faster regeneration of patient’s health status compared to OTLIF.

Background: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is one of the most common neuropsychological complications following stroke and is associated with greater functional disability and poorer functional outcomes. However, the relationship between self-reported depressive symptoms and functional independence remains insufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to examine the association between self-reported depressive symptoms and functional independence in patients in the chronic phase after stroke and examine selected sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with depressive symptom severity. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The sample consisted of 105 patients (64.75 ± 11.23 years) assessed 6–24 months after stroke. Functional independence was evaluated using the Functional Independence Measure and Functional Assessment Measure (FIM + FAM). Self-reported depressive symptoms were assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were applied. Results: A significant positive correlation was identified between total FIM + FAM score and depressive symptom severity (ρ = 0.479, p < 0.001). Significant associations were also observed for motor (ρ = 0.475, p < 0.001), cognitive (ρ = 0.447, p < 0.001), and EADL domains (ρ = 0.544, p < 0.001), with the strongest relationship found in EADL. After adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical factors, total FIM + FAM was not independently associated with depressive symptom severity (B = 0.032, p = 0.079), and neither were its individual domains. Social status remained independently associated with depressive symptom severity, with patients living alone reporting lower depressive symptom scores. Conclusions: Functional independence was positively associated with depressive symptom severity in bivariate analyses but not after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Social status remained independently associated with depressive symptom severity, highlighting the complex interplay between functional, social, and psychological factors after stroke.

Introduction: The article deals with the psychological workload of nurses working at the workplace of long-term patients. Goal: The goal of the work is to determine the level of psychological burden of nurses and its management at the workplace of long-term sick ward.patients. Methodology: In the study, a quantitative form of survey was chosen through a standardized questionnaire, which was supplemented with its own anonymous questions. The survey sample consisted of 216 respondents who worked in the position of a nurse in long-term care, while the condition was at least 1 year of experience at the given workplace. Results: It was found that 56% of the respondents decided on the given job because it was their dream job goal. The incidence of feeling stressed less than every week due to work was reported by 43% of respondents. Up to 58% of respondents felt mental and physical stress to the same degree. Psychological stress was caused by cooperation and communication with nurses in up to 49%. For 21% of respondents, the stressful situations were urgent, and in 16% the nurses‘ behavior played a role. Conclusion: From the results, it is possible to clearly recommend a higher level of education, preventive programs, an increase in the frequency of education and an expansion of educational resources related to burnout syndrome and psychological stress.