Calcium plays central roles in numerous biological processes, thereby, its levels in the blood are under strict control to maintain homeostatic balance and enable the proper functioning of living organisms. The regulatory mechanisms ensuring this balance can be affected by pathologies such as cancer, and as a result, hyper- or hypocalcemia can occur. These states, characterized by elevated or decreased calcium blood levels, respectively, have a significant effect on general homeostasis. This article focuses on a particular form of calcium metabolism disorder, which is hypercalcemia in neoplasms. It also constitutes a summary of the current knowledge regarding the diagnosis of hypercalcemia and its management. Hypercalcemia of malignancy is estimated to affect over 40% of cancer patients and can be associated with both solid and blood cancers. Elevated calcium levels can be an indicator of developing cancer. The main mechanism of hypercalcemia development in tumors appears to be excessive production of parathyroid hormone-related peptides. Among the known treatment methods, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, steroids, and denosumab should be mentioned, but ongoing research promotes progress in pharmacotherapy. Given the rising global cancer prevalence, the problem of hypercalcemia is of high importance and requires attention.

Introduction: A crucial aspect of the education of prospective medical professionals is their interaction with patients. The study aimed to explore patients’ perspectives on the interaction between medical students and themselves. It sought to understand how patients perceive this dynamic within clinical classes. The goal was to gather insights into the most favorable behavior and demeanor of medical students during these sessions, with the overarching objective of enhancing patient comfort. Material and Methods: The authors collected a total of 403 surveys from patients of a teaching hospital, regarding their perception of students as healthcare providers. The participants ranged in age from 18 to 92. 53.83% of the participants were female, and 46.17% were male. The surveys were collected between April 8th, 2022, and August 10th, 2022. The results of the anonymous survey undergone statistical analyses using the Mann‒Whitney U-test for comparing two groups and the Kruskal‒Wallis test for comparing more than two groups, because the Shapiro‒Wilk test indicated that the data did not follow a normal distribution. Results: The study delved into patients’ assessments of students’ external presentation, adherence to behavioral norms, empathetic qualities, consideration during intimate examinations, and preferences for the organization of clinical classes. Our research indicates notable differences in responses based on age. Specifically, the senior demographic prioritizes students’ external presentation, communication and the utilization of courteous language more often than younger individuals (p< 0.05). Attendees exhibit varying levels of interest in participating in educational sessions with students based on the ward. Significantly, individuals in the gynecology ward display the least enthusiasm for engagement (p< 0.05). Notably, the majority of patients perceive their involvement in the education of future healthcare professionals to be essential (83.38%). Conclusion: The study found that generally, patients voluntarily engage in educational classes with students. The relationship between patients and students is amicable, and the majority of students display a respectful demeanor toward patients. Nonetheless, preserving patient confidentiality and ensuring the proper management of classes remain persistent issues. This is particularly crucial, especially when the clinical classes pertain to intimate and personal health matters of a patient. Upholding and enriching the organization of such sessions, along with the attentiveness and knowledge of medical students regarding patient comfort, assumes heightened significance.

Introduction: Antipsychotic medication, frequently prescribed for managing psychosis, significantly enhance the quality of life for psychiatric patients. Nonetheless, they also harbor the risk of triggering cardiovascular side effects, which can range in severity and may pose challenges for patients, potentially disrupting their therapy. This study aims to elucidate these adverse effects, their potential etiology, and their prevalence. Material and methods: A review of available literature was performed by searching PubMed and Google Scholar, using the following keywords: antipsychotic drugs, adverse effects, cardiotoxicity, arrhythmia for original papers, review papers and meta-analyses published from 1992 to 2024. Discussion: It has been well-known for a long time that antipsychotic medication carries a lot of possible adverse effects. The cardiovascular adverse effects associated with antipsychotic medication encompass orthostatic hypotension, prolongation of the QT interval, atrial fibrillation, alterations in heart rate and cardiotoxicity, which may include myocarditis and cardiomyopathy. Fortunately, the occurrence of the most severe complications stemming from these effects is relatively uncommon. While the adverse effects of first and second-generation antipsychotics are extensively documented, further research is warranted to investigate the potential side effects of third-generation antipsychotic drugs. Conclusions: Cardiovascular adverse effects associated with antipsychotics can pose significant challenges and may even be life-threatening for patients. However, awareness of these effects should not discourage clinicians from prescribing them. Instead, it should motivate them to deepen their understanding and expertise. It would definitely lead to the improvement of patient care and treatment outcomes.

Odsetek pacjentów w podeszłym wieku (≥ 65 lat) chorujących na nieswoiste zapalenie jelit (inflammatory bowel disease – IBD) systematycznie rośnie. Wynika to zarówno ze starzenia się populacji, jak i rosnącej zachorowalności na IBD w wieku podeszłym (tj. w wieku ≥ 65 lat). Leczenie tej grupy chorych jest szczególnie wymagające z powodu zmian fizjologicznych związanych z wiekiem oraz częstych chorób współistniejących. Celem przeglądu jest ocena dodatkowych wyzwań terapeutycznych u osób starszych z IBD oraz analiza skuteczności i bezpieczeństwa stosowanych obecnie leków. Przeprowadzono przegląd literatury z wykorzystaniem baz danych PubMed, Embase i Scopus w celu oceny skuteczności i profilu bezpieczeństwa różnych leków stosowanych w IBD: 5-aminosalicylanów (5-ASAs), kortykosteroidów, tiopuryn, inhibitorów czynnika martwicy nowotworów alfa (tumor necrosis factor alpha – TNF-α), ryzankizumabu, ustekinumabu, wedolizumabu oraz inhibitorów kinazy Janus (Janus activated kinase – JAK). Najbardziej korzystny profil skuteczności i bezpieczeństwa wykazały 5-ASAs, wedolizumab oraz ustekinumab. Kortykosteroidy pozostają kluczowe w leczeniu umiarkowanych i ciężkich zaostrzeń. Ryzankizumab jest obiecującym lekiem, jednak konieczne są dalsze badania nad jego przydatnością. Tiopuryny, inhibitory TNF-α oraz inhibitory JAK wykazały mniej korzystne wyniki pod względem bezpieczeństwa i skuteczności. Leczenie starszych pacjentów z IBD musi uwzględniać zmiany fizjologiczne związane z procesem starzenia się oraz wysoką częstość występowania chorób współistniejących, które często utrudniają podejmowanie decyzji terapeutycznych. Odpowiedni dobór terapii może zwiększyć skuteczność leczenia i poprawić jakość życia chorych.