Background: The COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the entire global population, had an impact on our health and quality of life. Many people had complications, were hospitalised or even died due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The health systems of many countries had to radically change their way of functioning and scientists around the world worked intensively to develop a vaccine for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Aim: The aim of this work is to assess the quality of life of patients who were hospitalised for COVID-19, using the SF-36 questionnaire. Methods: Between May and August 2022, we conducted a telephone assessment of quality of life in patients who were hospitalised for COVID-19 at the Temporary Hospital in Pyrzowice (Silesia, Poland), between November 2021 and January 2022. Results: Quality of life was significantly lower in women (p = 0.040), those with DM2 (p = 0.013), CKD (p = 0.041) and the vaccinated (p = 0.015). Conclusions: People with chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and women had a lower quality of life after COVID-19 disease. However, people who were vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 had a lower quality of life than non-vaccinated people did. This is possibly due to the higher mean age, and probably the higher disease burden, in the vaccinated group.

Heart failure (HF) is a serious problem in a modern world, with increasing prevalence among ageing populations. The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, originally intended to treat type 2 diabetes, has revolutionised the treatment of HF. In this review article, we present the latest evidence on the mechanism of action of SGLT2 inhibitors, also called flosins, in HF. The primary mechanism of action of flosins is to reduce glucose reabsorption from glomerular filtration in the proximal renal tubule with a concomitant reduction in sodium reabsorption, leading to urinary glucose excretion and osmotic diuresis. Based on experimental findings, several pleiotropic effects of SGLT2 inhibitors have been proposed. Mechanisms also include regulation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways along with improved endothelial function. Recent multicentre studies of SGLT2 inhibitors have shown that they reduce hospitalisations for heart failure after their use, regardless of type 2 diabetes and the degree of cardiac systolic dysfunction.

The history of ketamine began in the 1960s. Ketamine is a specific anesthetic drug that exhibits analgesia, has a stabilizing impact on the cardiovascular system and does not significantly depress the respiratory system. It is responsible for causing the so-called dissociative effect. The effects of ketamine depend on the dose. Its mechanism of action is based primarily on the blockade of N-methyl D-aspartic acid receptors (NMDA) in the central nervous system. Due to its favorable action profile and small number of contraindications, ketamine is becoming an increasingly popular drug. In medicine, it is commonly used as an analgesic and an anesthetic. Studies conducted over recent years have noted that it can be effective in conditions such as: status epilepticus, status asthmaticus, agitation, alcohol dependence and alcohol withdrawal syndrome, depression, and suicidal thoughts. This paper reviews current reports on the uses of ketamine, beneficial especially to physicians with the Specialty in emergency medicine.

Critical conditions frequently involve disturbances in blood gas analysis and electrolyte imbalances. Sodium bicarbonate has seen expanded medical use in recent years. The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines endorse sodium bicarbonate for hyperkalemia, malignant hyperthermia, and specific drug intoxications. Its potential roles in treating intracranial hypertension and symptomatic hyponatremia are also being explored. However, its application in emergency departments (ED) remains inconsistent, particularly in profound metabolic acidosis cases. We conducted a review of sodium bicarbonate’s therapeutic uses. The evolving understanding of sodium bicarbonate's role in emergency medicine and intensive care highlights both its potential applications and associated risks. While not universally beneficial, especially in lactic acidosis, it may aid specific patient subgroups, such as those with acute kidney injury. Its use in hyperkalemia, intracranial hypertension and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) also presents mixed results, with potential benefits in particular contexts. Further large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to develop precise guidelines, ensuring its safe and effective use tailored to individual patient needs.

Introduction and aim. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disorder that may affect every organ. The use of immunosuppression has changed a natural course of the disease. Thereupon mortality in SLE is not only associated with implications of disease activity and its impact on cardiovascular system but also with treatment-related complications like cytopenia or increased risk of infection, which can lead to a life-threatening sepsis. Description of the case. We present a case of a 60-year-old Caucasian female patient with a long-time history of active SLE, who has first developed nephrotic syndrome and then acute lupus myocarditis (LM) complicated by dilated cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: The appearance of LM and its complications seem to be a landmark event in the further course of disease.

Introduction. Suspension trauma, also referred to as a harness-induced pathology or suspension syndrome, occurs when an individual is suspended motionless in a harness. Potentially fatal outcomes of such a condition consist in venous pooling, cerebral hypoperfusion, and rhabdomyolysis.Objective. To review literature sources on the key mechanisms of suspension injury and potential methods for improving the safety of people at risk.Results. This condition, recognized since the 1970s, affects individuals involved in activities requiring harness use, such as climbing and industrial work. Recent studies have emphasized the need for immediate horizontal positioning during rescue to restore blood flow and prevent complications. Proper management of hyperkalemia and rhabdomyolysis has become a crucial focus in treatment protocols. Additionally, recognition of the role of the Bezold–Jarisch reflex in cardiovascular collapse highlights the importance of comprehensive rescue strategies. Advances in harness design are also noted as significant preventive measures.Discussion. The findings indicate that while early management strategies focused on preventing sudden blood return to the heart by maintaining an upright position, more recent insights emphasize the importance of prompt horizontal repositioning. The role of neurocardiogenic factors, such as the Bezold–Jarisch reflex and the influence of rhabdomyolysis-related hyperkalemia, on outcomes has been recognized. This shift reflects an increased awareness of comprehensive rescue protocols that might mitigate risks associated with reflow syndrome and cardiovascular instability.Conclusions. The progress in understanding suspension injury has significantly improved prevention and treatment protocols. Immediate adjustment of the victim to a horizontal position, proper treatment of complications (for example, hyperkalemia), and improved design of safety systems — all play a key role in minimizing deaths. Further studies should be aimed at investigating the main pathogenetic mechanisms of suspension syndrome and development of advanced rescue methods for improving the safety of people at risk.