Zuzanna Szczepaniak

Dr. Zuzanna Szczepaniak


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 March 2024 in Current Oncology Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Bartosz MałkiewiczBartosz Małkiewicz
Bartosz Małkiewicz
GŚGabriela Świrkosz
Gabriela Świrkosz
WLWojciech Lewandowski
Wojciech Lewandowski
KDKatarzyna Demska
Katarzyna Demska
ZSZuzanna Szczepaniak
Zuzanna Szczepaniak
TSTomasz Szydełko
Tomasz Szydełko
Purpose of Review: This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving role of retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) in the management of testicular cancer (TC). It explores the significance of RPLND as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, highlighting its contribution to accurate staging, its impact on oncological outcomes, and its influence on subsequent treatment decisions. Recent Findings: RPLND serves as an essential diagnostic procedure, aiding in the precise assessment of lymph node involvement and guiding personalized treatment strategies. It has demonstrated therapeutic value, particularly in patients with specific risk factors and disease stages, contributing to improved oncological outcomes and survival rates. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of meticulous patient selection and nerve-sparing techniques to mitigate complications while optimizing outcomes. Additionally, modern imaging and surgical approaches have expanded the potential applications of RPLND. Summary: In the context of TC management, RPLND remains a valuable and evolving tool. Its dual role in staging and therapy underscores its relevance in contemporary urological practice. This review highlights the critical role of RPLND in enhancing patient care and shaping treatment strategies, emphasizing the need for further research to refine patient selection and surgical techniques.

23 August 2024 in Quality in Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AKAgata Konopka
Agata Konopka
ZSZuzanna Szczepaniak
Zuzanna Szczepaniak
NWNatalia Wdowiak
Natalia Wdowiak
KLKARINA KLAUDIA LISSAK
KARINA KLAUDIA LISSAK
MKMałgorzata Komarów
Małgorzata Komarów
JKJakub Kalisiak
Jakub Kalisiak
Introduction: TORCH syndrome refers to a group of symptoms caused by congenital infections with teratogenic pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, Varicella, Treponema pallidum, Parvovirus B19, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can also encompass infections like HIV, Zika virus (ZIKV), hepatitis B, and SARS-CoV-2. These pathogens can pass through the placenta, overcoming various placental barriers. Infections during pregnancy can result in severe consequences for both the fetus and the mother. Common symptoms in newborns include low birth weight, rashes, hepatosplenomegaly, cardiac anomalies, jaundice, chorioretinitis, and microcephaly, with 2% to 3% of congenital anomalies attributed to perinatal infections. The incidence of these infections varies globally. Purpose of the work: This study aims to review and characterize TORCH syndrome and the prevention of TORCH infections. Materials and methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus was undertaken using the searchterms encompassing the following keywords: TORCH syndrome / infections during pregnancy / perinatal infections / Toxoplasmosis / Rubella / CMV infection / Herpes Simplex Virus infection / Parvovirus B19 / Treponema pallidum / vaccinations before and during pregnancy / maternal nutrition. Results: TORCH syndrome is a significant issue causing congenital diseases, premature births, and intrauterine deaths, impacting babies throughout their lives. Most complications can be prevented with proper prophylaxis and early treatment. Increasing awareness and providing education for women from preconception through the early postnatal period is essential. Addressing TORCH syndrome remains a major medical challenge, but improving management offers hope for better outcomes.

25 October 2024 in Quality in Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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NWNatalia Wdowiak
Natalia Wdowiak
MCMartyna Choinka
Martyna Choinka
AKAgata Konopka
Agata Konopka
ZSZuzanna Szczepaniak
Zuzanna Szczepaniak
KAKinga Adamska
Kinga Adamska
Introduction: Wilson's disease (WD) is a genetic disease, inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, caused by a mutation in the ATP7B gene, which results in impaired excretion of copper in the bile. This causes the accumulation of copper in various tissues and organs, leading to their damage. The range and severity of symptoms are wide, so diagnosis is difficult and requires a high index of suspicion. The most common clinical symptoms are hepatic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Diagnosis is based primarily on clinical suspicion, typical symptoms and reduced serum ceruloplasmin concentration. Treatment includes pharmacological therapies, and in some cases liver transplantation is necessary. Wilson's disease, if left untreated, inevitably leads to serious disability and death. Purpose of the work: This study aims to review and characterize the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of Wilson’s disease. Materials and methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus was undertaken using the searchterms encompassing the following keywords: Wilson’s disease, Copper metabolism, Copper toxicity, ATP7B, Ceruloplasmin, Gene Mutation Results: Wilson's disease is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to severe disability and even death. For this reason, rapid diagnosis and appropriately selected and individualized treatment play a key role. Wilson's disease remains a major diagnostic challenge, but new techniques for its diagnosis, such as genotype analysis, mainly through sequencing, as well as newborn screening, may significantly improve patient prognosis in the future.

16 September 2024 in Quality in Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ZSZuzanna Szczepaniak
Zuzanna Szczepaniak
AKAgata Konopka
Agata Konopka
NWNatalia Wdowiak
Natalia Wdowiak
KLKARINA KLAUDIA LISSAK
KARINA KLAUDIA LISSAK
MKMałgorzata Komarów
Małgorzata Komarów
JKJakub Kalisiak
Jakub Kalisiak
Introduction: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of diseases in which genetic defects occur that disturb the synthesis of cortisol. The most common variant of CAH (95%-99%) is caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency as a result of mutations in the CYP21A2 gene and is one of the most common monogenic diseases. CAH is characterized by androgen overproduction along with variable degrees of cortisol and aldosterone deficiency. Age at diagnosis can provide some information about the underlying mutations, with those diagnosed at birth/early infancy being at greater risk of developing serious enzyme defects. Classic and non-classical forms of this disorder have been described in the literature. CAH diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation, hormonal panel, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, and genetic testing. The main goals of treatment for congenital adrenal hyperplasia are glucocorticoid/mineralcorticoid supplementation, control of high adrenal androgen levels, fertility control, genetic counseling, and optimization of patients’ quality of life. Purpose of the work: This study aims to review and characterize the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Materials and methods: A comprehensive analysis of research papers available on PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus was undertaken using the searchterms encompassing the following keywords: congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 21-hydroxylase deficiency, CYP21A2 Results: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders that can lead to serious and even fatal complications in the form of adrenal crisis. Therefore, screening tests and early diagnosis are crucial and can save the lives of newborns. Treatment should be individualized and allow patients to achieve normal growth, sexual development, fertility and a better quality of life.

29 September 2024 in Quality in Sport
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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KLKARINA KLAUDIA LISSAK
KARINA KLAUDIA LISSAK
ZSZuzanna Szczepaniak
Zuzanna Szczepaniak
AKAgata Konopka
Agata Konopka
NWNatalia Wdowiak
Natalia Wdowiak
MCMartyna Choinka
Martyna Choinka
BOBartłomiej Orzeł
Bartłomiej Orzeł
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention. It is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults, with an incidence of around 5.2 cases per million people annually. Nearly half of UM patients develop metastatic disease, most often affecting the liver. UM refers to any malignant tumor arising from melanocytes in the uveal tract, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Treatment options for UM depend on several factors, including tumor size, location, and the patient's overall health. These options may include radiation therapy, surgery, laser treatments, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. UM is often described as an immune-privileged tumor, with a distinct immune profile compared to cutaneous melanoma (CM). This article aims to highlight the unique characteristics and challenges associated with this rare form of melanoma. By providing detailed information, the article seeks to enhance understanding and management of this rare form of melanoma.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Paweł DębińskiPaweł Dębiński
Paweł Dębiński
JKJakub Karwacki
Jakub Karwacki
ŁNŁukasz Nowak
Łukasz Nowak
ZSZuzanna Szczepaniak
Zuzanna Szczepaniak
MJMaria Jędryka
Maria Jędryka
TSTomasz Szydełko
Tomasz Szydełko
Objectives: The impact of renal ischemia during partial nephrectomy (PN) on postoperative renal function remains controversial. On-clamp PN provides improved surgical exposure and haemostasis but induces warm ischemia, which may impair renal function. Off-clamp PN avoids ischemia-related injury and may better preserve renal function, although concerns persist regarding blood loss and oncological safety. We systematically compared perioperative and functional outcomes, as well as surgical margin status between on-clamp and off-clamp PN. Methods: We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing on-clamp versus off-clamp PN with no publication time limitations. Outcomes included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), percentage eGFR change, estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion rates, positive surgical margins (PSMs), operative time, and complications. Results: Thirty-nine studies (four RCTs) including 10,154 patients were analysed. Off-clamp PN was associated with a smaller decline in eGFR (mean difference [MD] −4 mL/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI −5.7 to −2.8) and lower percentage eGFR loss (MD −1.7%, 95% CI −2.8 to −0.7). On-clamp PN was associated with lower EBL (MD −48 mL, 95% CI −72 to −25). Transfusion rates favored on-clamp PN but were not statistically significant (OR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5–1.0). On-clamp PN was associated with a higher risk of PSM (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0–1.7) and postoperative complications (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6). Between-study heterogeneity and predominance of observational data were key limitations. Conclusions: Off-clamp PN provides superior renal functional preservation and lower risks of PSMs and complications, at the cost of increased blood loss. These findings support individualized surgical decision-making based on patient and tumor characteristics. What does the study add?: This study provides an extensive and detailed comparison of off-clamp versus on-clamp partial nephrectomy, encompassing more than 10,000 patients from 39 studies. By integrating the available evidence up to late 2024, it delivers comprehensive estimates of the renal functional benefits associated with ischemia-free surgery. Our findings delineate the trade-offs between renal preservation, blood loss, and surgical margin status, thereby informing individualised decision-making in nephron-sparing surgery and refining current understanding of when ischemia avoidance is most clinically advantageous. Patient summary: Our study suggests that performing partial nephrectomy without temporarily clamping the kidney blood vessels may better preserve kidney function and reduce cancer-related surgical risks, but can lead to increased blood loss during surgery. These findings indicate that the choice of surgical technique should be individualised, taking into account tumour features and patient-specific factors.