Elsa Kinga Grochowalska

Dr. Elsa Kinga Grochowalska


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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13 January 2023 in Frontiers in Immunology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EGElsa Kinga Grochowalska
Elsa Kinga Grochowalska
MZMarcin Ziętkiewicz
Marcin Ziętkiewicz
EWEwa Więsik-Szewczyk
Ewa Więsik-Szewczyk
AMAleksandra Matyja-Bednarczyk
Aleksandra Matyja-Bednarczyk
KNKatarzyna Napiórkowska-Baran
Katarzyna Napiórkowska-Baran
ZZZbigniew Zdrojewski
Zbigniew Zdrojewski
Introduction: Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are clinically heterogeneous disorders caused by abnormalities in the immune system. However, PIDs are genetically determined and may occur at any age from early childhood to elderly age. Due to chronic patterns, the risk of malignancy and organ damage in patients with PIDs may affect any aspect of life, including sleep patterns. To our knowledge, the prevalence of insomnia and subjective sleep quality have not been investigated in patients with PIDs. Therefore, this pilot study was conducted to investigate sleep quality, the prevalence of sleep disturbances, and fatigue in adult patients with PIDs in Poland.Methods: All participants were surveyed using the Athens Insomnia Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fatigue Severity Scale, and a questionnaire concerning general health and demographic data. We included 92 participants: 48 women (52.2%) and 44 men (47.8%).Results: Participants’ mean age was 41.9 ± 13.9 years. The mean sleep duration was 7.0 ± 1.5 hours, and the mean sleep latency was 41.2 ± 53.1 minutes. Additionally, 44.6% of patients (n=41) had symptoms of insomnia and 44.6% (n=42) had poor sleep quality. Less than one-fourth (n=22; 23.9%) of the patients reported the use of sleeping pills; moreover, clinically significant fatigue was reported in 52.2% (n=48).Discussion: Our investigation provides insight into the problem of sleep disturbances in patients with PIDs. Data have demonstrated that sleeping disorders with concomitant fatigue are common in patients with PID. Further studies are needed to determine the determinants of poor sleep quality in this specific group of patients.

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Journal Article
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MJMarta Jaskólska
Marta Jaskólska
IKIga Kościńska-Shukla
Iga Kościńska-Shukla
EGElsa Kinga Grochowalska
Elsa Kinga Grochowalska
MOMichał Olech
Michał Olech
ZMZofia Mikołajczak
Zofia Mikołajczak
MCMichal Chmielewski
Michal Chmielewski
Even though primary Sjögren disease (pSjD) is mainly associated with sicca symptoms, there are extraglandular manifestations of the disease which affect the quality of life of patients the most and may even be life-threatening. Among the most severe, polyneuropathy and myopathy are worth mentioning. Additionally, clinical observations suggest a higher prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) in this group of patients, clouding physicians’ assessment and potentially leading to unsuccessful therapeutic decisions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of pSjD and FM co-occurrence as well as to find the most effective screening tools and markers of such overlap. A total of 97 consecutive patients with diagnosed pSjD were incorporated in the study after obtaining their informed consent. Participants completed a set of broadly available questionnaires, including Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire, SF-36 and EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Patient-Reported Index (ESSPRI). Data on their laboratory results was collected in the dedicated database. Moreover, patients underwent electroneurographic (ENG) and electromyographic (EMG) testing. Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities were detected using MRI. Objective disease activity was evaluated based on EULAR Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI). The mean age was 55.3 (range 19.0–78.0 years, SD = 13.9). The disease duration ranged from 2 to 42 years (M = 9.03 years, SD = 7.1 years). Nearly half of the participants (n = 44, 45%) met diagnostic criteria of FM. Interestingly, the diagnosis of FM correlated with CNS involvement. There was no significant correlation between FM and either polyneuropathy/myopathy nor laboratory findings (however, C3c and folic acid concentrations were near the level of significance—mean 1.2 vs. 1.29; p = 0.075 and mean 11.35 vs. 9.21; p = 0.071, respectively). Within the subcategories of SF-36 and ESSPRI scales, significant positive correlation was noted with ESSPRI total score and ESSPRI pain score (neuropathic subcategory), while a negative correlation was found with SF-36 vitality score, physical functioning score, and the SF-36 total score. FM is common among pSjD patients and should be considered rather a comorbidity requiring different therapeutic approaches. At the fast-paced clinical environment, a concise ESSPRI assessment may be helpful in the initial screening of patients at risk of FM. Even though the origin of this phenomenon is unknown, the concepts of central sensitization and microglia polarization may be potential explanations and more molecular research in this direction could benefit the pSjD patients.

26 May 2025 in Rheumatology International
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Journal Article
Open access
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IKIga Kościńska-Shukla
Iga Kościńska-Shukla
MJMarta Jaskólska
Marta Jaskólska
EGElsa Kinga Grochowalska
Elsa Kinga Grochowalska
MOMarcin Okrój
Marcin Okrój
MCMichal Chmielewski
Michal Chmielewski
The impact of vitamin B complex has long been studied and utilized in clinical practice, both for healthy and diseased individuals. Its beneficial effects on physical and mental performance have been proven by multiple studies leading to widespread supplementation among the general population. As of today’s knowledge, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in excessive doses may lead to symptoms of neuropathy. Unfortunately, many of those supplementing vitamin B complex are unaware of such a risk. This case-based review presents three patients who initially searched for help due to neuropathic symptoms with the rheumatological diagnostic process following. All of them had a history of excessive vitamin B6 consumption, though through different sources. Cessation of supplementation led to prompt improvement in symptoms. These cases stress the importance of in-depth history taking and specifying instructions regarding prescribed supplements. The novelty of this article lies in the description of a patient who reported symptoms associated with central nervous system with concomitant abnormalities of the complement system, all of which resolved spontaneously upon normalization of pyridoxine concentration.

7 March 2024 in Frontiers in Psychiatry
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Journal Article
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EGElsa Kinga Grochowalska
Elsa Kinga Grochowalska
MZMarcin Ziętkiewicz
Marcin Ziętkiewicz
KNKatarzyna Nowicka-Sauer
Katarzyna Nowicka-Sauer
MTMariusz Topolski
Mariusz Topolski
EWEwa Więsik-Szewczyk
Ewa Więsik-Szewczyk
ZZZbigniew Zdrojewski
Zbigniew Zdrojewski
Background: Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) experience recurrent infections, autoimmunity, and malignancies. Owing to repeated medical procedures, the need for constant treatment and surveillance, and the unpredictable course of the disease, patients with IEI are prone to develop mental health disorders, including anxiety. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and level of anxiety symptoms in adult Polish patients with IEI and explore the determinants of anxiety in this group of patients.Methods: Data from 105 Polish patients with IEI were collected via the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), brief illness perception questionnaire (B-IPQ), illness cognition questionnaire (ICQ), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and a questionnaire on general health and demographic data. For statistical analyses of data, the normality of distribution of quantitative data was assessed, and internal consistency of tests was investigated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient; moreover, we performed the analysis of correlations and between-group differences, and path analysis to explore causal relationships. Significance was considered at p < 0.050.Results: Thirty-eight (36.2%) patients had anxiety symptoms (HADS-A ≥ 8); 14 (13.3%) patients had severe anxiety (score ≥ 11), and 24 (22.9%) had moderate anxiety (score of 8–10). Patients with poor sleep quality, higher pain frequency, younger age, and no fixed income had higher anxiety scores than others. Emotional and cognitive representations of illness were positively correlated with anxiety levels. Intense anxiety was related to more negative illness perception, higher helplessness, lower illness acceptance, and lower perceived benefits.Discussion: Anxiety is common in patients with IEI. However, results indicate that it is not related to a more severe course of IEI or several comorbidities, whereas, pain frequency and poor sleep quality were identified to be important clinical factors for anxiety. Because anxiety was related to negative illness perception, psychological therapy may apply to this group of patients.

1 January 2024 in International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
EGElsa Kinga Grochowalska
Elsa Kinga Grochowalska
MZMarcin Ziętkiewicz
Marcin Ziętkiewicz
JDJaroslaw Dulski
Jaroslaw Dulski
JSJarosław Sławek
Jarosław Sławek
HSHanna Suchanek
Hanna Suchanek
MJMarta Jaskólska
Marta Jaskólska
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by decreased or undetectable serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), decreased levels of IgA isotypes, and poor specific antibody production in response to vaccines and pathogens. Owing to hypogammaglobulinemia, patients have increased susceptibility to infections and a higher risk of malignancies. Here we present a case study of patient with a diagnosis of CVID, who refused immunoglobulin replacement therapy despite plenty of complications. Patient suffered from recurrent respiratory and digestive tract infections, diarrhea, malnutrition, infection of the central nervous system, and autoimmune complications. The complications of untreated hypogammaglobulinemia eventually led to the death of the patient at the age of 63 years. Patients with CVID have an increased susceptibility to chronic infections and subsequent complications; hence, proper treatment with immunoglobulin replacement therapy should be administered. Owing to the increased risk of autoimmunity and malignancy, regular surveillance should be conducted in patients with CVID. Understanding the natural history of untreated hypogammaglobulinemia emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and vigilant follow-up in patients with CVID.