International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science

THE HYPERGLYCEMIC HYPEROSMOLAR SYNDROME: HISTORY AND ESSENTIAL CLINICAL INSIGHTS

Ignacy Maciejewski — 2025-09-12

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is one of the most severe acute complications of diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by profound hyperglycemia, absence of ketoacidosis, and altered mental status. With a mortality rate that may reach up to 20%, HHS remains a critical but often underrecognized clinical entity. Historically marginalized due to its relative rarity and poorly understood pathophysiology, its clinical relevance is increasing in parallel with lifestyle changes and the global rise in type 2 diabetes prevalence.

The aim of this article was to compile key information on the history, pathophysiology, and management of HHS in order to raise awareness among all healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with diabetes. Early recognition of HHS is essential to initiate timely treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Classic symptoms such as excessive thirst with accompanying polyuria and altered mental status particularly in patients with seemingly mild infections or those with chronic but untreated or poorly controlled diabetes - should prompt increased vigilance among medical staff.

Rapid diagnostic evaluation and prompt initiation of treatment must be prioritized in emergency settings to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this life-threatening condition.

PROPOFOL-RELATED INFUSION SYNDROME: A REVIEW OF THE CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND THE MANAGING APPROACH

Julia Mazurek — 2025-09-12

Introduction and purpose: Propofol, widely used as an anesthetic and sedative, has seen a significant rise in its application, particularly in intensive care units, over the past decade. In recent years, numerous reports have highlighted the emergence of a propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRIS) in critically ill adults and, more commonly, children receiving continuous propofol infusion for sedation or anesthesia. Propofol-related infusion syndrome (PRI) is typically characterized by progressive metabolic acidosis, hemodynamic instability, and bradyarrhythmias that may remain unresponsive to aggressive pharmacological intervention. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature on PRIS, examining its clinical manifestations, proposed pathophysiological mechanisms, and potential strategies for managing the syndrome should it arise in clinical practice. The authors want to emphasize a remarkable role of careful evaluation of patients treating with propofol.

Materials and methods: A thorough search of electronic databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, was conducted using relevant keywords such as „Propofol-related infusion syndrome”, „Propofol”, „Propofol infusion”, „Propofol infusion syndrome”. All retrieved papers were evaluated for relevance based on their titles, abstracts, and full-text content. We used AI tools to grammatically correct text.

THE MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Marta Jutrzenka — 2025-09-12

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a progressive metabolic disorder with increasing global prevalence and a wide variety of complications. While clinical attention focuses mostly on its vascular pathologies, musculoskeletal disorders remain under-recognized and poorly managed. This review provides an overview of musculoskeletal complications associated with both type 1 and 2 diabetes, including bone fragility, Charcot neuroarthropathy, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, osteoarthritis, adhesive capsulitis, diabetic amyotrophy, and diabetic muscle infarction. The pathophysiology of these conditions is complex, involving impaired glucose levels, insulin resistance, accumulation of advanced glycation end-products, chronic inflammation process, and vascular changes. Preventive strategies, early diagnosis, and adjusted management are crucial to mitigate the impact of these complications on diabetic patients, their mobility, and quality of life. This article aims to highlight the importance of musculoskeletal complications and raise awareness of the significance of integrated management of diabetes.

Objective: This review aims to describe several musculoskeletal complications of diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods: A review of the available literature from the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases published within the last 20 years.

LUNG ULTRASOUND: CONTEMPORARY POSSIBILITIES - ORIGINAL PAPER

Rafał Rajski — 2025-09-15

Introduction: For many years, lung ultrasound was considered a controversial, even impossible, technique. Years of research have accumulated compelling evidence for the usefulness of this technique in clinical practice, and its user base has gradually expanded. The greatest boom in this technique occurred with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it proved extremely effective in monitoring its progression.

Methods: Our personal experience confronted with literature research by Pubmed, Web of Science, Google Schoolar.

Results: The lack of standardized definitions and nomenclature has led to a certain dissonance in publications and controversy, which is evident when reviewing the literature. Other controversial issues include the type of examination equipment used, the measurement of artifacts and the accurate assessment of their sonomorphology, as well as the extension of the examination to include additional elements such as the diaphragm. An issue repeatedly raised in publications is the need to develop a system of training and certification in lung ultrasound skills, which would allow for the standardization of the technique, nomenclature, and diagnostic criteria. Another problem is the lack of inclusion of lung ultrasound in the practice guidelines of various scientific societies in many countries, which is the subject of work by national and international ultrasound associations.

Conclusions: Despite some controversy, lung ultrasound is a valuable tool in everyday clinical practice with great potential for development.

SJÖGREN'S SYNDROME: MUCH MORE THAN SICCA SYMPTOMS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Anna Maryńczak — 2025-09-15

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a long-term autoimmune disease that mainly results in dry eyes and mouth due to dysfunction of the lacrimal and salivary glands. It can also lead to a wide range of systemic symptoms, potentially involving multiple organ systems. The disorder is categorized as primary (pSS) when it arises on its own, or secondary when it occurs alongside other autoimmune conditions. Diagnosis is frequently delayed by several years after symptom onset, and even after a diagnosis is made, no therapies currently exist that target the root cause of the disease. In this article, we focus on the systemic manifestations of Sjögren's syndrome and their treatment. We also present current research directions related to the disease’s pathogenesis and therapy, while highlighting specific areas that require further investigation. Advancing knowledge in these fields may contribute to improving the quality of life for SS patients and to the development of more personalized and effective treatment approaches.

ETRASIMOD IN THE TREATMENT OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS: EFFICACY, SAFETY, AND ITS ROLE IN THERAPY - REVIEW

Patrycja Kardasz — 2025-09-15

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the large intestine, often associated with significant impacts on patients' quality of life and public health systems. Traditional treatments, such as aminosalicylates, are not always effective, especially in moderate to severe cases. Etrasimod, a novel oral selective modulator of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors, offers an innovative therapeutic approach by regulating immune cell migration and reducing intestinal inflammation. This review explores the efficacy, safety, and potential role of Etrasimod in the treatment of UC. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated its significant effectiveness in both the induction and maintenance of remission in patients with moderately to severely active UC. The drug also shows a favorable safety and tolerability profile. These findings position Etrasimod as a promising alternative for patients who do not respond to standard therapies. As research progresses, Etrasimod may represent a step forward in the development of more targeted, disease-modifying treatments for ulcerative colitis.

Aim of the study: This review investigates Etrasimod’s role in ulcerative colitis treatment, in particular focusing on its mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, and safety. It seeks to determine whether it could serve as an alternative for patients resistant to conventional treatments.

Methodology: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinical trial registries.

Summary: Ulcerative colitis treatment remains challenging, with many patients experiencing limited benefits from existing therapies. Etrasimod, a selective modulator targeting S1P receptors, has demonstrated efficacy in induction and maintenance therapy in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Findings from clinical trials, particularly ELEVATE UC 12, 40 JAPAN and 52, suggest its potential in ulcerative colitis treatment. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm its benefits.

"THE ONE RING" AND EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS AS TRICKY TRIGGERS OF REFLUX SYMPTOMS – A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Agnieszka Szczerbińska — 2025-09-15

Background: eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and Schatzki ring are distinct conditions, but their clinical presentation may resemble one another. Moreover, they can closely mimic the third common disorder, that is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) making a patient diagnostic approach even more challenging.

Aim of the study: presentation of a case with EoE with coexistence of Schatzki ring and related subject literature review.

Materials and methods: one case of non-specific GERD symptoms and gradual dysphagia development. Literature review of existing reports and data regarding epidemiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approach to patients with EoE suspicion. Presentation of the current guidelines on disease management. Additionally, we discuss the medical challenges that may occur in patients with esophageal dysfunction and highlight that further studies are warranted to better explain EoE's long-term impact on patient outcomes.

Conclusions: EoE has become increasingly recognized over the last decade, but may still create a clinical challenge. Its symptoms vary with age, and pathogenesis is still not fully explained. Experts in the field recommend special criteria for diagnosing EoE, which should be followed to establish the proper diagnosis. Further studies are warranted to better explain EoE's pathophysiology and long-term impact on patient outcomes.

RECENT ADVANCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Kacper Dywan — 2025-09-15

Introduction and Purpose: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common causes of heel pain in adults, with a lifetime incidence of about 10%. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on patient history and physical examination. This study aims to present and compare treatment modalities for PF, including conservative and surgical options.

Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: The plantar fascia is a dense connective tissue crucial for supporting the medial longitudinal arch and enabling efficient gait. PF most often affects individuals aged 45–65 and is frequently associated with elevated body mass index. A characteristic symptom is sharp heel pain upon rising in the morning, which improves with walking. Physical examination may include the Silfverskiöld test to assess gastrocnemius contracture. Imaging, such as radiography, ultrasonography, or MRI, can support diagnosis. Although PF often recurs, 85–90% of patients respond to conservative treatment. Historically, management relied on night splints, orthoses, NSAIDs, and corticosteroid injections. Current strategies emphasize stretching and strengthening exercises. Surgical treatment is reserved for refractory cases.

Materials and methods: In this article, we utilized scientific literature describing various treatment approaches for patients with PF. Particular attention was given to diagnostic strategies and the appropriate use of imaging modalities. Treatment efficacies were compared, and potential adverse effects were also discussed.

Conclusions: Multiple therapies for PF show similar efficacy. Conservative management should remain first-line, with surgery considered when nonoperative measures fail. Successful outcomes depend on individualized treatment, patient education, and adherence. Collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and physiotherapists plays a key role in optimizing care.

COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS IN PUBLIC HEALTH: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF EFFICACY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND SOCIAL PERCEPTION

Anna Daniel — 2025-09-15

Collagen supplementation is gaining popularity as a non-invasive method of supporting skin and joint health, fueled by both growing interest in anti-aging prevention and intense social media marketing efforts. This literature review covers clinical trials, regulatory analyses and societal aspects of collagen supplement consumption from 2015 to 2025. Results indicate moderate benefits of collagen in improving skin elasticity and joint function, although methodological limitations and product diversity make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The article also highlights challenges related to accessibility, regulation and marketing ethics, especially in the context of influencer influence and consumer culture. The need to strengthen quality control, transparency of consumer information and professional education of health professionals was also pointed out. It was also suggested that international regulatory cooperation be strengthened and that further research be conducted on the safety and efficacy of supplementation. An interdisciplinary approach is crucial to ensure that consumers have access to safe products and reliable knowledge about collagen supplementation.