Gabriela Kubicka, Wiktoria Sobocińska, Marcin Sobociński, Łukasz Kołodyński
{"title":"Case report of extramedullary plasmacytoma within the left palatine tonsil in a 31-year-old female patient.","authors":"Gabriela Kubicka, Wiktoria Sobocińska, Marcin Sobociński, Łukasz Kołodyński","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202601114","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36740/Merkur202601114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is an uncommon variant (rare presentation) of plasma-cell neoplasia characterized by the proliferation of clonal plasma cells outside the bone marrow microenvironment. EMP most frequently arises in the head and neck region, particularly within soft-tissue structures of the upper aerodigestive tract. Herein, we present a case report of a 31-year-old patient diagnosed with a localized extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) of the left palatine tonsil at the University Hospital in Krakow. We are also presenting a summary of the EMP of the tonsil case reports from the PubMed database. This article aims to present a clinical case of extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the palatine tonsil in a 31-year-old woman, with a detailed description of the diagnostic process and therapeutic management. In addition, the article reviews alternative diagnostic approaches and treatment modalities reported in the literature.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 1","pages":"89-94"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147311050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Anzhela B Berzina, Serhii S Rozsokha, Olena P Makhmurova-Dyshliuk, Alina O Pletenetska
{"title":"Protection of personal medical data in the context of GDPR implementation.","authors":"Anzhela B Berzina, Serhii S Rozsokha, Olena P Makhmurova-Dyshliuk, Alina O Pletenetska","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202601110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36740/Merkur202601110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Aim: To analyse the challenges of protecting personal medical data in European Union (EU) Member States and other European countries during the implementation of Regulation 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation [GDPR]).</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Materials and Methods: The study is based on an analysis of international and national legal frameworks governing personal medical data protection, focusing on the GDPR, the case law of the European Court of Human Rights (seven relevant judgments), and national data protection legislation. Statistical data from reports of national Data Protection Authorities were analyzed to identify dominant categories of infringements related to unlawful processing, storage, disclosure, and security breaches of medical data. The methodology included a comparative analysis of European Court of Human Rights judgments and an overview of enforcement activities of data protection authorities in 27 EU Member States. Dialectical, hermeneutic, comparative, analytical, and systemic analysis methods were applied.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conclusions: To comply with the GDPR, healthcare institutions must ensure lawful and secure processing of personal medical data: organize internal procedures, appoint a Data Protection Officer, implement technical and organizational measures, obtain informed consent from patients, and guarantee their rights to access and protect such sensitive information. The protection of personal medical data is ensured through a multi-level system that combines the GDPR, the European Court of Human Rights case law, and national institutions. It is essential to develop and implement clear data protection policies that define responsibilities, data handling procedures and incident response. Many countries still have low awareness among medical personnel regarding personal data protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 1","pages":"66-72"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147311117","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nataliia V Kurdil, Andrii A Kalashnikov, Tetyana O Shchutska, Olha O Khudaikulova, Alla G Kudryavtseva, Hanna I Petrashenko, Tetyana P Kostyuchenko
{"title":"Scientific rationale for the use of calcium pectate in foods for special medical purposes under conditions of lead exposure.","authors":"Nataliia V Kurdil, Andrii A Kalashnikov, Tetyana O Shchutska, Olha O Khudaikulova, Alla G Kudryavtseva, Hanna I Petrashenko, Tetyana P Kostyuchenko","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202601102","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36740/Merkur202601102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Aim: To study the complexing ability of pectins of different origins towards calcium ions (Ca2⁺) and lead ions (Pb2⁺), in order to justify the introduction of calcium pectate into product formulations for special medical purposes and the subsequent medical use of such products for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes under conditions of lead exposure.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Materials and Methods: The complexation ability of six different fruit and vegetable pectins with calcium (Ca2⁺) and lead (Pb2⁺) ions was investigated using the atomic emission method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results: It was found that the highest complexing ability towards Ca2⁺ ions was observed in sugar beet pectin: 5,02±0,04 mmol Me/g pectin; the complexing ability of quince, citrus, apple, carrot, and pumpkin pectins ranged from 3,07±0,02 to 3,91±0,03 mmol Me/g pectin. The complexing ability of sugar beet pectin towards Pb2⁺ ions was 1,40±0,01 mmol Me/g pectin, while other pectins exhibited complexing abilities from 1,00±0,01 to 1,31±0,01 mmol Me/g pectin. The study of pectins' complexing ability in an aqueous medium in vitro, in the simultaneous presence of Ca2⁺ and Pb2⁺ ions, did not reveal a statistically significant change in complexing ability towards Pb2⁺ ions in sugar beet pectin (p=0,052), citrus pectin (p=0,054), carrot pectin (p=0,072), or pumpkin pectin (p=0,061); however, a decrease in complexing ability with Pb2⁺ ions was observed in quince pectin (p=0,036) and apple pectin (p=0,048).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conclusions: Calcium pectates of fruit and vegetable origin can be added to dietary products for special medical purposes to reduce lead exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 1","pages":"11-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147311149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Małgorzata Małek-Elikowska, Waldemar Elikowski, Julita Fedorowicz, Cyntia Szymańska-Łyczkowska, Justyna Rajewska-Tabor, Anna Klusek-Zielińska, Artur Baszko
{"title":"Myocardial work indices and cardiac magnetic resonance in the diagnosis and follow-up of Lyme carditis presenting with intermittent complete heart block.","authors":"Małgorzata Małek-Elikowska, Waldemar Elikowski, Julita Fedorowicz, Cyntia Szymańska-Łyczkowska, Justyna Rajewska-Tabor, Anna Klusek-Zielińska, Artur Baszko","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202601113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36740/Merkur202601113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This case report explores the spectrum and mechanisms of myocardial involvement in Lyme carditis, integrating clinical and imaging findings to better understand the disease course and its management implications. While conduction abnormalities are the most well-recognized cardiac manifestation of Lyme carditis, our findings highlight the importance of myocardial work assessment by echocardiography in the early stage of the disease and by cardiac magnetic resonance in the late stage. These insights may guide clinicians in early recognition, targeted therapy, and prevention of adverse cardiac outcomes in Lyme carditis and other forms of myocarditis. We report the case of a 44-year-old male presenting with complete atrioventricular block. Myocardial work assessment by echocardiography was performed to investigate the underlying etiology, revealing findings suggestive of an inflammatory myopericardial syndrome as the cause of the conduction abnormality. The Suspicious Index in Lyme Carditis suspicious (SILC) score indicated an intermediate probability of Lyme infection, which was subsequently confirmed by laboratory testing. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, resulting in resolution of the conduction disturbance and obviating the need for pacemaker implantation. During follow-up, myocardial work parameters were reassessed, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed, both supporting remission with residual changes and providing additional prognostic insights.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 1","pages":"84-88"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147311151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kostiantyn A Vladychenko, Petro M Skoreiko, Liudmyla A Andrushchak, Olexandr I Petryshen, Olexandr V Tsyhykalo
{"title":"Variants of the structure of the urinary system organs in human fetuses.","authors":"Kostiantyn A Vladychenko, Petro M Skoreiko, Liudmyla A Andrushchak, Olexandr I Petryshen, Olexandr V Tsyhykalo","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202602113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36740/Merkur202602113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Aim: To find out the features of individual anatomical variability of the urinary system organs in the fetal period of human ontogenesis.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Materials and Methods: 102 human fetuses with a parieto-calcaneal length (PCL) of 160.0-480.0 mm (4-10 months of gestation) were studied. A complex of morphological research methods was applied, which included anthropometry, morphometry, injection of blood vessels with dyes for visualization of blood vessels of macrospecimens, preparation of macrospecimens, and statistical analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results: Our material revealed a number of variants of the shape and structure of the ureters, in particular, doubling of the renal pelvis and ureters - 4 observations. The reasons for this may be impaired morphogenesis of the metanephros at the end of the 6th - beginning of the 7th week of intrauterine development. Bends of the proximal part of the ureter, megaureter were observed in 2 cases, polymegacolix, megacolix - in 2 cases. Aberrant renal vessels were detected in 8 specimens. The reasons for their occurrence may be impaired angiogenesis at the end of the 6th week of prenatal development.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conclusions: 1. Variants of the structure and topography, as well as malformations of the upper urinary tract, were detected in 15.7% of 102 studied fetal specimens. 2. The ratio of detected variants and anomalies of the structure and topography in female fetuses prevailed over those in male fetuses in the ratio of 5:3. 3. Extreme forms of anatomical variability of the structure of renal vessels and their syntopy with the renal pelvis and ureter in all observations were a potential danger of vasorenal conflicts, which would subsequently lead to hydronephrotic transformation of the kidney.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 2","pages":"183-189"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147784528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nataliia O Terentieva, Anton Ye Butenko, Andrii H Huraliuk, Maksym V Pidoprygora, Pavlo L Sadovskyi, Mykhailo S Volkov, Mykhailo O Rodionov
{"title":"The impact of controlled physical loads on the level of resilience of cadets.","authors":"Nataliia O Terentieva, Anton Ye Butenko, Andrii H Huraliuk, Maksym V Pidoprygora, Pavlo L Sadovskyi, Mykhailo S Volkov, Mykhailo O Rodionov","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202603111","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36740/Merkur202603111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Aim: To investigate the impact of controlled physical loads on the level of resilience of cadets.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Materials and Methods: The study lasted for one academic year (September 2024-June 2025) and had a longitudinal design. It involved 127 cadets divided into an experimental group (EG, N=65) and a control groups (CG, N=62). Cadets of the EG, during sports and mass work (SMW), engaged according to the developed programme, whereas cadets of the CG followed the current programme of SMW. The programme of controlled physical loads included breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, exercises for developing psychophysiological endurance, as well as exercises for maintaining the balance of the neuromuscular system. The resilience of the cadets was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results: The results of the study of the impact of controlled physical loads on the level of resilience of cadets demonstrated statistically significant differences between the EG and CG at the end of the study (|t|=3.63>1.96; p<0.001), which confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed programme. In the EG, there was a substantial increase in the number of cadets with a high level of resilience (from 27% to 45%), whereas in the CG this indicator remained unchanged.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conclusions: The practical significance of the obtained results lies in the possibility of integrating the programme of controlled physical loads into cadet training curricula as a means of purposefully developing their psychological readiness to act under extreme conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 3","pages":"314-319"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148425160","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Viky Chrysoula Piletska, Evangelia Kotrotsiou, Alexandros Argyriadis, George Charalampous
{"title":"Cultural competence in healthcare: A systematic review of perceptions, assessment, and mental health interventions among professionals/students in Greece/Cyprus.","authors":"Viky Chrysoula Piletska, Evangelia Kotrotsiou, Alexandros Argyriadis, George Charalampous","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202601107","DOIUrl":"10.36740/Merkur202601107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Aim: This systematic review examined the cultural competence among healthcare professionals, focusing on: (I) the assessment of cultural competence among healthcare professionals; (II) the education and assessment of cultural competence among healthcare students; (III) healthcare professionals' perceptions and experiences regarding cultural competence; (IV) healthcare students' perceptions and experiences regarding cultural competence; and (V) educators' perspectives on teaching cultural competence.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases searched included PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier, and ProQuest from 2017 to 2024. From 15, 053 studies identified initially, 31 studies met inclusion criteria after screening and were analyzed in depth.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conclusions: Healthcare professionals and students acknowledge the benefits of cultural competence training; however, undergraduate programs and curricula remain underdeveloped. Educators frequently rely on anecdotal methods rather than structured frameworks. Further systematic integration and evidence-based strategies are essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 1","pages":"42-53"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147310998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Serhii S Rozsokha, Anzhela B Berzina, Olena P Makhmurova-Dyshliuk, Oleksandr V Felyk, Oleksandr V Halunko, Mykhailo M Rudenko, Alina O Pletenetska
{"title":"Administrative-legal assurance of the reliability and ethics of medical decisions in wartime.","authors":"Serhii S Rozsokha, Anzhela B Berzina, Olena P Makhmurova-Dyshliuk, Oleksandr V Felyk, Oleksandr V Halunko, Mykhailo M Rudenko, Alina O Pletenetska","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202602117","DOIUrl":"10.36740/Merkur202602117","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Aim: This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the administrative-legal assurance of the reliability and ethics of medical decision-making in wartime conditions, combining normative analysis with empirical data from a frontline Ukrainian hospital.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Materials and Methods: The normative framework includes international standards of the World Health Organization, the International Committee of the Red Cross, professional medical associations, the European Charter of Patients' Rights (2002), European Union legislation, and the national healthcare and wartime legislation of Ukraine. The empirical component comprised a cross-sectional anonymous survey conducted between May and September 2025 among 40 healthcare workers at a rural hospital located near the active frontline in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The questionnaire assessed decision-making complexity, perceived probability of errors, stress impact, resource availability, preparedness, and willingness to report incidents.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results: Wartime conditions significantly increase the perceived complexity of clinical decision-making, particularly in resource allocation, evacuation prioritization, and surgical interventions. Respondents reported elevated stress levels and increased risk of errors, primarily associated with limited resources, disrupted logistics, and administrative constraints. The reliability and ethical integrity of medical decisions were found to depend on the availability of updated clinical protocols, state monitoring mechanisms, organized evacuation systems, and guaranteed minimum healthcare services.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conclusions: Effective administrative-legal support is a prerequisite for ensuring both the reliability and ethical soundness of medical decisions in wartime. Strengthening institutional safeguards, resource allocation mechanisms, and clear regulatory guidance is essential to maintain medical standards under extreme conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 2","pages":"213-217"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147784369","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ruzhena M Matkivska, Inga A Samborska, Oleksandr Ye Maievskyi
{"title":"Histological changes in the structural organization of rat kidneys 3 days after administration of Leiurus macroctenus scorpion venom.","authors":"Ruzhena M Matkivska, Inga A Samborska, Oleksandr Ye Maievskyi","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202602104","DOIUrl":"10.36740/Merkur202602104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Aim: To investigate histological changes in the structural organization of rat kidneys 3 days after administration of Leiurus macroctenus scorpion venom.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Materials and Methods: The venom of Leiurus macroctenus, was administered to rats (0.5 ml of venom solution; 28.8 μg/ml; LD50=0.08 mg/kg). The study used 20 white male laboratory rats weighing 200 g (±10 g). The rats were divided into two groups: control group - 10 rats; experimental group - 10 rats. For microscopic examination, kidney samples from animals of all groups were taken. Histological samples of rat kidneys were stained with hematoxylin and eosin.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results: Microscopically, on the 3rd day of the experiment after the introduction of Leiurus macroctenus scorpion venom, significant destructive-degenerative changes in all structural components of the kidney were detected. Most renal corpuscles are large with well-defined vascular glomeruli. The endothelium of the capillaries is thinned, destructively changed. Heterogeneity of changes in proximal and distal tubules is manifested.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conclusions: The indirect effect of the Leiurus macroctenus scorpion venom led to the formation of voluminous inflammatory loci of leukocyte infiltrates in the interstitium and directly in the tubules and renal corpuscles on the 3rd day of the experiment. Significant alterative changes in the renal corpuscles were manifested by their deformation, atrophy, hyperemia and multiple hemorrhages. In the tubular system, pronounced hydropic and protein dystrophy were detected, and in their lumens, voluminous accumulations of cellular detritus were detected.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 2","pages":"127-130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147784340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Laith Rhabneh, Ra'ed Ababneh, Ibrahim Alnaser, Mohammed Aloqaily, Ibrahim Alfarrajin, Ismail Albadawi, Abdalslam Amawi
{"title":"Comparative effectiveness of atorvastatin monotherapy vs. atorvastatin plus bempedoic acid combination in patients with coronary artery disease: a multicenter observational study.","authors":"Laith Rhabneh, Ra'ed Ababneh, Ibrahim Alnaser, Mohammed Aloqaily, Ibrahim Alfarrajin, Ismail Albadawi, Abdalslam Amawi","doi":"10.36740/Merkur202602114","DOIUrl":"10.36740/Merkur202602114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Aim: To evaluate the impact of adding bempedoic acid to atorvastatin therapy on cardiovascular outcomes, including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), cardiac arrest, all-cause hospitalization, and myopathy, in patients with established coronary artery disease.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX global health research network. Patients with established CAD were categorized based on their antilipemic therapy into two cohorts: atorvastatin monotherapy and atorvastatin plus bempedoic acid. Propensity score matching was employed to balance baseline characteristics between the cohorts. The primary outcome was the occurrence of MACE, while secondary outcomes included cardiac arrest events, all-cause hospitalization, and incidence of myopathy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results: After matching, 6,549 patients were included in each cohort. MACE occurred more frequently in the atorvastatin group (5.7%) compared to the combination therapy group (3.2%), with a hazard ratio of 1.606 (95% CI: 1.302-1.980, P<0.001). Cardiac arrest and all-cause hospitalizations were also higher in the atorvastatin group, with hazard ratios of 1.628 (95% CI: 1.041-2.544, P<0.001) and 1.418 (95% CI: 1.177-1.710, P<0.001), respectively. No significant difference in myopathy was observed (HR 0.915, 95% CI: 0.741-1.129).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Conclusions: Adding bempedoic acid to atorvastatin therapy appears to confer a protective effect in CAD patients by significantly reducing MACE, cardiac arrest, and hospitalizations without increasing myopathy risk. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":39518,"journal":{"name":"Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski","volume":"54 2","pages":"190-197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147784386","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}