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Background/Aim: Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor routinely used as first-line therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Emerging evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) could be suitable biomarkers with predictive potential in mRCC. The aim of this study was to identify miRNA-based predictive biomarkers of therapy response to avoid unnecessary therapy to non-responding patients. Patients and Methods: High-throughput miRNA microarray profiling was performed on a cohort of 47 patients treated with sunitinib. Validation of candidate miRNAs was carried out on an independent cohort of 132 mRCC patients using qRT-PCR. Results: Out of 158 miRNAs (65 down-regulated, 93 up-regulated), six miRNAs were chosen for independent validation and miR-376b-3p was confirmed to be differentially expressed in tumors of patients with primary resistance versus long-term response (p

The presented article outlines and describes the processes involved in the creation and testing of the passivation layer that was created during hot functional tests (HFTs) at the third unit of the nuclear power plant (NPP) Mochovce. The article is divided into several sections. In Sec. 1 is the description of the hot tests on the third block, in particular the chemical regime, i.e., the formation of hydrogen or the necessary adjustment of the pH value. Sec. 2 of the article describes the evaluation of the passivation layer using instrumental techniques, i.e., Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results obtained by using these techniques provided a comprehensive view of the resulting layer and clearly defined its' structure. The measurement revealed that a passivation layer was formed, the inner layer of which is enriched with a chrome element. The upper part of the passivation layer was composed of iron oxides, mainly magnetite.

The first-line therapy of patients with RAS wild-type (WT) non-resectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is usually 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy with either bevacizumab or an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The addition of anti-EGFR antibodies is commonly delayed in clinical practice because of late RAS testing results. Our objective was to evaluate the impact on overall survival (OS) of a delayed anti-EGFR introduction strategy. This study pooled the data of two large retrospective studies. Patients with RAS WT non-resectable mCRC, treated in first line by a doublet chemotherapy with an anti-EGFR introduced with a delay of 2 to 4 cycles, were compared to an anti-EGFR and to an anti-VEGF that was introduced immediately. Patients numbering 305 in the delayed anti-EGFR group, 401 in the immediate anti-EGFR group, and 129 in the immediate anti-VEGF group were analyzed. After propensity scoring, there was no difference between the characteristics of the three groups. Median OS was 28.6 months (95% CI: 23.5–34.1) in the immediate anti-EGFR group, 35.1 (95% CI: 29.9–43.5) in the delayed anti-EGFR group, and 32.4 (95% CI: 25.4–44.8) in the immediate anti-VEGF group. There was no significant difference concerning median OS (p = 0.24) or progression-free survival (p = 0.56). This study suggests that delaying the introduction of an anti-EGFR has no deleterious impact on survival compared to the immediate introduction of an anti-VEGF or of an anti-EGFR.

The paper reviews the so far known information about the properties of biological shielding concrete used in the containment vessel of nuclear power plants (NPP) and its behaviour when exposed to radiation. The damage of concrete caused by neutron and gamma radiation as well as by the accompanying generation of heat is described. However, there is not enough data for the proper evaluation of the negative impacts and further research is needed.

Background and Aim: From October 2013 there is a possibility to treat patients with NSCLC and with activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations with three TKI in the Czech Republic. We have tried to find differences among patient groups treated with single TKI in 1st line of treatment. Patients and methods: Only patients with EGFR mutation and in which 1st line treatment started in October 2013 until October 2017 were included in analysis. We analysed 347 patients (gefitinib - 164 patients, afatinib - 130 patients, erlotinib - 53 patients). Results: Between these three groups of patients there was no statistically significant difference in sex (p=0.988), in smoking habits (p=0.549), in type of EGFR mutation (p=0.200), in adenocarcinoma proportion (p=0.256). There was statistically significant difference according to age (p=0.001), PS ( Conclusion: We have not found any important difference in basic characteristic of patients treated in 1st line treatment with TKI (sex, smoking, histology and type of EGFR mutation) except for the age – patients treated with afatinib were younger. We have not found any important difference in response to treatment, in disease control and OS. We found a significant difference in PS segmentation, in occurrence of adverse events and PFS.

The article analyzes the possible impacts of the fully-funded (FF) pension system (the so-called Chilean model), which was introduced in the Czech Republic in 2012, on future pensions of contributors to the system and on state expenditures related to the pension system reform. The author performed calculations for 3 model examples of individuals who would participate solely in the FF and also of individuals who would contribute to both the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) and the FF during their lives. The calculations in all model examples were made for 4 average real annual interest rates and for 4 standardised income levels. The income replacement rates of the examined individuals were compared with the existing PAYG and with a hypothetical balanced PAYG. The aim was to determine the minimum rate of the pension funds' appreciation from whichthe transition to the FF would be profi table for all examined individuals. The article also attempts to identify the duration of the transition period, the moment after which the FF would become budget-neutral, and the approximate cost of the transition process.

General elections in Chile in the autumn of 2013 have unleashed a discussion about the shortcomings of the Chilean pension system and the necessary changes. Radical solutions contains various forms of return of the PAYG system. The paper deals with the preparation and the main implication of the pension reform in 1981 which led to the transition from the PAYG system to the capital system. Thanks to the reconstruction of the time series from the 70s and 80s of the 20th century using the latest data from 2013 and own calculations the article confirmed that the transition meant a noticeable increase in pensions for everybody included in the system. This outcome is driven mainly by the lower tax burden, generated savings and positive impact, particularly on the country's GDP and government budget. The paper also summarize the available knowledge about the pension reform in Chile in the Czech language.

Background: Recent short-term clinical trials in patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) have indicated greater disease variability in terms of progression than expected. In addition, as average life-expectancy increases, reliable data is required on clinical progression in the older DMD population. Objective: To determine the effects of corticosteroids on major clinical outcomes of DMD in a large multinational cohort of genetically confirmed DMD patients. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we analysed clinical data from 5345 genetically confirmed DMD patients from 31 countries held within the TREAT-NMD global DMD database. For analysis patients were categorised by corticosteroid background and further stratified by age. Results: Loss of ambulation in non-steroid treated patients was 10 years and in corticosteroid treated patients 13 years old (p = 0.0001). Corticosteroid treated patients were less likely to need scoliosis surgery (p < 0.001) or ventilatory support (p < 0.001) and there was a mild cardioprotective effect of corticosteroids in the patient population aged 20 years and older (p = 0.0035). Patients with a single deletion of exon 45 showed an increased survival in contrast to other single exon deletions. Conclusions: This study provides data on clinical outcomes of DMD across many healthcare settings and including a sizeable cohort of older patients. Our data confirm the benefits of corticosteroid treatment on ambulation, need for scoliosis surgery, ventilation and, to a lesser extent, cardiomyopathy. This study underlines the importance of data collection via patient registries and the critical role of multi-centre collaboration in the rare disease field. This work was supported by TREAT-NMD operating grants, FP6 LSHM-CT-2006-036825, 20123307 UNEW FY2013 and AFM 16104. Further support came from the European Union Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement No. 305444 (RD-Connect) and 305121 (Neuromics) and Medical Research Council UK (reference G1002274, grant ID 98482). Sí

The incidence and mortality of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the Czech Republic are among the highest in the world. Several targeted agents have been recently approved for the treatment of advanced/metastatic RCC. Objective: Presentation of a national clinical database for monitoring and assessment of patients with advanced/metastatic RCC treated with targeted therapy. The RenIS (RENal Information System, http://renis.registry.cz ) registry is a non-interventional post-registration database of epidemiological and clinical data of patients with RCC treated with targeted therapies in the Czech Republic. Twenty cancer centres eligible for targeted therapy administration participate in the project. As of November 2011, six agents were approved and reimbursed from public health insurance, including bevacizumab, everolimus, pazopanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, and temsirolimus. As of 10 October 2011, 1,541 patients with valid records were entered into the database. Comparison with population-based data from the Czech National Cancer Registry revealed that RCC patients treated with targeted therapy are significantly younger (median age at diagnosis 59 vs. 66 years). Most RenIS registry patients were treated with sorafenib and sunitinib, many patients sequentially with both agents. Over 10 % of patients were also treated with everolimus in the second or third line. Progression-free survival times achieved were comparable to phase III clinical trials. The RenIS registry has become an important tool and source of information for the management of cancer care and clinical practice, providing comprehensive data on monitoring and assessment of RCC targeted therapy on a national level.

Several studies suggest that recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is more cost-effective than plasma-derived activated prothrombin complex concentrate (pd-aPCC) in haemophilia with inhibitors. However, most do not consider differences between treated patients. This study compared the pharmacoeconomics of rFVIIa versus pd-aPCC treatment of mild to moderate bleeds in inhibitor patients, taking co-variables into account. Methods The HemoRec and HemIS registries capture exhaustive bleeding data in inhibitor patients in the Czech Republic. For each bleed, patient and bleed characteristics, treatment outcomes and bypassing agent use were retrospectively analysed, and direct costs of care per bleed calculated. Generalised Linear Model regression methods with cluster effect were employed to account for the possibility of several bleedings from the same patient. Results There were 108 and 53 mild to moderate bleeds in the rFVIIa and pd-aPCC groups, respectively. Although re-bleeding rates were similar in both groups, deeper analyses revealed significant differences in time to bleed resolution: 93.8% of bleeds treated with rFVIIa were resolved within less than 12h, versus 60.4% with pd-aPCC (P

We present data collected in HemoRec, an Internet-based platform implemented in 2006 in 15 haemophilia treatment centres in Poland and compare them with the national registry of inherited bleeding disorders established since 1991 at the Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion in Warsaw. We also analyse the current status of haemophilia treatment in Poland as well as future perspectives. Data on 1102 patients registered in HemoRec were analysed and compared with 4294 patients in the national registry (status as at 17.08.2009). The number of patients with severe haemophilia, mild/moderate haemophilia and von Willebrand in HemoRec is 530, 328 and 54 (respectively), compared with 1199, 1167 and 1128 in the national registry. The mean age of all haemophilic patients registered in HemoRec is 26.2 years, compared with 37.3 years in the general Polish male population in 2008. The number of haemophilic patients with inhibitor registered in HemoRec is 102 compared with 155 in the national registry (resulting in a prevalence of 14.9% of all severe haemophilia A and 1.6% of all severe haemophilia B patients). HemoRec includes data on a representative group of Polish haemophilic patients, mostly with haemophilia and haemophilia with inhibitor. von Willebrand's disease is largely under-registered in Poland. The survival of Polish haemophilic patients is shorter than that in the general population. The number of inhibitor patients in Poland is relatively large and should be decreased by wider availability of immunotolerance induction in 2010.

Numerous recent reports have described the use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in non-hemophilia bleeding Situations for achievement of hemostasis. However, its use in clinical situations other than hemophilia patients with inhibitors has been complicated by some reports of thrombotic events. rFVIIa has been used successfully to treat coagulopathic and/or bleeding neonates. The prevalence of thrombotic events in these neonates is completely unknown. This study was initiated to determine the risk of thrombotic events associated with rFVIIa use in neonates. Procedure. All published literature in non-hemophilic, non-congenital factor VII deficient neonates receiving rFVIIa was reviewed. In addition, all data submitted to the SeveN Bleep Registry, a web-based registry of rFVIIa uses in non-hemophilic children was analyzed.

Effective planning of clinical trials requires an appropriate number of patients who fulfil given inclusion criteria. In the case of so called “orphan” diseases, such as Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD), the number of suitable patients within one country is usually limited. We developed a detailed registry of Czech and Slovak DMD/BMD patients which may contribute to cooperation on the European level. The registry uses internet and database technologies with a multilevel architecture. Patients may view their own data. As of May 2008, 163 patients have been registered in the database. The registry provides a detailed phenotypic and genotypic description of patients. The main purpose of such a registry is the time-effective recruitment of eligible patients for a clinical trial or therapy and may allow the anticipation of possible future effects of appropriate therapy on individual patients. The importance of the DMD/BMD patient registries has recently also been rising with new clinical trials focused on mutation-specific approaches. Other outputs include assessment of epidemiology, phenotype and genotype relationships, or standards of care.

Due to problems with identification and an incomplete understanding on the gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) before 2001, there has been a lack of comprehensive long-term population-based studies on GIST epidemiology at present date. We used data from the online registry of Czech and Slovak GIST patients (http://gist.registry.cz/), which has been compiled and maintained since 2006 and involves patients diagnosed from the year 2000. 278 patients were included in this study. Most of the tumors fell into the high-risk category (58.7%), followed by the intermediate (21.4%), low (16.6%) and very low (3.3%) categories. Locations other than the small intestine and stomach had significantly higher contribution of high-risk tumors. The median time of overall survival was 93.2 months, 5-year relative survival was 78.3% overall, 71.9% for patients with high-risk tumors, 91.1% for intermediate patients, and 91.9% for patients from the low- and very low-risk category. The annual crude incidence between the years 2001-2005 was 0.52 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The annual European ASR and World ASR were 0.44 and 0.31 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. Presented data generally correspond to the whole-population studies recently published, including actual data on epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and survival of patients. The registry helps in improving GIST diagnostics, knowledge about the properties and behaviour of tumors, communication among physicians, and, last but not least, therapeutical options and results.

A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients (183 in total, of which 105 were males and 78 females) with gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) was performed. The mean age was 61 years, median age 64 years. The most frequent localization of the tumour was stomach in 74 patients (40.4 %) and the small intestine in 46 patients (25.1 %). Two or more different synchronous or metachronous cancers occurred in 34 (18.6 %) patients with histologically confirmed GIST. Ninety-six patients were treated with imatinib mesylate in palliative setting during the course of their disease. The therapy was finished in 60 patients and 36 patients have been treated so far. The median progression-free survival reached 32.9 months in the group of 96 patients treated with imatinib. The median overall survival in the group of 96 patients treated for metastatic disease reached 77 months. Two-year and 5-year survival was 85.2 % and 63.1 %, respectively. The second-line therapy with sunitinib malate was administered in 37 patients, of which 31 finished and 6 continued in the therapy. The median progression free survival and median survival since the sunitinib therapy initiation reached 8.4 and 22.1 months, respectively (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 16).

Czech cancer screening programmes feature a comprehensive multimodal information system which covers all the levels of assessment needed - population-based monitoring (Czech National Cancer Registry), monitoring of results in the diagnostic databases of centres, as well as the quantification of coverage and outputs of primary care according to the administrative data of health care payers. A system of personalised invitations to cancer screening programmes was launched in 2014, based on a stand-alone component of the information system which makes it possible to identify eligible clients in health care payers databases. The system was fully standardised and uniformly implemented in all health insurance companies; its functionalities also involve both continuous and retrospective assessment of the results of personalised invitation. The legislative framework in force will have to be applied and implemented for a more comprehensive and integrated employment of all involved data sources, i.e. cancer registries, screening registries, and administrative data. The system must be able to analyse de-identified individual records on clients participation in screening programmes, and thus to ensure an adequate analysis of performance indicators in compliance with international recommendations.

The Fukushima severe accident needs very intensive and detailed response from all involved, to develop relevant mitigation strategies. For VVER type units this strategy is already developed and proved for smaller output units type VVER 440 MW. For higher output units type VVER 1000 MW this strategy is under development. In presented paper recent development based on analytical and experimental research work is presented. The research work is not yet finished, however, analytical and experimental work is building strong arguments that the IVR strategy is possible even for higher power existing units in operation, with application of proved measures which will be described.Copyright © 2014 by ASME

Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and progressive disease characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance, ultimately leading to right heart failure and death. Epidemiological data from national registries are growing worldwide, but are still unavailable in Eastern Europe. Methods A PAH registry was initiated in January 2007 using a nationwide network of echocardiographic centers and four diagnostic centers that specialize in PAH. All patients aged above 18 years, diagnosed with PAH and monitored between January 2000 and December 2007 were included. Patients diagnosed with PAH between January and December 2007 were classified as incident. The survival analyses were performed up to the end of 2010. Prognostic factors at the time of diagnosis were identified using uni- and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Results Overall, 191 patients were included (100 prevalent cases, 91 incident cases). Patients were predominantly female (n = 125) and had a mean age of 51.9 ± 16.9 years. Incident patients were significantly older at the time of diagnosis than prevalent patients (p

Background: Sequential therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), sunitinib and sorafenib, is a common treatment choice for patients with advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) despite lack of randomised trials. The aim of this retrospective registry-based study was to analyse the outcomes of RCC patients treated with sunitinib-sorafenib or sorafenib-sunitinib sequence. Patients and methods: The Czech database containing information on patients treated for mRCC using targeted agents was used as a source of data for retrospective analysis. There were 138 patients treated with sunitinib-sorafenib sequence and 122 patients treated with sorafenib-sunitinib sequence. Results: Progression-free survival (PFS) was 17.7 months for patients treated with sunitinib-sorafenib sequence and 18.8 months for those receiving sorafenib followed by sunitinib (P = 0.47). Overall survival (OS) at 1 year was 83% [95% confidence interval (CI) 77% to 90%] for patients treated with sunitinib-sorafenib and 84% (95% CI 77% to 91%) for sorafenib-sunitinib patients (P = 0.99). Treatment toxic effects were predictable but a significant proportion of patients (up to 14%-25% for different lines of therapy and used TKI) switched between TKIs or discontinued TKI therapy because of toxicity. Conclusions: In contrast to most of the previously published reports, we have not observed improved PFS or OS for mRCC patients treated with the sorafenib-sunitinib sequence as compared to the sunitinib-sorafenib sequence.

Numerous recent reports have described the use of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) in non-hemophilia bleeding situations for achievement of hemostasis. However, its use in clinical situations other than hemophilia patients with inhibitors has been complicated by some reports of thrombotic events. rFVIIa has been used successfully to treat coagulopathic and/or bleeding neonates. The prevalence of thrombotic events in these neonates is completely unknown. This study was initiated to determine the risk of thrombotic events associated with rFVIIa use in neonates.All published literature in non-hemophilic, non-congenital factor VII deficient neonates receiving rFVIIa was reviewed. In addition, all data submitted to the SeveN Bleep Registry, a web-based registry of rFVIIa uses in non-hemophilic children was analyzed. As the baseline risk of thrombotic events in bleeding and/or coagulopathic neonates is not known, we also reviewed the records of 100 consecutive neonates from a single institution who received fresh frozen plasma (FFP) alone to treat their coagulopathy and/or bleeding episode.A total of 134 neonates received rFVIIa. Of these, 10 (7.5%) had a thrombotic event. The baseline risk of thrombotic events in neonates receiving FFP was 7%.Overall the prevalence of thrombotic events in bleeding and/or coagulopathic neonates appears to be around 7%, whether or not they receive rFVIIa.

Identifying haemophilia patients with inhibitors for clinical trials is difficult due to the limited number of patients available. Registries are therefore being established as an additional means of data collection. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa; NovoSeven dose ranges and dosing schedules on the incidence of re-bleeding in haemophilia patients with inhibitors. In this retrospective, uncontrolled study, data on the bleeding patterns of adult haemophilia patients with high responding inhibitors were analysed. Only data from the Czech Republic, obtained by the HemoRec registry, were used. This study analysed 'real-life' clinical data and focused on the collection of the same parameters in different patients: time from bleeding onset to first injection, effect of first injection, number of re-bleedings, total number of injections and total amount of haemostatic drug used. Fifteen patients met the inclusion criteria and were included into the study (128 bleeding episodes). Patients treated within 2 h of bleeding onset experienced less re-bleeding than patients treated after 2 h of bleeding onset (5.2% vs. 13.7%, respectively). In addition, patients who were treated after 2 h of bleeding onset experienced fewer re-bleedings when high-dose rFVIIa was used (15.8% and 0%;120 microg kg(-1) and250 microg kg(-1), respectively). Initial high-dose rFVIIa was also associated with a decline in total rFVIIa consumption. This registry has provided a unique insight into the bleeding patterns of inhibitor patients, highlighting the importance of early treatment initiation and appropriate starting dose.

CARE-NMD is an EU-funded project to improve care for patients with Durchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The analysis of the current care practice is the first step to identify gaps and to plan specific measures such as training sessions for professionals and workshops for patients. For this purpose, a large cross-sectional patient-survey about the received care and quality of life of patients with DMD has been performed since September 2011 in seven European countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Poland and the United Kingdom. A total of 1,677 patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy have received questionnaires via the national patient registries. For the assessment of quality of care we defined outcome and process indicators. Outcome indicators include stage of the disease, age at loss of ambulation, ability to sit, number of hospitalisations, cardiac and pulmonary function and age at diagnosis. Process indicators comprise the frequency of medical assessments and received treatment, e.g. the use of corticosteroids, non-invasive ventilation and assistive devices. By March 31st 1,093 of 1,677 patients/families responded (66 percent). Response by country were: Bulgaria 45/73, Czech Republic 92/191, Denmark 92/131, Germany 440/545, Hungary 62/70, Poland 137/246, and for United Kingdom 223/421. Key findings about health status, received treatment, and quality of life of patients with DMD in Europe will be presented. This is the largest ever cross-sectional survey of the care and quality of life of people with DMD. The final results will provide detailed insight into the current situation of people with DMD in Europe and help to identify gaps to further improve the situation of affected patients and families.

All cases between 2004 and 2009 in which rFVIIa was used to treat PPH in Czech patients without a primary coagulation defect were identified. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the selected records (these were incomplete in three cases) and compared in women who received rFVIIa before proposed hysterectomy and those who were given rFVIIa during or after hysterectomy. Treatment with rFVIIa was considered to be effective if the patient survived; saving the uterus was considered to be a secondary benefit of treatment.

The Czech Society for Oncology has developed an information system which combines the population-based Czech National Cancer Registry with clinical databases in order to cover the main areas of health care assessment - monitoring of the population burden, prediction of the number of cancer patients, diagnostic and treatment results. The presented data demonstrate a high cancer burden within the Czech population - each year there are approximately 8,000 new cases of colorectal cancer, 6,500 new cases of breast cancer, and 1,000 new cases of cervical cancer. And each year, about 4,000 people die from colorectal cancer, around 2,000 women die from breast cancer, and approximately 400 women die from cervical cancer in the Czech Republic. Population-based screening programmes focus on all of the above-mentioned groups of malignant tumours; therefore, it is essential to monitor epidemiological trends in order to assess the screening impact. Despite the high incidence rates of all three cancer types, the trend in mortality rates has been stable or has even decreased in the long term, which has inevitably led to a significant increase in the total prevalence of cancer patients. In 2011, the prevalence of colorectal cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer amounted to 51,064 people, 67,261 women and 17,398 women, respectively. When compared with the year 2001, there was a 59%, 69% and 25% increase in the prevalence of colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer, respectively. Undoubtedly, taking care of high numbers of cancer patients will continue to require significant financial resources in the near future. As the epidemiological burden is still on the increase, preventive programmes need to be further promoted, including secondary prevention, which is provided through organised screening programmes. Although effective methods exist for timely diagnosis of all three of the above-mentioned cancer types, the epidemiological situation in the Czech Republic is being steadily worsened by a relatively high proportion of primary cancers being diagnosed too late. Each year, more than 50% of new colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in clinical stage III or higher; in cervical cancer, this proportion is nearly 35%. By contrast, the well-promoted breast cancer screening programme has led to more than 75% of new cases of breast cancer being diagnosed in stages I or II, when the chance of successful treatment is significantly higher.

The patient registries belong to the core activities which can help us in planning of the effective health care, assessing standards of diagnosis and care, and answer the questions concerning on epidemiologic data. Besides of the local hospital-based databases and registries we can find in Czech Republic four national registries of hereditary neuromuscular disorders associated under unique name: ReaDy (registry of muscular dystrophy). Four registries are currently running: Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), myotonic disorders (MD), and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Each registry is independent and has its own curator. The registries are under the supervision of Czech neuromuscular society. The technology, the data collection, the storage, the backup, and analyses are provided by the Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Masaryk University, Brno, CR. On-line data collection is based on a TRIALDB system developed on Yale University, Connecticut, USA, which is widely used for this purpose. For each patient is generated a unique ID; all data transfer is encrypted and the system is designed to prevent their unauthorized use during data transfer. Laws and regulations in CR require having an informed consent from all patients whose data are used in the registry. All claims for personal data protection were met. Data are stored on the central server on Masaryk University in Brno in Oracle 9i database. Since 2011 to the March 2014 796 Czech patients were collected: 370 DM, 277 DMD/BMD, 89 FSHD, and 60 SMA. The majority (76%) of all records are from two centers (Prague and Brno). The average annual increase during last three years is 96 patients. The biggest acquisition reveal patients with myotonic disorders (about 45 per year), the smallest growth has the registry FSHD with approx. 11 patients per annum.

CARE-NMD aims to disseminate and implement best-practice standards of care for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in Europe. Patient registries offer a valuable approach to engaging with the patient community, both to disseminate information and to survey their experiences. Registries permit the identification of a patient population with a precise genetic diagnosis, and are thus essential to the development of novel, mutation-specific therapeutic approaches such as exon-skipping. A core driving factor in their development has often therefore been clinical trial readiness: e.g. determining trial viability for a specific genetic mutation. However, as registries enable contact with a patient population, they also offer research opportunities outside the clinical trial domain. These include surveying availability of high-quality care and quality of life issues. Furthermore, registries permit the distribution of care information aimed at that particular audience. CARE-NMD has utilised patient registries in both of these contexts. The project has promoted knowledge of best-practice care via the translation and dissemination of the Family Guide to the care standards. This is now available in 22 languages via the CARE-NMD and TREAT-NMD websites, with 200 monthly downloads. The project has also conducted, via national patient registries in seven countries (Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and the UK), the largest ever survey of care and quality of life for DMD. The overall response rate is 66%, with 1100 responses received (April 2012), and national response rates of 48–89%. The data gathered provide unparalleled information on the experience of patients and families living with DMD across Europe. The use of registries also enables the return of information to the patient community, enhancing patient-led advocacy for the availability of better care, and strengthening mutual understanding between rare disease researchers and the patient community.

Abstract 5051 While clinical studies and guidelines provide important data regarding the safety and efficacy of new drugs, their application to daily practice can be limited by the inclusion of selected patient populations. Population-based studies can provide additional insight into the complex process of implementing treatment guidelines in daily practice. The objective of the MyDyS registry was to collect and analyze data regarding the diagnosis and management of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in Slovakia. Material and methods: five clinical centers collected data regarding demographics, staging, history and cytopathology from newly diagnosed patients (pts) with MDS from 2009 to 2011. Patients were classified according to the French American British (FAB) and World Health Organization (WHO) systems and the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). The database allowed online pts registration. Results: one hundred thirty pts were registered to MyDyS in the yrs 2009–2011 and data from 128 pts were analyzed. Male/ female: 53,1%/ 46.9%; average age 64,8 yrs (range 22–89 yrs). The most frequent diagnosis according to FAB classification was RA (53.9%) and RAEB (21.9%), and according to WHO classification RCMD (27,3%) and RAEB II (22,7%). IPSS Low risk was in 16,4% pts, INT-1 in 43%, INT-2 in 19,5% and High risk in 11,7%. The majority of pts were de novo (89,8%). Patients with secondary MDS (10,2%) had a history of malignancy (breast cancer, 23,1%; hematologic malignancy, 2,6% only) and history of combination chemo and radiation therapy in 61,5%. In these pts, bone marrow (BM) was hypercellular in 49,2%, hypocellular in 24,2% of patients. Number of blasts less than 5% in 60,2% patients. Erythroid dysplasia was observed in 88,3%, myeloid dysplasia in 56,3% and dysplasia of megakaryocytes in 71,9% of patients. BM biopsy was performed at diagnosis in 87,5% and reported as hypercellular in 56,6%, with fibrosis in 62,8% and abnormal localization of precursors (ALIP) in 8%. Peripheral cytopenia in 2–3 lineages was observed in 67,2% pts. Growth factor therapy was given to 63 pts and red blood cell transfusions (average 20,7; range 2–80 RBC units) were given to 35 patients. Deferasirox (mostly 1500mg/ d) was given to 25 patients, and serum ferritin level decreased after 8 months in 27,3% pts, after 12 months in 57,4% pts. Chelation therapy was associated with gastrointestinal intolerance in 1 case, and skin reaction in 2 patients. Conclusion: The presented data document the first steps in the complex process of improvement of management of MDS in daily clinical practice in Slovakia. Expansion of the registry is necessary for determination of best practices for discussion with health care authorities and health insurance institutions. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Rare diseases constitute a major burden on public health, mainly due to the high cost of therapy and logistical difficulties (for example, the need to organise a network of designated treatment centres). National and international registries of rare diseases facilitate data collection and analysis for demographic, economic and research purposes. They are also useful for treatment centres and other healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies developing orphan drugs. We present the HemoRec database, implemented in 2006 in six European countries, as an example of an international registry of inherited bleeding disorders. HemoRec is used in 15 Polish treatment centres and stores data on 1,100 patients with inherited bleeding disorders (amounting to 24.9% of all patients registered in the Polish central registry held at the Institute of Haematology and Blood Transfusion in Warsaw). It can be developed in the future into a national platform of data collection and exchange in the network of Polish, and hopefully also European, haemophilia treatment centres.

Abstract 3651 Introduction: SeveN Bleep (Seven A in Nonhemophilia Bleeding in Pediatrics) is a web-based registry for collecting data on the use of rFVIIa in the treatment of severe and/or life threatening bleeding in children without hemophilia. The registry was endorsed by the Paediatric/Perinatal SSC subcommittee of ISTH. Methods: The registry was established in 2005. During the five years of its existence, 191 cases were recorded, of which 164 (86%) records fulfilled the validation criteria and were eligible for further analyses. For the purpose of analysis, the patients were stratified into two groups: neonates and infants 1 yr old. Statistical methods were used as appropriate. Results: Fifty nine (36%) valid records described the treatment with rFVIIa in neonates and infants, and 105 (64%) in older children. Of these, 27(16%) were for the prevention of severe bleeding. In the rest (84%) of cases, rFVIIa was used to treat severe bleeding. Those 137 cases (42 neonates+infants and 95 older children) were further analysed for the purpose of this report. The median weight in the In those older than 1 year, the median age was 10 years and median weight 30 kg. The reasons for administration of rFVIIa included trauma (45%), “non-trauma” surgery (14%) and bleeding related to malignancy and/or its treatment (11%). Survival rate in this group was 72%. 17% of deaths were related to the underlying hemorrhage treated. There were no thrombotic event or death related to rFVIIa treatment recorded in this group. There was a trend towards using a higher total dose (median 160ug/kg) in patients that died compared to a lower dose (median 120 ug/kg) in those who survived (p=0.078). In addition, those who survived needed lesser number of doses as compared to the deceased patients (median number of doses 1 and 2, respectively; p=0.052). Use of rFVIIa led to a significant decrease in the consumption of blood products in the 24 hour period after rFVIIa administration compared to the 24 hours prior to the use of rFVIIa - packed red cells (280 ml vs. 560 ml; p=0.001), FFP (250 ml vs. 500 ml; p=0.003). There were also significant changes in certain laboratory parameters related to rFVIIa administration also. Estimated blood loss decreased from 30 ml/kg prior to rFVIIa administration to 3 ml/kg after the use of rFVIIa (p=0.002). Conclusion: SevNBleep registry has proven to be a useful international tool for collection of relevant clinical data on the use of rFVIIa. rFVIIa appears to be beneficial in the management of bleeding in the pediatric population. The prevalence of adverse events related to use of rFVIIa was very low, though not absent. To minimize the potential bias related to reporting of SAEs, all major contributing centers has been contacted for further information with regards to consecutive reporting of patients treated with rFVIIa. Disclosures: Off Label Use: rFVIIa use in life threatening bleeding in children.

Background: In recent years, recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) has been used in non-hemophilia bleeding situations (factor VII deficiency, trauma, liver disease, uremia, surgical bleeding, platelet disorders, and intracranial hemorrhage) for achievement of hemostasis. Although, the risk of thrombosis in hemophilia patients with inhibitors receiving rFVIIa is quite low, its use in other clinical situations has been complicated by some reports of thrombotic events. Recently, rFVIIa has been used to treat coagulopathic and/or bleeding neonates with good success. However, the prevalence of thrombotic events in these neonates is completely unknown. This study was initiated to determine the risk of thrombotic events associated with rFVIIa use in neonates. Methods: We reviewed all published literature in neonates receiving rFVIIa. In addition, we reviewed all data submitted to the SeveN Bleep Registry, a database developed by the scientific standardization subcommittee on pediatric and neonatal hemostasis of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) to record all uses of rFVIIa in pediatric non-hemophilic patients. As the baseline prevalence of thrombosis for bleeding and/or coagulopathic neonates is also unknown, we also reviewed the records of 100 consecutive neonates from a single institution who received fresh frozen plasma (FFP) alone to treat their coagulopathy and/or bleeding. Results: A total of 98 non-hemophilic neonates received rFVIIa. The majority of these neonates received rFVIIa only after failing to achieve hemostasis with standard care (FFP, cryoprecipitate, platelet transfusions). Of those receiving rFVIIa, 7 had a thrombotic event reported. In the control group that received FFP alone, 7 neonates also suffered a thrombotic event. Although the risk of thrombosis in these two groups is similar, neonates receiving rFVIIa tended to have indwelling line related thrombosis, while those receiving FFP tended to have strokes or myocardial insults. Overall the prevalence of thrombotic events in bleeding and/or coagulopathic neonates appears to be 7%, whether or not they received rFVIIa. Conclusions: In this study, the overall prevalence of thrombotic events was similar in the rFVIIa and FFP group. As data for this study was collected in a retrospective manor, and thereby subject to publication and submission bias, a more accurate determination of the prevalence of thrombosis in neonates will require a prospective study.

Background The Czech Breast Cancer Screening Programme (CBCSP) was initiated in September 2002 by establishing a network of accredited centres. The aim of this article is to describe progress in the programme quality over time after the inception of the organised programme. Methods The CBCSP is monitored using an information system consisting of three principal components: 1) the national cancer registry, 2) a screening registry collecting data on all screening examinations, further assessments and final diagnoses at accredited programme centres, and 3) administrative databases of healthcare payers. Key performance indicators from the European Guidelines have been adopted for continuous monitoring. Results Breast cancer incidence in the Czech Republic has steadily been increasing, however with a growing proportion of less advanced stages. The mortality rate has recently stabilised. The screening registry includes 2,083,285 records on screening episodes between 2002 and 2008. In 2007-2008, 51% of eligible women aged 45-69 were screened. In 2008, the detection rates were 6.1 and 3.7 per 1,000 women in initial and subsequent screening respectively. Corresponding recall rates are 3.9% and 2.2%, however, it is necessary to pay attention to further assessment performed during the screening visits. Benign to malignant open biopsy ratio was 0.1. Of invasive cases detected in screening, 35.6% was less than 10 mm in diameter. Values of early performance indicators, as measured by both crude and standardized estimates, are generally improving and fulfil desirable targets set by European Guidelines. Conclusions Mammography screening in the Czech Republic underwent successful transformation from opportunistic prevention to an organised programme. Values of early indicators confirm continuous improvement in different aspects of process quality. Further stimulation of participation through invitation system is necessary to exploit the full potential of screening mammography at the population level.