Acta Clinica Croatica[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
AWARENESS OF THE EUROPEAN GROUP ON GRAVES' ORBITOPATHY (EUGOGO) GUIDELINES AND THEIR PRACTICAL USAGE IN CROATIA: AN EUGOGO PILOT STUDY.
Juri-Mandić J, Baretić M, Kusačić-Kuna S … +7 more , Šklebar LK, Mandić K, Geber A, Ivkić PK, Petrović-Jurčević J, Baldeschi L, EUGOGO contributors
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41943716 · Full text
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the awareness and practical usage of the European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) Guidelines in Croatia, in view of a possible EUGOGO survey on a larger scale. A 27-question anony...
This pilot study aimed to evaluate the awareness and practical usage of the European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) Guidelines in Croatia, in view of a possible EUGOGO survey on a larger scale. A 27-question anonymous online questionnaire survey was administered. It included questions regarding EUGOGO activities (usage of proposed assessment tools while diagnosing Graves' orbitopathy (GO) and algorithms while treating GO), besides sociodemographic data. The questionnaire was administered to endocrinologists, ophthalmologists, and nuclear medicine specialists whose e-mail addresses were available in the published records of national scientific societies. Collected data were processed and statistical analyses performed in Base SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, North Carolina, USA). Endocrinologists had the best response rate to the questionnaire. Ophthalmologists and the youngest responders (age 25-35) displayed the best usage and knowledge of the EUGOGO Clinical Evaluation Atlas and Guidelines. Responders who attended international meetings regularly and those in higher levels of health care used the Guidelines more often in clinical practice. This online survey proved to be a useful tool for obtaining data rapidly and inexpensively. It provided clear figures concerning the awareness and practical usage of the EUGOGO Guidelines in Croatia, thus it can represent the basis for larger EUGOGO survey.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HIGH FLOW OXYGEN THERAPY AND NONINVASIVE MECHANICAL VENTILATION TREATMENT IN ACUTE RESPIRATORY FAILURE DUE TO CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE - A RANDOMIZED STUDY.
Atik D, Cander B, Yazici R … +3 more , Bulut B, Unal R, Guven R
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41943715 · Full text
Hypercapnic acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Respiratory support is required in ARF, which usually has a high mortality risk. The objective was to...
Hypercapnic acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Respiratory support is required in ARF, which usually has a high mortality risk. The objective was to compare the effectiveness of noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIV), which is the traditional treatment protocol for COPD, with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (HFNT) as an emerging treatment method. This study was performed between August 20, 2019 and December 20, 2019, as a prospective randomized controlled study. Patients who were admitted with ARF due to COPD were included in the study. With randomization, 30 patients were treated with HFNT, whereas 31 patients were treated with NIV. The pH value of the HFNT group was significantly higher at the 1 hour of treatment (p=0.001). While there were no significant differences in subsequent pH values in the HFNT group (p=0.130), the pH value in the NIV group was found to have changed significantly (p=0.030). Compared to the NIV group, the 1 hour PaCO2 value in the HFNT group was significantly higher (p<0.001). The PaCO2 value decreased and PaO2 value increased significantly during follow-up in both groups (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in intra-group lactate and HCO3 values in the HFNT group, whereas the corresponding changes in the NIV group were significant (p=0.002). Compared to the HFNT group, the NIV group length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was significantly longer (p=0.039). The use of HFNT, especially in more serious COPD patients, can be described as an intervention that could be beneficial in the acute period and could reduce the frequency of nosocomial infections by shortening ICU stay.
CHANGING PATTERNS IN PEDIATRIC BURNS IN CROATIA - DATA FROM THE NATIONAL REFERRAL CENTER DURING THE 2010-2019 PERIOD.
Kralj R, Barčot Z, Kurtanjek M … +5 more , Petračić I, Tadić K, Bumči I, Višnjić S, Žic R
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41943714 · Full text
The aim of this study was to assess changes during the past decade in the overall number, as well as patterns of burn injuries according to age at the time of injury, total body surface area (TBSA) affected, and burn inj...
The aim of this study was to assess changes during the past decade in the overall number, as well as patterns of burn injuries according to age at the time of injury, total body surface area (TBSA) affected, and burn injury mechanisms. We also wanted to evaluate the average length of stay to TBSA ratio and seasonal variations according to burn injury mechanism. We performed a review of 402 patients hospitalized at our institution during a 10-year period and divided them into subgroups as follows: scalds, contact burns, flame and electrical burns, and massive thermal injuries (>40% TBSA regardless of burn injury mechanism). The peak incidence of burn injuries was recorded between the first and second year of life, and scalds predominated as the burn injury mechanism. During the observed period, the average TBSA declined and scalds became even more dominant as the burn injury mechanism. Seasonal variations could be confirmed for contact burns which occurred most commonly during autumn and winter, and for flame and electrical burns that occurred most often during summer. Given the fact that we recorded a decline in the number of patients with burn injuries, we believe that it is of highest importance for the management of burn injury pathology to be concentrated in a center with greatest experience in the treatment of burn injuries in children. Based on the characteristics of patients with burn injuries, small children and preadolescents and young adolescents should be targets of prevention campaigns.
CONCURRENT COLITIS AND CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION AS A CAUSE OF PERSISTENT DIARRHEA AFTER AUTOLOGOUS HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION FOR NON-HODGKIN LYMPHOMA FOLLOWING BENDAMUSTINE-BASED CONDITIONING.
Sedinić Lacko M, Mitrović Z, Crnek SŠ … +3 more , Jakšić O, Prka Ž, Pejša V
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635671 · Full text
Diarrhea usually appears early following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) due to toxic mucosal damage and neutropenia. Infectious agents also cause diarrhea in the post-transplantation period, wi...
Diarrhea usually appears early following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) due to toxic mucosal damage and neutropenia. Infectious agents also cause diarrhea in the post-transplantation period, with being most common. In contrast, cytomegalovirus (CMV) enterocolitis is extremely rare after ASCT. We report a case of a 55-year-old male who underwent ASCT for non-Hodgkin lymphoma that was complicated by severe persistent diarrhea resulting in significant hypovolemia and electrolyte imbalance. Prior to transplantation, the patient received rituximab in combination with chemotherapy (R-CHOP/R-DHAP) followed by a bendamustine-based conditioning regimen (BeEAM). After treatment with oral metronidazole, vancomycin and fidaxomicin, diarrhea persisted despite undetectable toxin, with elevation of hepatic enzymes. Eventually, CMV infection was diagnosed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and treated with ganciclovir and valganciclovir. Due to hypogammaglobulinemia following previous rituximab treatment, CMV immunoglobulins were also administered. The patient's condition gradually improved with CMV DNA being undetectable in serum. This case shows that diarrhea may be caused by concurrent infection with and CMV after ASCT. Bendamustine-induced colitis and prior rituximab treatment may have been additional risk factors in this patient. Therefore, more comprehensive workup of diarrhea is needed in ASCT recipients treated with these agents.
NON-HDL-C MIGHT PREDICT MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENT OCCURRENCE IN STATIN-NAÏVE PATIENTS FOLLOWING FIRST-TIME MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION - A PRELIMINARY REPORT.
Ferhatbegović L, Ljuca F, Kušljugić Z … +4 more , Kovačević K, Mršić D, Kušljugić S, Selimović M
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635670 · Full text
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the lipid parameter non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) on the occurrence of major cardiovascular event (MACE) in patients after first-time ST-elevation...
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the lipid parameter non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) on the occurrence of major cardiovascular event (MACE) in patients after first-time ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) and implantation of drug-eluting stent (DES). Seventy-eight patients (54 male and 24 female, median age 58.62±11.14 years) with the diagnosis of first-time STEMI who were treated with pPCI with DES implantation in the period from January 2018 until January 2020 were included in the study. Patients were followed for two years of the intervention for the occurrence of MACE and its association with baseline non-HDL-C, as well as total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides. During 2-year follow-up, 20 (25.6%) patients had MACE. There was no significant difference in baseline parameters such as age, hypertension, presence of diabetes mellitus, and post-interventional use of statin therapy between patients with and without MACE. The levels of baseline lipid parameters were significantly higher in patients who experienced MACE, as follows: total cholesterol (p=0.009), LDL-C (p=0.028) and non-HDL-C (p=0.007). Pearson χ-test showed that both non-HDL-C and LDL-C were significant predictors of MACE occurrence during 2-year follow-up, but non-HDL-C had a more significant correlation than LDL-C (p=0.007 p=0.028). Our initial report shows that baseline non-HDL-C was a more significant predictor of the occurrence of MACE after first-time STEMI than LDL-C, which reflects the importance of the residual risk of MACE occurrence while enabling identification and close monitoring of high-risk patients.
IS THERE A PROGNOSTIC ROLE OF FOCAL ADHESION KINASE AND CD8 IN SQUAMOUS CELL HEAD AND NECK CANCER TREATED WITH RADIOTHERAPY?
Bišof V, Jakovčević A, Škrtić A … +3 more , Rakušić Z, Prgomet D, Rak I
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635669 · Full text
The prevalence of relapses in advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer (SCHNC) is significant, and so is treatment morbidity. There is persistent need for reliable biomarkers in order to better personalize treatment....
The prevalence of relapses in advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer (SCHNC) is significant, and so is treatment morbidity. There is persistent need for reliable biomarkers in order to better personalize treatment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate prognostic significance of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and CD8 expression in human papillomavirus (HPV) negative SCHNC treated with radiotherapy. FAK and CD8 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. A total of 62 tissue samples were assessed. High expression of FAK was determined in 37.1% and high expression of CD8 in 25.8% of study patients. Patients with high expression of FAK had significantly more relapses than patients with low FAK expression (p=0.04). FAK and CD8 expression had no significant impact on overall survival (OS) (p=0.44 and p=0.48, respectively) and relapse free survival (RFS) (p=0.21 and p=0.31, respectively). However, patients with high expression of FAK and low expression of CD8 had the worst 5-year OS (38.7%) and 5-year RFS (44.3%). Patients with low expression of FAK had significantly less relapses. The prognostic role of FAK and CD8 expression in SCHNC patients treated with radiotherapy was not proven.
CLEAR CELL VARIANT OF AMELOBLASTIC CARCINOMA OF THE MAXILLA: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC APPROACH.
Manojlović L, Jerković D, Brajdić D … +2 more , Knežević P, Manojlović S
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635668 · Full text
Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare malignant epithelial tumor, mostly affecting the mandible. Maxillary ameloblastic carcinoma is even more uncommon and its clear cell variant has been exceedingly rarely described. Because...
Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare malignant epithelial tumor, mostly affecting the mandible. Maxillary ameloblastic carcinoma is even more uncommon and its clear cell variant has been exceedingly rarely described. Because clear cell lesions of jaw bones are both rare and diagnostically challenging, the incidence of the tumor, as well as the criteria for classification are not precisely defined. Differential diagnosis includes a variety of benign or malignant tumors of odontogenic and salivary gland origin, as well as metastatic tumors. Diagnostic dilemma extends to therapeutic approach. Treatment modalities are still debated. The present case report discusses the clinical and histologic differential diagnosis of clear cell variant of an aggressive maxillary ameloblastic carcinoma which was successfully treated with preoperative radiation therapy, followed by surgical excision of the residual lesion and reconstruction of the maxilla.
EFFECTS OF EDUCATED LABOR ATTENDANT ON BIRTH PROCESS AND RELATED FACTORS.
Ozel S, Engin-Ustun Y, Akinci U … +4 more , Kansu-Celik H, Cakir E, Tekin OM, Tozlu G
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635667 · Full text
The aim was to evaluate the effects of educated labor attendant (ELA) to pregnant women on the delivery process, mother's delivery satisfaction, and postpartum parenting behavior. Study women were divided into two groups...
The aim was to evaluate the effects of educated labor attendant (ELA) to pregnant women on the delivery process, mother's delivery satisfaction, and postpartum parenting behavior. Study women were divided into two groups depending on whether an ELA was present during labor or not. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes, Postpartum Parenting Behavior Scale (PPBS), Labor Agentry Scale, and labor satisfaction rate were evaluated and compared in the intervention and control groups. A total of 252 pregnant women, 126 in each group, were included in the study. The rate of cesarean section, the need of systemic analgesic application and pain measurements were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p=0.01, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The mean PPBS and Labor Agentry Scale scores were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p<0.001). ELA accompanying pregnant women help them overcome their labor fear in every stage of delivery, and decrease the rate of cesarean section.
CRITERIA FOR PRIMARY OR TWO-STAGE DIVERSION PROCEDURES IN COLON INJURIES: EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN MONTENEGRO.
Lazović R, Vukčević B, Šarenac O … +2 more , Lazović J, Vukčević N
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635666 · Full text
Modern literature supports primary repair in a wide array of colon injury presentations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the validity of criteria for primary repair of colon injuries. The analysis involved 96 patien...
Modern literature supports primary repair in a wide array of colon injury presentations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the validity of criteria for primary repair of colon injuries. The analysis involved 96 patients with colon injuries. Group 1 (62 patients) underwent the Stone and Fabian (S/F) criteria for primary repair, whereas group 2 (34 patients) underwent the following exclusion criteria for primary repair: significant peritonitis, edema/ischemia of a large area/multiple colonic segments, latent period >8 h, and intraoperative cardiorespiratory instability. The following variables were analyzed: demographic data, mechanism of injury, latent period, distribution of injuries, macroscopic intraoperative finding, and several trauma indices. The mean latent period was shorter in group 2 (1.3±1.1 h) group 1 (4.9±3.7 h). Primary repair was more frequent in group 2. There was no difference in the success rate of the primary procedures between the two groups according to Flint grade or S/F criteria. Primary repair is safe and recommended in the first 8 h after injury in hemodynamically and respiratory stable patients without intra-abdominal sepsis.
THROMBOTIC RISK EVALUATION OF TWO METHYLENETETRAHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE MUTATIONS C677t AND A1298c IN VENOUS THROMBOEMBOLISM.
Kundid R, Kolundžić M, Babić I … +5 more , Kereš T, Svaguša T, Bingulac-Popović J, Hećimović A, Jukić I
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635665 · Full text
The MTHFR mutations C677T and A1298C combined with folate and vitamin B12 deficiency lead to hypercoagulability. We evaluated thrombotic risk due to MTHFR mutations, individually and in combination, in patients with veno...
The MTHFR mutations C677T and A1298C combined with folate and vitamin B12 deficiency lead to hypercoagulability. We evaluated thrombotic risk due to MTHFR mutations, individually and in combination, in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The case-control study included groups of 262 VTE patients and 101 healthy controls. Allelic distribution of MTHFR C677T/A1298C mutations was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and results were statistically analyzed using χ-test and comparison of proportions with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and p=0.05. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequencies of C677T MTHFR genotypes between the patient group and controls (p=0.676; odds ratio (OR)=1.297; 95% CI 0.649-2.592), or for A1298C mutation (p=0.872; OR=0.894; 95% CI 0.564-1.419). The allele distribution of both MTHFR mutations did not show any significant differences (C677T p=0.808; OR=1.043; 95% CI 0.741-1.468 and A1298C p=0.738; OR=0.943; 95% CI 0.667-1.332). MTHFR genotype distributions did not show any significant difference between genders when analyzed with χ-test. When evaluating a combination of mutations, the greatest difference between the cases and controls was found in the frequencies of MTHFR TT/AA carriers (2.6%), which, however, did not reach significance (p=0.520). In conclusion, MTHFR C677T and A1298C mutations do not represent risk factors for VTE development in the group of Croatian patients.
CHANGES OF TSH, IMMUNE, INFLAMMATORY AND TUMOR MARKERS AFTER ANAEROBIC EXERCISE IN ELITE KARATE ATHLETES.
Vidranski T, Vidranski V, Jukić T
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635664 · Full text
Exercise causes considerable changes in the number and function of immune cells and hormones in circulation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of training regime on immune and inflammatory markers and parame...
Exercise causes considerable changes in the number and function of immune cells and hormones in circulation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of training regime on immune and inflammatory markers and parameters of complete blood count, thyroid function and tumor markers, immediately after intense, mostly anaerobic training in elite karate athletes. There are no similar studies that would determine changes in the concentration of tumor markers immediately after intense exercise. Study population included seven elite trained athletes, members of the Croatian National Karate Kata female team and Kata male team. Our data provided evidence that the white blood cell and segmented neutrophil granulocyte counts were significantly decreased and lymphocytes significantly increased with no major changes in interleukin-6 immediately after anaerobic exercise. We also noticed a strong increase of thyrotropin and no significant change in the levels of tumor markers. It was concluded that immune response and thyroid hormone status were in correlation with exercise duration and intensity. According to our results, a larger study is needed to define the impact of training and interrelation between sports and laboratory medicine as a perfect combination in terms of discovering new mechanisms and biochemical strategies in training of elite athletes.
LOCALIZED PIGMENTED VILLONODULAR SYNOVITIS OF THE KNEE: A CONSECUTIVE CASE SERIES AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
Bojanić I, Levaj I, Dimnjaković D … +1 more , Smoljanović T
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635663 · Full text
Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a rare disease that occurs on synovial tissue within and outside a joint. It can be localized or diffuse. Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS) can occur in any compartmen...
Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a rare disease that occurs on synovial tissue within and outside a joint. It can be localized or diffuse. Localized pigmented villonodular synovitis (LPVNS) can occur in any compartment of the knee joint. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze our consecutive series of LPVNS of the knee. From January 1999 to December 2018, 10 consecutive patients with LPVNS of the knee underwent surgical treatment at our department. All patients were arthroscopically treated by the senior author by removal of the localized mass and partial synovial resection of the area surrounding the bottom of the lesion. The series included four female and six male patients, mean age 29.5 (range, 17-60) years. Their symptoms prior to the operation lasted from 3 months to 3 years (mean, 11.8 months). At the mean follow-up of 110.9 (range, 11-239) months, none of the patients had recurrence of the disease. Our study confirms the consensus in the literature that LPVNS of the knee should be treated arthroscopically by excision of the localized mass and partial synovectomy of the area surrounding the base of the lesion.
CORRELATION OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL COMPONENTS OF HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE, FUNCTION AND PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NONSPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN.
Berković-Šubić M, Grazio S, Hofmann G … +1 more , Zoričić Z
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635662 · Full text
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is significantly reduced in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. In these patients, the relationship between physical and mental health with quality of life has not been...
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is significantly reduced in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. In these patients, the relationship between physical and mental health with quality of life has not been adequately studied, nor has the relationship between functional disability and pain intensity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the physical and mental components of HRQoL and their association with pain intensity and functional disability in patients with better and worse physical and mental health. In addition to sociodemographic and baseline data, disease-specific measures were obtained using standard questionnaires, i.e., the visual analog scale for pain, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for functional capacity in patients with chronic low back pain, and the Brief Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36). Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. The study involved 129 consecutive patients (33 men and 96 women) with chronic low back pain. A significant positive association was found between overall HRQoL, height, and body weight in relation to physical and mental health, but not with body weight in relation to physical health. A negative association was found with age, intensity of movement pain, and functional disability in relation to physical and mental health. An improvement in mental health was found compared to an increase in physical health. Better physical and mental health scores were associated with lower levels of functional disability. In conclusion, the results of this real-life study demonstrated the importance of improving the physical components of HRQoL as it affects assessment of the mental component in patients with chronic low back pain. Moreover, patients with better quality of life rated functional disability lower.
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCE OF MOBBING, JOB CHARACTERISTICS AND PHYSICAL MANIFESTATIONS AMONG NURSES/TECHNICIANS WORKING IN CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENTS.
Bajan A, Matijašić-Bodalec D, Krstačić A … +8 more , Mamić P, Đorđević S, Bajan N, Milostić-Srb A, Srb N, Makarović V, Kizivat T, Habazin I
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635661 · Full text
Mobbing (bullying) at the workplace of nurses is a serious problem in the world today. Its manifestations can be very different, from psychological to physical manifestations, and can be related to the onset of post-trau...
Mobbing (bullying) at the workplace of nurses is a serious problem in the world today. Its manifestations can be very different, from psychological to physical manifestations, and can be related to the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder. The aim of this study was to examine the experience of mobbing at the workplace of pediatric nurses and its connection with physical manifestations. For this purpose, we conducted a study on 434 nurses/technicians in 18 hospitals in the Republic of Croatia. The research instrument consisted of two questionnaires and personal characteristics of the examinees. The examinees were between the ages of 36 and 45, those who had more than 6 years of experience, those who did not work in shifts, who did not work at the job they wanted, and examinees who believed that the conditions at their workplace were threatening their health, and those whose work was the cause of sick leave in the last year. Among the examinees who had experienced mobbing, compared to those who had not, there was a greater number of those who did not evaluate their cooperation with colleagues and their relationship with superiors positively or did not know how to evaluate that relationship. The results obtained with the Physical Symptoms Inventory scale showed that the examinees who had experienced mobbing had a significantly higher incidence of the examined symptoms for which they visited a doctor. In conclusion, nurses employed at children's wards had a positive association of physical manifestations with the experience of mobbing at the workplace, for which preventive programs should be developed to prevent or reduce its occurrence, but also lifelong learning programs should be developed to empower those nurses who currently show symptoms of mobbing.
TREATMENT METHODS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AMONG CROATIAN STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.
Horvat M, Pavan Jukić D, Marinović L … +4 more , Bursać D, Ribić R, Neuberg M, Bursać D
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635660 · Full text
This study aimed to determine which treatment methods university students use to relieve menstrual pain. The study was conducted in April 2021 and included 861 female students at the University of Zagreb. Data were colle...
This study aimed to determine which treatment methods university students use to relieve menstrual pain. The study was conducted in April 2021 and included 861 female students at the University of Zagreb. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire containing 22 questions regarding menstrual characteristics and pain management. The study found that 366 (42.5%) students asked advice from a healthcare professional regarding primary dysmenorrhea and pain management. Pharmacological methods were used by 780 (90.6%) and non-pharmacological methods by 648 (75.3%) students. Most commonly, students were advised to use these methods by their families (73.8% and 64.5%, respectively). The most common drug used to treat painful menstruation was ibuprofen (84.7%). Local application of heat (78.7%) and taking an antalgic position (75.2%) were the most common alternative methods for relieving pain. Students who perceived their pain to be more severe were usually more likely to seek advice from a health worker and use both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods in pain management. Our study found that Croatian students were more likely to self-medicate than to seek advice from a health professional regarding painful menstruation. They use both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.
SELF-COMPASSION, MINDFULNESS AND COPING IN RELATION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER.
Kanisek S, Gmajnić R, Jandrić S … +4 more , Kurtović A, Barać I, Vukšić Ž, Pribić S
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635659 · Full text
The aim of the study was to examine the levels and relationships of self-compassion, mindfulness, coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in pregnant women. The study involved 153 pregnant women (6-...
The aim of the study was to examine the levels and relationships of self-compassion, mindfulness, coping with stress, anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in pregnant women. The study involved 153 pregnant women (6-7) who completed a questionnaire of socio-demographic data, Self-Compassion Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Depression Questionnaire of the Center for Epidemiological Research and Perceived Stress Scale. Subjects with higher levels of self-compassion and mindfulness had lower levels of anxiety (r=-0.44, p<0.01), (r=-0.53, p<0.01), depression (r=-0.45, p<0.01), (r=-0.51, p<0.01), and stress (r=-0.53, p<0.01), (r=-0.45, p<0.01). Significantly higher levels of anxiety (r=0.19, p<0.05), depression (r=0.23, p<0.01), and stress symptoms (r=0.26, p<0.01) were experienced by subjects who used avoidance-focused coping. Self-compassion and mindfulness were negative predictors of anxiety (β=-0.26, p<0.001), (β=-0.42, p<0.001), depression (β=-0.35, p<0.001), (β=-0.37, p<0.001) and stress (β=-0.40, p<0.001), (β=-0.25, p<0.01). Problem-focused coping had a positive contribution to depression (β=0.15, p<0.05). Avoidance showed a tendency toward a positive effect on stress (β=0.13, p=0.06). The results indicate a significant role of self-compassion and mindfulness in predicting symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress in pregnant women in early pregnancy as a focus of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at early prevention of mental disorders.
REPEATIBILITY AND RELIABILITY OF KNEE JOINT ROTATIONAL LAXITY MEASUREMENTS WITH DOUBLE GONIOMETRY.
Albanese A, Jakovljević M
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635658 · Full text
The results of existing studies on the range of motion in the knee joint rotation are contradictory. The best method for measuring knee rotation has not yet been found. The purpose of this study was to investigate the re...
The results of existing studies on the range of motion in the knee joint rotation are contradictory. The best method for measuring knee rotation has not yet been found. The purpose of this study was to investigate the repeatability and reliability of knee joint rotational laxity measurement using two magnetic goniometers. Thirty healthy subjects (15 males and 15 females) aged between 20 and 32 years participated in the study. Internal and external rotation of the left and right knee joints were measured with double goniometry in the sitting position with 90° flexion of the knee. There was no statistically significant difference in measurements between first and second session. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for repeatability ranged from 0.812 to 0.858 and for reliability from 0.655 to 0.837. Within-subject coefficient of variation was less than 10%, standard error of measurement was between 1.4 and 2.0, minimal detectable change was between 2.5 and 3.8. The measured values of internal and external rotation did not completely agree with those reported by other authors. The ICC values indicated good to very good repeatability and reliability of the double goniometry measurement of rotational knee laxity. Technical improvements will be required before translation into clinical practice.
ULTRASOUND AND SHEAR WAVE ELASTOGRAPHY FOR DISTINGUISHING BENIGN AND MALIGNANT AXILLARY LYMPH NODES IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS.
Kalkan C, Bayrak IK, Ozturk M … +1 more , Polat AV
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635657 · Full text
This study aimed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound (US) and shear wave elastography (SWE) in distinguishing benign and malignant axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. A total of 121 axillary...
This study aimed to assess the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound (US) and shear wave elastography (SWE) in distinguishing benign and malignant axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. A total of 121 axillary lymph nodes from 61 breast cancer patients (mean age, 52.4±14.6 years) were enrolled between May 2019 and August 2020. Lymph nodes were histopathologically diagnosed through core needle biopsy or surgical excision. B-mode US features (short axis diameter, short-to-long axis diameter ratio, presence of echogenic hilum, presence of asymmetric cortical thickening, cortex thickness) were assessed and SWE measurements (maximum shear wave velocity (SWV), minimum SWV (SWV), median SWV (SWV), mean SWV (SWV)) were performed. There were 45 (37.2%) benign and 76 (62.8%) malignant lymph nodes. The short axis diameter, short-to-long axis diameter ratio, and mean cortical thickness of malignant lymph nodes were significantly higher compared to benign lymph nodes (p<0.001 all). SWV, SWV, SWV, and SWV of malignant lymph nodes were significantly higher than those of benign lymph nodes (p<0.001 for all). Both US and SWE were useful in discriminating between benign and malignant axillary lymph nodes.
THE ASSOCIATION OF SYNTAX SCORE II WITH LIPID PROFILE, SERUM URIC ACID LEVELS AND DIABETES MELLITUS IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIVESSEL CORONARY DISEASE.
Đambić V, Bošnjak I, Dumančić D … +1 more , Kibel A
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635656 · Full text
The SYNTAX Score II (SS II) is a clinical tool that allows individualized prediction of mortality in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or corona...
The SYNTAX Score II (SS II) is a clinical tool that allows individualized prediction of mortality in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim was to examine whether lipid profile, uric acid and diabetes had a positive correlation with higher values of SS II. The study included 72 CAD patients. An online calculator was used to calculate SS II. Statistical tests (Mann Whitney U test and Shapiro-Wilk test) were used to assess correlations and differences in lipid profile, uric acid and diabetes status according to SS II values. There was a significant positive correlation between the proportion of patients with HDL levels above the reference values and SS II PCI. Patients with lower LDL values had significantly increased values of SS II CABG, but not SS II PCI. There was no significant correlation of total cholesterol and triglycerides with SS II PCI or SS II CABG. Patients with hyperuricemia had significantly higher SS II PCI but not SS II CABG. People with diabetes had significantly increased SS II PCI but not SS II CABG compared to non-diabetic patients. In conclusion, SS II is associated with some of the classic risk factors for atherosclerosis (uric acid, diabetes), whereas in our patient cohort there was a surprising correlation of SS II with high HDL levels and low LDL levels.
EFFECT OF PLATELET RICH FIBRIN ON WOUND HEALING TIME AFTER REVASCULARIZATION.
Mravičić M, Adžić-Kapitanović A, Razumić A … +4 more , Bakšić M, Pažur V, Magovac T, Granić M
Acta Clin Croat · 2025 Jun · PMID 41635655 · Full text
One of the most common diseases in vascular surgery is peripheral arterial disease, the last stage of which is critical limb ischemia. It is characterized by rest pain or tissue loss. In most cases, after revascularizati...
One of the most common diseases in vascular surgery is peripheral arterial disease, the last stage of which is critical limb ischemia. It is characterized by rest pain or tissue loss. In most cases, after revascularization, and due to gangrenous changes, it is necessary to perform amputation of a part of the lower limb. After amputation, the wound is bandaged with dressings. In conducting this pilot study, some patients were bandaged with platelet rich fibrin (PRF) in combination with dressings, while the others were treated only with dressings. PRF is a biologic material that is received from blood of the patient. All patients included in the trial had at least 2 out of 3 traversable blood vessels in the lower leg before treatment and underwent femoropopliteal bridging with prosthesis. Patients treated with PRF after revascularization had an average of 5 weeks of wound healing, in contrast to patients treated only with dressings, whose mean wound healing was 8.5 weeks and a proportion of these patients ended up with an extended amputation level. After the study, it is concluded that this type of treatment can be safely used in the treatment of vascular pathology.
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