Stolić RV, Pajčin M, Mitrović V
… +7 more, Zdravković ND, Sovtić S, Marković-Jovanović S, Pajović S, Bulatović K, Mitić B, Rašić D
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104236
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Timely creation of an arteriovenous fistula is not always feasible. The aim was to determine the key factors for functionality and maturation of arteriovenous fistulas in relation to timing of its creation. The research...Timely creation of an arteriovenous fistula is not always feasible. The aim was to determine the key factors for functionality and maturation of arteriovenous fistulas in relation to timing of its creation. The research was conducted at the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Kragujevac University Clinical Center, Kragujevac, Serbia, in patients who had had a fistula surgically created over a period of fifteen years. A total of 1089 patients were registered. All clinical and biochemical parameters that were of interest for this study were analyzed. The group of patients with fistulas created before the start of hemodialysis was statistically different from the group of patients whose fistulas were created after the start of hemodialysis according to vein lumen (p=0.005), systolic blood pressure (p<0.001), total cholesterol (p<0.001), HDL cholesterol (p=0.008) and LDL cholesterol (p<0.001). Predictive parameters of the initial dysfunction were vein diameter (p=0.004), cholesterol (p=0.008) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.033), while the maturation parameter was systolic blood pressure (p=0.042). In conclusion, predictive parameters of initial fistula dysfunction are vein diameter, cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while systolic blood pressure is most important for maturation.
Malenica M, Trbojević T, Herceg S
… +4 more, Kukuruzović M, Šeparović I, Rotim N, Rotim K
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104235
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Giants and acromegalists have long captured attention, and they were often almost mythical creatures of great strength and power. Due to their expressive appearance, they were recorded in myths and works of art much earl...Giants and acromegalists have long captured attention, and they were often almost mythical creatures of great strength and power. Due to their expressive appearance, they were recorded in myths and works of art much earlier than they were of interest to medical practitioners. The first recognition was made by a Dutch physician Johannes Wier in 1567, but the first description and appellation originated by Pierre Marie in 1886. Involvement and interest from neurosurgeons followed, and in 1907, Hermann Schloffer performed the first transsphenoidal surgery in a patient with pituitary adenoma. In 1909, Harvey Cushing linked removal of the enlarged pituitary gland to regression of acromegaly and considered 'growth hormone' a pathophysiological trigger. Knowledge of acromegaly has been enhanced by the discovery of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and evidence for an association between GH hypersecretion and elevated circulating IGF-I with the clinical phenotype. After 1970, pharmacotherapy (dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogs and GH receptor blockers) was introduced. Despite advances in drug therapy and radiotherapy, surgical treatment still provides optimal results (first-line treatment) after more than a century of attempts. In this paper, we present gigantism and acromegaly over time, important turning points from its recognition to the current insights and fundamental approach reminding us of the immense prosperity of medicine and science. The development of basic sciences and clinical endocrinology will enable progress and improvement of comprehension in the pathogenesis and diagnostics, as well as curative modalities.
Jančuljak D, Petravić D, Mahović Lakušić D
… +9 more, Lovrenčić-Huzjan A, Bačić Baronica K, Bosnar Puretić M, Hucika Z, Titlić M, Popović Z, Tomić Z, Stojić M, Bašić Kes V
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104234
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Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine, acting on CGRP receptors in the trigeminovascular system, causing neurogenic inflammation and vasodilation, and promoting nocice...Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of migraine, acting on CGRP receptors in the trigeminovascular system, causing neurogenic inflammation and vasodilation, and promoting nociception. Four specific monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP are available for prevention of episodic and chronic migraine in adults with at least four migraine days month. The aim of these guidelines is to provide evidence-based recommendations for the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP in migraine prevention in Croatia. The questions were formulated using the Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) criteria, with evidence-based answers. To assess the quality of scientific evidence, a review of the literature available in PubMed was performed. Relevant studies were reviewed by the Expert Group of the Headache Section of the Croatian Neurological Society, and served as the basis for formulating the recommendations outlined in these guidelines. We found high quality evidence for good safety and efficacy of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies in the preventive treatment of episodic and chronic migraine. These medications may be considered as first-line prophylactic therapy depending on the patient's history, concomitant diseases, and disease burden. Further real-world studies are needed to elucidate other aspects of their application.
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104233
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Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is thought to be caused by smoking in even 8 out of 10 cases. One of the first clinical signs in patients with COP...Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is thought to be caused by smoking in even 8 out of 10 cases. One of the first clinical signs in patients with COPD is reduced physical ability, which is usually attributed to reduced lung function, although a significant role is played by a disorder of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of the study was to examine differences in fitness and locomotor status between smokers and non-smokers, as well as the effect of oral administration of L-arginine on the strength of the quadriceps depending on smoking status. The study included 164 subjects, 84 non-smokers and 81 smokers not diagnosed with COPD. All subjects completed CAT and IPAQ questionnaires, and performed spirometry, 6-minute walking test and quadriceps strength testing without therapy and after oral administration of 500 mg L-arginine. The results showed that the increase in quadriceps strength after oral administration of L-arginine was not dependent on smoking status but was more pronounced in smokers who started smoking at an earlier age and who smoked more cigarettes, as well as a generally higher physical activity of non-smokers. These results could become relevant for recognizing the development of skeletal musculature hypotonus and hypotrophy in smokers who are prone to develop COPD.
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104232
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The aim was to compare the computed tomography (CT) semi-quantitative severity scoring (CT-SS) system assessments of COVID-19 pneumonia on initial and follow-up examinations according to the presence of comorbidities. Of...The aim was to compare the computed tomography (CT) semi-quantitative severity scoring (CT-SS) system assessments of COVID-19 pneumonia on initial and follow-up examinations according to the presence of comorbidities. Of the 278 real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction positive patients, 108 with a follow-up CT scan were evaluated. Then, all CT images were independently reviewed for CT-SS analysis by two reviewers. Reviewers were unaware of the patient laboratory and clinical findings. A quarter of patients had negative findings on their initial CTs. Sixty-one (56.4%) patients showed progression. Disease progression was more frequently observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and malignancies (p=0.044 and p=0.019, respectively). Follow-up CTs of patients with comorbidities, especially those with cardiovascular disease (56.4%) and type 2 DM (70.0%), demonstrated an increased frequency of diffuse involvement. The white lung sign was more frequently observed in patients with malignancies (60.0%). In this study, COVID-19 patients with comorbidity showed a higher rate of disease progression than those without comorbidity. Patients with comorbidities more frequently had severe CT findings with high CT-SS. These findings may serve as a guide in the COVID-19 pneumonia follow-up and treatment.
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104231
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This research was carried out to adapt the Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool for Turkish children with cancer aged 4-7 years, and to evaluate its validity and reliability. This study, which was descriptive and methodo...This research was carried out to adapt the Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool for Turkish children with cancer aged 4-7 years, and to evaluate its validity and reliability. This study, which was descriptive and methodological, was conducted on 159 children receiving cancer treatments between June 2021 and December 2021. Data collection tools included a socio-demographic form and the Symptom Screening in Pediatrics Tool for children aged 4-7 years (mini-SSPedi). Data were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, factor analysis, and item-total score analysis. There were 15 items on the mini-SSPedi, and it had one dimension. The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated that total factor loading was >0.30 and that the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value was 0.831. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the fit indices were χ/sd: 1.739 (p=0.000), GFI 0.895, CFI 0.919, TLI 0.897, RMSEA 0.068 and SRMR 0.064. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the total scale was 0.846. The correlation between the items and total scale score ranged between 0.411 and 0.749. The mini-SSPedi was found to be a valid and reliable scale for the Turkish sample. The mini-SSPedi can contribute to determination of symptom screening in children with cancer aged 4-7 years.
Lakičević G, Splavski B, Lakičević S
… +1 more, Rotim K
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104230
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Degenerative cervical disc disease can be surgically treated by various procedures, one of which is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). It is used to stabilize the spine and decompress neural structures of th...Degenerative cervical disc disease can be surgically treated by various procedures, one of which is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). It is used to stabilize the spine and decompress neural structures of the spinal canal. However, measuring its impact on postoperative clinical status and surgical outcome is difficult. That is the reason why patient-reported surveys are commonly used to assess clinical status and surgical outcomes. To evaluate the surgical outcomes of ACDF with an allograft with a fixed angle of inclination at one cervical level, we conducted a prospective study on 60 patients over one year. We used a structured patient-reported survey based on the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Odom questionnaire. Most patients experienced significant reduction in pain intensity in their arms and neck after undergoing ACDF with a carbon wedged-shaped allograft with a fixed inclination angle of 7º. This improvement was equally represented across all age groups and levels of the cervical spine operated on. Most patients also experienced a decrease in postoperative disability, as measured by the ODI, regardless of their age or the level of the cervical spine operated on. The majority of them rated their outcomes as either excellent or good, which was true across all age groups and levels of the cervical spine. In conclusion, patient-reported clinical status and outcome surveys are valuable and easy-to-perform tools for evaluating the quality of life of patients suffering from degenerative cervical disc disease after ACDF with a carbon cage having a fixed inclination angle.
Stojčević-Maletić J, Barjaktarović I, Đerić M
… +4 more, Čabarkapa V, Petrović V, Patić A, Bogdanović-Vasić S
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104229
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The objective of this study was to compare performance of two authorized tests, the Abbott Real Time SARS-CoV-2 (ACOV) assay (Abbott Molecular Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA) and Liferiver Novel Coronavirus Real Time Multi...The objective of this study was to compare performance of two authorized tests, the Abbott Real Time SARS-CoV-2 (ACOV) assay (Abbott Molecular Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA) and Liferiver Novel Coronavirus Real Time Multiplex RT-PCR (Liferiver 2019-nCoV) kit (BioVendor Group, Brno, Czech Republic), and to determine whether the selection of targeted genes has an impact on test specificity. We included 105 nasopharyngeal swabs from adult individuals with symptoms or suspected of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), aged from 26 to 91 years, previously tested by the ACOV and subsequently tested by the Liferiver 2019-nCoV. In this comparative analysis, we found that the ACOV assay detected more cases of COVID-19 infection than the Liferiver 2019-nCoV assay. The Liferiver 2019-nCoV kit showed a high level of agreement with the ACOV assay. The positive percent agreement was 88.89% (95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 77.42%-100.0%), and the kappa coefficient (kappa) was 0.901 (95% CI: 0.817-0.985). The negative percent agreement was 94.12% (95% CI: 89.74%-98.50%), while 4.76% of SARS-CoV-2 cases were false-negative using the Liferiver test. However, due to the possible false-negative results using the Liferiver 2019-nCOV test, we recommend complete testing with the ACOV assay.
Knezović Drakšić Z, Soljačić-Vraneš H, Djaković I
… +1 more, Vraneš H
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104228
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The aim of this study was to assess the effect of social factors such as living in rural urban area or in an extended nuclear family regarding female sexuality in the postpartum period. In this cross-sectional study 11...The aim of this study was to assess the effect of social factors such as living in rural urban area or in an extended nuclear family regarding female sexuality in the postpartum period. In this cross-sectional study 113 women took part. They filled-out a questionnaire that contained sociodemographic questions about their marital status, place of residence, number of family members, and questions about sexual intercourses after giving birth. They were also asked about the frequency, time elapsed until resuming sexual intercourse, and presence of dyspareunia. Time period from giving birth until resuming sexual intercourse was 8 weeks on average. Place of residence (median test: χ(2)=3.3, p>0.05) and number of household members (median test: χ(4)=0.87, p>0.05 for number of household members) had no effect on that time period. There was no significant difference in the frequency of sexual intercourse between women living in urban and rural area (χ-test(1)=0.03, p>0.05). Women in larger families were more sexually active in comparison to women in smaller families (χ-test(2)=9.08, p<0.05). Dyspareunia was reported by 41.3% of study women. Sexuality of women in the postpartum period is liable to social effects. Social support of family members has a greater impact on sexuality in the postpartum period than other social factors such as place of residence. Besides support of close family members, women in that period should have organized social protection and access to information.
Žagar M, Piknjac A, Soldo M
… +1 more, Knezović Zlatarić D
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104227
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Digital photography has become an indispensable part of modern medicine and dentistry. In the initial stages, digital single lens reflex cameras were used in medicine and dentistry and were considered the golden standard...Digital photography has become an indispensable part of modern medicine and dentistry. In the initial stages, digital single lens reflex cameras were used in medicine and dentistry and were considered the golden standard. In recent years, smartphones have become available and enable adjusting of camera settings. The aim of the study was to examine color accuracy on digital photographs taken with a smartphone and the possibility of applying a simple protocol for shooting digital photographs in daily clinical work. The study was conducted on 45 subjects, and a total of 15 JPEG photographs using three smartphones were taken. Five photographs with different lighting modes were taken with each smartphone and the CIE L*a*b* values were measured. Difference in color (dE) was calculated. The results showed that different lighting conditions and different smartphones did affect color values in this study. The CIE L*a*b* values measured on digital photographs using different smartphones and different illuminations differed significantly (p<0.01). There was significant difference in color between digital photographs in different illuminations and measurements of the natural teeth (p<0.01). Digital photo protocol taken with a smartphone cannot be used as an accurate method for digital determination of tooth color in dentistry.
Girotto D, Burić J, Šimić H
… +3 more, Tomulić V, Jakljević T, Kvas Z
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104226
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Stabilization of spine using transpedicular screws is the most commonly used instrumentation technique among spinal surgeons. The 'free hand' technique is considered relatively safe and can be performed under x-ray contr...Stabilization of spine using transpedicular screws is the most commonly used instrumentation technique among spinal surgeons. The 'free hand' technique is considered relatively safe and can be performed under x-ray control. Vascular injuries with misplaced screws are rare but potentially fatal complications. Injury of thoracoabdominal aorta by malpositioned screw demands a multidisciplinary approach. Injury of vessel wall might demand screw removal and vessel wall repair. Here we present a case of 72-year-old female patient who underwent long segment fixation of thoracolumbar spine. During follow up, computed tomography (CT) scan and afterwards aortography showed a lesion of the posterior aortic wall by malpositioned screw without signs of bleeding. After meticulous preparation, combined endovascular repair with stent-graft and removal of the penetrating screw were performed. Endovascular treatment was performed simultaneously with screw removal. During screw removal, the patient was in lateral decubital position. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 8. Follow up CT aortography 6 months later showed no leak or other changes in the aorta. We found combined endovascular vessel repair with simultaneous screw removal safe and sufficient for this kind of aortic injury. Although lateral decubital position bears limitations, it gives enough space for the operator. Performing intraoperative aortography provides good insight into stent position and possible bleeding after screw removal.
Pašić H, Vidrih B, Šarac I
… +9 more, Rotim N, Hrkać Pustahija A, Malojčić B, Franić IK, Radmanović I, Živković M, Jurić S, Šarić-Jurić J, Bošnjak Pašić M
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104225
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Prolonged cocaine inhalation can cause destruction of nasal mucosa and ethmoid sinuses and palate perforation, thus inducing cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL) that affect only a limited number of predis...Prolonged cocaine inhalation can cause destruction of nasal mucosa and ethmoid sinuses and palate perforation, thus inducing cocaine-induced midline destructive lesions (CIMDL) that affect only a limited number of predisposed patients. CIMDL are an autoimmune necrotizing inflammatory phenomenon associated with the presence of atypical antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). Patients complain of epistaxis, nasal obstruction, hyposmia, sinus infections, and facial pain. Protocol for the CIMDL diagnosis includes medical history, clinical examination, magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory tests, immunology and serology tests, and chest x-ray. A 68-year-old man presented with a brain extension mimicking an ischemic-like lesion with surrounding edema. A diagnosis of CIMDL was made in the light of the patient's medical history, imaging studies, and laboratory testing including pANCA positivity which seems to promote disease phenotype.
Budimir I, Babić F, Tomašić V
… +3 more, Ćaćić P, Bešlić I, Deprez PH
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104224
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Intraluminal duodenal diverticulum is a rare entity that may cause recurrent pancreatitis. We report a case of a 36-year-old female admitted with etiologically unclear, recurrent pancreatitis. Radiographic study and endo...Intraluminal duodenal diverticulum is a rare entity that may cause recurrent pancreatitis. We report a case of a 36-year-old female admitted with etiologically unclear, recurrent pancreatitis. Radiographic study and endoscopy revealed a sac-like structure of the second portion of the duodenum near the minor duodenal papilla. Endoscopic diverticulotomy was successfully performed. No complications were observed and the patient was discharged home a day later. After 62-month follow-up, the patient was active and without symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of recurrent pancreatitis caused by intraluminal duodenal diverticulum near the minor duodenal papilla, treated with endoscopic diverticulotomy performed from the apex to the base of the diverticulum.
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104223
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Acquired language disorder is a common consequence of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Following the logogen model, this study investigated word processing abilities of post-stroke and post-TBI patients. Within-...Acquired language disorder is a common consequence of stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Following the logogen model, this study investigated word processing abilities of post-stroke and post-TBI patients. Within- and between-group differences in word comprehension, naming, and reading were observed, as well as predominant errors in performance. Twenty-two post-stroke and 22 post-TBI patients were tested using tasks from the Comprehensive Aphasia Test-HR (CAT-HR). Post-TBI patients outperformed post-stroke patients in naming and reading. Both groups exhibited neologisms, phonological, semantic and unrelated errors, although in different proportions. In word comprehension and naming, post-TBI patients primarily exhibited semantic errors, whereas post-stroke patients had equally distributed phonological and semantic errors. In reading, both groups predominantly produced phonological errors. Error distribution differed only in naming, with post-TBI patients exhibiting more semantic errors than post-stroke patients. Therefore, performance in naming differentiated these groups most. Although error analysis is rather insightful, one cannot expect a particular profile of language disturbances in post-stroke and post-TBI patients. The findings obtained bear concrete clinical implications, especially those related to the role and meaning of the errors produced by the patient to determine the exact location of the processing deficits.
Golubović J, Vuleković P, Djilvesi D
… +8 more, Krajčinović N, Horvat I, Jelača B, Pajičić F, Lasica N, Stošić S, Rotim A, Rasulić L
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Oct · PMID 40104222
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Computed tomography (CT) is an essential tool in diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). Marshall CT classification, Rotterdam and Helsinki CT scores were consecutively developed as prediction outcome scale...Computed tomography (CT) is an essential tool in diagnosing and treating traumatic brain injury (TBI). Marshall CT classification, Rotterdam and Helsinki CT scores were consecutively developed as prediction outcome scales by computing TBI CT abnormalities. None of them classifies the pathological CT findings in the same manner. We aimed to determine which one is most accurate and has the best grading discriminatory power in determining early outcome. All TBI patients treated at a single center in a one-year period having undergone a CT scan on admission were retrospectively included. After calculation of all three scores, comparison among scale performances, as well as their accuracy in predicting patient 6-month outcome by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) was made. We used the Receiver Operating Characteristic curves to analyze correlation between all scales and early outcome. We calculated the area under the curve (AUC) to determine the power of each system while paired samples T-test was used to determine correlation among the scales. Mann-Whitney U test was performed to determine difference in outcome groups. A total of 1006 patients were included in final analysis. The mean patient age at presentation was 55.6 (±20.1) years, overall mortality was 6.4%, mean GOS was 3.00 (±1.4), and mean Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 13.9 (±0.2). Mortality was higher among patients with lower scores (p<0.01 all). The AUCs indicated that all scoring systems had a similarly high discriminative power in predicting early unfavorable outcome (Marshall AUC 0.86 . Rotterdam AUC 0.82 . Helsinki AUC 0.84). High correlation was found between Marshall and Rotterdam grading, r = 0.78, and moderate correlation between the other two pairs (Marshall . Helsinki, r=0.62, and Rotterdam . Helsinki, r=0.51). Additionally, low GCS and high injury severity score (ISS) could be identified as strong predictors of early death and poor outcome. In conclusion, all classification systems demonstrated a similar, strong predictive power for early outcome, but even greater discrimination results could be obtained if GCS and ISS were incorporated in the calculation. Helsinki CT score was least predictable of all three, and had the lowest correlation with the other two. Although Marshall CT classification was the oldest and simplest, it had at least the same prediction power as the newer scoring scales and should remain in use. Therefore, for prognostic purposes, this study recommends using one individual scale in clinical application to get the best possible prediction for TBI.
Bekić M, Blažević D, Mulabdić D
… +3 more, Ostojić M, Vidović D, Bekić M
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Apr · PMID 39959338
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This case report details the management of low-velocity gunshot wounds (GSWs) in a 28-year-old man, emphasizing the distinctive challenges and treatment strategies in urban civilian settings. This study contributes to me...This case report details the management of low-velocity gunshot wounds (GSWs) in a 28-year-old man, emphasizing the distinctive challenges and treatment strategies in urban civilian settings. This study contributes to medical literature by providing insights into the complexities of treating atypical fractures caused by GSWs, especially involving nonstandard ammunition. The patient, involved in an urban gunfight, sustained multiple low-velocity GSWs to his lower limbs. The diagnoses included an atypical intra-articular fracture in the left distal femur and a foreign body in the right lower leg. Treatment involved emergency surgery with K-wire stabilization for the left femur fracture and exploratory surgery for the right leg. No foreign bodies were found in the right leg, but subsequent analysis revealed pseudo-encapsulated calcification, indicative of previous fat necrosis. In 15 days after the initial trauma, the final surgical intervention took place, during which a low-contact condylar plate was placed on the left distal femur. Postoperative recovery was successful, with the patient regaining full mobility and range of motion after one year. Low-velocity GSWs in civilian settings can result in complex atypical fractures requiring specialized surgical intervention and management.
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Apr · PMID 39959337
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Inflammation, axonal loss and demyelinating plaques in the brain, which are the background of multiple sclerosis, very often cause changes in speech or dysarthria, in a range from mild to so severe that they impair compr...Inflammation, axonal loss and demyelinating plaques in the brain, which are the background of multiple sclerosis, very often cause changes in speech or dysarthria, in a range from mild to so severe that they impair comprehension of speech by the interlocutor. As a consequence of multiple sclerosis, dysphagia can also occur. The aim of this paper is to present the speech and swallowing difficulties that result from multiple sclerosis, and the importance of assessing the speech and swallowing in people with multiple sclerosis. This article is descriptive and provides a comprehensive overview of the literature dealing with this topic. Speech difficulties impede daily functioning and are often the first sign that other people notice. Swallowing difficulties not only complicate daily life but, if not given sufficient attention, are a possible life-threatening consequence of multiple sclerosis. Assessment of speech and swallowing difficulties should be part of the clinical assessment in each person with multiple sclerosis. As multiple sclerosis progresses, so do speech and swallowing difficulties, and it is of utmost importance to provide appropriate treatment that can alleviate these difficulties. Speech-language pathologists should be part of a team making the diagnosis and providing treatment for a person with multiple sclerosis.
Mojsović Ćuić A, Feher Turković L, Domjanić Drozdek S
… +7 more, Jurak I, Đikić D, Landeka Jurčević I, Skoko M, Rotim N, Vrdoljak DV, Đaković N
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Apr · PMID 39959336
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One of the factors involved in the colorectal cancer development is intracellular oxidative stress and antioxidative imbalance. The study aimed to explore the link between oxidative stress measured by the activity of ant...One of the factors involved in the colorectal cancer development is intracellular oxidative stress and antioxidative imbalance. The study aimed to explore the link between oxidative stress measured by the activity of antioxidative markers and lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) as possible cancer predictors of colorectal cancer by using several statistical methods. The study included 50 adult colorectal cancer patients of both genders. MDA level, the activity of antioxidative markers superoxide dismutase and catalase, and glutathione concentration were determined in patient sera. There was no age difference between male and female patients (p=0.579), and no gender differences according to cancer site (p=0.995), stage (p=0.083), and size (p=0.245). There were no differences in the levels of studied enzymes. Correlation analysis of antioxidative markers and MDA with cancer size and patient age revealed strongest individual correlation between the MDA and cancer size variables (r=-0.56).
Grgurević I, Filipec Kanižaj T, Iveković H
… +15 more, Mikolašević I, Milić S, Mrzljak A, Virović Jukić L, Balen I, Bokun T, Dinjar Kujundžić P, Lalovac M, Mijić M, Sobočan N, Stojsavljević Shapeski S, Hrstić I, Ladić D, Puljiz Ž, Ostojić R
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Apr · PMID 39959335
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Liver diseases are currently the eleventh leading cause of global mortality, and cirrhosis holds the ninth position among the causes of death in Europe. The progression of cirrhosis gives rise to complications such as po...Liver diseases are currently the eleventh leading cause of global mortality, and cirrhosis holds the ninth position among the causes of death in Europe. The progression of cirrhosis gives rise to complications such as portal hypertension (PH), liver failure, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. PH plays a pivotal role in the advancement of chronic liver disease and stands as an independent predictor of mortality in individuals with cirrhosis. Given the numerous updates in the classification, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for PH, the adoption of national guidelines has become imperative to enhance the care of this patient population. In the wake of Baveno VII consensus, as well as the recently published data, the working group of the Croatian Society of Gastroenterology drafted the guidelines that were discussed and agreed during 2023. Herein, we present a condensed version highlighting the key recommendations.
Vasiljev V, Haring M, Juraga D
… +3 more, Roviš D, Racz A, Rukavina T
Acta Clin Croat
· 2024 Apr · PMID 39959334
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Facing a malignant disease, surgery and creation of an intestinal stoma is a complex process in anyone's life. Adjusting to a new way of life can be complicated, stressful and challenging for patients. With continued edu...Facing a malignant disease, surgery and creation of an intestinal stoma is a complex process in anyone's life. Adjusting to a new way of life can be complicated, stressful and challenging for patients. With continued education from professional caregivers, the patient and/or family can avoid or mitigate adverse events and improve the quality of life of stoma carriers. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life of stoma patients and their relationship with health education in hospital in a qualitative way. The present study included 15 patients of both sexes older than 18 years and living with a stoma for at least one year after surgery. Patients were interviewed using a semi-structured interview, which was recorded. Transcripts were made and analyzed after the interview. A total of 6 women and 9 men aged between 40 and 86 years took part in the study. The results show that patients were very satisfied with health education they received in hospital, but their subjective experience of the quality of life was not satisfactory in all areas analyzed, such as travel and social life. Stoma has an impact on the participants' quality of life. High quality health education of patients by professionals, as well as family and social support play an important role in the lives of stoma patients. These are protective factors that improve the participants' quality of life.