bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of the combined tests application in serum and liquor of patients with suspected neurosyphilis
Authors: Mirkovic Mihailo , Jovicic Vilma , Basta Ivana , Marjanovic Ivan , Lavrnic Dragana
Published: December 2010

Background. Tertiary syphilis develops in 8-40% of untreated patients. It is most commonly manifested in the form of neurosyphilis, which can be asymptomatic taking the form of tabes dorsalis or progressive paralyze. Nowadays, in the developed countries, progressive paralyze is a rather rare disease, although the incidence of this disease has been rising within the last decades. Case report. We reported a 74-year-old male with the clinical image of dementia showing psychotic symptoms. On cytobiochemical examination of cerebrospinal liquor, hyperproteinorhacmia of 0.70 g/l with the normal number of cells was revealed. Computed tomography of the brain showed the marked cortical cerebral and cerebellar reduction changes with multiple ischemic lesions. Within a routine examination of patients with demention, we performed serologic reactions to syphilis out of which the Veneral Disease Researc Laboratory (VDRL) test in serum and liquor was unreactive, while the Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPNA) test in serum and liquor was positive. Positivity in serum and liquor was additionally confirmed by the Western blot method and fluoroscent treponema antibody (FTA) test. The treatment with benzathine fenylpenicilline 2.4 g once weekly resulted in significant improving the psychotic symptoms of the disease even after two weeks. Conclusion. This case report showed that within the differential diagnostics in patients with demention or psychotic disorder it is obligatory to consider syphilis of the nervous system, as well as to apply a combination of various tests which, besides the typical liquor findings, significantly improve the accuracy of diagnosis. Such approach is especially important regarding the fact that neurosyphilis can remain clinically quite asymptomatic for a long period, which could lead to late therapy, while, on the contrary, an adequate and timely treatment can contribute to a significant recovery of any patients.
Isolated aneurysm of the internal iliac artery and disorders of the pelvic organs functions
Authors: Music Davor , Radevic Bozina , Batricevic Goran , Nikolic Goran , Ivanovic Vesna , Jesic Radmila
Published: December 2010

Background. Isolated aneurysm of internal iliac artery is very rare and often asymptomatic. Aneurysm itself can produce malfunction of the pelvic organs. Aneurysm rupture is followed by high mortality. Case report. A 76-year old patient was admitted to the hospital with abdominal and left groin pain, disuric problems, obstipation and the signs of intestinal subocclusion. These problems persisted over the last few months. Digitorectal examination showed pulsatile tumor. Computed tomography and angiography revealed isolated aneurysm of the left internal iliac artery with a maximal diametar of 13.5 cm. The aneurysm was treated operatively using extraperitoneal approach in general anesthesia. During the operation a Cell Saver was used. The left internal iliac artery was resected and ligated with end-aneurysmatic suture of its branches. Conclusion. Isolated aneurysm of the internal iliac artery should be considered by differential diagnosis in any case of the occurrence of disorders of the pervic organs functions. Clinical findings, ultrasound examination, computed tomography and angiography are the diagnostic techniques of choice which can confirm the diagnosis. Surgical treatment with the use of retroperitoneal approach lead to complete recovery, so it could be considered the method of choice for patients with the condition permitting a radical surgical approach. .
Mucocoele of the maxillary sinus
Authors: Peric Aleksandar , Baletic Nenad , Vukomanovic-Djurdjevic Biserka , Jovic Milena , Kozomara Ruzica
Published: December 2010

Background. Mucocoele is histopathologically benign, cystic change of paranasal sinuses filled with mucoid contents, which with its growth is pressuring and destroying local bone walls. In only 3% of the cases it can be localized in maxillary sinuses. Etiology is unknown. Pyocoele develops by secondary infection. Case report. The male patient was 21 years old. His symptoms were runny nose with thick contents and heavy breathing on the right side of the nose, headaches, as well as the swelling of the right cheek. During clinical examination, the expansive change was found. It was completely closing the right side of the nose cavity. Computerized tomography (CT) of paranasal cavities showed excessive expansion of the right maxillary sinus, with very thinned walls, while the cavity was filled with liquid. After antibiotics therapy, the radical operation of the right maxillary sinus was performed, based on Caldwell Luc method. The frontal wall was found to be extremely convex and thinned, while the medial wall was with dehiscention. The cystic change was extirpated. Mucocoele was proved by pathohistologic findings. Its wall was about 2 mm thick and it showed squamous metaplasia in the large part of the mucocoela epithel. In the submucosa fibrosis and inflammatory infiltrate was present. Postoperative follow-up was under control. Clinically and radiographycaly, six months after therapy, the patient does not have troubles. Conclusion. The rare localization of the mucocoeles in maxillary sinus can be explained with the width of the maxillary ostia. Infected mucocoeles, expanded to the local anatomical structures, should be operated on with classic radical surgical operation. .
Cessation of еpileptic seizures series using peroral valproate in an adult patient with partial epilepsy
Authors: Spasic Mirjana , Lukic Stevo
Published: December 2010

Introduction. Golden rule for the initiation of antiepileptic therapy in the majority of epileptic syndromes is "start low and go slow", a principle after the second unprovoked seizure. There are certain clinical situations however when fast titration of antiepileptic medication is needed. Case report. We present a case of the 48-year-old man referred for further management of uncontrolled partial seizures. At the age of 37 years, he had subarachnoid haemorrhage, due to aneurysm rupture of the left internal carotid artery, with consecutive vasospasm and right haemiparesis. Since that time he had received phenobarbital 100 mg nocte. On examination he had a right sided upper motor neuron weakness affecting the arm more than the leg, and mild dysarthria, EEG investigation showed frequent transitory spikewaves discharges above the left hemisphere with the fast contralateral propagation with generalised discharges and CT showed old infarction in distribution of left medial cerebral artery. Valproate therapy was initiated with the retard form in the loading dose of 2000 mg. Seizures stopped in 7th hours after the treatment initiation. Laboratory parameters (liver function tests, blood count, level of antiepileptic drugs) were monitored every day. No further seizures were recorded. The patient was discharged from the hospital after 15 days in excellent condition. Conclusion. In selected clinical conditions it is possible to apply the protocol for valproate loading and switch-off from the previous antiepileptic drugs to valproate monotherapy. Adverse effects are rare and mild but potentially serious, and close monitoring of clinical and laboratory parameters is necessary. Hence, a rapid switch to valproate monotherapy can be done safely only in an inpatient setting. .
Significance of Helicobacter pylori infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with bleeding from upper part of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Golubovic Gradimir , Tomasevic Ratko , Radojevic Biljana , Pavlovic Aleksandar , Dugalic Predrag
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use are considered to be the most important risk factors having influence on the onset of bleeding gastroduodenal lesions. Whether there is an interaction between H. pylori infection and the use of NSAIDs in the development of peptic ulcer disease is still controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of NSAIDs use and H. pylori infection in patients presented with bleeding gastroduodenal lesions. Methods. During the period from January 2003 - December 2003 we prospectively obtained data of all the patients (n=106) presented with signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. All the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, with the endoscopy performed within 12 hours after admission. Histologic analysis was used for the detection of H. pylori infection. The NSAIDs and aspirin use data were obtained by anamnesis. Results. The results of our study revealed that the most common sources of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were duodenal (57 patients, 53.77%) and ventricular (36 patients, 33.96%) ulcers. The majority of the examined cases were associated with both H. pylori infection and NSAIDs use. A statistically significant difference among the studied groups of patients was proven. Conclusion. The majority of bleeding gastroduodenal lesions were associated with the coexistence of H. pylori infection and NSAIDs use, while their independent influences were statistically less important. Eradication of H. pylori infection in patients using NSAIDs might prevent upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and reduce peptic ulcer bleeding risk. .
Noninvasive assessment of oesophageal varices presence and size in patients with liver cirrhosis using right liver lobe/serum albumin concentration
Authors: Alempijevic Tamara , Bulat Vladislava , Kovacevic Nada , Jesic Rada , Djuranovic Srdjan , Tomic Dragan , Krstic Miodrag
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Liver cirrhosis is a chronic, progressive disease and it is usually accompanied by portal hypertension. The development of oesophageal varices (OV) is one of the major complications of portal hypertension. Cirrhotic patients should be screened for the presence of OV when portal hypertension is diagnosed. In order to reduce the increasing burden that endoscopy units have to bear, some studies have attempted to identify parameters for noninvasive prediction of OV presence. The aim of our study was to evaluate the value of biochemical and ultrasonography parameters for prediction of OV presence. Methods. This study included 58 cirrhotic patients who underwent a complete biochemical workup, ultrasonography examination and upper digestive endoscopy. Right liver lobe diameter/albumin ratio was calculated and its correlation to the presence and degree of OV, and Child-Pugh score of liver cirrhosis explored. Results. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 53.07?13.09 years; 40 were males and 18 females. In the Child-Pugh class A were 53.4% patients, class B 39.7%, whereas 6.9% were in the class C. In 24.1% of the patients no OV were identified by upper digestive endoscopy, 19% had OV grade I, 34.5% grade II, 20.7% grade III, and 1.7% OV grade IV. The mean value of the right liver lobe diameter/ albumin ratio was 5.43?1.79 (range of 2.76?11.44). Statistically significant correlation (p < 0.01) was confirm by Spearman's test between OV grade and calculated index (? = 0.441). Conclusion. The right liver lobe diameter/albumin ratio is a noninvasive parameter which provides an accurate information pertinent to the determination of OV presence and their grading in patients with liver cirrhosis. .
Intramuscular hemangioma of the retropharyngeal space
Authors: Boricic Ivan , Stojsic Zorica , Mikic Anton , Brasanac Dimitrije , Tomanovic Nada , Bacetic Dragoljub
Published: December 2010

Background. Intramuscular hemangioma (IMH) is a distinctive type of hemangioma occurring within skeletal muscle. Most IMH are located in the lower extremity, particularly in the muscles of the thigh. When present in the head and neck region, the masseter and trapezius muscle are the most frequently involved sites. Case report. We reported a case of unusual localization of the head and neck IMH occurring within the retropharyngeal space (RPS). To our knowledge, this is the second such case reported in the English literature. The tumor presented as a left-sided neck mass with bulging of the posterior and left lateral oropharyngeal wall on indirect laryngoscopy. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an ill-defined mass in the RPS at the oropharyngeal level. The lesion was excised via a transoral approach and microscopically diagnosed as IMH, the complex malformation subtype. Although surgical margins were positive, no recurrence of the tumor was noted in the 17-month follow-up. Conclusion. Intramuscular hemangioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of deep head and neck masses. The knowledge of the infiltrative nature and recurrence rate of an IMH is useful for appropriate management. .
Optimal nutritional status assessment parameters in gastroenterological patients on hospital admission
Authors: Roganovic Branka , Peric Sasa , Tarabar Dino
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. There are no recommendations for the optimal nutritional status assessment parameters (NSAPs) in the current literature. The aim of this study was to define the optimal NSAPs for nutritional status assessing in gastroenterological patients on hospital admission. Methods. Nutritional status of 612 gastroenterological patients was evaluated at the admission using 6 NSAPs: unintentional weight loss (WL), body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MAMC), serum albumin concentration (ALB), and lymphocyte counts (LYM). According to their nutritive status, the patients were classified as well nourished (normally nourished and obese), moderately undernourished and severely undernourished. Based on the similarities and differences in the assessment results, obtained according to each of 6 parameters, the optimal nutritional assessment parameters were defined, separately for the well-nourished / undernourished patients and for moderately / severely undernourished patients. Results. The incidence of malnutrition was in the range 5.9-29.7%. The results based on MAMC, ALB, and LYM were similar (25.2- 29.7%; p > 0.05), while the results based on WL, BMI, and TSF differed significantly (5.9-19.9%; p = 0.001-0.015). The assessment based on BMI was the most severe criterion, while the assessment according to MAMC was the mildest criterion in selection of malnourished patients. The assessment according to MAMC was the mildest criterion for the selection of severe malnourished patients (severely malnouorished patients accounted for 70.l%), while BMI and LYM were the most severe criteria (severely malnouorished patients accounted for 22.2% and 27.3%, respectively). The results based on BMI and LYM were similar (Wilcoxon test; p > 0.05). Conclusion. Combining BMI with MAMC is sufficient for the assessment of the nutritional status of gastroenterological patients on admission, as well as for differentiation between severely malnourished and moderately malnourished patients. .
Chemotherapy of advanced endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Stanojevic Zorica , Todorovska Ilinka , Djordjevic Biljana , Lilic Vekoslav , Zivanovic Danijela
Published: December 2010

 Pri donosenju odluke o lecenju bolesnice sa karcinomom endometrijuma znacajno je: 1) da li je bolest u odmaklom stadijumu ili je prisutan recidiv tumora, 2) da li je prethodno sprovedena terapija i ako jeste, koji vid terapije (zracenje ili hemioterapija), 3) da li je tumor merljiv ili nemerljiv i 4) o kom se histoloskom tipu tumora radi. Kod pojave recidiva znacajno je da li se on javio u prethodno zracenom polju ili van njega. Treba imati u vidu da je prezivljavanje bolesnica sa odmaklim i recidivirajucim karcinomom endometrijuma oko jedne godine i da su dosadasnji protokoli pokazali manje ili vise izrazenu toksicnost. S tog aspekta, vazno je i da primenjena terapija ne izazove znacajno oboljenje i narusavanje kvaliteta zivota bolesnice. Terapija uznapredovalog, metastatskog i recidivirajuceg karcinoma endometrijuma zahteva individualni pristup u zavisnosti od zivotne dobi i opsteg stanja bolesnice, mesta recidiva i prethodno sprovedene terapije. Pored hemioterapije, terapijske mogucnosti koje su na raspolaganju za sada su palijativna hirurgija i radioterapija, kao i hormonska terapija. .
Cardiovascular risk factors in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Pesic Milica , Antic Slobodan , Kocic Radivoj , Radojkovic Danijela , Radenkovic Sasa
Published: December 2010

Background/Aims. Overt hypothyroidism is disease associated with accelerated arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Whether subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk is contraversial. As SH is a high prevalence thyroid dysfunction, specially in older women, it is important to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in these patients and that was the aim of this study. Methods. We examined 30 patients with SH and 20 healthy controls. Subclinical hypothireoidism was defined as an elevated thyrotropin (TSH) (> 4.5 mU/L) and normal free thyroxine (FT4) level. In all the participants we determined body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, TSH, FT4, antibodies to thyroid peroxidase, antibodies to thyroglobulin, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglicerides, total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio. Results. Mean BMI in patients with SH was significantly higher (p < 0.05), as well as diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.01) compared with the controls. Average levels of total cholesterol (5.40?0.62 vs 5.06?0.19 mmol/l, p < 0.01) and triglycerides (2.16?0.56 vs 1.89?0.24 mmol/l, p < 0.05) were also significantly higher in the group with SH. Individual analysis revealed that the percentage of patients with SH having borderline elevated total cholesterol (63.33%), hypertrigliceridemia (43.33%) and elevated total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (26.67%) were significantly higher than the percentage in the controls. No significant correlation between TSH and lipid parameters was detected. Conclusion. Subclinical hypothyroidism was associated with higher BMI, diastolic hypertension, higher total cholesterol and triglicerides levels and higher total cholesterol/HDL cholesterols ratio. This might increase the risk of accelerated arteriosclerosis in patients with SH.
Atypical pyoderma gangrenosum in a patient with osteomyelofibrosis
Authors: Zivanovic Dubravka , Tanasilovic Srdjan , Skiljevic Dusan , Tomovic Maja , Bogdanovic Andrija , Vesic Sonja , Medenica Ljiljana
Published: December 2010

Background. Atypical forms of pyoderma gangrenosum generally appear on the upper extremities; most frequently they are associated with myeloproliferative disorders, including osteomyelofibrosis. A response to systemic steroids is more pronounced than in classical form. Sometimes it may be the first sign of an underlying malignancy. Case report. We reported a patient with atypical pyoderma gangrenosum developed during the course of a myeloid malignancy - osteomyelofibrosis. The lesions occurred after a minor trauma. Painful blistering plaques, with an elevated, bluish-gray border were located on the dorsal aspect of hands. No skin malignancy was found. The lesions resolved rapidly to systemic steroids. Conclusion. Considering the unusual clinical presentation which makes the diagnosis difficult, as well as the fact that atypical forms of pyoderma gangrenosum can be the first sign of malignancies, especially myeloproliferative ones, recognizing this entity enables timely guiding future investigations toward their prompt detection.
Isometric hip muscle strength in posttraumatic below-knee amputees
Authors: Jandric Slavica
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Traumas and war injuries, next to chronic occlusive artery disease and diabetes mellitus-derived complications, are the most frequent cause of the lower limbs amputation. They affect mostly younger population that need a higher level of activities as compared with the elderly. Medical rehabilitation is very significant for the muscle performance improvement in this population providing their social reintegration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of below-knee amputation on the hip isometric muscle strength and effect of rehabilitation on improvement of hip muscle strength in below-knee amputees, secondary to war wounding. Methods. Forty below-knee amputees (after war wounding), average age 35.6?10.6 years, that were included in primary rehabilitation program with prosthetics, were examined. Objective parameters were used to evaluate therapeutical effects. Isometric muscle strength of hip flexors, extensors, abductors and adductors was measured by dynamometer and expressed in Newton (N) at admission, control and discharge for each patient. Average length of the treatment was 51 ? 34.1 days. Results. For isometric hip flexors (t = - 1.99346, p < 0.05), extensors (t = -4.629073, p < 0.001), abductors (t = -4.9408, p < 0.001) and adductors (t = -2.00228, p < 0.05), muscle strength was significantly less on the amputated than on nonamputated side. The highest differences in muscle strength between amputated and nonamputated limbs were noted for hip abductors (26.6%) and extensors (23.3%). There was significant improvement of mean values of strength for all examined hip muscles after rehabilitation and prosthetics for both legs in comparison to beginning of the therapy. The hip abductor on the amputated side was for 19.4% weaker after rehabilitation in comparison to the nonamputated limb. Conclusion. Decreases of isometric muscle strength in all examined hip muscles were observed, more in the amputated limb. Rehabilitation with prosthetics is a successful method for improving isometric hip muscle strength on the both, amputated and non-amputated limbs in war wounded below-knee amputees.
Bacteriological finding in the urethra in men with and without non-gonococcal urethritis
Authors: Tiodorovic Jelica , Randjelovic Gordana , Kocic Biljana , Tiodorovic-Zivkovic Danica
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) is a very common sexually transmitted disease. The etiology of the disease is complex and not completely solved. The aim of this study was to determine the bacteriological finding in the urethra in men with and without non-gonococcal utethritis. Methods. The study group comprised 200 men with symptoms of urethritis. The control group consisted of 60 men without symptoms of urethritis. The diagnosis of nongonococcal infection was made by finding of an increased number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (? 5) under the microscope in a sample of Gram-stain of urethral smear (? 1 000) and without evidence of Neisseria. gonorrhoeae in specimens (negative direct microscopy and cell culture). Bacteriological examination included: direct microscopy with the Gramstained and methylblue-stained smears of urethral discharges, and cultivation of specimens under the aerobic/unaerobic conditions. In addition to standard bacterial examination and performinig direct imunofluorescence test to detect Chlamydia trachomatis (bioMerieux, France), urethral smears were also examined for the presence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis by commercially available Mycofast Evolution 2 test (International Microbio, France). The finding of mycoplasmas ? 104 CCU/ml was positive. The data were statistically analyzed using Pearson ?2 and Student t test. Results. C. trachomatis was predominant bacterial species found in urethra in men with nongonococcal urethritis. It was isolated alone and/or mixed with mycoplasmas and/or other bacteria in 86 (43.0%) of examinees. There was statistically significant difference in finding of C. trachomatis between the study group and the control group (p < 0.001). U. urealyticum was found in men with NGU: 30.2% were with C. trachomatis and 36.0% were without C. trachomatis (p > 0.05). In 16 (8.0%) men with NGU, C. trachomatis was isolated alone, while in 13.0% examinees it occurred with U. urealyticum. Staphylococcus saprophyticus was isolated in one subject with NGU, alone. Streptococcus agalactiae was found in 1.5% of men with urethritis. Anaerobic bacteria were found in 38 (19.0%) subjects with NGU and in 7 (11.7%) subjects from the control group. Conclusion. C. trachomatis was predominant bacterial species found in urethra in men with nongonococcal urthretitis. Mixed infections were frequent.
Primary systemic amyloidosis
Authors: Tanasilovic Srdjan , Zivanovic Dubravka , Nikolic Milos , Tomovic Maja , Elezovic Ivo , Medenica Ljiljana
Published: December 2010

Background. Systemic amyloidosis is a rare disorder which usually occurs in aged persons and has a poor prognosis. Systemic amyloidosis can be primary, occasionally associated with multiple myeloma, or secondary, associated with another disease. Case report. We presented a 72-year-old male patient with periocular purpura ("racoon sign") and waxy papules, petechiae and ecchymoses on the neck and thoracic area. Purpuric macules were present also on the lips and tongue which was edematous (macroglossia). The skin lesions occurred two years earlier, the patient lost more than 15 kilograms of the body mass for less than a year. Immunoelectrophoresis of urine and serum demonstrated the presence of immunoglobulin light chains of the circulating monoclonal protein. Histopathological examination of skin lesions showed Congo red positive deposits in the derm. Cardiac evaluation revealed the signs of heart failure, and renal evaluation revealed nephrotic syndrome, with excessive protein lost. He was treated with oral melphalan and prednisolone, and died 7 days after starting the therapy due to heart failure. Conclusion. This patient considered as a rare case with systemic amyloidosis highlights the importance of histopathological and physical examination in any cases with periocular purpura, petechiae, ecchymoses and macroglossia.
Central venous catheters in hemodialysis: To accept recommendations or to stick to own experience
Authors: Stolic Radojica , Trajkovic Goran , Peric Vladan , Jovanovic Aleksandar , Stolic Dragica , Sovtic Sasa , Lazarevic Tatjana , Zivic Ziva , Subaric-Gorgieva Gordana
Published: December 2010

Backgraund/Aim. Hemodialysis catheter, as an integral part of hemodialysis, is a catheter placed into the jugular, subclavian and femoral vein. The most common catheter-related complications are infections and thrombosis. The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of complications associated with differently inserted central-vein catheters for hemodialysis. Methods. The study was organized as a prospective examination during the period from December 2003 to November 2006, and included all patients who needed an active depuration by hemodialysis, hospitalized at the Clinical Center Kragujevac. The subject of the study were 464 centralvein catheters inserted during the mentioned period and there were recorded all complications related to the placement and usage of catheters. Results. The largest percent of inserted catheters was into the femoral vein ? 403 (86.8%), significantly less into the jugular vein ? 42 (9.2%), while into the subclavian vein there were placed only 19 catheters (4%). The average of femoral catheter functioning was 17 catheter days, in jugular catheters it was 17.3 days while the subclavian catheters had an average rate of functioning of 25.9 catheter days; there was found a statistically significant difference regarding the duration of functioning (p = 0.03). By microbe colonization of smear culture of the skin at the catheter insertion site, in clinically present suspicion of catheter infection, there was obtained a positive finding in 5.5% of catheters placed into the femoral vein and 7.1% of catheters instilled into the jugular vein, of which Staphylococcus aureus was the most important bacterial type, without statistically significant difference (p = 0.51). Haemoculture, done when there was a suspicion of bacteriemia, was positive in 3.7% of the patients with femoral and 4.8% with jugular catheters; Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacteria type, but there was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.65). Colonizing the smears of the cut catheter tops, there was found a positive finding in 8.9% of femoral and 4.7% of jugular catheters in which the mentioned type of staphylococcal bacteria was prevalent, without statistically significant difference (p = 0.82). In 77% of femoral, 71.4% of jugular and 68.4% of subclavian catheters, there were no complications associated with insertion and manipulation of catheters for hemodialysis and the difference was at the limits of statistical significance (p = 0.06). Conclusion. Unconvincing rate of infections and a smaller percent of serious complications associated with the placement and use of central vein catheters instilled into the femoral vein, indicate that personal experience is sufficient recommendation to convince us that femoral vein does not represent a region with an increased risk for insertion of hemodialysis catheters.
Diagnostic validity of dynamic salivary gland scintigraphy with ascorbic acid stimulation in patients with Sjögren's syndrome: Comparation with unstimulated whole sialometry
Authors: Dugonjic Sanja , Ajdinovic Boris , Stefanovic Dusan , Jaukovic Ljiljana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Beside many actual groups of classification criteria, uniform classification criteria for Sj?gren?s syndrome (SS) are still missing. The ophtalmic component of SS is well defined. Criteria for classifying its oral component remain controversial. The fifth item of the European Union and the United States of America (EU-US) revised diagnostic classification criteria in 2002, is an objective evidence of xerostomia, diagnosed by one of the tests: unstimulated whole sialometry (UWS), parotid sialography, and dynamic salivary gland scintigraphy (DSGS). The aim of this study was to evaluate senstitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and accuracy of DSGS with ascorbic acid stimulation in detecting xerostomia in SS patients and to compare DSGS findings with UWS values. Methods. Tests DSGS and UWS were done in 20 patients with SS and in 10 of the control subjects. The findings of DSGS were graded from 1 to 4 scintigraphie (SCT) grade 1 - normal finding; SCT grade 2 - moderate function damage; SCT grade 3 - serious function damage, SCT grade 4 - very serious function damage. UWS measured 1.5 hour after the breakfast lasted 15 minutes. UWS bellow 2.5 ml/15min min. considered pathological. Results. All SS patients had pathological SCT findings. Comparing SCT grade between the patients and the control group, high statistical significance was found (p < 0.001). The estimated sensitivity of DSGS was 100%, specificity 80%, positive predictive value 91%, negative predictive value 100% and accuracy 93%. The calculated sensitivity of UWS was 75%. Salivary function damage detected by scintigraphy was in positive correlation with UWS findings. Conclusion. DSGS is a diagnostic test with high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and positive and negative predictive values in detecting salivary function damage in SS patients. DSGS and UWS are very sensitive diagnostic tests for objective evidence of xerostomia, and have to be ones of the earliest investigations which should be performed in subjects suspected of SS. Test DSGS is more sensitive, and seems to better reflect symptoms of dry mouth than UWS.
Adenosine stress protocols for myocardial perfusion imaging
Authors: Baskot Branislav , Obradovic Slobodan , Gligic Branko , Orozovic Vjekoslav , Ristic-Angelkov Andjelka , Romanovic Radosav , Jung Robert , Ivanovic Vladimir , Bikicki Miroslav , Pavlovic Miodrag
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Treadmill test combined with myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS) is a commonly used technique in the assessment of coronary artery disease. There are many patients, however, who may not be able to undergo treadmill test. Such patients would benefit from pharmacological stress procedures combined with MPS. The most commonly used pharmacological agents for cardiac stress are coronary vasodilatators (adenosine, dipyridamol) and catecholamines. Concomitant low-level treadmill exercise with adenosine pharmacologic stress (AdenoEX) during MPS has become commonly used in recent years. A number of studies have demonstrated a beneficial impact of AdenoEX protocol. The aim of the study was, besides introducing into practice the two types of protocols of pharmatological stress test with adenosine, as a preparation for MPS, to compare and monitor the frequency of their side effects to quality, acquisition, as well as to standardize the onset time of acquisition (diagnostic imaging) for both protocols. Methods. A total of 130 patients underwent pharmacological stress test with adenosine (vasodilatator). In 108 of the patients we performed concomitant exercise (AdenoEX) of low level (50W) by a bicycle ergometar. In 28 of the patients we performed Adenosine abbreviated protocol (AdenoSCAN). Side effects of adenosine were followed and compared between the two kinds of protocols AdenoEX and AdenoSCAN. Also compared were image quality and suggested time of acquisition after the stress test. Results. Numerous side effects were found, but being short-lived they did not require any active interventions. The benefit of AdenoEX versus AdenoSCAN included decreased side effects (62% vs 87%), improved safety and patients tolerance, improved target-to-background ratios because of less subdiaphragmatic activity, earlier acquisition, and improved sensitivity. Conclusion. The safety and efficacy of adenosine pharmacological stress is even better with concomitant exercise. In the light of these benefits we recommend AdenoEX whenever possible.
Myocardial damage size assessment in the zone of infarction for indicating rescue percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Baskot Branislav , Obradovic Slobodan , Ristic-Angelkov Andjelka , Rusovic Sinisa , Orozovic Vjekoslav , Gligic Branko , Markovic Milic , Jung Robert
Published: December 2010

Background. The most important predictors of subsequent patients outcome after acute myocardial infarction (AIM) are infarct size, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular volumes and presence and extent of residual myocardial ischemia. All of these variables can be directly determined through scintigraphic approaches. The presence and extent of myocardial ischemia are strong predictors for fatal and nonfatal cardiac events and improve risk statification beyond the information gleaned from clinical variables. Case report. We presented a case of 66-years-old male with myocardial infarction of anteroseptal localization. Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) detected a large zone of residual ischemia (culprit lesion) within infarction zone. It has an important role in risk stratification after myocardial infarction, and indicates subsequent therapeutic decision making, in this case rescue percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). After PCI we followed the therapy effect by MPI, and we found practically normal perfusion with minimal zone of defect perfusion in the apex. Conclusion. Myocardial perfusion imaging has an important role in the initial evaluation and risk stratification of patients surviving myocardial infarction. It also plays a major role in guiding subsequent therapeutic decision making, and in monitoring the benefits of these therapeutic measures.
Histological evaluation of platelet rich plasma and hydroxiapatite in apexogenesis: Study on experimental animals
Authors: Danilovic Vesna , Petrovic Vanja , Markovic Dejan , Aleksic Zoran
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. There are very few data about the effects of endogenous growth factors in vital pulp therapy, and still they are often controversial. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of platelet rich plasma (PRP) in conjugation with hydroxyapatite (HAP), as pulp capping materials, to root and periodontium formation. Methods. Eight young monkeys (Cercopithecus Aethiops) with permanent dentition and incomplete root formation were involved in this study. After pulpotomy, the pulp lesion was capped with calcium hydroxide (control), hydroxyapatite (experimental group I) or hydroxyapatite in conjugation with PRP (experimental group II). Six months later, the animals were sacrificed, the tissue was removed en block, and prepared for the histological analysis in a routine way. Results. The results of the histological analysis revealed that healing process was characterised by dentin bridge formation, maintained morphological and functional integrity of dental pulp and complete formation of dental root and surrounding periodontium. The inflammatory reaction was scored as mild to moderate, in almost all the samples in all groups, suggesting the biocompatibility of the used materials. Conclusion. Materials used in this study are convenient as capping agents, contributing maintaining the integrity of the pulp tissue and facilitating root and periodontium formation. According to histological data it could be suggested that hydroxyapatite in conjugation with endogenous growth factors, represents superior alternative to other materials used in this study.
Diagnostic significance of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in identification and localization of culprit lesions in patients undergoing elective PTCA
Authors: Baskot Branislav , Jankovic Zoran , Obradovic Slobodan , Rusovic Sinisa , Orozovic Vjekoslav , Gligic Branko , Jung Robert , Ivanovic Vladimir , Pavlovic Miodrag , Ratkovic Nenad
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. The coronary angiography provides information on the anatomical state of the coronary tree, while myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPI) facilitates the evaluation of the grade of ischaemia that a particular stenosis produces. The purpose of MPI is to detect the coronary stenosis that provokes the ischaemia and is termed the "culprit lesion". The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 1-day DypEX 99mTc-tetrofosmin tomography in the identification and localization of culprit lesion in the patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods. Ninety-one (91) patients with known CAD were studied. In all of them significant coronary narowing (? 75% luminal stenosis) was angiographically detected. All the patients were submitted to 2 iv. injections of 99mTc-tetrofosmin, one in a peak of pharmacologic dipyridamole stress protocol with concomitant low level bicycle exercise 50W (DypEX) and the other 3 h after exercise. Quantification of regional tetrofosmin uptake was performed using short-axis myocardial tomogram that was divided on 17-segments for each study. Reversibility scor (RS) ? 3 determinated culprit lesion. Two of segments with scor 5 (index of reversibility scor - IRS) in the territory of coronary artery stenoses determinated culprit lesion. Results. A total of 273 vascular territories (4641 segments) were analyzed before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Overall sensivity, specificity, and accuracy using RS ? 3 and IRS were 90.1%, 87.1%, 89.4%, with positive predictive value 95.8%, and 94.1%, 93.3%, 94%, with positive predictive value 98%, respectively. Conclusion. RS and IRS significantly improve sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for determination of culprit lesion in patients undergoing PCI.
Correlation between dialysis solution type and cardiovascular morbidity rate in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Stankovic-Popovic Verica , Maksic Djoko , Vucinic Zarko , Lepic Toplica , Popovic Dragan , Milicic Biljana
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cardiovascular changes in patients undergoing chronic PD and the eventual existing differences depending on biocompatibility of dialysis solutions. Methods. After 3?2 years of starting PD, 21 PD patients on the treatment with bioincompatible dialysis solutions (conventional glucose- based solutions: PDP-1), average age 47.43?12.87 years, and 21 PD patients on the treatment with biocompatible dialysis solutions (neutral solutions with lower level of glucose degradation products, lower concentration of Ca2+ and neutral pH: PDP-2), average age 68.62?13.98 years, participated in the longitudinal study. The average number of episodes of peritonitis was similare in both groups: 1 episode per 36 months of the treatment. The control group included 21 patients with preterminal phase of chronic renal failure (Glomerular Filtration Rate: 22.19?10.73 ml/min), average age 65.29? 13.74 years. All the patients underwent transthoracal echocardiography (in order to detect: eject fraction (EF), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and valvular calcification (VC) and B-mode ultrasonography of common carotid artery (CCA): IMT, lumen narrowing, and plaque detection. Results. The values of EF were: in PDP-1 group 62.05?5.65%, in PDP-2 group 53.43?7.47%, and in the control group 56.71?8.12% (Bonferroni test, p = 0.001). The recorded LVH was: in PDP-1 group in 47.6% of the patients; in PDP-2 group in 61.9% of the patients; and in control the group in 52.4% (?2 test; p = 0.639). The detected VC was: in PDP-1 in 52.4% of the patients, in PDP-2 group in 42.9% of the patients, and in the control group in 23.8% of the patients (?2 test; p = 0.776). The IMT was: in PDP-1 group 1.26?0.54 mm, in PDP-2 group 1.23?0.32, and in the control group 1.25?0.27 mm (Bonferroni test; p = 0.981). An average lumen narrowing was: in PDP-1 group 13.78?18.26%, in PDP-2 group 18.57?22.98%, and in the control group 25.00?28.02% (Kruskal Wallis test; p = 0.413). Calcified plaques of CCA were detected in PDP-1 group in 61.9% of the patients, in PDP-2 group in 85.7%, of the patients and in the control group in 81% of the patients (?2 test; p = 0.159). Conclusion. Generally, PD had a significant influence on cardiovascular morbidity in the treated patients, especially on the left ventricular function and peripherial atherosclerosis. The age of the patients had more influence on acceleration of atherosclerosis than the length of dialysis or biocompatibility of dialysis solutions.
Tension pneumothorax in intensive care units
Authors: Vulovic Tatjana , Djordjevic Gordana
Published: December 2010

 Najcesci uzrok pneumotoraksa u jedinicama intenzivne nege je barotrauma. Pojava, rana dijagnostika i brzo i efikasno lecenje tenzijskog pneumotoraksa kod bolesnika na mehanickoj ventilaciji predstavljaju i veliki izazov. Kod bolesnika koji su ventilisani pod pozitivnim pritiskom, u slucaju pojave bilo kakvog poremecaja treba obavezno posumnjati na tenzijski pneumotoraks i preduzeti sve mere da se on potvrdi ili iskljuci. Kasno utvrdjena dijagnoza tenzijskog pneumotoraksa i neblagovremeno sprovedeno adekvatno lecenje predstavljaju veliki rizik od smrtnog ishoda.
Impact of vaginal and cervical colonisation/infection on preterm delivery
Authors: Mijovic Gordana , Lukic Goran , Jokmanovic Nebojsa , Crnogorac Snezana , Kuljic-Kapulica Nada , Gajic Milan , Kulauzov Marija , Bujko Marina
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Preterm delivery together with insufficient body weight and death cases in newborns is the main issue in obstetrics. About 40% of preterm delivery is caused by infections. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and which bacterial infections of genital tract can be associated with preterm delivery, and depending on when diagnosis was made. Method. The study involved 216 pregnant women. According to pregnancy outcome, two groups were formed. The study group involved 29 pregnant women who had preterm delivery out of which nine were examined in I trimester, eight in II trimester and 12 in III trimester. The control group involved 187 pregnant women out of which 47 were examined in I trimester, 73 in II trimester and 67 in III trimester. Bacteriological examination of vaginal and cervical swabs was done in all pregnant women. Infection was diagnosed by finding bacterial antigen in cervical swabs or positive cultures of vaginal and/or cervical swabs followed by the presence of the increased number of polymorphonuclears in direct microscopic preparation. Results. The results showed that in III trimester of pregnancy vaginal bacterial infection was statistically more common (p = 0.021) in women who had preterm delivery (66.7%) in relation to women who delivered in term (29.9%). In this period of gestation the increased number of polymorphonuclears in DMP of vaginal swabs is more common in the women of the study group (75%) than in the women of the control group (43.3%). Preterm delivery was registered in 16.1% women whose microbiological analyses were done in I trimester, 9.9% women in whom microbiological analyses were done in II trimester and in 15.2% pregnant women microbiologically tested in III trimester. Conclusion. Based on the obtained results it could be concluded that bacterial infections of genital tract and period of gestation when infection is diagnosed have influence on reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality caused by preterm delivery.
Importance of proper initial treatment of moderate and major burns
Authors: Vulovic Dejan , Stepic Nenad
Published: December 2010

Background/Aim. Burns are common injuries with frequency depending on human factors, development of protection, industry and traffic, eventual wars. Organized treatment of major burn injuries has tremendous medical, social and economic importance. The aim of this study was to analyze initial treatment of major and moderate burns, to compare it with the current recommendations and to signify the importance of organized management of burns. Methods. In a prospective study 547 adult patients with major burns were analyzed, covering a period of eight years, with the emphasis on the initial hospital admission and emergency care for burns greater than 10% of total body surface area (TBSA). Results. In the different groups of major burns, the percentage of hospital admission was: 81.5 in burns greater than 10% TBSA, 37.7 in burns of the functional areas, 54.5 in the III degree burns, 81.6 in electrical burns, 55.9 in chemical burns, 61.9 in inhalation injury, 41.0 in burns in patients with the greater risk and 100 in burns with a concomitant trauma. In the group of 145 patients with burns greater than 10% TBSA, intravenous fluids were given in 87 patients, analgesics in 45, corticosteroids in 29, antibiotics in 23 and oxygen administration in 14. In the same group, wound irrigation was done in 14.4%, removing of the clothing and shoes in 29.6%, elevation of the legs in 8.9% and prevention of hypothermia in 7.6% of the victims. There were no initial estimations of burn extent (percentage of a burn), notes about the patient and injury and tetanus immunizations. Conclusion. Based on these findings, it is concluded that there should be much more initial hospital admissions of major burns, and also, necessary steps in the emergency care of burns greater than 10% TBSA should be taken more frequently. On the other side, unnecessary or wrong steps should be avoided in the initial burn treatment.
Principles of reanimation in managing thoracic injuries
Authors: Vulovic Tatjana , Djordjevic Gordana
Published: December 2010

 Bez obzira na tezinu povreda grudnog kosa vecini povredjenih moze se pomoci ako se povrede prepoznaju na vreme i ako se, pre svega, na vreme preduzmu reanimacijske mere i pruzi odgovarajuca prva pomoc. Primenom reanimacijskih mera stvaraju se uslovi za ocuvanje vitalnih funkcija povredjenih i primenu ostalih vidova lecenja. Tako shvacen koncept zbrinjavanja povreda grudnog kosa predstavlja kontinuiran i dinamican proces u toku koga se stalno preplicu inicijalni pregled, procena stanja povredjenog, primena reanimacijskih mera i hirursko lecenje, uz stalnu procenu efekta reanimacije i preduzetog lecenja.