Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
-
Aim The infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus potentially causes a cytokine storm with elevated IL-6 and IL-1β levels. Statin therapy was common among COVID-19 patients due to their cardiovascular comorbidities. However, the effect of statins on COVID-19 infection is unclear. ⋯ Results The stimulation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in PBMC cell culture statistically increased IL-6 and IL1β expression of 5.2 and 35.07 fold, respectively (p<0.05). The expressions of IL-6 and IL-1β were not statistically significant among three simvastatin doses and control. Conclusion Statin administration did not have significant effect on IL-6 and IL-1β levels in PBMCs after SARS-CoV-2 spike protein stimulation in this study, a further study is needed.
-
Aim To evaluate the efficacy (rate of recanalization) of therapy with novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC; rivaroxaban, apixaban) compared to conventional treatment (low molecular weight heparin - LMWH and vitamin K antagonist) in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the proximal segments of lower extremities. Methods The first group consisted of patients diagnosed with DVT and treated with NOAC (n = 100), while the second group consisted of patients diagnosed with DVT, who were treated by conventional treatment (low molecular weight heparin and vitamin K antagonists) (n = 100). In the first group, NOAC was included in the initial treatment. ⋯ Results There was a statistically significant difference in the estimated values of free lumen of the blood vessel between the examined groups after 30 days (p=0.0001), after 90 days (p=0.0001) and after 180 days (p=0.0001). After 180 days, the average free lumen values in the NOAC group were 85% (81-89%), which was significantly higher than the free lumen values in the second group, 73% (69-79%). Conclusion The use of NOAC represents more efficient treatment of DVT comparing to vitamin K antagonists.
-
Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of hypertension in pregnancy. Unrecognized, it carries a great risk for both mother and the foetus. The main reason for missing the diagnosis is the misconception that any hypertension occurring in pregnancy is gestational hypertension or pre (eclampsia). ⋯ If diagnosed later, the tumour could be removed during or after delivery. Preoperative preparation with alpha blockers is required to stabilize blood pressure. The decision on the mode of delivery depends on several factors, so an experienced multidisciplinary team is needed to minimize maternal and foetal mortality.
-
Aim Adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) have recently been studied as a potential new approach for regeneration treatment of heart failure and ischemic myocardium. However, donor's age is thought to affect the ability of AMSC cells to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. This study aimed to analyse the association between donor's age with the expression of cardiomyocyte marker cardiac isoform of Troponin-T (cTnT) quantity on AMSCs. ⋯ Furthermore, there were strong negative correlations between age and CD34, CD90, CD105 and cTnT (r= -0.844, -0.914, -0.899, and -0.738, respectively), while the correlation was positive between age and CD45 (r=0.899). Conclusion Expression quantity of mesenchymal markers and cardiomyocyte markers from AMSC cells were affected by the donor's age. The higher the donor age group, the lower the expression quantity of mesenchymal markers (except CD45) and cTnT.
-
Aim To present the experience from collective data regarding patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas that have been operated in and followed up by the University General Hospital of Patras in Rion, Greece, between 2009 and 2020. Methods A retrospective analysis of adult patients treated at our hospital with a diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal sarcoma who underwent tumour resection. Results Data from 29 patients were analysed. ⋯ In total, 16 (55.2%) patients were found to have a local recurrence, with no significant difference in patients' age, gender, tumour size, histology, negative surgical margin (Ro) resection, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. There was a significant difference in the 3-year survival rate between patients having positive or negative surgical margins (p=0.027). Conclusion The higher 3-year survival rate in patients with retroperitoneal sarcomas when achieving Ro resection warrant further investigation with a larger sample size across different institutions.