Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aim The Epibloc elastic-dynamic fixation has been applied for many years at several hand surgery centres in Italy. This technique has been considered safe and reliable in the treatment of distal meta-epiphyseal fractures of the radius with dorsal displacement. The aim of this study was to evaluate an alternative use of this method in the treatment of volar displaced wrist fractures in cases where an internal fixation could not be recommended. ⋯ In 15 patients, the wrist range of motion was restored with values greater than 100. In 17 cases, forearm pronation-supination was restored to more than 120°. Conclusion In cases of non-comminuted, one or two fragments volar displaced wrist fractures, the elastic-dynamic fixation associated with an intrafocal pinning reduction may be proposed as an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation in elderly patients.
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Aim To analyse prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in kidney transplant recipients at the University Clinical Centre Tuzla in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), and determine effects of a modern drug therapy in achieving target metabolic control in kidney transplant patients. Methods A single-centre prospective study that included 142 kidney transplant patients over one year follow-up period was conducted. Patient data were collected during post-transplant periodical controls every 3 months including data from medical records, clinical examinations and laboratory analyses. ⋯ After a one-year period during which patients were receiving therapy for MS, a decrease in the number of patients with hyperlipoproteinemia, decrease in average body mass index (BMI), glycemia and haemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) were observed. Hypertension did not improve during this period, which can be explained by transplant risk factors in the form of immunosuppressive drugs and chronic graft dysfunction. Conclusion A significant reduction in components of the metabolic syndrome after only one year of treatment was recorded, which should be the standard care of kidney transplant patients.
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Aim To analyse the impact of the length of antiviral therapy with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) on the renal function in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods A cross-sectional study included 75 patients with CHB treated with tenofovir, who had a normal renal function at the beginning of the treatment. Renal function was determined based on glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) value using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula (MDRD). ⋯ There was no statistically significant difference between the mean values of the eGFR in the two groups (91.89±9.24 vs. 88.42±7.84 mL/min/1.73m2; p=0.42), as well as between the mean values of serum creatinine (p=0.360) and 24-hour urine protein excretion (p=0.380). There was no statistically significant correlation between renal parameters and viral load, APRI and FIB-4 fibrosis score. Conclusion Results of our study did not show significant changes in the measured parameters of renal function in group 1 and group 2 of patients, regardless of the length of antiviral treatment, indicating a good renal safety profile of TDF.
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Aim To investigate the prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods The study included fifteen patients with first or repeated ACS and treated/nontreated dyslipidaemia admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Diseases of Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2021. The cut-off value of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C was 4.5mmol/L as a possible cut-off value for familial hypercholesterolemia presence. ⋯ According to LDL-C profile and by calculating the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Score, one (of 15) patient was categorized as having definite familial hypercholesterolemia and two (of 15) as having probable familial hypercholesterolemia leading to the use of triple hypolipidemic therapy (statin+ezetimibe+PCSK9 inhibitor) in 2 (13%) patients (one female and one male). Conclusion LDL-C level of 4.5 mmol/L and higher represents an indication for screening for familial hypercholesterolemia in patients with ACS. The prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia in ACS, estimated by the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Score, could be higher than previously reported.
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Aim To examine safety and efficiency of electrocardioversion (EC) in elective treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in the setting of Day Hospital by determining success rate, frequency of adverse events and possible cost benefit compared to admitting a patient into hospital. Methods This prospective observational cohort study was performed in Day Hospital and in Intensive Care Department of Internal Medicine Clinic, University Clinical Centre Tuzla from January 2019 to December 2022 and included 98 patients with a persistent form of atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter. The patients who were divided in two groups, 56 hospitalized and 42 patients accessed in Day Hospital. ⋯ Results In hospital setting group overall succes rate of electrocardioversion was 85%, with average 2.1 EC attemps, there was with one fatal outcome due to stroke, one case of ventricular fibrillation (VF) due to human error, and 6 minor adverse events; with average cost of was 1408.70 KM (720.23 €) per patient. In Day Hospital setting succes rate was 88%, with average 2 EC attempts, no major adverse events, 8 minor adverse events; and average cost was of 127.23 KM (65.05 €) per patient. Conclusion Performing elective electrocardioversion in Day Hospital setting is as safe as admitting patients into hospital but substantially more cost effective.