Acta clinica Croatica
-
Acta clinica Croatica · Jun 2021
Case ReportsATYPICAL MRI FINDINGS IN CEREBRAL ADRENOLEUKODYSTROPHY: A CASE REPORT.
Adrenoleukodystrophy is a rare X-linked hereditary disease that results in accumulation of very-long-chain fatty acids in all body tissues, thus causing demyelination of the white matter. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a reliable radiological modality to demonstrate the extension of brain lesions and severity of the disease. ⋯ Besides, atypical MRI findings such as primary frontal lobe involvement are rarely described. We report a case of adrenoleukodystrophy presenting with rare MRI findings such as bilateral symmetric frontal lobe white matter changes suggesting anterior predominance.
-
Acta clinica Croatica · Jun 2021
CROATIAN VERSION OF THE QUALITY OF RECOVERY QUESTIONNAIRE (QoR-40): TRANSCULTURAL ADAPTATION AND VALIDATION.
The Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40) questionnaire is a psychometric instrument designed to quantify postoperative recovery. It has been translated and validated in several countries but not in Croatia. The aim was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and validate Croatian version of the QoR-40. ⋯ Internal consistency was good for global QoR-40 score (Cronbach α=0.896), acceptable across all domains (8>α≥7). There was a significant correlation between grip strength and total QoR-40 score, pain, and physical independence, but not with other domains. In conclusion, the Croatian version of the QoR-40 has acceptable properties and can be used in the assessment of postoperative recovery in Croatian patients.
-
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is one of the most common anomalies of the urinary system in children. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (ceVUS) is one of the best methods in VUR diagnosis. This study compared characteristics associated with VUR specific images and categorized patients according to a particular VUR grade. ⋯ In this study, the incidence of VUR in prenatally diagnosed hydronephrosis was 28.6%. It is necessary to develop an algorithm for the treatment of children after UTI in Croatia, which should include ceVUS. All children with possible VUR should be referred to a specialized center where it is possible to perform ceVUS.
-
Acta clinica Croatica · Jun 2021
BUILDING THE COVID-19 TESTING CAPACITIES IN CROATIA: ESTABLISHING THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COVID-19 UNIT AT THE SPLIT UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTRE.
This paper presents the chronology, experiences, and challenges in introducing COVID-19 RT-PCR testing in Split, Croatia. We describe the processes from March 12, 2020 to May 26, 2020, starting from the initial knowledge transfer, expert team formation and management, testing implementation, and concluding with the standalone testing facilities, which used automated processes sufficient to meet testing requirements at that time. In the case presented, the COVID-19 unit was organized by joining human and laboratory resources from five clinical departments at the Split University Hospital Centre. ⋯ At that pace, the cumulative number of samples soon exceeded the first thousand, and by the end of May it exceeded 4000. The case presented provides an example of good practice for crisis response and organization that successfully enabled sufficient COVID-19 testing capacities within the restricted time frame, human and technical resources. Despite limited understanding of COVID-19 at that time, appropriate management, transfer of knowledge, previous experiences in related laboratory and diagnostic work, as well as interdisciplinary and interdepartmental cooperation proved appropriate to overcome the above limitations and ensure adequate healthcare response.
-
Acta clinica Croatica · Jun 2021
THE ROLE OF ANTHROPOMETRIC PARAMETERS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME ADMITTED TO THE INTENSIVE CARDIAC CARE UNIT.
Anthropometric parameters have a role in diagnosing obesity, which increases the risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of the study was to assess the impact of obesity and physical activity level on the severity and long-term prognosis of ACS. A total of 116 patients with ACS were analyzed according to baseline (demography, medical history, anthropometry), severity (clinical presentation, in-hospital complications, laboratory, echocardiography, coronary angiography) and prognostic parameters (major adverse cardiovascular events during a six-year period). ⋯ Our patients had higher body weight, WC and WHR, as well as lower leisure time and total physical activity indices than the general population (p<0.05). In conclusion, ACS is less severe and has better long-term prognosis in less obese patients with a higher level of physical activity. Patients with ACS are more obese and have lower total, as well as leisure time physical activity indices than the general population.