Acta clinica Croatica
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The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between women's age and risk of pregnancy-related complications. The study was a retrospective cohort analysis of the pregnancy-related complications and outcomes between two age groups of parturient women. Categorical data were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. ⋯ The rates of labor induction, oxytocin use, vaginal delivery, and need for episiotomy were higher in younger age group. Dystocia and breech presentation as indications for cesarean section were more common among younger women. According to study results, the risk of gestational diabetes and rates of cesarean delivery increased with advanced maternal age.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Jun 2021
IODINE STATUS AND THYROID FUNCTION IN LACTATING WOMEN AND INFANTS - A SURVEY IN THE ZAGREB AREA, CROATIA.
Lactating women (LW) and infants have high dietary iodine requirements and are at risk of iodine deficiency. The aim of the study was to assess iodine status and thyroid function in LW and their breastfed infants in Zagreb, Croatia. The study included 133 LW and breastfed infant pairs. ⋯ Positive correlation was recorded between LW and infant thyroid function. This was the first study in Croatia demonstrating BMIC to be a reliable biomarker of iodine status during lactation and predicting iodine intake in breastfed infants. The study confirmed that mandatory salt iodization in Croatia ensured sufficient dietary iodine for LW and optimal iodine intake for breastfed infants via breast milk.
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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.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Jun 2021
THE EFFECT OF PRIMARY ARGON LASER TRABECULOPLASTY ON INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE REDUCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH PSEUDOEXFOLIATION GLAUCOMA.
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of primary argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) on intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering and quality of life improvement in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. Sixty patients with newly diagnosed pseudoexfoliative glaucoma who underwent primary ALT (group 2) or medication therapy (group 1) were followed-up. The effect of ALT on IOP reduction, dry eye development and number of antiglaucoma drugs used was examined. ⋯ In group 2, the value of Schirmer test was constantly above 10 millimeters. The number of antiglaucoma medications used in group 1 was statistically significantly higher as compared to group 2 throughout the 18-month study period. ALT was found to be better choice for temporary regulation of IOP in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.