Acta clinica Croatica
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Acta clinica Croatica · Sep 2012
ReviewNeuroplasticity mechanisms in the pathophysiology of chronic pain.
Chronic pain is a widespread healthcare problem with great impact on mental health, professional and family life of the patient. It can be a consequence of many disorders; however, its pathogenesis has not yet been fully understood. Neuroplasticity is the ability of the nervous system to adapt to different changes and it is present throughout life, not only in prenatal period, infancy and childhood. ⋯ These changes occur at the level of brain cortex as well at peripheral nerves and receptors. This review summarizes a significant portion of literature dealing with neuroplasticity processes in well known chronic pain conditions such as migraine, chronic posttraumatic headache, low back pain, fibromyalgia, and others. The relevance of this topic lies in providing a new insight in the pathophysiology of chronic pain, while also offering a possibility of new therapeutic approaches including not only pharmacological agents.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Dec 2011
ReviewComplementary and alternative treatment of musculoskeletal pain.
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is high and increasing worldwide. Patients usually use CAM in addition to conventional medicine, mainly to treat pain. In a large number of cases, people use CAM for chronic musculoskeletal pain as in osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, or fibromyalgia. ⋯ In some rare cases where adequate pain control cannot be achieved, CAM might be considered in rational and individual approach based on the first general rule in medicine "not to harm" and on the utility theory of each intervention, i.e. according to the presumed mechanism of painful stimulus and with close monitoring of the patient's response. Further high quality studies are warranted to elucidate the efficacy and side effects of CAM methods. Therefore, conventional medicine remains the main mode of treatment for patients with musculoskeletal painful conditions.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Jun 2011
ReviewAnesthetic management of patients undergoing pituitary surgery.
Pituitary tumors account for more than 10% of all intracranial tumors. They often present with symptoms of hormonal hypersecretion, although they may also cause hypopituitarism. ⋯ This article provides a review of perioperative concerns regarding transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, encountered in a number of these patients. Thorough understanding of preoperative assessment, intraoperative management and potential complications is fundamental for successful perioperative patient care and avoidance of morbidity and mortality.
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Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires continual medical care and patient self-management education in order to prevent acute complications and to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Diabetes is the leading known cause of neuropathy in developed countries, and neuropathy is the most common complication and the leading source of morbidity and mortality in diabetes patients. Diabetic polyneuropathy is primarily symmetric sensory neuropathy, initially affecting distal lower extremities. ⋯ Diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy should be established according to clinical manifestations of the disease, laboratory findings (altered glucose metabolism) and results of electrophysiological examinations. Treatment of painful diabetic polyneuropathy rests on a two-pronged approach: modification of the underlying disease and control of pain symptoms. The goals of painful diabetic polyneuropathy pharmacotherapy should be reduction of pain for maximum relief commensurate with acceptable side effects and restoration/ improvement in functional measures and quality of life.
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Acta clinica Croatica · Dec 2010
Review Case ReportsManagement of fournier's gangrene: case report and literature review.
A 65-year-old man was referred to our department with clinical signs of septic shock and necrotizing soft tissue infection of the scrotal, perianal and right inguinal region. Initial presentation was a typical Fournier's gangrene. Because of the life-threatening condition, the initial treatment was extensive removal of necrotic tissue. ⋯ Although rare, it remains a life-threatening disease. Rapid and accurate diagnosis remains the key component in achieving successful outcome. Early aggressive surgical intervention together with fluid, hemodynamic and nutritional support and broad-spectrum antibiotics is the essential management to reduce mortality.