Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
-
Aim To determine stereological structural parameters of the parenchymal part of the placenta, placental weight and volume of adolescent pregnant women and their correlation with newborns' birth weight. Methods This prospective study was conducted on a total of 60 human placentas of term pregnancy, divided into two groups according to the age of pregnant women. Experimental group consisted of 30 placentas of pregnant women aged 13-19 years. ⋯ Newborns of adolescent pregnancies had in average lower birth weight of 439.01 g compared to the newborns of the control group (p <0.00001). Conclusion Adolescent pregnancy affects placental structure, weight and volume. Newborns of adolescent pregnancy have optimal body weight.
-
Observational Study
Fetuin-A Thr256Ser gene polymorphism as a mortality predictor in patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance haemodialysis in Medan, Indonesia.
Aim To investigate an impact of Fetuin-A Thr256Ser gene polymorphism on the mortality rate of chronic kidney disease on maintenance haemodialysis patients in Indonesia. Methods This is an analytic-longitudinal observational study using survival analysis with nine-month follow up on 106 maintenance haemodialysis patients. The PCR-RFLP is used to determine Fetuin-A Thr256Ser gene polymorphism and Fetuin-A serum level measured by using ELISA methods. ⋯ The group of patients with IL-6 level ≥86.9 pg/mL had higher mortality with 3.64 times greater risk compared to those with IL-6 level, <86.9 pg/mL (p=0.03). Conclusion This study revealed a significant dominance independent impact of the Fetuin-A Thr256Ser gene polymorphism on the survival rate of maintenance haemodialysis patients. These results suggest that genotype variation of Fetuin-A gene could be a potential marker to identify high mortality risk in Indonesia's maintenance haemodialysis patients, especially in Medan.
-
Aim To determine obstacles in maintaining professional integrity of nurses and their strategy to overcome them. Methods A conventional content analysis was conducted by 16 interviews. The data collection instruments were semi-structured interviews, observation and field notes. ⋯ Inefficient organization was composed of "nursing staff shortages", "underestimation of nurses' roles" and "high workload". "Religious beliefs" and "personal beliefs" constituted the "solid spirituality" theme. Conclusion There are factors that decline motivations in Iranian nurses; nevertheless, it is still possible to be a professionally integrated nurse. Among many factors contributing to internalization of professional integrity of nurses, spirituality is one of the most prominent factors.
-
Aim To present diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities for genital and peritoneal tuberculosis, mimicking to other pathological conditions, mainly, ovarian cancer. Methods Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound, computerized tomography, Ca125 and HE 4, ROMA- index (Risk of Ovarian Maligancy Algorithm index) and diagnostic laparoscopy were performed in order to diagnose genital tuberculosis in a female patient. Results: A 23-year-old woman from Morocco presented with intermitting abdominal pain, unintentional weight loss and primary infertility. ⋯ Histological investigation revealed granulomatous abscessing salpingitis with suspicion of genital TB, so antituberculous therapy was administered with success. Conclusion Female genital tuberculosis is very rare but important in differential diagnosis and should be kept in mind regarding suspected fallopian tube or ovarian carcinoma to prevent women from extensive surgery. An algorithm for possible differentiation between peritoneal/female genital TB and EOC may be helpful in clinical setting.
-
Aim To correlate the maximum anterior sagittal curvature (Kmax) changes and uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in keratoconus patients after the cross-linking (CXL) procedure. Methods Forty-four eyes of 34 patients with keratoconus were analysed after the standard Dresden protocol CXL procedure had been performed. All patients underwent complete preoperative examination with a follow-up of 12 months with focus on UDVA, CDVA and Oculus Pentacam (Scheimpflug technology) analysis. ⋯ Even Kmax is the most relevant and most followed parameter for progression and regression of keratoconus, its lowering was not directly correlated with the visual acuity improvement (both uncorrected and corrected) in the first 6 months after corneal CXL procedure. Kmax was changed significantly in the period of 12 months post cross linking, but not in the first 6 months. Conclusion Corneal CXL should be considered as a procedure not just for corneal stiffening and stabilization, but also for visual acuity improvement in keratoconus patients.