Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of zinc supplementation during pregnancy for the prevention of stunting: analysis of maternal serum zinc, cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length.
Aim To investigate the influence of zinc supplementation on pregnant women for the prevention of stunting through an analysis of maternal serum zinc, cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length. Methods This study was conducted with pre-test/post-test control groups and double-blind randomization. Patients were pregnant mothers in second or third trimester and with their newborns who met the inclusion criteria. ⋯ The comparison of mean cord blood osteocalcin levels and median neonatal birth lengths in the supplementation group was higher than in the placebo group: 131.8±35.3 vs 90.6±35.4 ng/ml (p=0.001) and 49.3 (46.5-51.3) vs 48.3 (46-50.8) cm (p=0.004), respectively. Maternal serum zinc levels after zinc supplementation had a positive significant correlation with cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length: r=0.434 (p=0.001) and r=0.597 (p=0.001), respectively. Conclusion There was a significant correlation of maternal serum zinc with cord blood osteocalcin and neonatal birth length after zinc supplementation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Comparison of early and delayed lumbar disc herniation surgery and the treatment outcome.
Aim To evaluate the influence of preoperative symptoms duration on surgical outcome of one-level lumbar disc herniation surgery. Methods In a prospective randomized study, 67 adult patients with one-level lumbar disc herniation were analysed. The patients whose duration of symptoms was <6 months were included in the case group, while those with the duration of symptoms ˃6 months formed the control group. ⋯ Results A statistically significant difference was recorded between the groups, showing a better decrease of radicular pain intensity and sciatica bothersome, as well as patients disability in the case group (p<0.001). According to the Odom's criteria the outcome was better in the case group, since the difference between the groups was statistically significant too (p<0.05). Conclusion Early lumbar disc herniation surgery performed within the first 6 months from the start of symptoms is beneficial due to decreases of radicular pain intensity, sciatica bothersomeness, and patient's disability.
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Aim To analyse the resolution of chest X-ray findings in relation to laboratory parameters in patients infected with acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a two- month followup. Analysis of chest X-ray findings in the first few months after the disease is the main goal of our work. Methods Out of the total of 343 patients chest X-ray findings were followed in 269 patients. ⋯ The difference of NLR in the severe compared to the moderate group was observed (p=0.0021) and in the severe group compared to the mild group (p=0.00013). Conclusion Chest X-ray findings persisted mostly in the severe group followed by the moderate and mild ones. Long-term followup is necessary for the appropriate treatment and prevention of fibrosis, and reduction of symptoms.
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Aim To explore the possibility of C-reactive protein (CRP) and haemoglobin (Hb) in prediction and risk assessment of acute kidney injury (AKI) among preterm newborns. This is believed to be closely related to the incidences of AKI, and could be the most affordable in early detection of AKI. Methods A case control study was carried out at Dr Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung with a total of 112 preterms divided into two groups: with and without AKI based on the neonatal KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes). ⋯ Results CRP increase was the most influential factor for AKI with sensitivity of 80.6% and specificity of 60.2%. An increase in CRP >0.04 had an aOR (95% CI) of 5.64 (1.89-16.84). Haemoglobin <14.5 g/dL had slightly increased aOR (95% CI) of 1.65 (1.05- 8.63) Conclusion CRP increases >0.04 and level Hb <14.5 g/dL showed acceptable as an early warning for AKI in preterm newborns.
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Aim To present a unique case of a 22-year-old male patient with symptomatic epilepsy manifestation on a background of neurocysticercosis (NCC). Methods An Indian student in Kharkiv, who lived in rural parts in India, presented with sudden episodes of seizure followed by severe headaches. Laboratory analyses and neurological status (MRI) were performed. ⋯ Although seizures are the most common clinical manifestation, it is a symptom that is not found in majority of the patients. The NCC of adult onset accompanying epileptic seizures is not well studied and a link between the helminthic invasion, epilepsy and psychiatric conditions needs to be established. This disease is potentially eradicable with wellplanned eradication programs targeting all stages of Taenia solium life cycle.