Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Aim To evaluate the efficacy (rate of recanalization) of therapy with novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC; rivaroxaban, apixaban) compared to conventional treatment (low molecular weight heparin - LMWH and vitamin K antagonist) in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the proximal segments of lower extremities. Methods The first group consisted of patients diagnosed with DVT and treated with NOAC (n = 100), while the second group consisted of patients diagnosed with DVT, who were treated by conventional treatment (low molecular weight heparin and vitamin K antagonists) (n = 100). In the first group, NOAC was included in the initial treatment. ⋯ Results There was a statistically significant difference in the estimated values of free lumen of the blood vessel between the examined groups after 30 days (p=0.0001), after 90 days (p=0.0001) and after 180 days (p=0.0001). After 180 days, the average free lumen values in the NOAC group were 85% (81-89%), which was significantly higher than the free lumen values in the second group, 73% (69-79%). Conclusion The use of NOAC represents more efficient treatment of DVT comparing to vitamin K antagonists.
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Aim To investigate infl uence of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and proatherogenic risk factors to improve the accuracy of pneumonia severity index (PSI) in the prediction of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) outcome in healthy individuals. Methods A retrospective observational cross-sectional study conducted at the Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases and Tuberculosis "Podhrastovi", University Clinical Centre Sarajevo, included 83 patients with the diagnosis of CAP during the period March 2019-March 2021. Once diagnosed with CAP, PSI score was calculated and according to its value the need for hospital treatment was identifi ed. ⋯ Diastolic blood pressure, lymphocytes, eosinophils were signifi cantly lower in patients with high risk of CAP (p<0.05;) compared to patients with low risk of CAP (p<0.01). The optimal cut-off value of NLR for CAP patients was 3.089 with an estimated area under curve (AUC) of 0.664. Conclusion Proatherogenic parameters such as age, systolic blood pressure and leukocytes in combination with neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio could improve accuracy of the pneumonia severity index in community acquired pneumonia outcome.
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Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of hypertension in pregnancy. Unrecognized, it carries a great risk for both mother and the foetus. The main reason for missing the diagnosis is the misconception that any hypertension occurring in pregnancy is gestational hypertension or pre (eclampsia). ⋯ If diagnosed later, the tumour could be removed during or after delivery. Preoperative preparation with alpha blockers is required to stabilize blood pressure. The decision on the mode of delivery depends on several factors, so an experienced multidisciplinary team is needed to minimize maternal and foetal mortality.
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Aim Results of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) as the compatibility of cytological findings with histopathological diagnoses (the "gold standard") in the diagnosis of nodular thyroid lesions are inconsistent. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the validity of FNAC, as well as the compatibility of findings with histopathological diagnoses. Methods The study included 92 patients who underwent FNAC and later surgery and histopathological assessment with a final diagnosis. ⋯ Conclusion The results confirmed the correctness of the algorithm in which, following clinical or ultrasound confirmation of nodular thyroid lesions with suspicious changes, FNAC is indicated. The FNAC results should guide a clinician to further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Certainly, in case of suspected follicular/ Hurthle cell lesions one should be vigilant and aware of the fact that in these cases malignancy is defined by the invasion of blood vessels and/or the capsule, which FNAC is unable to detect.
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Aim Triple negative breast cancer cells (TNBC) are the population of breast cancer cells that are responsible for cancer recurrence and apoptosis resistance. Unfortunately, current therapies have limited efficacy to TNBC population due to apoptosis resistance and chemoresistance. Tumour suppressor p53 and survivin are primary targets for TNBC therapy. ⋯ Survivin protein levels were inversely proportional to p53 accumulation levels. Low survivin protein levels combined with high levels of p53 accumulation were correlated to higher apoptotic rates. Conclusion p53 and survivin as molecular targets of CL contribute to caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in TNBC cells and this compound represents an attractive p53- and survivin modulating agent in TNBC.