Croatian medical journal
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Croatian medical journal · Apr 2012
Comparative StudyIncidence and mortality trends of leukemia and lymphoma in Croatia, 1988-2009.
To investigate the time trends of leukemia and lymphoma in Croatia from 1988-2009, compare them with trends in other populations, and identify possible changes. ⋯ While Croatia had similar leukemia and lymphoma incidence trends as the other countries, the mortality trends were less favorable than in Western Europe. The lack of declines of leukemia incidence and non-Hodgkin lymphoma mortality could be attributed to late introduction of optimal therapies. As currently the most up-to-date diagnostics and treatments are available and covered by health insurance, we expect more favorable trends in the future.
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Croatian medical journal · Feb 2012
Predictors of positive blood cultures in critically ill patients: a retrospective evaluation.
To identify predictors of bacteremia in critically ill patients, to evaluate the impact of blood cultures on the outcome, and to define conditions for breakthrough bacteremia despite concurrent antibiotic treatment. ⋯ The prediction of positive blood culture results still remains a very difficult task. In our analysis, blood cultures were positive in 20% of ICU patients whose blood was cultured, and positive findings increased with elevated procalcitonin levels, liver failure, and higher severity scores. Blood cultures drawn >4 days after the start of antibiotic therapy and >5 days after surgery could detect pathogens responsible for a new infection complication.
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Croatian medical journal · Feb 2012
Double venous drainage through the superior vena cava in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement: a retrospective study.
To compare the outcomes of patients who underwent upper mini-sternotomy or right mini-thoracotomy and those who underwent full sternotomy and to report a technical improvement in venous drainage by means of double venous cannulation of the superior vena cava (SVC) in mini surgical procedures. ⋯ Our study confirmed that even though technically challenging, upper mini-sternotomy and right mini-thoracotomy approaches for aortic valve replacement have potential advantages over conventional median sternotomy. They were proved to be safe, efficacious, and can significantly reduce surgical trauma and are therefore particularly valuable in some higher risk, obese, diabetic and elderly patients. Using double cannulation of SVC for venous drainage made venous cannulation easier and eliminated the need for obtaining femoral venous access.
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Croatian medical journal · Feb 2012
Osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow: excellent results in teenage athletes treated by arthroscopic debridement and microfracture.
To evaluate the outcome of patients who underwent microfracture procedure on osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions in the elbow, which had already been proven successful on OCD lesions in the knee and ankle. ⋯ We advocate arthroscopic microfracturing, followed by a strict rehabilitation regime, as a highly effective treatment for OCD of the humeral capitellum.