Hippokratia
-
The aim of the present paper is two-fold. First, it reviews the Hippocratic collection to identify instances related to the issue of medical malpractice and medical negligence. Second, it discusses the results viewed from today's perspective, in the context of contemporary theories of liability in malpractice cases. ⋯ The passages mentioned in this paper, originating from the Hippocratic collection that refer to medical malpractice, imply an awareness of what is currently discussed as medical malpractice. This consideration may carry some weight, in particular when adopting a flexible traditionalist approach to the medical liability rules. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(3): 99-105.
-
The Greek National Health System is currently pursuing the strengthening of Primary Health Care (PHC). Citizen preferences for healthcare service utilization, their views on structural reform of the current system, and the profiling of those in favor of PHC are essential in planning a reform that respects citizens' needs. However, data on this topic in the country are scarce. The present study maps citizen preferences for health care reform in the primary care sector in Greece. ⋯ Both survey streams reveal the growing demand for structural reform in the current healthcare system. Strengthening PHC is the most requested reform. Older and female citizens were more likely to be in favor of this reform. Integrating the private sector in developing a comprehensive PHC system, enhancing existing public health services, and increasing public awareness of the advantages of PHC should be considered critical elements of a high-quality PHC system. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(3): 111-117.
-
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapeutic option for patients with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35 % who meet specific criteria according to current guidelines. However, up to 40 % of patients have no response to CRT. Our study aimed to investigate the association between different hematological and biochemical indices and response to CRT. ⋯ A smaller increase in LVEF and a smaller decrease in LVESV were predictive for VT occurrence and hospitalizations in patients receiving CRT. No significant association between hematological markers and response to CRT was found. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(3): 118-125.
-
Brucella spp. isolation is one of the mainstays of brucellosis diagnosis. Simultaneously, the true brucellosis disease rate may be underrepresented in notification systems. This study aims at assessing the nosocomial capacity for Brucella spp. isolation and the underreporting rate of brucellosis cases in Greece. ⋯ Interventions for improving diagnosis and reporting of the disease are recommended. Assessment of brucellosis underreporting by comparing raw numerical data of survey-captured isolations and officially notified cases lacks the case by case specificity, however, keeping required data to a minimum achieves high feedback rate from hospitals and provides a tentative estimation of the notification deficit. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(3): 106-110.
-
In advanced cirrhotic patients, extensive mesenteric vein thrombosis extends the operative time, causes peri- and postoperative complications, and increases the mortality and morbidity in liver transplantation (LT). The anastomosis between the left renal vein and graft portal vein is one of the crucial options in such patients. However, especially in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) practice, limited cases are published in the literature. ⋯ In LT, for providing efficient portal flow to the graft, the RPAs should be considered as an option in case of extensive splanchnic vein thrombosis and large splenorenal shunt. Ensuring that graft volume is close to the recipient standard liver volume, RPA can be performed safely and effectively in LDLT as an acceptable and life-saving procedure. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(3): 140-142.