Hippokratia
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Case Reports
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome as a complication of bacterial meningitis.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiological syndrome, which is presented with headache, seizures, altered mental consciousness, and visual disturbances, and is characterized by white matter vasogenic edema, predominantly affecting the posterior occipital and parietal lobes of the brain. This clinical syndrome is increasingly recognized due to the improvement and availability of brain imaging and, more specifically, magnetic resonance imaging. ⋯ PRES is a neurotoxic state characterized by a unique brain imaging pattern typically associated with a number of complex clinical conditions including infection, sepsis, and shock. The syndrome should be promptly recognized since it is reversible and treatable. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(2): 131-134.
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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.
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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.
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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.