Refet Gojak

Cutaneous silent period in the evaluation of small nerve fibres.

ABSTRACT Introduction: High intensity cutaneous stimulus transiently suppresses tonic voluntary muscle activity resulting in cutaneous silent period (CSP). Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate the normal values of an onset latency L1, a late latency L2 and a duration of CSP after stimulating sensory fibres of the median nerve. Material and Methods: This prospective study was performed at the Neurology Department, Clinical Center of Sarajevo University in period from January 1st 2013 to December 1st 2013. In our study we examined 61 subjects. The group included our relatives, coworkers and friends. The informed consent from testing subjects was obtained. Results: The origin of silent period is stimulation of small A-delta nerve fibres. The pre-synaptic or post-synaptic interruption of the electrical volley to motor neurons is discussed. Median values of muscle activity suppression in healthy female is 55.0 ms (45.0-74.0) and 59.0 ms (52.0-67) male subjects. There is a correlation between the onset latency L1and the late L2 latency (p‹0.03). In the on-going study it seems that delay of L1 and shorter muscle activity suppression might provide a sign of small nerve fibres involvement. Conclusion: The use of CSP improves the value of neurophysiology examination.

An Instrument for Rating Quality of Life Related to Sore Throat in Patients Suffering from Acute Pharyngitis or Tonsillitis

Introduction: Quality of life in patients with acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis is significantly lower than in healthy persons, and it should be taken into account when efficacy of new therapeutic options is investigated. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a reliable instrument that can measure quality of life in adult outpatients with sore throat caused by acute pharyngitis or acute tonsillitis. Method: The study was of a cross-sectional type, and assessed reliability and validity of newly developed questionnaire for measurement of quality of life in adult outpatients with sore throat (STQoL) caused by acute pharyngitis or acute tonsillitis. It was conducted on a sample of 282 patients, with mean age 39.0 ± 14.8 years, male/female ratio 104/178 (36.9%/63.1%). Results: Final version of the STQoL scale with 21 items showed excellent reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha 0.949. It was temporally stable, and both divergent and convergent validity tests had good results. Factorial analysis revealed three domains, Social/psychic aspects, Physical aspects and Environmental aspects of sore throat related quality of life. Conclusions: The STQoL scale is reliable and valid specific instrument for measuring sore throat related quality of life, which is an important treatment outcome in patients with acute pharyngitis or tonsillitis.

Expression IRF/MUM1>25% Predictor to Three-year Survival of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in the Immunochemotherapy Era.

Introduction: Non Hodgkin lymphoma-Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBC) is composed of more varieties of one disease. Analysis and understanding of a wide range of characteristics of the disease, which include: clinical, immunohistochemical, cytogenetic and molecular characteristics may improve treatment results. Aim: achieving the estimated three-year survival and influence of IRF/MUM1 expression to three-year survival. Material and methods: A study was retrospective–prospective, patients were followed for seven years a period of dine. The study included 60 patients de novo DLBCL. Age was 18-72 years old, the average age 45 years, male 31 (51,7%) and female 29 (48.3%). Median follow-up was 47 months (3-91 months). To determine differentiation immunophenotype antibodies those were used anti-CD20, anti-CD10, anti-Bcl-6, IRF-4/MUM1, CD 138. Results: Included the GCB type was 65%. Impact prognostic index IPI>2 GBC vs non GBC p=0,038 X2. Statistically significant difference was confirmed compared to the IPI> 2 to 3 year OS p<0,0005 X2. Significantly longer three-year survival was provided in the group GCB 36 (92,3%) vs. non GCB 8 (38,1%) p=0,003 X2. Clinical and immunohistochemical factors showed a significant impact to three-year survival by univariate: LDH p=0,005, MUM1 p=0,003, while CD10 p=0,069 was confirmed on the level of borderline impact. Using multivariate analysis, expression MUM1 has the greatest impact p<0.0005 OR=0.083 (95% CI 0.23-0.303) on the disease outcome – three-year survival. Conclusion: expression MUM1 >25% has the greatest impact on the disease outcome – three-year survival.

Hypoglycemia in Non-diabetics During Development of Acute Coronary Ischemia -

Introduction: The occurrence of hyperglycemia in non-diabetics during development of acute coronary ischemia (ACI) indicates latent glucose metabolism disorder, or is a case of newly discovered diabetes mellitus (DM) as a result of stress. Acute coronary syndrome refers to a group of clinical syndromes caused by a sudden circulatory disorder in coronary arteries, resulting in the corresponding myocardial ischemia. It covers range from unstable angina and myocardial infarction (MI) without Q wave in the electrocardiogram finding (NSTEMI) up to myocardial infarction with Q wave in the electrocardiogram finding (STEMI). Goal: To determine the incidence of hyperglycemia in non-diabetics immediately after the occurrence of acute coronary ischemia and assess its risk factors. Results: The sample included 80 respondents. Men dominated with a total prevalence of 77.5%. The respondent was at mean age of 62.8±13.8 years. During the first measurement, immediately after hospital admission, 50% of respondents had increased blood glucose value and during the second measurement 62%. Hypertension as a risk factor has 54% and 56% smoking. The incidence of stress diabetes after ACI does not depend on the diagnosis of hypertension, χ2=0.050; p=0.823. The differences of mean values (median) BMI between examined persons with/without stress DM are not statistically significant p=0.402. Independent t-test showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the average values of HDL and LDL in patients with stress diabetes than in patients without diabetes stress after ACI p>0.05. For each year of age odds ratio for “stress diabetes” increases by 7% and 95% CI is 2% -12%. Conclusion: The incidence of stress diabetes ACI is not dependent on the working diagnosis (MI or angina pectoris). As risk factors we set hypertension and current smoking. There were no statistically significant associations between active smoking and hypertension as a risk factor in relation to occurrence of stress diabetes.

Predictive Role of Preventive Measures in Preventing the Progression of Diabetic Foot.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common endocrine disease of modern life. Diabetic foot (DF) is the term for a foot of a patient suffering from DM with the potential risk of a number of pathological sequels, including infection, ulceration and/or destruction of deep tissue. Goal: To determine the importance of preventive measures to prevent the development of diabetic foot. Results: The gender structure of respondents categorized by the complication of DF (yes/no) was uniform. The average age was 60.15±12.2 years. Respondents without DF, 63% had 2 visits to the doctor a month, while in the group of those with DF, 39% of them had 3 visits to a doctor and 33% four or more times. Wearing comfortable shoes and foot hygiene in relation to the development of the DF are interdependent: c2=4,409; c2 = 12.47 (p <0.0005). Also, recurrent foot injury, and slow healing of sores in comparison to the development of the DF are mutually dependent; c2=13,195; c2=14 (p <0.0005). Conclusion: We found that there is a significant statistical relationship between preventive measures and development of the DF.

Descriptive Review of the Patients Suffering from Tuberculosis in the Past 10 Years Treated at Pediatric Clinic of Clinical Center of Sarajevo University

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to the geographical position of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its socio economic momentum even though the standard vaccination program is carried out, the child population continues to suffer from pulmonary tuberculosis in significant percentage. Material and methods: The study was retrospective and included patients who were in the period from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2013 (or the 10 years period) hospitalized at the Department of Pulmonology Pediatric Clinic dually diagnosed with lung TB and start treatment. Data were adopted from available medical records (history of disease). Goal: The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of tuberculosis of the lungs in children who were hospitalized at the Pediatric Clinic. Results: In the period from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2013 there were hospitalized a total of 50 children with a proven active infection with MBT, where it was initiated treatment with a specific therapy. From this number 44% of patients were aged from 5 to 10 years, 22% of patients were aged younger than 5 years. Peak incidence was in 2009. About 66% of patients had a positive history of sick close relative, while 10% of them had a history of contact with other sick person. From baseline 28% of patients were referred to the Department with suspicion of a specific process. From the total 70% of respondents were regularly vaccinated, and 29% of them had a visible BCG scar. In 55% of cases there was anamnestic information - decresed body weight, in 82% of cases the presence of cough, of which 52% of the occurrence of expectoration. In 78% of cases we had positive auscultatory findings of the lungs. In 14% of cases on X-ray of the lungs was noticed changes in terms of the primary complex positive. In this material we had one cavernous and one miliary TB of the lungs. Sputum or gastric lavage was positive in 62% of cases, and Quantiferon because of the lack of the same (in the past) was positive in 34% of cases. All subjects at the time of discharge were classified as recovered. In that period we had proven resistant TB. Conclusion: Bosnia and Herzegovina belongs to the group of countries with still present and evident TB. In the investigated period of ten years from the pediatric pulmonary TB, usually have suffered small children and adolescents. At moment of discharge, all patients were classified as recovered. In the teste material we did not have proven resistant TB.

Analysis of Comorbidity of the Patients Affected by Staphylococcal Bacteremia/ Sepsis in the Last Ten Years

SUMMARY CONFLICT OF INTEREST: none declared. Introduction Staphylococcal bacteremia/sepsis is one of the most serious bacterial infections around the world. In individuals with pre-existing diseases, there is always an increased risk of infections occurring due to impaired immune system, a variety of drug therapy, exposure to a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure and frequent hospitalizations. Objectives To analyze the prevalence of comorbidity in a patient with the staphylococcal bacteremia/sepsis according to the diagnosis, the site of infection and according to the isolated agent. Patients and methods We analyzed the patients affected by the staphylococcal bacteremia/sepsis and treated in the Clinic for Infectious Diseases during a ten-year period. Results 87 patients were included, out of whom 20 (23%) with clinical signs of the bacteremia and 67 (77%) of sepsis. In the analyzed sample, in 36 (41.4%) were not registered comorbidity. Hospital infections are represented by the previous antibiotic, corticosteroid and chemo therapy, pressure ulcers, and different implants. In all comorbidity, the most common isolated bacteria was S. aureus primarily strain MSSA followed by MRSA strain which is more frequent in patients who were surgically treated (comorbidity–various implants). Conclusion The results suggest the importance of being mindful of the staphylococcal etiology of the bacteremia/sepsis in patients with comorbidities due to the selection of an adequate initial empirical therapy and reducing the risks of the septic shock.