Increased mean platelet volume is associated with acute myocardial infarction in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

Background: The correlation between diabetes mellitus and acute myocardial infarction is greater every day. The mean platelet volume (MPV), which is the determinant of platelet function, is an independent risk factor for the cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of each disease (hypothyroidism, hypertension, myocardial infarction) individually and combined on MPV in diabetic patients.Methods: The cross-sectional study included 102 patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2), of both sexes (46 females, 56 males), with the average age of 58.91 (SD=12.93). All the patients were treated at the Primary Health Centre in Zenica from May to July 2017. All patients had diabetes mellitus and the disease had lasted for 10 years in both sexes.Results: Mean platelet volume was significantly higher in patients with myocardial infarction than in those without myocardial infarction. Age, sex, HbA1c, BMI, lipids and platelet count did not show any significance in either group of patients. Regression analysis showed that the prevalence of myocardial infarction had the highest predictive significance for MPV values, (predictor importance 0.49; coefficient 1.275, p<0.001).Conclusions: Mean platelet volume was significantly higher in patients with diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction than in DM patients without myocardial infarction. Regression analysis showed correlation with acute myocardial infarction in patients with DMT2, but not with other chronic illnesses. The highest platelet volume indices were observed in patients with myocardial infarction. MPV can be used as a specific indicator in diabetic patients with myocardial infarction.  

Poikilocytotic forms caused by hyperthermia and heat stroke- experimental study on Wistar rats

Background: The aim of the study was to find out what happens to erythrocytes and their forms during life and after death as a result of high water temperature.Methods: Heat stress was used on a rat model.to investigate the effects of different temperature intensities (37°C and 44°C) and exposure time (20 min and until the time of death) on erythrocyte morphology. Total of 23 Wistar rats were divided into two groups: 37°C as control group and 44°C as trial groups. The trial groups were classified into antemortem the exposure time of 20 min and postmortem groups exposure time until fatal outcome. The anaesthetised rats were exposed to preheated water using the water bath. May-Grünwald-Giemsa colouring technique was applied on blood samples taken from the abdominal aorta. Results: Exposure of Wistar rats to water temperature in groups KG37 and G44 led to a significant changes in core temperature. In the control group, the thermoregulatory mechanism established normothermia, and in G44 hyperthermia was detected during 20 minutes of exposure. The frequency of heat stroke in group G44 was 43.8%. Target cells and anulocytes were predominant in antemortem group at 44°C, while anulocytes and spherocytes in postmortem groups 44°C, respectively. Dacryocytes with spherocytes were significantly higher in postmortem group 44°C than in antemortem group 44°C (p=0.002, p=0.017, respectively).Conclusions: Poikilocytosis is associated with the exposure length and temperature intensity. Following a fatal outcome dacryocytes with spherocytes at 44°C were significantly more than in corresponding antemortem groups

Biochemical predictors of death before discharge in cooled newborns following perinatal asphyxia

Aim To analyse biochemical markers as possible predictors of death before discharge in cooled newborns following perinatal asphyxia. Methods A total of 91 infants that underwent therapeutic hypothermia after perinatal asphyxia were included. Inclusion criteria for therapeutic hypothermia were Sarnat stage 2 or 3. Data were collected from medical histories regarding gender, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar and Sarnat score; additionally, gas analyses, liver and cardiac enzymes before, and in the first 12 hours after starting therapeutic hypothermia, were evaluated. The patients’ characteristics were compared between two groups, survivors and non-survivors. Results Statistical difference was not found between groups regarding gender, gestational age, birth weight, delivery type, 1st and 5th minute Apgar score, seizures, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), troponin and fibrinogen level. Groups were significantly different regarding acid-base balance (p=0.012), base excess (BE) (p=0.025), lactate (p=0.002), aspartate aminotransferaze (AST), (p=0.011), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p=0.006), activated partial thromboplastin clotting time (aPTT) (p=0.001) and international normalized ratio (INR) (p=0.001). Conclusion Acid-base balance, BE, lactate, AST, LDH, aPTT and INR were significantly higher in the group of cooled newborns after perinatal asphyxia (non-survivors), and can serve as predictors of death before discharge. Combining diagnostic modalities raises a chance for accurate prediction of outcomes of asphyxiated infants

Incidence and risk factors for neural tube defects in a Bosnian population

Introduction: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are multifactorial congenital anomalies of the central nervous system that results from failed neural tube closure between the 3rd and 4th weeks of embryonic development. Numerous clinical and experimental studies indicate that supplementation with folic acid before and during early pregnancy reduces the development of these anomalies. The present study examined the incidence and risk factors for NTDs and evaluated the effects of folic acid supplementation.Methods: This cross-sectional study included all children with NTDs who were hospitalized at the Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo during the period from January 01, 2008 to December 31, 2012. Data were collected retrospectively from the medical histories of hospitalized children. The study included children in pediatric clinics from four cantons (Sarajevo, Zenica–Doboj, Unsko–Sanski, and Central Bosnia) of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The number of live births for the specified period in each of the four cantons was taken from a report by the Cantonal Ministry of Health.Results: Among the 69,096 live births recorded during the study period, 39 children had verified NTDs, with an overall incidence of 0.56:1,000 (or 5.6:10,000) in all four cantons. The most common NTDs were myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus (22/39, 56.4%), followed by isolated myelomeningocele (9/39, 23.1%), spina bifida occulta (7/39, 17.9%), and occipitocele (1/39, 2.6%). A total of 33.3% (13/39) of mothers took folic acid, but only one began supplementation prior to pregnancy, while 67.7% (26/39) of mothers did not take folic acid during pregnancy. NTDs were found more frequently in primiparas (53.8%), women with low education (basic school, 64.1%), and unemployed women (82.1%).Conclusion: It is important to make national recommendations for folic acid supplementation for women of reproductive age, but also change the public health policy that includes mandatory fortification of basic foods as this is the best measure for primary prevention of NTDs in the whole population regardless of employment and education status. Additional comprehensive studies are required to assess the incidence and risk factors throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina

Cardiac aspects of DiGeorge syndrome: a report of two cases with molecular analysis

DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) which is also known as velocardiofacial syndrome is caused by a submicroscopic chromosome deletion of band 22q11. It is associated with a disturbed development of the pharyngeal arches. In this report we describe two unrelated male children with clinical features consistent with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome characterized by cardiac defect, recurrent respiratory infections and developmental deficiency. Definitive diagnosis is made by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization analysis (FISH). Children underwent surgical correction of congenital heart defects. During surgery thymic aplasia was confirmed in both children, postoperative course proceeded without major complications. Our report suggests that the criteria in searching for microdeletion 22q11.2 should be expanded and applied in patients with conotruncal and non-conotruncal congenital heart defects and at least one typical feature of this syndrome

Cardiac aspects of DiGeorge syndrome: a report of two cases with molecular analysis

DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) which is also known as velocardiofacial syndrome is caused by a submicroscopic chromosome deletion of band 22q11. It is associated with a disturbed development of the pharyngeal arches. In this report we describe two unrelated male children with clinical features consistent with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome characterized by cardiac defect, recurrent respiratory infections and developmental deficiency. Definitive diagnosis is made by Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization analysis (FISH). Children underwent surgical correction of congenital heart defects. During surgery thymic aplasia was confirmed in both children, postoperative course proceeded without major complications. Our report suggests that the criteria in searching for microdeletion 22q11.2 should be expanded and applied in patients with conotruncal and non-conotruncal congenital heart defects and at least one typical feature of this syndrome

Common variable immunodeficiency – case report

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) or acquired hypogammaglobulinemia is the type of primary immunodeficiency. Deregulation of the immune system, leading to hypogammaglobulinemia, defective activation and proliferation of T cells and dendritic cells, and malfunction of the cytokines are observed in CVID. The clinical picture of CVID varies, any organ or system can be affected, therefore the diagnosis is often difficult and delayed and sometimes is not always possible. This article describes a twelve years old boy with all the clinical signs of immunodeficiency, as confi rmed by laboratory. The main treatment consists of life-long immunoglobulin substitution in intravenous or subcutaneous form

Modern treatment of patent ductus arteriosus – single center experience

 Introduction: Transcatheter closure is a treatment choice for the most children with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The closure of the ductus is indicated in any child or adolescent with developed symptoms of significant L-R shunt. The aim of this article is to present our results in 5 years treatment of patients with PDA and their outcome. Methods: From 2009 to 2014, 30 patients underwent a transcatheter closure of PDA at Centre for Heart and Pediatric clinic of Clinical University Centre of Sarajevo. Aortic angiogram was performed to evaluate the size, position, and shape of the duct for selection of appropriate occluder device type and size. All procedures were performed by local team of cardiologists from the Department of Cardiology, Pediatric clinic, with invasive cardiologists team from Sweden and Austria. Echocardiography was repeated at intervals of 24 hours, then 1month, 3 months, and 1 year after the procedure to assess the outcome. Results: Thirty patients underwent transcatheter closure of PDA during the study period. PDA of ≤ 2.0 mm was present in 8 patients and they underwent PDA closure with coils, while 22 patients had PDA diameter  ≥ 2 mm, and they were treated by Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO). Only in 2 (6.2%) patients complications have been observed. The length of hospital stay after the treatment was two to three days. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of PDA is a modern, safe and efficient method that ensures a faster recovery of the patients, shortens the length of hospitalization

Modern treatment of patent ductus arteriosus – single center experience

  Introduction: Transcatheter closure is a treatment choice for the most children with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The closure of the ductus is indicated in any child or adolescent with developed symptoms of significant L-R shunt. The aim of this article is to present our results in 5 years treatment of patients with PDA and their outcome.   Methods: From 2009 to 2014, 30 patients underwent a transcatheter closure of PDA at Centre for Heart and Pediatric clinic of Clinical University Centre of Sarajevo. Aortic angiogram was performed to evaluate the size, position, and shape of the duct for selection of appropriate occluder device type and size. All procedures were performed by local team of cardiologists from the Department of Cardiology, Pediatric clinic, with invasive cardiologists team from Sweden and Austria. Echocardiography was repeated at intervals of 24 hours, then 1month, 3 months, and 1 year after the procedure to assess the outcome.   Results: Thirty patients underwent transcatheter closure of PDA during the study period. PDA of ≤ 2.0 mm was present in 8 patients and they underwent PDA closure with coils, while 22 patients had PDA diameter  ≥ 2 mm, and they were treated by Amplatzer duct occluder (ADO). Only in 2 (6.2%) patients complications have been observed. The length of hospital stay after the treatment was two to three days.   Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of PDA is a modern, safe and efficient method that ensures a faster recovery of the patients, shortens the length of hospitalization

Increased mean platelet volume is associated with acute myocardial infarction in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2

Background: The correlation between diabetes mellitus and acute myocardial infarction is greater every day. The mean platelet volume (MPV), which is the determinant of platelet function, is an independent risk factor for the cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of each disease (hypothyroidism, hypertension, myocardial infarction) individually and combined on MPV in diabetic patients.Methods: The cross-sectional study included 102 patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2), of both sexes (46 females, 56 males), with the average age of 58.91 (SD=12.93). All the patients were treated at the Primary Health Centre in Zenica from May to July 2017. All patients had diabetes mellitus and the disease had lasted for 10 years in both sexes.Results: Mean platelet volume was significantly higher in patients with myocardial infarction than in those without myocardial infarction. Age, sex, HbA1c, BMI, lipids and platelet count did not show any significance in either group of patients. Regression analysis showed that the prevalence of myocardial infarction had the highest predictive significance for MPV values, (predictor importance 0.49; coefficient 1.275, p&lt;0.001).Conclusions: Mean platelet volume was significantly higher in patients with diabetes mellitus and myocardial infarction than in DM patients without myocardial infarction. Regression analysis showed correlation with acute myocardial infarction in patients with DMT2, but not with other chronic illnesses. The highest platelet volume indices were observed in patients with myocardial infarction. MPV can be used as a specific indicator in diabetic patients with myocardial infarction.   </jats:p