The Effect of Body Mass Index on Spirometric Parameters in Children with Asthma.

AIM: Asthma and obesity represent one of the most crucial public and health problems of modern society that frequently begin in childhood and have some mutual elements of risk. Abdominal distribution of connective tissue is important determinant which brings to decrease of lungs function. Multiple influence of overweight on function of the lungs would clearly manifest over reduction of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). METHOD: Examining was conducted at Pediatric Clinic of University Clinical Hospital Tuzla during the year 2013/2014. Research included 60 children with diagnosed asthma who were in relation to BMI were divided in 3 groups. The first group was children with BMI ranging from 5 to 85 percentile, the second were children with 85 to 95 percentile and the third was 95 percentile. By prospective study, compared identical pulmonary variable for all three age group of asthma patients were analyzed, the children with normal body mass a well as the overweight and the obese. RESULTS: At the beginning of testing, the frequency of normal spirometric findings was significantly lower in the obese group in comparison with other two observed groups (p<0,05). The only cases of mixed and restrictive disorder of ventilation were registered in the obese group of tested at the beginning of the examined (p0,05 for all measurements).

The Misgav-Ladach method of cesarean section: a step forward in operative technique in obstetrics.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the intraoperative and short-term outcomes of two cesarean techniques: the modified Misgav-Ladach and the Pfannenstiel-Kerr. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational cohort study of women undergoing a primary cesarean at the Clinic for Obstetric and Gynecology Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, between January 2003 and December 2011. The two cesarean techniques were compared for intraoperative and short terms outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 4,944 women were included in this study, 4,336 allocated to the modified Misgav-Ladach and 608 to the Pfannenstiel-Kerr techniques. The rate of modified Misgav-Ladach increased from 74 % in 2003 to 99 % in 2011. The modified Misgav-Ladach technique was associated with a shorter operative time (13.3 min ± 7.4 vs. 19.1 min ± 6.8, p < 0.05), as well as significantly less surgical material (3.5 ± 2.5 vs. 7.9 ± 2.1, p < 0.05). The modified Misgav-Ladach technique was also associated with lower analgesic requirements, lower rates of febrile morbidity and wound infection compared to the Pfannenstiel-Kerr technique (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of endometritis, wound dehiscence, bowel restitution, postoperative antibiotic use, and hospital stay. CONCLUSION: The modified Misgav-Ladach technique is associated with a shorter operative time than Pfannenstiel-Kerr and might lead to better postoperative outcomes.

The predictive score for early-onset neonatal sepsis.

The aim of the present study was to analyze complete blood count (CBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels to create the predictive score for diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). All neonates treated for suspected EONS between January 2004 and December 2006 were evaluated from their case record. A diagnosis of EONS was made if either clinical findings consistent with sepsis developed within 72 hours of life, or if positive cultures were obtained. Evaluations for EONS were preformed in 341 neonates, and 199/341 (58.4%) developed EONS. Total white blood count, immature/total ratio, immature/ mature ratio, and CRP levels were found to be independent predictors of EONS, and the predictive score for EONS was created. An increase in the predictive score for EONS was directly correlated with possibility of EONS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined a cut-off value of a predictive score for EONS > 0.503, with sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 89%. Correct prediction of EONS was found in 78% of all neonates, 80% for positive and 75% for negative outcome (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, for its high sensitivity and prediction rates, the predictive score for EONS is useful in diagnostic evaluation of neonates suspected for EONS.

Epidemiology of neonatal sepsis caused by multidrug resistant pathogens in a neonatal intensive care unit level 3.

Aim Steady progress in intensive treatment worldwide has increased the survival of immature neonates, but with multiple invasive procedures, which have increased the risk of infection, thus the bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiology of multidrug resistance pathogens as causative agents of neonatal sepsis in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods A retrospective cohort study conducted at the Intensive care unit of the Paediatric Clinic of Tuzla over a three-year period (2016-2018) analysed epidemiology of neonatal sepsis caused by multidrug resistance pathogens. Statistical analysis applied standard methods, and the research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the institution. Results Of the total of 921 treated neonates, multidrug resistance (MDR) pathogens among causative agents of neonatal sepsis were found in 22 neonates (2.38%) with no gender difference. Prematurity and low birth weight were confirmed as the most significant risk factors. From the maternal risk factors a significant difference was found in the first birth and in vitro fertilization. Clinically, MDR sepsis manifested frequently as late onset sepsis, with longer hospital stay and higher mortality. The findings of leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and coagulation disorders were significant. Gram negative bacteria were frequently isolated, in particular Acinetobacter, which showed the greatest resistance to antibiotics. Conclusion Neonatal MDR sepsis is a threat to life, it complicates the treatment, increases costs and mortality. Outcomes can be improved by preventive strategies, earlier and more accurate diagnosis and rational use of antibiotics.

Risk Factors and Outcome of Neonatal Pneumothorax in Tuzla Canton.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors and outcome of neonatal pneumothorax in Tuzla Canton. METHODS: Neonates with chest X-ray confirmed pneumothorax in University Clinical Center of Tuzla, within a three-year period, from January 2015 to December 2017, were retrospectively studied. Participants were evaluated for baseline characteristics, predisposing factors of neonatal pneumothorax, accompanying disorders and mortality. RESULTS: During the observed three-year period 11425 neonates were born in Tuzla Canton, with 7.33 % of preterm births, and 604 neonates were treated in NICU, with 265 neonates who required mechanical ventilation. Neonatal pneumothorax (NP) was diagnosed in 22 patients (9 term, 13 preterm), 12 (54.5%) were male. The incidence was 0.20% of total births, respectively 3.64% of those treated in NICU. The mean gestational age were 35.1 ± 3.0 weeks and birth weight 2 506.8 ± 727.7 grams. NP was mostly unilateral (72.7%) and right-sided. The most commonly associated diseases were: respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial haemorrhage, pneumonia, transient tachypnea and sepsis. In 8 (36.4%) neonates, the underlying cause of NP could be mechanical ventilation (secondary), whereas in 14 (63.6%) NP was spontaneous, without previous mechanical ventilation, although 11 of them required mechanical ventilation after pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: All perinatal risk factors were investigate, and significant differences in two observed groups related to mechanical ventilation were found for birth weight, gestational age, Caesarean section, length of mechanical ventilation, surfactant replacement therapy and outcome. Three (13.64%) neonates with NP died, and among risk factors with poor outcome, significant was only Apgar score in the first minute ≤ 5.

Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnancy - Our Experiences.

INTRODUCTION: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is ubiquitous. It affects all age groups, and its clinical picture ranges from mild to severe, especially as a congenital infection in neonates. AIM: To determine frequency of CMV infection in pregnant women in Tuzla Canton (TC) and the risk factors that lead to the infection. METHODS: This prospective study included 300 pregnant women from TC aged 18 to 42 years. CMV serology was performed on all participants, and in case of acute infection additionally IgG avidity test. Participants also completed the questionnaire on the risk factors for CMV infection. RESULTS: The median age of the 300 women was 28 ±4.97 years. There were 161participants (53.6%) who classified their environment as urban and 295 (98.33%) were married. More than half of the women had completed secondary school 168 (56%). Positive IgG antibodies to CMV had 280 (93.0%) women. Positive IgM and IgG antibodies had 9 (3.0%) participants, but all of them had high IgG avidity, which indicates reinfection or recurrent CMV infection. There was a statistically significant higher number of seropositive participants living in rural areas than those living in urban areas (p= 0.048). Also, there was significantly higher percentage of positive anti-CMV IgG in pregnant women with lower education (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: In our region there is high seropositivity rates of IgG antibodies to CMV in pregnant women. No case of primary CMV infection was proven. The risk factors for CMV infection have been proven to be rural environment and lower level of education.

Predictors and incidence of hospitalization due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in non-prophylaxed moderate-to-late preterm infants in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Prematurity is a risk factor for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), due to immature humoral and cell-mediated immune system in preterm newborns, as well as their incomplete lung development. Palivizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the F glycoprotein of RSV, is licensed for the prevention of severe RSV LRTI in children at high risk for the disease. This study is a part of a larger observational, retrospective-prospective epidemiological study (PONI) conducted at 72 sites across 23 countries in the northern temperate zone. The aim of our non-interventional study was to identify common predictors and factors associated with RSV LRTI hospitalization in non-prophylaxed, moderate-to-late preterm infants, born between 33 weeks and 0 days and 35 weeks and 6 days of gestation, and less than 6 months prior to or during the RSV season in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). A total of 160 moderate-to-late preterm infants were included from four sites in B&H (Sarajevo, Tuzla, Mostar, and Banja Luka). We identified several significant intrinsic and extrinsic factors to be associated with the risk of RSV LRTI hospitalization in the preterm infants, including: comorbidities after birth, shorter hospital stay, admission to NICU/PICU while in the maternity ward, household smoking, low maternal age, breast feeding, number of family members, and history of family/paternal atopy. Overall, our results indicated that the risk of RSV LRTI in preterm newborns can be associated with different environmental and social/cultural factors, and further research is needed to comprehensively evaluate these associations.

Development of Respiratory Allergies, Asthma and Allergic Rhinits in Children with Atopic Dermatitis.

Children with atopic dermatitis (AD) usually develop symptoms when they reach the age of 6-7 years, but the risk of developing respiratory allergies, asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) remains high. In most children with AD, the development of asthma and AR is associated with sensitization to food allergens and/or aeroallergens, while only a small percentage missed atopic diathesis. In about 35% of children with AD, food allergy is the provoking cause, and 60% of infants who had AD in the first 3 months of life were sensitized against aeroallergens by the age of 5. The aim of the study was to follow development of asthma and AR and to assess the most significant risk factors for developing respiratory allergy. A total of 114 children with AD were followed up for five years. At annual visits, the severity of disease, total immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody values, skin prick tests, specific IgE antibodies to food allergens and aeroallergens, and absolute eosinophil count were assessed. Information on the family history of atopy and AD, feeding patterns during infancy, data on sensitivity to food allergens and/or aeroallergens, and on the occurrence of bronchial obstruction and nose symptoms were obtained. Asthma developed in 36 children, median age 7.7 years; 33 children had symptoms of AR, and 13 children with AD had both diseases associated; 38 children had sensitivity to food, of which 24 developed asthma and 13 AR; asthma developed in 18/23 children with sensitivity to aeroallergens, and almost an equal number of children developed AR. The increased absolute eosinophil count and specific IgE to aeroallergens and food allergens were the best asthma predictors, while AR predictors were family history and early onset of AD. In conclusion, children with AD are at a significant risk of developing respiratory allergies, and those with the increased absolute eosinophil count, positive specific IgE to aeroallergens and food allergens, heredity of AD, and early onset of AD are at the highest risk. Identification of risk factors will enable us to improve the treatments of AD in order to reduce the severity of disease and prevent manifestation of respiratory allergy.

Etiological risk factors for brachial plexus palsy.

AIM: To investigate risk factors for brachial plexus palsy in newborns. We analyzed 45 544 live-born children, born over a nine-year period from January 1, 1996 to December 31, 2004. METHODS: The analysis was retrospective and based on the medical documentation of the Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinic for Neurology, and Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of the University Clinical Center Tuzla. We compared study and control groups of newborns. Rates among groups were compared using Chi-square, with significance at p < 0.05, and with significance at p < 0.01. RESULTS: Examining epidemiological characteristics, 86 newborns with brachial plexus palsy had been recorded, thus, the prevalence was 1.86 per 1000 live-born children. Analyzing maternal and neonatal factors, and the labor pattern itself, it was found that the highest factors of risk for brachial plexus injury were birth weight of over 4000 g, a precipitous second stage of labor (<15 minutes), and vacuum-extractor assisted labor. Brachial plexus palsy was more frequent when the mothers were overweight, with a body mass index >or=29 kg/m2. None of the parturient women, whose newborns were diagnosed with brachial plexus palsy, had external conjugate diameter <18 cm. Newborns delivered vaginally were not diagnosed with a higher frequency of brachial plexus palsy when compared to newborns who were delivered by cesarean section, but newborns who were vaginal breech-delivered were diagnosed to have a higher incidence of brachial plexus palsy. Newborns whose mothers were older than 35 years were diagnosed to have brachial plexus palsy more frequently, but a statistically significant difference between primiparas and multiparas was not found. A total of 39 newborns (45.2%) were diagnosed with a fracture of the clavicle, which was the most frequently combined damage with brachial plexus injury. Forty-two newborns (48.8%) had an Apgar score of

Perinatal and maternal outcomes in Tuzla Canton during 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

AIM: To compare perinatal and maternal outcomes in Tuzla Canton during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina with those before (1988-1991) and after (2000-2003) the war. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data on a total of 59,707 liveborn infants and their mothers from the databases of Tuzla University Department for Gynecology and Obstetrics and Tuzla Institute for Public Health. Data on the number of live births, stillbirths, early neonatal deaths, causes of death, gestational age, and birth weights were collected. We also collected data on the number of medically unattended deliveries, examinations during pregnancy, preterm deliveries, and causes of maternal deaths. Perinatal and maternal outcomes were determined for each study period. RESULTS: There were 23,194 live births in the prewar, 18,302 in the war, and 18,211 in the postwar period. Prewar perinatal mortality of 23.3 per 1000 live births increased to 25.8 per 1000 live births during the war (P<0.001), due to a significant increase in early neonatal mortality (10.3 per thousand before vs 15.1 per thousand after the war, P<0.001). After the war, both perinatal mortality (14.4 per thousand) and early neonatal mortality (6.6 per thousand) decreased (P<0.001 for both). The most frequent cause of early neonatal death during the war was prematurity (55.7%), with newborns most often dying within the first 24 hours after birth. During the war, there were more newborns with low birth weight (<2500 g), while term newborns had lower average body weight. Women underwent 2.4 examinations during pregnancy (5.4 before and 6.3 after the war, P<0.001 for both) and 75.9% had delivery attended by a health care professional (99.1% before and 99.8% after the war; P<0.001 for both). Maternal mortality rate of 65 per 100,000 deliveries during the war was significantly higher than that before (39 per 100,000 deliveries) and after (12 per 100,000 deliveries) the war (P<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Perinatal and maternal mortality in Tuzla Canton were significantly higher during the war, mainly due to lower adequacy and accessibility of perinatal and maternal health care.

LOW PRETERM BIRTH RATE WITH DECREASING EARLY NEONATAL MORTALITY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA DURING 2007-2014.

THE AIM: of the study was to determine the situation of preterm births and early neonatal mortality during 2007-2014 in Tuzla Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: The study covers a 8-year period and is based on the protocols at the Tuzla Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics that covers all birth in Tuzla Canton area. We analyzed the gestational age of all newborns and recorded the number of neonatal deaths in the first week after birth. Demographics, pregnancy and birth characteristics were collected from the maternal records. RESULTS: The total number of births in the period was 32738. Preterm birth was identified in 2401 (7.3%) cases with 12,5% occurring before 32 gestational weeks and 64% in 35-36 gestational weeks. The mothers of the 24-31 gws preterm group were significantly younger that those in the 32-36 group. In the 32-36 group there were significantly greater proportions of mothers with assisted reproductive technology and pre-eclampsia and 16.7% was medical induced preterm births versus 11.4 % in the 24-31 PTB group, p<0.05. The incidence of PTB did no vary significantly during the period, the lowest rate was found in 2010 (6.4%). A total of 221 children died giving a early mortality rate of 6.8 per 1000 live born over the 8 years. The majority 156 dying infants (70.6%) were preterm, only 5.7% died being born in the 35-36 gestational week (5.9 per 1000). Overall the preterm early mortality (7.3 per 1000) has shown a decreasing tendency during the latter years. CONCLUSION: During the last 8 years there have been no significant decline in preterm birth in the Tuzla region while a decline in early neonatal death has been registered.

Unilateral pulmonary agenesis and gastric duplication cyst: a rare association.

Lung agenesis and gastric duplication cysts are both rare congenital anomalies. Gastric duplication cysts can present with nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, or vague abdominal pain. Unilateral pulmonary agenesis can present with respiratory distress which usually occurs due to retention of bronchial secretions and inflammations. We report the unique case of right pulmonary agenesis associated with gastric duplication cyst.

Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in children with atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronically relapsing, inflammatory skin disease characterized by severe itch, rash and dry skin. Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens is found in 40%-50% of children with AD and it is the cause of intensive skin lesions. The aim of the study was to assess the presence of hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in AD children. The study included 114 children (56 boys and 58 girls), median age 27.5 months, who had been diagnosed with AD according to Hanifin and Rajka criteria. The severity of the disease was assessed by the SCORAD index. To recognize hypersensitivity to aeroallergens, the following parameters were analyzed: medical history, values of absolute eosinophil count, total IgE antibodies, specific IgE antibodies to aeroallergens, and results of the skin prick test for aeroallergens. A moderate form of the disease was present in 61.4% of study children, with a median SCORAD index score of 28.5 points; 12.3% of study children showed hypersensitivity to aeroallergens (history of hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in 27.2%, increased absolute eosinophil count in 53.5%, increased total IgE antibodies in 56.1%, positive skin prick test in 20.2%, and positive specific IgE antibodies to aeroallergens in 12.3% of children). The most common aeroallergens responsible were house dust in 6.1% and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in 3.5% of children with AD. Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens was recorded in the same number of children with mild and severe forms of the disease and in 5.7% of children with a moderate form. In conclusion, the presence of hypersensitivity to aeroallergens in children with AD is significant. By discovering and removing the aeroallergens responsible, it is possible to achieve reduction in the intensity of skin lesions and frequency of exacerbations.

Both-sided large abdominoscrotal hydrocele associated with testicles atrophy.

Abdominoscrtoal hydrocele is unusual condition with large scrotal hydrocele, which communicates through narrow inguinal channel with abdominal component. Abdominoscrotal hydrocele is not a benign condition, because complications such as acute appendicitis, testicular dismorphism, ureterohydronephrosis, paratesticular malignity have been described earlier. This case study describes one year old boy with both-sided abdominoscrotal hydrocele. Abdominal masses connected with hydrocele need to induce a suspicion of this condition. Early diagnosis and existing surgical techniques for treatment of this disorder are the key factors in prevention of complications associated to this disorder.

C-reactive protein as a biochemical marker of idiopathic preterm delivery.

Each birth which has happened before gestation period of 37 weeks of gestation and which is not related to a degree of birth difficulty is called premature birth. Different researches pointed out that C-reactive protein (CRP) can be used as a possible marker of idiopathic preterm delivery. RESEARCH GOALS WERE: To examine reliability of CRP in mothers serum as a marker of premature birth among pregnant women who had no of the known risks for premature birth. To determine critical value of CRP in pregnancies this ended up as a premature birth. To determine connection between value of CRP and low birth weight of the newborn. The research is done in a form of prospective study on 200 pregnant women. Research included pregnant women without known risks factors for premature birth with condition that those women had suitable antenatal protection. All pregnant women were divided in into two groups, experimental and control group. Experimental group is consisted of 150 pregnant women who were regularly controlled in ambulance. Control group consisted of 50 pregnant women who were hospitalized at the Department for Pathology of pregnancy due to threatening miscarriage symptoms of condition that tocolytic index were less than 4. The value of CRP in serum of all pregnant women was determined in period from 20 to 24th week of gestation. In further course of pregnancy we followed those pregnant women with more often premature birth and if premature birth occurred more often in pregnant women with increased value of CRP in relation to women who had normal values. As a critical value for CRP was taken > 2 median value. Besides descriptive statistic methods in evaluating data processing were used (see text for symbols) test, student's t-test, Fishers test and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Mean value of CRP in experimental group was 3.913 and in control group 14.92 (t = 4.72, p < 0.0001). Mean value of CRP was 18.17 in group of prematurely births and in women who gave birth on time 3.87 (t = 5.72, p < 0.0001). Value of CRP > 2 had 33 women who gave birth prematurely (16.5%). CONCLUSIONS: CRP can be used as a reliable marker of idiopathic premature birth. CRP value which is connected with development of premature birth is 4 mg/l. There is connection between the value of CRP > 2 and low birth weight of the newborn.

Clinical characteristics and estimation severity of the atopic dermatitis in children.

Clinical characteristics of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) in children were analyzed, and severity of illness was estimated using SCORAD point system index and Three Item Severity score (TIS) index. The research was done at the Clinic for Children Diseases in Tuzla. The inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of AD according to Hanifin and Rajka criterions, age up to 15. The exclusion criteria were: not meeting the criteria for an AD diagnosis, over 15 years of age, usage of anti-histamines in the last 5 days and/or usage of corticosteroids in the last 4 weeks, and diagnosis of other illnesses that do not have atopic foundation. The analysis included: clinical characteristics, parameters of both score systems and correlation of SCORAD and TIS indices. The conditions of research were met by 261 children (128 boys and 133 girls), with median age of 16.8 +/- 5.4 months. The early occurrence of AD changes (before the second year of life) were present in 51.3% of children, the positive anamnesis for AD was found in 17.2% of children, changes in AD typical localization in 96.6% of children, oversensitivity to food in 47.5% and airborne allergens in 12.3% of children. The values of SCORAD index were ranging from 14-92 (median 37.1 +/- 18.06) and a significant correlation of the parameter to the total value of SCORAD index (distribution p = 0.0002; intensity p = 0.001; subjective symptoms p < 0.0001). The values of TSI index were ranging from 1-8 (median 4.3842.03) with the significant correlation of parameter to the total value (for erythema p < 0.0001; for edema p < 0.0001; and for excoriation p = 0.0007). When comparing the SCORAD and TIS index values, we found significant correlation (r = 0.531; p < 0.0001). TIS index as a simplified SCORAD index is reliable for the quick estimate of illness in daily medical work, but in clinical research SCORAD index offers a much more detailed and reliable estimate.

Association of Low Birth Weight Infants and Maternal Sociodemographic Status in Tuzla Canton during 1992-1995 War Period in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Objectives. We examined association between incidence rate of low birth weight in liveborn infants and maternal sociodemographic status in Tuzla Canton during 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Methods. The present study covers a 22-year period (1988-2009), including the war period (1992-1995), and we retrospectively collected data on a total of 108 316 liveborn infants and their mothers from three different socioeconomic periods: before (1988-1991), during (1992-1995), and after the war (1996-2009). Association between incidence rate of low birth weight in liveborn infants and maternal sociodemographic status were determined for each study period. Results. There were 23 194 live births in the prewar, 18 302 during the war, and 66 820 in the postwar period. Among the liveborn infants born during the war, 1373 (7.5%) had birth weight of <2500 g, which is significantly more in comparison with 851 (3.6%) liveborn infants in this birth weight group born before and 1864 (2.8%) after the war. We found the number of examinations during pregnancy was 1.8 per pregnant woman in the war period, which was low in comparison with the number of examinations before (4.6 per pregnant woman) and after (7.1 per pregnant woman) the war (P<.001 for both). Prewar perinatal mortality LBW infants of 6.2 per 1000 live births increased to 10.8 per 1000 live births during the war (P<.001), but after the war, perinatal mortality LBW infants (5.2‰) and early neonatal mortality (2.4‰) decreased. Conclusions. We found statistically significant association between low-birth-weight and maternal sociodemographic status in Tuzla Canton during 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

[Predictive value of interleukin 6 from the umbilical cord blood in early neonatal infection]. / Prediktivna vrijednost Interleukina 6 iz krvi pupcanika u ranoj novorodenackoj infekciji.

We have analyzed diagnostic value of interleukin 6 (IL-6) from the umbilical cord blood in recognition of early neonatal infection (ENI) of newborns whose mothers have obstetrical risks. The study included 120 newborns with birth weight <2500 gr., gestational age from 37 to 42 weeks, which mothers had some of the obstetrical risks. We established three groups: group A (newborns with microbiological proof of ENI), group B (clinical signs and hematological parameters of ENI) and group C (newborns without ENI). Median of IL-6 value in group A was 48.5 pg/ml with sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic value in recognition of ENI 78%, 81% and 80%. In group B median of IL-6 was 49 pg/ml with sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic value 65%, 80% and 77%. In group C median of IL-6 was 9.7 pg/ml. We noticed significant connection between value of IL-6 and mother's urinary tract infection; group A (p=0.023), group B (p = 0.007). Also there was a remarkable relationship between mother's colpitis and level of IL-6 in newborn with ENI in group A (p=0.011) and group B (p = 0.012). High levels of IL-6 in umbilical cord blood can help us in recognition of newborns that are endangered by infection and they are clearly connected with some of mother's obstetrical risks.

[The predictive values of total white blood count and differential count in the diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis]. / Prediktivne vrijednosti ukupnog broja leukocita i diferencijalne krvne slike u dijagnozi rane neonatalne sepse.

UNLABELLED: Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) is one of the most common diagnostic challenges in neonatal population. Aims of this study was to analyse values of total white blood count (WBC) and differential count in neonates with EONS and to determine cut-off values with the highest accuracy in diagnosis of infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the retrospective-prospective research we include 341 neonates born from 37th to 42nd week of gestational age, with one or more obstetric risk factors for EONS, in single pregnancy, both genders and without visible anomalies. Capillary blood samples for analysed parameters levels were obtained in the first 72 hours of life. A diagnosis of EONS was based on microbiological findings, clinical signs and radiography of chest. RESULTS: Obstetric risk for EONS at delivery had 341/12 298 (2.8%) neonates, and EONS occurred in 199/341 (58.4%) neonates. The mean total WBC count was 22.5 +/- 9.5 x 109/L, the mean absolute mature neutrophil count was 13.9 +/- 6.8 x 109/, while the mean total neutrophil count was 15.6 +/- 7.8 x 109/L. Neonates with EONS had medial of total immature neutrophil count of 1.2 x 109/L, immature to total neutrophil ratio (I:T ratio) of 0.09 and medial of immature to mature neutrophil ratio (I:M ratio) was 0.10. ROC curve analysis cut-off values of I:T (> 0.08) and I:M (> 0.09) ratio had acceptable accuracy in the diagnosis of EONS. The value of total WBC > 26.4 x 109/L, with accuracy of 88% predict EONS. High predictive value (82.9%) in EONS had total neutrophil count value of more than 17.6, and total immature neutrophil count value of more than 1.1 x l09/L predict presence of EONS with accuracy of 65.3%. Cut-off values of I:T (66.8%) and I:M (67.3%) ratio almost in the same percent predict EONS. In univariable predictive model, only cut-off value of mature neutrophil count was not significant in the detection of EONS, while cut-off values of other analysed parameters had significant predictive value (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Total white blood count and differential count are changed in neonates with early-onset neonatal sepsis. The predictive value of analysed parameters cut-off values is important in everyday work of neonatology's to make difference among infected and non-infected neonates.

[Quality of life in children with obstructive sleep apnea after adenotonsillectomy]. / Kvalitet ivota u djece sa opstruktivnim nocnim apneama nakon adenotonzilektomije.

UNLABELLED: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids is common in pediatric population. The prevalence of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has been estimated to be between 1% and 3% in preschool and school-aged children. The aim of this study was to examine quality of life in children before and after adenotonsillectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was prospective and it was carried out in the period from mid-November 2005 to end-June 2006. Specific exclusion criteria were: no existing of OSA, neuromuscular disorders, constitutional maxillofacial anomalies, septal deviation, mental retardation, obesity (BMI > 30). Anamnesis was taken from parents or caregiver, each child was examined from ENT specialist, Pediatar and Anestesiolog. The adenoid size was estimated by palpation or/and X-ray examination of nasopharynx. The tonsils size was estimated by Brodsky scala. OSA-18 quality of life survey was used to estimate improvement of quality of life after adenotonsillectomy. The children that had asserted symptoms of OSA by OSA-18 quality of life survey, were analyzed by this survey 5 weeks after surgery. The results before and after surgery were compared. The adenotonsillectomy was done with standard operation technique at our ENT department (cold dissection using termocauter), and comprehends removal palatinal tonsils and adenoids, that are removed by adenotom with uniform anestesiology protocol. RESULTS: At 13 patients (43.3%) undergone adenotonsillectomy, OSA had a small impact on quality of life, at 11 (36.7) patients had a moderate impact and at 6 (20%) patients had large impact. Statistical significant improvement of quality of life after adenotonsillectomy was found in all domains using OSA-18-QOL survey: sleep disturbance (P < 0.0001), physical suffering (P < 0.0001), emotional distress (P < 0.0001), daytime problems (P = 0.0081) and caregiver concerns (P < 0.0001). The mean OSA-18-QOL total change score showed significant improvement of quality of life in patients suffering from OSA who undergone adenotonsillectomy. CONCLUSION: Adenotonsillectomy improves quality of life in children suffering from OSA caused by adenotonsillar hypertrophy.