Hepatitis C virus genotypes in 1,504 patients in Slovenia, 1993-2007.

In order to identify the main routes of hepatitis C (HCV) transmission and to determine the HCV genotype distribution and its dynamics during a 15-year period in Slovenia, HCV genotypes were detected using the INNO-LiPA HCV II (Innogenetics) test for serum samples obtained from 1,504 patients representing 72.6% of all patients with chronic hepatitis C diagnosed from 1993 to 2007. HCV genotype 1 was predominant (56%), followed by genotypes 3, 2, and 4, with a prevalence of 37.8%, 5%, and 1.2%, respectively. HCV genotypes 5 and 6 were not detected in any patient. Patients infected with HCV genotype 3 were significantly younger (mean age 28.9 +/- 8.5 years) than those infected with genotype 1 (mean age 38.9 +/- 14.8 years; P < 0.0001) and those infected with HCV genotype 2 (mean age 50.3 +/- 18.2 years; P < 0.0001). Intravenous drug use was identified as the most frequent possible HCV transmission route (34.3%), followed by medical-related transmission such as transfusion of HCV-contaminated blood or blood products, and hemodialysis (12.5%). Being an intravenous drug user was found to be strongly associated with HCV genotype 3 (OR, 3.71 [95% CI, 2.97-4.65]; P < 0.0001) and reporting infection by transfusion of blood or blood products was found to be strongly associated with HCV genotype 1 (OR, 3.28 [95% CI, 2.18-4.95]; P < 0.0001). During the 15-year period, the proportion of genotype 3 increased substantially, reflecting the fact that the HCV epidemic in Slovenia is driven mostly by intravenous drug use.

[Correlation between C-reactive protein levels with leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease in men].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to estimate the correlation between C-reactive protein levels and leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease in men. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 183 working capable men chosen randomly from the regular systematical check-up in Health Centre Banja Luka in 2006. Standard laboratory methods were used to establish the following: total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholestreol level and LDL-cholesterol level was calculated. High sensitive C-reactive protein level was measured by immunuturbidimetric method CRP (Latex) HS Roche Diagnostic. RESULTS: Average values of high sensitive C-reactive protein for the whole group was 1.69 mg/L, total cholesterol 5.73 mmol/L, HDL-cholesterol 1.38 mmol/L, LDL-cholesterol 3.40 mmol/L. The average value for the systolic blood pressure was 132.9 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure 85.4 mmHg, and body mass index 28.47 kg/m2. Out of the overall number of examinees, 74 were smokers (40.4%) and 109 (59.6%) nonsmokers. The statistical analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference between C-reactive protein level in the group with diastolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg and above (p < 0.05); as well as statistically significant difference between the group with desirable body mass index and the group with increased BMI (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The results of our study show that there is a significant correlation between CRP levels and high blood pressure, and in persons with increased body mass index. However, there was no correlation between CRP levels and total cholesterol HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: High sensitive CRP screening is useful in early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases

[The correlation between lifestyle and lipid profile].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to estimate if negative lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking and physical inactivity affect the lipid profile values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 250 workers on regular examination in the Gradiska Health Center in the period from 2001 to 2002. There were 113 (45.2%) men and 137 (54.8%) women. The examinees were divided into three groups according age (25-39, 40-49 and 50-60 respectively). Standard laboratory methods were used to establish the following: total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol level, LDL cholesterol, atherosclerosis index (AI) and total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol. RESULTS: Using a questionnaire, we have found out that out of 250 examinees 48.80% consume alcohol regularly, 50.80% are smokers and 36% are physically. The mean total cholesterol was high in all groups and it was 6.41 mmol/l. The mean triglyceride level was 1.88 mmol/l and mean HDL cholesterol was 1.48 mmol/l, IA was 2.99 and total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio was 4.69. Statistical analysis showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between triglyceride values and alcohol consumption, smoking and physical activity (p<0.05). Also, we showed that there was a statistically high relationship between HDL cholesterol values, AJ, total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol and smoking in the examined groups (p<0.01). DISCUSSION: In our study the lipid profile parameters were above the desired levels, probably due to unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking, alcohol consumption and insufficient physical activity. Our results are in concordance with the results of similar studies. CONCLUSION: It is of utmost importance to take steps to improve lifestyle habits of our population.