FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSION IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA.

The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors present in schizophrenic patients with depressive symptomatology. The sample comprised of 76 respondents diagnosed with schizophrenia. In the study, we used the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia. The prevalence of depression was estimated to be 30%. The mean scores on the negative subscale of the PANSS were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia and depression compared to control group (U=3.64, p=0.00), and so were those on the General Psychopathology Scale (U=4.91, p=0.00). Socio-demographic factors were identified as important factors (p<0.05). Personal and environmental factors such as loneliness, immediate social environment, social support and isolation were statistically significantly different between the groups (p<0.05). There was a correlation of poor compliance with psycho-pharmacotherapy, increased number of hospitalizations and shorter remission period with the severity of clinical presentation (p<0.05). Since the presence of these factors is associated with depression in schizophrenia, their early detection in clinical practice is vital to ensure timely prevention of the development of depressive symptomatology.

[Minimally invasive surgery in treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation]. / Minimalno invazivna kirurgija slabinske kraljeznice u lijecenju hernije intervertebralnog diska.

Surgical treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures. Besides conventional surgical techniques, in the last more than 30 years, different methods with minimal damage to neuromuscular spine structures are being developed and introduced, all having the purpose of reducing postoperative back pain. The advantages of the minimally invasive spine surgery include: possibility of performing procedures under local anaesthesia, reduced hospital stay, limited blood loss with consecutively reduced fibrous tissue development. Patients are capable of return to work and everyday activities early after surgery. From the economical point of view, this kind of treatment is considered to be a cost-effective intervention. Three methods that are being used for treatment of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation are: percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD), microdiscectomy using tubular retractor system and selective endoscopic discectomy (SED). Conducted prospective studies have shown that minimally invasive methods are adequate alternative to classic surgical procedures.

[Guidelines for interventional and invasive treatment in patients with mechanical back pain]. / Smjernice za intervencijske i invazivne postupke u bolesnika s mehanickom krizoboljom.

Back pain caused primarily by mechanical disorders is the most common type of back pain and it is usually found in young and middle-aged population, i.e. active population. This is why back pain is one of the most important public health problems. Treatment of pain syndrome affecting spine depends on a variety of factors and generally includes conservative and invasive methods. Relative indication for interventional and surgical procedures is long lasting back pain, the symptoms of which, predominantly pain, cause significant problems for the patient on performing everyday activities. Invasive/surgical treatment is applied after minimally 3 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment. Invasive and surgical procedures comprise a wide spectrum of interventions, from interventional and semi-interventional procedures, minimally invasive procedures to extensive, invasive operations that include instrumentation. The choice of intervention is based on clinical findings, duration and severity of pain and other symptoms, as well as on diagnostic reports. Despite recommendations based on the results of clinical studies, individual approach to each patient is the main principle of successful treatment.