Pulmonary Hypertension - New Trends of Diagnostic and Therapy.

Pulmonary hypertension is a pathophysiological state hemodynamically defined as the increase of the mean pulmonary arterial pressure above 25, or 30 mmHg at rest, measured by catheterization of the right heart. Laboratory findings usually reveals polycythemia, the ECG right ventricle hypertrophy, and x-ray characteristic of diseased branches (echocardiography and biomarkers such as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP hormones are potentially helpful tools in identifying PH). Echocardiography can be found the increase of the right atrium and ventricle, right ventricular hypertrophy, abnormal contraction of the interventricular septum, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and decreased left ventricular size, with reduced volumes of systole and end diastole. Doppler confirming tricuspid regurgitation. Pharmacological therapy would represent a use: Calcium Channel Blockers, Prostacyclin Analogues, Endothelin Receptor Antagonists and Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors. Alpha adrenergic antagonists, endothelial receptor subtype A (Bosentan, Tracller) with treatment of the underlying disease or anticongestive therapy, are recommended. In case of inadequate response to treatment with a specific drug, guidelines recommend the combined use of drugs from the basic three groups, using their synergism.

[The effect of intradialytic exercise program on the quality of life and physical performance in hemodialysis patients]. / Ucinak intradijaliznog programa vjezbanja na kvalitetu zivota i fizicke mogucnosti u hemodijaliziranih pacijenata.

AIM: To determine the effect of a 16-week intradialytic exercise program consisting of 30 minutes of exercise during the first two hours of dialysis with three times a week frequency, on the quality of life (QoL), level of depression/anxiety and physical perfor- mance in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: The clinical, longitudinal, prospective study with one-group repeated measures design was conducted during a 16-week period. A convenience sample of 52 HD patients, who had been on HD for a minimum of 6 months, were included. QoL, level of depression and anxiety (questionnaires: SF-36, Back Depression Inventory (BDI) and Back Anxiety Inventory (BAI)) and physical performance (modifying Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)) were assessed at baseline and after 4-month exercise program. RESULTS: The following scales of SF-36 questionnaire were improved after 16-week exercise program: role functioning/emotional (P=0.01 8), energy/fatigue (P = 0.002) and social functi- oning (P = 0.030). Level of depression and anxiety were significantly decreased in males (P = 0.007 and P = 0.022, respectively) and females (P = 0.001 and P = 0.000, respectively). VAS scale and MMT were significantly increased in males (P = 0.000 and P = 0.001, respectively) and females (P = 0.01 9 and P = 0.001, respectively) after 16-week exercise program. CONCLUSION: Exercise program improves some aspects of QoL and physical performance, and decreases the level of depression and anxiety in HD patients.

[Tunneled catheter infections in patients on hemodialysis--one center experience]. / Infekcije tuneliranih katetera kod pacijenata na hemodijalizi--iskustvo jednog centra.

INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheters in hemodialysis patients can be used as vascular access for hemodialysis. At our clinic, our doctors use temporary and tunneled catheters for hemodialysis treatment. The presence of the catheter, increases the risk of bacteremia in hemodialysis patients. Risk factors are nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus, prolonged use of catheters, previous bacteremia, anover dose of iron, low hemoglobin, low albumins, diabetes mellitus, and surgical procedures. The aim of this study was prevention of catheter sepsis and timely disclosures of existing and effective cures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with tunnelled catheters as vascular access for hemodialysis were included into the study. The study was conducted between January 1, 2011 and January 3, 2012. Outof 38 patients, 60% (23) were male and 40% (15) were female, while the average age was 67.48 +/- 13.9 years. The duration of hemodialysis treatment was 108.9 +/- 16.54 months. RESULTS: Over the study period, 9 patients developed bacteriemia associated with the use of catheter as a vascular approach. The incidence of infection in our study was 3.5 cases per 1000 catheter days. Two patients (5.2%) developed an infection in the first three months after the day of catheter placement, and the remaining 6 (15.8%) patients after one year of the use of catheter as a vascular approach. Regarding the causes of infection, in 3 (33%) patients these were gram-positive pathogens, in 5 (56%) patients gram-negative pathogens, and in one (11%) patient it was polimicrobe flora. According to the protocol and pending the outcome of susceptibility testing (antibiogram), all the patients were prescribed with antibiotic treatment therapy. In 7 (75%) patients tunnelled catheter was removed and replaced with temporary catheters for hemodialysis treatment. In 2 (25%) patients, was antibiotic-lock solution was injected into the catheter. There were no significant differences (p<0.05) in age, duration of dialysis treatment, hemoglobin levels, iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin and albumin in patients without infection and those who developed an infection. Only one patient has had a nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus. One patient developed severe thrombocytopenia, followed by sepsis anda lethal outcome due to heavy gastrointestinal bleeding. CONCLUSION: tunneled venous catheter is the increasingly common vascular access with the hemodialytic patients, but it is also a common cause of infection. Proper care and use of catheters, making the unique protocols of care and treatment algorithm occupy a significant place in each hemodialysis center. Our goal is to prevent the catheter sepsis, and to promptly detect the existing and a fast treatment of the same.

[Prevention and treatment of hepatitis C infected patients on hemodialysis]. / Prevencija i lijecenje hepatitisa C kod pacijenata na hemodijalizi.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, observational study, 205 patients, 37 (18%) of them with chronic HCV infection, were followed up for a one-year period at Department of Hemodialysis, Sarajevo Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo. The following parameters were analyzed: dialysis duration, sex, PCR RNA, HCV genotypes and biochemical parameters. Thirteen anti-HCV PCR RNA positive patients were treated with pegylated interferon alpha (Pegasys, Hoffman-La Roche). The goal of therapy was to reach sustained virologic response. The presence of anti-HCV antibodies in serum was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Of 37 anti-HCV positive patients, there were 20 (54%) males and 17 (45.9%) females with the mean hemodialysis duration of 143.67 +/- 57.64 months and mean age of 54.45 +/- 8.93 years. Of 37 anti-HCV positive patients, 30 (81.08%) patients were HCV RNA PCR positive. Among HCV RNA PCR positive patients, two had up to twofold elevated ALT values, one had twofold elevated AST values, and one had sixfold elevated GGT values. Thirteen RNA PCR positive patients were treated with pegylated interferon alfa for 48 weeks. Only one patient had genotype 1 virus. Upon therapy completion, only three patients were negative by PCR RNA (genotype 1b, 23.07%) at six months and yearly follow ups remained PCR negative. CONCLUSION: Sustained virologic response was achieved in three study patients. Monitoring guidelines for infection control, isolation of seropositive patients, and strict hygienic preventive measures can prevent HCV seroconversion in hemodialysis patients.

Correlation between parathormone and sexual hormones in patients on haemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic renal failure is associated with endocrine abnormalities, which in some cases cause polyendocrinopathy responsible for the symptoms and complications. The consequence of secondary hyperparathyroidism is not only bone disease but may be cardiovascular disorders, peripheral nerve damage and impact on the level of sex hormones. THE AIM: To evaluate the interactions between parathyroid hormone and sexual hormones and the effect of elevated levels of parathyroid hormone secretion on various sexual hormones. The study included 72 patients who were undergoing chronic hemodialysis program 3 times a week at the clinic for hemodialysis. Patients were divided into two groups according to parathyroid hormone values and child-bearing age. The study is a retrospective-prospective and lasted for 1 year. At the beginning, after 6 months, and at the end of the study were determined the PTH, FSH, LH, progesterone, testosterone, beta-estradiol, prolactin. RESULTS: During the study period followed are the values of sexual hormones and PTH in 72 patients of which 41 men and 31 women. Of these 33.3% (24) men were in the reproductive age, and 23.6% (17) were women in the reproductive age. The mean age of patients was 53.2 +/- 12.16, and the average duration of hemodialysis was 7.57 +/- 4.0. PTH showed a slight tendency to increase 274.45 +/- 220.74 pg/dL at baseline, at the end of study 383 +/- 313.2 also increased during the study was recorded and the values progesterone. Statistically significant effect of PTH showed the FSH p < 0.01 LH p < 0.05 and prolactin p < 0.01. On average, patients who have elevated PTH levels have lower values of FSH and LH, but higher prolactin values. Parathormone also shows the effect on beta estradiol at level p < 0.01, patients with higher PTH values have lower levels of beta estradiol. CONCLUSION: The increase in the number of younger people with terminal renal insufficiency treated by repeated hemodialysis, often have endocrine disorders and elevated PTH. Normalization of PTH levels affects the normalization of sexual hormone levels and improves quality of life of patients on hemodialysis.

[New vaccination protocol against hepatitis B for hemodialysis patients--a single-centre experience]. / Novi protokol vakcinacije pacijenata na hemodijalizi protiv hepatitisa B--iskustvo jednog centra.

UNLABELLED: Patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) have a reduced response to vaccination against hepatitis B infection. The aim of the study has been to determine the adequacy of immune response with new protocol of vaccination against hepatitis B infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included incident hemodialysis patients since 2008 until 2011 at the Clinic of Hemodialysis of the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo. We started the new vaccination protocol in September 2009. New protocol implied vaccination six month before starting renal replacement therapy (RRT) and "ic" (intracutaneously) application vaccine vs. "sc" (subcutaneously) application. Vaccination was carried out for over 12 months. The follow up period lasted from 2009 to 2011. RESULTS: The study included 64 patients, men were represented with 57,81% (37), and 42,19% women (27), who were divided in two groups. The first group included patients from the period from 2008 to 2009, who have been vaccinated under the old vaccination protocol, while the second group included patients with the new protocol from September 2009 to 2011. The first group had 28 patients, mean age of patients was 55,17 +/- 11.84 and mean duration of hemodialysis was 24,65 +/- 5,32 months. The second group had 36 patients, mean age of patients was 62,79 +/- 15,88 years, and mean duration of hemodialysis was 22,16 +/- 24,53 month. Neither group of patient has been previously vaccinated, nor these had positive in serum antiHBs before vaccination in second group. Five patients received a booster dose of vaccine, after which 4 showed adequate responses to anti HbS. In the first group of patients, out of total of 28 patients, 15 patients did not respond response with the adequate anti-HbS titer at the end of vaccination. In the second group of patients, out of 36 patients 31 of them responded to the vaccination with the new protocol, which was statistically significant (p<0,005). The total percentage of patients with adequate titer of antiHBs after vaccination towards a new protocol was 97.43% and the percentage of patients who required booster dose of vaccines was 12.82%. CONCLUSION: Vaccination of patients in ESRD,six months before renal replacement therapy and intradermal application of vaccine vs. subcutaneously, improved immune response of our patients.

Comparison of complications and dialysis adequacy between temporary and permanent tunnelled catheter for haemodialysis.

Number of hemodialysis patients each day is increasing. The quality of their lives is largely determined by the quality of hemodialysis treatment. One of the most important factors is the type of applied blood approach. The type of blood approach in the most case is artery venous fistula, permanent, temporary catheters, grafts. Any complications of blood strand approach inevitably leads to lower quality of hemodialysis treatment which is connected with not adequate dialysis and poorer general state of patients. Our research was carried out as a prospective study, for the period of 36 months. In the study were included 31 patients, which are on chronic haemodialysis treatment. During this study, we are followed all complications, which occurred at temporary, and permanent tunneled haemodialysis catheters. Complications have occurred in terms of thrombotic problems, low blood flow, occurrence of infection. All patients are divided in two groups, 16 patients with permanent and 15 patients with temporary catheters. In the course of the study was analyzed blood flow and dialysis adequacy (Kt/Vdp) as well as complications and results was compared with randomly selected 16 patients who haemodialysis treatment performed by artery venous fistula (AVF). Two patients were lost to further follow-up to the end of the study. 26 patients at the end of the study had functional catheters, while in the case of 3 patients the catheter was removed. Infection was found in 10 patients while thrombotic complications were observed in 27 cases regardless of catheter type. Mean blood flow in patients with permanent catheter was significantly higher (296,9+/-28,45 cm3/min) compared to patients with temporary catheter (226,3+/-39,8 cm3/min) (p<0,001). Kt/Vdp delivered was 1,22+/-0,15 on patients with permanent catheter and 1,30+/-0,18 for artery venous fistula (AVF) access respectively. The loss of dialysis efficacy using catheters was estimated at 6%. However, in all cases Kt/Vdp values remained above the recommended values (Kt/Vdp > or = 1,2).

Plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponin in hemodialysis patients.

Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) are at high risk of death as a result of the cardiovascular disease (CVD), which cannot be explained by the conventional risk factors only. Haemodialysis patients frequently have elevated serum concentrations of the cardiac troponins T, specific markers of myocardial injury. Plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) are elevated in fluid volume overload and heart failure, and decreased during dialysis. Currently, LV hypertrophy and LV dysfunction are considered the strongest predictors of cardiovascular mortality in dialysis population, and the synthesis of cardiac natriuretic peptides is high in the presence of alterations in the left ventricular (LV) mass and function. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the increased serum levels of BNP and CTN in haemodialysis patients, and their impact on cardiovascular morbidity. In this cross-sectional study we included 30 patients with ESRD, without coronary symptoms, who were subjected to regular dialysis treatment three times a week for the duration of four hours. Heart failure was defined as an ejection fraction (EF) of < 35%, and dyspnoea associated with either elevated jugular pressure or interstitial oedema evidenced in chest X-ray. All patients were in sinus rhythm at the time of the study. Twenty-five patients were on erythropoietin treatment. Blood samples were taken before and after the dialysis session. Our study included 30 patients (17 males, 13 females). The average age was 53,8 years (total range 31-74) divided into two groups: euvolemic and hypervolemic. The average dialysis time was 70,3+/-46,95 months. All haemodialysis patients had excessively high levels of BNP 2196,66+/-4553,86 ng/cm3. Plasma cTnT was found to be increased in 33,3% of patients. Patients with hypervolemia had significantly higher cTnT levels (0,0577+/-0,0436), as compared to the euvolemic patients 0,0184+/-0,0259 p<0,05. The elevated cTnT significantly correlated with the level of BNP (p<0,01), while average post-dialysis BNP was not significantly lower (1698,06+/-3499,15; R=0,191; p-ns.) as compared to the pre-dialysis BNP (1839,13+/-3691,55; R=432; p<0,01). The pre-dialysis cTnT was lower (0,0315+/-0,0372) as compared to the post-dialysis cTnT (average 0,0399). Euvolemic patients had BMI 24,28+/-3,15, as compared to the hypervolemic patients BMI 25,71+/-4,20 (p-n.s.). Increased BNP was not in correlation with older age (R-0,271 p-ns.) and duration of dialysis (R-0,198). The hematocrit level increases significantly during haemodialysis (39,9%; p<0,05). Patients with higher BNP and cTnT have significantly higher indexed left ventricular mass, as compared to the patients with normal ventricular function. Our study shows that 33,3% of asymptomatic patients on haemodialysis have elevated cTnT while all patients have elevated BNP. Measuring the plasma concentration of brain natriuretic hormones may be useful for identification of the dialysis patients with LVH.

Therapeutic hypothermia as a treatment option after out-ofhospital cardiac arrest: our experience.

Aim To examine the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on the outcome of patients with the diagnosis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Methods The study included 76 patients who were hospitalised at the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) of the Clinical Centre University of Sarajevo, with the diagnosis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, following the return of spontaneous circulation. Therapeutic hypothermia was performed with an average temperature of 33oC (32.3 - 34.1o C) on the patients who had coma, according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Results Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) significantly affected survival (p=0.0001), as its presence reduced patients' survival by 96%. In addition, ventricular fibrillation (VF) as the presenting rhythm, also significantly affected survival (p=0.019). A degree of patient's coma, as measured by the GCS, significantly affected survival (p=0.011). For each increasing point on the GCS, the chance for survival increased twice. Moreover, other physiological factors such as the pH and the lactate serum levels significantly affected patients' survival (p=0.012 and p=0.01, respectively). Conclusion In patients with the diagnosis of OHCA who underwent to the treatment with therapeutic hypothermia, verified VF as a presenting rhythm was a positive predictive factor for their outcome. Therefore, therapeutic hypothermia represents an option of therapeutic modality for this type of patients.

[Evaluation of clinical presentation and prognosis of tuberculosis in patients undergoing hemodialysis]. / Evaluacija klinicke slike i prognoza tuberkuloze pacijenata na hemodijalizi.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with chronic renal failure treated with hemodialysis represent a high risk group for the development of tuberculosis (TB) in comparison to general population. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical presentation, biochemical parameters and outcome of tuberculosis in patients attending the Center for Hemodialysis, Sarajevo University Clinical Center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study conducted during the 2000-2005 period included four patients with tuberculosis that were already treated with chronic hemodialysis. Three of these four patients had pulmonary type and one had extrapulmonary type (bone type) of tuberculosis diagnosed by bone biopsy. Miliary TB diagnosis was verified with radiographic lung imaging and appropriate bacteriologic and biochemistry tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the study patients was 66.5 +/- 59.6 years and mean hemodialysis duration 6.7 +/- 4.5 years. During the study period, we diagnosed four cases of active tuberculosis in 200 patients receiving hemodialysis therapy (2%). Tuberculin test was performed in all four patients and was negative. Clinical presentation was predominated by inappetence, feebleness and elevated body temperature. Biochemical tests revealed anemia (Htc 0.25 +/- 0.15), hypoalbuminemia (36.0 +/- 28.5) and extremely raised sedimentation raste (86 +/- 30). Increased transaminases were present in two of four patients; the culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found in patients with pulmonary type of TB. Radiographic tests revealed miliary changes in two patients and pleural effusion in one patient. All patients were administered tuberculostatic drugs and six-month treatment resulted in full recovery. CONCLUSION: Negative PPD test does not exclude the occurrence of TB in hemodialysis patients and the existence of pulmonary infiltrate and pleural effusion on radiographic chest images suggests the presence of the TB.

Management and Invasive Cardiological Review by Comparison of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Left Anterior Descending Artery with Drug Eluting and Bare Metal Stents.

INTRODUCTION: The dominant global public health challenge are non-communicable diseases. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data. The fifth leading causes of death in FB&H are diseases of the heart and coronary arteries: stroke, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, cardiomyopathy and essential hypertension. The prevention of these diseases has great importance in improving health in B&H. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is in estimation of one-year survival and left heart systolic function after the treatment. After the data collection and evidence of their statistical value, the results of the research point to the profile of patients with a LAD disease in one-vessel coronary artery disease that should be subjected to PCI DES LAD and PCI BMS LAD, respectively, or creating guidelines for a better and more effective LAD treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed as retrospective/ prospective, clinically controlled for a period of three years. In this study was included 60 patients, which was followed in 12 months period. With the PCI BMS method was treated 63.3% and 36.7% of subjects were treated with the PCI DES in LAD. CONCLUSION: The number of complications in patients with one-vessel LAD coronary heart disease, treated with PCI DES and PCI BMS was statistically significant. One possible complication (4 patients) is due to the spread of the disease to other blood vessels. Due to possible complications in the treated or LAD with repeated stenosis, the complication in terms of restenosis of the previously placed stent in 75% are with BM stents justifying the use of drug eluting stent, while the progression of disease in patients (2 patients) indicates the need for detection and prevention of risk factors.

Evaluation and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in patients on hemodialysis--single center experience.

AIM: To evaluate frequency of CVD in dialysis population, in relationship to patients with and without diabetes, and their most common treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 187 patients, 106 males and 81 females, divided in two groups, diabetics and non-diabetics, treated by chronic hemodialysis. Patients' analyses included: anamnesis, ECG, chest X-rays, echocardiogram, laboratory examinations for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), parathormone (PTH), cholesterol (chol), triglicerids (TG), C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin (Hb) and uric acid. In addition, we analyzed groups of drugs used by patients as prescribed by cardiologists. RESULTS: Average age was 58.0 years, most of them between 51 and 60. Average hemodialysis length was 4 years. Primary kidney diseases were pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis. 19,78% of patients had diabetes. 165 patients (88,23%) had one or more cardiovascular diseases. 110 patients (58,2%) had hypertension, most of them used ACE inhibitors. Using test of multiple correlation, statistically significant correlations, among others, were shown between BMI and Ca, uric acid and P, albumin and PTH in diabetics, at the statistical significance level at p < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular diseases are the most common comorbidity and cause of mortality in hemodialysis population. There was no statistical significance in age, however there is a statistical difference in the dialysis duration variable, but in some biochemical laboratory parameters there was some difference. ACE inhibitors were most commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and systolic dysfunction, alone or with beta-blockers.

Different effects of low weight molecular heparin and unfractioned heparin on lipid profile and coagulation at haemodialysis patients.

Each haemodialysis treatment requires the application of anticoagulation medicines, which will prevent coagulation in extracorporal blood circulation. In this study we try to determine the quality of admitted anticoagulant and his effect on lipid profile on hemodialysis patients after twelve months. We were applying standard heparin and low weight molecular heparin (LWMH). During our study we was analyzed effect of anticoagulant therapy on lipid profile of hemodialysis patients. In that parameters was included triglycerides, cholesterol, lipoprotein fractions, complete blood count, Hgb, HCT; All of these parameters was analyzed in correlation with duration of hemodialysis treatment, sex and age of the patients. Our research was carried out as a prospective study, for the period of 12 months. In the study were included 60 patients (34M/26F), who were on chronic hemodialysis program. All patients were divided into two groups. The first group of patients was included 27 patients (15M/12F) who were treated with standard heparin. The second group was included 33 patients (19M/14F) treated with LWMH (enoxaparin). The average length of hemodialysis was 4.15 +/- 0.52 years. Each patient had a protocol in which is marked parameters such as flushing dialysator, creating fibrin-ring in vein and arterial dropper and the time it takes to stop the bleeding. In the results the average age amounted to 58.54 +/- 2.24 years. The average value of cholesterol in the blood was 5.38 +/- 2.26. Values of HDL-cholesterol in patients treated with LWMH were significantly lower (P

Risk factors for development of cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic renal disease and diabetic nephropathy.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases are the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic renal disease. The aim of our paper is to evaluate the risk factors of cardiovascular complications in patients with various stages of chronic renal disease (CRD), with or without diabetes mellitus (DM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 98 patients with different stages of the CRD, with creatinine clearance <60 ml/min/1.73m2, and laboratory parameters monitored: homocysteine, BNP, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, HbA1c, Body Mass Index (BMI). First group comprised 49 patients with DM, age 50-82 years, M 28/F 21. Second group comprised 49 patients without DM, age 35-80 years, M 18/F 31. The IMT (intima media thickness) was measured by B-mode ultrasonography, and all patients had echocardiography examination done by 2D Doppler ultrasonography. RESULTS: The IMT values in diabetic patients had statistically significant positive correlation with homocysteine values of r=0.9393, p<0.034, and cholesterol r=0.289, p<0.05, compared to non-diabetics. A significant negative correlation was found between the ejection fraction (EF) and BMI in both groups, more prominent in non-diabetics r=0.289, p<0.044 (diabetics r=0.162, p>0.05). 47.4% of diabetics had arteriosclerotic changes on carotid arteries, 8.5% had stenosis of ACC, and 22.0% had rhythm abnormalities on ECG. A positive correlation between IMT and BMI was found in diabetics, but was not statistically significant r=0.111, p>0.05. In the diabetics group a significantly higher (p<0.05) values of BNP, HbA1c, proteinuria, BMI, and cholesterol were found, and significantly lowered EF (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Risk factors for cardiovascular complications in patients with DM are various, and the most pronounced significance was found in the values of homocysteine, BNP and cholesterol.

[Prevalence of MRSA infections in patients on hemodialysis].

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) in haemodialysis patients has increased dramatically during recent years. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of MRSA colonization among haemodialysis patients and medical staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included 235 patients undergoing haemodialysis therapy and 60 medical staff members, in the Center for Haemodialysis Sarajevo. Nasal and throat samples were taken (identification of MRSA was performed using standard microbiological methods). A total of 474 nasal and throat cultures from patients' samples and 120 cultures from medical staff samples were obtained. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The total number of sampled patients was 235 and colonies were found in 36 of the samples (15.3%). Among medical staff nasal carriage rate of MRSA was 11.6% (7/60). The mean age of haemodialysis patients with MRSA was 52.94:1:5.3. The patients aged between 55 and 64 had the highest prevalence of MRSA (11/36, 30.55%). Those aged 45-54 had the next highest prevalence of nasal carriage (10/36, 27.77%). Patients aged 65 years had middle prevalence of MRSA (6/36, 8.33%). Patients aged 25-34 had the lowest prevalence of nasal carriage. We did not have possibilities to isolate MRSA positive dialysis patients, and we used intensive antibacterial prophylaxis. We treated our patients with mupirocin ointment (three times a day for 5-14 days) and gained decolonization in 34 patients (94.4%). In the treatment period, positive medical staff did not come to work. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of MRSA colonization in our dialysis patients was higher (15.3%). Implementation of adequate strategies for prevention of MRSA with application of mupirocin among carriers, reduced prevalence of MRSA in our dialysis units.