The level of occlusion of small saphenous vein after endovenous laser ablation.

Aim To determine the success of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) treatment and long-term occlusion of small saphenous vein (SSV), as well as factors and conditions that influence the effectiveness of EVLA treatment. Methods A total of 250 patients treated with EVLA method over a period of seven years were followed one year after treatment. The main factors monitored and recorded during EVLA treatment were laser power (W), amount of delivered energy (J), duration of treatment (sec), veins length (cm), diameter (mm) and reflux (sec). Results Within the first six months, the recanalization or insufficiently occluded SSV was noticed in ten, and after one year in one patient. The overall assessment of occlusion and satisfactory findings after one year of SSV was 95.6%. Conclusion It is important to choose adequate power and the amount of delivered energy. The physician's assessment and selection of an adequate patient greatly improves the outcome of the treatment. It is important to treat larger branches and double SSV between two fascias. Successful and effective EVLA treatment greatly reduces the possibility of recanalization of the treated vein.

The impact of type 2 diabetes duration on serum asymmetric dimethylarginine and C-reactive protein concentration in Bosnian patients.

Objective. The present study assessed the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) duration on the serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in Bosnian patients. Methods. Participants for this cross-sectional study were randomly selected from the Family Medicine Clinic (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina). Serum ADMA concentration was determined by ELISA. Serum high-sensitivity (hs-CRP) was determined by particle-enhanced immunonephelometry. ANOVA test followed by Scheffe post-hoc test or Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Man-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis. Results. The study included 38 patients in up to 10 years diabetes duration (≤10 years T2DM) group, 22 patients in greater than 10 years diabetes duration (>10 years T2DM) group, and 60 controls. Serum ADMA concentration in the >10 years T2DM group (1.81±0.15 µmol/L) was significantly higher compared to serum ADMA concentration in the ≤10 years T2DM group (1.38±0.41 µmol/L; p<0.001) and in controls (0.62±0.15 µmol/L; p<0.001). A significant difference in serum ADMA concentration was found between the <10 years T2DM group and the controls (p<0.001). The serum CRP concentration in the >10 years T2DM group [5.95 (4.20-9.12) mg/L] was significantly higher compared to serum CRP concentration in the <10 years T2DM group [2.35 (1.40-4.30) mg/L; p<0.001] and controls [0.85 (0.50-1.30) mg/L; p<0.001]. Significant difference in serum CRP concentration was observed between the <10 years T2DM group and controls (p<0.001). Conclusions. The present study showed an increase in the serum ADMA and CRP concentrations with the advancement of T2DM. These results suggest that ADMA and CRP may serve as indicators of endothelial dysfunction and chronic low-grade inflammation progression in patients with T2DM. Larger prospective studies are required to confirm the observed findings.

Recanalization rate of proximal deep venous thrombosis related to therapeutic modality during six months follow-up.

Aim To evaluate the efficacy (rate of recanalization) of therapy with novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC; rivaroxaban, apixaban) compared to conventional treatment (low molecular weight heparin - LMWH and vitamin K antagonist) in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the proximal segments of lower extremities. Methods The first group consisted of patients diagnosed with DVT and treated with NOAC (n = 100), while the second group consisted of patients diagnosed with DVT, who were treated by conventional treatment (low molecular weight heparin and vitamin K antagonists) (n = 100). In the first group, NOAC was included in the initial treatment. Patients in the second group were treated with LMWH for four days, and on the fifth day vitamin K antagonist was included in therapy, international ratio (INR) was titrated to therapeutic values (2.0-3.0), and then low molecular weight heparin was excluded from the therapy. Results There was a statistically significant difference in the estimated values of free lumen of the blood vessel between the examined groups after 30 days (p=0.0001), after 90 days (p=0.0001) and after 180 days (p=0.0001). After 180 days, the average free lumen values in the NOAC group were 85% (81-89%), which was significantly higher than the free lumen values in the second group, 73% (69-79%). Conclusion The use of NOAC represents more efficient treatment of DVT comparing to vitamin K antagonists.

Could the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio serve as a marker in the diagnosis and prediction of acute appendicitis complications in children?

INTRODUCTION: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common surgical condition of the abdomen in children. The aim of this study was to analyse the possible use of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in the diagnosis and prediction of AA complications in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 170 AA patients under 15 years of age, who were divided into the following groups: Group 1 - non-operated patients with AA, and Group 2 - patients who underwent appendectomy. Based on pathologic grades of AA, Group 2 was subdivided into: Group A - phlegmonous, Group B - gangrenous, and Group C - perforated AA. NLR was calculated as the absolute neutrophil count divided by the absolute lymphocyte count. RESULTS: In Group 2 NLR was significantly higher than in Group 1 (5.5 (1.9-9.9) vs. 2.3 (1.2-3.7); p < 0.001). A significant difference in NLR was found between Group C and Group A (p < 0.001), and as well as between Group B and Group A (p = 0.001). The determined optimal cut-off value of NLR in differentiating Group 1 vs. Group 2 was ≥ 3.48 (p < 0.001). In differentiating Group A from Group C the optimal cut-off value of NLR was ≥ 5.61 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, optimal cut-off value of NLR in differentiating Group A from Group B was ≥ 5.45 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results suggest that NLR could be used as a simple and reliable test in the diagnosis and prediction of AA complications in children. However, to draw definite conclusions on the predictive power of NLR as a marker of AA large multicentric studies are required.

Assessment of hematologic indices and their correlation to hemoglobin A1c among Bosnian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and their healthy peers.

BACKGROUND: Altered levels of many hematological parameters have been directly associated with diabetes in adults, while studies on children with type 1 diabetes mellitus are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine hematological indices in diabetic Bosnian children in comparison to healthy controls as well as to correlate their levels to blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c. METHODS: 100 healthy and 100 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (age 1-18) were included in this study. Complete blood count, hemoglobin A1c, and glucose were tested. Results were analysed by IBM SPSS Statistics version 23. RESULTS: Significant differences (p<0.05) between healthy and diabetic children were found in relation to HbA1c, glucose, mean platelet volume, the number of white blood cells and erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin and MCH values. No gender differences or significant age differences were seen for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV, while platelets, MPV, and MCH differed by age only in healthy children. When diabetic children were classified according to HbA1c levels, significant differences were seen for erythrocyte count and hematocrit value (p=0.013 and 0.019, respectively). The number of erythrocytes and white blood cells correlated significantly with HbA1c (p=0.037 and 0.027, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Lower levels of erythrocytes, hematocrit, and hemoglobin in diabetic compared to healthy children indicate possible development of anemia, while higher MCV, MCH, and MPV values indicate an alteration in erythrocyte morphology. Hematological indices could be a useful inexpensive tool in the diagnosis and follow up of type 1 diabetes in children.

The importance of plasma ferritin values in blood donors for the evaluation of body iron store in a five-month period.

Aim To present haemoglobin and ferritin parameters in donors to highlight the importance of serum ferritin testing for the purpose of evaluating iron depots in order to make recommendations for preserving a population of blood donors. Method A prospective study was conducted on 80 blood donors divided in two groups: group I (regular donors, n =40) and group II (irregular donors, n=40). Haemoglobin and ferritin were measured twice every 45 days, before two consecutive blood donations. Results By measuring haemoglobin and ferritin values before donation in both groups, a decrease of initial ferritin value in Group I relative to Group II was observed (without statistical significance). A significant decrease was found between repeated measurements for both parameters in both groups, indicating equal intensity of the decline in value regardless of a donor status. Measurement of ferritin before and after donation revealed statistically significant loss of ferritin in all examinees (p=0.011). The decline in haemoglobin after donation, although significant, did not fall below the reference value for donation in either women or men. Conclusion Results indicate the need for periodic monitoring of the plasma value of ferritin in voluntary donors who donate blood more than twice a year and the possible oral supplementation with iron.

Neuralgic Amyotrophy in a 66-year-old Hiker: a Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) or Parsonage Turner syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by sudden attack of neuropathic pain, motor weakness and sensory loss that could be more or less clinically present. Different interpretations regarding the differential diagnosis, symptoms, cause and treatment were given till now. AIM: We report our experience with a 66-year-old male who had a sudden pain attack and palsy in shoulder region, without sensory loss, and associated calcific tendinitis of rotator cuff and degenerative changes in cervical spine. CASE REPORT: Patient came to our hospital with strong pain in shoulder area and signs of frozen shoulder. Active abduction and anteflexion was only to 30 degrees. He experienced the intense pain with visual analogue scale (VAS) 10/10 a night before, during his sleep. No trauma. Neurontin (gabapentin) was given to the patient. After 4 days, he felt better with abduction and anteflexion to 90 degrees. After 2 weeks VAS was 3/10, abduction and anteflection to 100 degrees. CONCLUSION: Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a self-limiting inflammatory disorder usually with idiopathic etiology. The condition can be challenging to treat since many associated symptoms and diagnostic tests and procedures may mimic NA. In that case, accurate differential diagnosis is essential.

The Triglyceride/HDL Ratio and Triglyceride Glucose Index as Predictors of Glycemic Control in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

INTRODUCTION: Poor glycemic control, assessed by higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, is associated with greater risk of diabetic complications. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the association of triglyceride - to - HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and triglyceride glucose (TyG) index with HbA1c and to evaluate their potential role as predictors of glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Health Center Banovici and included a total of 113 patients with DM2 classified according to their HbA1c values in two groups: DM2 HbA1c <7% - DM2 patients with good glycemic control (n=39) and DM2 HbA1c ≥7% - DM2 patients with poor glycemic control (n=74). Anthropometric, biochemical parameters and blood pressure values were measured, while TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index were calculated. RESULTS: TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index were significantly higher in DM2 HbA1c≥7% compared to DM2 HbA1c<7% group (p=0.003 and p<0.001; respectively). Both TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG index were positively associated with HbA1c levels (Rho=0.29; p=0.002; Rho=0.37; p<0.001; respectively). In linear regression analysis TG/HDL-C ratio and BMI, and also TyG index and BMI were significantly independently associated with HbA1c even after controlling for age, gender, diabetes duration and smoking. When we stratified patients according to BMI values, independent association between TG/HDL-C ratio and HbA1c remained significant only in normal weight subjects (OR 0.21; 95%CI: 0.05-0.37; ß=0.65; p=0.017), while independent association between TyG index and HbA1c remained significant only in overweight and obese subjects (OR 0.063; 95%CI: 0.01- 0.12; ß=0.24; p =0.027). CONCLUSION: TG/HDL-C ratio might be a useful predictor of glycemic control in normal weight, and TyG index in overweight and obese patients with DM2.

Relationship between the Neck Circumference, Standard Anthropometric Measures, and Blood Pressure in Bosnian Young Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The association between the neck circumference (NC) and components of metabolic syndrome in different countries and ethnic groups has been insufficiently investigated. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of gender on NC values and to determine whether NC correlates with standard anthropometric measures and blood pressure values in Bosnian young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study participants were recruited by the snowball method. The NC, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured by trained personnel. Differences between the means were assessed by a Student's t-test. Coefficients of correlation were determined by Pearson's test. RESULTS: In young men (n=49), the value of NC was 37.71±1.79 cm, while in young women, (n=62) the value of NC was 32.23±1.83 cm (p<0.001). A significant positive correlation in both genders between the NC and BMI (r=0.70, p<0.001 in men; r=0.53,p<0.001 in women), and between the NC and WC (r=0.48, p<0.001 in men; r=0.38, p=0.01 in women), was found. A significant correlation between the NC and SBP (r=0.08, p=0.57), and DBP (r=0.20, p=0.17), in young men was not determined. Likewise, in young women, a significant correlation between the NC and SBP (r=0.08, p=0.54), and DBP (r=0.09, p=0.49), was not observed. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the NC measurement can be used as a valid method in obesity assessment in young adults. A lack of association between the NC and blood pressure requires additional investigation.

Leptin is associated with disease activity but not with anthropometric indices in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Leptin is a cytokine-like hormone which has a complex role in inflammation. However, the importance of leptin in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is far from being fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to determine serum leptin levels in RA patients and to evaluate whether there is an association between disease activity, anthropometric indices and leptin levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This hypothesis-generating study included 55 RA patients and 25 matched healthy subjects. The serum leptin concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Median serum leptin level in RA patients of 27.4 ng/ml (14.5-54.9 ng/ml) was statistically significantly higher (p = 0.03) compared with the median leptin value of 16.3 ng/ml (9.6-38.8 ng/ml) determined in healthy controls. The serum leptin level in the high disease activity group was significantly higher (p < 0.0005) than that in the low disease activity group and in healthy controls. A significant difference (p = 0.001) in serum leptin level was also found when the high disease activity group was compared with the moderate disease activity group. In the RA group a statistically significant positive correlation (rho = 0.390; p = 0.003) was observed between serum leptin level and disease activity score (DAS28). CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that serum leptin levels are increased and significantly associated with disease activity in patients with RA and may have a valuable role in the inflammatory reactions and pathogenesis of RA.

Neck Circumference as an Indicator of Central Obesity in Healthy Young Bosnian Adults: Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Neck circumference (NC) is an index of subcutaneous adipose tissue distribution in an area of the upper part of the body. The aim of this study was to assess whether NC can be used as an indicator of central obesity and to determine the prevalence of central obesity in apparently healthy Bosnian young adults. METHODS: Participants for this cross-sectional study were recruited using the snowball method. NC was measured in horizontal straight position by placing the top edge of a plastic tape only below the laryngeal prominence and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the neck, with the head positioned in the Frankfort horizontal plane. Body mass index, waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio were taken following the WHO guidelines. RESULTS: The study included 111 second year University of Sarajevo Dentistry students (49 students of male gender and 62 students of the female gender). Determined the optimal cutoff value of NC in the detection of central obesity based on WC values in healthy young participants of male gender was ≥37.45 cm (P < 0.001), while in healthy young participants of the female gender, it was ≥32.75 cm (P < 0.001). Based on the WHO guidelines for WC, central obesity was determined in 24.49% (n = 12) of male patients, and in 29.03% (n = 18) of female participants included in our investigation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study indicate that NC may be used as a screening tool for central obesity in healthy young adults. Prevalence of central obesity observed among student population suggests that there is a justified need for an implementation of healthy lifestyle programs in this population that would have preventive purposes.

Elevated Serum C-Reactive Protein Level Is not Associated with Serum Nitric Oxide in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum nitric oxide (NO) and C reactive protein (CRP) concentration in veterans with and without PTSD. Furthermore, we aimed to assess whether there is a correlation between serum NO and CRP concentrations in tested groups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study included 90 male individuals, with and without experience of direct war combat, divided into three equal groups (n=30): group 1- included war veterans with PTSD, group 2 - included war veterans without PTSD, and control group - 30 apparently healthy volunteers, without experience of direct war combat. The diagnosis of PTSD was assessed according to the guidelines in the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). High-sensitivity CRP was determined by immunonephelometry. The serum NO level was determined by classic colorimetrical Griess reaction. RESULTS: Serum CRP concentration in veterans with (3.54±1.19 mg/L) and without PTSD (3.24±2.04 mg/L), was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to control group (1.26±1.06 mg/L). Serum NO concentration in veterans with (7.64±4.43 µmol/L) and without PTSD (7.12±2.60 µmol/L) was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to control group (11.26±7.01 µmol/L). Statistically significant correlation between serum NO and CRP concentration was determined in veterans without PTSD (r=-0.473; p<0.01). No correlation was observed between serum NO and CRP concentration in veterans with PTSD (r=0.118; p=0.534) and in control group (r=-0.067; p=0.727). CONCLUSION: The present study has showed significant increase of serum CRP and significant decrease of serum NO concentrations in veterans with and without PTSD. Furthermore, statistically significant negative correlation between serum NO and CRP concentration was determined only in veterans without PTSD. Obtained results indicate that the complex mechanism of the pathogenesis of PTSD requires further research.

Serum homocysteine levels in patients with probable vascular dementia.

Aim To investigate total homocysteine (tHcy) serum concentration in patients with probable vascular dementia (VD) and in agematched controls, as well as to determine an association between tHcy serum concentration and cognitive impairment in patients with probable VD. Methods Serum concentration of tHcy was determined by the Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay on the AxSYM System. Cognitive impairment was tested by the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each subject included in the study. Results Age, systolic, diastolic blood pressure and BMI did not differ significantly between the two groups. Mean serum tHcy concentration in the control group of subjects was 13.35 µmol/L, while in patients with probable VD it was significantly higher, 19.45 µmol/L (p=0.002). A negative but insignificant association between serum tHcy concentration and cognitive impairment in patients with probable VD was found. Conclusion Increased tHcy concentration in patients with probable VD suggests the possible independent role of Hcy in the pathogenesis of VD.

Elevated Serum Leptin Level Is Associated with Body Mass Index But Not with Serum C-reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Values in Hemodialysis Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Aim of the present study was to investigate serum concentration of leptin and its association with values of body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 60 HD patients (34 male, 26 female) and 30 age- and sex-matched (4 males, 26 females) apparently healthy subjects. Serum leptin concentration was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum CRP concentration was measured by means of particle-enhanced immunonephelometry. ESR value was determined by Western Green method. BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m(2)). RESULTS: Results have shown that median serum leptin concentration (30.65 ng/mL; 12.48-86.40 ng/mL) was statistically significantly higher in HD patients compared to median serum leptin concentration (15.75 ng/mL; 9.15-30.65 ng/mL) in the control group of healthy subjects (p<0.05). Likewise, median serum CRP concentration (5.5 mg/L; 1.93-8.9 mg/L) and median ESR value (57.5 mm/h; 40.5-77.0 mm/h) were significantly higher in HD patients compared to median serum CRP concentration (0.8 mg/L; 0.38-1.43 mg/L) (p<0.001) and median ESR value (10.0 mm/h; 6.5-14.0 mm/h) (p<0.001) determined in the control group. Statistically significant positive correlation was found between BMI values and serum leptin concentration in HD patients (rho=0.434; p<0.001). Positive, although not significant, correlation was observed between serum CRP and leptin levels in HD patients (rho=0.171; p>0.05). Negative correlation between ESR values and serum leptin concentrations in HD patients was determined but it was not statistically significant (rho= -0.029; p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased serum concentration of leptin as pro-inflammatory cytokine as well as elevated serum values of CRP and ESR indicate presence of systemic micro inflammation in HD patients. Results of the present study point to possible use of serum leptin concentration as an indicator of nutritional status in HD patients based on observed significant positive correlation between serum leptin concentrations and BMI values. However, absence of significant association between serum leptin and CRP levels as well as between serum leptin concentrations and ESR values in HD patients requires further investigation and clarification.

Life Satisfaction and Risk-taking Behavior in Secondary Schools Adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Life satisfaction involves cognitive component that allows evaluation of the life and accomplishments of life, and emotional component that includes an evaluation of emotions and mood that followed these accomplishments. GOAL: To examine the life satisfaction of young people who attend secondary school, examine the level of satisfaction with life according to sex, to academic achievement, the presence of siblings and to examine the relationship between levels of life satisfaction and risk-taking behaviors. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results showed that there was no relationship between life satisfaction and preferences of delinquency, as well as life satisfaction and achieved academic success. The results confirmed the relationship between life satisfaction and sex as well as the relationship between life satisfaction and the presence of siblings in the family.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha serum level in assessment of disease activity in inflammatory bowel diseases.

AIM: To investigate an influence of the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in serum on the activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: The IBD patients of both genders (n=60) were divided in two equal groups, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Based on the result of activity index each group was subdivided in two subgroups: active and inactive phase of the disease. Age and gender matched apparently healthy individuals (n=30) involved in the control group. Serum TNF-α concentration was determined by enzyme linked immune-adsorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The significant difference (Mann-Whitney Test) in serum TNF-α level was found between healthy controls 28.86 pg/ml (28.74 - 29.19 pg/ml) and CD patients (29.47 pg/ml (29.1 - 29.77 pg/ml) (p less than 0.05) and UC patients 29.34 pg/ml (29.14 - 29.71 pg/ ml) (p less than 0.05) respectively. Serum TNF-α level in patients with CD was higher compared to serum TNF-α level in patients with UC, but the difference was not significant (p more than 0,05). There were no significant difference in serum TNF-α concentrations either in CD or UC patients related to the phase of disease activity: active CD 29.53 pg/ml (29.20 - 29.90 pg/ml) vs inactive CD 29.26 pg/ml (29.15 - 29.53 pg/ml); active UC 29.53 pg/ml (29.32 - 29.85 pg/ ml) vs inactive UC 29.26 pg/ml (29.10 - 29.63 pg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: Since there were no differences in serum TNF-α concentrations related to the disease activity we consider that TNF-α is not an adequate serum biomarker for an assessment of the disease activity in patients with IBD.

Nitric oxide as a potential biomarker in inflammatory bowel disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients and its use as potential biomarker in differential diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) and in disease activity assessment. In 60 patients of both genders - 30 with ulcerative colitis and 30 with Crohn's disease - and 30 controls serum nitric oxide concentration was determined by measuring nitrite concentration, a stable metabolic product of NO with oxygen. Conversion of nitrates (NO3-) to nitrites (NO2-) was done with elementary zinc. The nitrite concentration was determined by classic colorimetrical Griess reaction. Median serum NO concentration was statistically different (p=0,0005) between UC patients (15.25 µmol/L; 13.47 - 19.88 µmol/L), CD patients (14.54 µmol/L; 13.03 -16.32 µmol/L) and healthy controls (13.29 µmol/L; 12.40 - 13.92 µmol/L). When active UC and CD patients were compared with inactive UC and CD patients respectively a significant difference in serum NO level was found (p=0.0005). With a cut-off level of 17.39 µmol/L NO had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 100% in discriminating between active and inactive UC patients. With cut-off value of 14.01 µmol/L serum NO level had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 69% in distinguishing between patients with active CD and inactive CD. Serum NO concentration is a minimally invasive and rapid tool for discriminating between active and inactive IBD patients and could be used as useful biomarker in monitoring of disease activity in IBD patients.

Correlation between change in air humidity and the incidence of stroke.

INTRODUCTION: According to the World Health Organization estimates annually in the world die due to CVI every sixth women and 10(th) man. This paper is the research of the correlation between changes in relative air humidity and stroke (CVA) in the Sarajevo Canton. Included are patients who experienced an acute stroke in the Canton of Sarajevo and treated in the pre hospital phase by the staff of the Institute for Emergency Medicine. Days with stroke and those without cases of stroke were compared within three years and meteorological data for those days were obtained by the Weather Bureau of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Meteorological data include measurements of average humidity every day at 7, 14 and 21 o'clock in three years. AIM: To evaluate the significance of the influence of humidity on the incidence of CVI's. Show the trend towards CVI in the reporting period and is it correlated with the trend of change in relative humidity in those days. Correlate the incidence of stroke as determined in relation to gender, age and selected climatic parameter. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article presents a retrospective study. Subjects were patients of Emergency Medical Care Institute in Sarajevo, which in the period from 2004 to 2006 had a CVI. Included are patients who had a working diagnosis of stroke for the first time or as a repeated stroke. Analysis of cases of stroke was carried out by gender, age, days and seasons by descriptive-analytical epidemiological methods. RESULTS: In total were registered 1930 patients during three years period. According to years of research in 2004-635, 2005-616 and 2006 - 679. It was found that when testing the null hypothesis about the effects of humidity in two months with a maximum stroke in the year and days without CVI and relative humidity only in 2005 had a statistically significant effect on the incidence of stroke, while during the other two years of the study there was no impacts. It turned out that the extreme values of relative humidity of the day whether there was a rapid increase or decrees in humidity increases the incidence of stroke in all three years of research. CONCLUSION: Patients gender had no effect on the incidence of CVI. Seasons had no effect on the incidence of CVI. Most CVI in all three years of research was in relation to the old age and occurred in the older age group 70-79 (41.35%), where it was shown that the age of the patient influences the incidence of CVI. Extremely low relative humidity and extremely high, influence on the increase in the number of CVI. Determined is a slight correlation between the average relative humidity and CVI in single day.

Correlation of barometer pressure and incidence of cerebrovascular insult.

INTRODUCTION: The intention of this work is to research whether the link between the barometer pressure and the cerebrovascular insult (CVI) exists. The stroke is the first cause of non-traumatic disability and third illness by mortality in the majority of available relevant literature. GOALS: Goal of the sudy was to research all the cases of the patients who suffered from the acute stroke in the Canton of Sarajevo and those who were treated in the pre-hospital phase by Emergency Medical Institute staff and their working diagnosis was established as CVI ac. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The criteria in the research were established for inclusion and exclusion of cases. The days with and without CVI cases were compared with the meteorological data obtained from the Hydro-meteorological Institute of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina . Since the approval was requested and obtained from the Hydro-meteorological Institute, all the meteorological data could be compared. The meteorological data comprise the barometer pressure measuring every day at 7 h, 14 h and 21 h. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In the retrospective study, there will be followed, during three years (2004, 2005 and 2006), the cases of the patients who suffered from the stroke, and, the emergency medical care was offered to them by the side of the Emergency Medical Institute of Canton of Sarajevo staff. All the cases in the Canton of Sarajevo were followed regardless of the place of incidence: whether the help was offered in Institute's outpatient departments, patient's flat or at public place. Due to the extensiveness of data (in the analysis comprising three years, there was the total of 1930 cases), the test of normal distribution was used. Since it was about the pre-hospital research, the acute stroke was looked at generally without division by types. The certain diagnostics by types can only be established in the hospital. CONCLUSION: The results in the research indicate that the extreme values of barometer pressure, regardless of their being increased ones or decreased ones, influence the increase of CVI incidence, while by comparing the average values in the days with CVI and without CVI, they did not have any influence on the CVI incidence.

Coagulation factor VIII activity in diabetic patients.

AIM: To examine coagulation factor VIII activity in plasma, as a risk factor for thrombosis, in the patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Also, to assess its relationship with fibrinogen and fasting blood glucose concentrations and with body mass index. METHODS: The plasma coagulation factor VIII activity, plasma levels of fibrinogen and blood glucose concentrations were measured in 30 patients with DM type 1, 30 patients with DM type 2 and in 30 healthy subjects. Body weight and body height were also measured and BMI was calculated. RESULTS: The plasma factor VIII activity in patients with DM type 1 and patients with DM type 2 was significantly higher than the values measured in healthy subjects. There was no significant difference in the factor VIII activity between patients with DM type 1 and type 2. The concentrations of fibrinogen and blood glucose in both groups of patients were significantly higher than in the group of healthy subjects. Patients with DM type 2 had a significantly higher BMI compared to healthy subjects, as well as compared to patients with DM type 1. There was a significant positive correlation between plasma factor VIII activity and plasma level of fibrinogen and a significant negative correlation between factor VIII activity and BMI in patients with DM type 2. CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients have the elevated plasma coagulation factor VIII activity and increased fibrinogen concentration thus an increased risk of thrombosis and vascular diseases.