Flash Glucose Monitoring in Croatia: The Optimal Number of Scans per Day to Achieve Good Glycemic Control in Type 1 Diabetes.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the optimal number of scans per day required for attaining good glycemic regulation. Materials and Methods: The association of scanning frequency and glucometrics was analyzed according to bins of scanning frequency and bins of time in range (TIR) in the Croatian population of type 1 diabetes (T1DM) patients. Results: Intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) Libre users in Croatia performed on average 13 ± 7.4 scans per day. According to bins of scanning frequency, bin 5 with 11.2 ± 02 daily scans was sufficient for achieving meaningful improvements in glycemic regulation, while decreasing severe hypoglycemia required an increasing number of scans up to bin 10 (31 ± 0.9), yet with no effect on TIR improvement. When data were analyzed according to bins of TIR, an average of 16.3 ± 10.5 scans daily was associated with a TIR of 94.09 ± 3.49% and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 22.97 ± 4.94%. Improvement was shown between each successive bin of TIR but, of notice, the number of scans performed per day was 16.3 ± 10.5 according to TIR-based analysis and 31.9 ± 13.5 in bin 10 according to scan frequency analysis. Conclusions: In conclusion, an optimal average number of scans per day is 16.3 in order to achieve glucose stability and to minimize the burden associated with over-scanning.

Variceal bleeding due to idiopathic portal vein thrombosis in a 15-year-old boy.

Portal vein thrombosis is an important cause of portal hypertension in the pediatric population. It is a rare and potentially fatal condition with diverse underlying pathology. A successfully managed case, without an identified etiology, is reported herein.

The effectiveness of lixisenatide as an add on therapy to basal insulin in diabetic type 2 patients previously treated with different insulin regimes: a multi-center observational study.

INTRODUCTION: This observational study aimed to assess the effectiveness of lixisenatide as add on therapy to basal insulin in diabetic type 2 patients previously treated with different insulin regimes. METHODS: Patients with diabetes type 2, prescribed with lixisenatide and basal insulin were divided in three groups (premixed insulin, basal bolus insulin and basal oral therapy (BOT). Difference in mean change in HbA1c, body mass index, total insulin doses, fasting blood glucose (FPG) and prandial blood glucose (PPG) were assessed after 3-6-months of follow-up. RESULTS: The primary outcomes were assessed in 111 patients. Lixisenatide added to basal insulin, reduced HbA1c and body weight significantly in all three groups of patients (p < 0.001 for all), with the most prominent reduction in the basal bolus group of patients which had the highest baseline HbA1c compared to premix and BOT treatment groups. Regarding a difference in total insulin dose the reduction was statistically significant in the basal bolus (p = 0.006) and premix group (p < 0.001). FPG and PPG were also significantly reduced over time in all three groups (p < 0.001 for all). A composite outcome (reduction of HbA1c below 7% (53 mmol/mol) with any weight loss) was achieved in 27% of total patients included in the study, reduction of HbA1c below 7% was observed in 30% of patients, while 90% of patients experienced weight reduction. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that lixisenatide add on basal insulin treatment (BIT) can improve glycemic control in a population with long-standing type 2 diabetes and previously uncontrolled on other insulin therapy.

Long-Term Effectiveness of Liraglutide in Association with Patients' Baseline Characteristics in Real-Life Setting in Croatia: An Observational, Retrospective, Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (RAs) are recommended therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and liraglutide is the most used worldwide. We assessed the glycemic efficacy and extra-glycemic effects of liraglutide during 36 months' follow-up of individuals with poorly regulated T2DM under routine clinical practice and sought to identify the phenotype of treatment responders. METHODS: A total of 207 individuals were included. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with HbA1c < 7.0% and/or weight reduction. Secondary endpoints included changes in lipids, blood pressure, fasting c-peptide, and antidiabetic treatment during follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: Liraglutide was prescribed to 89.8% of participants already on at least two antidiabetic medications and 18% on insulin. Subject's mean age was 53.28 ± 9.42 years with duration of diabetes 8.29 ± 4.89 years. Baseline HbA1c was 8.5 ± 1.3% and body mass index (BMI) was 39 ± 4.5 kg/m2. Reduction of HbA1c was observed in 84.4% of participants, and 89.2% experienced average weight reduction of 5 kg. A composite outcome (reduction of HbA1c with any weight loss) was achieved in 76.2% of patients. After 6 months on liraglutide treatment, 38.1% of participants achieved target HbA1c level < 7%. This effect was maintained for 36 months in 50.8% of subjects. Increase in c-peptide was evident after 24 months (p = 0.030). Participants experienced a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (BP) (p = 0.003), while there was no effect on diastolic BP, lipid profile, or liver enzymes. The number of participants treated with sulfonylurea decreased from 60.8% to 17.5%, while the number treated with insulin and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor increased (17.6% to 24.6% and 2.5% to 36.8%, respectively). Independent predictors of durability of HbA1c reduction were initial BMI (p = 0.004), HbA1c (p < 0.001), systolic BP (p = 0.007), and cholesterol (p = 0.020). Moreover, female gender and shorter duration of diabetes were independent predictors for HbA1c reduction. CONCLUSION: Liraglutide shows sustained glycemic and extra-glycemic effects when used for treatment of obese poorly regulated individuals with T2DM.

Changes in HbA1c and hypoglycemic episodes in type 1 diabetes patients after switching to insulin glargine U300: Pilot study.

We included diabetes type 1 (T1DM) patients with suboptimal glycemic control on morning application glargine (I-Glar) U100, switching them to U300. After six months improvement in HbA1c was observed, while hypoglycemic episodes decreased. Switch from I-Glar U100 to U300 could be a good therapeutic option for that subset of patients.

Impact of health policy and practice on finding the best fit for patients with type 2 diabetes after metformin failure: Croatian pilot study.

AIM: We assessed the impact of clinical practice and health policy on the choice and efficacy of different second-line therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) after failure of metformin. METHODS: This retrospective database analysis included 200 patients with a follow-up period of 6 months. The primary end-point was achievement of HbA1c <7% and fasting (FBG) and postprandial glucose levels (PPG) <7.2mmol/L and <10mmol/L, respectively after three and six months of different add-on treatments. Secondary end-points were weight change during treatment and incidence of hypoglycemia. RESULTS: All second-line therapeutic options, except human basal insulin (BHI) and thiazolidendions (TZD) significantly increased the proportion of patients reaching target HbA1c after 6 months (p<0.01). Only sulfonylurea (SU) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors significantly reduced all monitored parameters of glucoregulation without changing body weight and BMI after 3 and 6 months as opposed to insulin agents. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups when adjusting for starting HbA1c, FBG and PPG (F=1.16, p=NS), although a statistically significant difference in HbA1c levels (F=3.35, p<0.01) persisted in DPP-4 inhibitor users. The incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly higher in patients treated with NPH insulin and premixed insulin than in patients treated with other agents. CONCLUSION: A more aggressive approach is needed with early treatment intensification using available agents.

Are We Compensating for the Lack of Physical Activity in Our Diabetic Patients with Treatment Intensification?

BACKGROUND: We studied the association between leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and glycemic control, body mass index (BMI), and hypoglycemic incidents in type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 198 diabetic patients (60 with type 1 diabetes, 138 with type 2 diabetes). LTPA was assessed by a validated 12-month questionnaire. Patients were grouped as sedentary and moderately to vigorously active. Outcome measures were Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), BMI, and hypoglycemic episodes. RESULTS: LTPA effect on the HbA1c reduction was present in diabetes type 1 patients. Patients who were involved in the moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity had a greater decrease in the HbA1c (p = 0.048) than patients with low physical activity (p = 0.085). Level of LTPA was neither associated with increased number of hypoglycemic episodes, nor BMI. After an average of 4 years of diabetes, the number of patients requiring more than one antidiabetic agent increased, although the observed difference did not correlate with LTPA level. CONCLUSIONS: LTPA has an influence on the regulation of diabetes type 1, and intensification of medical treatment is compensating for the lack of lifestyle change-especially in type 2 diabetics.

[CROATIAN GUIDELINES FOR THE PHARMACOTHERAPY OF TYPE 2 DIABETES]. / HRVATSKE SMJERNICE ZA FARMAKOLOSKO LIJECENJE SECERNE BOLESTI TIPA 2.

INTRODUCTION: The Croatian Association for Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders of the Croatian Medical Association has issued in 2011 the first national guidelines for the nutrition, education, self-control, and pharmacotherapy of diabetes type 2. According to the increased number of available medicines and new evidence related to the effectiveness and safety of medicines already involved in the therapy there was a need for update of the existing guidelines for the pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes in the Republic of Croatia. PARTICIPANTS: as co-authors of the Guidelines there are listed all members of the Croatian Association for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, as well as other representatives of professional societies within the Croatian Medical Association, who have contributed with comments and suggestions to the development of the Guidelines. EVIDENCE: These guidelines are evidence-based, according to the GRADE system (eng. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation), which describes the level of evidence and strength of recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: An individual patient approach based on physiological principles in blood glucose control is essential for diabetes' patients management. Glycemic targets and selection of the pharmacological agents should be tailored to the patient, taking into account the age, duration of disease, life expectancy, risk of hypoglyce- mia, comorbidities, developed vascular and other complications as well as other factors. Because of all this, is of national interest to have a practical, rational and applicable guidelines for the pharmacotherapy of type 2 diabetes.

Glasgow Blatchford, pre-endoscopic Rockall and AIMS65 scores show no difference in predicting rebleeding rate and mortality in variceal bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of the Glasgow Blatchford score (GBS), pre-endoscopic Rockall score (PRS) and AIMS65 score in predicting specific clinical endpoints following variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2013, we retrospectively analyzed 225 consecutive hospitalized patients managed for endoscopically confirmed UGIH. RESULTS: A total of 225 patients (mean age 61.3 years), mostly diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis (195/86.7%), presented with variceal UGIH during the study period. Rebleeding occurred in 22 (9.8%) patients and 30-day mortality was 39 (17.3%). Initial hemostasis was achieved with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (151/79.1%) and endoscopic variceal ligation (40/20.9%), while secondary rebleeding prophylaxis in 110 (48.9%) patients was accomplished using endoscopic variceal ligation (92%). The majority of patients died from the underlying disease, while 12 (30.8%) died from bleeding. Median hospital stay was 6 (1-35) days. There was no statistically significant difference among AIMS65, GBS and PRS in predicting mortality (AUROC 0.70 vs. 0.64 vs. 0.66) or rebleeding rates (AUROC 0.74 vs. 0.60 vs. 0.67). The GBS was superior in predicting the need for blood transfusion compared to AIMS65 score (AUROC 0.75 vs. 0.61, p = 0.01) and PRS (AUROC 0.75 vs. 0.58, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The AIMS65, GBS and PRS scores are comparable but not useful for predicting outcome in patients with variceal UGIH because of poor discriminative ability. The GBS is superior in predicting the need for transfusion compared to AIMS65 score and PRS.

Assessment of Environmental and Hereditary Influence on Development of Pituitary Tumors Using Dermatoglyphic Traits and Their Potential as Screening Markers.

The aim of this study was to assess environmental and hereditary influence on development of pituitary tumors using dermatoglyphic traits. The study was performed on 126 patients of both genders with pituitary tumors (60 non-functional and 66 functional pituitary tumor patients) in comparison to the control group of 400 phenotypically healthy individuals. Statistical analysis of quantitative and qualitative traits of digito-palmar dermatoglyphics was performed, and hormonal status was determined according to the standard protocols. Although we did not find markers that could specifically distinguish functional from non-functional tumors, we have found markers predisposing to the development of tumors in general (a small number of ridges between triradius of both hands, a smaller number of ridges between the triradius of c-d rc R), those for endocrine dysfunction (increased number of arches and reduced number of whorls, difference of pattern distribution in the I3 and I4 interdigital space), and some that could potentially be attributed to patients suffering from pituitary tumors (small number of ridges for variables FRR 5, smaller number of ridges in the FRL 4 of both hands and difference of pattern distribution at thenar of I1 and I2 interdigital space). The usage of dermatoglyphic traits as markers of predisposition of pituitary tumor development could facilitate the earlier detection of patients in addition to standard methods, and possibly earlier treatment and higher survival rate. Finally, our results are consistent with the hypothesis about multifactorial nature of pituitary tumor etiology comprised of both gene instability and environmental factors.

Atrial fibrillation cardioversion following acupuncture.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and it is an independent risk for serious events. Acupuncture has been growing in popularity in the West, and there are reports of its benefits in treating AF. We report a 57-year-old man who was admitted after having an allergic reaction to amiodarone administered to treat paroxysmal AF with fast ventricular response. Cardioversion with intravenous propafenone was uneventful. Before an attempt of electric cardioversion, he was treated with acupuncture as additional therapy to peroral propafenone. After acupuncture treatment consisting of 10 treatments during 30 days period, both immediate cardioversion to sinus rhythm and no paroxysmal AF during 30 days period were recorded.

The Effects of Transition from Bedtime to Morning Glargine Administration in Patients with Poorly Regulated Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Croatian Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to compare differences in glucoregulation, frequency of hypoglycemic episodes, glucose variability and lipid profiles of inpatients with poorly regulated type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) after evening versus morning glargine application. METHODS: Eighteen patients with poorly regulated T1DM, glycated hemoglobin (Hba1c) levels ≥7% and frequent nocturnal and/or morning hypoglycemic episodes were included in this study. There was a 12-week screening phase where patients continued their usual insulin regimen and were encouraged to achieve optimal glycemic control; however, all patients maintained HbA1c values ≥7% and continued to have frequent nocturnal and/or morning hypoglycemic events and were therefore transitioned to morning application of insulin glargine for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was to investigate changes in HbA1c values 12 weeks after the transition. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the effect of transition on glucose variability, incidence of hypoglycemic episodes, insulin doses, lipid profile and weight. Data were analyzed using paired Student's t test and Pearson correlation. RESULTS: After the transition, there was no significant change in total daily dose of basal insulin (p 0.114) and the average body weight remained unchanged, while significant reduction of HbA1c was present (8.02 ± 0.5 vs. 7.4 ± 0.3%) (p < 0.01) resulting in a decrease in nocturnal and daytime hypoglycemic episodes per month per person (p < 0.01). Parameters of glucose variability (glycemic standard deviations and J-index) were also improved after transition period (p < 0.01). As for the lipid profile, increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and decrease of triglycerides (p < 0.01) were noticed, while other lipid parameters remained unaffected. Furthermore, insignificant association of basal insulin dose with HbA1c values regardless of the time of administration was observed. CONCLUSION: In patients with poorly regulated T1DM, transition to morning application of glargine improved glucoregulation (including a decrease in HbA1c, glucose variability and number of nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes), followed by favorable changes in lipid profile without affecting body weight. These effects were associated with the time of application, but not with the insulin dose.

Comparison of the hospital arrival time and differences in pain quality between diabetic and non-diabetic STEMI patients.

The aim of our study was to determine whether diabetic ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients arrive in the emergency room (ER) later than non-diabetics, compare the differences in pain quality and quantity between those groups, and measure differences in the outcome after an index hospitalization. A total of 266 patients with first presentation of STEMI were included in our study during a period of two years, 62 with diabetes and 204 without diabetes type 2. Pain intensity and quality at admission were measured using a McGill short form questionnaire. Diabetic patients did not arrive significantly later than non-diabetic (χ²; p = 0.105). Most diabetic patients described their pain as "slight" or "none" (χ²; p < 0.01), while most non-diabetic patients graded their pain as "moderate" or "severe" (χ²; p < 0.01). The quality of pain tended to be more distinct in non-diabetic patients, while diabetic patients reported mainly shortness of breath (χ²; p < 0.01). Diabetic patients were more likely to suffer a multi-vessel disease (χ²; p < 0.01), especially in the late arrival group. Therefore, cautious evaluation of diabetic patients and adequate education of target population could improve overall survival while well-organized care like a primary PCI Network program could significantly reduce CV mortality.

A case of transient constrictive pericarditis in a 42-year-old patient.

We report a case of 42 year old patient with acute idiopathic pericarditis in whom we describe transient cardiac constriction, consisting of the temporary development of features of constrictive pericarditis with subsequent return to normality after medical therapy alone. After a mean of 6 months, there have been no recurrences of constrictive physiology or clinical symptoms. The results of our study suggest that patients who have constrictive features early in the course of their illness and are hemodynamically stable should be considered for a trial of conservative therapy before pericardiectomy is pursued.

[Surgical approach to atypical wounds (clinical cases). Subcutaneous ischemic arteriolosclerosis (Martorell ulcer, calciphylaxis, eutrophication)]. / Kirurski pristup atipicnim ranama (klinicki primjeri) Supkutana ishemicka arterioloskleroza (Martorellov vrijed, kalcifilaksija, eutrofikacija).

Atypical wounds are probably the most delicate modern medicine topics as well as the most demanding surgical issue. Recently, we submitted an original report of two similar atypical vascular cases at our surgery department. Both presented a rare type of atypical, potentially fatal, vascular illness due to acute ischemic subcutaneous arteriolosclerosis. Because of the strikingly similar common pathophysiological features, Martorell hypertensive ischemic leg ulcer (HYTILU) and calciphylaxis require identical approach and therapy, both systemic and surgical. Even an experienced clinician can easily confuse it with other atypical wounds, namely pyoderma gangrenosum, which due to the corticosteroid induced immunodeficiency can be detrimental, since the two different approach strategies are required. Based on typical localization, necrotic painful skin necroses, progressive local deterioration, often difficult secondary infections along with long term hypertension and diabetes history could elucidate suspicion of ischemic subcutaneous arteriosclerosis. Hypertension (and often diabetes), local findings and histologically proven subcutaneous arteriolosclerosis are mandatory to make the diagnosis. Rapid local amelioration following correct treatment approach additionally confirms the presumed diagnosis. Besides the minutely repetitive surgical debridement, negative wound pressure therapy and split skin transplantation, one should consider systemic medication (analgesics, antioxidants, LMWH, sodium thiosulfate and antibiotics). Considering the cases presented, opportune decisions along with moderate aggressive and modern holistic surgical approach should inevitably resolve hard to heal atypical wounds.

Monthly or weekly bisphosphonate? Evaluation of satisfaction in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis using OPSAT-Q questionnaire during the BOOSTER study in Croatia.

A prospective, open-labelled, multicentre 6-month study was designed to assess three categories that have high impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HR-QoL). These categories were: satisfaction, preference and drug tolerability in postmenopausal patients with osteoporosis in Croatia, at first treated with weekly oral bisphosphonates, followed by monthly oral ibandronate. Three hundred eighty-five postmenopausal women who were treated with one of the weekly bisphosphonates for at least 6 months were included into the study and after they had signed written informed consent, the therapy was changed to monthly ibandronate. Satisfaction with the treatment was assessed with the Osteoporosis Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (OPSAT-Q). Patients completed OPSAT-Q at the baseline visit before the change of therapy (visit 1) and 6 months after the change of therapy (visit 2). Following 6 months ibandronate therapy, the values in all four domains of the OPSAT-Q (convenience, confidence with daily activities, overall satisfaction, side effects) as well as in the Composite Satisfaction Score were higher in visit 2 (p < 0.001). Values in subjects enrolled into the patient assistance programme did not differ significantly from the values in subjects that were not (p = 0.399) except for the domain convenience (p = 0.026). This study demonstrates significantly higher satisfaction in patients who switched from the weekly bisphosphonate therapy regimen to monthly ibandronate in all observed aspects of treatment. Patients expressed preference for monthly bisphosphonate (ibandronate) in comparison with weekly bisphosphonates and found it to be a more convenient method of treatment. At the time of study, however, it was not known that the anti-fracture effect of ibandronate was smaller for hip fractures than with other bisphosphonates.

Health-related quality of life among patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis treated with weekly and monthly bisphosphonates.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to assess the effect of monthly ibandronate on health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis previously treated with weekly bisphosphonates. METHODS: HR-QoL was assessed by Euroqol (EQ-5D) and Osteoporosis Targeted Quality of Life (OPTQoL) questionnaires. RESULTS: The EQ-5D questionnaire showed significant improvement associated with ibandronate treatment, occurring in mobility (p < 0.01), usual activity (p < 0.01), pain/discomfort (p < 0.05), and anxiety/depression (p < 0.05). In addition, ibandronate treatment considerably improved patients' perceived health on a visual analog scale (p < 0.001). For the OPTQoL questionnaire, patients reported less physical difficulty (p < 0.001), fewer adaptations in their lives (p < 0.001), and less fear (p < 0.001) with ibandronate than with weekly bisphosphonates. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that patients who were transferred from weekly bisphosphonates to a monthly ibandronate experienced improved HR-QoL.

The epidemiology and diagnostic approach to acute pulmonary embolism in the university hospital.

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the demographics and clinical characteristics of patients with pulmonary embolism treated in medical intensive care unit (ICU) at the University Hospital during a six-year period, and to assess the impact of several risk factors on patients' survival. The study included 165 patients, mean age 69.3 +/- 13.7 years, predominantly female (70.3%). Dominant symptom was dyspnea (97.0%), the most common sign tachypnea (69.6%). Pulmonary embolism was confirmed by high-probability ventilation/perfusion lung scan or multidetector computed tomography in 71.5% and was regarded as massive in 63 (38.2%), submassive in 23 (13.9%) and non massive in 79 patients (47.9%). Mean hospital stay was 5.7 +/- 4.4 days for ICU, and 14.8 +/- 9.1 days, overall. The ICU mortality was 26.7% and in-hospital mortality 30.9%. No statistical difference in mortality between male and female patients was observed (30.6% and 31.0%, respectively; p = 0.965), but prolonged immobilization (p = 0.002), recent operation (p = 0.034) or malignancy (p = 0.009) were shown to influence the outcome. Although a number of risk factors for developing pulmonary embolism have been identified and heparin prophylaxis along with early mobilization proposed to reduce the incidence, pulmonary embolism remains an important clinical problem with high mortality rate. The diagnostics should not wait and the therapy should start as soon as possible.

Decrease in growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 release and amelioration of acromegaly features after rosiglitazone treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus a patient with acromegaly.

A 28-year-old woman with clinical features of acromegaly and diabetes mellitus was admitted to our Reference Center for Clinical Neuroendocrinology and Pituitary Diseases at Sisters of Mercy University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia. Magnetic resonance scan of the brain showed pituitary macroadenoma. After transsphenoidal resection, histological analysis confirmed it was a growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma. The tumor could not be completely removed, but the hormonal status normalized. A month after the surgery, octreotide was introduced because of a further increase in GH and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), but discontinued after a week due to intolerance. Alternative treatment with oral antidiabetic agent, rosiglitazone, was introduced two weeks after octreotide was discontinued, and the fasting blood glucose concentration decreased from 8.4 mmol/L before the treatment to 6.7 mmol/L after 90 days of treatment. The concentration of GH and IGF-I in the week before rosiglitazone was introduced was 5.96 ng/mL and 990 ng/mL, respectively, and decreased to 2.92 ng/mL and 180.0 ng/mL, respectively, after 90 days of treatment. There was also a pronounced improvement in acromegalic features. It is possible that rosiglitazone induced the decrease in GH and IGF-I concentrations and its role in the long-term medical therapy of patients with pituitary tumors should be further investigated.

Survival analysis of 314 episodes of sepsis in medical intensive care unit in university hospital: impact of intensive care unit performance and antimicrobial therapy.

AIM: To evaluate epidemiology of sepsis in medical intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital, and the impact of ICU performance and appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy on survival of septic patients. METHODS: Observational, partly prospective study conducted over 6 years assessed all patients meeting the criteria for sepsis at ICU admission at the Sisters of Mercy University Hospital. Clinical presentation of sepsis was defined according to 2001 International Sepsis Definitions Conference. Demographic data, admission category, source of infection, severity of sepsis, ICU or hospital stay and outcome, ICU performance, and appropriateness of empirical antibiotic therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: The analysis included 314 of 5022 (6.3%) patients admitted to ICU during the study period. There were 176 (56.1%) ICU survivors. At the ICU admission, sepsis was present in 100 (31.8%), severe sepsis in 89 (28.6%), and septic shock in 125 (39.8%) patients with mortality rates 17%, 33.7%, 72.1%, respectively. During ICU treatment, 244 (77.7%) patients developed at least one organ dysfunction syndrome. Of 138 (43.9%) patients who met the criteria for septic shock, 107 (75.4) were non-survivors (P<0.001). Factors associated with in-ICU mortality were acquisition of sepsis at another department (odds ratio [OR] 0.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.19), winter season (OR 0.42; 0.20-0.89), limited mobility (OR 0.28; 0.14-0.59), ICU length of stay (OR 0.82; 0.75-0.91), sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score on day 1 (OR 0.80; 0.72-0.89), history of global heart failure (OR 0.33; 0.16-0.67), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-connected respiratory failure (OR 0.50; 0.27-0.93), septic shock present during ICU treatment (OR 0.03; 0.01-0.10), and negative blood culture at admission (OR 2.60; 0.81-6.23). Microbiological documentation of sepsis was obtained in 235 (74.8%) patients. Urinary tract infections were present in 168 (53.5%) patients, followed by skin or soft tissue infections in 58 (18.5%) and lower respiratory tract infections in 44 (14.0%) patients. Lower respiratory tract as focus of sepsis was connected with worse outcome (P<0.001). Empirical antibiotic treatment was considered adequate in 107 (60.8%) survivors and 42 (30.4%) non-survivors. Patients treated with adequate empirical antibiotic therapy had significantly higher survival time in hospital (log-rank, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: The mortality rate of sepsis was unacceptably high. The odds for poor outcome increased with acquisition of sepsis at another department, winter season, limited mobility, higher SOFA score on day 1, history of chronic global heart failure, COPD-connected respiratory failure, and septic shock present during ICU treatment, whereas longer ICU length of stay, positive blood culture, and adequate empirical antibiotic therapy were protective factors.