Normalization of Prediabetic Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Levels After the Surgical Removal of a Serotonin-Secreting Neuroendocrine Tumor.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare. When present, they often produce serotonin and are called carcinoids. Serotonin-secreting NETs can present with or without carcinoid syndrome. Although the idea of serotonin-secreting NETs potentially altering glucose metabolism is not new, data around this issue has been scarce, with only a few limited studies and case reports. We present a case where a female patient's prediabetic hemoglobin A1C levels normalized after removing serotonin-secreting NET. Before removal, the patient had locally metastatic carcinoid and serotonin-related intractable diarrhea but did not exhibit any other sign of carcinoid syndrome, including flushing, which is considered a hallmark. Therefore, in suggestive clinical contexts, this case points to the possibility of impaired glucose tolerance being an early clinical sign of carcinoid that could aid in serotonin-secreting NET diagnosis before it manifests as overt carcinoid syndrome.

University students' mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia.

AIMS: We aimed to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidality and identify relevant risk and protecting factors among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an anonymous online survey (n = 984, convenience sample by approaching all universities in Georgia and some student organizations) using valid instruments (e.g., STAI to assess anxiety, CES-D for depression, and RASS to assess suicidality). We calculated frequencies and prevalence and applied regression analysis and Chi-square tests to identify risk and protecting factors. FINDINGS: Respondents' mental health had been significantly affected (with a high prevalence of depression (46.7%) and anxiety (79%)) during the pandemic (which coincided with political turmoil and caused an economic crisis) in Georgia. Some of the critical factors affecting mental health were: female sex (p = .000), bad general health condition (anxiety p = .001, depression p = .004), finances (anxiety and depression p < .001), reduced physical activity (anxiety p < .001, depression p = .014), and a history of self-harming (suicidality p < .001). Less family conflicts (anxiety and depression p < .05), absence of nightmares (anxiety and depression p < .001), moderate or low fears of COVID-19 (anxiety p < .001), and lower substance use (anxiety p = .023) were among the potentially protective factors. International students coped better, despite vulnerability. Medical students had a lower risk of depression. CONCLUSIONS: In the complex socioeconomic context, mental health of students in Georgia suffered a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring thorough planning and delivery of student support services in higher educational institutions during and after the pandemic.

The Approach to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Georgia-A Health Policy Analysis.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze key COVID-19 pandemic-related policies and national strategic responses in light of Georgia's political, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Methods: We applied a policy triangle framework for policy analysis, performed document and media content analysis, and described pandemic trends statistically. Results: Early introduction of stringent restrictive measures largely prevented a first wave in March-May 2020. This was communicated as a success story, prompting a public success perception. With unpopular restrictions lifted and hesitancy to embrace evidence-informed policymaking ahead of nationwide parliamentary elections, SARS-CoV-2 infection spread rapidly and was met with an insufficiently coordinated effort. Facing health system capacity saturation an almost complete lockdown was re-introduced in late 2020. Factors as delayed immunization campaign, insufficient coordination and, again, little evidence-informed policymaking eventually led to another devastating COVID-19 wave in summer of 2021. Conclusion: Georgia's pandemic health policy response was adversely impacted by a volatile political environment. National pandemic preparedness and response might benefit from an independent body with appointment procedures and operations shielded from political influences to effectively inform and communicate evidence-based pandemic policy.

Georgia's healthcare system and integration of complementary medicine.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of people in the Republic of Georgia use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM has long been practiced in the country, but is not currently part of the formal medical system. The aim of this study was to explore patients' CAM use and their perspectives of CAM complementation of existing services in Georgia's health care system. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a qualitative study exploring patient needs and wants by performing in-depth, contextual interviews with patients using CAM. We recruited participants at CAM clinics and collected data until we reached saturation. A thematic analysis involving line by line coding explored perspectives and allowed us to formulate recommendations of CAM integration in Georgia. RESULTS: Study participants voiced that they pursued cure beyond symptom relief; their disappointment in that regard with conventional medicine in Georgia directed them towards CAM as a safe and effective care setting. Most sought natural approaches as a sustained approach to their health and perceived CAM as empathetic therapeutic and preventive space. Participants were in favor of integration of CAM with conventional health services through government support and regulation. They saw coverage of payments for CAM visits and treatments as important aspect for an effective and sustainable integration. CONCLUSION: Patients favor an integration of CAM into Georgia's current healthcare systems to ensure CAM's broad availability as well as effective regulation and financing, including coverage by health insurance.