Reasons for Referring Patients for Determining the Hormonal Status of the Thyroid Gland From the Level of Primary Health Care in Sarajevo Canton.

Background: Thyroid dysfunction includes hyper- and hypofunction of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism). The spectrum encompasses both subclinical and clinical disease presentation. The etiology is vast and varied, as are the risk factors and simptoms. Objective: The main aim of the research is to indicate the leading symptom for initial thyroid hormone status evaluation, as well as to identify the distribution of positive and negative test results, and specific disorders according to sex and age groups. Methods: The research is designed as a retrospective, clinical, descriptive study. There were 500 participants included, 355 female and 145 male. Patients were referred to the Department of endocrinology by their primary care physicians. The data was collected through patient documentation. Results: The study included 500 participants, 71% of diagnostic requests made were for women. 80% of subjects had normal thyroid hormone status, p<0.001. Most requests were made for the 41-60 age group, p<0.001. Women had similar number of positive and negative test outcomes, as well as men. When it comes to the age groups, outcomes were similar in all of them, 15-23% positive and 77-85% negative. There were significant differences in the type of symptom expressed in both men and women, as well as all the age groups. Men reported high blood pressure as the most common symptom (30.3%), while women reported weight gain (22.3%). In the 18-25 and 26-40 age groups most common symptom belongs to the category of other. Age group of 41-60 reported weight gain as the most common symptom, while in participants older than 60, high blood pressure is proven to be the most common. Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder in both men and women, as well as in all age groups. Conclusion: It is statistically proven that there were more requests made for women, and older age groups. Leading symptom for initial thyroid hormone status evaluation is high blood pressure. There is no statistically significant difference in distribution of thyroid disorders according to sex or age groups.

Association of Inherited Genotype and Severity of Clinical Presentation in Subjects with Verified Pas III Disorder.

Background: Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type III (PAS III) is combination two most common autoimmune disease: Diabetes mellytus type 1 (DM1) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Objectives: The aims of the study were a) to define conection between polymorphism of CTLA-4 gene, rs 231775 with PAS III; b) to establish the conection of inherited genotype with severity of clinical features; and c) to estimate the rate of risk for severe clinical presentation among subgroups in study population. Methods: This research included 50 subjects with diagnosed PAS III syndrome, wich are on treatment in clinic for Nuclear medicine and andocrinology KCUS. As methods of research has used: hystory of disesase AND clinical examination. As material is used blood sample. From blood sample DNA was isolated withn Qiamp- DNA-mini kit, with accopanied protocol. Results: In our study, 50 patients with polyglandular autoimmune syndrome type III (PAS III) were examined, and in the study population had 26 female subjects and 24 male subjects. The average age of the participants was 31.64 years, and in the subgroups: group GWT (G-wild type) the average age was 30.20 years, group GM (G-mutated) 32.40 years and group GH (G-heterozygote) 30 , 60 years. Using the Chi-square test, the association between the polymorphism rs231775 and PAS-III was demonstrated, x2 (2.100) = 18.258, where p < 0.0001. Using the Chi-square test, the association between the rs231775 polymorphism and the severity of the clinical picture, x2 (2.50) = 8.531, where p< 0.0140 was proved. The CTLA-4 rs231775 genotypes were also assessed for disease severity. Conclusion: This study suggests that CTLA-4 expression plays a key role in balancing the immune system as well as the response against one's own tissues, and thus in the regulation of autoimmune diseases.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Poorly Controlled Diabetes Mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus(DM) is considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Having in mind concomitant occurence of diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, it is expected that patients with poor glucoregulation will have more cardiovascular risk factors and higher cardiovascular risk than patients with good glucoregulation. AIM: To compare cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular risk factors between patients with poorly controlled and patients with well-controlled Diabetes mellitus. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hundered ten patients aged 40-70 years suffering from Diabetes mellitus type 2 were included. Research is designed as a retrospective, descriptive study. Patients with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) > 7% were considered to have poorly controlled diabetes. The following data and parameters were monitored: age,sex, family history, data on smoking and alcohol consumption, BMI (body mass index), blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, fibrinogen, uric acid. For the assessment of cardiovascular risk, the WHO / ISH (World Health Organization/International Society of hypertension) tables of the 10-year risk were used, and due to the assessment of the risk factors prevalence, the optimal values of individual numerical variables were defined. RESULTS: Differences in the mean values of systolic, diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol are statistically significant higher in patients with poorly controlled diabetes. Hypertension more frequently occurre in patients with poorly controlled DM. The majority of patients with well-controlled DM belong to the group of low and medium cardiovascular risk, while the majority of patients with poorly controlled DM belong to the group of high and very high cardiovascular risk. In our research, there was a significant difference in cardiovascular risk in relation to the degree of DM regulation, and HbA1c proved to be an important indicator for the emergence of the CVD. CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in certain risk factors between patients with poorly controlled and well controlled DM. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus have a higher cardiovascular risk than patients with well controlled diabetes. The value of HbA1c should be considered when assessing cardiovascular risk.

Incidence of prediabetes and risk of developing cardiovascular disease in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Our aim was to determine the incidence of prediabetes and risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This prospective, observational study included 148 women with PCOS, without Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and CVD present at baseline. In the fasting blood samples, we measured lipids, glucose, and insulin levels during oral glucose tolerance test, levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), steroids, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and parathyroid hormone. The follow-up period was 3 years. At baseline, prevalent prediabetes was present in 18 (12%) of PCOS cases and it progressed to T2DM in 5 (3%) of the cases. Incident prediabetes during the follow-up was noted in 47 (32%) women or 4.7 per 1000 persons/year. Prediabetes was associated with elevated body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.089, confidence interval [CI]: 1.010; 1.174, p = 0.026), high baseline levels of CRP (OR = 3.286, CI: 1.299; 8.312, p = 0.012), homeostatic model assessment - insulin resistance (IR) (OR = 2.628, CI: 1.535; 4.498, p < 0.001), and high lipid accumulation product (LAP) (OR = 1.009, CI: 1.003; 1.016, p = 0.005). Furthermore, prediabetes was associated with low 25-OHD (OR = 0.795, CI: 0.724; 0.880, p ≤ 0.05). In addition, cardiovascular risk in PCOS women with prediabetes was high (hazard ratio = 1.092, CI: 1.036; 1.128, p < 0.001). We showed association of prediabetes with high BMI, IR, markers of inflammation, LAP, and low serum 25-OHD concentration. IR appears to be more relevant than the other predictors of prediabetes risk in this study. PCOS women are considered as a high-risk population for prediabetes.

Poorly regulated blood glucose in diabetic patients--predictor of acute infections.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus, the most frequent endocrinology disease is a predisposing factor for infections. Diabetic patients have 4,4 times greater risk of systemic infection than non diabetics. AIM: a) To determine the prevalence and characteristics of acute infectious diseases in hospitalized diabetics; b) To correlate values of blood glucose levels and HbA1c with acute infections in hospitalized diabetics; c) To identify the etiology of infectious diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 450 diabetic patients hospitalized in the 24-month period in the Intensive care unit of the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders CCUS. In 204 patients (45,3%) there was an acute infectious condition and the following data was registered: a) gender and age; b) basic illness; c) laboratory parameters of inflammation (Le, CRP); d) blood glucose upon admission, parameters ofglucoregulation (HbA1c, fructosamine); e) type of infection; f) verification of etiological agent; g) late complications of diabetes; and h) outcome. RESULTS: Out of 204 diabetic patients with infection, there was 35,3% men and 64,7% women. More than half of patients (61%) were in the age group 61-80 years. The most common primary disease was Diabetes mellitus type 2. HbA1c and fructosamine were significantly increased in diabetic patients with acute infection compared to diabetics without acute infection. There is a positive correlation between HbA1c levels and CRP, and blood glucose and CRP in diabetic patients with acute infection. Most frequent infections: urinary tract infection (70,0%), followed by respiratory infections (11,8%), soft tissue infections (10,3%), generalized-bacteremia / sepsis (6,9%). The most common cause of urinary infection and generalized infection was Escherichia colli. The most common bacteria causing soft tissue infections was Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION: Almost half (45,3%) of hospitalized diabetic patients had acute infectious condition. They present most frequently in women, aged 61-80 years, with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. HbA1c and fructosamine were significantly increased in diabetic patients with acute infection. There is a positive correlation between the parameters of inflammation and glucoregulation in diabetics with acute infection. Most frequent was a urinary tract infection and the most common causative agent was Escherichia coli. The most common cause of soft tissue infections was Staphylococcus aureus. Out of 21 patients with verified soft tissue infections, 18 of them (85,7%) had confirmed diagnosis of diabetic microangiopathy diabetica. A total of 96,1% of patients fully recovered.

Poorly Regulated Blood Glucose in Diabetic Patients-predictor of Acute Infections.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus, the most frequent endocrinology disease is a predisposing factor for infections. Diabetic patients have 4,4 times greater risk of systemic infection than non diabetics. AIM: a) To determine the prevalence and characteristics of acute infectious diseases in hospitalized diabetics; b) To correlate values of blood glucose levels and HbA1c with acute infections in hospitalized diabetics; c) To identify the etiology of infectious diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 450 diabetic patients hospitalized in the 24-month period in the Intensive care unit of the Clinic for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders CCUS. In 204 patients (45,3%) there was an acute infectious condition and the following data was registered: a) gender and age; b) basic illness; c) laboratory parameters of inflammation (Le, CRP); d) blood glucose upon admission, parameters of glucoregulation (HbA1c, fructosamine); e) type of infection; f) verification of etiological agent; g) late complications of diabetes; and h) outcome. RESULTS: Out of 204 diabetic patients with infection, there was 35,3% men and 64,7% women. More than half of patients (61%) were in the age group 61-80 years. The most common primary disease was Diabetes mellitus type 2. HbA1c and fructosamine were significantly increased in diabetic patients with acute infection compared to diabetics without acute infection. There is a positive correlation between HbA1c levels and CRP, and blood glucose and CRP in diabetic patients with acute infection. Most frequent infections: urinary tract infection (70,0%), followed by respiratory infections (11,8%), soft tissue infections (10,3%), generalized-bacteremia / sepsis (6,9%). The most common cause of urinary infection and generalized infection was Escherichia colli. The most common bacteria causing soft tissue infections was Staphylococcus aureus. CONCLUSION: Almost half (45,3%) of hospitalized diabetic patients had acute infectious condition. They present most frequently in women, aged 61-80 years, with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. HbA1c and fructosamine were significantly increased in diabetic patients with acute infection. There is a positive correlation between the parameters of inflammation and glucoregulation in diabetics with acute infection. Most frequent was a urinary tract infection and the most common causative agent was Escherichia coli. The most common cause of soft tissue infections was Staphylococcus aureus. Out of 21 patients with verified soft tissue infections, 18 of them (85,7%) had confirmed diagnosis of diabetic microangiopathy diabetica. A total of 96,1% of patients fully recovered.

The effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a new class of antihyperglycemic drugs that block degradation ofincretin hormones. GOAL: To assess the effects oftreatment with DPP-4 inhibitors on glucoregulation and body weight in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 9 females and 9 males with type 2 diabetes (n=18), BMI=31.24 +/- 2,26 kg/m2, mean age 58 +/- 6,8 years. The patients have been thoroughly evaluated before treatment, and 6 months after treatment with DPP-4 inhibitor (sitagliptin) in combination with metformin. RESULTS: After 6 months of treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors in combination with metformin HbAlc (-1,49%)., FBG (-3.75 mmol/L) and PBG (-5.79 mmol/L) significantly reduced (p=0.000). Mean body weight also significantly reduced (-12.5%; p=0.000). Reduction of mean fasting insulin was 5.46 mIU/L or 27% (p=0.000). Mean HOMA-IR change was -1.64 (p=0.000). Also there was significant decreasing of systolic blood pressure (p=0.001), cholesterol (p=0.004), triglycerides (p=0.001), LDL (p=0.002) and increasing of HDL (p=0.002). Hypoglycaemia was not registered in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: These results show that in obese patients with type 2 diabetes, DPP-4 inhibitors treatment in combination with metformin was associated with improvements in glycaemic control, and a reduction in body weight.

Insulin resistance and lipid accumulation product in corelation to body mass index in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are at increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and metabolic disorders including: dyslipidaemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, gestational diabetes, type 2 diabetes, systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. The prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance in women with PCOS is significantly higher compared to the general population. Lipid accumulation product is a new, cheap and easily available predictor for metabolic syndrome both in general population and in women with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 50 patients at the Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. All patients were diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam ESHRE criteria and were divided into two groups according to their body mass index (BMI). A prospective study established the following parameters: anthropometric measurements (waist circumference, height, weight), BMI, and serum triglycerides and insulin resistance. LAP was calculated using the formula: LAP (women) = [waist circumference (cm)-58] x [triglycerides (mmol/L)]. RESULTS: Waist circumference in women with BMI < or = 24.9 kg/m2 was 31 cm lower than waist circumference in women with a BMI > 25 kg/m2. Mean triglyceride value of the patients in group BMI < or = 24.9 kg/m2 was 1.15 mmol/l lower than the mean value of triglycerides in women with a BMI > 25 kg/m2. Insulin resistance was present in 66.7% in group with BMI < or = 24.9 kg/m2, and in 75.0% in the group with BMI > 25.0 kg/m2. LAP was shown to be a marker for the differentiation of insulin-resistant and nonresistant patients with a cut-off value of 17.91. CONCLUSION: Patients with PCOS and BMI < or = 24.9 kg/m2 were significantly different from those with BMI > 25 kg/m2 in the values of body weight, waist circumference and triglycerides. There was no statistically significant difference in insulin resistance. LAP values were higher in patients in the group with BMI > 25 kg/m2. LAP was a marker for differentiation of insulin--resistant and non-resistant women with PCOS.

[Introduction of insulin treatment on diabetes mellitus type 2]. / Pravovremeno uvodenje insulinske terapije kod Tip 2 secerne bolesti.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic, incurable disorder, but can be successfully managed to improve patient's quality of life and extend lifetime. Late diabetic complications that affect various organs can be postponed with appropriate treatment. HbA(1C) value tells us about glucoregulation in last 3-4 month and it helps us in estimating the treatment efficiency. In last several years number of type 2 diabetics increased in the world and also in our country. Treatment approach must be aggressive to prevent late diabetic complications in type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetics can be treated with oral medications as monotherapy, or in various combinations as long as the following values can be maintained: HbA(1C) value under 7%, fasting blood glucose under 6.0 mmol/l and postprandial blood glucose under 8.9 mmol/l. Insulin treatment should be introduced when HbA(1C) value gets above 7%.

[LEAP (Lantus Early Access Programme) in Sarajevo]. / LEAP (Lantus Early Access Programme)--program za ranu dostupnost Lantusa u Sarajevu.

LEAP is multicentric study in phase IV. The first aim was to affirm Lantus efficacy and safety in every day practice, in local conditions. The second aims were to verify therapy successful by measuring fast blood glucose (FBG) and HbA1c and to estimate patients' pleasure. Duration of study was 2 months. Lantus was administrated subcutaneously daily. Doses were individual. HbA1c was measured at the begining of therapy and at the last control. Blood glucose was measured every day. The study included patients who did not reach the control of glycemy, or patients with frequent hypoglycemic crysis, older then 6 year. LEAP study in Sarajevo included 114 patients. Fifty four patients (47%) were men, and 60 (53%) were women. 46% diabetics have type 1 of diabetes mellitus and 54% have type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results of study demonstrated statistically significant decreasing of FBG and HbA1c in both groups (I group--patients younger than 18 years and II group--patients older than 18 years), p<0.05. FBG in I group on the start of Lantus therapy was 9.9+/-3.9 mmol/l but on ending control was 8.7+/-4.4 mmol/l (p<0.05). HbA1c on start of therapy was 9.4+/-1.9%, but on end control was 8.0+/-1.8% (p<0.05). FBG in II group on start was 13.6+/-4.7 mmol/l but on finish was 7.3+/-2.9 mmol/l (p<0.01). HbA1c on start was 9.3+/-1.8% and on end was 7.2+/-1.2% (p<0.01). These results showed that the Lantus is very efficacious for good glycoregulation. Just for two months, HbA1c decreased for 2%. Undesirable effects were not registered. We concluded that Lantus is very safe. Most patients (89%) were satisfied with therapy.