Factors affecting the patency of arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis: Single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred form vascular access for hemodialysis (HD), as they have a low rate of complications and durable function. The aim of our investigation was to analyze the factors that might influence the function of AVFs. METHODS: Data were taken from the computerized patient record system in the Clinic of Urology and Nephrology, Clinical Center, Kragujevac, Serbia, for a 2-year period. We analyzed patients who had requested re-creation of AVFs as a secondary procedure. During this period 112 patients, 73 (65%) men and 39 (35%) women, had AVF thromboses. All relevant clinical and laboratory parameters that could affect the function and survival of AVF were evaluated. FINDINGS: In univariate logistic regression analysis, statistically significant predictors influencing the duration of the fistula were magnesium (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P = 0.041), smoking (P = 0.001), antiplatelet therapy (P < 0.001), and type of HD (bicarbonate vs. hemodiafiltration) (P < 0.001). In the multiple logistic regression model, high concentrations of magnesium (B = 7.434; P < 0.001) and antiplatelet therapy (B - 1.042; P = 0.04) were significantly associated with the length of AVF function. DISCUSSION: After successful establishment of an AVF, there is a compelling need to maintain fistula patency. Factors that affect functioning of the AVFs are presently under intense scrutiny. According to our results, some clinical factors may determine long term fistula duration, such as concentration of the magnesium and antiplatelet therapy.

Prescribing antibiotics to preschool children in primary health care in Croatia.

The use of antibiotics depends on cultural and socioeconomic factors, physician's characteristics as well as on microbiological considerations. Aim of our study was to asses antibiotic prescription among preschool children in primary health care in Croatia in relation to socioeconomic factors, symptoms and diagnoses, and type of health care provider. Retrospective longitudinal survey was conducted in 7 teaching primary health care offices in the Croatian capital of Zagreb during 2004, among 1700 preschool children. Antibiotics were prescribed to 611 (46%) children. Significantly more antibiotics were prescribed to boys (66.7%, P = 0.024) and to children whose parents had lower educational level. Most frequently antibiotics were prescribed for the symptoms such as fever (32%), cough (32.5%), nasal discharge (12%), and for the diagnoses such as respiratory diseases (J00-J99) (40%), infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-A99) (31%), and diseases of the middle ear and mastoid (H60-H95) (15%). Logistic regression analyses also predicted correlation of antibiotic prescriptions with socioeconomic factors, symptoms and diagnoses and health care of pediatrician. Prescription of antibiotics for preschool children in primary health care in Croatia related to socioeconomic factors, type of health care provider, certain symptoms and diagnosis groups which should be taken into account when assessing and planning primary health care for preschool children.

Preschool children as frequent attenders in primary health care in Croatia: retrospective study.

AIM: To define predictive factors for frequent attenders among preschool children in primary health care and investigate the association between socioeconomic factors and medical factors, as well as the reasons for child's appointment in the physician's office. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in 7 primary health care offices (6 family physician practices and 1 pediatric practice) in Zagreb, Croatia. The study included 964 preschool children from 1-6 years who visited these practices during 2005. Children in the highest quartile of consultation frequency (n=255) were defined as frequent attenders, while the children in the lowest quartile of consultation frequency (n=302) represented the control group (non-frequent attenders). We collected data on consultation rate, socioeconomic factors, health care providers, prescriptions and referrals, symptoms, and diagnoses. Association of the parameters and the frequency of consultations was investigated by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Frequent attenders sought for consultations 10 times per year (median, range 4-26), and they had the following characteristics: had 2-3 years, attended day care center, were treated by a pediatrician, and received more prescriptions and referrals. Their major complaints were: cough, nasal discharge, rash, fever, difficult breathing, earache, digestive problems, throat soreness, and injuries. Logistic regression analysis showed significant association between frequent attendance and age of 2-3, the symptom of nasal discharge, and diagnoses of infectious and parasitic diseases, middle ear diseases, respiratory system diseases, and skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic characteristics, symptoms, and diagnoses were important predictors for defining preschool frequent attenders in primary health care.

Family physicians' views on disclosure of a diagnosis of cancer and care of terminally ill patients in Croatia.

INTRODUCTION: Family physicians have a crucial role in communication and palliative care for terminally ill patients. AIMS: To examine family physicians' views about the disclosure of the diagnosis and information about cancer to their patients and to their families; to establish the most appropriate person to deliver the diagnosis of cancer to the patient; to examine whether family physicians cooperate with palliative care associations, and to assess their opinions about euthanasia and emotional support to dying patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty four family physicians participated in the study. The data was collected by questionnaire designed for this survey about cancer care. RESULTS: The majority of respondents 96 (71.64%) delivered the cancer diagnosis to their patients sometimes, and 69 (51.5%) told the truth about the cancer diagnosis to the family without the patient's permission. The respondents 90 (70.3%) considered that the family physician was the most appropriate person to disclose the cancer diagnosis and 107 (80.5%) considered that the patients' home was the most appropriate place for terminal care. The majority of physicians 61 (45.5%) thought that they did not cooperate enough with palliative care associations. In working with terminal patients, 42 (32.1%) respondents considered communication with the patients to be particularly difficult and 122 (93.8%) thought that emotional support of family and friends was most important. CONCLUSION: The majority of physicians deliver a diagnosis of cancer to their patients occasionally, and they also tell it to the patient's family. They considered family physician to be the most appropriate person to disclose a diagnosis of cancer and the patient's home was considered the most appropriate place for terminal care. In caring for terminally ill patients communication is considered particularly difficult, and the emotional support of family and friends is considered most important.