"Second-look" Micro Testicular Sperm Extraction (MicroTESE) in Patients with Non-obstructive Azoospermia Following Histopathological Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) is considered the gold standard method for surgical sperm retrieval among patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between histopathological findings after failed microTESE procedure and outcomes of the "second-look" procedure and to provide insight into the most common histopathological patterns after testicular biopsy within our population. METHODS: The retrospective study included 33 selected patients with NOA, who had undergone unsuccessful sperm retrieval. The diagnosis of NOA was made after the assessment of the patient's history data, a physical examination, semen analysis, the hormonal profile, and genetic studies. After negative sperm retrieval, histopathological report has been analyzed for "second-look" microTESE attempt. RESULTS: Five testicular histopathological patterns were found: hypospermatogenesis (9,1%), Sertoli cell-only syndrome (43%), germ cell maturation arrest (15%), seminiferous tubule hyalinization (15%), mixed pattern (21%). Y-microdeletions were detected in 5 patients, of which 3 patients showed AZFc region deletions. Only 3 patients (9,1%) underwent a "second-look" procedure after the evaluation of histopathological reports. After the stimulation therapy and "second-look" procedure, we had a positive outcome in a single patient (33,3%). Mean FSH value in patients with confirmed spermatogenesis was 17.26±3.11IU/l, while mean FSH value in patients without presence or germ cell statistically significantly exceeded and was 24.28±4.71IU/L (p=0.038). CONCLUSION: Histopathological reports following the microTESE procedure are obligatory for the proper selection of patients who are candidates for the "second-look" microTESE attempt. Patients with Sertoli cell-only syndrome and hypospermatogenesis particularly can benefit from the "second-look" procedure.

Uric Acid Values Along with Doppler Sonography Findings as a Tool for Preeclampsia Screening.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is defined as hypertension (systolic pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic pressure ≥90 mmHg) after week 20 of gestation with one or more of the following symptoms: proteinuria, organ dysfunction (including renal, hepatologic, hematologic or neurological complications) and in case of stagnation of fetal development. So far, there are no valid clinical tools or tests that can tell with sufficient sensitivity and specificity in early pregnancy which pregnant woman will develop preeclampsia or have unwanted outcomes. AIM: To present the properties of biochemical parameter, uric acid, in patients with signs of preclampsia, which was confirmed by Doppler sonography. METHODS: The study included 60 female subjects in the second trimester of pregnancy who were examined or were hospitalized at the Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. Pregnant women who had normal Doppler sonography scan of the uterine arteries in the second trimester of pregnancy were included in the control group, while pregnant women with pathologic Doppler sonographic findings in the second trimester of pregnancy were included in the group of pregnant women at risk of preeclampsia, i.e. the study group. RESULTS: There is statistically significant difference between the average value of uric acid in the control and in the study group (213.36 ± 28.96 µmol / L vs 249.73 ± 47.06 µmol / L) (F = 12.991; p = 0.001). Applying the Wilcoxon non-parametric paired test to the average uric acid values during all measurements within the control group, no statistically significant difference was found. There was a statistically significant increase in the study group between all measurements, from 18.04 µmol / L between the first and second measurement (Z = -1.955; p = 0.043), 29.10 µmol / L between the second and third measurement (Z = -2.973; p = 0.003), 37.27 µmol / L between the third and fourth measurement (Z = -4.325; p = 0.001) and 109.87 µmol / L at the end of the study in comparison to values from the start of the study (Z = -4.309; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Uric acid values should become part of a broad biochemical range in screening and optimizing the treatment of patients diagnosed with early preeclampsia.

Impact of Different Types of Statins on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for Ischemic Heart Failure.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of statins on risk of heart failure (HF) hospitalization and lethal outcome remains dubious. AIM: To investigate whether statin therapy improves clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized for ischemic heart failure (HF), to compare the efficacy of lipophilic and hydrophilic statins and to investigate which statin subtype provides better survival and other outcome benefits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total amount of 155 patients in the study were admitted to the Clinic for Cardiology, Rheumatology and Vascular diseases in Clinical Center University of Sarajevo in the period from January 2014- December 2017. Inclusion criteria was HF caused by ischemic coronary artery disease upon admission. For each patient the following data were obtained: gender, age, comorbidities and medications on discharge. New York Heart Association (NYHA) class for heart failure was determined by physician evaluation and left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was determined by echocardiography. The patients were followed for a period of two years. Outcome points were: rehospitalization, in-hospital death, mortality after 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. All-cause mortality included cardiovascular events or worsening heart failure. RESULTS: Overall, 58.9% of HF patients received statin therapy, with 33.9% patients receiving atorvastatin and 25.0% rosuvastatin therapy. The most frequent rehospitalization was in patients without statin therapy (66.7%), followed by patients on rosuvastatin (64.1%), and atorvastatin (13.2%), with statistically significant difference p = 0.001 between the groups. Mortality after 6 months, 1 year and 2 years was the most frequent in patients without statin therapy with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). Progression of HF accounted for 31.7% of mortality in patients without statin therapy, 12.8% in patients on rosuvastatin therapy and 3.8% in patients on atorvastatin therapy (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Lipophilic statin therapy is associated with substantially better long-term outcomes in patients with HF.

Evaluation of Prognostic Factors and Determinants in Surgical Sperm Retrieval Procedures in Azoospermic Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Main categorisation of azospermic is in two grups: nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA). We had evaluation of prognostic factors and determinants in sperm retrieval procedures in azoospermic patients. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation observed 21 selected patients with NOA and OA azoospermia, after that complete history, physical examination with ultarsound volume of testis and hormonal profile. Hormonal profile included: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosteron (T) and prolactin (P) serum levels. Also karyotype and Y-deletion analysis were done and analyzed. RESULTS: 9 OA patients (42,9%) were undergone for TESE operation and 12 NOA patients (57,1%) for Micro-TESE operation. All TESE procedures were positive (100%). Micro-TESE in 12 selected NOA patients, 5 patients (41,6%) were positive and 7 patients (58,4%) negative. Patients testicular size, serum FSH and testosterone level showed correlation in success of sperm retrieval procedures. CONCLUSION: TESE is elected procedure for obstructive azospermia (OA). Micro-TESE is appropriate sperm retrieval procedurec for patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and correlate with high FSH and small volume of testis.

Hyperlactatemia and the Importance of Repeated Lactate Measurements in Critically Ill Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence of hyperlactatemia and emphasis on repeated lactate measurements in critically ill patients, and the associated mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 70 patients admitted in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo, in a 6-month period (July - December 2015). The following data were obtained: age, gender, reason for admission, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation, lactate concentrations upon admission, after 24 and 48 hours, and outcome (discharge from hospital or death). RESULTS: Upon admission,hyperlactatemia was present in 91.4% patients with a mean concentration of lactate 4.13 ±1.21 mmol/L. Lactate concentration at 48 hours was independently associated within creased in-hospital mortality (P = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Persistent hyperlactatemia is associated with adverse outcome in critically ill patients. Lactate concentration at 48 hours is independently associated within creased in-hospital mortality and it represents a statistically significant predictive marker of fatal outcomes of patients. Blood lactate concentrations > 2.25 mmol/L should be used by clinicians to identify patients at higher risk of death.

Predictive value of SAPS II and APACHE II scoring systems for patient outcome in a medical intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: The aim is to determine SAPS II and APACHE II scores in medical intensive care unit (MICU) patients, to compare them for prediction of patient outcome, and to compare with actual hospital mortality rates for different subgroups of patients. METHODS: One hundred and seventy-four patients were included in this analysis over a oneyear period in the MICU, Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo. The following patient data were obtained: demographics, admission diagnosis, SAPS II, APACHE II scores and final outcome. RESULTS: Out of 174 patients, 70 patients (40.2%) died. Mean SAPS II and APACHE II scores in all patients were 48.4±17.0 and 21.6±10.3 respectively, and they were significantly different between survivors and non-survivors. SAPS II >50.5 and APACHE II >27.5 can predict the risk of mortality in these patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical values of SAPS II vs APACHE II (p=0.501). A statistically significant positive correlation was established between the values of SAPS II and APACHE II (r=0.708; p=0.001). Patients with an admission diagnosis of sepsis/septic shock had the highest values of both SAPS II and APACHE II scores, and also the highest hospital mortality rate of 55.1%. CONCLUSION: Both APACHE II and SAPS II had an excellent ability to discriminate between survivors and non-survivors. There was no significant difference in the clinical values of SAPS II and APACHE II. A positive correlation was established between them. Sepsis/septic shock patients had the highest predicted and observed hospital mortality rate.

The First Report from Bosnia and Herzegovina on Micro-tese Results in Azoospermic Patients.

INTRODUCTION: To present results of MicroTese procedure in treatment of male infertility in patients with azoospermia at Bahçeci BIH IVF Center during two-year period of 2013-2014. METHODS: In the stated time-period, 55 MicroTese surgeries were performed. In 52.7% of the cases, sperm cells were isolated after MicroTese surgery, and in 47.3% of the cases, there was a negative outcome of the procedure. Obtained sperm cells were subjected to cryopreservation. Furthermore, ICSI procedure was performed by use of the obtained sperm cells. RESULTS: Of 29 positive MicroTese surgeries, 21 (72.4%) resulted in clinical pregnancies. Biggest percentage of negative MicroTese procedures happened in patients with cryptorchidism and orchidopexy. CONCLUSION: MicroTese is the most precise and successful method of retrieving sperm cells surgically in men with azoospermia. Our results are within scope of results in referent world centers.

Values of D-dimer test in the diagnostics of pulmonary embolism.

AIM: To establish a value of D-dimer and compare findings of elevated and normal values with the golden standard, computed tomography (CT) of lungs in patients who had symptoms indicating pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) at admission. METHODS: This retrospective/prospective study was conducted at the Department of Internal Diseases of the Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A sample included 80 patients with symptoms indicating PTE at the time of admission, D-dimers and CT scan of thoracic organs were performed. The patients were divided into two groups: 40 examinees with PTE confirmed by CT scan and 40 patients (control group) whose PTE was not confirmed by the CT scan. RESULTS: Sensitivity of D-dimer according to statistical calculation was 87.5%. Specificity of D-dimer was 57.5%. The chance of a patient to have PTE in case of elevated values of D-dimer was 3.58 higher than in patients with normal D-dimer values. The positive predicative value of D-dimer was 0.54, the negative predicative value was 0.75. Test accuracy was 57.5%. Values of D-dimer >0.83 using a ROC curve and present clinical symptoms of the disease have indicated further diagnostic examination according algorithm and a need for CT scan (of thoracic organs ) CONCLUSION: D-dimer is important in the diagnostics of PTE, high sensitivity and low specificity have been proven. A positive D-dimer test indicates the presence of PTE. However, the test is not reliable. In order to set a diagnosis it is necessary to visualize a blood clot by computed tomography of lungs.

Frequency of blood pressure measuring according to the degree of working population education in canton sarajevo.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most widely spread modern diseases and one of the leading risk factors for heart and blood vessel diseases, particularly stroke and coronary heart disease. The prevalence of hypertension is about 25% in adults. Many studies show that blood pressure tends to have lower values among people with higher education levels. GOAL: To determine the frequency of measurement and control of blood pressure in relation to the level of education of the active working population of the Sarajevo Canton. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 443 subjects randomly selected from the categories of the active working population of the Sarajevo Canton. The study was conducted at the Center for Heart, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo University through the project "Prevention of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in the active working population of the Sarajevo Canton". Respondents were at age in range from 18-65 years, who have voluntarily joined the study. RESULTS: Of 443 (100%) of the respondents 153 (34.5%) were males compared to females whose participation in the sample was 290 (65.5%). Regarding the structure of respondents, the majority of them 213 (48.1%) graduated faculty, 142 (32, 1%) graduated secondary vocational schools and 66 (14.9%) with a higher degree, with the lowest number with completed grammar school (1.4%) and secondary school (0.5%). Blood pressure never measure 16 (3.6%) of respondents, which is not insignificant number, more than 5 years ago 23 (5.2%), within last 1-5 years 90 (20.3%), in the past 12 months 88 (19.9% ) and 226 (51%) measured the blood pressure in the past 6 months. Blood pressure never controlled 4.33% of respondents with secondary or higher education and 2.82% of the respondents with university education. Chi-square test showed a difference between education and the prevalence of blood pressure, χ2=7.812; DF=8; p=0.045. CONCLUSION: Monitoring of blood pressure and frequent measurement can in large number prevent progression of hypertension, which can often remain unnoticed if the blood pressure is not measured regularly. Lower levels of education may be associated with lower socioeconomic status of healthy subjects, as well as the low level of health education, which may be factors that contribute to improper diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, so indirectly affect the occurrence of the disease. Education can be a potential risk factor for high blood pressure during their lifetime and thus the risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases.

Correlation between hyperprolactinemia, MRI of hypophysis and clinical presentation in infertile patients.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to investigate symptoms of hyperprolactinemia such as oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, and correlation between hyperprolactinemia and MRI of hypophysis in infertile women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the 10 years period, we have studied 87 patients investigated for infertility causes and with hyperprolactinemia findings, in our patients we have controled the serum prolactin levels, performed MRI of hypophysis, evaluated menstrual cycle disturbances and galactorrhea. Patients were between 20-43 of age. RESULTS: MRI of hypophysis confirmed prolactinoma (microadenoma) in 75.86% of our patients, while 24.14% had a normal MRI. Galactorrhea was demonstrated in 56.32% of patients. Oligomenorrhoea occured in 25.29%, and secondary amenorrhea in 14.94% of patients with hyperprolactinemia and infertility. The results show statistically significant difference in the average findings of serum prolactin levels on the day 8 and 21 of menstrual cycle in patients with or without microadenoma. CONCLUSIONS: Menstrual cycle disturbancies (oligomenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea) in patients with hyperprolactinemia and infertility occured in 40.33% of patients. We have noted statisctically significant correlation between the serum prolactin levels on the day 8 of menstrual cycle and the microadenoma size, which was not found on the 21 day of menstrual cycle.

Incidence of morbidity and mortality in premature infants at the Department of Neonatal Intensive Care of Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Center of Sarajevo Unviersity.

INTRODUCTION: Premature baby (praematurus, neonatus praetemporarius) indicates infant that is born before 37 full weeks of gestation, calculated from the first day of the last mother's menstruation. Premature baby is characterized by immaturity of its organs and tissues, which can lead to an immediate or later threat. Premature children cannot keep the body temperature and very quickly gets hypothermia. This is due to the low creation of heat, but also because of the great loss of heat through the thin skin, which lacks fat. Nervous system in premature children is immature, and therefore has little control on breathing and often "forget to breathe". Also, they have underdeveloped reflexes, among other the feeding reflex. GOAL: The main goal of the research was to show the incidence of hospitalization in premature infants during examined period, the most common complications and to show the degree of matureness. Also, during the research are presented and the frequency of premature born infant mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included a period of 6 months and was conducted at the Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo. The clinical study included 81 premature newborns, which in the period from June 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 hospitalized at the Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. On the basis of data from the history of the disease, were analyzed all newborns, gestation age, diagnosis for which they were hospitalized and flow with existing complications during treatment and recovery. RESULTS: In the second half of the 2012 at the Pediatric Clinic CCUS was hospitalized 81 premature born children. Gestational age ranged from 27 to 37 weeks and the body weight from 810 to 2500g. These children generally had respiratory problems during hospitalization and in nearly 1/3 of premature infants developed respiratory distress syndrome. In the study period there were 15 deaths in children whose average gestational age was 27 weeks and the body weight of 1050 grams. CONCLUSION: The incidence of premature infants and their mortality and morbidity has an important role in the provision of information needed to improve the health of pregnant women, mothers and newborns. It is also an important indicator of concern for the health of the mother and the quality of gynecological and pediatric care. Adequate approach to antenatal care and a high degree of frequency of neonatal care the premature delivery can be reduced and premature mortality minimized.

Ultrasound evaluation of uterine scar after Cesarean section and next birth.

INTRODUCTION: Cesarean section (Sectio Caesarea) is a surgical method for the completion of delivery. After various historical modifications of operative techniques, modern approach consists in the transverse dissection of the anterior wall of the uterus. The rate of vaginal birth after cesarean section was significantly reduced from year to year, and the rate of repeated cesarean section is increased during the past 10 years. Evaluation of scar thickness is done by ultrasound, but it is still debatable size of thick scar that would be guiding "cut-off value" for the completion of the delivery method. GOAL: The aim was to examine the most accurate ultrasonic method for assessing thickness scar on the uterus after previous cesarean delivery and determine the threshold thickness of scar that would allow the completion of birth vaginally. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Conducted is prospective study of 108 pregnant women aged 20-42 years, who had previously had a Caesarean section. Diagnostic accuracy in assessing the success of scar scale by evaluation of delivery (spontaneous or caesarean section). Measurements were carried out by 2D and 3D ultrasound machines in the 20, 38-40 week of gestation and 48 hours after birth. RESULTS: Tests have shown that there is a statistically significant difference in the rates of specificity (0.04), sensitivity (0.05), PPV (0.01) and NPV (0.01) between 2D and 3D ultrasound. Ultrasound images of uterine muscle scar after prior cesarean section are better by 3D methods. The marginal value, "cut-off value" thick scar, which provides the possibility of vaginal birth after previous incision was 3.5 mm. CONCLUSION: The study showed that ultrasound measurement of 3D ultrasound thick scar on the uterus after previous cesarean section has practical application in determining the mode of delivery among pregnant women who have previously given birth by Caesarean section.

Ultrasound evaluation of uterine scar after cesarean section.

INTRODUCTION: The rate of attempted vaginal birth after previous cesarean delivery has decreased, while the success rate of such births increased. Advances in surgical techniques, the development of anesthesiology services, particularly endotracheal anesthesia, very quality postoperative care with cardiovascular, respiratory and biochemical resuscitation, significantly reduce maternal mortality and morbidity after cesarean section. Progress and development of neonatal services, and intensive care of newborns is enabled and a high survival of newborn infants. Complications after cesarean section were reduced, and the introduction of prophylaxis and therapy of powerful antibiotics, as well as materials for sewing drastically reduce all forms of puerperal infection. GOAL: Goal was to establish a measurement value of the parameters that are evaluated by ultrasound. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Each of the measured parameters was scored. The sum of points is shown in tables. Based on the sum of points was done an estimate of the scar on the uterus after previous caesarian section and make the decision whether to complete delivery naturally or repeat cesarean section. We conducted a prospective study of 108 pregnant women. Analyzed were: shape scar thickness (thickening), continuity, border scar out, echoing the structure of the lower uterine segment and scar volume RESULTS: The study showed that scar thickness of 3.5 mm or more, the homogeneity of the scar, scar triangular shape, qualitatively richer perfusion, and scar volume verified by 3D technique up to10 cm are attributes of the quality of the scar. CONCLUSION: Based on the obtained results we conclude that ultrasound evaluation of the quality of the scar has practical application in the decision on the mode of delivery in women who had previously given birth by Caesarean section.

Web based distance learning at Faculty of Medicine of Sarajevo University.

The time in which we live is defined by the significant influence of the information technologies on our lives, changes and development of society and the efficacy of all the organization systems. Increase and development of distance learning (DL) technologies over the past decade has exposed the potential and the efficiency of new technologies. Number of events has organized by teaching staff from Cathedrae for Medical Informatics in order to promote distance learning and web based education are very extensive: professional-scientific events, workshops and congresses, first tele-exam at the Medical Faculty, Introducing of Distance learning in curriculum at biomedical faculties, etc. At the University in Sarajevo in year 2003 was opened the e-learning center for the support to the faculties the distance studies by use of the information technology. At Medical Faculty of University of Sarajevo at Cathedrae for Medical Informatics since 2002 is in progress realization of the project named: "Possibilities of introducing distance learning in medical curriculum", approved by the Federal and the Cantonal ministry of science and education. Pilot project was realized during three past school years, theoretical and practical education of subject Medical informatics are adapted to the new concepts of education using world trends of education from the distance. One group of students was included in the project finalized by electronic exam registration and electronic exam on 20 June 2005, publicly, in the Physiology amphitheatre of the Medical Faculty in Sarajevo.

Distance learning at biomedical faculties in bosnia & herzegovina.

Increase and development of distance learning technologies over the past decade has exposed the potential and the efficiency of new technologies. Benefit and use of contemporary information technologies is the area where medical informatics got the most on understanding and importance. Definition of distance learning as "use of technologies based on health care delivered on distance" covers areas such as electronic health, tele-health (e-health), telematics, telemedicine, tele-education, etc. For the need of e-health, telemedicine, tele-education and distance learning there are various technologies and communication systems from standard telephone lines to the system of transmission digitalized signals with modem, optical fiber, satellite links, wireless technologies, etc. Tele-education represents health education on distance, using Information Communication Technologies(ICT), as well as continuous education of a health system beneficiaries and use of electronic libraries, data bases or electronic data with data bases of knowledge. In this paper authors described activities on introduction of distance learning in teaching process at Medical faculty, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Internet was not really meant to be a means of human communication at first; but the clearly the Net become a main piece of human communication.

[Possibilities of application of distance learning in medical curriculum]. / Mogucnosti uvodenja ucenja na daljinu u medicinski curriculum.

Possibilities of introduction of distance learning in medical curriculum is the title of project which commenced in 2002 at Cathedra for Medical Informatics of the Medical faculty in Sarajevo. Project is approved by Federal and Cantonal ministries of science and education. The purpose of this project is to support improvement of the educational process at biomedical faculties using contemporary methods, methodologies and information technologies in accordance with strategies and objectives given by Bologna declaration. Pilot project is attained after three years, theoretical and practical part of subject Medical Informatics are adapted to modern concepts of education using world trends of distance learning. One group of students from Medical faculty was involved in this project, which was finalized by electronic registration of exam and electronic testing on June 20, 2005 in public, in Physiological amphitheatre of Medical faculty in Sarajevo. In this article we have given complete description of this project as well as its basic adventages and disadvantages.