Predisposing Factors Responsible for the Occurrence of Bacterial Purulent Meningoencephalitis

Bacterial purulent meningoencephalitis (BPME) is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by various pyogenic bacteria. The disease is defined as the inflammatory process of leptomeninges (visceral layer, pia mater and arachnoid membrane) and brain parenchyma with exudates in the subarachnoid space and surrounding brain structures. The aim of the study was to define the predisposing factors responsible for the occurrence of BPME, as well as the possible correlation between the presence of predisposing factors and patient demographic characteristics, etiology and outcome of the disease. This retrospective-prospective study included 90 patients with BPME confirmed by clinical, neuroradiological and laboratory findings. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to analyze the impact of the predisposing factors on the disease outcomes. Predisposing factors that were related to BPME were found in 61% of patients. Cranial trauma as the leading factor was recorded in 23.3% of patients, followed by previous neurological disease in 14.4% of patients, while 13 patients were exposed to previous chemotherapy or long-term corticosteroid therapy. Cardiovascular diseases were reported in 12.2% and diabetes in 7.8% of patients. The existence of cardiovascular diseases significantly influenced unfavorable outcome of the disease, i.e. "deceased" in comparison to "cured" (OR=8.418; 95% CI=1.007-76.270), independently of age and gender. None of the examined predisposing factors was significantly related to the "recovered with sequels" outcome as compared with "cured" outcome. Older age and presence of cardiovascular disease as a predisposing factor significantly increased the odds of the BPME unfavorable outcome "deceased" as compared to "cured" outcome.

Fever of unknown origin: Most frequent causes in adults patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin (FUO) includes more than 200 different diseases and conditions. The aim of this study was to identify the most frequent causes of FUO among adult patients according to gender and age. METHODS: The study included 74 patients examined from June 2010 to June 2013 at the Infectious Disease Clinic, Clinical Center Kragujevac in Serbia, according to the defined criteria for FUO. The patients were divided according to the diagnosis into four groups: infectious, malignant, rheumatic and "other diseases". A cause of febricity could not be estabilshed in a portion of subjects, and they comprised the group of undiagnosed cases. RESULTS: Infectious diseases were dominant in the study, followed by rheumatic diseases, which were most frequently found in women and the elderly. The diseases recognised as the most common causes of febricity were subacute thyroiditis, subacute endocarditis, Still's disease, rheumatic polymyalgia with or without temporal arteritis, and cytomegalovirus infection. In 44% of the patients, the final diagnosis was composed of only six clinical entities. CONCLUSION: The importance of establishing the diagnosis of rheumatic disease is especially emphasised, in line with other authors' research indicating the number of these diseases is on the rise. The diagnostic approach to FUO should always be directed to the known frequency of diseases.

Risk factors for hospital infections caused by carbapanem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter baumannii is one of major causative agents of severe, life-threatening hospital infections (HIs), especially in intensive care units (ICUs). Our aim was to discover the risk factors associated with the emergence of HIs caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), as well as those associated with death in patients who suffer from such infections. METHODOLOGY: A prospective cohort study was conducted over a five-year period in the medical-surgical ICU of the Clinical Centre in Kragujevac, Serbia. The study group comprised patients who had HIs caused by CRAB, while the control group comprised patients infected with carbapenem-sensitive Acinetobacter baumannii. RESULTS: In total, 137 patients developed HIs caused by Acinetobacter baumannii. The mean age of the patients was 59.65 ± 16.08 years, and 99 (72.26%) of them were males. In 95 patients (69.35%), the infection was caused by CRAB. There were six independent risk factors for CRAB infections: use of mechanical ventilation, previous stay in another department, stay in ICU for more than a month, and previous use of carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and metronidazole. Three independent risk factors were found for death in patients with HIs caused by CRAB: use of mechanical ventilation, previous stay in another department, and previous use of carbapenems. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study can be helpful when identifying patients with risk of HIs caused by CRAB and in planning preventive measures. Modification of known risk factors and appropriate institutional policy of antibiotic utilization are important measures that may decrease the incidence and mortality of such infections.

[Risk factors of nosocomial infections caused by piperacillin-tazobactam resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa].

INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of serious infections in hospitalized patients and is associated with high rates of hospital morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors of nosocomial infections caused by piperacillin-tazobactam-resistant P.aeruginosa (PT-RPA). METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in the Clinical Centre Kragujevac from January 2010 to December 2011. RESULTS: In the observed period, 79 (38.16%) patients had PT-RPA infections, while 128 (61.84%) patients had infections caused by piperacillin-tazobactam-sensitive P. aeruginosa (PT-SPA). Pneumonia was more frequently found in the PT-RPA group (55.70%) (p < 0.05), whereas urinary tract infections were more frequent in the group of patients with PT-SPA infections (26.56%) (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis was used to identify an injury on admission (OR = 3.089; 95% CI = 1.438-6.635; p = 0.004), administration of imipenem (OR = 15.027; 95% CI = 1.778-127.021; p = 0.013), meropenem (OR = 2.618; 95% CI = 1.030-6.653; p = 0.043), ciprofloxacin (OR = 3.380; 95% CI = 1.412-8.090; p = 0.006), vancomycin (OR = 4.294; 95% CI = 1.477-12.479; p = 0.007), piperacillin-tazobactam (OR = 4.047; 95% CI = 1.395-11.742; p = 0.010) as independent risk factors associated with PT-RPA infection. CONCLUSION: In hospitalized patients, the risk of PT-RPA infections is associated with previous administration of imipenem, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and the presence of injury on admission.

Radiology Services Costs and Utilization Patterns Estimates in Southeastern Europe-A Retrospective Analysis from Serbia.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of costs matrix and patterns of prescribing of radiology diagnostic, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and interventional radiology services. Another aim of the study was insight into drivers of inappropriate resource allocation. METHODS: An in-depth, retrospective bottom-up trend analysis of services consumption patterns and expenses was conducted from the perspective of third-party payer, for 205,576 inpatients of a large tertiary care university hospital in Serbia (1,293 beds) from 2007 to 2010. RESULTS: A total of 20,117 patients in 2007, 17,436 in 2008, 19,996 in 2009, and 17,579 in 2010 were radiologically examined, who consumed services valued at €2,713,573.99 in 2007, €4,529,387.36 in 2008, €5,388,585.15 in -2009, and €5,556,341.35 in 2010. CONCLUSIONS: The macroeconomic crisis worldwide and consecutive health policy measures caused a drop in health care services diversity offered in some areas in the period 2008 to 2009. In spite of this, in total it increased during the time span observed. The total cost of services increased because of a rise in overall consumption and population morbidity. An average radiologically examined patient got one frontal chest graph, each 7th patient got an abdomen ultrasound examination, each 19th patient got a computed tomography endocranium check, and each 25th patient got a head nuclear magnetic resonance. Findings confirm irrational prescribing of diagnostic procedures and necessities of cutting costs. The consumption patterns noticed should provide an important momentum for policymakers to intervene and ensure higher adherence to guidelines by clinicians.

Assessment of viral genotype impact to the cost-effectiveness and overall costs of care for PEG-interferon-2α + ribavirine treated chronic hepatitis C patients.

BACKGROUND: Pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin protocol is currently considered the most efficient hepatitis C treatment. However, no evidence of costs comparison among common viral genotypes has been published. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess core drivers of hepatitis C medical care costs and compare cost effectiveness of this treatment among patients infected by hepatitis C virus with genotypes 1 or 4 (group I), and 2 or 3 (group II). PATIENTS AND MATERIALS: Prospective bottom-up cost-effectiveness analysis from societal perspective was conducted at Infectious Diseases Clinic, University Clinic Kragujevac, Serbia, from 2007 to 2010. There were 81 participants with hepatitis C infection, treated with peg alpha-2a interferon plus ribavirin for 48 or 24 weeks. Economic data acquired were direct inpatient medical costs, outpatient drug acquisition costs, and indirect costs calculated through human capital approach. RESULTS: Total costs were significantly higher (P = 0.035) in group I (mean ± SD: 12,751.54 ± 5,588.06) compared to group II (mean ± SD: 10,580.57 ± 3,973.02). In addition, both direct (P = 0.039) and indirect (P < 0.001) costs separately were significantly higher in group I compared to group II. Separate comparison within direct costs revealed higher total cost of medical care (P = 0.024) in first compared to second genotype group, while the similar tendency was observed for total drug acquisition (P = 0.072). CONCLUSION: HCV genotypes 1 and 4 cause more severe clinical course require more care and thus incur higher expenses compared to HCV 2 and 3 genotypes. Policy makers should consider willingness to pay threshold differentially depending upon HCV viral genotype detected.

Hospital infections in a neurological intensive care unit: incidence, causative agents and risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital infections (HIs), which are frequently associated with hospital treatment, increase morbidity, mortality and treatment costs. The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of HIs in a neurological intensive care unit (nICU), and to determine the most prevalent causative agents and risk factors for HIs. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study with nested case-control design was conducted between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010 at an 18-bed neurological intensive care unit at the Clinical Center Kragujevac, Serbia. RESULTS: In total, 537 patients were enrolled in the study, with 6,549 patient-days. There were 89 patients with 101 HIs. The incidence of patients with HIs was 16.57%, and incidence of HIs was 18.81%, while density of HIs was 15.42 per 1,000 patient-days. The most frequent anatomical sites of HIs were urinary tract (73.27%), blood (10.89%), and skin and soft tissues (10.89%). The following risk factors were identified: co-morbidity (OR=3.9; 95% CI=1.9-7.9), surgical intervention in the last 30 days (OR=5.6; 95% CI=1.5-20.4), urinary bladder catheterization longer than seven days (OR=3.8; 95% CI=1.8-8.2), value of Glasgow coma scale ≤ 9 (OR=3.7; 95% CI=1-6.9), and longer hospital stay (OR=1.1; 95% CI=1.1-1.2). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization in an nICU bears high risk of HIs, especially of urinary tract infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, in patients with longer hospital stay or co-morbidities, and in those who have had surgical interventions or prolonged use of a urinary bladder catheter. Special attention should be paid to these patients to prevent HIs.

[Risk factors for acute respiratory distress syndrome development in patients with type A influenza (H1N1)].

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a significant complication in patients with type A influenza (H1N1) due to the severity of the disease and adverse outcome. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for the development of ARDS in patients with type A influenza (H1N1) and outcome of ARDS. METHODS: The research was conducted as a case series study, and included patients admitted at the Clinical Center in Kragujevac during the 2009 and 2010 flu season. Data for the study were obtained from patients' medical records, inclusion criteria having been determined in accordance with recommendations of the Expert Methodological Guide for Controlling Spread of Pandemic Influenza in the Republic of Serbia. Primary data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and a statistical method for testing hypotheses. Dependence analysis was performed using simple logistic regression. The statistical hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: The case group consisted of 14 patients who developed ARDS, while the control group was composed of 34 patients with influenza but without ARDS (group alignment performed by age). Simple logistic regression analysis identified the following risk factors for the development of ARDS: diabetes mellitus type 1 or 2 (p=0.028), high levels of C-reactive protein (p=0.004), aspartate-aminotransferase (p=0.006), urea (p=0.028), creatine kinase (p=0.001), lactate-dehydrogenase (p=0.005) and longer time elapsed from disease symptoms onset to the administration of specific antiviral therapy administration (p=0.021). CONCLUSION: The research showed that diabetes, late initiation of antiviral therapy and some laboratory tests are risk factors for ARDS development in patients with type A influenza (H1N1).

Clinical characteristics of nosocomial infections of patients with acute central nervous system infections treated in ICU.

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of nosocomial infections in patients with acute infection of central nervous system (ACNS infections). The study included 1,686 patients admitted to the ICU. Of 1,686 patients, 936 (55.5%) had ACNS infection. Nosocomial infections was confirmed in 221 (23.6%) patients with ACNS infection. The most common risk factors for ICU-acquired nosocomial infections were consciousness disorder, mechanical ventilation and nasogastric tube. The coagulase - negative Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent isolated pathogen (285 isolates, 56.5%). Results suggest that a persistently high level of therapeutic activity and persistently depressed consciousness after the ICU admission are associated with the occurrence of hospital-acquired infection in critically ill patients hospitalized at a medical ICU.

Characteristics of radiological changes in lungs during varicella zoster viral infection.

The objective of this research was to analyse the varicella patients' data in order to determine the following: general frequency of pneumopathies and types of lung changes according to X-ray presentation and the changes on the computed tomography. It examined 101 patients with the clinical presentation of varicella and some of the X-ray entities of varicella pneumopathies. Radiological techniques included chest X-ray and CT scans. Familiarity with clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of the disease may be of utmost importance for early recognition.

[Incidence, risk factors and outcome of nosocomial pneumonia patients with central nervous system infections].

INTRODUCTION: Pneumonia is the most frequent nosocomial infection in intensive care units. The reported frequency varies with definition, the type of hospital or intensive care units and the population of patients. The incidence ranges from 6.8-27%. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency, risk factors and mortality of nosocomial pneumonia in intensive care patients. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively and prospectively the collected data of 180 patients with central nervous system infections who needed to stay in the intensive care unit for more than 48 hours. This study was conducted from 2003 to 2009 at the Clinical Centre of Kragujevac. RESULTS: During the study period, 54 (30%) patients developed nosocomial pneumonia. The time to develop pneumonia was 10 +/-6 days. We found that the following risk factors for the development of nosocomial pneumonia were statistically significant: age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score < 9, mechanical ventilation, duration of mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, presence of nasogastric tube and enteral feeding. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Klebsiella-Enterobacter spp. (33.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24.1%), Acinetobacter spp. (16.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (25.9%). CONCLUSION: Nosocomial pneumonia is the major cause of morbidity and mortality of patients with central nervous system infections. Patients on mechanical ventilation are particularly at a high risk. The mortality rate of patients with nosocomial pneumonia was 54.4% and it was five times higher than in patients without pneumonia.

[Lyme borreliosis--diagnostic difficulties in interpreting serological results].

INTRODUCTION: Lyme borreliosis is a multi-systemic disease caused by spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. The specific response is influenced by phenotypic characteristics of Borrelia, different antigen structure, their different geographic distribution, and the patient's capability to react to the infection. The immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato develops relatively late, whereas in some patients it never develops. The immune response in the early phase of Lyme borreliosis is very similar to the one of healthy population. DIAGNOSIS OF BORRELIA: Clinical manifestation, detailed anamnesis and epidemiological data are crucial for making the diagnosis. The majority of patients in the late phase of Lyme borreliosis have IgG antibody response, which could be followed by IgM also throughout this period of time. The number of serologically positive findings increases with the duration of the infection. Specific borrelial antigens can be detected by a Western blot test. In patients with neuroborreliosis, antibodies could be synthesized only intrathecally. IgG and IgM antibody response can persist for many years after the treatment. There is no positive serological test, which could be the indicator of the disease activity on its own; even if it demonstrates high antibody titre. If there are no clinical signs of Lyme borreliosis, the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis should be primarily based on clinical findings, and serological results should be used only to confirm but not to make the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Specific antibodies from the IgM class can be proved in about 50% of patients, 2 to 4 weeks after the onset of primary infection, but an early administration of the antibiotics can postpone or inhibit that response. INTERPRETATION OF SEROLOGICAL RESULTS: When interpreting the serological test results with high level of sensitivity and specificity used for making diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, it is necessary to take into consideration the seroprevalence in a certain region. In the population with a low prevalence of the disease, the tests will have a low positive predicative value, i.e. the probability of indicating the real disease will be lower. According to the recommendations given by the Centre for Disease Control in North America, all extreme and positive results of EA and IFA are to be confirmed by a Western blot test. DIAGNOSTIC PROBLEMS: The main problem in making diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis is underestimation and overrating of the diagnosis. Not a single positive serologic test is the indicator of the disease activity on its own, regardless of the antibodies titre level, when clear clinical signs are scarce.

[Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome during pregnancy: case report].

INTRODUCTION: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFWRS) is an acute infectious disease with abrupt onset, high fever, renal failure and frequent hemorragies. HFWRS during the pregnancy has relatively low occurrence, with only few described cases mostly in the region of the former Soviet Union. Although, according to the data from the literature, the disease is less severe during the pregnancy, the eclampsy, stillbirth and fetal infection were also described. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the summer period, June-September 2002 in the area of northeast Montenegro, and mainly among people whose job was connected with rural areas, the HFRS was observed more frequently. In that area during the stated period, 12 patients underwent treatment whose disease was confirmed by the IIF method at the Torlak Institute of Virology in Belgrade. Among the patients there were two pregnant women aged 23 and 29 (both in their second pregnancies), in the 23rd and 26th gestational week, respectively. The aim of this study is to present 2 case studies and to show the disease impact on fetal development. RESULTS: The patients aged 23 and 29 yrs, were previously healthy women in their second pregnancies (23rd and 26th gestational week, respectively). The disease had typical beginning. The predictions made according to the laboratory abnormalities and the level of oliguria were that the disease would have a less severe course. Hemorrraghic syndrome was less prominent, and the laboratory analyses were normalized after 15 to 18 days. The monitoring of pregnancy during the disease period and after recovering showed no fetal suffering. The patients had PV delivery, in 39-th an 40-th, respectively. The newborns blood testing on Hantan viruses was done by ELISA method in Torlak Institute, Belgrade. Only the IgG antibodies (1/512), were detected, the IgM antibodies were not found. Two years later the tests were repeated, and showed negative results.

[Exercise tolerance and dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

BACKGROUND/AIM: Peripheral muscle weakness and nutritional disorders, firstly loss of body weight, are common findings in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of pulmonary function parameters, nutritional status and state of peripheral skeletal muscles on exercise tolerance and development of dyspnea in COPD patients. METHODS: Thirty COPD patients in stable state of disease were analyzed. Standard pulmonary function tests, including spirometry, body pletysmography, and measurements of diffusion capacity were performed. The 6-minute walking distance test (6MWD) was done in order to assess exercise tolerance. Level of dyspnea was measured with Borg scale. In all patients midthigh muscle cross-sectional area (MTCSA) was measured by computerized tomography scan. Nutritional status of patients was estimated according to body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Statisticaly significant correlations were found between parameters of pulmonary function and exercise tolerance. Level of airflow limitation and lung hyperinflation had significant impact on development of dyspnea at rest and especially after exercise. Significant positive correlation was found between MTCSA and exercise tolerance. Patients with more severe airflow limitation, lung hyperinflation and reduced diffusion capacity had significantly lower MTCSA. CONCLUSION: Exercise tolerance in COPD patients depends on severity of bronchoobstruction, lung hyperinflation and MTCSA. Severity of bronchoobstruction and lung hyperinflation have significant impact on dyspnea level.

[Weil's syndrome (leptospiral infection): a case report].

INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis is an acute zoonotic infection, caused by spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. It is characterized by extensive vasculitis. It is usually transmitted indirectly, per contaminated water, rarely directly, through contact with infected animals. Leptospira bacteria commonly enter the body through damaged skin or mucous membranes. The clinical syndromes may vary from a subclinical infection and mild febrile condition to severe clinical symptoms with jaundice and renal failure. CASE REPORT: This is a case report of a patient with leptospirosis (Weil's disease) whose clinical manifestations included: icterus, renal failure, hemorrhagic syndrome and disturbances of consciousness. After the use of antibiotics, symptomatic and substitution therapy, all symptoms resolved completely. However, in our patient, hemodialysis was necessary due to renal failure, as a palliative measure. DISCUSSION: Weil's syndrome is a severe form of leptospirosis, which can be fatal. Early clinical diagnosis of the disease, as well as serologic verification of infection, are very important prerequisites, followed by antibiotic and other symptomatic therapy, as soon as possible. CONCLUSION: This is a case report of a patient with rare clinical manifestations of leptosirosis. Although presenting with severe symptoms, thanks to palliative therapeutic measures, complete and fast recovery was achieved. We especially point out the role of.

Nosocomial infections in patients with acute central nervous system infections.

Due to current increase in the rate of nosocomial infections, our objective was to examine the frequency, risk factors, clinical presentation and etiology of nosocomial infections in patients with central nervous system infections. 2246 patients with central nervous system infections, treated in the intensive care units of the Institute of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade and at the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Clinical Hospital Center Kragujevac, were included in this retrospective and prospective study. Clinical manifestations of nosocomial infections were registered in 180 (12.7%) patients. Direct risk factors for nosocomial infections were: venous lines, urinary catheter, length of stay over 20 days, inhibitors of gastric secretion, consciousness disorders and coma, endotracheal intubation, tracheotomy and controlled ventilation for 5 days or more. The most frequent clinical presentations of nosocomial infections were: tract urinary infections, bacteriemia/sepsis and nosocomial pneumonia. Significantly higher frequency of death outcomes was registered in patients with nosocomial infections.

[Altered state of consciousness as a factor affecting the course and consequences of acute viral encephalitis].

INTRODUCTION: Acute viral encephalitis is an infectious disease, which is characterized by sudden onset, serious clinical picture and with an uncertain outcome. Disturbances of consciousness are common in the course of acute viral encephalitis. Consciousness is the heighest form of psychic life and consciousness disturbances may include quantitative (somnolentia, sopor, coma) and qualitative symptoms (convulsions, twilight state). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated 63 patients with acute viral encephalitis. The youngest patient was 15, and the oldest one 69 years of age. We examined the state of consciousness in all patients. RESULTS: Of all examined patients, 54 (85.72%) patients had disturbances of consciousness, 9 (14.25%) patients had no conciousness disturbances, 11 (17.46%) patients had sopor and 24 (38.09%) patients were in coma. The highest percentage of lethal outcomes was recorded in coma patients (12.5%). The longer the duration of consciousness disturbances, the higher the mortality among these patients. DISCUSSION: Subjective and objective factors cause different grades and duration of consciousness disturbances. The highest percentage of patients who recovered without consequences was established in the group of patients (81.82%) with somnolence. The highest percentage of patients who recovered with consequences (20.8%) and patients (12.5%) with lethal outcome was recorded in the group of patients in coma. These findings are in correlation with literature data.

[Changes in plasma osmolality in food poisoning].

INTRODUCTION: Changes in plasma osmolality may occur during acute intestinal infections due to dehydration (loss of water and/or electrolytes). Depending on whether the water and electrolyte deficit is primary, or a proportional loss of water and electrolytes, dehydration can be classified into three categories: hypertonic, hypotonic and isotonic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty (30) patients with food poisoning were included in this research. All patients were hospitalized because of frequent vomiting, with resultant dehydration. A diagnosis of food poisoning was made based on the clinical picture, short incubation period and positive epidemiological history. Plasma osmolality was measured by a freezing point depression with an osmometer, while effective plasma osmolality was determined by using the following formula: EPO (eff. plasma osmolality) = 2 x serum sodium concentration + serum glucose level. Apart from plasma osmolality, other parameters were also measured in patients' sera: sodium, chloride, potassium, urea, glucose and hematocrit. In order to follow-up the changes in these parameters, they were also measured after treatment of the gastrointestinal disorder. Statistical analysis was performed using the equality of mean values for 2 basic groups. RESULTS: The statistical results showed that the values of total and effective plasma osmolality (TPO and EPO) among patients with gastrointestinal disorders were not significantly higher than values after the alimentary infection. DISCUSSION: Such results suggest that food poisoning is associated with disorders of water and electrolyte metabolism, that is isotonic type of dehydration.

[Myopericarditis during acute Epstein-Barr virus infection: a case report].

INTRODUCTION: Complications associated with infectious mononucleosis are rare, but occasionally they can occur involving hematological, neurological, cardiological and pulmological complications, as well as liver and spleen disorders, sometimes with lethal outcome. The most important cardiac complications are myocarditis and pericarditis. CASE REPORT: An 18-year-old male patient was admitted to the Departement of Infectious Diseasees with clinical picture of infectious mononucelosis, while symptoms appeared 7 days before admission. He was under observation and treatment for nineteen days when clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic findings revealed development of myopericarditis and he was transferred to the Cardiology Department. He was treated with non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, antibiotics and other symptomatic therapy. He became afebrile 35 days after admission, and was discharged on the 50th day in good condition. DISCUSSION: Myocarditis may develop as a complication of an infectious disease, and is usually caused by a direct viral infection, as well as, toxic and autoimmune mechanisms. Myocarditis attributed to Epstein-Barr virus infection is probably caused by autoimmune mechanisms: autoantibodies activate the complement or cause cellular cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Myopericarditis is not a common complication of acute Epstein-Barr virus infection. Transvenous endomyocardial biopsy is an established method required for exact diagnosis. In this case it was not done, due to some technical reasons. Thus, there is a high probalitiy that this patient had myopericarditis.