The Patterns of Non-vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) Use in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation in Seven Balkan Countries: a Report from the BALKAN-AF Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Data on management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the Balkan Region are scarce. To capture the patterns in AF management in contemporary clinical practice in the Balkan countries a prospective survey was conducted between December 2014 and February 2015, and we report results pertinent to the use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs). METHODS: A 14-week prospective, multicenter survey of consecutive AF patients seen by cardiologists or internal medicine specialists was conducted in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Romania, and Serbia (a total of about 50 million inhabitants). RESULTS: Of 2712 enrolled patients, 2663 (98.2%) had complete data relevant to oral anticoagulant (OAC) use (mean age 69.1 ± 10.9 years, female 44.6%). Overall, OAC was used in 1960 patients (73.6%) of whom 338 (17.2%) received NOACs. Malignancy [odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.06, 1.20-3.56], rhythm control (OR 1.64, 1.25-2.16), and treatment by cardiologists were independent predictors of NOAC use (OR 2.32, 1.51-3.54) [all p < 0.01)], whilst heart failure and valvular disease were negatively associated with NOAC use (both p < 0.01). Individual stroke and bleeding risk were not significantly associated with NOAC use on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: NOACs are increasingly used in AF patients in the Balkan Region, but NOAC use is predominantly guided by factors other than evidence-based decision-making (e.g., drug availability on the market or reimbursement policy). Efforts are needed to establish an evidence-based approach to OAC selection and to facilitate the optimal use of OAC, thus improving the outcomes in AF patients in this large region.

Optimizing prevention and guideline-concordant care in Montenegro.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend use of evidence-based medications in patients discharged after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Yet the current rates of adherence in many eastern European countries are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether 6month outpatient follow-up after ACS is associated with recommended rates of medication adherence in Montenegro. METHODS: A prospective analysis was conducted in 585 ACS patients confirmed to be alive after ACS at 6month follow-up. The study was undertaken between 2012 and 2015, from 9 International Survey of Acute Coronary Syndrome in Transitional Countries (ISACS-TC) hospitals in the Montenegro. The primary outcome was guideline-concordant care, defined as 100% compliance with 5 medications: aspirin, clopidogrel, beta-blockers, and statins in ACS patients, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers [ACEI/ARB] for the subset of patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, as assessed by an ejection fraction less than 40% at discharge. In addition to the composite end point, the achievement of each single treatment measure was analyzed. Multivariate predictors of long-term medication adherence were also identified. RESULTS: Guideline-concordant care (GCC) at discharge increased from 2012 to 2015 (adjusted OR for increase 1.51; CI 0.88-2.52). GCC over 6months was adhered in 73% of patients. In patients who did not achieve GCC, adherence was persistently high with 92.3% for aspirin, 91.3% for statins and 72% for ACE-inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs). Adherence was lower for clopidogrel (57.7%) and beta-blockers (64.4%). After adjusting for demographic and clinical differences, in-hospital referral to PCI and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were associated with greater medication adherence at 6month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In Montenegro, long-term adherence to evidence-based medication after ACS is high. Adherence to guideline-recommended therapies increased over time with participation to the ISACS-TC. The lower achievement of GCC in patients treated medically and in those with non-ST-segment elevation ACS needs particular attention.

Premature ovarian failure.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is the occurrence of hypergonadotropic hypoestrogenic amenorrhea in women under the age of forty years. It is idiopathic in 74-90% patients. Known cases can be divided into primary and secondary POF. In primary POF genetic aberrations can involve the X chromosome (monosomy, trisomy, translocations, deletions) or autosomes. Genetic mechanisms include reduced gene dosage and non-specific chromosome effects impairing meiosis, decreasing the pool of primordial follicles and increasing atresia due to apoptosis or failure of follicle maturation. Autoimmune ovarian damage is caused by alteration of T-cell subsets and T-cell mediated injury, increase of autoantibody producing B-cells, a low number of effector/cytotoxic lymphocyte, which decreases the number and activity of natural killer cells. Bilateral oophorectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and infections cause the secondary POF. Symptoms of POF include irritability, nervousness, loss of libido, depression, lack of concentration, hot flushes, weight gaining, dry skin, vaginal dryness, frequent infections etc.The diagnosis is confirmed by the level of FSH of over 40 IU/L and estradiol below 50 pmol/L in women aged below 40 years. Biochemical and other hormonal analysis (free thyroxin, TSH, prolactin, testosterone), karyotype (<30 years of age), ultrasound of the breasts and pelvis are advisable. Optimal therapy is combined estrogen progestagen therapy given in a sequential rhythm, after excluding absolute contraindications. Testosterone can be added to adnexectomized women and those with a low libido. Sequential estrogen progestagen replacement therapy is the first line therapy for ovulation induction in those looking for pregnancy and after that oocyte donation will be advised. Appropriate estro-progestagen therapy improves the quality of life and prevents complications such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, stroke etc.