GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NERVE AS A SOURCE OF OROFACIAL PAIN - DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC CHALLENGES.

Chronic neuropathic orofacial pain along with physical suffering can cause emotional, psychological and social difficulties, which significantly affects the quality of life of patients. Pain in the area of glossopharyngeal nerve innervation, especially chronic neuropathic, is relatively rare, but is significant because of the great suffering it causes to sufferers. It can be life threatening, due to the cardiac arrhythmia, syncope or convulsions it can cause. Drug treatment is often of limited effectiveness and can be fraught with side effects. It is necessary to look for the etiology of the underlying disease, and if possible, to take adequate causal treatment. This review article discusses the etiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis, and treatment modalities of neuropathic pain in the area of glossopharyngeal nerve innervation.

CONVERSION RATE OF EPIDURAL ANALGESIA TO CAESAREAN SECTION REGIONAL OR GENERAL ANESTHESIA.

Introduction: Epidural analgesia is acknowledged as the most common method of analgesia during labor. If emergent Caesarean section (CS) is indicated in parturient with existing labor epidural, the need for conversion from epidural analgesia to regional (RA) or general anesthesia (GA) increases accordingly. Recent guidelines suggest the rate of conversion to general anesthesia shows the quality of obstetric anesthesia care and should be under 5%. The aim: The aim of this study is to determine the conversion rate from epidural analgesia to Caesarean section anesthesia in "Sveti Duh" University Hospital Zagreb in order to enhance the quality of anesthetic care for obstetric patients. Methods: We retrospectively included in the study all parturients who received epidural labor analgesia but needed subsequent regional or general anesthesia for Caesarean section in our institution for the period of 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021. After the data analysis on the conversion rate from epidural analgesia to Caesarean section anesthesia had been performed, we compared our data to current standards and relevant literature findings. Results: Altogether 1202 epidural catheters were placed for labor analgesia in the study period, and in 199 of these cases, the emergent Caesarean section was indicated. Epidural analgesia was converted to epidural anesthesia (EA) in 153 (76,9%) parturients, to general anesthesia in 40 (20,1%), and to spinal anesthesia (SA) in six (3%) parturients. After comparison with recommended quality standards and with the results of similar studies by other authors, our findings show a significantly higher rate of conversion from epidural analgesia to general anesthesia than has been desirable since then. Conclusion: In order to reach the required quality standards regarding the conversion rate from epidural analgesia to Caesarean section anesthesia, it is necessary to improve the organization of the work of the obstetric anesthesiology team according to the principle of subspecialization. It is imperative to implement the best clinical practice protocols for obstetric anesthesiologists, but also to enhance the communication and coordination with the obstetric team.

Weight Gain in Lung Transplantation Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Croatia.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of lockdown measures on lung transplant patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We collected data from Croatian lung transplant patients before and after the lockdown and analyzed changes in weight, BMI, lung function and blood lipid status. RESULTS: An average increase of 3.74 kg (+4.92%) body weight during the 4 month lockdown period was observed. Lung function values and blood lipid status remained stable. CONCLUSION: Such weight gain could have detrimental effects on the morbidity and mortality of lung transplant patients. Further follow up is needed to determine the long term impacts of this observation.

Risk factors for nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) in Croatia.

BACKGROUND: The incidence, geographical distribution and clinical relevance of different nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in Croatia are well described. There are few data on the risk factors for developing NTM pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) in this setting. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study on all Croatian residents with NTM isolated from respiratory samples in the period from 2006 to 2015 with follow-up to 2018. The American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America (ATS/IDSA) guidelines were used to establish NTM-PD diagnosis. Clinical, radiological and treatment data were collected from hospital records. RESULTS: Risk analysis calculations were made on the 439 isolation episodes that were classified as definitive NTM-PD (n = 137) or no disease (n = 302). Female gender, presence of bronchiectasis, low BMI and long-term systemic corticosteroid treatment were independent risk factors associated with NTM-PD. Hemoptysis and malaise were presenting symptoms independently associated with NTM-PD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and low/moderate dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment were not associated with NTM-PD. High dose ICS treatment was a significant risk factor for developing NTM-PD (aOR = 4.73, CI 1.69-13.23 p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The NTM-PD patients in Croatia are similar to those in other published cohorts in terms of their characteristics and risk factors. The significant dose-dependent association between ICS use and NTM-PD adds to the body of evidence suggesting that high dose ICS use is associated with NTM-PD.