Sanamed

QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Kenan Music, Damir Pelicic, Ranka Konatar, Borko Maras — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Introduction: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system are common in the general population. They significantly contribute to increased morbidity, more frequent use of healthcare services, reduced working capacity, increased professional absences, and the occurrence of disability.

Methodology: This study involved patients who underwent knee replacement surgery at the Clinical Center of Montenegro, Podgorica. We employed the SF-36, a widely used universal standard questionnaire, which has been applied in over 4,000 published studies.

Results: Statistically significant improvements in quality of life were observed in all examined domains: physical functioning (p=0.0001), role limitations due to physical problems (p=0.0001), role limitations due to emotional problems (p=0.0001), vitality/energy (p=0.0002), mental health (p=0.0004), social functioning (p=0.0001), physical pain (p=0.0001), and perception of general health (p=0.0001) following knee endoprosthesis implantation.

Conclusion: Statistically significant differences were observed in all quality of life domains before and after knee endoprosthesis surgery, confirming the improvement in patients' quality of life after the procedure.

TALC PLEURODESIS IN MANAGING BREAST CANCER-CAUSED MALIGNANT PLEURAL EFFUSIONS

Stefan Stevanović, Miloš Milojković, Jelena Petrović, Nikola Đorđević — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:13:08 +0100

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Serbia. Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a common manifestation of metastatic BC. Among solid tumors, BC accounts for the second-highest prevalence of MPE, occurring in 25% of cases. Current guidelines identify talc pleurodesis (TP) as one of the most effective treatments for MPE in most patients. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of TP in managing breast cancer-caused MPE.

Patients and Methods: This retrospective study included 21 patients with metastatic BC and MPE who were hospitalized at the Clinic for Thoracic Surgery, University Clinical Center Niš, during 2023. The success of TP was assessed using predefined clinical and radiographic criteria.

Results: TP was successful in 15 patients (71.4%). Luminal B BC was the most common subtype (42.9%). In the majority of cases, MPE was serous (71.4%) and ipsilateral (61.9%) to the primary breast tumor. Pleural cytology was positive in 28.6% of cases.

Conclusion: TP is an effective treatment for breast cancer-caused MPE. MPE is predominantly associated with Luminal B BC, and patients typically present with ipsilateral, serous MPE.

PLEUROPULMONARY SALMONELLA INFECTION – A CASE REPORT

Sladjana M Pavic, Aleksandra Pavic, Aleksa Novkovic — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:46:18 +0100

Introduction: Invasive nontyphoidal salmonellosis occurs in 5–10% of all nontyphoidal Salmonella infections, with an increasing trend, even in non-endemic areas. Extraintestinal manifestations may include inflammation or abscess formation in various organs, such as the lungs, meninges, kidneys, testes, muscles, and gallbladder.

Case report: We present the case of a 65-year-old female patient admitted for treatment due to fatigue, dyspnea, and weight loss. She did not report diarrhea or fever, and no epidemiological factors suggested a gastrointestinal infection.
Her medical history included hypertension and long-term heavy cigarette smoking.
A chest X-ray, followed by a CT scan, revealed a pleural effusion, and Salmonella enteritidis was isolated from the pleural fluid. Stool, blood, and urine cultures were negative.
Further diagnostics revealed dilated bile ducts, mild thickening of the gallbladder wall, and chronic gastritis. Laboratory findings indicated an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocytosis with neutropenia, and increased levels of C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase. The patient was treated with ceftriaxone. The clinical course was complicated by an ischemic cerebrovascular accident, but the overall outcome was favorable.

Conclusion: Pulmonary salmonellosis is rare but can occur in the absence of the typical gastrointestinal symptoms associated with Salmonella infection. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment. In this context, prompt microbiological sampling and the initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics are essential.

ISOLATED CONGENITAL KNEE DISLOCATION: A CASE REPORT

Edin Mesanovic, Fikret Fajic, Amra Mesanovic — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:20:57 +0100

Introduction: Congenital knee dislocation is a rare orthopedic condition characterized by abnormal positioning of the knee joint at birth, with an estimated incidence of approximately 1 in 100,000 live births. It is often associated with other congenital anomalies, necessitating prompt diagnosis and management.

Case Report: A male neonate delivered via cesarean section was referred for orthopedic evaluation due to a left lower extremity deformity. Initial examination revealed left knee hyperextension of approximately -45 degrees and restricted passive flexion limited to 90 degrees. Neurovascular assessment was normal. Radiographic imaging confirmed hyperextension without additional skeletal deformities. The treatment plan involved above-knee cast immobilization in maximal flexion, changed weekly for six weeks. By the end of the immobilization period, the patient exhibited significant improvement, achieving a full passive range of knee flexion and extension. Follow-up two weeks later confirmed normal passive and active ranges of motion, with no residual impairment.

Conclusion: Early intervention in congenital knee dislocation is crucial for achieving favorable functional outcomes, emphasizing the effectiveness of non-operative strategies in neonates.

INFLAMMATORY MECHANISMS IN COLORECTAL CANCER: THE ROLE OF CYTOKINES AND DIETARY INFLAMMATORY INDEX - A REVIEW

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 18:06:33 +0100

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors, with numerous studies highlighting the role of inflammation in its onset and progression. Cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α play a crucial role in sustaining inflammation, contributing to the malignant transformation of cells. The dietary inflammatory index, which reflects the intake of pro-inflammatory nutrients, is associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Serum cytokine concentrations may serve as biomarkers for risk assessment, while dietary modifications aimed at reducing inflammation can significantly impact both prevention and therapy. This knowledge opens possibilities for a personalized approach to the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer.

BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES IN NEUROREHABILITATION FOR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES: APPLICATIONS IN STROKE, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Sara Knežević — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 18:07:20 +0100

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) represent an innovative approach to neurorehabilitation for neurological conditions, particularly stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of current BCI applications, technological developments, and clinical outcomes in these conditions. Recent advances in electroencephalography-based BCIs have demonstrated promising results, with classification accuracies exceeding 90% in stroke rehabilitation and comparable performance in multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Meta-analyses of stroke rehabilitation trials (n=235) indicate significant motor function improvements, with standardized mean differences of 0.79 in upper limb assessment scores compared to conventional therapy. Disease-specific challenges necessitate tailored approaches, while hybrid systems combining multiple signal types and integration with virtual reality or robotic assistance enhance therapeutic potential. The development of portable, home-based systems offers increased therapy intensity but raises concerns about remote monitoring and safety protocols. This review synthesizes current evidence supporting BCI applications in neurorehabilitation and highlights critical areas for future research, including cognitive rehabilitation optimization and the standardization of outcome measures for cross-condition comparison.

ABDOMINAL PSEUDOCYST DUE TO VENTRICULOPERITONEAL SHUNT: AN UNCOMMON COMPLICATION OF A COMMON NEUROSURGICAL PROCEDURE

Muath ALfallaj, Sajad Ahmad Salati, Faiza Riaz Malik — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:10:16 +0100

For over a century, the ventriculoperitoneal shunt has been a standard neurosurgical procedure for treating hydrocephalus. However, this procedure is associated with a variety of complications. One uncommon but notable complication is the abdominal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pseudocyst. This pseudocyst is histologically characterized by a fibrous wall devoid of an epithelial lining, and its exact etiopathogenesis remains unclear. Patients with abdominal CSF pseudocysts often present with nonspecific symptoms, and treatment is tailored to each individual's clinical situation. This article reviews the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical characteristics, histology, imaging features, and available treatment options for abdominal CSF pseudocysts.

IMMEDIATE AND DELAYED HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:11:21 +0100

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most widely prescribed medications in clinical practice, primarily used for managing acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. While generally regarded as safe, with adverse effects being rare and typically mild, PPIs have been associated with hypersensitivity reactions. These reactions, which may be immediate or delayed, vary in severity from mild to potentially life-threatening.

This review provides an in-depth analysis of key aspects of PPI use, with a particular emphasis on the pathophysiological and clinical characteristics of both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions. It also explores cross-reactivity among PPIs and offers a practical framework to assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing these conditions effectively. Additionally, the review highlights the critical need for further research to develop standardized diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, enabling personalized and evidence-based care for patients experiencing PPI-related hypersensitivity.

NEUROPATHIC PAIN: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Vekoslav Mitrović , Radojica Stolić, Vladimir Mitrović — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 10:22:04 +0100

Neuropathic pain is caused by abnormal processing of signals in the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is characterized by pain occurring without external stimulation or long after the injury has passed. Typically, it is chronic, with patients describing it as burning, stinging, stabbing, or tingling. Causes include diabetes, herpes zoster, surgery, stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, and injuries. Despite significant advances in neuropathic pain research in recent years, therapeutic options remain limited and often insufficiently effective. Symptomatic therapy for neuropathic pain is based on the use of drugs from four basic groups: antidepressants, anticonvulsants, local analgesics, and opioids. In addition to pharmacological methods, non-pharmacological interventions are also used in the treatment of neuropathic pain. A combination of these methods with pharmacological therapy often yields the best results.

MULTIOMICS INTEGRATION IN ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS DRUG DISCOVERY

Abubakar Yaro — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 15:40:18 +0200

Despite intensive global efforts, tuberculosis remains one of the leading global health burdens, with antimicrobial resistance being a significant challenge to managing the disease. In addition, the current drugs used to treat tuberculosis suffer from limitations, such as prolonged therapeutic duration and toxicity. Therefore, the development of new anti-tuberculosis drugs is a priority. However, this process faces several challenges. The introduction of a multiomics approach could serve as an ideal platform to accelerate drug development by addressing these challenges. This article reviews the potential role of multiomics in anti-tuberculosis drug development and briefly discusses the associated challenges in utilizing multiomics for drug discovery.