Natasa Milic

Klinički centar Srbije, Belgrade, SE, Serbia

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Publications (19)60.71 Total impact

  • Article: Is there a "gold" standard treatment for patients with isolated myeloid sarcoma?
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    ABSTRACT: Isolated myeloid sarcoma is an extramedullary tumor of immature myeloid cells defined by the absence of leukemia history, myelodisplastic syndrome, or myeloproliferative neoplasma with a negative bone marrow biopsy. Myeloid sarcoma is a very rare condition, and few cases have been reported. We reviewed data of 12 patients with isolated myeloid sarcoma managed at a single center to determine the possible prognostic factors affecting patient survival, such as age, sex, type, localization, and treatment options. Patients were mostly men (n=8), with a median age of 39 years. Patients were initially treated with chemotherapy (n=7) or surgery (n=5). In three patients, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed. During the follow-up period, nine patients died. The median overall survival was 13 months, while event-free survival was 8 months. Regarding initial treatment strategy, no significant difference in overall survival was observed. Both chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation independently improved event-free survival. In addition, patients who received chemotherapy combined with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had significantly longer event-free survival than those treated with chemotherapy alone. Age<40 years together with chemotherapy/hematopoietic stem cell transplantation significant affected event-free survival. Based on our results, the treatment of myeloid sarcoma requires a systemic rather than a localized approach with surgery or radiotherapy. While prospective evaluations are needed, chemotherapy with allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be considered as the optimal therapy for isolated myeloid sarcoma.
    Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie 11/2012; · 2.24 Impact Factor
  • Article: The impact of intraocular pressure reduction on retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters in patients with open-angle glaucoma.
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    ABSTRACT: To assess the retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters in the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), and short posterior ciliary arteries (PCA) after decreasing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) by using color Doppler imaging. A total of 46 eyes from 46 patients with OAG, with elevated IOP, were consecutively included in this prospective study. Peak-systolic velocity, end-diastolic velocity, and Pourcelot resistivity index were assessed in the OA, CRA, and PCA. The IOP was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and the dynamic contour tonometer (DCT), 3 times respectively. Ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) appeared during the DCT measurement. After decreasing the elevated IOP, measured with both GAT and DCT, the retrobulbar parameters showed no differences as compared with baseline measurements. After Bonferroni correction (p ≤ 0.0042, alpha/12), statistical significance appeared in retrobulbar hemodynamics only in DCT (29.3 ± 6.4 vs 15.5 ± 4.2 mmHg), GAT (33.0 ± 8.3 vs 15.8 ± 7.0 mmHg), and OPA measurements (4.1 ± 1.3 vs 2.7 ± 1.4 mmHg), in comparison to baseline. There was no correlation between the changes in IOP measured with either DCT or GAT and the changes in the retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters (p>0.05 for all). The results of our study suggested a lack of correlation between the changes in IOP, measured with either DCT or GAT, and the changes in the retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters. The results of our study might suggest that the blood flow disturbances found in glaucoma patients are independent of the IOP.
    European journal of ophthalmology 01/2012; 22(1):77-82. · 0.96 Impact Factor
  • Article: Patients with early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia: new risk stratification based on molecular profiling.
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    ABSTRACT: We investigated molecular and biological parameters reflecting the biology of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that may help us to predict the time to first treatment (TTT). A group of 33 patients with newly diagnosed CLL (Binet stage A) were analyzed. We developed a new scoring system based on the serum levels of β(2)-microglobulin (β(2)M) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the expression of lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Patients with a score of 0 had a TTT of 58.4 months, while patients with a score of 3 (increased levels of β(2)M, LPL, and VEGF) had a significantly shorter TTT of only 10.6 months (p < 0.0001).
    Leukemia & lymphoma 07/2011; 52(7):1394-7. · 2.40 Impact Factor
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    Article: Decompressive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure versus percutaneous puncture with placement of abdominal catheter in patients with abdominal compartment syndrome during acute pancreatitis: background and design of multicenter, randomised, controlled study.
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    ABSTRACT: Development of abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) has a strong impact on the course of disease. Number of patients with this complication increases during the years due more aggressive fluid resuscitation, much bigger proportion of patients who is treated conservatively or by minimal invasive approach, and efforts to delay open surgery. There have not been standard recommendations for a surgical or some other interventional treatment of patients who develop ACS during the SAP. The aim of DECOMPRESS study was to compare decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure and percutaneus puncture with placement of abdominal catheter in these patients. One hundred patients with ACS will be randomly allocated to two groups: I) decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure or II) percutaneus puncture with placement of abdominal catheter. Patients will be recruited from five hospitals in Belgrade during two years period. The primary endpoint is the mortality rate within hospitalization. Secondary endpoints are time interval between intervention and resolving of organ failure and multi organ dysfunction syndrome, incidence of infectious complications and duration of hospital and ICU stay. A total sample size of 100 patients was calculated to demonstrate that decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure can reduce mortality rate from 60% to 40% with 80% power at 5% alfa. DECOMPRESS study is designed to reveal a reduction in mortality and major morbidity by using decompresive laparotomy with temporary abdominal closure in comparison with percutaneus puncture with placement of abdominal catheter in patients with ACS during SAP. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NTC00793715.
    BMC Surgery 01/2010; 10:22. · 1.33 Impact Factor
  • Article: D-dimer in acute pancreatitis: a new approach for an early assessment of organ failure.
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    ABSTRACT: Studies on the clinical value of parameters of hemostasis in predicting pancreatitis-associated complications are still scarce. The aim of this prospective study was to identify the useful hemostatic markers for accurate determination of the subsequent development of organ failure (OF) during the very early course of acute pancreatitis (AP). In 91 consecutive primarily admitted patients with AP, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, protein C, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, D-dimer, and plasminogen were measured in plasma within the first 24 hours of admission and 24 hours thereafter. Two study groups comprising 24 patients with OF and 67 patients without OF were compared. Levels of prothrombin time, fibrinogen, and D-dimer on admission were significantly different between the OF and non-OF groups, and all these parameters plus antithrombin III were significantly different 24 hours later. A D-dimer value of 414.00 microg/L on admission was the best cutoff value in predicting the development of OF with sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 90%, 89%, 75%, and 96%, respectively. Measurement of plasma levels of D-dimer on the admission is an accurate method for the identification of patients who will develop OF in the further course of AP.
    Pancreas 06/2009; 38(6):655-60. · 2.39 Impact Factor
  • Article: Chromosomal aberrations in subjects exposed to ionizing radiation.
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    ABSTRACT: Occupational exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation is a particularly delicate subject for investigation, due to the cumulative effects of chronic exposure. It is extremely important to consider and to measure the biological response to given conditions of exposure. The aim of this study was to establish possible recovery from DNA damage in subjects professionally exposed to radiation in their working area by examinations for chromosomal aberrations (CA) at two different times. The first group (I) was composed of 30 professionally exposed subjects in whom unstable CA (dicentrics, ring, acentric fragments, chromatid, chromosomal breaks, and chromatid interchanges) were identified at time zero. After removal from the radiation area, they were re-examined 9 months later. The second group (II) contained 64 healthy individuals, not professionally exposed to ionizing radiation or other known mutagenic agents. In the group of exposed individuals, five (16.67%) subjects exhibited permanent unstable CAs, even after 9 months absence from the radiation. When the nonexposed and exposed groups were compared, an increase of unstable aberrations (p < 0.05) was observed in the exposed group. Nevertheless, a statistically significant decrease of dicentrics, acentric fragments, and ring frequencies was observed in exposed individuals after 9 months away from the radiation area. However, chromatid and isochromatid break frequencies increased slightly but not significantly after 9 months. The detected CAs corresponded to the total effective doses of radiation measured in our subjects. The existence of CAs in some individuals even after absence from the radiation area suggests that the time necessary for the damaged DNA to recover is extremely variable and indicates interindividual differences in radiosensitivity as well as differences in the cellular-reparation response.
    Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxicology and Oncology 02/2009; 28(1):75-82. · 1.00 Impact Factor
  • Article: The value of fractional and coronary flow reserve in predicting myocardial recovery in patients with previous myocardial infarction.
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    ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between fractional flow reserve (FFR) and simultaneously evaluated coronary flow reserve by thermodilution (CFRthermo), with the improvement of left ventricular (LV) function in patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Study population consisted of 46 patients (mean age 53 +/- 7 years; 36 male) with previous MI and significant coronary stenosis undergoing PCI of infarct-related coronary artery. In all patients, we evaluated FFR and CFRthermo by single pressure/thermo wire during maximal hyperaemia before and immediately after PCI. We performed echocardiographic assessment of LV ejection fraction before and 6 months after PCI. Dobutamine stress echocardiography test was also performed before PCI. LV functional improvement was observed in 33/46 (72%) of patients. In patients with LV functional recovery in comparison with patients with no recovery, there was a significant difference in FFR before PCI (0.56 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.70 +/- 0.07, P < 0.001), improvement of FFR (0.35 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.21 +/- 0.07, P < 0.001), improvement of CFRthermo (1.3 +/- 0.6 vs. 0.5 +/- 0.3, P < 0.001), and CFRthermo after PCI (2.6 +/- 0.7 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.4, P < 0.001). When only parameters evaluated before PCI were taken into account, FFR before angioplasty (P = 0.001) and dobutamine-assessed viability (P = 0.006) were the most significant multivariate predictors of myocardial recovery. When all significant univariate parameters were evaluated, the most significant independent predictors for improvement in myocardial function were the improvement of CFRthermo during angioplasty (P < 0.001) and FFR before angioplasty (P = 0.002). Simultaneous evaluation of FFR and CFRthermo provide significant complementary data on the improvement in myocardial function in patients with previous MI. However, the evaluation of FFR before angioplasty identifies viable myocardium that may recover following revascularization and may be used as an alternative to non-invasive testing.
    European Heart Journal 10/2008; 29(21):2617-24. · 10.48 Impact Factor
  • Article: Severe acute pancreatitis: overall and early versus late mortality in intensive care units.
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    ABSTRACT: To determine overall mortality and timing of death in patients with severe acute pancreatitis and factors affecting mortality. This was a retrospective, observational study of 110 patients admitted to a general intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2003 to January 2006. The overall mortality rate was 53.6% (59/110); 25.4% (n = 15) of deaths were early (<or=14 days after ICU admission). There were no significant differences in age, sex, or surgical/medical treatment between survivors and nonsurvivors. Median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was higher among nonsurvivors than survivors (score = 26 vs 19, respectively; P < 0.001), and the duration of hospitalization before ICU admission was significantly longer (4 vs 1 day; P < 0.001). Among the 59 patients who died, those in the early-mortality group were admitted to the ICU significantly earlier than those in the late-mortality group (3 vs 6.5 days; P < 0.05). Overall mortality and median APACHE II score were high. Death predominantly occurred late and was unaffected by patient age, length of stay in the ICU, or surgical/medical treatment. An APACHE II cutoff of 24.5 and pre-ICU admission time of 2.5 days were sensitive predictors of fatal outcome.
    Pancreas 10/2008; 38(2):122-5. · 2.39 Impact Factor
  • Article: Importance of early detection and follow-up of FLT3 mutations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
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    ABSTRACT: Mutations in the fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene, such as internal tandem duplication (FLT3/ITD) in the juxtamembrane domain and point mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain, are the most common abnormalities in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FLT3/ITD and FLT3/D835 mutations were analyzed in 113 Serbian adult AML patients using polymerase chain reaction. Twenty patients were found to be FLT3/ITD positive (17.7%). The mutations occurred most frequently in M5 and M0 subtypes of AML. They were mainly associated with the normal karyotype. All patients harboring FLT3/ITD had a higher number of white blood cells than patients without it (p = 0.027). FLT3/ITD mutations were associated with lower complete remission (CR) rate (chi (2 )= 5.706; p = 0.017) and shorter overall survival (OS; Log rank = 8.76; p = 0.0031). As for disease-free survival, the difference between FLT3/ITD-positive and FLT3/ITD-negative patients was not statistically significant (Log rank = 0.78; p = 0.3764). In multivariate analysis, the presence of FLT3/ITD mutations was the most significant prognostic factor for both OS and CR rate (p = 0.0287; relative risk = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.06-2.82). However, in the group of patients with the intermediate-risk karyotype, the mere presence of FLT3/ITD was not associated with inferior clinical outcome. FLT3/D835 point mutation was found in four patients (3.5%) only. Follow-up of the FLT3/ITD-positive patients revealed stability of this mutation during the course of the disease. However, changes in the pattern of FLT3/D835 mutations in initial and relapsed AML were observed. Our results indicate an association of FLT3/ITD with the adverse outcome in AML patients treated with standard induction chemotherapy. Because FLT3/ITD mutation is a target for specific therapeutic inhibition, its early detection could be helpful in clinical practice.
    Annals of Hematology 11/2007; 86(10):741-7. · 2.62 Impact Factor
  • Article: Ergonovine-induced changes of coronary artery diameter in patients with nonsignificant coronary artery stenosis : relation with lipid profile.
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    ABSTRACT: Serum cholesterol is positively associated with the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to determine the relation between response of coronary arteries to ergonovine provocation and lipid profile in patients with nonsignificant coronary artery disease. 105 patients (46 male, 59 female, mean age 52 +/- 8 years) with chest pain syndrome and nonsignificant coronary artery stenosis (< 50% diameter stenosis) were analyzed. Ergonovine test was performed at the end of diagnostic catheterization. Coronary spasm was defined as total or near total obstruction of the coronary artery. By quantitative coronary arteriography, changes of minimal luminal diameter (MLD) during ergonovine provocation were evaluated. Total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured. There was a significant negative correlation between resting MLD and LDL cholesterol (r = -0.215; p = 0.034), and a significant positive correlation between MLD decrease provoked by ergonovine and total cholesterol (r = 0.275; p = 0.006), as well as LDL cholesterol (r = 0.284; p = 0.004), but not for HDL cholesterol and triglycerides (p = NS [not significant]). In patients with nonsignificant coronary artery stenosis evaluated by ergonovine provocation, there was not only a significant negative correlation between MLD and LDL cholesterol, but also a positive correlation between coronary vasoconstriction induced by ergonovine provocation and both total and LDL cholesterol.
    Herz 06/2007; 32(4):329-35. · 0.92 Impact Factor
  • Article: Temporal variations at the onset of spontaneous acute aortic dissection.
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    ABSTRACT: There have only been a few studies of the chronobiological occurrence of acute aortic dissection (AAD), and most were international and multicentered. The aim of the present study, conducted at only one center, was to determine the most frequent daily, monthly, and seasonal occurrences of AAD. The study population included 204 patients (66.5% male) treated at our institute between January 1, 1998 and January 1, 2004. A significantly higher frequency of AAD occurred from 6:00 AM to 12:00 noon, compared with other time periods (P < 0.001). The results showed a significant circadian variation in AAD (P < 0.001) with a peak between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. No significant variation was found for the day of the week; however, AAD occurred most frequently on Wednesday and Monday. The frequency of AAD was found to be significantly higher during winter versus other seasons (P < 0.001). The analysis of monthly variations of the onset of AAD confirmed a peak in February (12.9%) and in January (12.3%). Similar to other cardiovascular diseases, AAD exhibits significant circadian and seasonal/monthly variations. Our findings indicate that the prevention of AAD, especially during the aforementioned vulnerable periods, is possible by adequate tailoring of the treatment of hypertension, which is the main AAD predisposing factor.
    International Heart Journal 08/2006; 47(4):585-95. · 1.16 Impact Factor
  • Article: Oxidised low-density lipoprotein concentration - early marker of an altered lipid metabolism in young women with PCOS.
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    ABSTRACT: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are assumed to be at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. This study examined the variations in oxidised low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) concentration in relation to insulin levels in young women with PCOS. Cross-sectional clinical study in tertiary cares research hospitals. A total of 179 women with PCOS (79 overweight) and 56 age- and body mass index-matched controls were examined. Blood samples were collected in follicular phase of the cycle for the basal glucose, total-, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-cholesterol, OxLDL, triglycerides, apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) and B (Apo-B), lipoprotein (a), insulin, testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Homeostatic model index (HOMA) and free androgen index (FAI) were determined. Overweight and normal weight women with PCOS had higher concentrations of OxLDL than their control counterparts (P = 0.007 and 0.003 respectively). Both the basal insulin (P = 0.003) and HOMA values (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in overweight than normal weight patients. Testosterone and FAI were higher in patients than in the respective controls (P < 0.001). The only independent predictor of increased OxLDL concentration in normal weight patients was Apo-B-to-Apo-A1 ratio (P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) 6.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-16.4), while in obese PCOS, it was total cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (P < 0.001, OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6-4.9). Young normal weight and overweight PCOS women have similarly increased OxLDL levels. Our results may indicate the presence of primary alteration in lipid metabolism in patients with PCOS. To answer the question whether the alteration in LDL particle size can by itself pose a higher cardiovascular risk, a careful follow-up of these women is needed.
    European Journal of Endocrinology 08/2006; 155(1):131-6. · 3.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: Adenosine cardioprotection study in clinical setting of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.
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    ABSTRACT: PSVT attack of >20min and frequency >160 is well-recognized model of myocardial dysfunction. We measured 6-keto-PGF1alpha and TXB(2) before and after adenosine administration to assess its cardioprotective potential. A total of 64 patients were randomly assigned as having acute episode of PSVT to adenosine or verapamil group. A bolus of 6mg of adenosine up to the maximum dose of 12 or 5mg of verapamil up to the maximum dose of 10mg were given, until the sinus rhythm was restored. The levels of PGI(2), TXA(2) and TAS were measured in three different time intervals. In adenosine group all parameters were normalized after 20min of conversion to sinus rhythm. The ratio of PGI(2)/TXA(2) increased after 5min of conversion to SR (P<0.01). Also, the ratio of TXA(2)/TAS was decreased for ADO (P<0.01). This is the first study to demonstrate that adenosine exerts cardioprotective effect.
    Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 07/2006; 74(6):365-71. · 3.37 Impact Factor
  • Article: Exercise-induced changes in mitral regurgitation in patients with prior myocardial infarction and left ventricular dysfunction: relation to mitral deformation and left ventricular function and shape.
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    ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between exercise-induced changes in mitral regurgitation (MR) and echocardiographic characteristics of mitral deformation, global left ventricular (LV) function and shape at rest and after exercise. Forty consecutive patients with ischaemic MR due to prior myocardial infarction (MI), ejection fraction <45% in sinus rhythm underwent exercise-echocardiographic testing. Exercise-induced changes in effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) were compared with baseline and exercise-induced changes in mitral deformation and global LV function and shape. There was significant correlation between exercise-induced changes in ERO and changes in coaptation distance (r=0.80, P<0.0001), tenting area (r=0.79, P<0.0001) and mitral annular diameter (r=0.65, P<0.0001), as well as in end-systolic sphericity index (r=-0.50, P=0.001, respectively), and wall motion score index (r=0.44, P=0.004). In contrast, exercise-induced changes in ERO were not related to the echocardiographic features at rest. By stepwise multiple regression model, the exercise-induced changes in mitral deformation were found to independently correlate with exercise-induced changes in ERO (generalized r(2)=0.80, P<0.0001). Exercise-induced changes in severity of ischaemic MR in patients with LV dysfunction due to prior MI were independently related to changes in mitral deformation.
    European Heart Journal 10/2005; 26(18):1860-5. · 10.48 Impact Factor
  • Article: Protein C as an early marker of severe septic complications in diffuse secondary peritonitis.
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    ABSTRACT: To evaluate the predictive value of protein C as a marker of severity in patients with diffuse peritonitis and abdominal sepsis, protein C levels were repeatedly determined and compared with serum levels of antithrombin III, plasminogen, alpha(2)-antiplasmin, Plasminogen activator inhibitor, D-dimer, C1-inhibitor, high molecular weight kininogen, and the C5a, C5b-9 fragments of the complement system. We carried out a prospective study from 44 patients with severe peritonitis confirmed by laparotomy and 15 patients undergoing elective ventral hernia repair who acted as controls. Analyzed biochemical parameters were determined before operations and on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 after operations. For the study group, preoperative average protein C level was significantly lower in the patients who developed septic shock in the late course of the disease, with lethal outcome, than in the patients with severe peritonitis and sepsis who survived (p = 0.0001). In non-survivors, protein C activity remained decreased below 70%, whereas the course of survivors was characterized by increased values that were significantly higher (p < 0.03) at every time point than in those patients who died. Protein C was of excellent predictive value and achieved a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 87.5% in discriminating survivors from non-survivors within the first 48 hours of the study (AUC-0.917; p < 0.001), with a "cut-off" level of 66.0%. As for the control group, throughout the study period, protein C activity was permanently maintained within the range of normal, with significant differences with reference to the study group (p < 0.01). These results suggest that protein C represents a sensitive and early marker for the prediction of severe septic complications during diffuse peritonitis, and of outcome.
    World Journal of Surgery 07/2005; 29(6):759-65. · 2.36 Impact Factor
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    Article: Circulating and cerebrospinal fluid ghrelin and leptin: potential role in altered body weight in Huntington's disease.
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    ABSTRACT: In addition to neurological impairment, weight loss is a prominent characteristic of Huntington's disease (HD). Neuropathologically, the disease affects the caudate nucleus and the cerebral cortex, and also the hypothalamus. The recently discovered orexigenic hormone of gastric origin, ghrelin and the adipocyte hormone leptin, are two peripherally produced hormones exerting opposite effects on specific populations of hypothalamic neurons that play a key role in regulating energy intake and energy output. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible involvement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and circulating ghrelin and leptin in the regulation of energy balance in patients with HD. Twenty healthy normal-weight subjects undergoing orthopedic surgery, and fifteen patients with genetically verified HD, were enrolled in this study. The unified Huntington's disease rating scale (UHDRS) was used to assess clinical course of the disease. Blood samples for hormonal measurements were obtained by venipuncture and in-parallel CSF samples for leptin/ghrelin determination were obtained by lumbar puncture. Patients with HD had increased concentrations of ghrelin in plasma compared with healthy subjects (4523.7+/-563.9 vs 2781.1+/-306.2 pg/ml, P<0.01). On the other hand, patients with HD had decreased concentrations of leptin in plasma compared with healthy subjects (4.8+/-1.6 vs 10.9+/-2.4 ng/ml, P<0.01). The concentrations of CSF ghrelin and CSF leptin were equivalent to values in healthy subjects. No correlation was found between disease duration--and other clinical features of HD--and plasma or CSF leptin/ghrelin levels. In patients with HD, baseline levels of GH, IGF-I, insulin and glucose did not differ from those in healthy subjects. High circulating ghrelin and low leptin levels in patients with HD suggest a state of negative energy balance. Early nutritional support of patients with HD is advocated since patients with HD and higher body mass index at presentation have slower progression of the disease.
    European Journal of Endocrinology 11/2004; 151(4):451-5. · 3.42 Impact Factor
  • Article: Disorders of hemostasis during the surgical management of severe necrotizing pancreatitis.
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    ABSTRACT: Several clinical studies of severe necrotizing pancreatitis (SNP) suggest profound activation of coagulation as well as activation of the fibrinolytic system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic derangements in patients who were managed for SNP. Forty-one operated-on patients with SNP were analyzed regarding clinical outcome and activation of the coagulation systems. Serial measurement of coagulation, anticoagulation, and fibrinolysis parameters: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, antithrombin III (AT III), protein C, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), d-dimer, alpha2-antiplasmin, and plasminogen were performed on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 after the initial operation. According to treatment outcome at the end of study, groups of 26 survivors and 15 nonsurvivors were compared. Nonsurvivors had significantly lower levels of activity of protein C and AT III, and higher concentrations of d-dimer and PAI-1 than survivors. The other measured parameters did not show significant differences between the compared groups of patients. Changes in protein C, AT III, d-dimer and PAI-1 levels indicate exhaustion of fibrinolysis and coagulation inhibitors in patients with poor outcome during the course of SNP.
    Pancreas 09/2004; 29(2):152-6. · 2.39 Impact Factor
  • Article: Inhibin B: a potential marker of gonadal activity in patients with anorexia nervosa during weight recovery.
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    ABSTRACT: Inhibin B is a product of the gonads and a marker for ovarian follicular development. This was a cross-sectional study designed to assess awakening of the reproductive function by studying secretion pattern of inhibin B during the weight restoration in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Twenty patients with AN participated at low weight [body mass index (BMI) 14.3 +/- 0.3 kg/m(2))], 22 partially weight recovered AN (BMI 17.4 +/- 0.1 kg/m(2)), 16 reached goal weight but did not restore menstrual cycles (BMI 19.5 +/- 0.1 kg/m(2)), and 13 reached goal weight and had at least six consecutive menstrual cycles (BMI 19.3 +/- 1.0 kg/m(2)). Nineteen eumenorrheic females with BMI 19.8 +/- 0.4 kg/m(2) served as controls. At low weight, patients had low basal leptin, inhibin B detectable in only 15% of samples, and LH significantly lower than in controls (P < 0.01). At weight gain, basal leptin increased, median inhibin B increased (detectable in 66.7% of samples), and LH remained low, all significantly lower than in controls (P < 0.01). Weight-recovered/amenorrheic patients further increased basal leptin, inhibin B was detectable in all samples, and LH remained low, all significantly lower than in controls (P < 0.01). In weight-recovered/cycling patients, basal leptin, median inhibin B, and LH, as expected, were not different from healthy volunteers. Inhibin B values correlated significantly with leptin (P = 0.000) and BMI (P = 0.000). In summary, gonads in patients with AN who gain weight are not entirely quiescent but have a low level of activity. Inhibin B is an early marker of gonadal activity, and with weight gain, awakening of the reproductive function is gradual, whereas factors triggering the onset of menstrual cycles still remain unknown (nutritional fat intake, psychological).
    Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &amp Metabolism 04/2004; 89(4):1838-43. · 6.50 Impact Factor
  • Article: The recurrence risk of ischemic stroke in childhood.
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    ABSTRACT: To determine the risk of recurrence of ischemic stroke in children and to evaluate the influence of etiological factors and underlying mechanisms on recurrence rate. Thirty-six children (21 boys and 15 girls) with clinically and radiographically proven ischemic cerebral infarction were prospectively followed up over a period of 1-9 years (median 5 years 5 months). The median age of onset of stroke was 8.4 years (1-16 years). Patients with hemorrhagic stroke, neonatal infarction and sinovenous thrombosis were not included. The patients were analyzed according to the mechanisms and etiology of the initial and recurrent stroke event. For the initial stroke, cardioembolic (33.3%) and arteriopathic processes (36.1%) were identified as the most probable mechanisms of arterial ischemic stroke. Prothrombotic abnormalities were found in 4 children (11.1%). Underlying pathology in the remaining 7 (19.4%) was not known. Recurrent ischemic infarction was diagnosed in 5 children (13.9%) within 5 days to 18 months (median 6 months) after the first stroke manifestation. In 3 of them stroke recurrence was due to cardiac or transcardiac embolism. Cardiac abnormality prior to the first stroke was detected in 1 child. Clinically silent multiple cerebral infarcts disclosed by MRI preceded the overt stroke episode in 2 patients. Congenital and acquired heart diseases were the most common cause of repeated stroke in our study. The risk of recurrence appeared to be fivefold higher in children with cardiac disease irrespective of the coexistence of other risk factors. The risk factors of stroke in children were multiple and overlapping. Consequently, recognition of the major one and its underlying mechanism is crucial for both effective therapeutic approach and the prevention of recurrence.
    Medical Principles and Practice 13(3):153-8. · 0.89 Impact Factor