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Volume 53, Issue 4, 2025

Online ISSN: 2560-3310

ISSN: 0350-8773

Volume 53 , Issue 4, (2025)

Published: 30.06.2025.

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Contents

15.02.2025.

Original scientific paper

THE PREVALENCE OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE

Introduction/Objective 
The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of alcohol use in the student population of the University of
Belgrade.
Methods 
The cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of 2,000 students of the Belgrade University. Four faculties (Medicine, Geography,
Economics, Electrical Engineering) from which the students participating in this research were chosen by the method of random choice (by computer
listing), conducted in the period April - June 2010.
Results 
Among our respondents, the highest amount of spirits is consumed by respondents from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, with 22% of
them consuming more than 6 shots on each occasion, while the smallest number of students who drink more than 6 shots on each occasion are from
the Faculty of Economics, with 8%. Students from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, who have the lowest prevalence of cigarette use, consume
alcohol in a binge drinking pattern. The highest frequency of binge drinking in the past year and in the past month before the survey was among
respondents from the Faculty of Geography.
Conclusion 
There is a need for developing a conscience about all the effects that alcohol has, especially physical ones which are not usually noticed
immediately; taking responsibility for own actions; working on a healthy life style and educating people to enhance and improve their health control.

Mirjana Stojanovic-Tasic, Mirjana Virijevic, Kristina Rakic, Emilija Novakovic, Ivana Stasevic Karlicic, Nenad Milosevic, Jelena Aritonovic Pribakovic, Jovana Milosevic, Milica Bogdanovic, Suzana Adzic, Katarina Bisevac, Mary Vuksa

15.01.2025.

Original scientific paper

USE OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES AMONG BELGRADE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WITH DIAGNOSED SOMATIC OR MENTAL DISORDERS

Introduction/Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between use of psychoactive substances among University students and diagnosed somatic or mental disorders.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted in a population of 2,000 students of the Belgrade University. Four faculties (Medicine, Geography, Economics, Electrical Engineering) from which the students participating in this research were chosen by the method of random choice (by computer listing), conducted in the period April - June 2010.

Results

We observed that are more numerous students who used psychoactive substances among students with diagnosed somatic illnesses compared to those without them. Statistical significance was found among students who used tobacco (p=0.027), alcohol (p=0.002), sedatives (p<0.001) and cannabis (p=0.021). Mental disorders are also connected to use of psychoactive substances. The statistical significance was achieved for all psychoactive substances except for alcohol.

Conclusion

Use of psychoactive substances is an important issue among University students with diagnosed somatic or mental disorder. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the symptoms and consequences of such behavior, and above all and connection thereof, the importance of prevention which may enhance better solution-seeking via proper education.

Mirjana Stojanovic-Tasic, Mirjana Virijevic, Kristina Rakic, Emilija Novakovic, Ivana Stasevic Karlicic, Nenad Milosevic, Jelena Aritonovic Pribakovic, Jovana Milosevic, Milica Bogdanovic, Suzana Adzic, Katarina Bisevac, Mary Vuksa

15.01.2025.

Professional paper

STANDARD AND ADVANCED METHODS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ITS COMORBIDITIES IN CHILDREN

The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a clinical entity of substantial heterogeneity, represented by the combination of obesity (especially central obesity),insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, atherogenic dyslipidemia (high triglyceride levels and low levels of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C)), and hypertension. Childhood obesity has become more common as a result of urbanization, bad diets, and more sedentary lifestyles.

The incidence of metabolic syndrome is ten times higher in children with obesity, and a special risk factor is the presence of obesity in the pediatric population, the classification of metabolic syndrome is based on standards set by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).

Our goal is to summarize the diagnostic procedure of metabolic syndrome as well as comorbidity based on conventional methods and modern imaging procedures by analyzing the published papers.

Snezana Markovic Jovanovic, Aleksandar Jovanović, Jadranka Mitić, Slavica Pajovic, Danijela Jovanovic, Emin Bajramlic

15.02.2025.

Professional paper

EXAMINATION OF INTRACRANIAL TRANLUCENCY AS A MARKER FOR EARLY DETECTION OF OPEN SPINA BIFIDA

This article focuses on the sonographic axamination techique for evaluation of intracranial translucencies during the first trimester ultrasound scan. Appropriate knowledge of sonographic landmarks is the most important factor for evaluation normal as well as abnormal brain structure, and this examination may enable detection of open spina bifida and Arnold – Chiari anomaly at an early stage of fetal develpoment.

Nenad Šulović, Goran Relić

15.02.2025.

Original scientific paper

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE APPROACH TO PATIENTS WITH DISORDERS OF THYRIOD GLAND FUNCTION IN THE DENTAL OFFICE

Thyroid hormones, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, affect the work of all organs and organ systems. Whether they are in excess or in deficit, they lead to significant disturbances in the homeostasis of the organism, changing first of all the metabolic processes and leading to significant clinical manifestations, primarily in the cardiovascular, but also in other organ systems. The imbalance of thyroid hormones also has oralmanifestations, which are often the reason why patients visit the dentist. However, what worries dentists the most is the possibility of acute decompensation of hyper or hypothyroidism, with the appearance of thyrotoxic storm or myxedema coma, which are life-threatening conditions. Therefore, a valid pre-procedural evaluation and preparation of patients with thyroid hormone function disorders for pre-planned dental interventions is of great importance. During dental procedures, it is necessary to adhere to recommendations regarding the choice of local anesthetics, hemostasis, drug interactions, the possibility of infection and minimizing stress, all in order to avoid acute decompensation of thyroid imbalance.

Radomir Mitić, Nina Dimitrijević Jovanović, Hristina Ugrinović, Jelena Vulović, Milena Šibalić, Nevena Kalezić

01.11.2024.

Case Reports

PARANEOPLASTIC PEMPHIGUS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA: A CASE REPORT

Introduction: Paraneoplastic pemphigus is an autoimmune bullous and erosive mucocutaneous syndrome associated with malignancy. First of all, it is associated with lymphoproliferative disorders, but also with solid tumors.

Case report: We present a 73-year-old female patient who developed polymorphic lesions on the skin and mucous membranes after treatment of nonHodgkin's lymphoma. Disseminated pale erythematous macules, exudative papules and plaques, papulovesicles, pustules, targetoid lesions and bullae are present on the skin, mostly with a flaccid roof, some with a hypopyon. Oral mucosal changes included erosions and ulcerations covered by fibrin deposits. Histopathological examination of several biopsies revealed the presence of interface dermatitis, eosinophils, necrotic keratinocytes, as well as intraepidermal cracks with acantholytic cells, dominated by eosinophils. Direct immunofluorescence microscopy of the perilesional skin showed fluorescent intraepidermal reticular IgG deposits, as well as segmental linear IgG deposits along the basement membrane zone. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy revealed circulating IgG autoantibodies binding to monkey esophagus and rat bladder at a titer of 1:320. Initially, he was treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy, then, in consultation with a hematologist, rituximab therapy was indicated (375 mg/m2, 4 doses once a week). The patient died after the 2nd dose of rituximab.

Conclusion: Considering the different clinical, histopathological and immunological features, paraneoplastic pemphigus presents a challenge for the clinician. Knowledge of different clinical presentations, as well as individualization of therapy with a multidisciplinary approach, are of crucial importance. 

Tamara Jovanović, Srđan Tanasilović, Milijana Relić, Zorica Sojević, Dubravka Živanović

01.11.2024.

Professional paper

DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL VARIATIONS IN THE OCCURRENCE OF PEPTIC ULCER - TRENDS OVER A TEN-YEAR PERIOD

Introduction: Peptic ulcer is a chronic recurrent disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which most often occurs as gastric or duodenal ulcer. Peptic ulcer is characterized by certain geographical and temporal trends.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of gastric and duodenal ulcers among subjects who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) endoscopy due to dyspeptic complaints, as well as to analyze the trend of ulcer disease over a period of 10 years.

Material and Methods: The data of a total of 4074 subjects with an average age of 54.53 ± 15.03 years, both sexes, 1841 men and 2233 women, who underwent EGDS in 2005 and 2015 calendar years were retrospectively analyzed. Results: This study showed that the trend of ulcer disease significantly decreased in the observed ten-year period, accompanied by concomitant decrease in the prevalence of duodenal ulcers, while the frequency of gastric ulcers retained approximately at the same level. The results showed that men were at greater relative risk than women for the development of duodenal ulcers, in both calendar years. In the ten-year period, the average age of patients with ulcer disease increased by about 4 years, especially in the group with duodenal ulcer, and particularly within women with duodenal ulcer. Compared to 2005, the average age of subjects undergoing EGDS in 2015 increased by about 2 years, regardless of whether or not they were diagnosed with ulcer disease.

Conclusions: In the period 2005 - 2015, the age of patients with peptic ulcer tended to increase, whilst the prevalence of ulcer disease, especially duodenal ulcer, has decreased. The relative risk for duodenal ulcer in men was higher than in women. 

Aleksandra Vojinović, Tomica Milosavljević, Biljana Miličić

01.11.2024.

Original scientific paper

SYNCOPA IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS OUR EXPERIENCE

Introduction: Syncope is a sudden, short-lived, transient loss of consciousness associated with the inability to maintain postural tone. The aim of this paper is: to determine the frequency of syncope in children and adolescents in our conditions, to analyze the characteristics of syncopal episodes and clinical presentation in order to identify the etiology of seizures, and to provide diagnostic protocols, i.e. guidelines for streamlining clinical trials.

Methodology: The diagnosis of the disease was made clinically on the basis of well-taken anamnestic data and a detailed description of the quality of the attack, physical examination and routine laboratory analyzes: (CBC, glycemia, standard ECG). Additional tests were selectively performed: Holter ECG, ergometry, Tilt table test, Echocardiogram, NMR, EEG.

Results: Out of the total number of examined children in the outpatient Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, 139 patients (0.6%) reported due to short-term loss of consciousness. The largest number of children was between 15 and 18 years old. Ninety-two ( 66%) of those 139 were girls, and 47 (34%) were boys (p <0.05). Regarding the cause of syncope, it was found in 117 (84%) patients, and in 22 (16%) children the cause of syncope was unknown (p <0.05). Etiologically spreaking, syncope was divided into 3 groups: autonomic (vasovagal, situational, orthostatic, increased vagus tone in athletes) was the most common, in 88 patients (75%), cardiogenic in 5 (4%) and non-cardiogenic in 24 patients.(21%). There was also a recurrence of the attack. In two children, the syncopal attack was repeated 4 times.

CONCLUSION: Syncope most often occurs in teenagers and is mostly benign. To assess syncope, it is necessary to gather a detailed history of the attack, to conduct a detailed physical examination and routine laboratory analyzes: CBC, glycemia and standard ECG. Supplementary diagnostics should be performed exclusively in patients where there is a reasonable suspicion of heart disease or neurological diseases. 

Ljiljana Šulović, Danić Filipović, Vladimir Šulović, Zorica Živković, Milica Popović

01.11.2024.

Professional paper

KAWASAKI DISEASE

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, self-limited vasculitis of unknown etiology that occurs predominantly in children under the age of 5 years. In addition to the progress of modern medicine, the cause of KD is currently unknown and specific diagnostic tests for definitive diagnosis does not exist. The differential-diagnostic enigma is the exclusion of other diseases with similar clinical features. The primary treatment in the acute phase of KD is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA/aspirin). There is not a recommendation to a uniform therapeutic approach in refractory KD. The role of corticosteroids is still controversial, but there are studies that support its use as adjuvant treatment. Most patients have a good prognosis. The focus of future research should be the formulation of new algorithms for detection, differential diagnostic triage and treatment of KD. 

Slađana Anđelić

01.11.2024.

Original scientific paper

ONE-DAY THYROID SURGERY - POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS

Introduction: This study highlights the importance of transitioning to a modern approach to outpatient surgery, analyzing the safety and feasibility of this treatment model in patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy, with a focus on postoperative complications.

Materials and Methods: Data were collected from the medical records of 626 patients over a five-year period, from 2011 to 2015, at the Surgery Clinic of the "Dr Dragiša Mišović – Dedinje" in Belgrade. This period allowed for a reliable analysis of the safety and feasibility of outpatientthyroid surgery.

Results: A total of 97 hemithyroidectomies and 529 total thyroidectomies were performed. The average age of hemithyroidectomy patients was 51.24 years, and for total thyroidectomy patients, it was 54.88 years. The most common substrates were benign tumors (over 50%) for hemithyroidectomies and multinodular goiters (almost 50%) for total thyroidectomies. The average hospital stay was 1 day for hemithyroidectomies and 1.48 days for total thyroidectomies. Complications included postoperative bleeding (0.57%), subcutaneous hematoma (1.32%), subcutaneous seroma (2.08%), temporary hypocalcemia or hypoparathyroidism (18.9%), permanent hypocalcemia or hypoparathyroidism (0.76%), temporary vocal cord paralysis (2.65%), permanent vocal cord paralysis (1.89%), bilateral vocal cord paralysis (0.19%), and mortality (0%).

Conclusion: The study confirmed the feasibility and safety of outpatient thyroid surgery, with minimal complications and short hospital stays, especially for hemithyroidectomy, but careful postoperative monitoring is required for patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. 

Stefan Mitić, Rastko Živić, Nikola Miljković, Mladen Kasalović, Aleksandra Balović, Jovo Paskaš

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