Current issue

Issue image

Volume 53, Issue 4, 2025

Online ISSN: 2560-3310

ISSN: 0350-8773

Volume 53 , Issue 4, (2025)

Published: 30.06.2025.

Open Access

All issues

More Filters

Contents

01.12.2020.

Professional paper

Prevalence, etiology and treatment of psychogenic aphonia in children: A case report

Introduction. Emotions are one of the most important psychological processes, with a decisive influence on a person's voice. Faced with the great challenges and changes that primary and secondary socialization agents impose in the process of growing up, children consequently experience a spectrum of various unpleasant feelings: anxiety, fear, anger, frustration and sadness. Due to the fast-paced lifestyle, it often happens that the child ignores unpleasant feelings, which further worsens the condition in which he finds himself. Among other conditions, psychogenic aphonia in children has become more frequent in recent years. The current case report aims to determine the frequency of psychogenic aphonia in children, to identify the most common causes that lead to psychogenic aphonia and highlight the methods of vocal treatment that give the best results during rehabilitation. Case report. The current paper presents the results collected in a two-year period at the Clinic for Ear, Throat and Nose of the Clinical Hospital Center "Zvezdara". In the period from March 2017 to May 2019, psychogenic aphonia was diagnosed in 31 patients, which is an evident increase compared to the previous ten-year period in which psychogenic aphonia was diagnosed in 38 younger patients. Analyzing heteroanamnestic data obtained from parents, the most common answer about the cause of psychogenic aphonia is dissatisfaction with school success. After successful diagnostics by an otorhinolaryngologist, psychiatrist and vocal pathologist, in the process of rehabilitation of psychogenic aphonia, methods of digital manipulation of the larynx, methods of restoring the voice with cough reflex and methods of turning out the feedback system were applied. In this particular case, the method of digital manipulation of the larynx gave the best results. Conclusion. Optimal evaluation of patients with voice disorders requires the joint efforts of experts from different disciplines. Having in mind the tendency of recurrence of psychogenic aphonia, these findings suggest that the integration of the interventions of a vocal pathologist and a psychiatrist could give effective results in the process of rehabilitation voice.

Mirjana Petrović-Lazić, Ivana Ilić-Savić

01.12.2020.

Professional paper

Effectiveness of coronavirus disease-19 vaccination on disease transmission, hospitalization, and clinical outcomes in adults in North India

Background: Covaxin and Covishield vaccines have rapidly rolled out in India to curb the pandemic. We aimed to test the hypothesis that COVID-19 vaccination is clinically effective. Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Physiology at MGM College, Jaipur, India after approval from the Ethics Committee. Vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups were tested on disease transmission, hospitalization, and clinical outcomes. Researchers collected data using questionnaires circulated through google forms. The association between attributes was tested using the chi-squared test. The significance level was considered at 5%. Results: The vaccination significantly reduced disease transmission of COVID-19 [c2=4.51; p = 0.034]. However, no significant differences were seen in RTPCR positivity, chest CT findings, and hospitalization on vaccination. COVID-related symptoms and their severity were not statistically different between the two groups. Most elderly were vaccinated [c2=41.68; p < 0.001]. Most youths took one dose, while the elderly took two doses of the vaccine [c2=41.77; p < 0.001]. All age groups had similar severity of AEFIs [c2=13.22; p < 0.21]. The vaccination status across gender did not differ significantly. [c2=1.13; p < 0.288] Most males took two doses as compared to females [c2=6,57; p < 0.01]. Adverse effects post-immunization were more severe in females than males [c2=13.10; p < 0.001]. There was no association between the number of vaccine doses and the severity of AEFIs [c2=16.42; p = 0.06]. Conclusion: The present study concludes the beneficial effect of vaccination in reducing disease transmission. However, vaccination has no role in mitigating other COVID-related outcomes.

Kshitij Shah

01.12.2020.

Professional paper

The role of the electrocardiogram in identifying the risk of sudden cardiac death

Introduction: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) represents the unexpected and sudden death of young apparently healthy people. Alarge number of examined cases referred to professional athletes. There is not enough data in the literature related to those who performed sports in a sporadic and recreational manner. In order to prevent SCD, a screening protocol was determined, in which, an ECG performed at rest plays a important role. Based on the established criteria, changes on the ECG can be treated as normal, borderline and abnormal. An abnormal result indicates a risk of SCD. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the risk of SCD in students who practice physical activity recreationally. Methods: The research involved 500 students (both sexes) of the 1st and 3rd year of study on the University of Pristina situated in Kosovska Mitrovica. As part of the regular systematic examination, an ECG was performed at rest. The risk of SCD was determined by analyzing the changes on the ECG and grouping them based on screening recommendations. Results: The obtained results show that 44% of students had changes on the ECG and that 8% of students had an abnormal result indicated a possible risk of sudden cardiac death. Conclusion: Therefore, timely recognizing and interpreting ECG changes in accordance with screening recommendations is an imperative for identification and possible prevention of SCD.

Biljana Zogović, Miljan Stašević, Ivan Radić

01.12.2020.

Professional paper

The effects of exertional heat stress on some complex cognitive functions

Introduction/Aim: Heat stress represents the important problem in military services. This study investigates the effects of exertional heat stress on complex cognitive functions. Methods: 40 male soldiers performed exertional heat stress test, of which 10 performed the test of the same intensity in cool environment. Cognitive functions were mesured by computerized battery CANTAB, before and immediately after exertional heat stress test. Results: Exertional heat stress led to impairment of some cognitive functions in unacclimatized group: decrease of accuracy in MTS test (from 92,6±4,2% towards 84,5±6,9%, p<0,05) and PSRs (from 85,0±8,0% towards 77,0±9,6%, p<0,05), while similar decreases were recorded in MTS test in passively acclimatized group (from 92,2±5,5% towards 87,7±5,6%, p<0,05) i.e. in PSRs test in actively acclimatized group (from 83,3±6,3% towards 69,4±5,1%, p<0,05). The reaction time was not affected in any group whatsoever. Discussion and conclusion: Exertional heat stress leads to mild impairment of complex cognitive functions, particularly in domain of accuracy. Physical strain itself, however, does not affect cognitive functions. Relatively resistance to heat stress in zoung soldiers may be contributed to their high aerobic level.

Jelena Stojićević, Vanja Jovanović

01.12.2020.

Professional paper

Treatment fracture of the diaphisis humerus with functional plaster

Treatment of humerus fractures is divided into operative and non-operative treatment Fractures of the diaphysis of the humerus heal well. Surgeons today have many opportunities to treat them. The decision on the type of treatment to be applied depends on the location of the fracture, the existence of associated injuries, the age and the general condition of the patient. Non-operative treatment is most often applied, although there are fractures in which surgical intervention is necessary in order to perform healing and prevent complications. Non-operative treatment of fractures of the diaphysis of the humerus gives good results, with little angulation and minimal or no shortening of the arm. Adequate repositioning, appropriate plaster immobilization and regular X-rays heal the fracture within the allotted time. Disciplined early physical therapy in terms of circular movements prevents shoulder contracture and allows later physical therapy to last significantly shorter. Non-operative treatment lasts from 7-11,5 weeks.

Saša Jovanović, N. Miljković, D. Petrović, Lj. Jakšić, G. Radojević, A. Božović

01.12.2019.

Professional paper

The frequency of bucal and palatal impaction maxillary canines

Introduction: Maxillary canines are usually impacted teeth the second after third molar. Frequency of impacted maxillary canines is about 1 to 3% of population (in 85% of the cases palataly, and in 15% of the cases bucaly). The aim of this research was to find the frequency of bucal and palatal impacted maxillary canines in relation to sex and position of impacted tooth. Matherial and method: We analyzed three-dimensional computed tomography images (CBCT) of 64 examinees (aged 12 to 33 years) with 80 unerupted maxillary canines to plan the orthodontic therapy. Results: Among 64 examines with impactions, 80 impacted maxillary canines are diagnosed. The average age of all respondents in the survey is 16,3±4,3. Of 64 examinees in research 41(64.1%) were female which is significantly more important than the representation of male examinees whose number was 23(35.9%). Frequency of unilateral impactions of maxillary canines is three times higher 48 (75%) in comparison to bilateral impactions 16 (25%). Of total 80 impacted maxillary canines 19 (23.75%) were bucal impacted, 3 (2.75%) in the middle of alveolus and 58 (72.5%) palatally. With the bucal and palatal impaction usually was represented partially vertical impaction (70%); completely horizontal impaction (10%) was represented only in the palatal impaction. Conclusion: The analysis of CBCT images of maxilla shows a statistically significant frequency of partially vertical, unilateral and paltally localized impacted maxillary canines.

Sanja Simić, Jasna Pavlović, Vladanka Vukićević, Amila Vujačić

01.12.2019.

Professional paper

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction during therapy of neuroborreliosis

Introduction. Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction implies trembling, headache, temperature, rash, meningitis, respiratory problems, liver, kidney and heart dysfunction during antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease. Case outline. A 47-year-old patient in May 2016 had circular redness on the thigh, fatigue, myalgia, nausea and headache. Borrelia Burgdorferi IgM antibodies were positive. She took doxycycline 200 mg/day, four weeks. Western blot IgM and IgG were positive as well. Retreated with Azithromycin, 500 mg/day, three weeks. Next year, there was a sleep and memory disorder, fatigue, dizziness, right leg paresthesia and burning in the soles, muscle weakness, decreased sensitivity and right foot hyperreflexia. Electromyography showed axonal degeneration of the peroneus and the tibialis. Pleocytosis (5 leucocytes/mm³) and intrathecal IgG were found. Magnetic resonance of the head in order. Neuroborreliosis was diagnosed and treatment included ceftriaxone, 2 grams/day, three weeks. After the second dose, trembling, myalgia, headache, nausea, flushed nose, dizziness and nausea started. Temperature 37.8°C. No changes on the skin. The antibiotic was not interrupted, symptomatic therapy was administered, and after two days the symptoms stopped. Neurological disorders have not completely disappeared. Titre antibodies still present. Conclusion. Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction occurs in 7.0-30.0% of patients treated for Lyme disease. Causes are multifactorial. Spirochetes release toxins, hypersensitivity is present, phagocytes destroy agents, complements and cytokines are activated. It is often not recognized. Tremor, fever, myalgia and skin rashes are present before the antibiotic, and the worsening is attributed to the underlying disease or allergy. Doctors should expect it during the treatment of spirochete-related diseases and provide appropriate care.

Snežana Knežević, Jelena Vulović, Marijana Jandrić-Kočić

01.12.2019.

Professional paper

Errors and artifacts on radiographs

Introduction: The process of recording a patient includes a procedure with several separate segments during work that together provide the imaging to be obtained for adequate radiological analysis. Throughout the process, it is possible to experience errors that create artifacts on X-rays which ultimately results in an inadequate recording that is not for valid analysis. Aim: Determine the total number of radiological films that are not for valid analysis. Sort out and analyze errors in radiographs according to the work process. Provide recommendations for improving the quality in the process of recording the patient. Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted at the Radiology Clinic of the Clinical Hospital Center Pristina-Gracanica, for two calendar years. All films that are not for valid analysis were considered. The radiological procedure of patient imaging was broken down into logical segments so that possible errors could be observed. We have summarized the causes of the artifacts in five appropriate groups (errors made by the recording technique, during the acquisition of the image, caused by the object of recording, during the processing of films in an automated machine and improper handling of films). Results: The total amount of used X-ray films is 32600 pieces, of which 242 (0.74%) were errors and artifacts. The most common format of a film with an error or artifact was 30x40 cm. A frequency of errors according to the cause of the occurrence is classified into appropriate groups. The largest number was in a group 1 - 155 (64.04%), in a group 2 - 3 (1.24%), in a group 3 - 13 (5.37%), in a group 4 - 67 (27.69%), and in a group 5 - 4 (1.66%). Conclusion: In the proper systematization of all observed errors and artifacts of X-ray film, it allows us to realise the place of error during the whole process of recording and processing of the film. We hereby wish to propose their elimination and improve the quality of the radiology department.

Simon Nikolić, Aleksandra Milenković, Bojan Tomić, Branislava Radović, Miloš Gašić

01.12.2019.

Professional paper

Postpartal depression and thyroid disorders

Introduction: Postpartum depression negatively affects a woman's quality of life and the development of a relationship with her child, which can have far-reaching consequences on the cognitive, behavioral and emotional development of the child. Etiology includes genetic predisposition, sudden hormonal changes, and sociodemographic factors. Case report: A 28-year-old patient, married, mother of a one-month-old boy. She graduated from the High school of economics, unemployed. She appears in the family medicine clinic due to chronic fatigue and bad mood, at the insistence of her husband, who thinks that she needs professional help. She grew up in a harmonious family. He gets along well with his wife, there are no existential problems. It denies previous illnesses. Neat appearance, inconspicuous posture and behavior, psychomotor diskette slowed down, more sparse spontaneous verbalization, slightly compromised volitional instinctual dynamisms, lowered basic mood. In the laboratory findings, hypothyroidism with elevated thyroid peroxidase antibody and antithyreoglobulin antibodies is detected. The thyroid ultrasound verifies the right lobe of 46x14x15mm, the left lobe of 48x13x12mm, inhomogeneous and easily hypoechoic structure. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale indicates the presence of depression (total score 18). The patient is referred for a consultative examination by a psychiatrist and a nuclear medicine specialist. Psychiatrist indicates the introduction of Sertralin 50 mg tablets (1x1/2 for the first seven days, then 1x1) and Bromasepam tablets 1,5 mg (2x1/2), nuclear specialist Levotiroskin sodium tablets 50 mcg (1x1/2 for 5 days and 1x1 for 2 days). After six months, withdrawal of the symptoms of the disease and exclusion of therapy by a psychiatrist. Conclusion: Autoimmune thyroid disease is a significant and often unrecognized cause of postpartum depression. Early detection and timely therapeutic intervention of these have a significant role in the prevention and successful treatment of postpartum depression.

Marijana Jandrić-Kočić

01.12.2019.

Professional paper

The immediate effects of the Covid-19 pandemia on postpartum women

The new pandemic, caused by the corona viral disease 2019 (Covid-19), has brought with it a series of restrictive measures that have drastically altered people's way of life and which restrict freedom of movement, behavior and social engagement. At the time of pandemia, almost all aspects of each individual lifestyle have been impaired, especially in members of vulnerable groups, particularly women in postpartum women. Acute psychological reactions to a pandemia may include insomnia, fear of infection, anxiety, frustration, panic attacks, loneliness, but also depressive episodes. Non-psychotic postpartum mood and anxiety disorders can occur as an inability to adapt to stressful life situations. A comprehensive understanding of the impact of the pandemia on the mental health of women in the postpartum period is needed, in order to devise adequate approaches to recovery from such a major disaster as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jelena Stojanov, Aleksandar Stojanov, Miodrag Stanković, Olivera Žikić

Indexed by