Browsing by Author "Culafic, Djordje (6603664463)"

Background and objectives: Data suggests that nearly 30% of the general population have steatosis and up to 5% of this population develops nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Liver biopsy is still considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of NASH. Great effort is being made toward the identification of sensitive diagnostic tests that do not involve invasive procedures to address a common concern in patients with the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—whether they have NASH or simple steatosis. We aimed to investigate the independent predictors and develop a non-invasive, easy-to-perform, low-cost set of parameters that may be used in clinical practice to differentiate simple steatosis from NASH. Methods: A cross-sectional study of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients divided into two groups: group I—simple steatosis (SS) and group II—biopsy-proven NASH. Strict inclusion criteria and stepwise analysis allowed the evaluation of a vast number of measured/estimated parameters. Results: One hundred and eleven patients were included—82 with simple steatosis and 29 with biopsy-proven NASH. The probability of NASH was the highest when homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was above 2.5, uric acid above 380 µmol/L, ferritin above 100 µg/L and ALT above 45 U/L. An acronym of using first letters was created and named the HUFA index. This combined model resulted in an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.94, provided sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and a negative predictive value for NASH of 70.3%, 95.1%, 83.1% and 90.0%, respectively. Conclusion: We suggest a simple non-invasive predictive index HUFA that encompasses four easily available parameters (HOMA-IR, uric acid, ferritin and ALT) to identify patients with NASH, which may reduce the need for a liver biopsy on a routine basis in patients with NAFLD. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Foreign body ingestion is a frequently encountered emergency in healthcare institutions. It mostly affects pediatric populations, although it can also affect adults with developmental delays, those with psychiatric diseases, drug abusers, and prisoners. Endoscopy is a diagnostic and treatment method for suspected foreign body ingestion. In this article, we discuss a 45-year-old tailor who swallowed a sewing pin while at work. The abdominal X-ray showed a needle-shaped metal shadow in the stomach region. During an upper endoscopy, it was discovered that a sewing pin with a sharp edge was stuck in the pylorus. The sewing pin was extracted endoscopically, and the patient was discharged the same day in good condition. Since the estimated risk of complications of foreign body ingestion in the adult population is about 35%, and the most common complications include impaction, laceration, bleeding, or perforation of the gastrointestinal wall, endoscopic or surgical removal is necessary. This also emphasizes the importance of a careful endoscopic evaluation of some at-risk occupations for foreign body ingestion with or without gastrointestinal complaints. © 2023 by the authors.

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and there have been outbreaks worldwide. The presentation may include unspecific and mild symptoms, myalgia, headaches, high fever, dry cough, severe dyspnea and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Case study: We present a rare case of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) with interstitial lung disease and without renal involvement misdiagnosed as COVID-19. Conclusions: Differential diagnosis of COVID-19 is extremely important, and must be correctly identified in order to proceed with correct treatment. Copyright © 2022 Pejic et al.

Introduction: COVID-19 is an infectious disease, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and there have been outbreaks worldwide. The presentation may include unspecific and mild symptoms, myalgia, headaches, high fever, dry cough, severe dyspnea and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Case study: We present a rare case of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) with interstitial lung disease and without renal involvement misdiagnosed as COVID-19. Conclusions: Differential diagnosis of COVID-19 is extremely important, and must be correctly identified in order to proceed with correct treatment. Copyright © 2022 Pejic et al.

Background and Aim. Differentiating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from anemia of chronic disease (ACD) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a clinical challenge. Hepcidin is a polypeptide synthetized in the liver, and iron levels or inflammation mostly regulate hepcidin production. Our aim was to determine serum hepcidin levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well to investigate whether hepcidin levels correlate with disease activity. Material and Methods. A case-control study was preformed among newly diagnosed IBD patients and same number age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients underwent a total ileocolonoscopy. Complete blood count was obtained in addition to inflammatory markers (CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate-ESR). Serum levels of hepcidin were determined with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DRG Instruments Marburg, Germany). Serum iron, TIBC, and UIBC were assessed with an electrochemiluminesence immunoassay, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) was assessed using an immunoturbidimetric method. Mayo score and CDAI, respectively, were calculated for each patient. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software version 20.0 for Windows. Results. There was a high statistically significant difference between IBD patients and controls in levels of hepcidin (P < 0:01). Namely, serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher in the control group. There was no statistically significant correlation of serum hepcidin with CRP, Mayo score, or CDAI, respectively (P > 0:05). However, we have found a statistically significant negative correlation of sTfR and TIBC with hepcidin (P < 0:01). Conclusion. Results of our study suggest that hepcidin is a reliable marker of IDA in patients with IBD, and it could be used in routine clinical practice when determining adequate therapy in these patients. Copyright © 2020 Stojkovic Lalosevic Milica et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Background and Aim. Differentiating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) from anemia of chronic disease (ACD) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a clinical challenge. Hepcidin is a polypeptide synthetized in the liver, and iron levels or inflammation mostly regulate hepcidin production. Our aim was to determine serum hepcidin levels in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well to investigate whether hepcidin levels correlate with disease activity. Material and Methods. A case-control study was preformed among newly diagnosed IBD patients and same number age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients underwent a total ileocolonoscopy. Complete blood count was obtained in addition to inflammatory markers (CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate-ESR). Serum levels of hepcidin were determined with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DRG Instruments Marburg, Germany). Serum iron, TIBC, and UIBC were assessed with an electrochemiluminesence immunoassay, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) was assessed using an immunoturbidimetric method. Mayo score and CDAI, respectively, were calculated for each patient. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software version 20.0 for Windows. Results. There was a high statistically significant difference between IBD patients and controls in levels of hepcidin (P < 0:01). Namely, serum hepcidin levels were significantly higher in the control group. There was no statistically significant correlation of serum hepcidin with CRP, Mayo score, or CDAI, respectively (P > 0:05). However, we have found a statistically significant negative correlation of sTfR and TIBC with hepcidin (P < 0:01). Conclusion. Results of our study suggest that hepcidin is a reliable marker of IDA in patients with IBD, and it could be used in routine clinical practice when determining adequate therapy in these patients. Copyright © 2020 Stojkovic Lalosevic Milica et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a gestation-specific liver disorder, defined most often as the onset of pruritus, usually from the third trimester of pregnancy, associated with abnormal liver test results and/or increased total serum bile acids and spontaneous relief after delivery. The 21-year-old patient was admitted to our ward in the 11th week of pregnancy due to raised liver enzymes. The first onset of pruritus and jaundice appeared a month before hospitalization. Immunology tests and Toxoplasma gondii were negative. We excluded viral etiology, while alpha-1-antitrypsin, serum and urine copper levels, and thyroid hormones were within the reference values. The patient denied she had taken any medicines and herbal preparations before and during pregnancy. Total bile acids in the serum were significantly elevated (242 µmol/L). The abdominal ultrasound revealed a regular finding. Liver biopsy suggested a cholestatic liver disorder. After a presentation of all risks, the patient decided to stop the pregnancy. After a month, the hepatogram was within the reference values. Very rarely an ICP can occur in early pregnancy (first trimester), which calls for close monitoring. The risk of serious adverse fetal outcomes and spontaneous preterm delivery is proportional with increased levels of maternal serum bile acid. © 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between metabolic syndrome and liver enzymes in overweight and obese adolescents and young adults. Methods: A total of 126 overweight and obese adolescents and young adults (age, 15-26 years), 55 (43.6%) with metabolic syndrome and 71 (56.4%) without metabolic syndrome, were studied. Results: Patients with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels compared to patients without metabolic syndrome [36.5±22.2 vs. 29.4±17.8 IU/L (P=0.043), 33.8±17.8 vs. 26.9±18.4 IU/L (P=0.002), and 84.3±32.2 vs. 75.7±29.5 IU/L (P=0.063)]. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were similar in both groups (24.1±9.8 vs. 23.3±9.0 IU/L, P=0.674). Elevated AST, ALT, GGT, and ALP levels were observed in 6, 15, 18, and 5 patients (11%, 27%, 14%, and 9%) with metabolic syndrome compared to 6, 17, 6, and 4 (8%, 24%, 8% and 5%) patients without metabolic syndrome (P=0.872, P=0.826, P<0.001, and P=0.035). In multivariate regression models adjusted for age and gender, metabolic syndrome was not a significant predictor of ALT (P=0.967), GGT (P=0.526), and ALP levels (P=0.221), but insulin resistance was a significant predictor for ALT and GGT levels (P=0.001, P=0.028). Conclusion: Changes in liver function tests were observed in obese patients with metabolic syndrome, compared to patients without metabolic syndrome, especially in ALT and GGT levels. Insulin resistance is an independent pathogenic mechanism in liver function test changes regardless of metabolic syndrome in nondiabetic centrally obese youth. © Copyright 2013, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 2013.

The progression of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is multifactorial, and there is still a lack of approved medications for its treatment. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of combined treatment with Pentoxifylline and Metformin on biochemical parameters in patients with NASH. Setting: Outpatient hepatology clinic. A prospective trial was conducted. The first cohort included patients with biopsy-proven NASH, while the second cohort consisted of patients with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD. Blood tests were checked at baseline and every three months. Pentoxifylline at a dosage of 400 mg t.i.d. and Metformin at the dosage of 500 mg t.i.d. were introduced for six months in NASH group. The impact of the treatment was assessed based on biochemical results after combined treatment with low-cost medications. All 33 NASH patients completed 24 weeks of treatment. We observed significant improvement (p<0.05) of median values after treatment for the following parameters: serum uric acid levels decreased by 51.0 micromol/L, calcium decreased for 0.27 mmoL/L, magnesium showed an increase of 0.11 mmoL/L. Insulin resistance improved as a reduction of HOMA - IR by 1.3 was detected. A significant decrease of median in liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gammaglutamyltransferase by 24.0 IU/L, 9.1 IU/L, 10.8 IU/L respectively, was noted. Pentoxifylline and Metformin may provide possible treatment option in NASH. Some new potential benefit of the therapy in improving liver function whilst decreasing cardiovascular risk was perceived. © 2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston 2019.

The progression of the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is multifactorial, and there is still a lack of approved medications for its treatment. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of combined treatment with Pentoxifylline and Metformin on biochemical parameters in patients with NASH. Setting: Outpatient hepatology clinic. A prospective trial was conducted. The first cohort included patients with biopsy-proven NASH, while the second cohort consisted of patients with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD. Blood tests were checked at baseline and every three months. Pentoxifylline at a dosage of 400 mg t.i.d. and Metformin at the dosage of 500 mg t.i.d. were introduced for six months in NASH group. The impact of the treatment was assessed based on biochemical results after combined treatment with low-cost medications. All 33 NASH patients completed 24 weeks of treatment. We observed significant improvement (p<0.05) of median values after treatment for the following parameters: serum uric acid levels decreased by 51.0 micromol/L, calcium decreased for 0.27 mmoL/L, magnesium showed an increase of 0.11 mmoL/L. Insulin resistance improved as a reduction of HOMA - IR by 1.3 was detected. A significant decrease of median in liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gammaglutamyltransferase by 24.0 IU/L, 9.1 IU/L, 10.8 IU/L respectively, was noted. Pentoxifylline and Metformin may provide possible treatment option in NASH. Some new potential benefit of the therapy in improving liver function whilst decreasing cardiovascular risk was perceived. © 2019 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston 2019.

Background: Data suggest cystatin C (CysC) levels and hepatic artery resistive index (HARI) correspond to the progression of chronic liver disease. We aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of these parameters in assessment of fibrosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. Methods: The cross-sectional study included 63 patients with liver cirrhosis. A control group consisted of 30 age-and gender-matched healthy persons. Results: We confirmed significantly higher values of CysC in patients with cirrhosis compared to control group (p = 0.036). Average value of HARI in the examined group was increased (0.72 ± 0.06) and there was the statistically significant difference compared to controls (0.66 ± 0.03) (p < 0.001). We found statistically significant correlation between HARI and CysC in the study group. Analyzing the possibility of distinguishing healthy subjects from patients with fibrosis, we have found that the area under the curve is far greater in the HARI index than CysC. Comparison of CysC among Child–Pugh stages and correlation with a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score showed statistically significant results. Conclusion: We confirmed HARI is a more accurate parameter than CysC in discriminating healthy subjects from patients with fibrosis, while CysC could be a better indicator of the stage of liver cirrhosis. © 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Introduction : Calprotectin is a cytoplasmatic protein of neutrophilic granulocytes and it is an established marker for the assessment of localized intestinal inflammation. Aim : To explore correlation between values of fecal calprotectin and degree of liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy. Methods : We included 60 patients with liver cirrhosis and 37 healthy patients as controls. Patients revealing other causes of abnormal calprotectin results (gastrointestinal bleeding or inflammatory bowel disease) were excluded. The degree of liver insufficiency was assessed according to the Child-Pugh classification and Model of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and degree of hepatic encephalopathy by West-Haven criteria, serum concentration of ammonium ion and the number connection test. Results : The mean value of fecal calprotectin in patients with liver cirrhosis was 189.1 ± 168.0 µg/g, and 35.0 ± 26.0 µg/g in the control group, respectively. We have confirmed significantly higher fecal calprotectin in patients with cirrhosis (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in values of fecal calprotectin between the patients with different stages of liver cirrhosis according to Child- Pugh classification and MELD score (p > 0.05). We observed statistically significant difference comparing fecal calprotectin by West- Haven criteria of hepatic encephalopathy (p < 0.001), while there were no correlation with the number connection test and serum concentration of ammonium ion (p > 0.05). Conclusion : We confirmed significantly higher values of fecal calprotectin in patients with liver cirrhosis, especially in hepatic encephalopathy according to West-Haven criteria. © 2014, (publisher).All right reserved

West Nile virus was first described in 1937 and has since periodically appeared in various parts of the world by infecting people and horses. Reported infection symptoms and signs may be highly variable, ranging from fever and myalgias to meningoencephalitis. A 59-year-old patient was admitted to the University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, in September 2018, where liver transplant was performed to treat cirrhosis of ethyl etiology. Immunosuppressive therapy was started immediately after successful transplant, with the patient receiving methylprednisolone, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. Mycophenolate mofetil was excluded from therapy on postoperative day 3 because of progressively worse white blood cell count. The patient became febrile on postoperative day 11 (39.6 °C), and arm tremor, nausea, vomiting, and frequent fluid stools occurred. He complained of pain in the muscles and joints of the lower extremities. The next day he experienced occasional disorientation. Neurological findings revealed no signs of acute focal neurological deficit. We performed culture tests to isolate pathological microorganisms, and results were negative in cultures of the blood, urine, feces, ascites, and a smear of the wound and tip of the central venous catheter. Lumbar puncture resulted in a clear cerebrospinal fluid that was sent for analysis that showed significant increases in white blood cell count (94 × 106 cells/L), total proteins (1.61 g/L), and microalbumin (504.5 mg/L), with a reduction of immunoglobulin G. On postoperative day 15, positive serology of West Nile virus immunoglobulin M in cerebrospinal fluid was verified. Intensive monitoring and symptomatic and supportive therapy resulted in clinical and laboratory improvement, and the patient was discharged in good general condition on postoperative day 22. Considering the high risk of posttransplant complications, there remains the question of whether all donors and recipients should be tested for West Nile virus at the onset of transplant. © Başkent University 2023.