Browsing by Author "Slijepčević, Nikola A. (35811197900)"

Background/Aim. Establishing a preoperative diagnosis of thyroid follicular tumors is difficult due to the fact that the cell morphology of adenomas and carcinomas are similar and that capsular and vascular invasion cannot be determined by cytology. We analyzed predictive factors of follicular carcinoma in order to enable a surgeon to indicate operative treatment and to perform an adequate operation for each patient with a follicular neoplasm. Methods. In this retrospective study, we analyzed medical records of all patients with follicular thyroid tumors operated at an endocrine surgery unit of a tertiary referral academic hospital, between 2008 and 2012. A total of 263 operated patients were included and divided into follicular adenomas (n = 97) and follicular carcinomas (n = 166) based on the histopathology results. The most important demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. In adenoma group (19 males, 78 females) age range was 19-79, mean age 50. In carcinoma group (35 males, 131 females) age range was 15-78, mean age 48. Univariate analysis showed that thyroglobulin concentration ≥ 500 ng/mL, tumor diameter < 30 mm, presence of more than one thyroid nodule and an afunctional/hypofunctional nodule were significantly more frequent in follicular carcinoma than in follicular adenoma. Independent predictive factors of malignancy were: elevated preoperative thyroglobulin concentration (≥ 500 ng/mL) and presence of more than one nodule. Based on our results we formed a nomogram, a two-dimensional diagram designed to enable estimation of preoperative probability of malignancy. Conclusion. Elevated preoperative thyroglobulin concentration, ≥ 500 ng/mL, and the presence of more than one nodule are independent predictors of malignancy for follicular thyroid carcinomas. © 2020 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.

Background and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) and treatment satisfaction (TS) in patients with diabetic retinopathy treated with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). Material and Methods: The panel study included 95 patients who underwent PRP for diabetic retinopathy. Eligible patients with no history of previous PRP were interviewer-administered the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) and Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (RetTSQ) beforehandand one month after the last session of laser application. The study was conducted between June 2017 and June 2019 at tertiary care center in Serbia, Belgrade. We assessed pre- to post-PRP values of the composite score and subscale scores of VFQ-25 and RetTSQ, using a paired samples t-test. Univariate logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between binary outcomes and potential predictors. Multivariate regression included predictors from univariate analyses that were statistically significant. Results: The mean VFQ-25 composite score was 65.4 ± 17.4 before and 63.3 ± 19.5 after PRP (p = 0.045). Subscale analysis showed that two of the 11 items achieved a significant decrease after laser application (general vision and dependency). The mean RetTSQ score at baseline was 60.0 ± 11.8 and at the exit visit was 60.3 ± 12.3 (p = 0.858). Sub-scale analysis showed significant deterioration for five of the 13 items. Multivariate logistic regression found that significant predictor of VFQ-25 composite score reduction was fewer laser burns (p = 0.002) while significant predictor of RetTSQ total score reduction was presence of hyperlipidaemia (p = 0.021). Conclusion: The use of vision-related quality of life and treatment satisfaction questionnaires in conjunction with clinical examination, appears to provide a more comprehensive overview of an individual’s daily well-being following PRP. Laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy leads to deterioration of some of the patients’ perceived VR-QOL and TS. Health-care providers should inform patients about their treatment options and together decide which therapeutic method is best for them. © 2022 by the authors.