BRAF Detection in FNAC Combined with Semi-Quantitative 99mTc-MIBI Technique and AI Model, an Economic and Efficient Predicting Tool for Malignancy in Thyroid Nodules.

BACKGROUND: Technology allows us to predict a histopathological diagnosis, but the high costs prevent the large-scale use of these possibilities. The current liberal indication for surgery in benign thyroid conditions led to a rising frequency of incidental thyroid carcinoma, especially low-risk papillary micro-carcinomas. METHODS: We selected a cohort of 148 patients with thyroid nodules by ultrasound characteristics and investigated them by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)and prospective BRAF collection for 70 patients. Also, we selected 44 patients with thyroid nodules using semi-quantitative functional imaging with an oncological, 99mTc-methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) radiotracer. RESULTS: Following a correlation with final histopathological reports in patients who underwent thyroidectomy, we introduced the results in a machine learning program (AI) in order to obtain a pattern. For semi-quantitative functional visual pattern imaging, we found a sensitivity of 33%, a specificity of 66.67%, an accuracy of 60% and a negative predicting value (NPV) of 88.6%. For the wash-out index (WOind), we found a sensitivity of 57.14%, a specificity of 50%, an accuracy of 70% and an NPV of 90.06%.The results of BRAF in FNAC included 87.50% sensitivity, 75.00% specificity, 83.33% accuracy, 75.00% NPV and 87.50% PPV. The prevalence of malignancy in our small cohort was 11.4%. CONCLUSIONS: We intend to continue combining preoperative investigations such as molecular detection in FNAC, 99mTc-MIBI scanning and AI training with the obtained results on a larger cohort. The combination of these investigations may generate an efficient and cost-effective diagnostic tool, but confirmation of the results on a larger scale is necessary.

Personalized Diagnosis in Differentiated Thyroid Cancers by Molecular and Functional Imaging Biomarkers: Present and Future.

Personalized diagnosis can save unnecessary thyroid surgeries, in cases of indeterminate thyroid nodules, when clinicians tend to aggressively treat all these patients. Personalized diagnosis benefits from a combination of imagery and molecular biomarkers, as well as artificial intelligence algorithms, which are used more and more in our timeline. Functional imaging diagnosis such as SPECT, PET, or fused images (SPECT/CT, PET/CT, PET/MRI), is exploited at maximum in thyroid nodules, with a long history in the past and a bright future with many suitable radiotracers that could properly contribute to diagnosing malignancy in thyroid nodules. In this way, patients will be spared surgery complications, and apparently more expensive diagnostic workouts will financially compensate each patient and also the healthcare system. In this review we will summarize essential available diagnostic tools for malignant and benignant thyroid nodules, beginning with functional imaging, molecular analysis, and combinations of these two and other future strategies, including AI or NIS targeted gene therapy for thyroid carcinoma diagnosis and treatment as well.

Updated Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in the North East Region of Romania after 35 Years of Chernobyl Fallout. Is There a Link between?

Thyroid cancer (TC) represents a worldwide problem, the consistent growth of the incidence increment issues about management of risk factors and curative treatment. Updated statistical data are not complete in the North East region of Romania and need to be improved. Therefore, through this study, we aim to renew the existing data on thyroid cancer. We conducted a retrospective study covering a period of 10 years. Data were collected from a hospital information system (InfoWorld) between 2009 and 2019. Patients' age groups were stratified in relation with the age at the moment of the Chernobyl event. A database was obtained (Microsoft Excel) and statistical correlations were applied. In the studied period, 1159 patients were diagnosed: 968 females and 191 males, distributed by region, with the highest addressability in Iasi (529), followed by neighboring counties. Age distribution displayed that most of the thyroid cancers were in the range 4060 years old (50.94%), followed by 60-80 years old (32.41%). Most patients were diagnosed with papillary carcinoma 63.10%, then follicular 14.7%, medullary 6.74% and undifferentiated 1.02%. Romania was in the vicinity of the radioactive cloud at Chernobyl fallout, so we must deliberate whether the increased incidence of thyroid cancer in the age group 40-60 years is associated with radiogenicity (iodine 131) given the fact that over has 35 years and the half-life of other radioisotopes like Caesium-137 and Strontium -90 is completed.

Awareness and Knowledge About HPV and HPV Vaccine Among Romanian Women.

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent gynecological malignancies worldwide. Romania has the highest incidence of this type of cancer in Europe. A successful prevention strategy has to consider the primary prevention measures (including health education on human papilloma virus (HPV) infection but also vaccination). The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Romanian women about HPV and HPV vaccine. We conducted a cross-sectional study survey of 454 women using an anonymously completed questionnaire covering the awareness and knowledge of HPV infection and attitudes to vaccination. We also analyzed the discussions and conclusion from a focus group of healthcare professionals regarding (1) HPV and HPV awareness and attitude, and (2) suggestions for improving HPV vaccine knowledge and acceptance. 69.2% of women were aware about HPV but their knowledge was minimal and incomplete. While 62.3% had heard about HPV vaccine, only 50.7% had a positive attitude toward it. The main barriers to vaccination were the fear of side effects, the perception that is risky, and the financial concerns. Deficiencies in knowledge were noted for vaccine, genital warts, or risks factors for HPV infection like the early onset of sexual life. The information regarding HPV and vaccine is not always accurate and complete, and only 50.7% of women have a positive attitude toward the vaccine. More educational programs and clearer communication are needed to raise awareness and knowledge regarding HPV and HPV vaccine.

Perception and use of Pap smear screening among rural and urban women in Romania.

Background: In 2012 the National Screening Program for all women between 25 and 64 years of age was launched in Romania. Public awareness is an important factor in the success of a screening program. For this reason, we intended to assess the perception and the level of awareness of Romanian women regarding the Pap test in the prevention of cervical cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 454 women from rural and urban areas. For our study, we used a questionnaire covering general characteristics, awareness, knowledge and practices regarding cervical cancer and Pap smear. Results: 431 participants (95%) had heard of cervical cancer and Pap smear but only 71.8% knew the exact role of it. Bivariate analysis showed that knowledge about the importance of the Pap smear, early detection and treatment of early-stage cervical cancer was reduced among women with low socio-economic status, mainly living in rural area. The most frequent reasons for avoiding Pap smear screening were: lack of money, embarrassment or fear of gynaecological consultation and pain, the feeling that they don't need it, misconceptions about cervical cancer, fatalistic attitude, perceived low susceptibility to cervical cancer. Conclusions: Because the uptake and the success of cervical cancer screening are determined by women's knowledge and awareness of Pap smear, it is critical to improve these perceptions in the near future especially in rural area characterized by a low socio-economic status.

Prevalence of Myopia Among Medical Students From "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy.

Introduction: There are scientific evidences that the etiology of juvenile-onset myopia involves both genetic and environmental factors. Excessive near work represents the most frequently cited environmental factor associated with the development of this disease. Objectives: The aim of our study was to assess some epidemiological aspects of myopia in today`s medical students from "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, including the prevalence of this disorder, and the differences between generations. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was shared via the internet on the social groups of the University`s Medical Students. Five hundred and seventy-six (576) students filled the survey online: from the 1st year - 105 students; 2nd year - 86; 3rd year - 121; 4th year - 80; 5th year ­ 86, and from the 6th year - 98 students. Results: 73.8% of the students included in the study suffer from myopia. At a first glance, the analysis of myopic students' distribution by the university year showed no significant difference: 1st year ­ 73.3%; 2nd year ­ 74.4%; 3rd year ­ 71.9%; 4th year - 77.5%; 5th year - 68.6%, and 6th year ­ 77.6% (p<0.005). The percentage of the 6th year students that entered the university with myopia was 43.8%. Furthermore, we observed that the number of students that already had myopia before entering the university has progressively increased. To emphasize how important the difference is, this year 64% of the 1st year students already were diagnosed with myopia. Conclusions: These results open a debate regarding the causes of the increasing number of students suffering from myopia, including the difficult academic requirements, the behavioral changes, the genetic factors or the poor quality of nutrition.

Adenosin triiphosphat Bioluminiscence Hospital Cleaning--A Method to Influence Invasive Fungal Infections.

Invasive fungal infections are infections determinate by fungal invasion and can be endogenous from patient mycobiome or through horizontal transmission from medical workers' hands and from patients hospital environment especially candidemia with C. parapsilosis. Candidemia is one of leading bloodstream infections associated with healthcare situated on fourth position and USA with high mortality rates especially for immunosuppressed patients. Demonstrating the level of cleaning using adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence technique we can improve the cleaning and hand hygiene and can influence decreasing of invasive fungal infections transmitted by hands. Material and methods: We have evaluated 200 samples from hands and patient environment on 2 hospitals with pneumology and infectious diseases profile (I and II) using bioluminescence to establish the status of hygiene and to determine measures of cleaning. Results: Regarding hand hygiene the level of relative light units over the values recommended by producer (FAIL) was 66% (6 of 9) in unit I and 75% in unit II (3 from 4). Regarding the level of cleaning in other places in direct contact with patients like toilets, bed bar, commodes the results were FAIL over 60%. Conclusions: In this moment in hospitals the hygiene is evaluated visually and no objective method was implemented beside the sanitation tests in Romania. ATP Bioluminescence evaluates in 15 seconds the level of cleaning in comparison with other methods and generates input in cleaning process, influencing indirectly decreasing hospital acquired infections including invasive fungal infections, together with other measures like education, antibiotic stewardship, increasing patient safety. In hospitals evaluated cleaning of hands and surfaces need improvement and investment in cleaning products and processes monitoring.

VACCINATION--COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY OR VIOLATION OF RIGHTS?

Vaccination is considered to be the most effective and the cheapest medical intervention through which individual and collective immunisation is achieved. Statistics show that, at present, immunisation annually saves 400 million lives and protects approximately 750,000 children against disabilities of varying degrees. Approximately 80% of worldwide children are vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, etc.; these diseases used to be considered incurable in the past. Vaccines help the body to produce antibodies; they help the immune system to detect germs and inactivate their cells. The immunological protection is installed after a variable period of time following the inoculation and is long lasting. Immunisations can be achieved in several ways: through national immunisation campaigns with general recommendation--they may be compulsory, optional or prophylactic (for the diseases for which a vaccine is available); vaccinations not included in the compulsory immunisation programmes; they may also be targeted to the contagious infectious outbreaks or to groups of population in certain situations. There is no guarantee that a vaccine will provide 100% protection. However, it will significantly reduce the risk of getting an infection. Vaccines have side effects which can be divided into reactions triggered by the vaccine or reactions exacerbated by it, without a causal relationship to the vaccine.

Epidemiological evaluation regarding the role of cystic fibrosis as a risk factor for child malnutrition.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common monogenic autosomal recessive disorder with progressive chronic evolution which is potentially lethal. Poor growth is a characteristic of children suffering from cystic fibrosis. A poor nutritional status is an independent risk factor for inadequate survival in cystic fibrosis and is associated with disease complications. The appropriate nutritional management is an important part of the treatment so that the patient with cystic fibrosis can achieve normal growth and development and maintain the best possible health status. A balanced diet supplemented with snacks high in fat and calories is necessary to increase the caloric intake in children with cystic fibrosis. Children with cystic fibrosis have higher caloric needs than healthy children of the same age and sex. Malnutrition in CF is multifactorial. Cystic fibrosis is a complex multisystem disorder affecting mainly the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system. In the past, malnutrition was an inevitable consequence of disease progression, leading to poor growth, impaired respiratory muscle function, decreased exercise tolerance and immunological impairment. A positive association between body weight and height and survival has been widely reported. The energy requirements of patients with CF vary widely and generally increase with age and disease severity. Cystic fibrosis remains a paediatric disorder which is often underdiagnosed but which, if therapeutically managed properly (by means of drug therapy as well as by appropriate physiotherapy techniques), can lead to improved quality of life and, thus, to a bigger life expectancy.

Clostridium difficile epidemic outbreak in an oncology unit.

AIMS: Contributions to the knowledge of some peculiarities of C. difficile involvement in human pathology, nosocomial infections (NI) included. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This clinico-epidemiological and laboratory study included 14 patients admitted to the Medical Clinic of the Iasi Regional Cancer Institute with the diagnosis of C. difficile NI based on detection of toxins A and B in stool samples. The data were assessed and interpreted using an algorithm which revealed the peculiarities of C. difficile NI outbreak occurrence and evolution. RESULTS: Of the 14 cases included in the study, 5 (35.8 %) had community-onset infections and 9 (64.3%) oncology unit-onset infections. The average hospital stay was 22 days. Immunocompromised condition and the use of antibiotics in the ciprofloxacin, colistin and cefotaxime group for 4 - 10 days were the main risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: This epidemic C. difficile NI outbreak which affected immunocompromised patients with high susceptibility to infection, common finding in oncology care was brought under control by active preventive measures associated with concomitant antimicrobial therapy effective in C. difficile infections.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage in infants with protein-energy malnutrition.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) colonization in infants with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and to characterize the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in isolated strains. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 123 infants with PEM, admitted to the Paediatric Rehabilitation Department of,,St. Mary" Emergency Clinical Children's Hospital Iasi, during October 1st 2010 and August 30th 2011. Nasal, pharyngeal and conjunctival swabs were collected for detection of colonization upon admission and at discharge. RESULTS: The study revealed a high rate of MRSA carriage among infants with PEM (62.60%), most of the isolated strains being multidrug-resistant (86.13%), with additional resistance to aminoglycosides, macrolides and inducible resistance to clindamycin. 88% of colonized infants were nasal carriers. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of MRSA carriers permits the implementation of measures that decrease the risk for subsequent infection.

Validation of PCR-RFLP techniques for the evaluation of codon 72 of p53 and CYP1A1 gene's polymorphisms in relation with ovarian cancer in a Romanian population.

Epidemiological studies suggest that the onset and progression of ovarian cancer are associated with the presence of estrogens. CYP1A1 gene has two polymorphisms, which may affect the estrogens' metabolites and contribute to increased susceptibility to neoplastic transformation of ovarian cells. P53 is a tumor suppressor gene, which acts to preserve stability of human genome. Codon 72 polymorphism of p53 gene was correlated with susceptibility for ovarian cancer. The aim of our study was to validate the use of PCR-RFLP techniques for the evaluation of p53 codon 72 and CYP1A1 gene polymorphisms in relation with ovarian cancer in a Romanian population and to evaluate gene-environment interaction in this context. The case-control study included 42 subjects. The assessment of risk and protective factors was performed using a questionnaire. Polymorphisms of CYP1A1 and p53 genes were assessed using the validated PCR-RFLP techniques. The statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info 3.5.1 software. Frequency of Arg/Arg genotype of p53 gene was higher among cases (43%) compared with controls (33.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.75). The presence of Ile/Val polymorphism of CYP1A1 gene was identified in 9.5% of the cases and the MspI polymorphism of CYP1A1 gene was not identified in our subjects. Validation of techniques consisted in the optimization of RFLP methods for p53 and CYP1A1 genes polymorphism analyzing that allowed highlighting the existence of codon 72 polymorphism of p53 gene and Ile/Val polymorphism of CYP1A1 gene in the population from this region.

[Cross-sectional study to evaluate risk factors in infant malnutrition]. / Studiu transversal de evaluare a unor factori de risc implicati în aparitia malnutritiei la sugar.

UNLABELLED: Malnutrition is a major health problem in our country by maintaining a high number of infants with poor nutritional status. Various studies have highlighted the role of infant's malnutrition in the development of adult diseases. METHODS: We made a cross-sectional study during six months (October 2010 - March 2011) on a group of 63 infants admitted in Pediatric Recovery Department-Children's Hospital, Iasi; we evaluated the presence of risk factors for malnutrition. The data were processed using SPSS 16 and Epilnfo 3.5.2. (December 2010). RESULTS: The infants were predominantly female (52,4%); the most affected age group was 5-24 weeks (84,11%). Most of them came from rural areas (79,4%), from families with low socioeconomic income (95,2%), mothers with a low educational status (63,4%), housewives (88,9%). We noted the presence of previous diseases in 71,4% infants. Only 12 infants received breast milk for a short time (three weeks), the other 51 infants have been bottle-fed since birth. Complementary food was incorrect in 68,42% cases. With a proper diet the mean weight gain was 895,68 g and the Z score values (weight for age, height for age, weight for height) have improved during an average of 34,15 days; positive correlation between these factors is strong. CONCLUSIONS: Low socio-economic income, rural areas, low maternal educational level, diet errors, small infants with multiple previous diseases are the main risk factors in malnutrition's occurrence. We consider particularly important to solve social problems too, not only the medical, because when the infant returns in the same disadvantaged family there is an increased risk for malnutrition to recur.

[Aspects of the antimicrobial resistence profile in infections with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in diabetic patients]. / Aspecte ale profilului de rezistenta antimicrobiana în infectii cu Escherichia coli si Klebsiella pneumoniae la pacientii diabetici.

UNLABELLED: Infections in diabetic patient remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality, triggering and maintaining a prolonged metabolic imbalance. Emergence of extented spectrum beta-lactmase (ESBL) in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major concern, because of the atypical manner infection acts in this group of imunodepressed patients and also for the limited therapeutic solutions. For this reason we have evaluated the profile of antimicrobial resistance of these pathogens in both diabetic and non diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a retrospective case control study, the antibiotic susceptibility pattern in isolates of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. from different biological products in 49 diabetics and 150 non-diabetics admitted in The Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases Iasi over a period of two years. RESULTS: Most of strains of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. ESBL positive were found in uroculture. Significant differences in E. coli resistance rate between diabetics and nondiabetics were noted for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin (31,4% vs.13,98%, p=0,04, respectively 52,9% vs. 24,46%, p=0,004). More isolates of ESBL positive K. pneumoniae were found in diabetic patients (50% vs. 24%). Ciprofloxacin resistance of K. pneumoniae was significantly higher in diabetics (75% vs 39%; p=0,05). There was no resistance in E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates to imipenem in the diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: The high resistance rate to quinolones and 3rd generation cefalosporins limits their use for the treatment of Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae infections. Other alternatives for empiric therapy in community and nosocomial-acquired infections in diabetic patient remains carbapenems, aminoglycosides and colimycin.

[Assessment of visual function under treatment with topical antiglaucoma agents and systemic vasodilators. Clinical study on glaucoma patients]. / Evaluarea functiei vizuale sub tratament cu topice antiglaucomatoase si vasodilatatoare sistemice. Studiu clinic pe loturi de pacienti cu glaucom, asistati in Clinica a II-a Oftalmologie, Spitalul Clinic de Urgente Prof. Dr. N. Oblu Iasi.

UNLABELLED: The authors present some observations regarding the use of topical anti-glaucoma therapy and systemic vasodilators. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out on a series of 996 glaucoma patients, of which 54.1% with primary open-angle glaucoma, 5.7% closed-angle glaucoma, and 17.6% with normal intraocular pressure. RESULTS: Intraocular pressure and visual field were assessed after the use of such therapeutic methods as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (dorzolamide) and prostaglandin (latanoprost) and dorzolamide (cosopt) association. CONCLUSIONS: The favorable progression of glaucoma could be improved by using new etiopathogenic mechanisms and treatment approaches.

[Contributions to know the involvement of cardio-vascular diseases in glaucoma etiology, studied on a sample of 996 patients assisted in Clinic of Ophthalmology, "Prof. N. Oblu" Emergency Hospital, Iasi]. / Contributii la cunoasterea implicarii unor afectiuni cardiovasculare in aparitia glaucomului, observate pe 996 pacienti asistati in Clinica de Oftalmologie, a Spitalului de Urgenta "Prof. Dr. N. Oblu" Iasi.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors present the results of clinical and epidemiological research on a sample of 8118 patients assisted in the Ophthalmology Clinic of the Hospital "Prof. Dr. N. Oblu", including 996 (12.1%) with glaucoma, of which 54.1% primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), 22.6%, normal tension glaucoma (NTG), 5.7% primary angle closure-glaucoma (PACG) and 17.6% secondary glaucoma, during 2006-2010. RESULTS: For patients with glaucoma authors assessed the prevalence of arterial hypertension (POAG: 33.1%; NTG: 32%; PACG: 8.7%, secondary: 8%), diabetes mellitus (POAG : 19.9%, TNG : 12.9%; PACG : 5.3%, secondary : 5.2%), atherosclerosis (POAG: 10.2%, TNG: 12%; PACG: 5.2%, secondary: 2.9%), vasospasm (POAG: 45 2%, TNG: 47.3%; PACG: 39.3%, secondary: 44.3%).

[Epidemiological and forensic medical considerations regarding frequency and causes of violent deaths in Iasi. County, between 1997-2006]. / Consideratii epidemiologice si medico-legale asupra frecventei si cauzelor producerii deceselor prin violenta, in judetul Iasi, in perioada 1997-2006.

UNLABELLED: Authors present some epidemiological aspects of violent deaths in Iasi County, with certain comparisons with Romania, during the period 1997-2006. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study included information collected by Institutes of Forensic Medicine at the national level. RESULTS: In Romania, violent deaths registered values between 2.6 and 4.5%, with yearly non-significant statistical differences when reported to causes of death, excepted years 2005 and 2006. Violent deaths situated Iasi County over the national level (8-11 / 2.7% per hundred thousand). Homicides registered 9.3% per hundred thousand, as compared with much more reduced values in other 12 Romanian counties, in the same period of study. CONCLUSIONS: Violent death in Romania and Iasi County highlighted a dependence of difficulties to carry out efficient programmes of prevention and emergency assistance.

[Clinical and biological correlations of esophageal varices in patients with compensated hepatic cirrhosis]. / Corelatii clinice si biologice privind varicele esofagiene la pacientii cu ciroza hepatica compensata.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 126 patients with hepatic cirrhosis (HC) CHILD A class, assisted in Botosani Hospital, during 2007 and 2008. Patients were clinic, biochemical, hematological, etiological, ultrasonographic, endoscopical examined. Statistical analysis carried out with EXCEL soft and SPSS 16.0 soft, calculating chi2, p, ROC curve, SPRI and ASPRI values. RESULTS: We assessed the sample characteristics using the univariate analysis: age, the presence/absence of esophageal varices, SPRI score (limit value > or = 15.5), ASPRI score (limit value > or = 19.3). CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive prediction cannot exclude the endoscopic exam in patients with compensated HC, caused especially by the virus C and alcohol consumption. Thrombocytopenia and splenomegaly and Fibroscan exam were the best noninvasive indicators to predict the esophageal varices.

[Considerations on death by domestic violence in Neamt County, between 1997-2008]. / Consideratii asupra deceselor cauzate de violenta domestica, in judetul Neamt, in perioada 1997-2008.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study include a series of 132 cases of domestic violence (DV) accounting for 58% of the 228 homicides recorded between 1997 and 2008 in the Neamt county. Data were processed and interpreted based on epidemiological, statistic and mathematical computer-based methods. RESULTS: In 1998, in the Neamt county, 0.69 per thousand homicides were recorded as compared to 2.56 at country level. In 2000, the rate of homicides by DV had significantly increased, reaching 12.3 per thousand, compared to 4.5 per thousand at the national level. The prevalence of homicides by DV, according to environment, gender, age groups and other features is presented. CONCLUSIONS: Domestic violence is hard to control, this phenomenon being uncommon to Romanian society, but represents a major social and public health problem.

The assessment of relations between main histologic type of ovarian cancer and some risk and prognostic factors.

UNLABELLED: The authors have highlighted some aspects regarding the domestic risk and prognostic factors for different types of ovarian cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study has included 249 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. RESULTS: The assessment of age group distribution of patients with serous carcinoma (150 cases) underlying that the age group of 60-69 years was more frequent compared with the other age groups (OR = 0.20; IC 95% = 0.12-0.33; p < 0.01 x 10(-5)) and the mean of age was 61 years, 8 months, 19 days (DS = 11 years, 11 months, 22 days). The most frequent risk factor for serous type was the ovulation lifetime over 30 years (78.66%); followed by early menarche (under 12 years) (13.33%); smoking (12%); late menopause (over 52 years) (10%) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (2.67%), compared with mucinous carcinoma for which the most frequent was the ovulation lifetime over 30 years (65.21%); followed by early menarche (under 12 years) (34.78%); late menopause (over 52 years) (26.08%) and smoking (17.39%). CONCLUSIONS: The ovulation lifetime over 30 years was identified as the main risk factor for both histological types, but it was significant more frequent among women with serous type. Smoking was more frequent among those who had mucinous carcinoma compared with serous type. No significant differences were identified among women with both histological types regarding the age at first menstrual bleeding and parity.