Chronic mild to moderate mitral regurgitation will not have an impact on left atrial strain parameters in the pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial strain (LAS) analysis represents a newer non-invasive, sensitive and specific technique for assessing left atrial (LA) function and early detection of its deformation and dysfunction. However, its applicability in mitral regurgitation (MR) in pediatric population remains unexplored, raising pertinent questions regarding its potential role in evaluating the severity and progression of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of chronic MR in children and adolescents on LA remodeling and function. METHODS: The study included 100 participants. Patients with primary and secondary chronic MR lasting at least 5 years fit our inclusion criteria. The exclusion criteria from the study were: patients with functional mitral regurgitation due to primary cardiomyopathies, patients with artificial mitral valve, patients with MR who had previously undergone surgery due to obstructive lesions of the left heart (aortic stenosis, coarctation of the aorta), patients with significant atrial rhythm disorders (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter). The echocardiographic recordings were conducted by two different cardiologists. Outcome data was reported as mean and standard deviation (SD) or median and interquartile range (Q1-Q3). RESULTS: The study included 100 participants, of whom 50 had MR and the remaining 50 were without MR. The average age of all participants was 15.8 ± 1.2 years, with a gender distribution of 37 males and 63 females. There was a significant difference in the values of LA volume index (LAVI), which were higher in patients with MR (p= 0.0001), S/D ratio (and parameters S and D; p= 0.001, p= 0.0001, p= 0.013), mitral annulus radius (p= 0.0001), E/A ratio (p= 0.0001), as well as septal e' (m/s), lateral e' (m/s), and average E/e' ratio, along with the values of TV peak gradient and LV global longitudinal strain (%). There was no significant difference in LA strain parameters, nor in LA stiffness index (LASI). CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed significant differences in several echocardiographic parameters in pediatric patients with MR relative to those without MR, providing insight into the multifaceted cardiac structural and functional effects of MR in this vulnerable population.

Left atrial stiffness is in correlation with left atrial reservoir strain in pediatric patients with mitral regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial stiffness index (LASI), defined as the ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity/lateral mitral annulus myocardial velocity (E/e') to peak atrial strain, reflects reduced left atrial (LA) compliance and represents an emerging marker that can be used for noninvasive measurement of fibrosis of LA in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of chronic MR in children and adolescents on the remodeling and function of the LA, quantified through strain parameters and diastolic function. METHODS: The study included fifty patients (n= 50) diagnosed with primary and secondary chronic MR lasting at least 5 years. The echocardiographic recordings were performed by a third party, two cardiologists actively engaged in echocardiography on a daily basis. RESULTS: Older participants had higher values of the LASI (r= 0.467, p= 0.001). Participants with higher LASI values had a smaller LA reservoir (r= 0.784, p= 0.0001) and smaller LA conduit values (r=-0.374, p= 0.00). Participants with higher LASI values had a larger LA diameter (r= 0.444, p-value= 0.001) and higher average E/e' ratio (r= 0.718, p= 0.0001). There was a significant difference (p= 0.04) in the LASI among participants based on the MR jet area (< 20.85% ⩾ 20.85%), LASI was higher in participants with an area greater than 20.85%. Differences in other parameters such as LA reservoir, LA conduit, LA contractile were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Increased LA stiffness is associated with diminished atrial compliance and reservoir capacity, and LASI has a potential to as an early marker for assessing disease severity and progression in pediatric MR.

Left atrial strain in fetal echocardiography - could it be introduced to everyday clinical practice?

OBJECTIVES: Prenatal cardiology is a part of preventive cardiology based on fetal echocardiography and fetal interventional cardiology, which facilitates treatment of congenital heart defects (CHD) in pediatric patients and consequently in adults. Timely prenatal detection of CHD plays a pivotal role in facilitating the appropriate referral of pregnant women to facilities equipped to provide thorough perinatal care within the framework of a well-structured healthcare system. The aim of this paper is to highlight the role of left atrial strain (LAS) in prenatal evaluation of fetal heart and prediction of structural and functional disorders. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive literature review searching PubMed for articles published from inception up until August 2023, including the search terms "left atrial strain", "fetal echocardiography", and "prenatal cardiology" combined through Boolean operators. In addition, references lists of identified articles were further reviewed for inclusion. RESULTS: Our review underscores the significance of LAS parameters in fetal echocardiography as a screening tool during specific gestational windows (starting from 11 to 14 weeks of gestation, followed by better visualization between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation). The left atrial strain technique and its parameters serve as valuable indicators, not only for identifying cardiac complications but also for predicting and guiding therapeutic interventions in cases of both cardiac and noncardiac pregnancy complications in fetuses. Evidence suggests establishment of second-trimester reference strain and strain rate values by speckle-tracking echocardiography in the healthy fetal cohort is essential for the evaluation of myocardial pathologies during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Finding of LAS of fetal heart is feasible and probably can have potential for clinical and prognostic implications.

Artificial intelligence as a new answer to old challenges in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics.

BACKGROUND: Following the latest trends in the development of artificial intelligence (AI), the possibility of processing an immense amount of data has created a breakthrough in the medical field. Practitioners can now utilize AI tools to advance diagnostic protocols and improve patient care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to present the importance and modalities of AI in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics and its usefulness in daily clinical work and decision-making process. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed by searching PubMed for articles published from inception up until August 2023, including the search terms "artificial intelligence in obstetrics", "maternal-fetal medicine", and "machine learning" combined through Boolean operators. In addition, references lists of identified articles were further reviewed for inclusion. RESULTS: According to recent research, AI has demonstrated remarkable potential in improving the accuracy and timeliness of diagnoses in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics, e.g., advancing perinatal ultrasound technique, monitoring fetal heart rate during labor, or predicting mode of delivery. The combination of AI and obstetric ultrasound can help optimize fetal ultrasound assessment by reducing examination time and improving diagnostic accuracy while reducing physician workload. CONCLUSION: The integration of AI in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare efficiency, and individualized care plans. As technology evolves, AI algorithms are likely to become even more sophisticated. However, the successful implementation of AI in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics needs to address challenges related to interpretability and reliability.

Left atrial strain analysis in the realm of pediatric cardiology: Advantages and implications.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial (LA) strain analysis has emerged as a noninvasive technique for assessing LA function and early detection of myocardial deformation. Recently, its application has also shown promise in the pediatric population, spanning diverse cardiac conditions that demand accurate and sensitive diagnostic measures. OBJECTIVE: This research endeavors to explore the role of LA strain parameters and contribute to the growing body of knowledge in pediatric cardiology, paving the way for more effective and tailored approaches to patient care. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather evidence from studies using echocardiographic strain imaging techniques across pediatric populations. RESULTS: LA strain parameters exhibited greater sensitivity than conventional atrial function indicators, with early detection of diastolic dysfunction and LA remodeling in pediatric cardiomyopathy, children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, rheumatic heart disease, as well as childhood renal insufficiency and obesity offering prognostic relevance as potential markers in these pediatric subpopulations. However, there remains a paucity of evidence concerning pediatric mitral valve pathology, justifying further exploration. CONCLUSION: LA strain analysis carries crucial clinical and prognostic implications in pediatric cardiac conditions, with reliable accuracy and sensitivity to early functional changes.

Pericardial Effusion in Postcoronavirus Disease Patients with Preserved Ejection Fraction of the Left Ventricle and Normal Values of N-Terminal-Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide-Link with C-Reactive Protein and D-Dimer.

Aim: The aim of this study was to link the values of D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP), with the occurrence of pericardial effusion in patients who had coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have preserved systolic function of the left ventricle (LV). Methods: This was a prospective study and included 146 patients who underwent echocardiographic examination 30 days after the acute phase of COVID-19. Patients who were placed on mechanical ventilation, patients who had pulmonary thromboembolism or acute coronary syndrome during the acute period of the disease, patients who had an ejection fraction of the LV <50%, patients who were diagnosed with pericarditis during acute illness or clinical signs of heart failure (or had elevated N-terminal-pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide value), with verified renal or hepatic dysfunction were excluded from the study, including patients with diabetes mellitus Type 1, patients with cancer, connective tissue disease, or pregnant women. The existence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus Type 2, and hyperlipidemia), the presence of previous ischemic heart disease, maximum values of D-dimer, and CRP (during the first 15 days of the disease) was taken into the analysis. Results: Effusion was verified around the right atrium (RA) in 104 patients (3.85 ± 1.75 mm), in 135 patients next to the free wall of the right ventricle (RV) (5.24 ± 2.29 mm), in front of the apex of the LV in 27 patients (2.44 ± 0.97 mm), next to the lateral wall of LV in 35 patients (4.43 ± 3.21 mm), and behind the posterior wall of LV in 30 patients (2.83 ± 1.62 mm). Mean CRP values during the acute phase of the disease were 43.0 mg/L (8.6-76.2 mg/L), whereas D-dimer mean value was 880.00 µg/L (467.00 -2000.00 µg/L). CRP values correlated with effusion next to the free wall of RV (rho = 0.202; P = 0.018). The D dimer correlated with effusion around RA (rho = 0.308; P = 0.0001). Conclusion: The clinical picture of the post-COVID patients could be explained by the appearance of pericardial effusion. D-dimer value correlates with the occurrence of effusion around RA, whereas CRP value correlates with effusion next to the free wall of RV.

Serum Creatinine versus Corrected Cockcroft-Gault Equation According to Poggio Reference Values in Patients with Arterial Hypertension.

Introduction: Serum creatinine is not enough sensitive marker for the evaluation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula is often used to assess GFR, but it is necessary to correct original one for body surface area (BSA), adipositas, and the creatinine tubular secretion. The values of the estimated creatinine clearance and GFR are considered to Poggio reference ones according to biological parameters (age and gender). The aim of the study was to determine the difference in renal function estimation between serum creatinine and corrected CG equation according to the Poggio reference values in the arterial hypertension patients. Materials and Methods: The research included 124 patients of both gender with arterial hypertension, excluding ones with the already verified chronic kidney disease. We estimated creatinine clearance and GFR by CG method corrected for the BSA, body mass index (BMI), and the creatinine tubular secretion according to Poggio reference values. Results: There was no significant difference in both age and gender groups among patients with physiological and pathological values of the renal function determined by the serum creatinine and estimated creatinine clearance by CG equation corrected for BMI, BSA. In both age and gender groups there was significant difference among subjects with physiological and pathological values of the renal function determined by serum creatinine and estimated GFR by CG method corrected for BMI, BSA, and creatinine tubular secretion. Conclusion: There is the most striking difference in the assessment of renal function between serum creatinine and estimated GFR by CG method with three corrections (BSA, BMI, the creatinine tubular secretion). Estimated GFR by CG method with three corrections can help in the early diagnosis of renal dysfunction and optimal treatment in patients with arterial hypertension.

From Heart Murmur to Echocardiography - Congenital Heart Defects Diagnostics Using Machine-Learning Algorithms.

The most common clinical sign in pediatric cardiology is heart murmur, which can often be uncharacteristic. The aim of this research was to present the results of development of a classifier based on machine learning algorithms whose purpose is to classify organic murmur that occur in congenital heart defect (CHD). The study is based on the data collected at Pediatric Clinic, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo during three-year period. Totally, 116 children aged from 1 to 15 years were enrolled in the study. Input parameters for classification are parameters obtained during basic physical examination and assessment of patient. First, analysis of relevance of the feature for classification was done using InfoGain, GainRatio, Relief and Correlation method. In the second step, classifiers based on Naive Bayes, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest and Support Vector Machine were developed and compared by performance. The results of this research suggest that high accuracy (>90%) classifier for detection of CHD based on 16 parameters can be developed. Such classifier with appropriate user interface would be valuable diagnostic aid to doctors and pediatricians at primary healthcare level for diagnostic of heart murmurs.

Increased Levels of Coagulation Factor XI in Plasma Are Related to Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease is a complex disorder of unclear etiology that develops in the elderly population. It is a debilitating, progressive neurodegeneration for which disease-modifying therapies do not exist. Previous studies have suggested that, for a subset of patients, dysregulation in hemostasis might be one of the molecular mechanisms that ultimately leads to the development of neurodegeneration resulting in cognitive decline that represents the most prominent symptomatic characteristic of Alzheimer's disease. OBJECTIVE: To examine a relationship between factors that are part of coagulation and anticoagulation pathways with cognitive decline that develops during Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: SOMAscan assay was used to measure levels of coagulation/anticoagulation factors V, VII, IX, X, Xa, XI, antithrombin III, protein S, protein C, and activated protein C in plasma samples obtained from three groups of subjects: 1) subjects with stable cognitively healthy function, 2) subjects with stable mild cognitive impairment, and 3) subjects diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease. RESULTS: Our results show that protein levels of coagulation factor XI are significantly increased in patients who are diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease compared with cognitively healthy subjects or patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that significant predictors of Alzheimer's-type diagnosis are factors IX and XI-an increase in both factors is associated with a reduction in cognitive function. CONCLUSION: Our study justifies further investigations of biological pathways involving coagulation/anticoagulation factors in relation to dementia, including dementia resulting from Alzheimer's-type neurodegeneration.

Amnioreduction in Emergency Rescue Cervical Cerclage with Bulging Membranes.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency cerclage in the second trimester is aestablished treatment for a dilated cervix. AIM: To report a case of a successful cerclage performed in a 33-year old woman in her secondpregnancy, after 5 years of non-successfulpregnancy outcomes. CASE REPORT: In her fourth month of pregnancy, the patient was hospitalized because of suprapubic pressure. After complete laboratory results, ultrasound and vaginal examination the patient was diagnosed with cervical shortening, cervical canal was opened 3cm, with prolapse and bulging of the fetal membranes in vagina. An amount of 120 ml of clear amniotic fluid was removed transabdominally under ultrasound guidance, and sent to the microbiological and genetical analysis. McDonald emergency cerclage of the cervical canal was performed. Patient was monitored few days on department and released home with advice of strict reduction of activity to minimum, and prescribed therapy due to that: antithrombotic, progesterone and antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: Amnioreduction at the time of emergency cerclage placement is associated with a lower rate of extreme prematurity and related neonatal morbidity. Successful outcome is not impossible, along with adequate antibiotic regimen, bed rest and regular obstetrical control/checkup.

Optimal Choice of Pharmacological Therapy - Prevention of Stroke and Assessment of Bleeding Risk in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to highlight the importance of adequate anticoagulant therapy and the correlation of higher risk of stroke. METHODS: This study analyzed data obtained from 103 patients with diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) (39 of them had a stroke). Patients were divided into groups according to the CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HASBLED scores. RESULTS: An analysis showed that anticoagulant drugs were more often prescribed to subjects <75 years of age (P = 0.001). Patients with a higher CHADS2 score had a higher CHA2DS2-VASc score and vice versa (rho = 0.513; P = 0.0001). According to the CHA2DS2-VASc, 91.3% of the patients examined were prescribed an anticoagulant medication as a therapy at discharge from the hospital. The result was statistically significant compared to the practice where an anticoagulant was prescribed to 55.9% of high-risk subjects as estimated by the CHA2DS2-VASc score (P < 0.05). Our results also show that rivaroxaban is more commonly prescribed as a discharge therapy than warfarin (χ2 = 12.401; P = 0.0001). Furthermore, a significantly higher number of patients who were being prescribed aspirin (38.5%) had a stroke compared to 12.8% of patients who were being prescribed warfarin (χ2 = 12.259; P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) seem to be a better choice as a pharmacological therapy in the treatment of AF, due to a lack of adequate monitoring of patients' international normalized ratio (INR) values. CHA2DS2-VASc and HASBLED scores must be used as a part of routine clinical diagnostics when dealing with patients with AF.

SOMAscan-based proteomic measurements of plasma brain natriuretic peptide are decreased in mild cognitive impairment and in Alzheimer's dementia patients.

Alzheimer's disease represents the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder and a leading cause of progressive cognitive impairment. Predicting cognitive decline is challenging but would be invaluable in an increasingly aging population which also experiences a rising cardiovascular risk. In order to examine whether plasma measurements of one of the established biomarkers of heart failure, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), reflect a decline in cognitive function, associated with Alzheimer's disease neurodegeneration, BNP levels were analysed, by using a novel assay called a SOMAscan, in 1. cognitively healthy, control subjects; 2. subjects with mild cognitive impairment, and 3. subjects with Alzheimer's disease. The results of our study show that the levels of the BNP were significantly different between the three types of diagnoses (p < 0.05), whereby subjects with mild cognitive impairment had the lowest mean BNP value, and healthy subjects had the highest BNP value. Importantly, our results show that the levels of the BNP are influenced by the presence of at least one APOE4 allele in the healthy (p < 0.05) and in the Alzheimer's disease groups of subjects (p < 0.1). As the levels of the BNP appear to be independent of the APOE4 genotype in subjects with mild cognitive impairment, the results of our study support inclusion of measurements of plasma levels of the BNP in the list of the core Alzheimer's disease biomarkers for identification of the mild cognitive impairment group of patients. In addition, the results of our study warrant further investigations into molecular links between Alzheimer's disease-type cognitive decline and cardiovascular disorders.

Lafora Disease during a Seven-Year Period, Bosnian and Herzegovinian experience.

Lafora progressive myoclonus epilepsy (Lafora disease, LD) is a fatal autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder (with an onset in teenage years in previously normal adolescents). This paper represents a view of a patient diagnosed with Lafora progressive myoclonus epilepsy, over a course of seven years. A description of the initial manifestation of symptoms, doctors' attempts to combat the symptoms with drug treatment, further attempts towards reaching the correct diagnosis, the final confirmation of the Lafora diagnosis (mutation in the NHLRC1 gene), and the current state of the patient is presented. The absence of a positive family history, the lack of staff specialized in dealing with this or similar pathology, and the diagnostic inability to characterize this type of disorder in Bosnia and Herzegovina have led to a fair delay in diagnosing and beginning of an adequate pharmacological treatment. Overall, recent identification of LD cases in Bosnia and Herzegovina warrants an establishment of a Centre for Genetic Testing in order to ensure more humane counseling of an entire family whose family member(s) might be diagnosed with this devastating and currently an incurable disorder.

Tetralogy of Fallot - Clinical Course and Treatment as a Mirror of Contemporary Cardiology/Cardiac Surgery Development in Correction of Congenital Heart Disease in the Adults.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to present a 65 year old female patient with chronic heart disease, surgically treated for congenital heart defect type Tetralogy of Fallot. CASE REPORT: In the sixth year of life the patient underwent palliative Potts anastomosis surgery which created an anastomosis between the left pulmonary artery and the descending aorta. Total correction was made in 34 years of life, six months after catheterization, which indicated malignant pulmonary hypertension. She is regularly followed up by the cardiologists and receives daily therapy. The present state of the patient is satisfactory with cardiomegaly, light left ventricular dysfunction, moderate mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and aneurysmatic dilatation of left pulmonary artery as well as atrial fibrillation. CONCLUSION: The intense development of cardiology and cardiac surgery in the USA in children and adults over the last fifty years has led to the extension and improvement of the quality of life.

Pediatric Cardiac Anamnesis: Prevention of Additional Diagnostic Tests.

Pediatrics is defined as the science of a healthy and sick child from birth to end of adolescence. Diseases of the cardiovascular system are the leading causes of mortality in adults, with frequent onset in childhood. The cardiologic examination starts with anamnesis in a pleasant atmosphere, refined space, enough time and patience, detailed measurements, and preferably a noncrying child. Anamnesis, regardless of the development of diagnostic procedures, still constitutes the basis of every clinical examination. The basic characteristics of pediatric cardiac anamnesis are comprehensiveness, that is, details, clarity, concurrency, and chronology. Proper and conscientiously taken anamnesis with a thorough clinical examination of a sick child is a solid protection against dehumanizing the relationship between a physician and patient. Pediatric cardiac anamnesis can be variable, completely negative, but very rich. Anamnesis should, first of all, clarify whether only a child is sick or it is perceived like that be his or her environment. Preschool and school-age children are normally attending anamnesis. High-quality, comprehensive medical history can keep the patient at one level of health care, with a strict focus primarily on the diagnostic processes, reduce crowds in specialist and subspecialist institutions, and make economic savings. A large number of patients in specialist and subspecialist clinics can be reduced by proper screening and by developing primary health-care system (from the local health-care center). Taking patient's medical history with thoroughness has a strong educative character for young doctors at the beginning of their careers.

Clinical Course and Treatment of Dilated Cardiomyopathy During Twenty Years of Follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: Demonstration of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy with unusual flow, unpredictable clinical picture and complex therapy. CASE REPORT: Patient A.P., female, 38 years old, had symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy (with possible infectious myocarditis in the background) at age 17. After hospitalization for ten months and ten days, while waiting for heart transplantation (with threatening death outcome), without a clearly pronounced threatening arrhythmia, but with a low ejection fraction and a poor general condition, remission occurred. The therapy focused primarily on the treatment of heart failure, prevention of arrhythmia and thromboembolism. Normalization of the disease by improving the function of the left ventricle (expected in 16% of patients) occurred and lasted for 4 years, followed by an exacerbation of the disease that lasted for two years. In the next few years the patient was stable, had a first child with normal pregnancy. During the second trimester of the second pregnancy, there was an exacerbation (postpartum dilatation cardiomyopathy) lasting for couple of months. At the time of case report (May 2017), the patient is stable on therapy (ACE inhibitor, beta blocker, diuretics, If channel blocker), without limitation of physical capacity, mother of two children, unemployed. CONCLUSION: The clinical course of dilated cardiomyopathy is extremely unpredictable and therapy is very complex and demanding.

Accidental Heart Murmurs.

INTRODUCTION: Accidental murmurs occur in anatomically and physiologically normal heart. Accidental (innocent) murmurs have their own clearly defined clinical characteristics (asymptomatic, they require minimal follow-up care). AIM: To point out the significance of auscultation of the heart in the differentiation of heart murmurs and show clinical characteristics of accidental heart murmurs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Article presents review of literature which deals with the issue of accidental heart murmurs in the pediatric cardiology. RESULTS: In the group of accidental murmurs we include classic vibratory parasternal-precordial Stills murmur, pulmonary ejection murmur, the systolic murmur of pulmonary flow in neonates, venous hum, carotid bruit, Potaine murmur, benign cephalic murmur and mammary souffle. CONCLUSION: Accidental heart murmurs are revealed by auscultation in over 50% of children and youth, with a peak occurrence between 3-6 years or 8-12 years of life. Reducing the frequency of murmurs in the later period can be related to poor conduction of the murmur, although the disappearance of murmur in principle is not expected. It is the most common reason of cardiac treatment of the child, and is a common cause of unreasonable concern of parents.

Mobile Clinical Decision Support System for Acid-base Balance Diagnosis and Treatment Recommendation.

INTRODUCTION: This paper presents mobile application implementing a decision support system for acid-base disorder diagnosis and treatment recommendation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The application was developed using the official integrated development environment for the Android platform (to maximize availability and minimize investments in specialized hardware) called Android Studio. RESULTS: The application identifies disorder, based on the blood gas analysis, evaluates whether the disorder has been compensated, and based on additional input related to electrolyte imbalance, provides recommendations for treatment. CONCLUSION: The application is a tool in the hands of the user, which provides assistance during acid-base disorders treatment. The application will assist the physician in clinical practice and is focused on the treatment in intensive care.

Evaluation of Congenital Heart Defects Treatment Options-Establishment of Pediatric Cardiology/Cardiosurgery in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

INTRODUCTION: Modern pediatric cardiology mainly deals with congenital heart defects (CHD), as the most common congenital anomalies. In most cases CHD requires surgical or interventional treatment. GOAL: The goal of the research was to evaluate CHD treatment at Pediatric Clinic, University Clinical Center (UCC) Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). UCC Sarajevo is the only institution in B&H where cardiac treatment of CHD in pediatric population is performed. Pediatric cardiosurgery has started to develop in Bosnia and Herzegovina in April 1997. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study included 745 patients (period from April 1997 to January 2017). RESULTS: Cardiac treatment was performed on 745 patients with CHD, 541 (72.6%) of them were acyanotic patients and 204 (27.4%) were cyanotic patients. Reoperation was performed in 49 (6.5%) of patients. Out of total number of patients, 59 (7.9%) died. In 660 children (88.5%) a complete correction and in 85 (11.5%) a palliative operation/correction was performed. Defects with left to right shunt were present in 397 (53.2%) patients, complex heart defects with Tetralogy of Fallot in 173 (23.2%), obstructive heart defects in 106 (14.2%), obstructive heart defects with shunt in 53 (7.1%), and others in 16 (2.1%) of patients. During surgery, extracorporeal circulation was regulated in 554 (74.3%) patients. Peri and early postoperative complications occurred in 180 (24.1%) of patients. During this period 24 pacemakers were implanted and 24 radiofrequency ablations were performed. CONCLUSION: Results of CHD cardiac treatment in childhood, which took place simultaneously, followed by the contractual joint programs and individual work of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian team has reached the highest level in the last two years, not only by the number, type and complexity of corrected CHD, but also by the age and body weight of the patients who underwent surgery, and development of invasive procedures, arrhytmology, pacemaker placement, intensive peri and postoperative treatment. That led pediatric cardiac surgery of UCC Sarajevo, to a position of leading center in the region.

Productive Cough in Children and Adolescents - View from Primary Health Care System.

Cough is one of the most common symptoms that doctor faces in working with pediatric population, and according to some characteristics of cough, doctors can often conclude localization, and sometimes even the nature of the disease that causes it. Cough is not only the physiological defense reaction, but a symptom of a disease. According to duration it can be acute, chronic and recidivist, recurrent and persistent, strong or discreet, caused by changes in body position and changes in outside temperature. Pathoanatomically it is divided into lobar, lobular, alveolar and interstitial, pathogenetically to bronchogenic and hematogenous, as well as in immuno competent and immunocompromised, and clinically on the local and inpatient (72 hours after hospital admission). Considering the contents, cough can be productive-with secretion from the respiratory tract, and unproductive-dry, without secretion. By auscultation bronchial breathing, rattle and crepitus can be heard. The primary diagnostics is radiological, posterior to anterior (P-A) and lateral footage of the chest. Laboratory findings in typical pneumonia, are characterized by leukocytosis, neutrophilia and shift of blood image to the left. Sedimentation is accelerated and C-reactive protein is elevated. The basic bacteriological diagnosis is sputum Gram's stain and culture of sputum. In atypical pneumonia, leukocytes are usually in the normal range, and it is necessary to do serological tests (IgM and IgG antibodies). The role of doctors in primary health care is auscultation differentiation of murmurs with confirmation of doubt if there is pathological findings by laboratory tests and treatment, depending on the type of cough. Treatment is essentially pharmacological, with irrefutable importance of non-pharmacological measures.