Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an established treatment for patients with end-srage kidney disease. The method was developed as an alternative to hemodialysis (HD) presenting a patient survival rate equivalent to HD and better preservation of residual renal function. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients have different peritoneal membrane permeability (transport) characteristics. High peritoneal membrane permeability is associated with increased mortality risk in the patient population. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the importance of the peritoneal membrane transport status in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Methods: The study included 60 adult continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients, 29 male and 31 female, mean age 56.63±15.06 years. All patients treated with conventional glucose- based PD fluids. For the short term (within 3 month after start of PD) and long term (more than 12 months) peritoneal dialysis analysis of peritoneal transport characteristics has been used peritoneal functional test (PFT). With the test, categorisation of patients was possible into high (H), high-average (HA), low average (LA), and low (L) transporters. Results: Dialysate–to plasma ratio (D/P) of creatinine showed significantly increased over time (0.654±0.141 vs... 0.705±0.13, p<0.001). In multivariate analysis age, gender, time on dialysis, comorbid diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM), serum albumin, were considered as independent factors influencing the PFT. The high transporter group had higher D/Pcreat (H 0.84±0.03 vs... LA 0.57±0.05, p<0.001), higher proportion of man (H 100% vs... LA 39.5%, p<0.05), higher proportion of patients with comorbid diseases (H 60% vs... LA 20.9%, p<0.05), lower serum albumin concentration (H 29±6.0 vs... LA 37±5.2, p<0.001), lower D4/D0 glucose ( H 0.23±0.07 vs... LA 0.42±0.14, p<0.001), and lower drained volume (H 600±173 vs... LA 1016±355, p<0.001). Conclusion: The PFT was en easy, inexpensive, reliable test to assess peritoneal transport type and it also provided information about peritoneal clearance of solutes and ultrafiltration. Peritoneal transport type classification was recognized not only as aid for prescription, but also as a prognostic index.

Introduction: Idiopathic Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN) is an immune-complex mediated renal disease which is usually associated with the nephrotic syndrome (NS). The course of the disease is variable. Some patients maintain normal kidney function with or without a spontaneous remission of proteinuria, while others progress to end-stage renal failure or die from complications related to the nephrotic syndrome. Whether or not to treat a patient with idiopathic membranous nephropathy is still controversial. The controversy is mainly related to the toxicity of the therapy and the variable natural course of the disease-spontaneous remission occurs in 40–50% of patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe our experience of treatment of an idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN), efficacy and complications rate. Case report: Our patient was older, mail gender, in high-risk group with persistent proteinuria 10,68 g/day and stable renal function. We have taken these factors into consideration, along with age and other comorbidities, that may significantly elevate the risk of treatment. We chose to start with early treatment, following the Ponticelli’s group protocol based on high dose corticosteroids (odd months) alternating with clorambucil (even months) for six months. This treatment was accompanied by the steroid side effects, including hyperglycaemia dependance on insulin therapy and pulmonary thromboembolism despite administered prophylactically low molecular weight heparin. The six-month treatment was successfully completed with the reduction of proteinuria to nephritic values 2,86 g/day, despite many complications. Complete remission of the disease with non-significant proteinuria and with stable renal function was achieved in 14 months which has been maintained for 2 years. Conclusion: We suggest that decisions on the timing of start of therapy, whom to treat, best sequence of the use of the various immunosuppressive drugs must be based on an individualized assessment of risks and benefits.

Introduction: Significance of serum uric acid (UA) in cerebrovascular disease still remains controversial. UA is most abundant natural antioxidant in human plasma. Its antioxidant properties might protect against free radical damage, thereby reducing the risk of oxidative stress-related cognitive impairment and dementia. Aim: In our investigation, we determine the level of UA in 100 male patients diagnosed with the first ischemic brain stroke (blood samples were collected during the acute phase and post-acute phase), 100 male patients diagnosed with vascular dementia and 100 male healthy volunteers (control group). Methods: UA was determined using DIMENSION LxR automatic analyzer. Measurement of UA concentration was based on an enzymatic method (range 208-428 μmol/L). Results: The prevalence of hyperuricemia among ischemic stroke and vascular dementia patients was 30% and 8%, respectively. Serum UA concentration was higher 7 and 14 days after the stroke compared to the acute phase (24-48 hours after hospitalization) and these concentrations were significantly higher than those measured in the control group. UA levels measured at 24-48 hours after the first symptoms of ischemic stroke were strongly correlated with those measured after 7 days of treatment (r = 0.79, p = 0.001) or after 14 days (r = 0.839, p = 0.0049). No significant differences were found between ischemic stroke and vascular dementia groups. Conclusion: UA concentrations were higher in ischemic stroke and vascular dementia groups than in controls. UA increase may reflect vascular atherosclerosis and tissue hypoxia. UA monitoring in patients with cerebrovascular disease is essential, because UA is more harmful than protective.

ADINA ELENA STANCIU, NAFIJA SERDAREVIC, MARCEL MARIAN STANCIU*, LAURA MAZILU, OVIDIU BRATU , MIRELA GHERGHE, SILVIU CRISTIAN VOINEA, DAN CRISTIAN GHEORGHE Institute of Oncology Bucharest, Department of Carcinogenesis and Molecular Biology, 252 Fundeni, 022338, Bucharest, Romania Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Sarajevo Clinics Center, Bolnicka 25, 71000, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina University Politehnica of Bucharest, Electrical Engineering Faculty, 313 Splaiul Independentei, 060042, Bucharest, Romania University Ovidius Constanța, Faculty of Medicine, 124 Mamaia Str., 900527, Constanța, Romania Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari, 050474, Bucharest, Romania

Introduction: Electroencephalography can also be used to monitor long-term recovery of the patient after acute phase of the disease. Impaired neurocognitive function after infection, similar to brain injury, may present a transient but also prolonged problem for the functioning of an individual. Some studies have shown that importance of EEG may not be significant in sequel monitoring, because the extensive changes in EEG seen with severe forms of CNS infection do not necessarily imply a longer-term poor outcome. Aim: To examine the predictive potential of electroencephalography (EEG) in regard to the emergence of neurological and cognitive sequelae of acute central nervous system (CNS) infection. Methods: The study included 62 patients treated at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, Clinical Center of Sarajevo University, who were diagnosed with acute CNS infection. The EEG record was characterized as: normal, non-specific changes of mild, moderate and severe degree and specific changes. The sequelae (headache, cognitive dysfunction, neurological and neurophysiological disorders, audiological and behavioral disorders) was evaluated by combining neurological, psychiatric, pediatric, otolaryngological, ophthalmic and infectological examination in the Neuroinfective Counseling Department for up to 6 months after discharge. Results: After a treatment of an acute CNS infection 25 (40.3%) patients had no sequelae and 37 (59.7%) were with sequelae. The EEG in the initial stage of the disease (Wald’s coefficient = 12.8), followed by the age of the patients (Wald = 6.4), had the greatest influence on the prediction of sequela (p=0.0001). For each additional degree of verified pathological changes in the EEG, the risk of sequelae was increased by 5 degrees (OR = 5.3), respectively. There was no statistically significant association between changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings, meningeal symptoms, and signs with sequelae development. Conclusion: Younger age, as well as severe clinical status of a patient, which implies a disorder of consciousness and seizures on admission, are associated with irreversible consequences on a previously mentally healthy individual. Pathological changes (Delta and Theta waves, spike slow complex wave) on the EEG finding significantly predicted presence of sequelae. .

Introduction: The dietary supplements are defined as vitamins and minerals or herbal products and are typically given in the form of a capsule or tablet. The nonsmokers are more attempted to use dietary supplements than individuals who smoke. Aim: In our investigation, we examined associations between vitamin B, folic acid, multivitamin or mineral intake among the student population and their correlation with smoking prevalence and drinking coffee. Materials and methods: We used a questionnaire to examine the general characteristics of the subjects, age, sex, their lifestyle, cigarette smoking, coffee intake and their use of dietary supplements. Data were collected from participants of the University of Sarajevo and a longitudinal study of 960 men and women aged 18-24 years from 2017 to 2018 was conducted. Results: The results showed that 32% of students took vitamin B supplements and 10% folic acid. In opposite, more than half of students took multivitamins (59.5%) and minerals (60.4%) less than one year. About a quarter or less took multivitamins (23.9%) and minerals (24.3%) for years. Less than 20% of students took multivitamins and minerals within a period of one year. In student population smoking prevalence was estimated at 21.2% and coffee intake in 71.2%. The smoking and use of vitamin B supplements were independent of each other, p = 0.201. The use of folic acid did not depend on smoking p = 0.501. There were no observed correlations between multivitamin and mineral supplement consumption compared to smoking status or drinking coffee. Conclusion: Deficient dietary intake of folic acid and B vitamins from food and supplemental sources appear to be one of the atherosclerosis incidences. Further studies should examine associations between dietary supplements intake and lifestyle of students, as well as smoking status and coffee intake.

Introduction: Inadequate vitamin B 12, folate status and B6 are associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases that may have a negative impact on the health. Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate dietary intake of vitamin B12, B6 and folates from various foods among the university students. Methods: Dietary intake of foods having vitamins B12, B6 and folate was assessed among the students of University of Sarajevo, 19-22 years old, from 2017 to 2018. The participants were interviewed to collect information regarding age, socioeconomic status, B12, folate, B6 vitamin, and usual food intake during one week. Results: The main sources of vitamin B12 and B6 in the students’ diet were chicken white meat (51.8-53.7 %), beef (45-63 %), cream (62.2 -72.1 %), sardines in oil (47.9-52.2 %), tuna (55.2 -60.4 %), cheese edamer (80.1%) and cheese feta (67.4%-73%). The foods with a high source of vitamin B12 and B6 but rarely consumed were fish, shellfish, salmon, roasted trout and mackerel. Sufficient folate intake was mainly achieved through dietary intake of beans (48.5-57.2%) and oatmeal (46.3-48.2%), while folate-insufficient diet resulted from intake of spinach (30.9-35 %), turkey (26.2-33.4 %), lentils (16.9-19.7 %) and soy (9.4-15.5%). Conclusion: Our results show that there is an important percentage of the students in Canton Sarajevo that do not meet the recommended intakes for vitamin B12 and B6 and folate. Additional research is needed to establish the best cost-effective public health approach to achieve sufficient intake of these vitamins.

Introduction: Dietary supplements are an important source of vitamins and minerals that may help prevent several disease-causing biological pathways involved in one-carbon metabolism, including the suppression of cell proliferation, oxidative stress, nitric oxide synthesis, and angiogenesis. The present study aimed to assess the association between the intake of folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and minerals and the consumption of alcohol among university students. Methods: This study was participated by students aged 19-22 years from the University of Sarajevo between 2017 and 2018. Using a questionnaire, we interviewed in a week them to collect information regarding age, socio-economic status, alcohol consumption, and dietary supplement intake. Then, we investigated the association between the baseline intake of folate, B vitamins, and minerals and that of alcohol consumption. Results: Most students consumed Vitamin B supplements (32%) and folic acid (10%). Dietary multivitamins and minerals were less prevalent in more than a year, accounting for 186 (23.9%) and 174 (24.3%) students, respectively, than those in less than a year. In a year, <20% of students consumed multivitamins 129 (16.6%) and minerals 116 (15.3%). Meanwhile, 256 (27.1%) students consumed alcohol. The Chi-square test of independence showed that drinking habits and the intake of such dietary supplements had no association (p > 0.05). Conclusion: An extremely low percentage of the participating students in Canton Sarajevo used dietary supplements of Vitamin B, folate, multivitamins, and minerals. Moreover, alcohol consumption and dietary supplement intake were not associated. Further research is needed to establish the best cost-effective public health system to achieve a sufficient intake of dietary supplements.

Introduction: The carbohydrate antigen (CA 19-9) is a marker for pancreatic and colorectal carcinoma. In our study, we have investigated the level of CA 19-9 at 50 patients with benign and malign disease using three immunoassays. Methods: The COBAS e 601 (Roche) uses an ECLIA, Architect i2000 analyzer (Abbott) uses CMIA and VITROS 5600 uses integrated System Intellicheck Technology with cut off 0.0-37.0 U/mL for determination of CA 19-9. Results were with a statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: Comparison of CA19-9 on COBAS with Architect show correlation coefficient R = 0.708. The results showed a regression line between immunoassay in patients with CA 19-9 treatment of y (Cobas) = 16.14 x (Architect) + 0.53. The comparison of CA19-9 on Architect and Cobas show correlation coefficient R = 0.709. The results showed regression line between immunoassay in patients with CA 19-9 treatment of y (Vitros) =–5.558 + 2.432 x (Architect) and correlation coefficient R = 0. 990. The mean concentration of CA 19-9 in the CMIA method was 41.49 U/mL, Intellicheck Technology was 103.45 U/mL and using ECLIA method was 47.25 U/mL at patients. Conclusions: Patients should be monitored on a single method to avoid differences in the results. The various immunoassay techniques for the detection of CA 19-9 tumor marker using different monoclonal antibodies, which leads to different results. Different antibodies recognize different parts of the molecule, and antigen heterogeneity may account in part for inter-method differences.

Introduction: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is used for monitoring of disease progression and treatment response in cancer patients. Our aim was to compare the performance of chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) for CEA. Methods: A total of 115 samples were collected during routine diagnostic, prognostic and therapy monitoring procedures in patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancer. We used ARCHITECT i2000SR and Cobas E601 for CEA analysis in sera samples. Results: The correlation coefficient of 0.984 [95% CI: 0.972 to 0.991] for results obtained on both platforms was observed for CEA≤10 ng/mL group. Moreover, intercept of 0.9027 [95% CI: 0.705 to 1.099] and slope 0.8076 [95% CI: 0.765 to 0.8498]  (p < 0.0001) was observed in this group. In CEA >10 ng/mL group we observed slope = 1.1986  [95%CI: 1.1474 to 1.2498]  (p < 0.0001), intercept = -11.69 [-17.53 to - 5.84] and correlation coefficient of 0.985 [95% CI: 0.976 to 0.9914]. Mean differences between assays in group ≤10 ng/mL and >10 ng/mL were 0.2066 (95% CI: 0.0019 to 0.4113) and –2.66 (95% CI: -10.10 to 4.76) ng/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Although there were differences, based on 20 days precision tests, overall results showed a good analytical performance and correlation between CEA assays on ARCHITECT i2000SR and Cobas E601 platforms. Reference intervals appropriate for the method of CEA measurement should be used. The standardization and harmonization of serum CEA concentration assays are needed.