Anja Ristic

Introduction. Randomised clinical trials have demonstrated the indispensable role of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in reducing mortality among patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of cardiac arrest recurrence in such patients. Material and Methods. This retrospective study included 240 patients who underwent defibrillator implantation for secondary prevention at the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina between 2008 and 2020. The cumulative incidence of recurrence was determined using Kaplan-Meier curves, while Cox regression was used to identify predictors of sudden cardiac arrest recurrence. Results. The median follow-up was 4.46 years, and recurrence of sudden cardiac arrest occurred in 60% (n=144) of patients. Sustained ventricular tachycardia as the indication for implantation was shown to be an independent predictor of recurrence. These patients also had a significantly higher number of hospitalisations during follow-up. Patients diagnosed with channelopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia had a significantly higher number of hospitalisations than those diagnosed with ischaemic or non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Conclusion. The incidence of sudden cardiac arrest recurrence following defibrillator implantation is high across all patient groups, regardless of aetiology. Sustained ventricular tachycardia as the indication for device implantation predicts a higher incidence of cardiac arrest recurrence.

Introduction. Open surgical decompression is considered the most efficient treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and is associated with excellent outcomes in approximately 70-90% of cases. This study aimed to determine whether a correlation exists between potential predictors of postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction following surgical procedure. Material and Methods. This retrospective study utilized data collected from the database of the University Clinical Center of Vojvodina and supplemented by telephone interview. Four categories of potential predictors were analyzed: patient-related factors, comorbidityrelated factors, clinical findings, and other relevant factors. Results. A statistically significant positive correlation was identified between patient gender and postoperative satisfaction scores. Additionally, pain intensity, nocturnal pain, and postoperative complications demonstrated statistically significant negative correlations with satisfaction scores. Conclusion. Understanding predictors of surgical outcomes can assist patients in making informed decision regarding treatment and in setting realistic expectations about functional recovery following carpal tunnel decompression.

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Acute exacerbations often require hospitalization, and are associated with high mortality. Identifying risk factors associated with mortality may improve medical treatment and reduce mortality. This study aimed to analyze outcomes of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated in the intensive care unit, and to identify factors associated with mortality. Material and Methods. This retrospective study was conducted at the Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia, between April 2015 and January 2019. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, intensive care unit admission, and treatment with invasive mechanical ventilation. Results. A total of 127 patients were included, of whom 79 (62.2%) were male, with mean age (X - ? SD) of 66.96 ? 8.57 years. Intensive care unit mortality was 33/127 (26%), with a mean length of stay of 3.5 days (interquartile range 2.0-8.0). Overall in-hospital mortality was 56/127 (44%), with a median hospital stay of 15.0 days (interquartile range 7.0-24.0). Multivariate analysis identified the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (odds ratio 0.99; 95% confidence interval 0.98- 0.99; p=0.013), Glasgow Coma Score (odds ratio 0.82; 95% confidence interval 0.69-0.96; p=0.014), and presence of septic shock (odds ratio 50.9; 95% confidence interval 8.58-549.52; p < 0.001) as predictors of intensive care unit mortality. Conclusion. Mortality among patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated in the intensive care unit remains high. Reduced PaO2/FiO2 ratio, lower Glasgow Coma Score, and septic shock are independent predictors of mortality.

Introduction. Single-chamber and dual-chamber pacemakers are used for the treatment of bradycardia. Dual-chamber pacemakers more closely replicate physiological cardiac function by preserving atrioventricular synchrony, whereas single-chamber pacemakers are less complex, more cost-effective, and easier to implant. Clinical trials comparing these two pacing modalities have reported inconsistent results, largely depending on the studied population and study design. The AQUAREL questionnaire is a disease-specific instrument designed to assess life quality of life in patients with pacemakers. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life of patients with single-chamber and dual-chamber pacemakers using the AQUAREL questionnaire. Material and Methods. After providing informed consent, 80 patients treated at the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases of Vojvodina completed the AQUAREL questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were age ?60 years and implantation of either a single or dual-chamber pacemaker. These criteria were met by 69 patients, including 33 with single-chamber and 36 with dual-chamber pacemakers. Data were obtained from the Institute?s digital medical record. Statistical analysis was performed using standard methods. Results. The mean age of the patients was 76 years; 42 participants (63.77%) were male, and 92.75% had at least one comorbidity. Analysis of AQUAREL questionnaire scores revealed no statistically significant differences in overall quality of life between patients with single-chamber and dual-chamber pacemakers. Conclusion. Although patients with dual-chamber pacemakers reported fewer severe symptoms compared with those with single-chamber pacemakers, the difference was not statistically significant. Overall, no significant difference in quality of life was observed between patients according to pacemaker type.