{"title":"COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS AS A SYMPTOM OF POST-COVID SYNDROME AMONG THE BULGARIAN POPULATION IN THE CONTEXT OF A GLOBAL PANDEMIC: AN ONGOING STUDY","authors":"M. Hristova, Radka Massaldjieava","doi":"10.35120/medisij020225h","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020225h","url":null,"abstract":"Isolated in China at the end of 2019, the novel Corona virus - SARS-CoV 2 spread worldwide with remarkable speed, causing a state of global health emergency just a few months later. And yet as we passed the acute phase of the COVID 19 pandemics, healthcare workers face the challenge of its late consequences. Therefore, the World Health Organization defined a new condition - post-COVID syndrome (PCS, Post-acute COVID Syndrome or long-COVID). According to several studies, the incidence of PCS varies from 10% to 35% among non-hospitalized patients and up to 85% among hospitalized patients. Moreover, various study results show that the syndrome affects both patients with a symptomatic form of the infection and those with an asymptomatic course. The syndrome itself presents with a wide range of non-specific complaints, most frequent of which are fatigue, shortness of breath and impaired cognitive functions. The exact pathogenetic mechanisms, responsible for these prolonged neuropsychological manifestations of long COVID 19 are yet to be established but most authors assume that they are caused by chronic neuroinflammation. Purpose: The aim of our study is to assess the most common cognitive impairments among the Bulgarian population, thus providing information about their characteristics and incidence.Methods and materials: We conducted a prospective study among 75 patients, all of which have recovered from COVID 19 infection at least 3 months prior to testing. All participants were between 20 and 60 years old and had no previous neurological or psychiatric disease. To assess cognitive functions, we used a computer test - the Cogstate Brief Battery, which provides a measure of four core cognitive domains: processing speed, attention, visual learning and working memory.Results: The study is still ongoing, as we intend to conduct a follow-up testing on the sixth month. So far, our results are in accordance with findings in other countries, showing that executive functions and memory are predominantly affected. Therefore, it is important to underline the fact that there are objective findings for the non-specific subjective complaints.Conclusion: Outlining the possible clinical features of long-COVID and emphasizing its undeniable medico-social meaning is of undeniable importance to healthcare workers. And given the progressively rising morbidity from this novel syndrome, a more precise description of these “cognitive impairments” is required in order to formulate epidemiologically based health strategies and ensure early prevention, especially in patients in an active age.","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"159 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134507748","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Kostadinov, Veselin Topalov, Margarita Papazova
{"title":"INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN SUPPORT TO PRE-HOSPITAL HEALTHCARE","authors":"R. Kostadinov, Veselin Topalov, Margarita Papazova","doi":"10.35120/medisij020215k","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020215k","url":null,"abstract":"Ostеoаrthritis is а joint disеаsе in which thеrе is dеgеnеrаtion аnd dеstruction of thе аrticulаr cаrtilаgе with subsеquеnt formаtion of ostеophytеs аnd chаngеs in thе joint cаpsulе. It is а disеаsе thаt аffеcts аll structurеs of thе joint аnd thе surrounding tissuеs (musclеs, tеndons, ligаmеnts).Intеrеst in non-mеdicinаl аnd non-surgicаl mеthods for thе prеvеntion аnd trеаtmеnt of ostеoаrthritis is growing strongly. Hеrе, thе mеthods of physicаl аnd rеhаbilitаtivе mеdicinе аnd mud thеrаpy comе into considеrаtion аbovе аll.Limаn mud hаs pronouncеd аnti-inflаmmаtory, pаin-rеliеving аnd immunе-stimulаting propеrtiеs, improvеs blood circulаtion аnd аctivаtеs thе mеtаbolism. It hаs а positivе еffеct on mеtаbolism аnd tissuе nutrition аnd promotеs tissuе rеgеnеrаtion. Thе hеаling mud intеrаcts in а complеx wаy with thеrmаl, chеmicаl, mеchаnicаl, еlеctrodynаmic, biologicаl аnd othеr fаctors. Thе thеrmаl аnd chеmicаl fаctors аrе of pаrticulаr importаncе for thе hеаling rеsults.","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"82 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126161274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"SAFE MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL RADIOLOGICAL WASTE","authors":"Branislav Sančanin, Aleksandra Penjišević","doi":"10.35120/medisij020207s","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020207s","url":null,"abstract":"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines radioactive waste as material, of no useful value, that contains or is contaminated with nuclides in concentrations higher than levels specified by relevant bodies. Healthcare institutions and users whose business activities generate radioactive waste have the obligation to collect, label and store it in the prescribed manner until such time as it is taken over by a company which is authorized for its transportation, collection, keeping and storage. The goal of this paper is to point out the importance of improving the quality of health services through the process of regulating medical waste management, with a focus on measures and procedures for the disposal of waste generated in radiology. The system for the separation of radiological waste, and its adequate labeling with a number corresponding to its category, is a top priority for radiological waste management at all health institutions. The importance of controlling the generation of radioactive waste is primarily reflected in measures that contribute to its reduction, followed by reuse and recycling. Data on physical, mechanical, chemical, radiological, and biological characteristics is provided to characterize radioactive waste, thus ensuring its safe and secure management. The storage of radioactive waste is the procedure for the temporary placement of radioactive waste in a dedicated facility, i.e., in a warehouse for a specific period of time, in compliance with the prescribed measures for radiation and nuclear safety and the safety of stored waste. During the storage of radioactive waste, it is necessary to carry out a whole series of activities: radiation protection, monitoring radioactivity in the environment around the warehouse, inspection of the state of radioactive waste packaging and inspection of equipment, warehouse components and systems, maintenance of the warehouse, and the labeling and recording of radioactive waste packaging. The process for disposing of radioactive waste implies its isolation from people and the environment. While the location, designed barriers and operation of the facility for disposal of radioactive waste, should enable the application of all radiation safety and security measures and the prevention of reaching criticality. States should assume an unequivocal ethical obligation to eliminate the unnecessary burden, associated with the complex issue of radioactive waste disposal, from future generations.","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"138 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134481948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"HALOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF SKIN DISEASES","authors":"E. Vladeva","doi":"10.35120/medisij020219v","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020219v","url":null,"abstract":"Salt has been utilized for countless years in different regions worldwide for its health-promoting and therapeutic properties. Halotherapy is a dry salt therapy administered in settings with specialized equipment known as a halogenerator. In recent decades, halotherapy has gained the trust of an increasing number of people worldwide and spread rapidly throughout many countries. The positive effects of the treatment last longer than one year. Drug-free treatments for dermatoses and skin rejuvenation are gaining popularity in the health and beauty industry. Rehabilitative dermatology, cosmetic surgery, anti-ageing procedures, and detoxification regimens all use these techniques. Skin diseases are a significant public health issue that affects a large number of people all over the world. Halotherapy is the treatment of choice for some skin diseases due to the potential for combining it with additional physical forms of therapy as well as pharmacological therapies. The treatment’s minimal negative effects, combined with its delivery in a soothing setting, are beneficial to the mental and emotional health of both adults and kids. The re-profiling of post-mining areas benefits greatly from the growth of different kinds of mining tourism, including medical tourism. Even in today’s salt mining, which frequently combines conventional rock salt extraction with public access to the mine, these types of facilities remain popular. Halotherapy shows promise in treating a wide range of skin conditions thanks to the dry sodium chloride aerosol’s adaptable physiological effect. The healing and cosmetic effects of halotherapy on the skin have been confirmed by scientific studies, but despite the incontestable advantages of halotherapy, additional and more in-depth research on the curative effects of salt on a variety of skin conditions is currently required. The halocomplex serves as the foundation for this technological platform.This article aims to demonstrate the advantages of halotherapy as a complementary therapy for certain skin diseases and discusses the distinction between halotherapy and salt therapy, the technology behind halotherapy, the different application methods, its health benefits in dermatology, the most common indications for using halotherapy in skin treatment and cosmetology programs, the most common skin diseases that it can be used to treat, certain contraindications, as well as the possible negative effects of using halotherapy.","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"36 5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115736143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"ISOLATED FOVEAL HYPOPLASIA: A CASE REPORT","authors":"Biljana Ivanovska Adjievska, Violeta Buckoska","doi":"10.35120/medisij020233i","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020233i","url":null,"abstract":"Foveal hypoplasia is a retinal disorder in which the foveal pit of the macula lutea is incompletely developed and is characterized by nystagmus and low visual acuity. It can manifest itself in isolation, without a clear etiology, or associated with other conditions such as albinism, aniridia, Stickler Syndrome, optic nerve hypoplasia, microphtalmus, etc. Modern retinal imaging technologies are key to diagnosis of this rare retinal disorder. We present a case of a 19-year-old woman with poor distance and near vision and nystagmus since childhood, without other associated diseases. Visual acuity was 0.5 Snellen decimal units in both eyes, with present latent nystagmus. The anterior segment was normal, while an absent foveal reflex was found on fundus examination. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging confirmed the absence of foveal depression in the macular area. OCT-angiography (OCTA) was performed, which confirmed the absence of a foveal avascular zone in the macula. According to the proposed grading system parameters for foveal hypoplasia, this case corresponds with the most severe (grade 4) degree of foveal hypoplasia. Foveal hypoplasia can be associated with numerous etiological factors, and visual acuity can vary depending on the development of foveal photoreceptors and structural gradation. For this reason, especially in children with reduced visual acuity of unknown etiology and the existence of nystagmus, it is recommended to perform additional examinations and use multimodal imaging techniques (OCT and OCTA) in order to make a timely and accurate diagnosis. Management of this disorder includes treatment of the associated ocular and systemic conditions, refractive correction, treatment of amblyopia and use of low vision aids. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"56 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116758895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"MICROBIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES STABILIZED WITH DEXTRAN DERIVATIVES","authors":"Slobodan Glišić, M. Conić, M. Šmelcerović","doi":"10.35120/medisij020101g","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020101g","url":null,"abstract":"The paper shows the microbiological activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) stabilized with dextran derivatives with carbox-ymethyl dextran (CMD) and dextran sulfate (DS). Non-toxic, green procedures for the synthesis of AgNPs with CMD, DS were developed. The increasing application of silver nanoparticles in many areas, especially favors the so-called non-toxic, i.e. “green” synthesis procedures. Unlike physical and chemical synthetic methods, green synthesis has a number of advantages: lower energy consumption, simple execution, costs are reduced, use of non-toxic chemicals as reducing and stabilizing agents. Nanoparticles AgNPs-DS and AgNPs-CMD showed microbiological activity against the analyzed test microorgan-isms. Silver nanoparticles obtained in this way, due to their stability and preserved antimicrobial activity, can be widely used in various branches of industry. The results of testing the antimicrobial activity of synthesized nanoparticles from the technologi-cal aspects are important; these compounds have potential application in the biomedical field, and simple procedures have many advantages, such as low costs, compatibility for medical and pharmaceutical applications, as well as the production of other commercial products in the food industry.","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128443058","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"UNHEALTHY DIET AS A BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTOR FOR SOCIALLY SIGNIFICANT DISEASES AND PREMATURE MORTALITY","authors":"R. Yaneva","doi":"10.35120/medisij020153y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020153y","url":null,"abstract":"A number of epidemiological studies prove that for the group of chronic socially significant diseases, nutritional factors are more important in cardiovascular diseases, oncological diseases, diabetes and obesity. Quantitative and qualitative nutritional disorders underlie the development of the most important risk factors for disease, disability and premature mortality in modern society. A target task of the programs for a healthy lifestyle is the reduction of habits harmful to health, among which unhealthy eating is included. \u0000The purpose of the present study is to investigate unhealthy eating as a behavioral risk factor related to morbidity and mortality from socially significant diseases in Bulgaria and the other member states of the European Union. \u0000Methodology: The following research methods were used: documentary method - review of: scientific literature; published materials from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development on the health profiles of the countries; induction and deduction; comparative analysis; graphical method for visual presentation of the obtained results. \u0000Results and analysis: From the study, it is clear that unhealthy eating as a behavioral risk factor for morbidity and mortality is represented by 17% on average in the European Union. In Bulgaria, 29% of all deaths in 2019, which is the highest share in the EU, are due to irrational and unbalanced nutrition. It is followed by the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. A significant role for this problem is the low intake of fruits and vegetables and the high consumption of sugar and table salt. \u0000Conclusion: The main element of a healthy diet is the intake of fruits and vegetables. Their consumption varies between countries. The most significant benefits of their consumption are due to the reduction of both cardiovascular diseases and the prevention of oncological diseases. \u0000Recommendations: It is necessary to direct the efforts of the society to a correct food policy, a change in the food system and good education of individuals to create their own healthy microenvironment, different from the current toxic and obesogenic environment. Only in this way will the development of the global epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other socially significant diseases be reduced.","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"41 ","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114089300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"TREATMENT OF FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL END OF THE HUMERUS IN CHILDREN USING ТHE METHOD OF PERCUTANEOUS OSTEOSYNTHESIS - OUR FINDINGS","authors":"Denović Predrag, Jovanović Saša, Ljubomir Jakšić, Jakšić Aleksandar, Đorđe Kadić, Božović Aleksandar","doi":"10.35120/medisij020125p","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020125p","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Fractures of the distal end (capitulum and trochlea) of the humerus are more common in children than adults. The mechanism of injury demonstrates that the fracture occurs when falling on an outstretched arm, where the protective mechanisms cannot prevent the transfer of energy to the bone, leading to breaking the continuity of the bone, i.e. fracture. Our paper aims to present our experience in percutaneous osteosynthesis of the distal end of the humerus, where we have excellent functional results and 100% healing of the fracture.Methods: Percutaneous osteosynthesis has been applied to 17 patients. The patients were divided into groups depending on the type of fracture, namely: one group of patients with supracondylar and another group of patients with a condylar fracture of the distal end of the humerus. Results: It has been proven that percutaneous osteosynthesis of the distal end of the child’s humerus led to fracture union in 100% of cases, which is a consequence of the marked stability of the osteosynthetic material. Functional results obtained after 5-6 weeks of rehabilitation are excellent in 99% of cases, except for one patient with a supracondylar fracture where we have a delay of flexion movement by -10 degrees. It should be noted that we had only one complication with a single patient suffering from a dislocation of bone fragments.Conclusion: If it is possible to perform this method, percutaneous osteosynthesis is the preferred method in treating fractures of the distal end of the humerus among the paediatric population.","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"25 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"116172316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"EVALUATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF TRANSCUTANEOUS INTERFERENTIAL CURRENT THERAPY AND THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES ON MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH POST COVID-19","authors":"G. Мratskova","doi":"10.35120/medisij020131m","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020131m","url":null,"abstract":"The aim of this research was to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of a multi-component rehabilitation program including: transcutaneous interferential current therapy and therapeutic exercises in patients with musculoskeletal symptoms in post COVID-19 syndrome. Materials and Methods: 62 patients, mean age 55.9(13.99), aged 21 to 79 years, with persistent musculoskeletal symptoms in the recovery phase after experiencing COVID-19 were included in this study. All patients underwent a ten-day treatment course in an outpatient setting, including transcutaneous application of interferential current with four electrodes. The therapeutic parameters were selected with analgesic, trophic and stimulating effects (90-100 Hz, 5min and 0-100 Hz, 15min). Immediately after electrotherapy, kinesitherapy was performed including: breathing exercises, aerobic training, active and resistance exercises for the limbs, postural control exercises and exercises to improve the mobility of the peripheral joints and the axial skeleton. Results were evaluated by: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for assessment of back pain, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for arthralgia and myalgia assessment, Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) – fatigue assessment, functional tests of mobility, Goniometry in the spine, Ott Sign- for measuring the range of motion (ROM) of the thoracic spine, Schober’s test to determine a lumbar spine range of motion (flexion), Tom Meyer’s test for total hip joint and spine flexion mobility. The results were reported before and after the rehabilitation. The statistical significance level was specified as (p<0.05). Results: Musculoskeletal symptoms in the observed patients persisted for an average of 12 weeks, ranging from 7 to 20 weeks, and included: myalgia in 46.8% (29), arthralgia 29.0% (18), pain in various back departments 79.0% (49), fatigue 66.1% (41). Inpatient treatment for acute COVID-19 was performed in 35.5% (22) of patients, and home and outpatient treatment in 64.5% (40). There was a statistically significant reduction (Mean (SD)) after therapy in back pain (VAS) from 4.88(1.5) to 1.93(1.1), myalgia (NRS) from 3.66(1.2) to 1.29(1.1), arthralgia (NRS) from 3.27(1.2) to 0.89 (0.8), and fatigue index (BFI) showed a reduction from 5.73(1.4) to 3.22(1.4). There was an increase in mobility in Ott’s symptom from 2.24(1.2) to 2.86(0.9) cm, Schober’s test 1.41(1.2) to 2.38(0.9) cm, Tom Meyer’s test from - 8.23(6.5) to - 2.46(3.7) cm. Conclusion: In the recovery phase post COVID-19, some of the patients had long-time persistent musculoskeletal symptoms (fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, back pain). These are a common reason for these patients to be referred for outpatient rehabilitation. In order to design a multi-component rehabilitation programme, it is necessary to take into account individual characteristics and comorbidities. The inclusion of physical modalities such as electrotherapy requires an accurate assessment of the rehabilitation potential and the pres","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"46 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132292608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN CONTINUOUS METFORMIN TREATMENT","authors":"N. Kostadinov","doi":"10.35120/medisij020149k","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35120/medisij020149k","url":null,"abstract":"As we know type 2 diabetes is a global disease with many complications. The long-term treatment with metformin as a first line of therapy has been proven to cause low levels of cobalamin /vit. B12/. The main purpose of this analysis is to show the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency among patients treated with biguanides. The RSNC/regional non-profit association/ “Diabetes Care” in Burgas conducted the study. Patients on metformin treatment for 5 to 10 years were included in it. From January to September 2022 was the period when all the data was collected. Information on the duration of metformin treatment was collected through an anamnesis. All patients were tested for vitamin B12 levels and the average value was found to be < 145 pmol/L - according to certified laboratory reference values - from 145 to 569 pmol/l. All participants in this study had laboratory evidence of anemia and were deficient in this vitamin . Vitamin B12 deficiency is preventable and these data show us the need of regular screening in patients on long-term treatment with metformin. This will allow the identification of patients with vitamin deficiency and the addition of treatment with it or/and discontinuation of metformin treatment.","PeriodicalId":446210,"journal":{"name":"MEDIS – International Journal of Medical Sciences and Research","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"117006927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}