Cardiologia CROATICA Objectives: The aim of this article is to investigate the relationship between the degree of the common carotid artery (CCA) atherosclerosis and the degree of complexity of the coronary artery disease (CAD) expressed with SYNTAX score. It is known that the existence of the CCA disease indicates with high probability the existence of CAD, but few studies have examined the relationship between CCA ultrasound findings and complexity, not just the presence of CAD. Patients and Methods: We included a total of 106 consecutive patients referred to the BH Heart Center for elective coronary angiography. In order to measure and calculate the mean intima-media thickness (IMT) we performed three measurements in predefined segments of CAA for both carotid arteries, the values are converged, and divided by the number of measurements. Plaque score (PS) was measured on the basis of maximum thickness of plaque in four clearly defined segments of both CCA. The final value of PS score is obtained by adding the thickness of plaques found in all segments of CCA. The complexity of coronary artery lesions is evaluated by using the SYNTAX score. The middle and high SYNTAX scores are associated with an increased risk of cardiac death and major cardiac events. Results: Data collection and statistical analysis is in progress and preliminary results indicate that IMT values and PS score significantly correlate with SYNTAX score >18 (r=.0,64, p 27 (r=.0,79, p<0,01). It is expected that final results will show that there is a significant correlation between the degree of CCA atherosclerosis measured by two methods — IMT and PS, and the degree of complexity of coronary artery lesions. Conclusion: Preliminary results show that carotid ultrasound examination has sufficient sensitivity and specificity in the detection of patients with high risk of significant CAD and it is an argument for broader use of CCA ultrasound for the evaluation of patients who are considered for coronary angiography. Besides, we are going to improve algorithm of patients selection for coronary angiography, so, our limited material and human resources and efforts will be directed towards the treatment of patients i.e. net clinical benefit will be improved.

Background and Objectives: Currently, there is no consensus about immunosuppressive therapy following kidney transplantation. Acute rejection rates and allograft survival rates are the clinical outcomes traditionally used to compare the efficacy of various immunosuppressive regimens. Therefore, we conducted this study to evaluate whether patient survival rates improved in the era of modern immunosuppressive treatment during living-related kidney transplantation. Design and Setting: Retrospective cohort study in a university-based tertiary internal medicine teaching hospital performed between 1999 and 2009 and patients followed up to 7 years. Patients and Methods: Survival rates were assessed in 38 patients receiving basiliximab and mycophenolate mofetil (regimen A) and 32 patients receiving antithymocyte globulin and azathioprine (regimen B). The rest of the regimen (cyclosporine A and steroids) remained the same. A secondary end point was acute rejection episode. Results: Seven-year survival rates were 100% and 72% (P=.001) and 7-year acute rejection-free survival rates were 82% and 53% (P=.03), in groups A and B, respectively. Conclusion: Long-term survival after living-related kidney transplantation has improved in the era of modern immunosuppressive treatment.

Direct coronary stenting in reducing radiation and radiocontrast consumption Introduction. Coronary stenting is the primary means of coronary revascularization. There are two basic techniques of stent implantation: stenting with balloon predilatation of stenosis and stenting without predilatation (direct stenting). Limiting the time that a fluoroscope is activated and by appropriately managing the intensity of the applied radiation, the operator limits radiation in the environment, and this saves the exposure to the patient and all personnel in the room. Nephrotoxicity is one of the most important properties of radiocontrast. The smaller amount of radiocontrast used also provides multiple positive effects, primarily regarding the periprocedural risk for the patients with the reduced renal function. The goal of the study was to compare fluoroscopy time, the amount of radiocontrast, and expenses of material used in direct stenting and in stenting with predilatation. Patients and methods. In a prospective study, 70 patients with coronary disease were randomized to direct stenting, or stenting with predilatation. Results. Fluoroscopy time and radiocontrast use were significantly reduced in the directly stented patients in comparison to the patients stented with balloon-predilatation. The study showed a significant reduction of expenses when using a direct stenting method in comparison to stenting with predilatation. Conslusions. If the operator predicts that the procedure can be performed using direct stenting, he is encouraged to do so. Direct stenting is recommended for all percutaneous coronary interventions when appropriate conditions have been met. If direct stenting has been unsuccessful, the procedure can be converted to predilatation.

UNLABELLED Delayed kidney graft function and acute rejection in the early post-transplant period affect both short and long-term allograft survival. Allograft rejection, as an inflammatory state, results in increased erythropoietin resistance, which leads to decreased haemoglobin (Hb) level. We conducted this study to evaluate whether inflammation in the early post-transplant period could predict later anemia.This is a retrospective cohort study based on the analysis of 64 existing clinical records. PREDICTOR White blood cells (WBC) count obtained by the end of the first week post-transplant (W1). Covariates: Donor's age, recipient's age and sex. OUTCOME Anemia identified at 12 months (M12) post engraftment. Median WBC count at W1 was 9,5 x103/microL (5th - 95th percentile 5,2 x103/microL -17,8 x103/microL). Mean Hb values at M12 were 129,9 +/- 20,3 g/L, in males 136,2 +/- 20,1 g/L and in females 119,4 +/- 16,2 g/L. The significant correlation was found between WBC at W1 and Hb at M12. Pearson coefficient of correlation r was -0,26, and 95% confidence interval (CI) for r was -0,47 to -0,015 (p=0,03). Univariate logistic regression showed significant association between WBC at W1 and Hb at M12 (OR 1,20; 95% CI 1,04 to 1,39, p=0,01). After the adjustment for donor's and recipient's age by transplantation and recipient's sex, multiple regression showed that WBC count remained predictive of anemia at M12 (OR 1,17; 95% CI 1,01 to 1,36, p=0,03). Early post-transplant inflammatory response predicts later anemia in kidney transplant recipients. An increase in WBC count in the first week post-transplant by 109/L increases the risk for anemia after twelve months by 17%.