Algorithm for detection and screening of familial hypercholesterolemia in Lithuanian population.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is one of the most common autosomal dominant diseases. FH causes a lifelong increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which in turn leads to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The incidence of FH is widely underestimated and undertreated, despite the availability and effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy.

The Burden of Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: Quality of Life of Patients and Their Families.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions, thus having a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their families. We performed a survey to gather more data to help describe the burden of AD in Lithuania and to help expand the treatment plan to this important aspect of the disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving healthy and AD pediatric patients.

Associations between Atopic Dermatitis and Behavior Difficulties in Children.

: There has been increasing evidence that atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with behavioral difficulties (BDs). There is currently a lack of evidence of how the severity of the disease determines BDs and what additional factors may contribute to their manifestation. The aim is to determine what kind of BDs occur in children with AD compared to healthy children and to find out what additional factors may contribute to the development of BDs in AD patients.

Early Atherosclerosis in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Patients: Significance of Vascular Markers for Risk Stratification.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder that manifests as impaired low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) metabolism, resulting in lifelong exposure to high cholesterol levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is heterogeneity in cardiovascular risk for FH patients, so risk stratification is of utmost importance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of increases in LDL-C and the impact of other CVD risk factors on vascular markers in the FH patient population.

Three-dimensional analysis of the tricuspid annular geometry in healthy subjects and in patients with different grades of functional tricuspid regurgitation.

Background: Accurate sizing of the tricuspid valve annulus is essential for determining the optimal timing of tricuspid valve (TV) intervention. Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography has limitations for comprehensive TV analysis. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the valve provides a better understanding of its spatial anatomy and enables more accurate measurements of TV structures.

The Early Effects on Tricuspid Annulus and Right Chambers Dimensions in Successful Tricuspid Valve Bicuspidization.

Background: It is unclear to what degree of tricuspid annulus (TA) reduction is necessary to achieve good postoperative results in surgical bicuspidization. The study aimed to evaluate TA and right heart chamber's dimensions before and after heart surgery; and to compare TA parameters assessed by different modalities.

Methods: Forty patients underwent mitral valve surgery with or without concomitant tricuspid valve (TV) bicuspidization.

Age as a Risk Factor in the Occurrence of Complications during or after Bronchoscopic Lung Biopsy.

Introduction: Bronchoscopic lung biopsy (BLB) is a widely used procedure. As the world's population is ageing, more BLBs are performed for older people with comorbidities. The aim of the study was to investigate if an older age is a risk factor for BLB related complications.

Tissue Coagulation in Laser Hemorrhoidoplasty - An Experimental Study.

Background: Laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) is a new technique for treatment of hemorrhoids. The exact extent of coagulation is not visible at the time of the procedure. There currently is no experimental or clinical data on the subject.

Trends in cardiovascular risk factor prevalence among Lithuanian middle-aged adults between 2009 and 2018.

Background And Aims: The aim of the study was to estimate trends and differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor prevalence among middle-aged men and women based on the data from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention program between 2009 and 2018.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study included men aged 40-54 years and women aged 50-64 years without overt CVD. Nationally representative data comprised 110,370 Lithuanian adults (42.

Results of the double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing laser hemorrhoidoplasty with sutured mucopexy and excisional hemorrhoidectomy.

Purpose: To compare the results of laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP), excisional hemorrhoidectomy (EH), and sutured mucopexy (MP).

Methods: A randomized, parallel-group, double-blinded, single-center prospective study.

Patients: Symptomatic 2nd- or 3rd-degree hemorrhoids patients.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life during the First Trimester of Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study.

: Pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods are associated with fast changesleading to decreased self-confidence, anxiety, stress or even maternal depression impairing theirquality of life (QOL). Although considered important, QOL of women during pregnancy is poorlyunderstood. The aim of our study was to assess factors influencing QOL during first trimester ofpregnancy.

Trends in Cigarette Smoking among Middle-Aged Lithuanian Subjects Participating in the Primary Prevention Program between 2009 and 2016.

: The aim of the study was to evaluate trends in smoking among middle-aged men and women based on the data from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk (LitHiR) primary prevention program between 2009 and 2016. : A community-based cross-sectional study comprised 92373 Lithuanian adults (41.6% men and 58.