Evaluation of Satisfaction with Healthcare Services in Multimorbid Patients Using PACIC+ Questionnaire: A Cross-Sectional Study.

: Although multimorbidity poses many challenges for both individuals and healthcare systems, information on how these patients assess the quality of their healthcare is lacking. This study assessed the multimorbid patients' satisfaction with their healthcare. : This cross-sectional study was a part of a project Joint Action-Chronic Diseases and Promoting Healthy Ageing across the Life Cycle and its implementation.

Analysis of Epigenetic Changes in Vitamin D Pathway Genes in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with complex etiopathogenesis launched by multiple risk factors, including epigenetic alterations. RA is possibly linked to vitamin D that is epigenetically active and may alter DNA methylation of certain genes. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the relationship between DNA methylation status of vitamin D signaling pathway genes (), vitamin D level and associations with RA.

Vitamin D and VDR Gene Polymorphisms' Association with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Lithuanian Population.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune, multi-factorial disease, in which environmental and genetic factors play a major role. RA is possibly linked to vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor () gene polymorphisms, and research demonstrates that variant susceptibility is associated with increased disease risk among Caucasians. The aim of this study was to evaluate vitamin D deficiency prevalence and its correlation to RA clinical parameters, and to determine the possible association of gene polymorphisms and RA susceptibility in the Lithuanian population.

National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Lithuania: Description of the 5-Year Performance on Population Level.

We aimed to report the results of the implementation of the National Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Screening Program covering all the country. The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) reimburses the institutions for performing each service; each procedure within the program has its own administrative code. Information about services provided within the program was retrieved from the database of NHIF starting from the 1 January 2014 to the 31 December 2018.

Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Risk in Lithuania-Results from EUROASPIRE V Survey.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention guidelines define targets for lifestyle and risk factors for patients at high risk of developing CVD. We assessed the control of these factors, as well as CVD risk perception in patients enrolled into the primary care arm of the European Action on Secondary and Primary Prevention by Intervention to Reduce Events (EUROASPIRE V) survey in Lithuania. Data were collected as the part of the EUROASPIRE V survey, a multicenter, prospective, cross-sectional observational study.

Genotype⁻Phenotype Correlation in a New Fabry-Disease-Causing Mutation.

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by α-galactosidase A deficiency leading to intracellular glycosphingolipid accumulation. FD manifestation is multisystem, and can differ depending on disease-related genetic variants. Currently, more than 700 different FD-causing mutations have been identified in the human gene.

Changes of reduced glutathione and glutathione S-transferase levels in colorectal cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Purpose:: The available data concerning reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels in colorectal cancer patients during the treatment process are contradictory and insufficient.

Methods:: Forty patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving FOLFOX4 chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab and 40 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Blood samples were taken before treatment, after 2 months and at the end of treatment in the patient group and once in the healthy volunteer group.

Factors associated with bone mineral density loss in patients with spondyloarthropathies: A 4-year follow-up study.

Objective: To explore the relationship between laboratory, functional, disease activity markers and bone mineral density (BMD) loss in patients with spondyloarthropathies (SpAs).

Methods: A cohort of 41 SpA patients were followed up for 4 years. Disease activity indices, spinal mobility and laboratory tests, BMD using were monitored at the baseline and 4-year follow-up.

Guidelines for diagnostics and treatment of aromatase inhibitor-induced bone loss in women with breast cancer: a consensus of Lithuanian medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, endocrinologists, and family medicine physicians.

The aim of this article is to inform about cancer treatment-induced bone loss, to identify patients at risk and those that can benefit from bone targeted treatment as well as highlight the importance of the multidisciplinary approach in the bone health in cancer care. Patients with breast cancer treated or intended to be treated with aromatase inhibitors belong to a high-risk group because their fracture risk increases up to 30% due to a significant decrease in bone mineral density within 6-12 months after the start of hormonal treatment. To evaluate bone status and predict risk for fractures, lateral thoracic and lumbar spine X-ray imaging, bone mineral density measurement by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the lumbar spine L1-L4 vertebrae and/or hip and fracture risk factors assessment are mandatory tests prior to hormonal treatment.

[Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Lithuanian questionnaires for the spondyloarthropathies].

Unlabelled: Original English questionnaires--Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Global Score, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index--are designed to evaluate health, physical and psychical state of patients with spondyloarthropathies and to assess efficiency of the treatment.

Objective: The objective of the study was to adapt Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Global Score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index questionnaires to the Lithuanian context and examine their psychometric aspects: reliability and validity.

Patients And Methods: Validation and linguistic and cultural adaptation of Lithuanian questionnaires were performed according to the requirements for adaptation of the international questionnaires.