Activity of fosfomycin against nosocomial multiresistant bacterial pathogens from Croatia: a multicentric study.

Aim: To determine in vitro susceptibility of multiresistant bacterial isolates to fosfomycin.

Methods: In this prospective in vitro study (local non-random sample, level of evidence 3), 288 consecutively collected multiresistant bacterial isolates from seven medical centers in Croatia were tested from February 2014 until October 2016 for susceptibility to fosfomycin and other antibiotics according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methodology. Susceptibility to fosfomycin was determined by agar dilution method, while disc diffusion was performed for in vitro testing of other antibiotics.

Actual drug-drug interactions in elderly patients discharged from internal medicine clinic: a prospective observational study.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and type of actual drug-drug interactions (DDIs) that result in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or diminished therapeutic effect in elderly patients within 30 days of discharge from an internal medicine clinic.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at the Internal Medicine Clinic of University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia, between October and December 2011. Patients aged ≥ 65 years discharged from the Internal Medicine Clinic during the study period with a prescription for two or more medications were eligible for inclusion in the study.

Signal hyperintensities on brain magnetic resonance imaging in patients with primary Sjögren syndrome and frequent episodic tension-type headache: relation to platelet serotonin level and disease activity.

Objective: To examine differences in number and size of signal hyperintensities (SH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and controls who all had frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETH), and to investigate their relation to platelet serotonin level (PSL), patient age, disease duration, and activity.

Methods: SH in 22 pSS patients with FETH were compared to 20 aged-matched controls with FETH, using the modified semiquantitative rating scale. Spectrofluorimetry was used for determination of PSL, and the European League Against Rheumatism SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) for disease activity assessment.

The effect of pharmacotherapeutic counseling on readmissions and emergency department visits.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of pharmacotherapeutic counseling on the rates and causes of 30-day post-discharge hospital readmissions and emergency department visits.

Setting: The study was conducted at the Medical Clinic of University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia.

Methods: The study included elderly patients prescribed with two or more medications for the treatment of chronic diseases.

Platelet serotonin in primary Sjögren's syndrome: level and relation with disease activity.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is chronic autoimmune disorder of unknown ethiopathogenesis. In line with the concept of neuroimmunohormonal dysregulation in inflammatory rheumatic diseases, the aim of this study was to investigate platelet serotonin level (PSL) in patients with pSS and its relation with the activity and duration of the disease. Significantly lower PSL in pSS patients (N=61) was shown as compared to healthy controls (N=103).