Papers by Sanja Lovric Kojundzic
Life, Apr 3, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Journal of Personalized Medicine, Jun 16, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Journal of Personalized Medicine, May 21, 2021
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Croatian Medical Journal, Aug 1, 2021
Aim To investigate the association of cerebral palsy motor disorders, perinatal factors, and rela... more Aim To investigate the association of cerebral palsy motor disorders, perinatal factors, and related disabilities with brain magnetic resonance imaging classification score (MRICS)-based groups in a population-based sample. Methods The study enrolled children with cerebral palsy born from 2003 to 2015 treated at Split University Hospital who underwent brain MRI scanning. Perinatal data (plurality, birth weight, gestational age, and Apgar score) were collected from hospital records. Motor disorders of cerebral palsy (gross and fine motor function) and the related disabilities (intellectual status, speech and eating ability, epilepsy, vision and hearing status) were evaluated with neurological status assessment. Neuroimaging findings were presented as MRICS-based groups. Results Of 115 enrolled children, an abnormal finding on brain MRI was confirmed in 95%, including white matter injury (66%), maldevelopments (13.9%), gray matter injury (9.6%), and miscellaneous findings (6.1%). Gross and fine motor function were not significantly associated with MRICS-based group. All related disabilities and perinatal factors, except Apgar score, were significantly associated with MRICS-based group. Conclusion Brain MRICS-based groups were associated with perinatal risk factors and related disabilities of cerebral palsy, but not with common motor disorders. MRI classification score is a reliable diagnostic tool, which strongly correlates with perinatal factors and related disabilities of cerebral palsy.
Annals of clinical and translational neurology, Oct 11, 2016
The sodium leak channel, a Na +-permeable, nonselective cation channel, is widely expressed in th... more The sodium leak channel, a Na +-permeable, nonselective cation channel, is widely expressed in the nervous system, contributing a basal Na +-leak conductance and regulating neuronal excitability. A 3-year-old girl, heterozygous for a de novo missense mutation in NALCN (c.956C>T; p.Ala319Val) predicted to be deleterious, presented from birth with: stimulus-induced, episodic contractures of the limbs and face with associated respiratory distress; distal arthrogryposis; severe axial hypotonia; and severe global developmental delay (CLIFAHDD syndrome). In infancy, she manifested a reversed sleep-wake rhythm, nocturnal life-threatening respiratory rhythm disturbances with central apnea. Sevoflurane sensitivity caused respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Feb 2, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Croatian Medical Journal, Oct 1, 2022
AimTo assess the differences in clinical and laboratory parameters of non-hospitalized patients w... more AimTo assess the differences in clinical and laboratory parameters of non-hospitalized patients with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) according to the SARS-CoV-2 status.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed demographic, clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound data of adult patients admitted to the Emergency Department of University Hospital Split between March 2020 and January 2021. Patients were classified into three groups: recent COVID-19 (<1 month), non-recent COVID-19 (1 to 12 months), and non-COVID-19.ResultsFifty (47.2%) of 106 patients had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (23 patients in the recent COVID-19 and 27 in non-recent COVID-19 group). The three groups did not significantly differ in demographic and clinical parameters, including the location of deep venous thrombosis. The recent COVID-19 group had significantly higher neutrophils and CRP levels, and significantly lower prothrombin than the other two groups.ConclusionOur results confirm the role of elevated inflammatory and coagulation response in DVT development in the first month after the infection, but not in non-recent COVID-19 or non-COVID-19 patients.
Hrvatski časopis zdravstvenih znanosti, Dec 15, 2022
A 33-year-old male patient presented to the Emergency Department because of worsening left leg pa... more A 33-year-old male patient presented to the Emergency Department because of worsening left leg pain and numbness of the toes that started 4 days earlier. Physical examination revealed a cold pale left foot and lack of dorsal pedal pulse. Laboratory analysis showed only slightly elevated fibrinogen levels (4.8 g/L, reference range 1.8-3.5 g/L) and other parameters, including D-dimer levels, were normal. His past medical history Prikaz slučaja Case report
Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis, Apr 27, 2020
Glioblastoma cerebri (GB) is aggressive tumor of uncertain origin which infiltrates three or more... more Glioblastoma cerebri (GB) is aggressive tumor of uncertain origin which infiltrates three or more lobes, spreads on both hemispheres, complicates with brain edema (BE) and haemorrhagia [1]. We report the first case of haemodialysed (HD) patient with GB. Our patients is hypertensive 57-year old male, previously operated for prostate cancer, diagnosed with adult polycystic kidney and liver disease. Patient was treated with HD for 16 months for end stage renal disease. In February 2015 patient observed disorientation, obliviousness and weakness in both legs. The first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed hyperintense infiltrative tumor involving left frontal and temporal lobes, spreaded across the midline and surrounded by perifocal BE (Figure 1-A). Computed tomography-guided stereotactic biopsy estimated the diagnosis of GB grade IV. Oncologist, neurosurgeon and neurologist recommended: radiotherapy (TD 6000 cGy/30 fractions), chemotherapy (temozolomide), corticosteroid and cotrimoxazole.
Biomedicines, Oct 13, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Auris Nasus Larynx, Apr 1, 2021
This is a unique presentation of an acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) caused by vestibular neuronit... more This is a unique presentation of an acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) caused by vestibular neuronitis (VN) of a vestibular nerve (CNVIII) already affected by vestibular schwannoma (VS). A 48-year-old patient, formerly diagnosed with an intracanalicular VS, presented with AVS. The patient underwent clinical and neurotological examination including video Head Impulse Test and a 4-hour delayed-enhanced 3D-FLAIR MRI using intravenous gadolinium. Clinical and neurotological findings were consistent with VN of the CNVIII formerly diagnosed with VS. A 4-hour delayed-enhanced 3D-FLAIR MRI showed significant enhancement of the labyrinth also indicating VN of the same nerve affected by VS. Pragmatic corticosteroid therapy and vestibular exercises were applied resulting in satisfactory recovery of the patient. As vestibular symptoms are common in VS patients, investigating another cause of dizziness and vertigo in VS patients can be marginalized. Nevertheless, VS presenting as AVS is very unusual. VN should not be overlooked as a possible cause of acute vertigo in a patient previously diagnosed with VS.
Hrvatski časopis zdravstvenih znanosti, 2021
COVID-19 infection usually presents with respiratory symptoms and fever however several unusual i... more COVID-19 infection usually presents with respiratory symptoms and fever however several unusual initial presentations of this infection were reported in literature. We report a case of arterial thrombosis as a presenting features of this disease without any other COVID-19-related symptoms. This might lead to delayed COVID-19 diagnosis and isolation of suspected patient causing epidemiologic consequences and increased risk of transmission of the virus inside the hospital in time of pandemic unless timely recognized.
Clinical Rheumatology, Feb 27, 2020
Objective To investigate possible association between sacroiliitis and HLA-B*35 positivity. Metho... more Objective To investigate possible association between sacroiliitis and HLA-B*35 positivity. Method After excluding patients with axial spondyloarthritis and HLA-B*27 positivity, psoriasis inflammatory bowel disease, preceding infections, or juvenile type of spondyloarthritis, 110 patients were recruited with a diagnosis of undifferentiated axial spondyloarthritis. All of them had inflammatory back pain of short duration (3 months to 2 years) and 72 were HLA-B*35 positive. In order to determine if there is a possible association of sacroiliitis and HLA-B*35 positivity, all patients underwent MRI of sacroiliac joints. Results A statistically significant association between the detection of bone marrow edema at sacroiliac joints on MRI and HLA-B*35 positivity (χ2 = 6.25; p = 0.022) was found. A logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of HLA-B*35 allele was associated with a 6 times greater chance of identifying bone marrow edema at sacroiliac joints on MRI (OR 6, 95% CI 1.3-27, p = 0.021). HLA-B*35 positivity was also associated with a 4.7 times greater chance of finding elevated CRP (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1-11.9, p = 0.047) and a 5 times greater chance of finding peripheral joint synovitis (OR 5, 95% CI 1.75-14.3, p = 0.003). HLA-B*35-positive patients had high disease activity (mean ± SD of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 6.1 ± 1.72 and Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-reactive protein Index 3 ± 0.64) with a high degree of functional limitations (mean ± SD of Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index 5.3 ± 2.16). Conclusion The data clearly show the association between bone marrow edema on MRI at sacroiliac joints and HLA-B*35 allele in patients with undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. Further work is needed to understand how much this result may influence follow-up of these patients. Key Points • HLA-B*35 allele was associated with a 6 times greater chance of identifying bone marrow edema at sacroiliac joints on MRI in un-axSpa patients. • HLA-B*35 allele was also associated with a 4.7 times greater chance of finding elevated CRP and a 5 times greater chance of finding peripheral joint synovitis in un-axSpa patients. • HLA-B*35 allele could be a potential risk factor for developing sacroiliitis and axSpA.
Teaching and Learning in Medicine, Jul 14, 2008
Women are underrepresented in the higher levels of appointment in academic medicine, despite the ... more Women are underrepresented in the higher levels of appointment in academic medicine, despite the so-called feminization of medicine. A 27-year (1979-2006) retrospective study was conducted regarding the success and advancement of women and men at the University of Split School of Medicine in Croatia. Data were collected from the school&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s archive, including number of women and men among applicants, enrollees, graduates, teachers, department chairs and the school management: high school grade averages and admission tests scores by applicant gender and gender-based graduation grade averages. The number and gender patterns of all employed and unemployed physicians in the Split-Dalmatia county were also collected. Men represent the minority among applicants, enrollees, and graduates, whereas women were in the minority among faculty, department chairs, and the school management across all 27 years. Graduation grades from high school and medical school showed that women were statistically better students, although the difference was slight. In the same geographic area, women are more often unemployed and less likely to specialize. More women are applying, enrolling and graduating from the University of Split School of Medicine. Women also perform statistically better on entrance exam and have better graduation grades, yet they remain a minority in faculty and leadership positions. A review of county-wise employment statistics revealed that women were more frequently unemployed and less likely to specialize in this study.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods, Mar 1, 2009
We sought an optimal method for targeted delivery into dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) for experimenta... more We sought an optimal method for targeted delivery into dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) for experimental studies, in terms of precision of delivery and avoidance of behavioral disturbances. We examined three approaches for injection into rat DRGs: percutaneous injection without surgical exposure, injection after deep exposure, and injection following deep exposure and partial laminectomy. Coomassie blue and Fast Blue were injected into DRGs for validation. At necropsy, the spread of Coomassie blue and Fast Blue was investigated under stereomicroscope and fluorescent microscope, respectively. We found that percutaneous approach did not provide any successful DRG injections. Deep exposure prior to intraganglionic injection provided variable results, but intraganglionic injection after deep exposure plus partial laminectomy was successful in 100% of attempts. Our subsequent skeletal analysis showed that the anatomical location of DRG is not compatible with successful DRG injection without surgical exposure. Neither of the methods using surgical exposure caused behavioral disturbances. Based on these results we conclude that partial laminectomy offers the most precise method of injecting DRG and does not produce behavioral evidence of nerve damage. Intraganglionic injection after deep exposure alone is less predictable, while percutaneous approaches only allow injection in the peripheral nerve.
Life, Jun 4, 2021
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Web izdanje udžbenika Osnove radiologije za primalje je prvo takvo nastavno stivo, kako na sveuci... more Web izdanje udžbenika Osnove radiologije za primalje je prvo takvo nastavno stivo, kako na sveucilisnom Odjelu za zdravstvene studije sveucilista u Splitu, tako i Hrvatskoj biomedicinskoj znanosti i zdravstvu opcenito. Rukopis se sastoji od 10 poglavlja koja nakon uvodnih napomena, sveucilisne prvostupnike Primaljstva upoznaje s vrstama zracenja koja se koriste u Radiologiji, njihovim svojstvima, mogucim stetnim ucincima cak i kod opravdane primjene, te mogucnostima zastite i sprjecavanja stetnih djelovanja zracenja. Studenti/ce se upoznaju s rentgenskom anatomijom urogenitalnog sustava i temeljnim metodama radioloske dijagnostike urogenitalnog sustava, kao i specificnim zadacama prvostupnika Primaljstva u svezi radioloske obrade bolesnica, trudnica i novorođencadi, sto je i glavna zadaca ovog udžbenika. Na kraju je popis recentne literature koju studenti mogu koristiti po vlastitoj želji radi prosirenja svojih spoznaja o mogucnostima i vrijednosti radioloske dijagnostike urogenitalnog sustava…
International Journal of Neuroscience, 2008
In order to investigate the relation between changes in epidermal thickness and pain-related beha... more In order to investigate the relation between changes in epidermal thickness and pain-related behavior in different rat hind paw areas we performed partial denervation using two experimental models of neuropathic pain injury: spinal nerve ligation (SNL) and chronic constriction injury (CCI). Denervation produced significant epidermal thinning in both models. The most pronounced thinning was observed in the lateral paw region of the SNL group. Both models showed increase in hyperalgesic response during the postoperative period and no behavioral differences between testing regions. Our study showed that partial denervation induces regional differences in epidermal thinning but not in pain-related behavior.
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Papers by Sanja Lovric Kojundzic