Many studies have reported that Chronic venous disease (CVD) occurs more in females than males, due to pregnancy. The study was conducted over the period 2014–2015 at the Dermatovenereological clinic, Novi Sad, Serbia. We performed a cross-sectional study of 554 women. According to Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP) staging, the sample was divided into three groups: Mild CVD (classes 1–3 by CEAP) – n = 72; Severe CVD (classes 4–6 by CEAP) – n = 122 and a Control (no CVD) – n = 360 patients. The age range of participants was 18 to 93 years (average 54.92 years). Most important CVD risk factors were examined in detail. Out of 554 examinees, 22.03% had severe CVD, and 12.99% had mild CVD. Bivariate analyses showed a significantly higher proportion of women who had deliveries in the severe CVD and mild CVD groups, compared with the control group. Other significantly related factors were older age, family history of varicose veins, standing job position and hypertension. After performing multiple logistic regression analysis, older age, standing job position and family history of varicose veins remained significant, while childbirth lost its significance. Our results suggest that childbirths are not associated with the occurrence of CVD

Introduction. Hypertensive ischemic leg ulcer, also known as Martorell ulcer, is not very rare, but an under-recognized type of leg ulcer. It has specific clinical and histopathological characteristics. It occurs almost exclusively in patients with arterial hypertension. It is more common in women and in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is localized particularly in the laterodorsal distal third of the lower leg. This ulcer is extremely painful. Its clinical features may very much resemble pyoderma gangrenosum. Case Report. We are presenting a case of a 40-year-old obese male, who suffered from arterial hypertension during the past 26 years. His ulcer appeared spontaneously on the lateral aspect of the right lower leg and progressed gradually. From the very onset, the ulcer was extremely painful. At first, it was diagnosed as pyoderma gangrenosum and treated with systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Since the response to therapy was not satisfactory, the histopathology was revised and the diagnosis of hypertensive ischemic leg ulcer was made. After initial wound debridement and local negative pressure therapy, split-thickness skin grafting was performed. The pain disappeared right away almost completely and complete epithelization was achieved two weeks after skin grafting. Conclusion. It is important to consider Martorell ulcer in hypertensive patients with extremely painful ulcers of the lower leg. In order to establish the appropriate diagnosis, it is essential to take a deep skin biopsy and correlate the finding with a specific histopathological picture. It is the only way not to confuse hypertensive ischemic leg ulcer with pyoderma gangrenosum, since the management of the two conditions is completely different.

Syphilis remains a growing public health concern, with increasing reported incidence globally. Future healthcare professionals play a key role in preventio

Background/Aim. Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are often colonized by various types of bacteria, which can lead to infection that requires empirical antibiotic therapy. Bacterial types and their antibiotic susceptibility vary widely over time and by geographic location. The aim of the study was to determine the change trends of causative bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility in patients with VLUs over the past two decades. Methods. The study was conducted at a tertiary care dermatovenereology clinic. Data on the microbiological analysis of ulcer swabs from patients with VLUs were collected over two consecutive months at three time points: 2001, 2014, and 2020. Results. The study included 250 patients divided into three groups. The first group (2001) had 111 participants, the second group (2014) had 64, and the third group (2020) had 75 participants. Out of the 250 swabs sent for microbiological testing, only 4 (1.6%) samples yielded negative results. In 2001, the bacteria identified were 31.83% Gram-positive (G+) and 68.13% Gram-negative (G-). In 2014, the ratio between G+ and G- bacteria was 27.18% vs. 72.82%. In 2020, the predominance of G-bacteria was even more pronounced, with 89.86% compared to 10.14% G+ (p < 0.001). In 2001, Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (26.54%) was the predominant G-bacterium, and Staphylococcus (S.) aureus (24.78%) was the most common G+ bacterium. In 2014, P. aeruginosa (30.10%) and S. aureus (23.30%) remained prevalent. By 2020, P. aeruginosa (35.14%) increased further, while S. aureus (7.43%) decreased significantly (p < 0.001). Antibiotic sensitivity varied over the years, with older antibiotics showing decreased efficacy and newer classes demonstrating increased sensitivity. Conclusion. Throughout the study period, there was a notable shift toward G-bacterial dominance, particularly P. aeruginosa. Antibiotic resistance patterns also evolved. This study highlights the importance of local surveillance of bacterial flora of VLUs and antibiotic resistance profiles.

Background/Objectives : Syphilis is a significant public health issue with a rising incidence, particularly among the MSM population. As future healthcare professionals, medical science students play a crucial role in prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes of MFNS students regarding syphilis and prevention. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1 to 30, 2024 using a survey structured questionnaire. Results: The average age of participants was 22.22 years, with the majority being women (74.43%). Medical students demonstrated significantly higher knowledge levels about syphilis compared to students from other programs (36.99% vs. 8.03%; p<0.001). Attendance at education sessions on sexually transmitted infections was associated with better test results (p<0.001). Attendance at educational sessions on sexually transmitted infections was strongly associated with better test results (p<0.001), as well as with a higher likelihood of achieving a high number of correct answers (OR = 5.98, 95% CI 3.41–10.49; p<0.001). Most participants (69.10%) identified stigma as a barrier to seeking medical assistance. Conclusions : Medical students demonstrated better knowledge and attitudes toward syphilis prevention compared to their peers from other study programs. However, deficiencies were noted in practical skills and confidence in providing patient counseling. The results highlight the need for additional educational programs and practical training within the curriculum to enhance awareness and improve preventive measures.