Background: The interaction between adenosine receptor blockers and anticholinergic substances in the treatment of bronchial asthma is an area of interest. The efficacy of such combinations in managing bronchial asthma and bronchial hypersensitivity needs to be explored further. Understanding lung function parameters such as airway resistance and intrathoracic gas volume is crucial for evaluating the effects of these medications. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining the adenosine receptor blocker, bamifylline, with the anticholinergic substance, ipratropium bromide spray, in patients with bronchial asthma. Specifically, the study sought to assess changes in lung function parameters, including airway resistance and intrathoracic gas volume, after administering ipratropium bromide alone and in combination with bamifylline. Methods: Sixteen patients with bronchial asthma were enrolled in the study. Lung function was evaluated using body plethysmography, with measurements of airway resistance (Raw), intrathoracic gas volume (ITGV), airway specific resistance (SRaw), and airway specific conductance (SGaw). Patients initially received ipratropium bromide inhalation (2 inhalations x 20µg), followed by Raw and ITGV measurements at intervals (5, 30, 60, and 120 minutes). Subsequently, patients received bamifylline (2 x 600 mg) daily for seven days at home. On the eighth day, they were administered ipratropium bromide spray (2 inhalations x 20µg), and lung function parameters were assessed similarly. Results: Administration of ipratropium bromide alone led to a significant reduction in airway resistance (p<0.05). However, the combination of ipratropium bromide with bamifylline did not significantly enhance the effects of adenosine receptor blockade (p<0.05). Specifically, there were no significant changes in Raw, ITGV, SRaw, or SGaw after combining ipratropium bromide with bamifylline. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the addition of anticholinergic substances did not potentiate the action of adenosine receptor blockers in patients with bronchial asthma. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory effects of xanthines, such as bamifylline, were not augmented by anticholinergic substances in this study. These results highlight the need for further research to explore alternative therapeutic approaches in the management of bronchial asthma.

Background: The inappropriate and empirical use of antibiotics in early childhood remains a major global public health concern, contributing significantly to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Kosovo, the COVID-19 pandemic further influenced prescribing behaviors in primary care, increasing the reliance on symptom-based treatment in the absence of laboratory confirmation and age-appropriate formulations. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of antibiotic prescribing among children aged 1–7 years in primary health care centers in Prishtina and Ferizaj from January 2022 to December 2025, and to compare regional differences in prescribing practices and guideline adherence. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the national electronic health record system and protocol books. All pediatric visits for children aged 1–7 years with infectious diagnoses were included. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate prescribing prevalence, demographic and seasonal variations, and independent predictors of antibiotic use, including assessment of appropriateness based on international pediatric guidelines. Results: Of 4320 pediatric visits, 1328 (30.7%) resulted in an antibiotic prescription. Prescribing prevalence was higher in Ferizaj (34.2%) than in Prishtina (28.5%, p < 0.01). Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (42.9%) and amoxicillin (21.5%) were the most frequently prescribed agents, while macrolides (11.7% vs. 6.2%) and cephalosporins (7.9% vs. 3.4%) were more common in Ferizaj. Only 61.4% of prescriptions were fully guideline-concordant. Younger age (1–3 years), winter season, and residence in Ferizaj were independently associated with higher odds of receiving an antibiotic. Conclusions: Pediatric antibiotic prescribing in Kosovo remains high and predominantly empirical, reflecting real-world limitations in diagnostic capacity and formulation availability. Significant proportions of partially appropriate and inappropriate prescriptions highlight the need for standardized pediatric guidelines, improved diagnostic support, and strengthened stewardship initiatives within primary care.

Background: The overuse and inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in early childhood remains a global public health concern, mainly due to the risk of accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care services in Kosovo underwent notable changes in prescribing practices. Aim: This study aimed to examine the prescribing rate and patterns of antibiotic prescribing among children aged 1–7 years in primary health care centers in Prishtina and Ferizaj between January 2022 and January 2025, and to compare regional differences in prescribing behaviors. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from the national electronic health record system. All pediatric visits for children aged 1–7 years were included. Antibiotic prescriptions linked to infectious diagnoses were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression were applied to evaluate prescribing prevalence, regional differences, and associated factors. Results: Out of 4,320 pediatric visits, antibiotics were prescribed in 1,328 cases (30.7%). Prevalence was significantly higher in Ferizaj (34.2%) than in Prishtina (28.5%, p < 0.01). Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid (42.9%) and amoxicillin (21.5%) were the most prescribed antibiotics. Metronidazole accounted for 16.4% of prescriptions, while Ferizaj showed a significantly higher use of macrolides (11.7% vs. 6.2%) and cephalosporins (7.9% vs. 3.4%). Only 61.4% of prescriptions were consistent with international clinical guidelines. Younger age (1–3 years), winter season, and residence in Ferizaj were independently associated with higher odds of antibiotic prescribing. Conclusions: Antibiotic prescribing among Kosovar children aged 1–7 years remains high, with concerning regional differences and suboptimal adherence to clinical guidelines. These findings underline the urgent need for standardized pediatric prescribing protocols, enhanced physician education, and robust antibiotic stewardship programs in Kosovo’s primary care system.

Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being and having a sound mind is an invaluable asset. This study aimed to explore the conditions and therapy management at the Mental Health Center in Pristina by analyzing data from January to December 2022 and 2023. The research, conducted retrospectively with respect for patient confidentiality, examined the frequency of psychiatric disorders, treatment types, medications used, patient demographics, diagnoses, and side effects. In 2022, 155 patients (79 males, 76 females) were recorded, while in 2023, the number decreased to 110 patients (63 males, 47 females), with average patient age increasing from 32.42 to 38.42 years. Despite challenges in patient care, appropriate treatment plans significantly support health and social integration goals. The data indicate a reduction in psychiatric cases over the studied period, though the predominance of a relatively young age group raises concerns possibly linked to living conditions and lifestyle. These findings highlight the ongoing need for assessment and optimization of mental health therapies.

Empirical antibiotic therapy is routinely initiated in neonatal units for suspected sepsis; however, continuation of treatment despite negative blood cultu

Background: The use of contraceptive methods is a key component of public health and reproductive health, contributing to family planning, maternal well-being, and social stability. However, contraceptive use is often influenced by the availability and continuity of medical counseling. Limited evidence exists on how regular specialist counseling affects informed contraceptive use in real-world community settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2025 and January 2026 using a structured questionnaire. A total of 2400 participants aged 18–55 years were included. The study population was divided into two groups: 1000 women who had been regular patients or receiving consultation for at least one year at the Gynecology and Endocrinology Department of the General Hospital in Ferizaj, and 1400 community participants who had not received regular medical counseling related to reproductive health during the previous year. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of current contraceptive use was significantly higher among women receiving regular medical counseling compared with those without regular consultations (72.4% vs. 41.8%; p < 0.001). Modern contraceptive methods were more frequently used in the counseled group, including oral hormonal contraceptives (38.5%), intrauterine devices (21.4%), and implants (7.8%), whereas condom use (49.3%) and traditional methods (18.4%) predominated among participants without counseling (p < 0.001). Use of contraceptives based on medical recommendation was reported by 81.2% of counseled women compared to 29.6% in the non-counseled group (p < 0.001). Long-term contraceptive use (≥12 months) was significantly more common among counseled participants (64.9% vs. 33.5%; p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, education, and marital status, regular medical counseling was independently associated with higher odds of modern contraceptive use (OR = 3.62; 95% CI: 3.01–4.35; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Regular medical counseling by gynecologists and endocrinologists is strongly associated with informed, consistent, and modern contraceptive use among adults aged 18–55 years. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening structured counseling services as an integral component of public health strategies aimed at improving reproductive health outcomes.