Pozega

Researchers are evaluating a range of treatments to improve outcomes for adults admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), including cases caused by influenza and COVID-19. This Phase 3 adaptive platform trial, REMAP-CAP, is designed to test multiple treatment strategies simultaneously and adapt over time, allowing new treatments to be added as questions are answered. The trial also serves as a platform to quickly evaluate treatments during respiratory pandemics, such as COVID-19, through a sub-study called REMAP-COVID in the United States. Participants receive various interventions including antibiotics like ceftriaxone, moxifloxacin, or piperacillin-tazobactam, as well as macrolide therapies given for different durations. Other treatments assessed include corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and dexamethasone, antiviral agents like oseltamivir and remdesivir, immune modulators including tocilizumab and baricitinib, and supportive care strategies such as mechanical ventilation methods. Dosing and duration vary for each treatment, with some interventions now closed. Treatments are administered according to local guidelines and clinical decisions, with some requiring intravenous or enteral routes. Participants are closely monitored with assessments focusing on survival and organ support status in the ICU up to 90 days after enrollment. The main outcomes measured include all-cause mortality by day 90 and the number of days alive without needing organ support in the ICU by day 21. The study collects data continuously to adapt treatment assignments for new participants, aiming to identify the most effective therapies. Follow-up and safety monitoring continue throughout hospitalization and up to 90 days after admission.

Researchers are evaluating postoperative pain differences between two local anesthesia methods used during laser treatment of pilonidal sinus disease. This prospective, randomized study aims to compare conventional local anesthesia using 2% lidocaine and tumescent local anesthesia, which is diluted and includes adrenaline and sodium bicarbonate for prolonged pain relief and reduced bleeding. Pilonidal sinus disease affects about 2% of the population, mostly men, and while not life-threatening, it can lower quality of life. The study is conducted at General County Hospital Požega from September 2025 to August 2027. Participants will receive one of two local anesthesia techniques before laser treatment using a 1470-nm radial-emitting laser fiber for thermal ablation of the sinus tracts. Conventional anesthesia involves injecting 2% lidocaine directly into and under the skin, while tumescent anesthesia uses a diluted solution infiltrated into the subcutaneous tissue. Both methods are standard for making the surgical area numb before the laser procedure. Pain will be assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) before surgery and on the first, second, and seventh days after surgery. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires and undergo physical exams to evaluate pain levels at specified times. Researchers will collect demographic data and analyze pain scores to determine differences between the two anesthesia techniques. The primary outcome is pain measured by VAS 24 to 48 hours post-surgery. The study includes approximately 100 adult participants who can provide informed consent. Results will help identify which anesthesia method may provide better postoperative comfort and improve patient satisfaction.