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Introduction: Left ventricle (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) determined with two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) show significant differences. The aim of this study is to determine the agreement of the measurements of LV volumes and EF with 2DE and 3DE in the general adult population, with preserved LV systolic function. Material and methods: In 52 subjects, older than 65 years, LV end-diastolic volume index (EDVi), end-systolic volume index (ESVi) and EF were measured with 2DE and 3DE according to the official recommendations, and reproducibility of both methods and their agreement were determined. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficient for intra-observer reproducibility in the measurement of EDVi, ESVi and EF with 2DE was 0.861, 0.891 and 0.917 respectively, whereas with 3DE 0.854, 0.893 and 0.913, respectively. The difference in the measurement of EDVi and ESVi was significant (p<0.001) whereas the measurement of EF was insignificant (p=0.153). The mean difference value EDVi and ESVi determined with 2DE and 3DE was 5.6+/-5.21 and 3.01+/-2.69 ml/m2 (p<0.001), and of EF 0.306+/-1.475%. Spearman's correlation coefficient for EDV was 0.693, for ESV 0.763 and for EF 0.97. Conclusion: Larger LV volumes were measured in the adult population using 3DE compared to 2DE, but identical values for EF were obtained. This difference in the measured values could not be attributed to the largeness of the LV volume and EF itself. 3DE demonstrated better intra-observer reproducibility for LV volumes and EF as a major parameter in many clinical decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of stress on Health Related Quality of Life is considered a certainty in modern society, but the magnitude of this phenomenon is still not very well known. Measuring perceived stress level and assessing the correlations with perceived Health Related Quality of Life scores may bring valuable information for medical, public health and also for social interventions. Objective: to assess the level of perceived stress in relationship with self evaluated Health Related Quality of Life both on physical and mental components and by the eight domains. Materials and methods: A sample of 928 adult subjects was selected through "snow ball method" from different geographic regions of Romania. Two well-known tools have been used for collecting data: Perceived Stress Scale 14 items (PSS-14) for measuring perceived stress level and SF-36v2 Health Survey, for perceived Health Related Quality of Life assessment. Possible correlation between PSS-14 scores level and different levels of SF-36 scores, by physical and mental components and by the eight domains, have been analyzed. Results: The lowest SF-36 score value was registered for vitality (61.8±17.69) and the highest for physical functioning (84.1±20.52), MCS and PCS had closed values (71.7±19.02 and 74.5±19.44 respectively). Males and people from urban areas tend to have a better perceived HRQoL, also people from Transilvania. Perceived HRQoL score decreases with age, especially after 55 years but it is positively correlated with education and income level, excepting an intriguing gap in 2000 - 2499 lei group. Significant moderate negative correlations were identified between PSS-14 scores and all SF- 36 Health Survey components - both Physical and Mental scores and for all of the eight analyzed domains. Conclusions: Study results provide additional arguments regarding the importance of perceived stress level assessment in medical, public health and social interventions, together with tailored stress reduction measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]