Few studies have examined whether the Xpert MTB/RIF test improves time to treatment initiation for persons with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB). We determined the impact of this test in Latvia, where it was introduced in 2010. After descriptive analyses of pulmonary MDR TB patients in Latvia during 2009-2012, time to treatment initiation was calculated, and univariate and multivariabl...

Within the post-Soviet area, the Baltic states have been far ahead of any other former Soviet republic. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have done amazingly well in terms of political, economic, and social transition. Yet, like many other new members of the European Union, the Baltic states still face varying degrees of challenges to this perpetual transition that every state faces. The author id...

This paper is an excellent, well-written, readable and accessible description of the macroeconomic boom and bust cycle in Latvia from 2000 to 2012. It presents the key facts and data—at least as well as possible given serious data challenges. It provides an unbiased analysis of different explanations for the economic crisis and recovery—a viewpoint which is much appreciated given the often-heat...

From the ‡Institute for Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Strasse 2, D-97080 Wuerzburg, Germany, the Biochemical Research and Study Center, University of Latvia, Ratsupites iela 1, Riga, LV-1067, Latvia, the **Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, D-97080 Wuerzburg, Germany, the ‡‡FMP, Krahme...

This paper presents public health surveillance data in Latvia. This is the first time these data are being published since the restoration of the Second Republic. The paper describes the state-of-the-art monitoring system of food and water safety. It also contains epidemiological data for Latvia. The conclusion brings a success story about the implementation of the monitoring programme in the c...

Latvia is a high-priority country in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) in Europe, with an estimated TB incidence of 41 per 100000 in 2015 [1]. In spite of an improving TB control programme [2] and cure rates reaching 80% for new and retreatment TB cases notified in 2014, multidrug-resistant (MDR-) TB (defined as TB resistant to rifampicin and isoniazid) rates in Latvia remain high [1]. An est...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE A nationwide survey of schoolchildren was conducted to detect regional differences in urinary iodine excretion in Latvia and to compare the results with data from the newborn thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) screening database as well with the results of a similar study performed in Latvia 10 years ago. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional school-base...

National laws and regulations on service delivery systems (SDS) for assistive technology (AT) in Europe aim to support the activity and participation of people with disabilities. The aim of this paper was to study similarities and differences in the SDS for AT of one Eastern and one Western EU member state. The legislation and regulations, and their operationalization were described from the pe...

INTRODUCTION. Latvian government Health care financing regulations do not envisage free dental care in nursing homes. Consequently, in this situation arises need to carry out comparative evaluation of oral health status and quantity indicators of dental prosthodontics among retirement-age population in Latvia. The aim of the study was to estimate oral health and dental prosthodontics indicators...