Journal of Ideas in Health (JIDHealth)
Not a member yet
211 research outputs found
Sort by
Gasoline and vehicle-exhaust inhalation in an 11-year-old with autism spectrum disorder: a case report and management considerations
Get PDFBackground: Volatile substance abuse in children with neurodevelopmental disorders remains under-recognized, particularly in low-resource settings. Sensory-seeking behavior and environmental access can reinforce such patterns, posing medical and psychosocial risks.
Case presentation: We report the case of an11-year-old boy with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presented with repetitive inhalation of gasoline and other volatile fuel vapors. The behavior, initially interpreted as enjoyment habit, escalated to habitual sniffing from fuel containers and vehicle exhaust. No acute intoxication condition was reported, but intermittent dizziness and cough were reported. Laboratory tests and electrocardiogram were within normal limits, whereas electroencephalography (EEG) is suggestive of ADHD. Multidisciplinary intervention was adapted including environmental modification, behavioral replacement strategies, psychoeducation, and referral to pediatric toxicology and psychiatry. Early follow-up showed reduced exposure frequency and improved parental management.
Conclusion: This case highlights the need for early recognition of solvent-related behaviors in neurodivergent children, emphasizing environmental control, behavioral therapy, and multidisciplinary coordination
Visual rating of GCA and MTA scoring with deep white matter hyperintensities in relation to age and cognitive value:
Get PDFBackground: The cognitive dysfunction disorders are nowadays represented great health, social, and economic burden globally. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a major role in the evaluation of these disorders. This study aims to assess the relationship between the visual rating scale of global cerebral atrophy (GCA) & medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) scoring with age, white matter hyper-intensities, and cognitive value.
Methods: A cross-sectional study carried out from 1st of November 2022 to 28th of February 2023 at the Magnetic Resonance Imaging unit of the Radiology department in Baghdad Teaching Hospital at Medical Complex in Baghdad city, Iraq. Sixty patients aged over 45 years with suspected cognitive abnormalities were included, while younger patients, those with territorial infarction, watershed infarction, or unwillingness to participate were excluded. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic factors, chronic illnesses, cognitive status, MRI findings, and visual rating scales (Fazekas, Global Cortical Atrophy [GCA], and Medial Temporal Lobe Atrophy [MTA]). MRI was performed using a 1.5T Philips Achieva Nova scanner, and cognitive assessment was conducted with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
Results: The mean age of participants was 62.4 ± 8.8 years, with males slightly predominating (55%). Chronic diseases were common, particularly hypertension (57.2%). Cognitive assessment revealed 51.7% with normal cognition, 18.3% with mild cognitive impairment, and 30% with dementia. Higher Fazekas, GCA, and MTA scores were significantly associated with dementia (p<0.05). MTA scores were significantly elevated in Alzheimer’s disease (p<0.001), while vascular etiologies were strongly associated with higher GCA, Fazekas, and MTA scores (p<0.05). Non-strategic lacunar ischemia showed higher Fazekas scores compared to strategic types (p=0.006). Increasing age was significantly linked to dementia, vascular pathology, and higher atrophy scores.
Conclusion: These findings suggest a strong correlation between structural brain changes observed on MRI and cognitive decline, highlighting the importance of visual rating scales in clinical assessment
Unprovoked crying spells in a child with ADHD: a case of dacrystic seizures
Get PDFBackground: Dacrystic seizures are uncommon epileptic events that manifest as brief episodes of uncontrollable crying. Because these episodes mimic emotional outbursts, they are often confused with behavioral or psychiatric problems, particularly in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Case presentation: We report the case of a 9-year-old boy with a medical history of ADHD who presented with recurrent, sudden crying spells without apparent triggers for nearly three years. The patient had no prior history of head trauma, central nervous system infection, or developmental regression. Neurological examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed no abnormalities, and routine laboratory tests were unremarkable. Following the exclusion of other possible etiologies, electroencephalography (EEG) conducted by a senior neurophysiologist in the pediatric neurology department confirmed the diagnosis of dacrystic epilepsy. The patient was started on a combination therapy of valproic acid (300 mg/day), lamotrigine (25 mg/day), and clonazepam (0.25 mg/day), which resulted in approximately 60% reduction in the frequency and intensity of the episodes within two months, without any significant adverse effects.
Conclusion: Unexplained crying attacks in children, especially those with developmental disorders, should raise the possibility of dacrystic seizures. Careful neurological assessment and prompt use of antiepileptic therapy can markedly reduce symptoms and improve quality of life
Serological insights and clinical patterns of dengue fever in a tertiary care hospital: a survey-based study
Get PDFBackground: Dengue fever, a vector-borne disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV) and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, remains a public health concern in India, especially due to its seasonal and geographical variability. The disease manifests with symptoms like fever, myalgia, rashes, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, affecting various organs. This study aimed to examine the demographic patterns, clinical presentations, and healthcare-seeking behavior of paediatric dengue patients. Additionally, it analyzed dengue positivity trends from 2021 to 2023.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2021 among suspected dengue paediatric patients admitted to the Paediatrics department of Autonomous State Medical College Firozabad. Diagnostic tests included Dengue rapid NS1, ELISA NS1 Antigen, and IgM ELISA. Data were analyzed to assess clinical symptoms, healthcare access, and yearly dengue trends.
Results: A total of 6,445 patients were clinically suspected of dengue at the Paediatrics IPD, Autonomous State Medical College, Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh. Among them, 386 were confirmed dengue-positive by rapid card, NS1 antigen, or IgM ELISA tests. The highest number of suspected cases (43.17%) was observed in school-going children (6–12 years). Males (55.47%) were more affected than females (44.53%), with nearly equal distribution between rural and urban areas. Platelet counts varied widely, with 31.73% having counts between 50,000–100,000. Fever with myalgia (75.65%) was the most common symptom. Dengue positivity fluctuated across years, with the highest rate in 2021 (193/1147 cases), followed by declines in 2022 and 2023.
Conclusion: Dengue fever shows a variable trend in incidence, with significant impact from healthcare access and public awareness. Improving awareness and timely diagnosis could help mitigate the severity of cases in future outbreaks
Worker falls with impalement by a steel bar that results in a penetrating scrotal injury: a case report
Get PDFBackground: Scrotal injuries constitute the great bulk of genito-urinary traumas. Penetrating scrotal injuries are infrequent when compared to blunts. Moreover, impalement injuries by hard metals are rarer, especially when no permanent harm is left.
Case presentation: A 38-year-old male construction site worker was brought to the accident and emergency (A&E) department after falling from a 3 meters-high building. On arrival, his look was horrific, as a large steel bar was penetrating his right chest causing pneumothorax. A second bar penetrated his scrotum from bottom to up. The patient was frightened by the accident. Vitals were normal, with no signs of major blood loss. The chest trauma was dealt with by the relevant team, while the scrotal injury necessitated emergency surgery. Operatively, the steel bar was found to travel miraculously across the scrotal contents sparing vital structures. Subsequently, the bar was removed leaving no permanent damage. The patient was discharged home uneventfully.
Conclusion: A steel bar might cause an eerily external genital injury that passes throughout the scrotum without notable content damage
Isolated biliary tract injury: necessity to heighten vigilance following blunt abdominal trauma in children
Get PDFBackground: Bile duct injury after blunt abdominal trauma is a rare entity in the pediatric population. Its occurrence has been highly linked to the primary injuries of the liver or duodenum as explained by their anatomical affiliation.
Case presentation: Here we present a case of a 4-year-old female brought in with a history of generalized abdominal pain that was associated with distension and absolute constipation. This was preceded by a blunt abdominal traumatic incident four days prior. On examination, she was ill-looking, tachypneic, and had a grossly distended abdomen with a positive Blumberg\u27s sign. After the baseline laboratory and radiographic investigations, she was taken for exploration where Bile peritonitis was found secondarily to a perforated common bile duct (CBD). All other visceral structures and organs were fine; a meticulous primary closure of the 2 by 1 cm defect was done as superimposed by an omental patch. She fared well post-operatively and was discharged on the seventh day.
Conclusion: Though rare, biliary tract injury should always be considered among the differential diagnoses in blunt abdominal trauma, as its early diagnosis precipitates early intervention which will in turn positively affect the patient\u27s outcome
Predictable yet neglected: a review of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever outbreaks and response delays in Iraq
Get PDFCrimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) poses a significant and growing public health challenge in Iraq, with outbreaks occurring predictably each year during warmer months and primarily affecting rural, livestock-rearing regions. Despite the known seasonal and geographical patterns, public health responses remain largely reactive and delayed, contributing to higher incidence and case fatalities most notably in the large outbreaks of 2022 and 2023. Factors such as disrupted veterinary services during the COVID-19 pandemic, uncontrolled animal movements, and limited healthcare infrastructure have exacerbated the spread and severity of CCHF. This review highlights the persistent gaps in proactive surveillance, intersectoral collaboration, and preventive measures in Iraq, contrasting them with more effective strategies implemented in neighboring countries. To mitigate future outbreaks, a strengthened One Health approach is urgently needed, incorporating continuous tick and animal surveillance, targeted acaricide treatment, regulation of animal slaughter, and enhanced public education. Improved national coordination and resource allocation are critical to transitioning from a reactionary stance to a sustainable, preventative framework against CCHF in Iraq.
Impact of asthma on linear growth in preschool children: a cross-sectional study in Iraq
Get PDFBackground: Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition in children, often emerging during the preschool years. Its long-term effects may extend beyond respiratory health, potentially influencing physical development, including linear growth. This study aims to determine whether a significant association exists between asthma and impaired linear growth of preschool-aged children in Iraq.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 1st January and 30th June 2024 at Al-Batool Teaching Hospital, pediatric outpatient clinics, Diyala, Iraq. The cohort analyzed data of 90 children aged 1–5 years who has been divided into two groups: asthmatic (n=45) and non-asthmatic controls (n=45). Height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) were used to assess linear growth. Data were collected through caregiver interviews and medical record reviews, including sociodemographic characteristics and clinical information. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were employed to identify significant associations between asthma and stunting.
Results: Among asthmatic children, 42.2% had low HAZ scores compared to 20.0% of non-asthmatic children (p=0.03). Logistic regression showed that asthma was significantly associated with linear growth impairment (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1–7.2, p=0.028), even after adjusting for confounders such as nutrition and parental education.
Conclusion: Asthma in preschool children is significantly associated with impaired linear growth. Early detection, asthma control, and integrated nutrition strategies are crucial to improving both respiratory and growth outcomes. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore causality and long-term developmental impacts
Assessing the effectiveness of spinal compared to general anesthesia in scheduled minimally invasive lumbar spine surgeries in a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat, India
Get PDFBackground: Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) is increasingly preferred over traditional open surgery due to its advantages. Anesthesia choice plays a key role in surgical outcomes. This study compares spinal anesthesia (SA) and general anesthesia (GA) in patients undergoing scheduled MIS for lumbar spine conditions.
Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted in Parul Sevashram Hospital, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, between May 2024 and October 2024. The study included 34 ASA-1 and ASA-2 patients scheduled for one—or two-level MIS, divided into two groups: Group G (GA) and Group S (SA). Preoperative evaluation included demographics, lab tests, and imaging. Intraoperative monitoring covered heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation. Postoperative assessments included blood loss, satisfaction scores, and complications.
Results: Spinal anesthesia (SA) showed better hemodynamic stability, reduced blood loss (67.5±19.8 ml in Group S vs 73.2±14.9 ml in Group G), and higher satisfaction scores. Surgery duration was shorter in the SA group (89.9±8.2 min in Group S vs 94±7.2 min in Group G), with fewer complications. PACU stay was significantly lower in Group S (134±17.2 min) compared to Group G (175±20.4 min). Postoperative analgesic requirement (Inj Butorphanol) was also less in Group S (5 mg vs 14 mg IV).
Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia for MIS, offering better patient outcomes and satisfaction. This study supports the broader use of spinal anesthesia in suitable candidates to improve perioperative care
Enhancing neglected tropical diseases awareness through climate change communication in rural Nigeria
Get PDFBackground: Climate change, no doubt, acts as a catalyst for the spread of infectious diseases in Nigeria’s rural communities by altering the habitats of vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies to raise awareness about NTDs in the context of climate change among rural communities.
Methods: The study adopted the convergent parallel mixed research design method. It was 2025 research carried out in six states of North Central, Nigeria plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. A four-point Likert scale questionnaire was used as instrument in the collection of quantitative data from 365 respondents in the communities. While interview guide was used as the instrument to collect data from 21 key informants comprising of community leaders, health care givers, and policy makers. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Results: Participants from 18 to 56 years and above took part in the study. They constitute 168 male and 197 female. Those with secondary school education were more than those without education, and those with primary school certificates. Findings revealed that participants in the study understood adverse variation in climate connects to disease and public health problems. In addition, participants in the study unanimously agreed (with a mean score of 3.00 and above) that combating NTDs require a participatory approach, which must involve all relevant stakeholders.
Conclusion: Empirical studies on NTDs in Nigeria and other endemic regions show that regardless of government and health institutions efforts toward the mitigation of NTDs, awareness is still a challenge. Therefore, increased sensitization and public involvement are essential policy priorities to sustain progress in NTDs elimination in Nigeria’s rural communities