European Journal of Medical and Health Research
Not a member yet
578 research outputs found
Sort by
Neonatal Seizure in a Tertiary Center Work
Full text linkBackground: Neonatal seizures are the most common neurological emergency in newborns, often associated with significant mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities. The aim is to determine the incidence, etiological causes, and risk factors associated with neonatal seizures.Patients and Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted over eight months, from January 1 to August 31, 2022, the study was conducted at the neonatal care unit of Children Welfare Teaching Hospital. Neonates who developed clinically recognizable seizures before 28 days of life in term infants, or up to 44 weeks corrected gestational age in preterm infants, were included. Data collection involved demographic information, prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal history, family history, seizure characteristics, physical examination including growth parameters, and relevant laboratory and radiological investigations. Follow-up was conducted two months later via phone interviews.Results: Among 180 neonates included, 50% had seizures while the remaining served as controls. The incidence of seizures among admitted neonates was 7.7%. The three main etiologies were birth asphyxia, infection, and metabolic disorders, each accounting for 25.6% of cases. The mean age at seizure onset was 9.3 ± 9.1 days, with a median of 5 days. Males were more affected (male-to-female ratio 1.57:1), and seizures were more common in term infants. Significant associations were found with family history of neurological disease and neonatal death. Vaginal delivery was more linked to birth asphyxia, while cesarean delivery was associated with neurological malformations. Mortality was three times higher in neonates with seizures.Conclusion: Birth asphyxia, infection, and metabolic disorders are leading causes of neonatal seizures. A positive family history and prematurity increase susceptibility. Early onset may indicate etiology, but seizure type does not predict cause. Seizure presence significantly increases neonatal mortality
Outcome of High Dose Oral Prednisolone in Treatment of West Syndrome in Comparison to Low Dose ACTH
Full text linkIntroduction: West syndrome is a form of epileptic encephalopathy that typically manifests during infancy, often within the first year of life, and is characterized by developmental regression. Timely identification of its underlying cause and early therapeutic intervention are essential to minimizing the associated morbidity and mortality. The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of high-dose oral prednisolone with that of intramuscular ACTH in managing West syndrome.Methods: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in the Department of Paediatric Neurology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between September 2021 and August 2022. A total of 80 children diagnosed with West syndrome were enrolled and randomly assigned into two groups: Group A received intramuscular ACTH at a dose of 20 IU/day for two weeks, while Group B was administered oral prednisolone at 4–6 mg/kg/day for the same duration.Results: A statistically significant reduction in the mean seizure frequency was observed in both the ACTH and oral prednisolone groups following treatment (P < 0.001). Normal electroencephalographic findings were achieved in 52.5% of patients in the prednisolone group compared to 32.5% in the ACTH group. Perinatal asphyxia emerged as the predominant etiological factor in both groups (67.5% in the prednisolone group and 80% in the ACTH group). Irritability was the most commonly reported symptom, affecting 50% of the prednisolone group and 60% of the ACTH group.Conclusion: The findings indicate that both high-dose oral prednisolone and intramuscular ACTH are comparably effective in the treatment of West syndrome. No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of spasm cessation, normalization of EEG patterns, or incidence of adverse effects
Relationship Between Total Protein and Energy Consumption and Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescents with High Body Mass Index
Full text linkIntroduction. Children and teenagers who are at risk of being overweight are twice as likely to experience iron deficiency, which can cause anemia. This study aimed to discuss the correlation between total protein and energy intake and hemoglobin levels in obese adolescents who were medical students. Materials and methods. This study employed a cross-sectional analytical method. Subject selection began by measuring body weight and height to determine BMI according to the selection category. Subsequently, a 24-hour recall interview was conducted to assess energy and protein intake on two weekdays and one weekend. To assess hemoglobin levels and red blood cell indices, blood samples were collected by the Clinical Pathology Laboratory at Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Bandung. Results. A total of 13 samples aged 18-19 years who met the selection criteria had a protein intake of 68.79 g/day (SD 22.80 g/day), total energy intake of 1822.31 kcal/day (SD 441.34 kcal/day) and hemoglobin 15.4 g/dL (10.3-16.4 g/dL). Spearman's rho test showed a correlation of protein intake with hemoglobin levels r = 0.489, p > 0.05 and a correlation of total energy intake with hemoglobin levels r = 0.452, p > 0.05. Conclusion. There was no correlation between total protein and energy intake and hemoglobin levels in late-age adolescents who were obese at the Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, a class of 2016
Thyroid Cancer among Iraqi Population: Incidence by Age Group, Gender, Governorate and Trends
Full text linkIntroduction: Over the past three decades, the global incidence of thyroid cancer has markedly increased. However, to date, no comprehensive nationwide study has been conducted in Iraq to evaluate trends at a national level. This study aims to provide the first Iraqi national assessment of thyroid cancer incidence, using data from the Iraqi National Cancer Registry and GLOBOCAN. Methods: Thyroid cancer data spanning from 1995 to 2023 were extracted from the Iraqi Ministry of Health’s annual cancer registry reports, supplemented with data from GLOBOCAN. Population estimates by age and gender were sourced from the United Nations Population Division Central Agency For Public Mobilization And Statistics/ ministry of planning/ Iraq. Crude and age-specific incidence rates were calculated by gender and governorate. Trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to determine annual percentage changes (APC) and evaluate significant shifts in incidence rates over time. Results: A steadily increasing trend in thyroid cancer incidence was observed throughout the study period, with an overall APC of +7.51%. When compared globally, Iraq demonstrated a moderate age-standardized incidence rate. Notably, from 2007 to 2023, the APC increased sharply for females (+14.27%) and males (+10.97%). The female-to-male incidence ratio rose significantly from 1.7 in 2000 to 4.14 in 2023. An upward trend was also observed across all age groups. Conclusions: This study reveals a marked rise in thyroid cancer incidence in Iraq from 1995 to 2023. Further investigations are necessary to identify contributing risk factors such as radiation exposure, obesity, smoking, and iodine deficiency, which are essential for guiding prevention and control strategies
Clinical Assessment and Management of Skin Cancer Cases in Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, Iraq: A Retrospective Study
Full text linkSkin cancer represents a growing public health challenge globally, with increasing incidence rates linked to prolonged ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and lifestyle changes. In Iraq, particularly in Al-Qadisiyah Governorate, limited clinical data are available regarding the epidemiological patterns, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes of skin cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics, histopathological types, management strategies, and follow-up outcomes of skin cancer cases diagnosed and treated at Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital over a four-year period (January 2020 – December 2023). A retrospective observational design was employed, analyzing medical records of 75 confirmed skin cancer patients aged ≥18 years who received care at the dermatology and oncology departments. Data revealed that basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was the most common type, accounting for 64% of cases followed by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at 28%, and melanoma at 8%. The majority of patients were above 40 years of age with a predominance of male outdoor workers indicating a strong correlation with UV exposure. Lesions were predominantly located on sun-exposed areas, particularly the face (60%) reinforcing the role of chronic solar radiation as a major risk factor. Histopathological examination remained the gold standard for diagnosis, while dermatoscopy was used in 40% of cases to aid early detection. Surgical excision was the primary treatment modality 80% ,yielding favorable outcomes when performed at early stages. Mohs micrographic surgery was selectively applied for high-risk anatomical sites. Melanoma cases were mostly diagnosed at advanced stages, necessitating systemic chemotherapy. A notable finding was the delayed presentation of many patients, with over one-third seeking medical attention more than one year after lesion onset. The delay probably leads to larger tumor dimensions and treatment complexity. The research addressed the need to improving early detection, awareness of the public and including awareness of skin cancer during undergraduate medical education to strengthen primary care physicians detect and manage suspicious lesions. Also noted as needing assistance was strengthening referral systems between primary health care and specialists at both dermatological/surgical and oncological departments to achieve optimal patient outcomes in central Iraq
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Several Antiseptic Mouthwashes in Reducing Respiratory and Upper Digestive Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review
Full text linkCOVID-19 is a respiratory infection outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, which are abundant in mucous membranes, particularly in the patient's oral cavity. Coughing, impaired smell and taste, and shortness of breath are common symptoms of infection. Antiseptic mouthwash with an action mechanism consistent with SARS-CoV-2 virology can reduce the virus's pathogenicity in the oral cavity. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of antiseptic mouthwash in reducing respiratory and upper digestive symptoms in COVID-19 patients. This study used a systematic review method with reference to PRISMA 2020. From May to July 2023, a literature search was conducted in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. The article's relevance was determined by the findings of RCT or CT studies on the effectiveness of PVP-I, H2O2, and CHX mouthwashes in the oral cavity of COVID-19 patients, which is characterized by a reduction in the symptoms they suffer. Non-experimental study designs were excluded. The CONSORT 2010 checklist was used to assess the risk of article inclusion bias. Four research articles with a total of 299 subjects were deemed relevant to the inclusion criteria. As many as two out of every four articles demonstrated high research quality. The most common COVID-19 symptoms reported by patients were non-productive cough symptoms (n = 117). PVP-I and H2O2 mouthwashes at concentrations of 0,5% and 1% were used as study samples. The two drugs were able to accelerate the recovery of dyspnea, non-productive cough, and ageusia with a maximum of 14-day treatment period. Ultimately, the research shows that the recovery of COVID-19 patients with symptoms of non-productive cough, dyspnea, and ageusia can be aided by using an antiseptic mouthwash containing PVP-I or H2O2 but in the appropriate concentration, duration, and frequency of the drug
Effects of Residence on Perinatal and Neonatal Mortality
Full text linkBackground: Perinatal and neonatal mortality rates are critical indicators of the quality and effectiveness of health services within a community and are often reflective of a country’s developmental status. This study aimed to assess the impact of place of residence on perinatal and neonatal mortality in Babylon Governorate, Iraq. Method: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Imam Al-Sadiq Hospital, including 151 perinatal and neonatal deaths. The patients were categorized into two groups according to their residence: rural and urban. Several demographic and clinical parameters were evaluated, including gender, age at death, birth weight, maternal age, gestational age, type of delivery, number of births, and causes of death. Results: revealed that mortality was significantly higher among neonates from rural areas (72.85%) compared to those from urban areas (27.15%). Rural residence was strongly associated with a greater proportion of extremely low birth weight infants, representing a statistically significant difference compared to the urban group. Moreover, the causes of death varied by residence: respiratory distress syndrome predominated in rural areas, whereas sepsis was the leading cause of mortality in urban settings. Conclusion: place of residence exerts a substantial influence on perinatal and neonatal outcomes. Rural residency was linked to higher mortality, largely associated with low birth weight and respiratory complications. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions, improved maternal and neonatal healthcare access, and better preventive strategies in rural regions to reduce mortality rates and enhance neonatal survival
Interduodenal Pancreatic-Caval Tumour Mass: Paraganglioma
Full text linkNon-functional retroperitoneal paragangliomas are rare tumors arising from extraprestinal chromaffin tissue. They are often asymptomatic and can grow to large dimensions, and their diagnosis and surgical management can be difficult. Treatment requires complete surgical excision. We report the case of a 56-year-old patient who presented with epigastric pain. Histological examination of the mass revealed a paraganglioma, a retroperitoneal tumor
Trans Omental Hernia: A Case Report
Full text linkWe present a case of a 57-year-old male who developed a rare transomental internal hernia leading to small bowel obstruction (SBO). The patient, with no prior surgical history, presented with diffuse abdominal pain, vomiting, and obstipation. Clinical and radiological investigations, including an abdominal X-ray and CT scan, indicated a mechanical SBO with a transitional point and a beak sign.During exploratory laparotomy, a 2.5 cm defect in the greater omentum was identified, with ileal incarceration 150 cm from the duodenojejunal junction. There was no bowel necrosis. The surgical intervention included reduction of the herniated bowel segment and partial resection of the greater omentum. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the first postoperative day.The article discusses the diagnostic challenges of transomental hernias due to their nonspecific clinical presentations and the importance of imaging, especially CT scans. It emphasizes the role of both laparoscopic and open surgical approaches in management. Preventive measures are recommended to avoid recurrence
Investigating the Relationship Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Hypothyroidism: A Novel Study
Full text linkWhile vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is known to impair immune regulation, calcium homeostasis and cellular differentiation, hypothyroidism is characterised by insufficient production of thyroid hormones leading to metabolic dysfunction and systemic symptoms such as fatigue, depression and muscle weakness. Emerging evidence suggests a potential bidirectional relationship between these two conditions, mediated by immunomodulation, genetic predisposition and environmental factors. This study investigates the biochemical, clinical and therapeutic interplay between VDD and hypothyroidism through an original cross-sectional observational study conducted in a cohort of 500 participants.The study population included 300 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism (150 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and 150 with non-autoimmune hypothyroidism) and 200 euthyroid controls matched for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). Blood samples were taken to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, thyroid function tests (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] and free thyroxine [FT4]), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies and inflammatory markers such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). In addition, a subset of 100 hypothyroid patients with VDD received vitamin D supplementation in two different regimens: 50,000 IU/week for 12 weeks or 2,000 IU/day for 6 months, to assess its effect on thyroid function and clinical outcomes.Our results show a significant association between VDD and hypothyroidism, especially in autoimmune thyroid disease. The prevalence of VDD was significantly higher in hypothyroid patients (68%) compared to euthyroid controls (40%). Serum 25(OH)D levels showed a strong inverse correlation with TSH levels, suggesting that low vitamin D levels may exacerbate thyroid dysfunction. Elevated anti-TPO antibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed in patients with coexisting VDD and hypothyroidism, highlighting the role of immune dysregulation in this relationship. Vitamin D supplementation led to improvements in both thyroid function and clinical symptoms, with greater benefits observed in patients receiving higher doses for shorter durations.These findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between VDD and hypothyroidism and emphasise the importance of addressing VDD in the management of thyroid disorders. Routine screening for VDD in hypothyroid patients, especially those with autoimmune etiology, is recommended to optimise treatment outcomes. Future research should focus on elucidating causal relationships, exploring genetic and environmental factors, and determining optimal dosing strategies for vitamin D supplementation in this population. This study adds to the growing body of evidence supporting theinclusion of vitamin D status assessment in the standard care of patients with thyroid disorders