Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Association between Gastric Cancer and Urinary Fumonisins: A Case-control Study.","authors":"Enock Mulowa Mumbula, Evelyn Funjika, Chiyebe Banda, Lengwe Chilufya, Violet Kayamba","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_139_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_139_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium spp. They are classified as Group 2B carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>We aimed to investigated the association between gastric cancer (GC) and urinary fumonisins levels.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted this age- and sex-matched case-control study in Lusaka, Zambia. Cases were patients with histologically confirmed GC while controls did not have cancer. We tested the urine samples for fumonisins using high-performance liquid chromatography, collected information on risk factors using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analysed the reults in Stata version 15.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 52 participants were included in the study, 26 GC cases and 26 controls. In each group, 15 (58%) were females. The median age was 54 years; interquartile range (IQR) 46-66. Fumonisins was detected in 10 (19%) of the samples. Quantitatively, levels of fumonisins were higher in cases (73 µg/ml; IQR 40-109) than in controls (21 µg/ml (IQR 5-47), but this difference was not statistically significant, P = 0.25. Qualitatively, there was no association between GC and presence of fumonisins in urine (odds ratio 1.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2-5.1, P = 1.00). Lack of formal education and low socio-economic status were associated with urinary fumonisins P = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively. However, on regression analysis, only low socio-economic status remained statistically significant with a regression coefficient of 50, (95% CI 29-70); P < 0.001.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study has demonstrated that urinary fumonisins levels are associated with low socio-economic status but not to GC.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"64-68"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Assessment of PANC-3 and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II Scores in Acute Pancreatitis: A Prospective Study.","authors":"Shantanu Sushil Savant, Nitin Narendrakumar Jadhav","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_82_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_82_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The global incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing, and it has an unpredictable course. As AP is associated with high mortality rates, it is important to effectively assess severity and manage the disease.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>We assessed the use of PANC-3 scores for predicting the severity of AP and compared these scores with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) scores.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A prospective study in patients with AP at a tertiary care hospital in Karad, India. Demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory findings and radiological data of the patients were recorded within 24 h of admission. The severity of AP was assessed using PANC-3 and APACHE-II scores. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of both the scoring systems were calculated and compared.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 80 patients with AP were included in the study. Most of the patients were in their early thirties (31-35 years), and alcohol consumption was the leading aetiological factor. The PANC-3 scores exhibited a strong predictive accuracy for severity of AP. There was excellent agreement between the PANC-3 and APACHE-II scores (κ =0.8855). Sensitivity (94.1% vs. 88.2%), PPV (94.1% vs. 93.8%) and NPV (98.4% vs. 96.9%) were higher in APACHE-II, but specificity was equivalent between both systems (both 98.4%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Using PANC-3 scores, we were able to accurately predict the severity of AP in a tertiary care hospital setting. We observed that the performance in predicting the severity of AP was similar using the PANC-3 and APACHE-II scores.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"11-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Severity Assessment of Acute Pancreatitis Using the Modified Computed Tomography Severity Index and Revised Atlanta Classification: Correlation with Bedside Index for Severity in Acute Pancreatitis Clinical Scoring.","authors":"Mandadapu Sri Padma, Kaavya Bandari, Yeshwanth Raju Narayanan, Senthil Kumar Aiyappan","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_288_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_288_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a pancreatic inflammatory condition characterised by a varied clinical course, ranging from mild self-limiting episodes to severe disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Proper severity evaluation is crucial for prompt intervention and enhanced outcomes.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study assesses the efficacy of the Modified Computed Tomography (CT) Severity Index (MCTSI) and Revised Atlanta Classification (RAC) in conjunction with the Bedside Index for Severity in AP (BISAP) for evaluating disease severity and forecasting clinical outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional observational study was performed at SRM Medical College Hospital involving 45 patients with AP. BISAP was carried out following 24 h of admission, whereas MCTSI was evaluated using contrast-enhanced CT. Severity was categorised utilising RAC, and clinical-radiological connections were examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>RAC indicated that 40%, 46.7% and 11.1% of patients encountered mild, moderately severe and severe AP, respectively. The mean BISAP and MCTSI scores were 1.8 ± 0.9 and 6.1 ± 2.3, respectively. Despite individual variations in raw scores, correlation analysis employing Spearman's rank test revealed a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between BISAP and MCTSI (rho = 0.563, P < 0.01). This suggests that as BISAP ratings escalated, MCTSI levels similarly increased, demonstrating a correlation between the two scoring systems in assessing illness severity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>BISAP and MCTSI provide combined advantages in predicting the severity of AP. The RAC continues to be a reliable classification system. The integration of clinical and imaging methods improves early risk assessment and leads to appropriate care.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"111-117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relation between Hypertension and Hearing Loss: A Study of Hypertensive Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria.","authors":"Chinyere Nkiruka Asoegwu, Nkiruka Augusta Wakwe, Janet Ngozi Ajuluchukwu, Clement Chukwuemeka Nwawolo","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_136_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_136_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertension is a major non-communicable disease of public health concern. In Nigeria, the rate is between 28% and 42.2%. Hypertension or the prolonged use of some antihypertensive drugs has been associated with hearing loss in studies. There is a paucity of studies on this in our environment.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the relationship between hearing thresholds and hypertension.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This was a hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study of hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients. Ethical approval for the study was obtained. Informed consent was obtained from the participants. A researcher-administered structured pro forma was utilised to obtain demographic and medical history data. Blood pressure measurement and pure-tone audiometry were performed on all the participants. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred and twenty-eight participants each were recruited from the hypertensive and control groups for the study. The age range of the hypertension group was 27-60 years. The frequency of hearing loss amongst the hypertension and control groups was 47.7% and 15.6%, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean pure-tone average for the hypertension group was 29.2 dB ± 18.5/28.3 dB ± 20.5 and 21.6 dB ± 8.7/20.6 dB ± 8 in the right and left ears of the hypertensive and control groups, respectively. The frequency of hearing loss in the controlled and uncontrolled hypertensive subjects was 44.7% and 52%, respectively (P = 0.424). Hearing loss frequency was 50% in hypertensive subjects on diuretic and/or beta-blockers and 46% in those on other antihypertensive drugs (P = 0.650).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The frequency of hearing loss in the hypertension group was significantly higher than in the control group.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"134-139"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889702","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rhythmic Breathing Combined with Hugo Point Acupressure versus Vapocoolant Spray on Pain Intensity during Needle Insertion into Arteriovenous Fistula in Haemodialysis Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial.","authors":"Hassan Raysan Al-Waeli, Wafaa Abed Ali Hattab","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_99_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_99_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pain from needle insertion during haemodialysis is a common challenge requiring effective pain management for patient comfort.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The aim of this study to compared rhythmic breathing combined with Hugo point acupressure versus vapocoolant spray on pain intensity during needle insertion in haemodialysis patients.</p><p><strong>Subjects and methods: </strong>A randomised controlled trial was conducted in Iraq between 4 December 2024 and 16 January 2025, and involved 157 patients. Participants were assigned into five groups: control (n = 34), rhythmic breathing (n = 24), Hugo point acupressure (n = 35), combination rhythmic breathing with acupressure (n = 37) and vapocoolant spray (n = 27). Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale immediately following needle insertion. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The control group reported the highest mean pain score (64.79), followed by rhythmic breathing (37.79), Hugo point acupressure (33.14), the combination group (28.35) and vapocoolant spray (25.59). All interventions significantly reduced pain compared with the control group (P < 0.001). The combination group was superior to rhythmic breathing or acupressure alone (P < 0.001). Vapocoolant spray was also more effective than each single intervention (P < 0.01), yet the difference between vapocoolant spray and the combination group was not significant (P > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The combination of rhythmic breathing and Hugo point acupressure reduced pain more effectively than either intervention alone. Although vapocoolant spray was highly effective, it did not significantly outperform the combination. Thus, the combined method provides a reliable alternative, especially for patients unable to use vapocoolant spray or in resource-limited settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"44-51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasound Elastography and Cytological Analysis for Effective Thyroid Nodule Classification.","authors":"Lakshmi Bharat Pentakota, Prakash Sarjerao Patil","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_102_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_102_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Traditional methods such as manual palpation and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) have limitations in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules (TNs).</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound elastography (USE) in differentiating benign and malignant TNs in a tertiary care hospital setting.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A prospective study among patients with TNs who visited the hospital between July 2022 and November 2023. Patients with solitary TNs detected through ultrasonography (USG) were included. All patients underwent USG, USE and FNAC. Quantitative data were presented as mean, while qualitative data were expressed as frequencies and percentages. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were calculated. A Chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between different methods used for diagnosis. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 33 patients, 84.8% female, mean age of 49.4 ± 19.6 years, were included. Histological evaluation revealed 39.4% of the lesions were malignant with a predominance of papillary carcinoma (61.5%), while 60.6% were benign. Among the benign lesions, majority were identified as colloid nodules (70.0%). Diagnostic efficacy of thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) was 78% and there was a significant correlation between TI-RADS classification and cytological findings (P = 0.00025). USE showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 80.0%, 92.3%, 94.1% and 75.0%, respectively. There was a significant correlation between the elastography findings and the cytological outcomes (P = 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>USE shows great potential as a novel method for differentiating solid TNs and indicating optimal sites for FNAC.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"140-145"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145888850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishment and Validation of a Risk Scoring Model Based on Autophagy Subcluster-related Modular Genes for Prognostic Prediction in Osteosarcoma.","authors":"Xiaorong Lu, Xifan Zheng","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_418_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_418_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aims to determine the clinical significance of autophagy in OS prognosis and explore the potential molecular mechanisms between it and tumour-infiltrating immune cells.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Autophagy-associated gene (AAG) expression data were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas to construct an AAG expression matrix for osteosarcoma (OS). Using univariate Cox and LASSO regression analyses, three key prognostic AAGs (CCL2, DDN and GJA5) were identified. Based on these genes, we calculated individual risk scores and established an autophagy-associated prognostic model. OS patients were stratified into high- and low-risk groups according to autophagy-related risk scores to explore prognosis-associated mechanisms. Gene enrichment analyses were conducted to investigate the involved biological pathways, a nomogram integrating clinical parameters was developed, and the tumour immune infiltration landscape was assessed. Furthermore, the differential expression of the three AAGs was experimentally validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in a normal osteoblast cell line (hFOB1.19) and OS cell lines (143B, MG63 and U2OS), supporting the predicted transcriptional trends.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We integrated three autophagy-related prognostic genes to construct a nomogram, which demonstrated high predictive accuracy and robustness as evidenced by calibration curves and survival analyses. These AAGs exhibited dual functions in immune regulation and were implicated in multiple cytokine signalling pathways. Tumour immune infiltration analysis revealed distinct immune landscapes between risk groups, consistent with findings from pathway enrichment analysis. Furthermore, qRT-PCR validation in normal osteoblasts (hFOB1.19) and osteosarcoma cell lines (143B, MG63 and U2OS) confirmed that DDN was significantly upregulated, whereas CCL2 and GJA5 were downregulated in tumour cells, aligning with the transcriptional trends predicted by the model.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings suggest that excessive autophagy is closely associated with poor prognosis and altered immune cell infiltration, particularly involving macrophages, in osteosarcoma. These results highlight the dual roles of autophagy in tumour progression and immune regulation. However, macrophage-related autophagy in OS remains poorly understood, warranting further mechanistic studies and experimental validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"86-96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Doping Detection through Haematological Parameters and D-dimer Levels amongst Athletes and Sports Administrators in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria.","authors":"Olufemi Adegbesan, Titilola S Akingbola, Ade Fatai Adeniyi, John O Ayorinde, Sunday Peter Ogundeji, Akinlolu Ojo","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_88_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_88_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The haematology module is an important component of the Athlete Biological Passport, which is being used by World Anti-doping Agency in doping detection. This module consists of complete blood count (CBC) parameters, which are measured in a longitudinal manner and deviation from the established pattern may indicate doping. There is a paucity of data on CBC parameters in Nigerian athletes.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>The aim of this study, therefore, was to measure and analyse CBC parameters in a group of athletes and sports administrators in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study of 144 athletes and sports administrators in a training centre was undertaken. A closed-ended structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data, and samples were taken for CBC and D-dimer assay. The participants' blood samples were taken after a training session. CBC, reticulocyte count and D-dimer were run. OFF-hr score was calculated and values >125. 0 were considered to suggest doping. CBC parameters were compared between both genders using Student's t-test. Significance value was set at P ≤ 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The athletes had relatively higher lymphocyte counts than neutrophil counts. The group OFF-hr score shows that the majority (134/154, 87.6%) had normal range values, while 5 (3.3%) had values >104.6. None of the participants had a score >125.6, which indicates doping. D-dimer level was comparable between both genders, but the median value (1.3, interquartile range: 3.4 µg/L) was significantly higher than that of the control sample <0. 4 µg/L).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Athletes tend to have higher lymphocyte counts than neutrophil counts. The OFF-hr score did not indicate doping in any athlete. More research should be conducted to understand the thrombotic status of athletes because of high dimer levels found in this study.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"82-85"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adverse Drug Reaction to First-Line Oral Antitubercular Drugs: An 8-Year Analysis from a Tertiary Centre in Eastern India.","authors":"Ratikanta Tripathy, Pratima Singh, Debasis Behera, Elisha Paikray, Saswat Subhankar, Mangala Charana Das","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_186_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_186_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Treatment regimen with the first-line anti-tubercular drug remains the foundation of treatment for drug-sensitive TB. The fixed-dose combination of drugs regime is associated with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) such as drug-induced liver injury (DILI), myalgia, arthralgia, hearing loss, gastrointestinal disturbances, visual disturbances, central nervous disorders and hypersensitivity reactions.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to analyse the spectrum and severity of ADRs with emphasis on DILI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective study was conducted from 2015 to 2023 at a tertiary care teaching hospital. A total of 108 patients were included in the study. The spectrum of ADRs was classified as per the World Health Organization systems organ classes. The seriousness of the reaction was classified as serious and non-serious. The severity of DILI was categorized into five grades.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 126 ADRs were reported. DILI was the most reported ADR followed by vomiting and itching.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study seeks to enhance the clinicians' understanding of the diverse ADRs linked to anti-TB treatment, encouraging them to provide better patient counselling, prioritise safety and actively report even mild ADRs.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"25-28"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Clinical Patterns and Disease Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis in Duhok/Kurdistan Region, Iraq.","authors":"Sulaiman Waadullah Sulaiman, Mohammed Tahir Rasool","doi":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_345_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/npmj.npmj_345_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Backgrounds: </strong>Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a highly prevalent and progressive joint disease. Given the diverse clinical presentations and multifactorial nature of KOA, alongside observed regional variations, a localised understanding of the disease is vital for effective healthcare planning.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and disease severity of patients diagnosed with KOA at the specialised tertiary centre in the Kurdistan Region.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>This study employed a cross-sectional design among patients who attended the 'Specialized Center of Rheumatic Diseases and Medical Rehabilitation' in Duhok City, Iraqi, Kurdistan and are diagnosed with KOA. In this regard, patients with any socio-demographic characteristics were included in the study. The patients with other rheumatic diseases were excluded from the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study involved 262 knee patients with KOA, predominantly females aged 40-69 years (81.29%). Most of the patients were retired (39.69%) with a body mass index (BMI) averaging 32.72 kg/m2, indicating overweight or obesity (based on the CDC criteria). Symptoms such as pain (98.85%) and difficulty walking (49.62%) were common, with pain severity averaging 6.77/10. Most commonly used treatments included NSAIDs (63.74%) and physical therapy (8.78%), with many patients affected by mild-to-severe functional limitations. Younger patients had lower disease grades and pain levels, whereas higher grades correlated with increased pain and activity restrictions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Age and BMI impact KOA severity, including pain and functional limitations. The patients need for better diagnostic and nonpharmacological approaches to improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19720,"journal":{"name":"Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal","volume":"33 1","pages":"74-81"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145889692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}