Qatar Medical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Outcomes of cemented taper slip versus composite beam femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Loay A Salman, Harman Khatkar, Jawad Derbas, Mohammed F A Radi, Jehad Feras AlSamhori, Wael Al-Atout, Osama Z Alzoubi, Ghalib Ahmed","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2025.20","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2025.20","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of cemented collared composite beam (CB) and collarless taper slip (TS) femoral stems in total hip arthroplasty (THA).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Four databases were searched from inception to August 2023 for original studies that compared the outcomes of cemented CB and TS femoral stems following THA. The primary outcome was aseptic loosening, and the secondary outcomes were periprosthetic fractures, instability, dislocation, revision, survivorship, and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). This review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 11 studies with 730,769 hips were included, with a mean follow-up period of 8.48 ± 6.07 years and average MINORS (Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies) score of 17.36 ± 1.86. There was a statistically significant difference in aseptic loosening (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.19-0.43, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and PJI rate (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53-0.71, <i>p</i> < 0.001) between the CB and TS groups in favor of the latter. However, periprosthetic fracture, revision rate, survivorship, instability, and dislocation were similar in both groups (<i>p</i>  =  NS).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study showed a significantly higher aseptic loosening and PJI in the CB group compared to the TS stem type. However, other outcomes were comparable. Due to confounding effects, these results must be interpreted in context.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2025 1","pages":"20"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12107287/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163642","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cardiac tamponade due to influenza B infection in a young immunocompetent female: A case report and review of literature.","authors":"Sreethish Sasi, Fatma Ben Abid, Mohammed Altayeb Alamin, Javed Iqbal, Muna Al-Maslamani","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2025.26","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2025.26","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Influenza infections are recognized globally for their respiratory manifestations, but are less commonly associated with severe cardiovascular complications such as cardiac tamponade. The relationship between influenza infections, particularly influenza B, and cardiac complications such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and cardiac tamponade remains underexplored, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.</p><p><strong>Case summary: </strong>We report the case of a 22-year-old immunocompetent female who presented to the emergency department with acute shortness of breath, fatigue, and dizziness due to symptoms suggestive of an influenza-like illness. Laboratory and imaging findings revealed a large circumferential pericardial effusion suggestive of cardiac tamponade. Subsequent investigations confirmed influenza B infection. The patient was managed with pericardiocentesis, oseltamivir, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine, and supportive care, resulting in complete recovery. This case highlights the significance of considering influenza as a potential cause of acute cardiac complications and the importance of early diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to prevent morbidity and mortality.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The occurrence of cardiac tamponade secondary to influenza B infection in a young, immunocompetent female highlights the critical need to educate healthcare providers about the potential cardiovascular complications of influenza. The mechanisms underlying influenza-associated cardiac involvement may include direct viral invasion, systemic inflammation, and immune-mediated responses.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case contributes to the limited but growing body of literature on influenza-induced cardiac complications and highlights the importance of timely antiviral therapy alongside traditional management strategies for cardiac tamponade. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiology of influenza-related cardiac complications and to provide guidelines for the management of such cases.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2025 1","pages":"26"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12123541/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144200817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breast milk-associated late-onset group B streptococcus sepsis in preterm triplets: A case report and literature review.","authors":"Manar Saleh, Wesam Abuqura, Fouad Abounahia, Ashraf Gad","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2025.25","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2025.25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Late-onset group B <i>streptococcus</i> (LOGBS) sepsis is a notable cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates. While the vertical transmission of group B <i>streptococcus</i> (GBS) during delivery is well established, the potential role of breast milk in the transmission of LOGBS is not as clearly understood. This case report examines a unique instance of preterm triplets developing LOGBS sepsis following maternal GBS mastitis, with the aim of investigating the possible association between breast milk and LOGBS infection in preterm infants.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A set of preterm male triplets born at 30 weeks of gestation were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. At two weeks of age, the infants showed clinical manifestations of LOGBS sepsis, including septicemia. Additionally, one of the triplets developed meningitis complicated by hydrocephalus, while another developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Concurrently, their mother was diagnosed with mastitis and her breast milk cultures tested positive for GBS. The triplets were treated with systemic antibiotics. However, triplet B subsequently required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus management, and triplet C underwent laparotomy for NEC treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The occurrence of LOGBS sepsis in these preterm triplets, coupled with maternal GBS mastitis and positive breast milk cultures, raises critical questions regarding breast milk as a possible route of transmission for LOGBS. Understanding this relationship is vital for improving clinical practice, particularly in the management of recurrent infections in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2025 1","pages":"25"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the impact of intensive versus standard blood pressure management following post-endovascular therapy in ischemic stroke: A comparative systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Vikash Kumar Karmani, Yusra Mashkoor, Anshahrah Riaz, Zunera Khalid, Bijay Mukesh Jeswani, Inshal Jawed, Hina Khan, Mohitha Chowdary Mallipeddi, Manisha Chavan, Ajay Singh, Shahzad Zafar","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2025.21","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2025.21","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the impact of intensive versus standard blood pressure control following post-endovascular therapy in ischemic stroke patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines by searching PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Central databases from inception to December 2023. The outcomes evaluated included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, functional independence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0-2), death or disability (mRS score 3-6), and health-related quality of life (three-level EuroQoL five-dimensional self-report questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L score). We used the standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for continuous outcomes in all studies and used a random-effects model for data synthesis irrespective of heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We screened 2,000 articles and included four randomized controlled trials (3,635 patients). Intensive blood pressure control affected the health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3L score) more than standard blood pressure (SMD = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.34 to -0.11, <i>p</i> = 0.0002). However, intensive blood pressure control after endovascular therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage within 36 hours (risk ratio (RR) = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.70-1.19, <i>p</i> = 0.51). Additionally, there was an insignificant improvement in the likelihood of regaining functional independence (mRS score 0-2) at three months (RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.73-1.04, <i>p</i> = 0.12). Moreover, there was an insignificant increase in the risk of death or disability (mRS score 3-6) at 3 months with intensive blood pressure control compared to standard blood pressure control (RR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.93-1.51, <i>p</i> = 0.18).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In summary, our findings indicate that implementing intensive blood pressure control does not lead to an increased risk of adverse outcomes such as intracranial hemorrhage within 36 hours, compromised functional independence, disability, or mortality 3 months following endovascular therapy. Despite the observed reduction in health-related quality of life reflected in the EQ-5D-3L score, the overall safety profile of intensive blood pressure control compared to standard management suggests its viability as a potential strategy for improving patient outcomes in the context of endovascular therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2025 1","pages":"21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12107483/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of lipid profile and its association with acne vulgaris severity in adolescents and young adults: A cross-sectional study in Kurdistan Region, Iraq.","authors":"Azzam Abdulsattar Mosa, Mohammad Ahmad Hamza, Mohammed Yaseen Khalaf","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2025.10","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2025.10","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The relationship between acne vulgaris and lipid profiles has been the subject of limited research across diverse populations, yielding conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are any significant differences in lipid profile and selected apolipoproteins between two groups: adolescents and young adults with acne vulgaris and an age- and sex-matched control group. Additionally, the study aimed to identify indicators associated with severe acne vulgaris.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The cross-sectional study involved 100 adolescent and young adult patients (50 adolescents aged 11-18 years and 50 young adults aged 19-26 years) who were visitors to the Dermatology Unit of Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok City, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, diagnosed with acne vulgaris. These patients were compared with a control group of 90 healthy individuals who were matched for age, sex, and BMI (body mass index). Measurements included lipid profile, apolipoprotein A (Apo A), apolipoprotein B, and lipase. The Ethics Committee of the Directorate of Health of Duhok City Governate approved the study (reference number: 15092021-9-3). Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software (version 26.0 for Windows), and the <i>p</i> value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed an increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), non-HDL-C, and Apo A in the acne vulgaris group compared with the control group (157.5 ± 36, 125.4 ± 50.5, 40.9 ± 10.9, 114.6 ± 41, and 189.5 ± 26 versus 129 ± 22.5, 98.1 ± 49.9, 33.4 ± 8.1, 95.6 ± 32.1 and 179.6 ± 22.4, respectively), all with <i>p</i> values of ≤ 0.05. The regression model showed that an increase in one unit of cholesterol resulted in a 4% increase in the odds of acne vulgaris (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The severity of acne vulgaris was associated with age (mild (17.9 ± 2.7), moderate (18.09 ± 2.8), severe (20 ± 2.7), <i>p</i> < 0.05) and with a decrease in Apo A levels compared with the mild group (179.2 ± 25.5 and 200 ± 25.9, respectively, <i>p</i> < 0.05). There was a significant increase in non-HDL-C levels in young adult patients compared with adolescent patients (125.8 ± 40.3 versus 103.5 ± 39.9, <i>p</i> = 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>High cholesterol is a feature of adolescent and young adult patients with acne vulgaris. Older patients tend to have more severe forms of acne, which are significantly associated with elevated non-HDL-C levels. Decreased Apo A levels have also been identified as an additional indicator of severe cases of acne vulgaris.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2025 1","pages":"10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12076019/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mirizzi Syndrome: Clinical Insights, Diagnostic Challenges, and Surgical Outcomes - A 5-Year Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan.","authors":"Hira Moosa, Shabina Jaffer, Muhammad Naeem Khan, Aleena Aftab, Rameez Hussain, Ansharah Mirza, Muhammad Abdul Wasay Zuberi, Anum Iftikhar, Hussain Haider Shah, Saba Patoli, Afnan W M Jobran, Farah Hafiz Yusuf, Sameer Abdul Rauf","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2025.8","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2025.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is a rare condition in which the common bile duct or hepatic duct is blocked by impacted gallstones. It can cause symptoms such as cholecystitis, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Although diagnosis is challenging, imaging techniques such as ultrasonography and CT scans are helpful. The gold standard for diagnosis is ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography). Surgical management is the primary treatment, with laparotomy preferred over laparoscopic procedures.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This prospective study was conducted over a period of five years at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. A total of 72 patients, aged 21-70 years (mean age 44.81 years), with symptomatic cholelithiasis were included. All patients underwent ultrasonography and, in selected cases, MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography) and ERCP were performed preoperatively. MS was detected preoperatively in 19.4% of cases and intraoperatively in the remaining cases. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 72 patients, 75% were female. Most patients (69.4%) presented with the right hypochondrium pain, while 16.7% presented with pain and jaundice. Preoperative liver function tests were abnormal in 44.4% of patients. Imaging techniques used included ultrasound (100% of patients), MRCP (22.2%), and ERCP (8.3%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was completed in 63.8% of patients, with a conversion rate to open surgery of 30.55%. Two patients required open cholecystectomy with hepaticojejunostomy due to gallstone ileus. The MS types identified were type I (50%), type II (25%), type III (19.4%), type IV (2.77%), and type V (2.77%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MS is a rare and challenging condition to diagnose. Although imaging techniques are helpful, ERCP remains the gold standard. Surgical management, particularly laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is effective but requires careful implementation by experienced surgeons to avoid complications. In complex cases, laparotomy remains a necessary option.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2025 1","pages":"8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12067009/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143996330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endometrial osseous metaplasia presented as infertility cases with intra-operative obstacles: Two case reports and literature review.","authors":"Zeena Helmi, Wassan Nori","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2025.24","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2025.24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endometrial osseous metaplasia (OM) is a rare condition characterized by the transformation of endometrial tissue into bone cells. Despite its rarity, OM remains a significant contributor to infertility. Although the underlying mechanism remains debatable, an association with previous abortions and curettage has been suggested.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We present two cases of OM presented to the infertility clinic and discuss their similarities and discrepancies in presentation and risk factors. A transvaginal ultrasound raises suspicion about the diagnosis of OM with a hyperechoic mass and post-acoustic shadowing. An office hysteroscopy showed white, mesh-like bony sheets. Both cases underwent operative hysteroscopy to address surgical challenges, and the two cases were followed postoperatively for one year.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>A comprehensive literature review examined various aspects of OM, including diagnosis, therapeutic options, outcomes, prognosis, and follow-up. Our aim was to raise awareness of this intriguing condition by providing up-to-date knowledge and emphasizing the central role of hysteroscopy in diagnosis and treatment. Here, we present two cases with the same complaint, infertility. Moreover, although the same treatment method was used in both cases, only one achieved pregnancy. This highlights that OM is a possible underlying cause of infertility, in addition to considering other factors that contribute to the overall clinical picture.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>OM should be considered in the evaluation of infertility despite its rarity, especially with hyperechoic lesions and acoustic shadowing on ultrasound examination. Hysteroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis and therapeutic approaches. A complete understanding of the reasons that trigger its growth is crucial. To rule out other differential diagnosis, a holistic evaluation of the patient's history, imaging, and histopathological examination is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2025 1","pages":"24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12109679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Focus on the endocrine system of children born after reproductive technologies in Kazakhstan.","authors":"Sevara Ilmuratova, Lyazzat Manzhuova, Aigul Bazarbayeva, Vyacheslav Lokshin, Zhanar Nurgaliyeva, Farida Kussainova","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2025.9","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2025.9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Reproductive technologies are used more widely today than ever before. This increase in the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is directly related to sociodemographic conditions that result in delayed childbirth among age groups with lower fertility. Infertility affects 17% of married couples, and in some countries 6% of children are born with in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this context, the aspect of the influence of reproductive technologies on hormonal indicators of offspring in relation to anthropometric data remains insufficiently examined. The purpose of this cohort study is to compare the hormonal panel and anthropometric data of ART-conceived children with the corresponding data of children conceived naturally.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Biochemical tests are used to determine the amount of free triiodothyronine (T3) and total thyroxine (T4), somatotropin, insulin, insulin-like growth factor, glucose, potassium, and sodium cations in blood samples from the experimental and control groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results indicate that the use of assisted reproductive technologies neither altered the endocrine panel of the thyroid gland, nor affected other biochemical parameters. Variations in technologies - classical IVF, fresh or frozen embryo transfer, intracytoplasmic sperm injection - also did not affect the quantitative value of the above indicators. Artificial insemination also had no effect on puberty (in both boys and girls). Children born naturally had a greater body weight (3,453 vs 3,160 g, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and height (53 vs 51 cm, <i>p</i> = 0.002). ART children had significantly higher median free tbl3 levels (3.65 vs 3.48 mU/L, <i>p</i> = 0.002) and potassium levels (4.8 vs 4.7 mmol/L, <i>p</i> = 0.013), although within the reference ranges. Glucose levels were also higher in ART children (median 4.45 vs 4.29 mg/dl, <i>p</i> = 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Several relationships between biochemical and anthropometric indicators were identified: the correlation between body weight and blood levels of insulin-like growth factor was statistically significant, positive, and weak. The tbl3 level in the experimental group was found to be statistically significant and directly proportional to body height, and insulin content was inversely proportional to body weight. The data obtained make it possible to verify the safety of using a different range of reproductive technologies.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2025 1","pages":"9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12076018/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Africa's public health battle with cerebral malaria: What are we up against?","authors":"Abubaker Abdelmalik, Muataz Kashbour","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2024.55","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2024.55","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Africa, where 95% of global malaria cases and deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Cerebral malaria (CM) is a fatal type of severe malaria primarily caused by <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> species and disproportionately affects children under five years. Despite ongoing control efforts, CM persists as one of the most prevalent presentations of severe malaria with surprisingly high prevalences even in regions with lower endemicity and transmission rates. This commentary presents an updated compilation of key CM-related public health challenges, including delayed presentation of cases and a lack of diagnostic tools in resource-limited African communities, leading to misdiagnosis. Further challenges include insufficient provision of anti-malarial drugs and inaccessibility in rural and remote areas, coupled with emerging resistance to the gold-standard therapy (artemisinin combination therapy). CM carries a high risk of long-term neurological complications and is seen in almost half of the survivors. These complications severely impair their daily quality of life and extend to social and financial challenges. CM survivors also suffer from the lack of appropriate health services such as continuous rehabilitation, medical care, and psychological support. Despite its burden, interventional research in CM management remains insufficient, particularly regarding short- and long-term neurological complications. Local African governments have occupied the backseat for the length of this continental health crisis. It is crucial for them to occupy a proactive role in supporting healthcare infrastructure and delivering high-quality health services. Intragovernmental collaborations and establishing a regional health network within Africa can ensure realistic and accurate surveillance data tracking. From this, strategic healthcare planning, control measures, and source allocation could be better observed and tailored to the needs of different African subpopulations.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2024 4","pages":"55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11816788/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143411494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Portal vein thrombosis in a patient on semaglutide.","authors":"Mohammed F Farooqi, Maria Khan, Arshad M Muhammad, Adnan Agha","doi":"10.5339/qmj.2024.75","DOIUrl":"10.5339/qmj.2024.75","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are modern-day pandemics that have a significant impact on global healthcare. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) semaglutide is a novel treatment for both tbl2DM and obesity, but can be associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. <b>Case presentation:</b> This case report describes a 59-year-old woman with tbl2DM who received semaglutide to manage glycemic levels, and also experienced the additional benefit of weight reduction. Within six months of initiating GLP1-RA, the patient experienced low back pain associated with nausea and poor oral intake. She had no known risk factors for venous thromboembolism or thrombophilia and had no history of significant illness in her family. Her physical examination revealed no significant findings. Only mild leukocytosis and neutrophilia were noted. She underwent an abdominal computed tomography scan, which revealed intrahepatic portal vein thrombosis without evidence of liver cirrhosis or abdominal malignancy. Her symptoms improved with oral anticoagulation (rivaroxaban). The result of thrombophilia examination was negative for inherited or acquired thrombophilia, except for a Janus kinase 2 mutation, which may increase the risk of thrombosis. <b>Conclusions:</b> The use of GLP1-RA is increasing due to the growing desire for weight loss medications. Therefore, it is important that physicians better understand the possible risks of thrombosis before initiating GLP1-RA treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":53667,"journal":{"name":"Qatar Medical Journal","volume":"2024 4","pages":"75"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11806721/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143383956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}