Acta Medica Philippina最新文献

{"title":"Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis Presenting as Melena in an Adolescent Filipino Male: A Case Report and Literature Review.","authors":"Jeremiah C Torrico, Germana Emerita V Gregorio","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9817","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9817","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Schistosomiasis, a snail-borne disease caused by infection with a trematode parasite of the genus Schistosoma, is one of the most neglected tropical diseases in the world. One of its rare complications is hepatosplenic schistosomiasis which ultimately leads to fibrosis and presinusoidal portal hypertension. We report a case of a 13-year-old Filipino male from Quezon City with previous one year residence in the endemic island of Leyte, presenting with melena. Diagnostic work-up revealed hepatosplenomegaly and periportal fibrosis with multiple hepatic nodules on ultrasound, positive <i>Schistosoma japonicum</i> eggs on Kato-Katz stool examination technique, and findings of esophageal varices on upper endoscopy. The patient was managed with praziquantel, propranolol, and endoscopic rubber band ligation of the esophageal varices, with note of resolution of bleeding, and improvement on sonographic liver findings. The degree of liver fibrosis from schistosomiasis is affected by poorly understood mechanisms which affect its severity, progression, and complications, regardless of biosocial factors including egg burden and duration of parasite exposure. This is the first case report on a Filipino adolescent to document significant interval improvement, within four weeks of treatment, of the characteristic fibrotic pattern in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis is still often missed out as the diagnosis in patients who consult with common symptoms, and high index of suspicion is recommended for those with history of residence in endemic areas. Likewise, treatment focusing on parasite eradication can aid in promptly addressing the resulting fibrosis and its complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 5","pages":"92-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12106095/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144172177","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":"Pre- and Post-operative Parameters among Patients Undergoing Pre-operative Embolization of Meningioma: a Tertiary Referral Center Experience.","authors":"Dennis Raymond L Sacdalan, Orlando R Ignacio, Glenn Marc G Ignacio","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.10066","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.10066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Meningiomas represent the most prevalent benign intracranial tumors, comprising 13-26% of primary intracranial neoplasms. These tumors derive their blood supply from both extracranial and intracranial circulation. Over recent decades, pre-operative embolization (POE) has emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy to surgery, aiming to reduce tumor vascularity. Our study seeks to explore the potential correlation between the extent of devascularization following POE of meningiomas and intraoperative blood loss.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study involved nine meningioma patients at a tertiary hospital, involving chart review of patients across four years. These patients were referred for POE due to angiographic evidence of a hypervascular mass between January 2018 and January 2022. We collected demographic data, tumor characteristics (including location, size, and vascular supply), and intraoperative variables such as total operative time and blood loss. Statistical analyses aimed to uncover correlations between vascularization degree and various factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our population consists predominantly of females (53.68%), with a mean age of 45.85 ± 13.65 years. Only one mortality was recorded (7.7%). Pre-operative embolization achieved devascularization in the majority (69.2%) of cases, with approximately two-thirds (66.7%) experiencing complete devascularization. Mean total operative time stood at 336.11 ± 301.88 minutes, with a mean post-operative blood loss of 985.56 ± 1013.72 milliliters. Additionally, for those with recorded recovery times, the mean recovery time was 14.32 ± 13.51 hours.Mortality rates showed no association with sex, devascularization status, or number of feeding vessel zones. Furthermore, the extent of devascularization did not correlate with age, sex, number of feeding vessel zones, post-operative blood loss, total operative time, or recovery time (p >0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In summary, this study represents a significant endeavor to elucidate factors influencing meningioma outcomes following pre-operative embolization. Despite limitations regarding patient numbers, our study offers valuable insights into operative parameters and embolization considerations for future analyses in our tertiary center.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 5","pages":"52-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12106102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144172130","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":"Clinico-pathologic Profile of Filipino Patients Diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, Germinal Center or Non-germinal Center Subtype Treated in a Public Tertiary Hospital from 2016 to 2021.","authors":"Jonathan Emmanuel G Cancio, Karen B Damian, Emilio Q Villanueva, Josephine Anne C Lucero, Eric Royd F Talavera","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9688","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9688","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Classification of DLBCL is often based on the cell of origin (COO), distinguishing between germinal center B-cell (GCB) and non-GCB subtypes. Although not yet recognized as a distinct entity by the World Health Organization (WHO), double expressor lymphoma (DEL), characterized by the co-expression of c-MYC and BCL2, carries an unfavorable prognosis for a subgroup of DLBCL patients. Another entity is the so-called high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements (double-hit/triple-hit lymphomas) diagnosed through fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to determine the clinicopathologic profile and survival outcomes of Filipino DLBCL patients at the Philippine General Hospital (2016-2021), comparing double-hit versus non-double-hit and double-expressor versus non-double-expressor lymphomas, and assessing concordance between FISH-measured double-hit and IHC-measured double-expressor statuses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a single-arm, retrospective cohort study involving all surgical pathology cases signed out, with the aid of immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies, as NHL DLBCL, GCB, or non-GCB subtype, from 2016 to 2021. A second panel of IHC studies and FISH analysis using tissue microarray was subsequently done. Most cases exhibited a non-GCB subtype and were classified as DEL on second IHC panel. Five out of eleven DEL cases were reclassified as double hit lymphoma (DHL).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Clinically, most patients with these lymphomas present at age 60 years and below, exhibit B symptoms, with elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, at least stage III-IV disease at diagnosis, and possess a high International Prognostic Index (IPI) score, collectively indicating a poor prognosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Survival outcomes for patients with DLBCL ranges from three to 37 months. All cases of mortality were associated with DEL, contrasting with DHL cases which had variable outcomes. Due to limited sampling, statistical significance of the results cannot be determined. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to the diagnosis of DLBCL and DHL to include a complete immunohistochemistry panel and molecular testing, notably with FISH studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 5","pages":"58-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12106101/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144172163","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":"Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocols for Swallowing Rehabilitation in Unilateral Hemispheric Stroke: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Carl Froilan D Leochico, Vitriana Biben, Ferius Soewito, Sarifitri Farida Hanin Hutagalung, Reynaldo R Rey-Matias, Risya Amelia Rahmawanti, Assyifa Gita Firdaus","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.7483","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.7483","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Stroke is a significant health concern globally, and dysphagia has been a very common complication. Early intervention for managing dysphagia is challenging with a lack of universally accepted treatment protocols. Noninvasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is emerging as a treatment option for stroke dysphagia. However, there is no standardized rTMS treatment protocol for it, leading to challenges in clinical decision-making.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine available rTMS protocols for unilateral hemispheric stroke dysphagia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A scoping review using PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCOHost databases was conducted using the keywords \"dysphagia,\" \"stroke,\" \"repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation,\" \"conventional therapy,\" and \"swallowing examination.\" Eligible studies published from inception to April 2020 were appraised using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and analyzed qualitatively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 42 articles, five randomized controlled trials met the eligibility criteria. A total of 108 patients with stroke and oropharyngeal dysphagia were randomized into one of the following treatment groups: (1) rTMS (unilateral or bilateral); (2) conventional dysphagia therapy (CDT); and (3) combined intervention (CI) of rTMS and CDT. The CI gave significant improvements in swallowing function and quality of life compared to CDT alone. The bilateral rTMS protocol resulted in more significant improvements than unilateral rTMS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There are various and heterogeneous treatment protocols involving neuromodulation available for stroke dysphagia. The combination of bilateral excitatory-inhibitory rTMS and CDT seems to result in an optimal outcome for swallowing function among patients with unilateral hemispheric stroke dysphagia.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 5","pages":"9-18"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12106105/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144172157","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":"Hyalinizing Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Salivary Gland in an Elderly Female: A Case Report Supported by EWSR1 Molecular Studies.","authors":"Ariane Marielle F Valle, Jose Louie D Remotigue, Erick Martin H Yturralde, And Jose M Carnate","doi":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9799","DOIUrl":"10.47895/amp.vi0.9799","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hyalinizing clear cell carcinoma of the salivary gland is a rare neoplasm, accounting for only less than 1% of malignancies arising from the salivary gland. It is molecularly defined by the expression of the EWSR-ATF1 fusion oncogene. To date, there has been no previous studies published yet in the Philippines regarding the existence of this tumor. In this paper, we present a case of a 70-year-old elderly female who had a 10-year history of a gradually enlarging left lateral neck mass. Histopathologic examination showed a tumor arranged of cords, nests, and trabeculae of monomorphic round cells with abundant clear to lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm surrounded by thick hyalinized collagen bundles. Immunohistochemistry and molecular studies were done which revealed a positive p63 staining, negative SMA and S100, and an EWSR1 rearrangement in Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), thus, confirming the diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 5","pages":"88-91"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12106098/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144172186","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":"A Review of Workplace Tuberculosis Policies in Selected Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Asia-Pacific.","authors":"Evalyn A Roxas, Vivien Fe F Fadrilan-Camacho, Paul Michael R Hernandez, Maria Margarita M Lota, Loisse Mikaela M Loterio, Adrian Paul M Agravante, Daniella Kate B Corpuz, Carlo R Lumangaya, Richelle Liza F Maglalang, Micaela J Arevalo, Vicente Y Belizario","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.9364","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.9364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that most of the tuberculosis (TB) cases are aged between 15 to 54 years old, the working population. This study described workplace policies on TB in selected low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in Asia-Pacific.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Among the LMICs, countries wherein TB is a public health concern were included. Six policies written in English were included in this study and were reviewed based on the components of the TB workplace programs that were extracted from the WHO Guidelines for Workplace TB Control Activities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Philippine policy had the most number of components while those of Cambodia and Papua New Guinea had the least. Only the component on implementing environmental controls was common among the policies. Components on respecting patient rights and confidentiality, tailoring of workload to TB patient's state of health, registration of all patients with TB diagnosis, reporting of cases to central NTP office, recording of standard treatment outcome, and inclusion of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) provisions were missing for the majority of the policy documents.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The workplace TB program policies included in this study can be reviewed and updated accordingly, with the coverage expanding to all workplaces. The policies can also integrate measures on COVID-19 as the pandemic has slowed the progress in TB control. With the similarities in the preventive measures against TB and COVID-19, this can be an avenue to develop integrated policies especially for workplaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"65-77"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957426","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":"Advancing the Role of Higher Education Institutions in Attaining the Health-related Sustainable Development Goals: Proceedings of the 53^rd Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health, 21-23 September 2022, Philippines.","authors":"Maria Margarita M Lota, Paul Michael R Hernandez, Vivien Fe F Fadrilan-Camacho, Fresthel Monica M Climacosa, Francis Andrew B Cube, Kim Leonard G Dela Luna, Crystal Amiel M Estrada, Emerito Jose A Faraon, Fernando B Garcia, Myra S Mistica, Frederick S Nieto, Sharon Yvette Angelina M Villanueva, Vicente Y Belizario","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.9667","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.9667","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are acknowledged as key drivers in realizing health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The University of the Philippines Manila, College of Public Health (UP CPH) together with the Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH), hosted the 53^rd APACPH International Conference last 21-23 September 2022. The conference discussed current issues relating to the attainment of SDGs and promoted collaboration of leading academic institutions and other stakeholders in addressing various public health challenges. The conference revolved around the challenges and opportunities in attaining health-related SDGs, and the good practices and roles of HEIs in addressing health disparities. The lack of certification framework of public health tertiary programs, pedagogy and infrastructure, and ambiguous roles and network of public health professionals were discussed. The conference served as a platform for discussing potential resolutions and ways forward in addressing these challenges. Opportunities for improvement such as updating of policies and curricula, strengthening of internship and community engagement programs, establishment of capacity-building partnerships and programs, and developing multidisciplinary-competent faculty and students were identified. This paper provides the highlights of the conference focusing on the good practices and roles of HEIs in addressing health disparities, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, and other issues and challenges in attaining SDGs.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"10-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037330/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955721","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":"Association of Anthropometric Parameters with Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar among Filipino Adults Aged 18-65 years in Highly Urbanized Cities in the Philippines.","authors":"Raycha Lei Concess M Rama-Sabandal, Kim Leonard G Dela Luna, Alvin Duke R Sy, Anna Paulina S Rodriguez, Rowel C Malimban, Carl Mark Vincent B Babasoro, Eldridge B Ferrer, Darwin E Dormis","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.11290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.11290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Type II Diabetes Mellitus remains a pressing public health concern among Filipino adults, particularly prevalent in urban households belonging to the middle to richest wealth population. As body composition influences glucose metabolism, understanding the potential of anthropometric parameters is vital in predicting fasting blood sugar. This study aims to generate and find the most appropriate model that can detect likelihood of elevated FBS using different anthropometric parameters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The data set from 2018-2019, 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey of Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute, consisting of 14,655 adults aged 18-65 years from 33 highly urbanized cities (HUCs) was used in this study. While controlling for study variables, multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors affecting the fasting blood sugar (FBS) status of these adults.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The above normal status of each anthropometric parameter, in the models for BMI (aOR=2.33; p<0.01), waist circumference (aOR=2.25; p<0.01), waist-hip ratio (aOR=3.11; p<0.01), waist-to-height ratio (aOR=2.58; p<0.01), was associated with increased likelihood for elevated FBS. Age, sex, blood pressure status, and being a 4Ps recipient were all significantly associated with elevated FBS across the four adjusted final models. While the waist circumference model had the highest and an acceptable correct classification rate of detecting elevated FBS (78.57%), the waist-hip ratio model had the best goodness of fit (F: 29.56; p<0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is no single anthropometric parameter that can truly discern the status of elevated FBS. However, it appears the use of waist circumference and waist-hip ratio have the potential to be an indicator especially in settings where the evaluation of the actual FBS of the individuals is not feasible. Future research suggests exploring possible interaction of BP, and FBS, diet quality and adequacy, and the effectiveness of having multiple anthropometric parameters in one model.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"125-138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037328/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143958869","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":"Lived Experiences of Health Workers in the Implementation of Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis Deworming Program in South Cotabato: A Phenomenological Inquiry.","authors":"Efren Ii C Deocades, Queen Jane M Bacon","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.9004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.9004","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;The deworming program, also known as preventive chemotherapy, is one of the most important strategies in combatting Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis. With more than two decades of implementation, only a few countries have reached the target deworming coverage of 75% by the World Health Organization (WHO). In the Philippines, the national deworming coverage from 2018 to 2022 is still below both the WHO and the Department of Health's target deworming coverage. As a result, there is an increasing prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthiasis among populations in endemic areas in the country including South Cotabato.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experiences of health workers in the implementation of the STH deworming program in South Cotabato, specifically their lived experiences in implementing the deworming program, the challenges and issues they encountered during the implementation, coping strategies, and their insights about the status of the deworming program in the province and how to improve it.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;Seventeen health workers implementing the deworming program in the province of South Cotabato were interviewed through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Interviews were conducted online due to mobility restrictions during the pandemic. The transcripts were analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method and essential themes were formulated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Our analysis revealed that health workers' lived experiences revolve around ensuring the quality implementation of the program such as combatting misconceptions about deworming through house-to-house visitation and education campaigns, reaching far-flung areas, and ensuring children are in good health condition before taking a deworming medicine. Common challenges experienced by the participants were the misconceptions and disinformation regarding deworming, the limited and difficult access to some areas, problems in logistics, and the limited support of some stakeholders. Moreover, participants cited the importance of good community engagement, active involvement and commitment of stakeholders, providing support to health workers, and robust monitoring and evaluation of the program in improving the implementation of deworming.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;In the context of this study, there is still a need to intensify the training for implementers to cater more effectively to the concerns of the people and debunk misconceptions about the program. Utilization of various media for information dissemination, enhancing access to hard-to-reach areas, and strengthening community engagements, particularly with barangay and local government officials are essential to address the gaps in the implementation. There must also be improvements in monitoring and evaluation of the program, and additional support and incentives to healthcare ","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"78-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037326/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143951905","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":"Identification of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in Patients with Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis in Quezon City, Philippines, Using Multiplex PCR.","authors":"Michelle M Cabanatan, Alice Alma C Bungay, Sharon Yvette Angelina M Villanueva, Marohren C Tobias-Altura, Dario D Defensor, Maria Margarita M Lota","doi":"10.47895/amp.v59i4.9049","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v59i4.9049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong>Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) lung disease appears like tuberculosis infection but is resistant to primary anti-tuberculosis drugs. Hence, patients whose sputum sample tests positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) and bacterial culture for several times should be assessed for colonization or infection with NTM in a damaged lung secondary to TB. In such cases, though drug-resistant TB may be adequately treated, treatment may need to be directed towards the NTM as well. In NTM therapy, the duration and choice of treatment agent is based upon the specific organism and disease extent. This study used one-step multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay for rapid differentiation of solid cultures in Ogawa medium as <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> (MTB) and/or NTM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 80 stocked isolates obtained from the Lung Center of the Philippines from January to December 2018 were screened for NTM in terms of growth in Ogawa medium, acid fastness, and MPT64 TB antigen test result. These were from sputum specimens of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients. DNA was extracted from cultures (n=55) grown in Ogawa medium and one-step mPCR was performed to identify NTM to the species level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 80 samples screened, a total of 55 isolates were identified as NTM. One-step mPCR identified 12.73% (7/55) as <i>M. abscessus</i>, 34.55% (19/55) as <i>M. massiliense</i>, 1.82% (1/55) as <i>M. kansasii</i>, and 50.91% (28/55) were identified only up to genus <i>Mycobacteria</i> spp. Neither <i>M. avium</i> complex nor <i>M. intracellulare</i> was identified among the samples tested.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>One-step mPCR was able to identify isolates as MTB or NTM coinciding with the initial screening using MPT64 TB antigen test. Multiplex PCR has given a more specific identification to the species level. The use of mPCR in identifying MTB and clinically significant NTM's is suitable for the adequate treatment of mycobacterial infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":6994,"journal":{"name":"Acta Medica Philippina","volume":"59 4","pages":"103-112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12037329/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955564","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}