Theresa U Nwagha, Helen Chioma Okoye, Charles Nonyelu, Chioma Ejezie, Michael Tochukwu Okafor, Leonard Ajah, Uchenna Ifeanyi Nwagha
{"title":"A Scoping Review of the Prevalence of Preeclampsia and its Contributions to Maternal and Perinatal Mortality in Nigeria.","authors":"Theresa U Nwagha, Helen Chioma Okoye, Charles Nonyelu, Chioma Ejezie, Michael Tochukwu Okafor, Leonard Ajah, Uchenna Ifeanyi Nwagha","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_148_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_148_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Preeclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This scoping review aims to map the existing literature on the prevalence of preeclampsia in Nigeria over the past 5 years and examine its contributions to maternal and perinatal mortality. The study utilized a scoping approach to map out the current situation and offer insights into potential interventions and future research directions. To include recent evidence, the search focused on articles published from January 2020 to January 2025. The quality of the studies included was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists for quantitative and qualitative studies. The review identified several sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the prevalence and contributions to maternal mortality in Nigeria. The findings of this scoping study provide valuable insights into the current state of knowledge on the burden and the need for further research and policy interventions to address this critical public health issue. By addressing this burden, Nigeria can improve maternal health outcomes and contribute to achieving global health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526172","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":"Radiological Outcomes in Recovered COVID-19 Pneumonia Cases at 1-year Follow-up: The \"Post-COVID-19 Lung Study\" in Dedicated COVID-19 Care Setting in India.","authors":"Shital Patil, Devang Kulkarni, Abhishek Vairagade, Gajanan Gondhali","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_22_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_22_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Radiological outcomes are initially interpreted as post-COVID-19 lung fibrosis in short-term follow-up of recovered COVID-19 cases in post-COVID-19 care settings and during long-term evaluation, these abnormalities are defined as post-COVID-19 sequalae's. In the present study, post-COVID-19 lung abnormalities were evaluated as \"residual lung abnormalities (RLAs)\" as radiological outcomes phenotypes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Prospective, observational study initially included 1000 COVID-19 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction confirmed cases with lung involvement documented and radiological severity phenotypes categorized on high-resolution computerized tomography (HRCT) thorax as mild, moderate, and severe as per lung segment involvement bilaterally at the entry point. Final radiological outcomes were defined by performing a radiological assessment done at 1 year of discharge from the hospital in cases with specified inclusion criteria. Radiological final outcome phenotypes were defined as radiological lung abnormalities (RLAs) and categorized as resolving, persistent, and progressive types documented in HRCT imaging at 1 year of follow-up. Finally, we have included 209 cases with RLAs. Covariates recordings of age, gender, comorbidity, laboratory parameters, and interventions such as oxygen support and oxygen plus ventilatory support requirement during hospitalization were done. Statistical analysis is done using Chi-square test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>RLAs were documented in 20.73% (209/1000) cases. Final radiological outcomes were documented as resolving at 72.24% (151/209), persistent 19.61% (41/209), and progressive 8.13% (17/209). A significant association was documented between RLAs and duration of illness at the entry point (P < 0.00001), laboratory parameters at the entry point (D-dimer, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) (P < 0.00001), radiological computerized tomography severity phenotypes (P < 0.00001), and interventions required in the indoor unit (P < 0.00001). A significant association was observed between RLAs with covariates such as age, gender, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, and lung functions assessment by spirometry at 1 year follow-up (P < 0.00001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Radiological lung abnormalities (RLAs) are new radiological classification of post-COVID-19 lung sequelae and are categorized as resolving, persistent, and progressive. Final outcomes phenotypic classification showed an important role in further workup and treatment plannings of these RLAs during follow-up. Importantly, the proportionate number of progressive phenotypes has underlying rheumatological predisposition, and the large number of cases in resolving phenotypes doesn't need any treatment; whereas few cases in the persistent category need protocolized follow-up.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526193","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":"Hepatoprotective Activity of Red Ginger Extract on Acetaminophen-induced Liver Injury Models in HepG2 Cells.","authors":"Wahyu Widowati, Hanna Sari Widya Kusuma, Didik Priyandoko, Wahyu Surakusumah, Nindia Salsabila Mia Dewi, Deni Rahmat, Dian Ratih Laksmitawati, Diah Kartika Pratami, Rizal Azis, Dhanar Septyawan Hadiprasetyo, Rita Tjokropranoto, Philips Onggowidjaja","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_91_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_91_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The liver is a major organ that plays a crucial role in detoxifying drugs; however, exposure to hepatotoxic drugs can lead to liver damage. Some research indicates that Zingiber officinale, commonly known as red ginger, possesses various biological properties. The objective of this study was to examine the hepatoprotective effect of red ginger extract (RGE) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced HepG2 cells.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>HepG2 cells were induced with APAP to simulate liver injury and subsequently treated with RGE. Levels of nitric oxide (NO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured using a colorimetric assay, while the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-10 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gene expression of caspase-3 (Casp-3), Casp-9, and c-Jun kinase (JNK) was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>APAP-induced HepG2 cells exhibited a noticeable increase in pro-inflammatory markers. Cells treated with RGE showed lower levels of IL-1β and IL-6, and higher levels of IL-10 compared to the positive control. RGE treatment also reduced NO and LDH levels and downregulated the expression of Casp-3, Casp-9, and JNK genes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results indicate that RGE exerts hepatoprotective effects through increased IL-10 production, alongside the suppression of NO, IL-1β, IL-6, as well as Casp-3, Casp-9, and JNK gene expression.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526176","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}
K C Shashidhara, Karnati Prudhveer Reddy, P Ashok, M C Prasad
{"title":"The Study of Novel Sepsis Biomarkers Presepsin, Interleukin-27, Hepcidin, Plasma Chitotriosidase in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Sepsis and Correlation with Serum Procalcitonin Levels.","authors":"K C Shashidhara, Karnati Prudhveer Reddy, P Ashok, M C Prasad","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_1_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_1_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide, necessitating improved diagnostic and prognostic tools. This study aimed to estimate the novel sepsis biomarkers, including presepsin, interleukin (IL)-27, hepcidin, and plasma chitotriosidase in ICU patients with sepsis, evaluating their potential for enhancing early diagnosis and monitoring.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective study was conducted over 18 months at JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, India. The study included 73 ICU patients above 18 years diagnosed with bacterial sepsis based on Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and procalcitonin (PCT) levels. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with respective biomarker kits. Demographic data, clinical parameters, and laboratory values were recorded. Correlations between novel biomarkers and PCT were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study population had a mean age of 55.7 years, with 60.3% male participants. Hypertension (56.16%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (49.32%) were the most common comorbidities. Abnormal presepsin levels were observed in 53.4% of participants, showing a strong positive correlation with PCT (r = 0.763, P < 0.001). Hepcidin levels were abnormal in 76.7% of participants, demonstrating a moderate positive correlation with PCT (r = 0.522, P < 0.001). Only 11.0% of participants had abnormal IL-27 levels, with a weak, nonsignificant correlation with PCT (r = 0.172, P = 0.540). All participants (100%) had abnormal chitotriosidase levels, showing a weak but significant positive correlation with PCT (r = 0.234, P = 0.047).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study supports the potential of presepsin and hepcidin as novel biomarkers for sepsis in ICU patients. These markers showed strong correlations with PCT and high rates of abnormal levels in sepsis patients. IL-27 and chitotriosidase showed less promise in our study population. Integrating these novel biomarkers, particularly presepsin and hepcidin, into clinical practice could potentially improve early diagnosis and management of sepsis in critical care settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526194","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 Triglyceride-Glucose Index: A Novel Marker for Clinical Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Stratification.","authors":"Rahul Chikatimalla, Namita Ruhela, Mohammad Hazique, Yash Vardhan Trivedi, Priyanka Jain, Baltej Singh, Rohit Jain","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_74_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_74_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with a substantial economic burden. It is driven by the intricate pathophysiology of insulin resistance (IR), which has been shown to disrupt glucose and lipid metabolism, vascular function, and drive inflammatory pathways, further accelerating the development and progression of CVD. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, which was first proposed in 2008, has demonstrated strong correlations with the more traditional markers reserved for research settings, namely the hyperglycemic-euglycemic clamp and the homeostatic model assessment of IR. Studies have shown that the TyG index independently predicts cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic and nondiabetic individuals, supporting its potential as a practical tool for cardiovascular risk assessment in patients with or without known metabolic disorders and those that existing risk stratification models would otherwise miss. Several randomized control trials, cohort studies, and meta-analyses performed to date have identified the value of this index in identifying coronary artery calcification, acute coronary syndromes, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events and heart failure risk. In this summative review, we explore how incorporating the TyG index into general clinical practice would help identify high-risk individuals more effectively and earlier in the course of their disease, and consequently improve patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526195","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":"Anesthetic Management of a Patient Undergoing Lymphangiography and Thoracic Duct Embolization for Chylothorax Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.","authors":"Sunil Vasudev Rao, Keerthi Raj, Prajwal Siddappa, Ashna Shetty","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_244_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_244_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>The thoracic duct is susceptible to damage from a variety of surgical operations, including esophagectomy, lung resection, and mediastinal or aortic surgery, because of its anatomical placement. Lymphatic leaks are known as chylothorax, which is a common complication of coronary artery bypass grafting. However, In congenital cardiac surgeries, the incidence of chylothorax ranges from 2.5% to 4.7%, while in esophageal procedures, it is 0.4%-4%. There have been a few reports of a chylous lymphatic leak following coronary bypass surgery. In this case report, we would like to present the anesthetic management of a chyle leak that developed a couple of days following triple coronary arterial bypass surgery, which was successfully managed with suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block for the embolization of the lymphatic duct.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526173","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":"Dengue Fever Complicated by Acute Angle-closure Glaucoma and Endophthalmitis.","authors":"Bhumika Vaishnav, Saish Nitin Mondkar","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_91_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_91_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Dengue fever presents with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from fever, rash, myalgia to myocarditis, encephalitis, etc. However, severe ocular involvement in dengue is less frequent, but if it occurs it can have devastating and long-lasting effects such as permanent vision loss. We present the case of a 35-year-old male with dengue fever complicated by acute, painful vision loss in the right eye and was diagnosed with acute congestive glaucoma leading to panophthalmitis. Timely diagnosis and prompt intervention in the form of enucleation of the affected eye saved his vision in the unaffected left eye.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526174","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}
Trishna Pradeep, Mahesh Nayak, Julie C R Misquith, Shilpa A Naik, Shaik Gulam Osmani
{"title":"Pericapsular Nerve Group Block versus Femoral Block for Positioning During Spinal Anesthesia for Hip Fracture Surgeries.","authors":"Trishna Pradeep, Mahesh Nayak, Julie C R Misquith, Shilpa A Naik, Shaik Gulam Osmani","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_46_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_46_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a novel approach for dynamic pain relief in hip fractures. Studies on the effectiveness of PENG block for positioning for spinal anesthesia are very few in the Indian population. This study aimed to identify the superior efficacy of PENG block over femoral block for positioning during spinal anesthesia for hip surgeries. This study will help use the PENG block as a better approach to currently used blocks without sparing any articular branches of the nerves to the hip joint.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Seventy-four patients who were scheduled for hip surgeries for femur fracture were assigned into femoral and PENG groups who received the block before spinal anesthesia. Both groups received 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine injected around the femoral nerve. The primary outcome was measured using hemodynamic parameters, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and duration of postoperative analgesia. Secondary outcomes were measured with postoperative analgesic use.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Static and dynamic VAS were significantly different between both groups. Patients from the femoral group showed a significant reduction in static (P = 0.001) and dynamic VAS (P = 0.006) when compared to the PENG group. Static pain and dynamic pain on passive motion after the block had significantly reduced in patients who received femoral block as compared to those who received PENG block. A highly significant difference was seen at 5, 10, and 15 min after the block. While positioning, patients from both groups sat comfortably for spinal anesthesia.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>PENG block is a novel alternative technique for regional anesthesia for the hip. We conclude that both PENG and femoral block provide adequate analgesia for positioning for spinal anesthesia.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526178","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":"Empowering Medical Educators: The Rising Importance of Faculty Development Programs in Modern Medical Schools.","authors":"Singaravelu Shree Lakshmi Devi, Sasidharannair Chandrakumari Abilash","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_286_24","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_286_24","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Faculty development programs (FDPs) are essential for training clinicians and researchers to become effective educators. These programs are designed to enhance teaching skills and improve the overall quality of education delivered by faculty members. FDPs encompass a variety of formats, including organizational initiatives, fellowship programs, comprehensive programs tailored to local needs, workshops, seminars, continuing medical education, and individualized activities aimed at strengthening the multifaceted roles of educators. The FDPs have a positive impact of on faculty performance in training medical students. Regularly scheduled and timely FDPs are crucial for equipping clinicians and researchers to excel as medical educators.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526175","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}
Lulu Damsas, Chethan B Shetty, Katapady Ramachandra Kamath, Preetham Raj Salian, Atmananda S Hegde, Prajwal P Mane
{"title":"Midterm Results of Ponseti Management for Idiopathic Congenital Clubfoot at a Single Tertiary Center.","authors":"Lulu Damsas, Chethan B Shetty, Katapady Ramachandra Kamath, Preetham Raj Salian, Atmananda S Hegde, Prajwal P Mane","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_114_25","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_114_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Congenital talipes equinovarus, also known as clubfoot, is one of the most common deformities of the musculoskeletal system in newborns. Although Kites developed one of the first nonsurgical methods, the Ponseti method is more popular, where counterpressure is applied on the talar head.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Two hundred and twelve idiopathic clubfeet were treated (84 bilateral and 44 unilateral) with the Ponseti method of casting; tenotomy was considered when the midfoot Pirani score was 0. Tenotomy was followed by casting for 3 weeks. The final functional outcome was assessed at 5 years (60 months) with Richard scoring.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The average number of casts applied for complete correction was 7.31, and 86.3% of the cases required tenotomy. Richard's scoring, one of the better midterm functional scores, obtained a good result in 94% of cases.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Early intervention with the Ponseti method results in a plantigrade, functional foot that resembles a normal foot. This method is not only safe but also effectively reduces the economic and social burdens associated with clubfoot.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144526177","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}