Annals of African Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Impact of Platinum-based versus Other Chemotherapies on Health-related Quality of Life and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale in Patients with Malignancies in a Tertiary Center in Western India.","authors":"Bhumika Vaishnav, Saish Nitin Mondkar","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_128_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_128_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cancer remains a significant public health concern globally, with increasing incidence in developing countries like India. While chemotherapy has improved survival rates, the quality of life and psychological well-being of cancer patients frequently deteriorate due to treatment-related toxicities, including electrolyte disturbances and psychological effects. This study aimed to examine the differential impact of platinum-based chemotherapy versus other regimens on Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores in cancer patients.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 90 cancer patients from a tertiary care center in western India between October 2023 and February 2025. Patients were categorized into three groups based on treatment: platinum-based chemotherapy ( n = 32), combination chemotherapy ( n = 28), and other treatments including immunotherapy and hormonal therapy ( n = 30). Serum electrolytes were analyzed, and patients completed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 for HRQoL assessment and HADS questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients receiving platinum-based chemotherapy showed significantly worse HRQoL scores (mean: 55.4 ± 10.2) compared to combination therapy (62.8 ± 9.7) and other treatments (71.3 ± 8.5, P < 0.001). Similarly, HADS scores were highest in the platinum group (13.8 ± 3.4), indicating moderate anxiety and depression, compared to combination therapy (9.6 ± 2.7) and other treatments (6.2 ± 2.1, P < 0.001). Potassium and phosphate abnormalities were significantly more common in patients receiving platinum-based regimens ( P < 0.05) and correlated with poorer HRQoL and higher HADS scores.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Platinum-based chemotherapy is associated with significantly worse HRQoL, higher anxiety and depression scores, and more frequent electrolyte disturbances compared to other treatment modalities. Regular monitoring of psychological well-being and electrolyte levels, along with appropriate supportive care interventions, should be integrated into routine cancer management, particularly for patients receiving platinum-based regimens.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"574-578"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697438","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":"Unraveling Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis: Diagnosis and Management.","authors":"Madhulika L Mahashabde, Rishikesh Sunilsingh Chauhan, Gaurav Chaudhari, Sai Krishna Reddy Paidi, P Jugal Sriram","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_171_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_171_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is a rare but critical neurological condition characterized by acute brain inflammation, primarily affecting the temporal lobes. It is caused by HSVs belonging to either type 1 or type 2. Patients typically present with fever, altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. Prompt diagnosis through neuroimaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is essential for initiating antiviral therapy and improving patient outcomes. This report describes a 39-year-old male who presented with high-grade fever, neck rigidity, headache, vomiting, disorientation, and episodes of aggression. Neuroimaging revealed a hemorrhagic contusion in the left temporal lobe, whereas CSF analysis confirmed HSV DNA. The patient was started on intravenous acyclovir alongside seizure prophylaxis and supportive care, including antibiotics to rule out bacterial meningitis. Early intervention led to stabilization of symptoms and prevention of complications. During follow-up, the patient demonstrated significant improvement. After 3 weeks of antiviral therapy, his cognitive function improved, with no further seizures or behavioral disturbances. Outpatient follow-up confirmed a near-complete recovery with mild residual cognitive deficits addressed through rehabilitation. This case highlights the importance of recognizing HSV encephalitis, even in atypical presentations such as aggressive behavior and severe cognitive impairment. Early diagnosis and treatment remain critical in reducing morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach, incorporating antiviral therapy and long-term follow-up, ensures better outcomes and minimizes the risk of permanent neurological deficits.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"716-720"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144939520","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":"Iatrogenic Mixed Fungal Infection with Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus triticale Postroot Block Procedure in an Immunocompetent Patient.","authors":"Pravin Umakant Naphade, Siddharth Ravindra Nimal, Satish Nirhale, Shalesh Rohatgi, Prajwal Manohar Rao","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_165_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_165_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Iatrogenic fungal infections are rare in immunocompetent patients. This report details a unique case of Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus triticale infection following an epidural root block, highlighting the rare challenges in pathogen isolation, identification, and treatment, which complicate clinical management and patient outcomes. A male in his forties developed fever, headache, and weight loss postprocedure. Initial suspicion of meningitis was confirmed via lumbar puncture. Despite empirical antibiotics, corticosteroids, and antiedema measures, symptoms worsened. MRI revealed exudates on the pons and an infratentorial granuloma. Empirical antifungal therapy was initiated after cerebrospinal fluid galactomannan and beta-D-glucan assays tested positive, though fungal cultures were negative. Despite voriconazole treatment, the patient showed persistent symptoms with subtherapeutic drug levels. Dual therapy with voriconazole and amphotericin B failed. MRI of the lumbar spine revealed an epidural collection, prompting surgical intervention. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry performed on the purulent discharge from the laminectomy identified A . terreus and A . triticale . Subtherapeutic voriconazole levels, likely due to pharmacokinetics and drug interactions, necessitated switching to isavuconazole, leading to clinical improvement. A mixed fungal infection involving A . terreus and A . triticale is an uncommon occurrence in immunocompetent individuals. This case report delineates the diagnostic challenges encountered in isolating these fungal pathogens and the complexities associated with their management. By detailing our experience, this report aims to provide valuable insights for clinicians who may encounter similar rare infections, thereby aiding in timely diagnosis and optimized therapeutic strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"712-715"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145443773","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":"Evaluation of Gustatory and Olfactory Perception in Type II Diabetic Patients - A Clinical Observational Study.","authors":"Vinitha Ganesh, Durgadevi Pancharethinam, Ezhilarasi Arumugam Venkatachalam Sargurunathan, R Ignatious Jeba Mary, Kumar Appusamy, Ramachandra Reddy Gowda Venkatesha","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_557_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_557_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia and disturbances in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Taste and smell may influence the acceptance or rejection of food, and abnormalities in taste and smell receptors are known to influence the intake of specific foods, thus increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To estimate the random blood sugar (RBS) levels, assess the taste and smell perception in type II diabetic patients and healthy individuals.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study was carried out in 120 individuals (Group A-60 type II diabetics and Group B-60 healthy individuals). Blood samples of 120 participants were collected, and RBS levels were measured. The smell test was conducted by Sniffin's sticks test using six commercially available scent-tip pens. The taste test was conducted by soaking sterile cotton pads in 4 different solutions (quinine sulfate, sucrose, sodium chloride, and citric acid) and applying them over the dorsum of the tongue one after the other, and the results were recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the 120 subjects, Group A subjects showed reduced taste identification than the Group B subjects. A highly statistically significant difference was found in age, smell, and RBS (mg%) between Group A and Group B. Furthermore, among the two groups, impairment of taste identification was higher in the group A subjects. There was a statistically significant association in the identification of sweet, salt, and sour taste among the Group A and Group B subjects.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>From the results of the study, we infer that the identification of smell, salty, sweet, and sour taste was impaired in type II diabetic patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"686-690"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146050041","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":"Fetomaternal Outcome in Obstetric Cholestasis in a Tertiary Care Hospital.","authors":"Madhu, Rani Hansda, Atima Bharti, Priya Kumari","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_100_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_100_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Intrahepatic cholestasis is a potentially serious condition that can develop during the late half of pregnancy. It can increase the risk of preterm birth and stillbirth in fetus and postpartum hemorrhage in mothers. The main symptoms are severe pruritus. Since this condition is hormone-induced, it is a reversible condition and likely to recur in subsequent pregnancy. Early diagnosis, adequate treatment, and well-timed delivery are imperative for better maternal and fetal outcomes.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This is a prospective observational study done in a tertiary care center, RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Data were collected from 203 affected pregnant females from July 2023 to June 2024. Proper history, examination, and investigations were done.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The incidence was found to be 2.62% in our hospital. Women of 26-30 years were affected mostly (33.99%). 53.69% were from rural areas and belonged to the lower middle socioeconomic class. Primigravidae were affected more (45.81%). Jaundice was the most common complication (8.87%). Postpartum hemorrhage was observed in 8.87% of cases. 28.5% had preterm delivery. Intrauterine fetal death was seen in 4.43% and 1.97% had stillbirth in women affected with the disorder. Liver enzymes were significantly raised.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It affects the fetal outcome adversely, resulting in preterm birth, fetal distress, stillbirth, meconium aspiration, and respiratory distress syndrome. There is a high risk of postpartum hemorrhage in mothers. Proper counseling, investigations, and treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid will help in alleviating the symptoms and result in a better outcome for the mother and fetus. It is a self-limiting condition.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"509-513"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144697367","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":"Acute Cerebellitis: A Rare Complication of Scrub Typhus.","authors":"Shyam Chand Chaudhary, Shambhavi Sinha, Tarun Pal, Pankhuri Singh, Neeraj Kumar, Amit Anand","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_204_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_204_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi , is an emerging zoonotic infection that typically presents as an acute febrile illness. While neurological manifestations are increasingly recognized, cerebellar involvement remains exceedingly rare. We report the case of a 42-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh who presented with high-grade fever, followed by slurred speech and gait ataxia. Clinical examination revealed cerebellar signs, including dysmetria and dysdiadochokinesia. Laboratory testing confirmed scrub typhus via a positive immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and other infectious and autoimmune etiologies were excluded. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were normal. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous doxycycline and methylprednisolone, resulting in rapid clinical improvement. This case highlights acute cerebellitis as an atypical but important complication of scrub typhus, underscoring the need for heightened clinical suspicion in endemic areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"706-708"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146028172","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":"When Home Is at War: How Sudanese Doctors Navigate Tragedy and the Provision of Health Care.","authors":"Alayobi Elbagir Elbasheer, Bothaina Mustafa Eltigani","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_252_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_252_25","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"738-739"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144758904","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":"Management of Pediatric Pneumonia by Lung Ultrasound versus Chest X-ray.","authors":"Sheikh Sadiya Mohammaadi, Seema Rai, N S Vithal Rao, D Rajya Luxmi","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_157_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_157_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Due to the advantages of ultrasonography over chest X-ray or CT (radiation exposure) in the diagnosis of pneumonia and its consequences, it may become the next-line investigation of choice for pneumonia.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The findings of lung ultrasonography (LUS) in pediatric pneumonia and correlating LUS findings with clinical findings in children aged 2 months to 12 years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study included 100 children aged 2 months to 12 years who presented with cough and fast breathing. Within 24 hours of admission, all had LUS, and the data was analyzed. The ROC curve was created to forecast the respiratory, vital, and laboratory data cut-off values.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>When it came to detecting pneumonia, a lung ultrasound had a sensitivity of 0.906 and a specificity of 0.661, whereas a chest X-ray had a sensitivity of 0.793 and a specificity of 0.559. lung ultrasound had a higher beneficial score than chest X-ray for pneumonia severity indexes 3 and 4. This indicates that lung ultrasound may aid in clinical decision-making when putting children on antibiotics in the early stages of pneumonia when symptoms are not severe.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Temperatures below 38.0°C, malnutrition, and crepitations were all independent predictors of radiologically confirmed pneumonia. Lung ultrasound can lower antibiotic abuse in the pediatric population.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"552-559"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145249349","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":"Multiple Renal Vessels: The Anatomical Variants with Clinical Implications in Renal Interventions and Hypertension.","authors":"Srinivasa Rao Bolla, Zhassulan Ispolov, Gulzhaina Nusserova, Moldir Tazhibay, Dinara Jumadilova","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_207_25","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_207_25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A comprehensive knowledge of renal vasculature is essential to diagnose and carry out safe clinical interventions accurately. Anatomic variations in renal vessels can present procedural challenges in surgeries such as nephrectomy, transplants, and endovascular interventions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In the present retrospective study, we analyzed the distribution patterns of the renal vascular variants and measurements of length and diameter in computed tomography angiographies (CTAs). The study evaluated renal arteries and veins in 400 kidneys from 200 CTA scans performed for various clinical indications. Two trained team members did the evaluation independently, followed by statistical analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study's results revealed the presence of multiple renal arteries (multiRAs)/accessory renal arteries in 24.5% of left and 17.5% of right kidneys, with a total of 29% with at least one multiRA on one side. The prevalence of specific types of renal arteries per respective left and right kidney were as follows: accessory arteries entering hilum- 23.5% and 16.5%, hilar artery with early bifurcation - 6% and 5%, polar arteries - 4.5%, and 2.5%, extra-hilar polar branches - 0.5% and 5%, extrahilar presegmental branches - 45% and 54%. The total frequency of multiple renal veins was 1.5% in the left and 14.5% in the right kidneys. Retroaortic and circumaortic left renal vein frequency constituted 1%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Awareness of the variant anatomy of renal vasculature is important to optimize the surgical strategies during endovascular interventions and kidney transplantation and to minimize the risks of intra and postoperative complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"652-658"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145028800","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":"Erratum: Perception of Congenital Cataract among Saudi Parents in Saudi Arabia.","authors":"","doi":"10.4103/aam.aam_322_26","DOIUrl":"10.4103/aam.aam_322_26","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7938,"journal":{"name":"Annals of African Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"743"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147508802","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}