Latest Articles
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
The burden of substance abuse is an enormous public health issue. Globally, 1 in every 17 people 15-64 years uses at least one drug. Cannabis as the most used drug. In Kenya, 1 in every 6 people between 15 and 65 years are currently using at least one drug. The aim of this study was to determining the burden of alcohol and drug abuse in Kenya, and suggest ways of reducing the burden. A scoping review of literature was conducted through the Google Scholar according to the criteria and methodology by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). 96 studies fully met the inclusion criteria. The study concluded that Kenya faces a heavy burden of alcohol and drug abuse that causes enormous physical, mental, biological, social, spiritual, psychological, emotional, economic, intellectual, developmental and environmental sufferings, robing individuals of social and economic opportunities, imposing an enormous burden on families and the society, and negatively affecting the country’s development efforts. Recommendations for addressing alcohol and drug abuse include: enhancing awareness regarding alcohol and drug use-related harms and its consequences; advocating for healthy, balanced lifestyles; normalizing self-love, self-care and seeking help; resisting peer pressure; building resilience; fostering strong interpersonal relationships; scaling up positive parenting and strengthening families; addressing stressful situations; developing life skills; enforcement of strong measures to regulate access to alcohol and drugs; early identification and reduction of alcohol and drug use; avoiding stigmatization and discrimination; using multi-dimensional family therapy strategies; scaling up broad-based, positive, holistic, innovative, affordable and evidence-based prevention, treatment, recovery and rehabilitation approaches/interventions; including gender-responsive, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches in alcohol and drug addiction treatment as well as gender-based violence interventions;
Case Report
Direct Interdental Wiring as Alternative Method in the Treatment of Mandibular Fracture at Inaccessible War Zone: A Case Report
Lahaou Baladji Touré, Oumar Ongoiba, Djibril Kasssogué, Seydou Sogoba, Bassirima Traoré, Aboubacar S.T Kané, Oumar Sanogo, Souleymane Mariko, Idrissa Mandé Sidibe, Youssouf Kassambara
East African Scholars J Med Sci, 2024; 7(11): 453-454
DOI: https://doi.org./10.36349/easms.2024.v07i11.001
Abstract
PDF
FULL TEXT
E-PUB
21 Downloads | Nov. 2, 2024
ABSTRACT
The Region of Tombouctou is considered as one of landlocked regions in Mali, unstable war zone. The frequency of mandibular fracture becomes more than usual in the last years with lack of oral and maxillofacial team; limited complementary exams; and limited surgical tools. In purpose to reduce; to fix fracture line; and to restore function of maxillofacial areas, we decided to practice direct interdental wiring as alternative method for the treatment of limited displacement of mandibular fractures. Direct interdental wiring in Intermaxillary fixation for closed reduction in the mandibular fracture is rarely used today.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Conjunctival autografting which is the mainstay in the management of pterygium. The conjunctival graft is most commonly harvested superiorly. However, superior bulbar conjunctiva may not be available for harvesting a graft in all cases and it would affect the outcome. This study aims at the efficacy of the inferior bulbar conjunctival grafting without using any suture or glue. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, Pabna Medical College Hospital, Pabna, Bangladesh during the period from January 2019 to December 2020. In our study, we included 100 eyes of 98 patients with primary pterygium who underwent surgical procedures in Pabna Medical College Hospital. Results: A total of 100 cases were included in this case series. Patient’s age ranged from 18 to 83 years (mean 48.08±12.76 years). Total graft dehiscence occurred in 2 eyes (2%), graft retraction in 10 eyes (10%), and recurrence was seen in 1 eye (1%). At 3 months postoperatively, the gain in uncorrected visual acuity ranged from 2-3 lines in the Snellen chart in 9 eyes, symblepharon does not occur in any patient and no other complication was noted. Conclusion: Our study shows that this simple technique for pterygium surgery may prevent the potential risk of bad outcomes of future filtration surgery and overcome the conditions when superior bulbar conjunctiva may not be available for harvesting a graft.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment for cystic lesions and has emerged as a preferred alternative to traditional surgical methods due to its faster recovery times and lower complication rates. A sclerosing agent is instilled into the lesion causing cyst wall inflammation and lesion shrinkage. It has a significant role in managing cystic lesions, with better health outcomes. Objectives: To evaluate the indications, outcomes, efficacy, and complications of percutaneous sclerotherapy in the management of cystic lesions. Methodology: The study was a prospective cross-sectional study involving patients with cystic lesions referred for percutaneous sclerotherapy. Data was collected, analyzed, and presented in percentages, graphs, tables. Technical and clinical success rates were calculated. Efficacy was analyzed using chi-square test. Results: 27 patients with cystic lesions were treated. Most were females (77.8%), and males (22.2%), with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3.5. The commonest indication was pain (26.1%), followed by pressure symptoms (22.7%) and abnormal swelling (20.5%). Most lesions were located in the liver (25.9%), followed by the kidney (18.5%). Majority had significant improvement in clinical symptoms and size reduction with p-values < 0.05. The technical success rate was 100% and the clinical success rate was 96.3%. Minor complications were encountered including mild pain (7.4%), catheter blockage, cyst abscess formation, catheter insertion site infection, and inflammatory cyst septations (each 3.7%). Conclusion: Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a safe, efficacious treatment of cystic lesions with a high technical and clinical success rate. It should be considered as a first line of treatment for cystic lesions.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of visual impairment in premature neonates. Early-onset neonatal sepsis, has been identified as a potential contributing factor to the incidence of ROP. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in early onset neonatal sepsis. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Ophthamology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dr. Sirajul Islam Medical College & Hospital Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 2022 to July 2024. Total 300 preterm neonates with ROP were included in this study. Then, they were divided into two groups- group A: 150 patients with early onset neonatal sepsis and group B: 150 patients with late onset neonatal sepsis. Result: The mean gestational age in Group A was significantly lower (28.9 ± 2.3 weeks) than Group B (30.1 ± 2.2 weeks) (p < 0.01). Maternal infections were higher in Group A (50%). Oxygen therapy duration was longer in Group A (14 ± 3 days) than in Group B (10 ± 2 days) (p < 0.01). Group A had more cases of ROP (70% vs. 57%, p = 0.02). Risk factors for ROP included gestational age <28 weeks (OR = 2.10), oxygen therapy (OR = 1.60), and mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.45). Conclusion: This study concludes that neonates with early-onset neonatal sepsis had higher incidence and severity of ROP, with key risk factors being low gestational age, prolonged oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and maternal infections.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Vitamin D is crucial for bone growth, mineralization, and various metabolic processes in the body. Consequently, a deficiency or insufficiency of this vitamin can lead to long-term consequences, especially in children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency vitamin D deficiency in children aged between 1 to 16 years. Methods: This was an observational study conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Dr. Sirajul Islam Medical College & Hospital, Dhaka & Ad-Din Akij Medical College Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh during the period from July 2023 to July 2024. The study enrolled children aged 1 to 16 years from the pediatric department, excluding those with specific health issues. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS 23, and ethical approval was obtained from Dr. Sirajul Islam Medical College & Hospital and Ad-Din Akij Medical College Hospital. Results: In our study, we included 100 children with vitamin D deficiency symptoms who attended the paediatrics department of our study institutions. Participants were categorized into four age groups: 1-3 years (30%), 4-6 years (15%), 7-10 years (21%), and 11-16 years (34%). The sample comprised 59% females and 41% males, with an average age of 12.84 years. Most were from middle-class families (39%), and 48% were in primary school. Common health issues included leg pain (58%), growth retardation (47%) and muscle pain/bone pain (39%). Vitamin D deficiency was prevalent, with rates of 50.00% in 1-3 years, 53.33% in 4-6 years, 47.62% in 7-10 years, and 61.76% in 11-16 years, indicating increased insufficiency with age. Conclusion: This study shows that vitamin D deficiency is high among our study children. A comprehensive action plan, including supplementation and food fortification, is crucial to prevent this deficiency in Bangladesh.
Original Research Article
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly in cases of uterine atony. Effective management is crucial to prevent severe complications and improve maternal outcomes. Intrauterine balloon tamponade techniques, such as the use of a condom balloon tamponade (CBT), have gained attention for their potential to control bleeding quickly and safely. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of intrauterine condom balloons in the treatment of atonic postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: This study is a prospective observational study conducted to assess the efficacy of intrauterine condom balloon tamponade (CBT) in the management of atonic postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, from January 2007 to December 2007. A total of 50 patients were selected by a purposive sampling technique. All collected data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 25.0). For continuous variables (e.g., blood loss, time to hemostasis), comparisons between groups (e.g., successful vs. unsuccessful tamponade cases) were performed using the Student’s t-test. For categorical outcomes, the Chi-square test was used to compare proportions. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: Intrauterine condom balloon tamponade (CBT) effectively managed atonic postpartum hemorrhage in 50 participants, achieving an 84% cessation of bleeding within 30 minutes. The average saline volume used was 500 mL, with a notable 16% of cases requiring additional surgical interventions, primarily hysterectomy. Blood transfusion was necessary for 68% of participants, with higher transfusion needs in cases of failed CBT. Maternal complications were minimal, with 8% experiencing postpartum fever and 4% developing uterine infections. The mean hospital stay was 5.0 days, with 40% staying longer than 5 days, reflecting the need for ongoing ..........