Medical and Health Science Journal

The Impact of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Supplementation on Calcium Levels in Third Trimester Pregnant Women with Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED): A Correlational Study

2024-09-28T23:25:04+00:00

Background: Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) during pregnancy represents a critical health challenge, especially in developing regions, where it significantly threatens maternal and fetal well-being. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid, plays a pivotal role in fetal neurodevelopment and maternal health. However, the impact of DHA supplementation on maternal calcium levels, particularly among pregnant women affected by CED, has not been extensively studied. This study evaluate the correlation between DHA supplementation and calcium levels in third-trimester pregnant women with CED, with the goal of improving outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Method and Results: This research uses experimental cohort study design with a quantitative approach, using non-probability sampling techniques such as quota and purposive sampling, and involving a total of 24 participants. Statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in calcium levels following DHA supplementation, with a p-value of 0.007 (<0.05), indicating a notable impact of the intervention. The mean calcium levels post-treatment were higher than pre-treatment, demonstrating the efficacy of DHA supplementation in improving calcium levels. Further analysis showed no significant correlation between pre-supplementation calcium levels and Body Mass Index (BMI) (p = 0.622, > 0.05). However, a significant correlation was found between post-supplementation calcium levels and BMI (p = 0.002, < 0.05). These findings indicate a positive correlation between DHA supplementation and calcium levels in pregnant women with CED during the third trimester. However, further investigation is needed to fully understand the relationship between calcium levels and BMI.

Conclusion: This study lays the groundwork for future research aimed at optimizing therapeutic interventions or supplementation strategies to improve the nutritional status of underweight pregnant women.

Explaining the Correlates of Child Mortality and Under-5 Survival in Nigeria

2024-09-29T07:45:54+00:00

Background: Survival of children under-5 is among the foremost public health concerns that has been pursued in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A proper understanding of the correlates of child survival is of paramount relevance to health policy formulation and development of interventions to promote child's health outcomes. This study therefore analysed the determinants of the number of recorded child mortality and survival in Nigeria.

Subject and Methods: The data were the Malaria Indicator Survey (MIS) that were collected in Nigeria in 2021. The samples were drawn with multi-stage sampling method following the 2023 Population and Housing Census sampling frame. A total of 14185 housing units were randomly selected of which 13887 were occupied and 13727 were successfully interviewed. In each household, all women belonging to the reproductive ages of 15-49 years were interviewed. A total of 14647 women were eligible, of which 14476 were successfully interviewed (Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 2021). The data were analyzed using the Negative Binomial regression and logistic regression models.

Results: The logs of the number of dead children were significantly higher (p<0.05) for mothers from North West and North East Nigeria, while children from these regions also had a significantly lower probability of surviving. The mothers from urban areas had significantly lower log of dead children while urban children had significantly higher probability of surviving. Mothers with secondary and tertiary education had significantly lower log of dead children, while birth in the past five years and total children born reduced child’s survival. Twin children also had a significantly lower probability of surviving while mother’s maturity promoted child’s survival.

Conclusion: Promotion of child survival in Nigeria requires a concerted effort that disaggregates interventions across Nigerian zones with preferences for those in the north and rural dwellers. In addition, there is the need to promote interventions to assist women with multiple births, promote girl child education and discourage teenage pregnancies.

In-vitro Susceptibility Testing of Dermatophytes Isolated in Delhi (India) Against Five Antifungal Drugs

2024-09-29T07:49:00+00:00

Background: Over the past few decades, cases of dermatophytosis have been on the rise. Recently, the introduction of newer, less toxic antifungal drugs has improved treatment options. However, the prolonged use of antifungals has led to the emergence of acquired resistance among strains that were previously susceptible, as well as an increase in infections caused by less common species. This scenario underscores the growing need for rapid and accurate antifungal susceptibility testing methods. In this study, antifungal susceptibility was assessed using the in-vitro micro broth dilution method, adhering to the CLSI M38-A guidelines

Methods: 60 clinical specimens were collected from Nail and skin of the patients of dermatophytosis from Delhi (India). Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was performed in microtiter plates with U-bottom and incubated at 35° C. Reading were taken after 48 & 96 hrs of incubation for Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum, against 5 antifungal drugs namely fluconazole, itraconazole (triazoles), griseofulvin, terbinafine and Luliconazole.

Results: Most of the dermatophytes had uniform patterns of susceptibility to the antifungal agents tested. Low MIC values as 0.03μg/mL were found for 33.3%, 31.6% and 15% of isolates for itraconazole and terbinafine, respectively.

Conclusion: In conclusion, it may be useful to undertake periodical screening programs to detect the antifungal susceptibility of newer antifungal agents.

Antidepressant Effects of Mitragyna Speciosa Korth Extract on Diabetic Rats

2024-10-15T00:50:56+00:00

Background: Diabetes mellitus is most common associated with neurological complications, including depressive symptoms, so this study investigated whether mitragyna may provide benefits in reducing depressive symptoms in animal models of diabetes. This study aims to evaluate the effect of mitragyna as a potential antidepressant agent in animal models of diabetes mellitus using the Force Swimming Test (FST).

Methods: In this study, diabetes mellitus rats were induced by administering streptozotocin and then divided into four groups: control group (Control), Group Diabetes (DM), Mitragyna treatment group (DM+EMS 15mg) and (DM+EMS 30mg). After the treatment period, the rats were then tested with the FST, which is used to measure immobility behavior which can be used as an indicator of depressive symptoms.

Results: The results showed that the treatment group that received mitragyna showed shorter immobility times compared to the control group (P<0.01), indicating an increased active response in facing FST stressors.

Conclusion: These results indicate that mitragyna has potential as an antidepressant agent in reducing depressive symptoms in rats models of diabetes mellitus.

The Relationship between Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure Control in Hypertension Patients at the Sukawati I Community Health Center, Gianyar Regency

2024-10-15T00:49:41+00:00

Background: Being overweight or obese is one of the factors that cause an increase in blood pressure. The bigger a person's body, the more blood is needed to supply nutrients and oxygen to other tissues and muscles. Bali Province, especially Gianyar Regency, has a relatively high number of hypertension sufferers. The highest estimate of hypertension sufferers is in the working area of the Sukawati I Public Health Center, with a prevalence of 8.55% of the total in Gianyar Regency of 17.35%. This research aims to determine the relationship between body mass index and blood pressure control in hypertensive patients at the Sukawati I Public Health Center, Gianyar Regency.

Methods: The research design used was analytic observational with a crosssectional approach. The number of research subjects, namely 83 people, was taken by consecutive sampling technique. Data analysis will be carried out univariately and bivariate using the chi-square test method with a confidence level of 95% (p < 0.05).

Results: The results of the univariate analysis showed that the majority of study subjects were aged 51-60 years (60.2%), were female (66.3%), most had normal BMI (66.3%), and 66.3% of subjects with hypertension were classified as have controlled blood control. Based on the results of statistical tests, a value of p = 0.003 (p < 0.05) was obtained, which indicated a significant relationship between body mass index and blood pressure control in hypertensive patients at the Sukawati I Public Health Center, Gianyar Regency.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the increasing BMI status of hypertensive patients will tend to have uncontrolled blood pressure.

Navigating the Uncommon: Case Report of Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) Successfully Managed with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

2024-10-17T04:16:52+00:00

With a high risk of sudden cardiac mortality, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a rare inherited cardiomyopathy characterized by right ventricular dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias (VA). In this case study, a 35-year-old presented with palpitations and revealed epsilon waves on the right precordial electrocardiogram (ECG) leads which led to the suspicion of ARVC. A 24-hour Holter monitoring revealed frequent ventricular extrasystoles (>500 per 24 hours), a CMRI revealed RV dyskinesia and transmural LGE in the apical RV, and an electrophysiologic study detected spontaneous polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) despite the presence of induction ventricle fibrillation (VF). These results validated the diagnosis of ARVC and indicated that an implantable cardioverter defibrillator was necessary treatment. The ability to identify potential ARVC’s ECG abnormalities, the timing to pursue further studies, and determining necessary treatment execution are critical. The evaluation of cardiac, electrophysiological, and clinical imaging parameters is essential for the risk stratification, diagnosis, and management of patients with ARVC.

Atypical Presentation of Multiple Myeloma: From Heart Failure to Multiple Myeloma

2024-09-29T08:07:34+00:00

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy commonly associated with bone pain, hypercalcemia, and renal failure. However, its presentation can occasionally mimic other medical conditions, which may delay diagnosis. This case report describes a patient who was initially diagnosed and treated for heart failure but was later found to have MM, highlighting the importance of considering MM in the differential diagnosis of heart failure.

A 56-year-old lady presented with recurrent episodes of shortness of breath, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dypsnea and bilateral lower limb swelling which she had been treated for decompensated heart failure with optimal therapy. She denied any family history of cardiovascular disease personal history of underlying medical condition and was a nonsmoker. This patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and probability of concomitant cardiac amyloidosis and commenced on bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone (VTD) regime and standard optimal therapy of heart failure but her condition deteriorated. After a few days of starting chemotherapy, patient demised despite all the resuscitative effort. Multiple myeloma is common hematological malignancy with its distinct clinical features of “CRAB”, however, more attention and alertness should also be exercised by clinicians as to be able to diagnose it early.

Unraveling anesthetic challenges of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy posted for lower limb amputation surgery -A case report

2024-10-04T05:57:06+00:00

This case report details the anesthetic management of a 64-year-old male with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and a significantly reduced ejection fraction, undergoing lower limb amputation for peripheral arterial disease. Managing anesthesia in such patients poses considerable challenges due to the complexities associated with congestive heart failure. The successful administration of general anesthesia in this case can be attributed to a rigorous preoperative assessment and a meticulously devised anesthetic plan. The systematic approach included careful monitoring, fluid management, and the use of specific anesthetic agents that minimize cardiovascular stress, thereby ensuring an uneventful anesthetic course. This report emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and expert execution in the anesthesia management of patients with severe cardiomyopathy undergoing major surgical procedures.