The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
An Extremely Rare Case of Gastroptosis Treated Successfully with Itopride in a Patient with Parkinson's Disease.
Cömert KY, Güven AT
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364685 · Publisher ↗
A rare condition known as gastroptosis causes the major curvature of the stomach to shift downward and towards the pelvis. While some are asymptomatic, others experience symptoms. Cross-sectional imaging, or barium X-ray...
A rare condition known as gastroptosis causes the major curvature of the stomach to shift downward and towards the pelvis. While some are asymptomatic, others experience symptoms. Cross-sectional imaging, or barium X-rays, are diagnostic. The main treatment strategy is conservative, and gastric motility stimulants, including dopamine antagonists, are the mainstay of the treatment. Herein, we describe an elderly patient with multimorbidity, polypharmacy and Parkinson's disease admitted to our clinic with nausea, vomiting and unintentional weight loss complaints who was diagnosed with gastroptosis and treated successfully with itopride, a dopamine antagonist, without worsening Parkinson's disease. This exceedingly rare condition should be kept in mind in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms whose initial diagnostic search is unrevealing. Although the presence of Parkinson's disease casts doubt on the use of dopamine antagonists, itopride has a very low central nervous system (CNS) pass and CNS-related side effects. Moreover, the absence of effective and safe measures other than dopaminergic antagonists and interventional methods renders their use compulsory.
Facilitating Integration of Acupuncture into Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period by Overcoming Challenges.
Shrivastava SR, Bobhate PS, Raharjo MAD
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364684 · Publisher ↗
Pregnancy and the postpartum period have been acknowledged as crucial phases in the life of women. Addressing maternal health concerns during this period is the need of the hour, as this will improve pregnancy outcomes....
Pregnancy and the postpartum period have been acknowledged as crucial phases in the life of women. Addressing maternal health concerns during this period is the need of the hour, as this will improve pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of the current article is to explore the role of acupuncture in pregnancy and the postpartum period, identify the challenges in employing acupuncture and propose recommendations to overcome these identified challenges. Acupuncture in pregnancy and the postpartum period has been linked with multiple merits for pregnant women. Regardless of the utility, acupuncture has still not become part of an integral package of services offered by the healthcare delivery system to pregnant women. Acupuncture is a non-invasive and drug-free approach, it not only reduces dependence on pharmacological medications but even eliminates the potential side effects. In conclusion, acupuncture during pregnancy and the postpartum period can play a vital role in promoting a sense of wellness and positive pregnancy experiences. The need of the hour is to make concerted and collaborative efforts to ensure the integration of acupuncture into maternal health services and benefit pregnant women.
A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study to Assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Cancer Preventive Vaccines among Undergraduate Medical Students.
Petkar PB, Baghel RS, Mendhe HG
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364683 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: In many different contexts, cancer vaccination, either by itself or in conjunction with screening has demonstrated potential in lowering the incidence and cancer-attributed mortality. AIMS: The current study...
BACKGROUND: In many different contexts, cancer vaccination, either by itself or in conjunction with screening has demonstrated potential in lowering the incidence and cancer-attributed mortality. AIMS: The current study was performed with the objectives to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of medical students in central India regarding cancer preventive vaccination and to assess the extent of coverage of vaccination and the factors affecting the acceptance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among medical students. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 2 months duration was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital of a university in Central India among 208 undergraduate medical students. Systematic random sampling was used to select the study participants from different professional years. A semi-structured, validated and pilot-tested questionnaire (Google Forms) was used to collect the data. The collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Descriptive analysis was done using mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables, while frequency and percentages were calculated for categorical variables. RESULTS: The mean age of the students was 19.15 ± 1.14 years, of which 71 (34.1%) were males and 137 (65.9%) were females. It has been reported that 136 (65.3%) were aware of cancer preventive vaccines, while 169 (81.2%) students knew that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among females in India. Moreover, 144 (69.2%) of the students felt that the person who has received these cancer preventive vaccines can still develop cancer. Most of the students felt that vaccinated individuals could still develop cancer. Reasons for non-acceptance included high cost, fear of complications and uncertainty about vaccine efficacy. CONCLUSION: To conclude, medical students did not have sufficient understanding of cancer prevention vaccination in nearly every area. Students rarely get the cancer preventive vaccine and have a reluctant attitude about them. Vaccination coverage is quite low and a variety of reasons, including misunderstandings, have affected medical students' acceptance of the HPV vaccine.
Association between Maternal Vitamin B12 Status during Pregnancy and Neonatal Outcome - A Cross-Sectional Study.
Jyothi PP, Garg M, Karthik V … +3 more , Senkadhirdasan D, Palanisamy S, Rajasulochana AR
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364682 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Maternal Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes, including preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth restriction and reduced Vitamin B12 levels in neonat...
BACKGROUND: Maternal Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes, including preterm delivery, spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth restriction and reduced Vitamin B12 levels in neonates. AIMS: This study aimed to assess the impact of maternal Vitamin B12 levels on neonatal outcomes, particularly focusing on anthropometric measurements and Vitamin B12 status in newborns. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted from February 2023 to January 2024, involving antenatal mothers over 28 weeks of gestation admitted for delivery to a tertiary care hospital. After obtaining ethical clearance and informed consent, blood samples were collected to measure maternal Vitamin B12 levels, which were classified as deficient, insufficient or sufficient. Neonatal outcomes, evaluated immediately after birth, included birth weight, length, head circumference and Vitamin B12 status. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0. The Chi-square test was employed for analysing categorical variables, while one-way ANOVA was utilised for continuous variables. RESULTS: Among the 100 mothers studied, 72% had low Vitamin B12 levels, with 41% being deficient and 31% insufficient. Neonates born to mothers with low Vitamin B12 levels showed higher incidences of low birth weight (9%), small for gestational age (23%), short length (<10th percentile) (5%) and small head circumference (<10th percentile) (1%). Although 7% of newborns had low Vitamin B12 levels, no statistically significant association was found between maternal Vitamin B12 status and neonatal anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSION: Maternal Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with adverse neonatal outcomes, including lower birth weight rates. These findings emphasise the critical need for routine screening and supplementation of Vitamin B12 in pregnant women.
Enrolee's Knowledge and Satisfaction with State Health Insurance Scheme among Public School Teachers in Shomolu Local Government Area, Lagos State.
Olufela EO, Adepoju OH, Chima-Oduko AA … +3 more , Egwudo AE, Alexander KA, Agunlanna RA
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364681 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: To bridge the coverage gap of health insurance and the delay in achieving universal health coverage, the State Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS) was established to ensure access to affordable health care for all...
BACKGROUND: To bridge the coverage gap of health insurance and the delay in achieving universal health coverage, the State Health Insurance Scheme (SHIS) was established to ensure access to affordable health care for all. The scheme's sustainability and utilisation are largely dependent on the knowledge and satisfaction of its enrolees. AIM: The study aimed to assess enrolee's knowledge, utilisation and satisfaction with SHIS among public school teachers in Shomolu Local Government Area, Lagos State. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 304 public school teachers in Shomolu Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using pre-tested semi-structured self-administered questionnaires and analysed with EPI Info 7.2 statistical software. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Thirty-four per cent of the respondents had good knowledge of health insurance while 66% were not familiar with the benefits and advantages. About 85.9% of the respondents have utilised the scheme and of these 51% were satisfied while 49% were not satisfied. There was a statistically significant association between out-of-pocket (OOP) and satisfaction (P = 0.0003), marital status and utilisation (P = 0.01) and OOP and utilisation (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: The majority of the teachers lacked adequate knowledge of health insurance and half of them are satisfied with the services. There should be increased awareness for enrolees joining the scheme and an urgent need to improve the quality of care/services among enrolees in the scheme.
Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis among Antenatal Patients, Gastroenterology Patients and Blood Donors in Public Hospitals in Lagos.
Okunade KS, Odeghe E, Akinlawon DO … +1 more , Oladele RO
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364680 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Blood-borne infections remain a significant public health challenge globally. Understanding their prevalence and risk factors is crucial for implementing preventive measures. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the s...
BACKGROUND: Blood-borne infections remain a significant public health challenge globally. Understanding their prevalence and risk factors is crucial for implementing preventive measures. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of blood-borne infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis, among patients attending public hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 352 participants, recruited from the antenatal, gastroenterology clinics and prospective donors from the blood banks in four general and one tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, risk factors and disease prevalence using structured questionnaires, and laboratory testing was performed using the B21147-01 HIV-HCV-HBsAg-Syphilis Combo Rapid Test. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 37.2 ± 11.0 years. The majority were female (66.8%) and married (80.7%). The prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) anti-HCV, and syphilis was 24.4%, 23.3%, 2.6% and 0.3%, respectively. There was significantly increased odds of HIV infection among participants with a history of sexually transmitted infections (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-5.1), and those who had skilled occupations (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI = 1.5-13.3). Participants with a family history of either HBV, HCV, chronic liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma had significantly increased odds of being HBsAg positive (AOR = 7.8, 95% CI = 2.1-29.42). CONCLUSION: Blood-borne viral infections are highly prevalent among people attending hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria. Enhanced screening, awareness and risk reduction education are recommended to reduce the burden of these infections.
The Diagnostic Performance of Pap Smear during Both Phases of the Menstrual Cycle: A Community-based Study in Southern Nigeria.
Akan A, Omo-Aghoja L, Adeyinka A
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364679 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Incidence of cervical cancer can be reduced using screening tests such as Pap smear to detect the premalignant stage of the disease. Although there has been a preference for more expensive human papillomaviru...
BACKGROUND: Incidence of cervical cancer can be reduced using screening tests such as Pap smear to detect the premalignant stage of the disease. Although there has been a preference for more expensive human papillomavirus DNA testing due to its higher sensitivity, the Pap smear remains still very relevant in low-resource settings being cheaper and more readily available, hence the need to study factors influencing its performance. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine if there is a difference in the diagnostic performance of Pap smear performed during the proliferative and secretory phases of a menstrual cycle, using colposcopy as the gold standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a community-based, comparative cross-sectional study conducted in Oghara, in Ethiope West Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria, over a 32-week period from January to July 2020. The participants had an integrated four-step procedure comprising Pap smear sample collection and colposcopy assessment performed during the proliferative and secretory phases of their menstrual cycle. Consenting participants who had an abnormal colposcopy finding during either phase of the cycle had cervical biopsy sampling. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the sensitivities (0.00 vs. 0.00), specificities (99.04 vs. 97.14, P = 0.300), positive predictive values (0.00 vs. 0.00), negative predictive values (93.63 vs. 94.44, P = 0.672) and accuracies (92.80 vs. 91.60, P = 0.317) of Pap smears performed at proliferative and secretory phases of menstrual cycle. CONCLUSION: Pap smear can be collected during either phase of a woman's menstrual cycle.
Nursing-Led Pain Management: Impact on Patient Satisfaction Following Abdominal Surgery.
Barboza HR, Lobo AS, Moosabba MS … +2 more , Dsilva F, Gurmitkal B
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364678 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The post-operative phase is critical among patients who are vulnerable to complications due to psychological and physiological stress. The quality of nursing care provided during this period can directly infl...
BACKGROUND: The post-operative phase is critical among patients who are vulnerable to complications due to psychological and physiological stress. The quality of nursing care provided during this period can directly influence the post-operative outcomes. AIMS: The study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of nursing interventions on post-operative pain and satisfaction among patients undergoing abdominal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative approach was used for the study to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions on post-operative pain and satisfaction among patients undergoing abdominal surgery in a tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru. Patients in the experimental group were given pre-operative health education and were asked to listen to their preferred music. Post-operative pain and patient satisfaction were assessed in both study groups at different time points. RESULTS: The majority of the study participants in the experimental (62.0%) and treatment-as-usual groups (63.4%) were aged between 41 and 60 years. In the experimental group, the majority (56%) of them were interested in listening to instrumental music, and the remaining participants (44%) were interested in nature sounds. Pain scores significantly decreased in the experimental group than in the treatment-as-usual group. There was a statistically significant difference in the patient satisfaction scores between the study groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Nurses should develop better strategies and protocols in nursing practice for the assessment of the pre-operative needs of the patient and incorporate various evidence-based interventions to improve pain management and satisfaction among patients.
Sociodemographic Characteristics Implicated in Severe Caregiver Burden amongst Family Caregivers of Patients with Schizophrenia: A Cross-sectional Study.
Onyia CO, Lethole JS, Olorunfemi G … +1 more , Ngene NC
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364677 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Sociodemographic characteristics can influence the burden of caring for patients with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. AIM: The aim of this study was to ascertain the sociodemographic characteristics i...
BACKGROUND: Sociodemographic characteristics can influence the burden of caring for patients with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. AIM: The aim of this study was to ascertain the sociodemographic characteristics implicated in severe caregiver burden among family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: Over 3 months, 300 caregivers of patients with schizophrenia were consecutively recruited at the psychiatry outpatient department in a tertiary hospital in Gauteng province, South Africa. The sociodemographic characteristics of the caregivers were ascertained. The 22-item Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-22) was administered to the participants to measure the caregiver burden. RESULTS: The range of ZBI-22 was 0-75 with a median of 19.00 (interquartile range [IQR]: 13.0-30.5). Severe burden occurred in 2.33% (7/300) of the participants. The sociodemographic characteristics that had the highest percentage amongst those with the severe burden (and their median burden score plus IQR) were increasing duration of caregiving 132.0 (72.0-264.0), residing in Northern Gauteng 17.0 (13.0-30.0), age ≥50 years 28.0 (18.0-36.0), female 23.5 (15.0-34.0), married 23.5 (17.0-31.0), parent 27.0 (16.0-36.0), living with the patient 20.0 (14.0-31.0), medical comorbidity 18.5 (14.0-31.0), secondary education 19.0 (13.0-29.0) and having another family member that requires care 27.0 (17.0-42.0). CONCLUSION: Caregivers with the implicated characteristics require periodic evaluation of their burden of care to offer them available support including referral to appropriate socioeconomic agencies. A future research agenda is to investigate how these characteristics contribute to the burden of care in the study setting. CONTRIBUTION: An array of sociodemographic characteristics is implicated in severe caregiver burden and their interactions in the study setting need further investigation.
Pain and Satisfaction among Type 2 Diabetic Patients: Effects of Coughing, ShotBlocker and Vibration during Insulin Injection: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Abdulyemmah AD, Majeed HM
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364676 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness that commonly leads to progressive and incapacitating of patients' condition over the past 20 years. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the coughin...
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness that commonly leads to progressive and incapacitating of patients' condition over the past 20 years. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the coughing technique, ShotBlockerTo evaluate the effects of the coughing technique, ShotBlocker and vibration device on pain intensity and patient satisfaction during subcutaneous (SC) insulin injections in hospitalised adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at the Imam Al-Hassan Al Mujtaba Teaching Hospital, Al-Imam Al-Hasan Teaching Hospital, Al-Hindia Teaching Hospital, and Imam Al-Hussein Medical City in Holy Karbala. A simple random sampling of adults with T2DM was assigned in the current study from the previously mentioned setting. One hundred and forty patients were classified into 4 groups, 35 patients in the ShotBlocker group, 36 patients in the Vibration group 38 patients in the coughing group and 31 patients in the control group. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in pain scores among the study groups (P = 0.000). The vibration group had significantly lower pain scores (P = 0.000). Similarly, the ShotBlocker group demonstrated significantly lower pain scores (P = 0.000), and the coughing group also exhibited significantly lower pain scores (P = 0.000) compared to the control group. Regarding satisfaction scores, there were statistically significant differences among the groups (P = 0.000). The vibration group had significantly higher satisfaction scores (P = 0.000). Similarly, the ShotBlocker group showed significantly higher satisfaction scores (P = 0.000), and the coughing group had significantly higher satisfaction scores (P = 0.004) compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The coughing technique, ShotBlocker and vibration device are effective, non-invasive methods for reducing pain and enhancing patient satisfaction during SC insulin injections in adults with T2DM.
Quality of Consultation-liaison Referrals to the Psychiatry Department in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital: A Retrospective Study.
Oriji SO, Onu JU, Nwiyi OK … +5 more , Chimbo C, Erohubie PO, Anozie IG, Enebe AC, Uwakwe R
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364675 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Efficient consultation-liaison referrals to psychiatrists are essential in a multidisciplinary healthcare setting to optimise care, reduce unnecessary costs and bridge the treatment gap in mental health. AIMS...
BACKGROUND: Efficient consultation-liaison referrals to psychiatrists are essential in a multidisciplinary healthcare setting to optimise care, reduce unnecessary costs and bridge the treatment gap in mental health. AIMS: The aim of this study is to analytically assess the quality and to identify deficiencies of consultation-liaison referrals from various medical specialties to psychiatry in a teaching hospital in Nigeria. METHODS: A retrospective review of 263 in-hospital referral letters to the Psychiatry Department from January 2022 to April 2024 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, was conducted. Referrals addressed to clinical psychologists were excluded. An adapted 'Consultation and Referral Request Letter Assessment Tool' was utilised to assess the quality of referrals, which was then categorised into 'poor', 'fair' and 'good'. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 40.68 years, with a balanced gender distribution. The study demonstrated that only 4.9% of the letters lacked a referral reason. Timing and urgency indicators were lacking in over 95% of the letters, and ongoing treatment information was absent in 77.2% of referrals. Notably, a quarter (25.1%) of the referral letters were objectively rated as poor in quality. The perceived usefulness of the referrals was significantly associated with the objectively assessed quality of the referrals (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This audit highlights substantial deficiencies in referral letters to psychiatric services, which could complicate efficient triaging. There is a pressing need for a standardised referral template and education to enhance the quality of medical referrals, thus improving patient outcomes and resource utilisation.
Viral Infections among Hospitalised Children during the COVID-19 Outbreak in a Tertiary Hospital in Turkey: Relationship with Non-pharmaceutical Interventions.
Sari IÖ, Özyilmaz LGB, Türe EG … +3 more , Kazaz TG, Karaağaç AT, Güven S
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364674 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, before vaccines were available, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as masks and hand hygiene were crucial in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, various respi...
BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, before vaccines were available, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as masks and hand hygiene were crucial in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, various respiratory viruses continued to infect paediatric patients. This study aimed to detect viral pathogens using respiratory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel among hospitalised paediatric patients during the pandemic, compare these findings with pre-pandemic data and assess the impact of NPIs. SUBJECT AND METHODS: From October 2022 to December 2022, 138 out of 345 hospitalised paediatric patients with respiratory infections were included in this retrospective cohort study. The patients were divided into three age groups: <1 year, 1-5 years and 5-18 years 0-12, 12-60 and 60-216 months, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the hospitalisation duration, pathogens and laboratory values across these groups. RESULTS: PCR tests were positive in 89 patients (64.5%) and negative in 49 patients (35.5%). Human bocavirus (HBoV) was the only pathogen showing significant age-related differences, with higher detection in the 13-60 month age group. Patients with HBoV and RSV had notably longer hospital stays. CONCLUSION: The study found that HBoV, a small, non-enveloped virus, was more easily transmitted than enveloped viruses like SARS-CoV-2, as it can bypass FFP2 masks. Therefore, NPIs should be designed to target both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses to effectively manage epidemics and pandemics.
Advancement in Technologies and Practices to Control Listeria monocytogenes Contamination within the Food Processing Environment.
Badge AK, Bankar NJ, Poddar A … +3 more , Mishra VH, Nair N, Borbora S
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Apr · PMID 40364673 · Publisher ↗
In the expanding food processing environment, humans still face risks from certain harmful organisms that cause food contamination. One such ubiquitous organism is Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), a facultative...
In the expanding food processing environment, humans still face risks from certain harmful organisms that cause food contamination. One such ubiquitous organism is Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), a facultative anaerobe, one of the infectious bacteria that can cause contamination in food processing settings. Food processing environments have inherent challenges in implementing preventive measures, including sanitation protocols, hygiene practices, advanced detection technologies and regulatory compliance. Advanced technologies and best practices are applied to control and prevent L. monocytogenes contamination in food processing environments. Environmental monitoring programmes and risk assessment strategies are important in identifying and mitigating potential sources of contamination. Employee training and education are important in maintaining a clean and safe food processing environment. By implementing an approach that incorporates both technological advancements and human factors, food manufacturers can effectively try to reduce the risk of contamination by L. monocytogenes and ensure the safety of their products for consumers. This review assesses advanced technologies and best practices to reduce L. monocytogenes contamination within food processing environments.
Advancement in Microbiology Education: An Innovative Approach of Integrating Three-dimensional Holography Imaging Technology with Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Badge AK, Bankar MN, Bankar NJ … +1 more , Mishra VH
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Jan · PMID 40091478 · Publisher ↗
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Transforming Oncology: Advancing Cancer Management with Three-dimensional Technology.
Badge AK, Tikas MT, Bankar NJ … +1 more , Noman O
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Jan · PMID 40091477 · Publisher ↗
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Noonan Syndrome Associated with a Patent Foramen Ovale.
Kushimo OA, Sokunbi OJ, Ibe F … +1 more , Adekolade AS
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Jan · PMID 40091476 · Publisher ↗
Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder characterised by abnormalities of the facial, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Pulmonary stenosis is the most common abnormality seen. We describe a 48-year-old male with...
Noonan syndrome is a genetic disorder characterised by abnormalities of the facial, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Pulmonary stenosis is the most common abnormality seen. We describe a 48-year-old male with clinical features of Noonan syndrome, and severe pulmonary stenosis with cyanosis. A long-standing history of effort intolerance was noted since childhood. The cause of cyanosis was unclear since an initial echo did not reveal an obvious shunt by Doppler imaging. An agitated saline contrast study performed confirmed a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with right to left shunting. PFO should be suspected and screened for in patients with Noonan syndrome and unexplained cyanosis.
Public Health Interventions to Optimise the Management of Electronic Waste.
Shrivastava SR, Bobhate PS, Mendhe HG
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Jan · PMID 40091475 · Publisher ↗
Electronic waste (e-waste) comprises electronic devices and equipment and has become a cause of global public health concern. The objectives of the current article are to identify the health implications of e-waste, enum...
Electronic waste (e-waste) comprises electronic devices and equipment and has become a cause of global public health concern. The objectives of the current article are to identify the health implications of e-waste, enumerate the current practices and limitations in the disposal of e-waste, and propose public health interventions to overcome these potential challenges. E-waste poses a significant risk to the health of people and the environment. The safe disposal of e-waste has been plagued with multiple challenges, and these must be overcome to safeguard human and environmental health. Acknowledging the huge load of e-waste that has been generated and the hazardous consequences on human and environmental health, there is an immense need to implement a comprehensive package of public health interventions to mitigate the impact. In conclusion, improper handling of e-waste has resulted in harmful health hazards to workers, nearby communities and the environment. The need of the hour is to adopt coordinated global efforts to promote safe and sustainable disposal of e-waste.
Facilitating Access to Pharmaceutical Care in Rural and Remote Communities by Strengthening Telepharmacy.
Shrivastava SR, Bobhate PS, Wibawa A
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Jan · PMID 40091474 · Publisher ↗
People living in rural, remote and underserved geographical locations are considered vulnerable for many reasons, including their inability to access essential medications at times of need for their ailments. The objecti...
People living in rural, remote and underserved geographical locations are considered vulnerable for many reasons, including their inability to access essential medications at times of need for their ailments. The objectives of the article are to establish the necessity of telepharmacy, identify the existing challenges in the implementation and propose potential solutions to overcome these challenges. Telepharmacy refers to providing pharmaceutical care with the help of digital technology and telecommunication to persons who cannot access pharmacists physically. This becomes crucial in reducing healthcare disparities as we can ensure equitable access to pharmaceutical care for those in remote settings. Even though telepharmacy has a broad scope and massive utility in reducing healthcare disparities, multiple challenges have been reported in the process of implementation. In conclusion, telepharmacy is an approach to bridge the existing gaps in healthcare delivery, enabling patients to receive holistic pharmaceutical services irrespective of their geographical location. Acknowledging the merits of the approach, there is an indispensable need to address the existing challenges to enable the successful implementation and sustenance of these measures in remote communities.
Cross-sectional Study to Determine the Diagnostic Accuracy of Cytokeratin-19 Immunomarker in the Diagnosis of Thyroid Malignancy with Histopathology as Gold Standard.
Laishram H, Jagadale K, Shelke P … +1 more , Bharadwaj R
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Jan · PMID 40091473 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer, particularly papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), is the most common endocrine malignancy, with a growing incidence worldwide. Accurate differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid nodul...
BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer, particularly papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), is the most common endocrine malignancy, with a growing incidence worldwide. Accurate differentiation between benign and malignant thyroid nodules is crucial for appropriate treatment and management. Histopathological analysis is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, but immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers such as cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) have shown potential as valuable diagnostic aids in some cases with equivocal morphological appearances and have diagnostic dilemmas. CK-19 is known to be expressed in higher levels in malignant thyroid lesions, especially PTC. AIMS: To study the diagnostic accuracy of CK-19 immunomarker in the diagnosis of thyroid malignancy with histopathology as the gold standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was carried out in Pathology Department, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College and Bharati Hospital and Research Centre, Pune. It is a cross sectional, analytical, prospective and retrospective study. A total of 42 cases of thyroid nodules were included. IHC staining for CK-19 was performed on the paraffin-embedded tissue sections of these nodules. CK-19 expression levels were evaluated and compared between malignant and benign lesions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy of CK-19. RESULTS: The study revealed that CK-19 expression was significantly stronger in malignant thyroid nodules, particularly in PTC, compared to benign nodules. Among the 42 cases included in the analysis, the sensitivity and specificity of CK-19 for detecting malignancy were both 92.9%. The ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.971, indicating excellent diagnostic accuracy (P < 0.0001) with a 95% confidence interval of 0.922-1.000. CONCLUSIONS: CK-19 is a highly sensitive and specific immunomarker for distinguishing malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones, particularly in cases of PTC. The findings support the use of CK-19 as an adjunctive diagnostic tool in routine clinical practice to enhance the accuracy of thyroid cancer diagnosis and improve patient outcomes.
A Study of Immunohistochemical Expression of p63 in Colorectal Carcinoma.
Nair AP, Johnson T, Muddha SS
Niger Postgrad Med J · 2025 Jan · PMID 40091472 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: A key player in the development of colorectal carcinoma is p63, a protein belonging to the p53 family. Tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis are linked to its elevated expression in certain malignancies. AIM...
BACKGROUND: A key player in the development of colorectal carcinoma is p63, a protein belonging to the p53 family. Tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis are linked to its elevated expression in certain malignancies. AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of p63 in colorectal carcinoma along with its correlation to clinicopathological parameters and its precursor lesion colorectal adenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used 49 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections: 16 surgically resected (14 carcinomas and 2 adenomas) and 33 colonoscopy biopsies (28 carcinomas and 5 adenomas). Tumour characteristics (size and location) and demographic data (age and sex) were obtained from the archive system. Haematoxylin- and eosin-stained sections were reassessed for histological grade, subtype, lymphovascular invasion, invasion depth, lymph nodes and metastasis. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher's exact test, Microsoft Excel and SPSS Version 21. H-Score was used for immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: P63 expression was absent in normal mucosa, while P63 immunohistochemistry was positive in 43 (88%) cases. Forty-two (86%) out of 49 cases showed cytoplasmic expression of p63, of which 35 cases (83.3%) were carcinomas. P63 expression revealed a significant correlation with histological subtype (P < 0.001), histological grade (P < 0.001), distant metastasis (P = 0.033), tumour, node and metastasis/American Joint Committee on Cancer (TNM/AJCC) stage (P = 0.049) and between colorectal carcinoma and adenoma (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Moderate-to-strong cytoplasmic p63 expression was seen only in malignancy, suggesting its role in carcinogenesis. Increased p63 staining intensity from low- to high-grade tumours indicates p63 as a marker of poor differentiation. The correlation between metastasis and stronger p63 expression with higher TNM/AJCC stages confirms elevated p63 in aggressive tumours.
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