Medical Specialties Commons^™

Supraclavicular Nodal Metastasis At Primary Staging Of Prostate Cancer Using 18f-Psma-1007 Pet/Ct, Samuel Gitau, Jasmit Shah, William Olwit, Saeed Samnakay, Manel Haj Mansour, Khalid Makhdomi

Brain and Mind Institute

Background: The most common sites of metastasis in prostate cancer are bone, pelvic and retroperitoneal lymph nodes, liver and lungs. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of supraclavicular nodal metastasis in newly diagnosed prostate cancer using 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT which has hitherto been understudied.

Methods: 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT examinations performed at our institution between June 2020 and June 2022 for primary staging of prostate cancer were reviewed to identify supraclavicular nodal metastasis from prostate cancer. Data variables included age, stage of disease, PSA level, Gleason score and ISUP/WHO grade group and how these compare with the presence of supraclavicular …

Molecular Profile Of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer In A Predominantly Black African Population In Kenya: A Single Institution Review, Sitna Mwanzi, Shahin Sayed, Swati Das, Jonathan Wawire, Jasmit Shah, Asim Jamal Shaikh

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

Targeted therapies for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have significantly improved the outcomes for patients with oncogenic driver mutations. Testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement, c-ros oncogene 1 (ROS1) rearrangement and programmed death ligand 1 (PDL 1) testing are now highly recommended for all patients with NSCLC. There are clear geographical differences in the rate of driver mutations with higher EGFR mutation rates in the Asian population in comparison to the Caucasian population. Little is known about the rate of oncogenic driver mutations in predominantly Black African populations like those living …

Social Media In Advancing Equity And Collaboration In Rheumatology: The Cordiality Review, Ihsane Hmamouchi, Nelly Ziade, Adewale Adebajo, Latika Gupta, Puja Mehta, Angela Migowa, Elena Nikiphorou, Noelle A. Rolle, Didem Saygin, Namrata Singh

Pathology, East Africa

Social media has transformed communication in academia and medicine, offering stakeholders innovative avenues for knowledge exchange and collaboration. The CORDIALITY review (soCial media fOR aDvancing equIty And coLlaboration In rheumaTologY) examines the impact of social media on education and information dissemination, patient education and empowerment, networking and mentorship, and research collaboration within rheumatology, when effectively used. In this narrative review, we consider the opportunities as well as the challenges related to each of these facets of social media use. With a focus on inequities faced globally, we give particular consideration to disparities by gender as they relate to the rheumatology …

Decolonizing Global Health Research: Experiences From The Women In Health And Their Economic, Equity And Livelihood Statuses During Emergency Preparedness And Response (Wheeler) Study, Ahmed Adam, Lisa Lazarus, Bernadette Kina, Robert Lorway, Bilali Mazoya, Michaela Mantel, Marleen Temmerman, Lisa Avery, Evaline Chepchirchir Langat

Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Decolonizing global health research involves rethinking power structures and research collaboration to prioritize the voices and experiences of communities that have been historically marginalized. Cross-sectoral and cross-regional partnerships based on reciprocity, trust, and transparency can be facilitated by decolonized research frameworks. To address global health issues in a way that is inclusive, context-specific, and genuinely advantageous to all parties involved, especially communities most impacted by health disparities, the ethics behind this change is imperative. We applied a decolonizing health research approach to the Women in Health and their Economic, Equity, and Livelihood Statuses During Emergency Preparedness and Response (WHEELER) study …

Experiences Among Parents Caring For Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis At A Tertiary Referral Hospital In Kenya, Hassan Silim, Susan Wamithi, Roselyter Riang’A, Angela Migowa

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood. Despite the availability of effective treatment strategies such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), JIA is reported to have a negative impact on the quality of life of the patients and their caregivers. Ascertaining the perceptions of the parents will help facilitate more effective management strategies and improve outcomes for these patients. This study aimed to ascertain parental experiences and perceptions of caring for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods: This was a single-center facility-based qualitative study. An in-depth interview guide was used to collect …

Neonatal Care In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Fresh Look, Ola D. Saugstad, Joy E. Lawn, Peter Waiswa, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Institute for Global Health and Development

No abstract provided.

Spectrum Of Venous Thromboembolism In Adult Patients With Ulcerative Colitis In Pakistan: A Single Center Retrospective Study, Masood Muhammad Karim, , Hafsa Shaikh, Faisal Wasim Ismail

Department of Medicine

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at a 2-8-fold higher risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) as compared to the general population. Although the exact pathogenesis is unclear, the literature suggests that increased risk of thromboembolic events in such patients occurs as a result of increased coagulation factors, inflammatory cytokines, and reduction in anticoagulants leading to a prothrombotic state.
Aim: To assess the prevalence, risk factors, management, and outcome of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who develop VTE.
Methods: This was a retrospective chart review done in The Gastroenterology Department of The Aga Khan University Hospital. Data was collected from …

Global Guideline For The Diagnosis And Management Of Candidiasis: An Initiative Of The Ecmm In Cooperation With Isham And Asm, Oliver A. Cornely, Rosanne Sprute, Matteo Bassetti, Sharon C-A Chen, Andreas H. Groll, Oliver Kurzai, Cornelia Lass Flörl, Luis Ostrosky Zeichner, Riina Rautemaa Richardson, Gunturu Revathi

Pathology, East Africa

Candida species are the predominant cause of fungal infections in patients treated in hospital, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. Candidaemia and other forms of invasive candidiasis primarily affect patients who are immunocompromised or critically ill. In contrast, mucocutaneous forms of candidiasis, such as oral thrush and vulvovaginal candidiasis, can occur in otherwise healthy individuals. Although mucocutaneous candidiasis is generally not life-threatening, it can cause considerable discomfort, recurrent infections, and complications, particularly in patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes or in those taking immunosuppressive therapies. The rise of difficult-to-treat Candida infections is driven by new host factors and antifungal …

Seroprevalence And Associated Factors For Hepatitis B And Hepatitis C Viral Infection Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus In Northern Tanzania, Doreen T. Eliah, Nyasatu G. Chamba, Abid M. Sadiq, Amos Mwasamwaja, Faustini C. Kimondo, Cuthbert D. Matay, Eliada B. Nziku, Tumaini E. Mirai, Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim Muhina, Fuad H. Said

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: The coexistence of viral hepatitis with diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly escalates the risk of severe outcomes. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viral infections among DM patients in northern Tanzania.

Materials and methods: Conducted between February 2023 and May 2023, this hospital-based cross-sectional study enrolled 189 patients with DM from the Diabetic Clinic of Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. A structured questionnaire captured relevant clinical information, and plasma blood sample was assessed for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-hepatitis C antibody seropositivity. Data analysis employed SPSS v26, and …

Air Pollution Exposures In Early Life And Brain Development In Children (Abc): Protocol For A Pregnancy Cohort Study, Sarah Benki-Nugent, Faridah H. Were, Anne M Riederer, Michael Gatari, Cj Karr, Edmund Yw Seto, Beatrice C. Mutai, Susan Wamithi, Brent R. Collett, John Kinuthia

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Introduction Air pollution is linked with poor neurodevelopment in high-income countries. Comparable data are scant for low-income countries, where exposures are higher. Longitudinal pregnancy cohort studies are optimal for individual exposure assessment during critical windows of brain development and examination of neurodevelopment. This study aims to determine the association between prenatal ambient air pollutant exposure and neurodevelopment in children aged 12, 24 and 36 months through a collaborative, capacity-enriching research partnership.

Methods and analysis This observational cohort study is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Eligibility criteria are singleton pregnancy, no severe pregnancy complications and maternal age 18 to 40 years. At …

Cytomegalovirus Reactivation And Acute And Chronic Complications In Children With Cerebral Malaria: A Prospective Cohort Study, Jonathan A. A. Mayhew, Andrew J. Witten, Caitlin A. Bond, Robert Opoka, Paul Bangirana, Andrea L. Conroy, Nelmary Hernandez-Alvarado, Mark R. Schleiss, Chandy C. John C. John

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Virus co-infection or reactivation may modify the host response during cerebral malaria. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in adults with sepsis; however, the impact of CMV DNAemia on adverse outcomes in children with cerebral malaria is unknown.: Clinical, physiological, and neurocognitive outcomes were compared in children aged 18 months to 12 years with cerebral malaria (N = 242) based on the presence or absence of CMV DNAemia 24 h after admission. The primary study outcome was subsequent in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included the presence of acute kidney injury, neurocognitive impairment over a …

Evidence Based Quality Improvement For Prescribing Stewardship In Icu (Equips-Icu): Protocol For Type Iii Hybrid Implementation-Effectiveness Study, Duncan Wagstaff, John Amausi, Sumaiya Arfin, Diptesh Aryal, Mohd Basri Mat Nor, Joseph Bonney, Arjen Dondorp, David Dongelmans, Layoni Dullawe, Wangari Siika

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Approximately half of all antimicrobial prescriptions in intensive care units (ICUs) may be inappropriate, including those prescribed when not needed, in unnecessary combinations or for longer durations than needed. Inappropriate prescribing is costly, exposes patients to unnecessary side-effects and drives population-level antimicrobial resistance, the prevalence and consequences of which are greatest in low- and middle-income countries. However, the implementation of interventions to improve the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribing has been variable and requires further study..

Outcomes Of Pregnant Icu Patients With Severe Covid-19 Pneumonia In Qatar During The Three Waves Of The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Layla J.M Kily, Sohel M.G Ahmed, Tamam A.K.M Alhusban, Mohammed J. Orompurath, Marcus Lance, Mogahed I.H Hussein, Salwa M. Abuyaqoub, Huda A. Saleh, Eynas Abdalla, Santhosh Gopalakrishnan

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Introduction: Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group for COVID-19 infection/pneumonia as they are known to be more vulnerable to viral infections. They require close monitoring and appropriate timely intervention to minimize the impact on both the mother and the fetus. Although the more prevalent Omicron variant led to fewer severe infections and fewer intensive care unit (ICU) admissions globally during the third wave, the effect on pregnant women and pregnancy outcomes was unknown. The vaccination campaign was thoroughly established by the third wave of the pandemic in Qatar. This retrospective descriptive cohort study investigates the characteristics, hospital stay, interventions, …

The Case For An International Severity Of Illness Scoring System, Alexander Tracy, Jorge Ibrain Figueira Salluh, Eirik Alnes Buanes, Dave A. Dongelmans, Stefano Finazz, Bharath Kumar Tirupakuzhi Vijayaraghavan, Nazir Lone, David Pilcher, Matti Reinikainen, Wangari Siika

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Severity of illness scores in the critical care context have evolved to serve multiple functions. These scores enable risk-adjusted outcomes to be benchmarked for the assessment of intensive care unit (ICU) performance, inform resource allocation, and enable the characterization of disease severity. Numerous illness severity scores have been developed to optimize calibration at the national level, but few studies have examined the international application of such scores.()

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the value of benchmarking outcomes across heterogeneous populations and across various health care systems. Severity of illness scores were widely used to describe trial populations, assess treatment effects and …

Interventions To Prevent And Manage Infections In Pregnancy, Rahima Yasin, Li Jiang, Jai K. Das, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Institute for Global Health and Development

Background: Care interventions aimed at preventing and treating maternal infections during the gestational period are of paramount importance. Timely immunizations, screening strategies, and management of maternal infections reduce the risk of complications for the developing fetus and play a pivotal role in improving neonatal outcomes.
Summary: We aim to summarize evidence for a total of thirteen interventions, pertaining to the prevention and treatment of maternal infections during the antenatal period, from Every Newborn Series published in The Lancet 2014. We identified the most recent systematic reviews, extracted data from each review, and conducted a sub-group meta-analysis for low-income countries and …

Exploring The Clinical Profiles And Management Of Juvenile Dermatomyositis In Africa: A Survey Of African Rheumatology Care Providers, Jessica Perfetto, Laura B. Lewandowski, Dawn M. Wahezi, Vanessa Ogega, Joan Ahimbisibwe, Kate Webb, Christiaan Scott, Angela Migowa

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: There are limited studies of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Many demonstrate delays to care, high prevalence of severe manifestations, and high mortality. Given the disease-associated damage with JDM, understanding JDM in Africa further is critical. Our objectives are to understand the burden of JDM in Africa and provider access to diagnostic tools and therapy through survey methodology.

Methods: A survey (available in English and French) was distributed via WhatsApp to 363 total members of the African League of Associations for Rheumatology (AFLAR; n = 233) and Paediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism …

Academic Proficiency In Ugandan Children With Sickle Cell Anemia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Robert Opoka, Shubaya Kasule Naggayi, Paul Bangirana, Simple Ouma, Betty Nyangoma, Annet Birabwa, Grace Nambatya, Maxencia Kabatabaazi, Ann Jacqueline Nakitende, Dennis Kalibbala

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Introduction: Academic proficiency is crucial for advancing learning goals, school advancement, and future economic security. Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) may be at risk of disease-associated learning difficulties. Limited data exist on this topic among school-age children in the region. We aimed to assess academic proficiency in a sample of children with SCA in Uganda compared with unaffected controls.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kampala, Uganda. Participants were school-going children with SCA, aged 6–12 years, attending Mulago Hospital SCA Clinic, and age-matched sibling controls without SCA. Academic proficiency was assessed by the Wide …

Adenomatoid Tumor Of The Testis: A Report Of Two Cases And Literature Review, Amadadin Alhlib, Trudea Juma, Shahin Sayed

General Surgery, East Africa

Testicular adenomatoid tumor is a rare benign condition that can resemble testicular malignancies in its clinical presentation, potentially leading to overtreatment, such as radical orchidectomy. In our two case reports, we aim to better understand the behavior of this disease by examining its clinical presentation, as well as radiological, intraoperative, and pathological findings.

Educational Interventions To Improve Pediatric Emergency Care: A Qualitative Assessment Of The Perspectives Of African Healthcare Workers, Emily A. Hartford, Chris A. Rees, Isaac Kihurani, Raana Hussain, Elena Seifert, Alexis Schmid, Tigist Bacha, Carol C. Chen, Megan L. Schultz

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Pediatric emergency care (PEC) training for health care workers (HCWs) is commonly offered in the form of short courses. This study gathers the perspectives of HCWs from eight African countries on how to best deliver and implement short training courses in PEC. This is a qualitative study using semi-structured key informant (KI) interviews. Utilizing the African Federation for Emergency Medicine (AFEM) member list serve, we identified African HCWs who had previous experience participating in and/or delivering short training courses in PEC. From this cohort, four interviewers were selected. These interviewers all received training in qualitative interviewing and then each recruited …

Incidence Of Bleeding And Performance Of The Precise-Dapt Score In Predicting Bleeding In Patients On Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Treatment For Acute Coronary Syndrome In Kenya, Peter Mugo, Jeilan Mohamed, Miriam Msunza, James Orwa, Mzee Ngunga

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Introduction: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) plays an important role in the secondary prevention of ischemic events after treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The long-term use of DAPT is associated with an increased risk of bleeding, which affects morbidity and mortality. Risk stratification scores have been developed to predict this risk and provide a balance against the risk of ischemic events. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of bleeding in a cohort of patients in Kenya on DAPT and assess the performance of the PRECISE-DAPT Score in predicting the risk of bleeding.

Methods: This was a …

Extension For Community Healthcare Outcomes-Palliative Care In Africa And Quality Of Life, Symptoms, Patient Experience, And Caregiver Distress Among Patients With Cancer, Sriram Yennurajalingam, Olaitan Soyannwo, John Weru, Edwina Beryl, Henriette Burger, Esther Nafulah, Oladayo Aikomo, Adeniyi Adenipekun, Irene Botchway, Mary Ocansey

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association between the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes-Palliative Care (ECHO-PC; ECHO Model–Based comprehensive educational and telementoring intervention) for health care professionals (HCPs) and change in patient-reported quality-of-life (QOL; Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G]) among patients with advanced cancer. We also examined the association between ECHO-PC and changes in symptom distress (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale [ESAS]), patient experience and satisfaction, and caregiver distress scores.

Methods: ECHO-PC Clinic sessions were conducted twice a month for 1 year by an interdisciplinary team of PC clinicians at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, with participation …

Nutritional Management Of Low Birth Weight And Preterm Infants In Low- And Low Middle-Income Countries, Maha Azhar, Rahima Yasin, Sawera Hanif, Sharib Afzal Bughio, Jai K. Das, Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta

Institute for Global Health and Development

Introduction: Preterm and low birth weight (LBW) infants are at an increased risk of morbidity and mortality compared with their term counterparts, with more than 20 million LBW infants born each year, the majority in lower middle-income countries (LMICs). Given the increased vulnerability and higher nutritional needs of these infants, optimizing feeding strategies may play a crucial role in improving their health outcomes.
Methods: We updated evidence of Every Newborn Series published in The Lancet 2014 by identifying relevant systematic reviews, extracting low-income country (LIC) and LMIC data, and conducting revised meta-analysis for these contexts.
Results: We found 15 reviews; …

Low-Osmolarity Oral Rehydration Solution For Childhood Diarrhoea: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Mustafa Bin Ali Zubairi, Syeda Kanza Naqvi, Ayesha Arshad Ali, Ashraf Sharif, Rehana Abdus Salam, Zain Hasnain, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai K. Das

Institute for Global Health and Development

Background: Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is crucial in the management of diarrhoea. Until the early 2000s, the standard formulation of glucose-based ORS with a total osmolarity of 311 mmol/L was being used for this purpose. However, due to concerns about sodium levels and cases of hypernatremia, a low-osmolarity ORS solution (LORS) with an osmolarity of 245mmol/L or less was developed to replace the standard ORS. With this systematic review, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of LORS compared to standard ORS for the treatment of acute and persistent diarrhoea.
Methods: We comprehensively searched PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, the …

Antibiotics For Acute Watery Or Persistent With Or Without Bloody Diarrhoea In Children: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Syeda Kanza Naqvi, Mustafa Bin Ali Zubairi, Ayesha Arshad Ali, Ashraf Sharif, Rehana Abdus Salam, Zain Hasnain, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai K. Das

Institute for Global Health and Development

Background: The use of antibiotics in the treatment of acute and persistent watery diarrhoea has long been a subject of contention. While the advantages of using antimicrobials are acknowledged, concerns remain regarding potential adverse effects and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of antibiotics compared to placebos for the treatment of diarrhoea.
Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and Scopus from inception until 20 July 2023 for studies published after the year 2000 assessing antibiotics vs placebo in acute …

Zinc Supplementation For Acute And Persistent Watery Diarrhoea In Children: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Ayesha Arshad Ali, Syeda Kanza Naqvi, Zain Hasnain, Mustafa Bin Ali Zubairi, Ashraf Sharif, Rehana Abdus Salam, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Shabina Ariff, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai K. Das

Institute for Global Health and Development

Background: Zinc is a micronutrient that plays a role in immune system strengthening and regulation of intestinal epithelial cells, and can reduce the duration and severity of diarrhoea. We conducted a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the effectiveness of zinc compared to no zinc for the management of acute and persistent diarrhoea in children.
Methods: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception until 31 July 2023 for studies published from year 2000 onwards that assessed the use of zinc in the management …

Epidemiology Of Stroke And Risk Factors In Punjab, Pakistan: A Comprehensive Hospital-Based Study, Saima Ahmad, Adnan Khan, Fatima Gul Chaudhary, Haseeb Manzoor, Hira Jamil, Hamid Mahmood, Kausar Tayyab, Uchechukwu Levi Osuagwu

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective

Stroke is a significant global health challenge, particularly burdening low- and middle-income countries where it leads to substantial mortality and disability-adjusted life years. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of stroke and its subtypes among adults in Pakistan's Punjab region.

Methods

This retrospective hospital-based study was conducted at Lahore General Hospital in Punjab, Pakistan, serving as the primary referral center for stroke cases. Medical records from January 2019 to December 2020 were reviewed using the International Classification of Diseases. A structured data collection form captured demographics, stroke types, risk factors, medical histories, and …

Electrodiagnostic Patterns In Neuromuscular Disorders: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study From A Tertiary Care Hospital, Ayisha Farooq Khan, Sajid Hameed, Dureshahwar Kanwar, Sara Khan

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are essential for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders and differentiating various peripheral nervous system conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and trends of neuromuscular disorders based on EMG/NCS findings in a tertiary care center in Pakistan.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the neurophysiology laboratory of Aga Khan University Hospital from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. A total of 961 EMG/NCS records were analyzed, including both inpatient and outpatient cases. Data was extracted from the EMG registry, and findings were categorized into mononeuropathy, …

Clinical And Radiological Profile Of Patients Presenting With Neurolisteriosis: A Retrospective Study From A Tertiary Care Hospital, Zainab Memon, Muhammad Abdullah, Fatima Mubarak

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Background and Objective

Neurolisteriosis, a central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological data from the patients of this disease presenting to a tertiary care hospital.

Methods

This retrospective review analyzed clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging data from 12 patients diagnosed with neurolisteriosis at Aga Khan University Hospital between September 2018 and March 2024. Diagnosis was confirmed through blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid cultures or polymerase chain reaction assays. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for …

Houge-Janssens Syndrome-1 Associated With Protein Phosphatase 2 Regulatory Subunit B’ Delta And Epilepsy: A Case Report, Dua Saleem, Fizza Akbar, Noor Zeeshan, Rabab Jafry, Salman Kirmani, Sidra Kaleem Jafri

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Houge-Janssens syndrome 1 is a rare autosomal dominant disorder with approximately 100 case reports worldwide. Here, we present a case of a Pakistani toddler who presented with epilepsy and developmental delay. Family history was significant with reported and documented developmental delays in both father and elder sister, with subsequent improvement. Trio-whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and Sanger sequencing were performed, revealing a heterozygous LP variant NM_006245.4: c.626A>C, p.(His209Pro) in the girl. The same variant was also identified in her father and sister. This case sheds light on the variability of phenotypic expression amongst affected individuals and recommends the need for further …

High Dose Methylprednisolone In Children With Severe Headache In Viral Encephalitis: A Case Series, Abia Abdullah, Jay Kumari, Prem Chand

Pakistan Journal of Neurological Sciences (PJNS)

Severe headache is a common symptom in children with viral encephalitis (VE), yet effective symptom-specific therapies are limited. In this case series, we present three children of ages 15, 14, and seven diagnosed with VE who presented with severe headaches unresponsive to standard analgesics but showed significant clinical improvement following high-dose methylprednisolone therapy. Although this is not first line treatment, these cases suggest a possible role for methylprednisolone in alleviating severe VE-associated headaches. Further controlled studies are needed to establish its effectiveness and safety in such settings.