Diseases Commons^™

Examining The Efficacy Of Treatments For Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Michael Podcasy

Capstone Showcase

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a disease that affects the sensory, motor, sudomotor, vasomotor and trophic systems of patients. The pathophysiology is currently unknown and the diagnostic criteria that is used, the Budapest criteria, has its own shortcomings. This had led to hurdles in the research of the disease and well as a lack of high-quality studies on the efficacy of the many treatments currently being used to treat CRPS today. This poster explores those concepts.

The Impact Of Lung Cancer Screening Education On Knowledge And Screening Rates In A Kentucky Cancer Survivorship Clinic, Alexandra Isler

DNP Projects

Background: Lung cancer is a significant problem in Kentucky, which ranks fourth in the nation in adults who currently smoke. Early detection, through lung cancer screening, can prevent untimely deaths. Several barriers to screening exist including lack of knowledge and awareness among patients regarding lung cancer screening. By increasing knowledge, at risk patients can take the necessary steps to decrease incidence of late stage diagnoses.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate patients’ knowledge of lung cancer screening and referral and screening rates before and after one-on-one patient education.

Methods: This was a quality improvement project that used …

Addressing Disparity: A Waiting Room Intervention For Preeclampsia Prevention In African Americans, Morgan Semana

Nursing | Senior Theses

Maternal mortality is a pressing, global concern that particularly affects African American women in the United States. African American women face disproportionately a high maternal mortality rate (MMR), with rates more than double that of white women. Preeclampsia emerges as the leading cause of maternal mortality in African American women, driving the need for targeted interventions. To address this issue, a proposed research study aims to investigate the impact of a nurse-led, waiting room, preeclampsia and aspirin effectiveness educational intervention on the knowledge and preeclampsia rates among African American women. The study draws upon existing evidence that supports the use …

Alopecia As An Early Clinical Marker For Azathioprine Induced Myelosuppression: A Case Report, Nilanjana Dutta , Final Year Mbbs, Dr. M Suresh Babu , Professor, Dr. Subramanian Ramaswamy , Professor, Dr. Mahabaleshwar Mamadapur , Assistant Professor

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Azathioprine is a pro-drug and is metabolized by the TPMT enzyme in the body. In South Asians, Azathioprine is known to cause alopecia and bone marrow suppression in patients with TPMT enzyme deficiency. In India, the prevalence of TPMT mutation varies from 1.2- 10%. A new mutation was detected in 2014, NUDT15 whose incidence varies from 8.5-16%. Patients with mutation in both TPMT and NUDT15 develop myelosuppression faster. In our case, alopecia manifested as the first clinical feature of Azathioprine myelosuppression. Physicians need to recognize early clinical clues (alopecia) to avoid the impending development of myelosuppression and to look for …

The Role Of Ercp In Post Covid-19 Cholangiopathy: A Systemic Review Of Published Case Reports, Olufemi Osikoya, Gregory Brennan

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Post COVID-19 cholangiopathy (CC) is a rare complication of COVID-19 infection. It is characterized by abnormal elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase, with evidence of bile duct injury (via imaging or biopsy) in the absence of other causes. Not much is known regarding the role of ERCP in post COVID-19 cholangiopathy. We sought to better understand the findings, interventions and outcomes in patients with CC undergoing ERCP. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Scopus and Embase from December 2019 to present. Search words included "post-Covid-19 cholangiopathy," and “ERCP.” Data on patient characteristics, COVID-19 infection, imaging, ERCP fluoroscopic findings, ERCP interventions, …

Myelodysplastic Syndrome With An Unusual De-Novo Gata1 Mutation In An Elderly Caucasian Male: A Case Report, Minh-Triet Nguyen, Maryam Fallahi, Talha Riaz

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a disorder of blood cell proliferation that has been shown to have multiple risk factors for pathogenesis. One risk factor well documented in existing literature is a mutation in GATA-binding factor 1 (GATA1) which is classically seen in younger individuals with Down syndrome. However, in our case report, we present an unusual presentation of MDS with a de novo GATA1 mutation in a 75-year-old male with no history of Down syndrome, who initially presented with isolaterombocytopenia. A 75-year-old male presented for evaluation of unexplained asymptomatic thrombocytopenia found incidentally on outpatient laboratory evaluation. Further evaluation of the …

A Bullous Eruption In An 81-Year-Old Male, Garrett S. Furth, Christian J. Scheufele, Carlos S. Bahrami, Stephen E. Weis

North Texas Research Forum 2024

INTRODUCTION: When a patient presents with a blistering rash arriving at the diagnosis can seem overwhelming. Bullous Pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease and tends to affect older individuals, with a mean age of presentation of eighty. It is caused by antibodies targeting the basement membrane zone, the structure between epidermis and dermis, specifically affecting the BP180 (Type-XVII collagen) and BP230 (a plakin) proteins. Antibody-antigen complexes lead to complement activation and destruction of these transmembrane proteins, causing separation of the epidermis and dermis, and formation of tense, subepidermal blisters and bullae. Identification of key clinical features and …

A Common Complaint With An Unexpected Diagnosis: A Case Of Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Abscesses, Maryam Fallahi, Mark Cheneler, Qazi Haider, Madhukanth Reddy

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Mycobacterial infections are an atypical organism for pulmonary infections. These infections are classically separated in tuberculous (MTB) and nontuberculous (NTM) groups due to their differing pathogenicity and microbiologic therapy regimens. MTB is typically treated with a 4-drug therapy known as RIPE (rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol) however NTM is typically treated with 3- or 4-drug therapy with a backbone of rifampin, macrolide, and ethambutol. Due to the long courses of therapy required for NTM, stringent diagnostic criteria of clinical, radiologic, and microbiologic findings are required. Despite meeting all 3 criteria for diagnosis, not every patient is a candidate for …

A Rare Case Of Invasive Adenocarcinoma Of The Duodenum And A Bovel Biliary Stent: A Case Report, Sabastiana Sanz, Nasima Mehraban, Bradley Gustafson, Amjad Awan

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Adenocarcinoma of the duodenum is a rare but aggressive malignancy making up less than 0.5% of gastrointestinal cancer cases (Tuan et al., 2023), (Cloyd, 2016). We present a rare case of invasive adenocarcinoma of the first part of the duodenum and major papilla that required complex biliary stenting. A 72-year-old male was admitted to our hospital for further workup of gastrointestinal bleeding and 30-pound weight loss. Through imaging it was noted he had lymphadenopathy and biliary dilation. Patient underwent multiple gastrointestinal procedures and was endoscopically found to have a circumferential mass within the ampulla. After unsuccessful cannulation during endoscopic retrograde …

Bilateral Corticosteroid Atrophy Mimicking Morphea En Coup De Sabre: A Case Report, Christopher M. Wong, Jade Pool, Rafael Do Valle, Cassandra Kenny, Dustin V. Wilkes

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Corticosteroids affect numerous downstream cytokines to exert anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. Intralesional corticosteroid injection provides several advantages, including bypassing the stratum corneum to deliver a higher concentration of drug locally, while reducing systemic exposure. Intralesional corticosteroids are used in a variety of dermatologic conditions, and suboccipital steroid injection has been described as a novel treatment for cluster headaches. Case Presentation: A 52-year-old Caucasian female presented to the outpatient dermatologic clinic with indented skin lesions on the scalp and forehead for six weeks. The indentation started on her left frontal scalp and spread down gradually to her forehead and temple. …

Streptococcocal Induced Toxic Shock Syndrome: Importance Of Diagnosis And Initiating Life Saving Treatment, Lincy Sakwa, Danielle Ford

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a toxin induced illness characterized by fever, rash, and hypotension. TSS low incidence report and rapid onset of clinical symptoms makes getting to the diagnosis critical so that treatment can be started as soon as possible. A 65-year-old woman was brought into the emergency department (ED) after being found on the floor unresponsive during a well fair check. It was noted that she has not been seen or heard from by her family members in the last five days. She has no known past medical history and she was unresponsive and hemodynamically unstable in the …

A Case Report And Evaluation Of Intrauterine Gas Of Unknown Origin, Chrystal Stallworth, Diane Gilbertson, Timothy Kremer

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Most reports of intrauterine or endometrial gas have been reported in the setting of underlying gynecologic malignancy or infection. The significance of this case report is to give a presentation of a patient presenting with intrauterine gas who subsequently was found to have neither infectious nor malignant cause for such finding. Case Presentation: Patient is a 56 year old postmenopausal female who presenting with “hip pain” and was found to have incidental intrauterine gas on pelvic CT. She underwent in office and outpatient hysteroscopies with resection of a submucosal fibroid. Her final pathology was returned as benign and …

A Case Report Of Florid Liver Failure Responding Favorably To Targeted Therapy With Cetuximab And Encorafenib Following Treatment With Irinotecan And Bevacizumab In Metastatic Colorectal Cancer, Maryam Fallahi, Omar Garcia, Joseph Kim

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Introduction: Colorectal cancer, commonly known as colon cancer, is a globally widespread and formidable malignancy originating from the epithelial cells lining the colon and rectum. This disease, demonstrating geographical and demographic variations, particularly prevails in Western countries. The progression of colon cancer typically spans years, initiated by the development of adenomatous polyps, presenting an opportune timeframe for early detection and intervention. The substantial morbidity and mortality rates associated with colon cancer underscore its significance as a public health concern. Various risk factors, such as age, family history, genetic predisposition, inflammatory bowel diseases, and lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity, …

Multidisciplinary Management For Large And Difficult Choledocholithiasis: The Role Of Choledochotomy, Jilpa Shah, Balu Chandra

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysm is a rare sequela of atherosclerosis, trauma, and conditions of chronic inflammation. Standard treatments include antiplatelet medications, open resection, or endovascular stenting. Transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) has become a well-recognized alternative treatment in the past few decades. This case study documents the first reported case of Horner’s syndrome post-TCAR for an internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. A 68 year-old male with intermittent double vision was referred to vascular surgery clinic with brain CT angiography showing a 9mm saccular aneurysm with dissection flap of the right cervical ICA. Prior attempts by neuro-interventional radiology were unsuccessful due to …

Implementing A Standardized Screening Algorithm For Iron Deficiency Anemia In Pregnancy, Ariel Moskowitz, Nicole Tenzel, Joshua Mangels, Lyndsay Millican

North Texas Research Forum 2024

OBJECTIVE: Anemia in pregnancy is a global health problem and complicates >40% of pregnancies. Anemia is associated with significant maternal and fetal complications including low birth weight, preterm delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, ICU admissions, need for blood transfusion, and maternal morbidity. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the CDC recommend screening for anemia at the first prenatal visit and again between 24 and 28 weeks gestation. The aim of this quality improvement project is to improve compliance of screening for anemia in pregnancy amongst the providers of Medical City Women's Care. METHODS: Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement …

A Retrospective Study On The Effect Of Raas Pathway Inhibitors At Decreasing The Risk Of Acute Coronary Syndrome In Hypertensive Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis As Compared To Other Antihypertensives, Yousuf Sherwani, Asad Risvi, Senthil Thambidorai

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic multi-system inflammatory disease of which is characterized by articular and extra-articular involvement. Patients with RA have a higher risk of mortality when compared with the general population, which is due predominantly to increased cardiovascular disease. Due to the higher incidence of CVD and MI in RA patients it has been postulated that enhanced systemic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CVD in RA patients. Previous studies have shown that ant inflammatory medication such as systemic steroids and immune blockers have been shown to decrease the risk of MI in patients with …

A Challenging Diagnosis Of Intestinal Tuberculosis Mimicking Crohn's Disease, Justin Sanchez, Gabriel Gonzales, Monte Troutman

North Texas Research Forum 2024

Intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) is an underrecognized disease that shares many clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and pathologic features with Crohn's disease, making differentiation difficult. This poses a significant problem as initiation of immunosuppressives for an assumed diagnosis of CD in a patient with ITB can lead to exacerbation of infection and life-threatening consequences. A 30-year-old Nepali man with a medical history only significant for Raynaud disease presented with a febrile illness, right lower quadrant abdominal pain, and productive cough over the course of a month. He immigrated from Nepal 3 years prior to presentation, denying other risk factors or specific symptoms of …

Recent Progress In Microrna Detection Using Integrated Electric Fields And Optical Detection Methods, Logeeshan Velmanickam, Dharmakeerthi Nawarathna

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Low-cost, highly-sensitivity, and minimally invasive tests for the detection and monitoring of life-threatening diseases and disorders can reduce the worldwide disease burden. Despite a number of interdisciplinary research efforts, there are still challenges remaining to be addressed, so clinically significant amounts of relevant biomarkers in body fluids can be detected with low assay cost, high sensitivity, and speed at point-of-care settings. Although the conventional proteomic technologies have shown promise, their ability to detect all levels of disease progression from early to advanced stages is limited to a limited number of diseases. One potential avenue for early diagnosis is microRNA (miRNA). …

Screening For Colon Cancer In Adults Under And Over 50: Effects On Mortality Rates, Lauren M. Dean, Eve Daries, Ethan Grover, Morgan Howes, Kayla Loughman

Non-Thesis Student Work

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of adults under the age of 50 who are diagnosed with colon cancer, and many of these adults are diagnosed with stage III or IV. In 2018, the recommended age for initial colon cancer screening through colonoscopies decreased from age 50 to 45. Despite this, there are rising concerns about the effectiveness of current screening mechanisms and the recommended age for screening. These authors pose the question: among adults under the age of 50, how does colon cancer screening impact mortality rates compared to those over the age of 50? A …

Action Apac: Understanding Perceptions, Attitudes And Behaviours In Obesity And Its Management Across South And Southeast Asia, Kwang Wei Tham, Asma Ahmed, Apussanee Boonyavarakul, Mariana Mercado Garcia, Miroslava Guajardo, Zubaidah Nor Hanipah, Tran Quang Nam, Nemencio A. Nicodemus, Faruque Pathan, Jack Garcia Uranga Romano, Sidartawan Soegonda, Edgardo L. Tolentino, Ambika Gopalakrishnan (A G) Unnikrishnan, Brian J. Oldfield

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

To identify perceptions and attitudes among people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs) toward obesity and its management in nine Asia-Pacific (APAC) countries, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adult PwO with self-reported body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2 (≥27 kg/m2, Singapore), and HCPs involved in direct patient care. In total, 10 429 PwO and 1901 HCPs completed the survey. Most PwO (68%) and HCPs (84%) agreed that obesity is a disease; however, a significant proportion of PwO (63%) and HCPs (41%) believed weight loss was the complete responsibility of PwO and only 43% of PwO discussed weight …