Asian Journal of Health Sciences

A review on etiopathology and outcome in pre-eclampsia

Sudhakara Babu Chelli — 2024-06-30

Preeclampsia is a major cause of premature birth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), maternal and fetal morbidity, perinatal mortality, and accounts for 15–20% of maternal mortality cases. It is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Risk factors include obesity, primigravida status, placental abnormalities, multiple gestation, chronic renal disease, and family history, among other factors. Endothelial dysfunction and vasospasm are recognized as the underlying pathologies contributing to systemic vascular involvement. According to current research, vascular endothelial dysfunction arises from a deficiency in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This VEGF deficiency in preeclampsia is linked to elevated levels of soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt1), which antagonizes VEGF signaling. Placental ischemia and hypoxia represent the final pathway in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia, triggering the release of vasoactive substances into maternal circulation and resulting in endothelial dysfunction that manifests as clinical signs and symptoms.

Monkeypox Disease: Current Knowledge, Disease potential, prevention and drug advancements

Naveed Akhtar — 2024-06-30

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease with significant implications for public health. The current study aimed to review the disease, covering its etiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, outbreak potential, prevention strategies, and recent developments in drug research. Monkeypox is characterized by a spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild febrile illness to severe systemic complications. It has significant outbreak potential, particularly in regions with limited healthcare resources and high rates of close human-animal contact. Key prevention measures, such as surveillance, public education, and vaccination, are critical for controlling transmission. Molecular diagnostic techniques, including laboratory testing, are essential for accurate case identification and outbreak monitoring. The article also examines recent advancements in drug research, including potential antiviral agents and immunomodulatory therapies. A comprehensive understanding of monkeypox is crucial for effective disease management, outbreak control, and prevention of this emerging threat.

Application of Buccal smear for detection of Cytological changes Of Hormonal Therapy

Fadwa Mohammed Ebraheem — 2024-06-30

Background: Cancer-related mortality is high in Sudan, with low survival rates attributed to advanced-stage disease at presentation. This study aimed to assess hormonal therapy-induced cytological changes in buccal mucosa among Sudanese women with breast and endometrial cancers.

Methods: This community-based, quantitative study evaluated cytological changes in buccal smears from women undergoing hormone therapy in Khartoum State. Fifty patients receiving hormone therapy were included. Buccal smears were collected from participants and prepared using wet-fixation and air-dried methods for staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).

Results: Cytological analysis revealed malignant changes in 56% of cases, inflammatory changes in 34%, and normal findings in 10%. Results were comparable between wet-fixation and air-dried methods. Smear quality for the wet method was rated as excellent (40%), very good (28%), good (20%), acceptable (8%), and poor (4%); similar quality distributions were observed for the dry method. No significant differences in cytological findings (P = 0.14) or smear quality (P = 0.11) were observed between preparation methods. However, cytological abnormalities significantly correlated with duration and frequency of hormone therapy (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: Buccal smears from women undergoing hormone therapy predominantly exhibited malignant cytological changes, followed by inflammatory and normal findings. Preparation method (wet vs. dry) did not significantly influence outcomes.

A Case of Parabombay in Primigravida

Nuradila Mohd Shukri — 2024-06-30

Background: H antigen deficiency is an extremely rare phenotype, occurring in approximately 1 in 250,000 individuals. It is caused by the inheritance of two non-functional FUT1 alleles. The Bombay phenotype and its subtype, Parabombay, are differentiated by the expression of FUT2 (the secretory gene) in Parabombay individuals, which results in the presence of soluble H antigen in bodily secretions.

Case Presentation: We report a case of the extremely rare Parabombay A blood group detected in a primigravid woman during her first trimester of pregnancy. Early detection enabled the formulation of an appropriate birth plan, particularly regarding the procurement of H-deficient blood units. Parabombay individuals require transfusion with H-deficient blood to prevent acute hemolysis. In this case, one unit of Parabombay A blood was secured from her older brother and reserved for her delivery. The blood was irradiated prior to transfusion to inactivate residual lymphocytes and prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GvHD), a potentially fatal complication of first-degree relative donations.

Conclusion: This case highlights the successful management of a rare Parabombay phenotype through directed donation within the patient’s family.