African health sciences
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African health sciences · Sep 2019
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of low-dose ketamine versus fentanyl on attenuating the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing general anaesthesia: a prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial.
The use of drugs to attenuate the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation is the standard of care during elective surgery. Current evidence is conflicting concerning the best agent and optimal dose for this purpose. In the majority of cases, fentanyl is widely utilized to attenuate haemodynamic responses. Ketamine, an established available drug, has been scarcely studied in this regard at low doses and against varying doses of other common agents. ⋯ We conclude, based upon findings in this study group, that there is no difference in the occurrence of hypertension with the use ketamine at 0.5 mg/kg in combination with Propofol at 2.0 mg/kg. In this regard, ketamine provides a viable alternative to fentanyl at 1.0 µg/kg for attenuating the pressor response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Additionally, our results suggest that ketamine may protect against post-induction (pre-laryngoscopy) hypotension.
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African health sciences · Sep 2019
Indonesia basic health survey: self-medication profile for diarrhea with traditional medicine.
In Indonesia, diarrhea is an endemic disease and often leads fatal and an outbreak potential. Diarrhea can occur for several days and often can be cured without any medication. Commonly, to treat diarrhea atthe first time is by doing self-medication. Basic health survey data in 2013 showed that 15.7% of Indonesian people kept and used traditional medicines (TM). ⋯ The study concluded that mostly people preferred to keep and use traditional Indonesian medicine produced by the TM national industry rather than others. Duration of use for self-medication in most of the households is thought to be appropriate.
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African health sciences · Sep 2019
Comparative StudyComparison between plasma neopterin and the urine neopterin:creatinine ratio as inflammatory biomarkers.
Neopterin, a product of cell-mediated immunity, is a non-specific biomarker of inflammation. Plasma/serum is generally the body fluid of choice for neopterin assessment, but urine is often used as it does away with venepuncture. Analysis of urine neopterin is based on collection of a single urine sample and expressed as µmol neopterin/mol creatinine. ⋯ Correlations between plasma neopterin and urine neopterin:creatinine ratios suggest both as suitable biomarkers. However, since correlations reflect equality of means and not individual values, significant correlations, do not necessarily imply diagnostic agreement. Therefore, plasma and urine cannot summarily be assumed interchangeable for diagnostic/prognostic purposes.
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African health sciences · Sep 2019
An assessment of the trainability of beggars and the destitute in Abakaliki Nigeria: implication for policy on their health, vocational rehabilitation and social reintegration.
Begging and destitution constitute serious health and social problems in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). ⋯ The findings of this study clearly suggest that there is a very high potential for the vocational rehabilitation and social reintegration of beggars and the destitute in the study area.
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African health sciences · Sep 2019
Case ReportsEndoscopic endonasal resection of congenital trans-sphenoidal meningoencephalocele with extension to the epipharynx in early childhood: a case report.
The clinical presentation of sphenoid sinus meningoencephaloceles (MEC) may have insidious onset and evolution. Contemporary treatment incorporates endoscopic resection via the endonasal route. ⋯ Endoscopic endonasal approach can be an effective and a safe treatment option for resection of congenital transsphenoidal MEC in early childhood.