Niger J Clin Pract
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Multicenter Study
Epidemiological trends and seasonal dynamics of tuberculosis in Southeastern Turkey.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an important public health issue. Determining TB trend and seasonal variability provides useful information for designing treatment strategies and control programs. ⋯ Spring and summer peaks detected in total TB cases and in many subgroups indicate that multicenter and comprehensive clinical studies are needed to explain these variations.
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Pressure flow urodynamic study remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction; however, their use is limited by their relative unavailability in our environment, cost, and invasiveness. Measurement of bladder wall thickness (BWT) by transabdominal ultrasonography is a promising tool that can be used to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction in our environment where pressure-flow urodynamic study is not readily available. ⋯ Bladder wall thickness showed an inverse relationship with maximum flow rate with high sensitivity and specificity. This non-invasive test can be used as a screening tool for BOO in our setting, where the pressure flow urodynamic study is not readily available.
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Sonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) can reflect intracranial pressure (ICP) indirectly and determine the neurology intensive care unit (NICU) requirement and mortality in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). ⋯ ONSD may be favorable for predicting the increased ICP and the NICU requirement in OCSP subgroups. Moreover, ONSD can be used to foresee the mortality of AIS.
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An accurate diagnosis and timely surgical intervention have significant importance in noncomplicated appendicitis (NCA) and complicated appendicitis (CA). Therefore, any factor that helps in the prediction of CA also contributes to suitable treatment options. ⋯ Age, higher WBC count, and PDW levels are valuable in differentiating the diagnosis of CA from NCA, and this could be a feasible approach for surgical decisions.
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Early pregnancy assessment unit (EPAU) is a dedicated unit that provides specialist care such as definitive ultrasonographic and biochemical assessment to women who have or have had vaginal bleeding or pain before 16 weeks of pregnancy. Such patients usually have a positive pregnancy test with a scan showing pregnancy of an unknown location, previous ectopic pregnancy, recurrent miscarriages, or previous molar pregnancy. Such a holistic and prompt approach leads to better outcome in the management of women with early pregnancy and other complications. ⋯ EPAUs are feasible in a Nigerian setting provided that trained, dedicated staff and equipment are provided.