POLYMORPHOUS LIGHT ERUPTION AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM AND AUTOIMMUNE THYROIDITIS – A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

BACKGROUND In many parts of the world, polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the commonest cause of photosensitivity. Previous studies have suggested the association of PLE with multiple autoimmune diseases. Few studies are available suggesting the association of PLE with autoimmune thyroiditis. We have undertaken this study to conrm such an association and to predict which cases of PLE are likely to have hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study with comparative group with 75 PLE cases and 75 controls. Thyroid function test (TFT) was done for all subjects and, if found abnormal, anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies were tested. The studied parameters were compared using Pearson's chi-squared test for signicance. RESULTS The male to female ratio was 1:2.1. Hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis were signicantly present in PLE cases. PLE lesions with papular morphology, persistent and recurrent PLE, positive family history and associated other autoimmune diseases were signicantly associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. CONCLUSION PLE is signicantly associated with hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis. Hence we suggest screening of PLE patients for hypothyroidism and, if required, for autoimmune thyroiditis for early diagnosis and treatment.

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HIV Prevalence and Frequency of Risk Behavior in Injecting Drug Users Entering Treatment and Out of Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study in Five Italian Cities

Journal of Drug Issues ◽

10.1177/002204269402400312 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 527-535 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Giovanni Rezza ◽

Stefania Salmaso ◽

Damiano Abeni ◽

Giovanna Brancato ◽

Alessandra Anemona ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Behavior ◽

Drug Users ◽

Injecting Drug Users ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hiv Prevalence ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Outreach Programs ◽

Male To Female

We conducted a study to describe current patterns of drug-related behaviors, and to identify characteristics that may distinguish injecting drug users entering treatment from those out of treatment, in five Italian cities. Overall, 1,180 subjects were recruited — 568 entering treatment and 612 out of treatment. Male to female ratio was 6.6:1. The median age was similar in the two groups. A high proportion of injecting drug users recruited out of treatment had been in treatment at least once. HIV prevalence among injecting drug users entering treatment was not higher than that of those who were out of treatment. Furthermore, a large proportion of injecting drug users who still were out of treatment reported having adopted safe behaviors. The results of the study emphasize the need to implement outreach programs aimed at harm reduction.

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Clinico-Hematological and cytogenetic spectrum of adult myelodysplastic syndrome The first retrospective cross-sectional study in Iranian patients

10.21203/rs.3.rs-249637/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mostafa Paridar ◽

Kazem Zibara ◽

Seyed Esmaeil Ahmadi ◽

Abbas Khosravi ◽

Maral Soleymani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myelodysplastic Syndrome ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cytogenetic Abnormality ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Trisomy 8 ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Iron Storage ◽

Monosomy 7 ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Cytogenetic Abnormalities

Abstract Background Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic malignancy, has been shown to present different cytogenetic abnormalities, risk factors, and clinico-hematological features in different populations and geographic areas. Herein, we determined the cytogenetic spectrum and clinico-hematological features of Iranian MDS patients for the first time. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 103 patients with MDS in Ahvaz, southwest of Iran, from 2014 to 2018. Clinical presentations, complete blood counts (CBC), and bone marrow (BM) biopsy samples were assessed. Perls' staining was used to evaluate BM iron storage. The cytogenetic evaluation was performed using the conventional G banding method on the BM. Results Patients’ median age was 62.3 (ranged from 50–76), and the majority were male (72.8%). The most common clinical symptom at the time of admission was fatigue (n = 33) followed by pallor (n = 27). The most common subgroup was MDS-Multi Lineage Dysplasia (MDS-MLD) (n = 38, 36.8%), followed by MDS-Single Lineage Dysplasia (MDS-SLD) (n = 28, 18.4%). A normal karyotype was observed in 59 patients (57.3%), while 44 patients (42.7%) had cytogenetic abnormalities. Trisomy 8 (+ 8) was the most common cytogenetic abnormality (n = 14) followed by dell 17p (n = 9) and monosomy 7 (-7) (n = 7). Twelve patients (11.65 %) were transformed to AML. Conclusion Our data betokened that among our MDS patients, Trisomy 8 is the predominant cytogenetic abnormality, and MDS-MLD and MDS-SLD are the most common of subtypes. Noteworthy, the male: female ratio was slightly higher in Iran than in previous reports from other parts of the world. Our study is the first report of the clinical, hematological, and cytogenetic spectrum of MDS patients in Iran

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Waterpipe Smoking among Bladder Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study of Lebanese and Jordanian Populations

The Journal of Smoking Cessation ◽

10.1155/2021/6615832 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Elio Jabra ◽

Amal Al-Omari ◽

Fadi Haddadin ◽

Walid Alam ◽

Khawlah Ammar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Bladder Cancer ◽

Occupational Exposure ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Positive Family History ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Significant Finding ◽

Waterpipe Smoking ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Background. Bladder cancer (BC) is the second most reported cancer in Lebanon and the fifth in Jordan. Its risk factors are mainly smoking and occupational exposure to aromatic amines. In these countries where smoking and bladder cancer are highly prevalent, the role of waterpipe smoking (WPS) in bladder cancer is less investigated. We aim to compare two sets of patients between Lebanon and Jordan, focusing on their smoking habits, WP use, occupational exposure, and the grade/invasiveness of their bladder cancer. Methods. This is a cross-sectional study that compares the smoking culture between two sets of populations with bladder cancer, from two different countries. We recruited 274 bladder cancer patients over the 18 years of age at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), and 158 bladder cancer patients over the age of 18 years at the King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC). Results. 7.7% of Lebanese patients had significantly more positive family history of bladder cancer compared to 13.9% of Jordanian patients ( p = 0.045 ). Another significant finding is that the majority of Lebanese patients 70.7% reported being frequently exposed to secondhand smoking, mainly cigarettes, versus only 48.6% of Jordanian patients ( p < 0.001 ). The increasing smoking trend among Lebanese females is remarkably the highest in the region, which contributed to the overall increase in smoking rates in the country. 17.1% of the Lebanese smoking patients are mainly but not exclusively WP smokers of which 6.3% are daily WP smokers, similarly 17.1% of the Jordanian patients of which 3.2% are daily WP smokers. There were 71.5% of Lebanese patients who had a noninvasive BC versus 40% of Jordanian patients ( p < 0.001 ), and more than one-third reported an occupational exposure to one of the risk factors of BC in both groups. Conclusions. Bladder cancer incidence is on the rise in both Jordan and Lebanon along with different smoking types. It is necessary to impose prevention policies to prevent and control the high smoking prevalence. Bladder cancer invasiveness is higher in Jordan compared to universal data.

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Knowledge towards breast cancer, and breast self-examination practices and its barriers among university female students in Bangladesh: Findings from a cross-sectional study

10.1101/2021.10.20.21265262 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rumpa Sarker ◽

Md. Saiful Islam ◽

Mst. Sabrina Moonajilin ◽

Mahmudur Rahman ◽

Hailay Abrha Gesesew ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

University Students ◽

Positive Family History ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Female Students ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Breast Self Examination ◽

The Mean ◽

Self Examination

Early diagnosis of breast cancer is the best approach towards its control that may result in alleviating related mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about breast cancer and both practices and perceived barriers to breast self-examination among female university students in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 400 female students of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh. Participants were sampled from female dormitories at the university from January to April 2020. Proportionate stratified random sampling was conducted to calculate the study sample from each dormitory. A pre-tested, semi-structured self-reported questionnaire was employed to collect data from participants during the survey periods. The questionnaire consists of demographic variables, items about knowledge about breast cancer, breast self-examination practices and its barriers. We applied descriptive and inferential statistics, and data were analyzed using SPSS. Participants aged between 18-26 years and comprised university students of 1st year (20%), 2nd year (24%), 3rd year (22%), 4th year (21%) and Masters (14.%). 18% of them had reported positive family history (mother, aunt, sister/cousin, grandmother) of breast cancer. The overall mean score of total knowledge items was 15 (SD = 3) out of 43, with an overall correct rate of 34%. The mean score of total knowledge items was significantly higher (p<0.001) among Masters students and students with family members who have breast cancer. Only one in five students (21%) ever practiced breast self-examination. The mean score of practice towards breast self-examination was significantly higher (p<0.001) among participants who reported having family member of breast cancer. It is noted that the total knowledge score about breast cancer and practice towards breast self-examination are significantly correlated with each other (r = 0.54; p<0.001). About 33% participants had reported that lack of knowledge as the main barrier to practicing breast self-examination followed by I do not have the symptoms (22%), and shyness/ uncomfortable feelings (17%). The study revealed low levels of knowledge about breast cancer and low breast self-examination practices. This implies the need of promotion and implementation of educational interventions programs that are social and culturally appropriate and suitable for specific age groups.

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Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Epilepsy in Childhood: A Prospective Cross Sectional Study from Sudan

International Journal of Central Nervous System Disease ◽

10.28933/ijcnsd-2021-03-0505 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 6

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Genetic Disorders ◽

Positive Family History ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

High Rate ◽

Idiopathic Epilepsy ◽

Cns Infection ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting around 1% of children. The incidence in Sudan is likely to be higher given the high rate of genetic disorders related to consanguity and acquired disorders caused by CNS infection and birth injury. Epilepsy can be idiopathic or non-idiopathic, symptomatic epilepsy indicates a known cause while cryptogenic epilepsy implies a presumed unknown cause. Objective: To understand the demographic and clinical characteristics of epilepsy in children in the setting of a tertiary epilepsy clinic in Khartoum, Sudan. Methods: This is a hospital-based cross sectional study recruiting patients with epilepsy attending a tertiary pediatric neurology clinic. All patients attending the clinic in the 6 month period were included. Data was collected by medical students and was analyzed on IBM SPSS Version 20.0 in a descriptive fashion. Results: 284 Children were recruited. The mean age for children with epilepsy was 5.74 (range 0-12 Years). Females constituted 59.9%; while 94.7% of patients were of low socioeconomic status. The most common type of seizures found were generalized tonic clinic at 51.8% (147/284), followed by focal seizures at 21.1% (60/284). 71% of our patients (201/284) had no identifiable cause (idiopathic), while 29% were non-idiopathic. Of the non-idiopathic group; 41% were due to congenital anomalies, followed by HIE at 24.1%, infections at 16.9% trauma at 10.8% and tumors at 7.2%. Only 18.3% (52/284) had a positive family history of epilepsy. Conclusions: There appears to be a higher incidence of epilepsy in Children with low socio – economic status with a slight female predominance. The incidence of idiopathic epilepsy appears to be similar to inter-national figures. We recommend broader community based and long-term studies for better understanding of epilepsy in Sudan.

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Increased frequency of fibromyalgia among patients with chronic pain presenting to internal medicine clinics of a tertiary care hospital: a cross sectional study

Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ◽

10.47391/jpma.1682 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 71 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Sana Javed ◽

Muhammad Zaid ◽

Sumera Imran ◽

Ayesha Hai ◽

Muhammad Junaid Patel

Keyword(s):

Internal Medicine ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

National Language ◽

P Value ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Ratio

Objective: To estimate the frequency of patients with fibromyalgia (by using the 2010 Modified Criteria for Fibromyalgia by American College of Rheumatology ( ACR ) presenting to Internal Medicine clinics Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in the department of Internal Medicine, the Indus Hospital, khi, Pakistan between December 2016 and March 2018. Patients who visited internal medicine clinics, met the selection criteria, were included in the study. After taking informed consent patients were assessed for fibromyalgia according to the new 2010 Fibromyalgia Diagnostic criteria questionnaire. The patients were asked the questions in the national language, Urdu. Data analyzed using SPSS version 21. P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of the 267 patients presenting to the internal medicine clinics and consenting for participating in the study 149 (55.80%) met at least one of the 2010 Fibromyalgia Criteria. The prevalence of fibromyalgia as estimated in this study was 56% with no difference in gender. Mean age of patients with fibromyalgia was 42.3 ± 14.6 and patients without fibromyalgia was 38.9 ± 13.7 which was statistically significant (p-value = 0.05, 10% level of significance). Of the 267 patient 197 (73.8%) were female and 70 (26.2%) were males, a male to female ratio of 1:2.81. Conclusion: All patients with generalized pain should be evaluated for fibromyalgia and a diagnosis made to reduce the cost of further referrals and investigations and delay in the management of this debilitating disorder. Keywords: Fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue, Generalized Pain

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Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Usage and Co-prescription with Other Potentially Interacting Drugs in Elderly: a Cross-sectional Study

10.21203/rs.2.19183/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Nuru Abdu ◽

Samuel Teweldemedhin ◽

Asmerom Mosazghi ◽

Luwam Asfaha ◽

Makda Teshale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Adverse Effects ◽

Drug Interactions ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Ratio ◽

Protective Agents ◽

Inflammatory Drugs ◽

Anti Inflammatory

Abstract Introduction: Globally, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage in the elderly with chronic pain has been reported as frequent. Though it is fundamental in maintaining their quality of life, the risk of polypharmacy, drug interactions and adverse effects is of paramount importance as the elderly usually require multiple medications for their co-morbidities. If prescriptions are not appropriately monitored and managed, they are likely to expose patients to serious drug interactions and potentially fatal adverse effects. Thus, the objective of the study was to assess the appropriateness of NSAIDs use and incidence of NSAIDs related potential interactions in elderly. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly out-patients (aged 60 and above) who visited three hospitals in Asmara between August 22 and September 29, 2018. The sampling design was two-stage random sampling and data was collected using a questionnaire, exit interview and by abstracting information from patients’ clinical cards. Descriptive and analytical statistics including chi-square test and logistic regression were employed using SPSS. Results: A total of 285 elderly respondents were enrolled in the study with similar male to female ratio. One in four of all respondents were chronic NSAIDs users, of which 74.6% were not prescribed prophylactic gastro-protective agents (GPAs). About 20% of the elderly were involved in polypharmacy and nearly all of the encountered potential NSAIDs related interactions (n=322) with prescribed drugs were moderate. Diabetes and hypertension were significantly associated with chronic NSAIDs use (OR=3, 95% CI: 1.54, 5.84; OR=9.99, 95% CI: 4.46, 22.38) and incidence of drug interactions (OR=3.95, 95%CI: 1.92, 8.13; OR=3.12, 95%CI: 1.81, 5.33) while diabetes and cardiac problem were significantly associated with incidence of polypharmacy (OR=4.33, 95% CI: 2.36, 7.96; OR=3.56, 95% CI: 1.05, 12.11). Conclusion: Though the overall reflection of prescription pattern of NSAIDs during the study period was almost satisfactory, gastro-protective agents were poorly prescribed as a prophylaxis.

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