European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences

Cerebral Hydatidosis: About a Case and Literature Review

2025-05-14T14:11:34+02:00

Cerebral hydatidosis is a rare disease, causing 1 to 3% of intracranial expansive processes. We report a case of a cerebral hydatic cyst in a 24-year-old man who had been seen for diplopia and intracranial hypertension syndrome. The CT and MRI of the brain showed a cystic mass, limited at the right lobe. The patient was operated, histology confirmed the diagnosis. Albendazole was prescribed immediately after surgery for 4 months. Clinic evolution has been favourable. The support of this particular location is discussed in light of literature data.

Efficacy of Ashwagandha Extract Formulation (ASVAMAN®) on Improvement of Energy and Endurance: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study in Healthy Adults

2025-04-22T14:09:12+02:00

Background: Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a traditional herb that holds a significant place in Ayurvedic medicine, recognized as both a “rasayana” and “adaptogen”.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ashwagandha root extract (ASVAMAN®) on the energy and endurance in healthy adults.

Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 40 healthy male participants with a body mass index (BMI) ranging from 20.0 to 25.9 kg/m2 were randomly allocated to receive either 300 mg of ASVAMAN® twice daily (n = 20) or a placebo (n = 20) for a duration of 42 days. The primary efficacy outcomes were evaluated using 6-minute walk test (6 MWT) scores and serum cortisol levels, measured from baseline to the conclusion of the study (42 days). Secondary outcomes were assessed using the stair climbing test (SCT), chair standing test (CST), 30-meter walk test (30 MWT), one-leg stance (OLS) test, serum testosterone levels, and 36-item short-form survey (SF-36) quality of life scores.

Results: Compared to the placebo group, Asvaman® supplementation led to a significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the 6 MWT distance score on day 42. Serum cortisol levels in the Asvaman® group significantly decreased from baseline to day 42, whereas levels in the placebo group remained unchanged. The Asvaman® group showed notable enhancements in SCT, CST, 30 MWT, OLS, and SF-36 scores, along with increased serum testosterone levels, compared to the placebo group.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that ASVAMAN® may serve as a viable alternative treatment for enhancing energy and endurance.

The Incidence of Post-Dural Puncture Headache and Associated Factors Among Mothers Undergoing Cesarean Section at the Largest Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Botswana

2025-03-07T11:25:55+01:00

Spinal anaesthesia, though safe, poses a risk of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), with its incidence and risk factors undocumented in Botswana. A prospective cross-sectional study of 600 cesarean section patients (February–July 2024) was conducted. PDPH was diagnosed using the International Headache Society guidelines. Independent variables included age, BMI, care provider experience, number of spinal anaesthesia attempts, and previous history of PDPH, with PDPH as the dependent variable. A total of 600 patients successfully underwent spinal anaesthesia for cesarean sections. The median age, weight, and height were 30 years, 73.0 kg, and 1.6 meters, respectively, with 80.0% having a BMI > 24.9. The overall PDPH rate was 11.8%. Most PDPH cases occurred within the first 24 hours (66.2%), presenting primarily as mild frontal–occipital headaches (97.2%). A significantly higher rate of PDPH was observed in patients with a history of PDPH (38.9% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.012). Multiparous women experienced a higher rate of PDPH compared to primiparous women (12.7% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.302), though this difference was not statistically significant. Two attempts at spinal anaesthesia were associated with a significantly higher rate of PDPH compared to one attempt (16.7% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.012) and three attempts (16.7% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.023), while no significant difference was observed between one and three attempts (8.8% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.950). PDPH rates did not differ significantly among nurse anaesthetists, medical officers, and residents (p-values 0.547, 0.364, and 0.851, respectively). Additionally, provider experience (<2 years vs. >2 years) did not significantly influence PDPH rates (p = 0.397). The prevalence of PDPH was 11.8%, with a history of PDPH identified as a significant risk factor. Including potential PDPH in the consent process, particularly for patients with a prior history, and implementing procedural refinements may help reduce its occurrence.

Knowledge of Stroke Risk Factors, Warning Signs, Emergency Response, and Prevention among Adults in an Urban Community in Nigeria

2025-05-02T14:13:46+02:00

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, requiring early intervention for effective management. Delays in seeking emergency care are often due to a lack of knowledge about stroke signs and the appropriate response. There is a therefore the need to assess the knowledge of stroke risk factors, warning signs, emergency response, and prevention among adults in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods: This mixed method design study involved a cross-sectional aspect and a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). A questionnaire adapted from a previous study was used to obtain information on the level of knowledge of stroke risk factors, warning signs, emergency response, and prevention among the participants. Data collected through the FGD was transcribed and analyzed thematically.

Results: Majority of the participants had a poor knowledge of stroke risk factors and stroke warning sign and stroke prevention. “Health workers” are the most common source of stroke information for adults in the community studied. Younger age group participants and participants with tertiary education demonstrated higher proportions with good knowledge levels compared to the older age group participants and participants with lower levels of education.

Conclusion: From the findings of this study, it was concluded that there should be more implementation of stroke educational programs for adults in Ibadan with better emphasis on stroke risk factors, warning signs, and prevention.

Post Explosive Wound Necrotizing Fasciitis Medical Observation and Management

2025-05-02T14:10:04+02:00

Background: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a life-threatening soft tissue infection characterized by rapid involvement of the deeper layers of fascia and muscles and causes extensive tissue necrosis. Sepsis is a common risk factor associated with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and acute kidney Injury (AKI) related to severe injury, major surgery, and burns. NF cases typically require intensive care management (ICU) due to high mortality rates.

Case Presentation: The patient presented to the hospital amidst a time of mass casualties and overcrowding due to the Gaza war in 2023. He sustained a shrapnel injury to his left thigh from a missile blast. In the dressing room, they removed the shrapnel and applied sutures to the wound. Two days later, the patient's general condition deteriorated. Upon examining the wound, a large necrotic area was discovered at the shrapnel site. The clinical signs and symptoms strongly suggested necrotizing fasciitis, prompting immediate management.

Intervention: An interdisciplinary approach involving surgical and medical teams was employed to address the multiple complications associated with this case. After nearly three weeks of surgical ward management, the patient regained consciousness and made a full recovery.

Conclusion: Managing such a case in a regular patient ward during wartime underscores the importance of interdisciplinary coordination in handling complex complications. The high level of cooperation between hospital divisions, the laboratory, the inpatient ward, and the medical team was crucial, especially during the chaotic war conditions in achieving a successful outcome. Finally, timely and bold decisions must be taken to manage such a complicated case of necrotizing fasciitis.