OBJECTIVES

This study determined the prevalence of BBD among toilet-trained children attending a tertiary hospital’s pediatric outpatient clinic, and to evaluate the effectiveness of standard urotherapy among affected children.

METHODS

A prospective interventional study was conducted among 144 toilet-trained children aged 7 to 12 years seen at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital outpatient clinic from August 2025 to September 2025. Sociodemographic data were collected, and BBD was screened using the validated Filipino version of the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Scores (DVSS) questionnaire. Children with BBD underwent standard urotherapy, which included behavioral and lifestyle interventions such as timed voiding, adequate hydration, constipation management and proper voiding posture. DVSS assessments were repeated at two and four weeks.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of BBD was 22.9% (33 of 144). BBD was significantly more prevalent among females (31.88%) than males (14.67%) (adjusted OR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.28–6.86; p = 0.011). At baseline, children with BBD had significantly higher mean total DVSS scores (9.15 ± 3.64) compared to those without (2.01 ± 1.80, pCONCLUSION

Standard urotherapy proved effective in reducing symptom scores within two weeks and resulted in complete clinical resolution after four weeks among those who continued therapy. Routine screenings for BBD using DVSS and early initiation of standard urotherapy in pediatric outpatient settings are recommended to prevent complications and improve children’s urinary and bowel health.

Human ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; World Health Organization ; Outpatient Clinics, Hospital ; Mass Screening ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Constipation ; Ambulatory Care Facilities

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Tagalog version of the PsAQoL to assess its reliability and consistency.

METHODS

This is a prospective validation study involving 47 patients with PsA from June to August 2023. The
psychometric properties tested were internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients), test-retest reliability, convergent validity (Spearman’s rank correlation), and known group validity (Mann-Whitney U Test or Kruskal- Wallis One-Way Analysis of Variance).

RESULTS

The PsAQoL on both week 0 and week 2 had Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.926 indicating high
internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was 0.929, which demonstrates excellent reliability and low level of random measurement error. The PsAQoL scores highly correlated with the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (r=0.754, pCONCLUSION

The Tagalog version of the PsAQoL demonstrates excellent psychometric properties and is recommended for monitoring of Tagalog-speaking patients with psoriatic arthritis in healthcare settings.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Analysis Of Variance ; Aptitude ; Health ; Index ; Patients ; Psychometrics ; Reproducibility Of Results ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Validation Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was initially known to affect the respiratory system and has been reported to also involve the cardiovascular system leading to myocardial damage. Remdesivir is one of the approved treatments for COVID-19, wherein viral replication is inhibited by terminating the RNA transcription prematurely. According to studies, the primary electrocardiographic effect of remdesivir in COVID-19 patients are sinus bradycardia and QT prolongation. The use of electrocardiogram (ECG) is an essential diagnostic tool in assessing the electrical conditions of the heart. The objective of this study is to describe the electrocardiographic profile of adult patients with COVID-19 who were given remdesivir and admitted in the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). To this date, this is the only study done locally identifying the electrocardiographic profiles of adult patients with COVID-19 who were given remdesivir.

METHODS

This was a retrospective descriptive study involving adult patients with COVID-19 who were given remdesivir and admitted in UP-PGH from June 2021 to June 2022. Demographic profiles and 12-lead ECG done during the hospital admission were gathered. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the clinical characteristics and the electrocardiographic findings of the patients.

RESULTS

There were 412 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were given remdesivir (mean age 56 years old; female 52%) included in this study. The most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke. Majority of the patients had severe (58%) to critical (22%) COVID-19 infection. Most of the patients had sinus rhythm (94%), normal rate (72%), and normal axis (93%). The most common baseline ECG findings were non-specific ST-T wave changes (42%). Some patients had atrioventricular blocks (3.4%), bundle branch blocks (3.6%), prolonged QT interval (1.9%). Among those with repeat 12-L ECG (136 patients) during admission, ECG changes observed were sinus bradycardia (6%), prolonged QT interval (4%), and both (1.5%).

CONCLUSION

Based on this retrospective review, which to our knowledge is the only study done locally investigating the effects of remdesivir on ECG of adult Filipino patients with COVID-19 infection, majority of the patients had sinus rhythm, normal rate, and axis. The most common ECG finding was non-specific ST-T wave changes. This study demonstrated a low incidence of adverse ECG changes that would preclude the administration of remdesivir when indicated. These include sinus bradycardia and QT interval prolongation which did not require further interventions. ECG remains to be useful, low-cost noninvasive tool that can help monitor electrophysiologic adverse events of remdesivir.

Electrocardiography ; COVID-19 ;

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Staphylococcus aureus poses a significant public health threat globally, where both community and hospital-acquired infections are prevalent. The escalating antimicrobial resistance highlights the urgent need for alternative therapies. Hence, traditional medicine using plant extracts offers a potential avenue for novel antibacterial agents. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the antibacterial properties of Philippine plants against S. aureus to provide focus on drug development of a plant-derived antibacterial for this pathogen.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, and Herdin databases. Inclusion criteria encompassed in-vitro studies evaluating the antibacterial activity of crude plant extracts sourced from Philippines plants against S. aureus. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers, with discrepancies resolved by the third and fourth reviewers.

RESULTS

Of the 413 initial studies identified, nine (9) met the eligibility criteria. The highest zone of inhibition was demonstrated by Lippia micromera L. leaf essential oil at 26.3±1.5 mm, while moderate antibacterial activity was shown by essential oils from Alpinia elegans, Piper quinqueangulatum, and Alpinia cumingii at MIC values of 512 µg/mL, 512 µg/mL, and 1,024 µg/mL, respectively. Other Philippine plants showed a wide range of activity, with MIC values between 50 ?g/mL and 25 mg/mL, MBC values from 78 to 5000 ?g/mL, and ZOI ranging from 5 to 38 mm. However, the overall quality of evidence in these other studies are compromised by bias and incomplete reporting.

CONCLUSION

Leaf essential oils from Alpinia elegans, Piper quinqueangulatum, and Alpinia cumingii demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity against S. aureus. Additionally, the essential oils of Lippia micromera L., Plectranthus amboinicus Lour. Spreng, and Cymbopogon citratus exhibited antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in disk diffusion assays. Majority of the studies gathered had high risk of bias according to the quality assessment criteria tool used in the study. Thus, this systematic review also emphasizes the need for improved methodological rigor on reported in-vitro antibacterial studies.

Staphylococcus ; Staphylococcus Aureus ; Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected various healthcare services worldwide, including tuberculosis (TB) control programs. This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB case notification rate (CNR) and treatment success rate (TSR), and the challenges and interventions in TB-DOTS (directly observed treatment short-course) services in the Province of South Cotabato, SOCCSKSARGEN Region, Philippines. 

METHODS

An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used to describe the experiences of South Cotabato in implementing TB-DOTS services during COVID-19 pandemic. Monthly data on CNR and TSR under TB-DOTS from March 2019 to February 2022 were retrieved from the Department of Health’s Integrated Tuberculosis Information System (ITIS) through records review. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test were used to analyze quantitative data. Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among four groups of program implementers (NTP coordinators, nurses, medical technologists, and barangay health workers) encompassing the challenges encountered in the implementation of TB-DOTS services as well as interventions done before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

During the pre-COVID-19 period (March 2019-February 2020), a CNR of 334 per 100,000 population was reported in the province. There is a 35.19% decrease in TB CNR during COVID-19 Year 1 (March 2020-February 2021) at 216 per 100,000 population, followed by a 37.63% increase in Year 2 at 298 per 100,000 population. The mean TSR covering the pre-COVID period was 96% (SD = 0.01) while the mean TSR in COVID-19 Year 1 was 93% (SD = 0.02), significantly lower than that of the pre-pandemic period, followed by monthly TSR ranging from 91% to 98% (SD = 0.02), an increase in Year 2. From the FGDs, six pre-existing barriers were identified such as patients’ f inancial constraints, hard-to-reach areas, poor health seeking behavior, persistence of TB stigma, medicine and supply shortages, and inadequate health workforce were experienced before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, six emerging challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic were reallocation of services, movement restriction, additional protocols, reporting delays, and fears among patients and health workers. The decrease in CNR and TSR during COVID-19 Year 1 aligned with the emergence of new challenges in TB-DOTS services brought by the pandemic. These aggravated pre-existing barriers which further caused delays in the diagnosis and treatment of TB patients. Nine interventions done to address these challenges were also described, the most critical being health education, strengthening community-based services, use of telecommunications, resource pooling for essential medicines, adjusting medication dispensing, and coordination with local government units and policy enhancements.

CONCLUSION

TB-DOTS services in South Cotabato experienced various difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic which led to initial declines in CNR and TSR. Addressing barriers and challenges were vital in ensuring the continuity of TB services and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 crisis on CNR and TSR. This study demonstrates the adaptability and resilience of South Cotabato's TB-DOTS services in response to COVID-19 challenges and highlights the need for strategies ensuring continuity of TB services and healthcare system resilience in light of Universal Health Care. Recommendations are outlined to improve current policies and practices as well as lay future directions for research on health service delivery and program implementation in relation to pandemics and other types of disasters.

Human ; Tuberculosis ; Covid-19 ; Pandemics ; Philippines

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) constitutes an escalating global public health menace, intensified by the excessive utilization of antibiotics in human healthcare and agriculture. In the Philippines, the extensive misuse of antimicrobials in food production, especially in chicken, swine, aquaculture, and agriculture exacerbate AMR, presenting considerable threats to public health. Since the transmission of AMR is closely linked to food safety, food handlers play a critical role in mitigating its spread. This study evaluates the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of food handlers in the Greater Manila Area concerning AMR and the utilization of antimicrobials.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study involved developing and implementing a customized training program based on pre-training KAP questionnaires, featuring specialized training materials for fruits and vegetables sellers, meat handlers, seafood vendors, and street food vendors. The training, conducted in partnership with government entities and industry specialists, emphasized AMR awareness, food safety rules, and optimal procedures for reducing AMR hazards.

RESULTS

The results showed statistically significant differences in pre- and post-intervention mean percentage scores in the participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices about food handling and AMR. There was also substantial improvement observed across all four occupational groups as post-test scores increased in comparison to their baseline scores.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the pivotal role of food handlers in combating AMR and stresses the necessity for a training program that is focused on AMR education within food safety initiatives. The training program should be customized, for example, according to the length of experience of the food handler, to either provide basic food safety measures or to improve and upgrade the acquired baseline knowledge and skills related to food safety. This particular study showed the importance of providing food handlers with essential knowledge and skills on food safety and proper food handling to aid in the mitigation of AMR transmission.

Human ; Food Safety ; Knowledge ; Attitude

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare soft tissue sarcomas with poor prognosis due to their high recurrence rates. The prevalence of MPNST in the general population is 0.001%, with tumors arising from the retroperitoneum accounting for only 1% of all MPNSTs. In this report, we present a case of a 59-year-old male with pancreatic MPNST. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first documented case of pancreatic MPNST in the Philippines.

The patient initially presented with a 3-month history of abdominal pain, weight loss, and anorexia. On abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, a large cystic mass involving the pancreatic head and body, with an enhancing peripheral solid component in the superior region was seen. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy, en bloc splenectomy and excision of duodenal cyst. Post-operative histopathology and immunohistochemistry staining were consistent with pancreatic MPNST with tumor very near the margin of resection adjacent to the portal vein. Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not performed due to lack of evidence of benefit over risk for this population. Disease recurrence (nodal-peritoneal metastases) was noted six months post-operatively and he was given palliative chemotherapy with single-agent doxorubicin. However, disease progression was noted after five cycles of chemotherapy. Second-line regimen was planned but the patient died of a pulmonary embolism prior to the initiation of chemotherapy.

Due to the rarity and highly aggressive nature of MPNSTs, furthering knowledge on these tumors is important, particularly in their inclusion among the differential diagnoses for pancreatic tumors. Prompt diagnosis and histopathologic confirmation by a pathologist specializing in sarcomas are crucial in the treatment planning and prognostication of these tumors. Lastly, further studies are needed to establish more effective treatments in unresectable or metastatic disease.

Human ; Male ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Sarcoma ; Pancreas

BACKGROUND

In the Philippines and other developing countries, access to high-stability external fixators for traumainduced bone fracture management is limited, as modular external fixators, especially those with snap-on features, are manufactured overseas and are prohibitively expensive for most Filipino patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the biomechanical performance of a locally-developed modular external fixator prototype for tibial diaphyseal fractures in comparison to available external fixators, such as Roger Anderson and Hoffmann. This provides an initial evaluation for the use of the external fixator as an alternative in terms of its stability.

METHODS

Using axial compression testing compliant with the ASTM F1541-24 standards, the ultimate strength, yield strength, safe strength, and stiffness were measured across various fixator types and tightening mechanisms, with or without the aid of a wrench. Statistical tools such as the t-test assuming equal variances, one-way analysis of variance, and Tukey-Kramer test with a 0.05 level of significance were used to determine any significant differences.

RESULTS

The mechanical performance of the external fixator prototype increased by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5 after the clamps were tightened with the wrench. However, when hand-tightened, it still performed sufficiently, showing a comparable mechanical performance with the Roger Anderson Fixator. In terms of the ultimate, safe, and yield strengths, it performed competitively in comparison with the Hoffmann system. However, there is a significant difference in stiffness between the prototype and the Hoffmann system.

CONCLUSION

The locally-developed external fixator was comparable biomechanically to the commercially available external fixators and the prototypes in different studies.

Evaluation Studies As Topic ; Developing Countries ; External Fixators ; Fractures, Bone ; Philippines ; Patients

BACKGROUND

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has instigated a profound public health crisis, particularly affecting professionals like dentists who, due to their close interaction with saliva—a potential viral reservoir—and the aerosols generated during specific procedures, face elevated risks of infection. To mitigate this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) have established guidelines for averting cross-infection in dental settings

OBJECTIVE

This study, conducted in an urbanized Metro Manila City, delves into the infection control practices of dentists amid the pandemic.

METHODS

Dentists from a Metro Manila city dental chapter were invited to participate in an online survey (Google Forms) consisting of participants' demographics, patient triage, engineering, administrative controls, disinfection personal hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and waste management practices. Descriptive statistics, employing frequency distributions and percentages, summarized the dentists' adherence to infection control protocols.

RESULTS

Out of forty-nine respondents (49), the majority (92%) provided their teams' orientation on COVID-19 infection control protocols before reopening. Notably, 57% deferred elective procedures and 43% postponed aerosolgenerating procedures (AGPs). Only 39% utilized rubber dam isolation during AGPs. Most respondents reported full implementation of recommended administrative controls during the pandemic, with 92% isolating their treatment areas from other parts of the clinic. Most respondents adopted high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration units (82%) as one of their clinic’s engineering controls, and an extraoral vacuum machine, accounting for 71% of the respondents. The most common disinfection product used by the participants was alcohol, which was at 94%. Additionally, over 90% adhered to all recommended hand hygiene practices for both dental staff and patients. For the waste management protocols, only 55% of the respondents have their infectious waste collected by third-party Treatment Storage and Disposal (TSD) facilities.

CONCLUSION

The data shows that with the guidelines posted by both the PDA and CDC, the city’s dental practitioners could still provide services to the community in the safest manner at the time by being updated and following the infection control practices suggested by both organizations. Although some areas could have been improved, such as third-party waste management and the utilization of RT-PCR testing, some of these problems could have been attributed to the lack of availability in their areas.

Public Health ; Philippines ; Interprofessional Education ; World Health Organization ; Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, U.s. ; Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (u.s.)

Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is an uncommon etiologic agent of hepatic abscess in children, particularly those without an underlying immunocompromised condition.

We describe a rare case of community-acquired MRSA (CA-MRSA) hepatic abscess with rupture into the anterior abdominal wall in an otherwise healthy 3-year-old Filipino male, manifesting as a one-week history of an enlarging epigastric mass accompanied by abdominal pain and fever. He was treated noninvasively with ciprofloxacin (intravenous at 10 mg/kg every 12 hours for 14 days followed by oral at 15 mg/kg every 12 hours for 28 days), and clindamycin (intravenous at 10 mg/kg every 6 hours for 14 days followed by oral at 10 mg/kg every 6 hours for 28 days), resulting in the resolution of the hepatic abscess and its associated symptoms.

CA-MRSA hepatic abscess is extremely rare in immunocompetent children, and an appropriate diagnostic approach involving imaging and culture studies is crucial in its diagnosis and management.

Human ; Child Preschool: 2-5 Yrs Old ; Therapeutics ; Staphylococcus Aureus ; Staphylococcus ; Residence Characteristics ; Research Report ; Dihydrotachysterol