1.The curious case of abdominal Dyskinesia: the Philippines’ first reported case
Theodore Joseph J. Ablaza ; Rhea Angela M. Salonga-Quimpo
Acta Medica Philippina 2022;56(17):61-64
This is a case of a 7-year-old Filipino female who presented with undulating movements of the abdomen that
occur only while awake, following the initiation of treatment for clinically diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis.
Systemic physical examination was normal. The neurological examination was also unremarkable. The 2-hr video EEG showed no electroencephalographic changes or ictal pattern correlating with the abdominal dyskinesia, highly suggesting a movement disorder. Craniospinal Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with Gadolinium showed typical results. The patient responded to the trial of carbamazepine after three weeks of treatment with complete resolution of abdominal dyskinesia.
Neurology
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Movement Disorders
2.A Filipino child with schinzel-giedion syndrome
Mary Ann R. Abacan ; Rhea Angela M. Salonga-Quimpo
Acta Medica Philippina 2023;57(4):63-67
Schinzel-Giedion syndrome is a rare condition characterized by dysmorphic features, neurologic features, urogenital abnormalities, and radiographic changes. The etiology has been traced to mutations in the SETBP1 gene. We report a Filipino patient with features suggestive of Schinzel-Giedion Syndrome and the first to be confirmed through molecular testing.
3.Clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes in children with benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis in the Philippine General Hospital: A retrospective cohort study.
Karina Terese Dj. SANTOS ; Patricia C. ORDUÑA ; Rhea Angela M. SALONGA-QUIMPO
Acta Medica Philippina 2025;59(13):44-51
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Benign convulsions with mild gastroenteritis (CwG) is common but not readily recognizable to primary care physicians and pediatricians. Most literature comes from East Asia and Western countries. Studies among the Filipino population are lacking. This study aimed to determine the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes, and provide knowledge for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
METHODSThis is a retrospective cohort study on pediatric patients diagnosed with CwG admitted at a tertiary hospital in the Philippines from January 2020 to December 2023. The study included patients 1-72 months old presenting with seizures accompanied by symptoms of gastroenteritis, without clinical signs of dehydration, electrolyte derangement, and fever (body temperatureRESULTS
Twenty patients met the criteria for CwG, aged 7-60 months, with a male:female ratio of 1:1. Most seizures were brief, generalized tonic-clonic occurring in clusters, with an average frequency of 3 per day. Laboratory findings, electroencephalogram, and neuroimaging results were mostly normal. Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) were prescribed in 65% (n=13), with levetiracetam being the most common. Most seizure clusters did not persist, and none needed additional ASM. Follow-up showed normal neurodevelopmental profiles.
CONCLUSIONThis study highlights that CwG is also encountered among Filipino children. The clinical characteristics align with the known presentation of CwG. Most patients had normal test results and a benign course. Given this selflimiting nature, extensive testing and unnecessary therapy are not recommended, and instead provision of adequate counseling to the caregivers is advocated.
Human ; Seizures ; Gastroenteritis