1.Severe Polymyositis with Concomitant Rhabdomyolysis
Demchigmaa N ; ; ; Enkhjargal M ; Ganbayar G ; Saymaa L ; Erdenechimeg Ch ; Anu G ; ; Namuuntuul D ; ; Tsolmon D ; ; Devshil Z ; ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):262-266
Background:
Polymyositis (PM) is a rare idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by symmetric proximal muscle weakness, elevated muscle enzyme levels, dysphagia, and respiratory muscle weakness. Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by extensive skeletal muscle breakdown, resulting in myoglobinuria and an increased risk of acute kidney injury and multiorgan complications. The coexistence of rhabdomyolysis in patients with polymyositis is uncommon and may complicate both diagnosis and management.
Case Presentation:
A 65-year-old man was admitted with fever up to 39°C, generalized skin rash, dysphagia, progressive muscle weakness, dyspnea, decreased urine output, and dark tea-colored urine. Physical examination revealed symmetric proximal muscle weakness, with muscle strength graded 3/5 in both upper extremities and 4/5 in both lower extremities. Neck muscle strength was 4/5. Dysphagia and a generalized skin rash were also present. Laboratory investigations showed markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) at 9,943.1 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 449.1 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 222.1 U/L, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) at 1,342.9 U/L, and C-reactive protein (CRP) at 70.6 mg/L. Urinalysis showed blood 3+ and protein 2+, while no erythrocytes were detected on urine sediment microscopy. Electromyography demonstrated myopathic changes, and muscle biopsy revealed inflammatory infiltrates and necrotic muscle fibers.
Conclusion
Comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, autoantibody testing, electrophysiological studies, and muscle biopsy is essential for the diagnosis of polymyositis complicated by rhabdomyolysis. An integrated diagnostic approach facilitates confirmation of the diagnosis, differentiation from clinically similar disorders, and appropriate treatment selection. Early recognition of rhabdomyolysis and other potentially life-threatening complications is crucial for preventing organ damage and improving patient outcomes.
2.The Effect of Colsaurin Syrup on Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed with Acute Bronchitis
Anu A ; Chimedragchaa Ch ; Tsevelmaa G ; Olonbayar Ts ; Altantungalag A ; Lkhamsuren B ; Otgonsuvd B ; Batdelger S ; Tegshjargal U ; Dejidmaa B ; Myadagbadam U ; Nyamdemberel Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):171-177
Background:
Respiratory diseases remain among the top five leading causes of morbidity, with an incidence rate of 788.4 cases per 10,000 population in 2021. Among these, acute bronchitis accounts for 9.3%. According to international clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adult acute bronchitis, symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within 1–3 weeks, but they considerably reduce the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, Colsaurin syrup, a new natural formulation with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, was clinically investigated to assess its efficacy and safety. The introduction of this domestically produced herbal medicine into clinical practice is expected to have both medical and socioeconomic significance by expanding the range of national pharmaceutical products.
Aim:
To evaluate the effect of Colsaurin syrup on the quality of life in adults diagnosed with acute bronchitis.
Materials and Methods:
This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted among inpatients at Songinokhairkhan District General Hospital, Ulaanbaatar. Adult patients diagnosed with acute bronchitis (J20) who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Colsaurin or placebo group.
Result:
In the Bronchitis Severity Score (BBS) assessment, baseline mean scores indicated severe disease: 10.88±2.47 in the Colsaurin group and 10.67±2.16 in the placebo group. After treatment, scores decreased significantly to 3.50±1.41 (p<0.001) in the Colsaurin group and 5.00±2.24 (p=0.006) in the placebo group, indicating greater improvement in the Colsaurin-treated patients. In the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessment, the mean pre-treatment score for both groups was 7, corresponding to frequent cough, which decreased to 2 after treatment (p<0.05), representing a 28% reduction in coughing discomfort. In the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q), the Colsaurin group showed a 3.25-point reduction after treatment, indicating a significant decrease in cough frequency and triggering factors (p<0.05).
Conclusion
1. In patients diagnosed with acute bronchitis (J20), treatment with Colsaurin syrup reduced disease severity by 30% and alleviated cough-related discomfort by 28% compared to baseline.
2. Moreover, patients reported improved sleep quality and work capacity, reflecting an overall enhancement in quality of life.
3. No adverse effects were observed in the Colsaurin treatment group.
3.Evaluation of antioxidant activity and safety of onion (Allium cepa L.) peels
Anu G ; Tamir B ; Uranbileg B ; Altantogos M ; Oldokh O ; Enkhzul O
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):141-145
Background:
Onion peel is a raw material rich in biologically active compounds; however, within the framework of food waste management in Mongolia, detailed studies and safety evaluations of this material remain insufficient. Therefore, it is necessary to scientifically determine the properties of onion peel waste generated from the food production sector and explore its potential for reuse.
Aim:
To evaluate the safety parameters of red and white onion (Allium cepa L.) peels generated during food processing and to determine their bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity.
Materials and Methods:
Red and white onion peels were used in this study. Safety parameters were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (for heavy metals) and GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS (for pesticide residues). The raw materials were extracted with 70% ethanol, and dry extracts were obtained using a vacuum evaporator and freeze dryer. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured by spectrophotometric methods, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay.
Results:
The analysis showed that the levels of lead, cadmium, and 205 pesticide residues in onion peels did not exceed the permissible limits, indicating that the material is safe. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of quercetin and luteolin derivatives in the dry extracts. The TPC (27.40±1.64%) and TFC (17.95±1.47%) of red onion peel extract were significantly higher than those of white onion peel extract (20.34±0.34% and 12.69±1.44%, respectively). The IC₅₀ values were 17.58 μg·mL⁻¹ for red onion and 19.41 μg·mL⁻¹ for white onion, indicating strong antioxidant activity for natural composite extracts.
Conclusion
Onion peel waste meets safety requirements and exhibits strong antioxidant activity. These findings demonstrate its potential as a valuable raw material for the development of antioxidant preparations and functional food additives aimed at preventing oxidative stress.
4.Risk of cardiovascular disease in Mongolian patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Anu G ; Tsolmon D ; Devshil Z ; Altanzul B ; Chingerel Kh ; Zulgerel D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):115-119
Background:
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In Mongolia,
the registration of inflammatory diseases is increasing every year, and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of
death.
Aim:
We aimed to determine the degree of cardiovascular risk and its correlation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted in a cross-sectional study design with 64 patients with rheumatoid
arthritis between May and November 2024. Cardiovascular risk was assessed using mSCORE and the World Health Organization (WHO) cardiovascular Risk Table. We received ethical approval to begin the research at the MNUMS meeting
on May 17, 2024 (No. 2024/3-05).
Results:
The average age of the participants was 55.2±9.7 years, and the average duration since being diagnosed with RA
was 9.8±8.0 years. Among the participants, 82.8% (n=53) were female, and 17.2% (n=11) were male. The mean WHO
risk index was 10.25±11, while the mean mSCORE risk index was 2.9±4 (p=0.001). There was a significant difference in
mSCORE scores between the 40-55 and 56-65 age groups (p<0.001). In contrast, the mSCORE risk assessment showed
that 15.6% (n=10) had high risk, and 6.3% (n=4) had very high risk. Among the parameters of inflammatory biomarkers,
CRP (OR=0.05, r=0.35, 95% CI 0.9-3.2, p=0.004) has a statistically significant difference and positive correlation, and
HDL-C (OR=2.3, r=-0.25, 95% CI 2.9- 10.0, p<0.0001) was significantly different and negatively correlated.
Conclusion
A total of 64 participants participated in our study, and according to the WHO assessment, 17.2% were at
high or very high risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years, and according to the mSCORE, 21.9%
were at high or very high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Although the degree of disease activity was not significantly associated with cardiovascular risk, the inflammatory biomarker C-reactive protein was statistically significantly different or positively associated with cardiovascular risk assessment.
5.Detection of bacterial meningitis among children in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 2002 to 2010
AItantsetseg D ; Sarantuya J ; Bulgan D ; Baatarkhuu O ; Carvalho Mda G ; Anu D ; Sodbayar D
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2011;158(4):48-55
Background. Bacterial meningitis is a severe, potentially life-threatening infection that is associated with high rates of morbidity and significant disability in survivors. Overall mortality rates related to bacterial meningitis of around 20% to 25% have been reported by major centers. Our study is to determine the incidence rate and etiology of childhood bacterial meningitis in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.Methods. From 2002-2010, a total of CSF 433 and blood 544 samples were obtained from children age 0-5 years old. The following diagnostic criteria for bacterial meningitis in children aged 0-5 years were used: questionnaires, clinical signs and positive CSF culture and/or CSF antigen test results positive N. meningitis serogroups B, A, C, Y, and W-135, Hib or S.pneumonia; and/or positive CSF PCR results; and/or positive blood culture results with CSF pleocytosis (WBC count, >10 cells/uL). Pathogens were identified and serotype or serogroup with standard methods in the reference microbiology laboratory. Detection of bacterial pathogens with a multiplex and real-time PCR assay.Results. From totally 544 suspected cases had been detected bacterial meningitis in 260 (47, 8%) cases and sepsis in 111 [20,4%] cases respectively. The disease in the 83 [27.1 %] etiologically diagnosed patients was due to H.influenza, S. pneumonia was in 71 [36, 4%] cases and N.meningitis in 111 [24, 7%] respectively. Among the positive samples 80.6% (129/160) the specific serogroup and/or serotypes for N.meningitis serogroups A was available in 22(35, 4%) cases, for the Hib 52(96, 3%) and 6(40%) for the S.pneumoniae 7 serotype. The real time PCR assay was more sensitive for detection of meningitis pathogens than conventional methods (culture and latex agglutination), 19% in comparison with latex agglutination (p<0.0026) and by 39% in comparison with culture (p<0.001). Bacterial meningitis was identified 70.0 in 2004 among population, but it reduced until 5.0 in 2009. The incidence of Hib meningitis was 2002-2005y, N.meningitis and S.pneumoniae meningitis were 2006-2008y, S.pneumonia meningitis was more higher 2009-201 Oy comparing with other pathogens.Conclusion. N.meningitidls, S.pneumoniae H.influenzae type b are the leading causative agents of childhood bacterial meningitis in Ulaanbaatar, and the incidence rate is higher than what were reported in other Asian countries.
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail