INTRODUCTION

Heart failure (HF) remains a significant global health issue, affecting approximately 64 million individuals worldwide. In the Philippines, the prevalence aligns with global estimates, disproportionately affecting older populations.

The Philippine National Heart Failure Network (PNHFN) conducted a cross-sectional survey from November 2021 to March 2022 to assess the landscape of HF management among medical professionals across the country.

A total of 1,649 physicians responded, primarily cardiologists (64%), internal medicine specialists (27%), and general practitioners (12%). While diagnostic tools such as electrocardiography (92%) and 2D echocardiography (85%) were widely available, advanced imaging modalities and specialized cardiac procedures, including cardiac catheterization and heart failure implantable devices, were less accessible outside metropolitan areas. Essential HF medications, including renin-angiotensin system blockers (84%), beta-blockers, and diuretics, were commonly prescribed; however, newer pharmacologic options such as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors remained underutilized.

Cardiac rehabilitation was accessible to less than half of respondents (48%), with unavailability cited as a major barrier. Despite these challenges, 97% of participants supported the establishment of HF programs to improve patient care and provider support. The findings highlight the need for improved access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, enhanced education on guideline-directed HF management, and expanded infrastructure to bridge gaps in care delivery. Strengthening national HF initiatives and fostering collaboration among stakeholders are crucial in optimizing HF management and patient outcomes in the Philippines.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to produce a Transfemoral residual limb model as an alternative learning material for the education of the Physical Therapy and Prosthetics and Orthotics students.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Pelvic-Femoral Learning Model, the researchers utilized an instructional sheet comprising an "Effectiveness-Survey Questionnaire" and a Measurement Chart. The former captured responses from PT-PO evaluators, while the latter collected measurements from PO evaluators. Every participant received an individual copy of the instructional sheet.

An overall score of 3.25 out of 5.00 (65%, Neutral Attitude) was achieved by both the PT and PO evaluators, indicating a passing grade for the model. Moreover, comparing the data analysis from the PO evaluators' measurements to the Baseline Measurements reveals that the discrepancies are not statistically significant, confirming the model's consistency in measurements. Lastly, most participants found the model highly beneficial, observing that the tissue consistency and bony prominences closely resemble those of a real transfemoral residual limb.

Through the results of the study, the Pelvic-Femoral Learning Model was deemed as an effective, alternative educational tool for students in Physical Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics programs in the UERMMMCI.

BACKGROUND

The significance of isolated calf deep vein thrombosis (ICDVT) remains unclear with current guidelines not being based on strong level of evidence. Given the uncertainties, the therapeutic approaches vary among institutions; hence, it is prudent to look at existing experience of an institution where examination of calf veins is routinely done during venous duplex ultrasound of the lower extremities.

Using an analytical retrospective cohort design, this study investigated the clinical profile and outcomes of patients noted to have ICDVT on venous duplex scan at a single tertiary center from October 1, 2018 to June 30, 2023.

A total of 151 subjects were included in the study. Most of the cases had either stabilization (36.42%, 95% CI: 28.75%-44.64%) or complete resolution (35.76%, 95% CI: 28.14%-43.96%) of ICDVT. Recurrence occurred in 15.89% (95% CI: 10.46%-22.72%) while proximal DVT extension only occurred in 10.60% (95% CI: 6.18-16.64%) of the subjects. None of the factors studied, including therapeutic management, were significantly associated with proximal DVT extension, recurrence, pulmonary embolism and stabilization of ICDVT. When it comes to resolution of ICDVT, only therapeutic management was found to have significant association.

Previously cited medical risk factors do not play a role in the development of ICDVT complications. While anticoagulation contributes to resolution of ICDVT, it can safely be managed conservatively in cases of high bleeding risk.

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction in response to an infection, and immediate administration of the first antibiotic dose, along with other resuscitative efforts, improves patient outcomes. This paved the way for the development of evidence-based sepsis pathways in different health institutions.

This study aims to assess the process of initial antibiotic therapy, from the time the loading dose of antibiotic was ordered to the time it was administered, for adult patients with sepsis admitted at the Emergency Department (ED) of the University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH).

In phase 1 of the study, a review of medical records was done to identify all adult patients diagnosed with sepsis in the ED from February 1 to August 31, 2022. A variant of time-motion analysis was used wherein three points in the sepsis pathway were identified: the t ime of diagnosis of sepsis/first chart order of antibiotics (point A), the time the chart order was noted by the nurse-in-charge (point B), and the documented time of f irst dose administration (point C). The mean and median duration (in hours) were then computed between these points. As an additional aim, we briefly presented the outcome of the population used. In phase 2, individual interviews and focused group discussions were done, involving key medical personnel in the sepsis pathway: physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and utility personnel. The data transcribed from these interviews was analyzed through a thematic examination.

A total of 508 adult patients were diagnosed with sepsis on record review, 442 of whom met the inclusion criteria. The median time it took for the nursein-charge to acknowledge the antibiotic order (points A to B) is 0.73 hours (IQR 0.27-1.7). Meanwhile, the median time between acknowledgment of the order to administration of antibiotics is 1.94 hours (IQR 0.83-6.63). More importantly, the median time from diagnosis-to-first dose (points A to C) is 3.53 hours (IQR 1.59–7.96), while the corresponding mean duration is 5.72 hours. In all cases, 44.6% and 12.4% of loading doses were given within three hours and within one hour after diagnosis, respectively. The all-cause mortality of all qualified cases was 64.7%. A total of 28 key medical personnel were recruited for phase 2. Issues regarding governance, information systems, finances, service delivery, and human resources were identified. In particular, the electronic chart system, a more stable supply of antibiotics, and the new pharmacy at the ER helped facilitate antibiotic delivery. Lack of personnel, gaps in information, and repetitive paperwork were cited as areas for improvement in the existing system.

In more than half of the study population, the target time from diagnosis to loading dose of at least 1 hour was not reached. The significant delays in sepsis treatment call for system-wide improvements to hasten the process of antibiotic delivery and reduce the poor outcomes associated with sepsis.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular functions, notably DNA damage repair. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP1 has therapeutic benefits for various pathologies. Despite the increased use of PARP inhibitors, challenges persist in achieving PARP1 selectivity and effective blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. The development of a PARP1-specific positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand is crucial for understanding disease biology and performing target occupancy studies, which may aid in the development of PARP1-specific inhibitors. In this study, we leverage the recently identified PARP1 inhibitor, AZD9574, to introduce the design and development of its ¹⁸F-isotopologue ([¹⁸F]AZD9574). Our comprehensive approach, encompassing pharmacological, cellular, autoradiographic, and in vivo PET imaging evaluations in non-human primates, demonstrates the capacity of [¹⁸F]AZD9574 to specifically bind to PARP1 and to successfully penetrate the BBB. These findings position [¹⁸F]AZD9574 as a viable molecular imaging tool, poised to facilitate the exploration of pathophysiological changes in PARP1 tissue abundance across various diseases.

BACKGROUND

The Philippines implemented a law on the inclusion of graphic health warning (GHW) labels in cigarette packs to increase awareness about the health effects of smoking, to quit smoking, or to deter potential users from engaging in cigarettes. Investigating its impact on senior high school (SHS) students may provide insights into enhancing and reinforcing the law to achieve its purpose at the adolescent developmental stage.

The objective of this study was to determine the perceived emotional and cognitive reactions as well as the perceived health risks of GHWs among nonsmoking SHS students in Leyte and their relationship to their level of exposure.

A cross-sectional design was employed involving 247 students from public high schools in Pastrana, Leyte, who were selected through stratified random sampling. A self-report questionnaire was used to gather the data. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was used to test the hypothesis.

The majority of the participants reported positive perceptions of GHW labels. Moreover, the majority of them have seen GHW at least once a week on cigarette packs and evoked variable agreement about the high arousal and low arousal negative emotion, but have positive cognitive reactions. They have a strong agreement on the perceived health risks posed by cigarette smoking through GHWs. There was a positive and significant correlation between the level of exposure and the perceived health risks of smoking through the GHWs.

Adolescent learners reported variable agreement on emotional reactions, but had positive cognitive reactions to tobacco GHW labels. They also have reported that GHWs in cigarette packs provide positive visual information on the health effects and other consequences of smoking. Those who have frequent exposure to the GHWs of the cigarette packs were more likely to report knowledge and information on the health risks of smoking. Thus, the GHWs on cigarette packs are still necessary to decrease the new smoker rate, especially among adolescents. Policy implications toward the continuous development of GHWS are offered.

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe anterolateral rotatory instability (ALRI) as a possible etiology of primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow. Methods: We examined 76 fresh frozen cadaveric elbows (male:female, 56:20; mean age, 81 years) for patterns of cartilage erosion that could be due to ALRI. These included erosions on the lateral trochlear ridge (LTR) lesion, crescent rim of the radial head (RC) lesion or the ventral capitellum (VC) lesion. The extent and location of the lesions were mapped by image processing of photographs of the humeral and radial articular surfaces, and the degeneration of the articular surface was graded. Results: Ten of 76 specimens (13%) had one or more lesions consistent with ALRI. LTR lesions were most common and were seen in 10 of 10 specimens (100%), typically involving the distal 30% of the LTR. RC lesions were seen in 9 of 10 and were located on anteromedial crescent of the radial head ranging from 6 to 10 o’clock. VC lesions were seen in 8 of 10 specimens directed anteroinferiorly about 60° to the long axis of the humerus. Conclusions ALRI is a possible mechanism initiating primary OA of the elbow. It has a characteristic pattern of triple lesions involving the LTR, the RC, and the VC.Level of evidence: IV.

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe anterolateral rotatory instability (ALRI) as a possible etiology of primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow. Methods: We examined 76 fresh frozen cadaveric elbows (male:female, 56:20; mean age, 81 years) for patterns of cartilage erosion that could be due to ALRI. These included erosions on the lateral trochlear ridge (LTR) lesion, crescent rim of the radial head (RC) lesion or the ventral capitellum (VC) lesion. The extent and location of the lesions were mapped by image processing of photographs of the humeral and radial articular surfaces, and the degeneration of the articular surface was graded. Results: Ten of 76 specimens (13%) had one or more lesions consistent with ALRI. LTR lesions were most common and were seen in 10 of 10 specimens (100%), typically involving the distal 30% of the LTR. RC lesions were seen in 9 of 10 and were located on anteromedial crescent of the radial head ranging from 6 to 10 o’clock. VC lesions were seen in 8 of 10 specimens directed anteroinferiorly about 60° to the long axis of the humerus. Conclusions ALRI is a possible mechanism initiating primary OA of the elbow. It has a characteristic pattern of triple lesions involving the LTR, the RC, and the VC.Level of evidence: IV.

Background: The purpose of this study is to describe anterolateral rotatory instability (ALRI) as a possible etiology of primary osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow. Methods: We examined 76 fresh frozen cadaveric elbows (male:female, 56:20; mean age, 81 years) for patterns of cartilage erosion that could be due to ALRI. These included erosions on the lateral trochlear ridge (LTR) lesion, crescent rim of the radial head (RC) lesion or the ventral capitellum (VC) lesion. The extent and location of the lesions were mapped by image processing of photographs of the humeral and radial articular surfaces, and the degeneration of the articular surface was graded. Results: Ten of 76 specimens (13%) had one or more lesions consistent with ALRI. LTR lesions were most common and were seen in 10 of 10 specimens (100%), typically involving the distal 30% of the LTR. RC lesions were seen in 9 of 10 and were located on anteromedial crescent of the radial head ranging from 6 to 10 o’clock. VC lesions were seen in 8 of 10 specimens directed anteroinferiorly about 60° to the long axis of the humerus. Conclusions ALRI is a possible mechanism initiating primary OA of the elbow. It has a characteristic pattern of triple lesions involving the LTR, the RC, and the VC.Level of evidence: IV.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical profile, management and outcome of pediatric patients with COVID-19 infection admitted at the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) from March 2020 to December 2022.

This was a retrospective cohort study which enrolled patients 19 years old and below with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted at the ZCMC. Charts were retrieved and uploaded on a database. Demographic and clinical information were gathered including history of exposure to COVID-19, history of COVID-19 vaccination, comorbidities, clinical manifestations, laboratory examination, medications and clinical outcome. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

There were 145 evaluable patients. The mean age was 8.4 years with 40% aged less than 5 years old. Majority were males (58.62%). Half (50.34%) had no known exposure to COVID-19. None received COVID-19 vaccine. Ninety-seven (66.90%) patients were underweight. Sixty-nine (47.59%) patients were asymptomatic, 30 (20.69%) had mild infection while 24 (16.55%) had severe to critical illness. There were 5 (3.45%) cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MISC). The most common symptoms were fever, vomiting/nausea, cough and shortness of breath. The most common chest radiograph findings were bilateral lung opacities. Majority of the patients received antibiotics (68.97%). Other medications given included corticosteroids (14.48%), intravenous immunoglobulin (3.45%), remdesivir (4.83%) and tocilizumab (5.52%).The mortality rate was 11.72%.

Pediatric COVID-19 in Southwestern Mindanao affects all age groups. Majority of hospitalized patients were asymptomatic or had mild infection. Fever was the most common manifestation. Antibiotic use was high. Mortality rate was 11.72%.