1.First successful whole lung lavage for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis in Mongolia: A Case Report
Amartuvshin G ; ; Altanzul L ; Ichinnorov D ; ; Naidansuren Ts ; Solongo B ; Densenbal D ; ; Tumen-Ulzii G ; ; Allabyergyen M ; Tumurjin G ; Khaliun P ; Tamir L ; Erdenetuya E ; Byambasuren S ; Ankhzaya B ; Ganbold L ; Manaljav Ts ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):212-216
Background:
Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare lung disorder characterized by the accumulation of surfactant within the alveoli, leading to impaired gas exchange and respiratory insufficiency. Although the disease is uncommon, it significantly affects patients’ quality of life and requires specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Whole lung lavage (WLL) is considered the standard treatment; however, it has not been widely implemented in Mongolia. We report the first successful case of WLL performed for PAP in Mongolia.
Case Presentation:
A 56-year-old male presented with dyspnea. Chest computed tomography demonstrated a bilateral “crazy paving” pattern. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was positive for periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining, and anti–GM-CSF antibodies were detected, confirming the diagnosis of PAP. WLL was performed under general anesthesia using a double-lumen endotracheal tube with bronchoscopic guidance. One lung was ventilated with 100% oxygen while the contralateral lung was sequentially lavaged with 800–1000 mL of warm (37°C) saline per cycle until the effluent became clear. A total of approximately 20 liters of saline was used.
Result:
The procedure was completed successfully without complications. Following treatment, the patient showed marked clinical improvement with reduced dyspnea and increased exercise tolerance. Oxygen saturation improved from 88% to 93%, and spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV₁) demonstrated improvement. Chest imaging revealed a reduction in pulmonary opacities.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates the successful implementation of whole lung lavage (WLL) in Mongolia and highlights its importance in improving the diagnostic and therapeutic capacity for rare pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. The procedure resulted in significant improvement in clinical, functional, and radiological parameters, consistent with findings from international studies. Early diagnosis of PAP and the adoption of standardized protocols in accordance with international guidelines are essential to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.
2.Co-occurrence of non-communicable disease risk factors among children and adolescents
Ariunzaya P ; Uuganbayar A ; Solongo P ; Anandashiri B ; Tuyajargal B ; Batkhuu B ; Tsolmontuya A ; Usukhbayar M ; Khangai E ; Ayurzana A ; Myagmartseren D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):242-246
Background:
Between 2017 and 2021, the prevalence of obesity among children aged 2-19 years reached 19.7%, affecting approximately 14.7 million children, with rates of 12.7% among those aged 2-5 years and 22.2% among those aged 6-11 years. Globally, dental caries is among the most common non-communicable diseases, often leading to pain, infection, tooth loss, and reduced quality of life. In Mongolia, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has increased markedly since 2010, beginning at an early age. In 2018, one in six children under five years and one in eight adolescents were overweight.
Aim:
This study aimed to assess selected non-communicable disease risk factors among children and adolescents.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, using Family Health Centers across all nine districts. A total of 622 children aged 6–17 years were included. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, and waist circumference) were obtained, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Oral health examinations were performed to determine the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Nutritional status was classified based on age and sex-specific growth charts into normal weight, overweight, and obesity categories.
Results:
Among the participants, 10.29% (n=64) were overweight and 9.97% (n=62) were obese. Overweight was more prevalent among girls, whereas obesity was relatively higher among boys (p<0.001). Regarding dental caries, 37.6% (n=234) of participants had no caries (DMFT=0), 48.1% (n=299) had mild caries (DMFT=1-2), and 14.3% had moderate to severe caries (DMFT≥3). The overall prevalence of dental caries was 62.38%, with significant variation by age group: highest in children aged 6-9 years (69.9%) and lowest in those aged 15-17 years (46.1%) (p<0.001). No statistically significant association was found between BMI categories and dental caries status. Although normal weight predominated in the DMFT=0 and DMFT=1-2 groups, logistic regression adjusted for age and sex showed no significant relationship between BMI and dental caries. However, children aged 6-9 years had a significantly higher likelihood of having dental caries compared to those aged 15-17 years (OR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.24-0.63, p<0.001).
Conclusions
1. Among the risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), overweight and obesity were highly prevalent among children, with one in every five children classified as overweight or obese. The prevalence among male children was approximately two times higher than that among female children (p<0.001). 2. The prevalence of dental caries among the study participants was 90.7%, with a mean caries intensity of 6.4, indicating high level of severity. Age-group analysis demonstrated that children aged 6–10 years exhibited the highest prevalence and severity of dental caries, with a prevalence of 93.5% and a mean caries intensity of 7.3.
3.Outcomes of Long-term Video EEG monitoring for epilepsy presurgical evaluation
Gansuvd O ; Battamir E ; Budlkham J ; Mendjargal N ; Solongo Ts ; Pagmadulam Ts ; Tovuudorj A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):16-20
Background:
One-third of people with epilepsy have drug-resistant epilepsy,
making surgical treatment necessary. Comprehensive pre-surgical evaluations,
including long-term video-electroencephalographic (VEEG) monitoring,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and neuropsychological testing, are essential
components of epilepsy presurgical evaluation. The Epilepsy Center
at the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital of MNUMS was established in September
2022 and introduced long-term video-EEG monitoring in May 2023. This
marked the first time in Mongolia that comprehensive evaluation for epilepsy
surgery became available.
Aim:
To evaluate the role and outcomes of long-term video-EEG monitoring in
the pre-surgical assessment of epilepsy patients
Materials and Methods:
A prospective cohort study was conducted at the
Epilepsy Center of the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital from May 2023 to March
2025. Patients who underwent VEEG and comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation
were included. Data included demographic information, seizure history, imaging
findings, and neurophysiological assessments (routine, sleep-deprived,
and long-term video EEG). Patients were divided into two groups based on
whether they met criteria for epilepsy surgery, and surgical outcomes were
compared between these groups.
Results:
A total of 297 patients (104 children and 193 adults) participated in
the study. Of these, 96 (32%) were diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy and
underwent pre-surgical evaluation. The mean age of this group was 33±9.2
years; male-to-female ratio was 1:1. Age of seizure onset was 20±10.9 years,
and the mean duration of epilepsy was 14.8±10.3 years. Etiologies included
meningitis (21.7%), febrile seizures (15.2%), birth complications (12.5%), and
traumatic brain injury (12.5%). The average duration of VEEG monitoring was
1.45±0.68 days, during which 161 seizures were recorded (average 2.64 per
patient). No seizures were captured in 35 patients.
Among the 96 patients, 29 met the criteria for surgical intervention, and
11 underwent temporal lobe epilepsy surgery. Surgical outcomes were significantly
better compared to the non-surgical group (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Long-term video-EEG monitoring plays a critical role in precisely
localizing the epileptogenic zone, identifying seizure types, establishing differential
diagnoses, and optimizing surgical candidacy. It is confirmed as an
essential diagnostic tool in the pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy surgery.
4.The significance of exhaled nitric oxide in the diagnosis of asthma
Densenbal D ; Solongo B ; Ankhbold G ; Amarsanaa O ; Battsengel Ts ; Zesemdorj O ; Janchivdorj Z ; Ankhil L ; Tseepil E ; Odonchimeg B ; Sarantuya J ; Ichinnorov D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):14-18
Background:
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by bronchoconstriction and breathing difficulties,
which can be triggered by both allergic and non-allergic mechanisms. In allergic asthma, a hyperreactivity reaction
occurs, leading to an increase in fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels. Therefore, FeNO is used to differentiate
allergic and non-allergic types of asthma. In recent years, studies have been conducted to assess FeNO as an indicator of
treatment effectiveness and symptom control. Our goal is to introduce FeNO measurement in Mongolia for the first time
and utilize it for asthma diagnosis and treatment outcome evaluation.
Aim:
Study of FeNO levels in Asthma Diagnosis in Relation to Laboratory Findings and Lung Function
Materials and Methods:
This study included a total of 70 adult patients (18 years and older) with asthma who visited the
Outpatient Clinic of Mongolia-Japan Hospital and Shargaljuut Spa Clinic from May to December 2024. Based on their
allergic history, total IgE levels, and peripheral blood eosinophil count, participants were classified into allergic (>5%)
and non-allergic (<5%) asthma. The study aimed to determine the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of FeNO levels.
Asthma control levels were assessed using the Asthma Control Test (ACT), lung function was evaluated using spirometry,
and exercise capacity was measured with the 6-minute walk test.
Results:
In a single measurement, there were no differences between the allergic and non-allergic groups in parameters
other than total IgE, peripheral blood eosinophil count, and FeNO levels. For diagnosing the allergic form of asthma, at
a FeNO level of 25 ppb, sensitivity (Se) was 0.68, specificity (Sp) was 0.30 (p=0.008); at 40 ppb, Se was 0.77, Sp was
0.31 (p=0.001); and at 50 ppb, Se was 0.74, Sp was 0.33 (p=0.001). Lung function and exercise capacity were similar in
both asthma groups.
Conclusion
The sensitivity of FeNO in distinguishing between allergic and non-allergic forms of asthma is 67-81%, and
its sensitivity tends to increase as the FeNO level rises. By distinguishing the allergic type in which inhaled corticosteroids
are more effective, the outcome of asthma treatment can be predicted in advance based on the FeNO level.
5.Short-term effects of hot spring therapy on asthma
Densenbal D ; Ichinnorov D ; Ankhbold G ; Amarsanaa O ; Battsengel Ts ; Zesemdorj O ; Janchivdorj Z ; Ankhil L ; Tseepil E ; Tumen-Ulzii G ; Еkaterina Faermark ; Odonchimeg B ; Solongo B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):19-23
Background:
Asthma management should be individualized, evidence-based, aimed at controlling clinical symptoms,
preventing severe exacerbations, and improving quality of life. Studies have shown that inhalation therapy with iodine-
bromide saltwater improves lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while radon-containing
mineral water inhalation reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in asthma. Several studies have analyzed the
composition of the Shargaljuut hot spring, with Oyuntsesteg et al. identifying high levels of Na+-HCO3
- and Na+-SO4.
Other studies on mineral water therapies have reported benefits such as thinning bronchial secretions, improving sputum
clearance, reducing inflammation and acidity, mitigating oxidative stress, and enhancing quality of life.
Aim:
To study the effectiveness of combined asthma treatment with inhaled corticosteroids and hot spring inhalation.
Materials and Methods:
The study included 67 participants diagnosed with asthma who consented to participate and
underwent 10 days of combined inhaled corticosteroid therapy and mineral water inhalation at Shargaljuut sanatorium. A
total of 57 participants completed the pre- and post-treatment assessments. Treatment result was assessed using Asthma
control questionnaire 7, asthma symptom control with Asthma Control Test (ACT), and exercise tolerance by a 6-minute
walk test. Chest X-rays were taken for all participants to rule out pneumonia, cancer, or pulmonary fibrosis. Treatment
outcomes were evaluated using ACT scores, peripheral blood eosinophil count, total IgE levels in serum, spirometry indices
(FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC), and the 6-minute walk distance.
Results:
The average age of participants was 52±12 years, with a predominance of females. The mean asthma control
score was 14.2±4.80, indicating poor asthma control. After 10 days of inhaling corticosteroids combined with hot spring
inhalation post-treatment quality of life increased by 0.5 points, FEV1 improved by 7.5%, FVC by 4.2%, peripheral
blood eosinophil count decreased by 0.3%, and total Ig E levels dropped from 73.3 (22.5; 216) to 73.2 (21.3; 223) u/ml
(p=0.000).
Conclusion
In cases of uncontrolled asthma remission, combining of inhaled corticosteroid therapy with hot spring
inhalation at Shargaljuut improved asthma symptoms, quality of life, enhanced lung function, and reduced inflammatory
markers (p<0.001).
6.Total phenolic content, antioxydant activity of thalictrum squarrosum steph.ex willd.
Tsend-Ayush B ; Solongo Ts ; Nomin M ; Pvrewdorj E ; Enkhjargal D ; Solongo A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):41-45
Background:
Since ancient times, humans have used medicinal plants for medicinal purposes, and they have been recognized as beneficial to health. The basis of the treatment of these plants is phytochemical substances and in modern times,
with the development of science and technology, the substances contained in these plants are extracted and medicinal
substances and drugs are produced to treat many diseases. There are more than 800 medicinal plants in Mongolia, and
their chemical structure and properties are studied in detail, biological activity and main features are discovered, and new
medicines are produced. From the Thalictrum squarrosum plant, 25 compounds have been identified, such as triterpenoids
with 17 carbon atoms in the cycloartane type ring, saponins, oleic acid glycosides, phytosterols and their glycosides etc.,
and the structures of 7 new compounds have been determined and the research on phenolic compounds and antioxidant
activity has been limited, which is the basis for this research.
Aim:
Determination of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of Thalictrum squarrosum.
Materials and Methods:
Total phenolic compounds were determined spectrophotometrically using Folin-Chicolte color
reagent in 1.0 raw material of the Thalictrum squarrosum. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, FRAB and
ABTS in sub-extracts of 4 groups.
Results:
The total phenolic compounds of Thalictrum squarrosum were determined to be 1.9±0.001%. In the study of
biological activity of Thalictrum squarrosum plants, the antioxidant activity of 4 groups of sub-extracts was tested by
DPPH method, and the IC50 of total alkaloids (pH 9-10) was 201.58±0.1 μg/ml, ethyl acetate sub-extract 94.34±0.66
μg/ml, aqueous extract 824.18±0.08 μg/ml, and butanol sub-extract 128.75±0.58 μg/ml. When tested by ABTS method,
the IC50 of total alkaloids (pH 9-10) was 35.83±0.44 μg/ml, ethyl acetate sub-extract 90.45±0.62 μg/ml, aqueous extract
104.19±0.93 μg/ml, dichloromethane sub-extract 156.44±0.48 μg/ml, and butanol sub-extract 170.03±0.61 μg/ml. When
tested for antioxidant activity at 800 μg/ml by the FRAB method, the ethyl acetate sub-extract was 8946.16±14.79 μg/ml,
the dichloromethane sub-extract was 1670.12±39.28 μg/ml, the butanol sub-extract was 4863.97±25.98 μg/ml, and the
total alkaloids (pH 9-10) were 4897.99±58.12 μg/ml.
Conclusion
The ethyl acetate extract of the plant Thalictrum squarrosum has been found to be highly antioxidant active
and total phenolic compound was 1.9±0.001%.
7.A study of the BALAD model to evaluate the prognosis of liver cancer
Odongoo J ; Solongo E ; Nurlan Kh ; Buyandelger B ; Otgonbyamba D ; Batnasan B ; Bayarmagnai L
Diagnosis 2023;106(3):118-127
Background and Aims:
The BALAD scores are developed to provide an objective determination of prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by incorporating five serum markers, namely albumin, bilirubin, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), agglutinin-reactive alpha fetoprotein (AFP-L3), and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin. We aim to study the applicability of BALAD score and prognostication of the three tumor markers, albumin and bilirubin.
Methods:
Patients who were served by clinical laboratory were prospectively enrolled. All the baseline characteristics and serum albumin and bilirubin level were documented at base line. The levels of the three tumor markers (AFP, AFP-L3, and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin) were determined in serum samples. assays of AFP, AFP-L3, and DCP were conducted in the same serum sample by using a microchip capillary electrophoresis and liquid phase binding assay on a μTAS Wako i30 analyzer (Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd, Osaka, Japan). To detect albumin and bilirubin amount were using the cobas 6000 analyzer series that is a fully automated, software-controlled system for immunoassay and photometric analysis intended for qualitative and quantitative in vitro determinations.
Results:
A total of 103 patients who were served by clinical laboratory were recruited. AFP, albumin, bilirubin, DCP and AFP-L3 levels were independent prognostic factors. When the study participants evaluated BALAD scores, 45.63% scored 0 points, 28.16% scored 1 point, 10.68% scored 2 points, 8.74% scored 3 points, 3.88% scored 4 points, 1.94% 5 points, and 0.97% 7 points.
Conclusion
BALAD score is applicable in the population of hepatitis B and C virus related HCC. When AFP L3% increases by one unit, BALAD scores are 0.04 times higher (P=0.0001) that is presenting statistically significance.
8.Online continuing medical education in Mongolia: needs assessment
Baljinnyam BAATARPUREV ; Basbish TSOGBADRAKH ; Solongo BANDI ; Gal-Erdene SAMDANKHUU ; Sumberzul NYAMJAV ; Oyungoo BADAMDORJ
Korean Journal of Medical Education 2022;34(3):191-200
Purpose:
Due to the shortage in the healthcare workforce, insufficient qualifications, a lack of infrastructure and limited resources in Mongolia, it is not always possible for healthcare workers in rural areas who wish to attend continuous training and retraining courses to do so. However, in order to provide high-quality care, the demand for distance learning and the upgrading of knowledge and practice of many medical topics (especially related to morbidity and mortality) are necessary for the rural population. This study aimed to assess the needs of e-learning medical education, of graduates in Mongolia.
Methods:
A cross-sectional research design was implemented. We collected data from 1,221 healthcare professionals (nursing professionals, physicians, midwives, and feldshers) who were randomly selected from 69 government hospitals in Mongolia. Data were collected using self-assessment questionnaires which captured the needs assessment in a survey for online continuous medical education in Mongolia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Kruskal-Wallis statistical test.
Results:
Ninety percent of the respondents reported that they plan on attending online continuous medical education with the most preferred specialty area being emergency medicine. Results using the Kruskal-Wallis statistical technique suggested the preferred specialty area, educational content, appropriate time schedule, available devices, and tools were statistically significant and were different between the nursing professionals, physicians, midwives, and feldshers (p<0.05).
Conclusion
Findings provide important evidence for the implementation of measures and strategies which can assist healthcare professionals in low and middle-income areas/countries to constructively address their need for enhanced knowledge and practice through distance learning.
9.Early detection of bronchial asthma in children and establishment of a national continuous monitoring system
Tsevegmid U ; Solongo O ; Naranmandakh J ; Undrakh A ; Oyunchimeg A ; Nasantogtokh E
Mongolian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics 2021;29(1):2114-2120
Early detection of bronchial asthma in children and establishment of a national continuous monitoring system
Introduction: Bronchial asthma - a chronic inflammatory disease with recurrent allergic reactions characterized by increased sensitivity of the bronchi to various factors, swelling of the bronchial mucosa, excessive mucus secretion, and narrowing of the airways due to severe muscle contraction. Early detection of bronchial asthma in childhood, its prevalence, and the establishment of a continuous monitoring system to assess the effectiveness of follow-up treatment
Materials and methods: It is mild in children, but is ready to be severe. If left untreated for a long time, the structure of the bronchi changes irreversibly and becomes ineffective. There are cases of death due to risk factors for irritability and asthma. In the first objective of the study, the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (NCMCH) Children's Counseling Polyclinic, Respiratory Pathology Department, and the Children's Department of the General Hospital of 21 aimags and 9 districts were used to determine the prevalence of Acute respiratory infections, implemented outpatient (2019-2021). Within the scope of objectives 2 and 3 of the study, a self-controlled case-control study model was used to assess the diagnosis of asthma in the case group based on the GINA-2018 guideline evaluation and clinical and laboratory tests based on the GINA protocol treatment. The parameters were taken, the pre-treatment parameters were recorded and compared in the control group, and the results were calculated.
Results: When the prevalence was determined by the Acute respiratory infections level, there were 11 cases per 1,000 children. 80.8% of cases of asthma were caused by asthma 1-5 times a year, and the majority or 96.5% were aged 0-9 years. Allergies include plant (42.9%), food (25.4%), and pet (14.3%) allergies under the age of 4, all types of allergies between the ages of 5-14, and plant allergies 15-19 years, (9%), food (21.4%), pet (14.3%), environmental moisture and mold allergies (14.3%). Among the 89 children treated according to GINA guidelines, 64.0% used spices or allergenic foods, 13.5% used antibiotics, 6.7% used paracetamol, and 13.5% used other drugs. Children with asthma were assessed according to GINA guidelines and monitored and treated for 1 year (0.0001), the number of cases of asthma (p = 0.035) and the number of people receiving emergency care (p = 0.042) decreased statistically. There was a statistically significant difference of 2%, nocturnal cough decreased by 15.2%, and whooping cough decreased by 1.4%.
Conclusions: The prevalence of asthma was 11 cases per 1,000 children. The main causes of allergies are plants, food and pets. The number of coughs, hospitalizations and emergency room visits decreased with GINA treatment.
10.THE STUDY OF FEMALE INFERTILITY WITH ANTI-TPO AND ANTI-TG AUTOIMMUNE DEFICIENCY IN THYROID GLAND
Tuvshibayar N ; Solongo M ; Ariunaa E ; Davaakhuu S ; Khishigjargal U ; Dulguun Kh ; Munkhzol M ; Odkhuu E
Innovation 2018;12(1):35-39
BACKGROUND: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 10-15% of couples of reproductive age have infertility. According to researcher D. Sukhe (1999), hormonal infertility in the reproductive age of women was 33.6%, which was a large part of the cause of infertility. In recent years, the number of cases of endocrine disorders, including malignancy and sexually transmitted infections, has been increasing year by year. According to WHO reports, thyroid disorders have a prevalence of 49.3% for active reproductive age (30-50). According to the report of the Health Development Center in 2016, since the thyroid disorders are the second most common disease in endocrine gland disease, our study found that the infertility in reproductive age of women can be substantial due to the loss of thyroid gland.
METHODS: The study was carried out by the couple of 20-45 year-olds and modeled as an analytical study model. The questionnaire was used for the couple’s interviews and some of the measurement of body and serum use of TOSOH Corporation AIA-360, Tokyo, Japan. On the serum, anti-TPO and аnti-TG carbohydrates are identified by the Cobas e-411 analyzer under the manufacturer’s accompanying protocol.
RESULTS: 76.7% of women were diagnosed with infertility euthyroid, 0.7% hyperthyroidism, 22.6% hypothyroidism (3.8% with overt hypothyroidism and 18.8% subclinical hypothyroidism). Prevalence of TAI, in 6.7% isolated positive anti-Tg were found, and 14.3% had isolated positive TPO, In 3.7% of cases, both types of autoantibodies were present.
We analysed binary logistic regression for anti-TPO and anti-TG autoantibody in the positive and negative group in past obstetrics history, evidence of positive of anti-TPO and anti-Tg was increased risk of miscarriage 2.2 times (OR = 2.2, p <0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Women with disorders in our study have high percentage of subclinical hypothyroidism and have higher rate of thyroid autobodies in serum which may be a problem for women with infertility and pregnancy complications due to the loss of thyroid gland. There is a need to develop a principle of recovery and treatment.

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