1.Review on relationship between migraine and stroke
Delgermaa Ts ; Burmaajav B ; Tsagaankhuu G
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2026;215(1):140-158
Background:
Recent meta-analyses have consistently demonstrated a relationship between migraine and
stroke, which is well-defined for ischemic stroke and migraine with aura, is even stronger
in females on oral contraceptives or smokers. However, there seems to be no clear-cut
association between stroke in migraineurs and the common vascular risk factors, at least
in the young adult population. Migraineurs also run an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke,
while the association between migraine and cardiovascular disease remain poorly defined.
Objective:
The aim was to conduct a systematic review of published sources on the relationships
between migraine and stroke in young people.
Methods:
The research sources were searched using keywords such as “Migraine”, “Headache”,
“Migraine-infarct”, “Vascular risk factors”, “Silent stroke”, “Leukoaraiosis”, “Patent foramen
ovale”, “Dissection”, “hereditary vascular disease” from the works published in international
platforms such as Cochrane Library, Datebase, Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web
of Science, and relevant information and data were selected from the collected sources and
a review article was developed.
Results:
It has been demonstrated that there is an increased frequency of ischemic lesions in the
white matter of migraineurs, especially silent infarcts in the anterior and posterior circulation
territories in patients with at least 10 attacks per month. Although there is a higher prevalence
of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in migraineurs, the relationship between migraine and PFO
remains controversial and PFO closure is not a recommended procedure to prevent migraine.
As an increased frequency of cervical artery dissections has been observed in migrainous
patients, it has been hypothesized that migraine may represent a predisposing factor for
cervical artery dissection.
Conclusion
Based on the research evidence, there is a clear relationship between
symptomatic migraine (with aura) and silent brain infarction, so early detection and treatment
of vascular risk factors are necessary in migraine patients.
2.Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of cerebral watershed infarction
Sumiyasuren Ch ; ; Munkhbaatar D ; Tsagaankhuu G ; Delgermaa Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):127-132
Background:
Watershed infarction is a distinct subtype of ischemic stroke occurring in the border zones between the terminal vascular territories of major cerebral arteries.
Aim:
To investigate the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of watershed infarction.
Materials and Methods:
This hospital-based prospective cohort study included 200 patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Stroke Unit of the Third State Central Hospital between July 2025 and July 2026. Patients were classified into WI (n=53) and non-watershed infarction (NWI, n=147) groups based on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and cerebral arterial territories. WI was further classified into cortical, internal, and combined subtypes, and their anatomical and morphological features were evaluated on DWI. Stroke etiology was classified using the TOAST criteria and neurological severity using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Statistical analyses were performed using Stata 14.2 (p<0.05).
Result:
Of 200 patients, 53 (26.5%) had WI and 147 (73.5%) had NWI. Mean NIHSS scores were lower in the WI than NWI group at admission (4.75±3.32 vs 9.71±5.08) and discharge (2.53±2.73 vs 6.90±4.93; both p<0.001). Among patients with WI, 40 (75.5%) had cortical, 7 (13.2%) internal, and 6 (11.3%) combined WI. Mean NIHSS scores for cortical, internal, and combined WI were 3.30±1.92, 10.14±2.34, and 8.17±2.79 at admission and 1.33±1.14, 7.43±2.57, and 4.83±2.79 at discharge, respectively (both p<0.001). On DWI, the MCA–PCA watershed territory was the most frequent location of cortical WI (47.5%), and 77.5% had a wedge-shaped component. Confluent distribution was observed in 57.1% of internal WI, while cigar-shaped morphology was present in 61.5% of cases with an internal watershed component. Etiology differed among WI subtypes (p=0.030), with all internal WI cases attributed to large-artery atherosclerosis.
Conclusion
Watershed infarction subtypes differed in clinical severity and etiological distribution, while MRI demonstrated distinct anatomical, distributional, and morphological characteristics of cortical and internal watershed infarctions.
3.Effect of adipose-derived stem cell therapy on Cisplatin-Induced primary ovarian insufficiency in mice
Bayarmanlai B ; Delgermaa B ; Serjnyam S ; Khongorzul B ; Anujin Ts ; Chimgee Ts ; Munkhtsetseg D ; Tungalagsuvd A
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):189-193
Background:
Cisplatin is a widely used platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, but its gonadotoxic effects can damage ovarian tissue, oocytes, and developing follicles and may lead to primary ovarian insufficiency (POI). Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are being investigated as a potential regenerative treatment because of their paracrine, anti-apoptotic, and tissue-repair effects.
Aim:
To evaluate the effect of ADSC therapy on estrous cyclicity, body weight, and ovarian follicular morphology in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced POI.
Materials and Methods:
Thirty 6-week-old female BALB/c mice were included. Six mice received saline as controls, while 24 mice received cisplatin 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally once daily for 10 days to induce POI. After POI induction, cisplatin-exposed animals were continued as an untreated POI group (n=15) or an ADSC-treatment group (n=9). The ADSC group received 1×10⁶ cells suspended in 0.2 mL medium via the tail vein. Body weight and vaginal cytology were monitored daily, and estrous stages were classified as proestrus, estrus, metestrus, and diestrus. Ovaries were collected for histologic evaluation at the end of the study.
Result:
After cisplatin exposure, mean estrous cycle length increased from 3.97 days in controls to 6.4 days in the POI group (p<0.05). During the post-treatment evaluation, mean cycle length was 5.65 days in untreated POI mice (n=4) and 4.5 days in ADSC-treated mice (n=7), representing a statistically significant improvement after ADSC therapy (p=0.013). Cisplatin caused significant body-weight loss, reaching a mean of 18.0 g on day 6 after completion of cisplatin administration (p<0.01). Histologically, untreated POI ovaries showed follicular atrophy and prominent degenerative changes, whereas ADSC-treated ovaries showed more morphologically preserved primary, secondary, and antral follicles and relatively fewer degenerative changes. Exploratory manual counting in three representative whole-ovary sections per group showed total intact/growing follicle counts of 15.00±2.65 in controls, 6.00±2.00 in POI, and 8.67±2.89 in ADSC-treated ovaries.
Conclusion
ADSC treatment was associated with partial restoration of estrous cyclicity and ovarian follicular development in a cisplatin-induced POI mouse model. These findings support further investigation of ADSC-based regenerative therapy for chemotherapy-associated ovarian injury.
4.A systematic review: epidemiology, etiology and risk factors of stroke in young adults
Delgermaa Ts ; Juramt B ; Tsagaankhuu А
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):6-14
Background:
The annual incidence of stroke in different regions of the world ranges from 100 to 336 per 100,000 pop
ulation, and mortality ranges from 36 to 136, and in Mongolia there are 220 new cases of stroke per 100,000 people and 113 deaths annually, making it one of the countries with the high stroke incidence rate.
Aim:
To conduct a systematic review of published sources on the epidemiology, causes, and risk factors of ischemic stroke in young people.
Materials and Methods:
The research sources were searched using keywords such as “Stroke”, “Definition”, “Epidemi
ology”, “Etiology”, “Risk factors”, “Young Adult”, “Ischemia”, “Hemorrhage”, “Silent stroke” from the works published in international platforms such as Cochrane Library, Datebase, Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, and relevant information and data were selected from the collected sources and a review article was developed.
Results:
According to the WHO MONICA project report, stroke incidence was reported in 16 countries, with 101–285 men and 47–198 women per 100,000 people aged 35–64 years, while in the United States it was 113.8 per 100,000 people under 55 years, of which 73.1 were cerebral infarctions per 100,000 people, and more than 10 percent were under 55 years. A recent study in Mongolia found that 21–26% of stroke patients were young people (20-50 year old), compared with 10–13% in Western countries. Among the traditional causes and risk factors for stroke in young people, arterial
hypertension accounts for 45-60%, smoking 40-60%, alcoholism 40-50%, heart disease 18-30%, dyslipidemia 30%, diabetes 13%, obesity 7-36%; among the specific risk factors, migraine accounts for 10-35%, taking hormonal contraceptives 10-22%, vasculitis 6-10%, blood clotting disorders 2-10%, vascular dissection 6-40%. According to the TOAST
classification, large vessel disease accounts for 16-17%, small vessel occlusion 14-15%, cardiac embolism 19-20%, other
determined etiologies 22-23% and undetermined 26-27%.
Conclusion
Epidemiological indicators of stroke vary significantly depending on the level of development of the country, geographical characteristics of the region, lifestyle, age, and gender (stroke incidence rate range: 100–336 per 100,000 population; mortality: 36–136 per 100,000 population). Mongolia is among the countries with high rates of stroke incidence and mortality (incidence rate 220 per 100 000, mortality 113 per 100 000 population). While stroke among
young people accounts for 10–13% of all cases in Western countries, this figure reaches 21–26% in Mongolia, which is
explained by a combination of traditional and specific risk factors. As stroke is becoming more common among younger
populations, it is essential to study its causes and risk factors in detail and to intensify efforts in diagnosis, treatment, and
prevention.
5.Outcomes of measures to prevent dose selection errors (2023-2024)
Nomin-Erdene Ts ; Tserennyam D ; Delgermaa Ts ; Orgilmaa Ts ; Mungunchimeg M ; Khulan M ; Khulan A ; Nina M ; Erdenetuya M
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):154-160
Background:
A drug related problem is defined by the Pharmaceutical Care
Network Europe Association as an an event or circumstance involving drug
therapy that actually or potentially interferes with desired health outcomes.
One critical aspect of preventing such errors is proper dose adjustment, which
plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. For instance, adjusting
the dose of warfarin based on the patient’s INR level is essential. In
a 1995 study conducted in England, clinical pharmacists recommended target
doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for patients with
chronic heart failure. As a result, patients experienced a significant reduction
in pulmonary and peripheral edema, along with improved exercise test outcomes.
At the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital of the Mongolian Medical University
of Science and Technology, it is important to analyze dosage-related
issues identified by clinical pharmacists and inform healthcare professionals
about common dosage selection errors and associated risks.
Aim:
We analyzed issues related to medication dosage.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted to examine
problem related to dosage detected through prescription monitoring at the
Mongolian Japanese Hospital of the Mongolian National University of Health
Sciences from 2023 to 2024.
Results:
Out of a total of 2340 drug-related problem identified across five
inpatient wards during this period, 581 (100%) were related to dosage. Clinical
pharmacists performed prescription review on approximately 67% of all
inpatients, which was consistent between years. However, medication-related
problems tended to decrease from 41.1% (n=1499) in 2023 to 22.3% (n=841)
in 2024 (p=0.05). The majority of dose-related problems, 75.6% (n=440), were
overdoses. Medication-related problems were most common in the surgical
department, with 59.5% (n=346) (p=0.001). The most frequent dosage-related
errors involved exceeding the daily dose of diclofenac, administering higher-
than-recommended doses of ceftriaxone, failing to adjust cefotaxime for
renal function, and using inappropriate doses of metronidazole in patients with
impaired liver function. The leading cause of these errors was failure to adhere
to guideline-recommended dosing, which accounted for 71.3% (n=415)
of cases (p=0.001). When dosage-related recommendations were provided to
physicians before of treatment, acceptance rates increased by 14% (p=0.001).
These interventions resulted in an estimated cost saving of 1.267.219₮ and a
reduction of 363 injections.
Conclusion
Therefore, clinical pharmacist-led prescription review can help
reduce the risk of dosage errors, lower associated healthcare costs, and alleviate
the burden on medical staff.
6.Management and monitoring of hypokalemia occurring during certain diseases
Temuulen Ts ; Maral B ; Baasanjargal B ; Agidulam Z ; Burenbayar Ch ; Ankhbayar D ; Tsogdulam S ; Amardulguun S ; Otgon-Erdene M ; Anujin G ; Khongorzul U1 ; Delgermaa Sh ; Odgerel Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;86(2):51-54
Background:
Hypokalemia is considered when the serum potassium level is less than 3.5 mmol/L. Clinical research indicates
that hypokalemia affects 20% of hospitalized patients, and in 24% of these cases, inadequate interventions result
in life-threatening complications. At present, there is no research available on the prevalence, management, and outcomes
of hypokalemia in hospitalized patients, which justifies the need for this study.
Aim:
The study aimed to examine the prevalence of hypokalemia and the effectiveness of its management in hospitalized
patients within the internal medicine department, in relation to the knowledge of doctors and resident physicians.
Materials and Methods:
This hospital-based retrospective study included a total of 553 cases of patients hospitalized in
the Internal Medicine Department of the Mongolia Japan Hospital between January 2024 and August 2024. Patients with
a potassium level of <3.5 mmol/L were diagnosed with hypokalemia, and the effectiveness of potassium replacement
therapy was evaluated according to the method of supplementation employed.
Results:
The prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal Medicine Department was 9.8%
(54 cases). Based on the study criteria, 42 cases of hypokalemia were selected for further analysis, and a total of 118 potassium
replacements were performed through oral, intravenous, and mixed methods. Following potassium replacement
therapy, 37.3% (44) of patients achieved normalized potassium levels, while 62.7% (74) still had persistent hypokalemia.
Conclusion
According to the study results, the prevalence of hypokalemia among hospitalized patients in the Internal
Medicine Department is 9.8%. The method of potassium replacement and the severity of hypokalemia do not impact the
normalization of potassium levels, with the critical factor being the proper dosage of supplementation. The knowledge
of doctors and resident physicians regarding hypokalemia is insufficient, and there is a need to implement guidelines and
protocols for potassium replacement therapy in daily clinical practice.
7.Analysis of various risk factors associated with poor sleep quality
Purevdulam B ; Khishigsuren Z ; Tovuudorj A ; Tsagaankhuu G ; Delgermaa Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):207-213
Background:
Sleep quality is frequently highlighted in the literature as a key factor for overall health. Poor sleep quality
significantly affects both physical and mental health, diminishing quality of life and potentially harming personal finances. While this issue is influenced by various risk factors, no well-studied research has been conducted on it in Mongolia.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of poor sleep quality among visitors to the Sleep center in Mongolia and to identify the factors associated with poor sleep quality.
Materials and Methods:
This study, conducted using a cross-sectional design, included 200 participants aged 18 to 65
years who visited the Sleep Center at the General Hospital for State Special Servants between January and May 2024.
Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Sleep quality was assessed using the Mongolian version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, with a global score above 6 indicating poor sleep. Participants were divided into two groups:
“Good sleepers” (n=105) and “Poor sleepers” (n=95). Socio-demographic and clinical variables such as age, sex, levels
of education were also recorded. The level of depression, anxiety, and stress was assessed using the DASS 21 (Depression
Anxiety Stress Scale) criteria. Univariate analysis was performed using the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test for continuous
data, the Х2 or Fishers’s exact test for categorical data, and logistic regression for multivariable analysis. A P-value of less
than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant.
Results:
Poor sleep quality, indicated by a PSQI global score above 6, was observed in 52.5% of the total participants.
Univariate analtysis’s test results showed that age, being female, having depression, anxiety, BMI ≥ 25, alcoholism,
comorbidities, and using concomitant medications were significantly associated with poor sleep quality (all p<0.05). In
the multivariate logistic regression analysis, 50 < age (OR 3.133, 95% CI, 1.245-7.884, p<0.05), BMI ≥ 25 (OR 2.084,
1.039-4.179, p<0.05), alcoholism (OR 3.018, 95% CI, 1.495-6.093, p<0.01) and depression (OR 15.957, 95% CI, 1.592-159.922, p<0.05) were identified as significant risk factors for poor sleep quality. Depression and alcoholism were associated with longer sleep latency and decreased daytime activity (p<0.05).
Conclusions
1. In our study, more than half of the participants experienced poor sleep quality.
2. Age over fifty, depression, BMI ≥ 25, and alcoholism emerged as independent significant risk factors for sleep disturbance. Alterations in sleep latency, sleep disruption, and impaired daytime functioning may be associated with
poor sleep quality.
8.The study results of the self-esteem of an adolescent students using the Rosenberg’s method
Delgermaa E ; Sarantuyaa D ; Byambajargal D ; Shinedolgor Ts
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2025;214(4):47-53
Background:
According to global estimates, one in seven adolescents aged 10–19 (14%) experiences
mental health issues, most of which remain undiagnosed and untreated. Self-esteem is
closely associated with adolescent mental health, affecting their academic performance,
relationships, and emotional well-being.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the self-esteem levels of middle school students using Rosenberg's
Self-Esteem scale (RSES).
Material and Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 154 students from grades 6 to 9 in a general
education school in Ulaanbaatar. The Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem scale which has a standard
mean score of approximately 22, was used for assessment. Scores below ≤14 indicate low
self-esteem, scores between 15–25 indicate average self-esteem, scores under ≥26 indicate
high self-esteem. The Ethics committee of the University of Sociology and Psychology
approved this study. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS-23, applying
frequencies, descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, one-sample T-tests to compare the mean
score with the standard value, one-way ANOVA to examine differences between groups, and
correlation analysis. Statistical significance was considered at p≤0.05.
Results:
The students mean self-esteem score was 17.8 (SD±4.42), significantly lower than the
standard score of 22 (p<0.001), supporting our hypothesis. Statistically significant differences
in self-esteem were found between grades 6, 8, and 9 (p<0.05), while no significant differences
were observed by gender or age (p>0.05). Among the participants, 24.7% (n=38) had low
self-esteem (score ≤14), 72.1% (n=111) had average self-esteem (scores 15–25), and only
3.2% (n=5) demonstrated high self-esteem (score ≥26).
Conclusion
The self-esteem of middle school students was significantly lower than the standard average. Nearly one in four students demonstrated low self-esteem, suggesting the need for early
interventions to support the mental well-being of adolescents.
9.Frequency of cerebral infarction and intra- and extracranial artery stenosis in Mongolian young adults
Delgermaa Ts ; Baigalmaa G ; Tsagaankhuu G
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;195(1):5-17
Background:
The frequency of cerebral infarction and stenosis of intra- and extracranial arteries may be vary with
age-group and gender.
Objective:
This study was conducted to clarify the risk factors and characteristics of cerebral infarction and
stenosis of vessels in Mongolian young adults.
Methods:
This was a prospective study, from October 2015 to July 2020, of 100 patients below 50 years
diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction. Patient characteristics were compared according to sex
(61 males and 39 females) and age group (29 patients were below 34 years and 71 patients were
35–49 years). Characteristics of acute cerebral infarction were studied by DWI-diffusion weighted
MRI imaging. Stenosis of intra- and extracranial arteries was diagnosed by duplex sonography, head
and cervical magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).
Results:
Leading causes for cerebral infarction in the young patients were hypertension (71%), smoking
(57%), dyslipidemia (45%), diabetes (33%), and migraine with aura (25%). Lacunar Infarction was
most common in our patients (33%). Partial anterior circulation infarction was predominant in males
(45.9% vs 38.5%; P<0.05) and posterior circulation infarction in females (23.1% vs 11.5 %; P<0.05).
Small artery atherosclerosis was found in 33% cases, with higher prevalence in patients of the 35–49
years age-group. Intracranial stenosis was more common than extracranial stenosis, and middle
cerebral artery stenosis was most prevalent (38.9%). Stenosis in the anterior circulation was more
frequent than in the posterior circulation (P<0.001).
Conclusions
In these young patients, hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and migraine with aura were
common risk factors. Intracranial stenosis was most common, particularly in the middle cerebral
artery.
10.The result of a study of prevalence, type and degrees Of hearing impairment in newborns and infants
Saruul Ch ; Zolzaya Ts ; Ariuntuya D ; Delgermaa B ; Bayalag B
Mongolian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Pediatrics 2021;30(2):2191-2198
The result of a study of prevalence, type and degrees Of hearing impairment in newborns and infants
Introduction: Significant bilateral hearing loss is the most common congenital disorder of the newborn, occurring 2-3 times per 1000 live infants. In December 2012, for the first time in Mongolia, neonatal hearing screening was introduced at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health. We aimed at investigated the outcomes of neonatal hearing screening and diagnostics of type and degree of hearing loss in neonates and infants.
Materials and methods: During the study period, 2019-2020, a total of 70,614 infants born in Urguu, Khuree, Amgalan maternity hospitals, Baganuur district health center, Intermed hospital, and the National Center for Maternal and Child Health were included in the prospective cohort study. The study was performed in three phases, following the clinical guidelines for neonatal hearing screening.
Results from the well-baby newborn hearing screening program and diagnostic follow-up of referred children from 2019 to 2021 were included in calculating prevalence rates. Hearing loss was classified according to the degree and type.
Results: A total of 94.1% of 70,614 children eligible for screening were included. A prevalence rate of bilateral hearing loss 2.23 per 1000 children was found. A prevalence rate of bilateral severe and profound hearing loss 1 per 1000 children was found. The mild sensorineural hearing loss 28 (26.0%) was most common in children, followed by moderate 19 (17,6%), severe 21 (19.4%), profound 19 (17.6%) and deaf 21 (19.4%).
Conclusions: The coverage of hearing screening in maternity hospitals in Ulaanbaatar is relatively good (94.1%), but there is a repeat screening (62.1%) and follow-up and diagnostic tests (49.9%). shows that the system needs to be improved. Because of the well-by hearing screening program, reported results approximate prevalence rates of permanent hearing loss by severity.
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail