OBJECTIVES

A growing body of evidence points to a positive association between periodontitis and
various systemic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis. However,
there is limited data on the prevalence and odds of having systemic conditions among Filipino periodontal patients.
Thus, this study aimed to determine the association of periodontal disease with systemic conditions among Filipino
patients at a university dental clinic.

METHODS

The periodontal and medical charts of all patients who underwent periodontal consult at a university
dental clinic within two academic years were reviewed. Periodontal diagnoses which had originally been assigned
using the 1999 classification of periodontal diseases were reclassified based on the 2018 European Federation
of Periodontology-American Academy of Periodontology classification. Listed medical conditions in the patients’
charts were self-reported. The prevalence of various systemic conditions in 715 periodontitis cases was compared
to that of 834 control patients without periodontitis. Fisher’s exact test was performed to evaluate the difference
in the prevalence of comorbidities between groups, while adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were computed using logistic
regression analysis, accounting for age, sex, educational attainment, and smoking status.

RESULTS

The prevalence of having at least one systemic condition was significantly higher among periodontitis patients
(44.5%) compared to non-periodontitis patients (36.3%). Compared to controls, a significantly higher number of
periodontitis cases had two systemic comorbidities (P=0.001). The prevalence of hypertension (18.6% versus 5.04%),
CVD including hypertension (20.42% versus 6.95%), arthritis (9.37% versus 3.0%), and diabetes mellitus (5.73% versus
0.84%) were all significantly higher in patients with periodontitis compared to non-periodontitis controls.
The odds of having CVD (AOR=1.81), hypertension (AOR=2.14) and diabetes (AOR=3.05) were higher in periodontitis cases. Meanwhile, the prevalence of asthma (9.23% versus 5.31%), respiratory diseases including asthma (12.95% versus 8.25%), and allergies (18.82% versus 13.71%) were significantly higher in non- periodontitis patients compared to periodontitis cases.

CONCLUSION

Periodontitis patients were more likely to present with CVD, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, no association was found between periodontitis and respiratory diseases, as well as between periodontitis and asthma.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Regression (psychology) ; Respiratory Tract Diseases ; Regression Analysis ; Periodontal Diseases ; Cardiovascular Diseases

OBJECTIVES

his quantitative cross-sectional study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices
regarding COVID-19 vaccination of unvaccinated adult patients admitted at Region II Trauma and Medical Center
(R2TMC). This may help determine the knowledge gap regarding COVID-19 vaccination, address it, and to achieve
the goal to vaccinate all eligible Filipinos. Furthermore, this may also be a springboard for future researches and
management regarding novel infections needing new vaccinations.

METHODS

Collected data from the sample size of 197 using the formula for finite population with 95% confidence
level, population proportion of 50%, population size of 400, allowing 5% margin of error were summarized in a
Microsoft excel database and tables, then were analyzed using Jamovi version 2.6.22 software. Frequency, mean,
and standard deviation were calculated to measure the knowledge, attitude, and practices; Pearson correlation and
Kendall’s Tau b correlation for its relationship.

RESULTS

There is moderate level of knowledge (MS: 9.80-11.8), a positive attitude (MR: 2.35-2.60), and good preventive
practices (MS: 12.00-13.00) regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccination among the unvaccinated adult in-patients
of R2TMC post-pandemic. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices statistically differed (pCONCLUSION

There is a significant correlation among the knowledge of the respondents about COVID-19 vaccination,
their attitude towards it, and their practices, implying that promoting preventive behaviors toward COVID-19 would
require promoting both knowledge and efficacy beliefs among the public.

Human ; Bacteria ; Male ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Wounds And Injuries ; Population Density ; Cross-sectional Studies ; Forecasting ; Sars-cov-2 ; Sars Virus ; Covid-19

BACKGROUND

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is endemic in the Philippines and is underreported. Of the reported cases, the most common comorbidity is diabetes mellitus. The increasing cases of antibiotic resistance and the relatively high mortality rate highlights the need for increased awareness among clinicians regarding this disease. We aim to report a case of Burkholderia pseudomallei resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), used in its eradication following initial intravenous therapy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 51-year-old male Filipino with poor health-seeking behavior came with generalized body weakness, weight loss, dysarthria, fever, cough, difficulty breathing, bloatedness, dysuria, joint pains, and bilateral lower extremity hyperpigmented macules for four months. He has diabetes mellitus and hypertension and is a mechanic by trade. Initial workups revealed hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 14.7%, and urinalysis with bacteriuria. Imaging revealed bilateral pneumonia on chest xray, hepatosplenomegaly on whole abdomen ultrasound, and old cerebral infarcts on cranial computed tomography scan (CT scan). Empiric antibiotics for the impression of sepsis from community-acquired pneumonia and urinary tract infection were ertapenem and azithromycin. Upon isolation of Burkholderia pseudomallei from blood cultures, the team shifted to TMP-SMX and ceftazidime for initial therapy of melioidosis. Sensitivity showed resistance to TMP-SMX; hence the team revised the antimicrobials to four weeks of levofloxacin and ceftazidime. After eleven hospital days, the team sent the patient home, clinically improved. The team continued levofloxacin for eradication therapy for three months and the patient responded well.

CONCLUSION

Fever with multi-system involvement in a Filipino patient with diabetes mellitus with significant environmental risk factors, poor glycemic control, splenomegaly, and treatment failure with appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy should raise suspicion for melioidosis. It is paramount that antimicrobial resistance be detected and documented upon isolation of Burkholderia pseudomallei, given the high relapse rates and the need for a prolonged duration of treatment.

Human ; Male ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Melioidosis ; Philippines ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Burkholderia Pseudomallei

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is notorious for its propensity to metastasize even after a prolonged period of remission following nephrectomy. The metastatic spread can occur months or even years after initial treatment, which necessitates a heightened level of clinical awareness and vigilance in patients with a history of renal malignancy, particularly who present with new or unexplained nasal symptoms. Although RCC most commonly metastasize to the lungs, bones and liver, its involvement in the nasal cavity is exceedingly rare, posing significant diagnostic challenges due to the non-specific nature of symptoms. We describe a case of metastatic renal cell clear cell carcinoma presenting with recurrent epistaxis and unilateral nasal obstruction. Immunohistochemistry studies play a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis and ruling out potential differential diagnoses, along with a comprehensive clinical history of the patient.

Human ; Male ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; Metastasis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Nasal Cavity ; Epistaxis

Amyand’s hernia is a hernia where the appendix is within the inguinal hernial sac. It is often diagnosed by chance due its indeterminate clinical presentation. This case reports a 50-year-old Filipino male who presented with direct and rebound tenderness on the lower abdomen in the presence of a right inguinal bulge. CT scan showed an appendix coursing inferiorly into the pelvis, herniating through a 2 cm defect of the anterior abdominal muscle into the right inguinal region along with mesenteric fat. Laparoscopy confirmed acute appendicitis within an inguinal hernia (Amyand’s hernia Type 2). Diagnostic laparoscopy, appendectomy and primary repair of the right inguinal ring were performed. The patient had an unremarkable post-operative course and was discharged after 2 days. He was advised to undergo IPOM to prevent hernia recurrence. Laparoscopic management can be a safe option for cases of Amyand’s hernia.

Human ; Male ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Appendix ; Appendicitis ; Surgical Mesh

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of parotid cholesteatoma and concurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone in a 51-year-old woman.

METHODS

Design: Case Report

Setting: Tertiary Government Training Hospital

Patient: One

RESULTS

A 51-year-old woman with a left parotid mass and ipsilateral external auditory canal mass and chronic bilateral otorrhea had parotid biopsy histological features of cholesteatoma and temporal bone imaging suggestive of middle ear cholesteatoma and possible parotid region abscess. She underwent subtotal petrosectomy, mastoid obliteration and excision of the parotid mass. Histopathological examination of the parotid mass was consistent with cholesteatoma but tissue from the middle ear cavity showed well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

While cholesteatomas typically arise within the temporal bone, they may occasionally present in atypical or distant sites. In cases where a cholesteatoma demonstrates an unusual location, aggressive behavior, or atypical clinical progression, a high index of suspicion should be maintained for the possibility of an underlying or coexisting temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma.

Human ; Female ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Parotid Diseases ; Cholesteatoma ; Ear Neoplasms ; Cancer Of Ear ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Squamous Cell Carcinoma Of Head And Neck

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of a giant pleomorphic adenoma in a 64-year-old Filipino woman, its management and surgical outcome.

METHODS

Design:Case Report

Setting:Tertiary Government Training Hospital

Patient: One

RESULTS

A 64-year-old woman presented with a 50-year history of a slow growing, painless, left infra-auricular mass, not associated with facial weakness, xerostomia, or hearing loss. Computed tomography revealed a 14 x 15 x 19 cm large lobulated complex enhancing mass with calcifications and septations, with no enlarged lymph nodes identified in the neck. Fine needle aspiration cytomorphology was consistent with pleomorphic adenoma. The patient underwent superficial parotidectomy with facial nerve preservation. The facial nerve was identified using standard landmarks. Final histopathological findings were consistent with pleomorphic adenoma measuring 23.5 cm x 11.5 cm x 15 cm and weighing 2177 grams

CONCLUSION

Pleomorphic adenoma can grow to a gigantic size if left untreated. It often presents as a chronic, slow growing and painless swelling. The approach to its diagnosis is mainly clinical and can be confirmed by fine needle aspiration biopsy and computed tomography scan. In our case, the standard landmarks for facial nerve identification were still reliable despite the size of the mass, producing good post-surgical outcomes.

Human ; Female ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Adenoma ; Lymph ; Needles ; Diagnosis ; Xerostomia ; Hearing Loss ; Neck ; Research Report ; Tomography ; Facial Nerve

OBJECTIVES

To present a case of a 59-year-old male with bilateral symmetrical lipomatosis consistent with Madelung disease.

METHODS

Design:Case Report

Setting:Tertiary Government Training Hospital

Patient: One

RESULTS

A 59-year-old alcoholic man presented with progressive, bilaterally symmetrical masses in the supraclavicular and anterior neck regions over a 12-month period. Computed tomography revealed diffuse, non-enhancing, symmetrical subcutaneous fatty deposits without delineated solid or cystic masses. The masses were surgically excised, and histopathologic analysis confirmed lipoma. Post-operative recovery was unremarkable, with significant cosmetic improvement and no recurrence in the 2 years of regular follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the pathognomonic clinical presentation of Madelung disease in a middle-aged Filipino man with a long history of alcohol consumption and no familial predisposition. Recognition of its characteristic features—symmetry, fat distribution, association with alcoholism, and radiologic profile—is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions. Lipectomy achieved excellent cosmetic and clinical outcomes in this patient, underlining its role as the primary treatment modality.

Human ; Male ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Alcohol Drinking ; Lipoma ; Lipectomy ; Diagnostic Errors ; Recurrence ; Therapeutics ; History ; Hospitals ; Alcoholism

BACKGROUND

Super-refractory status epilepticus (SRSE) is a devastating neurological emergency with high morbidity and mortality, and fewer than 10% of survivors achieve full recovery (mRS 0). Epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) as a clinical manifestation of SRSE is rare in adults. Longterm seizure remission after SRSE, especially with documented serial EEG normalization, is seldom reported.

CASE

A 49-year-old woman with no prior comorbidities presented with focal motor seizures of the left upper limb that evolved into EPC and SRSE. The ictal EEG revealed right central (C4) epileptiform discharges correlating with contralateral motor activity and secondary left temporal spread. Despite treatment with multiple antiseizure medications and escalation to triple-anesthetic therapy (midazolam, propofol, thiopental), seizures persisted for six weeks. Complications included suspected propofol infusion syndrome, hypernatremia, stress-related gastrointestinal bleeding, multidrug-resistant pneumonia and bacteremia (K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, MRSA, A. baumannii), thiopental-induced agranulocytosis, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Seizures gradually abated, and she was successfully extubated. Serial EEGs showed progressive resolution, from hemispheric polyspike discharges to normalized alpha rhythm, paralleling recovery. Follow-up MRI revealed resolution of cortical hyperintensities with residual right hippocampal atrophy. Over two years, antiseizure medications were tapered to valproate monotherapy. She remained seizure-free with normal EEGs and full functional independence (mRS 0).

CONCLUSION

This case illustrates a rare trajectory of adult-onset EPC evolving into SRSE with complete neurologic and electrophysiologic recovery. It underscores the value of serial EEG monitoring, vigilant critical care, and long-term follow-up in achieving remission even in resource-limited settings.

Human ; Female ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Epilepsia Partialis Continua

Movement disorder, as a presentation of an acute or chronic cerebrovascular disease (CVD) occur in less than five percent of CVD cases. Although a rare presentation of CVDs, stroke is a common etiology of secondary movement disorder. Hemichorea is particularly prevalent following stroke. The objectives of this report are to (1) present nine cases of sudden-onset hyperkinetic movement disorders manifested in acute and chronic stroke patients (2) emphasize the importance of early diagnosis by clinical signs and symptoms identified through computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and (3) determine the different anatomic locations involved in this disorder. Hemichorea is the most common hyperkinetic movement disorder seen after stroke with a predilection in older age. It demonstrated that deep vascular lesions had a greater probability of developing movement disorder. Hemichorea-hemiballismus with abrupt onset should be approached as an acute stroke until other potential causes are ruled out. The exact pathophysiology of these abnormal movements remains unclear, although some theories propose dysfunction within the motor circuitry pathway. While many cases resolve spontaneously, medical or surgical interventions may be necessary to manage symptoms, potentially influencing long-term outcomes.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged: 65-79 Yrs Old ; Middle Aged: 45-64 Yrs Old ; Movement Disorders ; Chorea ; Hemiballismus ; Dyskinesias ; Stroke