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.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).
3.Trends in pedestrian injuries in Mongolia: An interrupted time-series analysis
Bayanzul B ; Tumen-Ulzii B ; Galbadrakh E ; Gerelmaa G G
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2025;213(3):32-39
Introduction:
Following the COVID-19 lockdown, the introduction of powered mopeds and scooters into
urban mobility in Mongolia, without basic traffic regulatory frameworks such as vehicle
classification, participation rules, age limits for riders, or parking regulations may have
contributed to an increased risk of pedestrian injuries.
Objective:
To examine temporal trends in pedestrian injuries in Mongolia and to assess the impact
of the emergence of micro mobility, while accounting for COVID-19 lockdowns, using an
interrupted time-series analysis.
Methods:
We conducted an interrupted time-series analysis using national data on pedestrian injuries in
Mongolia from January 2016 to December 2024. Monthly pedestrian injury rates per 10,000
population were calculated and stratified by age groups, regressing it on the number of
months after January 2016 (the beginning of the study), after November 2020 (the lockdowns
started), after May 2021 (the lockdown lifted and new mode of urban transportation started
to release).
Results:
During the 9-year study period, there were 41,063 pedestrians, of whom 51.5% were
male. The monthly rate of overall pedestrian injury started to decrease after the COVID-19
lockdowns possibly due to reduced traffic activity. However, following the lifting of restrictions,
the trend started to increase among the age groups under 10 years (1.8%, 95% CI: 0.8–2.8),
10–19 years (1.6%, 95% CI: 0.3–2.9), 50–59 years (0.6%, 95% CI: 0.1–1.2), and 60–69
years (1.3%, 95% CI: 0.4–2.2).
Conclusion
The increase in pedestrian injuries suggests that the emergence of micromobility may have
contributed to higher injury risk for pedestrians in Mongolia. This highlights the urgent need
for change in infrastructure and regulations governing micromobility usage to enhance
pedestrian safety.
Result Analysis
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