BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pelargonium sidoides DC. Root (PELARGO) 20 mg capsule is approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the symptomatic treatment of common cold. In compliance with FDA, this post-authorization safety study was conducted to determine the incidence of signs and symptoms of liver injury with PELARGO intake. It also aimed to look at symptom improvement and the incidence of other adverse events.

This non-interventional post-authorization safety study enrolled 300 adult patients with common cold, pre- scribed with Pelargonium sidoides DC. 20 mg capsule three times a day for seven days during routine clinical care from May 2023 to December 2023 in Cavite, Philippines. Demographic, clinical, and physical exam data were collected at baseline. Physical exam data, signs and symptoms of liver injury, symptom improvement, and other adverse events were determined post-treatment. Descriptive statistics were computed to characterize the participants at baseline (day 0) and end-study visit (day 8).

There were 300 enrolled patients, 53% female and 60% single. The mean age was 36 years and the mean BMI was 26 kg/m2. Vital signs at baseline were mostly within normal limits and most had respiratory f indings. Two hundred ninety-eight (298) completed the study. Only a few had respiratory findings at end-study visit. There were no signs and symptoms of liver toxicity nor serious adverse events after seven days of PELARGO intake. Reported adverse effects with 2.0% to 1.3% incidence in seven days include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and polyphagia. Others wereCONCLUSION

There is no evidence of liver toxicity after seven days of PELARGO intake for common cold among Filipino adults. The drug was well tolerated, and most patients experienced significant symptom improvement. Results should be interpreted with caution in the light of study limitations.

Advances in neuromuscular medicine have ushered in a new era of discovery and research. Innovations have emerged in fascicular electrodiagnosis, high-frequency musculoskeletal ultrasound, and treatments for neuromuscular diseases. This article discusses the latest discoveries impacting neuromuscular medicine. These include the development of fascicular nerve clinics, the integration of artificial intelligence, and explorations in space medicine. In education, neuromuscular fellowships are being established to meet these evolving needs. Just as the historic journey to the moon spawned a new space race, neuromuscular medicine has entered a period of renaissance.

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading global health concern. Modifiable behavioral risk factors are increasingly recognized in young adults, especially among medical students who often live independently. This study investigated the association between living alone and modifiable cardiovascular risk factors—sleep quality, sodium intake, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI)—among medical students at UERMMMCI during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Researchers conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 220 medical students. Validated tools were used: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Scored Sodium Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and BMI classification. Researchers performed statistical analyses using Chi-square tests and calculated relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals.

A significant positive association was found between living alone and poor sleep quality (RR 2.132 p = 0.047). No significant associations were observed between living alone and sodium intake (RR 0.96 p = 0.6868), physical activity (RR 1.18 p = 0.2239), or BMI (RR 1.03 p = 0.7367).

Among the studied cardiovascular risk factors, only poor sleep quality was significantly more prevalent among students living alone. These findings highlight the importance of interventions targeting sleep hygiene in this demographic.

INTRODUCTION

Hyperthyroidism was thought to lower thyroid cancer risk due to TSH suppression, potentially leading to overlooked diagnoses. This study examines clinical factors linked to thyroid cancer in hyperthyroid patients who have undergone thyroidectomy.

This study determined the clinical factors associated with malignancy among patients with hyperthyroidism who underwent thyroidectomy in a tertiary hospital.

This analytical cross-sectional study reviewed electronic biopsy results of adult patients who underwent thyroidectomy from January 2009 to December 2019 for hyperthyroidism secondary to Graves’ Disease, Solitary Toxic Adenoma or Multinodular Toxic Goiter. It considered factors linked to thyroid cancer, its prevalence, and clinical features associated with aggressive tumor behavior.

Sixty hyperthyroid patients who underwent thyroidectomy were included, 12 of whom have thyroid cancer. Each increase in the initial free thyroxine (FT4) leads to increased likelihood of thyroid cancer by 1.02 times (95% CI 1.001-1.03, p=0.044). The presence of thyroid nodule is associated with 24 times (95% CI 2.67-3275.62, p=0.002) higher risk of thyroid cancer, while every unit increase in mm for nodule diameter increases thyroid cancer odds by 1.04 times (95% CI 1.01-1.07, p=0.022). An FNAB pre-op diagnosis of malignancy is associated with having histopathologic diagnosis of thyroid cancer increased by 40 times (95% CI 2.42-6668.98, p=0.007). Although aggressive tumor behavior was noted among those with a younger age on average (36.35 vs 46.75 years), higher initial FT4 (95.97 vs 23.55 pmol/L), and those with sizeable diameter of multinodular goiter (95 mm vs 20 mm), only the high FT4 was statistically significant.

Initial FT4, thyroid nodules, nodule size, and pre-operative FNAB finding of a malignancy were the factors associated with thyroid cancer in hyperthyroid patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Furthermore, those with aggressive tumor behavior had higher initial FT4 levels.

Human ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Urolithiasis ; Urologists

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the correlation of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and varying levels of exposure to video display terminals (VDT) among young adult Filipinos.

This cross-sectional, analytical, single-center study compared the MPOD, measured using the Zeiss VISUCAM 500, between two groups of individuals aged 20 to 35 years old with differing VDT exposure. The more exposed group consisted of individuals who spent at least 8 hours per day on VDTs for the past 1 year, while the less exposed group spent less than 6 hours per day. Student’s t-test and chi-square test were used to compare the two groups, while Pearson's r coefficient was utilized to determine the relationship between MPOD and VDT exposure.

A total of 80 individuals (40 in each group) were included in the study. Both groups had similar profiles, except for refractive errors, which were significantly higher in the prolonged VDT exposure group (p = 0.02). The prolonged exposure group averaged 10 hours of VDT use per day, compared to 3 hours in the low VDT exposure group. The MPOD level, particularly the maximum optical density (Max OD), was significantly lower in the prolonged VDT exposure group (0.2034 DU) compared to the low VDT exposure group (0.2467 DU) (p = 0.0051). A negative weak correlation was observed between the VDT exposure hours and MPOD levels (Max OD r = –0.387, p = 0.0005).

This study found a weak but significant negative correlation between prolonged VDT exposure and lower MPOD levels, suggesting that extended screen time may contribute to reduced macular pigment density. While the correlation was weak (r = –0.387), these findings underscore the potential risk of diminished macular health with increased VDT use. The results highlight the importance of promoting protective strategies, such as reducing screen time and encouraging dietary or lifestyle changes that support eye health, especially among individuals with high VDT exposure.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In the Philippines, patients are constrained from accessing their own records, restricting their ability to freely choose who to seek care from. To address this, the study makes a case for the development of the health smart card in the Philippines, an integrative tool unique to each citizen carrying their lifetime medical record.

The prototype is developed using no-code programming technology and validated through a series of focus group discussions and stakeholder consultations with patients (n=4), healthcare administrators (n=4), and hospital personnel (n=13). It was then revised based on the collected insights and recommendations.

Findings report that the current facility-centric model utilizing paper records constrains patients’ access to their records due to long wait times, slow turnaround periods, constant intra- and inter-hospital transfers, and even charging of fees to acquire a copy of their own data. The health smart card alternative was widely accepted by the participants, particularly for its contribution to increasing data accessibility, patient empowerment, and advancing patient data ownership. Nevertheless, several considerations for the upscale implementation of the health smart card emerged, including creating an interoperable environment through harmonizing standards and capacity-building programs, and ensuring data security through robust cybersecurity measures. Issues on scalability and funding of the project were also raised, centering on the critical role of the government in stepping up as regulator and potential funder. Concerns over potential abuse, dataveillance, and the digital divide are tackled, highlighting the need to account for socioeconomic factors to ensure that no one is left behind in the implementation.

The study makes a case for the development and adoption of a health smart card to address the inaccessibility of records to patients. The study concludes by recommending the conduct of a pilot implementation to comprehensively demonstrate and analyze the features of the proposed scheme.

Palliative care has emerged as a crucial component of healthcare, particularly in the context of an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic and life-limiting illnesses. In the Philippines, however, access to palliative care remains significantly limited, especially in rural and underserved areas. This disparity is primarily driven by systemic challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of trained professionals, and insufficient public awareness. While the inclusion of palliative care in the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act of 2019 (Republic Act No. 11223) reflects a progressive step toward addressing these needs, the implementation of comprehensive palliative services continues to face considerable hurdles. This paper advocated for the stronger integration of palliative care into primary health care systems at the barangay level, emphasizing the need to strengthen policy frameworks, ensure adequate resource allocation, and actively engage communities in this endeavor. Such efforts are essential to guaranteeing equitable, compassionate, and dignified care for all individuals, regardless of their stage of life or even socioeconomic status.

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of modified interposed jejunal anastomosis following total laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy. Methods: The modification in the digestive tract reconstruction involves transecting the small intestine 2-3 cm below the gastrojejunostomy site and relocating the enteroenterostomy cranially, based on the double-tract anastomosis technique. Specifically, the jejunum and its mesenteric vessels are transected 20-25 cm from the ligament of Treitz. An overlap anastomosis is performed between the esophagus and the distal jejunum, with the common opening closed using a 15 cm barbed suture in a buried manner. A side-to-side gastrojejunostomy is completed under natural anatomical alignment, and the common opening is closed similarly. A side-to-side anastomosis is then created between the small intestine approximately 10 cm below the gastrojejunal anastomosis and the small intestine distal to the ligament of Treitz. Finally, the small intestine is transected 2-3 cm below the gastrojejunal anastomosis without dividing the mesenteric vessels. Results: From April to December 2024, a total of five patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction underwent modified interposed jejunum anastomosis following totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy at the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The median age of the group was 56 (53-74) years, including four males and one female, with a median body mass index of 24 (21-29) kg/m². Three cases were classified as Siewert type II and two as type III. All five patients successfully completed the totally laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with modified interposed jejunum anastomosis. The median operative time was 215 (165-240) minutes, the digestive tract reconstruction time was 75 (65-93) minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 50 (30-100) ml. The median time to postoperative flatus was 71 (68-88) hours, with no severe complications occurring in any case. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8 (8-9) days. Within three months after surgery, none of the patients reported reflux symptoms such as acid regurgitation or heartburn. Conclusions: Total laparoscopic modified interposed jejunal anastomosis is safe and feasible, with relatively simple operative steps. It effectively prevents reflux while ensuring the passage of food through the remnant stomach and duodenal loop.
Humans ; Gastrectomy/methods* ; Jejunum/surgery* ; Laparoscopy/methods* ; Anastomosis, Surgical/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods*

Objective: To evaluate the application value of a digital technology-based multiparameter vital signs monitoring system in perioperative comprehensive full-cycle surveillance. Methods: A comprehensive multidimensional vital signs monitoring system was developed through the integration of medical-grade wireless wearable devices, incorporating patch-type ambulatory electrocardiographic monitor, continuous glucose monitoring sensor, pulse oximeter, wireless digital thermometer, smart wristband, and bioelectrical impedance analyzer. This system facilitates continuous real-time acquisition of multiple physiological parameters including electrocardiogram, blood glucose, oxygen saturation, body temperature, physical activity, and body composition indices. The acquired data were systematically integrated and analyzed through a four-level digital architecture consisting of nurse mobile interfaces, bedside patient terminals, centralized ward monitoring displays, and hospital management information systems. One patient with gastric cancer complicated by diabetes mellitus was selected for full-cycle digital monitoring from preoperative evaluation to hospital discharge. The technical performance of the monitoring system was assessed in terms of data acquisition continuity and timeliness of abnormal event alerts. Results: The monitoring system effectively identified early postoperative abnormalities, such as decreased oxygen saturation and blood glucose fluctuations, providing timely guidance for clinical intervention. The built-in algorithm enabled visualization of perioperative stress levels through heart rate variability indices and continuous glucose monitoring data. The patient demonstrated good compliance with early postoperative mobilization, and the satisfaction score for monitoring management was 4 points based on the Likert 5-point scale. Conclusions: The multiparameter vital signs monitoring system enhanced the precision of perioperative management through continuous and dynamic physiological status assessment. Its modular design aligns with the principles of enhanced recovery after surgery, offering a novel technological solution for intelligent perioperative management.
Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Vital Signs ; Monitoring, Physiologic/instrumentation* ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Wearable Electronic Devices ; Perioperative Period