1. Rising prevalence of demyelinating disorders in Mongolia
Urantugs G ; Nyamsuren B ; Gantuya D ; Natsagdorj L
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;88(4):238-243
Background:
Demyelinating disorders are a group of chronic immune-mediated diseases affecting myelinated axons in
the central nervous system, which lead to life-long disability. In Mongolia, the last regional prevalence study was conducted in 2010. Our study objective is to describe the current prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and other demyelinating
disorders in Mongolia.
:
Aim
Materials and Methods:
We registered MS, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD), myelin oligodendrocyte
glycoprotein (MOG), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) cases diagnosed according to the 2017 McDonald criteria, the 2023 NMOSD diagnostic criteria, International MOGAD Panel proposed criteria.
Results:
The study was conducted in all tertiary, 7 regional, and 20 provincial hospitals across Mongolia and has collected
comprehensive data on 965 patients. The prevalence of total demyelinating disorders was estimated to be 27.2, MS 15.6,
NMOSD 5.6, MOG 0.06, and ADEM 0.9 per 100,000 total population, respectively. The prevalence of demyelinating
disorders between provinces was compared in order of geographical latitude, from lowest to highest, and was statistically
significant. Latitude is associated strongly with the prevalence of demyelinating disorders (p=0.006, 95% CI 14.3-22.4,
Pearson correlation=0.603) and moderately with the prevalence of MS (p=0.028, 95% CI 9.39-15.6, Pearson correla
tion=0.503).
Conclusion
In Mongolia, the prevalence of MS has significantly increased and can be considered at medium risk, but
still much lower than that in Western countries. The prevalence of NMOSD is almost similar to other Asian countries. An obvious latitude gradient for demyelinating disorders was observed in the Mongolian population.
2.Determination sugar and brix content in Mongolian sugar-sweetened beverages
Nyamsuren A ; Khaliun B ; Uranchimeg L ; Nandin-Erdene O ; Gantuya D
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;85(1):30-34
Background:
The main risk factors for childhood overweight and obesity include the consumption of sugar-sweetened
beverages and other sweetened foods. The sugar content of sugar-sweetened beverages was different from the nutritional
information on the packaging.
Aim:
To determine sugar and brix content in domestic manufactured sugar-sweetened beverages, and compare information on the packaging and regulatory standards.
Materials and Methods:
The sugar and brix content in sugar-sweetened beverages was determined by laboratory anal
ysis, including 150 domestically manufactured sugar-sweetened beverages. Laboratory analysis carried out in the Chemical toxicology laboratory of the National Reference Laboratory for Food Safety, MASM, determined sugar using a
saccharometer and brix using refractometry.
:
Results: The study included 150 Mongolian sugar-sweetened beverages, including 20.7% (n=31) carbonated drinks,
47.3% (n=71) fruit drinks, 16.0% (n=24) tea drinks, 1.3% (n=2) energy drinks, 14.7% (n=22) flavored water. Sugar content 0.0–15.6% in sugar-sweetened beverages. The laboratory analysis results compared with information on the packaging 72.0% (n=108) difference between 0.1–11.3%, 10.7% (n=16) same, do not have sugar content in the nutritional information on the packaging 17.3% (n=26). Brix contained 0.2–13.0% carbonated drinks, 4.9–15.7% fruit drinks, 0.6–9.8%
tea drinks, 7.7–16.0% energy drinks, and 0.1–9.7% flavored water.
Conclusions
1. Sugar content 0.0–15.6%, brix 0.0–16.0% in Mongolian sugar-sweetened beverages.
2. The laboratory analysis results compared with nutritional information on the packaging 72.0% (n=108) difference
between 0.1–11.3%, 10.7% (n=16) same nutritional information on the packaging, do not have sugar content in the
nutritional information on the packaging 17.3% (n=26).
3. 37.3% of Mongolian sugar-sweetened beverages are unsatisfied with regulatory standards.
3. Hygienic assessment of soil heavy metal pollution in Ulaanbaatar city
Myagmarjargal N ; Altangerel B ; Enkhnaran N ; Erdenechimeg Kh ; Purevdulam L ; Nyamsuren L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;207(1):37-43
Introduction:
Total environment 24 % of all estimated global deaths are linked to the environment. As of 2022,
Ulaanbaatar has a population of 1,691,800, vehicles 435,725, thermal power plants 4, market and
shopping centers 111, factories 13,465, and 225 gas stations. Also, 1.5 million tons of waste are
generated annually, 1135.6 tons of coal are used, and environmental pollution is increasing year by
year. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the heavy metal contamination of the soil of Ulaanbaatar
city and protect the health of the population.
Purpose:
To determine heavy metals pollution in the soil of Ulaanbaatar city
Materials and Methods:
We used descriptive research design in this study. Secondary data from Meteorological and Environmental Monitoring Department was used. The content of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and cadmium (Cd)) in the soil was evaluated in comparison with the maximum permissible amount specified in the MNS 5850:2019 standard. Statistical analyzing was calculated using SPSS-25 software, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
The average concentration of heavy metals in the soil of residential areas of 9 districts of Ulaanbaatar
city is cadmium 0.43 mg/kg (min=0, max=26.6), mercury 0.22 mg/kg (min=0, max=4), chromium 11.2
mg/kg ( min=0, max=1609.6), lead is 24.4 mg/kg (min=0, max=257.2). Cadmium concentration in soil
Bagakhangai (25%), Baganuur (19.7%), Khan-Uul (18.9%), lead concentration in Nalaikh (8.3%),
Bayanzurkh (5.4%), Chingeltei (3.3), mercury concentration in Baganuur ( 24.7%), Khan-Uul (18.4%),
and chromium concentration in certain locations of Khan-Uul (4.7%) districts exceeded the standards,
respectively. The concentration of soil cadmium (21.2%) and lead (7.7%) near the technical market,
mercury concentration (26.3%) near the market and shopping center, and chromium concentration
(58.9%) near the central treatment plant exceeded the maximum permissible levels.
Conclusion
Cadmium and mercury pollution were mainly detected in the heavy metal pollution of the soil of
Ulaanbaatar city, and there is heavy metal pollution in certain locations of Baganuur and Khan-Uul
districts. Heavy metal pollution is caused by activities such as technical markets, auto repair shops,
markets, shopping centers, and treatment plants.
4.Residential radon and lung cancer
Nyamsuren L ; Erdenekhuu N ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2024;208(2):48-55
Radon is a radioactive gas that has no smell, colour or taste. Radon is produced from the natural
radioactive decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. Radon can also be found in water.
Outdoors, radon quickly dilutes to very low concentrations and is generally not a problem. The average
outdoor radon level varies from 5 Bq/m³ to 15 Bq/m³. However, radon concentrations are higher
indoors and in areas with minimal ventilation, with highest levels found in places like mines, caves
and water treatment facilities. In buildings such as homes, schools, offices, radon levels can vary
substantially from 10 Bq/m³ to more than 10 000 Bq/m³.
The effects of residential radon on human health have been studied worldwide since the 1980s. In addition, studies conducted in Europe, North America, and China have proven that even
radon levels in dwellings below the acceptable level can pose long-term risks to residents health
and contribute to the development of lung cancer. Relying upon the average level of radon and the
prevalence of cigarette smoking in the country, radon causes 3-14% of the total incidence of lung
cancer. An increase of 100 Bq/m 3 in long time average radon concentration increases the risk of lung
cancer by approximately 16%, which is considered that there is a linear relationship between radon
concentration and lung cancer.
5.A study of some outcomes related to COVID-19 pandemic in Mongolia
Nyamsuren L ; Byambadolgor G ; Altanbayar I
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;204(2):39-45
Introduction:
On January 31, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the infection with coronavirus
(COVID-19) an “International Public Health Emergency” and on March 11, 2020, declared it a
“Pandemic”. To date, the statistics of the total number of cases of COVID-19 infection is more than
676 million, and the number of deaths is more than 6.8 million. Therefore, reducing the mortality and
spread of infection is an urgent issue for the world community. In March 2020, Mongolia confirms its
first new case of COVID-19 imported by air transport from abroad. Since then, there have been over 1
million total cases of infection and 2,136 deaths. The aim of this study is to determine some outcomes
related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Mongolia.
Materials and Methods:
We used descriptive research design in this study. Quantitative secondary data about causes of total
mortality, COVID-19 cases during the pandemic were analysed from Health Development Center.
Also, we conducted cross sectional study on concepts of long COVID-19 condition among 188 people
who were recovered from their COVID-19 illness. The SPSS-23 software was used to analyze the
data.
Results:
The mortality rate of the total population of Mongolia in 2021 was compared to this indicator for 2010,
2015, and 2020 and its growth rate was calculated. When calculating the mortality rate of the total
population of Mongolia, the number of deaths per 10,000 population in 2021 was 47.4, which is an
increase of 11% compared to 2020 in terms of growth rate. As for the causes of mortality growth,
cardiovascular deaths increased by 16.7%, deaths of injuries and accidents by 8.2%, and deaths
of respiratory diseases increased by 61.1% respectively. There was a positive medium correlation
(p=0.007) between the number of cases of COVID-19 infection and the population total mortality.
A total of 188 people were included in the study, with a mean age of 38±12.3 years (minimum=18,
maximum=70). Females were 51.1% (96), males were 48.9% (92), males were 6.9% (6.9%), and
females were 13.3%. Long COVID-19 condition was found in 20.2% of the respondents. The duration
of symptoms after infection with COVID-19 was (23.6%) 3 months, (21%) 1 year, and (23.6) still
had symptoms. Symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, cognitive decline (42.1%), shortness of breath
(36.8%), cough, and heartburn appeared.
Conclusions
1. During the COVID-19 pandemic in Mongolia, the total mortality of the population has increased,
including pneumonia and heart attack. Total mortality of the population during the pandemic
depended on the number of cases of COVID-19.
2. About one in five people with COVID-19 answered that observed long-term symptoms of
COVID-19, such as fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, and cognitive changes, which were
more common in women and people with chronic conditions.
6.The comparison of ambient air quality with raw coal and improved fuel consumption, Ulaanbaatar, 2018-2020
Nyamsuren L ; Undrakh-Ireedui B ; Suvd B ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;199(1):34-41
Introduction:
Air pollution is one of the greatest environmental risk to health. Ambient air pollution accounts for an estimated 4.2 million deaths per year due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. Approximately 46% of the population resides in Ulaanbaatar, and over half of the population living in ger (traditional yurt dwelling) areas consumes raw coal, which leads to an increase in ambient air pollutants. The Government of Mongolia took a series of actions to reduce air pollution; one was the ban on the consumption of raw coal beginning on 15 May 2019. The aim of this study is to describe the Ulaanbaatar air quality related to briquettes usage during cold seasons.
Material and Methods:
We used ecological research design in this study. Quantitative data about air quality of Ulaanbaatar city during the cold seasons (Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr) in 2018-2020 years were analyzed from Department of air quality. These 5 indicators such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particles (PM2.5, PM10) and carbon monoxide were selected for statistical analysis. The SPSS-20 software was used to analyze the data.
Ethics:
The methodology was approved by the Medical Ethics Sub-Committee of the Ach medical university on 5th of February, 2021.
Results:
The average sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide concentrations in the air have increased in October 2019–April 2020 compared to the previous five years. But carbon oxide, particular matter concentrations have decreased in the selected years. Sulfur dioxide (p <0.0001), nitrogen dioxide (p =0.001), PM10(p <0.0001), and PM2.5 (p <0.0001) are differentiated before and after the use of improved fuels by Wilcoxon signed rank test. However, the CO content did not differ from that of the briquette’s consumption (p =0.412).
Conclusions
During the cold seasons, the concentration of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide has increased in air of Ulaanbaatar after used briquettes, while the concentration of particulate matter has decreased during the cold seasons.
7.Results of the study of citizens’ attitudes toward public health care and services
Nyamsuren L ; Enkhmunkh E ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;202(4):24-32
Introduction:
Among the population of Mongolia, cardiovascular diseases (34.2%), cancer (24.3%), accidents and external causes (16.9%) are highly prevalent, and risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise have increased dramatically, and more than half of people aged 45-64, or 53.2% are at high risk of contracting non-communicable diseases. When comparing the demand for health care and services according to the level of healthcare institutions, it was determined that 70% of the demand is in the primary healthcare institution, 20% at the secondary level, and 10% at the tertiary level. Therefore, in order to prevent these diseases and provide health education to the population, it is necessary to study the attitude of the citizens who visit primary healthcare institutions about public health care and services.
Material and Methods:
In this study, a cross-sectional research design was used to determine citizens’ attitudes toward public health care and services. In collecting data, a total of 291 people from each of Dornod and Khovd provinces, from the capital of provinces, and 3 soums were included in the target sampling method. When evaluating the attitudes of the respondents, they were rated on a scale of 1-5 for each question. The SPSS-20 software was used to analyze the data.
Ethics:
The methodology was approved by the Medical Ethics Sub-Committee of the Ach medical university on the 30th of June, 2022 (Decision #22/05/04).
Results:
51% (148) of respondents rated their health status as good and 42.1% (122) rated it as moderate, and 57.6% (167) of all respondents answered that they visit the primary health center when they have symptoms. Also, the status of visiting a primary health center for prevention is better in the following groups: 45-54 age group, among people with complete secondary and higher education, and soum healthcare center.
The attitudes of the participants towards public health care and services were evaluated in 4 groups, which are the demand for organizing preventive measures, the dependence of health on the individual, and the dependence of health on social and economic conditions, with an average of 4 points which means the demand is great. In addition, the healthcare institution’s organization of measures to promote and prevent the health of citizens is an average of 3.87 points, and the general score of the respondents’ attitude is 3.98 points, which indicates that there is a great demand for public health care and services.
Conclusions
Despite the low number of visits to primary health centers for preventive purposes among the respondents, attitudes toward public health care and services were good.
8.The evaluation of immunosuppressive regimens in kidney transplant Mongolian recipients
Sarantsetseg J ; Byambadorj B ; Byambadash B ; Munkhjargal B ; Tumurbaatar B ; Jambaljav L ; Bayan-Undur D ; Ganbold L ; Chuluunbaatar D ; Oyunbileg B ; Batbaatar G ; Munkhbat B ; Nyamsuren D
Health Laboratory 2019;9(1):21-27
Background:
However kidney transplantation has being performed in Mongolia since
2006, because of pre-transplant sensitization, ABO incompatibility, hepatitis B and C virus
activation many patients are taken kidney transplantation in abroad. The transplantation
centers use own immunosuppressive regimens.
Objective:
Our aim was to assess the immunosuppressive regimens efficacy and toxicity
in kidney transplant Mongolian recipients.
Methods:
We analyzed data from 96 adult kidney transplant recipients who had taken
kidney transplantation in different transplant centers from August 2006 through January
2014. There were 3 kinds of regimens Group I Simulect induction with standard triple
/FK506/CyA+MMF/AZA+steroid/, Group II Campath-1H induction with CNI monotherapy
and Group III Campath-1H induction with standard triple /FK506/CyA+MMF/AZA+steroid/.
We retrospectively collected the post-transplant first two years serum creatinine. The study
was performed in 2014. The questionnaire was taken and blood samples collected for
determination of tacrolimus through level and for other laboratory tests. The primary end
point was the first two years serum creatinine, the secondary end points included rejection
episodes, blood through level of tacrolimus and some laboratory findings.
Results:
The post-transplant first two years serum creatinine levels were significantly
different in 3 groups. Group III showed similar results compared to Group I. There was not
enough data of biopsy proven acute rejection episodes however group II said more
rejections occurred. However participants said that rejection occurred in 15 (15.6%) biopsy
was done only 3 (3.1%) cases. Blood through level of tacrolimus was significantly different
in three groups. Some laboratory findings showed different between three groups.
Conclusions
A regimen of Campath-1H induction with CNI monotherapy (Group II) may
be advantageous for short-term renal function and cost effective but there were more
rejection complications and increased creatinine. The regimen of Campath-1H induction
11 with standard triple (Group III) may be advantageous for long-term renal function, allograft
survival, but there should consider about infection complications and polycythemia.
Simulect induction with standard triple could be best choice but transplantations were
performed in experienced centers. The study enrolled few cases and cases which were
performed at the beginning of transplant program so many things could influence on the
result. The study was compared beginner transplant center with experienced centers.
Longitudinal cohort study needed in the future.
9.Occurance of different tooth wear and degree of dental attrition
Gantsetseg L ; Bilgee J ; Urjimlkham Kh ; Bayarchimeg B ; Oyun-Enkh P ; Oyunkhishig Kh ; Batsuuri M ; Nyamsuren E
Innovation 2018;12(4):65-
65
Non-bacterial originated tooth wear is a normal process which occurs throughout lif. If the rate of loss is likely to prejudice the survival of the teeth, or is a source of concern to the patient, then it may be considered ‘pathological’. Robb reported that the prevalence of pathological loss of tooth tissue in patients less than 26 years of age was greater than in many older age groups. Tooth surface loss was classified into 4 groups: attrition, erosion, abfraction and abrasion.
To find the prevalence of four different types of tooth wear among patients visited Digital Dental Office, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and investigate their dental attrition severity.
Methods: From total of patients visited Digital Dental Office clinic between September 2016 and September 2017 adults aged 16-62 who was found with any type of tooth wear were explored by 4 types. Those patients with attrition were chosen and severity was determined by Bardsley’s simplified tooth wear index (TWI).
There were total of 5432 patients examined and treated during this period of time. From them total of 1002 patients aged 16-62 presented some degree of tooth hard tissue wear/dental attrition. Most of the patients were with combination of 4 types of tooth wear: attrition, abrasion, abfraction and erosion. Attrition (At) was found in 68 patients which was only 6.7%, Abrasion (Ab) in14 people-1.3%, Abfraction (Abf) in 4-0.3%, Erosion (Er) in 2 -0.1% alone. The combination of these types of tooth hard tissue was dominant. At+ab+abf+er in 59 patients of total 1002 (5.8%). At+ab+er in 58 (5.7%). Ab+abf in 29 (2.8%). At+er in 25 patients (2.4%). Er+ab in 27 (2,6%). At+abf+er in 264 people (26.3%). At+abf in 452 (45.1%), which was the most prevalent combination.
Dental attrition severity in these 1002 patients were shown as following:
-0-0- No loss of contour.
-1-229 people (22.8%) - Loos of enamel surface characteristics. Minimal loss of contour.
-2- 505 people (50.3 %) - Loss of enamel exposing dentine for less than one third of surface.Loss of enamel just exposing dentine. Defect less than 1 mm deep.
-3- 211 people (21 %) - Loss of enamel exposing dentine for more than one third of surface.Loss of enamel and substantial loss of dentine. Defect less than 1-2 mm deep.
-4-57 people (5.6%) - Complete enamel loss - pulp exposure - secondary dentin exposure.Pulp exposure or exposure of secondary dentine. Defect more than 2mm deep - pulp exposure - secondary dentine exposure.
In this descriptive study showed patients with some degree of tooth wear were around 19% from total patients visited during 1 year of period. Four types of tooth hard tissue wear shown as a different combination, very low percentage was in these types alone. Most of the attrition patients were with mild to moderate degree of enamel loss. This kind of study should be continued to explore harmful dentofacial change
10. VASCULAR RECONSTRUCTION DURING KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION FOR PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS
Batsaikhan B ; Erdenesaikhan M ; Bayan-Undur D ; Nyamsuren D ; Jambaljav L ; Tumurbaatar B
Journal of Surgery 2016;20(2):50-55
Introduction: This article provides areview about techniques and pitfalls of arterialand venous reconstruction during kidneytransplantation. Main reasons of our clinicalstudy are to evaluate vascular variationsof kidney, posttransplantation vascularcomplication incidence and present status ofsurgery outcome.This retrospective researchbased on cross-sectional assessmentofconsecutive 102 kidney transplantation cases,which performed from 2006 to 2015 at theFirst Central Hospital of Mongolia.Materials and methods: Statisticalprocessing andanalysis on posttransplantionpatient history data are made byMicrosoftExcel, SPSS19.0software.Results: Despite rising technicaldifficulties caused by vascular variations,pelvic and inguinal morphology of recipientand the existence of multiple renal arterieskidney transplantation is a safe and highlyefficient procedure.On this article wereexplained 44 kidney transplantation caseswith reconstruction using microvasculartechniques to reconstruct renal arteriesand veins. About 10 different kinds ofreconstructions were done in our practice.Due to investigation of consecutive 102kidney transplanted recipients, 24,51% had avascular anatomical variations. And describedabout 44 vascular reconstructions used inour hospital in case of vascular variations.According to the lit., vascular complicationsranges from 1 to 16%. In our hospital,vascularcomplication of kidney transplantation withmultiple vessels is 4,0-12,0%. Also, incidenceof vascular complication in group with singlevessels from 1.3 to 2.6% and in group withmultiple vessel 4 to 12%.Even it is highcomparing with other international articles;it’s almost in same results. But lymphaticcomplication is higher than others; it showsneeds of careful and accurate dissection ofrecipient site anastomosing vessels.Conclusion: Multiple renal graft’sveselshave been associated with a higher rateof vascular complications, including arterialstenosis and lymphorrhea. It shows needs ofcareful and accurate dissection of recipientsite anastomosing vessels.
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