1.Spinal muscular atrophy: recent achievements in epidemiology, testing and gene therapy
Sarantsetseg T ; Erdenetuya D ; Yesukhei B ; Khandsuren B ; Oyungerel B ; Bolormaa D ; Mandakhnar M ; Tuul O ; Yundendash D ; Nyam-Erdene N ; Batchimeg B ; Munkhbayar S ; Chimedlkham B ; ;
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2023;205(4):75-83
Background:
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by lower motor neuron
loss, leads to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. With a neonatal incidence ranging from
1:6000 to 1:11000, individuals affected by SMA face challenges in locomotor function. The advent
of newborn screening tests, early diagnostic techniques, and the introduction of gene therapy have,
however, shown promise in enabling the acquisition of these motor skills.
Objective:
This review article seeks to shed a light on current understandings of the epidemiology, clinical
presentations, diagnostic methods, and treatments for spinal muscular atrophy, highlighting cutting
edge approaches within the discipline.
Methods:
A thorough search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, National Institutes of Health, and Web
of Science databases for recent research articles concerning SMA’s incidence, prevalence, clinical
manifestations, early detection, genetic testing and contemporary gene therapy.
Results:
The prevalence of SMA stands at 1-2 cases per 100,000 population, with an incidence of approximately
8 cases per 100,000 live births. Pre-1995 studies exhibited varying prevalence rates due to using non
molecular-biological methods, small localized populations, diagnostic errors, and regional characteristics.
Diagnosis involving Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), quantitative polymerase
chain reaction (qPCR), or next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis to confirm SMN1 and SMN2
gene status aids in identifying carriers and SMA subtypes. Countries implementing newborn screening
programs have demonstrated early SMA detection in asymptomatic newborns, contributing to reduced
mortality and disability rates. Currently, several types of gene therapy are being used in the treatment
of SMA.
Conclusion
The epidemiology of SMA varies between countries and regions. It is fully possible to confirm the
disease, identify carriers and subtypes. The inclusion of SMA in newborn early detection programs is
crucial for reducing infant mortality and disability, and several gene therapies have received approval from relevant authorities for SMA treatment. In Mongolia, it is possible to introduce tests to confirm the
disease and determine carriers and subtypes.
2.Evaluation of air pollution prevention consultation, Ulaanbaatar
Zolzaya D ; Bolor B ; Oyunchimeg D ; Enkhtuya P ; Tsegmed S ; Bolormaa I ; Chinzorig B ; Amartuvshin T ; Suvd B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2022;199(1):74-82
Introduction:
Mongolia’s capital hosts about half the country’s total population, and its air pollution ranks among the highest in the world during winter. Air pollution is linked to reduced fetal growth, preterm birth, low birth weight, impaired cognitive intra-uterine development, impaired cognitive development, and even spontaneous abortion. Antenatal care includes fetal development monitoring, prevention of anemia, immunization against infectious diseases, prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, and any health risk factors such as environmental pollution.
Health care measures for pregnant women and children under one year of age have the potential to be highly effective because they are directly aimed at reducing pneumonia in children. As such, we need to conduct this survey to determine whether pregnant women were satisfied with the information and advice on air pollution prevention provided by health facilities and to take evidence-based measures.
Materials and Methods :
The survey data were collected using quantitative and qualitative research methods. In this study, a total of 958 pregnant women participated from Songinokhairkhan district, Bayanzurkh district, and Bayankhongor province center. The overall satisfaction of health services is calculated using the three dimensions namely: satisfaction with health service, operation, and environment of the Health Organization. Satisfaction scores were assessed using an even-point scale. These are “Very Dissatisfied-1 point”, “Dissatisfied-2 point”, “Satisfied-3 point”, “Very satisfied-4 point”. The results were calculated after entering the survey data into SPSS-23, creating a database, and performing error control. The research methodology was discussed at the meeting of the Academic Council of the National Center for Public Health on December 25, 2019, and the methodology was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the MOH (Stagnant №2).
Results :
The survey covered 958 pregnant women aged 16-45 in Bayanzurkh district Songinokhairkhan district, and Bayankhongor province. During antenatal care visits, the majority of pregnant women (BZD- 56.9%, SKHD- 68.3%, BKH province - 86.7%) were advised by their health specialists to go outside for fresh air, while women in Ulaanbaatar (BZD- 18.9%, SKHD- 24.7%) received the information and advice at the lowest percentage. Pregnant women in Ulaanbaatar were less involved in air pollution training than in Bayankhongor. Participants in the air pollution prevention training rated it as “satisfied” regardless of location. 37.2% of pregnant women obtained information on protecting their health from air pollution from the board of Family Health Center and 34% from their district health centers. 86.1% of the participants were able to obtain information on air pollution on their own, while 86% of them got information from their family and friends.
Conclusion
The percentage of pregnant women getting medical advice, training, and information on air pollution prevention from hospitals during their antenatal care visits was the highest in rural areas. Moreover, their level of satisfaction with counseling had been rated as “satisfied”. Pregnant women often seek information on air pollution prevention from non-professional sources, such as their family and friends.
3.Satisfaction of health care and services for parents and guardians with 0–5 years-old children
Bolor B ; Enkhtuya P ; Tsegmed S ; Oyunchimeg D ; Zolzaya D ; Bolormaa L ; Chinzorig B ; Amartuvshin T ; Suvd B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;196(2):37-45
Introduction:
Within the framework of health sector reform, the development of the organization, the responsibility
of doctors and medical professionals, and the improvement of ethics, quality and safety of care and
services are top priorities. Customer satisfaction is important for the implementation of this operation
based on results and quality. The WHO Recommendation states that health professionals have a key
role to play in providing information and advice to citizens and their families on how to prevent, mitigate
and address air pollution, and how to inform the general public and decision-makers. ADB, the Ministry
of Health, and UNICEF report that information and promotional materials on air pollution prevention
are scarce and do not provide advice to clients. Therefore, it is the reason for conducting a survey to
determine the level of satisfaction of clients receiving child health care.
Materials and methods:
The survey data were collected using quantitative and qualitative research methods. In this study, totally
1160 guardians of children aged 0-5 participated from Songinokhairkhan and Bayanzurkh district and
Bayankhongor aimag center. The overall satisfaction of health services is calculated using the three
dimensions namely: satisfaction with health service, operation and environment of Health Organization.
Satisfaction scores were assessed using an even-point scale. These are “Very Dissatisfied-1 point”,
“Dissatisfied-2 point”, “Satisfied-3 point”, “Very satisfied-4 point”. The results were calculated after
entering the survey data into SPSS-23, creating a database, and performing error control. Research
methodology discussed at the meeting of the Academic Council of the National Center for Public Health
on December 25, 2019, and the methodology was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the
MOH (Stagnant №2).
Results:
84.7 percent of the respondents were parents of children aged 0-5 years. Their average age is 34,
most of them have higher education, and 43.0 percent of them have a household income of 500,000-1
million MNT. Guardians of children aged 0-5 years in Bayanzurkh District were “dissatisfied” with the
Family Health Center’s dressing room, wardrobe, toilet and parking lot. Guardians of children aged
0-5 years in Songinokhairkhan district were “dissatisfied” in the parking lot and toilet of the health
organization. Guardians of children aged 0-5 years in Bayankhongor aimag were satisfied with the
services, operation and environment of the health organization. Studies have shown that 76.5 percent
of the guardians did not receive air pollution risk training. As for difficulties in preventing air pollution,
31.4 percent of the surveyed population answered that they cannot change their living and working
environment to prevent air pollution.
Conclusion
It shows the health care organizations need to improve the hospital environment as well as to provide
training how to protect children from air pollution risk for guardians.
4.Sex differences on risk factors, clinical characteristics and early death of stroke
Khandsuren B ; Punsaldulam B ; Bolormaa D ; Uuriinmuya M ; Mandakhnar M ; Oyungerel B ; Sarantsetseg T ; Tuguldur E ; Erdenechimeg Ya ; Baasanjav D ; Chimeglham B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;197(3):40-47
Background:
Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide. Understanding
sex differences in risk factors, clinical characteristics and death after stroke might provide valuable
evidence for prevention and management of stroke.
Aim:
We aimed to describe sex differences in risk factors, clinical characteristics and death after
intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke (IS) using hospital-based registry in 6 districts
of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Materials and methods:
We used hospital-based stroke registry in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia. From
2019 to 2020, total of 974 patients with acute ICH and 1612 patients with acute IS were enrolled in
this study. The severity of stroke was measured by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Risk factors for stroke were defined as patient’s history and their
medical record. Death after stroke was registered at 28 days and 90 days by follow-up study. A
comparison of categorical and continuous variables was analyzed using chi-squared test, Student’s
t-test and Mann Whitney U test. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were also
performed.
Results:
The mean age of ICH patients was 58.41±11.56. There was significant difference in age (59
vs 57, p=0.009) between women and men. Men with ICH were more likely to drink alcohol (35.4% vs
5.2%, p=0.000) and to smoke (37.0% vs 8.4%, p=0.000) and to have arterial hypertension (72.7% vs
58.6%, p=0.000). However, there were no significant differences in other risk factors including atrial
fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke and other cardiac diseases. There were no sex differences
in clinical characteristics including systole and diastole blood pressure, NIHSS scores and GCS. In
our study, case fatality rate was 23.8% at 28 days and 1.9% at 90 days after ICH. By multivariable
regression analyses, there were no significant association between sex and death at 28 days and at
90 days (OR:0.74; 95% CI:0.52-1.06, OR: 0.80; 95% CI:0.29-2.21).
The mean age of IS patients was 61.07±12.88. The women were older (63 vs 59, p=0.000) than men.
Men with IS also were more likely to be current smokers (37.6% vs 9.0%, p=0.000), current drinkers
(33.2% vs 3.4%, p=0.000) and to have arterial hypertension (74.7% vs 65.9%, p=0.000). There were
no significant differences in other risk factors. For IS patients, there also was no sex difference in
clinical characteristics. Case fatality rate was 13.3% at 28 days and 1.1% at 90 days after IS. By
multivariable regression analyses, there were no significant association between sex and death at 28
days and at 90 days (OR:0.90; 95%CI: 0.64-1.26, OR:5.16; 95%CI: 0.99-23.9).
Conclusion
Our study showed sex differences in some vascular factors of both stroke subtypes
which emphasized that we need to implement stroke prevention targeting sex-specific risk factors.
While clinical characteristics and early mortality of intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke
were not differed by gender.
5.Incidence and mortality of stroke in Ulaanbaatar and its last 20 years’ trend
Oyungerel B ; Chimeglham B ; Erdenechimeg Ya ; Sarantsetseg T ; Bolormaa D ; Tuguldur E ; Uuriintuya M ; Mandakhnar M ; Khandsuren B ; Punsaldulam B ; Tovuudorj A ; Baasanjav D ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2021;197(3):64-79
Background:
Globally the incidence of stroke is not decreasing, and the deaths and disabilities
caused by stroke is increasing every year, especially in low and low-middle income countries.
Long-term trends in stroke incidence in different populations have not been well characterized, largely
as a result of the complexities associated with population-based stroke surveillance.
Having reliable data on stroke morbidity and mortality, as well as periodic identification of long-term
trends will be important information for proper prevention planning in the population, monitoring the
disease and further improving the quality of health care.
Material and Method:
A prospective cohort study has been conducted in adult citizens (972409 in
2019, 925367 in 2020) of 6 districts of Ulaanbaatar from the 1st of January, 2019 to 31st of December,
2020. All first-ever and recurrent stroke cases were included using special software, developed for
stroke registry, based on the WHO STEPS approach from participating radiology departments of state
hospitals, district hospitals, and some private hospitals. Information of stroke death was obtained
from forensic institute and state registration office of the capital city.
The trends of stroke incidence and mortality was compared to data between 1998-1999 and 2019-
2020 in UB.
Results:
The age-standardized crude incidence rate per 100.000 person-years of stroke were
209.0/100.000 (n=1934) in 2019 and 194.0/100.000 (n=1821) in 2020 among adults of UB city. The
above results were compared to 1998-1999 studies and the incidence rate declined by 94.0/100.000
in 2019-2020, whereas mortality rate increased by 10.0/100.000 in women aged 16-34. Stroke
mortality was 11.6% in 1998 and 26.5% in 1999, while in our study it was 33.87% in 2019 and 29.71%
in 2020. Although the incidence of stroke rates has decreased in 1998-1999, the mortality rate has
not decreased significantly.
Conclusion
Morbidity and mortality rates among the population of Ulaanbaatar citizen remain
highest in the world, compared to 20 years ago with overall morbidity declining but mortality has not
decreased.
In recent years, the Government of Mongolia has been focused on reducing non-communicable
diseases, but the primary and secondary prevention and control of stroke in the general population,
as well as the acquisition of knowledge attitudes, practices and access to health care still need to be
improved.
6.Sonographic examination in children with pneumonia
Dashmaa T ; Gerelmaa Z ; Bolormaa B ; Bayarmaa S ; Baatartsogt U ; Munkhbaatar D
Innovation 2020;14(1):32-34
Background:
Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children
around the world. Annually, it’s estimated about total of 120 million cases of pneumonia occur
in children under the age of five around the world and about 2 million of them end in mortality.
In 2017, respiratory diseases constituted 31.3% of all diseases in children under the age of five in
Ulaanbaatar city. 268 cases of respiratory diseases occur in every 1000 children, making it the
leading disease in children of that age group. Sonographic examination has several advantages
including lack of radiation, accessibility, portable (can easily bring it next to the patient’s bed),
cost effective, and can be used repeatedly on the patients. To our knowledge, currently in
Mongolia, there are no published research materials on sonographic examination in children
with pneumonia. Given, the lack of study, increased rate of pneumonia and advantages of
ultrasonographic, the present study was performed to detect lung ultrasound sign of pneumonia
and determine the specificity and sensitivity of lung ultrasound and X-ray.
Methods:
The study used cross-sectional studies of analytical study. 379 inpatient children aged
between 1 month to 14 years old who are in the children’s hospital of Bayangol district between
1st of September 2019 to 1st of December 2019 participated in the study. Procedures included
collection of questionnaires from the parents or the guardians, random collection of data from
the patients’ history, and assessment of results from ultrasound and X-ray examination. The study
used Stata software to analyze the statistics.
Results:
56% or 210 cases showed decreased echogenicity in the ultrasound examination.
Incorporated B line sign (р=0.001),, decreased echogenicity in the consolidation (р=0.001), and
presence air positive bronchus (р=0.001), are shown to the major sign of pneumonia in ultrasound
examination.
Conclusions
In pneumonia, following signs are present in lung ultrasound: Unilateral B-lines,
consolidation, hypoechoic, irregular shaped consolidation, positive air bronchogramm sign
in lung. From the results of our research, we discovered diagnosis sensitivity of pneumonia in
ultrasound is 85%, specificity of pneumonia in ultrasound is 87%, sensitivity of pneumonia in Х ray is
78%, specificity of pneumonia in Х ray is 84%.
7.A population-based stroke registry in Ulaanbaatar: preliminary result
Oyungerel B ; Chimeglkham B ; Erdenechimeg Ya ; Sarantsetseg T ; Bolormaa D ; Tuguldur E ; Uuriintuya M ; Khandsuren B ; Mandakhnar M ; Baasanjav D ; Tovuudorj A ; Burmaajav B
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;193(3):11-21
Background:
Stroke is still one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Registry-based data of
stroke are scarce in low and middle-income countries such as Mongolia. We aimed to investigate the
incidence and mortality of stroke in adult population of UB Mongolia by stroke registration method.
Material and Method:
Covering 611265 (≥15 years old) adult citizens of three districts of Ulaanbaatar, a population-based
prospective study was done from the first, January of 2019 to 31st, December of 2019. All first-ever
and recurrent stroke cases were included using special software, developed for stroke registry, based
on the WHO STEPS approach from participating radiology departments of state hospitals, district
hospitals, and family clinics. Information of stroke death was obtained from forensic institute and state
registration office of the capital city.
Results :
In a 1-year study period, 1068 (women 39.1%) stroke cases were registered in people with 60.16±13.66
years old. Stroke incidence rate was 169.81/100000 including first-ever and recurrent events. Stroke
incidence rate was higher in men and people with 80 and above years old. The ratio between IS and
ICH was 1.14:1.0. Stroke mortality was 27.1% and mortality rate was 45.94/100000. The highest rate
mortality was in ICH subtype, male population and older people.
Conclusion
We identified relatively high incidence and mortality rate of stroke in ICH indicating an urgent need for
improvement of arterial hypertension control, health education and primary prevention mainly among
men.
8.Risk factors for ischemic stroke among Mongolian population
Gansuvd O ; Chimeglham B ; Oyungerel B ; Punsaldulam B ; Khandsuren B ; Sarantsetseg T ; Bolormaa D ; Erdenechimeg Ya ; Munkhbat B ; Baasanjav D
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2018;186(4):23-30
Background:
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, especially in low-income and middle-income countries and it impacts a tremendous medical, emotional and fiscal burden on society. Due to advances in Western healthcare, the prevalence of stroke since 1970 has decreased by 42%, whereas it has more than doubled in low-income to middle-income countries.
Stroke is a heterogeneous, multifactorial disease regulated by modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Approximately 80% of stroke events could be prevented by making simple lifestyle modifications. In fact, nationwide characterization of well-known stroke factors in all social backgrounds is essential, however; populations can differ significantly not only in their socio-behavioral, legal, and geographical conditions, but also from other, historically understudied. Therefore, it is crucial to determine characterization of risk factors for ischemic stroke among Mongolian population.
Objective:
To determine etiology and risk factors for ischemic stroke among Mongolian population
Material and methods:
Our study was conducted by case-control study design. Cases were patients with acute first stroke; controls were matched with cases, recruited in a 1.2:1 ratio, for age and sex. The case series study was conducted in Stroke center of Third State Central hospital from January 2017 to December 2017. Structured questionnaires were administered and physical examinations were done in the same manner in cases and controls. Self-reported history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus or blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg and blood sugar 6.4 mmol/L or higher was used to hypertension
and diabetes mellitus, respectively. Smoking status was defined as never, former, or current smoker. Alcohol use was categorized into never or former, low intake, moderate intake, and high or episodic heavy intake. Atrial fibrillation was based on previous history, review of baseline electrocardiograph results (for cases and controls). Odds ratios (OR) and logistic regression were calculated, with 95% confidence intervals.
Results:
In total, 173 patients with ischemic stroke and 146 controls were included. The patients’ age ranged from 17 to 92, the mean age was 61.2. Ischemic stroke more frequent in man than women by 27.4%. Previous history of hypertension or blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.48-3.88), diabetes mellitus (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.44-6.57), hyperlipidemia (OR 5.09, 95% CI 2.64-9.82) atrial fibrillation (OR 8.70, 95% CI 2.01-37.64 ), current smoking (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.26-3.40), alcohol consumption (OR 4.75, 95% CI 2.58-8.73) were all significantly associated with ischemic stroke. The mean age was lower in patients with stroke of other determined etiology. The frequency of hypertension was higher in patients with lacunar infarct than other subtypes. Smoking was high frequent in patients with large artery atherosclerosis.
Conclusion
6 potentially modifiable risk factors were collectively associated with ischemic stroke and were different among ischemic stroke subtypes. The odds ratios of these risk factors are higher than other countries’ study.
9.RETROSPECTIVE GASTRIC CANCER STUDY
Shagdarsuren G ; Bolormaa Z ; Bolortungalag Sh ; Tserentogtokh T
Innovation 2017;1(1):10-12
BACKGROUND
In Mongolia, Gastric cancer is second most common cancer. 904 (603-men, 301-
women) new gastric cancer cases reported in 2016 and is about twice as common in
men than women. The number of new gastric cancer cases was 29.3 per 100.000 men
and women in Mongolia. A greater percentage of total gastric cancer cases were III,
IV stage(85.5%). In 2016, The Orkhon province had the highest rate in Mongolia (54.3
cases per 100.000 men and women). In Mongolia and Orkhon province, gastric cancer
remains an important public health problem.
METHODS
A total of 60 gastric cancer cases diagnosed at Medipas Hospital between March 2016
and October 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.
RESULTS
The average age of all gastric cancer patients was 59.75±9.91 years. The men to women
ratio was 1:0.28. The most common location of gastric cancer was upper third(59.7%),
followed by middle third (26.9%) and lower third (13.4%) of the stomach. Thepercentage
of total gastric cancer cases were advanced gastric cancer (66.7%) than early gastric
cancer (31.7%). And One case(1.6%) diagnosed MALT lymphoma. 55% of total gastric
cancer cases were treated by Endoscopic submucosal dissection and Gastroectomy
surgery.
CONCLUSION
One reason the overall survival rate is poor in the Mongolia is that most stomach cancers
are diagnosed at an advanced rather than an early stage. The stage of the cancer has
a major effect on a patient’s prognosis.
10. First-trimester detection of major cardiac defects with the use of biomarkers
Altantuya Sh ; Bolormaa T ; Erkhembaatar T
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2017;181(3):4-9
Background:
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common congenital disorders in the newborn and about 25%
of them are complex heart diseases which needs early intervention or open heart surgery in neonate
period. The incidence of CHD is varies from 8-10 in 1000 live births and half of them are major heart
diseases. Abnormal ductusvenosus blood flow at 110-136 weeks has also been described in association
with fetal aneuploidy, cardiac defects and adverse perinatal outcome. In the last few years the clinicians
are using the nuchal translucency, ductus-venosus regurgitation in fetus as a biomarker of congenital
heart disease.
Objective:
To assess the method of combining fetal nuchal translucency and ductusvenosus blood flow measurements in the detection of major cardiac defects in the first-trimester scan.
Methods:
Prospective cohort study data was derived from first-trimester screening of pregnant women at National
Center for Maternal and Child Health between March 2014 and May 2017.
A total of 318 patients at 110 to 136 weeks of gestation enrolled in the study. An ultrasonography scan was performed trans abdominally (using 3 to 7.5 MHz curvilinear transducers),first, to determine gestational age from the measurement of the fetal crown-rump length; second, to measure fetal nuchal translucency thickness; and third, to assess blood flow across in the ductus-venosus.
Results:
During the study period, we carried out an ultrasonographic examination at 110-136 weeks in 318 singleton
pregnancies with a live fetus and crown-rump length of 45-84 mm. The median age of women was 34
(range, 19-46 years). In our study 9(2,8%) of all singleton pregnancies were diagnosed with major heart
defects and increased NT, ductus-venosus regurgitation was shown to be strongly associated with the
CHD. The sensitivity of nuchal translucency to CHD was 83% (p-0.0001), dustus-venosus regurgitation
was 75% (p-0.007), ductus-venosus PI was 80% (p-0.001).
Conclusions
First trimester biomarkers for fetal CHD screening can detect major heart defects. Increased NT, abnormal
DV flow can be important indicators for echocardiography, which is favorablefor early prenatal diagnosis
of CHD.
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