morbidity

Background: Parapneumonic pleural effusion is a relatively common entity and continues to be a major cause of morbidity in children. However, managing this disease is still a matter of controversy between surgical and non-surgical options. With the advancement of mini-invasive surgery, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become a mainstay in the treatment of parapneumonic effusion in children. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and pathological features of parapneumonic pleural effusion in children and to explore the feasibility and safety of the thoracoscopic approach in the pediatric population.Methods: The clinical data of all patients who underwent VATS for parapneumonic effusion between 2007 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Factors that were documented included demographic criteria, clinical manifestations, preoperative examinations, therapeutic procedures, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and outcomes.Results: Totally, 35 patients with a mean age of 5.14 ± 3.9 years were operated on thoracoscopically. The mean duration of evolution before VATS was 9 days ± 4. All children were hospitalized in a Pediatric Continuing Care Unit. Antibiotic therapy was administrated in combination in all cases. Corticosteroid therapy was used in 2 patients. Thoracentesis was performed in 6 patients. Thoracostomy tube drainage was placed before surgery in 11 patients. The average duration of drainage before VATS was 6 days ± 4. VATS decortication and/or debridement was indicated as second-line in 23 patients. The average duration of the surgery was 51 minutes (20 min - 115 min). There is no conversion to open surgery and no intraoperative procedure-dependent complication. 4 children have early complications after the VATS and one patient had a late postoperative complication. There were no deaths during the hospital stay or follow-up. Conclusion: In skilled hands, VATS is safe, feasible, and effective in the management of parapneumonic pleural effusion in children with excellent outcomes.

Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma is a rare subset of systemic sclerosis with isolated organ involvement. Scleroderma renal crisis is a severe manifestation of systemic sclerosis characterized by malignant hypertension, oligo/anuric renal failure, and thrombotic microangiopathy. We present a case of a 55-year-old male with uncontrolled hypertension who presented with hematospermia and was found to have acute renal failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, concerning thrombotic microangiopathy. Empiric management for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) with plasma exchange and corticosteroids yielded a paradoxical response, ultimately leading to the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma presenting as scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) after serological confirmation. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with scleroderma renal crisis, it should be increasingly considered as a differential for thrombotic microangiopathy even without outward manifestations of systemic sclerosis. Additionally, the empiric management of TTP can include the use of corticosteroids which can exacerbate SRC, an early clinical clue in the diagnosis of this disease.

The gold standard for advanced-stage ovarian cancer surgery entails exploration via a midline vertical laparotomy. Studies have shown that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) can be a safe and effective method for the surgical management of early ovarian cancer. In some cases, MIS can also be selectively used for cytoreductive surgery in cases with advanced-stage ovarian cancer. The robotic platform has the potential to provide similar outcomes to the laparotomy-based standard of care in advanced complex surgery while accelerating recovery, minimizing morbidity, and reducing perioperative complications. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate surgical and perioperative outcomes in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma who underwent robotic-assisted cytoreduction. A chart review of a nonselected consecutive series of all patients undergoing surgical management of advanced ovarian cancer between 7/1/2017 and 12/31/2021 was conducted. All patients that were diagnosed with Stage III to IV ovarian cancer between the timeframe underwent robotic-assisted cytoreductive surgery at two urban community teaching hospitals in Los Angeles. Twenty-five patients were identified and included in this study. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon. Optimal or complete CRS was achieved in 96% of the patients (24 of 25 cases). Seven (28%) underwent primary cytoreduction (PCRS) and 18 (72%) underwent interval cytoreduction (ICRS). The estimated median blood loss was 100 mL (25-500 mL), the median operative time was 5.9 hours (3.1-10.5 hours), and the conversion rate to open laparotomy was 0%. There were no intraoperative complications and the readmission rate within 30 days was 4% (1 patient) for ileus, which was managed conservatively. Currently, 64% of the patients in the case series remain alive. The median survival has not been reached. The median follow-up is 4.08 years. Results presented from this nonselected, consecutive case series illustrate how a minimally invasive robotic approach can be safely used in place of the standard exploratory laparotomy for ovarian cytoreduction.

Originating from China in 2019, the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had badly affected most of the world causing immense morbidity and mortality. The disease in moderate to severe cases was characterized by intense inflammation leading to ARDS and hypercoagulable states leading to thrombo-embolism and mortality.Aim: This study aimed to explore the association of inflammatory biomarkers with COVID-19 disease severity in our hospital which became a dedicated COVID hospital during the pandemic.

Background/Aim: There has been a progressive rise in the incidence and prevalence of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It has also been observed that the most important reasons for a rapid increase in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients are the rapidly increasing worldwide incidence of diabetes and hypertension. The present study evaluates the effect of diabetes, hypertension, and comorbid state of hypertension and diabetes (hypertensive-diabetic) on renal function using serum creatinine and urea as markers. Method: A total number of 120 persons were recruited for the research; 30 controls, 30 hypertensive, 30 diabetic, and 30 hypertensive-diabetic persons. Of the 30 control persons, 18 were females and 12 were males; of the 30 hypertensive subjects, 17 were females and 13 were males; of the 30 diabetics subjects, 20 were females and 10 were males, whereas of the 30 hypertensive-diabetic subjects, 21 were females and 9 were males. In total, there were seventy-six (76) females and 44 males. The respondents were pulled from Central Hospital (Auchi) Diabetic and General Clinic and Auchi Polytechnic Cottage Hospital. Verbal consent was sort and questionnaires were used to extract information regarding biodata and patients’ history of diabetes and hypertension. Height and weight were measured, and blood pressure was determined taken. Blood samples were collected into fluoride oxalate and lithium heparin bottle for the assessment of FBS and (serum urea and creatinine) respectively. Results: The mean (±SD) serum creatinine was higher in the hypertensive-diabetic group (2.08 ± 1.06) and declined as follows: diabetic group (1.75 ± 1.01), hypertensive group (1.34 ± 0.96) and control group (0.70 ± 0.14). The mean (±SD) serum urea was also found to be higher in the hypertensive-diabetic group (17.5 ± 9.06) and declined as follows: diabetic group (14.5 ± 6.13), hypertensive group (12.7 ± 6.23) and control group (7.18 ± 5.06). There was a positive correlation between serum creatinine and fasting blood sugar The study also established a positive correlation between serum creatinine and blood pressure but not between serum urea and blood pressure with r values of 0.31 and 0.16 respectively. Conclusion: Good control of blood glucose and blood pressure levels reduces the likelihood of the development of renal impairment which is usually associated with both diabetes and hypertension. Co-morbidity of diabetes and hypertension poses a higher risk of developing renal disease than individual problems of diabetes and hypertension. Serum creatinine and serum urea are important biomarkers for renal impairment hence the two should be monitored on a regular basis for diabetic and hypertensive patients and much more frequently for hypertensive-diabetic patients.

Introduction: Myopia is a refractive disorder commonly diagnosed in childhood that follows a progressive course. It is considered a global epidemic with nearly 23% of the world’s population being diagnosed with this condition. Moreover, myopia is increasing in prevalence worldwide, demonstrated by studies in Asian and Western populations. This has important implications as myopic progression to high myopia is associated with significant morbidity and visual disability if left untreated. Of these treatments, the pharmacologic agent atropine has demonstrated the greatest efficacy in reducing myopia progression.Case report: This is a case report of an 11-year-old male treated with 0.01% atropine drops for myopia progression that developed new-onset seizures. The seizures were characterized as benign epilepsy with central temporal spikes and ceased when drops were discontinued. Discussion: Atropine 1% drops have previously been associated with new or increased seizure activity in a handful of case reports, however, it is our knowledge that this is the first report associated with 0.01% drops. This is important given the growing use of 0.01% drops as well as higher concentrations such as 0.025 % and 0.05% for the treatment of pediatric myopia. Conclusion: While it cannot be proven that the drops were causative in the seizure events, it is important to consider prior seizures as a relative contraindication to the use of these drops.  Atropine has the potential to exacerbate seizure activity, so it is possible that the 0.01% atropine drops played a role in the patient’s seizures. Also, any diagnosis of new-onset seizures in pediatric patients should prompt discontinuation of drops at seizure onset.

Despite decades of global and country commitments towards eradicating malaria, malaria remains the most hazardous parasitic disease and the most common cause of fever for humans, especially in tropical countries. Plasmodium falciparum causes 90% of malaria cases. Coma [Cerebral Malaria (CM)], acidosis, hypoglycemia, severe anemia, renal dysfunction, and pulmonary edema are the most common complications of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum and the most common cause of death related to malaria. People from less prevalent malaria areas are at high risk of developing these complications. A 16-year-old male from a low malaria transmission area was diagnosed with CM. Prior to developing CM, he was treated with Coartem. CM is a medical emergency and one of the forms of severe malaria. CM has high mortality and morbidity rates. Yet, international health-related agencies, funders, and policy-makers are unfamiliar with it. The continuous occurrence of CM validates the considerable need for global investment in malaria control and elimination programs. Early administration of Artesunate to all patients suspected of having severe malaria would reduce global malaria-related mortality and morbidity. Simple tests, such as the determination of malaria parasitic density either with thin or thick blood smears, may influence the proper management of all severe malaria cases. However, in clinical practice, the determination of malaria parasitic density is not routinely done. Further commitments are needed to ensure routine determination of malaria parasitic density for all suspected severe malaria cases. Moreover, further commitments are needed to guarantee the proper management of CM because it is a major cause of reversible encephalopathy in tropical countries.

Background: Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a common and serious early pregnancy problem with a significant morbidity rate and the potential for maternal death. Women commonly present with minimal vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain.Objective: The main objective of the study was to evaluate the risk factors, clinical presentation, sites, and management outcomes of ectopic pregnancies. Methodology: It was a prospective descriptive, cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted at Bashair Teaching Hospital during the period January 2021–June 2021.An interview questionnaire was used, and eighty-two (82) women were included after informed consent. Demographic and clinical data concerning personal history, symptoms of presentation, risk, site, and type of management were recorded.Results: Ectopic pregnancy incidence was 2% and most risk factors were infection 29.3%, surgery 15.9%, miscarriage 13.4%, infertility 12.2%, tubal surgery 4.9%, previous ectopic pregnancy 4.9%, intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) 3.6%, and tubal ligation 2.4%. Women presented with bleeding and abdominal pain at 47.5%, bleeding at 18.3%, abdominal pain at 9.7%, and shock at 8.5%.The sites are ampullary (57.3%), fimbria (9.7%), interstitial (8.5%), isthmus (8.5%), ovarian (7.3%), cervical (4.8%), and abdominal (3.6%).Surgical management was 93.9%, medical and surgical management was 3.6% and medical management was 2.4%. A blood transfusion was received at 37.8%.Conclusion: The study concluded that women of reproductive age are at risk of ectopic pregnancy, so healthcare providers and doctors should have a high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and intervention for ectopic pregnancy. Assessment of women at risk factors and modifications will reduce incidence. 

Purpose: To compare between the two commonly used methods to deliver the fetus in emergency cesarean section with fully dilated cervix and impacted fetal head; vaginal push up of the fetal head and reverse breech extraction regarding safety and efficacy.Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted 152 women underwent emergency CS with fully dilated cervix and impacted fetal head were divided into two groups; Group 1, vaginal push (n = 96) and Group2, reverse breech delivery (n = 56). Data variables were collected and analyzed to evaluate whether either method is more safe regarding maternal and fetal outcomes.Results: There was a significant higher percentage of extension of uterine incision in group 1 (p = 0.002). Also, there were significant higher mean values of operative time and operative blood loss in group 1 (p = 0.008 and 0.015; respectively). On the other hand, there was a significantly shorter uterotomy to delivery time in group 1 (p < 0.001). There was a significantly higher mean value of APGAR score at one minute in group 1 (p = 0.043) but no significant difference between the two groups regarding APGAR score at five minutes, atonic PPH, postoperative blood transfusion and hospital stay.Conclusion: Vaginal push technique was associated with significantly higher intraoperative maternal morbidity but postoperative maternal morbidity and fetal outcomes were comparable between both groups. Push method (after uterine incision) is still the preferable method and larger studies are required to assess the fetal safety with reverse breech extraction.

Background: Postdated pregnancy is one of the most common obstetric problems associated with increased maternal morbidity, prenatal morbidity, and mortality. Pregnancy at 37-40 weeks of gestation is called the term from the last menstrual period. If the pregnancy exceeds 40 weeks, it is called a postdated pregnancy, but when pregnancy is prolonged beyond 42 weeks, it is called post-maturity or post-term pregnancy. Objective: This study aimed to determine the adverse effects of postdate pregnancy on mothers and fetuses.Methodology: This was a descriptive, prospective, cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted at Omdurman Maternity Hospital from January 2018 to June 2018.An interview questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were collected by trained doctors in the labor room. One hundred and thirty-eight (138) postdated pregnant women were included in this study after obtaining informed consent through a structured questionnaire. Demographic and clinical data concerning personal history, booking status, mode of delivery, maternal complications, and fetal complications were recorded.Results: During the study period, 2751 women delivered, of which 138 were postdated deliveries, with a prevalence of 5%. Most women's age range was 31-34 years 48.6%). Their education level was mostly secondary school (42%). Primigravida 65%), booked were 75.4%. Previous history of postdate pregnancy was 34.1%, normal vaginal delivery was 79 .7%, cesarean section was 14.5%, and instrumental delivery 5.8%. Cesarean section indications were cervical dystocia (14.4%), cephalopelvic disproportion (9.5%), meconium-stained liquor with fetal distress (33.3%), pathological cardiotocography (CTC) (19%), and failure to progress (23.8%).Maternal complications included post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) (7.2%), perineal tears (.7%, cervical tears (1.4%), and postpartum infections (1.4%). Fetal complications were 14.5%, Shoulder Dystocia 2.9%, asphyxia (6.5%), and meconium aspiration (5.1%). The mean APGAR score was 1.1667, less than three in only 3.6%, and > 7 in 86.9%.Neonatal death was 3%. Approximately 18 neonates were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) and only five of them were admitted for more than one week.Conclusion: Postdate pregnancy prevalence in this study was 5%, which was associated with maternal risk of cesarean section delivery, instrumental delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and postnatal infection.

Background: Maternal near-miss (MNM) events occur more frequently than maternal deaths; therefore, more detailed and comprehensive studies on maternal morbidity have been conducted and are of value to clinical audits and practices. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the frequency of maternal near misses and the nature of near-missevents. Methodology: This descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study over 12 months duration was conducted at the Alobied Teaching Hospital in 2018. Data were collected from patient notes, partographs, and other relevant documents. Demographic and clinical data concerning personal history, obstetric history, and near-miss events. Results: A total of 15202 women were admitted, 339 cases of maternal near misses, maternal near-missrate (MNMR) of 22.3|1000 live births, 200(59%) had an infection, 80(23.6%) hemorrhage, 20(5.9%) severe pre-eclampsia,12(3.5%) eclampsia, 20(5.9%) anemia, convulsions 5 (1.5%) 17(5%) of the cases were admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), 9(2.7%) had liver dysfunction, 9(2.7%) coagulation dysfunction, 8(2.4%) renal dysfunction, 5(1.5%) cerebral problems, 4(1.2%) cardiac dysfunction, and 2(0.6%) had developed respiratory dysfunction.Conclusion: The maternal near-miss rate was 22.3|1000 live births. Most near-miss cases occurred before the women arrived at the hospital. The major causes of maternal near misses were infection, hemorrhage anemia, pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia.

Background: Wernicke encephalopathy is an acute neurological condition defined by a clinical triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and confusion. This disease is due to thiamine deficiency.Case presentation: After persistent diarrhea and vomiting, a 15-year-old boy presented up-beating nystagmus, with binocular vertical diplopia and unstable gait. An etiological workup revealed a celiac disease. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral periaqueductal region lesions. Treatment and discussion: Because of suspected Wernicke’s encephalopathy, the patient was treated with thiamine replacement and significant improvement of symptoms took place. Wernicke encephalopathy is a serious medical disorder with enormous morbidity and mortality. Evaluation should include patient history with a physical and ophthalmologic examination and laboratory workup with appropriate imaging.Conclusion: Undiagnosed celiac disease can lead to malabsorption of vitamin B1 causing acute symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy.

Introduction: Acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) of viral etiology is a frequent consultation in pediatrics. Post-infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is a rare and potentially severe disorder following ALRI, characterized by partial or complete obstruction of the small airways by inflammatory tissue. There is evidence that macrolides reduce morbidity and mortality in diffuse panbronchiolitis, which may have similar inflammatory and obstructive components.We hypothesized that the effect of azithromycin (AZ) may improve lung function and reduce pulmonary exacerbations in PIBO.MethodsStudy design: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.Patients: We enrolled patients with PIBO followed-up at the Pulmonology department between 5 years to 18 years.Treatment regimen: The patients were randomized to receive active drug or placebo three times a week. Clinical evaluation: Clinical evaluation, pulse oximetry, lung function, and 6-min walk test were performed before and after study initiation and at 1, 3, and 6 months.CT scan and a quality of life questionnaire were performed at the beginning and the end of the Study.Results: 29 patients, 15 in G1 (10 males) and 14 in G2 (7 males) were included.There were no significant differences in FVC, FEV1, TLC, RV, or sGaw between the treatment group and controls. In addition, no significant differences were observed in exacerbations, quality of life questionnaire, or HRCT scan scores.Conclusion: No differences were observed between the groups. Further studies are necessary to allow us to find a better treatment, as azithromycin does not seem to be efficacious.

Background: Bile duct injuries have been substantially increased after the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). These are accompanied by major morbidity and mortality. Studies have shown varying degrees of success in the reduction of bile duct injury (BDI) using the Critical View of Safety (CVS) technique. The aim of this study was to see the efficacy of the CVS technique as the sole method of dissection in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: 1647 cases of LC were done between January 2012 and January 2022 for a period of 10 years in two hospitals. All were operated by the CVS dissection technique and none by the infundibular technique. Cases included acute cholecystitis, chronic cholecystitis, gangrenous cholecystitis, empyema, and Gallbladder (GB) polyp. Results: The average operating time was 42 minutes and the range was 13 to 80 minutes. In 92% of cases, all 3 criteria of CVS were achieved. In the remaining 8% cases were either converted to open or operated by a division of GB or subtotal cholecystectomy was done. There was only one case of cystic duct stump leak requiring drainage and common bile duct stenting.Conclusion: The excellent outcome of our study suggests that the CVS method will be the gold standard technique in the dissection of the gallbladder in LC. Further dissemination of the technique is necessary to improve safety in LC.

Oral Cancer (OC) or squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers worldwide, with increased incidence in developing countries. The use of tobacco is directly associated with approximately 80% of oral cancers, especially in older men over 40 years of age. As nearly one-third of the Indian population over 15 years consume smokeless tobacco in one or the other forms, a recent increase has been observed in OC incidence among women and young adults. Lately, the sexual behaviors of young & homosexuals have resulted in the emergence of oropharyngeal cancers due to infection with HPV 16. About 60% of oral cancer cases in India have a five-year survival rate, and this can be improved to 70% to 90% by mere early detection in stages I and II and with various treatment modalities. Despite the well-known benefits of oral cancer screening for the whole population in developing countries remains controversial. It is imperative to address the cultural barriers and societal norms, which limit the acceptability and participation in screening programs in India and many developing countries. This unique challenge of increasing OC morbidity in India and developing countries requires horizontal integration of the health systems with new services focused on cancer control, which gives the best chance for long-term survival, improved outcomes, and affordable care!This article is based on the author’s experience of overseeing 1 case of early detection and 2 cases of delayed diagnosis, outcomes and relevant literature review, and current guidelines for the management of OC.

Objective: To identify risk factors among pregnant with COVID-19 for adverse outcomes related to disease severity, maternal mortality, and morbidity.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, 45 pregnant patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were confirmed by RT-PCR. The inclusion criteria were pregnant patients diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and hospitalized in the gynecology-obstetrics and intensive care unit. Exclusion criteria were non-pregnant patients and pneumonia cases with unconfirmed COVID-19 causes. The study used SPSS software to analyze the data. Results: Our study recorded 45 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women over 2.5 years. The age group most affected was 20-35 years, with 75% of cases. 57% of patients had no known comorbidities. 88.8% of patients were symptomatic at diagnosis. Almost 30% of patients required admission to the ICU, with 60% requiring oxygen supplementation. The study recorded 36 live births (80%), of which 26 cases (72.2%) required no further care and had a favorable outcome.Conclusion: Pregnant women with medical conditions are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, which can cause respiratory distress syndrome and impact delivery and neonatal outcomes. Preventive measures are important.

Anxiety is also a very common disorder, both in patients and their family members. Anxiety and stress can compromise the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. Feelings of anxiety and anguish can occur at various times of the disease path: during screening, waiting for test results, at diagnosis, during treatment or at the next stage due to concern about relapses. Anxiety and distress can affect the patient’s ability to cope with diagnosis or treatment, frequently causing reduced adherence to follow-up visits and examinations, indirectly increasing the risk of failure to detect a relapse, or a delay in treatment; and anxiety can increase the perception of pain, affect sleep, and accentuate nausea due to adjuvant therapies. Failure to identify and treat anxiety and depression in the context of cancer increases the risk of poor quality of life and potentially results in increased disease-related morbidity and mortality [1]. From all this we deduce the need and importance of dedicated psychological and psychiatric support for these patients within the Breast Unit. The fact that the psycho-oncologist who is dedicated to the care of patients with breast cancer must be an integrated figure in the multidisciplinary team of the Senological Center and not an external consultant is enshrined in the same European Directives that concern the legislation concerning the requirements that a Breast Unit must have in order to be considered a Full Breast Unit (Wilson AMR, et al. 2013).One of the most complex situations you find yourself dealing with is communication with the patient. This communication is particularly complex in two fragile subpopulations that are represented by women. [Menditto L. T (Tirannie) Cancer of the Breast. Am J Psychol & Brain Stud, 2023; 1(1):26-30].

Recent studies have shown that long-term uses of herbs have been associated with a rise in morbidity and mortality rates. While most researches are focused on bioactivity investigations, the toxicity of many plants has not been reported. There is a paucity of data on the potential toxicity of the following plants: Harungana madagascariensis (HM), Pterocarpus osun (PO), Phoenix dactylifera (PD), Annona muricata (AM), and Rutidea parviflora (RP). To evaluate the toxicity of the above-mentioned plants; two tests were employed namely: The Brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) and the Allium cepa test. A correlation between the oral acute toxicity assay in mice and the LC50 obtained from BSLT has been established. Allium cepa test measures the potential genotoxic effects of plant extracts exerted on the root meristem of A. cepa (onions). Plant extracts were administered in concentrations ranging from 100 to 2500 µg/ml to the A. cepa for 72 h to obtain their Mitotic Indices (MI) and EC50. Results of the MI at 2500 µg/ml for HM, PO, PD, AM, and RP were 3.75, 4.96, 5.96, 6.10, and 6.71 while 281.81, 398.11, 501.19, 630.96, and 707.9 µg/ml were obtained as the respective EC50 values. Furthermore, 10-1000 mcg/ml concentrations were administered in the BSLT and the obtained LC50 values were 116.3, 250, 581.5, 581.5, and 750 µg/ml. The toxicity result demonstrated that the five plants were moderately toxic, with RP exhibiting minimal toxicity values and thus potentially having a good safety profile. The phytochemical screening of these plants revealed the presence of some pharmacologically important classes of compounds that are abundant. Several bioactive and toxic compounds were identified in the GC-MS analysis for some of the plants.

Background: Maternal splenic cyst during pregnancy appears to be a rare pathology whose treatment is not codified. The most feared complication is rupture during pregnancy. It occurs in 60% of cases in the third trimester of pregnancy, leading to significant maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality. Case report: We describe the successful management of a 24-year-old patient, G1P0, with a history of a recurrent splenic cyst. She presented with a giant splenic cyst measuring 28 cm in diameter at 30 weeks of amenorrhea. A cesarean section was performed at 37 weeks gestation. A splenectomy was performed on day 21 postpartum.Conclusion: The incidence of splenic cysts is extremely rare during pregnancy. The diagnosis must be made as early as possible to undertake appropriate treatment before the appearance of maternal-fetal complications.

Background: Cervical Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, especially in lowresource settings. It is a significant health problem worldwide, with over half a million new cases diagnosed each year, accounting for approximately 6.6% of all gynecological Cancer cases and over 300,000 deaths each year. In Zambia, it is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women. The number of cases has increased by approximately 40%. This study explored the lived experiences of Cervical Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, focusing on their subjective experiences. By examining their journeys through chemotherapy, the study aimed to highlight the subtle complexities in which treatment impacts patients’ lives and well-being.  Methods and procedures: Employing a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants with diverse demographics. The sample size was determined by data saturation and saturation was reached at 10. Ethical protocols were ensured, and Study approval was obtained from UNZABREC and the National Health Research Authority. Thematic analysis was conducted on audio-recorded interviews with cervical cancer patients, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy while discerning significant patterns and themes in their narratives. Results/findings: Emotional experiences ranged from anxiety to gratitude. Psychological challenges encompassed coping mechanisms, stress management, emotional adjustments, and treatment-related fears. Socially, community support, workplace accommodations, and healthcare provider roles were key. Physical experiences revealed side effects managed through coping strategies. Financial challenges significantly impacted individuals and families.  Conclusions and recommendations: The study revealed that cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy face complex challenges spanning emotional, psychological, social, physical, and financial domains, underscoring the imperative for comprehensive patient-centered care. Recommendations suggest focusing on financial aid for cancer patients and tackling treatment expenses and insurance issues. The Cancer Diseases Hospital should establish multidisciplinary teams for holistic care, and enhance patient education efforts. Nurses should adopt strategies integrating cultural competence and patient-centered care to address diverse challenges during chemotherapy. These aim to enhance the well-being and care quality of Cervical Cancer patients.