Lived experiences of patients with epidermolysis bullosa: A rare genetic skin disease.

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare genodermatosis that results in extreme skin fragility, for which there is no cure and may be fatal. The quality of life of patients affected may be greatly impacted.

Aim: This study aims to understand the lived experiences of patients with EB.

Basic ENT training for enhanced healthcare worker knowledge, attitudes and practices in a resource-limited setting: a pre-post and post-post cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Diagnostic errors in ear, nose and throat (ENT) diseases are prevalent among healthcare workers (HCWs) in resource-limited settings, yet comprehensive data that describe HCW knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding ENT disease management remains scarce. Further, the impact of basic ENT training on HCW KAP in such settings is largely undetermined.

Objective: We assessed HCW KAP before and after basic training in ENT disease management.

Emerging theragnostic radionuclide applications for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health problem. Theragnostic is a term that refers to the integration of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities into a single system for personalized medicine. Theragnostic care in HCC involves the use of imaging techniques to diagnose the cancer and assess its characteristics, such as size, location, and extent of spread.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary healthcare practitioners in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review on genetics.

Individualised treatment, including genetic services, calls for an increased role of primary healthcare practitioners (pHCPs) in diagnosing and caring for individuals with genetic conditions. PHCPs' genetics knowledge and practices must be current to ensure adequate care. A scoping review was conducted to explore peer-reviewed articles on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of pHCPs concerning genetics, genetic testing, and genetic services.

COVID-19 vaccine adverse events: Evaluating the pathophysiology with an emphasis on sulfur metabolism and endotheliopathy.

In this narrative review, we assess the pathophysiology of severe adverse events that presented after vaccination with DNA and mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. The focus is on the perspective of an undersulfated and degraded glycocalyx, considering its impact on immunomodulation, inflammatory responses, coagulation and oxidative stress. The paper explores various factors that lead to glutathione and inorganic sulfate depletion and their subsequent effect on glycocalyx sulfation and other metabolites, including hormones.

Corrigendum: The impact, perceptions and needs of parents of children with epidermolysis bullosa.

No abstract available.

Genetic trends and common BRCA1/2 pathogenic sequence variants in black African and Indian breast cancer patients presenting at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: Hereditary breast cancer is characterised by the presence of a pathogenic sequence variant passed from one generation to the next. These cancers are aggressive, develop early, and account for 5 - 10% of all breast cancer cases. In South Africa (SA), the common variants that predispose to hereditary breast cancer have been well documented among white patients and form part of screening panels during targeted testing.

Chemokine Receptor-4 Targeted PET/CT Imaging with Ga-Pentixafor in Head and Neck Cancer-A Comparison with F-FDG and CXCR4 Immunohistochemistry.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is common, and its incidence is increasing, particularly in HIV-infected individuals who present with more aggressive disease. Despite aggressive treatment, the prognosis remains poor because of resistance to chemoradiation therapy. So far, studies report very low [Ga]Ga-Pentixafor avidity in HNSCC.

The impact, perceptions and needs of parents of children with epidermolysis bullosa.

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare, incurable genodermatosis that presents with blistering and skin fragility. Complications can be localised or generalised, limited to the skin or have systemic effects resulting in death. Caring for a child with this painful condition can have a profound effect on the quality of life of parents and the family.

Ten years of ear, nose and throat (ENT) services in Southern Africa: a scoping review.

Background: While ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diseases are a substantial threat to global health, comprehensive reviews of ENT services in Southern Africa remain scarce.

Objective: This scoping review provides a decade-long overview of ENT services in Southern Africa and identifies gaps in healthcare provision. From the current literature, we hope to provide evidence-based recommendations to mitigate the challenges faced by the resource-limited ENT service.

The Landscape of Pediatric Hydrocephalus in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal: A Comparative Analysis of the Referral Pattern, Etiology, and Management Outcomes in 4 Distinct 5-Year Periods.

Background: Pediatric hydrocephalus is a significant health burden globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Data from specific regions such as KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, are lacking. This study aimed to investigate pediatric hydrocephalus by comparing 4 distinct 5-year periods.

Association between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer at a central hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: The frequency of histological chronic pancreatitis (CP) evidence in the resident pancreas of resected periampullary cancers (PACs) has never been studied in Africa. This study aims to describe the spectrum of pathology and outcomes of pancreatic surgeries and address this deficit from a South African central hospital cohort.

Methods: A retrospective audit of patients undergoing pancreatic surgery at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) between 2003 and 2023 was conducted.

Back to the Basics of SARS-CoV-2 Biochemistry: Microvascular Occlusive Glycan Bindings Govern Its Morbidities and Inform Therapeutic Responses.

Consistent with the biochemistry of coronaviruses as well established over decades, SARS-CoV-2 makes its initial attachment to host cells through the binding of its spike protein (SP) to sialylated glycans (containing the monosaccharide sialic acid) on the cell surface. The virus can then slide over and enter via ACE2. SARS-CoV-2 SP attaches particularly tightly to the trillions of red blood cells (RBCs), platelets and endothelial cells in the human body, each cell very densely coated with sialic acid surface molecules but having no ACE2 or minimal ACE2.

Prognostic factors for overall survival of conventional osteosarcoma of the appendicular skeleton.

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of overall survival (OS) and predictive factors of poor prognosis of conventional high-grade osteosarcoma of the limbs in a single-centre in South Africa.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis to identify the prognostic factors that predict the OS of patients with histologically confirmed high-grade conventional osteosarcoma of the limbs over ten years. We employed the Cox proportional regression model and the Kaplan-Meier method for statistical analysis.

Wheel Replacing Pyramid: Better Paradigm Representing Totality of Evidence-Based Medicine.

Background: Evidence-based medicine (EBM), as originally conceived, used all types of peer-reviewed evidence to guide medical practice and decision-making. During the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the standard usage of EBM, modeled by the Evidence-Based Medicine Pyramid, undermined EBM by incorrectly using pyramid levels to assign relative quality. The resulting pyramid-based thinking is biased against reports both in levels beneath randomized control trials (RCTs) and those omitted from the pyramid entirely.

Diagnostic Differentiation between Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer: A Scoping Review.

Pancreatitis, encompassing acute and chronic forms, and pancreatic cancer pose significant challenges to the exocrine tissue of the pancreas. Recurrence rates and complications following acute pancreatitis episodes can lead to long-term risks, including diabetes mellitus. Chronic pancreatitis can develop in approximately 15% of cases, regardless of the initial episode's severity.

Interrogating the lack of diversity of thought in the pandemic response that led to mistakes - holistic evidence-based approach to deal with future pandemics.

The COVID-19 pandemic, triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), rapidly became a worldwide emergency. How it was managed garnered both commendation and vehement censure. This crisis profoundly affected healthcare, the economy, education, and public confidence in scientific endeavors.

Factors associated with in-hospital mortality in HIV-infected children treated for tuberculous meningitis hydrocephalus.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate factors associated with in-hospital mortality in children diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) hydrocephalus and HIV co-infection undergoing cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures and their complications.

Methods: Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively between 2007 and 2022. Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, antiretroviral therapy (ART) status, biochemistry results, CD4 count, radiology findings, CSF diversion procedures (and complications), length of hospital stay (LOHS), and in-hospital mortality.

'It breaks my heart': Healthcare practitioners' caring for families with epidermolysis bullosa.

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a painful genodermatosis presenting with skin fragility and blisters. There is no cure; the prognosis is guarded and depends on the subtype of the disease. Managing these patients can be emotionally challenging for healthcare practitioners.

Cardiac scoring systems, coronary artery disease and major adverse cardiovascular events: A scoping review.

Background: In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronary artery disease (CAD) as the leading cause of death globally for the last 20 years. Early screening and detection (primary prevention) and intervention (secondary prevention) are necessary to curb CAD and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) prevalence. A scoping review to assess the current literature on using cardiac scoring systems to predict CAD and MACE was performed.

Ten-year predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients without angina.

Background: Longstanding cardiovascular risk factors cause major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Major adverse cardiovascular events prediction may improve outcomes. The aim was to evaluate the ten-year predictors of MACE in patients without angina.

A qualitative study on traditional healers' perceptions and management of epidermolysis bullosa.

Background: Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare, incurable genodermatosis causing blisters that can result in multisystemic complications and death. Limited data exists on EB in South Africa. Research indicates that the majority of African patients consult traditional health practitioners (THPs) before seeking allopathic healthcare.

Recent trends in hereditary breast cancer incidence by race and age in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: An 11-year single-centre retrospective study (2011-2021).

Breast cancer incidence has increased globally in the last decade, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Sub-Saharan Africa, breast cancer trends have been described only in a few populations owing to the scarcity of population-specific data. Using data collected between 2011 and 2021 at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, this retrospective study describes demographic and genetic trends for hereditary breast cancer patients in the KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.