Real world feasibility of patient-based real time quality control (PBRTQC) using five analytes in a South African laboratory.

Background: Patient-based real-time quality control (PBRTQC) identifies possible bias in methods by utilising shifts in trend of statistical measures in laboratory results. In this study we aimed to compare and optimize various PBRTQC procedures for serum alanine aminotransferase, albumin, calcium, ferritin and sodium.

Methods: In a bias simulation study, we added artificial bias to intervals of patient data and then evaluated the efficiency with which various PBRTQC procedures were able to detect this bias.

Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness with a variable presentation across three generations within a pedigree, South Africa.

Introduction: Maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (MIDD) is caused by the m.3243A>G pathogenic variant in maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA. Diabetes is prevalent in our setting; however, MIDD is rarely diagnosed.

Impact of potassium test sample rejections on routine laboratory service, South Africa.

Background: Accurate potassium measurements are necessary for effective clinical management of hyperkalaemia. Pre-analytical factors may affect laboratory measurements, leading to erroneous results and inappropriate patient management and negatively impact the efficiency and finances of laboratories and hospitals.

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of rejected potassium test requests on laboratory service.

A Scoping Review Evaluating the Current State of Gut Microbiota Research in Africa.

The gut microbiota has emerged as a key human health and disease determinant. However, there is a significant knowledge gap regarding the composition, diversity, and function of the gut microbiota, specifically in the African population. This scoping review aims to examine the existing literature on gut microbiota research conducted in Africa, providing an overview of the current knowledge and identifying research gaps.

Neonatal presentation of a patient with Liddle syndrome, South Africa.

Introduction: Liddle syndrome is an autosomal dominantly inherited disorder usually arising from single mutations of the genes that encode for the alpha, beta and gamma epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) subunits. This leads to refractory hypertension, hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis, hyporeninaemia and hypoaldosteronism, through over-activation of the ENaC.

Case Presentation: We describe a 5-day old neonate who presented with severe hypernatraemic dehydration requiring admission to Steve Biko Academic Hospital in South Africa in 2012.

Hyperthyroidism in molar pregnancy: β-HCG levels do not always reflect severity.

Background: Molar pregnancy is a complication characterised by abnormal benign or malignant proliferation of trophoblastic cells resulting in markedly elevated β-hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin) levels, an established marker for the presence of the disease. Owing to the structural homology between β-hCG and TSH, the raised β-hCG can result in secondary hyperthyroidism.

Methods: Two patients aged 20 (Case 1) and 31 years (Case 2) presented to the emergency department within a few days of each other complaining of vaginal bleeding associated with abdominal pain.