Exploring the clinical profiles and management of juvenile dermatomyositis in Africa: a survey of African rheumatology care providers.

Background: There are limited studies of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Many demonstrate delays to care, high prevalence of severe manifestations, and high mortality. Given the disease-associated damage with JDM, understanding JDM in Africa further is critical.

Frailty determinants in heart failure: Inflammatory markers, cognitive impairment and psychosocial interaction.

Aims: This study aimed to identify factors associated with frailty in heart failure (HF) patients, focusing on demographic, biochemical and health-related variables. It also explored the correlation between frailty and comorbidities such as malnutrition, cognitive impairment and depression, assessing how these factors interact to influence frailty risk.

Methods: A total of 250 HF patients (mean age 73.

Evaluation of liver fibrosis in HCV-infected patients using two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) before and after antiviral treatment.

Aim: Chronic hepatitis C virus infections can lead to liver fibrosis. Appropriate treatment of chronic hepatitis C may result in significant fibrosis reversal. The best method to assess liver fibrosis is an invasive hepatic biopsy.

Comparing the efficacy of serotonin and EGTA on postpartum hypocalcemia.

Inducing a transient state of hypocalcemia prepartum mobilizes stored calcium (Ca) before the abrupt demand for Ca at parturition thus more tightly regulating postpartum hypocalcemia. Prepartum transient hypocalcemia can be achieved through intravenous infusions of either the precursor to serotonin, 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5HTP) or a Ca chelating agent, ethylene-glycol-tetraacetic acid (EGTA). This study aimed to compare the ability of 5HTP and EGTA treatments to prevent postpartum hypocalcemia.

State of Knowledge About Thyroid Cancers in the Era of COVID-19-A Narrative Review.

Thyroid cancer (TC), due to its heterogeneous nature, remains a clinical challenge. Many factors can initiate the carcinogenesis process of various types of TC, which complicates diagnosis and treatment. The presented review gathers current information on specific types of TC, taking into account the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.