Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases globally. Fortunately, there is a vast armamentarium of effective therapeutic options at our disposal so undiagnosed hypertension represents a missed opportunity. In a previous analysis [1] of the NFHS-4 dataset for the prevalence and risk factors for undiagnosed hypertension and its associated risk factors among Indian women aged 15-49 years, we had overestimated prevalence by inclusion of self-reported cases.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Preconception care (PCC) is the term used for activities and interventions designed to address and prevent problems related to pregnancy, the neonatal period and childhood. This study assessed maternal health status prior to conception in Trinidad by means of a screening tool, physical measurements, and laboratory samples.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 18-45 years at a primary care centre in Arima, Trinidad.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted significant global challenges that are expressed in a variety of socio-politico-economic scenarios, depending upon individual countries' preparedness and resilience. The impact COVID-19 in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), most of which are categorized as Lower and Middle-Income Countries, has been pronounced. Furthermore, many of these SIDS possess specific vulnerabilities to global threats.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUterine leiomyosarcomas are an extremely rare subtype of uterine malignancy. This is a case report of a 47-year-old woman whose underlying uterine leiomyosarcoma manifested as acute respiratory distress secondary to pulmonary metastases. We highlight that a combination of suggestive imaging features and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may prompt its diagnosis, notwithstanding that histological examination of a tissue sample is mandatory for its confirmation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: For aggressive limb sarcomas beyond reconstructive reach, an amputation may be the only alternative to achieve a complete tumour resection. However, very proximal amputations result in greater loss of function and quality-of-life impact. The spare parts principle advocates utilising tissues distal to the amputation site, for reconstructing complex defects and preserving the function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVestibular migraine is a leading cause of vertigo in pregnancy and, although not a distinct migraine subtype, is an episodic syndrome associated with migraine. Vestibular migraine is associated with diverse symptoms such as vertigo, aura, allodynia, osmophobia, nausea, vomiting and tinnitus, many of which may be exacerbated by, masked or even dismissed in pregnancy. Vestibular migraine is likely an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition in pregnancy.
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View Article and Find Full Text PDFExtensive degloving skin injuries in children are particularly challenging for the possible complications of restricting growth and function. Biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM, PolyNovo) is traditionally used for acute burn care reconstruction and in this case was successfully used to manage a child with lower limb open fractures associated with severe degloving injuries. This novel use offers excellent short and intermediate outcomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe interaction between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and autoimmune thyroid disease is an emerging phenomenon. The present study describes the case of a 28-year-old female who experienced a relapse of Graves' disease following SARS-CoV-2 infection. She was biochemically euthyroid for 2 years prior to COVID-19 infection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-I) have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus during the last decade. It has not only proven to be very effective for glycemic control but also has adjunctive effects in the management of heart failure, hypertension, and diabetic nephropathy, and even contributes to weight loss. Another benefit is the apparent lack of major side effects, particularly hypoglycemia, apart from euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: The determinants of quality of life for patients on renal replacement therapy vary across the world. The aim of this study is to determine the quality of life of patients on renal replacement therapy in Trinidad and Tobago and predictors thereof.
Patients And Methods: This cross-sectional study took place over a 1-year period.
Retroperitoneal liposarcomas are rare mesenchymal tumors which carry a poor prognosis because of their late presentation. When symptoms do occur, they are usually nonspecific and related to mass effect or invasion of local structures. Rarely, retroperitoneal liposarcomas can clinically and biochemically mimic phaeochromocytomas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOften described as a clinico-radiological entity, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is being increasingly diagnosed nowadays. However, mystery still surrounds its exact etiology. Though there are no standardized diagnostic criteria for this syndrome, there is a consistent feature associated with it: brain vasogenic edema in combination with neurotoxicity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMarked ethnic variations in complications and mortality have been noted following infection with COVID-19, with Black, Asian, and minority ethnic groups (BAME) being particularly hard hit. We hypothesise that glucocorticoid resistance stemming from several intrinsic reasons such as chronic social stress and lower circulating levels of Vitamin D may contribute to the exaggerated inflammatory response, more severe disease and poorer outcomes observed in BAME.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFA previously well 50-year-old male presented with a six-year history of worsening right-sided upper abdominal pain, postprandial nausea, and early satiety. His blood tests, including full blood count, liver biochemistry, and serum amylase, were normal. CT of the abdomen with intravenous contrast demonstrated concentric segmental mural thickening of the body and fundus of the gallbladder, with intramural cystic foci (rosary sign).
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