Malawi Medical Journal

Assessment of descending aortic blood flow velocities with continuous wave Doppler echocardiography among healthy Children in South East Nigeria
Chinawa JM, Chinawa AT, Chukwu BF and Onyia JT
The descending aorta velocity is important predictor of aortic disease in children and can be very helpful in some clinical and surgical decision making.
Clinical features and Surgical Outcomes of Thyroid Goitre Presenting to Ear, Nose and Throat Department of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
Ahoka MT and Mulwafu W
In Malawi there is a perception that goitre is common and causes significant public health and economic burdens. The purpose of this study was to assess the demographic distribution, clinical presentation, investigations, management, outcomes and complications of goitre seen at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre, Malawi.
A special case of acute portal vein thrombosis
Li X and Wu Z
Among the risk factors and underlying etiology of acute portal vein thrombosis, viral hepatitis is an extremely rare cause. We report a case of a young healthy 40-year-old male who was diagnosed with acute hepatitis A virus infection and presented with acute portal vein thrombosis. This article describes the possible pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical symptoms, and treatment of acute portal vein thrombosis in this patient. Based on this patient's history and treatment, we encourage testing for hepatitis A serological markers in the emergency department in a population with recent hepatitis A exposure risk factors and concurrent unexplained acute portal thrombosis.
Comparison of two different Nasal Interfaces used in Non-Invasive Respiratory support in terms of Neonate comfort
Deveci MF, Dag YS, Alagoz M, Yasar S, Yayan EH, Gokce IK and Ozdemir R
Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) is the first choice approach in neonates with sufficient respiratory effort that require respiratory support. The type of nasal interface used in NIV affects both efficacy and patient comfort. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different nasal interfaces used in NIV support on neonatal patient comfort.
The Interest in Betting, Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs in Malawi: Changing Trends between 2012-2022
Demir G and Bandawe C
In recent years, the online gambling market has rapidly developed, and betting has become one of the most popular forms of gambling. The aim of this study was to analyse the interest of the Malawian population in terms related to betting, sports betting, alcohol, cigarettes, and some psychoactive drugs through the relative search volumes of Google Trends.
Consumption and adverse reaction reporting of herbal medicines among people living with HIV at University teaching hospitals in Blantyre, Malawi and Ibadan, Nigeria
Mponda JS, Muula AS, Choko A, Ajuwon AJ and Moody JO
Consumption of herbal medicines among people living with HIV is a common practice in Sub-Saharan Africa. The utilization of herbal medicines was at 17.5% and 67.9% in Malawi and Nigeria, respectively. There is inadequate data on use and adverse reactions (ADRs) reporting of herbal medicines among people living with HIV (PLWHIV). This study was designed to investigate use and ADRs reporting of herbal medicines among PLWHIV at the University Teaching Hospitals in Blantyre, Malawi and Ibadan, Nigeria.
Awareness of urinary incontinence in pregnant women as a neglected issue: a cross-sectional study
Parlas M and Bilgic D
Pregnancy and labor are independent risk factors for the development of urinary incontinence (UI). Although UI is common during pregnancy, it is a health problem mostly neglected by pregnant women. The high prevalence of UI in pregnancy and its effects on the postpartum period justifies the need to determine the knowledge and attitudes of pregnant women regarding the prevention and management of UI. It is necessary to increase the awareness of pregnant women about UI, educate, consultant, and integrate pelvic floor muscle training into prenatal care services. This study aims to determine the UI awareness of pregnant women and their knowledge and attitudes in this context.
Comparing motor development in children with hydrocephalus after treatment with ventriculoperitoneal shunt and endoscopic third ventriculostomy: a cross-sectional study
Manda M, Nambuzi E, Kaphesi F, Likalowa C, Mwambyale T, Kaunda J and Kamalo P
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion (VPSI) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) are the major procedures for treating pediatric hydrocephalus. However, studies comparing motor development following the two treatments are limited.
Evaluation of the relationship between Knee Osteoarthritis and Meniscus Pathologies
Atik I, Gul E and Atik S
Knee osteoarthritis is a common, degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain that affects daily life. Our study aims to evaluate geriatric patients aged 65 and over with knee pain in terms of osteoarthritis with radiography and magnetic resonance imaging and to investigate its relationship with meniscal pathologies.
Utilisation of standardised outcomes measures by clinical Physiotherapists working in Namibia: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Chiwaridzo M, Shumba TW, Kamba F, Geurtze EO, von der Heiden C and Mudzi W
The utilisation of standardised outcome measures (SOMs) is crucial for evaluating patients' health status. Physiotherapists are highly recommended to use SOMs routinely. Despite the well-documented benefits of using SOMs, the utilisation of SOMs in clinical practice is still problematic particularly in Africa. In Namibia, there is dearth of information about SOMs utilisation by physiotherapists and the associated factors. This study was aimed at determining the extent of routine utilisation of SOMs and the associated demographic and work-related factors among physiotherapists.
A rare case of Odontogenic Keratocyst in the Maxillary Sinus: diagnosis and management
Palem SR, Devarakonda V, Navakoti P and Pendyala KS
Odontogenic keratocyst is a benign intraosseous lesion of odontogenic origin which is characterized by its aggressive nature. It is usually present in the mandibular posterior area, although it can also be found in the maxilla, particularly in the canine region. We discuss a unique example of OKC in the maxillary sinus involving the 27&28 region. Due to comparable clinical signs, this lesion is more prone to be mistaken for other lesions of the maxillary sinus, such as sinusitis or polyps. On the other side, this benign disease has the potential to develop into Ameloblastoma or squamous cell carcinoma. A favorable prognosis thus depends on early identification, precise diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and follow-ups.
A rare dental complication caused by a rare pathogen: Preseptal Cellulitis caused by Pseudomonas Oryzihabitans: a case report
Kudu E, Danış F and Karacabey S
Various infective complications can be seen after a dental procedure. They are rarely resistant to standard therapy. In the case we present, a case of preseptal cellulitis caused by pseudomonas oryzihabitans after tooth extraction in a male patient who did not have any underlying cause. As in our case, evaluation of the cases resistant to standard treatment in terms of drainage and multidisciplinary management of culture results together with infectious diseases will increase the treatment success rate.
An exceptional cause of acute respiratory failure in an infant: negative pressure pulmonary edema
Özdemir G and Ozturk Z
Acute respiratory failure is an important reason for pediatric intensive care admissions. Lung parenchymal disease, airway obstruction, or neuromuscular dysfunction are the most common causes. Negative pressure pulmonary edema, characterized by pulmonary edema associated with upper airway obstruction, can rarely cause sudden onset respiratory failure. Herein, we describe an infant who suffered sudden onset respiratory failure and pulmonary hemorrhage while being held facedown for a bath, was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, intubated and mechanically ventilated for three days, and was diagnosed with negative pressure pulmonary edema, and discharged without any sequelae. Negative pressure pulmonary edema is a rare entity. Its true frequency is not known due to the lack of awareness. This report aimed to increase clinician familiarity with negative pressure pulmonary edema in patients with sudden onset respiratory failure and/or pulmonary hemorrhage.
The diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra on Pericardial, Pleural and Ascitic cohort study fluids for diagnosis of extra-pulmonary Tuberculosis at a referral hospital in Malawi
Kamponda M, Bickton FM, Mategula D, Nliwasa M, Kreuels B and Kumwenda J
Extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) accounts for 15% of the 1.4 million patients with TB notified in 2019. EPTB carries a high risk of mortality and so early diagnosis and treatment are important to reduce this risk. Diagnosis of EPTB in low- and middle-income countries is challenging. This study investigated the diagnostic performance of Xpert MTB Ultra for the diagnosis of EPTB (pericardial, pleural, and ascitic fluid) in adults at a referral hospital in Malawi.
Lived experience of people living with HIV in Blantyre, Malawi: an exploratory qualitative study
Mankhokwe TM, Chisati E and Ntsiea M
People living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) encounter a range of complex challenges that impact their physical, psychological, and social well-being. The combined effects of these challenges significantly impact their daily functioning. Despite the relatively high prevalence of HIV in Malawi, there is limited knowledge on how the challenges experienced by people living with HIV correlate with their societal participation and performance of activities.
Epidemiology and trends in the uptake of refractive error services in Harare, Zimbabwe: a hospital-based retrospective study
Kahoto VE, Kwarteng MA, Owusu-Afriyie B, Zaabaar E and Kyei S
The study aimed to determine the epidemiology and evaluate the trends in the uptake of refractive error services in Harare.
Tracheobronchial variations in Pneumoconiosis cases: multidetector computed tomography diagnosis
Kalaycı D and Aydın MM
Tracheobronchial variations (TBVs) are more common than previously believed due to the increasing use of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). This study aimed to assess TBVs in cases of pneumoconiosis, one of the oldest occupational diseases that still poses a threat to public health.
Comparison of treatment methods in plastron appendicitis: a tertiary center experience
Ozdemir K, Harmantepe AT, Dulger UC, Gonullu E, Dikicier E, Bayhan Z and Altintoprak F
It is controversial which treatment method is superior in plastron appendicitis and the research is still going on. The aim of this study is to compare treatment methods for plastron appendicitis in the adult population with our experience.
The Socioeconomic consequences of femoral shaft fracture for patients in Malawi
Mody KS, Wu HH, Chokotho LC, Mkandawire NC, Young S, Lau BC, Shearer D and Agarwal-Harding KJ
Femoral shaft fractures are common in Malawi, with an annual incidence of 44 per 100,000 people. Inadequate treatment and delayed presentation often result in functional, biopsychosocial, and financial challenges for patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the socioeconomic consequences of femoral shaft fractures for patients in Malawi.
Examination of functional ankle instability in soccer players: a prospective study
Ünver G, Kocaman H and Eroğlu H
The foot area is one of the most active body parts in soccer branch. There may be various loads on the foot in soccer players and ankle instability may be occur. The present study aimed to evaluate functional ankle instability in soccer players and examine it in terms of some variables.
Ferritin/lymphocyte percentage ratio to predict the severity and mortality of COVID-19
Simsek Yurt N and Ocak M
In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between ferritin/lymphocyte percentage ratio (FLPR) with clinical and radiological disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.