Accreditation
SINTA 2Nationally Accredited Journal
Vol. 8 No. 9 (2024): Bioscientia Medicina: Journal of Biomedicine & Translational Research
Articles
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Study of Analysis of Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) Levels Before and After Hysterectomy in Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN) Patients: A Single Center Observational Study at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
Views: 783Downloads: 1,529Background: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) is a malignant tumor originating from placental trophoblast which causes mortality due to bleeding. Trophoblast produces beta hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Quantitative examination of serum beta hCG is used to support the diagnosis and management of GTN. Hysterectomy is performed in bleeding conditions as the main therapy besides chemotherapy. This study aims to analyze differences in beta hCG levels before and after hysterectomy in GTN patients at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang.
Methods: Retrospective observational analytical research design cross-sectional from 21 samples of GTN patients for the period July 2021 to June 2023 at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang. Quantitative beta hCG level examination is carried out before and after the hysterectomy. The Shapiro-Wilk test was carried out for data normality and continued with the Wilcoxon nonparametric tests to find out significant differences in beta hCG levels.
Results: The most common characteristics of GTN patients were age ≥35 years, namely 15 (71.4%) patients, multiparity in 14 (66.7%) patients, and indication for hysterectomy due to bleeding in 14 (66.7%) patients. The median beta hCG level before hysterectomy was 46,000 (117.10-653,874) mIU/mL and the median after hysterectomy was 113.3 (0.12-3,693) mIU/mL. Beta hCG levels after hysterectomy were found to be normal (<5 mIU/mL) in five patients (23.8%). There was a significant difference in beta hCG levels before and after hysterectomy (p <0.001).
Conclusion: Beta hCG levels after hysterectomy decreased compared to before hysterectomy. Hysterectomy therapy is useful for reducing beta hCG levels in GTN patients.
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Steroid therapy in extrahepatic cholestasis suggestive of biliary atresia: A case report
Views: 813Downloads: 381Background: Biliary atresia is a fibroinflammatory disease obstructing the extrahepatic biliary system. Biliary atresia is the leading cause of cholestasis in infants and the cause of end-stage liver disease in the first two years of life. Surgical treatment with Kasai portoenterostomy has been performed but has not eliminated the need for liver transplantation. The consideration of adjuvant steroid therapy for suppressing the fibro-inflammatory process in the bile ducts may improve the outcome of extrahepatic cholestasis.
Case Presentation: A case of a 2-month 7-day-old boy with a chief complaint of jaundice with suspicion of biliary atresia. Jaundice started 1 week after birth, followed by acholic stools, yellow-brown urine, distended abdomen, hepatomegaly, and visible abdominal veins. Laboratory examination revealed an elevated level of direct bilirubin (cholestasis) in combination with elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), hypoalbuminemia, and reactive of IgG and IgM CMV. A percutaneous liver biopsy was performed and showed extrahepatic cholestasis with mild fibrosis consistent with biliary atresia. The patient was treated with oral methylprednisolone and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). After 12 weeks of therapy, the patient was free of jaundice and darkening of stool color, followed by a normal bilirubin level.
Conclusion: In young infants with extrahepatic cholestasis suggestive of biliary atresia, steroid administration resulted in clinical and laboratory improvement. The involvement of the immune response in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia may suggest new therapeutic targets for biliary atresia, such as steroids for improving the outcome of biliary atresia in young infants.
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Study Analysis of Serum Phosphorylated Tau (P-Tau) Levels with Severity and Outcome in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Single Center Observational Study at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
Views: 543Downloads: 304Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health problem that can cause death and disability in people of productive age. The diagnosis and assessment of TBI severity currently still rely on clinical examination and neuroimaging. However, limited access and cost of neuroimaging are obstacles in many health facilities. Therefore, blood-based biomarkers are needed that can help the diagnosis and prognosis of TBI. Phosphorylated Tau (p-tau) is a potential biomarker that can be measured in serum. This study aims to assess the relationship between serum p-tau levels and severity and outcome in TBI patients.
Methods: This research is a comparative study with a cross-sectional design involving 70 TBI patients who came to the emergency room (ER) of Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang. TBI severity was assessed using the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and grouped into mild (GCS 13-15) and moderate to severe (GCS 3-12). Outcomes were assessed using the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) and grouped into good (GOS 4-5) and poor (GOS 1-3). Serum p-tau levels were measured using the ELISA method. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS.
Results: The median serum p-tau level in the mild TBI group was 165.84 ng/L (IQR 126.18-463.85), while in the moderate to severe TBI group, it was 177.68 ng/L (IQR 87.62-591 .93). There was a significant difference between serum p-tau levels in the mild and moderate to severe TBI groups (p=0.029). The median serum p-tau level in the good outcome group was 167.21 ng/L (IQR 87.62-463.85), while in the poor outcome group it was 187.04 ng/L (IQR 137.75-591.93). There was a significant difference between serum p-tau levels in the good and bad outcome groups (p=0.014).
Conclusion: Serum p-tau levels have a significant relationship with severity and outcome in TBI patients. Elevated serum p-tau levels are associated with increased severity of TBI and poor outcomes. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential of p-tau as a biomarker in TBI management.
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Overview of Central Corneal Thickness in Patients with Glaucoma: A Single Center Observational Study at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
Views: 525Downloads: 315Background: Central corneal thickness (CCT) is an important risk factor in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma. This study aims to determine the CCT picture of various types of glaucoma at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang.
Methods: This descriptive retrospective study involved data from glaucoma patients at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang for the period January 2019 - December 2020. CCT data was obtained from medical records and OCT computer data. Descriptive analysis was carried out to see the distribution of CCT in ocular hypertension (OHT), glaucoma suspect (GS), normal tension glaucoma (NTG), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) groups.
Results: A total of 123 glaucoma patients were analyzed. The overall mean CCT was 535.50 ± 43.82 µm. The highest mean CCT was in the OHT group (566.30 ± 32.07 µm) and the lowest in POAG (523.39 ± 39.43 µm). The mean age of patients was 35.19 ± 16.20 years. The POAG group had the highest mean age (52.52 ± 9.54 years), while the JOAG group had the lowest (22.00 ± 5.84 years).
Conclusion: There are variations in CCT in various types of glaucoma, with OHT having the highest CCT and POAG the lowest. This data can be a basis for consideration in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma in Indonesia.
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Differences in Average Albumin Levels in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Survivor and Non-Survivor Patients: A Single Center Observational Study at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
Views: 572Downloads: 304Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers a systemic inflammatory response that can lead to a decrease in serum albumin levels. A more severe inflammatory response in non-survivor COVID-19 patients may correlate with a more significant decrease in albumin levels. This study aims to analyze differences in mean albumin levels in COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study involved 40 COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors treated at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang from July 2021 to September 2021. Serum albumin levels were checked using an automated clinical chemistry tool. Data analysis was carried out using the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test, with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 49.4 (16.3) years, with the majority of cases occurring in men (67.5%). The median albumin levels in all COVID-19 patients, COVID-19 survivors, and COVID-19 non-survivors were 3.2 (2.20–5.00) g/dL, respectively; 4.1 (3.0–5.0) g/dL; and 2.9 (2.20–3.70) g/dL (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: There is a significant difference in mean albumin levels between COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors. Lower albumin levels were found in non-survivor patients. Albumin can be a potential biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients.
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Differences in Cerebrospinal Fluid Glucose Levels in Meningitis Patients Based on Examination Time: A Single Center Observational Study at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
Views: 587Downloads: 1,229Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a vital fluid in the central nervous system that can provide important diagnostic information, especially in cases of meningitis. CSF glucose is one of the key parameters that can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of the patient's condition. However, the stability of glucose in the CSF after sampling is of concern due to the potential for levels to decrease over time.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical observational study was conducted at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang between May and August 2023. CSF samples from patients with suspected meningitis were checked for glucose levels at three time points: the first 1 hour, 2 hours, and 4 hours after sample collection. Patients with puncture trauma and late delivery of samples (more than 30 minutes) were excluded.
Results: This study involved [number of patients] CSF samples that met the inclusion criteria. The mean decrease in CSF glucose levels between the 1-hour and 2-hour examination was 5.667 mg/dL (±0.75 mg/dL), while between 1 hour and 4 hours, it was 12.183 mg/dL (±1.549 mg/dL). Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.001) between the three examination time points.
Conclusion: Glucose levels in the CSF of meningitis patients decreased significantly over time after sampling. This emphasizes the importance of checking CSF glucose as soon as possible to obtain accurate results and avoid misinterpretation in the diagnosis and treatment of meningitis.
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Accidental Finding of Suspected Cysticercosis Without Symptoms in Balinese Male: A Case Report
Views: 603Downloads: 411Background: Cysticercosis is one of the illnesses that the WHO considers to be neglected tropical diseases (NTD). Prevalence of cysticercosis in Asia ranged from 0.8% to 41.8%. Mostly, the central nervous system is affected.
Case presentation: A 56-year-old Balinese male came to emergency department with main complaint weakness on right-side of his body since 12 hours before being admitted to the hospital. He has history of eating lawar (Balinese traditional food) mixed with fresh pig blood; the last time he ate it was 6 months. Chest examination no nodule/swelling, abscess, or hypertrophy of muscle was found. On laboratory examination WBC 7.47x103/ul, Hb 16.0 g/dL, percentage of eosinophil 5.4%, and eosinophil count 0.40x103/ul. Head CT without contrast suggesting sub-acute cerebral infarction in the left capsule internal. The patient then performed chest radiograph and accidentally multiple rice grain calcification was found. The patient treated with albendazole 15mg/kg/bb/day for 14 days. Clinical presentations of cysticercosis can vary from those with no symptoms to those symptomatic, Patients with muscular involvement are mostly asymptomatic. Increasing eosinophil in complete blood count may indicate helminth infection, to clinch the early diagnosis radiological modalities can be used. However histological findings will give a definitive diagnosis. The use of praziquantel and albendazole is the suggested antihelminth in cysticercosis.
Conclusion: Pulmonary muscle involvement of cysticercosis is a rare finding. Increasing awareness of such lesions may lead to early diagnosis and prevent irreversible damage.
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Virological and Clinical Studies of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF): A Systematic Literature Review
Views: 722Downloads: 403Background: Viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) is a group of zoonotic diseases caused by various RNA viruses, such as Ebola, Marburg, Lassa, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), and Dengue. VHF poses a serious threat to global public health due to high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review of virological and clinical studies of VHF to understand the characteristics of the virus, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, risk factors, diagnosis, and current therapeutic options.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant studies published between 2018 and 2024. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated for quality and narratively synthesized.
Results: This review included 20 studies involving 2,350 VHF patients. Results demonstrated significant diversity in virologic characteristics, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations among different types of VHF. These studies also highlight advances in molecular and serological diagnosis, as well as the development of antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies.
Conclusion: This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive summary of current knowledge regarding the virology and clinical practice of VHF. These findings may guide the development of more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for this life-threatening disease.
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Analysis of the Role of Vitamin C Hypovitaminosis in Scurvy on Bone Health: A Single Center Observational Study at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia
Views: 1,044Downloads: 844Background: Scurvy, vitamin C deficiency, is a rare condition but remains relevant in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the role of vitamin C hypovitaminosis in the development of scurvy and its impact on bone health through an observational study at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital. Surakarta.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 30 patients diagnosed with scurvy at Dr. Moewardi General Hospital Surakarta during the 2020-2023 period. Demographic data, medical history, nutritional status, and severity of scurvy were collected. A radiological examination of the bone is performed to assess scurvy-related changes. Descriptive, comparative, and Spearman correlation statistical analyzes were used.
Results: The majority of patients were men (66.7%) with a mean age of 45 years. A history of an unbalanced diet with low fruit and vegetable intake was found in the majority of patients (86.7%). Common symptoms include fatigue (86.7%), joint pain (73.3%), bleeding gums (60%), and skin bleeding (53.3%). The severity of scurvy varied, with 10 patients (33.3%) experiencing severe scurvy. Radiological examination shows significant changes in long bones, especially osteoporosis and thinning of the cortex, which is more obvious in patients with severe scurvy. Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the severity of scurvy and the incidence of osteoporosis (rho = 0.495, p = 0.005) and cortical thinning (rho = 0.394, p = 0.031).
Conclusion: Vitamin C hypovitaminosis plays a significant role in the development of scurvy and has a negative impact on bone health. Early screening and diagnosis of scurvy are important to prevent musculoskeletal complications. Nutritional education and dietary interventions to increase vitamin C intake need to be intensified, especially in high-risk groups.
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Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever with Unusual Presentations and Complications in Sanjiwani General Hospital: A Case Series
Views: 565Downloads: 577Background: Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquito with a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from mild fever to life-threatening complications. Atypical clinical manifestations of DHF can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment, so it is important to increase clinician awareness of these unusual manifestations.
Case presentation: We report four cases of DHF with atypical manifestations: (1) A 50-year-old woman with spontaneous psoas hematoma, (2) An elderly man with pulmonary edema, (3) A young man with acute myocarditis, and (4) A middle-aged man. middle-aged with encephalopathy.
Conclusion: Atypical manifestations of DHF can occur at various ages and can involve various organs. It is important for clinicians to consider dengue fever as a differential diagnosis in patients with fever and unusual clinical manifestations, especially in dengue-endemic areas. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can improve patient clinical outcomes.
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The Role of Ferritin Levels on Vitamin D Status in Pregnant Women: An Observational Single Center Study at Hermina Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
Views: 780Downloads: 1,975Background: Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes. Research shows a complex interaction between iron and vitamin D. Pregnant women are susceptible to iron deficiency due to increased iron requirements during pregnancy. Ferritin reflects body iron stores and may decrease before serum iron. This study aims to analyze the relationship between ferritin levels and vitamin D status in pregnant women.
Methods: This retrospective comparative cross-sectional analytical observational study involved pregnant women in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters who underwent antenatal care at Hermina Hospital Padang from February to August 2023. Vitamin D (25(OH)D3) and ferritin were measured using enzyme-linked fluorescence assay (ELFA). Univariate and bivariate analysis used the Chi-square and odds ratio (OR) tests, with a significance of p<0.05.
Results: Of 163 pregnant women (mean age 30.4 years), median ferritin levels were 25.85 ng/mL and 25(OH)D3 15.5 ng/mL. Low ferritin was found in 63.80% of subjects and sufficient vitamin D in 31.90%, insufficiency in 33.74%, and deficiency in 34.36%. There was no correlation between low ferritin and vitamin D insufficiency (OR=2.04; 95% CI 0.94-4.42; p=0.700). However, there was a significant correlation between low ferritin and vitamin D deficiency (OR=6.59; 95% CI 2.68-16.18; p=0.000).
Conclusion: Pregnant women with low ferritin have a 6.59 times higher risk of experiencing vitamin D deficiency.
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Effectiveness of Mechanical Treatments (Periosteal Stripping VS Non-Periosteal Stripping) on Fracture Healing: In Vivo Study
Views: 1,083Downloads: 310Background: Periosteal stripping (PS) is a controversial technique in fracture management, with studies reporting both positive and negative effects on bone healing. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PS and non-periosteal stripping (NPS) on fracture healing in the Sprague Dawley rat model.
Methods: This study is an in vivo experimental research. Male Sprague Dawley rats (8-10 weeks old) were divided into four groups (n=10 per group): Group I: NPS, evaluation day 14; Group II: PS, evaluation day 14; Group III: NPS, evaluation day 28 and Group IV: PS, evaluation day 28. A standard fracture was created in the tibia, and PS or NPS was performed. Radiographic evaluation was performed on days 14 and 28, with the RUST score (Radiographic Union Score for Tibia) used to assess fracture healing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results: The RUST score showed better fracture healing in the NPS group compared to PS on day 28 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference on day 14 (p>0.05).
Conclusion: NPS was more effective in accelerating fracture healing in Sprague Dawley rats than PS, especially in the later stages of healing. These findings provide further evidence of the potential adverse effects of PS and highlight the importance of considering time in assessing its efficacy.
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Characteristics, Clinical, and Trichoscopic Features in Pediatric Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Single-Center Observational Study at the Dermatology Clinic of Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang
Views: 681Downloads: 383Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease that causes patchy hair loss. In children, AA can have a significant psychological impact. This study aims to identify the characteristics, clinical and trichoscopic features of AA pediatric patients at the dermatology clinic of Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang.
Methods: This cross-sectional analytical observational study involved pediatric patients (<18 years) with a diagnosis of AA who came to the dermatology clinic of Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang between January 2020 to December 2023. Demographic data, disease history, clinical features, and trichoscopy examination results were collected and analyzed descriptively.
Results: A total of 125 pediatric AA patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were female (62.4%) with a mean age of 10.5 years. The most common form of AA is patchy (80%), followed by alopecia totalis/universalis (12%) and ophiasis (8%). A history of atopy was found in 35.2% of patients. The most frequently found trichoscopic features were yellow dots (78.4%), black dots (64%), and broken hairs (56%).
Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive description of the characteristics, clinical and trichoscopic characteristics of AA pediatric patients at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang. These findings may provide a basis for the development of better management strategies for AA in children.
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Invasive Mammary Paget’s Disease Without Underlying Malignancy: A Case Report
Views: 509Downloads: 297Background: Mammary Paget's disease (MPD) with skin invasion is a rare condition that is often associated with an underlying malignancy. However, invasive MPD without malignancy is even rarer and often misdiagnosed.
Case presentation: This report presents the case of a 56-year-old woman who presented with a progressively enlarging scaly erythematous plaque on her left nipple for 6 months. Dermoscopy and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of invasive MPD, but radiological examination did not reveal any malignancy.
Conclusion: Invasive MPD without malignancy is a rare but important entity to recognize. Awareness of this condition can help prevent overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
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The Relationship between Albumin Levels with SGOT, SGPT, and de Ritis Ratio in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Single-Center Observational Study at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
Views: 2,487Downloads: 1,271Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and can cause progressive liver damage. This damage can be measured through a decrease in albumin levels and an increase in liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST/SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT), and de Ritis ratio (AST/ALT). This study aims to analyze the relationship between albumin levels and SGOT, SGPT, and de Ritis ratio in CHB patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional retrospective analytical study involved 50 CHB patients diagnosed at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang between June 2022 to June 2023. Data on albumin levels, SGOT, SGPT, and de Ritis ratio were obtained from medical records. The de Ritis ratio, SGOT, and SGPT were grouped into normal and increased. Statistical analysis used an independent t-test with a significance of p < 0.05.
Results: The research subjects consisted of 26 men (52%) and 24 women (48%) with an average age of 42.46 ± 13.39 years. The mean albumin level in the increased SGOT group (3.69 ± 0.78 g/dL) was significantly lower than the normal SGOT group (4.39 ± 0.61 g/dL) (p = 0.003). The mean albumin level in the increased de Ritis ratio group (3.90 ± 0.80 g/dL) was also significantly lower than the normal de Ritis ratio group (4.46 ± 0.70 g/dL) (p = 0.006). There was no significant difference between albumin levels in the normal and increased SGPT groups (p = 0.548).
Conclusion: There is a significant negative relationship between albumin levels and SGOT and de Ritis ratio in CHB patients. Decreased albumin levels may be an indicator of more severe liver damage in these patients.
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Overview of Bacterial Patterns and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Single-Center Observational Study at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital, Padang, Indonesia
Views: 606Downloads: 564Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a serious complication of diabetes mellitus with a high risk of infection. Patterns of causative bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity can vary between hospitals and time periods.
Methods: This descriptive research involved all swabs and pus samples from DFU patients at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang between January and June 2023. Samples were processed through culture, Gram staining, and identification using VITEK 2. Patient medical record data was analyzed for demographic characteristics.
Results: Of the 23 samples, 65% were gram-negative bacteria, dominated by Escherichia coli (30%). Gram-positive bacteria were found in 35%, with Staphylococcus aureus (18%) as the most. E. coli showed resistance to ampicillin and ceftriaxone but was sensitive to meropenem and amikacin. S. aureus is resistant to vancomycin but sensitive to benzylpenicillin.
Conclusion: Gram-negative bacteria, especially E. coli, were more dominant in DFU at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang during the research period. The pattern of antibiotic resistance found emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy based on sensitivity test results.
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The Role of High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein as an Inflammation Predictor in Cardiovascular Diseases
Views: 1,306Downloads: 581Inflammation can be measured by analyzing the levels of inflammatory markers, such as High Sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP). This protein plays a crucial role as a strong independent predictor indicating the risk of cardiovascular. The hs-CRP can measure the levels of C-reactive protein with high sensitivity, making it a highly responsive marker to acute-phase inflammation. The presence of hs-CRP serves as an inflammation indicator that can predict the potential occurrence of heart attacks, strokes, peripheral artery diseases, and sudden death due to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Produced by the liver in response to inflammation, hs-CRP is nonspecific and can elevate various types of inflammation, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions in cardiovascular. This study is a literature review using secondary data from related research. The hs-CRP has a very high sensitivity and specificity level compared to CRP as an inflammation marker. Therefore, hs-CRP serves not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a strong predictor of inflammation, capable of predicting cardiovascular risk.
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Long-Term Effects of Tea Consumption Habits on Cardiovascular Performance of Adolescent Population: An Observational Study of Adolescent Community in Jakarta, Indonesia
Views: 1,655Downloads: 355Background: Tea is a popular drink that is widely consumed in Indonesia. Some studies show the potential benefits of tea on cardiovascular health, but evidence regarding long-term effects in adolescents is limited. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between tea consumption habits and cardiovascular performance in the adolescent population in Jakarta.
Methods: This prospective observational cohort study involved 1,500 adolescents aged 15-18 years in Jakarta. Data on tea consumption habits was collected through a structured questionnaire, while cardiovascular performance was measured through blood pressure tests, body mass index (BMI), and treadmill tests. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analyzes were used to identify the association between habitual tea consumption and cardiovascular events over a 5-year period.
Results: The results showed that regular tea consumption (≥3 cups/week) was associated with a reduced risk of hypertension (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.48-0.88) and an increase in cardiovascular functional capacity as measured by treadmill testing (HR 0 .72; 95% CI 0.55-0.94).
Conclusion: The habit of regular tea consumption among adolescents in Jakarta is associated with a reduced risk of hypertension and improved cardiovascular performance. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying tea's protective effects.
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Efficacy of Topical Niacinamide on Skin Hydration of Adolescents with Acne Vulgaris: An Experimental Study on the Adolescent Community in Jakarta, Indonesia
Views: 3,115Downloads: 7,552Background: Acne vulgaris (AV) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder common in adolescents, often accompanied by dry, irritated skin. Topical niacinamide (vitamin B3) has shown potential in increasing skin hydration and reducing AV symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of topical niacinamide on skin hydration in adolescents with AV in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Methods: This research is a randomized controlled experimental study involving 100 adolescents (14-19 years) with mild to moderate AV in Jakarta. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (receiving topical 4% niacinamide cream) and the control group (receiving placebo cream). The intervention was carried out for 8 weeks, and skin hydration was measured using a corneometer at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Data analysis was carried out using paired t-tests and independent t-tests.
Results: There was a significant increase in skin hydration in the intervention group compared to the control group at week 4 (p < 0.001) and week 8 (p < 0.001). No significant side effects were reported.
Conclusion: Topical niacinamide was effective in increasing skin hydration in adolescents with AV in Jakarta, Indonesia. This study supports the use of topical niacinamide as an adjunct therapy in the management of AV, especially in adolescents with dry, irritated skin.
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Efficacy of Garlic Extract (Allium sativum L.) as a Therapeutic Modality of Condyloma Acuminata: A Meta-Analysis
Views: 1,840Downloads: 5,096Background: Condyloma acuminata (CA) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Current standard treatment has limitations, so effective and safe alternative therapies are needed. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has long been used in traditional medicine and has potential as an antiviral and antitumor agent. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of garlic extract as a CA therapy modality through meta-analysis.
Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to identify randomized controlled clinical studies (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of garlic extract in CA patients. Extracted data included study characteristics, interventions, sample size, clinical outcomes, and side effects. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software.
Results: A total of 8 RCTs involving 542 CA patients met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that garlic extract was significantly more effective in clearing CA lesions compared with placebo (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.95-4.23; p < 0.00001). Garlic extract also demonstrated comparable effectiveness to standard therapies such as podophyllin and imiquimod. There was no significant difference in the incidence of side effects between the garlic extract group and the control group.
Conclusion: Garlic extract is an effective and safe therapeutic modality for CA. Further studies with more robust designs are needed to confirm these findings and explore the mechanism of action of garlic extract on CA.
