Fractures Among Egyptian Males With Fragility Hip Fractures in the Emergency Room of Ain Shams University Hospitals

Fractures Among Egyptian Males With Fragility Hip Fractures in the Emergency Room of Ain Shams University Hospitals

Adel A. Abbas (1), Mohamed F. Allam (2), Hala S. Sweed (1), Samia A. Abdul-Rahman (1), Walaa W. Ali (1).

 

1) Geriatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EGY. 2) Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, ESP. 3) Family Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, EGY.

 

Cureus 15(12): e49960.

 

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49960

 

Abstract

Background. Fragility fractures are linked to significant costs for society as well as significant pain and suffering, disability, and even death. It is well-recognized that osteoporosis-related fragility fractures raise the risk of subsequent fragility fractures. One of the most frequent osteoporotic fractures brought on by low bone mineral density and other risk factors is vertebral fractures. Considering that most vertebral fractures are asymptomatic and not clinically identified, proactive screening could stop additional impairment.

Objective. The current study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hidden vertebral fractures in Egyptian males who have fragility hip fractures.

Patients and methods. A cross-sectional case-control study examining the correlation of risk factors between cases (fragility hip fracture and vertebral fractures) and a control group (fragility hip fracture without vertebral fracture) was carried out from September 2020 to September 2021 on patients visiting the orthopedic emergency department of a university hospital in Cairo, Egypt. Males who presented to the emergency room (ER) with fragility hip fractures and were 40 years of age or older met our inclusion criteria. For every patient who presented with a fragility hip fracture, standard lateral and anteroposterior radiographs of the dorso-lumbar spine were taken.

Results. A total of 43,935 patients visited the orthopedic emergency room (ER) throughout the study period; 13,034 of those patients were men, accounting for 29.7% of all orthopedic ER visits. Our inclusion criteria for fragility hip fractures were met by 132 male participants. The screening lumbosacral plain X-rays identified 27 (20.5%) of the 132 patients as having concomitant vertebral fractures in addition to the fragility hip fractures. Concomitant hidden vertebral fractures among Egyptian males with other fragility fractures, particularly fragility hip fractures, are predicted by the number of co-morbid diseases, hypertension, and continuous use of steroids and anti-epileptics.

Conclusion. Most fragility fractures are avoidable. Because one fragility fracture increases the likelihood of others, early detection is crucial. To prevent complications and mortality, it is important to identify and manage individuals who have a fragility hip fracture as they frequently have concurrent hidden vertebral fractures. Predictive risk factors for fragility vertebral fractures include hypertension, the number of concomitant illnesses, and chronic drugs (anti-epileptics and steroids).

 

Keywords: Ain Shams University, Egypt, Male, Vertebral Fracture, Hip Fracture, Osteoprosis, Fragility Fracture.

 

Abbas A A, Allam M F, Sweed H S, et al. (December 05, 2023) Proportion of Hidden Vertebral Fractures Among Egyptian Males With Fragility Hip Fractures in the Emergency Room of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Cureus 15(12): e49960. DOI 10.7759/cureus.49960

 

https://www.cureus.com/articles/207101-proportion-of-hidden-vertebral-fractures-among-egyptian-males-with-fragility-hip-fractures-in-the-emergency-room-of-ain-shams-university-hospitals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=transaction#!/

Role of Probiotics and Colchicine in COVID-19 Management?

Role of Probiotics and Colchicine in COVID-19 Management?

Samar Osama Ahmed Hassan (1), Ahmed Nour El-Din Hassan (2), Manal Sabry Mohamed (3), Mina Michael Nesim (3), Mohamed Nabil Badawy Al Ashram (3), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1,4)

 

(1) Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

(2) Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

(3) Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

(4) Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, Cairo, Egypt

 

Universal Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2023;1(1):14–16.

 

DOI: 10.31586/ujgh.2023.772

 

Abstract

 

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly emerging human disease caused by a novel coronavirus, causing a global pandemic crisis. Probiotics and/or colchicine may be considered as options for treatment since they have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the current review was to assess the effectiveness of probiotic supplements and colchicine on symptoms, duration, and progression of mild and moderate cases of COVID-19 infection. Review: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the United States with 182 participants who were randomly assigned to receive daily oral probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) LGG or placebo for 28 days. The study indicated that LGG is well-tolerated and is associated with a delay in the onset of COVID-19 infection, a reduction in the incidence of symptoms, and alterations in the structure of the gut microbiome when administered as post-exposure prophylaxis within seven days of exposure. Colchicine may lessen mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. Conclusion: Probiotics and/or colchicine may be viable treatment options for COVID-19 patients. To examine the efficacy of probiotics and colchicine in the treatment of COVID-19, it is necessary to conduct additional clinical trials and provide clinicians with evidence, as there are currently insufficient studies to support this conclusion.

 

Keywords: Probiotics, Colchicine, COVID-19, Management, Clinical trials, Review.

 

Universal Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2023;1(1):14–16.

 

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/ujgh/article/view/772

Effectiveness of Probiotics for Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Effectiveness of Probiotics for Treatment of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Hadeer Abdel-Aleem Hassan Mohamed Tawfik (1), Mohamed Nazmy Farres (2), Rasha Samir (2,3), Mohamed Nabil Badawy Al Ashram (2), Mina Michael Nesim (2), Mohamed Farouk Allam (1*)

 

(1) Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt

(2) Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt

(3) Departemnt of Internal Medicine, Armed Forces College of Medicine, Egypt

 

Universal Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2023;1(1):17–25.

 

DOI: 10.31586/ujgh.2023.735

 

Abstract

 

Background: Recently specific interactions and crosslinks between the gut microbiota and the lungs have been recognized, particularly with regard to respiratory immune and anti-microbial reactions. This is often known as the “gut-lung axis” or “a common mucosal immunological system”. Objective: The aim of the current systematic review was to evaluate evidence, from published clinical trials and cohort studies, if probiotics may have an effect in improving and managing COVID-19 symptoms. Materials and methods: The available studies were searched through a comprehensive search of electronic databases that included PubMed, Science Direct, Scirus, ISI Web of Knowledge, Google Scholar and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), using a combination of the following keywords: “COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2 AND Microbiota OR Probiotics” OR “Gut Lung Axis”. The literature was reviewed until August 31, 2022. Results: Only 3 studies were included. One of them evaluated the efficacy of probiotics in COVID-19 patients to obtain complete remission of all signs and symptoms. The clinical trial proves that probiotics have a significant effect on complete remission of all signs and symptoms of COVID-19 patients with statistical significant difference. Only one clinical trial out of the 3 included studies had evaluated the need for O2 therapy during the study between the probiotics and control groups, but without statistical significant difference. No statistical significant difference between the probiotics group and placebo group was observed regarding fatal prognosis during the only clinical trial that measured death as an outcome. Conclusion: We couldn’t judge on these results as they are insufficient data for pooling and meta-analysis. However, what we can say is “Most probably Probiotics have no role in treatment of COVID-19 infection”.

 

Keywords: COVID-19, Probiotics, Management, Meta-analysis, Systematic Review.

 

Universal Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2023;1(1):17–25.

 

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/UJGH/article/view/735

Proportion and Risk Factors of Silent Vertebral Fractures Among Egyptian Females With Fragility Hip Fracture Presenting to the Emergency Room of Ain Shams University Hospitals

Proportion and Risk Factors of Silent Vertebral Fractures Among Egyptian Females With Fragility Hip Fracture Presenting to the Emergency Room of Ain Shams University Hospitals

Mohamed A. Abdelrahman Ali (1)

Hala S. Sweed (1)

Mohamed F. Allam (2)

Walaa W. Aly (1)

Abeer H. Mohamed Matter (1)

Walid E. Abdelalim Elshabrawy (3)

 

1. Geriatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.  

2. Family Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.  

3. Orthopedic Surgery, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

 

Cureus 15(9): e46214.

 

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46214

 

Abstract

Background. Fragility fractures caused by osteoporosis are known to increase the risk of further fragility fractures. Also, several factors have been associated with an increasing risk of fracture in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, as prior fracture, advancing age, low bone mineral density (BMD), greater risk or history of falls certain, pharmacologic therapies such as glucocorticoids, and medical conditions increase the risk of secondary osteoporosis and related fractures through their direct impact on bone density or structure. Menstrual history including age at menarche menopause and a history of amenorrhea is documented as a predicting osteoporotic fracture.

Objective. The aim of the current study is to find the proportion of hidden vertebral fractures among Egyptian females with fragility hip fracture.

Patients and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients who presented to the orthopedic emergency room (ER) of Ain Shams University Hospitals in Cairo, Egypt, from September 2020 to September 2021. Our inclusión criteria include females aged 40 years or older, who presented to the ER with fragility hip fractures. A simple random sample of females fulfilling our inclusión criteria for osteoporotic hip fracture was thoroughly investigated. Conventional lateral and anteroposterior radiographs of the dorsolumbar spine were obtained excluding those with high-impact fractures or pathological fractures.

Results. During the study period, a total of 43,935 persons presented to the orthopedic ER, of whom 30,901 were females, comprising 70.03% of total orthopedic ER visits. A sample of 150 females met our inclusion criteria. Results showed that 16 of our 150 cases had concomitant vertebral fracture, meaning that 10.7% of cases had hidden vertebral fracture at the time of osteoporotic hip fracture, as diagnosed by the screening lumbosacral plain X-rays. Older age at menarche, younger age at menopause, and amenorrhea are shown to be risk factors for hidden vertebral fracture in Egyptian females.

Conclusion. Osteoporosis is a complex and costly disease. Osteoporotic fractures may be largely preventable, as environmental factors are open to intervention, and effective pharmacological agents are available. Concomitant hidden vertebral fracture is prevalent among females with osteoporotic hip fractures, and those who had later menarche, earlier menopause, and menstrual irregularities have a higher incidence of developing associated vertebral fracture, which warrants identification and management to evade complications and mortality.

Keywords: elderly, vertebral fracture, osteoporosis, hip fracture, fragility fracture.

Abdelrahman Ali M A, Sweed H S, Allam M F, et al. (September 29, 2023) Proportion and Risk Factors of Silent Vertebral Fractures Among Egyptian Females With Fragility Hip Fracture Presenting to the Emergency Room of Ain Shams University Hospitals. Cureus 15(9): e46214.

https://www.cureus.com/articles/191975-proportion-and-risk-factors-of-silent-vertebral-fractures-among-egyptian-females-with-fragility-hip-fracture-presenting-to-the-emergency-room-of-ain-shams-university-hospitals#!/authors

 

Differential Complete Blood Count for Diagnosis of COVID-19?

Differential Complete Blood Count for Diagnosis of COVID-19?

Nermine A. Melek (1), Mohamed F. Allam (2,3), Bassem G. Labib (1), Abdalla Bazazo (2), Mayada M. Mahmoud (1) and Omneya M. Zeada (1)

1. Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

2. Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt

3. Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, Cairo, Egypt

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2023, 2, 689

DOI: 10.31586/wjmm.2023.689

 

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern. In this context, effective and affordable diagnostic procedures are essential for identifying and managing cases. Complete blood counts (CBC) are among the most common and readily available diagnostic tests. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CBC in diagnosing COVID-19 and identifying cases. Patients and Methods: A case-control study was conducted on 173 patients at Ain Shams University Hospitals over a period of three months. Patients were allocated into two groups according to COVID-19 PCR results: Group 1 included patients with COVID-19 positive PCR, and Group 2 included patients with COVID-19 negative PCR. Results: The study found that differential CBC had significant value in diagnosing COVID-19 disease. Many COVID-19 patients had lymphopenia and leucopenia compared to non-COVID-19 suspected patients. The low values of leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils with a CBC test were found to be valuable in the initial diagnosis of COVID-19. Conclusion: The definitive diagnosis of COVID-19 requires RT-PCR analysis, which is time-consuming and less accessible. Thus, the initial diagnosis and treatment of patients may be delayed. This study suggests that CBC, which is easily available and affordable, can be valuable in the early identification of COVID-19 cases, allowing for prompt treatment and management.

 

Keywords: Complete blood count, COVID-19, Diagnosis, Case control study, Leucopenia, Lymphopenia.

 

World Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2023, 2, 689

https://www.scipublications.com/journal/index.php/WJMM/article/view/689