SIGNIFICANCE: We elucidate the misinterpretations raised by Thaldar et al. (S Afr J Sci. 2023;119(11/12), Art. #15722) on our previous publication in which we outlined the data sharing governance landscape in selected African countries.

Interest in the governance of big data is growing exponentially. However, finding the right balance between making large volumes of data accessible, and safeguarding privacy, preventing data misuse, determining authorship and protecting intellectual property remain challenging. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), research ethics committees (RECs) play an important role in reviewing data-intense research protocols. However, this regulatory role must be embedded in a context of robust governance. There is currently a paucity of published literature on how big data are regulated in SSA and if the capacity to review protocols is sufficient. The aim of this study was to provide a broad overview of REC members' awareness and perceptions of big data governance in SSA. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to July 2022. We invited 300 REC members to participate in our online survey via Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap). A total of 140 REC members, representing 34 SSA countries, completed the online survey. Awareness of data governance laws, policies and guidelines was variable across the subcontinent. A quarter of respondents (25%) indicated that national regulations on the trans-border flow of research data are inadequate. Institutional policies on research data protection were also regarded as being inadequate. Most respondents (64%) believed that they lacked experience in reviewing data-intense protocols. Data governance and regulation in SSA need to be strengthened at both national and institutional levels. There is a strong need for capacity development in the review of data-intense research protocols on the subcontinent. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first empirical survey in SSA in which awareness and perspectives of REC members have been explored specifically relating to the review of data-intense research protocols. Big data have raised new ethics and legal challenges, and this survey provides a broad overview of these challenges in SSA. Our study confirms that knowledge and awareness of legislative frameworks and ethics guidance in SSA vary considerably where big data are concerned. The research results could be useful for a range of stakeholders, including RECs, data scientists, researchers, research and academic institutions, government decision-makers and artificial intelligence (AI) coders.

The data ecosystem is complex and involves multiple stakeholders. Researchers and scientists engaging in data-intensive research collect, analyse, store, manage and share large volumes of data. Consequently, capturing researchers' and scientists' views from multidisciplinary fields on data use, sharing and governance adds an important African perspective to emerging debates. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey and received 160 responses from researchers and scientists representing 43 sub-Saharan African countries. Whilst most respondents were satisfied with institutional data storage processes, 40% indicated that their organisations or institutions did not have a formally established process for storing data beyond the life cycle of the project. Willingness to share data was generally high, but increased when data privacy was ensured. Robust governance frameworks increased the willingness to share, as did the regulation of access to data on shared platforms. Incentivising data sharing remains controversial. Respondents were satisfied with exchanging their data for co-authorship on publications (89.4%) and collaboration on projects (77.6%). However, respondents were split almost equally in terms of sharing their data for commercial gain. Regarding the process of managing data, 40.6% indicated that their organisations do not provide training on best practices for data management. This could be related to a lack of resources, chronic institutional under-investment, and suboptimal research training and mentorship in sub-Saharan Africa. The sustainability of data sharing may require ethical incentive structures to further encourage researchers and scientists. Tangible infrastructure to facilitate such sharing is a prerequisite. Capacity development in data governance for researchers and scientists is sorely needed. SIGNIFICANCE: Data sharing is necessary to advance science, yet there are many constraints. In this study, we explored factors that promote a willingness to share, as well as constraining factors. Seeking potential solutions to improve data sharing is a scientific and ethical imperative. The standardisation of basic data sharing and data transfer agreements, and the development of a Data Access Committee will strengthen data governance and facilitate responsible data sharing in sub-Saharan Africa. Funders, institutions, researchers and scientists ought to jointly contribute to fair and equitable data use and sharing during and beyond the life cycle of research projects.

Mobile phone technology has been a catalyst that has added an innovative dimension in health care and created new opportunities for digital health services. These digital devices can be viewed as an extension of the person using them due to the deluge of personal information that can be collected and stored on them. Data collected on mobile phones are used extensively in health services and research. Personal, mobility and location data are constantly collected. The unique mobile phone architecture provides for an easy flow of data between various role players such as application developers and phone manufacturers. The collection, storage and sharing of personal information on mobile phones elicit various legal questions relating to the protection of privacy, consent, liability and the accountability of stakeholders such as health insurance providers, hospital groups and national departments of health. SIGNIFICANCE: We analyse the major legal concerns of mobility and location data collection and processing through mobile phones in the context of health care and provide recommendations to develop data protection guidelines that are built on the principles of lawfulness, fairness and transparency. The issues explored are of relevance in an African context and to a broader international audience.

RESUMEN Introducción: La isquemia renal (I) puede desarrollarse debido a la disminución o interrupción del flujo sanguíneo al riñón en algunas condiciones clínicas como shock, sepsis y trasplante renal. El reabastecimiento de sangre al riñón se denomina reperfusión (R). Tanto la isquemia como los períodos de reperfusión pueden causar graves daños renales. Objetivos: Cuando examinamos la progresión molecular I/R, las moléculas antioxidantes como la vitamina A parecen agentes de tratamiento prometedores. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos de la vitamina A sobre la lesión renal I/R. Material y Métodos: En el estudio, 40 ratas macho Sprague-Dawley se dividieron en 5 grupos (n=8) como: control, solo I/R, I/R+1000, I/R+3000 e I/R+9000 UI/kg de la Vitamina A. La vitamina A se administró a cada grupo durante 7 días por vía oral forzada. Al final del experimento se recolectaron muestras de sangre y tejido del riñón. A partir de muestras de sangre se determinaron los niveles de superóxido dismutasa (SOD), malondialdehído (MDA), catalasa (CAT), nitrógeno ureico en sangre (BUN) y creatinina (Cr). Las muestras de tejido se tiñeron con hematoxilina/eosina y los cambios en la histología renal se examinaron histopatológicamente y estereológicamente al microscopio de luz. Resultados: Los cambios histopatológicos causados por I/R disminuyeron con la administración de la vitamina A de manera dependiente de la dosis (p<0,05). La administración de la vitamina A disminuyó los niveles de MDA, aumentó las actividades de SOD y CAT (p<0,05). La dosis más eficaz entre los grupos del tratamiento fue de 9000 UI/kg. No hubo una diferencia significativa entre el grupo control y todos los demás grupos con respecto a las concentraciones de BUN y Cr. Conclusiones: Consiguientemente, la administración de la vitamina A, después de I/R renal, redujo el daño histológico y mejoró el estado antioxidante. Estos resultados mostraron que la vitamina A puede ser un agente promisorio en el tratamiento de la lesión renal aguda (LRA) inducida por I/R.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Renal ischemia (I) could develop due to decreased or ceased blood flow to the kidney in some clinical conditions such as shock, sepsis, and kidney transplantation. The re-supply of blood to the kidney is called reperfusion (R). Ischemia and reperfusion periods can cause severe kidney damage. Objectives: When we examined the I/R molecular progression, antioxidant molecules such as vitamin A seem promising treatment agents. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin A on renal I/R injury. Material and Methods: In the study, 40 Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into five groups (n=8): the control group, only I/R, I/R+1000, I/R+3000, and I/R+9000 IU/kg of Vitamin A groups. Vitamin A was administrated to each group for seven days via oral gavage. Blood and kidney tissue samples were collected at the end of the experiment. We took blood samples for Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) levels, and determined their values. The tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin/eosin to examine the renal changes histopathologically and stereologically under a light microscope. Results: Histopathological changes caused by I/R were decreased with vitamin A administration in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). Vitamin A administration decreased MDA levels and increased SOD and CAT activities (p<0.05). The most effective dose among treatment groups was 9000 IU/kg. There was no significant difference between the controls and all other groups regarding BUN and Cr concentrations. Conclusions: Consequently, administration of vitamin A after renal I/R reduced the histological damage and ameliorated the antioxidant state. These results showed that vitamin A could be a promising agent in treating I/R-induced acute kidney injury.

ABSTRACT We report a case of a young woman presenting with decreased vision in the right eye. One month earlier, she developed severe preeclampsia at 22 weeks of gestation and the pregnancy was terminated. Fundus examination revealed cotton wool spots and hard exudates in the macula bilaterally, with a yellow spot at the center of the fovea in the right eye. Optic coherence tomography showed a full thickness macular hole with elevated cystoid edges in the right eye. The patient was diagnosed with macular hole secondary to preeclampsia and followed up for spontaneous closure. One month after the first visit, surgical intervention was suggested due to declining vision. Three months later, the patient agreed to surgery. She underwent pars plana vitrectomy with a temporal inverted internal limiting membrane flap and C3F8 endotamponade, which provided anatomic and visual improvement.

RESUMO Relatamos o caso de uma jovem com diminuição da visão do olho direito. Um mês antes do primeiro atendimento, a paciente desenvolveu pré-eclâmpsia grave com 22 semanas de gestação e interrompeu a gravidez. O exame de fundo revelou manchas algodonosas e exsudatos duros na mácula em ambos os olhos, com uma mancha amarela no centro da fóvea do olho direito. A tomografia de coerência óptica mostrou um buraco macular de espessura total com bordas cistoides elevadas no olho direito. A paciente foi diagnosticada com buraco macular secundário a pré-eclâmpsia e acompanhada para fechamento espontâneo. Um mês após a primeira visita, foi-lhe sugerida a intervenção cirúrgica, devido a um declínio em sua visão. Três meses depois, o paciente aprovou a cirurgia e foi submetida a uma vitrectomia via pars plana com retalho invertido de membrana limitante interna e tampão interno C3F8, o que proporcionou uma melhora anatômica e visual.

Abstract Objective We evaluated the association between the triglyceride–glucose (TG) index, a marker of insulin resistance, and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) severity in patients without diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 1,527 patients. We used univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the independent predictors associated with OSA. Results Most patients were males (81.5%) with a mean age of 43.9 ± 11.1 (15–90) years. Based on the apnoea–hypopnea index (AHI), 353 (23.1%) patients were included in the control group, whereas 32.4%, 23.5%, and 21% had mild, moderate, and severe OSA, respectively. The TG index values demonstrated significant associations with OSA patients compared with the control group (p = 0.001). In addition, the mean values of the oxygen desaturation index (ODI), AHI, minimum oxygen saturation, and total sleep time percentage with saturation below 90% demonstrated statistically significant differences among the TG index groups (p: 0.001; p:0.001; p:0.001; p:0.003). The optimal TG index cutoff value to predict OSA was 8.615 (AUC = 0.638, 95% CI = 0.606–0.671, p = 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index, the TG index was independently associated with OSA patients. Conclusion The TG index is independently associated with increased risk for OSA. This indicates that this index, a marker for disease severity, can be used to identify severe OSA patients on waiting lists for PSG.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliamos a associação entre o índice triglicerídeos-glicose (TG), um marcador de resistência à insulina, e a gravidade da apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) em pacientes sem diabetes mellitus, obesidade e síndrome metabólica. Métodos Este estudo de coorte retrospectivo incluiu 1.527 pacientes. Utilizamos análises univariadas e multivariadas para identificar os preditores independentes associados à AOS. Resultados A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (81,5%) com idade média de 43,9 ± 11,1 anos (15-90). Com base no índice apneia-hipopneia (IAH), 353 (23,1%) pacientes foram incluídos no grupo de controle, enquanto 32,4%, 23,5% e 21% tinham AOS leve, moderada e grave, respectivamente. Os valores do índice TG demonstraram associações significativas com pacientes com AOS em comparação com o grupo de controle (p = 0,001). Além disso, os valores médios do índice de dessaturação de oxigênio (IDO), IAH, saturação mínima de oxigênio e porcentagem de tempo total de sono com saturação abaixo de 90% demonstraram diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos de índice TG (p = 0,001; p = 0,001; p = 0,001; p = 0,003). O valor de corte ideal do índice TG para prever a AOS foi de 8,615 (AUC=0,638, IC de 95% = 0,606–0,671, p = 0,001). Na análise de regressão logística multivariada, após o ajuste para idade, sexo e índice de massa corporal, o índice TG foi independentemente associado a pacientes com AOS. Conclusão O índice TG está independentemente associado a um maior risco de AOS. Isso indica que este índice, um marcador de gravidade da doença, pode ser usado para identificar pacientes com AOS grave em listas de espera para polissonografia.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To report the case of a patient diagnosed with acute mesenteric vein thrombosis (AMVT) associated with Factor V Leiden mutation and a history of embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and review the literature on risk factors and treatments performed for AMVT. Materials and methods: A 37-year-old pregnant woman with a 7-week pregnancy achieved by IVF-ET was treated in a high complexity hospital because of acute abdominal pain and pregnancy loss. A necrotic small bowel resection was performed and a secundary thrombus in the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and pulmonary embolism was diagnosed on the first posoperatory day, which were treated medically with satisfactory evolution. A bibliographic search was carried out in Medline/PubMed and LILACS, filtering by type of language (English and Spanish). Primary cohort studies, cases and controls, case reports and case series were included, which addressed the risk factors associated with the development of acute mesenteric thrombosis during pregnancy and treatments performed. Results: The search identified cases and control studies, case reports and case series related to mesenteric ischemia, pregnancy and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The literature reported that the main factors associated with mesenteric ischemia are pregnancy itself, genetic factors, drugs, protein C and protein S deficiency and idiopathic causes. Surgical treatment was applied to 14 of 17 patients. Conclusions: SMV thrombosis is a life-threatening and very rarely seen condition that emerges in pregnancies. The literature suggests that, during gestation, the factors associated with the development of acute mesenteric thrombosis are hypercoagulability induced by pregnancy, the administration of oral estrogen during IVF-ET, and other precipitating factors. More studies are required to better understand the possible additional factors and build better optimal treatment algorithms.

RESUMEN Objetivos: Presentar el caso de una paciente diagnosticada con trombosis aguda de la vena mesentérica (TAVM) asociada a mutación de Factor V Leiden y antecedente de fertilización in vitro y transferencia de embriones, y hacer una revisión de la literatura sobre los factores de riesgo y los tratamientos realizados en los casos de TAVM. Materiales y método: Una mujer de 37 años con un embarazo de 7 semanas logrado por fertilización in vitro, fue atendida por dolor abdominal agudo y oerdida gestacional en un hospital de alta complejidad. Se practicó resección del intestino delgado por necrosis. En el posoperatorio se identificó trombosis de la vena mesentérica superior y embolismo pulmonar tratados medicamente con evolución satisfactoria. Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Medline/PubMed y LILACS, filtrando por idioma (inglés y español). Se incluyeron estudios de cohortes primarias, casos y controles, reportes de casos y series de casos que examinaran los factores de riesgo asociados con el desarrollo de trombosis mesentérica aguda durante el embarazo y los tratamientos realizados. Resultados: Se identificaron estudios de casos y controles, reportes de casos y series relacionados con isquemia mesentérica, embarazo y fertilización in vitro, y se encontró que los principales factores asociados con isquemia mesentérica son el embarazo mismo, factores genéticos, medicamentos, la deficiencia de proteína C y S, y causas idiopáticas. Se realizó tratamiento quirúrgico en 14 de las 17 pacientes. Conclusiones: La trombosis de la vena mesentérica superior es una condición infrecuente que amenaza la vida y ocurre durante el embarazo. La literatura sugiere que, durante la gestación, los factores asociados con la trombosis mesentérica aguda son la hipercoagulabilidad inducida por el embarazo, la administración de estrógeno oral durante el proceso de fertilización in vitro y transferencia de embriones, y otros factores desencadenantes. Es necesario realizar más estudios para comprender mejor los posibles factores adicionales y desarrollar mejores algoritmos para un tratamiento óptimo.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has captured the attention of the global community since the end of 2019, deadly health pandemics are not new to Africa. Tuberculosis (TB), malaria and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) count amongst other serious diseases that have had a catastrophic impact on the African continent. Effective responses to such pandemics require high-quality, comprehensive data sets that can inform policymaking and enhance healthcare decision-making. While data is driving the information economy in the 21st century, the scarcity in Africa of carefully curated, large epidemiologic data sources and analytical capacity to rapidly identify and understand emerging infectious diseases poses a major challenge to mounting a time-sensitive response to unfolding pandemics. Data access, sharing and transfer between countries are crucial to effectively managing current and future health pandemics. Data access and sharing, however, raises questions about personal privacy, the adequacy of governance mechanisms to regulate cross-border data flows, and ethical issues relating to the collection and use of personal data in the interests of public health. Sub-Saharan Africa's most research-intensive countries are characterised by diverse data management and privacy governance frameworks. Such regional variance can impede time-sensitive data sharing and highlights the need for urgent governance reforms to facilitate effective decision-making in response to rapidly evolving public health threats. SIGNIFICANCE: We explore governance considerations that ought to apply to the collection, transfer, and use of data in public health emergencies. Specifically, we provide an overview of the prevailing data sharing governance landscape in selected African countries. In doing so, we identify limitations and gaps that impede effective data collation, sharing and analysis. This work could find utility amongst a range of stakeholders, including bioinformaticians, epidemiologists, artificial intelligence coders, and government decision-makers. While this work focuses primarily on an African context, the issues explored are of universal concern and therefore of relevance to a broader international audience.

Abstract Objectives: Nigella sativa oil is known antiallergic and immunomodulatory effects. We aimed to compare this oil with mometasone furoate, a topical steroid, on a rat model in the prevention of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Methods: A total of 28 two-to-four-month-old Wistar Hannover rats weighing 250–350 g were randomly divided into four groups of seven, which included control, allergic rhinitis, mometasone furoate, and Nigella sativa oil groups. Loss of cilia, an increase of goblet cells, vascular proliferation, inflammatory cell count, eosinophil infiltration, and the degree of hypertrophy in chondrocytes were assessed by light microscopy. Results: The frequency of nasal scratching in the Nigella sativa oil group was found to be significantly lower compared with the allergic rhinitis group (p < 0.05). Typical inflammatory changes seen in allergic rhinitis were not detected in the Nigella sativa oil group. No inflammation was observed in 85.7% of both the healthy control group and the Nigella sativa oil group. In addition, no inflammation was observed in 71.4% of the mometasone furoate group, and this difference was found to be significant compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, eosinophil infiltration, cilia loss, chondrocyte hypertrophy, vascular proliferation, and goblet cell increase were found to be significantly decreased in the mometazone furoate and Nigella sativa oil groups compared to the allergic rhinitis group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: According to the findings obtained from this study, we found anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects of Nigella sativa oil as equally effective as mometasone furoate in the treatment of experimentaly generated allergic rhinitis. Level of evidence: IV.

Abstract Introduction: The effect of the quantity of olfactory neuroepithelium in the middle turbinate on the postoperative olfactory function for middle turbinate concha bullosa patients has not yet been evaluated. Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the olfactory structures in the middle turbinate by immunohistochemical analysis of the olfactory marker protein and to correlate the immunostaining results with the olfaction test results for patients with middle turbinate concha bullosa. Methods: Surgical materials of 18 middle turbinate concha bullosa patients who had undergone lateral marsupialization surgery were immunostained with olfactory marker protein antibodies. Smell diskettes olfaction test was applied to all of the study group patients both preoperatively and three months postoperatively. A visual analog scale was used to quantify the sense of nasal obstruction. Results: It was observed that the postoperative smell scores and the nasal obstruction visual analog scale values were significantly improved as compared to the preoperative values (p<0.05). In addition, there was a significant correlation between the smell score gain and the visual analog scale gain values (r = 0.682). Results also indicated no significant correlation between the olfactory marker protein staining scores and the smell scores (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This first paper demonstrated that the quantity of the olfactory mucosa in the middle turbinate was not a determining factor for the postoperative smell function degree for middle turbinate concha bullosa patients. The underlying cause of the olfactory deficit for middle turbinate concha bullosa patients seems to be obstruction related rather than the middle turbinate’s olfactory mucosa containing status.

Resumo Introdução: A migrânea vestibular é a causa mais comum de vertigem episódica espontânea em pacientes adultos e a segunda causa mais comum de vertigem em pacientes de todas as idades. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia da aplicação dos tipos de medicamentos orais (propranolol, flunarizina e amitriptilina) e da toxina botulínica tipo A sobre os sintomas vestibulares, intensidade da cefaleia e frequência das crises em pacientes com migrânea vestibular. Método: Sessenta pacientes com migrânea vestibular foram incluídos. Trinta pacientes receberam tratamento com toxina botulínica tipo A e medicação oral (Grupo B+), enquanto 30 pacientes receberam apenas medicação oral (Grupo B-). A intensidade da cefaleia foi avaliada pelo migraine disability assessment scale e a gravidade da vertigem foi avaliada com o dizziness handicap inventory. A frequência das crises de migrânea vestibular nos últimos três meses também foi avaliada. Resultados: Houve um decréscimo estatisticamente significativo na média dos escores do dizziness handicap inventory e migraine disability assesment scale e na frequência das crises de vertigem após o tratamento em todos os pacientes, p < 0,001 para todos os pacientes dos grupos B+ e B−. Os ganhos médios no escore do migraine disability assesment scale (p < 0,001) e na frequência das crises de vertigem (p = 0,003) foram significantemente maiores nos pacientes B+ do que nos pacientes B−. Conclusões: Os pacientes de ambos os grupos B+ e B− exibiram melhoria significativa na frequência das crises de migrânea vestibular e nos valores dos escores do dizziness handicap inventory e do migraine disability assesment scale. No entanto, a aplicação da toxina botulínica tipo A teve um efeito mais pronunciado para os valores de ganho no escore do migraine disability assesment scale e na frequência das crises de migrânea vestibular, mas não para os valores de ganho no escore do dizziness handicap inventory. Portanto, a aplicação de toxina botulínica tipo A deve ser considerada para pacientes com migrânea vestibular, cujos graus de intensidade da cefaleia são mais marcantes. O tipo de medicação oral (propranolol, flunarizina ou amitriptilina) não diferiu em relação à frequência das crises de migrânea vestibular e aos valores de ganho dos escores do dizziness handicap inventory e do migraine disability assesment scale.

Abstract Introduction: Vestibular migraine is the most common cause of spontaneous episodic vertigo in adult patients and the second most common cause of vertigo in patients of all ages. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of oral medication type (propranolol, flunarizine, and amitriptyline) and botulinum toxin A application on vestibular symptoms, headache severity and attack frequency for vestibular migraine patients. Methods: Sixty patients with vestibular migraine were enrolled. Thirty patients received botulinum toxin A treatment (B+ group) in addition to the oral medication, whereas 30 patients received only oral medication (B− group). Headache severity was evaluated with Migraine Disability Assessment Scale and vertigo severity was evaluated with Dizziness Handicap Inventory scale. Vestibular migraine attack frequencies in the last three months were also evaluated. Results: There was a statistically significant decrement in mean Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores, Migraine Disability Assessment Scale scores and vertigo attack frequencies after treatment for all patients, B+ and B− group patients (p < 0.001 for all). The mean Migraine Disability Assessment Scale score gains (p < 0.001) and vertigo attack frequency gains (p = 0.003) were significantly higher in the B+ patients than B− patients. Conclusions: Both B+ and B− group patients exhibited significant improvement in vestibular migraine attack frequencies, Dizziness Handicap Inventory score and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale score values. However, botulinum toxin A application had a more pronounced effect for Migraine Disability Assessment Scale score gain and vestibular migraine attack frequency values, but not for Dizziness Handicap Inventory score gain values. Thus, botulinum toxin A application should be considered for vestibular migraine patients whose headache severity degrees are more profound. The oral medication type (propranolol, flunarizine or amitriptyline) did not differ in influencing the vestibular migraine attack frequency, Dizziness Handicap Inventory score gain and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale score gain values.

ABSTRACT Background: Low-grade inflammation is known to facilitate the development of hypertensive organ damage. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) is a new inflammatory index based on circulating immune-inflammatory cells. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship between the SII and asymptomatic organ damage (AOD) in patients with newly diagnosed treatment-naive hypertension (HTN). Methods: A total of 500 participants (≥ 18 years) were enrolled in the study, including 250 patients and 250 healthy volunteers. Microalbuminuria of > 30 mg/day or proteinuria of > 150 mg/day, left ventricular mass index of > 95 g/m2 in women and > 115 g/m2 in men, and carotid intima-media thickness of > 0.9 mm or the presence of plaque in the carotid were evaluated as AOD indicators. AOD grade was classified as follows: Grade I - One organ involved, Grade II - Two organs involved, Grade III - Three organs involved, and Grade IV - Four organs involved. Results: SII values were higher among patients with HTN than in the control group. Positive correlations were found between the SII and AOD indicators and C-reactive protein levels. Increasing SII values were a common independent predictor of the presence and severity of AOD. The gradually increasing threshold values of the SII from no AOD to Grade III-IV exhibited high diagnostic performance. Conclusions: High SII values were independent predictors of the presence and severity of AOD in patients with newly diagnosed treatment-naive HTN. Considering the role of inflammation in HTN, the SII, which can be easily evaluated using blood parameters, can be an effective prognostic screening tool.

Abstract Background Although febrile seizure (FS) is generally considered benign and self-limiting, there are differences regarding the risk factors, the prognosis, and the development of epilepsy. Objective To examine the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients diagnosed with FS, and to determine the risks of recurrence and the development of epilepsy. Methods Between 2015 and 2019, we performed a retrospective evaluation of 300 patients with FS followed for at least 24 months. Results The first episode of FS was simple in 72.7% of the patients and complex in 27.3%, and it recurred in 40%. Age under 12 months in the first FS, complex FS, and neurodevelopmental delay were found to statistically increase the risk of recurrence (p< 0.05). A total of 7% of the patients developed epilepsy, and this rate was found to be higher in patients with neurodevelopmental delay and long-term use of antiepileptic drugs (p< 0.001). The development of epilepsy was also observed in 77.8% of the patients with abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG). Epilepsy developed more frequently in those with abnormal EEG (p<0.001). Conclusions Neurodevelopmental delay was an important risk factor for FS recurrence and the development of epilepsy. Abnormality in the EEG is an important risk factor for the development of epilepsy. We found that the long-term prophylactic treatment did not cause decreases in the recurrence of FS nor in the development of epilepsy.

Resumo Antecedentes Embora a convulsão febril (CF) seja geralmente considerada benigna e autolimitada, existem diferenças nos fatores de risco, prognóstico e desenvolvimento de epilepsia. Objetivo O objetivo foi examinar as características clínicas e sociodemográficas de pacientes diagnosticados com CF e determinar os riscos de recorrência e desenvolvimento de epilepsia. Métodos Trezentos pacientes com CF, acompanhados por pelo menos 24 meses, foram avaliados retrospectivamente entre 2015 e 2020. Resultados A primeira CF foi simples em 72,7% dos pacientes e complexa em 27,3%. CS foi recorrente em 40% dos pacientes. Encontrou-se que a idade da primeira CF inferior a 12 meses, CF complexa e atraso no neurodesenvolvimento aumentaram estatisticamente o risco de recorrência (p< 0,05). Epilepsia se desenvolveu em 7% dos pacientes. A epilepsia foi maior em pacientes com atraso no desenvolvimento neurológico e uso prolongado de drogas antiepilépticas (p< 0,001). A epilepsia se desenvolveu em 77,8% dos pacientes com eletroencefalograma (EEG) anormal. Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa foi determinada em pacientes com EEG anormal em risco de epilepsia (p< 0,001). Conclusões O atraso no neurodesenvolvimento foi um importante fator de risco para recorrência de CF e epilepsia. A anormalidade do EEG é um importante fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de epilepsia. O tratamento de profilaxia a longo prazo não diminuiu a recorrência de CS e o desenvolvimento de epilepsia.