Psychological disorders and quality of life among Sudanese dialysis patients and renal transplant recipients

Psychiatric illness is common among patients with chronic disorders, particularly in those with end-stage renal disease on renal replacement therapy [RRT]. Patients with a functioning renal allograft have an improved quality of life [QOL] compared to patients on dialysis. To evaluate the psychological disorders and QOL among dialysis patients and renal transplant recipients. This is a prospective cross-sectional study that included 168 patients on RRT. Their psychological health status was assessed through clinical examination and relevant designed questionnaires. The data obtained were fed to the SPSS for analysis. Significance was assume at P<0.05. Out of 168 ESRD Sudanese patients, 43 [25.6% received renal allograft. The frequency of depression was 90 [72%] and nine [25.6%] of patients on dialysis; and kidney transplant recipients respectively. Anxiety was reported with significant difference [p< 0.001] in the dialyzed patients compared to kidney transplant recipients. Sleep disorders were experienced by 81 [64.8%] of dialyzed, and nine [20.9%] of kidney transplant recipients [P < 0.001]. Psychological disorders in dialyzed ESRD patients have significant effect on the quality of life and may have a tremendous impact on mortality and morbidity. For this reason, supportive management by psychologist and or psychiatrist is recommended for early detection and alleviation of symptoms of mood and mind disturbances. For most patients with ESRD kidney transplantation offers the greatest potential for restoring healthy productive life

patterns of clinical presentations of cerebellar syndromes among adult Sudanese patients

Cerebellar syndromes are one of the commonest neurological diseases. To study the patterns of clinical presentations of cerebellar syndromes and to identify the possible causes. This is a prospective hospital based, cross-sectional study. One hundred adult Sudanese patients with cerebellar syndromes were included in the study during the period from January 2006 -January 2007. The most common age group affected was 18-25 years. Male to female ratio was 1.5: 1; unsteadiness on walking was the most common symptom [83%]. Gait-ataxia was the most common sign [83%]. Cerebrovascular disease was the most common aetiology [25%]. Cerebellar syndromes are not rare in Sudan. However, they were diagnosed more commonly at the central regions of the country probably because of more awareness of patients and better facilities for diagnosis. The age of onset, the male predominance, the presentation and clinical findings were not different from reported literature. This also goes for the common causes apart from alcohol which is a strikingly rare as a cause in this study and could be accounted for the implementation of Elshariya [Islamic laws] Laws in Sudan