A case of varicella zoster infection in kidney transplant recipient using immunosuppressant.

Kidney transplant recipients must take lifelong immunosuppression to prevent acute or chronic allograft injury. However, they are also at risk for opportunistic infections due to compromised immune cell functionality. Disseminated HZ in kidney transplant recipients can result in a very high overall mortality rate of up to 30%. Here we described a 23-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency room with a complaint of high-grade fever, chills, and non-dermatomal lesion of varicella zoster skin infection that affected the face and trunk. After investigation the patient was diagnosed with chickenpox clinically and was managed with complete recovery and early hospital discharge.

Hypokalemic periodic paralysis as the first sign of thyrotoxicosis- a rare case report from Somalia.

BACKGROUND: Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by thyrotoxicosis, hypokalemia, and paralysis. It is the most common form of acquired periodic paralysis. THPP is precipitated by strenuous exercise, a high carbohydrate diet, stress, infection, alcohol, albuterol, and corticosteroid therapy. It is most common in Asian men with hyperthyroidism and exceptionally rare in black people. CASE PRESENTATION: A 29-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department in Somalia with a sudden onset of paralysis after a high carbohydrate meal. Laboratory investigations showed low serum potassium 1.8 mEq/l (3.5-4.5), and biochemical thyrotoxicosis with TSH 0.006 miu/l (0.35-5.1), total T3 3.2 ng/ml (0.9-2.8) and total T4 13.5 ng/ml (0.6-1.2). He was successfully treated with potassium chloride infusion and an antithyroid drug, methimazole. CONCLUSION: To prevent life-threatening cardiac and respiratory complications, it is critical to consider and diagnose THPP early, even in populations where the condition is rare.

Nonautoimmune overt hypothyroidism in the early stages of nephrotic syndrome: a case report from Somalia.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) was first characterized in 1827 as the occurrence of proteinuria greater than or equal to 3.5 g/24 h, hypoalbuminemia (albumin≤3.0 g/dl), peripheral edema, hyperlipidemia, lipiduria caused by increased permeability of the renal glomerulus. Persistent proteinuria will eventually lead to hypothyroidism. Case presentation: In the presenting case, we reported a 26-year-old male patient with no known history of chronic disease who presented to the emergency department with a complaint of 1-week generalized edema, nausea, fatigue, and generalized ache in the extremities. He was diagnosed with NS complicated by hypothyroidism and was hospitalized for 3 weeks. After 3 weeks of treatment and close monitoring, the patient's clinical condition and laboratory investigations were improved, and was discharged in good health. Conclusion: Hypothyroidism in the early stages of NS is a rare entity which may be encountered and physicians should be aware that hypothyroidism can be seen at any stage of NS.

Acute cerebral ischemic stroke as a presentation of polycythemia vera: a case report and a review of literature.

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a disease of stem cells characterized by pan hyperplastic, malignant, and neoplastic bone marrow conditions. It is characterized by an increased absolute red blood cell count due to uncontrolled red blood cell synthesis, as well as excessive white blood cell and platelet production. Although the relationship between PV and stroke, especially ischemic stroke, is widely known around the world, no previous cases have been reported from Somalia. Case presentation: In the presenting study, we report a 60-year-old male patient who presented with a right-side weakness for 3 days. After laboratory and brain imaging, he was diagnosed with an acute cerebral infarct affecting the left basal ganglion secondary to PV. Conclusions: PV as the cause of ischemic stroke is a rare condition but can be encountered in clinical practice, and clinicians should be familiar with this combination.

Nephrotic syndrome presented as a portal vein thrombosis: a case report.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical disorder characterized by significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, edema, and other complications. Urinary loss of clotting inhibitors, zymogens, and plasminogen; increased hepatic synthesis of fibrinogen and lipoproteins, and hemoconcentration due to fluid loss are some of the factors which predispose NS patients to hypercoagulable states like portal vein thrombosis. Case presentation: In the presenting case report, we described a 21-year-old woman with no history of NS and a hypercoagulable state who presented to our emergency department with severe generalized abdominal pain and lower limb edema. She was subsequently diagnosed with NS complicated with portal vein thrombosis and was admitted to our internal medicine unit. After 2 weeks of treatment, the patient was discharged in good health. Conclusion: Additional evaluation for newly onset NS with venous thrombosis should be needed in the presence of severe abdominal pain and lower limb edema even in a patient without a previous history of NS.

Prevalence and Determinants of Hypothyroidism in Patients on Routine Hemodialysis in Somalia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: In recent decades, the relationship between thyroid and kidney disease has drawn considerable attention. We aim to assess the prevalence and the determinants of hypothyroidism in hemodialysis patients in Somalia. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which was conducted in the hemodialysis unit of Mogadishu Somalia Turkish Training and Research Hospital, between June 1 and July, 31 2022. A total of 301 patients who are routinely going to hemodialysis were included in the study. Demographic data including age, gender, and data regarding hemodialysis were extracted from hospital information system (HIS). All participants had their thyroid function test measured before hemodialysis sessions. Results: A total of 301 patients were examined. Their ages ranged from 40 to 66 years, with the median age being 54 (IQR= 40-66). Males were 167 (55.5%) compared to females 134 (44.5%). Hypertension was the most common comorbidity among the patients with 137 (45.5%). Diabetic kidney disease was the most common cause of renal failure in 138 patients (45.84%) followed by hypertensive kidney disease 100 (33.22%). The prevalence rate of hypothyroidism in hemodialysis patients in our study was 28%. In hypothyroidism patients 57.8% had subclinical hypothyroidism and 42.2% had overt hypothyroidism. 70.8% of our patients were in euthyroid status. Subclinical hypothyroidism was commonly seen in patients with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. We found that increasing age, decreased albumin level were related to higher risk of subclinical hypothyroidism. We also found that increasing creatinine levels were associated with lower risk of overt hypothyroidism. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of hypothyroidism in hemodialysis patients was 28%, with 57.8% showing subclinical hypothyroidism and 42.2% overt hypothyroidism. Increased age and low albumin level was associated with the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism in hemodialysis patients. Also low creatinine level was observed in overt hypothyroidism patients.

Epidemiology of Multidrug Resistant Non-Fermentative Gram Negative Bacilli in Patients with Hospital Acquired Pneumonia: An Alarming Report from Somalia.

Introduction: There is a lack of data concerning hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) due to multidrug resistant non-fermentative gram-negative bacilli (MDR-NFGNB) in Somalia, and this study will aim to analyze the epidemiology of MDR-NFGNB among HAP patients in tertiary care hospital in Somalia. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study which evaluated the presence of MDR-NFGNB among 2003 HAP patients between June 2017 and May 2022 in a tertiary care hospital in Somalia. NFGNB were cultured on blood agar and eosin methylene blue agar and were then used BBL crystal system and oxidase biochemical assays for identification. Antimicrobial sensitivity and resistance were assessed using Mueller-Hinton agar. Results: A total of 160 confirmed cases of HAP due to NFGNB were examined. Among these, 114 (71%) were males compared to females (n = 46, 29%). The mean age was 49.49 ± 21.48. The overall prevalence rate of NFGNB among patients with HAP was 8%. It was more common in older patients and in patients with co-morbidities. Acinetobacter baumannii was the most common NFGNB with n = 93 (58%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 55, 34%), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 12, 8%). Regarding the antimicrobial sensitivity rate, Acinetobacter baumannii showed an overall resistance level of 82%, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (81%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (62%). The rate of CR-NFGNB in our study was 79.4%. We found that 68.1% of NFGNB was multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens. MDR patterns were more common in Acinetobacter baumannii infections (84%). MDR pathogens were strongly associated with ICU admissions (95% CI, 0.202-0.800, OR, 0.402, p value <0.009). Finally, the mortality rate of HAP caused by NFGNB in our study was 42.5%. Conclusion: The prevalence of NFGNB in HAP patients was 8%. These infections were more prevalent among men and the elderly. Acinetobacter baumannii and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia exhibited the highest antibiotic resistance rate. The MDR level of these pathogens was 68.1%.

Sheehan syndrome presenting as acute renal failure: A rare case report from Somalia.

Sheehan syndrome (SS) is one of the most common causes of pituitary gland dysfunction in childbearing women and occurs as a result of ischemic pituitary necrosis due to severe postpartum hemorrhage. Rhabdomyolysis is a pathological condition of the skeletal muscles that can be present in the setting of adrenal insufficiency. It can cause serious end-organ complications such as acute renal failure. The combination of adrenal insufficiency due to Sheehan syndrome, rhabdomyolysis, and acute renal failure is extremely rare in the literature. In this case report, we present a 35-year-old female patient who presented with acute renal failure and was later diagnosed with Sheehan syndrome. She was put on Intravenous fluids, methylprednisolone, and levothyroxine treatment. The patient was hospitalized for 10 days and was discharged in good health.

Acute Renal Injury Due to Rhabdomyolysis Induced by Severe Hypothyroidism: First Case Report from Somalia.

Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening condition which is characterized by muscle injury and leakage of muscle contents into the systemic circulation. It has been known that hypothyroidism is associated with some degree of myalgia and muscle stiffness, but it can also be a cause of life-threatening rhabdomyolysis with end-organ damage. A combination of acute renal impairment due to rhabdomyolysis in patients with hypothyroidism, especially those who have no precipitating factors, is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of a 27-year-old male patient with severe hypothyroidism who presented to the emergency department with acute renal impairment due to rhabdomyolysis induced by severe hypothyroidism. The patient was admitted for 5 days and after levothyroxine 100 µg, intravenous fluid rehydration, input and output follow-up and close monitoring, the patient improved and was discharged in good condition.

Prevalence of Thyroid Dysfunction Among Patients with Heart Failure at a Tertiary Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Introduction: Thyroid disease is an independent predictor of heart failure in patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among patients with heart failure in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: From January 2019 to January 2021, a total of 250 patients diagnosed with heart failure admitted to the cardiology outpatient and emergency departments were evaluated retrospectively. The demographic characteristics, the cause of heart failure, and the kind of heart failure were recorded. Patients were categorized into subclinical hypothyroidism, hypothyroidism, low T3 syndrome, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and hyperthyroidism. Results: A total of 250 heart failure patients. The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction among heart failure patients was 35.6%. The mean age of the patients was 59.8±14 years. Males outnumbered females by 159 (63.2%). The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was 35.6%. Out of the 250 patients that were examined, most of the patients 30(33.3%) had subclinical hypothyroidism. 23 (25.6%) had overt hypothyroidism, 15 (16.7%) had overt hyperthyroidism, 20 (22.2%) had low T3 syndrome, and two cases had subclinical hyperthyroidism. Regarding the gender status of the thyroid dysfunction, 43(48.3%) were male, and 46(51.7%) were female. Regarding heart failure types among thyroid dysfunction patients, most patients were HFrEF (n=64, 71.9%), and 25(28.1%) were HFpEF. Patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were more likely to have thyroid dysfunction than those with preserved ejection fraction (p = 0.012). Regarding comorbidities among heart failure patients with thyroid dysfunction, approximately half of the patients had hypertension (40.4%). Conclusion: Thyroid problems are one of the most prevalent endocrine abnormalities in our practice. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common type of thyroid dysfunction among this population. We suggest that thyroid function be evaluated with cardiac function in patients with heart failure and followed up and treated together with heart failure.

Epidemiology of End-Stage Renal Disease in Mogadishu, Somalia: First Report at a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Somalia remains unexamined due to a lack of a national registry system, and the impact of the disease in the country is not estimated yet. The present study is the first report that aims to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics, causes, and dialysis-related factors associated with readmissions in ESRD patients who were going to routine hemodialysis. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 208 patients with ESRD. Also, this study investigated patients readmitted to the hospital (n=135) after they enrolled in hemodialysis. The sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and comorbidities associated with these patients were reviewed. Admission site, length of hospital stay, outcome, and dialysis-related factors associated with readmissions in the first six months after being on a regular hemodialysis program were also assessed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52.7±15.0 years, 43.3% were >60 years, and 61.5% were male. The most common cause was diabetes at 39.4%, followed by hypertension (35.6%) and 12.5% for postrenal obstruction. The prevalence of 6-month hospital readmissions was 65%. The most common dialysis-related factor associated with readmissions was uremic complications due to missed hemodialysis sessions (40%), vascular access/catheter infection (20%), and anemia (17.8%) (95% CI: 0.825-5.357, OR: 3.017, p<0.04). Female cases were more vulnerable to vascular catheter site infection, anemia, and hyponatremia (p<0.001). 27.5% of the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and the most common reason for ICU admissions was pulmonary edema (53.8%), sepsis (42.8%), and uremia due to hemodialysis skip (26.4%) (95% CI: 1.507-13.632, OR: 2.08, p=0.01). The mortality rate was 5.2%. Conclusion: The prevalence of unplanned hospital readmissions within six months was very high, and a missed hemodialysis session was identified as the leading cause. Inadequate knowledge, wrong social beliefs about the concept of dialysis and a lack of a health insurance system that covers the higher costs of each dialysis session are believed to be the causes of missed dialysis occasions.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infections among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Single-Centre Study in Somalia.

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis patients have the highest risk for developing hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) than the general population. There is no study available for HBV and HCV in this population in Somalia. The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors of HBV and HCV infections among hemodialysis patients in Somalia. METHODS: A cross-sectional assessment of hemodialysis patients from January 2021 to June 2021 was used in this study. 220 patients were included in this study. Age, sex, duration of hemodialysis, number of hemodialysis sessions per week, history of blood transfusion, HbsAg, and anti-HCV antibodies were examined. RESULTS: Out of the 220 patients, males were predominant (113 (51.4%)). The mean age of the participants was 52.70. The prevalence of HBV was 7.3% (16 respondents), while the prevalence of HCV was 3.2% (7 respondents). 1 respondent (0.5%) had both HBV and HCV. There is a positive correlation between the duration of hemodialysis and the prevalence of HBV and HCV (r(218) = 0.298, p value <0.001), blood transfusion and prevalence of HBV and HCV (r(218) = 0.347, p value <0.001), and the number of hemodialysis sessions per week and prevalence of HBV and HCV (r(218) = 0.402, p value <0.001). The regression model of the combined predictors of history of blood transfusion, duration of hemodialysis, and number of dialysis sessions per week is R 2 = 0.25, which indicates a 25% variance in the prevalence of HBV and HCV with a significance of F (3,216) = 23.67, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HBV and HCV among hemodialysis patients in this study was 7.3% and 3.2%, respectively. 0.5% of the respondents had both HBV and HCV. History of blood transfusion, duration of hemodialysis, and number of hemodialysis sessions per week appear to have a strong correlation with the prevalence of HBV and HCV.

A young woman presented with massive pulmonary embolism with inferior vena cava thrombus as a complication of nephrotic syndrome: a case report.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) was first described in 1827 as the presence of proteinuria of ≥ 3.5 g/24 h, hypoalbuminemia < 3.0 g/dl, peripheral edema, hyperlipidemia, lipiduria, and increased thrombotic risk. Nephrotic syndrome has an incidence of three cases per 100,000 each year in adults. Nephrotic syndrome also has serious complications due to hypercoagulable state in both various venous and arteries which could lead thromboembolic events. The pathophysiology of hypercoagulability in the nephrotic syndrome is due to an imbalance of prothrombotic and antithrombotic factors, as well as impaired thrombolytic activities.Here, we will present a 19-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath for 3 days. The patient was quickly diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and inferior vena cava thrombosis as a complication of nephrotic syndrome, allowing prompt initiation of anticoagulant therapy. After 2 weeks of admission, the patient's condition resolved, her laboratory results returned to almost normal and the patient was discharged with oral prednisolone, coumadin, atorvastatin, and ramipril. We aim to determine which is the likely cause of pulmonary embolism in patients with nephrotic syndrome.