Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of Drepanoalpha®, a nutraceutical used in the management of sickle cell disease in DR Congo.
Study Design: Drepanoalpha® to ten sickle patients, evaluation of parameters before and after treatment.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biology, Science faculty, university of Kinshasa, between Sept 2015 and July 2016.
Methodology: The ten selected cases were submitted to Drepanoalpha® for two months and the following parameters were observed before, during and after treatment: The hemoglobin rate, the number of crises, biochemical parameters such as the rate of urea, creatinine, bilirubin (total and direct) and transaminases (SGOT and SGPT). A clinical evaluation and monitoring of product safety signs was also carried out.
Results: The results show an increase in hemoglobin in all patients ranging from 19.2 to 42.9% and a total stop of crises. The product does not disturb the indicators of liver function (transaminases SGOT and SGPT, total and direct bilirubin) nor those of renal function (urea and creatinine). No adverse effects event such as vomiting, urticaria, pruritus, itching and diarrhea were observed.
Conclusion: According to this study, Drepanoalpha® increases the hemoglobin level in subjects treated leading to a cessation of sickle cell crisis. This drug does not alter liver and kidney functions and does not induce side effects in treated subjects, thus ensuring its safety.
The postmenopausal osteoporosis of a 66-year-old female with long lasting end stage complex regional pain syndrome on the right hand was treated with strontium ranelate 2 grams daily. After few weeks of treatment an impressive improvement of pain and immobility of the right hand occurred.
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations (CCAM), also named congenital pulmonary airway malformation s (CPAM) are multicystic masses of segmental lung tissue with abnormal bronchial proliferation. There is failure of normal bronchoalveolar development with a hamartomatous proliferation of terminal respiratory units in a gland-like pattern (adenomatoid). CPAM can be divided into five types, according to clinical and pathologic features. [1] CPAM type 1 is the most common, and has good prognosis. The widespread use of antenatal ultrasound examination has resulted in an increase in the prenatal diagnosis of CPAM [2]. The diagnosis may not be made for many years or even until adulthood when the abnormality is small. With recurrent chest infection it does become apparent [3,4]. This case report documents young male patient with hemoptysis, and right lower lobe t variable sized cysts for which he underwent right thoracotomy with right lower lobectomy. The histopathology tissue report showed feature of congenital pulmonary airway malformation, Type 1(CPAM1).
Aim: We report the case of drug-induced psoriasiform eruptions in a middle aged known hypertensive and diabetic woman being treated for paroxysmal cardiac arrhythmias with metoprolol.
Case Presentation: A 58-year-old known hypertensive and diabetic woman with supraventricular tachycardia presented with itchy rashes in between the breast and weakness a day after switching propranolol for metoprolol succinate (Betaloc Zok) because of inadequate response. On physical examination, thick, and scaly erythematous papules of various sizes were found in between the breast. Routine laboratory test results were within normal limits. Metoprolol succinate was withdrawn, and improved on topical corticosteroids (1% hydrocortisone).
Discussion: The features of the case reported above are believed to be those of drug induced psoriasis because the lesions disappeared following the discontinuation of the drug.
Conclusion: We present a case of metoprolol induced psoriasiform eruption in a Nigerian woman. There was no cross-reactivity when other members of the class were prescribed for her.
The majority of oral cavity cancers presents as localized disease and remain localized until late in the course of their development. Distant metastasis is very rare in carcinoma of buccal mucosa and has a very dismal prognosis. Distant spread is either related to uncontrolled local disease or inadequate local treatment. Lungs and bones are common site for metastases. Extensive metastatic workup should be considered in locally advanced buccal mucosa patients, who either defaulted complete treatment or have an uncontrolled loco-regional relapse.
We report a case of unusual adrenal metastasis from Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of buccal mucosa. 42 years old lady initially presented with cT2N1M0 SCC of buccal mucosa (left) underwent radical surgery followed by post-operative Radiotherapy. After eight months of follow up she developed local relapse. After an initial response to salvage systemic chemotherapy, patient discontinued chemotherapy. After 6 months of discontinuation patient had gradually increasing abdominal pain. Contrast Enhanced Computer Tomography Scan (CECT) showed Left adrenal mass with para-aortic lymph node. Other investigations were normal. CT guided Fine needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) showed metastatic deposit of squamous cell origin. Patient is being treated with Tab Gefitinib and supportive medications.
