Herbal Medicine Usage among Patients Living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy. A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives:  We assessed the prevalence and factors associated with herbal medicine use among HIV/AIDs patients enrolled on ART in a rural health care facility in Western Uganda. Methods: 198 consecutively sampled adult (≥ 18 years) HIV/AIDs patients enrolled on ART in a health facility in Western Uganda were considered. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on herbal medicine use. Data were entered in an Excel spreadsheet and transferred to SPSS ver 20.0 for analysis. Continuous variables were analyzed using means and standard deviation. Categorical data were analyzed using chi-square analysis at a 95% level of significance. Results:  The mean duration of ART use was 7.7 ± 5.2 years. Over half, 57.6% (114/198) of the respondents reported using herbal medicines. The sex of the participants was less likely to result in herbal medicine usage (COR=0.978, 95% CI 0.631-1.517). Furthermore, age was less likely to influence herbal medicine usage (COR=0.640, 95% CI 0.336-1.219). The majority, 62.6% (124/198) of the participants reported having ever missed taking their ART medication. Most of the participants, 85.9% (170/198) had HIV viral load below 1000copies/ml. Conclusion:  There is a high level of usage of herbal medicine among HIV/AIDs patients enrolled in care in health facilities in Western Uganda. Recommendation: Further studies should be conducted to determine the biochemical concentrations and interactions between herbal medicine and ART among people living with HIV.

“WAS IT HIS MILK”? A CASE REPORT OF CHLORPYRIFOS AND CYPERMETHRIN MIXED POISONING IN A TODDLER.

Introduction: The prevalence of organophosphate poisoning has been increasing over the years, with significant hospitalization following the introduction of various pesticides. The inception of different regulating agencies against organophosphate utilization has been effective in developed countries, unlike low- and middle-income countries. Continuous monitoring of vulnerable populations, such as children, and depressed and anxious individuals, is necessary for reducing poisoning cases. Case: We discussed a 2-year and 6-month-old male child who was previously healthy and was brought into our pediatric emergency unit of a general hospital with a history of ingestion of fluid that he thought was milk. We present the sequelae of events from the ingestion of the substance until discharge from the facility. Additionally, we elaborate on the different preparations for managing any toddler with organophosphate poisoning. Conclusion: Appropriate use of these compounds, instruction of the public about their harmful effects, and restriction of their uncontrolled sales by legal regulations can reduce the incidence of organophosphate poisoning. Promoting emergency management strategies among parents concerning the management of acute poisoning is vital in promoting better children’s outcomes. Recommendation: Heath regulation bodies must take an interest in educating health workers and the community concerning organophosphate poisoning and its management, especially in a limited resource setting

DEGLUTITION SYNCOPE IN A HEALTHY 9-YEAR-OLD BOY: FIRST OF ITS KIND IN AFRICA. A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW.

Introduction Deglutition syncope, also known as swallow syncope is a rear form of situation syncope. It’s a neurally-mediated reflex that occurs during swallowing. This condition has been associated with various esophageal disorders such as esophageal spasm, stricture, and esophageal cancer. In other cases, the cause remains unknown. Case Report In this case report, we present the timeline of a healthy 9-year-old boy with deglutition syncope, a rare entity, and the first of its kind in the Sub-Saharan region. Conclusion Despite its rarity, healthcare professionals ought to consider deglutition syncope as a diagnosis of exclusion especially in the face of unexplained syncope. Because of associated life-threatening bradycardia, knowledge of the clinical manifestation is equally important for early diagnosis, and institution of care to avert death