Voices of Change: Stakeholders' Roles in the Fight Against Substance Abuse in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Aim: This study explores the roles, challenges, and collaborative efforts of key stakeholders engaged in addressing substance abuse. Methods: Using a qualitative narrative approach, the study examined stakeholder roles in tackling substance abuse in Mogadishu, Somalia. Purposive sampling was utilised to select all available community stakeholders actively addressing substance abuse. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data, allowing participants the freedom to share their experiences openly. Thematic analysis was employed to identify patterns, commonalities, and diversities in the stakeholders' roles. The study focused on a population of five key stakeholders, including the Somali police force, a National Medicines Regulatory Authority officer, two social workers, and a representative from the Ministry of Endowments & Religious Affairs. Results: The research reveals a significant prevalence of psychoactive substances in Mogadishu, with emerging trends like the misuse of pregabalin driven by accessibility and affordability. Emphasising collaborative efforts, the study highlights the importance of effective communication and coordination among stakeholders to provide comprehensive support for individuals with substance abuse issues. Despite these challenges, such as limited resources, evolving drug trends, and addiction complexity, ongoing efforts and adaptation are crucial. Additionally, the research elucidates the established link between substance abuse and criminal behaviour, emphasising the potential consequences of drug addiction on financial desperation, violent acts, drug trafficking, and other criminal behaviours. Conclusion: The study reveals widespread substance abuse, necessitating adaptable authorities. Collaborative stakeholder efforts are vital for supporting individuals affected. Challenges demand sustained efforts. The study links substance abuse to crime. Effective resolution requires stakeholder unity, prevention programs, expanded treatment access, and adaptation to the evolving drug landscape while supporting those affected.

Prevalence and associated factors of sexual dysfunction in female hemodialysis patients: first report from Somalia.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is frequent in female hemodialysis patients and is related to poorer quality of life. It is often a neglected topic associated with marked distress and interpersonal difficulties. OBJECTIVE: Few studies are reported from Sub-Saharan African Countries (SSA) regarding female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in (HD) patients. The study aims to explore the prevalence and associated factors of FSD in female HD at a sole dialysis centre in Somalia. METHOD: Over a one-month period, a cross-sectional study was conducted among women with end-stage renal disease aged 18-50 years who were undergoing a dialysis program for at least three months at the dialysis center of our hospital. The participants were married, and they were living with their partners. Data regarding the sociodemographic features, clinical characteristics, frequency of sexual intercourse per week, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores were collected using a standard face-to-face interview questionnaire. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 115 participants were eligible for the study's inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 38.5 ± 9.3 years. The most common cause of ESRD was diabetes, which accounted for 53%, followed by hypertension (26.1%) and glomerulonephritis (9.6%). The mean duration of dialysis was 2.9 ± 1.4 years, and approximately two-thirds of the participants (62.5%) were in the program for more than three years. Regarding the frequency of sexual intercourse, 61.7% of female participants performed sexual intercourse less than once time/a week. The prevalence of FSD was 92.2% (n = 106) of all participants. The mean FSFI score of the participants was 16.05 ± 4.48. Longer duration of dialysis program (i.e., more than four years), increasing age (i.e., > 35 years), those with diabetes had scored lower overall FSFI scores. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among Somali female hemodialysis patients was very high, representing a significant problem in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our study findings revealed that increasing age, diabetes, and duration of dialysis negatively impact female sexual function and are significantly associated with FSD.

Access to Nephrology Care for Pregnancy-Related Acute Kidney Injury in Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries: A Perspective.

Pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major public health problem with substantial maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Women with pregnancy-related AKI require immediate access to nephrology care to prevent deleterious kidney and health outcomes. Patients with pregnancy-related AKI in low-income and lower-middle-income countries experience disparities in access to comprehensive nephrology care for many reasons. In this perspective, we highlight the burden of pregnancy-related AKI and explore the challenges among different low-income and lower-middle-income countries. The lack of adequate nephrology workforce and infrastructure for kidney health care represents a fundamental component of the problem. A shortage of nephrologists hampers the care of patients with pregnancy-related AKI leading to poor outcomes. The lack of diagnostic tools and therapeutic options, including kidney replacement therapy, impedes the implementation of effective management strategies. International efforts are warranted to empower women to get the right services and support at the right time. Dedicated preventive and early care programs are urgently needed to decrease the magnitude of pregnancy-related AKI, a complication under-represented in the literature.

A 12-year-old Somalian girl presented with chronic kidney disease and died as a result of female genital mutilation- A case report.

The tradition of female genital mutilation (FGM) is practiced in many African countries, including Somalia. FGM is responsible for several short and long-term complications that can negatively influence vital and functional prognosis. We present a case of a 12-year-old girl subjected to FGM who developed urethral meatus stenosis, exacerbated by chronic renal failure and urine infection, leading to her death from a combination of complications. FGM complications, sometimes fatal, remain in developing nations. The fight against these practices must be stepped up, supported by public awareness, education, and communication efforts.

Analysis of Echocardiographic Findings of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Background and Aims: The etiological investigation of the potential cardiac source of acute ischemic stroke is important for the secondary prevention of recurrent and future embolization. Transthoracic echocardiography is one of the most useful investigations for the assessment of the potential cardiac etiology of ischemic stroke. Our aim is to evaluate echocardiographic findings in patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in the neurology department of a tertiary care hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. We enrolled 315 patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the hospital who had undergone transthoracic echocardiography between March 2019 and March 2022. We analyzed transthoracic echocardiography findings, ischemic stroke subtypes, and their associated comorbidities. We also compared the demographic data, comorbidity, and survival status of patients with abnormal echo findings to those with normal echo findings. Findings: The mean age of patients was 62±12 years. Co-morbidities were present in about 251 (80%) of the subjects, hypertension was the most common comorbidity 99 (31.4%), followed by diabetes 72 (23%), and hyperlipidemia 37 (11.7%). Overall cardiac pathology in this study was 170 (54%). Forty-seven (15%) of the patients had low ejection fraction on transthoracic echocardiography. Male patients had slightly less left ventricular systolic dysfunction than female patients. 100 (32%) had left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), while 113 (36%) had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Patients with hypertension and diabetes had more echo abnormalities compared to others (P-values of 0.047 and 0.024, respectively). More abnormal echo findings were seen in patients who died during hospitalization than in those who survived (P = 0.008). Severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was associated with higher mortality (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Most patients with stroke in this study had abnormal echocardiograms; however, only a few had cardioembolic strokes. Abnormalities in echocardiography were more common in patients who died during hospitalization than in those who survived.

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.

Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome with Acute Kidney Injury after the Administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Nephrotic syndrome progresses with various metabolic disturbances, such as proteinuria over 3.5 grams in 24 hours, hypoalbuminemia, and hypercoagulability. Patients usually complain about diffuse edema throughout the body, which is secondary to hypoalbuminemia. It has many primary and secondary causes. Patients may require a renal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Besides, many secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome should be examined and excluded. Although many vaccines were developed due to the COVID-19, many side effects are still reported because of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (COVID-19 mRNA and BNT162b2), which is widely used in Turkey. This study examines a case of nephrotic syndrome with acute renal injury after Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

ICU-Managed Patients' Epidemiology, Characteristics, and Outcomes: A Retrospective Single-Center Study.

Background: Resources are limited, and it is exceedingly difficult to provide intensive care in developing nations. In Somalia, intensive care unit (ICU) care was introduced only a few years ago. Purpose: In this study, we aimed to determine the epidemiology, characteristics, and outcome of ICU-managed patients in a tertiary hospital in Mogadishu. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the files of 1082 patients admitted to our ICU during the year 2021. Results: The majority (39.7%) of the patients were adults (aged between 20 and 39 years), and 67.8% were male patients. The median ICU length of stay was three days (IQR = 5 days), and nonsurvivors had shorter stays, one day. The mortality rate was 45.1%. The demand for critical care services in low-income countries is high. Conclusion: The country has a very low ICU bed capacity. Critical care remains a neglected area of health service delivery in this setting, with large numbers of patients with potentially treatable conditions not having access to such services.

Multiple Venous and Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis as a Presenting Complaint of Nephrotic Syndrome-Case Report and Challenges in Management.

Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) patients are prone to develop deep venous thrombosis as a complication. But it is unusual to present initially with multiple venous thrombosis and pulmonary artery thrombosis before the diagnosis of NS. Here, we present 60 years old female patient with a known history of diabetes mellitus who presented with shortness of breath and lower limb edema for 2 weeks. CT angiography showed thromboembolism at the right main pulmonary artery and its bronchus intermedius, lower and segmental with right lower lobe small pulmonary infarction and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis extending in both renal veins, right common and left common iliac vein, moderate ascites. Her 24-hour urinary protein was 6.7g. a diagnosis of NS was reached and she was admitted to the ward. Anticoagulation with heparin and warfarin, methyl prednisone, and furosemide was initiated. After she become clinically stable, she was discharged with oral medications. Awareness of the complication of nephrotic syndrome is important not only to nephrologists but to all physicians. Using contrast-enhanced computed tomography to diagnose multiple venous and pulmonary arterial thrombosis is critical. Additionally, it is known that steroid-resistant NS, like membranous glomerulonephritis, are more susceptible to the complication of thromboembolism than steroid-sensitive NS. Contrast venography is used to diagnose DVT. CTPA is the gold standard test for pulmonary embolism.

Demographic Characteristics and Risk Factors Affecting the Development of Postpartum Acute Kidney Injury in Somalia: Single-Center Experience.

Background and Aim: Although postpartum acute kidney injury (PPAKI) is declining in developing countries, it is still a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to determine the causes, risk factors, and the outcomes of patients with postpartum acute kidney injury managed at Mogadishu Somali Turkey Training and Research Hospital, in Mogadishu, Somalia over a two years period. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively at Mogadishu Somali-Turkey Training and Research Hospital, Somalia's largest teaching and referral hospital. During a two-year period (January 2020 to December 2021), we evaluated women who had acute kidney injury during the postpartum period and were hospitalized in our hospital. The data was also evaluated for postpartum admission day and hospital stay. The requirement for dialysis and the results were documented. Maternal outcomes are categorized as follows: Complete recovery after discharge/follow-up, chronic dependence on hemodialysis and death during admission. Results: We studied 79 postpartum AKI patients. The mean age of the participants was 28.67 ± 6.14. Most patients (51%) were aged 20-30, followed by 30-40 (29%). According to self-reported comorbidities, most individuals had no history of chronic diseases, 8 (10.1%) had hypertension and 3 (3.8%) had heart failure, and DM and HTN 2(2.5%). The most common causes of PPAKI were eclampsia (24.1%), hemorrhagic shock, intrauterine mortality (16.5%), placenta abruptio and uterine rupture (8.9%). Hemorrhage (5.1%) and placenta previa (2.5%). The patient's outcome was associated with age (p=0.04), platelet (p=0.024), and hospital stay (p=0.009). Conclusion: Postpartum acute kidney injury is very common in underdeveloped nations. Preeclampsia/Eclampsia, obstetric bleeding, and intrauterine death are the leading causes of postpartum acute kidney injury in Somalia. This tragic scenario may be avoided by providing appropriate antenatal care and raising awareness among Somali women about the benefits of antenatal care provided by public institutions.

Early Change in Platelet Count and MPV Levels of Patients Who Received Hemodialysis for the First Time: Mogadishu Somalia Experience.

Introduction: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker used to assess the platelet' size and is also an indicator of platelet reactivity and prothrombotic status. Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between MPV and biochemical parameters in patients who had received hemodialysis (HD) for the first time and then in respect of those same patients after their fourth HD. Method: 151 HD patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had received their first HD session during this study protocol. Prehemodialysis blood samples were taken. Most laboratory values, including mean platelet volume (MPV) level and platelets (PLT) count, were measured before the first HD and after the fourth HD session for each patient. Results: Among the patients in our study, the mean age profile of the male patients (n = 103; 68.2%) was found to be higher than that of the female patients (n = 48; 31.8%) (53.62 ± 18.19 vs. 46.17 ± 17.9 years) (p = 0.019).In the patients' laboratory results after the fourth HD session, MPV, MPV/Plt, and Na values had increased to those after the first HD session (p < 0.001). When age and gender status were taken into account, the level of weak positive correlation with white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil, and red cell distribution width (RDW) was found, while the weak negative correlation with platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was found (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our study, we found that increase in MPV and MPV/PLT levels was significant in the fourth HD session of patients with CKD. It is also debatable that there are findings indicating an increase in platelet reactivity in the first weeks of the onset of HD. This could be an early indicator of the early prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Acute kidney injury as initial presentation of visceral leishmaniasis in a young patient- A case report.

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in Somalia and in East Africa at large. Clinically, patients present with recurrent fever, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia. Sometimes, patients in low resource countries with no properly functioning primary healthcare facilities may present with complications. Case presentation: Here, we report a case of 19 years old male patient who presented with impaired renal function. After diagnosing with VL and starting Sodium Stibogluconate, patient developed acute pancreatitis, that compelled us to shift to liposomal amphotericin B, which he responded well and finally was discharged within a good condition. Clinical discussion: Early diagnosis and proper treatment is necessary to restore the renal function. Conclusion: This case report elaborates some of the clinical presentations of VL, complications of treatment and encouraging physicians in endemic areas to keep VL into their list of differential diagnosis in patients with fever and hepatosplenomegaly.

Severe Hypercalcemia as an Initial Presentation of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Background: It is extremely rare for hypercalcemia to appear as the first symptom of hepatocellular carcinoma. Instead, it occurs primarily as a paraneoplastic manifestation after the disease is already diagnosed. Methods: In this report, we describe a 55-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of acute severe hypercalcemia and was negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibodies. Results: Laboratory tests confirmed hypercalcemia (serum calcium 16.2 mg/dL) with intact parathyroid hormone (2 pg/mL). Alpha-fetoprotein serum level was 3031.14 ng/mL. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a big vascularized mass of 7 × 5.5cm in diameter, occupying most of the right lobe of the liver. Conclusion: Based on these findings, hepatocellular carcinoma may present late in disease progression with isolated hypercalcemia; therefore, HCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis in a hypercalcemic patient.

Prevalence of Acute Kidney Injury in Covid-19 Patients- Retrospective Single-Center Study.

Introduction: In December 2019, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease outbreak started in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and spread rapidly to other regions of the world. Although diffuse alveolar injury and acute respiratory failure were the most prominent characteristics, further investigation of organ involvement is essential. Aim: In this study, we aim to determine the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in covid-19 patients and also the relationship between inflammatory markers, the severity of lung involvement, and acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 102 COVID-19 patients presented to a tertiary teaching hospital in Mogadishu during the second wave of Covid-19 2021. Patients' age, gender, comorbidities, hemoglobin, platelet, and white blood cell counts, glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, CRP, ferritin, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) Covid-19 test and CT scan findings were all collected. Results: The mean age of the patients was 58 (Range 23-91 years), including 64 men and 38 women. The prevalence of acute kidney injury was 12.7%. There was a significant association between acute kidney injury, CRP and ferritin with the p values of P<0.003 and P<0.004, respectively. For severity of lung involvement with computed tomography finding, 35 (34.3%) had mild, 35 (34.3%) had moderate and 32 (31.4%) had severe lung involvement. There was significant association between the lung involvement, Ferritin and CRP levels with P values of P<0.005 and P<0.007 respectively. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that acute kidney injury is common in covid-19 patients and can increase the morbidity and mortality of these patients. As a result, clinicians in low-resource countries such as Somalia should be more vigilant about kidney injury in patients with severe COVID-19.

Pulmonary hypertension among maintenance hemodialysis patients in Somalia: a hospital-based observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to examine the prevalence and related factors of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in patients on hemodialysis (HD) at the only referral institution in Somalia. A total of one hundred and forty-three patients  who had received regular HD therapy for at least three months and underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were included in the study. Patients with a systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) value > 35 mmHg at rest on TTE were considered having PHT. The relationship of TTE parameters, demographic, and clinic characteristics of participants with PHT were evaluated. RESULTS: The number of patients with PHT was 73 (51%). The mean age was 54.2 ± 18.4 years. The majority of patients were 65 years of age or older. (n: 46, 32.2%) and 65 (45.5%) were male. Median sPAP was found to be 35 mmHg. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was positively correlated with right atrium (RA) diameter (r: 0.6, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r: - 0.4, p < 0.001). In addition, LVEF, RA diameter, presence of pericardial effusion (PE) were found to be independent predictors of PHT. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary hypertension has a relatively high prevalence in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on regular HD. Besides, the presence of PE and certain right and left heart parameters were independently associated with PHT.

HATCH Score for Predicting Mortality in COVID-19 Patients.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the relationship between HATCH score [hypertension, age >75 yr, previous transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke (doubled), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure (doubled)] and in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: Overall, 572 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between Mar 15 and Apr 15, 2020, were included in this multicenter retrospective study, in Turkey. The HATCH score of each patient was calculated. Mortality results were followed for 50 days. The patients were divided into 2 groups developing mortality (n=267) and non-mortality (n=305). Clinical outcomes were defined as in-hospital mortality improvement status. Results: HATCH scores in non-survivors of COVID-19 were significantly higher than in survivors (P<0.001). In logistic regression analysis, HATCH score (OR: 1.253, 95% CI: 1.003-1.565; P=0.047), platelet count (OR: 0.995, 95% CI: 0.993-0.998; P<0.001), C-reactive protein level (OR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.007-1.013, P<0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration ratio (eGFR) level (OR: 0.963, 95% CI: 0.953-0.973; P<0.001) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: The HATCH score is useful in predicting in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Survival analysis of all critically ill patients with COVID-19 admitted to the main hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia, 30 March-12 June 2020: which interventions are proving effective in fragile states?

OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors for death in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) admitted to the main hospital in Somalia, and identify interventions contributing to improved clinical outcome in a low-resource and fragile setting. METHODS: A survival analysis was conducted of all patients with COVID-19 admitted to the main hospital in Somalia from 30 March to 12 June 2020. RESULTS: Of the 131 patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19, 52 (40%) died and 79 (60%) survived. The main factors associated with the risk of in-hospital death were age ≥60 years {survival probability on day 21 was 0.789 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.658-0.874] in patients aged <60 years vs 0.339 (95% CI 0.205-0.478) in patients aged ≥60 years}, cardiovascular disease [survival probability 0.478 (95% CI 0.332-0.610) in patients with cardiovascular disease vs 0.719 (95% CI 0.601-0.807) in patients without cardiovascular disease] and non-invasive ventilation on admission (patients who were not ventilated but received oxygen were significantly more likely to survive than patients who were ventilated; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Considering the risk factors (age ≥60 years, presence of cardiovascular disease and use of non-invasive ventilation) is critical when managing patients with severe COVID-19, especially in low-resource settings where availability of skilled healthcare workers for critical care units is limited. These findings also highlight the importance of use of medical oxygen for severely ill patients, and the critical aspect of deciding whether or not to ventilate critical patients with COVID-19 in order to improve clinical outcome.

Serum Elabela Levels Are Elevated in Patients with Hyperthyroidism.

The apelinergic system plays an important role in the modulation of the cardiovascular system via the apelin peptide and the apelin receptor (APJ receptor). Apelin and elabela, also known toddler, are peptide ligands for the apelin receptor. These two peptides show similar biological actions, such as vasodilatation, increased myocardial contractility, angiogenesis, and energy metabolism. However, the serum levels of elabela in patients with hyperthyroidism are not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in serum elabela levels in patients with hyperthyroidism and its association with hypertension. This cross-sectional study included 74 patients with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism due to Graves' disease and 20 healthy individuals. Serum elabela levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The patients were divided into two groups: hyperthyroid patients without hypertension (n = 51) and those with hypertension (n = 23). Basal heart rate, serum glucose and high-sensitive C reactive protein were significantly higher in hyperthyroid patients with and those without hypertension than in healthy controls (p < 0.05 for each). Serum elabela levels were significantly elevated in hyperthyroid patients compared with healthy controls, with higher serum elabela levels found in hyperthyroid patients with hypertension than those without hypertension. Linear regression analysis showed that serum elabela levels were correlated with systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum elabela levels were significantly increased in patients with hyperthyroidism, especially in hyperthyroid patients with hypertension. Elevation in serum elabela levels may contribute to alleviation of cardiovascular complications of hyperthyroidism and hypertension.