Research Article
Risk Factors Associated with Diphtheria Outbreak Among Patients Under 5 Years Attending de Martino Hospital Mogadishu, Somalia
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-6
Received:
20 September 2025
Accepted:
2 February 2026
Published:
25 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdmed.20260101.11
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Abstract: Background: In areas with poor vaccination rates, diphtheria, a dangerous acute infectious disease brought on by Corynebacterium diphtheria, remains a threat. Due to low vaccination uptake and undeveloped immunity, children under five are especially at risk. Objective: risk factors and describing the clinical characteristics of diphtheria in children under five who were enrolled in De Martino Hospital in Mogadishu were the objectives of this study. Methods: Eighty confirmed cases of diphtheria participated in a descriptive cross-sectional investigation. Structured questionnaires and a review of medical records were used to gather data. Age, gender, immunization status, clinical characteristics, complications, and results were among the variables evaluated. Findings: Of the 80 children, 43.8% were younger than two years old, and 35.0% were between three and four years old. With 50.0% of the population being female and 48.8% being male, the gender distribution was almost equal. Only 15.0% of people were fully vaccinated, 21.3% were partially vaccinated, and 63.8% were not immunized. The two most common symptoms were fever (100%) and sore throat (100%). The following conditions were also quite common: dysphagia (93.8%), respiratory distress (98.8%), cervical lymphadenopathy (96.3%), and pseudo membrane development (98.8%). 25% of patients had myocarditis, and 75% of patients experienced respiratory problems. Residence of the patients (45.0%) resided in Yaqshid, followed by 16.3% from Karaan and 8.8% from Shibis. Smaller proportions of patients came from Dharkenley (6.3%), Celasha Biyaha (5.0%), Deynile (3.8%), Hodan (3.8%), and other areas including Kaxda, Hilwa, Sh. Dhexe, Hirshabele, Balcad, and Tabelaha, each contributing 2.5% to 1.3% of cases. This distribution indicates that Yaqshiid and Karaan were the most affected areas, suggesting a potential geographic clustering of cases., 76.3% recovered from the disease, while 23.8% did not. 77.5% was survived, while 22.5% was died, children who were not vaccinated having a higher death rate. Conclusion: diphtheria is still a serious public health issue in Somalia affecting children under five. The most frequent clinical symptoms were fever, sore throat, and pseudo membrane formation, while the main risk factors were found to be incomplete immunization, malnutrition, and delayed healthcare-seeking behavior. Improved immunization campaigns, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment treatments are critically needed, as highlighted by the high case fatality rate.
Abstract: Background: In areas with poor vaccination rates, diphtheria, a dangerous acute infectious disease brought on by Corynebacterium diphtheria, remains a threat. Due to low vaccination uptake and undeveloped immunity, children under five are especially at risk. Objective: risk factors and describing the clinical characteristics of diphtheria in childr...
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Review Article
Septocolumellar Anchorage in Secondary Rhinoplasty:
A Cartilage-Sparing, Closed-Approach Strategy
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
7-12
Received:
15 September 2025
Accepted:
10 February 2026
Published:
25 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdmed.20260101.12
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Abstract: Background: Secondary rhinoplasty is recognized as one of the most technically demanding procedures within the domain of facial plastic surgery. This complexity arises primarily from the presence of distorted anatomical structures, scar contracture, and compromised structural support resulting from prior surgical interventions. Such alterations frequently result in diminished nasal tip projection, malrotation, columellar retraction, deviation, and dysfunction of the internal nasal valve. Conventional revision techniques often require open surgical approaches and structural grafting, including the utilization of costal cartilage, thereby increasing both the complexity and morbidity associated with the procedure. Purpose: This study aims to assess the clinical efficacy and reproducibility of septocolumellar anchorage as a cartilage-preserving technique for the restoration of nasal tip support and biomechanics in secondary rhinoplasty, primarily conducted through a closed endonasal approach. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted involving 26 consecutive patients who underwent revision rhinoplasty between April 2022 and October 2024, subsequent to primary surgery performed by a different surgeon. The indications for revision included diminished tip projection or rotation, columellar retraction, tip deviation, and functional airway compromise. Surgical intervention was performed under general anesthesia, primarily employing intercartilaginous and hemitransfixion incisions. Following the release of scar tissue and mobilization of the lower lateral cartilages, septocolumellar sutures were anchored to the anterosuperior angle of the caudal septum to ensure stable tip support. Selective use of adjunctive septal cartilage grafts was implemented, while no costal cartilage grafts were harvested. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months. Results: The patient cohort ranged in age from 20 to 64 years, with a mean age of 42.7 ± 12.1 years, and an average of 1.34 prior rhinoplasty procedures. A closed surgical approach was utilized in 73% of the cases. Restoration of nasal tip projection, rotation, and alignment was successfully achieved in all patients, accompanied by a consistent enhancement in nasal airflow in instances where preoperative obstruction was present. No major complications, structural failures, or requirements for tertiary revision were reported. Conclusions: Septocolumellar anchorage represents a dependable and reproducible cartilage-sparing technique in secondary rhinoplasty. It offers predictable biomechanical control over nasal tip dynamics while minimizing tissue dissection and obviating the necessity for costal cartilage grafting in appropriately selected patients.
Abstract: Background: Secondary rhinoplasty is recognized as one of the most technically demanding procedures within the domain of facial plastic surgery. This complexity arises primarily from the presence of distorted anatomical structures, scar contracture, and compromised structural support resulting from prior surgical interventions. Such alterations fre...
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Research Article
Response to COVID-19 Vaccines in Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and
Meta-analysis Protocol of Randomised Controlled Trials
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
13-18
Received:
13 June 2025
Accepted:
29 January 2026
Published:
25 February 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.sdmed.20260101.13
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Abstract: Since SARS-CoV-2 detection, the infection had spread globally resulting in insidious outcomes. The pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 indicated that the virus does not only ignite respiratory distress, but can also adversely impact varying organs. Evidence shows patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis or who have received kidney transplant have been disproportionately impacted by SARS-CoV-2. This population group experience significant higher rates of infection, severe disease, hospitalization and mortality compared to the general population. However, long-term response and outcomes in relation to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in people with chronic kidney disease requires further research. This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol, aims to compare the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with chronic kidney disease. We will include randomized controlled trials that assess and evaluates the safety and efficacy as outcomes of COVID-19 vaccines in chronic kidney disease patients. Medline, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched from January 2020 to December 2025 for eligible studies. Three reviewers will independently screen, identify and select research studies that meet eligibility criteria, assess methodological quality and extract information. A meta-analysis will be performed, if possible and the grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations summary of findings will be presented.
Abstract: Since SARS-CoV-2 detection, the infection had spread globally resulting in insidious outcomes. The pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 indicated that the virus does not only ignite respiratory distress, but can also adversely impact varying organs. Evidence shows patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis or who have receiv...
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,
Ibrahim Mahamud Mahamuud
