Sumatera Medical Journal

A First Branchial Cleft Cyst Masquerading as a Chronic Non-Healing Wound

2025-03-30T17:07:30+07:00

Background: First branchial cleft anomaly exhibits variable clinical features, ranging from a painless swelling, discharging sinus or pit, to recurrent infection. It could be easily misdiagnosed and mismanaged, resulting in recurrence. Hence, any swellings or pits in Poncet’s triangle with a history of recurrent infection should raise the suspicion of a first branchial cleft anomaly. Objective: To present a case of chronic non-healing wound caused by an incompletely excised first branchial cleft anomaly. Methods: Case observation of a patient with a history of incomplete excision of a first branchial cyst. Results: Our patient was a case of incompletely excised first branchial cyst which subsequently presented as a chronic non- healing wound. She had undergone several workup for non-healing wound resulting in delay in receiving definitive treatment. Conclusion: Early recognition of first branchial cleft anomalies is important to prevent chronic complications and mismanagement.

Effectivity and Safety Profile of Metformin as an Adjuvant Immunomodulator in Psoriasis: A Literature Review

2025-02-19T15:43:44+07:00

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder associated with an increased risk of comorbidities and reduced quality of life. Metformin, a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has been investigated for its potential as an adjuvant therapy for psoriasis. Objective: This literature review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms by which metformin exerts immunomodulatory effects and assess clinical studies that evaluate its efficacy and safety profile. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, MDPI, Epistemonikos, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library, with the keywords: metformin AND psoriasis AND immunomodulator AND safety. Results: Qualitative synthesis revealed that metformin exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and pro-apoptotic effects through induction of G0/G1 cycle arrest and inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Raf/MEK/ERK) pathways. These mechanisms correlate with improvements in psoriasis severity indices, including Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), Erythema, Scaling, and Induration (ESI), and Physician Global Assessment (PGA) scores (p < 0.05. A rare case of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome has been reported. Conclusion: Metformin demonstrates potential as an adjuvant immunomodulatory treatment for psoriasis. However, a rare adverse effect highlights the need for careful patient selection and evaluation.

Changes in Knowledge About Mothers Stunting Before and After Watching the Video on Mothers of Stunting Toddlers in Puskesmas Anak Air Kota Padang

2025-03-12T19:12:49+07:00

Background: Stunting is a developmental disorder in children caused by chronic malnutrition and recurrent infections. One effective way to convey information about nutrition to mothers of stunted toddlers is by watching videos. Objective: This study aimed to determine the changes in knowledge of mothers of stunted toddlers before and after watching intervention videos. Methods: A "One-group pretest and posttest" design was used in this study, conducted at the Anak Air Health Center in Padang City, from October 25, 2023, to January 15, 2024. A sample of 27 participants was selected using the Simple Random Sampling technique through the Random Number Application. Normality tests and bivariate analysis were performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Paired t-test (p < 0.05). Results: Statistical analysis using the paired t-test showed a significant change in knowledge scores before and after the video intervention, with a p-value of 0.001 (p < 0.05). This indicates that video media has a significant effect on the knowledge of mothers of stunted toddlers. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was an increase in knowledge among mothers of stunted toddlers before and after being exposed to video media intervention.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity Test of Ethanolic Extract of Transdermal Patch Crinum asiaticum L Against Male Wistar Rats Induced by Carrageenan

2025-03-17T21:56:40+07:00

Background:Crinum asiaticum leaves are recognized for their wound healing properties, particularly in treating abrasive or inflamed wounds. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a transdermal patch prepared from Crinum asiaticum leaf extracts in reducing inflammation. Methods: The preparation involved applying coconut oil to the fruit, roasting it, and then using it on the affected area. Leaf samples and extracts were utilized to formulate transdermal patches at three different concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%). The patches were assessed organoleptically for thickness, weight uniformity, folding resistance, and pH. Results: The findings demonstrated that the 5% concentration transdermal patches exhibited superior anti-inflammatory effects compared to the 1% and 3% concentrations. This suggests that higher concentrations of Crinum asiaticum extracts enhance the therapeutic potential of transdermal applications. Conclusion: The study concludes that transdermal patches formulated with Crinum asiaticum leaves are effective in reducing inflammation, with 5% concentration offering the highest efficacy. Further research is recommended to explore the clinical applications of these patches in wound management.

Borassus flabellifer Effectively Reduces MDA Levels in High Oxidative Stress Population in Jakarta, Indonesia

2025-03-12T19:53:50+07:00

Background: Malondialdehyde (MDA) is commonly used to assess oxidative stress levels. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Borassus flabellifer fruit consumption on MDA levels in individuals with high oxidative stress, providing insights into the fruit’s potential as a natural antioxidant therapy. Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in Jakarta, recruiting fifty participants aged 30–60 years with baseline MDA levels >10 nmol/L. Participants consumed 150 grams of Borassus flabellifer fruit daily for 30 days. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess MDA levels. Results: The average MDA level decreased significantly from 14.35 ± 2.43 nmol/L to 12.00 ± 1.74 nmol/L after 30 days of fruit consumption (p < 0.0001). The Cohen’s d value of 2.92 indicated a large effect size, demonstrating the intervention’s substantial impact. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.91, p < 0.0001) between baseline MDA levels and reduction was observed, suggesting that participants with higher baseline oxidative stress benefited more from the intervention. Conclusion: Borassus flabellifer fruit consumption effectively reduces MDA levels in individuals with high oxidative stress. The results support the inclusion of this fruit in recommendations for managing oxidative stress-related conditions.

Relationship Between Nutritional Status and Hemodialysis Therapy in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease at Adam Malik Medan Hospital, Indonesia

2025-02-19T15:15:55+07:00

Background: One of the measures taken to control chronic kidney failure is through the hemodialysis procedure. Hemodialysis therapy can cause various side effects in patients, one of which is the risk of decreased nutritional status which can result in malnutrition. When the nutritional status of kidney failure patients worsens, the quality of life also decreases. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between nutritional status and hemodialysis therapy at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan. Methods: This research was conducted from February to October 2024. This research is an analytical observational study using a cross sectional study design. The sample taken in this study was 80. Data was obtained from medical records at H. Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan. Results: The correlation test with the Chi-square test showed no relationship between Body Mass Index and several criteria, namely: Gender (p=0.645), age (p=0.410), creatinine (p=0.296), urea (p=0.296), albumin (p=0.315). Conclusion: There is no relationship between BMI and age, gender, albumin levels, creatinine levels and albumin levels in hemodialysis patients at H.Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan. The majority of patients undergoing hemodialysis at H.Adam Malik General Hospital Medan have a normal BMI (66%).

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Occurrence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Among Students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Batch of 2021 and 2022

2025-02-19T15:08:34+07:00

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common digestive disorder, especially among young adults like college students. One factor linked to GERD is Body Mass Index (BMI). Although higher BMI is associated with a greater risk of GERD, limited data exists on this relationship in university populations, particularly at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between BMI and GERD incidence in FK USU students from the 2021 and 2022 batches. Methods: An analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted using simple random sampling. The subjects were Medical Education students from the 2021 and 2022 batches. Data collection was done through direct distribution of the GERD-Q questionnaire. Statistical analysis included univariate and bivariate methods using chi-square tests. Results: Among 100 respondents, 52 (52.0%) had GERD. Among those with GERD, 43 (29.6%) were obese and 9 (22.4%) had normal BMI. Of those without GERD, 34 (20.6%) had normal BMI and 14 (27.4%) were obese. A significant relationship was found between BMI and GERD (p = 0.011). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between BMI and GERD incidence among FK USU Medical Faculty students from the 2021–2022 batches.

Levels of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen and Interleukin-6 as Biomarkers in NSCLC Patients

2025-03-26T10:35:15+07:00

Background: Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen (SCC-Ag) and Interleukin-6 (IL‐6) has been widely used for monitoring Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Objective: This concentration also known to be higher in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. Methods: This research used descriptive study among NSCLC patients. Blood sampling was used with serum. ELISA platform was used to rate SCC-Ag and IL-6 serum. Results: From 20 samples NSCLC, we found 20 males (100%), active smokers (80%). From histology type, Adenocarcinoma 12 cases (60%). The most of subjects were in stage IVA (70%). The Squamous Cell Carcinoma Antigen levels of NSCLC patients showed that as many as 20 samples (100%) were within normal limits and did not show an increased. Conclusion: Levels of IL-6 increased as many as 15 samples (75%), and IL-6 levels were still within the normal range sample (25%). Tumor marker are not meant to detect marker growth, but only as a marker that found in lung cancer,but IL-6 as the one of the pro-inflammation cytokines that shows an increased in patients NSCLC.