Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary ailment that can cause severe pain and suffering to people who are affected. However, with continued investment in research and treatment options, we can make progress towards improving the lives of those with SCD. Over 40% of patients experience painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), so we must work towards finding solutions and providing support for those living with this condition, These episodes, a hallmark of SCD, significantly contribute to morbidity, mortality, and a diminished quality of life, while also incurring substantial healthcare costs. Chronic pain particularly affects older adolescents and adults with SCD, with over half reporting daily discomfort. Opioid-based analgesics, though still the main form of pain management, have limitations. Their effectiveness is limited, and they come with risks of adverse effects and addiction. Therefore, exploring alternative, for pain management strategies is crucial. This review dives into the potential of pharmacological supplements for this purpose. Deficiency in vitamin D is linked to increased complications in SCD. While evidence suggests vitamin D supplementation might help manage pain in SCD patients, more clinical trials are needed to confirm this benefit and determine the most effective dosage. L-arginine supplementation shows promise in reducing pain and hospital stays, while inhaled nitric oxide has yielded mixed results. Zinc deficiency is common in SCD, and supplementation may decrease infections, improve immunity, and reduce pain crises. Because of their anti-inflammatory qualities, omega-3 fatty acids may lessen the frequency of pain and inflammatory markers. Overall, the evidence for most supplements remains inconclusive, highlighting the need for further clinical research for promising supplements of vitamin D and omega-3, to establish definitive conclusions regarding their efficacy and safety in SCD patients. Exploring combination therapies and tailoring interventions to individual needs may hold promise for comprehensive pain management strategies.
Background: Propolis has received great interest because of its wide range antimicrobial activity. Propolis also called (bee glue) due to its collection by (Apismellifera) honeybees from various plants resinous substance. The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial effect of propolis extracts (aqueous and alcoholic) on anaerobic periodontal pathogen namely Aggregatibacteractinomycetemcomitans. Materials and Methods: Strains of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans wasisolated from pockets of systemically healthy patients aged between 35-55 years old suffering from chronic periodontitis with pocket depths of 5-6 mm, the bacteria cultured on special blood Agar plates solid media. Propolis was extracted by using water and alcohol.
... Show MoreBackground: Postoperative pain is one of the main complications following impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM) surgery. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the local application of bupivacaine on reducing early postoperative pain following IMTM surgery. Material and methods: A prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled study was conducted on 40 patients who had undergone the surgical removal of an IMTM under local anesthesia. In the study group (n = 20), absorbable gelatin sponge (AGS) soaked in 3 mL of 0.5% plain bupivacaine hydrochloride was locally applied in the post-extraction socket. In the control group (n = 20), AGS soaked in 3 mL of normal saline was used. Pain intensity was assessed using a pa
... Show MoreChronic kidney Failure, a progressive disease, includes both medical and biochemical features that damage kidneys and decrease their abilities to work effectively, this disease is characterized by a chronic disorders to both the innate and adaptive immune systems, generate a complex and not fully understood immune dysfunction. In the present study, (30) men suffering from chronic kidney failure with age in range (40-55) year and (30) healthy men within the same range of age were enrolled in this study. The aim of this study is to highlight the role of immunological aspect (IL-35), hormonal aspects (PTH), some functional proteins and immunological electrolytes in sera of chronic kidney failure (CKF) patients. Biochemical parameters were dete
... Show MoreBackground: Microscopic examination of parotid gland reveals hypertrophy of the aciner cells sometimes two to three times greater than normal size of PG, in cases associated with longstanding diabetes. This study was designed to determine the effects of duration, fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin on parotid gland enlargement among poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects, Materials, and Method: This study was conducted on 36 parotid glands of 18 with type 2 DM , at age range ( 40-60) years, all of them were selected from subjects attending (Endocrine clinic for diabetic patients) in Baghdad Teaching Hospital. , pg was measured with ultrasonography in both longitudinal and horizontal plane. Results: the rate of e
... Show MoreThe purpose of this paper is to preparing preventive exercises supported by collagen supplements and vitamin D for handball players, and identify the effect of preventive physical exercises supported by collagen supplements and vitamin D on some physical and skill abilities of handball players. The researchers used the experimental method and designed two groups, one experimental and the other control, with both pre- and post-tests, to suit the nature of the research. The research community was selected from handball players (specialized school players), numbering (14), and they were divided into two groups, each group numbering (7) players. One of the most important results reached by the researcher is that: The exercises prepared by the r
... Show More339 individuals , were sorted from 22 samples collected from three sites in Tigris River including , Al- Sarafiya district (S1), Al- Jaderiyah district (S2) and Al-Za'afaraniya district (S3), in addition to one site in the irrigation canal of the Al- Jaderiyah campus of the University of Baghdad (S4) , and in Al- Jeish canal(S5) east Baghdad. The sorting results revealed that the highest number of individuals of 102 was recorded at S4, whereas the lowest number of 24 individuals was recorded at S2. Regarding the sites, site S4 was the richest site with 30% of the total number represented 16 species, while each of S3 and S5 had 8 species only with 17.11% and 28.60% of the total individuals number respectively. The values of Jaccared Sim
... Show MoreThe present study aims to investigate the seroprevalence rate of Toxoplasma gondii infection and its relation to some demographic factors among males in Duhok province/Iraq. A total of 424 random blood samples were collected from the male population of different ages (18-60) years and different social-economic classes. Out of 424 samples examined, 108 (25.47%) were seropositive to the anti- T. gondii antibodies; 88 (20.75%) were found seropositive for IgG, while 20 (4.72%) samples were seropositive for IgM. Regarding occupation, the highest percentage for chronic toxoplasmosis was reported in workers followed by policemen and pensioners at rates of 23.96%, 23.6%, and 23.07%, respectively. The age group 18-30 y
... Show MoreBackground: While warfarin and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are used to manage thromboembolic events, they possess several features that impact adherence. Objective: To assess medication adherence and self-efficacy in patients receiving warfarin or DOAC treatment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Ibn Al-Bitar Hospital in Baghdad from December 2022 to May 2023 on patients receiving either warfarin or DOACs. The Arabic version of the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) questionnaire and the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SES6C) questionnaire were used to assess adherence and self-efficacy. Results: 181 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 56.9% received warfarin an
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