Background: Thalassaemias are inherited disorders of hemoglobin synthesis, with β-thalassaemia being the most prevalent and clinically significant. In Bangladesh, the burden is high, with over 7000 affected births annually and notable carrier rates of both β-thalassaemia and Hb E, especially among tribal populations. The disease arises from β-globin gene mutations, leading to imbalanced globin chain production and severe anemia. Regular transfusions are essential but pose risks, including iron overload and transfusion-transmitted infections like hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV affects over 60% of transfusion-dependent patients, significantly increasing morbidity and mortality, yet long-term survival data and treatment outcomes remain inadequately explored. Aim of the study: This study aims to compare the hematological and biochemical parameters of HCV-infected and non-infected multi-transfused thalassaemic patients. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted over seven months (February–August 2015) at the Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Bangladesh. Sixty β-thalassemia major patients aged 4–18 years receiving regular transfusions were enrolled, including 11 anti-HCV seropositive and 49 seronegative cases. Participants were recruited from the thalassemia clinic and transfusion unit. Data were collected through interviews, clinical exams, and structured checklists. Laboratory investigations included ELISA for anti-HCV, hematological and biochemical analyses, and hepatic ultrasonography. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v16.0 with Chi-square and Student’s t-tests; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: HCV-positive patients had a significantly higher mean age (11.6±3.8 vs. 9.3±4.6 years; p=0.032) and body weight (24.6±8.8 vs. 15.8±5.5 kg; p=0.001) than HCV-negative patients. Jaundice (p=0.043), abdominal pain (p=0.008), hepatomegaly (p=0.011), and splenomegaly (p=0.035) were significantly more prevalent in the HCV-positive group. Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly sizes were also larger. No significant differences were found in sex, socioeconomic status, hemoglobin, HBsAg status, or most hematological and biochemical markers. However, serum bilirubin was significantly elevated in HCV-positive patients (2.2±0.5 vs. 1.5±1.1 mg/dL; p=0.044), indicating greater hepatic involvement. These findings suggest a higher disease burden among HCV-infected individuals. Conclusion: HCV infection in multi-transfused thalassaemic patients is linked to greater liver involvement, including jaundice, hepatomegaly, and elevated bilirubin. Older age suggests cumulative transfusion risk. Despite similar hemoglobin levels, liver disease burden is higher in HCV-positive individuals, highlighting the need for early screening, safer transfusions, and targeted liver monitoring.

Background: Preterm labor remains a major contributor to neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Identifying predictive biomarkers such as maternal serum ferritin may enable early detection and improve perinatal outcomes. Methods: A case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, from June 2022 to May 2023. A total of 88 pregnant women were enrolled, including 44 cases with preterm labor and 44 controls with term labor, selected through purposive sampling. Sociodemographic and biochemical parameters were recorded, and serum ferritin levels were compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Results: The majority of participants in both groups were aged between 18 and 26 years. The mean age was slightly higher in the preterm group (25.59 ± 5.80 years) compared to the term group (24.56 ± 5.41 years), but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.331). Serum ferritin levels were significantly elevated in the preterm group (89.09 ± 106.07 ng/mL) compared to the term group (32.13 ± 31.40 ng/mL), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.004). Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between serum ferritin levels and gestational age (r = –0.313, p < 0.05), with an R² value of 0.139, indicating a modest inverse relationship. Conclusion: Higher maternal serum ferritin levels are significantly associated with preterm labor and inversely correlated with gestational age. Serum ferritin may serve as a useful biomarker for predicting preterm birth risk, supporting its inclusion in routine antenatal screening protocols.

Abstract: Introduction: Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor of the minor salivary glands. Despite its benign nature, its potential for recurrence and malignant transformation makes it clinically significant. This study aims to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic characteristics of pleomorphic adenomas of the minor salivary glands and to compare the findings with those reported in the literature. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted over a two-year period (March 2023 to March 2024), involving three patients diagnosed with pleomorphic adenoma of the minor salivary glands. Clinical features, diagnostic imaging, treatment approaches, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Results: The study included three patients (1 male, 2 females) with a mean age of 22.7 years. Tumor locations included the hard palate, lower lip, and inner cheek. The average time to diagnosis ranged from 1 to 6 months. In all cases, the clinical presentation was a painless swelling. Diagnostic imaging included soft tissue ultrasound and CT scan. Surgical excision was performed under local anesthesia using a monobloc technique. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of benign pleomorphic adenoma in all cases. One recurrence was observed after 18 months of follow-up. Conclusion: Pleomorphic adenoma is the most frequent histological subtype of benign minor salivary glands tumors and typically exhibits slow progression. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any painless, submucosal lesion in the oral cavity. Complete surgical excision with a 5 mm margin of healthy tissue remains the treatment of choice. Due to the risks of recurrence and malignant transformation, long-term follow-up is essential.

Background: Contemporary research on immunization has suggested a redefinition or at least acknowledgement of the impact of pertussis beyond the traditional belief of defining it as an isolated infant and child disease. A section of scholars are seeking a more expansive understanding and relevant redefinition that reflects its prevalence among adolescents and adults. A variety of case-oriented, lab-based definitions were produced to respond to national, regional or global descriptions of the disease within a unified goal to eradicate or substantially minimize its recurrence and therefore contain its impact on the victims. Objective: This study sought to explore the prevalence of pertussis in Baidoa, a small city which is the provisional capital of the administration of the Southwest State of Somalia. Method: The study used desk research by examining secondary sources that discussed pertussis in general as well as others that provide insights specific only to the context of Baidoa city. Results: Although recent research has indicated tremendous success in the prevention and containment of immunizable diseases through robust vaccination schemes, the menace of the pertussis disease is present among the residents of Baidoa, both hosts and internally displaced persons (IDPs), but without much detail on the estimates of the victims. Conclusion: Insufficient awareness and lack of emphasis to single out the pertussis threat and its impact on children, are very likely among the possible contributors to the prevalence of the disease in the city. It is in view of the significance to eradicate or at least mitigate its effect on children that a more thorough focus on awareness is needed to increase the rate of immunization as an important preventive measure against pertussis.

Abstract: Salmonella is a bacterial pathogen with significant morbidity and mortality in humans driven by environmental and socioeconomic factors. As the third leading cause of death in humans among diarrheal diseases, Salmonella is a major public health threat which demands integrated interventions. The pathogenicity, determinants, prevention, control, and treatment of MDR Salmonella infections were reviewed following a literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar which yielded 405 articles, of which 79 articles were selected after screening. Enteric fevers caused by typhoidal Salmonella serotypes - S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi A, S. Paratyphi B, and S. Paratyphi C are found only in humans in mostly developing countries, while food poisoning and gastroenteritis caused by NTS serotypes - S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis respectively found in humans and animals in developing and developed countries accounts for 70% of Salmonella infections in humans associated with eating contaminated food products of poultry origin and also causes iNTS disease in humans. Preventing Salmonella contamination of animal products, water, vegetables and fruits, and promoting the safety and quality of foods for human and animal consumption is achievable through food and water hygiene, personal and environmental hygiene, biosecurity, preservation of animal feeds, food safety and HACCP principles, and epidemiological surveillance. Salmonella infection is basically treated using antibiotics, however, the rise in MDR strains has resulted in treatment with antibiotic-alternatives including probiotics, prebiotics, and vaccines. Further research is recommended in treating iNTS disease, developing human vaccine against NTS, and using bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, organic acids, and essential oils as antibiotic-alternatives.

Background: Calcific pancreatitis in pediatric patients poses significant management challenges, with surgical intervention often required for symptomatic relief. Lateral pancreatojejunostomy (LPJ) and lateral pancreaticogastrostomy (LPG) are two established drainage procedures, but comparative studies in children remain limited. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of LPJ versus LPG in pediatric patients with calcific pancreatitis. Methods: A comparative study was conducted at National Gastroliver Institute & Hospital, Dhaka and Dhaka Medical Collage Hospital (DMCH) Bangladesh from January 2022 to December 2023, involving 26 patients aged ≤13 years, purposively selected and randomly allocated into two groups: LPJ (n=13) and LPG (n=13). Clinical outcomes, including pain relief, postoperative complications, hospital stay, and recurrence rates, were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 Results: Both LPJ and LPG demonstrated effective pain relief in pediatric calcific pancreatitis, with comparable postoperative VAS scores (LPJ: 1.5±0.6 vs LPG: 1.4±0.5, p=0.682). LPG showed fewer complications (15.4% vs 30.8%, p=0.042), particularly reduced wound infections (7.7% vs 23.1%). Operative times (142±18 vs 158±22 minutes, p=0.082) and hospital stays (7.2±1.5 vs 6.8±1.3 days, p=0.124) were similar. Recurrence rates at 12 months were identical (7.7% each). Conclusion: Both LPJ and LPG effectively managed pediatric calcific pancreatitis, with comparable pain relief and recurrence rates. LPG demonstrated a superior safety profile with fewer postoperative complications, suggesting its potential as a preferred surgical option in this patient population.

A young 22-year-old female patient with a known Thymoma, under yearly surveillance, presented with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. She returned 3 weeks later with an unresolved cough. A chest radiograph demonstrated a retrocardiac homogenous opacity with another opacity obliterating the left cardiac margin. Further, two well-defined homogenous pleural-based opacities in the left upper and lower lung zones were noted. Further evaluation was done with a CT chest and PET scan. CT Thorax confirmed interval invasive features of previously seen left anterior mediastinal mass with direct involvement of pleura, pericardium, and multiple pulmonary nodules denoting invasive malignant thymoma. PET scan reported intensely hypermetabolic left pleural masses likely representing the patient’s thymoma. She underwent a guided tissue biopsy which concluded as Thymoma probably Type B2. She received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical resection of the lesion with full resolution of the lesion.