Background and Aim: Positive Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) with a high pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score may indicate a poor prognosis for children with liver cirrhosis where early interventions could reduce mortality. Our objective was to determine, for the first time in Bangladesh, the relationship between SIRS and PELD score and the hospital prognosis of children with liver cirrhosis. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2018 and February 2019 at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, among admitted children admitted with liver cirrhosis between 1 month and 12 years of age. All participants were screened for SIRS, and PELD scores were calculated. Data were analyzed to find the relationships between SIRS and PELD scores and hospital outcomes. Results: A total of 53 patients were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 74.9 (± 55.8) months. Among them, 26 (49.1%) patients with positive SIRS. Wilson’s disease (49.1%) and biliary cirrhosis (35.8%) comprised most of the cases. Total 10 (18.9%) patients died during the hospital stay, and mortality was significantly higher among SIRS positive group (p=0.03). The area under the Receiver-Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve of positive SIRS and PELD was 0.691 and 0.602, respectively. A high PELD score (>24) was associated with an increased risk of death (odds ratio 2.294). Multivariate Logistic Regression analysis showed only SIRS positivity was independently associated with increased mortality (p<0.05). Conclusion: Positive SIRS and high PELD scores are correlated with increased hospital mortality in pediatric liver cirrhosis patients. Early interventions can deter their imminent death.

This article discusses the use of natural desiccated thyroid extract in pregnancy, which is a treatment option for hypothyroidism. Current guidelines recommend using only Levothyroxine during pregnancy, causing concern for some physicians about using Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT). However, many patients find NDT more effective than Levothyroxine for symptom control and are hesitant to switch to Levothyroxine during pregnancy. CountryHealth specialises in hypothyroidism treatment and predominantly prescribes NDT, as many patients did not find adequate symptom control from Levothyroxine. CountryHealth's approach is to use both NDT and Levothyroxine to ensure the pregnant woman's symptoms are controlled and the foetus receives sufficient thyroid hormones. Frequent thyroid function testing during pregnancy allows for regimen adjustments to maintain optimal maternal and foetal thyroid status. Patients who use our service are partners in their own care, empowered to fully understand and take ownership of their condition, monitoring and treatment. This is especially important during pregnancy and patients are encouraged to share their treatment plan with their own GP and specialist physicians who may be involved in their care.

Without medicinal herbs, our healthcare system would be lacking. Several communities developed medical knowledge systems before modern medicine, referred to as "traditional medicine," "indigenous medicine," etc. Throughout the history of human civilization, medicinal plants have been vital. Nearly all societies and civilizations have traditionally relied heavily on medicinal plants as a source of medicine. The traditional medicine community views medicinal plants as a rich supply of materials for making numerous modern medications. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat illnesses, preserve food, add flavor, and stop disease outbreaks. Many plants are also said to have numerous other uses, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-insecticidal, anti-parasitic, antibacterial, and anti-hemolytic qualities. Tribal people use these plants extensively all over the world. This review article discusses the traditional therapeutic uses of 21 species of plants from various families.

Background: Colorectal cancer screening aims to detect early signs of colorectal cancer before symptoms develop, increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. Screening methods include colonoscopy, and stool-based tests like fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical tests (FIT), which detect blood in the stool. Screening guidelines vary by country, but it is generally recommended to start regular screenings around age 40 for the average-risk individuals. Objective: To assess colorectal cancer (CRC) awareness, risk factors and screening utilizing FOBT and colonoscopy among participants in regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam. Methodology: A total of 150 participants were recruited for the study. FOBT was done to all participants, with positive cases undergoing further diagnostic interventions, including stool analysis, H. pylori antigen testing, and endoscopic interventions. Results: Of the 150 participants, 73.3% tested negative and 26.67% tested positive for FOBT. Further investigations revealed hookworm ova 12.5% (n=5/40) and H. pylori infection 22.5% (n=9/40) among FOBT positive cases. Conclusion: CRC screening using FOBT demonstrated significant number of positive cases, highlighting the need for improved awareness and education about CRC and its risk factors.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most preventable cancers, with early detection significantly improving treatment outcomes. Screening methods such as FOBT and colonoscopy are crucial but underutilized, especially in resource-limited settings. Objective: To assess awareness of colorectal cancer screening and risk factors among adults attending outpatient clinics in regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 150 participants, and screening was done through FOBT, followed by further diagnostic tests for those with positive results. Results: Of the participants, 26.67% tested positive for FOBT, and 5 of them were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. There was a significant gap in knowledge and awareness regarding colorectal cancer screening. Conclusion: There is a need for enhanced public health efforts to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and its risk factors in Tanzania.