Sumatera Medical Journal

Unveiling the Link Between Low Testosterone and Worsening Heart Failure Symptoms: A Literature Review

2025-06-18T13:59:56+07:00

Background: Heart failure can result from a variety of factors, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and genetic predispositions. Research indicates that testosterone levels are markedly lower in patients with heart failure compared to healthy individuals, suggesting that low testosterone may play a role in the onset or progression of heart failure. Objective: This review endeavors to examine the impact of low testosterone levels on the clinical manifestations of heart failure patients. Methods: A literature review was conducted across three databases, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct, employing the keywords "testosterone" and "heart failure." The search was further refined through specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, culminating in data from eight international journals. Results: Testosterone deficiency was associated with deteriorated outcomes in men diagnosed with HFpEF, with lower testosterone levels corresponding to more severe symptoms and diminished quality of life. It influences myocardial contractility, energy metabolism, apoptosis, and cardiac remodeling processes. Conclusion: Men suffering from heart failure with concomitant low testosterone levels are generally observed to have increased mortality rates and less favorable prognoses.

Primary Spinal Syringomyelia with Hemianhidrosis: A Rare Case Report

2025-02-19T15:34:18+07:00

Background: The incidence of syringomyelia is very rare, at 8.4 per 100,000 people, or about 2%. It is characterized by a cyst filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the spinal cord tissue or central canal. Symptoms may include sensory and motor disturbances. Objective: We report a case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with pain, weakness, and stiffness in her back, shoulders, arms, and legs. Methods: She experienced weakness on her right side for the past five years and had no sweating on that side for two years. Motor examination showed flaccid hemiparesis and muscle atrophy in her right upper limb. Reflex testing revealed hyperreflexia in her right hand and leg. Sensory testing (touch, temperature, pain, vibration) showed dissociation of sensation on the medial-lateral side of her right arm and leg. Results: After 1.5 years of treatment, including routine Short Wave Diathermy (SWD), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), physical therapy, and medication, her condition improved, and her quality of life was enhanced. Conclusion: This case highlights that a multidisciplinary approach, including SWD, TENS, physical therapy, and medication, can effectively reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in syringomyelia patients, even with extensive spinal involvement (C1-T11).

Characteristics of Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy at the H. Adam Malik Central General Hospital Medan in 2020-2021

2025-06-18T14:17:43+07:00

Background: Breast cancer can affect both women and men, originating in the mammary glands, fatty tissue, or connective tissue of the breast. Radiation therapy is a key treatment option applicable at nearly all disease stages. Objective: To examine the characteristics of breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, focusing on body mass index (BMI), histopathological classification, breastfeeding history, previous treatments, clinical stage, and age. Methods: This descriptive observational study involved total sampling and secondary data from medical records. Univariate analysis was performed. Out of 120 reviewed records, 43 met the inclusion criteria. Results: Most patients had normal nutritional status (48.8%) and were diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (74.4%). The majority had a history of breastfeeding (95.3%), underwent chemotherapy beforehand (59.4%), were at clinical stage IIB (41.9%), and belonged to the early elderly age group (39.5%). Conclusion: The primary characteristics of breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan (2020–2021), include normal BMI, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, breastfeeding history, prior chemotherapy, stage IIB disease, and early elderly age. These findings underscore the importance of early detection, managing modifiable risk factors, and integrated treatment approaches for improved outcomes.

The Relationship Between Knowledge Level and Attitude Toward the Use of Analgesic Drugs in the Community in East Medan

2025-06-27T23:13:59+07:00

Background: Pain, a common medical complaint, prompts many individuals to seek relief. Among the most frequently purchased drugs for self-medication are those from the analgesic-antipyretic group. The American Pain Society even designates pain as the 'fifth vital sign' due to its significance. Unfortunately, inadequate education provided by health professionals and a substantial number of untreated pain cases contribute to this situation. When used irrationally, analgesics can lead to various side effects, including stomach and intestinal disorders, hypersensitivity reactions, and damage to the kidneys and liver. Research from the Rational Use of Medicines in the ASEAN Region 2017 reveals that irrational drug use persists across all levels of health facilities in Indonesia. Objective: To investigate the relationship between analgesic knowledge and the utilization of analgesics in East Medan. Methods: This research constitutes an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design. Respondents completed a questionnaire regarding their knowledge and usage of analgesics. Data were collected through consecutive sampling until 100 residents of East Medan were included. Subsequently, all the data were analyzed using Chi-Square analysis. Results: There was a relationship between analgesic knowledge and the utilization of analgesics (p=0.004). Conclusion: There exists a relationship between analgesic knowledge and the utilization of analgesics.

Overview of Knowledge Levels and Risk Factors for Scabies and Pediculosis capitis among Female Students in Darularafah Raya Islamic Boarding School

2025-02-19T10:36:58+07:00

Background: Scabies and pediculosis capitis infections remain common parasitic issues, particularly in densely populated living environments such as boarding schools. The high incidence of these infections is influenced by the level of knowledge and risk-related behaviors within the population. Objective: This research was conducted to understand the level of knowledge and risk factors for scabies and pediculosis capitis infections among female students at Darularafah Raya Islamic Boarding School. Methods: This descriptive research was conducted with eleventh-grade female students, with a sample size of 58 participants selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires assessing knowledge levels and risk factors. Results: Research data indicate a prevalence of scabies of 22.4% and pediculosis capitis of 55.4%. A total of 31 respondents (53.4%) demonstrated a good level of knowledge about scabies, while 52 respondents (89.7%) showed a good level of knowledge about pediculosis capitis. The primary risk factors for scabies observed among respondents were sharing clothing and sharing beds. For pediculosis capitis, the prevalent risk factors include using communal prayer garments and sharing bedding equipment. Conclusion: Most respondents possess good knowledge; however, the incidence of scabies and pediculosis capitis infections remains relatively high.

Prevalence of Anemia in Pregnant Women at Medan Tuntungan Health Center Medan City in 2023

2025-05-24T14:14:12+07:00

Background: Anemia in pregnancy can have a negative impact on pregnant women and the fetus in the womb. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women at the Medan Tuntungan Health Center in 2023. Methods: This research was conducted at the Medan Tuntungan Health Center with data for 2023. The research design was a cross-sectional, quantitative descriptive design. The research 8sample was pregnant women who carried out Antenatal Care (ANC) examinations at the Medan Tuntungan Health Center. Results: A total of 107 pregnant women met the inclusion criteria. The majority of pregnancies were in the second trimester (46,7%), primigravida (40,2%), good nutrition (88.8%), below middle school education (53,3%), and non-working (73,8%). The prevalence of anemia for pregnant women at the Medan Tuntungan Health Center in 2023 was 27,1% with an average Hb level of pregnant women experiencing anemia of 9,48 g/dL. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women was 27,1%.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients with Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

2025-06-18T14:08:18+07:00

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Therefore, effective detection and management of OSA are essential. Objective: The study aimed to determine how common obstructive sleep apnea is among patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study assessing the prevalence of OSA in hospitalized patients with both conditions, following the latest European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for heart failure assessment and using polysomnography to evaluate OSA. Results: The study included 30 subjects; 22 (73.3%) were men, and 18 (60%) were over 60 years old. Polysomnography revealed that 23 (80.0%) had OSA, with 4 (23.5%) in the severe category and an average AHI of 18.3 ± 14.7. Among participants, 11 (65%) with ejection fraction ≤ 40%, 12 (40%) had obesity, 11 (36.7%) had Type 2 diabetes, 19 (63.6%) had hypertension, 20 (66.7%) had coronary artery disease, and 3 (10%) had a history of stroke. Most participants (60%) had a history of smoking. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of OSA among patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation, especially in men and those with reduced ejection fraction.

The Relationships between Emotional Intelligence and Physical Activity Related to Gender among Undergraduates in the Colombo District

2025-05-24T13:42:31+07:00

Background: Emotions are dynamic aspects of human nature and serve as inspiration for behavior. Higher emotional intelligence (EI) is associated with greater resilience and lower levels of depression. Certain situations can increase physical activity (PA) among young people. This study examined gender differences in EI and PA among undergraduates at State Universities in Colombo District. Objective: To assess how emotional intelligence and physical activity differ between genders in this population. Methods: A descriptive, quantitative, correlational study was conducted with 397 undergraduates who completed the Wong and Low EI questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Participants were from State Universities in Colombo District, mainly exhibiting moderate to low PA levels. Males showed significantly higher EI than females (z = -3.829, p = .001), while there was no significant difference in PA between genders (z = -.938, p = .348). Conclusion: Males demonstrate higher EI than females, but physical activity levels do not significantly differ by gender. Most participants had low to moderate PA levels, which can inform strategies for preventing non-communicable diseases among youth.