PHARMACOLOGY, MEDICAL REPORTS, ORTHOPEDIC, AND ILLNESS DETAILS

Characteristics of Parathyroid Ultrasound in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Muhammad Yunus Rosyidi — 2025-08-21

Research on parathyroid ultrasound in kidney failure patients is highly relevant for understanding the relationship between parathyroid hormone levels and clinical conditions, optimizing therapeutic management for CKD patients. This study employs a quantitative observational descriptive design with cross-sectional approach to provide comprehensive overview of parathyroid ultrasound characteristics in CKD patients. Data were obtained from secondary medical records and parathyroid ultrasound examinations of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. This research shows that majority of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis at Dr. Soetomo Regional Hospital in Surabaya have elevated serum iPTH and phosphate levels, while calcium levels are generally normal, though some patients experience hypocalcemia. Demographically, majority of patients are women (58%), aged 41–60 years, undergoing hemodialysis for 1–10 years. Parathyroid gland examination through ultrasound shows most patients have hypoechoic echogenicity, oval shape, well-defined borders, solid architecture, and size of 0.51–1 cm. More than half show no detectable vascularization, while some show perilesional blood flow patterns, serving as important indicators for detecting parathyroid hyperplasia. There is correlation between serum iPTH levels and morphological characteristics of parathyroid glands, including echogenicity, shape, size, and vascularization. At iPTH levels <500 pg/dL, parathyroid appears isoechoic to hypoechoic, oval, solid, measuring approximately 0.51–1 cm, with minimal vascularization. At 500–1000 pg/dL, perilesional vascularization begins appearing. When iPTH levels >1000 pg/dL, parathyroid enlarges (>1 cm), becomes hypoechoic in texture, and vascularization increases significantly, indicating more prominent morphological and vascular changes associated with increasing iPTH levels.

Analysis of Outpatient Satisfaction Levels with Pharmaceutical Services Using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Method

Sri Bintang Sahara Mahaputra Kusuma Negara — 2025-08-21

One of the objectives of pharmaceutical standards is to improve the quality of pharmaceutical services in community health centers and provide satisfactory services to patients. The objective of this study was to determine the level of patient satisfaction with pharmaceutical services at the pharmacy department of the Paal Lima community health center in Jambi City using the CSI method. This was a quantitative study with a descriptive, prospective design, involving the administration of questionnaires to patients who collected medication from the pharmacy department of the Paal Lima community health center. The results of the study showed patient satisfaction based on respondent characteristics: the majority were female (75 respondents, 75%), the majority were aged 26–35 years (37 respondents, 37%), the majority had a high school education (55 respondents, 55%), and the majority were housewives (58 respondents, 58%). Based on reliability dimension 75.6%, based on responsiveness dimension 72.8%, based on assurance dimension 73.8%, based on empathy dimension 82.6%, based on tangibility dimension 69.8%, with an average CSI score of 74.92%. The analysis reveals that patient satisfaction levels with pharmaceutical services at the Paal Lima Public Health Center Pharmacy in Jambi City, using the CSI (Customer Satisfaction Index) method, yielded a score of 74.92%, indicating that overall, patients are satisfied with the services provided.

The Relationship Between Family Support and Quality of Life in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Maidayani Maidayani — 2025-09-08

Patients with type II diabetes mellitus tend to receive less support from their families, which affects their quality of life. Family support is important in the management of diabetes mellitus prevention to minimize the occurrence of complications. This research examines the connection between family support and quality of life among type II diabetes mellitus patients at Krueng Barona Jaya Community Health Center. The study employed a descriptive correlational design using a cross-sectional methodology. Data was gathered between May 20 and June 18, 2025. From a population of 118 type II diabetes patients, 53 participants were chosen through purposive sampling. The researchers used the Hensarling Diabetes Family Support Scale and Diabetes Quality of Life questionnaires for data collection. Statistical analysis included univariate and bivariate analysis (chi-square test) conducted with SPSS software. The results of the study indicate that informational support (p=0.000), emotional support (p=0.003), appreciative support (p=0.003), and instrumental support (p=0.003) influence the quality of life of patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus. In conclusion, there is a relationship between informational, emotional, appreciative, and instrumental support and quality of life among patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Family involvement in treatment is very important, especially in terms of emotional and instrumental support. The quality of life of patients with type II diabetes mellitus improves when accompanied by optimal family support. Patients who are always accompanied by their families are seen to regularly seek treatment by visiting health facilities and adhering to their diet.

Aphrodisiac Effect of Ethanol Extract of Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber L.) Leaves on Testosterone Levels and Testicular Histology in Rats

Yuneka Saristiana — 2025-10-10

The demand for aphrodisiac use is substantial, however, many marketed herbal products contain synthetic drugs, underscoring the urgent need for safer natural therapeutic alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the aphrodisiac potential of ethanol extract of Elephantopus scaber (Tapak Liman) leaves on serum testosterone levels and testicular histology in male Wistar rats. The extract was obtained through maceration with 70% ethanol and subjected to phytochemical screening, which revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins/phenolics, and triterpenoids. Healthy male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normal control, negative control, positive control (sildenafil), and two treatment groups receiving 100 mg/kg BW and 200 mg/kg BW of the extract for 21 days. Serum testosterone levels were measured using ELISA, while histological examination focused on the diameter of seminiferous tubules. The results demonstrated that the 200 mg/kg BW dose significantly increased testosterone levels (209.41 ± 0.62 ng/dL) compared with the negative control (120.32 ± 1.55 ng/dL) and restored the diameter of seminiferous tubules (220.56 ± 4.98 µm) close to normal conditions (225.30 ± 5.12 µm). The 100 mg/kg BW dose produced a moderate effect, while the positive control also showed notable improvement. The observed increase in testosterone and recovery of seminiferous tubule diameter indicate that the extract enhances spermatogenic activity and testicular function. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of E. scaber leaves at 200 mg/kg BW demonstrated significant aphrodisiac activity through hormonal stimulation and improvement of testicular histology, suggesting its potential as a natural agent to support male reproductive health.

ST-Elevation Mimicking Myocardial Infarction in a Sepsis Condition: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Lekenila Alfiona — 2025-11-15

Sepsis-induced myocardial injury can clinically mimic an ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), presenting a critical diagnostic dilemma. This descriptive qualitative case study aimed to elucidate this phenomenon and highlight appropriate clinical management. The research focused on a single, purposively selected patient: a 31- year-old male with sepsis from a scrotal abscess who presented with chest pain, ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG), and significantly elevated cardiac troponins. Data from the patient's medical records, including serial ECGs and coronary angiography results, were analyzed descriptively. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was correctly deferred due to the sepsis condition. Following surgical debridement of the abscess, the patient's ECG normalized, and subsequent angiography confirmed the absence of coronary stenosis. This case demonstrates that sepsis-induced global ischemia can masquerade as a myocardial infarction. The conclusion is that clinicians must consider non-coronary etiologies for ST-elevation in septic patients to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure that appropriate, life-saving infection management is not delayed.