ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 2, 2025
Assessing Glycemic Control and Pregnancy Outcomes in Diabetic Patients in Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study
Dr. M. Hamaichat, Pr. C. Alami Hassani, Pr. I. Damoune, Pr. A. Chraibi
Page no 551-556 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i12.001
This study aimed to characterize the association of diabetes with pregnancy in the Souss Massa Agadir population, focusing on epidemiological and clinical profiles, therapeutic aspects, and prognosis, while also identifying factors linked to glycemic control and maternal-fetal complications. We conducted a descriptive and analytical single-center cross-sectional study on 67 diabetic parturients at Hassan II University Hospital. Our findings reveal that half of the patients were aged 30-39, with 90% having low socioeconomic status, 55% from rural areas, and 34% illiterate. Common antecedents included family history of Type 2 diabetes (68.7%), spontaneous miscarriages (31.3%), and macrosomia (23.9%). Gestational diabetes was prevalent (60%), often incidentally diagnosed by fasting blood glucose (87.5%). While 52% of gestational diabetes cases managed with diet and lifestyle modifications alone, only 63% achieved balanced FBG and 49% balanced PPG. PPG (P=0.018) and BMI (P=0.020) were associated with FBG balance, while FBG (P=0.036), pre-gestational diabetes (P=0.029), and adherence to DLM (P=0.040) influenced PPG balance. Maternal-fetal complications occurred in 60% of cases, primarily urogenital infections, hydramnios, anemia, and macrosomia, with rural origin being a significant risk factor (OR: 3.56, P=0.01). These results underscore the critical need for multidisciplinary preconception care, early gestational diabetes diagnosis, and long-term metabolic follow-up to ensure better pregnancy outcomes and reduce future diabetes risk.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 2, 2025
Comparison of Effectiveness Between Brivaracetam and Levetiracetam in New Onset Focal Epilepsy in Children
Dr. Quddus Miah, Dr. Syeda Tabassum Alam, Dr. Shahan Ara Akhi, Dr. Mohammad Arbab Sarker, Dr. Muin Uddin Talukder, Dr. Md. Omar Faruk, Dr. Pranto Chakroborty
Page no 557-562 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i12.002
Background: Pediatric focal epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that requires early and effective treatment to prevent long-term cognitive and psychosocial consequences. Levetiracetam (LEV) is widely used as a first-line antiseizure medication, while brivaracetam (BRV), a newer SV2A ligand with higher binding affinity, has limited comparative data in children. Aim: Our aim is to compare the effectiveness and tolerability of BRV and LEV in children with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Materials and Methods: This retrospective comparative study was conducted at Mount Adora Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh, between July 2024 and June 2025. A total of 62 children aged 1–18 years with new-onset focal epilepsy were included, with 31 receiving LEV and 31 receiving BRV. Seizure frequency and treatment response were assessed at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months. Common adverse effects of both drugs were also documented. Results: After 3 months, the mean seizure frequency was significantly lower in the BRV group (0.42) compared to the LEV group (1.58; p<0.001). Complete response was achieved in 87% of BRV patients versus 61% of LEV patients (p=0.042). Both drugs were generally well tolerated. Somnolence was reported in 12.9% of LEV and 9.7% of BRV patients. Behavioral adverse effects were more frequent with BRV (hyperactivity 19.4%, irritability 12.9%) compared to LEV (hyperactivity 3.2%, no irritability). Conclusion: Brivaracetam demonstrated superior seizure control efficacy as compared to levetiracetam in children with new-onset focal epilepsy, although behavioral adverse effects were more common.
CASE REPORT | Dec. 17, 2025
A Rare Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction in Adults: Meckel’s Diverticulum
Badr Jouabri, Samia Lachguar, Haytam Ajeram, Aabdennour Rhanmi, Yassine Abdou Laouali, Aabdoul Malick Tawfik Soré, Faisal El Mouhafid, Mohamed Essaid Ramraoui, Mohammed Jawad Fassi Fihri, Hicham Baba, Mohamed Lahkim, Ahmed El khader, Rachid El Barni
Page no 563-565 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i12.003
Meckel’s diverticulum is a congenital gastrointestinal anomaly that is usually asymptomatic but may lead to complications such as obstruction, bleeding, diverticulitis, or perforation [1-4]. Intestinal obstruction is the most common complication in adults [3]. We report the case of a 37-year-old man who presented with acute abdominal pain, bilious vomiting, cessation of stool and gas passage, and abdominal distension. Abdominal CT revealed small bowel obstruction without a clearly identifiable cause. Emergency laparotomy revealed a bowel volvulus caused by a fibrous band extending from an inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum to the umbilicus. The diverticulum was resected, and a functional end-to-end bowel anastomosis was performed. Although preoperative diagnosis can be challenging, imaging may aid in identifying bowel obstruction, and surgical resection remains the definitive treatment in symptomatic cases [12-14]. This case highlights the importance of considering Meckel’s diverticulum in adult patients with small bowel obstruction and the need for prompt surgical intervention.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 22, 2025
The Relationship Between Screen Time Duration and Personal Social Development of Toddlers Aged 2–5 Years in Kupang: A Cross-Sectional Study
Astria Maghfiroh Nurrohmah, Christina Olly Lada, Gottfrieda Patiencia Taeng-Ob Adang, Insani Fitrahulil Jannah
Page no 566-571 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i12.004
The digital era has markedly increased screen exposure among young children. In Indonesia, 39.71% of early children use smartphones. In East Nusa Tenggara, the prevalence reached 44.69% in urban and 34.76% in rural areas. Excessive screen time is associated with reduced parent-child interaction, poor self-regulation, and delayed personal social skills. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between screen time duration and personal-social development of children aged 2-5 years in Kupang. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design was applied to 60 respondents selected through consecutive sampling. Screen time duration was measured using a modified and validated version of the Surveillance of Digital Media Habits in Early Childhood Questionnaire (SMALLQ; Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.875) and categorized as normal (≤60 minutes/day) or excessive (>60 minutes/day) based on recommendations from the Indonesian Pediatric Society. Personal social development was assessed using the Developmental Pre-Screening Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test and contingency coefficient (α = 0.05). Ethical approval was obtained from the Faculty of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Nusa Cendana (No.37/UN15.21/KEPK-FKKH/2025). The result showed that 31 (51.7%) had excessive screen time, and among them, 27 children (77.1%) demonstrated personal-social development that was not age-appropriate. A significant correlation was found (p < 0.001; C = 0.517), indicating a moderately strong relationship. These findings indicate that longer screen time exposure is significantly associated with a higher likelihood of delayed personal social development. Parental supervision and limiting screen time to a maximum of one hour per day are essential to support optimal developmental outcomes.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Dec. 23, 2025
Comparison of Intra-Ocular Pressure Values Obtained Using Goldmann Applanation Tonometer and Air-Puff Non-Contact Tonometer in Glaucoma Patients
Mahmoud Zakiyya, Hashiya Kana, Sadiq Abdullahi, Olusegun Bamidele Olaniyi, Akabe Joseph, Umar Fatima Hudu
Page no 572-577 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i12.005
Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is crucial for diagnosing and managing glaucoma. The Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) is the gold standard for IOP measurement, and while the Pulsair non-contact tonometer (NCT) has shortcomings, it appears to offer certain advantages and therefore is a viable option. The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability of NCT as a reliable alternative to GAT for assessing IOP in adult glaucoma patients. This cross-sectional study assessed 200 eyes of 101 patients at a tertiary hospital in Northern Nigeria. We measured IOP with both GAT and NCT. The mean age of the participants was 56 ± 13.2 years. The right eyes had mean IOP values of 16.44mmHg and 14.96mmHg (p<0.05) with GAT and NCT, respectively, while those of the left were 17.59mmHg and 17.01mmHg (p < 0.05). The pachymetrically corrected IOP values in the right eyes were 19.31mmHg and 18.20 mmHg (p<0.05) for GAT and NCT, respectively, while those in the left were 20.05mmHg and 19.22 mmHg (p>0.05). Pachymetrically corrected NCT and GAT showed a positive correlation of 0.861 (p<0.0001). Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement, especially for pachymetrically corrected data of NCT and GAT, with a considerable majority of subjects (76% for right eyes, 80% for left eyes) showing differences of 1-3 mmHg, while an average of 14% of all eyes had no difference. In conclusion, the NCT provided reliable IOP measurements; however, CCT corrections may be required, as NCT results appear to be more subject to CCT variations.
Background: Glycemic control remains a cornerstone of diabetes management. However, glycemic values are often interpreted in isolation, without sufficient consideration of their daily variability and clinical context. The concept of the glycemic cycle provides a dynamic and patient-centered framework for understanding glycemic fluctuations beyond static measurements. Objective: This review aims to highlight the clinical relevance of the glycemic cycle and to emphasize the importance of its proper interpretation in contemporary diabetes care, particularly in the context of evolving glucose monitoring technologies. Methods: We provide a narrative synthesis of current evidence and international recommendations regarding glycemic cycle monitoring, including capillary blood glucose measurements and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Key aspects addressed include clinical indications, practical implementation, and interpretative principles. Results: Glycemic cycle monitoring enables a comprehensive assessment of daily glycemic variability, complementing glycated hemoglobin in the evaluation of metabolic control. Interpretation of glycemic cycle data requires individualized glycemic targets, an understanding of pharmacological profiles, and the use of standardized metrics such as time in range and glycemic variability. Continuous glucose monitoring further enhances clinical decision-making through dynamic data and trend analysis. Conclusion: Despite rapid technological advances in glucose monitoring, rigorous interpretation of the glycemic cycle remains essential for optimizing diabetes management. Integrating glycemic cycle analysis into routine practice supports personalized therapeutic adjustments, limits therapeutic inertia, and enhances patient engagement, ultimately contributing to safer and more effective diabetes care.
REVIEW ARTICLE | Dec. 24, 2025
The Importance of Health Education for Mammogram Screening: A Review Article
Hanan Rakan Mutlaq Alshammari, Maram Saleh Zaben Alshammari, Bodoor Ebrahim Awadh Alammar, Reem Rashed Awad Alshammari, Hissah Mohammed Saeed Alsipyany, Shawqi Ayyad Minees Al-Shammari, Ghada Saud Nohaeir Alghazi, Meznah Khalid Mohammed Alhouty, Jawza Basheer Mohammad Albeshir, Noud Nayaf Sultan Alotaibi
Page no 582-583 |
https://doi.org/10.36348/sjm.2025.v10i12.007
Breast cancer represents the most prevalent cancer type among women in Saudi Arabia. Despite the availability of early detection programs via mammography, participation rates remain suboptimal due to limited awareness and prevalent misconceptions regarding the screening process. This review aims to consolidate and critically analyze published studies examining the impact of health education on women’s awareness and knowledge of mammogram screening. Evidence indicates that structured health education interventions delivered in healthcare settings or through community campaigns and digital media significantly enhance women’s knowledge and encourage early detection practices. The findings underscore the necessity of sustained educational programs and active involvement of healthcare professionals, particularly radiologic technologists and nurses, to optimize breast cancer prevention and early detection.