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Vol. 20 No. 5 (2026): Sana’a University Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences

Vol. 20 No. 5 (2026)

2026-10-28

12 Articles

Volume 20 - Issue 5 (2026): Sana’a University Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences

Article

12 Articles

Prevalence, Clinical Manifestations, and TreatmentOutcomes of Intra-Abdominal Hydatid Cysts:Insights from a Single Center Study in Yemen

Yasser Abdurabo Obadiel, Amat Alrahman Al-Amdi, Haitham Mohammed Jowah

736- 745

2026-10-28

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DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i2.1995

Abstract

Background: Intra-abdominal hydatid cysts pose a significant health challenge in endemic regions, such as Yemen. This study aimed to analyze the demographic, clinical, and diagnostic characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients at a single center in Yemen.
Methods: This prospective descriptive study included 158 patients diagnosed with intra-abdominal hydatid cysts between November 2021 and November 2023. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatment outcomes were collected and analyzed using descriptive and chi-squared statistics.
Results: Of the 158 patients, 54.0% were female, and the 21–50 age group was the most affected (62.6%). Abdominal pain was the most common symptom (65.2%), and 34.8% were asymptomatic. CT was the primary diagnostic tool used (71.5%). Surgery, mainly endocystectomy, was the main treatment (65.2%), and wound infection was the most frequent complication (41.8%). Cyst localization significantly correlated with clinical outcomes (χ2=18.64, p=0.017).
Conclusion: Intra-abdominal hydatid cysts in Yemen primarily affect young-to-middle-aged females. Abdominal pain is the most frequent presentation and CT is essential for diagnosis. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment option, resulting in favorable outcomes. Standardized protocols are vital to improve patient care.

Keywords

Cystic Echinococcosis Intra-abdominal Hydatid Cyst Surgical Treatment Computed Tomography Treatment Outcomes Yemen

Hematological and ImmunophenotypicCharacteristics of Acute Myeloid Leukemia inYemeni Patients

Monneer Hassan Hezaam, Mohammed Abdulkader Al-Nuzaili, Khaled Saad Al-Khamesy

746- 753

2026-10-28

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DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.2884

Abstract

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy characterized by clonal proliferation of immature myeloid cells, resulting in impaired normal hematopoiesis. Data on the hematological and immunophenotypic characteristics of AML in Yemeni patients remain limited.
Objectives: This study aimed to describe the demographic, hematological, morphological subtypes, and immunophenotypic features of newly diagnosed AML among Yemeni patients.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 newly diagnosed AML patients recruited from three oncology centers in Sana’a and Ibb, Yemen, between Aug. 2024 and Dec. 2025. Demographic and laboratory data were collected at diagnosis. Complete blood count, peripheral blood smear examination, bone marrow aspiration wherever available and flow cytometric immunophenotyping were performed. AML subtypes were classified according to the French-American-British (FAB) system. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26, with sig. at p<0.05.
Results: The mean age of patients was 37.22±17.48 years, with a slight male predominance (56%). At presentation, the mean hemoglobin level was 8.62±1.62 g/dL, white blood cell count (WBCs) was 80.34±39.94×109/L, platelet count was 77.28±35.00×109/L, and peripheral blast percentage was 60.44±21.05%. Anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia were observed in 94%, 98%, and 96% of patients, respectively. FAB classification showed that AML-M2 was the most frequent subtype (28.0%). Immunophenotypic analysis demonstrated high
expression of CD33 (96%), CD13 (86%), and CD117 (82%), while aberrant lymphoid marker expression was infrequent. A significant negative correlation was observed between hemoglobin and WBC count (r = −0.289, p = 0.042), and a significant positive correlation between hemoglobin and platelet count (r = 0.306, p = 0.031). Bone marrow and peripheral blood blast percentage differed significantly among FAB subtypes (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Yemeni patients with AML have a high leukemic blast percentage and present at a younger age. The most common subtype is AML-M2, and CD33, CD13, and CD117 were the predominant immunophenotypic markers. These findings highlight the diagnostic value of flow cytometry and the need for broader molecular and cytogenetic characterization of AML in Yemen.

Keywords

Acute Myeloid Leukemia Flow Cytometry CD Markers Cytopenia Immunophenotyping Hematological Parameters Leukocytosis Yemen

Prevalence and Predictors of Depression amongHemodialysis Patients in Amran City, Yemen

Amat Al-Rahim H. Al-Quhali, Mohammed A. Abdulwahid, Ekthar A. Ala’a, Yaseen A. Abdulwali, Elham H. Al-Dulhie, Ahmed H. Hussein

754- 760

2026-10-28

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DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.2840

Lip Position Differences Across Skeletal ClassesUsing Steiner’s and Ricketts’line : A CephalometricStudy

khulood Al-ammari, Ghamdan Al-Harazi

761- 768

2026-10-28

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DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.3056

Abstract

Objective: To compare sagittal upper and lower lip positions across skeletal Classes I, II, and III using Steiner’s( S) Line and Ricketts’ (E) Line , and to determine whether these two reference lines can reliably differentiate sagittal soft-tissue variations.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 120 normodivergent Yemeni adults (18–35 years) with equal distribution across skeletal Classes I, II, and III (n=40 each). Skeletal classification was determined by ANB angle and confirmed by Wits appraisal. The perpendicular distances from the upper and lower lip landmarks to Steiner’s (S) Line and Ricketts’ (E) Line were measured and compared across the skeletal classes using EzDenti cephalometric software. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, Tukey post-hoc tests, and Pearson correlations (p < 0.05).
Results: Class II subjects showed the most anterior lip positions relative to both S and E Lines, while Class III subjects demonstrated marked retrusion. Class I individuals exhibited mild protrusion to S Line but moderate retrusion to E Line, representing a balanced soft-tissue profile. ANOVA revealed significant interclass differences for all S and E Line measurements (p < 0.01). Gender had no significant influence except for mild E Line variation in Class I (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed positive association between ANB and lip protrusion on S Line, and negative association on E Line.
Conclusion: Significant differences in lip position were found among the skeletal classes when assessed using Steiner’s (S) Line and Ricketts’ (E) Line. Both reference lines demonstrated significant differences in sagittal lip position among skeletal classes and may serve as complementary reference lines for soft-tissue assessment during orthodontic diagnosis. The differences observed between the Yemeni population and the widely used Caucasian norms highlight the importance of using population-specific cephalometric reference values to support individualized orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.

Keywords

S Line E Line Lip position Cephalometry Skeletal malocclusion Soft tissue Orthodontics Yemen

Association between duration of oral contraceptive use and changes in hematological and coagulation parameters among users (n=42)

Changes in the Hematological Parameters among Women Using Oral Contraceptives in Dhamar City, Yemen

Abdulrahman H. Amer, Abdulqawi Ali Al-Shammakh, Mohammed A. Al-Kholani, Manal A. Al-Kharari, Shaima A. Al-Yari, Malak E. Alghlaibi, Balqees A. Alsananni, Ahmed A. Salah, Mohammed Salim

769-776

2026-10-28

pdf

DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.2554

Abstract

Background: Oral contraceptives (OCs) are widely used, yet their hematological effects in resource-limited settings like Yemen, where anemia is highly prevalent, are poorly characterized. This study investigated the impact of OCs on hematological and coagulation parameters in women from Dhamar City, Yemen.
Methods:A comparative cross-sectional study included 76 women (42 OC users, 34 non-users) recruited from healthcare facilities and community settings. Complete blood count parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell indices, white cell differential) and coagulation markers (platelet count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], international normalized ratio) were measured. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, Spearman’s correlation, and multivariate logistic regression.
Results:OC users showed significantly higher platelet counts than non-users (309.76 vs. 271.56 ×10³/μL, p=0.024) and prolonged APTT (26.52 vs. 23.06 seconds, p=0.005), though all values remained within normal ranges. APTT correlated negatively with OC duration (r_s=-0.452, p=0.004), decreasing from 28.9 seconds (1–2 years) to 25.3 seconds (>4 years). Microcytosis (MCV<80 fL) was more prevalent among OC users (42.9% vs. 20.6%, p=0.041, OR=2.89), despite similar hemoglobin levels. Younger users (<30 years) had higher platelet counts than older users (342.8 vs. 284.2 ×10³/μL, p=0.004). Multivariate regression confirmed APTT (OR=1.202) and platelet count (OR=1.009) as independent correlates of OC use.
Conclusion:OC use in Yemeni women is associated with elevated platelets, duration-dependent APTT changes, and increased microcytosis. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive hematological monitoring particularly platelet and coagulation profiles for OC users in anemia-endemic, resource-limited settings.

Keywords

Oral contraceptives hematological parameters coagulation APTT Yemen family planning.

Haematological findings in 49 patients with subtypes of AML

Prevalence of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia among in Haematological malignancies and its Haematological Patterns at National Oncology Centre in Sana’a, Yemen

Abdulrawof Abdh Ahmed Ali Hasan, Mohammed Abdulkader Al-Nuzaili, Hassan Abdulwahab Al-Shamahy

777-783

2026-10-28

Pdf

DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.2770

Abstract

Background and aims: Chromosomal abnormalities and an increase in primitive myeloid cells are hallmarks of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a malignant condition of myeloid blood cells in the bone marrow. This study examined the prevalence, subtypes, and haematological characteristics of AML in patients at the National Oncology Center in Sana’a, Yemen, where information regarding this illness is still lacking.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 487 patients with malignant hematological tumors, including 49 with acute myeloid leukemia. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire, and a venous blood sample (3 mL) was drawn for evaluation. Complete blood counts were performed using an Advia 2120i hematology analyzer, and blood and bone marrow morphological examinations were conducted using Giemsa staining.
Results: The study included 487 patients, 269 (55.2%) men and 218 (44.8%) women, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1 and ages ranging from 1 to 76 years. The most prevalent hematological malignancies were nonHodgkin lymphoma (39.43%), leukemia (37.17%), and Hodgkin disease (17.04%). Acute leukemia was diagnosed in 20.94% of patients, whereas chronic leukemia accounted for 16.22%. Specific leukemia types included acute lymphoblastic leukemia (10.88%) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (6.16%). AML had a prevalence of 10.06% among leukemia cases, with a mean age of 24.75 years. The FAB-M2 subtype was the most prevalent in acute myeloid leukemia at 34.7%, and other subtypes included M5 (22.4%), M0 (14.3%), M1 and M3 (10.2% each), and M4 (8.2%). Hematological changes in patients included anemia (100%), leukocytosis (63.3%), and thrombocytopenia (89.8%).
Conclusion: Leukemia was the most common malignant hematological tumor. The prevalence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is high, and it is the second most common type of leukemia. The AML-M2 subtype is the most frequent acute myeloid leukemia type. Anemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia are common hematological changes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Keywords

Acute myeloid leukemia hematological patterns malignant hematological tumors National Oncology Center Sana’a Yemen.

Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Factorsamong Pregnant Women attending Al-SabeenHospital, Sana’a City, Yemen

Amel Saleh Ahmed Nagi Al-Adeel, Ammar Al-Dhahari, Mohammed Abdulkader Al-Nuzaili, Hassan Abdulwahab Al-Shamahy

784- 796

2026-10-28

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DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.3172

Abstract

Background and objectives: Anemia in pregnancy is a significant public health issue, especially in lowincome countries like Yemen. It leads to negative maternal and fetal outcomes, which are shaped by various socioeconomic, obstetric, dietary, and biological factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women at the Maternity and Childhood Al-Sabeen Hospital in Sana’a, Yemen.
Methods: The cross-sectional study involving 376 pregnant women at Al-Sabeen Hospital was conducted from October 7 - 2024, to August 30, 2025. Researchers collected sociodemographic data, obstetric history, and dietary habits via a structured questionnaire. Hemoglobin and hematological parameters were evaluated through complete blood count analysis. Data analysis employed SPSS version 25, utilizing descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with anemia, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 27.9%, indicating a moderate public health problem. Most anemic cases were mild (16.0%) and moderate (11.7%), while severe anemia was rare (0.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that maternal age 18–24 years (AOR = 1.91), large family size (>8 members) (AOR = 2.79), grand multiparity (AOR = 2.97), and short interpregnancy interval (≤ 2 years) (AOR = 2.21) were significantly associated with higher odds of anemia. Higher monthly income (71,000–90,000 YR) was protective (AOR = 0.33). Dietary habits revealed a strong association between infrequent meat consumption and anemia, with women who never consumed meat having markedly higher odds (AOR = 11.85). Hemoglobin levels were positively associated with RBC indices and negatively associated with RDW and inflammatory markers.
Conclusion: Anemia among pregnant women attending Al-Sabeen Hospital remains a moderate public health problem, predominantly of mild to moderate severity. Young maternal age, low socioeconomic status, high parity, short birth spacing, large family size, and inadequate meat consumption were key determinants. By identifying specific risk factors like low iron intake, rural residency, and low visit frequency, the findings guide targeted public health interventions to protect mothers and babies.

Keywords

Anemia Pregnancy Prevalence of anemia Risk factors of anemia Sana’a city Yemen

The association between sex and age with dengue infections in endemic dengue area in Yemen

A case-control study to determine the risk factors of dengue infections in endemic dengue area in Yemen

Hasan Ali Ali Fateh, Anwar G Al-Madhaj, Hassan Abdulwahab Al-Shamahy

797-802

2026-10-28

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DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.2842

Abstract

Background and aims: The effectiveness of dengue prevention in a subtropical nation such as Yemen, where the climate encourages the establishment of Aedes mosquito vectors, mostly rests on the accurate identification and management of risk factors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate potential risk variables and how they relate to dengue infection.
Methods: The study included 73 dengue patients (cases) and 146 controls (non-dengue patients admitted to other departments of the same hospitals: Al-Thawra General Hospital, Al-Amal Al-Arabi Hospital, and Al Hodeida Hospital in Al-Hodeida City, during the period from October 2024 to May 2025). Data were collected from the cases and controls by a standard questionnaire of dengue infection risk factors.
Results: Differences in the risk of dengue virus infection were not observed between sexes. However, significant associations were found in the age groups: children under five years had an odds ratio of 3.6 (CI: 1.5 9.1, x²: 9.7, p: 0.001), and the 26–40 year age group had an odds ratio of 2.2 (CI: 1.1–4.5, x²: 5.4, p: 0.009). Statistically significant associations were found between various risk factors and dengue fever infection. These include sleeping without mosquito nets (probability ratio 2.7), exposure to stored water tanks (4.6), wearing short-sleeved clothing (8.3), the presence of swamps and sewage (3.9), vegetation around homes (4.8), and keeping windows/doors open (7.0). All associations had a p-value of less than 0.001, demonstrating strong statistical significance.
Conclusions: Particularly in urban regions with high infection rates, these findings can aid in the creation of focused intervention tactics and public health awareness messages, such as encouraging personal preventive measures and community awareness campaigns. However, to improve the generalizability of these findings and their applicability to public policy, more study with bigger samples in various geographic, social, and environmental contexts is required.

Keywords

dengue risk factors dengue prevention Al- Hodeida city Yemen.

Serum inflammatory cytokines in experimental rats: (A) IL-6 and (B) TNF-α. DOX + MET significantly increased both cytokines compared with control and DOX groups, confirming activation of inflammatory pathways. Allicin alone or combined with DOX + MET significantly reduced these elevations and normalized cytokine profiles. Values are expressed as mean ± SD (n = 10). One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. *p < 0.05 vs control; #p < 0.05 vs DOX; @p < 0.05 vs MET; $p < 0.05 vs Allicin; ∧P < 0.05 vs DOX + MET

Contrasting renal effects of metformin and allicin in doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity in experimental animals

Mohammed Mojamel, Hassan Al-Mahbashi, Afif Al-Nabehi

803-813

2026-10-28

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DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.2813

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) remains a cornerstone in cancer chemotherapy; however, its therapeutic benefit is often compromised by progressive organ toxicity, with renal impairment representing a major clinical concern. Although metformin at conventional doses has been associated with renoprotective actions mediated by redox and inflammatory modulation, the renal safety profile of supratherapeutic dosing is still debated. Allicin, a garlic-derived organosulfur molecule, has attracted attention due to its strong antioxidant and tissue-protective capabilities. In this experimental investigation, the renal responses to high-dose metformin and allicin, either alone or combined, were examined in a DOX induced nephrotoxicity model. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 70) were distributed across seven study arms comprising untreated controls, DOX treated animals, metformin-treated animals, allicin-treated animals, and three combination regimens involving DOX with metformin, allicin, or both agents. Doxorubicin was administered intraperitoneally at spaced intervals to achieve a cumulative exposure of 18 mg/kg, while metformin (300 mg/kg day) and allicin (40 mg/kg/day) were delivered orally throughout a 21-day period. At the end of the experimental protocol, comprehensive biochemical, oxidative, inflammatory, and histological assessments were performed. Administration of high-dose metformin resulted in marked deterioration of renal status, reflected by worsened functional indices, impaired antioxidant capacity, intensified lipid peroxidation, suppression of nitric oxide availability, and extensive structural damage, surpassing alterations induced by DOX alone. In contrast, allicin markedly mitigated renal injury associated with both DOX and metformin, leading to biochemical improvement and preservation of renal tissue integrity. Collectively, these results indicate that excessive metformin dosing may potentiate renal toxicity, whereas allicin demonstrates a robust protective effect against drug-related renal injury.

Keywords

doxorubicin nephrotoxicity metformin allicin oxidative stress inflammation rats.

Changes in Body Weight during the Treatment Period: Week 0 (before starting treatment) and Week 4

Evaluation of Anti-diabetic Activity of Vonoprazan and its Synergistic Effect with Metformin in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes in Rats.

Mohammed A. N. Abbas, Mohammed A. Alkhawlani, Hassan Al-Muhibishi, Abdunaser S. A. Aklan, Khaled Alhumaidha, Abdullah A. A. Ali, Abdullah S.A. Ahmed, Abdul-Malik Abudunia

814-821

2026-10-28

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DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.2811

Abstract

Background: Vonoprazan, classified as a potassium-competitive acid blocker, suppresses the secretion of gastric acid and indirectly increases circulating gastrin levels through a feedback mediated mechanism. Recent findings indicate that vonoprazan may influence glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity, suggesting a possible role in the modulation of metabolic aberrations, specifically pertaining to the pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Objectives: The current study was conducted to appraise the anti-diabetic properties of vonoprazan and to assess its combined effect with metformin in a rat model of T2DM established via a high-fat diet (HFD) combined with streptozotocin (STZ). Methods: Twenty-five adult male rats were participants randomly assigned to five experimental groups (n=5): normal control, positive control, diabetic rats administered metformin, diabetic rats administered vonoprazan, and diabetic rats subjected to a dual regimen comprising vonoprazan and metformin. After inducing diabetes, the treatments were delivered via oral gavage once daily for four weeks. At the experimental endpoint, blood samples were processed for biochemical assessment. Pancreatic tissues were excised, weighed, and processed for histological evaluation to investigate morphological alteration. Results: Administration of vonoprazan, metformin, or their combination significantly improved glycemic indices, as evidenced by reduction in fasting blood glucose (FBG) and insulin resistance. Additionally, treated groups exhibited significant decreases in body weight and dyslipidemic markers, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). Conversely, serum insulin concentrations, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, absolute pancreatic mass, and pancreas-to-body weight ratio were significantly elevated compared with the positive control. The combined vonoprazan with metformin regimen demonstrated superior metabolic and histological improvement relative to monotherapy. Conclusion: These findings indicate that vonoprazan possesses notable metabolic benefits and potentiates the therapeutic effects of metformin. Therefore, vonoprazan may serve as an emerging ancillary agent in the therapeutic landscape of T2DM, providing a novel pharmacological approach for enhancing glycemic and lipid profile outcomes.

Keywords

Vonoprazan HFD/STZ induced diabetes Fasting blood glucose Metformin Insulin resistance HOMA-IR

Identification of beta-lactamase genes (KPC, NDM,IMP, VIM, and OXA-48) in Acinetobacter baumanniibacteria isolated from various clinical samples inSana’a City, Yemen

Waleed Yahya Al-Kassar, Saleh S. Bahaj, Ahmed Y. Al-Jaufy, Aref N. Al-Afif

822- 830

2026-10-28

PDF

DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.3006

The impact of the rs1861494 interferon-gammagene polymorphism on susceptibility to pulmonarytuberculosis in the Yemeni population: acase-control study

Nabila Mohammed Al-Moalmy, Khaled Abdulkarim Al-Moyed, Arwa Mohammed Othman, Abdulelah Hussin Al Harazi, Ali Abdullah Al-Somainy, Aref Noman AL-Afif

831- 839

2026-10-28

PDF

DOI: 10.59628/jchm.v20i5.3283

Vol. 20 No. 5 (2026): Sana’a University Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences

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