Journal of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a combination of risk factors that increase the possibility of emerging non-communicable diseases namely type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, etc.

In this study, young adults, between the age of 18-35 years, were enrolled and screened for signs and symptoms of MetS. Metabolic syndrome was defined using updated national cholesterol education program/adult treatment panel-III guidelines with modified waist circumference for Indians and international diabetes federation criteria. The prevalence was estimated and socio-demographic, physical, behavioral and biochemical risk factors were assessed.

Out of 500 young adults, 22% were having pre-diabetes, 2% were having diabetes, 20% were having pre-hypertension, 25% were having hypertension, 13% were obese and 23% were having dyslipidemia. Among the study participants, 68% were sedentary, 6%were addicted to either/or alcohol and smoking. 55% preferred to eat fast food daily. 49% did less than 10 hours of physical activity per week. 47% slept for less than 6 hours and 38% of the young adults spent about 8-12 hours on internet. In the multivariate analyses, all risk factors that were statistically significant and related to MetS in the univariate analyses were included. The multivariable model found four risk variables for MetS in the whole sample: BMI ≥ 30 kg/m², 10-12 hours physical activity, having hypertension and diabetes. Screening young adults, at regular intervals, will help in identifying those at risk of developing MetS. High prevalence, 25% of MetS observed amongst the young adults in this region emphasizes the need for safeguarding and management of non-communicable diseases.

Introduction: Gaucher’s disease is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disease with unknown prevalence in Africa and no record of the disease exists in Uganda.

Case presentation: We report a case of a 12-year-old female, the last born of 6 from a family with no known familial disease who presented with non-neuropathic Gaucher’s disease and superimposed malaria. The disease was initially misdiagnosed as hyper reactive malarial splenomegaly but was subsequently confirmed by examination of the bone marrow smear and core. The disease was managed supportively and because of the worsening hematological parameters, a splenectomy was done. She currently takes morphine for bone pains in addition to physiotherapy.

Conclusion: Clinicians must always exclude other possible causes of hepatosplenomegaly before diagnosis of HMS. Treatment and management of patients with rare conditions like GD need to improve. Although splenectomy is indicated in GD, it should only be done when it is absolutely necessary.