LIBERIA MEDICAL &
DENTAL ASSOCIATION
JOURNAL
The Liberia Medical & Dental Association Journal (LMDAJ) is owned and published by the Liberia Medical & Dental Association. All rights reserved.
Welcome to The Liberia Medical
& Dental Association Journal
The Liberia Medical & Dental Association Journal (LMDAJ) publishes contributions from medical researchers of scientific and educational interest to medical and dental practitioners and researchers as well as those in related disciplines, with special focus on medical practice and research in Africa and its peoples. The aim of this Journal is to provide a medium for international dissemination of research findings originating in Liberia, and the greater West African subregion, to promote cooperation amongst and between medical researchers in Africa and elsewhere. The Journal is published in English and French. Printed supplements are published upon arrangement with the Editor-In-Chief.
2026 Announcement!
A Call For Manuscripts!
The Editorial Board of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association Journal (LMDAJ) welcomes doctors, clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals from around the world to submit their manuscripts for consideration in our upcoming March '26 issue.
Latest Publications
Varicocele and Infertility in African Men – A Systematic Review
Background: Infertility is a global problem. The region with the highest rate of infertility included Central and Eastern Europe and Australia. The incidence is thought to be much higher in
Dermonecrosis in a Neonate from Arachnid Envenomation
Envenomation by venomous creatures poses a significant threat, especially in home environments where identification may be challenging. We present a rare case of dermonecrosis in a neonate resulting from a
Digital Dysgenesis in a Preterm Infant Following Intrauterine Exposure to Misoprostol Coincidence or Association
This case report presents a preterm infant with digital dysgenesis following intrauterine exposure to misoprostol. The infant, born at 31 weeks of gestation, exhibited craniofacial anomalies and limb malformations consistent
Commentary..
From The Editor
The resurgence of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association Journal in 2024 marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to address the pressing health challenges in Liberia and the broader West African region. This publication aims to serve as a beacon of knowledge, providing healthcare professionals with the latest research, insights, and discussions pertinent to our region’s unique health landscape. As we celebrate this return, it is imperative to draw attention to two interconnected and increasingly prevalent health issues: diabetes and kidney disease. – Professor Philip Zochonis Ireland, Editor-in-Chief, Liberia Medical and Dental Association Journal
Featured Multimedia
Pentalogy of Fallot Presenting as Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease
Pentalogy of Fallot (POF) is a rare variant of the more common tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), characterized by the classic features of TOF along with an additional congenital cardiac lesion such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Here, we present a case of POF presenting as acyanotic congenital heart disease in a 5-week-old infant. The patient initially presented with symptoms suggestive of respiratory infection but was diagnosed with bronchopneumonia complicated by congestive cardiac failure. Further investigations revealed the presence of POF, which includes right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, ventricular septal defect overriding the aorta, pulmonary stenosis, and an additional small ostium secundum ASD. This case highlights the importance of considering POF in the differential diagnosis of acyanotic congenital heart diseases and emphasizes the necessity for timely diagnosis and appropriate management to improve patient outcomes.
Splenic Peliosis in a Patient with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Peliosis is defined as the presence of cystic blood-filled spaces in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, as well as other organs. Splenic peliosis is a rare entity. Association of splenic peliosis with chronic myeloproliferative disorders is even rarer. Here we describe an unusual case of splenic peliosis with chronic myeloid leukemia.
Left Tortuous 3600 Rotated Incomplete Duplicated Renal System – Rare Cause of Ureteric Colic
Duplex renal system is described as the kidney having two pyelocaliceal systems with single, bifid (incomplete ureteral duplication) or double ureter. The case report describes a 34-year-old female who presented with repeated episodes of left flank pain and was managed for a 3600 coiled incomplete duplicated left renal collecting system. This report emphasizes the importance of considering urological abnormalities in patients with non-specific abdominal pain.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Physician Assistants in Rural Liberia Regarding Primary Eye Care
Introduction: Physician Assistants (PA) provide primary health care (PHC) in Liberia. In this study we attempted to explore their level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards primary eye care (PEC).
Subjects and methods: We conducted a telephonic survey of PAs based on a questionnaire developed indigenously. The data was tabulated in an excel sheet and a descriptive analysis was done.
Results: Out of 184 PAs, 94 could be interviewed. Fifty one percent of them knew what refractive errors were, 78% knew what cataract was, 81% knew what was glaucoma, and 68% knew what was diabetic retinopathy. More than 1/5th did not know what the specific treatment for refractive errors, cataract and glaucoma was, and more than 90% did not know how diabetic retinopathy was treated. Only 15% of them performed torchlight eye examination, and none tested the visual acuity. A majority cited ‘lack of training’ and ‘lack of torchlight and/or battery’ as the reason for doing so.
Discussion: More than 50% of the PAs have an idea about common eye diseases but there are significant gaps in their practice. Very few of them do a torchlight eye examination regularly, none of them assess visual acuity and only a few (23%) feel confident about making a diagnosis of senile cataract.
Conclusion: PAs in Liberia have some basic knowledge about PEC. Focused educational programs would help bridge the gaps in their knowledge. Provision of a basic eye examination kit would enable them to practice this knowledge effectively.
Contribution Of Kidney Diseases to Deaths in the Medical Wards of JFK Memorial Hospital: A Six Month Preliminary Review
Background: Kidney diseases especially chronic kidney disease is becoming a great problem in the sub-region contributing significantly to both morbidity and mortality.
Methodology: This is a retrospective study of patients that died in the medical wards of John F. Kennedy Memorial hospital from February 2022 to July 2022. Admission and discharge registers, as well as death records of patients within this period were examined and relevant data extracted and analyzed.
Results: Two hundred and sixty four (264) patients died within this period of time. Out of these, 52 died of kidney problems giving a crude mortality of 19.7%. Of the 52 patients that died from kidney problem, 27(59.1%) were females. Overall mean age at death was 45.2±17.9 years. Mean age of females 49±16.8 years was significantly higher than that of males 41±18.3 years, p < 0.001. The commonest kidney problem at death was chronic kidney disease (42%), followed by uremic encephalopathy (32%), which could be from acute or chronic kidney diseases. Acute kidney injury accounted for 25% of deaths.
Conclusion: Kidney diseases are important causes of death in the medical wards. This shows the importance of preventive measures and adequate management of non-communicable diseases that are responsible for the increasing occurrence of kidney diseases in our environment.