2-year Study Research Articles

Spectrum of Non-Traumatic Hollow Viscus Perforation in a Himalayan Population: A 3-Year Retrospective Study

Non-traumatic hollow viscus perforation (NT-HVP) is a common surgical emergency, often resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. This study examines the epidemiology, aetiology, clinical presentations, and outcomes of NT-HVP among patients in the Himalayan region, by reviewing data from the Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Surgery Department, Shimla, between 2015 and 2018. A total of 274 cases were analysed. The most common cause of the problem was peptic ulcer disease and the study area had challenges like difficult terrain and limited access to healthcare. The findings aim to improve the understanding of NT-HVP in resource-limited settings and provide insights for better management strategies.

Regular Smoking Accelerates the Decline in Masticatory Performance in Japanese Men: The Suita Study.

Smoking is presumed to cause a decline in masticatory performance by worsening the intraoral environment in various ways. However, no longitudinal study has examined the relationship between smoking and masticatory performance. To clarify how smoking affects future decline in masticatory performance through a 5-year follow-up study of a general urban population. The study participants were 494 men (mean age at baseline: 65.8 years) who participated in baseline and follow-up dental examinations in the Suita Study. The masticatory performance of the participants was evaluated using a test gummy jelly. The rate of change in masticatory performance during the follow-up period was calculated by subtracting the masticatory performance at baseline from the masticatory performance at follow-up and dividing this by the masticatory performance at baseline. Logistic regression analysis was performed, with the presence or absence of a decline in masticatory performance as the objective variable and age at baseline, number of functional teeth, periodontal status, salivary flow rate, maximum bite force, smoking status, utilisation of dental services, and follow-up years as the explanatory variables. The rate of change in masticatory performance during the follow-up period was significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers. Logistic regression analysis showed that age, maximum bite force, and smoking were significant explanatory variables for a decline in masticatory performance. A 5-year follow-up study showed that smoking causes a decline in masticatory performance in men, even after adjusting for confounding factors.

Risk Factors for Acute Pancreatitis Following Intragastric Balloon Insertion: A 7-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a rare but serious complication of intragastric balloon (IGB) therapy. Despite the popularity of IGBs for weight loss, the incidence and risk factors of AP post-IGB insertion are not well understood. This study aimed to identify potential predictors and risk factors of AP in IGB patients. A retrospective time-to-event study was conducted over 7years, encompassing patients who received IGBs between January 2017 and 2024. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. The incidence of AP was evaluated as a secondary outcome. Patients were categorized into the AP and non-AP groups at a 1:3 ratio. The Revised Atlanta Classification was used to diagnose AP. Among 450 patients with IGB, 25 developed AP, yielding an incidence of 5.56%. The Orbera balloon was associated with a lower AP risk (HR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.96; P = 0.042). The median time to AP onset was 40days. Higher preprocedural BMI and age > 30years showed a trend toward reduced AP risk, though not statistically significant. AP following IGB insertion is uncommon but may be underreported, with substantial variability in onset time. The Orbera balloon demonstrated a protective effect, highlighting the role of balloon type in AP risk. These findings underscore the importance of balloon selection and the need for further prospective studies to confirm these results and optimize AP risk management in IGB patients.

Diabetic ketoacidosis treatment outcomes and its associated factors among adult patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to public hospitals in Nekemte Town, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and acute complication of diabetes mellitus. In Ethiopia, the mortality associated with acute diabetes complications ranges from 9.8% to 12%. Despite this, there is limited information on the clinical outcomes of DKA in our study location. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of DKA treatment outcomes among adult patients with diabetes admitted to public hospitals in Nekemte Town, Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess the DKA treatment outcomes and their associated factors among adult patients with diabetes admitted to public hospitals in Nekemte Town.MethodsA 5-year cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling technique among 201 patients from 1 July to 31 August 2023. DKA treatment outcomes were assessed at discharge. Pharmacists collected data by reviewing patient charts using Kobo Toolbox software. The data were then exported to SPSS Version 27 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression were entered into the multivariable regression analysis to control for potential confounders. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify predictors of treatment outcomes. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant in the multivariable analysis.ResultComplete data was available for 201 patients admitted with DKA. The majority, 178 (88.6%), improved and were discharged. Independent predictors of DKA recovery were comorbidities [AOR: 3.45, 95% CI: 1.33, 9.72], admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (<8) [AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.02, 7.34], random blood glucose (RBS) (≥ 500) [AOR: 3.07 (95% CI: 1.12, 8.39)], and urine ketones (≥ +3) [AOR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.18, 8.88].Conclusion and recommendationMost of the treated patients with DKA were discharged with improvement. Comorbidity, admission GCS, RBS, and urine ketones were independently associated with DKA recovery. In general, significant consideration should be given to DKA prevention, early detection, and appropriate hospital management.

Management of Recurrent Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Infections in Adult Patients

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and microbiological features of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) infections through a 13-year retrospective study. VPS bacterial agents and their antibiotic susceptibility were also investigated through the occurrence of single VPS (SVPS) and recurrent VPS (RVPS) infections. Methods: This study included 110 patients with SVPS infections and 55 patients with RVPS infections. Results: In patients who developed multiple infections, Gram-negative organisms were found to be the most predominant (60%, 54/90). The resistance rates were 85.2% for third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs), 83.3% for piperacillin–tazobactam, and 10.4% for carbapenem. Of the patients in the SVPS infection group, 49% were treated with combinations with carbapenem; of the patients in the RVPS infection group, 84.4% were treated in the same way. Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis as the etiology of hydrocephalus; short duration of antibiotics used for treatment; high cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and blood C-reactive protein (CRP) levels; and prolonged use of prophylactic antibiotics were found to be related to an increased rate of recurrent infection occurrence. A two-stage shunt change approach decreased the risk of recurrent infections. Conclusions: Based on the findings of our study, it is essential to closely monitor patients with independent risk factors for RVPS infection development, due to the high rates of resistant Gram-negative bacterial growth and the initiation of empirical antimicrobial treatment with glycopeptide plus carbapenem. Certain treatment options, such as 3GCs plus glycopeptide, should be revised based on clinical progress and microbiological culture results.

A decade-long analysis of 98 chronic myeloid leukemia patients: Laboratory data and clinical progress at a single center

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome (BCR-ABL1 fusion gene). CML primarily progresses through chronic, accelerated, and blast phases. While global studies on BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript types and their associations with clinical, laboratory, and prognostic profiles exist, such data is scarce in Malaysia. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the distribution of BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript types and evaluate their associations with demographic, clinical, laboratory, prognostic profiles, and disease outcomes among Malaysian CML patients. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 98 patients diagnosed with CML were identified at East Coast Hospital, Malaysia. This 12-year cross-sectional study was carried out using data extracted from patients’ medical records. Molecular results for BCR-ABL1 fusion genes were obtained using one-step multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Out of the 98 patients, 56% had e14a2, 41% had e13a2 fusion transcripts, while the remaining 2 patients had e14a3 transcripts. Additionally, 1 patient co-expressed both e13a2 and e14a2. Among patients with the major BCR-ABL1 transcript type, those with e14a2 fusion transcripts showed an older median age (P = 0.025), while patients with e13a2 fusion transcripts had significantly higher white blood cell (WBC) counts (P = 0.014). Furthermore, there were significantly more patients with blastic transformation in the e13a2 group (P = 0.038). The median latency period of CML was 12 months. The blast cell lineages consisted of myeloid (68.4%), followed by B-lymphoid (26.3%) and mixed phenotypic (5.3%). The differences in fusion transcript expression might influence certain parameters; for instance, older patients were associated with the e14a2 fusion transcript. Meanwhile, patients exhibiting e13a2 might have a higher WBC count at diagnosis and be more vulnerable to blastic transformation of CML. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the predominance of e14a2 fusion transcripts in Malaysian CML patients and its association with older age. The e13a2 transcript was linked to higher tumor burden and a higher rate of blastic transformation, suggesting potential prognostic significance. These findings underscore the importance of baseline molecular profiling for optimizing disease management.

Long-Term Outcomes of Implanon in Managing Adenomyosis: A 3-Year Prospective Study

Long-Term Outcomes of Implanon in Managing Adenomyosis: A 3-Year Prospective Study

Effects of Protein Intake on Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study

Background: As the global population ages, there is an increasing prevalence of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Protecting and preserving cognitive function in older adults has become a critical public health concern. Methods: This study utilized data from four phases of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey conducted from 2008 to 2018, encompassing a total of 2454 participants. Latent growth curve modeling was employed to analyze the trajectory and role of protein intake frequency and cognitive function. Results: The frequency of protein intake among older adults tends to rise, with individuals exhibiting higher initial levels experiencing smaller subsequent increases. Conversely, cognitive function generally declines, with those starting at higher levels experiencing more pronounced decreases. Notably, the initial frequency of protein intake is positively correlated with the initial level of cognitive function (β = 0.227, 95% CI: 0.156 to 0.299, p < 0.001), but does not significantly influence the rate of change in cognitive function (β = −0.030, 95% CI: −0.068 to 0.009, p = 0.128). The rate of change in protein intake frequency is positively associated with the rate of change in cognitive function (β = 0.152, 95% CI: 0.023 to 0.280, p = 0.020). Conclusions: The alterations in protein intake frequency are linked to alterations in cognitive function among older adults. Maintaining a stable high frequency of protein intake or increasing the frequency of protein intake may contribute to stabilizing cognitive function as well as reducing the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults.

Impact of orthokeratology and low-dose atropine on corneal biomechanics and myopia progression in children.

This study evaluated the effects of orthokeratology and 0.01% atropine on corneal biomechanical properties (CBPs) and myopia progression in children, focusing on their association with axial length (AL) changes and treatment outcomes. In this 1-year prospective study, 53 children (aged 8-17 years) were enrolled, with 30 undergoing orthokeratology and 23 receiving 0.01% atropine. CBP parameters, including the Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI), central corneal thickness (CCT), biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) and stress-strain index (SSI), were assessed at baseline and during follow-ups at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The orthokeratology group was further stratified into good and poor responders based on early myopia reduction. The orthokeratology group exhibited a significant increase in CBI over time, particularly among good responders, while CCT, bIOP and SSI remained stable. In contrast, no significant changes in CBPs were observed in the atropine group. AL elongation showed no significant correlation with CBP changes in either group. The orthokeratology group achieved superior control of myopia progression compared to the atropine group at 12 months, with poor responders exhibiting better long-term AL control. Both orthokeratology and 0.01% atropine were effective in controlling myopia. While atropine had no impact on CBPs, the increase in CBI with orthokeratology may predict early treatment outcomes. However, the initial response to orthokeratology did not guarantee long-term effectiveness, highlighting the need for individualised treatment monitoring.

Risk Factors Affecting Mortality in Asian Hemodialysis Patients: A 15-Year Study From Pakistan

Risk Factors Affecting Mortality in Asian Hemodialysis Patients: A 15-Year Study From Pakistan

Long-term epidemiological trends in (primary) pediatric central nervous system tumors: a 25-year cohort analysis in Western Mexico.

Central nervous system tumors (CNSTs) represent a significant oncological challenge in pediatric populations, particularly in developing regions where access to diagnostic and therapeutic resources is limited. This research investigates the epidemiology, histological classifications, and survival outcomes of CNST in a cohort of pediatric patients aged 0 to 19years within a 25-year retrospective study at the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, Mexico, from 1999 to 2024. Data was analyzed from 273 patients who met inclusion criteria, revealing a higher incidence in males (51.6%) with a mean age at diagnosis of 8.2years. Histological analysis revealed gliomas as the most common type (52.7%), followed by embryonal tumors (28.6%). High-grade tumors (WHO grade 4) comprised 49.8% of cases, demonstrating significantly poorer survival outcomes (median overall survival of 13.5months) compared to lower-grade tumors (up to 57months). The predominance of tumors in the supratentorial region and the notable differences in survival outcomes by tumor type underscore the varied impact of geographical and socioeconomic factors on pediatric oncology in Mexico. This study highlights the critical need for improved healthcare infrastructure and early diagnosis initiatives, as well as the importance of targeted research to address disparities in treatment and outcomes for pediatric CNST in this region.

Infectious keratitis following photorefractive keratectomy: a 13-year study at a tertiary center

IntroductionInfectious keratitis is a rare but devastating complication following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) that may lead to visual impairment. This study assessed the clinical features, treatment strategies, and outcomes of post-PRK infectious keratitis.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted on patients with post-PRK infectious keratitis presenting to Khalili Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, from June 2011 to March 2024. The study was conducted in two stages: the first stage assessed the incidence of post-PRK infectious keratitis among patients who underwent PRK at our center, while the second stage included all patients with post-PRK infectious keratitis, regardless of where their PRK was performed. The following data were collected: demographics, post-surgery presentation time, risk factors, culture results, treatments, follow-up duration, complications, and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at admission and the last follow-up.ResultsForty-two patients (42 eyes) with a mean age of 28.74 years (male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1) were included. Among 38,938 PRK procedures performed at our center, the incidence of keratitis was estimated to be 0.018% (7/38,938). The odds of keratitis during the COVID-19 pandemic were 7.05 times higher (95% CI: 1.58 to 31.52, p-value = 0.015) than outside this timeframe (February 2020 to August 2023). Gram-positive bacteria were the most commonly isolated pathogens in microbiological studies, accounting for 45.2% (19/42) of cases. Early-onset infections were primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus (9/26, 34.6%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (4/26, 15.4%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4/26, 15.4%), whereas all of the cases with fungi (4/4, 100% (and Acanthamoeba (3/3, 100%) infections caused late-onset infections. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, followed by adjusted treatment based on microbial results. Cases developing endophthalmitis and those not responding to treatment or having non-resolving corneal scars required further interventions, such as penetrating keratoplasty and deep vitrectomy. The mean follow-up duration was 40.81 months, and 97.6% (41/42) of cases experienced CDVA improvement at follow-up.ConclusionThis long-term study found a post-PRK keratitis rate of 0.018%, with gram-positive bacteria as the most common pathogens. Prompt management and regular follow-up assessments are essential for achieving satisfactory outcomes.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Echinococcus granulosus Infections in Children and Adolescents: Results of a 7-Year Retrospective Study and Literature Review

A Comprehensive Analysis of Echinococcus granulosus Infections in Children and Adolescents: Results of a 7-Year Retrospective Study and Literature Review

What is the clinical importance of radiographic changes around the humeral component in anatomic shoulder arthroplasty? A minimum 4-year follow-up study.

While stress shielding and adaptive bone changes around the humeral component are often observed after shoulder arthroplasty, the potential causative factors and clinical significance of these findings at mid-term follow-up have not been well elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency, patterns and clinical significance of radiographic findings around the humeral component of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) at minimum 4-year follow-up. The 6-week and minimum 4-year radiographs of patients who underwent HA and TSA were evaluated for filling ratios, changes in the humeral bone surrounding the component, and component shift or subsidence. All procedures were performed using a traditional-length, smooth stem fixed by impaction autografting with the goal of secure fixation with a relatively low filling ratio. Radiographs after TSA were evaluated for high-grade radiolucencies around the glenoid component. The clinical outcomes of interest were revision for humeral fixation failure and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score. 170 patients met the study criteria (91 TSA and 79 HA). The mean radiographic and clinical follow-up was 7.0 years [interquartile range (IQR), 5.3 to 8.6 years]. No patients were revised for loose humeral components during the study period. For both HA and TSA, the most common zones of cortical thinning or resorption involved the medial calcar, greater tuberosity and lateral humerus diaphysis. The mean metaphyseal filling ratio (MFR) was higher in patients with bone changes in ≥3 zones (p < 0.001) and resorption of the calcar (p = 0.051). The frequency and degree of bone changes around the humeral component were higher in TSA patients with high-grade radiolucencies around the glenoid component. These findings in TSA patients with high-grade radiolucencies around the glenoid component had a stronger correlation with inferior SST scores than in patients who did not have a high-grade radiolucencies around the glenoid component. At minimum 4-year and mean 7-year follow-up, greater bone changes around the humeral component were associated with higher metaphyseal filling ratios. The association of glenoid component radiolucency with the degree and clinical impact of these bone changes should be considered when interpreting mid-term radiographs after TSA and may represent the effects of other processes - such as osteolytic reaction to particulate debris - in addition to stress shielding. Level IV; Case Series; Treatment Study.

Parathyroid Gland Volume and Treatment Resistance in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A 4-year Retrospective Cohort Study

Parathyroid Gland Volume and Treatment Resistance in Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: A 4-year Retrospective Cohort Study

The association between work-life conflict and mental health - A cohort study.

Mental health problems are increasing worldwide, and research has shown that it can be affected by work-life conflict (WLC). The aim of the present study is to examine the association between WLC and both stress and depressive symptoms in early adulthood. A cross-sectional and a 4-year follow-up study was conducted using register data and questionnaire data from The West Jutland Cohort Study (VestLiv), Denmark. 1296 individuals (age 28) were included in 2017, and 679 were included in 2021. Validated scales were used to measure both WLC, stress and depressive symptoms. Linear and logistic regression were performed. An association was found between WLC and both stress and depressive symptoms in both genders. It is relevant to consider WLC a contributing factor for mental health of individuals in today's workforce.

Longitudinal study of care needs and behavioural changes in people living with dementia using in-home assessment data

BackgroundPeople living with dementia often experience changes in independence and daily living, affecting their well-being and quality of life. Behavioural changes correlate with cognitive decline, functional impairment, caregiver distress, and care availability.MethodsWe use data from a 3-year prospective observational study of 141 people with dementia at home, using the Bristol Activities of Daily Living Scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory and cognitive assessments, alongside self-reported and healthcare-related data.ResultsHere we show, psychiatric behavioural symptoms and difficulties in activities of daily living, fluctuate alongside cognitive decline. 677 activities of daily living and 632 psychiatric behaviour questionnaires are available at intervals of 3 months. Clustering shows three severity-based groups. Mild cognitive decline associates with higher caregiver anxiety, while the most severe group interacts more with community services, but less with hospitals.ConclusionsWe characterise behavioural symptoms and difficulties in activities of daily living in dementia, offering clinically relevant insights not commonly considered in current practice. We provide a holistic overview of participants’ health during their progression of dementia.

Trajectories of Resilience-Related Traits and Their Impact on Health Outcomes in Schizophrenia: Results From a 4-Year Longitudinal Study.

For the rapidly growing population of older people living with schizophrenia (PLWS), psychological resilience, or the capacity to adapt to adversity, is an understudied target for improving health. Little is known about resilience and its longitudinal impact on outcomes among PLWS. This study assesses trajectories of resilience-related traits in PLWS and a nonpsychiatric comparison group (NCs) and longitudinal interactions between resilience and health. This sample included 166 PLWS and 155 NCs (mean age 48 years, 52% women), with a 4.1-year mean follow-up time. The groups were comparable in age, sex, and follow-up time. We assessed resilience-related traits, physical well-being, obesity, hyperglycemia, positive symptoms, and negative symptoms. We conducted linear mixed-effects models to examine linear trends over time and continuous-time structural equation models (CTSEM) to assess the longitudinal relationships (cross-lagged effects between resilience and health). People living with schizophrenia had lower resilience levels, compared with NCs. While resilience was stable over time for White individuals, younger non-White individuals with less education had increases in resilience over time. We found bidirectional 1-year cross-lagged effects of resilience with physical well-being and obesity, but not with hyperglycemia. Among PLWS, there were 1-year cross-lagged effects of resilience with both positive symptoms and negative symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of resilience and its link to physical and mental health over time. Resilience may be a key protective factor in aging among PLWS, and the potential to improve resilience is an important and understudied approach for improving outcomes for older PLWS.

Outcomes and Complications of Chait Trapdoor Cecostomy in Pediatric Patients with Therapy-Resistant Constipation and Fecal Incontinence: A 14-Year Retrospective Study.

Aim of the study To assess the incidence and types of complications and patient-reported outcomes in pediatric patients with therapy-resistant constipation or fecal incontinence (FI) without constipation who underwent Chait TrapdoorTM cecostomy (CTC). The findings contribute to the discussion on selecting the optimal antegrade continence (ACE) procedure for this population. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was conducted on all pediatric patients with therapy-resistant constipation or FI without constipation who underwent a CTC procedure at our tertiary referral center between 2009 and 2023. Postoperative complications were classified using the Clavien-Madadi classification. At their most recent follow-up in 2023, patients reported satisfaction with their CTC. Results The study included 62 children (median age 12 years [IQR 8-14; range 1-17], 42% male), with a median follow-up of 4 years [IQR 2-8, range 0-14]. Underlying diagnoses were functional constipation (n=39, 63%), spina bifida (n=11, 18%) and anorectal malformations (n=5, 8%). A total of 49/62 patients (79%) experienced 89 CTC related complications. Minor complications (Clavien-Madadi I-II) affected 29 patients (47%) and most commonly included granulation. Major complications (Clavien-Madadi III-IV) requiring surgery occurred in 32% of patients. Despite these complications, 40/62 (65%) reported satisfaction with their CTC, as determined by partial or complete symptom resolution. Conclusions Although complications were common, 65% of the patients reported satisfaction with their CTC. These findings emphasize the need for thorough patient selection, informed counseling on potential risks, and individualized management strategies to enhance outcomes.

Epidemiology and clinicopathological features of soft tissue tumors in adolescents: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSoft tissue tumors (STTs) in adolescents are relatively rare, and their characteristics and behavior have not been well studied in this age group. The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathologic patterns of STTs in adolescents aged 10–19 years according to the 2020 WHO classification.MethodA 10-year retrospective cross-sectional study of 632 surgical samples from adolescents was conducted at a tertiary health facility to determine the frequency, histological patterns and characteristics of STTs in this population. The data were analyzed via SPSS 23.ResultsSTTs accounted for 12.5% of all histologically diagnosed lesions in adolescents, with a mean age of 15 ± 2.9 years, 54.4% occurring in females and 35.4% in middle adolescents. The majority (64.56%) of STTs were benign, while malignant and intermediate-grade neoplasms accounted for 25.32% and 10.13%, respectively. Vascular tumours were the most common, followed by adipocytic and fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumours, with hemangiomas being the most common. The most prevalent symptom was a painless mass (82.3%), with the head and neck (25.3%) being the most commonly involved body site. Most of the STTs patients presented within the first two years of occurrence (36.7%, n = 29/79). However, age, age group and sex were not significantly associated with the WHO grades of these STTs.ConclusionThis study provided valuable insights into the characteristics and behavior of STTs in adolescents, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management. These findings suggest that adolescent STTs affect females more than males , involve the head and neck more and are more benign, with vascular tumours being the most common type of STT in this age group.