Systematic Review

Advancing genetic counselling in Southern Africa. Unveiling opportunities for inclusive healthcare and genomic education for Angola

Chimpolo et al evaluate the current status quo of genetic counseling in Southern Africa of 42 who met the inclusion criteria by uncovering grey areas in their integration within national healthcare systems. A 2-tiered screening process selected studies, and extracted data were organized into a comprehensive overview. Participants ranged from genetic counselors and patients to general practitioners. Risk of bias assessment revealed that 21.4% of studies had a high risk of bias, often due to inadequate blinding and incomplete data, while 29% showed a low risk of bias. Addressing challenges through targeted research, education, and policy reforms is essential for integrating genetic healthcare into regional systems.

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Distribution of focus areas on genetic counseling among the selected published studies

Original Articles

Serum and cord blood neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus and its association with tumor necrosis factor-alpha. A cross-sectional study from Tripura, India

Goswami et al examine the significance of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in 289 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their correlation with insulin resistance and metabolic markers. Women with GDM showed significantly higher serum NGAL and TNF-α levels compared to prediabetic and normal pregnancy groups. Elevated levels of NGAL and TNF-α in women with GDM are linked to increased insulin resistance, excessive gestational weight gain, and higher neonatal morbidity risk.

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Kruskal-Wallis test for comparing serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels among 3 groups of study participants. NGAL: neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, GDM: gestational diabetes mellitus

Normative pulse oximetry values in healthy children. A cross-sectional study from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Alahmadi et al establish reference values for oxygen saturation (SpO2), as measured by pulse oximetry in apparently healthy 973 children in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This contribution will provide valuable insights to enhance clinical practices within the region. This cross-sectional study included children aged ≤18 years attending pediatric clinics and not having respiratory distress or acute illness during their visit. Vital signs and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Most participants (75.9%) exhibited oxygen saturation levels between 99% and 100%, while 24.1% had values between 97% and 98%. Importantly, no participant had an oxygen saturation below 97%. The findings highlight the importance of vigilant monitoring in pediatric care, particularly when peripheral oxygen saturation values measured by pulse oximetry fall below 97%.

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