Libyan Medical Journal

Histopathological Spectrum of Breast Malignancies: A Retrospective Study at Tobruk Medical Center, Tobruk, Libya

Rihab Absaat — 2026-10-05

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women globally, and its incidence is rising, especially in developing countries. Histopathological study stands as the definitive method for diagnosis confirmation, subtype classification, and prognosis evaluation. This study aims to classify breast cancer cases based on histopathological type and tumor grade, and to correlate these findings with patients’ age. A retrospective analytic- observational study was conducted in Tobruk Medical Centre using histopathological reports of all breast tissue specimens (lumpectomies, mastectomies, and biopsies), with confirmed diagnosis of malignancy in 32 patients. Data on patients’ age, sex, site of lesion, size of tumor, type of malignancy, and tumor grade were collected and analyzed using SPSS 25. The mean age of the patients was 47.3 ± 9.9 years (range: 29 -63 years), with the highest proportion of cases in our hospital-based sample observed in the age groups (40–49) and (50-59) years. Regarding the histopathological profile, invasive ductal carcinoma was the most frequently reported type, accounting for 75 % of the cases. In terms of tumor differentiation, Grade II was the most common, accounting for 93.3 %. Statistical analysis revealed a non-significant correlation between patient age and both histopathological type and tumor grade (p > 0.05) for each. In conclusion, breast malignancy was frequently observed among younger age groups in our study population, with more than 56% of our cases diagnosed before the age of 50 years, while invasive ductal carcinoma IDC was the most common malignant subtype, and most cases presented as T2 and moderately differentiated breast cancer. Hence, these findings highlight the need for promoting early screening and improving histopathological diagnostic tools and management services in Libya

Impact of Genital and Extragenital Viral Warts on Quality of Life Among Libyan Patients

Aya Abduljalil — 2026-10-01

Warts are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They can cause physical symptoms like pain and bleeding, in addition to psychological symptoms such as anxiety. Measuring the Quality of Life (QoL) is now considered crucial in dermatological research to evaluate the burden of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of genital and extragenital viral warts on the quality of life among Libyan patients and to identify the main demographic and clinical factors associated with worse perceived quality‑of‑life. A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 50 patients attending the dermatology clinic at Al‑Jamhoria Hospital in Benghazi, Libya. Data were collected from patients in two stages. First, patients underwent a full dermatological examination to document the type, location, number, and duration of warts. Second, participants themselves filled in the Quality-of-Life Index (QOLI) questionnaire. Sociodemographic information, including age, gender, and duration of disease, was recorded. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Most participants had extragenital warts (92%), and 56% had multiple wart sites. The most frequently affected site was the plantar surface (44%). The mean duration of the disease was 26.3 months. The average Quality of Life Index (QOLI) score was 28.7%. Nearly half of the participants reported embarrassment (50%) and fear of negative judgment (42%). A statistically significant correlation was found between genital localisation and higher QOLI distress (p = 0.040). Viral warts can affect multiple aspects of daily life and should not be underestimated. Psychological and social factors should be considered when managing patients with this condition.

Assessment of Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Postpartum Depression and Its Prevalence Among Postpartum Mothers

Ghada Hamad — 2026-10-04

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant public health concern that affects mothers’ psychological well-being and can negatively influence infant development and family functioning. This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding postpartum depression and to determine the prevalence and predictors of PPD among postpartum mothers. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 300 participants, including 150 nurses working in maternal and postnatal units and 150 postpartum mothers within one year after childbirth. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using two structured questionnaires: a nurses’ questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to PPD, and a mothers’ questionnaire assessing socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics, depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and available social and professional support. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and study variables, while chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations and identify predictors of postpartum depression. The findings provided insights into the level of nurses’ preparedness to recognize and manage PPD and highlighted factors associated with depressive symptoms among postpartum mothers. The study emphasizes the importance of routine screening, early detection, adequate professional training, and strengthened social support systems to improve maternal mental health outcomes and reduce the burden of postpartum depression.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis with Severe Dyslipidemia in a Pediatric Patient with New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report

Sarah Alfaqaih — 2026-10-04

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Although mild hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is common in DKA, severe HTG (triglycerides >2000 mg/dL) is rare in pediatric patients and markedly increases the risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). This report describes a unique case of new-onset T1DM presenting with DKA and extreme dyslipidemia, highlighting management challenges. An 11-year-old girl presented with fatigue, dehydration, and Kussmaul breathing. Laboratory tests confirmed DKA (pH 7.01, blood glucose 490 mg/dL) and showed a severely lipemic blood sample. Initial management included fluid resuscitation and an intravenous insulin infusion. Although DKA resolved within 48 hours, triglyceride (TG) levels surged from 1271 to 3967 mg/dL on the fourth day after reducing the intravenous insulin infusion rate from 0.1 to 0.05 IU/kg/h, accompanied by mild abdominal pain. AP was ruled out by ultrasound, and enzyme levels were normal. Management required readjusting the insulin infusion rate and initiating oral lipid-lowering agents (fenofibrate, rosuvastatin, and omega-3). TG levels normalized within 20 days, though low-density lipoprotein (LDL) remained elevated, consistent with the beta shift phenomenon. A significant family history of hyperlipidemia suggested a genetic predisposition. Severe HTG is a critical complication of pediatric DKA that requires prompt recognition and treatment. Intravenous insulin remains the primary treatment, but clinicians must monitor for rebound lipid levels after acidosis resolves. Oral lipid-lowering therapies are effective adjuncts, especially when plasmapheresis is unavailable. This case emphasizes the need for individualized management and long-term lipid monitoring in pediatric T1DM.