Euroasian Health Journal

As of 3 September 2025, there were 15,095 people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) registered in the Kyrgyz Republic. Antiretroviral therapy is received by 6,393 people living with HIV, of whom 5,374 (84.06%) have achieved a viral load of <50 copies/ml. The modern treatment regimen of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors + dolutegravir is taken by 5,100 (79.77%) patients. Among people who inject drugs, in 2025, compared to 2018, there was a 14.09% decrease in the proportion of men with a CD4 count <200 cells/μl who were in the first clinical stage of HIV infection. In the group of men with probable heterosexual transmission, the proportion of patients with low immune status at the first clinical stage decreased by 5.69% over the same period. The most pronounced decrease in this indicator was recorded among men with homosexual transmission – by 24.96% compared to 2018. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunological effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy among key groups of men. Data from 15,095 registered HIV cases and 9,006 men ≥18 years of age were analysed. Changes in CD4+ T-cell levels were studied over time: before the start of antiretroviral therapy and on 3 September 2025, with comparison to 2018 data. Among men who have sex with men, the proportion of patients with CD4 levels > 500 cells/μl increased from 23.25% (2018) to 62.28% (2025), reflecting a 33.4% increase in immunological effectiveness. Among people who inject drugs, the increase was 34.5%, and among men infected through heterosexual contact, it was 30.5%. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy demonstrates advantages: better immune recovery dynamics, reduced risk of AIDS and associated pathologies, and reduced mortality compared to late initiation of treatment

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease characterised by a decrease in bone mineral density, increasing bone fragility and risk of fractures. The study aimed to assess prevalence of osteoporosis and identify associated risk factors among postmenopausal women in Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic). Study included 470 postmenopausal women who had lived in Bishkek (Kyrgyz Republic) for at least 5 years, including residents of Bishkek social care home (a residential care home for elderly). Age of participants ranged from 45 to 89 years, with a mean age of 60.1 ± 14.03 (95% CI 51.49-70.18). All participants were examined upon admission to Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Bishkek from July 2023 to August 2024. In postmenopausal women, prevalence of osteoporosis was 20.8%, osteopenic syndrome – 43.0% and normal bone mineral density – 36.2%. Thus, participants with a longer duration of menopause (more than 10 years) and concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis (p < 0.05). Furthermore, participants with a family history of symptoms associated with osteoporosis and bone fractures, as well as with personal history of bone fractures, also had higher prevalence of osteoporosis (p < 0.05). Smoking had a negative impact on bone health (p < 0.026). Overall prevalence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women was 20.8%, and osteopenia was 43.0%. Raising awareness and encouraging lifestyle changes may help reduce risk and burden of osteoporosis among women in this age group

Oral health is substantial for everyday life and overall health and well-being. The study aimed to assess the impact of self-rated oral health on geriatric conditions in elderly patients aged 65 years and older. This prospective study included 330 patients aged 65 years and older. The mean age was 76.3 ± 7.4 years, with more women than men (58.2% versus 41.8%). Three items from the General Oral Health Assessment Index scale were used to assess oral health status, with scores ranging from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating poorer health. Based on their total scores, patients were divided into three groups: good (3 points), satisfactory (4-7 points) and poor (8-15 points). Upon examination of the oral cavity, good health was observed in 83 (25.2%) patients, satisfactory health in 134 (40.6%) patients, and poor oral health in the remaining 113 (34.2%) patients. The deterioration in oral health was associated with the frequency of various geriatric syndromes during follow-up. Increased awareness of oral health for appropriate therapeutic approaches may improve clinical outcomes in the care of frail elderly people

Haemophilia is an X-linked inherited bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) in haemophilia A or factor IX (FIX) in haemophilia B. This study aimed to examine the demographic profile, health status and clinical characteristics of patients with haemophilia A and B in the Kyrgyz Republic. A total of 81 patients with haemophilia were enrolled, including 70 with haemophilia A and 11 with haemophilia B. Data collected comprised age, educational level, FVIII/FIX activity levels, the presence of anti-FVIII/FIX inhibitors, treatment regimen, viral infections and annual bleeding rate. In addition, the translated and validated version of the Haemophilia Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adults (Haem-QoL-A) and the Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) were used. Factor VIII inhibitors were identified in four patients, while one patient had factor IX inhibitors. No patient in the study cohort received prophylactic therapy; however, inadequate on-demand treatment was reported. With regard to viral infections, nine patients (11.1%) were found to have transfusion-transmitted viruses. The median annual bleeding rate was 23 bleeding episodes per year (range 2-49). The mean Haem-QoL-A score was 54.26 ± 18.73. The average total haemophilia joint health score for adult patients with haemophilia A/haemophilia B was 39.2 ± 18.7 (p < 0.05). There are significant problems for adult patients with haemophilia in the Kyrgyz Republic, such as insufficient treatment and the lack of prophylaxis. To solve these problems, it is necessary to develop a strategy for improving the health care system, training health care professionals and providing sustainable funding

Osteoporosis is a substantial health problem among people, which highlights the importance of studying its prevalence in different geographical regions. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis among population living at different altitudes in Kyrgyz Republic. The study included patients from three regions of Kyrgyz Republic. Baseline data were collected from populations of Bishkek (760 m) (Chui Region), Naryn (2,020 m) (Naryn Region) and Karakol (1,650 m) (Issyk-Kul Region) between July 2022 and August 2024. To assess differences in incidence of osteoporosis among populations living at different altitudes and with different characteristics, authors used chi-square test and rank sum test. A total of 2,300 people participated in study, including 850 lowland residents (Bishkek, 760 m above sea level), 750 residents of mid-mountain region (Karakol, 1,760 m above sea level) and 700 residents of high-mountain region (Naryn, 2,020 m above sea level). Prevalence of osteopenia in mid-altitude and high-altitude regions was 33.7% and 25.2%, respectively, while prevalence of osteoporosis varied significantly: 22.3% in mid-altitude areas compared to 14.9% in high-altitude areas (p < 0.002). Further analysis revealed statistically significant differences in prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among women (p < 0.05), elderly people (p < 0.05), as well as among underweight individuals (p < 0.01), normal weight individuals (p < 0.05) and obese individuals (p < 0.03). With increasing height, prevalence of osteoporosis decreased in all groups, while prevalence of osteopenia decreased among women and in various body mass index categories, but increased among young and elderly people. This study demonstrates that higher altitudes are associated with a lower prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis, especially among women and middle-aged and elderly people

Sarcopenia is a geriatric disorder characterised by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and deterioration of muscle function. It is a growing, often underdiagnosed health problem. Its prevalence in the elderly population is highly variable, ranging from 5% to 50% depending on gender, age, underlying conditions, and diagnostic criteria. Sarcopenia is diagnosed by the presence of low muscle mass combined with low muscle strength or low physical performance. There is no uniform approach to treatment or assessment, further complicating the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Treatment options for sarcopenia include non-pharmacological and pharmacological approaches. Non-pharmacological approaches include strength training and adequate nutrition. Of these two approaches, strength training is the standard non-pharmacological treatment for sarcopenia, supported by significant positive results. Certain dietary approaches, such as adequate protein intake, vitamin D, antioxidants, and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, have also shown positive effects in combating sarcopenia. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any specific medications for the treatment of sarcopenia. Future research should focus on the biological mechanisms of sarcopenia and improved diagnostic approaches, such as biomarkers for early detection the development of consistently effective treatments, and the creation of sensitive indicators for predicting treatment response

Haemophilia is an X-linked disorder characterised by the absence or dysfunction of certain blood clotting factors. Haemophilia A is characterised by a deficiency of factor VIII, while haemophilia B is characterised by a deficiency of factor IX. Factor XI deficiency, known as haemophilia C, is a very rare disorder accompanied by bleeding and characterised by moderate symptoms; although this condition is not widespread, standard treatment is associated with significant difficulties related to socio-economic factors. Sequencing of the genes involved in the development of haemophilia has made it possible to describe and record the main mutations and to establish a correlation with different degrees of disease severity. Haemorrhagic manifestations are related to the level of circulating factor, mainly affecting the musculoskeletal system, and especially the large joints (knees, ankles and elbows). This document provides an overview and consensus on the main genetic aspects of haemophilia A and B, from the nature of inheritance to the concept of female carriers, the pathophysiology and classification of the disease, basic and confirmatory tests for suspected haemophilia, various treatment regimens based on infusion of the deficient blood clotting factor, as well as innovative factor-free treatments and recommendations for the management of treatment-related complications, inhibitor development and/or transfusion-transmitted infections. The importance of comprehensive care as a treatment strategy for patients with haemophilia is recognised worldwide. Comprehensive care includes addressing the full range of medical and psychological issues affecting both patients and their families

The global literature presents heterogeneous data on the prevalence of meningiomas among intracranial neoplasms. A number of studies indicate that the most common intracranial tumours are meningiomas, gliomas, or metastatic brain lesions. This paper presents the experience of the institution in the treatment of patients with intracranial neoplasms and a comparison of the results obtained with the data published in the literature. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relative incidence of intracranial meningiomas among all intracranial neoplasms in the Kyrgyz Republic. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 151 consecutive patients treated at the Neurosurgery Clinic of the National Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic over a 12-month period. All patients underwent neurosurgical intervention, and all tumour samples taken during surgery were subjected to histological examination for a final diagnosis. The study included patients with histologically verified intracranial neoplasms. The authors presented their own experience of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome analysis in patients with meningiomas. In addition, postoperative morbidity and mortality, and the frequency of relapses, were assessed. Given the predominantly benign histological nature of meningiomas, the success of treatment was largely determined by the specific features of the course of the postoperative period. Significant importance was attached to adequate postoperative follow-up of patients. The most frequently identified histological types of tumours were meningiomas, gliomas, and pituitary tumours. During the follow-up period, intracranial meningiomas were histologically confirmed in 48 patients (31.8%), pituitary adenomas in 35 (23.2%), and gliomas in 32 (21.2%). The average age of the patients was 43 years, the ratio of women to men was 1.3:1. The highest frequency of referrals occurred in the fifth (27.1%) and sixth (26.5%) decades of life. The maximum age range was in the age groups of 41-50 years and 51-60 years, which accounted for 27.1% and 26.5% of patients and corresponded to the fifth and sixth decades of life, respectively. With age, women account for a higher prevalence of brain tumours, while men account for a higher prevalence in childhood and younger age. The results indicate that meningioma is the most common type of tumour among intracranial neoplasms in the Kyrgyz Republic

Plastic surgery in Kyrgyzstan has undergone significant growth in recent decades. In conditions of insufficient postoperative follow-up, the country’s medical institutions are facing an increase in complaints about complications related to the prolonged stay of outdated implants in the body. As the service life of the implants expired (on average 10-15 years), cases of ageing, capsular contracture, deformation, rippling, and intracapsular and extracapsular ruptures began to be recorded more often. The increase in the number of secondary mammoplasty caused by ageing of implants and complications increases the risk of ischaemia of the nipple-areolar complex. Existing risk assessment scales do not fully consider the specific factors of secondary interventions. In this regard, the purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the modified preoperative scale for assessing the risk of ischaemia of the nipple-areolar complex in secondary breast surgery using the example of a clinical case of a high-risk patient and to evaluate the effectiveness of multifactorial therapeutic tactics. This tactic can help minimise the severity of ischaemic complications in high-risk patients after further validation of the scale in an expanded sample

Alveolar echinococcosis of the liver is a chronic parasitic disease with an infiltrative growth pattern, leading to progressive destruction of the hepatic parenchyma and involvement of the vascular-biliary structures. The prolonged course of the disease is often accompanied by a compensatory increase in the total volume of the liver, which is important when assessing resectability and determining surgical tactics. One of the key parameters of preoperative planning is the Future liver remnant, an indicator that characterises the morphological reserve and allows predicting the likelihood of postoperative liver failure. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of computed tomography volumetry and virtual resection in planning surgical treatment for patients with alveolar echinococcosis of the liver. The study included 59 patients with a confirmed diagnosis who were examined at medical centres in Bishkek in 2023-2025. All patients underwent multispiral computed tomography with intravenous contrast, and post-processing was performed using the
LiverAnalysis+ software package. The total liver volume, the volume of affected tissue, the estimated resection volume, and the Future liver remnant were assessed. The average total liver volume in patients without previous surgery was 2,008 cm³, reflecting compensatory hypertrophy in the long-term course of the disease. In patients after surgery, this indicator was lower – 1,635 cm³. The average Future liver remnant was 1,162 cm³ (57.9%) in patients without surgery and 774 cm³ (49.7%) in patients after resection. In one-third of the operated patients, the Future liver remnant was below the critical level (<30–40%), indicating an increased risk of developing liver failure. The results confirmed that computed tomography volumetry with virtual resection is an essential tool
for assessing surgical risks and should be included in the standard preoperative planning for the treatment of patients with alveolar echinococcosis of the liver

X-ray examinations remain one of the most common and accessible methods of visual diagnosis, widely used in clinical practice. The quality of X-ray interpretation directly affects the accuracy of diagnosis and the effectiveness of subsequent stages of treatment, but for medical students, this process is often quite difficult. In this regard, it is necessary to study the causes of errors in the interpretation of X-ray images at the stage of professional training. The study aimed to identify the main causes of errors in the interpretation of X-ray images and the characteristics associated with the training profile of students. The study involved 164 medical university students studying paediatrics (n = 62), general medicine (n = 88) and preventive medicine (n = 14). Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire that included closed and open-ended questions aimed at assessing the difficulties of interpreting radiographic images, the level of confidence and the amount of practical experience. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, χ² and Pearson’s correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. The study determined that the most common errors were missing pathological changes, incorrect localisation of foci and misinterpretation of artefacts. The greatest difficulties were caused by chest X-rays, lateral projections, and images of the musculoskeletal system. The average level of confidence of students in interpreting X-rays was low, at 4.1 ± 1.7 points. Medical students demonstrated a higher level of confidence and a lower error rate compared to students from other disciplines. A moderate negative correlation was found between the level of confidence and the number of errors made. The results obtained indicate the need to expand the scope of practice-oriented training, introduce a systematic approach to the interpretation of X-ray images, and use modern digital educational tools to improve the quality of training for future doctors

In the Kyrgyz Republic, issues of healthy nutrition and food security have gained strategic importance due to the persistent “double burden” of nutritional disorders, the high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, and diet-related non-communicable diseases, especially among children and vulnerable population groups. The absence of a specialised institute of nutrition limits the scientific support of state policy in this area. The aim of this work was to justify the need to establish an Institute of Nutrition and Biotechnology at the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy as a comprehensive scientific, educational, and clinical production centre in the field of healthy nutrition and biotechnology. An analytical and systematic review was conducted using official statistical data from the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, results of the national study on micronutrient status, regulatory and legal documents, and reports from international organisations. A comparative analysis of international experience in the functioning of nutrition institutes and a content analysis of scientific publications were also employed. It was found that integrating the potential of the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy with the dietetics department of the National Centre for Maternal and Child Health would enable the creation of an institutionally sustainable model for the scientific support of nutrition policy.
The goals, mission, main areas of activity, tasks, and organisational structure of the Institute of Nutrition and Biotechnology were defined, focusing on the prevention of diet-related diseases, the development of clinical nutrition and dietetics, biotechnology, and the training of qualified personnel. It was demonstrated that the establishment of the Institute of Nutrition and Biotechnology is a strategically justified and timely step that will contribute to strengthening the healthcare system, improving food security, and enhancing the quality and length of life of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic

The study is devoted to a bibliometric analysis of the publication activity of the journal Maternal and Child Health based on data from the Russian Science Citation Index for the period 2009-2025. The study aimed to assess the comparative position of the journal Maternal and Child Health among the leading medical journals in Kyrgyzstan, to track the dynamics of the publication flow and thematic structure, and to conduct a comparative analysis of the journal’s publication activity with the leading medical journals in Kyrgyzstan. A retrospective bibliometric analysis was conducted of 512 articles from the journal Maternal and Child Health and four other medical journals indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index database. The dynamics and total number of publications and citations, two-year and five-year impact factors, ten-year Hirsch index, Herfindahl indices for citing journals and organisations, Gini index, as well as the thematic structure were evaluated using VOSviewer version 1.6.20. The journal Maternal and Child Health ranks second in total citations (988), demonstrating the highest average number of citations among medical journals in Kyrgyzstan (1.93), and has good indicators for the two-year impact factor, Herfindahl index for organisations, and Gini index. The journal’s publication flow is wave-like, with peaks in 2016 and 2024, and a predominance of paediatric studies, while the proportion of works on obstetrics and gynaecology is declining. The thematic structure is characterised by six clusters, with a stable core of research areas covering childhood diseases, the health status of children and mothers, epidemiological studies, quality of life issues, and treatment and rehabilitation problems. The results indicate that the journal has high potential for development, provided that publishing activities are regular and strategically oriented

Nasal septal deviations in newborns (NSDN) represent a relevant and relatively underexplored problem in neonatal otorhinolaryngology. Anatomical and functional features of the nasal cavity in newborns determine the high clinical significance of even minor deformities of the septum, which can lead to impaired nasal breathing, difficulty in sucking and breastfeeding, the development of hypoxia and negatively affect the adaptation and general physical development of the child. The purpose was to analyse and systematise contemporary scientific literature data on the aetiology and pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic methods and therapeutic tactics for nasal septal deviation in newborns. An analytical review of scientific publications has been conducted, including original clinical studies, review articles, and dissertations on the anatomical and physiological features of the nasal septum in newborns, the mechanisms of its deformity, and the results of conservative and surgical treatment. The analysis showed that deformities of the nasal septum in newborns can develop both in the antenatal period due to the specifics of intrauterine development, and intranatal – as a result of birth trauma. It was revealed that the clinical manifestations of NSDN vary from minimal functional disorders to severe obstruction of the nasal passages. Long-term consequences of septal deformities can contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, malocclusion, and the development of persistent rhinological pathology at an older age. Contemporary diagnostic methods allow detecting NSDN in the early stages of life, and therapeutic approaches are focused on individualised, mostly gentle tactics, considering age and degree of deformity. NSDN, despite their relatively low prevalence, have significant clinical and prognostic significance. This necessitates the early detection of this pathology, an interdisciplinary approach, and an informed choice of therapeutic tactics to prevent functional disorders and long-term complications

The combined use of laser Doppler flowmetry and laser fluorescence spectroscopy is a topical area of modern clinical diagnostics, allowing not only quantitative assessment of tissue perfusion in patients with diabetes mellitus, but also to analyse the mechanisms of microcirculation regulation, which is especially important in the treatment of patients with diabetic foot and chronic ischaemia. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of microcirculation and oxidative metabolism indicators in elderly people with diabetes mellitus with and without diabetic foot. The study involved elderly patients in two groups, aged 60-75 years, with 20 people in each group (n = 40, men – 26 (65%), women – 14 (35%), p ˂ 0.001). Analysis of the data showed that in 35% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, microcirculation indicators were within normal limits compared to patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by diabetic foot (35% vs. 0, p ˂ 0.001). The decrease in oxidative metabolism indicators in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated by diabetic foot was 3 times greater than in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (p ˂ 0.05). This, in turn, led to a compensatory threefold increase in the amplitude of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide coenzyme in patients with diabetic foot (p < 0.05). The presence of normal microcirculation indicators in laser Doppler flowmetry in patients with diabetes mellitus does not exclude the risk of developing diabetic foot. The decrease in oxidative metabolism indicators in patients with diabetic foot was a consequence of oxidative stress caused by chronic hyperglycaemia, microvascular disorders, and inflammation, which led to tissue trophism damage in this category of patients. Early understanding of the state of microcirculation and trophism of the foot in patients with diabetes and intervention in muscle, nerve, and endothelial function may be an effective way to improve microcirculation of the foot and prevent diabetic ulcers

The choice of the optimal method of surgical treatment of hepatic echinococcosis continues to be a subject of debate in the surgical community. Despite the historical priority of organ-preserving approaches, radical methods of surgical intervention on the liver have been actively developed and introduced into clinical practice in recent years. The purpose of the study was to analyse the immediate and long-term results of the use of organ-preserving and radical surgical interventions in hepatic echinococcosis. 362 patients with hydatid echinococcosis of the liver were examined. Of these, 302 (75.8%) had primary echinococcosis and 60 (24.2%) had recurrent echinococcosis. There were 179 men (49.5%) and 183 women (50.5%). Conventional surgical procedures were performed in 232 (64.1%) patients with hepatic echinococcosis. With conventional echinococcectomy, postoperative mortality was 0.9%, postoperative complications developed in 47 patients, which was 20.3%, and disease recurrence was observed in 11 (4.7%) patients. The most frequently observed residual cavity after echinococcectomy was in 29 (12.4%) patients, including suppuration of the residual cavity in 10 (4.3%) patients. Radical surgical treatment of hepatic echinococcosis was performed in 130 patients, of whom 2 (1.5%) died. After radical surgery, specific complications were noted in 18 patients, which amounted to 13.8%. The most common complications were haemorrhagic and biliary complications, which were detected in 9 patients. Intra-abdominal bleeding occurred in 5 patients, of which 4 had less intense bleeding and was stopped after haemostatic therapy, and one patient underwent a relaparatomy and bleeding was stopped early after surgery. Liver failure developed in two patients who underwent liver resection and combined operations, which were corrected with drug treatment. Radical operations with removal of the fibrous capsule with all pericystic liver tissues (pericystectomy and resection) contribute to improving the immediate and long-term results of surgical treatment of echinococcosis