Predictors of Fatal Outcome in Hospitalised Adult Patients with Acute Kidney Injury at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction: Data on mortality in acute kidney injury (AKI) derives from high-income countries where AKI is hospital-acquired and occurs in elderly patients with a high burden of cardiovascular disease. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), AKI is community-acquired occurring in healthy young adults. We aimed to identify predictors of fatal outcomes in patients with AKI in two tertiary hospitals in Cameroon. Methods: Medical records of adults with confirmed AKI, from January 2018 to March 2020 were retrieved. The outcomes of interest were in-hospital deaths and presumed causes of death. We used multiple logistic regressions modeling to identify predictors of death. The study was approved by the ethics boards of both hospitals. Values were considered significant for a p-value of 0.05. Results: We included 285 patient records (37.2% females). The mean (SD) age was 50.1 (19.0) years. Hypertension (n = 97, 34.0%), organ failure (n = 88, 30.9%), and diabetes (n = 60, 21.1%) were the main comorbidities. The majority of patients had community-acquired AKI (78.6%, n = 224), were KDIGO stage 3 (88.8%, n = 253), and needed dialysis (52.6%, n = 150). Up to 16.7% (n = 25) did not receive what was needed. The in-hospital mortality rate was 29.1% (n = 83). Lack of access to dialysis (OR = 27.8;CI: 5.2 - 149.3, p = 0.001), hypotension (OR = 11.8;CI: 1.3 - 24.8;p = 0.001) and ICU admission (OR = 5.7;CI: 1.3 - 24.8, p = 0.001) were predictors of mortality. The presence of co-morbidities or underlying diseases (n = 46, 55%) were the main causes of death. Conclusions: In-hospital AKI mortality is high, as in other low- and middle-income economies. Lack of access to dialysis and the severity of the underlying illness are major predictors of death.

Some Haematological Parameters in Primary Hypertensive Subjects Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Background: Hypertension is a persistent elevation of blood pressure in the arteries which if not properly managed can lead to stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease and other life threatening outcomes. This study investigated some haematological parameters of Primary hypertensive subjects. Objectives: To compare some haematological parameters (haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, Platelets count, White Blood Cells count, red blood cell count and Red Cells Indices between hypertensive and normotensive subjects. Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected from 76 known hypertensive subjects between 30 - 70 years attending the Cardiology clinic of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Gwagwalada. Another 37 normotensive subjects between 30 - 65 years served as the control. All subjects gave their consents. Platelets count, Haemoglobin estimation, Packed Cell Volume, Red Blood Cell Count, Mean Cell Volume, Mean Cell Haemoglobin, Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration and White Blood Cell count were determined using Mythic 22 five parts haematology analyzer. Results: Results for Hypertensive and Control subjects were, White Blood Cell, 5.76 ± 1.45 × 109/l and 4.76 ± 1.03 × 109/l, Platelet count, 248.7552.45 × 109/l and 284.95 ± 27.66 × 109/l, Mean Cell Volume, 91.81 ± 3.05 fl and 85.68 ± 6.48 fl, Mean Cell Haemoglobin, 30.59 ± 1.04 pg and 27.922 ± 2.74 pg, Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration, 33.34 ± 0.61 g/dl and 32.32 ± 0.93 g/dl, Red Blood Cell, 4.33 ± 0.39 × 109/l and 4.50 ± 0.52 × 109/l, Packed Cell Volume, 39% ± 3.15% and 40% ± 4.41% and Haemoglobin, 13.21 ± 1.10 g/dl and 13.50 ± 1.63 g/dl respectively. Mean Cell Volume, Mean Cell Haemoglobin, Mean Cell Haemoglobin Concentration (Red cells indices) were significantly higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive subjects (P 0.05), total White Blood Cell count was also higher in hypertensive than normotensive but not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However, Platelet counts, Red Blood Cell, Packed Cell Volume and Haemoglobin were significantly lower in hypertensive compared to normotensive (P 0.05). All the parameters were within established reference ranges for the age and sex of the subjects. Our findings show that hypertension may lead to haematological derangement, if not properly managed. Conclusively, haematological parameters can be used to monitor the prognosis of the disease and manage hypertensive related complications. It is important to assess haematological parameters for hypertensive individuals which may help to prevent complications associated with haematological disorders.

Clinical characteristics of childhood cancer in emergency room in a tertiary hospital in Pakistan

INTRODUCTION Worldwide,cancer is an important cause of mortality in children aged over 1 year.^([1])Numerically,the major cancers include acute lymphoblastic leukemia,CNS tumors and lymphomas.^([2-6])Cancer incidence is increasing in children globally as well as in Pakistan but the etiology is poorly understood.^([7])There are an estimated 160 000 new cases and 90 000 deaths per year worldwide in children aged under 15 years.^([8])The exact incidence in Pakistan is not known as there is no national tumor registry.

An implementation study of barriers to universal cervical length screening for preterm birth prevention at tertiary hospitals in Thailand:Healthcare managers’perspectives

Objective:To identify healthcare managers’perspectives on the barriers to implementing cervical length screening to prevent preterm births.Methods:In PhaseⅠ,10 healthcare managers were interviewed.PhaseⅡcomprised questionnaire development and data validation.In PhaseⅢ,the questionnaire was administered to 40 participants,and responses were analyzed.Results:Their average related work experience was(21.0±7.2)years;39(97.5%)respondents also had healthcare management responsibilities at their respective hospitals.Most hospitals were reported to have enough obstetricians(31 cases,77.5%)and to be able to accurately perform cervical length measurements(22 cases,55.0%).However,no funding was allocated to universal cervical length screening(39 cases,97.5%).Most respondents believed that implementing universal screening,as per Ministry of Public Health policies,would prevent preterm births(28 cases,70.0%).Moreover,they suggested that hospital fees for cervical length measurements should be waived(34 cases,85.0%).Three main perceived barriers to universal screening at tertiary hospitals were identified.They were heavy obstetrician workloads(20 cases,50.0%);inadequate numbers of medical personnel(24 cases,60.0%);not believing that the screening test could prevent preterm birth(8 cases,20%)and lack of free drug support for preterm birth prevention in high-risk cases(29 cases,72.5%).Conclusions:The main obstacles to universal cervical length screening are heavy staff workloads and inadequate government funding for ultrasound scanning and hormone therapy.The healthcare managers do not believe that the universal cervical length screening can help to reduce preterm birth.

Colorectal cancer patients in a tertiary hospital in Indonesia: Prevalence of the younger population and associated factors

BACKGROUND An increasing trend in colorectal cancer(CRC)occurring at younger ages has been observed worldwide,even though incidence is declining in the general population.Most currently available guidelines still recommend CRC screening for older populations,despite an alarming rise in early-onset CRC incidence.Risk stratification is necessary to further determine the population most at risk for early-onset CRC.However,epidemiological data on related clinical characteristics and potential risk factors,especially in developing countries,have not been widely reported.AIM To investigate the prevalence,demographics,clinicopathologic features,and associated factors of young-onset CRC patients in a tertiary hospital in Indonesia.METHODS Patients undergoing colonoscopy examination between 2008 and 2019,yielding a diagnosis of CRC were identified from medical records.The subjects were classified into two groups according to their age at diagnosis,namely early-onset(18-49 years old)and late-onset(≥50-years-old).Demographic data,characteristics,and risk factors of both onset age groups were evaluated using the chisquare and Fisher’s exact test.RESULTS Among 495 CRC patients confirmed by histopathology,205(41.4%)were classified as early-onset and 290(58.6%)as late-onset.Most subjects in the earlyonset CRC group were male(53.7%),with 89.8%displaying adenocarcinoma histopathology.A majority(78%)of the early-onset CRC patients had left-sided tumors,with the rectum(41%)and rectosigmoid(17.6%)being the most common sites.Abdominal pain was the most frequent symptom in the early-onset CRC patients(55.6%),which was significantly higher than that in the late-onset CRC patients(43.8%,P<0.05).Early-onset CRC cases were more likely to be underweight(34.6%vs 20.0%,P<0.001)compared to late-onset CRC cases.The proportion of subjects with suspected hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer(HNPCC)was also higher in the early-onset CRC group than in the late-onset age group(9.3%vs 4.1%,P<0.05).However,no difference was observed in the parental or family histories of CRC cases.CONCLUSION Early-onset CRC patients were more likely to have abdominal pain,underweight status,and HNPCC suspicion than late-onset CRC patients.

Management of Obstetric Emergencies in a Tertiary Hospital in Cameroon: A Milestone for End of Preventable Maternal Deaths

Background: Maternal mortality was insufficiently reduced in Cameroon in 2015 despite the adoption of Millennium development goals. To tackle the situation and meet the sustainable Millennium goals target of 140/100,000 live births by 2030, the Government adopted the strategies of building reference hospitals where high quality obstetric care, timely and optimal management of obstetric emergencies will be offered. The objective of this study was to describe the patterns of obstetric emergencies in Douala Gynaeco-obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, evaluate the outcomes of their management and the contribution to maternal mortality. Patients and Methods: 418 patients with obstetric emergencies were included in a two-phase cross-sectional study. Data were retrieved from patients’ case notes during the retrospective phase and a questionnaire filled for each case received during the prospective phase. Patterns of obstetric emergencies were determined and for each, the following were analysed: patient managed in this hospital or referred from other hospitals, management according to hospital guidelines, timing of care, result of management (recovery with no admission in ICU (intensive care unit), admission in ICU, death). Factors associated with each case of death were analysed. Results: The patterns of obstetric emergencies (OE) were dominated by HDP (hypertensive diseases in pregnancy) (20.57%), abortions (14.83%), Ectopic pregnancies (13.87%), Acute foetal distress (13.15%) and Obstructed labour (9.56%). PPH (post partum haemorrhage) represented 7.65% and Sikcle cell crisis (SCA) 0.91%. 40% of cases were referred from other hospitals. Six cases of deaths were recorded with a global case fatality of 1.43%. The causes of death were PPH, HDP, and Sickle cell anaemia 33.33% each. The case fatality of SCA was 50%, disclosing our worst performance. Conclusion: Management of OE following standardized hospital guidelines, reinforcement of referral systems, upgrading obstetrical services with ICU will result in least adverse maternal outcomes and especially reduced maternal mortality.

Lower Segment Caesarean Section Audit Is a Promising Tool to Improve the Quality of a Standard Care at a Tertiary Hospital in Kuwait “Cross-Section Study”

Aim: Clinical audit is a tool to improve quality of care and to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Auditing the CS according to a standard parameter will lead to strategies to avoid unnecessary intervention and to advice uniform practice. The aim was to evaluate the current practice and audit against international standards for various parameters relating to elective lower segment caesarean section and to assess compliance of physicians to audit standards. Subject and methods: This is a cross-sectional study which was in a tertiary hospital in Kuwait from 1st October 2019 until 1st October 2020. The hospital medical, electronic records and case notes of three hundred and twenty-six (326) cases of elective caesarean sections were reviewed for study participants. Those women were booked under the care of internal and external physicians. Demographic data and primary outcomes were collected. Results: Outcome was measuring the compliance to the recognized Caesarean Section international standards: consent form, grade of LSCS, antacid and anti-emetics, type of anesthesia, uses of antibiotics, umbilical cord blood PH, and thromboprophylaxis. The compliance for a signed consent form and cord blood PH was (100%), the use of preoperative antacid and antiemetic was (99.4%), combined regional anesthesia was given in (53.4%) of cases, preoperative antibiotics prophylaxis of second generation cephalosporin was to (61.3%) of cases, post-operative thromboprophylaxis was given in (78.5%) of cases of which (33.6%) completed a 10 days duration. There was a statistically significant difference between internal and external physicians’ compliance regarding, type of anesthesia 2.3 (95% CI, 1.3 - 4.1, p = 0.004), type and timing of antibiotics 0.42 (95% CI 0.22 - 0.79, p = 0.007) and 0.33 (95% CI 0.172 - 0.63, p = 0.0006) and thromboprophylaxis 8.1 (95% CI 2.80 - 23.23, p = 0.000). Conclusion: The results are encouraging, but suboptimal compliance is noticed mainly among external physicians.

Characterization of Defaulters from Tuberculosis Treatment in a Tertiary Hospital in South Eastern Nigeria

Background: Tuberculosis is second only to HIV/AIDS as the greatest killer worldwide, due to a single infectious agent. Directly Observed Treatment Short-Course (DOTS) is presently the WHO recommended programme to fight tuberculosis worldwide. There is a need to understand the characteristics of patients who default from treatment for tuberculosis. This will help modify the strategies to reduce such default to the barest minimum and achieve higher levels of adherence. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients that defaulted from treatment for TB at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi DOTS clinic for the period 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2012. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the DOTS clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. The records of patients who received treatment from the clinic from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2012 (2 years) were reviewed. The data collected include patients’ demographic characteristics, treatment category, patient type, baseline sputum smear result, and retroviral status. From the data, default rate was calculated and its relationship with other variables noted. Associations between patients’ characteristics were determined using chi square test of independence. The significance level was set at p = 0.05. Results: A total of 765 patients enrolled for TB treatment in the DOTS clinic of the study area within the study period of 1st January 2011 and December 31st 2012. The mean age at commencement of the treatment was 33.14 years (±18.09). The outcome of treatment showed that 260 (34%) had treatment completed, 230 (30.1%) cured, 120 (15.7%) defaulted, 103 (13.5%) died, 40 (5.2%) were transferred-out, and 12 (1.6%) failed in the treatment, giving a treatment success rate of 64.1%. Among the 120 (15.7%) patients that defaulted from treatment, majority 80 (66.7%) were males, and most 30 (25.0%) were in the 30 - 39 years age group. Conclusion: Defaulting starts with treatment interruption hence prompt management of interruption of treatment and default will largely help in preventing drug-resistant TB.

Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease, prevalence and clinical characteristics in ENT department of a tertiary hospital Tanzania

Background:Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease(LPRD)is a condition with nonspecific symptoms and most of times patients present late with advanced disease which may pre-dispose to malignancy.The magnitude and clinical characteristics of this condition are not well known among patients attending Otorhinolaryngology services in Tanzania.Materials and methods:This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study,conducted in the wards and clinics of Otorhinolaryngology department of Muhimbili National Hospital.Patients with symptoms of Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease were included in the study.Data was collected using questionnaires and clinical examination forms,were processed and analysed by using SPSS.Results presented in frequency tables,cross tabulations and figures.Results:This study recruited 256 participants among them males were 131(51.2%).The mean age was(41.38±13.94)years.Prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease was 18.4%without gender predilection.The commonest symptoms were globus sensation,hoarseness of voice and excessive urge to clear the throat with 95.7%,88.1%and 83.0%respectively while the most observed signs were thick endolaryngeal mucus,Vocal cord oedema and partial ventricular obliteration with 90.9%,88.6%and 72.7%respectively.Lying down less than two hours after meal and spices foods consumption were the leading risk factors.Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus type 2 were the most prevalent co morbid conditions associated with Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease.Conclusion:The prevalence of Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease is high among patients attending Otorhinolaryngology services at Muhimbili national hospital.All patients with Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease related symptoms should get thorough evaluation for early diagnosis and treatment.

Nurses’ Experiences in Service Provision a COVID-19 Dedicated Tertiary Public Hospital

Objectives: To assess the nurses’ experiences in service provision a COVID-19 dedicated tertiary public hospital. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in one tertiary level public hospital namely Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January to December 2021. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire containing demographic details and experiences faced by the nurses in service provision during COVID-19. Data was analysed by using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) software version 23. Results: The findings revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 32.35 ± 7.248 years, the minimum age was 23 years and maximum age was 58 years. About half of the respondents 52.1% were in 21 - 30 years. The majorities 89% were female. More than half of the respondents 72.6% were Muslim and 63.83% of respondents have completed Diploma in nursing. About 32.2% respondents were living with senior citizen, 33% respondents were infected by COVID-19, 24.23% respondent mentioned nurse-Patient ratio in general ward was 1:7 and 71.08% mentioned nurse-patient ratio in I.C.U/C.C.U. was 1:3 (December 2021). PPE were available among 88.0% respondents and N95 mask were available among 84.0% respondent. About 34.8% respondents got COVID-19 guideline training and 32.4% got donning and doffing training. More than half of the respondents 76% stated that equipment is adequate, 56.38% respondents mention that insufficient of nurses and 53.7% were mentioned insufficient of subordinate staff. About 22.6% respondents faced social stigma and majorities 96.5% respondents mentioned they got proper family support. There was a significant association found between Professional educational qualification and satisfaction of current designation (p value = 0.001 Conclusion: The most important findings of this study was lack of training, insufficient of manpower especially nurses and subordinate staff, high nurse-patient ratio and fear about personal and family safety. The findings of the study will be helpful for the authority in planning for future course of action.

Investigation of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Rate of Patients in a General Hospital

Objective To investigate the infection rate of hepatitis C virus among the ambulatory patients and in-patients of a tertiary teaching hospital,and study the demographic factors related to the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection.Methods All patients tested for hepatitis C virus antibody from July 2008 to July 2009 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled in this cross-sectional analysis.The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection was compared according to age,gender,and departments,respectively.Among patients with positive serology hepatitis C virus marker,the positivity of hepatitis C virus RNA was analysed.Results Among 29 896 subjects included,the hepatitis C virus antibody of 494 patients were positive(1.7%).When patients were divided into 9 age groups,the age specific prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody were0.2%,1.7%,1.2%,1.1%,1.5%,1.9%,2.6%,2.4%and 2%,respectively.The prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody in non-surgical department and surgical department was 3%and 1%,respectively.The prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody of males was higher than that of the females.Total of 194 patients with positive hepatitis C virus antibody were tested for hepatitis C virus RNA,the RNA level of 113 patients(58.2%)were higher than the low detection limit.Conclusions The prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody was relatively high among patients of general tertiary hospital.Age group of 60-69,males and patients in non-surgical departments were factors associated with high rate of hepatitis C virus infection.

我国三级公立医院绩效考核指标评分方法分析

基于某市三级公立医院绩效考核实践,指出用加权逼近理想解排序法及全国三级公立医院绩效考核评分办法参考说明中推荐的评分方法进行考核存在的问题与不足,并提出改进和优化评分方法的思路,为构建更加科学公正的绩效考核体系提供新的思路和方法。

上海市三级甲等医院科研竞争力评价

目的评价上海市38家三级甲等医院2018年的科研竞争力,以期为政府在医疗卫生领域的宏观决策提供参考,为各医疗单位的管理者了解自身科研实力及同行水平,进而在工作中发挥优势、改进劣势提供科学依据。方法用德尔菲法确定医院科研竞争力评价指标,收集相关数据,用因子分析法评估科研竞争力。结果科研竞争力评价指标共纳入15个评价指标,提取到科研人才建设、奖励性成果、产权性成果3个公因子,累积方差贡献率为83.895%。科研竞争力综合得分排名前5位的医院分别为A医院、B医院、C医院、D医院和E医院。结论上海市三级甲等医院的科研竞争力存在一定的差距,科研人才建设对于科研发展至关重要。各家医院应结合自身发展现状,完善科研人才培养机制和科研管理机制,鼓励并引导高质量科研成果的产出,提高科研竞争力。

国家三级公立医院绩效考核非监测指标权重研究

目的 根据上海市的国家三级公立医院绩效考核非监测指标数据,研究国家三级公立医院绩效考核29项非监测指标的权重系数,为提高三级公立医院绩效评价效果提供借鉴。方法 运用专家咨询法与熵权法分别对29项国家非监测指标进行赋权,最终以主客观赋值结合的方法得到权重系数。结果 两种赋权方法的指标对比,人才培养、学科建设等部分的权重系数存在较大差异。结论 根据上海市的绩效考核数据,通过主客观结合的方法建立国家三级公立医院绩效考核非监测指标权重系数有助于其他省市及其他医院开展相关绩效评价,能够更好地促进公立医院按照国家要求高质量发展。

Analysis of risk factors contributing to road traffic accidents in a tertiary care hospital. A hospital based cross-sectional study

Purpose: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a public health issue and cost a lot to individuals, families, communities and nations. Trauma care systems in India are at a nascent stage of development. There is gross disparity between trauma services available in various parts of the country. Rural area in India has inefficient services for trauma care, due to the varied topography, financial constraints, and lack of appropriate health infrastructure. The present study is to study the trends of occurrence of RTA cases by month, week and time of accident occurrence as well as to research the types of vehicle involved in accidents and other various risk factors related to them.Methods: During 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017, a hospital-based and cross-sectional study of RTA victims was conducted. The patients were admitted in emergency department of Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, when stabilized, they were shifted to the orthopaedics and surgery ward.Results: In the study, 654 road accident victims were included, of which the majority were males (77.5%) and the most of them belonged to rural (67%). RTA victims according to the month of occurrence majority were found in January (12.5%) and evening was time of a day with maximum accidents (32.1%). Mortality cases of RTA victims based on type of road user and it shows decreasing trend of mortality of motor-cyclists (54.2%) followed by pedestrian (25.1%).Conclusion: There should be control over people driving vehicles under the influence of alcohol and drivers over-speeding and rash driving on urban roads as well as rural village roads.

Medication adherence and quality of life among type-2 diabetes mellitus patients in India

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a progressively increasing metabolic disorder and a significant public health burden that demands immediate global attention.However,there is a paucity of data about adherence to antidiabetic drugs among patients with type-2(T2)DM in Uttarakhand,India.Outpatient research reported that more than 50%of patients do not adhere to the correct administration and appropriate medicine dosage.It has been reported that patients with chronic diseases who adhere to treatment may experience improvement in quality of life(QoL)and vice versa.AIM To assess the adherence to antidiabetic medication and QoL among patients with T2DM.METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand,India.The Medication Adherence Rating Scale and World Health Organization QoL-BREF scale were used to assess medication adherence and QoL.RESULTS Two hundred seventy-seven patients suffering from T2DM participated in the study.Their mean age was 50.80(±10.6)years,155(56%)had a poor adherence level and 122(44%)had a good adherence level to antidiabetic medications.After adjusting for sociodemographic factors,multiple linear regression analysis found patients who were adherent to antidiabetic medications had significantly higher mean overall perception of QoL and overall perception of health,with beta scores of 0.36 and 0.34,respectively(both P=0.000)points compared with nonadherent patients.CONCLUSION There was an association between medication adherence and QoL in patients with T2DM.Hence,there is a need to plan awareness and counseling programs followed by regular follow-up to motivate patient adherence to recommended treatment and lifestyle regimens.