Seroprevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in the Hohoe Municipality Hospital, Ghana: 2015-2016: a retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study

Introduction: unsafe blood remains a major threat to the global spread of transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs). Blood is usually tested for four TTIs: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Syphilis before transfusion. This study determined the trends of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors in the Hohoe Municipal Hospital, Ghana from 2015 to 2016. Methods: a total of 3,173 blood donor records were reviewed for the presence of anti-HIV 1/2 IgG/IgM, HBV, anti-HCV IgG/IgM, and anti-Treponema pallidum IgG/IgM/IgA, using commercial ELISA kits following standard protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 14.0 at the level 0.05 Results: seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and Syphilis were 3.9% 5.0%, 4.2% and 5.2% respectively. Females were 30% less likely to be infected with Syphilis (OR=0.3; 95% CI: (0.15-0.69); p=0.004); donors aged 20-29 years were 60% less likely to be infected with HIV than those less than 20 years (OR=0.6; 95% CI: (0.04-0.99); p=0.049), while those aged 30-39 years were 90% more likely to be infected with Syphilis than those less than 20 years (OR=1.9; 95% CI: (1.23-3.20) p=0.005) and those aged 40-49 years were 2 times more likely to get infected with HBV than those less than 20 years (OR=2.2; 95% CI: (1.17-4.04)); p=0.013). Conclusion: males presented higher prevalence of Syphilis and all TTIs were recorded highest among young adults. It is important to continue screening donated blood with highly sensitive tests and to sensitize young adults, especially females on the importance of blood donation

Alcohol use among high school learners in rural areas of Limpopo province

Background: Alcohol use is a serious public health concern among youth in South Africa and worldwide.Aim: To determine the factors contributing to alcohol use among high school learners in the rural areas of Limpopo province.Setting: The Greater Marble-Hall municipality, Sekhukhune district in Limpopo province.Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional study design was conducted on 314 learners from three high schools in a rural area in Limpopo. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select learners from 11 to 25 years of age. The drinking behaviour was classified according to predetermined Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Data were analysed using SPSS Software v23.0.Results: More than half of the respondents were consuming alcohol 169 (53.8%). Also, 173 (55.1%) of respondents had parents who consume alcohol and 204 (65%) had friends who drank alcohol. Most respondents were classified as low-risk drinkers (AUDIT score < 8) and a quarter of the respondents were classified as almost dependent on alcohol (AUDIT score > 13). Significant associations were found between learners' alcohol consumption and parents and friends who drank alcohol (p = 0.000; p = 0.000, respectively).Conclusion: Alcohol use was prevalent among high school learners in the area under investigation. Also, learners who had parents and friends who consume alcohol were more likely to consume alcohol. Further, learners who were classified as almost dependent on alcohol needed urgent intervention as their health-related quality of life was likely to be poor

The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and NAFLD in sample of Egyptian type 2 diabetic patients

Background: vitamin D deficiency has a strong association with insulin resistance and NAFLD.Objective: to assess vitamin D levels in patients having type2 diabetes with NAFLD and to study its relationship withinsulin resistance. Patients and methods: a case­control study conducted on 50 subjects who were divided into 2 groups: 35 patients having T2DM and NAFLD (group 1) and 15 healthy subjects served as control (group 2). Fasting plasma glucose (FBG), 2 hour post prandial (2hrpp), and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) were measured with calculation of HOMA-IR. Fasting lipids, Hb A1c, calcium, phosphorus, urea, creatinine, serum alanine aminotranseferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) were also measured. BMI was calculated, serum 25 (OH)D was measured with ELISA and abdominal ultrasonography was done for all participant. Results: the study showed lower level of vitamin D in patients with T2DM and NAFLD 10.6 (5.5-21.3) as compared to control group 31 (27-39.7). While non-significant difference was found between male and female regarding 25(OH) D level and HOMA-IR. There was significant negative correlation between vitamin D level and HOMA-IR. Conclusion: Vitamin D level was associated with presence of NAFLD. There was strong relation between vitamin D level and insulin resistance as vitamin D deficiency was associated with higher levels of HOMA-IR. Obesity may be related to low vitamin D level, but no difference in VD level between males and females was found

Is intravenous long-acting opioid (morphine) associated with more postoperative hypoxemia than short-acting opioid (fentanyl) after non-cardiac surgery?

Background: morphine is a potent analgesic in decreasing postoperative pain; however its use is accompanied by many complications especially respiratory one. On the other side, fentanyl titration may cause less postoperative respiratory complications. Objective: To compare between intravenous long-acting opioid (Morphine), and short-acting opioid (Fentanyl) regarding postoperative hypoxemia after non-cardiac surgery. Patients and methods: A prospective randomized clinical study done on 52 patients, they were divided equally into two groups: Group M (Morphine) received (0.1mg/kg), and Group F (Fentanyl) received (1ug/kg) on induction, and supplemented by effective rescue analgesia. When postoperative VAS score ≥4 , patients in Group M received 5mg morphine as bolus ,and re-assess pain every 5 min to give another bolus ( the total allowed dose was 15mg/3-4h).For Group F 50ug fentanyl was given as a bolus ,and could be repeated (total allowed dose was 100 ug/1-2h.). Result(s): There were no significant difference between two groups as regard respiratory rate (RR) nor peripheral O2 saturation (SPO2) (P value0.05). Conclusion: Intravenous morphine as effective rescue analgesic is not associated with more postoperative hypoxemia, or respiratory depression than fentanyl

Accès d'euphorie au réveil d'une sédation avec le propofol

L'objectif de cette revue était de rapporter les effets hallucinatoires survenus chez un sujet de 30 ans, au réveil d'une sédation au propofol pour endoscopie digestive. Le propofol est un hypnotique intraveineux d'utilisation courante lors des anesthésies pour gestes de courte durée comme les procédures diagnostiques en radiologie et en endoscopie. Le réveil post-anesthésie est qualifié « de très bonne qualité », cependant des effets hallucinatoires et psychodysleptiques ont fait l'objet de quelques écrits dans la littérature. Nous rapportons un cas d'accès d'euphorie post-anesthésique après sédation au propofol pour une endoscopie digestive

Double arthrodèse de l'arrière pied associée à la libération postéro-médiale des parties molles dans le pied varus équin invétéré

Introduction : Les méthodes chirurgicales du pied varus équinirréductible sont variées. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer les résultats de ce traitement par l'association simultanée de la double arthrodèse sous talienne et médio-tarsienne et la libération postéro-interne du pied. Patients et méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective de 19 patients (19 pieds) opérés pour pied varus équins invétérés entre janvier 1990 et décembre 2002. L'âge moyen des patients était de 21 ans (13-38). La cause de la déformation était l'injection intra fessière avec déficit du grand nerf sciatique (n=15), la poliomyélite (n= 2), et le traumatisme(n=2). Le délai moyen entre le début de la lésion initiale et l'opération était 11ans (2 -26). Le tendon d'Achille était allongé. La désinsertion distale du muscle tibial postérieur était réalisée. Toutes les arthrodèses étaient fixées par des agrafes. La greffe osseuse n'a pas été réaliséeLes résultats étaient appréciés selon les critères de Angus et Cowell. Résultats : Le recul moyen était de 4,8 ans (2-10). Tous les patients ont été revus. La consolidation a été obtenue chez tous les patients dans un délai de trois mois. Les résultats globaux étaient bons (n=12), moyen (n=6), et mauvais (n=1). Il n'y avait ni échec de l'arthrodèse, ni nécrose du talus. Conclusion : La double arthrodèse associée à la libération postéro-interne dans le même temps opératoire permet une correction des déformations. Cette technique est fiable et ses résultats se maintiennent dans le temps

Medical selection effectiveness inassessing the risk of HIV transmission in blood transfusion in Antananarivo Madagascar

Un défi auquel fait face un centre de transfusion en Afrique consiste à assurer une sécurité transfusionnelle optimale. Il est estimé que 25% des dons de sang collectés en Afrique sub-saharienne francophone sont infectés par des agents viraux (HIV, HBV, HCV), parasitaires (Plasmodium spp., microfilaires) et bactériennes. Méthode : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective descriptive effectuée au CRTS Analamanga. L'étude concerne tous les dons enregistrés au CRTS Analamanga durant l'année 2013 et l'année 2014. La prévalence du VIH chez les donneurs de sang durant ces deux périodes a été comparée à celle rapportée dans la population générale. Nous avons comparé la prévalence du VIH au niveau du CRTS en utilisant le test de l'écart-réduit avec les données du SE/CNLS 2013 pour l'année 2013 et les données du SE/CNLS 2014 pour l'année 2014. Résultats: Le nombre de total de dons pour l'année 2013 était de 14316. La prévalence du VIH était de 0,78% (112/14316) (ℇ = 5,46). Pour l'année 2014, le nombre total de dons était de 16551 donnant une prévalence du VIH de 0,28% (472/16551) (ℇ = 0,31) Conclusion : La sélection médicale est le seul moyen le plus efficace pour la réduction des IT par le sang en transfusion en Afrique et à Madagascar. La sélection médicale du donneur avec le questionnaire actuel est inefficace pour diminuer le risque de la transmission du VIH par la transfusion sanguine. Une élaboration d'un nouveau questionnaire est urgente. L'adoption des stratégies adaptées aux réalités locales est bénéfique pour le pays

Alerte précoce de la pharmacorésistance du VIH au Togo

Introduction. Dans le cadre de l'ambition globale de mettre fin à l'épidémie du VIH, le Togo a débuté en 2016 la stratégie « Tester et traiter » proposée par l'ONUSIDA pour les cibles telles que les femmes enceintes, couples sérodiscordants, enfants, patients coinfectés TB/VIH, populations clés. Ainsi la stratégie nationale prévoit d'atteindre 90% de couverture de traitement antirétroviral (TARV) à l'horizon 2020. Le passage à grande échelle du TARV peut occasionner une augmentation du risque d'émergence des résistances du VIH aux ARV (RDVIH). La résistance pouvant mettre en échec l'impact de l'accélération en cours du Traitement ARV, nous avons évalué au Togo les indicateurs d'alerte précoce de la pharmacorésistance du VIH (IAP). C'est une stratégie reconnue efficiente dans les pays à ressources limitées pour assurer l'efficacité des protocoles antirétroviraux de première ligne moins dispendieux. Méthodologie. Nous avons en juin 2017 suivant les normes de l'OMS mené une étude rétrospective dans 80 sites de TARV représentatifs des 06 régions sanitaires du pays. Les cinq IAP suivants ont été étudiés : IAP1 : Retrait des médicaments ARV dans les délais ; avec comme seuils : Rouge <80% ; Orange 80­90% ; Vert >90%. IAP2 : Rétention sous TARV après 12 mois d'initiation du traitement avec pour seuils : Rouge <75%; Orange 75­85%; Vert >85%. IAP3 : Ruptures de stocks de médicaments avec comme seuils : Rouge <100%; Vert =100% sans rupture de stock en 2016, IAP4: Pratiques de prescription à l'initiation du traitement ARV avec comme seuils: Rouge <100%; Vert =100% de prescription conformes aux directives nationales. IAP5a : Couverture de réalisation des charges virales avec rendu des résultats avec comme seuils : Rouge < 70%, Vert > 70% des patients ayant une charge virale disponible à 12 mois de TARV. IAP5b: suppression de la charge virale à 12 mois avec pour seuils: Rouge <75%, Orange 75-90%, Vert >90% de suppression de charge virale à 12 mois de TARV, Résultats. Seuls 5468 patients (67%) ont retiré leurs médicaments dans les délais. Cependant 91% (3429/3767) des personnes initiées au TARV sont restées sous traitement douze mois après (IAP 2) mais seulement 5,2% (178/3429) des PVVIH dans le besoin ont eu accès à l'examen de la charge virale, (5a). Seuls 13 sites parmi les 36 ayant un score vert à l'IAP2 avaient atteint l'objectif de suppression de la charge virale (IAP 5b.). Seuls 63 sites sur les 80 ont atteint le seuil de l'IAP et 36/80 enquêtés ont pu atteindre l'objectif de l'IAP2. Conclusion. Nos résultats font craindre un risque d'émergence de la pharmaco-résistance du VIH sur le plan national. Les pratiques de dispensation sont conformes aux directives nationales, la rétention sous TARV à 12 mois est excellente, mais le respect des délais de retrait des médicaments ARV et les ruptures de stocks dans l'approvisionnement des ARV, constituent des facteurs majeurs dans plusieurs sites, pouvant permettre l'émergence de la pharmaco-résistance du VIH au Togo. La couverture de l'examen de la charge virale est très faible et nécessite en urgence d'être étendue

Factors associated with adherence to ARV treatment in people living with HIV/AIDS in a rural area (Koula-Moutou) in East Gabon

The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of socio-clinical factors on adherence to antiretroviral treatment in people living with HIV/AIDS in Koula-Moutou (a rural area of Gabon). Two adherence assessment methods based on patient declaration and compliance with pharmacy visits were used to determine qualitative and quantitative aspects of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The quantitative (82.2%) and qualitative (79.5%) adherences to ART declared by patients were higher than those obtained through pharmacy visit assessment methods (15.8% and 45.2%, respectively). Moreover, the declarative and pharmacy visit compliance methods showed fair agreement (quantitative Kappa = 0.317; qualitative Kappa = 0.311). A better quantitative or qualitative declarative adherence was associated with a lower level of education (P = 0.05 and P = 0.025 respectively). This study reported for the first time the factors influencing adherence to ART in a rural area of East Gabon. We recommend further investigations in a large cohort to better assess the impact of socio-clinical factors on ART adherence in a vulnerable group of patients

Profil de sensibilisation aux allergènes des asthmatiques adultes à Kinshasa, RDC : Etude transversale par prick-tests

Contexte. Environ 80% des asthmatiques sont atopiques. La sensibilisation aux allergènes communs présente certaines variabilités environnementales et géographiques. Objectif. Déterminer le profil de sensibilisation aux allergènes communs des asthmatiques adultes de la ville de Kinshasa. Méthodes. De juin 2017 à février 2018, 216 asthmatiques de 18 ans et plus, des 2 sexes, ont été consécutivement recrutés aux Cliniques Universitaires de Kinshasa et dans certaines paroisses et églises de réveil de la ville de Kinshasa. A l'aide d'un questionnaire validé, les variables sociodémographiques ont été précisées. Le prick-test a été réalisé avec cinq extraits commerciaux standardisés de phanères de chien et chat, l'acarien de poussière de maison (Blomia tropicalis, Bt), les moisissures (Alternaria alternata), et le jaune d'œuf. Résultats. L'âge moyen de la population était de 45,23 (ET=17,56) ans, 74% de sexe féminin, 47 % non sensibilisés et 53% sensibilisés à au moins un allergène. Vingt-cinq pourcent étaient monosensibilisées et 27% plurisensibilisées. Le profil de sensibilisation était Blomia tropicalis (72%), phanères de chat (46%), phanères de chien (34%), Alternaria alternata (13%) et jaune d'œuf (11%). Conclusion. Une plurisensibilisation aux allergènes communs chez les asthmatiques dans notre milieu est présente dont le profil dominé par les acariens et les phanères de chats. Des enquêtes futures incluant un plus grand nombre de sujets et recourant à des batteries de tests plus élargies s'imposent en vue d'une définition d'options diagnostiques et thérapeutiques dans notre contexte

Retrospective clinical analysis of adverse drug reactions associated with antiretroviral therapy in Tlokwe district, South Africa

Background: South Africa has the highest number of patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally. Various obstacles were identified that influence effective reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in resource-limited countries. This investigation aimed to identify, classify and analyse the prevalence of ART-related ADRs. Methods: This observational, quantitative and retrospective descriptive investigation utilised ADR forms completed by healthcare professionals in various healthcare facilities in the Tlokwe district, South Africa (January 2010 to December 2014). Descriptive and inferential analyses were carried out. Results: A total of 770 ART-related ADRs were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 40.1 (± 10.1%) years, with significantly higher ADRs reported in females (70.8%). In this study, 99% of the ADRs were reported by doctors. Abnormal fat distribution (58%), peripheral neuropathy (21.6%) and renal dysfunction (6.6%) were most frequently reported. Females presented with abnormal fat distribution and peripheral neuropathy at a significantly younger age (38.1 ± 4.6 vs. 43.4 ± 5.7 years, p < 0.0001 and 39.7 ± 1.1 vs. 45.1 ± 9.2 years, p < 0.001) respectively compared with males. Gender difference was practically significant (Cramer's V = 0.3) for all three of the major reported ADRs. Conclusions: Gender was highly dependent among the major reported ADR categories, and women presented with abnormal fat distribution and peripheral neuropathy at a significantly earlier age than males. This retrospective analysis can serve as aplatform for future ADR studies within this district. Sustainable and continuous efforts should be made to train and create more awareness among healthcare workers in this district

Medico-legal aspects regarding drunk driving: experience and competency in practice of community service doctors

Background: Drunk driving has been reported to increase the risk of road traffic accidents associated with death and severe injury.In South Africa, an increase in blood alcohol concentration of as little as 0.01 g per 100 ml above the legal limit may warrant criminal prosecution or the denial of an insurance claim for damages. However, multiple court cases have been withdrawn because of the incompetence of officials at various stages of the investigation. The scope of the mistakes range from poor scene handling to the incorrect handling of blood samples at the laboratory to eventual laboratory testing of blood samples. Using a group of community service doctors (CSDs) as a cohort study group, this study investigated the competency of medical graduates in relation to the medico-legal aspects of drunk driving.Methods: A self-administered questionnaire-based study was done with 150 CSDs. The questionnaire was administered in Afrikaans and English and was dispatched electronically via e-mail. All potential participants were contacted telephonically to obtain verbal consent. Results are displayed as percentages.Results: A response rate of 59.3% was achieved. The results obtained in this study confirm that some CSDs lack competency in handling medico-legal aspects relating to drunk driving, and are thus unable to serve the communities they have been assigned to adequately. Their lack of skills and knowledge suggests that the present undergraduate Clinical Forensic Medicine curriculum is inadequate.Conclusion: It would be beneficial to revise the curriculum for Clinical Forensic Medicine in undergraduate medical training to address the gap in knowledge and practice of various demands of forensic medicine required from new medical graduates and CSDs

Occupational hazards among medical radiation workers

Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of occupational hazards among medical radiation workers in Northern Nigeria and to assess the adequacy of existing occupational safety measures in the region. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study of 139 medical radiation workers in six tertiary health-care institutions in northern Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain vital information about the occurrence of occupational hazards, prevention and control measures. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using the computer software SPSS. Results: Out of 159 questionnaires distributed 139 were retrieved giving a response rate 87.4%. Stress, direct contact with bodily fluids, and contrast media splashes were the three most prevalent hazards reported by 121 (87.1%), 78 (56.1%), and 72 (51.8%), respectively. Conclusion: Medical radiation workers in Northern Nigeria face a wide range of occupational hazards, and therefore concerted efforts must be channeled toward mitigating these hazards

Evaluation de la qualité nutritionnelle des farines infantiles fabriquées et vendues au Bénin

La malnutrition chez les enfants a atteint des proportions inquiétantes dans les pays en voie de développement y compris le Bénin. Cette étude s'est inscrite dans le cadre de la lutte contre les carences en nutriments, dans la mesure où promouvoir des farines infantiles de bonne qualité nutritionnelle semble être l'une des meilleures voies d'amélioration du statut nutritionnel du jeune enfant. L'objectif était d'évaluer la qualité nutritionnelle des farines infantiles commercialisées au Bénin. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale qui a porté sur 10 farines de 2ème âge, dont 8 locales et 2 importées, considérées comme référence. Les teneurs en nutriments ont été évaluées en suivant les méthodes de dosage de référence. Les résultats ont montré une non-conformité de la composition de ces farines aux normes du Codex Alimentarius, sauf en ce qui concerne les teneurs en énergie et en protéine. Sur le plan qualitatif, les protéines apportées par ces aliments de complément sont uniquement végétales, contrairement aux proportions recommandées de 6% d'origine végétale et 6% d'origine animale. Malgré l'ajout de compléments vitaminiques, les farines analysées sont très pauvres en micronutriments. En outre, une densité énergétique inadéquate des bouillies issues de la préparation de certaines farines les rend incapables d'assurer une alimentation suffisante pour la croissance du jeune enfant. Il ressort néanmoins, une standardisation des méthodes de fabrication de ces aliments de complément, expliquant l'absence de variation des paramètres étudiés d'un lot à un autre, à l'exception de la teneur en matières sèches. Des propositions d'amélioration de la densité énergétique des bouillies, ainsi que de la formulation des recettes et de leur préparation ont été suggérées à l'égard des entreprises productrices de farines infantiles de complément au Bénin

Efficacy of bleomycin for non-operative treatment of cervical lymphangioma in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Background: Lymphangiomas are the developmental defects of the lymphatic channels, and they are most commonly found in the head and neck regions. Late presentation, rejection of surgery, and traditional scarification result in fatal complications. Surgical excision often thought to give immediate relief and aesthetic results is associated with damage to contiguous structures and recurrence, hence, the need for less invasive treatment modality. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of bleomycin sclerotherapy of cervical lymphangiomas. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of patients with cervical lymphangioma treated with sclerosant injection between January 2008 and December 2016. Preinjection ultrasound scan and initial ultrasound-guided aspiration of the fluid in the swelling (which many times is multiloculated) using a 20G cannula into a 10 ml syringe were performed. The cannula tip is retained in the space and intralesional injection of double-diluted bleomycin 0.5 i.u./kg body weight was given as outpatient at 2­4-weekly interval. Postinjection events were documented. The clinical assessment of the pre- and postinjection of sclerosant was performed. Result: A total of 23 patients were recruited, and six were females and 17 were males. All swellings were noticed at birth but median time at presentation was 17 days. All patients but one (95.8%) had complete clinical resolution after 1­4 courses of sclerotherapy for 4­16 weeks. Only one patient had residual nodule that required surgical excision. Redundant skin and hyperpigmentation from skin wrinkle were the early effects noticed in three patients; however, these were cosmetically acceptable to the parents. No recurrence was recorded. Conclusion: The treatment of cervical lymphangiomas with intralesional bleomycin injection is shown to be effective. It is safe and associated with no complication. This treatment modality and outcome was found to be acceptable to the parents of these children

Negative peri-donation events among whole blood donors in a blood bank in Ibadan, Nigeria

The existence and sustenance of the blood bank depends on blood donors. It is imperative that the donation experience is satisfactory for the donors. Therefore this study was carried out to determine the frequency of undesirable events experienced by the blood donor as part of donor haemovigilance. This was a retrospective descriptive study of the events that occurred amongst the blood donors of the blood bank of a tertiary institution. The blood donor incident book was reviewed for the period of six months. Negative undesirable events occurred in 2% of the donor populations, of which 45.8% could not complete the blood donation process while only 16.7% completed the blood donation process. Mild vasovagal attack occurred in 0.2% of the donor population. Undisclosed deferrable risk factors/ behaviours were identified by the phlebotomist in the bleeding room which made donors unfit for donation even though they had passed the donor screening criteria. This accounted for 20.8% of those with negative experience. Guidelines are required to identify donors that are not likely to complete donation to avoid wastage of time, blood, resources and reduce undesirable experiences

Self-ear cleaning practices and the associated risk of ear injuries and ear-related symptoms in a group of university students

Self-ear cleaning is the insertion of objects into the ear canal to clean it, a widespread practice that has the potential to compromise its integrity as a natural, selfcleansing mechanism, and a risk factor for possible injuries. The practice is common among young adults and highest in university than any other graduates. This study aimed to determine the self-ear cleaning practices and associated risk of injury and related symptoms in undergraduate students at KwaZulu-Natal University. The descriptive survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire. Of the 206 participants that responded, 98% engaged in self-ear cleaning, with 75% indicating that it was beneficial. The commonest method (79.6%) being the use of cotton buds, with an associated injury rate of 2.4%. There was no statistically significant associations between those who used or did not use cotton buds and the symptoms experienced. The complications indicate that self-ear cleaning does pose a risk for injury, necessitating more community information and education

The prevalence, risk factors predicting injury and the severity of injuries sustained during competition in professional mixed martial arts in Africa

Background: Professional mixed martial arts (MMA) has gained international popularity. No African-based studies have reported the prevalence or severity of injuries, risk factors associated with injuries or return-to-play (RTP) time. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of injuries and associated risk factors, as well as severity of injuries sustained by professional male MMA athletes competing at the Extreme Fighting Championships Africa (EFC Africa) from 2010 to 2014.Methods: Permission to do the study and the medical records of all professional events (2010 ­ 2014) were obtained from EFC Africa. Data were obtained from 173 male competitors aged 18 to 44 years, who had participated in 300 professional MMA fights. Results from this prospective cohort study were compared to a similar study done in the United States of America (USA). An injury was defined as any damage to an athlete's body that needed the attention of the ringside physician. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and a stepwise logistic regression. Odds of an injury were predicted with six independent variables: fight outcome, age, weight division, number of fights, injuries in the preceding fight and years of fighter experience.Results: Head, face and neck injuries were most common (22%), followed by traumatic brain injuries (knockouts) (6%). Losing a fight was a significant predictor of injury when using the stepwise logistic regression model (p=0.040). The odds ratio indicated that a preceding fight injury almost doubled the risk of injury in the following fight (OR 1.91; p= 0.163). Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in this study of African-based competitions (6%) were substantially higher than reported in the American study (1.8%). Conclusion: Head, neck and face injuries are common in African fighters. The high rate of TBIs in African competition compared to the USA study is concerning. This could reflect superior refereeing in the USA group, as fights may be ended sooner by stoppage. Further investigation of injury trends and preventative measures should be studied to reduce the incidence of injuries during African competitions

A review of blood transfusions in a trauma unit for young children

Background. Trauma is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Blood transfusions play an incremental role in the acute phase, yet practice varies owing to variations in transfusion thresholds and concerns about potential complications, especially in children.Objectives. To evaluate protocol adherence to blood transfusion thresholds in paediatric trauma patients and determine the degree of blood product wastage, as defined by discarded units.Methods. A retrospective, descriptive study of trauma patients (age 0 - 13 years) who received a blood transfusion in the trauma unit at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, over a 5.5-year period (1 January 2009 - 1 July 2014). Haemoglobin (Hb) transfusion thresholds were defined as 10 g/dL for neurotrauma patients and patients requiring skin grafting or a musculocutaneous flap (group 1). All other trauma patients had an Hb transfusion threshold of 7 g/dL (group 2).Results. A total of 144 patients were included (mean age 5.2 years (standard deviation (SD) 3.3), 68.1% male). The mean Hb increase after transfusion was 3.5 g/dL (SD 1.7). Adherence to the transfusion Hb threshold protocol was 96.7% for group 1 v. 34.0% for group 2. No complications were reported. Average blood wastage was 3.5 units per year during the study period.Conclusions. Adherence to paediatric blood transfusion protocol was low in the Hb threshold group <7 g/dL. However, transfusion-related complications and wastage were minimal. Further prospective research is required to determine optimal blood transfusion guidelines for paediatric trauma patients

New-onset diabetes after transplant: Incidence, risk factors and outcome

Background. The outcome of renal transplantation depends on achieving effective immunosuppression while minimising the consequences of such treatment. The occurrence of new-onset diabetes in the post-transplant period has been associated with several risk factors including some immunosuppressive medication. Better understanding of the clinical and genetic risk factors associated with new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT) could enable risk stratification of patients in the pre-transplant period, with the goal of applying measures that will reduce the incidence.Objectives. To ascertain the incidence of and clinical and genetic risk factors that predispose to NODAT, and to examine its effect on the outcome of renal transplantation.Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort review of all renal transplants at Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, between 2004 and 2008. Patients who were lost to follow-up or had pre-transplant diabetes or primary non-function were excluded. A subset of the cohort who gave informed consent was enlisted for genetic tests.Results. We identified 111 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of NODAT was 18.0% (n=20 patients). Risk factors for NODAT included age at transplant (p=0.03), body weight (p=0.04), treatment for acute cellular rejection (p=0.02) and polycystic kidney disease as the cause of renal failure (p=0.005). None of the genes investigated (TCF7L2 rs11196205, rs12255372 and rs7903146 and HNF1ß rs1800575, rs121918671 and rs121918672) was found to be significantly associated with the risk of NODAT. The genotype frequencies for the single-nucleotide polymorphisms studied were closer (although not identical) to those reported for Caucasians than to those reported for the Yoruba (black) population in West Africa. Overall patient survival was 78% at five years, while graft survival was 72%. There was no significant difference in patient or graft survival between the group with NODAT and the group without.Conclusions. NODAT was common in renal transplant recipients. Some risk factors predate transplant and could be used to risk-stratify patients to determine appropriate risk-reduction strategies. The genetic determinants for NODAT in this population may differ from those reported elsewhere. NODAT had no impact on patient or graft survival in this cohort