Application de pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) chez les enfants diagnostiqués de Sepsis selon les critères SIRS: Une série des cas de l'hôpital Saint Joseph / Application of pediatric sequential organ failure assessment (pSOFA) in children diagnosed with Sepsis according to SIRS criteria: serial case from Saint Joseph hospital

Le fardeau du sepsis utilisant le Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) en Afrique subsaharienne n'est pas connu. L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer la fréquence du sepsis appliquant le score pSOFA chez les enfants. Méthodes. C'était une série des cas incluant les enfants âgés entre 1 et 15 ans, préalablement suspectés de sepsis au moyen des critères SIRS, en utilisant le score pSOFA (≥ 2), au service des urgences pédiatriques de l'hôpital Saint Joseph / Kinshasa. Résultats. Nonante deux enfants ont été examinés. Le sexe masculin était prépondérant (53,3 %). Leur âge médian était de 4,5 ans. Les signes cliniques à l'admission étaient marqués par la fièvre (97,8 %) et l'asthénie physique (60,8 %). La mise en évidence du sepsis pSOFA a montré que 39,1% des patients avaient sepsis alors que 60,9 % étaient diagnostiqués à tort (pSOFA < 2). La fréquence de sepsis selon pSOFA était de 7,2 % sur l'ensemble d'admission. Conclusion. Le score pSOFA a permis de diagnostiquer le sepsis seulement chez un enfant sur quatre par rapport au score de SIRS qui a tendance à le surestimer.

Clinical characteristics of people with diabetic ketoacidosis at a clinic in The Gambia: a retrospective study

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) remains an important cause of hospitalisation and death in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) living in low- and middle-income countries. The clinical profile of patients with DKA varies, and maybe contributory to the outcomes observed globally. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of people with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) seen at a clinic in The Gambia during a one-and-a-half-year period. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review that included people with DM who were seen from June 2017 to December 2018 at the Medical Research Council the Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Biodata, anthropometric and admissions data were extracted for all patients from the electronic medical records system. Data were analysed for differences in clinical and biochemical characteristics on admission for DKA. Results: In total, 23 out of 103 admissions for people with DM were for a diagnosis of DKA during the study period. Sixteen of those included were females and the mean age of all patients was 35 ± 13 years. Two people had type 1 DM and 15 people were categorised as type 2 DM. DM was diagnosed for the first time during admission for DKA for 12 people and 6 people had confirmed sepsis. There were no significant differences in age at diagnosis of DM or biochemical characteristics. Conclusion: DKA was a common indication for admission for people with DM in the Medical Research Council the Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the majority of patients with DKA had type 2 DM. Further studies are needed to describe DKA in this setting more accurately.

Intensive care unit deaths among neurosurgery patients in a tertiary hospital in South Western Nigeria

Neurosurgical patients are the most critical ICU admissions. While advancements in neurosurgical ICUs (NICU) have improved outcomes of care globally, ICU mortality remains a major clinical issue in developing nations. This study evaluates ICU mortalities of neurosurgical patients in a general ICU setting at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. Method: Case records of neurosurgery patients who died in the ICU of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, South-Western, Nigeria from June 2012 to May 2022 were reviewed. Simple descriptive statistics of data on demographics, clinical diagnoses, management and outcome were done. Results: Mortality rate was 38.9% (84 of 216 admissions). Males were 67(79.8%) and the mean age was 41.5years (Range: 2-85years). The average duration of ICU stay was 3.5days (Range: 30minutes-20days). Most patients had severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) (62, 73.8%). This was followed by cerebrovascular diseases (12, 14.3%) and brain tumours (6, 7.1%). Two had brain abscess. One patient each had mixed subacute/chronic subdural haematoma and severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Of the 69 whose case files were found, 7(10.1%) had a diagnosis of brainstem death before eventual 'final' death after an average of 13.5 additional hours on mechanical life support. The identified secondary causes of death included raised ICP, sepsis, primary surgical haemorrhage, seizures, acute kidney injury, malignant hypertension, poor glycaemic control and aggressive blood pressure lowering. Only 1 patient had autopsy. Conclusion: Most ICU mortalities among neurosurgical patients were from severe TBI. The establishment of NICU is necessary to improve outcome of care of neurosurgical patients

Infections sévères vue au service des urgences du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mahavoky Atsimo: Facteurs pronostics et Issue / Severe infections at the emergency department of the Mahavoky Atsimo teaching hospital: prognosis factors and outcome

: Une infection sévère constitue une situation préoccupante, car elle s'accompagne d'un taux élevé mortalité dans le monde. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer les facteurs pronostiques des infections sévères vues dans le service Accueil­triage­Urgence (ATU) du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Mahavoky Atsimo. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective et analytique réalisée dans le service ATU du CHU Mahavoky Atsimo durant 24 mois (Janvier 2020-Décembre 2021). Nous avons inclus tous les patients avec une infection sévère, âgés de 15 et plus ayant un score qSOFA≥2. Résultats : la prévalence d'infection sévère était de 9,8% dont 68,3% de sepsis et 31,7% de choc septique. Les principales étiologies étaient la pneumopathie (26,8%), le paludisme (22%), les méningites (14,6%). Le taux de létalité était de 43,9%. L'âge moyen des patients était de 48,34ans ±2,46 avec une majorité masculine (61%). Les facteurs prédictifs d'un mauvais pronostic étaient : l'HTA (p=0,009), la présence de cardiopathie (p=0,001), l'antécédent d'infection urinaire (p=0,000), le score de Glasgow (p=0,006), le score qSOFA (p=0,010), l'extrémité froide (p=0,000), la présence des signes de lutte (p = 0,005), les râle s crépitants (p = 0,005), la VS élevée (p=0,002), l'élévation de la procalcitonine (p<0,0005), le traitement par quinolone (p=0,048), l'utilisation d'amine Vasopressive (p=0,040), la durée longue de perfusion de catécholamines (p=0,039), l'oxygénothérapie (p= 0,014) et l'utilisation de canule oropharyngée (p=0,003). Conclusions: L'infection sévère est une situation difficile à maîtriser. Le pronostic reste dépendant à la fois de la rapidité du diagnostic et de l'instauration rapide d'un traitement adapté au germe en cause

Sepsis et choc septique en réanimation à Brazzaville (Congo) / Sepsis and septic shock in polyvalent intensive care at Brazzaville (Congo)

Objectifs. Décrire les aspects cliniques, bactériologiques et évolutifs du sepsis et du choc septique dans le service de réanimation polyvalente du CHUB. Patients et méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale, monocentrique et descriptive, durant 12 mois, incluant les patients âgés d'au moins 18 ans admis en réanimation polyvalente pour un sepsis ou choc septique. Les variables épidémiologiques, cliniques, bactériologiques et évolutives ont été analysées avec Excel 2019. Résultats. 56 patients ont été retenus (20,7%). Leur âge moyen était de 43,1 ± 17,9 ans (extrêmes de 18 et 84 ans), avec 66,1% des hommes. Le foyer infectieux initial était péritonéal (64,3 %). À l'admission, le nombre médian de défaillances d'organes par patient était de trois (maximum 5). Les défaillances rénale (71,4%), hépatique (69,6%) et hémodynamique (62,5%) étaient les plus représentées. Le taux de réalisation du bilan bactériologique était de 35,7% : hémoculture (10,7%), uroculture (14,3%), porte d'entrée infectieuse (7,1%). La durée d'hospitalisation des patients sortis vivants était de 8,1 ± 6,3 jours (extrêmes de 2 et 31 jours). Le taux de mortalité était de 57,1%. Les décès survenaient au-delà de 24 h d'hospitalisation (75%), chez des patients avec comorbidités (65,6%), porte d'entrée péritonéale (59,4%), et défaillances hémodynamique (81,2%) et rénale (75%). Conclusion. Les prévalences du sepsis et du choc septique dans notre série sont superposables à celles de la littérature. Le taux de réalisation des bilans bactériologiques reste faible. La mortalité du sepsis demeure très élevée.

Introduction. No accurate data on sepsis and septic shock in intensive care unit (ICU) in the Republic of Congo are available. The aim of the study was to describe the course of patients with sepsis and/or septic shock in the polyvalent ICU of the University Teaching Hospital of Brazzaville. Patients and methods. This was a cross-sectional, monocentric and descriptive study, lasting 12 months, including patients aged at least 18 years admitted to ICU for sepsis or septic shock. The clinical presentation, the bacteriological findings and the outcome were analyzed with Excel 2019. Results. 56 patients were selected (20.7%). The average age was 43.1 ± 17.9 years (extremes 18 and 84 years), with 66.1% of men. The initial infection was peritoneal (64.3%). At admission, the median number of organ failures per patient was three (maximum 5). Renal (71.4%), hepatic (69.6%) and hemodynamic (62.5%) failures were the most common. Bacteriological assessment rate was 35.7%: blood culture (10.7%), urine culture (14.3%). The duration of hospitalization of alive patients was 8.1 ± 6.3 days (extremes 2 and 31 days). The mortality rate was 57.1%. Deaths occurred beyond 24 hours of hospitalization (75%), in patients with comorbidities (65.6%), peritonitis (59.4%), hemodynamic (81.2%) and renal (75%) failures. Conclusion. The prevalence of sepsis and septic shock in our study is comparable to other published series. The bacteriological assessments rate is still low. The mortality is very high.

In vitro antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens and risk factors associated with culture positive neonatal sepsis in two hospitals, Katsina metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality among neonates, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the risk factors and in vitro antibiotic susceptibility patterns of bacterial pathogens associated with neonatal sepsis in Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and Turai Umaru Yar'adua Maternal and Children Hospital (TUYMCH), Katsina, Nigeria. Methodology: A total of 60 hospitalized neonates evaluated for neonatal sepsis at the special care baby units (SCBU) of the two healthcare facilities whose parents gave informed consent were enrolled for the study between July and December 2020. Blood samples were aseptically collected from the neonates and cultured on BacT/Alert automated platform (BioMérieux, Mercy-Etoile, France) machine. Bacteria were identified from all positive cultures and in vitro susceptibility test was performed on the isolates to determine their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to eight selected antibiotics using the Vitek-2 compact system. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22.0. Results: A total of 60 neonates with clinical features suggestive of sepsis were enrolled. The mean age of the neonates is 1.35±0.48 days while the mean weight is 2.13±0.89 kg. Neonates with early onset sepsis (<3 days) constituted 65% while those with late-onset sepsis (>3 days) constituted 35%. Thirty-one (51.7%) neonates were culture positive while 29 (48.3%) were culture negative for bacterial pathogens. Gram-positive bacteria predominated, constituting 80.6% while Gram-negative bacteria constituted 19.4%. The most frequent Gram-positive bacteria were coagulasenegative staphylococci (51.6%, 16/31), with Staphylococcus haemolyticus 5 (16.1%) predominating, while the most frequent Gram-negative bacteria isolate was Escherichia coli 2 (6.5%). A high degree of antibiotic resistance (>50% rate) was exhibited by the isolates against most of the tested antibiotics including third generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. Gentamicin was the only antibiotic effective, with 65.5% of all isolates sensitive to it; 68.0% Gram-positives and 50.0% Gram-negatives. Vancomycin was also effective against Gram-positive bacteria, with 68.0% of the isolates sensitive to it. Previous premature delivery (64.5%, 20/31) and baby delivery at home were respectively the only maternal and neonatal factors significantly associated with culture-positive neonatal sepsis (OR=2.975, 95% CI=1.040-8.510). There was no significant difference between culture positive and negative neonatal sepsis with respect to clinical manifestations such as refusal of feeds, fever, jaundice, fast breathing, convulsion and body temperature (p>0.05). Conclusion: Neonatal sepsis is a substantial cause of mortality and morbidity among neonates admitted at the FMC and TUYMCH, Katsina, Nigeria. There is a need for regular surveillance of the risk factors, causative organisms, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated pathogens, to inform the choice of empirical antibiotic treatment pending the results of blood cultures

Aetiology of pancytopenia: Experience of a South African tertiary academic centre

Background: Pancytopenia is a manifestation of numerous disease entities. The causes of pancytopenia differ with geographic region, socio-economic factors and HIV prevalence. Awareness of the common causes of pancytopenia may aid timely diagnosis. Objective: This study aimed to determine the aetiology of pancytopenia in a South African population.Methods: A retrospective observational study of adult patients presenting with pancytopenia at Tygerberg Academic Hospital, South Africa, from January 2016 to December 2017 was performed. Data on pancytopenia cases were obtained from the laboratory information system and utilised to determine the causes of pancytopenia. Results: A total of 673 cases of pancytopenia were identified. The most common causes of pancytopenia were chemoradiation therapy (25%), sepsis (18%), haematological malignancy (9%), advanced HIV (7%), and megaloblastic anaemia (6%). The diagnostic yield of bone marrow examinations (BME) was 57% (n = 52/91). The aetiology of pancytopenia differed according to age, with malignancy being a more common cause of pancytopenia among the elderly. Conclusion: Several easily recognisable and treatable conditions can manifest as pancytopenia. Prompt management of such conditions, notably sepsis and megaloblastic anaemia, can result in the resolution of the cytopenias and negate the need for a BME. However, haematological malignancy and unexplained pancytopenia strongly rely on a BME to establish a diagnosis. Pancytopenia investigations, when guided by appropriate clinic-laboratory findings, can promptly identify the underlying aetiology, while also identifying cases where an expedited BME is required. This is valuable in resource-conscious medicine

Risk factors and outcomes of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in intensive care units in Johannesburg, South Africa

Background. Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) has been shown to be a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in both children and adults with critical illness. In sub-Saharan Africa, there is a lack of information on factors associated with development of SA-AKI and outcomes after intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Objectives. To assess the rate of SA-AKI, factors associated with its development, and predictors of mortality at 90 days in critically ill patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis. Methods. This was a prospective observational study conducted at two of the biggest teaching hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 15 February 2016 to 15 February 2020. The study included consecutive patients with confirmed sepsis who were admitted to the ICU within 24 hours of admission to hospital. The primary outcome of the study was development of SA-AKI (defined according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) criteria), and secondary outcomes were risk factors for SA-AKI and predictors of mortality at 90 days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the factors associated with SA-AKI and 90-day mortality. Results. In total, 327 critically ill patients with sepsis admitted to the ICUs were included in the study. The median (interquartile range) age was 39 (30 - 52) years, and 185 patients (56.6%) developed SA-AKI. Of these patients, blacks and whites comprised 91.0% and 6.1%, respectively, and the prevalent comorbidities were HIV/AIDS (19.3%), hypertension (14.2%) and diabetes mellitus (10.1%). Patients with SA-AKI were likely to be older and of male gender, and to have cardiovascular disease, malignancies, hypotension and a low serum albumin level. In multivariate analysis, the predictors of SA-AKI were age ≥55 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27 - 4.65), inotropic support (OR 3.61; 95% CI 2.18 - 5.96) and a low serum albumin level (OR 2.93; 95% CI 1.40 - 6.13). SA-AKI and need for inotropic support were respectively associated with 1.9-fold and 1.7-fold increased mortality at 90 days after ICU admission. Conclusion. SA-AKI was found to be frequent in this study in two tertiary hospital ICUs in Johannesburg, and the need for inotropic support predicted mortality after ICU admission.

Telephonic description of sepsis among callers to an emergency dispatch centre in South Africa

Introduction: Sepsis is an acute, life-threatening condition caused by a dysregulated systemic response to infection. Early medical intervention such as antibiotics and fluid resuscitation can be life-saving. Diagnosis or suspicion of sepsis by an emergency call-taker could potentially improve patient outcome. Therefore, the aim was to determine the keywords used by callers to describe septic patients in South Africa when calling a national private emergency dispatch centre. Methods: A retrospective review of prehospital patient records was completed to identify patients with sepsis in the prehospital environment. A mixed-methods design was employed in two-sequential phases. The first phase was qualitative. Thirty cases of sepsis were randomly selected, and the original call recording was extracted. These recordings were transcribed verbatim and subjected to content analysis to determine keywords of signs and symptoms telephonically. Once keywords were identified, an additional sample of sepsis cases that met inclusion and exclusion criteria were extracted and listened to. The frequency of each of the keywords was quantified. Results: Eleven distinct categories were identified. The most prevalent categories that were used to describe sepsis telephonically were: gastrointestinal symptoms (40%), acute altered mental status (35%), weakness of the legs (33%) and malaise (31%). At least one of these four categories of keywords appeared in 86% of all call recordings. Conclusion: It was found that certain categories appeared in higher frequencies than others so that a pattern could be recognised. Utilising these categories, telephonic recognition algorithms for sepsis could be developed to aid in predicting sepsis over the phone. This would allow for dispatching of the correct level of care immediately and could subsequently have positive effects on patient outcome

The epidemiology of sepsis in a district hospital emergency centre in Durban, KwaZulu natal

Introduction :Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. There is a paucity of data describing the epidemiology of sepsis in emergency centres in developing countries. This study aims to describe the clinical profile and management of patients presenting with sepsis in this setting.Methods:A retrospective chart review was conducted in an Emergency Centre (EC) of a district hospital in Durban from December 2015 to February 2016. All patients with a diagnosis of an infection that met the Surviving Sepsis Campaign criteria for sepsis syndrome were included in the study.Results:A total of 1195 patients who were diagnosed with an infection were screened. Of these, 52 of them met the inclusion criteria for the study. The criteria for severesepsis was met in 40.3% (n 23) and 1.9% (n 1) met the criteria for septic shock. More than half of the patients were HIV positive and 30.7% did not know their HIV status. The most common sites of infection were respiratory tract, gastrointestinal and central nervous system respectively. Most patients were admitted to the general medical ward. The inpatient mortality rate was 15% for general medical ward admissions.Conclusion:A better understanding of the demographic and clinical profile of sepsis syndrome in South African ECs is required to guide clinical and operational policy development

Septicemia, bacterial isolates and drug susceptibility among women attending delivery at dilchora hospital, dire dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Puerperal sepsis is the second most frequent cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in resource limited settings and often occurs within the first 42 days after childbirth. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of septicemia, its bacterial isolates, drug susceptibility patterns and associated factors among sepsis suspected women attending delivery at a referral hospital in Ethiopia. Method: A cross sectional study was conducted with a sample size of 441 women in the age group 15-49 years at Dilchora hospital, Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia from May 1 to July 30, 2016. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using structured interview questionnaires. Blood was collected aseptically and inoculated into a broth medium and cultured aerobically for 48 hours. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolated bacteria was determined by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Binary logistic regression was used to test for association. Significant variables were further adjusted using multivariate analysis. Result: The prevalence of septicemia was 12.9% of suspected cases and coagulase negative staphylococcus was found to be the most frequent isolate (28.1%) followed by E. coli (22.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.5%) and Proteus spp (3.5%). Multiple vaginal examinations and multiple pregnancies were associated with the occurrence of sepsis. Conclusion: The prevalence of septicemia was 12.9%. Coagulase negative staphylococci and E. coli were the predominant bacteria isolated. Most of bacterial isolates were resistant against commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin and tetracycline

The prognostic value of left ventricular function on sepsis outcomes in critical care unit patients

Background: Sepsis is the most prevalent life menacing condition presupposed patients' admission to intensive care units. The underlying cardiovascular consequences of sepsis comprehended marvelous increase of the cardiac output, reduction of the peripheral vascular resistance along with impaired capillary permeability.Aim of the study: The present investigation was implemented to retrieve the prognostic value of LVF assessment using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) among Egyptian adults, who admitted to the intensive care unit as a resultant impact of sepsis or septic shock.Methods: Patients admitted at the Critical Care Unit, who initially diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock within 8 hours. After fulfilling their criteria and being aged more than 18 years, they were eligible for inclusion in the study. All participants were submitted to rigorous history taking, clinical evaluation, laboratory assessment, and STE. The study embraced an overall 50 patients.Results: Left ventricular longitudinal strain (LVGLS) was the only parameter which attained statistically significant highly positive correlation with SOFA score among septic shock patients (r = 0.794, p = 0.021). The results of this model revealed that LVGLS (p<0.001) attained high ability in the prediction of Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) score.Conclusions: The capability of STE investigation for the detection of left ventricular dysfunction among septic or septic shocked critically ill patients is a promising and feasible approach, which have a crucial impact on the prognosis of such patients

The duration of intra-abdominal hypertension and increased serum lactate level are important prognostic markers in critically ill surgical patient's outcome: a prospective, observational study

The present study analyzed the clinical significance of duration of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) associated with increased serum lactate in critically ill patients with severe sepsis. Materials and Methods: Our study was an observational, prospective study carried out in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at J.L.N Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. In our study, we included a total of 100 patients and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured through intravesical route at the time of admission and after 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h via a urinary catheter filled with 25 ml of saline. Duration of ICU and hospital stay, need for ventilator support, initiation of enteral feeding, serum lactate level at time of admission and after 48 h, and 30-day mortality were noted asoutcomes.Results:In our study, an overall incidence of IAH was 60%. Patients with cardiovascular surgery and renal and pulmonary dysfunction were 93.3%, 55%, and 60%, respectively, at the time of admission and 65%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, after 72 h of admission in the surgical ICU. Nonsurvivors had statistically significant higher IAP and serum lactate levels than survivors. Patients with longer duration of IAH had longer ICU and hospital stay, longer duration of vasopressors and ventilator support, and delayed enteral feeding.Conclusion:There is a strong relationship "risk accumulation" between duration of IAH associated with increased serum lactate and organdysfunction. The duration of IAH was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. Early recognition and prompt intervention for IAH and severe sepsis are essential to improve the patient outcomes

The spectrum and outcome of surgical sepsis in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Background. Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the incidence appears to be increasing. In the resource-limited environment in low- and middle-income countries, the management of surgical sepsis (SS) continues to represent a significant portion of the workload for most general surgeons.Objective. To describe the spectrum of SS seen at a busy emergency department, and categorise the outcomes.Methods. The Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service (PMTS) and Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Surgical Service (PMSS) in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa (SA), maintain a prospective electronic registry. All patients with features of sepsis among emergency general surgical patients >15 years of age admitted to the PMSS over the period January 2012 - January 2015 were identified. From this cohort, all patients with sepsis that required surgical source control or who had a documented surgical source of sepsis (i.e. had SS) were selected for analysis.Results. Of a total of 6 020 adult surgical patients on the database, a cohort of 1 240 acute surgical patients with features of sepsis were identified, and 675 with SS were then analysed further. Of the 675 patients, 49.2% were male, and the mean age was 46 years (standard deviation (SD) 19); 47.0% presented to the PMSS directly from within the metropolitan area, while the remaining 53.0% were referred from hospitals outside the area. Physiological parameters (mean values) on presentation were as follows: systolic blood pressure 123 mmHg (standard deviation (SD) 23), respiratory rate 22 breaths/min (SD 5.2), heart rate 107 bpm (SD 19), temperature 37°C (SD 2) and white cell count 20 × 109/L (SD 8). Of the patients, 21.6% were known to be HIV-positive, 13.5% (91/675) were negative and 64.9% were of unknown status; 57.6% had intra-abdominal sepsis, 26.1% diabetes-related limb sepsis and the remaining 16.3% soft-tissue infections; 17.5% required intensive care unit admission, with a mean length of stay of 4 days (SD 4), and 30.7% developed complications. In this last group (n=207), a total of 313 morbidities were identified. The overall mortality rate was 12.7% (86/675). The mortality rate for intra-abdominal sepsis was 13.1%, for diabetic foot sepsis 14.2% and for necrotising fasciitis 27.3%.Conclusions. The spectrum of SS in SA is different to that seen in the developed world. Intra-abdominal sepsis is the most common SS and is overwhelmingly caused by acute appendicitis. Diabetic foot infection is a major cause of SS, reflecting the increasing burden of non-communicable chronic diseases in SA

Aetiology and Risk Factors for Neonatal Sepsis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital; Idi-Araba; Lagos; Nigeria

Background. Neonatal sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries; accounting for a large proportion of neonatal deaths annually. Every year; 4 million neonates die; and one-third of these deaths is attributed directly to neonatal sepsis.Objectives. To determine the prevalence of neonatal sepsis; characterise and identify causative organisms and identify possible risk factors. Specific objectives were to determine the aetiological agents responsible for neonatal sepsis at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and also to identify the risk factors responsible for the development of neonatal sepsis.Methods. Venous blood pairs were collected from clinically septic admitted neonates and inoculated into BACTEC Peds Plus (BD; USA) bottles aerobically in the BACTEC 9050 system. Organisms were identified using the Microbact 12A/E system and biochemicals. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for risk factors; which were analysed with the SPSS version 17. Results. Of 250 neonates who were sampled; 85 (34%) had pathogens recovered from their bloodstream; with Klebsiella pneumoniae the predominant organism. Risk factors for sepsis were being delivered outside the hospital (p=0.01); and by frequent changes in antibiotics (p=0.00). Conclusion. The burden of neonatal sepsis is still high in our environment as evidenced by our isolation rate of 34%. A concerted effort needs to be made to reduce this

Diagnostic Value of Procalcitonin in Neonatal Sepsis

Introduction: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of mortality in developing countries. Accurate and quick diagnosis are difficult because clinical presentation are non-specific; bacterial cultures are time-consuming and other laboratory tests lack sensitivity and specificity. Serum procalcitonin (PCT) has been proposed as an early marker of infections in neonates. Objectives: This study investigated the value of PCT in the diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis.Methods: Neonates undergoing sepsis evaluation at the Special Baby Care Unit; Federal Medical Centre; Abeokuta; Nigeria between January and April 2013 were included. Blood samples were obtained for white cell count; blood cultures; serum CRP and PCT analysis. Neonates were categorised into Proven Sepsis; Suspected Sepsis and Clinical Sepsis groups on the basis of laboratory findings and risk factors. A control group with no clinical and biological data of infection was also included. Predictive values and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of PCT were evaluated.Result: Of the 85 neonates; 19 (22.4%) had positive blood culture. PCT level was significantly higher in neonates in all sepsis groups in comparison with those in the control group (P 0.05). At a cut-off of 0.5 ng/ml; the negative predictive value (NPV) of PCT was 80% and the positive predictive value (PPV) 39%. There were no significant statistical difference between the AUC values of PCT in Early onset and Late onset sepsis; as well between AUC in Preterm and term cases. A higher percentage of neonates who died (96%) had elevated PCT levels compared to those who survived (46%).Conclusion: These findings support the usefulness of the PCT in diagnosis of Neonatal sepsis

Clinico-demographic factors associated with diarrhoeal disease outcome in under-five children: A Nigerian tertiary hospital experience

Objectives: To determine the proportion of under-5 children presenting with diarrhoeal disease, and the clinico demographic variables associated with the outcome at the emergency paediatric ward (CHER) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, South- East Nigeria.Methods: Clinical and demographic details of patients with diarrhoeal disease as obtained from the Paediatrics emergency ward log book over an 18month period were analyzed using SPSS and Microsoft excel software packages. The clinical variables (non-parametric) were tested for degree of association with mortality using Spearman's rank correlation. Chi square and Fischer exact test were used to determine presence of significant differences between certain variables. A p value <0.05 was deemed significant. Results: One thousand, one hundred and sixty three out of 1,513 children admitted within the period were aged below 5 years. Acute diarrheal disease accounted for 32% and 38% respectively of morbidity and mortality in these under-five children, with a case fatality rate of 18.3%. The mean age at presentation was 11.96 months with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. Presentation with fast breathing (Odds Ratio {OR} 2.6), convulsion (OR 2.5), loss of consciousness (OR 4.3), increased severity of dehydration, presence of one or more comorbidities (OR 4.68) and a co-diagnosis of sepsis (OR 3.23) significantly affected the outcome. (p< 0.05 in all these). Educational status of the mothers also significantly affected the outcome. (F=9.08, p=0.023)Conclusion: Intensified effort should be made to sensitize the public about dangers of inappropriate therapy and late hospital presentation of children with diarrhoeal disease. These will reduce mortality-heralding complications

Outcome of tube thoracostomy in paediatric non-traumatic pleural fluid collections

Objective: Management of pleural fluid collection not due to trauma increases workload of the paediatric thoracic surgeons; while delay or inappropriate treatment worsens the prognosis of the disease. This study aimed at assessing the outcome of therapeutic tube thoracostomy in non-traumatic paediatric pleural fluid collections and identifying factors responsible for treatment failure with tube thoracostomy. Design: Prospective analysis of socio-demographic characteristics; clinical features; clinical diagnosis; radiological diagnosis; and bacteriological diagnosis including bacteria cultured with sensitivity pattern; also treatment offered including tube thoracostomy with duration of tube thoracostomy and length of hospitalisation; indication for additional surgical procedure with type; and outcome of treatment of 30 paediatric patients with non-traumatic pleural fluid collection. Results: Thirty paediatric patients with various causes of non-traumatic pleural fluid collection in 34 pleural spaces were analysed. Their ages ranged between six months and 16 years (mean = 6.5 years) and M:F ratio of 2:1. Pleural effusion and empyema thoracis accounted for 46 and 40 with staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pneumoniae cultured in 10 each and a high negative culture rate of 46; which was higher with age. The parents of 40 of the patients belonged to social class 3. Success rate of tube thoracostomy was 86 in unilateral cases; 50 in bilateral cases and 81 in all cases. Alternative treatment with thoracotomy and decortications gave a success rate of 100. Conclusion: Thoracotomy with decortication is superior to tube thoracostomy in paediatric non-traumatic pleural fluid collection and should be chosen as the primary treatment option when there is bilateral disease; chronicity; loculated effusion; thickened pleural membranes or trapped lung

The development of an emergency sepsis care algorithm in Botswana

Introduction :Sepsis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in populations with a high prevalence of HIV; but the full package of early goal directed therapy (EGDT) for sepsis is not feasible in most low and middle-income countries. The objective was to develop emergency adult sepsis care guidelines for Botswana appropriate to available resources and local epidemiology in referral hospitals and in lower levels of care. Methods : The individual components of guidelines from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign were compared with available resources for their applicability in a tertiary referral hospital in Botswana. Antibiotics were chosen based on the hospital antibiogram; national antibiotic guidelines; and the cost and availability of antibiotics. The preliminary algorithm was presented to emergency centre medical officers in a referral hospital for feasibility and acceptability of implementation. The referral hospital guideline was further modified as part of a National Guidelines Project for suitability to all levels of care: Results :An acceptable and feasible sepsis algorithm was developed and implemented in a referral hospital in Botswana in accordance with the established hospital process. In turn; it served as the basis for the development of a national guideline. Discussion The principles of EGDT are adaptable to Botswana; and are likely to be adaptable to a variety of low- and middle-income countries on the basis of local resources and epidemiology. Further research is needed to study adherence and outcome related to the modified guidelines