Determinants of time to viral clearance among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals at Millennium COVID-19 care center in Ethiopia: A prospective observational study

Background: Understanding the COVID-19 disease course in terms of viral shedding is important to assist in providing a tailored isolation and treatment practice. Therefore, the current study aimed to estimate time to viral clearance and identify determinants among SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals admitted to Millennium COVID-19 Care Center in Ethiopia. Methods: A Prospective observational study was conducted among 360 randomly selected SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals who were on follow up from 2nd June to 5th July 2020. Kaplan Meier plots, median survival times, and Log-rank test were used to describe the data and compare survival distribution between groups. Association between time to viral clearance and determinants was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard survival model, where hazard ratio, P-value, and 95% CI for hazard ratio were used for testing significance Results: The Median time to viral clearance was 16 days. The log-rank test shows that having moderate and severe disease, one or more symptoms at presentation, and presenting with respiratory and constitutional symptoms seems to extend the time needed to achieve viral clearance. The Final Cox regression result shows that the rate of achieving viral clearance among symptomatic patients was 44% lower than patients who were asymptomatic (AHR=0.560, 95% CI=0.322-0.975, p-value=0.040). Conclusions: Presence of symptoms was found to be associated with delayed viral clearance implying that symptomatic patients are more likely to be infectious and therefore, attention should be paid to the practices regarding isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients.

An Overview of Pharmacotherapy-Induced Ototoxicity

This article provides an overview of ototoxic medication; as well as different pharmacological and audiological monitoring strategies. Although ototoxic medications play an important role in modern medicine; they also have the capacity to do great harm and lead to significant morbidity. Physicians have to be aware of the potential effects of medication in order to identify patients who are at increased risk of developing ototoxicity. Precaution should be taken to prevent any auditory impairment that might occur through appropriate administration and monitoring. Although some otoprotective substances have been used successfully in certain studies; further trials must be performed to assess their clinical utility. The clinical pharmacist and audiologist form an important part of the ototoxicity management healthcare team

Ischemic Stroke and Neuroprotection

Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries of the world. Greater understanding of the pathophysiology of neuronal damage in ischemic stroke has generated interest in neuroprotection as a management strategy. This paper aims to review the current concept and place of neuroprotection in ischemic stroke. An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was made using library sources including Pubmed and Medline searches. Current research findings were also included. The findings are as presented. Neuroprotection is an increasingly recognized management strategy in ischemic stroke that promises to assist clinicians in reducing stroke mortality rates and improving the quality of life of survivors

Characterization and management of solid medical wastes in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria

Background: Medical establishment such as hospitals and research institutes generate sizable amount of hazardous waste. Health care workers; patients are at risk of acquiring infection from sharps and contamination of environment with multiple drug resistant microorganisms if wastes are not properly managed. Objectives:To characterize types and evaluate waste disposal techniques employed in the management of solid medical wastes in five selected hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory;Abuja; Methods:This was a cross section study involving the use of questionnaires; in-depth interview; meetings; discussions and participant observed strategy. It also involved the collection; sorting (segregation); identification and characterization and weighing of waste types from wards and units in the selected hospitals. Results:The average waste generation rate per bed/day was determined and found to be 2.78kg of solid waste; 26.5of the total waste was hazardous in nature.Waste segregation was found not to be practiced by any of the hospitals surveyed; 18.3of the hospitals incinerated waste in a locally built brick incinerator; 9.1bury; 36.3burn waste in open pits while 36.3dispose of a waste into municipal dumpsites. Conclusion:Waste management officers do not have formal training in waste management techniques; and hospital administrators pay very little attention to appropriate management of medical waste.Therefore; we must educate waste generators of their responsibility to properly manage the waste so that their staff; patients; environment and community is protected

Safe Blood Saves Life

Blood Transfusion Saving Life:- Blood transfusion is an essential part of modern medicine and health care - Blood is a living matter that can be transfused to save lives. Todate; there is no available man-made substitute for red blood cells. Although considerable progress have been made in both preventive and curative blood derived products; red blood cells remain a rare commodity. The human body is the only source of blood for transfusion. beneficiaries of blood transfusion in Uganda (Sub-Saharan Africa). Children 50- anaemia from recurrent malaria; hookworm infestation; malnutrition and other causes. Women 25- pregnancy-related complications APH; PPH:- - Anaemia of pregnancy; Maternal depletion syndrome. Others 35- road accidents; surgery; other emergencies. Have you ever been in need of blood for transfusion? Lack of blood for transfusion leads to death