A critical analysis of discovery health's claims-based risk adjustment of mortality rates in South African private sector hospitals

In 2019, Discovery Health published a risk adjustment model to determine standardised mortality rates across South African private hospital systems, with the aim of contributing towards quality improvement in the private healthcare sector. However, the model suffers from limitations due to its design and its reliance on administrative data. The publication's aim of facilitating transparency is unfortunately undermined by shortcomings in reporting. When designing a risk prediction model, patient-proximate variables with a sound theoretical or proven association with the outcome of interest should be used. The addition of key condition-specific clinical data points at the time of hospital admission will dramatically improve model performance. Performance could be further improved by using summary risk prediction scores such as the EUROSCORE II for coronary artery bypass graft surgery or the GRACE risk score for acute coronary syndrome. In general, model reporting should conform to published reporting standards, and attempts should be made to test model validity by using sensitivity analyses. In particular, the limitations of machine learning prediction models should be understood, and these models should be appropriately developed, evaluated and reported.

Evaluate the incidence, topography, management, and outcomes in patients with polytrauma in the Suez Canal and Sinai areas

Introduction: The global prevalence of trauma-related mortality ranges from 2% to 32%; however, In Egypt, it reaches 8%. Trauma chiefly affects people in the productive age group; seriously ill patients with multiple injuries present with various levels of polytrauma. Application of incorrect triage systems and improperly trained trauma teams increase mortality and morbidity rates in non-dedicated institutions; however, these rates can decrease with appropriate infrastructure. This study aimed to improve the quality of care for patients with polytrauma through improved knowledge of the different severity levels of polytrauma and defined databases, using a suitable triage trauma system, well-trained trauma team, and appropriate infrastructure. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the emergency department (ED), over a study period of 7 months, from August 10, 2019, to March 09, 2020. This study included 458 patients with polytrauma who had met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and attended the ED of Suez Canal University Hospital. Results: The incidence of trauma among all emergency cases in the ED was 5.3%. However, most multiple injuries are mild, accounting for 44.4%, while 27.3% of the cases had life-threatening injuries. Moreover, 41.9% of the patients were managed non-operatively, whereas 58.1% of the patients required surgical interventions. Concerning the outcome, 56% and 6.9% of patients with and without life-threatening injuries respectively, died. Conclusion: Facilities of the highest quality should be available for patients with polytrauma, especially those with life-threatening injuries. In addition, training emergency medical service staff for trauma triage is essential, and at least one tertiary hospital is required in every major city in the Suez Canal and Sinai areas to decrease trauma-related mortality.

Risk factors associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality at a national tertiary referral treatment centre in Ghana: a retrospective analysis

Introduction: there is a substantial variation in COVID-19 case fatality rates across different locations, which may be due to differences in population age structure, patient factors, or health system factors. The study evaluated the clinical features and risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among confirmed cases at COVID-19 referral treatment centre. Methods: the study was a retrospective analysis of routine data of cases admitted and treated between March 2020 to March 2021 at Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital). The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistic regression. Results: the overall mortality rate among this cohort of patients was 34.4%. Compared to survivors, non-survivors were older patients, non-insured, had a higher frequency of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and were more prone to suffer from a severe form of COVID-19 infection. Compared to survivors, non-survivors showed elevated levels of white blood cell count, platelets, higher heartbeat per minute and lower levels of haemoglobin, creatinine, and oxygen saturation. The independent risk factors for COVID-19 mortality in the national treatment centre were shorter stay of hospitalizations, having a heart disease, difficulty in breathing, increased in concentration of platelets, and creatinine. A 1% increase in oxygen saturation decreased a patient's likelihood of dying from COVID-19 by 29.0%. Conclusion: this study showed COVID-19 mortality was associated with a shorter stay in hospital, having heart disease, dyspnoea, elevated levels of platelets and creatinine, and decreased oxygen saturation. There is a need for awareness creation about these risk factors to clinicians and public health officials.

Factors associated with COVID-19 fatality among patients admitted in Mashonaland West Province, Zimbabwe 2020-2022: a secondary data analysis

Introduction: approximately 15% of COVID-19 patients develop symptoms necessitating admission. From 2020 to 2022, Mashonaland West Province had an institutional case fatality rate of 23% against a national rate of 7%. Therefore, we evaluated the COVID-19 admissions in the province to determine the factors associated with COVID-19 mortality. Methods: we conducted an analytical cross-sectional study based on secondary data from isolation centers across the province using all 672 death audit forms and patient records. We obtained data on patient demographics, signs and symptoms, clinical management and oxygen therapy administered, among other things. Data were entered into an electronic form and imported into Epi-info 7 for analysis bivariate and multivariate was conducted. Results: we found that being an older man, aOR 1.04 (1.03-1.05), who had diabetes aOR 6.0 (95% CI: 3.8-9.2) and hypertension aOR 4.5 (95% CI: 2.8-6.5) were independent risk factors. Patients put on dexamethasone aOR 2.4 (95% CI: 1.6-3.4) and heparin/clexane aOR 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1-2.2) had a higher mortality risk. However, vitamin C aOR 0.48 (95% CI: 0.31-0.71) and oxygen therapy aOR 0.14 (95% CI: 0.10-0.19) and being pregnant aOR 0.06 (95% CI: 0.02-0.14) were protective. Conclusion: mortality risk increased in older male patients with comorbidities and with those on dexamethasone and heparin therapy. Oxygen therapy and vitamin C were protective. There is a need to conduct further study of the source of these variations in risk across patients to establish the true impact of differences in individuals' mortality.

Facteurs pronostiques des pneumopathies acquises sous ventilation mécanique en réanimation polyvalente du CHU d'Angre (RCI) / Prognostic factors for pneumopathy acquired under mechanical ventilation in multi-purpose resuscitation at the Angre CHU (RCI)

Objectifs : Identifier les facteurs de mauvais pronostic des pneumopathies acquises sous ventilation mécanique(PAVM) afin d'améliorer leur prise en charge.Patients et methode : Etude prospective, descriptive et analytique portant sur les patients admis en réanimation du CHU d'Angré du 1er novembre 2019 au 31 juillet 2021 et ayant présenté une PAVM.Resultats : Nous avons colligé 43 patients sur 625 admissions soit 6,88%. L'âge moyen était de 49,06 ans. Le sex ratio était de 0,38. Le principal motif d'admission était le coma avec 88,37%. L'HTA et le diabète étaient les principaux antécédents .Les PAVM précoces représentaient 53,49%. Le Klebsiella pneumoniae était le principal germe. Les patients intubés à l'admission représentaient 79,07%. La durée moyenne de ventilation était de 26,95 jours et la durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 30,8140 jours. Une antibiothérapie probabiliste a été réalisée chez 75,76% des patients. La mortalité était de 76,74%. Les facteurs de mortalité étaient une durée de ventilation mécanique supérieure à 15 jours et l'âge supérieur à 50 ans.Conclusion :La mortalité secondaire au PAVM demeure élevée. L'identification des deux facteurs pronostiques devrait améliorer la prise en charge ultérieure de tous nouveaux cas

Objectives: To identify the factors of poor prognosis of ventilator-associated lung disease (VAP) in order to improve their management. Patients and method: Prospective, descriptive and analytical study of patients admitted to intensive care at the Angré University Hospital from November 1, 2019 to July 31, 2021 and having presented VAP.Results: We collected 43 patients out of 625 admissions, i.e. 6.88%. The average age was 49.06 years. The sex ratio was 0.38. The main reason for admission was coma with 88.37%. Hypertension and diabetes were the main antecedents. Early VAP accounted for 53.49%. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the main germ. Patients intubated on admission accounted for 79.07%. The average duration of ventilation was 26.95 days and the average duration of hospitalization was 30.8140 days. Probabilistic antibiotic therapy was performed in 75.76% of patients. Mortality was 76.74%. The mortality factors were duration of mechanical ventilation greater than 15 days and age greater than 50 years.Conclusion:Secondary mortality from VAP remains high. The identification of the two prognostic factors should improve the subsequent management of all new cases.

Hypertension maligne à l'hôpital Fousseyni Daou de Kayes, au Mali: aspects épidémio-cliniques et pronostiques / Malignant hypertension at the Fousseyni Daou hospital in Kayes, Mali: epidemiological and prognostic aspects

L'hypertension artérielle maligne (HTAM) est un problème de santé publique en Afrique subsaharienne. L'objectif de cette étude était de décrire le profil épidémio-clinique et les facteurs pronostiques de l'HTAM à Fousseyni DAOU de Kayes. Méthodes. Nous avons réalisé une étude rétrospective et descriptive du 1er janvier 2016 au 31 juin 2022 à l'unité de néphrologie de l'hôpital Fousseyni Daou de Kayes. Étaient inclus, les patients hypertendus ou normotendus sous traitement hospitalisés avec une rétinopathie hypertensive (RH) de stade II ou III (selon la classification de Kirkendall) associée à une ou plusieurs autres atteintes viscérales et ayant un dossier médical complet. Résultats. Au total 117 cas d'HTAM ont été enregistrés sur 7011 dossiers examinés, dont 53,8% d'hommes (63 cas). L'âge moyen était de 39,47 ans. La moyenne de la pression artérielle à l'admission était de 187/114 mmHg. La RH était de stade II et III dans 59,8% et 40,2% des cas. L'insuffisance rénale était retrouvée chez 93,1% des patients (109 cas) dont 63,7% d'insuffisance rénale chronique (IRC) contre 36,7% d'insuffisance rénale aiguë (IRA). L'hypertrophie ventriculaire gauche a été retrouvée dans 80,4% des cas. L'issue globale des patients a été favorable dans 59% (69 cas) contre 31,6% (37 cas) de décès et 9,4% (11 cas) de sortie contre avis médical. Les facteurs associés au risque de décès étaient surtout la RH stade III, la dyslipidémie, l'IRC terminale et l'hyponatrémie. Conclusion. L'HTAM reste un problème de santé publique au Mali et touche préférentiellement les sujets jeunes avec une morbi mortalité élevée

Rectal artesunate for severe malaria, implementation research, Zambia

Objective To determine whether the positive results of a single-district pilot project focused on rectal artesunate administration at the community level in Zambia could be replicated on a larger scale. Methods In partnership with government, in 10 rural districts during 2018­2021 we: (i) trained community health volunteers to administer rectal artesunate to children with suspected severe malaria and refer them to a health facility; (ii) supported communities to establish emergency transport, food banks and emergency savings to reduce referral delays; (iii) ensured adequate drug supplies; (iv) trained health workers to treat severe malaria with injectable artesunate; and (v) monitored severe malaria cases and associated deaths via surveys, health facility data and a community monitoring system. Results Intervention communities accessed quality-assured rectal artesunate from trained community health volunteers, and follow-on treatment for severe malaria from health workers. Based on formal data from the health management information system, reported deaths from severe malaria reduced significantly from 3.1% (22/699; 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.0­4.2) to 0.5% (2/365; 95% CI: 0.0­1.1) in two demonstration districts, and from 6.2% (14/225; 95% CI: 3.6­8.8) to 0.6% (2/321; 95% CI: 0.0­1.3) in eight scale-up districts. Conclusion Despite the effects of the coronavirus disease, our results confirmed that pre-referral rectal artesunate administered by community health volunteers can be an effective intervention for severe malaria among young children. Our results strengthen the case for wider expansion of the pre-referral treatment in Zambia and elsewhere when combined with supporting interventions.

Choc hémorragique péri-opératoire au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Androva, Mahajanga, Madagascar

Introduction : Le choc hypovolémique est une défaillance circulatoire aiguë et critique, mettant rapidement en jeu le pronostic vital. L'objectif de l'étude était de déterminer les aspects épidémio-cliniques et la prise en charge du choc hémorragique periopéraoire au centre hospitalier de Mahajanga. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective, descriptive, observationnelle et monocentrique réalisée dans le service de Réanimation Chirurgicale du CHU PZaGa de Mahajanga, sur une période de 52 mois. Les données socio-démographiques, les paramètres cliniques périopératoires, la prise en charge médico-chirurgicale, l'évolution et les retentissements organiques de l'état de choc hémorragique ont été les paramètres étudiés. Résultats : Nous avons collecté 6896 dossiers des patients, dont 70 cas de choc hémorragique ont été recensés (1,02%) pour tout type de chirurgie ; 62 dossiers ont été retenus dans l'étude. La majorité des cas était du genre féminin (87,10%). Les pathologies gynéco-obstétricales étaient la principale source de l'état de choc de (77,4%), dont 59,4% d'hémorragie du post-partum. L'insuffisance rénale aiguë était la principale atteinte viscérale (61%, n=38) suivie de 10% (n=6) des cas des troubles neurologiques. Tous les patients ont bénéficié d'une oxygénothérapie, et d'un remplissage vasculaire par des cristalloïdes et 3,2% ont eu des colloïdes. Les substances vasoactives utilisées étaient l'éphédrine 41,9%, suivie de l'adrénaline 27,4% et de la noradrénaline 17,7%. Vingt-sept virgule quarante pourcent de nos patients étaient décédés, et la cause la plus incriminée était la coagulopathie par défibrination. Conclusion: Les hémorragies obstétricales constituent la première cause de choc hémorragique ; le taux de mortalité reste encore élevé.

Characteristics of hospitalised COVID-19 patients during the first two pandemic waves, Gauteng

Background: Gauteng province (GP) was one of the most affected provinces in the country during the first two pandemic waves in South Africa. We aimed to describe the characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients admitted in one of the largest quaternary hospitals in GP during the first two waves. Objectives: Study objectives were to determine factors associated with hospital admission during the second wave and to describe factors associated with in-hospital COVID-19 mortality. Method: Data from a national hospital-based surveillance system of COVID-19 hospitalisations were used. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to compare patients hospitalised during wave 1 and wave 2, and to determine factors associated with in-hospital mortality.Results: The case fatality ratio was the highest (39.95%) during wave 2. Factors associated with hospitalisation included age groups 40­59 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08­4.27), 60­79 years (aOR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.23­5.02) and ≥ 80 years (aOR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.35­8.49). Factors associated with in­hospital mortality included age groups 60­79 years (aOR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.11­5.84) and ≥ 80 years (aOR: 5.66, 95% CI: 2.12­15.08); male sex (aOR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.22­1.99); presence of an underlying comorbidity (aOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.37­2.26), as well as being admitted during post­wave 2 (aOR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.33­4.42). Conclusion: Compared to the recent omicron-driven pandemic waves characterised by lower admission rates and less disease severity among younger patients, COVID-19 in-hospital mortality during the earlier waves was associated with older age, being male and having an underlying comorbidity.

Manifestations cardiovasculaires au cours de l'infection à VIH à Libreville: étude comparative de patients séropositifs et séronégatifs / Cardiovascular Manifestations during HIV infection in Libreville: Comparative study of seropositive and seronegative patients

Introduction. Le spectre des atteintes cardiovasculaires au cours de l'infection à VIH a été modifi é par la trithérapie antirétrovirale. L'objectif de ce travail était de décrire le profi l des manifestations cardiovasculaires chez les patients vivants avec le VIH en le comparant à celui de patients séronégatifs. Méthodes. Il s'est agi d'une étude cas-témoins des dossiers de patients respectivement séropositifs et séronégatifs hospitalisés pour une pathologie cardiovasculaire au service de cardiologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville de janvier 2015 à décembre 2018. L'analyse statistique a été réalisée à l'aide du logiciel Statview 5.0. Lestests de Chi-2 de Pearson ou Exact de Ficher ont été utilisés pour la comparaison des proportions. Résultats. L'étude a porté sur sur l'analyse de 82 et 150 dossiers de patients respectivement séropositifs et séronégatifs. Un âge inférieur à 50 ans était retrouvé chez 70,7% des séropositifs et 43,3% des séronégatifs (p<0,01). Le taux de CD4 moyen des séropositifs était de 189±170/mm3 et 45,1% d'entre eux étaient sous trithérapie antiretrovirale.La cardiomyopathie dilatée était l'atteinte cardiaque la plus fréquente chez les séropositifs (42,7%) et chez les séronégatifs (52,7%) (p=0,14). La maladie thromboembolique veineuse était relevée chez 7(8,5%) séropositifs et 14 (8,8%) séronégatifs (p=0,93). Une péricardite était diagnostiquée chez 25,6% des séropositifs avec une étiologie tuberculeuse dans 85,7% des cas. Les pathologies vasculaires athéromateuses étaient plus fréquentes chez les séronégatifs (23,1%) comparés aux séropositifs (6,1%) (p<0,01). La mortalité des séropositifs était principalement due aux péricardites (71,4%). Conclusion. les manifestations cardiovasculaires liées à l'immunodépression persistent chez les personnes vivant avec le VIH à Libreville. Un dépistage précoce de ces atteintes permettrait de réduire la mortalité.

Introduction. The spectrum of cardiovascular damage during HIV infection has been modified by triple antiretroviral therapy. The objective of this study was to describe the profile of cardiovascular manifestations in patients living with HIV by comparing it to the one of seronegative patients. Methods. This was a case-control study which focused on the files of patients hospitalized for a cardiovascular pathology in the cardiology department of the Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville from january 2015 to december. 2018. Results. In total, there was on the analysis of the files of 82 seropositive patients and 150 seronegative patients. The age found was less than 50 years old in 70.7% of seropositives and 43.3% of seronegatives (p <0.01). The mean CD4 count in seropositives was 189 ± 170 /mm3 and 45.1% of them were on triple antiretroviral therapy. Dilated cardiomyopathy was the most common cardiac disease in HIVpositive (42.7%) and HIV-negative (52.7%) (p = 0.14). Venous thromboembolic disease was noted in 7 (8.5%) seropositives and 14 (8.8%) seronegatives (p=0.93).Pericarditis was diagnosed in 25.6% of seropositives patients with a tuberculous etiology in 85.7% of cases. Atheromatous vascular pathologies were more frequent in seronegative (23.1%) compared to seropositive (6.1%) (p <0.01). Mortality among seropositive was mainly due to pericarditis (71.4%)

HIV exposure and its association with paediatric ICU outcomes in children admitted with severe pneumonia at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, South Africa

Background. Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of under-5 death in South Africa and accounts for a substantial burden of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions. However, little is known about PICU outcomes in HIV-exposed uninfected (HIV-EU) children with pneumonia, despite the growing size of this vulnerable population. Objectives. To determine whether HIV exposure without infection is an independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity in children admitted to PICU with pneumonia. Methods. This retrospective review included all patients with pneumonia admitted to the PICU at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014. Patients were classified as HIV-unexposed (HIV-U), HIV-EU and HIV-infected. Medical records were reviewed to determine survival to PICU discharge, duration of PICU admission and duration of mechanical ventilation. Survival analysis was used to determine the association between HIV infection/exposure with mortality, and linear regression was used to examine the association with length of stay and duration of mechanical ventilation. This study included 107 patients: 54 were HIV-U; 28 were HIV-EU; 23 HIV-positive; and 2 had an unknown HIV status. Results. Overall, 84% (n=90) survived to PICU discharge, with no difference in survival based on HIV infection or exposure. Both HIV-EU and HIV-U children had significantly shorter PICU admissions and fewer days of mechanical ventilation compared with HIV-infected children (p=0.011 and p=0.004, respectively). Conclusion. HIV-EU children behaved similarly to HIV-U children in terms of mortality, duration of PICU admission and length of mechanical ventilation. HIV infection was associated with prolonged length of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay but not increased mortality.

Information about COVID-19: Lessons learned from Mali

Introduction. In Mali, information related to COVID-19 is regularly shared by the coordination board against COVID-19 through daily official press releases and situation reports. The goal of this study was to analyze data related to the tested samples; and the confirmed, contacts, recovered and dead cases in order to take lessons for the future. Population and methods. Data from the first 100 days after the detection of the first cases in Mali were collected and recorded on an Excel file before they got analyzed using SPSS 25.0 software. Analyses were descriptive and correlational. Results. We included 14938 tested samples, 2260 confirmed cases, 12864 contact cases, 1502 recovered cases and 117 deaths were reported during the first 100 days of the epidemic. There was a positive correlation between the number of confirmed cases; and the number of tested samples, the number of recovered cases and the number of deaths. These results suggest that the number of confirmed cases increase with the number of tested samples. Conclusion. These results call for more testing and encourage the identification, location and follow-up of COVID-19 cases. They can also be used to support the improvement of data quality and the response to COVID-19. As a result, they can contribute to improve population health

The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the ECOWAS region

Objective: to analyse the pandemic after one year in terms of the evolution of morbidity and mortality and factors that may contribute to this evolution Design: This is a secondary analysis of data gathered to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of cases, incidence rate, cumulative incidence rate, number of deaths, case fatality rate and their trends were analysed during the first year of the pandemic. Testing and other public health measures were also described according to the information available. Settings: The 15 States members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) were considered. Results: As of 31st March 2021, the ECOWAS region reported 429,760 COVID-19 cases and 5,620 deaths. In the first year, 1,110.75 persons were infected per million, while 1.31% of the confirmed patients died. The ECOWAS region represents 30% of the African population. One year after the start of COVID-19 in ECOWAS, this region reported 10% of the cases and 10% of the deaths in the continent. Cumulatively, the region has had two major epidemic waves; however, countries show different patterns. The case fatality rate presented a fast growth in the first months and then decreased to a plateau. Conclusion: We learn that the context of COVID-19 is specific to each country. This analysis shows the importance of better understanding each country's response. During this first year of the pandemic, the problem of variants of concern and the vaccination were not posed.

Potential risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective study

Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection caused more than five million deaths throughout the world and more than five thousand deaths in Libya, a little is known about the mortality rate and the risk factors for death from this serious infectious disease in Libya. Thus, it is aimed in this study to identify the potential risk factors for mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infections among 176 Libyan COVID-19 patients in Zawia city. This research is a retrospective cohort study that was conducted on 176 randomly selected volunteers who had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 during a period of December2020 to February 2021 in Zawia city, Libya. Following filling the prepared validated questionnaire by COVID-19 patients, the data was analyzed to determine the previously mentioned risk factors. The mean age(SD) of the total 176 participated COVID-19 patients was 45.06 (± 17.7) and the mortality rate among these total involved cases (mild to severe cases) was 10.8%. It is found that the mortality among the severe COVID19 cases was 41.3% and the mean age (SD) of COVID-19 deaths was 69.1 years (13.8) and 73.7% of them were 60 years old or older. In addition, it is found that 63.2% of the SARS-CoV-2 deaths were females and 78.9% of them had a positive history of chronic diseases. Moreover, it was found that the most common chronic diseases among COVID-19 deaths are diabetes mellitus and hypertension (73.3% and 53.3%, respectively). Collectively, it is concluded that COVID-19 elderly female patients aging 60 years or older with a positive history of chronic disease are more likely at high risk for death from SARS-CoV-2 infection among the participated COVID cases

Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et facteurs pronostiques des accidents vasculaires cérébraux ischémiques chez le sujet âgé à Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso / Epidemiological, clinical and prognosis aspects of ischemic stroke in the elderly in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Contexte et objectif. Le risque d'accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC) augmente avec l'âge. Notre objectif était d'identifier les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques et les facteurs liés au pronostic vital des sujets âgés hospitalisés pour AVC ischémique (AVCI) au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sourô Sanou de Bobo-Dioulasso. Méthodes. Il s'est agi d'une étude rétrospective portant sur une période allant du 1er janvier 2017 au 31 décembre 2019 et concernant tous les patients âgés de 65 ans et plus hospitalisés pour AVCI. Résultats. Au total, 153 dossiers médicaux ont été colligés. L'âge moyen était de 73,9 ans. Le sex-ratio M/F était de 1,25. Les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire étaient principalement l'hypertension artérielle chronique (61,4 %), l'alcoolisme (21,5 %), le diabète (14,3 %), et l'antécédent d'AVC (13,7 %). Le déficit moteur était le principal motif de consultation. La pathologie athéromateuse était la principale étiologie. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 16,2 jours. Le taux de mortalité intrahospitalière était de 16,9 %. La médiane de survie était de 53 jours. Les facteurs prédictifs de la mortalité étaient l'âge (p= 0,017; HR= 2,81; IC 95 %: 1,21-6,54) et le coma (p= 0,010; HR= 4,68; IC 95 %: 2,05- 43,94). Conclusion. L'AVCI chez la personne âgée à BoboDioulasso est marqué par une mortalité intrahospitalière élevée. L'optimisation de la prise en charge des patients âgés pourrait contribuer à la réduction significative de la mortalité des AVC.

Context and objective. Strokes risk increases with age. The most common one is ischemic stroke. Our objective was to identify epidemiological, clinical features and the factors linked to the prognosis for survival of older patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke in Sourô Sanou Teaching Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso. Methods. This was an analytical historical study on older patients aged ≥ 65 years, hospitalized for ischemic stroke at Sourô Sanou Teaching Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso during the period from January 1st , 2017 to December 31st, 2019. Results. A total of 153 patients has been involved in this study. The intrahospital ischemic stroke frequency was 68. 61 % of all strokes in elderly. The average age was 73.98 years. The sex ratio M/F was 1.25. Chronic high blood pressure (61.43 %), alcoholism (21.56 %), diabetes (14.37 %), and history of stroke (13.72 %) were the most frequent cerebrovascular risk factors in past medical history. The motor deficit represented the main reason for consultation. Atheromatous pathology was the main etiology. The mean duration of hospitalization was 16.21 days. The intrahospital mortality was 16. 99 %. Median survival was 53 days. The predictive factors of mortality were the age (p= 0.017; HR= 2.81; IC 95 %: 1.21-6.54) and coma (p= 0.010; HR= 4.68; IC95 %: 2.05-43.94). Conclusion. Stroke in the elderly at Bobo-Dioulasso is responsible for a high death rate. Optimization of management for elderly patients could contribute to a significant reduction of stroke mortality

Profil clinique et évolutif des patients atteints du COVID-19 à Libreville étude rétrospective et mono-centrique / Clinical and evolutionary profile of patients with COVID-19 in Libreville: A Retrospective Cohort study

Introduction : L'étude clinique des patients infectés par le SARS-CoV2 est nécessaire pour la mise en œuvre des mesures préventives de lutte contre la COVID-19. L'objectif de l'étude a été de déterminer le profil clinique et évolutif des patients Covid-19 au CHU de Libreville.Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective à viser analytique menée en secteur d'infectiologie COVID du SICOV du CHU de Libreville sur une période d'activité allant du 15 mars au 30 juin. La régression logistique univariée et multivariée pour explorer les facteurs de risque associés à la mortalité au SICOV a été utilisée. Résultats : Au total 441 patients COVID-19 étaient inclus dans l'étude, parmi lesquels 398 survivants (90,2%) et 43 décédés (9,8%). La population de moins de 65 ans représentait 88,0% de l'effectif. Le sex-ratio était de 1,34. Par rapport aux 398 survivants, les 43 patients décédés étaient significativement plus âgés (âge médian, 59 ans vs 48 ans ; p <0,001). Les lésions pulmonaires avec atteinte critique > 75% étaient plus importantes chez les patients décédés (29,2% vs 3,0% ; p=0,001). Cependant, après ajustement en analyse multivariée, l'âge supérieur à 65 ans était le seul facteur de risque indépendant de décès (p<0,001 ; OR=4,632 IC95% [2,243 ­ 9,565]).Conclusion : L'âge supérieur à 65 ans était le facteur de risque indépendant de décès, nécessitant un renforcement de mesure de contrôle de l'infection dans cette population

Introduction: The study of the prognostic factors of death of patients infected with SARS-CoV2 is necessary for the implementation of preventive measures against COVID-19. Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted in the COVID infectious disease sector of the SICOV of the University Hospital of Libreville over a period of activity from March 15 to June 30. The clinical course of the survivors and the deceased were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression to explore risk factors associated with SICOV deaths were used.Results: A total of 441 COVID-19 patients were included in the study, of which 398 survivors (90.2%) and 43 died (9.8%). The population under 65 represented 88.0% of the workforce. The sex ratio was 1.34. Compared to the 398 survivors, the 43 patients who died were significantly older (median age, 59 years vs 48 years; p <0.001). Lung lesions with critical impairment > 75% were greater in deceased patients (29.2% vs. 3.0%; p = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, age over 65 was the main independent risk factor for death (p <0.001; OR = 4.632 95% CI [2.243 - 9.565]).Conclusion: Age over 65 was the independent risk factor for death, requiring increased infection control measures in this population

Impact of communication on the awareness of birth defects among adult women in Nigeria

Objectives: Birth defects are universal problems associated with poor management outcomes in children,especially in developing countries where its burden is enormous. Media advocacy is believed to help in reducing these poor outcomes. This study assessed the level of awareness of birth defects in women and the impact of the media in Nigeria. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 778 women, conducted in the outpatient clinics of two major referral hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria, from March to October 2019.Results: Of the 778 women, 768 were administered a structured questionnaire and 10 women whose children have been managed for a congenital anomaly before were interviewed using an in-depth interview guide. Of the 768 respondents, 600 (78.1%) were in the third and fourth decades of life and 577 (75.1%) women have heard about birth defects before. A total of 348 (60.3%) and 134 (23.2%) women heard about it from the hospital and mass media, respectively, with 65.0% of them believing that the media were helping in educating people about birth defects. There was a statistically significant relationship between the awareness levels and the respondents' occupation (χ2 = 28.914, P < 0.001), educational status (χ2 =43.325, P < 0.001), religion (χ2 = 10.376, P = 0.016), antenatal clinic attendance (χ2 = 5.035, P = 0.025), and history of previous mid-trimester abortion (χ2 = 7.689,P = 0.006).Conclusion: The level of awareness about birth defects is good but not enough; there is a need for greater media involvement in disseminating information on the occurrence of birth defects.

Retrospective evaluation of inpatients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Somalia for Pediatric surgery

Objective: The aim is to reflect on the epidemiology of the patient population at a tertiary hospital for pediatric surgery, diagnostic pattern, and mortality in Somalia retrospectively. Methods: In this study, 163 patient who were hospitalized to Pediatric Surgery Clinic of Mogadishu Somalia Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital in 2018 were included. Data regarding age, gender, diagnosis, surgical condition, mortality rate and cause of the death were recorded from the patient charts and the institutional digital database Results: Of 163 patients 47 were female (28.8%) and 116 were male (71.2%). The mean age of the patients was 6.4 ± 4.8 years. The main diagnoses were congenital malformation (34.4%), acute abdomen (25.8%), traumatic injury (23.3%), infection (9.8%) and neoplasm (6.1%). Mortality rate was 9.8% and the leading cause of death was sepsis by 87.5%. Perforated appendicitis, intestinal obstruction and intussusception were creating the 68.7% of the diseases that result in death. Conclusions: Our results show that two-thirds of the surgical deaths could be prevented with timely presentation. We think that the health policymakers in Somalia should focus on how to improve the access to surgical care, patient transfer, timely presentation, and training of pediatric surgeons and to overcome the poor surgical outcomes

Morbidity and mortality of tetanus at Kenyatta National Hospital: a ten-year case audit

Introduction: Tetanus is a major health problem in developing countries, and is associated with high a morbidity and mortality. There are no recent local data in Kenya on the impact of the disease in terms of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to describe the type, severity, risk factors, immunization history and outcome of tetanus patients at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study of patients with a clinical diagnosis of tetanus admitted to KNH over ten years, who were aged 13 years and above. All available files with tetanus diagnosis were selected, and the patients' data were retrieved and analysed using SPSS Software version 21.0. Results: Out of 53 patients with tetanus, 50 (94.3%) were males and 3 (5.7%) were females. The mean age at presentation was 33.2 years (SD= 15.6). Only 4 (7.5%) patients had prior tetanus immunization. The commonest risk factor was acute injury - seen in 37 (69.8%) patients. The common site of injury was the lower limb - seen in 26 (49.1%) patients. The incubation period ranged from 3 to 90 days (IQR 7-17). Generalized tetanus was the commonest form found in 50 (94.3%) patients. Only 16 (30.2%) patients were managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The overall mortality was 49.1%. Conclusion: Tetanus mortality is still high as reported in many other studies. Most patients were males without prior immunization history. Only few patients were managed in Intensive Care Unit. We recommend advocacy on tetanus immunization and booster dosing

Atlas of African health statistics 2022: Health situation analysis of the WHO African Region

The population of the World Health Organization's (WHO) African Region was estimated to be 1 120 161 000 in 2020 and about 14.4% of the world's population of 7 758 157 000. It was 8 billion in 20211 . It is the third largest population among the WHO regions after South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. Between 2019 and 2020, the population differential was equivalent to that of a state of more than 28 million inhabitants. The five most populated countries account for more than 45% of the Region's population. Among these, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo represent about 50% of the population of the West African and Central African subregions, respectively, and Ethiopia represents about 20% of the population of the East and Southern Africa subregions. The average annual population growth in Africa was 2.5% in 2020. If the heterogeneity of the population growth between the regions of the world and between countries in the same subregion is considered, countries from and East and Southern Africa subregions seem to have lower population growth rates than countries in other large subregions, which show significantly higher increases. The current population density of Africa is low, estimated to be 36 inhabitants per km2 for the whole continent. However, many areas are uninhabitable and some countries have relatively large populations. High population density is a concern that must be addressed through policies, because it could generate surges and high concentrations of populations in mega cities and urban slums, which can be an issue when it comes to accessing various qualitative services. Gross domestic product (GDP) reflects a country's resources and therefore its potential to provide access to services to its people, particularly health services. This dynamic creates a circle, with healthier people going to work and contributing to the production of wealth for the benefit of the country. The most vulnerable people live from agriculture in rural areas, or in conflict-affected states. Difficulties in accessing health services, low education and inequalities between men and women are additional obstacles to poverty reduction. The population of sub-Saharan Africa is expected to almost double over the next three decades, growing from 1.15 billion in 2022 to 2.09 billion in 2050. The world's population is expected to grow from 7.94 billion at present to 8.51 billion in 2030 and 9.68 billion in 2050. The demographic dividend2 for African countries will emanate from the acceleration of economic growth following a de crease in fertility with a change in the structure of the age pyramid where the active population, that is those aged 18­65 years, will be more important, reaching a certain optimum to make positive the ratio between the population able to finance health and education systems and the population that benefits from these systems. This is the human capital for development at a given moment. The demographic dividend appears to be an opportunity and an invitation to action, but it is also a real challenge, that of creating sustainable jobs to generate the development to activate the economic growth lever.