Thoracic empyema: cause and treatment outcome at Gondar University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Despite improved antimicrobial therapy and multiple options for drainage of infected pleural space, thoracic empyema (TE) continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to assess the causes and treatment outcome of patients with thoracic empyema. Methods: Patients aged ≥ 13year with TE who were admitted to Gondar University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, from Nov 1999 to Dec 2007 were included. Retrospectively, medical records were reviewed and demographic and clinical data were collected. Results: Records of 81 patients were analyzed; majority (82%) were below the age 50 year. The mean duration of symptoms prior to presentation and hospital stay was 97.4 and 38days, respectively. HIV/AIDS was detected in 60%. Causes of empyema were pulmonary tuberculosis (56%), pneumonia (36%) and lung abscess (7%). Closed chest tube was inserted in 86% of cases and was successful in 93% of them. Case-fatality was 12% and poor outcome occurred in 26%. Conclusions: Early identification of TE and aggressive management with antibiotics or antituberculosis, drainage with chest tube, and surgical treatment when closed tube drainage fails is recommended to improve the high mortality and morbidity

Information Sharing in Professional Associations: the Case of the Ethiopian Journal of Health Development in Strengthening the Ethiopian Public Health Association

The Ethiopia Public Health Association (EPHA) was established in 1989 and legally registered under the Ethiopian law in 1991; with the objective of attaining an optimal standard of health for the people of Ethiopia by promoting better health services to the public and high professional standards through advocacy; active involvement and networking. EPHA is committed to improve the health and wellbeing of Ethiopians through the dedicated and active involvement of its members and in collaboration with all stakeholders. As stated in its constitution; establishing forums for promoting communication among members and the public on health and health-related matters; and advancing research in public health and publishing scientific journals; newsletters and bulletins for disseminating the results forthe advancement of knowledge and excellence in public health practice are the prominent objectives of the Association