Factors associated with dengue fever IgG sero-prevalence in south Kordofan state, Sudan, in 2012: Reporting prevalence ratios

Dengue fever [DF] is a vector-borne virus transmitted to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes. In this study, we identified the most important factors associated with the prevalence of IgG antibodies in a border state between Sudan and the new republic of South Sudan. To quantify the association of specific factors with the prevalence of DF IgG antibodies in Lagawa among subjects aged 16-60 years in 2012. Analytical cross-sectional community-based study conducted in Lagawa in 2012. Indoor mosquito breeding was the most significant predictor affecting DF IgG serology. Household water storage was also strongly associated with the presence of IgG antibodies. Residence in urban areas, younger age and a history of travel to the Red Sea State were significant predictors of DF IgG seroprevalence in South Kordofan state. Indoor [household] behaviors associated with DF infection should be modified to mitigate the infection risk in the study area. Awareness should be raised regarding DF in Lagawa to ensure community participation in all control measures, and the surveillance system at the border between Sudan and the republic of South Sudan should be strengthened

comparison of treatments offered to patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

To compare various treatment options provided to patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis [NASH] and assess improvement in liver status via reduction in serum Alanine Aminotransferase [ALT] levels. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from April 2000 to April 2007. Methodology: All available records of patients aged between 20-70 years, fatty liver on ultrasound, elevated serum ALT and having at least one follow-up, after a baseline visit were included. The patients had variable number of follow-ups and a maximum of 3 follow-ups were considered. Information was collected on demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects. The treatment options were categorized as weight reduction alone, with statins, and with other medications. Serum ALT level was the main outcome measured in IU/l. Repeated-measures ANOVA, using a mixed model approach was performed with treatment options as between subject factor, and follow-up as within subject factor and p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Sixty-nine records of subjects, consisting of 50 males and 19 females were selected. The mean [ +/- SD] age was 40 +/- 12 years. Thirty-one subjects [45%] were advised weight reduction only, and experienced a 72% reduction in serum ALT levels, over the mean follow-up time of 9 +/- 3 months. Twelve subjects [17%] received statins along with weight reducing advice, and experienced a 56% reduction in mean ALT over the mean follow-up of 11 +/- 7 months. Twenty-six subjects [38%] received other medications along with advice for weight reduction and experienced a 73% reduction in serum ALT levels over the mean time of 10 +/- 4 months. The mean ALT declined at follow-up times, irrespective of the prescribed treatment, and that the decline with time was different for males and females. Serum ALT levels among patients with NASH decreased with time, regardless of the provided treatment, and the decrease was different for males and females