Implementation and evaluation of a pilot WHO community first aid responder training in Kinshasa, DR Congo: A mixed method study

Introduction: Prehospital care in many low- and middle-income countries is underdeveloped and needs strengthening for improved outcomes. Where formal prehospital care systems are under development, integration of a layperson first responder programme may help improve access for those in need. The World Health Organization recently developed the Community First Aid Responder (CFAR) learning program in support of this system, providing that it may require adaptation to be contextually suitable and sustainably implemented at country level. This study assesses a pilot WHO CFAR course in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to inform future rollouts and related research. Methods: We conducted a 3-day in-person pilot CFAR training with 42 purposively selected community health workers. Data collection involved quantitative and qualitative phases. The first consisted of structured pre- and post-training surveys, and a course evaluation by participants. The second consisted of two focus group discussions involving purposively selected community health workers in one group, and a convenience sample of course instructors and organisers in the other. Perceptions regarding course content, perceived knowledge acquisition and self-confidence gain were analysed using descriptive statistics for the quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data. Results: Course participants were predominantly male (76.3 %) with a median age of 42 years and most (80.5 %) had no prior first aid training. Most were satisfied that the learning objectives were reached, the logistics were adequate, and that the content and teaching language were appropriately tailored to local context. The majority (94.7 %) found the 3-day duration insufficient. There was a significant self-confidence gain regarding first aid skills (average 17.9 % in pre- to 95.3 % in post-training, p < 0.001). Favourable opinions on the course structure, content, logistics and teaching methods were noted. Conclusion: A CFAR course pilot was successfully conducted in Kinshasa. The course is appropriate for context and well received by participants. It can form a key component of developing prehospital care systems in resource-constrained settings.

Acute kidney injury and renal replacement therapy: terminology standardization / Injúria renal aguda e métodos de suporte: padronização da nomenclatura

Abstract The Department of Acute Kidney Injury (IRA) of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology prepared this document for the purpose of standardizing AKI terminology and dialysis modalities in the Portuguese language for Brazil. Several terms with similar meanings have been used in AKI and its dialysis modalities, causing confusion and disparities among patients, nephrologists, health institutions, private care companies, insurance companies and government entities. These disparities can impact medical care, hospital organization and care, as well as the funding and reimbursement of AKI-related procedures. Thus, consensual nomenclature and definitions were developed, including the definitions of AKI, acute kidney disease (AKD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Additionally, we addressed all dialysis modalities and extracorporeal procedures related to AKI, currently approved and available in the country. The Brazilian Society of Nephrology hopes that this Consensus can standardize the terminology and provide technical support to all involved in AKI care in Brazil.

Resumo O Departamento de Injúria Renal Aguda (IRA) da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia elaborou o presente documento para fins de padronização da terminologia em IRA e modalidades dialíticas na língua portuguesa para o Brasil. Diversos termos com significados semelhantes têm sido empregados em IRA e suas modalidades dialíticas, causando confusão e disparidades entre pacientes, nefrologistas, instituições de saúde, empresas privadas de assistência, seguradoras e entidades governamentais. Essas disparidades podem impactar a assistência médica, a organização e o atendimento hospitalares, assim como o financiamento e reembolso dos procedimentos relacionados com a IRA. Assim, nomenclatura e definições consensuais foram elaboradas, incluindo-se as definições de IRA, doença renal aguda (DRA) e doença renal crônica (DRC). Adicionalmente, todas as modalidades dialíticas e os procedimentos extracorpóreos relacionados a IRA, atualmente aprovados e disponíveis no país, foram abordados. A Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia espera que este Consenso possa padronizar a nomenclatura e prover suporte técnico para todos os atores envolvidos na assistência à IRA no Brasil.

Perceptions of the rape crisis in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: A community-based approach using an opportunistic design

For almost three decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has experienced cycles of armed conflict, particularly in the east. During these conflicts, systematic rape has been used as a weapon of war to break women and communities. Knowledge produced about this phenomenon to date relates to the epidemiology, etiology and the consequences of these rapes, particularly on survivors in care institutions, thus ignoring the impact this phenomenon has on the communities. Our survey aims to investigate the extent to which women from the Orientale, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces experienced rape, as well as their perceptions regarding its frequency, characteristics, and repercussions for/on victims in their communities. From a sample of 1483 women, more than 99% had directly or indirectly experienced rape, on at least five occasions in three-quarters of cases. In their experience, a large proportion of the rapes took place at the victims' homes in the presence of family members and were perpetrated by members of military or paramilitary groups. Frequent health problems (several possibilities) reported include: bleeding (40.8%), pain (23.9%); unwanted pregnancies/abortions (23.4%), urogenital problems including STD (12.0%). Concerning mental health, they reported fear and anxiety (56.3%), depression and suicidal thoughts (16.8 %), insomnia (5.3%); 94.7% reported feelings of humiliation and shame and 6.9% social exclusion and stigmatization. Support for victims comes largely from NGOs (47.6%), families (27.1%) and Churches (14.3%). This is a major cultural, economic, political, human rights, and public health problem, which the authorities and international community must commit to tackling. (Afr J Reprod Health 2022; 26[4]: 42-56).

Climate Change, Pollution, Tropical Season, Hiv-Positive, Hiv-Negative And High Frequency Of Hypovitaminosis D In Patients From Kinshasa, Drc

Background: The main source of vitamin D from the human skin and synthetized by violets B rays emitted by the sun. Environmental factors such us season, climate change, diets, and pollution, are therefore likely to inuence the levels on vitamin D. Furthermore, High frequency of vitamin D deciency is now observed among HIV-infected patients. There is no published data about HIV and Vitamin D despite few scientic articles on HIV and vitamin D status reported by other African countries.Objective:This study sought to determine specically increased prevalence of vitamin D deciency and environmental factors associated with HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative.Methods:Patients followed in Kinshasa hospitals, DRC, where evaluated between the October 2015 and November 2017 period. Serum levels of vitamin D were measured in adult HIV-positives and HIV-negatives during the dry season and the rainy season in the context of climate change and pollution of the megacity of Kinshasa. Results:Five hundred and six patients were enrolled. The prevalence of moderate (≤29 and≥20 ng/mL) and severe (<20 ng/mL) 25-OH vitamin D deciency was12% (n=64) and 54,6% (n=273) respectively, 34,4 %had normal status. 62,4% (n=316) and 4,2% (n= 21) of patients with deciency (<30 ng/ml) 25-OH vitamin D were HIV-positive and HIV-negative respectively. Water pollution, air pollution, dry season, and cold season La Niña we resignicantly associated with 25-OH vitamin D deciency (P<0.0001 and <0,05, respectively). Conclusion:Overall, vitamin D deciency was very high whereas vitamin D deciency was epidemic among HIV-positives in comparison with HIV-negatives. Dry season and La Niña season /climate change-variability related to ultraviolet light and oxidative stress-ecotoxicity related pollution might be considered in the prevention and the treatment of HIV-infection in Kinshasa, DRC, Central Africa.

Serum Vitamin A Content among Malnourished and Healthy Children in Kisangani City, DRC

Summary: Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient needed by the body for various physiological functions. Its deficiency is associated with several functional disorders. The objective of this study is to determine blood vitamin A levels in malnourished and healthy children. Methods: It is a cross-sectional analytical study, consisting of determining the vitamin A content in the blood of children suffering from malnutrition and those in good nutritional status. Our sampling was casual and 59 children aged 6 to 59 months were retained. Among them 30 healthy children chosen from those attending preschool consultation at U HC and 29 malnourished children from those followed at M TNU for the management of malnutrition. The serum vitamin A assay was performed according to the method described by Tietz. Children with serum vitamin A level below 30 μg / 100 ml had vitamin A deficiency and those with a serum level greater than or equal to 30 μg / 100 ml had good vitamin A status. Percent, average and standard deviation calculations were performed. The Chi square statistical test was used to compare serum vitamin A content in healthy and malnourished children, as well as other maternal parameters for a significance level of 0.05. Results: from 59 children examined, 30 or 50.8% were 6-17 months old, the average age was 21.9 ± 13 months. 45.7% had a serum retinol level between 50-59 μg/100 ml; the average value was 46.84 μg ± 14.27. The prevalence of VAD was 20.3% and this deficit was more marked in children aged 6-17 months that is 50% (P<0.014). Among 12 children with VAD, 10 or 83.3% were the wealthy and two were the malnourished, the difference was statically significant (P< 0.011). Conclusion: Vitamin A deficiency remains a major health problem in the DRC. This affect all children regardless of their current nutritional status. Supplementation with this vitamin remains one of the palliative solutions.

Intermittent hemodialysis in dogs with chronic kidney disease stage III / Hemodiálise intermitente em cães com doença renal crônica III

ABSTRACT: Intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) is a form of renal replacement that is used in veterinary medicine for cases involving drug removal, electrolyte imbalance, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy of IHD in dogs with CKD staged at grade III and to evaluate the effect of IHD on quality of life. Twelve dogs with CKD at stage III met the inclusion criteria and were divided equally into two groups. The control group (n=6) received only clinical treatment and intravenous fluid therapy, and the hemodialysis group (n=6) received clinical and IHD treatments. Blood samples were collected before and after treatments in both groups. We evaluated complications and clinical parameters of IHD every 30 minutes. Hemodialysis decreased serum urea, creatinine, and phosphorus. Despite the evident removal of nitrogen compounds, dialysis treatment did not increase survival time in these patients. The results of this study do not support the early use of dialysis in dogs with chronic kidney disease stage III.

RESUMO: A Hemodiálise Intermitente (HDI) é uma modalidade de substituição renal, utilizada na veterinária nos casos de remoção de drogas, distúrbios hidroeletrolítico, lesão renal aguda e doença renal crônica (DRC). O objetivo do presente estudo foi estudar o efeito da hemodiálise intermitente em cães com DRC estadeados no grau III, visando avaliar a qualidade de vida. Foram selecionados 12 cães com DRC no estádio III pelos critérios de inclusão, após foram divididos em Grupo Controle (n=6), onde foi preconizado apenas tratamento clínico e fluidoterapia, e Grupo hemodiálise (n=6), que além do tratamento clínico, utilizou-se a hemodiálise intermitente. A colheita de sangue para avaliação laboratorial foi realizada antes e após a fluidoterapia de ambos os grupos. Foram avaliados as intercorrências e os parâmetros clínicos durante a HDI a cada 30 minutos. A instituição do tratamento dialítico promoveu uma eficaz diminuição das concentrações séricas de ureia, creatinina e fósforo de modo mais precoce. Apesar da evidente remoção dos compostos nitrogenados, o tratamento dialítico não aumentou a sobrevida destes pacientes, não justificando o emprego desta técnica de forma precoce em cães com doença renal crônica no estádio III.

Treatment-seeking Paths in the Management of Severe Malaria in Children under 15 Years of Age Treated in Reference Hospitals of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), few studies have focused on treatment-seeking paths selected by caretakers for the management of severe childhood malaria in an urban environment. The present study aims at describing the treatment-seeking paths according to the characteristics of households, as well as the subsequent impact on pre-hospitalisation delay and malarial fatality and on the main syndromes associated with severe childhood malaria. Methods: This descriptive study included data collected at nine hospitals in Kinshasa between January and November 2011. A total of 1,350 children, under 15 years of age and hospitalised for severe malaria, were included in the study. Results: Regarding the management of malaria, 31.5% of households went directly to the health centre or hospital while 68.5% opted for self-medication, church and/or traditional healing therapy. The most frequent first-line option was self-medication, adopted by more than 61.5% of households. Nevertheless, rational self-medication using antimalarial drugs recommended by the WHO (artemisinin-based combinations) was reported for only 5.5% of children. Only 12.5% of households combined 2 or 3 traditional options. The following criteria influenced the choice of a modern <i>vs</i>. traditional path: household socioeconomic level, residential environment, maternal education level and religious beliefs. When caretakers opted for traditional healing therapy, the pre-hospitalisation delay was longer and the occurrence of respiratory distress, severe anaemia and mortality was higher. Conclusion: The implementation of a malaria action plan in the Democratic Republic of Congo should take into account the diversity and pluralistic character of treatment-seeking behaviours in order to promote the most appropriate options (hospital and rational self-medication) and to avoid detrimental outcomes.

Comparação das equações MDRD e CKD-EPI na estimativa da taxa de filtração glomerular em pacientes diabéticos e hipertensos não diagnosticados com doença renal crônica atendidos em ambulatório de um hospital universitário / Comparing the equation MDRD & CKD-EPI in the estimate of glomerular filtration rate in diabetic and hypertensive patients not diagnosed with chronic kidney disease served in a outpatient university hospital

A demonstração clínica da função renal é primordial para a prática médica. A taxa de filtração glomerular (TFG) é uma medição direta da função renal e é reduzida antes do início dos sintomas deinsuficiência renal. Determinar essa taxa é crucial para o diagnóstico e estadiamento da doença renal crônica (DRC) e para a avaliação da resposta aotratamento. A TFG pode ser estimada utilizando-se equações matemáticas empíricas baseadas na dosagem de creatinina sérica, como a MDRD e CKD-EPI. Seu uso tem sido incentivado como um meio simples, rápido e viável da avaliação da função renal. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eTFG gerada pelas equações MDRD e CKD-EPI em indivíduos não diagnosticados com DRC. Foram selecionados noventa pacientes atendidos no Ambulatório do Hospital Universitário do Oeste do Paraná (HUOP). Entre os pacientesselecionados para o estudo, a e TFG média obtida, utilizando-se as fórmulas CKD-EPI e MDRD, foi de 91ml/min/1,73 m2 (DP±28) e 93 ml/min/1,73 m2 (DP±41). A taxa global de pacientes com eTFG <60 ml/min/1,73 m2 , utilizando-se o cálculo do CKD-EPI, foi de 14%e, com o MDRD, foi de 17%. Foi possível concluir que a TFG de pacientes ambulatoriais apresentando ou não comorbidades pré-existentes pode ser estimada tanto pela equação CKD-EPI quanto pelo estudo MDRD...

Treatment-seeking paths in the management of severe malaria in children under 15 years of age attended in reference hospitals of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), fewstudies have focused on treatment-seeking paths selected by caretakers for themanagement of severe childhood malaria in an urban environment. The presentstudy aims at describing the treatment-seeking paths according to thecharacteristics of households, and the subsequent impact on pre-hospitalisationdelay and malarial fatality, as well as on the main syndromes associated withsevere childhood malaria. Methods: This descriptive study included data collected in nine hospitals ofKinshasa between January and November 2011. A total of 1,350 children, under 15years of age and hospitalised for severe malaria, were included in the study. Results: Regarding the management of malaria, 31.5% of households directly wentto the health centre or hospital while 68.5% of them opted for self-medication,church and/or traditional healing therapy. The most frequent first-line optionwas self-medication, adopted by more than 61.5% of households. Nevertheless,rational self-medication relying on the use of antimalarial drugs recommendedby the WHO (artemisinin-based combinations), was only reported for 5.5% ofchildren. Only 12.5% of households combined 2 or 3 traditional options. Thefollowing criteria influenced the choice of a modern <i>vs.</i> a traditional path: household socioeconomic level, residentialenvironment, mother educational level and religious beliefs. When caretakersopted for traditional healing therapy, the pre-hospitalisation delay was longerwhile the occurrence of respiratory distress, severe anaemia and mortality wasmore frequent. Conclusion: The implementation of a malaria action plan  in the Democratic Republic of Congo shouldtake into account the diversity and pluralistic character of treatment-seekingbehaviours, in order to promote the most appropriate options (hospital andrational self-medication) and avoid the deadliest severe forms.

In vitro Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Crude Extracts from Jatropha curcas Linn.

Aims: This study aims at investigating the antibacterial activity of crude methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves and root barks of Jatropha curcas against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections (UTIs) and to confirm the effective use of this plant against the uropathogenic strains in traditional medicine in Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C). Study Design: Laboratory experimental tests; Extraction of J. curcas leaf and root bark, susceptibility tests (zones of inhibition) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination and phytochemical screening and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Phytobiology, Department of Biotechnology and Department of Microbiology, General Atomic Energy Commission. Regional Center of Nuclear Studies of Kinshasa P.O BOX 868 Kin. XI DRC during October and November 2011. Methodology: Fresh leaves and root barks of J. curcas were collected, oven- dried at 45ºC, powdered and extracted with water and methanol. The aqueous extracts were lyophilized. Agar disc diffusion method was used to test antibacterial activity of the crude extracts of J. curcas against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Citrobacter diversus isolated from UTIs. The extracts were subjected to phytochemical tests. HPLC method was used to screen phenolic compounds. Results: The crude extracts exhibited a significant antibacterial activity against four of seven tested bacterial isolates. MIC values ranged from 1.0 to 7.5 mg/L. The extracts phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, steroids and flavonoids. The presence of phenolic compounds was screened by HPLC analysis. Conclusion: The inhibitory effects of the crude extracts from leaves and root barks against uropathogenic strains have justified the usefulness of J. curcas for the treatment of UTIs and sexually transmitted Infections (STIs) in traditional medicine of D.R.C.

Estudo da prevalência de óbitos de pacientes com doença renal crônica associada à doença mineral óssea / Study of the prevalence of deaths of patients with chronic kidney disease associated with bone mineral disease

Introdução: Os disturbios na homeostase do cálcio, do fósforo e do paratormônio (PTH) ocorrem precocemente nos pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) e desempenham papel fundamental na fisiopatologia das doenças ósseas que acometem esses pacientes. As desordens do metabolismo mineral e ósseo são modificáveis e podem reduzir os fatores de risco associados a essas alterações que aumentam o risco de mortalidade em pacientes sob diálise. objetivo: identificar e quantificar casos de distúrbio mineral e ósseo (DMO) em pacientes com DRC que vieram a óbito no período de janeiro de 2004 a julho de 2008. Método: foram revisados 87 prontuários médicos dos pacientes que faziam hemodiálise e foram a óbito durante esse período. Foi realizado um registro retrospectivo de dados pessoais, laboratoriais, de morbidade e mortalidade. Resultados: a taxa de mortalidade anual média dos pacientes com DRC, atendidos no período estudado, foi de aproximadamente 16,7%. Do total de óbitos, a prevalecencia de DMO-DRC foi de 67,8%. A principal causa de óbito foi a doença cardiovascular (26,4%) e a doença de base, 52,9%, foi a nefropatia diabética. Dos pacientes que foram a óbito, 45% se apresentaram com os valores de fósforo acima de 5,5mg/dL, 38% com valores de PTH acima de 300pg/mL, 40% com valores de albumina inferior a 3,5g/L e 40,2% com valores de fosfatase alcalina acima de 126 U/L. Conclusão: Os marcadores bioquímicos são úteis para avaliar não apenas o risco de mortalidade na população com DRC, mas também o uso adequado do tipo de tratamento para esse grupo distinto de pacientes.

Introduction: The disturbances in the homeostasis of calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH) occur early in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and play a key role in the pathophysiology of bone diseases that affect these patients. Disorders of bone and mineral metabolism are modifiable and can reduce the risk factors associated with these changes that increase the risk of mortality in patients on dialysis. goal: to identify and quantify cases of mineral and bone disorder (BMD) in patients with CKD who died during the period from January 2004 to July 2008. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 87 patients who were hemodialysis and died during that period. We conducted a retrospective record of personal data, laboratory, morbidity and mortality. Results: The average annual mortality rate of patients with CKD treated during the study period was approximately 16.7%. Of the total deaths, to prevailence of CKD-MBD was 67.8%. The main cause of death was cardiovascular disease (26.4%) and underlying disease, 52.9% were diabetic nephropathy. Of the patients who died, 45% presented with P values ​​above 5.5 mg / dL, 38% of patients with PTH above 300pg/mL, 40% with albumin values ​​below 3.5 g / L and 40.2% with alkaline phosphatase values ​​above 126 U / L. Conclusion: Biochemical markers are useful to evaluate not only the risk of mortality in people with CKD, but also the use of appropriate treatment for this distinct group of patients.

Visão geral da doença óssea na doença renal crônica (DRC) e nova classificação / Bone disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD): general view and new classification

Os distúrbios na homeostase do cálcio, do fósforo, do calcitriol e do paratormônio ocorrem precocemente nos pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC) e desempenham papel fundamental na fisiopatologia das doenças ósseas que acometem esses pacientes. Essa síndrome antes conhecida pelo nome“osteodistrofia renal” (ODR) foi modificada pelo KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes), recebendo uma denominação mais ampla que reúne as alterações clinicas, bioquímicas e ósseas, além das calcificações extra-ósseas, freqüentemente observadas na doença renal crônica. Essa síndromerecebeu o nome “distúrbio mineral e ósseo da doença renal crônica” (DMO-DRC) e o termo ODR ficou reservado para as alterações na histologia ósseaavaliadas por biópsia.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is accompanied by disturbances in calcium, phosphate, calcitriol, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) homeostasis that play animportant role in the pathophysiology of renal bone disease and are an important cause of morbidity. These disturbances have traditionally been termed renalosteodystrophy and classified based on bone biopsy. “Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes” (KDIGO) recommended that the term renal osteodystrophy should be used exclusively to define alterations in bone histology associated with CKD, and proposed a new term to describe the syndrome of biochemical,bone and extra-skeletal calcification abnormalities that occur in these patients. The new term is CKD-MBD (CKD-Mineral and Bone Disorder).