Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Early Goal-Directed Hemostatic Therapy For Severe Acute Bleeding Management In The Intensive Care Unit: A Narrative Review., Tomaz Crochemore, Klaus Görlinger, Marcus Lance

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

This is a narrative review of the published evidence for bleeding management in critically ill patients in different clinical settings in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to describe “The Ten Steps” approach to early goal-directed hemostatic therapy (EGDHT) using point-of-care testing (POCT), coagulation factor concentrates, and hemostatic drugs, according to the individual needs of each patient. We searched National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE for publications relevant to management of critical ill bleeding patients in different settings in the ICU. Bibliographies of included articles were also searched to identify additional relevant studies. English-language systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized trials, observational …

Early Goal-Directed Hemostatic Therapy For Severe Acute Bleeding Management In The Intensive Care Unit: A Narrative Review, Tomaz Crochemore, Görlinger Klaus, Marcus Lance

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

This is a narrative review of the published evidence for bleeding management in critically ill patients in different clinical settings in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to describe “The Ten Steps” approach to early goal-directed hemostatic therapy (EGDHT) using point-of-care testing (POCT), coagulation factor concentrates, and hemostatic drugs, according to the individual needs of each patient. We searched National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE for publications relevant to management of critical ill bleeding patients in different settings in the ICU. Bibliographies of included articles were also searched to identify additional relevant studies. English-language systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized trials, observational …

Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index Versus Passive Leg Raise To Assess Fluid Responsiveness In Non-Intubated Septic Patients A Prospective Observational Study, Anne Githaiga, Wangari Siika, Jeilan Mohamed, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Idris Chikophe

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Rapid fluid loading at diagnosis of sepsis is part of standard treatment. Predictive tools of fluid responsiveness are required to guide fluid resuscitation. The Passive Leg Raise [PLR] manoeuvre can predict fluid responsiveness in non-intubated patients with sepsis. The Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index [IVCCI] can also be utilised but is not routinely performed.

Aim: To investigate the correlation between Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index [IVCCI] and a Passive Leg Raise [PLR] manoeuvre for the assessment of fluid responsiveness in non-intubated septic patients in a tertiary referral hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methodology: A prospective observational study which recruited non-intubated …

Who O2cov2: Oxygen Requirements And Respiratory Support In Patients With Covid-19 In Low-And-Middle Income Countries—Protocol For A Multicountry, Prospective, Observational Cohort Study, Pryanka Relan, Srinivas Murthy, John Marshall, Djillali Annane, Sylvie Chevret, Yaseen Arabi, Wangari Siika, Sara Dominguez Rodriguez, Pauline Convocar, Janet Diaz

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has been identified as the cause of the disease officially named COVID-19, primarily a respiratory illness. COVID-19 was characterised as a pandemic on 11 March 2020. It has been estimated that approximately 20% of people with COVID-19 require oxygen therapy. Oxygen has been listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines List and Essential Medicines List for Children for almost two decades. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted, more than ever, the acute need for scale-up of oxygen therapy. Detailed data on the use of oxygen therapy in low-and-middle income countries at the patient and facility level are …

Management And Outcomes Of Pregnant Icu Patients With Severe Covid-19 Pneumonia In Qatar: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Hayat Elfil, Mogahed Ismail Hassan Hussein, Layla J. M. Kily, Sohel M. G. Ahmed, Mohammed Janish, Salwa M. Abuyaqoub, Huda A. Saleh, Marcus Lance

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Introduction: Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group for COVID-19 due to their increased vulnerability to viral infections. The impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women is not well understood, and there is a need for data on managing severe COVID-19 in pregnant patients. This retrospective descriptive cohort study described the characteristics, hospital stay, interventions, and outcomes of pregnant patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in Qatar.

Methods: Data were collected from medical records and chart reviews of pregnant women admitted to Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) with COVID-19 pneumonia from March 01, 2020, to July …

A Health Systems Approach To Critical Care Delivery In Low-Resource Settings: A Narrative Review, Stephen A. Spencer, Faustina Excel Adipa, Tim Baker, Ana Maria Crawford, Paul Dark, Dingase Dula, Stephen B. Gordon, David Oliver Hamilton, Dawit Kebede Huluka, Wangari Siika

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

There is a high burden of critical illness in low-income countries (LICs), adding pressure to already strained health systems. Over the next decade, the need for critical care is expected to grow due to ageing populations with increasing medical complexity; limited access to primary care; climate change; natural disasters; and conflict. In 2019, the 72nd World Health Assembly emphasised that an essential part of universal health coverage is improved access to effective emergency and critical care and to “ensure the timely and effective delivery of life-saving health care services to those in need”. In this narrative review, we examine critical …

Organisation, Staffing And Resources Of Critical Care Units In Kenya, Wambui Mwangi, Ronnie Kaddu, Carolyne Njoki Muiru, Nabukwangwa Simiyu, Vishal Patel, Demet Sulemanji, Dorothy Otieno, David Misango, Wangari Siika, Rashan Haniffa

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Objective: To describe the organisation, staffing patterns and resources available in critical care units in Kenya. The secondary objective was to explore variations between units in the public and private sectors.

Materials and methods: An online cross-sectional survey was used to collect data on organisational characteristics (model of care, type of unit, quality- related activities, use of electronic medical records and participation in the national ICU registry), staffing and available resources for monitoring, ventilation and general critical care.

Results: The survey included 60 of 75 identified units (80% response rate), with 43% (n = 23) located in government facilities. A …

Evaluation Of Hydrocortisone, Vitamin C, And Thiamine For The Treatment Of Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial (The Hyvits Trial), Adham Mohamed, Mohamed Abdelaty, Mohamed O. Saad, Ahmed Shible, Hassan Mitwally, Abdel-Rauof Akkari, Abdurrahmaan Elbuzidi, Awadh Bintaher, Ahmed Hashim, Marcus Lance

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of combined hydrocortisone, vitamin C, and thiamine (triple therapy) on the mortality of patients with septic shock.

Methods: This multicenter, open-label, two-arm parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted in four intensive care units in Qatar. Adult patients diagnosed with septic shock requiring norepinephrine at a rate of ≥0.1 μg/kg/min for ≥6 h were randomized to a triple therapy group or a control group. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality at 60 days or at discharge, whichever occurred first. Secondary outcomes included time to death, change in Sequential Organ …

A Systematic Review Of Substance Use And Substance Use Disorder Research In Kenya, Florence Jaguga, Sarah Kanana Kiburi, Eunice Temet, Julius Barasa, Serah Karanja, Lizz Kinyua, Edith Kamaru Kwobah

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Objectives: The burden of substance use in Kenya is significant. The objective of this study was to systematically summarize existing literature on substance use in Kenya, identify research gaps, and provide directions for future research.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines. We conducted a search of 5 bibliographic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Professionals (CINAHL) and Cochrane Library) from inception until 20 August 2020. In addition, we searched all the volumes of the official journal of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol & Drug Abuse …

The Effect Of Saline Flush After Rocuronium Bolus On Intubating Conditions In Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ian Odari, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Rajpreet Bal, David Odaba

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: In emergency surgeries requiring endotracheal intubation, the time to effect of neuromuscular blocking drugs is a crucial time to avoid hypoxia and aspiration into the lungs. Various strategies have been undertaken to shorten this time. All these methods have positive results but some are associated with side effects. The effectiveness of a muscle relaxant can either be assessed using the train of four or intubating conditions on the Goldberg scale. In this study, we investigated the effects of a 20 ml saline bolus following intravenous rocuronium at 0.6 mg/kg on the proportions of patients with excellent intubating conditions …

Building Focused Cardiac Ultrasound Capacity In A Lower Middle-Income Country: A Single Centre Study To Assess Training Impact, Wangari Siika, Anders Barasa, Benjamin Wachira, David Nekyon, Barbara Karau, Fatimah Juma, Grace Wanjiku, Harun Otieno, Gerald S. Bloomfield, Erik Sloth

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where echocardiography experts are in short supply, training non-cardiologists to perform Focused Cardiac Ultrasound (FoCUS) could minimise diagnostic delays in time-critical emergencies. Despite advocacy for FoCUS training however, opportunities in LMICs are limited, and the impact of existing curricula uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of FoCUS training based on the Focus Assessed Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE) curriculum. Our primary objective was to assess knowledge gain. Secondary objectives were to evaluate novice FoCUS image quality, assess inter-rater agreement between expert and novice FoCUS and identify barriers to the establishment …

Investigating Sofa, Delta-Sofa And Mpm-Iii For Mortality Prediction Among Critically Ill Patients At A Private Tertiary Hospital Icu In Kenya: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Lillian N. Lukoko, Peter S. Kussin, Rodney Adam, James Orwa, Wangari Siika

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Outcomes in well-resourced, intensive care units (ICUs) in Kenya are thought to be comparable to those in high-income countries (HICs) but risk-adjusted mortality data is unavailable. We undertook an evaluation of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi ICU to analyze patient clinical-demographic characteristics, compare the performance of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), delta-SOFA at 48 hours and Mortality Prediction Model-III (MPM-III) mortality prediction systems, and identify factors associated with increased risk of mortality.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of adult patients admitted to the ICU between January 2015 and September 2017. SOFA and MPM-III scores were determined …

Effect Of Removal Of Auraonce™ Laryngeal Mask In Awake Or Deep Anaesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ronald Ombaka, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, David Nekyon, Samina Mir

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: The manufacturer Ambu® recommends that the AuraOnce™ laryngeal mask be removed once the patient is fully awake. Studies have shown benefit in removal of the laryngeal mask airway while a patient is deeply anaesthetized. Current evidence is inconclusive, as to which approach is preferable and safer in adults.

Methods: one hundred and sixteen adult patients were randomly assigned to two groups of 58. For the deep arm; The AuraOnceTM laryngeal mask was removed after attaining an end tidal minimum alveolar concentration of Isoflurane of 1.15%. Occurrence of airway complication(s) (One or more of the following; Airway obstruction requiring airway …

Effect Of Target Controlled Propofol Infusion Versus Intermittent Boluses During Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Catherine Ndosi, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Ednah Gisore, Samina Mir

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Propofol is administered as intermittent boluses to achieve deep sedation to facilitate oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. Target controlled infusion (TCI) can be employed for this purpose.

Methods: 176 adults were randomly allocated into two groups of 88 patients. Control group: Received an initial bolus of propofol 1mg/kg, with repeat boluses of 0.25mg/kg. Intervention group: Received an initial target effect-site concentration of 4mcg/ml, followed by maintenance target effect-site concentration of 2.5mcg/ml, titrated by 0.5mcg/ml from baseline infusion rate as needed. Oxygen saturation, blood pressure and heart rate were evaluated immediately before administering the sedative and at 2.50, 5.00, 7.50 and 10.00 minutes. Oxygen …

Effect Of Low-Dose Ketamine Versus Fentanyl On Attenuating The Haemodynamic Response To Laryngoscopy And Endotracheal Intubation In Patients Undergoing General Anaesthesia: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomised Controlled Trial, Angela Ongewe, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Rajpreet Bal

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: The use of drugs to attenuate the haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation is the standard of care during elective surgery. Current evidence is conflicting concerning the best agent and optimal dose for this purpose. In the majority of cases, fentanyl is widely utilized to attenuate haemodynamic responses. Ketamine, an established available drug, has been scarcely studied in this regard at low doses and against varying doses of other common agents.

Objective: To compare the overall occurrence of hypertension and tachycardia immediately pre-intubation (post-induction) until 10 minutes post intubation between the study group receiving fentanyl at 1.0 µg/kg …

Haemodynamic Assessment And Support In Sepsis And Septic Shock In Resource-Limited Settings, David Misango, Rajyabardhan Pattnaik, Tim Baker, Martin W. Dünser, Arjen M. Dondorp, Marcus J. Schultz, Global Intensive Care Working Group†, Of The European Society Of Intensive Care Medicine (Esicm) And The Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (Moru) In Bangkok, Thailand

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Recommendations for haemodynamic assessment and support in sepsis and septic shock in resource-limited settings are largely lacking.

Methods: A task force of six international experts in critical care medicine, all of them members of the Global Intensive Care Working Group of the European Society of Intensive Care Medicine and with extensive bedside experience in resource-limited intensive care units, reviewed the literature and provided recommendations regarding haemodynamic assessment and support, keeping aspects of efficacy and effectiveness, availability and feasibility and affordability and safety in mind.

Results: We suggest using capillary refill time, skin mottling scores and skin temperature gradients; suggest …

A Randomized Control Trial Comparing Train Of Four Ratio > 0.9 To Clinical Assessment Of Return Of Neuromuscular Function Before Endotracheal Extubation On Critical Respiratory Events In Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery At A Tertiary Hospital In Nairobi, Isaac Adembesa, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Zul Premji, Dorothy Kamya

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: There is increasing evidence that the incidence of postoperative residual paresis after using neuromuscular blockers ranges from 24 to 50% in post anaesthesia care unit (PACU) and is associated with postoperative complications such as critical respiratory events as evidenced by hypoxia, hypoventilation and upper airway obstruction. Quantitative neuromuscular monitoring (such as the assessment of Train of four (TOF) ratio) and reversal of neuromuscular blockers has been shown to reduce postoperative residual paresis. There are very few outcome studies on effect of residual paresis in PACU. There is a paucity of published randomized controlled trials investigating whether using a TOF …

The Effect Of A Preanaesthesia Clinic Consultation On Adult Patient Anxiety At A Tertiary Hospital In Kenya: A Cohort Study, Anthony Kamau, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Gerald Yonga

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a common perioperative complication seen in approximately 11-80% of adults undergoing surgery. One of the goals of the preanaesthesia clinic is to allay anxiety. A preanaesthesia clinic evaluation has been shown to reduce anxiety however current studies on anxiety and the preanaesthesia clinic have not quantified this reduction.

Objective: To determine the reduction in anxiety in patients evaluated in the clinic versus those evaluated in the ward.

Methods: Fifty one adult patients with 28 patients in anaesthesia clinic (AC) group and 23 in the ward (W) group were sequentially recruited from both the surgical, gynaecology and …

A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Weight Adjusted Dose Versus Fixed Dose Prophylactic Phenylephrine Infusion On Maintaining Systolic Blood Pressure During Caesarean Section Under Spinal Anaesthesia, Lucy Mwaura, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Jimmie Kabugi, Samina Mir

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Spinal anaesthesia is the standard of care for elective caesarean delivery. It has advantages over general anaesthesia. However the sympathetic blockade induced by spinal anaesthesia results in an 80 percent incidence of hypotension without prophylactic management. Current evidence supports co-loading with intravenous fluids in conjunction with the use of vasopressors as the most effective way to prevent and treat the hypotension. Phenylephrine is the accepted vasopressor of choice in the parturient. A prophylactic phenylephrine infusion combined with a fluid co-load is proven to be an effective and safe method of maintaining maternal hemodynamic stability. While most published studies have …

A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing The Effect Of Adjuvant Intrathecal 2 Mg Midazolam To 20 Micrograms Fentanyl On Postoperative Pain For Patients Undergoing Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgery Under Spinal Anaesthesia, Francis Codero, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Sharif Thikra

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Intrathecal adjuvants are added to local anaesthetics to improve the quality of neuraxial blockade and prolong the duration of analgesia during spinal anaesthesia. Used intrathecally, fentanyl improves the quality of spinal blockade as compared to plain bupivacaine and confers a short duration of post-operative analgesia. Intrathecal midazolam as an adjuvant has been used and shown to improve the quality of spinal anaesthesia and prolong the duration of post-operative analgesia. No studies have been done comparing intrathecal fentanyl with bupivacaine and intrathecal 2 mg midazolam with bupivacaine.

Objective: To compare the effect of intrathecal 2mg midazolam to intrathecal 20 micrograms …

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Haemodynamic Stability In Elderly Patients Undergoing Spinal Anaesthesia At L5, S1 Versus Spinal Anaesthesia At L3, 4 At A Tertiary African Hospital., Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Karen Mbaya, Sharif Thikra, Dorothy Kamya

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Spinal anaesthesia is a routinely used anaesthetic technique in elderly patients (> 60 years) undergoing operations involving the lower limbs, lower abdomen, pelvis and the perineum. Spinal anaesthesia has several advantages over general anaesthesia including stable haemodynamic variables, less blood loss, less post-operative pain, faster recovery time and less post-operative confusion. Despite these advantages, the sympathetic blockade induced by spinal anaesthesia can result in hypotension, bradycardia, dysrhythmias and cardiac arrests. Conventionally, spinal anaesthesia is performed at the level of L3,4 interspace; with a reported incidence of hypotension in the elderly ranging between 65% and 69%. A possible strategy for …

A Report From The First Regional Pain Medicine Symposia In East, Central And Southern African Region. (Ecsa-R)-“The Rhino Model In Pain Education In Africa”, Thikra Sharif, John Bugo

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

The 1st Regional pain medicine symposia were held between the 14th and 18th of November 2011 in 3 cities (Nairobi, Mombasa and Dar-es-salaam), across 2 countries, Kenya and Tanzania. It was funded by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), through the IASP developing country education grant for 2011 and The Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi (AKUHN). It was organized by faculty from the Pain Management Unit (PMU) AKUHN. The Pain medicine educators were from PMU, AKUHN and from Specialists in Pain International Network (SPIN).

The aims of the symposia were to introduce the Rhino model concept, the …

The Prevalence Of Postoperative Pain In The First 48 Hours Following Day Surgery At A Tertiary Hospital In Nairobi, Gilbert Mwaka, Shariff Thikra, Vitalis Mung’Ayi

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Day case surgery services are increasing all over the world. The prevalence of postoperative pain after day surgery is found to be high. Little is known about the prevalence of postoperative pain, in Kenya, after day case surgeries.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of postoperative pain after day surgery at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Nairobi, to determine the severity/intensity of postoperative pain following day case surgery

Methods: Consecutive sampling was carried out until sample size of one hundred and fifty patients was achieved. The purpose and nature of the study was explained to patients before informed consent was …

Effects Of Intravenous Diclofenac On Postoperative Sore Throat In Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Surgery At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi: A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind Controlled Trial, Thang'a P., Dorothy Kamya, Vitalis Mung’Ayi

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Postoperative sore throat is the commonest complication after endotracheal intubation. The efficacy of intravenous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in alleviating postoperative sore throat has not been investigated.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of intravenous diclofenac sodium on the occurrence and severity of postoperative sore throat.

Methods: 42 in-patients scheduled for laparoscopic surgery were randomized into two equal groups to receive either a single dose of 75mg intravenous diclofenac sodium in addition to standard treatment taken at our hospital for the prevention of postoperative sore throat or to receive standard treatment only. All patients were interviewed postoperatively at 2, 6 and …

Pain Control For Uterine Fibroid Embolisation : An Initial Experience In East Africa., Gilbert Mwaka, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Nigel Hacking, William. Stones

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE) generates moderate to severe post-procedural pain. We present a case series of 24 patients who underwent UFE during our first experience in managing the sometimes excruciating pain that accompanies embolisation of the uterine arteries. We also show the evolution of our protocol for post-procedural pain management from a first to second round of procedures.

Course And Outcome Of Obstetric Patients Admitted To A University Hospital Intensive Care Unit, F. Githae, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, William Stones

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Obstetric Critical Care is an important service in the reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality, but few developing country data are available.

Objectives: To review all maternity patients admitted to the ICU over a seven year period to determine the causes and outcomes of these admissions and the frequency and causes of maternal morbidity and mortality.

Design: Retrospective patient file and ICU chart review.

Subjects: ICU Charts and medical files of obstetric patients admitted to the ICU at The Aga Khan University Hospital between (November 2003 – November 2010) were reviewed.

Setting: The ICU at The Aga Khan University …

Incidence Of Post Dural Puncture Headache Following Caesarean Section Under Spinal Anaesthesia At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Edna Gisore, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Sharif T.

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Post dural puncture headache can be a debilitating complication of subarachnoid anaesthesia for a new mother. Successful management of post dural puncture headache requires adherence to clear policies and protocols with close follow up of patients by an experienced obstetric anaesthetist.

Objectives: To examine the cumulative incidence and severity of post dural puncture headache in obstetric patients who consented for spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Subjects: All women who underwent Caesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia and fulfilled the inclusion criteria.

Setting: Aga Khan University Hospital, a teaching and referral hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

Results: …

Conformity To The Surviving Sepsis Campaign International Guidelines Among Physicians In A General Intensive Care Unit In Nairobi, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, R. Karuga

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: There are emerging therapies for managing septic critically-ill patients. There is little data from the developing world on their usage.

Objectives: To determine the conformity rate for resuscitation and management bundles for septic patients amongst physicians in a general intensive care unit.

Design: Cross sectional observational study.

Setting: The general intensive care unit, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

Subjects: Admitting physicians from all specialties in the general intensive care unit.

Results: The physicians had high conformity rates of 92% and 96% for the fluid resuscitation and use of va so pressors respectively for the initial resuscitation bundle. They had …

Life Threatening Spinal Shock And Complete Neurological Recovery Following Minor Spinal Cord Trauma In A Patient With Pre-Existing Cervical Canal Stenosis: Case Report, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, Mahmood Qureshi, John Bugo

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Mild to moderate trauma to the spinal cord that is complicated by existing cervical canal stenosis or spondylosis can be a life threatening event. It is against this background that we present a 41 year old male with cervical spinal stenosis who developed marked quadriparesis and respiratory embarrassment following collision with a colleague. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, electively sedated, paralysed and ventilated for a period of 48 hours. During the initial 24 hours of admission, he received methylprednisolone as per the National Acute Spinal Cord Injury Studies (NASCIS) protocol. Forty five hours later he had regained …

Knowledge, Attitude And Use Of Labour Pain Relief Methods Among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic In Nairobi, Vitalis Mung’Ayi, D. Netyton, Robinson Karuga

Anaesthesiology, East Africa

Background: Labour analgesia has rapidly gained popularity in obstetric practice. Low usage in the developing world has raised concern.

Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and use of labour pain relief methods in women attending antenatal clinic in Nairobi.

Design: A prospective study.

Setting: Aga Khan University Hospital, a teaching and referral hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

Subjects: Two hundred and two consecutive expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

Results: Fifty-six per cent of the participants had knowledge about labour pain relief methods. Friends, the antenatal clinic and books/leaflets were the major source on information. …