Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Reference Intervals For Thyroid Stimulating Hormone And Free Thyroxine Derived From Neonates Undergoing Routine Screening For Congenital Hypothyroidism At A University Teaching Hospital In Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross Sectional Study, Geoffrey Omuse, Ali Kassim, Francis Kiigu, Syeda Hussain, Mary Limbe

Pathology, East Africa

Background: In order to accurately interpret neonatal thyroid function tests (TFTs), it is necessary to have population specific reference intervals (RIs) as there is significant variation across different populations possibly due to genetic, environmental or analytical issues. Despite the importance of RIs, globally there are very few publications on RIs for neonatal TFTs primarily due to ethical and technical issues surrounding recruitment of neonates for a prospective study. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report from Africa on neonatal RIs for TFTs.

Methods: We used hospital based data largely derived from neonates attending the wellness clinic …

Isolated Gastric Tuberculosis Mimicking Malignancy, Wasim Memon, Saad Siddiqui

Department of Radiology

Isolated tuberculosis of upper gastrointestinal tract is a rare pathology, often mimicking malignancy in clinical presentation and radiological features. We present a case of middle aged gentleman with isolated tuberculosis of stomach, proven on histopathology and showing remarkable improvement on follow up.

Institutionalized Training Of Research Editors, Saba Sohail, Jamshed Akhtar

Department of Radiology

No abstract provided.

Experiences Of Adopting Blended Pedagogies In Health Assessment Course In Post Rn Baccalaureate Program Of Nursing In Karachi, Pakistan, Shanaz Hussein Cassum, Saleema Allana, Jacqueline Maria Dias

School of Nursing & Midwifery

Purpose: There is little known about whether faculty and students in a resource constricted context experience a change in learning due to the adoption of blended learning (BL) pedagogies in a lab based course. The study aimed to understand the experiences of faculty and students’ related to the adoption of BL pedagogies in health assessment course.
Design: An action research design was used in this study to integrate planning, action and research in the setting where the change is required. The study sample consisted of year 1 Post RN BScN students enrolled at the Aga Khan University School of Nursing …

Association Of Caregiver Quality Of Care With Neurocognitive Outcomes In Hiv-Affected Children Aged 2–5 Years In Uganda, Judith Bass, Noeline Nakasujja, Itziar Familiar-Lopez, Alla Sikorskii, Sarah Murray, Robert Opoka, Jura Augustinavicius, Michael Boivin

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Abstract: Children affected by HIV are at increased risk of developmental and neuropsychological disturbances due to direct effects of HIV on the brain and direct effects associated with living in poverty. Caregivers can play an important role, through quality caregiving, in mitigating the negative effect of these stressors. This study used baseline data from an ongoing caregiver training intervention trial to evaluate the association between quality of caregiver-child interactions and neurocognitive outcomes in rural HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected children in Uganda. We also assessed the extent to which caregiver distress moderated this relationship. Data on 329 caregiver-child dyads were …

Endometrial Tuberculosis Compounding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome In A Subfertile Woman: A Case Report, Charles Mariara, Angela Koech, P. Waweru, Alfred Murage

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: Asymptomatic female genital tuberculosis can impair tubal and endometrial function and later present as subfertility. A majority of the patients with genital tuberculosis in endemic regions present with subfertility and the delay in presentation, coupled with the potential the disease has in mimicking other gynecological conditions, renders it elusive. In addition to the challenge of diagnosing genital tuberculosis, fertility outcomes after treatment are not impressive. This is particularly so in the background of another confounding subfertility factor to which interventional efforts may initially be directed, at the expense of undiagnosed genital tuberculosis. We therefore present a case of subfertility …

Who Statement On Caesarean Section Rates, A. P. Betran, M. R. Torloni, J. J. Zhang, A. M. Gulmezoglu, Marleen Temmerman, Who Working Group On Caesarean Section

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

In 1985 when a group of experts convened by the World Health Organization in Fortaleza, Brazil, met to discuss the appropriate technology for birth, they echoed what at that moment was considered an unjustified and remarkable increase of caesarean section (CS) rates worldwide.1 Based on the evidence available at that time, the experts in Fortaleza concluded: ‘there is no justification for any region to have a caesarean section rate higher than 10–15%’.1 Over the years, this quote has become ubiquitous in scientific literature, being interpreted as the ideal CS rate. Although this reference range was intended for ‘populations’, which are …

Right-Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia And Myelomeningocele: A Rare Association, Syed Rehan Ali, Shakeel Ahmed

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare birth defect with a prevalence of < 0.5 per 1,000 live births. Majority of these defects are left-sided as most studies suggest that frequency of right-sided CDH was 10% of the total. The association of CDH with myelomeningocele (MMC) is extremely rare; as in Sweed's study of 116 consecutive cases of CDH, the incidence of associated MMC with CDH was stated as 4.3%. There has been one previous case report of leftsided CDH, MMC and hydrocephalus prenatally diagnosed; but to the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of the above constellation with a right-sided CDH diagnosed prenatally.

Atrial Thrombus In A Premature Newborn Following Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, Syed Rehan Ali, Shakeel Ahmed, Nadeem Aslam, Heeramani Lohana

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Critically ill newborns, whether term or preterm, are at great risk for developing symptomatic thromboembolic disease. Comorbidities like inflammation, DIC, fluctuations in cardiac output, congenital heart disease, as well as central venous or arterial catheters, are the predisposing risk factors. Clinically symptomatic or asymptomatic cases are usually picked up by echocardiography, usually done for other indications. Management usually comprises of observation, heparin therapy, thrombo-embolectomy, and catheter directed revascularization. We present a case of premature neonate who developed thrombus at inter-atrial septum as a possible consequence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, detected by echocardiography. Conversely, there is always a possibility of paradoxical emboli …

Mumps Myocarditis: A Forgotten Disease?, Sheraz Hussain, Mohammad Faizan Zahid, Arshalooz J. Rahman, Mehnaz A. Atiq, S. H. Ibrahim

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Mumps is an acute viral illness that follows a self-limiting course but up to 10% of cases have a complicated course with the involvement of other organ systems. Myocarditis is reported as a complication but the incidence has greatly fallen ever since the development of the mumps vaccine. A child presented to our department with parotid swelling and fever. Persistent tachycardia with irregular pulse led to further cardiac work up which showed decreased ejection fraction and raised serum cardiac enzymes, indicating myocardial damage. With ionotropic agents and supportive care, there was complete normalization of ejection fraction and serum cardiac enzyme …

Evaluation Of Solar Disinfection Of Water Intervention Delivered Through Lady Health Workers In Reduction Of Diarrheal Episodes In Under Five Children, Shabina Ariff, Ubaidullah Khan, Ali Turab, Imtiaz Hussain, Atif Habib, Tarab Mansoor, Dania Mallick, Zamir Suhag, Zaid Bhatti, Imran Ahmed, Sajid Bashir Soofi, Zulfiqar A Bhutta

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Solar Water Disinfection (SODIS) is a simple, inexpensive and sustainable means of daily household treatment for drinking and storage of water. Globally, over a billion people lack access to safe drinking water. As many as half million under five children die annually due to diarrheal illnesses. Most of these deaths are concentrated in Africa and South Asia. Unsafe water is one of the most critical risk factors for diarrhoea. Systematic reviews indicate that interventions to improve the microbial quality of drinking water in households are effective at reducing diarrhoea illnesses and thereby contribute significantly in reducing deaths due to …

Autologous Transplant In Lymphomas In Current Era Of Immunotherapy, Natasha Ali, Mohammad Khurshid

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

No abstract provided.

A Histopathological Outlook On Nephrotic Syndrome: A Pediatric Perspective, M K. Arif, M Arif, N Amjad

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

The developing world is observing changing histopathological patterns of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). However, the true burden of non-minimal change disease (non-MCD) presenting as INS remains unestimated owing to a paucity of data on renal biopsies. Data were collected from January 2006 to June 2014 on 75 children up to 16 years of age who underwent renal biopsies for INS. Mean age at biopsy was 11.2 ± 3.7 years. The male to female ratio was 1.5:1. A total of 25 (33.3%) children were steroid sensitive, 36 (48%) were steroid resistant, 10 (13.3%) were steroid dependent and 4 (5.3%) came with …

Flaviviruses As A Cause Of Undifferentiated Fever In Sindh Province, Pakistan: A Preliminary Report, Erum Khan, Joveria Q. Farooqi, Kelli L. Barr, Dhani Prakoso, Amna Nasir, Akbar Kanji, Sadia Shakoor, Faisal Riaz Malik, Rumina Hasan, John A. Lednicky

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Arboviral diseases are expanding worldwide, yet global surveillance is often limited due to diplomatic and cultural barriers between nations. With human encroachment into new habitats, mosquito-borne viruses are also invading new areas. The actual prevalence of expanding arboviruses is unknown in Pakistan due to inappropriate diagnosis and poor testing for arboviral diseases. The primary objective of this study was to document evidence of flavivirus infections as the cause of undifferentiated fever in Pakistan. Through a cooperative effort between the USA and Pakistan, patient exposure to dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was examined in …

Effect Of Mobile Phone Text Messages Reminders On Uptake Of Routine Immunization Among Children In Pakistan- Study Protocol For A Randomized Clinical Trial, Abdul Momin Kazi, Murtaza Ali, Khurram Zubair, Hussain Kalimuddin, Syed Asad Ali

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health

Introduction: Routine Immunization (RI) is considered one of the best public health interventions to decrease child morbidity and mortality. The RI coverage in Pakistan is still well below the desired level, leading to continued polio transmission, large measles outbreaks and thousands of deaths from vaccine-preventable illnesses. Different innovative and cost effective strategies are required to look into for enhancement in vaccination uptake and coverage. We plan to test the effectiveness of reminders to parents/caregivers on cell phones through short messaging system (SMS) in improving vaccine uptake and on-time routine immunization for children in Pakistan.
Methods and Analysis: A parallel-randomized controlled …

A Pre-Post Study Of A Multi-Country Scale Up Of Resuscitation Training Of Facility Birth Attendants: Does Helping Babies Breathe Training Save Lives?, Roopa M. Bellad, Akash Bang, Waldemar A. Carlo, Elizabeth M. Mcclure, Sreelatha Meleth, Norman Goco, Shivaprasad S. Goudar, Richard J. Derman, Patricia L. Hibberd, Archana Patel, Fabian Esamai, Sherri Bucher, Peter Gisore, Linda L. Wright

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Background: Whether facility-based implementation of Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) reduces neonatal mortality at a population level in low and middle income countries (LMIC) has not been studied. Therefore, we evaluated HBB implementation in this context where our study team has ongoing prospective outcome data on all pregnancies regardless of place of delivery.

Methods: We compared outcomes of birth cohorts in three sites in India and Kenya pre-post implementation of a facility-based intervention, using a prospective, population-based registry in 52 geographic clusters. Our hypothesis was that HBB implementation would result in a 20 % decrease in the perinatal mortality rate (PMR) …

Translational Research And Complexity Of Clinical Practice: Issues, Challenges, And Way Forward, Waris Qidwai

Department of Family Medicine

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Cable Television On Lives Of Patients Visiting A Teaching Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan, Waris Qidwai, Kashmira Nanji, Madeeha Anwar Adam

Department of Family Medicine

A cross sectional survey was conducted during August 2014 to October 2014, to identify the impact of cable television channels on lives of the people, in Karachi, Pakistan. Three hundred participants were selected through convenience sampling and a pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was analyzed in SPSS version 19.0. About 15% of participants were more than 40 years. About 62% were females in the study sample. Regression analysis showed that viewing television at night impacts work performance (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.81-2.37), sleep (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.63-1.81), family life (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 0.89-2.60) and …

Association Between Immediate Postnatal Anaemia And Risk Of Developing Postpartum Depression At The Aga Khan University Hospital: A Cohort Study, John Ndungu Kimani

Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Introduction: Postpartum depression has significant burden on obstetric psychopathology. While risk factors for the same have been extensively studied, most of this studies have focused on the role of psychosocial factors. Data on the role of physiological variables such as anaemia and role of obstetric complications in postpartum depression is now emerging. There are still gaps in literature regarding the same in developing countries and in Africa. Primary Objective: To determine the association between low postnatal hemoglobin and postpartum depression Secondary Objective: To determine the association between obstetric complication specifically postpartum hemorrhage, operative delivery and NICU/NHDU admission and postpartum depression. …

Atresia Of The Descending Aorta In A Young Woman Requiring Bypass Graft, Ammarah Mashhood, Taimur Asif Ali, Saulat H. Fatimi

Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Congenital aortic atresia is a malformation accounting for 4 - 6% of all congenital heart diseases in children. Left ventricular outflow obstruction due to atresia is common at the aortic valve but rarely has atresia been identified in the descending aorta. We report the case of a 25-year woman who was evaluated for headache and uncontrolled hypertension. CTscan chest showed a short atretic segment in the descending aorta at the isthmus, distal to the takeoff of the subclavian artery. She underwent surgery; a 22 mm Dacron graft was taken and jump graft was placed between the arch of the aorta …

Electrophysiological Changes In Patients With Liver Cirrhosis In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Karachi, Pakistan, Om Parkash, Ghulam Rehman Mohyuddin, Adil Ayub, Irfan Nazir, Arslan Arif Maan, Saeed Hamid

Section of Gastroenterology

Background: Electrophysiological changes in cirrhosis are well known but least investigated especially in our country hence we wanted to see electrophysiological changes especially QT interval in cirrhotic patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi (AKUH) in which medical records (duration 2008-2010) of cirrhotic patients were reviewed.

Results: Three hundred and eighty cirrhotic patients' charts were studied, 227 (59.7 %) were male and mean age of this cohort was 52.8±12.6 years. The most common cause for CLD was Hepatitis C (CHC) in 260 (68.4%), NBNC in 56(14.7%) and HBV in 51 (13.4%). Only 225 …

The Impact Of The Introduction Of The Pecarn Head Ct Rules On The Utilisation Of Head Ct Scans For Children With Mild Head Injury At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi., Isaac Oluoch Kobe

Master of Medicine in General Surgery

Background: Head injury is the most common cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Mild head injury comprises 90% of cases of head injury in children. Head CT scans are few, expensive and have the side effect of ionizing radiation whose effect is potentiated in children and also associated risk of sedation that is often required when doing CT scans in young children. The decision to order CT scans of the head is thus made on the basis of clinical decision rules of which the PECARN CT head rule has been found to be most sensitive and useful. Objectives: Primary: …

Evidence And Evidence Gaps In Adolescent Health, George Patton, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

The momentum to bring adolescents and young adults to center stage in global health and international development is palpable. Adolescents are increasingly seen as a crucial group for the success of the newly adopted Agenda for Sustainable Development [1]. Sitting within the Agenda for Sustainable Development framework, the 2030 Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health has extended the Every Woman, Every Child agenda to adolescence [2]. The strategy articulates the need for adolescent responsive health systems as well as social determinants, a focus that extends to legal and policy environments [3]. Countries seeking to adopt this more holistic …

Moving Towards The Goals Of Fp2020 — Classifying Contraceptives, Mario Philip R. Festin, James Kiarie, Julie Solo, Jeffrey Spieler, Shawn Malarcher, Paul F.A. Van Look, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

With the renewed focus on family planning, a clear and transparent understanding is needed for the consistent classification of contraceptives, especially in the commonly used modern/traditional system. The World Health Organization Department of Reproductive Health and Research and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) therefore convened a technical consultation in January 2015 to address issues related to classifying contraceptives. The consultation defined modern contraceptive methods as having a sound basis in reproductive biology, a precise protocol for correct use and evidence of efficacy under various conditions based on appropriately designed studies. Methods in country programs like Fertility Awareness …

Eregistries: Electronic Registries For Maternal And Child Health, J. Frederik Frøen, Sonja L. Myhre, Michael J. Frost, Doris Chou, Marleen Temmerman

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Background: The Global Roadmap for Health Measurement and Accountability sees integrated systems for health information as key to obtaining seamless, sustainable, and secure information exchanges at all levels of health systems. The Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescent’s Health aims to achieve a continuum of quality of care with effective coverage of interventions. The WHO and World Bank recommend that countries focus on intervention coverage to monitor programs and progress for universal health coverage. Electronic health registries - eRegistries - represent integrated systems that secure a triple return on investments: First, effective single data collection for health workers to …

Blood, Donors And Dollars: Rethinking Financial Sustainability Of Safe Blood Services In Tanzania, Kahabi Isangula, Sharon Brownie, Abela Mahimbo, Solomon Kibona, Abdu Juma, Deus Mogela

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Collection, processing and distribution of safe blood in Tanzania occurs within a free-for-service context, that is, a collection from non-remunerated blood donors and distributing freely to the needy people through health facilities. The safe blood services in the country appear to be crippled with many challenges and cannot meet the demand for blood and its products. As such, a need for rethinking collection methods, financial models and possible mechanisms for donor remuneration is evident.

Methods: In this paper, we venture on multi-stakeholder meetings and ongoing discussions regarding the internal mechanisms of safe blood transfusion financing. The intent is to …

Vitamin D Levels In Black African Adults At The Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi, Elizabeth Muringa Kagotho

Master of Medicine in Clinical Pathology

Introduction: Vitamin D has been known for centuries for its benefits in bone health. Recent observational studies have however demonstrated its benefits in infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and non-communicable diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. This has led to a dramatic increase in testing among adults. The cut-offs for vitamin D deficiency have been debated for decades and the current cut off is derived from a Caucasian population. Studies done among black African adults in Africa are few and have shown that vitamin D deficiency ranges from 5-91%. In view of the difference in skin colour, …

Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography In Diagnosis Of Biliary Disorders In Children - Sharing Our Experience., Fahad Ali, Waseem Akhter, Muhammad Arshad

Department of Radiology

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the role of Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-pancreatography in the diagnosis of biliary disorders in children.

METHODS:

The retrospective study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised data related to the period between August 2005 and December 2013. All children from age of 1 day to 17 years who had undergone Magnetic Rasonance Cholangio-pancreatography examination for suspected pancreaticobiliary disorders were included. Clinical presentation, Magnetic Rasonance Cholangio-pancreatography findings, operative findings and histopathological results were recorded. Sensitivity and specificity of Magnetic Rasonance Cholangio-pancreatography for different diseases was worked out.

RESULTS:

Of the 50 patients in the study, …

Omental Infarction In A Child, Saad Siddiqui, Anwar Ahmed, Naila Nadeem

Department of Radiology

Omental infarction is a rare cause of acute abdomen in children. Typical findings on imaging establish the diagnosis. We present case of a 7 years old boy who presented with acute right iliac fossa pain with diagnosis of omental infarction on imaging and findings confirmed on laparotomy. Sound knowledge regarding this infrequent cause of acute abdomen in children is necessary for timely diagnosis.

Empowering Midwives In The United Arab Emirates, Grace Edwards, Philidah Seda

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Considerable efforts have been made to increase women’s access to quality midwifery care around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies midwives as ‘the most appropriate and cost effective healthcare professional to provide care in normal pregnancy and childbirth’ (WHO 2009). A growing body of evidence demonstrates that midwifery care is associated with more efficient use of resources and improved outcomes when provided by midwives who are educated, trained, licensed, and regulated. A recent Cochrane review revealed many benefits of midwifery care, including reduction in the use of regional analgesia, fewer episiotomies, fewer instrumental births, and women feeling more …