Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Feasibility And Efficacy Of Bisphosphonate Use For The Prevention Of Bone And Muscle Loss, Laura E. Flores

Theses & Dissertations

Loss of bone and muscle mass often occurs in tandem, increasing the risk of fragility fractures. Whereas many drugs are approved for the treatment of bone loss, there are few treatments available for the concomitant loss of bone and muscle. Identification of a treatment to mitigate pathologic bone and muscle atrophy has the potential to impact countless populations and influence approaches for healthy aging. Bisphosphonates have emerged as a potential treatment for both bone and muscle loss in cellular, murine, and observational human studies. Our findings of modest weight maintenance in postmenopausal women treated with 12-months of risedronate, relative to …

Efficacy Of Preoperative Manual Detorsion For Intravaginal Testicular Torsion: A Systematic Review, Ralph Ombati

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Preoperative manual detorsion for acute testicular torsion has been postulated to improve testicular salvage rates through reduction in testicular ischemia time. Manual detorsion however has several potential risks including worsening degree of torsion, incomplete detorsion and potentially missing the opportunity to perform definitive orchidopexy.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of preoperative manual detorsion compared to immediate scrotal exploration in improving testicular salvage in acute intravaginal testicular torsion.

Methods: The MEDLINE, SCOPUS and AJOL databases along with the CENTRAL registry were searched for trials comparing preoperative manual detorsion to immediate scrotal exploration for acute intravaginal testicular torsion. Both randomized and …

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Post Operative Pain Outcome Between Suture And Tissue Glue Wound Apposition Post-Circumcision In The Pediatric Age Group, Happiness Obare

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Circumcision is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedures in the male population. Of the various circumcision techniques, sutures and tissue glue are utilized for wound closure in the free-hand techniques. Locally, sutures are routinely used for wound closure in the free-hand techniques. Whilst there are studies comparing the two wound apposition techniques using various outcomes, pain as a primary outcome comparing the two has been poorly researched. One hypothesis is that local ischemia at the suture site contributes to post-circumcision pain. It is against this background that we sought to explore differences in pain between these …

What Motivates The Choice Of Specialty Among Medical Doctors In Tanzania, Thabit Ramadhani

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Studies have shown there is a low specialist workforce, coupled with wide range of disparity among different specialities in the country to cater for the needs of more than 54 million Tanzanians. The theories of motivation and development have shown many theories influencing choices made by people in life.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the motivation for choice of specialty among medical doctors (including registrars, residents, and specialists) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Muhimbili National hospital, and the Aga Khan University Hospital Dar …

A Collection Of Research In Transplantation Surgery: The Importance Of Assessing Outcomes In A Field Dependent On The Availability Of Limited Resources, Amy J. Hargrove

Theses & Dissertations

This thesis is a collection of three independent projects related to transplantation surgery. In summary, project I involves an assessment of long-term quality of life outcomes of intestinal transplantation in pediatric patients who are now in adulthood, with comparison to other solid organ transplant patients. Health related quality of life surveys were completed in 14 adult patients who underwent intestine, liver, or kidney transplants as children. Project II evaluates pre-surgical characteristics of patients undergoing liver transplant to assess predictive factors for the need of venovenous bypass utilization intraoperatively by assessing trends at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 95 …

Biomedical Porcine Models For The Study Of Surgical Hemostasis, Hindlimb Ischemia, And Pancreatic Cancer, Shruthishree Aravind

Theses & Dissertations

Murine models have dominated the world of biomedical research and comparative medicine since their development in the early 1900s. [1] While they may be suitable models to study proteomics and genomics, they may not serve as effective translational models. [2-4] Murine models do not accurately model the pathophysiology of human disease and are limited by their size, application of medical imaging and intervention, which reduces their overall preclinical predictive value. [2-4]

Porcine models on the other hand, are slowly and steadily bridging the gap between murine models and human patients. [5] Pigs …

Survival Outcomes And Prognostic Factors Affecting Survival In Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer, Mwongeli Matheka

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: There is an increase in breast cancer in Africa with up to 77% of patients diagnosed with advanced disease. Late diagnosis, aggressive tumor biology and inadequate or incomplete treatments contribute to high mortality rates. However, there is little data on survival outcomes and prognostic factors affecting survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in Africa. The study objective was to establish the survival of patients with MBC at a single tertiary health facility and to outline the clinical and pathological characteristic of the patients and their relation to survival outcomes.

Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted …

Sensitivity Of A Preanaesthesia Screening And Triage Tool In Identifying High Risk Patients: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study, Brian Kiplagat Misoi

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction; Preoperative evaluation and optimization is conducted to prepare a sound perioperative management plan and limit complications. The standard of assessment is by the anesthesiologist based on ASA recommendations, and can be conducted early in the PAC or on the operative day. Reviews in the PAC have been shown to allay anxiety and reduce day of surgery cancellation. While it is ideal for all patients to be evaluated preoperatively by the physician anesthesiologist in the PAC, there are very few anaesthesiologist's in low and middle income countries meaning this may be unachievable. This creates a demand for innovative ways to …

Outcomes Of Cardiac Surgery At The Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi – A One Year Review, Nelly Joseph Kahamba

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death worldwide where an estimated 17.9 million people die yearly, according to WHO. Most of this disease burden lies in the low and middle-income countries. Management of cardiovascular diseases can be medical and/or surgical. Open heart surgery is one among the major surgeries performed worldwide. It is well established in high income countries where up to 200,000 cardiac surgeries can be performed yearly. In low-income countries particularly sub-Saharan Africa where most of the disease burden is, there are about 22 centres that cater to this growing need for cardiac surgery. There …

Development Of Fluorescent Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles For Intraoperative Tumor Detection, Nicholas E. Wojtynek

Theses & Dissertations

Surgical resection remains to be the primary treatment for the majority of solid tumors, including breast cancer. The complete removal of the primary tumor, local metastases, and metastatic lymph nodes dramatically improve a patient’s treatment outcome and prognosis. Nevertheless, surgeons are limited to tactile and visual cues in distinguishing malignant and healthy tissue. This can result in a positive surgical margin (PSM), which occurs when tumor goes undetected and is left behind in the surgical cavity. PSMs decreases a patient’s prognosis and necessitate additional treatment in the form of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. An emerging imaging modality, known as fluorescence-guided …

Breast Cancer Recurrence Rate In Patients Treated For Early Breast Cancer, Cecilia Munguti

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer in Kenya among women, has a prevalence of 57.1 per 100,000 women and an annual mortality of 3.7 per 100,000. Early breast cancer is curable, but has a residual risk of recurrence of 10.4% in the first 5 years. Fifty percent of the recurrences occur after the first 5 years after diagnosis. Recurrent breast cancer is associated with poorer prognosis and higher mortality rates.

Objectives: The primary objective was to determine the breast cancer recurrence rates for women managed for DCIS and early breast cancer at Aga Khan University Hospital. Secondary objectives …

Local Anaesthetic Wound Infusion Versus Thoracic Epidural Analgesia For Post-Operative Pain Control Following Elective Laparotomy: A Randomised Controlled Trial, Daniel Gathege Mwangi

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Post-operative pain control is an important pillar in enhanced recovery after surgery. There is a paucity of data that compares efficacy of pain control between continuous local anaesthetic wound infusion and thoracic epidural analgesia in elective laparotomy patients

Objective: To evaluate pain control between continuous local anaesthetic wound infusion and thoracic epidural analgesia in elective laparotomy patients.

Design: A randomised, single-blind, controlled clinical trial.

Setting: Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.

Population: Patients undergoing elective laparotomy.

Methods: Thirty eight patients scheduled for elective laparotomy were randomized into two equal groups to receive either continuous …

Perceptions Of Surgeons On Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Use At Aga Khan Hospital, Dar Es Salaam., Elizabeth Elibariki Mmari

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Surgical site infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among operated patients. The use of antibiotic prophylaxis in prevention and reduction of incidence of surgical site infection is widespread. In spite of the accessibility of universal and national guidelines for surgical prophylaxis, recent studies surveying the present routine of prophylaxis have demonstrated overutilization of a wide range antibacterial medications for a single patient. Few studies have shown qualitatively factors influencing this, and perceptions of surgeons on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use. Unfortunately, none of these studies have been done in Tanzania.

Objective: To describe the perceptions of surgeons …

The Quality Of Life Of Patients With Early Breast Cancer And Their Partners One Year After Breast Conserving Surgery Versus Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Single Centre Five Year Review, Senoga Andrew

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Breast cancer accounts for the highest incidence rate (40.3/100000) and fourth highest mortality rate (17.8/100000) among cancers in Kenya. Forty percent of breast cancer cases in Kenya are early breast cancer and this is will increase with scaled up awareness campaigns and screening. Breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy (BCT) and modified radical mastectomy (MRM) are the commonest forms of surgical techniques utilized in treatment of early breast cancer with similar overall survival and recurrence rates. These treatments impact variably on the quality of life of the patients and their spouses who are their immediate emotional and social …

Prevalence And Factors Associated To Incidental Prostate Carcinoma Among Patients Undergoing Turp For Benign Prostatic Enlargement., Isaac Herman Mawalla

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Prostate carcinoma carries higher morbidity and mortality when diagnosed late. Prostate cancer screening is paramount, however, there are no specific clinical signs for early-stage prostate cancer. As an independent variable, prostate-specific antigen is an established predictor of cancer. Incidental prostate cancer is detected by histological examination of resected biopsy tissue that had been previously diagnosed as benign. In the current PSA-use era the prevalence of incidental prostate cancer ranges from 1.4 to 13%. The prevalence in Tanzania as published by Gunda et al was 21.71%. This is alarmingly high. However, in his study, patients with high prostate-specific antigens were …

Cyto-Histological Correlation Of Thyroid Cytology And Associated Adverse Surgical Outcomes At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi., Moses Barasa

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Solitary thyroid nodules are commonly encountered endocrine disorders in surgical practice. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a minimally invasive, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tool that provides basis for surgical decisions-making in thyroid lesions management. Thus, it’s imperative that such a test should have high diagnostic accuracy in order to avoid under or over-treatment arising from false negative or positive results respectively. Studies from the African region, compared to the developed world have reported higher thyroid cyto-histologic discrepancy.

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy and adverse surgical outcome of discrepant thyroid cytology.

Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional analytical study conducted at …

Referral Patterns Affecting Age At Orchidopexy For Undescended Testis At A Tertiary Hospital In Nairobi., Muthua Ken Njoroge

Theses & Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Undescended Testis is the most common urological congenital anomaly with significant burden of disease especially in our local context. Management relies on early diagnosis, in the perinatal period, and prompt referral to an appropriate surgical unit. Spontaneous descent, while possible, doesn’t occur beyond 6 months and thus surveillance should not proceed beyond this age. Current guidelines recommend surveillance up to 6 months, referral by 9 months and, most importantly, orchidopexy by 1 year of age. Despite these clear guidelines, achieving them has proven difficult globally with low rates of orchidopexy by 1 year. The most common cited cause has …

Negative Appendectomy Rate And Associated Factors In Urban Referral Hospitals In Tanzania, Masawa Klint Nyamuryekung’E

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency. In atypical presentation, making a clinical diagnosis is difficult leading to delays with high perforation rate or misdiagnoses and high negative appendectomy rates. In the urban referral hospitals in Tanzania the baseline perforation rate, negative appendectomy rate, and factors that drive it are unknown. These could serve as measures of performance, and as evaluation parameters of future interventions aimed at improving acute appendicitis case management in Tanzania.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish the negative appendectomy rate and associated factors among patients undergoing emergency appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis …

The Validation Of Swahili Version Of The International Prostate Symptom Score Questionnaire, Miten Ramesh Patel

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition encountered in men who are 50 years and above, presenting in hospitals for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms. The International Prostate Symptom Score is one of the questionnaires used to assess these symptoms. However, this questionnaire has not yet been validated among patients with Benign Prostate Hypertrophy in the Tanzanian setting.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to assess the validity of the Swahili version of the IPSS questionnaire among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Methods: We employed a cross-sectional study design in patients that presented at the Aga …

Evaluation Of The Role Of Microvascular Pathology On Peripheral Artery Disease, Constance Mietus

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) begins with atherosclerotic narrowing of arteries, including those that supply the legs. Individuals with PAD experience pain during walking, which becomes increasingly limiting. Studies from our group and others have shown that a myopathy is present in the skeletal muscle of PAD patients, and is characterized by myofiber degeneration, fibrosis, and remodeling of vessels ranging from 50 – 150 mm in diameter. However, microvascular pathology, particularly of the smallest microvessels (5 – 15 mm in diameter) remains poorly characterized. Furthermore, little is known about the relationships between microvascular architecture, microperfusion, and patient walking performance. We …

The Causes And Effects Of Attrition From Post-Graduate Residency Programs At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi., Dennis Wamalwa

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Resident attrition is a global problem affecting most postgraduate residency training programs. It not only disrupts the educational and workload balance in the program but also results in loss of valuable time invested by the resident who has to leave before completion. AKUHN has similarly been affected with a worrying increase in resident attrition numbers over the last few years. There is however a lack of local studies on resident attrition which would inform measures to address modifiable risk factors for resident attrition and thus prevent future attrition.

Objectives: To explore factors attributable to attrition amongst residents …

Two To Nine Year Review Of Breast Conservation Therapy (Bct) For Breast Carcinoma: Clinico-Pathological Features And Survival In A Single Centre In East Africa, George Orerah

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Breast conservation therapy compares to mastectomy in terms of overall survival and disease free survival. However it’s utilization in most parts of the sub-Sahara Africa is minimal with various factors cited: patient preference, provider preference and adverse effects of or limited access to radiation therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the clinico-pathological profile and outcomes of breast cancer patients treated with breast conservation therapy or mastectomy at a single referral centre.

Methods: The Aga khan university hospital is one of the institutions in East Africa, where breast conservation therapy is practiced. We retrospectively analysed the details …

Patients’ Level Of Knowledge And Perception Of The Involvement Of Post-Graduate Trainees In Their Surgical Care At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi., Jane Mugure Githae

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Surgical training is fashioned on a system of graduated responsibilities and independence for acquisition of skills and competence. While many benefit from acquisition of these skills, few would want to be the ‘practicing ground’ for the trainee surgeon. Moreover, disclosure is inappropriate and surgical care does not specifically spell out the role of the surgical trainee in these procedures.

A pilot survey conducted on 20 first-time patients presenting to General Surgery and Orthopaedic Clinics at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, revealed varied understandings as to who is a post-graduate surgical trainee.

Objective: To explore the patients’ level …

Validation Of The Iief - 5 Questionnaire In A Clinic Population At Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Denis Otim

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are at risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and other co - morbidities. The clinical assessment of ED is unreliable and the International Index of Erectile Function – 5 (IIEF – 5) a widely used tool is not validated in our setting. We aimed to validate the IIEF – 5 as a screening tool for ED in men with LUTS visiting the outpatient services.

Methodology: In the study, 99 men above 40 years with LUTS attending the urology clinics were consecutively enrolled, administered with the IIEF – 5 and assigned an ED status. …

Immunohistochemical P21 Expression In Breast Cancer: Association With Patient And Tumour Characteristics, Benjamin N. Njihia

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Molecular characterisation of the breast cancer has allowed for targeted therapies that are improving outcomes. The gains achieved by these treatments have fuelled the search for other targets, including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors such as p21. p21 expression in breast cancer has been shown to be variably associated with clinical and pathological parameters in different populations. It is possible that either methodological or biological differences underlie these variations.

Objective: The current study sought to determine the association of p21 expression and clinico-pathological parameters in breast cancer patients at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods: Clinically annotated tissue …

Residents’ Perception On The Need For Clinical Leadership Training At The Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Lance Mayabi

Theses & Dissertations

Background:The healthcare environment is becoming increasingly complex with physicians undertaking more leadership roles. The majority of physicians are not prepared to take up these roles, despite evolving evidence that good clinical leadership yields better clinical outcomes for both patients and healthcare organizations. Further, few residency programs explicitly embed leadership training for their students despite their positions at the forefront of healthcare delivery. This deficit ultimately leaves a multilevel healthcare “leadership” gap in a sector that depends heavily on the education process to improve clinical outcomes.

A pre-study survey of residency graduates at the Aga Khan University, Nairobi (AKU,N) undertaken …

Effect Of Additional Lumbosacral Corset On The Outcome Of Patients With Non-Specific Acute Low Back Pain At The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Stanley Aruyaru Mwenda

Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem world over affecting 60-90% of the population in their lifetime. It is a leading reason for hospital admission, healthcare spending, workplace absenteeism and years lived with disability.

Up to 90% of patients suffering from low back pain do not have a serious pathology warranting imaging or further intervention besides symptom relief. These are categorized as having non- specific low back pain. This has a good prognosis running a short course of 3 to 6 weeks.

The management of non-specific acute LBP entails analgesia and non-pharmacologic interventions (back school and physical therapy). …

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

Theses & Dissertations

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: …

The Effect Of Body Mass Index On Graft Function And Kidney Transplant Outcomes, Morgan Galle

Theses & Dissertations

Background: When determining eligibility for kidney transplantation, body mass index (BMI) is often a debatable criterion for transplant due to the clinical indication, an elevated BMI has adverse effects on kidney transplant outcomes. There is a current gap in research on the effect BMI has on kidney transplant outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the role BMI plays in post-kidney transplant clinical outcomes including delayed graft function, new onset diabetes after transplant, wound complications, hospital length of stay, albumin, and readmissions to the hospital from initial hospitalization and at six months following kidney transplantation. The primary …

Development Of A Guide By Postgraduate Residents On Receiving Feedback From Faculty In The Operating Theatre At Aga Khan University Hospital, David Karuri Maina

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Direct observation of residents in clinical encounters by faculty and assessment for learning has now become a key component of postgraduate training programs. DOPS, a workplace-based assessment form, was designed to provide formative assessment and feedback about a trainee’s procedural skills. Interactions between residents and faculty are central to this learning process and are influenced by multiple factors both at faculty and resident levels as well as contextual factors. The feedback may be used by the receiver to contemplate behaviour change. The receptivity of the resident to the feedback is a key determinant as to whether the process to …