scholarly journals No findings of SARS-CoV-2 in conjunctival swabs from patients at an emergency outpatient ophthalmological healthcare facility in a Swedish county hospital: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000616
Author(s):  
Elisabet Granstam ◽  
Anders Krifors ◽  
Elisabeth Freyhult ◽  
Hanna Åkerblom
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
County Hospital ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Low Prevalence

BackgroundCOVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Virus has been found in conjunctiva of hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Conjunctivitis has also been reported as a presenting symptom of disease.ObjectiveThe aims of the study were to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the conjunctiva and throat among patients presenting at the emergency outpatient ophthalmological healthcare facility at a county hospital along with investigating the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among staff at the department.Methods and AnalysisSwabs from conjunctiva and throat of patients were analysed with real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2. Blood samples for serological analysis were obtained from staff. A questionnaire was used to investigate symptoms associated with COVID-19 during the last 3 months as well as symptoms for which the patients were seeking ophthalmological healthcare.ResultsIn total, 68 patients and 70 individuals from the staff were included in the study. Conjunctivitis was observed in 7% of patients. One patient, presenting with reduced visual acuity due to preretinal haemorrhage in the macula, was positive for SARS-CoV-2 in throat swab. Contact tracing was negative. All other RT-PCR tests were negative. Seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 was found in 4% of staff.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among patients as well as low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG-antibodies among staff at the ophthalmological ward. The risk for contracting COVID-19 at the department was small. Follow-up investigation is planned.

scholarly journals Evaluation of nine serological rapid tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Marcela Mercado ◽  
Jeadran Malagón-Rojas ◽  
Gabriela Delgado ◽  
Vivian Vanesa Rubio ◽  
Lida Muñoz Galindo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Study Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Diagnostic Aid ◽  
Rapid Tests

Objective. To evaluate the operative capacity of nine serological rapid tests to detect the IgM/IgG antibodies response in serum from patients with SARS-CoV-2 in different clinical stages. Methods. A cross-sectional study of serological rapid tests was designed to compare the performance of the evaluated immunochromatographic tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. A total of 293 samples was used, including negatives, asymptomatic, and symptomatic serum samples. Results. The sensitivity of the evaluated tests was low and moderate in the groups of asymptomatic serum samples and the group of serums coming from patients with less than 11 days since the onset of the symptoms. The specificity for the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies tests ranged between 86.5%-99% for IgM and 86.5%-99.5% for IgG. The sensitivity and the likelihood ratio were different according to the study groups. The usefulness of these tests is restricted to symptomatic patients and their sensitivity is greater than 85% after 11 days from the appearance of symptoms. Conclusions. Serological tests are not an adequate strategy for the identification of asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic patients. Serological rapid tests for the detection of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies can be used as a diagnostic aid, but diagnosis must be confirmed by RT-PCR. Rapid tests should be reserved for patients with symptoms lasting more than 11 days.

scholarly journals Hepatitis E Virus among Animal Handlers and Non-Animal Handlers in Osun State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 35-48
Author(s):  
I. R. Gidado ◽  
F. A. Osundare ◽  
I. O. Okonko ◽  
O. O. Opaleye
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Biology Laboratory ◽  
Animal Handlers

Aim: Increase in the epidemiological information is important for effective control of hepatitis E virus (HEV). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HEV among butchers, pig handlers and non-animal handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Molecular Biology Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Isale Osun, Osogbo, Nigeria, between June 2015 and July 2019. Methods: A total of 180 blood samples were obtained and screened for HEV from cohorts of 90 animal handlers (69 butchers and 21 pig handlers) and 90 non-animal handlers. Questionnaires on HEV were administered to obtain a demographic characteristic of the participants. Anti-hepatitis E viruses were also screened using HEV ELISA kit. Results: Results showed an overall prevalence of HEV to be 21.7%. The rate of anti-HEV IgG/IgM antibodies was higher among butchers (27.5%), followed by non-animal handlers (18.9%) and was least among the pig handlers (14.3%) while the two IgM positive persons were butchers and non-animal handlers. However, 39(21.7%) of the 180 samples were positive for either anti-HEV IgG antibodies (37/180, 20.6%) or anti-HEV IgM (2/180, 1.1%). Also, the rate of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was higher among butchers (26.1%), followed by non-animal handlers (17.8%) and the pig handlers (14.3%) had the least. The two IgM positive persons were butchers (1.4%), non-animal handlers (1.1%) and pig handlers had a zero prevalence. There was no statistical significance in the prevalence of HEV IgG and HEV IgM in animal handlers as compared to non-animal handlers (P > 0.05). One (1.4%) of the butchers and 1 (1.1%) of non-animal handlers showed evidence of recent HEV infection by being positive to HEV IgM. Sources of drinking water were the only HEV predisposition factor for HEV (P =0.023). Conclusion: This study reported an acute HEV infection in a butcher and a non-animal handler in Osun State, Nigeria. No prevalence rates of acute HEV infection was observed among pig handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. The study also showed a low prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies among these study populations. Proper hygiene is recommended for further reduction in HEV transmission in Nigeria. Aim: Increase in the epidemiological information is important for effective control of hepatitis E virus (HEV). This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HEV among butchers, pig handlers and non-animal handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Molecular Biology Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Isale Osun, Osogbo, Nigeria, between June 2015 and July 2019. Methods: A total of 180 blood samples were obtained and screened for HEV from cohorts of 90 animal handlers (69 butchers and 21 pig handlers) and 90 non-animal handlers. Questionnaires on HEV were administered to obtain a demographic characteristic of the participants. Anti-hepatitis E viruses were also screened using HEV ELISA kit. Results: Results showed an overall prevalence of HEV to be 21.7%. The rate of anti-HEV IgG/IgM antibodies was higher among butchers (27.5%), followed by non-animal handlers (18.9%) and was least among the pig handlers (14.3%) while the two IgM positive persons were butchers and non-animal handlers. However, 39(21.7%) of the 180 samples were positive for either anti-HEV IgG antibodies (37/180, 20.6%) or anti-HEV IgM (2/180, 1.1%). Also, the rate of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was higher among butchers (26.1%), followed by non-animal handlers (17.8%) and the pig handlers (14.3%) had the least. The two IgM positive persons were butchers (1.4%), non-animal handlers (1.1%) and pig handlers had a zero prevalence. There was no statistical significance in the prevalence of HEV IgG and HEV IgM in animal handlers as compared to non-animal handlers (P > 0.05). One (1.4%) of the butchers and 1 (1.1%) of non-animal handlers showed evidence of recent HEV infection by being positive to HEV IgM. Sources of drinking water were the only HEV predisposition factor for HEV (P =0.023). Conclusion: This study reported an acute HEV infection in a butcher and a non-animal handler in Osun State, Nigeria. No prevalence rates of acute HEV infection was observed among pig handlers in Osun State, Nigeria. The study also showed a low prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies among these study populations. Proper hygiene is recommended for further reduction in HEV transmission in Nigeria.

scholarly journals Is the COVID-19 disease associated with de novo nephritic syndrome?

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (9) ◽  
pp. 1258-1263
Author(s):  
Hamad Dheir ◽  
Savas Sipahi ◽  
Selcuk Yaylaci ◽  
Ahmed Cihad Genc ◽  
Fevziye Turkoglu Genc ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Spontaneous Remission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Dipstick Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nephritic Syndrome ◽  
The Mean

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine the incidence of de novo nephritic syndrome (NS) in COVID-19 patients and identify its associated factors. METHODS: All ward patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were investigated. After determining the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study population was identified. The urine dipstick test and urine protein creatinine ratio (UPCR) measurements were performed. Patients with de novo NS findings, nasopharyngeal swab, and urine RT-PCR tests were performed simultaneously RESULTS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 21 patients with COVID-19. The mean age of the patients was 42.2±8.8 years, and 71.4% of them were male. The mean duration of follow-up was 28.4±9.3 days. The urine RT-PCR test was positive in one patient (4.8%). Improvements were observed in hematuria by 71.4%, and proteinuria by 85.7% at the end of the follow-up. A significant decrease in the measured UPCR was found in comparison to the baseline(P=0.000). Also, improvements were recorded in the complete blood counts, inflammatory parameters, ferritin, and coagulation tests, compared to the baseline. There was a positive correlation between baseline UPCR and ferritin, and a negative correlation between baseline UPCR and sodium values CONCLUSION: COVID-19-induced de novo nephritic syndrome may occur mainly due to tubulointerstitial involvement and often results in spontaneous remission. However, why these findings were not present in all patients who had no comorbidities is not clear.

scholarly journals EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN FOR DENGUE CONTROL IN SOUTHERN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN - AN EXPERIENCE OF 2 YEARS

2021 ◽  
Vol 71 (6) ◽  
pp. 2122-25
Author(s):  
Muhammad Younas ◽  
Muhammad Asif Aziz ◽  
Raja Kamran Afzal ◽  
Hamid Iqbal ◽  
Mohsin Hussain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Fever ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Military Hospital ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dengue Control

Objective: To determine the effect of comprehensive campaign for dengue control in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Station Health Organization Multan and Departments of Pathology, Combined Military Hospital Multan, from Mar 2019 to Dec 2020. Methodology: This study was conducted by implementing a comprehensive campaign by involvement of public health workers in high risk dengue area of Multan. There were five phases of this campaign; awareness, situation analysis, vector surveillance, indoor residual sprays where vector was found and contact tracing of dengue fever cases. The system was developed in 46 Mohallas/localities of Multan. Hot spot for mosquitoes breeding were identified at 15 places. Total of 23 health workers were recruited including 3 female workers. Insecticide spraying was carried out by indoor residual spray pumps & thermal foggers in a cyclic pattern. Results: During 2019, 42 larvae were identified followed by insecticide sprays & follow up visits; 26 cases of dengue fever were diagnosed and treated at CMH Multan in a dedicated dengue ward. Contact tracing was carried out and indoor residual sprays were carried out in 20 houses around residence of these cases. In 2020, 5 larvae were identified followed by sprays & follow up visits; 2 cases of dengue fever were diagnosed and treated. Conclusion: Comprehensive campaign against dengue fever was quite successful to control spread of dengue fever.

scholarly journals Prevalence of IgG Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan – Implications for the Longevity of Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Liu ◽  
Sanyun Wu ◽  
Huangheng Tao ◽  
Guang Zeng ◽  
Fuling Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infected People ◽  
Antibody Tests

Abstract Background It is to be determined whether people infected with SARS-CoV-2 will develop long-term immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and retain long-lasting antibodies after the infection is resolved. This study was to explore the outcomes of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in four groups of individuals in Wuhan, China.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study on the following four groups who received both COVID-19 IgM/IgG tests and RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 from February 29, 2020 to April 29, 2020: 1470 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from Leishenshan Hospital, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, and Wuhan No. 7 Hospital, 3832 healthcare providers without COVID-19 diagnosis, 19555 general workers, and 1616 other patients to be admitted to the hospital (N=26473). COVID-19 patients who received IgM/IgG tests <21 days after symptom onset were excluded. Results IgG prevalence was 89.8% (95% CI 88.2-91.3%) in COVID-19 patients, 4.0% (95% CI 3.4-4.7%) in healthcare providers, 4.6 (95% CI 4.3-4.9 %) in general workers, and 1.0% in other patients (p all <0.001 for comparisons with COVID-19 patients). IgG prevalence increased significantly by age among healthcare workers and general workers. Among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, presence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 was not associated with most disease severity, presence of comorbidities, treatment received, and clinical characteristics. We identified 24 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and multiple COVID-19 antibody tests who lost previously detected IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2ConclusionsIgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in infected people may become undetectable overtime.

scholarly journals Prevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in a tertiary pediatric hospital in Poland

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249550
Author(s):  
Beata Kasztelewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Janiszewska ◽  
Julia Burzyńska ◽  
Emilia Szydłowska ◽  
Marek Migdał ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protective Immunity ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Pediatric Hospital ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Protective Properties ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Second Wave

Data on the prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody in healthcare workers (HCWs) is scarce, especially in pediatric settings. The purpose of this study was to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 IgG-positivity among HCWs of a tertiary pediatric hospital. In addition, follow-up of the serological response in the subgroup of seropositive HCWs was analysed, to gain some insight on the persistence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. We performed a retrospective analysis of voluntary SARS-CoV-2 IgG testing, which was made available free of charge to HCWs of the Children’s Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw (Poland). Plasma samples were collected between July 1 and August 9, 2020, and tested using the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Of 2,282 eligible participants, 1,879 (82.3%) HCWs volunteered to undergo testing. Sixteen HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG, corresponding to a seroprevalence of 0.85%. Among seropositive HCWs, three HCWs had confirmed COVID-19. Nine (56.3%) of the seropositive HCWs reported neither symptoms nor unprotected contact with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases in the previous months. A decline in the IgG index was observed at a median time of 86.5 days (range:84‒128 days) after symptom onset or RT-PCR testing. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the duration of persistence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, as well as the correlation between seropositivity and protective immunity against reinfection. Regardless of the persistence of antibodies and their protective properties, such low prevalence indicates that this population is vulnerable to a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Colorectal Surgical Patients and Treatment Modalities in a COVID-19 Pandemic Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Surgery ◽  
General Surgery ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elective Colorectal Surgery ◽  
First Case

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a significant threat to healthcare systems, and has resulted in treatment algorithms being changed in general surgery clinics, as is the case in all other medical disciplines. In the present study we analyze the outcomes of patients who have undergone elective colorectal surgery in our hospital since the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as the precautionary procedural changes that have been made. Methods: The present study evaluates the approaches applied for the treatment of elective colorectal cancer patients in a pandemic hospital. In this cross-sectional study, conducted in a tertiary-level public hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, a retrospective review is made of the files of patients who underwent elective colorectal surgeries between 11.03.2020, as the date on which first case of COVID-19 was officially identified in Turkey, and 01.05.2020, in the general surgery clinic of a tertiary healthcare facility that has been designated a pandemic hospital. Results: A total of 18 patients underwent a surgical resection in accordance with oncological principles between the defined dates, having been diagnosis with a colorectal malignancy. None of the operated patients were considered suspicious for COVID-19 preoperatively, nor did they have any contact history. Furthermore, there were no suspicions or signs of COVID-19 during the 14-day follow-up of the discharged patients. Conclusion: It was established in the present study that patients undergoing colorectal surgery and patients with COVID-19 infections in the same hospital can be treated successfully without cross-infection through the application of appropriate isolation principles. These successful findings were supported by a 14-day follow-up after discharge.

scholarly journals Spectrum of COVID-19 clinical characteristics among patients presenting to the primary healthcare in Qatar during the early stages of the pandemic: a retrospective multicentre cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e051999
Author(s):  
Mansoura Ismail ◽  
Anwar Joudeh ◽  
Ayman Al-Dahshan ◽  
Muna Mehdar Alsaadi ◽  
Samya Al Abdulla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Vital Signs ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Patient Disposition ◽  
Hospitalised Patients

ObjectivesTo describe clinical characteristics and laboratory investigations of patients with COVID-19 diagnosed in primary care in Qatar and to assess predictors of hospitalisation.DesignA retrospective cross-sectional study.Setting and participants3515 confirmed patients with COVID-19 diagnosed in any of the 27 primary healthcare centres in Qatar between 9 April 2020 and 30 June 2020.Main outcome measuresDemographic characteristics, comorbidities, contact tracing, clinical and laboratory data, in addition to patient disposition at the time of diagnosisResultsMean age of patients was 35.5 years (±14.7). 2285 patients (65.0%) were males, 961 patients (27.3%) had a history of concomitant comorbidity and 640 patients (18.2%) were asymptomatic. Adult patients (19–64 years old) were more likely to report symptoms than children or elderly. Fever and cough were the most frequently documented symptoms affecting 1874 patients (46.7%) and 1318 patients (37.5%), respectively. Most patients had normal vital signs at presentation; however, patients who were subsequently hospitalised had higher median temperature than non-hospitalised patients (37.7°C, IQR: 37.0°C–38.4°C, and 37.2°C, IQR: 36.8°C–37.8°C, respectively). Hospitalised patients had significantly higher C reactive protein (CRP) (median CRP: 20 mg/L, IQR: 5.0–61.2 mg/L) than non-hospitalised patients (median CRP: 4.6 mg/L, IQR: 1.7–11.50 mg/L), and lower median absolute lymphocyte count (1.5×103/µL, IQR: 1.1×103/µL–2.1×103/µL, and 1.8×103/µL, IQR: 1.3×103/µL–2.4×103/µL, respectively). Predictors of hospitalisation were increasing age (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.614, 95% CI 1.281 to 5.332 for age between 50 years and 64 years, and AOR: 3.892, 95% CI 1.646 to 9.204 for age ≥65 years), presence of two or more comorbidities (AOR: 2.628; 95% CI 1.802 to 3.832) and presence of symptoms (AOR: 1.982: 95% CI 1.342 to 2.928).ConclusionThe majority of COVID-19 cases diagnosed in primary healthcare in Qatar were symptomatic. Most cases had normal vital signs and laboratory results at presentation. Predictors of hospitalisation were increasing age, the presence of symptoms and having two or more comorbidities.

scholarly journals Analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of rapid antigenic tests for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital outbreak situation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús María Aranaz-Andrés ◽  
Abelardo Claudio Fernández Chávez ◽  
Amaranta McGee Laso ◽  
Melanie Abreu ◽  
Paloma Moreno Núñez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Predictive Value ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Units ◽  
Hospital Outbreak ◽  
Hospitalised Patients ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity ◽  
Hospital Wards ◽  
Suspected Outbreak

Abstract The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) continues to be the reference diagnostic method for the confirmation of COVID-19 cases; however, rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) have recently been developed. The purpose of the study is to assess the performance of rapid antigen-based COVID-19 testing in the context of hospital outbreaks. This was an observational, cross-sectional study. The study period was from October 2020 to January 2021. The “Panbio COVID-19 AG” RADT (Abbott) was performed and TaqPath COVID-19 test RT-PCR. The samples were obtained from hospitalised patients in suspected outbreak situations at the Ramón y Cajal Hospital. A hospital outbreak was defined as the presence of 3 or more epidemiologically linked cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the RADT were calculated using RT-PCR as a reference. A total of 17 hospital outbreaks were detected in 11 hospital units during the study period, in which 34 RT-PCR and RADT screenings were performed. We obtained 541 samples, which were analysed with RT-PCR and a further 541 analysed with RADT. Six RADT tests gave conflicting results with the RT-PCR, 5 of them with a negative RADT and positive RT-PCR and one with positive RADT and a negative RT-PCR. The sensitivity of the RADT was 83.3% (65.3–94.4%) and the specificity was 99.8% (98.9–100%). The PPV was 96.2% (80.4–99.9%) and the NPV was 99% (97.7–99.7%). The RADT shows good diagnostic performance in patients on non-COVID-19 hospital wards, in the context of an outbreak.

scholarly journals Diabetic polyneuropathy with/out neuropathic pain in Mali: A cross-sectional study in two reference diabetes treatment centers in Bamako (Mali), Western Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0241387
Author(s):  
Youssoufa Maiga ◽  
Salimata Diallo ◽  
Fatoumata dite Nènè Konipo ◽  
Oumar Sangho ◽  
Modibo Sangaré ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Diabetic Polyneuropathy ◽  
Healthcare Facility ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Western Africa ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
African Context

Introduction Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) with or without neuropathic pain is a frequent complication of diabetes. This work aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetic polyneuropathy, to describe its epidemiological aspects, and to analyze the therapeutic itinerary of patients with DPN. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study performed synchronously over six months at two major follow-up sites for patients with diabetes in Mali. DPN was diagnosed based on the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). The neuropathic nature of the pain and the quality of life of patients were evaluated by the DN4 and the ED-5D scale, respectively. We used three (3) different questionnaires to collect data from patients (one at inclusion and another during the follow-up consultation) and from the caregivers of patients with DPN. Results We included 252 patients with diabetes, and DPN was found to have a healthcare facility-based prevalence of 69.8% (176/252). The sex ratio was approximately three females for every male patient. The patients were mostly 31 to 60 years of age, 83% had type 2 diabetes, and 86.9% had neuropathic pain Approximately half of the patients (48.3%) had autonomic neuropathy and they reported moderate to intense pain, which was mainly described as a burning sensation. The patients exhibited impaired exteroceptive and proprioceptive sensations in 51.7% of cases. The patients smoked tobacco in 3.4% of cases, while 36.6% of the patients were obese and had dyslipidemia. The caregivers clearly indicated that appropriate medications were not readily accessible or available for their patients with DPN. Conclusion The healthcare facility-based prevalence of DPN with or without neuropathic pain was high in our cohort. These inexpensive and easy-to-use tools (MNSI, DN4) can be used to adequately diagnose DPN in the African context. In Mali, screening and early treatment of patients at risk of DPN should allow for a reduction of the burden of the disease, while caregivers need to be adequately trained to manage DPN.

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