scholarly journals Prevalence and clinical characteristics of otitis externa among patients attending Otorhinolaryngology Department at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania

Author(s):  
Zephania Saitabau Abraham ◽  
Onesmo Tarimo ◽  
Aveline Aloyce Kahinga ◽  
Daudi Ntunaguzi ◽  
Kassim Babu Mapondella ◽  
...  

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Otitis externa is among the otological diseases with significant impact on the quality of life of sufferers. Little is known in Sub Saharan countries despite being the focus of such disease. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of otitis externa at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania’s largest tertiary hospital.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was a hospital based descriptive cross sectional study where 1200 participants were recruited from June 2016 to January 2017. Data was analyzed using SPSS program version 20.  </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> A total of 1200 patients were recruited in this study and majority 601(50.1%) were females. Majority 672(56%) were in age group 0–10 years. Among 1200 patients, 138 (11.5%) were diagnosed to have otitis externa and male predominance (55.1%) was found. Majority 120 (87%) had diffuse otitis externa and with 0-10 years (25.83%) being the commonly affected age group by variant. The commonest risk factor was self-ear cleansing 87(53.7%) and only 2.9% were found to have complications of otitis externa.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Otitis externa was found to be prevalent and with male predominance. Self-ear cleansing was the commonest risk factor. Complications of otitis externa were found to be rare. Public awareness on otitis externa should be advocated in our country.</p>

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-133
Author(s):  
Annamary Stanislaus ◽  
Ntsilane Susan Mosenene ◽  
Celina Mhina ◽  
John Stanslaus Kisimbi ◽  
Frederick Robert Burgess ◽  
...  

Background: Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) is an indicator of corneal health status as well as being an essential tool in assessment and management of corneal diseases. It is an important factor in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma as it affects the measurement of intraocular pressure. However, the pattern of central corneal thickness in our population is not known. Our study aimed to describe the CCT measurements and their variation with age and sex among patients attending the eye clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methodology: A hospital-based descriptive, cross-sectional study used convenient sampling to recruit adult patients aged 18 years and above, presenting to the MNH between August 2016 and January 2017.Visual acuity assessment, Goldman applanation tonometry and CCT assessment using an ultrasound pachymeter were performed. Patients with previous intraocular surgery were excluded. Results: A total of 398 patients (208 males and 190 females) were recruited. The mean CCT was 526.64±38.30 µm; being 523.99±38.20 µm for males and 529.7±38.3 µm for females. 226 (56.85%) had CCT of less than 520 µm.There was no statistically significant difference in CCT between gender. The proportion of patients with thinner CCT increased with increasing age from 25.8% in those < 30 years to 75% in those aged 71years and above. The mean CCT decreased with increasing age with P-value<0.001. Conclusion: The average CCT in patients attending Muhimbili National Hospital is 526.64 µm (SD 38.30) which is generally thin, inversely proportion to age and similar that of other Africans and African-Americans. This finding has implications for the management of glaucoma in this population.


PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e10691
Author(s):  
Yimeng Hu ◽  
Qinge Li ◽  
Rui Min ◽  
Yingfeng Deng ◽  
Yancheng Xu ◽  
...  

Background The relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) and several diabetic complications or co-morbidities remains a matter of debate. The study aims to explore the association between SUA levels and the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A total of 2,809 participants (1,784 males and 1,025 females) were included in this cross-sectional study. Clinical characteristics and the prevalence of each of the four diseases were analyzed based on gender-specific quartiles of SUA levels. The Pearson correlation analysis and linear-regression analysis were used to access the correlation between SUA levels and clinical characteristics. Furthermore, a binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine whether SUA was an independent risk factor for each of the four complications. Results SUA levels were positively correlated to BMI, BUN, Scr and TG, but negatively associated with eGFR, HDL, FBG, 2h-PG and HbA1c% for the patients with T2DM. The prevalence of NAFLD and DN, but not DR or DPN, were increased with SUA levels from the first to the fourth quartile. Binary logistic regression further disclosed that SUA was an independent risk factor for NAFLD (ORs Male = 1.002, ∗P = 0.0013; ORs Female = 1.002, ∗P = 0.015) and DN (ORs Male = 1.006, ∗P < 0.001; ORs Female = 1.005, ∗P < 0.001), but not for DR and DPN. After adjustment for the confounders, SUA levels were significantly associated with NAFLD within the 3rd (ORs = 1.829, P = 0.004) and 4th quartile (ORs = 2.064, P = 0.001) for women, but not independently associated with SUA for man. On the other hand, our results revealed increased prevalence of DN for SUA quartile 2 (ORs = 3.643, P = 0.039), quartile 3 (ORs = 3.967, P = 0.024) and quartile 4 (ORs = 9.133, P < 0.001) in men; however, SUA quartiles were significantly associated with DN only for quartile 4 (ORs = 4.083, P = 0.042) in women Conclusion For patients with T2DM, elevated SUA concentration is an independent risk factor for the prevalence of NAFLD and DN after adjustment for other indicators, but not DR or DPN.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Puneet Kishore Bramania ◽  
Paschal Ruggajo ◽  
Rimal Bramania ◽  
Muhiddin Mahmoud ◽  
Francis Fredrick Furia

Abstract Background: Malnutrition, inflammation, and the combination thereof are predictors of poor outcomes in haemodialysis patients. Malnutrition Inflammation Complex Syndrome (MICS) is an accelerator of atherosclerosis and portends high mortality. Early recognition and treatment of MICS may help to improve the clinical outlook of such patients. This study investigated the prevalence of MICS and its associated factors among patients on maintenance haemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study done among 160 adult patients on maintenance haemodialysis at MNH in 2019. All participants provided written informed consent. Questionnaires were used to collect data and patients’ blood was tested for complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, transferrin, creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, and albumin. The Malnutrition Inflammation Score was used to assess MICS and its severity. Data analysis was done using the SPSS 20 software. Results: Of the 160 patients included in the study, 111 (69.4%) were male. The mean age (±SD) of patients and mean duration (±SD) on haemodialysis were 52.2(13.3) years and 22(18) months respectively. MICS was prevalent in 46.3% (mild in 24.4% and moderate to severe in 21.9%). Long-term haemodialysis (>4years) was an independent predictor of MICS [Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR 5.04 (95% CI: 1.33–19.2), p<0.05]. Hypercholesterolaemia was a negative predictor of MICS [AOR 0.11 (95% CI: 0.01-0.97), p<0.05]. Patients with MICS had significantly lower mean body mass index, serum albumin, total cholesterol, transferrin, haemoglobin, and creatinine levels. The presence of MICS was higher in underweight patients and those who had inflammation. Haemodialysis adequacy did not correlate with MICS. Conclusion: Malnutrition Inflammation Complex Syndrome is relatively common among patients on haemodialysis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Our study has shown a longer duration on haemodialysis to be associated with the occurrence of MICS; on the contrary, having hypercholesterolaemia seems to be protective against MICS consistent with the concept of reverse epidemiology. Patients on haemodialysis should be assessed regularly for malnutrition and inflammation and should receive appropriate and timely treatment to reduce the burden of associated morbidity, and mortality to these patients.


2021 ◽  
pp. 28-29
Author(s):  
Jayesh Dhananjay Gosavi ◽  
Deppa H Velankar ◽  
Sumedha M Joshi ◽  
Sumit G Wasnik ◽  
Sudarshan Ramaswamy

Background:It is estimated that annually more than 89 lakh children in the country do not receive all vaccines that are available under the UIP– the highest number compared with any other country in the world. Objective: This study was carried out to assess vaccination coverage of children of age group 12 - 23 month residing in the eld practice area of tertiary hospital. Material & methods: This was sectional study conducted at eld practice area of tertiary care hospital during January 2017 to July 2018. Study population was children in the age group 12-23 month. As per WHO norm for identication of sample size for vaccination coverage in study area 30 cluster sampling method is preferred. Results: In the study 188 (89.52%) children were Fully Immunized. 22 (10.48%) children were partially immunized and none of the child was non immunized. overall coverage of BCG was 98.5, for PENTA3 was 96.3%, OPV3 was 96.3% and Measles was 89.8%. Conclusion: Overall immunization coverage in the area is good and higher than the national coverage level. There is no signicant difference in the immunization status of Male and Female children.


2021 ◽  
pp. 51-53
Author(s):  
Dilip Pandurang Patil

Background: Early reports suggest residual effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain, cognitive disturbances, arthralgia and decline in quality of life. In present study we aimed to evaluate post covid symptoms after 1st wave of COVID 19 in COVID 19 recovered patients at a tertiary hospital. Present study was Material and Methods: hospital based, descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study conducted in Covid 19 positive patients (RT-PCR or Rapid Antigen positive patients) either hospital admitted or home isolation patients, recovered (either RTPCR negative or completed 14 days isolation and no symptoms) came to post covid OPD for follow up, were studied. In present study 101 post Results: COVID 19 recovered patients were studied. Most of patients were from age group 51-60 years (19.8 %) followed by age group 41-50 years (16.83 %). Male patients (65.35 %) were more than female patients (34.65%), male to female ratio was 1.9 :1. Majority of patients received treatment at hospital (75.25%) & were diagnosed by RTPCR (57.43%). Most of patients had recovered from COVID 61-90 days ago (28.71%) followed by 121-150 days ago (19.8%). During acute COVID-19 pneumonia was diagnosed in 36.63 % cases. Other characteristics were intensive care unit admission (14.85 %), oxygen supplementation (21.78 %), noninvasive ventilation (7.92 %) & mechanical ventilation (2.97 %). Pre-existing comorbidities noted were hypertension (12.87 %), thyroid disease (4.95 %), diabetes (3.96 %), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (3.96 %), h/o kidney failure (1.98 %), active smoker (8.91 %) & former smoker (14.85 %). No regular physical activity was noted in 83.17 %. Post COVID symptoms noted in present study were cough (14.85 %), fatigue (13.86 %), Breathlessness (8.91 %), headaches (5.94 %), myalgia (3.96 %), palpitation (3.96 %), loss of smell sensation (3.96 %), muscle weakness (2.97 %), loss of taste sensation (2.97 %) & chest pain (1.98 %). Most of the Conclusion: COVID-19 survivors experienced mild post-recovery symptoms such as cough, fatigue, breathlessness, headache, myalgia & palpitation. Raising awareness, recognition, research, and multidisciplinary involvement will be considered the cornerstones to manage long-term sequelae of COVID-19 effectively.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Puneet K. Bramania ◽  
Paschal Ruggajo ◽  
Rimal Bramania ◽  
Muhiddin Mahmoud ◽  
Francis F. Furia

Abstract Background Malnutrition, inflammation, and the combination thereof are predictors of poor outcomes in haemodialysis patients. Malnutrition Inflammation Complex Syndrome (MICS) is an accelerator of atherosclerosis and portends high mortality. Early recognition and treatment of MICS may help to improve the clinical outlook of such patients. This study investigated the prevalence of MICS and its associated factors among patients on maintenance haemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods This was a prospective cross-sectional observational study done among 160 adult patients on maintenance haemodialysis at MNH in 2019. All participants provided written informed consent. Questionnaires were used to collect data and patients’ blood was tested for complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, transferrin, creatinine, urea, total cholesterol, and albumin. The Malnutrition Inflammation Score was used to assess MICS and its severity. Data analysis was done using the SPSS 20 software. Results Of the 160 patients included in the study, 111 (69.4%) were male. The mean age (±SD) of patients and mean duration (±SD) on haemodialysis were 52.2(13.3) years and 22(18) months respectively. MICS was prevalent in 46.3% (mild in 24.4% and moderate to severe in 21.9%). Long-term haemodialysis (> 4 years) was an independent predictor of MICS [Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR 5.04 (95% CI: 1.33–19.2), p < 0.05]. Hypercholesterolaemia was a negative predictor of MICS [AOR 0.11 (95% CI: 0.01–0.97), p < 0.05]. Patients with MICS had significantly lower mean body mass index, serum albumin, total cholesterol, transferrin, haemoglobin, and creatinine levels. The presence of MICS was higher in underweight patients and those who had inflammation. Haemodialysis adequacy did not correlate with MICS. Conclusion Malnutrition Inflammation Complex Syndrome is relatively common among patients on haemodialysis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Our study has shown a longer duration on haemodialysis to be associated with the occurrence of MICS; on the contrary, having hypercholesterolaemia seems to be protective against MICS consistent with the concept of reverse epidemiology. Patients on haemodialysis should be assessed regularly for malnutrition and inflammation and should receive appropriate and timely treatment to reduce the burden of associated morbidity, and mortality to these patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rezzan Eren Sadioğlu ◽  
Evren Üstüner ◽  
İhsan Ergün ◽  
Tevfik Ecder ◽  
Gökhan Nergizoglu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Vascular calcifications (VC) are highly prevalent in maintenance haemodialysis patients and it is a recognized risk factor for increased mortality. Previous experimental studies showed the relation between warfarin which has been prescribed frequently in dialysis patients and VC. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between VC and warfarin use in haemodialysis patients. Method This was a cross-sectional, observational, multicenter study. VC were assessed using Adragao (AS; pelvis and hands) and Kauppila (KS; lateral lumbar spine) scores in 76 haemodialysis patients from six centers. There were 32 patients (4.5%) being treated with warfarin for at least 1 year out of a total 711 haemodialysis patients and we included 44 control patients with matching parameters of age, sex and dialysis vintage to the study. Clinical characteristics, concomitant treatments, laboratory results were recorded and possible risk factors related to VC were analyzed. Results Of the patients, 47% were females, mean age was 65.8 ± 9 years, 23% were diabetics, their mean dialysis vintage was 68.39 ± 38.5 months and mean Kt/V 1.66 ± 0.27. No significant differences in clinical characteristics and basic laboratory results were found between control and warfarin group. In warfarin group, median Kauppila score was higher than control [11 vs 6.5, (25%-75% percentile, 5 vs 15), P=0.032] and percentages of Kauppila score &gt;6 patients were higher, as well (76,6% vs 50%; P=0.029). Median Adragao score was not significantly different between two groups [7 vs 6, (%25,%75 percentile 6 vs 8), P=0.177]. Logistic regression analysis revealed that warfarin treatment was independently associated with Kauppilla scores of &gt;6 (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.17-9.22, P=0.024). Conclusion The results of this study showed that warfarin is a strong risk factor for vascular calcifications, especially in aorta of haemodialysis patients.


Author(s):  
Prashant N. Keche ◽  
Nishikant P. Gadpayle ◽  
Surendra H. Gawarle ◽  
Gaurav A. Chamania

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">The oral mucosa serves as a protective barrier against trauma, pathogens and carcinogenic agents. It can be affected by a wide variety of lesions and conditions, some of which are harmless while others may have serious complications. The appearance of benign oral soft tissue masses can occasionally resemble malignant tumors. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Present study is an observational and cross sectional study under taken in the Department of ENT in Shri Vasant Rao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal. All cases of benign oral lesions were included in the study and following cases were excluded: malignant oral lesions, immunocompromised state and benign Oral lesions due to systemic diseases.  </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Present study included 235 lesions of oral cavity which were clinically or histo-pathologically found to be benign in nature.<strong> </strong>Benign oral lesions were more commonly found in males with (70.2%) than females (29.8%), and M:F ratio was 2.3:1. most common benign oral lesions were found to be Oral Sub Mucus Fibrosis (26.8%) followed by Apthous ulcers (20.4%), Leukoplakia (18.3%) and Mucocele (17.1%). Least common benign oral lesions were found to be Minor Salivary Gland Tumor (MSGT) (1.7%) followed by Squamous Papilloma (2.1%), Ranula (2.1%) and Hemangioma (2.1). There was a male predominance in oral sub mucus fibrosis with M:F ratio of 9.5:1 followed by Leukoplakia with M:F ratio of 4.4:1. OSMF was found most commonly in 21-30 years age group with (57.1%). Followed by 11-20 years with (20.6%). No cases were found in ≤10 years, 51-60 and &gt;60 years age group. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Most of the benign oral lesions have a predilection to transform into malignant lesions therefore imperative to diagnose the pre malignant lesions of oral cavity in an early stage where appropriate treatment can be given.</span></p>


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S384-S385 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Turki ◽  
I. Bouchhima ◽  
N. Halouani ◽  
E. Turki ◽  
N. Bouzidi ◽  
...  

IntroductionEpilepsy is a public health problem that often affects personal and social patients’ life. Self-esteem, an important factor contributing to psychosocial well-being, is generally disrupted in epilepsy.ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to assess self-esteem and factors associated in patients suffering from epilepsy.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study, including 20 patients followed for epilepsy at neurology outpatient department, Habib Bourguiba hospital, Sfax, Tunisia. We collected socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES).ResultsThe mean age was 35.9 ans. Sex-ratio (M/F) was 3. Hobby practice was noted in 45% of cases. The disease evolves since 19.9 years on average. A worsening of health in the last year was felt in 30% of cases. The stigma was reported in 30% of patients. Self-esteem was: very low 5%, low 40%, average 40%, and high 15%. It was better among married patients, living in family and those with disease evolving since more than 10 years, but without a significant correlation. The factors correlated with good self-esteem were: practicing a hobby (P = 0.006) and absence of stigma (P = 0.001). Poor self-esteem was significantly correlated with perceived health worsened during the last 12 months (P = 0.02). It was poor in unstable patients professionally, but without significant correlation.ConclusionOur study confirms the decline of self-esteem in patients with epilepsy. A better education of these patients to accept their illness, as well as raising public awareness on this affection could facilitate social insertion and improve self-esteem.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


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