Cutaneous Cancers in Nigerian Albinos: A Review of 22 Cases

Context:

Albinism is an inherited disorder of hypopigmentation involving the skin, eyes, and hair. This disorder results in the absence or reduction in melanin production. There are two main types of albinism which are ocular albinism and oculocutaneous albinism. It could also be classified as syndromic or nonsyndromic the melanin, which protects from the harmful effect of ultraviolet radiation of the sun on the normal skin, is deficient in the albino, predisposing them more, to cutaneous malignancies.

Aim:

This study is to highlight the epidemiology of cutaneous cancers in albinos in sub-urban Nigeria.

Methodology:

This is a retrospective review of all albinos with histological diagnoses of cutaneous malignancies that presented to Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua Edo State, Nigeria between September 2010 and August 2016. The following details were extracted from the patients’ case-notes, operation register, and the histopathology register. These data include age, gender, site of the lesion, the diagnosis, no of lesions excised, and duration of the lesion (s). These were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Results:

There were 22 albinos with histopathologically diagnosed cutaneous malignancies. There were 11 males and 11 females with male:female of 1. The age range is from 25 to 55 years with the mean of 34.68.

Conclusion:

Albinism is one of the most common causes of cutaneous malignancies, and majority of them present with locally advanced lesions that will need excision biopsy resulting in disfigurement. This problem can be prevented in many cases with proper community education, support, and free health care. There is also need for them to present early whenever they noticed any skin changes.

Artificial Pigmented Human Skin Created by Muse Cells

The skin composes physiological and chemical barrier and renews skin component cells throughout the human life. Melanocytes locate in the basal layer of the epidermis and produce melanin to protect the skin from ultraviolet. Melanin plays key roles in determining human skin and hair color. Melanocyte dysfunction observed in albinism and vitiligo not only causes cosmetic problems but also increases risk of skin cancer. As rejuvenate therapy, embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have been reported to generate melanocytes. Other than ES and iPS cells, human skin tissues maintain pluripotent stem cells, named multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells. We employ Muse cells isolated from human fibroblasts and adipose tissue to differentiate into melanocytes (Muse-MC). Muse-MC express melanocyte-related molecules, such as tyrosinase and DCT, and show tyrosinase activity. We also succeeded to differentiate Muse cells into fibroblasts and keratinocytes and created three-dimensional (3D) reconstituted skin with Muse cell-derived melanocytes, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes. The 3D reconstituted skin of Muse cell-derived cells coordinately showed epidermis layers and Muse-MC localized in the basal layer of the epidermis. Thus Muse cells in the human skin can be a source of rejuvenation medicine for the skin reconstruction.

Is it possible to reduce the surgical mortality and morbidity of peptic ulcer perforations?

Objective

Peptic ulcer perforation is a life-threatening situation requiring urgent surgical treatment. A novel vision in peptic ulcer perforation is necessary to fill the gaps created by antiulcer medication, aging of the patients, and presentation of resistant cases in our era. In this study, we aimed to share our findings regarding the effects of various risk factors and operative techniques on the mortality and morbidity of patients with peptic ulcer perforation.

Material and Methods

Data from 112 patients presenting at our Training and Research Hospital Emergency Surgery Department between January 2010 and December 2015 who were diagnosed with PUP through physical examination and laboratory and radiological tests and operated at the hospital have been retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups based on morbidity (Group 1), mortality (Group 2), and no complication (Group 3).

Results

Of the 112 patients included in the study, morbidity was observed in 21 (18.8%), mortality in 11 (9.8%), and no complication was observed in 80 (71.4%), who were discharged with cure. The differences between group for the average values of the perforation diameter and American Society of Anesthesiologists, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II, and Mannheim Peritonitis Index scores were statistically significant (p<0.001 for each). The average values for the group with mortality were significantly higher than those of the other groups.

Conclusion

In this study where we investigated risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality in PUPs, there was statistically significant difference between the average values for age, body mass index, perforation diameter, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Mannheim Peritonitis Index scores among the three groups, whereas the amount of subdiaphragmatic free air did not differ.

Bowel Resection and Ileotransverse Anastomosis as Preferred Therapy for 15 Typhoid Ileal Perforations and Severe Peritoneal Contamination in a Very Elderly Patient

Typhoid ileal perforation (TIP) is the most lethal complication of typhoid fever. Although TIP is a surgical emergency by consensus, there is still much controversy regarding the most appropriate surgical approach to be used. Bowel exteriorization and secondary closure are usually recommended for patients presenting late with multiple TIPs and heavy peritoneal soiling. We, however, discuss a unique case of an 86-year-old patient with 15 typhoid ileal perforations successfully treated with one-step surgery comprising bowel resection and ileotransverse anastomosis in a resource-constrained setting of Cameroon.

Risk factors for mortality among patients admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding at a tertiary hospital: a prospective cohort study

Background

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common gastrointestinal emergency, which is potentially fatal. Proper management of UGIB requires risk-stratification of patients which can guide the type and aggressiveness of management. The aim of this was study was identify the causes of UGIB and factors that increase the risk of mortality in these patients.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted over a period of seven months at a tertiary hospital. Adults admitted with UGIB were included in the study. Demographic data, laboratory parameters and endoscopic findings were recorded. Patients were then followed up for 60 days to identify the occurrence of mortality. Chi-square tests and cox-regression was used to determine association between risk factors and mortality in the bivariate and multivariate analysis, respectively.

Results

A total of 170 patients with UGIB were included. Males accounted for the majority (71.2%). Median age of the study population was 40.0 years. Chronic liver disease was present in 30.6% of study patients. The most common cause of UGIB among the 86 patients who underwent endoscopy was oesophageal varices (57%), followed by peptic ulcer disease (18%) and gastritis (10%). Mortality occurred in 57 patients (33.5%) and was significantly higher in patients with high white blood cell count (HR 2.45, p 0.011), raised serum alanine aminotransferase (HR 4.22, p 0.016), raised serum total bilirubin (HR 5.79, p 0.008) and lack of an endoscopic procedure done (HR 4.40, p <0.001). Rebleeding was reported in 12 patients (7.1%) and readmission due to UGIB in 4 patients (2.4%)

Conclusions

Oesophageal varices was the most common cause of UGIB. One-third of patients admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding died within 60 days of admission, signifying a high burden. Rebleeding and readmission rates were low. A high WBC count, raised serum ALT, raised serum total bilirubin and a lack of endoscopy were independent predictors of mortality. These findings can be used to risk-stratify patients who may benefit from early and more aggressive management.

Spectrum and antibiogram of bacteria isolated from patients presenting with infected wounds in a Tertiary Hospital, northern Tanzania

Objective

This study aimed to determine the spectrum and antibiogram of the isolated bacteria from patients presenting with infected wounds at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in northern Tanzania.

Results

Bacterial growth was observed in the vast majority of wound swabs (91.4%). Most of the bacteria isolated (62.3%) were Gram-negative rods. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolated organism (16%) followed by other Coliforms and Enterococcus spp. (12.5% each). Enterococcus spp. (36.4%) was the most common isolated bacteria in diabetic wounds whereas S. aureus was the most common isolated bacteria from the wounds caused by trauma (40.0%) and surgical site infection (20.6%). Resistance was high to most common antibiotics used in the hospital.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-017-3092-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections in Pregnant Women in Low- and Middle-Income Countries From 2010 to 2015: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Current literature comparing the prevalence rates of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnant women in various global regions is limited. As a result, antenatal screening practices for curable STIs in pregnant women, specifically Treponema pallidum (syphilis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) vary around the world, differing by country and particular STI.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of publications on STI prevalence among pregnant women in 30 different low- and middle-income countries. We searched PubMed for studies reporting prevalence of syphilis, CT, NG, and TV in pregnant women. English language studies published between January 1, 2010, and March 1, 2015, were included. The adjusted mean STI prevalence by region was calculated via multivariable linear regression adjusting for health care setting, women's mean age, study sample size, and sensitivity of diagnostic test.

RESULTS

We identified 75 studies that met inclusion criteria, providing 116 point prevalence estimates for curable STIs among 3,489,621 pregnant women. Adjusted mean prevalence for NG ranged from 1.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-1.3) in Latin America to 4.6% (95% CI, 4.0-5.2) in Southern Africa; syphilis prevalence ranged from 1.1% (95% CI, 0.5-1.6) in Asia to 6.5% (95% CI, 4.7-6.3) in Southern Africa; CT ranged from 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4-1.1) in Asia to 11.2% (95% CI, 6.0-16.4) in Latin America; and TV ranged from 3.9% (95% CI, 2.2-5.6) in Latin America to 24.6% (95% CI, 17.9-31.4) in Southern Africa.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we observed a wide variation in STI burden in pregnancy after adjusting for age, test, and health care setting, further valid comparison may depend on adjustment for access to care and screening practices.

Gastrointestinal malignancies at five regional referral hospitals in Uganda

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of published data regarding the trend and distribution of gastrointestinal malignancies in Uganda.

OBJECTIVES

To study the trend and distribution of gastrointestinal malignancies over a 10 year period at five regional referral hospitals in Uganda.

METHODS

Patient's charts with histologically confirmed diagnoses of gastrointestinal malignancies for the period 2002-2011 were identified. Case information, which included age at diagnosis, sex, and year of diagnosis, primary anatomic site of the tumour and hospitals attended, was retrospectively abstracted. Patient's clinical and demographic features were compared.

RESULTS

Oesophageal cancer was the most common (28.8%) followed by liver (25.8%), stomach (18.4%) and colorectal (14.3%). The mean age at diagnosis for all the cancers was not significantly different in both sexes 54.1, (SD16.1) versus 53.6, (SD 14.7). The highest mean annual number of cases of oesophageal and stomach cancers was 21.8, (SD 15.5) and 16.6, (SD 13.0) respectively from Mbarara Hospital; Lacor had the highest mean annual number of liver cancer cases (21, SD 17.7) followed by Mbale (11.4, SD 8.3). The mean annual number of colorectal cancers was highest in Mbale Hospital (10.3, SD 8.1) followed by Lacor (4.9, SD 3.9). The distribution of oesophageal, liver, stomach and colorectal cancers diagnosed per year across the five referral hospitals was different, P<0.001.

CONCLUSION

Oesophageal, liver, stomach and colorectal cancer remain the most common gastrointestinal malignancies and their rate is increasing in Uganda. There is a need for awareness, endoscopic and radiological assessment of symptomatic individuals and a need for screening of high index patients.

Tropical Parasitic Infections in Individuals Infected with HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Neglected tropical diseases share both geographic and socio-behavioral epidemiological risk factors with HIV infection. In this literature review, we describe interactions between parasitic diseases and HIV infection, with a focus on the impact of parasitic infections on HIV infection risk and disease progression, and the impact of HIV infection on clinical characteristics of tropical parasitic infections. We limit our review to tropical parasitic infections of the greatest public health burden, and exclude discussion of classic HIV-associated opportunistic infections that have been well reviewed elsewhere.

RECENT FINDINGS

Tropical parasitic infections, HIV-infection, and treatment with antiretroviral therapy alter host immunity, which can impact susceptibility, transmissibility, diagnosis, and severity of both HIV and parasitic infections. These relationships have a broad range of consequences, from putatively increasing susceptibility to HIV acquisition, as in the case of schistosomiasis, to decreasing risk of protozoal infections through pharmacokinetic interactions between antiretroviral therapy and antiparasitic agents, as in the case of malaria. However, despite this intimate interplay in pathophysiology and a broad overlap in epidemiology, there is a general paucity of data on the interactions between HIV and tropical parasitic infections, particularly in the era of widespread antiretroviral therapy availability.

SUMMARY

Additional data are needed to motivate clinical recommendations for detection and management of parasitic infections in HIV-infected individuals, and to consider the implications of and potential opportunity granted by HIV treatment programs on parasitic disease control.

Cross-sectional interview study of fertility, pregnancy, and urogenital schistosomiasis in coastal Kenya: Documented treatment in childhood is associated with reduced odds of subfertility among adult women

Background

Previous research has documented an increased risk of subfertility in areas of sub-Saharan Africa, as well as an ecological association between urogenital schistosomiasis prevalence and decreased fertility. This pilot project examined reproductive patterns and the potential effects of childhood urogenital Schistosoma haematobium infection and individual treatment experience on adult subfertility among women who were long-term residents in an S. haematobium-endemic region of coastal Kenya.

Methodology/Principal findings

We analyzed findings from 162 in-depth interviews with women of childbearing age in a rural, coastal community, linking them, if possible, to their individual treatment records from previous multi-year longitudinal studies of parasitic infections. Reproductive histories indicated a much local higher local rate of subfertility (44%) than worldwide averages (8–12%). Although, due to the very high regional prevalence of schistosomiasis, a clear relationship could not be demonstrated between a history of S. haematobium infection and adult subfertility, among a convenience sub-sample of 61 women who had received documented treatment during previous interventional trials, a significant association was found between age at first anti-schistosomal treatment and later fertility in adulthood, with those women treated before age 21 significantly less likely to have subfertility (P = 0.001).

Conclusions/Significance

The high subfertility rate documented in this pilot study suggests the importance of programs to prevent and treat pelvic infections in their early stages to preclude reproductive tract damage. The available documented treatment data also suggest that early anti-schistosomal treatment may prevent the fertility-damaging effects of urogenital schistosomiasis, and lend support for programs that provide universal treatment of children in S. haematobium-endemic regions.

Infertility is an unwelcome complication of many infectious diseases. In sub-Saharan Africa, where women experience the highest rates of subfertility in the world, the helminthic parasite Schistosoma haematobium, is also highly prevalent. Chronic and repeated infections with S. haematobium cause inflammation of the pelvic organs and kidneys, a condition known as urogenital schistosomiasis. Past studies have statistically linked past and present S. haematobium infection to the risk of infection-associated female genital lesions and with risk for subfertility in adulthood. The present study used in-depth interviews to document reproductive health histories of 162 women, aged 15 to 62, residing in an S. haematobium-endemic area of coastal Kenya, in order to examine the association of their earlier anti-schistosomal treatment with their fertility patterns. A self-reported history of past treatment was not associated with lower odds of infertility. However, among 61 with verified treatments given during previous local campaigns, it was found that women who were treated before age 21 experienced significantly fewer period of subfertility during their adult life. The findings suggest that anti-schistosomal treatment during childhood may prevent the fertility-damaging effects of urogenital schistosomiasis. They also lend support for programs that provide universal treatment of children in S. haematobium-endemic regions.

Association between male circumcision and women's biomedical health outcomes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Male circumcision reduces men's risk of acquiring HIV and some sexually transmitted infections from heterosexual exposure, and is essential for HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have also investigated associations between male circumcision and risk of acquisition of HIV and sexually transmitted infections in women. We aimed to review all evidence on associations between male circumcision and women's health outcomes to benefit women's health programmes.

METHODS

In this systematic review we searched for peer-reviewed and grey literature publications reporting associations between male circumcision and women's health outcomes up to April 11, 2016. All biomedical (not psychological or social) outcomes in all study types were included. Searches were not restricted by year of publication, or to sub-Saharan Africa. Publications without primary data and not in English were excluded. We extracted data and assessed evidence on each outcome as high, medium, or low consistency on the basis of agreement between publications; outcomes found in fewer than three publications were indeterminate consistency.

FINDINGS

60 publications were included in our assessment. High-consistency evidence was found for five outcomes, with male circumcision protecting against cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia, herpes simplex virus type 2, chlamydia, and syphilis. Medium-consistency evidence was found for male circumcision protecting against human papillomavirus and low-risk human papillomavirus. Although the evidence shows a protective association with HIV, it was categorised as low consistency, because one trial showed an increased risk to female partners of HIV-infected men resuming sex early after male circumcision. Seven outcomes including HIV had low-consistency evidence and six were indeterminate.

INTERPRETATION

Scale-up of male circumcision in sub-Saharan Africa has public health implications for several outcomes in women. Evidence that female partners are at decreased risk of several diseases is highly consistent. Synergies between male circumcision and women's health programmes should be explored.

FUNDING

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Jhpiego.

The distribution of cancer cases in Somalia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and distribution of cancer cases in a defined time period in Somalia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 403 cancer cases were diagnosed between January 01, 2016 and March 01, 2017 in the Department of Pathology at the Somalia Mogadishu-Turkey Education and Research Hospital or the Department of Oncology at Uniso Hospital, Somalia University. Data on cancer type, patient age, and gender were obtained from pathology reports and hospital records.

RESULTS

Female patients totaled 49.6% (n = 200) and 50.4% of patients were male (n = 203). The youngest patient was 18 years of age, the oldest was 97, and the average age was 53.4 years. The 10 most common types of cancer were esophageal (n = 130, 32.3%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 35, 8.7%), liver (n = 26, 6.5%), breast (n = 24, 6.0%), skin (n = 17, 4.2%), thyroid (n = 13, 3.2%), brain (n = 12, 3.0%), bone (n = 11, 2.7%), colorectal (n = 11, 2.7%), and soft tissue (n = 11, 2.7%). The most common site of cancer in both males and females was the esophagus.

CONCLUSION

These results show a high incidence of esophageal cancer in Somalia, and strongly suggest that environmental risk factors and nutritional habits have a strong impact in this population. Serious and extensive research on the etiology of esophageal cancer is required.

Patterns and presentations of colorectal cancer at Komfo-Anokye teaching hospital Kumasi, Ghana

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally and its incidence is increasing in developing countries. This study determined the incidence, clinical features and the histopathological patterns of colorectal cancer at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, Ghana.

Methods

A retrospective review of all colorectal cancer cases over a six year period from (2009-2015) presented to the Surgical and Oncological Department of KATH. Patients' records were retrieved and information on their demographics, clinical and pathological presentations recorded.

Results

In all, 221 cases of colorectal cancer were identified over the study period. The mean age was 54 ± 16.8 and ranged from 16 to 90 years. Sixteen (7.24%) had family history of cancer and the prevalence of comorbidities was (24.89%). The commonest clinical symptoms presented were weight loss (44.80%), bleeding per rectum (39.82%) and abdominal pain (38.91%) Majority of the patients presented with rectal cancers (48.87%). Microscopically, adenocarcinoma (68.33%) was the most common histopathological type. According to Tumour Node Metastasis (TNM) staging of cancer, majority of the patients 89(40.27%) were identified as being in late stage (TNM Stage III). The overall crude annual incidence was 4.62 per 100000 populations. The age specific standardized incidence rate was 7.93 per 100,000 population

Conclusion

This study has clearly showed a high incidence in colorectal cancer at KATH, with similar trends in clinico-pathological patterns comparable to that of most African countries. These include predominance of rectal cancers, high incidence among younger people and delayed presentation of the disease at advanced stage.

Paediatric and maternal schistosomiasis: shifting the paradigms

BACKGROUND

In endemic areas, schistosomiasis causes both overt and subclinical disease in young children and their mothers, as well as in returned travellers.

SOURCES OF DATA

Key recently published literature.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

An action plan for paediatric schistosomiasis and female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is needed with expanded access to praziquantel (PZQ) treatment required.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Schistosomiasis-related morbidity is underappreciated. Present and future demand for PZQ treatment is bottlenecked, imbalanced and inequitable. Current dosing, treatment algorithms and access plans are suboptimal with treatment stalled during pregnancy.

GROWING POINTS

Raised dosing of PZQ (>40 mg/kg) is being explored in young children. Surveillance of female genital schistosomiasis FGS is increasing. Use of PZQ in pregnancy is safe and preventive chemotherapy guidelines are being revised in morbidity- and transmission-control settings.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

Shifting focus of population-level control to individual-case management. Detection and prevention of FGS within general health services and integration of PZQ treatment for women and children in antenatal clinics. Feasibility studies assessing alternative and expanded access to PZQ treatment to at-risk children and mothers and pregnant women.

Mortal allies: human immunodeficiency virus and noncommunicable diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

HIV-infected individuals have improved access to antiretroviral therapy. This has resulted in a shift in causes of mortality from infectious diseases to noncommunicable diseases including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and malignancies. This review will look at the epidemiological shift, risk factors for the development of these diseases and examine some of the supporting laboratory diagnostic testing, which may be required.

RECENT FINDINGS

Risk factors for the development of these diseases in HIV-infected patients include underlying genetic predisposition, lifestyle risk factors, chronic inflammation as a consequence of HIV infection, the presence and persistence of opportunistic infections and in some cases, highly active antiretroviral therapy, itself. Morbidity and mortality from HIV-associated conditions are increasing in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) with increased prevalence of HIV-associated cancers, cardiovascular disease and CKD.

SUMMARY

Management of these conditions in LMICs requires an integrated pathology solution that will enable early screening, diagnosis and monitoring.

Colorectal cancer in a patient with intestinal schistosomiasis: a case report from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Northern Zone Tanzania

Background

Colorectal cancer associated with chronic intestinal schistosomiasis has been linked with the chronic inflammation as a result of schistosomal ova deposition in the submucosal layer of the intestine. Among all species Schistosoma japonicum has been more linked to development of colorectal cancer as compared to Schistosoma mansoni due to absence of population-based studies to support the association. Despite the weak evidence, some cases have been reported associating S. mansoni with development of colorectal cancer.

Case Presentation

We report a patient who presented to us as a case of intestinal obstruction and found to have a constrictive lesion at the sigmoid colon at laparotomy, then later found to have colorectal cancer with deposited S. mansoni ova at histology.

Conclusion

Given the known late complications of schistosomiasis, and as S. mansoni is endemic in some parts of Tanzania, epidemiological studies are recommended to shed more light on its association with colorectal cancer.

Small bowel obstruction due to mesenteric abscess caused by Mycobacterium avium complex in an HIV patient: a case report and literature review

Small bowel obstruction in HIV patients is reportedly caused by inflammatory pseudotumor, Kaposi's sarcoma, cryptococcal lymphadenopathy and intestinal tuberculosis. The incidence of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection in HIV patients is 3% for CD4 cell count of 100-199 /mm³. MAC causing small bowel obstruction is rarely reported in the literature. We report a rare case of MAC causing mesenteric abscess with small bowel obstruction in a HIV patient with a CD4 cell count of 144 /mm³. Patient was a 35-year-old HIV-positive male on highly active antiretroviral therapy who presented with partial small bowel obstruction secondary to mesenteric abscess. He underwent operative intervention for drainage with cultures growing MAC.

Intestinal tuberculosis: a diagnostic challenge

OBJECTIVE

To describe characteristics, presentation, time to diagnosis and diagnostic findings of patients with intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) in a low-burden country.

METHOD

Retrospective study of 61 consecutive ITB patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2014 at a large East London hospital.

RESULTS

Forty of sixty-one patients were male. Mean age was 34.6 years. 93% of patients were born abroad, mostly from TB-endemic areas (Indian subcontinent: 88%, Africa: 9%). 25% had concomitant pulmonary TB. Median time from symptom onset to ITB diagnosis was 13 weeks (IQR 3-26 weeks). Ten patients were initially treated for IBD, although patients had ITB. The main sites of ITB involvement were the ileocaecum (44%) or small bowel (34%). Five patients had isolated perianal disease. Colonoscopy confirmed a diagnosis of ITB in 77% of those performed. 42 of 61 patients had a diagnosis of ITB confirmed on positive histology and/or microbiology.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of ITB is often delayed, which may result in significant morbidity. ITB should be excluded in patients with abdominal complaints who come from TB-endemic areas to establish prompt diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is challenging but aided by axial imaging, colonoscopy and tissue biopsy for TB culture and histology.

A Five-Year Review of Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease in Irrua, Nigeria

Background

Peptic ulcer perforation is a common cause of emergency admission and surgery. This is the first study that documents the presentation and outcome of management in Irrua, Nigeria.

Patients and Method

This is a prospective study of all patients operated on for perforated peptic ulcer between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2015. A structured questionnaire containing patients' demographics, operation findings, and outcome was filled upon discharge or death.

Results

There were 104 patients. 81 males and 23 females (M : F = 3.5 : 1). The age range was between 17 years and 95 years. The mean age was 48.99 years ± SD 16.1 years. The ratio of gastric to duodenal perforation was 1.88 : 1. Perforation was the first sign of peptic ulcer disease in 62 (59.6%). Pneumoperitoneum was detectable with plain radiographs in 95 (91%) patients. 72 (69.2%) had Graham's Omentopexy. Death rate was 17.3%.

Conclusion

We note that gastric perforation is a far commoner disease in our environment. Perforation is often the first sign of peptic ulcer disease. We identify fasting amongst Christians as a risk factor for perforation.

Low serum albumin may predict the need for gastric resection in patients with perforated peptic ulcer

PURPOSE

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a common surgical emergency and treatment involves omental patch repair (PR). Gastric resection (GR) is reserved for difficult pathologies. We audit the outcomes of GR at our institution and evaluate the pre-operative factors predicting the need for GR.

METHODS

This is a single-institution, retrospective study of patients with PPU who underwent surgery from 2004 to 2012. Demographics, clinical presentation and intra-operative findings were studied to identify factors predicting the need for GR in PPU. An audit of clinical outcomes and mortality for all patients with GR is reported.

RESULTS

537 (89.6 %) patients underwent PR and 62 (10.4 %) patients GR. Old age (p < 0.0001), female sex (p = 0.0123), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage (p = 0.0008), previous history of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) (p = 0.0159), low hemoglobin (p < 0.0001), low serum albumin (p < 0.0001), high serum creatinine (p = 0.0030), high urea (p = 0.0006) and large ulcer size (p < 0.0001) predict the need for GR. On multivariate analysis only low serum albumin (OR 5.57, 95 % CI 1.56-19.84, p = 0.008) predicted the need for GR. The presence of Helicobacter pylori infection was protective against GR (OR 0.25, 95 %CI 0.14-0.44, p < 0.0001). Morbidity and mortality of GR was 27.7 and 24.2 %, respectively.

CONCLUSION

GR is needed in one in ten cases of PPU. Low serum albumin predicted the need for GR on multivariate analysis. Morbidity and mortality of GR remains high.

Clinical profile and outcome of diabetic foot ulcer, a view from tertiary care hospital in Semarang, Indonesia

Background: This study attempted to determine the disease burden in terms of clinical profile and outcome of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) admissions at a tertiary care hospital in a developing country.

Methods: In this descriptive study, the data were collected from the medical record of diabetic patients with foot ulcer who were treated in Dr. Kariadi General Hospital during a 3-year period. The demographic characteristic, type of foot lesion, etiology, isolated microorganism, treatment, and outcome were reviewed.

Results: Foot problems accounted for 16.2% of total diabetic admission (n = 1429). All patients had type 2 diabetes with no gender predominance. The mean age was 54.3 ± 8.6 years and diabetes control was very poor. Before admission, the ulcers had already developed for 4.7 ± 2.9 weeks; however, the majority of patients were unaware of the preceding causes. Ulcers were neuropathic in 42.2% of cases, neuroischemic in 29.9%, and pure ischemic at lesser percentage. More than 70% of ulcers were in Wagner grade ≥3 with infection event in nearly all patients. The most common isolates from culture were Gram-negative bacteria. A total of 98 (36.3%) lower extremity amputations (LEAs) at various level of the foot were carried out, including major LEA in 24 patients and multiple amputations in seven patients. Mortality rate due to DFU reached 10.7%.

Conclusions: Diabetic foot problems constitute a source of morbidity, a reason for LEA surgery as well as being a cause of death among patients with diabetes mellitus.

Praziquantel for Schistosomiasis: Single-Drug Metabolism Revisited, Mode of Action, and Resistance

Schistosomiasis, a major neglected tropical disease, affects more than 250 million people worldwide. Treatment of schistosomiasis has relied on the anthelmintic drug praziquantel (PZQ) for more than a generation. PZQ is the drug of choice for the treatment of schistosomiasis; it is effective against all major forms of schistosomiasis, although it is less active against juvenile than mature parasites. A pyrazino-isoquinoline derivative, PZQ is not considered to be toxic and generally causes few or transient, mild side effects. Increasingly, mass drug administration targeting populations in sub-Saharan Africa where schistosomiasis is endemic has led to the appearance of reduced efficacy of PZQ, which portends the selection of drug-resistant forms of these pathogens. The synthesis of improved derivatives of PZQ is attracting attention, e.g., in the (i) synthesis of drug analogues, (ii) rational design of pharmacophores, and (iii) discovery of new compounds from large-scale screening programs. This article reviews reports from the 1970s to the present on the metabolism and mechanism of action of PZQ and its derivatives against schistosomes.

The shifting epidemiology of colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa

The perception that colorectal cancer is rare in sub-Saharan Africa is widely held; however, it is unclear whether this is due to poor epidemiological data or to lower disease rates. The quality of epidemiological data has somewhat improved, and there is an ongoing transition to western dietary and lifestyle practices associated with colorectal cancer. The impact of these changes on the incidence of colorectal cancer is not as evident as it is with other non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. In this Viewpoint, we discuss the epidemiology of colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. Colorectal cancer in this region frequently occurs at an early age, often with distinctive histological characteristics. We detail the crucial need for hypothesis-driven research on the risk factors for colorectal cancer in this population and identify key research gaps. Should colorectal cancer occur more frequently than assumed, then commensurate allocation of resources will be needed for diagnosis and treatment.

Childhood cancer predisposition syndromes-A concise review and recommendations by the Cancer Predisposition Working Group of the Society for Pediatric Oncology and Hematology

Heritable predisposition is an important cause of cancer in children and adolescents. Although a large number of cancer predisposition genes and their associated syndromes and malignancies have already been described, it appears likely that there are more pediatric cancer patients in whom heritable cancer predisposition syndromes have yet to be recognized. In a consensus meeting in the beginning of 2016, we convened experts in Human Genetics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology to review the available data, to categorize the large amount of information, and to develop recommendations regarding when a cancer predisposition syndrome should be suspected in a young oncology patient. This review summarizes the current knowledge of cancer predisposition syndromes in pediatric oncology and provides essential information on clinical situations in which a childhood cancer predisposition syndrome should be suspected.

Perforated peptic ulcer - an update

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects 4 million people worldwide annually. The incidence of PUD has been estimated at around 1.5% to 3%. Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a serious complication of PUD and patients with PPU often present with acute abdomen that carries high risk for morbidity and mortality. The lifetime prevalence of perforation in patients with PUD is about 5%. PPU carries a mortality ranging from 1.3% to 20%. Thirty-day mortality rate reaching 20% and 90-d mortality rate of up to 30% have been reported. In this review we have summarized the current evidence on PPU to update readers. This literature review includes the most updated information such as common causes, clinical features, diagnostic methods, non-operative and operative management, post-operative complications and different scoring systems of PPU. With the advancement of medical technology, PUD can now be treated with medications instead of elective surgery. The classic triad of sudden onset of abdominal pain, tachycardia and abdominal rigidity is the hallmark of PPU. Erect chest radiograph may miss 15% of cases with air under the diaphragm in patients with bowel perforation. Early diagnosis, prompt resuscitation and urgent surgical intervention are essential to improve outcomes. Exploratory laparotomy and omental patch repair remains the gold standard. Laparoscopic surgery should be considered when expertise is available. Gastrectomy is recommended in patients with large or malignant ulcer.

The surgical pathology laboratory in Mwanza, Tanzania: a survey on the reproducibility of diagnoses after the first years of autonomous activity

BACKGROUND

In 2000, an Italian non-governmental organisation (NGO) began a 9-year project to establish a surgical pathology laboratory at the Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, Tanzania, a country with a low Human Development Index (HDI), and as of 2009, the laboratory was operating autonomously. The present survey aims to evaluate the reproducibility of histological and cytological diagnoses assigned in the laboratory's early years of autonomous activity. We selected a random sample of 196 histological and cytological diagnoses issued in 2010-2011 at the BMC surgical pathology laboratory. The corresponding samples were sent to Italy for review by Italian senior pathologists, who were blinded to the local results. Samples were classified into four diagnostic categories: malignant, benign, inflammatory, and suspicious. The two-observer kappa-statistic for categorised (qualitative) data was then calculated to measure diagnostic concordance between the local Tanzanian pathologists and Italian senior pathologists. The k-Cohen was calculated for concordance in the overall study sample. Concordance and discordance rates were also stratified by subset: general adult, paediatric/adolescent, and lymphoproliferative histopathological diagnoses; fluid and fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytological diagnoses; and PAP tests. Discordance was also categorised by the corresponding hypothetical clinical implications: high, intermediate, and not significant.

RESULTS

Overall concordance was 85.2% (167 of 196 diagnoses), with a k-Cohen of 0.7691 (P = 0.0000). Very high concordance was observed in the subsets of adult general pathological diagnoses (90%) and paediatric/adolescent pathological diagnoses (91.18%). Concordance in the subset of PAP tests was 75%, and for fluid/FNA cytological diagnoses it was 56.52%. Concordance among 12 histological subtypes of lymphoma was 75.86%, with substantial discordance observed in the diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma (five cases diagnosed by Italian pathologists versus 2 by local pathologists). The overall proportion of discordance with high hypothetical clinical implications was 6.1% (12 diagnoses).

CONCLUSION

This blind review of diagnoses assigned in Tanzania, a country with low HDI, and in Italy, a country with a very high HDI, seemed to be a sensitive and effective method to identify areas of potential error and may represent a reference point for future, more detailed quality control processes or audits of surgical pathology services located in limited-resource regions.

Common malignant cutaneous conditions among albinos in Kenya

Background: Albinos in Africa are at constant risk of developing skin cancer due to the damage caused by ultra-violet exposure. This study identifies the common skin conditions among albinos in Kenya as a country located along the equator. Methods: In this descriptive study on albino patients who were admitted to Mbagathi District Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya the census method was used for sampling and a total of 151 albinos were registered. All necessary data including age, gender, type, site and the number of skin lesions were recorded. Suspected patients with malignant and premalignant lesions were studied individually through skin biopsy and histopathological investigation. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Albinos with serious skin lesions were 121(80%) patients. Females were 64 (52.9%). The frequency of the following premalignant and malignant skin lesions including actinic-cheilitis, solar elastosis, actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were 17.88%, 11.92%, 37.08%, 7.94% and 5.29%, respectively. Hands (20.52%), face (19.20%), head (18.18%), shoulder (14.56%) and neck (7.94%) were the most affected areas by malignant and premalignant lesions. Conclusions: BCC was the most common type of cutaneous malignancy on the face and shoulders while AK was the most common cutaneous pre-malignancy on the hands and face in albinos in Kenya. Therefore, appropriate physical protection, avoiding any trauma when carrying sharp, heavy or rough instruments by the shoulder and hands, and finally urgent and quality treatment for any lesion even a small erosion and ulcer, especially on exposed areas in albinos, are recommended.

Malignancies in women with HIV infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review current knowledge of different cancer states affecting women with HIV infection.

RECENT FINDINGS

With improved survival of persons with HIV in the post-cART era, the landscape of malignancies in this population has greatly changed with fewer AIDS-defining malignancies (ADM) and a growing number of non-AIDS defining malignancies (NADM). Women, however, continue to represent a vulnerable population at risk for certain ADM and NADM such as cervical, anal, and breast cancer. Human papillomavirus-mediated cancers disproportionately burden women in resource-poor settings such as sub-Saharan Africa. For cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma, lung cancer, liver cancer, and colorectal cancer, women share a lower burden of disease compared with their male counterparts. However, there remains a dearth of evidence characterizing these disease states specifically among women.

SUMMARY

Cancer in women with HIV continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in low-income countries. Screening strategies, primary prevention through vaccination against human papillomavirus and viral hepatitis, and treatment for HIV with combined antiviral therapy remain cornerstones in cancer prevention.

Characteristics of Gastric Cancer in Lebanon: a Descriptive Study from a Single Institutional Experience

BACKGROUND

The epidemiology of gastric cancer in the Middle East has never been described. Therefore, the characteristics of gastric cancer in the Lebanese population will be reported in this study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study that included all patients diagnosed with gastric cancer at Hotel Dieu de France University Hospital in Beirut, Lebanon between 2010 and 2016 was conducted. All eligible patients were reviewed for demographic and epidemiologic analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 123 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer. The median age at diagnosis was 59 years (range 15-72 years), and the median ECOG performance status was 2 (range 1-4). Most patients were metastatic at diagnosis (52.8%), and diffuse pathology type was predominant (39%). HER2 was positive in 16.2% and correlated with the occurrence of hepatic metastasis (p = 0.048). The HER2 status did not differ significantly between the histological subtypes, the site of the tumor, the stage of the gastric cancer at diagnosis, and the recurrence of cancer (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Gastric cancer in the Lebanese population is characterized by aggressive features such as advanced stage at diagnosis, high prevalence of diffuse type histology, and HER2 positivity.

The unrecognized burden of typhoid fever

INTRODUCTION

Typhoid fever (TF), caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, is the most common cause of enteric fever, responsible for an estimated 129,000 deaths and more than 11 million cases annually. Although several reviews have provided global and regional TF disease burden estimates, major gaps in our understanding of TF epidemiology remain. Areas covered: We provide an overview of the gaps in current estimates of TF disease burden and offer suggestions for addressing them, so that affected communities can receive the full potential of disease prevention offered by vaccination and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions. Expert commentary: Current disease burden estimates for TF do not capture cases from certain host populations, nor those with atypical presentations of TF, which may lead to substantial underestimation of TF cases and deaths. These knowledge gaps pose major obstacles to the informed use of current and new generation typhoid vaccines.

Pattern and Distribution of Colorectal Cancer in Tanzania: A Retrospective Chart Audit at Two National Hospitals

Background. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health concern with increasing rates in countries with previously known low incidence. This study determined pattern and distribution of CRC in Tanzania and identified hot spots in case distribution. Methods. A retrospective chart audit reviewed hospital registers and patient files from two national institutions. Descriptive statistics, Chi square (χ²) tests, and regression analyses were employed and augmented by data visualization to display risk variable differences. Results. CRC cases increased sixfold in the last decade in Tanzania. There was a 1.5% decrease in incidences levels of rectal cancer and 2% increase for colon cancer every year from 2005 to 2015. Nearly half of patients listed Dar es Salaam as their primary residence. CRC was equally distributed between males (50.06%) and females (49.94%), although gender likelihood of diagnosis type (i.e., rectal or colon) was significantly different (P = 0.027). More than 60% of patients were between 40 and 69 years. Conclusions. Age (P = 0.0183) and time (P = 0.004) but not gender (P = 0.0864) were significantly associated with rectal cancer in a retrospective study in Tanzania. Gender (P = 0.0405), age (P = 0.0015), and time (P = 0.0075) were all significantly associated with colon cancer in this study. This retrospective study found that colon cancer is more prevalent among males at a relatively younger age than rectal cancer. Further, our study showed that although more patients were diagnosed with rectal cancer, the trend has shown that colon cancer is increasing at a faster rate.

Mortality and rebleeding following variceal haemorrhage in liver cirrhosis and periportal fibrosis

AIM

To investigate mortality and rebleeding rate and identify associated risk factors at 6 wk and 5 d following acute variceal haemorrhage in patients with liver cirrhosis and schistosomal periportal fibrosis.

METHODS

This is a prospective study conducted during the period from March to December 2014. Patients with portal hypertension presenting with acute variceal haemorrhage secondary to either liver cirrhosis (group A) or schistosomal periportal fibroses (group B) presenting within 24 h of the onset of the bleeding were enrolled in the study and followed for a period of 6 wk. Analysis of data was done by Microsoft Excel and comparison between groups was done by Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 20 to calculate means and find the levels of statistical differences and define the mortality rates, the P value of < 0.05 was considered to be significant.

RESULTS

A total of 94 patients were enrolled in the study. Thirty-two patients (34%) had liver cirrhosis (group A) and 62 (66%) patients had periportal fibrosis (group B). Mortality: The 6-wk and 5-d mortality were 53% and 16% respectively in group A compared to 10% and 0% in group B (P value < 0.000 and < 0.004). In group A; a Child-Turcotte-Pugh class C and rebleeding within 5 d were significantly associated with 5-d mortality (P value < 0.029 and < 0.049 respectively) and Child- Turcotte-Pugh class C was also a significant risk factor for 6-wk mortality (P value < 0.018). In group B; mortality was significantly associated with rebleeding within the 6-wk follow-up period and requirement for blood transfusion on admission (P value < 0.005 and < 0.049). Rebleeding: The 6-wk and 5-d rebleeding rate in group A were 56% and 25% respectively compared to 32% and 3% in group B (P value < 0.015 and < 0.002). Clinical presentation with encephalopathy was a significant risk factor for 5 d rebleeding in group A (P value < 0.005) while grade III periportal fibrosis and requirement for blood transfusion on admission were significant risk factors for 6-wk rebleeding in group B (P value < 0.004 and < 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The 6-wk and 5-d mortality and rebleeding rate were significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis compared to patients with schistosomal periportal fibrosis.

Prognostic factors in peptic ulcer perforations: a retrospective 14-year study

Regarding the complications of peptic ulcer, a perforation remains the most important fatal complication. The aim of our retrospective study was to determine relations between postoperative morbidity and comorbid disease or perioperative risk factors in perforated peptic ulcer. In total, 239 patients who underwent emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer in Ege University General Surgery Department, between June 1999 and May 2013 were included in this study. The clinical data concerning the patient characteristics, operative methods, and complications were collected retrospectively. One hundred seventy-five of the 239 patients were male (73.2%) and 64 were female (26.8%). Mean American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 1 in the patients without morbidity, but mean ASA score was 3 in the morbidity and mortality groups. Primary suture and omentoplasty was the selected procedure in 228 of the patients. Eleven patients underwent resection. In total, 105 patients (43.9%) had comorbidities. Thirty-seven patients (67.3%) in the morbidity group had comorbid diseases. Thirteen (92.9%) patients in the mortality group had comorbid diseases. Perforation as a complication of peptic ulcer disease still remains among the frequent indications of urgent abdominal surgery. Among the analyzed parameters, age, ASA score, and having comorbid disease were found to have an effect on both mortality and morbidity. The controversial subject in the present study is regarding the duration of symptoms. The duration of symptoms had no effect on mortality nor morbidity in our study.

Effects and Mechanism of Imatinib in Inhibiting Colon Cancer Cell Proliferation

Background

This study investigated the effects and mechanism of imatinib in inhibiting colon cancer cell proliferation.

Material/Methods

The SW480 cells were divided into 4 imatinib-treated groups: 0 μM, 1.25 μM, 2.5 μM, and 5μM. We analyzed the apoptosis and cell cycle of the 4 groups. The gene and protein expressions of p21, p27, HGF, and GAPDH were measured by RT-PCR and Western blot.

Results

Compared with the 0-μM imatinib-treated group, the apoptosis of 1.25-μM, 2.5-μM, and 5.0-μM treated groups was significantly induced (P<0.05, all). The G1 phase was significantly up-regulated in the 1.25-μM, 2.5-μM, and 5.0-μM treated groups compared with the 0-μM imatinib-treated group (P<0.05, respectively), but the S and G2 phase of 3 imatinib-treated groups were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, all). The gene and protein expressions of p27 and HGF were significantly different among the 4 groups (P<0.05, all).

Conclusions

Imatinib inhibits proliferation of colon cancer cells by reducing HGF and increasing p27 in a dose-dependent manner.

Stents and surgical interventions in the palliation of gastric outlet obstruction: a systematic review

Background and study aims: Palliative treatment of gastric outlet obstruction can be done with surgical or endoscopic techniques. This systematic review aims to compare surgery and covered and uncovered stent treatments for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Patients and methods: Randomized clinical trials were identified in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, LILACs, BVS, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases. Comparison of covered and uncovered stents included: technical success, clinical success, complications, obstruction, migration, bleeding, perforation, stent fracture and reintervention. The outcomes used to compare surgery and stents were technical success, complications, and reintervention. Patency rate could not be included because of lack of uniformity of the extracted data. Results: Eight studies were selected, 3 comparing surgery and stents and 5 comparing covered and uncovered stents.The meta-analysis of surgical and endoscopic stent treatment showed no difference in the technical success and overall number of complications. Stents had higher reintervention rates than surgery (RD: 0.26, 95 % CI [0.05, 0.47], NNH: 4). There is no significant difference in technical success, clinical success, complications, stent fractures, perforation, bleeding and the need for reintervention in the analyses of covered and uncovered stents. There is a higher migration rate in the covered stent therapy compared to uncovered self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) in the palliation of malignant GOO (RD: 0.09, 95 % CI [0.04, 0.14], NNH: 11). Nevertheless, covered stents had lower obstruction rates (RD: - 0.21, 95 % CI [-0.27, - 0.15], NNT: 5). Conclusions: In the palliation of malignant GOO, covered SEMS had higher migration and lower obstruction rates when compared with uncovered stents. Surgery is associated with lower reintervention rates than stents.

Hepatic and Intra-abdominal Tuberculosis: 2016 Update

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) infection affects nearly 10 million people a year and causes 1.5 million deaths. TB is common in the immunosuppressed population with 12 % of all new diagnoses occurring in human immune deficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. Extra-pulmonary TB occurs in 12 % of patients with active TB infection of which 3.5 % is hepatobiliary and 6-38 % is intra-abdominal. Hepatobiliary and intra-abdominal TB can present with a myriad of non-specific symptoms, and therefore, diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion. Accurate and rapid diagnosis requires a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach using radiology, interventional radiology, surgery and pathology services. Treatment of TB is predominantly medical, yet surgery plays an important role in managing the complications of hepatobiliary and intra-abdominal TB.

Comparison of antimicrobial resistance patterns of ESBL and non ESBL bacterial isolates among patients with secondary peritonitis at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza - Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Secondary peritonitis is a common surgical emergence with deadly outcomes when not timely and promptly intervened. The emergence of Extended spectrum beta lactamase producing bacteria (ESBL) poses treatment challenge at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC); hence a need to evaluate the magnitude of ESBL so as to guide specific therapy.

METHODS

This was a cross sectional study conducted at BMC from May 2014 to April 2015 involving patients with secondary peritonitis. A questionnaire was used to collect patients' information. Peritoneal aspirate sample was collected intra-operatively and processed using standard operating procedures to identify bacteria species and their susceptibility profiles.

RESULTS

The study involved 97 patients with the median age (IQR) of 32 (21-47) years, males were 62 (63.9 %) and about 27 (27.8 %) patients had co-morbid illnesses. The prevalence of ESBL among patients with secondary peritonitis was 23.7 % (23/97). Of 53 gram negative Enterobacteriaceae isolated, 47.2 % (25/53) were ESBL producers, with predominance of Escherichia coli 7 (28.0 %) and Klebsiella spp 5 (20.0 %). The ESBL isolates exhibited more resistance rates to trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin compared to non ESBL isolates 96.0 % versus 60.7 %, p value = 0.003 and 16.0 % versus 0.0 %, p value = 0.043 respectively). All isolates were sensitive to meropenem.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of ESBL among patients with secondary peritonitis at BMC is high; with more resistance rates among ESBL compared to non ESBL isolates. There is a need for strengthen ESBL surveillance in this setting so as to guide specific therapy.

Update on endoscopic management of gastric outlet obstruction in children

Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) and surgical intervention are two most common and effective treatments for gastric outlet obstruction. Correction of gastric outlet obstruction without the need for surgery is an issue that has been tried to be resolved in these decades; this management has developed with EBD, advanced treatments like local steroid injection, electrocauterization, and stent have been added recently. The most common causes of pediatric gastric outlet obstruction are idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, peptic ulcer disease followed by the ingestion of caustic substances, stenosis secondary to surgical anastomosis; antral web, duplication cyst, ectopic pancreas, and other rare conditions. A complete clinical, radiological and endoscopic evaluation of the patient is required to make the diagnosis, with complimentary histopathologic studies. EBD are used in exceptional cases, some with advantages over surgical intervention depending on each patient in particular and on the characteristics and etiology of the gastric outlet obstruction. Local steroid injection and electrocauterization can augment the effect of EBD. The future of endoscopic treatment seems to be aimed at the use of endoscopic electrocauterization and balloon dilatations.

Typhoid perforation: Post-operative Intensive Care Unit care and outcome

BACKGROUND

Typhoid perforation ileitis is a serious complication of typhoid fever, a common and unfortunate health problem in a resource-poor country like Nigeria. Following bowel perforation, treatment is usually by simple closure or bowel resection and anastomosis after adequate aggressive fluid resuscitation and electrolyte correction. Postoperatively, some of these patients do require management in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on account of sepsis or septic shock and to improve survival.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a prospective observational study in which 67 consecutive patients who had exploratory laparotomy for typhoid perforation between August 2009 and October 2012 in the main operating theatre of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, were studied. The attending anaesthetists had the freedom of choosing the appropriate anaesthetic drugs depending on the patients' clinical condition. The reason for admission into the ICU, the types of organ support required and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients (37.3%) out of 67 required critical care. Reasons for admission among others included poor respiratory effort, hypotension, septic shock and delayed recovery from anaesthesia. Twenty-one patients (84%) required mechanical ventilation with a mean duration of 2.14 days (range 1-5 days). Fourteen patients required ionotropic support and the length of ICU stay ranged from 1 to 15 days (mean 4.32 days). Nineteen patients (76%) were successfully managed and discharged to the ward while 24% (6 patients) mortality rate was recorded.

CONCLUSION

This study showed high rate of post-operative ICU admission in patients with typhoid perforation with a high demand for critical care involving mechanical ventilation and ionotropic support. In centres that manage patients presenting with typhoid ileitis and perforation, post-operative critical care should be available.

Infections interplay with non-communicable diseases

No Abstract.

CT of gastro-duodenal obstruction

Gastro-duodenal obstruction encompasses a spectrum of benign and malignant disease. Historically, chronic peptic ulcer disease was the main cause of gastro-duodenal obstruction, whereas now malignant cause with gastric carcinomas for gastric obstruction and pancreatic tumors for duodenal obstruction predominate. This paper reviews the role of CT in diagnosing gastro-duodenal obstruction, its level, its cause by identifying intraluminal, parietal, or extrinsic process, and the presence of complication.

The incidence and histo-pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer in a population based cancer registry in Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND

Data on colorectal cancer (CRC) in sub-Saharan Africa is mainly based on hospital series which suggest low incidence and frequent early onset cancers. This study characterises colorectal cancer in a population-based cancer registry in Zimbabwe.

METHODS

Cases of CRC recorded by the Zimbabwe National Cancer Registry between 2003 and 2012 were analysed. Demographic and pathological characteristics were compared according to ethnicity and age. Trends in age standardised incidence rates (ASR) were determined.

RESULTS

There were 886 and 216 cases of CRC among black Africans and Caucasians respectively, and 26% of the black Africans were younger than 40 years. Signet ring cell carcinomas were more common among black Africans compared to Caucasians (4% vs 1%, p=0.027). ASR increased by 1.9%/year and 3.9%/year among black African males and females respectively.

CONCLUSION

CRC incidence is rising among black Africans and has unique demographic and pathological characteristics.

Clinical Presentation, Risk Factors, and Treatment Modalities of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Single Tertiary Care Center Experience

Objective. To investigate the risk factors, clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes in Saudi patients with HCC and propose points for early detection of the disease. Methods. Patients were stratified according to underlying risk factors for the development of HCC. Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) was used for cancer staging. Treatment was classified into surgical resection/liver transplantation; locoregional ablation therapy; transarterial embolization; systemic chemotherapy; and best supportive care. Results. A total of 235 patients were included. Males had higher tumor size and incidence of portal vein thrombosis. Viral hepatitis was a risk factor in 75.7%. The most common BCLC stages were B (34.5%) and A (33.6%), and the most common radiological presentation was a single nodule of less than 5 cm. Metastases were present in 13.2%. Overall, 77 patients (32.8%) underwent a potentially curative treatment as the initial therapy. The most commonly utilized treatment modality was chemoembolization with 113 sessions in 71 patients. The overall median survival was 15.97 ± 27.18 months. Conclusion. HCC in Saudi Arabia is associated with high prevalence of HCV. Potentially curative therapies were underutilized in our patients. Cancer stage BCLC-B was the most frequent (34.5%) followed by BCLC-A (33.6%). The overall median survival was shorter than other studies.

Patterns of Esophageal Cancer in the National Cancer Institute at the University of Gezira, in Gezira State, Sudan, in 1999-2012

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer (EC) is among the most common malignancies in Eastern Africa, but the occurrence of EC in Sudan has rarely been described in the scientific literature. This paper reports the results of a consecutive case series of all EC patients who visited one of the two public cancer treatment centers in the country in 1999-2012, providing a first description of this disease in a treatment center located in central Sudan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical and demographic data for all EC patients who visited the Department of Oncology of the National Cancer Institute at the University of Gezira (NCI-UG) from 1999 to the end of 2012 were abstracted and tabulated by sex, tumor type and other characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 448 EC patients visited NCI-UG in 1999-2012, and the annual number of EC cases increased steadily from 1999. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the predominant EC tumor type (90%), and adenocarcinoma (ADC) was reported in 9.4% of the EC cases. The overall male-to-female ratio for EC was 1:1.8, but the ratio was tumor type-dependent, being 1:2 for SCC and 2:1 for ADC. Only 20% of EC patients reported having ever used tobacco and/or alcohol, and the vast majority of these patients were male. At the time of EC diagnosis, 47.3% of the patients resided in Gezira State. Some EC patients from Gezira State seek out-of-state treatment in the national capital of Khartoum instead of visiting NCI-UG.

CONCLUSIONS

The annual number of EC patients visiting NCI-UG has increased in recent years, approximately half of these patients being from Gezira State. Although this consecutive series of EC patients who visited NCI-UG was complete, it did not capture all EC patients from the state. A population- based cancer registry would provide more complete data required to better understand EC patterns and risk factors.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease in diabetic adult out-patients in Tanzania

Despite the increasing number of patients with Diabetes Mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa, the magnitude of chronic kidney disease among diabetics has not been well established. A study done by Janmohamed et al. found chronic kidney disease in 83.7 % of diabetics which is relatively higher than the prevalence reported elsewhere. However this study was conducted in schistosoma endemic area along the shores of Lake Victoria. Schistosomiasis has been reported to cause a range of renal diseases. Interpretation of these findings should therefore take into account the possibility of schistosomiasis as a possible confounder.

Colorectal Carcinomas in Uyo City, Southern Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria: A Review of Clinicopathological Characteristics and Literature

Colorectal carcinomas (CRC) were initially thought to be rare in Africa including Nigeria, but recent studies have shown a reverse trend in our environment. This study is aimed to identify the clinical and pathological characteristics of CRC diagnosed between July 2006 and June 2015 in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, and a Private Specialist Laboratory, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. All histological diagnosed cases of CRC seen in the two laboratories (University teaching and a private facility) in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state, Nigeria during the study period were retrieved noting their bio-data, pathological and clinical variables. A total of 45 patients of age range 26-80 years with a mean of 55.9 years (SD 3.9) and a male to female ratio of 1.4:1 were seen. The two most common age groups affected in CRCs were 61-70 years (28.9%) and 51-60 years (24.4%) respectively. Majority of CRC patients were older than 40 years (86.7%) with identifiable predisposing factors being tubulo-villous adenoma (4 cases, 8.8%), villous adenoma (2 cases 4.4%), polyposis syndromes (2 cases, 4.4%) and schistosomiasis (1 case, 2.2%). Features of large intestinal obstruction were the most common presenting symptom of CRC (53.3%). Rectal bleeding, alteration in bowel habit and fecal incontinence were other symptoms, accounting for 33.3%, 8.9% and 4.4% of cases respectively. Left-sided CRCs were commoner (68.9%) with the majority appearing as annular-constricting type macroscopically (60.0%). Recto-sigmoid region was the preponderant site involved in CRC (29 cases, 64.5%). Adenocarcinoma (84.4%) was the most frequent histological subtype. Mucinous carcinoma, signet ring carcinoma and carcinoid tumor were other histologic subtypes seen in 8.9, 4.4 and 2.2% of cases respectively. The 22.0% of CRC patients presented at advanced stages of the disease. It can be concluded that majority of CRC patients were older than 40 years (86.7%) with features of intestinal obstruction (53.3%) and adenocarcinoma (84.4%) being the predominant mode of clinical presentation and histological subtype respectively.

Under-five mortality and maternal HIV status in Tanzania: analysis of trends between 2003 and 2012 using AIDS Indicator Survey data

Background

Mortality among children under five remains a significant health challenge across sub-Saharan Africa. HIV/AIDS is one of the leading contributors to the relatively slow decline in under-five mortality in this region. In Tanzania, HIV prevalence among under-five children is high and 90% of all infections are due to mother-to-child transmission.

Objectives

The study aimed to examine the association between maternal HIV-positive status and under-five mortality in Tanzania. It also aimed to estimate the proportions and trends of under-five mortality attributable to maternal HIV/AIDS in Tanzania between 2003 and 2012.

Design

Binomial logistic regression was used to analyze cross-sectional survey data from the Tanzania AIDS Indicator Surveys to examine the association between maternal HIV positivity and under-five mortality between 2003 and 2012.

Results

After controlling for confounders, the adjusted odds ratios were 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–1.9) in 2003–2004, 4.6 (95% CI 2.7–7.8) in 2007–2008, and 2.4 (95% CI 1.2–4.6) in 2011–2012. The maternal HIV-attributable mortality risk percent of under-five children was 3.7 percent in 2003–2004, 11.3 percent in 2007–2008 and 5.6% in 2011–2012.

Conclusion

Maternal HIV positivity is associated with under-five mortality in Tanzania, making maternal HIV serostatus a relevant determinant of whether a child will survive up to five years of age or not. The impact of maternal HIV/AIDS attributable mortality risk has a significant contribution to the overall under-five mortality in Tanzania. The continued monitoring of HIV and mortality trends is important for policy development and design of interventions.