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Doh CY, An C, Chang AY, Rwebembera J, Mwambu TP, Beaton AZ, Nakagaayi D, Ruda Vega PF, Sable CA, Longenecker CT, Lwabi P. Preintervention Wait Time and Survival in People With Rheumatic Heart Disease in Uganda. Ann Thorac Surg 2024; 118:941-948. [PMID: 38908768 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2024.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an unmet surgical burden among people living with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Uganda. Nevertheless, risk factors associated with time to first intervention and preoperative mortality are poorly understood. METHODS Individuals with RHD who met indications for valve surgery were identified using the Uganda National RHD Registry (January 2010-August 2022). Kaplan-Meier estimates and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used. RESULTS Of the cohort with clinical RHD, 64% (1452 of 2269) met criteria for an index operation. Of those, 13.5% obtained a surgical intervention, whereas 30.6% died before the operation. The estimated likelihood of first operation was 50% at 9.3 years of follow-up (95% CI, 8.1-upper limit not reached). Intervention was more likely in men vs women (hazard ratio [HR], 1.78; 95% CI, 1.21-2.64), those with postsecondary education vs primary school or less (HR, 3.60; 95% CI, 1.88-6.89), and those with a history of atrial fibrillation (HR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.63-4.76). Surgical intervention was less likely for adults vs those aged <18 years (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32-0.77) and those with New York Heart Association Functional Class III/IV vs I/II (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32-0.83). The median preoperative survival time among those awaiting first operation was 4.6 years (95% CI, 3.9-5.7 years). History of infective endocarditis, right ventricular dysfunction, pericardial effusion, atrial fibrillation, and having surgical indications for multiple valves were associated with increased probability of death. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis revealed a prolonged time to first surgical intervention and high preintervention death for RHD in Uganda, with factors such as age, sex, and education level remaining barriers to obtaining surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Yoon Doh
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Crystal An
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Andrew Y Chang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Joselyn Rwebembera
- Department of Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tom P Mwambu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda; School of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrea Z Beaton
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Doreen Nakagaayi
- Department of Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda; Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Pablo F Ruda Vega
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute Department of Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Craig A Sable
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Chris T Longenecker
- Department of Cardiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Peter Lwabi
- Department of Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala, Uganda; School of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Opara CC, Lan RH, Rwebembera J, Okello E, Watkins DA, Chang AY, Longenecker CT. Outcomes and care quality metrics for people living with rheumatic heart disease and atrial fibrillation in Uganda. Heart Rhythm O2 2024; 5:201-208. [PMID: 38690140 PMCID: PMC11056452 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and is challenging to treat in lower-resourced settings in which RHD remains endemic. Objective We characterized demographics, treatment outcomes, and factors leading to care retention for participants with RHD and AF in Uganda. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Uganda national RHD registry between June 2009 and May 2018. Participants with AF or atrial flutter were included. Demographics, survival, and care metrics were compared with participants without AF. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with retention in care among participants with AF. Results A total of 1530 participants with RHD were analyzed and 293 (19%) had AF. The median age was 24 (interquartile range 14-38) years. Mortality was similar in both groups (adjusted hazard ratio 1.183, P = .77) over a median follow-up of 203 (interquartile range 98-275) days. A total of 79% of AF participants were prescribed anticoagulation, and 43% were aware of their target international normalized ratio. Retention in care was higher in participants with AF (18% vs 12%, P < .01). Factors associated with decreased retention in care include New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-0.76) and distance to nearest health center (adjusted OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.99). Anticoagulation prescription was associated with enhanced care retention (adjusted OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.24-2.79). Conclusion Participants with RHD and AF in Uganda do not experience higher mortality than those without AF. Anticoagulation prescription rates are high. Although retention in care is poor among RHD participants, those with concurrent AF are more likely to be retained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinonso C. Opara
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Roy H. Lan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, California
| | | | - Emmy Okello
- Division of Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David A. Watkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Andrew Y. Chang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, California
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Chris T. Longenecker
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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Muddu M, Jaffari A, Brant LCC, Kiplagat J, Okello E, Masyuko S, Su Y, Longenecker CT. Lifting all boats: strategies to promote equitable bidirectional research training opportunities to enhance global health reciprocal innovation. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013278. [PMID: 38103895 PMCID: PMC10729234 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Inequities in global health research are well documented. For example, training opportunities for US investigators to conduct research in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) have exceeded opportunities for LMIC investigators to train and conduct research in high-income countries. Reciprocal innovation addresses these inequities through collaborative research across diverse global settings.The Fogarty International Center of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) promotes research capacity building in LMICs. Fogarty K-grants for mentored career development in global health are available for both US and LMIC investigators, whereas the D43 is the standard grant to support institutional training programmes in LMIC. Other NIH institutes fund T32 training grants to support biomedical research training in the USA, but very few have any global health component. Most global health training partnerships have historically focused on research conducted solely in LMIC, with few examples of bidirectional training partnerships. Opportunities may exist to promote global health reciprocal innovation (GHRI) research by twinning K-awardees in the USA with those from LMIC or by intentionally creating partnerships between T32 and D43 training programmes.To sustain independent careers in GHRI research, trainees must be supported through the path to independence known as the K (mentored grantee)-to-R (independent grantee) transition. Opportunities to support this transition include comentorship, research training at both LMIC and US institutions and protected time and resources for research. Other opportunities for sustainability include postdoctoral training before and after the K-award period, absorption of trained researchers into home institutions, South-South training initiatives and innovations to mitigate brain drain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Muddu
- Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Adiya Jaffari
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Luisa C C Brant
- Faculty of Medicine and Hospital das Clínicas Telehealth Center, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jepchirchir Kiplagat
- Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Emmy Okello
- Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda Heart Institute Ltd, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yanfang Su
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Chris Todd Longenecker
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Wali S, Ssinabulya I, Muhangi CN, Kamarembo J, Atala J, Nabadda M, Odong F, Akiteng AR, Ross H, Mashford-Pringle A, Cafazzo JA, Schwartz JI. Bridging community and clinic through digital health: Community-based adaptation of a mobile phone-based heart failure program for remote communities in Uganda. BMC DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 1:20. [PMID: 38800672 PMCID: PMC11116269 DOI: 10.1186/s44247-023-00020-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background In Uganda, limited healthcare access has created a significant burden for patients living with heart failure. With the increasing use of mobile phones, digital health tools could offer an accessible platform for individualized care support. In 2016, our multi-national team adapted a mobile phone-based program for heart failure self-care to the Ugandan context and found that patients using the system showed improvements in their symptoms and quality of life. With approximately 84% of Ugandans residing in rural communities, the Medly Uganda program can provide greater benefit for communities in rural areas with limited access to care. To support the implementation of this program within rural communities, this study worked in partnership with two remote clinics in Northern Uganda to identify the cultural and service level requirements for the program. Methods Using the principles from community-based research and user-centered design, we conducted a mixed-methods study composed of 4 participatory consensus cycles, 60 semi-structured interviews (SSI) and 8 iterative co-design meetings at two remote cardiac clinics. Patient surveys were also completed during each SSI to collect data related to cell phone access, community support, and geographic barriers. Qualitative data was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The Indigenous method of two-eyed seeing was also embedded within the analysis to help promote local perspectives regarding community care. Results Five themes were identified. The burden of travel was recognized as the largest barrier for care, as patients were travelling up to 19 km by motorbike for clinic visits. Despite mixed views on traditional medicine, patients often turned to healers due to the cost of medication and transport. With most patients owning a non-smartphone (n = 29), all participants valued the use of a digital tool to improve equitable access to care. However, to sustain program usage, integrating the role of village health teams (VHTs) to support in-community follow-ups and medication delivery was recognized as pivotal. Conclusion The use of a mobile phone-based digital health program can help to reduce the barrier of geography, while empowering remote HF self-care. By leveraging the trusted role of VHTs within the delivery of the program, this will help enable more culturally informed care closer to home. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s44247-023-00020-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahr Wali
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Centre for Digital Therapeutics, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, R. Fraser Elliott Building, 4th floor, 190 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4 Canada
| | - Isaac Ssinabulya
- Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda Heart Institute, MulagoNational Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Martha Nabadda
- Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Ann R. Akiteng
- Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
- Uganda Heart Institute, MulagoNational Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Heather Ross
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University Health Network, Toronto, ON Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Angela Mashford-Pringle
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Joseph A. Cafazzo
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Centre for Digital Therapeutics, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, R. Fraser Elliott Building, 4th floor, 190 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4 Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Jeremy I. Schwartz
- Initiative for Integrated Management of Non-Communicable Diseases, Kampala, Uganda
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
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Infrastructure Availability for the Care of Congenital Heart Disease Patients and Its Influence on Case Volume, Complexity and Access Among Healthcare Institutions in 17 Middle-Income Countries. Glob Heart 2021; 16:75. [PMID: 34900566 PMCID: PMC8533658 DOI: 10.5334/gh.968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The care for patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is multi-disciplinary and resource intensive. There is limited information about the infrastructure available among programs that care for CHD patients in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). A survey covering the entire care-pathway for CHD, from initial assessment to inpatient care and outpatient follow-up, was administered to institutions participating in the International Quality Improvement Collaborative for Congenital Heart Disease (IQIC). Surgical case complexity-mix was collected from the IQIC registry and estimated surgical capacity requirement was based on population data. The statistical association of selected infrastructure with case volume, case-complexity and percentage of estimated case-burden actually treated, was analyzed. Thirty-seven healthcare institutions in seventeen countries with median annual surgical volume of 361 (41-3503) operations completed the survey. There was a median of two (1-16) operating room/s (OR), nine (2-80) intensive care unit (ICU) beds, three (1-20) cardiac surgeons, five (3-30) OR nurses, four (2-35) anesthesiologists, four (1-25) perfusionists, 28 (5-194) ICU nurses, six (0-30) cardiologists and three (1-15) interventional cardiologists. Higher surgical volume was associated with higher OR availability (p = 0.007), number of surgeons (p = 0.002), OR nurses (0.008), anesthesiologists (p = 0.04), perfusionists (p = 0.001), ICU nurses (p < 0.001), years of experience of the most senior surgeon (p = 0.03) or cardiologist (p = 0.05), and ICU bed capacity (p = 0.001). Location in an upper-middle income country (P = 0.04), OR availability (p = 0.02), and number of cardiologists (p = 0.004) were associated with performing a higher percentage of complex cases. This study demonstrates an overall deficit in the infrastructure available for the care of CHD patients among the participating institutions. While there is considerable variation across institutions surveyed, deficits in infrastructure that requires long-term investment like operating rooms, intensive care capacity, and availability of trained staff, are associated with reduced surgical capacity and access to CHD care.
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Edwards JG, Barry M, Essam D, Elsayed M, Abdulkarim M, Elhossein BMA, Mohammed ZHA, Elnogomi A, Elfaki ASE, Elsayed A, Chang AY. Health system and patient-level factors serving as facilitators and barriers to rheumatic heart disease care in Sudan. Glob Health Res Policy 2021; 6:35. [PMID: 34598719 PMCID: PMC8486630 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-021-00222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa despite widely available preventive therapies such as prophylactic benzathine penicillin G (BPG). In this study, we sought to characterize facilitators and barriers to optimal RHD treatment with BPG in Sudan. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study, collecting survey data from 397 patients who were enrolled in a national RHD registry between July and November 2017. The cross-sectional surveys included information on demographics, healthcare access, and patient perspectives on treatment barriers and facilitators. Factors associated with increased likelihood of RHD treatment adherence to prophylactic BPG were assessed by using adjusted logistic regression. These data were enhanced by focus group discussions with 20 participants, to further explore health system factors impacting RHD care. RESULTS Our quantitative analysis revealed that only 32% of the study cohort reported optimal prophylaxis adherence. Younger age, reduced primary RHD healthcare facility wait time, perception of adequate health facility staffing, increased treatment costs, and high patient knowledge about RHD were significantly associated with increased odds of treatment adherence. Qualitative data revealed significant barriers to RHD treatment arising from health services factors at the health system level, including lack of access due to inadequate healthcare staffing, lack of faith in local healthcare systems, poor ancillary services, and patient lack of understanding of disease. Facilitators of RHD treatment included strong interpersonal support. CONCLUSIONS Multiple patient and system-level barriers to RHD prophylaxis adherence were identified in Khartoum, Sudan. These included patient self-efficacy and participant perception of healthcare facility quality. Strengthening local health system infrastructure, while enhancing RHD patient education, may help to improve treatment adherence in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G. Edwards
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
- Present Address: Boston Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Residency Program Coordinator, c/o Jeffrey Edwards, 801 Albany, St Boston, MA 02119-2598 USA
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Michele Barry
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Dary Essam
- Alazhari Health Research Center, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohammed Elsayed
- Alazhari Health Research Center, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | | | - Zahia H. A. Mohammed
- Faculty of Medicine, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
- Department of Psychiatry, Alzaeim Alazhari University Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Amna S. E. Elfaki
- Alazhari Health Research Center, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Ahmed Elsayed
- Alazhari Health Research Center, Alzaeim Alazhari University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Andrew Y. Chang
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
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Chang AY, Rwebembera J, Bendavid E, Okello E, Barry M, Beaton AZ, Haeffele C, Webel AR, Kityo C, Longenecker CT. Clinical Outcomes, Echocardiographic Findings, and Care Quality Metrics for People Living with HIV and Rheumatic Heart Disease in Uganda. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:1543-1548. [PMID: 34382644 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) affects 41 million people worldwide, mostly in low- and middle-income countries, where it is co-endemic with HIV. HIV is also a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with cardiovascular complications, yet the epidemiology of patients affected by both diseases is poorly understood. METHODS Utilizing the Uganda National RHD Registry, we described the echocardiographic findings, clinical characteristics, medication prescription rates, and outcomes of all 73 people carrying concurrent diagnoses of HIV and RHD between 2009 and 2018. These individuals were compared to an age- and sex-matched cohort of 365 subjects with RHD only. RESULTS The median age of the HIV-RHD group was 36 years (IQR 15) and 86% were women. The HIV-RHD cohort had higher rates of prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (12% vs 5%, p=0.02) than the RHD-only group, with this association persisting following multivariable adjustment (OR 3.08, p=0.03). Prevalence of other comorbidities, echocardiographic findings, prophylactic penicillin prescription rates, retention in clinical care, and mortality were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Patients living with RHD and HIV in Uganda are a relatively young, predominantly female group. Although RHD-HIV comorbid individuals have higher rates of stroke, their similar all-cause mortality and RHD care quality metrics (such as retention in care) compared to those with RHD alone suggest rheumatic heart disease defines their clinical outcome more than HIV does. We believe this study to be one of the first reports of the epidemiologic profile and longitudinal outcomes of patients who carry diagnoses of both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Y Chang
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institue, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Eran Bendavid
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emmy Okello
- Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michele Barry
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Z Beaton
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center & The University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Christiane Haeffele
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institue, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Allison R Webel
- Department of Child, Family and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cissy Kityo
- Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chris T Longenecker
- University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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DeWyer A, Scheel A, Kamarembo J, Akech R, Asiimwe A, Beaton A, Bobson B, Canales L, DeStigter K, Kazi DS, Kwan GF, Longenecker CT, Lwabi P, Murali M, Ndagire E, Namuyonga J, Sarnacki R, Ssinabulya I, Okello E, Aliku T, Sable C. Establishment of a cardiac telehealth program to support cardiovascular diagnosis and care in a remote, resource-poor setting in Uganda. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255918. [PMID: 34358281 PMCID: PMC8345851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To address workforce shortages and expand access to care, we developed a telemedicine program incorporating existing infrastructure for delivery of cardiovascular care in Gulu, Northern Uganda. Our study had three objectives: 1) assess feasibility and clinical impact 2) evaluate patient/parent satisfaction and 3) estimate costs. METHODS All cardiology clinic visits during a two-year study period were included. All patients received an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram performed by a local nurse in Gulu which were stored and transmitted to the Uganda Heart Institute in the capital of Kampala for remote consultation by a cardiologist. Results were relayed to patients/families following cardiologist interpretation. The following telemedicine process was utilized: 1) clinical intake by nurse in Gulu; 2) ECG and echocardiography acquisition in Gulu; 3) echocardiography transmission to the Uganda Heart Institute in Kampala, Uganda; 4) remote telemedicine consultation by cardiologists in Kampala; and 5) communication of results to patients/families in Gulu. Clinical care and technical aspects were tracked. Diagnoses and recommendations were analyzed by age groups (0-5 years, 6-21 years, 22-50 years and > 50 years). A mixed methods approach involving interviews and surveys was used to assess patient satisfaction. Healthcare sector costs of telemedicine-based cardiovascular care were estimated using time-driven activity-based costing. RESULTS Normal studies made up 47%, 55%, 76% and 45% of 1,324 patients in the four age groups from youngest to oldest. Valvular heart disease (predominantly rheumatic heart disease) was the most common diagnosis in the older three age groups. Medications were prescribed to 31%, 31%, 24%, and 48% of patients in the four age groups. The median time for consultation was 7 days. A thematic analysis of focus group transcripts displayed an overall acceptance and appreciation for telemedicine, citing cost- and time-saving benefits. The cost of telemedicine was $29.48/visit. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that transmission and interpretation of echocardiograms from a remote clinic in northern Uganda is feasible, serves a population with a high burden of heart disease, has a significant impact on patient care, is favorably received by patients, and can be delivered at low cost. Further study is needed to better assess the impact relative to existing standards of care and cost effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa DeWyer
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States of America
| | - Amy Scheel
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | | | - Rose Akech
- Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Gulu, Uganda
| | | | - Andrea Beaton
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- The University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | | | - Lesley Canales
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Kristen DeStigter
- University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Dhruv S. Kazi
- Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Cardiovascular Medicine Section, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Gene F. Kwan
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Chris T. Longenecker
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | | | - Meghna Murali
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | | | - Rachel Sarnacki
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Craig Sable
- Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, United States of America
- George Washington School of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States of America
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Starting and Operating a Public Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory in a Low Resource Setting: The Eight-Year Story of the Uganda Heart Institute Catheter Laboratory. Glob Heart 2021; 16:11. [PMID: 33598391 PMCID: PMC7879993 DOI: 10.5334/gh.859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Low- and-middle-income-countries (LMICs) currently bear 80% of the world’s cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality burden. The same countries are underequipped to handle the disease burden due to critical shortage of resources. Functional cardiac catheterization laboratories (cath labs) are central in the diagnosis and management of CVDs. Yet, most LMICs, including Uganda, fall remarkably below the minimum recommended standards of cath lab:population ratio due to a host of factors including the start-up and recurring costs. Objectives: To review the performance, challenges and solutions employed, lessons learned, and projections for the future for a single cath lab that has been serving the Ugandan population of 40 million people in the past eight years. Methods: A retrospective review of the Uganda Heart Institute cath lab clinical database from 15 February 2012 to 31 December 2019 was performed. Results: In the initial two years, this cath lab was dependent on skills transfer camps by visiting expert teams, but currently, Ugandan resident specialists independently operate this lab. 3,542 adult and pediatric procedures were conducted in 8 years, including coronary angiograms and percutaneous coronary interventions, device implantations, valvuloplasties, and cardiac defect closures, among others. There was a consistent expansion of the spectrum of procedures conducted in this cath lab each year. The initial lack of technical expertise and sourcing for equipment, as well as the continual need for sundries present(ed) major roadblocks. Government support and leveraging existing multi-level collaborations has provided a platform for several solutions. Sustainability of cath lab services remains a significant challenge especially in relation to the high cost of sundries and other consumables amidst a limited budget. Conclusion: A practical example of how centers in LMIC can set up and sustain a public cardiac catheterization laboratory is presented. Government support, research, and training collaborations, if present, become invaluable leverage opportunities.
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Beaton A, Kamalembo FB, Dale J, Kado JH, Karthikeyan G, Kazi DS, Longenecker CT, Mwangi J, Okello E, Ribeiro ALP, Taubert KA, Watkins DA, Wyber R, Zimmerman M, Carapetis J. The American Heart Association's Call to Action for Reducing the Global Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Policy Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2020; 142:e358-e368. [PMID: 33070654 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) affects ≈40 million people and claims nearly 300 000 lives each year. The historic passing of a World Health Assembly resolution on RHD in 2018 now mandates a coordinated global response. The American Heart Association is committed to serving as a global champion and leader in RHD care and prevention. Here, we pledge support in 5 key areas: (1) professional healthcare worker education and training, (2) technical support for the implementation of evidence-based strategies for rheumatic fever/RHD prevention, (3) access to essential medications and technologies, (4) research, and (5) advocacy to increase global awareness, resources, and capacity for RHD control. In bolstering the efforts of the American Heart Association to combat RHD, we hope to inspire others to collaborate, communicate, and contribute.
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Byiringiro S, Nyirimanzi N, Mucumbitsi J, Kamanzi ER, Swain J. Cardiac Surgery: Increasing Access in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Curr Cardiol Rep 2020; 22:37. [PMID: 32430786 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-020-01290-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have long-battled communicable diseases, and now, a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCD) is conferring tremendous burden in these areas. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the number one cause of death among NCDs across the globe. The current review provides insight regarding this disease burden and highlights challenges as well as strategies for establishing functional cardiac surgery centers and sustainable access to comprehensive cardiovascular care within LMICs. RECENT FINDINGS Without effective prevention and treatment strategies, estimates suggest that deaths from CVDs will reach 24 million by the year 2030. Surgery exists as a limited option for selected patients with advanced cardiac disease in LMICs in comparison with its availability in developed countries. Multi-lateral or public-private initiatives, government investment, philanthropic efforts, innovative financing systems to strengthen Universal Health Coverage, and expansion of training options through centers of excellence appear to be the way forward to broadening the availability of cardiovascular services, inclusive of surgery, to LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Byiringiro
- School of Nursing, The Johns Hopkins University, 525 North Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | - JaBaris Swain
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Chang AY, Nabbaale J, Okello E, Ssinabulya I, Barry M, Beaton AZ, Webel AR, Longenecker CT. Outcomes and Care Quality Metrics for Women of Reproductive Age Living With Rheumatic Heart Disease in Uganda. J Am Heart Assoc 2020; 9:e015562. [PMID: 32295465 PMCID: PMC7428530 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.015562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Rheumatic heart disease disproportionately affects women of reproductive age, as it increases the risk of cardiovascular complications and death during pregnancy and childbirth. In sub-Saharan Africa, clinical outcomes and adherence to guideline-based therapies are not well characterized for this population. Methods and Results In a retrospective cohort study of the Uganda rheumatic heart disease registry between June 2009 and May 2018, we used multivariable regression and Cox proportional hazards models to compare comorbidities, mortality, anticoagulation use, and treatment cascade metrics among women versus men aged 15 to 44 with clinical rheumatic heart disease. We included 575 women and 252 men with a median age of 27 years. Twenty percent had New York Heart Association Class III-IV heart failure. Among patients who had an indication for anticoagulation, women were less likely than men to receive a prescription of warfarin (66% versus 81%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.14-0.96). Retention in care (defined as a clinic visit within the preceding year) was poor among both sexes in this age group (27% for men, 24% for women), but penicillin adherence rates were high among those retained (89% for men, 92% for women). Mortality was higher in men than women (26% versus 19% over a median follow-up of 2.7 years; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.18-2.33). Conclusions Compared with men, women of reproductive age with rheumatic heart disease in Uganda have lower rates of appropriate anticoagulant prescription but also lower mortality rates. Retention in care is poor among both men and women in this age range, representing a key target for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Y. Chang
- Division of Cardiovascular MedicineStanford UniversityStanfordCA
- Department of MedicineStanford UniversityStanfordCA
- Center for Innovation in Global HealthStanford UniversityStanfordCA
| | - Juliet Nabbaale
- Uganda Heart InstituteMulago HospitalKampalaUganda
- University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular InstituteCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOH
| | - Emmy Okello
- Uganda Heart InstituteMulago HospitalKampalaUganda
| | | | - Michele Barry
- Department of MedicineStanford UniversityStanfordCA
- Center for Innovation in Global HealthStanford UniversityStanfordCA
| | - Andrea Z. Beaton
- The Heart InstituteCincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center & The University of Cincinnati School of MedicineCincinnatiOH
| | - Allison R. Webel
- Frances Payne Bolton School of NursingCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOH
| | - Chris T. Longenecker
- University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular InstituteCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOH
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13
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Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: Facts and research progress in Africa. Int J Cardiol 2019; 295:48-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2019.07.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Ambassa JC, Charles M, Jacques Cabral TT. Heart catheterization in adults in a sub-Saharan tertiary centre: 8 years' experience. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2019; 9:173-178. [PMID: 31143639 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2018.11.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background The goal of the investigation was to analyze the results of heart catheterization in the Cardiac centre Shisong from December 2010 till December 2017. Methods This retrospective study done in the Cardiac centre Shisong in adult patients that underwent a procedure in the catheterization laboratory from December 2010 till December 2017. Results Three hundred and sixty-five adult underwent a cardiac catheterization procedure during the study period. Among the patients, 126 were female while 239 were male. The mean age at presentation was 52.6±12.9 years old. Patients were coming from neighboring countries: Nigeria n=5 (1.3%), Tchad n=3 (0.8%), Equatorial Guinea n=4 (1%), Democratic republic of Congo n=2 (0.5%). Patients were also coming from all the ten regions of Cameroon: Littoral n=122 (33.2%), Centre n=127 (34.8%), North west n=47 (12.9%), South west n=17 (4.5%), West n=26 (7.1%), North n=7 (1.8%), Adamaoua n=8 (2.1%), Far North n=5 (1.3%), South n=2 (0.5%), East n=4 (1%). Depending on the type of procedures diagnostic coronarography in case with suspicion of coronary artery disease and presurgical coronarography were the main procedures done in 171 patients (46.8%) and in 146 patients (40%) respectively. Diagnostic coronarography was positive in 31 cases (8.4%). In patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD), percutaneous intervention with dilatation of the coronary arteries and implantation of stents was done in 19 cases (5.2%). The remaining 12 cases (3.2%) were having many lesions that could be managed only by coronary artery grafting surgery, done with success in all the cases. In grown up congenital heart disease patients, diagnostic catheterization was done in 48 cases meanwhile interventional catheterization: pulmonary artery valvuloplasty, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure, atrial septal defect closure and decoarctation of the aorta were done in n=11 (3.4%), n=9 (2.4%), n=12 (3.2%), n=6 (1.6%) cases respectively. Conclusions Coronary heart disease was confirmed by angiography in 8.4% cases, and among grown up congenital heart disease 'patients, atrial septal defect was the pathology the most managed. Heart catheterization is done in the Cardiac centre Shisong with good results.
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Knight J, Wachira J, Kafu C, Braitstein P, Wilson IB, Harrison A, Owino R, Akinyi J, Koech B, Genberg B. The Role of Gender in Patient-Provider Relationships: A Qualitative Analysis of HIV Care Providers in Western Kenya with Implications for Retention in Care. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:395-405. [PMID: 30168005 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2265-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The disproportionate burden of HIV among women in sub-Saharan Africa reflects underlying gender inequities, which also impact patient-provider relationships, a key component to retention in HIV care. This study explored how gender shaped the patient-provider relationship and consequently, retention in HIV care in western Kenya. We recruited and consented 60 HIV care providers from three facilities in western Kenya affiliated with the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH). Trained research assistants conducted and audio recorded 1-h interviews in English or Swahili. Data were transcribed and analyzed in NVivo using inductive thematic analysis. Gender constructs, as culturally defined, emerged as an important barrier negatively impacting the patient-provider relationship through three main domains: (1) challenges establishing clear roles and sharing power due to conflicting gender versus patient/provider identities, (2) provider frustration over suboptimal patient adherence resulting from gender-influenced contextual barriers, and (3) negative provider perceptions shaped by differing male and female approaches to communication. Programmatic components addressing gender inequities in the health care setting are urgently needed to effectively leverage the patient-provider relationship and fully promote long-term adherence and retention in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Knight
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Juddy Wachira
- School of Medicine, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Catherine Kafu
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Paula Braitstein
- School of Medicine, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ira B Wilson
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Regina Owino
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Jacqueline Akinyi
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Beatrice Koech
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Becky Genberg
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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