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Habte YW, Shao B, Pajer HB, Ma KL, Abicho TB, Feleke Y, Bizuneh YA, Laeke T, Tirsit A, Spader HS. Profile of Patients Receiving Computed Tomography Scans for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ethiopia. World Neurosurg 2024; 186:e673-e682. [PMID: 38608809 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading contributor to emergency department (ED) mortalities in Ethiopia. Mild TBI patients comprise half of all TBI patients presenting for care in Ethiopia and have a high potential for recovery. As such, context-specific care-improving strategies may be highly impactful for this group of patients. OBJECTIVE This study examines the presentation and disposition of mTBI patients who received a computed tomography scan of the head upon arrival at the largest teaching hospital in Ethiopia. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted from 2018 to2021 including patients >13 years old with a head injury and a Glasgow Coma Score of 13-15 who obtained a computed tomography scan of the head. Variables were collected from medical charts and single and multivariable analyses assessed outcomes of clinically important TBI (ciTBI) requiring a neurosurgical procedure or admission. RESULTS A total of 193 patients were included. They were predominantly young men with no comorbidities, injured in road traffic accidents or by assault, had stable vital signs and were treated in lower-acuity ED areas. A minority demonstrated focal deficits, and 29.5% of patients had ciTBI. Most patients were discharged from the ED, but 13% were taken for operative neurosurgical procedures and 10.4% were admitted to the neurosurgery ward for observation. ED stays ranged from 8 hours to 10 days, as patients waited for CT availability, neurosurgical decision, or transportation. Female sex was independently protective of ciTBI. Self-referral status was independently protective against operative intervention. Female sex and self-referral status were independently protective of a disposition of admission and/or going to the operating room. CONCLUSIONS This study characterizes the mTBI subgroup of head injury patients in Ethiopia's busiest ED: predominantly healthy young men with low-acuity presentations and only a fraction with abnormal neurological examinations. Nonetheless, about one-third had ciTBI and a minority were taken for neurosurgical procedures or admission, with female sex and self-referral identified as protective factors. Meanwhile, many patients stayed in the ED for days due to social or other nonmedical reasons. As TBI care in Ethiopia continues to improve, optimizing care for the mTBI subgroup is tantamount given their high recovery potential. This care will benefit from efficiently identifying those who need intervention or hospital level of care, and discharging those who do not.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Belinda Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Hengameh B Pajer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, HCA Houston Kingwood, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kevin L Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | | | | | - Tsegazeab Laeke
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abenezer Tirsit
- Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Heather S Spader
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville Virginia, USA.
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Yadeta DA, Manyazewal T, Demessie DB, Kleive D. Incidence and predictors of postoperative complications in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2024; 4:1353788. [PMID: 38784705 PMCID: PMC11112115 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2024.1353788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Background Postoperative complications remain a significant challenge, especially in settings where healthcare access and infrastructure disparities exacerbate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled incidence and risk factors of postoperative complications among patients undergoing essential surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Method PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from January 2010 to November 2022 for completed studies reporting the incidence and risk factors associated with postoperative complications among patients undergoing essential surgery in SSA. Severity of postoperative complications was ranked based on the Clavien-Dindo classification system, while risk factors were classified into three groups based on the Donabedian structure-process-outcome quality evaluation framework. Studies quality was appraised using the JBI Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI), and data were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. The study protocol adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023414342). Results The meta-analysis included 19 studies (10 cohort and 9 cross-sectional) comprising a total of 24,136 patients. The pooled incidence of postoperative complications in SSA was 20.2% (95% CI: 18.7%-21.8%), with a substantial heterogeneity of incidence observed. The incidence varied from 14.6% to 27.5% based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. The random-effects model indicated significant heterogeneity among the studies (Q = 54.202, I = 66.791%, p < 0.001). Contributing factors to postoperative complications were: structure-related factors, which included the availability and accessibility of resources, as well as the quality of both the surgical facility and the hospital.; process-related factors, which encompassed surgical skills, adherence to protocols, evidence-based practices, and the quality of postoperative care; and patient outcome-related factors such as age, comorbidities, alcohol use, and overall patient health status. Conclusion The meta-analysis reveals a high frequency of postoperative complications in SSA, with noticeable discrepancies among the studies. The analysis highlights a range of factors, encompassing structural, procedural, and patient outcome-related aspects, that contribute to these complications. The findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions aimed at reducing complications and improving the overall quality of surgical care in the region. Systematic Reviews Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier (CRD42023414342).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Aboma Yadeta
- School of Public Health, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Dereje Bayissa Demessie
- School of Public Health, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Laeke T, Tirsit A, Moen BE, Lund-Johansen M, Sundstrøm T. Neurotrauma from fall accidents in Ethiopia. BRAIN & SPINE 2024; 4:102792. [PMID: 38983751 PMCID: PMC11231558 DOI: 10.1016/j.bas.2024.102792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Ethiopia is a fast-growing economy with rapid urbanization and poor occupational safety measures. Fall injuries are common and frequently result in traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury (SCI). Methods We prospectively included fall victims who were hospital-treated for neurotrauma or forensically examined in 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We registered sociodemographic factors, fall types, injuries, treatment, and outcome. Results We included 117 treated and 51 deceased patients (median age 27 vs. 40 years). Most patients were injured at construction sites (39.9%) and only one in three used protective equipment. TBI (64.7%) and SCI (27.5%) were the most common causes of death among the deceased patients, of which most died at the accident site (90.2%). Many patients suffered significant prehospital time delays (median 24 h). Among treated patients, SCI was more frequent than TBI (50.4% vs. 39.3%), and 10.3% of the patients had both SCI and TBI. Most SCIs were complete (49.3%), whereas most TBIs were mild (55.2%). Less than half of TBI patients and less than one in five SCI patients were operated. There were twice as many deaths among TBI patients as SCI patients. Among those discharged alive, at a median of 33 weeks, 50% of TBI patients had a good recovery whereas 35.5% of SCI patients had complete injuries. Conclusion Falls at construction sites with inadequate safety measures were common causes of SCI and TBI resulting in severe disability and death. These results support further development of prevention strategies and neurotrauma care in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegazeab Laeke
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Ethiopia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Abenezer Tirsit
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Ethiopia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente E Moen
- Center for International Health, Department of Global, Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Morten Lund-Johansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Terje Sundstrøm
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Shakir M, Altaf A, Irshad HA, Hussain N, Pirzada S, Tariq M, Trillo-Ordonez Y, Enam SA. Factors Delaying the Continuum of Care for the Management of Traumatic Brain Injury in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. World Neurosurg 2023; 180:169-193.e3. [PMID: 37689356 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the disproportionate burden of delayed traumatic brain injury (TBI) management in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is pressing demand for investigations. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate factors delaying the continuum of care for the management of TBIs in LMICs. METHODS A systematic review was conducted with PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Observational studies with TBI patients in LMIC were included. The factors affecting management of TBI were extracted and analyzed descriptively. RESULTS A total of 55 articles were included consisting of 60,603 TBI cases from 18 LMICs. Road traffic accidents (58.7%) were the most common cause of injury. Among included studies, factors contributing to prehospital delays included a poor referral system and lack of an organized system of referral (14%), long travel distances (11%), inadequacy of emergency medical services (16.6%), and self-treatment practices (2.38%). For in-hospital delays, factors such as lack of trained physicians (10%), improper triage systems (20%), and absence of imaging protocols (10%), lack of in-house computed tomography scanners (35%), malfunctioning computed tomography scanners (10%), and a lack of invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure (5%), limited theater space (28%), lack of in-house neurosurgical facilities (28%), absence of in-house neurosurgeons (28%), and financial constraints (14%) were identified. CONCLUSIONS Several factors, both before and during hospitalization contribute to delays in the management of TBIs in LMICs. Strategically addressing these factors can help overcome delays and improve TBI management in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shakir
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Ahmed Altaf
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Nowal Hussain
- Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sonia Pirzada
- Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mahnoor Tariq
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Yesel Trillo-Ordonez
- Duke University Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neurology, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Syed Ather Enam
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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Guan B, Anderson DB, Chen L, Feng S, Zhou H. Global, regional and national burden of traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075049. [PMID: 37802626 PMCID: PMC10565269 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the most up-to-date burden of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) and analyse their leading causes in different countries/territories. DESIGN An analysis of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data. SETTING The epidemiological data were gathered from GBD Results Tool (1 January, 1990─31 December 2019) covering 21 GBD regions and 204 countries/ territories. PARTICIPANTS Patients with TBI/SCI. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Absolute numbers and age-standardised rates/estimates of incidence, prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs) of TBI/SCI by location in 2019, with their percentage changes from 1990 to 2019. The leading causes (eg, falls) of TBI/SCI in 204 countries/territories. RESULTS Globally, in 2019, TBI had 27.16 million new cases, 48.99 million prevalent cases and 7.08 million YLDs. SCI had 0.91 million new cases, 20.64 million prevalent cases and 6.20 million YLDs. Global age-standardised incidence rates of TBI decreased significantly by -5.5% (95% uncertainty interval -8.9% to -3.0%) from 1990 to 2019, whereas SCI had no significant change (-6.1% (-17.3% to 1.5%)). Regionally, in 2019, Eastern Europe and High-income North America had the highest burden of TBI and SCI, respectively. Nationally, in 2019, Slovenia and Afghanistan had the highest age-standardised incidence rates of TBI and SCI, respectively. For TBI, falls were the leading cause in 74% (150/204) of countries/territories, followed by pedestrian road injuries (14%, 29/204), motor vehicle road injuries (5%, 11/204), and conflict and terrorism (2%, 4/204). For SCI, falls were the leading cause in 97% (198/204) of countries/territories, followed by conflict and terrorism (3%, 6/204). CONCLUSIONS Global age-standardised incidence rates of TBI have decreased significantly since 1990, whereas SCI had no significant change. The leading causes of TBI/SCI globally were falls, but variations did exist between countries/territories. Policy-makers should continue to prioritise interventions to reduce falls, but priorities may vary between countries/territories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Guan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - David B Anderson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lingxiao Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Hengxing Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Shandong University Centre for Orthopaedics, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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Laeke T, Kalleklev L, Tirsit A, Moen BE, Lund-Johansen M, Sundstrøm T. Surgical treatment and outcome of chronic subdural hematoma: a comparative study between Ethiopia and Norway. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:49-59. [PMID: 36495322 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-022-05435-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common neurosurgical conditions. Here, we studied differences in demographics, treatment, and outcome for CSDH patients in low-income (Ethiopia) and high-income (Norway) countries and assessed potential outcome determinants. METHODS We included patients from Addis Ababa University Hospitals (AAUH) and Haukeland University Hospital (HUH) who had surgery for CSDH (2013-2017). Patients were included prospectively in Ethiopia and retrospectively in Norway. RESULTS We enrolled 314 patients from AAUH and 284 patients from HUH, with a median age of 60 and 75 years, respectively. Trauma history was more common in AAUH (72%) than in HUH patients (64.1%). More patients at HUH (45.1%) used anticoagulants/antiplatelets than at AAUH (3.2%). Comorbidities were more frequent in HUH (77.5%) than in AAUH patients (30.3%). Burr hole craniostomy under local anesthesia and postoperative drainage was the standard treatment in both countries. Postoperative CT scanning was more common at HUH (99.3%) than at AAUH (5.2%). Reoperations were more frequent at HUH (10.9%) than at AAUH (6.1%), and in both countries, mostly due to hematoma recurrence. Medical complications were more common at HUH (6.7%) than at AAUH (1.3%). The 1-year mortality rate at HUH was 7% and at AAUH 3.5%. At the end of follow-up (> 3 years), the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) score was 8 in 82.9% of AAUH and 46.8% of HUH patients. CONCLUSION The surgical treatment was similar at AAUH and HUH. The poorer outcome in Norway could largely be explained by age, comorbidity, medication, and complication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsegazeab Laeke
- Neurosurgery Division, Surgery Department, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Line Kalleklev
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Abenezer Tirsit
- Neurosurgery Division, Surgery Department, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente E Moen
- Center for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Morten Lund-Johansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Terje Sundstrøm
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Ferrara M, Bertozzi G, Volonnino G, Di Fazio N, Frati P, Cipolloni L, La Russa R, Fineschi V. Glymphatic System a Window on TBI Pathophysiology: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169138. [PMID: 36012401 PMCID: PMC9408940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, the attention of the scientific world has focused on a clearance system of brain waste metabolites, called the glymphatic system, based on its similarity to the lymphatic system in peripheral tissue and the relevant role of the AQP4 glial channels and described for the first time in 2012. Consequently, numerous studies focused on its role in organ damage in cases of neuropathologies, including TBI. Methods: To evaluate the role that the glymphatic system has in the pathogenesis of TBI, on 23 March 2022, a systematic review of the literature according to PRISMA guidelines was carried out using the SCOPUS and Medline (via PubMed) databases, resulting in 12 articles after the selection process. Discussion and conclusion: The present review demonstrated that an alteration of AQP4 is associated with the accumulation of substances S100b, GFAP, and NSE, known markers of TBI in the forensic field. In addition, the alteration of the functionality of AQP4 favors edema, which, as already described, constitutes alterations of secondary brain injuries. Moreover, specific areas of the brain were demonstrated to be prone to alterations of the glymphatic pathway, suggesting their involvement in post-TBI damage. Therefore, further studies are mandatory. In this regard, a study protocol on cadavers is also proposed, based on the analyzed evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ferrara
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bertozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Volonnino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Cipolloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Hussein AA, Laeke T, Yohannes D. Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Determinants of Surgically Treated Depressed Skull Fracture in Addis Ababa University Neurosurgical Teaching Hospitals: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study. World Neurosurg 2021; 158:e55-e63. [PMID: 34656792 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.10.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressed skull fracture is one of the most common neurosurgical emergencies in Ethiopia. The clinical outcome after surgical management and what factors predict the outcome are not well studied. Our study aimed to assess the outcome and identify predictors of the outcome in surgically treated adult patients. METHODS A prospective, multicenter, observational study was undertaken on 197 cases, at 4 selected neurosurgical teaching hospitals in Ethiopia. Relevant data were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (IBM, Armonk, New York, USA). The outcome was assessed by the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale. Multivariate analysis was done to identify independent predictors of the outcome. RESULTS The outcome was favorable in 81.2%. The mean age was 27. The mode of injury was violence in 79.7%. Motor deficit witnessed in 24.4%. Based on the Glasgow Coma Scale, 92.2% of patients had mild traumatic brain injury. Associated intracranial lesions were identified in 87.3%. The median hospital stay was 4.7 days. Reoperation and mortality rates were 4.1% and 0.5%, respectively. Five factors were statistically significant independent predictors of unfavorable outcome in multivariate analysis: motor deficit (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 13.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.13-46.17, P = 0.000), Glasgow Coma Scale ≤13 (AOR 10.36, 95% CI: 1.93-55.56, P = 0.006), pneumocephalus (AOR 12.93, 95% CI: 3.12-53.52, P = 0.000), hospital stay for ≥3 days (AOR 4.39, 95% CI: 1.18-16.3, P = 0.027), and reoperation (AOR 6.92, 95% CI: 1.09-43.97, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS The overall outcome was favorable. The presence of motor deficit, postresuscitation Glasgow Coma Scale ≤13, pneumocephalus, reoperation, and hospital stays for ≥3 days were independent predictors of an unfavorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Abdellah Hussein
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tabor Sub-city, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
| | - Tsegazeab Laeke
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Addis Ababa University Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Lideta Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Dagnachew Yohannes
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tabor Sub-city, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Asfaw ZK, Tirsit A, Barthélemy EJ, Mesfin E, Wondafrash M, Yohannes D, Ashagre Y, Park K, Laeke T. Neurosurgery in Ethiopia: A New Chapter and Future Prospects. World Neurosurg 2021; 152:e175-e183. [PMID: 34052452 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.05.071] [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: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inequitable access to surgical care is most conspicuous in low-income countries (LICs), such as Ethiopia, where infectious diseases, malnutrition, and other maladies consume the lion's share of the available health resources. The aim of this article was to provide an update on the current state of neurosurgery in Ethiopia and identify targets for future development of surgical capacity as a universal health coverage component in this East African nation. METHODS Publicly available data included in this report were gathered from resources published by international organizations. A PubMed search was used for a preliminary bibliometric analysis of scholarly output of neurosurgeons in Ethiopia and other low-income countries. Statistical analysis was used to determine the correlation between the number of neurosurgeons and academic productivity. RESULTS Neurosurgeon density has increased >20-fold from 0.0022 to 0.045 neurosurgeons per 100,000 population between 2006 and 2020. The increase in neurosurgeons was strongly correlated with an increase in total publications (P < 0.001) and the number of new publications per year (P = 0.003). Despite recent progress, the availability of neuroimaging equipment remains inadequate, with 38 computed tomography scanners and 11 magnetic resonance imaging machines for a population of 112.07 million. The geographic distribution of neurosurgical facilities is limited to 12 urban centers. CONCLUSIONS Ethiopian neurosurgery exemplifies the profound effect of international partnerships for training local surgeons on progress in low-income countries toward improved neurosurgical capacity. Collaborations that focus on increasing the neurosurgical workforce should synchronize with efforts to enhance the availability of diagnostic and surgical equipment necessary for basic neurosurgical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zerubabbel K Asfaw
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Abenezer Tirsit
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, Addis Ababa University, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ernest J Barthélemy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elam Mesfin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Mulualem Wondafrash
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Paul Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Yordanos Ashagre
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Kee Park
- Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tsegazeab Laeke
- Neurosurgery Division, Department of Surgery, Addis Ababa University, Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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