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Longo BM, Merli M, Achana B, Okao M, Smart Okot G, Ribero S, Calcagno A, Montrucchio G, Orlotti C. A noma case report: A warning message from Northern Uganda. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:752-755. [PMID: 38946064 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.14025] [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] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Noma, or Cancrum oris, is a severe and rapidly progressing gangrenous infection that primarily affects the face. It is most commonly observed in children living in impoverished conditions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Rapid diagnosis and early management are crucial to prevent devastating consequences, such as functional limitations and serious psychological repercussions. Herein, we present a case of an 8-month-old child affected by noma, whose positive outcome is attributed to the prompt recognition by healthcare personnel. In our patient, the condition was likely related to malnutrition and the preceding extraction of a deciduous tooth reported by the mother and probably associated with a traditional Ugandan practice called Ebiino. This is the second case reported in Uganda, and given the limited healthcare access in most of the country, coupled with the high prevalence of poverty and other predisposing factors, it becomes evident that the incidence of noma is underestimated. Noma, as a neglected disease, requires greater awareness within communities and among healthcare professionals. A collective effort is needed to significantly reduce risk factors and promote prevention of this life-threatening disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Maria Longo
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, at "Amedeo di Savoia" Hospital, ASL "Città di Torino", Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Merli
- Dermatology Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Bonny Achana
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital, Kalongo, Uganda
| | - Maurice Okao
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital, Kalongo, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Smart Okot
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital, Kalongo, Uganda
| | - Simone Ribero
- Dermatology Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, at "Amedeo di Savoia" Hospital, ASL "Città di Torino", Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgia Montrucchio
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Emergency, Città Della Salute e Della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Carmen Orlotti
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dr. Ambrosoli Memorial Hospital, Kalongo, Uganda
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Eleje GU, Okoh EE, Igbodike EP, Akinsolu FT, Nwaokorie FO, Lusher JM, Tantawi ME, Salako AO, Ezechi OC, Foláyan MNO. Prevalence and associated risk factors for noma in Nigerian children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:685. [PMID: 38867180 PMCID: PMC11170919 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04451-y] [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: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence, case-fatality rate, and associated risk-factors of Noma in children in Nigeria. METHODS Search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases. Data were extraction using a double-blind approach. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics. Random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis and subgroup analysis was conducted. The study quality was evaluated using standard Critical-Appraisal-Checklist. RESULTS Of the 1652 articles identified, 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria included 871 cases of Noma. Two studies had high-risk of bias and were excluded in the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence of Noma was 2.95% (95%CI:2.19-3.71; Z = 7.60; p < 0.00001, I2:100.0). Case fatality was reported in one study. Sex-distribution had a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1. Malnutrition (88.42%, 95%CI:52.84-124.00; I2:100.0), measles (40.60%; 95% CI:31.56-49.65; I2:100.0) and malaria (30.75%; 95% CI:30.06-31.45; I2:100.0) were the most notable associated risk-factors. Prevalence of Noma was non-significantly lower in southern (1.96%,95%CI:1.49-2.44;6 studies) than in northern (4.43%; 95%CI:-0.98-9.83; 4 studies) Nigeria. One study reported the prevalence of Noma in children younger than 5 years. CONCLUSIONS About every 3 in 100 children in Nigeria had Noma and the prevalence was non-significantly higher in northern than southern Nigeria. Malnutrition, measles, and malaria were major associated risk-factors. Case-fatality rate and prevalence based on different age-groups were inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Uchenna Eleje
- Oral Health Initiative, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nnewi, Nigeria.
- Effective Care Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (Nnewi Campus), P.M.B. 5001, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
| | - Emeka Emmanuel Okoh
- Department of Community Medicine and Primary Healthcare, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Emeka Philip Igbodike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Havana Specialist Hospital, Surulere Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Advanced Minimal Access Surgical Hospital, Kelina Hospital, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Folahanmi Tomiwa Akinsolu
- Oral Health Initiative, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Francisca Obiageri Nwaokorie
- Oral Health Initiative, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Joanne Marie Lusher
- Oral Health Initiative, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Provost's Group, Regent's University London, London, UK
| | - Maha El Tantawi
- Oral Health Initiative, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21527, Egypt
| | - Abideen Olurotimi Salako
- Oral Health Initiative, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oliver Chukwujekwu Ezechi
- Oral Health Initiative, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Lead City University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Morẹ Nikẹ Oluwátóyìn Foláyan
- Oral Health Initiative, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Gebretsadik HG, Abera Y. High burden of noma in the Gambella region of Ethiopia: a 12-year retrospective study on noma cases from the Facing Africa database. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2024:trae015. [PMID: 38591224 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trae015] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noma, an infectious disease, mainly affects impoverished children. This study retrospectively assessed noma's prevalence in Ethiopia using data from the Facing Africa database and the 2022 United Nations Development Programme poverty index report. METHODS A thorough review of medical records spanning 2007 to 2019 identified a total of 235 noma cases. A standardized data extraction template was employed to systematically gather pertinent clinical and demographic data for subsequent analysis. Prevalence rates were calculated nationally and regionally for both the general population and children aged ≤10 y. RESULTS The analysis revealed estimated national prevalence rates of 0.65 per 100 000 individuals at risk and 1.9 per 100 000 children aged <10 y at risk. The Gambela region exhibited the highest prevalence rate (11.2 per 100 000), whereas the Benshangul Gumuz region had the lowest (0.25 per 100 000). Similar patterns were observed among children aged ≤10 y, with the Gambela and Benshangul Gumuz regions reporting rates of 32.9 and 0.74 per 100 000, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights noma's significant impact on children aged <10 y in Ethiopia, especially in the Gambella region. It offers crucial baseline data to assist public health professionals, policymakers and healthcare providers in formulating evidence-based strategies to combat noma and improve affected individuals' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yenigat Abera
- Department of Global Health, School of Global Health & Bioethics, Euclid University, Banjul, Gambia
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Gebretsadik HG. Surgical Procedures, Complications, and Durations in Patients with Noma Disease: A Cross-sectional Study. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e5496. [PMID: 38115840 PMCID: PMC10730030 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Noma is a devastating disease that causes severe destruction of facial tissue, necessitating comprehensive surgical intervention for functional restoration and improved quality of life. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify common surgical procedures used for noma defect reconstruction in Ethiopia, analyze their durations, and assess associated complications. Methods The study retrospectively analyzed noma patient records from Facing Africa's database, covering electronic medical data from 2007 to 2019, and utilized SPSS version 2020 for analysis. Results Facing Africa treated 235 noma cases (2007-2019) with 438 procedures. The most commonly used surgical technique was reconstructive surgery, which encompassed two or more other surgical methods and was used in 177 cases. This was followed by the submental flap in 47 cases and ankylosis release in 35 cases. The study also found complications in 11 cases, including flap necrosis, abscesses, and ankylosis-related mouth restriction. Additionally, the analysis of 102 noma cases revealed significant variations in the duration of surgical procedures, ranging from 10 to 48 hours for specific cases, with the majority (63.7%) requiring 2 to 5 hours. The mean duration of noma surgery was calculated to be 4.08 hours. Conclusions Comprehending common surgical techniques, complications, and durations benefits surgical planning, resource allocation, and patient care. Thus, the results of this study are a useful contribution to the development of effective noma treatment. However, further research and continuous efforts are needed to refine surgical practices, address potential complications, and enhance patient care in the battle against this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heron G. Gebretsadik
- From the Department of Global Health, School of Global Health & Bioethics, Euclid University, Banjul, Gambia
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