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Migowa A, Bernatsky S, Ngugi A, Foster HE, Muriuki P, Lusambili A, Luchters S. An iceberg I can't handle: a qualitative inquiry on perceptions towards paediatric rheumatology among healthcare workers in Kenya. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2023; 21:6. [PMID: 36681840 PMCID: PMC9862847 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-023-00790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delay in diagnosis and access to specialist care is a major problem for many children and young people with rheumatic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Most children with symptoms of rheumatic disease present to non-specialists for care. There is an urgent need to understand and scale-up paediatric rheumatology knowledge and skills amongst non-specialist healthcare workers to promote early diagnosis, prompt referral, and management. PURPOSE We evaluated the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards diagnosis and care of paediatric rheumatology patients among health care workers in Kenya. METHODS We conducted 12 focus group discussions with clinical officers (third-tier community health workers) nurses, general practitioners and paediatricians across 6 regions in Kenya. Interviews were conducted on zoom, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using NVIVO software. RESULTS A total of 68 individuals participated; 11 clinical officers, 12 nurses, 10 general practitioners, 27 paediatricians and 7 others. Most (n = 53) were female, and the median age was 36 years (range 31-40 years). Fifty per cent of the participants (34 of 68) worked in public health facilities. Our study revealed gaps in knowledge of paediatric rheumatology amongst healthcare workers which contributes to delayed diagnosis and poor management. Healthcare workers reported both positive and negative attitudes towards diagnosis and care of paediatric rheumatology patients. Perceived complexity and lack of knowledge in diagnosis, management and lack of health system clinical pathways made all cadres of healthcare workers feel helpless, frustrated, inadequate and incompetent to manage paediatric rheumatology patients. Positive attitudes arose from a perceived feeling that paediatric rheumatology patients pose unique challenges and learning opportunities. CONCLUSION There is an urgent need to educate healthcare workers and improve health systems to optimize clinical care for paediatric rheumatology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Migowa
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. .,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Medical College East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Sasha Bernatsky
- grid.63984.300000 0000 9064 4811Department of Medicine (Division of Rheumatology and Epidemiology) McGill University Health Centre (MUCH), Montreal, Canada
| | - Anthony Ngugi
- grid.470490.eDepartment of Population Health, Aga Khan University East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helen E. Foster
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Population and Health Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Peter Muriuki
- grid.413355.50000 0001 2221 4219African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Adelaide Lusambili
- grid.470490.eDepartment of Population Health, Aga Khan University East Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stanley Luchters
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium ,grid.463169.f0000 0004 9157 2417Centre for Sexual Health and HIV AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe ,grid.48004.380000 0004 1936 9764Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Liverpool, UK
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Sahoo RR, Wakhlu A, Agarwal V. Neglected tropical rheumatic diseases. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:1293-1304. [PMID: 35142903 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The complexities of dealing with rheumatic diseases in tropical countries are diverse and likely due to limited health care infrastructure, lack of diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, impact of dominant prevailing diseases, and the challenges of differentiating from infectious and non-infectious disease mimics. Several tropical diseases present with musculoskeletal and rheumatic manifestations and often pose a diagnostic dilemma to rheumatologists. The diagnosis is often delayed or the disease is misdiagnosed, leading to poor patient outcomes. Endemic tropical diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy have myriad rheumatic presentations and remain important differentials to consider in patients with rheumatic manifestations. Infection with human immunodeficiency virus is a great masquerade and can mimic manifestations of multiple diseases. The role of viral infections in triggering and perpetuating autoimmunity is well known and chikungunya arthritis is a classic example of the same. This review highlights the rheumatic manifestations of tropical diseases and aims to create awareness among the caregivers. Key Points • It is crucial to be aware and identify infectious diseases presenting with rheumatic manifestations in the tropics. • Presentations akin to classic rheumatic syndromes such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis are common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmi Ranjan Sahoo
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services, Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospitals, Lucknow, 226012, India
| | - Anupam Wakhlu
- Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Services, Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospitals, Lucknow, 226012, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow-226014, India.
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Migowa AN, Hadef D, Hamdi W, Mwizerwa O, Ngandeu M, Taha Y, Ayodele F, Webb K, Scott C. Pediatric rheumatology in Africa: thriving amidst challenges. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2021; 19:69. [PMID: 33962643 PMCID: PMC8103667 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-021-00557-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric Rheumatology is an orphan specialty in Africa which is gradually gaining importance across the continent. MAIN BODY This commentary discusses the current state of affairs in the sphere of Pediatric Rheumatology across Africa and offers practical strategies to navigate the challenges encountered in research, models of care, education and training. We outline the establishment, opportunities of growth and achievements of the Pediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR). CONCLUSION This commentary lays the foundation for establishment of a formidable framework and development of partnerships for the prosperity of Pediatric Rheumatology in Africa and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela N. Migowa
- grid.470490.eAga Khan University Medical College East Africa, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, 3rd Parklands Avenue, P. O Box 30270, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Djohra Hadef
- Batna 2 University, Faculty of Medicine, 05000 Ezzohor city, Batna Algeria
| | - Wafa Hamdi
- grid.12574.350000000122959819University of Tunis El Manar, Campus Universitaire Farhat Hached B.P. n° 94 Rommana Tunis, 1068 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Oscar Mwizerwa
- grid.10818.300000 0004 0620 2260University of Rwanda, KG 11 Ave, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Madeleine Ngandeu
- grid.412661.60000 0001 2173 8504University of Yaoundé, Boîte Postale 337, Yaoundé, Centre Region Cameroon
| | - Yassmin Taha
- Ahmed Gasim Children’s Hospital Khartoum, Sudan Bahri Street, Downtown, Tuti Island, Bahri, Khartoum State Sudan
| | - Faleye Ayodele
- grid.411278.90000 0004 0481 2583Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria 1- 5 Oba Akinjobi Way, Street, Ikeja, Lagos Nigeria
| | - Kate Webb
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151University of Cape Town, South Africa Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700 South Africa
| | - Christiaan Scott
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151University of Cape Town, South Africa Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700 South Africa
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Abstract
Gout is caused by a chronic hyperuricemia whose complications are not currently well evaluated in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of hyperuricemia and gout in 85 patients recruited. A total of 26 cases of hyperuricemia, i.e., 30.6% of the study population, with 12 cases of gout and seven cases of gouty access. In this population, hyperuricemia was proportional to age (p-value < 10-4, OR = 2.6), but it was more prevalent in men, 23.5% versus 7.1% for women (p-value = 0.0047). In addition, none of these women showed signs of a gouty affection. Consumption of alcohol (OR = 13) and nucleoprotein-rich foods, obesity (BMI 30 kg/m²; OR = 6), family history of gout (OR = 6.8), as well as diseases such as high blood pressure (associated with taking diuretics; OR = 1.7), renal insufficiency (OR = 4.4) and diabetes (p < 0.049) were the main factors of the diseases associated with gout and hyperuricemia in this population. The biochemical role of these factors may increase and/or decrease the processes of synthesis and/or elimination of uric acid by acting on metabolites involved in the regulation of urate production.
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Chipeta J, Njobvu P, McGill PE, Bucala R. Progress made towards enhancement of rheumatology education and practice in Zambia: review of an ILAR-supported project. Clin Rheumatol 2014; 33:1367-72. [PMID: 24752350 PMCID: PMC4161929 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-014-2624-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The burden of non-communicable diseases such as musculoskeletal diseases in the developing world is often overshadowed by the more prevalent infectious diseases. Generally, there is gross underestimation of the burden of rheumatologic disease in the backdrop of scanty or indeed non-existent rheumatology services in these countries. Local studies conducted in the last two decades in Zambia have documented the increasing burden of rheumatologic conditions in the country. There are unfortunately negligible rheumatology services in the country both at tertiary or primary health-care facility levels. There is thus an urgent need to build capacity for these services so as to improve the care and management of rheumatic conditions. Here, we review progress made by an International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR)-supported project that has run for the past 2 years (2012–2013) with the objective of enhancing paediatric and adult rheumatology education and practice so as to stimulate positive change in practice and related care services in Zambia. During this short time of the project, substantial progress has been made in the areas of paediatric and adult rheumatology services enhancement at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka: streamlining of referrals and follow-ups of rheumatology patients, laying foundations for short- and long-term medical education in rheumatology and raising public awareness of rheumatic diseases. The progress made by this grant underscores the suitability of the ILAR mission statement “think global, act local” demonstrating that even with minimum resources and networking, improvement of rheumatology care in developing countries is attainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Chipeta
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Zambia School of Medicine, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia,
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Birrell FN, Adebajo AO, Hazleman BL. Who has the rheumatology service they need?: comment on the article by Yelin et al. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 1996; 39:711. [PMID: 8630129 DOI: 10.1002/art.1780390430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Adebajo AO. Tropical rheumatology. Epidemiology and community studies: Africa. BAILLIERE'S CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY 1995; 9:21-30. [PMID: 7728883 DOI: 10.1016/s0950-3579(05)80140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
There is still far too little information available on the rheumatic diseases in Africa. Epidemiological studies are required in order to determine the burden of illness from rheumatic diseases on the African continent as well as to identify local risk factors for certain diseases. Such studies will also serve to enable the development of preventative and rehabilitation strategies. Functional disability has to be assessed in relation to the prevailing sociocultural lifestyle on the continent. Measures of disability that reflect this await development whilst regional diagnostic criteria also need to be worked out. The validity of tests and the stability of test reagents in a tropical climate require analysis. Continuing assessment of rheumatological services is essential to ensure their effectiveness and efficiency in the community and in particular to determine health care priorities and the best forms of therapeutic intervention. This will enable judicious use of limited resources. Community surveys in Africa are fraught with constraints and are difficult to undertake owing to a shortage of manpower and financial resources. For this reason, most studies hitherto have been hospital based. Hospital studies though useful lack applicability to the population as a whole and consequently more emphasis on cross-sectional and longitudinal community studies are required. It is hoped that despite the restraints, these studies will be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A O Adebajo
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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Abstract
Contrary to previous belief, there is increasing evidence that a broad spectrum of rheumatic diseases do affect African blacks. Although properly conducted epidemiological studies have yet to be performed, reports of population surveys from a variety of sub-Saharan African countries indicate that diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and the connective tissue diseases are observed, although some differences in clinical presentation may occur as a result of cultural, racial, and socioeconomic factors. Rheumatoid arthritis is common in some parts of Africa and less common in others. In particular, a significantly lower prevalence of RA in rural areas compared with urban cohorts has led to the hypothesis that environmental factors associated with urbanization may be involved in disease pathogenesis. A similar hypothesis has been suggested for hyperuricemia and gout. Clinical features of disease may also be different in Africans when compared with other population subgroups such as with systemic lupus erythematosus although this may be artefactual as different accessibility to health care and referral practices may result in only the more severe cases coming to medical attention (eg, lupus nephritis). Immunogenetic factors may reduce the prevalence of some conditions such as the spondyloarthropathies. Although the association between HLA-DR4 and RA holds true in Africans, the same is not so for the association of HLA-B27 with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The prevalence of HLA-B27 in African blacks is 10 times less than Caucasian populations, in part accounting for the low prevalence of spondyloarthropathies, although its association with AS is low. Other conditions such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related arthropathies appear to be an increasing medical problem. The panepidemic of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Africa has resulted in an increased awareness of the different types of arthritis that may be associated with HIV. These are similar to those reported in other parts of the world, although risk factors are different in Africa where heterosexual transmission is a more common cause than homosexual transmission or i.v. drug usage. Information on other rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis and soft tissue rheumatism are slowly emerging. Rheumatic manifestations of the infectious diseases, which are endemic in Africa, remain a uniquely fascinating aspect of rheumatology practice on the African continent. Therefore, African countries will increasingly be a continued valuable source of clinical material for comparative studies to help elucidate factors that influence the development of rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Adebajo
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Adenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, England
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Imeryüz N, Yazici H, Koçak H, Erk M, Ozder A, Karcier SM, Ozkan M, Ongen G, Yurdakul S, Ozdoğan H. Pericardial and pulmonary involvement in rheumatoid arthritis in Turkey. Clin Rheumatol 1994; 13:239-43. [PMID: 8088066 DOI: 10.1007/bf02249019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Pericardial and lung involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), suspected to be less severe in a developing nation (Turkey), have been evaluated. We have studied clinical, echocardiographic and pulmonary findings (radiological and functional) in 93 consecutive Turkish patients with definite/classical RA. Findings were compared with those of a group of patients with osteoarthritis or local rheumatological conditions (n = 60) in a blind protocol. Fifty patients with systemic lupus (SLE) were studied as a high risk control group for pericardial involvement. While pericardial disease was detected in 5.5% (5/90) of RA patients, it was detected in 6.6% (4/60) of the control patients. SLE patients had a 26% (13/50) prevalence. Interstitial lung disease was found in 27.7% of RA patients but it was present in 6.6% (4/60) of the control patients. We observed that a group of patients with RA in Turkey had a low prevalence of pericardial disease. This is further evidence that RA has a mild course in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Imeryüz
- Department of Medicine, Cerraphpaşa Medical Faculty, University of Istanbul, Turkey
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Affiliation(s)
- P McGill
- Stobhill General Hospital, Glasgow
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Rovenský J, Stancíkova M, Bosmanský K, Kovalancík M. Increased serum cytidine deaminase activity in gout and articular chondrocalcinosis. Ann Rheum Dis 1991; 50:659. [PMID: 1929596 PMCID: PMC1004520 DOI: 10.1136/ard.50.9.659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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