1
|
Klassen SL, Okello E, Ferrer JME, Alizadeh F, Barango P, Chillo P, Chimalizeni Y, Dagnaw WW, Eiselé JL, Eberly L, Gomanju A, Gupta N, Koirala B, Kpodonu J, Kwan G, Mailosi BGD, Mbau L, Mutagaywa R, Pfaff C, Piñero D, Pinto F, Rusingiza E, Sanni UA, Sanyahumbi A, Shakya U, Sharma SK, Sherpa K, Sinabulya I, Wroe EB, Bukhman G, Mocumbi A. Decentralization and Integration of Advanced Cardiac Care for the World's Poorest Billion Through the PEN-Plus Strategy for Severe Chronic Non-Communicable Disease. Glob Heart 2024; 19:33. [PMID: 38549727 PMCID: PMC10976983 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic and congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and hypertensive heart disease are major causes of suffering and death in low- and lower middle-income countries (LLMICs), where the world's poorest billion people reside. Advanced cardiac care in these counties is still predominantly provided by specialists at urban tertiary centers, and is largely inaccessible to the rural poor. This situation is due to critical shortages in diagnostics, medications, and trained healthcare workers. The Package of Essential NCD Interventions - Plus (PEN-Plus) is an integrated care model for severe chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that aims to decentralize services and increase access. PEN-Plus strategies are being initiated by a growing number of LLMICs. We describe how PEN-Plus addresses the need for advanced cardiac care and discuss how a global group of cardiac organizations are working through the PEN-Plus Cardiac expert group to promote a shared operational strategy for management of severe cardiac disease in high-poverty settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila L. Klassen
- Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, United States
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Emmy Okello
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Faraz Alizadeh
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s hospital, Boston, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Prebo Barango
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Pilly Chillo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Yamikani Chimalizeni
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Wubaye Walelgne Dagnaw
- Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, United States
| | | | - Lauren Eberly
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Penn Cardiovascular Outcomes, Quality, and Evaluative Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Penn Cardiovascular Center for Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Anu Gomanju
- Kathmandu Institute of Child Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Global Alliance for Rheumatic and Congenital Hearts, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Neil Gupta
- Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, United States
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program in Global NCDs and Social Change, Harvard University, Boston, United States
| | - Bhagawan Koirala
- Department of Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery – Manmohan Cardiothoracic Vascular and Transplant Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jacques Kpodonu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, United States
| | - Gene Kwan
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, United States
- Partners In Health, Boston, United States
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, United States
| | | | | | - Reuben Mutagaywa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Colin Pfaff
- Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Daniel Piñero
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Fausto Pinto
- Cardiology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, CAML, CCUL, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Emmanuel Rusingiza
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Usman Abiola Sanni
- Partners in Health, Sierra Leone
- Department of Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria
| | - Amy Sanyahumbi
- Pediatric Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, United States
- Baylor Center of Excellence, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Urmila Shakya
- Pediatric Cardiology Department, Shahid Gangalal National Heart Centre, Kathmandu, Nepal
- National Academy of Medical Sciences, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sanjib Kumar Sharma
- Cardiology and Internal Medicine, B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
| | - Kunjang Sherpa
- Department of Cardiology, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Isaac Sinabulya
- Department of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emily B. Wroe
- Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Gene Bukhman
- Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, United States
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, United States
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard University, Boston, United States
| | - Ana Mocumbi
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rekhtman D, Bermudez F, Vervoort D, Kaze L, Patton-Bolman C, Swain J. A Global Systematic Review of Open Heart Valvular Surgery in Resource-Limited Settings. Ann Thorac Surg 2024; 117:652-660. [PMID: 37898373 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2023.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many obstacles challenge the establishment and expansion of cardiac surgery in low- and middle-income countries, despite the unmet cardiac surgical needs. One challenge has been providing adequate follow-up care to monitor anticoagulation, manage morbidity, and prevent mortality. This systematic review describes outcomes after valvular cardiac surgery and focuses on strategies for prolonged follow-up care in resource-constrained settings. METHODS Studies published between 2012 and 2022 were collected from Embase and the Cochrane Library. Article inclusion criteria were adolescent and adult patients, open heart valvular surgery, and analysis of at least 1 postoperative outcome at least 30 days postoperatively. Studies that focused on pediatric patients, pregnant patients, transcatheter procedures, in-hospital outcomes, and nonvalvular surgical procedures were excluded. Descriptive statistics were assessed, and articles were summarized after abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction. RESULTS Sixty-seven relevant publications were identified after screening. The most commonly studied regions were Asia (46%), Africa (36%), and Latin America (9%). Rheumatic heart disease was the most commonly studied valvular disease (70%). Reported outcomes included mortality, surgical reintervention, and thrombotic events. Follow-up duration ranged from 30 days to 144 months; 11 studies reported a follow-up length of 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Addressing the unmet cardiac care needs requires a multifaceted approach that leverages telemedicine technology, enhances medical infrastructure, and aligns advocacy efforts. Learning from the cost-effective establishment of cardiac surgery in low- and middle-income countries, we can apply past innovations to foster sustainable cardiac surgical capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Rekhtman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | | | - Dominique Vervoort
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leslie Kaze
- Graduate School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Team Heart, Inc, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - JaBaris Swain
- Team Heart, Inc, Kigali, Rwanda; Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rwebembera J, Chang AY, Kitooleko SM, Kaudha G, de Loizaga S, Nalule M, Ahabwe K, Zhang W, Okello E, Sinha P, Mwambu T, Sable C, Beaton A, Longenecker CT. Clinical Profile and Outcomes of Rheumatic Heart Disease Patients Undergoing Surgical Valve Procedures in Uganda. Glob Heart 2023; 18:62. [PMID: 38028964 PMCID: PMC10655755 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic valvular heart disease is a well-known, long-term complication of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), which remains a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. Access to surgical management remains limited. Outcomes of the minority proportion of patients that access surgery have not been described in Uganda. Objectives To describe the volume and type of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) valvular interventions and the outcomes of operated patients in the Uganda RHD registry. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of all valve surgery procedures identified in the Uganda RHD registry through December 2021. Results Three hundred and sixty-seven surgical procedures were performed among 359 patients. More than half were among young (55.9% were ≤20 years of age), female (59.9%) patients. All patients were censored at 15 years. The median (IQR) follow up period was 43 (22,79) months. Nearly half of surgeries (46.9%) included interventions on multiple valves, and most valvular operations were replacements with mechanical prostheses (96.6%). Over 70% of the procedures were sponsored by charity organizations. The overall mortality of patients who underwent surgery was 13% (47/359), with over half of the mortalities occurring within the first year following surgery (27/47; 57.4%). Fifteen-year survival or freedom from re-operation was not significantly different between those receiving valve replacements and those receiving valve repair (log-rank p = 0.76). Conclusions There has been increasing access to valve surgery among Ugandan patients with RHD. Post-operative survival is similar to regionally reported rates. The growing cohort of patients living with prosthetic valves necessitates national expansion and decentralization of post-operative care services. Major reliance on charity funding of surgery is unsustainable, thus calling for locally generated and controlled support mechanisms such as a national health insurance scheme. The central illustration (Figure 1) provides a summary of our findings and recommendations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Y. Chang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, USA
- Center for Innovation in Global Health, Stanford University, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah de Loizaga
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, USA
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | | | | | | | - Emmy Okello
- Uganda Heart Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- School of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Pranava Sinha
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Craig Sable
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrea Beaton
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chris T. Longenecker
- Pediatric Cardiology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Simpson MT, Kachel M, Neely RC, Erwin WC, Yasin A, Patel A, Rao DP, Pandey K, George I. Rheumatic Heart Disease in the Developing World. STRUCTURAL HEART : THE JOURNAL OF THE HEART TEAM 2023; 7:100219. [PMID: 38046860 PMCID: PMC10692356 DOI: 10.1016/j.shj.2023.100219] [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: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite recent public policy initiatives, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major source of morbidity worldwide. Rheumatic heart disease occurs as a sequela of Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcal [GAS]) infection in patients with genetic susceptibility. Strategies for prevention of RHD or progression of RHD include prevention of GAS infection with community initiatives, effective treatment of GAS infection, and secondary prophylaxis with intramuscular penicillin. The cardiac surgical community has attempted to improve the availability of surgery in RHD-endemic areas with some success, and operative techniques and outcomes of valve repair continue to improve, potentially offering patients a safer, more durable operation. Innovation offers hope for a more scalable solution with improved biomaterials and transcatheter delivery technology; however, cost remains a barrier.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Simpson
- Division of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mateusz Kachel
- Division of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - W. Clinton Erwin
- Division of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Aleena Yasin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Amisha Patel
- Division of Cardiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dasari Prasada Rao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Hyderabad, India
| | - Kaushal Pandey
- Centre for Cardiac Care, Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Isaac George
- Division of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vervoort D, Yilgwan CS, Ansong A, Baumgartner JN, Bansal G, Bukhman G, Cannon JW, Cardarelli M, Cunningham MW, Fenton K, Green-Parker M, Karthikeyan G, Masterson M, Maswime S, Mensah GA, Mocumbi A, Kpodonu J, Okello E, Remenyi B, Williams M, Zühlke LJ, Sable C. Tertiary prevention and treatment of rheumatic heart disease: a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute working group summary. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012355. [PMID: 37914182 PMCID: PMC10619050 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012355] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although entirely preventable, rheumatic heart disease (RHD), a disease of poverty and social disadvantage resulting in high morbidity and mortality, remains an ever-present burden in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and rural, remote, marginalised and disenfranchised populations within high-income countries. In late 2021, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute convened a workshop to explore the current state of science, to identify basic science and clinical research priorities to support RHD eradication efforts worldwide. This was done through the inclusion of multidisciplinary global experts, including cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular specialists as well as health policy and health economics experts, many of whom also represented or closely worked with patient-family organisations and local governments. This report summarises findings from one of the four working groups, the Tertiary Prevention Working Group, that was charged with assessing the management of late complications of RHD, including surgical interventions for patients with RHD. Due to the high prevalence of RHD in LMICs, particular emphasis was made on gaining a better understanding of needs in the field from the perspectives of the patient, community, provider, health system and policy-maker. We outline priorities to support the development, and implementation of accessible, affordable and sustainable interventions in low-resource settings to manage RHD and related complications. These priorities and other interventions need to be adapted to and driven by local contexts and integrated into health systems to best meet the needs of local communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Vervoort
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Annette Ansong
- Outpatient Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Geetha Bansal
- Division of International Training and Research, John E Fogarty International Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gene Bukhman
- Center for Integration Science, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Program in Global Noncommunicable Disease and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Cannon
- Department of Global Health and Population, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marcelo Cardarelli
- Pediatric Heart Surgery, Inova Children Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Kathleen Fenton
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa Green-Parker
- National Institutes of Health Office of Disease Prevention, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Mary Masterson
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Salome Maswime
- Global Surgery, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - George A Mensah
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ana Mocumbi
- Non Communicable Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Jacques Kpodonu
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emmy Okello
- Cardiology, Uganda Heart Institute Ltd, Kampala, Uganda
| | - B Remenyi
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory of Australia, Australia
| | - Makeda Williams
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Liesl J Zühlke
- South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Craig Sable
- Division of Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shimanda PP, Söderberg S, Iipinge SN, Lindholm L, Shidhika FF, Norström F. Health-related quality of life and healthcare consultations among adult patients before and after diagnosis with rheumatic heart disease in Namibia. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2023; 23:456. [PMID: 37704961 PMCID: PMC10500941 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-023-03504-4] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) causes high morbidity and mortality rates among children and young adults, impacting negatively on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to evaluate the HRQoL and healthcare consultations of adult patients with RHD in Namibia. METHODS From June 2019 to March 2020, a questionnaire was administered to 83 RHD patients during routine follow-ups. The EQ-5D-5L instrument was used to assess the health-related quality of life before diagnosis and at the time of the survey. The Ethiopian value set for EQ-5D-5L was used to calculate Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALY). RESULTS Most respondents were women (77%), young adults below the age of 30 years (42%), and individuals who grew up in rural areas (87%). The mean QALY statistically significantly improved from 0.773 pre-diagnosis to 0.942 in the last 12 months (p < 0.001). Sixty-six patients who had surgery reported a better QALY. Healthcare visits statistically significantly increased from on average 1.6 pre-diagnosis to 2.7 days in the last 12 months (p < 0.001). The mean distance to the nearest facility was 55 km, mean cost of transport was N$65, and mean time spent at the clinic was 3.6 h. The median time from diagnosis to the survey was 7 years (quartiles 4 and 14 years). CONCLUSION Treatment and surgery can improve HRQoL substantially among RHD patients. Being diagnosed with RHD affects patients living in socioeconomically disadvantaged rural areas through cost and time for healthcare visits. It would be valuable with further research to understand differences between disease severities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Panduleni Penipawa Shimanda
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, SE, Sweden.
- Clara Barton School of Nursing, Welwitchia Health Training Centre, Pelican Square, P.O. Box 1835, Windhoek, Namibia.
| | - Stefan Söderberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87, Cardiology, Umeå, SE, Sweden
| | - Scholastika Ndatinda Iipinge
- Clara Barton School of Nursing, Welwitchia Health Training Centre, Pelican Square, P.O. Box 1835, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Lars Lindholm
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, SE, Sweden
| | | | - Fredrik Norström
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, SE, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Olds P, Kachimanga C, Talama G, Mailosi B, Ndarama E, Totten J, Musinguzi N, Hangiwa D, Bukhman G, Wroe EB. Non-communicable disease burden among inpatients at a rural district hospital in Malawi. Glob Health Res Policy 2023; 8:4. [PMID: 36810123 PMCID: PMC9945353 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-023-00289-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is high in Malawi. However, resources and training for NCD care remain scarce, especially in rural hospitals. Current care for NCDs in the developing world focuses on the WHO's traditional 4 × 4 set. However, we do not know the full burden of NCDs outside of that scope, like neurological disease, psychiatric illness, sickle cell disease, and trauma. The goal of this study was to understand the burden of NCDs among inpatients in a rural district hospital in Malawi. We broadened our definition of NCDs beyond the traditional 4 × 4 set of NCDs, and included neurological disease, psychiatric illness, sickle cell disease, and trauma. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of all inpatients who were admitted to the Neno District Hospital between January 2017 and October 2018. We broke patients down by age, date of admission, type, and number of NCD diagnoses, and HIV status, and constructed multivariate regression models for length of stay and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Of 2239 total visits, 27.5% were patients with NCDs. Patients with NCDs were older (37.6 vs 19.7 years, p < 0.001) and made up 40.2% of total hospital time. We also found two distinct populations of NCD patients. The first were patients 40 years and older with primary diagnoses of hypertension, heart failure, cancer, and stroke. The second were patients under 40 years old with primary diagnoses of mental health conditions, burns, epilepsy, and asthma. We also found significant trauma burden, accounting for 40% of all NCD visits. In multivariate analysis, carrying a medical NCD diagnosis was associated with longer length of stay (coefficient 5.2, p < 0.001) and a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR 1.9, p = 0.03). Burn patients also had significantly longer length of stay (coefficient 11.6, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS There is a significant burden of NCDs in a rural hospital in Malawi, including those outside of the traditional 4 × 4 set. We also found high rates of NCDs in the younger population (under 40 years of age). Hospitals must be equipped with adequate resources and training to meet this burden of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Olds
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Enoch Ndarama
- grid.415722.70000 0004 0598 3405Ministry of Health and Population, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jodie Totten
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Nicholas Musinguzi
- grid.33440.300000 0001 0232 6272Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Gene Bukhman
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,Partners in Health, Neno, Malawi ,grid.62560.370000 0004 0378 8294Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XProgram in Global NCDs and Social Change, Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Emily B. Wroe
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,Partners in Health, Neno, Malawi ,grid.62560.370000 0004 0378 8294Center for Integration Science, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XProgram in Global NCDs and Social Change, Deparment of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Valvular Heart Disease from Portuguese-Speaking African Countries Treated in Portugal through an International Agreement of Health Cooperation. Glob Heart 2023; 18:4. [PMID: 36817227 PMCID: PMC9936910 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims We performed a clinical audit of maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with valvular heart disease (VHD) from Portuguese-speaking African countries who were transferred for their care, during a twenty-year period, through a memorandum of agreement of international cooperation. Methods and results A retrospective analysis of 81 pregnancies in 45 patients with VHD (median age 24, interquartile range 22-29 years) from 2000 to 2020 was performed. The main outcome measures were maternal cardiovascular and fetal outcomes. History of rheumatic heart disease was present in 60 (74.1%) pregnancies. Most were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I or II; at the first evaluation, 35 (43.2%) were on cardiac medication and 49 (60.5%) were anticoagulated. Forty-eight pregnancies had at least one valvular prosthesis, including 38 mechanical heart valves. During pregnancy, deterioration in NYHA functional class occurred in 35 (42.0%), and eight (9.9%) patients required initiation or intensified cardiac medication. Mechanical valve thrombosis complicated four (4.9%) pregnancies, all cases on heparin, and resulted in one maternal death. Haemorrhagic complications happened in 7 (8.6%) anticoagulated patients, in the immediate postpartum or puerperal period. The 81 pregnancies resulted in 56 (69.1%) live births, while miscarriage and fetal malformations occurred in 19 (23.5%) and 12 (14.8%) pregnancies, respectively. In multivariate analysis, vitamin K antagonist therapy was the only independent predictor of an unsuccessful pregnancy (p = 0.048). Conclusion In a high-income country, successful pregnancy was possible with low rate of maternal events in women with VHD transferred from five low-middle income countries in Africa. The use of anticoagulation with a vitamin K antagonist was associated with an unsuccessful pregnancy.
Collapse
|
9
|
Woods A, Shofner C, Hodge B. International pediatric surgery partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping literature review. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2111780. [PMID: 36047712 PMCID: PMC9448389 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2022.2111780] [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: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a critical shortage of pediatric surgical providers. International partnerships can play an important role in pediatric surgical capacity building but must be ethical and sustainable. Objective The purpose of this study is to perform a scoping literature review of international pediatric surgery partnerships in SSA from 2009 to 2019. We aim to categorize and critically assess past partnerships to aid in future capacity-building efforts. Methods We performed a scoping literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for articles published from 2009 to 2019 using 24 keywords. Articles were selected according to inclusion criteria and assessed by two readers. Descriptive analyses of the data collected were conducted in Excel. Results A total of 2376 articles were identified. After duplicates were removed, 405 articles were screened. In total, 83 articles were assessed for eligibility, and 62 were included in the review. The most common partnership category was short-term surgical trip (28 articles, 45%). A total of 35 articles (56%) included education of host country providers as part of the partnership. Only 45% of partnerships included follow-up care, and 50% included postoperative outcomes when applicable. Conclusions To increase sustainability, more partnerships must include education of local health-care providers, and short-term surgical trips must be integrated into long-term partnerships. More partnerships need to report postoperative outcomes and ensure follow-up care. Educating peri-operative providers, training general surgeons in common pediatric procedures, and increasing telehealth use are other goals for future partnerships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Woods
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Charles Shofner
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Bethany Hodge
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Global Education Office, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Enumah ZO, Boateng P, Bolman RM, Beyersdorf F, Zühlke L, Musoni M, Tivane A, Zilla P. Societies of Futures Past: Examining the History and Potential of International Society Collaborations in Addressing the Burden of Rheumatic Heart Disease in the Developing World. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:740745. [PMID: 34796211 PMCID: PMC8592898 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.740745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper explores the role and place of national, regional, and international society collaborations in addressing the major global burden of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). On the same order of HIV, RHD affects over 40 million people worldwide. In this article, we will outline the background and current therapeutic landscape for cardiac surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including the resource-constrained settings within which RHD surgery often occurs. This creates numerous challenges to delivering adequate surgical care and post-operative management for RHD patients, and thus provides some context for a growing movement for and applicability of structural heart approaches, innovative valve replacement technologies, and minimally invasive techniques in this setting. Intertwined and building from this context will be the remainder of the paper which elaborates how national, regional, and international societies have collaborated to address rheumatic heart disease in the past (e.g., Drakensberg Declaration, World Heart Federation Working Group on RHD) with a focus on primary and secondary prevention. We then provide the recent history and context of the growing movement for how surgery has become front and center in the discussion of addressing RHD through the passing of the Cape Town Declaration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Percy Boateng
- Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Friedhelm Beyersdorf
- Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance, Cape Town, South Africa
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Liesl Zühlke
- Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cape Heart Institute (CHI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maurice Musoni
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Peter Zilla
- Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hauge SW, Dalen H, Estensen ME, Persson RM, Abebe S, Mekonnen D, Nega B, Solholm A, Farstad M, Bogale N, Graven T, Nielssen NE, Brekke HK, Vikenes K, Haaverstad R. Short-term outcome after open-heart surgery for severe chronic rheumatic heart disease in a low-income country, with comparison with an historical control group: an observational study. Open Heart 2021; 8:openhrt-2021-001706. [PMID: 34376574 PMCID: PMC8356187 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major burden in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cardiac surgery is the only curative treatment. Little is known about patients with severe chronic RHD operated in LMICs, and challenges regarding postoperative follow-up are an important issue. At Tikur Anbessa Specialised Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, we aimed to evaluate the course and 12-month outcome of patients with severe chronic RHD who received open-heart surgery, as compared with the natural course of controls waiting for surgery and undergoing only medical treatment. Methods Clinical data and outcome measures were registered in 46 patients operated during five missions from March 2016 to November 2019, and compared with the first-year course in a cohort of 49 controls from the same hospital’s waiting list for surgery. Adverse events were death or complications such as stroke, other thromboembolic events, bleeding, hospitalisation for heart failure and infectious endocarditis. Results Survival at 12 months was 89% and survival free from complications was 80% in the surgical group. Despite undergoing open-heart surgery, with its inherent risks, outcome measures of the surgical group were non-inferior to the natural course of the control group in the first year after inclusion on the waiting list (p≥0.45). All except six surgical patients were in New York Heart Association class I after 12 months and 84% had resumed working. Conclusions Cardiac surgery for severe chronic RHD is feasible in LMICs if the service is structured and planned. Rates of survival and survival free from complications were similar to those of controls at 12 months. Functional level and resumption of work were high in the surgical group. Whether the patients who underwent cardiac surgery will have better long-term prognosis, in line with what is known in high-income countries, needs to be evaluated in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ståle Wågen Hauge
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway .,Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Clinic of Cardiology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Havard Dalen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Clinic of Cardiology, St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Levanger Hospital, Levanger, Norway
| | - Mette E Estensen
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Robert Matongo Persson
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
| | - Sintayehu Abebe
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Desalew Mekonnen
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Berhanu Nega
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Oromia, Ethiopia
| | - Atle Solholm
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marit Farstad
- Department of Surgical Services, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nigussie Bogale
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Hege Kristin Brekke
- Department of Surgical Services, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Vikenes
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
| | - Rune Haaverstad
- Department of Heart Disease, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Niyonsenga SP, Park PH, Ngoga G, Ntaganda E, Kateera F, Gupta N, Rwagasore E, Rwunganira S, Munyarugo A, Mutumbira C, Dusabayezu S, Eagan A, Boudreaux C, Noble C, Muhimpundu MA, Ndayisaba FG, Nsanzimana S, Bukhman G, Uwinkindi F. Implementation outcomes of national decentralization of integrated outpatient services for severe non-communicable diseases to district hospitals in Rwanda. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:953-961. [PMID: 33892521 PMCID: PMC8453822 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Effective coverage of non-communicable disease (NCD) care in sub-Saharan Africa remains low, with the majority of services still largely restricted to central referral centres. Between 2015 and 2017, the Rwandan Ministry of Health implemented a strategy to decentralise outpatient care for severe chronic NCDs, including type 1 diabetes, heart failure and severe hypertension, to rural first-level hospitals. This study describes the facility-level implementation outcomes of this strategy. METHODS In 2014, the Ministry of Health trained two nurses in each of the country's 42 first-level hospitals to implement and deliver nurse-led, integrated, outpatient NCD clinics, which focused on severe NCDs. Post-intervention evaluation occurred via repeated cross-sectional surveys, informal interviews and routinely collected clinical data over two rounds of visits in 2015 and 2017. Implementation outcomes included fidelity, feasibility and penetration. RESULTS By 2017, all NCD clinics were staffed by at least one NCD-trained nurse. Among the approximately 27 000 nationally enrolled patients, hypertension was the most common diagnosis (70%), followed by type 2 diabetes (19%), chronic respiratory disease (5%), type 1 diabetes (4%) and heart failure (2%). With the exception of warfarin and beta-blockers, national essential medicines were available at more than 70% of facilities. Clinicians adhered to clinical protocols at approximately 70% agreement with evaluators. CONCLUSION The government of Rwanda was able to scale a nurse-led outpatient NCD programme to all first-level hospitals with good fidelity, feasibility and penetration as to expand access to care for severe NCDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul H. Park
- Partners In HealthBostonMAUSA
- Division of Global Health EquityBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Department of Global Health and Social MedicineProgram in Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Social ChangeHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Gedeon Ngoga
- Partners In HealthBostonMAUSA
- Inshuti Mu BuzimaRwinkwavuRwanda
| | | | | | - Neil Gupta
- Partners In HealthBostonMAUSA
- Division of Global Health EquityBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Department of Global Health and Social MedicineProgram in Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Social ChangeHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Edson Rwagasore
- Rwanda Biomedical CenterRwanda Ministry of HealthKigaliRwanda
| | | | | | - Cadet Mutumbira
- Rwanda Biomedical CenterRwanda Ministry of HealthKigaliRwanda
| | | | - Arielle Eagan
- Department of Global Health and Social MedicineProgram in Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Social ChangeHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Chantelle Boudreaux
- Department of Global Health and Social MedicineProgram in Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Social ChangeHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Christopher Noble
- Department of Global Health and Social MedicineProgram in Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Social ChangeHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | | | | | | | - Gene Bukhman
- Partners In HealthBostonMAUSA
- Division of Global Health EquityBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonMAUSA
- Department of Global Health and Social MedicineProgram in Global Noncommunicable Diseases and Social ChangeHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Division of Cardiovascular MedicineBrigham and Women’s HospitalBostonMAUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kotit S, Phillips DIW, Afifi A, Yacoub M. The "Cairo Accord"- Towards the Eradication of RHD: An Update. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:690227. [PMID: 34277735 PMCID: PMC8282907 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.690227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adults. It continues to be prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries where it causes significant morbidity and mortality. Following the 2017 Cairo conference "Rheumatic Heart Disease: from Molecules to the Global Community," experts from 21 countries formulated an approach for addressing the problem of RHD: "The Cairo Accord on Rheumatic Heart Disease." The Accord attempts to set policy priorities for the eradication of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD and builds on a recent series of policy initiatives and calls to action. We present an update on the recommendations of the Cairo Accord and discuss recent progress toward the eradication of RHD, including contributions from our own Aswan Rheumatic Heart Disease Registry (ARGI).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David I. W. Phillips
- Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Division, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Magdi Yacoub
- Aswan Heart Centre, Aswan, Egypt
- Heart Science Centre, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Coates MM, Sliwa K, Watkins DA, Zühlke L, Perel P, Berteletti F, Eiselé JL, Klassen SL, Kwan GF, Mocumbi AO, Prabhakaran D, Habtemariam MK, Bukhman G. An investment case for the prevention and management of rheumatic heart disease in the African Union 2021-30: a modelling study. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e957-e966. [PMID: 33984296 PMCID: PMC9087136 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00199-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite declines in deaths from rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Africa over the past 30 years, it remains a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality on the continent. We present an investment case for interventions to prevent and manage RHD in the African Union (AU). METHODS We created a cohort state-transition model to estimate key outcomes in the disease process, including cases of pharyngitis from group A streptococcus, episodes of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), cases of RHD, heart failure, and deaths. With this model, we estimated the impact of scaling up interventions using estimates of effect sizes from published studies. We estimated the cost to scale up coverage of interventions and summarised the benefits by monetising health gains estimated in the model using a full income approach. Costs and benefits were compared using the benefit-cost ratio and the net benefits with discounted costs and benefits. FINDINGS Operationally achievable levels of scale-up of interventions along the disease spectrum, including primary prevention, secondary prevention, platforms for management of heart failure, and heart valve surgery could avert 74 000 (UI 50 000-104 000) deaths from RHD and ARF from 2021 to 2030 in the AU, reaching a 30·7% (21·6-39·0) reduction in the age-standardised death rate from RHD in 2030, compared with no increase in coverage of interventions. The estimated benefit-cost ratio for plausible scale-up of secondary prevention and secondary and tertiary care interventions was 4·7 (2·9-6·3) with a net benefit of $2·8 billion (1·6-3·9; 2019 US$) through 2030. The estimated benefit-cost ratio for primary prevention scale-up was low to 2030 (0·2, <0·1-0·4), increasing with delayed benefits accrued to 2090. The benefit-cost dynamics of primary prevention were sensitive to the costs of different delivery approaches, uncertain epidemiological parameters regarding group A streptococcal pharyngitis and ARF, assumptions about long-term demographic and economic trends, and discounting. INTERPRETATION Increased coverage of interventions to control and manage RHD could accelerate progress towards eradication in AU member states. Gaps in local epidemiological data and particular components of the disease process create uncertainty around the level of benefits. In the short term, costs of secondary prevention and secondary and tertiary care for RHD are lower than for primary prevention, and benefits accrue earlier. FUNDING World Heart Federation, Leona M and Harry B Helmsley Charitable Trust, and American Heart Association.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Coates
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Global Noncommunicable Disease and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Sliwa
- Cape Heart Institute and Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; World Heart Federation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David A Watkins
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Liesl Zühlke
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Red Cross Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Pablo Perel
- World Heart Federation, Geneva, Switzerland; Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Sheila L Klassen
- Program in Global Noncommunicable Disease and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Partners In Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gene F Kwan
- Program in Global Noncommunicable Disease and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Partners In Health, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ana O Mocumbi
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique; Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Dorairaj Prabhakaran
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India; Public Health Foundation of India, Gurgaon, India
| | | | - Gene Bukhman
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Global Noncommunicable Disease and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Partners In Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pediatric rheumatic carditis in Italy and Rwanda: The same disease, different socio-economic settings. Int J Cardiol 2021; 338:154-160. [PMID: 34146584 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2021.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease are the leading cause of acquired heart disease in Low-Income Countries, and a common cause in High-Income Countries. We compared rheumatic carditis, its echocardiographic presentation at diagnosis and its progression in Italy and Rwanda. METHODS Retrospective study including all consecutive patients diagnosed with rheumatic carditis in an Italian (IT) and two Rwandan Hospitals (RW). Echocardiography was performed at diagnosis and three follow-up visits. Baseline characteristics, history of primary and secondary prophylaxis and cardiovascular complications data were collected. RESULTS Seventy-nine and 135 patients were enrolled in IT and RW, respectively. Mitral regurgitation was the most common lesion (IT: 70%, RW: 96%) in both cohorts; mixed valve lesions and severe lesions were more prevalent in RW. Age at diagnosis (IT: 8.4 ± 2.9 yrs.; RW: 11.1 ± 2.7 yrs.; P < 0.001), adherence to secondary prophylaxis (IT: 99%; RW: 48%; P < 0.001) and history of primary prophylaxis (IT: 65%; RW: 6%; P < 0.001) were different. During the follow-up, native valve lesions completely resolved in 38% of IT and in 2% of RW patients (P < 0.001). By contrast, cardiac surgery was performed in 31% of RW and 5% of IT patients (P < 0.001). Cardiovascular complications and death were only observed in RW. CONCLUSIONS The more severe cardiac involvement, the higher rate of valve surgery, CV complications and deaths in RW, could be due to delayed diagnosis and treatment, scarce adherence to secondary prophylaxis and differences in social determinants of health.
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) affects over 30 million people worldwide. Substantial variation exists in the surgical treatment of patients with RHD. Here, we aim to review the surgical techniques to treat RHD with a focus on rheumatic mitral valve (MV) repair. We introduce novel educational paradigms to embrace repair-oriented techniques in cardiac centers. RECENT FINDINGS Due to the low prevalence of RHD in high-income countries, limited expertise in MV surgery for RHD, technical complexity of MV repair for RHD and concerns about durability, most surgeons elect for MV replacement. However, in some series, MV repair is associated with improved outcomes, fewer reinterventions, and avoidance of anticoagulation-related complications. In low- and middle-income countries, the RHD burden is large and MV repair is more commonly performed due to high rates of loss-to-follow-up and barriers associated with anticoagulation, international normalized ratio monitoring, and risk of reintervention. SUMMARY Increased consideration for MV repair in the setting of RHD may be warranted, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We suggest some avenues for increased exposure and training in rheumatic valve surgery through international bilateral partnership models in endemic regions, visiting surgeons from endemic regions, simulation training, and courses by professional societies.
Collapse
|
17
|
Mouton JP, Blockman M, Sekaggya-Wiltshire C, Semakula J, Waitt C, Pirmohamed M, Cohen K. Improving anticoagulation in sub-Saharan Africa: What are the challenges and how can we overcome them? Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:3056-3068. [PMID: 33586223 PMCID: PMC8359270 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients in sub-Saharan Africa generally have poor anticoagulation control. We review the potential reasons for this poor control, as well as the potential solutions. Challenges include the affordability and centralisation of anticoagulation care, problems with access to medicines and international normalised ratio monitoring, the lack of locally validated standardized dosing protocols, and low levels of anticoagulation knowledge among healthcare workers and patients. Increasing numbers of patients will need anticoagulation in the future because of the increasing burden of noncommunicable disease in the region. We propose that locally developed "warfarin care bundles" which address multiple anticoagulation challenges in combination may be the most appropriate solution in this setting currently.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johannes P Mouton
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marc Blockman
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Jerome Semakula
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Catriona Waitt
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Munir Pirmohamed
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Karen Cohen
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Scherman J, Zilla P. Poorly suited heart valve prostheses heighten the plight of patients with rheumatic heart disease. Int J Cardiol 2020; 318:104-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.05.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
19
|
Postoperative Rheumatic Heart Disease Follow-Up: Creating a National Registry and First Results from Rwanda. Ann Glob Health 2020; 86:115. [PMID: 32963968 PMCID: PMC7485403 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.2719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In many developing countries, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is diagnosed at an advanced stage and requires surgery for patient survival. However, access to cardiac surgery in this context is limited and often provided through partnerships, requiring centralized patient data systems for monitoring and follow-up. Objectives This study used data from a national postoperative RHD registry to analyze clinical outcomes of Rwandan patients who received surgery between 2006 and 2017. Methods The RHD registry was created in 2017 using data compiled from Rwanda Ministry of Health and RHD surgery partners. We extracted pre- and post-operative data on patients who were alive and in care. We excluded patients who died or were lost to follow-up, as their data was not collected in the registry. We evaluated the association between demographic, surgical, and follow-up characteristics and most recent patient symptoms, categorized by New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Findings Among the 191 patients eligible for inclusion in this study, 107(56.0%) were female, 110(57.6%) were adults at the time of surgery (>15 years), and 128(67.4%) had surgery in Rwanda. Most patients (n = 166, 86.9%) were on penicillin prophylaxis. Of the patients with mechanical valves, 47(29.9%) had therapeutic International Normalized Ratio values. 90% of patients were asymptomatic (NYHA I) at the time of most recent visit. NYHA class was not significantly associated with any of the considered variables. The median length of follow-up for patients was four years (IQR: 2, 5 years). Conclusion This study shows both the feasibility and challenges of creating a RHD registry 11 years after the national initiation of RHD surgeries. Most patients captured in the registry are asymptomatic; however, collecting details on patients who had died or were lost to follow-up has proven difficult. Implementing strategies to maintain a complete and up-to-date registry will facilitate follow-up for pre- and postoperative patients.
Collapse
|
20
|
Porterie J, Kalavrouziotis D, Mohammadi S. Commentary: Rheumatic valve surgery in emerging countries: New insights for an old disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020; 162:1728-1729. [PMID: 32513485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.03.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Porterie
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dimitri Kalavrouziotis
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Siamak Mohammadi
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zilla P, Bolman RM, Boateng P, Sliwa K. A glimpse of hope: cardiac surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2020; 10:336-349. [PMID: 32420116 PMCID: PMC7225428 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2019.11.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, more than five times more people live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries (HICs). As such, the downward trend in cardiac surgical needs in HICs reflects only the situation of one sixth of the world population while the vast majority living in LMICs has still no or limited access to life saving heart operations. In these countries, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) still accounts for a significant proportion of cardiac surgical needs. In low- and lower-middle income countries it remains the single most common cardiovascular disease in young adult and adolescent patients in need of heart surgery outweighing other indications such as congenital cardiac defects almost 4-fold. Compared to HICs with their predominance of calcific aortic stenosis in the elderly mitral valve surgery is required in >90% of the largely young patients with RHD in low-income countries (LICs) and still in 70% of the often middle aged patients in middle-income countries (MICs). Although recent government initiatives in LICs led to the establishment of local, independent cardiac surgical services gradually replacing fly-in missions, these centers still only cover less than 2% of the needs of their populations. In MICs, cardiac surgical needs continually grow with the emergence of degenerative diseases. As such, in spite of the concomitant growth of cardiac surgical capacity, significantly less than half the estimated patients in need have access. Capacities in LICs range from 0.5 to 7 cardiac operations/million population; 100-481/million in MICs and >1,200/million in HICs such as the USA and Germany. While a new level of awareness of the scope and magnitude of the problem has begun to emerge in LICs and the establishment of local cardiac surgical capacity has given rise to a glimpse of hope, the challenges of expanding these fledgling services to a significant proportion of the population still seem insurmountable. Challenges in MICs are on the other hand the widening gap between private cardiac medicine for the affluent few and overwhelmed public services for the many and the rural urban divide with the underappreciation of the ongoing dominance of RHD in the rural and indigent population on the other. Overshadowing all LMICs is the low level of valve-repair skills associated with insufficient cardiac surgical capacity and the unavailability of suitable replacement valves which address the young age of the patients and the difficulties of anticoagulation in a socioeconomic environment distinctly different from the elderly patients of HICs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Zilla
- Christian Barnard Department for Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R. Morton Bolman
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora and University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Percy Boateng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai (ISMMS) Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karen Sliwa
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tamirat S, Mazine A, Stevens LM, Agwar F, Dejene K, Bedru M, Dessie A, Lebon JS, Bouchard D. Contemporary outcomes of aortic and mitral valve surgery for rheumatic heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2020; 162:1714-1725.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2020.02.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
25
|
Chalachew T, Yadeta D, Tefera E. Factors associated with sub-optimal control of anticoagulation in patients with prosthetic heart valves taking oral anticoagulants in a sub-Saharan African setting. Cardiovasc J Afr 2019; 30:316-320. [PMID: 31140545 PMCID: PMC8802369 DOI: 10.5830/cvja-2019-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Replacement of diseased valves reduces the morbidity and mortality rate associated with native valvular disease but comes at the expense of risking complications related to the implanted prosthetic device. Establishing the desired anticoagulation level in a sub-Saharan African setting may be a challenge. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to determine the challenges of maintaining a desired level of anticoagulation and factors associated with sub-optimal anticoagulation in patients with prosthetic heart valves on chronic anticoagulation. METHODS We reviewed 73 patients who had undergone prosthetic valve replacement for chronic rheumatic valvular heart disease and were taking warfarin. The follow up ranged from one to 13 years. We studied international normalised ratio (INR) profiles of the patients for the six months preceding the study and defined optimal control as an INR of 2.5-3.5. We aimed to determine if there were factors associated with sub-optimal control of INR. RESULTS Forty-two patients (57.5%) were female. Mean age of the participants was 21.5 ± 3.1 years (range 14-25 years). Warfarin was the anticoagulant in 55 (75.3%) of the patients and 18 (24.7%) were on combined warfarin and aspirin anticoagulation. Thirty-five (47.9%) patients had optimal control of their INR. Educational level of primary school or less, distance from follow-up medical facility of more than 300 km, quarterly or less-frequent check-up visit, and public health institution as a source of free warfarin supply were found to be significantly associated with sub-optimal control of INR. CONCLUSIONS Educational level, distance from follow-up facility, number of follow-up visits and source of warfarin supply were found to be significantly associated with sub-optimal control of INR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tigist Chalachew
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Dejuma Yadeta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Endale Tefera
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Wei XB, Chen WJ, Duan CY, Qin TH, Yu Y, Geng QS, Jiang L. Joint effects of uric acid and lymphocyte count on adverse outcomes in elderly patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement surgery. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2019; 158:420-427.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
27
|
Eberly LA, Rusangwa C, Ng'ang'a L, Neal CC, Mukundiyukuri JP, Mpanusingo E, Mungunga JC, Habineza H, Anderson T, Ngoga G, Dusabeyezu S, Kwan G, Bavuma C, Rusingiza E, Mutabazi F, Mucumbitsi J, Gahamanyi C, Mutumbira C, Park PH, Mpunga T, Bukhman G. Cost of integrated chronic care for severe non-communicable diseases at district hospitals in rural Rwanda. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001449. [PMID: 31321086 PMCID: PMC6597643 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Integrated clinical strategies to address non-communicable disease (NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa have largely been directed to prevention and treatment of common conditions at primary health centres. This study examines the cost of organising integrated nurse-driven, physician-supervised chronic care for more severe NCDs at an outpatient specialty clinic associated with a district hospital in rural Rwanda. Conditions addressed included type 1 and type 2 diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, heart failure and rheumatic heart disease. Methods A retrospective costing analysis was conducted from the facility perspective using data from administrative sources and the electronic medical record systems of Butaro District Hospital in rural Rwanda. We determined initial start-up and annual operating financial cost of the Butaro district advanced NCD clinic for the fiscal year 2013–2014. Per-patient annual cost by disease category was determined. Results A total of US$47 976 in fixed start-up costs was necessary to establish a new advanced NCD clinic serving a population of approximately 300 000 people (US$0.16 per capita). The additional annual operating cost for this clinic was US$68 975 (US$0.23 per capita) to manage a 632-patient cohort and provide training, supervision and mentorship to primary health centres. Labour comprised 54% of total cost, followed by medications at 17%. Diabetes mellitus had the highest annual cost per patient (US$151), followed by heart failure (US$104), driven primarily by medication therapy and laboratory testing. Conclusions This is the first study to evaluate the costs of integrated, decentralised chronic care for some severe NCDs in rural sub-Saharan Africa. The findings show that these services may be affordable to governments even in the most constrained health systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Anne Eberly
- Department of Medicine, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Loise Ng'ang'a
- Inshuti Mu Buzima, Partners In Health - Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | - Claire C Neal
- Organizational Transformational Initiatives, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Egide Mpanusingo
- Inshuti Mu Buzima, Partners In Health - Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | | | - Hamissy Habineza
- Inshuti Mu Buzima, Partners In Health - Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | - Todd Anderson
- Inshuti Mu Buzima, Partners In Health - Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | - Gedeon Ngoga
- Inshuti Mu Buzima, Partners In Health - Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | | | - Gene Kwan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program in Global NCDs and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charlotte Bavuma
- Inshuti Mu Buzima, Partners In Health - Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda.,Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Emmanual Rusingiza
- Inshuti Mu Buzima, Partners In Health - Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda.,Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Cardiology Unit, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Francis Mutabazi
- Inshuti Mu Buzima, Partners In Health - Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | | | | | - Cadet Mutumbira
- Inshuti Mu Buzima, Partners In Health - Rwanda, Rwinkwavu, Rwanda
| | - Paul H Park
- Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program in Global NCDs and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Gene Bukhman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Partners In Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Program in Global NCDs and Social Change, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lee SS, Vedanthan R. Beyond Sharing and Shifting: Raising the Bar for Global Rheumatic Heart Disease Control. Glob Heart 2019; 14:265-267. [PMID: 31113732 DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Scott S Lee
- Department of Medicine and Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Rajesh Vedanthan
- Section for Global Health, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Low- and Middle-Income Countries and US Trainees Benefit From the Global Health Educator. Ann Thorac Surg 2018; 107:689. [PMID: 30300645 DOI: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|