An observational study of perioperative nutrition and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing laparotomy at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi

Prevalence and related assessment practices of adult hospital malnutrition in Africa: A scoping review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Globally, hospital malnutrition prevalence is estimated at 20-50%, with little known about the situation in African hospitals. The aim of this scoping review was to appraise the current evidence base regarding the prevalence of adult hospital malnutrition and related assessment practices in an African context.

METHODS

A comprehensive and exhaustive search strategy was undertaken to search seven electronic bibliographic databases (including Africa-specific databases) from inception until August 2022 for articles/resources reporting on the prevalence of adult hospital malnutrition in an African setting. Two reviewers independently reviewed abstracts and full-text articles and data extraction was undertaken in duplicate.

RESULTS

We screened the titles and abstracts of 7537 records and included 28 studies. Most of the included studies were conducted in the East African region (n = 12), with ten studies from South Africa. Most studies were single-centre studies (n = 22; 79%), including 23 to 2126 participants across all studies. A variety of study populations were investigated with most described as medical and surgical populations (n = 14; 50%). Malnutrition risk prevalence was reported to be between 23% and 74%, using a variety of nutritional screening tools (including MNA-SF/LF, NRS-2002, MUST, NRI, GNRI). Malnutrition prevalence was reported to be between 8% and 85%, using a variety of tools and parameters, including ASPEN and ESPEN guidelines, SGA, MNA-SF/LF, anthropometric and biochemical indices, with one study using the GLIM criteria to diagnose malnutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

Both malnutrition risk and malnutrition prevalence are alarmingly high in African adult hospitalised patients. The prevalence of malnutrition differs significantly among studies, owing in part to the variety of tools used and variability in cut-offs for measurements, underscoring the importance of adopting a standardised approach. Realities in the African context include limited nutritional screening and assessment, poor referral practices, and a unique disease burden. General awareness is needed, and routine nutritional screening practices with appropriate nutrition support action should be implemented as a matter of urgency in African hospitals.

Prevalence, patterns and associated risk factors for dyslipidaemia among individuals attending the diabetes clinic at a tertiary hospital in Central Malawi

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidaemia among individuals with diabetes is a significant modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs). ASCVDs are a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally, especially in people with diabetes. In Malawi, limited data exist on the prevalence and biochemical characteristics of diabetic dyslipidaemia. This study investigated the prevalence and biochemical characteristics of dyslipidaemia in individuals attending the diabetes clinic at Kamuzu Central Hospital, the largest tertiary referral hospital in Central Malawi.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, sociodemographic, medical and anthropometric data were collected from 391 adult participants who were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were analysed for glycosylated haemoglobin (HBA1c) and fasting lipid profiles. The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was calculated, and the biochemical characteristics of the dyslipidaemia were defined. The associations between dyslipidaemia and risk factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, obesity, and HBA1c levels were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Prevalence of dyslipidaemia was observed in 71% of the participants, and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the most frequent lipid abnormality among the study participants. None of the participants were receiving any lipid-lowering therapy. On bivariate analysis, dyslipidemia was positively associated with female sex [OR 1.65 (95% CI 1.05- 2.58); p = 0.09], age ≥ 30 years [OR 3.60 (95% CI 1.17-7.68); p = 0.001] and overweight and obesity [OR 2.11 (95% CI 1.33-3.34); p = 0.002]. On multivariate analysis, being overweight or obese was an independent predictor of dyslipidaemia [AOR 1.8;(95% CI 1.15- 3.37); p = 0.04].

CONCLUSION

Dyslipidaemia was highly prevalent among individuals with diabetes in this study, and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the most frequent lipid abnormality. Overweight and obesity were also highly prevalent and positively predicted dyslipidaemia. This study highlights the importance of appropriately addressing dyslipidaemia, overweight and obesity among individuals with diabetes in Malawi and other similar settings in Africa as one of the significant ways of reducing the risk of ASCVDs among this population.

Prevalence, patterns and associated risk factors for dyslipidaemia among individuals attending the diabetes clinic at a tertiary hospital in Central Malawi

Background

Dyslipidaemia among individuals with diabetes is a significant modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs). ASCVDs are a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally, especially in people with diabetes. In Malawi, limited data exist on the prevalence and biochemical characteristics of diabetic dyslipidaemia. This study investigated the prevalence and biochemical characteristics of dyslipidaemia in individuals attending the diabetes clinic at Kamuzu Central Hospital, the largest tertiary referral hospital in Central Malawi.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design, sociodemographic, medical and anthropometric data were collected from 391 adult participants who were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were analysed for glycosylated haemoglobin (HBA1c) and fasting lipid profiles. The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was calculated, and the biochemical characteristics of the dyslipidaemia were defined. The associations between dyslipidaemia and risk factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, obesity, and HBA1c levels were evaluated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Prevalence of dyslipidaemia was observed in 71% of the participants, and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the most frequent lipid abnormality among the study participants. On bivariate analysis, dyslipidemia was positively associated with female sex [OR 1.65 (95% CI 1.05-2.58); p = 0.09], age ≥ 30 years [OR 3.60 (95% CI 1.17-7.68); p = 0.001] and overweight and obesity [OR 2.11 (95% CI 1.33-3.34); p = 0.002]. On multivariate analysis, being overweight or obese was an independent predictor of dyslipidaemia [AOR 1.8 ;( 95% CI 1.15-3.37); p = 0.04].

Conclusion

Dyslipidaemia was highly prevalent among individuals with diabetes in this study, and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the most frequent lipid abnormality. Overweight and obesity were also highly prevalent and positively predicted dyslipidaemia. This study highlights the importance of appropriately addressing dyslipidaemia, overweight and obesity among individuals with diabetes in Malawi and other similar settings in Africa as one of the significant ways of reducing the risk of ASCVDs among this population.

High prevalence of dyslipidaemia among persons with diabetes mellitus and hypertension at a tertiary hospital in Blantyre, Malawi

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidaemia drives the process of atherosclerosis, and hence a significant modifiable risk factor complicating hypertension and diabetes. In Malawi, the prevalence, screening and management of dyslipidaemia among persons with diabetes mellitus have not been reported. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, biochemical characteristics, screening and management practices for dyslipidaemia among persons with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus and hypertension comorbidity at Queen Elizabeth Central hospital in Blantyre, Malawi.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2021. A total of 256 adult participants (diabetes mellitus = 100); hypertension = 100; both conditions = 56) were included. Medical data and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Blood samples were analysed for HbA1C and serum lipids. Associated risk factors for dyslipidaemia were also assessed.

RESULTS

Dyslipidaemia was prevalent in 58%, 55%, and 70% of participants with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and both conditions. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) dyslipidaemia was the most common in all participant groups. Participants with both diabetes and hypertension had 2.4 times (95% CI 1.2-4.6) increased risk of LDL-C dyslipidaemia than those with diabetes alone (p < 0.02). Being overweight or obese and age over 30 years were risk factors for dyslipidaemia in participants with diabetes mellitus alone (OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.1-1.6), p < 0.04, and OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.2-4.7) (p < 0.01), respectively. Overweight and obesity predicted LDL-C dyslipidaemia in hypertensive patients (OR 3.5 (95% CI 1.2-9.9) p < 0.001). Poorly controlled hypertension and the use of beta-blockers and thiazide diuretics predicted dyslipidaemia among patients with both diabetes mellitus and hypertension (OR 6.50 CI 1.45-29.19; and OR 5.20 CI 1.16-23.36 respectively). None of the participants had a lipogram performed before the study or were on lipid-lowering therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Dyslipidaemia with LDL-C derangement was highly prevalent, especially in individuals with both diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and there was absent use of lipid-lowering therapy. Screening and managing dyslipidaemia should be reinforced to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications in this population at increased risk.

Estimating the health burden of road traffic injuries in Malawi using an individual-based model

BACKGROUND

Road traffic injuries are a significant cause of death and disability globally. However, in some countries the exact health burden caused by road traffic injuries is unknown. In Malawi, there is no central reporting mechanism for road traffic injuries and so the exact extent of the health burden caused by road traffic injuries is hard to determine. A limited number of models predict the incidence of mortality due to road traffic injury in Malawi. These estimates vary greatly, owing to differences in assumptions, and so the health burden caused on the population by road traffic injuries remains unclear.

METHODS

We use an individual-based model and combine an epidemiological model of road traffic injuries with a health seeking behaviour and health system model. We provide a detailed representation of road traffic injuries in Malawi, from the onset of the injury through to the final health outcome. We also investigate the effects of an assumption made by other models that multiple injuries do not contribute to health burden caused by road accidents.

RESULTS

Our model estimates an overall average incidence of mortality between 23.5 and 29.8 per 100,000 person years due to road traffic injuries and an average of 180,000 to 225,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per year between 2010 and 2020 in an estimated average population size of 1,364,000 over the 10-year period. Our estimated incidence of mortality falls within the range of other estimates currently available for Malawi, whereas our estimated number of DALYs is greater than the only other estimate available for Malawi, the GBD estimate predicting and average of 126,200 DALYs per year over the same time period. Our estimates, which account for multiple injuries, predict a 22-58% increase in overall health burden compared to the model ran as a single injury model.

CONCLUSIONS

Road traffic injuries are difficult to model with conventional modelling methods, owing to the numerous types of injuries that occur. Using an individual-based model framework, we can provide a detailed representation of road traffic injuries. Our results indicate a higher health burden caused by road traffic injuries than previously estimated.

Insufficient Post-operative Energy Intake Is Associated With Failure of Enhanced Recovery Programs After Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Although enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been proven to be beneficial after laparoscopic colorectal surgery, some of the patients may fail to complete the ERAS program during hospitalization. This prospective study aims to evaluate the risk factors associated with ERAS failure after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods: This is a prospective study from a single tertiary referral hospital. Patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics were collected. Post-operative activity time and 6-min walking distance (6MWD) were measured. Patients were divided into ERAS failure group and ERAS success according to decreased post-operative activity and 6MWD. Factors associated with ERAS failure were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results: A total of 91 patients with colorectal cancer were included. The incidence of ERAS failure is 28.6% among all patients. Patients in ERAS failure group experienced higher rate of post-operative ileus and prolonged hospital stay (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that older age (p = 0.006), body mass index ≥25.5 kg/m² (p = 0.037), smoking (p = 0.002), operative time (p = 0.048), and post-operative energy intake <18.5 kcal/kg•d (p = 0.045) were independent risk factors of ERAS failure after laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Conclusions: Our findings indicated that a proportion of patients may fail the ERAS program after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. We for the first time showed that post-operative energy intake was an independent risk factor for ERAS failure. This may provide evidence for further investigation on precise measurement of nutritional status and selected high-risk patients for enhanced nutrition support.

Effect of malnutrition on the postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer: Propensity score-matched analysis of 2011-2017 US hospitals

BACKGROUND

Patients with pancreatic cancer suffer from metabolic dysregulation, which can manifest in clinical malnutrition. Because a portion of these patients require cancer-resective surgery, we evaluate the impact of malnutrition in patients undergoing pancreatic resection using a national database.

METHODS

The 2011-2017 National Inpatient Sample was used to isolate cases of pancreatic resection (partial/total pancreatectomy and radical pancreaticoduodenectomy), which were stratified using malnutrition. A 1:1 nearest-neighbor propensity-score matching was applied to match the controls to the malnutrition cohort. End points include mortality, length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Following the match, there were 2108 with malnutrition and an equal number without; from this, those with malnutrition had higher mortality (4.7% vs 3.04%; P = 0.007; odds ratio [OR], 1.57; 95% CI, 1.14-2.17), longer LOS, and higher costs. Regarding complications, malnourished patients had higher bleeding (5.41% vs 2.99%; P < 0.001; OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.36-2.54), wound complications (3.75% vs 1.57%; P < 0.001; OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.62-3.69), infection (7.83% vs 3.13%; P < 0.001; OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.96-3.52), and respiratory failure (7.45% vs 3.56%; P < 0.001; OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.65-2.89). In multivariate analyses, those with malnutrition had higher mortality (P = 0.008; adjust OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.12-2.14).

CONCLUSION

Those with malnutrition had higher mortality and complications following pancreatic resection; given these findings, it is important that preoperative nutrition therapy is provided to minimize the surgical risks.

Nutrition Capacity Building to Meet National Priorities: Lessons Learned in Developing and Implementing Malawi's First Dietetics Program

We describe the lessons learned in building nutrition capacity through the development and implementation of the first dietetics training program in Malawi.

The current nutrition situation in Malawi, characterized by high rates of malnutrition in communities and hospitals and a rapidly increasing burden of overweight/obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases, highlights the urgent need for registered dietitians, who have a proven track record in the prevention and management of all forms of malnutrition and improving patient outcomes. However, dietetics practice has been described as underdeveloped and fragmented in many parts of Africa, exacerbated by a severe and chronic shortage of dietetics professionals and a lack of nutrition and dietetic education programs in most African countries.

We share early lessons learned in the development and implementation of the first dietetics program in Malawi. Within 6 years, the program produced 10 graduate dietitians who have filled the first clinical dietitian posts in Malawian public hospitals. This early success can be attributed to the model used to develop and implement the program, which included early stakeholder engagement to define the priority skills and competencies of a Malawian dietitian, the use of internationally recognized training standards, and the development of strategic institutional partnerships that brought together complementary skills and expertise. Furthermore, using existing resources and recruiting students with a nutrition and health background accelerated implementation. The current dietetics curriculum responds to the national nutrition and health policy direction and strategic objectives. Early and sustained government engagement was crucial in creating demand and securing career prospects for graduates. Although still in its infancy, dietitians in Malawi are poised to contribute significantly to alleviating the country's complex nutrition challenges.

Malnutrition is Associated with Poor Postoperative Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Background:

Malnutrition continues to be pervasive among the general population, with rates as high as 50% of patients undergoing surgical procedures. Data is limited about women undergoing surgery for non-malignant gynecologic indications (generally elective laparoscopic hysterectomies, after failed conservative measures). With the significant increase in benign gynecologic surgery, it is of the upmost importance that surgeons optimize modifiable risk factors for patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of malnutrition on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign conditions.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing data that was collected through the American College of Surgeon’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Database. All patients that underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications were identified. Patients with malnutrition were identified by either low albumin (≤ 3.5 g/dL), low body mass index (≤ 18.5), or 10% weight loss within 6 months. The frequency of postoperative complications was evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses where appropriate.

Results:

Following adjustment, multivariate analysis illustrated pre-operative malnutrition to be a risk factor for the following complications: any complication, death, bleeding requiring transfusion, wound, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, thromboembolic, sepsis complications, extended length of stay, and reoperation (p ≤ 0.05 for all).

Conclusion:

Malnourished patients were at significantly higher risk of developing postoperative complications during the acute postoperative period. With elective laparoscopic hysterectomies, pre-operative evaluation and intervention for malnutrition should be considered to improve nutritional status.

Reducing Surgical Site Infections During Otolaryngology Surgical Missions

OBJECTIVES

To determine what measures an otolaryngology-head and neck surgery team might adopt to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) on a short-term surgical mission. Despite concerns about safety and efficacy, short-term surgical missions remain the predominant structure for humanitarian surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Hospitals in high-income countries strive to improve surgical outcomes through implementation of World Health Organization (WHO) safe surgery guidelines. Reduction of SSI risk is a key part of this effort.

METHODS

Literature review and practical experience.

RESULTS

WHO recommendations for reducing SSI are based largely on research done in the North America and Europe. LMIC populations are younger; comorbidities are fewer; infectious disease and trauma are prevalent; and delays in access to care are common. SSI are much more frequent in resource-limited settings. Recommendations regarding preoperative assessment, operating room environment, instrument sterilization, surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, surgical site preparation, gloving, draping, and postsurgical care are reviewed in the context of a surgical mission at a typical LMIC government hospital.

CONCLUSION

Many of the WHO guidelines on reduction of SSI are logical and applicable to the short-term surgical missions; others may need to be modified. Careful prospective data collection and clinical trials are needed to learn which interventions are valid and which should be changed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5 Laryngoscope, 130:1388-1395, 2020.

The introduction of a paediatric nutrition support program led by a clinical dietitian at a low-resource hospital setting in Malawi

In low- and middle-income countries, nutrition support strategies are often suboptimal or non-existent in hospital settings. This is further compounded by high rates of malnutrition in these countries. The first four dietitians graduated in Malawi in 2017 providing a new opportunity to build capacity to introduce nutrition support in an acute care setting. A paediatric nutrition support program was implemented at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi including the hiring of a local dietitian. This capacity building paper explains the development and introduction of the nutrition support program including a description of perceptions of health professionals at QECH working alongside the dietitian. In the first four months of the program at QECH, the dietitian provided nutrition support to 183 different patients across paediatric wards. Nutritional interventions predominantly included infant formula and breastmilk fortification, provision of therapeutic feeds orally or via nasogastric tubes, increased dietary protein intake for children identified to be at high risk, and nutritional counselling to caregivers. More complex nutritional interventions were also given such as the insertion of gastrostomy tubes to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach. Following the introduction of the program, qualitative interviews were done with health professionals at QECH including nurses (n = 5) and physicians (n = 11). All participants emphasized the importance and impact of the nutrition support program in enhancing the care of hospitalized children, therefore improving outcomes such as tolerability of clinical interventions, decreased duration of stay, and reduced risk of hospital readmission. In conclusion, there is a need for nutrition support provided by a dietitian for different paediatric patients which was corroborated by positive feedback from health professionals at QECH. Integration of dietitians into the healthcare system by respective Ministries of Health will require advocacy around the potential for nutrition support to strengthen the quality of care of vulnerable children. A Chichewa abstract for this paper is available in a supplementary file.