1
|
Kabwama SN, Wanyenze RK, Razaz N, Ssenkusu JM, Alfvén T, Lindgren H. How interventions to maintain services during the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened systems for delivery of maternal and child health services: a case-study of Wakiso District, Uganda. Glob Health Action 2024; 17:2314345. [PMID: 38381458 PMCID: PMC10883101 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2024.2314345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health systems are resilient if they absorb, adapt, and transform in response to shocks. Although absorptive and adaptive capacities have been demonstrated during the COVID-19 response, little has been documented about their transformability and strengthened service delivery systems. We aimed to describe improvements in maternal and child health service delivery as a result of investments during the COVID-19 response. METHODS This was a descriptive case study conducted in Wakiso District in central Uganda. It included 21 nurses and midwives as key informants and 32 mothers in three focus group discussions. Data were collected using an interview guide following the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety theoretical framework for service delivery. RESULTS Maternal and child health service delivery during the pandemic involved service provision without changes, service delivery with temporary changes and outcomes, and service delivery that resulted into sustained changes and outcomes. Temporary changes included patient schedule adjustments, community service delivery and negative outcomes such as increased workload and stigma against health workers. Sustained changes that strengthened service delivery included new infrastructure and supplies such as ambulances and equipment, new roles involving infection prevention and control, increased role of community health workers and outcomes such as improved workplace safety and teamwork. CONCLUSIONS In spite of the negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on health systems, it created the impetus to invest in system improvements. Investments such as new facility infrastructure and emergency medical services were leveraged to improve maternal and child health services delivery. The inter-departmental collaboration during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted into an improved intra-hospital environment for other service delivery. However, there is a need to evaluate lessons beyond health facilities and whether these learnings are deliberately integrated into service delivery. Future responses should also address the psychological and physical impacts suffered by health workers to maintain service delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Ndugwa Kabwama
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Neda Razaz
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Paediatric Public Health Department, Sachs' Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Lindgren
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health Promotion, Sophiahemmet University, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mboizi V, Nabaggala C, Munube D, Ssenkusu JM, Kasirye P, Kamya S, Kawooya MG, Boehme A, Minja F, Mupere E, Opoka R, Rosano C, Green NS, Idro R. Hydroxyurea Therapy for Neurological and Cognitive Protection in Pediatric Sickle Cell Anemia in Uganda (BRAIN SAFE II): Protocol for a single-arm open label trial. medRxiv 2024:2024.01.12.24301208. [PMID: 38260320 PMCID: PMC10802762 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.24301208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in Sub-Saharan Africa are at high risk of sickle cerebrovascular injury (SCVI). Hydroxyurea, a commonly used disease-modifying therapy, may prevent or decrease SCVI for reduced incident stroke, stroke risk and potentially cognitive dysfunction. We aim to test the impact of daily hydroxyurea therapy on these outcomes in Ugandan children with SCA. We hypothesize that hydroxyurea therapy over 36 months will prevent, stabilize or improve these complications of SCA. Methods The BRAIN SAFE II study is an open-label, single-arm trial of daily hydroxyurea for 270 children with SCA (HbSS) in Uganda, ages 3-9 years. Following baseline assessments, participants began hydroxyurea therapy and clinically followed per local guidelines. Standard hydroxyurea dose is escalated to maximum tolerated dose (MTD). SCVI is assessed by cerebral arterial velocity using Doppler ultrasound, with cognitive function determined by formal neurocognitive testing (primary outcomes). Structural SCVI is assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography (MRA) in a sub-sample of 90 participants ages ≥5 years, along with biomarkers of anemia, inflammation and malnutrition (secondary outcomes). At trial midpoint (18 months) and completion (36 months), primary outcomes will be compared to participants' baseline to determine hydroxyurea impact and relationships to secondary outcomes. Conclusion This open-label, single-arm trial will examine the impact of hydroxyurea on preventing or ameliorating SCA SCVI in children, assessed by reducing incident stroke, stroke risk and neurocognitive dysfunction. Trial results will provide important insight into the role of hydroxyurea therapy on critical manifestations of SCVI in children with SCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Deogratias Munube
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M. Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phillip Kasirye
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samson Kamya
- Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI), Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michael G. Kawooya
- Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research and Education Institute (ECUREI), Mengo Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Amelia Boehme
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Frank Minja
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ezekiel Mupere
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Opoka
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Caterina Rosano
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nancy S. Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Natuhamya C, Makumbi F, Mukose AD, Ssenkusu JM. Complete sources of cluster variation on the risk of under-five malaria in Uganda: a multilevel-weighted mixed effects logistic regression model approach. Malar J 2023; 22:317. [PMID: 37858202 PMCID: PMC10588140 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04756-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria, a major cause of mortality worldwide is linked to a web of determinants ranging from individual to contextual factors. This calls for examining the magnitude of the effect of clustering within malaria data. Regrettably, researchers usually ignore cluster variation on the risk of malaria and also apply final survey weights in multilevel modelling instead of multilevel weights. This most likely produces biased estimates, misleads inference and lowers study power. The objective of this study was to determine the complete sources of cluster variation on the risk of under-five malaria and risk factors associated with under-five malaria in Uganda. METHODS This study applied a multilevel-weighted mixed effects logistic regression model to account for both individual and contextual factors. RESULTS Every additional year in a child's age was positively associated with malaria infection (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.33-1.52). Children whose mothers had at least a secondary school education were less likely to suffer from malaria infection (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.30-0.95) as well as those who dwelled in households in the two highest wealth quintiles (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.27-0.64). An increase in altitude by 1 m was negatively associated with malaria infection (AOR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.99). About 77% of the total variation in the positive testing for malaria was attributable to differences between enumeration areas (ICC = 0.77; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Interventions towards reducing the burden of under-five malaria should be prioritized to improve individual-level characteristics compared to household-level features. Enumeration area (EA) specific interventions may be more effective compared to household specific interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Natuhamya
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Fredrick Makumbi
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - John M Ssenkusu
- Makerere University School of Public Health, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vasquez M, Sica M, Namazzi R, Opoka RO, Sherman J, Datta D, Duran-Frigola M, Ssenkusu JM, John CC, Conroy AL, Rodriguez A. Xanthine oxidase levels and immune dysregulation are independently associated with anemia in Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14720. [PMID: 37679382 PMCID: PMC10484935 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41764-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe anemia is an important contributor to mortality in children with severe malaria. Anemia in malaria is a multi-factorial complication, since dyserythropoiesis, hemolysis and phagocytic clearance of uninfected red blood cells (RBCs) can contribute to this syndrome. High levels of oxidative stress and immune dysregulation have been proposed to contribute to severe malarial anemia, facilitating the clearance of uninfected RBCs. In a cohort of 552 Ugandan children with severe malaria, we measured the levels of xanthine oxidase (XO), an oxidative enzyme that is elevated in the plasma of malaria patients. The levels of XO in children with severe anemia were significantly higher compared to children with severe malaria not suffering from severe anemia. Levels of XO were inversely associated with RBC hemoglobin (ρ = - 0.25, p < 0.0001), indicating a relation between this enzyme and severe anemia. When compared with the levels of immune complexes and of autoimmune antibodies to phosphatidylserine, factors previously associated with severe anemia in malaria patients, we observed that XO is not associated with them, suggesting that XO is associated with severe anemia through an independent mechanism. XO was associated with prostration, acidosis, jaundice, respiratory distress, and kidney injury, which may reflect a broader relation of this enzyme with severe malaria pathology. Since inhibitors of XO are inexpensive and well-tolerated drugs already approved for use in humans, the validation of XO as a contributor to severe malarial anemia and other malaria complications may open new possibilities for much needed adjunctive therapy in malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Vasquez
- New York University School of Medicine, 430E 29th St, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Margaux Sica
- New York University School of Medicine, 430E 29th St, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Department of Paediatrics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julian Sherman
- New York University School of Medicine, 430E 29th St, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Dibyadyuti Datta
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Center for Global Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | | | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Center for Global Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
- Center for Global Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- New York University School of Medicine, 430E 29th St, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Weckman AM, Elphinstone RE, Ssenkusu JM, Tran V, Zhong K, Madanitsa M, Khairallah C, Kalilani-Phiri L, Mwapasa V, Conroy AL, Ter Kuile FO, McDonald CR, Kain KC. Sequential disruptions to inflammatory and angiogenic pathways and risk of spontaneous preterm birth in Malawian women. iScience 2023; 26:106912. [PMID: 37332611 PMCID: PMC10275952 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth is a leading cause of death in children under five years of age. We hypothesized that sequential disruptions to inflammatory and angiogenic pathways during pregnancy increase the risk of placental insufficiency and spontaneous preterm labor and delivery. We conducted a secondary analysis of inflammatory and angiogenic analytes measured in plasma samples collected across pregnancy from 1462 Malawian women. Women with concentrations of the inflammatory markers sTNFR2, CHI3L1, and IL18BP in the highest quartile before 24 weeks gestation and women with anti-angiogenic factors sEndoglin and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in the highest quartile at 28-33 weeks gestation had an increased relative risk of preterm birth. Mediation analysis further supported a potential causal link between early inflammation, subsequent angiogenic dysregulation detrimental to placental vascular development, and earlier gestational age at delivery. Interventions designed to reduce the burden of preterm birth may need to be implemented before 24 weeks of gestation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Weckman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robyn E. Elphinstone
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John M. Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vanessa Tran
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kathleen Zhong
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Carole Khairallah
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Victor Mwapasa
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Andrea L. Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Feiko O. Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chloe R. McDonald
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin C. Kain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- SAR Laboratories, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nakitende AJ, Bangirana P, Nakasujja N, Ssenkusu JM, Bond C, Idro R, Zhao Y, Semrud-Clikeman M, John CC. Severe Malaria and Academic Achievement. Pediatrics 2023; 151:190792. [PMID: 36861307 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-058310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral malaria (CM) and severe malarial anemia (SMA) are associated with neurocognitive impairment in childhood but their effects on long-term academic achievement are not known. METHODS Ugandan children 5 to 12 years old who participated in a previous study evaluating cognitive outcomes after CM (n = 73) or SMA (n = 56), along with community children (CC, n = 100) from the same household or neighborhood, were on average enrolled 67.1 months (range, 19-101 months) after the severe malaria episode or previous study enrollment. Academic achievement in word reading, sentence comprehension, spelling, and math computation was evaluated using the Wide Range Achievement Test, Fourth Edition. Age-adjusted z-scores for academic achievement outcomes were calculated from CC scores. RESULTS After adjustment for age and time from enrollment, reading scores were lower (mean difference from CC [95% confidence interval]) in children with CM (-0.15 [-0.27 to -0.03], P = .02) or SMA (-0.15 [-0.28 to -0.02], P = .02) than CC. Postdischarge malaria episodes were associated with worse spelling and reading scores in CM and worse spelling scores only in SMA. Pathway analysis showed that incidence of postdischarge uncomplicated malaria contributed significantly to the association of CM or SMA with poorer reading scores. CONCLUSION Children with CM or SMA have poorer long-term reading skills. Postdischarge malaria episodes contribute significantly to this association. Postdischarge malaria chemoprevention should be assessed as an intervention to improve long-term academic achievement in children with severe malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry.,Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Richard Idro
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, United Kingdom and
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Conroy AL, Tran TM, Bond C, Opoka RO, Datta D, Liechty EA, Bangirana P, Namazzi R, Idro R, Cusick S, Ssenkusu JM, John CC. Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Children With Severe Malaria Are Associated With Mortality and Worse Long-term Kidney and Cognitive Outcomes. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:2215-2225. [PMID: 36179241 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global changes in amino acid levels have been described in severe malaria (SM), but the relationship between amino acids and long-term outcomes in SM has not been evaluated. METHODS We measured enrollment plasma concentrations of 20 amino acids using high-performance liquid chromatography in 500 Ugandan children aged 18 months to 12 years, including 122 community children and 378 children with SM. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria were used to define acute kidney injury (AKI) at enrollment and chronic kidney disease (CKD) at 1-year follow-up. Cognition was assessed over 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS Compared to laboratory-defined, age-specific reference ranges, there were deficiencies in sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine, cysteine) in both community children and children with SM. Among children with SM, global changes in amino acid concentrations were observed in the context of metabolic complications including acidosis and AKI. Increases in threonine, leucine, and valine were associated with in-hospital mortality, while increases in methionine, tyrosine, lysine, and phenylalanine were associated with postdischarge mortality and CKD. Increases in glycine and asparagine were associated with worse attention in children <5 years of age. CONCLUSIONS Among children with SM, unique amino acid profiles are associated with mortality, CKD, and worse attention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tuan M Tran
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Caitlin Bond
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dibyadyuti Datta
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Edward A Liechty
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Cusick
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Batte A, Menon S, Ssenkusu JM, Kiguli S, Kalyesubula R, Lubega J, Berrens Z, Mutebi EI, Ogwang R, Opoka RO, John CC, Conroy AL. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin is elevated in children with acute kidney injury and sickle cell anemia, and predicts mortality. Kidney Int 2022; 102:885-893. [PMID: 35718113 PMCID: PMC7613606 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a biomarker of acute kidney injury that has been adapted to a urine dipstick test. However, there is limited data on its use in low-and-middle-income countries where diagnosis of acute kidney injury remains a challenge. To study this, we prospectively enrolled 250 children with sickle cell anemia aged two to 18 years encompassing 185 children hospitalized with a vaso-occlusive pain crisis and a reference group of 65 children attending the sickle cell clinic for routine care follow up. Kidney injury was defined using serial creatinine measures and a modified-Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome definition for sickle cell anemia. Urine NGAL was measured using the NGAL dipstick and a laboratory reference. The mean age of children enrolled was 8.9 years and 42.8% were female. Among hospitalized children, 36.2% had kidney injury and 3.2% died. Measured urine NGAL levels by the dipstick were strongly correlated with the standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for urine NGAL (hospitalized children, 0.71; routine care reference, 0.88). NGAL levels were elevated in kidney injury and significantly increased across injury stages. Hospitalized children with a high-risk dipstick test (300ng/mL and more) had a 2.47-fold relative risk of kidney injury (95% confidence interval 1.68 to 3.61) and 7.28 increased risk of death (95% confidence interval 1.10 to 26.81) adjusting for age and sex. Thus, urine NGAL levels were found to be significantly elevated in children with sickle cell anemia and acute kidney injury and may predict mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Batte
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Sahit Menon
- San Diego School of Medicine, University of California.
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sarah Kiguli
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Joseph Lubega
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA.
| | - Zachary Berrens
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | | | - Rodney Ogwang
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Centre for Geographic Medicine Coast, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Chandy C John
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Namazzi R, Batte A, Opoka RO, Bangirana P, Schwaderer AL, Berrens Z, Datta D, Goings M, Ssenkusu JM, Goldstein SL, John CC, Conroy AL. Acute kidney injury, persistent kidney disease, and post-discharge morbidity and mortality in severe malaria in children: A prospective cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 44:101292. [PMID: 35198918 PMCID: PMC8850340 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 85% of acute kidney injury (AKI) cases occur in low-and-middle-income countries. There is limited information on persistent kidney disease (acute kidney disease [AKD]) following severe malaria-associated AKI. METHODS Between March 28, 2014, and April 18, 2017, 598 children with severe malaria and 118 community children were enrolled in a two-site prospective cohort study in Uganda and followed up for 12 months. The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria were used to define AKI (primary exposure) and AKD at 1-month follow-up (primary outcome). Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) was assessed as a structural biomarker of AKI. FINDINGS The prevalence of AKI was 45·3% with 21·5% of children having unresolved AKI at 24 h. AKI was more common in Eastern Uganda. In-hospital mortality increased across AKI stages from 1·8% in children without AKI to 26·5% with Stage 3 AKI (p < 0·0001). Children with a high-risk plasma NGAL test were more likely to have unresolved AKI (OR, 7·00 95% CI 4·16 to 11·76) and die in hospital (OR, 6·02 95% CI 2·83 to 12·81). AKD prevalence was 15·6% at 1-month follow-up with most AKD occurring in Eastern Uganda. Risk factors for AKD included severe/unresolved AKI, blackwater fever, and a high-risk NGAL test (adjusted p < 0·05). Paracetamol use during hospitalization was associated with reduced AKD (p < 0·0001). Survivors with AKD post-AKI had higher post-discharge mortality (17·5%) compared with children without AKD (3·7%). INTERPRETATION Children with severe malaria-associated AKI are at risk of AKD and post-discharge mortality. FUNDING This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R01NS055349 to CCJ) and the Fogarty International Center (D43 TW010928 to CCJ), and a Ralph W. and Grace M. Showalter Young Investigator Award to ALC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Namazzi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anthony Batte
- Child Health and Development Center, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Global Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew L. Schwaderer
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Zachary Berrens
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Dibyadyuti Datta
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michael Goings
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - John M. Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Chandy C. John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Center for Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrea L. Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Center for Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Corresponding author at: Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mwebesa E, Kagaayi J, Ssebagereka A, Nakafeero M, Ssenkusu JM, Guwatudde D, Tumwesigye NM. Effect of four or more antenatal care visits on facility delivery and early postnatal care services utilization in Uganda: a propensity score matched analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:7. [PMID: 34979981 PMCID: PMC8722208 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-04354-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal mortality remains a global public health issue, more predominantly in developing countries, and is associated with poor maternal health services utilization. Antenatal care (ANC) visits are positively associated with facility delivery and postnatal care (PNC) utilization. However, ANC in itself may not lead to such association but due to differences that exist among users (women). The purpose of this study, therefore, is to examine the effect of four or more ANC visits on facility delivery and early PNC and also the effect of facility-based delivery on early PNC using Propensity Score Matched Analysis (PSMA). Methods The present study utilized the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) dataset. Women aged 15 – 49 years who had given birth three years preceding the survey were considered for this study. Propensity score-matched analysis was used to analyze the effect of four or more ANC visits on facility delivery and early PNC and also the effect of facility-based delivery on early PNC. Results The results revealed a significant and positive effect of four or more ANC visits on facility delivery [ATT (Average Treatment Effect of the Treated) = 0.118, 95% CI: 0.063 – 0.173] and early PNC [ATT = 0.099, 95% CI: 0.076 – 0.121]. It also found a positive and significant effect of facility-based delivery on early PNC [ATT = 0.518, 95% CI: 0.489 – 0.547]. Conclusion Policies geared towards the provision of four or more ANC visits are an effective intervention towards improved facility-based delivery and early PNC utilisation in Uganda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edson Mwebesa
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Joseph Kagaayi
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Mary Nakafeero
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Guwatudde
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Batte A, Murphy KJ, Namazzi R, Co K, Opoka RO, Ssenkusu JM, John CC, Conroy AL. Evaluating kidney function using a point-of-care creatinine test in Ugandan children with severe malaria: a prospective cohort study. BMC Nephrol 2021; 22:369. [PMID: 34742257 PMCID: PMC8572470 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-021-02573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) disproportionately affects individuals in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). However, LMIC—particularly countries in sub-Saharan Africa— are under-represented in global AKI research. A critical barrier in diagnosing AKI is access to reliable serum creatinine results. We evaluated the utility of a point-of-care test to measure creatinine and diagnose AKI in Ugandan children with malaria. Methods Paired admission creatinine was assessed in 539 Ugandan children 6 months to 4 years of age hospitalized with severe malaria based on blood smear or rapid diagnostic test. Creatinine levels were measured using isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)-traceable methods. The reference creatinine was measured using the modified Jaffe method by a certified laboratory and the point-of-care testing was conducted using an i-STAT blood analyzer (i-STAT1, with and without adjustment for the partial pressure of carbon dioxide). AKI was defined and staged using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Results The mean age of children was 2.1 years, and 21.6% of children were stunted. Mortality was 7.6% in-hospital. Over the entire range of measured creatinine values (<0.20mg/dL-8.4mg/dL), the correlation between the reference creatinine and adjusted and unadjusted point-of-care creatinine was high with R2 values of 0.95 and 0.93 respectively; however, the correlation was significantly lower in children with creatinine values <1mg/dL (R2 of 0.44 between the reference and adjusted and unadjusted i-STAT creatinine). The prevalence of AKI was 45.5% using the reference creatinine, and 27.1 and 32.3% using the unadjusted and adjusted point-of-care creatinine values, respectively. There was a step-wise increase in mortality across AKI stages, and all methods were strongly associated with mortality (p<0.0001 for all). AKI defined using the reference creatinine measure was the most sensitive to predict mortality with a sensitivity of 85.4% compared to 70.7 and 63.4% with the adjusted and unadjusted point-of-care creatinine values, respectively. Conclusions Point-of-care assessment of creatinine in lean Ugandan children <4 years of age underestimated creatinine and AKI compared to the clinical reference. Additional studies are needed to evaluate other biomarkers of AKI in LMIC to ensure equitable access to AKI diagnostics globally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Batte
- Child Health and Development Centre, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kristin J Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Katrina Co
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Salmen CR, Ndunyu L, Ssenkusu JM, Marshall D, DesLauriers N, Anebarassou AV, Ogola E, Benard Ouma G, Mattah B, Okeyo R, Otieno S, Friberg N, Muldoon L, Hines K, Salmen M, Prasad S. Falling through the net: An adaptive assessment of the 'Three Delays' encountered by patients seeking emergency maternal and neonatal care within a remote health system on Lake Victoria, Kenya. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:2156-2175. [PMID: 34403299 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1966640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In rural sub-Saharan Africa, preventable delays in accessing emergency care remain a dominant factor in maternal and neonatal deaths. The MOMENTUM study is a pragmatic cohort investigation designed to measure the "Three Delays", i.e. delays in recognizing need for care (Type 1), reaching care (Type 2), and receiving care (Type 3) within a remote island health system on Lake Victoria, Kenya. The study utilizes an adaptive methodology to provide actionable data for a locally-directed "Health Navigation" intervention. We present analysis of 56 maternal and neonatal emergency cases occurring between January 2019 and February 2020. The mean Total Delay Interval (Type 1-3) reported was 39.3 ± 32.3hours. Notably, 18 cases in this cohort resulted in a neonatal (n = 16) or maternal death (n = 2). Sub-analysis indicates significant delay interval reductions associated with involvement of a "Health Navigator" in emergency care coordination for Type 2 Delay Intervals (0.5 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 1.1 hrs., p = 0.002) and Type 3 Delay Intervals (17.9 ± 14.1 vs. 32.9 ± 33.7 hrs., p = 0.030). Prolonged delays, complex barriers, and high mortality highlight the fraught nature of maternal emergencies in this remote setting. We discuss practical considerations for application of the Three Delays model, and avenues for further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Reinisch Salmen
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Louisa Ndunyu
- Department of Public Health, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Marshall
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | | | | | - Evance Ogola
- Ekialo Kiona Center Research Department, Mfangano Island, Kenya
| | - Gor Benard Ouma
- Ekialo Kiona Center Research Department, Mfangano Island, Kenya
| | - Brian Mattah
- Ekialo Kiona Center Research Department, Mfangano Island, Kenya
| | - Robinson Okeyo
- Ekialo Kiona Center Research Department, Mfangano Island, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shailendra Prasad
- Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Conroy AL, Opoka RO, Bangirana P, Namazzi R, Okullo AE, Georgieff MK, Cusick S, Idro R, Ssenkusu JM, John CC. Parenteral artemisinins are associated with reduced mortality and neurologic deficits and improved long-term behavioral outcomes in children with severe malaria. BMC Med 2021; 19:168. [PMID: 34315456 PMCID: PMC8317420 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02033-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011, the World Health Organization recommended injectable artesunate as the first-line therapy for severe malaria (SM) due to its superiority in reducing mortality compared to quinine. There are limited data on long-term clinical and neurobehavioral outcomes after artemisinin use for treatment of SM. METHODS From 2008 to 2013, 502 Ugandan children with two common forms of SM, cerebral malaria and severe malarial anemia, were enrolled in a prospective observational study assessing long-term neurobehavioral and cognitive outcomes following SM. Children were evaluated a week after hospital discharge, and 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, and returned to hospital for any illness. In this study, we evaluated the impact of artemisinin derivatives on survival, post-discharge hospital readmission or death, and neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes over 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS 346 children received quinine and 156 received parenteral artemisinin therapy (artemether or artesunate). After adjustment for disease severity, artemisinin derivatives were associated with a 78% reduction in in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07-0.67). Among cerebral malaria survivors, children treated with artemisinin derivatives also had reduced neurologic deficits at discharge (quinine, 41.7%; artemisinin derivatives, 23.7%, p=0.007). Over a 2-year follow-up, artemisinin derivatives as compared to quinine were associated with better adjusted scores (negative scores better) in internalizing behavior and executive function in children irrespective of the age at severe malaria episode. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, artemisinin derivatives were associated with better adjusted scores in behavior and executive function in children <6 years of age at severe malaria exposure following adjustment for child age, sex, socioeconomic status, enrichment in the home environment, and the incidence of hospitalizations over follow-up. Children receiving artesunate had the greatest reduction in mortality and benefit in behavioral outcomes and had reduced inflammation at 1-month follow-up compared to children treated with quinine. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of severe malaria with artemisinin derivatives, particularly artesunate, results in reduced in-hospital mortality and neurologic deficits in children of all ages, reduced inflammation following recovery, and better long-term behavioral outcomes. These findings suggest artesunate has long-term beneficial effects in children surviving severe malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4 402C 1044 West Walnut St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Allen E Okullo
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Sarah Cusick
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, R4 402C 1044 West Walnut St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Division of Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bangirana P, Birabwa A, Nyakato M, Nakitende AJ, Kroupina M, Ssenkusu JM, Nakasujja N, Musisi S, John CC, Idro R. Use of the creating opportunities for parent empowerment programme to decrease mental health problems in Ugandan children surviving severe malaria: a randomized controlled trial. Malar J 2021; 20:267. [PMID: 34120616 PMCID: PMC8201864 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03795-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe malaria is associated with long-term mental health problems in Ugandan children. This study investigated the effect of a behavioural intervention for caregivers of children admitted with severe malaria, on the children's mental health outcomes 6 months after discharge. METHODS This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Naguru Hospital in Kampala, Uganda from January 2018 to July 2019. Caregiver and child dyads were randomly assigned to either a psycho-educational arm providing information about hospital procedures during admission (control group), or to a behavioural arm providing information about the child's possible emotions and behaviour during and after admission, and providing age appropriate games for the caregiver and child (intervention group). Pre- and post-intervention assessments for caregiver anxiety and depression (Hopkins Symptom Checklist) and child mental health problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Child Behaviour Checklist) were done during admission and 6 months after discharge, respectively. T-tests, analysis of covariance, Chi-Square, and generalized estimating equations were used to compare outcomes between the two treatment arms. RESULTS There were 120 caregiver-child dyads recruited at baseline with children aged 1.45 to 4.89 years (mean age 2.85 years, SD = 1.01). The intervention and control groups had similar sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural characteristics at baseline. Caregiver depression at baseline, mother's education and female child were associated with behavioural problems in the child at baseline (p < 0.05). At 6 months follow-up, there was no difference in the frequency of behavioural problems between the groups (6.8% vs. 10% in intervention vs control groups, respectively, p = 0.72). Caregiver depression and anxiety scores between the treatment arms did not differ at 6 months follow-up. CONCLUSION This behavioural intervention for caregivers and their children admitted with severe malaria had no effect on the child's mental health outcomes at 6 months. Further studies need to develop interventions for mental health problems after severe malaria in children with longer follow-up time. Trail registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03432039.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Annet Birabwa
- Department of Mental Health and Community Psychology, Makerere University College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mary Nyakato
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ann J Nakitende
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Maria Kroupina
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Seggane Musisi
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kabwama SN, Matovu JK, Ssenkusu JM, Ssekamatte T, Wanyenze RK. Alcohol use and associated factors among adolescent boys and young men in Kampala, Uganda. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2021; 16:49. [PMID: 34107981 PMCID: PMC8191098 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use leads to about 3 million deaths globally. The alcohol industry employs marketing strategies to establish their brands in the lives of young people at a time when addictive behaviors are initiated and reinforced. We conducted a survey among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors using the Health Belief Model as the guiding framework. METHODS The study was conducted among ABYM in- or out-of-school aged 10-24 years in Kampala, Uganda. We used questions adopted from the Global School-based Student Health Survey and the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance questionnaire to collect data. The outcome of interest was alcohol use within 30 days before the interview. We also asked about characteristics such as alcohol use by siblings, parents/ guardians, school status among others. We used odds ratios obtained via a logistic regression model as the measure of association. RESULTS A total of 2500 ABYM participated, of which 262 (10.5 %, 95 %CI 9.3-11.7) had consumed alcohol within 30 days before the interview. Out-of-school ABYM had higher odds of consuming alcohol compared with their in-school counterparts AOR 1.55 (95 %CI 1.09-2.20). Compared with ABYM whose parents/ guardians did not drink alcohol, ABYM whose both parents consumed alcohol had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.24 (95 %CI 1.38-3.64) as were those with only a mother or female guardian who consumed alcohol AOR 1.95 (95 %CI 1.11-3.41). ABYM with siblings that drink alcohol had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.25 (95 %CI 1.80-3.52). ABYM who possessed items with an alcohol brand logo had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.00 (95 %CI 1.33-3.01). CONCLUSIONS There are significant levels of alcohol consumption among ABYM which calls for evidence-based measures targeting this age group to reduce consumption and recognizing the role of the family, school and community in prevention and promotion of use. There is need to regulate alcohol marketing and ensuring availability of alcohol dependence treatment services that build confidence among youth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Ndugwa Kabwama
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Joseph Kb Matovu
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Community and Public Health, Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale, Uganda
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tonny Ssekamatte
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rhoda K Wanyenze
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ouma BJ, Bangirana P, Ssenkusu JM, Datta D, Opoka RO, Idro R, Kain KC, John CC, Conroy AL. Plasma angiopoietin-2 is associated with age-related deficits in cognitive sub-scales in Ugandan children following severe malaria. Malar J 2021; 20:17. [PMID: 33407493 PMCID: PMC7789657 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03545-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elevated angiopoietin-2 (Angpt-2) concentrations are associated with worse overall neurocognitive function in severe malaria survivors, but the specific domains affected have not been elucidated. Methods Ugandan children with severe malaria underwent neurocognitive evaluation a week after hospital discharge and at 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up. The relationship between Angpt-2 concentrations and age-adjusted, cognitive sub-scale z-scores over time were evaluated using linear mixed effects models, adjusting for disease severity (coma, acute kidney injury, number of seizures in hospital) and sociodemographic factors (age, gender, height-for-age z-score, socio-economic status, enrichment in the home environment, parental education, and any preschool education of the child). The Mullen Scales of Early Learning was used in children < 5 years and the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children 2nd edition was used in children ≥ 5 years of age. Angpt-2 levels were measured on admission plasma samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adjustment for multiple comparisons was conducted using the Benjamini–Hochberg Procedure of False Discovery Rate. Results Increased admission Angpt-2 concentration was associated with worse outcomes in all domains (fine and gross motor, visual reception, receptive and expressive language) in children < 5 years of age at the time of severe malaria episode, and worse simultaneous processing and learning in children < 5 years of age at the time of severe malaria who were tested when ≥ 5 years of age. No association was seen between Angpt-2 levels and cognitive outcomes in children ≥ 5 years at the time of severe malaria episode, but numbers of children and testing time points were lower for children ≥ 5 years at the time of severe malaria episode. Conclusion Elevated Angpt-2 concentration in children with severe malaria is associated with worse outcomes in multiple neurocognitive domains. The relationship between Angpt-2 and worse cognition is evident in children < 5 years of age at the time of severe malaria presentation and in selected domains in older years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benson J Ouma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dibyadyuti Datta
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Chandy C John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Datta D, Conroy AL, Castelluccio PF, Ssenkusu JM, Park GS, Opoka RO, Bangirana P, Idro R, Saykin AJ, John CC. Elevated Cerebrospinal Fluid Tau Protein Concentrations on Admission Are Associated With Long-term Neurologic and Cognitive Impairment in Ugandan Children With Cerebral Malaria. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:1161-1168. [PMID: 31044219 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tau, a marker of axonal injury, have been associated with coma in severe malaria (cerebral malaria [CM]). However, it is unknown whether axonal injury is related to long-term neurologic deficits and cognitive impairment in children with CM. METHODS Admission CSF tau concentrations were measured in 145 Ugandan children with CM and compared to clinical and laboratory factors and acute and chronic neurologic and cognitive outcomes. RESULTS Elevated CSF tau concentrations were associated with younger age, increased disease severity (lower glucose and hemoglobin concentrations, malaria retinopathy, acute kidney injury, and prolonged coma duration, all P < .05), and an increased CSF:plasma albumin ratio, a marker of blood-brain barrier breakdown (P < .001). Admission CSF tau concentrations were associated with the presence of neurologic deficits at hospital discharge, and at 6, 12, and 24 months postdischarge (all P ≤ .02). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, elevated log10-transformed CSF tau concentrations correlated with worse cognitive outcome z scores over 2-year follow-up for associative memory (β coefficient, -0.31 [95% confidence interval [CI], -.53 to -.10]) in children <5 years of age, and for overall cognition (-0.69 [95% CI, -1.19 to -.21]), attention (-0.78 [95% CI, -1.34 to -.23]), and working memory (-1.0 [95% CI, -1.68 to -.31]) in children ≥5 years of age (all P < .006). CONCLUSIONS Acute axonal injury in children with CM is associated with long-term neurologic deficits and cognitive impairment. CSF tau concentrations at the time of the CM episode may identify children at high risk of long-term neurocognitive impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dibyadyuti Datta
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indianapolis
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indianapolis
| | - Peter F Castelluccio
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Robert O Opoka
- Departments of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Departments of Psychiatry, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Idro
- Departments of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew J Saykin
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center and Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Chandy C John
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indianapolis.,University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ssemata AS, Opoka RO, Ssenkusu JM, Nakasujja N, John CC, Bangirana P. Neurodevelopmental performance among pre-schoolers treated for severe anaemia at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240694. [PMID: 33147287 PMCID: PMC7641407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Severe anaemia is a common clinical problem among young children in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the effect of severe anaemia on neurodevelopment of these children is not well described. Therefore, we assessed the neurodevelopmental performance of preschool children diagnosed with severe anaemia in Northern Uganda. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study among children < 5 years of age 14 days post discharge after an episode of severe anaemia (Hb < 5.0 g/dl; n = 171; mean Hb = 3.9g/dl) at Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Neurodevelopmental outcomes (cognitive, language and motor) were assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (Bayley-III). Age-adjusted z-scores for each domain were calculated using scores from healthy community control children (n = 88) recruited from the same environment for each age category. Multiple linear regression was used to compare z-scores in the cognitive, language and motor scales between the two groups after adjusting for weight-for-age z-score, socioeconomic status, mother’s education, and father’s employment on all the scales. Results The prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairment was 2.3% (95% CI: 0.8–6.1) for cognition, 1.7% (95%: 0.6–5.3) for language and 3.5% (95% CI: 1.6–7.6) for motor scales and 4.6% (95% CI: 2.3–9.1) for deficits in ≥1 area of neurodevelopment. Significant differences were observed between the two groups with the SA group performing worse on cognition [adjusted mean score, (Standard error, SE), P-value] [-0.20, (0.01) vs. 0.00, (0.01), P = 0.02]; language [-0.25, (0.01) vs. 0.00, (0.01), P< 0.001]; and motor [-0.17, (0.01) vs. 0.00, (0.01), P = 0.05] scales. Conclusion In children < 5 years of age, severe anaemia was associated with neurocognitive (cognition, language and motor) deficits in the immediate period post treatment. Further research is needed to identify risk factors and determine the long-term effects of poor neurodevelopment in young children with severe anaemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Ssemata
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M. Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C. John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases & Global Health, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Batte A, Starr MC, Schwaderer AL, Opoka RO, Namazzi R, Phelps Nishiguchi ES, Ssenkusu JM, John CC, Conroy AL. Methods to estimate baseline creatinine and define acute kidney injury in lean Ugandan children with severe malaria: a prospective cohort study. BMC Nephrol 2020; 21:417. [PMID: 32993548 PMCID: PMC7526147 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-020-02076-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasingly recognized as a consequential clinical complication in children with severe malaria. However, approaches to estimate baseline creatinine (bSCr) are not standardized in this unique patient population. Prior to wide-spread utilization, bSCr estimation methods need to be evaluated in many populations, particularly in children from low-income countries. METHODS We evaluated six methods to estimate bSCr in Ugandan children aged 6 months to 12 years of age in two cohorts of children with severe malaria (n = 1078) and healthy community children (n = 289). Using isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS)-traceable creatinine measures from community children, we evaluated the bias, accuracy and precision of estimating bSCr using height-dependent and height-independent estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) equations to back-calculate bSCr or estimating bSCr directly using published or population-specific norms. RESULTS We compared methods to estimate bSCr in healthy community children against the IDMS-traceable SCr measure. The Pottel-age based equation, assuming a normal GFR of 120 mL/min per 1.73m2, was the more accurate method with minimal bias when compared to the Schwartz height-based equation. Using the different bSCr estimates, we demonstrated the prevalence of KDIGO-defined AKI in children with severe malaria ranged from 15.6-43.4%. The lowest estimate was derived using population upper levels of normal and the highest estimate was derived using the mean GFR of the community children (137 mL/min per 1.73m2) to back-calculate the bSCr. Irrespective of approach, AKI was strongly associated with mortality with a step-wise increase in mortality across AKI stages (p < 0.0001 for all). AKI defined using the Pottel-age based equation to estimate bSCr showed the strongest relationship with mortality with a risk ratio of 5.13 (95% CI 3.03-8.68) adjusting for child age and sex. CONCLUSIONS We recommend using height-independent age-based approaches to estimate bSCr in hospitalized children in sub-Saharan Africa due to challenges in accurate height measurements and undernutrition which may impact bSCr estimates. In this population the Pottel-age based GFR estimating equation obtained comparable bSCr estimates to population-based estimates in healthy children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Batte
- Child Health and Development Center, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michelle C Starr
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Andrew L Schwaderer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert O Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Namazzi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - John M Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C John
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
DesLauriers NR, Ogola E, Ouma G, Salmen M, Muldoon L, Pederson BL, Hines K, Ssenkusu JM, Mattah B, Okeyo R, Okinyi P, Magerenge R, Friberg N, McCoy M, Prasad S, Ndunyu L, Salmen CR. The MOMENTUM study: Putting the 'Three Delays' to work to evaluate access to emergency obstetric and neonatal care in a remote island community in Western Kenya. Glob Public Health 2020; 15:1016-1029. [PMID: 32182159 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1741662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite worldwide improvements in maternal and infant mortality, mothers and babies in remote, low-resource communities remain disproportionately vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. In these settings, delays in accessing emergency care are a major driver of poor outcomes. The 'Three Delays' model is now widely utilised to conceptualise these delays. However, in out-of-hospital contexts, operational and methodological constraints present major obstacles in practically quantifying the 'Three Delays'. Here, we describe a novel protocol for the MOMENTUM study (Monitoring of Maternal Emergency Navigation and Triage on Mfangano), a 12-month cohort design to assess delays during obstetric and neonatal emergencies within the remote villages of Mfangano Island Division, Lake Victoria, Kenya. This study also evaluates the preliminary impact of a community-based intervention called the 'Mfangano Health Navigation' programme. Utilising participatory case audits and contextually specific chronological reference strategies, this study combines quantitative tools with deeper-digging qualitative inquiry. This pragmatic design was developed to empower local research staff and study participants themselves as assets in unravelling the complex socio-economic, cultural, and logistical dynamics that contribute to delays, while providing real-time feedback for locally driven intervention. We present our methods as an adaptive framework for researchers grappling with similar challenges across fragmented, rural health landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R DesLauriers
- Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.,Organic Health Response, Mfangano Island, Kenya
| | - Evance Ogola
- Ekialo Kiona Centre, Mfangano Island, Kenya.,Department of Public Health, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Gor Ouma
- Ekialo Kiona Centre, Mfangano Island, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Kelsi Hines
- Organic Health Response, Mfangano Island, Kenya
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Molly McCoy
- Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Shailendra Prasad
- Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Louisa Ndunyu
- Department of Public Health, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Charles R Salmen
- Organic Health Response, Mfangano Island, Kenya.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hickson MR, Conroy AL, Bangirana P, Opoka RO, Idro R, Ssenkusu JM, John CC. Acute kidney injury in Ugandan children with severe malaria is associated with long-term behavioral problems. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226405. [PMID: 31846479 PMCID: PMC6917349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a risk factor for neurocognitive impairment in severe malaria (SM), but the impact of AKI on long-term behavioral outcomes following SM is unknown. Methods We conducted a prospective study on behavioral outcomes of Ugandan children 1.5 to 12 years of age with two forms of severe malaria, cerebral malaria (CM, n = 226) or severe malarial anemia (SMA, n = 214), and healthy community children (CC, n = 173). AKI was defined as a 50% increase in creatinine from estimated baseline. Behavior and executive function were assessed at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months later using the Child Behavior Checklist and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, respectively. Age-adjusted z-scores were computed for each domain based on CC scores. The association between AKI and behavioral outcomes was evaluated across all time points using linear mixed effect models, adjusting for sociodemographic variables and disease severity. Results AKI was present in 33.2% of children with CM or SMA at baseline. Children ≥6 years of age with CM or SMA who had AKI on admission had worse scores in socio-emotional function in externalizing behaviors (Beta (95% CI), 0.52 (0.20, 0.85), p = 0.001), global executive function (0.48 (0.15, 0.82), p = 0.005) and behavioral regulation (0.66 (0.32, 1.01), p = 0.0002) than children without AKI. There were no behavioral differences associated with AKI in children <6 years of age. Conclusions AKI is associated with long-term behavioral problems in children ≥6 years of age with CM or SMA, irrespective of age at study enrollment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith R. Hickson
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Andrea L. Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University of School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
- Centre of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - John M. Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Chandy C. John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Conroy AL, Opoka RO, Bangirana P, Idro R, Ssenkusu JM, Datta D, Hodges JS, Morgan C, John CC. Acute kidney injury is associated with impaired cognition and chronic kidney disease in a prospective cohort of children with severe malaria. BMC Med 2019; 17:98. [PMID: 31109328 PMCID: PMC6528242 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1332-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a recognized complication of pediatric severe malaria, but its long-term consequences are unknown. METHODS Ugandan children with cerebral malaria (CM, n = 260) and severe malaria anemia (SMA, n = 219) or community children (CC, n = 173) between 1.5 and 12 years of age were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria were used to retrospectively define AKI and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cognitive testing was conducted using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning in children < 5 and Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) second edition in children ≥ 5 years of age. RESULTS The prevalence of AKI was 35.1%, ranging from 25.1% in SMA to 43.5% in CM. In-hospital mortality was 11.9% in AKI compared to 4.2% in children without AKI (p = 0.001), and post-discharge mortality was 4.7% in AKI compared to 1.3% in children without AKI (p = 0.030) corresponding to an all-cause adjusted hazard ratio of 2.30 (95% CI 1.21, 4.35). AKI was a risk factor for short- and long-term neurocognitive impairment. At 1 week post-discharge, the frequency of neurocognitive impairment was 37.3% in AKI compared to 13.5% in children without AKI (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.31 [95% CI 1.32, 4.04]); at 1-year follow-up, it was 13.3% in AKI compared to 3.4% in children without AKI (aOR 2.48 [95% CI 1.01, 6.10]), and at 2-year follow-up, it was 13.0% in AKI compared to 3.4% in children without AKI (aOR 3.03 [95% CI 1.22, 7.58]). AKI was a risk factor for CKD at 1-year follow-up: 7.6% of children with severe malaria-associated AKI had CKD at follow-up compared to 2.8% of children without AKI (p = 0.038) corresponding to an OR of 2.81 (95% CI 1.02, 7.73). The presenting etiology of AKI was consistent with prerenal azotemia, and lactate dehydrogenase as a marker of intravascular hemolysis was an independent risk factor for AKI in CM and SMA (p < 0.0001). In CM, AKI was associated with the presence and severity of retinopathy (p < 0.05) and increased cerebrospinal fluid albumin suggestive of blood-brain barrier disruption. CONCLUSIONS AKI is a risk factor for long-term neurocognitive impairment and CKD in pediatric severe malaria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L. Conroy
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Robert O. Opoka
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Bangirana
- Department of Psychiatry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Richard Idro
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John M. Ssenkusu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dibyadyuti Datta
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - James S. Hodges
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Catherine Morgan
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Chandy C. John
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1044 W. Walnut St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
- Division of Global Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kim EJ, Hladik W, Barker J, Lubwama G, Sendagala S, Ssenkusu JM, Opio A, Serwadda D. Sexually transmitted infections associated with alcohol use and HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Kampala, Uganda. Sex Transm Infect 2015; 92:240-5. [PMID: 26424713 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Few studies have been conducted in Africa to assess prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and risk factors among men who have sex with men (MSM). We report findings from the first behavioural survey to include STI testing among MSM in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit MSM for a biobehavioural survey. Eligible participants were men who reported anal sex with another man in the previous 3 months, were 18 years or older, and resided in Kampala. Information was collected on demographics, sexual behaviour, alcohol and drug use, and STI symptoms. Blood, urine and rectal specimens were tested for syphilis, HIV, rectal and urethral gonorrhoea, and chlamydia. Analyses weighted for RDS were conducted to assess associations with STI diagnosis. RESULTS A total of 295 MSM participated in the survey. Almost half (weighted percentage: 47.3%) reported STI symptoms in the last 6 months and 12.9% tested HIV-positive. Prevalence of non-HIV STI was 13.5%; syphilis prevalence was 9.0%. Adjusting for age and education, STI was associated with HIV (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.46, 95% CI 1.03 to 11.64), alcohol use before sex (AOR=4.99, 95% CI 1.86 to 13.38) and having sold sex in the last 3 months (AOR=3.17, 95% CI 1.25 to 8.07), and inversely associated with having anonymous sex partners (AOR=0.20, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.61). CONCLUSIONS We observed high levels of self-reported STI symptoms and STI prevalence associated with alcohol use and HIV among MSM in Kampala. Public health interventions supporting MSM are needed to address STI risk and facilitate access to diagnosis and treatment services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn J Kim
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Wolfgang Hladik
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joseph Barker
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - George Lubwama
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Sendagala
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Entebbe, Uganda
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - David Serwadda
- School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Nazziwa R, Mwesige AK, Obua C, Ssenkusu JM, Mworozi E. Adherence to antiepileptic drugs among children attending a tertiary health unit in a low resource setting. Pan Afr Med J 2014; 17:44. [PMID: 25018794 PMCID: PMC4085948 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2014.17.44.3399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is one of the neglected and highly stigmatised diseases, yet it is very common affecting about 70 million people worldwide. In Uganda, the estimated prevalence of epilepsy is 13% with about 156 new cases per 100,000 people per year. Adherence to antiepileptic drugs is crucial in achieving seizure control yet in Uganda; there is lack of information on adherence to antiepileptic drugs and the factors that affect this among children. This study was therefore designed to determine the level of adherence to antiepileptic drugs and the factors that are associated with non adherence. METHODS In a cross sectional study, 122 children who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and interviewed using a pretested questionnaire. Assessment of adherence to antiepileptic drugs was done by self report and assay of serum drug levels of the antiepileptic drugs. Focus group discussions were held to further evaluate the factors that affect adherence. RESULTS Age range was 6 months - 16 years, male to female ratio 1.3:1 and majority had generalised seizures 76 (62.3%). Adherence to antiepileptic drugs by self report was 79.5% and 22.1% by drug levels. Majority of the children in both adherent and non adherent groups by self report had inadequate drug doses (95/122). Children were found to be more non-adherent if the caregiver had an occupation (p-value 0.030, 95%CI 1.18-28.78). CONCLUSION Majority of children had good adherence levels when estimated by self report. The caregiver having an occupation was found to increase the likelihood of non adherence in a child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Nazziwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University
| | | | - Celestino Obua
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University
| | - John M Ssenkusu
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Edison Mworozi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mawanda M, Ssenkusu JM, Odiit A, Kiguli S, Muyingo* A, Ndugwa C. Micro-albuminuria in Ugandan children with sickle cell anaemia: a cross-sectional study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 31:115-21. [DOI: 10.1179/1465328111y.0000000013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
26
|
Aluzimbi G, Barker J, King R, Rutherford G, Ssenkusu JM, Lubwama GW, Muyonga M, Hladik W. Risk factors for unplanned sex among university students in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/02673843.2012.685947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
|
27
|
Hladik W, Barker J, Ssenkusu JM, Opio A, Tappero JW, Hakim A, Serwadda D. HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Kampala, Uganda--a respondent driven sampling survey. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38143. [PMID: 22693590 PMCID: PMC3364961 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uganda's generalized HIV epidemic is well described, including an estimated adult male HIV prevalence in Kampala of 4.5%, but no data are available on the prevalence of and risk factors for HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methodology/Principal Findings From May 2008 to February 2009, we used respondent-driven sampling to recruit MSM ≥18 years old in Kampala who reported anal sex with another man in the previous three months. We collected demographic and HIV-related behavioral data through audio computer-assisted self-administered interviews. Laboratory testing included biomarkers for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. We obtained population estimates adjusted for the non-random sampling frame using RDSAT and STATA. 300 MSM were surveyed over 11 waves; median age was 25 years (interquartile range, 21–29 years). Overall HIV prevalence was 13.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.9%–20.1%), and was higher among MSM ≥25 years (22.4%) than among MSM aged 18–24 years (3.9%, odds ratio [OR] 5.69, 95% CI 2.02–16.02). In multivariate analysis, MSM ≥25 years (adjusted OR [aOR] 4.32, 95% CI 1.33–13.98) and those reporting ever having been exposed to homophobic abuse (verbal, moral, sexual, or physical abuse; aOR 5.38, 95% CI 1.95–14.79) were significantly more likely to be HIV infected. Conclusions/Significance MSM in Kampala are at substantially higher risk for HIV than the general adult male population. MSM reporting a lifetime history of homophobic abuse are at increased risk of being HIV infected. Legal challenges and stigma must be overcome to provide access to tailored HIV prevention and care services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Hladik
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Entebbe, Uganda.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|