African health sciences
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African health sciences · Jun 2012
ReviewEpilepsy treatment in sub-Saharan Africa: closing the gap.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of epilepsy is highest in low- and lower middle-income countries, which include over eighty percent of the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of people with epilepsy are not receiving appropriate care. In sub-Saharan Africa, shortages of trained health workers, limited diagnostic equipment, inadequate anti-epileptic drug supplies, cultural beliefs, and social stigma contribute to the large treatment gap for epilepsy. The number of people with epilepsy, particularly children, will continue to rise as a result of projected epidemiologic and demographic changes. This paper examines the state of epilepsy care and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa and discusses priorities and approaches to scale up access to medications and services for people with epilepsy.
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African health sciences · Jun 2012
Antibiogram of nosocomial urinary tract infections in Felege Hiwot referral hospital, Ethiopia.
Nosocomial infections increase the cost of medical care, extend hospital stay and reflect on the morbidity and mortality of the admitted patients. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common nosocomial infections in humans. ⋯ Catheterization and preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis were found to be the risk factors for nosocomial infection. Effective infection prevention measures should be in place to reduce the prevalence of nosocomial UTIs.
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African health sciences · Jun 2012
Case ReportsAnaesthetic management of a super morbidly obese patient for total abdominal hysterectomy: a few more lessons to learn.
The prevalence of obesity is on the upward trend world-wide. This epidemic has challenging implications for anaesthetists, following the anthropometric changes associated with the disease. ⋯ A better understanding of the pathophysiology and complications that accompany obesity is needed to manage an obese patient under anaesthesia.
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To determine the incidence of eclampsia and examine the maternal and fetal outcome. ⋯ The incidence of eclampsia in our hospital was very high, with corresponding high maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Increased antenatal screening and use of magnesium sulphate to control convulsions will reduce the incidence and associated morbidity and mortality for both mother and fetus.
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African health sciences · Jun 2012
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and breast cancer risk in Moroccan women.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) enzyme plays an important role in folate metabolism which is involved in DNA methylation, repair, and synthesis. ⋯ In the light of our preliminary study, 677T allele and 677CT MTHFR genotype may represent a genetic determinant increasing breast cancer risk in Moroccan women. A larger study including a larger sample size and more information is needed to confirm our conclusions.