Tropical doctor
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There is very little literature regarding peripartum cardiomyopathy (PCM) from Asian countries. A study of PCM was conducted at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal, with special reference to incidence and outcome. The incidence of PCM was 1 case per 1374 live births. ⋯ Clinical improvement was well correlated with improvement of LV function by echocardiography. Significant thrombotic complications were noticed. None of the patients died during the study and follow-up period.
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Our study evaluates the usefulness and the limitations of using the medical records of a central referral hospital to develop a child injury surveillance system in northern Malawi. The most prevalent types of injury were falls (29.6%), road traffic injuries (22.0%), burns (21.4%) and poisoning (15.1%). ⋯ Our study indicated that hospital medical records are a valuable component of a child injury surveillance system and can illustrate the trends and patterns of moderate to severe injuries as well as suggest potential prevention strategies for local settings. Combined with a specially designed trauma registry form, it is possible for developing countries at local level to combat the emerging public health issues.
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This prospective study spanning three months was undertaken to provide insight to trauma care including intervention times in this centre. Improved organization of trauma care is needed urgently for improved outcomes.
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Skeletal system involvement is a relatively common complication of human brucellosis. However, muscular involvement and psoas abscess are less frequently seen. ⋯ The man was successfully treated with the triple antibiotic regimen with percutaneous drainage of abscess. The woman was treated using an antibiotic combination.
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Patients with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee underwent primary elective knee arthroplasty in a well-equipped hospital in Accra, Ghana. Our main outcome measures was the new modified Oxford Knee scores (preoperative and postoperative scores). Median preoperative and postoperative knee scores were 10 and 42.5, respectively, at last follow-up with a P value<0.05 showing the reliability and significance of the scores. ⋯ Of the seven patients who had surgery, one patient developed a chest infection postoperatively and another had failure of bone graft and required a revision. There was no postoperative wound infection or joint instability. The clinical outcome for this series of patients among other factors has been good within the prevailing circumstances and this shows that knee arthroplasty in developing Africa is a reality in the horizon.