East African medical journal
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Comparative Study
Tuberculosis chemotherapy and sputum conversion among HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative patients in south-eastern Uganda.
To investigate if there is a difference in response to tuberculosis treatment between HIV seronegative and HIV seropositive patients following two months of intensive phase tuberculosis treatment. ⋯ This study demonstrates that HIV-seropositive status is not a principal factor in delaying sputum conversion among patients receiving intensive phase tuberculosis treatment.
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To assess the adequacy and efficacy of postoperative pain management. ⋯ Postoperative pain is poorly managed in our general hospitals.
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To analyse the underlying aetiology, precipitating factors and certain socio-demographic determinants in patients admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi in congestive heart failure. ⋯ Congestive heart failure constitutes 3.3% of all medical admissions at KNH. Rheumatic heart disease is the commonest cause of congestive heart failure in our set-up while inadequate therapy, arrhythmias and respiratory infections are the three major causes of decompensation in our patients with cardiac disease.
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To establish the extent of alcohol involvement in motor vehicle crashes occurring in Eldoret in western Kenya. ⋯ Alcohol is a contributing factor in a substantial proportion of traffic crashes occurring in western Kenya. Policy response and specific interventions for discouraging driving under the influence of alcohol, including the establishment and enforcement of a legal BAC limit are needed.
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To evaluate the prescribing patterns of surgeons for pre-operative antimicrobial prophylaxis. ⋯ There was unwarranted and over use of prophylactic agents in at least 70% of the patients, with increased costs to the Hospital. Effective prophylaxis can be accomplished with a single dose of a cephalosporin, such as ceftriaxone, cefuroxime or cefazolin, for the common surgical procedures. It is recommended that better compliance with principles of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis be implemented Prophylactic antibiotic audit measures should be carried out by the control committee. The development of guidelines and standing orders for antimicrobial prophylaxis should help to improve compliance.