Prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Ethiopia: describing an emerging outbreak in HIV clinics of the sub-Saharan Africa - a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: HIV-induced chronic inflammation, immune activation and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) are linked with adverse metabolic changes known to cause cardiovascular adversities. This study evaluates the prevalence of lipodystrophy, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and analyses risk factors in HIV-infected Ethiopians taking cART. METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted at tertiary-level hospitals. Eligible participants attending the HIV clinics were enrolled. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical, HIV treatment variables, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose level, risk factors and components of MetS, also lipodystrophy, were studied. Data were analysed by SPSS statistical package V.25 with descriptive and analytical statistics. For multivariable analysis of risk factors, a logistic regression model was used. Results were presented in frequency and percentages, mean±SD, or median+IQR. Statistical significance was taken as p<0.05. RESULTS: Among 518 studied participants, two-thirds were females, and the mean age of the study population was 45 years (SD=11). The mean duration of cART was 10 years (SD=4). Median CD4 count was 460 cells/mm3. The prevalence of MetS according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (2005) criteria was 37.6%. In multivariable analysis, independent risk factors for MetS were age >45 years (aHR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.4), female sex (aHR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.8), body mass index (BMI)>25 kg/m2 (aHR 2.7, 95% CI 1.8 to 4.1), efavirenz-based cART (aHR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6 to 4.8) and lopinavir/ritonavir-based cART (aHR 3.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 13.3). The prevalence of lipodystrophy was 23.6%. Prior exposure to a stavudine-containing regimen was independently associated with lipodystrophy (aHR 3.1, 95% CI 1.6 to 6.1). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed 38% of the participants had MetS indicating considerable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Independent risk factors for MetS were BMI≥25 kg/m2, efavirenz and lopinavir/ritonavir-based cART, female sex and age ≥45 years. In addition to prevention, CVD risk stratification and management will reduce morbidity and mortality in people with HIV infection.

Lifestyle Interventions to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis through the Lens of Health Equity.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellites is one of the health problems disproportionally affecting people with low socioeconomic statuses. Gestational diabetes mellites increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to ten-fold for women. Lifestyle interventions prevent type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes. However, it is unknown if similar effectiveness can be expected for all population subgroups. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the prevention of type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes using population characteristics according to the PROGRESS (place of residence, race/ethnicity/culture/language, occupation, gender/sex, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and social capital) criteria. METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EBM Reviews databases were searched for interventional studies of diet, physical activity, or behavioural interventions published up to 21 February 2023. Random effects subgroup meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of population characteristics and intervention effects. RESULTS: All studies were conducted in high-income countries or middle-income countries. Two-thirds of the studies reported on race/ethnicity and education level. Less than one-third reported on place (urban/rural), occupation, and socioeconomic status. None reported on religion or social capital. Studies from high-income countries (MD = -1.46; 95% CI: -2.27, -0.66, I2 = 70.46, p < 0.001) showed a greater reduction in bodyweight compared with the studies conducted in middle-income countries (MD = -0.11; 95% CI: -1.12, 0.89, I2 = 69.31, p < 0.001) (p for subgroup difference = 0.04). CONCLUSION: There are significant equity gaps in the evidence for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes due to reports on population characteristics being poor. Interventions may be less effective in reducing bodyweight in women from middle-income countries compared to high-income countries. Collecting and analysing data related to equity is needed to understand the effect of lifestyle interventions on type 2 diabetes for different population subgroups.

A rare case of 46,XX gonadal dysgenesis, Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome, pituitary and thyroid hypoplasia.

SUMMARY: Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome is characterized by congenital absence or hypoplasia of the uterus and upper two-thirds of the vagina in both phenotypically and karyotypically normal females with functional ovaries, whereas gonadal dysgenesis is a primary ovarian defect in otherwise normal 46,XX females. An association between these two conditions is extremely rare. We report a 21-year-old female presented with primary amenorrhea and undeveloped secondary sexual characteristics. The karyotype was 46,XX and the hormonal profile revealed hypothyroidism and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Pelvic MRI showed class I Mullerian duct anomaly with ovarian dysgenesis. Ultrasound showed bilateral thyroid hypoplasia and brain MRI suggested anterior pituitary hypoplasia. Levothyroxine and hormone replacement therapy were started. LEARNING POINTS: The simultaneous presentation of 46,XX gonadal dysgenesis, Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome, hypothyroidism, and pituitary hypoplasia is a Possibility. Extensive evaluation should be made when a patient presents with one or more of these features. The diagnosis imposes a significant psychological burden on patients and adequate counseling should be provided. Hormone replacement therapy remains the only therapeutic option for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Effect of diabetes mellitus on pregnancy and birth outcomes in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy is important cause of maternal and fetal complications. Studies that address the effect of DM on pregnancy and birth outcome are scarce in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of DM on maternal and birth outcomes in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was done to compare maternal and birth outcomes of mothers with DM and non-DM who received maternity service in three hospitals and four health centers in Southern Ethiopia. A total of 136 exposed (with DM) and 272 unexposed (non-DM) mothers were included in the study. Data were extracted from medical records of mothers by experienced and trained data collectors. Means were compared for continuous variables. Logistic regression analysis model was used to check the effect of DM on pregnancy and birth outcome. Risk Ratio was calculated and p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Pregnancy of diabetic mothers was significantly complicated by pre-eclampsia when compared with non-diabetic mothers, (RR = 1.8: 95% CI; 1.2-2.7). The risk of macrosomia was higher for neonates of diabetic mothers than non-diabetic mothers, (RR = 1.9: 95% CI; 1.3-2.7). From multivariate analysis, mothers with DM were 2.9 times more likely to be delivered by caesarean section than non-diabetic mothers (RR = 2.9: 95%CI; 1.3-6.2) and the risk of pre-term delivery was 2.5 times higher among mothers with DM, (RR = 2.5: 95% CI; 1.1-6.2). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus among pregnant mothers is associated with increased risk of pre-term delivery, macrosomia and maternal complications of pre-eclampsia and caesarian delivery. Early detection and management of DM should be one of the key activities to improve maternal and child mortality and morbidity.

Magnitude of Pre-Existing Diabetes Mellitus Among Pregnant Women in Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of maternal diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy has complications for both mother and child. Pre-existing DM can result in higher risk of maternal and child mortality and morbidity. In Ethiopia, the magnitude of pre-existing DM among pregnant women is not well studied. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of pre-existing DM among pregnant women in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective document review was carried out to determine the magnitude of pre-existing DM in three hospitals and four health centers in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 600 pregnant mothers who attended maternity services at the study health facilities in one year period from January 1, to December 31, 2017 were included in the study. Data were collected from medical records of mothers. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis model were used to check the relationship between pre-existing DM and independent variables. RESULTS: A total of 600 mothers were included in the analysis. The magnitude of pre-existing DM among mothers receiving maternity care within a one year period was 2.8% (95% CI: 1.5, 4.2). The magnitudes among urban and rural residents were 3.4% and 1.4%, respectively. Pre-existing DM is significantly associated with family history of diabetes (Chi square 24.8, P-value, 0.001). Previous history of spontaneous abortion (aOR: 5.3; 95% CI: 1.6-17.4) and fetal macrosomia (aOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.2-13.1), was identified to be significantly associated with pre-existing DM. The magnitude of pre-existing DM is comparable with International Diabetes Federation Estimate to Ethiopia in the study area. Family history of DM was found to be associated with pre-existing DM. Pre-existing DM is associated with increased risk of abortion and fetal macrosomia. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of pre-existing DM is comparable with previous estimates to the country. A nationwide, large-scale study is important to estimate the burden of pre-existing DM and associated risk factors among pregnant mothers at national level.

Pretibial myxedema in a euthyroid patient: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pretibial myxedema also known as localized myxedema, thyroid dermopathy, or infiltrative dermopathy and rarely as localized mucinosis is an infrequent manifestation of Graves' disease. It can appear before, during, or after the thyrotoxic state. Euthyroid pretibial myxedema is a rare presentation with few case reports in the literature. This case highlights the importance of considering pretibial myxedema when characteristic skin lesions are observed in a euthyroid patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year old male Ethiopian patient with a very rare presentation of biopsy-proven pretibial myxedema in a euthyroid state without history of thyroid disease and absence of thyroid autoimmune markers. Resolution of skin lesion was achieved after topical corticosteroid application. CONCLUSION: Absence of history of thyroid disorder and normal thyroid function tests should not exclude the diagnosis of pretibial myxedema.

Barriers for detection and management of gestational diabetes mellitus in southern Ethiopia: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates the health of mother and child not only in the short term but also in the long term basis. Addressing GDM through early detection and proper management is vital to improve maternal and child health. Identifying existing barriers for detection and management is important for policy improvement. This study aims to explore barriers for detection and management of GDM in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted. Health professionals working in antenatal clinic, delivery, and other maternal health services were selected purposively. A total of 18 in-depth interviews were done. The transcripts were imported into NVIVO version 12 software packages. A qualitative thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Screening of women for GDM was done based on the risk factor assessment within 24-28 weeks of gestational age. The participants mentioned that they made diagnosis of GDM based on the World Health organization criteria. Barriers for detection and management of GDM include; lack of standard guidelines and protocols, lack of awareness among mid-level health care providers on GDM, inadequate trained health care providers, shortage of supplies and equipment and late antenatal care visits. CONCLUSIONS: Policy makers and health care leadership need to address challenges by availing standard guidelines and protocols, providing on job training for health care providers, fulfilling supplies and consumables and working on early antenatal visits of pregnant mothers.

BE-SMART (Basal Early Strategies to Maximize HbA1c Reduction with Oral Therapy): Expert Opinion.

The past three decades have seen a quadruple rise in the number of people affected by diabetes mellitus worldwide, with the disease being the ninth major cause of mortality. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often remains undiagnosed for several years due to its asymptomatic nature during the initial stages. In India, 70% of diagnosed diabetes cases remain uncontrolled. Current guidelines endorse the initiation of insulin early in the course of the disease, specifically in patients with HbA1c > 10%, as the use of oral agents alone is unlikely to achieve glycemic targets. Early insulin initiation and optimization of glycemic control using insulin titration algorithms and patient empowerment can facilitate the effective management of uncontrolled diabetes. Early glucose control has sustained benefits in people with diabetes. However, insulin initiation, dose adjustment, and the need to repeatedly assess blood glucose levels are often perplexing for both physicians and patients, and there are misconceptions and concerns regarding its use. Hence, an early transition to insulin and ideal intensification of treatment may aid in delaying the onset of diabetes complications. This opinion statement was formulated by an expert panel on the basis of existing guidelines, clinical experience, and economic and cultural contexts. The statement stresses the timely and appropriate use of basal insulin in T2DM. It focuses on the seven vital Ts-treatment initiation, timing of administration, transportation and storage, technique of administration, targets for titration, tablets, and tools for monitoring.Funding: Sanofi.

Islet cell-associated autoantibodies in Ethiopians with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Our understanding of the role of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of diabetes in African populations is limited. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of 4 different islet cell-associated antibodies in Ethiopian patients with diabetes and non-diabetic controls. METHODS: A total of 187 subjects from a diabetic clinic at an Ethiopian hospital were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Fifty-five patients had type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), 86 had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 46 were non-diabetic controls. Islet cell-associated antibodies were measured using 4 different assays for antibodies against islet cells (ICA), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA), insulin (IAA) and the protein tyrosine phosphatase-like IA-2 (IA-2A). RESULTS: Comparing the antibody positivity in subjects with T1DM versus T2DM, the results were as follows: 29% versus 3.5% for GADA; 21% versus 2.7% for ICA; 27% versus 16% for IAA. In the control group, the only positive result was for IAA at 2%. IA-2A was absent in all groups. The combi-assay for GADA and IA-2A detected all GADA-positive subjects. T2DM patients who were GADA positive had lower BMI, lower C-peptide levels and all of them were on insulin therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to Caucasians, Ethiopians with T1DM have less prevalence of islet cell-associated antibodies, but the rates are higher than in T2DM. GADA is present in Ethiopians, whereas IA-2A seems to be absent. GADA positivity in T2DM correlates with clinical features of T1DM, indicating the existence in Ethiopia of the subgroup, latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.

International Clinical Trial Day and clinical trials in Ethiopia and Africa.

Low income countries like Ethiopia are underrepresented in clinical research. As a major public commitment to clinical research, Ethiopia celebrated the International Clinical Trial Day (ICTD) for the first time on 20 May 2014 under the auspices of Addis Ababa University. The motto for the day was 'Clinical Trials for Excellence in Patient Care'. The celebration offered an opportunity to inform academic staff, researchers, students and the leadership about clinical trials being conducted and to discuss the future of clinical trials in the country. Although clear challenges to the conduct of trials abound, clinical trials registered from Ethiopia in trial registration databases is increasing. Cross-country collaborations, international funding support, motivation of academic staff to conduct clinical trials and the commitment and engagement of the leadership in research are all improving. The overall impact of clinical trials is also encouraging. For example, some of the trials conducted in Ethiopia have informed treatment guidelines. However, administrative capacity, research infrastructure as well as financial support remain weak. There is a need for enhanced university-industry linkage and translation of research findings into locally relevant evidence. Ethiopia, as well as the whole of Africa, has an unparalleled opportunity to lead the way in clinical trials, given its prospect of development and the need to have locally relevant evidence for its growing population. In this commentary we reflect on the celebration of ICTD, the status and opportunities for conducting clinical trials and the way forward for facilitating clinical trials in Ethiopia and Africa.

Strengthening Health Systems for Chronic Care: Leveraging HIV Programs to Support Diabetes Services in Ethiopia and Swaziland.

The scale-up of HIV services in sub-Saharan Africa has catalyzed the development of highly effective chronic care systems. The strategies, systems, and tools developed to support life-long HIV care and treatment are locally owned contextually appropriate resources, many of which could be adapted to support continuity care for noncommunicable chronic diseases (NCD), such as diabetes mellitus (DM). We conducted two proof-of-concept studies to further the understanding of the status of NCD programs and the feasibility and effectiveness of adapting HIV program-related tools and systems for patients with DM. In Swaziland, a rapid assessment illustrated gaps in the approaches used to support DM services at 15 health facilities, despite the existence of chronic care systems at HIV clinics in the same hospitals, health centers, and clinics. In Ethiopia, a pilot study found similar gaps in DM services at baseline and illustrated the potential to rapidly improve the quality of care and treatment for DM by adapting HIV-specific policies, systems, and tools.