Neurology Training and Medical Education in Resource-Limited Settings: Building and Growing the First Neurology Residency Program in East Africa.

The burden of neurological disease disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, where the lowest number of neurologists are located. Building local training opportunities in resource-limited settings is a foundational step to enhancing the neurological workforce and improving access to neurological care in these regions. In this article, we describe the development and growth of the first neurology residency program in East Africa, which was established in 2006 at Zewditu Memorial Hospital and the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. We highlight the impact of the program on clinical care, research, collaborations between neurologists across Ethiopia, and ways to build educational opportunities and mentorship while faced with limited resources. The main challenges in starting the residency program included lack of faculty with neurological expertise, lack of a precedent for subspecialty training in our setting, as well as limited resources and space. The formation of sustainable international collaborations with clinicians at established institutions in high-income countries and neurological societies has been a major source of support in developing the initial infrastructure, curriculum and educational content, knowledge assessments, and mentored research projects. Local partnerships with related medical specialties, including internal medicine, critical care, neurological surgery, and psychiatry, were also instrumental in creating training opportunities. As the program continues to evolve, many challenges remain, including limited diagnostics, lack of access to advanced treatment modalities, lack of fellowship training opportunities in various neurological subspecialties, and insufficient training and experience in scientific writing. Despite these challenges, the residency program has persevered and its creation resulted in many positive changes: since its inception in 2006, we graduated 80 neurologists and the number of practicing neurologists in Ethiopia has increased from 5 to 78, our institution has evolved into a national referral center for neurology, graduates have published 61 articles in the past 3 years and contributed to international neurology research, and alumni of the program have grown the Association of Ethiopian Neurologists. Future directions include development of fellowship opportunities, creation of international rotations, and implementation of teleneurology to further strengthen neurological care across Ethiopia.

Association between cognitive impairment and antiseizure medication adherence among people with epilepsy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment is one of the most common and most troublesome comorbidities among people with epilepsy (PWE). Adherent use of antiseizure medications (ASM) can control seizure episodes in 70% of the cases. However, the relationship between adherent use of ASMs and cognitive impairment in epilepsy is complex. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between adherence to ASMs and cognitive status among PWE. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional observational study with prospective data collection from PWE using translated and content-validated Amharic versions of the Montreal cognitive assessment tool (MOCA-B) and a four-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (Morski-4). Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the potential risk factors for cognitive impairment, including ASM adherence, physical exercise, and level of education. RESULTS: A total of 214 individuals with epilepsy were included in this study; 53.7 % were female, and the mean age was 34 years ± 12. The mean age at seizure occurrence was 19 years ± 9. The most common epilepsy type among participants was generalized epilepsy (69 %). The prevalence of poor medication adherence to ASM was 54.2 %. The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment was 65.4 %, and 18.2 % had moderate cognitive impairment, particularly affecting verbal fluency (60.8 %) and memory (43.9 %). Cognitive impairment was significantly associated with poor ASM adherence (AOR = 12.0, 95 %CI, (1.53, 93.75), lower level of physical exercise (AOR = 16.30, 95 %CI (1.24, 214.99), and poor educational attainment with both no formal education (AOR = 0.04, 95 %CI (0.02, 0.14)) and primary or secondary level education (AOR = 0.32, 95 %CI, (0.15, 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high rate of cognitive impairment and non-adherence to ASMs in PWE living in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Poor ASM adherence is a possible risk factor for cognitive impairment. PWE can benefit from interventions to improve ASM adherence, physical exercise, and better educational attainment.

Post-stroke limitations in daily activities: experience from a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The disability of stroke patients remains an important global health problem; yet information on the extent of restriction from basic and instrumental activities of daily living is limited, particularly in lower-and middle-income (LMIC) countries. Therefore, we examined the issue under the caption, since it is the first step in planning several rehabilitation services. METHOD: A facility-based cross-sectional study was done to assess the magnitude and predictors of post-stroke limitations in basic activities of daily living (BADL) using the Barthel Index (BI) scale and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) using the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) scale among patients who visited Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Neurology Clinic from April-October, 2022. All patients having a diagnosis of stroke for more than six months duration were enrolled. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were done, and measures of estimated crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI were constructed and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results are presented in figures and tables. RESULTS: A total of 150 stroke patients were enrolled in the present study. The mean age of participants was 53 (14.9) years with slight male preponderance (51.3%). Ischemic stroke was present in 106 (70.7%) of them, while 44 (29.3%) had hemorrhagic stroke. Of this, 57 (38%) and 115 (79.3%) of them had limitations in basic and instrumental ADL, respectively. Comorbid cardiac disease (AOR = 6.9; 95%CI = 1.3-37.5) and regular substance use (AOR = 11.1; 95%CI = 1.1-115) were associated with limitations in BADL, while an increase in age (AOR = 1.1; 95%CI = 1.04-1.15) was associated with severe limitations in BADL. Initial stroke severity (AOR = 7.3; 95%CI = 1.2-44.7) was associated with limitations in IADL, whereas depression (AOR = 5.1; 95%CI = 1.1-23.2) was identified as a predictor of severe limitation in IADL. CONCLUSION: Limitation in activities of daily living (ADL) after stroke is common among Ethiopian patients. Therefore, screening for post-stroke limitations in daily activities is essential for further management and rehabilitative plans.

Dementia in Africa: Current evidence, knowledge gaps, and future directions.

In tandem with the ever-increasing aging population in low and middle-income countries, the burden of dementia is rising on the African continent. Dementia prevalence varies from 2.3% to 20.0% and incidence rates are 13.3 per 1000 person-years with increasing mortality in parts of rapidly transforming Africa. Differences in nutrition, cardiovascular factors, comorbidities, infections, mortality, and detection likely contribute to lower incidence. Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated neurocognitive disorders are the most common dementia subtypes. Comprehensive longitudinal studies with robust methodology and regional coverage would provide more reliable information. The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is most studied but has shown differential effects within African ancestry compared to Caucasian. More candidate gene and genome-wide association studies are needed to relate to dementia phenotypes. Validated culture-sensitive cognitive tools not influenced by education and language differences are critically needed for implementation across multidisciplinary groupings such as the proposed African Dementia Consortium.

Neuro-medical manifestations of fluorosis in populations living in the Main Ethiopian Rift Valley.

Prolonged exposure to higher concentrations of fluoride (> 1.5 mg/L) is associated with dental and skeletal fluorosis. The effects of fluoride on dental and skeletal system have been studied extensively; however, the neurological consequences of fluoride in population-based studies are limited. The study aims to assess the epidemiology of neurological and other manifestations of fluorosis among rural populations living in the Main Ethiopian Rift valley. In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 316 individuals from 23 rural communities in the Main Ethiopian Rift valley. Fluoride concentration was measured in drinking water samples collected from 23 community wells. Association between fluoride concentrations and clinical features of fluorosis was assessed using student t test, chi square, multivariable regression using adjusted odds ratio (OR). The mean fluoride concentration in the drinking water was 6.8 ± 4.3 mg/L (range: 0.3-15.5 mg/L). At least one clinical sign of skeletal fluorosis was observed in 54.4% (n = 175) of the study participants. Headache and joint pain reported by 67.1% and 56.3% of the participants as the most common neurological manifestation, and skeletal fluorosis symptom, respectively. The mean fluoride level was higher for those individuals who reported paresthesia compared to those with no-paresthesia. Loss of appetite, constipation, and fatigue were reported by 48.0%, 45.6%, and 56.6% of the participants, respectively. Signs of crippling fluorosis were observed in small proportion (1.6%) of the participants. Individuals who reported headache are most likely exposed to higher fluoride concentrations in drinking water compared to those reported no-headache (p < 0.001). The study demonstrates high prevalence of neuro-medical manifestations of fluorosis in population living in the Main Ethiopian Rift valley. Fluoride concentration in drinking water and joint pain were independent predictors of fluorosis.

Availability of Therapies and Services for Parkinson's Disease in Africa: A Continent-Wide Survey.

BACKGROUND: The growing burden of Parkinson's disease (PD) in Africa necessitates the identification of available therapies and services to improve patient care. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the availability, affordability, frequency of usage, and insurance coverage of PD therapies (pharmacological, surgical, physical, and speech therapies) and services including specialized clinics, specialists, and nurses across Africa. METHODS: A comprehensive web-based survey was constructed and distributed to neurologists/physicians with a special interest in PD across Africa. The survey instrument includes components that address availability, affordability, frequency of use, and insurance coverage of different therapies and services. RESULTS: Responses were received from 28 (of 43 contacted) countries. Levodopa-based oral preparations were always available in 13 countries (46.4%) with variable affordability and "partial or no" insurance coverage in 60% of countries. Bromocriptine was the most available (50%) and affordable ergot dopamine agonists (DA), whereas non-ergot DA was always available in only six countries (21.4%). Trihexyphenidyl was the most available and affordable anticholinergic drug (46.4%). Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were available in most countries (89.3% and 85.7% respectively), with variable affordability. Quetiapine and clozapine were less available. Specialized clinics and nurses were available in 25% and 7.1% of countries surveyed, respectively. Other services were largely unavailable in the countries surveyed. CONCLUSION: PD-specific therapies and services are largely unavailable and unaffordable in most African countries. The data provide a platform for organizing strategies to initiate or scale up existing services and drive policies aimed at improving access to care and tailoring education programs in Africa. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

New-onset focal seizure as a presenting feature of HIV infection: a case report and mini review to the challenge in resource-limited settings.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of new-onset HIV-associated seizure in the HIV-infected patient is estimated to be between 2 and 11%. Identifying the underlying etiology of new-onset seizure will have a vital impact on the mortality and morbidity of patients living with HIV infection. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 34-year old newly diagnosed HIV+ male patient presented with abnormal body movement (ABM) involving his right hemibody associated with loss of consciousness lasting few minutes of two weeks duration. The ABM occurred frequently (> five times per week) and associated with frothy and excessive salivation. He reported headache following each spells. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed bilateral frontal T2 and FLAIR hyperintensity and T1 hypointensity; post contrast study showed bilateral small ring enhancing lesion with perilesional oedema, the biggest one on the left hemisphere, with a 10 mm diameter; considering patient advanced immunosuppression and underlying HIV infection, the brain MRI findings were consistent with cerebral toxoplasmosis. Bipolar montage electroencephalography (EEG) study showed generalized background slowing, prominent in the left fronto-centeral region. Patient was managed with combination antiretroviral therapy, anti-toxoplasmosis medication, and anticonvulsant. On follow up, the frequency of seizure attack has significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: Considering the high prevalence of HIV infection and associated seizure among people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, this case fairly highlights on the importance of utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and EEG in identifying the underlying causes of HIV-associated seizures.

Invasive intestinal mucormycosis in a 40-year old immunocompetent patient - a rarely reported clinical phenomenon: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mucormycosis is rare, life-threatening fungal infection. Frequently observed in those patients having underlying immunosuppression such as, diabetes, organ transplantation, Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and elevated serum iron. However, invasive intestinal mucormycosis occurring in immunocompetent individuals without the traditional risk factors is extremely rare clinical phenomenon. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 40-year-old male patient who presented with 1 week history of diffuse abdominal pain and high grade fever, associated with vomiting and frequent loose stools. Has history of chronic alcohol ingestion. Otherwise, no past history of chronic medical illness, nor he had contact with individuals with similar illness. He was in a septic shock with multiple organ failure up on presentation to emergency room. Physical examination revealed icterus sclera with abdominal tenderness. He was immediately resuscitated using crystalloids, supported with inotrope, and antibiotics. Histopathological examination of tissue sample from colonic ulcer biopsy revealed invasive intestinal mucormycosis. Patient showed full clinical and histopathological resolution after course of parenteral Liposomal Amphotercin B. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the fact that, despite its life-threatening nature, it's possible to treat patients with invasive intestinal mucormycosis with aggressive antifungal and supportive care without surgical intervention, provided that all the necessary supportive care were initiated early and the disease was diagnosed early and appropriate medical management was initiated timely. In addition, it's important to consider intestinal mucormycosis even in patients who are immunocompetent without traditional risk factors.

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder and HIV-associated myelopathy in a patient with a preserved CD4, but high viral load-a rarely reported phenomenon: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Despite widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and HIV-associated myelopathy (HAM) are not showing significant reduction in there occurrence. The HAM is a progressive myelopathy that often occur synchronously with severe form of the HAND in patients' having advanced immunosuppression. However, co-existence of less severe form of the HAND and HAM in patient with relatively preserved CD4 cells is rarely reported clinical entity in post cART era. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 16-year old male, acquired HIV infection vertically, was on second line regimen because of virological failure since 3 years. His current CD4 lymphocyte count is 835 cells/uL with viral RNA level of 33,008 copies/mL. Currently presented with progressive forgetfulness, gait imbalance, and a frequent staring episodes without loss of postural tone. Neurological examination was pertinent for cognitive dysfunction with score of 6 on International HIV Dementia Scale (motor speed = 3, psychomotor speed = 2, and memory recall = 1). Lower limbs power is 4-/5, increased deep tendon reflexes, and unsteady gait. Brain MRI revealed diffuse both cortical and white matter T2 and FLAIR hyperintense lesions. Thoracic MRI showed abnormal T2 signal prolongation spanning from mid thoracic cord to conus. Electroencephalography study showed severe generalized slowing with evidence of focal dysrhythmia in bilateral frontotemporal regions. Unremarkable serum vitamin B 12 level (286 ng/mL). Virological failure with the HAND, HAM and seizure was considered. Dolutegravir +3TC + ATV/r regimen and valproate for seizure disorder was started. On 6 months follow up evaluation, he is clinically stable with significant improvement of his symptoms related to seizure disorders and modest improvement of his cognitive dysfunction, as he is now attending his school regularly. However, less improvement was observed reading his gait abnormality. CONCLUSION: This case supports the current understanding regarding the persistent occurrence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder and HIV-associated myelopathy even decades after introduction of cART. Therefore, it's important to screen HIV+ patients for the HAND and HAM even if they have relatively preserved immunity. Because patient can be easily shifted to ART drugs with better CNS penetrating potential to achieve acceptable virological suppression level, to observe sound clinical improvement.

Validation of the PHQ-9 depression scale in Ethiopian cancer patients attending the oncology clinic at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital.

BACKGROUND: Although depression is highly prevalent among cancer patients, it is often underdiagnosed and poorly managed particularly in developing nations. These shortcomings can have substantial adverse effects not only on the disease prognosis but also on patients' quality of life. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is a widely used depression screening tool but it has not been validated among patients with chronic illnesses such as cancer in Ethiopia. We aim to validate the PHQ-9 among Ethiopian cancer patients in an outpatient setting. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among cancer patients attending the oncology clinic at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH). We assessed criterion validity and performance of the PHQ-9 test against the gold standard Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) diagnostic tool among patients with cancer. The MINI was administered by psychiatric nurses who were blind to the initial PHQ-9 screening tool. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients completed the 2 stages of a diagnostic interview in the study. The majority (64%) of the participants were women, the mean age was 46 (13.5) years. Using the gold standard MINI test the prevalence of Major Depressive Episode (MDE) was 15%. The internal consistency (Cronbach's α) for PHQ-9 was 0.78 suggesting good (acceptable) internal consistency for the reliability of the test scores. When the total PHQ-9 score was used to identify cases of MDE, the Area under the Curve (AUC) was 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-0.97) on Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. This shows evidence for the excellent discriminating power of the PHQ-9 between cases and non-cases of MDE. At cutoff point ≥4, the PHQ-9 had a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 78.1% on the ROC curve to detect MDE. CONCLUSION: PHQ-9 is a reliable and valid instrument to detect MDE among individuals with chronic conditions such as cancer patients in outpatient settings and it can be used in resource-limited settings for early diagnosis and proper therapy of such patients.

Clinical characteristics and associated factors of trigeminal neuralgia: experience from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is considered one of the most painful illnesses known to medical practice. Little is known about TN in Ethiopia. Our study aimed to assess clinical characteristics, treatment, and associated factors of TN. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 61 patients with confirmed Trigeminal neuralgia visiting outpatient neurology clinics of two government teaching Hospitals and two private health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between June 2019 and March 2020. RESULTS: Our participants' age range between 21 and 78 years with mean ± SD age of 50.7 ± 14.2 years. Males accounted for 50.8%. Twenty-five (41%) reported a prior history of one or more tooth extraction on the painful side. In the majority (68.9%) of the patient's right side of the face was affected. The mandibular nerve was the commonly involved branch (47.5%). Fifty-five (90.2%) of patients fulfilled criteria for classical TN and 9.8% had symptomatic TN. The majority of the participants reported mixed types of pain such as burning, lancinating, and electric shock-like. Well defined trigger zone was identified in one-third (36%) of cases. Carbamazepine was the most commonly prescribed drug with a median dose of 600 mg (IQR: 400 - 1000 mg). Two-third of the patients reported prominent satisfaction. The mean (± SD) dose of carbamazepine used to control the pain was significantly higher among those with dental extraction history as compared to those with no history of dental extraction (736 ± 478.6 mg Vs 661.1 ± 360.4 mg, respectively, T = - 2.06, p = 0.04 95% CI:-213.41 to - 2.98). A statistically significant number of patients who had single branch involvement reported prominent satisfaction with their treatment as compared to those who had more than one branch involvement. (95% CI: 1.3-3.8: p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The majority of our patients had Classical TN in the mandibular nerve distribution on the right side of the face and well satisfied with carbamazepine only treatment. Furthermore, we observed a higher proportion of dental extraction among our patients, hinting at the scale of miss and delayed-diagnoses. Thus, we recommend conducting a well-designed prospective study to support our findings.

Migraine-related disability and co-morbid depression among migraineurs in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Migraine headache is a neurologic disorder which mainly affects younger and productive segment of population. Migraine not only causes pain; but also affects quality of life in terms of low productivity and economic loss. The main aim of this study was to examine migraine-related disability, co-morbid depression, and relationship between the two. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among migraineurs who visited two neurology referral clinics. The study was conducted between June 1st 2016 to December 30th2016. Migraine disability assessment score [MIDAS] and patient health questionnaire [PHQ-9] were used to assess disability and depression, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients participated in the study. Fifty-three (74.3%) of our study participants were women. Fifty one (72.9%) study participants were between age group 20-40 years. Migraine without aura was the most common subtype (70%); migraine with aura accounted for the other 28.6%. The mean (± SD) headache frequency and intensity was 23.4 ± 14.9 days and 7.4 ± 1.2 respectively. Major depressive disorder was common in this group (41.4%). The mean MIDAS and PHQ-9 scores were 46.7 ± 30 and 9.2 ± 4.4 respectively. More than two-thirds (74.3%) of our participants had severe disability. We found a statistically significant correlation between migraine-related disability and co morbid depression among our participants(r = 0.318, p-value = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The positive correlation observed between migraine-related disability and co-morbid depression warrant routine screening and treatment of disability and depression in migraineurs; In addition, the observed high degree of disability among our participants may indicate sub optimal treatment of these patients.

Authenticity and brain health: a values-based perspective and cultural education approach.

This perspective paper discusses the concept of authenticity in relation to brain health and neurodegenerative diseases. We define authenticity as being true to oneself and consider it a social value of relevance to neuroscientists, clinicians, and caregivers. From a biological perspective, behaviors that can be interpreted as expressions of authenticity are produced by distributed brain networks. By understanding it as a dynamic process, we argue that harnessing authenticity across the lifespan can be protective by promoting resilience. We discuss the idea of authentic aging, which appreciates the complexity of human life within the world and can enhance positive views of later life. Authenticity is additionally applicable to caring for people with neurodegenerative diseases, both when understanding the behavior of people with dementia and the response of caregivers. Tailoring care to an individual's personality and strengths may improve their brain health. Finally, we describe an interdisciplinary learning event, themed around masks, designed to engage participants in identifying authenticity in their own work. For scientists, care professionals, and caregivers, reflecting upon authenticity can aid understanding of the person with dementia and therefore improve care.

The need for a tailored national dementia plan in Ethiopia: A call for action.

Globally, a rapid demographic transition is occurring with a significant increment in the proportion of older individuals. For the first time in history, individuals aged 65 and above outnumber that of children under 5 years of age. In Ethiopia, the life expectancy has shown dramatic improvements in the past few decades and is expected to reach 74 years by mid-century. Older age is considered the most important non-modifiable risk factor for dementia. Likewise, other modifiable diseases such as infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, and traumatic brain injuries are associated with dementia. Despite, the high prevalence of dementia risk factors and impending economic and health impact from dementia, no country in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Ethiopia, has developed a standalone or an integrated national dementia strategic plan to guide the overall effort to improve dementia care in the country. It is vital to design and develop a national dementia plan in line with a framework outlined by the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) global action plan. The health, social, and economic burden from dementia is expected to be high to the developing countries such as Ethiopia unless clear prevention and management strategies are designed at a national level to cascade the care to the primary care level. The planned strategic policy may focus on improving the knowledge and skills of health care professionals. Translation and cultural adaptation of cognitive, functional, and behavioral assessment batteries is of paramount importance in improving the diagnostic accuracy along with availability of advanced imaging, biomarkers, and dementia treatment.

Media for advocacy of mental health in the Ethiopian context. Current practice, gaps, and future directions.

Media plays a crucial role in reshaping societal attitudes and behaviors towards individuals with mental illness. It contributes to improved rights of people living with mental health conditions and access to care services. However, in Ethiopia, mental health advocacy faces obstacles such as deep-rooted misconceptions, fear, and discrimination about mental illness, as well limited engagement of stakeholders and language barriers. Both mainstream and social media play a large role in disseminating mental health topics in Ethiopia. However, they need organized initiatives and efforts in order to be successful in promoting mental health awareness to the public. Implementing a comprehensive strategy comprising public awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, responsible reporting, and increased coverage of mental health topics is crucial. The World Health Organization also emphasizes the role of health ministries in supporting mental health advocacy efforts. By promoting education, challenging stigmas, and improving access to mental health services, media advocacy can contribute to creating a more informed and supportive society for individuals with mental illness in Ethiopia.

Neurological diagnoses in hospitalized COVID-19 patients during the B.1.1.529 surge.

OBJECTIVE: Emerging variants and sublineages of SARS-CoV-2 have differing disease severity, transmissibility, and immune evasion. The neurological conditions associated with the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 are well established. Our study assessed the neurological presentations specific to hospitalized patients during the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant surge in New York City. METHODS: A total of 178 cases with positive RT-PCR result within 6 weeks before admission, and subsequent development of select neurological conditions during the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) surge between December 1, 2021 and February 28, 2022, were included from 12,800 SARS-CoV-2-positive hospital admissions. Clinical data from acute hospitalizations were compared to findings of inpatient neurological cases with COVID-19 infections from the initial surge in NYC in the same hospital system. RESULTS: Compared to SARS-CoV-2 infections of the original strain, COVID-19 cases hospitalized during the Omicron surge (B.1.1.529) were associated with incidental and/or asymptomatic COVID-19 cases (96, 53.9%) and an increased incidence of pre-existing neurological and immunocompromising conditions. Encephalopathy, seizures, and stroke remained the most prevalent neurological conditions identified in hospitalized COVID-19 cases during the study period, reflecting a similar distribution of neurological presentations associated with the original strain. INTERPRETATION: In our cohort of 178 admitted SARS-CoV-2-positive patients with select neurological conditions during the Omicron B.1.1.529 surge, 54% of COVID-19 cases were considered incidental and/or asymptomatic, and the identified neurological conditions resembled those associated with the original SARS-CoV-2 strain. Further studies characterizing neurological presentation in Omicron sublineages and other variants are warranted in an ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Ethiopia: a 5-year multicenter retrospective study.

Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that results in progressive weakness of skeletal muscles including respiratory muscles. Epidemiological and clinical aspects of ALS are derived from a few world regions with very little representation of low- and middle-income countries. We therefore set out to determine the epidemiological and clinical phenotype of individuals with ALS in Ethiopia. Methods: Multicenter retrospective analysis was conducted using clinical records from ALS patients seen in Ethiopia at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and Yehuleshet specialty clinic between January 2016 and August 2021. The data collected included clinical characteristics, disease-related symptoms, a revised ALS functional rating scale, and medications. Results: Patients in Ethiopia had a younger age of onset with a mean age of disease onset of 51.9 years. 2.9% of patients had juvenile ALS, and the male-to-female ratio was almost 2:1. 4.9% had a positive family history of the disease. 68% of patients had spinal region involvement at onset, while 32% had bulbar region involvement at onset. Riluzole was used by 31% of ALS patients. 20.6% of patients had some respiratory symptoms, but none received a standard respiratory function assessment. 33.3% of patients were wheelchair-bound. Conclusion: In this retrospective study spanning 5 years, we examined the clinical phenotype of ALS in Ethiopian patients. Our findings suggest that most patients had clinically definite ALS with spinal region involvement. Further research, including genetic and epigenetic information, is necessary to understand the early onset of the disease in Ethiopia.

Management of rare movement diseases in different world regions.

To evaluate the management of rare movement disorders (RMD) at the international level and identify care needs to be addressed, the Rare Movement Disorders Study Group of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society (MDS) has conducted an exploratory survey. We sent an online survey to experts in Africa, Asia, Oceania and American continents following the classification of the MDS Regional Sections: Africa, Asia and Oceania (A&O), and Pan-America. We did not include Europe as the European Reference Network for Rare Neurological Diseases recently performed a similar care needs survey across European countries. We obtained responses from experts from 20 African, 26 A&O and 19 Pan-American countries. According to the respondents, only 55% of African countries had movement disorders experts, while these were present in 96% of A&O and 91% of Pan-American. Access to care for patients with RMD was stated difficult in 70% of African, 54% of A&O, and 65% of Pan-American countries. Africa was the region with greatest difficulties in accessing diagnostic tests. However, in Pan-America and A&O, large inequalities were observed between countries with quite variable access to therapeutic options such as deep brain stimulation. The survey results reflect wide variability in the management of RMD and provide evidence that a worldwide care-focused network is highly warranted. Scientific and medical organisations should raise awareness of deficits in managing RMD and care disparities among regions. The goals should be to facilitate the training of professionals, establish improvement strategies, and increase support and budgeting for these diseases.

Factors Associated with ICU Mortality at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH).

Background: Providing acute care to critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU) is a global necessity, regardless of health system capacity. The objectives of the present study were to assess the reasons for admission and clinical outcomes of adult patients admitted to general ICU at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH). Methods: A retrospective study based on a record review of logbook and charts of 310 adult patients admitted to general ICU of HUCSH between April 2012 and April 2017. Both descriptive analysis and inferential statistics were used. Results: The average age was 41 ± 17.9 years (range: 18-100 years). Males accounted 51.6%. The average duration of stay in the ICU was 5.3 ± 6.7 days (range 1-49 days). Cardiovascular disorders were the commonest cause of admission, accounted for 22.9%, followed by neurological disorders (17.7%), and trauma related illnesses (13.9%). Among 310 adults admitted during the study period, 23.1% required mechanical ventilator support; and 5.3% developed Hospital acquired infection. In-patient mortality rate was 45.8%. In multivariate analysis, the presences of aspiration pneumonia, and need for ventilator support, acute kidney injury, hospital acquired infection, and short ICU stays were associated with ICU mortality. Conclusion: The present study indicates high prevalence of ICU mortality among adults admitted to HUCSH during the study period. ICU mortality was associated with the presences of renal failure, hospital acquired infections, aspiration pneumonia and the need for mechanical ventilator.