The potential for quality assurance systems to save costs and lives: the case of early infant diagnosis of HIV.

OBJECTIVES: Scaling up of point-of-care testing (POCT) for early infant diagnosis of HIV (EID) could reduce the large gap in infant testing. However, suboptimal POCT EID could have limited impact and potentially high avoidable costs. This study models the cost-effectiveness of a quality assurance system to address testing performance and screening interruptions, due to, for example, supply stockouts, in Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, with varying HIV epidemics and different health systems. METHODS: We modelled a quality assurance system-raised EID quality from suboptimal levels: that is, from misdiagnosis rates of 5%, 10% and 20% and EID testing interruptions in months, to uninterrupted optimal performance (98.5% sensitivity, 99.9% specificity). For each country, we estimated the 1-year impact and cost-effectiveness (US$/DALY averted) of improved scenarios in averting missed HIV infections and unneeded HIV treatment costs for false-positive diagnoses. RESULTS: The modelled 1-year costs of a national POCT quality assurance system range from US$ 69 359 in South Africa to US$ 334 341 in Zimbabwe. At the country level, quality assurance systems could potentially avert between 36 and 711 missed infections (i.e. false negatives) per year and unneeded treatment costs between US$ 5808 and US$ 739 030. CONCLUSIONS: The model estimates adding effective quality assurance systems are cost-saving in four of the five countries within the first year. Starting EQA requires an initial investment but will provide a positive return on investment within five years by averting the costs of misdiagnoses and would be even more efficient if implemented across multiple applications of POCT.

OBJECTIFS: L'intensification du dépistage au point des soins (DPS) pour le diagnostic précoce du VIH chez le nourrisson (DPVN) pourrait réduire le grand écart dans le dépistage des nourrissons. Cependant, un DPVN DPS sous-optimal pourrait avoir un impact limité et des coûts évitables potentiellement élevés. Cette étude modélise la rentabilité d'un système d'assurance qualité pour traiter les performances des tests et les interruptions de dépistage, dues par exemple à des ruptures de stock, au Kenya, au Sénégal, en Afrique du Sud, en Ouganda et au Zimbabwe, avec des épidémies variables du VIH et des systèmes de santé différents. MÉTHODES: Nous avons modélisé une qualité de DPVN soulevée par le système d'assurance qualité à partir de niveaux sous-optimaux: c'est-à-dire des taux d'erreurs de diagnostic de 5%, 10% et 20% et des interruptions des tests de DPVN en mois, à des performances optimales ininterrompues (sensibilité de 98,5%, spécificité de 99,9%). Pour chaque pays, nous avons estimé l'impact sur un an et la rentabilité (en USD/DALY évitée) de scénarios améliorés pour éviter les infections à VIH manquées et les coûts inutiles de traitement du VIH pour les diagnostics faux positifs. RÉSULTATS: Les coûts modélisés sur un an d'un système national d'assurance qualité DPS vont de 69.359 USD en Afrique du Sud à 334.341 USD au Zimbabwe. Au niveau des pays, les systèmes d'assurance de la qualité pourraient potentiellement éviter entre 36 et 711 infections manquées (c'est-à-dire des faux négatifs) par an et des coûts de traitement inutiles entre 5.808 et 739.030 USD. CONCLUSIONS: Le modèle estime que l'ajout de systèmes d'assurance qualité efficaces permet de réaliser des économies dans quatre des cinq pays au cours de la première année. Le lancement de l'assurance qualité nécessite un investissement initial, mais fournira un retour sur investissement positif dans les cinq ans en évitant les coûts des diagnostics erronés et serait encore plus efficace s'il était mis en œuvre dans plusieurs applications de DPS.

Measuring pesticide ecological and health risks in West African agriculture to establish an enabling environment for sustainable intensification.

We outline an approach to pesticide risk assessment that is based upon surveys of pesticide use throughout West Africa. We have developed and used new risk assessment models to provide, to our knowledge, the first detailed, geographically extensive, scientifically based analysis of pesticide risks for this region. Human health risks from dermal exposure to adults and children are severe enough in many crops to require long periods of up to three weeks when entry to fields should be restricted. This is impractical in terms of crop management, and regulatory action is needed to remove these pesticides from the marketplace. We also found widespread risks to terrestrial and aquatic wildlife throughout the region, and if these results were extrapolated to all similar irrigated perimeters in the Senegal and Niger River Basins, they suggest that pesticides could pose a significant threat to regional biodiversity. Our analyses are presented at the regional, national and village levels to promote regulatory advances but also local risk communication and management. Without progress in pesticide risk management, supported by participatory farmer education, West African agriculture provides a weak context for the sustainable intensification of agricultural production or for the adoption of new crop technologies.

[Management of children with sickle cell disease in Africa: experience in a cohort of children at the Royal Albert Hospital in Dakar]. / Prise en charge de la drépanocytose chez l'enfant en Afrique: expérience de la cohorte de l'Hôpital d'enfants Albert Royer de Dakar.

Management of major sickle hemoglobinopathies in industrialized countries has improved significantly over the last few years thanks to strict application of the preventive and curative measures developed as a result of a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. However patients in Africa have benefited little from progress in the field due to the lack of human and physical resources in sharp contrast with the high prevalence of the disease. The purpose of this study was to analyze problems involved in management of childhood sickle cell disease in Africa based on our experience in a cohort of 556 cases treated over a period of 12 years. The main problems were the same as those encountered in other black African nations, i.e., delayed diagnosis due to a lack of routine neonatal diagnostic screening, difficulty implementing anti-infectious prophylaxis due not only to the high cost of recommended vaccinations not covered by the Expanded Program on Immunization but also to poor compliance with antiobioprophylaxis, and insufficient transfusion facilities hindering application of long-term transfusion protocols when indicated. In addition the high prevalence of digestive-tract parasitosis and malaria raise the need to combine standard preventive measures with routine parasiticidal treatment and malarial prophylaxis adapted to each geographical area. The high frequency of associated iron deficiency requires systematic laboratory testing to identify and treat resulting manifestations during follow-up. An important prerequisite for widespread implementation of appropriate preventive and curative measures in Africa is recognition of sickle cell disease as a priority in public health care policy.

A prospective randomized comparison of laparoscopic appendectomy with open appendectomy: Clinical and economic analyses.

BACKGROUND: Previous randomized studies of laparoscopic appendectomy produced conflicting recommendations, and the adequacy of sample sizes is generally unknown. We compared clinical and economic outcomes after laparoscopic and open appendectomy in a sample of predetermined statistical power. METHODS: A pre-study power analysis suggested that 200 randomized patients would yield 80% power to show a mean decrease of 1.3 days' hospitalization. One hundred ninety-eight patients with a preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis were randomized prospectively to laparoscopic or open appendectomy. Economic analysis included billed charges, total costs, direct costs, and indirect costs associated with treatment. RESULTS: Laparoscopic appendectomy took longer to perform than open appendectomy (median, 107 vs 91 minutes; P <.01) and was associated with fewer days to return to a general diet (mean, 1.6 versus 2.3 days; P <.01), a shorter duration of parenteral analgesia (mean, 1.6 versus 2.2 days; P <.01), fewer morphine-equivalent milligrams of parenteral narcotic (median, 14 mg versus 34 mg; P =.001), a shorter postoperative hospital stay (mean, 2.6 versus 3.4 days; P <.01), and earlier return to full activity (median, 14 versus 21 days; P <.02). However, operative morbidity and time to return to work were comparable. Billed charges and direct costs were not significantly different in the 2 groups ($7711 versus $7146 and $5357 versus $4945, respectively), but total costs (including indirect costs) of laparoscopic appendectomy were, on average, nearly $2400 less, given the shorter length of stay and abbreviated recuperative period ($11,577 versus $13,965). Subgroup analyses suggested the benefit of a laparoscopic approach for uncomplicated appendicitis and for patients with active lifestyles. CONCLUSIONS: While laparoscopic appendectomy is associated with statistically significant but clinically questionable advantages over open appendectomy, a laparoscopic approach is relatively less expensive. The estimated difference in total costs of treatment (direct and indirect costs) was at least $2000 in more than 60% of the bootstrapped iterations. The economic significance and implications favoring a laparoscopic approach cannot be ignored.

[Sickle cell disease in children in Dakar, Senegal]. / Les syndromes drépanocytaires majeurs en pédiatrie à Dakar (Sénégal).

AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the socioeconomic, clinical and biological aspects of sickle cell disease (SCD) in Senegalese children and adolescents, we retrospectively analysed all records of follow-up attending patients in the Albert Royer Children Hospital of Dakar (Senegal). RESULTS: Homozygous sickle cell (SS) was the most frequent genotype (307 cases). Sickle cell hemoglobin C (13 cases) and sickle cell beta-thalassemia (three cases) were uncommon. Patients were aged from five months to 22 years (mean age: eight years). Most of them came from poor families. The mean number of children was five in patients' families, with at least two cases of SCD in 60% of them. Immunization against hepatitis B virus (10.2%), Haemophilus influenzae b (8.4%), Salmonella (8.7%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (21.4%) was insufficiently performed, because of its relatively high cost. Only 30% of the patients had received a blood transfusion. Painful crises occurred less than three times a year in 74% of the cases. Complications such as acute chest syndrome (1%), stroke (1%), cholelithiasis (9%), meningitis (0.4%), septicemia (2%) and osteomyelitis (6%) were rare. Mean steady state hemoglobin (Hb) and hemoglobin F(HbF) levels were 8.27 +/- 1.36 g/dL and 6.8 +/- 5.9% respectively among SS patients. No correlations were found neither between Hb and HbF nor between these parameters and the frequency of complications. Eleven patients (1.1% per year of follow-up) died, and infection was the main cause of death (73%). CONCLUSION: In comparison with published data, SCD seems to have mild severity in Senegalese children and adolescents in spite of poor follow-up conditions. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors might have an important role in disease tolerance.

[Arterial hypertension in Senegal: epidemiological aspects, clinical features, and therapeutic management problems]. / L'hypertension artérielle au Sénégal: aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et problemes de la prise en charge thérapeutique.

The authors report the results of a bunch of studies about hypertension in Senegal: a retrospective study concerning 868 patients in the cardiologic center; a prospective study on 2329 subjects in Pikine, a Dakar Suburb; a study led near 121 physicians about their dealing with hypertension problems. Hypertension is the second reason of hospitalization in cardiology just after the rheumatic cardiopathy. The mortality rate is 6.35%. The hypertension frequency in the suburb is 10.43% (certified hypertension) and 25.03% (borderline to certified). The same frequency is found between males and females patients. This frequency grows with the body mass index and age. Many problems occur concerning the treatment: lack of proper following (39%), failure of the therapy (39%), inappropriate reduction of physical activities (82.5%), strict ban of any salt intake for mild to moderate hypertension (13.18%).

[Low birth weight: rate and risk factors in the Guédianwaye district (suburb of Dakar, Senegal)]. / Les faibles poids de naissance: fréquence et facteurs de risque dans le district de Guédiawaye (Banlieue de Dakar-Sénégal).

The authors report the results of a six months survey about the low weight of birth (L.W.B.) in the district of Guédiawaye, suburb of Dakar. The purpose is to determine the rate of L.W.B. in two main maternity hospitals of that locality and the associated risk factors. It is a survey with a control group. This survey results in a 10.7% rate, according to the data of another retrospective survey in the same maternity hospitals in 1992 (10.03%). The risk factors are mainly: celibacy, primiparity, an associated pathology with the pregnancy, the physical strain of mothers correlated to the income and to the previous L.W.B.

Incidence and management of pancreatic and enteric fistulas after surgical management of severe necrotizing pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, type, and outcome of complications of necrotizing pancreatitis. SETTING: Major tertiary referral center (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn). PATIENTS: Sixty-one patients seen from 1985 to 1994 who underwent surgical management of severe necrotizing pancreatitis and who developed pancreatic or gastrointestinal fistulas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, management, and outcome of pancreatic and gastrointestinal fistulas. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (41%) developed pancreatic (14 patients) and/or gastrointestinal tract cutaneous (19 patients) fistulas. While three duodenal fistulas and one colonic fistula were recognized at the initial operation for pancreatic necrosectomy, the remainder developed 4 to 60 days after the initial operation. Spontaneous closure occurred in nine of 14 pancreatic, two of two gastric, two of four enteric, two of eight colonic, and four of five duodenal fistulas. Mortality of the group with fistulas was 24% (6/25) and was not different from the mortality of the patients with necrotizing pancreatitis without fistulas (28% [10/36]). CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic and gastrointestinal tract fistulas are common complications of surgical treatment of severe necrotizing pancreatitis. Well-controlled gastric, pancreatic, and enteric fistulas have the greatest likelihood of spontaneous closure. Duodenal and colonic fistulas may need surgical intervention for control or repair. Mortality in these patients parallels the mortality for severe necrotizing pancreatitis.

Pancreatic anastomotic leak after pancreaticoduodenectomy: incidence, significance, and management.

Anastomotic leak at the pancreaticojejunostomy remains a common and dreaded complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Our aim was to determine the incidence, presentation, methods of management, and preoperative and postoperative factors that influence the clinical outcome. We reviewed our collective experience with 375 consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy from 1980 to 1992 for a variety of pathologic indications. Clinical, biochemical, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were reviewed in an attempt to determine prognostic factors. Sixty-six patients (18%) developed a pancreatic anastomotic leak as determined by increased amylase in drainage fluid (44%), radiographic documentation (41%), operative re-exploration (9%), or percutaneous drainage of a peripancreatic, amylase-containing fluid collection (6%). Most leaks (73%) were clinically insignificant and were managed by simple maintenance of intraoperatively placed drains. Active intervention was required in 18 patients (27%) and included percutaneous drainage in 8, completion pancreatectomy in 7, and reoperative drainage with or without anastomotic repair in 3. Although octreotide was used therapeutically in 13 patients (20%), a significant, objective response was noted in only 1 patient. Five (8%) of the 66 patients died, all related directly to the pancreatic leak. The overall operative mortality was lower, 15 (4%) of 375 patients. Of the clinical, biochemical, intraoperative, and postoperative factors reviewed to determine prognostic factors, only postoperative intra-abdominal hemorrhage predisposed the patient to mortality as a result of the pancreatic anastomotic leak. We conclude that most anastomotic leaks at the pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy can be managed conservatively. Use of octreotide to aid in closure of the pancreatic leak was disappointing, whereas patients with postoperative intra-abdominal hemorrhage or those requiring completion pancreatectomy to manage the anastomotic leak have increased mortality.

[Medico-social problems of young adolescents in Guediawaye (suburban area of Dakar-Senegal)]. / Contribution à l'étude des problèmes médico-sociaux des jeunes adolescentes à Guédiawaye (Zone suburbaine de Dakar-Sénégal).

A survey in the district of Guediawaye, towards teenagers from 12 to 16 years old, recruited according to a stratified risky method of sampling in 4 different areas has been carried out in order to evaluate their main medico-social problems. It ended up to the following findings: the majority live in hard socio-economic conditions stamping by promiscuity, a weak family income and a low level of education of the parents. 39.2% have been placed under the guardianship of a relative other than the parents. 98.8% do not find spare time structures in their environment. The usage of tobacco and drug is respectively 14% and 1%; 79.4% of students have hardly access to the school stationery, while the teenagers in job apprenticeship have constraints linked to long hours of work (95%). The morbid affections are too varied, dominated by stomach aches (37.8%) far before traumatics (6%); the most frequent therapeutic is resort traditional or empiric treatment. The authors advocate the setting up of a medico-social center making interfere all persons, implied resources in the undertake of the teenagers.

Anatomic, motor, and clinical assessment of vertical banded gastroplasty.

The aim of this study was to assess gastric anatomy, motility, and emptying after vertical banded gastroplasty and to correlate the anatomic and physiologic results with clinical outcome. Eleven patients were studied at least 7 mo after operation, by which time they had lost 31% +/- 4% (mean +/- SEM) of their excess body weight. Stomal diameter, volume, and distensibility of the proximal gastric pouch were determined by a balloon distention technique. Gastric emptying was monitored scintigraphically both with and without distention of the proximal pouch. Stomal diameters ranged from 10 to 15 mm (mean +/- SEM = 11 +/- 1 mm), and pouch capacity ranged from 20 to 150 ml (76 +/- 9 ml). Mean intrapouch pressure was 13 mmHg before distention, increased to 22 mmHg with distention to half-maximal capacity, and then changed little with further distention to maximum capacity. Near maximal pouch distention during gastric emptying of a 300-ml test meal decreased antral contractile activity and speeded the initial rate of emptying (t25 with distention = 14 +/- 3 min vs. 24 +/- 3 min without distention, p less than 0.03), but did not alter the later rate of emptying. No clear-cut relationship was present between weight loss and stomal diameter, pouch volume, or gastric emptying. The conclusion was that distention of the proximal gastric pouch created by vertical banded gastroplasty inhibited antral contractions and increased the initial rate of gastric emptying, but no clear-cut correlation was found in this cohort between weight loss after the operation and stomal diameter, pouch size, and gastric emptying.