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Objective To understand the status of chronic filariasis patients in Jiangxi Province in 2018, so as to provide insights into the follow-up care of the patients. Methods In 2018, a case follow-up study was conducted in all registered patients with chronic filariasis in previously endemic areas of Jiangxi Province, and a clue investigation was done for identifying the missing patients. In addition, the data of caring sites for chronic filarisis patients were collected and analyzed in the province. Results A total of 802 chronic filariasis patients were identified in 56 counties (districts) of Jiangxi Province in 2018. The patients had a male/female ratio of 1∶1, and 85.41% had ages of over 70 years. There were 58.60%, 93.89%, 17.21% and 3.62% of chronic filariasis patients with lymphangitis, lymphedema/elephantiasis, chyluria and hydrocele, respectively. A total of 273 caring sites were assigned in 56 counties (districts) of Jiangxi Province, and 306 caring activities were carried out in 2018. Conclusion The number of chronic filariasis patients has significantly decreased in Jiangxi Province; however, the care remains to be intensified for chronic filariasis patients.
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Objective To understand the number and prevalence of chronic filariasis patients in Hubei Province, and to provide a basis for effective care for patients. Methods The chronic filariasis patients registered in Hubei Province were interviewed to investigate the general condition of patients, the results of previous microfilaria examinations, and the current clinical symptoms, signs and onset of illness. Results A total of 487 chronic filariasis patients were investigated. The youngest was 32 years old, the oldest was 97 years old, and the average age was 76 years old. The 80-89 years old group had the largest number, accounting for 44.97%. The male accounted for 46.61%, and the female accounted for 54.39%. The occupation was dominated by farmers, accounting for 89.94%. Patients with lymphangitis accounted for 72.28%, with dermatitis accounted for 89.12%, with chyluria accounted for 11.29%, and with hydrocele accounted for 6.16%. Among the 352 patients with lymphangitis/lymphadenitis, the site of the attack was mainly at groin and lower limbs, accounting for 96.02%. Among the 433 patients with lymphedema/elephantiasis, the disease staging of the left and right legs was mainly concentrated in stage I-III, and there was no stage VII patient. Among the 55 patients with chyluria, the dysuria accounted for 30.91%. Of the 30 patients with hydrocele, 17 had tenderness, and 8 had positive light transmission tests. Conclusions Chronic filariasis patients in Hubei Province gradually decreased with the natural attrition. More care should be given by CDC at all levels and primary medical units to patients with chronic filariasis to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Since the filariasis has not been eliminated globally, it is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance of migrant workers who go abroad to filariasis-endemic areas.
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Objective To understand the current status of chronic filariasis patients in Jiangsu Province so as to provide basic data for following-up care for them. Methods The patients were followed up one by one according to history archives between June and July, 2018, and the clue investigation was also conducted. The base data of the patients was collected through a face-to-face questionnaire survey and analyzed. Results There were still 3 160 chronic filariasis patients in Jiangsu Province. Among them, the male accounted for 40.0%, and 91.8% of the patients were older adults aged 60 years or above. From the aspect of regional distribution, Suqian (24.2%), Huai’an (19.5%), Suzhou (17.3%), Xuzhou (11.2%), and Yancheng (9.8%) were the five top high prefectures. The patients with simple lymphatic inflammation or lymphadenitis, simple lymphedema or elephantiasis, simple chyluria, simple hydrocele of tunica vaginalis, and two symptoms or more accounted for 2.7%, 37.1%, 11.2%, 0.9%, and 48.1%, respectively. For the patients with lymphedema or elephantiasis, 97.8% of edema was seen in the lower limbs, and more than 90% of the edema stages were I-III. The number of current caring sites was 220, covering 2 091 patients. The average number of times of caring activities in this year was 3.2. The average cumulative time of caring activities among all the sites was 11.3 years. Conclusions The number of chronic filariasis patients has been dramatically decreased, most of the patients are old and have long disease durations. The caring sites have not covered all the patients. In order to release the symptoms and improve the life quality of the patients, all the patients should be taken care of in Jiangsu Province.
ABSTRACT
Objective To understand the current status of chronic filariasis patients in Jiangsu Province so as to provide basic data for following-up care for them. Methods The patients were followed up one by one according to history archives between June and July, 2018, and the clue investigation was also conducted. The base data of the patients was collected through a face-to-face questionnaire survey and analyzed. Results There were still 3 160 chronic filariasis patients in Jiangsu Province. Among them, the male accounted for 40.0%, and 91.8% of the patients were older adults aged 60 years or above. From the aspect of regional distribution, Suqian (24.2%), Huai’an (19.5%), Suzhou (17.3%), Xuzhou (11.2%), and Yancheng (9.8%) were the five top high prefectures. The patients with simple lymphatic inflammation or lymphadenitis, simple lymphedema or elephantiasis, simple chyluria, simple hydrocele of tunica vaginalis, and two symptoms or more accounted for 2.7%, 37.1%, 11.2%, 0.9%, and 48.1%, respectively. For the patients with lymphedema or elephantiasis, 97.8% of edema was seen in the lower limbs, and more than 90% of the edema stages were I-III. The number of current caring sites was 220, covering 2 091 patients. The average number of times of caring activities in this year was 3.2. The average cumulative time of caring activities among all the sites was 11.3 years. Conclusions The number of chronic filariasis patients has been dramatically decreased, most of the patients are old and have long disease durations. The caring sites have not covered all the patients. In order to release the symptoms and improve the life quality of the patients, all the patients should be taken care of in Jiangsu Province.
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Objective To evaluate the effect of chronic filariasis patients with lymphedema after comprehensive cared. Meth?ods A total of 386 chronic filariasis patients with lymphedema received the comprehensive care including soaking feet by TCM washing feet by single Chinese medicine or clear water preventing and eliminating invasive wound physical training raising the limb and wearing suitable shoes. The attack frequency of inflammation of lymphatic vessels the stage of lymphedema dis?ease and leg circumference were observed before and after the care. Results After the comprehensive care the attack rates of inflammation of lymphatic vessels decreased from 9.65%to 4.67% and there was a significant difference χ 2=7.34 P=0.006 7 . The proportion of the patients with high stage of lymphedema disease decreased significantly all P 0.01 and the average leg circumference decreased of 1.06 cm. The skin appearance improved significantly. Other signs such as pitting edema ulcer and skin folds also improved significantly all P 0.01 . Conclusion The comprehensive care for chronic filariasis patients with lymphedema has a remarkable effect and is worthy of further application.