Prognostic awareness and prognostic information preferences among advanced cancer patients in Kenya

Background: Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya. Yet, little is known about prognostic awareness and preferences for prognostic information. Aim: To assess the prevalence of prognostic awareness and preference for prognostic information among advanced cancer patients in Kenya. Setting: Outpatient medical oncology and palliative care clinics and inpatient medical and surgical wards of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya. Methods: The authors surveyed 207 adults with advanced solid cancers. The survey comprised validated measures developed for a multi-site study of end-of-life care in advanced cancer patients. Outcome variables included prognostic awareness and preference for prognostic information. Results: More than one-third of participants (36%) were unaware of their prognosis and most (67%) preferred not to receive prognostic information. Increased age (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.07) and education level (OR: 1.18, CI: 1.08, 1.30) were associated with a higher likelihood of preference to receive prognostic information, while increased symptom burden (OR= 0.94, CI: 0.90, 0.99) and higher perceived household income levels (lower-middle vs low: OR= 0.19; CI: 0.09, 0.44; and upper middle- or high vs low: OR= 0.22, CI: 0.09, 0.56) were associated with lower odds of preferring prognostic information. Conclusion: Results reveal low levels of prognostic awareness and little interest in receiving prognostic information among advanced cancer patients in Kenya. Contribution: Given the important role of prognostic awareness in providing patient-centred care, efforts to educate patients in Kenya on the value of this information should be a priority, especially among younger patients.

Análisis temporal de la mortalidad por causas evitables en las primeras 24 horas de vida, 2000-2021 / Temporal analysis of mortality from preventable causes in the first 24 hours of life, 2000-2021 / Análise temporal da mortalidade por causas evitáveis nas primeiras 24 horas de vida, 2000-2021

Objetivo: analizar el patrón temporal y estimar las tasas de mortalidad en las primeras 24 horas de vida y por causas evitables en el estado de Pernambuco en el período de 2000 a 2021. Método: estudio ecológico, teniendo como unidad de análisis el trimestre. La fuente de datos se constituyó por el Sistema de Informaciones sobre Mortalidad y el Sistema de Informaciones sobre Nacidos Vivos. El modelado de series temporales se realizó según el Modelo Autorregresivo Integrado de Promedio Móvil. Resultados: se registraron 14.462 óbitos en las primeras 24 horas de vida, siendo 11.110 (el 76,8%) evitables. Se observa para los pronósticos ( forecasts) que la tasa de mortalidad en las primeras 24 horas de vida registro una variación de 3,3 a 2,4 por 1.000 nacidos vivos, y la tasa de mortalidad por causas evitables de 2,3 a 1,8 por 1.000 nacidos vivos. Conclusión: la predicción sugirió avances en la reducción de la mortalidad en las primeras 24 horas de vida en el estado y por causas evitables. Los modelos ARIMA presentaron estimaciones satisfactorias para las tasas de mortalidad y por causas evitables en las primeras 24 horas de vida.

Objective: to analyze the temporal pattern and estimate mortality rates in the first 24 hours of life and from preventable causes in the state of Pernambuco from 2000 to 2021. Method: an ecological study, using the quarter as the unit of analysis. The data source was made up of the Mortality Information System and the Live Birth Information System. The time series modeling was conducted according to the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model. Results: 14,462 deaths were recorded in the first 24 hours of life, 11,110 (76.8%) of which being preventable. It is observed from the forecasts that the mortality rate in the first 24 hours of life ranged from 3.3 to 2.4 per 1,000 live births, and the mortality rate from preventable causes ranged from 2.3 to 1.8 per 1,000 live births. Conclusion: the prediction suggested progress in reducing mortality in the first 24 hours of life in the state and from preventable causes. The ARIMA models presented satisfactory estimates for mortality rates and preventable causes in the first 24 hours of life.

Objetivo: analisar o padrão temporal e estimar as taxas de mortalidade nas primeiras 24 horas de vida e por causas evitáveis no estado de Pernambuco no período de 2000 a 2021. Método: estudo ecológico, tendo como unidade de análise o trimestre. A fonte de dados foi constituída pelo Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade e pelo Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos. A modelagem da série temporal foi conduzida segundo o Modelo Autorregressivo Integrado de Médias Móveis. Resultados: foram registrados 14.462 óbitos nas primeiras 24 horas de vida, sendo 11.110 (76,8%) evitáveis. Observa-se para os forecasts que a taxa de mortalidade nas primeiras 24 horas de vida variou de 3,3 a 2,4 por 1.000 nascidos vivos, e a taxa de mortalidade por causas evitáveis variou de 2,3 a 1,8 por 1.000 nascidos vivos. Conclusão: a previsão sugeriu avanços na redução da mortalidade nas primeiras 24 horas de vida no estado e por causas evitáveis. Os modelos ARIMA apresentaram estimativas satisfatórias para as taxas de mortalidade e por causas evitáveis nas primeiras 24 horas de vida.

Mortalidad en accidentes por moto en Venezuela, y su relación con Políticas Públicas de seguridad vial y preventiva,1996-2018 / Mortality in motorcycle accidents in Venezuela and relationship with public road safety and preventive policies, 1996 - 2018

Los accidentes de tránsito son un problema de salud pública de gran magnitud y gravedad, en las Américas; Venezuela ocupa un lugar destacado por su alta incidencia. El objetivo de la investigación es establecer la relación entre las políticas públicas para la prevención de los accidentes de motocicletas, y las tasas de mortalidad. Metodología: Estudio documental retrospectivo de las políticas viales y las tasas de mortalidad específicas de lesionados por accidentes de motocicletas en Venezuela durante el período 1996-2018. Resultados: como causa de muerte en Venezuela (2000-2018), representa casi 7% del total, entre 6 a 50% del total de las muertes por accidentes de tránsito terrestre y se mantiene muy alta al final del período, con fallecidos por motocicletas sobre 25%. La elevación de la curva endémica de mortalidad ocurrió simultáneamente al aumento en la producción e importación de motocicletas, y cayó durante la crisis económica, en el año 2014. La legislación actualizada mas no acatada en esta materia, es notoria Conclusiones: Los accidentes de motocicleta son un problema de salud pública de primer orden en Venezuela asociadas al clima económico y social, las tasas de mortalidad tuvieron su máxima meseta de elevación durante la bonanza petrolera 2005-2013. Las políticas asociadas a la prevención de accidentes viales en moto están fragmentadas, son ineficientes y reactivas a situaciones complejas, deficientemente aplicadas por los organismos de tránsito responsables a escala nacional, regional y municipal.

Introduction. Traffic accidents are a public health problem of great magnitude and gravity in the Americas; Venezuela occupies a prominent place for its high incidence. The objective of the research is to establish the relationship between public policies for the prevention of motorcycle accidents, and mortality rates. Methodology: Retrospective documentary study of road policies and specific mortality rates of those injured by motorcycle accidents in Venezuela during the period 1996-2018. Descriptive statistical analysis with trend lines, frequency distributions and annual average rates. Results: cause of death in Venezuela (2000-2018), represents almost 7% of the total. The burden of motorcycle injury deaths represents between 6 to 50% of total road traffic fatalities and remains very high at the end of the period, with motorcycle fatalities over 25%. The elevation of the endemic mortality curve occurred simultaneously with the increase in the production and import of motorcycles, and fell concomitantly with the economic crisis in 2014. Conclusions: Motorcycle accidents are a public health problem of the first order in Venezuela associated with the economic and social climate, mortality rates had their maximum plateau of elevation during the oil economic boom 2005-2013. The policies associated with the prevention of road accidents by motorcycle are fragmented, inefficient and reactive to complex situations and poorly applied by the responsible traffic agencies at national, regional and municipal level.

Muerte accidental por consumo combinado de cocaína y etanol Revisión bibliográfica / Accidental death from combined cocaine and ethanol use. Literature review

La autopsia médico legal en Costa Rica, en casos sospechosos de intoxicación por cocaetileno se debe realizar bajo las normas establecidas en la Guía de estándares de trabajo para la Sección de Patología Forense del Departamento de Medicina Legal. El análisis del mecanismo fisiopatológico de cómo estas sustancias provocan alteraciones en el organismo que pueden conllevar a un eventual fallecimiento corresponde a parte del análisis requerido en la investigación ante la sospecha de esta causa de muerte. Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este artículo es describir los mecanismos fisiopatológicos que ocurren durante el consumo combinado de cocaína y etanol, los mecanismos que conllevan a la muerte de personas consumidoras de estas sustancias y las consideraciones médico legales a tomar en cuenta para el diagnóstico de esta causa de muerte. Se realizó revisión de artículos científicos, sobre los efectos del uso combinado de la cocaína y el etanol. La literatura describe que el uso combinado de cocaína y etanol potencia los efectos farmacocinéticos y bioquímicos de cada una de estas sustancias, que su derivado, el cocaetileno, es capaz de generar por sí mismo los mecanismos causantes de la muerte. Que los principales mecanismos fisiopatológicos que conllevan la muerte ante el uso combinado de estas sustancias son de origen cardiovascular y hepático. Como consideraciones médico legales a tomar en cuenta para el diagnóstico de esta manera de muerte accidental, en la Sección de Toxicología del Departamento de Ciencias Forenses de Costa Rica, la cuantificación del cocaetileno y las sustancias relacionadas no se realiza, aunque se encuentra actualmente en el desarrollo de un proyecto para la determinación de la estabilidad de las drogas en sangre bajo las condiciones de almacenamiento, con el fin de ofrecer la posibilidad de cuantificar ciertas drogas (en donde se podría incluir el cocaetileno) en un futuro próximo.

Medical-legal autopsy in Costa Rica, in suspected cases of cocaethylene poisoning must be performed under the regulations established in the Work Standards Guide for the Forensic Pathology Section of the Department of Legal Medicine. The analysis of the pathophysiological mechanism of how these substances cause alterations in the organism that can lead to eventual death corresponds to part of the analysis required in the investigation when this cause of death is suspected. Therefore, the objective of this article is to describe the pathophysiological mechanisms that occur during the combined consumption of cocaine and ethanol, the mechanisms that lead to the death of people who consume these substances, and the medico-legal considerations to be considered for the diagnosis. of this cause of death. A review of scientific articles was carried out on the effects of the combined use of cocaine and ethanol. The literature describes that the combined use of cocaine and ethanol enhances the pharmacokinetic and biochemical effects of each one of these substances, that its derivative, cocaethylene, can generate the mechanisms that cause death by itself. That the main pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to death in the combined use of these substances are of cardiovascular and hepatic origin. As legal medical considerations to take into account for the diagnosis of this type of accidental death, in the Toxicology Section of the Department of Forensic Sciences of Costa Rica, the quantification of cocaethylene and related substances is not carried out, although it is currently in the development of a project for the determination of the stability of drugs in blood under storage conditions, in order to offer the possibility of quantifying certain drugs (which could include cocaethylene) in the near future.

Accuracy of mortality indicators due sepsis-associated deaths in the Federal District / Acurácia dos indicadores de mortalidade devido a sepse dos óbitos ocorridos no Distrito Federal / Precisión de los indicadores de mortalidad por sepsis de las defunciones ocurridas en el Distrito Federal

Background: Sepsis currently represents a challenge for health systems, this fact may be related to the spread of bacterial resistance, the increase in the population of elderly, immunosuppressed individuals, and the improvement of emergency care, favoring the survival of critically ill patients. This article aimed to evaluate the accuracy of mortality indicators due to sepsis in 2018. Method: Validation study of death certificates that occurred in the Federal District in 2018. Declarations whose basic causes of death identified were classified as garbage codes were identified, which were investigated by a multidisciplinary team, capable of reclassifying them with codes that allow for the improvement of health data. In order to assess accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios of death certificates from sepsis were calculated, with 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 6.244 statements were evaluated, of which 233 (3.74%) presented sepsis as the underlying cause before being investigated and only 35 (0.56%) maintained it after the investigation. The filling of statements with sepsis as the underlying cause by physicians showed a sensitivity of 0.9% (95%CI: 0.6 to 1.3) and a specificity of 92.0% (95%CI: 90.9 to 93.1). Conclusion: The low accuracy of the declarations demonstrates the non-reliability of the underlying cause of death from sepsis, especially the completion of death certificates that occurred in the Federal District in 2018.(AU)

Justificativa: A sepse, atualmente, representa um desafio para os sistemas de saúde, tal fato pode estar relacionado com a disseminação da resistência bacteriana, o aumento da população de idosos, os indivíduos imunossuprimidos, e a melhoria do atendimento de emergência, favorecendo a sobrevivência de pacientes críticos. Este artigo teve por objetivo avaliar a acurácia dos indicadores de mortalidade devido à sepse em 2018. Método: Estudo de validação da causa básica dos óbitos ocorridos no Distrito Federal em 2018. Foram identificadas as declarações de óbito cujas causas básicas de morte apontadas foram classificadas como garbage code sepse, as quais foram investigadas por uma equipe multidisciplinar, capacitada para reclassificá-las com códigos que permitem o aprimoramento dos dados em saúde. A fim de avaliar a acurácia, foram calculados os valores de sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivo e negativo, razões de verossimilhança positiva e negativa das declarações dos óbitos por sepse, com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Um total de 6.244 declarações foram avaliadas, das quais 233 (3,74%) apresentavam a sepse como causa básica antes de serem investigadas e apenas 35 (0,56%) mantiveram-na após a investigação. O preenchimento das declarações com a sepse enquanto causa básica pelos médicos apresentou sensibilidade de 0,9% (IC95%: 0,6 a 1,3) e especificidade de 92,0% (IC95%: 90,9 a 93,1). Conclusão: A baixa acurácia das declarações demonstra a não fidedignidade da causa básica de óbito por sepse, sobretudo, do preenchimento das declarações dos óbitos ocorridos no Distrito Federal em 2018.(AU)

Justificación: Sepsis representa en la actualidad un desafío para los sistemas de salud, este hecho puede estar relacionado con propagación de resistencias bacterianas, aumento de la población de ancianos, inmunodeprimidos, y mejora de la atención de urgencias, favoreciendo la supervivencia de los pacientes críticos. Este artículo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la precisión de los indicadores de mortalidad por sepsis en 2018. Método: Estudio de validación de causa básica de muertes ocurridas en Distrito Federal en 2018. Se identificaron actas de defunción cuyas causas básicas de muerte fueron clasificadas como sepsis código basura y fueron investigadas por un equipo multidisciplinario capacitado para reclasificarlas con códigos que permitan la mejora de datos de salud. Para evaluar la precisión, se calcularon sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos positivo y negativo y razones de verosimilitud positiva y negativa de certificados de defunción por sepsis, con intervalos de confianza del 95%. Resultados: se evaluaron 6.244 declaraciones, de las cuales 233 (3,74%) tenían como causa básica la sepsis antes de ser investigadas y solo 35 (0,56%) mantuvieron después de investigación. Realización de declaraciones con sepsis como causa subyacente por parte de los médicos mostró sensibilidad del 0,9% (95%IC: 0,6 a 1,3) y especificidad del 92,0% (95%IC: 90,9 a 93,1). Conclusión: Baja precisión de las declaraciones demuestra la poca confiabilidad de la causa subyacente de muerte por sepsis, especialmente la finalización de los certificados de defunción ocurridos en Distrito Federal en 2018.(AU)

Early death and causes of death of patients with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review / 北京大学学报(医学版)

To study of premature/early death of autistic patients from the perspective of life course can help families, medical institutions and policy makers better deal with the adverse effects of autism. Several studies have shown that autistic patients have a high risk of death, however, the results are still inconsistent. To assess the risk of mortality among the autistic patients, we undertook a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. This paper reviewed the studies on the negative disease outcomes of autism spectrum disorders, including the risk of death, causes of death and several research hotspots in this field. Strict inclusion/exclusion criteria were used. Information was extracted from selected papers, tabulated and synthesized. In the study, 15 studies were included, with a total of 216 045 individuals. The main outcome was all-cause mortality in association with autism and the secondary outcome was cause-specific mortality. The results showed that all-cause mortality was higher for the autistic patients (RR=2.32, 95%CI: 1.98-2.72, I2=87.1%, P < 0.001). Risk ratio showed a greater inequality for female than male (male: RR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.57-2.55, I2=93.2%, P < 0.001; female: RR=4.66, 95%CI: 3.30-6.58, I2=92.0%, P < 0.001). Compared with the unnatural death, the risk of natural death was higher (RR=3.44, 95%CI: 1.27-9.26, I2=80.2%, P=0.025). As autism had many comorbidities, which would bring more health risks and natural deaths possibilities. There were some structural differences in unnatural death. Accidental injury death and suicide were two kinds of causes. Lacking social skills would weaken the ability to ask for help when encountering injuries. This paper put forward some suggestions for futures. First, to well study the comorbidity can reduce the risk of death from a medical point of view. Second, the scientists and policymakers should pay attention to the social environment and provide a safer environment for the autistic patients. Third, for women and for adolescents without cognitive impairment, due to their high risk of suicide, the society should provide them with more supportive social networks and improve their life satisfaction. Fourth, it is necessary to balance the rehabilitation resources in various regions in China and provide more high-quality lifelong rehabilitation monitoring and care services.

Research Progress on Molecular Changes in Pulmonary Hypoxia and Cause of Death Identification in Mechanical Asphyxia / 法医学杂志

Lung is the largest organ of the respiratory system. During hypoxia, pulmonary cells undergo rapid damage changes and activate the self-rescue pathways, thus leading to complex biomacromolecule modification. Death from mechanical asphyxia refers to death due to acute respiratory disorder caused by mechanical violence. Because of the absence of characteristic signs in corpse, the accurate identification of mechanical asphyxia has always been the difficulty in forensic pathology. This paper reviews the biomacromolecule changes under the pulmonary hypoxia condition and discusses the possibility of application of these changes to accurate identification of death from mechanical asphyxia, aiming to provide new ideas for related research.

Diferenciais regionais da mortalidade no Brasil: contribuição dos grupos etários e de causas de óbito sobre a variação da esperança de vida e da dispersão da idade à morte entre 2008 e 2018 / Regional inequalities in mortality in Brazil: contributions of age and cause of death to changes in life expectancy and lifespan variation between 2008 and 2018 / Diferenciales regionales de mortalidad en Brasil: contribución de los grupos de edad y las causas de muerte en la variación de la esperanza de vida y la dispersión de la edad al morir entre 2008 y 2018

Resumo O Brasil é um país marcado por forte desigualdade socioeconômica entre as regiões, que, por sua vez, se traduz em diferenciais regionais de mortalidade. Para um bom monitoramento desses diferenciais, é importante uma análise não apenas dos níveis médios de mortalidade, mas também da variação da idade à morte na população. Esse artigo analisa a contribuição das causas de óbito sobre as mudanças na esperança de vida e na dispersão da idade à morte no Brasil e grandes regiões entre 2008 e 2018. Os resultados sugerem aumento dos diferenciais regionais na esperança de vida ao longo da década analisada. No entanto, as diferenças regionais na dispersão da idade à morte se mantiveram praticamente constantes. As mudanças na mortalidade por causa impactam de maneiras diferentes a dispersão da idade à morte em cada região: a redução da mortalidade por causas externas contribui substantivamente para diminuir a variação da idade à morte nas regiões Sul e Sudeste, enquanto a contribuição das mortes por afecções originadas no período perinatal foi substantiva apenas na região Nordeste. Por fim, reafirmamos a importância dos indicadores de dispersão da idade à morte para se ter uma visão mais ampla dos diferenciais regionais de mortalidade no Brasil.

Abstract Brazil is a country marked by substantial socioeconomic inequality among regions, which translates into regional differentials in mortality. For better monitoring these differentials, it is important to analyze not only population average mortality levels, but also the age at death variation. This article analyzes cause-of-death contributions to changes in life expectancy and age-at-death variation in Brazil and its regions between 2008 and 2018. Our results suggest an increase in regional inequalities in life expectancy over the decade. However, regional differences in age-at-death variation remained nearly constant. Changes in mortality by cause impact the age-at-death variation differently in each region: the reduction in mortality from external causes substantially contributed to decreasing the variation in age at death in the South and Southeast regions, whereas the contribution of deaths from conditions originating in the perinatal period was substantive only in the Northeast region. Finally, we reaffirm the importance of age-at-death dispersion indicators to have a broader view of Brazil's regional differentials in mortality.

Resumen Brasil es un país marcado por fuertes desigualdades socioeconómicas entre sus regiones, lo que traduce a su vez se en diferencias regionales en la mortalidad. Para un buen seguimiento de estos diferenciales es importante analizar no solo los niveles medios de mortalidad, sino también la variación de la edad de la muerte en la población. Este artículo analiza la contribución de los grupos de causas de defunción sobre los cambios en la esperanza de vida al nacer y la dispersión de la edad al morir en Brasil y las grandes regiones entre 2008 y 2018. Nuestros resultados sugieren un aumento de las diferencias regionales en la esperanza de vida a lo largo de la década. Sin embargo, las diferencias regionales en la dispersión de la edad al morir se mantuvieron prácticamente constantes. Los cambios en la mortalidad por causas repercuten de forma diferente en la dispersión de la edad al fallecer en cada región: la reducción de la mortalidad por causas externas contribuyó de forma sustantiva a disminuir la variación de la edad al morir en las regiones Sur y Sureste, mientras que la contribución de las muertes por afecciones originadas en el período perinatal fue sustantiva en la región Noreste. Por último, reafirmamos la importancia de los indicadores de dispersión de la edad al morir para tener una visión más general de los diferenciales regionales de mortalidad en Brasil.

O impacto da mortalidade por causas externas na esperança de vida nos municípios produtores de petróleo da Bacia de Campos/RJ / The impact of mortality from external causes on life expectancy in the oil-producing municipalities in the Campos Basin/RJ / El impacto de la mortalidad por causas externas en la esperanza de vida en los municipios petroleros de la Cuenca de Campos, Río de Janeiro

Resumo O crescimento da mortalidade por causas externas no Brasil tem se tornado objeto de preocupação entre pesquisadores e formuladores de políticas públicas nos últimos anos. No âmbito dos municípios produtores de petróleo da Bacia de Campos/RJ, embora muito se conheça sobre os padrões migratórios nesta região que é considerada um aspecto relevante da urbanização brasileira, as informações sobre os demais componentes da dinâmica demográfica ainda são escassas. Este estudo amplia a discussão sobre as disparidades de saúde na região, investigando o impacto da mortalidade por causas externas na expectativa de vida da população entre os períodos 2010-2014 e 2015-2019. Utilizando dados de óbitos e estimativas populacionais, foram construídas tabelas de múltiplo decremento para avaliar o ganho na expectativa de vida se a mortalidade por causas externas fosse excluída do risco de óbito e como esses ganhos diferem entre homens e mulheres. Também avaliaram-se cenários distintos de redução da mortalidade por homicídios e acidentes de trânsito, as duas principais causas de morte do grupo de causas externas. Os resultados revelam ganhos médios substanciais de expectativa de vida para ambos os sexos, especialmente para os homens. As simulações realizadas mostraram que a redução da mortalidade por acidentes de trânsito e homicídios pode trazer ganhos importantes para a população, destacando a relevância de investir em políticas públicas que combatam as causas externas de mortalidade em uma região marcada por desigualdades sociais e econômicas.

Abstract The growth of mortality due to external causes in Brazil has become a concern among researchers and public policy makers in recent years. In the municipalities that produce oil in the Campos Basin, although much is known about migration patterns in this region, considered a relevant aspect of Brazilian urbanization, information on other components of demographic dynamics is still scarce. This study expands the discussion on health disparities in the region by investigating the impact of mortality due to external causes on life expectancy of the population between 2010-2014 and 2015-2019. Using death data and population estimates, we constructed multiple decrement tables to assess the gain in life expectancy if mortality due to external causes were excluded from the risk of death and how these gains differ between men and women. We also evaluated different scenarios reducing mortality due to homicides and traffic accidents, the two main causes of death in the external causes group. The results reveal substantial average gains in life expectancy for both sexes, especially for men. The simulations performed showed that reducing mortality due to traffic accidents and homicides can bring important gains to the population, highlighting the importance of investing in public policies that combat external causes of mortality in a region marked by social and economic inequalities.

Resumen El crecimiento de la mortalidad por causas externas en Brasil se ha convertido en objeto de preocupación entre investigadores y formuladores de políticas públicas en los últimos años. En el ámbito de los municipios productores de petróleo de la Cuenca de Campos (Río de Janeiro), aunque se sabe mucho sobre los patrones migratorios en esta región que se considera un aspecto relevante de la urbanización brasileña, la información sobre los demás componentes de la dinámica demográfica sigue siendo escasa. Este estudio amplía la discusión sobre las disparidades de salud en la región, investigando el impacto de la mortalidad por causas externas en la esperanza de vida de la población entre 2010-2014 y 2015-2019. Con datos de defunciones y estimaciones poblacionales, construimos tablas de múltiple decremento para evaluar la ganancia en la esperanza de vida si la mortalidad por causas externas fuera excluida del riesgo de defunción y cómo estas ganancias difieren entre hombres y mujeres. También evaluamos escenarios distintos de reducción de la mortalidad por homicidios y accidentes de tráfico, las dos principales causas de muerte del grupo de causas externas. Los resultados revelan ganancias medias sustanciales de esperanza de vida para ambos sexos, en especial para los hombres. Las simulaciones mostraron que la reducción de la mortalidad por accidentes de tráfico y homicidios puede traer ganancias importantes para la población, destacando la importancia de invertir en políticas públicas que combatan las causas externas de mortalidad en una región marcada por desigualdades sociales y económicas.

Mortalidad en estudiantes universitarios según causas de muerte (2004-2018) / College student mortality by causes of death (2004-2018)

Introduction: College students represent an important subpopulation of the United States, with over 19 million college students in the U.S. enrolled yearly. Methods: Descriptive analysis of the causes of death for all deceased students reported by the UW Dean of Students Office (DSO) between 2004 and 2018. We analyzed frequencies and yearly rates. Results: Our analysis shows that contrary to published data and national statistics for the relevant age groups, intentional by self-harm deaths lead causes of death in enrolled students from 2004 to 2018. Intentional by self-harm is the main cause of death in male students, younger students, and white students. "Other" causes of death is the main cause in female students, older students, and students of color. Conclusions: These results must be shared with different stakeholders across campus as well as with other universities in order to support and evaluate campus-wide prevention strategies for means restriction and environmental safety.

Introducción: Los estudiantes universitarios representan una subpoblación importante de los Estados Unidos, con más de 19 millones de matriculados anualmente. Sin embargo, hay pocos datos publicados sobre la mortalidad y causas de muerte en la población universitaria. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar las causas de muerte, basadas en datos de certificados de defunción, de estudiantes matriculados en University of Winconsin- Madison desde 2004 hasta 2018. Métodos: Análisis descriptivo de las causas oficiales de muerte de todos los estudiantes fallecidos reportados por la Oficina del Decano de Estudiantes entre 2004 y 2018. Se analizaron frecuencias y tasas anuales. Resultados: El análisis muestra que, contrariamente a los datos publicados y las estadísticas nacionales para los grupos de edad relevantes, las muertes intencionales por autolesión lideran las causas de muerte en los estudiantes matriculados entre esos años. Las autolesiones intencionales son la principal causa de muerte en los estudiantes varones, en los estudiantes más jóvenes y en los estudiantes blancos. Las causas incluidas en la categoría indicada como Otras son las principales en las estudiantes mujeres, en estudiantes mayores y en estudiantes de color. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio deben compartirse con las diferentes áreas interesadas en todo el campus universitario y con otras instituciones universitarias, para apoyar y evaluar las estrategias de prevención, la aplicación de los medios de restricción y la seguridad ambiental.

Early death, morbidity and pharmacotherapy in extremely premature and very premature in neonatal intensive care units / Morte precoce, morbidade e farmacoterapia em prematuros extremos e muito prematuros em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the evolution of extremely preterm and very preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units, regarding the use of ventilatory support, morbidities, medication use, death, survival and viability. Methods: a non-concurrent cohort study, with 163 very premature and extreme newborns hospitalized in three neonatal intensive care units, during 2016 and 2017. A descriptive analysis of the data obtained from the medical records was performed. The outcomes studied were the use of ventilatory support, morbidities, medication use, death and causes of death. A survival curve was constructed and a viability limit was defined. Results: in the study, 28.2% were extreme and 71.8% were very premature. In this order of subgroups, the need for mechanical ventilation was higher for the extremes (65.2% and 41.0%) and the main diagnosis was early sepsis (78.6% and 82.6). Off-label (60.5% and 47.9%) and off-license (25.3% and 29.0%) medications were used. Most deaths (57.8%) occurred between the extremes, mainly due to septic shock. Survival was lower for the lowest gestational ages and the limit of viability was between 26 and 27 weeks. Conclusions: the main morbidities were from the respiratory system, with high use of off-label and unlicensed medications. Extremes had a greater demand for intensive care in addition to needing more drugs and progressing more to death.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a evolução dos prematuros extremos e muito prematuros internados em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatais, quanto ao uso de suporte ventilatório e de medicamentos, óbito, sobrevida e viabilidade. Métodos: estudo de coorte não concorrente, com 163 recém-nascidos muito prematuros e extremos internados em três unidades de terapia intensiva neonatais, durante 2016 e 2017. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados obtidos dos prontuários. Os desfechos estudados foram o uso de suporte ventilatório, morbidades, uso de medicamentos, óbito e causas de óbito. Foi construída curva de sobrevivência e delimitado um limite de viabilidade. Resultados: no estudo, 28,2% eram extremos e 71,8% muito prematuros. Nessa ordem de subgrupos, a necessidade de ventilação mecânica foi maior para os extremos (65,2% e 41,0%) e o principal diagnóstico foi sepse precoce (78,6% e 82,6).Medicamentos off-label (60,5% e 47,9%) e sem-licença (25,3% e 29,0%) foramutilizados. A maioria dos óbitos (57,8%) ocorreu entre os extremos, principalmente por choque séptico. A sobrevivência foi menor para as menores idades gestacionais e o limite de viabilidade ficou entre 26 e 27 semanas. Conclusões: as principais morbidades foram do sistema respiratório, com alto uso de medicamentos off-label e sem licença. Extremos tiveram maior demanda de cuidados intensivos além de necessitarem de mais medicamentos e evoluírem mais ao óbito.

Mortalidade infantil por causas evitáveis: perfil epidemiológico e tendencial em um município de médio porte da região oeste do Paraná, 2011-2021 / Infant mortality from preventable causes: epidemiological and trend profile in a medium-sized municipality in the western Paraná region, 2011-2021 / Mortalidad infantil por causas prevenibles: perfil epidemiológico y tendencia en un municipio de tamaño medio de la región oeste del Paraná, 2011-2021

Objetivo: analisar o perfil epidemiológico e a tendência da mortalidade infantil por causas evitáveis em Fazenda Rio Grande/PR, de 2011 a 2021. Método: realizou-se um estudo de série temporal com dados obtidos dos Sistemas de Informações de Mortalidade e Nascidos Vivos. As taxas de mortalidade foram calculadas segundo categorias: neonatal precoce; tardia e pós-neonatal; evitáveis e não evitáveis; e reduzíveis por adequada atenção à mãe e neonato, com avaliação de tendência por regressão linear de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: As maiores proporções de óbitos evitáveis, foram por inadequada atenção à mulher no parto (36,5%), à mulher na gestação (26,8%), e ao recém- nascido (16%). Observou-se redução percentual nos coeficientes de óbitos gerais (ß = - 0,32; IC95% -0,91;0,68) e por causas evitáveis (ß = -0,74; IC95% -0,98;0,50), mesmo não havendo significância estatística nos resultados relativos às tendências (p ≥ 0,05). Conclusão: A partir dos resultados obtidos, Constatou-se a necessidade de intervenções voltadas ao cuidado materno-infantil, essencialmente na atenção à mulher no pré-natal e no parto e ao neonato, visto que constituem percentuais expressivos dentre as causas de morte evitáveis. A redução da mortalidade infantil é um desafio global para os serviços de saúde e sociedade como um todo. Sua análise permite incorporar o uso de informação qualificada no planejamento e avaliação de ações e políticas públicas voltadas à saúde materno-infantil, tal como, embasar novos estudos, fundamentais para alicerçar a avaliação crítica da prática em relação aos achados de pesquisa e promover mudanças baseadas em evidências.

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological profile and the trend of infant mortality from preventable causes in Fazenda Rio Grande/PR, from 2011 to 2021. Method: a time-series study was conducted with data obtained from the Mortality and Live Births Information Systems. Mortality rates were calculated according to categories: early neonatal; late and post-neonatal; preventable and non-preventable; and reduceable by adequate attention to the mother and neonate, with trend evaluation by Prais-Winsten linear regression. Results: The highest proportions of avoidable deaths, were due to inadequate care of the woman in childbirth (36.5%), the woman in pregnancy (26.8%), and the newborn (16%). There was a percentage reduction in the coefficients of general deaths (ß = -0.32; 95%CI -0.91;0.68) and by preventable causes (ß = -0.74; 95%CI - 0.98;0.50), even though there was no statistical significance in the results regarding trends (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: From the results obtained, there was a need for interventions aimed at maternal and child care, especially in the care of women in prenatal and childbirth and neonates, since they constitute significant percentages among the causes of preventable death. The reduction of infant mortality is a global challenge for health services and society as a whole. Its analysis allows us to incorporate the use of qualified information in the planning and evaluation of actions and public policies aimed at maternal and child health, as well as to support new studies, which are essential to support the critical evaluation of the practice in relation to research findings and to promote evidence-based changes.

Objetivo: analizar el perfil epidemiológico y la tendencia de la mortalidad infantil por causas evitables en Fazenda Rio Grande/PR, de 2011 a 2021. Material y método: se realizó un estudio de series temporales con datos obtenidos de los Sistemas de Información de Mortalidad y Nacidos Vivos. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad según las categorías: neonatal precoz; neonatal tardía y posneonatal; prevenible y no prevenible; y reducible por atención adecuada a la madre y al neonato, con evaluación de la tendencia por regresión lineal de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: Las mayores proporciones de muertes evitables, se debieron a la inadecuada atención a la mujer en el parto (36,5%), a la mujer en el embarazo (26,8%) y al recién nacido (16%). Hubo una reducción porcentual en los coeficientes de muertes generales (ß = -0,32; IC 95% -0,91;0,68) y por causas evitables (ß = -0,74; IC 95% -0,98;0,50), aunque no hubo significación estadística en los resultados en cuanto a tendencias (p ≥ 0,05). Conclusiones: De los resultados obtenidos se desprende la necesidad de intervenciones dirigidas a la atención materno- infantil, especialmente en la atención de la mujer en el prenatal y parto y de los neonatos, ya que constituyen porcentajes significativos entre las causas de muerte prevenible. La reducción de la mortalidad infantil es un reto global para los servicios de salud y la sociedad en su conjunto. Su análisis permite incorporar el uso de información cualificada en la planificación y evaluación de acciones y políticas públicas dirigidas a la salud materno-infantil, así como apoyar nuevos estudios, que son esenciales para apoyar la evaluación crítica de la práctica en relación con los resultados de la investigación y promover cambios basados en la evidencia.

Intervenções psicológicas necessárias: a prática como residente no serviço de medicina fetal / Necessary psychological interventions: the practice as a resident in the fetal medicine service / Intervenciones psicológicas necesarias: la práctica como residente en el servicio de medicina fetal

Com os avanços tecnológicos e o aprimoramento da prática médica via ultrassonografia, já é possível detectar possíveis problemas no feto desde a gestação. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prática do psicólogo no contexto de gestações que envolvem riscos fetais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo sob formato de relato de experiência como psicólogo residente no Serviço de Medicina Fetal da Maternidade Escola da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Os registros, feitos por observação participante e diário de campo, foram analisados em dois eixos temáticos: 1) intervenções psicológicas no trabalho em equipe em consulta de pré-natal, exame de ultrassonografia e procedimento de amniocentese; e 2) intervenções psicológicas em casos de bebês incompatíveis com a vida. Os resultados indicaram que o psicólogo nesse serviço é essencial para atuar de forma multiprofissional na assistência pré-natal para gravidezes de alto risco fetal. Ademais, a preceptoria do residente é relevante para sua formação e treinamento para atuação profissional no campo da psicologia perinatal.(AU)

Face to the technological advances and the improvement of medical practice via ultrasound, it is already possible to detect possible problems in the fetus since pregnancy. The objective of this study was to analyze the psychologist's practice in the context of pregnancies which involve fetal risks. It is a qualitative study based on an experience report as a psychologist trainee at the Fetal Medicine Service of the Maternity School of UFRJ. The records, based on the participant observation and field diary, were analyzed in two thematic axes: 1) psychological interventions in the teamwork in the prenatal attendance, ultrasound examination and amniocentesis procedure; and 2) psychological interventions in cases of babies incompatible to the life. The results indicated that the psychologist in this service is essential to work in a multidisciplinary way at the prenatal care for high fetal risk pregnancies. Furthermore, the resident's preceptorship is relevant to their education and training for professional performance in the field of Perinatal Psychology.(AU)

Con los avances tecnológicos y la mejora de la práctica médica a través de la ecografía, ya se puede detectar posibles problemas en el feto desde el embarazo. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la práctica del psicólogo en el contexto de embarazos de riesgos fetal. Es un estudio cualitativo basado en un relato de experiencia como residente de psicología en el Servicio de Medicina Fetal de la Escuela de Maternidad de la Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Los registros, realizados en la observación participante y el diario de campo, se analizaron en dos ejes temáticos: 1) intervenciones psicológicas en el trabajo en equipo, en la consulta prenatal, ecografía y los procedimientos de amniocentesis; y 2) intervenciones psicológicas en casos de bebés incompatibles con la vida. Los resultados señalaron como fundamental la presencia del psicólogo en este servicio trabajando de forma multidisciplinar en la atención prenatal en el contexto de embarazos de alto riesgo fetal. Además, la tutela del residente es relevante para su educación y formación para el desempeño profesional en el campo de la Psicología Perinatal.(AU)

Caracterização da mortalidade materna em uma região de saúde do interior de minas gerais / Caracterización de la mortalidad materna en una región de salud del interior de minas gerais / Characterization of maternal mortality in a health region of inland minas gerais

Objetivo: realizar um levantamento do perfil epidemiológico, assistencial e causal da mortalidade materna nos municípios de abrangência geográfica de uma Superintendência Regional de Saúde localizada no interior de Minas Gerais no período de 2004 a 2018. Método: estudo epidemiológico observacional descritivo, quantitativo, com análise de dados obtidos do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde, Declarações de Óbito e Fichas de Investigação de Óbitos Maternos. Resultados: dos 19 óbitos maternos analisados, 8 (42,10%) eram de mulheres de 20 a 29 anos, brancas, casadas, com 8 a 11 anos de estudo. Os óbitos ocorreram em instituições hospitalares (100,00%), destacando-se morte materna obstétrica direta (89,47%) com embolia obstétrica como causa (21,05%). Conclusão: as mortes maternas estudadas estão mais relacionadas à qualidade e acesso integral aos pontos de cuidados existentes na rede assistencial materno-infantil do que aos aspectos de vulnerabilidades sociais investigados.

Objetivo: realizar un estudio del perfil epidemiológico, asistencial y causal de la mortalidad materna en los municipios de cobertura geográfica de una Superintendencia Regional de Salud localizada en el interior de Minas Gerais en el período de 2004 a 2018. Método: estudio epidemiológico observacional descriptivo, cuantitativo, con análisis de datos obtenidos del Departamento de Informática del Sistema Único de Salud, Declaraciones de Óbito y Fichas de Investigación de Óbitos Maternos. Resultados: de los 19 óbitos maternos analizados, 8 (42,10%) eran de mujeres de 20 a 29 años, blancas, casadas, con 8 a 11 años de estudio. Los óbitos ocurrieron en instituciones hospitalarias (100,00%), destacándose muerte materna obstétrica directa (89,47%) con embolia obstétrica como causa (21,05%). Conclusión: las muertes maternas estudiadas están más relacionadas a la calidad y acceso integral a los puntos de atención existentes en la red asistencial materno-infantil que a los aspectos de vulnerabilidades sociales investigados.

Objective: to conduct a survey of the epidemiological, care and causal profile of maternal mortality in the cities of geographical coverage of a Regional Health Superintendence located in inland Minas Gerais in the period from 2004 to 2018. Method: descriptive, quantitative observational epidemiological study with data analysis obtained from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System, Death Certificates and Maternal Death Investigation Forms. Results: of the 19 maternal deaths analyzed, 8 (42.10%) were women aged 20 to 29 years, white, married, with 8 to 11 years of schooling. Deaths occurred in hospital institutions (100.00%), highlighting direct obstetric maternal death (89.47%) with obstetric embolism as the cause (21.05%). Conclusion: the maternal deaths studied are more related to quality and full access to existing points of care in the maternal-child care network than to the aspects of social vulnerabilities investigated.

Health inequalities in cause-specific mortality in Costa Rica: a population-based cohort study

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze health inequalities in cause-specific mortality in Costa Rica from 2010 to 2018, observing the main causes for inequality in the country. METHODS The National Electoral Rolls were used to follow-up all Costa Rican adults aged 20 years or older from 2010 to 2018 (n = 2,739,733) in an ecological study. A parametric survival model based on the Gompertz distribution was performed and the event death was classified according to the ICD-10. RESULTS After adjustment for urbanicity, the poorest districts had a higher mortality than the wealthier districts for most causes of death except neoplasms, mental and behavioral disorders, and diseases of the nervous system. Urban districts showed significantly higher mortality than mixed and rural districts after adjustment for wealth for most causes except mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the nervous system, and diseases of the respiratory system. Differences according to wealth were more frequent in women than men, whereas differences according to urbanicity were more frequent in men than in women. CONCLUSIONS The study's findings were consistent, but not fully similar, to the international literature.

Maternal mortality committee and death surveillance in Recife in improving information: ex-ante and ex-post evaluation / Comitê de mortalidade materna e a vigilância do óbito em Recife no aprimoramento das informações: avaliação ex-ante e ex-post

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the contribution of the Maternal Mortality and Death Surveillance Committee for women of childbearing age (WCA) and maternal mortality in the magnitude of maternal mortality and in the qualification of the causes of death in Recife, Brazil. Methods: ex ante/ex post evaluation, ecological, of the annual indicators of mortality of WCA, maternal and case study of declared maternal deaths according to causes of death before and after surveillance. Deaths of WCA (2010 and 2017) were analyzed. The percentage of investigation of deaths of WCA was calculated; their rates and maternal mortality ratio (MMR) were estimated; the groups of causes of death, classification of death, the moment of death, the proportional variation before and after surveillance, and the relocation of the causes after this process were described. Results: 4.327 (97.0%) of deaths of WCA were investigated (increase of 40.7% of maternal deaths) and MMR of 62.9/100 thousand live births. Improved notifications of immediate/late (75.0%) and remote (300.0%) postpartum; there was a difference in direct obstetric causes, total maternal deaths and late maternal death (p<0.001). Conclusion: the surveillance and the Maternal Mortality Committee showed potential in identifying the magnitude and qualification of causes of maternal death in order to propose the interventions directed to obstetric care.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a contribuição do Comitê de Mortalidade Materna e da Vigilância do Óbito de mulheres em idade fértil (MIF) e materno na magnitude da mortalidade materna e na qualificação das causas dos óbitos no Recife, Brasil. Métodos: avaliação ex ante/ex post, ecológico, dos indicadores anuais de mortalidade de MIF, materna e estudo de caso de óbitos maternos declarados segundo causas de morte antes e após a vigilância. Analisaram-se óbitos de MIF (2010-2017) e calculou-se o percentual de investigação; estimaram-se suas taxas e a razão de mortalidade materna (RMM); descreveram-se: grupos de causa, classificação e momento do óbito, variação proporcional antes e após a vigilância/análise do comitê e a realocação das causas após esse processo. Resultados: investigou-se 4.327 (97,0%) dos óbitos de MIF (incremento de 40,7% das mortes maternas), e RMM de 62,9/100 mil nascidos vivos; melhoraram as notificações do puerpério imediato/ tardio (75,0%) e remoto (300,0%); houve diferença nas causas obstétricas diretas, total de óbitos maternos e morte materna tardia (p<0,001). Conclusão: mostrou-se o potencial da vigilância e do Comitê de Mortalidade Materna na identificação da magnitude e qualificação das causas de morte materna para proposição de medidas direcionadas aos cuidados obstétricos.

Causes de décès au service de médecine de l'hôpital régional de Sikasso / Causes of death in the medicine department of the regional hospital of Sikasso

Les causes de décès revêtent une grande importance dans l'évaluation de l'état de santé de la population et de la qualité des soins. Leur étude pourrait orienter les politiques de santé visant à accroître l'espérance de vie. Objectifs : C'était de déterminer les causes de mort ; d'étudier les caractéristiques sociodémographiques des défunts. Matériels et méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive portant sur tous les décès survenus dans le service de Médecine de l'hôpital de Sikasso de Janvier 2018 à Décembre 2020. Résultats : Parmi 265 décès recensés, l'âge moyen était de 45,12±17,5 ans. Le sex-ratio était de 1,59. Il s'agissait en majorité de citadins et 51,64% résidaient à Sikasso ville. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était 7,09 ± 6,38 jours. L'insuffisance rénale constituait le 1er motif d'hospitalisation. L'infection à VIH était la 1ère cause de décès (29,8%), suivie de l'insuffisance rénale (24,2%). Le sexe masculin était majoritaire dans toutes les causes de décès hormis l'infection à VIH et l'anémie. Les décès liés à l'insuffisance rénale ont quintuplé de 2018 à 2020. Conclusion : Les décès liés au VIH/SIDA reste en tête malgré leur forte réduction ; ceux liés à l'insuffisance rénale ont quintuplé

The causes of death are of great importance in assessing the health status of the population and care'squality. Their study could guide health policies aimed at increasing life expectancy. Objectives: It was to determine the causes of death; to study the socio-demographic characteristics of deceased. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study of all deaths that occurred in the Medical Department of Sikasso Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. Results: Among 265 deaths recorded, the mean age was 45.12 ± 17.5 years. The sex ratio was 1.59. They were mostly city dwellers and 51.64% lived in Sikasso city. The mean length of hospitalization was 7.09 ± 6.38 days. Kidney failure was the first reason for hospitalization. HIV infection was the leading cause of death (29.8%), followed by renal failure (24.2%). The male sex was predominant in all causes of death except HIV infection and anemia. Deaths linked to kidney failure have increased fivefold from 2018 to 2020. Conclusion: Deaths related to HIV/AIDS remain in the lead despite their strong reduction; those related to kidney failure have increased fivefold

Surveillance on pediatric bacterial meningitis in Gondar University Hospital, Ethiopia from 2012 to 2021: Retrospective analysis

Introduction: Acute Bacterial meningitis is still a major cause of death in under-five children. Surveillance on Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis has been set up by the World Health Organization to generate data on vaccine preventable causes of Meningitis in under-five children. Ethiopia is one of the countries conducting the surveillance and Gondar University Hospital is one of the sentinel surveillance sites. In this study we described the epidemiological data on Bacterial meningitis in under-five children at Gondar University Hospital from 2012-2021. Methods: Data were extracted directly from Gondar University Hospital surveillance database collected from under-five children admitted to the Hospital with suspected meningitis from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st , 2021. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected using standard pretested questioners. All under-five children with suspected meningitis over the 10-years period were included and descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean, median and standard deviations were used for the characteristics of under-five Children with Suspected Bacterial Meningitis. Results: In this study, a total of 4311 under-five admitted with suspected bacterial meningitis from 2012 to 2021 were enrolled. The majority, 71% of suspected meningitis were reported in infants. The mortality rate in suspected meningitis during the study period was 1%. The majority (92.4 %) had fever at presentation followed by seizure (62.7 %), altered consciousness (58.9 %) and bulged fontanel in 48.3 %, respectively. The commonest bacteria identified by CSF culture and Polymerase Chain Reaction was Streptococcus pneumonia (SPN). There was a reduction of confirmed meningitis cases from 2012 to 2021 (26 cases in 2012 and 6cases in 2021). Conclusions: Streptococcus pneumoniae was the commonest cause of PBM. Bacterial detection by culture was low which showed that Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test should be encouraged to improve bacterial detection.

Tendance de la mortalité maternelle au Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Constantine entre 2012 et 2017 / Trend in maternal mortality at Constantine University Hospital between 2012 and 2017

Contexte et objectifs. Les données sur la tendance de la mortalité maternelle sont fragmentaires en Afrique Subsaharienne. La présente étude avait pour objectif de faire une analyse triennale de l'évolution du taux de mortalité maternelle et identifier les causes de décès. Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude observationnelle documentaire, sur la mortalité maternelle enregistrée ; au Centre hospitalo universitaire de Constantine, entre le 1er Janvier 2012 et le 31 Décembre 2017. Résultats. Soixante-dix décès maternels ont été déplorés. Le taux de mortalité maternelle est de 101,3 décès pour 100 000 naissances vivantes. Les hémorragies obstétricales et les complications hypertensives de la grossesse sont les premières causes de mortalité. L'analyse des données triennales met en évidence une baisse importante de la mortalité par hémorragie et par complications de l'anesthésie. Conclusion. Cette étude a permis de dresser un profil des causes de la mortalité maternelle dont les niveaux restent inquiétants et requièrent une action globale.

Contributory factors to early neonatal deaths in the Upper East Regional Hospital in Ghana

Objective: This study examined factors identified during early neonatal death audits contributing to preventable newborn deaths at the Upper East Regional Hospital. Method: Data for this study was collected retrospectively from perinatal death audit forms using three data collectors. Data collection lasted two weeks, from 18th June to 2nd July 2021. The data collectors submitted 113 filled hard copy data collection forms. This was then entered into a designed Excel sheet and exported to STATA software version 15.0 for analysis. The analysis was descriptive statistics with cross-tabulation. The results were presented in charts and tables focusing on percentages. Results: Most of the 113 neonatal deaths were from birth asphyxia (63%). Forty-six (40.7%) of the deaths occurred within 24 hrs after birth. There were 38 factors reported 254 times in the audits as contributory to all the newborn deaths; 17 health personnel-related factors stated 141 (55.5%) times, four transportation and communication-related factors stated 43 (16.9%) times, seven health facility factors stated 31 (12.2%) times. Inappropriate care during transportation to the regional hospital was reported most - 21 times, followed by delay in referral - 18 times. Conclusion: The study identified many factors, such as medical personnel-related factors, transportation and communication factors, family-related factors, and health facility administration factors, contributing to early neonatal deaths. Effective implementation of neonatal death audit-based recommendations arising from these contributory factors is critical to preventing avoidable newborn deaths.