Antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates and syndromic treatment of men with urethral discharge in Kingston, Jamaica, 2018-19.

OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates from men with urethral discharge in Jamaica and to describe the syndromic treatment therapies administered. METHODS: Urethral eSwabs (Copan) were collected from 175 men presenting with urethral discharge to the Comprehensive Health Centre STI Clinic, Kingston, Jamaica. Clinical information was collected and MICs of eight antimicrobials were determined for N. gonorrhoeae isolates (n = 96) using Etest and interpreted using CLSI criteria. RESULTS: The median age of the subjects was 28 years (range: 18-73 years) with a median of 2 sexual partners (range: 1-25) per male in the previous 3 months. All examined N. gonorrhoeae isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone (96/96), azithromycin (91/91), cefixime (91/91) and spectinomycin (91/91). For ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, respectively, 98.9% (91/92) and 91.3% (84/92) of the isolates were susceptible and 1.1% (1/92) and 8.7% (8/92) showed intermediate susceptibility/resistance. For tetracycline and benzylpenicillin, respectively, 38.0% (35/92) and 22.0% (20/91) of the isolates were susceptible, 52.2% (48/92) and 74.7% (68/91) showed intermediate susceptibility/resistance and 9.8% (9/92) and 3.3% (3/91) were resistant. Syndromic treatment was administered as follows: 93.1% received 250 mg of ceftriaxone intramuscularly plus 100 mg of doxycycline orally q12h for 1-2 weeks and 6.9% received 500 mg of ciprofloxacin orally plus 100 mg of doxycycline orally q12h for 1 week. CONCLUSIONS: Ceftriaxone (250 mg) remains appropriate for gonorrhoea treatment in the examined population of men in Kingston, Jamaica. Surveillance of N. gonorrhoeae AMR should be expanded in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries to guide evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Consumption of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Is Associated with Improved Cardiometabolic Outcomes in Four African-Origin Populations Spanning the Epidemiologic Transition.

Long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are of increasing interest because of their favorable effect on cardiometabolic risk. This study explores the association between omega 6 and 3 fatty acids intake and cardiometabolic risk in four African-origin populations spanning the epidemiological transition. Data are obtained from a cohort of 2500 adults aged 25-45 enrolled in the Modeling the Epidemiologic Transition Study (METS), from the US, Ghana, Jamaica, and the Seychelles. Dietary intake was measured using two 24 h recalls from the Nutrient Data System for Research (NDSR). The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk was analyzed by comparing the lowest and highest quartile of omega-3 (EPA+ DHA) consumption and by comparing participants who consumed a ratio of arachidonic acid (AA)/EPA + DHA ≤4:1 and >4:1. Data were analyzed using multiple variable logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, activity, calorie intake, alcohol intake, and smoking status. The lowest quartile of EPA + DHA intake is associated with cardiometabolic risk 2.16 (1.45, 3.2), inflammation 1.59 (1.17, 2.16), and obesity 2.06 (1.50, 2.82). Additionally, consuming an AA/EPA + DHA ratio of >4:1 is also associated with cardiometabolic risk 1.80 (1.24, 2.60), inflammation 1.47 (1.06, 2.03), and obesity 1.72 (1.25, 2.39). Our findings corroborate previous research supporting a beneficial role for monounsaturated fatty acids in reducing cardiometabolic risk.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine among hypertensive and type 2 diabetic patients in Western Jamaica: A mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: The simultaneous or intermittent use of alternative treatments and prescription medications for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus can have adverse health effects. OBJECTIVES: To identify beliefs and practices associated with the use of alternative treatments for hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus among patients. METHODS: A mixed-methods study including an investigator-administered survey and focus group discussion sessions using convenience sampling was conducted among patients aged ≥18 years during May to August 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and compare demographic characteristics among groups of survey participants using JMP Pro 14.0. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the qualitative data using NVivo. RESULTS: Most study participants (87-90%) were on prescription medication for their condition. Of survey participants, 69% reported taking their medication as prescribed and 70% felt that prescription medicine was controlling their condition. Almost all participants (98%) reported using alternative treatments, mainly herbal medications, and 73-80% felt that herbal medicines controlled their conditions. One-third believed that herbal medicines are the most effective form of treatment and should always be used instead of prescription medication. However, most participants (85%) did not believe that prescription and herbal treatments should be used simultaneously. Most (76-90%) did not discuss herbal treatments with their healthcare providers. Four themes emerged from the focus group sessions: 1) Simultaneous use of herbal and prescription medicine was perceived to be harmful, 2) Patients did not divulge their use of herbal medicine to healthcare providers, 3) Alternative medicines were perceived to be highly effective, and 4) Religiosity and family elders played key roles in herbal use. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides useful insights into perceptions and use of alternative treatments by patients that can be used by healthcare providers in developing appropriate interventions to encourage proper use of prescription medicines and alternative medicines resulting in improved management of these chronic diseases.

Reaching key populations through key venues: Insights from the Jamaica HIV Prevention Program.

INTRODUCTION: HIV prevention strategies often include outreach to female sex workers at social venues identified as places where people meet new sexual partners. Patrons and staff at these venues may include female sex workers, their clients, as well as others who have high rates of new sexual partnerships. Few studies have compared HIV/STI among venue-based and general populations, across types of venues, or by sub-group of the venue population. Program planners often assume that the prevalence of infection is highest among female sex workers and considerably lower among other people at these venues, but there are few empiric studies assessing the prevalence of infection by sex worker status and type of venue. METHODS: In 2011, we used the PLACE method to identify public venues where people meet new sexual partners across Jamaica. The study team visited all venues with reported sex work as well as a 10% random sample of other venues and subsequently interviewed and tested a probability sample of 991 venue patrons and workers for HIV and other STI. RESULTS: Community informants identified 1207 venues. All venues where sex work was reported (735 venues) and a random sample of the remainder (134 of 472) were selected for onsite visits. Of these, 585 were found and operational. At a stratified random sample of venues, survey teams interviewed and tested 717 women and 274 men. 394 women reported recent sex work and 211 of these women reported soliciting clients on the street. Women exchanging sex for money were more likely to be infected with HIV (5.4% vs 1.0%; OR = 5.6, 95% CI = 1.8,17.3) or syphilis (11.7% vs. 5.8%, OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.7,4,0) than other women, but not significantly more likely to be infected with gonorrhea (8.4% vs 7.8%; OR = 1.1,95% CI = 0.6,1.9), chlamydia (16.2% vs 21.6%;OR = 0.7,95% CI = 0.5,1.0) or trichomoniasis (23.0% vs 17.0%, OR = 1.5,95% CI = 0.9,2.2). Women at venues were more likely to report sex work and multiple partners than women interviewed in a 2008 national population-based household survey commissioned by the Ministry of Health. CONCLUSIONS: In Jamaica, although the highest HIV prevalence was among street-based sex workers, the risk of HIV and STI extends to men and women at high risk venues, even those who do not self-identify as sex workers. Findings confirm the appropriateness of outreach to all men and women at these venues.

Effect of high dose folic acid supplementation in pregnancy on pre-eclampsia (FACT): double blind, phase III, randomised controlled, international, multicentre trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of high dose folic acid supplementation for prevention of pre-eclampsia in women with at least one risk factor: pre-existing hypertension, prepregnancy diabetes (type 1 or 2), twin pregnancy, pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy, or body mass index ≥35. DESIGN: Randomised, phase III, double blinded international, multicentre clinical trial. SETTING: 70 obstetrical centres in five countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Jamaica, and UK). PARTICIPANTS: 2464 pregnant women with at least one high risk factor for pre-eclampsia were randomised between 2011 and 2015 (1144 to the folic acid group and 1157 to the placebo group); 2301 were included in the intention to treat analyses. INTERVENTION: Eligible women were randomised to receive either daily high dose folic acid (four 1.0 mg oral tablets) or placebo from eight weeks of gestation to the end of week 16 of gestation until delivery. Clinicians, participants, adjudicators, and study staff were masked to study treatment allocation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was pre-eclampsia, defined as hypertension presenting after 20 weeks' gestation with major proteinuria or HELLP syndrome (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets). RESULTS: Pre-eclampsia occurred in 169/1144 (14.8%) women in the folic acid group and 156/1157 (13.5%) in the placebo group (relative risk 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.90 to 1.34; P=0.37). There was no evidence of differences between the groups for any other adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Supplementation with 4.0 mg/day folic acid beyond the first trimester does not prevent pre-eclampsia in women at high risk for this condition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN23781770 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01355159.

The Jamaican Haemophilia Registry: Describing the burden of disease.

INTRODUCTION: Jamaica has an estimated 200 persons with haemophilia (PWH), who face significant constraints in access to specialized haemophilia care, including access to clotting factor concentrates. AIM: The aim of this paper is to establish the current burden of disease in PWH in Jamaica. METHODS: PWH were enrolled through the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica. The impact of haemophilia was assessed using a comprehensive battery of heath outcome measures that included the following: laboratory, clinical information and validated outcome measures of joint structure and function, activity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to provide a health profile of the Jamaican haemophilia population. RESULTS: In all, 45 PWH were registered (mean age: 29, range: 0.17-69 years), including 13 children (<18 years of age) and 32 adults. In this sample, 41 had haemophilia A (30 severe) and 4 had haemophilia B (3 severe); 10 patients with haemophilia A were inhibitor positive. The results indicate that adults with haemophilia in Jamaica have significant joint damage: mean Haemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) = 42.1 (SD = 17.3); moderate activity levels - mean Haemophilia Activities List (HAL) score = 64.8 (SD = 17.8); and low HRQoL scores - mean Haemo-QoL-A score = 62.3 (SD = 19.4). Results for children are also reported but should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: There is a very high burden of disease in PWH in Jamaica. The health profiles reported in this paper are an essential first step in advocating for a multidisciplinary Comprehensive Care Program for assessment and care of PWH in Jamaica.

Urinary isoflavone and lignan phytoestrogen levels and risk of uterine fibroid in Jamaican women.

BACKGROUND: Isoflavones and lignans are phytoestrogens, and therefore, are able to bind to and activate estrogen receptors. The resultant estrogenic or antiestrogenic effect is dependent on the concentration of these phytoestrogens relative to endogenous estrogens and the site of their action, among others. Thus, isoflavones and lignans act as selective estrogen receptor modulators; having a beneficial effect in some tissues while simultaneously causing deleterious changes in others. OBJECTIVE: This case-control study investigates the relationship between urinary concentrations of genistein, daidzein, equol, and enterolactone, and the presence of uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) in Jamaican women. DESIGN: Phytoestrogen concentration in spot urine samples from 157 uterine fibroid cases and 171 fibroid-free controls diagnosed by ultrasonography, were assessed by Time-resolved Fluoroimmnoassay. Statistical evaluations were performed using SPSS 12.0. RESULTS: The median concentration of urinary enterolactone was significantly different between uterine fibroid cases and controls (p=0.029). However, this was not observed to affect risk of uterine fibroid, as trends across quartiles of urine enterolactone did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Median urinary genistein (p=0.510), daidzein (p=0.838), equol (p=0.621), total isoflavones (0.510) and total phytoestrogens (p=0.084) were similar for both groups. Binary logistic regression analysis of quartiles of urine genistein, daidzein, equol, enterolactone, total isoflavones, and total phytoestrogens showed no association with uterine fibroid. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine fibroid cases had a higher median urine concentration of enterolactone compared with controls. However, this was not observed to affect ones risk of fibroid. Neither was urine genistein, daidzein, equol total isoflavones, and total phytoestrogens observed to be associated with risk of uterine fibroid.

Impact of a Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center on Early Childhood Mortality in a Developing Country: The Jamaican Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality in children <5 years of age with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Jamaica, a resource-limited country, diagnosed by newborn screening and managed in a comprehensive care facility, to that of the general population. STUDY DESIGN: The study was carried out at the Sickle Cell Unit in Kingston, Jamaica. We determined the status (dead/alive) at age 5 years in a cohort of 548 children with SCD diagnosed by newborn screening and managed at the Sickle Cell Unit during the period November 1995 to December 2009. The standardized mortality ratio was calculated using World Health Organization life tables for reference mortality. RESULTS: Eight deaths (1.5%) occurred in children <5 years of age during the study period. The mean age at death was 2.0 ± 1.5 years. The overall mortality incidence in children <5 years of age was 3.1 (95% CI 1.6, 6.2) per 1000 person-years with a standardized mortality ratio of 0.52 (95% CI 0.3, 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in children <5 years of age with SCD diagnosed at birth and managed at a comprehensive care clinic in Jamaica is equivalent to that of the general population. Children with SCD, a highly vulnerable population, can be effectively managed, even in resource-limited environments.

Clinical findings associated with homozygous sickle cell disease in the Barbadian population--do we need a national SCD registry?

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive care in homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS) entails universal neonatal screening and subsequent monitoring of identified patients, a process which has been streamlined in the neighbouring island of Jamaica. In preparation for a similar undertaking in Barbados, we have developed a database of persons with known HbSS, and have piloted processes for documenting clinical manifestations. We now present a brief clinical profile of these findings with comparisons to the Jamaican cohort. METHODS: HbSS participants were recruited from clinics and support groups. A history of select clinical symptoms was taken and blood and urine samples and echocardiograms were analysed. A re-analysis of data from a previous birth cohort was completed. RESULTS: Forty-eight persons participated (32 F/16 M); age range 10-62 yrs. 94% had a history of ever having a painful crisis. In the past year, 44% of participants had at least one crisis. There were >69 crises in 21 individuals; 61% were self-managed at home and the majority of the others were treated and discharged from hospital; few were admitted. The prevalence of chronic leg ulceration was 27%. Forty-two persons had urinalysis, 44% were diagnosed with albuminuria (urinary protein/creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g). Thirty-two participants had echocardiography, 28% had a TRJV ≥ 2.5 m/s. Re-analysis of the incidence study revealed a sickle gene frequency (95% CI) of 2.01% (0.24 to 7.21). CONCLUSION: Although we share a common ancestry, it is thought that HbSS is less common and less severe in Barbados compared to Jamaica. The Jamaican studies reported a sickle gene frequency of 3.15 (2.81 to 3.52); the prevalence of chronic leg ulcers and albuminuria was 29.5% and 42.5% respectively. These comparisons suggest that our initial thoughts may be speculative and that HbSS may be an underestimated clinical problem in Barbados. A prospective neonatal screening programme combined with centralized, routine monitoring of HbSS morbidity and outcomes will definitively answer this question and will improve the evidence-based care and management of HbSS in Barbados.

Supporting cancer patients in Jamaica--a needs assessment survey.

OBJECTIVE: Global cancer incidence is rising rapidly particularly in the developing world where a majority of people present with advanced disease. In the English-speaking Caribbean, there is very little published data on the needs of cancer patients, their caregivers or those of allied health professionals. The research team sought to redress this balance by undertaking a needs assessment survey in the South Eastern Health Region of Jamaica to identify unmet needs and to make recommendations for improved service delivery. METHODS: A mixed methods, cross-sectional study design was used involving formal and semi-formal interviews and focus group discussions. RESULTS: The study results indicated that there were significant barriers to accessing healthcare. These included prohibitive costs of diagnosis and treatment, a mistrust of and poor communication with doctors, compounded by people's fears, belief in folk wisdom and lack of knowledge about cancer. Recommendations offered by the study participants focussed on a community-based model of support to address the multiple needs of people facing life-limiting illness and their caregivers. Healthcare practitioners recommended the development of specific policies, targeting, in particular improved drug availability and palliative care education in order to guide development of appropriate services for the large numbers of cancer patients in need. CONCLUSION: A multiplicity of unmet needs was identified by cancer patients, their caregivers and allied health professionals. Recommendations by study participants and the authors echoed the guidelines as set out by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its 1990 Public Health Model for the integration of palliative care into existing healthcare systems.

Urinary phytoestrogens and risk of prostate cancer in Jamaican men.

We evaluated the relationship of spot urinary concentrations of phytoestrogens with total prostate cancer and tumor grade in a hospital-based case-control study in Jamaica. Urine samples were analyzed for genistein, daidzein, equol (isoflavones), and enterolactone (lignan) among newly diagnosed cases (n = 175) and controls (n = 194). Urinary concentrations of enterolactone (lignan) were higher among cases. There were no significant differences in median concentrations of isoflavone excretion. Compared with non-producers of equol (reference tertile), men who produced equol were at decreased risk of total prostate cancer (tertile 2: OR, 0.42; CI, 0.23-0.75) (tertile 3: OR, 0.48; CI, 0.26-0.87) (p (trend), 0.020) and high-grade disease (tertile 2: OR, 0.31; CI, 0.15-0.61) (tertile 3: OR, 0.29; CI, 0.13-0.60) (p (trend), 0.001). Higher concentrations of enterolactone were positively related to total prostate cancer (OR, 1.85; CI, 1.01-3.44; p (trend), 0.027) as well as high-grade disease (OR, 2.46; CI, 1.11-5.46; p (trend), 0.023). There were no associations between urinary excretion of genistein and daidzein with risk of prostate cancer. Producers of equol (isoflavone) may be at reduced risk of total- and high-grade prostate cancer whereas enterolactone may increase the likelihood of disease.

The Jamaica asthma and allergies national prevalence survey: rationale and methods.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a significant public health problem in the Caribbean. Prevalence surveys using standardized measures of asthma provide valid prevalence estimates to facilitate regional and international comparisons and monitoring of trends. This paper describes methods used in the Jamaica Asthma and Allergies National Prevalence Survey, challenges associated with this survey and strategies used to overcome these challenges. METHODS/DESIGN: An island wide, cross-sectional, community-based survey of asthma, asthma symptoms and allergies was done among adults and children using the European Community Respiratory Health Survey Questionnaire for adults and the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children. Stratified multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select 2, 163 adults aged 18 years and older and 2, 017 children aged 2-17 years for the survey. The Kish selection table was used to select one adult and one child per household. Data analysis accounted for sampling design and prevalence estimates were weighted to produce national estimates. DISCUSSION: The Jamaica Asthma and Allergies National Prevalence Survey is the first population- based survey in the Caribbean to determine the prevalence of asthma and allergies both in adults and children using standardized methods. With response rates exceeding 80% in both groups, this approach facilitated cost-effective gathering of high quality asthma prevalence data that will facilitate international and regional comparison and monitoring of asthma prevalence trends. Another unique feature of this study was the partnership with the Ministry of Health in Jamaica, which ensured the collection of data relevant for decision-making to facilitate the uptake of research evidence. The findings of this study will provide important data on the burden of asthma and allergies in Jamaica and contribute to evidence-informed planning of comprehensive asthma management and education programs.

Supporting cancer patients in Jamaica: a needs assessment survey / Apoyo a los pacientes de cáncer en Jamaica: una encuesta para la evaluación de las necesidades

OBJECTIVE: Global cancer incidence is rising rapidly, particularly in the developing world where a majority of people present with advanced disease. In the English-speaking Caribbean, there is very little published data on the needs of cancer patients, their caregivers or those of allied health professionals. The research team sought to redress this balance by undertaking a needs assessment survey in the South Eastern Health Region of Jamaica to identify unmet needs and to make recommendations for improved service delivery. METHODS: A mixed methods, cross-sectional study design was used involving formal and semi-formal interviews and focus group discussions. RESULTS: The study results indicated that there were significant barriers to accessing healthcare. These included prohibitive costs of diagnosis and treatment, a mistrust of, and poor communication with doctors, compounded by people's fears, belief in folk wisdom and lack of knowledge about cancer. Recommendations offered by the study participants focussed on a community-based model of support to address the multiple needs of people facing life-limiting illness and their caregivers. Healthcare practitioners recommended the development of specific policies, targeting, in particular, improved drug availability and palliative care education in order to guide development of appropriate services for the large numbers of cancer patients in need. CONCLUSION: A multiplicity of unmet needs was identified by cancer patients, their caregivers and allied health professionals. Recommendations by study participants and the authors echoed the guidelines as set out by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its 1990 Public Health Model for the integration of palliative care into existing healthcare systems.

OBJETIVO: La incidencia de cáncer global está aumentado rápidamente, particularmente en el mundo en vías de desarrollo, dónde un gran número de personas se presentan con la enfermedad en estado avanzado. En el Caribe angloparlante, se ha publicado muy poca información sobre las necesidades de los pacientes de cáncer, sus cuidadores o los profesionales de salud asociados. El equipo de investigación buscó restablecer el equilibrio emprendiendo un estudio de evaluación de las necesidades en la Región de Salud Suroriental de Jamaica, para identificar las necesidades no satisfechas y hacer recomendaciones encaminadas a mejorar la prestación de servicios. MÉTODOS: Se empleo un diseño de estudio transversal con métodos mixtos, contentivo de entrevistas formales y semi-formales así como discusiones de grupos focales. RESULTADOS: Los resultados del estudio indicaron que había barreras considerables para el acceso a la atención a la salud. Estas comprendían costos prohibitivos para el diagnóstico y el tratamiento, desconfianza y pobre comunicación con los doctores, agravada por los miedos de la gente, la creencia en la sabiduría popular, y la falta de conocimientos sobre el cáncer. Las recomendaciones ofrecidas por los participantes en el estudio se centran en un modelo basado en la comunidad. Este modelo permite abordar las múltiples necesidades de las personas que enfrentan enfermedades limitantes de la vida, así como las necesidades de sus cuidadores. Los practicantes de cuidados de la salud recomendaron el desarrollo de políticas específicas, encaminadas especialmente a mejorar la disponibilidad de medicamentos y educación de cuidados paliativos para guiar el desarrollo de servicios apropiados para el gran número de pacientes necesitados, enfermos de cáncer. CONCLUSIÓN: Se identificaron una multiplicidad de necesidades no satisfechas, por parte de los pacientes de cáncer, sus cuidadores y profesionales de salud asociados. Las recomendaciones hechas por los participantes en el estudio y los autores, siguieron al pie de la letra los lineamientos trazados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en su Modelo de Salud Pública de 1990 para la integración del cuidado paliativo en los sistemas de cuidado de salud existentes.

HIV-related mortality in Jamaican children / Mortalidad relacionada con el VIH en niños jamaicanos

OBJECTIVE: Paediatric HIV is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We describe HIV-related mortality in a cohort of HIV-infected Jamaican children and identified factors which influenced survival. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted for the period March 2003 - December 2005 at Cornwall Regional Hospital, Montego Bay, Jamaica. We summarized demographic and clinical data of deceased and living perinatally HIV-infected children and identified factors that influenced survival of rapid and slow progressors. Rapid progressors are HIV-infected children identified clinically before age 2 years and slow progressors after age 2 years. RESULTS: There were 9 (18%) HIV/AIDS-related deaths among 50 HIV-infected children of whom 23 (46%) were males and 21(43%) were AIDS orphans. Five children (10%) received ARV prophylaxis, 31 (62%) were breastfed and 39 (78%) received HAART. Surviving children displayed primarily non-AIDS defining illnesses (pneumonia and sepsis) but there was no difference in AIDS-defining illnesses among living and deceased children. The median age at diagnosis was 26 months (range 3-121; IQR 10,54). The median age at death was 30 months (range 7-122 months; IQR 17,118). Both surviving and deceased children presented with primarily moderate symptoms at diagnosis (21, 42%) and death (7, 78%). In rapid progressors, 19 of 20 (95%) on HAART remained alive and all 4 (100%) who did not receive HAART died. The mortality rate in children on HAART was 30.78 per 100 person years and 48 per 100 person years in children not receiving HAART. CONCLUSIONS: HAART is the only factor identified which prolonged survival for HIV-infected children who are rapid progressors, have AIDS-defining illnesses and are orphans.

OBJETIVO: El VIH pediátrico es la principal causa de morbilidad y mortalidad a nivel mundial. El presente trabajo describe la mortalidad relacionada con el VIH en una cohorte de niños jamaicanos infectados por el VIH y factores identificados que influyeron en la supervivencia. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo para el período de marzo de 2003 a diciembre 2005 en el Hospital Regional Cornwall, de Montego Bay, Jamaica. Resumimos los datos clínicos y demográficos de los niños infectados por el VIH, tanto de los fallecidos como de los vivos, e identificamos los factores que influyeron en la supervivencia de progresores rápidos y lentos. Los progresores rápidos son niños infectados por el VIH identificados clínicamente antes de los dos años de edad y los preopresores lentos son aquellos identificados después de los dos años de edad. RESULTADOS: Hubo 9 (18%) muertes relacionadas con el VIH/SIDA entre 50 niños infectados por el VIH, de los cuales 23 (46%) eran varones y 21(43%) eran huérfanos del SIDA. Cinco niños (10%) recibieron profilaxis ARV, 31(62%) fueron amamantados y 39 (78%) recibieron TARAA. Los niños sobrevivientes mostraron enfermedades primariamente no definitorias de SIDA (neumonía y sepsis), pero no hubo diferencia en las enfermedades definitorias del SIDA entre los niños vivos y los fallecidos. La edad mediana al momento del diagnóstico fue de 26 meses ( rango 3-121; IQR 10, 54). La edad mediana al momento de la muerte fue de 30 meses (rango 7-122 meses; IQR 17 118). Tanto los niños sobrevivientes como los fallecidos presentaron síntomas primariamente moderados en el momento del diagnóstico (21 para un 42%) y la muerte (7 para un 78%). En los progresores rápidos, 19 de 20 (95%) bajo TARAA continuaron vivos y el total de los 4 (100%) que no recibieron TARAA murieron. La tasa de mortalidad en los niños bajo TARAA fue de 30.78 por cada 100 años-persona y 48 por 100 años-persona en niños que recibieron TARAA. CONCLUSIONES: TARAA es el único factor identificado que prolongó la supervivencia de los niños infectados con el VIH que eran rápidos progresores, tenían enfermedades definitorias del SIDA y eran huérfanos.

HIV-related mortality in Jamaican children.

OBJECTIVE: Paediatric HIV is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We describe HIV-related mortality in a cohort of HIV-infected Jamaican children and identified factors which influenced survival. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted for the period March 2003 - December 2005 at Cornwall Regional Hospital, Montego Bay, Jamaica. We summarized demographic and clinical data of deceased and living perinatally HIV-infected children and identified factors that influenced survival of rapid and slow progressors. Rapid progressors are HIV-infected children identified clinically before age 2 years and slow progressors after age 2 years. RESULTS: There were 9 (180%) HIV/AIDS-related deaths among 50 HIV-infected children of whom 23 (46%) were males and 21 (43%) were AIDS orphans. Five children (10%0) received ARV prophylaxis, 31 (62%) were breastfed and 39 (78%) received HAART Surviving children displayed primarily non-AIDS defining illnesses (pneumonia and sepsis) but there was no difference in AIDS-defining illnesses among living and deceased children. The median age at diagnosis was 26 months (range 3-121; IQR 10, 54). The median age at death was 30 months (range 7-122 months; IQR 17, 118). Both surviving and deceased children presented with primarily moderate symptoms at diagnosis (21, 42%) and death (7, 78%). In rapid progressors, 19 of 20 (95%) on HAART remained alive and all 4 (100%) who did not receive HAART died. The mortality rate in children on HAART was 30.78 per 100 person years and 48 per 100 person years in children not receiving HAART. CONCLUSIONS: HAART is the only factor identified which prolonged survival for HIV-infected children who are rapid progressors, have AIDS-defining illnesses and are orphans.

Acute lead poisoning associated with backyard lead smelting in Jamaica / Envenenamiento agudo con plomo asociado con la fundición casera de plomo en Jamaica

Long-term backyard smelting of lead in a district known as Mona Commons, Kingston, Jamaica, has produced lead burdens as high as 30 000 mg/kg in soils near to the smelter, and indoor dust loadings of 373 microg/f2 in the residents' home. The blood lead levels (BPb) of 107 children from the district were in the range 2.2-202 microg/dL. Fifty-nine per cent of these had BPb levels above 10 microg/dL and the population mean was an unacceptably high 25.1 microg/dL. The highest levels were observed for five siblings, two of whom presented with lead encephalopathy. This severe chronic exposure to lead was exacerbated by a significant history of pica, and chronic nutritional anaemia. Chelation therapy significantly reduced the BPb levels but due to lead storage in other organs, the values after several months were still higher than desirable. This study emphasizes the importance of reducing the exposure of children to lead.

Acute lead poisoning associated with backyard lead smelting in Jamaica.

Long-term backyard smelting of lead in a district known as Mona Commons, Kingston, Jamaica, has produced lead burdens as high as 30 000 mg/kg in soils near to the smelter, and indoor dust loadings of 373 microg/f2 in the residents' home. The blood lead levels (BPb) of 107 children from the district were in the range 2.2-202 microg/dL. Fifty-nine per cent of these had BPb levels above 10 microg/dL and the population mean was an unacceptably high 25.1 microg/dL. The highest levels were observed for five siblings, two of whom presented with lead encephalopathy. This severe chronic exposure to lead was exacerbated by a significant history of pica, and chronic nutritional anaemia. Chelation therapy significantly reduced the BPb levels but due to lead storage in other organs, the values after several months were still higher than desirable. This study emphasizes the importance of reducing the exposure of children to lead.

Skilled birth attendant competence: an initial assessment in four countries, and implications for the Safe Motherhood movement.

OBJECTIVES: Percentage of deliveries assisted by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) has become a proxy indicator for reducing maternal mortality in developing countries, but there is little data on SBA competence. Our objective was to evaluate the competence of health professionals who typically attend hospital and clinic-based births in Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Rwanda. METHODS: We measured competence against World Health Organization's (WHO) Integrated Management of Pregnancy and Childbirth guidelines. To evaluate knowledge, we used a 49-question multiple-choice test covering seven clinical areas. To evaluate skill, we had participants perform five different procedures on anatomical models. The 166 participants came from facilities at all levels of care in their respective countries. RESULTS: On average, providers answered 55.8% of the knowledge questions correctly and performed 48.2% of the skills steps correctly. Scores differed somewhat by country, provider type, and subtopic. CONCLUSION: A wide gap exists between current evidence-based standards and current levels of provider competence.

The quantitative assessment of body iron.

Current initiatives to reduce the high prevalence of nutritional iron deficiency have highlighted the need for reliable epidemiologic methods to assess iron status. The present report describes a method for estimating body iron based on the ratio of the serum transferrin receptor to serum ferritin. Analysis showed a single normal distribution of body iron stores in US men aged 20 to 65 years (mean +/- 1 SD, 9.82 +/- 2.82 mg/kg). A single normal distribution was also observed in pregnant Jamaican women (mean +/- 1 SD, 0.09 +/- 4.48 mg/kg). Distribution analysis in US women aged 20 to 45 years indicated 2 populations; 93% of women had body iron stores averaging 5.5 +/- 3.35 mg/kg (mean +/- 1 SD), whereas the remaining 7% of women had a mean tissue iron deficit of 3.87 +/- 3.23 mg/kg. Calculations of body iron in trials of iron supplementation in Jamaica and iron fortification in Vietnam demonstrated that the method can be used to calculate absorption of the added iron. Quantitative estimates of body iron greatly enhance the evaluation of iron status and the sensitivity of iron intervention trials in populations in which inflammation is uncommon or has been excluded by laboratory screening. The method is useful clinically for monitoring iron status in those who are highly susceptible to iron deficiency.