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Background: Hematoma expansion is a common manifestation of acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) which is associated with poor outcomes and functional status. Objective: We determined the prevalence of expansive intracranial hematomas (EIH) and assessed the predictive model for EIH occurrence and surgical evacuation outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Uganda. Methods: We recruited adult patients with TBI with intracranial hematomas in a prospective cohort study. Data analysis using logistic regression to identify relevant risk factors, assess the interactions between variables, and developing a predictive model for EIH occurrence and surgical evacuation outcomes in TBI patients was performed. The predictive accuracies of these algorithms were compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). A p-values of < 0.05 at a 95% Confidence interval (CI) was considered significant. Results: A total of 324 study participants with intracranial hemorrhage were followed up for 6 months after surgery. About 59.3% (192/324) had expansive intracranial hemorrhage. The study participants with expansive intracranial hemorrhage had poor quality of life at both 3 and 6-months with p < 0.010 respectively. Among the 5 machine learning algorithms, the random forest performed the best in predicting EIH in both the training cohort (AUC = 0.833) and the validation cohort (AUC = 0.734). The top five features in the random forest algorithm-based model were subdural hematoma, diffuse axonal injury, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, association between depressed fracture and subdural hematoma. Other models demonstrated good discrimination with AUC for intraoperative complication (0.675) and poor discrimination for mortality (0.366) after neurosurgical evacuation in TBI patients. Conclusion: Expansive intracranial hemorrhage is common among patients with traumatic brain injury in Uganda. Early identification of patients with subdural hematoma, diffuse axonal injury, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, association between depressed fracture and subdural hematoma, were crucial in predicting EIH and intraoperative complications.
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BACKGROUND: Expansive intracranial hematomas (EIH) following traumatic brain injury (TBI) continue to be a public health problem in Uganda. Data is limited regarding the neurosurgical outcomes of TBI patients. This study investigated the neurosurgical outcomes and associated risk factors of EIH among TBI patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH). METHODS: A total of 324 subjects were enrolled using a prospective cohort study. Socio-demographic, risk factors and complications were collected using a study questionnaire. Study participants were followed up for 180 days. Univariate, multivariable, Cox regression analyses, Kaplan Meir survival curves, and log rank tests were sequentially conducted. P-values of < 0.05 at 95% Confidence interval (CI) were considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 324 patients with intracranial hematomas, 80.6% were male. The mean age of the study participants was 37.5 ± 17.4 years. Prevalence of EIH was 59.3% (0.59 (95% CI: 0.54 to 0.65)). Participants who were aged 39 years and above; PR = 1.54 (95% CI: 1.20 to 1.97; P = 0.001), and those who smoke PR = 1.21 (95% CI: 1.00 to 1.47; P = 0.048), and presence of swirl sign PR = 2.26 (95% CI: 1.29 to 3.95; P = 0.004) were found to be at higher risk for EIH. Kaplan Meier survival curve indicated that mortality at the 16-month follow-up was 53.4% (95% CI: 28.1 to 85.0). Multivariate Cox regression indicated that the predictors of mortality were old age, MAP above 95 mmHg, low GCS, complications such as infection, spasticity, wound dehiscence, CSF leaks, having GOS < 3, QoLIBRI < 50, SDH, contusion, and EIH. CONCLUSION: EIH is common in Uganda following RTA with an occurrence of 59.3% and a 16-month higher mortality rate. An increased age above 39 years, smoking, having severe systemic disease, and the presence of swirl sign are independent risk factors. Old age, MAP above 95 mmHg, low GCS, complications such as infection, spasticity, wound dehiscence, CSF leaks, having a GOS < 3, QoLIBRI < 50, ASDH, and contusion are predictors of mortality. These findings imply that all patients with intracranial hematomas (IH) need to be monitored closely and a repeat CT scan to be done within a specific period following their initial CT scan. We recommend the development of a protocol for specific surgical and medical interventions that can be implemented for patients at moderate and severe risk for EIH.
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Brain Injuries, Traumatic , Contusions , Humans , Male , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Female , Prospective Studies , Uganda/epidemiology , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/complications , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/surgery , Risk Factors , Hematoma , Postoperative Complications , Contusions/complications , Glasgow Coma ScaleABSTRACT
Introduction: Fibrinogen levels drop quicker than any other factors in severe trauma such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Contemporaneous studies show that fibrinogen concentrations < 2 g/L are strongly related to mortality. However, little is known regarding fibrinogen levels and TBI severity as well as mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. We therefore set out to determine whether fibrinogen levels are associated with TBI severity and seven days outcomes. Objectives: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of fibrinogen levels and the association with severity and mortality among TBI patients at Mulago Hospital. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 213 patients with TBI aged between 13 and 60 years of age and presenting within 24hrs of injury. Patients with pre-existing coagulopathy, concurrent use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents, pre-existing hepatic insufficiency, diabetes mellitus and who were pregnant were excluded. Fibrinogen levels were determined using the Clauss fibrinogen assay. Results: Majority of the patients were male (88.7%) and nearly half were aged 30 or less (48.8%). Fibrinogen levels less than 2g/L were observed in 74 (35.1%) of the patients while levels above 4.5 g/L were observed in 30(14.2%) of the patients. The average time spent in the study was 3.7 ± 2.4 days. The sensitivity and specificity using fibrinogen < 2g/L was 56.5% and 72.9% respectively. Fibrinogen levels predict TBI severity with an AUC = 0.656 (95% CI 0.58-0.73: p = 0.000) Fibrinogen levels < 2g/L (hypofibrinogenemia) were independently associated with severe TBI. (AOR 2.87 CI,1.34-6.14: p = 0.007). Levels above 4.5g/L were also independently associated with injury severity (AOR 2.89, CI 1.12-7.48: p < 0.05) Fibrinogen levels more than 4.5g/L were independently associated with mortality (OR 4.5, CI;1.47-13.61, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The fibrinogen level is a useful tool in predicting severity including mortality of TBI in our settings. We recommend the routine use of fibrinogen levels in TBI patient evaluations as levels below 2g/L and levels above 4.5g/L are associated with severe injuries and mortality.
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BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a growing public health concern that can be complicated with an acute stress response. This response may be assessed by monitoring blood glucose levels but this is not routine in remote settings. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence of hyperglycemia and variables associated with mortality after severe TBI in Uganda. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the prevalence of hyperglycemia in patients with severe TBI and variables associated with 30-day mortality at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled a cohort 99 patients patients with severe TBI. Serum glucose levels were measured at admission and after 24 h. Other study variables included: mechanism of injury, CT findings, location and size of hematoma, and socio-demographics. The main outcome was mortality after 30 days of management and this was compared in patients with hyperglycemia more than 11.1 mmol/L to those without. RESULTS: Most patients (92.9%) were male aged 18-30 years (47%). Road Traffic Collisions were the most common cause of severe TBI (64.7%) followed by assault (17.1%) and falls (8.1%). Nearly one in six patients were admitted with hyperglycemia more than 11.1 mmol/L. The mortality rate in severe TBI patients with hyperglycemia was 68.8% (OR 1.47; 95% CI [0.236-9.153]; P = 0.063) against 43.7% in those without hyperglycemia. The presence of hypothermia (OR 10.17; 95% CI [1.574-65.669]; P = 0.015) and convulsions (OR 5.64; 95% CI [1.541-19.554]; P = 0.009) were significant predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Hypothermia and convulsions at admission were major predictors of mortality in severe TBI. Early hyperglycemia following severe TBI appears to occur with a tendency towards high mortality. These findings justify routine glucose monitoring and could form the basis for establishing a blood sugar control protocol for such patients in remote settings.
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INTRODUCTION: The prevalence rates of head injury have been shown to be as high as 25% among trauma patients with severe head injury contributing to about 31% of all trauma deaths. Triage utilizes numerical cutoff points along the scores continuum to predict the greatest number of people who would have a poor outcome, "severe" patients, when scoring below the threshold and a good outcome "non severe" patients, when scoring above the cutoff or numerical threshold. This study aimed to compare the predictive value of the Glasgow Coma Scale and the Kampala Trauma Score for mortality and length of hospital stay at a tertiary hospital in Uganda. METHODS: A diagnostic prospective study was conducted from January 12, 2018 to March 16, 2018. We recruited patients with head injury admitted to the accidents and emergency department who met the inclusion criteria for the study. Data on patient's demographic characteristics, mechanisms of injury, category of road use, and classification of injury according to the GCS and KTS at initial contact and at 24 hours were collected. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and logistic regression analysis were used for comparison. RESULTS: The GCS predicted mortality and length of hospital stay with the GCS at admission with AUC of 0.9048 and 0.7972, respectively (KTS at admission time, AUC 0.8178 and 0.7243). The GCS predicted mortality and length of hospital stay with the GCS at 24 hours with AUC of 0.9567 and 0.8203, respectively (KTS at 24 hours, AUC 0.8531 and 0.7276). At admission, the GCS at a cutoff of 11 had a sensitivity of 83.23% and specificity of 82.61% while the KTS had 88.02% and 73.91%, respectively, at a cutoff of 13 for predicting mortality. At admission, the GCS at a cutoff of 13 had sensitivity of 70.48% and specificity of 66.67% while the KTS had 68.07% and 62.50%, respectively, at a cutoff of 14 for predicting length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Comparatively, the GCS performed better than the KTS in predicting mortality and length of hospital stay. The GCS was also more accurate at labelling the head injury patients who died as severely injured as opposed to the KTS that categorized most of them as moderately injured. In general, the two scores were sensitive at detection of mortality and length of hospital stay among the study population.
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OBJECTIVE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Uganda and other low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Due to the difficulty of long-term in-person follow-up, there is a paucity of literature on longitudinal outcomes of TBI in LMICs. Using a scalable phone-centered survey, this study attempted to investigate factors associated with both mortality and quality of life in Ugandan patients with TBI. METHODS: A prospective registry of adult patients with TBI admitted to the neurosurgical ward at Mulago National Referral Hospital was assembled. Long-term follow-up was conducted between 10.4 and 30.5 months after discharge (median 18.6 months). Statistical analyses included univariable and multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression to elucidate factors associated with mortality and long-term recovery. RESULTS: A total of 1274 adult patients with TBI were included, of whom 302 (23.7%) died as inpatients. Patients who died as inpatients received surgery less frequently (p < 0.001), had more severe TBI at presentation (p < 0.001), were older (p < 0.001), and were more likely to be female (p < 0.0001). Patients presenting with TBI resulting from assault were at reduced risk of inpatient death compared with those presenting with TBI caused by road traffic accidents (OR 0.362, 95% CI 0.128-0.933). Inpatient mortality and postdischarge mortality prior to follow-up were 23.7% and 9%, respectively. Of those discharged, 60.8% were reached through phone interviews. Higher Glasgow Coma Scale score at discharge (continuous HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53-0.94) was associated with improved long-term survival. Tracheostomy (HR 4.38, 95% CI 1.05-16.7) and older age (continuous HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.009-1.05) were associated with poor long-term outcomes. More than 15% of patients continued to suffer from TBI sequelae years after the initial injury, including seizures (6.1%) and depression (10.0%). Despite more than 60% of patients seeking follow-up healthcare visits, mortality was still 9% among discharged patients, suggesting a need for improved longitudinal care to monitor recovery progress. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient and postdischarge mortality remain high following admission to Uganda's main tertiary hospital with the diagnosis of TBI. Furthermore, posttraumatic sequelae, including seizures and depression, continue to burden patients years after discharge. Effective scalable solutions, including phone interviews, are needed to elucidate and address factors limiting in-hospital capacity and access to follow-up healthcare.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries, Traumatic/mortality , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/surgery , Neurosurgical Procedures/mortality , Quality of Life , Adolescent , Adult , Aftercare/methods , Aftercare/trends , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/psychology , Cohort Studies , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Middle Aged , Neurosurgical Procedures/trends , Prospective Studies , Quality of Life/psychology , Registries , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Uganda/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Uganda has one of the largest unmet neurosurgical needs in the world, but has seen major improvements in neurosurgery-largely centered at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH). This study implements the first long-term follow-up and outcomes analysis of central nervous system tumor patients in Uganda. METHODS: Inpatient data were collected using a prospective database of patients presenting to the MNRH neurosurgical ward between 2014 and 2015. Follow-up health care status was assessed in the patient's language using phone surveys. Analysis was performed to identify which factors were associated with patient outcomes. RESULTS: The MNRH neurosurgical ward saw 112 patients with central nervous system tumors (adult N = 87, female: 70%, median age: 37 years). Meningiomas (21%) comprised the most common tumor diagnosis. In-hospital mortality (18%), 30-day mortality (22%), and 1-year mortality (35%) were high. Thirty percent of patients underwent tumor resection in-patient and had greater median overall survival (66.5 months vs. 5.1 months for nonsurgical patients, P = 0.025). For those with known pathologic diagnoses, patients with glioblastomas had decreased median overall survival (0.83 months vs. 59 months for meningiomas, P = 0.02). Phone interviews yielded an 85% response rate. Of the survivors at the time of follow-up, 55% reported a subjective return to normalcy, and 75% received follow-up care for their tumor with most returning to MNRH. CONCLUSIONS: We show evidence for improved overall survival with surgical care at MNRH. In addition, phone interviews as a method of measuring health outcomes provided an effective means of follow-up, showing that most patients do seek follow-up care.
Subject(s)
Central Nervous System Neoplasms/surgery , Neurosurgical Procedures/adverse effects , Postoperative Complications/epidemiology , Adult , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/epidemiology , Central Nervous System Neoplasms/pathology , Child, Preschool , Developing Countries , Female , Humans , Male , Neurosurgical Procedures/mortality , Surveys and Questionnaires , Treatment Outcome , Uganda/epidemiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Significant care continuum delays between acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) and definitive surgery are associated with poor outcomes. Use of the "3 delays" model to evaluate TBI outcomes in low- and middle-income countries has not been performed. OBJECTIVE: To describe the care continuum, using the 3 delays framework, and its association with TBI patient outcomes in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS: Prospective data were collected for 563 TBI patients presenting to a tertiary hospital in Kampala from 1 June to 30 November 2016. Four time intervals were constructed along 5 time points: injury, hospital arrival, neurosurgical evaluation, computed tomography (CT) results, and definitive surgery. Time interval differences among mild, moderate, and severe TBI and their association with mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Significant care continuum differences were observed for interval 3 (neurosurgical evaluation to CT result) and 4 (CT result to surgery) between severe TBI patients (7 h for interval 3 and 24 h for interval 4) and mild TBI patients (19 h for interval 3 and 96 h for interval 4). These postarrival delays were associated with mortality for mild (P = .05) and moderate TBI (P = .03) patients. Significant hospital arrival delays for moderate TBI patients were associated with mortality (P = .04). CONCLUSION: Delays for mild and moderate TBI patients were associated with mortality, suggesting that quality improvement interventions could target current triage practices. Future research should aim to understand the contributors to delays along the care continuum, opportunities for more effective resource allocation, and the need to improve prehospital logistical referral systems.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries, Traumatic , Continuity of Patient Care/statistics & numerical data , Time-to-Treatment/statistics & numerical data , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/epidemiology , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/surgery , Humans , Prospective Studies , Tertiary Care Centers , UgandaABSTRACT
In Brief: This study used telephone surveys as a novel method of measuring health outcomes and tracking healthcare utilization in pediatric head trauma patients at the national referral hospital in Uganda. As the first-ever long-term follow-up of this patient population in Uganda, this work establishes a baseline of pediatric head trauma outcomes and lays the groundwork for tracking and improving outcomes for similar patients in low-resource settings.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries, Traumatic/mortality , Interviews as Topic/methods , Telephone , Adolescent , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/complications , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Glasgow Coma Scale , Health Surveys/methods , Health Surveys/statistics & numerical data , Humans , Infant , Interviews as Topic/statistics & numerical data , Male , Quality of Life , Survival Rate , Telephone/statistics & numerical data , Time Factors , Uganda/epidemiologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Children with neural tube defects (NTDs) require timely surgical intervention coupled with long-term management by multiple highly trained specialty healthcare teams. In resource-limited settings, outcomes are greatly affected by the lack of coordinated care. The purpose of this study was to characterize outcomes of spina bifida patients treated at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) through follow-up phone surveys. METHODS: All children presenting to MNRH with NTDs between January 1, 2014, and August 31, 2015, were eligible for this study. For those with a documented telephone number, follow-up phone surveys were conducted with the children's caregivers to assess mortality, morbidity, follow-up healthcare, and access to medical resources. RESULTS: Of the 201 patients, the vast majority (n = 185, 92%) were diagnosed with myelomeningocele. The median age at presentation was 6 days, the median length of stay was 20 days, and the median time to surgery was 10 days. Half of the patients had documented surgeries, with 5% receiving multiple procedures (n = 102, 51%): 80 defect closures (40%), 32 ventriculoperitoneal shunts (15%), and 1 endoscopic third ventriculostomy (0.5%). Phone surveys were completed for 53 patients with a median time to follow-up of 1.5 years. There were no statistically significant differences in demographics between the surveyed and nonrespondent groups. The 1-year mortality rate was 34% (n = 18). At the time of survey, 91% of the survivors (n = 30) have received healthcare since their initial discharge from MNRH, with 67% (n = 22) returning to MNRH. Hydrocephalus was diagnosed in 29 patients (88%). Caregivers reported physical deficits in 39% of patients (n = 13), clubfoot in 18% (n = 6), and bowel or bladder incontinence in 12% (n = 4). The surgical complication rate was 2.5%. Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended pediatric revision scores were correlated with upper good recovery in 58% (n = 19) of patients, lower good recovery in 30% (n = 10), and moderate disability in 12% of patients (n = 4). Only 5 patients (15%) reported access to home health resources postdischarge. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to characterize the outcomes of children with NTDs that were treated at Uganda's national referral hospital. There is a great need for improved access to and coordination of care in antenatal, perioperative, and long-term settings to improve morbidity and mortality.
Subject(s)
Neural Tube Defects/surgery , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Hydrocephalus/etiology , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Length of Stay , Male , Meningomyelocele/surgery , Neural Tube Defects/complications , Neural Tube Defects/mortality , Patient Care Management , Referral and Consultation , Tertiary Care Centers , UgandaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the past decade, neurosurgery in Uganda experienced increasing surgical volume and a new residency training program. Although research has examined surgical capacity, minimal data exist on the patient population treated by neurosurgery and their eventual outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Patients admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital neurosurgical ward over 2 years (2014 and 2015) were documented in a prospective database. In total, 1167 were discharged with documented phone numbers and thus eligible for follow-up. Phone surveys were developed and conducted in the participant's language to assess mortality, neurologic outcomes, and follow-up health care. RESULTS: During the study period, 2032 patients were admitted to the neurosurgical ward, 80% for traumatic brain injury. A total of 7.8% received surgical intervention. The in-hospital mortality rate was 18%. A total of 870 patients were reached for phone follow-up, a 75% response rate, and 30-day and 1-year mortality were 4% and 8%, respectively. Almost one-half of patients had not had subsequent health care after the initial encounter. Most patients had Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended scores consistent with good recovery and mild disability, with patients experiencing trauma faring best and patients with tumor faring worst. A total of 85% felt they returned to baseline work performance, and 76% of guardians felt that children returned to baseline school performance. CONCLUSIONS: The neurosurgical service provided health care to a large proportion of nonoperative patients. Phone surveys captured data on patients in whom nearly one-half would be lost to subsequent health care. Although mortality during initial hospitalization was high, more than 90% of those discharged survived at 1-year follow up, and the vast majority returned to work and school.
Subject(s)
Neurosurgical Procedures , Outpatients , Survivors , Africa South of the Sahara/epidemiology , Aftercare , Brain Damage, Chronic/epidemiology , Brain Damage, Chronic/etiology , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/complications , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/surgery , Brain Neoplasms/complications , Brain Neoplasms/surgery , Caregivers , Cell Phone , Comorbidity , Convalescence , Developing Countries , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Inpatients , Malaria/epidemiology , Outpatients/psychology , Patient Satisfaction , Postoperative Complications/mortality , Postoperative Complications/psychology , Quality of Life , Socioeconomic Factors , Spinal Dysraphism/surgery , Survival Analysis , Survivors/psychology , Treatment Outcome , Uganda/epidemiologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a common cause of emergency department (ED) visits and hospital admissions in Kampala, Uganda. The objective of this study was to assess determinants of ED discharge disposition based on patient demographic and injury characteristics. Four ED outcomes were considered: discharge home, hospital admission, death, and others. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, from May 2016 to July 2017. Patients of all age groups presenting with TBI were included. Patient demographics, external causes of injury, TBI characteristics, and disposition from EDs were noted. Injury severity was estimated using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Kampala Trauma Score (KTS), and the Revised Trauma Score (RTS). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to estimate conditional ORs of hospital admission, death, and other dispositions compared with the reference category "discharged home". RESULTS: A total of 3944 patients were included in the study with a male versus female ratio of 5.5:1 and a mean age of 28.5 years (SD=14.2). Patients had closed head injuries in 62.9% of cases. The leading causes of TBIs were road traffic crashes (58.8%) and intentional injuries (28.7%). There was no significant difference between the four discharge categories with respect to age, sex, mode of arrival, cause of TBI, place of injury, type of head injury, transport time, and RTS (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the four discharge categories for a number of serious injuries, GCS on arrival, change in GCS, and KTS. In a multinomial logistic regression model, change in GCS, area of residence, number of serious injuries, and KTS were significant predictors of ED disposition. DISCUSSION: This study provides evidence that ED disposition of patients with TBI is differentially affected by injury characteristics and is largely dependent on injury severity and change in GCS during ED stay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.
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BACKGROUND: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is disproportionally concentrated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the odds of dying from TBI in Uganda more than 4 times higher than in high income countries (HICs). The objectives of this study are to describe the processes of care and determine risk factors predictive of poor outcomes for TBI patients presenting to Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH), Kampala, Uganda. METHODS: We used a prospective neurosurgical registry based on Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) to systematically collect variables spanning 8 categories. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to determine significant predictors of mortality. RESULTS: 563 TBI patients were enrolled from 1 June- 30 November 2016. 102 patients (18%) received surgery, 29 patients (5.1%) intended for surgery failed to receive it, and 251 patients (45%) received non-operative management. Overall mortality was 9.6%, which ranged from 4.7% for mild and moderate TBI to 55% for severe TBI patients with GCS 3-5. Within each TBI severity category, mortality differed by management pathway. Variables predictive of mortality were TBI severity, more than one intracranial bleed, failure to receive surgery, high dependency unit admission, ventilator support outside of surgery, and hospital arrival delayed by more than 4 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The overall mortality rate of 9.6% in Uganda for TBI is high, and likely underestimates the true TBI mortality. Furthermore, the wide-ranging mortality (3-82%), high ICU fatality, and negative impact of care delays suggest shortcomings with the current triaging practices. Lack of surgical intervention when needed was highly predictive of mortality in TBI patients. Further research into the determinants of surgical interventions, quality of step-up care, and prolonged care delays are needed to better understand the complex interplay of variables that affect patient outcome. These insights guide the development of future interventions and resource allocation to improve patient outcomes.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries, Traumatic/surgery , Registries , Adolescent , Adult , Brain Injuries, Traumatic/mortality , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Hospitals , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Uganda/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
Neurosurgery in Uganda was virtually non-existent up until late 1960s. This changed when Dr. Jovan Kiryabwire spearheaded development of a neurosurgical unit at Mulago Hospital in Kampala. His work ethic and vision set the stage for rapid expansion of neurosurgical care in Uganda.At the beginning of the 2000s, Uganda was a country of nearly 30 million people, but had only 4 neurosurgeons. Neurosurgery's progress was plagued by challenges faced by many developing countries, such as difficulty retaining specialists, lack of modern hospital resources, and scarce training facilities. To combat these challenges 2 distinct programs were launched: 1 by Dr. Benjamin Warf in collaboration with CURE International, and the other by Dr. Michael Haglund from Duke University. Dr. Warf's program focused on establishing a facility for pediatric neurosurgery. Dr. Haglund's program to increase neurosurgical capacity was founded on a "4 T's Paradigm": Technology, Twinning, Training, and Top-Down. Embedded within this paradigm was the notion that Uganda needed to train its own people to become neurosurgeons, and thus Duke helped establish the country's first neurosurgery residency training program.Efforts from overseas, including the tireless work of Dr. Benjamin Warf, have saved thousands of children's lives. The influx of the Duke Program caused a dynamic shift at Mulago Hospital with dramatic effects, as evidenced by the substantial increase in neurosurgical capacity. The future looks bright for neurosurgery in Uganda and it all traces back to a rural village where 1 man had a vision to help the people of his country.
Subject(s)
Internship and Residency , Neurosurgery/trends , Neurosurgical Procedures/education , Developing Countries , Health Resources , Humans , Neurosurgeons , Neurosurgery/education , UgandaABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: There are no data on cost of neurosurgery in low-income and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost of neurosurgical procedures in a low-resource setting to better inform resource allocation and health sector planning. METHODS: In this observational economic analysis, microcosting was used to estimate the direct and indirect costs of neurosurgical procedures at Mulago National Referral Hospital (Kampala, Uganda). RESULTS: During the study period, October 2014 to September 2015, 1440 charts were reviewed. Of these patients, 434 had surgery, whereas the other 1006 were treated nonsurgically. Thirteen types of procedures were performed at the hospital. The estimated mean cost of a neurosurgical procedure was $542.14 (standard deviation [SD], $253.62). The mean cost of different procedures ranged from $291 (SD, $101) for burr hole evacuations to $1,221 (SD, $473) for excision of brain tumors. For most surgeries, overhead costs represented the largest proportion of the total cost (29%-41%). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study using primary data to determine the cost of neurosurgery in a low-resource setting. Operating theater capacity is likely the binding constraint on operative volume, and thus, investing in operating theaters should achieve a higher level of efficiency. Findings from this study could be used by stakeholders and policy makers for resource allocation and to perform economic analyses to establish the value of neurosurgery in achieving global health goals.
Subject(s)
Cost-Benefit Analysis , Health Care Rationing/economics , Hospital Costs , Neurosurgical Procedures/economics , Poverty/economics , Adult , Cost-Benefit Analysis/trends , Female , Health Care Rationing/trends , Hospital Costs/trends , Humans , Internship and Residency/economics , Internship and Residency/trends , Male , Neurosurgical Procedures/education , Neurosurgical Procedures/trends , Poverty/trends , Uganda , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Pediatric neurosurgical cases have been identified as an important target for impacting health disparities in Uganda, with over 50% of the population being less than 15 years of age. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the Duke-Mulago collaboration on pediatric neurosurgical outcomes in Mulago National Referral Hospital. METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis of all pediatric neurosurgical cases who presented at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, to examine overall, preprogram (2005-2007), and postprogram (2008-2013) outcomes. We analyzed mortality, presurgical infections, postsurgical infections, length of stay, types of procedures, and significant predictors of mortality. Data on neurosurgical cases was collected from surgical logbooks, patient charts, and Mulago National Referral Hospital's yearly death registry. RESULTS: Of 820 pediatric neurosurgical cases, outcome data were complete for 374 children. Among children who died within 30 days of a surgical procedure, the largest group was less than a year old (45%). Postinitiation of the Duke-Mulago collaboration, we identified an overall increase in procedures, with the greatest increase in cases with complex diagnoses. Although children ages 6-18 years of age were 6.66 times more likely to die than their younger counterparts preprogram, age was no longer a predictive variable postprogram. When comparing pre- and postprogram outcomes, mortality among pediatric patients within 30 days after a neurosurgical procedure increased from 4.3% to 10.0%, mortality after 30 days increased slightly from 4.9% to 5.0%, presurgical infections decreased by 4.6%, and postsurgery infections decreased slightly by 0.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show the provision of more complex neurological procedures does not necessitate improved outcomes. Rather, combining these higher-level procedures with essential pre- and postoperative care and continued efforts in health system strengthening for pediatric neurosurgical care throughout Uganda will help to address and decrease the burden throughout the country.
Subject(s)
Healthcare Disparities/trends , Neurosurgical Procedures/mortality , Neurosurgical Procedures/trends , Pediatrics/trends , Tertiary Care Centers/trends , Adolescent , Child , Female , Healthcare Disparities/economics , Humans , Male , Mortality/trends , Neurosurgical Procedures/economics , Pediatrics/economics , Tertiary Care Centers/economics , Treatment Outcome , Uganda/epidemiologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Road traffic accidents are a leading cause of injury in low- and middle-income countries, where mortality rates are disproportionately higher. Patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) tend to have very poor outcomes. To reduce the burden from severe TBI, we describe its distribution at Mulago National Referral Hospital (Kampala, Uganda) and identify the associations between outcomes and patient characteristics, offering insights into prevention and future research efforts to improve clinical care. METHODS: This is a single-institution, retrospective chart review including patients of all ages with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 8 or less (measured upon admission). A database was compiled to maximize all available clinical variables. Descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable regression models were fitted to identify significant associations with outcome (died or discharged). RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients were identified between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009. The cumulative incidence of admissions is 89 per 100,000. Thirty-one patients died in the hospital, yielding a 25.8% mortality rate. Motorcycle road traffic accident was the leading mechanism of injury, and males ages 15-29 years comprised the predominant demographic (42.5% of patients). Initial GCS, change in GCS score during hospital stay, and the presence of hematoma were strongest predictors of outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Severe TBI was a common condition for injury-related hospital admissions at Mulago Hospital. The capacity for neurosurgery may have explained the relatively lower mortality rate than previously reported from Sub-Saharan Africa. Further investigations are needed. Targeted prevention programs focused on motorcycle users and helmet law enforcement should decrease the incidence of severe TBI.
Subject(s)
Brain Injuries/epidemiology , Brain Injuries/therapy , Accidents, Traffic/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Brain Injuries/mortality , Child , Child, Preschool , Databases, Factual , Female , Glasgow Coma Scale , Hematoma/epidemiology , Hematoma/etiology , Hospitals , Humans , Incidence , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Length of Stay , Male , Middle Aged , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Uganda/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Neurosurgical capacity is extremely deficient in East African countries where 27 neurosurgeons serve more than 250 million people. To build capacity, the Duke University Medical Center and New Mulago Hospital in Uganda applied a two-pronged twinning approach that placed usable surplus equipment in a developing country's National Hospital, combined with dedicated comprehensive surgical training camps. METHODS: Neurosurgery, anesthesiology, nursing, and clinical engineering personnel supported three training camps. More than 21 tons of essential equipment was delivered to New Mulago Hospital in Uganda. Data was collected during the 2-year period preceding and following the initiation of the program. RESULTS: During the 2 years after the program began, neurosurgery demonstrated a significant increase (180%) in the number and complexity of cases performed (p<0.0001). Multiple cases performed in a single day increased eightfold (p<0.0001), with utilization of elective operating room days improving from 43 to 98%. There was no change in the number of hospital admissions over the 4 years (p>0.1), but there was a dramatic increase in the overall number of procedures performed by all surgical specialties (106%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Through a twinning program combining delivery of surplus equipment and training camps, capacity building was accomplished and maintained. The program not only built overall surgical capacity, it improved the efficiency and increased the complexity of operative cases performed at the National Hospital in Uganda. This program could serve as a model for twinning, capacity building, and training in other developing countries where surgical disparities are among the greatest.