Plasmodium infections and associated risk factors among parturients in Jawi district, northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women have an increased risk of Plasmodium infections and disease. Malaria in pregnancy is a major public health problem in endemic areas. Assessment of the burden and risk factors of malaria in pregnancy across different malaria transmission settings is required to guide control strategies and for malaria elimination. Thus, the current study is generating such evidence from parturient women in northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 526 pregnant women admitted to the delivery rooms of selected health facilities in Jawi district, northwest Ethiopia, between November 2021 and July 2022. Data on the socio-demographic, clinical, obstetric, and malaria prevention practices of pregnant women were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and from women's treatment cards. Malaria was diagnosed by light microscopy, rapid diagnostic test, and multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. Risk factors for malaria were evaluated using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among the examined parturient women, 14.3% (95% CI 11.4-17.5%) had Plasmodium infections. The prevalence of peripheral, placental, and congenital malaria was 12.2% (95% CI 9.5-15.3%), 10.9% (95% CI 8.2-14.1%), and 3.7% (95% CI 2.3-6.1%), respectively. About 90.6% of peripheral and 92% of placental Plasmodium infections were asymptomatic. Plasmodium infection at parturiency was independently predicted by maternal illiteracy (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.11-3.74), primigravidity (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.01-3.49), lack of antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.04-5.03), and history of symptomatic malaria during pregnancy (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI 2.32-7.59). Moreover, the blood group O phenotype was significantly associated with placental malaria among the primiparae. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, asymptomatic Plasmodium infections were prevalent among parturients in northwest Ethiopia. Maternal illiteracy, primigravidity, lack of antenatal care follow-up, and history of symptomatic malaria during pregnancy were the risk factors for malaria during parturiency. Thus, promotion of a healthy pregnancy through ANC follow-up, strengthening malaria prevention and control practices, and screening of malaria in asymptomatic pregnant women are suggested to reduce its burden in pregnancy.

Prevalence and awareness of chronic kidney disease among adult diabetic outpatients in Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious complication of diabetes associated with adverse outcomes of renal failure, cardiovascular disease and mortality. Despite this, data regarding the burden and awareness of CKD among adults with diabetes in Sub-Saharan Africa countries are lacking. The aim of this study was, therefore to determine the prevalence and awareness of CKD among diabetic outpatients attending a hospital in Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 323 diabetic adults at the diabetes clinic of a hospital in Northeast Ethiopia, from February 1 to July 30, 2016. Each patient provided a blood sample for serum creatinine and urine for albuminuria. Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was estimated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. CKD was defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and/or albuminuria. Awareness was defined as a positive response to "Has a doctor or other health care professional ever told you that you had kidney disease?" RESULTS: Of the 323 patients, 85 (26.3%) had Stage 1-5 CKD, 42 (13.0%) had eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 and 58 (18.0%) had albuminuria. In patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 (stage 3-5 CKD), serum creatinine was abnormal (> 1.5 mg/dl) in 23.5% and albuminuria was absent in 31.8%. Of the patients with CKD, only 10.6% of them were aware of their CKD. The proportion of patients who were aware of their disease increased with worsening of CKD stages, from 3.4% of with stage 1 to 75.0% with stage 4. Awareness for all individuals with advanced stages of CKD was only 11.9%. Having albuminuria, high serum creatinine, a family history of kidney disease and being obese were significantly associated with CKD awareness. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence but low awareness of CKD was found in diabetic outpatients attending our clinic in Northeast Ethiopia. Our results highlight the need for more diagnostic strategies for CKD screening among diabetic adults and primary care education on the impact of detecting CKD in the early stage to prevent adverse outcomes and improve diabetes care.

Uninvestigated dyspepsia and associated factors of patients with gastrointestinal disorders in Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Dyspepsia is a common problem in the community and clinical practice with symptom(s) considered arising from the gastroduodenal region. Dyspepsia burden and associated factors vary from country to country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of uninvestigated dyspepsia (UD) using Rome III criteria, associated risk factors and self-reported dyspepsia symptoms' correlation with H. pylori infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 318 out patients with gastrointestinal complaints during the period from September 1 to December 30, 2015. All patients completed a questionnaire for collecting data regarding sociodemographic, lifestyle and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Diagnosis of dyspepsia was made according to the Rome III criteria. H. pylori infection was assessed using stool antigen test. SPSS version 20.0 statistical software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: From a total of 318 patients, 48.4% had UD according to Rome III criteria; with 42.1% symptoms of epigastric pain/burning, 26.1% postprandial fullness and 22.6% early satiation. Epigastric pain/burning (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.07-3.43), early satiation (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.38-5.20) and belching (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI 1.54-14.40) were significantly correlated with H. pylori infection. H. pylori infection (AOR = 4.33, 95% CI 2.41-7.76) and aspirin/NSAIDs consumption (AOR = 5.29, 95% CI 2.82-9.93) were independent risk factors for UD. However, consumption of raw fruits/ vegetables at least once a week (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.98) and taking two or more cups of tea a day (AOR = 0.339, 95% CI 0.17-0.70) were inversely associated with UD. CONCLUSIONS: UD is highly prevalent among adults with gastrointestinal complaints. H. pylori infection is significantly associated with UD and correlates with its symptoms. Individuals with epigastric pain/burning, early satiation and belching should be primary focus of H. pylori infection diagnosis and treatment. The role of consumption of tea, raw fruits and vegetables on dyspepsia needs further large scale study.

Immuno-Hematological and Biochemical Changes in Patients with Tuberculosis in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious worldwide health issue, particularly in developing nations like Ethiopia. Patients with tuberculosis experience a range of hematological, immunological, and biochemical alterations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate immunological, hematological, and biochemical alterations of newly diagnosed TB patients at Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia. Methods: A comparative, cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the immuno-hematological and biochemical changes in patients with tuberculosis at Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital from January to July 2018. One hundred sixty-four (164) newly diagnosed TB patients, and 80 apparently healthy controls were included consecutively. The variables were expressed in frequency, percentage, and mean ± SD. To compare mean ± SD of the groups or within the groups, we used an independent sample t-test. Statistical significance was defined as a P value less than 0.05. Results: Male TB patients had significantly high mean absolute WBC count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte, platelet count, and systemic immune-inflammation compared with male healthy controls (P=0.001, P=0.011 P=0.021, P=0.001, and P=0.018, respectively). The mean platelet count of female TB patients was significantly higher than that of the female control group (P=0.015). However, mean RBC counts, Hgb, HCT, and MPV of TB patients were significantly lower than those of male (p<0.001) and female healthy controls (P=0.022, 0.015, and 0.001, respectively). The TB patients had developed anemia (23.8%), WBC abnormalities (29.3%), thrombocytosis (11.6%), and thrombocytopenia (9.8%). The cases had significantly higher mean alanine amino transferase, total bilirubin, and glucose level, but the mean total protein, alkaline phosphatase, and total cholesterol of cases were significantly lower than healthy control groups. Conclusion: TB patients in this study showed significant alterations in a number of hematological and biochemical profiles. This indicates that hematological and biochemical profiles should be monitored and properly interpreted for the differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and evaluation of response to treatment.

Reference Intervals of Haematological Parameters for Apparently Healthy Adults in Northeast Ethiopia.

Background: Clinical laboratory reference intervals play a vital role in evaluating overall well-being, tracking the progression of diseases, and detecting potential harmful effects and complications. Despite evidence revealing disparities, many African nations currently rely on reference intervals for blood analysis obtained mainly from Western populations. This practice increases the risk of misidentifying and misdiagnosing healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to establish common hematological parameters reference intervals for healthy adults in Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study consisted of 328 individuals who were presumed to be in good health. To assess their blood-related characteristics, blood samples were collected and analyzed using the advanced Dirui BF-6500 analyzer, along with serological testing. In accordance with guidelines provided by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the study employed a non-parametric approach to calculate the medians and 95% confidence intervals. To explore potential variations between males and females, a statistical test known as the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the reference intervals. Results: The established reference intervals were: white blood cells 3.5-11.3×109/L; red blood cells 4.0-6.1×1012/L; hemoglobin 11.2-17.5g/dL; hematocrit 35.4-52.0%; MCV 77.9-93.8fl; MCH 24.7-32.0pg; MCHC 306-349g/L; RDW-CV 12.1-13.8% and platelet 131-391×109/L. The reference values of monocytes, eosinophils, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and RDW-CV in males were higher than females, while females had significantly higher platelet counts compared to males. The reference intervals discovered differed from the reference intervals now in use, those mentioned in earlier research in Ethiopia or other African nations, as well as those conducted on Western populations. Conclusion: In the adult demographic of Northeast Ethiopia, specific reference intervals for commonly observed hematological parameters were established, tailored to the local community. Consequently, these reference intervals hold the potential to enhance informed decision-making within this population, by providing valuable guidance when interpreting laboratory test outcomes.

Medical laboratory waste generation rate, management practices and associated factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Biomedical wastes (BMWs) generated from medical laboratories are hazardous and can endanger both humans and the environment. Highly infectious biomedical wastes are produced at an unacceptably high rate from health laboratories in developing countries with poor management systems, such as Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of biomedical waste generation, management practices, and associated factors in public healthcare medical laboratories in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 13 to September 25, 2020, a health institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 hospital laboratories and 20 health centres laboratories in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of biomedical waste management and generation rate were collected d in health facilities using pre tested data collection tools. SPSS version 20 was used to manage the data. To identify independent predictors of the dependent variable, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, linear, and logistic regression analysis were used. The strength of the association was determined using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: In this study, the mean ± SD daily generation rate of biomedical wastes was 4.9 ± 3.13 kg/day per medical laboratory. Nineteen medical laboratories (74.3%) had proper biomedical waste management practice, which is significantly associated with professionals' knowledge of biomedical waste management policies and guidelines, the availability of separate financial sources for biomedical waste management, and the level of training of professionals. CONCLUSION: The study found that medical laboratories in Addis Ababa's public healthcare facilities generate a significant amount of biomedical waste. Nearly two-thirds of hospitals performed proper waste segregation, collection, storage, and treatment procedures for biomedical waste generated in their laboratories. However, there was a poor transportation and disposal method. As a result, paying special attention and implementing the current national guidelines for biomedical waste management is recommended.

Common hematological parameters reference intervals for apparently healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women of South Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional State, Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Hematological reference intervals (RIs) are affected by inherent variables like age, sex, genetic background, environment, diet and certain circumstances such as pregnancy signifying the need for population specific values. This study was designed to establish RIs for common hematological parameters of apparently healthy pregnant and non-pregnant women from Northeast Ethiopia. METHOD: This community based cross-sectional study recruited 600 pregnant and non-pregnant women in South Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia from June to August 2019. Complete blood count was performed for eligible participants using Mindary BC-3000 plus hematology analyzer. The mean, median, and 2.5th and 97.5th percentile reference limits with 90% CI were determined using SPSS version 23. RESULT: The established selected 2.5th-97.5th percentiles RIs for pregnant women were: WBC: 4.0-13.2x109/L; RBC: 3.45-4.67x1012/L; Hgb: 10.1-13.7g/dL; HCT: 33.5-46.5%; MCV: 85-104fL; MCH: 27.5-33.0pg; MCHC: 30.3-33.7g/dL and Platelet count: 132-373x109/L. The respective values for non-pregnant women were 3.6-10.3; 4.44-5.01; 12.4-14.3; 38.4-50.1; 86-102; 27.1-32.4, 30.4-34.1, 173-456. A statistically significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women was noted in all hematological parameters except MCHC. The mean and median value of WBC count, MCV, MPV and PDW increased, whereas mean values of HCT and Platelet count decreased as gestational period advances. CONCLUSION: The observed difference from other studies signify the necessity for using trimester specific RIs and separate RI for pregnant and non-pregnant women. Thus, we recommend the health facilities in the study area to utilize the currently established RIs for pregnant and non-pregnant women for better care.

Intestinal helminthiasis survey with emphasis on schistosomiasis in Koga irrigation scheme environs, northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Distribution of schistosomiasis is more focal due to spatial heterogeneities in intermediate host snail dynamics and water contact behavior of humans. This makes the search for new transmission foci of schistosomiasis and its connection with malacologically receptive water bodies essential for effective control of its transmission. This study was intended to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among schoolchildren and Schistosoma mansoni transmission in Koga irrigation scheme surroundings, northwest Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted in three schools and nearby water bodies, respectively around Koga irrigation scheme. Stool specimens were collected from 421 randomly selected schoolchildren and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Malacological surveys were carried out and the identified Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were screened for schistosome infection. Swiss albino mice were exposed to schistosome cercariae shed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi for definite identification of Schistosoma species. RESULTS: Among the examined schoolchildren, 22.6% (95% CI: 18.7%-26.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal helminths species. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent intestinal helminth detected among forty (9.5%) children. Schistosoma mansoni was detected among 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9%-7.2%) of children and its prevalence was significantly higher among male children (p = 0.038) and those attending in Mengesha Jemberie Primary School (p = 0.044). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were identified in water bodies in close proximity to Mengesha Jemberie and Wotete Abay Primay schools. Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were harvested after exposure of mice to cercariae shed from Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected from water bodies nearby Mengesha Jemberie Primary School. CONCLUSIONS: Schistosoma mansoni infection of schoolchildren, findings of schistosome infected snails and establishment of mice infection confirm that transmission is taking place in the study areas. Hence, snail control and other measures such as provision of sanitary facilities and health education are recommended.

Prevalence of dyslipidaemia among HIV-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy in North Shewa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Data on the burden of dyslipidaemia among people with HIV undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa are limited and little is known about the factors contributing for poor lipid profiles. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and factors associated with lipid levels among HIV-infected patients receiving first-line combination ART in North Shewa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and December 2018 among 392 HIV-infected adults receiving first-line ART for at least six months at the ART clinic of Mehal Meda Hospital in North Shewa, Ethiopia. Blood samples were collected for determination of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and CD4 counts. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with lipid abnormalities. RESULTS: The prevalence of dyslipidaemia was 59.9% (95% CI 55.0-64.7%). High TC, high TG, low HDL-c, and high LDL-c were obtained in 47.3%, 30.9%, 19.4% and 29.6%, respectively. Fifty-four participants (13.8%) had high ratio of TC/HDL-c (TC/HDL-c ratio ≥ 5). Older age was independently associated with high TC (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.64-3.84), high TG (AOR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.85-4.71), low HDL-c (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.17-3.50), and high LDL-c (AOR = 3.37, 95% CI 2.08-5.47). Living in an urban area (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI 1.16-6.14) and smoking (AOR = 3.61, 95% CI 1.06-12.34) were associated with low HDL-c. Participants with longer duration of ART use were more likely to have high TG (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.13-3.07), low HDL-c (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.75-6.80), and high LDL-c (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI 1.30-3.71). High BMI was independently associated with higher TC (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.19-4.97), high TG (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI 2.01-8.67) and high LDL-c (AOR = 6.53, 95% CI 3.05-13.98). CONCLUSIONS: We found a high prevalence of dyslipidaemia among HIV-infected patients receiving first-line ART in North Shewa, Ethiopia. There is a need for monitoring of blood lipid levels in patients with HIV on long term first-line ART with a special attention to be focused on older age, urban residents, longer duration of ART use, high BMI and smokers.

Blood coagulation parameter abnormalities in hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Coagulopathy and thromboembolic events are among the complications of Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Abnormal coagulation parameters in COVID-19 patients are important prognostic factors of disease severity. The aim of this study was to analyze coagulation profiles of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 455 Covid-19 patients admitted at Millennium COVID-19 care and treatment center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from July 1- October 23, 2020. Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) and International normalized ratio (INR) were determined on HUMACLOT DUE PLUS® coagulation analyzer (Wiesbaden, Germany). In all statistical analysis of results, p<0.05 was defined as statistically significant. RESULT: A prolonged prothrombin time was found in 46.8% of study participants with COVID-19 and a prolonged prothrombin time and elevated INR in 53.3% of study subjects with severe and 51% of critically COVID patients. Thrombocytopenia was detected in 22.1% of COVID-19 patients. 50.5% and 51.3% of COVID-19 patients older than 55 years had thrombocytopenia and prolonged APTT respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, prolonged prothrombin time and elevated INR were detected in more than 50% of severe and critical COVID-19 patients. Thrombocytopenia and prolonged APTT were dominant in COVID-19 patients older than 55 years. Thus, we recommend emphasis to be given for monitoring of platelet count, PT, APTT and INR in hospitalized and admitted COVID-19 patients.

The Magnitude of Hematological Abnormalities Among COVID-19 Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a systemic infection with cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neurological, and hematological manifestations. Abnormal hematological findings are thought to have a role in early risk stratification and prognostication of COVID-19 patients. However, the data on hematological abnormalities associated with the disease among Ethiopian COVID-19 patients are limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine the magnitude of hematological abnormalities among COVID-19 patients admitted at Millennium COVID-19 referral treatment center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among COVID-19 patients admitted to Millennium COVID-19 referral treatment center from May to July, 2020. A total of 334 COVID-19 patients were included using convenience sampling. Socio-demographic data and disease severity status of admitted patients were recorded. Three milliliters of venous blood was collected and analyzed by Beckman Coulter DXH-600 automated analyzer to determine complete blood count (CBC). The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. Association of age, sex, and disease severity with hematological abnormalities was analyzed using binary logistic regression. An odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to measure the strength of association. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Of 334 admitted COVID-19 patients, the majority were males (62.3%) and 69.8% had moderate disease conditions. The overall magnitude of any cytopenia and pancytopenia was 41% and 1.8%, respectively. The magnitude of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia was 24.9%, 21.6%, and 5.4%, respectively. Lymphopenia (72.2%) was the most common hematological abnormality. COVID-19 patients with severe and critical disease were more likely to develop anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and combined neutrophilia-lymphopenia than those with moderate disease condition, with a significant association. CONCLUSION: Lymphopenia was the most common hematological abnormality observed among COVID-19 patients. Hematological abnormalities such as anemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and combined neutrophilia-lymphopenia were significantly associated with disease severity. Monitoring and evaluation of hematological parameters could provide prognostic insight into the management and risk stratification of COVID-19 patients. However, further studies are required to fully understand the utility of hematological parameters for the prognosis of COVID-19 disease.

Rifampicin-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis Among Patients with Presumptive Tuberculosis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant tuberculosis remains a major public health threat complicating tuberculosis control programs globally. Data on rifampicin resistance (RR), which is a surrogate marker for multidrug resistance, are limited among Ethiopian tuberculosis patients. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RR-MTB) among presumptive tuberculosis patients attending St. Peter Tuberculosis Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at St. Peter Tuberculosis Specialized Hospital from January 2016 to December 2018. After checking completeness of the necessary information, data of tuberculosis-presumptive cases who underwent Gene Xpert® testing were collected from medical records using a data-extraction format prepared for this study purpose. Data were double entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. RESULTS: A total of 12,685 presumptive tuberculosis patients were included; of whom 54.5% were males and the mean age of the study participants was 40.3±18.7 years. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was detected in 1714 participants (13.5%). Of these MTB cases, 169 cases (9.8%) were confirmed to have RR-MTB. Prevalence of MTB was relatively higher among males (15.1%, P=0.78); whereas RR-MTB was higher among females (10.3%, P=0.81). The incidence of MTB and RR-MTB was significantly associated with treatment history (P=0.042 and P=0.025), respectively. HIV infection has significantly associated with incidence of RR-MTB (P=0.032), but not with MTB (P˃0.05). Prevalence of MTB and RR-MTB had a declining trend through time, being 16.7% and 12.9%, 12.8% and 9.1%, and 12.2% and 7.9% in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study showed a decreasing trend of both MTB and RR-MTB from 2016 to 2018 in an MTB, MDR-MTB, and TB/HIV co-infection high-burden setting, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Occurrence of MTB and RR-MTB was associated with treatment history. Therefore, improvement in treatment adherence of identified cases would be helpful to prevent emergence or re-emergence of MTB and RR-MTB cases.

Magnitude and associated factors of cytopenias among antiretroviral therapy naïve Human Immunodeficiency Virus infected adults in Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Hematologic abnormalities involving peripheral blood cell cytopenias are strong predictors of morbidity, mortality and poor antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes of HIV infected individuals. However, limited studies are conducted in resource-limited settings of sub-Saharan Africa that have addressed the magnitude and associated factors of cytopenias. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude and associated factors of cytopenias among ART naïve HIV infected adult Ethiopians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among ART naïve HIV infected individuals attending at ART unit of Dessie Referral Hospital between November 01, 2015 and April 30, 2016. A total of 402 adults were included using consecutive sampling. Socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data of patients were collected. The data were entered to Epi Info version 3.4.3 and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software (SPSS INC, Chicago, IL, USA). Factors associated with cytopenias were analyzed first using bivariate and then multivariate logistic regression models. An odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of association. For all statistical significant tests, the cut-off value was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: In this study, the overall magnitude of any cytopenia, anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were 63.4%, 43.5%, 24.4% and 18.7%, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, severe immunosuppression and WHO clinical stage IV HIV disease were significantly associated with increased prevalence of cytopenias. In addition, older age and younger age showed significant association with increased prevalence of anemia and leucopenia, respectively. CONCLUSION: Frequent occurrence of cytopenias was independently associated with severe immunosuppression and WHO clinical stage IV HIV disease. Further longitudinal multicenter studies are recommended to bolster the findings of this study in order to suggest the need of routine assessment and management of hematological abnormalities for optimal choice of initial antiretroviral agents and prevention of further morbidities.

Anemia among HIV Infected Individuals Taking ART with and without Zidovudine at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Hematological complications such as Zidovudine(ZDV) associated anemia are among the commonly reported adverse drug reactions of Antiretroviral Therapy(ART). Little is known about ZDV associated anemia in developing countries like Ethiopia. METHODS: Comparative retrospective cohort study was conducted at the ART Clinic of St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College from February 2011 to December 2012 to characterize anemia among HIV/AIDS patients initiated with ZDV and non-ZDV containing ART regimens. In each group, 197 HIV infected adults who had complete medical records were included. Medical records of participants were reviewed using pre-tested data collection format. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19 for windows. For all statistical significance tests, the cut-off value was P<0.05. RESULTS: Among ZDV group, anemia prevalence was 20.8 % (41/197), 33.5%(66 /197) and 13%(19/146) at baseline, six and twelve months of ART follow-up, respectively.On the other hand in non-ZDV group, anemia was present among 44.2% (87/197), 18.3% (36/197) and 12.4% (25 /202) of participants at baseline, six and twelve months of ART follow-up, respectively. After six months of follow-up, ZDV associated anemia was present among 32.7% (51/156) of the participants, and 43.1% of them were severe while about 45.2% were macrocytic type. Zidovudine group participants were 3.34 times more likely to develop severe anemia than non-ZDV group, P< 0.001. CONCLUSION: The prevalence, severity and characteristics of anemia were different between ZDV and non-ZDV group participants at different follow-up periods of ART. Zidovudine had significant contribution to severe anemia incidence after six months of ART; thus, hemoglobin level monitoring with red cell indices is suggested for improved detection of zidovudine associated anemia.

Co-infection of intestinal parasites and Helicobacter pylori among upper gastrointestinal symptomatic adult patients attending Mekanesalem Hospital, northeast Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Intestinal parasites and H. pylori are well-known for their high prevalence worldwide. Thus, the objective of this study waste assess risk factors and co-infection of intestinal parasites and H. pylori among adult patients with upper gastrointestinal complaints. A hospital-based cross sectional study was conducted among 363 consecutive adult patients from December 10, 2015 to February 30,2016. Stool and venous blood were collected for analysis of Intestinal parasites and H. pylori infection, respectively. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 and logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess predictors of co-infection. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Helicobacter pylori IgG and intestinal parasites were detected in 70.25-38.3% of participants, respectively while G. lamblia accounted 22.3%. G. lamblia prevalence was significantly higher among H. pylori infected participants (COR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.46-5.23), but E. hystolytica/dispar infection didn't show significant variation (p = 0.15). H. pylori and intestinal parasites concomitant co-infection was associated with male sex (AOR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.01-2.56), consumption of river water (AOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.11-3.07) and ground/spring water (AOR: 4.10; 95% CI: 1.97-8.52). Thus, besides H. pylori investigation, upper gastrointestinal symptomatic patients should be screened for G. lamblia infection and other intestinal parasites.

Prevalence of anemia in renal insufficiency among HIV infected patients initiating ART at a hospital in Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a strong predictor of mortality and poor quality of life among persons with either renal impairment or HIV infection. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of anemia and its association with renal insufficiency among HIV infected patients initiating ART at a hospital in Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, records of 373 patients on ART were selected in Dessie Referral hospital, South Wollo, Northeast Ethiopia from September 2010 to August 2013. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study patients were collected using standardized data extraction instrument. The abbreviated 4-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation was used to estimate renal function (GFR) from serum creatinine. SPSS version 20.0 statistical software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia at the time of ART initiation was 34.4%; with 20.5, 12.3 and 1.6% mild, moderate and severe anemia, respectively. Renal insufficiency was present in 27.9% of patients and was associated with a high prevalence of anemia (74%). The prevalence of anemia increased with stage of insufficiency, from 23.7% in stage 1 to 100% in stage 4. Impaired renal function (eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) was associated with a higher risk of all forms of anemia; i.e., mild (AOR = 3.96; 95% CI: 2.76-5.69), moderate (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.16-4.19) and severe anemia (AOR = 5.89; 95% CI: 1.02-12.03). CONCLUSION: HIV infected patients with renal insufficiency had a higher prevalence of anemia compared to patients with normal renal function. Thus, screening of these patients for anemia and renal insufficiency at base line should be critical not only to reduce mortality but also to improve clinical outcomes.

Urinary Markers of Tubular Injury in Early Diabetic Nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common and serious complication of diabetes associated with adverse outcomes of renal failure, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. Early and accurate identification of DN is therefore of critical importance to improve patient outcomes. Albuminuria, a marker of glomerular involvement in early renal damage, cannot always detect early DN. Thus, more sensitive and specific markers in addition to albuminuria are needed to predict the early onset and progression of DN. Tubular injury, as shown by the detection of tubular injury markers in the urine, is a critical component of the early course of DN. These urinary tubular markers may increase in diabetic patients, even before diagnosis of microalbuminuria representing early markers of normoalbuminuric DN. In this review we summarized some new and important urinary markers of tubular injury, such as neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), alpha-1 microglobulin (A1M), beta 2-microglobulin (B2-M), and retinol binding protein (RBP) associated with early DN.