Assessment of knowledge and compliance to evidence-based guidelines for VAP prevention among ICU nurses in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of evidence-based guidelines (EBGs) related to VAP is an effective measure for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). While low knowledge regarding the EBGs related to VAP prevention among ICU nurses is still a major concern among nurses in ICUs globally, the situation in Tanzania is scarcely known. This study aimed to assess the ICU nurses' knowledge, compliance, and barriers toward evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of VAP in Tanzania. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, involving ICU nurses of major hospitals in Tanzania, was conducted. A structured questionnaire was administered among 116 ICU nurses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and the independent sample t-test. RESULTS: The mean knowledge score was 3.86(SD = 1.56), based on ten questions (equivalent to 38.6%). Nurses with a degree or higher level of nursing education performed significantly better than the nurses with a diploma or lower level of nursing education (p = 0.004). The mean self-reported compliance score for EBGs for the prevention of VAP was 15.20 (SD = 0.93) which is equivalent to 60.8% based on 25 questions. The main barriers to the implementation of EBGs for VAP prevention were lack of skills (96.6%), lack of adequate staff (95.5%), and lack of knowledge (79.3%). CONCLUSION: Considering the severity and impact of VAP, and the higher risks of HAIs in resource-limited countries like Tanzania, the lower level of knowledge and compliance implies the need for ongoing educational interventions and evaluation of the implementation of the EBGs for VAP prevention by considering the local context.

Atorvastatin protects against contrast-induced acute kidney injury via upregulation of endogenous hydrogen sulfide.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is the third leading cause of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients. This study was aimed to investigate whether atorvastatin could upregulate the expression of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hence protect against CIAKI. METHODS: We treated male rats and NRK-52E cells by iopromide to establish in vivo and in vitro models of CIAKI. Pretreatment with atorvastatin was given in CIAKI rats to investigate its effect on CIAKI. We collected serum and urine samples to detect renal function. We obtained kidney tissue for histological analysis and detection of protein concentration. We tested the serum concentration of H2S and renal expression of two H2S synthetases [cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-ß synthase (CBS)]. NaHS was pretreated in NRK-52E cells to testify its underlying effect on contrast-induced injury. RESULTS: Atorvastatin significantly ameliorated renal dysfunction and morphological changes in CIAKI rats, as well as inflammation, apoptosis, and excessive oxidative stress. Atorvastatin also markedly increased the serum concentration of H2S and renal expression of CSE and CBS. Moreover, pretreatment with NaHS in NRK-52E cells considerably attenuated contrast-induced cell death and inflammation. CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin protects against CIAKI via upregulation of endogenous hydrogen sulfide.

Risk factors and early cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy in Tanzania: a protocol for a quasi-experimental study.

The objective of this quasi-experimental study is to assess the risk factors and early cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy in Tanzania. The study will be conducted at Ocean Road Cancer Institute in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. The study will have three phases: baseline survey, follow-up, and end-line survey. Participants will be newly diagnosed adult cancer patients who are eligible for anthracycline-based chemotherapy. A total of 427 participants will be involved. At baseline, participants will be evaluated for the cardiovascular risk factors before commencing chemotherapy. During follow-up, participants will commence their prescribed anthracycline and the cardiovascular indices monitored throughout until the patient completes the prescribed anthracycline cycles. After completing the prescribed anthracycline cycles, an end line survey will be conducted to evaluate any change in cardiovascular indices. The outcome variable in this study will be the change in biochemical data (high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and troponin I), blood pressure, and electrocardiographic information (heart rate and Bazett QT interval). Independent variables will be demographic characteristics, risk factors for cardiovascular disorders, current dietary practices, and body mass index. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the participants. Independent and paired t-tests will be performed to make comparisons between and within groups. P-values <0.05 will be considered statistically significant. The results of this study will help clinicians and policymakers to understand the burden of early cardiovascular outcomes and plan for appropriate preventive strategies.