scholarly journals Evaluation of management of snake bites in a teaching hospital in Northern Ghana- a retrospective descriptive study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul-Subulr Yakubu ◽  
Alhassan Abdul-Mumin ◽  
Odalys Rivera
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Rural Farmers ◽  
Snake Bites ◽  
Tamale Teaching Hospital

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSnakebite is a public health problem afflicting mainly rural farmers. We seek to examine the profile and management of snakebite cases presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital of Ghana over a 30-month period.METHODSOne hundred and ninety-two cases of snakebites presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital over a 30-month period from January 2016 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Information about the clinical manifestation of the snakebites, treatment instituted as well as the outcome was extracted from patient folders for the analysis.RESULTSOut of the 192 cases of snakebite, 131 (68.2%) occurred in males. The mean age of the victims was 26.5 years. The major patterns of envenomation were coagulopathy (84.9%) and local swelling/pain (82.8%). The causative snake species was identified in only 11.5% of cases, all of which were vipers. Antivenom was administered in 94.8% of the victims and the average amount administered was 84.64 milliliters (approximately 8 vials). Reaction to antivenoms was observed in 13.5% of cases, comprising mostly minor reactions. Antibiotics were utilized in 99.5% of cases with more than half receiving more than one type of antibiotic. Steroids use was common (62%) whilst 22.9% received antifibrinolytics despite the absence of evidence supporting their use in snakebite.CONCLUSIONSnakebite is an occupational health hazard of mainly rural farmers. The unwarranted use of non-beneficial medications is still rife. In addition to ensuring the continuous availability of effective antivenoms, there is the need for the development and adherence to protocols that take into consideration the prevailing local conditions.AUTHOR SUMMARYSnakebite affects mainly rural farmers and is a disease of poverty. Unreliable epidemiological data in developing countries like Ghana makes ascertaining the true extent of snakebite difficult. We have examined the presentation and clinical management of snakebite cases presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital of Ghana which serves a mainly rural population. The Carpet Viper, which produces a syndrome of local swelling and bleeding, is implicated in most snakebites in this region. A variety of non-evidenced-based interventions are employed by medical personnel in managing snakebite victims underscoring the need to have written contextually appropriate protocols for snakebite management. Public education is also needed to minimize the delays in seeking healthcare following a snakebite whilst efforts at ensuring the continuous availability of effective antivenoms must be intensified.

scholarly journals Evaluation of management of snake bites in a teaching hospital in northern Ghana: a retrospective descriptive study

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 920
Author(s):  
Abdul-Subulr Yakubu ◽  
Alhassan Abdul-Mumin ◽  
Odalys Rivera
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Average Amount ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Rural Farmers ◽  
Snake Bites ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tamale Teaching Hospital

Background: Snakebite is a public health problem afflicting mainly rural farmers. We seek to examine the profile and management of snakebite cases presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital of Ghana over a 30-month period.Methods: One hundred and ninety-two cases of snakebites presenting to the Tamale Teaching Hospital over a 30-month period from January 2016 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Information about the clinical manifestation of the snakebites, treatment instituted as well as the outcome was extracted from patient folders for the analysis.Results: Out of the 192 cases of snakebite, 131 (68.2%) occurred in males. The mean age of the victims was 26.5 years. The major patterns of envenomation were coagulopathy (84.9%) and local swelling/pain (82.8%). The causative snake species was identified in only 11.5% of cases, all of which were vipers. Antivenom was administered in 94.8% of the victims and the average amount administered was 84.64 milliliters (approximately 8 vials). Reaction to antivenoms was observed in 13.5% of cases, comprising mostly minor reactions. Antibiotics were utilized in 99.5% of cases with more than half receiving more than one type of antibiotic. Steroids use was common (62%) whilst 22.9% received antifibrinolytics despite the absence of evidence supporting their use in snakebite.Conclusions: Snakebite is an occupational health hazard of mainly rural farmers. The unwarranted use of non-beneficial medications is still rife. In addition to ensuring the continuous availability of effective antivenoms, there is the need for the development and adherence to protocols that take into consideration the prevailing local conditions.

scholarly journals Drug Treatment of Patients with Liver Cirrhosis in a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Ghana: Does It Comply with Recommended Guidelines?

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Baba Sulemana Mohammed ◽  
Matthew Aidoo
Keyword(s):  
Liver Cirrhosis ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Drug Disposition ◽  
Tertiary Hospital ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Inappropriate Drug ◽  
Cirrhotic Patients ◽  
Tamale Teaching Hospital ◽  
Safety Guidelines

The diverse influence of liver function on drug disposition can lead health-care practitioners to inappropriate drug selection, inappropriate drug dosing, or some level of therapeutic negativism. The aim of this study was to assess how drug prescribing in patients with liver cirrhosis at the Tamale Teaching Hospital comply with recommendations of pharmacotherapy and safety guidelines. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July, 2019, at the medical ward of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. A total of 152 liver cirrhotic patients were included in this study. Common etiologies for liver cirrhosis were chronic hepatitis B 80 (52.6%) and chronic hepatitis C 30 (19.7%); about 12.5% of etiologies were unknown. Of the 1842 prescription issued, 69% (1270/1842) were compliant. Of the 572 noncompliant prescriptions, about 32% (183/572) were due to pharmacotherapy and 68% (389/572) due to safety guideline recommendations. There was a substantial number (31%) of prescription noncompliance with recommendations for pharmacotherapy and safety guidelines in liver cirrhotic patients at the tertiary hospital in northern Ghana. Prescribers need to be conscious of the role of the liver in drug elimination and prescribe as recommended by guidelines.

Barriers to Timely Presentation of Patients with Surgical Conditions at Tamale Teaching Hospital in Northern Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Tabiri ◽  
Ali Jalali ◽  
Richard E. Nelson ◽  
Michael C. Damah ◽  
Francis A. Abantanga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Surgical Conditions ◽  
Tamale Teaching Hospital

scholarly journals Rising Trend of “Veil Entanglement Injuries” in Northern Ghana: A Case Series

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis D. B. Buunaaim ◽  
Anwar Sadat Seidu ◽  
Mohammed Issah Suglo Bukari ◽  
John Abanga Alatiga ◽  
Kouakou Emile Tano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Education ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Education And Awareness ◽  
Extremity Injuries ◽  
Tamale Teaching Hospital ◽  
Head Neck

Introduction: Veils are thin garments that are worn over the head, wrapped round the neck, and left hanging loosely over the torso up to the thighs. They are also known as scarf or “dupatta.” Veils can get entangled in spokes of motorbikes or in belt-driven machinery resulting in a variety of life-threating injuries. Case Reports: We report nine major cases of veil entanglement injuries (VEI) that presented to the Orthopedic Unit of Tamale Teaching Hospital from July 10, 2017 to June 12, 2020. All the patients were females with ages ranging from 5-months to 44-year. All the accidents involved either a motorbike or auto rickshaw. Head, neck, and extremity injuries were the most common. Eight out of nine patients had circumferential neck bruise referred to as “veil sign” in this report. One patient died. Conclusion: The rising trend of VEI is alarming among women in Northern Ghana. We recommend widespread public education and awareness creation. We also recommend modification of traffic regulations by policy makers to avert this avoidable injury. Keywords: “Dupatta,” long scarf injuries, “Isadora Duncan syndrome,” veil injuries.

scholarly journals Knowledge Gaps in Understanding the Etiology of Anemia in Indonesian Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. S39-S58
Author(s):  
Kesso Gabrielle van Zutphen ◽  
Klaus Kraemer ◽  
Alida Melse-Boonstra
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Population Group ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Folic Acid Deficiency ◽  
Knowledge Gaps ◽  
Local Conditions ◽  
Etiological Factors ◽  
Infection And Inflammation

Background: Anemia is a public health problem among adolescents in Indonesia. Strategies to prevent or treat anemia should be tailored to local conditions, taking into account its specific etiology and prevalence in a given setting and population group. Objective: This review aims to (1) identify and synthesize the current knowledge on the etiology of anemia among adolescents in Indonesia, (2) reveal knowledge gaps in this area, and (3) suggest directions for future research and programmatic work. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and WorldCat databases for peer-reviewed journal articles to identify which etiological factors were related to anemia among Indonesian adolescents. Research papers were reviewed and included in the review according to inclusion criteria. Results: Of 13 studies, 8 showed that anemia was associated with iron deficiency; 4 are suggestive of vitamin A deficiency; and 2 of folic acid deficiency. Five studies underscore different etiological determinants for anemia, such as malaria, protein and energy malnutrition, vitamin B2 deficiency, calcium, and vitamin C deficiency. Based on these findings, we developed a framework on knowledge gaps on the etiology of anemia among adolescents in Indonesia, divided in 3 levels of knowledge: (1) significant knowledge gaps, (2) knowledge gaps, and (3) established knowledge. Conclusions: The knowledge gaps around the etiology of anemia among Indonesian adolescents are significant. Our framework emphasizes the need for further research across all etiological factors, namely inadequate nutritional intake and absorption, genetic hemoglobin disorders, infection and inflammation, and menstrual disorders.

scholarly journals The malaria burden of Amerindian groups of three Venezuelan states: a descriptive study based on programmatic data

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan C. Gabaldón-Figueira ◽  
Carlos Chaccour ◽  
Jorge Moreno ◽  
Maria Villegas ◽  
Leopoldo Villegas
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Indigenous Groups ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Fifty-three percent of all cases of malaria in the Americas in 2019 came from Venezuela, where the epidemic is heavily focused south of the Orinoco river, and where most of the country’s Amerindian groups live. Although the disease is known to represent a significant public health problem among these populations, little epidemiological data exists on the subject. This study aims to provide information on malaria incidence, geospatial clustering, and risk factors associated to Plasmodium falciparum infection among these groups. Methods This is a descriptive study based on the analysis of published and unpublished programmatic data collected by Venezuelan health authorities and non-government organizations between 2014 and 2018. The Annual Parasite Index among indigenous groups (API-i) in municipalities of three states (Amazonas, Bolivar, and Sucre) were calculated and compared using the Kruskal Wallis test, risk factors for Plasmodium falciparum infection were identified via binomial logistic regression and maps were constructed to identify clusters of malaria cases among indigenous patients via Moran’s I and Getis-Ord’s hot spot analysis. Results 116,097 cases of malaria in Amerindian groups were registered during the study period. An increasing trend was observed between 2014 and 2016 but reverted in 2018. Malaria incidence remains higher than in 2014 and hot spots were identified in the three states, although more importantly in the south of Bolivar. Most cases (73.3%) were caused by Plasmodium vivax, but the Hoti, Yanomami, and Eñepa indigenous groups presented higher odds for infection with Plasmodium falciparum. Conclusion Malaria cases among Amerindian populations increased between 2014 and 2018 and seem to have a different geographic distribution than those among the general population. These findings suggest that tailored interventions will be necessary to curb the impact of malaria transmission in these groups.

scholarly journals Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among blood donors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana (2009)

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julius Tieroyaare Dongdem ◽  
Sylvanus Kampo ◽  
Ireneous N Soyiri ◽  
Patrick Nsobila Asebga ◽  
Juventus B Ziem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B Virus ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Blood Donors ◽  
Hepatitis B Virus Infection ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Tamale Teaching Hospital
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document