Research Article
Iron levels and Associated Factors Among Preterm Delivered Infants in Five Selected Health Facilities in Mwanza Region, Northwestern Tanzania
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
111-120
Received:
6 August 2024
Accepted:
2 September 2024
Published:
20 September 2024
Abstract: Background: It is estimated that, in Tanzania 11percent of babies are born prematurely each year. Preterm delivered infants are more prone to iron deficiency because most of mother to child iron transfer occurs in the third trimester. Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study, conducted in five selected health facilities in Mwanza city. Three hundred and fifty preterm delivered infants aged 6 to 30 weeks were included in the study. Participants’ information was obtained by using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. To determine body iron level, blood was collected to measure serum ferritin, full blood picture and C reactive protein. Results: In every 100 infants, 20 had low iron levels, 1 had latent iron deficiency, 3 had iron deficiency and 9 had iron deficiency anemia. Increase in infant’s age and complementary feeding with cow’s milk were significantly associated with iron deficiency anemia. In addition, hemoglobin level and mean corpuscular volume in combination is not a good alternative of serum ferritin in diagnosing low iron. Recommendations: Food fortification with iron and iron supplementation among preterm delivered infants are needed to prevent iron deficiency among these infants. Further studies to determine why older preterm delivered infants are more prone to iron deficiency anemia including type of food they eat are needed. Hemoglobin level and mean corpuscular volume can be used to rule out those without low iron but not to diagnose those with low iron level.
Abstract: Background: It is estimated that, in Tanzania 11percent of babies are born prematurely each year. Preterm delivered infants are more prone to iron deficiency because most of mother to child iron transfer occurs in the third trimester. Methods: This was a hospital based cross sectional study, conducted in five selected health facilities in Mwanza ci...
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Research Article
Epidemiological Trends Related to Stroke and Neuroinfectious Diseases in Patients Admitted to the Neurology Unit at Cocody Teaching Hospital in Abidjan
Gloire Chubaka Magala*
,
Muriel Amon Tanoh,
Abel Christian Tanoh,
Cedric Valery Kadjo,
Jonathan Bachiseze Magala,
Fiacre Delors Offoumou,
Desirée Aka Arlette,
Constance Yapo Ehounoud,
Nancy Tania Essoin-De Souza,
Yves Broh N’guessan,
Mavouloh Kourouma,
Evelyne Aka-Anghui Diarra,
Berthe Assi
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
121-131
Received:
25 August 2024
Accepted:
13 September 2024
Published:
29 September 2024
Abstract: Background: In Ivory Coast, as in many tropical regions, there is a significant coexistence of infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly within the field of neurology. The dual burden of neuroinfectious diseases, including meningitis and strokes, plays a crucial role in shaping public health strategies implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national health programs. Unfortunately, the epidemiological trends are not regularly updated. This study aims to provide insights into hospital admissions and mortality related to strokes and brain infections to inform health policies and improve disease management. Method: It was a retrospective study that examined the medical records of patients admitted to the neurology department of the Cocody University Hospital in Abidjan from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, and included individuals across all age groups who were diagnosed with stroke, brain abscess, meningitis, or encephalitis. Results: The study involved 1,518 patients, strokes were more common among older adults, with an average age of 57.3 ± 13.7 years. Strokes represented the primary reason for hospitalization, making up 69% of cases, with an annual growth rate of approximately 2%, while neuroinfectious diseases accounted for 13% of total admissions. In-hospital mortality rates were 15% for stroke patients and 28% for those with neuroinfectious diseases, the latter showing a significantly higher mortality risk (odds ratio = 2.50; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Strokes are the leading cause of hospital admissions in our department, with increasing rates; however, neuroinfectious diseases have higher and stable mortality rates, indicating a more severe prognosis. Therefore, health policies must be reassessed to improve prevention and management for both diseases.
Abstract: Background: In Ivory Coast, as in many tropical regions, there is a significant coexistence of infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly within the field of neurology. The dual burden of neuroinfectious diseases, including meningitis and strokes, plays a crucial role in shaping public health strategies implemented by th...
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