Dataset Information

A cross-sectional study of people with epilepsy and neurocysticercosis in Tanzania: clinical characteristics and diagnostic approaches.

ABSTRACT: Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a major cause of epilepsy in regions where pigs are free-ranging and hygiene is poor. Pork production is expected to increase in the next decade in sub-Saharan Africa, hence NCC will likely become more prevalent. In this study, people with epilepsy (PWE, n=212) were followed up 28.6 months after diagnosis of epilepsy. CT scans were performed, and serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of selected PWE were analysed. We compared the demographic data, clinical characteristics, and associated risk factors of PWE with and without NCC. PWE with NCC (n=35) were more likely to be older at first seizure (24.3 vs. 16.3 years, p=0.097), consumed more pork (97.1% vs. 73.6%, p=0.001), and were more often a member of the Iraqw tribe (94.3% vs. 67.8%, p=0.005) than PWE without NCC (n=177). PWE and NCC who were compliant with anti-epileptic medications had a significantly higher reduction of seizures (98.6% vs. 89.2%, p=0.046). Other characteristics such as gender, seizure frequency, compliance, past medical history, close contact with pigs, use of latrines and family history of seizures did not differ significantly between the two groups. The number of NCC lesions and active NCC lesions were significantly associated with a positive antibody result. The electroimmunotransfer blot, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was more sensitive than a commercial western blot, especially in PWE and cerebral calcifications. This is the first study to systematically compare the clinical characteristics of PWE due to NCC or other causes and to explore the utility of two different antibody tests for diagnosis of NCC in sub-Saharan Africa.

SUBMITTER: Blocher J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3110162 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

A cross-sectional study of people with epilepsy and neurocysticercosis in Tanzania: clinical characteristics and diagnostic approaches.

Blocher Joachim J Schmutzhard Erich E Wilkins Patricia P PP Gupton Paige N PN Schaffert Matthias M Auer Herbert H Gotwald Thaddaeus T Matuja William W Winkler Andrea S AS

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 20110607 6

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a major cause of epilepsy in regions where pigs are free-ranging and hygiene is poor. Pork production is expected to increase in the next decade in sub-Saharan Africa, hence NCC will likely become more prevalent. In this study, people with epilepsy (PWE, n=212) were followed up 28.6 months after diagnosis of epilepsy. CT scans were performed, and serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of selected PWE were analysed. We compared the demographic data, clinical characteristi ...[more]

PMID: 21666796

Similar Datasets

Project description:BackgroundWith a potentially early onset, hereditary angioedema (HAE) requires special knowledge also in infancy and early childhood. In children from families with HAE, the diagnosis should be confirmed or refuted early, which can be difficult. Studies of childhood HAE and the diagnostic approaches are limited. Our aim was to investigate the entire Danish cohort of children with HAE and non-HAE children of HAE patients for diagnostic approaches and clinical characteristics.ResultsWe included 41 children: 22 with HAE and 19 non-HAE. Of the HAE children, 14 were symptomatic-median age at onset was 4 [1-11] years. The first attack was peripheral in 8/14 children and abdominal in 6/14 children, i.e. no one had their first attacks in the upper airways. Most children had less than one attack per month. All of the symptomatic children had been treated with tranexamic acid and/or C1 inhibitor concentrate. Unlike in other countries, androgens were not used in our pediatric cohort. Home therapy with C1 inhibitor concentrate was established in 9 cases: 6 children were trained in self-administration and 3 children were treated by parents. Of the children, 10 had been diagnosed by symptoms, including 3 without family history-median age of diagnosis among these children was 5.35 [2-13.2] years. In 31 children, HAE was diagnosed or refuted before symptoms by blood samples. In 23 of these children, complement values were investigated, and in 9 cases genetic testing was added to the complement measurements. In 8 children recently investigated, genetic testing was first choice. Cord blood was used for complement measurements in 9 children and for genetic testing in 4 children. Results of complement measurements were equivocal in several cases, especially in the cord blood samples, and the sensitivity of low complement C4 for the diagnosis of HAE was 75%.ConclusionsWe investigated clinical characteristics in all Danish children with HAE. The rate of home therapy was high and androgens had been avoided. Complement values were often equivocal, especially in cord blood samples. Consequently, we have changed diagnostic practice to early genetic testing in children where the family mutation is known.

Project description:ObjectivesTo provide a detailed and current characterisation of funding of a representative sample clinical trials. We also aimed to develop guidance for standardised reporting of funding information.MethodsWe addressed the extent to which clinical trials published in 2015 in any of the 119 Core Clinical Journals included a statement on the funding source (eg, whether a not-for-profit organisation was supported by a private-for-profit organisation), type of funding, amount and role of funder. We used a stepwise approach to develop a guidance and an instrument for standardised reporting of funding information.ResultsOf 200 trials, 178 (89%) included a funding statement, of which 171 (96%) reported being funded. Funding statements in the 171 funded trials indicated the source in 100%, amount in 1% and roles of funders in 50%. The most frequent sources were governmental (58%) and private-for-profit (40%). Of 54 funding statements in which the source was a not-for-profit organisation, we found evidence of undisclosed support of those from private-for-profit organisation(s) in 26 (48%). The most frequently reported roles of funders in the 171 funded trials related to study design (42%) and data analysis, interpretation or management (41%). Of 139 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) addressing pharmacological or surgical interventions, 29 (21%) reported information on the supplier of the medication or device. The proposed guidance addresses both the funding information that RCTs should report and the reporting process. Attached to the guidance is a fillable PDF document for use as an instrument for standardised reporting of funding information.ConclusionAlthough the majority of RCTs report funding, there is considerable variability in the reporting of funding source, amount and roles of funders. A standardised approach to reporting of funding information would address these limitations. Future research should explore the implications of funding by not-for-profit organisations that are supported by for-profit organisations.

Project description:BackgroundTanzania is among the sub-Saharan African countries facing a tremendous increase in the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In order to provide diabetes health care services, the government has established diabetes care clinics in secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. However, previous studies have demonstrated a disparity in availability of supplies and equipment for provision of diabetes health care services at these healthcare facilities. This study aims to assess the clinical characteristics and health care received among patients with type 2 diabetes attending secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities in Mwanza Region, Tanzania.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Mwanza Region from June to September, 2018.Three hundred and thirty patients were selected by systematic random sampling from three healthcare facilities. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect information on patient characteristics, health care received and patient perception of care. Patient blood pressure, blood glucose, weight and height were measured during the study. Percentages, chi-square tests and multivariable analysis were conducted to obtain the proportions, make comparisons and determining the correlates of tertiary-level healthcare facility.ResultsApproximately half of respondents (54.5%) were from secondary healthcare facilities. The prevalence of hypertension (63.3%), hyperglycemia (95.8%) and obesity (93.3%) were high. The prevalence of hyperglycemia was slightly higher at secondary-level healthcare facility (p?=?0.005). The proportion of respondents recently diagnosed with diabetes (? 10?years) was significantly higher at tertiary-level healthcare facility (p?=?0.000). The prevalence of diabetes related complications was higher at tertiary-level healthcare facility (80.7% versus 53.3%, p?=?0.000). Assessments of body weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, feet and eye examination were conducted on a monthly basis at all facilities. None of the respondents had undergone lipid profile testing. All of the respondents (100%) received care from a nurse during diabetes clinic visits and half of the respondents (49.7%) also received care from a clinician. Relatively young patients, married and recently diagnosed patients were more likely to attend clinic at tertiary facilities. Tertiary-level healthcare facilities were more likely to have patients with complications and to have a dietitian available at the clinic.

Dataset Information

A cross-sectional study of people with epilepsy and neurocysticercosis in Tanzania: clinical characteristics and diagnostic approaches.

Publications

A cross-sectional study of people with epilepsy and neurocysticercosis in Tanzania: clinical characteristics and diagnostic approaches.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets