Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Christie C. A. Noble, Jonathan P. Sturgeon, Mutsa Bwakura-Dangarembizi, Paul Kelly, Beatrice Amadi, Andrew J. Prendergast
Summary: The study identified that providing pancreatic enzyme supplements can reduce inpatient mortality, prebiotics or synbiotics have a certain effect on reducing mortality, and psychosocial stimulation can lower mortality rates and improve neurodevelopmental scores.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fassikaw Kebede, Tsehay Kebede, Belete Negese, Atitegeb Abera, Getahun Fentaw, Ayalew Kasaw
Summary: This study aimed to identify predictors of mortality related to severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The study found that vomiting, diarrhea, needing nasogastric therapy, anemia, and being readmitted with SAM were independent risk factors for death. The findings of this study can inform treatment and prevention strategies.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jonathan P. Sturgeon, James M. Njunge, Claire D. Bourke, Gerard Bryan Gonzales, Ruairi C. Robertson, Mutsa Bwakura-Dangarembizi, James A. Berkley, Paul Kelly, Andrew J. Prendergast
Summary: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a life-threatening condition that contributes to a significant number of deaths in children under 5 in low-income countries. This review explores the role of inflammation in SAM and suggests potential therapeutic interventions based on evidence from other inflammatory syndromes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Laura Medialdea, Barry Bogin, Mbeugue Thiam, Antonio Vargas, Maria D. Marrodan, Nicole I. Dossou
Summary: The study proposed the use of 2D geometric morphometric techniques to analyze the relationship between children's morphological changes and nutritional status, identifying significant factors such as nutritional status, age, and gender. Discriminant functions constructed in the study achieved the best classification rates in the left arm, providing insights into the morphological patterns influenced by nutritional status during the first 5 years of growth and development in children.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Deborah A. van den Brink, Tim de Meij, Daniella Brals, Robert H. J. Bandsma, Johnstone Thitiri, Moses Ngari, Laura Mwalekwa, Nanne K. H. de Boer, Alfian Wicaksono, James A. Covington, Patrick F. van Rheenen, Wieger P. Voskuijl
Summary: An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bulcha Guye Adema, Niguse Tadele Atnafu, Feven Mulugeta Ashagre
Summary: This study aimed to determine the perceived quality of care for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) management among caregivers of under-five children. The study found that urban residence, higher education levels, government employee status, and longer hospital stays were significantly associated factors with perceived low-quality care for SAM management.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mutsa Bwakura-Dangarembizi, Cherlynn Dumbura, Beatrice Amadi, Deophine Ngosa, Florence D. Majo, Kusum J. Nathoo, Simutanyi Mwakamui, Kuda Mutasa, Bernard Chasekwa, Robert Ntozini, Paul Kelly, Andrew J. Prendergast
Summary: The study found that HIV-positive children discharged from hospital after complicated SAM have almost four times higher mortality than HIV-negative children in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Independent risk factors for mortality include ongoing SAM, cerebral palsy, and non-edematous SAM.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Elizabeth Ledger, Philliness Prisca Harawa, Allison Daniel, Toby Candler, Andrew M. Prentice, Robert H. J. Bandsma
Summary: This study reviewed the prevalence of hypoglycemia in hospitalized children with SAM and its association with mortality. It emphasized the need for further research and highlighted the importance of serial glucose measurements to understand the clinical significance of dysglycemia in children with SAM during hospitalization.
ADVANCES IN NUTRITION
(2021)
Review
Respiratory System
Bryan J. Vonasek, Kendra K. Radtke, Paula Vaz, W. Chris Buck, Chishala Chabala, Eric D. McCollum, Olivier Marcy, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Alexander Kondwani, Anthony J. Garcia-Prats
Summary: This review emphasizes the importance of understanding the interplay between childhood tuberculosis and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) for improving child health. Further research is needed to better identify the connection between these two diseases and improve case finding and treatment strategies.
EXPERT REVIEW OF RESPIRATORY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Amare Kassaw, Desalegne Amare, Minyichil Birhanu, Aragaw Tesfaw, Shegaw Zeleke, Getachew Arage, Demewoz Kefale
Summary: This study conducted a retrospective cohort study of 488 severe acute malnourished under-five children admitted from January 1, 2016, to December 30, 2019. The results showed that failed appetite test, altered consciousness level at admission, oxygen saturation below 90%, edema, and HIV infection were predictors of mortality for children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition. Early screening of complications, close follow-up, and regular monitoring of severely malnourished children may improve child survival rates.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kavish R. Patidar, Jennifer L. Peng, Harleen Kaur, Astin Worden, Carla D. Kettler, Francis Pike, Caitriona A. Buckley, Eric S. Orman, Archita P. Desai, Lauren D. Nephew, Chandrashekhar A. Kubal, Samer Gawrieh, Naga Chalasani, Marwan S. Ghabril
Summary: This study compared mortality rates between patients with sAH ACLF and non-sAH ACLF, revealing a significantly higher mortality rate in patients with sAH ACLF. These data can help predict prognosis in patients with sAH and ACLF, and facilitate early referral of potentially eligible patients for LT.
HEPATOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Victor Musiime, Andrew Kiggwe, Judith Beinomugisha, Lawrence Kakooza, Josam Thembo-Mwesige, Sharafat Nkinzi, Erusa Naguti, Loice Atuhaire, Ivan Segawa, Willy Ssengooba, Jackson K. Mukonzo, Esther Babirekere-Iriso, Philippa Musoke
Summary: This study aims to investigate whether using antibiotics with higher sensitivity can reduce the mortality rate of severely malnourished children living with HIV or exposed to HIV. The study also explores the prevalence and factors associated with HIV infection in severely malnourished children, as well as the dosing requirements of antiretroviral drugs.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Olivier Marcy, Eric Wobudeya, Helene Font, Aurelia Vessiere, Chishala Chabala, Celso Khosa, Jean -Voisin Taguebue, Raoul Moh, Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire, Manon Lounnas, Veronica Mulenga, Sandra Mavale, Josina Chilundo, Dalila Rego, Bwendo Nduna, Perfect Shankalala, Uzima Chirwa, Agathe De Lauzanne, Bunnet Dim, Emeline Tiogouo Ngouana, Madeleine Folquet Amorrissani, Lassina Cisse, Flore Amon Tanoh Dick, Eric A. Komena, Sylvie Kwedi Nolna, Gerald Businge, Naome Natukunda, Saniata Cumbe, Prossy Mbekeka, Ang Kim, Chanrithea Kheang, Sokha Pol, Elizabeth Maleche-Obimbo, James A. Seddon, Tan Eang Mao, Stephen M. Graham, Christophe Delacourt, Laurence Borand, Maryline Bonnet
Summary: Systematic tuberculosis detection at hospital admission did not reduce mortality in children with severe pneumonia. The use of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for diagnosis was supported, especially in children with severe acute malnutrition.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Tsinuel Girma, Pernille Kaestel, Christian Molgaard, Christian Ritz, Gregers S. Andersen, Kim F. Michaelsen, Henrik Friis, Jonathan C. K. Wells
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the utility of bio-electrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) for indexing hydration in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) during treatment. The results showed that BIVA can distinguish weight changes related to tissue and hydration in SAM children, as well as identify children at high risk of death early in the treatment process.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dagmawi Chilot, Mengistie Diress, Yibeltal Yismaw Gela, Deresse Sinamaw, Wudneh Simegn, Amare Agmas Andualem, Abdulwase Mohammed Seid, Desalegn Anmut Bitew, Mohammed Abdu Seid, Habitu Birhan Eshetu, Anteneh Ayelign Kibret, Daniel Gashaneh Belay
Summary: Although progress has been made in reducing child mortality, Ethiopia still faces high under-five mortality rates due to childhood illnesses. This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution and associated factors of common childhood illnesses using data analysis and spatial clustering techniques.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Christina W. Obiero, Phoebe Williams, Sheila Murunga, Johnstone Thitiri, Raymond Omollo, Ann Sarah Walker, Thaddaeus Egondi, Borna Nyaoke, Erika Correia, Zoe Kane, Silke Gastine, Karin Kipper, Joseph F. Standing, Sally Ellis, Mike Sharland, James Alexander Berkley
Summary: This study assessed the pharmacokinetics, changes in sodium levels, and adverse events associated with fosfomycin in neonates with clinical sepsis. The results showed that fosfomycin did not significantly affect serum sodium levels or gastrointestinal side effects. The study also found that fosfomycin in combination with other antimicrobial agents could be a cost-effective and simple treatment option for neonatal sepsis.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Silke Gastine, Christina Obiero, Zoe Kane, Phoebe Williams, John Readman, Sheila Murunga, Johnstone Thitiri, Sally Ellis, Erika Correia, Borna Nyaoke, Karin Kipper, John van den Anker, Mike Sharland, James A. Berkley, Joseph F. Standing
Summary: This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of ampicillin and gentamicin, commonly used antibiotics for neonatal sepsis. The results showed that the combination therapy of ampicillin and gentamicin was insufficient to cover Enterobacterales, suggesting the need for alternative treatment options.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Patricia Pavlinac, Benson Singa, Meei-Li Huang, Lasata Shrestha, Vanessa Li, Hannah E. Atlas, Mame Mareme Diakhate, Rebecca Brander, Liru Meshak, George Bogonko, Kirkby D. Tickell, Christine J. McGrath, Irine M. Machuara, Derrick O. Ounga, James Berkley, Barbra A. Richardson, Grace John-Stewart, Judd L. Walson, Jennifer Slyker
Summary: CMV viremia levels in HIV-exposed uninfected children in Kenya are associated with 6-month mortality after hospital discharge.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Luke S. Uebelhoer, Agnes Gwela, Bonnie Thiel, Sophie Nalukwago, John Mukisa, Christopher Lwanga, Justine Getonto, Emily Nyatichi, Grace Dena, Alexander Makazi, Shalton Mwaringa, Ezekiel Mupere, James A. Berkley, Christina L. Lancioni, Childhood Acute Illness
Summary: Severely ill children in low- and middle-income countries experience high mortality rates from infectious diseases, and the risk of infection-related death is compounded by undernutrition. This study found that T cell function is impaired and innate immune responses are exaggerated in acutely ill children. Nutritional status is associated with the magnitude of cytokine responses. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms of innate immune dysregulation in this population.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bijun Wen, James M. Njunge, Celine Bourdon, Gerard Bryan Gonzales, Bonface M. Gichuki, Dorothy Lee, David S. Wishart, Moses Ngari, Emmanuel Chimwezi, Johnstone Thitiri, Laura Mwalekwa, Wieger Voskuijl, James A. Berkley, Robert H. J. Bandsma
Summary: Blood metabolomic and proteomic profiles can differentiate between children with severe malnutrition who survive and those who die. The profiles of children who died show increased metabolic substrates, microbial metabolites, acute phase proteins, and inflammatory markers, indicating disruptions in bioenergetic pathways and sepsis-like responses.
Review
Immunology
Husheem Michael, Joshua O. Amimo, Gireesh Rajashekara, Linda J. Saif, Anastasia N. Vlasova
Summary: Malnutrition increases the risk of infections and leads to impaired immune function and micronutrient deficiencies. Kwashiorkor has significant impacts on children's health, immunity, and gut functions. Pigs are a valuable model for studying the pathophysiology and immunology of kwashiorkor.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alice Kamau, Moses Musau, Stella Mwakio, David Amadi, Amek Nyaguara, Philip Bejon, Anna C. Seale, James A. Berkley, Robert W. Snow
Summary: In an area with high levels of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance on the Kenyan coast, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women with SP continues to be associated with a reduced risk of low birthweight deliveries and stillbirths.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Alison Talbert, Moses Ngari, Christina Obiero, Amek Nyaguara, Martha Mwangome, Neema Mturi, Nelson Ouma, Mark Otiende, James Berkley
Summary: The number of young infants admitted to a county hospital in Kenya is increasing. The inpatient case fatality rate is 16% and the 1-year post-discharge mortality rate is 5.7%. Inpatient deaths are associated with disease severity, while post-discharge deaths are associated with hospitalization length, leaving against advice, and referral. This highlights the need for improved post-discharge care and services.
Article
Health Policy & Services
D. Cappo, B. Mutamba, K. Ayesiga, E. Kebirungi, D. Chelangat, G. Fegan, S. T. Jacob, E. Nsangi, I. Ntabazi, D. Nalubwama, N. Nakasujja, E. Odoki, P. Odoi, I. Mpairwe, F. Verity
Summary: In Uganda, low resources and inadequate supports for mental health provision led to the development of the YouBelong Home intervention. Qualitative findings from the CHaRISMA project explored how to refine the intervention, aiming to reduce readmissions at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital.
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Cerys Jenkins, Freya Woods, Susan Chandler, Kym Carter, Rhys Jenkins, Andrew Cunningham, Kayleigh Nelson, Rachel Still, Jenna A. Walters, Non Gwynn, Wilson Chea, Rachel Harford, Claire O'Neill, Julie Hepburn, Ian Hill, Heather Wilkes, Greg Fegan, Peter Dunstan, Dean A. Harris
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of a novel spectroscopy-based blood test for colorectal cancer in primary care. The blood test, called Raman-CRC, showed promising results in identifying patients most likely to have colorectal cancer, supporting its potential use as a triage tool to prioritize referrals and improve cancer outcomes.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Moses M. Ngari, Mohammed A. Rashid, Deche Sanga, Hiram Mathenge, Oscar Agoro, Jane K. Mberia, Geoffrey G. Katana, Michel Vaillant, Osman A. Abdullahi
Summary: This study analyzed retrospective data from TB surveillance in two counties in Kenya to examine the burden of TB/HIV co-infection and its impact on TB treatment outcomes. The study found that the proportion of HIV infected TB patients decreased over time, but HIV infection was associated with lower treatment completion rates and higher risk of death or defaulting treatment.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Laurie Smith, Alexandra Coxon-Meggy, Michael Shinkwin, Julie Cornish, Alan Watkins, Greg Fegan, Jared Torkington, HART Trial Collaborators
Summary: This study aimed to assess the rates of incisional hernia (IH) at 1 year following abdominal wall closure between junior and senior surgeons in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. The results showed that patients closed by trainees had a higher rate of IH (20%) compared to those closed by consultants (12%). Additionally, age, sex, and closure method were identified as risk factors for IH.
COLORECTAL DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Paraskevi Massara, Arooj Asrar, Celine Bourdon, Moses Ngari, Charles D. G. Keown-Stoneman, Jonathon L. Maguire, Catherine S. Birken, James A. Berkley, Robert H. J. Bandsma, Elena M. Comelli
Summary: This study assessed the performance of six methods for detecting different types of outliers, proposed two novel methods for outlier trajectory detection, and evaluated the impact of outliers on growth pattern detection. The results showed that model-based outlier detection methods performed best for measurements, especially for low and moderate error intensities. The clustering-based outlier trajectory method performed exceptionally well across all types and intensities of errors. Comparing growth groups with and without outliers demonstrated that outliers can alter group membership.
BMC MEDICAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marko Kerac, Marie McGrath, James A. Berkley, Carlos S. Grijalva-Eternod, Natasha Lelijveld, Martha Mwangome, Eleanor Rogers
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Susan Thurstans, Stephanie Wrottesley, Bridget Fenn, Tanya Khara, Paluku Bahwere, James A. Berkley, Robert E. Black, Erin Boyd, Michel Garenne, Sheila Isanaka, Natasha Lelijveld, Christine M. McDonald, Andrew Mertens, Martha Mwangome, Kieran S. O'Brien, Heather Stobaugh, Sunita Taneja, Keith P. West, Saul Guerrero, Marko Kerac, Andre Briend, Mark Myatt
Summary: The risk of death from undernutrition is higher in younger children than in older children. Boys have a higher prevalence of undernutrition than girls. The risk of death is higher in younger children for underweight and stunting, but not for wasting. There are no sex differences in mortality risk for all deficits.
MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION
(2023)