In Burkina Faso, the health system is characterized by systemic insufficient and antiquated health-care infrastructures. Consequently, few health-care establishments have the required resources to ...diagnose and manage patients with COVID-19, and fewer still have intensive care facilities for severely ill patients with COVID. Furthermore, there is a widespread scarcity of qualified health-care staff. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with COVID-19 who recovered after being cared for in Bobo Dioulasso and Ouagadougou. Using individual semistructured interviews, we performed a cross-sectional qualitative, descriptive study from June 12 to 30, 2020 with the aid of 13 well-educated patients who had survived COVID-19. The results reveal that prior to hospital admission, the main reason that prompted patients to seek care was onset of symptoms of COVID-19, regardless of whether they had been in contact with suspected or confirmed cases. Transmission was mainly believed to have occurred in the community, in the hospital, and during travel. Patient management was punctuated by frequent self-medication with medicinal plants or pharmaceutical drugs. The participants reported a negative perception of hospitalization or home-based management, with several forms of stigmatization, but a positive perception influenced by the satisfactory quality of management in health-care centers. This report of patient experiences could be helpful in improving the management of COVID-19 in Burkina Faso, both in the health-care setting and in home-based care.
Background. Abdominal adiposity and serum leptin increase with age as does risk of metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the prospective association between leptin and metabolic syndrome risk ...in relation to adiposity and cytokines. Methods. The Health, Aging, and Body Composition study is a prospective cohort of older adults aged 70 to 79 years. Baseline measurements included leptin, cytokines, BMI, total percent fat, and visceral and subcutaneous fat. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between leptin and metabolic syndrome (defined per NCEP ATP III) incidence after 6 years of follow-up among 1,120 men and women. Results. Leptin predicted metabolic syndrome in men (P for trend = 0.0002) and women (P for trend = 0.0001). In women, risk of metabolic syndrome increased with higher levels of leptin (compared with quintile 1, quintile 2 RR = 3.29, CI = 1.36, 7.95; quintile 3 RR = 3.25, CI = 1.33, 7.93; quintile 4 RR = 5.21, CI = 2.16, 12.56; and quintile 5 RR = 7.97, CI = 3.30, 19.24) after adjusting for potential confounders. Leptin remained independently associated with metabolic syndrome risk after additional adjustment for adiposity, cytokines, and CRP. Among men, this association was no longer significant after controlling for adiposity. Conclusion. Among older women, elevated concentrations of leptin may increase the risk of metabolic syndrome independent of adiposity and cytokines.
Observational evidence suggests that higher physical activity is associated with slower kidney function decline; however, to our knowledge, no large trial has evaluated whether activity and exercise ...can ameliorate kidney function decline in older adults.
To evaluate whether a moderate-intensity exercise intervention can affect the rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate per cystatin C (eGFRCysC) change in older adults.
This ancillary analysis of the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence For Elders randomized clinical trial enrolled 1199 community-dwelling, sedentary adults aged 70 to 89 years with mobility limitations and available blood specimens. The original trial was conducted across 8 academic centers in the US from February 2010 through December 2013. Data for this study were analyzed from March 29, 2021, to February 28, 2022.
Structured, 2-year, partially supervised, moderate-intensity physical activity and exercise (strength, flexibility) intervention compared with a health education control intervention with 2-year follow-up. Physical activity was measured by step count and minutes of moderate-intensity activity using accelerometers.
The primary outcome was change in eGFRCysC. Rapid eGFRCysC decline was defined by the high tertile threshold of 6.7%/y.
Among the 1199 participants in the analysis, the mean (SD) age was 78.9 (5.2) years, and 800 (66.7%) were women. At baseline, the 2 groups were well balanced by age, comorbidity, and baseline eGFRCysC. The physical activity and exercise intervention resulted in statistically significantly lower decline in eGFRCysC over 2 years compared with the health education arm (mean difference, 0.96 mL/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI, 0.02-1.91 mL/min/1.73 m2) and lower odds of rapid eGFRCysC decline (odds ratio, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65-0.97).
Results of this ancillary analysis of a randomized clinical trial showed that when compared with health education, a physical activity and exercise intervention slowed the rate of decline in eGFRCysC among community-dwelling sedentary older adults. Clinicians should consider targeted recommendation of physical activity and moderate-intensity exercise for older adults as a treatment to slow decline in eGFRCysC.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01072500.
Background. From the time of CTX-M emergence, extended-spectrum β-lactamase—producing enterobacteria (ESBL-E) have spread worldwide in community settings as well as in hospitals, particularly in ...developing countries. Although their dissemination appears linked to Escherichia coli intestinal carriage, precise paths of this dynamic are largely unknown. Methods. Children from a pediatric renutrition center were prospectively enrolled in a fecal carriage study. Antibiotic exposure was recorded. ESBL-E strains were isolated using selective media from fecal samples obtained at admission and, when negative, also at discharge. ESBL-encoding genes were identified, their environments and plasmids were characterized, and clonality was assessed with polymerase chain reaction—based methods and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. E. coli strains were subjected to multilocus sequence typing. Results. The ESBL-E carriage rate was 31% at admission in the 55 children enrolled. All children enrolled received antibiotics during hospitalization. Among the ESBL-E—negative children, 16 were resampled at discharge, and the acquisition rate was 94%. The bla CTX-M-15 gene was found in >90% of the carriers. Genetic environments and plasmid characterization evidenced the roles of a worldwide, previously described, multidrug-resistant region and of IncF plasmids in CTX-M-15 E. coli dissemination. Diversity of CTX-M-15—carrying genetic structures and clonality of acquired ESBL E. coli suggested horizontal genetic transfer and underlined the potential of some ST types for nosocomial cross-transmission. Conclusions. Cross-transmission and high selective pressure lead to very high acquisition of ESBL-E carriage, contributing to dissemination in the community. Strict hygiene measures as well as careful balancing of benefit—risk ratio of current antibiotic policies need to be reevaluated.
Direct observation of postural and motor abilities appears as very important in assessment of patients showing psychomotor disadaptation syndrome (PDS). We examine feasibility and reliability of mini ...motor test (MMT) which has been developed in order to establish rehabilitation goals in this population. MMT is a 20-item score which assesses abilities in bed, quality of sitting position, abilities in the standing position, and quality of gait. MMT has been conducted by two different independent investigators, a physiotherapist and a physician, in four different geriatric centers. One hundred and one subjects (mean age: 84.9 ± 6.0 years) were included in the study. The agreement between the two investigators was highly satisfying for both MMT total score and each item of MMT. Redundancy between items appeared very limited. The difference between investigators for MMT total score did not vary significantly with score of the mini-mental-state examination (MMSE). The correlation between MMT and the Katz index was found significantly negative. MMT is an easy direct-observation test which may be particularly useful in patients who present with severe postural and gait impairment. This test can be used in clinical practice by different professional actors in order to allow an interdisciplinary approach for a common rehabilitation goal in the PDS patients.
BackgroundDepression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Depression has a negative impact on both mental and physical health and is mainly associated ...with suboptimal HIV treatment outcomes. To encourage successful aging and the achievement of the 3 × 90 objectives in older PLHIV, the psychological domain must not be neglected. In this context and as data are scarce in West Africa, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and the factors associated with severe depressive symptoms in older PLHIV living in this region of the world.MethodsData from PLHIV aged ≥50 years and on ART since ≥6 months were collected in three clinics (two in Côte d’Ivoire, one in Senegal) participating in the West Africa International epidemiological Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) collaboration. The severity of depressive symptoms was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CES-D), and associated factors were identified using logistic regressions.ResultsThe median age of the 334 PLHIV included in the study was 56.7 (53.5–61.1), 57.8% were female, and 87.1% had an undetectable viral load. The prevalence of severe depressive symptoms was 17.9% 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 13.8–22.0. PLHIV with severe depressive symptoms were more likely to be unemployed (adjusted Odd Ratio (aOR) = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.4–5.7), and to be current or former tobacco smokers (aOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3–5.4) but were less likely to be overweight or obese (aOR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2–0.8).ConclusionsThe prevalence of severe depressive symptoms is high among older PLHIV living in West Africa. Unemployed PLHIV and tobacco smokers should be seen as vulnerable and in need of additional support. Further studies are needed to describe in more details the reality of the aging experience for PLHIV living in SSA. The integration of screening and management of depression in the standard of care of PLHIV is crucial.
Dengue is the most widespread arbovirosis in the world, with approximately 390 million cases per year, 96 millions of which have clinical manifestations and 25,000 deaths. In West Africa, the ...circulation of this virus in human populations was first reported in the 1960s in Nigeria. Clinical diagnosis of dengue in West Africa is made difficult by the existence of other diseases with similar clinical presentations. Biological diagnosis remains therefore the only alternative. This biological diagnosis requires high quality equipment and well-trained personnel, which are not always available in resource-limited countries. Thus, many cases of dengue fever are consistently reported as malaria, leading to mismanagement, which can have serious consequences on the health status of patients. It is therefore necessary to set up surveillance systems for febrile infections of unknown origin in Africa by strengthening the diagnostic capacities of national laboratories.
La dengue est l’arbovirose la plus répandue dans le monde avec environ 390 millions de cas par an, dont 96 millions présentent des manifestations cliniques, avec plus de 25 152 décès annuels répertoriés. Le diagnostic clinique de la dengue en Afrique de l’Ouest est rendu difficile par l’existence d’autres maladies présentant des tableaux cliniques similaires. Il est donc nécessaire de mettre en place des systèmes de surveillance des infections fébriles d’origine inconnue en Afrique, en renforçant les capacités diagnostiques des laboratoires nationaux.
To determine which measures-impaired fasting glucose (IFG), elevated HbA1c, or both-best predict incident diabetes in older adults.
From the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study, we selected ...individuals without diabetes, and we defined IFG (100-125 mg/dL) and elevated HbA1c (5.7-6.4%) per American Diabetes Association guidelines. Incident diabetes was based on self-report, use of antihyperglycemic medicines, or HbA1c ≥6.5% during 7 years of follow-up. Logistic regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race, site, BMI, smoking, blood pressure, and physical activity. Discrimination and calibration were assessed for models with IFG and with both IFG and elevated HbA1c.
Among 1,690 adults (mean age 76.5, 46% men, 32% black), 183 (10.8%) developed diabetes over 7 years. Adjusted odds ratios of diabetes were 6.2 (95% CI 4.4-8.8) in those with IFG (versus those with fasting plasma glucose FPG <100 mg/dL) and 11.3 (7.8-16.4) in those with elevated HbA1c (versus those with HbA1c <5.7%). When FPG and HbA1c were considered together, odds ratios were 3.5 (1.9-6.3) in those with IFG only, 8.0 (4.8-13.2) in those with elevated HbA1c only, and 26.2 (16.3-42.1) in those with both IFG and elevated HbA1c (versus those with normal FPG and HbA1c). Addition of elevated HbA1c to the model with IFG resulted in improved discrimination and calibration.
Older adults with both IFG and elevated HbA1c have a substantially increased odds of developing diabetes over 7 years. Combined screening with FPG and HbA1c may identify older adults at very high risk for diabetes.
Dengue is the most widespread arbovirosis in the world, with approximately 390 million cases per year, 96 millions of which have clinical manifestations and 25,000 deaths. In West Africa, the ...circulation of this virus in human populations was first reported in the 1960s in Nigeria. Clinical diagnosis of dengue in West Africa is made difficult by the existence of other diseases with similar clinical presentations. Biological diagnosis remains therefore the only alternative. This biological diagnosis requires high quality equipment and well-trained personnel, which are not always available in resource-limited countries. Thus, many cases of dengue fever are consistently reported as malaria, leading to mismanagement, which can have serious consequences on the health status of patients. It is therefore necessary to set up surveillance systems for febrile infections of unknown origin in Africa by strengthening the diagnostic capacities of national laboratories.
Context: Hemoglobin A1c (A1c) was recently added to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes and prediabetes.
Objective: Our objective was to examine performance of A1c in comparison with fasting plasma ...glucose (FPG) in diagnosing dysglycemia in older adults.
Design and Setting: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition study at yr 4 (2000–2001) when FPG and standardized A1c measurements were available.
Participants: Of 3075 persons (aged 70–79 yr, 48% men, 42% Black) at study entry, 1865 participants without known diabetes who had appropriate measures were included.
Main outcome measures: Sensitivity and specificity of A1c-based diagnoses were compared with those based on FPG and the proportion of participants identified with dysglycemia by each measure.
Results: Of all participants, 2.7 and 3.1% had undiagnosed diabetes by FPG ≥126 mg/dl and A1c ≥6.5%, respectively. Among the remaining participants, 21.1% had prediabetes by impaired fasting glucose (≥100 mg/dl) and 22.2% by A1c ≥5.7%. Roughly one third of individuals with diabetes and prediabetes were identified by either FPG or A1c alone and by both tests simultaneously. Sensitivities and specificities of A1c compared with FPG were 56.9 and 98.4% for diabetes and 47.0 and 84.5% for prediabetes, respectively. Blacks and women were more likely to be identified with dysglycemia by A1c than FPG.
Conclusions: In this older population, we found considerable discordance between FPG- and A1c-based diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes, with differences accentuated by race and gender. Broad implementation of A1c to diagnose dysglycemic states may substantially alter the epidemiology of these conditions in older Americans.
There is considerable discordance between fasting plasma glucose and A1c-based diagnoses of diabetes and pre-diabetes in older adults with differences accentuated by race and sex.
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