Is facility based neonatal care in low resource setting keeping pace? A glance at Uganda\u2019s National Referral Hospital.

Objectives: To identify reasons for neonatal admission and death with the aim of determining areas needing improvement. Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted on records for neonates admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) from 1st November 2013 to 31st January 2014. Final diagnosis was generated after analyzing sequence of clinical course by 2 paediatricians. Results: A total of 1192 neonates were admitted. Majority 83.3% were in-born. Main reasons for admissions were prematurity (37.7%) and low APGAR (27.9%).Overall mortality was 22.1% (Out-born 33.6%; in born 19.8%). Half (52%) of these deaths occurred in the first 24 hours of admission. Major contributors to mortality were prematurity with hypothermia and respiratory distress (33.7%) followed by birth asphyxia with HIE grade III (24.6%) and presumed sepsis (8.7%). Majority of stable at risk neonates 318/330 (i.e. low APGAR or prematurity without comorbidity) survived. Factors independently associated with death included gestational age <30 weeks (p 0.002), birth weight <1500g (p 0.007) and a 5 minute APGAR score of < 7 (p 0.001). Neither place of birth nor delayed and after hour admissions were independently associated with mortality. Conclusion and recommendations: Mortality rate in SCBU is high. Prematurity and its complications were major contributors to mortality. The management of hypothermia and respiratory distress needs scaling up. A step down unit for monitoring stable at risk neonates is needed in order to decongest SCBU

Poor birth weight recovery among low birth weight/preterm infants following hospital discharge in Kampala, Uganda

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Healthy infants typically regain their birth weight by 21 days of age; however, failure to do so may be due to medical, nutritional or environmental factors. Globally, the incidence of low birth weight deliveries is high, but few studies have assessed the postnatal weight changes in this category of infants, especially in Africa. The aim was to determine what proportion of LBW infants had not regained their birth weight by 21 days of age after discharge from the Special Care Unit of Mulago hospital, Kampala.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross sectional study was conducted assessing weight recovery of 235 LBW infants attending the Kangaroo Clinic in the Special Care Unit of Mulago Hospital between January and April 2010. Infants aged 21 days with a documented birth weight and whose mothers gave consent to participate were included in the study. Baseline information was collected on demographic characteristics, history on pregnancy, delivery and postnatal outcome through interviews. Pertinent infant information like gestation age, diagnosis and management was obtained from the medical records and summarized in the case report forms.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 235 LBW infants, 113 (48.1%) had not regained their birth weight by 21 days. Duration of hospitalization for more than 7 days (AOR: 4.2; 95% CI: 2.3 - 7.6; p value < 0.001) and initiation of the first feed after 48 hours (AOR: 1.9; 95% CI 1.1 - 3.4 p value 0.034) were independently associated with failure to regain birth weight. Maternal factors and the infant's physical examination findings were not significantly associated with failure to regain birth weight by 21 days of age.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Failure to regain birth weight among LBW infants by 21 days of age is a common problem in Mulago Hospital occurring in almost half of the neonates attending the Kangaroo clinic. Currently, the burden of morbidity in this group of high-risk infants is undetected and unaddressed in many developing countries. Measures for consideration to improve care of these infants would include; discharge after regaining birth weight and use of total parenteral nutrition. However, due to the pressure of space, keeping the baby and mother is not feasible at the moment hence the need for a strong community system to boost care of the infant. Close networking with support groups within the child's environment could help alleviate this problem.</p

Prevalence and pattern of retinopathy of prematurity at two national referral hospitals in Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in children and an ROP epidemic is predicted this decade in sub-Saharan Africa. With the increasing survival rate of preterm babies in Uganda, and no data on ROP prevalence, there is a need to assess the burden of ROP to inform preventive strategies and targeted screening. Methods: We conducted a two-center cross-sectional study of preterm ( Results: 331 preterm infants enrolled in this study. The oxygen received was unblended. The mean gestational age was 30.4 ± 2.7 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1597 ± 509 g. 18/101 (17.8%) were found to have any ROP amongst the preterm infants recruited from MSWNH, 1/230 (0.4%) from KNRH [95% CI] had any stage of ROP (i.e. stage 5). Of these, 8 (42.1%) had stage 2 ROP. Infants with a birth weight below 1500 g were 10 times more likely to have ROP than those among infants with a birth weight more than 1500 g [AOR: 10.07 (2.71-37.44)]. Infants who were not fed exclusively on breast milk had higher odds of having ROP than those exclusively fed on breast milk [AOR: 7.82(1.92-31.82)]. Conclusion: 6% of preterm infants born in two tertiary hospitals in Uganda were found to have ROP. Lack of exclusive feeding on breast milk and birth weight of less than 1500 g were strong predictors of ROP. The higher prevalence of ROP in MSWNH calls for cautious use of oxygen among preterms. We recommend targeted ROP screening for those at risk.</p

Neonatal invasive candidiasis in low-and-middle-income countries: data from the NeoOBS study

Neonatal invasive candidiasis (NIC) has significant morbidity and mortality. Reports have shown a different profile of those neonates affected with NIC and of fluconazole resistant Candida spp. isolates in low-and-middle-income -countries (LMICs) compared to high-income-countries (HIC). We describe the epidemiology, Candida spp. distribution, treatment and outcomes of neonates with NIC from LMICs enrolled in a global, prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study (NeoOBS) of hospitalised infants < 60 days postnatal age with sepsis (August 2018-February 2021). 127 neonates from 14 hospitals in 8 countries with Candida spp. isolated from blood culture were included. Median gestational age of affected neonates was 30 weeks (IQR: 28-34) and median birth weight was 1270 g (IQR: 990-1692). Only a minority had high risk criteria, such as being born < 28 weeks, 19% (24/127), or birth weight < 1000 g, 27% (34/127). The most common Candida species were C. albicans (n = 45, 35%), C. parapsilosis (n = 38, 30%) and Candida auris (n = 18, 14%). The majority of C. albicans isolates were fluconazole susceptible, whereas 59% of C. parapsilosis isolates were fluconazole resistant. Amphotericin B was the most common antifungal used [74% (78/105)], followed by fluconazole [22% (23/105)]. Death by day 28 post-enrolment was 22% (28/127). To our knowledge, this is the largest multi-country cohort of NIC in LMICs. Most of the neonates would not have been considered at high risk for NIC in HICs. A substantial proportion of isolates was resistant to first choice fluconazole. Understanding the burden of NIC in LMIC is essential to guide future research and treatment guidelines

Mortality among very low birth weight infants after hospital discharge in a low resource setting

Background Early discharge of very low birth weight infant (VLBW) in low resource settings is inevitable but to minimize mortality of these infants after discharge we need to identify the death attributes. Method A prospective cohort was conducted among 190 VLBW infants discharged from Mulago Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) with discharge weight of \u3c 1500 g over an 8 months period. These infants were followed up with the aims of determining the proportion dead 3 months after discharge, identifying factors associated and possible causes of death. Relevant data were captured, transferred in to STATA and imported to SPSS 12.0.1 for analysis. To determine factors associated with mortality bi-variable and multivariable regressions were conducted. A p-value of \u3c 0.05 was considered significant and 95% confidence interval was used. Results Of the enrolled infants 164 (86.3%) completed follow up. The median gestational age of study participants was 32 weeks (range 26-35 weeks), the mean discharge weight was 1119 g (range 760-1470 g), and 59.8% were small for gestational age (SGA). During follow up 32 (19.5%) infants died. Infants discharged with weight of \u3c 1200 g accounted for 81.2% of the deaths. Majority of the deaths (68.7%) occurred in the first month after discharge. Factors independently associated with mortality were discharge weight \u3c 1000 g (OR 3.10, p 0.015) and not being SGA (OR 3.54, p 0.019). The main causes of death were presumed sepsis 50.0% and suspected cot death (25.0%). Conclusion Mortality after hospital discharge among VLBW infants is high. Discharge at weight \u3c 1200 g may not be a safe practice. Measures to prevent sepsis and suspected cot death should be addressed prior to considering early discharge of these infants

Growth of preterm very low birth weight infants discharged with weight of less than 1500grams

Early discharge of preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is at times inevitable in low resource settings. The implication of such practice on the growth of this high-risk population is not known. We conducted a retrospective chart review to describe the growth of preterm VLBW infants discharged with a weight of less than 1500 g. Objectives To describe the growth of discharged preterm VLBW infants over the first 12 weeks. Method Between June 2013 and January 2014; 164 discharged preterm VLBW infants were followed up for 3 months. Among the survivors (132), we identified 111 infant records for this study. Relevant data was entered in STATA for analysis. Growth percentiles were determined at approximately 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks post-discharge using the intergrowth 21st growth charts. Growth velocities were computed using the 2-point average weight model. Regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with growth failure. Growth failure was defined as occipital frontal circumference (OFC), weight, and length \u3c 10th centile by 12 weeks post-discharge. P-value of \u3c 0.05 was considered significant at a 95% confidence interval. Results Among the study infants the median gestational age and weight at birth were 32 weeks (range 28-35 weeks) and 1250 g(range 850-1500 g) respectively; 60/111(54%) were Small for Gestational Age (SGA). The median discharge postmenstrual age (PMA) was 34 weeks (range 30-38 weeks) and weight was 1140 g (range 830-1490 g). The majority 88.2% had not recovered birth weight at discharge of whom 59.1% recovered by 2 weeks and 40.9% recovered between 2 and 4 weeks after discharge. By 12 weeks post-discharge the median PMA and weight were 46 weeks (range 37-51 weeks),and 3110 g (range 1750-5000 g) respectively, 38.7% of the infants had growth failure and 36.9% had OFC\u3c 15 g/kg/d in the first 4 weeks (OR 3.8, p 0.010) and subsequent 4 weeks (OR 2.5, p 0.049) post-discharge were independently associated with growth failure. Conclusion Slow birth weight recovery was observed and growth failure was prevalent by 12 weeks post-discharge with more than a third having severe microcephaly. Poor post-discharge growth velocity was associated with subsequent growth failure. Recommendations Growth velocity monitoring among preterm VLBW infants should be emphasized. The implication and interventions of this early growth failure needs to be explored

Audit of a program to increase the use of vacuum extraction in Mulago Hospital, Uganda

Background: Prolonged second stage of labour is a major cause of perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. Vacuum extraction is a proven effective intervention, hardly used in Africa. Many authors and organisations recommend (re)introduction of vacuum extraction, but successful implementation has not been reported. In 2012, a program to increase the use of vacuum extraction was implemented in Mulago Hospital, Uganda. The program consisted of development of a vacuum extraction guideline, supply of equipment and training of staff. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the program. Methods: Audit of a quality improvement intervention with before and after measurement of outcome parameters. Setting: Mulago Hospital, the national referral hospital for Uganda with approximately 33 000 deliveries per year. It is the university teaching hospital for Makerere University and most of the countries doctors and midwives are trained here. Data was collected from hospital registers and medical files for a period of two years. Main outcome measures were vacuum extraction rate, intrapartum stillbirth, neonatal death, uterine rupture, maternal death and decision to delivery interval. Results: Mode of delivery and outcome of 12 143 deliveries before and 34 894 deliveries after implementation of the program were analysed. The vacuum extraction rate increased from 0.6 - 2.4 % of deliveries (p < 0.01) and was still rising after 18 months. There was a decline in intrapartum stillbirths from 34 to 26 per 1000 births (-23.6 %, p < 0.01) and women with uterine rupture from 1.1 - 0.8 per 100 births (-25.5 %, p < 0.01). Decision to delivery interval for vacuum extraction was four hours shorter than for caesarean section. Conclusions: A program to increase the use of vacuum extraction was successful in a high-volume university hospital in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of vacuum extraction increased. An association with improved maternal and perinatal outcome is strongly suggested. We recommend broad implementation of vacuum extraction, whereby university hospitals like Mulago Hospital can play an important role.To support implementation, we recommend further research into outcome of vacuum extraction and into vacuum extraction devices for low-income countries. Such studies are now in progress at Mulago Hospital

Is facility based neonatal care in low resource setting keeping pace? A glance at Uganda’s National Referral Hospital

Objectives: To identify reasons for neonatal admission and death with the aim of determining areas needing improvement. Method: A retrospective chart review was conducted on records for neonates admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) from 1st November 2013 to 31st January 2014. Final diagnosis was generated after analyzing sequence of clinical course by 2 paediatricians. Results: A total of 1192 neonates were admitted. Majority 83.3% were in-born. Main reasons for admissions were prematurity (37.7%) and low APGAR (27.9%).Overall mortality was 22.1% (Out-born 33.6%; in born 19.8%). Half (52%) of these deaths occurred in the first 24 hours of admission. Major contributors to mortality were prematurity with hypothermia and respiratory distress (33.7%) followed by birth asphyxia with HIE grade III (24.6%) and presumed sepsis (8.7%). Majority of stable at risk neonates 318/330 (i.e. low APGAR or prematurity without comorbidity) survived. Factors independently associated with death included gestational age \u3c30 weeks (p 0.002), birth weight \u3c1500g (p 0.007) and a 5 minute APGAR score of \u3c 7 (p 0.001). Neither place of birth nor delayed and after hour admissions were independently associated with mortality. Conclusion and recommendations: Mortality rate in SCBU is high. Prematurity and its complications were major contributors to mortality. The management of hypothermia and respiratory distress needs scaling up. A step down unit for monitoring stable at risk neonates is needed in order to decongest SCB

Vaccination timeliness and associated factors among preterm infants at a tertiary hospital in Uganda.

BACKGROUND:Preterm infants are at increased risk of infections including vaccine preventable diseases. Therefore, timely vaccination is crucial to ensure adequate disease protection. Information on whether preterm infants are vaccinated according to chronological age as recommended is limited in low-income countries. OBJECTIVES:We evaluated the timeliness of vaccination and associated factors among preterm infants at Mulago hospital, Uganda. METHODS:We conducted a mixed methods study between July 2016 and April 2017. Vaccination dates of preterm infants aged 6-24 months were obtained from child health cards. Additional data were collected using a questionnaire. Five key informant interviews with health workers and two focus group discussions with caregivers were conducted. Cox regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with vaccination timeliness. Qualitative data was transcribed and analysed manually using content thematic approach. RESULTS:We enrolled 350 preterm infants, with a median age of 8.4 months (IQR 6.8-10.8). Less than half, 149/350 (42.6%) of infants received all vaccines within the recommended time range. Timely vaccination was highest for BCG (92%) and lowest for OPV (45.4%). Untimely vaccination was highest for vaccines administered at 6 weeks (DPT 1, PCV 1 and OPV 1) compared to other vaccines in the EPI schedule. Delivering from home or private clinics and vaccine stock-out were significantly associated with untimely BCG and OPV 0 vaccination. Low maternal education level and being very preterm were associated with untimely DPT 1 and DPT 3 receipt. Admission and long stay in the neonatal unit were associated with untimely DPT 1 receipt while extreme low birth weight was associated with untimely DPT 3 vaccination. Increasing parity was associated with untimely measles vaccination. Qualitative findings revealed that lack of knowledge and poor attitudes of health workers and caregivers, gaps in documentation of vaccination status and inadequate communication by health workers hindered timely vaccination. CONCLUSION:More than half of preterm infants attending a specialised clinic at Mulago National Referral hospital in Uganda did not receive vaccines within the recommended time range. Specific strategies to improve vaccination timeliness in preterm infants are needed especially among the extremely low birth weight, very preterm and those with prolonged hospitalisation

Delayed initiation of enteral feeds is associated with postnatal growth failure among preterm infants managed at a rural hospital in Uganda

Background: Prematurity is the leading cause of mortality in children under 5 years of age globally and is also frequently associated with postnatal growth failure (PGF). Although most preterm births occur in low resource settings, little is known about their postnatal growth outcomes especially in rural areas. We evaluated the incidence and factors associated with PGF among preterm infants managed at a rural hospital in Uganda. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of preterm infants discharged from Kiwoko Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from July 2017 to June 2018. Inclusion criteria included gestational age 26 up to but not including 37 weeks, admission within 24 h of birth and at least 7 days hospital stay. Exclusion criteria included major congenital anomalies and missing gestational age or birth weight. Birth and discharge weights from clinical notes were plotted on Fenton 2013 growth charts. Gestation age was determined by last normal menstruation period (LNMP), extracted from the mother’s antenatal card or early obstetric ultrasound scan reports. Postnatal growth failure was diagnosed if discharge weight was less than the 10th percentile for estimated gestational age. Other data from the clinical notes included demographic characteristics, neonatal morbidities as assigned by the attending physician and infant feeding practices. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with PGF. Results: A total of 349 preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 31 (range 26 to 36) weeks were included. The incidence proportion of PGF was 254/349 (73%). Factors significantly associated with postnatal growth failure included: delayed initiation of enteral feeds [AOR = 3.70, 95% (CI 1.64 to 8.33)], sepsis [AOR = 6.76, 95% (CI 2.15 to 21.2)], multiple gestation [AOR = 1.81, 95% (CI 1.01 to 3.24)] and male gender [AOR = 1.71 95% (CI 1.01 to 2.91)]. Conclusion: Nearly three quarters of preterm infants managed at a rural hospital in Uganda had postnatal growth failure. Delayed initiation of enteral feeds and sepsis were highly associated with postnatal growth failure. Enteral feeds should be initiated as soon as possible in these infants to reduce early protein deficits and hence postnatal growth failure