Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital Research Articles

Associations between HIV infection status, psychosocial factors, and adjuvant endocrine therapy adherence among South African women with early-stage breast cancer.

522 Background: South African (SA) women living with comorbid estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC) and HIV have higher mortality than other SA women with ER+ BC. We aimed to evaluate for associations between HIV status, psychosocial factors, and adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) adherence as a potential contributor to this disparity. Methods: From Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg, we enrolled adult women with stage I-III ER+ BC in remission and currently prescribed tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor to a prospective cohort study. We performed AET pill counts at enrollment, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks, and calculated adherence ratios from the difference in pills between visits divided by the number of days between visits. Women completed questionnaires on sources of social support, beliefs about medication, health literacy, and self-efficacy at enrollment and questionnaires about mental health (depression, anxiety, and acute stress) symptom burden and AET-related side effects at the 12- and 24-week visits. We also collected household wealth data and clinical data on BC and HIV. AET adherence ratios were compared between women with and without comorbid HIV using Wilcoxon rank sum testing. We also used structural equation modeling techniques to refine and evaluate an a priori model of AET adherence with latent variables for mental health, socioeconomic (SES) status, healthcare savvy, and AET side effect burden and subgroup analyses of the resulting model in women with and without HIV. Results: Between April 26, 2022, and July 11, 2023, we enrolled 239 women, 63 (26.4%) of whom had co-morbid HIV. Adherence data was available from 106 women at 12 and 24 weeks, from 22 women at 12 weeks only, and from 111 women at 24 weeks only. Comparing women with and without HIV, median AET adherence ratio was 0.88 vs 0.89, respectively (p = 0.65). Our final model of AET adherence achieved good fit (comparative fit index = 0.96, RMSEA 90% CI: 0.03-0.06). In the full cohort, SES quintile showed a trend towards association with AET adherence (β 0.02, SE 0.01, p=0.09); mental health, healthcare savvy, and side effect burden latent variables were not significantly associated with adherence. In the subgroup of women living with HIV, SES quintile (β 0.04, SE 0.02, p=0.08) and mental health (β -0.02, SE 0.01, p=0.10) showed trends toward association with adherence; these relationships did not persist for women without HIV. Conclusions: HIV status is not predictive of AET adherence among SA women with ER+ BC, but in women with both diagnoses, decreasing SES status and increasing mental health symptoms trended towards an association with decreased adherence. Interventions to improve the mental health of SA breast cancer patients living with HIV may promote AET adherence.

On Professor Robert Lipschitz, MB, ChB, PhD(Med), FRCS(Edin) and the Spinal Cord Injury Service, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Professor Robert Lipschitz, MB, ChB, PhD(Med), FRCS(Edin) was a pioneer who established the Spinal Cord Injury Unit, at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. A brief description of his academic and clinical accomplishments is given.

Abstract 6890: 2D Tumor cell culture based Ex vivo drug sensitivity screening platform for South African patient samples (leukemia, multiple myeloma, ovarian and uterine cancer) demonstrate potential for targeted cancer therapies

Abstract Resistance to standard chemotherapy is a major challenge with Leukemia (Leuk), Multiple Myeloma (MM), Ovarian Cancer (OvCa) and Uterine Cancer (UtCa) treatments, which ultimately leads to relapse. Our study objective is to establish a robust drug sensitivity screening platform that can identify drugs and drug combinations that are effective in precision medicine for individual South African patient samples (Leuk, MM, OvCa and UtCa). Given that resistance to chemotherapy treatment accounts for high mortality and morbidity, we focus on the hypothesis that several drug combinations will be required for patients to achieve better response for drug regimens beyond first line of chemotherapy. Therefore, our defined objectives were to 1) establish 2D ex vivo tumour cell culturing using South African patient samples; 2) develop a drug sensitivity screening platform through which selected single and drug combinations will be identified; 3) to provide South African cancer (OvCa, Ut Ca, CLL, MM) patients with individualized treatment options with effective drug combinations for targeted therapies. Through collaboration with, Steve Biko Hospital Pretoria, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital and Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa, we performed 100 patient sample collections including Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) (n=7), Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) (n=4), Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) (n= 30), MM (n=40), OvCa (n=10), UtCa (n=4) and healthy donors (n=5). Culture setting for all patient-derived tumor cells were established through the 2D cancer cell culturing in 96 well plates. This was followed by functional drug sensitivity testing using a panel of FDA approved chemotherapy drugs. The average turnaround time from biopsy to drug sensitivity test results is currently at 14 days. We have completed ex vivo drug sensitivity screening to perform analysis on patient samples (n=80) using 30 drugs with a concentration range of 1-1000 nm. Our preliminary drug sensitivity screening studies show good response to proteosome inhibitors, melphalan, doxorubicin and kinase inhibitors. We have established a wound healing assay for OvCa and UtCa samples and demonstrated sustained cell growth for the period of 2 weeks with tumor cells growing faster than twin normal tissue. We are now at stage of performing drug sensitivity screening for OvCa and UtCa patient samples for both twin normal and tumor tissues. We have established a drug sensitivity screening platform and wound healing assay with primary patient derived cells that utilizes South African Patient samples to select effective drugs for monotherapy and also drug combinations. Citation Format: Mutsa Takundwa, Vanelle Kenmogne, Thudzelani Malise, Bernice Monchusi, Phumuzile Dube, Ekene Nweke, June Fabian, Heather Maher, Justin du Toit, Vinitha Philip-Cherian, Pascaline Fru, Adekunle Sajo, Arnold (Arrie) Mouton, Matthys C. van Aardt, Cathy Visser, Greta Dreyer, Deepak Govindaraj. 2D Tumor cell culture based Ex vivo drug sensitivity screening platform for South African patient samples (leukemia, multiple myeloma, ovarian and uterine cancer) demonstrate potential for targeted cancer therapies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6890.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to an urban academic hospital in Soweto, South Africa.

recent worldwide data has shown a concerning decline in the number of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) related admissions and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We suspected a similar trend at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBAH). a retrospective descriptive study was conducted to evaluate and compare all ACS-related admissions to the cardiac care unit (CCU) at CHBAH in the pre-COVID-19 (November 2019 to March 2020) and during COVID-19 periods (April 2020 to August 2020). the study comprised 182 patients with a mean age of 57.9 ±10.9 years (22.5% females). Of these, 108 (59.32%) patients were admitted in the pre-COVID-19 period and 74 (40.66%) during COVID-19 (p=0.0109). During the pre-COVID-19 period, 42.9% of patients had ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 39.2% with non-ST-segment -elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA) was noted in 18.52%. In contrast, STEMI was noted in 50%, NSTEMI in 43.24% and UA in 6.76% of patients during the COVID-19 period. A statistically significant difference in STEMI and NSTEMI-related admissions was not noted, however, there was a greater number of admissions for UA during the pre-COVID-19 period (18.52% vs 6.76%, P =0.013). Only a third of the patients with STEMI received thrombolysis during the pre-and COVID-19 periods (30.4% vs 37.8%, P=0.47). No difference in the number of PCI procedures was noted between the pre-and during the COVID-19 periods (78.7% vs 72.9%, P=0.37). there was a difference in overall ACS admissions to the CCU between pre-and during COVID-19 periods, however no difference between STEMI and NSTEMI in both periods. A higher number of UA admissions was noted during the pre-COVID-19 period. During both periods, the use of thrombolysis was low for STEMI and no difference in PCI was noted.

Non-fermenter Gram-negative bacilli at a tertiary hospital, South Africa.

Non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) are a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections and are often implicated in nosocomial outbreaks. Non- fermenting Gram-negative bacilli tend to have variable susceptibility patterns that make the choice of empiric therapy difficult and thus treatment must be based on in vitro susceptibility testing of each antimicrobial agent. To describe the epidemiology of the NFGNB isolated from adult patients at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBAH) and to assess their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in order to guide empiric therapy and inform infection prevention and control practices. Organisms isolated from sterile sites of adult in-patients between 01 January 2016 to 31 December 2018 were retrospectively analysed. A total of 2005 NFGNB isolated. Blood cultures were the most common specimen type (91.4%). Acinetobacter species were the most commonly isolated organisms (65.1%), followed by Pseudomonas species (26.5%). The majority of NFGNB were isolated from patients in surgical wards (38.9%) followed by medical wards (35.2%). Most (60%) of the Acinetobacter species were extremely drug resistant. Pseudomonas species were more susceptible than the Acinetobacter species with an overall susceptibility rate of 86% for Pseudomonas species. The rates of antimicrobial resistance demonstrated among Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas species were high, which illustrates the threat of antimicrobial resistance also seen worldwide. An emergence of NFGNB with intrinsic multidrug resistance (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Burkholderia cepacia) was noted. We suggest empiric therapy with a carbapenem sparing regimen of piperacillin-tazobactam in combination with amikacin and that empiric therapy be reviewed annually when cumulative antibiograms are done. Understanding of the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of NFGNB at CHBAH.

Development of a «people-centred approach» to realising healthcare by facilitating, patient participation in health attainment in South Africa and Ukraine

Object of this research is South Africa's healthcare system. South Africa's healthcare system faces numerous challenges that contribute to inadequate access to quality healthcare for its citizens. These challenges include a scarcity of healthcare workers, insufficient funding and resource allocation, a high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as disparities in healthcare access and outcomes driven by socioeconomic status and geographic location. Consequently, many South Africans endure unfavourable health outcomes, limited availability of essential health services, and a prevailing sense of mistrust towards the healthcare system. Concurrently, Ukraine has encountered its own set of healthcare obstacles, including similar shortages of healthcare professionals, funding deficiencies, and disparities in healthcare access exacerbated by armed conflict. This study provides insights into the patient experience, utilizing Kolb's experiential learning theory. It employs qualitative and quantitative methods, including a questionnaire administered to conveniently sampled participants at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital's HIV/AIDS unit. Data analysis using Excel and SPSS reveals a communication gap between healthcare workers and patients, highlighting the need for Department of Health training on communication and diversity. Finally, the implementation of consistent patient feedback mechanisms is essential for healthcare institutions to comprehend evolving patient needs, fostering the adoption of a «people-centred» approach to delivering high-quality healthcare services. By incorporating insights from Ukraine's challenges, this study not only addresses the specific healthcare obstacles faced by South Africa but also provides a broader perspective on healthcare issues across diverse contexts. These insights enable policymakers and healthcare professionals to identify potential solutions and work towards improving healthcare access and outcomes for all citizens, ensuring the overall health and well-being of the population of South Africa and other countries with similar challenges.

Two-dimensional echocardiographic and strain values of the proximal thoracic aorta in a normal sub-Saharan African population

BackgroundThere is limited data regarding reference ranges for aortic dimensions in African populations. This study aims to establish normal reference ranges for echocardiographic dimensions and circumferential strain (CS) of the proximal thoracic aorta in a healthy sub-Saharan African population.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cross-sectional study of 88 participants conducted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (2017–2019). Aortic measurements were obtained as per the 2015 American Society of Echocardiography guidelines using a Philips iE33 system. Circumferential Strain was measured using Philips QLAB version 11.0 software offline semi-automated analysis of speckle-based strain 2-D speckle-tracking software (Amsterdam, The Netherlands).ResultsMean age was 37.22 ± 10.79 years (41% male). The mean diameter at the aortic annulus, sinuses, sino-tubular junction (STJ) and ascending aorta (AAO) were 19.11 ± 2.38 mm, 27.40 ± 6.11 mm, 25.32 ± 3.52 mm and 25.36 ± 3.38 mm, respectively. Males had larger absolute and indexed aortic diameters at all levels when compared to females. The mean aorta CS was 11.97 ± 5.05%. There was no significant difference in CS based on gender (12.19 ± 5.04% vs 11.51 ± 5.02%, P = 0.267). On multivariate linear regression analysis, male sex was the most significant predictor of increased diameter at the level of the aortic annulus (r = 0.17, P = 0.014), body surface area was the most significant predictor at the sinuses (r = 0.17, P = 0.014) and AAO (r = 0.30, P < 0.001), while age was the most significant predictor at the STJ (r = 0.27, P = 0.004). There was a negative correlation between age and aortic CS (r = − 0.12, P < 0.001). The most important predictor of aorta CS was age, on multivariate analysis (r = − 0.19, P = 0.024).ConclusionsThis study provides normal reference ranges for dimensions of the proximal aorta and circumferential strain (CS) in a sub-Saharan African population according to age, sex, and body habitus. It serves as a platform for future larger studies and allows for risk stratification of cardiovascular disease in an African population.

Hypothermia in neonates born by caesarean section at a tertiary hospital in South Africa.

neonatal hypothermia has previously been noted in a large proportion of neonates born through Caesarean section at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBAH), yet no study in South Africa specifically explores the extent and severity of the threat of hypothermia to this population of neonates. to describe the proportion and severity of neonatal hypothermia in infants born via Caesarean section at CHBAH as well as to document and describe possible contributing factors to neonatal hypothermia in this population. A neonatal unit's database records were reviewed for demographic information of patients and their mothers, clinical characteristics, body temperature and outcomes. Comparisons between normothermic and hypothermic neonates were performed. Forty-one percent of neonates born via Caesarean section had hypothermia at birth, of whom 71%, 27% and 2% had mild, moderate and severe hypothermia, respectively. Prevalence of admission hypothermia was 42%. On average, neonates were born at term and were of normal birth weight. No maternal factors were found to be statistically significant. Bag-mask ventilation (BMV) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) [3.4% vs. 0.7%, p-0.033; OR 2.67 (95% CI: 1.06-6.77)] and an elevated lactate [13.25 vs. 3.2 mmol/l, p-0.032; OR 1.13 (95% CI: 1.01-1.26)] were associated with hypothermia. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis hypothermia in neonates was associated with an elevated lactate. Prevalence of hypothermia in neonates born by Caesarean section is high and further prospective studies are required to elucidate the factors contributing to this.

Prevalence of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance in Black South African Men.

Both multiple myeloma and its precursor, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), occur twice as often within Black compared with White populations, suggesting that racial disparities lie within the development of MGUS. Nonetheless, MGUS has been studied mainly in White cohorts; the study that first described the natural history of MGUS was conducted in 97.3% White Olmsted County, Minnesota. We determined the prevalence of MGUS among 386 Black South African (SA) men >30 years at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg. We conducted serum protein electrophoresis and free light chain quantification to define MGUS by the same criteria as the Olmsted County studies. We also investigated the association between MGUS and various clinical factors, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and smoking. We found the prevalence of MGUS to be 8.03% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.32-10.74], nearly 1.6-fold higher than in the White Olmsted County male population. In a univariable logistic regression model, MGUS was associated with HIV status (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 0.95-5.49), but in an adjusted model that included body mass index and cigarette use, the association was not statistically significant. Those who were current (vs. never) cigarette smokers were more likely to have MGUS in both univariable (OR, 5.60; 95% CI, 2.16-17.42) and multivariable models (OR, 4.49; 95% CI, 1.63-14.56). The prevalence of MGUS in Black SA men is substantially higher than in White populations and may be associated with HIV status and cigarette use. Racial disparities in MGUS exist and may be associated with potentially modifiable risk factors.

A comparison of weight gain between HIV exposed uninfected and HIV unexposed uninfected infants who received KMC at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.

IntroductionKangaroo Mother Care (KMC) has been associated with improved growth in low birthweight infants and reduction in hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, apnoeas, sepsis, hospital stay, and mortality. The growth of HIV-infected children is poorer than those who are HIV-uninfected. There is paucity of data on weight gain in the HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants compared to HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) infants receiving KMC.AimThis study compared the weight gain of HEU and infants HUU from admission to the KMC ward until 12 months corrected age (CA) follow-up visit.MethodsRetrospective record review of the neonates admitted in KMC at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital over a 2-year period (2012–2013). The weight gain was assessed via weight velocity using the formula; weight/kg/day from admission to KMC to discharge, and g/ week at term, 3, 6 and 9- and 12-months (CA). The demographics were collected and analyzed using Statistica.ResultsSeventy-seven (129/166) percent of the mothers were HIV negative. HIV negative mothers were younger (25.9 vs. 31.6 years; p = 0.000) and had fewer pregnancies (p = 0.02). There was no difference between the gestational age (30.3 ± 2.53 vs. 30.8 ± 2.88 weeks; p = 0.35) and birthweight (1,345 g ± 234 vs. 1,314 g ± 209; p = 0.47) between HEU and HUU. There were no differences in the weight gain (23.83 g ± 12.2 vs. 23.22 g ± 15.2; p = 0.83) in KMC. There was no differences in weight gain at the different follow-up time points between the two groups.ConclusionBoth HEU and HUU groups of infants showed reasonable weight gain despite maternal HIV status.

Predictors of overall survival among Black South African men treated with androgen-deprivation therapy for metastatic prostate cancer.

5046 Background: Men in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer (PCa), and many have metastatic disease (mPCA) at presentation. In SSA, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the first-line treatment for mPCa, and often the only available therapy. Treatment failure and death is common. We identified predictors of overall survival (OS) in Black South African (SA) men with mPCa on ADT. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively gathered data from men diagnosed with mPCA (3/22/2016 - 10/30/2020) at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg, which was also a study site for the concurrent Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate study. We included men with mPCA treated with ADT (received at least 1 dose of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist and/or had surgical castration), who had ≥1 PSA level drawn ≥12 weeks after ADT start. OS was defined from ADT start to death. PSA progression (PSA-P) definition was adapted from PCWG 3. Cox regression models were used to identify predictors of OS. PSA-P was treated as a time-dependent covariate. Results: Of 200 men with mPCa, we excluded 6 who did not receive ADT and 41 without sufficient data for PSA-P analysis. Of 153 men, 26.8% were &lt;65 years old and 12% had a family history of PCa. Median PSA at diagnosis was 71.5 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR) 20.7-432.6), median alkaline phosphatase level (ALP) 108 IU/L (79-224) and median hemoglobin (Hb) 13 g/dL (IQR 10-15). Median PSA nadir was 2.8 ng/mL (IQR 0.55-17.93). The rate of PSA-P at 1- and 2-years was 12.1% [95%CI 5.9-17.8] and 37.5% [95%CI 26.1-47.2]. The median follow-up was 2.75 years, and the 3-year OS was 61.9% [95%CI 52.7-72.6]. Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) models of risk factors for OS are shown in Table 1. PSA-P was a strong predictor of OS. Men with PSA nadir &gt;4ng/mL after ADT start had a HR for death of 3.77 [1.86-7.62]. Men with ALP &gt;150 IU/L and those with Hb &lt;13.5g/dL at diagnosis were also at higher risk for death (HR 3.09 [1.64-5.83] and HR 2.00 [1.28-6.56] respectively). Conclusions: Among Black men in SA treated with ADT for mPCA, PSA-P strongly predicts OS. In this cohort, high ALP and anemia at diagnosis, and PSA nadir &gt;4ng/mL after ADT start are associated with higher risk for death. These factors can be used identify high risk men with mPCA, for whom early treatment escalation to chemotherapy should be considered. [Table: see text]

Multiple opportunistic infections (pulmonary tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex and parvovirus B19) in a single patient

IntroductionHIV infection is a common disease in the South African population. The virus can lead to the development of many opportunistic infections. This case study examines co-infection with three opportunistic infections and the need for clinical suspicion of infections in our HIV population.Patient presentationA 36-year-old unemployed female residing in Soweto, Johannesburg, presented at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBAH). She was HIV positive, defaulting treatment, with no other comorbidities. She presented to CHBAH with general body weakness, diarrhoea, cough and constitutional symptoms; clinically she appeared pale and chronically ill. A differential diagnosis was made of multiple infections co-inhabiting the patient.Management and outcomeThe patient had blood, sputum, radiological and invasive bone marrow aspiration, and trephine biopsies completed. The investigations revealed that she was co-infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and parvovirus B19. The TB and disseminated MAC infection were managed with rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide and azithromycin, and reinitiation of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment was planned on further follow-up of the ARV drug resistance test. The parvovirus B19 infection was managed with immunoglobulins (Polygam) and steroids (prednisone). She was discharged successfully for further follow-up.ConclusionA thorough history, clinical examination and subsequent targeted investigations are vital to arriving at the correct diagnosis or diagnoses. The case presented above serves to illustrate how three life-threatening opportunistic infections (OIs), all with differing treatments, may present in a single patient. Clinicians caring for immunosuppressed patients need to remain vigilant for the presence of multiple OIs occurring simultaneously.

Relationship between amino acid ratios and decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate in diabetic and non-diabetic patients in South Africa.

BackgroundDiabetic kidney disease is a major complication resulting from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Currently, the microalbuminuria test is used to monitor renal function; however, it does not detect albumin until progressive loss of renal function has occurred.ObjectiveThis study analysed the relationship between changes in amino acid ratios and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.MethodsUrine samples were collected from participants between February 2019 to April 2019 and analysed from November 2020 to January 2021. Diabetic (glycated haemoglobin > 6.4%) and non-diabetic patients (glycated haemoglobin ≤ 6.4%) from Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, South Africa, were further categorised based on the degree of renal function predicted by the eGFRs. Amino acids were quantified using tandem mass spectrometry to determine the concentrations and ratios of tyrosine/phenylalanine, ornithine/arginine, arginine/citrulline and citrulline/ornithine at different stages of the chronic kidney disease.ResultsAmong diabetic patients, the tyrosine/phenylalanine ratio showed a statistically significant increase (p = 0.04) as the eGFR declined from stage 1 to stage 4; the ornithine/arginine ratio showed a strong negative correlation with eGFR. The citrulline/ornithine ratio differed between the diabetic and non-diabetic patients in stage 1 of chronic kidney disease.ConclusionAmino acid ratios (ornithine/arginine and tyrosine/phenylalanine) are affected by the progression of diabetes and can be correlated to renal function. The citrulline/ornithine ratios differ between the studied groups in stage 1 of the disease and may be utilised to predict the onset of chronic kidney disease.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Among Healthcare Workers in South Africa: A Longitudinal Cohort Study.

From April to September 2020, we investigated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in a cohort of 396 healthcare workers (HCWs) from 5 departments at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, South Africa. Overall, 34.6% of HCWs had polymerase chain reaction–confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (132.1 [95% confidence interval, 111.8–156.2] infections per 1000 person-months); an additional 27 infections were identified by serology. HCWs in the internal medicine department had the highest rate of infection (61.7%). Among polymerase chain reaction–confirmed cases, 10.4% remained asymptomatic, 30.4% were presymptomatic, and 59.3% were symptomatic.

An Opportunity During Antenatal Services to Strengthen Nurturing Care: Global and National Recommendations for Routine Ultrasound Before 24 Weeks Gestation.

Introduction: The Healthy Pregnancy, Healthy Baby study (HPHB) augments a routine service (pregnancy ultrasound) with information about fetal and infant development and the importance of parent wellbeing and infant care, to assess whether it will improve child development and growth, parent-infant attachment, parental wellbeing and routine clinic attendance. This paper outlines the process of intervention development and implementation in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders.Methods: Study participants were recruited from pregnant women attending fetal ultrasound (US) at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH), Soweto, South Africa. Partners were invited to attend all sessions. The HPHB intervention, a novel combination of a health and a parenting intervention that augments a routine service (US), is being tested through a randomized controlled trial with outcome assessments at 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up. The current study outlines the process of moving from intervention design to full implementation in a high-risk clinical setting.Results: Formative research informed the design and content of the intervention materials. Implementation is monitored through weekly reports and team meetings as well as formal and informal feedback received from staff and participants. Close collaborations with clinicians enhanced recruitment practices and provided clinical oversight of the trial procedures. Ongoing stakeholder engagement informed intervention procedures and strategies to address challenges that arise during implementation.Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of dynamic, inclusive and interactive approaches to intervention development and implementation, as well as the purposeful use of varied information from diverse sources in decision-making for effective implementation.

Proteogenomic analysis demonstrates novel potential targets of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in African patients

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for 2.8% of new cancer cases worldwide and is projected to become the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. Patients of African ancestry appear to be at increased risk for PDAC with the worst severity and outcome.This proposed study sought to determine and integrate proteomic and genomic profiles of PDAC patients of African ancestry to identify potential markers and better understand molecular mechanisms of the disease, especially in our population cohort. Thirty tissues (15 tumours and 15 corresponding normal tissues) were obtained from consenting South African PDAC patients undergoing Whipple procedure at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa (HREC-M150778). Protein and DNA were extracted from tissue samples and SWATH Mass Spectrometry and OncoArray anlaysis performed. Network and functional analysis were conducted using STRINGv11.0 and REACTOMEv70. We also used the Variant effect predictor (VEPv98) tool to predict consequences of the SNPs observed. We found 55 upregulated and 36 downregulated proteins in tumour samples which were mostly involved in key biological processes, including haemostasis, signal transduction, neuronal system and developmental biology. These aberrant processes are known to exacerbate tumour aggressiveness, invasion and metastasis. Furthermore, we observed 219 SNPs covering key gene regions such as those observed to be upregulated by SWATH-MS analysis. They include genes such as PALLD, AVL9, BPGM, SERPINB8 and MYPN. We have shown the dysregulation and simultaneous mutations of several key genes/proteins highlighting their roles as plausible biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Validation studies are required to confirm these results.

VP02.25: Congenital abnormalities diagnosed antenatally at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital: a retrospective descriptive study

VP02.25: Congenital abnormalities diagnosed antenatally at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital: a retrospective descriptive study

Unmasking right ventricular dysfunction in chronic rheumatic mitral regurgitation.

Right ventricular (RV) systolic function is an important predictor of mortality but has been poorly studied in chronic rheumatic mitral regurgitation (CRMR). We studied RV systolic function using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) in patients with CRMR. Seventy-seven patients with CRMR and 40 healthy controls were enrolled in a cross-sectional study at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital between January and October 2014. RV peak systolic strain (PSS) and left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured using Philips Qlab 9 STE software. RVPSS was lower in CRMR patients compared to the controls ( -16.8 ± 4.5 vs -19.2 ± 3.4%, p = 0.003) with no difference in conventional RV systolic function parameters (p = 0.39). RVPSS was lower in severe CRMR compared to moderate CRMR patients ( -14.3 ± 4.23 vs -18 ± 4.18%, p < 0.0001). CRMR patients with LV systolic dysfunction had a greater reduction in RVPSS and LVGLS compared to those with preserved LV systolic function (p = 0.001). LVGLS and significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) were independent predictors of RVPSS (p < 0.001). In CRMR patients, RVPSS was a more sensitive marker for detecting earlier RV systolic dysfunction than traditional RV functional parameters.

HIV-attributable causes of death in the medical ward at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, South Africa.

IntroductionData on the association between HIV infection and deaths from underlying medical conditions are needed to understand and assess the impact of HIV on mortality. We present data on mortality in the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH) South Africa and analyse the relationship between each cause of death and HIV.MethodsFrom 2006 to 2009 data were collected on 15,725 deaths including age, sex, day of admittance and of death, HIV status, ART initiation and CD4+ cell counts. Causes of death associated with HIV were cases, causes of death not associated with HIV were controls. We calculate the odds-ratios (ORs) for being HIV-positive and for each AIDS related condition the disease-attributable fraction (DAF) and the population-attributable fraction (PAF) due to HIV for cases relative to controls.ResultsAmong those that died, the prevalence of HIV was 61% and of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) related conditions was 69%. The HIV-attributable fraction was 36% in the whole sample and 60% in those that were HIV-positive. Cryptococcosis, Kaposi’s sarcoma and Pneumocystis jirovecii, TB, gastroenteritis and anaemia were highly predictive of HIV with odds ratios for being HIV-positive ranging from 8 to 124, while genito-urinary conditions, meningitis, other respiratory conditions and sepsis, lymphoma and conditions of skin and bone were significantly associated with HIV with odds ratios for being HIV-positive ranging from 3 to 8. Most of the deaths attributable to HIV were among those dying of TB or of other respiratory conditions.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of HIV among those that died, peaking at 70% in those aged 30 years but still 7% in those aged 80 years, demonstrates the impact of the HIV epidemic on adult mortality and on hospital services and the extent to which early anti-retroviral treatment would have reduced the burden of both. These data make it possible to better assess mortality and morbidity due to HIV in this still high prevalence setting and, in particular, to identify those causes of death that are most strongly associated with HIV.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Dialysis-Requiring Acute Kidney Injury at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital

Abstract Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) occurs commonly within the hospital setting and is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Factors such as social, economic and ethical dilemmas are closely associated with initiation of dialysis in the public health sector. Methods: A retrospective review of 324 patients presenting with kidney failure who were initiated on acute dialysis at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital was carried out over a 2-year period from July 2009 to June 2011. Results: The mean age at presentation was 40 ± 13 years; 57% of patients were male and 92% were Black. HIV positivity occurred in 26% of patients. The leading indications for acute dialysis included decompensated chronic kidney disease (38.9%), acute tubular necrosis (ATN) (38.3%), HIV-related kidney disease (13.6%), malaria (5.7%), pregnancy-related kidney disease (7.4%) and glomerulonephritis (7.4%). ATN was the predominant cause of AKI in HIV-positive patients. The overall renal recovery rate was 31%, and the overall mortality rate was 23%. About 44.6% of patients had chronic consequences, with 23% being transferred to chronic renal replacement therapy (RRT) and 21.6% transferred to renal outpatients (ROPD) with cessation of dialysis; 1.4% were lost to follow-up. While HIV-positive patients had a better renal recovery rate compared to HIV-negative patients (36% versus 26%; p &lt; 0.0001), they had a higher mortality rate compared to their HIV-negative counterparts (34% versus 19%; p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusion: AKI remains a common presentation that often requires dialysis, a precious resource in an already overburdened health system, and occurs at similar rates in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. The underlying aetiology of AKI at Chris Hani Baragwanath resembles that of other developing countries with ATN, malaria, sepsis and pregnancy-induced kidney injury amongst the leading causes. High mortality rates were observed in patients with ATN, in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients.