Patients In Resource-limited Settings Research Articles

Effect of lay counselling on mental health and TB treatment outcomes: an experience from Gujarat state, India

Purpose Depression and anxiety are the most common comorbidities in TB patients, adversely impacting TB treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of lay counselling in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and TB treatment completion. Design/methodology/approach The study used a pre-post interventional research design. Patients were screened for depression and anxiety. All symptomatic TB patients were followed up and offered four to six or more lay counselling sessions whenever necessary. The authors assessed changes in depression and anxiety symptoms before lay counselling intervention and after fourth lay counselling session or the completion of TB treatment, whichever occurred the last. Findings Approximately 6,974 TB patients were screened for symptoms of depression and anxiety. The mean age was 36.7 ± 14.7 years. Total 25.9% patients were symptomatic. About 99.8% were provided lay counselling and received at least one to two follow-up sessions, while two patients who screened with severe depression were referred to a mental health specialist. Nearly 96.9% TB patients did not report symptoms of depression or anxiety after four lay counselling sessions, and TB treatment completion rate was higher among symptomatic TB patients who completed at least four counselling sessions (92.5%). Practical implications Lay counselling services delivered by field coordinators offer a promising approach to address mental health comorbidities among TB patients in resource-limited settings. Originality/value It explores a novel approach – lay counselling delivered by field coordinators – in tackling depression and anxiety among TB patients, which is a potentially scalable solution in resource-limited settings.

Factors associated with physical inactivity among Palestinians with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated in resource-limited settings

This study determined the prevalence and the associated factors with meeting the recommended amount of physical activity among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients receiving care in resource-limited settings of the West Bank of Palestine. Physical activity was assessed using the World Health Organization’s Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Associations were examined using multivariate logistic regression. Of the 302 patients included, 117 (38.7%) met the recommended amount of physical activity. Being younger than 58 years [aOR = 2.1 (95% CI 1.0–4.3], were employed [aOR = 2.3 (95% CI 1.1–4.9)], had high income [aOR = 3.9 (95% CI 1.3–11.9)], had thought that physical activity was crucial for T2DM patients [aOR = 32.7 (95% CI 3.9–275.5)], did not have comorbidities [aOR = 2.2 (95% CI 1.1–4.4)], had normal weight [aOR = 2.8 (95% CI 1.3–6.0)], and those who were overweight [aOR = 2.6 (95% CI 1.1–6.0)] were more likely to meet the recommended amount of physical activity compared to the patients who were 58 years or older, had low income, did not think that physical activity was crucial for T2DM patients, had comorbidities, and were obese, respectively. There is a need to increase physical activity among T2DM patients in resource limited settings.

An explainable machine learning model for prediction of high-risk nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Early identification of high-risk metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) can offer patients access to novel therapeutic options and potentially decrease the risk of progression to cirrhosis. This study aimed to develop an explainable machine learning model for high-risk MASH prediction and compare its performance with well-established biomarkers. Data were derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2017-March 2020, which included a total of 5281 adults with valid elastography measurements. We used a FAST score ≥ 0.35, calculated using liver stiffness measurement and controlled attenuation parameter values and aspartate aminotransferase levels, to identify individuals with high-risk MASH. We developed an ensemble-based machine learning XGBoost model to detect high-risk MASH and explored the model’s interpretability using an explainable artificial intelligence SHAP method. The prevalence of high-risk MASH was 6.9%. Our XGBoost model achieved a high level of sensitivity (0.82), specificity (0.91), accuracy (0.90), and AUC (0.95) for identifying high-risk MASH. Our model demonstrated a superior ability to predict high-risk MASH vs. FIB-4, APRI, BARD, and MASLD fibrosis scores (AUC of 0.95 vs. 0.50, 0.50, 0.49 and 0.50, respectively). To explain the high performance of our model, we found that the top 5 predictors of high-risk MASH were ALT, GGT, platelet count, waist circumference, and age. We used an explainable ML approach to develop a clinically applicable model that outperforms commonly used clinical risk indices and could increase the identification of high-risk MASH patients in resource-limited settings.

Assessing quality of critical care during an ongoing health emergency-a novel approach to evaluate quality of care at Lebanese public ICUs during COVID-19.

Quality of care has been systematically monitored in hospitals in high-income countries to ensure adequate care. However, in low- and middle-income countries, quality indicators are not readily measured. The primary aim of this study was to assess to what extent it was feasible to monitor the quality of intensive care in an ongoing health emergency, and the secondary aim was to assess a quality of care intervention (twinning project) focused on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) quality of care in public hospitals in Lebanon. We conducted a retrospective cohort study nested within an intervention implemented by the World Health Organization (WHO) together with partners. To assess the quality of care throughout the project, a monitoring system framed in the Donabedian model and included structure, process, and outcome indicators was developed and implemented. Data collection consisted of a checklist performed by external healthcare workers (HCWs) as well as collection of data from all admitted patients performed by each unit. The association between the number of activities within the interventional project and ICU mortality was evaluated. A total of 1679 patients were admitted to five COVID-19 ICUs during the study period. The project was conducted fully across four out of five hospitals. In these hospitals, a significant reduction in ICU mortality was found (OR: 0.83, P < 0.05, CI: 0.72-0.96). We present a feasible way to assess quality of care in ICUs and how it can be used in assessing a quality improvement project during ongoing crises in resource-limited settings. By implementing a quality of care intervention in Lebanon's public hospitals, we have shown that such initiatives might contribute to improvement of ICU care. The observed association between increased numbers of project activities and reduced ICU mortality underscores the potential of quality assurance interventions to improve outcomes for critically ill patients in resource-limited settings. Future research is needed to expand this model to be applicable in similar settings.

AI-based pipeline for early screening of lung cancer: integrating radiology, clinical, and genomics data

The prognosis of lung carcinoma has changed since the discovery of molecular targets and their specific drugs. Somatic Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations have been reported in lung carcinoma, and these mutant proteins act as substrates for targeted therapies. However, in a resource-constrained country like India, panel-based next-generation sequencing cannot be made available to the population at large. Additional challenges such as adequacy of tissue in case of lung core biopsies and locating suitable tumour tissues as a result of innate intratumoral heterogeneity indicate the necessity of an AI-based end-to-end pipeline capable of automatically detecting and learning more effective lung nodule features from CT images and predicting the probability of the EGFR-mutant. This will help the oncologists and patients in resource-limited settings to achieve near-optimal care and appropriate therapy. The EGFR gene sequencing and CT imaging data of 2277 patients with lung carcinoma were included from three cohorts in India and a White population cohort collected from TCIA. Another cohort LIDC-IDRI was used to train the AIPS-Nodule (AIPS-N) model for automatic detection and characterisation of lung nodules. We explored the value of combining the results of the AIPS-N with the clinical factors in the AIPS-Mutation (AIPS-M) model for predicting EGFR genotype, and it was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC). AIPS-N achieved an average AP50 of 70.19% in detecting the location of nodules within the lung region of interest during validation and predicted the score of five lung nodule properties. The AIPS-M machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models achieved AUCs ranging from 0.587 to 0.910. The AIPS suggests that CT imaging combined with a fully automated lung-nodule analysis AI system can predict EGFR genotype and identify patients with an EGFR mutation in a cost-effective and non-invasive manner. This work was supported by a grant provided by Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO [2021IIG-5555960128] and Pfizer Products India Pvt. Ltd.

Performance Evaluation of Microscanner Plus, an Automated Image-Based Cell Counter, for Counting CD4+ T Lymphocytes in HIV Patients.

Counting CD4+ T lymphocytes using flow cytometry is a standard method for monitoring patients with HIV infections. Simpler and cheaper alternatives to flow cytometry are in high demand because getting access to flow cytometers is difficult or impossible in resource-limited settings. We evaluated the performance of the Microscanner Plus, a simple and automated image-based cell counter, in determining CD4 counts against a flow cytometer. CD4 count results of the Microscanner Plus and flow cytometer were compared using samples from 47 HIV-infected patients and 87 healthy individuals. All CV% for precision and reproducibility tests were less than 10%. The Microscanner Plus's lowest detectable CD4 count was determined to be 15.27 cells/µL of whole blood samples. The correlation coefficient (R) between Microscanner Plus and flow cytometry for CD4 counting in 134 clinical samples was very high, at 0.9906 (p < 0.0001). The automated Microscanner Plus showed acceptable analytical performance for counting CD4+ T lymphocytes and may be particularly useful for monitoring HIV patients in resource-limited settings.

Scoring system for mortality prediction of in-hospital COVID-19 patients in resource-limited settings: a single center cohort study during Delta and Omicron waves

&#x0D; Objective: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related mortality includes several risk variables that are country-specific in nature. The development of a scoring system is necessary regarding the appearance of novel virus variants. The objective of this research is to develop a prognostic score for COVID-19 patients in resource-constrained settings.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: This study used a retrospective and prospective cohort design to identify variables that influence COVID-19 patients' in-hospital mortality. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to determine the laboratory variables cut-off. Cox regression analysis was undertaken to determine the exact variables influencing the survival of COVID-19 patients. A scoring system was created using the best model based on the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (calibration) and the area under the curve (AUC) (discrimination ability).&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Based on calibration and discrimination testing, model 2 (immune disorders, unconsciousness, cerebrovascular disease, onset, and oxygen saturation) was rated as the most advantageous model. Model 2 (without age adjustment) had a superior AUC than model 2A (with age). Cut-off was determined at 2, and calculated for onset ≥7 days (AUC=0.816, 95% CI: 0.742,0.890) and &lt;7 days (AUC=0.850, 95% CI: 0.784,0.916). There was no difference in scoring system utilization for subjects recruited during Delta or Omicron waves (P=0.527).&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: The model (cut-off value ≥2) which incorporated age ≥65 years, immune disorders, decreased consciousness, increased respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation &lt;95% is the best model in our study to predict COVID-19 patient mortality.&#x0D;

1762. Clinical application of handheld ultrasound devices during the 2022 Sudan Virus disease Ebola outbreak in Uganda

Abstract Background The fluid status and causes of respiratory failure in patients with Ebola disease can be challenging to determine due to concomitant severe diarrhea, vascular leakage, and multiorgan failure. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) could guide fluid resuscitation for patients in resource-limited settings. We present the clinical application of POCUS in the 2022 Sudan Virus disease Ebola outbreak in Uganda. Figure. Ultrasound findings from patient 2. 2A: Discrete B lines observed with an irregular pleural line; 2B: Inferior vena cava collapsibility &amp;lt;50% suggestive of adequate fluid resuscitation; 2C: parasternal short cardiac view with small pericardial effusion identified; 2D: apical cardiac view with small pericardial effusion redemonstrated. Methods A clinical research team in Fort Portal, Uganda was trained in advanced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) to care for patients with Ebola disease and in POCUS for septic shock. The clinical team learned a standardized lung and cardiac critical care ultrasound approach to evaluate patients in septic shock. The scanning procedure was used during the care of 6 patients with confirmed Sudan virus disease within 2 weeks of outbreak declaration to make critical patient care decisions like fluid management. Chest X-ray services and mechanical ventilation were not accessible. A handheld Philips Lumify device was kept in the biocontainment area and was used in full personal protective equipment. Scanning procedures included 12-zone lung ultrasound and 4-view cardiac ultrasound scans to determine causes of respiratory disease and evaluate fluid status. Results Among 6 patients (age range 27 to 58 years; 1/6 female), 5/6 were in their third week of illness, and 1/6 was in his second week of illness. Lung ultrasound abnormalities included discrete B-lines (5/6 patients), confluent B-lines (1/6), irregular pleural lines (3/6 patients), and subpleural consolidations (1/6 patients). Two participants in respiratory distress had cardiac POCUS. Both had hyperdynamic left ventricular function and one had a small pericardial effusion (Figure). One patient had inferior vena cava (IVC) collapsibility &amp;lt; 50% (1.5 cm diameter), and another with a &amp;gt;50% IVC collapsibility (1.3 cm diameter). These findings contributed to a decision to continue fluid resuscitation. Conclusion Portable handheld ultrasound devices identified previously undescribed ultrasound features of Sudan virus disease. POCUS helped determine causes of respiratory failure and guided fluid resuscitation in a biocontainment ward without access to mechanical ventilation. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Impact of storage time in dried blood samples (DBS) and dried plasma samples (DPS) for point-of-care hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA quantification and HCV core antigen detection.

The scale-up of hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis and treatment requires affordable and simple tools to improve access to care, especially in low- and middle-income settings with limited infrastructure or high-risk populations. Dried blood and plasma samples (DBS and DPS) are useful alternative for hepatitis C detection in settings lacking adequate infrastructure. We evaluated the performance of DBS and DPS vs plasma in a point-of-care HCV RNA quantitative assay (Xpert HCV Viral Load-Cepheid), and compared HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) detection by the Architect HCV core antigen assay (Abbott) in DBS vs serum. The dried samples were stored at room temperature for different storage times to reproduce the time from sampling to testing in settings with centralized diagnosis or when testing mobile populations. HCV RNA quantification in DBS and DPS presented 100% sensitivity and specificity and a high correlation for up to 3 months of storage. HCV viremia showed a mean decrease of 0.5 log10 IU/mL (DBS) and 0.3 log10 IU/mL (DPS) for storage times up to 1 month. Architect HCVcAg detection presented high sensitivity/specificity (96%/100%) in DBS tested immediately after sampling, decreasing to 86% sensitivity after 7 days of storage. However, sensitivity increased when an optimized cut-off was applied for each storage time. We conclude that DBS and DPS are suitable samples for HCV RNA detection and quantification, being DPS more reliable for shorter storage times. DBS can be also used for HCVcAg qualitative detection and the sensitivity can be increased when adjusting the cut-off values. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C infection remains a global burden despite the effectiveness of antivirals. In the WHO roadmap to accomplish HCV elimination by 2030, HCV diagnosis is one of the main targets. However, identifying patients in resource-limited settings and high-risk populations with limited access to healthcare remains a challenge and requires innovative approaches that allow decentralized testing. The significance of our research is in verifying the good performance of dried samples for HCV diagnosis using two different diagnostics assays and considering the effect of room temperature storage in this sample format. We confirmed dried samples are an interesting alternative for HCV screening and reflex testing in resource-limited settings or high-risk populations.

Predictors of nonunion for transverse femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing: a SIGN database study.

Nonunion is a common postfracture complication resulting in decreased quality of life for patients in resource-limited settings. This study aims to determine how age, sex, injury mechanism, and surgical intervention affect the rate of nonunion in transverse femur fractures treated with a SIGN intramedullary nail (IMN). A retrospective study was conducted using the SIGN online surgical database. All patients older than 16 years with simple transverse (<30 degrees), open or closed, femur fractures treated using a SIGN IMN between 2007 and 2021 were included. Our primary outcome of nonunion was measured with the modified Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial fractures (mRUST); scores ≤9 of 16 defined nonunion. The secondary outcome was squat depth. Outcomes were evaluated at follow-up appointments between 240 and 365 days postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used for statistical comparison. Inclusion criteria were met for 182 patients. The overall radiographic union rate was 61.0%, and a high proportion (84.4%) of patients could squat with their hips at or below the level of their knees. Older age, retrograde approach, and fracture distraction were associated with nonunion, but sex, injury mechanism, and other surgical variables were not. Poor reduction with fracture distraction was associated with a higher rate of nonunion. Loss of follow-up may have contributed to our overall union rate; however, we observed high rates of functional healing using the SIGN IMN. IV.

Laboratory Based Surveillance of HIV-1 Acquired Drug Resistance in Cameroon: Implications for Use of Tenofovir-Lamivudine-Dolutegravir (TLD) as Second- or Third-Line Regimens.

Increased HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) with antiretroviral therapy (ART) rollout may jeopardize therapeutic options, especially in this era of transition to fixed-dose tenofovir-lamivudine-dolutegravir (TLD). We studied acquired HIVDR (ADR) patterns and describe potentially active drugs after first- and second-line failure in resource-limited settings (RLS) like Cameroon. A laboratory-based study with 759 patients (≥15 years) experiencing virological failure was carried out at the Chantal Biya International Reference Centre (CIRCB), Yaoundé, Cameroon. Socio-demographic, therapeutic and immunovirological data from patient records were analysed according to HIV-1 genotypic profiles. Median (IQR) ART-duration was 63 (50-308) months. Median CD4 and viremia were 153 (IQR:50-308) cells/mm3 and 138,666 (IQR:28,979-533,066) copies/mL, respectively. Overall ADR was high (93.4% first-line; 92.9%-second-line). TDF, potentially active in 35.7% of participants after first-line and 45.1% after second-line, suggested sub-optimal TLD-efficacy in second-line (64.3%) and third-line (54.9%). All PI/r preserved high efficacy after first-line failure while only DRV/r preserved high-level efficacy (87.9%) after second-line failure. In this resource-limited setting (RLS), ADR is high in ART-failing patients. PI/r strategies remain potent backbones for second-line ART, while only DRV/r remains very potent despite second-line failure. Though TLD use would be preferable, blind use for second- and third-line regimens may be sub-optimal (functional monotherapy with dolutegravir) with high risk of further failure, thus suggesting strategies for selective ART switch to TLD in failing patients in RLS.

Outcomes of Care-bundle Implementation for Children With Cancer and Suspected Bloodstream Infection in a Pediatric Oncology Unit in a Resource-limited Setting.

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major cause of mortality among pediatric oncology patients in resource-limited settings. Effective, innovative strategies are needed to improve care and survival. In a pediatric oncology unit in Mexico, we retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for mortality related to BSI and the results of using a care-bundle intervention. The care-bundle consisted of a swift clinical evaluation, initial fluid-resuscitation support, obtaining blood cultures, and administration of effective empirical antibiotic therapy for suspected BSI. The outcomes of patients who received the care-bundle during a 12-month period were compared with those of patients treated with standard care during the 12 months preceding its implementation. The primary outcomes were BSI diagnosis, choice of antibiotics, and mortality. Of the 261 suspected BSIs treated with standard care, 33 (12.6%) infections were confirmed, and of the 308 treated with the care-bundle, 67 (21.7%) BSIs were confirmed. Thus, after implementation of the care-bundle, significantly more BSIs were diagnosed ( P =0.004), and BSI-related mortality was significantly reduced by 22.2% ( P = 0.035). Surgical resection and mechanical ventilation support were independently associated with BSI-related mortality, and receiving effective initial empirical antibiotic therapy was protective against mortality (odds ratio, 0.013; 95% CI: 0.002-0.105; P =0.001), which comprising cefepime plus amikacin or meropenem in 44 (80.0%) of the cases alive. Consistent use of a care-bundle with initial fluid resuscitation, obtaining a blood culture, and administering effective antibiotics to children with cancer and suspected BSI can decrease mortality.

Assessing the Correlation Between Patient-Specific Characteristics and Braden Pressure Injury Risk Score at a Suburban Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria.

Background and objective Pressure injury (PI) is a frequent complication of hospital admissions, and it increases healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. This study aimed to use the Braden scale to assess the PI risk among hospitalized patients without PI and determine its association with patient-specific factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a suburban tertiary hospital involving a total of 211 hospitalized patients recruited during the study period (October 2022). Patients were assessed using the Braden scale and their sociodemographic data were also recorded. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results The mean ageof the patients was 41.8 ±23.0 years and 54.0% of the patients were females. The average Braden score of the patients was 19.01 ±3.42, and more than half (58.3%) of the patients showed no risk while only 0.9% of the patients had a severe risk of PI. There was a statistically significant association between PI risk and patients' age (r=-0.353, R=12.5%, p<0.001), pre-admission occupation (F=10.290, p<0.001) as well as the ward of admission (F=11.915, p<0.001). However, gender and social support were not significantly associated. Conclusion The age, pre-admission occupation, and ward of admission of patients werefound to be significantly associated with the risk of developing PI.It is recommended that more resourcesbe channeled toward preventing PI among high-risk patients in resource-limited settings.

Assessment of lung injury severity using ultrasound in critically ill COVID-19 patients in resource limited settings

BackgroundLung ultrasound is a non-invasive tool available at the bedside for the assessment of critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of lung ultrasound in assessing the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in critically-ill patients in a low-income setting.MethodsWe conducted a 12-month observational study in a university hospital intensive care unit (ICU) in Mali, on patients admitted for COVID-19 as diagnosed by a positive polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 and/or typical lung computed tomography scan findings.ResultsThe inclusion criteria was met by 156 patients with a median age of 59 years. Almost all patients (96%) had respiratory failure at admission and many needed respiratory support (121/156, 78%). The feasibility of lung ultrasound was very good, with 1802/1872 (96%) quadrants assessed. The reproducibility was good with an intra-class correlation coefficient of elementary patterns of 0.74 (95% CI 0.65, 0.82) and a coefficient of repeatability of lung ultrasound score < 3 for an overall score of 24. Confluent B lines were the most common lesions found in patients (155/156). The overall mean ultrasound score was 23 ± 5.4, and was significantly correlated with oxygen saturation (Pearson correlation coefficient of − 0.38, p < 0.001). More than half of the patients died (86/156, 55.1%). The factors associated with mortality, as shown by multivariable analysis, were: the patients’ age; number of organ failures; therapeutic anticoagulation, and lung ultrasound score.ConclusionLung ultrasound was feasible and contributed to characterize lung injury in critically-ill COVID-19 patients in a low income setting. Lung ultrasound score was associated with oxygenation impairment and mortality.

Association of clinical prediction scores with hospital mortality in an adult medical and surgical intensive care unit in Kenya.

Mortality prediction among critically ill patients in resource limited settings is difficult. Identifying the best mortality prediction tool is important for counseling patients and families, benchmarking quality improvement efforts, and defining severity of illness for clinical research studies. Compare predictive capacity of the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS), Universal Vital Assessment (UVA), Tropical Intensive Care Score (TropICS), Rwanda Mortality Probability Model (R-MPM), and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) for hospital mortality among adults admitted to a medical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in rural Kenya. We performed a pre-planned subgroup analysis among ICU patients with suspected infection. Prospective single-center cohort study at a tertiary care, academic hospital in Kenya. All adults 18 years and older admitted to the ICU January 2018-June 2019 were included. The primary outcome was association of clinical prediction tool score with hospital mortality, as defined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Demographic, physiologic, laboratory, therapeutic, and mortality data were collected. 338 patients were included, none were excluded. Median age was 42 years (IQR 33-62) and 61% (n = 207) were male. Fifty-nine percent (n = 199) required mechanical ventilation and 35% (n = 118) received vasopressors upon ICU admission. Overall hospital mortality was 31% (n = 104). 323 patients had all component variables recorded for R-MPM, 261 for MEWS, and 253 for UVA. The AUROC was highest for MEWS (0.76), followed by R-MPM (0.75), qSOFA (0.70), and UVA (0.69) (p < 0.001). Predictive capacity was similar among patients with suspected infection. All tools had acceptable predictive capacity for hospital mortality, with variable observed availability of the component data. R-MPM and MEWS had high rates of variable availability as well as good AUROC, suggesting these tools may prove useful in low resource ICUs.

Performance of Brazilian Pediatric Risk of Severity Model for Illness (Brprism) Compared to Pediatric Index of Mortality and Pediatric Risk of Mortality 2

Introduction: The best prognosis score with which to evaluate high-risk patients upon admission into pediatric intensive care is not well established in resource-limited settings. The objective of study was to formulate a risk-of-illness severity model for pediatric mortality to be applied upon PICU admission in resource-limited settings. Methods: Our study was designed to develop an illness severity index and a prognostic model for critically ill children. A prospective, observational multicenter pilot study, performed between February 1995 and October 1999, evaluated the variables, methodology and statistical techniques for the development of a model. A single-center prospective cohort study, performed between November 1999 and October 2004, collected information from consecutive admissions into the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at a high-complexity university, teaching, and reference hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Results: In the pilot study, 1,459 patients (a PICU mortality rate of 16%) were included, and in the second study, 1,033 patients (a PICU mortality rate of 13.9% and a hospital mortality rate of 6.9% after PICU discharge) were included. We used multivariable regression to determine two probabilistic models; the first addressed survival and the overall probability of death (hospital plus PICU deaths), and the second was conditional (i.e., PICU death). An illness severity index stratified these probabilities into three risk strata: low-, medium- and high-risk patients. In the final step, the new death probabilities were estimated using a Bayesian adjustment. Conclusions: The model estimates three probabilities (survival, death in the PICU and death in the hospital after PICU discharge) stratified into three risk categories. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using a Bayesian adjustment to determine a prognosis and illness severity, and it should enable us to make therapeutic adjustments and provide appropriate counseling for high-risk patients in resource-limited settings.

Feasibility, performance and acceptability of an innovative vital signs monitor for sick newborns in Western Kenya: A mixed-methods study.

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) account for 99% of the global neonatal mortality. Limited access to advanced technology, such as bedside patient monitors contributes to disproportionately poor outcomes for critically ill newborns in LMICs. We designed a study to assess the feasibility, performance, and acceptability of a low-cost wireless wearable technology for continuous monitoring of sick newborns in resource-limited settings. This was a mixed-methods implementation study conducted between March and April 2021 at two health facilities in Western Kenya. Inclusion criteria for newborns monitored included: age 0 to 28 days, birthweight ≥2.0 kg, low-to-moderate severity of illness at admission and the guardian's willingness to provide informed consent. Medical staff who participated in monitoring the newborns were surveyed about their experience with the technology. We used descriptive statistics to summarize our quantitative findings and qualitative data was coded and analyzed as an iterative process to summarize quotes on user acceptability. The results of the study demonstrated that adoption of neoGuard was feasible and acceptable in this setting. Medical staff described the technology as safe, user-friendly and efficient, after successfully monitoring 134 newborns. Despite the positive user experience, we did observe some notable technology performance issues such as a high percentage of missing vital signs data. The results of this study were critical in informing the iterative process of refining and validating an innovative vital signs monitor for patients in resource-limited settings. Further research and development are underway to optimize neoGuard's performance and to examine its clinical impact and cost effectiveness.

Study the association between spirometry based functional grading and six minute walk distance in chronic respiratory disease patients at a rural tertiary care centre of India.

Six-min walk test (6MWT) is easy to use, the least expensive, and a quick measure of physical function and it reflects the capacity to perform our day-to-day activities hence quality of life can be assessed with 6MWT. This study was planned to assess the role of 6MWT in chronic respiratory disease patients and its association with spirometry-based functional grading at a rural tertiary care center of northern India. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study done between December 2019 and July 2021. In this study, 110 patients were included as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. 6MWT and spirometry were conducted as per the American Thoracic Society/European Research Society recommendation using Spiropalm 6MWT and the association between 6MWT and spirometry was assessed. A total of 110 chronic respiratory disease patients were included in the study. There were 69 (63%) males while 41 (37%) were females. Among study participants, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients were the most common 48 (43.6%) patients, followed by asthma 28 (25.5%), posttuberculosis sequelae patients 22 (20%), interstitial lung disease 9 (8.2%), and bronchiectasis 3 (2.7%) patients were found. There was a significant positive correlation of 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and % predicted 6MWD with spirometric parameters, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and there was a significant positive correlation of 6MWD with FEV1% (predicted) also. 6MWD and % predicted 6MWD negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC and association between 6MWD and FEV1/FVC was not statistically significant and between % predicted 6MWD and FEV1/FVC, it was found statistically significant. The 6MWD traveled by chronic respiratory disease patients was significantly lower than the predicted 6MWD and 6MWD correlated with spirometric variables well. Therefore, it can conclude that 6MWT is a useful alternative of spirometry in the management of chronic respiratory disease patients in resource-limited settings.

The Attitude of Older Patients to Deprescribing Polypharmacy in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Deprescribing has been suggested as a beneficial intervention to reduce polypharmacy among older patients. However, little is known about the willingness to accept this intervention among patients in resource-limited settings. Objective: To evaluate the attitudes of older patients to deprescribing polypharmacy. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey was carried out among consecutively selected ambulatory patients aged ≥65 years who were on ≥5 chronic medications in two secondary healthcare facilities in Ogun State, southwest Nigeria. The 22-item revised Patients Attitude Towards Deprescribing questionnaire was used to evaluate the participants' attitudes toward deprescribing, while another ten-question tool explored participants' sociodemographic and clinical data. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with willingness to deprescribe among the participants using the global question, "If my doctor said it was possible, I would be willing to stop one or more of my regular medicines”. Results: Out of the 341 participants, the majority were females (60.7%), and 90.0% were on 5-7 medications. About three-quarters (71.8%) strongly agreed or agreed that they would be willing “to stop one or more of their medicines if the doctor said it was possible”. Female gender and caregivers’ involvement in medication management were significantly associated with participants' willingness to accept deprescribing (p = 0.07 and p = 0.01). Conclusions: Most participants were willing to accept the deprescribing of their medications. Female gender and caregivers’ involvement in medication management were predictive factors for the participants' willingness to accept deprescribing.

2100. Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Invasive Fungal Infections Among Patients with Hematological Malignancies In Colombia

Abstract Background Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is a potentially lethal complication in patients with hematological malignancies (HM). However, studies are scarce in this population, especially in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, epidemiology, predictive factors, and outcomes of IFI in patients with HM hospitalized in non-HEPA-filtered rooms (resource-limited settings) in a reference center in Colombia. Methods A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted on the clinical data of HM patients and pulmonary infection hospitalized in a tertiary university hospital in Bucaramanga, Colombia, between 2015 and 2020. The primary outcome was proven/probable IFI according to the EORTC/MSGERC criteria. A descriptive and group comparison analysis were performed between patients with IFI and patients with non-fungal infections. The main risk factors for the development of IFI were identified by multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. Table 1Statistically significant variables in the univariate analysis of patient characteristics compared between patients with invasive fungal infection and patients with non-fungal infection.Image 1Associated factors to develop invasive fungal infections (IFIs) in patients with HM. The graph shows the variables showed statistically significant difference in the multivariate analysis. Results In 201 patients, the prevalence of proven/probable IFI was 21.39% (43 cases). The most common IFI was caused by Aspergillus spp. (41.8%), followed by Candida spp. (34.8%), Mucor spp. (6.9%), Penicillium spp. (4.6%) and Cryptococcus neoformans (4.6%). The lung was the most commonly affected site (n=34; 81.3%); four patients (9.3%) developed fungal sinusitis and disseminated IFI, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 86% (37/43). Multivariate logistic regression analysis (area under the ROC curve=0.90) showed that antibiotic use ≥3 weeks (OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.26-13.31; p&amp;lt; .001), history of pulmonary infection (OR, 5.75; 95% CI, 1.41-23.39; p&amp;lt; .001) and neutropenia duration ≥21 days (OR, 5.88; 95% CI, 1.26-19.86; p &amp;lt; .001) were independent risk factors for the development of IFI and mould-active prophylaxis (OR: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.060–0.705; p=0.012) was significantly associated with a lower occurrence of IFI. Conclusion HM patients in resource-limited settings have a high prevalence of IFI with an elevated mortality. The use of mould-active prophylaxis is associated with a significantly lower occurrence of IFI. Cost-effective strategies for prevention and early diagnosis of IFI are required to improve survival in patients with HM. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.