Resource-restricted Countries Research Articles

Prognostic value of PGI score compared to poison severity score (PSS) and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II as predictors of mortality and other adverse outcomes in acute poisoning with aluminum phosphide

Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning is a life-threatening emergency prevalent in the Middle East region including Egypt. Early prediction of prognosis is critical for initiating the utmost intensive interventions. Though many scoring systems were studied for predicting the prognosis of AlP poisoning, these scores received wide criticism. Complexity and reliability were the main concerns. Therefore, this retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the performance of the recently introduced PGI score as a predictor of case fatality, the need for mechanical ventilation and vasopressor therapy in acute AlP poisoning. Moreover, it compares the performance of PGI with the known poison severity score (PSS), and the simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II. Among 144 exposed patients, we reported a mortality rate of 61.1%. Non-survivors exhibited significantly higher PGI, PSS, and SAPS II than survivors. Though the PGI, PSS, and SAPS II proved their significance as predictors of mortality and, the need for MV and vasopressors, the PGI score showed a significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) as a predictor of MV (AUC = 0.848) compared to PSS (AUC = 0.731) and SAPS II (AUC = 0.749). Additively, PGI of 2 or more was a significant predictor of mortality (AUC = 0.831, sensitivity = 65.9%, and specificity = 89.3 %) and MV (p < 0.001), while PGI of 1 or more was another predictor of vasopressor need (AUC = 0.881, sensitivity = 89.0% and specificity = 79.4%). Given the PGI score's high AUCs across all outcomes, coupled with its balanced sensitivity and specificity, the PGI score could be a simple, and robust tool replacing the PSS and SAPS II for predicting mortality, clinical decision-making including the need for MV and vasopressor therapy in acute AlP exposure. Adopting the PGI score seems substantially useful in managing acute AlP poisoning, notably in resource-restricted countries.

P‐PH‐9 | Universal Health Coverage and Essential Medicines: Impact on Blood Availability and Safety in Resource Restricted Countries

P‐PH‐9 | Universal Health Coverage and Essential Medicines: Impact on Blood Availability and Safety in Resource Restricted Countries

Research Ready: a student-initiated workshop model for developing foundational research skills.

Travel restrictions, pandemics, economic downturn, and increasing costs in organizing workshops all impact on face-to-face training of undergraduates planning to undertake research. The inability to obtain basic, first-hand information regarding research in practice causes undue stress for students and leads to unrealistic expectations regarding research projects. Here, we describe how a student initiated online workshop, co-designed by a group of undergraduate leaders in conjunction with a panel of international academic researchers, and enabled the delivery of an introductory workshop on research training to meet student needs. Post-workshop, over 80%-95% of the participants rated their understanding of different aspects of research in practice as either being good or excellent. The design of this workshop provides an innovative template, in particular for resource-restricted countries, on how student-initiated workshops with multi-institutional academic collaboration could enhance training in research practice.

Development and validation of a risk prediction nomogram for serious arrhythmias in acute digoxin toxicity among pediatrics: A multicenter study

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside obtained from the leaves of the foxglove plant, Digitalis lanata. Several studies have described the safety of digoxin including various life-threatening events, notably cardiac arrhythmias. Early identification of high-risk patients and subsequent initiation of the utmost medical care are associated with a better prognosis. The assessment of serum digoxin levels, which is not always convenient, is the only tool used to evaluate the severity of digoxin exposure. However, the feasibility of this tool, particularly in resource-restricted countries, remains unclear. Therefore, the current study aimed to establish and validate a feasible alternative tool, a bedside nomogram, to identify pediatric patients diagnosed with acute digoxin intoxication who are at risk of developing serious arrhythmias. This was a two-phase, multicenter, retrospective study. The prevalence of serious arrhythmias was approximately 17%. Patients diagnosed with serious arrhythmias showed significantly higher serum digoxin, random blood glucose, and potassium levels but lower sodium, magnesium, and hemoglobin levels. Serious arrhythmias were associated with significantly lower P-R intervals, shorter QTc intervals, and more frequent digoxin effects (p < 0.05). The proposed nomogram showed that combining age and initial random blood glucose, sodium, and potassium levels could predict the future incidence of serious arrhythmia with an accuracy of 96.2% (sensitivity = 94.4%, specificity = 96.5%), an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.977, and p < 0.001. Validation of the proposed nomogram yielded an AUC for the nomogram probability of approximately 81%, and the AUC for the predicted probability using the developed model was 98.3%, indicating that both the validated model and the developed nomogram were significant predictors of serious arrhythmia. The utility of using the four-factor nomogram to determine the risk of serious arrhythmia in children exposed to an overdose of digoxin is comparable, if not superior, to the serum digoxin level.

Internal quality control for HIV testing of blood donors - Dried tube specimen as a cost-effective alternative.

An important aspect of ensuring blood safety is the performance of mandatory serological testing for transfusion transmissible infections. The practice of internal quality control (IQC) in blood banks in India is nonuniform, especially the use of third-party materials. Cited reasons are cost, lack of access to control materials, and need for deep-freezers for storage, if prepared in-house. Validation of dried tube specimen (DTS) from HIV-positive plasma as a low-cost, stable material for use as IQC material in blood banks. Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) prepared from four HIV-positive blood-donors were pooled. Equal numbers of seronegative FFPs were pooled. Twenty microlitre aliquots of plasma were made in micro-centrifuge tubes and air-dried overnight at room-temperature. These were stored in 2-8°C refrigerators and tested once weekly for 6 months on multiple platforms with different detection principles: Rapid tests, second-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fourth-generation ELISA, and fourth-generation Chemiluminescence immunoassay. The protocol was sustained over the next 6 months with decreased testing frequency to study the extended stability of DTS. A total of 139 positive-DTS and 139 negative-DTS were tested with 100% samples showing consistent results on all platforms over 1 year. There was mild deterioration in reaction strengths, which did not interfere in result interpretations. Plasma in form of DTS maintained stability when stored at 2-8°C for 1 year. This provides evidence that DTS can be a modality for the production of cost-effective, stable, in-house control material for resource-restricted countries.

Updated Analysis Confirms Sustained Poor Prognosis of COVID-19 in Patients with Lymphoma in Latin America: A Cohort of 160 Patients from Gell

Updated analysis confirms sustained poor prognosis of COVID-19 in patients with lymphoma in Latin America: A cohort of 160 patients from GELL.Introduction: Ongoing SARS-COV-2 pandemic has impacted the management of cancer patients worldwide. Several reports have demonstrated inferior outcomes of patients with hematological malignancies, including higher rates of intensive care unit admission, need for mechanical ventilation and death. The impact of COVID-19 is profound in resource-restricted countries, including Latin America. Most cohorts reported have not included patients from Latin America, and there is paucity of data of the outcome of cancer patients with COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries. Grupo de Estudio De Linfoproliferativos En Latino-America (GELL )is a collaborative network of hematological centers in 13 countries in Latin America. We report updated outcomes of lymphoma patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Latin America.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study including patients with a diagnosis of lymphoma and COVID-19 infection. Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma were excluded from the analysis We defined active disease as follow: (1) patients with detectable disease either prior to initiating therapy or upon relapse, and/or (2) patients undergoing active cancer treatment. The primary outcome was overall survival at 100 days. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. Uni and multivariable analysis were carried out with Cox model.Results: A total of 160 patients were available for analysis. Median age was 60 years old. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (33%). Most patients had aggressive lymphomas (62%), including 43% of patients with diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Follicular lymphomas were observed in 13% of patients and Hodgkin lymphoma in 12.5% of patients. With a median follow-up of 37 days, the 100-day OS was 64% (95CI 56-74%, fig. 1). In univariate analysis, age (HR 1.03, p=0.0025), hypertension (HR 2.01, p=0.017), >1 number of prior lines (HR 2.78, p=0.011), patients currently on treatment (HR 1.83, p=0.043), ferritin >2000 ng/mL (HR 4.74 p=0.00047) were associated with inferior OS. In multivariate analysis, age (HR 1.03, p=0.0026) and patients currently on treatment (HR 1.82, p=0.04) had inferior OS. There was a trend towards inferior outcomes in patients receiving monoclonal antibodies in univariate analysis (HR 1.82, p=0.081) but not in multivariable analysis (HR=1.29, p=0.48). Use of steroids was not statistically related to mortality (HR 1.79, p=0.074). Finally, contrary to other cohorts, no improvement in OS was observed in patients diagnosed later on the pandemic (fig. 2).Conclusion: In this large cohort of Latin American patients with lymphoma malignancies, our updated analysis showed a maintained dismal prognosis with COVID-19 infection. With a median follow up of 37 days, the 100-day OS was 64%. Older age and ongoing active cancer treatment were significantly associated with mortality. The use of monoclonal antibodies and systemic corticosteroids were not statistically associated to poor survival. Current efforts are focused on improving immunization in the Latin American population. There is an unmet need for improving survival in patients with hematologic malignancies and COVID-19 infection. [Display omitted] DisclosuresPerini: Janssen: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Takeda: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Astra Zeneca: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; MSD: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Otero: ASTRA ZENECA: Current Employment. Abello: Dr Reddy's: Research Funding; Amgen: Honoraria; Janssen: Honoraria. Castillo: Abbvie: Consultancy, Research Funding; BeiGene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy; Roche: Consultancy; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding.

Are early palliative procedures providing an adequate long-term benefit in young cyanotic infants from developing countries, despite advances in surgery and interventions?

Ductal stents, right ventricular outflow tract stents, and aortopulmonary shunts are used to palliate newborns and infants with reduced pulmonary blood flow. Current long-term outcomes of these palliations from resource-restricted countries are unknown. This single-centre, retrospective, observational study analysed the technical success, immediate and late mortality, re-interventions, and length of palliation in infants ≤5 kg who underwent aortopulmonary shunts, ductal, and pulmonary outflow stents. Patients were grouped by their anatomy. There were 69 infants who underwent one of the palliations. Technical success was 90% for aortopulmonary shunts (n = 10), 91% for pulmonary outflow stents (n = 11) and 100% for ductal stents (n = 48). Early mortality within 30 days in 12/69 patients was observed in 20% after shunts, 9% after pulmonary outflow stents, and 19% after ductal stents. Late mortality in 11 patients was seen in 20% after shunts, 18% after outflow stents, and 15% after ductal stents. Seven patients needed re-interventions; two following shunts, one following outflow stent, and four following ductal stents for hypoxia. Among the anatomical groups, 10/12 patients with pulmonary atresia, intact ventricular septum survived after valvotomy and ductal stenting. Survival to Glenn shunt after ductal stent for pulmonary atresia, intact ventricular septum and diminutive right ventricle was very low in two out of eight patients, but very good (100%) for other univentricular hearts. Among 35 patients with biventricular lesions, 22 survived to the next stage. Cyanotic infants, despite undergoing technically successful palliation had a high inter-stage mortality irrespective of the type of palliation. Duct stenting in univentricular hearts and in pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum and adequate sized right ventricle tended to have low mortality and better long-term outcome. Completion of biventricular repair after palliation was achieved only in 63% of patients, reflecting unique challenges in developing countries despite advances in intensive care and interventions.

Early Appraisal of Option B+ In Tiko Health District- Cameroon

Introduction: Cameroon in 2014 had a HIV prevalence rate of 4.6 %. It is estimated that about 90% of new infections occur as a result of heterosexual relations. In 2010 in Cameroon, 7,300 babies were estimated to be born HIV positive due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). Faced with these realities, Cameroon has been stepping up its response steadily from Option A then B and now Option B+. To have an early appraisal of the Option B+ approach as far as the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is concerned in the Tiko health district- Cameroon.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross-sectional hospital based study was carried out in Tiko from the 1st of December 2015 to the 31st of August 2016. With the use of a questionnaire, a total of 111 women whose infants underwent the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at six weeks were surveyed. Univariate and bivariate data analysis were performed with CDC- Epi-Info 7.2.2.6.&#x0D; Results: Out of 111 women included in this study, only 2 (1.8%) babies had a positive PCR test. Two cases of infected babies were realised in the study, 1 in each of the first two trimesters of pregnancy. It could probably be due to the fact that, these women got infected while they were already pregnant or maybe before their introduction to the Option B+. However, the infectious rate was similar to that of women on tritherapy. Interventions like the use of Antiretroviral (ART) drugs by infected pregnant women, safe delivery practices and safe infant feeding helped reduce the risk of transmission to infants (from 40% to 5%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The infection rate of 1.8 % is similar to those of women who are on tritherapy in many studies. Despite the fact that the implementation of option B+ looks more onerous, the long term benefits as far as cost effectiveness is concerned looks laudable. Thus this strategy should be adopted in resource restricted countries.

Chylomicron Retention Disease in A Male Infant: A Rare Case from Pakistan

Chylomicron retention disease (CMRD), also known as Anderson’s disease, is an autosomal recessive condition with a genetic mutation in the secretion associated Ras related GTPase 1B (SAR1B) gene, a protein coding gene. CMRD classically manifests as steatorrhea, vomiting, failure to thrive or abdominal bloating shortly after birth or in childhood. Here, we report a rare case of a 50-day-old male infant who was, at first, overseen as a case of acute gastroenteritis with sepsis owing to the non-specific symptoms i.e. multiple episodes of loose stools with a low-grade fever and failure to thrive, and was managed accordingly. However, the symptoms did not resolve; moreover, the clinical condition deteriorated. Later, lipid profile, clinical presentation and pathological features led to a presumptive diagnosis of CMRD. Our patient showed significant improvement when treated with a trial of medium- and short-chain fatty acids. We conclude that, in resource-restricted countries, a therapeutic trial with the dietary changes is essential to not only prevent the devastating complication but also support the diagnosis.

118.2: Non-simultaneous kidney exchange cycles in resource restricted countries without non directed donation.

118.2: Non-simultaneous kidney exchange cycles in resource restricted countries without non directed donation.

An update on the aspects of Zika virus infection on male reproductive system.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is mainly transmitted through Aedes mosquito bites, but sexual and post-transfusion transmissions have been reported. During acute infection, ZIKV is detectable in most organs and body fluids including human semen. Although it is not currently epidemic, there is a concern that the virus can still reemerge since the male genital tract might harbor persistent reservoirs that could facilitate viral transmission over extended periods, raising concerns among public health and assisted reproductive technologies(ART) experts and professionals. So far, the consensus is that ZIKV infection in the testes or epididymis might affect sperm development and, consequently, male fertility. Still, diagnostic tests have not yet been adapted to resource-restricted countries. This manuscript provides an updated overview of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ZIKV infection and reviews data on ZIKV persistence in semen and associated risks to the male reproductive system described in human and animal models studies. We provide an updated summary of the impact of the recent ZIKV outbreak on human-ART, weighing on current recommendations and diagnostic approaches, both available and prospective, with special emphasis on mass spectrometry-based biomarker discovery. In the light of the identified gaps in our accumulated knowledge on the subject, we highlight the importance for couples seeking ART to follow the constantly revised guidelines and the need of specific ZIKV diagnosis tools for semen screening to contain ZIKV virus spread and make ART safer.

Headache in Resource-Limited Settings.

This review summarizes the unmet need of headache burden and management in resource-limited settings. It provides a general overview of the nuances and peculiarities of headache disorders in resource-limited settings. The review delivers perspectives and explanations for the emerging burden of both primary and secondary headache disorders. Important discussion on demographic and epidemiologic transition pertinent to low-resource settings is included. A critical analysis of headache disorders is made within the context of growing burden non-communicable disorders in low-resource countries. Challenges are examined and prospective feasible solutions tailored to existing resources are provided to address headache disorders in resource-limited settings. Many low-resource countries are entering into the third epidemiological transition featuring increasing burden of non-communicable disorders of which headache disorders contribute a significant proportion. Exponential population growth involving youthful demographic and massive rural-urban migration is taking place in low-resource countries. Youthful demographic is the natural cohort for primary headache such as migraine. Socioeconomic mobility and lifestyle changes are leading to higher levels of physical inactivity and obesity, both of which are related to headache. Life expectancy is rising in some resource-restricted countries; this increases prevalence of secondary headache attributed to neurovascular causes. Many low-resource countries are still burdened with tropical infectious causes of secondary headache. Health care facilities are primarily designed to respond to infectious epidemic and not to chronic burden such as headache. Many low-resource-restricted settings are plagued by poor and corrupt governance, ill-equipped regimes with malfunctioning health policies, war, and poverty. Many low-resource settings do not have access to generic headache medications such as triptans. Headache training and expertise is low. Healthy lifestyle changes emphasizing on improving regular exercise can be inexpensive method to reducing primary headache burden and its comorbidities (e.g. obesity). Addressing the increasing burden of headache disorders in resource-limited settings is important to avert accrued disability which in turn lowers productivity and socioeconomic performance in a young booming population.

Review of Recent Large-Scale Burn Disasters Worldwide in Comparison to Preparedness Guidelines.

The US National Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Program indicates that each care facility must have "a plan to care for at least 50 cases per million people for patients suffering burns or trauma" to receive national funding disaster preparedness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether this directive is commensurate with the severity recent burn disasters, both nationally and internationally. We conducted a review of medical journal articles, investigative fire reports, and media news sources for major burn disasters dating from 1990 to present day. We defined a major burn disaster as any incident with ≥50 burn injuries and/or ≥ 30 burn-related deaths. We compared existing preparedness guidelines with the magnitude of recent burn disasters using as reference the 2005 U.S. Health and Human Services directive that each locale must "have a plan to care for at least 50 cases per million people for patients suffering burns or trauma." We reported the number of actual casualties for each incident, and estimated the number of burn beds theoretically available if the "50 [burn-injury] cases per million people" directive were to be applied to metropolitan areas outside the United States. Seven hundred fifty-two burn disaster incidents met our inclusion criteria. The majority of burn disasters occurred in Asia/Middle East. The incidence of major burn disasters from structural fires and industrial blasts remains constant in high-income and resource-restricted countries during this study period. The incidence of terrorist attacks increased 20-fold from 2001 to 2015 compared with 1990 to 2000. Recent incidents demonstrate that if current preparedness guidelines were to be adopted internationally, local resources including burn-bed availability would be insufficient to care for the total number of burn casualties. These findings underscore an urgent need to organize better regional, national, and international collaboration in burn disaster response.

Simulation for training in resource-restricted countries: using a scalable temporal bone surgical simulator.

Simulation for training in resource-restricted countries: using a scalable temporal bone surgical simulator.

Teaching ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia remotely: a feasibility study.

Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) requires acquisition of new skills. Learning requires one-on-one teaching, and can be limited by time and mentor availability. We investigate whether the skills required for UGRA can be developed and subsequently assessed remotely using a novel online teaching platform. This platform was developed at the University of Toronto to teach laparoscopic surgery remotely and has been termed Telesimulation. Anesthesia Site Chiefs at 10 hospitals across Ontario were sent a letter inviting their anesthesia teams to participate in an UGRA remote training program. Four to five anesthetists from each site were recruited from the first four hospitals expressing interest. Simulation models and ultrasound machines were set up at each location and connected via Skype(™) and web cameras with the Telesimulation center at our hospital. Training consisted of four online sessions and one offline lecture in order to teach an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block. Participants were evaluated before and after training by on-site and off-site assessors using a validated Checklist and Global Rating Scale (GRS). Nineteen staff anesthetists were recruited. Post-training scores were significantly higher across both assessment tools, on-site (P < 0.001) and off-site training locations (P = 0.003). The inter-rater reliability between on-site and remote training site ratings was good for the Checklist (ICC = 0.672, 95% CI: 0.369-0.830) and excellent for the GRS (ICC = 0.847, 95% CI: 0.706-0.921). This study demonstrates that UGRA can be taught remotely. Future research will focus on comparing this method to on-site teaching and its application in resource-restricted countries.

Global Health Imaging Curriculum in Radiology Residency Programs: The Fundamentals

Recent advances in imaging technology have created new opportunities for medical imaging to improve health care in resource-restricted countries around the world. Radiology residents are increasingly interested in global health and imaging outreach, yet infrastructure and opportunities for international outreach are limited. With the recent change in the ABR exam schedule, residents now have more flexibility in the fourth year of training to pursue elective interests, including participation in global health projects. Creating a formalized global health imaging curriculum will improve the quality, quantity, and overall impact of initiatives undertaken by residents and their training programs. A curriculum is proposed that provides content, opportunities for global health project development, and established metrics for effective evaluation and assessment. Four components considered integral to a global health imaging curriculum are described: (1)global and public health education; (2) targeted travel medicine education; (3) basic imaging proficiency; and (4) practice attitudes and accountability. Methods are presented of differentiating curricula to increase applicability across the spectrum of training programs that vary in available resources. A blueprint is presented for formalizing a global health curriculum or elective rotation within a program, as well as a resource for residents, radiologists, and organizations to make a meaningful impact on global health.

Clinical Research Informing Neonatal Care at the University Hospital of the West Indies: 50 Years Experience

Neonatology has rapidly grown over the past few years to its present status of a highly technologically driven specialty. Centres in resource restricted countries tend to adopt management guidelines from the developed world and integrate them into local practice. Although international neonatal practices have influenced neonatal care at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), over the past fifty years there has been local clinical research done at the hospital that has informed local practice. Causes of neonatal mortality have been documented and this has informed neonatal resuscitation practices, infection control policies and ventilatory support of premature infants. Changes in the incidence of various aetiologies of jaundice over the years have altered how jaundiced neonates are investigated and managed. Research on neonatal sepsis has informed antibiotic choices and treatment regimes. Studies on preterm infants have informed management polices on ensuring optimal thermal environment, on the timing of discharge and on neurodevelopmental follow-up. It is clear that clinical research at the UHWI has informed neonatal care at the institution over the past 50 years and it is hoped that it will continue to do so for the next 50 years and beyond.

Translational medicine as implementation science in the field of monitoring HIV and TB. New concepts emanating from resource‐poor countries

In the last decade, there has been generous support by Western nations to deal with the HIV/AIDS epidemic and accompanying plethora of infections, a significant portion of the aid is extended to resource-restricted countries (1). The wave of support has contributed to the development of a branch of biomedical activity, referred to as translational medicine. This new field covers two areas: (i) the ‘‘translational medicine proper’’ (T-1) to establish proofs of concepts mostly in animal models that lead to pilot studies in humans, and (ii) ‘‘the translational medicine-2’’ (T-2, also referred to as ‘‘implementation science’’) for optimizing already established medical concepts in rich and poor countries alike, for wider applications in communities (2). Fledgling journals which carry the ‘‘translational’’ title clearly favor T-1 publications; by contrast, on the pages of Clinical Cytometry mostly T-2 topics are featured as clinical implementations of diagnostically relevant developments. For two reasons, the T-2 field is subject to political scrutiny. First, In 2008, US $ 15.6 billion was spent on AIDS programs in low and middle income countries. Currently, a very high proportion (50%) of these are coming from external, including generous North American, sources and these may not be sustainable. Furthermore, the calculated trends reveal that this expenditure is to shoot up to 2–3 times higher levels, and that a major epidemic will still be with us in 2031 without a change in approach (3). Second, medical care in the West is, by tradition, expensive (4). The health care practiced in the US appears to be in the 37th position with respect to cost efficiency (5). Consequently, when suggesting that from now on the resource-restricted partners must contribute more to their HIV care/prevention (3), the possibilities of modifying diagnostics according to the local needs using local implementation science must be considered. This field in Africa has been revitalized since generic antiretroviral therapy (ART) became affordable. During the last decade requirements for simplifying diagnostics has frequently been advocated in the pages on Clinical Cytometry (6,7). When African health care workers are faced with acute crisis, they are often proven to be inventive. Evidence is gathering that the technologists in resource-poor regions are capable of developing and/or modifying methods in order that these are elegantly simplified for more affordable large scale testing formats. Some of these efforts represent improvements of precision, accuracy, quality assessment, and training (8–10). In his recent book, Nigel Crisp, the former Chief Executive of the National Health Service of the United Kingdom (11) explains that ‘‘poor countries do not need a diluted version of what rich countries have now, and may have an easier time building a better system from little.’’ Inspired by his approach, in this editorial, we would like to briefly review five recent papers (12–16). But first we need to consider two significant changes in the global outlook which influence the use of diagnostics. In 2006, the WHO recommended that all HIV positive patients start ART when their CD4 T-cell count fell to 200 cells/mm. In patients with CD4 counts between 200 and 350 cells/mm, the initiation of ART was optional on the basis of these patients showing some symptoms (Grade 2–4) or were still asymptomatic (Grade 1). However, in countries with poor resources this guideline was frequently interpreted as to start ART at 200/mm, reaching many patients too late (17,18) even at levels as low as 50–150 CD4 T-cells/mm. Recently, it has also been shown that earlier start of ART at higher CD4 T-cell counts reduces mortality and morbidity rates (17,18). Therefore WHO, in unison with other regulatory bodies, now recommends ART to be

The use of cord blood for transfusion purposes: current status

Although the use of umbilical cord blood (UCB) for transfusion purposes has been proposed decades ago, the employ is still limited. In this article we review studies evaluating UCB collection efficiency and sterility, examine processing and storage of UCB-derived red blood cells (RBC) and discuss clinical studies in which UCB was used for transfusion purposes. Efforts to provide preterm newborns with autologous RBC derived from UCB have not been very successful. UCB collected after full-term deliveries can however easily be processed into RBC products and could be used autologous in case surgery of the neonate is indicated early after birth, or for allogeneic small volume paediatric transfusions. To harvest enough UCB volume, immediate clamping of the umbilical cord is commonly used as standard practice. Although delayed cord clamping has shown to improve the iron status in full-term infants; for small-for-gestational-age infants this has not been demonstrated. In addition, an increased need for phototherapy after delayed clamping exists. Altogether, we could find no disencouraging evidence to collect UCB, which could be processed into an easily available RBC product for paediatric transfusion in resource-restricted countries.

Telesimulation: an effective method for teaching the fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery in resource-restricted countries

Several challenges exist with laparoscopic skills training in resource-restricted countries, including long travel distances required by mentors for onsite teaching. Telesimulation (TS) is a novel concept that uses the internet to link simulators between an instructor and a trainee in different locations. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of telesimulation for teaching the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) to surgeons in Botswana, Africa. A total of 16 surgeons from two centers in Botswana participated in this 8-week study. FLS TS was set up using two simulators, computers, webcams, and Skype software for eight surgeons in the TS group. A standard FLS simulator was available for the eight surgeons in the self-practice (SP) group. Participants in the TS group had one remote training session per week with an FLS proctor at the University of Toronto who provided feedback and demonstrated proper technique. Participants in the SP group had access to the FLS DVD and were instructed to train on FLS at least once per week. FLS post-test scores were obtained in Botswana by a trained FLS proctor at the conclusion of the study. Participants in the TS group had significantly higher post-test FLS scores than those in the SP group (440 +/- 56 vs. 272 +/- 95, p = 0.001). All trainees in the TS group achieved an FLS simulator certification passing score, whereas only 38% in the SP group did so (p = 0.03). Remote telesimulation is an effective method for teaching the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery in Africa, achieving a 100% FLS skills pass rate. This training platform provides a cost-effective method of teaching in resource-restricted countries and could be used to teach laparoscopic skills anywhere in the world with internet access.