University Hospital Of The West Indies Research Articles

Current obstetric outcomes in Jamaican women with sickle hemoglobinopathy- a balance of risks for aspirin?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) occurs in 2.8 % of our Jamaican antenatal population with homozygous HbSS being most associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. A retrospective comparative analysis of HbSS, HbSC and HbSβThal pregnancy outcomes at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) between January 2012 and December 2022 was conducted. Of 120 patients (138 pregnancies), obesity occurred in 36 % (20/56) of the 'non-HbSS' group, i.e.HbSβThal (55 %, 5/9) and HbSC (32 %, 15/47) combined vs. 9.7 % of the HbSS (8/82). HbSS patients had more crises requiring transfusions, acute chest syndrome (ACS), maternal 'near-misses' (OR=10.7, 95 % 3.5-32.3; p<0.001), hospitalizations (OR 7.6, 95 % CI 3.4-16.9; p<0.001), low birth weight (LBW) neonates (OR 3.1, 1.1-8.9; p=0.037) and preterm birth (OR=2.6, 1.2-5.8; p=0.018) compared to HbSC and HbSβThal. Low dose aspirin was prescribed in 43 %. Logistic regression showed those NOT on aspirin (n=76) had more miscarriages (22 v. 2 %), were LESS likely to have a live birth (75 v. 95 % (0.2, 0.04-0.57, p=0.005)), but surprisingly had fewer painful crises (28 v. 46 % (0.5, 0.03-0.9, p=0.03)). HbSS women had a 10-fold excess of maternal near-misses. Additional research may further clarify the effects of aspirin on pregnancy outcomes as related to SCD genotypes.

Severe cutaneous adverse reactions in a tertiary care center in Jamaica

BackgroundSevere cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) are associated with morbidity and mortality. ObjectiveThe aim was to determine the different types of SCARs, their morphology, common offending drugs, interventions, and outcomes. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of all patients admitted to the dermatology service at the University Hospital of the West Indies with Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap (SJS/TEN), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) between January 1, 2012 to June 1, 2022. ResultsFifty-one cases (51) met the inclusion criteria for SCAR. SJS, SJS/TEN overlap and TEN together accounted for 71.2% of cases. SCARs were most frequent in the 4th, 5th and 6th decades of life and there was a female preponderance.Antibiotics (31%) and anticonvulsants (29%) were the most common causative agents for SCARs. Most patients had at least one complication. The liver was the most common extracutaneous organ affected.Mortality was 7.8%. The main cause of death was sepsis. LimitationsResults were not generalizable. There was missing data and loss to follow-up. ConclusionJudicious use of antimicrobials and corticosteroids may be beneficial in treatment of severe cutaneous drug reactions.

Melanoma awareness in Jamaican patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies: A cross-sectional study

Melanoma awareness in Jamaican patients at the University Hospital of the West Indies: A cross-sectional study

Pregnancy outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus: experience from a Caribbean center

Background Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune multi-system disorder frequently affecting black women of childbearing age. No published data exist on the obstetric outcomes in a Caribbean population. Objective We analyzed pregnancy outcomes in an Afro-Caribbean cohort of women with SLE at a tertiary university hospital. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed of all pregnant women with SLE prior to pregnancy from January 1990 to December 2021 at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), Jamaica. Maternal rheumatologic, obstetric, fetal/neonatal data were analyzed. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed. To determine if outcomes were associated with various factors, Spearman’s rho was followed by logistic regression analysis to estimate unadjusted odds ratios with statistical significance at p < 0.05. Results A total of 56 pregnancies in 47 women were identified with SLE. Live births were 87.5%, with 10.7% spontaneous miscarriages and no neonatal deaths. Prednisone was the most used drug in 67.9% of patients. 85% of women had an adverse outcome with an adverse fetal outcome occurring in 55% of cases. Prednisone was associated with an adverse fetal/neonatal outcome (Spearman’s rho = 0.38; p = .004). Conclusion In this first Caribbean series on SLE in pregnancy, reasonably successful pregnancy outcomes are achievable in Afro-Caribbean women managed in multidisciplinary centers.

H. pylori predictors and outcomes among adults undergoing upper endoscopy at a Jamaican teaching hospital: A cross-sectional study.

Recent data on the prevalence of H. pylori infection in Jamaica are lacking. It is postulated that there has been a decline in the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its associated complications. We determined sociodemographic characteristics, prevalence of H. pylori infection and clinical outcomes among adults undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and histology at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) between May 2018 and December 2020. A cross-sectional study of patients (≥18 years old), who underwent EGD and histological evaluation for H. pylori infection, was conducted. Associations of H. pylori positivity and gastric cancer with sociodemographic/clinical variables and endoscopic findings were determined by stepwise logistic regression using backward selection. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with related 95% confidence intervals (Cis) were calculated for H. pylori positivity and gastric cancer status. There were 323 participants (mean age 58.6± 17.8 years, 54.2% females). H. pylori prevalence was 22.2% (n= 70 of 315), 5.6% had gastric neoplasia (GN), 15.5% gastric atrophy, 11.4% intestinal metaplasia and 3.7% dysplasia on histology. Mucositis (64.5%), gastric ulcer (14.9%), and duodenal ulcer (13.9%) were the most common endoscopic findings. Participants with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) (unOR=4.0; p= .017), gastric cancer (unOR=9.5; p= .003), gastric atrophy (unOR=12.8; p< .001), and intestinal metaplasia (unOR=5.0; p< .001) had a significantly higher odds of being H. pylori positive, but after multivariable analyses only gastric atrophy remained significant (aOR=27.3; p< .001). Participants with mucositis had a significantly lower odds of gastric cancer (unOR 0.1; p= .035) while participants with dysplasia had significantly higher odds (unOR 8.0; p= .042), but these were no longer significant after multivariable analyses (aOR=0.2; p= .156 and aOR=18.9; p= .070, respectively). Histology based prevalence of H. pylori infection is lower than previously reported in Jamaica. Gastric atrophy is a significant predictor of H. pylori positivity.

Acute kidney injury following cardiopulmonary bypass in Jamaica

ObjectivesThe study objectives were to describe the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of acute kidney injury after cardiopulmonary bypass in Jamaica. MethodWe performed a review of the medical records of adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with no prior dialysis requirement undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona, between January 1, 2016, and June 30, 2019. Demographic, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were abstracted. Acute kidney injury was defined using Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. The primary outcomes were acute kidney injury incidence and all-cause 30-day mortality. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional analyses were used to examine the association between the acute kidney injury risk factors and the primary outcome. ResultsData for 210 patients (58% men, mean age 58.1 ± 12.9 years) were analyzed. Acute kidney injury occurred in 80 patients (38.1%), 44% with Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes I, 33% with Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes II, and 24% with Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes III. From multivariable logistic regression models, European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.39 per unit), bypass time (odds ratio, 1.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-2.67 per hour), perioperative red cell transfusion (odds ratio, 3.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-6.76), and postoperative neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.68 per 10-unit difference) were positively associated with acute kidney injury. Acute kidney injury resulted in greater median hospital stay (18 vs 11 days, P < .001) and intensive care unit stay (5 vs 3 days, P < .001), and an 8-fold increase in 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 8.15; 95% confidence interval, 2.76-24.06, P < .001). ConclusionsAcute kidney injury after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery occurs frequently in Jamaica and results in poor short-term outcomes. Further studies coupled with quality interventions to reduce the mortality of those with acute kidney injury are needed in the Caribbean.

Clinicopathological Factors Affecting Breast Cancer Survival in Jamaican Women: A Retrospective Review.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer affecting women worldwide. The survival rate is primarily affected by the stage of the disease and several other demographic and clinicopathological factors. This study is a retrospective cohort study of female patients of the University Hospital of the West Indies diagnosed with breast cancer between 2011 and 2016. The age, tumor size, SBR/Nottingham grade, tumor histologic subtype, tumor molecular subtype, and survival status of the cohort on November 1, 2019, were determined. The data were summarized. Survival across each variable was compared using univariate log-rank tests, Cox proportional hazard models, and crude and adjusted models. A second wave analysis was performed excluding patients whose survival status was presumed. A total of 503 patients were analyzed. The overall survival rate at 1, 3, and 5years were 96.4%, 84.9%, and 79.0%, respectively, for the entire cohort. The molecular subtype was the most significant clinicopathological factor affecting overall survival. A younger age < 40years, higher histologic grade, estrogen receptor-negative breast cancers, invasive ductal type breast cancers, and T1 lesions were associated with poorer survival outcomes at 5years. The findings were reproduced after a second wave analysis excluding patients who were presumed alive was applied. Breast cancer overall survival in Jamaica is consistent with that of other developing countries in the literature. This study is an important contribution to the growing body of literature available and aids to the overall understanding of the behavior of breast cancer locally.

The Effect of Obstetric Drills Training - Jamaica Core Obstetric Teaching and Training in Emergencies (JOTTIE) on Postpartum Haemorrhage at a Jamaican Teaching Hospital.

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the initiation of JOTTIE, a one day simulation training course focussed on the management of common obstetric emergencies, was associated with a reduction in the morbidity and mortality associated with postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).Study DesignWe conducted a retrospective comparative study that evaluated the incidence of multiple outcomes related to maternal morbidity secondary to PPH, during the two year period immediately prior to the introduction of JOTTIE (pre course arm, N = 88) or the two year period, one year post introduction (post course arm, N = 103) for all women who had vaginal deliveries complicated by PPH at UHWI. A relationship was said to be statistically significant if p < 0.05. Additionally, the study examined risk factors in relation to severity of haemorrhage.ResultsGenital tract trauma represented the highest recorded cause of PPH (approximately 71%). The data revealed that patients in the pre training arm were similarly likely to have no adverse outcome in comparison to patients in the post training arm (p = 0.962). There was also no statistically significant relationship between the time period of patient exposure in relation to the JOTTIE course and severity of PPH (p > 0.05). Uterine fibroids and Crohn’s disease were the only co-morbidities found to increase the likelihood of severe PPH, at 5.154 times (p = 0.019,OR = 5.154, CI = 1.314-20.212) and 17.848 times (p = 0.085,OR = 17.848,CI = 0.672-474.365), respectively.ConclusionsThis study suggests that prior to the introduction of the JOTTIE the rate of maternal morbidity associated with PPH was relatively low at UHWI and there was no significant effect on its management or a significant reduction in maternal morbidity since introduction of the course. Future research on the morbidity related to the other obstetric emergencies addressed at JOTTIE is needed in order to assess the effect of the course as a whole.

Hypoglycemic agents and prognostic outcomes of chronic kidney disease patients with type 2 diabetes

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a financial burden on most patients from low/ middle income countries. Glycaemic control with affordable hypoglycemic agents may influence on the prognosis of diabetic nephropathy. Objectives: We aimed to compare the rates of CKD progression and proteinuria in the type 2 diabetic population in response to the use of various hypoglycemic agents. Patients and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of a total of 250 patients of Afro-Caribbean descent at the University hospital of the West Indies between 2018 and 2019 was conducted. The use of hypoglycaemic agents and changes in albuminuria were calculated as odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A P value&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Of 250 patients with diabetic nephropathy, the number of rapid CKD progression was highest in patients on insulin (26.3%). In comparison, number of rapid progressions in patients receiving metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4 inhibitors), sulfonylurea and pioglitazone were 19.1%, 22.2%, 21.9% and 20%, respectively. After eliminating confounding factors, comparison within the group analysis on DPP-4 inhibitors (n= 171) demonstrated 62.6% significant improvement in quantitative proteinuria with reduction of mean spot urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) from 362.1 ±338.9 mg/g to 303 ±300.1 mg/g (ORs, 0.77; 95% CI 0.41 to 0.97; P = 0.03). Conclusion: Type 2 diabetic patients requiring insulin were found to have progression of CKD than patients on oral hypoglycaemic agents. Among the affordable oral hypoglycaemic agents, DPP-4 inhibitors had an association with reduction in albuminuria.

MO375EPIDEMIOLOGY AND PREDICTORS OF CARDIAC BYPASS ASSOCIATED AKI IN A MIDDLE-INCOME CARIBBEAN COUNTRY

Abstract Background and Aims AKI is a common and resource intensive complication of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB) in high income-countries occurring in up to one third of surgeries performed. However, little is known of its incidence and impact in the small island developing states of the Caribbean. We describe the incidence, risk factors and outcomes of AKI following CPB at a referral cardiac centre in Jamaica. Method A review of the Medical Records of adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with no prior ESRD or dialysis requirement undergoing CPB at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Mona between January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019 inclusive was undertaken. Demographics, pre-operative status, intraoperative and post-operative data were abstracted. The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day mortality. AKI was defined as meeting the KDIGO criteria based on the peak serum creatinine measurement obtained within 72 hours post-operatively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the risk factors for and impact of AKI on all-cause mortality. Results Of the 259 persons who underwent CPB in the study period, 211 (58% men, mean age 58.1±12.9 years, median± IQR Euro-score II of 1.4 ± 1.4) met inclusion criteria. AKI occurred in 37.3 % (80) of patients with 43.8% (35) KDIGO I, 32.5% (26) KDIGO II and (19) 23.7% KDIGO III. Renal replacement therapy was required in 3.2% (7) of patients. In a multivariable logistic regression model, baseline CKD (eGFR&amp;lt;60mL/min/1.732m2; odds ratio, 95%CI: 5.32,1.72-15.90), Prolonged bypass time (1.73,1.21-2.48; per hour), intraoperative PRBC transfusion (2.33,1.08-5.03) and elevated 24-hour post-operative Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio&amp;gt;18 (3.00, 1.07-8.35) were associated with an increased risk of AKI. AKI after CPB resulted in greater hospital (23.6 versus 14.6 days, p&amp;lt;0.001) and ICU stay (8.1 versus 3.3 days, p&amp;lt;0.001) and a 6-fold increase in 30-day mortality after adjusting for age and sex (HR, 95 CI: 6.40, 2.38-17.25). (see Figure 1 Kaplan Meier survival estimates for AKI) Conclusion The occurrence of AKI following CPB is comparable to that reported in the literature and is associated with poor short-term outcomes. Larger multicentre prospective studies to predict risk, identify interventions to reduce mortality and assess long term complications of AKI following CPB in Caribbean countries are needed.

P0184 / #1528: THE IMPACT OF NEONATAL RESUSCITATION TRAINING ON NEONATAL RESUSCITATION COMPETENCE OF PAEDIATRIC RESIDENTS AND NEONATAL NURSES IN A MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRY: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE

Aims & Objectives: At least 10% of newborns require assistance with breathing; less than 1% require cardiac compressions and/or medications to ensure successful transition. The United Nations’ fourth millennial development goal aimed to reduce under- five mortality by two thirds by 2015. The global under -five mortality declined by 47%; the median mortality doubled to 3.8%. Greater than 1/3 of neonatal deaths occur within 24 hours of birth. Intrapartum complications account for 23% of deaths within the first month. The Third Sustainable Development Goal targets neonatal mortality rate of 12 per 1,000 live births by 2030. Ensuring Neonatal resuscitation competency is therefore essential during Paediatric training. As part of the 2020 strategic plan, a Neonatal Resuscitation training initiative will be introduced at the Univeristy Hospital of the West Indies, to improve the competence at neonatal resuscitation of Paediatric residents and Neonatal nurses by 50%. Methods: Assessment of perceived and observed resuscitation competence of participants prior to and after training during simulated codes and actual resuscitation will be done. Resuscitation competence will be assessed 4 months thereafter. Research Ethics Board approval will be sought. Consent will be obtained. Results: Measures: Process Number of staff receiving training Compliance with NRP algorithm Number of staff using checklist Balancing Inappropriate intubation Prolonged duration of resuscitation Level of confidence in resuscitation Outcome Resuscitation competence of participants immediately and 4 months after training Stakeholder satisfaction with resuscitation skills of participants Conclusions: Implementing a neonatal resuscitation training initiative at the University Hospital of the West Indies will improve competency and confidence in staff

Hypernatremic Dehydration in Breast Fed Infants: Lessons from a Baby-Friendly Hospital.

To determine the incidence, presentation and outcome of all neonates admitted to the University Hospital of the West Indies with a diagnosis of breastfeeding associated hypernatremic dehydration during a 15-year period and make comparisons with an earlier study done at the institution. A retrospective review of the files of neonates admitted to the neonatal unit with breastfeeding associated hypernatremic dehydration between January 2002 and December 2016 was conducted. Data on maternal and neonatal demographics, presentation, laboratory results and outcome were extracted and descriptive analyses performed. Statistical significance was taken at the level p < 0.05. Eighty neonates were entered into the study, 79 were inborn giving an incidence of 2.5 per 1000 live births. Fifty-five (71%) mothers were primiparous, with a mean ± SD age of 29.5 ± 5.6 years and mean ± SD length of hospital stay 2.6 ± 1.5 days. Fifty-six (71%) neonates were exclusively breastfed with a mean ± SD age at presentation of 5.6 ± 3.8 days, mean ± SD percentage weight loss of 16.3% ± 6.1% and a mean serum ± SD sodium of 156.1 ± 8.3 mmol/l. Fifty-four (68%) neonates were admitted from home and 22 (28%) from the postnatal ward. Complications seen included acute kidney injury 6 (8%), seizures 2 (3%), hypotonia 1 (1%) and bradycardia 1 (1%). The neonates were detected earlier, presented with a significantly lower mean serum sodium, urea and creatinine (p < 0.05), had less severe complications and no deaths compared with neonates in the previous study. Early intervention can make a positive impact on the severity and complications of breastfeeding associated hypernatremia.

Patterns in neonatal sepsis at the University Hospital of the West Indies

Background: Neonatal sepsis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality especially in the resource limited setting. Although annual global estimates of neonatal sepsis approximate 3 million cases, the lack of standardized data from the developing nations affects these estimates of the burden of sepsis. This study seeks to give an update on current rates, associated factors, etiologies and resistance patterns associated with neonatal sepsis at the University Hospital of the West Indies, in Kingston Jamaica. Methods & Materials: Retrospective analysis of all results of blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid cultures from neonates born and admitted to the institution between September 2015 and September 2018 was conducted. This was facilitated using data collected from the laboratory information system and physical docket review, which specifically examined antenatal conditions, perinatal factors, and management while on the nursery. All organisms resistant to at least one antibiotic from 3 or more classes was deemed multidrug resistance (MDR). Designation was also made for extended drug resistant (XDR) and pan drug resistant (PDR) organisms. Results: During the study period 2854 samples were received with a total of 190 positives (6.7%) of which 89 were from blood, 85 from urine and seven were from cerebrospinal fluid. These positive isolates were from a total of 145 patients. Male infants born at term contributed the majority of cases. The most commonly isolated organism was Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (23%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (19%). Other organisms included E. coli (15%), Enterobacter spp. (7%) and Enterococcus spp. (7%). More than half (56%) of the isolates were regarded as sensitive, while another 31% were within the resistant spectrum. Caesarean section, rupture of membranes >18 h and Apgar score at one minute ≥7 was associated with higher incidence of early onset sepsis (most common form). Early onset sepsis also had a higher association with MDR organisms. Conclusion: It is important to recognize the trends of neonatal sepsis and create institutional management policies related to this and antibiogram data. Resistance is an increasing problem globally and is particularly unsettling in resource limited nations. The institution of an electronic hospital information system would greatly improve data collection opportunities for future surveillance and research.

Contraceptive practices in women with chronic medical conditions

Contraception in women with severe medical conditions is a potential measure to reduce maternal mortality. We sought to determine the contraceptive use in women with medical conditions at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) in Jamaica to determine if there is room for improvement in contraceptive use. Participants were identified from the medical out-patient departments and questionnaires administered. Two hundred and sixty females between 18 and 44 years with varied chronic medical conditions were included. Those included were systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), diabetes, hypertension (HTN), thyroid disease, cardiac and renal disease. The total current use of contraception was 58.4%, while 41.6% were not on contraceptives. The use of barrier methods and long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) was 71% and 10%, respectively. The current use of contraception in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) was 84% (p=.004) and in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 14% (p=.028). Fifty-eight (58, 24.2%) of the women were using two or more methods of contraception. There is a role for improving contraceptive use among women with medical conditions as they are at increased risk of pregnancy complications. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Women with medical comorbidities significantly contribute to both direct and indirect causes of maternal mortality. Contraception may play an integral role in reducing the risk of dying in chronically ill women; however, the use of contraception in this group is often suboptimal. What the results of this study add? This study adds to the literature that in this high-risk group, there is an underuse of long-acting reversible contraceptives, which is ideal for this population. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice or further research? The results will provide evidence that this high-risk group of women should be targeted and counselled regarding their risk of morbidity and mortality in pregnancy as well as contraception use while their condition is optimised. From this evidence, services may be put in place in institutions, especially in low-resource settings.

Michael Antony Rollin Taylor

Michael Antony Rollin Taylor was head boy at Holme Valley Grammar School. Before his consultant career at Macclesfield General Hospital, he worked in the department of medicine at the University...

Prevalence, co-infection and antibiotic resistance of Escherichia Coli from blood and urine samples at a hospital in Jamaica.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a very common uro-pathogen and pathogen of bloodstream infections (BSI) in Jamaica. The aim of this study was to examine this organism's prevalence, determine co-infection rates and assess antibiotic resistance patterns. In the absence of automated systems, data on all E. coli isolates identified at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica during the first six months of 2008 and 2012 was collected and sorted. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 for Windows. A total of 1188 isolates (1072 from urine and 116 from blood) was analyzed. Patients with E. coli BSI were older than those with E. coli urinary tract infections (UTI) (55.3 years vs 42.4 years, p < 0.05) and both had a female predominance. Sensitivity profiles in 2012 for E. coli in blood and urine were highest for the carbapenems, Amikacin and Nitrofurantoin and lowest for the fluoroquinolones and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Based on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, Nitrofurantoin was identified as an appropriate choice for empiric therapy for UTI. Ten antibiotics were noted in this study to have developed statistically significant antibiotic resistance. Patients with E. coli BSI had a co-infection E. coli UTI rate of 39%. Resistance patterns change drastically in a few years making frequent antimicrobial susceptibility profiling necessary. Further studies would be beneficial in guiding management of these patients.

Essential Thrombocytosis and Fatal Coronary Graft Occlusion: A Case Report

Essential thrombocytosis (ET) is a rare myeloproliferative disorder, which is a major risk factor for thrombosis and bleeding, which complicates cardiovascular surgery. ET is a risk factor for coronary artery disease that should be treated. We present a case of a male with ET who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at the University Hospital of the West Indies, and died post-surgery. Post mortem revealed early graft thrombosis. We believe that post-operative aspirin therapy maybe would have prevented this fatal outcome.

Pathologic Factors Affecting Colorectal Cancer Survival in a Jamaican Population-the UHWI Experience.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the third most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Jamaica. Globally, CRC mortality rates have been decreasing in developed countries; however, CRC mortality rates are trending upwards in low-income or developing countries. Our objectives are to estimate the overall 5-year survival and to determine the pathologic factors associated with overall survival of colorectal adenocarcinoma after surgery at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). Retrospective, observational (cross-sectional) study on CRC patients. We summarized and analyzed demographic, clinical data, histopathological data, and survival rates. Single predictor Cox regression models were used to establish associations between survival and specified clinicopathological characteristics. A total of 217 patients who underwent operative resection of colorectal adenocarcinoma from January 2004 to December 2013. Median survival time post-therapeutic intervention was 48 months. Late stage at diagnosis, positive circumferential resection margins, neural and vascular invasion, as well as three or more nodal metastases were all associated with statistically significant worsened outcome. Despite surgical quality meeting USA standards, CRC survival rates in Jamaica are 13% lower than survival of CRC in non-Hispanic Blacks in the USA. The survival trends found by our study support the application of international indices for CRC prognostication to Jamaican patients.

2913 Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease at the University Hospital of the West Indies

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that can significantly affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study is to determine the HRQoL of patients with IBD seen at the Gastroenterology clinic at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted, which included seventy patients with IBD (CD 25, UC 44 and one patient with Indeterminate colitis). Data analyses were restricted to 69 patients who had CD or UC. All the patients completed the validated Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) and a questionnaire with demographic data. Disease activity was measured using Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) for CD and Truelove and Witts severity index for UC. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 14 statistical software. RESULTS: Mean age was 44.3 ± 16.2 years, 56.5% females, mean disease duration 12.0 ± 11.0 years and mean age at diagnosis of IBD was 31.5 ± 13.4 years. Patients with CD had more frequent hospital admissions (3.9 ± 3.7 vs 0.9 ± 1.8; P value 0.001) and surgeries (0.75 ± 0.8 vs 0.1 ± 0.4; P value 0.001) compared to those with UC. The mean total IBDQ score was 179.6 ± 34.4 (CD was 175.0 ± 37.1 and 182.1 ± 33.0 for patients with UC). Patients with higher IBDQ scores were more likely to be male gender (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.69–5.39, P value 0.207), married (OR 2.25, 95% CI 0.60-7.31, P value 0.177), educated to secondary school level (OR 2.05, 95% CI 0.46-9.06, P value 0.343), employed in the private sector (OR 3.00, 95% CI 0.83-10.90, P value 0.095) and on no medications (OR 3.24, 95% CI 0.27–0.80, P value 0.006). Higher IBDQ score was associated with fewer hospital admissions (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.73-1.10, P value 0.287). The best score was seen in the systemic domain. The lowest score was seen in emotional domain for both diseases. Overall male patients had a better score for all domains. CONCLUSION: The HRQoL for patients with IBD at the UHWI was comparable to those in other studies. Patients with UC and male gender appeared to have better quality of life, but comparisons were limited by small sample size.

Sleep disorders and behavioral disorders in Jamaican children with epilepsy: A case–control study

Children with epilepsy (CWE) are more likely to have sleep and behavioral disorders. With differences in reports, the aim was to evaluate sleep and behavior in Jamaican CWE and determine any association with epilepsy-related variables. Children with epilepsy were identified along with age and gender-matched controls from the University Hospital of the West Indies and the Bustamante Hospital for Children. Written informed consent was obtained followed by the completion of questionnaires assessing sleep, behavior, and background of both cases and controls. Parents of 61 children (26 cases and 35 controls) participated in the study. There was no difference in sleep scores or frequency of sleep disorders between cases and controls (p > 0.05). Children with epilepsy had worse scores than controls in peer problems (3.85 vs 2.32, p < 0.01), internal problems (7.42 vs 4.71, p < 0.01), and total behavioral problem (16.27 vs 12.09, p < 0.01). When compared with controls, CWE had a higher frequency of abnormal peer problems (66% vs 32%, p < 0.05) and emotional problems score (42% vs 15%, p < 0.05). Children with learning difficulty were three times more likely to have abnormal behavioral score Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.818, p < 0.05). Jamaican CWE have similar sleep scores to their healthy peers but have a higher frequency of peer and emotional problems.