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Sheikh M, Ahmad H, Ibrahim R, Nisar I, Jehan F. Pulse oximetry: why oxygen saturation is still not a part of standard pediatric guidelines in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Pneumonia (Nathan) 2023; 15:3. [PMID: 36739442 PMCID: PMC9899156 DOI: 10.1186/s41479-023-00108-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the high frequency of acute respiratory infections in children worldwide, particularly so in low-resource countries, the development of effective diagnostic support is crucial. While pulse oximetry has been found to be an acceptable method of hypoxemia detection, improving clinical decision making and efficient referral, many healthcare set ups in low- and middle-income countries have not been able to implement pulse oximetry into their practice. MAIN BODY A review of past pulse oximetry implementation attempts in low- and middle-income countries proposes the barriers and potential solutions for complete integration in the healthcare systems. The addition of pulse oximetry into WHO health guidelines would prove to improve detection of respiratory distress and ensuing therapeutic measures. Incorporation is limited by the cost and unavailability of pulse oximeters, and subsequent oxygen accessibility. This restriction is compounded by the lack of trained personnel, and healthcare provider misconceptions. These hurdles can be combated by focus on low-cost devices, and cooperation at national levels for development in healthcare infrastructure, resource transport, and oxygen delivery systems. CONCLUSION The implementation of pulse oximetry shows promise to improve child morbidity and mortality from pneumonia in low- and middle-income countries. Steady measures taken to improve access to pulse oximeters and oxygen supplies, along with enhanced medical provider training are encouraging steps to thorough pulse oximetry integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheen Sheikh
- grid.7147.50000 0001 0633 6224Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800 Pakistan
| | - Huzaifa Ahmad
- grid.415235.40000 0000 8585 5745Department of Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010 USA
| | - Romesa Ibrahim
- grid.7147.50000 0001 0633 6224Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800 Pakistan
| | - Imran Nisar
- grid.7147.50000 0001 0633 6224Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800 Pakistan
| | - Fyezah Jehan
- grid.7147.50000 0001 0633 6224Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800 Pakistan
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Muhammad Zeb MI, Shahid S, Naeem K, Fatima U, Kazi AM, Jehan F, Shafiq Y, Mehmood U, Ali R, Ali M, Ahmed I, Zaidi AK, Nisar MI. Profile: Maternal and Child Health Surveillance System in peri-urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Gates Open Res 2022. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12788.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A Maternal and Child Health Surveillance System (MCHSS) was set up by the department of pediatrics and child health, Aga Khan University, Pakistan in peri-urban areas of Karachi to provide a platform for various research projects. It was established in five low-socioeconomic communities in a stepwise manner between 2003 and 2014. The total area currently under surveillance is 18.6 km2 covering a population of 302,944. We maintain a record of all births, deaths, pregnancies, and migration events by two monthly household visits. Verbal autopsies for stillbirths, deaths of children under the age of five years and adult female deaths are also conducted. For over a decade, the MCHSS has been a platform for a variety of studies describing the burden of various infectious diseases like typhoid, pneumonia and diarrhea, evaluation of effectiveness of various treatment regimens for neonatal sepsis, assessment of the acceptance of hospitalized care, determination of the etiology of moderate to severe diarrhea, assessment of burden and etiology of neonatal sepsis and a multi-center cohort study measuring the burden of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths. More recently we have also established a bio-repository of the well-characterized maternal and newborn cohort. Through a well-established MCHSS, we aim to provide concrete evidence base to guide policy makers to make informed decisions at local, national, and international levels.
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Diversity of Rotavirus Strains among Children with Acute Diarrhea in Karachi, Pakistan. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5231910. [PMID: 35502336 PMCID: PMC9056210 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5231910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
One of the common viral pathogens in infectious diarrhea is Rotavirus; in developing countries, it is a primary cause of deaths in children less than five years of age. This study was planned to find out the etiologic agents of acute watery diarrhea. In this study, 1465 stool samples were analyzed with the symptoms of acute diarrhea. Demographic data analysis showed no. of episodes of diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. All samples were checked by ELISA technique for the presence of Rotavirus circulating strains. More than 6% patients were found to be positive with Rotavirus. Common Rotavirus genotypes, including G2P4, G2P6, G3P4, G8P4, G8P6, G9P4, and G10P4, were detected in patients through RT-PCR. This study concluded that detection of rotavirus strain diversity and management of diarrheal patients may identify assortment of emerging strains and reduce emergence of antimicrobial resistance and repeated episodes of diarrhea, which may also help to avoid and manage the essential nutrients lost leading to malnutrition and stunted growth, as well as to reduce high mortality rate in young children less than five years.
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Garg CC, Tshefu A, Longombe AL, Kila JSN, Esamai F, Gisore P, Ayede AI, Falade AG, Adejuyigbe EA, Anyabolu CH, Wammanda RD, Hyellashelni JD, Yoshida S, Gram L, Nisar YB, Qazi SA, Bahl R. Costs and cost-effectiveness of management of possible serious bacterial infections in young infants in outpatient settings when referral to a hospital was not possible: Results from randomized trials in Africa. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247977. [PMID: 33720960 PMCID: PMC7959374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Serious bacterial neonatal infections are a major cause of global neonatal mortality. While hospitalized treatment is recommended, families cannot access inpatient treatment in low resource settings. Two parallel randomized control trials were conducted at five sites in three countries (Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria) to compare the effectiveness of treatment with experimental regimens requiring fewer injections with a reference regimen A (injection gentamicin plus injection procaine penicillin both once daily for 7 days) on the outpatient basis provided to young infants (0–59 days) with signs of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) when the referral was not feasible. Costs were estimated to quantify the financial implications of scaleup, and cost-effectiveness of these regimens. Methods Direct economic costs (including personnel, drugs and consumable costs) were estimated for identification, prenatal and postnatal visits, assessment, classification, treatment and follow-up. Data on time spent by providers on each activity was collected from 83% of providers. Indirect marginal financial costs were estimated for non-consumables/capital, training, transport, communication, administration and supervision by considering only a share of the total research and health system costs considered important for the program. Total economic costs (direct plus indirect) per young infant treated were estimated based on 39% of young infants enrolled in the trial during 2012 and the number of days each treated during one year. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated using treatment failure after one week as the outcome indicator. Experimental regimens were compared to the reference regimen and pairwise comparisons were also made. Results The average costs of treating a young infant with clinical severe infection (a sub-category of PSBI) in 2012 was lowest with regimen D (injection gentamicin once daily for 2 days plus oral amoxicillin twice daily for 7 days) at US$ 20.9 (95% CI US$ 16.4–25.3) or US$ 32.5 (2018 prices). While all experimental regimens B (injection gentamicin once daily plus oral amoxicillin twice daily, both for 7 days), regimen C (once daily of injection gentamicin injection plus injection procaine penicillin for 2 days, thereafter oral amoxicillin twice daily for 5 days) and regimen D were found to be more cost-effective as compared with the reference regimen A; pairwise comparison showed regimen D was more cost-effective than B or C. For fast breathing, the average cost of treatment with regimen E (oral amoxicillin twice daily for 7 days) at US$ 18.3 (95% CI US$ 13.4–23.3) or US$ 29.0 (2018 prices) was more cost-effective than regimen A. Indirect costs were 32% of the total treatment costs. Conclusion Scaling up of outpatient treatment for PSBI when the referral is not feasible with fewer injections and oral antibiotics is cost-effective for young infants and can lead to increased access to treatment resulting in potential reductions in neonatal mortality. Clinical trial registration The trial was registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical
Trials Registry under ID ACTRN 12610000286044.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu C. Garg
- Consultant, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Antoinette Tshefu
- Department of Community Health, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Adrien Lokangaka Longombe
- Department of Community Health, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jean-Serge Ngaima Kila
- Department of Community Health, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Fabian Esamai
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Peter Gisore
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Adejumoke Idowu Ayede
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adegoke Gbadegesin Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Chineme Henry Anyabolu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Robinson D. Wammanda
- Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Joshua Daba Hyellashelni
- Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Sachiyo Yoshida
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lu Gram
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yasir Bin Nisar
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Shamim Ahmad Qazi
- Consultant, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rajiv Bahl
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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D'Agate S, Musuamba FT, Jacqz-Aigrain E, Della Pasqua O. Simplified Dosing Regimens for Gentamicin in Neonatal Sepsis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:624662. [PMID: 33762945 PMCID: PMC7982486 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.624662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The effectiveness of antibiotics for the treatment of severe bacterial infections in newborns in resource-limited settings has been determined by empirical evidence. However, such an approach does not warrant optimal exposure to antibiotic agents, which are known to show different disposition characteristics in this population. Here we evaluate the rationale for a simplified regimen of gentamicin taking into account the effect of body size and organ maturation on pharmacokinetics. The analysis is supported by efficacy data from a series of clinical trials in this population. Methods: A previously published pharmacokinetic model was used to simulate gentamicin concentration vs. time profiles in a virtual cohort of neonates. Model predictive performance was assessed by supplementary external validation procedures using therapeutic drug monitoring data collected in neonates and young infants with or without sepsis. Subsequently, clinical trial simulations were performed to characterize the exposure to intra-muscular gentamicin after a q.d. regimen. The selection of a simplified regimen was based on peak and trough drug levels during the course of treatment. Results: In contrast to current World Health Organization guidelines, which recommend gentamicin doses between 5 and 7.5 mg/kg, our analysis shows that gentamicin can be used as a fixed dose regimen according to three weight-bands: 10 mg for patients with body weight <2.5 kg, 16 mg for patients with body weight between 2.5 and 4 kg, and 30 mg for those with body weight >4 kg. Conclusion: The choice of the dose of an antibiotic must be supported by a strong scientific rationale, taking into account the differences in drug disposition in the target patient population. Our analysis reveals that a simplified regimen is feasible and could be used in resource-limited settings for the treatment of sepsis in neonates and young infants with sepsis aged 0–59 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D'Agate
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - F Tshinanu Musuamba
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - E Jacqz-Aigrain
- Department of Paediatric Pharmacology and Pharmacogenetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Hôpital Robert Debré, Paris, France
| | - O Della Pasqua
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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D'Agate S, Musuamba FT, Della Pasqua O. Dose Rationale for Amoxicillin in Neonatal Sepsis When Referral Is Not Possible. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:521933. [PMID: 33117151 PMCID: PMC7549385 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.521933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the widespread use of amoxicillin in young children, efforts to establish the feasibility of simplified dosing regimens in resource-limited settings have relied upon empirical evidence of efficacy. Given the antibacterial profile of beta-lactams, understanding of the determinants of pharmacokinetic variability may provide a more robust guidance for the selection of a suitable regimen. Here we propose a simplified dosing regimen based on pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic principles, taking into account the impact of growth, renal maturation and disease processes on the systemic exposure to amoxicillin. Materials and Methods A meta-analytical modeling approach was applied to allow the adaptation of an existing pharmacokinetic model for amoxicillin in critically ill adults. Model parameterization was based on allometric concepts, including a maturation function. Clinical trial simulations were then performed to characterize exposure, as defined by secondary pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC, Cmax, Cmin) and T>MIC. The maximization of the T>MIC was used as criterion for the purpose of this analysis and results compared to current WHO guidelines. Results A two-compartment model with first order absorption and elimination was found to best describe the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin in the target population. In addition to the changes in clearance and volume distribution associated with demographic covariates, our results show that sepsis alters drug distribution, leading to lower amoxicillin levels and longer half-life as compared to non-systemic disease conditions. In contrast to the current WHO guidelines, our analysis reveals that amoxicillin can be used as a fixed dose regimen including two weight bands: 125 mg b.i.d. for patients with body weight < 4.0 kg and 250 mg b.i.d. for patients with body weight ≥ 4.0 kg. Conclusions In addition to the effect of developmental growth and renal maturation, sepsis also alters drug disposition. The use of a model-based approach enabled the integration of these factors when defining the dose rationale for amoxicillin. A simplified weight-banded dosing regimen should be considered for neonates and young infants with sepsis when referral is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore D'Agate
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Flora Tshinanu Musuamba
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Della Pasqua
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Ahmed S, Applegate JA, Mitra DK, Callaghan-Koru JA, Mousumi M, Khan AM, Joarder T, Harrison M, Ahmed S, Begum N, Quaiyum A, George J, Baqui AH. Implementation research to support Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to implement its national guidelines for management of infections in young infants in two rural districts. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2019; 38:41. [PMID: 31810496 PMCID: PMC6898944 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-019-0200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND World Health Organization revised the global guidelines for management of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) in young infants to recommend the use of simplified antibiotic therapy in settings where access to hospital care is not possible. The Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of Bangladesh (GOB) adopted these guidelines, allowing treatment at first-level facilities. During the first year of implementation, the Projahnmo Study Group and USAID/MaMoni Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Project supported the MoHFW to operationalize the new guidelines and conducted an implementation research study in selected districts to assess challenges and identify solutions to facilitate scale-up across the country. IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT Projahnmo and MaMoni HSS teams supported implementation in three areas: building capacity, strengthening service delivery, and mobilizing communities. Capacity building focused on training paramedics to conduct outpatient management of PSBI cases and developing monitoring and supervision systems. The teams also filled gaps in government supply of essential drugs, equipment, and logistics. Community mobilization strategies to promote care-seeking and referrals to facilities varied across districts; in one district community, health workers made home visits while in another district, the promotion was carried out through community volunteers, village doctors, and through existing community structures. METHODS We followed a plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycle to identify and address implementation challenges. Three cycles-1 every 4 months-were conducted. We collected data utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods in both the community and facilities. The total sample size for this study was 13,590. DISCUSSION This article provides implementation research design details for program managers intending to implement new guidelines on management of young infant infections. Results of this research will be reported in the forthcoming papers. Preliminary findings indicate that the management of PSBI cases at the UH&FWCs is feasible. However, MoHFW, GOB needs to address the implementation challenges before scale-up of this policy to the national level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer A Applegate
- International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Dipak K Mitra
- Department of Public Health, School of Health and Life Sciences, North South University, Dhaka, 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Jennifer A Callaghan-Koru
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Health Administration and Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Taufique Joarder
- BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Meagan Harrison
- International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sabbir Ahmed
- USAID's MaMoni Health Systems Strengthening Project, Save the Children, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nazma Begum
- Johns Hopkins University-Bangladesh, Dhaka, 1213, Bangladesh
| | - Abdul Quaiyum
- Maternal and Child Health Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Joby George
- USAID's MaMoni Health Systems Strengthening Project, Save the Children, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Abdullah H Baqui
- International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Duby J, Lassi ZS, Bhutta ZA, Cochrane Neonatal Group. Community-based antibiotic delivery for possible serious bacterial infections in neonates in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 4:CD007646. [PMID: 30970390 PMCID: PMC6458055 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007646.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recommended management for neonates with a possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) is hospitalisation and treatment with intravenous antibiotics, such as ampicillin plus gentamicin. However, hospitalisation is often not feasible for neonates in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, alternative options for the management of neonatal PSBI in LMICs needs to be evaluated. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of community-based antibiotics for neonatal PSBI in LMICs on neonatal mortality and to assess whether the effects of community-based antibiotics for neonatal PSBI differ according to the antibiotic regimen administered. SEARCH METHODS We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2018, Issue 3), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 16 April 2018), Embase (1980 to 16 April 2018), and CINAHL (1982 to 16 April 2018). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised, quasi-randomised and cluster-randomised trials. For the first comparison, we included trials that compared antibiotics which were initiated and completed in the community to the standard hospital referral for neonatal PSBI in LMICs. For the second comparison, we included trials that compared simplified antibiotic regimens which relied more on oral antibiotics than intravenous antibiotics to the standard regimen of seven to 10 days of injectable penicillin/ampicillin with an injectable aminoglycoside delivered in the community to treat neonatal PSBI. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We extracted data using the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Group. The primary outcomes were all-cause neonatal mortality and sepsis-specific neonatal mortality. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of evidence. MAIN RESULTS For the first comparison, five studies met the inclusion criteria. Community-based antibiotic delivery for neonatal PSBI reduced neonatal mortality when compared to hospital referral only (typical risk ratio (RR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 0.99; 5 studies, n = 125,134; low-quality evidence). There was, however, a high level of statistical heterogeneity (I² = 87%) likely, due to the heterogenous nature of the study settings as well as the fact that four of the studies provided various co-interventions in conjunction with community-based antibiotics. Community-based antibiotic delivery for neonatal PSBI showed a possible effect on reducing sepsis-specific neonatal mortality (typical RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.00; 2 studies, n = 40,233; low-quality evidence).For the second comparison, five studies met the inclusion criteria. Using a simplified antibiotic approach resulted in similar rates of neonatal mortality when compared to the standard regimen of seven days of injectable procaine benzylpenicillin and injectable procaine benzylpenicillin and injectable gentamicin delivered in community-settings for neonatal PSBI (typical RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.50; 3 studies, n = 3476; moderate-quality evidence). In subgroup analysis, the simplified antibiotic regimen of seven days of oral amoxicillin and injectable gentamicin showed no difference in neonatal mortality (typical RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.51; 3 studies, n = 2001; moderate-quality evidence). Two days of injectable benzylpenicillin and injectable gentamicin followed by five days of oral amoxicillin showed no difference in neonatal mortality (typical RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.29 to 2.65; 3 studies, n = 2036; low-quality evidence). Two days of injectable gentamicin and oral amoxicillin followed by five days of oral amoxicillin showed no difference in neonatal mortality (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.85; 1 study, n = 893; moderate-quality evidence). For fast breathing alone, seven days of oral amoxicillin resulted in no difference in neonatal mortality (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.20 to 4.91; 1 study, n = 1406; low-quality evidence). None of the studies in the second comparison reported the effect of a simplified antibiotic regimen on sepsis-specific neonatal mortality. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Low-quality data demonstrated that community-based antibiotics reduced neonatal mortality when compared to the standard hospital referral for neonatal PSBI in resource-limited settings. The use of co-interventions, however, prevent disentanglement of the contribution from community-based antibiotics. Moderate-quality evidence showed that simplified, community-based treatment of PSBI using regimens which rely on the combination of oral and injectable antibiotics did not result in increased neonatal mortality when compared to the standard treatment of using only injectable antibiotics. Overall, the evidence suggests that simplified, community-based antibiotics may be efficacious to treat neonatal PSBI when hospitalisation is not feasible. However, implementation research is recommended to study the effectiveness and scale-up of simplified, community-based antibiotics in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Duby
- University of TorontoDivision of NeonatologyTorontoCanada
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenCentre for Global Child HealthTorontoCanada
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- University of AdelaideRobinson Research InstituteAdelaideAustraliaAustralia
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenCentre for Global Child HealthTorontoCanada
- Aga Khan University HospitalCenter for Excellence in Women and Child HealthKarachiPakistan
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Ilyas M, Naeem K, Fatima U, Nisar MI, Kazi AM, Jehan F, Shafiq Y, Mehmood U, Ali R, Ali M, Ahmed I, Zaidi AK. Profile: Health and Demographic Surveillance System in peri-urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan. Gates Open Res 2018. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.12788.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aga Khan University’s Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in peri urban areas of Karachi was set up in the year 2003 in four low socioeconomic communities and covers an area of 17.6 square kilometres. Its main purpose has been to provide a platform for research projects with the focus on maternal and child health improvement, as well as educational opportunities for trainees. The total population currently under surveillance is 249,128, for which a record of births, deaths, pregnancies and migration events is maintained by two monthly household visits. Verbal autopsies for stillbirths, deaths of children under the age of five years and adult female deaths are conducted. For over a decade, the HDSS has been a platform for a variety of studies including, calculation of the incidence of various infectious diseases like typhoid bacteremia, pneumonia and diarrhea, evaluation of effectiveness of various treatment regimens for neonatal sepsis, assessment of the acceptance of hospitalized care, determination of the etiology of moderate to severe diarrhea, assessment of burden and etiology of neonatal sepsis and a multi-centre cohort study measuring the burden of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths. We have also established a bio-repository of a well-defined maternal and newborn cohort. Through a well-established HDSS rooted in maternal and child health we aim to provide concrete evidence base to guide policy makers to make informed decisions at local, national and international levels.
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10
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Goff DA, Mendelson M. Antibiotic stewardship hits a home run for patients. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Soofi S, Cousens S, Turab A, Wasan Y, Mohammed S, Ariff S, Bhatti Z, Ahmed I, Wall S, Bhutta ZA. Effect of provision of home-based curative health services by public sector health-care providers on neonatal survival: a community-based cluster-randomised trial in rural Pakistan. Lancet Glob Health 2017; 5:e796-e806. [PMID: 28716351 PMCID: PMC5762815 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30248-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the effectiveness of community mobilisation and promotive care delivered by community health workers in reducing perinatal and neonatal mortality is well established, evidence in support of home-based neonatal resuscitation and infection management is mixed. We assessed the effectiveness of adding training in neonatal bag and mask resuscitation and oral antibiotic therapy for suspected neonatal infections to a basic preventive and promotive interventions package delivered by public sector community-based lady health workers (LHWs) in rural Pakistan. METHODS We did a cluster-randomised controlled trial in two subdistricts of Naushahro Feroze in rural Sindh, Pakistan, between April 15, 2009, and Dec 10, 2012. LHWs, trained in basic newborn resuscitation and in recognition and treatment (with oral amoxicillin) of suspected neonatal respiratory infections, were linked with traditional birth attendants and encouraged to attend home births. Control clusters received routine care through the existing national programme. The primary outcome was all-cause neonatal mortality. Independent data collection teams recorded data for all pregnancies and their outcomes, morbidity, mortality, and household practices related to maternal and newborn care. FINDINGS Of the 27 randomised clusters with functional LHW programmes, 13 were allocated to the intervention group (n=242 749) and 14 to the control group (n=256 985). In the intervention group, LHWs did 80% of the planned community mobilisation sessions, but were able to attend only 1184 (14%) of 8425 deliveries and 4318 (25%) of 17 288 neonatal visits within 72 h of birth (p<0·0001 for both variables compared with the control group). The neonatal mortality rate was 42 deaths per 1000 livebirths in intervention clusters compared with 55 per 1000 in the control group (risk ratio 0·80, 95% CI 0·68-0·93; p=0·005). INTERPRETATION The reduction in neonatal mortality in intervention clusters occurred against a background of improvements in domiciliary practices for maternal and newborn care. However, the poor reach of LHWs in accessing newborn infants at birth and in the early postnatal period underscores the limitations of tasking community health workers in public sector programmes working in similar circumstances with such complex interventions. Such community-based interventions in health systems should be accompanied by concerted efforts to improve quality of care in facilities and referral systems. FUNDING Saving Newborn Lives, Save the Children USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajid Soofi
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Simon Cousens
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ali Turab
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Yaqub Wasan
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shah Mohammed
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shabina Ariff
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zaid Bhatti
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Imran Ahmed
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Steve Wall
- Saving Newborn Lives Program, Save the Children, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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12
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Johnson CT, Adami RR, Farzin A. Antibiotic Therapy for Chorioamnionitis to Reduce the Global Burden of Associated Disease. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:97. [PMID: 28352229 PMCID: PMC5348523 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chorioamnionitis is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In developed countries, great progress has been made to minimize the impact of chorioamnionitis, through timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In the global setting, where many women deliver outside the healthcare facilities, this diagnosis is frequently overlooked and not properly treated. In addition to its impact on maternal health, a significant proportion of neonatal morbidity and mortality can be prevented by both recognition and access to readily available treatment. With the increasing focus on saving the most vulnerable members of society, we echo the need for providing parturient women with suspected chorioamnionitis universal access to appropriate therapy. We describe known effective antibiotic therapies for chorioamnionitis and provide an overview of additional potential antimicrobial treatments that might be effectively implemented in areas with limited access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clark T Johnson
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebecca R Adami
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Azadeh Farzin
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA; Department of International Health, International Center for Maternal and Newborn Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD, USA
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13
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Wang ME, Patel AB, Hansen NI, Arlington L, Prakash A, Hibberd PL. Risk factors for possible serious bacterial infection in a rural cohort of young infants in central India. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1097. [PMID: 27760543 PMCID: PMC5070173 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3688-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Possible serious bacterial infection (PBSI) is a major cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. We studied risk factors for PSBI in a large rural population in central India where facility deliveries have increased as a result of a government financial assistance program. Methods We studied 37,379 pregnant women and their singleton live born infants with birth weight ≥ 1.5 kg from 20 rural primary health centers around Nagpur, India, using data from the 2010–13 population-based Maternal and Newborn Health Registry supported by NICHD’s Global Network for Women’s and Children’s Health Research. Factors associated with PSBI were identified using multivariable Poisson regression. Results Two thousand one hundred twenty-three infants (6 %) had PSBI. Risk factors for PSBI included nulliparity (RR 1.13, 95 % CI 1.03–1.23), parity > 2 (RR 1.30, 95 % CI 1.07–1.57) compared to parity 1–2, first antenatal care visit in the 2nd/3rd trimester (RR 1.46, 95 % CI 1.08–1.98) compared to 1st trimester, administration of antenatal corticosteroids (RR 2.04, 95 % CI 1.60–2.61), low birth weight (RR 3.10, 95 % CI 2.17–4.42), male sex (RR 1.20, 95 % CI 1.10–1.31) and lack of early initiation of breastfeeding (RR 3.87, 95 % CI 2.69–5.58). Conclusion Infants who are low birth weight, born to mothers who present late to antenatal care or receive antenatal corticosteroids, or born to nulliparous women or those with a parity > 2, could be targeted for interventions before and after delivery to improve early recognition of signs and symptoms of PSBI and prompt referral. There also appears to be a need for a renewed focus on promoting early initiation of breastfeeding following delivery in facilities. Trial registration This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01073475). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3688-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie E Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Division of Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Archana B Patel
- Lata Medical Research Foundation, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Lauren Arlington
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amber Prakash
- Lata Medical Research Foundation, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Patricia L Hibberd
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Opening the Black Box for Etiology of Neonatal Infections in High Burden Settings: The Contribution of ANISA. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2016; 35:S3-5. [PMID: 27070061 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000001098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Jehan F, Nisar MI, Kerai S, Brown N, Balouch B, Hyder Z, Ambler G, Ginsburg AS, Zaidi AKM. A double blind community-based randomized trial of amoxicillin versus placebo for fast breathing pneumonia in children aged 2-59 months in Karachi, Pakistan (RETAPP). BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:13. [PMID: 26758747 PMCID: PMC4710982 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fast breathing pneumonia is characterized by tachypnoea in the absence of danger signs and is mostly viral in etiology. Current guidelines recommend antibiotic therapy for all children with fast breathing pneumonia in resource limited settings, presuming that most pneumonia is bacterial. High quality clinical trial evidence to challenge or support the continued use of antibiotics, as recommended by the World Health Organization is lacking. METHODS/DESIGN This is a randomized double blinded placebo-controlled non-inferiority trial using parallel assignment with 1:1 allocation ratio, to be conducted in low income squatter settlements of urban Karachi, Pakistan. Children 2-59 months old with fast breathing, without any WHO-defined danger signs and seeking care at the primary health care center are randomized to receive either three days of placebo or amoxicillin. From prior studies, a sample size of 2430 children is required over a period of 28 months. Primary outcome is the difference in cumulative treatment failure between the two groups, defined as a new clinical sign based on preset definitions indicating illness progression or mortality and confirmed by two independent primary health care physicians on day 0, 1, 2 or 3 of therapy. Secondary outcomes include relapse measured between days 5-14. Modified per protocol analysis comparing hazards of treatment failure with 95% confidence intervals in the placebo arm with hazards in the amoxicillin arm will be done. DISCUSSION This study will provide evidence to support or refute the use of antibiotics for fast breathing pneumonia paving a way for guideline change. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trials (NIH) Register NCT02372461.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fyezah Jehan
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Imran Nisar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
| | - Salima Kerai
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
| | - Nick Brown
- Salisbury District Hospital Foundation Trust, Salisbury, Wiltshire, UK.
| | - Benazir Balouch
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
| | - Zulfiqar Hyder
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
| | | | | | - Anita K M Zaidi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, PO Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
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Mendelson M, Røttingen JA, Gopinathan U, Hamer DH, Wertheim H, Basnyat B, Butler C, Tomson G, Balasegaram M. Maximising access to achieve appropriate human antimicrobial use in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet 2016; 387:188-98. [PMID: 26603919 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(15)00547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Access to quality-assured antimicrobials is regarded as part of the human right to health, yet universal access is often undermined in low-income and middle-income countries. Lack of access to the instruments necessary to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe antimicrobials appropriately, in addition to weak health systems, heightens the challenge faced by prescribers. Evidence-based interventions in community and health-care settings can increase access to appropriately prescribed antimicrobials. The key global enablers of sustainable financing, governance, and leadership will be necessary to achieve access while preventing excess antimicrobial use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mendelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - John-Arne Røttingen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Unni Gopinathan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- Zambia Center for Applied Health Research and Development, Lusaka, Zambia; Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heiman Wertheim
- Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam; Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Centre for Tropical Diseases, Oxford, UK
| | - Buddha Basnyat
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit-Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Christopher Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Göran Tomson
- Departments of Learning, Informatics, Management, Ethics and Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Simen-Kapeu A, Seale AC, Wall S, Nyange C, Qazi SA, Moxon SG, Young M, Liu G, Darmstadt GL, Dickson KE, Lawn JE. Treatment of neonatal infections: a multi-country analysis of health system bottlenecks and potential solutions. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2015; 15 Suppl 2:S6. [PMID: 26391217 PMCID: PMC4578441 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-15-s2-s6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Around one-third of the world's 2.8 million neonatal deaths are caused by infections. Most of these deaths are preventable, but occur due to delays in care-seeking, and access to effective antibiotic treatment with supportive care. Understanding variation in health system bottlenecks to scale-up of case management of neonatal infections and identifying solutions is essential to reduce mortality, and also morbidity. Methods A standardised bottleneck analysis tool was applied in 12 countries in Africa and Asia as part of the development of the Every Newborn Action Plan. Country workshops involved technical experts to complete a survey tool, to grade health system "bottlenecks" hindering scale up of maternal-newborn intervention packages. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyse the data, combined with literature review, to present priority bottlenecks and synthesise actions to improve case management of newborn infections. Results For neonatal infections, the health system building blocks most frequently graded as major or significant bottlenecks, irrespective of mortality context and geographical region, were health workforce (11 out of 12 countries), and community ownership and partnership (11 out of 12 countries). Lack of data to inform decision making, and limited funding to increase access to quality neonatal care were also major challenges. Conclusions Rapid recognition of possible serious bacterial infection and access to care is essential. Inpatient hospital care remains the first line of treatment for neonatal infections. In situations where referral is not possible, the use of simplified antibiotic regimens for outpatient management for non-critically ill young infants has recently been reported in large clinical trials; WHO is developing a guideline to treat this group of young infants. Improving quality of care through more investment in the health workforce at all levels of care is critical, in addition to ensuring development and dissemination of national guidelines. Improved information systems are needed to track coverage and adequately manage drug supply logistics for improved health outcomes. It is important to increase community ownership and partnership, for example through involvement of community groups.
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Seale AC, Obiero CW, Berkley JA. Rational development of guidelines for management of neonatal sepsis in developing countries. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2015; 28:225-30. [PMID: 25887615 PMCID: PMC4423591 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review discusses the rational development of guidelines for the management of neonatal sepsis in developing countries. RECENT FINDINGS Diagnosis of neonatal sepsis with high specificity remains challenging in developing countries. Aetiology data, particularly from rural, community-based studies, are very limited, but molecular tests to improve diagnostics are being tested in a community-based study in South Asia. Antibiotic susceptibility data are limited, but suggest reducing susceptibility to first-and second-line antibiotics in both hospital and community-acquired neonatal sepsis. Results of clinical trials in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa assessing feasibility of simplified antibiotic regimens are awaited. SUMMARY Effective management of neonatal sepsis in developing countries is essential to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. Simplified antibiotic regimens are currently being examined in clinical trials, but reduced antimicrobial susceptibility threatens current empiric treatment strategies. Improved clinical and microbiological surveillance is essential, to inform current practice, treatment guidelines, and monitor implementation of policy changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Seale
- University College London Department of Infectious Diseases Informatics, UCL Institute for Health Informatics, Farr Institute
- Imperial NHS Trust, London
| | | | - James A Berkley
- KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- The Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, UK
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Tshefu A, Lokangaka A, Ngaima S, Engmann C, Esamai F, Gisore P, Ayede AI, Falade AG, Adejuyigbe EA, Anyabolu CH, Wammanda RD, Ejembi CL, Ogala WN, Gram L, Cousens S. Simplified antibiotic regimens compared with injectable procaine benzylpenicillin plus gentamicin for treatment of neonates and young infants with clinical signs of possible serious bacterial infection when referral is not possible: a randomised, open-label, equivalence trial. Lancet 2015; 385:1767-1776. [PMID: 25842221 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)62284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO recommends hospital-based treatment for young infants aged 0-59 days with clinical signs of possible serious bacterial infection, but most families in resource-poor settings cannot accept referral. We aimed to assess whether use of simplified antibiotic regimens to treat young infants with clinical signs of severe infection was as efficacious as an injectable procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin combination for 7 days for situations in which hospital referral was not possible. METHODS In a multisite open-label equivalence trial in DR Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria, community health workers visited all newborn babies at home, identifying and referring unwell young infants to a study nurse. We stratified young infants with clinical signs of severe infection whose parents did not accept referral to hospital by age (0-6 days and 7-59 days), and randomly assigned each individual within these strata to receive one of the four treatment regimens. Randomisation was stratified by age group of infants. An age-stratified randomisation scheme with block size of eight was computer-generated off-site at WHO. The outcome assessor was masked. We randomly allocated infants to receive injectable procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin for 7 days (group A, reference group); injectable gentamicin and oral amoxicillin for 7 days (group B); injectable procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin for 2 days, then oral amoxicillin for 5 days (group C); or injectable gentamicin for 2 days and oral amoxicillin for 7 days (group D). Trained health professionals gave daily injections and the first dose of oral amoxicillin. Our primary outcome was treatment failure by day 8 after enrolment, defined as clinical deterioration, development of a serious adverse event (including death), no improvement by day 4, or not cured by day 8. Independent outcome assessors, who did not know the infant's treatment regimen, assessed study outcomes on days 4, 8, 11, and 15. Primary analysis was per protocol. We used a prespecified similarity margin of 5% to assess equivalence between regimens. This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, number ACTRN12610000286044. FINDINGS In Kenya and Nigeria, we started enrolment on April 4, 2011, and we enrolled the necessary number of young infants aged 7 days or older from Oct 17, 2011, to April 30, 2012. At these sites, we continued to enrol infants younger than 7 days until March 29, 2013. In DR Congo, we started enrolment on Sept 17, 2012, and continued until June 28, 2013. We randomly assigned 3564 young infants to either group A (n=894), group B (n=884), group C (n=896), or group D (n=890). We excluded 200 randomly assigned infants, who did not fulfil the predefined criteria of adherence to treatment and adequate follow-up. In the per-protocol analysis, 828 infants were included in group A, 826 in group B, 862 in group C, and 848 in group D. 67 (8%) infants failed treatment in group A compared with 51 (6%) infants in group B (risk difference -1·9%, 95% CI -4·4 to 0·1), 65 (8%) in group C (-0·6%, -3·1 to 2·0), and 46 (5%) in group D (-2·7%, -5·1 to 0·3). Treatment failure in groups B, C, and D was within the similarity margin compared with group A. During the 15 days after random allocation, 12 (1%) infants died in group A, compared with ten (1%) infants in group B, 20 (2%) infants in group C, and 11 (1%) infants in group D. An infant in group A had a serious adverse event other than death (injection abscess). INTERPRETATION The three simplified regimens were as effective as injectable procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin for 7 days on an outpatient basis in young infants with clinical signs of severe infection, without signs of critical illness, and whose caregivers did not accept referral for hospital admission. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant to WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Tshefu
- Department of Community Health, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, DR Congo
| | - Adrien Lokangaka
- Department of Community Health, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, DR Congo
| | - Serge Ngaima
- Department of Community Health, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, DR Congo
| | - Cyril Engmann
- Departments of Pediatrics and Maternal Child Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Fabian Esamai
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
| | - Peter Gisore
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Adejumoke Idowu Ayede
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adegoke Gbadegesin Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ebunoluwa A Adejuyigbe
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Chineme Henry Anyabolu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Robinson D Wammanda
- Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Clara L Ejembi
- Department of Community Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - William N Ogala
- Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Lu Gram
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Simon Cousens
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Tshefu A, Lokangaka A, Ngaima S, Engmann C, Esamai F, Gisore P, Ayede AI, Falade AG, Adejuyigbe EA, Anyabolu CH, Wammanda RD, Ejembi CL, Ogala WN, Gram L, Cousens S. Oral amoxicillin compared with injectable procaine benzylpenicillin plus gentamicin for treatment of neonates and young infants with fast breathing when referral is not possible: a randomised, open-label, equivalence trial. Lancet 2015; 385:1758-1766. [PMID: 25842223 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)62285-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO recommends referral to hospital for possible serious bacterial infection in young infants aged 0-59 days. We aimed to assess whether oral amoxicillin treatment for fast breathing, in the absence of other signs, is as efficacious as the combination of injectable procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin. METHODS In a randomised, open-label, equivalence trial at five sites in DR Congo, Kenya, and Nigeria, community health workers followed up all births in the community, identified unwell young infants, and referred them to study nurses. We randomly assigned infants with fast breathing as a single sign of illness or possible serious bacterial infection, whose parents did not accept referral to hospital, to receive either injectable procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin once per day or oral amoxicillin treatment twice per day for 7 days. A person who was off-site generated randomisation lists using computer software. Trained health professionals gave injections, but outcome assessors were masked to group allocations. The primary outcome was treatment failure by day 8 after enrolment, defined as clinical deterioration, development of a serious adverse event including death, persistence of fast breathing on day 4, or recurrence up to day 8. The primary analysis was per protocol and we used a prespecified similarity margin of 5% to assess equivalence between regimens. This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, number ACTRN12610000286044. FINDINGS From April 4, 2011, to March 29, 2013, we enrolled 2333 infants aged 0-59 days with fast breathing as the only sign of possible serious bacterial infection at the five study sites. We assigned 1170 infants to receive injectable procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin and 1163 infants to receive oral amoxicillin. In the per-protocol analysis, from which 137 infants were excluded, we included 1061 (91%) infants who fulfilled predefined criteria of adherence to treatment and adequate follow-up in the injectable procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin group and 1145 (98%) infants in the oral amoxicillin group. In the procaine benzylpenicillin-gentamicin group, 234 infants (22%) failed treatment, compared with 221 (19%) infants in the oral amoxicillin group (risk difference -2·6%, 95% CI -6·0 to 0·8). Four infants died within 15 days of follow-up in each group. We detected no drug-related serious adverse events. INTERPRETATION Young infants with fast breathing alone can be effectively treated with oral amoxicillin on an outpatient basis when referral to a hospital is not possible. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant to WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Tshefu
- Department of Community Health, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, DR Congo
| | - Adrien Lokangaka
- Department of Community Health, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, DR Congo
| | - Serge Ngaima
- Department of Community Health, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, DR Congo
| | - Cyril Engmann
- Departments of Pediatrics and Maternal Child Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Fabian Esamai
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Peter Gisore
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Adejumoke Idowu Ayede
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adegoke Gbadegesin Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, and University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ebunoluwa A Adejuyigbe
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
| | - Chineme Henry Anyabolu
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Robinson D Wammanda
- Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Clara L Ejembi
- Department of Community Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - William N Ogala
- Department of Paediatrics, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Lu Gram
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Simon Cousens
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Seale AC, Blencowe H, Manu AA, Nair H, Bahl R, Qazi SA, Zaidi AK, Berkley JA, Cousens SN, Lawn JE. Estimates of possible severe bacterial infection in neonates in sub-Saharan Africa, south Asia, and Latin America for 2012: a systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2014; 14:731-741. [PMID: 24974250 PMCID: PMC4123782 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(14)70804-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial infections are a leading cause of the 2·9 million annual neonatal deaths. Treatment is usually based on clinical diagnosis of possible severe bacterial infection (pSBI). To guide programme planning, we have undertaken the first estimates of neonatal pSBI, by sex and by region, for sub-Saharan Africa, south Asia, and Latin America. METHODS We included data for pSBI incidence in neonates of 32 weeks' gestation or more (or birthweight ≥1500 g) with livebirth denominator data, undertaking a systematic review and forming an investigator group to obtain unpublished data. We calculated pooled risk estimates for neonatal pSBI and case fatality risk, by sex and by region. We then applied these risk estimates to estimates of livebirths in sub-Saharan Africa, south Asia, and Latin America to estimate cases and associated deaths in 2012. FINDINGS We included data from 22 studies, for 259 944 neonates and 20 196 pSBI cases, with most of the data (18 of the 22 studies) coming from the investigator group. The pooled estimate of pSBI incidence risk was 7·6% (95% CI 6·1-9·2%) and the case-fatality risk associated with pSBI was 9·8% (7·4-12·2). We estimated that in 2012 there were 6·9 million cases (uncertainty range 5·5 million-8·3 million) of pSBI in neonates needing treatment: 3·5 million (2·8 million-4·2 million) in south Asia, 2·6 million (2·1 million-3·1 million) in sub-Saharan Africa, and 0·8 million (0·7 million-1·0 million) in Latin America. The risk of pSBI was greater in boys (risk ratio 1·12, 95% CI 1·06-1·18) than girls. We estimated that there were 0·68 million (0·46 million-0·92 million) neonatal deaths associated with pSBI in 2012. INTERPRETATION The need-to-treat population for pSBI in these three regions is high, with ten cases of pSBI diagnosed for each associated neonatal death. Deaths and disability can be reduced through improved prevention, detection, and case management. FUNDING The Wellcome Trust and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation through grants to Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group (CHERG) and Save the Children's Saving Newborn Lives programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C Seale
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Centre for Geographic Medicine and Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya.
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health UK, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alexander A Manu
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health UK, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Harish Nair
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajiv Bahl
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Shamim A Qazi
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anita K Zaidi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - James A Berkley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Centre for Geographic Medicine and Research-Coast, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Simon N Cousens
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health UK, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Joy E Lawn
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health UK, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Centre for Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive and Child Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Saving Newborn Lives/Save the Children, Washington, DC, USA
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Neonatal severe bacterial infection impairment estimates in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America for 2010. Pediatr Res 2013; 74 Suppl 1:73-85. [PMID: 24366464 PMCID: PMC3873707 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2013.207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of neonatal infections are at risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), a burden not previously systematically quantified and yet important for program priority setting. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses were undertaken and applied in a three-step compartmental model to estimate NDI cases after severe neonatal bacterial infection in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America in neonates of >32 wk gestation (or >1,500 g). METHODS We estimated cases of sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, or no severe bacterial infection from among estimated cases of possible severe bacterial infection ((pSBI) step 1). We applied respective case fatality risks ((CFRs) step 2) and the NDI risk among survivors (step 3). For neonatal tetanus, incidence estimates were based on the estimated deaths, CFRs, and risk of subsequent NDI. RESULTS For 2010, we estimated 1.7 million (uncertainty range: 1.1-2.4 million) cases of neonatal sepsis, 200,000 (21,000-350,000) cases of meningitis, 510,000 cases (150,000-930,000) of pneumonia, and 79,000 cases (70,000-930,000) of tetanus in neonates >32 wk gestation (or >1,500 g). Among the survivors, we estimated moderate to severe NDI after neonatal meningitis in 23% (95% confidence interval: 19-26%) of survivors, 18,000 (2,700-35,000) cases, and after neonatal tetanus in 16% (6-27%), 4,700 cases (1,700-8,900). CONCLUSION Data are lacking for impairment after neonatal sepsis and pneumonia, especially among those of >32 wk gestation. Improved recognition and treatment of pSBI will reduce neonatal mortality. Lack of follow-up data for survivors of severe bacterial infections, particularly sepsis, was striking. Given the high incidence of sepsis, even minor NDI would be of major public health importance. Prevention of neonatal infection, improved case management, and support for children with NDI are all important strategies, currently receiving limited policy attention.
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Simplified regimens for management of neonates and young infants with severe infection when hospital admission is not possible: study protocol for a randomized, open-label equivalence trial. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2013; 32 Suppl 1:S26-32. [PMID: 23945572 PMCID: PMC3815092 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0b013e31829ff7d1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In resource-limited settings, most young infants with signs of severe infection do not receive the recommended inpatient treatment with intravenous broad spectrum antibiotics for 10 days or more because such treatment is not accessible, acceptable or affordable to families. This trial was initiated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Nigeria to assess the safety and efficacy of simplified treatment regimens for the young infants with signs of severe infection who cannot receive hospital care. METHODS This is a randomized, open-label equivalence trial in which 3600 young infants with signs of clinical severe infection will be enrolled. The primary outcome is treatment failure in 7 days after enrollment, which includes death or worsening of the clinical condition on any day, or no improvement in the clinical condition by day 4 of treatment. Secondary outcomes include compliance with study therapy, adverse effects due to the study drugs and relapse or death during the week after completion of treatment. DISCUSSION The results of this study, along with ongoing studies in Pakistan and Bangladesh, will inform the development of global policy for treatment of severe neonatal infections in resource-limited settings.
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Simplified antibiotic regimens for the management of clinically diagnosed severe infections in newborns and young infants in first-level facilities in Karachi, Pakistan: study design for an outpatient randomized controlled equivalence trial. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2013; 32 Suppl 1:S19-25. [PMID: 23945571 PMCID: PMC3814935 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0b013e31829ff7aa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection in young infants is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in low-middle income countries, with high neonatal mortality rates. Timely case management is lifesaving, but the current standard of hospitalization for parenteral antibiotic therapy is not always feasible. Alternative, simpler antibiotic regimens that could be used in outpatient settings have the potential to save thousands of lives. METHODS This trial aims to determine whether 2 simplified antibiotic regimens are equivalent to the reference therapy with 7 days of once-daily (OD) intramuscular (IM) procaine penicillin and gentamicin for outpatient management of young infants with clinically presumed systemic bacterial infection treated in primary health-care clinics in 5 communities in Karachi, Pakistan. The reference regimen is close to the current recommendation of the hospital-based intravenous ampicillin and gentamicin therapy for neonatal sepsis. The 2 comparison arms are (1) IM gentamicin OD and oral amoxicillin twice daily for 7 days; and (2) IM penicillin and gentamicin OD for 2 days, followed by oral amoxicillin twice daily for 5 days; 2250 "evaluable" infants will be enrolled. The primary outcome of this trial is treatment failure (death, deterioration or lack of improvement) within 7 days of enrollment. Results are expected by early 2014. DISCUSSION This trial will determine whether simplified antibiotic regimens with fewer injections in combination with high-dose amoxicillin are equivalent to 7 days of IM procaine penicillin and gentamicin in young infants with clinical severe infection. Results will have program and policy implications in countries with limited access to hospital care and high burden of neonatal deaths.
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Ongoing trials of simplified antibiotic regimens for the treatment of serious infections in young infants in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa: implications for policy. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2013; 32 Suppl 1:S46-9. [PMID: 23945576 PMCID: PMC3815093 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0b013e31829ff941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for treatment of severe infection in young infants is hospitalization and parenteral antibiotic therapy. Hospital care is generally not available outside large cities in low- and middle-income countries and even when available is not acceptable or affordable for many families. Previous research in Bangladesh and India demonstrated that treatment outside hospitals may be possible. RESEARCH A set of research studies with common protocols testing simplified antibiotic regimens that can be provided at the lowest-level health-care facility or at home are nearing completion. The studies are large individually randomized controlled trials that are set up in the context of a program, which provides home visits by community health workers to detect serious illness in young infants with assessment and treatment at an outpatient health facility near home. This article summarizes the policy implications of the research studies. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The studies are expected to result in information that would inform WHO guidelines on simple, safe and effective regimens for the treatment of clinical severe infection and pneumonia in newborns and young infants in settings where referral is not possible. The studies will also inform the inputs and process required to establish outpatient treatment of newborn and young infant infections at health facilities near the home. We expect that the information from research and the resulting WHO guidelines will form the basis of policy dialogue by a large number of stakeholders at the country level to implement outpatient treatment of neonatal infections and thereby reduce neonatal and infant mortality resulting from infection.
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Treatment of fast breathing in neonates and young infants with oral amoxicillin compared with penicillin-gentamicin combination: study protocol for a randomized, open-label equivalence trial. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2013; 32 Suppl 1:S33-8. [PMID: 23945574 PMCID: PMC3814938 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0b013e31829ff7eb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends hospitalization and injectable antibiotic treatment for young infants (0-59 days old), who present with signs of possible serious bacterial infection. Fast breathing alone is not associated with a high mortality risk for young infants and has been treated with oral antibiotics in some settings. This trial was designed to examine the safety and efficacy of oral amoxicillin for young infants with fast breathing compared with that of an injectable penicillin-gentamicin combination. The study is currently being conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya and Nigeria. METHODS/DESIGN This is a randomized, open-label equivalence trial. All births in the community are visited at home by trained community health workers to identify sick infants who are then referred to a trial study nurse for assessment. The primary outcome is treatment failure by day 8 after enrollment, defined as clinical deterioration, development of a serious adverse event including death, persistence of fast breathing by day 4 or recurrence up to day 8. Secondary outcomes include adherence to study therapy, relapse, death between days 9 and 15 and adverse effects associated with the study drugs. Study outcomes are assessed on days 4, 8, 11 and 15 after randomization by an independent outcome assessor who is blinded to the treatment being given. DISCUSSION The results of this study will help inform the development of policies for the treatment of fast breathing among neonates and young infants in resource-limited settings.
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