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Emilie Hartvig Rasmussen C, Odgaard Vedel J, Møller Jensen A, Da Silva Borges I, Furtado O, Wolf Meyrowitsch D, Bærent Fisker A. Implementation of the vaccination program in Guinea-Bissau: Coverage and missed opportunities for BCG at birth. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00697-2. [PMID: 38871573 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.06.023] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is recommended at birth in Guinea-Bissau but often given with delay. Delays are not evident in routine coverage estimates since coverage is measured by 12 months of age. Studies show that BCG protects against other infections than tuberculosis and lowers neonatal mortality. Hence, the timing of BCG is important since the children should benefit from these non-specific effects as early as possible. METHODS Using data from a nationally representative health and demographic surveillance system in Guinea-Bissau, we assessed BCG coverage at birth (within the first 3 days of life), 1 month, and 12 months for children born in 2013-19. We measured the proportion of children who had a documented health system contact within the first 3 days of life, thus an opportunity for BCG at birth, and whether the opportunities were utilized. In binomial regression models, we investigated factors associated with missed opportunities for vaccination. RESULTS Among the 22,178 children only 19 % were vaccinated at birth. By 1 month and 12 months, BCG coverages were 64 % and 93 %. The timeliness of BCG improved over time, with coverage at birth increasing from 16 % in 2013 to 25 % in 2019 and 1-month coverage from 63 % in 2013 to 75 % in 2019. If all vaccination opportunities had been utilized, the BCG coverage at birth could have reached 45 % (in the 1-month cohort) instead of the actual coverage of 19 %, as only 40 % of the vaccination opportunities were utilized. Region of residence was associated with having a missed opportunity for vaccination. CONCLUSION The high coverage estimates at 12 months falsely imply that the vaccine is being administered according to the recommended schedule. Our findings suggest that early coverage could be markedly improved by ensuring that children are vaccinated at their first contact with the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Odgaard Vedel
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; OPEN, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Andreas Møller Jensen
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; OPEN, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | | | - Dan Wolf Meyrowitsch
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ane Bærent Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; OPEN, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Denmark
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Thysen SM, da Silva Borges I, Martins J, Stjernholm AD, Hansen JS, da Silva LMV, Martins JSD, Jensen A, Rodrigues A, Aaby P, Stabell Benn C, Fisker AB. Can earlier BCG-Japan and OPV vaccination reduce early infant mortality? A cluster-randomised trial in Guinea-Bissau. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014044. [PMID: 38350670 PMCID: PMC10862335 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of providing BCG and oral polio vaccine (OPV) at an early home visit after delivery. DESIGN Cluster-randomised trial, randomising 92 geographically defined clusters 1:1 to intervention/control arms. SETTING Bandim Health Project Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Guinea-Bissau. PARTICIPANTS 2226 newborns enrolled between July 2016 and August 2019. INTERVENTIONS In both arms, newborns received a home visit within 72 hours after birth. In intervention clusters (n=46), BCG and OPV were provided at the home visit. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Rates of non-accidental mortality were compared in Cox proportional hazards models from (last of) day 1 or enrolment, until (first of) day 60 or registration of non-trial vaccines. RESULTS A total of 35 deaths (intervention: 7, control: 28) were registered during the trial. Providing BCG and OPV reduced non-accidental early infant mortality by 59% (8-82%). The intervention also reduced non-accidental hospital admissions. The intervention had little impact on growth and BCG scarring and tended to increase the risk of consultations. CONCLUSIONS The trial was stopped early due to lower-than-expected enrolment and event rates when 33% of the planned number of newborns had been enrolled. Despite the small size of the trial, the results support that early BCG and OPV vaccinations are beneficial and reduce early child mortality and morbidity. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT02504203).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Marie Thysen
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, Research unit OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aksel Jensen
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Peter Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, Research unit OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christine Stabell Benn
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, Research unit OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ane Baerent Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, Research unit OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Aamand T, Fisker AB, Correia C, Fernandes M, Clipet-Jensen C, Thysen SM. Do Pentavalent (DTwP-Hib-HBV) vaccines have sex-differential nonspecific effects? An observational study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2288297. [PMID: 38054431 PMCID: PMC10732639 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2288297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines may alter the ability to combat infections unrelated to the target disease, i.e. have "nonspecific effects." The non-live Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis vaccine (DTP) has been associated with increased child mortality, especially for females. In 2008, the DTP-containing Pentavalent vaccine replaced DTP vaccine in Guinea-Bissau. We investigate female relative to male mortality after Penta vaccination. In Guinea-Bissau, Bandim Health Project (BHP) registered children's vaccination and vital status at biannual village visits and provided vaccines. Among children Penta-vaccinated by BHP, we compared mortality of males and females in Cox proportional hazards models. Children aged 6 weeks to 8 months entered the analysis at the date of vaccination and were followed for up to 6 months. Between September 2008 and December 2017, 33,989 children aged 6 weeks to 8 months were under surveillance. Of these 12,753 (females: 6,363; males: 6,390) received Penta by the BHP and entered the study contributing with 19,667 observations. The mortality rate following Penta vaccination was 25.2 per 1,000 person years for females and 26.6 for males, resulting in an adjusted Female/Male mortality rate ratio of (F/M aMRR) 1.01 (0.82-1.25). The association between sex and mortality differed by timeliness of vaccination, F/M aMRR: 0.62 (0.41-0.93) for children vaccinated below median age, and F/M aMRR: 1.38 (0.90-2.13) for children vaccinated above median age. We did not find higher overall mortality in females than males after Penta vaccination. Our findings suggest that mortality differences between males and females following Penta vaccination may depend on timeliness of Penta vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Aamand
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Ane Bærent Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Sanne Marie Thysen
- Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, Odense University Hospital/University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Varma A, Thysen SM, Martins JSD, Nanque LM, Jensen AKG, Fisker AB. Overall effect of a campaign with measles vaccine on the composite outcome mortality or hospital admission: A cluster-randomized trial among children aged 9-59 months in rural Guinea-Bissau. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 134:23-30. [PMID: 37182547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Campaigns with measles vaccine (C-MV) are conducted to eradicate measles, but prior studies indicate that MV reduces non-measles mortality and hospital admissions too. We hypothesized that C-MV reduces death/hospital admission by 30%. METHODS Between 2016-2019, we conducted a non-blinded cluster-randomized trial randomizing village clusters in rural Guinea-Bissau to a C-MV targeting children aged 9-59 months. In Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed the effect of C-MV, obtaining hazard ratios (HR) for the composite outcome (death/hospital admission). We also examined potential effect modifiers. RESULTS Among 18,411 children (9636 in 111 intervention clusters/8775 in 110 control clusters), 379 events occurred (208 intervention/171 control) during a median follow-up period of 22 months. C-MV did not reduce the composite outcome (HR 1.12, 95% confidence interval 0.88-1.41). Mortality among enrolled children (5.3 intervention and 4.6 control, per 1000 person-years) was approximately half the pre-trial mortality rate (11.1 intervention and 8.9 control, per 1000 person-years). Neither planned nor explorative analyses of potential effect modifiers explained the contrasting results to prior studies. CONCLUSION C-MV did not reduce overall mortality or hospital admission. This might be explained by changes in disease patterns, baseline differences in health status, and/or modifying effects of other campaigns during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Varma
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sanne M Thysen
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Line M Nanque
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Aksel K G Jensen
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ane B Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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Damerow SM, Yeung D, Martins JSD, Pathak I, Chu Y, Liu L, Fisker AB. Provider-mother interactions are associated with birth outcome misclassifications in household surveys: A case-control study in Guinea-Bissau. J Glob Health 2023; 13:04086. [PMID: 37590896 PMCID: PMC10435094 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 4.4 million children die peripartum annually, primarily in low- and middle-income countries. Accurate mortality tracking is essential to prioritising prevention efforts but is undermined by misclassification between stillbirths (SBs) and early neonatal deaths (ENNDs) in household surveys, which serve as key data sources. We explored and quantified associations between peripartum provider-mother interactions and misclassification of SBs and ENNDs in Guinea-Bissau. Methods Using a case-control design, we followed up on women who had reported a SB or ENND in a retrospective household survey nested in the Bandim Health Project's Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS). Using prospective HDSS registration as the reference standard, we linked the survey-reported deaths to the corresponding HDSS records and cross-tabulated SB/ENND classification to identify cases (discordant classification between survey and HDSS) and controls (concordant classification). We further interviewed cases and controls on peripartum provider-mother interactions and analysed data using descriptive statistics and logistic regressions. Results We interviewed 278 women (cases: 63 (23%); controls: 215 (77%)). Most cases were SBs misclassified as ENNDs (n/N = 49/63 (78%)). Three-fourths of the interviewed women reported having received no updates on the progress of labour and baby's health intrapartum, and less than one-fourth inquired about this information. In comparison with births where women did inquire for information, misclassification was less likely when women did not inquire and recalled no doubts about progress of labour (odds ratio (OR) = 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.28-0.91), or baby's health (OR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.30-0.97). Most women reported that service providers' death notifications lasted <5 minutes (cases: 23/27 (85%); controls: 61/71 (86%)), and most often encompassed neither events leading to the death (cases: 19/27 (70%); controls: 55/71 (77%)) nor causes of death (cases: 20/27 (74%); controls: 54/71 (76%)). Misclassification was more likely if communication lasted <1 compared to 1-4 minutes (OR = 1.83; 95% CI = 1.10-3.06) and if a formal service provider had informed the mother of the death compared to a family member (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.04-2.36). Conclusions Peripartum provider-mother interactions are limited in Guinea-Bissau and associated with birth outcome misclassifications in retrospective household surveys. In our study population, misclassification led to overestimated neonatal mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine M Damerow
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, Research Unit OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Diana Yeung
- Institute for International Programs, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Ishaan Pathak
- Institute for International Programs, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yue Chu
- Department of Sociology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Institute for Population Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Li Liu
- Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ane B Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, Research Unit OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Sørensen MM, Fisker AB, Dalgård C, Jensen KJ, Nielsen F, Benn CS, Grandjean P, Timmermann A. Predictors of serum- per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) concentrations among infants in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 228:115784. [PMID: 37011795 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge about PFAS exposure in Africa is limited. We have previously detected six types of PFAS in the serum of infants from Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of the infant serum-PFAS concentrations. METHODS This cross-sectional study was based on a subset of data from a randomized controlled trial of early measles vaccination performed in 2012-2015 in three rural regions of Guinea-Bissau. Blood samples were obtained from 237 children aged 4-to-7 months, and six types of PFAS were quantified in serum. Location of residence was recorded, and information about predictors related to socioeconomic status as well as maternal and child characteristics were obtained through structured interviews with the mothers through routine surveillance. Associations between potential predictors and infant serum-PFAS concentrations were examined in linear regression models while adjusting for potential confounding and mediating factors as identified in a directed acyclic graph. RESULTS Infants from the Cacheu region had the lowest concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), while infants from the Oio region had the lowest concentrations of all other PFAS. Compared to infants from Oio, infant serum-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) concentrations were 94.1% (95% CI: 52.4, 147.1%) and 81.9% (95% CI: 45.7, 127.1%) higher in Cacheu and Biombo, respectively. Higher maternal age and lower parity were associated with slightly higher child-serum perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) concentrations, while infants with higher socioeconomic status and infants breastfed without supplementary solid foods at inclusion had higher average concentrations of most PFAS, although the confidence intervals were wide and overlapped zero. DISCUSSION Location of residence was the most important determinant of serum-PFAS concentrations among Guinea-Bissau infants, indicating a potential role of diet as affected by the global spread of PFAS, but future studies should explore reasons for the regional differences in PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzanna Marianna Sørensen
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ane Bærent Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christine Dalgård
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Jarlov Jensen
- Copenhagen Phase IV Unit, Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christine Stabell Benn
- OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark; Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amalie Timmermann
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Thysen SM, Møller Jensen A, Vedel JO, da Silva Borges I, Aaby P, Jensen AKG, Benn CS, Fisker AB. Can BCG vaccination at first health-facility contact reduce early infant mortality? Study protocol for a cluster-randomised trial (CS-BCG). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063872. [PMID: 36410811 PMCID: PMC9680145 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Increasing evidence suggests that the BCG vaccine has non-specific effects, altering the susceptibility to non-tuberculous infections. Thus, early BCG vaccination may reduce mortality. BCG is recommended at birth but is often delayed. Vaccination opportunities are missed due to multidose vials not being opened for a few children. We will assess the effect of making BCG available at the first health-facility contact on early infant mortality and morbidity in a rural setting in Guinea-Bissau. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In a cluster-randomised crossover trial, we randomise 23 health centres to two different treatment groups. In half of the health centres, BCG is provided as per current practice; in the remaining health centres, we make BCG available everyday to allow opening a vial of BCG if there is just one eligible child present. The randomisation of centres will be crossed over after 12 months and enrolment will continue for another 12 months.We will use logistic regression models with adjustment for village to assess the effect of making BCG available at the first health-facility contact. The main outcome is non-accidental mortality between day 1 and day 42 after birth. We will adjust for sex, health centre, period (before/after crossover) and level of surveillance (level 1 or level 2). Further analyses include assessment of the effect on hospital admission and a cost-effectiveness evaluation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION If BCG vaccination reduces early infant mortality, missed opportunities and delays of vaccinations expose infants in several low-income countries to unnecessary excess mortality risk. The present trial will provide information on the effect of implementing a feasible intervention, where all children receive BCG at their first health-facility contact. Consent is obtained from all pregnant women registered as part of the trial. The results of the study will be published and communicated to the National Institute of Public Health in Guinea-Bissau. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04658680; Clinicaltrials.gov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Marie Thysen
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Møller Jensen
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Julie Odgaard Vedel
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Peter Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | | | - Christine Stabell Benn
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ane Bærent Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Kwon C, Naser AM, Eilerts H, Reniers G, Argeseanu Cunningham S. Pregnancy Surveillance Methods within Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems. Gates Open Res 2021; 5:144. [PMID: 35382350 PMCID: PMC8960731 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13332.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pregnancy identification and follow-up surveillance can enhance the reporting of pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirths and perinatal and early postnatal mortality. This paper reviews pregnancy surveillance methods used in Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSSs) in low- and middle-income countries. Methods: We searched articles containing information about pregnancy identification methods used in HDSSs published between January 2002 and October 2019 using PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 37 articles were included through literature review and 22 additional articles were identified via manual search of references. We reviewed the gray literature, including websites, online reports, data collection instruments, and HDSS protocols from the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Study (CHAMPS) Network and the International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health (INDEPTH). In total, we reviewed information from 52 HDSSs described in 67 sources. Results: Substantial variability exists in pregnancy surveillance approaches across the 52 HDSSs, and surveillance methods are not always clearly documented. 42% of HDSSs applied restrictions based on residency duration to identify who should be included in surveillance. Most commonly, eligible individuals resided in the demographic surveillance area (DSA) for at least three months. 44% of the HDSSs restricted eligibility for pregnancy surveillance based on a woman’s age, with most only monitoring women 15-49 years. 10% had eligibility criteria based on marital status, while 11% explicitly included unmarried women in pregnancy surveillance. 38% allowed proxy respondents to answer questions about a woman’s pregnancy status in her absence. 20% of HDSSs supplemented pregnancy surveillance with investigations by community health workers or key informants and by linking HDSS data with data from antenatal clinics. Conclusions: Methodological guidelines for conducting pregnancy surveillance should be clearly documented and meticulously implemented, as they can have implications for data quality and accurately informing maternal and child health programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie Kwon
- Global Health Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322-4201, USA
| | - Abu Mohd Naser
- Global Health Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322-4201, USA
| | - Hallie Eilerts
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Georges Reniers
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Schaltz-Buchholzer F, Berendsen M, Roth A, Jensen KJ, Bjerregaard-Andersen M, Kjær Sørensen M, Monteiro I, Aaby P, Stabell Benn C. BCG skin reactions by 2 months of age are associated with better survival in infancy: a prospective observational study from Guinea-Bissau. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 5:bmjgh-2020-002993. [PMID: 32978212 PMCID: PMC7520814 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Receiving Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-Denmark vaccine at birth has been associated with ~40% reductions in all-cause neonatal mortality. We evaluated determinants of BCG skin reaction characteristics by age 2 months and tested the association with subsequent mortality. Methods Prospective observational study amalgamating five trials providing BCG-at-birth that were conducted between 2002 and 2018 in Guinea-Bissau. The reaction status and size were evaluated at home-visits by 2 months of age among 6012 neonates; mortality from 2 to 12 months was assessed at subsequent visits. Reaction determinants were evaluated by binomial regression providing risk ratios (RRs). In Cox-models providing adjusted mortality rate ratios (aMRRs), we assessed the association between (1) having a 2-month reaction (yes/no) and (2) reaction size tertiles and subsequent all-cause mortality risk. A subgroup had their BCG reaction evaluated and were bled at age 4 weeks; their samples underwent in vitro analysis for specific and non-specific cytokine responses. Results The BCG strain was the main determinant for developing a 2-month reaction and the reaction size: the BCG-Russia/BCG-Denmark RR for large-reaction was 0.38 (0.30–0.47) and the BCG-Russia/BCG-Japan RR was 0.61 (0.51–0.72). 5804 infants (96.5%) were reactors by age 2 months; 208 (3.5%) were non-reactors. The 2–12 months mortality risk was 4.8% (10/208) for non-reactors, 2.9% (64/2213) for small reactors, 1.8% (30/1710) for medium reactors and 0.8% (15/1881) for large reactors. The reactor/non-reactor aMRR was 0.49 (0.26–0.95) and there was a linear trend of decreasing mortality with increasing reaction size (p for trend <0.001). BCG reactors had higher 4-week specific and non-specific cytokine responses, responses that were highest among those with large reactions. Conclusion Among BCG-vaccinated infants, having a BCG skin reaction by age 2 months was associated with markedly better survival, as was the reaction size. Our findings thus support that BCG has substantial effects on all-cause mortality. Emphasising at-birth vaccination with immunogenic BCG strains and revaccinating non-reactors and small reactors could have major public health benefits. Trial registration numbers NCT00146302, NCT00168610, NCT00625482, NCT01989026 and NCT02447536.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Schaltz-Buchholzer
- Bandim Health Project, Institute of Clinical Research, Uni. Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark .,Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mike Berendsen
- Bandim Health Project, Institute of Clinical Research, Uni. Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Centre for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Adam Roth
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden.,Institution for Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Jarlov Jensen
- Bandim Health Project, Institute of Clinical Research, Uni. Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Experimental and Translational Immunology, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten Bjerregaard-Andersen
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marcus Kjær Sørensen
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ivan Monteiro
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Peter Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Christine Stabell Benn
- Bandim Health Project, Institute of Clinical Research, Uni. Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Danish Institute of Advanced Science, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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10
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Stjernholm AD, Thysen SM, Borges IDS, Fisker AB. Factors associated with birthweight and adverse pregnancy outcomes among children in rural Guinea-Bissau - a prospective observational study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1164. [PMID: 34140010 PMCID: PMC8212457 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11215-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low birthweight (LBW) is associated with higher mortality and morbidity, but there is limited data on the prevalence of LBW in rural Africa, where many births occur at home. The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has non-specific effects. Studies suggest that maternal BCG-vaccination may affect the health of the child. Methods The present study is nested within a randomised trial in rural Guinea-Bissau: Pregnancies were registered at two-monthly village visits, where information on BCG scar status and other background factors were obtained. Children were enrolled in the trial and weighed at home within 72 h after birth. In this prospective observational study, we assessed factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and birthweight in binomial and linear regression models. Results Among 1320 women who had their BCG scar status assessed, 848 (64%) had a scar, 472 (36%) had no scar. The risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (miscarriages, stillbirths, early neonatal deaths) tended to be higher among BCG scar-negative women (13%) than among women with a BCG scar (10%), adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.29 (0.99–1.68). Birthweight was assessed for 628 (50%) of the 1232 live born children. The mean birthweight was 2.89 kg (SD 0.43) and the proportion of LBW children was 17% (104/628). Sex, twinning, region of birth, maternal age, maternal mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), antenatal consultations, parity and possession of a mobile phone were associated with birthweight, while maternal BCG scar status was not. Conclusions This study provides the first birthweight data for home-born children in rural Guinea-Bissau, with a mean birthweight of 2.89 kg (SD 0.43) and a LBW prevalence of 17%. We found a tendency for higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes among BCG scar-negative women. Birthweight was similar in children of mothers with and without BCG scar. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11215-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Dahl Stjernholm
- OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sanne Marie Thysen
- OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark. .,Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. .,Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Center for Global Health (GloHAU), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | | | - Ane Bærent Fisker
- OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Byberg S, Aaby P, Rodrigues A, Stabell Benn C, Fisker AB. The mortality effects of disregarding the strategy to save doses of measles vaccine: a cluster-randomised trial in Guinea-Bissau. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e004328. [PMID: 33941513 PMCID: PMC8098964 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Measles vaccine (MV) may improve health beyond measles protection. To avoid wastage from multi-dose vials, children in Guinea-Bissau are only measles vaccinated when aged 9-11 months and when six or more children are present. We assessed health impacts of providing MV to all measles-unvaccinated children 9-35 months. METHODS We cluster-randomised 182 village clusters under demographic surveillance in rural Guinea-Bissau to an 'MV-for-all-policy' arm where we offered MV regardless of age and number of children present at our bi-annual village visits, or a 'Restrictive-MV-policy' arm where we followed national policy. Measles-unvaccinated children aged 9-35 months were eligible for enrolment and followed to 5 years of age. In intention-to-treat analyses, we compared mortality using Cox regression analyses with age as underlying timescale. The primary analysis was for children aged 12-35 months at eligibility assessment. Interactions with several background factors were explored. RESULTS Between 2011 and 2016, we followed 2778 children in the primary analysis. MV coverage by 3 years was 97% among children eligible for enrolment under the MV-for-all-policy, and 48% under the Restrictive-MV-policy. Mortality was 59% lower than anticipated and did not differ by trial arm (MV-for-all-policy: 45/1405: Restrictive-MV-policy: 44/1373; HR: 0.95 (95% CI 0.64 to 1.43)). The effect of MV-for-all changed over time: The HR was 0.53 (95% CI 0.27 to 1.07) during the first 1½ years of enrolment but 1.47 (95% CI 0.87 to 2.50) later (p=0.02, test of interaction). Explorative analyses indicated that the temporal change may be related to interactions with other childhood interventions. CONCLUSION The MV-for-all-policy increased MV coverage but had no overall effect on overall mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01306006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Byberg
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Peter Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Christine Stabell Benn
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ane Baerent Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Berrueta M, Ciapponi A, Bardach A, Cairoli FR, Castellano FJ, Xiong X, Stergachis A, Zaraa S, Meulen AST, Buekens P. Maternal and neonatal data collection systems in low- and middle-income countries for maternal vaccines active safety surveillance systems: A scoping review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:217. [PMID: 33731029 PMCID: PMC7968860 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most post-licensure vaccine pharmacovigilance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are passive reporting systems. These have limited utility for maternal immunization pharmacovigilance in LMIC settings and need to be supplemented with active surveillance. Our study's main objective was to identify existing perinatal data collection systems in LMICs that collect individual information on maternal and neonatal health outcomes and could be developed to inform active safety surveillance of novel vaccines for use during pregnancy. METHODS A scoping review was performed following the Arksey and O'Malley six-stage approach. We included studies describing electronic or mixed paper-electronic data collection systems in LMICs, including research networks, electronic medical records, and custom software platforms for health information systems. Medline PubMed, EMBASE, Global Health, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Bibliography of Asian Studies (BAS), and CINAHL were searched through August 2019. We also searched grey literature including through Google and websites of existing relevant perinatal data collection systems, as well as contacted authors of key studies and experts in the field to validate the information and identify additional sources of relevant unpublished information. RESULTS A total of 11,817 records were identified. The full texts of 264 records describing 96 data collection systems were assessed for eligibility. Eight perinatal data collection systems met our inclusion criteria: Global Network's Maternal Newborn Health Registry, International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and their Health; Perinatal Informatic System; Pregnancy Exposure Registry & Birth Defects Surveillance; SmartCare; Open Medical Record System; Open Smart Register Platform and District Health Information Software 2. These selected systems were qualitatively characterized according to seven different domains: governance; system design; system management; data management; data sources, outcomes and data quality. CONCLUSION This review provides a list of active maternal and neonatal data collection systems in LMICs and their characteristics as well as their outreach, strengths, and limitations. Findings could potentially help further understand where to obtain population-based high-quality information on outcomes to inform the conduct of maternal immunization active vaccine safety surveillance activities and research in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Berrueta
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024 (C1014CPV), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Agustin Ciapponi
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024 (C1014CPV), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel Bardach
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024 (C1014CPV), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Rodriguez Cairoli
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024 (C1014CPV), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabricio J Castellano
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Dr. Emilio Ravignani 2024 (C1014CPV), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Xu Xiong
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | | | - Sabra Zaraa
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195-7631, USA
| | | | - Pierre Buekens
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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Nareeba T, Dzabeng F, Alam N, Biks GA, Thysen SM, Akuze J, Blencowe H, Helleringer S, Lawn JE, Mahmud K, Yitayew TA, Fisker AB. Neonatal and child mortality data in retrospective population-based surveys compared with prospective demographic surveillance: EN-INDEPTH study. Popul Health Metr 2021; 19:7. [PMID: 33557871 PMCID: PMC7869220 DOI: 10.1186/s12963-020-00232-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global mortality estimates remain heavily dependent on household surveys in low- and middle-income countries, where most under-five deaths occur. Few studies have assessed the accuracy of mortality data or determinants of capturing births in surveys. METHODS The Every Newborn-INDEPTH study (EN-INDEPTH) included a large, multi-country survey of women aged 15-49 interviewed about livebirths and their survival status in five Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSSs). The HDSSs undertake regular household visits to register births and deaths for a given population. We analysed EN-INDEPTH survey data to assess background factors associated with not recalling a complete date-of-birth. We calculated Kaplan-Meier survival estimates for both survey and HDSS data and describe age-at-death distributions during the past 5 years for children born to the same women. We assessed the proportion of HDSS-births that could be matched on month-of-birth to survey-births and used regression models to identify factors associated with matching. RESULTS 69,176 women interviewed in the survey reported 109,817 births and 3064 deaths in children under 5 years in the 5 years prior to the survey. In the HDSS data, the same women had 83,768 registered births and 2335 under-five deaths in the same period. A complete date-of-birth was not reported for 1-7% of survey-births. Birthdates were less likely to be complete for dead children and children born to women of higher parity or with little/no education. Distributions of reported age-at-death indicated heaping at full weeks (neonatal period) and at 12 months. Heaping was more pronounced in the survey data. Survey estimates of under-five mortality rates were similar to HDSS estimates of under-five mortality in two of five sites, higher in the survey in two sites (15%, 41%) and lower (24%) in one site. The proportion of HDSS-births matched to survey-births ranged from 51 to 89% across HDSSs and births of children who had died were less likely to be matched. CONCLUSIONS Mortality estimates in the survey and HDSS were not markedly different for most sites. However, neither source is a "gold standard" and both sources miss some events. Research is required to improve capture and accuracy to better track newborn and child survival targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tryphena Nareeba
- IgangaMayuge Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Makerere University Centre for Health and Population Research, Iganga, Uganda
| | | | - Nurul Alam
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gashaw A. Biks
- Dabat Research Centre Health and Demographic Surveillance System, Dabat, Ethiopia
- Department of Health Services Management and Health Economics, Institute of Public Health College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Sanne M. Thysen
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Joseph Akuze
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health (MARCH) Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Centre of Excellence for Maternal Newborn and Child Health Research, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health (MARCH) Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Stephane Helleringer
- Division of Social Science, New York University-Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Joy E. Lawn
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health (MARCH) Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kaiser Mahmud
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Ane B. Fisker
- Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
- Research Centre for Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Varma A, Aaby P, Thysen SM, Jensen AKG, Fisker AB. Reduction in Short-term Outpatient Consultations After a Campaign With Measles Vaccine in Children Aged 9-59 Months: Substudy Within a Cluster-Randomized Trial. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2020; 9:535-543. [PMID: 32897359 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piaa091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed a measles vaccination campaign's potential short-term adverse events. METHODS In a cluster-randomized trial assessing a measles vaccination campaign's effect on all-cause mortality and hospital admission among children aged 9-59 months in Guinea-Bissau, children received a measles vaccination (intervention) or a health check-up (control). One month to 2 months later, we visited a subgroup of children to ask mothers/guardians about outpatient consultations since enrollment. In log-binomial models, we estimated the relative risk (RR) of nonaccidental outpatient consultations. RESULTS Among 8319 children (4437 intervention/3882 control), 652 nonaccidental outpatient consultations occurred (322 intervention/330 control). The measles vaccination campaign tended to reduce nonaccidental outpatient consultations by 16% (RR, 0.84 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .65-1.11]), especially if caused by respiratory symptoms (RR, 0.68 [95% CI, .42-1.11]). The reduction tended to be larger in children who prior to trial enrollment had a pentavalent vaccination (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b) as the most recent vaccination (RR, 0.61 [95% CI, .42-.89]) than in children who prior to trial enrollment had a routine measles vaccination as the most recent vaccination (RR, 0.93 [95% CI, .68-1.26]) (P = .04 for interaction). CONCLUSIONS In the short term, a measles vaccination campaign seems not to increase nonaccidental outpatient consultations but may reduce them. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT03460002.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Varma
- OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Indepth Network, Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Aaby
- OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Indepth Network, Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sanne Marie Thysen
- OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Indepth Network, Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aksel Karl Georg Jensen
- OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ane Bærent Fisker
- OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Indepth Network, Bandim Health Project, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Soni D, Van Haren SD, Idoko OT, Evans JT, Diray-Arce J, Dowling DJ, Levy O. Towards Precision Vaccines: Lessons From the Second International Precision Vaccines Conference. Front Immunol 2020; 11:590373. [PMID: 33178222 PMCID: PMC7593811 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.590373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Other than clean drinking water, vaccines have been the most effective public health intervention in human history, yet their full potential is still untapped. To date, vaccine development has been largely limited to empirical approaches focused on infectious diseases and has targeted entire populations, potentially disregarding distinct immunity in vulnerable populations such as infants, elders, and the immunocompromised. Over the past few decades innovations in genetic engineering, adjuvant discovery, formulation science, and systems biology have fueled rapid advances in vaccine research poised to consider demographic factors (e.g., age, sex, genetics, and epigenetics) in vaccine discovery and development. Current efforts are focused on leveraging novel approaches to vaccine discovery and development to optimize vaccinal antigen and, as needed, adjuvant systems to enhance vaccine immunogenicity while maintaining safety. These approaches are ushering in an era of precision vaccinology aimed at tailoring immunization for vulnerable populations with distinct immunity. To foster collaboration among leading vaccinologists, government, policy makers, industry partners, and funders from around the world, the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children's Hospital hosted the 2nd International Precision Vaccines Conference (IPVC) at Harvard Medical School on the 17th-18th October 2019. The conference convened experts in vaccinology, including vaccine formulation and adjuvantation, immunology, cell signaling, systems biology, biostatistics, bioinformatics, as well as vaccines for non-infectious indications such as cancer and opioid use disorder. Herein we review highlights from the 2nd IPVC and discuss key concepts in the field of precision vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dheeraj Soni
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Simon D. Van Haren
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Olubukola T. Idoko
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jay T. Evans
- Center for Translational Medicine, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
| | - Joann Diray-Arce
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - David J. Dowling
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
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16
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Varma A, Jensen AKG, Thysen SM, Pedersen LM, Aaby P, Fisker AB. Research protocol of two concurrent cluster-randomized trials: Real-life Effect of a CAMPaign with Measles Vaccination (RECAMP-MV) and Real-life Effect of a CAMPaign with Oral Polio Vaccination (RECAMP-OPV) on mortality and morbidity among children in rural Guinea-Bissau. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1506. [PMID: 31711464 PMCID: PMC6849174 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7813-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measles and oral polio vaccinations may reduce child mortality to an extent that cannot be explained by prevention of measles and polio infections; these vaccines seem to have beneficial non-specific effects. In the last decades, billions of children worldwide have received measles vaccine (MV) and oral polio vaccine (OPV) through campaigns. Meanwhile the under-five child mortality has declined. Past MV and OPV campaigns may have contributed to this decline, even in the absence of measles and polio infections. However, cessation of these campaigns, once their targeted infections are eradicated, may reverse the decline in the under-five child mortality. No randomized trial has assessed the real-life effect of either campaign on child mortality and morbidity. We present the research protocol of two concurrent trials: RECAMP-MV and RECAMP-OPV. METHODS Both trials are cluster-randomized trials among children registered in Bandim Health Project's rural health and demographic surveillance system throughout Guinea-Bissau. RECAMP-MV is conducted among children aged 9-59 months and RECAMP-OPV is conducted among children aged 0-8 months. We randomized 222 geographical clusters to intervention or control clusters. In intervention clusters, children are offered MV or OPV (according to age at enrolment) and a health check-up. In control clusters, children are offered only a health check-up. Enrolments began in November 2016 (RECAMP-MV) and March 2017 (RECAMP-OPV). We plan 18,000 enrolments for RECAMP-MV with an average follow-up period of 18 months and 10,000 enrolments for RECAMP-OPV with an average follow-up period of 10 months. Data collection is ongoing. The primary outcome in both trials is non-accidental death or non-accidental first non-fatal hospitalization with overnight stay (composite outcome). Secondary outcomes are: non-accidental death, repeated non-fatal hospitalizations with overnight stay, cause-specific primary outcome, outpatient visit, and illness. We obtained ethical approval from Guinea-Bissau and consultative approval from Denmark. DISCUSSION Cluster randomization and minimum risk of loss to follow-up are strengths, and no placebo a limitation. Our trials challenge the understanding that MV and OPV only prevent measles and polio, and that once both infections are eradicated, campaigns with MV and OPV can be phased out without negative implications on child health and survival. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03460002.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Varma
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark. .,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau. .,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Bandim Health Project, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - A K G Jensen
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - S M Thysen
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau.,Department of Public Health, University of Aarhus, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - L M Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau
| | - P Aaby
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau.,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Bandim Health Project, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A B Fisker
- Department of Clinical Research, OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 5000, Odense C, Denmark. .,Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Apartado 861, 1004, Bissau Codex, Guinea-Bissau. .,Research Center of Vitamins and Vaccines, Statens Serum Institut, Bandim Health Project, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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