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Therrell BL, Padilla CD, Abadingo ME, Adhikari SP, Aung T, Aye TT, Dey SK, Faizi M, Ganbaatar E, Giang TTH, Hang HT, Heng R, Kapoor S, Nyamdavaa K, Paudel P, Phou K, Pulungan AB, Sayyavong C, Walani SR, Zafar T. Consolidated Newborn Bloodspot Screening Efforts in Developing Countries in the Asia Pacific-2024. Int J Neonatal Screen 2024; 11:2. [PMID: 39846588 PMCID: PMC11755638 DOI: 10.3390/ijns11010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2024] [Revised: 12/20/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of all births globally occur in the Asia Pacific Region. Concerted efforts to support local activities aimed at developing national newborn screening (NBS) have been ongoing for almost 30 years, first by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and then through volunteer efforts. Sustainable newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) continues to be initiated and develop in many of the countries with developing economies in the region. Since the discontinuation of IAEA funding in 2007, a working group of the Asia Pacific Society of Human Genetics (APSHG) consisting of interested representatives from countries in the region with less than 50% NBS coverage has participated in periodic workshops to exchange information, set goals, and provide peer support. Facilitated by international NBS experts, interested corporate sponsors, and the APSHG, the 7th workshop of representatives from 10 East Asian countries with developing NBS systems was recently held in Kathmandu, Nepal. This report summarizes the NBS activities in these countries and describes the continuing efforts to move NBS ahead in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradford L. Therrell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- National Newborn Screening and Global Resource Center, Austin, TX 78759, USA
| | - Carmencita D. Padilla
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines; (C.D.P.); (M.E.A.)
- Newborn Screening Reference Center, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Michelle E. Abadingo
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines; (C.D.P.); (M.E.A.)
- Newborn Screening Reference Center, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Shree Prasad Adhikari
- Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Thapathali, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal; (S.P.A.); (P.P.)
| | - Thuza Aung
- CLL Health, 16 Shin Saw Pu Street, Ahlone, Yangon 11211, Myanmar;
| | - Thet Thet Aye
- Nay Pyi Taw Children Hospital, Oketarathiri 15015, Myanmar;
| | - Sanjoy Kumer Dey
- Department of Neonatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh;
| | - Muhammad Faizi
- Department of Child Health Medical Faculty, Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Jl. Prof. Dr. Moestopo, Surabaya 60286, Indonesia;
| | - Erdenetuya Ganbaatar
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia;
| | - Tran Thi Huong Giang
- Department of Population Structure and Quality, Vietnam Population Authority (VNPA), 8 Alley, Ton That Thuyet Street, My Dinh 2 Ward, Nam Tu Liem District, Hanoi 12014, Vietnam;
| | - Hoang Thu Hang
- Hanoi Population Branch, Department of Health, Hanoi 12014, Vietnam;
| | - Rathmony Heng
- Neonatology Department, Calmette Hospital, Phnom Penh 12201, Cambodia;
| | - Seema Kapoor
- Division of Genetics, Genetic & Metabolic Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Lok Nayak Hospital & Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi 110002, India;
| | - Khurelbaatar Nyamdavaa
- Development Projects and International Affairs, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Zorig Street, Ulaanbaatar 14210, Mongolia;
| | - Prajwal Paudel
- Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Thapathali, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal; (S.P.A.); (P.P.)
| | - Kimyi Phou
- Calmette Hospital, Phnom Penh 12201, Cambodia;
| | - Aman B. Pulungan
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia;
| | | | - Salimah R. Walani
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Aga Khan University, Stadium Road, Karachi 74800, Pakistan;
| | - Tariq Zafar
- Independent Researcher, 307-N, Street 113, Phase 1, DHA, Lahore 54792, Pakistan;
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Bancone G, Gilder ME, Win E, Gornsawun G, Moo PK, Archasuksan L, Wai NS, Win S, Hanboonkunupakarn B, Nosten F, Carrara VI, McGready R. Non-invasive detection of bilirubin concentrations during the first week of life in a low-resource setting along the Thailand-Myanmar border. BMJ Paediatr Open 2024; 8:e002754. [PMID: 39343446 PMCID: PMC11440201 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/08/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia (NH) is a common problem worldwide and is a cause of morbidity and mortality especially in low-resource settings. METHODS A study was carried out at Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) clinics along the Thailand-Myanmar border to evaluate a non-invasive test for diagnosis of NH in a low-resource setting. Performance of a transcutaneous bilirubinometer Dräger Jaundice Meter JM-105 was assessed against routine capillary serum bilirubin testing (with BR-501 microbilirubinometer) before phototherapy during neonatal care in the first week of life. Results were analysed by direct agreement and by various bilirubin thresholds used in clinical practice. Total serum bilirubin was also measured in cord blood at birth and tested for prediction of hyperbilirubinaemia requiring phototherapy in the first week of life. RESULTS Between April 2020 and May 2023, 742 neonates born at SMRU facilities were included in the study. A total of 695 neonates provided one to nine capillary blood samples for analysis of serum bilirubin (total 1244 tests) during the first week of life. Performance of transcutaneous bilirubinometer was assessed in 307 neonates who provided 687 paired transcutaneous capillary blood tests. Bilirubin levels were also measured in 738 cord blood samples. Adjusted values of transcutaneous bilirubinometer showed excellent agreement with capillary serum bilirubin concentration (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.923) and high sensitivity (>98%) at all clinical thresholds analysed across 3 years of sampling and multiple users. Concentrations of bilirubin detected in cord blood were not useful in identifying neonates at risk of hyperbilirubinaemia requiring treatment. CONCLUSIONS The transcutaneous bilirubinometer is a reliable tool to screen neonates and identify those needing confirmatory blood testing. Bilirubin concentrations in cord blood are not predictive of hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Bancone
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Elsie Win
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Gornpan Gornsawun
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Paw Khu Moo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Laypaw Archasuksan
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Nan San Wai
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Sylverine Win
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Borimas Hanboonkunupakarn
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Verena Ilona Carrara
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Hung YL, Chang PF, Huang CS. Molecular biology of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 in the development of neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Pediatr Neonatol 2024; 65:419-426. [PMID: 38480019 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and variants of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) gene are the most common genetic causes of neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (NUH). In this review, we searched PubMed for articles on the genetic causes of NUH published before December 31, 2022, and analyzed the data. On the basis of the results, we reached eight conclusions: (1) 37 mutations of the G6PD gene are associated with NUH; (2) the clinical manifestation of G6PD deficiency depends not only on ethnicity but also on the molecular mechanisms underlying the deficiency (and thus its severity); (3) of mutations in the UGT1A1 gene, homozygous c.-53A(TA)6TAA > A(TA)7TAA is the main cause of NUH in Caucasians and Africans, whereas homozygous c.211G > A is the main genetic cause of NUH in East Asians; (4) in Indonesian neonates, homozygous c.-3279T > G is the most common cause of NUH development, and neither c.-53 A(TA)6TAA > A(TA)7TAA nor c.211G > A causes it; (5) in breast-fed East Asian neonates, the TA7 repeat variant of the UGT1A1 gene protects against the development of NUH; (6) G6PD deficiency combined with homozygous c.211G > A variation of the UGT1A1 gene increases the risk of severe NUH; (7) in Pakistani and Caucasian patients with Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 2 (CN-2), point mutations of the UGT1A1 gene are widely distributed and frequently occur with variation at nucleotide -53, whereas in Asian patients with CN-2, compound homozygous variations in the coding region are frequently observed; and (8) records of G6PD deficiency and UGT1A1 variation status for a neonate offer useful pharmacogenomic information that can aid long-term care. These results indicate that timely diagnosis of NUH through molecular tests is crucial and that early initiation of treatment for the neonates and educational programs for their parents improves outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Li Hung
- Department of Pediatrics, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Feng Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Pan-Chiao, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Electronic Engineering, Oriental Institute of Technology, Pan-Chiao, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Shan Huang
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Benner MT, Mohr O, Kaloy W, Sansoenboon A, Moungsookjarean A, Kaiser P, Carrara VI, McGready R. Mother, child and adolescent health outcomes in two long-term refugee camp settings at the Thai-Myanmar border 2000-2018: a retrospective analysis. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2024; 25:e27. [PMID: 38721695 PMCID: PMC11091483 DOI: 10.1017/s146342362400015x] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM The study assessed mothers, children and adolescents' health (MCAH) outcomes in the context of a Primary Health Care (PHC) project and associated costs in two protracted long-term refugee camps, along the Thai-Myanmar border. BACKGROUND Myanmar refugees settled in Thailand nearly 40 years ago, in a string of camps along the border, where they fully depend on external support for health and social services. Between 2000 and 2018, a single international NGO has been implementing an integrated PHC project. METHODS This retrospective study looked at the trends of MCAH indicators of mortality and morbidity and compared them to the sustainable development goals (SDGs) indicators. A review of programme documents explored and triangulated the evolution and changing context of the PHC services, and associated project costs were analysed. To verify changes over time, interviews with 12 key informants were conducted. FINDINGS While maternal mortality (SDG3.1) remained high at 126.5/100,000 live births, child mortality (SDG 3.2) and infectious diseases in children under 5 (SDG 3.3) fell by 69% and by up to 92%, respectively. Maternal anaemia decreased by 30%; and more than 90% of pregnant women attended four or more antenatal care visits, whereas 80% delivered by a skilled birth attendant; caesarean section rates rose but remained low at an average of 3.7%; the adolescent (15-19 years) birth rate peaked at 188 per 1000 in 2015 but declined to 89/1000 in 2018 (SDG 3.7). CONCLUSION Comprehensive PHC delivery, with improved health provider competence in MCAH care, together with secured funding is an appropriate strategy to bring MCAH indicators to acceptable levels. However, inequities due to confinement in camps, fragmentation of specific health services, prevent fulfilment of the 2030 SDG Agenda to 'Leave no one behind'. Costs per birth was 115 EURO in 2018; however, MCAH expenditure requires further exploration over a longer period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Mohr
- Independent Researcher, Bad Krozingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Aree Moungsookjarean
- National Professional Officer (Border Migrant Health and EPI), World Health Organization, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Peter Kaiser
- Mental Health and Medical Director, Swiss Red Cross Center for Victims of Torture and War, Wabern, Germany
| | - Verena I. Carrara
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Hashmi A, Darakamon MC, Aung KK, Mu M, Misa P, Jittamala P, Chu C, Phyo AP, Turner C, Nosten F, McGready R, Carrara VI. Born too soon in a resource-limited setting: A 10-year mixed methods review of a special care baby unit for refugees and migrants on the Myanmar-Thailand border. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1144642. [PMID: 37124770 PMCID: PMC10130587 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Preterm birth is a major public health concern with the largest burden of morbidity and mortality falling within low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Materials and methods This sequential explanatory mixed methods study was conducted in special care baby units (SCBUs) serving migrants and refugees along the Myanmar-Thailand border. It included a retrospective medical records review, qualitative interviews with mothers receiving care within SCBUs, and focus group discussions with health workers. Changes in neonatal mortality and four clinical outcomes were described. A mix of ethnographic phenomenology and implementation frameworks focused on cultural aspects, the lived experience of participants, and implementation outcomes related to SCBU care. Results From 2008-2017, mortality was reduced by 68% and 53% in very (EGA 28-32 weeks) and moderate (EGA 33-36 weeks) preterm neonates, respectively. Median SCBU stay was longer in very compared to moderate preterm neonates: 35 (IQR 22, 48 days) vs. 10 days (IQR 5, 16). Duration of treatments was also longer in very preterm neonates: nasogastric feeding lasted 82% (IQR 74, 89) vs. 61% (IQR 40, 76) of the stay, and oxygen therapy was used a median of 14 (IQR 7, 27) vs. 2 (IQR 1, 6) days respectively. Nine interviews were conducted with mothers currently receiving care in the SCBU and four focus group discussions with a total of 27 local SCBU staff. Analysis corroborated quantitative analysis of newborn care services in this setting and incorporated pertinent implementation constructs including coverage, acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and fidelity. Coverage, acceptability, and appropriateness were often overlapping outcomes of interest highlighting financial issues prior to or while admitted to the SCBU and social issues and support systems adversely impacting SCBU stays. Interview and FGD findings highlight the barriers in this resource-limited setting as they impact the feasibility and fidelity of providing evidence-based SCBU care that often required adaptation to fit the financial and environmental constraints imposed by this setting. Discussion This study provides an in-depth look at the nature of providing preterm neonatal interventions in a SCBU for a vulnerable population in a resource-limited setting. These findings support implementation of basic evidence-based interventions for preterm and newborn care globally, particularly in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmar Hashmi
- Institute for Implementation Science, University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States
| | - Mu Chae Darakamon
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Ko Ko Aung
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Mu Mu
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Prapatsorn Misa
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | | | - Cindy Chu
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Aung Pyae Phyo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Turner
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap, Cambodia
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Verena I. Carrara
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Verena I. Carrara
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Bancone G, Gilder ME, Win E, Gornsawun G, Penpitchaporn P, Moo PK, Archasuksan L, Wai NS, Win S, Aung KK, Hashmi A, Hanboonkunupakarn B, Nosten F, Carrara VI, McGready R. Technical evaluation and usability of a quantitative G6PD POC test in cord blood: a mixed-methods study in a low-resource setting. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e066529. [PMID: 36523222 PMCID: PMC9748916 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES New point-of-care (POC) quantitative G6PD testing devices developed to provide safe radical cure for Plasmodium vivax malaria may be used to diagnose G6PD deficiency in newborns at risk of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, improving clinical care, and preventing related morbidity and mortality. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study analysing technical performance and usability of the 'STANDARD G6PD' Biosensor when used by trained midwives on cord blood samples at two rural clinics on the Thailand-Myanmar border. RESULTS In 307 cord blood samples, the Biosensor had a sensitivity of 1.000 (95% CI: 0.859 to 1.000) and a specificity of 0.993 (95% CI: 0.971 to 0.999) as compared with gold-standard spectrophotometry to diagnose G6PD-deficient newborns using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis-derived threshold of ≤4.8 IU/gHb. The Biosensor had a sensitivity of 0.727 (95% CI: 0.498 to 0.893) and specificity of 0.933 (95% CI: 0.876 to 0.969) for 30%-70% activity range in girls using ROC analysis-derived range of 4.9-9.9 IU/gHb. These thresholds allowed identification of all G6PD-deficient neonates and 80% of female neonates with intermediate phenotypes.Need of phototherapy treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia was higher in neonates with deficient and intermediate phenotypes as diagnosed by either reference spectrophotometry or Biosensor.Focus group discussions found high levels of learnability, willingness, satisfaction and suitability for the Biosensor in this setting. The staff valued the capacity of the Biosensor to identify newborns with G6PD deficiency early ('We can know that early, we can counsel the parents about the chances of their children getting jaundice') and at the POC, including in more rural settings ('Because we can know the right result of the G6PD deficiency in a short time, especially for the clinic which does not have a lab'). CONCLUSIONS The Biosensor is a suitable tool in this resource-constrained setting to identify newborns with abnormal G6PD phenotypes at increased risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Bancone
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Elsie Win
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Gornpan Gornsawun
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Penporn Penpitchaporn
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Phaw Khu Moo
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Laypaw Archasuksan
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Nan San Wai
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Sylverine Win
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Ko Ko Aung
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Ahmar Hashmi
- Institute for Implementation Science, University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Borimas Hanboonkunupakarn
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Francois Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Verena Ilona Carrara
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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