Publications by authors named "Betty Sirera"

Background: Patient satisfaction remains a key area of interest worldwide; utilizing a patient-centered communication approach, particularly with patients with chronic life-limiting illnesses may be one way to achieve this. However, there is a dearth of empirical information on the effect of patient-centered communication strategies in patients with chronic life-limiting illnesses in Kenya on patient satisfaction.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of patient-centered communication on patient satisfaction.

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Key Clinical Message: Extrapulmonary TB presenting as multiloculated pleural fluid collections is rare in persons less than 18 years of age, but it can occur. High index of suspicion is important in establishing early diagnosis and treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Abstract: We present a case report of an immunocompetent African young man who presented with persistent chest pain and fever, and was diagnosed with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) following chest CT scan, pleural biopsy histopathology examination, and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, and pleural fluid Gene Xpert studies.

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Key Clinical Message: This case highlights the need for thorough clinical examination to rule out Takayasu arteritis (TA) as a cause of stroke in a young asymptomatic East-African male. Available clinical management guidelines should guide management of TA patients.

Abstract: We present a case of a young, previously asymptomatic East-African Black male presenting with large territory ischemic infarct at first diagnosis of TA.

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Introduction: Acute mechanical intestinal obstruction (IO) is one of the leading causes of surgical admissions in most emergency departments worldwide. The causes of IO vary significantly depending on geographical location. The aim of this study was to identify the etiology, management and outcomes of patients with acute mechanical IO presenting in south-western Kenya.

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