Publications by authors named "Isaac Otim Omara"
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the incidence of acute rheumatic fever in northern and western Uganda, where it is often underdiagnosed despite high rates of rheumatic heart disease.
- Researchers set up clinics and health messaging campaigns to encourage the referral of children aged 3-17 with symptoms indicating acute rheumatic fever.
- The findings revealed a notable incidence rate, with 25 cases per 100,000 person-years in Lira and 13 cases in Mbarara, highlighting the need for better recognition and diagnosis of the condition in these regions.
Article Synopsis
- A prospective epidemiologic survey was conducted in Lira, Uganda, to diagnose and understand acute rheumatic fever (ARF) in children, addressing the rarity of ARF diagnoses in sub-Saharan Africa despite high rheumatic heart disease rates.
- Of 201 children aged 3 to 17 years who participated, 25% were definitively diagnosed with ARF, while others were diagnosed with different conditions or had no conclusive diagnosis.
- The study aims to improve ARF detection and awareness in the community and healthcare system, while exploring potential links between malaria and ARF in regions affected by both diseases.
Objective: Despite substantial variation of streptococcal antibody titres among global populations, there is no data on normal values in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to establish normal values for antistreptolysin O (ASO) and antideoxyribonuclease B (ADB) antibodies in Uganda.
Design: This was an observational cross-sectional study.
Unlabelled: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a high prevalence condition in low- and middle-income countries. Most individuals with RHD present late, missing the opportunity to benefit from secondary antibiotic prophylaxis. Echocardiographic screening can detect latent RHD, but the impact of secondary prophylaxis in screen-detected individuals is not known.
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