Rationale and design of the Investigation of the Management of Pericarditis (IMPI) trial: a 2 × 2 factorial randomized double-blind multicenter trial of adjunctive prednisolone and Mycobacterium w immunotherapy in tuberculous pericarditis.

Background: In spite of antituberculosis chemotherapy, tuberculous (TB) pericarditis causes death or disability in nearly half of those affected. Attenuation of the inflammatory response in TB pericarditis may improve outcome by reducing cardiac tamponade and pericardial constriction, but there is uncertainty as to whether adjunctive immunomodulation with corticosteroids and Mycobacterium w (M. w) can safely reduce mortality and morbidity.

A systematic overview of prospective cohort studies of cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are becoming increasingly significant in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Reliable measures of the contribution of major determinants are essential for informing health services and policy solutions.

Objective: To perform a systematic review of all longitudinal studies of CVDs and related risk factors that have been conducted in SSA.

Comparison between surrogate indices of insulin sensitivity and resistance, and the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic glucose clamp in urban South African blacks with and without coronary artery disease.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are increasing in urban black South Africans during their transition from a rural to a western lifestyle. Insulin resistance is associated with CAD and DM. Fasting-based indices [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA IR), log HOMA IR, and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI)] were calculated and their correlations with the glucose disposal rate (M) obtained from the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic glucose clamp were compared in 40 patients with CAD and 20 patients without CAD.

Carotid intima-media thickness is a predictor of coronary artery disease in South African black patients.

Background: Several studies have shown that increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) confers risk of future coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. The present study aimed at investigating whether CIMT is a predictor of CAD in South African black patients.

Methods And Results: This was a prospective study of 53 patients, 41 men and 12 women, with ages ranging from 30 to 70 years.

Leptin, adiponectin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in relation to the metabolic syndrome in urban South African blacks with and without coronary artery disease.

Background: Metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease (CAD) are increasing in urban black South Africans during their transition from a rural to a western lifestyle. Inflammation is frequently associated with metabolic syndrome and CAD. This study evaluated markers of inflammation in black CAD patients, some of whom had metabolic syndrome.

Postprandial hyperglycemia in urban South African blacks with and without coronary artery disease.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing in urban black South Africans during their transition from a rural to a western lifestyle. This study assessed postprandial hyperglycemia, which a risk factor for CAD, in blacks with and without CAD.

Methods: Fasting lipid levels and postprandial glucometabolic profiles were measured in 40 patients and 20 controls.

Spectrum of heart disease and risk factors in a black urban population in South Africa (the Heart of Soweto Study): a cohort study.

Background: The Heart of Soweto Study aims to increase our understanding of the characteristics and burden imposed by heart disease in an urban African community in probable epidemiological transition. We aimed to investigate the clinical range of disorders related to cardiovascular disease in patients presenting for the first time to a tertiary-care centre.

Methods: From Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2006, we recorded data for 4162 patients with confirmed cases of cardiovascular disease (1593 newly diagnosed and 2569 previously diagnosed and under treatment) who attended the cardiology unit at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa.

A time bomb of cardiovascular risk factors in South Africa: results from the Heart of Soweto Study "Heart Awareness Days".

Background: There is strong anecdotal evidence that many urban communities in Sub-Saharan Africa are in epidemiologic transition with the subsequent emergence of more affluent causes of heart disease. However, data to describe the risk factor profile of affected communities is limited.

Methods: During 9 community screening days undertaken in the predominantly Black African community of Soweto, South Africa (population 1 to 1.

Mapping the emergence of heart disease in a black, urban population in Africa: the Heart of Soweto Study.

Background: There is increasing evidence that many populations in the developing world are in "epidemiologic transition" with the subsequent emergence of more "affluent" disease states. The "Heart of Soweto Study" will systematically investigate the emergence of heart disease (HD) in a large urban population in South Africa.

Methods: Part of the conurbation of Johannesburg, South Africa, Soweto is a predominantly Black African community of 1 million individuals.