Mulago Hospital

About: Mulago Hospital is a healthcare organization based out in Kampala, Uganda. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 542 authors who have published 545 publications receiving 34804 citations.

Effect of chronic alcohol consumption on the red blood cell count and RBC indices in the HIV infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP drug regimen in Uganda

Abstract: Alcohol consumption is common problem in Uganda. Among the types of alcohols consumed include beers, spirits, liqueurs, wines and traditional brew. These alcohols are easily accessible and consumed by many people including the HIV infected patients who are on the d4T/3TC/NVP regimen. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chronic alcohol intake on the red blood cell count (RBC) and the RBC indices in the HIV-infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP regimen. It was a case control study that used a repeated measures design model where serial measurements of the red blood cell count (RBC) and RBC indices were determined at 3 month interval for 9 months. A total of 41 HIV infected patients were recruited and grouped into two arms; the control group had 21 patients and the chronic alcohol group had 20 patients. The RBC and RBC indices of the whole blood were determined using automated hematological Coulter CBC-5 Hematology Analyzer system using standard procedures. The data was sorted into alcohol-use self reporting by WHO AUDIT tool and alcohol-use biomarkers groups. It was analysed using the SAS 2003 version 9.1 statistical package with the repeated measures fixed model. The means were compared using the student t-test. The mean MCV and MCH values in the chronic alcohol use group were higher than in the control group and there was a significant difference between the 2 groups (p<0.05) for both the WHO AUDIT tool group and chronic alcohol use biomarkers group. The mean RBC count, Hct, HGB and MCHC values in both the control and chronic alcohol use groups were within the normal reference ranges for both groups though the trend was lower in alcohol group. Chronic alcohol use affects the RBC and RBC indices in the HIV infected patients on d4T/3TC/NVP treatment regimen.

Effects of cassava diet on Cercopithecus aethiops livers: a case for cassava as the cause of both tropical splenomegaly syndrome (TSS) and endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF).

Abstract: The aetiology of endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) and tropical splenomegaly syndrome (TSS) though speculative, was considered by the author to be the same or related since the two diseases may occur in the same individual and locality. Accordingly, when attempting to prove a hypothesis for the causation of EMF that prolonged ingestion of tuber (cassava/tapioca) associated with extreme deprivation of protein causes EMF; one group of three Cercopithecus aethiops was fed on uncooked cassava while a second group was fed with uncooked bananas and in addition to harvesting the hearts whenever the animal health deteriorated, livers were also harvested for histological changes. While hearts from the animals on cassava revealed changes seen in human EMF the livers from the same animals exhibited Kupffer cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy as well as sinusoidal lymphocytosis, features seen in human TSS thereby confirming that the aetiology of these two diseases is the same. However, the banana diet did not produce such changes.

A small outbreak of louse typhus in Masaka District, Uganda.

Abstract: A small outbreak of louse typhus is reported in about 200 herdsmen of Rwandan origin living in poor hygienic conditions, in three cattle kraals in Masaka District, Uganda. A total of 82 persons was studied. Of these 46 gave a history of febrile illness and 36 gave no such history. Of the 46 people with febrile illness 39 had a positive complement fixation tests for Rickettsia prowazeki and among these 13 were admitted to hospital with clinical features of typhus. The disease was successfully treated with tetracycline and chloramphenicol and effectively controlled in the community.

Acute pneumococcal meningitis: The significance of mechanical factors in influencing mortality

Abstract: 1. 1) A series of cases of pneumococcal meningitis treated with large doses of intramuscular penicillin in high dosage with and without prednisone has been studied. The over-all therapeutic result was better than in a previous series in this hospital treated with intrathecal and lower doses of intramuscular penicillin, but was not significantly better than a series treated with oral chloramphenicol. 2. 2) In the high-dosage intramuscular series, rapid and adequate passage of penicillin into the CSF and sterilization of the CSF was obtained. 3. 3) Prognosis in all three series was clearly related to the state of consciousness. This is not due to persisting infection, and reasons are given for considering that the important factors are mechanical, which if relieved might considerably improve the prognosis in the patient with impaired consciousness.

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in sub-Saharan Africa.

Abstract: The incidence and economic burden of cancer in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing, and innovative strategies are needed to improve prevention and care in this population. This article uses a case of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Uganda to propose guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease in resource-limited settings. These guidelines were developed from the consensus opinion of specialists at the Uganda Cancer Institute and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center as part of an established collaboration. Areas for future investigation that can improve the care of patients in this region are identified.