<strong>Introduction: </strong>Most febrile illnesses in Ghana are often misdiagnosed and presumptively treated as malaria. This situation may be due to the inappropriate diagnostic tool, clinical oversigh...<strong>Introduction: </strong>Most febrile illnesses in Ghana are often misdiagnosed and presumptively treated as malaria. This situation may be due to the inappropriate diagnostic tool, clinical oversight and lack of awareness of some of the disease conditions that might have been present in the country. This study sought to investigate the seroprevalence of dengue virus, geographical location of participants with circulating antibodies and finally evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a Rapid diagnostic kit (RDT) using Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) as a gold standard for confirmation. <strong>Method: </strong>A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (≥18) attending the University of Cape Coast Hospital. From each participant, 3 - 4 ml of venous blood was drawn and serum was tested for IgG and IgM using RDT methods. Positive samples were selected for ELISA confirmation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (v.20) and STATA (v.14) software. <strong>Results: </strong>A total of 270 participants were enrolled in the study. The geometric mean age was 32 years. Overall, Dengue virus (DENV) IgG seroprevalence by RDT was 10 (3.7%). Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM by the ELISA method was 34 (12.6%) and 6 (2.2%) respectively. Females recorded a high seroprevalence (7.4%) than males (5.2%) in terms of past exposure (IgG). On current exposure (IgM), females recorded a high seroprevalence (1.5%) than males (0.7%). Seroprevalence of individuals with dual positivity ((IgG + IgM+) (acute secondary infection) was 1.9%. Those with primary and recent infection (IgM+ only) were 0.4% whiles those with past and probably secondary infection (IgG+ only) were 10.7%. The odds of dengue exposure were significantly high among participants with ages 50 - 59 as compared to their other counterparts (AOR = 3.5, p = 0.03). Diagnostic accuracy of RDT kit was poor (Kappa value = 0.373 and 0.0001). Elmina was noted to record the highest seroprevalence values for both anti-dengue IgG (3.3%) and IgM (1.展开更多
Introduction: Forearm fractures involving both the radius and ulna, present distinctive challenges in orthopedic trauma management. This case report explores the complexities of a rare case of bilateral fractures, emp...Introduction: Forearm fractures involving both the radius and ulna, present distinctive challenges in orthopedic trauma management. This case report explores the complexities of a rare case of bilateral fractures, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach for optimal outcomes. Case Presentation: This report presents the case of a 40-year-old motorcyclist who was involved in a road accident and arrived at the emergency department shortly after the incident. Clinical examination revealed closed fractures in both forearms with mild swelling and severe tenderness. Fortunately, no neurovascular issues or compartment syndrome were detected. The patient was administered intravenous fluids and effective pain relief. Forearm splints were applied and the arms were elevated using pillows. Radiographs showed fractures in the right distal radius and ulna, as well as the left mid-shaft radius and ulna. Under general anesthesia, open reduction and internal fixation were per-formed using plates and screws for all four fractures. Postoperatively, the patient’s arms were immobilized and elevated, with gradual recovery during follow-up appointments over six months, eventually achieving full function without complaints. Conclusion: This article highlights the possibility, although infrequent, of bilateral shaft fractures of the ulna and radius. With thorough clinical assessment and radiological investigation, such fractures can be well-defined. The required definitive treatment, which usually involves open reduction and internal fixation, can be performed.展开更多
文摘<strong>Introduction: </strong>Most febrile illnesses in Ghana are often misdiagnosed and presumptively treated as malaria. This situation may be due to the inappropriate diagnostic tool, clinical oversight and lack of awareness of some of the disease conditions that might have been present in the country. This study sought to investigate the seroprevalence of dengue virus, geographical location of participants with circulating antibodies and finally evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a Rapid diagnostic kit (RDT) using Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA) as a gold standard for confirmation. <strong>Method: </strong>A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults (≥18) attending the University of Cape Coast Hospital. From each participant, 3 - 4 ml of venous blood was drawn and serum was tested for IgG and IgM using RDT methods. Positive samples were selected for ELISA confirmation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (v.20) and STATA (v.14) software. <strong>Results: </strong>A total of 270 participants were enrolled in the study. The geometric mean age was 32 years. Overall, Dengue virus (DENV) IgG seroprevalence by RDT was 10 (3.7%). Seroprevalence of IgG and IgM by the ELISA method was 34 (12.6%) and 6 (2.2%) respectively. Females recorded a high seroprevalence (7.4%) than males (5.2%) in terms of past exposure (IgG). On current exposure (IgM), females recorded a high seroprevalence (1.5%) than males (0.7%). Seroprevalence of individuals with dual positivity ((IgG + IgM+) (acute secondary infection) was 1.9%. Those with primary and recent infection (IgM+ only) were 0.4% whiles those with past and probably secondary infection (IgG+ only) were 10.7%. The odds of dengue exposure were significantly high among participants with ages 50 - 59 as compared to their other counterparts (AOR = 3.5, p = 0.03). Diagnostic accuracy of RDT kit was poor (Kappa value = 0.373 and 0.0001). Elmina was noted to record the highest seroprevalence values for both anti-dengue IgG (3.3%) and IgM (1.
文摘Introduction: Forearm fractures involving both the radius and ulna, present distinctive challenges in orthopedic trauma management. This case report explores the complexities of a rare case of bilateral fractures, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach for optimal outcomes. Case Presentation: This report presents the case of a 40-year-old motorcyclist who was involved in a road accident and arrived at the emergency department shortly after the incident. Clinical examination revealed closed fractures in both forearms with mild swelling and severe tenderness. Fortunately, no neurovascular issues or compartment syndrome were detected. The patient was administered intravenous fluids and effective pain relief. Forearm splints were applied and the arms were elevated using pillows. Radiographs showed fractures in the right distal radius and ulna, as well as the left mid-shaft radius and ulna. Under general anesthesia, open reduction and internal fixation were per-formed using plates and screws for all four fractures. Postoperatively, the patient’s arms were immobilized and elevated, with gradual recovery during follow-up appointments over six months, eventually achieving full function without complaints. Conclusion: This article highlights the possibility, although infrequent, of bilateral shaft fractures of the ulna and radius. With thorough clinical assessment and radiological investigation, such fractures can be well-defined. The required definitive treatment, which usually involves open reduction and internal fixation, can be performed.