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OBJECTIVEHydrocephalus is a global disease that disproportionally impacts low- and middle-income countries. Limited data are available from sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims to be the first to describe pediatric hydrocephalus epidemiology and outcomes in Lusaka, Zambia.METHODSThis retrospective cohort study included patients < 18 years of age who underwent surgical treatment for hydrocephalus at Beit-CURE Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, from August 2017 to May 2019. Surgeries included ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertions, revisions, and endoscopic third ventriculostomies (ETVs) with or without choroid plexus cauterization (CPC). A descriptive analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentation, and etiologies was summarized, followed by a multivariable analysis of mortality and 90-day complications.RESULTSA total of 378 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age at first surgery was 5.5 (IQR 3.1, 12.7) months, and 51% of patients were female (n = 193). The most common presenting symptom was irritability (65%, n = 247), followed by oculomotor abnormalities (54%, n = 204). Postinfectious hydrocephalus was the predominant etiology (65%, n = 226/347), and 9% had a myelomeningocele (n = 32/347). It was the first hydrocephalus surgery for 87% (n = 309) and, of that group, 15% underwent ETV/CPC (n = 45). Severe hydrocephalus was common, with 42% of head circumferences more than 6 cm above the 97th percentile (n = 111). The median follow-up duration was 33 (IQR 4, 117) days. The complication rate was 20% (n = 76), with infection being most common (n = 29). Overall, 7% of the patients died (n = 26). Postoperative complication was significantly associated with mortality (χ2 = 81.2, p < 0.001) with infections and CSF leaks showing the strongest association (χ2 = 14.6 and 15.2, respectively, p < 0.001). On adjusted multivariable analysis, shunt revisions were more likely to have a complication than ETV/CPC or primary shunt insertions (OR 2.45 [95% CI 1.26–4.76], p = 0.008), and the presence of any postoperative complication was the only significant predictor of mortality (OR 42.9 [95% CI 12.3–149.1], p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSPediatric postinfectious hydrocephalus is the most common etiology of hydrocephalus in Lusaka, Zambia, which is similar to other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Most children present late with neglected hydrocephalus. Shunt revision procedures are more prone to complication than ETV/CPC or primary shunt insertion, and postoperative complications represent a significant predictor of mortality in this population.

OBJECTIVE In sub-Saharan Africa, neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common birth defect, occurring eight times more frequently than in the US. The objective of this study was to assess baseline Zambian caregiver understanding of folate and NTDs and the effectiveness of an NTD prevention educational program. METHODS This prospective survey-based study included Zambian caregivers of children born with NTDs who completed pre- and post-educational program surveys between January 2020 and January 2021. The verbal survey was administered in English or local Zambian dialects. The 1-hour educational program administered by local Zambian research nurses sought to facilitate understanding of the direct relationship between prenatal folate supplementation and NTDs. RESULTS Sixty-one eligible caregivers with a median age of 20 (IQR 24–29) years completed the survey. Participants were predominantly from regions outside of Lusaka Province (68%, 41/60) rather than the capital city, Lusaka (32%, 19/60). Most had received prenatal care (91%, 57/61), and 80% (47/59) reported folate use in pregnancy. Of the mothers who took folate during pregnancy, 24% (11/45) reported use within the first 4 weeks after conception, while 76% (34/45) started thereafter. Myelomeningocele was the most common NTD (74%, 32/43), followed by meningocele (14%, 6/43). Prior to the educational program, 52% (29/56) of caregivers reported that NTDs were caused by a vitamin deficiency, which improved to 98% (55/56) after the program (p < 0.001). Furthermore, only 54% (33/61) of caregivers believed that folate should be taken before conception on the baseline survey evaluation, which improved to 95% (58/61, p < 0.001) after the program. All survey participants (58/58) found the educational session helpful. CONCLUSIONS This study found that a high proportion of Zambian caregivers had received prenatal care and even had taken folate during pregnancy, but none had taken it prior to pregnancy. An educational program effectively improved understanding about the role and timing of perinatal folate administration in NTD prevention. This result also emphasizes the need for folate fortification and folate education for not only mothers but also primary care providers.

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