The 37 Military Hospital is a specialist hospital located in Accra, on the main road between the Kotoka International Airport and central Accra. It is the largest military hospital in the Republic of Ghana after the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The name 37 was because it was the 37th military hospital to be built in the British colony of West Africa. The hospital is also known for the story of the bats who never left their chief.
Vitamin D is essential for musculoskeletal health, and its deficiency is a global health concern, particularly in the African population. This study aimed to compare serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations between paediatric patients with and without Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in a teaching hospital. A matched comparative case–control study was conducted at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) from May 2020 to April 2022. Study participants included 56 cases and controls. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured, and associated demographic, diet and haematological parameters were assessed. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed in Stata MP 15, with summary statistics, t-tests, and correlations reported. Statistical significance was set at 0.05. The study revealed a significant difference in serum vitamin D levels (p < 0.001) between SCD and non-SCD participants, with a median of 10.0 [6.4 − 17.1] ng/mL for SCD and 19.7 [13.2 − 27.3] ng/mL for non-SCD patients. A total of 32.1
Introduction During the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana experienced outbreaks of high pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 among poultry.Objectives Here, we describe the distribution and genetic characterisation of clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIV H5N1 isolated among poultry.Methods We conducted active surveillance for influenza viruses among animals (poultry and swine) and environmental samples across Ghana from 2021 to 2022. Tracheal/cloacal swabs were collected from poultry while nasal/anal swabs were collected from swine. Environmental samples (bird droppings, feathers, and water) were collected from Ramsar sites. We detected the presence of influenza viruses using specific primers and probes and reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions previously described by the US-CDC. We sequenced and detected viruses using Oxford Nanopore Technologies.Results A total of 2847 samples were collected: 2640 from birds, 207 from swine, and 186 from the environment. Out of 2847, 2.2% (63/2847) were positive for HPAIV H5N1. All the H5N1 viruses were detected in poultry populations and none in swine. Again, environmental samples tested negative for influenza. Greater Accra (35), Central (10), and Upper East (7) regions recorded the highest number of H5N1 infections. Phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 showed that these viruses belonged to the clade 2.3.4.4b, which is currently circulating worldwide. Genetic analysis of the HA revealed some mammalian adaptive motifs.Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of continuous genomic surveillance for these zoonotic pathogens in-country and further analyses to determine their zoonotic potential. Early detection and local containment are critical for mitigating the threat posed by zoonotic influenza.
Depression often runs a chronic course and substantially impairs an individual's occupational potential and quality of life. The incident cases of depression worldwide increased from 17.2 million in 1990 to 25.8 million in 2017, an increase of 49.86%. Studies among the general population have revealed that socio-demographic factors such as older age, marginalization, and female gender, were important risk. This study sought to provide the prevalence and distribution of cases of depression in Ghana using a nationwide cross-sectional methodology. A total of 5202 participants aged 18-69 years were sampled from all regions of Ghana using a multi-stage cluster sampling approach. Probable depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as part of the WHO STEPWise survey for non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors. Data was collected face-to-face and electronically using a pre-loaded structured questionnaire translated into Ga, Ewe, Dagbanli and Twi for inclusivity. Among the respondents, 49.5% were females (n = 2,580), and the majority (44%) were aged 18-29 years. Urban residents constituted 59.9%, while rural dwellers made up 40.1%. Overall, 67.8% of respondents reported no depression, while 32.2% had probable depression. Female respondents were 35% more likely to experience probable depression compared to men (aOR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.12-1.64, p = 0.002). Higher education levels were associated with a 48% lower likelihood of probable depression (aOR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.31-0.86, p = 0.011). Wealthier individuals were 42% more likely to experience probable depression than the poorest respondents (aOR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.05-1.93, p = 0.001). Respondents from households with two or three members were 26% and 29% less likely to report probable depression, respectively, compared to households with more members. Probable depression affects nearly one-third of Ghanaians, with women and individuals from wealthier households disproportionately impacted. Higher education and smaller household sizes are protective factors. These findings underscore the need for mental health interventions targeting socio-demographic disparities.
Foreign body aspiration is a potentially life-threatening emergency in children in the immediate or long-term setting. Classical clinical signs may be absent, leading to missed or delayed diagnosis. We report the case of a one-year-old female who aspirated a metallic pin that lodged in the left postero-basal segment. She was clinically asymptomatic throughout the course of management with diagnosis secured through imaging prompted predominantly by persistent maternal concern. Impacted foreign body removal was done via thoracotomy in the completely asymptomatic child after 35 days. This case underscores the importance of very vital but frequently under-emphasized aspects of the diagnosis and management of cases of pediatric foreign body aspiration; early imaging, especially in early presentation even in the absence of classical signs; the possible diagnostic challenges posed by radiolucent objects; the distinct anatomical considerations of the pediatric tracheobronchial tree and; the rare need for thoracotomy when endoscopic retrieval is not feasible.
Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. In addition to their established cardiovascular benefits, emerging evidence suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) may mitigate dementia risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether these associations extend to individuals without T2DM remains unclear. Research Question: This study evaluated the association between GLP-1RA use and incident neurocognitive outcomes among adults without diabetes undergoing treatment for obesity. Methods: We conducted a target trial emulation using TriNetX among adults aged ≥55 years with a documented BMI ≥27 kg/m 2 and without diabetes between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2025. Two comparator trials were emulated by comparing GLP-1RA therapy with 1) multivitamin use, an inactive comparator selected to approximate healthcare-engaged individuals; and 2) phentermine use (active weight-loss comparator). Propensity score matching balanced baseline characteristics between cohorts including age, sex, race/ethnicity, cardiovascular comorbidities, and medications. The primary outcome was dementia, and secondary outcomes were mild cognitive impairment (MCI), frailty, and overall neurocognitive decline (defined as a composite of dementia and MCI). Falsification endpoints (skin tags, appendicitis, and urinary tract infections) were assessed. Outcomes were evaluated over 5- and 10-year follow-up using crude cohort-level relative risk ratios (RRs). Results: In matched cohorts (multivitamin: n=57,066; phentermine: n=26,155), GLP-1RA use was associated with lower risks across all neurocognitive outcomes at 5 and 10 years. (Figure 1). At 10 years, compared with multivitamin use, GLP-1RA exposure was associated with substantially lower risks of dementia (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.15-0.19), frailty (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.37-0.41), MCI (MCI; RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.41-0.48), and composite neurocognitive decline (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.33-0.37). Directionally consistent but attenuated associations were observed in analyses comparing GLP-1RAs with phentermine, including lower risks of dementia (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.89), frailty (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.52-0.59), MCI (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.53-0.69), and composite neurocognitive decline (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.54-0.70). Falsification endpoint analyses did not identify a pattern suggestive of residual confounding. Conclusions: GLP-1RA use is associated with lower risks of dementia, frailty, mild cognitive impairment, and overall neurocognitive decline among adults with overweight or obesity and without diabetes. Associations were strongest compared with multivitamin users but largely persisted when compared with an alternative weight-loss agent, phentermine, suggesting potential neuroprotective benefits beyond weight reduction alone.
