Electrodiagnostic consultations in Zambia: Referral characteristics and neuromuscular disorders
| Autor: | Takondwa Chidumayo, Michelle Kvalsund, Michael Horner, David N. Herrmann, Gretchen L. Birbeck, Patrice N. Mukomena, Michael T. Andary |
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| Rok vydání: | 2018 |
| Předmět: |
Adult
Male Pediatrics medicine.medical_specialty Neuromuscular disease Referral Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Zambia Disease Electromyography medicine.disease_cause Tertiary care 03 medical and health sciences 0302 clinical medicine Outpatients medicine Humans 030212 general & internal medicine Referral and Consultation medicine.diagnostic_test business.industry Electrodiagnosis Mean age Neuromuscular Diseases Middle Aged medicine.disease Neurology Female Neurology (clinical) business Polyneuropathy 030217 neurology & neurosurgery |
| Zdroj: | Journal of the neurological sciences. 397 |
| ISSN: | 1878-5883 |
| Popis: | Introduction Research on neuromuscular disorders in sub-Saharan Africa is scarce. We aimed to delineate referral characteristics and the neuromuscular disorders observed among electrodiagnostic (EDX) consultations in a tertiary care setting in Zambia. Methods EDX records were reviewed for all specialist-performed studies after the establishment of the laboratory. The frequency of demographic, medical characteristics, and final EDX impressions are presented. Results Among 108 referrals, 52% were male, 84% were adults (mean age 44 years). Referrals were predominantly outpatients (85%) and sent by neurologists (68%). HIV infection was common (12%). Diabetes was rare (3%). Overall, 77% of studies were abnormal. Polyneuropathy was the most common abnormal EDX finding, followed by motor neuron disease. Discussion A diverse range of neuromuscular diseases was evaluated among EDX referrals in Zambia. Though labor and expertise intensive, access to EDX consultation can enhance clinical care and facilitate research and surveillance of neuromuscular disorders in the region. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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