Trial DesignBest practices for training mid-level practitioners (MLPs) to improve global health-services are not well-characterized. Two hypotheses were: 1) Integrated Management of Infectious Disease (IMID) training would improve clinical competence as tested with a single arm, pre-post design, and 2) on-site support (OSS) would yield additional improvements as tested with a cluster-randomized trial.MethodsThirty-six Ugandan health facilities (randomized 1∶1 to parallel OSS and control arms) enrolled two MLPs each. All MLPs participated in IMID (3-week core course, two 1-week boost sessions, distance learning). After the 3-week course, OSS-arm trainees participated in monthly OSS. Twelve written case scenarios tested clinical competencies in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and other infectious diseases. Each participant completed different randomly-assigned blocks of four scenarios before IMID (t0), after 3-week course (t1), and after second boost course (t2, 24 weeks after t1). Scoring guides were harmonized with IMID content and Ugandan national policy. Score analyses used a linear mixed-effects model. The primary outcome measure was longitudinal change in scenario scores.ResultsScores were available for 856 scenarios. Mean correct scores at t0, t1, and t2 were 39.3%, 49.1%, and 49.6%, respectively. Mean score increases (95% CI, p-value) for t0–t1 (pre-post period) and t1–t2 (parallel-arm period) were 12.1 ((9.6, 14.6), p<0.001) and −0.6 ((−3.1, +1.9), p = 0.647) percent for OSS arm and 7.5 ((5.0, 10.0), p<0.001) and 1.6 ((−1.0, +4.1), p = 0.225) for control arm. The estimated mean difference in t1 to t2 score change, comparing arm A (participated in OSS) vs. arm B was −2.2 ((−5.8, +1.4), p = 0.237). From t0–t2, mean scores increased for all 12 scenarios.ConclusionsClinical competence increased significantly after a 3-week core course; improvement persisted for 24 weeks. No additional impact of OSS was observed. Data on clinical practice, facility-level performance and health outcomes will complete assessment of overall impact of IMID and OSS.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01190540

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We describe a case of a 30 years old female patient who presented with nephrotic syndrome and impaired renal function diagnosed to have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This is the first biopsy proven lupus nephritis in Tanzania. SLE is common among females and is reported be more common among Africans as compared to other races. This patient presented with nephrotic syndrome, pleural effusion and pericardial effusion which depicts the multisystem effects of SLE. This patient was treated with cyclophosphamide in combination with steroid as induction therapy and attained remission after a month of treatment. Systemic lupus erythematosus should be considered in patients with nephrotic syndrome and these patients should have renal biopsy to determine renal involvement.

Background HIV infection affects multiple organs and the kidney is a common target making renal disease, one of the recognized complications. Microalbuminuria represents an early, important marker of kidney damage in several populations including HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve patients. Early detection of microalbuminuria is critical to slowing down progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in HIV-infected patients, however, the burden of microalbuminuria in HIV-infected antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve patients in Uganda is unclear. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mulago Immune suppression syndrome (ISS) clinic among adult HIV − infected ART naïve outpatients. Data on patient demographics, medical history was collected. Physical examination was performed to assess body mass index (BMI) and hypertension. A single spot morning urine sample from each participant was analysed for microalbuminuria using spectrophotometry and colorimetry. Microalbuminuria was defined by a urine albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) 30-299 mg/g and macroalbuminuria by a UACR > 300 mg/g. To assess the factors associated with microalbuminuria, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, quantile regression and logistic regression were used. Results A total of 185 adult participants were consecutively enrolled with median age and CD4+ counts of 33(IQR = 28–40) years and 428 (IQR = 145–689) cells/μL respectively. The prevalence of microalbuminuria was 18.9% (95% CI, 14–25%). None of the participants had macroalbuminuria. CD4+ count <350cells/μL was associated with increased risk of microalbuminuria (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12–0.59), P value = 0.001). Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcohol intake were not found to be significantly associated with microalbuminuria. Conclusion Microalbuminuria was highly prevalent in adult HIV − infected ART naive patients especially those with low CD4+ count. There is need to study the effect of ART on microalbuminuria in adult HIV − infected patients.

Background The kidney is one of the common target organs for HIV infection. Early detection of microalbuminuria, the earliest marker of renal damage is critical to slowing down progression to end stage renal disease if appropriate intervention is made. The burden of microalbuminuria and its associated factors in HIV−infected ART naive patients has not been determined in Uganda.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mulago Immune suppression syndrome (ISS) clinic on adult HIV−infected ART naïve outpatients. Data was collected on age, sex, level of education, marital status, religion, address, and history of alcohol intake, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, medications and smoking. Measurement of blood pressure, weight and height to determine body mass index (BMI) and investigations including complete blood count (CBC),serum urea and creatinine, Liver function tests(LFTs), CD4+ count, spot morning urine albumin and urine creatinine to determine microalbuminuria were conducted. Logistic regression was used to estimate the strength of association between variables.ResultsA total of 185 adult participants were consecutively enrolled into the study. The mean (SD) age was 34.2(±9.0) years and majority (63.8%) were female. The mean (SD) CD4+ count 466±357 cells/µL, and BMI 23.1 (±4.9) kg/m 2 . The prevalence of microalbuminuria was 18.9%. None of the participants had albuminuria. CD4+ count <350cells/µL and BM1<18.5kg/m 2 were associated increased risk of microalbuminuria OR 3.8 (95%CI 1.7-8.3) (p value=0.01) and OR 4.7 (95%CI 1.82-12.4) (p value=0.03) respectively. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, alcohol intake were not found to be significantly associated with microalbuminuria.Conclusion Microalbuminuria was highly prevalent in adult HIV−infected ART patients especially those with low CD4+ count and low BMI. There is need to study the effect of ART on microalbuminuria in adult HIV−infected patients. Key words: HIV, microalbuminuria, Uganda, ART naïve