Last data update: Jan 27, 2025. (Total: 48650 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 35 Records) |
Query Trace: Kane D[original query] |
---|
Impact of clinician feedback reports on antibiotic use in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia
Chiotos K , Dutcher L , Grundmeier RW , Meyahnwi D , Lautenbach E , Neuhauser MM , Hicks LA , Hamilton KW , Li Y , Szymczak JE , Muller BM , Congdon M , Kane E , Hart J , Utidjian L , Cressman L , Jaskowiak-Barr A , Gerber JS . Clin Infect Dis 2024 BACKGROUND: Feedback reports summarizing clinician performance are effective tools for improving antibiotic use in the ambulatory setting, but the effectiveness of feedback reports in the hospital setting is unknown. METHODS: Quasi-experimental study conducted between December 2021 and November 2023 within a pediatric health system measuring the impact of clinician feedback reports delivered by email and reviewed in a monthly meeting on appropriate antibiotic use in children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We used an interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) to estimate the immediate change and change over time in the proportion of CAP encounters adherent to validated metrics of antibiotic choice and duration, then used Poisson regression to estimate intervention effect as a rate ratio (RR). RESULTS: Preintervention, 213 of 413 (52%) encounters received the appropriate antibiotic choice and duration, which increased to 308 of 387 (80%) postintervention. The ITSA demonstrated an immediate 18% increase in the proportion of CAP encounters receiving both the appropriate antibiotic choice and duration (95% confidence interval, 3-33%), with no further change over time (-0.3% per month, 95% CI -2-2%). In the Poisson model adjusted for age, sex, race, season, site, and intensive care unit admission, the intervention was associated with a 32% increase in the rate of appropriate antibiotic choice and duration (RR 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.12-1.56, P <0.01). No difference in length of stay or revisits were detected postintervention. CONCLUSION: The intervention was associated with an increase in clinician adherence to antibiotic choice and duration recommendations for children hospitalized with CAP. |
Maternal risk conditions and outcomes by levels of maternal care
DeSisto CL , Ewing AC , Diop H , Easter SR , Harvey E , Kane DJ , Naiman-Sessions M , Osei-Poku G , Riley M , Shanholtzer B , Stach AM , Dronamraju R , Catalano A , Clark EA , Madni SA , Womack LS , Kuklina EV , Goodman DA , Kilpatrick SJ , Menard MK . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024 Objectives: To (1) determine associations between maternal risk conditions and severe adverse outcomes that may benefit from risk-appropriate care and (2) assess whether associations between risk conditions and outcomes vary by level of maternal care (LoMC). Methods: We used the 2017-2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to calculate associations between maternal risk conditions and severe adverse outcomes. Risk conditions included severe preeclampsia, placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) conditions, and cardiac conditions. Outcomes included disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with blood products transfusion or shock, pulmonary edema or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), stroke, acute renal failure, and a composite cardiac outcome. Then we used 2019 delivery hospitalization data from five states linked to hospital LoMC. We calculated associations between risk conditions and outcomes overall and stratified by LoMC and assessed for effect modification by LoMC. Results: We found positive measures of association between risk conditions and outcomes. Among patients with severe preeclampsia or PAS, the magnitudes of the associations with DIC with blood products transfusion or shock, pulmonary edema or ARDS, and acute renal failure were lower in Level III/IV compared with <Level III facilities. Among patients with cardiac conditions, the magnitudes of the associations with these outcomes, along with stroke, were also lower in Level III/IV compared with <Level III facilities. The proportion of patients with risk conditions that delivered in <Level III facilities was 19.8-46.8%. Conclusions: Odds of severe adverse outcomes among women with selected risk conditions were lower for births occurring at higher-level facilities, supporting the benefit of risk-appropriate care. |
Regulatory elements in SEM1-DLX5-DLX6 (7q21.3) locus contribute to genetic control of coronal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis and bone density-related traits
Nicoletti P , Zafer S , Matok L , Irron I , Patrick M , Haklai R , Evangelista JE , Marino GB , Ma'ayan A , Sewda A , Holmes G , Britton SR , Lee WJ , Wu M , Ru Y , Arnaud E , Botto L , Brody LC , Byren JC , Caggana M , Carmichael SL , Cilliers D , Conway K , Crawford K , Cuellar A , Di Rocco F , Engel M , Fearon J , Feldkamp ML , Finnell R , Fisher S , Freudlsperger C , Garcia-Fructuoso G , Hagge R , Heuzé Y , Harshbarger RJ , Hobbs C , Howley M , Jenkins MM , Johnson D , Justice CM , Kane A , Kay D , Gosain AK , Langlois P , Legal-Mallet L , Lin AE , Mills JL , Morton JEV , Noons P , Olshan A , Persing J , Phipps JM , Redett R , Reefhuis J , Rizk E , Samson TD , Shaw GM , Sicko R , Smith N , Staffenberg D , Stoler J , Sweeney E , Taub PJ , Timberlake AT , Topczewska J , Wall SA , Wilson AF , Wilson LC , Boyadjiev SA , Wilkie AOM , Richtsmeier JT , Jabs EW , Romitti PA , Karasik D , Birnbaum RY , Peter I . Genet Med Open 2024 2 ![]() PURPOSE: The etiopathogenesis of coronal nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (cNCS), a congenital condition defined by premature fusion of 1 or both coronal sutures, remains largely unknown. METHODS: We conducted the largest genome-wide association study of cNCS followed by replication, fine mapping, and functional validation of the most significant region using zebrafish animal model. RESULTS: Genome-wide association study identified 6 independent genome-wide-significant risk alleles, 4 on chromosome 7q21.3 SEM1-DLX5-DLX6 locus, and their combination conferred over 7-fold increased risk of cNCS. The top variants were replicated in an independent cohort and showed pleiotropic effects on brain and facial morphology and bone mineral density. Fine mapping of 7q21.3 identified a craniofacial transcriptional enhancer (eDlx36) within the linkage region of the top variant (rs4727341; odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.48[0.39-0.59]; P = 1.2E-12) that was located in SEM1 intron and enriched in 4 rare risk variants. In zebrafish, the activity of the transfected human eDlx36 enhancer was observed in the frontonasal prominence and calvaria during skull development and was reduced when the 4 rare risk variants were introduced into the sequence. CONCLUSION: Our findings support a polygenic nature of cNCS risk and functional role of craniofacial enhancers in cNCS susceptibility with potential broader implications for bone health. |
Proficiency of WHO Global Foodborne Infections Network External Quality Assurance System participants in the identification and susceptibility testing of thermo-tolerant Campylobacter spp. from 2003-2012 (preprint)
Pedersen SK , Wagenaar JA , Vigre H , Roer L , Mikoleit M , Aidara-Kane A , Cawthorne AL , Aarestrup FM , Hendriksen RS . bioRxiv 2018 359794 Campylobacter spp. are food- and water borne pathogens. While rather accurate estimates for these pathogens are available in industrialized countries, a lack of diagnostic capacity in developing countries limits accurate assessments of prevalence in many regions. Proficiency in the identification and susceptibility testing of these organisms is critical for surveillance and control efforts. The aim of the study was to assess performance for identification and susceptibility testing of thermo-tolerant Campylobacter among laboratories participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN) External Quality Assurance System (EQAS) over a nine year period.Participants (primarily national level laboratories) were encouraged to self-evaluate performance as part of continuous quality improvement.The ability to correctly identify Campylobacter spp. varied by year and ranged from 61.9 % (2008) to 90.7 % (2012), and the ability to correctly perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for Campylobacter spp. appeared to steadily increase from 91.4 % to 93.6 % in the test period (2009-2012).Poorest performance (60.0 % correct identification and 86.8 % correct AST results) was observed in African laboratories.Overall, approximately 10 % of laboratories reported either an incorrect identification or antibiogramme. As most participants were (supra)-national reference laboratories, these data raise significant concerns regarding capacity and proficiency at the local, clinical level. Addressing these diagnostic challenges is critical for both patient level management and broader surveillance and control efforts. |
Certifying the interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in the WHO African region on the turbulent journey to a polio-free world
Africa Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication , Leke Rose Gana Fomban , Kaboré B Jean , King Arlene , Pallansch Mark A , Tomori Oyewale , Jack Abdoulie D , Sadrizadeh Bijan , Kane Ibrahima , Kironde Naddumba Edward , Lopes-Feio Raul Jorge , Chunsuttiwat Supamit , Maiga Zakaria , Kouassi Beugré , Khomo Ngokoana Esther , Tangermann Rudolf H , Matuja William Bahati Pungu , Mkanda Pascal . Lancet Glob Health 2020 8 (10) e1345-e1351 On Aug 25 2020, the Africa Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication declared that the WHO African region had interrupted transmission of all indigenous wild polioviruses. This declaration marks the African region as the fifth of the six WHO regions to celebrate this extraordinary achievement. Following the Yaoundé Declaration on Polio Eradication in Africa by heads of state and governments in 1996, Nelson Mandela launched the Kick Polio out of Africa campaign. In this Health Policy paper, we describe the long and turbulent journey to the certification of the interruption of wild poliovirus transmission, focusing on 2016-20, lessons learned, and the strategies and analyses that convinced the Regional Commission that the African region is free of wild polioviruses. This certification of the WHO African region shows the feasibility of polio eradication in countries with chronic insecurity, inaccessible and hard-to-reach populations, and weak health systems. Challenges have been daunting and the sacrifices enormous-dozens of health workers and volunteers have lost their lives in the pursuit of a polio-free Africa. |
Development of core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology training programs
Pinto J , Dissanayake RB , Dhand N , Rojo-Gimeno C , Falzon LC , Akwar H , Alambeji RB , Beltran-Alcrudo D , Castellan DM , Chanachai K , Guitian J , Hilmers A , Larfaoui F , Loth L , Motta P , Rasamoelina H , Salyer S , Shadomy S , Squarzoni C , Rwego I , Santos CV , Wongsathapornchai K , Lockhart C , Okuthe S , Kane Y , Gilbert J , Soumare B , Dhingra M , Sumption K , Tiensin T . Front Vet Sci 2023 10 1143375 A workforce with the adequate field epidemiology knowledge, skills and abilities is the foundation of a strong and effective animal health system. Field epidemiology training is conducted in several countries to meet the increased global demand for such a workforce. However, core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology have not been identified and agreed upon globally, leading to the development of different training curricula. Having a set of agreed core competencies can harmonize field veterinary epidemiology training. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiated a collective, iterative, and participative process to achieve this and organized two expert consultative workshops in 2018 to develop core competencies for field veterinary epidemiology at the frontline and intermediate levels. Based on these expert discussions, 13 competencies were identified for the frontline and intermediate levels. These competencies were organized into three domains: epidemiological surveillance and studies; field investigation, preparedness and response; and One Health, communication, ethics and professionalism. These competencies can be used to facilitate the development of field epidemiology training curricula for veterinarians, adapted to country training needs, or customized for training other close disciplines. The competencies can also be useful for mentors and employers to monitor and evaluate the progress of their mentees, or to guide the selection process during the recruitment of new staff. |
Achieving reductions in opioid dispensing: A qualitative comparative analysis of state-level efforts to improve prescribing
Underwood NL , Kane H , Cance J , Emery K , Elek E , Zule W , Rooks-Peck C , Sargent W , Mells J . J Public Health Manag Pract 2022 29 (2) 262-270 OBJECTIVE: To determine whether any combinations of state-level public health activities were necessary or sufficient to reduce prescription opioid dispensing. DESIGN: We examined 2016-2019 annual progress reports, 2014-2019 national opioid dispensing data (IQVIA), and interview data from states to categorize activities. We used crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis to determine which program activities, individually or in combination, were necessary or sufficient for a better than average decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per capita. SETTING: Twenty-nine US state health departments. PARTICIPANTS: State health departments implementing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Prevention for States (PfS) program. MAIN OUTCOME: Combinations of prevention activities related to changes in the rate of prescription opioid MME per capita dispensing from 2014 to 2019. RESULTS: Three combinations were sufficient for greater than average state-level reductions in MME per capita: (1) expanding and improving proactive reporting in combination with enhancing the uptake of evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines and not moving toward a real-time Prescription Drug Monitoring Program; (2) implementing or improving prescribing interventions for insurers, health systems, or pharmacy benefit managers in combination with enhancing the uptake of evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines; and (3) not implementing or improving prescribing interventions for insurers, health systems, or pharmacy benefit managers in combination with not enhancing the uptake of evidence-based opioid prescribing guidelines. Interview data suggested that the 3 combinations indicate how state contexts and history with addressing opioid overdose shaped programming and the ability to reduce MME per capita. CONCLUSIONS: States successful in reducing opioid dispensing selected activities that built upon existing policies and interventions, which may indicate thoughtful use of resources. To maximize impact in addressing the opioid overdose epidemic, states and agencies may benefit from building on existing policies and interventions. |
Understanding state-level variations in implementing academic detailing for prescribing opioids (Findings from 11 States within the US)
Underwood N , Cance JD , Kane H , Hennessy C , Christensen A , Rooks-Peck C . Pain Med 2022 23 (10) 1644-1653 OBJECTIVE: Academic detailing is a clinical education technique characterized by targeted, one-on-one, interactive conversations between trained staff and the clinician. This study describes variations in implementing academic detailing among jurisdictions receiving funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent prescription drug overdoses. DESIGN: In 2015, CDC started the Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention for States (PfS) program. SUBJECTS: This study focuses on 11 of the 29 funded jurisdictions that implemented academic detailing as part of their PfS efforts. METHODS: Jurisdictions provided annual progress reports from 2016 to 2019. We conducted semi-structured interviews in 2017 and 2018 with all funded jurisdictions and conducted follow-up interviews with three jurisdictions in 2020 to obtain additional context. We used an analytic matrix display to identify themes from annual progress report data, the coding report from the 2017/2018 interviews, and the three follow-up interviews from 2020. RESULTS: Two academic detailing models emerged: 1) one-on-one detailing where centrally trained staff conducted all visits and 2) a train-the-trainer model. Jurisdictions also described a hybrid model, which they referred to as academic detailing despite not meeting the definition of academic detailing. We identified variations in delivery strategies, staffing, and curriculum development within and between models. Despite these differences, common themes included the need to use data to focus academic detailing and the importance of partnerships. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of academic detailing as a strategy for improving opioid prescribing behaviors has increased. However, there is limited guidance and standardization to guide and evaluate implementation and outcomes. |
Approaches for Implementing Healthy Food Interventions in Settings With Limited Resources: A Case Study of Sodium Reduction Interventions in Emergency Food Programs Addressing Food Insecurity
Strazza K , Jordan J , Ferriola-Bruckenstein K , Kane H , Whitehill J , Teachout E , Yarnoff B . Am J Health Promot 2021 36 (3) 8901171211056121 PURPOSE: This study describes how recipients of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funded Sodium Reduction in Communities Program (SRCP) worked with emergency food programs to improve access to healthy food to address chronic conditions. DESIGN: SRCP recipients partnered with emergency food programs to implement sodium reduction strategies including nutrition standards, procurement practices, environmental strategies, and behavioral economics approaches. SETTING: SRCP recipients and emergency food programs in Washington County and Benton County, Arkansas and King County, Washington. SUBJECTS: SRCP recipient staff, emergency food program staff, and key stakeholders. MEASURES: We conducted semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and systematic review of program documents. ANALYSIS: Data were analyzed using effects matrices for each recipient. Matrices were organized using select implementation science constructs and compared in a cross-case analysis. RESULTS: Despite limited resources, emergency food programs can implement sodium reduction interventions which may provide greater access to healthy foods and lead to reductions in health disparities. Emergency food programs successfully implemented sodium reduction interventions by building on the external and internal settings; selecting strategies that align with existing processes; implementing change incrementally and engaging staff, volunteers, and clients; and sustaining changes. CONCLUSION: Findings contribute to understanding the ways in which emergency food programs and other organizations with limited resources have implemented public health nutrition interventions addressing food insecurity and improving access to healthy foods. These strategies may be transferable to other settings with limited resources. |
Need for Contraceptive Services Among Women of Reproductive Age - 45 Jurisdictions, United States, 2017-2019
Zapata LB , Pazol K , Curtis KM , Kane DJ , Jatlaoui TC , Folger SG , Okoroh EM , Cox S , Whiteman MK . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (25) 910-915 Ensuring access to contraceptive services is an important strategy for preventing unintended pregnancies, which account for nearly one half of all U.S. pregnancies (1) and are associated with adverse maternal and infant health outcomes (2). Equitable, person-centered contraceptive access is also important to ensure reproductive autonomy (3). Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data collected during 2017-2019 were used to estimate the proportion of women aged 18-49 years who were at risk for unintended pregnancy* and had ongoing or potential need for contraceptive services.(†) During 2017-2019, in the 45 jurisdictions(§) from which data were collected, 76.2% of women aged 18-49 years were considered to be at risk for unintended pregnancy, ranging from 67.0% (Alaska) to 84.6% (Georgia); 60.7% of women had ongoing or potential need for contraceptive services, ranging from 45.3% (Puerto Rico) to 73.7% (New York). For all jurisdictions combined, the proportion of women who were at risk for unintended pregnancy and had ongoing or potential need for contraceptive services varied significantly by age group, race/ethnicity, and urban-rural status. Among women with ongoing or potential need for contraceptive services, 15.2% used a long-acting reversible method (intrauterine device or contraceptive implant), 25.0% used a short-acting reversible method (injectable, pill, transdermal patch, or vaginal ring), and 29.5% used a barrier or other reversible method (diaphragm, condom, withdrawal, cervical cap, sponge, spermicide, fertility-awareness-based method, or emergency contraception). In addition, 30.3% of women with ongoing or potential need were not using any method of contraception. Data in this report can be used to help guide jurisdictional planning to deliver contraceptive services, reduce unintended pregnancies, ensure that the contraceptive needs of women and their partners are met, and evaluate efforts to increase access to contraception. |
Antibiotic stewardship in the intensive care unit. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report in Collaboration with the AACN, CHEST, CDC, and SCCM
Wunderink RG , Srinivasan A , Barie PS , Chastre J , Dela Cruz CS , Douglas IS , Ecklund M , Evans SE , Evans SR , Gerlach AT , Hicks LA , Howell M , Hutchinson ML , Hyzy RC , Kane-Gill SL , Lease ED , Metersky ML , Munro N , Niederman MS , Restrepo MI , Sessler CN , Simpson SQ , Swoboda SM , Guillamet CV , Waterer GW , Weiss CH . Ann Am Thorac Soc 2020 17 (5) 531-540 Intensive care units (ICUs) are an appropriate focus of antibiotic stewardship program efforts because a large proportion of any hospital's use of parenteral antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum, occurs in the ICU. Given the importance of antibiotic stewardship for critically ill patients and the importance of critical care practitioners as the front line for antibiotic stewardship, a workshop was convened to specifically address barriers to antibiotic stewardship in the ICU and discuss tactics to overcome these. The working definition of antibiotic stewardship is "the right drug at the right time and the right dose for the right bug for the right duration." A major emphasis was that antibiotic stewardship should be a core competency of critical care clinicians. Fear of pathogens that are not covered by empirical antibiotics is a major driver of excessively broad-spectrum therapy in critically ill patients. Better diagnostics and outcome data can address this fear and expand efforts to narrow or shorten therapy. Greater awareness of the substantial adverse effects of antibiotics should be emphasized and is an important counterargument to broad-spectrum therapy in individual low-risk patients. Optimal antibiotic stewardship should not focus solely on reducing antibiotic use or ensuring compliance with guidelines. Instead, it should enhance care both for individual patients (by improving and individualizing their choice of antibiotic) and for the ICU population as a whole. Opportunities for antibiotic stewardship in common ICU infections, including community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia and sepsis, are discussed. Intensivists can partner with antibiotic stewardship programs to address barriers and improve patient care. |
Did internal displacement from the 2010 earthquake in Haiti lead to long-term violence against children A matched pairs study design
Cerna-Turoff I , Kane JC , Devries K , Mercy J , Massetti G , Baiocchi M . Child Abuse Negl 2020 102 104393 BACKGROUND: Empirical evidence is limited and contradictory on violence against children after internal displacement from natural disasters. Understanding how internal displacement affects violence is key in structuring effective prevention and response. OBJECTIVE: We examined the effect of internal displacement from the 2010 Haitian earthquake on long-term physical, emotional, and sexual violence against children and outlined a methodological framework to improve future evidence quality. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: We analyzed violence against adolescent girls and boys within the nationally representative, Haiti Violence Against Children Survey. METHODS: We pre-processed data by matching on pre-earthquake characteristics for displaced and non-displaced children and applied 95 % confidence intervals from McNemar's exact test, with sensitivity analyses, to evaluate differences in violence outcomes between matched pairs after the earthquake. RESULTS: Internal displacement was not associated with past 12-month physical, emotional, and sexual violence two years after the earthquake for girls and boys. Most violence outcomes were robust to potential unmeasured confounding. Odds ratios for any form of violence against girls were 0.84 (95 % CI: 0.52-1.33, p = 0.500) and against boys were 1.03 (95 % CI: 0.61-1.73, p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Internal displacement was not a driver of long-term violence against children in Haiti. Current global protocols in disaster settings may initiate services after the optimal window of time to protect children from violence, and the post-displacement setting may be central in determining violence outcomes. The combination of specific data structures and matching methodologies is promising to increase evidence quality after rapid-onset natural disasters, especially in low-resource settings. |
Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli Infections Associated with Romaine Lettuce - United States, 2018.
Bottichio L , Keaton A , Thomas D , Fulton T , Tiffany A , Frick A , Mattioli M , Kahler A , Murphy J , Otto M , Tesfai A , Fields A , Kline K , Fiddner J , Higa J , Barnes A , Arroyo F , Salvatierra A , Holland A , Taylor W , Nash J , Morawski BM , Correll S , Hinnenkamp R , Havens J , Patel K , Schroeder MN , Gladney L , Martin H , Whitlock L , Dowell N , Newhart C , Watkins LF , Hill V , Lance S , Harris S , Wise M , Williams I , Basler C , Gieraltowski L . Clin Infect Dis 2019 71 (8) e323-e330 ![]() ![]() BACKGROUND: Produce-associated outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) were first identified in 1991. In April 2018, New Jersey and Pennsylvania officials reported a cluster of STEC O157 infections associated with multiple locations of a restaurant chain. CDC queried PulseNet, the national laboratory network for foodborne disease surveillance, for additional cases and began a national investigation. METHODS: A case was defined as an infection between March 13 and August 22, 2018 with one of the 22 identified outbreak-associated E. coli O157:H7 or E. coli O61 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern combinations, or with a strain STEC O157 that was closely related to the main outbreak strain by whole genome sequencing. We conducted epidemiologic and traceback investigations to identify illness sub-clusters and common sources. An FDA-led environmental assessment, which tested water, soil, manure, compost, and scat samples, was conducted to evaluate potential sources of STEC contamination. RESULTS: We identified 240 case-patients from 37 states; 104 were hospitalized, 28 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, and five died. Of 179 people who were interviewed, 152 (85%) reported consuming romaine lettuce in the week before illness onset. Twenty sub-clusters were identified. Product traceback from sub-cluster restaurants identified numerous romaine lettuce distributors and growers; all lettuce originated from the Yuma growing region. Water samples collected from an irrigation canal in the region yielded the outbreak strain of STEC O157. CONCLUSION: We report on the largest multistate leafy green-linked STEC O157 outbreak in several decades. The investigation highlights the complexities associated with investigating outbreaks involving widespread environmental contamination. |
Evaluation of Senegal's prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) program data for HIV surveillance
Diouf O , Gueye-Gaye A , Sarr M , Mbengue AS , Murrill CS , Dee J , Diaw PO , Ngom-Faye NF , Diallo PAN , Suarez C , Gueye M , Mboup A , Toure-Kane C , Mboup S . BMC Infect Dis 2018 18 (1) 588 BACKGROUND: With the expansion of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) services in Senegal, there is growing interest in using PMTCT program data in lieu of conducting unlinked anonymous testing (UAT)-based ANC Sentinel Surveillance. For this reason, an evaluation was conducted in 2011-2012 to identify the gaps that need to be addressed while transitioning to using PMTCT program data for surveillance. METHODS: We conducted analyses to assess HIV prevalence rates and agreements between Sentinel Surveillance and PMTCT HIV test results. Also, a data quality assessment of the PMTCT program registers and data was conducted during the Sentinel Surveillance period (December 2011 to March 2012) and 3 months prior. Finally, we also assessed selection bias, which was the percentage difference from the HIV prevalence among all women enrolled in the antenatal clinic and the HIV prevalence among women who accepted PMTCT HIV testing. RESULTS: The median site HIV prevalence using routine PMTCT HIV testing data was 1.1% (IQR: 1.0) while the median site prevalence from the UAT HIV Sentinel Surveillance data was at 1.0% (IQR: 1.6). The Positive per cent agreement (PPA) of the PMTCT HIV test results compared to those of the Sentinel Surveillance was 85.1% (95% CI 77.2-90.7%), and the percent-negative agreement (PNA) was 99.9% (95% CI 99.8-99.9%). The overall HIV prevalence according to UAT was the same as that found for women accepting a PMTCT HIV test and those who refused, with percent bias at 0.00%. For several key PMTCT variables, including "HIV test offered" (85.2%), "HIV test acceptance" (78.0%), or "HIV test done" (58.8%), the proportion of records in registers with combined complete and valid data was below the WHO benchmark of 90%. CONCLUSIONS: The PPA of 85.1 was below the WHO benchmarks of 96.6%, while the combined data validity and completeness rates was below the WHO benchmark of 90% for many key PMTCT variables. These results suggested that Senegal will need to reinforce the quality of onsite HIV testing and improve program data collection practices in preparation for using PMTCT data for surveillance purposes. |
Proficiency of WHO Global Foodborne Infections Network External Quality Assurance System participants in the identification and susceptibility testing of thermo-tolerant Campylobacter spp. from 2003-2012
Pedersen SK , Wagenaar JA , Vigre H , Roer L , Mikoleit M , Aidara-Kane A , Cawthorne AL , Aarestrup FM , Hendriksen RS . J Clin Microbiol 2018 56 (11) Campylobacter spp. are food- and water borne pathogens. While rather accurate estimates for these pathogens are available in industrialized countries, a lack of diagnostic capacity in developing countries limits accurate assessments of prevalence in many regions. Proficiency in the identification and susceptibility testing of these organisms is critical for surveillance and control efforts. The aim of the study was to assess performance for identification and susceptibility testing of thermo-tolerant Campylobacter among laboratories participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Foodborne Infections Network (GFN) External Quality Assurance System (EQAS) over a nine year period.Participants (primarily national level laboratories) were encouraged to self-evaluate performance as part of continuous quality improvement.The ability to correctly identify Campylobacter spp. varied by year and ranged from 61.9 % (2008) to 90.7 % (2012), and the ability to correctly perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for Campylobacter spp. appeared to steadily increase from 91.4 % to 93.6 % in the test period (2009-2012).Poorest performance (60.0 % correct identification and 86.8 % correct AST results) was observed in African laboratories.Overall, approximately 10 % of laboratories reported either an incorrect identification or antibiogramme. As most participants were (supra)-national reference laboratories, these data raise significant concerns regarding capacity and proficiency at the local, clinical level. Addressing these diagnostic challenges is critical for both patient level management and broader surveillance and control efforts. |
Policy change is not enough: Engaging provider champions on immediate postpartum contraception
Okoroh EM , Kane DJ , Gee RE , Kieltyka L , Frederiksen BN , Baca KM , Rankin KM , Goodman DA , Kroelinger CD , Barfield WD . Am J Obstet Gynecol 2018 218 (6) 590 e1-590 e7 Rates of short interval pregnancies resulting in unintended pregnancies remain high in the United States and contribute to adverse reproductive health outcomes. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods have annual failure rates of less than 1% compared with 9% for oral contraceptive pills, and are an effective strategy to reduce unintended pregnancies. To increase access to LARCs in the immediate postpartum period, several State Medicaid programs, including those in Iowa (IA) and Louisiana (LA), recently established reimbursement policies to remove the barriers to reimbursement of immediate postpartum LARC insertion. We used a mixed-methods approach, to analyze 2013-2015 linked Medicaid and vital records data from both IA and LA, to describe trends in immediate postpartum LARC provision one year prior to and following the Medicaid reimbursement policy change. We also used data from key informant interviews with State program staff to understand how provider champions affected policy uptake. We found that the monthly average for the number of insertions in IA increased from 4.6 per month prior to the policy to 6.6 per month post policy, and in LA, the average increased from 2.6 per month prior to the policy to 45.2 per month. In both states, the majority of insertions occurred at one academic/teaching hospital. In LA, the additional increase may be due to the engagement of a provider champion who worked at both the state and facility level. Recruiting, training, engaging, and supporting provider champions, as facilitators, with influence at state and facility levels, is an important component of a multipart strategy for increasing successful implementation of State-level Medicaid payment reform policies that allow reimbursement for immediate postpartum LARC insertions. |
World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals
Aidara-Kane A , Angulo FJ , Conly JM , Minato Y , Silbergeld EK , McEwen SA , Collignon PJ . Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2018 7 7 Background: Antimicrobial use in food-producing animals selects for antimicrobial resistance that can be transmitted to humans via food or other transmission routes. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005 ranked the medical importance of antimicrobials used in humans. In late 2017, to preserve the effectiveness of medically important antimicrobials for humans, WHO released guidelines on use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals that incorporated the latest WHO rankings. Methods: WHO commissioned systematic reviews and literature reviews, and convened a Guideline Development Group (GDG) of external experts free of unacceptable conflicts-of-interest. The GDG assessed the evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach, and formulated recommendations using a structured evidence-to-decision approach that considered the balance of benefits and harms, feasibility, resource implications, and impact on equity. The resulting guidelines were peer-reviewed by an independent External Review Group and approved by the WHO Guidelines Review Committee. Results: These guidelines recommend reductions in the overall use of medically important antimicrobials in food-producing animals, including complete restriction of use of antimicrobials for growth promotion and for disease prevention (i.e., in healthy animals considered at risk of infection). These guidelines also recommend that antimicrobials identified as critically important for humans not be used in food-producing animals for treatment or disease control unless susceptibility testing demonstrates the drug to be the only treatment option. Conclusions: To preserve the effectiveness of medically important antimicrobials, veterinarians, farmers, regulatory agencies, and all other stakeholders are urged to adopt these recommendations and work towards implementation of these guidelines. |
Evaluating Iowa severe maternal morbidity trends and maternal risk factors: 2009-2014
Frederiksen BN , Lillehoj CJ , Kane DJ , Goodman D , Rankin K . Matern Child Health J 2017 21 (9) 1834-1844 Objectives To describe statewide SMM trends in Iowa from 2009 to 2014 and identify maternal characteristics associated with SMM, overall and by age group. Methods We used 2009-2014 linked Iowa birth certificate and hospital discharge data to calculate SMM based on a 25-condition definition and 24-condition definition. The 24-condition definition parallels the 25-condition definition, but excludes blood transfusions. We calculated SMM rates for all delivery hospitalizations (N = 196,788) using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes. We used log-binomial regression to assess the association of SMM with maternal characteristics, overall and stratified by age groupings. Results In contrast to national rates, Iowa's 25-condition SMM rate decreased from 2009 to 2014. Based on the 25-condition definition, SMM rates were significantly higher among women <20 years and >34 years compared to women 25-34 years. Blood transfusion was the most prevalent indicator, with hysterectomy and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) among the top five conditions. Based on the 24-condition definition, younger women had the lowest SMM rates and older women had the highest SMM rates. SMM rates were also significantly higher among racial/ethnic minorities compared to non-Hispanic white women. Payer was the only risk factor differentially associated with SMM across age groups. First trimester prenatal care initiation was protective for SMM in all models. Conclusions High rates of blood transfusion, hysterectomy, and DIC indicate a need to focus on reducing hemorrhage in Iowa. Both younger and older women and racial/ethnic minorities are identified as high risk groups for SMM that may benefit from special consideration and focus. |
Use of clinical performance measures for contraceptive care in Iowa, 2013
Frederiksen BN , Kane DJ , Rivera M , Wheeler D , Gavin L . Contraception 2017 96 (3) 158-165 OBJECTIVES: To assess feasibility of calculating clinical performance measures for contraceptive care for National Quality Forum submission: the percentage of women aged 15-44 provided: 1) a most or moderately effective contraceptive method (MME), and 2) a long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method. METHODS: We used 2013 Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Title X and Iowa Medicaid data. We stratified Title X data by age and Medicaid data by age and benefit type (family planning waiver (FPW) vs. general Medicaid), and examined variation by residence, public health region, and health plan based on program interest. FINDINGS: Among women attending IDPH Title X clinics in 2013 (N=11,584), 86% of women ages 15-20years and 83% of women ages 21-44years were provided MME; 20% of women ages 15-20years and 20% of women ages 21-44years were provided LARC. Estimates varied across Title X sub-recipient agencies, which receive federal funds from IDPH. Among Medicaid FPW clients (N=30,013), 79% of women ages 15-20years and 73% of women ages 21-44years were provided MME; 12% of women ages 15-20years and 11% of women ages 21-44years were provided LARC. Among general Medicaid clients (N=14,737), 40% of women ages 15-20years and 28% of women ages 21-44years were provided MME; 5% of women ages 15-20years and 5% of women ages 21-44years were provided LARC. CONCLUSION: A high percentage of IDPH Title X and FPW clients were provided a MME method. No reporting entity had a LARC percentage less than 1-2%. IMPLICATIONS: Measure calculation using Title X and Medicaid data is feasible and can potentially be used to identify ways to increase access to contraceptive methods. |
Pathways to program success: A qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) of communities putting prevention to work case study programs
Kane H , Hinnant L , Day K , Council M , Tzeng J , Soler R , Chambard M , Roussel A , Heirendt W . J Public Health Manag Pract 2016 23 (2) 104-111 OBJECTIVE: To examine the elements of capacity, a measure of organizational resources supporting program implementation that result in successful completion of public health program objectives in a public health initiative serving 50 communities. DESIGN: We used crisp set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) to analyze case study and quantitative data collected during the evaluation of the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) program. SETTING: CPPW awardee program staff and partners implemented evidence-based public health improvements in counties, cities, and organizations (eg, worksites, schools). PARTICIPANTS: Data came from case studies of 22 CPPW awardee programs that implemented evidence-based, community- and organizational-level public health improvements. INTERVENTION: Program staff implemented a range of evidence-based public health improvements related to tobacco control and obesity prevention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome measure was completion of approximately 60% of work plan objectives. RESULTS: Analysis of the capacity conditions revealed 2 combinations for completing most work plan objectives: (1) having experience implementing public health improvements in combination with having a history of collaboration with partners; and (2) not having experience implementing public health improvements in combination with having leadership support. CONCLUSION: Awardees have varying levels of capacity. The combinations identified in this analysis provide important insights into how awardees with different combinations of elements of capacity achieved most of their work plan objectives. Even when awardees lack some elements of capacity, they can build it through strategies such as hiring staff and engaging new partners with expertise. In some instances, lacking 1 or more elements of capacity did not prevent an awardee from successfully completing objectives. IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY & PRACTICE: These findings can help funders and practitioners recognize and assemble different aspects of capacity to achieve more successful programs; awardees can draw on extant organizational strengths to compensate when other aspects of capacity are absent. |
Evaluating the mechanistic evidence and key data gaps in assessing the potential carcinogenicity of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers in humans
Kuempel ED , Jaurand MC , Moller P , Morimoto Y , Kobayashi N , Pinkerton KE , Sargent LM , Vermeulen RC , Fubini B , Kane AB . Crit Rev Toxicol 2016 47 (1) 1-58 In an evaluation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for the IARC Monograph 111, the Mechanisms Subgroup was tasked with assessing the strength of evidence on the potential carcinogenicity of CNTs in humans. The mechanistic evidence was considered to be not strong enough to alter the evaluations based on the animal data. In this paper, we provide an extended, in-depth examination of the in vivo and in vitro experimental studies according to current hypotheses on the carcinogenicity of inhaled particles and fibers. We cite additional studies of CNTs that were not available at the time of the IARC meeting in October 2014, and extend our evaluation to include carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Finally, we identify key data gaps and suggest research needs to reduce uncertainty. The focus of this review is on the cancer risk to workers exposed to airborne CNT or CNF during the production and use of these materials. The findings of this review, in general, affirm those of the original evaluation on the inadequate or limited evidence of carcinogenicity for most types of CNTs and CNFs at this time, and possible carcinogenicity of one type of CNT (MWCNT-7). The key evidence gaps to be filled by research include: investigation of possible associations between in vitro and early-stage in vivo events that may be predictive of lung cancer or mesothelioma, and systematic analysis of dose-response relationships across materials, including evaluation of the influence of physico-chemical properties and experimental factors on the observation of nonmalignant and malignant endpoints. |
From theory to measurement: recommended state MCH life course indicators
Callahan T , Stampfel C , Cornell A , Diop H , Barnes-Josiah D , Kane D , McCracken S , McKane P , Phillips G , Theall K , Pies C , Sappenfield W . Matern Child Health J 2015 19 (11) 2336-47 ![]() PURPOSE: In May 2012, the Association of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Programs initiated a project to develop indicators for use at a state or community level to assess, monitor, and evaluate the application of life course principles to public health. DESCRIPTION: Using a developmental framework established by a national expert panel, teams of program leaders, epidemiologists, and academicians from seven states proposed indicators for initial consideration. More than 400 indicators were initially proposed, 102 were selected for full assessment and review, and 59 were selected for final recommendation as Maternal and Child Health (MCH) life course indicators. ASSESSMENT: Each indicator was assessed on five core features of a life course approach: equity, resource realignment, impact, intergenerational wellness, and life course evidence. Indicators were also assessed on three data criteria: quality, availability, and simplicity. CONCLUSION: These indicators represent a major step toward the translation of the life course perspective from theory to application. MCH programs implementing program and policy changes guided by the life course framework can use these initial measures to assess and influence their approaches. |
Carcinogenicity of fluoro-edenite, silicon carbide fibres and whiskers, and carbon nanotubes
Grosse Y , Loomis D , Guyton KZ , Lauby-Secretan B , El Ghissassi F , Bouvard V , Benbrahim-Tallaa L , Guha N , Scoccianti C , Mattock H , Straif K , Kane AB , Debia M , Dion C , Moller P , Savolainen K , Canu IG , Jaurand MC , Comba P , Kobayashi N , Morimoto Y , Tsuda H , Yu IJ , Vermeulen R , Bugge MD , Bateson TF , Kuempel ED , Morgan DL , Pinkerton KE , Sargent LM , Stayner L . Lancet Oncol 2014 15 (13) 1427-8 In October, 2014, 21 experts from ten countries met at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC; Lyon, France) to assess the carcinogenicity of fluoro-edenite, silicon carbide (SiC) fibres and whiskers, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) including single-walled (SWCNTs) and multi-walled (MWCNTs) types. These assessments will be published as Volume 111 of the IARC Monographs.1 | Fluoro-edenite was first identified around the Etna volcano near Biancavilla, Italy; a similar mineral was also reported from the Kimpo volcano in Japan. Fluoro-edenite can occur as asbestiform fibres. Unpaved roads made from local quarry products from Biancavilla, used since the 1950s, are a source for airborne fluoro-edenite fibres; additionally indoor air was also contaminated from the use of the quarry's products in building materials. Several surveillance studies reported an excess of mesothelioma incidence and mortality in the regional population of Biancavilla.2 Since the rate ratios for mesothelioma were large and stable, chance was unlikely to explain these findings. The excess was similar in men and women, and most prominent in young adults, suggesting an environmental rather than occupational cause. Moreover, most of the cases had no history of occupational exposure to asbestos. Fluoro-edenite fibrous amphibole was classified as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) on the basis of sufficient evidence in humans that exposure to fluoro-edenite causes mesothelioma. Sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity was also reported in experimental animals, with increased incidences of mesotheliomas observed in one study in male and female rats given fibrous fluoro-edenite by intraperitoneal or intrapleural injection.3 The results of the few available mechanistic studies were consistent with proposed mechanisms of fibre carcinogenicity.4 |
Factors associated with receiving treatment for dental decay among Medicaid-enrolled children younger than 12 years of age in Iowa, 2010
Zilversmit L , Kane DJ , Rochat R , Rodgers T , Russell B . J Public Health Dent 2014 75 (1) 17-23 OBJECTIVES: The Iowa Department of Public Health I-Smile program provides dental screening and care coordination to over 23,000 low-income and Medicaid-enrolled children per year. The purposes of this study were to evaluate I-Smile program effectiveness to ensure that Medicaid-enrolled children obtained dental treatment after having been screened and to determine the factors associated with failure to receive dental care after screening through the I-Smile program. METHODS: Based on I-Smile program priorities, we limited our sample to children younger than 12 years of age who screened positive for decay and who linked to a paid Medicaid claim for dental treatment (n = 1,816). We conducted bivariate analyses to examine associations between children's characteristics who screened positive for decay and received treatment within 6 months of their initial screening. We also performed multivariate logistic regression to assess the association of sociodemographic characteristics with receipt of treatment among children who screened positive for decay. RESULTS: Eleven percent of children screened positive for decay. Nearly 24 percent of children with decay received treatment based on a Medicaid-paid claim. Being 5 years or older [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.48, confidence interval (CI): 1.17, 1.88] and not having a dental home (aOR: 1.90, CI: 1.41, 2.58) were associated with higher odds of not receiving dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Children 5 years and older and without a dental home were less likely to obtain dental treatment. Opportunities exist for the I-Smile program to increase the numbers of at-risk children with dental homes and who obtain dental care after screening. |
Ascertainment of medicaid payment for delivery on the Iowa birth certificate: is accuracy sufficient for timely policy and program relevant analysis?
Kane DJ , Sappenfield WM . Matern Child Health J 2014 18 (4) 970-7 The Iowa Department of Public Health annually links Medicaid claims data to the birth certificate. Because the latest version of the birth certificate provides more timely and less costly information on delivery payment source, we were interested in assessing the validity and reliability of the birth certificate payment source compared to Medicaid paid claims. We linked Medicaid paid claims to birth certificates for calendar years 2007-2009 (n = 120,626). We measured reliability by Kappa statistic and validity by sensitivity, specificity, predictive value positive and negative. We examined reliability and validity overall and by maternal characteristics (e.g. age, race, ethnicity, education). The Kappa statistic for the birth certificate payment source indicated substantial agreement (0.78; 95 % CL 0.78-0.79). Sensitivity and specificity were also high, 86.3 % (95 % CL 86.0-86 6 %) and 91.9 % (95 % CL 91.7-92.1 %), respectively. The predictive value positive was 87.0 %. The predictive value negative was 91.4 %. Kappa and specificity were lower among women of racial and ethnic minorities, women younger than age 24, and women with less education. The overall Kappa, sensitivity and specificity generally suggest the birth certificate payment source is as valid and reliable as the linked data source. The birth certificate payment source is less valid and reliable for women of racial and ethnic minorities, women younger than age 24, and those with less education. Consequently caution should be exercised when using the birth certificate payment source for monitoring service use by the Medicaid population within specific population subgroups. |
Origins, design and implementation of the China GAVI project
Liang X , Cui F , Hadler S , Wang X , Luo H , Chen Y , Kane M , Shapiro C , Yang W , Wang Y . Vaccine 2013 31 Suppl 9 J8-J14 China received GAVI support for hepatitis B vaccination in 2001 because of high disease burden and strong government will to protect infants at risk. The China/GAVI project, implemented since 2002, was funded 50% by GAVI and 50% by the Government of China. The purpose of the project was to increase coverage of hepatitis B vaccine through a pro-poor approach targeting all counties of the 12 Western provinces and poverty counties of the 10 Central provinces, to accelerate integration of hepatitis B vaccine into routine immunization, and assure immunization injection safety. The mechanism of internal coordination among multiple government entities and international cooperation was established and comprehensive strategies were used to improve vaccine coverage and injection safety. After 8 years of implementation, 193,000 health care workers in 118,316 health care facilities participated in the project, mostly at the township hospitals level (55,051) and in community centres (104,547). Through the China GAVI project, the 85% HepB3 coverage goal was reached in 98% of GAVI China project counties, the 75% timely birth dose (TBD) coverage goal was reached in 80% of GAVI project counties, and AD syringes were introduced into 100% of GAVI-supported areas. Additionally, the GAVI project was instrumental in convincing the Chinese Government to sustainably introduce and fully fund HepB vaccine for all newborns in China. The impact of hepB vaccination on HBsAg prevalence was observed throughout China, as HBsAg prevalence (previously approximately 10%) is now less than 1% among children under 5 years of age. |
Evaluation of immunization injection safety in China, 2010: achievements, future sustainability
Wu Z , Cui F , Chen Y , Miao N , Gong X , Luo H , Wang F , Zheng H , Kane M , Hadler SC , Hutin YJ , Liang X , Yang W . Vaccine 2013 31 Suppl 9 J43-8 OBJECTIVE: The study objectives were to evaluate injection practices in China in the post GAVI project era and provide guidance for policy makers to update national standards for injection practices and further improve vaccination services. METHODS: We conducted a national stratified, cross-sectional survey in October 2010, according to WHO recommended sampling methods. First, we stratified China into three regions (Eastern, Central and Western) based on economic criteria. Second, in each region, we selected eight counties with a probability proportional to population size. Third, in each selected county, we selected (a) 10 townships at random among the list of townships of the county and (b) the one county level hospital. RESULTS: With respect to the risk to the patient, we never observed open injection equipment lying around or needles left in the septum of multi-dose vials. We never observed sterilizable injection devices syringes in any of the facilities. The proportion of facilities using sharps containers was highest in the East (85%), intermediate in the West (79%) and lowest in the Central region (56%). In 2009, auto-disable syringes and safety boxes were used in 78% and 79% facilities in GAVI supported areas of the Western region, respectively. Only one facility presented evidence of attempts to re-sterilize disposable injection equipment in the Eastern region. CONCLUSIONS: Use of AD syringe and sharps containers increased in vaccination services in China, especially in GAVI supported areas, leading to sustainable progress in terms of elimination of reuse of injection devices. However, risk to patients still existed, including persisting use of standard disposable syringes and attempts to re-use disposable devices. |
Evaluation of policies and practices to prevent mother to child transmission of hepatitis B virus in China: results from China GAVI project final evaluation
Cui F , Luo H , Wang F , Zheng H , Gong X , Chen Y , Wu Z , Miao N , Kane M , Hennessey K , Hadler SC , Hutin YJ , Liang X , Yang W . Vaccine 2013 31 Suppl 9 J36-42 BACKGROUND: Mother to Child Transmission (MTCT) has remained a leading cause of HBV infection in China, accounting for 40% of total infections. Providing hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) to all infants within 24h of birth (Timely Birth Dose, TBD), and subsequent completion of at least 3 vaccine doses is key to preventing perinatal HBV infection. In 2002, with the financial support of the Global Alliance on Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI) targeted to Western region and 223 poverty-affected counties in Central region, hepatitis B vaccine was provided for free. In 2010, we evaluated the China GAVI project in terms of its activities to prevent perinatal infections. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of the evaluation were to (1) measure achievements in the China GAVI project in terms of TBD coverage, and (2) describe practices for HBsAg screening of pregnant women and HBIG use outside the GAVI China project. METHODS: We used the methods recommended by WHO to select a cluster sample of health care facilities for the purpose of an injection safety assessment. We stratified China into three regions based on economic criteria, and selected eight counties with a probability proportional to population size in each region. In each selected county, we selected (a) 10 townships at random among the list of townships of the county and (b) the one county level hospital. In each hospital, we abstracted 2002 through 2009 records to collect information regarding birth cohorts, hospitals deliveries, vaccine management, hepatitis B vaccination delivery, HBsAg screening practices and results, and HBIG administration. In addition, in all hospitals, we abstracted records regarding the delivery of TBD. RESULTS: We visited 244 facilities in the three regions, including 24 county hospitals and 220 township hospitals. We reviewed 837,409 birth summary records, 699,249 for infants born at county or township hospitals. Hospital delivery rates increased from 58% in 2002 to 93% in 2009. Surveyed TBD coverage increased from 60% in 2002 to 91% in 2009 (+31%). Surveyed TBD coverage among children born in hospitals increased from 73% in 2002 to 98% in 2009. Between 2002 and 2009, the proportion of pregnant women screened for HBsAg increased from 64% in 2002 to 85% in 2009. In 2009, the proportion of infants born to women screened and found to be HBsAg positive who did not receive any immunization within 24h after birth ranged from 0% to 0.7% across regions. CONCLUSIONS: Increased availability of hepatitis B vaccine, along with efforts to improve hospital deliveries, increased TBD coverage in China. This decreased perinatal HBV transmission and will reduce disease burden in the future. Screening for HBsAg to guide HBIG administration has begun, but with heterogeneous immuno-prophylaxis practices and a poor system for follow up. |
The inception, achievements, and implications of the China GAVI Alliance Project on Hepatitis B Immunization
Kane MA , Hadler SC , Lee L , Shapiro CN , Cui F , Wang X , Kumar R . Vaccine 2013 31 Suppl 9 J15-20 The China GAVI Hepatitis B Immunization Project was initiated in 2002 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between GAVI and the Government of China. The Project was one of the three (China, India, and Indonesia) GAVI-initiated special projects done to support countries too large to receive full GAVI support for hepatitis B vaccine and safe injections. The Project in China was designed by the Chinese Government and partners to deliver free hepatitis B vaccine and safe injections to all newborns in the 12 Western Provinces and Poverty Counties in 10 Provinces of Central China (1301 Counties with approximately 5.6 million births per year), eliminating the gap in immunization coverage between wealthier and poorer regions of China. The project budget (USD 76 million) was equally shared by GAVI and the Chinese Government. Initially planned for 5 years, two no cost extensions extended the project to 2011. Although China produced hepatitis B vaccine, before the project the vaccine was sold to parents who were also charged a "user fee" for the syringe and vaccine administration. Basic Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) vaccines such as BCG, DTP, Polio, and measles vaccines were provided free to parents, although they were charged a user fee. Vaccines were sold by China CDC Offices at provincial, prefecture, county level and township hospitals, and village doctors received a substantial portion of their income from the sale of hepatitis B and other vaccines. The result of charging for hepatitis B vaccine was that coverage was relatively high in Eastern and wealthier counties in Central China ( approximately 80-90%), but was much lower ( approximately 40%) in Western China and Poverty Counties where parents could not afford the vaccine. The Project was administered by the China MOH and China CDC EPI program, and two Project Co-managers, one from the Chinese Government and the other an international assignee, were chosen. The project had an oversight Operational Advisory Group composed of the Chinese Government, WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI. The initial targets of the project as delineated in the initial MOU for the Project areas (HepB3 coverage will reach 85% at the county level, >75% of newborns at the county level will receive the first dose of hepatitis B within 24h of birth, and all immunization injections will be with auto disable [AD] syringes) were substantially exceeded. The differential in vaccine coverage between wealthier and poorer parts of China was eliminated contributing to a great improvement in equity. With additional contributions of the Chinese Government the Project was accomplished substantially under budget allowing for additional catch up immunization of children under 15 years of age. More than 5 million health workers were trained in how to deliver hepatitis B vaccine, timely birth dose (TBD), and safe injections, and public awareness of hepatitis B and its prevention rose significantly. TBD coverage was expedited by concurrent efforts to have women deliver in township clinics and district hospitals instead of at home. The effective management of the Project, with a Project office sitting within the China EPI and an Operational Advisory Group for oversight, could serve as a model for other GAVI projects worldwide. Most importantly, the carrier rate in Chinese children less than 5 years of age has fallen to 1%, from a level of 10% before the inception of the Project. Liver cancer, one of the major cancer killers in China (250,000-300,000 annual estimated deaths), will dramatically decline as immunized cohorts of Chinese children age. While hepatitis C and non-alcoholic liver disease also exist in China and can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis, the majority of liver disease in China is hepatitis B related and therefore preventable. The authors believe that China's success in preventing hepatitis B is one of the greatest public health achievements of the 21st century. Work remains to be done in several key areas. There are still pockets of home births in rural provinces where a TBD is difficult to deliver, and China is strengthening its policy of screening pregnant women for HBsAg and delivering HBIG plus vaccine to newborns of HBV carrier mothers. Approximately 10% of the adult population of China remain chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus and cannot be helped by the vaccine, so prevention of liver cancer and cirrhosis in those groups remains a future challenge for China. |
Key outcomes and addressing remaining challenges - perspectives from a final evaluation of the China GAVI project
Yang W , Liang X , Cui F , Li L , Hadler SC , Hutin YJ , Kane M , Wang Y . Vaccine 2013 31 Suppl 9 J73-8 During the China GAVI project, implemented between 2002 and 2010, more than 25 million children received hepatitis B vaccine with the support of project, and the vaccine proved to be safe and effective. With careful consideration for project savings, China and GAVI continually adjusted the budget, additionally allowing the project to spend operational funds to support demonstration projects to improve timely birth dose (TBD), conduct training of EPI staff, and to monitor the project impact. Results from the final evaluation indicated the achievement of key outcomes. As a result of government co-investment, human resources at county level engaged in hepatitis B vaccination increased from 29 per county on average in 2002 to 66 in 2009. All project counties funded by the GAVI project use auto-disable syringes for hepatitis B vaccination and other vaccines. Surveyed hepatitis B vaccine coverage increased from 71% in 2002 to 93% in 2009 among infants. The HBsAg prevalence declined from 9.67% in 1992 to 0.96% in 2006 among children under 5 years of age. However, several important issues remain: (1) China still accounts for the largest annual number of perinatal HBV infections (estimated 84,121) in the WHO WPR region; (2) China still lacks a clear national policy for safe injection of vaccines; (3) vaccination of high risk adults and protection of health care workers are still not implemented; (4) hepatitis B surveillance needs to be refined to more accurately monitor acute hepatitis B; and (5) a program for treatment of persons with chronic HBV infection is needed. Recommendations for future hepatitis B control include: using the lessons learned from the China GAVI project for future introductions of new vaccines; addressing unmet needs with a second generation hepatitis B program to reach every infant, including screening mothers, and providing HBIG for infants born to HBsAg positive mothers; expanding vaccination to high risk adults; addressing remaining unsafe injection issues; and improving monitoring of acute hepatitis B. This paper describes findings and discusses perspectives from a final project evaluation, a national stratified validated cross-sectional survey done in October 2010. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:Jan 27, 2025
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure