http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/68 2026-07-14T03:29:31Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10317 Title: Association between epstein-barr virus viremia and cardiac function in children and young adults with perinatally acquired HIV Authors: Curtis, Samantha F.; McCrary, Andrew W.; Daud, Ibrahim; Mahasi, Myra; Thielman, Nathan M.; Bloomfield, Gerald S.; Nyandiko, Winstone Abstract: Introduction: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) affects greater than 95% of the global population, and when acquired at an early age, results in poor control of viral replication and increased risk to subsequent chronic illnesses. Objective: To analyse the association between EBV and early cardiac dysfunction. Methods: A cross-sectional echocardiographic study on children, adolescent and young adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Eldoret, Kenya. We collected echocardiograms, viral copy levels, and inflammatory markers. We compared EBV-positive participants to EBV-negative participants. Results: The majority of patients with EBV copies detected were male, median (25–75%) age of 15 (11–19) years and did not have signs of early cardiac dysfunction. No significant differences were observed in cardiac function between individuals with detectable and undetectable EBV copies (p = 0.472; p = 0.6140; p = 0.382 respectively). Conclusion: In this population of individuals, no significant difference in cardiac function between individuals with detectable and undetectable EBV copies was observed. 2026-05-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10309 Title: Establishment of the Kenyan psoriasis registry: A Case–Control Cohort Authors: Marquez‑Grap, Georgia; Biwott, Petronilla; Chen, Miranda; Baldonado, Gian Carlo; Leung, Andrea; Kranyak, Allison; Muraguri, Isabel; Maurer, Toby; Liao ·, Wilson; Kiprono, Samson Abstract: Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflam‑ matory skin disease with a global prevalence of 1–5%, however its clinical and demographic pro‑ fle in Kenya remains underexplored. This arti‑ cle describes the establishment of the Kenyan Psoriasis Registry at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Methods: 214 subjects were enrolled between October 2024 and August 2025 at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. Both healthy controls and patients with psoriasis completed enrollment surveys and physical exams, and donated saliva samples. Description: Original research 2025-12-20T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10308 Title: Management and outcomes of esophageal atresia at a Kenyan tertiary hospital: A 13-year retrospective cohort study Authors: Cheboiwo, Vivian; Osoo, Moses; Kimani, Winfred; Hussein, Abdiwahab; Otieno, Brian; Mirwoba, Tabitha; Aruwa, Nereah; Mbinji, Michal; Saula, Peter; Tenge, R Kuremu Abstract: Introduction: Esophageal atresia (EA) is a congenital anomaly that causes a blind-ending esophagus with or without tracheoesophageal fstula (TEF). The global incidence ranges from 1:3500 to 1:4500 live births. In highincome countries, mortality rates have declined owing to advances in surgical expertise, neonatal care, and early diagnosis, although morbidity has increased. This improvement remains limited in low- and middle-income countries, where aspiration pneumonia and sepsis cause high mortality owing to delayed diagnosis, preoperative feeding, and poor referral systems. This study describes the management and outcomes of EA at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Kenya. Method: A 13-year retrospective cohort study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of patients managed for EA/TEF at MTRH from January 2010 to December 2022. These included demographic characteristics, pre- and postnatal details, clinical interventions, intraoperative fndings, and postoperative outcomes. Results: Among 67 patients with esophageal atresia, 64.2 % were male and 86.6 % were full-term. Cardiac anomalies occurred in 53.8 % of patients, most commonly patent ductus arteriosus, while non-cardiac anomalies were present in 19.4 %. The overall mortality was 44.8 %. Age at admission, birth weight, and surgical leaks did not signifcantly affect the outcomes. Sepsis was strongly associated with mortality (33.3 % in deaths vs. 5.4 % in survivors; p < 0.001). Patients who did not receive postoperative mechanical ventilation had higher adjusted odds of death (AOR 5.5, 95 % CI: 1.02–29.55, p = 0.048). Conclusion: Pneumonia and sepsis remain the major contributors to mortality in this population. Improved referral pathways to reduce diagnostic delays and tailored postoperative ventilation strategies may enhance survival outcomes in patients with EA/TEF. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://ir.mu.ac.ke:8080/jspui/handle/123456789/10307 Title: “I just want to be normal”: Psychosocial experiences of adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease in Kenya Authors: Ochieng, Yvonne Akinyi; Patel, Sonali M.; Nazareth, Ashita; Rono, Wilter; Owino, Liz; Githinji, Cyrus Njuguna; Midiwo, Nancy; Kondiek, Eric Ayaye; Saina, Chelagat; Muigai, Festus; Bonner, Melanie; Puffer, Eve Abstract: Background: Adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) in Kenya experience psychosocial challenges shaped by developmental transitions and social and health system contexts. Limited research has examined differences across adolescence and young adulthood in low-resource settings. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using focus group discussions and thematic analysis to explore psychosocial experiences across three stages: early adolescence (10–14 years), middle adolescence (15–17 years) and late adolescence or young adulthood (18–25 years). Participants included 54 adolescents and young adults with SCD, 18 caregivers and 18 healthcare providers recruited from three healthcare facilities in western Kenya. Results: Three themes emerged: (1) emotional and psychological burdens, including fear, uncertainty and identity-related struggles; (2) social challenges, including peer exclusion, family strain and school-related difficulties and (3) healthcare system barriers, including financial hardship, provider-related stigma and limited transition support. Challenges followed a developmental pattern, with younger adolescents emphasizing pain and vulnerability, middle adolescents highlighting social visibility and school participation and older youth focusing on independence and continuity of care. Conclusion: Psychosocial needs vary across developmental stages and are shaped by social and health system contexts. Developmentally responsive support, including pain coping, school engagement, and transition services, is needed in low-resource settings. 2026-03-02T00:00:00Z