Kumasi

Heart failure is a leading cause of hospital admissions in Ghana, accounting for about 88.3% of cardiac admissions. Despite advances in treatments and guidelines, many patients still experience repeated hospital readmissions, which increase the risk of death. This research aims to evaluate whether extensive counselling after discharge combined with phone-based follow-up can reduce the rates of hospital readmission at 30 and 90 days among heart failure patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. This study is a single-center, pilot randomized controlled trial focusing on these post-discharge support strategies. Participants will receive standard outpatient care plus additional counselling from their attending physicians and trained healthcare providers such as doctors, pharmacists, or nurses. The intervention includes weekly telephone follow-ups during the first 30 days after discharge and then every four weeks until day 90. This approach aims to improve patient support and adherence to guidelines, potentially lowering the risk of readmission. During the study, researchers will monitor participants for hospital readmissions within 30 and 90 days after discharge. Assessments include tracking readmission rates and ongoing follow-up calls to support patients. The total observation period for outcomes is 90 days, allowing researchers to measure the intervention's effect on reducing heart failure readmissions over time.

Researchers are evaluating the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of satralizumab in participants with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) and anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) encephalitis. This Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study aims to better understand how satralizumab works and its safety profile in these autoimmune encephalitis conditions. The study is divided into two parts. In Part 1, satralizumab is given by subcutaneous injection in the abdominal or femoral area at weeks 0, 2, 4, and then every 4 weeks thereafter, with doses based on body weight. In Part 2, participants choose to either continue the blinded study drug, start open-label satralizumab, or stop treatment but continue follow-up. Placebo injections identical in appearance to satralizumab are used in the double-blind phase. Participants undergo various assessments including monitoring of neurological function using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) to measure improvement up to week 24 for NMDAR and week 52 for LGI1 encephalitis. Safety is closely followed by tracking adverse events from week 52 up to 2 years. The study includes repeated site visits for drug administration, safety checks, and clinical evaluations to understand treatment effects and participant well-being over time.

Researchers are studying the ADHINCRA Program, which aims to improve the control of high blood pressure in Africa by addressing factors related to patients, healthcare providers, and health systems. This program hopes to reduce the risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease by helping people manage their hypertension better. The study focuses on adults aged 18 to 70 years who have high blood pressure but do not have diabetes. The ADHINCRA Program is a nurse-led approach that includes home blood pressure monitoring, a mobile health app for support, lifestyle counseling, and a simplified treatment plan for hypertension. Participants either have not been treated for hypertension before or are on a single medication. The program is delivered through primary care centers at participating sites. Participants will be monitored for changes in their blood pressure over 12 months, with the main measure being the number of people whose systolic blood pressure falls below 140 mmHg. The study includes regular assessments and uses technology to support treatment adherence. The total participation period involves baseline measurements and follow-up at 12 months after starting the program.

Researchers are conducting an anonymous online survey to assess clinical knowledge of sepsis among healthcare professionals in seven countries across sub-Saharan Africa. This survey is part of a research network called STAIRS, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The study aims to identify knowledge gaps and educational needs among healthcare workers and will repeat the survey every 12 to 24 months to compare knowledge over time. The study involves two separate cross-sectional survey waves. The first wave establishes baseline knowledge and identifies areas for improvement, while the second wave compares knowledge scores to measure progress. The project also supports clinical capacity building through webinars and a learning platform to help healthcare professionals improve their understanding and care related to sepsis. Participants will complete online surveys at baseline (January 19, 2026 to April 30, 2026) and follow-up (April 1, 2027 to July 31, 2027). The survey evaluates sepsis knowledge scores and collects information anonymously. Participants must have internet access and sufficient language skills to complete the survey in English or French. The study monitors survey responses and compares data to assess changes in sepsis knowledge over time.

Researchers are investigating the genetic factors that contribute to Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and related conditions among the Yoruba people in Ibadan, Nigeria, as well as other African and European ancestry populations. The study aims to better understand how genetic and lifestyle factors interact in causing T2D and its complications, which are major health concerns worldwide. This research includes genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to find genetic variants linked to diabetes and replication studies across different populations. The study involves enrolling 300 unrelated T2D patients and 300 matched controls without diabetes, all of Yoruba ethnicity. Participants will undergo several procedures including questionnaires, blood pressure and body composition measurements, urine and blood sampling, finger prick glucose testing, and eye examinations. Confirmatory blood glucose tests will be done for a small subset when needed. DNA will be extracted from samples for genetic analysis at labs in Nigeria and the NIH. The study will use publicly available software to conduct GWAS and explore gene-environment interactions. Participants will be closely monitored through these assessments to gather detailed health and genetic information about T2D and related cardiometabolic traits. Researchers will collect data on blood glucose levels, hypertension, obesity, kidney disease, and other health factors. The study's outcomes focus on identifying genetic links to T2D and its complications, supporting future prevention and treatment strategies. The involvement includes initial visits for tests and questionnaires and follow-up visits for confirmatory testing when necessary.

Researchers are conducting a multinational, prospective observational study called the ICU-related Out-of-Pocket Expenses (ICOPE) study in African and Asian countries. This study aims to measure the financial burden on patients and families related to ICU care, focusing on out-of-pocket expenses and catastrophic health expenditure. The study includes both ventilated and non-ventilated patients admitted to participating ICUs during a 14-day recruitment period, with a planned sample size of at least 354 patients. Participants are followed during their ICU stay, which averages about 7 days, and additional follow-ups occur at 30 days and 6 months after admission. The study compares costs between patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and those who are not ventilated. It also investigates risk factors for catastrophic health expenditure and documents how families cope with the financial demands of ICU care. Throughout the study, researchers collect data on patient expenses, including direct medical and non-medical costs, as well as indirect costs such as income loss. The main outcomes measured are the out-of-pocket cost per patient episode until ICU discharge and the relative risk of catastrophic health expenditure. The total study duration spans 18 months, allowing for comprehensive assessment of financial impact and coping strategies over time.

Researchers are evaluating the Jada4 System, a novel vacuum-induced device, for treating postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal death worldwide, especially in low and middle income countries. This trial aims to compare the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of the Jada4 System against standard care in women experiencing PPH due to uterine atony after delivery. The study involves 424 women in Ghana, where PPH burden is high, and addresses the urgent need for better treatments beyond current methods that often have limitations or risks. The trial compares two groups: one receiving the Jada4 System, which applies low-level vacuum inside the uterus to stop bleeding rapidly by mimicking natural uterine contractions, and another receiving standard care including uterotonics, tranexamic acid, and condom catheter balloon tamponade. The Jada4 device remains in place for at least one hour with monitoring before removal. If bleeding continues, surgical options like uterine ligation or hysterectomy are available. Standard care patients follow a treatment algorithm with similar surgical options if needed. Participants will be monitored from delivery through six weeks postpartum to assess maternal survival without surgery. Assessments include observing bleeding control, device safety, and treatment costs. Monitoring will continue after device removal to ensure bleeding remains controlled. This comprehensive approach aims to provide clear evidence on the Jada4 System's role in managing PPH and improving maternal outcomes in resource-limited settings.

Researchers are evaluating VX-147 for its effectiveness, safety, tolerability, and how the body processes it in adults and children aged 10 to 65 who have apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1)-mediated proteinuric kidney disease. This study is a Phase 2/3 trial designed to better understand treatment options for this specific kidney condition. Participants will receive either VX-147 or a placebo, both given as oral tablets. The study is double-blind and placebo-controlled, meaning neither participants nor researchers know who receives the active drug or placebo during the treatment period. The trial consists of two parts: Part A focuses on treatment effects over at least 48 weeks, while Part B involves continued safety and tolerability observation for approximately four years after the last participant enrolls. Throughout the study, participants will undergo regular assessments including measurements of urine protein to creatinine ratio and kidney function via estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Safety is monitored by tracking adverse events and serious adverse events. Data will be collected during the treatment period and followed long-term to evaluate both efficacy and safety outcomes, with some measures assessed at interim and final analyses over at least two years.

Researchers are evaluating whether giving surfactant using a less invasive technique can help treat respiratory distress in preterm infants born in low- and middle-income African countries where invasive ventilators are not available. This trial focuses on infants born weighing between 750 and 2000 grams or with a gestational age of 24 to 35 weeks who have respiratory distress and are breathing on their own while receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The study aims to see if this less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) improves survival and to monitor any medical problems that occur during treatment. In this study, preterm infants with respiratory distress will receive surfactant therapy through a thin catheter inserted into their windpipe during laryngoscopy while continuing CPAP support. This method is compared to the standard care of CPAP and caffeine citrate without surfactant. The surfactant is given shortly after birth, ideally within 24 hours, and participants are closely monitored for any complications or side effects related to the treatment. Participants will be followed throughout their hospital stay, which is on average about six months, to determine survival rates and safety outcomes. Researchers will assess the infants' response to surfactant therapy, monitor for respiratory and other medical complications, and track overall hospital survival. The study collects detailed data on the infants' health status and treatment progress to understand how well the less invasive method works in these settings.

Researchers are evaluating treatments to reduce death in patients hospitalized with pneumonia, including those with influenza, community-acquired pneumonia, or COVID-19. This Phase 3 trial has tested various therapies such as corticosteroids, antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and other medications. The study has provided important findings about effective treatments for COVID-19 and is now focusing on therapies for influenza and community-acquired pneumonia, where evidence for benefit is limited. Participants are randomly assigned to receive one or more treatments in addition to standard hospital care. Treatments being studied include antiviral drugs like baloxavir marboxil and oseltamivir for influenza, corticosteroids (dexamethasone) for pneumonia and influenza, and other medications depending on the infection and patient characteristics. The trial adapts over time, adding or removing treatments based on emerging evidence and availability. Treatments may be given orally, intravenously, or by other routes, with dosing schedules ranging from a single dose to courses lasting up to 28 days. During the study, patients are closely monitored for outcomes such as survival, time to hospital discharge, need for ventilation, and kidney support. Data collection includes clinical assessments, laboratory tests, and medical record review up to 28 days after randomization, with potential longer-term follow-up. Safety is monitored by tracking serious adverse reactions and other complications. The trial uses streamlined procedures to support participation even in busy hospital settings, with key information gathered mainly at one follow-up point.