Browsing by Author "Armah, G.A."

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How much could rotavirus vaccines reduce diarrhea-associated mortality in northern Ghana? A model to assess impact
(Journal of Infectious Disease, 2010) Arvay, M.L.; Curns, A.T.; Terp, S.; Armah, G.A.; Wontuo, P.; Parashar, U.D.; Binka, F.; Glass, R.I.; Widdowson, M.A.
Background: Effective rotavirus vaccines could substantially reduce the approximately 500,000 deaths due to rotavirus disease per year worldwide, although the impact will depend on vaccine effectiveness, timing of administration, and coverage. We modeled vaccine impact on rotavirus-associated mortality in rural Ghana. Methods: All deaths due to acute diarrhea among children during 1998-2004 in the Kassena-Nankana District of Ghana were identified, and the number of deaths due to rotavirus disease was estimated using hospital laboratory surveillance data. Assuming rotavirus vaccine would be included in the current Expanded Program on Immunization schedule, we estimated the reduction in rotavirus-associated mortality with use of the current coverage and timing of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine administration and various age-restricted schedules. Results: Of the 381 deaths due to diarrhea, 131 (34%) were estimated to be caused by rotavirus infection. On the basis of current diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine coverage and timing, a 90% efficacious 3-dose rotavirus vaccine would prevent 70% of deaths due to rotavirus infection if administered without age restrictions, 53% if only initiated among children <12 weeks of age, and 52% if the course also was completed by 32 weeks of age. Conclusions: Rotavirus vaccine has the potential to substantially reduce rotavirus-associated mortality in rural Ghana. Although timely vaccination should be encouraged, extending the current age recommendation for initiation of rotavirus vaccination could increase the coverage and impact of vaccination.
Orofacial tumours and tumour-like lesions in Ghana: a 6-year prospective study
(British Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, 2009) Parkins, G.E.; Armah, G.A.; Tettey, Y.
A total of 182 patients with orofacial tumours and tumour-like lesions who attended the oral and maxillofacial surgical department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, were studied from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2003. Both malignant and benign tumours were recorded and were more common among men (99/182, 54%) in whom they were seen most often between the ages of 41 and 70 years. Among female patients they were more common in the 11-20 year age group. The mandible, maxilla, and palate were most often affected. A total of 108 tumours were diagnosed as malignant (59%), 27 (15%) as benign odontogenic tumours, and 47 (26%) as benign non-odontogenic and tumour-like lesions. Malignant tumours were usually detected in men between the ages of 41 and 70 years (43% of all men); whilst benign tumours were evenly distributed between the sexes with more among girls in the 11-20 year age group. The most common malignant tumours were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), (69/108, 64%) and lymphomas (18/108, 17%). The predominant benign odontogenic and non-odontogenic tumours were ameloblastoma and fibro-osseous lesions, respectively. The usual method of treatment was resection (58/182, 32%).
Orofacial tumours and tumour-like lesions in Ghana: a 6-year prospective study
(British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2009-10) Parkins, G.E.; Armah, G.A.; Tettey, Y.
A total of 182 patients with orofacial tumours and tumour-like lesions who attended the oral and maxillofacial surgical department of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, were studied from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2003. Both malignant and benign tumours were recorded and were more common among men (99/182, 54%) in whom they were seen most often between the ages of 41 and 70 years. Among female patients they were more common in the 11–20 year age group. The mandible, maxilla, and palate were most often affected. A total of 108 tumours were diagnosed as malignant (59%), 27 (15%) as benign odontogenic tumours, and 47 (26%) as benign non-odontogenic and tumour-like lesions. Malignant tumours were usually detected in men between the ages of 41 and 70 years (43% of all men); whilst benign tumours were evenly distributed between the sexes with more among girls in the 11-20 year age group. The most common malignant tumours were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), (69/108, 64%) and lymphomas (18/108, 17%). The predominant benign odontogenic and non-odontogenic tumours were ameloblastoma and fibro-osseous lesions, respectively. The usual method of treatment was resection (58/182, 32%).