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Biomedical subjects

H Houser

Publications and source records attributed to H Houser.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Effects of borehole wells on water utilization in Schistosoma haematobium endemic communities in Coast Province, Kenya.

To determine the impact of the introduction of borehole wells on water use patterns and the consequent risk of transmission of Schistosoma haematobium in 3 endemic villages in Kenya, we performed a survey (a 1:6 sample of affected households) to identify sources of water and types of water utilization before and after well introduction. Water usage was also determined in 2 unaffected neighboring villages not given borehole wells, but having continuous access to piped water from communal taps. Prior to borehole well construction, significantly more high-risk water use occurred in the borehole villages vs. comparison villages in terms of water gathered for cooking, drinking, dish washing, and bathing; residents of both types of villages preferred high-risk sources (marshes and ponds) for clothes washing. Following well introduction, there were significant declines in the use of high-risk water for drinking, cooking, and dish washing, but not for bathing or clothes washing. A higher proportion of individuals from the 3 borehole villages reported some type of continued contact with high-risk water sources. Despite well introduction and a 3 year chemotherapy program among school-aged children, a 21-28% incidence of infection persisted among children in the villages, suggesting minimal impact on transmission. Regular monitoring for S. haematobium infected snail sites showed no decline in the number or proportion of infected snails. Borehole well introduction can significantly alter some forms of water usage, but social and water quality factors may limit the ability of communal wells to reduce S. haematobium transmission.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Nutritional status of patients with different levels of chronic renal insufficiency. Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study Group.

This study evaluated the nutritional status of 95 patients with chronic renal insufficiency who participated in the feasibility phase of the NIH funded Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study. All patients were seen monthly by a physician and dietitian. After a baseline period, the patients were randomly assigned either to a mildly protein-restricted control diet or to one of three low protein, low phosphorus diets. Patients with clear evidence for protein-calorie malnutrition were excluded from the study. Patients were followed for an average of 12.4 months (range, 0 to 22 months). The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at the commencement of the experimental diets ranged from 8 to 56 ml/min/1.73 m2. Assessment of the nutritional parameters indicated that none of the four diet treatment groups developed protein-calorie malnutrition. At the end of treatment with the experimental diets, most nutritional parameters were normal and few had worsened. Nonetheless, the following observations indicated that some patients had developed subtle evidence for protein-calorie malnutrition. There were positive correlations between the GFR and the serum transferrin and creatinine:height ratio. In men, arm muscle area and, at the onset of the experimental diets, the % standard body weight also correlated with the GFR. In women, GFR correlated with dietary energy intake. When patients were grouped according to their GFR level, those with the lowest GFR also tended to have lower energy intakes, serum transferrin levels and creatinine:height ratios. Patients with a GFR of 24 ml/min/1.73 m2 or lower tended to lose body mass during the study. In all groups of patients, the estimated actual energy intake was significantly lower than the prescribed intake. On the other hand, in the patients assigned to one of the three low protein, low phosphorus diets, nitrogen intake was above the prescribed level. The low energy intake of those patients with the lower GFR levels may contribute to their propensity to become malnourished.

Body Weight↗
PubMed1988

Urinary tract morbidity in schistosomiasis haematobia: associations with age and intensity of infection in an endemic area of Coast Province, Kenya.

To gain better understanding of the natural history of Schistosoma haematobium associated disease, age- and intensity-related urinary tract morbidity were assessed in a cross-sectional study of Kilole (population 719) in Coast Province, Kenya. Overall prevalence of infection was 65% (39% light, 16% moderate, 9% heavy). Infection prevalence and mean intensity of infection were highest in the 5-14-year-old bracket for both sexes. Although significant intensity-associated increases in hematuria prevalence were noted for both children and adults in all infection categories, hematuria was more common in those less than 15 years of age. Children had a significant increase in the prevalence of dysuria at higher levels of infection, whereas adults did not. Radiographic study of a 1:9 random sample, stratified for age, revealed a greater prevalence of urinary tract granulomas in those less than 15 years. Subjects greater than 15 years of age had a greater frequency of hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis, hydroureter, and bladder calcification were not associated with higher infection intensity. Among individuals with bladder calcification, a potential marker of cumulative inflammation, 87% had hydronephrosis or hydroureter, compared to a 40% prevalence among individuals without bladder calcification. These findings suggest that certain structural forms of urinary tract disease, such as hydronephrosis, progress during the course of untreated schistosomiasis haematobia despite age-related reductions in egg burden, whereas other forms of morbidity, such as hematuria, remain sensitive to the level of urinary egg excretion at the time of diagnosis.

Adolescent↗