Richard Idro (Uganda)

Makerere University Department of Paediatrics and Child Health
Dr Idro leads a paediatric neuroscience research group in Uganda. The group is studying the pathogenesis and the neurologic, cognitive, behaviour and epilepsy outcomes of children exposed to central nervous system infections. We conducted the first prospective studies of mental health disorders following cerebral malaria and the cognitive sequelae of severe malaria anemia in exposed children and are currently examining brain injury and stroke in sickle cell anaemia. We are also evaluating the use of Dihydroartemisin Piperaquine to prevent re-admissions with severe anaemia and/or mortality in transfused children. In addition, we are studying the developmental outcomes of the different manifestations of severe malaria in children, malaria prophylaxis and prevention of stroke in sickle cell anaemia. Dr Idro is the Medical Research Council (UK) 2015 African Research Leadership Awardee – through which he is studying the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Nodding Syndrome and the 2019 Inaugural Greenwood Africa Award. He was part of the World Health Organization Committee that developed the 2015 severe malaria management guidelines. He sits on Boards of the International League against Epilepsy and the International Child Neurology Association.

Author Of 2 Presentations

 Conference Calendar
Teaching Course

PARASITIC BRAIN INFECTIONS

Session Type
Teaching Course
Session Name
1170 - TEACHING COURSE - NEUROINFECTIOUS DISEASE/TROPICAL NEUROLOGY – PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO PATIENT MANAGEMENT (ID 79)
Date
05.10.2021, Tuesday
Session Time
17:10 - 18:40
Room
Teaching Course C
Lecture Time
18:04 - 18:22
Presenter
  • Richard Idro (Uganda)
Scientific Session: T (Topics)

CHALLENGES OF NEUROINFECTIONS: WHAT REMAINS PREVALENT AND CURRENT OPTIMAL CARE

Session Type
Scientific Session: T (Topics)
Session Name
1640 - CHILD NEUROLOGY IN RESOURCE POOR SETTINGS (WFN/INTERNATIONAL CHILD NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATION JOINT SESSION) (ID 178)
Date
07.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
09:30 - 11:00
Room
Topic A
Lecture Time
09:53 - 10:16
Presenter
  • Richard Idro (Uganda)

Abstract

Abstract Body

Background and aims
Infections of the Central Nervous System (CNS) remain a leading cause of long-term morbidity and Neuro-disability, especially in the developing world. In this paper, we outline the remaining leading neuro-infections by the WHO region and the challenges with management and current optimal care.

Methods
We examined the literature, accessed recent reviews and records in major centers for the leading neuro-infections. We also reviewed treatments for the specific diseases and describe the challenges in both specific and support treatments, outcomes, long-term care, and rehabilitation.

Results

Viral infections remain the leading neuro-infections in all the WHO regions although the specific infectious agents vary. Among the acute infections associated with a critical illness are infections by Herpes simplex viruses, Human herpes virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Chikungunya and West Nile virus, bacterial meningitis especially in the newborn, tuberculous meningitis, and cerebral malaria in Africa. The major challenges with these are access to skilled care and delays in the initiation of management, diagnostic difficulties, and the absence of specific antiviral therapies all impacting both the immediate and long-term outcomes. The easily preventable parasitic infection, neurocysticercosis is the leading chronic infection and together with Onchocerca volvulus, may be the leading infections associated risk factors of epilepsy worldwide. Several other parasitic infections also play a part.

Conclusions

There is a disproportionate burden of CNS infections in the developing world, where there is a tremendous need for early and specific diagnosis, prompt initiation of care by skilled personnel, effective therapies, and resources for better outcomes.

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Presenter of 2 Presentations

 Conference Calendar
Teaching Course

PARASITIC BRAIN INFECTIONS

Session Type
Teaching Course
Session Name
1170 - TEACHING COURSE - NEUROINFECTIOUS DISEASE/TROPICAL NEUROLOGY – PRACTICAL APPROACHES TO PATIENT MANAGEMENT (ID 79)
Date
05.10.2021, Tuesday
Session Time
17:10 - 18:40
Room
Teaching Course C
Lecture Time
18:04 - 18:22
Presenter
  • Richard Idro (Uganda)
Scientific Session: T (Topics)

CHALLENGES OF NEUROINFECTIONS: WHAT REMAINS PREVALENT AND CURRENT OPTIMAL CARE

Session Type
Scientific Session: T (Topics)
Session Name
1640 - CHILD NEUROLOGY IN RESOURCE POOR SETTINGS (WFN/INTERNATIONAL CHILD NEUROLOGY ASSOCIATION JOINT SESSION) (ID 178)
Date
07.10.2021, Thursday
Session Time
09:30 - 11:00
Room
Topic A
Lecture Time
09:53 - 10:16
Presenter
  • Richard Idro (Uganda)

Abstract

Abstract Body

Background and aims
Infections of the Central Nervous System (CNS) remain a leading cause of long-term morbidity and Neuro-disability, especially in the developing world. In this paper, we outline the remaining leading neuro-infections by the WHO region and the challenges with management and current optimal care.

Methods
We examined the literature, accessed recent reviews and records in major centers for the leading neuro-infections. We also reviewed treatments for the specific diseases and describe the challenges in both specific and support treatments, outcomes, long-term care, and rehabilitation.

Results

Viral infections remain the leading neuro-infections in all the WHO regions although the specific infectious agents vary. Among the acute infections associated with a critical illness are infections by Herpes simplex viruses, Human herpes virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Chikungunya and West Nile virus, bacterial meningitis especially in the newborn, tuberculous meningitis, and cerebral malaria in Africa. The major challenges with these are access to skilled care and delays in the initiation of management, diagnostic difficulties, and the absence of specific antiviral therapies all impacting both the immediate and long-term outcomes. The easily preventable parasitic infection, neurocysticercosis is the leading chronic infection and together with Onchocerca volvulus, may be the leading infections associated risk factors of epilepsy worldwide. Several other parasitic infections also play a part.

Conclusions

There is a disproportionate burden of CNS infections in the developing world, where there is a tremendous need for early and specific diagnosis, prompt initiation of care by skilled personnel, effective therapies, and resources for better outcomes.

Hide