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Research Areas

RESEARCH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ANAESTHESIOLOGY

  • Total Intravenous Anaesthesia with Propofol and Renifentanyl under Biospectral Index Monitor guidance. (ongoing)
  • Survey on patients' attitude towards epidural analgesia in labour (ongoing).
  • Epidural Analgesia in Labour: Ghanaian Obstetrician attitude and knowledge. (ongoing)
  • The incidence of Post discharge Nausea and Vomiting among day case surgical patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. (ongoing)
  • Random Measurements of endotracheal tube cuff pressure. (ongoing)
  • Post-operative pain assessment and patients' satisfaction at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. (ongoing)
  • Patients' knowledge about the operations they are going to have. (ongoing)
  • Anaesthesia and post-operative agitation. (ongoing)

RESEARCH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY

  • Morphological Variations in Human Umbilical Cords and Ultrasonography of Human Placentae
  • Morphological aspects of human implantation using a human trophoblastic cell line, human placental cells and human endometrium
  • Ultrasonography of the human endometrium in fertile and infertile women
  • Morphology of the human endometrium in infertile wome,
  • Luteal Phase Defect in Infertile Women
  • Anthropological studies on human skeletons
  • Sacroiliac joint injection
  • Studies on pathophysiological changes in human sepsis and multi-organ dysfunction using caecal ligation and puncture in the rat
  • The effect of sepsis on rat spinal cord.

 

Collaborative research is on-going between the Departments of Anatomy, Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SMS), Pathology (SMS & UGMS) and Biological Sciences, KNUST.

We have also made progress on student thesis supervision and are currently supervising eight final year Medical Laboratory Technology students and four MSc students in various projects. Dr. Chrissie S. Abaidoo and her research team  in collaboration with Prof Alistair M. Warren, Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, UK are using a variety of quantitative microanatomical techniques, microanatomical methods and quantitative ultrastructure to provide objective, numerical information on cell structure and to enable subtle changes to be recognized, in order to characterize the cellular events around the time of implantation in normal fertile women and various types of infertility.

They have produced a data bank on the ultrasonography of the thickness and texture of the endometrium throughout the stages of the menstrual cycle which could be used by clinical staff for the quick evaluation of the endometrium in infertile women. In addition, they have established baseline data on "BeWo cells" a human trophoblastic cell line. They have shown that BeWo cell morphology has marked similarities to normal human cytotrophoblast cells making it a useful substitute for human trophoblast. Furthermore they have shown that the interactions between BeWo cells and human endometrium is a useful model of early human implantation and can be used for in vitro study of some of the early aspects of human implantation.

Dr. Chrissie S. Abaidoo`s team have also established baseline data on "out of phase" endometrial morphology in Infertile Women and Morphological Variations in Human Umbilical Cords and placentae. Defective Luteal phase development has been shown to affect fertility by rendering the uterine lining non-receptive around the peri-implantation period.

Dr. C. K. Osabutey's team have thrown light on the use of anatomical landmarks for therapeutic injections to the sacroiliac joints as a valuable alternative to other guidance modalities in patients with sacroilities. They have also shown that caecal ligation and puncture in the rat mimics the pathophysiological changes in human sepsis and causes multiorgan dysfunction

RESEARCH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES

  • History of Psychiatry in West Africa
  • Psychotherapy in West Africa
  • Suicide and Attempted Suicide
  • Admissions to the psychiatric unit of a Teaching hospital in Ghana
  • Music as a treatment option or adjunct
  • HIV/AIDS: Prospects of Behavioral Change in Ghana
  • Cross-cultural perceptions of control, coping and well-being
  • Participant's perception of research benefits
  • The community's role in informed consent
  • The role of Pastors in service delivery in Psychiatry

RESEARCH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILD HEALTH

A multi-centre, randomised, double-blind study to compare the efficacy and safety of
chlorproguanil-dapsone-artesunate versus chlorproguanil-dapsone in the treatment of
acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in children, adolescents and adults
in Africa. [2006 -]

HypoArgininaemaia in cerebral malaria. Malaria pathophysiology study [2006] Objective: To define some factors affecting the development of cerebral malaria.

MalariaGEN (Malaria Genomic Epidemiological Network). Sponsored by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. [2006-] Objective: To establish the genetic link between severe malaria and genes.

Clinical investigation: African Quinine versus Artesunate Malaria Trial (AQUAMAT) Sponsored by Wellcome Trust. [2006-] Objective: Comparing the use of parentral artesuante and quinine in the management of malaria Ongoing at the PEU.

Efficacy and Safety of Rectal Artesunate- A Randomized Controlled Study. Sponsored by WHO/TDR. [2005-] Objective: Safety and efficacy trial of rectal artesunate in children.

Barekuma Collaborative Community Development Programme. An international collaboration between Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of UTAH-United States of America (USA) and Atwima Nwabiagya District Assembly [2005-].

Objective: Develop a Demographic and health surveillance site for clinical trial and action research.
Paediatric Bacterial Meningitis (PBM) surveillance programme. Sponsored by WHO/AFRO.
Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR) study.

A Phase II randomized, controlled, partially-blind study of the safety and immunogenicity of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals' candidate Plasmodium falciparum vaccines RTS,S/AS02D and RTS,S/AS01E, when administered IM according to one of three dose schedules in children aged 5 to 17 months living in Ghana.

Schistosoma haematobium infection in School Children in Barekuma in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Sickle cell infection study- a study into the causes of fever in children with sickle
cell disease. Sponsored by NIH-USA.

The Department is also a site for disease surveillance for Haemophilus influenza type b (HiB) infections and Rotavirus diarrhea in children in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

RESEARCH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY

  • Mosquito ecology and malaria control
  • lymphatic filariasis
  • Effect of parasitic infections on pregnancy
  • Malaria, Environmental Health
  • Investigation of the Links Between impact of Climate variability on malaria incidence in the Forest Zones of Ghana
  • Opportunistic parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients
  • Neglected parasitic diseases
  • Anti- malaria plant medicines for the treatment of malaria zoonotic diseases, climate change and its impact on Human and Animal health
  • Control of reproductive tract infections including those sexually transmitted
  • Interventions for HIV control including HSV-2 therapy
  • Microbicides and circumcision, and antimicrobial susceptibilities of clinical isolates including extended â-lactamase production at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
  • Efficacies of medicinal plants as anti-retroviral therapy
  • Virological and immunological parameters that are altered in HIV infected patients Undergoing Highly Active
  • Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) or herbal treatment, mechanism(s) underlying HIV Infection in HIV-infected discordant couples
  • Effect of HIV-2 co-infection on HIV-1-infected patients' response to the HAART
  • Detection and characterization of Human Metapneumovirus in Children admitted at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
  • Comparison of direct fluorescence assay, and viral isolation and molecular techniques in the Diagnosis of respiratory infections. At the Agogo Hospital in the Asante Akyem North District
  • The department is also involved in studying neglected infectious diseases in children

 

RESEARCH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY HEALTH

  • The near-miss enquiry approach for improving obstetric care in Ghana. Collaborative research with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK (completed and awaiting publication). Sponsored by DFID-UK.
  • Home management of childhood givers in rural Ghana (completed and awaiting publication). Sponsored by WHO/TDR.
  • Supervised treatment for malaria control in pregnancy in Ejisu-Juaben (completed and awaiting publication). Sponsored by WHO/TDR.
  • Supervised treatment for malaria control in pregnancy in Ejisu-Juaben II: comparing
    early versus late treatment. A double-blind randomized controlled trail. Collaboration
    with Staten Serum Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark. Sponsored by RUF-DANIDA.
  • Intermittent malaria treatment and daily iron supplementation for prevention and control of malaria and anaemia in infants in the forest belt of rural Ghana. Sponsored by WHO/TDR.
  • Community-based interventions to improve child survival Sponsored by UNICEF In collaboration with KCCR there is work on genetic susceptibility to tuberculosis AIDS sero-prevalence and willingness to undergo voluntary counselling and testing by health workers.
  • Implementing Community-Integrated Management of Childhood Illness in Northern Ghana (ongoing)
  • Assessment of Emergency Obstetric Care and Essential Newborn Care in the three northern regions of Ghana (ongoing)
  • Home Management of childhood fevers in urban Ghana (ongoing)
  • Reproductive Health needs of Migrant Female Head Potters in Kumasi (preparatory stage)
  • Family Health and Wealth Study (preparatory stage)
  • Sero-status disclosure among HIV+ patients (just began)
  • Health and development programmes and policy mapping exercise in Upper East region and the rest of Ghana (completed) Sponsored by Johns Hopkins University.

RESEARCH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EYE, EAR, NOSE AND THROAT

  • The Causes and Prevalence of Acquired Childhood Deafness and Adult Hearing-Impairment in Ghana.
  • Molecular Genetics of Congenital Deafness
  • Distribution of Conexin 26 R143W, a Gene Mutation for the cause of Non-Syndromic Deafness in Ghana.
  • Occupational Hearing Loss
  • Identification Audiometry
  • Aural Rehabilitation Brainstem Evoked Responses (ABRs).
  • Ear, Nose and Throat diseases in children
  • Mastoidectomy
  • Diseases of the Middle Ear
  • Articulation and Phonological Disorders
  • Speech-language Disorders in aphasic Children and Adults.
  • Speech-language Management for Cleft Palate patients
  • Voice Management in tracheotomy and laryngectomy patients
  • Assessment and management of Stuttering in Children and Adults
  • Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) Systems
  • Congenital Glaucoma
  • Lid Reconstruction
  • Orbital Tumours
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Ocular Trauma
  • Childhood Blindness
  • Retinoblastoma and its management in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital can it be
    modified?
  • The Causative Organisms in Ocular Corneal Ulcers
  • Causes of Ocular Trauma in Kumasi Intra-Ocular pressures in 5-year period after trabeanlectomy in Congenital Glaucoma.
  • Bacteriology in Otitis Media
  • Patterns of hearing loss in Diabetic patients
  • Hearing Sensitivity and related Acoustic Impedance Findings
  • Characteristics of hearing loss among patients at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,
    Kumasi
  • Ear, Nose and Throat manifestations in HIV/AIDS patients
  • Assessment and therapy to Articulation and Phonological Disordered in Ghana
  • Articulation Test for the Twi language in Ghana

RESEARCH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE

  • Cerebrovascular Accident and metabolic study a pilot study of rapid, pointof- care HIV testing in the VCT and TB clinics at KATH.
  • Viral load testing and resistance patterns in HIV

RESEARCH FOR THE MOLECULAR MEDICINE

  • Reproductive Health disorders among Ghanaian men and women in their reproductive age: 2006-2008 - Dr. F. A. Yeboah
  • Capacity Development and Adaptation to climate change on Human Health Vulnerability in Ghana: 2007 - 2008 - Dr. F. A. Yeboah
  • The Impact of contraceptive usage on the reproductive health status of Ghanaian
    Women: 2006 - 2008 - Dr. F. A. Yeboah
  • Iron deficiency, cognitive function and polymorphism among School Children at the Atwima-Bosomtwe Kwanwoma District in Ashanti Region - Dr. F. A. Yeboah
  • Free Radicals and reactive oxidative species role in the aetiology and progression of HIV/AIDS: Dr. F. A. Yeboah
  • Heavy Metal toxicity as an occupational hazard among artisan mechanics of the Suame Magazine - Dr. F. A. Yeboah
  • Inter-laboratory Assessment of certain plasma analytes as an adjunct to Clinical diagnosis. 2008 - 2009 - Dr. F. A. Yeboah
  • Characterization of the Molecular and Biochemical risk factors of cataracts in Komfo Anokye teaching hospital KATH. 2008 - 2009 - Dr. F. A. Yeboah
  • Pregnancy-induced oxidative stress in women at 12 - 40weeks of gestation.- Dr. F. A. Yeboah2007 – 2009
  • Evaluation of Cardiovascular Disease in Type II Diabetics - Dr. F.N.K. Arthur & Dr. F. A. Yeboah 2009
  • Levels of Troponin and Lactate Dehydrogenase in type II diabetes in relationship with Coronary Heart Disease. 2008-Dr. F.N.K. Arthur & Dr. F. A. Yeboah
  • Obesity & lifestyle relationship with serum uric acid levels in the aetiology of gout disease levels. - Dr. F.N.K. Arthur & Dr. F. A. Yeboah, 2008
  • Reverse-Transcriptase PCR as the most reliable marker for early and accurate diagnosis of Prostate Cancer - Dr. (Mrs.) M. T. Frempong, 2008.
  • The Use of PSA, Free PSA/Total PSA ratio and Biopsy for the diagnosis of Prostate Cancer - Dr. (Mrs.) M. T. Frempong.
  • The role of CCR2 and CCR5 Chemokine receptors in the Transmission of HIV infection and later disease progression - Dr. (Mrs.) M.T. Frempong.
  • Anaemia and chronic kidney disease in type II diabetes mellitus - Dr. E. F. Laing (2006-2008)
    Thyroid dysfucntion in diabetes mellitus - Dr. E. F. Laing - (2006-2008)
  • Oxidative stress and effects of anti-oxidant vitamins in type II Diabetes Mellitus - Dr. E. F. Laing (2007-2009)
  • Insulin resistance and its measurement in type II diabetes mellitus - Dr. E. F. Laing (2006-2008)
  • The use of glycosylated haemoglobin in the differentiation of normoglycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance- Dr. E. F. Laing (2007-2009)
  • Anti-oxidant properties of Moringer Oleifera in type II diabetes mellitus Dr. E. F. Laing (2008-2010)
  • The correlation between Renal Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu (2007-2009)
  • The Putative Risk Factors among Ghanaian Women presenting with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu (2006-2009).
  • The estimation of Renal Function and Electrolyte homeostasis among Ghanaian women presenting with Pregnancy Induced Hypertension - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu (2006-2009)
  • The correlation between Anthropometry and Fertility indices in men and women- Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu
  • The correlation between indices of obesity, cardiovascular risk factors and religious denominations and sects - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu (2008-2010)
  • Comparison between the BT 3000 Chemistry Autoanalyzer and the WHO recommended (o-cresolphthalein complexone) method for estimating serum calcium - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu (2009-2010)
  • The effect of tube quality and bench time on blood glucose estimation - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu (2009-2010)
  • Correlation between Anthropometry, serum uric acid concentration and blood pressure in the Kumasi metropolis - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu (2009-2010)
  • Determination of reference ranges for plasma glucose, serum urea and creatinine in the Kumasi metropolis (2009-2010) - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu
  • Comparison of creatinine clearance with the predictive equations for estimating renal function - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu, (2009-2010).
  • Estimation of the effect of lead on erythropoiesis among mechanics in the automobile industry in Kumasi - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu, (2009-2010).
  • Evaluation of the correlation between markers of cardiovascular risk and severity of
    erectile dysfunction among Ghanaian diabetics - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu (2008-2010)
  • The role of Hormonal and Metabolic Imbalances in the manifestation of Psychiatric presentations - Dr. W.K.B.A. Owiredu, (2009 -2011).

RESEARCH FOR THE OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY

Ghana Couples Family Planning Study and Mainstreaming Emergency Contraception in Ghana.
These two are collaborative reproductive health studies with the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health (USA) under the linkage between KNUST SMS and the Bill and Melinda Gates Institute.

International Caesarean Section Techniques Trial. This is an international study in Caesarean section techniques with the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit of University of Oxford.

African women and cervical cancer. This is a multicentre study to determine Human Papilloma virus distribution in cervical cancers in Africa. It is sponsored by Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceutical Company.

Complications of pregnancy study. This is a collaborative study with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA.

RESEARCH FOR THE PATHOLOGY

  • Is Estimation of Prostatic specific antigen a good index for prostatic cancer? - K.A Boateng.
  • Autopsy study of Schistosmias of the Bladder K.A. Boateng.
  • A study of Malignancies of Gastrointestinal tract - K.A. Boateng
  • Autopsy study of Liver Cell Cancer K.A. Boateng.
  • A study of Tumors of the Eye K.A. Boateng
  • Suicides in Ghana K.A. Boateng.
  • An approach to disputed paternity management in Ashanti K.A.Boateng.
  • An ovulatory Cycle as a cause of Infertility at KATH K. A. Boateng.
  • A study of Amyloidosis at KATH K.A. Boateng.

RESEARCH FOR THE PHYSIOLOGY

Dr Plange-Rhule is engaged in a project to improve cardiovascular health through a physical activity intervention in at-risk individuals in the Amansie East District of Ashanti Region and the impact of fruit and vegetable eating habits on cardiovascular health amongst pupils the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region. He is currently setting up a study in collaboration with colleagues from Loyola University, California, USA, on "Modelling the Epidemiology Transition" with special reference to activity energy expenditure and obesity.

RESEARCH FOR THE SURGERY

  • Breast cancer (ongoing).
  • Aetiology of gastric outlet obstruction (ongoing).
  • Gastric malignancies (ongoing).
  • Prospective study in Typhoid Perforations (ongoing).
  • Buruli Ulcer (ongoing).
  • Epidemiology of Trauma and Violence in Ghana (ongoing).
  • Colonic cancers (ongoing).
  • Sigmoid volvulus (ongoing).
  • Prospective study into the causes of acute abdomen in sub-Saharan Africa Hospital (ongoing).
  • Neonatal malformations (ongoing).
  • Malformations in children (ongoing).
  • Hirschsprung's disease management (ongoing).
  • Prostate cancer (ongoing).
  • Male Infertility (ongoing).
  • Priapism (ongoing).
  • Cleft lip and palate deformity (ongoing).
  • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (ongoing)
  • Autogenous tissue for reconstruction in the maxillofacial region (ongoing)
  • CNS abnormalities (ongoing)
  • Aetiology of road traffic accidents at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (ongoing)
  • Management of complicated leg injuries at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (ongoing)
  • Buccal mucosa use in urethroplasty
  • The incidence of chest injuries in the ICU from 2003 in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (ongoing)
  • Pneumatic reduction of intussusceptions at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (ongoing)