Population-based mortality assessment: Baidoa and Afgoi, Somalia, 1992

Article Abstract:

The mortality rates in some Somali villages are among the highest ever recorded in a famine-stricken area. Between Aug 1992 and Nov 1992, one-third of the population of Baidoa died. Body counts kept by the International Red Cross indicate that 12,255 people out of an estimated population of 37,000 died during this period. Of 349 displaced Baidoans, 137 died between Apr 1992 and Nov 1992. Seventy percent of the young children in the camps died. Of 1,004 residents of Afgoi, a town 19 miles from Mogadishu, almost 10% died between Apr 1992 and Dec 1992. In both communities, the most common causes of death were measles and diarrhea. Mortality rates are often high in refugee camps, but many of the deaths could be prevented. Measles vaccination, oral rehydration treatment and vitamin A supplements should be offered to all children in refugee camps and other war-torn areas.

Victims of famine, Famine victims, Somalis

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Reduced mortality risk in alcoholics who achieve long-term abstinence

Article Abstract:

Mortality rates in alcoholics who abstain from alcohol for long periods of time are no higher than those in the general population. Of 199 alcoholics enrolled in a treatment program who were followed up to 11 years, 101 relapsed and 98 achieved long-term abstinence. At 11 years, the mortality rate in the abstainers was similar to that in a control group of 92 non-alcoholics, but the rate in the relapsed alcoholics was five times higher than would be expected in the general population. The mortality rate was especially high in relapsed alcoholics between the ages of 20 and 45; there were nine times as many deaths as would be expected in the general population. Smoking did not appear to be associated with increased mortality in relapsed alcoholics, since abstainers smoked as much as relapsers, and both groups smoked more than the non-alcoholics.

Alcoholism, Alcoholics, Temperance

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Glucose control and mortality in critically ill patients

Article Abstract:

Reducing a critically ill patient's blood sugar may lower their risk of death, according to a study of 531 patients. Many critically ill patients have high blood sugar even if they are not diabetic. Lowering their blood sugar may be beneficial, but it may be better to use other drugs rather than insulin. In this study, insulin actually increased the risk of death.

Hyperglycemia, Critically ill, Death of

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