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Background Hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature below 35 °C, is a common yet underappreciated complication among trauma patients. It leads to coagulopathy, impaired immune response, and higher morbidity, with mortality rates rising by 25% after its onset among severely injured trauma patients. This study sought to determine the factors associated with hypothermia and its response to resuscitation among major trauma patients at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya. Methods This was a prospective observational study among 99 adult major trauma patients admitted to the emergency department at St. Francis Hospital Nsambya between November 2022 and April 2023. Patients were consecutively enrolled upon arrival and their temperatures were taken using the Braun infrared tympanic thermometer. A pretested data abstraction tool collected information on demographics, injury characteristics, and pre-admission events. The primary outcome was the prevalence of hypothermia. Data analysis was conducted using STATA Version 17.0, employing multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with hypothermia. Results A total of 99 trauma patients were included in the study, of which 39(39%) were hypothermic on hospital arrival. The majority were males, 78(78.8%) aged 26 to 45 years, 49(49.5%) (range: 27–52). Blunt trauma was the most common mechanism of injury 9(86.9%), followed by penetrating injuries 9(9.1%). Hypothermia was associated with age (Adjusted Odds Ratios [AOR]: 19.94, CI: 1.6-248.65, p  = 0.02), body region injured (AOR = 6.28, CI: 1.6-27.75, p  = 0.015), ambient temperature (AOR = 0.09, CI: 0.01–0.6, p  = 0.012), and warm clothing (AOR = 0.05, CI: 0.01–0.39, p  = 0.004). After 30 min of resuscitation, most patients had transitioned from a hypothermic state to a normothermic state, according to initial temperature measurements. This resuscitation involved keeping the patients warm using blankets and external warming devices and administering heated intravenous fluids. Conclusion Hypothermia affected 39% of major trauma patients, with advanced age and injured regions as key associations. Routine temperature monitoring, especially for older patients and those with extremity injuries, is essential. Hospitals should implement standardized hypothermia prevention protocols, ensure adequate warming equipment, and train healthcare providers in early detection and management. Further research is needed to optimize warming techniques and resuscitation strategies in trauma care.

Background Pulmonary carcinoids are rare neuroendocrine tumors accounting for less than 1% of all lung cancers. They are classified into two subcategories; typical and atypical carcinoids with the latter tending to grow faster. Historically, open thoracotomy was the standard approach for pulmonary resection. However, in the recent years, video-assisted thoracoscopy has gained popularity and become the preferred technique for resectioning pulmonary carcinoids. This report details the diagnosis and management of a pleural carcinoid tumor in a patient with recurrent unilateral pleural effusion. Case presentation A 77-year-old African male with a history of hypertension and heart failure with reduced ejection presented with a 6-month history of an irritating non-productive cough, occasional productive episodes and exertional dyspnea but no history of hemoptysis, chest pain, orthopnea, evening fevers, or significant weight loss. Despite multiple interventions, including tube drainage and antituberculosis medications, symptoms persisted. A chest X-ray was performed and it revealed a homogeneous opacity on the left, and a computed tomography scan showed mild pleural thickening especially at the bases. Video-assisted thoracoscopy was performed revealing thickened pleural and biopsies confirmed a diagnosis of malignant carcinoid tumor. The patient underwent successful pleurodesis, resulting in significant improvement. Conclusion This case highlights the pivotal role of video-assisted thoracoscopy in diagnosing and managing rare cases such as pulmonary carcinoids when less invasive methods such as thoracentesis fail.

Background Hepatitis B is a major global health concern, with chronic infections affecting approximately 296 million people yearly. A 2009 survey in East Africa showed a prevalence rate of 6.5%, with Uganda’s rate at 10.3% and Northern Uganda at 20.7%. Therefore, this study sought to determine the immune response to Hepatitis B vaccination and associated factors among children under five attending outpatient care at Mulago Assessment Centre Pediatrics clinic. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 301 children aged 1 to under 5 years at Mulago National Referral’s Pediatrics clinic was conducted in February 2023. Children were consecutively enrolled and screened for Hepatitis B core antibodies, with anti-HBs antibody titers measured. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was administered to caregivers. Data analysis was conducted using STATA Version 13.0. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with immune response, a binary outcome. Results All 301 children tested negative for Hepatitis B core antibodies. Children’s ages ranged between 1 and 4 years with most aged 2 years, 89/301(29.6%). The immune response varied from 2 IU/ml to 1000 IU/ml, with a median of 86.2 IU/ml (IQR: 14.5-239.4). The prevalence of good immune response was 77.4% (233/301) (95% CI: 72.3-81.8%), with 58.4% (95% CI: 51.9-64.6%) classified as very good responders. The factors associated with immune response were child age (aOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.16–0.97; p  = 0.044) and caregiver HIV status (aOR = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04–0.71; p  = 0.014). Conclusion Children had protective antibody levels against the Hepatitis B virus, but it is still below the expected level by the World Health Organization. The child’s age and caregiver’s HIV status were associated with immune response. Emphasis needs to be made on the Hepatitis B birth dose and booster vaccinations, especially for children over 1 year and at-risk groups, to lower transmission rates and enhance long-term Hepatitis B protection.