Percutaneous coronary interventions in Sudan: insights from severely influenced conflict zone

Sudan is among the few countries in sub-Saharan Africa that offers free thrombolytic therapy and complimentary access to catheterization laboratories for its patients. This study examines the patterns of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) conducted within 1 year during the Sudan war of 2023-2024 in low-resource regions within the conflict zone.

We conducted a retrospective descriptive analysis at El-Obeid International Hospital in North Kordofan State, Sudan, from April 2023 to 2024. We have systematically collected data pertaining to patients who underwent the procedure during the specified period.

We investigated 100 patients who underwent PCIs. We performed PCIs in 80% of cases for patients with acute coronary syndrome and 20% for those with chronic coronary syndrome. All patients involved in the procedures used drug-eluting stents. Males constituted 64% of the total, while females accounted for the remaining 36%. The most common age groups are 60-69 and 50-59, with incidence rates of 31 and 30%, respectively. Approximately 51% of the participants resided in rural areas, while the remaining 49% were from urban locations. About 32% of the patients held employment, while 24% were unemployed. In 92% of cases, the vascular access was femoral, while the remaining 8% utilized radial access.

It is feasible to establish and maintain catheterization laboratory services despite the challenges posed by war and the associated risks to personal safety. We must enhance healthcare policies, regional networks, and training to improve access to thrombolytic therapy within the necessary timeframe. Certain centers in Sudan can safely conduct primary PCI.