Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy: A Propos of 151 Cases Collected during a Multicentric Study in Senegal

Introduction: Bilirubin encephalopathy is a debilitating complication of severe neonatal unconjugated bilirubin jaundice. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of this complication and to describe the diagnostic and prognostic aspects in Senegal. Materials and Methods: This was a multicenter, descriptive and analytical study conducted in 32 neonatal units of various levels, with retrospective (January to December 2020) and prospective (January to August 2021) collection. All neonates hospitalized for acute bilirubin encephalopathy were included. The diagnostic criteria were the presence of jaundice associated with neurological signs (muscle tone disorders, abnormal movements, convulsions, etc.), with no other obvious etiology found. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. The significance threshold was retained for a p-value Results: We registered 151 patients. The mean age was 6 days and the sex ratio was 2.5 (clear male predominance). The majority of newborns were from Dakar (51%). Twenty-two (22%) were premature and 32% had low birth weight. Half of the newborns (50%) came from home and 87% were exclusively breastfed. The average time to consult was 3 days. Neurological signs were dominated by decreased primitive reflexes (74%), abnormal movements (59%) and lethargy (50%). Dehydration (30%) and anemia (26%) were often associated. The mean bilirubin level was 416 umol/l. Neonatal infections (19%) and Rhesus (16.7%) and ABO (8.7) incompatibility were the main causes. One third (33%) of patients had received intensive phototherapy and only 2% had received exchange blood transfusion. The case fatality was 48.9%. Conclusion: Bilirubin encephalopathy remains a major concern in Senegal. It is associated with high mortality and numerous neurological sequelae. Progress in terms of early detection and appropriate management is urgently needed on a national scale.

The Epidemiological, Clinical and Radiological (Echography, Mammography) Characteristics of Breast Pathologies at the Diagnostic Imaging Center (C.I.D) “Teriya” in Bamako

Breast pathology is varied, bringing together tumor and non-tumor lesions. Objective: To study the contribution of the ultrasound-mammography pair in the diagnosis of breast pathologies. Materials and Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study, carried out over a period of 3 years (from January 2018 to December 2020) at the Diagnostic Imaging Center (C.I.D) “TERIYA” in BAMAKO. It concerned all patients who came for a mammogram/ultrasound examination of the breast. All women admitted for mammogram or breast ultrasound who were diagnosed with a breast injury during the study period were included. Incomplete records and radiological checks were not included. The variables analyzed were age, sex, clinical data, and ultrasound and mammography aspects. The devices used are: a Voluson 730 PRO ultrasound machine and a G 600T type mammography machine. Results: At the end of our study, we collected 254 breast pathologies on a number of 382 women, i.e. a frequency of 66.49%. The average age of our patients was 41 years old. The dominant clinical data were mastodynia (41.88%) and mammary nodule (21.70%). On imaging (mammo-ultrasound) the lesions predominated on the left in 36% of cases, bilateral in 28% of cases and in the upper-outer quadrants in 31.5% of cases. Tumor pathologies represented 66.54% of which 45.27% were benign mainly composed of fibro-adenoma (20.88%) and cyst (18.50%), 11.8% of suspected cases and 9.45% of cancers. Non-tumor pathologies represented 33.46%, mainly mastitis (16.14%), galactophoric dilations (11.02%) and abscesses (5.51%). These pathologies were classified in 50.3% in ACR2, 17.75% in ACR3 and 4, and in 14.20% in ACR5. Lymphadenopathy was present in 73.21% of cases.

Congenital Cyanogenic Heart Disease in Children: About 420 Cases in Africa

Congenital cyanogenic heart disease (CCHD) is a malformation of the heart and large vessels characterized by an oxygen desaturation in the arterial blood, responsible for cyanosis. The general objective was to study the profile of CCHD in Senegalese hospitals. This is a retrospective study carried out over a period of 8 years (January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2017) and including all children aged 0 to 16 years followed for a CCHD. The hospital prevalence was 0.87% for 420 cases collected. The sex ratio was 1.44 and the average age at diagnosis was 16 months. First degree parental consanguinity was noted in 36 cases (30.78%). The main reasons for consultation were breathing difficulty in 242 cases (57.62%) and fever in 136 patients (32.36%). Apart from cyanosis, the clinical signs were dominated by the heart murmur in 313 cases (74.7%), tachycardia in 283 cases (67.38%) and digital hippocratism in 162 cases (38.57%). Cardiomegaly was found in 239 patients (83.36%). The main types of CCHD were tetralogy of Fallot and transposition of the large vessels. In biology, 206 patients (49.05%) presented polyglobulia. A complete surgical cure was carried out in 22 patients (5.24%). Complications were anoxic crisis (52 cases) and hemorrhagic syndrome (17 cases). There were 97 deaths (28.28%) during hospitalization. The diagnosis of CCHD is late in our country and surgical management is poor explaining the high mortality.

Impact of COVID19 on Routine Immunization: A Cross-Sectional Study in Senegal

Introduction: The COVID 19 pandemic has prompted the world to implement drastic prevention methods based on limiting population movements that have an impact on public health policies such as vaccination. The objective of this work was to evaluate the impact of these prevention measures on routine vaccination in hospitals since the advent of the pandemic in Senegal. Methodology: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study carried out in August 2020 in the vaccination unit of the Abass NDAO hospital centre. We compared data from the vaccination unit during the period from March to August of the last three years (2018, 2019 and 2020). The parameter studied was the number of vaccine doses administered for the different periods according to the expanded programme of immunization. Results: For the vaccines administered in the sixth week in April, the number of doses was 36 in 2018, 29 in 2019 and 15 in 2020, i.e. a 50% drop compared to March. In July the number of doses administered was 40 in 2018, 35 in 2019 and 15 in 2020, a reduction of 42% compared to 2019. Conclusion: Measures to fight this pandemic should not make us forget routine vaccination, especially in our resource-constrained countries. It is essential to continue vaccination for children and to identify children who have missed vaccine doses for catch-up.

A Severe COVID-19 Infection in Neonates: A Case Report

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infectious disease. First case was reported at the end of 2019 in China. Children and neonate population appears to be relatively free of the virus. We reported a severe and fatal neonate case of COVID-19 in a 22 days old neonate female due to the delta variant strain during the third wave outbreak. She presented with fever, cough, grunting and diarrhea started 5 days before admission. Physical exam’s revealed severe respiratory distress, hypoxia and bilateral pulmonary condensation. PCR test for COVID-19 was positive. Chest X-ray found bilateral infiltrates. Chest CT showed diffuse ground glass images with 75% of lung parenchymal involvement. She was treated with antibiotics, corticostoid, respiratory support (CPAP and oxygen). Death occurred after 15 days of hospitalization in the context of multiple organ failure and pulmonary hypertension.

Statural and Weight Growth of Low Birth Weight at 9 Months

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) is defined as a birth weight 2500 g at birth, regardless of the term of pregnancy. The objective of this study is to evaluate their stature and weight growth from 0 to 9 months of corrected age (CA) in Senegal. Methodology: This is a prospective, descriptive, and analytical cohort follow-up up to 9 months of CA including all live newborns of LBW hospitalized and followed up from 01 August 2019 to 31 May 2020. World Health Organization growth charts were used to assess stature and weight growth. Results: During the study 136 LBW newborns were included. The mean gestational age was 32 weeks of amenorrhea. At discharge, 46 children (33.82%) were exclusively breastfed. At birth, the mean weight was 1487 g (3rd-10th percentile) and the mean height was 41.52 cm (10th-25th percentile). At 9 months of CA, the mean weight was 8119 g (median) and the mean height was 74 cm (median). The children had achieved satisfactory growth in weight (84%) and height (89%). At 9 months of CA, 27% of the children were behind in one of the four areas of psychomotor development. Conclusion: At the end of 9 months of CA, stature and weighted growth was normal.

Metabolic Emergencies in Newborns in a Subsaharian Neonatology Department: Evaluation of Glucose, Sodium and Potassium Disorders

Introduction: Metabolic neonatal adaptation is a complex phenomenon and metabolic disorders can be frequent in immature newborns or in life-threatening situations. In Low and Middle income countries (LMIC) the difficult access to some diagnostic tests makes the management of the metabolic emergencies challenging. The main objectives of this study were to assess the frequency and circumstances of occurrence and to describe the clinical picture associated with glucose, sodium and potassium disorders in neonates. Patients and Methods: Our study was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted in the neonatology unit of National Children Hospital Albert Royer in Dakar (Senegal) from January 1 to December 31, 2014. Results: The prevalence of the studied metabolic disorders was 46.7%. The most common metabolic disorder noted was Hyperglycemia followed by Hyponatremia. Thermoregulation disturbances were found particularly in newborns with serum sodium disorders (hyponatremia 33.5% and hypernatremia 59.7%). Neurological signs were noted in case of blood sugar abnormalities (hypoglycemia 26.1% and hyperglycemia 29.8%). Half of the newborns with hyperglycemia (82 cases/50%) had blood sugar levels greater than or equal to 2 g/l. Hypernatremia was severe (Serum sodium> 180 mmol/l) in 12 neonates (16.7%). The main diagnoses retained were sepsis (159 cases/45.4%), prematurity (96 cases/27.4%), intrauterine growth retardation (66 cases/18.9%), malformations (63 cases/18%), perinatal asphyxia (44 cases/12.6%) and malnutrition (36 cases/10.3%). For most metabolic disorders, the correction was late and was done beyond 48 hours. On average, the correction time varied between 3 hours and 6 days. The most frequent complications were cerebral edema (12 cases), brain death (8 cases) and increased intracranial pressure (3 cases). The most lethal disorders were Hyperkalemia followed by Hyperglycemia. Conclusion: Metabolic disorders especially glucose, sodium and potassium disorders are common in newborns. They are medical emergencies that can lead to vital instability and death. Their management is challenging in low-income countries due to the lack of adapted facilities and means to diagnose them. It is therefore important to improve the availability of technical methods and means of biological analysis in hospital laboratories and to monitor closely all newborns for early diagnosis of these disorders.

Particularities of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease in Senegal

Introduction: Tuberculosis and sickle cell disease are one of the main global health priorities particularly in Africa. We aimed to determine the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of tuberculosis in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease. Patients and methods: Patients aged 0 - 20 years with sickle cell anemia presented with tuberculosis at the Centre Hospitalier National d’Enfants Albert Royer (CHNEAR), Dakar, Senegal were included in the study. Medical history, risk factors, clinical, bacteriological, and outcome data was collected. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software, version 16. Results: A total of 25 cases of tuberculosis were documented from January 1st, 1991 to December 31st, 2019 (hospital prevalence: 0.97%). Mean age was 12.5 years. The sex ratio was 1.5 (15 girls and 10 boys). Pulmonary tuberculosis in 14 cases was the most frequent followed by lymph nodes in 7 cases involvement and Pott’s disease in 4 cases. In 5 patients Tb was multifocal. Mean duration of treatment was 8.27 months (6 to 12 months). Outcome was good on antituberculosis treatment. None patient died. Conclusion: Children and adolescents with sickle cell disease can be infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pulmonary tuberculosis, lymph nodes and bone involvement are the most frequent localizations. Outcome is good on antituberculosis treatment.

Prevalence of Renal Failure in Children and the Need for Dialysis in Paediatric Nephrology in a Developing Country

Background: Renal failure is among the major visceral failures responsible for morbidity and mortality in children. Epidemiological data on renal failure in children are limited in sub-Saharan Africa, including Senegal. We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of renal failure (RF) and the need for dialysis in the paediatric nephrology unit. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study in the pediatric nephrology unit from 1st January 2020 to 30 June 2021, including children with acute or chronic RF. The need for dialysis was judged to be met by its effectiveness in face of an indication. The data collected were analysed on sphinx plus 2017 software. Results: The prevalence of RF was 60% (n/N = 132/220). RF was acute in 59% (n/N = 78/132) of cases. The mean age was 6.53 ± 4.77 years with a sex ratio of 1.8. The mean serum creatinine level was 27.22 mg/L (240.9 μmol/L) and BUN at 0.85 g/L. The aetiologies were dominated by prerenal AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) complicating nephrotic syndrome (NS) in 37.2% (n/N = 29/78) and dehydration due to stomach flu in 17.6% (n/N = 9/51). Acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis including group A streptococcus and plasmodium falciparum accounted for 16.7% (n = 13/78) of intrinsic AKI. The need for dialysis was unmet in 50% (n/N = 7/14) with a mortality of 14.1% (n/N = 11/78). The mean age of the patients with chronic RF was 8.68 ± 4.74 years with a sex ratio of 2.6. The mean serum creatinine level was 36.56 mg/L (323.5 μmol/L) and the BUN level was 0.99 g/L. Half of the children were classified as having CKD stage II (early stage). The aetiologies were dominated by primary focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), 53.7% (n/N = 29/54), renal hypoplasia, 22.2% (n/N = 12/54) and reflux nephropathy, 29.4% (n/N = 5/17). The need for dialysis was unmet in 46.1% (n/N = 6/13). The overall mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with RF was 29.6% (n/N = 8/27). Conclusion: The prevalence of RF was high in the unit. Most aetiologies of AKI were accessible to prevention. Only half of the children had access to free dialysis, hence the need for a dedicated pilot dialysis centre.

Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Aspects of Cardiogenic Shock in Children at the Albert Royer Children’s Hospital in Dakar

Introduction: The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of cardiogenic shock in children at the Albert Royer Children’s Hospital in Dakar. Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study from January 2020 to February 2021, including all children aged 2 months to 16 years hospitalised for cardiogenic shock diagnosed on the basis of clinical and ultrasound criteria. Results: During the study, 38 patients were hospitalised for cardiogenic shock. The hospital prevalence was 4.2%. The mean age of onset of shock was 64 months, and there was a predominance of females with a sex ratio of 1.92. Consanguinity was found in 42% of the patients. Consanguinity was found in 42% of patients. Infection was identified as a trigger for cardiogenic shock in 18 (52.9%) of our patients. The most common type of heart disease was rheumatic heart disease in 12 (32%) of the patients. The mortality rate was 65.8%. Conclusion: Cardiogenic shock is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. Its prevalence and mortality are still high in developing countries.

Epidemiology of Admissions in a Pediatric Emergency Department in Albert Royer Hospital Dakar

Background: Pediatric emergencies are a public health priority in Senegal. The objective was to describe the epidemiology of admissions to the emergency department of the Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. Methods: Prospective, descriptive and analytical study over a period of 4 months (January-April 2020). The study population was children admitted for vital distress. Results: A total of 300 children met the inclusion criteria and represented the study population (2.83%). The majority (70.67%) were younger than 60 months, compared with 2.00% of newborns. Boys represented 53.8%, sex ratio 1.16. A proportion of 35.1% was referred. More than half of our patients (55.88%) were managed within 30 minutes of arrival. Medicalized transport concerned 21.5% against 78.5% of nonmedicalized. Emergencies were dominated by respiratory distress (56.33%), dehydration (29%) and shock (13.33%). We recorded 16 deaths (5.3%). This mortality was significantly related to the low socio-economic level (p = 0.000), as well as the young age of the children (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Life-threatening emergencies are frequent and responsible for significant lethality. Health policy efforts are still needed to reduce this infant and child morbidity and mortality.

Neonatal Mortality in Rural Area in Senegal

Most newborn deaths occur in two regions of the world, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. In Senegal, much progress has been made over the past two decades with a reduction in overall infant mortality by 38%. However, the decline in neonatal mortality has been slower during the same period. The objective of this study is to assess neonatal mortality, to determine the different causes and to make recommendations for improving care in rural areas. This is a retrospective study with a descriptive and analytical aim carried out in the pediatrics department of the Diourbel regional hospital, 130 km from Dakar, the Senegalese capital, over a 12-month period from January 1 to January 31, December 2018. All newborns hospitalized in the pediatric ward during the study period were included. Overall mortality was 30.6%, newborns between 0 and 7 days accounted for 90.6% of deaths, INBORNs accounted for 62.3% of deaths. Newborns whose mother’s age was between 20 and 35 years of age accounted for 69.3% of deaths. Newborns of first-time mothers accounted for 40.2% of deaths and those of multiparous mothers 31%. Newborns who did not reach term accounted for 58.9% of deaths. Newborns admitted for respiratory distress represented the majority of deaths 45.5% (n = 93) followed by those with low birth weight 32.5 (n = 65) followed by those with neurological manifestations 30.5 (n = 62). Conclusion: Neonatal mortality is very high in the Diourbel region and the main cause is the lack of human resources and a very insufficient technical platform. The fight against this mortality involves improving the technical platform and recruiting sufficient and well-trained staff.

Assessment of Insulin Therapy in 281 Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes in Senegal

Introduction: In Senegal, with the CDIC “Changing Diabetes In children” project, insulin has been made free. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accessibility and modalities of insulin therapy in the management of type 1 diabetes. Methodology: This was a retrospective study including patients followed for type 1 diabetes (T1DM) in hospital between April 2018 and December 2020. Results: 281 patients were included. The mean age was 14.22 years. The mean age at diagnosis was 11.28 years. Ketoacidosis was the main mode of discovery of diabetes at 51.6%. Premix and rapid insulins were most commonly used at 84.7% and 82.9% respectively, most often in combination. The most commonly used treatment regimen was three injections/day in 82.5% of cases. The average daily insulin dose was 0.62 IU/Kg/dr. Of the patients, 219 (78%) were self-monitoring of blood glucose. The average number of blood glucose checks was 1.78 per day. 76 patients (27%) went days without an insulin injection and up to 7 days in 51% of cases. The main reasons were forgetfulness, therapeutic errors and stock-outs. Hypoglycaemia was observed in 14.2%. The average glycated haemoglobin was 10%. Conclusion: Despite the efforts made, there are still challenges to improve access to insulin. The reinforcement of therapeutic education on insulin therapy is essential for a better quality of life of diabetic children and adolescents.

Pelvic Tuberculosis Simulating an Ovarian Tumor at a Stage of Peritoneal Carcinosis

Tuberculosis is a global public health problem with 10 million people developing an active form each year. The exact incidence of the pelvic form of tuberculosis is not known due to under-reporting of asymptomatic cases, vague symptomatology and lack of reliable diagnosis. We report a case of ovarian tuberculosis mimicking cancer and peritoneal carcinosis. The case involved a 15-year-old girl, hospitalized for severe pelvic pain and secondary amenorrhea. The examination showed an altered general state, a fever, a sensitive distended abdomen. The biology showed an elevation of Ca125 to 357 IU/ml. The CT scan showed a latero-uterine mass taking contrast in a heterogeneous way with an irregular and nodular thickening of the peritoneum making evoke a peritoneal carcinosis. Exploratory laparotomy found a bilateral ovarian mass with ileo-ileal, ileo-parietal and ileo-ovarian adhesions. Biopsy of the mass and the peritoneum showed a caseo-follicular gigantocellular epitheloid granulomatosis.

Eagle’s Syndrome in Children: A Case Report

Eagle’s syndrome is a collection of symptoms caused by styloid process elongation or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament, measuring more than 2.5 centimeters. It is a radio-clinical entity characterized by a heterogeneous polymorphic symptomatology most often involving headaches, facial pain, dysphagia and a foreign body sensation in the throat. Its management is mainly surgical. It is a rarely diagnosed condition in children. Here we report a typical case of Eagle’s syndrome which was diagnosed in a 14-year-old child with a history of chronic right unilateral pharyngeal discomfort, odynophagia and oropharyngeal foreign body sensation. CT scan showed a long left styloid process. The patient underwent surgical removal of the elongated styloid process externally. The outcome was favorable after surgery.

Neonatal Bilirubin Encephalopathy: Study of 30 Cases at Albert Royer National Children Hospital of Dakar

Introduction: Unconjugated bilirubin jaundice is a common symptom in neonatal period. In some babies, excessive serum bilirubin concentrations can place them at risk of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (BE) when the unconjugated pigment crosses the blood-brain barrier. Our study aimed to describe epidemiology, diagnosis and prognosis of BE at the Neonatology Department of Albert Royer Children’s Hospital of Dakar. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective, descriptive study of cases of BE from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019. Obstetric and perinatal data as well as postnatal jaundice data (onset time, associated signs, signs of encephalopathy, treatment and evolution) were collected and analyzed by SPSS software version 2.0. Almost all newborns (27 cases;90%) were exclusively breastfed. At admission, all children exhibited blunt jaundice and signs of encephalopathy dominated by the abolition of archaic reflexes (76.7%), low suction (22 cases;73.3%), central apnea (12 cases, 40%). The mean serum bilirubinemia was 322 mg/litre. Neonatal infection (10 cases;33.3%) and fetal-maternal incompatibility (16 cases;53.3%) were the main causes. All children received intensive phototherapy and exsanguino transfusion was performed for 7 newborns (23.3%). Nine children died (30% mortality rate). Conclusion: Only better organisation of perinatal care with enhanced postnatal follow-up can reduce the incidence of EB.

Evolutionary Profile of Graves’ Disease in Children at Albert Royer National Children Hospital in Dakar

Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. Adequate management is an area of controversy, especially when it comes to children. The objective of our study was to assess the outcome of Graves’ disease treatment in Albert Royer Children Hospital of Dakar. This was a retrospective study conducted from 2001 to 2015, and which involved all children between 0 to 15 years of age who were being monitored in the Albert Royer National Children Hospital. The evolutionary modalities were: stability, remission, failure, relapse, lost to follow-up and death. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 20.0. For the comparisons, the KHI 2 or Fisher test was used with a significance threshold (p < 0.05). During the study period, 88 children were enrolled. The average age was 8.6 years [ranging from 8 months to 15 years]. The consultation delay was 11.36 months. In our study, 61.4% of the patients were regular in the follow-up, the observance was good in 40.9% of the cases and 19 patients (21.6%) were lost to follow-up. Clinical courses of 69 children after treatment with Carbimazole for 37 months were promising in 21 cases (30.43%), with 17 cases of remission (24.63%) and 4 cases of stability (5.8%). Age older than 10, the initial ATD dose greater than 1 mg/kg/day and the initial free T4 lower than 50 pmol/l were significantly associated with remission with a p value of 0.01;0.024 and 0.004.