Factors Associated with Renal Impairment in Patients on Tenofovir for Chronic Hepatitis B in Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Background: Tenofovir (TFV) is widely used to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. But kidney abnormalities are the main concern using this drug. Few studies have described the renal impairment due to the TFV in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective was to evaluate factors associated with renal impairment observed in patients on TFV for CHB. Method: It was a hospital based cross sectional prospective study carried out from June 2023 to July 2023 in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and included any patient treated with TFV for CHB during at least a period of 6 months. For each participant, we collected in the medical report socio-demographic data, clinical data, baseline creatinine, treatment information (type of TFV which was Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) or Alafenamide (TAF), duration). Then, we collected blood samples to measure serum creatinine and phosphate levels and urine dipstick analysis. Factors associated with renal impairment were assessed with the Odds Ratio. A p value of Results: A total of 60 participants were included. The median age was 44 years [36-55] and median duration of TFV therapy was 17.5 months [11.7-25.7]. The prevalence of reduced eGFR (Conclusion: Kidney function was impaired in some patients receiving TFV for CHB. It should be monitored, particularly after 36 months and for those receiving TDF prodrug.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Associated Factors in the Garoua Central Prison, Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Cameroon. Garoua city is the headquarters of the North Region of Cameroon, where the HBV prevalence is among the highest of the country. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg carriage and associated factors among persons incarcerated in the Garoua Central Prison. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1 to July 31, 2023 at the Garoua Central prison. We included all prisoners willing to participate in the study and who gave their verbal consent. We collected data using a pre-established data entry form and we used rapid test for blood screening for HBV surface antigen (HBs Ag) with ELISA confirmation. Data were analyzed using the R® software for Windows. After the univariate analysis, we selected associated variables to HBV infection with p-value p-value was set at 5%. Results: We included 1389 prisoners out of which 97.6% were male. The median age (IQR) of the study population was 28 (23 - 35) years. The median (IQR) duration of incarceration was 12 (6 - 26) months and the mean (±sd) number of incarcerations was 1.24 (±0.6). HBV prevalence was estimated at 14.8% (95% CI: 13.0 - 16.7). Upon uni- and multivariate analysis, no risk factor was significantly associated with viral hepatitis B infection in our study population. Conclusion: The prevalence of Hepatitis B was high in the Garoua Central Prison, but there were no additional risk factors for HBV infection. There is a need to include the Garoua Central Prison and by the way other prisons in the country in the chronic viral hepatitis care program.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Gastroduodenal Lesions in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Gastroduodenal lesions are common in chronic kidney disease (CKD). They are linked to various factors including Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori). Few data are available in Africa on H. pylori infection and chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of H. pylori infection and to describe the gastroduodenal lesions found in patients with chronic kidney disease. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, February 1st to May 31st, 2021, at the Douala General Hospital in Cameroon. We included patients with CKD classified as stages 3 to 5 according KDIGO classification, on hemodialysis or not, who agreed to participate in the study. They were matched with a “control” population including patients with normal renal function according to sex and age (ratio 1:2). Patients on antibiotics and/or proton pump inhibitors were excluded. We collected data from CKD patients and from medical records for non-CKD group. Each patient underwent an upper digestive endoscopy and identification of H. pylori using a urease rapid test. Logistic regression was used to identify independent associations for a significance level set at p Results: We included 99 patients including 33 with CKD and 66 control patients. Among patients with CKD, the predominance was male (n = 18/33 or 54.5%). The mean age was 51.2 ± 12.8 years. Arterial hypertension was the first etiology of CKD (n = 13 or 39.4%). The prevalence of H. pylori in patients with CKD was 63.6% versus 37.9% in control patients (p-value = 0.015). The main endoscopic lesions were erosive gastropathy (n = 14 or 42.4%) and erythematous gastropathy (n = 7 or 21.2%). Patients with CKD were 5 times more likely to have H. pylori infection (OR = 5.69;CI 95% 0.14 - 0.82;p = 0.017). Factors associated with H. pylori infection were chronic kidney disease (aOR = 1.02;CI 95% 0.14 - 0.82;p = 0.017) and hemodialysis (aOR = 10;CI 95% 1.08 - 91.9;p = 0.042). Conclusion: The prevalence of H. pylori infection is higher in patients with CKD. Endoscopic lesions are inflammatory. Factors associated with H. pylori infection are chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis.

Endoscopic Management of Foreign Bodies in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract in Yaoundé(Cameroon)

Background/Aims: Foreign body (FB) ingestion is a common clinical situation. In some cases, it could be life-threatening, requiring interventional digestive endoscopy. Knowing the main FBs observed could help to prevent their ingestion or to improve management. The aim of this study is to report the results of upper digestive endoscopies performed for ingestion of FBs in Yaoundé (Cameroon). Methods: We recorded all patients who did a gastroscopy for FB ingestion from January 2000 to April 2020 in three medical centers of Yaoundé. We collected data concerning the socio-demographic characteristics of patients, foreign body type, endoscopic management and outcome. Results: A total of 9380 upper digestive endoscopies were performed, with 51 FBs ingestion (0.54%). Male were 27 (52.9%). The mean age was 25.8 ± 22.3 years (8 months to 75 years). Coins were the most frequent FB (23.5%), only observed in children, followed by fishbones (17.6%), only observed in adults. We also observed dental wears (11.8%), metallic objects (11.8%), non-metallic objects (3.9%), batteries (3.9%), toothpick (2%), packet of tablets (2%), and bezoars (2%). The FB was unknown at 21.6%. The most frequent localization was the esophagus in 29/36 patients (80.5%). Endoscopic removal was a success in 35/36 patients (97.2%). A surgery has been performed on one patient. We didn’t register any death. Conclusion: Most common FBs ingested in Yaoundé are coins and fishbones. The upper digestive endoscopy has a high success rate.

Prevalence and Determinants of Kidney Markers among Subjects with Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide public health problem with multisystemic involvements including kidneys. We assessed the prevalence and determinants of kidney markers among HCV infected subjects. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2017 in two referral centers in Yaoundé. Sociodemographic, clinical and paraclinical data were collected from patient’s records. Renal involvement was evaluated using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease’s (MDRD) equation, urine dipstick and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR). An eGFR < 60 and between 60 - 89 mL/min/1.73 m2 was defined as low and reduced respectively. Albuminuria was defined by an ACR > 30 mg/g and divided into A1 (<30 mg/g), A2 (30 - 300 mg/g) and A3 (>300 mg/g). Results: We included 65 (41.5% males) HCV infected patients with a mean age of 56.8 ± 10.5 years. HCV infection was diagnosed for more than 5 years in 54 (83.1%) patients. HCV viral load and genotype were available in 40 (61.5%) patients;viral load was high (>5.9 logs/mL) in 20 (50%) of them and genotypes 4 (40%), 1 (32.5%) and 2 (27.5%) were found in this population. The mean eGFR was 112.9 ± 31.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 with 14 (21.5%) and 4 (6.2%) patients having reduced and low eGFR respectively. Albuminuria (80%), leukocyturia (24.6%) and hematuria (4.6%) were the observed dipstick abnormalities. Median albuminuria (IQR) was 542.4 (238.7 - 961.5) mg/g, with 7 (11%), 12 (18%) and 46 (71%) patients in A1, A2 and A3 respectively. Reduced/low eGFR and albuminuria were observed in 58 (89.2%) patients while low eGFR and albuminuria were found in 55 (84.6%) patients. Advanced age, female gender, HCV genotype 1 and 4, and albuminuria (all p < 0.03) were associated with eGFR reduction. Conclusion: Renal abnormalities are common in HCV infected patients leading by proteinuria and decreased eGFR. Known risk factors of kidney diseases, HCV genotype 1 and 4 and albuminuria were associated with eGFR reduction in our setting.

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis and Short-Term Prognosis in a Group of Decompensated Cirrhotic Patients in Yaounde: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is among the most common infections in cirrhotic patients. Data on SBP are rare in Cameroon. This prompted us to carry out this study on patients with decompensated cirrhosis of the liver in Yaounde University Hospital Centre (YUHC). Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study from December 2015 to June 2016 in three units of YUHC. All patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis were included. Our sampling was consecutive. Diagnosis of cirrhosis was performed, based on clinical, biological and ultrasound criteria. A neutrophil count greater than 250 cell/mm3 in ascites fluid defined an SBP. Data on socio-demography, clinical presentation, and outcomes were collected. Results: We included 34 decompensated cirrhotic patients (15 males). Patients mean age was 57.5 ± 2 years (SBP positive: 48.7 ± 21.3 versus without SBP: 59.8 ± 19.5, p = 0.22). SBP diagnosis was made in 6 (17.7%) patients. Compared to patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and without SBP, positive SBP patients had a higher pulse rate (p = 0.002) and respiratory rate (p = 0.02). The patients with SBP were more likely to present these other clinical features: pulse rate >100 (RR: 4.2, [95% CI: 0.7 - 27.7];p = 0.02), presence of jaundice (RR: 3.4, [95% CI: 0.6 - 21.1];p = 0.09), being from female gender (RR: 3.2, [95% CI: 0.5 - 19.9]; p = 0.11), advanced liver disease (Child C class) (RR: 2.4, [95% CI: 0.4 - 14.5], p = 0.66), low-plasma albumin (less than 20 g/L) (RR: 1.7, [95% CI: 0.8 - 3.9], p = 0.08), respiratory rate > 30 (RR: 1.6, [95% CI: 0.6 - 3.3], p = 0.05) and fever/hypothermia (RR: 1.5, [95% CI: 0.6 - 3.4];p = 0.22). Evolution after a 72-hours antibiotherapy was stationary in four cases and unfavorable in two patients, resulting in death. Conclusion: SBP prevalence was 17.7%. SBP patients were younger, from female sex, tachycardia and polypnea, presenting with fever/hypothermia and signs of advanced liver disease than non-SBP patients. Improvement of our technical platform will be useful to determine the cause of cirrhosis and identify the different germs responsible for SBP.

Management of Endoscopic Portal Hypertension Lesions in Cirrhotic Patients in a Country with Limited Resources: About 603 Cases in the City of Douala in Cameroon

Introduction: Portal hypertension (HTP) is a morbi-mortality factor in cirrhotic patients. It is responsible for endoscopic lesions and has digestive hemorrhage as the main complication. The objective of the study was to study the management of endoscopic lesions of portal hypertension in a country with limited resources. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted in 04 hospitals in the city of Douala, Cameroon, over a period of 08 years from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2022. Included were cirrhotic patients with viral hepatitis with endoscopic lesions of PH. The data collected were sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutionary. Data analysis was done using SPSS software version 25.0. Logistic regression allowed the search for prognostic factors with a significance threshold of p Results: We included 603 patient records. They were mainly male patients (56.1%) with an average age of 47.6 ± 6.3 years. The Child Pugh score was ranked B in 53.7% of cases. Digestive hemorrhage was the main complication in 66.8% of cases. We had grade 2 esophageal varices in 61.5% of cases. The main treatments were prescription of propanolol (63.3%) and ligation of esophageal varices (53.3%). The average number of ligation sessions was 2.1 ± 1.8 with an interval between sessions of 28 ± 2.8 days. Prevention of rupture of esophageal varices was secondary in 66.5% of cases (n = 452). The rate of hemorrhagic recurrence was 9.3%. Hospital mortality was 15.1%. Recurrence of hemorrhage was associated with PT Conclusion: The management of HTP lesions was based on the prescription of beta-blockers and the ligation of esophageal varices. Factors associated with mortality were hemorrhagic recurrence, low PT and Child Pugh C score.

Evaluation of Non-Invasive Markers of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in a Sub-Saharan African Setting: Transient Elastography versus APRI, FIB4, GTT/Platelet Scores

Background: Non-invasive markers which use routine laboratory tests are less expensive and highly needed to assess and stage liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed at evaluating liver fibrosis, using the Aspartate aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), Fibrosis Index Based on 4 factors (FIB4), and Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to Platelet Ratio (GPR) in chronic hepatitis B patients with transient elastography as the reference so as to choose an alternative to transient elastography. Method: We carried out a cross-sectional study using the records of patients who attended the Douala General Hospital and Marie O Polyclinic Douala from 2012 to 2017. Non-invasive tests were compared with Transient Elastography. The Spearman coefficient was used to determine correlation. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values were used to get the optimal cut-off values. The diagnostic accuracy was estimated by calculating the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC). P Results: Of the 243 patient records studied, the median age or interquartile range (IQR) was 35 (29 - 42) years with a male predominance of 73.7%. More than 60% of the study population had normal transaminases. Significant fibrosis was found in 88 (36.2%) patients and 32 (13.7%) patients had cirrhosis. APRI had the best cut-off values and highest area under the ROC Curve, for significant fibrosis and cirrhosis with 0.55 (0.823 95% CI [0.769 - 0.869], P Conclusion: APRI, had the best diagnostic properties to detect liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with Chronic Hepatitis B in Douala. The cut-off values are 0.55 and 0.65 for significant fibrosis and cirrhosis respectively.

Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Low Out-Outcome Country: Rapid Urease Test, Serological Test, versus Direct Microbiological Examination with Gram Stain

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacillus responsible for numerous gastroduodenal pathologies, and this infection is a public health problem. The prevalence of infection with this bacterium remains high in countries with limited resources. Diagnosis relies mainly on numerous invasive and noninvasive methods. The aim of this work was to evaluate the different indirect diagnostic methods using bacterial cultures. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional and analytical study from January to May 2022 in the gastroenterology departments of Douala General Hospital and Douala Military Hospital. All patients aged 18 years and older who were in the gastroenterology consultation and agreed to participate were included in our study. Sociodemographic, clinical, and paraclinical data were collected. Urease, liquid urea, and culture tests were performed from the specimens obtained by fibroscopy. Serological tests were performed on the blood sample. Results: 101 patients were included, 58 were female and 43 were male, for a sex ratio of 1.3. The mean age was 44.2 ± 16 years. The prevalence of infection was 90.5%, 44.1%, 40.6% and 21.8% for serology, direct microbiological examination, RUT (rapid urea test) and culture, respectively. Comparison of the different tests showed sensitivity and specificity of 67.1% and 64%, respectively, for RUT, 100% and 73.7%, respectively, for direct microbiological examination, and 100% and 14.8%, respectively, for serology. The positive and negative predictive values were 39.5% and 100% for serology, 39% and 85% for RUT, and 55.6% and 100% for direct microbiological examination, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection depends on the type of test used. Direct examination is more reliable than RUT and serology.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hepatic Steatosis in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome in Cameroon: Cases of 4 Reference Hospitals

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and its prevalence increases with that of metabolic syndrome and its components. NAFLD is associated with complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Diagnosis is mainly based on liver biopsy, but there are validated non-invasive methods. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of metabolic steatopathy in patients with metabolic syndrome in Cameroon. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted over a 6-month period from January 1st, 2019, to August 31st, 2022. Included were patients with metabolic syndrome who had consulted in endocrinology or gastroenterology at Yaoundé Central Hospital, Douala General Hospital and Douala Gyneco-obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. The diagnosis of NAFLD was made on abdominal ultrasound in front of a homogeneous or heterogeneous hyperechogenic aspect of the hepatic parenchyma compared to that of the right renal cortex called “brilliant liver” and fibrosis evaluated through non-invasive scores (Fib4 and NALFD Fibrosis score). Logistic regression by a uni- and multivariate analysis made it possible to search for the associated factors. Results. We included 133 patients. The female sex represented 64.7%. The mean age was 55 ± 9 years. The prevalence of NAFLD was 48.9%. At the evaluation of fibrosis was significant according to FIB-4 and NAFLD fibrosis score respectively in 6.2% and 4.6% of cases. The independently associated factors were Triglyceridemia ≤ 1.5 g/l (OR = 0.33;95% CI [0.11 - 0.95];p = 0.04) and LDL hypercholesterolemia (OR = 2.94;95% CI [1.07 - 8.11];p = 0.036). Conclusion: NAFLD was present in almost half of patients with metabolic syndrome. We had very few patients with significant fibrosis, but it needs to be further evaluated. The associated factors are hypertriglyceridemia and LDL hypercholesterolemia.

Prevalence of the hepatitis B surface antigen in a population of workers in Cameroon

Hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence in populations of blood donors in Cameroon is estimated at 6%-16%. As such, the Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen in a population of bank employees, who represent a sample closer to the general population. In tests carried out both Yaounde and Douala in December 2011, we detected the hepatitis B surface antigen among 267 workers, including 151 men and 116 women of a median age of 37 years. The Results obtained revealed that the overall prevalence stood at 7.1%, with a 9.9% prevalence ratio in men, three times higher than that in women (3.4%). Subjects aged 20-29 years and senior staffs were more affected (each of them recording 8.1%). Potential nosocomial risks were detected mostly at the level of dental care (52.8%). Among the other risks of exposure, scarification (53.6%) was more frequent. A univariate analysis revealed an insignificant relationship with tattoos (OR 2.6, 95% CI 0.5-10.8, p = 0.2). These results led to the Conclusion that Hepatitis B surface antigen carrier prevalence in a population of workers in Cameroon is not different from that of blood donors. It is mainly due to early vertical and horizontal contamination.

Indications, Yield and Outcome of Colonoscopy: A 7-Year Retrospective Study in a Resource-Limited Setting

Background and Aims: Diagnostic colonoscopy allows exploration of the colonic mucosa. Indications are multiple. The purpose of this work was to describe the indications and to report the lesions observed during colonoscopy at the General Hospital of Douala. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection over a period of 7 years (January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2017). The data collected from the reports were socio-demographic characteristics, indications and lesions observed at colonoscopy. Binary logistic regression allowed us to identify the independent risk factors associated with the presence of tumors and polyps. Results: We included 719 exams. The main indications were rectorrhagia (29.5%), abdominal pain (25.9%) and constipation (17.8%). A colonic lesion was found in 60.1% of cases. A colorectal tumor accounted for 10.3% of cases. Factors independently associated with colonic tumor were complete colonoscopy (aOR: 0.167 95% CI [0.096 - 0.289], p Conclusion: The presence of weight loss, abdominal or rectal mass should motivate the realization of a complete colonoscopy in search of a colorectal tumor. The most observed lesions remain hemorrhoids, polyps and diverticulosis of the colon.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Occurring in a Sub-Saharan Patient Treated with a Reduced Dose of Sorafenib for an Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Case Report

Sorafenib is a chemotherapy used as first line treatment in primary liver cancers. It is an oral antiangiogenic treatment which reduces the progression of the tumor. Some mild or severe side effects have been reported among which some uncommon cardiac events: myocardial infarction and cardiogenic stroke. Sorafenib treatment remains expensive and not frequently used in Sub-Saharan countries. Thus, few studies have described its side effects in this milieu. We report a case of acute coronary syndrome occurring in a 75-year-old female patient, without cardiovascular risks factors, after nine months of sorafenib chemotherapy at a reduced dose for an unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in a Sub-Saharan Africa country. The management was conducted by cardiologists, in collaboration with gastroenterologists and oncologists. We decided to completely stop sorafenib chemotherapy. We observed a reduction of the pain 48 hours after her admission, and a regression of electrocardiographic signs after 8 days. In conclusion, the sorafenib treatment can be associated with cardiac events despite the dose reduction.

Prevalence of HBs Antigen, and HCV and HIV Antibodies in a Young Male Population in Cameroon

Introduction: According to WHO estimates, 57% of cases of liver cirrhosis and 78% of primary liver carcinoma are caused by a hepatitis B or C virus. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of these diseases and HIV among a young male population, according to region. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from 17 February to 31 March 2014 in the ten administrative regions of Cameroon. The study included male subjects of Cameroonian nationality aged at least 18 and at most 23, and living in the regions concerned. It excluded subjects that did not match the age, gender, and nationality criteria. For each subject, 10 ml of blood was collected in a dry tube. After centrifugation at 3000 RPM for 5 minutes, the serum was collected for the detection of viral infections. For subjects that tested positive, a confirmatory test was conducted. Results: In total, 4367 subjects were selected, with an average age of 20.46 (+/- 1.17) years. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus stood at 13.01% (with 95% CI: 12.03% - 14.05%). That of viral hepatitis C was 0.30% (95% CI: 0.17% - 0.52%). Co-infection with hepatitis B and C viruses was 0.05% (95% CI: 0.01% - 0.18%). The prevalence of HIV infection was 1.01% (95% CI: 0.74% - 1.36%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of HBsAg in the population of young males is high. It tallies with the early vertical and horizontal modes of transmission that prevail in our environment.

Clinical Aspects and Precipitating Factors of Hepatic Encephalopathy Associated with Cirrhosis in a Cameroonian Population

Background: Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE), a common complication of cirrhosis, is associated with a pejorative prognosis. This study aims to describe the clinical presentation, precipitating factors and outcome of HE. Methods: This was a cross-sectional multicenter inpatient study in cirrhotic patients admitted for HE in four tertiary hospitals in Yaoundé (Cameroon) from December 2016 to May 2017. The diagnosis of HE was based on West Haven clinical criteria. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was made using clinical and/or biological, endoscopic and/or ultrasonography signs. Results: A total of 53 patients with HE (mean age: 49.9 ± 18.9 years, 35 Males) were included. The frequency of hospital admission for HE was 4.9%. HE grade III was the most common (37.7%), followed by grades I and II (26.4% and 26.4%, respectively). Grade IV was present in 9.4% of cases. According to the Child-Pugh score, 72.1% of the patients were at stage C and 27.9% at stage B. The main precipitating factors found were: constipation (38.5%), hyponatremia (35.9%), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (31.7%), herbal medicine (28.3%), hypokalemia (25.6%), gastrointestinal bleeding (22.6%) and ascitic fluid infection (spontaneous bacterial peritonitis) (13.8%). In 5.7% of cases, no factor was identified. Mortality rate during hospitalization was 45.3% and was significantly associated with stage III (RR = 11.1;95% CI: 1.9 - 64.5;p = 0.003) and IV (RR = 24;95% CI: 1.6 - 40.9;p = 0.01) of HE;Child-Pugh C score (RR = 15.2;95% CI: 1.7 - 30.1;p = 0.003) and hypokalemia (RR = 12.2;95% CI: 1.3 - 19;p = 0.01). Conclusion: HE is a common complication during cirrhosis with a poor prognosis. In the majority of cases, a precipitating factor could be determined.

Rectal bleeding in adults over 20 years: Endoscopic investigations and results in current hospital practices in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Introduction: In order to identify the modes of investigation and the results of the assessment of rectal bleeding in the Cameroonian adult, we retrospectively analysed the records of 287 patients aged above 20 years diagnosed with rectal bleeding with the aim to know the prescription patterns according to age, the diagnostic performance of tests and the results. Methodology: Between the 1st of January 2009 and the 30th of June 2010, we examined patients at the University Teaching Hospital and the “La Cathédrale” Medical Centre in Yaounde. Age, sex, endoscopic tests and results were evaluated. Results: 287 protocols met our selection criteria, sex ratio (M/F) 2.4/1, median age 46 years interquartile range [36, 55]. Normal tests were 57 (19.2%). Main lesions: haemorrhoids (42.4% CI95 36.7 -48.3), colorectal cancer (10.8% CI95 7.5 -14.9), anal fissure (8.8% CI95 5.8 -12.6) and colorectal polyps (8.4% CI95 5.5 -12.2). The prevalence of significant lesions (polyps and cancer) recorded 7% for those under age 40. 20.5% in those were between 40?-50 years, and 28.9% for those over 50 years. For anoscopies, 44.4% were under 40 years, 39.3% of cases of sigmoidoscopy affected those between 40 -50 years and colonoscopy affected 54% of those over 50 years. For the diagnostic yield, 26.2% had a significant lesion for flexible sigmoidoscopy and only 16.7% and 1.6% for colonoscopy and anoscopy respectively. Conclusion: The study shows that anoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are the main initial tests conducted in Cameroon in the assessment of rectal bleeding in adults of less than 50 years and they are quite sufficient. Haemorrhoids and colorectal cancer are the main pathologies.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus and Associated Risk Factors among Inmates at New Bell Prison, Douala, Cameroon

Although a high prevalence of HCV infection in correctional facilities has been well reported in several countries around the world, there has been no such data from Cameroon. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with viral hepatitis C seropositivity among prisoners incarcerated at the New Bell Central Prison in Douala. From the 2nd to the 27th of July 2018, 940 inmates selected using a systematic random sampling method were interviewed to collect data on sociodemographic status, duration of incarceration, number of incarcerations and risk factors for HCV transmission. Blood samples were collected for screening of anti-HCV antibodies via HEPA-SCAN HCV CARD Test. Positive samples had a confirmatory ELISA test. Data were analysed using EPI DATA 4.4.0.0 software. Statistical significance was set at a p < 0.05. Of the 940 prisoners selected, 94.1% (884) were males. The mean age of the study population was 33.81 ± 10.35 years (extremes: 14 and 74 years). HCV prevalence was 4.4% (40). The use of non-injectable illicit drugs (OR 2.87 95% CI 1.44 - 5.73) (p = 0.002) but not injectable illicit drugs (OR 1.91 95% CI 0.43 - 8.41) (p = 0.42), male homosexuality (OR 17.45 95% CI 7.58 - 40.13) (p < 0.001), sharing of needles (OR 3.45 95% CI 1.59 - 7.83) (p = 0.001), past history of tattooing or piercing (OR 5.94 95% CI 2.80 - 12.16) (p < 0.001) and age ≥ 50 (OR 4.069;95% CI 1.9 - 8.68) (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with HCV antibodies positivity. Inmates in New Bell Central Prison accumulate risk factors for viral hepatitis C, thus contributing to the high prevalence in this setting. Control strategies and programs that reach this particular population should urgently be implemented.