Characteristics of Deaths of Children in the Pediatrics Department of Hôpital Spécialisé Mère-Enfant Blanche Gomes (Republic of the Congo) from 2019 to 2021

Introduction: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to decrease the global maternal mortality ratio to below 70 per 100,000 live births and eliminate preventable deaths of newborns and children under the age of five in all countries by 2030. The pediatric department at Spécialisé Mère-Enfant Blanche Gomes Hospital (HSMEBG) is divided into two sectors, one catering to children aged one month to four years and the other dedicated to children aged five to 17 years. According to department records, over the past three years, there has been an average of 1050 hospitalizations per year, with an average duration of five days. Objectives: This study aims to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of children who died while in the pediatrics department of the HSMEBG and analyze the factors associated with their deaths. Methodology: A retrospective analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data over a three-year period, covering the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. Data were collected from medical records of deceased children using Excel software version 2016, and statistical calculations and logistic regression were performed using Epi info software version 7.2.5.0. Results: During the three years of operation, the pediatric department at HSMEBG recorded 3060 new admissions, of which 271 resulted in death, representing an overall frequency of 8.8%. December and January had the highest mortality rates, accounting for 15.5% and 12.5%, respectively. Out of the 271 recorded deaths, 143 (52.77%) occurred in children under the age of one, and 230 (84.87%) occurred in children under the age of five. The average age at death was 2.4 years, ranging from one month to 17 years. The sex ratio was 1. More than half of the deaths (51.66%) occurred during the night, and 165 (60.89%) sought medical help more than three days after the onset of symptoms. Weekend deaths accounted for nearly half (45.7%) of the cases. Upon admission, slightly over half of the children (55.72%) had impaired consciousness, 219 (80.81%) presented with respiratory distress, and 194 (71.59%) had a fever. The average time from admission to administering the first medication was 72 minutes. Respiratory infections were the leading cause of death, accounting for 83 (30.26%) cases, followed by severe forms of malaria (anemic and neurological) at 23.25%. Among the 271 recorded deaths, 33 (12.18%) received no treatment before their demise, and 136 (50.18%) died within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. The average duration of hospitalization for patients who spent less than 24 hours was 15 hours, while those who died after the 24th hour had an average hospital stay of five days, ranging from one to 41 days. Children under the age of five who were admitted with impaired consciousness had roughly double the risk of dying compared to those without this condition (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The overall mortality rate in the pediatric department at HSMEBG is 8.8%. Acute respiratory infections are the primary cause of death. Improving this rate necessitates reducing consultation and treatment durations.

Acute Thoracic Syndrome in Sickle Cell Children at the Pediatrics Department of Donka National Hospital

Introduction: Acute thoracic syndrome is the appearance of a new pulmonary infiltrate on radiology associated with fever, desaturation or respiratory signs. It is the second leading cause of hospitalization and the first cause of death in sickle cell patients. It is an acute pulmonary complication whose pathophysiological mechanisms are still poorly understood. This study aims to study the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of Acute Chest Syndrome in children at the Pediatrics Department of Donka National Hospital. Method: This is a prospective study of descriptive type for a period of 6 months from February 19 to August 19, 2019 on patients with sickle cell disease who developed an ATS in the pediatrics department of Donka National Hospital. Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary data were studied and proportionate data were calculated. Results: The frequency of ATS was 39%. The mean age of our patients was 9.83 years with the extremes of 4 and 16 years. The age group from 6 to 10 years with a frequency of 66.7% was the most affected. Fever was the main clinical manifestation, followed by hepatomegaly. All our patients were homozygous SS and undergoing folic acid prophylaxis. 96% of our patients did not receive any specific vaccine. Antibiotic therapy, hyperhydration and analgesics were administered to all our patients. 96% of our patients were transfused with red blood cell concentrate. 96% of our patients were transfused with packed red blood cells. 96% of our patients were transfused with packed red blood cells and 96% of them had a favorable outcome. Conclusion: ATS is an acute complication of sickle cell disease responsible for significant mortality and morbidity in the pediatric population. Its treatment is symptomatic and must be started early. Emphasis must be placed on prevention to prevent or limit its occurrence.

Frequency of Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Angina in Children in the Department of Pediatrics of Donka National Hospital

Background: Angina is a common paediatric condition. It has certain peculiarities in children, particularly with regard to the frequency of bacterial germs and the use of diagnostic tests. The aim of this study was to determine the place of the rapid diagnostic test in the management of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal angina in children in the paediatric ward at Donka National Hospital. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months from 1st February to 31st July 2019 concerning children aged between 3 and 15 years old who were diagnosed with angina. Epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical and therapeutic variables were studied. Results: Out of 1494 registered children, we collected 116 cases of angina (7.76%). Out of 52 patients who benefited from the rapid diagnostic test, we recorded 13 cases of angina due to group A beta-hemolytic strptococcus. The male sex was the most dominant with 31 cases (59.69%) and a G/F sex ratio of 1.47. The age group most affected was between 3 and 5 years old (50%). The average age of our patients was 4.8 years with extremes of 3 and 14 years. Clinical manifestations were dominated by fever and dysphagia (100%) followed by odynophagia (11.79%). We recorded 13 cases of streptococcal angina (25%). Conclusion: The factors that influence it are multiple, dominated by community life, passive smoking and allergies. The use of RDTs in these young children would help in the diagnosis of acute group A beta hemolytic streptococcal angina and rational antibiotic prescription.

Audits of Death in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents Followed up in the Pediatric Department of the Regional Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori from 2005 to 2020

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality among children. The objective of this work was to audit the deaths of children and adolescents with HIV infection followed up in the pediatric department of the Regional Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori (CHUDB/A) the from 2005 to 2020. Patients and Method: This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted in the pediatric department of CHUD/B-A in Parakou. All children with HIV infection who died from January 1, 2005 to August 31, 2020 were included. Data collection was carried out in three stages: a phase of medical records processing, a phase of community survey and a phase of death audits. The variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical, biological, therapeutic and evolutionary. Results: Over the study period, the data of 464 infected children were recorded, including 92 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 19.83%. Severe acute malnutrition (69.23%), gastro-intestinal tract infections (43.58%) and serious opportunistic pulmonary infections (24.36% pulmonary tuberculosis and 19.23% pneumocystis) were the main causes of death. The main dysfunctions found were: the delayed diagnosis of HIV infection (79.35%), the absence or delay in consultation when the child’s clinical condition deteriorates (32.61% and 47.83%), delayed initiation of antiretroviral treatment (42.39%) and non-adherence to treatment (38.04%). Non-adherence to treatment was predominant in adolescents (90.49%). Conclusion: Specific interventions for early detection, adequate nutritional care, psychosocial support for adolescents and mothers of children are necessary to reduce mortality due to HIV among children and adolescents.

Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescribing in the Pediatric Department of Gabriel TouréTeaching Hospital, Bamako, Mali

Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate antibiotic prescribing in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted from September 1 to November 31, 2018, in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. All children aged 0 to 15 years hospitalized for any pathology during the study period and having received at least one antibiotic had been included. Results: We collected 445 children’s records out of 1032 admissions during the study period, representing a hospital frequency of 43.1%. The sex ratio was 1.3%. The 2 - 5 age group accounted for 48.1%. Fever was the reason for consultation in 45.6% of cases. Patients’ general condition was altered in 60% of cases. The fathers were blue-collar workers in 65.4% and the mothers housewives in 85%, and had no education in 42.9% and 64.5% respectively. Hepatomegaly was present in 18.2%, splenomegaly in 9.6% and peripheral adenopathy in 3.1%. The site of infection was pulmonary in 37.6% and ENT in 9.2%. Bacterial infection was assumed on admission in 54% of cases, and meningitis in 57.7%. The discharge diagnosis was malaria in 54.6%, severe acute malnutrition in 18.6% and meningitis in 6.7%. The death rate was 3.8%. Neutrophilic leukocytosis was present in 47.3% of patients. CRP was positive in 85% of patients. Blood cultures taken in 27.6% of patients were positive in 5. CSF analysis in 30% of patients showed elevated leukocytes in 6.5%. No cultures were positive. Antibiotic prescription was justified by infectious hypotheses in 43.1% of patients. β-lactam antibiotics were prescribed in 98.6%. Antibiotic therapy was not adapted to national/international recommendations in 68.3% of cases, and was not justified in 16.3% of cases on D5 of hospitalization. Conclusion: Antibiotic use was justified in more than half of patients, but remained inadequate in almost two-thirds of cases, in line with national and international recommendations.

Practice of Glycemic Self-Monitoring in Diabetic Patients Followed at the Endocrinology Department of Donka University Hospital in Guinea

Diabetes is a chronic pathology whose evolution is marked by micro and macroangiopathic complications. Optimal management can prevent the onset of complications and improve patients’ quality of life. Objectives: To determine the frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose and to describe the errors found during self-monitoring in diabetic patients followed at the Endocrinology Department of Donka University Hospital in Guinea. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between August and September 2020 involving diabetic patients followed up at the Endocrinology and Diabetology Department of the Donka National Hospital, CHU Conakry. Results: A total of 301 patients were enrolled, with an average age of 44.24 ± 21.01 years. 64.12% were female. Type 2 diabetes predominated in 64% of cases. The mean duration of diabetes was 6.14 ± 4.67 years, and 75.08% of patients lived in urban areas. Patients were on insulin in 36.21% of cases, insulin and biguanides (26.25%), hypoglycemic sulfonamide and biguanides (19.27%) and biguanides in 18.27% of cases. The frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose was 43%, and 38% of patients made errors, notably reusing lancets (60%), not checking the expiration date (55.65%) and not washing their hands (48%). Conclusion: This study shows that self-monitoring of blood glucose is not performed by the majority of patients. Numerous errors were identified during blood glucose testing. Continued therapeutic education on the use of blood glucose meters will help empower patients and improve their quality of life.

The Management of Neonatal Peritonitis in the Paediatric Surgery Department of the Donka National Hospital

Introduction: Neonatal peritonitis is a rare but serious condition requiring early diagnosis and management. The lack of antenatal diagnosis, the precariousness of neonatal intensive care, and the delay in diagnosis and treatment are the factors of poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to study the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of neonatal peritonitis in order to improve its management in the pediatric surgery department of the CHU-Donka. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of the records of patients treated for neonatal peritonitis from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Results: Results: We compiled 17 records of patients operated on for neonatal peritonitis, representing a frequency of 3.85% and an incidence of 2.83 cases/year. The mean age of our patients was 8.29 days, with extremes of D0 and D25. Males were more dominant, with a frequency of 71% and a sex ratio of 2.4. The average consultation time was 72 h, with extremes of 12 h and 144 h. Abdominal bloating was the main reason for consultation (100%). Fever and vomiting were frequent, at 70.59% and 82.35% respectively. PSA revealed pneumoperitoneum in 12 patients (70.59%). The colon was the most frequent site of perforation at 29.41%. ECUN was the main etiology with 35.29%. Ostomy was the main surgical procedure in 58.82% of cases, followed by suture excision in 29.41%. Postoperative follow-up was simple in 3 patients (17.65%) and complicated in 14 (82.35%). Sepsis was the main cause of death (47.59%). The mortality rate was 76.47%. Conclusion: Mortality from neonatal peritonitis remains high in developing countries. Early diagnosis, early surgical management, and the presence of well-equipped neonatal intensive care units with qualified staff are essential for an improvement in the prognosis of neonatal peritonitis.

Urinary Tract Infection in Pediatric Emergency Department of Mohamed VI Hospital in Marrakech: Epidemiological Profile and Antibiotic Resistance

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most frequent bacterial infections in pediatrics. The aim of our work was to establish the epidemiological and bacteriological profile of UTIs in children and then to study the sensitivity of the bacterial strains isolated to antibiotics. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study over 3 years (2019-2022), including all cytobacteriological examination of urine (CBEU), performed in children aged 3 months to 14 years, admitted and treated for UTI, in the pediatric emergency department of Mohamed VI University Hospital. Results: A total of 239 children were included in our study. The mean age was 26 months. The sex ratio was 1.08. Escherichia coli was the most isolated bacterial strain in 79% of samples. The tested strains showed a high level of sensitivity to susceptibility rate toward amikacin (91%) and ciprofloxacin (100%) and whereas the level of resistance was high to the most current recommended antibiotics, mainly beta-lactams. Management was based, in severe forms of pyelonephritis, dual antibiotic therapy based on Third-generation cephalosporins combined with gentamycin. Favorable outcome was noted in 94% of children. Conclusion: Awareness-raising on the proper use of antibiotics, issuing national recommendations for the treatment of urinary tract infections in order to standardize therapeutic regimens is strongly recommended. Effective control of these infections requires a global prevention strategy that implies close collaboration between epidemiologists, clinicians, bacteriologists, hygienists and the health care team.

Improving dexamethasone drug loading and efficacy in treating rheumatoid arthritis via liposome:Focusing on inflammation and molecular mechanisms

Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects approxi-mately 0.46%of the global population.Conventional therapeutics for RA,including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs(DMARDs),nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs),and corticosteroids,frequently result in unintended adverse effects.Dexamethasone(DEX)is a potent glucocorticoid used to treat RA due to its anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties.Liposomal delivery of DEX,particu-larly when liposomes are surface-modified with targeting ligands like peptides or sialic acid,can improve drug efficacy by enhancing its distribution to inflamed joints and minimizing toxicity.This study investigates the potential of liposomal drug delivery systems to enhance the efficacy and targeting of DEX in the treatment of RA.Results from various studies demonstrate that liposomal DEX significantly inhibits arthritis progression in animal models,reduces joint inflammation and damage,and alleviates cartilage destruction compared to free DEX.The liposomal formulation also shows better hemocompatibility,fewer adverse effects on body weight and immune organ index,and a longer circulation time with higher bioavailability.The anti-inflammatory mechanism is associated with the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and B-cell-activating factor(BAFF),which are key players in the pathogenesis of RA.Additionally,liposomal DEX can induce the expres-sion of anti-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-10(IL-10),which has significant anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.The findings suggest that lipo-somal DEX represents a promising candidate for effective and safe RA therapy,with the potential to improve the management of this debilitating disease by providing targeted delivery and sustained release of the drug.

Evaluating the management of anaphylaxis in US emergency departments:Guidelines vs.practice

BACKGROUND:Anaphylaxis is characterized by acute episodes of potentially life-threatening symptoms that are often treated in the emergency setting.Current guidelines recommend:1) quick diagnosis using standard criteria;2) first-line treatment with epinephrine;and 3) discharge with a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector,written instructions regarding long-term management,and a referral(preferably,allergy) for follow-up.However,studies suggest low concordance with guideline recommendations by emergency medicine(EM) providers.The study aimed to evaluate how emergency departments(EDs) in the United States(US) manage anaphylaxis in relation to guideline recommendations.METHODS:This was an online anonymous survey of a random sample of EM health providers in US EDs.RESULTS:Data analysis included 207 EM providers.For respondent EDs,approximately 9%reported using agreed-upon clinical criteria to diagnose anaphylaxis;42%reported administering epinephrine in the ED for most anaphylaxis episodes;and <50%provided patients with a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector and/or an allergist referral on discharge.Most provided some written materials,and follow-up with a primary care clinician was recommended.CONCLUSIONS:This is the first cross-sectional survey to provide "real-world" data showing that practice in US EDs is discordant with current guideline recommendations for the diagnosis,treatment,and follow-up of patients with anaphylaxis.The primary gaps are low(or no) utilization of standard criteria for defining anaphylaxis and inconsistent use of epinephrine.Prospective research is recommended.

Cancellation Causes of Elective Surgical Procedures in a Major Pediatric Surgery Department

Introduction: Cancellation of surgical operation is a surgical operation registered in the official schedule the day before or added to the list after and not carried out on the operating day. The purpose of this work was to determine the causes of cancellation of elective surgical operations in a major pediatric surgery department in Senegal. Patients and methods: It was a prospective and descriptive study of 278 patients scheduled during a period of 13 weeks. The study took place between April 3rd, 2017, and January 31st, 2018. Mean age was 2.9 years with extremes of 3 days and 15 years. The age group of 29 days to 30 months was the most represented (62.2%). Sex ratio was 1.41. Causes of cancellation were categorized into administrative and organizational causes, patient-related causes and staff-related causes. Results: Cancellation rate was 29.4%. Patient-related causes were most common (51.2%). Upper Respiratory tract infection (URTI) was commonest reason within this category (57.5%). Organizational causes (28.1%) came second and were mainly represented by the unavailability of the operating room (60.8%) related to breakdowns of anesthesia equipment. Finally, staff-related causes (20.7%) were due for most to the unavailability of the anesthesiologist (12 cases/17). Conclusion: Majority of causes that led to cancellation of elective surgical operations in our Pediatric surgery department are related to intercurrent illnesses affecting the patient, in particular URTI.

Complications of Sinusitis: About 9 Cases in the Ear Nose &Throat (ENT) Department of the University Hospital Gabriel Touréin Bamako

Objective: This study aims to analyze clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic aspects of sinusitis complications in the Otorhinolaryngology department at the teaching hospital of Gabriel Toure in Bamako. Materials and methods: This descriptive and longitudinal study was conducted on 12 months from March 2012 to February 2013 in 9 cases of sinusitis complications in the department of Otorhinolaryngology at the University Hospital Gabriel Toure in Bamako. Results: The average age of patients was 22.7 years;a median of 19 years within 6 men and 3 women with almost 12.9 days of care seeking duration. The factors of risky were the use of nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs NSAID (4 cases), maxillofacial trauma (1 case) and HIV (1 case). Facial pain was the major symptom, such as frontal oedema, rhinorrhea with pus shedding and nasal obstruction. Computer tomography was used for complications specification. Frontal sinusitis was the most encountered with subperiosteal abscess (44.4%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in 3 cases. Medical treatment associated to surgery was conducted on 7 patients. Two cases of death have been registered. Conclusion: The complicated sinusitis is an emergency and dangerous disease requiring specific care by a multidisciplinary staff. Much of complications are commonly encountered despite the antibiotic era.

Epidemiological and Clinical Study of Cardiac Diseases in the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital Gabriel Touré(UH GT), Bamako (Mali)

Introduction: Children’s heart disease is a major public health problem in developing countries and especially in Mali. The purpose of our work was to determine frequency, different types of heart disease and their short term evolution in the pediatric department. Methods: We performed a retrospective study among children aged 0 to 15 years, hospitalized in the pediatric department from January to December 2015 and whose diagnosis was confirmed using trans-thoracic echocardiography. Results: We included 103 cases of heart disease out of a total of 8613 admissions in the pediatric department, giving an hospital prevalence of 1.2%. Mean age was 4.1 years (from 1 day to 15 years) and children under 5 years were the most affected with 73.80% of cases. Male predominance was noted (sex ratio = 1.2). Respiratory distress was the most common circumstance of discovery (93.20%). Cardiac murmur and tachycardia were the most common cardiac signs with respectively 88.35% and 83.50%. Congenital heart disease accounted for 70.87% and was dominated by ventricular septal defect (VSD) with 30.13%. Acquired heart disease (29.13% of the sample) was dominated by mitral regurgitation (MR) with 56.67%. Mortality rate was 31.9% for congenital heart disease and 11.1% for acquired heart disease. Conclusion: children’s heart disease is responsible for high mortality. Early detection improves the management of this pathology, which remains frequent.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of the Health Personnel of the Pediatric and Gynecology-Obstetrics Departments of the BouakéUniversity Hospital Center (CHU) regarding the Intestinal Microbiota and the First 1000 Days of Life

Introduction: The harmonious development of the intestinal microbiota during the first 1000 days of life promotes the child’s immediate and future good health. The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and practices of health personnel on the intestinal microbiota and the first 1000 days of life for the improvement of child health. Methods: Knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) type survey conducted among health personnel of the pediatric and gynecology-obstetrics departments of the Bouaké University Hospital from July 1 to 31, 2017. All consenting agents working in the said services and present at the time of the study were included. The parameters studied concerned socio-professional characteristics, knowledge of the intestinal microbiota, and knowledge and practice of the first 1000 days. The data analysis was descriptive and analytical with a significance threshold p ≤ 0.05. Results: Out of 224 active agents, 76 (30 men, 46 women) participated in the survey, i.e. 33.9%. The respondent came from the gynecology-obstetrics (54%) and pediatrics (46%) departments and had professional experience >5 years in 38%. Thirty-eight percent of the respondents had a good knowledge of the intestinal microbiota. Concerning the first 1000 days of life, 64.5% of the respondents had a good knowledge of the first 1000 days overall. They advised exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months in 95% of cases. When breastfeeding was not feasible, the main criterion for choosing the infant formula was the composition (57.1%). They proposed a standard infant formula (43%), enriched with prebiotic (29.4%), enriched with probiotic (21.6%), a symbiotic (6%). Good knowledge of the intestinal microbiota was associated with belonging to the paediatric service (p = 0.013), socio-professional category (p = 0.031), year of experience >5 years (p = 0.032) and the first 1000 days of life to year of experience >5 years (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The health personnel interviewed did not have a good knowledge of the intestinal microbiota and the first 1000 days. Capacity building is needed.

Invasive <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i>Type b (Hib) Infections in Children in the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital Gabriel Touré(UH-GT)

Introduction: According to Mali’s National Immunization Center, the Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) vaccine coverage rate was 90% in 2015. Our work aimed to study invasive bacterial infections due to Haemophilus influenzae type b in children aged 0 - 15 years hospitalized in the pediatrics department of the UH-GT. Method: We carried out a retrospective descriptive study from January 2017 to December 2018 (i.e. 2 years) among children aged 0 - 15 years and hospitalized for Haemophilus influenzae type b infection confirmed by culture (blood culture, Cerebro-spinal Fluid, and pleural and skin fluid). Results: Thirty-three cases of Hib infections were collected giving a frequency of 0.2% and the age group 3 months to 3 years was the most affected (72.73%). Children who received no vaccine accounted for 21.21%. The Cerebro-spinal Fluid culture and other samples (pleural and skin) identified the bacterium in 100% of cases, against 72.72% in the blood culture Meningitis was the most frequent pathology (78.79%) and the lethality was high (21.21%). Conclusion: Despite the introduction of the Hib vaccine in the routine immunization program in Mali, Hib infections remain with a high lethality linked to meningitis.

Evaluation of the Management of Infant Respiratory Distress at the CNHU-HKM Pediatric Emergency Department

Introduction: Respiratory distress (RD) is a major emergency to which infants are particularly vulnerable. It can lead to neurological sequelae and even death when treatment is not adequate and rapid. Objective: To evaluate the management of RD in infants at the CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. Methods: The study was of a transversal and analytical nature and took place over a period of 06 months, from 1st January to 30th June 2015. Included in the study were all infants hospitalised for DR. The therapeutic modalities were analysed according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization. Results: A total of 96 infants were included. The hospital frequency of DR was 38%. The average age was 12 months. One in 3 infants had SaO2 less than 90% on admission, and in 58.3% of cases, the infant showed at least 3 signs of struggle. The initial assessment was as recommended. The systematic use of oxygenrequires a revision of the criteria for oxygentherapy in the unit. The three main causes were severe pneumonia (31.3%), severe malaria (18.8%) and bronchiolitis (15.6%), and their treatment was correct. However, none of the infants had been able to benefit from ventilatory support. Mortality was high (31.2%) linked to the intensity of DR (p = 0.04) and sepsis (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of RD in infants at the CNHU are fairly consistent with WHO guidelines. Ventilatory support is necessary for some children with severe RD.

The Scrotoschisis about a Case in the Pediatric Surgery Department of the Donka National Hospital

Introduction: Scrotoschisis is a very rare congenital defect of the scrotum characterized by the exteriorization of one or two testes. We report a case of right scrotoschisis in a newborn as well as a review of the literature for an approach of probable etiology. Patient and Observation: A newborn baby of 8 hours of life, weighing 3200 g was referred to our department for a right scrotal defect with exteriorization of the testis associated with fluid swelling of the left bursa. The 18-year-old mother, primiparous and primigeste followed all the prenatal consultations with eutocic delivery. After clinical investigation the diagnosis of right scrotosisis and left hydrocele was retained. Surgical treatment was carried out by primary closure after orchidopexy and exploration of the contralateral bursa, the content of which was calcified meconium bathed in a yellowish liquid. The post-operative consequences were simple. Conclusion: Scrotoschisis is an extremely rare birth defect whose etiology is poorly understood. However, it could be the cause of meconium peritonitis secondary to a scarred fatal intestinal perforation.

Febrile Seizures in Children at the Departmental Teaching Hospital of OuéméPlateau: Etiologies and Risk Factors for Death

Background: Febrile seizures are the most frequent neurological disorder in pediatrics. They have multiple etiologies and require urgent management. The aim of this survey was to study febrile seizures in children at the Departmental Teaching Hospital of Ouémé Plateau (DTH/OP). Method: This was a cross-sectional survey, conducted from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, in the pediatric department of the DTH/OP. Children aged 1 month to 18 years, hospitalized for febrile seizures recognized at the anamnesis and/or during the physical examination were included in this study. Results: The frequency of seizures was 17.08% (510/2986). The male to female ratio was equal to 1.4. The mean age was 44.27 ± 40.75 months. The seizure was generalized tonic-clonic in 77.9% of cases and localized in 11.6% of cases. The main etiologies were severe malaria (75.5%), sepsis (21.6%), enteric infections (14.9%) and pneumonia (10.2%). Diazepam was the anticonvulsant treatment used in the first intention (79.7%). Most of the children were hospitalized for 3 to 7 days. The recovery rate was 82.3% and the fatality rate was equal to 17.7%. Eight children presented sequelae. There was a statistically significant link between the children’s clinical outcome and age (p < 0.001);severe malaria (p < 0.001);sepsis (p < 0.001) and enteric infections (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Febrile seizures were frequent in the pediatric emergency department of the DTH/OP. There is a need to intensify sensitization on malaria prevention measures in the community and improve case management at the hospital.

Pulmonary Complications in Children with Sickle Cell Disease Followed at the Pediatric Department of Gabriel Toure University Hospital

Objective: To study the pulmonary complications of major sickle cell syndromes in children aged 6 months to 15 years followed at the Department of Pediatrics of Gabriel Toure University Hospital. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study from January 1st, 2017 to February 28, 2018 and a prospective study from March 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019, concerning sickle cell disease children followed at the Gabriel Touré University Hospital. All children with sickle cell disease confirmed by hemoglobin electrophoresis, aged 6 months to 15 years with a pulmonary complication and admitted to pediatrics were included. Were not included: 1) Infants and children with sickle cell disease not presenting a pulmonary complication coming only to their routine follow-up. 2) Sickle cell patients over 16 years of age and those whose parents do not consent. 3) Those who have not done electrophoresis. Results: During the study period, we were able to include 45 sickle cell children with a pulmonary complication. The frequency of pulmonary complications was 13.76%, involving homozygotes in 91.11% of cases. The age group 6 - 10 years predominated with 46.66% and the sex ratio was 0.45. Vaso-occlusive crisis was the most frequent reason for consultation with 35.56%. Respiratory distress (80%), fever (66.67%), crepitus rales (64.44%) and chest pain (60%) were the most frequent clinical signs. The main pulmonary complication was acute chest syndrome with 86.67%. Treatment was based on hydration (91.91%), analgesics (91.91%) and antibiotics (73.33%). Lethality was 4.44%. Conclusion: Pulmonary complications of sickle cell disease are serious and constitute the main cause of mortality in our context.

Upper Extremities Injuries in Children Attending Pediatric Emergency Department-SFH, Riyadh-Saudi

Trauma is a physical injury caused by violence or other forces;in serious trauma, the patient will be at risk of death or loss of function. Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among all age groups. Objective: To study the pattern and outcome of upper limbs trauma in children attending the pediatric emergency department. Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at Security Forces Hospital-Al-Riyadh. Result: Total number of patients seen during the study period was 343 patients, their age range between 6 months and 13 years old with a mean age of 5.473 (±3.8572);also, results showed boys were 187 (54.5%) patients and girls were 156 (45.5%) patients. Based on the site of trauma in the upper limbs, lacerations were in 114 (33.2%), Hand and/or wrist fracture in 67 (19.5%), Nursemaid Elbow in 43 (12.5%), both Radius and Ulnar bones fracture in 33 (9.6%), Radius bone fracture in 29 (8.5%), supracondylar fracture in 22 (6.4%), Clavicle bone fracture in 20 (5.8%), Humorous bone fracture in 7 (2%), Condylar bone fracture 6 (1.7%), and there was 1 (0.3%) patient with Scapulae and Ulna fracture.