COVID-19/Tuberculosis Co-Infection at the Epidemic Treatment Center (ETC) of Saint-Louis (Senegal): About 9 Cases

Introduction: COVID-19 is a global public health emergency that can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome. In countries where tuberculosis (TB) is endemic, coinfection of COVID-19 and TB is often encountered, which increases the risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19/TB coinfection at the Epidemic treatment center (ETC) in Saint-Louis (Senegal) and to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and outcome profile of co-infected patients. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive cohort study based on the records of COVID-19/ TB co-infected patients who were hospitalized at the ETC in Saint-Louis (Senegal) over an 18-month period from March 2020 to September 2021. Results: Out of a total of 454 hospitalizations, we collected records of 9 patients co-infected with COVID-19/TB, resulting in a prevalence of 2%. The study included patients with a median age of 34 years (range: 10-86 years), with a male predominance (7 cases) and a sex ratio of 3.5. The majority of patients (88.9%) had severe forms of COVID-19. Dyspnea and cough were reported in all patients (100%). Pulmonary TB was the most frequent localization, with 9 cases. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed by nasopharyngeal PCR in all patients (100%). Bacilloscopy was positive in 3 out of 5 cases. One patient tested positive for GeneXpert? MTB/RIF without rifampicin resistance. All patients were prescribed the hydroxychloroquine-azithromycin combination and anti-tuberculosis treatment. Out of the nine patients, four recovered (44.4%) and five died (55.5%). Conclusion: COVID-19/TB coinfection had a low prevalence in our cohort, but was associated with a high mortality due to the frequent occurrence of severe forms of the disease.

Profile of SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients Hospitalized at the Epidemic Treatment Center (ETC) in Saint-Louis, Senegal during the First Two Waves

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 infection is a major public health emergency. Several risk factors are involved in the occurrence of respiratory distress that can lead to death despite resuscitation measures. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and evolution profile of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized at the CTE of Saint-Louis (Senegal) during the first two waves. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study that included all patients hospitalized at the ETC of Saint-Louis (Senegal) with SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 2020 to April 2021. Results: A total of 358 cases were collected, 256 (71.5%) during the first wave and 102 (28.5%) during the second wave. The mean age was 49.5 years (19.5). There was a male predominance (58.4%), with a sex ratio of 1.4. Hypertension was the main comorbidity, with 87 cases (24.3%). The most common functional signs were cough in 194 cases (54.2%), dyspnea in 143 cases (40%) and ageusia in 134 cases (37.4%). Thoracic CT scans were performed on 20 patients (5.6%), with severe involvement (50% - 75%) observed in 50% of cases. Hydroxychloroquine-azithromycin was prescribed to 351 patients (98%). Overall, 338 (94.4%) recovered and 17 (4.7%) died. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with death were male sex [OR = 2.645;95% CI: 1.530 - 4.785;p = 0.011], age 60 years [OR = 1.039;95% CI: 0.564 - 1.914;p = 0.002], the presence of comorbidities [OR = 2.171;95% CI: 0.564 - 3.429;p = 0.033], SpO2 (ambient air) 95% [OR = 2.061;95% CI: 0.616 - 3.827;p = 0.03], acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [OR = 0.635;95% CI: 0.316 - 1.275;p = 0.001], severe form [OR = 1.664;95% CI: 0.298 - 2.478;p = 0.016], occurrence of complications [OR = 0.521;95% CI: 0.287 - 0.944;p = 0.032], high creatinine levels [OR = 2.061;95% CI: 1.616 - 3.827;p = 0.026], and lymphopenia [OR = 0.485;95% CI: 0.370 - 0.636;p = 0.001]. Conclusion: In our series, infection with SARS-CoV-2 was associated with low lethality. Several risk factors were identified that need to be considered for successful management of patients.

Indications and Results of Thyroidectomies in Northern Senegal

Goiters account for a very high prevalence disease. In Senegal, surgery is a very important part of the management. Our aim is to determine indications and results of thyroidectomies at the regional hospital of St. Louis. Patient and Method: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study over a period of 6 years on 81 records. All patients who underwent thyroidectomy during the study period were included. Computer software EPI INFO and Excel were used for collection and processing of data. Results: The average age of our patients was 40 years with a sex ratio at 0.05. The determination of TSH found 88.9% in euthyroid, 1.2% in hypothyroidism and 9.9% in hyperthyroidism. Thyroid ultrasound was performed in 97.5% of patients. Surgically, gestures performed were divided between the lobo-isthmectomies (43.1%), subtotal thyroidectomy (9.8%), total thyroidectomy (46.91%). The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients. The histology was benign in 88.9% of surgical specimens and found adenocarcinoma in 11.1%. Conclusion: Our study confirms the predominance of female thyroid pathology. The thyroidectomy which is getting better codified occupies an important place in the management. It offers the advantage around the problem of therapeutic non-compliance and also stockouts in our region.