Clinical, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Profiles of Hypertensive Emergencies in the Cardiology Department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital (Conakry)

Introduction: Hypertensive emergencies are a reality in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary profile of hypertensive emergencies in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. Methods: This was a longitudinal descriptive study of patients admitted to the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital for hypertensive emergencies, over a period of six (6) months from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2021. Results: Among the 638 patients admitted to the cardiology department during the study period, 102 cases of hypertensive emergencies were identified, representing a frequency of 15.99%. The mean age of the patients was 56.65 ± 13.33 years, with extremes of 23 and 90 years, and the sex ratio was 1.91 in favour of men. The associated cardiovascular risk factors were: age (76.47%), smoking (41.18%), sedentary lifestyle (31.37%), obesity (16.67%), dyslipidaemia (12.75%), diabetes (11.76%) and excessive alcohol consumption (11.76%). The various clinical pictures found were: acute pulmonary oedema 39 cases (38.23%), acute coronary syndrome 31 cases (30.39%), stroke 17 cases (16.67%), hypertensive encephalopathy 11 cases (10.78%), acute renal failure 3 cases (2.94%) and aortic dissection 1 case (0.98%). The drugs used on admission were calcium antagonists (Nicardipine 10mg) in 58 cases (56.86%), diuretics (Furosemide 20mg) in 44 cases (43.13%), nitrates (Risordan 20mg) in 39 cases (38.23%) and beta-blockers in 31 cases (30.39%). In terms of outcome, 88 (86.27%) patients had improved. However, 12 (11.76%) deaths were recorded. Conclusion: Hypertensive emergencies are a worrying condition with a high prevalence in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital.

Post-Traumatic Pyothorax: Epidemiology, Management and Prognosis in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Donka National Hospital

Pyothoraxes, also called thoracic empyemas, are defined by the presence between the two layers of the pleura, of a frankly purulent liquid, or of a shady or clear liquid but containing a majority of altered polynuclear cells with germs direct examination. They are said to be traumatic when they follow a thoracic trauma whatever the mechanism;usually a pre-existing post-traumatic pleural effusion. The general objective of this study was to help identify the epidemiological and prognostic factors in the management of post-traumatic pyothorax in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Donka National Hospital. Methodology: This was a descriptive retrospective study covering a period of 2.5 years from 01/06/2016 to 31/12/2018 carried out in the Thoracic Surgery Department of the Donka National Hospital. Results: During the study period, 17 cases of post-traumatic pyothorax were observed among the 288 files of admitted and hospitalized patients. In the course of this study, a rate was 5.90%. The most affected age group was 1 to 5 years old. The male sex was in the majority (76.5%). The most common occurrence was the fall, i.e. 41.2%. 47% of patients consult after 60 days. Chest pain and dyspnea were the main symptoms during our study (82.3%). Antibiotics and analgesics dominated the medical treatment used in 100% of the cases and pleural drainage was the first line surgical treatment practiced in 88.2% of the cases. The prognosis is favorable without sequelae in 52.9% of cases with an average hospital stay of 9 days. Post-traumatic pyothorax is a serious pathology involving the vital and functional respiratory prognosis, hence the need to diagnose and treat it early.