Background: Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension (HTN) are one of the main causes of death in Cameroon. This study aimed at assessing prevalence disparities and determinants of hypertension amongst Bamilé...Background: Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension (HTN) are one of the main causes of death in Cameroon. This study aimed at assessing prevalence disparities and determinants of hypertension amongst Bamiléké adults residing in two different agroecological zones of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive survey was conducted among Bamiléké population living in the Highlands zone (Western region) and in the Monomodal Rainforest zone (Littoral region) of Cameroon from August 2016 to August 2017. Participants (962) were aged at least 20 years old. Data on sociodemographic, hemodynamic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters and lifestyle of the participants were collected. Results: Results obtained revealed that 34.2% were hypertensive and those residing in the highland zone were more affected than those living in the monomodal rainforest zone (44.5% vs 22.9%). The different subtypes of HTN (Isolated systolic hypertension (14.1%), isolated diastolic hypertension (7.2%) and Systo-diastolic hypertension (23.3%)) were also more prevalent in the Highlands Zone. The most prevalent stage of HTN was pre-HTN (31.5%). However, people living in the monomodal rainforest zone were more affected by pre-HTN compared to Bamiléké living in the highland zone (33.6% vs. 29.6%). Results also showed that high consumption (≥ 3 times/week) of carbohydrate- and fat-rich foods, ageing, obesity, and marital status were associated with high blood pressure in both agroecological zones. Besides, secondary education (OR = 0.68;95% CI: 0.42 - 0.99) in the Highlands Zone and high (≥3 times/week) vegetable consumption (OR = 0.66;95% CI: 0.44 - 0.98) in the Monomodal Rainforest Zone had a protective effect on elevated blood pressure of population. Conclusion: There is a disparity in the prevalence of hypertension and some of its determinants among Bamiléké adults residing in different agroecological zones. This work highlights the need to advocate for local and ethno-cultural health policies to prevent, diagnose and manage hypertension.展开更多
Brucellosis is an anthropozoonotic disease with an important public health impact. Although the transmission of <em>Brucella</em> from animals to humans can occur in different epidemiological settings of s...Brucellosis is an anthropozoonotic disease with an important public health impact. Although the transmission of <em>Brucella</em> from animals to humans can occur in different epidemiological settings of sub-Saharan African countries, little data has been published on human brucellosis. This study aimed to detect <em>Brucella</em> antibodies and the risk factors associated to brucellosis among high-risk occupational groups of people in the Noun Division of Cameroon. For this study, a structured questionnaire was used to assess risk factors associated with human brucellosis. Thereafter, blood samples were collected from high-risk occupational groups of people in four villages. Plasma was extracted from each sample and<em> Brucella</em> antibodies were detected using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA). Of the 273 participants enrolled, the overall seroprevalence of <em>Brucella </em>antibodies was 12.45% with RBPT and 10.26% with i-ELISA test. This seroprevalence was significantly (<em>P</em> = 0.04;<em>X</em><sup>2</sup> = 9.73) higher among livestock herdsmen (15.8%), slaughterhouse workers (9.8%), butchers (4.8%), participants having no educational level (14.3%) and those experiencing above 5 years of risky activity (15%). Raw milk consumption (OR: 4.8;<em>P</em> = 0.001), no formal education (OR: 6.4;<em>P</em> = 0.03) and assistance of animal during parturition (OR: 7.2;<em>P</em> < 0.0001) appeared as factors that may increase the risk of <em>Brucella</em> infections. The detection of <em>Brucella </em>antibodies indicates the risk of human brucellosis in some groups of people of the Noun division. Consuming unpasteurized milk, participating in parturition and lacking knowledge on brucellosis appeared as risk factors associated with human brucellosis in western Cameroon. It raises the need of developing and implementing control measures for human and animal brucellosis.展开更多
The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between HIV infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, comparing the rates of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension in a HIV-infected pregnant gr...The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between HIV infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, comparing the rates of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension in a HIV-infected pregnant group and in a HIV-negative control pregnant group matched for age and parity. Furthermore, we aimed to compare the rates of hypertensive disorders in a subgroup of HIV-positive and HIV-negative African-American Black women. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at two University Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salesi Hospital, Ancona, and Sant’Orsola Hospital, Bologna. The HIV-infected patients’ group consisted of 126 pregnant women;140 HIV-negative pregnant women matched for age and parity served as controls. Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were diagnosed according to NHBPEP-ISSHP criteria. Categorical data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. Statistical significance was set at a p value < 0.05. Results: Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were diagnosed in 3 of 126 HIV-positive patients (2.38%) and in 14 of 140 HIV-negative patients (10%), with a relative risk of 0.24 (p = 0.0112). In the subgroup of African-American Black women, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were diagnosed in 2 out of 43 HIV-positive (4.7%) and in 3 out of 18 HIV-negative patients (16.7%) with a relative risk of 0.28, not statistically significant (p = 0.1887). Conclusion: Pregnant women with HIV infection seem to be protected against gestational hypertension and preeclampsia and this protective effect remains also in a high risk population, such as African-American Black ethnic group. The effect is present independently from treatment received and virus copies. The lack of immune response present since the conception period should account for unopposed trophoblast invasion resulting in a better placentation.展开更多
Background: Hypertension is the leading cardiovascular risk factor worldwide, with the greatest burden in low-income settings. Blood pressure (BP) control is usually low resulting in high rates of uncontrolled patient...Background: Hypertension is the leading cardiovascular risk factor worldwide, with the greatest burden in low-income settings. Blood pressure (BP) control is usually low resulting in high rates of uncontrolled patients and complications. Low awareness resulting in poor therapeutic adherence represents an important factor for insufficient blood pressure control in developing countries. Methods: This was a three months non-randomized control trial at the cardiology clinic of the Yaoundé Central Hospital. We included adults with essential and uncontrolled hypertension. The intervention consisted of group educative sessions every week focusing on knowledge of hypertension risk factors, complications, treatment, comorbidities, home self-monitoring of BP. Home blood pressure figures, drug compliance, and knowledge regarding hypertension were evaluated before and after. Results: 17 participants (8 women) with a mean age 56.2 ± 8.1 years. During intervention, mean SBP decreased by 30 mmHg while mean DBP drooped by 11 mmHg using home BP measures. Knowledge regarding hypertension, adherence and drug compliance increased by 36.5%, 88.2% and 81.4% respectively. Conclusion: Therapeutic group education resulted in a significant improvement in BP control amongst uncontrolled hypertensive patients in sub Saharan Africa.展开更多
Microalbuminuria (MAU) is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) and also in an unselected population. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Na...Microalbuminuria (MAU) is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) and also in an unselected population. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) define MAU as an albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) between 30 and 300 μg/mg in both men and women. Aim: To evaluate the possible relationship among MAU, HTN and gender and ethnicity in Brazilian nondiabetic primary hypertensive patients. Design: Population-based study. Participants: Ninety-eight men and women, seventy-two black and twenty-six white nondiabetic primary hypertensive patients aged 20 years or older were selected. Forty healthy individuals, paired according to age, gender, and ethnics were used as controls. Methods: Early-morning midstream urine was used. Urinary albumin was spectrophotometrically measured with Coomassie Brillant Blue G-250. Creatinine was determined by a method based on Jaffe’s reaction. ACR (μg albumin/mg creatinine) was calculated. Data are expressed as medians. Results: ACR level was significantly higher in 98 hypertensive patients (38.00) than in 40 control individuals (23.00) (P < 0.001). ACR level was significantly higher in 48 hypertensive male (46.00) than in 50 hypertensive female (34.00) (P = 0.008). No significant effect of ethnicity on ACR levels between 26 hypertensive Whites (35.50) and 72 hypertensive Blacks (38.00) was observed (P = 0.978). Conclusions: The ACR level, significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in control individuals, supports data from the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that the ACR level is significantly higher in men than in women. The lack of an ethnicity effect supports what was already asserted, namely, that in Brazil, at an individual level, color, as determined by physical evaluation, is a poor predictor of genomic African ancestry, as estimated by molecular markers.展开更多
In the last decade,several studies have explored various modalities and strategies for colorectal cancer(CRC)screening,taking into account epidemiological data,individual characteristics,and socioeconomic factors.In t...In the last decade,several studies have explored various modalities and strategies for colorectal cancer(CRC)screening,taking into account epidemiological data,individual characteristics,and socioeconomic factors.In this editorial,we comment further on a retrospective study by Agatsuma et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.Our focus is on screening trends,particularly in relation to efforts to improve the currently suboptimal uptake among the general population worldwide,aiming to enhance early diagnosis rates of CRC.There is a need to raise awareness through health edu-cation programs and to consider the use of readily available,non-invasive screening methods.These strategies are crucial for attracting screen-eligible populations to participate in first-line screening,especially those in high-or average-risk groups and in regions with limited resources.Liquid biopsies and biomarkers represent rapidly evolving trends in screening and diagnosis;however,their clinical relevance has yet to be standardized.展开更多
With increasing burden of compensated cirrhosis,we desperately need noninvasive methods for assessment of clinically significant portal hypertension.The use of liver and spleen stiffness measurement helps in deferring...With increasing burden of compensated cirrhosis,we desperately need noninvasive methods for assessment of clinically significant portal hypertension.The use of liver and spleen stiffness measurement helps in deferring unnecessary endoscopies for low risk esophageal varices.This would reduce cost and patient discomfort.However,these special techniques may not be feasible at remote areas where still we need only biochemical parameters.More prospective studies validating the non-invasive risk prediction models are definitely needed.展开更多
文摘Background: Cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension (HTN) are one of the main causes of death in Cameroon. This study aimed at assessing prevalence disparities and determinants of hypertension amongst Bamiléké adults residing in two different agroecological zones of Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive survey was conducted among Bamiléké population living in the Highlands zone (Western region) and in the Monomodal Rainforest zone (Littoral region) of Cameroon from August 2016 to August 2017. Participants (962) were aged at least 20 years old. Data on sociodemographic, hemodynamic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters and lifestyle of the participants were collected. Results: Results obtained revealed that 34.2% were hypertensive and those residing in the highland zone were more affected than those living in the monomodal rainforest zone (44.5% vs 22.9%). The different subtypes of HTN (Isolated systolic hypertension (14.1%), isolated diastolic hypertension (7.2%) and Systo-diastolic hypertension (23.3%)) were also more prevalent in the Highlands Zone. The most prevalent stage of HTN was pre-HTN (31.5%). However, people living in the monomodal rainforest zone were more affected by pre-HTN compared to Bamiléké living in the highland zone (33.6% vs. 29.6%). Results also showed that high consumption (≥ 3 times/week) of carbohydrate- and fat-rich foods, ageing, obesity, and marital status were associated with high blood pressure in both agroecological zones. Besides, secondary education (OR = 0.68;95% CI: 0.42 - 0.99) in the Highlands Zone and high (≥3 times/week) vegetable consumption (OR = 0.66;95% CI: 0.44 - 0.98) in the Monomodal Rainforest Zone had a protective effect on elevated blood pressure of population. Conclusion: There is a disparity in the prevalence of hypertension and some of its determinants among Bamiléké adults residing in different agroecological zones. This work highlights the need to advocate for local and ethno-cultural health policies to prevent, diagnose and manage hypertension.
文摘Brucellosis is an anthropozoonotic disease with an important public health impact. Although the transmission of <em>Brucella</em> from animals to humans can occur in different epidemiological settings of sub-Saharan African countries, little data has been published on human brucellosis. This study aimed to detect <em>Brucella</em> antibodies and the risk factors associated to brucellosis among high-risk occupational groups of people in the Noun Division of Cameroon. For this study, a structured questionnaire was used to assess risk factors associated with human brucellosis. Thereafter, blood samples were collected from high-risk occupational groups of people in four villages. Plasma was extracted from each sample and<em> Brucella</em> antibodies were detected using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (i-ELISA). Of the 273 participants enrolled, the overall seroprevalence of <em>Brucella </em>antibodies was 12.45% with RBPT and 10.26% with i-ELISA test. This seroprevalence was significantly (<em>P</em> = 0.04;<em>X</em><sup>2</sup> = 9.73) higher among livestock herdsmen (15.8%), slaughterhouse workers (9.8%), butchers (4.8%), participants having no educational level (14.3%) and those experiencing above 5 years of risky activity (15%). Raw milk consumption (OR: 4.8;<em>P</em> = 0.001), no formal education (OR: 6.4;<em>P</em> = 0.03) and assistance of animal during parturition (OR: 7.2;<em>P</em> < 0.0001) appeared as factors that may increase the risk of <em>Brucella</em> infections. The detection of <em>Brucella </em>antibodies indicates the risk of human brucellosis in some groups of people of the Noun division. Consuming unpasteurized milk, participating in parturition and lacking knowledge on brucellosis appeared as risk factors associated with human brucellosis in western Cameroon. It raises the need of developing and implementing control measures for human and animal brucellosis.
文摘The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between HIV infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, comparing the rates of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension in a HIV-infected pregnant group and in a HIV-negative control pregnant group matched for age and parity. Furthermore, we aimed to compare the rates of hypertensive disorders in a subgroup of HIV-positive and HIV-negative African-American Black women. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at two University Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salesi Hospital, Ancona, and Sant’Orsola Hospital, Bologna. The HIV-infected patients’ group consisted of 126 pregnant women;140 HIV-negative pregnant women matched for age and parity served as controls. Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were diagnosed according to NHBPEP-ISSHP criteria. Categorical data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. Statistical significance was set at a p value < 0.05. Results: Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were diagnosed in 3 of 126 HIV-positive patients (2.38%) and in 14 of 140 HIV-negative patients (10%), with a relative risk of 0.24 (p = 0.0112). In the subgroup of African-American Black women, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were diagnosed in 2 out of 43 HIV-positive (4.7%) and in 3 out of 18 HIV-negative patients (16.7%) with a relative risk of 0.28, not statistically significant (p = 0.1887). Conclusion: Pregnant women with HIV infection seem to be protected against gestational hypertension and preeclampsia and this protective effect remains also in a high risk population, such as African-American Black ethnic group. The effect is present independently from treatment received and virus copies. The lack of immune response present since the conception period should account for unopposed trophoblast invasion resulting in a better placentation.
文摘Background: Hypertension is the leading cardiovascular risk factor worldwide, with the greatest burden in low-income settings. Blood pressure (BP) control is usually low resulting in high rates of uncontrolled patients and complications. Low awareness resulting in poor therapeutic adherence represents an important factor for insufficient blood pressure control in developing countries. Methods: This was a three months non-randomized control trial at the cardiology clinic of the Yaoundé Central Hospital. We included adults with essential and uncontrolled hypertension. The intervention consisted of group educative sessions every week focusing on knowledge of hypertension risk factors, complications, treatment, comorbidities, home self-monitoring of BP. Home blood pressure figures, drug compliance, and knowledge regarding hypertension were evaluated before and after. Results: 17 participants (8 women) with a mean age 56.2 ± 8.1 years. During intervention, mean SBP decreased by 30 mmHg while mean DBP drooped by 11 mmHg using home BP measures. Knowledge regarding hypertension, adherence and drug compliance increased by 36.5%, 88.2% and 81.4% respectively. Conclusion: Therapeutic group education resulted in a significant improvement in BP control amongst uncontrolled hypertensive patients in sub Saharan Africa.
文摘Microalbuminuria (MAU) is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) and also in an unselected population. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) define MAU as an albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) between 30 and 300 μg/mg in both men and women. Aim: To evaluate the possible relationship among MAU, HTN and gender and ethnicity in Brazilian nondiabetic primary hypertensive patients. Design: Population-based study. Participants: Ninety-eight men and women, seventy-two black and twenty-six white nondiabetic primary hypertensive patients aged 20 years or older were selected. Forty healthy individuals, paired according to age, gender, and ethnics were used as controls. Methods: Early-morning midstream urine was used. Urinary albumin was spectrophotometrically measured with Coomassie Brillant Blue G-250. Creatinine was determined by a method based on Jaffe’s reaction. ACR (μg albumin/mg creatinine) was calculated. Data are expressed as medians. Results: ACR level was significantly higher in 98 hypertensive patients (38.00) than in 40 control individuals (23.00) (P < 0.001). ACR level was significantly higher in 48 hypertensive male (46.00) than in 50 hypertensive female (34.00) (P = 0.008). No significant effect of ethnicity on ACR levels between 26 hypertensive Whites (35.50) and 72 hypertensive Blacks (38.00) was observed (P = 0.978). Conclusions: The ACR level, significantly higher in hypertensive patients than in control individuals, supports data from the literature. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that the ACR level is significantly higher in men than in women. The lack of an ethnicity effect supports what was already asserted, namely, that in Brazil, at an individual level, color, as determined by physical evaluation, is a poor predictor of genomic African ancestry, as estimated by molecular markers.
文摘In the last decade,several studies have explored various modalities and strategies for colorectal cancer(CRC)screening,taking into account epidemiological data,individual characteristics,and socioeconomic factors.In this editorial,we comment further on a retrospective study by Agatsuma et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology.Our focus is on screening trends,particularly in relation to efforts to improve the currently suboptimal uptake among the general population worldwide,aiming to enhance early diagnosis rates of CRC.There is a need to raise awareness through health edu-cation programs and to consider the use of readily available,non-invasive screening methods.These strategies are crucial for attracting screen-eligible populations to participate in first-line screening,especially those in high-or average-risk groups and in regions with limited resources.Liquid biopsies and biomarkers represent rapidly evolving trends in screening and diagnosis;however,their clinical relevance has yet to be standardized.
文摘With increasing burden of compensated cirrhosis,we desperately need noninvasive methods for assessment of clinically significant portal hypertension.The use of liver and spleen stiffness measurement helps in deferring unnecessary endoscopies for low risk esophageal varices.This would reduce cost and patient discomfort.However,these special techniques may not be feasible at remote areas where still we need only biochemical parameters.More prospective studies validating the non-invasive risk prediction models are definitely needed.