Childbirth in Teenagers at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Communautaire de Bangui

Introduction: The teenager is the one whose chronological age is between 10 and 19 years according to the World Health Organization. Pregnancy dur-ing teenage age, whether desired or not, presents serious obstetric risks. The purpose of this study was to assess risk factors associated with childbirth in teenagers. Patients and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study (witness case) conducted over the period from April 1st to September 30th, 2019 (6 months) in the maternity ward of the Centre Hospitalier Uni-versitaire. It was included in the study all the parturients who were presented according to the place where the pregnancy was monitored. Results: A total of 510 childbirths were recorded during the study period, we identified 157 childbirth aged under 20 (teenager), and 353 controls. The frequency of childbirth for teenage girls was 30.7%. The average age of teenage girls was 15 years with extremes of 13-19 years old. Risk factors were represented by preeclampsia, episiotomy. The low birth weight and premature birth are the most significant fetal morbidity. Conclusion: The pregnancy in teenagers is a public health issue.

Materno-Fetal Prognosis of Retro-Placental Hematoma at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Communautaire

Introduction: The majority of pregnancies and births go off without incident even though they all present risks. Retro-placental hematoma (RPH) is an extreme obstetric emergency. The aim of our study was to assess the maternal-fetal prognosis of this pathology in our patients. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive and analytical study over 5 years ranging from the period from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2019. The study’s population consisted of pregnant women, in the 3rd trimester, who were presented with the retro-placental hematoma during the pregnancy or childbirth and taken care of in the maternity ward of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Communautaire. Results: During our study period, we recorded 87 cases of retro-placental hematoma, and 40,763 deliveries. The frequency of retro-placental hematoma was 0.21% at delivery. The average maternal age was 26.4 years with extremes of 16 and 40 years. The parity’s average was 3.8 with extremes of 1 and 13. The mean gestational age at the time of the onset of the accident was 35.9 amenorrhea weeks (AW) with extremes of 28 and 40 AW. We performed 4 cases of hysterectomy (4.5%). We recorded 8 maternal deaths (9.2%) and 60 newborn deaths (69%). The causes of maternal death were dominated by afibrinogenemia 62.5%, followed by renal failure in 25%. Conclusion: Retro-placental hematoma is a serious pathology during the pregnancy.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Mère-Enfant le “Luxembourg” in Mali for 2 Years from 2020 to 2021

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a surgical technique that involves the removal of the gallbladder by laparoscopy. Its practice is timid in sub-Saharan Africa, despite the existence of risk factors such as sickle cell disease. We report our 2-year experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the general surgery department of the CHU-ME Luxembourg. Materials and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study from September 2019 to September 2021. The study included 64 patients with vesicular lithiasis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Data were analyzed on SPSS software (version 25.0). Confidentiality and anonymity of the subjects were respected. Results: The frequency of cholecystectomy was 30.9%. The average age was 38.37 ± 16.94 years. The female sex was 70.3%. Obesity and sickle cell disease were found in 85.9% and 14.1% of patients. On physical examination, hepatic colic was found in 54.7% and the Murphy sign was positive in 64.1% of patients. Ultrasound diagnosis of vesicular lithiasis was made in all patients. All patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which was retrograde in 64.1% of cases. The average procedure time was 66 minutes. No case of complication was recorded postoperatively. Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a technique to be developed and supported.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Postpartum Depression: A Study Conducted in Health Centres in Dakar (Senegal)

Introduction: Postpartum depression is the most common psychiatric disorder affecting women in the perinatal period. According to the WHO, it affects 10% - 15% of women who have just given birth. In Africa, and particularly in Senegal, epidemiological studies focusing exclusively on postpartum depression are rare or non-existent. For this reason, we conducted this screening study on postpartum depression to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and associated factors. Methods: This was a prospective cross- sectional study with descriptive and analytical aims. It was carried out in the twelve Dakar referral health centres during the period August 2021 to June 2022. Results: At the end of our survey we had recruited one hundred and twenty-two (122) participants with a PPD prevalence rate of 25.41%. The most common age group was 24 - 29 years. 40% of the participants were of Fulani ethnicity, followed by Wolof. Married women made up 93% of the sample. The school enrolment rate was 89%. Most participants were not in paid employment. Domestic violence was present in 14% of couples. 28% of mothers reported experiencing a stressful life event during their pregnancy. 22% of the women had a chronic medical condition, of which 55% had high blood pressure. 1% of the women reported a personal psychiatric history and 5% a family psychiatric history. Most women had between two and four healthy living children. The pregnancy was unwanted in 17% of cases and 12% of participants had a complication. 6% were dissatisfied with the quality of their antenatal care. The caesarean section rate was 18%. In terms of associated factors, eight factors were identified in a bivariate analysis: single marital status, lack of support from partner, domestic violence, conflict with in-laws, and the occurrence of a stressful life event during pregnancy, the presence of a personal medical history, lack of satisfaction with pregnancy follow-up, and mode of delivery by caesarean section. Conclusion: Our study showed the high prevalence of PPD (25.41%) and identified associated risk factors. Among these factors, two were strongly associated with postpartum depression: lack of satisfaction with pregnancy care and experiencing a stressful life event during pregnancy. Systematic screening or identification of risk factors during pregnancy is necessary for comprehensive treatment based on a biopsychosocial approach.

Rib Osteosynthesis for Sub-Acute Management of a Flail Chest in a Tertiary Centre in a Low-Middle Income Country of Sub-Saharan Africa: Case Report at Douala Laquintinie Hospital

Background: Costal fracture surgical is still a debate, therefore we shall select between early and delay surgical management. Case Report: We are reporting two cases of post road traffic clash delay ribs fractures osteosynthesis involving a 63-year-old man with multistage fractures on the left and pulmonary pinning of one of the costal arches, complicated by a homolateral haemothorax and a 41-year-old man with a bilateral flail chest. Conclusion: The simple postoperative course and the immediate postoperative improvement in the patient’s clinical respiratory condition enabled us to discuss the time frame for management, in this case the indication for early or later surgery.

Eclampsia: Epidemiological Aspects and Maternal and Foetal Prognosis at the University Teaching Hospital Centre (Uth) of Bouake

Objective: To determine the epidemiology and maternal-fetal prognosis of eclampsia at Bouaké University Teaching Hospital. Material and Methods: This was a prospective study with descriptive and analytical aims over a period from 01 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. It took place in the obstetrics and gynaecology department of the Bouaké University Teaching Hospital. The inclusion criterion was any seizure in the gravid-puerperal period in the context of preeclampsia. Data were entered and analysed using EPI INFO software version 7.2.2.6. Results: We performed 20,958 deliveries and recorded 241 cases of eclampsia, representing a prevalence of 1.14%. The ages of the participants ranged from 13 to 47 years with a mean age ± SD of 22 ± 7 years. The age group ≤ 19 years represented 45.64% of participants. Housewives accounted for 46.47%, and single women accounted for 54.77% of participants. The average parity ± SD was 1 ± 1.6 with range of 0 to 10, and nulliparous women accounted for 49.8% of participants. Patients who were evacuated accounted for 74.27% of our study population. The majority of eclampsia attacks occurred in the antepartum period (56.84%). The mean gestational age ± SD was 36 ± 3.6 weeks with a range of 24 to 42 weeks. The mode of delivery was caesarean section in 64.7% of cases. Maternal lethality was 7.88%. The factors associated with maternal mortality due to eclampsia were evacuation and parity of less than 3. Maternal morbidity was 16.6%. Neonatal lethality was 18.95%. The factor associated with neonatal death in eclampsia was prematurity. Conclusion: We need to detect and manage preeclampsia early and effectively to reduce the frequency of eclampsia and improve its maternal-foetal prognosis in our context.

Biochemical Profile of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 at the Infectious Disease Management Centre in Lomé in 2020

Background: COVID-19, an infectious viral disease, has caused a global health crisis. Most cases remain asymptomatic. The majority of patients have mild symptoms while about 15% develop a severe form. The clinical spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection appears broad, encompassing asymptomatic infection, upper respiratory tract symptoms, and severe viral pneumonia with respiratory failure that can lead to death. Laboratory tests play an important role in the management of COVID-19 patients. In addition to being essential for the diagnosis, several biological analyses make it possible to identify the inflammatory processes and the potential complications of this disease. This study attempted to identify biochemical assays that could help in the prognosis of the disease to ensure early management. Methods: This was a descriptive study. It focused on patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from March 19, 2020, to January 26, 2021, at the Infectious Disease Management Centre in Lomé (Togo). Medians were compared using the (Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon) test and frequencies were compared using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. Results: We included 782 patients. The median age was 41 years IQR from 32 to 55. We observed several biochemical abnormalities in varying proportions for all biochemical parameters studied. Compared to non-serious patients, critically ill patients at admission had more frequently elevated urea, creatinine, transaminases, TG, GGT, CRP and blood glucose. Also, they had more frequent decreases in total cholesterol, HDL-c, blood chloride, and blood calcium. As for patients who died during hospitalization, compared with healed patients, they had more frequent elevations of urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, GGT. CRP and blood glucose. They also had a more frequent decrease in total cholesterol, HDL-c, blood chloride, blood calcium, and blood glucose (p = 0.025). Conclusion: This study shows that COVID-19 is a multi-organ systemic inflammatory viral disease that should be systematically investigated once the diagnosis is confirmed.

Stepping up after spinal cord injury:negotiating an obstacle during walking

Every day walking consists of frequent voluntary modifications in the gait pattern to negotiate obstacles.After spinal cord injury,stepping over an obstacle becomes challenging.Stepping over an obstacle requires sensorimotor transformations in several structures of the brain,including the parietal cortex,premotor cortex,and motor cortex.Sensory information and planning are transformed into motor commands,which are sent from the motor cortex to spinal neuronal circuits to alter limb trajectory,coordinate the limbs,and maintain balance.After spinal cord injury,bidirectional communication between the brain and spinal cord is disrupted and animals,including humans,fail to voluntarily modify limb trajectory to step over an obstacle.Therefore,in this review,we discuss the neuromechanical control of stepping over an obstacle,why it fails after spinal cord injury,and how it recovers to a certain extent.

Interest of thoracic ultrasound after cardiac surgery or interventional cardiology

Thoracic ultrasound has attracted much interest in detecting pleural effusion or pulmonary consolidation after cardiac surgery.In 2016,Trovato reported,in the World Journal of Cardiology,the interest of using,in addition to echocardiography,thoracic ultrasound.In this editorial,we highlight the value of assessing diaphragm function after cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology pro-cedures.Various factors are able to impair diaphragm function after such interventions.Diaphragm motion may be decreased by chest pain secondary to sternotomy,pleural effusion or impaired muscle function.Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis may be secondary to phrenic nerve damage complicating cardiac surgery or atrial fibrillation ablation.Diagnosis may be delayed.Indeed,respi-ratory troubles induced by diaphragm dysfunction are frequently attributed to pre-existing heart disease or pulmonary complications secondary to surgery.In addition,elevated hemidiaphragm secondary to diaphragm dysfunction is sometimes not observed on chest X-ray performed in supine position in the intensive care unit.Analysis of diaphragm function by ultrasound during the recovery period appears essential.Both hemidiaphragms can be studied by two complementary ultrasound methods.The mobility of each hemidiaphragms is measured by M-mode ultrasonography.In addition,recording the percentage of inspiratory thickening provides important information about the quality of muscle function.These two approaches make it possible to detect hemidiaphragm paralysis or dysfunction.Such a diagnosis is important because persistent diaphragm dysfunction after cardiac surgery has been shown to be associated with adverse respiratory outcome.Early respiratory physio-therapy is able to improve respiratory function through strengthening of the inspiratory muscles i.e.diaphragm and accessory inspiratory muscles.

Evaluation of the Strategy and Efficacy of Treatment of Chronic Viral Hepatitis C with the Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir Combination in a Resource-Limited Country

Introduction: The treatment of viral hepatitis C (HCV), a major public health problem, has evolved considerably since the introduction of direct-acting anti-virals (DAAs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the strategy for initiating treatment with Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir, and also to assess its efficacy. Patients and Methods: Included were patients aged at least 15 years, with detectable hepatitis C viremia and treated with a pan-genotypic Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir regimen at the Centre “Hospitalier Universitaire la Référence Nationale de N’Djamena” between October 2019 and October 2023. The APRI score was used to assess fibrosis. Cure was defined by an undetectable viral load 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: A total of 835 patients were included (sex ratio 1.55, mean age 50.5 ± 13.73, extremes 20 and 84 years). The 60 - 69 age group was the most represented. The mean APRI score was 0.42 ± 0.29, with extremes of 0.019 and 1.84. The mean viral load was 2,316,193.086 IU/mL. All subjects had good renal function. Cytolysis was absent in 70% of cases. Without genotyping, a pan-genotypic regimen was used in all patients: Sofosbuvir (400 mg)/Daclatasvir (60 mg). The cure rate was 99.4%, with good tolerability. However, four cases of failure were recorded out of the 668 patients who underwent follow-up HCV-PCR testing after 12 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: The Sofosbuvir/Daclatasvir regimen is highly effective, with an excellent safety profile. However, the still high cost of these molecules limits their accessibility to a large proportion of patients.

Prognostic Factors for Diabetic Foot at CNHU-HKM

Introduction: Predictions on the prevalence of diabetes mellitus, according to the International Diabetes Federation, indicated 9.3% in 2019 and nearly 10.9% of the general population in 2045. In Benin, the increase in this prevalence, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is constantly increasing. Diabetic foot is one of its most common complications. The aim of this work was to study the prognostic factors of diabetic foot in the Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition of the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou. Patients and method: This is a descriptive and analytical retrospective study of the prognostic factors of diabetic foot over a period of 3 years from January 2019 to December 2021 in patients who have been hospitalized or followed on an outpatient basis for diabetic foot in the Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition Department of the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou. Results: A total of 112 patients were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 59.70 ± 2.10 years. A male predominance was noted with a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.7. Mixed gangrene and phlegmons were the most common lesions. According to the classification of diabetic feet according to the University of Texas, 59.1% of patients had a 100% risk of amputation. Ten patients died from sepsis (8.9%). The average blood glucose on admission was 2.74 ± 0.23 g/l, reflecting the glycemic imbalance in these patients. There is a statistically significant association between the duration of progression of diabetes, the type of lesion and amputation. Patients whose diabetes has lasted more than 30 years and patients who are not monitored have a greater risk of death. Conclusion: Diabetic patients most often consulted at a late stage, compromising conservative treatment. The duration of diabetes and the type of lesion on admission were the main factors leading to amputation, thus compromising the functional prognosis. As for death, it was mainly linked to irregular monitoring of diabetes and the duration of diabetes. Effective prevention and management of diabetic feet requires patient education about the diabetic foot and systematic screening of at-risk feet in consultation.

Eradication Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection: Evaluation of Therapeutic Strategies in N’Djamena

Background: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection is the most widespread bacterial infection in the world. The infection is generally acquired in childhood, but can persist into adulthood. Eradication therapy has undergone several modifications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the different therapeutic strategies used in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Reference Nationale of N’Djaména. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive analytical study spread over one year, from September 2021 to September 2022. Patients at least 15 years of age presenting with dyspeptic symptoms, seen consecutively in a hepato-gastroenterology consultation and with a positive stool test for H. pylori infection, were included in the study. Equally, 1/3 of patients were treated with dual or triple therapy. The remaining third received quadritherapy. Results: A total of 268 patients were included in the study (mean age 38.40 ± 14.66 with extremes of 16 and 80 years). Males predominated in 58% of cases. Overall therapeutic efficacy was 88.9%. According to different therapeutic strategies, efficacy was 90.75% for dual therapy with PPI (Rabeprazole) and Amoxicillin. On the other hand, efficacy was 87% and 88.88% for PPI-based triple therapy and dual antibiotic therapy, and for PPI-based quadruple therapy and triple antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: H. pylori infection is a common disease in Chad. Dual therapy with rabeprazole combined with a high dose of amoxicillin over a period of at least two weeks showed similar if not better efficacy than triple or quadruple therapy.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Severe Outcomes among Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in West Africa, Togo, 2021

Objectives: More than a year after its introduction, COVID-19 vaccination coverage was low in the Togolese population and little data were available on its benefits for hospitalized patients. This study aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the prognosis of hospitalized patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to the Centre Hospitalier Régional Lomé Commune (Togo) between June 1, 2021 and May 31, 2022. Primary outcomes (admission to the intensive care unit and death) were presented with frequency and proportion. Mortality rates were presented by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and compared by appropriate statistical tests. Factors associated with inpatient death were described by performing a Cox proportional hazard regression. Results: A total of 604 patients were hospitalized (50.0% women). The mean age was 54.03 ±17.1 years. Only 55 patients were fully vaccinated (9.1%). ICU admission was significantly more frequent in unvaccinated patients than in vaccinated ones (63.0% vs. 38.2%;p Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccination had a significant benefit for patients with COVID-19 infection in terms of reducing the risk of death. Based on real-world data from sub-Saharan Africa, this information can help optimize the benefit of COVID-19 vaccination by raising community awareness and increasing vaccine coverage while reducing hesitancy.

Extensive Bi-Atrial Remodeling on Hypertensive Patient with Permanent Atrial Fibrillation Delayed Diagnosis of Fatal Cardiac Lambda Amyloidosis

Background: Amyloidosis is a disease characterized by the deposition of fibrillar proteins in tissues. The nature of the protein defines the type of amyloidosis. Cardiac involvement is most often secondary to deposits of transthyretin and immunoglobulin light chains. Treatment depends on the type of amyloidosis. Cardiac light chain amyloidosis is a medical emergency. Aim: To highlight the importance of an early diagnosis of cardiac light chain amyloidosis. Case Presentation: We report the case of an 88-year-old hypertensive female patient with sustained atrial fibrillation and recurrent heart failure, in whom echocardiography showed concentric left ventricle hypertrophy with mildly reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) to 45%. Bone scintigraphy was normal. Serum analysis showed increased lambda free light chains. Accessory salivary gland biopsy revealed weak Kappa light chain staining and clear overexpression of lambda light chain deposits. The diagnosis of stage 3B cardiac amyloidosis secondary to lambda light chain myeloma was made. After a multidisciplinary meeting, it was decided to start treatment with DARATUMUMAB + LENALIDOMIDE. Patient’s general condition deteriorated with the occurrence of febrile pancytopenia. Chemotherapy was stopped and management was limited to comfort care until the patient’s death. Conclusion: Cardiac light-chain amyloidosis must be diagnosed early as it can be rapidly fatal.

Evaluation of Hepatic Fibrosis and Hepatic Steatosis by Pulse Elastography (FIBROSCAN/CAP) in Asymptomatic Patients about 170 Cases at the Donka CHU National Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: Fibroscan is a recent, non-invasive and non-irradiating diagnostic method. It is based on the principle of ultrasound, which enables liver tissue elasticity to be quantified using a probe, and fibrosis to be assessed. Fibroscan measures both elasticity correlated with hepatic fibrosis and CAP correlated with steatosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic fibrosis and steatosis using pulse elastometry (Fibroscan/CAP). Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study in which 170 patients were included. It was conducted from October 1 2021 to December 31 2023, i.e. 27 months, in an outpatient clinic in the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka national hospital of the CHU Conakry. Results: Of the 170 patients identified, 87 were male (51%) and 83 female (49%), giving a M/F sex ratio of 1.04. The average age of our patients was 40. The 30 - 50 age group was the most affected, with a frequency of 58.23% (n = 99), followed by the 50 age group with a frequency of 29.41% (n = 50). Hepatomegaly, steatotic liver on ultrasonography, transaminase elevation and obesity were the main indications, respectively: (21.76%), (17.65%), (14.71%), and (13.53%). The examinations were requested by hepatogastroenterologists (47.06%), diabetologists (35.88%) and general practitioners (29%). Of the 170 patients, 100 patients (58.82%) had no significant fibrosis F0F1, 39 (22.94%) had moderate fibrosis F2, 20 patients (11.76%) had severe fibrosis F3 and 11 patients (6.47%) had fibrosis F4. Hepatic steatosis: 62 patients (36.47%) had no S0 steatosis;29.41% had S1 steatosis, 20% had S2 steatosis and 24 patients (14.11%) had S3 steatosis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a normal liver in 67.05% of patients, hepatic steatosis in 29.41% and non-decompensated cirrhosis in 6 cases. Thus, 108 patients had the parameters required to calculate the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), steatosis was present in 20% of our patients, while 29.41% had an undetermined status and 24 14.11% had a normal FLI. Conclusion: Identifying subjects at risk of metabolic steatopathy, diagnosing and managing these patients is a public health issue and one of the future challenges of hepato-gastroenterology. Fibroscan is an increasingly popular screening tool for hepatic fibrosis and steatosis. The fight against obesity must be a priority.

Oesophageal Mycosis: Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects and Risk Factors for Occurrence in the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Donka National Hospital, Conakry CHU

Introduction: Oesophageal mycosis (OM) is one of the most common opportunistic infections in patients infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). However, this condition is increasingly observed in immunocompetent subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the endoscopic prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors for the occurrence of oesophageal mycosis in our department. Patients and Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of all patients who underwent oeso-gastroduodenal fibroscopy during the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022, i.e. one year, at the digestive endoscopy unit of the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka CHU national hospital in Conakry. All patients found to have oesophageal mycosis by FOGD were included. The endoscopy was performed using appropriate equipment: A Fujinon 4400 video endoscopy column;Three Fujinon EG 590 video gastroscopes;A hoover;Data were collected using a pre-established survey form and analysed using Epi info software version 6.0.4;Pearson’s Chi2 test as a test of independence and the exact 5% threshold ficher test. Results: Out of 1343 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed, 107 cases of oesophageal mycosis were found, representing a prevalence of 7.96%. The mean age was 40 years, with a male predominance of 55.42%. The sex ratio M/F was 1.24. The 45 and over age group was the most affected, with a prevalence of 40.43%, followed by the [35 - 45] age group, with a prevalence of 22.43%. Clinical symptoms were dominated by epigastralgia in 74.76% of cases, followed by odynophagia in 37.38% of cases, nausea and vomiting in 28.03% of cases, and pyrosis in 26.16% of cases. Oesophageal mycosis without oesophagitis was the most common endoscopic finding in 70% of cases. The main associated endoscopic lesions were erythemato-erosive and congestive gastropathy in 28.03% of cases, peptic oesophagitis (9.34%) and gastric ulcer (5.60%). The main risk factors found were positive HIV serology in 39.25% of cases, and diabetes in 24.30% of cases, with a statistically significant relationship of 0.02 and 0.01 respectively. Conclusion: Oesophageal mycosis is the most common opportunistic infection in patients with impaired cellular immunity. The prevalence of oesophageal mycosis in our series was 7.96%. This study enabled us to identify the main risk factors for the occurrence of oesophageal mycosis. Our country needs to step up its programme to combat and prevent immunodeficiency diseases, particularly HIV and diabetes.

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Biological Parameters in Patients Treated with Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate

Chronic hepatitis B causes a liver disease characterized by inflammation of the liver parenchyma. The aim of this study was to investigate the evolution of biological parameters in patients treated with Tenofovir for chronic B infection at the Commune V referral health center in Bamako. We obtained a prevalence of 14.15%. The most represented age group was 31 - 40 years, with 36.8%. The sex ratio was 1.44 in favour of men. Viral load was undetectable after 18 months of treatment in 25 patients (42.37%). Tenofovir, the 1st-line drug in Mali, is effective on the biological parameters monitored in patients.

Epdemiology and Treatment of Pseudarthrosis of Long Bones in the Servce D Orthopedics-Traumatology of the University Hospital of Donka

Introduction: Pseudarthrosis (PSA) of the diaphysis of long bones still remains a current problem, despite improvements in the treatment of these fractures. Our study aims to study the epidemiological and therapeutic aspects of PSA of the diaphysis of long bones. Method: This retrospective work concerns 30 cases of non-union of the diaphysis of long bones treated in the orthopedic and trauma surgery department at Donka National Hospital, during a period of 18 months from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Results: We recruited 30 patients, 80% of whom were male, with an average age of 39.9 years. Public road accidents (AVP) represented the main cause of fractures of the diaphysis of long bones 87%, they were open in 25 cases or 83%. The fractures were located in the middle 1/3 of the diaphysis of the long bones in 50% of cases. Treatment of initial fractures was traditional in 21 cases, orthopedic in 2 cases and surgical in 7 cases. It was aseptic nonunion in 28 cases (93%) and septic nonunion in 2 cases. They were hypertrophic in 7 cases, slightly hypertrophic in 5 cases, oligotrophic in 11 cases, atrophic in 6 cases and with bone defect in 1 case. The treatment was based on osteosynthesis including 16 cases of screwed “PV” plate: 7 cases of centromedullary “ECM” nailing, 2 cases of external fixator, 1 case of broaching and 4 cases of Plastering. The results according to ASAMI criteria on an anatomical level were excellent in 19 cases, good in 3 cases and poor in 3 cases, with a union rate of 76%. And 5 patients undergoing consolidation. Conclusion: Based on the literature data and the experience of our department, the true treatment of PSA requires correct management of the initial fracture without forgetting the interest in preventing AVP which appears to be an element essential, making it possible to reduce the incidence of fractures of the diaphysis.

Serological Profile of Hepatitis D Virus (Hepatitis Delta) in the Hepato-Gastro-Enterology Department of Chu Gabriel Toure

Infection with the defective hepatitis D virus (HDV) co-infects or superinfects a patient carrying hepatitis B virus (HBV). Delta virus infection is relatively common. The seriousness of infection with the hepatitis D virus (HDV), a virus defective in a patient carrying the hepatitis B virus (HBV), lies in its aggravating effect on the associated viral hepatitis B. Our aim was to study the serological profile of HDV in HBsAg-positive patients. As this study was fragmentary, we initiated this study with the aim of investigating the serological profile of HDV in HBsAg-positive patients. This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study that ran from March 2019 to February 2020, a 12-month period. It focused on the population of patients seen and screened positive for HBsAg. We obtained a frequency of 10%. The mean age of our patients was 41.8 ± 13.09 years. The sex ratio was 4.5. VHD RNA was detected in 50% of patients. In 100% of cases, the presence of VHD RNA was associated with advanced fibrosis according to the APRI score, but without any statistically significant link. All HBV-infected patients should be screened for anti-HDV Ac. HDV infection leads to rapid progression to complications of liver disease.

Socio-Demographic and Occupational Aspects of HIV-HBV Co-Infection in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR): Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: HIV-HBV co-infection is a major public health problem that has not been sufficiently explored in the Central African workplace. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of HIV-HBV co-infection among people who living with HIV (PLHIV) in the infectious and tropical diseases department of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de lAmiti Sino-Centrafricaine in Bangui. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2021 in the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department at the Amiti Sino-Centrafricaine University Hospital. It included the files of all PLHIV, which included the results of HBV serology. A standardized form was used to collect socio-demographic and professional data by documentary review. Data was analysed using Epi-Info 7 software. Means, proportions were calculated as well as Chi square witch was significant if p-value was below 0.05. Results: The study included 265 patients, 188 were women (70.1%) and 77 men (29.1%), giving a sex ratio of 0.45. Mean age was 35.8 years, higher in men (40 years) than in women (35.8 years) (p 0.0001). The age groups 25 to 34 (37.7%) and 35 to 44 (33.6%) were in the majority (71.3%). The majority of PLHIV were unemployed (57.1%), including housewives (43.0%). HBV prevalence was 14.3%, including 7.2% among the unemployed, who account for half of all co-infections. The search for associations between HIV-HBV co-infection and all socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, marital status) and socio-professional categories showed no significant difference (p 0.05). Conclusion: PLHIV were predominantly young adults, female, and unemployed;no occupation was significantly associated with co-infection. The vast majority of co-infected people were not covered by the occupational health system (unemployed or informal sector). Urgent action is needed to improve workers access to occupational medicine in CAR.