Can the Urine Dipstick Test Be an Alternative in the Screening of Urinary Tract Infections for Inpatients in the Context of a Low-Income Country?

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), a prevalent bacterial infection in adults, heavily relies on cytobacteriological examination of urine (CBEU) for diagnosis. However, in resource-limited countries, accessibility to CBEU remains hindered by cost and availability. This study aims to assess the utility of the Urinary Dipstick Test (UDT) in diagnosing UTIs among hospitalized patients in the context of limited resources. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2019, encompassing hospitalized patients who underwent CBEU at the bacteriology unit of Sour? Sanou University Hospital. UDT and CBEU were concurrently performed, and UDT’s analytical and diagnostic performance was evaluated against CBEU, considered the gold standard. Results: A total of 274 CBEU requests were registered, involving 274 patients (159 males) with a mean age of 45.8 ± 21.3 years (ranging from 1 to 90 years). UTI was confirmed in 90 patients, yielding a frequency of 32.85%. The UTI bacteriological profile was dominated by Enterobacteriaceae (75.23%), primarily Escherichia coli (60.55%). Nitrite and Leukocytes were positive in 54 (19.8%) and 157 (53.6%) of the samples tested. Among patients with confirmed UTI, Nitrite, and Leukocytes were positive in 30 (33%) and 71 (79%) patients respectively. UDT demonstrated variable performance based on nitrite and leukocyte combination: Sensitivity (57%-82%), Specificity (7%-98%), Positive Predictive Value (PPV) (43%-57%), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) (43%-67%). UDT performed slightly better in women (NPV = 88%) and inpatients without urinary catheters (NPV = 75% and PPV = 80%). Conclusion: This study underscores UDT’s potential utility in excluding UTIs among women, younger patients, and inpatients without urinary catheters, albeit with limited confidence. The UDT emerges as a complementary tool for UTI screening, particularly in resource-limited settings.

Effectiveness and Safety of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Patients Treated for Hepatitis B in the National University Hospital of Cotonou

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B (VHB) is a serious and global public health issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where it is endemic. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in the treatment of chronic VHB in Cotonou. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a retrospective collection of data from January 1st, 2015 to December 31st, 2016 (24 months) and prospective from May to August 2017 (4 months). Chronic VHB patients treated with TDF for at least 6 months were included. The non-detectability of HBV DNA and the normalization of aminotransferases defined the virological and biochemical responses, respectively. The evaluation of the treatment response on liver fibrosis was done by using APRI score. Renal impairment was assessed by a reduction in glomerular filtration rate according to MDRD (Modifications of the Diet in Renal Disease) formula below 90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results: In all, 42 patients treated with TDF were included. The average age was 46.7 ± 13.8 years. The study population was predominantly male with a sex ratio of 2.5. Among the 42 patients treated with TDF for an average of 60 weeks (24 to 96 weeks), 36 patients (85.7%) had a virological response;21 patients (50%) had a biochemical response. Virologic response was 70% at week 24 (W24), 92.6% at W48, 87.5% at W72 and 100% at W96 without significant difference between W24 and W48;between W48 and W72 then between W72 and W96. There was a regression of fibrosis and cirrhosis but not significantly. Renal involvement occurred in 3 out of 19 cases (15.8%) including a case of chronic end stage renal failure and 2 cases of mild chronic renal failure. Conclusion: The treatment with TDF is effective and globally safe in our patients with chronic viral hepatitis B in Cotonou.

Case Report: A Severe Hypernatremia with Multiple Organ Failure, about a Clinical Observation

A hypernatremia severity is often associated with a poor prognosis, especially if it is associated with multiple organ failure. In a country with very limited resources, the prognosis may be favorable in the absence of renal replacement. We report the case of a 63 years old woman, hypertensive and diabetic, admitted to the ICU for unconsciousness. Clinically, neurological examination notes a Glasgow of 8/15 (Y2, V2, M4) and a left hemiplegia. Temperature was 39°C. Diuresis was 100 ml during the first 24 hours. Blood pressure was 90/60 mmHg, tachycardia at 133/min. Cardiac auscultation is normal. Vascular axes were weakly perceptible. Oxygen saturation was 95%. The skin examination notes a dry skin and mucous membranes, a flattening of the superficial veins, sunken eyes and a persistent skin fold. There is no hepatomegaly or splenomegaly, or jaundice. Biological point of view note natremia: 176 mmol/L;osmolarity: 390 mosmol/kg;creatinin: 300 μmol/L;glycemia > 6 g/L;transaminases 217 UI. Diagnostics: malignant hypernatremia with a high plasma osmolarity associated with an acute anuric renal failure, hydro electrolytic disorders, an abnormal liver function, a fever of central origin and a stroke. The treatment consisted of a correction of the electrolyte disorders by infusion of isotonic and hypotonic fluids with insulin. In a country with very limited resources, the severe hypernatremia prognosis associated with anuric acute renal failure may be favorable in the absence of renal replacement.

Pleurisy in Hemodialysis Patients: Epidemiological and Etiological Aspects at Donka National Hemodialysis Center

Introduction: Pleural effusion being a frequent complication in hemodialysis patients, its etiologies are diverse and the diagnosis is easy, based on clinical and radiological proofs. The main objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological and etiological profiles of pleurisy in hemodialysis patients at the National Hemodialysis Center of Donka National Hospital. Patients and methods: it was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study that extended over a period of three years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. It concerned, among hemodialysis patients in the center during the study period, all those who had a confirmed pleurisy on chest x-ray. The variables were epidemiological (based on frequency, sex and age), clinical (based on history of the disease, physical examination looking for a reduction or elimination of vesicular murmur) and paraclinical (mainly radiological). Results: Among 286 patients undergoing hemodialysis in our center, pleural effusion was diagnosed in 35 or 12.24%. The average age of our patients was 52.22 years with ranges of 18 and 78 years. The sex ratio M/F was 2.5. Bilateral pleurisy was found in 51.43% of patients;unilateral right in 40% of cases and unilateral left in 8.57%. We observed 68.57% citrus yellow fluid and 31.43% sero haematic fluid. The bacteriology of the pleural fluid was positive in 62.86% against 37.14% negative. Tumor, tuberculosis and non-specific bacterial etiologies have been encountered. Conclusion: Pleurisy is therefore a frequent complication in hemodialysis patients at Donka National Hemodialysis Center. Etiological research is a major step for better management of these patients. Improving the technical platform of the laboratories should be an important contribution to this stage.

Case Report for Two Hemodialysed Patients Diagnosed for COVID-19 at the Donka National Hemodialysis Center

In December 2019, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) due to infection with the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus began to break out. Hemodialysis patients are at high risk because of the co-morbidities. We report the clinical and biological characteristics of two patients who developed COVID-19 infection in our dialysis center in Donka National Hospital. None of the patients had contact with an infected person. The age was 38 and 54 years. The symptoms common to both patients were: fatigue, diarrhea, fever. Lymphopenia was present in both patients. None of them had a chest X-ray or chest scan because they were positive for the test before admission.

Severe Thromboembolic Complication Revealing a Nephrotic Syndrome Due to Segmental and Focal Hyalinosis: A Case Report

Adult Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is defined by proteinuria > 3 g/24h or 50 mg/kg/day, hypoprotidemia < 60 g/24h, hypoalbuminemia < 30 g/L. It is a disease with high thromboembolic risk. Peripheral vein thrombosis is common, while its association with pulmonary localizations has been more rarely reported. We report a case of nephrotic syndrome revealed by an association of pulmonary embolism, renal vein and inferior vena cava thrombosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by thoracic angioscan. Renal biopsy revealed Focal Segmental Hyalinosis (FSH). An anti-coagulant treatment and an anti-proteinuric treatment were instituted based on a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) associated with the conversion enzyme inhibitor (perindopril).