Diabetic Foot: Epidemiological, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects in the Department of Medicine and Endocrinology of the Hospital in Mali, Mali

Introduction: The diabetic foot remains a public health problem due to its high frequency, difficult and costly management. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of the diabetic foot in a hospital setting in Bamako. Methodology: This is a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional and monocentric study conducted between September 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015 on diabetic patients aged 14 years and older arriving in our department with a foot infection. Results: We identified 94 cases of diabetic foot infection out of a total of 828 hospitalized patients, a prevalence of 11.35%. The age range 41 - 60 years represented 57 cases (60.6%), the extreme ages were 14 and 81 years. Men (38.3%), women (61.7%) with a sex ratio of 0.62%. Housewives 50%, illiterate 51 cases (54.3%), low economic standard of living 40 cases (42.6%), presence of osteitis 40 cases (42.6%), foot at stage D Grade3 28 cases (29.8%). Management was medical in 48 cases (51.1%), treatment with insulin 58 cases (61.7%), Amoxicillin + Metronidazole used 36 cases (38.29%). Amputation was performed in 35 cases (37.2%). Deaths concerned 5 patients (9.6%) with hypoglycemia as the main cause in 4 cases. Conclusion: Diabetic foot is a frequent complication of diabetes. The establishment of a multidisciplinary team should contribute to the improvement of the prognosis of the diabetic foot in a management center.

Diabetic Foot: Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects in the Department of Medicine and Endocrinology of the Hospital of Mali, Mali

Introduction: Diabetes is a heterogeneous group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from a defect in the secretion and/or action of insulin, diagnosed by the observation of high levels of glucose in the blood, responsible in the long term for vascular and nervous complications. The diabetic foot is the set of pathological manifestations affecting the foot in relation to the diabetic disease. Approximately 5% of diabetics present a chronic lesion of the foot. Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the diabetic foot in the medicine/endocrinology department of the Mali hospital. Methodology: This was a retrospective descriptive study from November 2011 to December 2015. It focused on diabetic patients hospitalized in the department with a foot wound and aged 14 years and over. Results: The study involved 94 patients out of 828 hospitalized, a prevalence of 11.35%. Our series included 36 (38.3%) men and 58 (61.7%) women, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.61%. The mean age was 42.66 years with extremes of 14 and 81 years. Type 2 diabetes was present in 95% of the patients with a duration of evolution of more than 5 years in 60.6% of the cases. The mechanism of occurrence of the wounds was minor trauma in 54 cases (57.4%). Self-medication was the primary treatment in 70 patients (74.5%). More than 50% of the patients wore unsuitable footwear. Clinical and para-clinical examinations revealed isolated neuropathy in 37 cases (39.4%), necrotic wound in 37 cases (39.19%), poor glycemic control: HbA1c > 7% (98.9%), absence of osteitis (57.4%), normal Doppler ultrasound 45 cases (45.7%), stenosing arteriopathy 11 cases (22.3%), non-stenosing 3 cases (20.2%), germs present 56 cases (59.6%) including 21 cases (22.4%) of Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: Diabetes and diabetic foot constitute a real public health problem. They are responsible for dreadful and sometimes disabling complications. Its management is multidisciplinary and requires significant financial resources.

Oncosexology in côte d’Ivoire:Attitudes and Practices of Physicians Involved in the Management of Breast and Prostate Cancer

Objective:To evaluate the attitudes and practices of oncosexology in the management of breast and prostate cancer in Côte d’Ivoire.Methods:A cross-sectional,multicenter,descriptive and analytical survey carried out over 02 months from 1 November to 31 December 2022,among doctors involved in the management of breast and prostate cancer in Côte d’Ivoire.Results:78 physicians on 114 participated in the study,with a participation rate of 79.5%.Only one doctor discussed the sexual risks associated with cancer with all his patients and 7.7%of doctors said they never broached questions of sexuality with their patients.The approach to sexuality was strongly associated with occupation(p=0.002).A request for oncosexological care was initiated by the patient and the partner respectively in 3.8%and 25.6%of cases.Only 5.1%of physicians claimed to have received training in oncosexuality.In 92.3%of cases,doctors would like to have training on this topic.Conclusion:On the questions relating to sexuality,Physicians are not addressing sexuality with their patients diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer.The lack of training in this area appears to be the main reason for this lack of communication and onco-sexological care.

Epidemiological and Diagnostic Profile of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus from 2017 to 2021 in Parakou, Republic of Benin

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B is a public health problem worldwide. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological and diagnostic profile of chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus seen for gastroenterology consultations in Parakou, Republic of Benin. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study with retrospective data collection. Patients seen for gastroenterology consultations from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021 at the Regional Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori (CHUD-B/A) and having been diagnosed as chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus were included. A minimum initial assessment was required to be included. The minimum sample size was calculated with Schwartz formula. The variable of interest was the detection of HBsAg twice and at least 6 months apart. The other variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical and paraclinical data. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 17 software. Results: A total of 2786 patients were seen for gastroenterology consultations, including 1126 (40.4%) HBsAg-positive patients. Among them, 417 patients met the inclusion criteria and were the subject of the present study. The average age of the patients was 34.8 ± 10.5 years. Two hundred and forty-seven patients (65.7%) were male, representing a sex ratio of 1.9. The discovery of positive HBsAg status was made during systematic screening in 231 patients (55.4%). Scarifications were noted in 373 patients (89.4%). Asthenia was reported in 184 patients (44.1%). Co-infections with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C and D viruses were 0% (0 in 92), 2.8% (4 in 146) and 14.3% (2 in 146), respectively. During the initial assessment, 274 patients (65.7%) were sero-negative for chronic HBeAg infection, 21 (5%) had clinically significant fibrosis including 16 (3.8%) at the stage of cirrhosis and 7 patients (5.4%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: In Parakou, chronic hepatitis B virus infection is common and affects young people with a male predominance. Asthenia is a non-specific symptom and the most reported by the patients. Around 5 out of 100 patients are seen for consultations at the stage of complication. Emphasis must be placed on early detection and subsidy for pre-therapeutic assessment.

Epidemiological, Clinical Aspects and Factors Associated with Typical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the General Population of Parakou, Republic of Benin

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a benign and chronic disease that can impair the quality of life. Objective: To study the epidemiological, clinical aspects and factors associated with typical GERD in the general population of Parakou in the Republic of Benin. Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection which took place from May 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019. The study population consisted of any subject aged at least 15 years and living in Parakou. Subjects aged at least 15 years, present on the day of the survey and having given their free and informed verbal consent were included. The Short form of QRS®(Reflux-Qual Short form) questionnaire and the “Hospital Anxiety and Depression” score were used to assess the quality of life and anxiety/depression, respectively. The sampling was probabilistic through a 2-stage cluster sampling. The variable of interest was the presence of GERD. Results: Out of 390 subjects surveyed, 28 had symptoms of typical GERD, representing a prevalence of 7.18%. The average age of these subjects was 27.11 ± 7.88 years. Fifteen subjects (53.57%) were male, giving a sex ratio of 1.15. Fourteen (50%) had a secondary level of education, 12 (42.86%) were pupils/students, 18 (64.29%) were single. The monthly income of 22 subjects (78.57%) was lower than the guaranteed interprofessional minimum wage (40,000 FCFA). The average duration of progression of symptoms was 15.89 ± 4.97 months. Symptoms occurred less than twice a week in 22 subjects (78.57%). The clinical manifestations were both diurnal and nocturnal in 12 subjects (42.86%). None of the 28 subjects with GERD had clinical warning signs. Asthma, diabetes, consumption of high fat or spice foods, carbonated drinks, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcoholic beverages and tobacco were statistically associated with the occurrence of GERD. Each of the 28 subjects had at least one associated factor. A significant impair in quality of life was observed in 27 patients (96.43%). Conclusion: Typical GERD is relatively common in the general population of Parakou in the Republic of Benin. It often affects young males. Among the risk factors identified, the most common are carbonated drinks, spicy meals and diabetes. GERD significantly impairs quality of life. Raising awareness about the disease and its associated factors is necessary among the general population.

Pathological and Clinical Correlation European Union-Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (EU-TIRADS) Classification of Thyroid Nodules in Two University Hospitals in Cotonou

Introduction: Since its creation in 2017 by the European community, the EU-TIRADS classification has enjoyed an excellent reputation in several countries around the world. Indeed, several studies conducted in these countries testify to the effectiveness of this tool for the management of nodular thyroid pathology. However, in Benin, the contribution of this classification has not yet been evaluated. It is therefore to overcome this inadequacy that we undertook this study. Objective: Participate in improving the diagnostic and therapeutic management of thyroid nodules at the CNHU HKM in Cotonou and at the CHUZ in Suru-Léré. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection spread over a period of 3 years 5 months, from January 2019 to May 2022 and carried out jointly in the Endocrinology Metabolism Nutrition and ORL-CCF departments of the CNHU HKM of Cotonou and in the ORL-CCF department of the CHUZ of Suru-Léré. The study population consisted of patients who consulted the University Clinic of Endocrinology Metabolism Nutrition, the University Clinic of ORL-CCF of the CNHU-HKM and the University Clinic of ORL-CCF of the CHUZ of Suru-Léré for thyroid nodule and who have had surgery. The study data was collected from patients hospitalization records using a survey form. Results: On ultrasound, according to the EU-TIRADS classification, 56.8% of nodules presented a low risk of malignancy (EU-TIRADS 3) compared to respectively 19.8%;23% and 2.5% of nodules with zero (EU-TIRADS 2), intermediate (EU-TIRADS 4) and high (EU-TIRADS 5) risk of malignancy. Regarding the performance of this classification, it is sensitive in 37.5% of cases and has a specificity of 78.5% with a PPV (Positive Predictive Value) and a NPV (Negative Predictive Value) respectively of 6.6 % and 91.6%. Furthermore, the bivariate correlations revealed that the size of the nodule was significantly associated with the malignancy of the nodule (p = 0.014) and the calculated value of the Yule’s Q coefficient (0.375) reflects a moderate intensity of the connection between the EU-TIRADS and histology. Conclusion: the EU-TIRADS classification, due to its excellent NPV, is of great interest for the management of thyroid nodules at the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou and at the CHUZ of Suru-Léré. In view of this, particular emphasis must be placed on its regular and rigorous use.

Profile of Urinary Tract Infections in the Elderly in the Internal Medicine Department of the University Hospital Center of Point G, Bamako, Mali

Introduction: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are frequent and of polymorphous clinical symptomatology in elderly subjects both in and out of hospital. In Mali, to our knowledge, no study concerning UTIs in the elderly has been conducted, hence the interest in this innovative work. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and clinical and paraclinical aspects of urinary tract infections in the elderly. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive and cross-sectional study from September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014, i.e. duration of 12 months. All patients aged 65 years and over, hospitalized or ambulatory in the internal medicine department with a documented urinary tract infection were included. Results: We collected and examined 194 patients. The cytobacteriological study of urine (CBSU) was positive in 28 patients, i.e. a prevalence of 14.43%. The male sex represented 59.8% of the cases, the sex ratio was equal to 1.46. The age groups between 65 - 69 and 70 - 74 years were the most affected, respectively 28.57% and 39.28%. The main clinical signs were: asthenia, anorexia, dependence, fever, urinary burning, dysuria. Hospitalization was associated with urinary tract infection with P = 0.01. The group of enterobacteria were incriminated in 75% of cases. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa represented 39.28%, 14.28% and 10.71% of cases. Urinary tract infections were represented by pyelonephritis, acute prostatitis, orchi-epididymitis and simple cystitis. Conclusion: Urinary tract infection is frequent in the elderly, its clinical presentation is polymorphic and enterobacteria are the most incriminated group of bacteria.

Comparative outcome of stapled trans-anal rectal resection and macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders

AIM:To prospectively assess the eff icacy and safety of stapled trans-anal rectal resection(STARR) compared to standard conservative treatment,and whether preoperative symptoms and findings at defecography and anorectal manometry can predict the outcome of STARR.METHODS:Thirty patients(Female,28;age:51 ± 9 years) with rectocele or rectal intussusception,a defecation disorder,and functional constipation were submitted for STARR.Thirty comparable patients(Female,30;age 53 ± 13 years),who presented with symptoms of rectocele or rectal intussusception and were treated with macrogol,were assessed.Patients were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire at study enrollment and 38 ± 18 mo after the STARR procedure or during macrogol treatment.A responder was def ined as an absence of the Rome Ⅲ diagnostic criteria for functional constipation.Defecography and rectoanal manometry were performed before and after the STARR procedure in 16 and 12 patients,respectively.RESULTS:After STARR,53% of patients were responders;during conservative treatment,75% were responders.After STARR,30% of the patients reported the use of laxatives,17% had intermittent anal pain,13% had anal leakage,13% required digital facilitation,6% experienced defecatory urgency,6% experienced fecal incontinence,and 6% required re-intervention.During macrogol therapy,23% of the patients complained of abdominal bloating and 13% of borborygmi,and 3% required digital facilitation.No preoperative symptom,defecographic,or manometric finding predicted the outcome of STARR.Post-operative defecography showed a statistically significant reduction(P < 0.05) of the rectal diameter and rectocele.The postoperative anorectal manometry showed that anal pressure and rectal sensitivity were not significantly modified,and that rectal compliance was reduced(P = 0.01).CONCLUSION:STARR is not better and is less safe than macrogol in the treatment of defecation disorders.It could be considered as an alternative therapy in patients unresponsive to macrogol.

A Quantum Neurological Model of Perception-Cognition and Awareness in Ambiguous Figures and the Case of the Dalmatian Dog

The present paper has mainly the aim to formulate a quantum neurological model of brain dynamics during perception and cognition of ambiguous figures here including the case of the Dalmatian dog. First of all, we summarize our previous experimental and theoretical studies, evidencing as the basic conceptual foundations of quantum mechanics enter in a decisive manner in explaining the basic functions of brain dynamics at perceptive and cognitive level and at the level of our consciousness. This is done in detail in Sections 2 and 3 where we discuss also the role of the so called quantum interference effect and we include here the results of an our recent experiment confirming the role of quantum theory and of its quantum interference effect also at perceptive-cognitive and awareness levels. In Section 4, following our previous study, we consider the so called Mach-Zehnder interferometer. It is a physical device that is employed in quantum mechanical experiments in order to analyze such quantum interference effect. Soon after the discussion of this device, we proceed with the elaboration of a detailed quantum neurological model in the sense that we consider the brain regions identified in V1;V2/V3/V4 and A20 and we obtain that they may behave just as the beam splitters involved in the Mach-Zehnder quantum mechanical interferometer. In this manner, we formulate a model of V1;V2/V3/V4, A20 brain dynamics as a Mach-Zehnder interferometer and such model delineates a proposed neurological mechanism explaining perception-cognition and awareness in humans under the input of ambiguous figures and in the particular case of the Dalmatian dog.

Frequency and Associated Factors of Erectile Dysfunction among Patients with Liver Cirrhosis in Parakou, Republic of Benin in 2022

Introduction: Erectile dysfunction is a pathology less expressed by patients, but it affects their quality of life. The objective of this work is to study erectile dysfunction among patients with cirrhosis in Parakou in 2022. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted from February 1 to June 30, 2022 at the Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori and the Military Teaching Hospital of Parakou. Men with liver cirrhosis who gave their informed verbal consent were included. Erectile dysfunction was diagnosed using IIEF-5 score. The prognosis of cirrhosis was assessed using Child-Pugh score. The data were analyzed by Epi Data analysis 2.3 software. Results: A total of 64 patients were included. Their mean age was 43.53 ± 13.13 years. Cirrhosis was secondary to chronic hepatitis B virus infection in 55 patients (85.94%). In this study, 42 patients (65.63%) had at least one decompensation of cirrhosis. Among the 64 patients included, 27 (42.18%) had erectile dysfunction. This erectile dysfunction was moderate in 12 patients (44.44%). The other sexual disorders found in these patients were decreased libido and ejaculation disorders. After multivariate analysis, the factors statistically associated with erectile dysfunction were: age (p Conclusion: Erectile dysfunction is common in patients with liver cirrhosis. It is more frequent when the cirrhosis is complicated and the patients are elderly. Nevertheless, it should be systematically sought in any patient with liver cirrhosis.

CD133 and CD24 expression in renal tissue of patients affected by autosomal dominant polcystic kidney disease

Background: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a condition mainly characterized by the progressive development and enlargement of cysts in each kid ney. In this process a high rate of proliferation and apoptosis of tubular cells has been documented and interpreted as a futile attempt of tissue repair. In consideration of the role of stem cells in reparative processes we investigated the presence and localization of CD133 + CD24+ renal progenitors in renal ADPKD tissue and cells. Methods: Two normal kidneys and two ADPKD kidneys were examined. CD133 and CD24 expression was investigated by confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. Furthermore cystic isolated cells and cultured immortalized cells were characterized. Results: CD133 and CD24 have the same localization in ADPKD tissues and in normal kidneys: expression is restricted to a subset of epithelial cells (PEC) of Bowman’s capsule and to tubular cells in a focal and segmental pattern. Furthermore, in ADPKD tissue, cysts diffusely express CD133 and CD24. According to a quantitative analysis in ADPKD tissue CD133 + CD24 + cells are statistically more expressed in tubules (p < 0.001) and less expressed in the Bowman’s capsule (p = 0.0016) compared to the same localizations in control tissue. Conclusions: CD133 and CD24 antigens, typically expressed by renal epithelial progenitors, are more expressed in ADPKD tubules and highly expressed in ADPKD cysts. Whether CD133 and CD24 expression would signify renal progenitor recruitment or alternatively an expression pattern of the dedifferentiation of ADPKD cells remains unclear.

Contribution to the Study of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Medical Students at the University of Parakou in Republic of Benin

Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder. The objective of this work is to contribute to improving the medical follow-up of medical students at the University of Parakou through a study of irritable bowel syndrome. Study Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with prospective data collection. Data were collected from medical students from May 2018 to July 2018 using a pre-established questionnaire. Sampling was probabilistic using a two-stage survey. The diagnostic tools were: Rome IV criteria, Bristol scale and HAD (hospital anxiety and depression) scale. Data analysis was performed using Epi Info 7.1.3.14 software. CDC. Results: Thirty-two (7.55%) of the 424 students included had irritable bowel syndrome. Out of the 32 students with IBS, 24 (75%) were female. Their average age was 21.38 ± 2.39 years. For 24 students (75%), the symptoms occurred at the same time as exam preparation or the intense course period. Of the 32 students with IBS, 1 (3.12%) was regularly physically active. In this series, 8 students (28%) consulted a doctor for their symptoms. The factors associated with this syndrome were female sex (p = 0.022), sleep disorders (p = 0.008) and the presence of a doubtful depression (p = 0.021). Absenteeism due to irritable bowel syndrome was noted in 18 (56.25%) students. Conclusion: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition among medical students in Parakou. Support for better management of psychological disorders could improve the quality of life of these students.

Assessment of Diabetes Control Level and Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in type 2 diabetics patients. Our work aimed to assess the level of control of type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk factors. Patients and study method: This was an observational cross-sectional study of type 2 diabetics patients. The parameters studied were: sociodemographic data, lifestyle, anthropometric data, levels of control of diabetes by the level of HbA1C, blood pressure measured at the office and cholesterol. Results: 326 type 2 diabetics patients were collected. The sex-ratio was 0.35. The average age of the patients was 58 ± 11 years. A physical inactivity remained present in 79 patients (24.23%), 2 patients (0.61%) continued to smoke. The prevalence of obesity was 21.16% (n = 69) or 25% of women and 10.4% of men (p = 0.01). Abdominal obesity was observed in 151 patients (46.31%), 139 of whom were female and 12 male (p = 0.001). Diabetes was sufficiently controlled in 65.34% of patients (n = 213) while cholesterolemia and hypertension were controlled in 33.44% and 8.33% of patients respectively. Conclusion: Type 2 diabetes was frequently associated with other cardiovascular risk factors. Control of diabetes and these factors was insufficient. Therapeutic education of type 2 diabetics patients needed to be improved.

Macroangiopathic Complications and Associated Factors in Type 2 Diabetics at CNHU-HKM

Nowadays, chronic clinical manifestations of diabetemellitus constitute an important disease and a huge public health issue. Aim: Study the macroangiopathic complications in type 2 diabetics. Method: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical aim covering the period from January 2019 to December 31, 2021 in the Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition clinic of the National Teaching Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) We thus identified 150 type 2 diabetic patients. Results: The prevalence of macroangiopathy was 60% with 11.3% for stroke, 28.6% for acute coronary syndrom, 4% for cervical macroangiopathy, and 46.97% ± 25.36% for obliterating arteriopathy of the lower limbs (OALL). The mean age of the patients was 57.69 ± 1.77 years with a sex ratio 1. The duration of diabetes progression was greater than 10 years for more than half of the patients 52.6%. The main associated cardiovascular risk factors were arterial high blood pressure (64.7%), family history of diabetes (33.7%), obesity with 20.0%. The death rate was 7.3%. Conclusion: Macroangiopathy’s mortality rate of in type 2 diabetics is high. Prevention remains the best treatment and involves screening for factors associated with macroangiopathy.

Lower Extremity Arterial Disease in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Prevalence and Associated Factors at the Libreville University Hospital Center

Introduction: Lower extremity arterial disease in diabetic patients has distinct characteristics. Objectives: To study the hospital frequency of lower extremity arterial disease and identify associated factors in diabetic patients at the Libreville University Hospital Center (CHUL). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024, in the endocrinology department of the CHUL. All patients with type 2 diabetes over the age of 18 admitted to this department, regardless of the reason for hospitalization, who provided informed consent, were included. Socio-demographic data and cardiovascular risk factors were recorded. Personal and family cardiovascular history and functional symptoms were investigated. The physical examination included measuring blood pressure, heart rate, and the ankle-brachial index in all patients. Results: A total of 219 patients were included, of whom 75 had lower extremity arterial disease, representing a prevalence of 34.24%. It was compensated in 28 cases (37.33%) and decompensated in 39 patients (52%). In eight cases (10.67%), there was critical chronic ischemia. Cardiovascular risk factors associated with diabetes were physical inactivity (89.5%), hypertension (55.25%), overweight (49.77%), obesity (22.84%), and smoking (10.04%). In multivariate analysis, only hypertension (OR = 2.09;95% CI: 1.05 - 4.17;p = 0.035) and LDL cholesterol (OR = 2.75;95% CI: 1.10 - 6.85;p = 0.03) were significantly associated with lower extremity arterial disease in diabetics at the University Hospital of Libreville. Conclusion: Lower extremity arterial disease is common in diabetic patients at the University Hospital of Libreville. It is often asymptomatic, thus requiring systematic screening.[-rId11-]

Outcomes of Hemodialysis Patients in Public Centres in Abidjan from September 2018 to October 2021: Data from the Renal Registry of Cote d’Ivoire

Background: Hemodialysis is the most widely used renal replacement therapy in developing countries such as Cote d’Ivoire. Objective: To study the outcome of chronic hemodialysis patients in public centres in Abidjan using data from the Renal Registry of Cote d’Ivoire (2RCI). Method: This was a prospective analytical cohort study of End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) patients undergoing iterative hemodialysis in the network of public hemodialysis centres in Abidjan and who had been registered in the 2RCI register by September 2018. Results: Our study involved 363 cases out of 379 patients registered in the 2RCI registry database in 2018. The mean age of the patients was 47.3 ± 12.1 years, with a male predominance (sex ratio 1.97). In 70.24% of cases, they had no health insurance. The average duration of dialysis for our patients was 6.94 ± 4.1 years, with extremes of 2 and 28 years. This duration was less than 5 years in 44.3% of cases, between 6 and 10 years in 42.9% and more than 10 years in 12.6% of cases. The comorbidities found were hypertension in 95.6% of cases, diabetes in 7.8% and HIV in 4.6%. Anemia was found in 68% of cases and stroke in 8.6%. During the study period, 161 deaths were observed, representing a mortality rate of 44.35%. Acute lung oedema (29.8%), stroke (6.8%) and other cardiovascular diseases (19.3%) were the main causes of death. In multivariate analysis, factors such as age ≥ 65 years (HR = 3.66;CI 95% = 1.55 - 8.67;p = 0.003), “married/coupled” status (HR = 2.02;CI 95% = 1.24 - 3.31;p = 0.005) and normal weight at the start of dialysis (OR = 9.59, CI95% = 4.19 - 21.95;p = 0.001) were associated with the risk of death. Conclusion: Hemodialysis is performed in Abidjan on young patients. The mortality rate after three years of dialysis is very high. Hence the need to pursue the policy of decentralizing public centres and optimizing access to dialysis in terms of quality and quantity in order to improve patient survival.

Specific CD8^+ T cell response immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma and viral hepatitis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are characterized by exhaustion of the specific CD8+ T cell response. This process involves enhancement of negative co-stimulatory molecules, such as programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), 2B4, Tim-3, CD160 and LAG-3, which is linked to intrahepatic overexpression of some of the cognate ligands, such as PD-L1, on antigen presenting cells and thereby favouring a tolerogenic environment. Therapies that disrupt these negative signalling mechanisms represent promising therapeutic tools with the potential to restore reactivity of the specific CD8+ T cell response. In this review we discuss the impressive in vitro and in vivo results that have been recently achieved in HCC, CHB and CHC by blocking these negative receptors with monoclonal antibodies against these immune checkpoint modulators. The article mainly focuses on the role of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blocking monoclonal antibodies, the first ones to have reached clinical practice. The humanized monoclonal antibodies against CTLA-4 (tremelimumab and ipilimumab) and PD-1 (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) have yielded good results in testing of HCC and chronic viral hepatitis patients. Trelimumab, in particular, has shown a significant increase in the time to progression in HCC, while nivolumab has shown a remarkable effect on hepatitis C viral load reduction. The research on the role of ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab on HCC is currently underway.

Intermittent gastric outlet obstruction due to a gallstone migrated through a cholecysto-gastric fistula:A new variant of “Bouveret’s syndrome”

Bouveret's syndrome, defined as gastric outlet obstruction due to a large gallstone, is still one of the most dramatic biliary gallstone complications. Although new radiological and endoscopic techniques have made pre-surgical diagnosis possible in most cases and the death rate has dropped dramatically, "one-stage surgery" (biliary surgery carried out at the same time as the removal of the gut obstruction) should be still considered as the gold standard for the treatment of gallstone ileus.In this case, partial gastric outlet obstruction resulted in an atypical and insidious clinical presentation that allowed us to perform the conventional one-stage laparatomic procedure that completely solved the problem, thus avoiding any further complications.

Role of Estrogens on Human Male Reproductive System

This review focuses on estrogen role on human male physiology. Biological estrogen actions on male reproductive system are summarized with particular regard to the effects of congenital estrogen deprivation in men. The effects of estrogen on spermatogenesis, hormonal secretion and gonadotropin feedback and on sexual behavior are discussed. It is remarked that the role of estrogens in male reproduction is a very recent acquisition in reproductive endocrinology, but it promises new future fields of research to be investigated as well as the possible disclosure of new strategies in clinical practice.

Profile of Patients with Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis in Abidjan

Patients with breast cancer will develop brain metastases in 15% - 25% of cases. Objective: To identify the profile of patients with breast cancer brain metastasis. Method: Retrospective study over 4 years in the oncology department of Treichville Hospital. All patients with breast carcinoma who had a brain metastasis during their cancer management were included. Results: 41 cases of breast carcinoma brain metastasis were collected. Patients were older than 40 years in 78% of cases. Family history of breast cancer was found in 7% of patients. More than 80% of patients had consulted with T3 and T4 tumor masses, with 100% of cases of node involvement. The brain was the second site of metastasis. The tumors were Triple negative in 48%, Her2 positive in 36% and luminal in 16%. Brain metastases were of late onset in the majority of cases (68%). They were clinically characterized by headaches (100%), most often included in an intracranial hypertension syndrome (52%). They were multiple (60%). Therapeutically, no surgery was performed on the metastases. Three patients received whole brain radiation therapy. All patients received systemic therapy. In terms of response, 30 cases of progression were observed after treatment and 2 cases of complete response were obtained. Survival from onset of brain metastasis was of 75% at 3 months and 2% at 12 months. Patients with longer survival rates were over 40 years old with triple negative breast cancer. Conclusion: Brain metastasis from breast cancer most often occurs in a particular clinical and pathological context in our countries.