Profile of Infectious Spondylodiscitis in Rheumatology Consultation at University Teaching Hospital of Kara, Togo

Objectives: The objective is to determine the frequency and the semiological and evolutionary profiles of infectious spondylodiscitis in hospital practice in Kara. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a case series of patients with infectious spondylodiscitis, who were admitted to the rheumatology department of Kara University Hospital in North Togo. Results: Among the 3972 examined patients, 86 (33 males and 53 females) patients (2.16%) had infectious spondylodiscitis. The average age of these patients at the onset of the disease was 47.20 years. The average duration of the disease was 11.41 months. Tuberculosis was suspected in 77 of 86 patients (89.53%). The infectious spondylodiscitis most often affected the lumbar (51.04%) and dorsal (21.87%) segments and was associated with a pulmonary location in 31 patients (36.04%). In addition to underdevelopment and poor hygiene (72 cases), alcoholism (15 cases) and human immunodeficiency virus infection (10 cases) were the main risk factors identified. The progress with the medical treatment was favorable in 65 patients (75.58%) and 16 patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: The frequency of infectious spondylodiscitis reflects the underdevelopment and poor hygiene levels in Black Africa. Its etiology is most commonly associated with tuberculosis and remains a concern despite the epidemiological transition of the different diseases.

Methotrexate Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy: Prognosis at Senlis Hospital

Introduction: Ectopic pregnancy is dreadful and can lead to the death of the patient if it is ignored. Diagnosed early, it offers the possibility of medical treatment with methotrexate. Objective: To describe the prognosis of ectopic pregnancies treated methotrexate. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study of the management of ectopic pregnancy by Methotrexate at Senlis hospital from June 2020 to May 2021 were included in the study, patients with a Fernandez score of less than 13, and having received Methotrexate as first-line treatment. Data were collected using gynecological emergency admission registers, and telephone interviews. Results: 35 cases were identified. The average age of the patients was 32 years old. Forty-nine percent were smokers. The mean gestational age was 5 weeks + 2 days. The diagnosis was made in all of our patients with the combination of the kinetics of ß-hcg and vaginal ultrasound. The size of adnexal mass was less than 4 cm with an average size of 20 mm. The average value of ß-hcg was 1405 IU/L. All patients had received a single dose of methotrexate 1 mg/kg intramuscularly. A second dose was administered to 17.1% of patients for stagnation or re-ascension of the ß-hcg level. The success rate was 91.4%. Thirty percent were obtained spontaneous intra uterine pregnancy, the first year following methotrexate treatment. Conclusion: The success rate of medical treatment for ectopic pregnancy is high in terms of meeting the eligibility criteria for treatment. The subsequent prognosis of fertility is generally preserved.

Assessment of Haemostasis in Anaesthesia for Surgery at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center in Lomé

Title: Assessment of haemostasis in anaesthesia for surgery at the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital Center in Lomé. Objectives: Evaluate the prescription of the preoperative haemostasis assessment. Methodology: This was a prospective descriptive and observational study which had taken place in the central operating room and in the operating room of the ENT department at UHC SO of Lomé from January 1 to June 31, 2016. It had concerned all patients who had anaesthesia for scheduled surgery after pre-anesthetic consultation and the haemostasis assessment carried out according to the anaesthesia technique and the type of surgery. Results: Two hundred and sixty (260) patients underwent anaesthesia during the study period. The male sex predominated (60%), the age group 18 - 40 years predominated (50.4%). GA was more practiced (62.7%) followed by spinal anaesthesia (30.3%). Minor ENT surgery was more performed (28%). ASA1 patients predominated (48.5%). The pre-anesthetic haemostasis assessment including platelet count, prothrombin rate, activated partial thromboplastin time and bleeding time was almost always done. The platelet count was achieved in all patients followed by the activated partial thromboplastin time (94%). No haemorrhagic complication related to a haemostasis disorder was observed in the perioperative period in anaesthesia than in surgery. Conclusion: The prescription of the pre-anesthetic haemostasis assessment should not be systematic. It must take into account the clinical history, the patient’s bleeding history during the anaesthesia consultation, the type of anaesthesia, the surgery planned and the age.

Epidemiological Profile of Diagnosed Disorders in Urological Consultation at Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital in Lome

Context: Thanks to the increase in the number of urologists in Togo, urological activity is improving rapidly. Objective: This study aims at presenting the epidemiological aspects of the diseases diagnosed in urology consultation at the Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital in Lome. Materials and Methods: This research was a two-year retrospective and descriptive study. The data for the analysis were collected from the records of patients received in consultation for urological pathology. The parameters taken into account are: frequency, age, sex, occupation, patient history and diagnosis. Results: 602 patients were admitted at the department of urology within two years, with an annual frequency of 301. The average age of the patients was 48.63 ± 19.69 years;the sex ratio (M/F) was equal to 12.08. Patients over 60 years of age accounted for 33.3% of the patients seen. The medical history of 88 cases showed that the bladder catheterization was most frequent (22 cases) followed by hypertension (15 cases). Benign prostatic hyperplasia was the most frequently diagnosed pathology accounting for 24.9% of the consultations. Conclusion: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most frequent pathology in urology consultation at the Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital in Lome.

Trauma of the Male Genitals in the Teaching Hospital Sylvanus Olympio of Lome: Lesional and Therapeutic Aspects

Introduction: Trauma of the external male genital organs (TEMGO) is multifaceted and rare. The objective of this work was to provide an overview of these lesions by describing the epidemiology, the diagnostic approach, their therapeutic and prognostic aspects. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective study carried out over a ten-year period, from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018. It included male patients, admitted and treated in surgical emergencies and in the urology department of the Sylvanus Olympio Teaching Hospital in Lomé for trauma of male external genital organs. Results: Thirty-five cases had been collected. They had represented 1.5% of urological emergencies. The subjects were young with a mean age of 29.6 ± 3.1 years, with extremes of 18 and 60 years. Trauma to the penis was more frequent and found in 60% of cases, with the mechanism of coitus misstep in 54.3%, leading to a fracture of the penis. Testicular contusions were found in 22.9% of the cases. The ultrasound was performed in 6 patients. Four orchidectomies were performed for an unsustainable testicle found at scrototomy. The postoperative had been simple in all cases. Fifteen patients (42.8%) had been regularly followed on 18 months. Residual testicular pain and mode-rate erectile dysfunction was noted respectively in 3 and 2 patients. Conclusion: TEMGO, although rare, require perfect knowledge for adequate therapeutic decisions, as they can compromise the functional prognosis of concerned organs.

Hematological Profile of Anemia in Hospitalized Cirrhotics in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Unit of the University Hospital Campus of Lome (Togo)

Background: Anemia is multifactorial and very frequently observed in the evolution of cirrhosis. Only biological investigations can clarify its mechanisms. Objective: To determine the frequency of anemia in cirrhosis patients and to identify the different types of anemia encountered. Patients and Methods: Descriptive and analytical study based on the retrospective collection of data was carried out over 12 months in the hepato-gastroenterology unit of the University Hospital Campus of Lome (Togo). This study included hospitalized cirrhotic patients with a complete medical file including a blood count and presenting anemia. Results: During the study period, we collected 253 cases of cirrhosis, of which 153 patients had anemia (60.5%);there was a male predominance of 73.2%. The mean age was 51 ± 13 years. The B viral origin of cirrhosis was the most common (60.1%). Oedemato-ascitic decompensation (82.4%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (34%) were the main complications. The Child-Pugh B score was the most represented (74.5%). Hypochromic microcytic anemia was noted (48.4%) followed by normochromic normocytic anemia (46.4%);82 patients (53.6%) had thrombocytopenia;pancytopenia was noted in 17 patients (11.1%). Hepatitis B virus was most commonly found with 50% hypochromic microcytic anemia followed by 46.7% normochromic normocytic anemia (p = 0.311). Hepatic encephalopathy was significantly more frequent in patients with hypochromic microcytic anemia (45.5%) (p = 0.025);hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly noted with 63.5% hypochromic microcytic anemia (p = 0.016). Child-Pugh C score with 47.4% hypochromic microcytic anemia was more frequent (p = 0.673). Conclusion: Hypochromic microcytic anemia was the most common type of anemia noted in our study. Hepatic encephalopathy and hepatocellular carcinoma were the major complications of cirrhosis significantly associated with the hypochromic microcytic anemia.

Marjolin’s Ulcer at the Kara Teaching Hospital (Togo)

Marjolin’s ulcer is an aggressive tumor that occurs on a chronic non-healing wounds or burn scars. It’s a rare disease. Histologically, it is most often a squamous cell carcinoma. The real frequency is not known. Its incidence would be higher in developing countries where ancestral beliefs and financial difficulties cause consultation delays. Thus the diagnosis is delayed, due in part to the lack or insufficiency of diagnostic means. Our study aimed to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic particularities through three cases treated in our center. The delay in consultation resulted in the death of one patient, while for the other two, amputation prevented the extension of the tumor. Limb amputation is increasingly rare in the management of Marjolin’s ulcer, but in our difficult conditions it is still widely practiced when the tumor is localized at the extremity of the limb, without signs of remote invasion.

Cystic Degeneration of Uterine Leiomyoma Misdiagnosed as Ovarian Malignancy: A Case Report

Background: Massive cystic degeneration of the uterine myoma might mimic an ovarian tumor, especially a malignant ovarian tumor, causing misdiagnosis. We present a case of a woman with marked cystic degeneration of a uterine leiomyoma mimicking an ovarian neoplasm. Case: A 65-year-old woman (gravida 6, para 6) visited us due to an abdominal tumor. Clinical examination and radiology exploration suggested the presence of an ovarian tumour. The patient underwent a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral adnexectomy. Histopathology confirmed a final diagnosis of a degenerated leiomyoma. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged on her 5th post-operative day. Conclusions: When a patient has a huge abdomino-pelvic mass, mimicking an ovarian tumor, cystic degeneration of uterine myoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

Hand Hygiene by Ward Staff at Dapaong Regional Hospital in Togo

Introduction: Hand hygiene (HH) is an effective way to fight infections in healthcare settings. The general purpose of our study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of health care providers on HH at Dapaong regional hospital (DRH). Methodology: This was a prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from March to June 2022 in the DRH wards. Data were collected using a questionnaire and observation grid. Results: 90 care providers were surveyed. Males and non-physician personnel predominated with 57.8%, and 94.4% respectively. The survey on staff’s knowledge reported: 31.1% of practitioners did not wash their hands on arrival and departure in services. 24% did not know the difference between simple hand washing (SHW) and hygienic hand washing (HHW). 23.3% did not know the type of soap to use for HHW. The caregivers did not know the type of hand washing (HW) required after a septic and non-septic procedure in respectively 41.6%, and 37.8%. They did not know that there are two types of hand antiseptics (45.4%), nor the amount of antiseptic for HW (78.9%). The survey on staff’s attitude regarding HW found that: 70% did not remove all jewels prior HW, and 51.1% did not know that wearing gloves cannot replace the HW. For HW Staff Practice: 62.2% did not wash their hands before treatment. 91.1% did not spread the soap on their hands and forearms after wetting them. 65.55% did not rinse hands from nails to elbows. Conclusion: The HH was poorly known, the attitude of the staff was dangerous in relation to the HH and the practice of HH was very inadequate at the RHC-Dapaong. As a result, there is a need to retrain staff to increase their capacity to prevent care-related infections and enhance patient safety in the hospital.

Headaches and Erectile Dysfunction Medications at UTH-Kara (Togo)

Introduction: Headaches are a common symptom affecting individuals worldwide, including in the tropical zone, and have been extensively studied in Togo. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for erectile dysfunction, are known to induce headaches, yet there is a lack of research on this topic in sub-Saharan Africa and Togo. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to June 30th, 2023, including adult patients seeking erectile dysfunction treatment and prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. Results: A total of 28 patients were included in the study, with an average age of 34.46 ± 7.5 years. The age group of 30 - 39 years was the most represented (53.57%). Among the participants, 67.86% had a history of chronic headaches. During the intake of PDE-5 inhibitors, 71.43% reported the onset of headaches. Among the 19 patients with chronic headaches, 68.42% developed headaches following PDE-5 inhibitor use (RR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.55 - 1.40, p = 0.484). The characteristics of the induced headaches were similar to the patients’ pre-existing headaches in 78.95% of cases. Additional symptoms included nasal congestion (36.84%) and an urge to have a bowel movement (26.32%). Sildenafil (75.00%) and Tadalafil (25.00%) were the primarily prescribed PDE-5 inhibitors. The incidence of headaches did not significantly differ between the two groups (RR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.67 - 2.64, p = 0.306). Treatment for the induced headaches involved self-medication with paracetamol (65.00%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (35.00%). Conclusion: Headaches induced by PDE-5 inhibitors are a well-established reality, emphasizing the need for caution and warning in patients with pre-existing headache conditions, while individualized approaches are necessary to address the potential interplay between migraine medications and erectile dysfunction treatments.

Risk Factors for Mortality in Acute Kidney Injury in Intensive Care Units in Togo

Context: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in intensive care unit (ICU) is common and associated with very high mortality. In Togo, a tropical country with limited resources and only one nephrology department in the north, acute kidney injury seems to be a real tragedy with high mortality. Aims: to determine risk factors for mortality in acute kidney injury in the intensive care units. Methods and Material: We made a multicentric cross sectional study during 6 months in the four referral centers in northern Togo. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with mortality. Data were analyzed using RStudio 2023.04.1. Results: A total of 12.6% of patients admitted to intensive care had presented with AKI. The mean age was 49.6 ± 17.9. The sex ratio (M/F) was 2.1. Community-acquired AKI was in the majority (67.7%). Oligo anuria was the most frequent functional sign (38.4%). In our series, 81.6% of patients were in KDIGO stages 2 to 3. AKI was organic in 56.2% of cases. Mortality was 44.3%. In multivariate analysis, the main factors predictive of death were: respiratory distress (OR = 2.36;p Conclusions: Acute kidney injury in intensive care is common in northern Togo, and mortality is high. Identification of associated factors should help anticipate prognosis.

Doppler Ultrasound of Hepatic Vessels in the Diagnosis of Cirrhosis of the Liver in Togo

The aim of this work is to evaluate the role of Ultrasound-Doppler in the hemodynamic study of hepatic vessels during the liver cirrhosis in Togo. Method: This was an analytic cross-sectional study that measured the velocimetric parameters of hepatic vessels in cirrhotic patients and in non-cirrhotic patients. Results: The velocimetric parameters of the hepatic artery, the portal vein, and the hepatic veins were measured in 50 cirrhotic patients and 50 non-cirrhotic The caliber of the portal vein was significantly increased in cirrhotic patients compared to non-cirrhotic patients with 13.11 ± 2.16 mm versus 11.45 ± 1.02 (p Conclusion: The hemodynamic study of the hepatic vessels can and must rightly be a diagnostic argument for liver cirrhosis.

Prostate Biopsy: Which Technique for Which Results at LoméUniversity Hospital in 2017?

Background: Diagnosis of prostate cancer is certified by histology true prostate biopsies. The aim of our study was to evaluate our prostate biopsy method. Material and Methods: It was a prospective study including patients underwent prostate biopsy. Inclusion criteria were prostate specific antigen (PSA) level up to 4ng/ml and/or abnormal prostate at digital rectal examination. Patients who had risk factors of bleeding have been excluded of the study. The preparation before biopsy included antibioprophylaxy (Ciprofloxacine-Tinidazole) and rectal hypertonic cleaning (Normacol*). Twelve cores have been taken in each prostate by transrectal digital-guided way, using Biopty Gun 18 Gauge. Local anesthesia has been done previously by intrarectal application of 20 ml of gel of Lidoca?ne. Two other cores were taken into each abnormal area at rectal examination. The follow-up have been done during twelve weeks. Results: Eighty patients of 65 years of age were included. Nine patients had familial history of prostate cancer. PSA levels ranged from 5 to 6400 ng/ml with a median of 26.77 ng/ml ± 11.2. Complications occurred in 11.25% of patients, principally infectious complications which caused death of one patient by septicemia. The rate of cancer detection was 20%. Prostate abnormality at digital rectal examination and the presence of familial history of prostate cancer were not predictive factors of the presence of cancer on cores. Conclusion: Our prostate biopsy method is limited by the lack of ultrasonographic guidance and is at important risk of infectious complications.

Effectiveness of Treatment of Chronic Viral Hepatitis C by Direct-Acting Antivirals in Togo

Background: Viral hepatitis C is the second leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B in Africa and Togo in particular. The advent of direct acting antivirals has revolutionized the care and prognosis of patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Objective: To evaluate the sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks after oral treatment without interferon in HCV infected patients with genotypes 1 and 2. Patients and Method: Descriptive and analytical study based on the retrospective collection of data in the hepatogastroenterology unit of the University Hospital Campus of Lome (Togo) from July 11, 2016 to April 22, 2018. All patients who had a chronic viral hepatitis C with viral replication, naive, regardless of the genotype, regardless of the degree of liver fibrosis, and who had completed their treatment with direct-acting antivirals were included. Results: We recruited 84 patients, 60 of whom were infected with HCV genotype 2 (71.43%) and 24 with HCV genotype 1 (28.57%). There were 58 men and 26 women (sex ratio: 0.45). In HCV genotype 1 patients, the median age was 54.29 years and Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir was the most used combination (62.50%). In HCV genotype 2 patients, the median age was 54.5 years and Sofosbuvir associated with Ribavirin was the most used treatment (81.66%). The virological response at the end of treatment was 100% (genotype 1) and 93.30% (genotype 2). The SVR 12 was 100% (genotype 1) and 91.70% (genotype 2). Five patients were in treatment failure (genotype 2). Conclusion: Direct-acting antivirals were effective in our patients. The rate of sustained virological response was above 90%.

Delivery Outcome in Women with Major Sickle Cell Syndrome: A Comparative Study of the Homozygous Forms “SS” versus the Heterozygous “SC”

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of women who delivered in the two major sickle cell syndromes, “SS” and “SC”, and to identify maternal and early neonatal prognosis inherent to each form. Material and Methods: This is a comparative, descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study of 226 files of women carrying major sickle cell syndrome (66 cases of “SS” form versus 160 cases of “SC” form), collected from May 2008 to May 2013 at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of the Sylvanus Olympio’s University Hospital of Lomé. Data were processed by Epi Info 6 software. For comparison of variables, the Chi-2 test of Fisher with significance as p < 0.05 has been used, so is the calculation of Odds Ratio with its confidence interval at 95%. Results: Carriers of the two major sickle cell syndromes represent 0.8% of all the deliveries during the study period. Caesarean section, especially prophylactic one, was the dominant mode of delivery. The SS forms have been exposed to have more vaso-occlusive crises (22.7% vs. 13.1%;p = 0.04, OR = 0.31), more blood transfusion (57.6% vs. 29.4%;p = 7 × 10-5, OR = 3.2) and more puerperal infections (p < 0.05). Acute chest syndrome was not related to any of the two forms of sickle cell disease (13.6% vs. 8.1%;p = 0.15). The maternal mortality rate and the perinatal mortality among SS form against SC form were not significant (respectively 15.1% vs. 8.7%;20.9% vs. 17.1%). Conclusion: Maternal and fetal complications were present in both forms of major sickle cell syndrome but the "SS" form gave exposure to greater maternal morbidity. Resuscitative measures in adults and newborns should be reinforced at the delivery time of these “at-risk-pregnancies”.

Interest of Serum-Ascites Albumin Concentration Gradient in the Diagnosis of Portal Hypertension in Cirrhotic Patients

Objective: To find a more accessible and less restrictive mean such as serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) to predict esophageal varices (EV) in cirrhotics with ascit. Patients and methods: Descriptive and analytical studies based on the retrospective collection of data on 125 patients’ records in the hepatogastroenterology unit of the University Hospital Campus of Lome (Togo) from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2018 were included. Cirrhotic patients aged 15 years and older had performed cytochemical analysis of ascites fluid and upper gastrointestinal fibroscopy and had a protidogram. Statistical analysis was done by R Studio Software 3.4.2. Results: The mean age was 48.70 years;there was a male predominance (70.40%) with a sex ratio of 2.38. Protein levels in ascitic fluid was Conclusion: Our study noted that at an upper threshold of 1.10 g/dl, the SAAG significantly predicted the presence of EV.

Mechanical Confining of Sinonasal Anatomic Variants by Computer Tomography in Togo

Objective: Determine the frequency of the sinonasal mechanical anatomic variants by CT Scan. Patients and method: Six-month retrospective study concerning sinus CT scans in the registers of Teaching Hospitals’ Imaging Services of Lomé and Kara (TOGO). It involves patients without distinction of sex, of over 15 years without anomaly that can lead to a modification of the normal anatomical configuration of the paranasal sinuses’ cavities. The analysis has been made by only one radiologist. Results: The frequency of mechanical sinonasal anatomic variants stood at 91.87%. The narrowing of the middle nasal turbinate was the variant mostly observed (55.03%), dominated by the deviation of the nasal septum whose frequency was 25.48%. The narrowing of the infundibulum represented 10.80% of population. They were more represented by the Haller cell which displayed a frequency of 3.60%. The variants venturing to narrow the upper nasal turbinate, represented only by extra turbinates, involved 1.02% of the population. The other variants of mechanical sinonasal anatomic variants represented 25.02%. They were dominated by the maxillary sinus septa (11.2%). Our study showed a feminine predominance which is statistically important for Haller cells (p = 0.037) and the ethmoidbulla hypertrophy (p = 0.0036). Conclusion: The anatomic variants of mechanical sinonasal are very frequent in Togo.

Echo-Mammographic and Anatomo-Pathological Aspects of Male Breast Cancer in Togo

Studies of male breast cancer are rare in Africa. In Togo in particular, no work has focused on the epidemiological, mammo-echographic, pathological, therapeutic or prognostic aspects of male breast cancer. The aim of this study is to report cases of male breast cancer in Togo by describing the main epidemiological, mammo-echographic and pathological aspects. This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study of 10 cases of male patients presenting with breast cancer confirmed by the pathologic examination on the echo-guided samples over a period of 6 years in University Teaching Hospital in Lomé. A total of ten patients were retained. The mean age of patients was 55 years with extremes of 39 years and 65 years. All patients had a palpable breast mass. The lesions were classified in 60% American College of Radiology (ACR) 5 and 40% ACR 4. The axillary lymph node invasion rate was 40%. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma was the histologic type diagnosed in all patients. Any breast mass in an elderly male subject is suspected with high predictive value. Mammography ultrasound plays an important role in the diagnosis alongside pathology.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Diabetic Patients on Ocular Complications of Diabetes in Lomé(Togo)

Introduction: The frequency and severity of eye complications from diabetes make patient education essential, which is the basis for adequate management. What is the level of education of diabetic patients in Lomé? The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of diabetic patients on the ocular complications of diabetes in Lomé. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study by surveys on diabetic patients from April 1 to June 31, 2020, in 6 diabetes management centers in Lomé. The correct response rate was established for each component. Knowledge: poor (≤ 50%), low (50% - 65%), medium (65% - 85%) and good (≥ 85%). Attitudes: harmful (≤ 50%), erroneous (50% - 65%), approximate (65% - 85%) and fair (≥ 85%). Practice: harmful (≤ 50%), inadequate (50% - 65%) and adequate (>65%). Results: Over the study period, 150 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 56.98 ± 13.37 years with a sex ratio of 1.1 (79 men/71 women). The overall level of knowledge was insufficient (50.6%) with 65.5% for general knowledge about diabetes and 35.8% for ocular complications of diabetes. Attitudes were approximate (68.7%). In the case of hyperglycemia, 31.3% of patients would confide in a diabetologist and 22.0% in a general practitioner. If decrease in vision, 84.3% of patients would contact the ophthalmologist. The level of practice was harmful (20.4%). For diabetic follow-up, 36.7% of patients have already seen an ophthalmologist, 41.3% have performed a fundus examination, 17.3% retinal angiography, 4% laser retinal photocoagulation and 2.7% intravitreal injection (IVT). An awareness session on the ocular complications of diabetes was followed by 52.7% of patients and 50.7% of patients followed a therapeutic education session. Conclusion: This study has shown that the level of knowledge was poor, attitudes approximate and practices harmful. It is therefore important to raise awareness about diabetes and its ocular complications with the aim to change behavior.

Umbilical Artery Resistance Index in the Surveillance of Pregnancies at Risk of Fetal-Maternal Hemodynamic Disorders in Lomé(Togo)

Objective: Evaluate the role of umbilical artery Doppler ultrasound in the surveillance of pregnancies at risk of vascular disorders in Lomé. Study Method: The study was a cross-sectional analytical study carried out in the department of radiology of Campus teaching hospital over a period of 6 months. This study was based on the measurement of the resistance index of the umbilical artery in pregnant women presenting vascular risk and other pregnant women without vascular risk. The correlation between the pathological index and the at-risk pregnancies was assessed by the Odds Ratio as well as the correlation between the resistance index and the Apgar score at birth. Results: The resistance index was measured in 209 at-risk pregnant women and in 425 pregnant women without vascular risk. The average age of pregnant women was 26.31 years for “the at-risk pregnant” versus 25.38 years for the “pregnant-witnesses”. The association between the pathological resistance index (RI) and the gestational pathologies studied, had been positive and significant with an odds ratio of 1.57 for a 95% confidence interval of [1.07 - 2.20]. A pathological RI is a risk factor for the occurrence of a pathological Apgar score at birth because this association was positive and significant for “pregnant-cases” as for “pregnant-witnesses”. Conclusion: Measuring the index of resistance is not a common practice in our communities. However, it could be an important tool in the surveillance of at-risk pregnancies for diseases such as malaria, pre-eclampsia, and maternal anemia.