Evaluation of the Frequency of Prolonged Fevers and Exploration of Their Etiologies in the Internal Medicine Department of the Point “G” University Hospital in Bamako from 2009 to 2013

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the frequency of prolonged fevers and to determine their etiologies. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study extending from the period of 2009 to 2013 in the Internal Medicine department of the “G” Point University Hospital in Bamako. Included were all records of hospitalized patients with a central temperature greater than 37°C in the morning and 37°C in the evening, resting for 15 minutes, fasting for more than 2 hours, and absence of antipyretic treatment. We include all the patients of the study period with fever greater than 37.5°C in the morning and 37.8°C in the evening, resting for 15 minutes, fasting for more than 2 hours, and absence of antipyretic treatment, which have more than 21 days and measured on several occasions. The data were collected on a survey sheet. Data entry and analysis was done on SPSS software. Results: We recorded 243 fever cases out of 2155 hospitalizations, a prevalence rate of 11.2%. There were 128 men and 115 women with an average age of 43 years (range, 15 to 84 years), a modal class of 37 to 47 years, and a sex ratio of 1.11. The infectious etiologies accounted for 81% followed by neoplastic causes 09.6% and inflammatory 01.2% of cases. HIV infection was found in 26.4% of patients, malaria 13.5% and urinary tract infections 10.2%). Gram negative bacilli 88% consisted mainly of Escherichia coli (56%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (20%).

Clinic Evaluation of Heart Failure of Old People in the Department of Internal Medicine of Point G University Hospital from 2008 to 2012

Justification: Heart failure (HF) is the evolutionary end of all cardiac diseases. Given the aging population, the rate of incidence is increasing among the elderly. Objectives: The study aims to determine the prevalence of heart failure in the elderly;to describe the clinical aspects;describe etiologies;describe the therapeutic aspects;and describe the evolution of heart failure among the elderly. Method: This was a retrospective study over five years on the operating records of patients hospitalized in the internal medicine department of Hospital Point G. Result: The study included records of 22 elderly patients who were with heart failure of a total of 595 patients hospitalized from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2012. The prevalence rate was 3.7%, and the average age was 67 ± 7.79 years. The sex ratio was equal to 1. HTA accounted for the cardiovascular risk factors in 77.3%. 72.7% of patients had the symptom of dyspnea and 95.5% of patients had the symptom of IMO. According to the cardiac ultrasound, dilation of the OG represented 68.2% of cases, followed by impaired LVEF (63.6%). The etiologies of IC were represented by dilated cardiomyopathy (95.5%), followed by 13.6% in cardiothyreosis. Drug treatment was dominated by the use of diuretics, ACE inhibitors and sodium diet respectively 95.5%;81.8% and 45.5% of cases. The clinical outcome was favorable in 73%. We recorded four (4) cases of death, which accounted for 18% of patients.

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.

Steroid hyperglycemia: Prevalence, early detection and therapeutic recommendations: A narrative review

Steroids are drugs that have been used extensively in a variety of conditions. Although widely prescribed for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, glucocorticoids have several side effects, being hyperglycemia one of the most common and representative. In the present review, we discuss the main epidemiologic characteristics associated with steroid use, with emphasis on the identification of high risk populations. Additionally we present the pathophysiology of corticosteroid induced hyperglycemia as well as the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics associated with steroid use. We propose a treatment strategy based on previous reports and the understanding of the mechanism of action of both, the different types of glucocorticoids and the treatment options, in both the ambulatory and the hospital setting. Finally, we present some of the recent scientific advances as well as some options for future use of glucocorticoids.

Is it possible to stop nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients?

Chronic hepatitis B(CHB) remains a challenging global health problem, with nearly one million related deaths per year. Nucleos(t)ide analogue(NA) treatment suppresses viral replication but does not provide complete cure of the hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. The accepted endpoint for therapy is the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag), but this is hardly ever achieved. Therefore, indefinite treatment is usually required. Many different studies have evaluated NA therapy discontinuation after several years of NA treatment and before HBs Ag loss. The results have indicated that the majority of patients can remain off therapy, with some even reaching HBs Ag seroconversion. Fortunately, this strategy has proved to be safe, but it is essential to consider the risk of liver damage and other comorbidities and to ensure aclose follow-up of the candidates before considering this strategy. Unanswered questions remain, namely in which patients could this strategy be effective and what is the optimal time point at which to perform it. To solve this enigma, we should keep in mind that the outcome will ultimately depend on the equilibrium between HBV and the host's immune system. Viral parameters that have been described as good predictors of response in HBe Ag(+) cases, have proven useless in HBe Ag(-) ones. Since antiviral immunity plays an essential role in the control of HBV infection, we sought to review and explain potential immunological biomarkers to predict safe NA discontinuation in both groups.

Factors associated with early virological response to peginterferon-α-2a/ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C

AIM: To evaluate the impact of sociodemographic/clinical factors on early virological response (EVR) to pegin-terferon/ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in clinical practice. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, cross-sectional, observational study in Hepatology Units of 91 Spanish hospitals. CHC patients treated with peginterferon α-2a plus ribavirin were included. EVR was defined as undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV)-ribonucleic acid (RNA) or ≥ 2 log HCV-RNA decrease after 12 wk of treatment. A bivariate analysis of sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with EVR was carried out. Independent factors associated with an EVR were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis that included the following baseline demographic and clinical variables: age (≤ 40 years vs > 40 years), gender, race, educational level, marital status and family status, weight, alcohol and tobacco consumption, source of HCV infection, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (≤ 85 IU/mL vs > 85 IU/mL), serum ferritin, serum HCV-RNA concentration (< 400 000 vs ≥ 400 000), genotype (1/4 vs 3/4), cirrhotic status and ribavirin dose (800/1000/1200 mg/d).RESULTS: A total of 1014 patients were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 44.3 ± 9.8 years, 70% were male, and 97% were Caucasian. The main sources of HCV infection were intravenous drug abuse (25%) and blood transfusion (23%). Seventyeight percent were infected with HCV genotype 1/4 (68% had genotype 1) and 22% with genotypes 2/3. The HCV-RNA level was > 400 000 IU/mL in 74% of patients. The mean ALT and AST levels were 88.4 ± 69.7 IU/mL and 73.9 ± 64.4 IU/mL, respectively, and mean GGT level was 82 ± 91.6 IU/mL. The mean ferritin level was 266 ± 284.8 μg/L. Only 6.2% of patients presented with cirrhosis. All patients received 180 mg of peginterferon α-2a. The most frequently used ribavirin doses were 1000 mg/d (41%) and 1200 mg/d (41%). The planned treatment duration was 48 wk for 92% of patients with genotype 2/3 and 24 wk for 97% of those with genotype 1/4 (P < 0.001). Seven percent of patients experienced at least one reduction in ribavirin or peginterferon α-2a dose, respectively. Only 2% of patients required a dose reduction of both drugs. Treatment was continued until week 12 in 99% of patients. Treatment compliance was ≥ 80% in 98% of patients. EVR was achieved in 87% of cases (96% vs 83% of patients with genotype 2/3 and 1/4, respectively; P < 0.001). The bivariate analysis showed that patients who failed to achieve EVR were older (P < 0.005), had higher ALT (P < 0.05), AST (P < 0.05), GGT (P < 0.001) and ferritin levels (P < 0.001), a diagnosis of cirrhosis (P < 0.001), and a higher baseline viral load (P < 0.05) than patients reaching an EVR. Age < 40 years [odds ratios (OR): 0.543, 95%CI: 0.373-0.790, P < 0.01], GGT < 85 IU/mL (OR: 3.301, 95%CI: 0.192-0.471, P < 0.001), low ferritin levels (OR: 0.999, 95%CI: 0.998-0.999, P < 0.01) and genotype other than 1/4 (OR: 4.716, 95%CI: 2.010-11.063, P < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors for EVR in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: CHC patients treated with peginterferon-α-2a/ribavirin in clinical practice show high EVR. Older age, genotype 1/4, and high GGT were associated with lack of EVR.

Residual urinary output in high body mass index individuals on chronic hemodialysis:A disregarded life vest?

AIM： To assess residual diuresis and diverse variables according to body mass index （BMI）.METHODS： Cross-sectional study （n = 57）, with 3 groups. Group A： BMI 〈 25, n = 22; Group B： BMI 25-30, n = 15; Group C： BMI 〉 30, n = 20. Diuresis, hematocrit, albumin, C-reactive protein, Malnutrition infammatory score, Pro-BNP, Troponin T, leptin and in-sulin levels are expressed as median and ranges （r）. RESULTS： Albumin （g/dL）： GA vs GC, 3.70 （r2.20-4.90） vs 3.85 （r3.40-4.90）, P = 0.02. Diuresis （mL/d）： GA 690 （r0-1780）; GB 660 （r60-1800）; GC 840 （r40-2840）. Diuresis GA vs GC, P = 0.01. Leptin （ng/mL）： GA vs GC, 3.81 （r0.78-69.60） vs GC, 32.80 （r0.78-124.50）, P 〈 0.001. Insulin （μU/mL）： GA vs GB, 7 （r2-44） vs 11.50 （r4-38）, P = 0.02; GA vs GC, 7 （r2-44） vs 19.5 （r5-155）, P = 0.0001. Troponin T and Pro-BNP levels were not different. Significant correlations： GC, Insulin-UF： ρ= 0.53; P = 0.03; TroponinT-diuresis： ρ = -0.48, P 〈 0.05; Pro-BNP-diuresis： ρ = -0.39, P 〈 0.01; Troponin T-ProBNP： ρ = 0.77, P 〈 0.0001; albumin-Troponin T： ρ = -0.66, P 〈 0.0001; albumin-ProBNP： ρ = -0.44, P 〈 0.05.CONCLUSION： High BMI associated positively with higher diuresis and albuminemia, and negatively with TropT and Pro-BNP. High BMI-associated better survival may be explained by better urinary output, lowering cardiovascular stress.

The Lassa Virus Epidemic in Mango, Togo: Therapeutic Route of the First 4 Cases

Introduction: Lassa viral hemorrhagic fever is caused by the Lassa virus. The aim of our study is to describe the therapeutic itinerary of the 4 cases of Lassa virus hemorrhagic of February-March 2017 epidemic that occurred in Mango. Methodology: Our study is a transverse retro-prospective and descriptive study from February, 1st to March, 31st 2017 that dealt with 4 confirmed Lassa fever cases declared positive on the PCR basis;hospitalized or deceased at the hospital “Esperance” of Mango;support center of Lassa viral hemorrhagic fever. Results: we reported 4 clinical observations of Lassa viral hemorrhagic fever diagnosed on the PCR basis during the Lassa fever epidemic. Patients came from Benin (2 cases) or from Burkina-Faso (1 case) and were 25, 60, 52 years old and a premature baby of 13 days. The reasons for admission were external hemorrhage, a pultated tonsillitis and abdominal pains. Fever was observed for all the cases. Complications were marked by hemorrhages and shocks. Only two patients benefitted from Antiviral therapy with Ribavirin and were declared healed. The other two patients did not benefit from the treatment due to diagnostic and therapeutic delays. Lethality was 75% (3 cases) with a highly secured burial. Effective management of contacts was established. Conclusion: Diagnostic and therapeutic delays of patients are responsible of the Dark Prognosis of Lassa fever during the epidemic.

Epidemiology, Clinical Presentations and In-Hospital Mortality of Venous Thromboembolism at the Douala General Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study in Cameroon, Sub-Saharan Africa

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is also the most common complication in hospitalized patients. Aims:?To?study the in-hospital prevalence of VTE, describe the socio-demographic characteristics of patients, determine the frequency of risk factors, describe the clinical presentations, and determine the short term outcome of VTE in hospitalized patients in a low-income tertiary hospital setting.?Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional descriptive retrospective study over a period of 6 years and 4 months (January 2008 to April 2014) in the Douala General Hospital—Cameroon. Patients were cases of confirmed venous thromboembolic disease (VTE).?Results: A total of 78 case files were retained for this study, giving an in-hospital prevalence of 4.4 per 1000 admissions. There were 42 (53.8%) males and 36 (46.1%) females. Their ages ranged from 18 to 89 years (median: 53 years, [IQR: 40?-?61]).?There were 37 (47.4%) cases of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), 31 (39.7%) cases of Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and 10 (12.8%) cases of PE associated with DVT (12.8%). The main risk factors were obesity (44.9%), hypertension (37.2%), immobility (20.5%), and long-haul travel (17.9%). The most frequent clinical presentations in PE were dyspnea (80.5%) and chest pain (65.9%). There were 8 (10%) in-hospital deaths. Conclusion: About twelve cases of VTE are seen yearly at the DGH, with an in-hospital mortality of ten percent. Obesity and hypertension were the main risk factors, with dyspnea and chest pain being the main clinical manifestations in PE, and lower limb swelling the main symptom in DVT.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Peripheral Artery Disease in a Group of Apparently Healthy Young Cameroonians: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The?burden of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is not well known among apparently healthy people in Africa. Aim: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of PAD in a group of blood donors seen at the Douala General Hospital—Cameroon. Methods: Between 1st November 2015 and 30th April 2016, we carried out a cross-sectional study. Participants were consenting adults of both sexes, aged ≥ 21 years who presented for blood donation, and were tested HIV negative. We collected socio-demographic data and their past history. We carried out a physical examination and measured their Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI). We defined PAD as an ABI Results: We recruited 103 participants, 55.4% males. The mean age was 33 ± 10 years. The mean ABI on left and right leg was 1.04 ± 0.1 and 1.02 ± 0.1respectively. ABI was higher in males than females both legs (p 0.05). PAD was seen in 11 (10.7%) participants. This was higher in females than males (3.6% versus 19.2%, p = 0.026). Among those with PAD, 8 (72.7%) were asymptomatic (Males: 100% versus Females: 66%, p = 0.9). After adjusting for age and gender, sedentary lifestyle (aOR: 7.14, [95% CI: 1.38 - 33.3], p = 0.019), and female gender (aOR: 6.2, [95% CI: 1.26 - 30.5], p = 0.025) were significantly associated with PAD. Conclusion: The prevalence of PAD was high in this group of HIV negative blood donors, most of whom were asymptomatic. This was associated with females, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Clinical Presentations and Outcome of Cardiovascular Emergencies in Yaounde: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Cardiovascular emergencies have become a public health problem with a high burden in low-income settings. This is due to the high rates of cardiovascular risk factors that are fast reaching epidemic?proportions. There is paucity of data on cardiovascular emergencies to guide repost strategies in our setting. Our aim was to determine the clinical presentation and outcome of cardiovascular emergencies at Yaounde Emergency Center.?Methods: We carried out this cross-sectional study between June 2015 and May 2017. We included all patients with confirmed cardiovascular emergency. We consecutively collected data on socio-demography, symptoms on admission, past history, clinical findings, and final diagnosis at discharge or in the event of death. Results: Of the 8285 patients admitted for medical emergencies, 388 (4.7%) were cardiovascular emergencies. Their mean age was 59.5 ± 13.8 years, and 59% were males. The Medical Emergency Aid Service was the means of transporting 4% of patients. The median time of arrival at the hospital was 48 hours. Symptoms on admission were mainly weakness of a limb (43.8%), and altered consciousness (33.5%). The most common cardiovascular emergencies were ischemic stroke (30.9%), hypertensive emergency (21.4%), and hemorrhagic stroke (16.5%). The most common comorbidity was diabetes (21.9%). The death rate in the 24 - 72 hours was 14.4%. The causes of death were hypertensive emergency (35.7%), and hemorrhagic stroke (30.3%). Conclusion: Stroke and hypertensive emergency were the most frequent cardiovascular emergencies. The early mortality was high. Hemorrhagic stroke and hypertensive emergencies accounted for most cases of death.

Cryptococcal Meningitis of the HIV-Infected Person in Lomé: About 102 Cases over 10 Years

Objective: To describe the clinical, epidemiological and evolutionary aspects of cryptococcal meningitis. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study on all HIV-infected patients who had been hospitalized for cryptococcal meningitis between 2006 and 2016 in the principal structures for the care of HIV infected person in Lomé. The diagnosis of meningitis was clinical and confirmed by the presence of cryptococci on Chinese ink or the detection of CSFsoluble antigens. All patients have made the CD4 rate assay and received an antifungal treatment based on fluconazole or Amphotericin B, followed later by antiretroviral triple therapy. Results: A total of 102 patients infected with cryptococcal meningitis (62 men for 40 women) were found. The sex ratio was 1.55. The median age was 34 years with extremes of 15 to 49 years. Clinically, headache was the symptomatic symptom in 100% of cases, prone to long runs and weight loss respectively in the proportions of 45% and 65%. The mean CD4 cell count was 65 ± 22 cells per mm3. The duration of hospital stay was short (less than 7 days) for the deceased. A total of 62 patients were able to receive treatment, 40 of them with fluconazole and 22 with Amphotericin B. The mortality was very high (65%), 25% were lost to follow-up, and 9.5% still in live 3 months after admission to the hospital. Conclusion: Cryptococcal meningitis has a very reserved prognosis. It is to be feared in cases of severe immunosuppression, hence the early detection of HIV for optimal management is important.

High Blood Pressure in External Consultation in Cardiology of Kati

Objective: To study hypertension and its manifestations in?Out-patients’ Department of Cardiology of Kati. Methods: The study was traversal and it was based on a sample of 300 patients, reached during the interval of 12 (twelve) months (from June 2012 to June 2013). Results: The predominance was among the females with 68.7%. The average age was about?55.8 ± 12.2 years old. The extreme ages were?about 21 and 90 years?old. In the set,?66% of the patients lived in the town of Kati.?The symptoms of Dieulafoy were predominantly the reasons for consultation with 55.7%. The cardiac frequency in the vast majority of cases was normal (85.3%). The left ventricular hypertrophy in the electrocardiogram was observed in more than half of the cases,?that is to say,?51.3%. In a bit higher proportion,?the echocardiography Doppler became normal,?that is to say,?54%. Brain scanner done on 9 patients found out signs of cerebrovascular stroke in 8 patients,?that is to say,?a frequency of 88.9%. In 76% of cases?of orthostatic hypotension,?the patients were hypertensive.?The blood pressure was normal during the passage of orthostatism in the cases of 258 of our patients,?that is to say,?86.0% of the cases. However, the orthostatic hypotension (OH) was observed in the cases of 42 patients, that is to say,?14.0% of the cases. In this set of patients,?41.6% of the moans were due to cephalgias and dizziness’s. The monotherapy of patients with OH represented 47.6% of the cases. Blood pressure was not controlled in 66.7% of the?cases of?OH. The biological examinations required were normal in 52.4% of the cases. Conclusion: The hypertension is a disease which is frequently the reason for consultation in cardiology. The symptoms of Dieulafoy can be the signs of call. The complications are sometimes recurrent. The orthostatic hypotension should be found out even under monotherapy on a balanced or non-balanced hypertensive patient through treatment.

The Effectiveness of Diamel in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Receiving Insulin Therapy: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Aims/Introduction: Effectiveness of Diamel? on the biochemical variables: fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glycosylated haemoglobin [HbA1c] in type-2 diabetic patients receiving insulin terapy. Diamel is a natural product composed of trace elements: amino acids, vitamins, cranberry extract, and lettuce extract that have been activated by means of a magnetization process. Materials and methods: Randomized, doubleblind, comparator-controlled clinical trial. A central randomization centre used computer generated tables to allocate treatments. 116 patients suffering from type-2 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin at the Diabetes Care Centre in Pinar del Rio (Cuba), were recruited and randomly. The subjects were separated into two groups: Group A (n = 59), who were administered Diamel and Group B (n = 57) using placebo. The clinical and biochemical variables were assessed for 24 weeks. Results: Two subjects were excluded from the Diamel treatment group during the clinical trial. From the statistical point of view, a significant drop in the levels of the baseline glucose, postprandial glucose, glycated haemoglobin, and triglycerides was observed in the group taking Diamel (Group A). There was observed an increase in insulin requirements and in waist circumference in the subjects of Group B There was not reported any severe or serious adverse reactions during this clinical trial. Conclusion: Diamel (nutritional supplement) together with the administration of insulin in type-2 diabetic patients is useful to optimize the biochemical variables (baseline and postprandial glucose, Hb A1C, plus triglycerides), as well as to prevent the increase of insulin requirements at medium-term.

Incidence of Tuberculosis in Latent TB Infected (LTBI) Patients Living with HIV under Antiretroviral Therapy in the LoméInfectious Disease Department

Objective: To determine the incidence of tuberculosis in person living with HIV infected by latent TB and under antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Method: We studied prospectively for 36 months the occurrence of bacilliform pulmonary tuberculosis in patients infected with HIV, naive of BCG and receiving antiretroviral treatment. Each patient had an intradermal reaction (IDR) of 10 IU tuberculin Mérieux. The measurement of the nodule is made 72 hours later. During follow-up, patients were reviewed every six months for active tuberculosis. Results: A total of 212 out of 257 patients had an IDR greater than 5 mm, an ITL prevalence of 86.33%. Three patients were lost to follow-up during the study. The predominant female sex is 69.81%. The mean age was 42.8 ± 10.02 years. A previous history of tuberculosis was found in 14.15% of patients and 208 patients (98.11%) had HIV1. In 39.15% of patients, patients had a CD4 count lower than 350 cells/mm3 at baseline in the study. At the end of the three-year follow-up, among the 14 patients, 11 had failed ARV therapy and had developed TB, with an incidence of 2.20 cases per 100 patients. Conclusion: The incidence of active tuberculosis in LTBI was very high in HIV-positive patients with low CD4 count, hence the importance of reliable LTBI screening such as gamma interferon is better than patient follow-up.

Ingestion of Caustics by Children in Brazzaville (CONGO)

Ingestion of caustics by children is serious because of the increase in their frequency and the difficulties due to their management. Objective: To improve the management of caustic lesions in Pediatric Department at the University Hospital of Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: Prospective study was conducted from January 2014 to December 2015 in the Pediatric Departments of the UHB and centers of digestive endoscopy in Brazzaville. All children who ingested a caustic product and hospitalized were included after obtaining parental’s consent. The studied parameters were: Age, sex, nature and quantity of the caustic, the family’s attitude, clinical signs, endoscopic results according to Zagar’s classification, therapeutic modalities and evolution. Results: 8292 children were hospitalized and 68 because of the ingestion of caustic, a frequency of 0.8%. The average age was 23.6 months [2 months - 16 years]. The male sex was predominant (57.4%). Ingestion was accidental in 88.2% and voluntary in 11.8%. Factors favoring ingestion were storage methods (81.5%) and parental’s inattention or negligence (10.8%). Bleach was the most incriminated caustic (54.4%) followed by caustic soda (29.4%). The estimated quantity ingested was assumed to be minimal in 61.7%. Unsuitable acts were practiced by the family before the medical consultation in 66.1%. The dominant symptoms were digestive (47%) and neurological (25%). The average time to perform endoscopy was 48 hours in 88.2%. Endoscopy revealed lesions in 51.7%, the different stages were I (12 cases), II (16 cases) and III (3 cases). The mains factors of gravity were inappropriate gestures (85%) and the non-respect of the fasting (9%). Proton pump inhibitors were used in 50%. The evolution was favorable for in 73.5%. Conclusion: Ingestion of caustics by children is most often accidental favored by the inadequate packaging and storage. Prevention is about educating people in order to reduce their frequency.

Evolutionary and Prognostic Aspects of Thrombolysed Patients for Acute Coronary Syndrome ST+ at CHU Ernesto Guevara De La Serna. Las Tunas (Cuba)

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (IDM) occupies the first place in terms of mortality, among ischemic pathologies. Thrombolysis in the case of medical treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is undoubtedly the most revolutionary performed to date in this context, with a significant reduction in the mortality rate. The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiological aspects, the criteria for myocardial reperfusion post thrombolysis, the complications during thrombolysis and the complications of acute myocardial infarction in the cardiology department of the CHU Ernesto Guevara De La Serna of Las Tunas (Cuba). Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from June 2009 to December 2011. The patients hospitalized during this period in the USIC (coronary intensive care unit) for SCA ST(+) were included in the study. The variables studied were: Age, sex, myocardial reperfusion criteria, complications during thrombolysis and complications of myocardial infarction. Results: A total of 207 patients were included. The male sex represented 72.5% of the cases, giving a sex ratio of 2.63. The age group > 60 years was predominant with 54.2% of the cases. Thrombolysed patients represented 65.2% of the cases. Myocardial reperfusion criteria were observed in the majority of thrombolysed patients: relief of precordial pain (77%), regression of the ST segment to 50% of its previous level (81.5% of patients). Bleeding was observed in 1.5% of thrombolysed cases. Complications were encountered in 57% of non thrombolysed patients with a lethality of 5.6%. Conclusion: The male sex was the most affected. Thrombolysis was effective in the majority of patients. The post thrombolysis bleeding rate was low. More than half of the cases of SCA ST(+) not thrombolysed presented complications.

Anterior Choroidal Artery Territory Stroke in Young Patient

Introduction: Stroke incidence in young patients is about 10 cases in 100.000, according to several European studies. In this age group arterial dissection is one of the main pathological mechanisms involved. The internal carotid’s artery (ICA) main supraclinoid branch is the anterior choroidal artery (AChA). The occurrence of infarction in its territory due to internal carotid dissection is considered to be a rare event and may have different clinical presentations due to anatomical variability. Clinical case: A 31-year-old male patient, without any known cardiovascular risk factors or chronic medication, presented with acute onset of stabbing right sided headache while practicing football. Visual disturbances and hemiparesis with hypesthesia of his left arm were also mentioned. On admission left homonymous hemianopsia, left hemiparesis and left extensor plantar reflex were present. Brain magnetic resonance showed hyperintensity of T2 and FLAIR signals and restricted diffusion pattern suggested acute/subacute infarctions in the thalamic and subcapsular area, corpus callosum, splenium and subcortical parietal right region. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the brain showed reduction of the right ICA’s caliber, mainly of its supraclinoid segment in which a marked irregular stenosis was visualized, suggestive of arterial dissection. This stenotic segment included the origin of the AChA and of the posterior communicating cerebral artery with an exchange in their territories. Lumbar puncture results were normal as were analytical investigations which included CBC, sedimentation rate, syphilis serology and immunologic and prothrombotic screen. There were no phenotype characteristics suggestive of connective tissue disease. Conclusion: Trauma seems to be the most probable lesion mechanism for the occurrence of intracranial carotid’s dissection in this particular case, as the patient was practicing vigorous sports at time of onset. In view of great anatomic variability and multiple anatomical sites supplied by the AChA its occlusion will induce a wide range of clinical manifestations.

Double Emergency Pulmonary Embolism and Aortic Dissection: About a Clinical Case

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection are two formidable cardiovascular emergencies. Their exceptional association has a poor prognosis with very high mortality. The aim of our study was to report the case of a 31-year-old patient with pulmonary embolism associated with De Bakey’s type I aortic dissection, admitted to the cardiology department of Kati University Hospital. Case Presentation: We report the case of a young patient of 31 with no known cardiovascular history, on estrogen-progestogen contraception for 10 years, who consults for a left basal thoracic pain of increasing intensity, a whitish productive cough, hemoptysis and dyspnea stage III. She was admitted to the cardiology department, transthoracic cardiac ultrasound objectified aortic insufficiency, dissection of the aorta, the presence of the intimal flap, the false and the true channel, dilation of the right cavities with HTAP. The chest CT scan revealed bilateral lobar and segmental pulmonary embolism, De Bakey’s type I aortic dissection. Medical treatment was instituted for hemodynamic stabilization at the end of sending her to a center specializing in cardiovascular surgery for better management; unfortunately she succumbed before the preparations for her evacuation were finished. Conclusion: The pulmonary embolism associated with aortic dissection constitutes a medical emergence of rare incidence in a cardiological environment;if the diagnosis was quickly made in our patient, the lack of technical platform made management difficult.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients at the University Hospital Center of Point G in Bamako, Mali

Introduction: A cardiovascular risk factor (FDRCV) is defined as a physiological, pathological or environmental attribute or characteristic that results in an increased likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease in the individual in whom it is detected. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in hemodialysis patients on hemodialysis at the University Hospital of Point G. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study with prospective data collection from March 3, 2009 to March 5, 2010 (13 months). Included were all patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving chronic hemodialysis in the Nephrology and Hemodialysis Department of the University Hospital of Point G during the study period. Results: Eighty-eight patients were enrolled. The M/F sex ratio was 1.26. The mean age was 41.32 years with extremes of 17 and 81 years. The classic cardiovascular risk factors in order of frequency were: hypertension (90.9%), sedentary lifestyle (71.6%), male sex (54.5%), age ≥ 55 years (21.6%), obesity (13.6%), diabetes (8%), tobacco (8%), alcohol (3.4%). Cardiovascular risk factors related to CKD were: anemia (98.9%), phosphocalcic disorders (85.2%), arteriovenous fistula (AVF) (80%), lipid abnormalities (36.5%), hydrosodium inflation (29.5%). Predominant cardiovascular complications were hypertensive heart disease (62.5%), acute pulmonary oedema (APO) (50%), rhythm disorders (23.9%), coronary insufficiency (18.2%). The mortality rate was 17%. Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk factors are frequent in chronic hemodialysis. They contribute to the excess mortality of these patients. Adequate management of these risk factors can slow down serious cardiovascular complications and reduce the risk of mortality in this fragile population.