Characteristics of Deaths of Children in the Pediatrics Department of Hôpital Spécialisé Mère-Enfant Blanche Gomes (Republic of the Congo) from 2019 to 2021

Introduction: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to decrease the global maternal mortality ratio to below 70 per 100,000 live births and eliminate preventable deaths of newborns and children under the age of five in all countries by 2030. The pediatric department at Spécialisé Mère-Enfant Blanche Gomes Hospital (HSMEBG) is divided into two sectors, one catering to children aged one month to four years and the other dedicated to children aged five to 17 years. According to department records, over the past three years, there has been an average of 1050 hospitalizations per year, with an average duration of five days. Objectives: This study aims to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of children who died while in the pediatrics department of the HSMEBG and analyze the factors associated with their deaths. Methodology: A retrospective analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data over a three-year period, covering the years 2019, 2020 and 2021. Data were collected from medical records of deceased children using Excel software version 2016, and statistical calculations and logistic regression were performed using Epi info software version 7.2.5.0. Results: During the three years of operation, the pediatric department at HSMEBG recorded 3060 new admissions, of which 271 resulted in death, representing an overall frequency of 8.8%. December and January had the highest mortality rates, accounting for 15.5% and 12.5%, respectively. Out of the 271 recorded deaths, 143 (52.77%) occurred in children under the age of one, and 230 (84.87%) occurred in children under the age of five. The average age at death was 2.4 years, ranging from one month to 17 years. The sex ratio was 1. More than half of the deaths (51.66%) occurred during the night, and 165 (60.89%) sought medical help more than three days after the onset of symptoms. Weekend deaths accounted for nearly half (45.7%) of the cases. Upon admission, slightly over half of the children (55.72%) had impaired consciousness, 219 (80.81%) presented with respiratory distress, and 194 (71.59%) had a fever. The average time from admission to administering the first medication was 72 minutes. Respiratory infections were the leading cause of death, accounting for 83 (30.26%) cases, followed by severe forms of malaria (anemic and neurological) at 23.25%. Among the 271 recorded deaths, 33 (12.18%) received no treatment before their demise, and 136 (50.18%) died within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. The average duration of hospitalization for patients who spent less than 24 hours was 15 hours, while those who died after the 24th hour had an average hospital stay of five days, ranging from one to 41 days. Children under the age of five who were admitted with impaired consciousness had roughly double the risk of dying compared to those without this condition (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The overall mortality rate in the pediatric department at HSMEBG is 8.8%. Acute respiratory infections are the primary cause of death. Improving this rate necessitates reducing consultation and treatment durations.

Acute Thoracic Syndrome in Sickle Cell Children at the Pediatrics Department of Donka National Hospital

Introduction: Acute thoracic syndrome is the appearance of a new pulmonary infiltrate on radiology associated with fever, desaturation or respiratory signs. It is the second leading cause of hospitalization and the first cause of death in sickle cell patients. It is an acute pulmonary complication whose pathophysiological mechanisms are still poorly understood. This study aims to study the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of Acute Chest Syndrome in children at the Pediatrics Department of Donka National Hospital. Method: This is a prospective study of descriptive type for a period of 6 months from February 19 to August 19, 2019 on patients with sickle cell disease who developed an ATS in the pediatrics department of Donka National Hospital. Epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and evolutionary data were studied and proportionate data were calculated. Results: The frequency of ATS was 39%. The mean age of our patients was 9.83 years with the extremes of 4 and 16 years. The age group from 6 to 10 years with a frequency of 66.7% was the most affected. Fever was the main clinical manifestation, followed by hepatomegaly. All our patients were homozygous SS and undergoing folic acid prophylaxis. 96% of our patients did not receive any specific vaccine. Antibiotic therapy, hyperhydration and analgesics were administered to all our patients. 96% of our patients were transfused with red blood cell concentrate. 96% of our patients were transfused with packed red blood cells. 96% of our patients were transfused with packed red blood cells and 96% of them had a favorable outcome. Conclusion: ATS is an acute complication of sickle cell disease responsible for significant mortality and morbidity in the pediatric population. Its treatment is symptomatic and must be started early. Emphasis must be placed on prevention to prevent or limit its occurrence.

Audits of Death in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents Followed up in the Pediatric Department of the Regional Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori from 2005 to 2020

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality among children. The objective of this work was to audit the deaths of children and adolescents with HIV infection followed up in the pediatric department of the Regional Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori (CHUDB/A) the from 2005 to 2020. Patients and Method: This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted in the pediatric department of CHUD/B-A in Parakou. All children with HIV infection who died from January 1, 2005 to August 31, 2020 were included. Data collection was carried out in three stages: a phase of medical records processing, a phase of community survey and a phase of death audits. The variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical, biological, therapeutic and evolutionary. Results: Over the study period, the data of 464 infected children were recorded, including 92 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 19.83%. Severe acute malnutrition (69.23%), gastro-intestinal tract infections (43.58%) and serious opportunistic pulmonary infections (24.36% pulmonary tuberculosis and 19.23% pneumocystis) were the main causes of death. The main dysfunctions found were: the delayed diagnosis of HIV infection (79.35%), the absence or delay in consultation when the child’s clinical condition deteriorates (32.61% and 47.83%), delayed initiation of antiretroviral treatment (42.39%) and non-adherence to treatment (38.04%). Non-adherence to treatment was predominant in adolescents (90.49%). Conclusion: Specific interventions for early detection, adequate nutritional care, psychosocial support for adolescents and mothers of children are necessary to reduce mortality due to HIV among children and adolescents.

Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescribing in the Pediatric Department of Gabriel TouréTeaching Hospital, Bamako, Mali

Objectives: The main objective was to evaluate antibiotic prescribing in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted from September 1 to November 31, 2018, in the Department of Pediatrics at Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. All children aged 0 to 15 years hospitalized for any pathology during the study period and having received at least one antibiotic had been included. Results: We collected 445 children’s records out of 1032 admissions during the study period, representing a hospital frequency of 43.1%. The sex ratio was 1.3%. The 2 - 5 age group accounted for 48.1%. Fever was the reason for consultation in 45.6% of cases. Patients’ general condition was altered in 60% of cases. The fathers were blue-collar workers in 65.4% and the mothers housewives in 85%, and had no education in 42.9% and 64.5% respectively. Hepatomegaly was present in 18.2%, splenomegaly in 9.6% and peripheral adenopathy in 3.1%. The site of infection was pulmonary in 37.6% and ENT in 9.2%. Bacterial infection was assumed on admission in 54% of cases, and meningitis in 57.7%. The discharge diagnosis was malaria in 54.6%, severe acute malnutrition in 18.6% and meningitis in 6.7%. The death rate was 3.8%. Neutrophilic leukocytosis was present in 47.3% of patients. CRP was positive in 85% of patients. Blood cultures taken in 27.6% of patients were positive in 5. CSF analysis in 30% of patients showed elevated leukocytes in 6.5%. No cultures were positive. Antibiotic prescription was justified by infectious hypotheses in 43.1% of patients. β-lactam antibiotics were prescribed in 98.6%. Antibiotic therapy was not adapted to national/international recommendations in 68.3% of cases, and was not justified in 16.3% of cases on D5 of hospitalization. Conclusion: Antibiotic use was justified in more than half of patients, but remained inadequate in almost two-thirds of cases, in line with national and international recommendations.

Practice of Glycemic Self-Monitoring in Diabetic Patients Followed at the Endocrinology Department of Donka University Hospital in Guinea

Diabetes is a chronic pathology whose evolution is marked by micro and macroangiopathic complications. Optimal management can prevent the onset of complications and improve patients’ quality of life. Objectives: To determine the frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose and to describe the errors found during self-monitoring in diabetic patients followed at the Endocrinology Department of Donka University Hospital in Guinea. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between August and September 2020 involving diabetic patients followed up at the Endocrinology and Diabetology Department of the Donka National Hospital, CHU Conakry. Results: A total of 301 patients were enrolled, with an average age of 44.24 ± 21.01 years. 64.12% were female. Type 2 diabetes predominated in 64% of cases. The mean duration of diabetes was 6.14 ± 4.67 years, and 75.08% of patients lived in urban areas. Patients were on insulin in 36.21% of cases, insulin and biguanides (26.25%), hypoglycemic sulfonamide and biguanides (19.27%) and biguanides in 18.27% of cases. The frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose was 43%, and 38% of patients made errors, notably reusing lancets (60%), not checking the expiration date (55.65%) and not washing their hands (48%). Conclusion: This study shows that self-monitoring of blood glucose is not performed by the majority of patients. Numerous errors were identified during blood glucose testing. Continued therapeutic education on the use of blood glucose meters will help empower patients and improve their quality of life.

The Management of Neonatal Peritonitis in the Paediatric Surgery Department of the Donka National Hospital

Introduction: Neonatal peritonitis is a rare but serious condition requiring early diagnosis and management. The lack of antenatal diagnosis, the precariousness of neonatal intensive care, and the delay in diagnosis and treatment are the factors of poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to study the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of neonatal peritonitis in order to improve its management in the pediatric surgery department of the CHU-Donka. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of the records of patients treated for neonatal peritonitis from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. Results: Results: We compiled 17 records of patients operated on for neonatal peritonitis, representing a frequency of 3.85% and an incidence of 2.83 cases/year. The mean age of our patients was 8.29 days, with extremes of D0 and D25. Males were more dominant, with a frequency of 71% and a sex ratio of 2.4. The average consultation time was 72 h, with extremes of 12 h and 144 h. Abdominal bloating was the main reason for consultation (100%). Fever and vomiting were frequent, at 70.59% and 82.35% respectively. PSA revealed pneumoperitoneum in 12 patients (70.59%). The colon was the most frequent site of perforation at 29.41%. ECUN was the main etiology with 35.29%. Ostomy was the main surgical procedure in 58.82% of cases, followed by suture excision in 29.41%. Postoperative follow-up was simple in 3 patients (17.65%) and complicated in 14 (82.35%). Sepsis was the main cause of death (47.59%). The mortality rate was 76.47%. Conclusion: Mortality from neonatal peritonitis remains high in developing countries. Early diagnosis, early surgical management, and the presence of well-equipped neonatal intensive care units with qualified staff are essential for an improvement in the prognosis of neonatal peritonitis.

Urinary Tract Infection in Pediatric Emergency Department of Mohamed VI Hospital in Marrakech: Epidemiological Profile and Antibiotic Resistance

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most frequent bacterial infections in pediatrics. The aim of our work was to establish the epidemiological and bacteriological profile of UTIs in children and then to study the sensitivity of the bacterial strains isolated to antibiotics. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study over 3 years (2019-2022), including all cytobacteriological examination of urine (CBEU), performed in children aged 3 months to 14 years, admitted and treated for UTI, in the pediatric emergency department of Mohamed VI University Hospital. Results: A total of 239 children were included in our study. The mean age was 26 months. The sex ratio was 1.08. Escherichia coli was the most isolated bacterial strain in 79% of samples. The tested strains showed a high level of sensitivity to susceptibility rate toward amikacin (91%) and ciprofloxacin (100%) and whereas the level of resistance was high to the most current recommended antibiotics, mainly beta-lactams. Management was based, in severe forms of pyelonephritis, dual antibiotic therapy based on Third-generation cephalosporins combined with gentamycin. Favorable outcome was noted in 94% of children. Conclusion: Awareness-raising on the proper use of antibiotics, issuing national recommendations for the treatment of urinary tract infections in order to standardize therapeutic regimens is strongly recommended. Effective control of these infections requires a global prevention strategy that implies close collaboration between epidemiologists, clinicians, bacteriologists, hygienists and the health care team.

Frequency of Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal Angina in Children in the Department of Pediatrics of Donka National Hospital

Background: Angina is a common paediatric condition. It has certain peculiarities in children, particularly with regard to the frequency of bacterial germs and the use of diagnostic tests. The aim of this study was to determine the place of the rapid diagnostic test in the management of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal angina in children in the paediatric ward at Donka National Hospital. Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months from 1st February to 31st July 2019 concerning children aged between 3 and 15 years old who were diagnosed with angina. Epidemiological, clinical, para-clinical and therapeutic variables were studied. Results: Out of 1494 registered children, we collected 116 cases of angina (7.76%). Out of 52 patients who benefited from the rapid diagnostic test, we recorded 13 cases of angina due to group A beta-hemolytic strptococcus. The male sex was the most dominant with 31 cases (59.69%) and a G/F sex ratio of 1.47. The age group most affected was between 3 and 5 years old (50%). The average age of our patients was 4.8 years with extremes of 3 and 14 years. Clinical manifestations were dominated by fever and dysphagia (100%) followed by odynophagia (11.79%). We recorded 13 cases of streptococcal angina (25%). Conclusion: The factors that influence it are multiple, dominated by community life, passive smoking and allergies. The use of RDTs in these young children would help in the diagnosis of acute group A beta hemolytic streptococcal angina and rational antibiotic prescription.

Blood Count Characteristics of Children Hospitalized in General Pediatrics at the Gabriel Touré Teaching Hospital

Objective: The main objective was to study the disturbances of the Blood Count of children hospitalized in the general pediatric of the Gabriel Touré teaching hospital. Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study conducted from September 1 to November 30, 2018 in the general pediatrics department of the Gabriel Touré teaching hospital in Bamako. Data were collected on patient records using a survey sheet. Results: We collected 512 files of children out of 1030 admissions during the study period;the rate of completion of the blood count is 50%. The male sex was predominant with a sex ratio of 1.3. The majority of patients were under 5 years old (58%). The majority of fathers (56%) and mothers (64%) of children had no education;they are mainly farmers (61%) and housewives (88%). Pallor was the reason for consultation in 29% of patients and present in 60%. On blood count, anemia was present in 92% of patients, half of whom (50%) had severe anemia with a hemoglobin level below 7 g/dL. The anemia was mainly microcytic (72%) and hypochromic (66%). Hyperleukocytosis (62%), eosinophilia (68%) and basophilia (58%) were the abnormalities observed in the white line. Thrombocytopenia accounted for 40%. Severe malaria (53%) was the main discharge diagnosis and almost all patients (99%) were alive at discharge. Conclusion: The characteristics of anemia require a study of the complete blood count in healthy children with dosage of serum iron and ferritin for a better understanding of the phenomenon.

Epidemiological Profile of Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease in the “B” Surgery Department of Point G University Hospital, before the Advent of Extracorporeal Circulation

Aim: Evaluate the epidemiological profile of cyanotic congenital heart disease in Mali before the advent of extracorporeal circulation in the “B” Surgery Department at the Pont G University Hospital. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study that took place from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2017. The records of patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease in the “B” surgery department of Point G University Hospital were collected. Patients operated on for cyanotic congenital heart disease were included in this study. Non-operated patients were not included. Results: The records of 17 patients operated on for cyanotic congenital heart disease were retained. The average age of patients at the time of surgery was 5.18 years with extremes of 2 and 18 years. Boys were in the majority with 59%, i.e. a sex ratio of 1.42. Patients resided in Bamako in 82% of cases. Inbreeding was found in 35.3%. Eighty-eight percent of children were born at term and 94% had up-to-date vaccination status. The average duration of patient follow-up between diagnosis and surgical management was 5 years with extremes of 2 years and 12 years. Tetralogy of Fallot regular form was the most represented heart disease. Conclusion: Cyanogenic congenital heart disease remains the most frequent congenital pathologies in our country. They most often affect male children. Consanguinity is the most common etiological factor found. Tetralogy of Fallot regular form remains the most common.

Gp78 regulates PMP22 and causes ER stress and autophagy in EV71-VP1-overexpressing mouse Schwann cells

Background:During Enterovirus type 71(EV71)infection,the structural viral protein 1(VP1)activates endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress associated with peripheral myelin protein 22(PMP22)accumulation and induces autophagy.However,the specific mechanism behind this process remains elusive.Methods:In this research,we used the VP1-overexpressing mouse Schwann cells(SCs)models co-transfected with a PMP22 silencing or Autocrine motility factor receptor(AMFR/gp78)overexpressing vector to explore the regulation of gp78 on PMP22 and its relationship with autophagy and apoptosis.Results:The activity of gp78 could be influenced by EV71-VP1,leading to a decrease in the ubiquitination and degradation of PMP22,resulting in PMP22 accumulation in ER.In VP1-overexpressing mouse SCs,all three ER stress sensors,including pancreatic endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK),activating transcription factor 6(ATF6)and inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)and the related downstream signals(C/EBP-homologous protein(CHOP)and Caspase 12)were activated,as well as the ER-resident chaperone Glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78).In addition,VP1 upregulated the autophagy marker Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta(LC3B),while PMP22 silencing or gp78 overexpression reversed the phenomenon.Meanwhile,PMP22 silencing or gp78 overexpression increased proliferation of EV71-VP1-transfected mouse SCs.Conclusion:Gp78 could regulate PMP22 accumulation through ubiquitination degradation and cause ER stress and autophagy in EV71-VP1-overexpressing mouse SCs.Therefore,the gp78/PMP22/ER stress axis might emerge as a promising therapeutic target for myelin and neuronal damage induced by EV71 infection.

Epidemiological, Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Progressive Aspects of Arterial Hypertension in Children at the University Hospital Center of Bouaké (Côte d’Ivoire)

Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) in children is under-diagnosed and often has a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of hypertension in children at the University Hospital of Bouaké, with a view to improving the prognosis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study carried out in the paediatrics department of Bouaké University Hospital. It concerned the medical records of children aged 4 to 15 hospitalised from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020 for hypertension. Diagnosis was based on the simplified blood pressure guidelines of the Expert Consensus of the French Society of Hypertension. The variables studied were epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary. Quantitative variables were compared at the significance level p ≤ 0.05. Results: The hospital incidence of hypertension was 0.32% (69/21,642). The sex ratio was 0.72. 97.1% of the children were over five years of age. Oedema (49.3%) and breathing difficulties (20.2%) were the main reasons for consultation. Hypertension was classified as threatening (56.5%), confirmed (31.9%) and borderline (11.6%). The cause was renal in 66.7%, dominated by impure nephrotic syndrome (24.6%). Treatment for hypertension consisted mainly of a diuretic (79.7%) and a calcium channel blocker (47.8%). Outcome was favourable in 50.7% of cases. Mortality was 20.3%. No factor was significantly associated with death. Conclusion: Hypertension in children at Bouaké University Hospital is serious. The aetiology is mainly renal. Early diagnosis and management are key to improving prognosis.

Prevalence of Malnutrition among Hospitalized Pediatric Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Jordan: Pilot Study

Introduction: Failure to thrive (FTT) occurs when a child’s growth falls below expected standards, typically due to inadequate nutrient intake. Factors include insufficient oral intake, poor nutrient absorption, and increased metabolic demands. Previous studies have shown high malnutrition rates in hospitalized children due to illness-related metabolic demands, decreased appetite, and inadequate intake. Our objective was to assess the growth and nutritional status of children admitted to King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) and identify the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional cohort study was conducted at KAUH from July to December 2022. We included children aged 2 months to 16 years, excluding those with conditions altering growth parameters. Data were collected through pediatric data sheets, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and growth was assessed using CDC growth charts. Nutritional anemia was defined as hemoglobin 16. Results: A total of 111 patients were included (56.8% male, median age 65 months). Most patients had normal height (82%) and weight (86.5%) upon admission. However, 14.4% were stunted, 11.7% were underweight, 14.4% were overweight, and 3.6% were obese. Growth impairment correlated with higher anemia rates (p = 0.042). Nutritional anemia was present in 12% of patients. No significant relation was found between breastfeeding history and growth retardation, but maternal perception of malnutrition correlated well with actual malnutrition. Conclusion: Our study found a malnutrition prevalence of 19.8%, highlighting the need for systematic nutritional screening in hospitalized children. The study’s limitations include its small sample size and specific patient population, suggesting the need for larger, multicenter studies for more generalizable results.

Resistant Pulmonary TB-HIV Co-Infection in an Infant: About a Case

Diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis (TB) is difficult, especially in resource-limited countries where the number of reported cases of TB-HIV co-infection continues to rise. This co-infection poses a diagnostic and therapeutic problem for caregivers. We report a case of rifampicin-resistant HIV-TB pulmonary coinfection in a 19-month-old infant.

Asthma Attack Revealing Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of hemoglobin S (HbS) and a significant reduction in normal hemoglobin A (HbA) in red blood cells. In deoxygenated conditions, HbS molecules polymerize, causing vascular occlusions and hemolysis. Pulmonary complications associated with this disease result from vascular occlusion, ischemia-reperfusion, and inflammation. Literature reports that asthma is observed in 30% to 70% of patients with sickle cell disease. We present the case of a boy whose sickle cell disease diagnosis was established following an asthma attack.

Kostmann’s Neutropenia: A Case Report

Kostmann syndrome, or severe congenital neutropenia, is a rare condition in children marked by a neutrophil count of less than 500/mm3. This congenital agranulocytosis, an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, is often first identified by a neonatal infectious syndrome. The deficiency in neutrophils increases susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. Prior to the availability of hematopoietic growth factors, the disease was associated with significant morbidity and early mortality. We present the case of a 17-month-old boy who was admitted to the pediatric emergency department at Hassan II University Hospital in Fes with skin abscesses.

Early Nursing Intervention in Children with Viral Meningitis

Aim: To explore the effect of a WeChat peer education program in children with severe viral meningitis combined with respiratory failure. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Patients who had severe viral meningitis combined with respiratory failure, were admitted to the hospital from March 2017 to June 2018, and who received the WeChat-based nursing intervention were included. Patients who received routine nursing were used as controls. The family’s emotional state, self-care ability, and rehabilitation were analyzed. Results: There were 37 patients in the WeChat group (19 boys (51.3%) and 18 girls (48.7%);mean of 5.1 ± 2.4 years of age) and 37 controls (20 boys (54.1%) and 17 girls (45.9%);mean of 5.9 ± 2.4 years of age) (all P > 0.05). After nursing, improvements in the self-assessed anxiety score and self-assessed depression score were better in the WeChat group (anxiety: -29.2% vs. -20.3%, P = 0.015;depression: -25.2% vs. -15.4%, P = 0.009). After nursing, the improvements in the condition management ability scale and condition management difficulty scale scores were better in the WeChat group (ability: +80.5% vs. +44.4%. P = 0.001;difficulty: +58.4% vs. +37.8%, P = 0.003). After nursing, the improvement in the Fugl-Meyer score was better in the WeChat group (+138.0% vs. +53.0%, P Conclusion: Early nursing intervention combined with WeChat peer education can improve the emotional state of children with severe viral meningitis combined with respiratory failure and their caregivers. Impact: Viral meningitis is associated with a good prognosis, but central nervous system complications can be observed. Early intervention is the key to a good prognosis. Internet-based nursing and coaching can improve self-efficacy and care ability in patients with various conditions, as well as improve the emotional state of the children and their caregivers. The research might have an impact on any children’s hospital that deals with viral meningitis.

Evaluation of Procedural Pain in Neonates in Cameroon

Introduction: Acute pain associated with caregiving is a major cause of pain among neonates. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term neurosensory and psychoaffective consequences. In Cameroon, this subject has been scarcely explored, thus constituting an impediment to the management of care-induced pain. Objective: Assess procedural pain in neonates in Yaoundé. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study with prospective data collection over a period of eight months (October 2022 to May 2023) in three hospitals. We included neonates who were being cared for and were not crying prior to the onset of healthcare, whose parents consented to the study. Assessments were done using the DAN scale, which is specific to care-induced pain. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software. Results: A total of 161 newborns were included. The hospital prevalence of care-induced pain in neonates was 85%. Neonatal sepsis was the main cause for admission (96.6%). The most common procedures were venous blood sampling (94.4%) and insertion of peripheral venous lines (93.8%). The pain intensity for these procedures was severe (83.9%). The most painful procedure was lumbar tap, followed by venous access procedures. Conclusion: Neonates in hospitals are subjected to many painful procedures. The pain experienced during these procedures is severe. The most nociceptive procedure is a lumbar puncture.

Survey on Blood Transfusion Practices among Medical and Paramedical Staff in the Pediatric Unit of the Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakesh, Morocco

Blood transfusion is a complex activity, involving many actors. As a high-risk activity, it necessitates the implementation of specific methods for effective control. The safety of blood transfusion is significantly influenced by the beliefs of healthcare workers and organizational factors, constituting two major considerations. We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical survey to examine the knowledge and practices related to transfusion among the medical and paramedical staff at the Pediatric Department (Mother-Child) of CHU Mohammed VI from September 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Among the 135 staff members interviewed, only 41% had received training in blood transfusion. A majority (65.2%) of the staff noted that a mismatch in cross-matching led to transfusion complications. Two-thirds (66.7%) identified chills as the primary clinical sign of potential accidents. Regarding elements to monitor during a reaction, hemolysis (78.5%) and temperature (76.3%) were most commonly mentioned. Surprisingly, more than half (53.3%) of the personnel interviewed did not conduct post-transfusion monitoring. This survey highlighted significant deficiencies in knowledge and practices related to transfusion. To address these issues, we recommend implementing guidelines and providing tailored training for the staff, aiming to rectify these deficiencies and enhance overall practices.

Management of Acute Idiopthic Intestinal Invaginal in Infants at Conakry University Hospital

Introduction: Acute intestinal intussusception (AII) has been known for a long time but its diagnosis sometimes remains difficult and its etiologies, particularly the idiopathic forms, poorly elucidated. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and therapeutic aspects of acute intestinal intussusception in order to contribute to the improvement of the management of this condition in the pediatric surgery department of the Donka National Hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of patients taken in charge of acute idiopathic intestinal intussusception over a period of 7 years (January 2017 to December 31, 2023). Results: We collected 72 patients operated on for IIA, i.e. a hospital frequency of 1.1% and an incidence of 10.3 cases per year. The mean age was 16.58 months with extremes of 3 months and 28 months. The sex ratio was 12.5 in favor of the boy. The triad of ombredanne dominated the clinical picture and paroxysmal abdominal pain with period of calm represented the main reason for consultation (72 cases) i.e. 100%, followed by vomiting (62 cases) and rectal bleeding (50 cases). Ultrasound was performed in 56 patients visualizing the intussusception sausage in 54 patients or 75%. The most common anatomoclinical variety of intussusception was the ileo-caeco-colic form with 35 cases (or 38%) followed by the ileocolic form 24 cases (33%). The surgical procedure performed was a manual reduction in 54 patients or 75% and an anastomosis resection in 18 patients;the appendectomy of principle was done in 62.25%. The postoperative course was simple in 64 patients or 88.88%. The mortality rate was 6.94 %. Conclusion: AII is a common abdominal surgical emergency in infants. Recognition of the Ombredanne triad especially abdominal pain with a period of calm in children and infants in particular is an important element for vital prognosis. Early diagnosis and close interdisciplinary cooperation between pediatric, radiology and pediatric surgery teams could improve the management of IIA and allow this condition to remain benign in children.