Status Report on the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission (EMCT) of HIV at the Pikine National Hospital Center (CHNP), Dakar/Senegal

Introduction: For several years, the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been a major public health issue in Africa. Since 2012, Senegal has adopted WHO option B+, consisting of systematic triple therapy for HIV-positive pregnant women, combined with breastfeeding and antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis for exposed newborns. It is in this dynamic that we set ourselves the objectives of evaluating the rate of transmission of HIV from mother to child and taking stock of the monitoring of children born to HIV-positive mothers at the Pediatric Department of the CHN of Pikine located in the Dakar suburbs. Methodology: Thus, we conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional cohort follow-up study from 11/25/2014 to 03/09/2022 including all children born to HIV-positive mothers followed at the Pikine CHN since the start of care. Results: We had collected 51 children exposed to HIV and followed in our structure. They were exposed to HIV1 in 92% of cases. The HIV status of the mothers was known before pregnancy in more than half of the cases. The couples were serodiscordant in 56% of cases. The mothers were in clinical stage 1 of the disease in 69.6% of cases and were already under treatment in 47% of cases. The most used treatment regimen was ATRIPLA with Tenofovir (TDF) + Emtracitabine (FTC) + Efavirenz (EFV) in 59% of cases. Compliance was good in the majority of cases. The CD4 count during pregnancy was low in 10.6% of cases. The pregnancy was well followed in only 36.2% of cases. The mothers had given birth in our structure in 91.4% of cases. The vaginal route was found in 72.5% of cases and delivery was carried out by a midwife in 69.4% of cases. The average birth weight was 2733 ± 564. The majority of newborns had received antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis after birth, half of them between 12 and 24 hours. The most used therapeutic protocol was Zidovudine (AZT) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Lopinavir/Ritonavir (LPV/r). Protected breastfeeding was the option chosen in 76.8% of cases. The PCR performed at 6 weeks was negative in more than half of the cases. Retroviral serology was carried out after 14 months in 43% of cases. We noted a single positive case with a negative initial PCR, representing an overall transmission rate of 1.96%. Conclusion: Senegal’s current policy targeting EMTCT of HIV is on good momentum with a fairly low transmission rate thanks to screening of pregnant women and prophylaxis with antiretrovirals (ARV) for HIV-positive mothers during pregnancy and for life. And children exposed from birth and during breastfeeding up to 6 weeks with regular monitoring.

Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital Center in Dakar

Introduction: Infantile spinal muscular atrophy (ISA) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by primary degeneration of cells in the anterior horn of the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and hypotonia. Its incidence is estimated at 1 in 6000 births worldwide. In Africa, particularly in Senegal, there are few studies interested on this pathology. We therefore deemed this study necessary, which set itself the objective of describing the diagnostic, therapeutic and progressive aspects of infantile spinal muscular atrophy at the Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital Center in Dakar (CHNEAR). Methodology: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study over a period of two (2) years from December 2020 to December 2022. Included were all hospitalized patients in whom the diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy was made with or without genetic confirmation. The data were collected on a pre-established form then entered and analyzed with the following software: Excel 2013 and R version 4.1.3. Results: During our study period, 2100 children were hospitalized, the annual incidence was 0.76%. The average age of our patients was 9 ± 9 months with a range of 3 months to 32 months and the median was 6.5 months. The sex ratio was 7. The notion of family consanguinity was found in 62.5% of cases and the notion of ISA in the family in 25% of cases. Hypotonia and respiratory distress were found at the forefront in equal proportions (50% of cases). Electromyogram (EMG) was performed in 3 patients (37.5%). Symptomatic medical treatment was administered in 100% of patients, 04 patients had benefited from respiratory physiotherapy, i.e. 50% of cases, and genetic counseling was carried out in one patient (12.5%). The evolution was immediately favorable in 2 patients or 25% of cases, unfavorable in 75% of cases with a death rate of 50% and the average age of death was 5.5 months ± 1 with extremes ranging from 3 to 7 months. Conclusion: The number of Infantile spinal muscular atrophy cases remains low in hospitals in Dakar. Diagnostic means are still difficult to access. The course is difficult to predict and is often marked in the long term by respiratory difficulties which can be fatal.

Outcome after Discharge from Hospital of Children with Complicated Severe Acute Malnutrition and Predictors Factors of Non-Response during Outpatient Treatment, in Senegal

Introduction: Malnutrition is a public health problem. It is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in children aged 6 - 59 months. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of children with complicated severe acute malnutrition after hospital discharge. Methods: This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from March 1 to November 31, 2021 at the Albert Royer Children’s Hospital. Children discharged from hospital for complicated severe acute malnutrition were included. Results: A total of 103 children were included. The mean age of children at hospitalization was 16.41 ± 10.11 months and mean duration of follow-up after hospital discharge was 29.63 ± 8.59 months. Three children (2.91%) died after hospital discharge. The mean z-score of the weight-for-current height was -1.34 ± 1.08. Almost a quarter (24.27%) of the children remain acute malnourished with 3.88% of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The predictors’ factors associated with non-response were weaning before 2 years of age (ORaj: 12.21;95% CI [6.82 - 18.44];p = 0.04) and tuberculosis (ORaj: 21.06;95% CI [12.54 - 41.09];p = 0.03). Conclusion: The rate of recovery of nutritional status in children with complicated severe acute malnutrition is satisfactory. Ablactation before the age of two and the existence of tuberculosis are significantly associated with non-recovery of nutritional status.

Prognosis Factors of Urinary Quality of Life in Parkinson Disease

Introduction: Quality of life in Parkinson disease is not necessary linked to motor symptoms. It’s correlated of overactive bladders and prostatic symptoms. Prognosis factors of urinary quality of life are unknown. Objectives: Our study aims to find prognosis factors of quality of life associated specifically of urinary disorders in PD. Patients and methods: We conducted a transversal, analytic and descriptive study in Physical Medicine, and Neurology departments, Fann Teaching Hospital, Dakar and included patients followed for treatment of PD. Urinary disorders, quality of life and functional autonomy were assessed respectively by Urinary Symptoms Profile (USP), Qualiven Short Form, Schwab and England Scale. Results: 38 patients presented PD, with a mean age of 60.89 ± 13.6 years and sex-ratio of 2.45. Mean duration of PD was 3.1 ± 2.9 years. Urinary disorders were found in 47.36% and dominated by incontinence (88.88%) and overactive bladders (88.88%) which were minor in more than 55%. Quality of life was impaired in 88.88% of cases. Minor forms (43.75%) were predominant and constraint dimension (50%) was the most severely altered. Prognosis factors for quality of life of urinary disorders were PD stages (0.046) and functional autonomy (0.042). Discussion and conclusion: Urinary disorders in PD are common, impaired quality of life, especially the constraint dimension, depends on stage of evolution of PD and functional autonomy of patients.

Abrikossof’s Tumor: Report of a Case

The granular cell tumor of the breast is a rare tumor and a usually benign disease that appears clinically and radiologically like a malign tumor. We report a case of GCT in a woman of 41 years, who present a clinically and radiologically suspect later. The anatomopathological examination showed the benign tumor proliferation and a large tumorectomy was realized. The immunostaining with PS100 and NSE protein confirm the nature of the tumor.

Is Laparoscopy Still Necessary in the Management of Tubal Infertility?

Objectives: To compare between hysterosalpingography (HSG) and laparoscopic findings in patients tested for infertility and thereby to determine the significance of the latter examination. Methods: This was a descriptive study performed in two Gynecology departments in the Dakar (Senegal). Included were 84 patients with suspicious tubal-infertility who underwent HSG followed by laparoscopy. The Kappa (K) statistics was used to clarify the concordance between HSG vs. laparoscopy findings. Results: Kappa concordance between HSG and laparoscopy showed the followings: 0.08 for proximal tubal obstructions (poor agreement), 0.40 for distal tubal obstructions (moderate agreement), and -0.08 for peritoneal adhesions (no agreement). Laparoscopy revealed pelvic adhesions in 84% of cases, pelvic endometriosis in 12% of cases, and apparently normal tubes in 12%. According to the distal tubal operability score, 16.6% of the lesions were classified as stage 4 and 23.8% at stage 1. Conclusion: HSG and laparoscopy findings did not agree in patients with tubal infertility, and thus, laparoscopy should be employed, especially when HSG showed abnormal findings. HSG has a low diagnostic value in adhesions.

Resistance to Anti-Thyroid Drugs in Graves’ Disease: Clinical-Biological Characteristics and Alternative Therapy in Tropical Area

Background: Resistance to anti-thyroid drugs (ATDs) is a rare entity recently described. We report two African observations in the treatment of Graves’ disease. Case 1: A 19-year-old Senegalese woman presented on admission with thyrotoxicosis syndrome associated with diffuse goitre and Grave’s orbitopathy. TSH levels were low (0.005 mIU/ml;N = 0.27 - 4.20) and fT4 elevated (60 pmol/L;N = 12 - 22]. Combination therapy with propranolol (40 mg/day) and carbimazole (starting dose of 45 mg/day and increased to 60 mg/day) was initiated. In view of the persistence of symptoms despite good therapeutic compliance, carbimazole was replaced by methimazole with an initial starting dose of 40 mg/day, followed by 60 mg/day. Despite the change in therapy, clinical symptoms of thyrotoxicosis persisted, and fT4 levels remained elevated. The patient was diagnosed with resistance to ATDs in Graves’ disease. Total thyroidectomy following 10 days of preoperative preparation with 1% Lugol’s solution was performed successfully. Case 2: A 22-year-old woman was referred for continued management of Graves’ disease with elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) levels (34 UI/mL;N < 1.75). Treatment included propranolol (80 mg/day) and carbimazole at an unusual dose of 80 mg/day. Combined therapy was clinically and biologically ineffective, with an fT4 level of 100 pmol/L [N: 12 - 22]. Upon admission, methimazole (40 mg/day) followed by propylthiouracil (800 mg/day) replaced carbimazole. Despite good patient compliance, the patient’s symptoms remained unaltered and fT4 levels elevated. A total robot thyroidectomy using the right axillary approach was performed successfully after 10 days of preoperative preparation, including prednisone (40 mg/day) combined with 1% Lugol’s solution. Conclusion: Resistance to ATDs complicates the management of Graves’ disease. Total thyroidectomy following preoperative preparation with Lugol’s solution and/or corticosteroids was shown to be successful.

Systemic Diseases in Dakar (Senegal): Spectrum, Epidemiological Aspect and Diagnostic Time-Limit

Introduction: Systemic diseases have been the subject of few studies in the African literature and have probably been under-estimated. The objective of our study was to specify their spectrum, their epidemiological aspects and diagnostic delay in Internal Medicine Departments of Dakar (Senegal). Material and Method: It was a multicentric retrospective and descriptive study regarding all systemic diseases during 119 months from 1st January 2005 to 30 November 2014 in 5 hospital centers down Dakar. Systemic diseases were retained according to their international consensus criteria. Results: During the studying period, 726 patients were included with 632 women and 94 men (sex ratio of 0.14). The average age was 43.76 years. Inflammatory rheumatoid family history was noted in 10.06% of cases. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was the predominant affection, recorded on 564 patients, isolated or associated with other systemic diseases. It was followed in a decreasing order, in the systemic auto-immune diseases sub-groupe, by systemic lupus (56 cases), Sj?gren’s syndrome (32 cases), Systemic Sclerosis (26 cases), Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (21 cases), Undifferentiated connective tissue diseases (20 cases), Anti Phospholipid’s syndrome (6 cases) and Mixed connective tissue disease (6 cases). A diagnosis of systemic vasculitis was recorded in 19 patients. The other systemic affections were represented by systemic sarcoidosis (8 cases), Adult-onset Still’s disease (03 cases), amyloidosis (02 cases) and 02 cases of systemic syndrome associated to immunodeficiency. The mean diagnostic delay duration before the diagnostic was 3.46 years. Conclusion: Systemic diseases in internal medicine are characterized by their diversity, the clear predominance of RA, and significant diagnostic delay.

Intrauterine Device in the Immediate Postpartum:Study Comparing Insertion after Cesarean Section and Vaginal Delivery

Objective To compare the safety, side effects and failure rates of contraception copper intrauterine device (IUDs) in the immediate postpartum period after a vaginal delivery and during a cesarean section. Patients and methods This was a descriptive and analytical study, conducted in Gynecology and Obstetrics departments hospital Pikine and Abass Ndao hospitals. It compared two groups of women with IUDs in the immediate postpartum period after a vaginal delivery and during cesarean section. Our sample consisted of 215 patients. We had divided them into two groups: group 1 consisted of 115 patients who delivered by cesarean section;Group 2 consisted of 100 patients who delivered vaginally and whom the insertion was made in post placental or within 48 hours after birth. The variables studied were the sociodémographic characteristics, characteristics of pregnancy and childbirth, insertion procedures, follow up with the assessment of side effects and complications. Results and comments The socio-demographic characteristics were superimposed in both groups. Nine patients were lost to follow up, 4 in group 1 and 5 in group 2. The complaints such as pain (3.7% for Group 1 against 2.6% for group 2), vaginal bleeding (2.1% for group 2, and 1.8% for group 1) were rarely reported and stackable in both groups. After 6 months of follow up, the menses was observed in 42.8% of group 2 against 43.1% of group 1. The abnormal menstrual flow, evaluated by the Higham score, was noted in 29.6% of group 2 and 25% of group 1, and was dominated by excessive bleeding. They motivated IUD removal in two patients. A significant difference was found in the perception of IUD strings, it was effective in 95.4% of patients in group 2 against 50.5% for group 1. The evictions were 9 at 3-month follow-up 7 related group 2 and 2 for Group 1. It was partial (isthmic IUD) and total expulsion. At 6 months follow-up, 3 cases of partial expulsion were noted and concerned only group 2. This made a total expulsion rate of 5.3%, with 9.5% for group 2, and 1.8% for group 1. no cases of pregnancy or uterine perforation had been reported during this study. A vaginal sampling was performed in all our patients and the results were generally comparable in both groups and normal in most cases. However, we noted 17.6% of infection in group 2, and 16.2% in group 1. Conclusion From the results of our study, we can say that IUD insertion in the period of immediate postpartum remains safe and effective regardless of the way of delivery. The risk of expulsion is minimal so acceptable.

Severity of the Rheumatoid Arthritis in Sub-Saharan Africa:Study of 403 Senegalese Observations

Introduction: We assess the severity of the rheumatoid arthritis in a Senegalese African black population. Patients and methods: It is a retrospective study achieved in the service of Internal Medicine of Aristide Le Dantec teaching hospital of Dakar between January 2005 and December 2016 in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. We specified for every patient the predictive data of severity of the rheumatoid arthritis. Results: Four hundred and three patients have been gathered (39 men and 364 women), with the mean age of 45.8 years. An active tobacco addiction was noticed in 10 patients. The diagnostic delay was on average of 72 months. Characteristic articular deformations were noticed in 215 patients (53.3%). They were correlated to male (p = 0.038), to age (p = 0.001) and to the activity of the rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.0445). Systemic manifestations have been observed in 213 cases (52.9%), particularly anemia (50.8%). They were correlated to the anti-CCP antibodies (p = 0.047). The ESR was increased at the first hour in 84.4% of cases (median: 43 mm;extreme: 1and 160). CRP was elevated in 63.71% of cases (median of 12 mg/l;extreme: 1 and 384). The rheumatoid factor was positive in 57.6% of the cases. The anti-CCP antibodies were present in 89.2% of the cases. Articular erosions were objectified in all cases. A DAS 28 superior to 5.1 was noticed in 71% of cases. Conclusion: The rheumatoid arthritis was severe in our study.

Peripheral Neuropathies Revealing Gougerot-Sjögren’s Syndrome: Description of 3 Cases

Introduction: Sj&#246;gren’s syndrome is an autoimmune epithelitis with various extraglandular signs, among which are neurological, with a variable frequency according to studies. We report three cases of peripheral neuropathy revealing Gougerot-Sj&#246;gren’s syndrome, collected in the Neurology Department of the Fann University Hospital in Dakar (Senegal). Observations: The first patient, aged 48 years, presented with a length-dependent sensitivomotor polyneuropathy associated with retrobulbar optic neuritis, with dry eyes and dry mouth noticed by the patient for several years. The second patient, aged 28 years, was admitted to the hospital with chronic generalized paresthesia in the context of xerostomia and xerophthalmia. The results of the clinical examination and the electroeneuromyogram were in favour of pure sensory neuronopathy. The third patient was 32 years old female, with a history of thyroidectomy and acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), who was seen for acute ascending flaccid tetraplegia with facial diplegia, preceded by diffuse paresthesia. The diagnosis of recurrence of acute demyelinating polyradiculonueropathy was retained in view of the rapidly increasing character of the deficit, the hyperproteinorachy at the lumbar puncture, and the signs of demyelination at the ENMG. The diagnosis of Gougerot-Sj&#246;gren’s syndrome in our three patients was established on the basis of the 2016 ACR/EULAR criteria. Indeed, the anti-SSA antibodies (Ro) were positive in our 3 patients with a biopsy of the salivary glands which showed stage 3 in the first patient and stage 4 in the two others. Corticosteroid therapy and immunosuppressive treatment resulted in a favourable clinical evolution on the neurological and general levels. Conclusion: Gougerot-Sj&#246;gren’s syndrome is an autoimmune exocrinopathy that may present with peripheral neuropathy, which may precede the diagnosis of Sj&#246;gren’s syndrome, be concomitant or occur during the course of the disease.

Analysis of Maternal Deaths in Suburban of Dakar, Senegal

Objective: Maternal mortality remains a major concern in developing countries. This survey aims to suggest strategic plans that would help decrease maternal and perinatal mortality in the suburbs. It is a descriptive study that shows the different causes of maternal deaths during pregnancy and puerperium period. Methods: It is a retrospective descriptive study done between January 1st 2016 and the 31st of December 2018. We have collected information on all deaths due to mortality issues in Five (5) maternity clinics around Dakar. The record shows that teach centre have an average of 4000 deliveries per year. The data collected from the hospital records were inputted using Sphinx software (version 5). These data were analysed using Epi Info software (version 3.5). After analysing these data, recommendations were made to minimize the different causes of maternal deaths. Results: We recorded 154 maternal deaths out of 32,420 live births. The direct causes of maternal deaths were a result of preeclampsia and its complications (31.2%), postpartum haemorrhage (24.7%), abruption placentae (20.8%) and obstructed labour (7.8%). The indirect causes were mainly sickle cell disease (1.3%), heart disease (1.3%) and gynaecological cancers (1.3%). Maternal deaths were also associated with fetal loss in 47.4% of 153 maternal deaths, need for blood transfusion 59% while none of the reference structures in the suburbs of Dakar has a blood bank;with a need for admission in intensive care unit was noted as 40%. Conclusion: Thus, preeclampsia and its complications are the leading cause of maternal deaths in suburban settings. Timely availability of resuscitation units and liable blood products could drastically reduce maternal deaths from direct obstetric complications.

Unusual Causes of Adenopathy in a Tropical Environment: About 3 Observations

Introduction: The discovery of peripheral lymphadenopathy is a frequent reason for consultation and hospitalization in Internal Medicine. The aim of this article is to review through three cases the etiologies of chronic lymphadenopathy rarely reported in a tropical environment. Observations: The first patient is a 62-year-old man who has been infected with HIV-1 for 14 years and who had a multicenter form of Castleman disease. The diagnosis was confirmed after 3 histological lymph nodes. The progression was favorable under Etoposide-based chemotherapy. The second observation is about a 38-year-old woman with a 2-month chronic febrile adenopathy without improvement after anti-tuberculosis treatment. The diagnosis of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease, in its necrotizing form, was confirmed in histology. The evolution was made favorable by the corticosteroid therapy. The third observation is about a 63-year-old woman with an enlargement of groups of lymph nodes, liver, and spleen. This tumoral syndrome was associated to an exudative ascites and a Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). The initial diagnosis was a multifocal tuberculosis based on a set of evidence (exudative lymphocytic ascites, epidemiological context and a positive Quantiferon TB test). The first ganglionic histology was not contributory. It was the second ganglionic histology that indicated the diagnosis of lymph node plasmocytoma revealing a myeloma. The patient died of septic shock. Conclusion: In tropical environment, the etiologies of chronic lymphadenopathy are not limited to tuberculosis and malignant haemopathies. Carrying out ganglionic histology is an absolute necessity.

Convulsive Seizures Revealing Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy

Introduction: Hashimoto encephalopathy (HE) is an autoimmune disease with different neurological and psychiatric characteristics. It is associated with increased thyroperoxidase autoantibodies. The diagnosis of HE is clinical and involves the detection of serum thyroperoxidase (TPO) antibodies and the exclusion of other etiologies. A clinical response to corticosteroid therapy supports the diagnosis. We report a case of HE revealed by convulsive seizures and cognitive and behavioral disorders. Observation: She is a 7-year-old child followed in a neurology unit for convulsive seizures for one year. Clinical examination performed in the endocrinology unit later found tachycardia without goiter, behavioral disorders, difficulties to concentrate as well as psychomotor agitation. Biological work up revealed subclinical hypothyroidism, positive anti-TPO antibodies with normal thyroid ultrasound and brain MRI. The cerebrospinal fluid was clear, normotensive and absence of pleocytosis. The sleep-wake electroencephalogram was well organized for her age with a paroxysmal discharge in the left parieto-temporal region. Based on these clinical, biological and morphological data, the diagnosis of HE was retained. Corticosteroid therapy with prednisone at 1 mg/kg/day was initiated for 6 weeks while reducing the dose progressively. There was a good clinical and biological progress under treatment. Conclusion: Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is a rare, but probably unrecognized entity. Over the past decades, knowledge about thyroid, brain, immunity interactions has increased. This indicates the importance of a multidisciplinary approach of endocrinologists, neurologists, psychiatrists and pediatricians for early recognition and treatment.

Infectious Complications in Lupus Nephritis and Associated Factors: A Multicenter Study

Introduction: The prevalence of infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus ranges from 26% to 78%. Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are particularly susceptible to infections due to a dysfunction of immune response and the immunosuppressive therapy. Patients and method: We carried out this study with the aim of describing the prevalence of infections in lupus nephritis and determining the associated risk factors. This was a multi-center, observational, retrospective, descriptive and analytical study over a 10-year period from November 1, 2010 to October 31, 2020. The study was carried out in the nephrology departments of six hospitals in Dakar. Results: During the study period, 98 patients were included. The mean age was 32.32 ± 11.33 years with a sex ratio of 0.21. Among the included patients, fifty-four (55.1%) had at least one infectious episode, of which 53.7% had 1 infection, 24.1% had 2 infectious episodes and 22.2% had 3 infectious episodes. The overall incidence was 55.1 infections per 100 patient-years. 57.2% of these infectious episodes occurred within the first six months after the lupus was diagnosed. The main sites of infection were urinary (30.7%), gastrointestinal (22.0%) and pleuropulmonary (16.5%). The incriminated germ was a bacterium in 78.18% of cases, a virus in 5.46%, a parasite in 9.09 and a fungus in 7.27. The most frequently germ found was Escherichia coli (29.09%). The evolution was marked by recovery in 93.4% of cases. Deaths occurred in 15 patients of which 33.3% were related to infections. Factor significantly associated with the onset of infection in multivariate analysis was the presence of a proliferative class of lupus nephritis (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Infections were common during lupus nephritis. The presence of a proliferative class was risk factors for infection.

Adenopathies in Internal Medicine Etiological Profile and Diagnostic Limits

INTRODUCTION: An adenopathy is a pathological hypertrophy of a lymph node of various etiologies requiring a rigorous approach. Thus we proposed in this work to study the etiological particularities of patients admitted for adenopathy in order to identify their specificities. METHODS: This was an observational study of a transverse and descriptive type, which took place from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 in the internal medicine department of the Aristide Le Dantec national hospital in Dakar. RESULTS: We identified 84 patients, consisted of 46 male and 38 female. The sex ratio was 1.2. The mean age was 37.5 years. The consultation period was on average 2 months with extremes of 1 month and 1 year. The mean hospital stay was 29. 2 days with extremes of 1 week and 2 months. The etiologies found were classified into 6 groups. Hemopathies (30.9%) were dominated by acute leukemia in 8 patients (9.52%), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 9 patients (9.5%), Hodgkin’s disease in 5 patients (5.9%). Chronic lymphocytic leukemia was retained in 3 patients (3.5%) and Castleman disease in 1 patient. Systemic diseases (11.9%) were divided into lupus disease in 4 patients and rheumatoid arthritis in 4 patients, one case of Sj?gren’s syndrome and one case of sarcoidosis. Infections were very frequent in our study, found in 34 patients (40.4%). Tuberculosis was more frequent (27.3%). The association with HIV was noted in 4 patients. The other infections were pyogenic in 3 patients (3.5%), HIV in 6 patients (7.1%), Borrelia and toxoplasma in 1 patient respectively. Cancers (8.3%) were metastatic of primary tumors including the esophagus, lung, prostate, cavum, stomach, pancreas and breast, one case each. One patient presented lymphadenopathy with inguinal localization, the etiology of which was found to be thrombophlebitis of the right lower limb. The hystiocytic pathologies (3.5%) were all related to lymphohystiocytic activation syndrome (LHAS) secondary to tuberculosis in 2 patients and pyomyositis in 1 patient. The difficulties encountered were mainly the inaccessibility of certain complementary examinations and the delay in obtaining the results. CONCLUSION: Adenopathies are a very common reason for consultation in internal medicine. This study allowed us to draw up the etiological profile of adenopathies in our practice but also to identify the main difficulties which are among other things the inaccessibility of certain complementary examinations.

Prevalence of Renal Failure in Children and the Need for Dialysis in Paediatric Nephrology in a Developing Country

Background: Renal failure is among the major visceral failures responsible for morbidity and mortality in children. Epidemiological data on renal failure in children are limited in sub-Saharan Africa, including Senegal. We conducted this study to assess the prevalence of renal failure (RF) and the need for dialysis in the paediatric nephrology unit. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective and descriptive study in the pediatric nephrology unit from 1st January 2020 to 30 June 2021, including children with acute or chronic RF. The need for dialysis was judged to be met by its effectiveness in face of an indication. The data collected were analysed on sphinx plus 2017 software. Results: The prevalence of RF was 60% (n/N = 132/220). RF was acute in 59% (n/N = 78/132) of cases. The mean age was 6.53 ± 4.77 years with a sex ratio of 1.8. The mean serum creatinine level was 27.22 mg/L (240.9 μmol/L) and BUN at 0.85 g/L. The aetiologies were dominated by prerenal AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) complicating nephrotic syndrome (NS) in 37.2% (n/N = 29/78) and dehydration due to stomach flu in 17.6% (n/N = 9/51). Acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis including group A streptococcus and plasmodium falciparum accounted for 16.7% (n = 13/78) of intrinsic AKI. The need for dialysis was unmet in 50% (n/N = 7/14) with a mortality of 14.1% (n/N = 11/78). The mean age of the patients with chronic RF was 8.68 ± 4.74 years with a sex ratio of 2.6. The mean serum creatinine level was 36.56 mg/L (323.5 μmol/L) and the BUN level was 0.99 g/L. Half of the children were classified as having CKD stage II (early stage). The aetiologies were dominated by primary focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), 53.7% (n/N = 29/54), renal hypoplasia, 22.2% (n/N = 12/54) and reflux nephropathy, 29.4% (n/N = 5/17). The need for dialysis was unmet in 46.1% (n/N = 6/13). The overall mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with RF was 29.6% (n/N = 8/27). Conclusion: The prevalence of RF was high in the unit. Most aetiologies of AKI were accessible to prevention. Only half of the children had access to free dialysis, hence the need for a dedicated pilot dialysis centre.

Creutzfeldt Jacob’s Disease: A Senegalese Observation

Creuzfelt-Jakob Disease is a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in fatal, transmissible, subacute, spongiform encephalopathy characterized by rapidly progressive dementia and movement disorder. We present a 62-year-old male with no medical history who was admitted to our hospital because of gait and balance disturbance, language impairment and progressive motor deficit of the four limbs. A neurological examination found frontal lobe syndrome signs, myoclonic movements, pyramidal and extra-pyramidal signs. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging detected high intensity areas in the basal ganglia. EEG showed generalized triphasic sharp-wave complexes. A Cerebro Spinal Fluid examination found protein 14-3-3. Death occurred six months after onset. This is the first known case of Creuzfelt-Jakob Disease documented in Senegal.

Electrocardiographic Changes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Multicenttic Cross Sectional and Descriptive Study in Dakar

Introduction: The resting electrocardiogram is generally called upon in the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in diabetics. Thus we proposed in this work to evaluate electrocardiographic changes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive observation that took place from 1 January 2014 to 1 October 2014 in the Internal Medicine/Endocrinology Departments of Pikine National Hospital and Cardiology National Hospital of Grand-Yoff. Results: One hundred (100) patients consisted of 43 male and 57 female diabetics. The sex ration male/female ratio was 0.7. The average age was 58.3 years. Men were twice as likely to be active as women. Rhythm disorders were noted in 20% of patients, 13% of whom were women. Right atrial hypertrophy was found in 11% of patients and left hypertrophy in both men and women (25%). Wolf-Parkinson White syndrome was present in 2% of patients. A complete right bundle block was present in 11% of patients. Primary repolarization disorders were noted in 17% of patients and secondary in 18% of patients, postero-diaphragmatic necrosis in 14% of patients, real posterior necrosis in 2% of patients, extensive anterior necrosis in 15% of patients. The QT interval was lengthened in 21% of patients including 14 women. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 33% of patients and right ventricular hypertrophy was found in 10% of patients. The bivariate analysis showed that electrocardiographic abnormalities were more correlated with the association of certain risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, the feminine gender, but also the poor glycemic balance. On the other hand, physical activity and treatment had a protective effect. Conclusion: The ECG is certainly insufficient for an exhaustive exploration of the heart of the diabetic patient, but still very useful in our conditions of exercise to improve the care of our patients.

The Behcet’s Disease: An Uncommon Cause of Venous Thrombosis in the Tropical Area: 10 Cases

Introduction: The Behcet’s disease is deemed to be scarce in Black Africa where data are still scattered. The purpose of our study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinic and evolutive particularities of the patients whose presenting symptoms of the Behcet’s diseases were a venous thrombosis. Patients and Methods: It was a descriptive, multicenter, and cross-sectional study lasting 15 months. We brought together all the cases of the Behcet’s disease revealed by venous thrombosis. The diagnosis was based on clinical criteria of the international group of study of the Behcet’s disease in 2007. Results: We have grouped 10 revealing thrombosis cases of the Behcet’s diseases during our study period. The average age was 34. The average wait period between the appearances of the early symptoms and the diagnosis of the very disease was 30 months. The admission motives were the abdominal pain (2 cases), a thrombophlebitis of the lower limb (2 cases), headaches (1 case), coma (1 case), a thrombophlebitis of the upper limb (3 cases). The thrombotic symptoms were exclusively venous-located. The seats of the thrombosis were the vena cava superior in 30% of the cases, the vena cava inferior in 20% of the cases, the veins of the lower limb in 20% of the cases, the cerebral vein in 20% of the cases, and the auxiliary vein in 10% of the cases. The treatment of the deep venous thrombosis consisted in all the cases of an effective anticoagulation associated with the colchicine. Primarily, the corticotherapy with a high dose was used in all the patients. One of them in the comatose stage, manifesting both cerebral thrombophlebitis and aseptic meningitis, had died. Conclusion: Behcet’s disease is a disease of the young adult, but it must be evoked even in old age, with a view to appropriate management, in order to avoid the complications of the disease. Although it is rare in our regions, it should be sought in the etiological assessment of venous thrombosis whatever the location.