Low-pressure versus standard pressure laparoscopic colorectal surgery (PAROS trial): a phase III randomized controlled trial

TRIAL DESIGN

This is a phase III, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

METHODS

In this trial, patients with laparoscopic colectomy were assigned to either low pressure (LP: 7 mmHg) or standard pressure (SP: 12 mmHg) at a ratio of 1 : 1. The aim of this trial was to assess the impact of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum during laparoscopic colectomy on postoperative recovery. The primary endpoint was the duration of hospital stay. The main secondary endpoints were postoperative pain, consumption of analgesics and postoperative morbidity.

RESULTS

Some 138 patients were enrolled, of whom 11 were excluded and 127 were analysed: 62 with LP and 65 with SP. Duration of hospital stay (3 versus 4 days; P = 0.010), visual analog scale (0.5 versus 2.0; P = 0.008) and analgesic consumption (level II: 73 versus 88 per cent; P = 0.032; level III: 10 versus 23 per cent; P = 0.042) were lower with LP. Morbidity was not significantly different between the two groups (10 versus 17 per cent; P = 0.231).

CONCLUSION

Using low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic colonic resection improves postoperative recovery, shortening the duration of hospitalization and decreasing postoperative pain and analgesic consumption. This suggests that low pressure should become the standard of care for laparoscopic colectomy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03813797.

[Anesthesic practice for gynecological and obstetric emergency in the Cocody CHU]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anesthetic practice in the operating theater of gynecological and obstetric emergencies.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Prospective, descriptive and analytical study on patients admitted to the operating room for a gynecological and or obstetric emergency over a period of six months.

RESULTS

We collected 3,486 patients out of 7,574 admissions, or 46.02%. The average age was 27.3 years with extremes of 15 and 45. SFA was the first operative indication for obstetric emergencies while gynecological emergencies were dominated by first trimester bleeding. 99.39% of the patients benefited from a CPA and 45.40% of them, were classified ASA I u. LAR by spinal anesthesia was the most commonly performed anesthetic regimen. Maternal lethality was 0.005. For the mother, the age group [30-45 years], the provenance, the hemorrhagic syndromes, the ASA III and IV classes, the long delays in transfusion and block management were factors of poor prognosis. (P≤0.05) For the fetus, hemorrhagic syndromes and general anesthesia were factors of poor prognosis. (P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Spinal anesthesia was the most widely used anesthetic regimen.

Strategies of blood collection in Cote d'Ivoire: impact of mobile collection methods on the production of the National Blood Transfusion Service, 2014-2016

Blood product suppliers have two options for blood collection: at fixed sites and mobile collection sites. Those preferring voluntary, unpaid donations must move ever closer to the population by organizing mobile collection. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of mobile collection in the production of the Côte d'Ivoire's CNTS. Our results, based on data from the CNTS from 2014 through 2016 and interviews with 22 managers of blood transfusion centers, confirm the increasing preponderance of this approach. Thus, our results raise the problem of blood safety in a context where the prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections is higher in mobile collections, where most donors are giving blood for the first time.

Perioperative antibiotherapy should replace prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy preceded by preoperative biliary drainage

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) remains a morbid surgery. Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is often necessary before surgery but is associated with biliary contamination. We compared the postoperative complications of patients undergoing PBD who received the usual prophylactic antibiotics (PAs) or systematic antibiotherapy (ABT).

METHODS

All patients who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2017 were included. Systematic perioperative ABT with piperacillin + tazobactam (ABT group) was implemented in 2014 as the standard of care for PBD. Patients treated in the period before such implementation, during which standard cefazolin was given, served as the controls (PAs group). The primary outcomes were postoperative complications.

RESULTS

We included 122 patients with PBD who underwent surgery. There were no demographic differences between the two groups. Perioperative ABT was associated with a reduction in deep abdominal abscesses (36% vs 10%, P = .0008), respiratory tract infections (15% vs 3%; P = .02), bacteremia (41% vs 6%; P < .0001), and a shorter length of hospital stay (17 [13-27] vs 13 [10-14] days; P < .0001). ABT was a protective factor against the development of deep abdominal abscesses (odds ratio [OR] = 0.16; P = .001) whereas smoking (OR = 3.9) and pancreatic fistula (OR = 19.1) were risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Systematic perioperative ABT in patients undergoing PD preceded by PBD may reduce deep surgical infections and the length of hospital stay.

Décubitus ventral et kinésithérapie respiratoire : y a-t-il une indication ? Description d’un cas clinique

Contexte : Le décubitus ventral (DV) est appliqué dans un objectif de recrutement alvéolaire, dans le cadre de syndrome de détresse respiratoire aiguë (SDRA). Le DV mobilise parfois des sécrétions bronchiques, interrogeant l’intérêt d’une kinésithérapie de désencombrement.

Matériel et méthode : Une femme de 43 ans, myopathe de Steinert, est hospitalisée pour une insuffisance hépatique aiguë. À j3, elle présente une pneumopathie d’inhalation, suivie d’un SDRA. Le positionnement en DV est réalisé, mobilisant des sécrétions bronchiques. Une séance de kinésithérapie respiratoire est alors appliquée.

Résultats : Après la mise en DVet la séance de kinésithérapie, la quantité de sécrétions recueillies est de 2,4 g. Le rapport entre la pression partielle en oxygène et la fraction inspirée en oxygène (PaO2/FiO2) s’améliore, passant de 64 à 180 au bout de 11 heures de DV. La pression motrice et la pression de plateau sont restées inférieures aux valeurs délétères au cours de la séance de kinésithérapie, celle-ci n’ayant pas généré d’hypoxie pendant ou après la séance.

Discussion : Le positionnement en DV libère les parties postérieures des poumons, permettant une amélioration du rapport PaO2/FiO2. La clairance mucociliaire a été améliorée, mais il n’est pas possible de discriminer les effets du DVou de la kinésithérapie. Dans la littérature, la kinésithérapie respiratoire n’a pas montré son efficacité pour ces patients, même si aucun effet délétère n’a été observé à travers ce cas clinique. Les risques de dé-recrutement alvéolaire restent importants.

Conclusion : Il est difficile de recommander en pratique courante la kinésithérapie respiratoire de désencombrement en DV. Des études ultérieures sont nécessaires, dans un objectif de recherche centré plutôt sur le recrutement alvéolaire que sur le désencombrement, chez ces patients fragiles.

Assistance ventriculaire gauche par Impella® : indications, gestion et complications

L’assistance monoventriculaire Impella® est une assistance microaxiale non pulsatile dépourvue de fonction d’oxygénation et/ou de décarboxylation. Sur le principe de la vis sans fin d’Archimède, elle aspire le sang dans le ventricule gauche pour le réinjecter dans la racine de l’aorte en regard des ostia coronaires. Selon le modèle utilisé, le débit d’assistance antérograde ainsi généré varie de 2,5 à 5 l/min. De par son mode de fonctionnement, l’assistance Impella® permet une décharge ventriculaire efficace. Ses indications sont l’angioplastie coronaire à haut risque et le choc cardiogénique réfractaire aux agents cardiovasoactifs. Chez le patient assisté par une extracorporeal life support (ECLS), la pompe Impella® permet de limiter le risque de surcharge ventriculaire. Chez le patient exclusivement assisté par Impella® soit d’emblée ou après une association avec l’ECLS, la voie d’abord axillaire permet sa réhabilitation active y compris la déambulation et l’activité physique. Elle se révèle alors une mise à l’épreuve cliniquement pertinente du ventricule droit en vue d’une assistance de longue durée de type left ventricular assist device.

Dietary methionine restriction modulates renal response and attenuates kidney injury in mice

Methionine restriction (MR) extends the lifespan across several species, such as rodents, fruit flies, roundworms, and yeast. MR studies have been conducted on various rodent organs, such as liver, adipose tissue, heart, bones, and skeletal muscle, to elucidate its benefits to the healthspan; however, studies of the direct effect of MR on kidneys are lacking. To investigate the renal effects of MR, we used young and aged unilateral nephrectomized and 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) mice. Our studies indicated that MR mice experienced polydipsia and polyuria compared with control-fed counterparts. Urine albumin, creatinine, albumin-to-creatinine ratio, sulfur amino acids, and electrolytes were reduced in MR mice. Kidneys of MR mice up-regulated genes that are involved in ion transport, such as Aqp2, Scnn1a, and Slc6a19, which indicated a response to maintain osmotic balance. In addition, we identified renoprotective biomarkers that are affected by MR, such as clusterin and cystatin C. Of importance, MR attenuated kidney injury in 5/6Nx mice by down-regulating inflammation and fibrosis mechanisms. Thus, our studies in mice show the important role of kidneys during MR in maintaining osmotic homeostasis. Moreover, our studies also show that the MR diet delays the progression of kidney disease.-Cooke, D., Ouattara, A., Ables, G. P. Dietary methionine restriction modulates renal response and attenuates kidney injury in mice.

[Evaluation of the Practice of Caesarean Section According to Robson's Classification in a Health District of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso]

The control of the caesarean rate is nowadays an important concern for the obstetric world, the priority being to make every effort to practice a caesarean in all the women who need it only instead of reaching a specific rate. The purpose of the present study was to apply the Robson classification to the evaluation of the practice of caesarean section at the maternity of the Bogodogo District Hospital. It turned to be an analytical cross-sectional study which was carried out from January 1st, 2013 till December 31^st, 2015. The information sources used included the computer base of caesarean sections, the delivery records, the operating room records, the delivery hall and the monthly activity reports. The overall hospital frequency of caesarean section was 33.3%. The rate of caesarean section expected during the same period according to the C-Model was 9.7%. Patients in groups 5 (with a scar uterus) and 6 (nulliparous with siege presentation) of the Robson classification had all a caesarean section and contributed to the overall rate of caesarean for 30 and 8.6% respectively. Low-risk women (groups 1, 2, 3 and 4) had a relative contribution of 31.3% to the overall rate of caesarean section. Improvement of the antenatal assessment of the prognosis of childbirth, particularly in the case of uterine scar or siege presentation, improvement of the quality of the supervision of the delivery work and the fight against prematurity will help to control the rate of caesarean section at the Bogodogo District Hospital.

[Fatal female genital mutilation in a 10-year-old girl]

Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external genitalia and/or any other procedures affecting the female genitalia, for cultural or religious reasons or for nontherapeutic purposes in general. FGM is responsible for a number of short-, medium-, and long-term complications that can engage the vital and functional prognosis, especially in African countries. We report on a case in a 10-year-old girl who underwent genital mutilation, a traditional type of total excision during the neonatal period. She was followed for urethral meatus stenosis, which then was complicated by obstructive chronic kidney failure and urinary sepsis, whose progression was fatal.

[Obstetric endometritis at the UTH-Yalgado Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso): about the management of 102 cases]

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study over a nine months period conducted at the UTH-Yalgado Ouédraogo from all patients in whom the diagnosis of endometritis at obstetrical been laid. Endo-cervical and vaginal swabs were taken from all these patients. Commensal bacteria and anaerobes were investigated in the laboratory. During the study period, 102 cases of obstetric endometritis were recorded that to say a frequency of 1.4% of admissions. The average age of patients was 25.2 years [17-43]. The childbirth mean was 2.5 ± 2 [0-7]. The reason for consultation was dominated by hyperthermia in 98% of cases. The bacterial ecosystem was mainly dominated by Escherichia coli (49.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (29.5%), Streptococcus sp (4.9%). The acid + amoxicillin clavulanic showed low activity on most germs. The average hospital stay of patients was 6.30 days [1-33]. A maternal death was recorded in 3 patients that to say fatality rate of 2.9%. The lethality of endometritis at the UTH-Yalgado Ouedraogo is greater than the rate of 1% allowed by WHO. The resistance of germs is high enough with amoxicillin. The systematization of the bacteriological study is expected to guide the antibiotic to help better fight against maternal mortality.

Brain lesions in eclampsia: A series of 39 cases admitted in an Intensive Care Unit

The aim of this study was to identify the encephalic lesions in the eclampsia occurrences. Within a period of 18 months, computed tomography (CT) of the brain was performed in all patients admitted in intensive care for eclampsia. These CTs were analyzed and intracerebral lesions were identified. Thirty-nine patients were included. We noted 10 cases of ischemic stroke, 9 cases of cerebral edema, and 3 cases of hemorrhagic stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The CT scan came back to normal in 20 eclamptic patients. Overall, delays in obstetric and intensive care and time of completion of the CT were long. CT has allowed highlighting in patients with eclampsia varied intracerebral lesions. The early performance of the CT is therefore essential for a better support of patients.

Methionine restriction alters bone morphology and affects osteoblast differentiation

Methionine restriction (MR) extends the lifespan of a wide variety of species, including rodents, drosophila, nematodes, and yeasts. MR has also been demonstrated to affect the overall growth of mice and rats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of MR on bone structure in young and aged male and female C57BL/6J mice. This study indicated that MR affected the growth rates of males and young females, but not aged females. MR reduced volumetric bone mass density (vBMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), while bone microarchitecture parameters were decreased in males and young females, but not in aged females compared to control-fed (CF) mice. However, when adjusted for bodyweight, the effect of MR in reducing vBMD, BMC and microarchitecture measurements was either attenuated or reversed suggesting that the smaller bones in MR mice is appropriate for its body size. In addition, CF and MR mice had similar intrinsic strength properties as measured by nanoindentation. Plasma biomarkers suggested that the low bone mass in MR mice could be due to increased collagen degradation, which may be influenced by leptin, IGF-1, adiponectin and FGF21 hormone levels. Mouse preosteoblast cell line cultured under low sulfur amino acid growth media attenuated gene expression levels of Col1al, Runx2, Bglap, Alpl and Spp1 suggesting delayed collagen formation and bone differentiation. Collectively, our studies revealed that MR altered bone morphology which could be mediated by delays in osteoblast differentiation.

•

MR affected the growth rates of males and young females, but not aged females.

•

CF and MR mice had similar intrinsic strength properties.

•

Low methionine media attenuated bone differentiation genes in MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells.

•

The lower bone mass in MR mice is appropriate for its smaller body size.

[Eclampsia at the University hospital Yalgado of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014]

The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic aspects of the eclampsia in the obstetrics and gynecology department at the University Teaching Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo of Ouagadougou. It has been a descriptive crosssectional study over a period of 12 months from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014. The main criterion for inclusion in our sample was the occurrence of seizures in a pregnant more than 20 weeks of gestation or recently delivered with elevation of blood pressure and the presence of albumin in the urine. The patients were followed from the onset of the crisis until hospital discharge. Data were collected and analyzed using Epi Info 3.5.1. The significance level of 5% was used for data comparison. We identified 203 cases of eclampsia for 6063 deliveries that to say a frequency of 3.3%. The average age of patients was 27.5 years [14-46]. In socio-demographic terms, patients were housewives in 62.5% of cases, the average rate of the past-deliver number was 4.2 [0-11] and 47.7% of patients were living as married. Clinically, they were referred in 72.4% of cases and were initially admitted into the service for elevation of blood pressure in 40.3% of cases. The mean gestational age was 31.5 weeks [23-41]; diastolic blood pressure exceeded 110 mmHg in 63.1% of cases. Therapeutically, all the patients benefited from a treatment based in anticonvulsant by magnesium sulfate and antihypertensive therapy by nicardipine, clonidine or alpha-methyl-dopa. Maternal prognosis was marked by significant morbidity in 46 cases (22.6%) and mortality in 13 patients that to say a fatality rate of 6.4%. The fetal one was dominated by a perinatal lethality in 31.5% of the cases. Eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality in the University Teaching Hospital of Ouagadougou. The adoption of strategies for screening during antenatal consultations and early management should contribute to the reduction of the mortality in the mother and child couple in Burkina Faso.

[Unsafe abortions in countries that restrict legal abortions. Epidemiologic, clinical, and prognostic aspects at the University Hospital Center Yalgado-Ouédraogo of Ouagadougou]

OBJECTIVE

to describe the epidemiologic, clinical, and prognostic aspects of the management of the complications of women who had unsafe (illegal) abortions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

this prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study took place the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital Center (UHC-YO) in Ouagadougou during the 12-month period from June 2012 to May 2013. The study included all women admitted to the obstetrics-gynecology department during the study period and diagnosed after clinical examination with complications of an unsafe abortion. Data were collected with standardized case report forms. The analysis was conducted with Epi Info 3.5.1 software and Student's, Fisher's, and Pearson's Chi-square tests to compare the data. The threshold for statistical significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

during the study period, 111 women were admitted for complications of unsafe abortions, for a rate of 1 per 47 deliveries. The women's mean age was 23.6 years and ranged from 15 to 45 years. More than half the women (n=62, 55%) were pregnant for the first time. Hemorrhage was the primary reason for admission: 78 women, or 75%. Only 18 women (16%) admitted to having had an illegal intentional abortions. Complications included endometritis in 10 women (11%), anemia in 6 (5%), and hepatonephritis, also in 6 (5%). Six women died, for a mortality rate of 24%.

CONCLUSION

the epidemiologic profile of women with complications from unsafe abortions is that of a young women pregnant for the first time, who has no income-producing activity. Morbidity is dominated by infectious or hemorrhagic complications and mortality is high. Strengthening activities for prevention, health and sex education, and dissemination of knowledge of and access to contraceptive methods will help to reduce these abortions and their consequences.

Dietary methionine restriction in mice elicits an adaptive cardiovascular response to hyperhomocysteinemia

Dietary methionine restriction (MR) in rodents increased lifespan despite higher heart-to-body weight ratio (w/w) and hyperhomocysteinemia, which are symptoms associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. We investigated this paradoxical effect of MR on cardiac function using young, old, and apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-KO) mice. Indeed, MR animals exhibited higher heart-to-body weight ratio (w/w) and hyperhomocysteinemia with a molecular pattern consistent with cardiac stress while maintaining the integrity of cardiac structure. Baseline cardiac function, which was measured by non-invasive electrocardiography (ECG), showed that young MR mice had prolonged QRS intervals compared with control-fed (CF) mice, whereas old and ApoE-KO mice showed similar results for both groups. Following β-adrenergic challenge, responses of MR mice were either similar or attenuated compared with CF mice. Cardiac contractility, which was measured by isolated heart retrograde perfusion, was similar in both groups of old mice. Finally, the MR diet induced secretion of cardioprotective hormones, adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), in MR mice with concomitant alterations in cardiac metabolic molecular signatures. Our findings demonstrate that MR diet does not alter cardiac function in mice despite the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia because of the adaptive responses of increased adiponectin and FGF21 levels.

Effect of flumazenil on diaphragm electrical activation during weaning from mechanical ventilation after acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND

Diaphragm electrical activation (EAdi) and the ratio of tidal volume to EAdi (VT/EAdi) may provide clinical information on neuroventilatory efficiency (NVE) in patients being weaned from mechanical ventilation. We tested the hypothesis that residual sedation could interfere with respiratory recovery, by assessing the effects of flumazenil on EAdi and VT/EAdi ratio.

METHODS

This observational study included 13 patients breathing with pressure-support ventilation (PSV) after a long period of controlled mechanical ventilation (i.e. >4 days) plus midazolam-based sedation for acute respiratory distress syndrome. EAdi and respiratory patterns were compared before and after a bolus of flumazenil, which was given because neurological status needed to be evaluated.

RESULTS

Flumazenil induced a significant increase in EAdi [+71 (41-123)%, P=0.0002] and VT [+17 (8-32)%, P=0.0005], resulting in significantly decreased NVE [-34 (15-43)%]. The increased VT was significantly correlated with the increased EAdi (ρ=0.70, P=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

During weaning from mechanical ventilation, the diaphragmatic contribution to the breathing process may be reduced by residual midazolam-induced ventilatory depression. The increased EAdi with reversal of residual sedation was associated with a proportional increase in VT. These findings should be considered by the attending physician when interpreting daily EAdi and VT changes during weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Intraoperative management of heart-lung interactions: "from hypothetical prediction to improved titration"

Extensive literature describes the suitability of dynamic parameters to predict responsiveness in fluid. However, based on heart-lung interactions, these parameters can have serious limitations, including the use of protective lung ventilation. Although the latter seems to be beneficial for healthy patients undergoing high-risk surgery, the intraoperative interpretation of dynamic parameters to predict fluid responsiveness can be hazardous. In this context, the attending physician could, alternatively, titrate the need of fluids with a small fluid challenge, which remains unaffected by low tidal volume, the presence of arrhythmia, or the presence of spontaneous ventilation. When intraoperative prediction of fluid responsiveness is required in mechanically ventilated patients, "improved" titration should be preferred to a hypothetical prediction.

[Epidemiology of a cohort of 450 urolithiasis at the Yalgado Ouédraogo university hospital of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)]

OBJECTIVE

To report the epidemiological and diagnosis characteristics of urolithiasis in the city of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective and descriptive study of a cohort of urolithiasis patients from January 2009 to December 2011 at the department of urology of the Yalgado Ouédraogo University hospital of Ouagadougou. The minimum required data were: age, gender, occupation, residence, complete medical observation and medical imaging results.

RESULTS

Four hundred and fifty patients with a median age of 35 years were included in this study. Urinary stones prevalence was 12.5%. There was a male predominance with a sex ratio of 1.91. Renal colic found in 32% of patients was the main pattern of consultation. Urinary schistosomiasis was the main etiological factor correlated with the occurrence of urolithiasis (P < 0.05). The majority of urinary stones in this study were located in the upper urinary tract (86.5%). Complications were dominated by urinary tract infections (45.2%) and obstructive renal failure (8.9%).

CONCLUSION

The characteristics of urolithiasis in our center were similar to those reported in the developing world but seem to evolve toward those of industrialized countries.

[Epidemiology, etiology and psychosocial impact of urogenital fistulas in a cohort of 170 consecutive patients managed in three treatment centers in Burkina Faso from 2010 to 2012]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the socio-demographical aspects, etiologies and psychosocial consequences of urogenital fistula patients (UGF) in Burkina Faso (BF).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Descriptive study of a cohort of consecutive patients during a period of 18 months (December 1st 2010 to August 31st 2012) in three centers of treatment in BF. Each patient has had a standardized complete medical observation focused on sociodemographics, clinical finding, past medical history and etiologies of UGF. Some patients had an interview with a psychologist.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy patients with mean age 35 years (minimum: 16, maximum: 70) were enrolled during the study period. The majority of patients were housewives (90.5%, n=152) and illiterates (92.9%, n=158). Among the patients, 62.4% (n=106) lived in rural zones. Obstetrical fistula was the most common cause of UGF (87.6%, n=149) in our study and prolonged labor occurred in 93.3% (n=139) of cases with 17.5% (n=26) who delivered at home. The majority of our cases were vesico-vaginal fistula (70.6%, n=120). Fifty-five patients (32.4%) were divorced after the fistula. The sensation of humiliation and sadness were noted at all the patients who had a psychological evaluation and 87.5% (n=14) of them have had suicidal ideas.

CONCLUSION

The UGF are frequent in Burkina Faso and obstetrical etiology is dominant. The physical and psychosocial repercussions are important for the women victims of this pathology.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

[Cataracts related to the extended application of dermocorticosteroids. A study of 8 cases in Abidjan]

INTRODUCTION

Cataract induced by corticosteroids is an entity, which has been well described for a relatively long time, but this eventuality caused by the cutaneous application of corticosteroids remains inadequately reported. The purpose of this study was to describe cataract as one of the complications of the misuse of cutaneous application of corticosteroids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In eight patients seen for visual loss, bilateral cataract was discovered. The only probable etiology in these cases appeared to be the cutaneous application of corticosteroids. Indeed, the work-up and careful history performed did not uncover any other etiology.

RESULTS

Eight patients, six women and two men, exhibited cataracts related to the application of topical corticosteroids. The age of the patients ranged between 39 and 45 years. The cataracts were bilateral and posterior subcapsular alone or combined. The period of use of corticosteroids ranged from 5 to 10 years. The products used consisted of a variety of chemicals including corticosteroids mainly in the form of traditionally manufactured soap, but also as ointment or other types of mixtures.

CONCLUSION

Topical corticosteroids induce posterior subcapsular cataract. The mechanism of action is direct access to the eye without any hepatic-first pass effect on the corticosteroid in question. The increasingly frequent use of corticosteroids in African blacks for skin lightening raises concern regarding the risk of epidemic cataracts in young women attempting to lighten their skin to be beautiful. Increased public awareness should be undertaken to prevent this growing and harmful phenomenon.

[Urachal cyst: contribution of ultrasound (about a case at Sourou Sanou Sobo-Dioulasso university hospital)]

Urachal cyst is difficult to diagnose and is a rare malformation and the authors report a case in a 10-month old boy. The malformation was associated with posterior urethral valve and simple surgical treatment was successful. The authors emphasize the contribution of perineal ultrasound in the diagnosis of associated posterior urethral valves.

[Hepatitis B: cross-sectional study of knowledge and immunization among students at University of Cocody, Ivory Coast]

BACKGROUND

To evaluate knowledge about hepatitis B and vaccination coverage among students at Cocody's University, Ivory Coast.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic year 2005-2006 (2557 students). Parameters were collected by interview using a survey chart. Factors influencing knowledge and vaccination against hepatitis B were analyzed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

The majority of students (n=1174, 69.4% [95% CI 68-71]) knew about hepatitis B. Only 17.5% and 26.1% of students respectively were aware of sexual and blood transmission. None of the students were aware of maternal-fetal transmission. Factors associated with knowledge of hepatitis B were enrollment in health sciences (Odds Ratio=24.19 [95% CI 8.65-76.63]) and having a scholarship (Odds Ratio=2.34 [95% CI 1.54-3.56]). Vaccination coverage against hepatitis B was low (Odds Ratio=3.7% [95% CI 3-4]). Factors associated with vaccination were: knowledge of hepatitis B (Odds Ratio=6.83 [95% CI 4.57-10.27]), enrollment in health sciences (Odds Ratio=3.59 [95% CI 2.60-4.96]), marriage (Odds Ratio=2.04 [95% CI 1.13-3.64]) and having a scholarship (Odds Ratio=1.60 [95% CI 1.09-2.35]).

CONCLUSION

Knowledge and vaccination coverage against hepatitis B among students at Cocody's University is low. Students should be given information about hepatitis B and access to free vaccination. Students enrolled in health sciences should be vaccinated before admission because of specific risks of contamination, for themselves and for their patients.

Neuro-ventilatory efficiency during weaning from mechanical ventilation using neurally adjusted ventilatory assist

BACKGROUND

Neuro-ventilatory efficiency (NVE), defined as the tidal volume to electrical diaphragm-activity ratio (VT/EAdi) at the beginning and end of the weaning process after acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure, may provide valuable information about patient recovery.

METHODS

This observational study included 12 patients breathing with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA). When a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) with pressure support of 7 cm H2O and PEEP was unsuccessful, NAVA was used and the level was adjusted to obtain an EAdi of ∼60% of maximal EAdi during SBT. VT and EAdi were recorded continuously. We compared changes in NVE between NAVA and SBT at the first failed and first successful SBT.

RESULTS

When patients were switched from NAVA to SBT, NVE was significantly reduced during both unsuccessful and successful SBT (-56 and -38%, respectively); however, this reduction was significantly lower when SBT was successful (P=0.01). Between the first and last day of weaning, we observed that NVE decreased with NAVA [40.6 (27.7-89.5) vs 28.8 (18.6-46.7); P=0.002] with a significant decrease in NAVA level, whereas it remained unchanged during SBT [15.4 (10.7-39.1) vs 19.5 (11.6-29.6); P=0.50] with significant increases in both EAdi and VT and no difference in respiratory rhythm.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that in patients after respiratory failure and prolonged mechanical ventilation, changes in VT and NVE, between SBTs are indicative of patient recovery. Larger clinical trials are needed to clarify whether changes in NVE reliably predict weaning in patients ventilated with NAVA.

[Predictive factors of organ failure in patients admitted in intensive care unit for acute gastrointestinal bleeding]

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage is an emergency requiring usually an admission in intensive care unit (ICU), which may prove abusive secondarily. The aim of this study was to identify predictive risk factors of organ failure in patients admitted for GH in our ICU.

DESIGN

Retrospective and observational

METHODS AND MEASUREMENTS

Between January 2008 and December 2011, all patients admitted in our ICU for gastrointestinal hemorrhage were consecutively included. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of at least an organ failure. We realized an univariate analysis then a backward regression to identify independent risk factors associated with the occurrence of at least one organ failure during the ICU hospitalization.

RESULTS

During this period study, 441 consecutive patients with a mean age of 67±15years were included. The median ICU length of stay was of 4 (3-7) days and 116 (26% [IC95%: 22-30]) patients presented at least one organ failure. The multivariate analysis identified predictive risk factors of organ failure: history of cirrhosis (OR=3.5 [IC95%: 1.9-6.7], P<0.001) and an increase in troponin at the admission above the 99th percentile (OR=3.1 [IC95%: 1.8-5.5], P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed that a large proportion of patients admitted in ICU for the primary diagnosis of gastrointestinal hemorrhage developed any organ failure. The history of cirrhosis and the systemic consequences of the hemorrhagic syndrome as myocardial damage represents important risk factors of morbidity and mortality and thus should be considered during the management.

[Hepatitis B knowledge among secondary school students in Côte d'Ivoire]

AIM

The purpose of this study was to assess hepatitis B knowledge among secondary school students' in Côte d'Ivoire in order to promote the inclusion of hepatitis B education in school curricula.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

a single cross-sectional survey involving six schools (7,376 students) was conducted. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

All students present on the day of the survey agreed to participate in the study (100%, n = 3,352). The mean age of the participants was 17.9 years (10-26 years), with a male-to-female sex ratio of 1.68. Among them, 2,552 (76.6%) had heard of the HVB. School was the main source of information (12%), after the mass media (62%). The causative agent of the disease was known by 74.1% of students (n = 2,484), sexual transmission by 39.3% (n = 1316), and blood-borne transmission by 57.2% (n = 1919). Respectively 29%, 40% and 41% of the students were aware that acupuncture, body piercing and tattooing are high-risk practices. Only 35.7% of the students knew that there was an effective vaccine. The factors associated with hepatitis B knowledge were: being aged 16 to 20 years (OR = 1.73 [95% CI 1.198 to 2.49]), living in a permanent house or apartment (OR = 1.58 [95% CI 1.234 to 2.02]) or in a house or apartment with no more than 2 persons per room (OR = 1.41 [95% CI 1.15 to 1.74]), being in terminale (final year of high school) (OR = 2.54 [2.01 to 3, 20IC95%]), and having two working parents (OR =1.54 [95% CI 1.25 to 1.88]).

CONCLUSION

The students' knowledge of the hepatitis B virus was found to be inadequate and superficial. Early awareness programs provided as part of the official curriculum and measures to improve the social conditions of students should help to improve knowledge in this area.

[Management of prostate cancer in Senegal: what is being done?]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the management of patients with prostate cancer in Senegal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective descriptive study, based on the medical records of patients managed for prostate cancer during a period of six years and a half from January 1, 2004, to June 30, 2010. All records of inpatients and outpatients managed for prostate cancer were collected. Data collection was performed through a standardized survey form, and included the following parameters: age, presence or absence of known history of prostate cancer in siblings, circumstances of discovery, clinical and paraclinical examination, histology and therapeutic modalities.

RESULTS

We studied the records of 164 patients with prostate cancer. The mean age of our patients was 65years, ranging from 43 to 96years. The circumstances of diagnosis were mostly due to lower urinary tract symptoms. Digital rectal examination was suggestive in 87% of cases, and PSA levels were high in 100% of cases, ranging from 5.88ng/ml to 21,660ng/ml, with a mean of 1447.57ng/ml. Half of the patients had PSA levels greater than or equal to 100ng/ml. The most common histological type was adenocarcinoma. During the study period, 49 radical prostatectomies were performed. The mean PSA levels of patients who underwent a prostatectomy were 23.4ng/ml. Radical retropubic prostatectomy was performed in 35 patients, and radical perineal prostatectomy was performed in 10 cases. Pulpectomy was the method most commonly used in metastatic prostate cancer; it was performed in 48 patients. After resistance to castration, antiandrogens were reintroduced in 13 patients, and diethylstilbestrol in four patients. Only two patients underwent a taxane-based chemotherapy regimen.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of prostate cancer was usually tardive in Senegal. Treatment often involves surgical castration. Prostatectomy was only very seldom indicated.

[Tolerance and Acceptability of Gastroscopy in Adults in Ivory Coast: 300 Cases]

The purpose of this study was to report the real-life experience of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) patients in order to note apprehensions and postoperative feedback. This prospective study involving 300 patients of the Cocody Teaching Hospital, was carried out over a four month period. It included 158 men and 142 women with an average age of 40 years. OGD was performed on outpatients (78%) and hospitalized patients (22%). The feelings of patients before EGD were marked by anxiety (91%) or serenity (9%). 88% of the patients received premedication versus 12% who did not. This premedication was based on midazolam in 69.31% of cases and diazepam in 30.69%. No incident or accident related to the procedure or to the premedication was reported. The tolerance of the patients regarding OGD, as reported by the patients and doctors, was good (78% vs 78% respectively), acceptable (17% vs 16.67%) or bad (5% vs 5.33%). Patients found the examination to be unpleasant (43.34%), painful (30.33%) or painless (26.33%). Doctors reported that patients' attitudes were marked by anxiety (91%) and serenity (9%). Age, sex, previous information on the examination, psychological preparation, the feelings of the patients before the examination and premedication with hypnovel or valium did not influence the tolerance of patients since the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). 89.33% of our patients would accept a repeat of the digestive endoscopy versus 10.67% who would not. Almost all the patients (99.33%), would recommend an OGD to another person versus only 0.67% who would not. 83.33% of patients were satisfied with the OGD versus 16.67% who were not. The OGD remains bearable with 78% of patients presenting a good tolerance despite the important number of patients (91%) who felt anxious before the examination.

La fracture de verge à Dakar. À propos de 25 cas

Buts

Présenter les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques des fractures de verge dans le service d’urologie-andrologie de l’hôpital général de Grand Yoff de Dakar.

Matériels et méthode

Il s’agit d’une étude descriptive portant sur 25 cas de fracture de verge pris en charge dans le service d’urologie-andrologie de l’hôpital général de Grand Yoff de Dakar entre janvier 2001 et décembre 2011. Les paramètres suivant ont été étudiés: l’âge, la résidence, les antécédents, les données cliniques, les données de l’exploration chirurgicale et les résultats du traitement.

Résultats

En dix ans, 25 cas de fractures de verge ont été enregistrés soit une moyenne de 2,5 cas par an. L’âge moyen de survenue était de 36 ans avec des extrêmes de 22 et 60 ans. Les circonstances de survenue sont dominées par les manipulations forcées (52 %) et les rapports sexuels (32 %). La douleur associée à une latérodéviation controlatérale de la verge, une tuméfaction localisée de la verge ou extensive à la région sus-pubienne ou périnéale sont les principaux signes retrouvés. Une prise en charge urgente (délai moyen de prise en charge de deux heures avec des extrêmes de 45 minutes et 48 h) en milieu chirurgical avec réparation des corps caverneux et albuginorraphie a été la règle.

Conclusion

La fracture de verge est une urgence urologique relativement peu fréquente dans notre contexte. Son diagnostic reste aisé et est essentiellement clinique. Une prise en charge précoce et correcte en milieu chirurgical est garante d’un bon résultat fonctionnel et esthétique.

[Changes in kaliemia following rapid sequence induction with succinylcholine in critically ill patients]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the changes in potassium following rapid sequence induction with succinylcholine in critically ill-patients and determine whether hospital length of stay could influence the succinylcholine-induced hyperkaliemia.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective and observational study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After approval by our local ethical committee, we prospectively included 36 patients admitted from more than 24hours in ICU and who required succinylcholine for rapid tracheal intubation (1mg/kg). Serum potassium was measured before, 5 and 30min after succinylcholine. The incidence of life-threatening hyperkaliemia (≥6.5mmol/L) was noted.

RESULTS

We could observe significant and transient increase in serum potassium (median increase of 0.45 [0.20-0.80] mmol/L at five minutes). A significant relationship was observed between the ICU length of stay and arterial potassium increase (r=0.37, P<0.05). From the ROC curve, a threshold of 12 days had an 86% sensitivity and 69% specificity in discriminating patients in whom the potassium increase was more than 1.5mmol/L.

CONCLUSION

Induction with succinylcholine is followed by significant but transient hyperkaliema. The ICU length of stay before giving succinylcholine could influence significantly the amplitude of potassium increase.

[Place of traditional CBP in bipulmonary transplantation]

Initially double-lung transplantation (DLT) was performed with airway anastomosis at the tracheal bifurcation requiring a cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP). Complications related to ischemia of the bronchi and trachea around the carina prompted adoption of sequential single lung implantations as the method of choice for DLT. In different studies, CPB was associated with an increase in postoperative morbidity but this was probably due to the selection of more severe patients. Moreover, important progress in the technology of CPB has occurred. Therefore, the systematic use of CPB during sequential lung transplantation might have some interest by limiting the occurrence of ventilation and perfusion injuries. This article discusses the potential beneficial effects of CPB during double-lung transplantation.