From farmers to livestock keepers: a typology of cattle production systems in south-western Burkina Faso.

Cattle production is an essential livelihood strategy in south-western Burkina Faso. Although having a distinct cultural role and known to be resistant against African animal trypanosomosis, the Lobi taurine cattle breed is endangered due to its low market value. As the first step in preservation efforts, our study aimed to develop a typology of production systems at the farm level. We used a structured questionnaire and focus group discussions for collecting data on household characteristics, socioeconomic activities, livestock, and access to services. The sample comprised 169 households in three communities. The analytical strategy included factor analysis of mixed data and hierarchical clustering. We identified four distinct types of cattle production systems: (1) sedentary Lobi farms, (2) sedentary crossbreed farms, (3) semi-transhumant Fulani zebu farms, and (4) transhumant Fulani zebu farms. Significant factors in developing this typology were the farmers' ethnic group, crop diversity, cattle herd size, cattle herd composition, number of small ruminants, and livestock management strategies. Across all production systems, men were considered being primary decision-makers in cattle production, with women, herders, and children being responsible for specific tasks. All identified production systems are increasingly confronting disease pressure and scarcity of water and land. Future efforts in preservation and breeding will need to respond to these trends in the agroecosystem, integrate risk management measures, and resonate with the specific needs of the different household members involved in cattle rearing.

[Hepatitis B: cross-sectional study of knowledge and immunization among students at University of Cocody, Ivory Coast]. / Connaissance et couverture vaccinale contre l'hépatite virale B (HVB) : étude transversale parmi les étudiants de l'université de Cocody, Côte d'Ivoire.

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.

Libido-sexual disorders and abandonment of injectable contraceptives among users of the Ivorian Association for Family Well-Being in Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.

Introduction: The recent introduction of modern contraceptive methods in resource-limited countries is confronted with the occurrence of undesirable effects that hinder their use in the long term. This study conducted among the users of the Ivorian Association for Family Well-Being in Korhogo describes the libido-sexual problems associated with the discontinuation of injectable contraceptives in former users. The objective of the study was to identify the factors that led to the abandonment of injectable contraceptives among female users of the Ivorian Association for Family Well-Being in Korhogo between 2018 and 2019. Materials and methods: Qualitative data were collected from 15 former users (24-38 years old) of injectable contraceptives duration of 2-3 months. Additional data were collected from five health workers aged 35-60 years. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore the experience with injectable contraceptives and reasons for discontinuation. Following data collection, audio-recorded data were transcribed, translated, and coded using thematic analysis through an inductive approach. Results: Side effects identified as associated with injectable contraceptives include libido-sexual disorders, unusual bleeding, and weight gain. The most common reason for discontinuation were libido-sexual disorders, which impacted the households' intimacy and provoked their abandonment or the change of contraceptive methods among injectable contraceptive users. Conclusion: Adverse events were dominated by libido-sexual disorders, unusual bleeding, and weight gain leading to the abandonment or change of the contraceptive. These results suggest points of intervention for increasing continuation among users. This intervention should include training of health workers to investigate and manage adverse events related to the use of injectable contraceptives and the improvement of communication between health workers and users on adverse events of injectable contraceptive use.

[Community acute bacterial pneumonitis of the subject age in pulmonology at the Point-g hospital and university center, Bamako-Mali]. / La pneumopathie aigue bacterienne communautaire du sujet age en pneumologie au centre hospitalier et universitaire du Point-g, Bamako-Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired acute bacterial pneumonia (ABP) is an acute, non-suppurative, non-tuberculosis lower respiratory infection of the lung parenchyma acquired within the community. They have an atypical clinical presentation and a poor prognosis in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Pneumology department of the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Point-G, from October 30, 2018 to September 30, 2019. The objective was to determine the clinical, etiological, therapeutic and progression of BAP in the elderly. Were included any age ≥ 65 years, presenting clinical and radiological signs of a PAB. RESULTS: During the study period, 85 patients met the inclusion criteria out of 178 hospitalized. The sex ratio was 3/1. About 2/3 were smokers and 11% were HIV positive. Fever was not constant recorded in 51.76% of cases. Respiratory signs were dominated by cough (96.47%), dyspnea (94.11%) and extra respiratory by impaired consciousness. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most found germ. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The average length of hospitalization was 9 days. Mortality was 19%. CONCLUSION: The PAB in the elderly is of a frustrating clinical symptomatology. It is serious with excess mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Les pneumopathies aiguës bactériennes (PAB) communautaires sont des infections respiratoires basses aiguës, non suppurées, non tuberculeuses du parenchyme pulmonaire acquises au sein de la communauté. Elles ont une présentation clinique atypique et un mauvais pronostic chez le sujet âgé. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale prospective menée au service de pneumologie du centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) du Point-G, du 30 Octobre 2018 au 30 Septembre 2019. L'objectif était de déterminer les particularités cliniques, étiologiques, thérapeutiques et évolutives de la PAB chez le sujet âgé. Ont été inclus tout âge ≥ 65 ans, présentant des signes cliniques et radiologiques d'une PAB. RÉSULTATS: Durant la période d'étude 85 patients répondaient aux critères d'inclusion sur 178 hospitalisés. Le sex-ratio était de 3/1. Environ 2/3 étaient tabagiques et 11% était positif au VIH. La fièvre n'était pas constante enregistrée dans 51,76% des cas. Les signes respiratoires étaient dominés par la toux (96, 47%), la dyspnée (94, 11%) et extra respiratoires par le trouble de la conscience. Le Klebsiellapneumoniae était le germe le plus retrouvé. L'antibiotique le plus utilisé était l'amoxicilline-acide clavulanique. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 9 jours. La mortalité était de 19%. CONCLUSION: La PAB chez le sujet âgé est d'une symptomatologie clinique frustre. Elle est grave avec une surmortalité.

Hemoglobin level variability in hemodialysis patients treated with epoetin-ß during 1 year.

AIM: This analysis was performed to assess the prevalence and the factors associated with hemoglobin (Hb) variability during treatment with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in France. METHODS: Hb variability was evaluated in a subgroup of hemodialysis (HD) patients of the French cohort DiaNE. Eligible patients had received epoetin-ß at least 6 months before entering DiaNE, 12 months during DiaNE and had no missing monthly Hb measurements. Up and down excursions (Hb variations > 1.5 g/dl with duration > 8 weeks) were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 499 patients evaluated in this analysis, 295 (59%) had Hb levels inside the target range of 11 - 13 g/dl at baseline. The number of patients with constantly stable Hb level inside the target range decreased from baseline to 27.5% at 6 months and 10.8% at 12 months. More than 70% of patients experienced Hb variability. The number of excursions was 1.7 ± 0.8 per patient/year. The amplitude of up excursions was 2.8 ± 1.0 g/ dl with a duration of 14.7 ± 4.7 weeks. The amplitude of down excursions was 2.6 ± 0.9 g/dl with a duration of 14.5 ± 4.6 weeks. The main factors associated with Hb variability were number of epoetin-ß dose changes, adverse events and iron therapy changes. CONCLUSION: Hb variability is frequent in French ESA-treated HD patients and closely related to practices. Further efforts are needed to improve anemia management.

[Indications and results of pulmonary resections in a developing country]. / Indications et résultats des exérèses pulmonaires dans un pays en développement.

INTRODUCTION: Indications for pulmonary excision are dominated by infectious pulmonary pathologies in developing countries. We conducted this study to describe the indications and results of pulmonary resections in the thoracic surgery department of the Mali hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective and descriptive study from January 2012 to December 2019, carried out in the thoracic surgery department of the Mali hospital. It involved 76 patients who had a pulmonary resection. The variables studied were the epidemiological data, the operating indications, the therapeutic data and the prognosis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 35.5 years. The sex ratio was 1.7. The average consultation time in thoracic surgery was 11.6 months with extremes of 7 days and 96 months. A history of pulmonary tuberculosis was noted in 46.1% of patients. The main indications for pulmonary resection were infectious parenchymal destruction in 64.5%, bullous dystrophy in 14.5%, bronchopulmonary cancer in 11.8% and thoracic trauma in 4% of the cases. The procedures performed were: a lobectomy (39.5%), atypical resection (36.8%), culminectomy (7.9%) and pneumonectomy (15.8%). Morbidity was dominated by thoracic empyema (9.2%) postoperative hemorrhage (5.2%), parietal suppuration (7.8%) and bronchopleural fistula (1.3%). The average length of hospital stay was 14.3 days. Mortality was 10.5%. There was a statistically significant correlation between pneumonectomy and deaths (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Infectious lung destruction is the main indication for pulmonary resection in Mali. The consultation period is quite long. Morbidity and mortality remains high.

[Epidemiology and prognosis of eclampsia in Bougouni]. / Epidemiologie et pronostic de l'eclampsie a Bougouni.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to describe the epidemiological and prognostic aspects of eclampsia in the Bougouni reference health center. METHODS: This was a transversal prospective, descriptive study from January 1 to December 31, 2015 in the gynecology-obstetrics department of Bougouni reference health center. Were included, all pregnant or postpartum women diagnosed with eclampsia during the study period. RESULTS: The frequency of eclampsia was 2.54%. They were adolescent girls in 50% of cases, primigest in 62.5% of cases, unschooled in 67.5% of cases, having not performed any antenatal care in 70% of cases. Eclampsia occurred in antepartum in 37.5% of cases, in 5% in perpartum and in 57.5% in postpartum. Therapeutically, nicardipine with 72.5% and nifedipine with 22.5% were the antihypertensive drugs used. As for anticonvulsants, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) was used in 92.5% and diazepam in 7.5%. The maternal-fetal prognosis was marked by 2.5% of maternal death, 27% of prematurity and 27.5% of fetal death in utero. CONCLUSION: Eclampsia is a dreadful pathology with serious maternal and fetal complications.

OBJECTIFS: Les objectifs étaient de décrire les aspects épidémiologique et pronostique de l'éclampsie dans le centre de santé de référence de Bougouni. MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale prospective, descriptivedu 1er janvier au 31 décembre 2015 dans le service de gynécologie-obstétrique du centre de santé de référence de Bougouni. Ont été incluses, toutes les femmes enceintes ou les accouchées chez qui le diagnostic de crise d'éclampsie a été retenu pendant la période d'étude. RÉSULTATS: La fréquence de l'éclampsie a été de 2,54%. Il s'agissait d'adolescentes dans 50% des cas, primigestes dans 62,5% des cas, non scolarisées dans 67,5% des cas,n'ayant effectuées aucune consultation prénatale dans70% des cas. L'éclampsie est survenue en antépartumdans 37,5% des cas, dans 5% en perpartum et dans 57,5% en postpartum. Sur le plan thérapeutique, la nicardipine avec 72,5% et la nifédipine avec 22,5% ont été les antihypertenseurs utilisés. Quant aux anticonvulsivants, le sulfate de magnésium (MgSO4) a été utilisé dans 92,5% et le diazépam dans 7,5%. Le pronostic materno-fœtal a été marqué par 2,5% de décès maternel, 27% de prématurité et 27,5% de mort fœtale in-utéro. : L'éclampsie est une pathologie redoutable aux complications maternelles et fœtales graves.

[Ct scan diagnosis of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia with maxillofacial dysmorphia: a case report]. / Diagnostic tomodensitometrique d'une dysplasie fibreuse polyostotique avec dysmorphie maxillo-faciale : a propos d'un cas.

We report a rare case of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia with maxillofacial dysmorphia diagnosed in the radiology department at Hopital Sominé Dolo of Mopti. The aim was to describe the role of medical imaging including the CT scan in its diagnosis. He was a 42-year-old man of rural origin with poor socio-economic conditions. He was sent to us for a craniofacial CT scan for assessment of a maxillofacial mass. This CT scan showed a thickening of the diploid of the vault and the cranial base with osteocondensation and osteolytic lesions at the maxillofacial level. An extension assessment showed polyostotic involvement. His diagnosis is based on medical imaging and in particular CT scan. Three types of radiological aspects are evocative: a homogeneous or heterogeneous clarity, a smoke-like appearance and a slightly condensed appearance. Complications observed were deformities, fracture of the femoral neck and aesthetic damage.

Nous rapportons un cas rare de dysplasie fibreuse polyostotique avec dysmorphie maxillo-faciale diagnostiqué au service de radiologie à l'hôpital Sominé Dolo de Mopti. Le but était de décrire le rôle de l'imagerie médicale notamment le scanner dans son diagnostic. Il s'agissait d'un homme âgé de 42 ans, de provenance rurale avec des conditions socio-économiques défavorables. Il nous a été adressé pour un scanner crâniofacial pour bilan d'une masse maxillo-faciale. Cette exploration scanographique avait objectivé un épaississement du diploé de la voûte et de la base crânienne avec ostéocondensation et des lésions ostéolytiques soufflantes au niveau maxillo-facial. Un bilan d'extension a objectivé une atteinte polyostotique. Son diagnostic repose sur l'imagerie médicale et en particulier la tomodensitométrie. Trois types d'aspects radiologiques sont évocateurs: une clarté homogène ou hétérogène, un aspect en volutes de fumée et un aspect légèrement condensé. Les complications observées étaient les déformations, la fracture du col fémoral et le préjudice esthétique.

[Cost Analysis of the Immunization Program Supportive Supervision in Côte-d'Ivoire]. / Analyse des coûts de supervision formative du programme de vaccination en Côte-d'Ivoire.

One of the major obstacles to improve the performance of immunization programs is the lack of competent health personnel. To increase the availability of qualified health personnel, the Agence de Médecine Préventive (Agency of Preventive Medicine) has set up a technical assistance focused on supportive supervision. The objective of this study is to analyze the cost of this supportive supervision in 10 health districts of Côte-d'Ivoire. The data extracted from the financial and technical reports of the supportive supervisions included personnel costs (salary, per diem), transportation, communication, office supplies, vehicle maintenance and depreciation. The analysis consisted of estimating the total cost of the supportive supervision, the total cost per item and the average cost of a supervisory visit. The conduct of 40 supportive supervision visits amounted to 44,675.12 USD. Of this amount, recurring costs were 40,112.12 USD (89.79%) and non-recurring costs were 4,563 USD (10.21%). The unit cost per supervisory visit was 1,116.88 USD. The cost of personnel was the largest cost. The total cost of the formative supervision would be reduced by 58.68% through the resort to local facilities' staff for the supervision, and the review of the useful life of the vehicles. The costs for implementing supportive supervision were acceptable in comparison to the benefits. Mastering personnel costs, optimizing the scheduling of supervision tours and frequency of visits focused on districts with the lowest EPI indicators could lead to cost savings.

Un des obstacles à l'amélioration des performances des programmes de vaccination est l'insuffisance de ressources humaines compétentes. Pour accroître la disponibilité de personnel de santé qualifié, l'Agence de médecine préventive a mis en place une assistance technique centrée sur la supervision formative. L'objectif de cette étude est d'analyser les coûts de cette supervision formative dans dix districts sanitaires de Côte-d'Ivoire à partir des données extraites des rapports techniques et financiers de supervision. L'analyse a consisté en l'estimation du coût total des supervisions, du coût total par poste et du coût moyen par visite de supervision. Les 40 visites de supervision réalisées ont coûté 44 675,12 USD dont 40 112,12 USD de coûts récurrents (89,78 %) et 4 563 USD de coûts non récurrents. Le coût par visite de supervision était de 1 116,87 USD. Le coût du personnel était le poste de coûts le plus important. Le coût total et le coût unitaire de la supervision seraient réduits de 58,68 % par l'utilisation des superviseurs locaux et des recommandations de l'OMS sur la durée de vie utile des véhicules. Les coûts de la supervision formative étaient acceptables au regard des bénéfices obtenus. La maîtrise des coûts du personnel, une programmation optimale des tournées de supervision et une fréquence des visites centrée davantage sur les districts présentant les plus faibles indicateurs du PEV pourraient favoriser des économies.

[Gayet-Wernicke's encephalopathy. A study of 13 cases observed in a refugee population hospitalized at the Conakry Teaching Hospital]. / Encéphalopathie de Gayet-Wernicke. Etude de 13 observations dans une population de patients réfugiés hospitalisés pour affections neurologiques au CHU de Conakry.

The authors report 13 cases of Gayet-Wernicke's encephalopathy observed in 13 patients of a refugee population. 11 presented the classical triad: oculomotor signs, cerebral ataxia and state of confusion and in 2 patients, only 2 symptoms were noted. The etiological factors: chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, uncontrollable vomiting, HIV and tuberculosis were identified. The outcome was evaluated on the basis of the disappearance of symptoms after treatment with 500 mg of thiamine in 7 patients, 1 death and 5 patients progressed toward Korsakoff amnesic syndrome.

In vitro susceptibility of Candida albicans clinical isolates to eight antifungal agents in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the infection Candida albicans infection worldwide has risen, and the incidence of resistance to traditional antifungal therapies is also increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro susceptibility of C. albicans clinical isolates to eight antifungal agents in Ouagadougou. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2015 at Yalgado Ouédraogo University Teaching Hospital. Two hundred seven strains have been isolated from 347 symptomatic patients received in different clinical services. Samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar supplemented with Cloramphenicol. Isolates were diagnosed as C. albicans using germ tube test, chlamydospore formation on Corn Meal Agar, and Api-Candida test (Biomérieux). Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion method and isolates classified as susceptible, susceptible dose-dependent and resistant. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-seven (347) patients are included in this study. Two hundred and six (206) out of 347 collected samples (59.36%) were found positive for C. albicans. The strains were mostly isolated from vulvovaginal (49%) and oral infections (40.3%). The highest resistance rates of azoles were obtained with fluconazole (66.5%), itraconazole (52.3%) and ketoconazole (22.9%) when all clinical isolates were included. The resistance rates of fluconazole, itraconazole and ketoconazole remain highest for vulvovaginal and oral isolates. The rate of resistance to the polyene amphotericin B was 32.0% for all clinical isolates and was 56.4% for vulvovaginal strains. Resistance rate to nystatin was 6.3% for all clinical isolates. Cross-resistance analysis with data of all clinical strains revealed that the incidence of resistance to ketoconazole and itraconazole in fluconazole-resistant isolates was significantly higher than recorded for fluconazole-susceptible isolates. CONCLUSION: In vitro C. albicans antifungal susceptibility test in this study showed relatively high resistance to commonly and widely used azoles (fluconazole, ketoconazole). Most C. albicans clinical isolates were susceptible to nystatin.

[Therapeutic itinerary and radiological features of positive microscopy tuberculosis patients at Centre Hospitalier National Universitaire de Fann (CHNUF), Dakar]. / Itinéraire thérapeutique et caractéristiques radiologiques des patients tuberculeux bacillifères dépistés au centre hospitalier national universitaire de Fann (CHNUF), Dakar.

INTRODUCTION: The long diagnostic delay is responsible for the extension of radiological lesions and spread of TB in the community. These radiological lesions can leave significant scars responsible for respiratory disability. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to characterize radiologic features according to tuberculosis diagnostic delay. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study, about 66 patients with positive sputum. RESULTS: The average diagnostic delay was 16 (±15) weeks; whether 22 (±14.1) weeks in the female gender versus 14.6 (±14.3) weeks in the male gender (P=0.10). The first care use was respectively health centers (62.1%), drugstores (51.9%), and traditional medicine (28.7%). Only 27.2% of patients used the marabouts care. Bilateral radiographic abnormalities in bivariate analysis were associated with consultation at the health center (66.7% versus 33.3%; P<0.031), as is the extension of the lesions (70.2% versus 29.8% RP=1.66 [1.05 to 2.91]; P<0.03). Lake of knowledge of the symptoms of TB was associated with the use of marabouts care (12.5% versus 87.5; PR=0.35 [0.11 to 1.08], P<0.04). CONCLUSION: These results should prompt consideration in an emergency, appropriate control interventions, advocacy, patient information and medical personnel on the reality of tuberculosis to prevent its spread often causing respiratory disability with radological effects.

[Clinical and tomographic aspects of 29 cases of phakomatosis in Guinea]. / Aspects clinique et scannographique de 29 observations de phacomatoses en Guinée.

The purpose of this report is to describe 29 cases of phakomatosis including 18 cases of tuberous sclerosis (Bourneville) and 11 cases of neurofibromatosis (von Recklinghausen) observed over a 10-year period at the Neurology Department of the University Hospital Centre in Conakry, Guinea. Findings during this period were consistent with those classically reported in the literature: high frequency of advanced skin lesions coalescing into massive tumours, occurrence of seizures of all types and development of a wide variety of complications as a result of late diagnosis. Our experience underscores the need for follow-up and surveillance of these patients by somatic studies based on neurological, ophthalmologic and tomographic data depending on clinical findings.

[Treatment by honey for skin wounds in Abidjan]. / Traitement des plaies par le miel a Abidjan.

AIMS: The authors tested the effectiveness of honey on various types of wounds. They report in this work, the preliminary results of their study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted over a period of 12 months in the orthopedic trauma unit of the Cocody Abidjan University Hospital. Thirty-seven patients with various types of wounds were included in the study. Honey dressings were made every 48 hours. RESULTS: The evolution of the wounds was satisfactory on bacteriological and local levels, with a reduced healing time. CONCLUSION: The use of honey in wound treatment dates back to ancient times. Currently we are rediscover its healing properties. Because of its high sugar concentration and its acidic pH, the honey is undeniably a hyperosmotic environment which inhibits the growth of pathogens. Honey also contains two product groups that act directly as antibacterial agents.

BUTS: Les auteurs ont testé l'efficacité du miel sur les plaies de nature diverses. Ils rapportent dans ce travail, les résultats préliminaires de leur étude. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agit d'une étude prospective sur une période de 12 mois qui fut réalisée au service de traumatologie orthopédie du CHU de Cocody Abidjan. Trente sept patients présentant des plaies de nature diverses ont été inclus dans l'étude. Les pansements au miel étaient faits toutes les 48 heures. RÉSULTATS: L'évolution des plaies fut satisfaisante sur le plan bactériologique et local, avec un raccourcissement des délais de cicatrisation. CONCLUSION: L'utilisation du miel dans le traitement des plaies remonte à la haute antiquité. Actuellement, on redécouvre ses propriétés cicatrisantes. En raison de sa forte concentration en sucre et de son pH acide, le miel est indéniablement un milieu hyperosmotique qui inhibe la croissance des agents pathogènes. Le miel contient également deux groupes de produits qui agissent directement comme des agents antibactériens.

[Etiological aspects of non-tubercular spinal cord compression in Senegal (report of 253 cases)]. / Aspects étiologiques des compressions médullaires non pottiques au Sénégal (a propos de 253 observations).

Although always dominated by Pott's Affliction, other medullar compression etiologies nevertheless constitute an important chapter in medullar pathology. Retrospective study of 253 files on non-Pottic medullar compressions compiled over 16 years (January 1972 to December 1987) led the authors to the following conclusions: non-Pottic L.M.C.s. are predominant in men aged between 40 and 50, their clinical symptoms show no peculiarities; ordinary X-rays or myelography will often reveal the mechanism of the compression; etiologically, extradural compressions represent 65% of the causes, with secondary cancer of the spine (97 cases) and epiduritis playing an important role, followed by extramedullary intradural causes (70 cases), although meningioma are relatively rare (8 cases). Finally, intramedullary tumours in this series exclusively made up of glioma seem rare.

[Brain abscess and extracerebral empyema]. / Abcès du cerveau et empyèmes extra cérébraux.

The authors report 80 cases of collected cranio-encephalic suppurations observed in the Neuro Surgical Unit of the University Teaching Hospital of Dakar from 1969 til 1990. 13 cases were necropsy discoveries and 67 cas that were operated consisted of 55 abscesses of the brain and 25 extra-cerebral empyemas. 56 patients were under 20 years of age with an obvious prevalence of male patients. The collected cranio-encephalic suppuration complicated head trauma in 22 cases and was consecutive to an otorhinolaryngeal infection in 10 cases. The typical clinical aspect of progressive installation associated an intracranial hypertension, motor deficit of one side of the body and an epileptic crisis. A brutal beginning was not an exception in 16 cases. This is often in subdural empyemas. Concerning neuroradiology, cerebral angiography still constitutes our method of choice of investigation; echography can only be performed in infants with permeable fontanela, or during post operative surveillance, using the lacuna created by the craniotomy as an acoustic window. Simple puncture and drainage of the cerebral abscess of the classical cutting away in bloc and the utilisation of echography have considerably contributed for the amelioration of post-operative results.

[Solitary intra and extracranial plasmocytoma. Apropos of a case and review of the literature]. / Plasmocytome solitaire intra et extra-cranien. A propos d'une observation et revue de la littérature.

The authors use data drawn from a wide review of literature with an exhaustive bibliography to confirm the rarity of single plasmocytoma in the cranial vault in comparison to other localizations for this tumour. The case observed well illustrates this conclusion and shows how the patients could survive for a long time because solitary plasmocytoma are so sensitive to radiology.

[Non-infectious complications of treatment of hydrocephalus by shunt]. / Complications non infectieuses du traitement de l'hydrocéphalie par shunt.

From january 1975 to december 1988, 234 hydrocephalus cases of newborn and infant treated by ventriculo-peritoneal or ventriculo atrial shunt have been studied at Dakar CHU (University Teaching Hospital) neuro-surgery clinic. The non infectious complications of this type of surgical treatment using inert material, have been observed in 52 patients or 22 per cent even though infectious complications can be noted in 34 per cent of the cases. Among these non infectious complications the extra-cranial mechanical are the most frequent. Fistula or subcutaneous collection of CSF (13 cases), cutaneous necrosis (12 cases), shunt material disconnection (9 cases), obstruction (8 cases). Chronic subdural hematoma has been proved rare and cranio-stenosis secondary to drainage, exceptional. The treatment of mechanical complications by simple revision emphasizes the maintenance of shunt material in place contrary to the treatment of infectious complications that occurs almost always the removal of a material already expensive associated with a long standing antibiotic chemotherapy. Successive revisions and reinsertion of material can raise technical difficulties which will lead to delayed infection. Careful technical procedure of shunting constitutes the best mean prevention against these non infectious complications.

[Mycetoma with neurological manifestations. Inherent therapeutic difficulties in these localizations. Apropos of 5 cases]. / Les mycétomes à expression neurologique. Difficultés thérapeutiques inhérentes à ces localisations. A propos de 5 cas.

The authors report five cases of mycetomas with an original localization, cranio-encephalic and vertebro medullary. Four times it concerned a dorsal or cervical mycetoma with deep enlargement responsible for compression of the spinal cord. In the 5th case, scalp infection reached the dura mater. All patients have got histopathological diagnosis. Therapeutic difficulties are evocated about these singular localizations in a pathology for which greater amputation stands as the rule.

[Neurologic manifestations in Behçet's disease]. / Les manifestations neurologiques de la maladie de Behcet.

Neurological symptoms of Behçet's Disease are numerous and varied, connected with both the peripheral and central nervous systems. Analysis of 5 observations from Fann U. H. C. Neurological Clinic leads to the authors's conclusions on the various clinical aspects and the new etiopathogenic and therapeutic data on this ailment.