Prevalence of urogenital, anal, and pharyngeal infections with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium: a cross-sectional study in Reunion island.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations for sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening vary significantly across countries. This study evaluated the prevalence of urogenital and extragenital infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in patients visiting a French STI clinic in the Indian Ocean region to determine whether current STI screening practices should be updated. METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined all patients who visited the STI clinic between 2014 and 2015. Triplex polymerase chain reaction screening for CT, NG, and MG was performed on urine, vaginal, pharyngeal, and anal specimens (FTD Urethritis Basic Kit, Fast Track Diagnostics, Luxembourg). RESULTS: Of the 851 patients enrolled in the study, 367 were women (367/851, 43.2%) and 484 were men (484/851, 56.0%). Overall, 826 urogenital specimens (826/851, 97.1%), 606 pharyngeal specimens (606/851, 71.2%), and 127 anal specimens (127/851, 14.9%) were taken from enrolled patients. The prevalence of urogenital CT and MG was high in women ≤25 years (19/186, 10.21%; 5/186, 2.69%) and in men who have sex with women ≤30 years (16/212, 7.54%; 5/212, 2.36%). Among patients with urogenital CT infection, 13.7% (7/51) had urethritis. All patients with urogenital MG infection were asymptomatic. Men who have sex with men had a high prevalence of pharyngeal CT (2/45, 4.44%) and NG (3/44, 6.81%) and a high prevalence of anal CT (2/27, 7.41%), NG (2/27, 7.40%), and MG (1/27, 3.70%). After excluding patients with concomitant urogenital infection, extragenital infections with at least 1 of the 3 pathogens were found in 20 swabs (20/91, 21.9%) taken from 16 patients (16/81, 19.7%), all of them asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Routine multisite screening for CT, NG, and MG should be performed to mitigate the transmission of STIs in high-risk sexually active populations.

Chikungunya infection in pregnancy - reassuring maternal and perinatal outcomes: a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, disease severity, and mother-to-child transmission of pregnant women with Chikungunya infection (CHIKV). DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Grenada. POPULATION: Women who gave birth during a Chikungunya outbreak between January 2014 and September 2015 were eligible. METHODS: This descriptive study investigated 731 mother-infant pairs who gave birth during a CHIKV outbreak. Women and infants underwent serological testing for CHIKV by ELISA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes: composite pregnancy complication (abruption, vaginal bleeding, preterm labour/cervical incompetence, cesarean delivery for fetal distress/abruption/placental abnormality or delivery for fetal distress) and composite neonatal morbidity. RESULTS: Of 416 mother-infant pairs, 150 (36%) had CHIKV during pregnancy, 135 (33%) had never had CHIKV, and 131 (31%) had CHIKV outside of pregnancy. Mean duration of joint pain was shorter among women infected during pregnancy (µ = 898 days, σ = 277 days) compared with infections outside of pregnancy (µ = 1064 days, σ = 244 days) (P < 0.0001). Rates of pregnancy complications (RR = 0.76, P = 0.599), intrapartum complications (RR = 1.50, P = 0.633), and neonatal outcomes were otherwise similar. Possible mother-to-child transmission occurred in two (1.3%) mother-infant pairs and two of eight intrapartum infections (25%). CONCLUSION: CHIKV infection during pregnancy may be protective against long-term joint pain sequelae that are often associated with acute CHIKV infection. Infection during pregnancy did not appear to pose a risk for pregnancy complications or neonatal health, but maternal infection just prior to delivery might have increased risk of mother-to-child transmission of CHIKV. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Chikungunya infection did not increase risk of pregnancy complications or adverse neonatal outcomes, unless infection was just prior to delivery.

High prevalence of syphilis in women, minors and precarious patients: a cross-sectional study in a Reunion Island sexually transmitted infection clinic, 2017-2020.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) with a global prevalence estimated at 0.5% in 2012. Syphilis has been on the rise among men who have sex with men (MSM) in high-income countries and remains at endemic levels in low- and middle-income countries. This trend, however, has not been observed in Reunion Island. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors of syphilis in at-risk patients visiting the South Reunion STI clinic in Reunion Island. METHODS: This monocentric cross-sectional study included all patients who visited our STI clinic between 2017 and 2020. Syphilis serology was performed on all included patients, and data were collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Over the 3-year study period, 2593 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of syphilis was 7.52% (n = 195, 95% CI, 6.50-8.65%) in the overall study population, 11.76% (n = 18, 95% CI, 6.97-18.59%) in minors (aged under 18 years) and 36.36% (n = 16, 95% CI, 21-59%) in pregnant women. The risk factors identified in multivariate analysis were being female [adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) 1.85, 95% CI, 1.10-3.11], being MSM (aPR 2.87, 95% CI, 1.71-4.80), being aged under 18 years (aPR 3.54, 95% CI, 1.90-6.57), living in precarious conditions [aPR 3.12, 95% CI, 2.11-4.62] and being born in Reunion Island (aPR 2.43, 95% CI, 1.42-4.13). The clinical presentation was heterogeneous (plaques and papules, chancre, atypical ulcerations, multiple ulcerations, condyloma lata, etc.). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a high prevalence of syphilis in at-risk patients visiting our STI clinic. Unlike the situation in other high-income countries, the people most at risk of syphilis in Reunion Island are local-born residents, minors, women and precarious patients. This is a source of concern, especially given the risk of resurgence of congenital syphilis on the island.

Minors are the most affected by Chlamydia trachomatis in Reunion Island: A cross-sectional study, 2017-2018.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) in the population screened at sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics on Reunion Island and to identify risk factors for CT infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in 2017-2018. Data were obtained from self-administered questionnaires and multiplex PCR tests. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of CT in the screened population was 8.6% (95% CI 7.7-9.5%). The prevalence of urogenital CT was highest in women under 18 (13.2%, 95% CI 9.3-18.1%) and in men who have sex with men under 18 (13.3%, 95% CI 1.6-48.2%). Risk factors associated with CT infection in multivariate analysis were: female gender, being born in Reunion Island, having had a large number of sexual partners in the past year, and being co-infected with another STI. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CT in the screened population is higher in Reunion Island than in mainland France, especially in minors. Prevention campaigns targeting minors should be strengthened.

Asperger's syndrome: What to consider?

Asperger's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder which is part of the large family of autism spectrum disorders. People with Asperger's syndrome have difficulties in social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication, and may display behavioural oddities, with stereotypies and limited interests. They show no language delay and their cognitive development is not marked by an overall delay but by specific impairments in certain areas such as the executive functions. The clinical presentations are very heterogeneous, varying according to age and psychiatric comorbidities. Screening, diagnosis and specialized treatment are not made any easier by the diversity of the clinical manifestations. Asperger's syndrome is often diagnosed belatedly, at 11years of age on average and even in adulthood in some cases. This late diagnosis has a significant impact on the risks of depression and a poor quality of life. However, in adulthood or in adolescence, certain situations, personality traits and cognitive profiles or certain comorbidities should suggest the hypothesis of an Asperger-type autism spectrum disorder. We propose here a review of the clinical situations at different ages of life that could help with the screening and the referral of patients to specialized clinicians for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Rheumatism and chronic fatigue, the two facets of post-chikungunya disease: the TELECHIK cohort study on Reunion island.

Prolonged fatigue is increasingly reported among chikungunya virus (CHIKV)-infected populations. We investigated the relationships between CHIKV exposure, long-lasting rheumatic musculoskeletal pain (LRMSP) and chronic fatigue. 1094 participants (512 CHIKV seropositive and 582 seronegative) of the TELECHIK population-based cohort were analysed considering the duration of the manifestations throughout an average 2-year follow-up. Weighted prevalence rates and prevalence ratios for LRMSP, idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)-like illness, both latter syndromes adapted from Centers for Disease Control (CDC)-1994/Fukuda criteria, were compared. Population attributable fractions (PAF) were estimated to assess the contribution of CHIKV infection to each of the three phenotypes. Among 362 adult subjects who had reported either rheumatic pain or fatigue at the onset of the infection, weighted prevalence rates of LRMSP, ICF and CFS-like illness were respectively of 32.9%, 38.7% and 23.9%, and of 8.7%, 8.5% and 7.4% among initially asymptomatic peers (P < 0.01, respectively). Each of the three outcomes was highly attributable to chikungunya (PAF of 43.2%, 36.2% and 41.0%, respectively). In the sub-cohort of CHIKV-infected subjects, LRMSP, ICF and CFS-like illness, which overlapped in 70%, accounted for 53% of the chronic manifestations. In addition to rheumatic disease, chronic fatigue could be considered in caring for patients with chronic chikungunya disease.

Individual and contextual risk factors for chikungunya virus infection: the SEROCHIK cross-sectional population-based study.

The purpose of the study was to weigh the community burden of chikungunya determinants on Reunion island. Risk factors were investigated within a subset of 2101 adult persons from a population-based cross-sectional serosurvey, using Poisson regression models for dichotomous outcomes. Design-based risk ratios and population attributable fractions (PAF) were generated distinguishing individual and contextual (i.e. that affect individuals collectively) determinants. The disease burden attributable to contextual determinants was twice that of individual determinants (overall PAF value 89.5% vs. 44.1%). In a model regrouping both categories of determinants, the independent risk factors were by decreasing PAF values: an interaction term between the reporting of a chikungunya history in the neighbourhood and individual house (PAF 45.9%), a maximal temperature of the month preceding the infection higher than 28.5 °C (PAF 25.7%), a socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhood (PAF 19.0%), altitude of dwelling (PAF 13.1%), cumulated rainfalls of the month preceding the infection higher than 65 mm (PAF 12.6%), occupational inactivity (PAF 11.6%), poor knowledge on chikungunya transmission (PAF 7.3%) and obesity/overweight (PAF 5.2%). Taken together, these covariates and their underlying causative factors uncovered 80.8% of chikungunya at population level. Our findings lend support to a major role of contextual risk factors in chikungunya virus outbreaks.

The Range of Neurological Complications in Chikungunya Fever.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya fever is a globally spreading mosquito-borne disease that shows an unexpected neurovirulence. Even though the neurological complications have been a major cause of intensive care unit admission and death, to date, there is no systematic analysis of their spectrum available. OBJECTIVE: To review evidence of neurological manifestations in Chikungunya fever and map their epidemiology, clinical spectrum, pathomechanisms, diagnostics, therapies and outcomes. METHODS: Case report and systematic review of the literature followed established guidelines. All cases found were assessed using a 5-step clinical diagnostic algorithm assigning categories A-C, category A representing the highest level of quality. Only A and B cases were considered for further analysis. After general analysis, cases were clustered according to geospatial criteria for subgroup analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-six of 1196 studies were included, yielding 130 cases. Nine were ranked as category A (diagnosis of Neuro-Chikungunya probable), 55 as B (plausible), and 51 as C (disputable). In 15 cases, alternative diagnoses were more likely. Patient age distribution was bimodal with a mean of 49 years and a second peak in infants. Fifty percent of the cases occurred in patients <45 years with no reported comorbidity. Frequent diagnoses were encephalitis, optic neuropathy, neuroretinitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Neurologic conditions showing characteristics of a direct viral pathomechanism showed a peak in infants and a second one in elder patients, and complications and neurologic sequelae were more frequent in these groups. Autoimmune-mediated conditions appeared mainly in patients over 20 years and tended to show longer latencies and better outcomes. Geospatial subgrouping of case reports from either India or Réunion revealed diverging phenotypic trends (Réunion: 88% direct viral vs. India: 81% autoimmune). CONCLUSIONS: Direct viral forms of Neuro-Chikungunya seem to occur particularly in infants and elderly patients, while autoimmune forms have to be also considered in middle-aged, previously healthy patients, especially after an asymptomatic interval. This knowledge will help to identify future Neuro-Chikungunya cases and to improve outcome especially in autoimmune-mediated conditions. The genetics of Chikungunya virus might play a key role in determining the course of neuropathogenesis. With further research, this could prove diagnostically significant.

[Pharmacological treatments in patients with pervasive developmental disorders: A review]. / Efficacité des traitements pharmacologiques dans les troubles envahissants du développement : une revue de la littérature.

BACKGROUND: Pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) are neurodevelepmental disorders that are characterized by severe deficits in socialisation and communication, and the existence of repetitive and stereotyped interests and behaviours. It is estimated more than 60/100,000 children are suffering from PDD. Comorbid disorders are common in people with PDD, including intellectual deficiency, symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity, aggression and disruption, and pervasive repetitive behaviours or thoughts. These symptoms have a negative impact on the outcome and quality of life of the patients and their caregivers. The first-line management of comorbid disorders in PDD is behavioural intervention, but sometimes this is not sufficient, and the use of pharmacological treatment is needed. METHOD: We conducted a review of studies of medical treatments used in patients with PDD to establish which treatments show good evidence of efficacy in PDD. We used the Medline database and the following keywords "pervasive development disorders" or "autism spectrum disorders" or "autistic disorder" and "therapy" or "treatment". RESULTS: The treatments that showed the best efficacy on irritability in well-designed studies are second generation antipsychotics, risperidone and aripiprazole. Some studies indicate that haloperidol is efficient as well, but the very high frequency of extra-pyramidal effects limits its use. Methylphenidate has shown some efficacy on impulsivity and hyperactivity in randomised placebo-controlled studies. First data concerning atomoxetine are promising but better-designed studies are needed. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors: fluvoxamine and fluoxetine have shown some efficacy in the treatment of serious and pervasive repetitive behaviours. Alpha-adrenergic treatments, clonidine and guanfacine, can help in the management of disruptive behaviours in patients with PDD. Data concerning naltrexone are contradictory, indeed many case reports of its efficacy on aggressive (mostly auto-aggressive) behaviours are reported in the literature, but well-designed studies do not find any improvement in patients treated with naltrexone compared with patients treated with placebo. First data concerning ocytocin are promising, indeed, if they were to be confirmed, that would be the first treatment efficient on the core symptoms of PDD.

[Chikungunya virus infection in the Indian Ocean: lessons learned and perspectives]. / L'infection a virus chikungunya dans l'Océan Indien: leçons et perspectives.

After a brief overview of the history of arbovirus epidemics in the Indian Ocean in XIXth and XXth centuries, a full evaluation of the chikungunya epidemic that occurred in 2005-2006 is provided including both lessons learned and future perspectives. On the positive side, the epidemic has allowed improvement of clinical and pathophysiological knowledge, epidemiological surveillance, vector control, awareness of entomology, avenues for research, and understanding of economic and societal repercussions. On the negative side, the epidemic revealed the limitations of a health care system in an island setting, need for an effective sanitary policy, low public-spiritedness, poor diffusion and understanding of public health announcements, endemization of chikungunya virus in the Indian Ocean, absence of vaccine, and global spread of tropical disease. Discussion of perspectives for future arbovirus disease outbreaks in the Indian Ocean is set against the background of climatic change, unequal socioeconomic progress, and high population growth in the Indian Ocean region.

[Perceived morbidity and community burden of chikungunya in La Reunion]. / Morbidité perçue et impact communautaire du chikungunya a l'île de La Réunion: enquête de cohorte en population TELECHIK.

BACKGROUND: Persistence of clinical manifestations, especially polyarthralgia and fatigue, is a characteristic feature of chikungunya virus (CHIK-v) infection. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of prolonged or late-onset manifestations of CHIK-v infection on the self-perceived health of people on Reunion Island. METHODS: This retrospective cohort survey, dubbed TELECHIK survey, was conducted eighteen months after the end of the chikungunya outbreak on a representative random sample from the SEROCHIK population-based survey conducted on Reunion Island. A total of 1094 subjects whose CHIK-v specific IgG antibody status had been documented were interviewed about current symptoms. RESULTS: Analysis of data showed 45% of CHIK+ vs 14% of CHIK- subjects reporting musculoskeletal pain (P < 0.001), 56% vs. 44% reporting fatigue (P = 0.003), 77% vs. 53% reporting cerebral manifestations (P < 0.001), 51% vs. 34% reporting sensorineural impairments (P < 0.001), 18% vs. 13% reporting digestive complaints (P = 0.06), and 38% vs. 32% reporting skin involvement (P = 0.13). The mean delay between infection and interview was two years (range, 15-34 months). Analysis of data after correction for age, gender, body mass index and comorbidity indicated that rheumatic pain, fatigue, cerebral manifestations and sensorineural impairments were more likely in CHIK+ than CHIK- subjects but the likelihood of digestive and skin manifestations was the same. CONCLUSION: With a mean delay of two years after infection, 45% to 77% of CHIK+ subjects reported prolonged or late-onset symptoms attributable to CHIK-v. These results indicate that persistent manifestations of chikungunya infection have a heavy impact on rheumatologic, neurological and sensorineural health.

[Pulmonologist perceptions and practices of palliative care for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Perceptions et pratiques pneumologiques des soins palliatifs chez les patients atteints de bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous studies about poor communication and altered quality of life of patients with chronic obstuctive pulmonary disease (COPD) lead to the conclusion that overall palliative management of COPD remains to be improved. The aim of this study was to describe pulmonologists' practice of palliative care for COPD patients in order to identify obstacles to it. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A survey was sent to all pulmonologists whose email appeared in the 2017 French-language Respiratory Medicine Society's directory. RESULTS: A total of 294 responses were obtained, among which 287 were analysed. Overall, 81.6% of the pulmonologists said that they identify a distinct palliative phase from "sometimes to often" in the care of COPD patients. When not identified, the most common reason given (68.8%) was the difficulty of defining when to start palliative care. Aspects of the palliative approach, which were considered the most problematic for pulmonologists, were the discussion of end of life care, and the impression that COPD patients have a low demand for information. 31% of pulmonologists reported that they gathered information about patients' wishes to undergo resuscitation and endotracheal intubation in 61 % to 100% of patients who they judged to have the most severe disease. CONCLUSION: Uncertainty as to when to begin a palliative approach for COPD patients and perceptions around communication in chronic diseases appear to be the main obstacles to a palliative approach.

Pedunculopontine nucleus stimulation induces monocular oscillopsia.

Two patients with Parkinson's disease with pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) stimulation for gait impairments reported "trembling vision" during the setting of the electrical parameters, although there was no clinically observable abnormal eye movement. Oculomotor recordings revealed frequency locked voltage dependent vertical or oblique movements of the eye ipsilateral to the active contact, suggesting current spreading to the mesencephalic oculomotor fibres. These results emphasise the difficulty of stimulating this mesencephalic region.

[Early onset neonatal infections in the South of the Reunion Island: Incidence and use of 2002 ANAES risk criteria]. / Infection bactérienne néonatale précoce dans le sud de la Réunion: incidence et application des critères de risque Anaes 2002.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of early onset neonatal infections (EONI) in the southern part of the Reunion Island, and to study the application of ANAES criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was made of data collected for all live births having occurred between 1st January 2001 and 31st December 2004. RESULTS: Four hundred and thirty-seven in 16,071 neonates (out of 21,231 live births) presented with a certain or probable EONI, accounting for a regional rate of 20 per thousand (CI95 % 18-23 per thousand). Among 437 EONIs, group B streptococcus (GBS) was reported in 70.5% of the cases (n=308), Gram negative bacteria in 19.9% (n=87), of which nearly two thirds of Escherichia coli (n=56). Applying ANAES criteria led to identify 380 EONIs among 437 proven infections (sensitivity: 87%, specificity: 26%). A logistic regression analysis identified eight EONI predictors for the 7015 neonates for whom the mother GBS screening was documented: GBS positive vaginal culture (OR 4.2; CI95% 3.3-5.4), unexplained preterm birth less than 35 weeks (OR 5.7; CI95% 3.7-8.7), prolonged rupture of membranes greater than or equal to 18 hours (OR 2.1; CI95% 1.4-3.0), maternal fever greater than or equal to 37.8 degrees C (OR 3.2; CI95% 2.3-4.5), fetal tachycardia greater than or equal to 160 ppm (OR 2.7; CI95% 1.8-4.0), and thin (OR 1.6; CI95% 1.2-2.1) or thick meconium-stained amniotic fluid (OR 3.0; CI95% 2.1-4.5) or fetid fluid (OR 14.8; CI95% 4.2-51.8). CONCLUSION: The incidence of EONIS far exceeded that observed in metropolitan France, and the ANAES criteria lack sensitivity and specificity.

Candidemia in the intensive care unit: A 12-year retrospective cohort study in Reunion Island.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infection in an intensive care unit (ICU) in Reunion Island. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study and evaluated 63 candidemia episodes, which occurred between January 2004 and December 2015 in the ICU of a University Hospital in St-Pierre. RESULTS: The incidence rate of candidemia in the ICU was estimated at 7.6%. Candida albicans was the most common yeast pathogen species recovered (54%), followed by Candida glabrata (17%), Candida tropicalis (12%) and Candida parapsilosis (10%). Between 2012 and 2015, we also observed a modification of antifungal use. CONCLUSION: The epidemiology of candidemia in Reunion Island is characterized by the predominance of Candida albicans and by the relative importance of Candida tropicalis. This pattern corresponds to a model of epidemiological transition between the one usually observed in tropical areas and the one observed in temperate countries.

High-risk behaviours for the fœtus in pregnant women: The medicolegal and judicial aspects.

Pregnancy is a period of psychological change which may lead to difficulties of adaptation and psychological suffering and give rise to high-risk behaviours for the fœtus in pregnant women. These risk behaviours, which are defined by certain authors as a form of "maltreatment" of the fœtus, usually spring from the psychological distress of the pregnant woman but are not recognised as a specific medical disorder. We illustrate the difficulties encountered in the identification of, and the specific intervention in, these situations through the clinical case of a pregnant drugs-dependent patient subjected to several stress factors who, in addition to consuming substances, developed high-risk behaviours for herself and her pregnancy: self-endangerment under the influence of substances, falls or refusals of treatment. In our first part, we discuss the medicolegal possibilities afforded by French law to protect the fœtus in the event of the future mother's high-risk behaviours. In our second part, we discuss the successive evolutions of the legal status of the fœtus and pregnancy, and their consequences for medical practice and the clinical situations concerned. The lack of an answer concerning the designation of these behaviours, as either medical, legal or social acts, will prompt perinatal practitioners to a certain medicolegal prudence.

[Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in a neonatal care unit at Reunion Island]. / Infections nosocomiales à Pseudomonas aeruginosa en néonatalogie à l'île de la Réunion.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) hospital-acquired infections in neonates. METHODS: Incidences were assessed retrospectively in the neonatal care units of the Groupe Hospitalier Sud-Réunion, from January 2003 to September 2005. Environmental survey, audit of health care workers and case-control study were performed to reinforce staff training and to determine risk factors. RESULTS: Of 1432 neonates, 40 were infected (median gestational age: 29 weeks, median birth weight: 1195 g), accounting for an attack rate of 2.8%. Between January 2003 and January 2004, incidence rates were less than 2 infections per 1000 hospitalisation days. In the last trimester of year 2004, the incidence rose to 5.6 infections per 1000 hospitalisation days and PA was found in all ocular swabs, leading to diagnose an epidemic. However, it was only 3 months later, after 3 new deaths of very preterm neonates, that the implementation of control measures and an audit of health care practices focused on water utilisation ruled out the outbreak. The overall fatality rate was 25%, and of 71% in severe diseases (septicemia or pneumonia). The epidemic pattern argued for a common unique source. Two risk factors were identified by logistic regression: exposure to mechanical ventilation beyond 4 days (OR 3.3; CI 95%: 1.3-8.4) and very preterm birth (OR 2.7; CI 95%: 1.0-7.7). CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the need for a close collaboration between neonatologists and hygienists to improve health care practices and surveillance.

[Study of 178 ante partum deaths in 2001-2004 in the southern part of Reunion Island]. / Etude des 178 morts foetales in utero dans le sud de l'île de la Réunion en 2001-2004.

INTRODUCTION: The perinatal mortality rate is 18.5 in the southern part of the Reunion Island (Indian Ocean), of which 2/3 are due to antepartum fetal deaths (APFD). METHODS: During a 4-year period (2001-2004) all APFD from 22 weeks gestation were recorded and analyzed with placental histology, bacteriological samples and autopsies in 27% of cases. The Australasian and New-Zealand classification PSANZ-PDC (2000) was used. Risk factors of fetal death with monofetal pregnancies are determined in comparison with live births. RESULTS: Out of 21.495 total births, 178 APFD were recorded. The main obstetrical risk factors were primiparity (OR 1.6, p = 0.002), maternal age over 34 years (OR 1.6, p = 0.01), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (OR 3.0, p < .001) and multiple births (OR 2.5, p < 0.001). The great majority of APFD (76%) involved preterm fetuses, of which 61% of very preterm (<33 weeks), and 25% of fetuses were growth retarded (OR 3.9, p < 0.001). Only 8% of cases were considered unexplained. The main etiologies were infectious causes in 26% of cases, vascular fetal growth restriction (18%), specific perinatal conditions (14%) of which one-third were due to cord anomalies, preeclampsia (10%), maternal conditions (8%), congenital anomalies (8%) and ante-partum hemorrhage (7%). We discuss the interests and the limitations of using the Australian and New-Zealand classification PSANZ 2000. Intra-uterine growth retardation is one of the principal risk factors of fetal death. CONCLUSION: Besides well-known obstetrical risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, multiple pregnancies, all screening of intra-uterine growth retardation in the second trimester of pregnancy should include a special survey in order to minimize the incidence of APFDs.