Conceptualizing human variation.

What is the relationship between the patterns of biological and sociocultural variation in extant humans? Is this relationship accurately described, or best explained, by the term 'race' and the schema of 'racial' classification? What is the relationship between 'race', genetics and the demographic groups of society? Can extant humans be categorized into units that can scientifically be called 'races'? These questions underlie the discussions that address the explanations for the observed differences in many domains between named demographic groups across societies. These domains include disease incidence and prevalence and other variables studied by biologists and social scientists. Here, we offer a perspective on understanding human variation by exploring the meaning and use of the term 'race' and its relationship to a range of data. The quest is for a more useful approach with which to understand human biological variation, one that may provide better research designs and inform public policy.

[Hysterectomy: indications and advantages of the vaginal route in Mali]. / Hystérectomie: indications et avantages de la voie vaginale au Mali.

The purpose of this report was to determine the frequency of hysterectomy and describe its indications and outcomes. A retrospective, descriptive study related to active hysterectomy of was conducted at the reference health centre of commune V in Bamako, Mali from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2008. All hysterectomy patients with complete medical files were included. A total of 172 files were identified including 152 that were complete. Hysterectomy accounted for 1.38% of all interventions during the study period. The procedure was carried out in emergency in 0.14% and electively in 13.39%. Mean patient age was 47.9 +/- 11.7 years; 89 patients were older than 45 years. The indications for hysterectomy were complicated uterine fibroids in 82 patients, genital prolapse in 44, adenomyosis in 10, obstetrical hysterectomy in 13 and cervical dysplasia in 3. The abdominal route was used in 100 patients (65.8%) and the vaginal rout in 52 (34.2%). The duration of the procedure and hospital stay was longer after hysterectomy by the abdominal (p<0.05). Perioperative complications were observed in 17% of patients after abdominal hysterectomy versus 7.69% after vaginal hysterectomy. Two maternal deaths due to hemorrhagic shock were observed after obstetrical hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a frequent intervention that is not without complication risks. Choice of route depends on the indication and skill of the operator. Although endoscopic surgery is still difficult to perform in developing countries, development of vaginal hysterectomy is necessary to reduce perioperative complications.

[Surgery wound infection at surgery "A" department of the University Hospital Point G]. / Infection du site operatoire dans le service de chirurgie « A ¼ du CHU du Point G.

AIM: To determine the frequency of the surgery wound infection, its favoring factors, causative germs and its antibiotic treatment of choice in the surgery "A" department of the University Hospital Point G. METHOD: In a retrospective descriptive study over a 6-month period in the surgery "A" department of the University Hospital Point G, we enrolled all patients who underwent surgery necessitating at least 48 hours of hospital admission during our study period and in conformity with the Atlanta CDC criteria. Surgery patients with less than 48 hours postoperative hospital stay and those admitted to the hospital without surgery were not included.After the surgery, the nature and location of the infection have been clarified. In this work, ethical considerations have been respected and there is no conflict of interest. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-five (n=265) patient files were collected including 24 cases of surgery wound infection (a hospital frequency of 9%. The average age was 41.41 years (y.o) old with extremes of 7 y.o and 102 y.o. The sex ratio was 0.9 in favor of women. The commonly studied pathologies were digestive surgery in 52.8%, gynecological surgery in 24.5%, etc… Patients were seen in regular outpatient surgery visits in 75.8% and surgical emergencies in 24.2%. Of the patients urgently admitted, 26.5% presented an ISO; for those received in ordinary consultation it was 3.48%. Fifteen (15) cases were classified ASA III and two (2) ASA II. Based on the Altemeier classification, surgery was clean in 66.8% of our patients, contaminated clean in 12.4%, contaminated in 12.1%, and dirty in 8.7% (including half resulting in surgery wound infection). In total, 79% of patients whose surgeries lasted more than two (2) hours presented a surgery wound infection. Postoperative infection of patients was superficial in 58.3% and deep in 33.3%. In 8.3% of cases, it was a space infection. At the cytobacteriological examination of the pus from the operative site, Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most common germ with 58.3%. E. coli was sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in 57.14%. Surgically, a re-intervention was performed in 20.8% of cases, a secondary suture in 12.5%, and a single dressing in 66.7%. The average postoperative stay was 6.5 days with extremes of 2 days and 69 days. In 3 months postoperatively we recorded 4 cases of death. CONCLUSION: The surgery wound infection constitutes a major complication in a surgical environment starting with surgical act itself.Particular emphasis should be placed on prevention, which will reduce the risks of ISO occurrence.

BUT: déterminer la fréquence des infections du site opératoire (ISO), les facteurs favorisants la survenue des ISO, les germes responsables et les antibiotiques actifssur les infections du site opératoire dans le service chirurgie « A ¼ du CHU du Point G. MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive sur une période de 6 mois réalisée dans le service chirurgie « A ¼ du CHU du Point G. Ont été inclus tous les patients ayant subi une intervention chirurgicale pendant cette période et hospitalisés au moins 48 heures après, et qui ont répondu aux critères du CDC d'Atlanta. N'ont pas été inclus, les patients opérés dont le séjour post opératoire a été inférieur à 48 heures, les patients hospitalisés dans le service mais non opérés, et ceux opérés dans le service et non hospitalisés. En postopératoire la nature et le siège de l'infection ont été précisées. Dans ce travail les considérations éthiques ont été respectées et il n'y a pas de conflit d'intérêt. RÉSULTATS: deux cent soixante-cinq dossiers de patients ont été colligés dont 24 cas d'ISO soit 9% des cas. L'âge moyen a été de 41,41 ans avec des extrêmes de 7ans et 102 ans. Le sex ratio a été de 0,2 en faveur des femmes. Les principales pathologies étudiées ont été la chirurgie digestive dans 52,8%, la chirurgie gynécologique dans 24,5%. La majorité des patients ont été reçus en consultation ordinaire dans 75,8% des cas, et en urgences dans 24,2 %. Parmi les patients reçus en urgence 26,5% ont présenté une ISO ; pour ceux reçus en consultation ordinaire elle a été de 3,48%.Parmi les patients infectés 15 étaient classés ASA III et 2 ASA II. Selon la classification Altemeier, la chirurgie propre a occupé 66,8% des patients, la chirurgie propre contaminée 12,4%, la chirurgie contaminée 12,1%, et la chirurgie sale 8,7%. Parmi les patients opérés de chirurgie sales 50% ont présenté une ISO.L'ISO était présente chez 79% des patients ayant effectué plus de 2 heures d'intervention.En postopératoire l'infection était superficielle chez 58,3% des patients, et profonde chez 33,3% des patients. Dans 8,3% des cas, il s'agissait d'une infection d'espace. A l'examen cytobactériologique du pus Escherichia coli (E coli) avec 58,3% a été le germe le plus fréquent sur le site opératoire. E coli était sensible à l'association amoxicilline - acide clavulanique dans 57,14%. Sur le plan chirurgical une réintervention a été réalisée dans 20,8% des cas, une suture secondaire dans 12,5%, et un pansement seul dans 66,7%. La durée moyenne de séjour post opératoire était de 6,5 jours avec des extrêmes de 2 jours et 69 jours. En 3 mois postopératoire nous avons enregistré 4 cas de décès. CONCLUSION: L'ISO constitue une complication majeure en milieu chirurgical compromettant l'acte chirurgical. Un accent particulier doit être mis sur la prévention qui diminuerai les risques de survenue de l'ISO.

[Surgical disorders during pre-trial detention at camp 1 of gendarmerie, Bamako (mali): medico-legals aspects]. / Affections chirurgicales en detention preventive au camp 1 de gendarmerie de Bamako (Mali) : Aspects medico-legaux.

The aim of this work was to describe the epidemiological and therapeutic aspects of surgical diseases in patients in pre-trial detention at Camp 1 of Gendarmerie in Bamako (Mali) and to evaluate the medico-legal aspects of this management. METHOD: It was a descriptive retrospective study over a three year period (January 2014 to December 2016). Included were all detainees who had stayed at the Bamako Gendarmerie Camp 1 detention center and whose medical care had required a surgical procedure, performed or coordinated by the staff of the garrison. RESULTS: Clinical records of 42 inmates-patients were collected. Their average age was 36.5 years varying between 24 years and 73 years and all of them were men. The average length of pre-trial detention was 17 months varying from 16 days to 39 months. On arrival, 35.7% of the detainees (15/42) benefited from an initial examination by a garrison infirmary health worker. Among them, 46.7% (7/15) required urgent surgical procedures. The average time to access care was 4 hours varying from to 6 days. Consent to care was obtained from 54.8% (23/42) of prisoners prior to any medical procedure. Traumatic conditions were the main etiologies of emergency care. Systematic screening for communicable diseases and exit visit at discharge were not performed. Over the 3 yearlong study period, no case of death was recorded. CONCLUSION: The medical and surgical management of these detainees has enabled the staff of the garrison infirmary at Camp 1 to acquire knowledge and skills in detention health. The impact of this acquisition is reflected as an improvement in the quality of care over the years.

OBJECTIFS: décrire les aspects épidémiologiques, thérapeutiques des affections chirurgicales chez les patients en détention préventive au Camp 1 de gendarmerie de Bamako (Mali) et analyser les aspects médico-légaux. MÉTHODE: L'étude était rétrospective descriptive sur une période de trois ans (janvier 2014 à décembre 2016), réalisée chez les patients au cours de leur détention préventive au Camp 1 de gendarmerie de Bamako. Ont été inclus, tous les détenus ayant séjournés au centre de détention du Camp 1 de gendarmerie de Bamako et dont la prise en charge médicale avait nécessité un acte chirurgical, réalisé ou coordonné par l'équipe soignante de l'infirmerie de la dite garnison. RÉSULTATS: Les dossiers cliniques de 42 patients ont été colligés. L'âge moyen était de 36,5 ans avec des extrêmes de 24 ans et 73 ans. Tous étaient de sexe masculin.La durée moyenne de la détention préventive était de 17 mois avec des extrêmes de 16 jours et 36 mois.A leur arrivée 35,7% des détenus (N=15/42) ont été vus par un agent de santé, parmi lesquels 16,6% (N=7) avaient besoin de gestes chirurgicaux en urgence. Le délai moyen d'accès aux soins était de 4 heures avec des extrêmes de 6 jours. Le consentement aux soins avait été obtenu dans 54,8% (N=23/42). Les affections traumatiques ont été les principales étiologies des soins en urgence. Aucun dépistage systématique d'affections contagieuses, ni de visite de sortie. Aucun décès n'avait été enregistré pendant les 3 années de l'étude. CONCLUSION: Les affections chirurgicales ne sont pas rares en détention au camp1 de gendarmerie de Bamako. Le déficit de prise en compte des aspects médicolégaux influence sur la qualité des soins aux détenus.

[Consent To The Episiotomy About 331 Cases At The Health Reference Center Of The "Commune I" Of The District Of Bamako]. / Consentement A L'Episiotomie A Propos De 331 Cas Au Centre De Sante De Reference De La Commune I Du District De Bamako.

Episiotomy is a surgical act performed during childbirth to widen the vaginal opening; like any other medical procedure, its benefits and risks must be made known to patients in accordance with the legal and regulatory provisions of each country.The principle of immunity of the human body makes that the consent in the care is the keystone of the doctor-patient relationship, this consent is the first legitimization of the medicalact. The consent has to «be free and lit¼ as far as the decision of the patient must be taken without any constraint or pressure having obtained all the necessary information. This practice is not respected most of the time in our countries in spite of the fact that it's not observance engages the responsibility of the practitioner. OBJECTIVE: Study the consent of women who have undergone an episiotomy at the reference health center of "commune I" in the District of Bamako. METHOD AND MATERIAL: This is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Obstetric Gynecology Department of the "Commune I" Health Center of the Bamako District from March 1, 2010 to February 29, 2012, involving 331 patients. We conducted the history and physical examination of women seen in post natal consultation who had undergone an episiotomy, a survey sheet was completed for each of them meeting our criteria. Data capture and analysis was done on SPSS 18; the texts and tables were processed on Microsoft Word Office 2007 software; Graphic representations were processed on Microsoft Excel Office 2007. ETHICAL ASPECTS: Women were informed of the study's objectives and interests; Confidential and anonymous insurance. RESULTS: In our study the practice of the episiotomy concerned 32, 19 % of the cases of assisted childbirths. The average age of the patients was of 25 years with extremes going of 14-46 years, the rigidity of the perineum was the main indication of the episiotomy in 41.1% of cases. Only 32.02% of the participants were previously informed prior to the practice of episiotomy. The information given was well understood in the same proportions is 32, 02% of cases and the assent lit with the episiotomy was obtnained in 29.31%. of cases. The information given was well understood in the same proportions of 32.02% of cases and informed consent to episiotomy was obtained in 29.31% of cases. CONCLUSION: In our study, the majority of our women have undergone episiotomy without any consent; the respect of the fundamental rights of the sick by health personnel, through the search for free and informed consent throughout the process of care, any breach of this duty constitutes a violation of the legal and ethical provisions.

L'épisiotomie est un acte chirurgical pratiqué aucours de l'accouchement pour élargir l'orifice vaginal ; comme tout autre acte médical, ses avantages et risques doivent être mis à la connaissance des patients conformément aux dispositions légales et réglementaires de chaque pays. Le principe d'inviolabilité du corps humain fait que le consentement aux soins est la clé de voûte de la relation médecin-patient, ce consentement est la légitimation première de l'acte médical. Le consentement doit être « libre et éclairé" dans la mesure où la décision du patient doit être prise sans aucune contrainte ou pression après avoir obtenu toutes les informations nécessaires. Cette pratique n'est pas le plus souvent respectée dans nos pays en dépit du fait que la non observance engage la responsabilité du praticien. OBJECTIF GÉNÉRAL: Etudier le consentement des parturientes ayant subi une épisiotomie au centre de santé de référence de la commune I du District de Bamako. OBJECTIFS SPÉCIFIQUES: Déterminer la fréquence des patientes ayant subi l'épisiotomie chez lesquelles l'information est donnée ; Déterminer la fréquence des patientes ayant subi l'épisiotomie ayant parfaitement compris l'information donnée ; Déterminer la fréquence des patientes ayant subi l'épisiotomie chez lesquelles le consentement éclairé à l'épisiotomie est obtenu. RÉSULTATS: Dans notre étude la pratique de l'épisiotomie a concernée 32,19% des cas d'accouchements assistés. L'âge moyen des patientes était de 25 ans avec des extrêmes allant de 14-46 ans. La rigidité du périnée était la principale indication de l'épisiotomie avec 41,1% des cas. Seulement 32,02% des parturientes étaient au préalable informées avant la pratique de l'épisiotomie. Les informations données étaient bien comprises dans les mêmes proportions soit 32,02%des cas et le consentement éclairé à l'épisiotomie a été obtenu dans 29,31%des cas. CONCLUSION: Dans notre étude, la majorité de nos parturientes a subi l'épisiotomie sans aucun consentement ; le respect des droits fondamentaux des malades par le personnel sanitaire, passe par la recherche d'un consentement libre et éclairé tout au long du processus de la prise en charge, tout manquement à ce devoir constitue une violation des dispositions légales et déontologiques.

[Major Causes Of Limb Amputations At The Hospital In Sikasso]. / Les Causes Des Amputations Majeures Des Membres A L'Hopital De Sikasso.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to determine the major causes of limb amputations to improve its treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a-18 month prospective study from March 2015 to September 2016 at the Hospital of Sikasso, a hospital of second reference in Mali. RESULTS: We carried out 50 major limb amputations including 25 men and 25 women aged 38.9 years old on average with extremes of 3 and 80 years old. The amputed limb was the upperlimb in 38 cases (76%) and the lowerlimb in 12 cases (24%). Housewives were the most represented with 18 cases (36%), followed by farmers with 15 cases (30%). The amputation was done immediately or in delayed emergency in 32 cases (54%). Trauma was the most frequent etiology with 13 cases (26%). The post-operative complications have been met in 47 cases. They have been dominated by stump pain and delayed healing in 23 cases (49%) each, suppuration in 10 cases (21%) and the stump necrosis in 3 cases (7%). The mortality rate was 8% (4 cases). We have made prosthetic apparatus for18 patients (36%). CONCLUSION: The limb amputation is frequent and youths were the most involved. Due the lack of financial support, 64% of our patients could not afford prosthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Le but de ce travail était de déterminer les causes des amputations majeures des membres afin d'améliorer leur prise en charge. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: il s'agissait d'une étude prospective de 18 mois. Elle s'est déroulée de Mars 2015 à Septembre 2016à l'hôpital de Sikasso,un hôpital de deuxième référence du Mali. Elle a porté sur 50 patients (25 hommes et 25 femmes). RÉSULTATS: Nous avons réalisé 50 amputations majeures des membres chez 25 hommes et 25 femmes avec un âge moyen de 38,9 ans et des extrêmes de 3 ans et 80 ans. Dans 38 cas (76%) l'amputation avait concerné le membre inférieur et dans 12 cas (24%) le membre supérieur. Les ménagères étaient les plus représentées soit 18 cas (36%) suivies des agriculteurs dans15 cas (30%). L'amputation était réalisée en urgence ou urgence différée dans 32 cas (54%). L'étiologie traumatique était la plus fréquente soit13 cas (26%).Les complications post-opératoires ont été rencontrées dans 47 cas. Elles ont été dominées par la douleur du moignon dans 23 cas (49%), la suppuration dans 10 cas (21%), le retard de cicatrisation 11 cas (23%) et la nécrose du moignon dans 3 cas (7%). Le taux de mortalité était de 8% (4 cas). Nous avons confectionné des appareils prothétiques pour 18 patients soit 36%. CONCLUSION: L'amputation de membre a été fréquenteet a concerné le sujet jeune. Par manque de moyens financiers 64% de nos patients ne sont pas appareillés.

[Diagnosis and therapeutic aspects of the amoebic liver abscesses in the surgery at point "G" Hospital]. / Aspects Diagnostiques et Therapeutiquesdes Abces Amibiens du Foie dans le Service de Chirurgie "A" du CHU du Point "G".

AIM: Our aim was to evaluate the diagnosis and therapeutic aspects of the amoebic liver abscesses in the surgery «A¼ department of the University hospital Point "G". PATIENTS AND METHODS: Were included in this study, patients admitted to the surgery «A¼ department for amoebic liver abscess confirmed by a positive amoebic serology and the chocolate appearance of bacteria-free pus. Bacterial liver abscesses were not included into this study. RESULTS: Over a 10-year period, 52 cases of patients diagnosed with amoebic liver abscess were collected in the department. There were 41 men and 11 women, with a sex ratio of 3.7. The mean age was 37.8 years old with extremes of 15 and 66 years. The most represented professions were farmers (36.5%) followed by salesmen (26.7%) and students (11.5%). The average outpatient visit delay time was 18.5 days with the extremes of 5 and 34 days. The most frequent clinical signs were pain in the right hypochondrium (86.5%), fever (78.8%) and hepatomegaly (61.5%). Abdominal ultrasound showed a single located abscess in 44 patients (84.6%) and these abscesses were localized in the right hepatic lobe in 34 patients(65.4%). The average volume of the abscess was 366.5 cm3 with the extremes of 36 cm3 and 1580 cm3. Amoebic serology was positive in 38 patients (80.9%). Cytobacteriological analysis of pus in 37 patients (71%) was negative. Patients underwent an ultrasound assisted needle aspiration of pus in 65.4% he. Laparotomy and a laparoscopic approach were performed in 7.7% and in 5.8%, respectively. The clinical course was uneventfulin 94.2%. The mean hospital stay duration was 16.5 days with the extremes of 4 and 29 days. No death was recorded during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Amoebic liver abscess is an uncommon pathology in a surgical setting. Abdominal ultrasound andechography guided liver puncture allowed the diagnosis. Laparoscopic approach minimizes the burden of the laparotomy.

BUT: Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer les aspects diagnostiques et thérapeutiques des abcès amibiens du foie dans le service de chirurgie " A " du CHU du Point G. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODES: Ont été inclus dans cette étude, les patients admis dans le service de chirurgie "A" pour abcès amibien du foie sur la base de la positivité de la sérologie amibienne, de l'aspect chocolat du pus et de l'absence de bactéries dans le pus. Les abcès bactériens ont été exclus de cette étude. RÉSULTATS: En 10 ans, 52 dossiers de patients diagnostiqués pour abcès amibiens du foie ont été colligés dans le service. Il s'est agi de 41 hommes et de 11 femmes soit un sex-ratio de 3,7. L'âge moyen des patients a été de 37,8 ans avec des extrêmes de 15ans et 66 ans. Les professions les plus représentées ont été les cultivateurs (36,5%), les commerçants (26,7%) et les élèves et étudiants (11,5%).Le délai moyen de consultation a été de 18,5 jours avec des extrêmes de 5 jours et 34 jours. Les signes cliniques les plus fréquents ont été la douleur de l'hypochondre droit (86,5%), la fièvre (78,8%) et l'hépatomégalie (61,5%). L'échographie abdominale a objectivé un abcès unique dans 44 cas (84,6%) et l'abcès a été localisé dans le lobe hépatique droit dans 34 cas (65,4%). Le volume moyen de l'abcès était de 366,5cm3 avec des extrêmes de 36 cm3 et 1580cm3. La sérologie amibienne a été positive dans 80,9% (n = 38). La culture a été stérile à l'analyse cytobactériologique du pus dans 37 cas (71%). Une ponction évacuatrice écho-guidée a été réalisée dans 65,4% des cas. La procédure chirurgicale a consisté à réaliser une laparotomie dans 7,7% des cas et un abord coelioscopique dans 5,8%. Les antibiotiques utilisés ont été le métronidazole par voie intraveineuse chez tous les patients, associés à la céftriaxone dans 78,8% (n=41). L'évolution clinique a été favorable dans 94,2%. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation a été de 16,5 jours avec des extrêmes de 4 jours et 29 jours. Aucun décès n'a été constaté pendant l'hospitalisation. CONCLUSION: L'abcès amibien du foie est une pathologie peu fréquente en milieu chirurgical. L'échographie abdominale et la ponction écho-guidée ont permis de poser le diagnostic. Le traitement par abord coelioscopique minimise les inconvénients de la laparotomie.

[Appendiceal Duplication In A Patient Operated For Chilled Appendix Breastplate At Gao Regional Hospital]. / Duplication Appendiculaire Chez Une Patiente Operee Pour Plastron Appendiculaire Refroidi A L'Hopital Regional De Gao, A Propos D'Un Cas.

Appendiceal duplication is the very rare malformation. It was first described by Picoli in 1892. It is a condition that is most often seen in the first years of life, sometimes some forms may remain asymptomatic and only occur in adulthood. We report the case of appendiceal duplication in a patient operated for chilled appendix breastplate at Gao Regional Hospital. CONCLUSION: appendiceal duplication is a rare abnormal abnormality of intraoperative discovery in general. Each surgeon must think about it during an appendectomy.

La duplication appendiculaire est une malformation très rare. Elle a été décrite pour la première fois par Picoli en 1892. C'est une affection qui se manifeste le plus souvent dans les premières années de vie, parfois certaines formes peuvent rester asymptomatiques et ne s'expriment qu'à l'âge adulte. Nous rapportons le cas de duplication appendiculaire chez une patiente opérée pour plastron appendiculaire refroidi à l'hôpital régional de Gao. CONCLUSION: la duplication appendiculaire est une anomalie malformative rare de découverte per opératoire en général. Chaque chirurgien doit y penser au cours d'une appendicectomie.

A public health approach for leprosy detection based on a very short term-training of primary health care workers in basic dermatology.

INTRODUCTION: In countries where leprosy control is integrated to general heath services, health workers, at primary health care level, often manage a large number of patients with skin diseases including leprosy. The distinction of leprosy from others skin diseases requires more skill and attention. Basic dermatological knowledge will help these staff to provide a better quality of care. A few years ago, a short term training programme focussed on leprosy and some common skin diseases was set up in Mali through a pilot project. This study will evaluate the impact of this training on the detection of leprosy at primary health care level. METHODS: health care workers from two health districts were invited to participate in the training. Trainee was submitted to an anonymous written test before training, immediately after and 12-18 months post-training using a standardized scoring system. The suspected or referred leprosy cases before and after training were compared. Data were recorded and analysed with the software Epi info version 6.04. RESULTS: Overall, 495 HCW attended the three anonymous written tests (before training, just after and 12-18 months later). The proportion of participants who gave correct answers before training, just after were respectively: 33 and 57% for correct diagnosis, 5 and 39% for test of sensation and 28 and 47% for referral. Eight patients suspected of leprosy were referred for further examination; in these, five cases of leprosy were detected. DISCUSSION: The training showed a huge improvement in the skill of the participants in managing leprosy patients. This study addresses how leprosy control can be improved by involving primary health care staff and by the implementation of only a single day's training on basic dermatology. CONCLUSION: The role of the dermatologist in this post-elimination era of leprosy needs to be reconsidered and adapted to the increasing need to take multiple programmes, inclusive of dermatology and leprosy, into primary health care services and those interested in leprosy control should fund these programmes.

Ethnobotanical survey and antibacterial activity of some plants used in Guinean traditional medicine.

A total of 418 healers have been interviewed in Guinea, a coastal country of West Africa, ranging between 7 degrees 30 and 12 degrees 30 of northern latitude and 8 degrees and 15 degrees of western longitude. Plant species used by the local inhabitants to treat infectious diseases were identified using ethnobotanical, ethnographic and taxonomic methods. During these investigations, 218 plants were registered, of which the following were the most frequently used: Erythrina senegalensis, Bridelia ferruginea, Crossopteryx febrifuga, Ximenia americana, Annona senegalensis, Cochlospermum tinctorium, Cochlospermum planchonii, Lantana camara, Costus afer, Psidium guajava, Terminalia glaucescens, Uapaca somon and Swartzia madagascariensis. Most plants, and especially the leaves, were essentially used as a decoction. In order to assess antibacterial activity, 190 recipes were prepared and biologically tested, among which six showed activity (minimal inhibitory concentration<125 microg/ml) against Bacillus cereus, Mycobacterium fortuitum, Staphylococcus aureus, or Candida albicans, i.e., Entada africana, Chlorophora regia, Erythrina senegalensis, Harrisonia abyssinica, Uvaria tomentosa, and a mixture of six plants consisting of Swartzia madagascariensis, Isoberlinia doka, Annona senegalensis, Gardenia ternifolia, Terminalia glaucescens and Erythrina senegalensis.

[Vulvar complications of urogenital schistosomiasis: study of 8 cases in Ségou, Mali]. / Complications vulvaires de la schistosomose uro-génitale: étude de 8 cas à Ségou, Mali.

We present a retrospective study of eight cases of vulvar bilharziasis who attended our institution for dermatological visit from 1998 to 2001. The mean age was 11 years old (range: 7 to 13). The clinical examination found wart like or ulcerated nodules, papules and/or diffuse infiltration. All the lesions were located on the left side of the vulvae (labium) and/or the groin. S. haematobium was the only causative agent identified in all specimens. The exclusive left side location of the lesions reported here has never been mentioned in the previous studies. The physiopathology of this finding is possibly linked to factors similar to those explaining the Cockett syndrome. Further examinations, including ultrasonography of the pelvis in larger series, are needed to learn more about the mechanism of this clinical entity.

[Epidemiological aspects of Ebola virus disease in Guinea (december 2013-april 2016)]. / Aspects épidémiologiques de la maladie à virus Ebola en Guinée (décembre 2013­avril 2016).

Ebola Zaire species variant Makona between its emergence in December 2013 and April 2016, resulted in an epidemic of Guinea importance and unprecedented gravity with 3814 reported cases of which 3358 were confirmed (88.0%) and 2544 were died (66.7%). The epidemic has evolved in phases: a silent phase without identification of all fatal cases until February 2014; a first outbreak from March 2014, when the alarm is raised and the virus detected, which lasted until July 2014; a second increase, which was the most intense, from August 2014 to January 2015 focused primarily on the forest Guinea; and a final increase from February 2015 centered on lower Guinea and the capital Conakry. Adapting strategies in 2015 (initiative "Zero Ebola in 60 days" active case search and suspicious deaths and awareness of active prefectures, microbanding the last affected communities and raking around these localities) and ring vaccination of contacts around confirmed cases has allowed to gradually control the main outbreak in October 2015. But a survivor was originally resurgence in forest areas between March and April 2016 with 10 cases including 8 deaths. The epidemic has particularly affected the forest Guinea region (44% and 48% of Guinean cases and deaths), elderly women (≥ 50 years), and health professionals (211 cases including 115 deaths); however, almost one-third of the patients (32.6%) was not provided supportive care in the Ebola centers. The epidemic is currently marked by the resurgence of small foci, from excreting subjects cured of the virus who have been controlled so far successfully. The survivors are the subject of special attention. It is necessary to learn lessons from the response to better prepare for the future, to improve knowledge about the natural history of the Ebola virus disease, and to rethink communication in this regard with the public and its leaders.

[Epidemic meningitis in 2013 in Republic of Guinea: Nesseria meningitidis W135 emergence]. / Epidémie de méningite en République de Guinée en 2013 : émergence de Nesseria meningitidis W135.

A prospective study conducted from 1 January to 31 December 2013 described a meningitis epidemic in Republic of Guinea. The identification of the germs was based on Gram stain, latex agglutination and culture. During the study period, 480 suspected cases of meningitis were reported by 21 health districts. The average age was 18±8 years and 62.5% were men. The vaccination status was unknown in all patients. The largest attack rates were found in Siguiri (3.2 per 10,000), Kankan (2.6 per 10,000) and Dabola (3.9 per 10,000). The locality of Kintinian in Siguiri was the only one to cross the epidemic threshold. The identified microorganisms were Haemophilus influenzae (1 time), Pneumococcus (2 times), Neisseria meningitidis A (4 times) and W135 (10 times) with a total of 17 positive samples. All of these germs were sensitive to chloramphenicol, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. The average hospital stay was 6.5±2 days. The lethality was 13.8%. This meningitis epidemic was characterized by the emergence of Neisseria meningitidis W135. The monitoring of this serogroup should be increased and future vaccination strategies must include it presence.

[Management of goiters in the surgery «A¼ department of the Point G university hospital]. / Prise en charge des goitres en chirurgie «A¼ du CHU du Point G.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical treatment of goiter in the «A¼ surgical department of the Point G University Hospital in Bamako. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective and descriptive study in the «A¼ surgical department of the Point G University Hospital from January 2007 to August 2014. Included in the study were all the patients operated for goiter. The patients who underwent surgery for other thyroid diseases were not selected. Postoperatively patients were followed for one year. The sociodemographic, clinical, para-clinical, therapeutic aspects and the postoperative course were the study parameters. Data analysis was performed on SPSS 21. The Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. A p-value inferior to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 378 patients' records were collected. Thyroidectomy represented 6.2% (378 cases) over 6027 operations. The mean age was 41.29 years with a standard deviation of 13.58. Extremes were 3 and 85 years. The sex ratio was 7.22 in favor of women. The frequent reason for consultation was due to antero-cervical tumor with 97.07% of cases (n = 367). We identified 118 cases (31.22%) of goiter in cooled hyperthyroidism patients, 211 cases (55.82%) of euthyroid goiter, 7 cases (1.85%) of the thyroid neoplasia and one case (0.3%) of hypothyroidism goiter. Pathological histology helped to highlight a micro-vesicular macro adenoma in 16.1% of cases (61 patients); adenocarcinoma in 0.7% of cases (3 patients) and papillary carcinoma in 1.1% of patients (4 patients). The patients classified as ASA I and ASA II represented the majority with respectively 248 cases (65.60%) and 120 cases (31.74%). The most performed surgical techniques were subtotal thyroidectomy (n=181; 49.7%), the isthmo-lobectomy (126; 33.3%), total thyroidectomy (n=11; 2.9%) and sternotomy in one case of endothoracic goiter. Intraoperative complications were marked by hemorrhage in 12.7% of cases (45 patients). The postoperative one month follow up was uneventful in 91.79% (n = 347) and transient recurrent nerve injury was found in 2% of cases (1 patient). In one year follow up the postoperative outcome was good in 94.17% (n = 356) of patients. The mean hospital stay was 4.18 days. Six deaths were recorded (1.7%). CONCLUSION: Goiter surgery is relatively common in the surgery 'A' department of the Point G University hospital. Good patient preparation and a better postoperative monitoring could help to minimize postoperative complications.

Le but de ce travail était d'évaluer la prise en charge chirurgicale des goitres dans le service de chirurgie «A¼ du CHU du Point G, à Bamako. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive menée dans le service de chirurgie «A¼ du CHU du POINT G, de Janvier 2007 à Août 2014. Ont été inclus dans l'étude tous les patients reçus et opérés pour goitre. N'ont pas été retenus les patients opérés pour un kyste du tractus thyréoglosse, les abcès cervicaux, les traumatismes du cou, et les dossiers incomplets. Les patients ont été suivis pendant un an en postopératoire. Les aspects sociodémographiques, cliniques, para cliniques, thérapeutiques, ainsi que les suites opératoires ont été les paramètres d'étude. L'analyse des données a été effectuée sur le logiciel SPSS version 21. Le test statistique utilisé a été le Khi 2. Une valeur de p< 0,05 a été considérée comme statistiquement significative. RÉSULTATS: Un total de 378 dossiers de patients ont été colligés. La thyroïdectomie a représenté 6,2% (378 cas) sur 6027 interventions. L'âge moyen était de 41,99 ans avec un écart type de 13,58. Les extrêmes étaient de 3 ans et 85 ans. Le sex ratio était de 7,22 en faveur du sexe féminin. La tuméfaction antero-cervicale était le motif de consultation le plus fréquent avec 97,07% des cas (n= 367). Nous avons recensé 118 cas (31,22%) de goitre en hyperthyroïdie refroidie, 211 cas (55,82%) de goitre euthyroïdien, 7 cas (1,85%) de néoplasie de la thyroïde, un cas (0,3%) d'hypothyroïdie. L'histologie a permis de mettre en évidence un adénome micro-macro vésiculaire dans 16,1% des cas (61 patients); un adénocarcinome dans 0,7% des cas (3 patients); un carcinome papillaire dans 1,1% des cas (4 patients). Les patients de classe ASA I et ASA II étaient majoritaires avec respectivement (248 cas; 65,60%, et 120 cas; 31,74%). Les techniques chirurgicales les plus réalisées étaient la thyroïdectomie subtotale (181; 49,7%), l'isthmo-lobectomie (126; 33,3%), une thyroïdectomie totale (11; 2,9%); une sternotomie dans un cas de goitre endothoracique. Une hémorragie était notée dans 12,7% des cas (45 patients) en peropératoire. Les suites opératoires à un mois étaient simples dans 91,79% (n=347) et une lésion transitoire du nerf récurrent dans 2% des cas (1 patient). Les suites opératoires à un an étaient simples chez 94,17% (n=356) des patients. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 4,18 jours. Six décès ont été enregistrés (1,7%). CONCLUSION: La chirurgie des goitres est relativement fréquente dans le service de chirurgie «A¼ du CHU du POINT G. Une bonne préparation et une meilleure surveillance post opératoire pourraient aider à minimiser les complications post opératoires.

Definition of an algorithm for the management of common skin diseases at primary health care level in sub-Saharan Africa.

In order to help primary health care (PHC) workers in developing countries in the care of common skin diseases, an algorithm for the management of pyoderma, scabies, superficial mycoses, contact dermatitis and referral of early leprosy cases (based on the identification of diseases through the presence of objective key signs, and on treatments by generic drugs) was elaborated. One thousand patients were seen by trained dermatologists, who established diagnoses and treatments; in addition, there was systematic recording of each key sign, according to the successive algorithm steps. We compared the diagnostics and treatments obtained for several combinations of diagnostic signs, with those of the dermatologists. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of defined combinations were high for pyoderma, scabies and superficial mycoses. Values were less exact for dermatitis and leprosy, but were considered sufficient for the level of health care targeted. The apportionment of treatments between the algorithm and the dermatological approaches was considered appropriate in more than 80% of cases; mismanagement was possible in 7% of cases, with few predictable harmful consequences. The algorithm was found satisfactory for the management of the dermatological priorities according to the standards required at the PHC level.

High prevalence of non-leprotic hypochromic patches among children in a rural area of Mali, West Africa.

The identification of one or several hypochromic patches (HP) on the skin is a key stage in the diagnosis of leprosy on dark skin. However, HP are often caused by other disorder than leprosy. A study to determine the prevalence and causes of HP among children was carried out in a rural area of Mali in November 2001. All children under 15 years of age in two villages in an endemic area were screened by two dermatologists. Among the 1729 children seen, HP were identified in 71 patients, with a prevalence of 4.1%. The most common cause of HP was tinea versicolor, which was present in 39.4% of children with HP, followed by pityriasis alba in 31%, naevus achromicus in 24% and vitiligo in 5.6%. No case of leprosy was detected. Our study raises several points with practical consequences for the detection of leprosy cases: the high prevalence of non-leprous HP compared to leprosy, the reliability of the clinical diagnosis of leprosy, and the role of general health care workers in the detection of leprosy cases. Helping those who should be involved in that detection in distinguishing true cases from other hypochromic disorders appears to be a priority.

Does metabolic syndrome or its individual components affect pain and function in knee osteoarthritis women?

BACKGROUND: Current studies and research support the role of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, few studies have focused on its impact on knee OA parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate if metabolic syndrome or its individual components affect the intensity of pain, functional disability, and radiographic severity in knee osteoarthritis women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study including confirmed radiographic knee osteoarthritis according to Kellgren and Lawrence scale, with and without metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The two groups were compared for pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Lequesne index, Womac function, and radiological grade after adjusting for significant covariates. Multiple regression analysis was used to identify the independent effects of each specific component for metabolic syndrome on knee osteoarthritis parameters. RESULTS: One hundred thirty women were included. The mean age was 56.68±8.07 [34-75] years, and the mean BMI was 32.54±2.92 [23-37] kg/m2. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 48.5%. Women with and without metabolic syndrome had similar knee osteoarthritis parameters. However, accumulation of MetS components was associated with higher level of pain (OR = 3.7, CI = [1.5-5.9], p=0.001), independently of age and BMI. Multiple regression analyses showed, after adjusting for all covariates, that hyperglycemia had a positive impact on pain (p=0.009), waist circumference was positively associated with Lequesne index (p=0.04), high triglycerides level was significantly associated with increased pain (p=0.04) and higher Lequesne score (p=0.05), and Systolic blood pressure was positively correlated with Lequesne index (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In addition to weight reduction, appropriate treatment of metabolic syndrome needs to become an important management strategy for knee pain and functional impairment.

25-Hydroxy vitamin D and its relationship with clinical and laboratory parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its association with disease activity, severity and physical disability. We included patients with rheumatoid arthritis followed in Rheumatology Department of Hassan II University Hospital, Fez, Morocco. Patients suffering from liver and kidney insufficiency and those who had received vitamin D in the previous 12 months have been excluded. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v 18. A bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with vitamin D deficiency. One hundred seventy patients were included with a mean age of 50 ± 12.1 [17-83] years, and a female predominance (88.1%). All of our patients had hypovitaminosis D. The prevalence of 25(OH)-D insufficiency and deficiency was 64.5 and 35.5% successively. In unadjusted analysis, vitamin D concentration was inversely associated with pain visual analog scale VAS score (p < 0.001), asthenia VAS (p < 0.001), morning stiffness (p = 0.03), number of tender joints (p = 0.004), number of swollen joints (p < 0.001), inflammatory markers (p = 0,012), Disease Activity Score (p = 0.009), physical disability using Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) (p = 0.001), and severity of the disease (p < 0.001). After logistic regression persisted association with female sex (OR = 4.3, CI = [0.94 to 20.976], p = 0.05), asthenia VAS (OR = 1.029, CI = [1.011 to 1.046], p = 0.001), and with the severity of the disease (OR = 2.910, CI = [1.314-6.441], p = 0.008). The vitamin D deficiency is common in our patients with RA. This deficiency is associated with female sex, severe asthenia, and the severity of the disease.

[Interest of laparoscopic surgery in the management of chronic abdominal pains in the surgery "A" department of the of the Point G University Hospital]. / Interet de la laparoscopie dans la prise en charge des douleurs abdominales chroniques dans le service de chirurgie "A" du CHU du Point G.

AIM: to evaluate the contribution of laparoscopic surgery in the management of chronic abdominal pains of unspecified etiology. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted over a period of 49 months (March 2008 to March 2012), in the surgery A service of the Point G university hospital. RESULTS: 52 patients suffering from chronic abdominal pain for 3 months have been listed. There were 36 women and 16 men, with a sex-ratio of 2.25. The pathologies found in laparoscopy were: 16 cases of adherences, 16 cases of gynaecological diseases, 6 cases of chronic appendicitis, 5 cases of chronic cholecystitis, 6 cases of abdominal tumors and 3 cases of intrauterine contraceptives in abdomen. Conversion to laparotomy was not made and mortality was null. No lesion was found in 11.54% of cases. The mean duration of hospitalization was 2 days. The duration of follow-up of the patients was 18 months with a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 24 months. No painful symptomatology was found in 6 months in 88.46% of the cases. Persistent stomach pains were found in 3% of the cases. 8.54% of the patients had an improvement of symptomatology. CONCLUSION: Chronic abdominal pains put a diagnosis problem in surgery. Laparoscopy is a reference technique to diagnose this pain and to discuss them.

BUT: évaluer l'apport de la chirurgie laparoscopique dans la prise en charge des douleurs abdominales chroniques d'étiologie indéterminée. MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective et descriptive sur une période de 49 mois (mars 2008 à mars 2012), dans le service de chirurgie A du CHU du point G. RÉSULTATS: 52 patients souffrant de douleur abdominale depuis 3 mois ont été recensés. Il s'agissait de 36 femmes et 16 hommes soit un sex-ratio de 2,25. Les pathologies retrouvées à la laparoscopie étaient : 16 cas d'adhérences, 16 cas d'affections gynécologiques (hydrosalpinx, kystes dermoïdes, salpingites, endométriose externe), 6 cas d'appendicites chroniques, 5 cas cholécystites chroniques, 6 cas de tumeurs abdominales et 3 cas de stérilet intra-abdominal. Aucune conversion n'a été effectuée. La mortalité était nulle. Aucune lésion n'a été retrouvée dans 11,54% des cas (N=6cas). La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 2 jours. La durée moyenne de suivi des patients était de 18 mois avec des extrêmes de 6 mois et 24 mois. 6 mois après l'intervention aucune symptomatologie douloureuse n'a été retrouvée dans 46 cas (88,46%), des douleurs abdominales persistantes ont été retrouvées dans 3% (N=2cas) et 5 patients (8,54%) avaient une nette amélioration de la symptomatologie douloureuse. CONCLUSION: Les douleurs abdominales chroniques posent un problème de diagnostic en chirurgie. La laparoscopie est une des techniques de référence indiquée pour diagnostiquer et traiter ces douleurs.