Blaschko-linear lichen planus of the face: A retrospective study of 6 cases and a literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND METHODS: Different clinical and histological variants of lichen planus (LP) exist, such as lichen planopilaris, pigmentosus, linear, or atrophic LP. Recently, some cases came to our attention of hyperpigmented and atrophic linear lesions of the face with lichenoid histology, suggesting a combination of these different variants. We carried out a single-center, retrospective descriptive study of 6 similar cases selected from our database and compared them with a literature review. RESULTS: There were 4 males and 2 females of mean age 42 years. Each had linear lesions located on one side of the face. All lesions were initially itchy; they appeared hyperpigmented in all patients and atrophic in 5 cases. Biopsies indicated lichen planopilaris in 5 patients, with deep peri-eccrine involvement in 4 of them. Only 2 of the 6 patients had extra-facial lesions. DISCUSSION AND LITERATURE REVIEW: We found 24 cases in the literature having similar clinical and histological aspects. Men aged around 37 years seemed particularly affected. An atrophic course was noticed in 10 patients. Such a clinicopathological picture may suggest differential diagnoses like lichen striatus, lupus erythematosus, lichen sclerosus atrophicus, or Moulin's linear atrophoderma. Early histopathological examination could be of precious assistance in allowing the initiation of effective treatment immediately as of the initial inflammatory phase, thereby limiting the risk of cosmetic sequelae such as atrophy or residual pigmentation. CONCLUSION: We describe a form of facial lichen planus that is highly particular in terms of its follicular tropism, its blaschkoid distribution, its pigmented character, and its atrophic progression.

Risk factors associated with necrotizing fasciitis of the lower limbs: A multicenter case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case-control study was to identify risk factors associated with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the lower limbs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective case-control study in hospital dermatology departments in 5 sub-Saharan African countries over a 2-year period (April 2017 to July 2019). The cases were patients with NF of the lower limbs and the controls were patients with leg erysipelas. Each case was matched with two controls for age (±5 years) and sex. We analyzed local and general factors. RESULTS: During the study period, 159 cases (73 females, 86 males) were matched with 318 controls. The mean age was 48.5±15.8 years for cases and 46.5±16.2 years for controls (P=0.24). The main local signs of NF were cutaneous necrosis (83.7%), pain (75.5%) and induration (42.1%). Multivariate analysis showed the following to be independent risk factors associated with NF of the lower limbs: obesity (odds ratio [OR]=2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-3.42), diabetes (OR=3.97; 95% CI: 1.95-6.13), nicotine addiction (OR=5.07; 95% CI: 2.20-11.70), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR=7.85; 95% CI 4.60-14.21) and voluntary cosmetic depigmentation (OR=2.29; 95% CI: 1.19-3.73). CONCLUSION: Our study documents the role of NSAID use at the onset of symptoms as a risk factor for NF of the lower limbs. However, the originality of our study consists in the identification of voluntary cosmetic depigmentation as a risk factor for NF of the lower limbs in sub-Saharan Africa patients. Our results also identified typical overarching factors such as diabetes, obesity and nicotine addiction. Knowing these factors and taking them into account will enable optimization of management strategies for these conditions.

[Factors associated to loss of follow-up in patients underwent antiretroviral therapy in an ambulatory HIV treatment center at Conakry]. / Facteurs associés aux perdus de vue des patients sous traitement antirétroviral dans un centre de traitement ambulatoire du VIH à Conakry, Guinée.

BACKGROUND: Late or inadequate therapeutic management increases the risk of mortality associated with HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to analyze the proportion and factors associated with loss of follow-up in HIV patients who receiving antiretroviral therapy at Conakry. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in HIV patients aged over 15 years and who receiving antiretroviral therapy. Between August 1, 2008 and July 31, 2015, all patients managed by the ambulatory treatment center of the Guinean Women Association against AIDS and sexually and transmissible infection were included. Loss of follow-up was defined as no follow-up visit within 3 months. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze factors associated with loss of follow-up. Analyses were performed by using Stata 13 software. RESULTS: 614 patients aged 36.3±11.2 years, mainly females (68.4%) and living in Conakry (80.5%) were included. Among them, 104 were loss to follow-up, corresponding to a proportion rate of 16.9% (95% CI: 14.2-19.7%) or 5.79/100 person-years. The results of multivariate analyses showed that factors independently associated with loss of follow-up were malnutrition (AHR=7.05; 95% CI: 2.05-24.27; P=0.002) and CD4 cells account at the initiation of AHR (2.35; 95% CI: 1.61-6.39; P=0.016) in patients with 201-350 CD4/µL and 5.83 (95% CI: 2.85-11.90; P<0.001) in patients with less than 150CD4/µL. CONCLUSION: Despite efforts of health care workers and free antiretroviral therapy, many patients were loss to follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed that malnutrition and low CD4 account were independently associated with loss to follow-up.

Tetanus: epidemiology and Factors Associated with Death in the Departement of Tropical and infectious diseases of Donka National Hospital, Guinea.

In developing countries, tetanus remains a public health problem because of its frequency, severity, and still high mortality. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological profile of patients hospitalized for tetanus and to identify the factors associated with dying from it. This retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study reviewed hospital records of all patients, of all ages and genders who were treated for tetanus in our department over a 5-year period. Among 3549 patients during the study period, 75 had tetanus (2.11%), and 71 of them were included in our study. The median age of patients was 35 years (range: 11-70 years) with a male prevalence of 80%. The most frequently affected socio-professional categories were students (21.1%), farmers (18.3%), workers (15.5%), and shopkeepers and tradespeople (15.5%). The main entry points were post-traumatic (40.9%), cutaneous (33.8%), and post-surgical (16.90%). Paroxysm (95.8%), trismus (93.0%), generalized contracture (67.6%), and dysphagia (46.5%) were the most frequent signs. Among these cases, 40.9% were severe (40.85%), 49.3% moderate (49.30%), and 9.6% benign. We recorded 34 deaths (48%). Factors associated with death were age> 60 years (P = 0.01), fever (P = 0.01), hypertension (P = 0.02), and HIV infection (P = 0.01). Tetanus remains a frequent disease with high lethality. Death is associated with specific factors that should be taken into account in the criteria for assessing its prognosis.

[Prevalence of infantile haemangiomas on black skin]. / Prevalence des hemangiomes infantiles sur peau noire au Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Hemangiomas are regenerative benign vascular tumors of the child, which may be of interest to all organs, most often located on the skin. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of haemangiomas on black skin. It is a descriptive cross-sectional study that took place from November 2015 to August 2016 at CNAM, in the department of dermatology-leprology- Venereology of Mali. RESULTS: Of 14,810 patients seen in consultation, we received 17 cases of hemangioma, ie 0,11%. The average age was 5 months with extremes of 1 month and 60 months. Tuberous angiomas represent 82,35% of clinical forms, subcutaneous angiomas 11,76% and mixed angiomas 5,89%. In 4/17 of our patients there was an infectious complication, following an ulceration on the first day of the consultation. The average lesion size was 3,25cm with extreme 0.5cm and 8cm. The number of lesions per patient was 1 in 16 patients and 2 in 1 patient. In 10/17 patients the lesions were localized at the cephalic level, 3/17 at the trunk level, and 4/17 at the perineum. CONCLUSION: Infantile hemangioma is a poorly reported condition on black skin. The demands for care are motivated either by the character showing lesions or by ulcerative complications. Sensitization of populations and ongoing training of health workers are needed to detect hemangiomas.

INTRODUCTION: Les hémangiomes sont des tumeurs vasculaires bénignes régressives de l'enfant, qui peuvent intéresser tous les organes, le plus souvent localisés sur la peau. Le but de notre étude est de déterminer la prévalence des hémangiomes sur peau noire. C'est une étude transversale descriptive qui s'est déroulée de novembre 2015 à Août 2016 au CNAM, dans le service de dermatologie-léprologie- Vénéréologie du Mali. RÉSULTATS: Sur 14 810 patients vus en consultation, nous avons reçu 17 cas d'hémangiome soit 0,11%. La moyenne d'âge était de 5 mois avec des extrêmes de 1mois et 60 mois. Les angiomes tubéreux représentent 82,35% des formes cliniques, les angiomes sous-cutanés 11,76% et les angiomes mixtes 5,89%. Chez 4/17 de nos patients existait une complication infectieuse, suite à une ulcération le premier jour de la consultation. La taille moyenne des lésions était de 3,25cm avec des extrêmes 0,5cm et 8cm. Le nombre de lésions par patient était de 1 pour 16 patients et 2 pour 1 patient. Chez 10/17 des patients les lésions étaient localisées au niveau céphalique, 3/17 au niveau du tronc, et 4/17 au niveau du périnée. CONCLUSION: L'hémangiome infantile est une affection peu rapportée sur peau noire. Les demandes de soins sont motivées soit par le caractère affichant des lésions ou par les complications ulcéreuses. Une sensibilisation des populations et une formation continue des agents de santé sont nécessaires pour détecter les hémangiomes.

2014 Anthrax epidemic in Koubia prefecture, Guinea-Conakry.

Anthrax disease is an anthropozoonosis caused by a Gram-positive bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. Our objective was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic features of the 2014 epidemic in Koubia prefecture. This retrospective study examined all of the anthrax cases reported in Fafaya, Koubia Prefecture. In March and April 2014, there were 39 cases of human anthrax reported, for an incidence of 1.135%. The mean age was 20.9 (± 18.3) with a sex ratio of 2.54 (28/11) in favor of men. Seventy-six percent (23/39) were single. More than one half were students (53.8%). The main clinical signs were fever in 71, 8% (n = 28 /), papules 59% (n = 23), vesicles of 59% (n = 23) Digestive and cutaneous signs represented 35.9 % and 64.1% respectively; 35% had ingested contaminated meat and 17.95% were in direct contact with a sick animal. We didn't find any correlation between the mode of infection and onset of signs. The fatality rate was 28.21%. The 2014 epidemic of anthrax disease in the Koubia prefecture was marked by a high incidence and lethality. Clinical manifestations were cutaneaous and digestive. These results may serve further interventions to fight against anthrax disease. They should mainly focus on an awareness of peasants, surveillance and vaccination of cattle. Other studies seem to be necessary.

[Causes of lymphocytic meningitis in people with HIV admitted to the Infectious Disease department of Conakry]. / Étiologies des méningites lymphocytaires chez les personnes vivant avec le VIH suivies dans le service des maladies infectieuses de Conakry.

OBJECTIVES: The advent of HIV infection has significantly changed the distribution of the causes of lymphocytic meningitis. The objective of this study was to identify these causes among persons with HIV hospitalized in the infectious disease department of the CHU of Conakry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study examined hospital records of patients with HIV infection admitted for lymphocytic meningitis over a 10-year period. RESULTS: Of the 8649 hospitalizations in the department during the study period, 3167 patients had HIV infection, and 85 of the latter were diagnosed with lymphocytic meningitis. Slightly more than half were male (sex ratio M/F = 1.1). Their mean age was 32 years. Of these 85 patients, 73 were positive for HIV-1 only and 12 for HIV1+2. A CD4 count was performed only in 13/85 patients and averaged 140 cells/mm3. The main causes associated with lymphocytic meningitis were cryptococcosis (58%), toxoplasmosis (5%), and tuberculosis (2%). Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Hæmophilus influenzae were also identified in 16% of cases. In 18% of cases no microbe was identified. The overall lethality rate was 68%; it reached 100% for tuberculous meningitis and for the cases without any identified cause and was 75%-76% for the patients with toxoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. The survival rate was 100% for all bacterial causes. CONCLUSION: A cause for lymphocytic meningitis was identified in more than 81% of the patients in our series, and the most common microbe was Cryptococcus neoformans. A better microbiological technical platform and improved accessibility to treatment would enable us to provide more relevant results and treatment.

[Evaluation of antiretroviral treatment in HIV infected adult in the department of dermatology venereology of the Donka national hospital]. / Evaluation du traitement antiretroviral chez l'adulte infecte par le VIH au service de dermatologie venereologie de l'hopital national Donka.

If the use of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) have largely improved survival, morbidity and the quality of life of the people living with HIV in Northern countries as well as Southern countries and particularly in Africa, many obstacles have slowed down their use. Thus the follow-up of the patients under HAART in certain developing countries is still limited even non-existent. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to bring the therapeutic outcomes obtained after a minimal six months period of follow-up among HIV+ patients admitted in external consultations or following hospitalizations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective and descriptive study concerning patients followed from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2008 (5 years). RESULTS: Our study concerned 275 patients including 61.41% women with a sex-ratio (M/W) of 0.62. The average age of our patients was of 36.83 [rage: 18-70]. The initial average weight of our patients was 59.88 kg [range: 30-107] with the majority (66.91%) at the stage III of the WHO clinical classification. The serologic profile was dominated by HIV1 (97.09%) with a number of average CD4 of 210.99 cells/mm3 at the initiation of the ARV treatment. The evolution under treatment was marked clinically by an average ponderal gain of 7,45kg, with weight increasing from 59.88 kg to 67.33 kg between M0 and M54. Biologically, the number of average CD4 increased from 210.99 to 643 between M0 and M48 with an average gain of 432.01 cells/mm3. On the virological level, the plasmatic viral load was carried out for 64 patients out of 275. It was undetectable in 31 patients, be it 48.44%. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the therapeutic outcomes of the patients under HAART was good at the end of this study with a satisfactory clinical issue, marked by an increase in the average weight which corroborates a good immunological and virological response.

Si l'utilisation des multithérapies antirétro-virales (ARV) a grandement amélioré la survie, la morbidité et la qualité de vie des PVVIH dans les pays du Nord, dans les pays du Sud, et notamment en Afrique, de nombreux obstacles ont freiné leur utilisation. C'est ainsi que le suivi des patients sous ARV dans certains pays en voie de développement est encore timide voir inexistant. OBJECTIF: L'objectif de ce travail était de rapporter les réponses thérapeutiques obtenues après une période minimale de six mois de suivi chez des patients VIH+ admis en consultations externes ou à la suite d'hospitalisations. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective de type descriptif concernant les patients suivis dans la période du 1er janvier 2004 au 31 décembre 2008, soit 5 ans. RÉSULTATS: Notre étude a concernée 275 patients dont 61,41% de femmes avec un sex-ratio (H/F) de 0,62. L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 36,83 [18 70]. Le poids moyen initial de nos patients était de 59,88 kg [30 ­107] avec la majorité (66,91%) au stade III de la classification clinique de l'OMS. Le profil sérologique était dominé par le VIH1 (97,09%) avec un nombre de CD4 moyen à 210,99 cellules/mm3à l'initiation du traitement ARV. L'évolution sous traitement a été marquée cliniquement par un gain pondéral moyen de 7,45kg, le poids moyen passant de 59,88 kg à 67,33 kg entre M0 et M54. Biologiquement, le nombre de CD4 moyen est passé de 210,99 à 643 entre M0 et M48 soit un gain moyen de 432,01 cellules/mm3. Sur le plan virologique, la charge virale plasmatique réalisée chez 64 patients sur 275 était indétectable chez 31 patients soit 48,44%. CONCLUSION: Globalement, la réponse thérapeutique était bonne au terme de cette étude avec une réponse clinique satisfaisante, marquée par une augmentation du poids moyen qui corrobore une bonne réponse immunologique et virologique.

[Scorpion envenomation treated in the Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the Donka National Hospital, Guinea]. / Les envenimations scorpioniques traitées dans le service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales de l'hôpital national Donka, Guinée.

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from 1(st) October 2010 to 30 November 2012 on the records of patients admitted for scorpion envenomation in the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the Donka National Hospital. The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile and clinical characteristics of scorpion envenomation in Maritime Guinea, from scorpion stings recently covered in this service. We collected 75 cases of scorpion envenomation. The median age was 21.5 with interquartile 8 and 20 and sex ratio was 1.29. The upper limbs were involved in 55% of cases, followed by the lower limbs (35%), trunk (6%), head and neck (4%). We observed 63% of patients with local signs, 30% mild and general clinical signs of 7% severe systemic symptoms. All patients received an analgesic and a heterologous antitoxin, associated with an antibiotic (87% of patients), a corticosteroid (72%), diazepam (13%) and furosemide (34.6%). The incidence of scorpion envenomation is not negligible despite underreporting of cases, most often treated in traditional medicine.

[Evaluation of antiretroviral treatment in HIV infected adult in the department of dermatological venereology of the Donka National Hospital]. / Evaluation du traitement antiretroviral chez l'adulte infecte par le VIH au service de dermatologie venereologie de l'Hopital National Donka.

If the use of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) have largely improved survival, morbidity and quality of life of the people living with HIV in Northern and Southern countries, and particularly in Africa, many obstacles have slowed down their use. Thus the monitoring of patients under HAART in certain developing countries is still very low, if not non-existent. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to bring the therapeutic outcomes obtained after a minimal six months period of monitoring among HIV positive patients admitted in external consultations or following hospitalizations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective descriptive study concerning patients monitored from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2008, that is to say 5 years. RESULTS: Our study consisted of 275 patients including 61.41% women with a man:woman sex-ratio of 0.62. The average age of our patients was of 36.83 [ranging from 18 to 70]. The initial average weight of our patients was 59.88 kg [range: 30-107] with the majority (66.91%) at stage III of the WHO clinical classification. The serologic profile was dominated by the HIV1 (97.09%) with a CD4 average of 210.99 cellules/mm3, the the start of the HAART. The evolution under treatment was marked clinically by an average ponderal gain of 7,45kg, with average weight going from 59.88 kg to 67.33 kg between M0 and M54. Biologically, the CD4 average went from 210.99 to 643 between M0 and M48 or an average gain of 432.01 cells/mm3. On the virological level, the plasmatic viral load carried out on 64 patients out of 275, was undetectable in 31 patients or 48.44% of cases. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that the therapeutic outcomes for patients under HAART was good and with a satisfactory clinical response, marked by an increase in the average weight which indicates a good immunological and virological response.

Si l'utilisation des multithérapies antirétrovirales (ARV) a grandement amélioré la survie, la morbidité et la qualité de vie des PVVIH dans les pays du Nord, dans les pays du Sud, et notamment en Afrique, de nombreux obstacles ont freiné leur utilisation. C'est ainsi que le suivi des patients sous ARV dans certains pays en voie de développement est encore timide voir inexistant. OBJECTIF: L'objectif de ce travail était de rapporter les réponses thérapeutiques obtenues après une période minimale de six mois de suivi chez des patients VIH+ admis en consultations externes ou à la suite d'hospitalisations. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective de type descriptif concernant les patients suivis dans la période du 1er janvier 2004 au 31 décembre 2008, soit 5 ans. RÉSULTATS: Notre étude a concernée 275 patients dont 61,41% de femmes avec un sex-ratio (H/F) de 0,62. L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 36,83 [18 70]. Le poids moyen initial de nos patients était de 59,88 kg [30 ­107] avec la majorité (66,91%) au stade III de la classification clinique de l'OMS. Le profil sérologique était dominé par le VIH1 (97,09%) avec un nombre de CD4 moyen à 210,99 cellules/mm3à l'initiation du traitement ARV. L'évolution sous traitement a été marquée cliniquement par un gain pondéral moyen de 7,45kg, le poids moyen passant de 59,88 kg à 67,33 kg entre M0 et M54. Biologiquement, le nombre de CD4 moyen est passé de 210,99 à 643 entre M0 et M48 soit un gain moyen de 432,01 cellules/mm3. Sur le plan virologique, la charge virale plasmatique réalisée chez 64 patients sur 275 était indétectable chez 31 patients soit 48,44%. CONCLUSION: Globalement, la réponse thérapeutique était bonne au terme de cette étude avec une réponse clinique satisfaisante, marquée par une augmentation du poids moyen qui corrobore une bonne réponse immunologique et virologique.

[Causes and characteristics of patient death under ARV at the Dermatology-Venereology Department of the Donka National Hospital, GUINEA]. / Causes et caracteristiques des deces des patients sous ARV au service Dermatologie-Venereologie de L'Hopital National Donka, Guinee.

INTRODUCTION: The antiretroviral treatments led to a spectacular reduction of morbidity and mortality of HIV-infected patients, transforming it into a chronic infection. HIV infection remains potentially lethal and requires a long term treatment to obtain an immunological and virological control. The goal of this work was to describe the characteristics of the deaths during the ARV treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We led a descriptive retrospective study of a 4 year period, from July 2004 to August 2007 which looked at 429 patient under ARV followed in the dermatology - venereology department of the Donka national hospital and whose death during hospitalization occurred for the study period. We excluded the patients who suffered loss of sight or who died during the ARV treatment period. RESULTS: On 429 included patients, recorded death rate was of 27,7%. The mean age of included patients was 42 ± 6.5 years old. Patients at the stage 3 and 4 of the WHO classification recorded the greatest number of death. There was no patient at stage I. More half of the patients were immunosuppressed with a count of CD4 < 200/mm3. In our study 66 patients died with a rate of CD4 < 200/mm3 21 patients with a rate of CD4 ranging between 200 and 499 or 17,6%. Only one patient had a rate of CD4 > 500/mm3 while 31 other patients did not have a CD4 at the time of the death. We recorded 57 deaths in the first 6 months of HAART (among which 32 occurred within the first 3 months) and 24 after. The leading causes of death were tuberculosis (47,05%) including 64,28% of pulmonary localization and 35,71% of extrapulmonary localization, followed by cerebral toxoplasmosis (19,62%) and Kaposi disease (15,12%). The other causes of death found were hepatitis B (4,20%) and neuro-meningeal cryptococcosis (2,52%). A socio-economic unstable situation was found at half of the patients For 14 case the cause of death remained unknown. There no was death due to side effects of the ARV therapy. 89,1% of the patients deceased were under protocol 2 INTI + 1 INNTI which represents the layout of first line in our country. CONCLUSION: The mortality of the infection by HIV remains high in spite of the introduction of ARV treatment into our service. The patients who passed away were mainly characterized by a low level of CD4 and a very advanced stage of the evolution of the infection to the initiation of the ARV. The leading causes of death were opportunist infections. An early tracking of the infection by HIV and an early and optimal assumption of responsibility of the opportunist infections could contribute to reverse the tendencies in Guinea.

Les traitements antirétroviraux (ARV) ont permis d'obtenir une réduction spectaculaire mais non complète de la morbidité et de la mortalité à VIH. Cependant malgré ces résultats positifs, plusieurs études rapportent des taux de mortalité élevée chez des patients soumis aux traitements ARV. Le but de ce travail était de décrire les caractéristiques des décès au cours du traitement ARV. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective descriptive d'une période de 4 ans, allant de juillet 2004 à août 2007 portant sur 429 patients sous traitement ARV suivis dans le service de dermatologie-vénéréologie de l'hôpital national guinéen de Donka et dont le décès est survenu dans le service pendant la période d'étude. RESULTATS: Sur 429 patients sous ARV inclus dans l'étude, 119 étaient décédés soit une fréquence de 27,7%. L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 42 ± 6,5 ans. Il y avait une légère prédominance féminine (52,1%) avec un sex ratio F/H égal à 1,08. Les patients au stade 3 et 4 de la classification de l'OMS ont enregistré le plus grand nombre de décès. Aucun patient n'était au stade I. Plus de moitié des patients étaient dans un état de déficit immunitaire très profond (CD4 < 200 / mm3). Au cours de notre étude, 66 patients étaient décédés avec un taux de CD4 < 200 / mm3 soit 55%. Nous avons enregistré 57 décès (47,9%) dans les 6 mois suivants l'introduction du traitement anti VIH dont 32 (soit 26,9% de l'ensemble des décès enregistrés) dans les 3 premiers mois alors que 24 patients (20,2%) étaient décédés après 6 mois de traitement. Les principales causes de décès étaient la tuberculose (47,05%), dont 64,28% de localisation pulmonaire, suivie de la toxoplasmose cérébrale (19,62%) et la maladie de Kaposi (15,12%). Les autres causes de décès retrouvées étaient l'hépatite B (4,20%) et la cryptococcose neuro-méningée (2,52%). Pour 14 cas soit 11,76% la cause de décès était inconnue. Aucun décès dû aux effets secondaires des ARV n'était noté. La majorité (89,1%) des patients décédés étaient sous le protocole 2 INTI + 1 INNTI qui représente le schéma de première ligne dans notre pays. CONCLUSION: La mortalité de l'infection par le VIH reste élevée malgré l'introduction du traitement ARV dans notre service. Les patients décédés étaient principalement caractérisés par un faible taux de CD4 et un stade très avancé de l'évolution de l'infection à l'initiation des ARV. Les principales causes de décès étaient les infections opportunistes. Un dépistage précoce de l'infection par le VIH et une prise en charge précoce et optimale des infections opportunistes pourraient contribuer à inverser les tendances en Guinée.