[Risk factors associated with acne keloidalis nuchae, in black subjects: A case-control study]. / Facteurs de risque associés aux folliculites fibrosantes de la nuque chez le sujet noir : étude cas-témoins.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case-control study was to identify risk factors associated with acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN), seen in a dermatology clinic in Lomé (Togo). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a case-control study conducted from January to December 2018. Patients were recruited at outpatients dermatological clinics and controls were recruited at outpatients dermatological clinics and then in other hospital departments. RESULTS: We recruited 303 consenting subjects, comprising 101 patients with AKN and 202 controls case-matched by age (±5 years). The mean patient age was 34.9±10.7 years vs. 35.6±11.2 years for controls. The most frequently observed AKN lesions were papules (73/101; 72.2%), fibrous scars (42/101; 41.5%) and folliculitis/pustules (41/101; 40.6%). In multivariate analysis, the following factors were associated with AKN: excess weight (adjusted odds ratio=4.8; 95% CI=[2.3-11.7]) or obesity (OR=9.2; 95% CI=[2.1-34.2]), bleeding during hairdressing either occasionally (aOR=13.9; 95% CI=[5.1-40.0]) or systematically (aOR=22.1; 95% CI=[6.2-40.7]), hairdressing procedures less than once per week (aOR=10.1; 95% CI=[3.2-50.8]), and extremely close cropping of hair (aOR=4.9; 95% CI=[2.8-15.5]). CONCLUSION: AKN is common in young adults. Excess weight or obesity, bleeding during hairdressing, and frequency and style of hairdressing are all associated factors. The results of this study stress the importance of limiting injury during hairdressing, and of refraining from shaving or cropping hair without a trimmer. Since management of AKN is extremely difficult, identification of associated risk factors allows suitable preventive approaches to be adopted.

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and gynecomastia in an HIV-infected child: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are antiretroviral drugs often used in the first-line treatment regimen of HIV1 infection worldwide. We report a case of successive gynecomastia and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) respectively induced by efavirenz and nevirapine in a single patient. CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old boy, HIV1-infected since birth, was started on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in August 2015 and was taking a regimen comprising abacavir, lamivudine and efavirenz. In April 2016, when his weight reached 35kg, abacavir was replaced with tenofovir. Bilateral breast enlargement, previously hidden by the patient, was diagnosed two years after the start of ART. History-taking, physical examination and laboratory tests ruled out known causes of gynecomastia, and efavirenz was thus considered the most likely cause. This drug was then withdrawn and replaced with nevirapine in July 2017. Thirty-three days after the patient started nevirapine treatment, a skin rash appeared. Physical examination revealed erythematous macules and flaccid bullae with estimated skin detachment of 10%. There were also conjunctival, buccal and genital lesions. A diagnosis was made of SJS induced by nevirapine. Three months after withdrawal of efavirenz, breast size decreased by 3cm on the left breast and 2cm on the right breast; two months after the SJS, cutaneous sequelae alone persisted, such as diffuse hyperchromic macules. DISCUSSION: Recognition of gynecomastia as a side-effect of efavirenz is important to allow the condition to be treated while it is still potentially reversible. Moreover, when efavirenz is replaced, a protease inhibitor should be preferred to nevirapine.

[Factors associated with the severity of acute ocular involvement in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in sub-Saharan Africa]. / Facteurs de risque associés à la sévérité de l'atteinte oculaire au stade aigu du syndrome de Stevens-Johnson et de la nécrolyse épidermique toxique en Afrique subsaharienne.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with the severity of acute ocular involvement in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) in sub-Saharan Africa. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out at the dermatology department in collaboration with the ophthalmology department for SJS/TEN patients between January 2000 and December 2016 in Lomé (Togo). The severity of acute ocular involvement was evaluated using the Power classification, and the drug eruption score was assessed using de Bastuji-Garin classification. RESULTS: A total of 107 cases of SJS/TEN (84 cases of SJS, 20 cases of TEN and 3 cases of overlap syndrome) were analyzed. There were 71 women and 36 men, with an average age of 32.3±12.5 years (range: 5 to 75 years). Sulfonamides (37.4%) were the most commonly used drugs followed by nevirapine (22.4%). HIV serology was positive in 46 (58.2%) of the 79 patients tested. A total of 54 (50.5%) patients had acute ocular involvement, which was mild in 29.9% of patients, moderate in 13.1% and severe in 7.5%. In multivariate analysis, exposure to sulfadoxine was the sole factor associated with moderate or severe acute ocular involvement in SJS/TEN (adjusted odds ratio=3.3; 95% CI=[1.1; 10.2]). CONCLUSION: Exposure to sulfadoxine was identified in our study as a risk factor associated with the severity of acute ocular involvement in SJS/TEN. Multicenter studies should be conducted in sub-Saharan Africa to confirm this associated risk factor.

Systemic complications during voluntary cosmetic depigmentation among women in Togo: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to document the systemic complications of skin bleaching among women in Togo. METHODS: This was a case-control study conducted between December 2009 and December 2013. Cases comprised of women using skin-bleaching products for at least 6 months and age-matched with non-users (±3 years). RESULTS: We recruited a total of 150 women using skin-bleaching and matched them with 300 controls. Univariate analysis revealed a correlation between systolic hypertension (OR=2.56; 95% CI: 1.68-3.92), diastolic hypertension (OR=1.89; 95% CI: 1.17-3.05), hyperglycaemia (OR=1.5; 95% CI: 1.2-9, 65) and obesity (OR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.08-2.62) with the use of skin-bleaching products. Multivariate analysis revealed a correlation between skin bleaching and both systolic hypertension (OR=3.94; 95% CI: 1.59-3.75) and obesity (OR=2.88; 95% CI: 1.23-5.69). CONCLUSION: The results of our study show the existence of a correlation between voluntary cosmetic depigmentation, hypertension and obesity in Togo.

[Profile of Buruli ulcer treated at the National Reference Centre of Togo: a study of 119 cases]. / Profil de l'ulcère de Buruli pris en charge au Centre national de référence du Togo: étude de 119 cas.

The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic profile and the outcome of Buruli ulcer (BU) in the National Reference Center for Buruli ulcer treatment (NRCBUT) in Togo. It was a retrospective and descriptive study of records of patients treated for BU in the NRCBUT between June 2007 and December 2010. During the study period, 119 patients (56.3% males) were treated in the NRCBUT for BU. The median age of patients was 14 years. The proportion of children (< 15 years) was 56.3%. On admission, 85 patients were at ulcer stage and 34 patients at the pre-ulcer stage. BU wounds were mainly located on lower limbs (50.4%), followed by upper limbs (32.6%) and trunk (13.3%). The location of the wounds on the lower limbs were more frequent in patients older than 15 years (P < 0.001), while those on the upper limbs (P = 0.002) and trunk (P = 0.03) were more frequent in patients aged less than 15 years. All patients had received medical treatment which was based on rifampicin-streptomycin combination for eight weeks. This treatment was coupled to surgery in 30 cases. The outcome was punctuated by complications in 7 patients, limb amputation in 3 patients, and sequels in 10 patients. This study confirmed that the BU is the prerogative of young subjects and the exposed areas in the skin facilitates transmission. Apart from these classic features, some unique aspects including the age-dependent distribution are related to the pathogenesis of this disease.

[Rapid regression of infantile haemangioma with 2% propranolol ointment]. / Régression rapide d'un hémangiome infantile sous propranolol topique à 2 %

BACKGROUND: Oral propranolol produces dramatic results in severe infantile haemangioma. We report a case of rapid and significant regression of an infantile haemangioma in infant treated topically with 2% propranolol ointment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A female infant aged 11 weeks was seen as an outpatient for two infantile haemangiomas on the front of the left knee and the vulva. After parental consent was given, the child was treated with a topical preparation of 2% propranolol ointment prepared by the pharmacy. Regression was rapid and on the 45th day, lesion size had been reduced by an estimated 75%. No adverse effects were observed. DISCUSSION: Topical propranolol appears to be effective and safe for the treatment of superficial haemangiomas. Clinical trials are required to determine the optimal dosage and pharmaceutical form, method of use and treatment duration.

[Fixed drug eruption in dermatology setting in Lomé (Togo): a retrospective study of 321 cases]. / Érythème pigmenté fixe en pratique dermatologique à Lomé (Togo): étude rétrospective de 321 cas.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and list of drugs responsible for fixed drug eruption (FDE) in Lomé (Togo). A descriptive retrospective study of patients with FDE treated from January 2006 to November 2011 in dermatology service at the teaching hospital of Lomé (Togo) was conducted. During the study period, 321 cases of FDE were reported among 472 cases of toxidermia observed. Mean age of the patients was 31.27 ± 14.01 years and sex-ratio (M/F) was 1.01. One hundred thirty-three (41.4%) of 321 patients had a previous FDE, against 58.6% who were in their first attack. The most common form was the hyperpigmented form (247 cases/321). The main locations of the lesions were the trunk (N = 127) followed by the lower limbs (N = 85), the upper limbs (N = 81) and external genital organs (N = 53). A drug was incriminated in 163 (50.8%) of the 321 patients, in whom 109 patients took their drug by self-medication. Antibacterial sulfonamides were the first drug involved (70.5%), followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (9.8%), antimalarial drugs (7.4%) and antibiotics (3.7%). All patients received a banned drug. In addition, 111 patients were treated with antihistamines, 69 with corticosteroids, and 58 with topical antiseptics. During follow-up, 42 of 321 patients have been seen; all had a favorable outcome. Our study confirms the frequency of FDE and the role of antibacterial sulfonamides as the cause of FDE in Africa and documents the effects of self-medication in toxidermia in Togo.

[Evaluation of the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma with vinblastine in Togo: a study of 23 cases]. / Évaluation du traitement de la maladie de Kaposi par la vinblastine au Togo: étude de 23 cas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treatment of AIDS-related and non AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) using vinblastine (Velbé®). A retrospective study was conducted between January 1990 and December 2009 in the Department of Dermatology at the Lomé teaching hospital. The therapeutic protocol is the administration of 10 injections of vinblastine every 15 days. Evaluation was done at 10 weeks, 5 months, 11 months and 17 months. Twenty-three patients including 11 cases of non AIDS-related KS and 12 cases of AIDS-related KS were included in our study. The average age of patients was 39.3 ± 11.2 years. The sex-ratio (M/F) was 6:7. At ten weeks, partial remission was 26% and failure rate was 74%. Side effects as a result of the first five injections were dominated by anemia. At 5 months, complete remission was 17% including 3 cases of non AIDS-related KS, partial remission was 26% including 4 cases of non AIDS-related KS. Side effects of the last five injections were dominated by anemia and nervous toxicity. At 11 months, one patient was lost to follow-up and complete remission persisted in 13% of the patients. At 17 months, complete remission persisted in 9% of the patients against 4% of relapses. No long-term side effects were identified. Our study shows a poor efficacy of vinblastine in the treatment of AIDS-related and non AIDS-related KS and confirms the hematologic and nervous toxicity of this drug. The efficacy is better in the non AIDS-related KS than in the AIDS-related KS.

[Early guttate leukoderma in Darier's disease in a patient with black skin]. / Leucodermie en gouttes précoce au cours de la maladie de Darier chez un sujet à peau noire.

BACKGROUND: The clinical manifestations of Darier's disease are polymorphic and diverse. Guttate leukoderma has been described in around twenty patients with genetically pigmented skin. We report a case of widespread guttate leukoderma several years before the classic signs of Darier's disease in a patient with black skin. CASE REPORT: A 19-year-old woman consulted for characteristic signs of Darier's disease evolving for the previous four years. Examination revealed perifollicular, non-confluent hypopigmented macules and papules in small drop size (1-5mm in diameter) scattered on the trunk, limbs and the jaw and chin. These hypopigmented lesions had been present since the age of six years. Histology of the keratotic papules confirmed the diagnosis of Darier's disease. Histological inspection of a hypopigmented lesion showed hyperkeratosis, acantholysis and a considerable reduction of epidermal melanin pigment. DISCUSSION: Our observation suggests that a guttate leukoderma could be an early sign, readily accessible to dermatologists, in the diagnosis of Darier's disease in black-skinned patients.

[Bacterial dermohypodermitis and necrotizing fascitis: 104-case series from Togo]. / Dermo-hypodermites bactériennes et fasciites nécrosantes: 104 observations au togo.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to obtain data on the epidemiology, clinical features, and outcome of bacterial dermohypodermitis (BDH) observed in a hospital setting hospital in Lomé, Togo. Cases of BDH treated in dermatology and internal medicine of the Lomé university hospital center from January 1999 to December 2009 were reviewed. A total of 104 patients were hospitalized for BDH during the study period. Mean patient age was 42.9 +/- 16.1 years and sex ratio (M/F) was 0.89. Infection by HIV was detected in 10 of 37 patients in whom serology was performed. The site of erysipelas was located on the legs and feet in 93 cases (89.4%), entire lower limb in 4 (3.9%), upper limbs in 4 (3.9%), thighs in 2 (1.9%), and buttock in 1 (0.9%). The main local and systemic risk factors were existence of an entry site in 89 cases, use of depigmenting drugs in 11, HIV infection in 10, previous history of erysipelas in 9 cases, and lymphoedema in 8. First-line treatment used penicillin G in 90 cases. Seven patients presented necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing fasciitis was associated with HIV infection in 2 cases, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) in 2, and use of depigmenting drugs in one. Two deaths were recorded in the necrotizing fasciitis group including one HIV-infected patient. Recurrence was observed in 8 patients and secondary complications such as lower limb elephantiasis occurred in 7 patients.

[Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in community-acquired skin infections in Lomé, Togo]. / Prévalence de Staphylococcus aureus résistant a la méticilline (SARM) au cours des infections cutanées communautaires a Lomé (Togo).

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in community-acquired skin infections in Lomé, Togo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study including 90 cases of skin infection observed in dermatological outpatients at the teaching Hospital of Lomé was carried out from 1st June 2003 to 30th May 2005. A bacteriological sample with antibiograms was obtained from all patients. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 21 years (extremes, 6 months to 78 years). The male-to- female ratio was 0.84. Infection was primary in 80% of cases including impetigo in 42.2%, follicular infection in 28.9%, and abscess in 8.9% and secondary in 20% of cases including eczema in 8.9%, mycosis in 3.3%, and other in 7.8%. Staphylococcus aureus strains were isolated in a total of 84 cases (93.3%). Staphylococcus aureus occurred alone in 79 cases (87.8%) or in association with other bacteria in 5. A total of 30 of the 84 Staphylococcus aureus strains (35.7%) isolated were methicillin-resistant. Resistant strains were associated with primary infection in 24 cases and secondary infection in 6. CONCLUSION. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of community-acquired skin infections in Lomé. One third of Staphylococcus aureus strains are methicillin-resistant. These findings should be taken into account in daily practice for prescription of antibiotics to patients presenting these infections.

[Place of theses and dissertations in the scientific publications of dermato-venereology teachers of the University of Lome (Togo)]. / Place des thèses et mémoires dans les publications scientifiques des enseignants de dermato-vénéréologie de l'université de Lomé (Togo): Ce travail a fait l'objet d'une communication orale lors des 5e journées dermatologiques de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) en octobre 2017.

The aim of this study was to situate the place of theses and dissertations (senior healthcare technicians, D.E.S or master) in the scientific publications of dermato-venerology teachers at the University of Lomé (Togo). We listed the theses and dissertations on dermato-venerology between 1990 and 2016, in three institutions of the University of Lomé and consulted databases (Medline, Inist, registers of the service) to search for publications by teachers during this period. A total of 41 theses and 50 dissertations were completed, on infectious dermatoses and STI/HIV (46.1%), immunoallergic dermatoses (11.0%) and tumour dermatoses (8.8%). Of these 91 works, 56 (including 28 theses) were published in indexed (21 theses and 26 dissertations) or non-indexed (7 theses and 2 dissertations) journals. These 56 publications represented 27.7% of the 202 publications made by the dermato-venerology teachers at the University of Lomé during this period. Of the 28 published theses, the MD student was the first author in one case (3,6%) This work shows that theses and dissertations in dermato-venerology represent almost one third of the publications in this discipline in Togo.

[Probable basidiobolomycosis in a Togolese rural young successfully treated with ketoconazole]. / Basidiobolomycose probable chez un jeune rural togolais traitée avec succès par du kétoconazole.

Basidiobolomycosis is a deep mycosis which preferentially affects rural young people in tropical countries. We report a case of basidiobolomycosis successfully treated with ketoconazole. It was a 9-year-old boy of rural origin in whom the diagnosis of basidiobolomycosis was suspected due to a deep skin infiltration involving the chest and neck. Histology revealed hypodermic granulomatous inflammation with predominantly macrophage and eosinophils. The child was treated successfully with ketoconazole in eight weeks. Treatment of basidiobolomycosis is based on azole derivatives which are particularly effective. Histopathology is very important in the diagnosis of this affection, especially in tropical countries where it may simulate Mycobacterium ulcerans infection.