Using adult care visits to diagnose HIV infection in children, Burkina Faso.

Objective: To estimate the feasibility, positivity rate and cost of offering child testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to mothers living with HIV attending outpatient clinics in Burkina Faso. Methods: We conducted this implementation study in nine outpatient clinics between October 2021 and June 2022. We identified all women ≤ 45 years who were attending these clinics for their routine HIV care and who had at least one living child aged between 18 months and 5 years whose HIV status was not known. We offered these mothers an HIV test for their child at their next outpatient visit. We calculated intervention uptake, HIV positivity rate and costs. Findings: Of 799 eligible children, we tested 663 (83.0%) and identified 16 new HIV infections: 2.5% (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.5-4.1). Compared with HIV-negative children, significantly more HIV-infected children were breastfed beyond 12 months (P-value: 0.003) and they had not been tested before (P-value: 0.003). A significantly greater proportion of mothers of HIV-infected children were unaware of the availability of child testing at 18 months (P-value: < 0.001) and had more recently learnt their HIV status (P-value: 0.01) than mothers of HIV-negative children. The intervention cost 98.1 United States dollars for one child testing HIV-positive. Barriers to implementing this strategy included shortages of HIV tests, increased workload for health-care workers and difficulty accessing children not living with their mothers. Conclusion: Testing HIV-exposed children through their mothers in outpatient clinics is feasible and effective in a low HIV-prevalence setting such as Burkina Faso. Implementation of this strategy to detect undiagnosed HIV-infected children is recommended.

Risk factors for mortality in an African pediatric emergency department: case of Sourô Sanou Hospital, a prospective, cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood mortality rates remain high in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the causes and associated factors of pediatric emergency mortality at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study with prospective collection from June to August 2020. We documented and analyzed demographic and clinical characteristics by means or proportions. Logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with childhood mortality. RESULTS: From 618 pediatric patients admitted to pediatric emergency unit, 80 (12.9%) were documented as death outcomes. The mean age was 34.10 ± 36.38 months. The male sex represented 51.25%. The main diagnoses were severe malaria (61.25%), acute gastroenteritis (11.25%) and pneumonia (10%); 48.75% of the patients were malnourished and only 55% were fully immunized. The average length of hospitalization was 2.73 ± 3.03 days. Mortality was a strongly significant association with late come to the emergency unit (AOR = 1.11, CI = 1.04-1.18), young maternal age (AOR = 0.95, CI = 0.92-0.99) and incomplete vaccination (AOR = 1.94, CI = 1.13-3.31). CONCLUSION: The in-hospital mortality rate was 12.94%; younger maternal age, delay in consultation, unimmunized or incompletely immunized status and shorter hospital stays were significantly associated with death.

Infant mortality rates remain high in sub-Saharan Africa jeopardizing the achievement of targets for the sustainable development goals. In this article, we identify the causes and factors associated with infant mortality at the Sourô Sanou University Hospital Pediatric Emergency Room in Bobo-Dioulasso. During the study period, the main diagnoses were severe malaria, acute gastroenteritis and pneumonia. Mortality was strongly associated with late arrival at the emergency room, young maternal age and incomplete vaccination. The in-hospital mortality rate was 12.94%, and younger maternal age, delay in consultation, unimmunized or incompletely immunized status and shorter hospital stays were significantly associated with death.

Contribution and Acceptability of Bacteriological Collection Tools in the Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Children Infected with HIV.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of new bacteriological samples to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) in HIV-infected children. METHOD AND PATIENTS: HIV1-infected children with suspicion of TB in Universitary Hospital Sourô Sanon (Burkina Faso) were included in a prospective cohort study. Children underwent three gastric aspirates (GA) if aged <4 years; two GA, one string test (ST) if aged 4-9 years and three sputum, one ST if aged 10-13 years. All children underwent one nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) and one stool sample. To assess feasibility and tolerability of procedures, adverse events were identified and pain was rated on different scales. Samples were tested by microscopy, culture, GeneXpert® (Xpert®). RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included. Mean age was 8.92 years, 52.38% were females. Ninety-five GA, 67 sputum, 62 NPA, 60 stool and 55 ST had been performed. During sampling, the main adverse events were cough at 68/95 GA and 48/62 NPA; sneeze at 50/95 GA and 38/62 NPA and vomiting at 4/55 ST. On the behavioral scale, the average pain score during collection was 6.38/10 for GA; 7.70/10 for NPA and 1.03/10 for ST. Of the 31 cases of TB, bacteriological confirmation was made in 12 patients. CONCLUSION: ST, stool is well-tolerated alternatives specimens for diagnosing TB in children. NPA has a poor feasibility and tolerability in children.

Estimation of HIV-1 DNA Level Interfering with Reliability of HIV-1 RNA Quantification Performed on Dried Blood Spots Collected from Successfully Treated Patients.

The impact of HIV-1 DNA coamplification during HIV-1 RNA quantification on dried blood spots (DBS) was explored. False-positive HIV RNA detection (22/62, 35%) was associated with high HIV-1 DNA levels. Specificity of HIV-1 RNA assays on DBS should be evaluated following manufacturer protocols on samples with HIV-1 DNA levels of ≥1,000 copies/10(6) peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV in Burkina Faso: breastfeeding and wet nursing.

OBJECTIVE: A survey of the knowledge of women about HIV and breastfeeding. METHOD AND PATIENTS: The study employed a voluntary questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Epi info 6 with chi(2) test and P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Three hundred women agreed to participate in the study. Only 82 realized that HIV could be transmitted by breastmilk. After information about HIV transmission, 37 stated that they would still breastfeed. On the other hand, 220 (74.1%) stated that they would accept breastfeeding by a wet nurse. Two hundred and eighty (69.8%) would accept to serve as the wet nurse for an infant born to an HIV-infected woman. There was an association between acceptance of HIV screening and willingness to breastfeed (P = 0.00206529). CONCLUSION: Appropriate Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) measures must be made available to HIV-infected women. Detailed studies must be performed to evaluate the feasibility of this approach in resource limited settings.

Performance of a lymphocyte t interferon gamma test (Quantiferon-TB gold in tube) in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis in HIV-infected children.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the performance of QuantiFERON ® -TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT), to improve the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB) in Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV)-infected children. METHOD: Sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) of QFT-GIT were assessed in 58/63 HIV-infected children who were suspected of having TB. RESULTS: Sensitivity of QFT-GIT was 20.69%, specificity 96.55%, PPV/NPV respectively 85.71% and 54.90%. CONCLUSION: QFT-GIT appears to be of little contribution to the diagnosis of active TB in children living with HIV in a TB-endemic country.

The Seckel syndrome: A case observed in the pediatric department of the University Hospital Center Sourou Sanou (Burkina Faso).

Seckel syndrome-1 or "bird-headed dwarfism", Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man number 210600, is a rare genetic disease with an autosomal recessive transmission. We report a female child of 56 months diagnosed with SCKL1 at the Pediatric department of the University Hospital Center Sourou Sanou, Burkina Faso. She showed the typical features including facial dysmorphism, dwarfism, microcephalus and mental retardation. Ophthalmic and dental anomaly and extremities were associated. Without a codified etiological treatment, a psychotherapist support, a genetic counseling, a regular pediatric follow-up, a quarterly odontostomatological and ophthalmological follow- up have been recommended.

[Prevalence and factors associated with malnutrition in infants aged 6 to 23 months admitted to paediatric emergencies department at the Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital in Burkina Faso]. / Prevalence et facteurs associes a la malnutrition des nourrissons ages de 6 a 23 mois admis aux urgences pediatriques du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the implementation of various nutritional interventions, access to healthy food in sufficient quantity for the population remain challenging in Burkina Faso. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of infants aged 6-23 months and to identify factors associated with malnutrition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1st May to 31th July 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional study at Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital paediatric department. Infants aged 6 to 23 months admitted to the paediatric emergency department were enrolled. Factors associated with malnutrition were identified using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 295 infants were included, at an average age of 13 months (standard deviation: 5.1 months). The prevalence of wasting was 15%, 13% was stuntingand 7% was underweight. The majority of mothers (69%) were unaware of exclusive breastfeeding and only 22% knew the importance of colostrum. In multivariate analysis age ≥ 12 months increased the odds of wasting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.1-4.7), while knowledge of exclusive breastfeeding reduced the risk of wasting (aOR: 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9). In addition, age ≥12 months (aOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03-0.22), female gender (aOR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.12-0.77) and absence of dietary restrictions (aOR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05-0.3) significantly reduced the odds of stunting. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malnutrition remains high in paediatric department in Burkina Faso. Routine screening and adequate management of malnutrition, coupled with the promotion of optimal nutritional practices in childhood, is needed to improve child healthcare.

INTRODUCTION: Les pratiques d'alimentation constituentle facteur essentiel déterminant l'état nutritionnel des enfants.L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer l'état nutritionnel des nourrissons âgés de 6 à 23 mois admis dans le département de pédiatrie du CHU-YO et d'identifier les facteurs associés à la malnutrition. PATIENTS ET MÉTHODE: Nous avons mené une étude transversale chez des nourrissons âgés de 6 à 23 mois admis dans le service des urgences pédiatriques au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouédraogo entre le 1er mai et le 31 juillet 2016.Les facteurs associés à la malnutrition ont été identifiés par une régression logistique. RÉSULTATS: Au total 295 nourrissons ont été inclus, à un âge moyen 13 mois(Ecart type :5,1 mois).Les prévalences de la malnutrition étaient de15% pour la malnutrition aiguë, 13% pour la malnutritionchronique et 7% pour l'insuffisance pondérale. En analyse multivariée un âge ≥ 12 mois augmentait le risque de malnutrition aiguë (Rapport de cote ajusté (RCa) : 2,3 ; Intervalle de confiance à 95% : 1,1-4,7) tandis que la connaissance de l'allaitement maternel exclusif réduisait le risque de malnutrition aiguë (RCa : 0,4 ; IC95% 0,2-0,9). De plus, un âge ≥12 mois (RCa : 0,08,IC95% : 0,03-0,22), le sexe féminin (RCa : 0.31 IC95% : 0,12-0,77) et l'absence d'interdits alimentaires (RCa : 0,13 ; IC95% : 0,05-0,3) réduisait le risque d'êtreen malnutrition chronique chez les nourrissons. CONCLUSION: La prévalence de la malnutrition carentielle reste élevée en milieu hospitalier au CHU YO. La promotion des pratiques nutritionnelles optimales du nourrisson sont nécessaires pour améliorer la prise en charge des nourrissons dans le centre.

[Abdominal tuberculosis: contribution of ultrasonographyin the diagnosis and problematic of treatment in a country of sub-Saharan African]. / Tuberculose abdominale : apport de l'echographie dans le diagnostic et problematique de prise en charge dans un pays d'Afrique subSaharienne.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contribution of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of abdominal tuberculosis (TB) in HIV- infected children at the University TeachingHospital Sourô-Sanou of Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. METHODS: In children infected with HIV and suspected to develop tuberculosis (TB) on the basis of epidemiological and clinical evidence, the following were performed at inclusion, at 2, 6, and 9 months of follow-up: a chest x-ray and abdominal ultrasound. A bacteriological investigation of the Koch bacillus (BK) was made. All children diagnosed with TB were put on treatment. RESULTS: Sixty-three (63) children with suspected TB were included. Thirty one children (42.86%) had been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Tuberculosis with abdominal lesions accounted for 29.03% (9/31) of TB cases, divided as follows: 4 cases (12.9%) of abdominal tuberculosis without radiographic lung lesions; 5 (16.13%) cases of multifocal TB associating pulmonary involvement with ultrasound abdominal lesions. Bacteriological confirmation was 55.55%. The main ultrasound lesions were abdominal lymph nodes (88.89%). A spleen miliary and hepatosplenic miliary were noted in 33.33% and 11.11% of the cases respectively. The evolution under antituberculous treatment was favorable in 88.88% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a significant contributor in the diagnosis and monitoring of treatment of abdominal TB in HIV-infected children.

OBJECTIF: Déterminer l'apport de l'échographie dans le diagnostic de la tuberculose (TB) abdominale chez l'enfant infecté par le VIH au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sourô-Sanou de Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. MÉTHODE: Chez des enfants infectés par le VIH et suspects de développer une TB sur la base d'arguments épidémiologiques et cliniques, étaient réalisées une radiographie pulmonaire et une échographie abdominale à l'inclusion, à 2, 6, et 9 mois de suivi. Une recherche bactériologique du bacille de Koch (BK) était effectuée. Les enfants dépistés tuberculeux étaient mis sous traitement. RÉSULTATS: 63 enfants suspects de TB étaient inclus. Trente un (42,86%) étaient diagnostiqués tuberculeux. La TB avec lésions abdominales était de 29,03% (9/31), répartie en 4 cas de tuberculose abdominale sans lésions radiographiques pulmonaires, 5 cas associant une atteinte pulmonaire et les lésions abdominales échographiques. La confirmation bactériologique était de 55,55%. Les principales lésions échographiques étaient des adénopathies profondes (88,89%). Une miliaire splénique et hépatosplénique était notée dans 33,33% et 11,11% des cas respectivement. L'évolution sous traitement antituberculeux était favorable dans 88,88% des cas. CONCLUSION: l'échographie est d'un apport majeur dans le diagnostic et le suivi du traitement de la TB abdominale chez l'enfant infecté par le VIH.

Apert syndrome: Diagnostic and management problems in a resource-limited country.

Apert syndrome or acrocephalosyndactyly is a rare genetic disease characterized by craniofacial dysmorphism and syndactyly of the hands and feet. We report an observation in a 4-month-old female infant, whose father was 65 years old. The infant was admitted to the neonatology of Sourô Sanou University Hospital (Burkina Faso) for respiratory distress in a congenital malformation disorders context with the notion of resuscitation for 10 minutes at birth. Her clinical examination revealed a craniofacial dysmorphism, syndactyly, choanal atresia, a cleft palate and a retardation of the psychomotor development. The paraclinical assessment consisted of a radiograph of the skeleton and a cerebral tomodensitometry confirming bicoronal synostosis and bone syndactyly; an abdominopelvic, cardiac ultrasound didn't reveal any abnormalities; toxoplasmic serology was negative and rubella serology positive. The association of Apert syndrome with positive rubella serology seems fortuitous. Also, the association of choanal atresia and cleft palate has not commonly been reported in Apert syndrome. In the absence of surgical the infant has been followed until 9 months with therapeutic prospects.

Serological profile of hepatitis B in children after the introduction of its vaccination in Burkina Faso.

Viral hepatitis B is a public health issue. We establish the children serological profile of hepatitis B in Bobo-Dioulasso, six years after the introduction of hepatitis B vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization. This was a descriptive study of prospective data collection carried out in the Department of Pediatrics and the laboratory of virology of the Centre MURAZ of Bobo-Dioulasso between March 2013 and May 2013. Blood samples were made in search of the following hepatitis B serological markers: anti-HBcAb total, HBsAg, Ac anti-HBs, HBeAg, AcHBs, IgM anti-HBc total. The ELISA method with the Monolisa BIORAD reagents was used. A total of 2015 children were included, 1026 (50, 9%) boys and 989 (49.1%) girls, at an average age of 58±48 months. Out of these 2015 children, 53 (2.6%) were positive to HBsAg including 19 vaccinated cases, one child has received 3 doses plus 1 booster dose of hepatitis B vaccine. We found no statistically significant difference in the carriage of serologic markers of hepatitis B between the unvaccinated group and the vaccinated group. Large-scale studies should be carried out in Burkina Faso to see the real impact of vaccination on the health of our populations.

Congenital vitiligo: A case observed in the cohort of HIV-exposed infants in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Vitiligo is a dermatological disease; its exact prevalence is unknown among the paediatric population. We are reporting a case of vitiligo at birth for the first time in Burkina Faso, in the Teaching Hospital Souro Sanou of Bobo-Dioulasso, Paediatric Department. He is a male child, born from HIV-1 positive parents; we received him when he was 2 months to be followed in connection with the prevention of motherto-child transmission. He showed achromic lesions on the skin and on skin appendages at birth. In addition to congenital vitiligo we mentioned, several diagnostic hypotheses were discussed. No treatment was decided to face these skin lesions given the very young age of the patient. Psychological support is planned in the long run.

[Cardiopathies in children hospitalized at the University hospital Souro Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso: echocardiographic and therapeutic aspects]. / Les cardiopathies de l'enfant au CHU Souro Sanou de Bobo-Dioulasso: aspects échocardiographies et thérapeutiques.

Children's heart diseases in Africa represent a public health problem that is difficult to cope with due to young population density, low socioeconomic status and lack of suitable technical platforms. This study aims to highlight the echocardiographic and therapeutic aspects of cardiopathies in children hospitalized at the pediatric department of the University Hospital Souro Sanou, Bobo-Dioulasso. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study over the period January 2013-December 2014 (24 months). It was based on a literature review of echocardiography reports performed on children under 15 years of age in the echocardiography laboratory of CHUSS and of medical records of their therapeutic follow-up. During the study period, 184 echocardiographic examinations were performed and allowed identification of 93 cases of children with heart disease (50.50% of cases). Among them, 71% (66/93) of cases with congenital cardiopathies were distinguished and 29% (27/93) of acquired cardiopathies. The most common congenital heart diseases were: IVC (27.2%), IAC (10.6%), AVC (7.5%), F4T (9.1%), CAT (6%), related forms ( 15%). Acquired heart diseases were dominated by rheumatic valve diseases (48%), hypokinetic dilated cardiomyopathy (33.3%) and pericardial tamponade (18.5%). Surgery was recommended in 53.7% (50/93) of cases, of whom 86% (43/50) with congenital heart diseases and 14% (7/50) with acquired heart diseases. 21% (9/43) of patients with congenital heart diseases underwent cardiac surgery. No acquired heart disease requiring surgery was surgically treated. Cardiopathies in children are frequent in Bobo-Dioulasso. Multidisciplinary strategies associated with resource optimization should improve the management of these cardiopathies.

Diagnostic Path of a Genetic Disease: A Case of Williams-Beuren Syndrome in Burkina Faso.

Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a set of somatic, psychological, and behavioral abnormalities, which is caused by a deletion of several genes. Herein we report a 6 year-old boy, who presented with mental retardation and psychological disorders. The result of the first clinical examination was poor, since it didn't detect any dysmorphic feature which is a major component for the clinical diagnosis of WBS. Despite the multidisciplinary and the multicenter approaches used, the diagnosis of WBS (deletion of chromosome band 7q11. 23) was established more than 3 years after the first medical consultation. Rare partial forms of WBS have been recently described and they are both clinically and genetically difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, this disorder is still little known by health professionals.

Short-term virological efficacy, immune reconstitution, tolerance, and adherence of once-daily dosing of didanosine, lamivudine, and efavirenz in HIV-1-infected African children: ANRS 12103 Burkiname.

Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and routine laboratory monitoring are limited for HIV-1-infected children from sub-Saharan Africa. This trial conducted in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, aimed to describe the biological efficacy, tolerance, and adherence of the combination of didanosine, lamivudine, efavirenz in once-daily administration among eligible HIV-1-infected children. From February 2006 to November 2007, 51 HIV-1-infected children aged from 30 months to 15 years and eligible for ART were enrolled in a phase II open clinical trial with follow-up visits every 3 months. HIV-1 genotype testing was performed in children with plasma viral load (PVL) >1000 copies per milliliter after ART initiation. Children were followed for a median of 13.4 months [interquartile range (IQR) 12.8-14.2]. At enrollment, median CD4 count was 8% (IQR = 4.5-12). PVL was 341,032 (IQR = 127,838-761,539) copies per milliliter. At 12 months, median CD4 increased significantly by +15% (P < 10(-3)), and median PVL decreases significantly by -290,500 copies per milliliter (P < 10(-4)). Hemoglobin and platelets counts increased significantly by +1.05 g/dL (P < 10(-5)) and 108,500 cells per milliliter (P < 10(-3)), respectively. Based on pill count, mean yearly adherence was 97.3%, and 48% of the children had an adherence rate ≥ 95% at the four quarterly visits. Adherence was better for girls than for boys independently of other sociodemographic variables or markers of HIV disease progression. Drug-resistant mutations were found in 11 children (21.6%). This once-daily drug combination is associated with excellent virological efficacy, immune reconstitution, and good adherence. However, the high prevalence of drug resistance mutations is a matter of concern.