Factors associated with hepatitis B and C among adults in Buea, Cameroon: A community-based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Viral hepatitis is a major cause of death in Africa. A paucity of community-based studies on the determinants of viral hepatitis in Africa impedes efforts to appropriately target prevention, screening, and treatment interventions. We assessed factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a semi-urban health district in Cameroon. METHODS: We conducted a community-based, cross-sectional study from 28 February to 15 May 2021 in the Buea Health District in Buea, Cameroon. We recruited a sample of consenting individuals aged over 15 years old. Participants were surveyed for factors associated with HBV/HCV and were screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HCV antibody using rapid point-of-care tests. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with HBsAg and HCV seropositivity. RESULTS: We screened 1144 participants (66% female) with a median age of 30 years (IQR: 23-44). HBsAg prevalence was 5.7% (95%CI: 4.5-7.2%) and HCV seropositivity was 1.9% (95%CI: 1.3-2.9%). Three people (0.3%) were seropositive for both HBsAg and HCV antibody. Male sex (adjusted OR [aOR] = 2.31; 95%CI: 1.28-4.18) and a history of traditional operation or scarification (aOR = 2.87; 95%CI: 1.67-4.92) were associated with HBsAg. None of the assessed factors was significantly associated with HCV antibody. CONCLUSION: Men and participants with a history of traditional operation and scarification had higher odds of HBsAg. We did not observe any associations with HCV seropositivity. Prevention and screening efforts among adults in this setting should prioritize men and those with a history of traditional operation and scarification.

Normalisation of the psychometric encephalopathy score within the Cameroonian population.

BACKGROUND: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the presence of neuropsychological abnormalities detectable by psychometric tests. Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) is a gold standard test for the early diagnosis of MHE in cirrhotic patients. The aim of this study was to standardize the PHES in a healthy Cameroonian population and to evaluate the prevalence of MHE among cirrhotic patients. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicentric study from 1 December 2018 to 31 July 2019 in two groups: healthy volunteers and cirrhotic patients without clinical signs of hepatic encephalopathy. The results of the number connection test-A, number connection test-B, serial dotting test, line tracing test were expressed in seconds and those of the digit symbol test in points. RESULTS: A total of 102 healthy volunteers (54 men, 48 women) and 50 cirrhotic patients (29 men, 31 women) were included. The mean age was 38.1 ± 12.55 years in healthy volunteers and 49.3 ± 15.6 years in cirrhotic patients. The mean years of education level was 11.63 ± 4.20 years in healthy volunteers and 9.62 ± 3.9 years in cirrhotic patients. The PHES of the healthy volunteer group was - 0.08 ± 1.28 and the cut-off between normal and pathological values was set at - 3 points. PHES of the cirrhotic patients was - 7.66 ± 5.62 points and significantly lower than that of volunteers (p < 0.001). Prevalence of MHE was 74% among cirrhotic patients. Age and education level were associated with MHE. CONCLUSION: PHES cut-off value in Cameroonians is - 3, with MHE prevalence of 74% among cirrhotic patients.

Impact of Routine Cryptococcal Antigen Screening and Targeted Preemptive Fluconazole Therapy in Antiretroviral-naive Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected Adults With CD4 Cell Counts <100/µL: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening and targeted preemptive fluconazole in antiretroviral-naive human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults with CD4 cell counts <100/µL seems promising as a strategy to reduce the burden of cryptococcal meningitis (CM). We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science and used random-effect meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of blood CrAg positivity (31 studies; 35644 participants) and asymptomatic CM in CrAg-positive participants and the incidence of CM and the all-cause mortality rate in screened participants. The pooled prevalence of blood CrAg-positivity was 6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5%-7%), and the prevalence of asymptomatic CM in CrAg-positive participants was 33% (95% CI, 21%-45%). The incidence of CM was 21.4% (95% CI, 11.6%-34.4%) without preemptive fluconazole and 5.7% (95% CI, 3.0%-9.7%) with preemptive fluconazole therapy initiated at 800 mg/d. In CrAg-positive participants, postscreening lumbar puncture before initiating preemptive fluconazole at 800 mg/d further reduced the incidence of CM to null and showed some survival benefits. However, the all-cause mortality rate remained significantly higher in CrAg-positive than in CrAg-negative participants (risk ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7-2.9; P < .001).

Late presentation to HIV/AIDS care at the Douala general hospital, Cameroon: its associated factors, and consequences.

BACKGROUND: The introduction of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) has significantly reduced mortality and morbidity associated with HIV/AIDS. While treatment at early stages of the disease is related to a better prognosis, late presentation (LP) to care is harmful to the infected person, the society and is more costly. We aimed to describe late presentation to HIV care, its associated factors and consequences in patients followed up in a tertiary hospital in Cameroon. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed patients' files between 1996 and 2014 at the Douala general hospital (DGH) HIV treatment centre. Late presentation (LP) to HIV care was defined as a CD4+ T cell count< 350 cells/mm3 or advanced clinical stages of the disease (WHO stages 3/4) at first presentation for care. We used logistic regression to study factors associated with late presentation and assessed occurrence of opportunistic infections and mortality at 3, 6 and 12 months after presentation to care. RESULTS: Of 1866 files studied, mean age was 40 (SD: 10) years, median CD4+ T cell count was 147 (IQR: 63-270) cells/mm3, 58.2% were at HIV clinical stages 3 and 4. The prevalence of late presentation to HIV care was 89.7% (95% CI: 88.2-91.0%) and remained above 80% from 1996 to 2014. Circumstances of diagnosis: prevention of mother to child transmission program/blood donation (OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.10-0.29), having a positive partner (OR = 0.16, 95%CI = 0.10-0.26), and routine screening (OR = 0.13, 95%CI = 0.10-0.19) reduced the odds of presenting late compared to clinical suspicion. Students had lower odds of presenting late compared to people who had an employment (OR = 0.50, 95%CI = 0.26-0.98). Calendar time OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.08-2.48 for ≥2010 vs. < 2005) increased the odds of late presentation. Mortality and opportunistic infections prevalence remained significantly higher in late presenters at 3, 6 and 12 months than in early presenters. CONCLUSION: Late presentation to HIV care is very high at the DGH and is related to poor outcome. More screening and sensitization campaigns should be carried out in the population to diagnose the disease at an earlier stage.

The Prognostic Value of Serum Uric Acid in the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke in Black Africans.

BACKGROUND: The association between hyperuricemia and stroke outcome still remains controversial worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia and its association with the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: This was a hospital-based prospective cohort study that included patients with ischemic stroke with baseline uric acid levels and 3-month post-stroke follow-up data. Associations between hyperuricemia and stroke outcomes were analyzed using multiple logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 480 patients were reviewed with a mean age of 62.8 ± 13.3 years. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 52.3% with mean uricemia of 71.1 ± 25.3 mg/dL. There was a significant association between hyperuricemia and mortality with unadjusted odds ratio (OR) = 4.120 [95% (confidence interval [CI]: 2.466-7.153); P = .001)], but on multivariate analysis, hyperuricemia was not an independent predictor of stroke mortality [OR = 1.270 (CI: .547-2.946); P = .578)]. An independent association between increasing uric acid levels and mortality was noted on Cox proportional hazards regression; adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 3.395 (2.114-5.452), P value greater than .001. Stroke mortality significantly increased across higher uric acid quintiles in patients with acute stroke (P < .001). Hyperuricemia was an independent predictor of poor functional outcome within 3 months after stroke with adjusted OR (95% CI) of 2.820 (1.359-5.851); P = .005. CONCLUSIONS: Half of black African patients with ischemic stroke present with hyperuricemia, and hyperuricemia is a predictor of mortality and adverse functional outcomes. Further studies are therefore warranted to determine whether reducing hyperuricemia after stroke would be beneficial within our setting.

Acute Stroke Patients with Newly Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus Have Poorer Outcomes than Those with Previously Diagnosed Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with poor outcomes in acute stroke patients (ASPs). This study aims to determine the prevalence of NDDM in the ASPs and to compare the outcome in NDDM and previously diagnosed DM (PDDM) in Cameroon. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a hospital-based prospective cohort study that included ASPs with NDDM and PDDM. Outcome data were collected within 3 months of stroke onset. Chi-square and t tests were used for comparisons, whereas survival analysis was performed using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Of the 701 ASPs included, 24.8% had PDDM (n = 174) and 9.4% NDDM (n = 66). NDDM had a higher mortality rate on admission and 3 months after stroke (P < .05). PDDM were more likely to survive within 3 months after stroke onset (log-rank test P = .008). The risk of dying among NDDM was increased (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.809; 95% confidence interval: 1.1532.839; P = .010). NDDM were more likely to have higher mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin score (P < .05) on admission. PDDM were more likely to develop urinary tract infections during hospitalization (P = .015). There was no significant difference between functional outcome on admission and 3 months after stroke (P > .05). CONCLUSION: NDDM are associated with increased mortality and are more likely to have poorer functional outcomes and more severe stroke than those with PDDM.

Gender-Related Differences and Short-Term Outcome of Stroke: Results from a Hospital-Based Registry in Sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that sex differences have an impact on patients with stroke, but existing data in Africa remain inconclusive about this inference. OBJECTIVES: To study sex differences in terms of the clinical profile and short-term outcome of stroke in the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon. METHODS: A hospital-based prospective cohort study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital over an 8-year period, which included all patients admitted for confirmed acute stroke. Information about the history of stroke with emphasis on clinical profile and outcome was collected. Descriptive statistics, t test, and chi square test were used for comparisons, while the Kaplan-Meier curve was used for survival rate analysis. RESULTS: Of the 818 patients included, 455 (55.6%) were male patients. When compared to males, female patients are more likely to experience a stroke at an older age (mean age 62.3 ± 14.1 vs. 58.4 ± 12.9 years, p < 0.001), to be unmarried, to remain unemployed, and to have higher rates of cardio-embolic stroke (p = 0.049), body mass index (p = 0.031), altered levels of consciousness at presentation (p = 0.005), higher mean HDL cholesterol levels (p = 0.001), and in-hospital complications (p = 0.011), especially urinary tract infections (p = 0.018). Males were more likely to have health insurance, to smoke, to consume alcohol (p < 0.001), and to have higher rates of dysarthria (p = 0.004), higher mean uric acid (p = 0.013), and creatinine (p < 0.001) concentrations. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were more prevalent in men (p = 0.003). There are no sex differences in terms of stroke severity, length-of-hospital stay, case fatality, and functional outcome on admission. CONCLUSIONS: Sex differences exist in the clinical profile of stroke but not in the outcome. Knowledge of these differences could help influence stroke prevention, thereby improving stroke burden in Africa.

Outcome of permanent vascular access for haemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease in Cameroon: results from the pilot experience of the Douala general hospital.

Background Chronic Kidney disease is a major health problem in the world. Native arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) is well established as the best vascular access for haemodialysis. Little is known about the outcome of AVF in sub-Saharan Africa. We aim to analyze the outcome of patients undergoing AVF creation during the pilot program established at the Douala general hospital (DGH). Method This was hospital-based, longitudinal study with a retrospective phase (April 2010-January 2014) and a prospective phase (January 2014-April 2014). All consecutive patients operated for AVF creation were included in this study. Socio-demographics data, functionality, and complications were analyzed. Results Eighty-one patients including 52 men were enrolled in this study (49 prospectively and 32 retrospectively). The mean age was 52, 3 years (range 18-81 years). Hypertension (66, 7%), diabetes (17, 3%), and HIV (8, 6%) were the most observed co-morbidities. About 96.3% of AVF were native and 3.7% were prosthetic graft. Radiocephalic AVF was performed at a rate of 77.8%. The primary function rate was 97.7% and the mean follow-up period 43.4 weeks. The overall rate of complications was 44.4% of whom 30.5% were early, 30.5% secondary, and 39% lasted. The treatment of these complications was conservative in 48.7% of cases. Conclusions The results of the pilot program of AVF creation at the DGH are encouraging. However, the sustainability of this project requires human capacity building.

The changing epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection in the United States: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001 through 2010.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In light of the dramatically changing hepatitis C therapeutic landscape, knowledge of the current burden of HCV infection in the general population of the United States is critical. METHODS: The National Health and Nutrition Examination survey collects nationally representative data on HCV infection in the civilian population of the United States. Data from 2001 to 2010 were combined for this study. HCV testing was completed in 38,025 participants. RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HCV in the United Sates decreased from 1.9% (95% CI 1.5%-2.5%) in 2001-2002 to 1.3% (95% CI 0.9%-1.8%) in 2005-2006, and remained stable up to 2010. About 67% of all infected persons were positive for HCV RNA, indicating 2.3 million people with chronic HCV infection, of whom 68% have genotype 1. Seventy percent of infected persons were born between 1945 and 1965, with prevalence of 3.5% (95% CI 2.2%-4.8%). The stable rate since 2006 is mostly related to prevalent cases and foreign born persons migrating into US. Other important risk factors include less education and low economic status. Race, HIV status, number of sexual partners, and blood transfusions are no longer associated with HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS: As of 2010, approximately 2.3 million persons were chronically infected with Hepatitis C in the US. Most of those infected are prevalent, rather than incident cases. The prevalence of HCV was on the decline, but has stabilized since 2006. Future studies should explore reasons for no decline in HCV prevalence since 2006.

Prevalence, trends, and risk factors for fecal incontinence in United States adults, 2005-2010.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: We investigated the prevalence of and trends and risk factors for fecal incontinence (FI) in the United States among non-institutionalized adults from 2005 to 2010. METHODS: We analyzed data from 14,759 participants in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (49% women, 20 years or older) from 2005 to 2010 (the FI Severity Index was added in 2005-2006). FI was defined as accidental leakage of solid or liquid stool or mucus at least once in preceding month. Sampling weights were used to obtain estimates for the national population. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for FI. RESULTS: The prevalence of FI among non-institutionalized U.S. adults was 8.39% (95% confidence interval, 7.76-9.05). It was stable throughout the study period: 8.26% in 2005-2006, 8.48% in 2007-2008, and 8.41% in 2009-2010. FI resulted in release of liquid stool in most cases (6.16%). Prevalence increased with age from 2.91% among 20- to 29-year-old participants to 16.16% (14.15%-18.39%) among participants 70 years and older. Independent risk factors for FI included older age, diabetes mellitus, urinary incontinence, frequent and loose stools, and multiple chronic illnesses. FI was more common among women only when they had urinary incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: FI is a common problem among non-institutionalized U.S. adults. Its prevalence remained stable from 2005-2010. Diabetes mellitus and chronic diarrhea are modifiable risk factors. Future studies on risk factors for FI should assess for presence of urinary incontinence.

Clinical presentation and imaging findings in juvenile-onset back pain: a ten-year hospital-based retrospective analysis in Douala (Cameroon).

Introduction: Studies exploring the clinical and imaging characteristics of juvenile-onset back pain (JOBP) are scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and factors associated with JOBP. Methods: A retrospective record-based study was conducted among all pediatric cases presenting to the Rheumatology unit of the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon, from January 2014 to December 2023. The study did not include children whose back pain began after 16 years of age. Results: Of the 216 records of patients under 18 examined, 67 children (31 girls) were diagnosed with JOBP. The median age was 15 [13-16] years. More than two-third of the children included in this study had chronic pain (n = 46; 68.65%). Pain was mild to moderate in intensity in 48 children (71.6%). Radiculopathy was present in 10 children (14.92%). The most common location of back pain was the lumbar region (n = 64; 95.52%). Some children experienced pain in more than one location. The location of the pain was not associated with gender, duration of the pain, radiculopathy, or practice of a competitive sport (p > 0.05). Musculoskeletal abnormalities on imaging were found in 38 children (62.29%). In multivariate analysis, peripheral joint involvement [aOR = 0.253 (0.073-0.878); p = 0.030] and mild pain intensity [aOR = 0.077 (0.014-0.422); p = 0.003], were independently associated with the presence of musculoskeletal abnormalities on imaging. Conclusion: JOBP affects a third of children and adolescents of our clinic population. The common musculoskeletal abnormalities found on spine imaging are disc diseases and scoliosis.

Tuberculous meningitis: presentation, diagnosis and outcome in hiv-infected patients at the douala general hospital, cameroon: a cross sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) the most fatal presentation of tuberculosis (TB) especially in HIV-infected patients is a real diagnostic and therapeutic challenge worldwide. In Cameroon where HIV and TB are amongst the leading public health problems, the magnitude of TBM has not been defined. Therefore, the objective of this cross sectional study was to describe the presentation and in-hospital outcome of TBM among HIV patients in Douala as well as its diagnostic difficulties. METHODS: We did a clinical case note analysis of all HIV-1 infected patients treated for TBM in the Internal medicine unit of the Douala General Hospital, between January 1st 2004 and December 31st 2009. The diagnosis of TBM was made using clinical, laboratory [cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis] and/or brain computerised tomographic (CT) scan features. RESULTS: During the study period, 8% (54/672) of HIV-infected patients had TBM. Their mean age was 40.3 ± 12.7 years. The main presenting complaint was headache in 74.1% (40/54) of patients. Their median CD4 cell count was 16 cells/mm3 (IQR: 10 - 34). CSF analysis showed median protein levels of 1.7 g/l (IQR: 1.3 - 2.2), median glucose level of 0.4 g/l (IQR: 0.3 - 0.5) and median white cell count (WCC) count of 21 cells/ml (IQR: 12 - 45) of which mononuclear cells were predominant in 74% of CSF. Acid fast bacilli were found in 1.9% (1/54) of CSF samples. On CT scan hydrocephalus was the main finding in 70.6% (24/34) of patients. In hospital case fatality was 79.6% (43/54). CONCLUSION: TBM is a common complication in HIV-infected patients in Douala with high case fatality. Its presumptive diagnosis reposes mostly on CSF analysis, so clinicians caring for HIV patients should not hesitate to do lumbar taps in the presence of symptoms of central nervous system disease.

HIV-associated sensory neuropathy in HIV-1 infected patients at the Douala General Hospital in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) which is the most common neurological complication of HIV infection is under recognised and undertreated especially in resource limited settings. This ailment which has a negative impact on the quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients exists in different clinical patterns of which HIV-associated Sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) is the most common affecting up to two thirds of patients with advanced disease in some settings. In Cameroon where HIV is a major public health problem, the burden of HIV-SN has not yet been well defined. METHODS: Using the Brief Peripheral Neuropathy Screening (BPNS) tool validated by the AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) we carried out a cross sectional study to determine the prevalence of HIV-SN and its associated factors among HIV-1 patients at the Douala General Hospital between 1st July and 31st October 2011. HIV-SN was defined as the presence of neuropathic symptoms and at least an abnormal perception of vibrations of a 128Hz tuning fork on the great toe or abnormal ankle reflexes or both and expressed as a percentage of the study population. RESULTS: Out of 295 patients studied, 21% had HIV-SN. In HIV-SN patients the median duration of HIV infection was 79.8 months (IQR 46 - 107.5) and their median CD4 count 153cells/µL (IQR 80 - 280). Patient recall and clinical chart review showed that, 83.9% had neuropathic symptoms prior to HAART initiation and 16.1% after HAART initiation. Low CD4 count, history of alcohol intake and history of anti-tuberculosis treatment were strongly associated with HIV-SN (AOR 2.5, 2.8 and 2.9 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: HIV-SN is common among patients with advanced HIV infection in Cameroon. This simple diagnostic tool (BPNS) should therefore be routinely used to detect those with HIV-SN or at risk so as to minimise the negative impact it has on their quality of life.

Gender difference in the association between gout at diagnosis and metabolic syndrome in African population: a retrospective cohort study.

Introduction: few studies have specifically investigated the link between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and gout in sub-Saharan Africa. This report aimed to evaluate in patients with gout the association between gout at diagnosis and MetS and to assess the gender difference. Methods: we performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study on all outpatients seen in the Rheumatology Unit of the General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon. We included records of patients with a recent diagnosis of gout according to the American College of Radiology (ACR) criteria. MetS was defined according to the harmonized criteria. Results: we included 511 patients (415 men), with a mean age at diagnosis of 55.9 ±10.8 years. Women were older than men. The mean serum uric acid was 8.24±2.23 mg/L, with hyperuricemia found in 394 patients (77.1%). MetS was present in 101 patients (19.7% [95% CI: 16.8%-22.1%]), significantly more common in men compared to women (23.6% vs. 10.8%; p<0.001). The main components of the MetS were: increased waist circumference (217 patients, 61.3%), obesity (256 patients, 52.2%), hypertension (208 patients, 40.7%), and diabetes mellitus (52 patients, 10.2%). Furthermore, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and increased waist circumference were more frequent in women (p<0.001). There was no difference in dyslipidemia according to gender. The combination of components of the MetS was more frequent in men than women (p<0.001). Conclusion: MetS are common in newly diagnosed Cameroonian patients with gout, with increased waist circumference, obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus being the main components. These components are more common in women, but their combination was more frequent in men.

Hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19: can we learn from the use of rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosus?

Rituximab (RTX), a chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody has become part of the standard therapy for patients with CD20-expressing B-cell lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. After encouraging results with open studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), RTX has not shown its effectiveness in randomized controlled trials. However, its efficacy has been validated in renal, hematological, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Understanding the history of RTX in SLE would be instructive in the hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) saga in COVID-19. Three steps would be necessary and sufficient before definitively closing the debate: 1) determine the effective and safe dose of HCQ, as well as the minimum duration of treatment in COVID-19; 2) define the profile of patients in whom HCQ would be more likely to be effective (especially in asymptomatic patients and/or at the onset of the first signs of the disease) and 3) conduct one or more multicentre RCT to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HCQ in COVID-19 in SSA.

Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain in schoolchildren in Cameroon, sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: Data on the prevalence and factors associated with low back pain (LBP) in schoolchildren are scarce in Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with LBP in schoolchildren in Cameroon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study in 10 randomly selected schools (public and private) in Douala, Cameroon. Using a self-administrated questionnaire, sociodemographic, usual physical activity, and clinical data were collected and all the schoolbags were weighted. Informed consent was obtained from the parents. Statistical significance was established at P < .05. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with LBP. RESULTS: We included 1075 schoolchildren (543 boys, 50.5%). The prevalence of LBP was 12.3% (132 children: 81 girls and 51 boys). The mean age was 11 ± 1 years (range, 8-14 years). Body mass index was normal in 110 schoolchildren (83.4%). Sixteen schoolchildren had already met a physician for LBP. Among the factors evaluated, those associated with LBP were female gender, doing competitive sport, sitting position, and LBP in at least 1 parent. The mean weight of the schoolbags was 4.9 ± 1.9 kg. We had 99 children with LBP and a schoolbag weight ≥10% of their body weight. No association was found between the weight of schoolbag and LBP. CONCLUSION: LBP is common in Cameroonian schoolchildren, where 12.3% suffer from it. The weight of schoolbags was not associated with LBP. However, female gender, competitive sport, sitting position, and parental history of LBP were significantly associated with its occurrence.

Variation of HLA class I (-A and -C) genes in individuals infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus in Cameroon.

The Human Leucocyte Antigens (HLA) work in concert with other immune factors to modulate immunity to viral infections. Extensive variation has been reported in the genetic sequences and functions of classical HLA class I genes in many (mostly Western) populations, and several HLA associations with infectious disease outcomes have been reported. Little is known about their role in the susceptibility or resistance to hepatitis viruses in Central African populations. The aim of this study was to determine variants of two HLA class I genes (HLA-A and -C) in adults infected with hepatitis B (HBV)- or -C (HCV) virus in Cameroon. In this case-control study, a total of 169 unrelated adults comprising 68 HCV-infected, 38 HBV-infected and 63 uninfected (controls) individuals participated. Each consented participant was screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV infections and willingly donated a single blood sample for genomic DNA isolation and some clinical laboratory tests. HLA-A and HLA-C were genotyped using previously described sequence-based techniques (SBT). A total of 54 HLA alleles were identified in the study population (27 HLA-A and 27 HLA-C). HLA-A∗23:01 and HLA-C∗07:01 were the most common alleles with genotype frequencies of 31.4% and 29.3%, respectively. Hepatitis individuals were six times more likely to be HLA-A∗30:01 carriers than uninfected controls (OR = 6.30, p = 0.020 (HBV); OR = 6.21, p = 0.010 (HCV), respectively). Similarly, carriers of HLA-C∗17:01 were over-represented in the HBV-infected compared to the uninfected control group (21.9% vs. 6.4%, respectively) suggesting that this allele could play a role in the susceptibility to HBV infection. These findings demonstrate that carriers of HLA-A∗30:01 were over-represented in the hepatitis group compared to uninfected controls while HLA-C∗17:01 was completely absent in the HCV + group.

The prognostic value of serum uric acid in the acute phase of hemorrhagic stroke patients in black Africans.

INTRODUCTION: Very few studies have been conducted to evaluate the prevalence of hyperuricemia and its impact on the prognosis amongst acute hemorrhagic stroke (AHS) patients. The objectives was to determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia in AHS patients and examined the association between hyperuricemia and stroke outcomes in the Douala General Hospital (DGH). METHODS: This was a hospital based prospective cohort which included AHS patients with baseline SUA levels and 3 months post stroke follow-up data. SUA values were divided into quintiles. Associations between hyperuricemia and stroke outcomes were analyzed using multiple logistic regression and survival analysis (cox regression and Kaplan Meier). RESULTS: A total of 221 AHS patients were reviewed with a mean age of 55.8±11.8 years. The prevalence of hyperuricemia among AHS patients was 34.4% with mean SUA level of 376.8±131.9 µmol/l. On multivariate analysis, hyperuricemia was not independently associated with early death [(OR = 1.072 (CI: 0.370-3.056; p = 0.897)] and poor functional outcome [(OR=2.487 (CI: 0.771-8.699; p = 0.154)] after hemorrhagic stroke. No significant increase in stroke deaths was observed across higher SUA quintiles amongst hemorrhagic stroke patients (p = 0.326). No statistically significant correlation was observed between SUA level and NIHSS (r = 0.063, p = 0.353) and between SUA level and mRS (r = 0.030, p = 0.662) in hemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSION: About one third of patients present with hyperuricemia in the acute phase of hemorrhagic stroke. Hyperuricemia can act as risk factor for stroke because of its relationship with CVRFs but hyperuricemia has no impact on the severity and short-term outcome amongst black African hemorrhagic stroke patients.

Prevalence and determinants of abnormal glucose metabolism in urban and rural secondary schools in Cameroon: A cross-sectional study in a sub-Saharan Africa setting.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of Diabetes in children and teenagers increased by 30.2% between 2001 and 2009, with the main cause being an increase in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. Despite its high morbidity and mortality, few studies in Cameroon have focused on the study of abnormal glucose metabolism in schools. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was carried out in three schools institutions of two health districts selected from a three-stage cluster sampling survey-which consisted of a simple draw without discount for department selection, a simple random survey for the choice of health districts, and finally a simple random survey for the choice of schools institutions. RESULTS: Among the 815 participants, the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose and diabetes was 34.1% and 1.8% respectively. Glucose metabolism abnormalities were significantly higher in rural area than in urban areas (40% vs. 31.6%, p=0.016), and were significantly associated with abdominal obesity (p=0.027). Overweight and obesity were significantly higher in rural areas (p=0.0002), as well as abdominal obesity (p=0.0004). CONCLUSION: Abnormalities of glucose metabolism are a major health problem in schools in Cameroon. Thus, it is urgent to develop a health policy involving teachers and parents in the fight against overweight and obesity in schools.

[Prognosis and survival of esophageal cancer in Cameroon: a prognostic study]. / Facteurs pronostiques du cancer de l'œsophage au Cameroun: étude multicentrique.

INTRODUCTION: Esophageal cancer is rare. Poor prognosis is due to delayed diagnosis. Five year survival is less than 20%. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with survival of patients with esophageal cancer in Cameroon. METHODS: We conducted a prognostic study in the General Hospitals in Yaoundé and in Douala over a period of 11 years from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2015. The parameters studied were those associated with survival. Survival was established on the basis of the date of diagnosis and of the date of death or of the last visit. SPSS software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 23 allowed for data analysis. Kaplan Meier curve was used to estimate the survival function. Log RankTest allowed for comparison among the different groups. Cox regression helped to highlight the different factors associated with it. Significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: We collected data from 49 medical records. The average age of patients was 57.83 years. There was a male predominance (71.4%; n=35) with a sex ratio of 2.49. The follow-up period was 3.2 months. Median survival was 6.67 months (CI 95% [1.33-10.4]) and the average survival time was 7.99 months (CI 95% [4.42-11.17]). Multivariate-adjusted analysis showed that stage IV was a predictive factor of mortality (HR = 2.79; CI95% [1.13-6.89], p = 0.025]). CONCLUSION: Esophageal cancer is a rare disease with poor prognosis. Prognostic factor is the tumor stage.