[Economic hardship and fallout on households of the management of hydrocephalus in Benin]. / Impact socio-économique et familial du traitement de l'hydrocéphalie au Bénin.

Objectives: The socioeconomic profile of households and families of children attending hospital for hydrocephalus were documented and analysed. Main costs related to diagnosis and care were reviewed. The emotional fallout and social well-being of families were also analysed. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study (January 2006 to January 2015) was based on costs borne by households and families for neurosurgical care of children with hydrocephalus. Results: Sixty children (1 day to 12 years old) had been hospitalized for hydrocephalus in Cotonou-Benin. In 19 cases, the families were single-parent families. In 44 cases, the parents were self-employed workers or private company employees. Public servants, eligible for national health system assistance, accounted for a mere 16 cases. Twenty six children did not receive any financial support, whereas the total average care-related out-of-pocket expenditure for families during the hospital stay was approximately €1,777 (1,117,500 FCFA), i.e. almost 14 times the average monthly income reported by the parents (82,600 FCFA ­ approximately €120). After hospitalization, 31 mothers had lost their jobs and 21 couples experienced marital issues and their plans to have children. Twelve recent separations were recorded, as well as one indirect maternal death related to depression. Conclusion: In Benin Republic, surgical care for paediatric hydrocephalus represents catastrophic out-of-pocket expenditures for households and families and other living expenses. Families experience significant emotional fallout with effects on couple relationships and survival.

[Squamous cell carcinoma of the nail apparatus on the hallux without osseous involvement: study of a patient treated by amputation]. / Carcinome epidermoide de l'appareil ungueal de l'Hallux sans atteinte osseuse: une observation chez un patient traité par amputation.

The late diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the hallux in an aged patient on second-line therapy led to a trans-proximal phalanx amputation. This is a rare lesion affecting the toes which may compromise the functional prognosis of the foot. This clinical case report with review of the literature aims to highlight the difficulties of diagnosis and indications for amputation.