Aortic root enlargement in patients undergoing mitral and aortic replacement: early outcomes in a sub-Saharan population.

Introduction: Aortic root enlargement (ARE) is often required to avoid patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) in young patients undergoing aortic surgery, including those undergoing combined mitral and aortic valve replacement (double valve replacement, DVR). Adding ARE to DVR may increase the operative risk by extending the surgical time. Herein, we review our experience with ARE in patients who underwent DVR. Materials and methods: The medical records of 69 patients who underwent DVR at our institution between February 2008 and November 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the ARE procedure (ARE-DVR: 25 patients; DVR: 44 patients). Descriptive and comparative analyses of demographic, clinical, and surgical data were performed. Results: Among the 69 patients who underwent DVR, 35 were women (sex ratio, 0.97). The mean age at surgery was 26.7 ± 13.9 years (range: 7-62 years). Among the 47 patients aged ≤30 years, 40.4% (19/47) were aged between 10 and 20 years, and 6.3% (3/47) were aged <10 years. Patients in the ARE-DVR group were younger (23.3 ± 12.9 years vs. 28.5 ± 14.2 years, p < 0.05). The New York Heart Association Class ≥III dyspnea was the most common symptom (89.9%), with no differences between the two groups. Of all the patients, 84.1% had sinus rhythm. Rheumatic disease was the most common etiology in the entire cohort (91.3%). The mean aortic annulus diameter was 20.54 mm, with smaller sizes found in the ARE-DVR group (18.00 ± 1.47 mm vs. 22.50 ± 2.35 mm, p < 0.05). The aortic cross-clamping duration was greater in the ARE-DVR group (177.6 ± 37.9 min vs. 148.3 ± 66.3 min, p = 0.047). The operative mortality rate was 5.6% for the entire cohort (ARE-DVR: 8% vs. DVR: 4.5%, p = 0.46). Among the patients who underwent echocardiographic control at follow-up, the mean aortic gradient was 19.6 ± 7.2 mmHg (range: 6.14-33 mmHg), with no differences among the groups. Conclusion: The association between ARE and DVR did not significantly affect operative mortality. ARE can be safely used whenever indications arise to reduce the occurrence of PPM, especially in young patients with growth potential.

Composite aortic root replacement in African patients with type A aortic dissection: report of 12 cases.

Type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is associated with high mortality in the absence of appropriate surgical therapy. The involvement of the aortic root by the intimal tear and the presence of severe aortic insufficiency will require a more radical approach with composite root replacement (CRR) in most of the patients. We briefly report our surgical experience following CRR in 12 patients presenting with TAAD in our department. Between November 2009 and January 2022, a total of twelve (n=12) patients diagnosed with TAAD were operated in our institution. Clinical data and surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age at admission was 51.1 ± 12.43 years (range: 34-72). One patient met the criteria for Marfan´s disease (1/12, 8.3%). The operative mortality was 16.66% (2/12). Composite root replacement with a mechanical valved conduit was performed in the majority (11/12, 91.66%;) whereas a separated supracoronary graft replacement and aortic valve replacement were performed in one patient. Concomitant aortic arch surgery (hemi or total) was done in 9/12 patients (75%). The commonest postoperative complications were: chest re-exploration for bleeding in 2/12 (16.66%), transitory cerebral ischemia in 1/12 (8.33%) and low cardiac output syndrome in 2/12 (16.66%). The mean length of stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was 4.8±3.8 days (range: 2-17). Delayed referral of patients with TAAD was observed in the majority of patients as they were operated in the subacute or chronic phase. Composite root replacement in these patients is associated with acceptable outcomes despite complex anatomic-pathological lesions.

Prevalence and factors associated with substance use among students in tertiary institutions in Buea, Cameroon.

Introduction: substance use is a major global public health problem. About 5.6% of the global population aged 15-64 years consumed a drug at least once in 2016. The use of substances by youth, especially students in tertiary schools is increasing rapidly worldwide. This rise in substance use is associated with a negative impact on student's health, as well as their professional and social life. Methods: in a cross-sectional institution-based survey we recruited 650 students by convenience sampling from 3 randomly selected tertiary institutions within the Buea municipality. Data was collected using a pre-tested self-administered World Health Organization (WHO) model core questionnaire to collect information on sociodemographic data and use of various substances. The data collected were entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 and exported to SPSS version 24. Descriptive analysis was done to examine findings, and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine factors independently associated with substance use. Results: of the 650 students recruited, 625 consented and completed the questionnaire, for which 67.4% were females with a mean age of 22.2 ± 2.837 years. The overall prevalence of substance use was 89.9%. The prevalence of multiple substance use was 29.9%. The most currently used substances were tobacco (26.2%), alcohol (19.7%), tramadol (2.8%) and cannabis (2.0%). The main reason for substance use was to relieve stress (relax) 91.7%. The main negative effects reported were quarrel or arguments (18%) and loss of money (16.7%). Peers (66.9%) were the prime source of substance use. On multivariate analysis, male sex was the principal predictor for substance use (95% CI): 0.801 (1.128, 4.398). Conclusion: the prevalence of substance use is high among students in tertiary institutions in Buea. Multilevel, value-based, comprehensive, and strategic long-term intervention plans are required to curb this problem.

The effect of subsidized malaria treatment among under-five children in the Buea Health District, Cameroon.

INTRODUCTION: Access to free diagnoses and treatments has been shown to be a major determinant in malaria control. The Cameroon government launched in 2011 and 2014 the exemption of the under-fives' simple and severe malaria treatment policy to increase access to health care and reduce inequality, so as to reduce the mortality related to malaria among the under-fives. This study assessed the effect of providing free malaria treatment in the Buea health district. METHODS: This retrospective and cross sectional study was carried out in the Buea health district. Aggregated monthly data from (2008-2010) before and (2012-2014) after the implementation of free malaria treatment was compared, to assess the attributable outcomes of free treatment. A semi-structure questionnaire was also used to assess barriers faced in providing free malaria treatment services by health care workers. Data was collected using a semi-structure questionnaire and a data review summary sheet. The data was analysed using Epi-Info 7, Excel and SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20.0 for Windows. All statistical tests were performed at 95% confidence interval (significance level of 0.05). RESULTS: Increase utilisation of health care; as general and malaria related consultations (by 5.7% (p=0.001) witnessed an increase after the implementation of free malaria treatment services. Severe malaria hospitalisation also increased, indicating that most caregivers used the health facility when complications had already set in, which could have led to no significant reduction in mortality due to malaria among under-five children (4.4%, p=0.533). CONCLUSION: Utilisation of health care increased; as consultation and morbidity rate increased after the implementation of free malaria treatment services. Communication strategy should therefore be strengthened so as to better disseminate information, so as to enhance the effectiveness of the program. There is the need to make a large-scale study to assess the impact of subsidized malaria treatment.

Uterine fibroids in pregnancy: prevalence, clinical presentation, associated factors and outcomes at the Limbe and Buea Regional Hospitals, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Uterine fibroids are common among the black race and associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, clinical presentation and maternal and foetal outcomes of birth among pregnant women with leiomyoma in two secondary care hospitals in Limbe and Buea, Cameroon. RESULTS: The prevalence of fibroid in pregnancy was 16.7%. Respondents with leiomyoma were older than those without (p < 0.001) and of low parity (p = 0.02). Acute abdominal pain, (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.4-9.9, p = 0.007), vaginal bleeding (OR 5.2; 95% CI 1.6-16.3, p = 0.004) were clinical presentation of leiomyoma in pregnancy. Cesarean birth (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.4-13.6, p = 0.008), low Apgar score, (OR 6.0; 95% CI 1.9-19.1, p = 0.002), and postpartum hemorrhage (OR 4.7; 95% CI 1.7-13.2, p = 0.003) were adverse outcomes recorded.

Posterior urethral valves: 10 years audit of epidemiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in Yaoundé gynaeco-obstetric and paediatric hospital.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of posterior urethral valve (PUV) is estimated at 1:5000-1:8000 males. It is the most common paediatric urologic urgency and the most common cause of male obstructive uropathy and chronic renal failure in children. The study aimed to describe the experience of Yaoundé gynaeco-obstetrics and paediatric hospital in the management of PUV. METHODS: Retrospectively, medical records were retrieved over a ten year period and all data recorded and analyzed for study objectives. Patients were called and evaluated for outcomes regarding morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients all males were managed over the ten year period, given prevalence of 13 cases/100,000 admissions and an admission rate of 2 per annum. The median age at presentation was 22 months and 13 (72.2%) participants presented late. Voiding urethrocystogram was done in all the participants where it showed dilated and elongated posterior urethral valves in 16 (88.9%) of the cases. Endoscopic valve ablation resulted in the relief of obstruction in all but 3 (16.7%) participants that had residual valves and 2 (11.2%) participants that had urethral stenosis. Type I valves were most common in 14 (78.0%) participants. The mean duration of follow up was 34.56 ± 21.47 months. Complications at final follow up were: 10 (55.6%) chronic renal failure, 2 (11.2%) end-stage renal failure. The case fatality rate was 5.6%. CONCLUSION: Many patients present late in our setting with already established complications. There is the need to counsel parents/guardians on the importance of long-term follow up after relief of obstruction.

Multidrug resistant Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli causing fulminant necrotising fasciitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare soft tissue infection characterized by rapid progressive necrosis with relative sparing of underlying muscles. This case is reported to highlight the emergence of multidrug resistant microbes in recent days which limits the use of empiric antibiotic therapy and necessitates early cultures and sensitivity enabling targeted antibiotic therapy. Factors that lead to antimicrobial resistance especially in sub-Saharan Africa have also been discussed. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 52-year-old black man who was referred to our centre for the management of cellulitis and suppurating ulcers of the right leg which had progressed to a wet gangrene. Following physical examination and work-up, a diagnosis of fulminant necrotizing fasciitis of the right leg caused by multidrug resistant Proteus mirabilis and Escherichia coli was made. Despite the broad-spectrum empiric antibiotic therapy and aggressive multiple surgical debridement, necrosis progressed leading to an above-knee amputation. CONCLUSION: Necrotizing fasciitis is a surgical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and aggressive surgical debridement in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. The emergence of multidrug resistant organisms in recent days have limited the use of empiric antibiotic therapy, necessitating early culture and sensitivity and the use of susceptibility-guided antibiotic therapy. Timely action to control the use of antibiotics in sub-Saharan Africa will reduce multidrug resistance and delay the arrival of post-antibiotics era.

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a 4-year experience from two tertiary care centres in Cameroon.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with infantile hypertrophic stenosis, management and its outcome in two tertiary care centres in Cameroon. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients were included from the two centres. The mean age at presentation was 5.2 ± 1.2 weeks, predominantly male with a male-to-female ratio of 4.25:1. The triad of vomiting, visible peristalsis and palpable mass was present in only 7 (33.3%) of the participants. The diagnosis was confirmed with ultrasounds in all participants. Ramstedt pyloromyotomy was done in all participants and in 9.5% of the participants it was complicated by intra-operative duodenal perforation whereas in the postoperative period the most common complications were vomiting (6, 28.6%), sepsis (2, 9.5%), and paralytic ileus (2, 9.5%). The mortality rate from the series is 9.5%. According to univariate logistic regression: severe dehydration [OR = 5.41, 95% CI = (3.11-6.97), p = 0.002], hypokalaemia [OR = 2.63, 95% CI = (1.02-5.91), p = 0.042] and surgical site infection [OR = 3.12, 95% CI (1.22-5.64), p = 0.023] were the main predictors of mortality whereas postoperative hospital length of stay > 5 days was significantly associated with surgical site infection [OR = 2.44, 95% CI = (1.12-6.44), p = 0.002] and postoperative nausea and vomiting [OR = 3.64, 95% CI = (1.18-6.64), p = 0.022].

Prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in a population of pregnant women attending three health facilities in Limbe, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: There are few studies regarding gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the South West Region of Cameroon. We aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of GDM in three health facilities in the Limbe health district, Cameroon. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in one secondary, and two primary healthcare facilities in Limbe, Cameroon during the period 1st November 2016 to 31st January 2017. We administered a pretested questionnaire on 200 consenting pregnant women at 24-28 weeks' gestation. We carried out a 2-hr oral glucose tolerance test after fasting overnight. GDM was diagnosed when ≥1 plasma glucose (PG) test result was abnormal according to the IADPSG criteria (FPG ≥92 mg/dL, PG 1-hr 180mg/L, PG 2-hr 153 mg/dL). Data analysis was with Epi-InfoTM version 3.5.4. Associations were analyzed with the Pearson's chi squared and Fischer's exact test where appropriate. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of GDM was 20.5% and respondents' mean age was 27.8 (SD 5.7) years. Majority, 13.5% participants had abnormal FPG alone, while 3.5% had any two abnormal values. GDM was associated with: advanced maternal age (OR 3.4: 95% CI 1.7-7.0; P<0.001), BMI≥30 kg/m2 (OR 6.2 : 95% CI 2.9-13.1, P<0.001), past history of unexplained stillbirth (OR 5.7: 95% CI 2.5-12.9, P<0.001) and history of macrosomia (OR 8.5:95% CI 3.8-19, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: With the high prevalence of GDM, identification of its associated factors has the potential to be a target of intervention to prevent poor obstetrical outcomes.

Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Diseases in HIV/AIDS Patients on HAART.

BACKGROUND: The introduction and widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy referred to as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in the mid 1990's, has led HIV-infected individuals to experience a dramatic decline in immunodeficiency-related events and death. There is growing concern on metabolic complications associated with HIV and HAART which may increase cardiovascular risk and disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular risk profile of HIV/AIDS patients receiving HAART and those not receiving HAART at HIV/AIDS treatment centres in the South West Region of Cameroon. METHODS: Consenting participants, who had been receiving HAART, were compared with HAART naive participants. A questionnaire was administered; anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were recorded under standard conditions. Blood samples were obtained for the determination of plasma glucose and lipid levels. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifteen participants were recruited, 160 (74.4%) were on HAART and 55 (25.6%) were HAART naive. Among the individual lipid abnormalities, increased total cholesterol was the most prevalent (40.0%). Participants on HAART were significantly about 8 times at risk of developing hypercholesterolemia when compared to the HAART inexperienced group (OR 8.17; 95% CI: 3.31-20.14; p<0.001). Hypertension had a prevalence of 25.6% (95% CI: 15.3%-35.9%) and was about 2 times significantly higher in the HAART treated than the HAART untreated group (p=0.033). The prevalence of low HDL-c was significantly higher in males (24.1%) compared to females (11.2%) (p=0.0196). Many females (27.3%) were obese compared to males (7.4%) (p=0.0043). HAART use and treatment duration of more than five years were significantly associated with higher prevalence of CVD risk factors. CONCLUSION: HAART treatment was associated with significantly higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, increased LDL-c and hypertension, hence the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy and dyslipidemia in people living with HIV/AIDS in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: The advent of HAART has been associated with a profound reduction in morbidity and mortality from HIV/AIDS. However, side effects and toxicities associated with HAART may lead to an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia and determining factors of derangements in lipid profile associated with the use of HAART regimens in people living with HIV/AIDS in Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and August 2014. Lipid profile was determined after overnight fast and dyslipidemia diagnosed according to the US National Cholesterol Education Program III criteria. Socio-demographic characteristics were also collected using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using STATA; chi-square test, student's t-test, ANOVA and logistic regressions were computed. RESULTS: Two hundred and nine participants were recruited including 157 (75.1 %) on HAART and 52 (24.9 %) HAART-naïve. Antiretrovirals were drugs containing two nucleoside backbones (zidovudine/ /lamivudine/tenofovir) with either a non-nucleoside (nevirapine/efavirenz) or a protease inhibitor (lopinavir). No patient was treated with statins. Their mean age was 43.4 (±11.0) years. The mean CD4(+) T cell count was 425 (±281) cells/µl after mean duration of HIV infection of 54.8 (±43.9) months and mean duration on ART of 63.7 (±41.4) months. The prevalence of total cholesterol (≥ 200 mg/dL) was 51.0 % in patients on HAART and 9.6 % pre-HAART patients (p < 0.0001), whereas LDL-cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dL occurred in 36.9 % and in 7.7 % respectively, (p = 0.0001). Receiving HAART (adjusted odds ratio =6.24, 95 % CI: 2.33-17.45, p < 0.0001) and HIV duration of 42 months and more (aOR = 2.26, 95 % CI: 1.16-4.42, p = 0.017) were independently associated with total cholesterol ≥ 200 mg/dL. Receiving HAART (aOR = 5.28, 95 % CI: 1.17-16.32, p = 0.004) was independently associated with raised LDL-cholesterol values. The adjusted odds ratio (95 % CI) of BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m(2) versus BMI < 25.0 kg/m(2) was 3.25 (1.44-7.34) for triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: HAART regimens were significantly associated with atherogenic lipid profile. Lipid profile should be monitored in HIV/AIDS patients on therapy so that any negative effects of HAART are optimally managed.

Intestinal metaplasia and anastomotic recurrence of gastric carcinoma.

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) of the stomach has been shown to increase the relative risk of gastric cancer. Endoscopic surveillance has been proposed and advocated for populations at risk. Those patients who had undergone surgery for gastric malignancy exhibited precancerous lesions such as atrophic gastritis and IM, and the possibility of anastomotic recurrence is higher than for the patients who had undergone benign gastric surgery. At present, there are no other recognized good markers of gastric dysplasia or cancer. We reviewed the literature on IM of the stomach to ascertain whether residual premalignant (type III) IM may predispose to anastomotic recurrence of gastric cancer.

A Rare Presentation of Maydl's Hernia.

We present a case of an unsual type of obstructed indirect inguinal hernia with impending strangulation. The operative findings revealed a sliding Maydl's hernia with an ischemic inner ileal loop and an adherent inflamed appendix. This case highlights the importance of intraoperative examination of the intra-abdominal bowel loops proximal to the hernia sac of an incarcerated, obstructed, or strangulated hernia.

Gastric leiomyosarcoma as a rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction and perforation: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours are the most common mesenchymal malignancies of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and gastric leiomyosarcoma represent 1-3% of gastric malignancies. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 69-year-old black African man who presented with a rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction and duodenal perforation. A Billroth-II gastrectomy was performed and histology confirmed a gastric leiomyosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to identify the gastric leiomyosarcoma which is a variant of the more common malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumours as the pathogenesis and management are currently well established. As the facilities for differentiating these are not easily available in resource-limited areas gastrointestinal stromal tumours may remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Compliance of district hospitals in the Center Region of Cameroon with WHO/IATSIC guidelines for the care of the injured: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Injuries are a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Low-income countries, particularly in Africa, are disproportionately affected. The burden of injuries can be alleviated by preventive measures and appropriate management of injury cases. African countries generally lack trauma care systems based on reliable and affordable guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance of some district hospitals in Cameroon with World Health Organization/International Association for Trauma and Intensive Care (WHO/IATSIC) guidelines for care of the injured. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive survey used items from the WHO/IATSIC "Guidelines for Essential Trauma Care" to develop a checklist for inspection of physical equipment and a questionnaire assessing human resources and organizational capabilities in 25 district hospitals of the Center Region of Cameroon. RESULTS: All hospitals surveyed had at least one doctor available. Each reported treating a mean of 338 ± 214 injury cases every year. Most hospitals (n = 22) were globally either not compliant or partly compliant with the guidelines. Staff generally had received the appropriate basic training but had no additional training specifically directed toward trauma management. Skills for managing specific injuries (e.g., chest injuries) were poor. Availability and utilization of equipment was globally inadequate, and organizational capabilities were almost nonexistent. CONCLUSIONS: District hospitals of the Center Region of Cameroon still lack compliance with the WHO/IATSIC guidelines for essential trauma care but have significant potential for improvement. It seems possible to optimize the utilization of existing facilities.

The challenge of intra-abdominal sepsis.

UNLABELLED: An overview of intra-abdominal sepsis is necessary at this time with new experimental studies, scoring systems and audits on management outcomes. The understanding of the pathophysiology of the peritoneum in the manifestation of surgical sepsis and the knowledge of the source of pathogenic organisms which reach the peritoneal cavity are crucial in the prevention of intra-abdominal infection. Inter-individual variation in the pattern of mediator release and of end-organ responsiveness may play a significant role in determining the initial physiological response to major sepsis and this in turn may be a key determinant of outcome. The ability to identify the presence of peritoneal inflammation probably has the greatest influence on the final surgical decision. The prevention of the progression of sepsis is by early goal-directed therapy and source control. Recent advances in interventional techniques for peritonitis have significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality of physiologically severe complicated abdominal infection. In the critically ill patients there is some evidence that the prevention of gut mucosal acidosis improves outcome. The aim of this review is to ascertain why intra-abdominal sepsis remains a major clinical challenge and how a better understanding of the pathophysiology may enable its prevention and better management. METHOD: Electronic searches of the medline (PubMed) database, Cochrane library, and science citation index were performed to identify original published studies on intra-abdominal sepsis and the current management. Relevant articles were searched from relevant chapters in specialized texts and all included.