Anomalies électrocardiographiques chez les patients hospitalisés pour COVID-19 à Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

Les anomalies électrocardiographiques sont l'expression d'une atteinte cardiovasculaire lors de la COVID-19. Les troubles du rythme et de la conduction cardiaque peuvent mettre en jeu le pronostic vital à court terme au cours de la COVID -19. Notre objectif principal est de décrire les anomalies électrocardiographiques et leurs fréquences chez les patients atteints de la COVID -19. L'objectif secondaire est de déterminer l'association entre ces anomalies électrocardiographiques et la gravité de la maladie. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective à visée descriptive des patients hospitalisés pour COVID-19 dans les centres de traitement COVID -19 de Fianarantsoa sur une période de 14 mois. Résultats : Nous avons retenu 101 patients. Le sex-ratio était de 1,06. La moyenne d'âge était de 59,81ans +/- 11,9. Tous les patients retenus avaient un électrocardiogramme à 12 dérivations et un test positif à la COVID-19. L'électrocardiogramme (ECG) était anormal chez 87 (86,1%) patients. Dans les formes graves et modérées de la maladie nous avons enregistré à l'ECG: 51 (50,5%) tachycardies sinusales, 13 (12,8%) blocs de branche incomplets droits, 13 (12,8%) profil S1Q3T3, 24 (23,7%) ondes Q pathologiques, 19 (18,8%) anomalies du segment ST. Dans les formes graves de la maladie nous avons enregistré à l'ECG: 2 (3,8%) bloc auriculoventriculaire complet (BAV complet), 7 (13,4%) blocs de branche gauche complet (BBG), 5 (9,6%) blocs de branche droit complet (BBD). La tachycardie sinusale avait une association significative avec la gravité de la maladie (p=0,002). Conclusion : Des anomalies électrocardiographiques ont été observées dans notre étude. La tachycardie sinusale était associée à la gravité de la maladie. Une surveillance rythmique, des explorations cardiaques plus pertinentes sont nécessaires pour une meilleure prise charge de la COVID-19

Capacity Building in Sub-Saharan Africa as Part of the INTENSE-TBM Project During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe and disabling form of tuberculosis (TB), with at least 100,000 cases per year and a mortality rate of up to 50% in individuals co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an intensified anti-tubercular regimen and an anti-inflammatory treatment, the INTENSE-TBM project includes a phase III randomised clinical trial (TBM-RCT) in four countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Within this framework, we designed a comprehensive capacity-building work package ensuring all centres had, or would acquire, the ability to conduct the TBM-RCT and developing a network of skilled researchers, clinical centres and microbiology laboratories. Here, we describe these activities, identify strengths/challenges and share tools adaptable to other projects, particularly in low- and lower-middle income countries with heterogeneous settings and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite major challenges, TBM-RCT initiation was achieved in all sites, promoting enhanced local healthcare systems and encouraging further clinical research in SSA. In terms of certified trainings, the achievement levels were 95% (124/131) for good clinical practice, 91% (39/43) for good clinical laboratory practice and 91% (48/53) for infection prevention and control. Platform-based research, developed as part of capacity-building activities for specific projects, may be a valuable tool in fighting future infectious diseases and in developing high-level research in Africa.

The INTENSE-TBM project aimed to design a comprehensive work-package on capacity building, ensuring all centres would acquire the ability to conduct a phase III randomised clinical trial on TBM in sub-Saharan Africa, to reduce tuberculous meningitis mortality and morbidity in patients with/without HIV-1 co-infection. Therefore, the INTENSE-TBM project is an example of how an international clinical research consortium can provide opportunities to enhance local capacity building and promote centres without previous experience in clinical research. This article provides practical approaches for implementing effective capacity-building programmes. We highlight how to overcome limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic to successfully complete clinics, laboratory set-ups and personnel training, so as to optimise resources and empower African institutions on a local level. At the same time, our experience shows how capacity-building programmes can deliver long-lasting impact that extends beyond the original aims of the project (e.g. HIV and TB), and support local health systems in fighting other infectious disease (e.g. COVID-19). Research projects in low- and lower-middle income countries with heterogeneous settings could stand to benefit the most.

Evaluation of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Madagascar.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of the implementation of a commercial rapid molecular diagnostic test (Xpert MTB/RIF) for the routine diagnosis of smear-negative or extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and its diagnostic accuracy, and to assess HIV prevalence in a real-life setting in Madagascar. This study was set in a tertiary care hospital in Madagascar. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted of all consecutive cases with suspected smear-negative and/or extrapulmonary TB over a 2-year period. Cases were classified as proven, probable, or possible TB cases, or as having an alternative diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 363 patients included, 183 (50.4%) had suspected smear-negative pulmonary TB and 180 (49.6%) had suspected extrapulmonary TB. For proven cases, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of Xpert MTB/RIF were 82.4%, 98.8%, 98.3%, and 86.6%, respectively; for proven and probable cases grouped together, these values were 65%, 98.8%, 98.5%, and 64%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was slightly lower for extrapulmonary TB compared to smear-negative pulmonary TB. The prevalence of HIV infection was 12.1%, but almost half of these cases did not have TB (alternative diagnosis group). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a rapid diagnosis programme for TB in a resource-poor setting is feasible. The performance of the Xpert-MTB/RIF was remarkable in this difficult-to-diagnose population. HIV prevalence in this study was much higher than the prevalence reported in the general population in Madagascar, in patients with TB and patients with conditions other than TB.

[Paradoxical reactions induced by antituberculous drugs in non-HIV infected patients: a cases series of four patients and literature review]. / Réactions paradoxales sous traitement antituberculeux chez des personnes non infectées par le VIH : quatre nouvelles observations et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: The features of paradoxical reactions (PR) that occurred in non-HIV infected patients treated with antituberculous drugs are diverse. We report four new cases of such PR and review the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Were included all consecutive patients with PR that occurred in non-HIV infected patients who were treated for tuberculosis and followed-up in the department of internal medicine and infectious diseases between January 1st, 2009 and July 31st, 2010. RESULTS: Three of the patients were male. Their median age was 28.5 years. Tuberculous locations were pulmonary (two instances) and extrapulmonary (three instances). Paradoxical reactions occurred after a median of 5.5 weeks after initiation of antituberculous treatment. The PR presented as hypercalcemia (n=1), spondylitis of the 9th thoracic vertebra (n=1), intracerebral tuberculoma (n=1), pericardial effusion (n=1) and adenitis (n=3). Lymphopenia was present in three patients. Three out of the four patients received corticosteroid. Outcome was favorable in three patients. CONCLUSION: Pardoxical reactions are more common in patients who present with extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Intracerebral tuberculomas and spondylitis may be asymptomatic. Prescription of corticosteroids remains controversial except for intracerebral tuberculoma.

[Helicobacter pylori: what eradication regimen in a tropical area after the failure of two separate lines of eradication including metronidazole and clarithromycin?]. / Helicobacter pylori : quel traitement d'éradication en cas d'échec de deux lignes de traitement comprenant le métronidazole et la clarithromycine en zone tropicale ?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance against antibiotics is a major challenge, particularly in developing countries. We report a case of H. pylori infection where eradication by two lines of treatment, one including metronidazole and the other clarithromycin, failed, and discuss the management of such a case in a tropical area. This 55-year-old man complained of epigastric pain dating back for three years. A stool antigen test for H. pylori was positive. First-line eradication therapy, which combined a proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and metronidazole, was unsuccessful, as was the second-line therapy, which replaced metronidazole by clarithromycin. Third-line treatment, which still included a proton pump inhibitor and amoxicillin but added levofloxacin was successful. A stool antigen test to verify eradication was finally negative. In developing countries, H. pylori eradication must be managed rationally. In particular, fluoroquinolones must be reserved for treatment failure. The stool antigen test appears to be a useful and economical alternative to the urea breath test for verifying eradication.

[Assessment of the management of cases of fever and malaria by general practitioners in the central Highlands of Madagascar, 2009-2010]. / Évaluation de la prise en charge des cas de fièvre et du paludisme par des médecins communautaires dans les Hautes Terres centrales de Madagascar, 2009-2010.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of confirmed malaria among patients with fever in the central Highlands of Madagascar, the clinical utility of treating this fever, and the involvement of community general practitioners in improving malaria management. This descriptive, prospective study took place from July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. Patients consulting for fever were classified into 2 groups: the first (G1) included all children younger than 5 years and the second group (G2) children 5 years or older and adults. In G1, 1383 cases of fever included 145 (10.5%) confirmed cases of malaria. The corresponding numbers in G2 were 1172 and 276 (23.5%). The prevalence of malaria was highest between December and May. In G1, the main clinical signs associated with a positive rapid diagnostic test (RDT) were pallor, jaundice, seizures, and failure to eat. In G2, a positive RDT was associated with pallor, coma, and jaundice. Treatment of patients with positive RDTs was based on quinine (51%) or artemisinin-based combination therapy (49%). Malaria remains endemic in the central Highlands of Madagascar. Efforts should be undertaken to improve prescription of antimalarial drugs.

[Adhesion of physicians to the national malaria policy: situation in Antananarivo (Madagascar), 5 years after the policy revision]. / Adhésion des médecins à la politique nationale de lutte contre le paludisme cinq ans après sa révision: situation à Antananarivo (Madagascar).

Our goal was to evaluate and analyze physicians' adherence to the national malaria policy in Antananarivo, 5 years after its revision. This prospective descriptive study was conducted in public and private health centers in Antananarivo in 2010, from May 1 to June 30. Adhesion to the new policy included adoption of the rapid diagnostic test for malaria (RDT) and/or microscopy as diagnostic methods and prescription of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) as first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 106 physicians. Their average age was 43.9 years (range: 26 to 59 years). The male-female sex-ratio was 0.59. Physicians trained in using RDTs were confident in this means of diagnosis (p < 10(-4)). Prescription of ACT by physicians was associated with their participation in malaria training (p = 0.02). Only 2/3 of the physicians adhered to the current policy. Adherence increased with trust (p < 10(-4)), availability of RDT (p < 10(-5)), and training about the policy. Physician adhesion, training and confidence are essential to this policy and to changing physician behavior. Improvement of the health system is also needed.

[Post-malaria neurological syndrome complicating a Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Madagascar]. / Syndrome neurologique postpaludisme compliquant un paludisme simple à Plasmodium falciparum à Madagascar.

Post-malaria neurological syndrome is a rare complication of malaria. Typically, it occurs in case of severe malaria. Here we report a case in a Malagasy patient presenting a non-severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria complicated by post-malaria neurological syndrome. The management of such a syndrome is radically different from non-severe malaria. No specific treatment is needed.

Les tests de diagnostic rapide du paludisme en pratique quotidienne

Le paludisme reste un probleme de sante publique mondial; plus particulierement en Afrique. En 2010; le nombre des cas de paludisme a ete estime a 216 millions; dont 81en Afrique. Le nombre de deces lie paludisme s'est eleve a 655 000; dont 91en Afrique. Une confirmation parasitologique rapide par un examen parasitologique; en moins de 2 heures apres l'arrivee en consultation; est recommandee avant tout traitement antipaludique dans tous les cas suspects de paludisme. Alors qu'en 2009; seulement 20des cas de paludisme declare etaient confirmes par un examen parasitologique; dans les 21 pays sur 42 de la region Organisation Mondiale de la Sante (OMS) Afrique. Le test de diagnostic rapide (RDT) est un test immunochromato-graphique detectant la presence d'un antigene specifique de Plasmodium sp dans le sang en 10 a 15 mn. Il est un outil tres interessant et facile a utiliser pour ameliorer la prise en charge des cas de fievre et du paludisme et constitue un nouvel elan dans la marche vers l'elimination du paludisme. Il existe sur le marche plusieurs types de RDT en fonction du nombre d'antigenes specifiques de Plasmodium sp qu'ils detectent. Ils ont subi de tests d'evaluation de la performance sous l'egide de l'OMS. Depuis quelques annees; les RDT ont pris une place tres importante dans le diagnostic de paludisme. De plus; leurs sensibilites ont depasse largement celles exigees par l'OMS. Le respect de conditions de conservation et d'utilisation est indispensable pour leur fiabilite. L'accessibilite par les formations sanitaires publiques et prives reste a regler pour pouvoir tirer tous les benefices de RDT

[A case of curable encephalomyelitis in a tropical area: pernicious anemia]. / Un cas d'encéphalomyélopathie reversible en milieu tropical: anemie de biermer.

Pernicious anemia is uncommon in Africa. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of pernicious anemia observed in Madagascar. The revealing manifestation was encephalomyelitis with combined medullar sclerosis that responded favorably to vitamin B12 replacement therapy. Clinical symptoms included paresthesia associated with allodynia of all four extremities and with tetrapyramidal syndrome, medullar ataxia and minor cognitive disturbances ongoing for 5 months. Hemogram testing revealed macrocytic anemia. Serum cobalamin level was low. Anti-intrinsic factor antibody was detected. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse high-signal intensity along the posterior spinal cord extending from C1 to C4. Vitamin B12 replacement therapy led to full regression of clinical signs after six weeks. Association of central nervous system involvement with macrocytic anemia suggests vitamin B12 deficiency and pernicious anemia should be suspected. This disease can be considered as a curable form of myelitis in Africa and Madagascar.

[Severe presentations of Rift Valley Fever in Madagascar]. / Les formes graves de la fièvre de la vallée de Rift pendant l'épidémie à Madagascar.

OBJECTIVE: The authors describe clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of severe presentations of Rift valley fever (RVF) during the 2008 epidemic in Madagascar. METHODOLOGY: The diagnosis was confirmed by RVF virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or detection of specifics antibodies by Elisa. RESULTS: Sixteen cases of severe RVF were recorded. The sex-ratio was 7/1 and median age was 32 years (20/59 years). The risk factors of infection were: contact with infected animals or their meat (n=8), and travelling to a risk area (n=2). Hemorrhagic, neurological, and ocular manifestations were observed respectively in 87.5%, 43.8% and 6.3% of cases. All patients who died (n=4) presented with a hemorrhagic form of the disease. CONCLUSION: The hemorrhagic form was the most frequent presentation of RVF and was responsible for a high level of mortality. Epidemiologic surveillance must be implemented.

[Discrimination of HIV infected persons in medical settings in Madagascar]. / Discrimination des personnes infectées par le VIH en milieu médical à Madagascar.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to describe the discrimination profile of healthcare personnel towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in medical settings in Madagascar. METHOD: A prospective, multicentric, descriptive, and analytic study was made with a questionnaire filled in anonymously, between February and August 2009, in 17 Madagascar hospitals (public and private). RESULTS: Thirty-six percent of PLWHA reported that they had been confronted with discrimination in the medical field. The age (30-40 years) and the level of education had an impact on discrimination in our study (p<0.05). Paramedics were the most responsible for discrimination (n=8/13) (61.5 %). Discrimination in the medical field was listed as: refusal of the patient to be managed in the hospital (n=5/27) (18.5 %) because of the fear of discrimination (n=4/5) (80 %) and sharing serological status with healthcare providers. Discrimination by the medical staff was listed as the unjustified use of some tools (stethoscope, tensiometer, thermometer) and by the refusal to manage PLWHA (p>0.05). Fifty-three percent of healthcare providers answered the question on HIV transmission mode correctly. Fifteen percent replied that HIV was transmitted by saliva, and 20 % by physical contact. CONCLUSION: As elsewhere, discrimination of PLWHA in the medical field is present in Madagascar. Fighting discrimination should be included in the strategy against propagation of HIV infection.

Maladie de Wegener : difficulte diagnostique et gravite

La granulomatose de Wegener est une vascularite granulomateuse systemique rare; surtout chez les sujets de race noire. Nous rapportons une observation d'une granulomatose de Wegener revelee par une fievre chronique et une insuffisance renale rapidement progressive. Il n'y avait pas d'atteintes oto-rhino-laryngees ou pulmonaires. La recherche des c-ANCA (specificite antiproteinase 3) etait fortement positive. L'evolution etait rapidement fatale malgre l'instauration d'une corticotherapie a forte dose associee a un bolus de cyclophosphamide. Sans les manifestations classiques oto-rhino-laryngees ou pulmonaires; le diagnostic d'une granulomatose de Wegener est difficile. Le pronostic est defavorable; s'il existe une atteinte renale ou a un taux des ANCA eleves

[Thyroid cancers in Madagascar]. / Les cancers de la thyroïde à Madagascar.

This is a retrospective study, conducted on thyroid cancer observed for 13 months (from June 1(st) 2004 to June 30(th) 2005). Data were collected from four main surgical pathology laboratories in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Among 6,036 surgical samples, 179 were of thyroid gland, a rate that is near 3% of the total. Among them were found 40 cases of thyroid cancer, which is 0.66% of all screened samples, and 22.32% of all examined thyroid samples. In the studied population was observed a female preponderance (82%) with a mean age of 43.9 years when diagnosis was confirmed. It was evidenced a 50 % of papillary carcinoma and 45% of follicular carcinoma, with a rate of 2.5% respectively for the medullar and anaplastic carcinoma. Metastases were seen in 20%, originated from papillary type for the lymph node involvement and from the follicular type for the bone involvement. In Antananarivo, thyroid cancer is seen mainly in people from the surrounding Highlands, supposed to be sites of endemic goiter related to iodine deficiency. Despite its limits, this study may be used as reference about thyroid cancer in Madagascar. Further studies are required to find out other factors involved in the development of this disease.

[Causes of death in a sample of cirrhotic patients from Madagascar]. / Les causes de mortalité dans une population de patients cirrhotiques malgaches.

OBJECTIVE: Cirrhotic patients have poorer life expectancy than the general population. The purpose of this study was to identify causes of death in a sample of cirrhotic patients from Madagascar. METHODS: A retrospective analytic and descriptive study was conducted on the files of cirrhotic inpatients admitted to the gastroenterology department of the Joseph Raseta Befelatanana University Hospital Center in Antananarivo, Madagascar from January 1, 2003 to June 30, 2007. RESULTS: The files of 117 patients were reviewed. Death occurred in 31 cases for a mortality rate of 26.5%. The main causes of death were disorders of consciousness (51.6%) and hypovolemic shock (25.8%). Jaundice, encephalopathy, and gastrointestinal bleeding were predictive factors for mortality. CONCLUSION: Cirrhotic patients in this study were hospitalized at a late stage of disease. Further prospective study in a larger sample will be needed to standardize the management protocol in Madagascar.

[Relation between Shistosoma mansoni and hepatosplenomegalies]. / Relation entre Schistosoma mansoni et hépatosplénomégalies à Madagascar.

INTRODUCTION: Although they remain a neglected transmissible disease, affecting mainly people in poor countries, the combined forms of schistosomiasis are second only to malaria as a major parasitic disease. Although both urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis are endemic in Madagascar, this study focuses only on the intestinal forms. The symptoms may remain unnoticed or be ignored, for the seriousness of intestinal schistosomiasis is due mainly to its hepatosplenic complications. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the etiological fraction of Schistosoma mansoni involved in hepatomegaly (HM), splenomegaly (SM) and hepatosplenomegaly (HSM), with or without signs of portal hypertension (PHT). METHODS: This file-based retrospective study includes patients admitted to the University Hospital of Antananarivo, Madagascar, between January 2005 and July 2008, who presented with HM, SM, HSM and/or PHT. The case was attributed to schistosomiasis if blood serology, tested with ELISA, was positive for this parasite. The statistical analysis used three approaches: a cross-sectional approach, a longitudinal approach (retrospective cohort), and a "case-control" approach. RESULTS: Of 7308 admissions during this period, 269 (4%) were diagnosed with a hepatosplenic complication and were retained. The average age (+/- standard deviation) was 47.8 (+/- 16.4) years. HM accounted for 55.4% of cases, SM 18.9%, HTP 18.6% and HSM 18.6%. Serology was positive for schistosomiasis in 21.6% of cases. The sex ratio (men:women) for these cases was 1.9, and 67.3% of the patients were aged 30 years or older. The main schistosomiasis complications were SM (n=22) and HTP (n=22). The age group most affected depended on the specific complication: for HM, 28.6% of patients were aged between 40 and 49 years; for HSM, 57.1% were aged between 30 and 40 years. The prevalence of SM was lower in subjects between 50 and 59 years of age (4.5%) than the other complications. Patients with positive serology results were significantly younger than those with negative results, or whose serology was not checked (37.8 years vs. 50.5 years, p < 0.001). Stratification according to complication showed that the etiological fraction of schistosomiasis was 76% for patients with SM, 79% for HTP, 58% for HSM and 4.9% for HM. The retrospective cohort and the case-control analyses both showed that a history of dysentery and frequent contact with water were the main factors associated with complicated schistosomiasis. It is important to note that urban and rural residents had the same risk of developing schistosomiasis with complications (OR: 0.9 [0.4; 1.9]). CONCLUSION: This study showed that schistosomiasis infection is strongly associated with hepatosplenic pathologies. One of the shortcomings of the study is the absence of any analysis of the course and outcome in the study patients. Nevertheless, the course of oesophageal varices, SM or HSM in patients with HTP indicates that schistosomiasis was often fatal.

[Experience in the use of the malaria rapid diagnostic test in Madagascar]. / Test de diagnostic rapide du paludisme: l'expérience malgache.

Diagnosis of malaria cases depends on parasitological examination. Since 2006, the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Joseph Raseta Befelatanana University Hospital in Madagascar has been using the malaria rapid diagnostic test. The percentage of malaria cases (presumed or confirmed) in relation to the number of hospitalized patients has decreased. It was 23.4% in 2003, 10.3% in 2006 and 4.3% in 2008 (p<0.01532). To improve management of malaria cases and rationalize use of antimalarial agents, diagnosis should be confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests.

[African histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent Malagasy patient.]. / Une histoplasmose africaine chez un patient malgache immunocompétent.

African histoplasmosis is a rare but not an exceptional condition and recently discovered in Madagascar. We report the fifth Malagasy case involving skin and nodes in an immunocompetent patient. Management of African histoplasmosis encountered many problems because of the availability of amphotericin B and cost of the biochemical tests in order to prevent major side effects in case of failure of oral antimycotic drug.

[Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of severe malaria in adults in hospital in Antananarivo, Madagascar]. / Aspects cliniques et thérapeutiques du paludisme grave de l'adulte en milieu hospitalier a Antanana- rivo, Madagascar.

Few data are available about severe malaria in Madagascar. Our aims were to describe epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of severe malaria in patients in Antananarivo. We conducted a retrospective study from 1 March 2006 to 31 March 2008 at the infectious disease department. We recorded 61 cases of severe malaria among 1,803 in patients. Sex ratio was 2 and average age was 35.3 years old. Three pregnant women were recorded among women (15.8%). Self-medication was registered in 23%. Among 35 patients who received first medical care, no one had parasitological examination. The treatment was inadequate for all patients (n = 19). Conscience impairment (65.6%), jaundice (24.6%), seizure (18%) and prostration (14.8%) were the major severe signs. Diagnosis was made 6.54 days after the onset of the disease. Mortality rate was 11.5%. Self-medication, inappropriate primary care and delayed diagnosis represented risk factors for severe malaria in our cohort.