Acquired cystic kidney disease in patients on maintenance hemodialysis, prevalence and associated factors: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease (ACKD) is a known complication in patients on maintenance hemodialysis, and it is associated with a high risk of malignant transformation. There is a paucity of data on ACKD in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with acquired cystic kidney disease in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: patients on maintenance hemodialysis were screened for ACKD. Patients with hereditary cystic kidney disease were excluded. Renal ultrasounds were performed by two radiologists. ACKD was defined as 3 or more bilateral renal cysts in a small or normal size kidney. Associated factors were determined using logistic regression. A p-value <0.05 was significant. Results: a total of 158 participants were enrolled and 61.4% (97) were male. Their mean (SD) age was 45.8 (14.9) years. The median dialysis vintage was 33.5 [10.7-63.2] months. The mean (SD) length of the kidneys was 85.1 (17.5) mm on the left and 81.2 (17.1) mm on the right. The prevalence of ACKD was 31.6% (n=50). Septated cysts (4), calcification of the wall of the cysts (2), irregular thick calcified wall (1), septated cysts with calcification (1) and hemorrhagic cyst (1) cysts were also observed. Dialysis vintage > 36 months (OR 7.1, 95% CI: 3.3 - 15.5) and male sex (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.2-5.6) were independently associated with ACKD. Conclusion: the prevalence of ACKD is high in a population of Cameroonians on maintenance. This result calls for the implementation of strategies to screen for the condition and its complications.

Stroke and its correlates among patients on maintenance hemodialysis in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: End-stage kidney disease is an independent risk factor for stroke; however, the relationship between hemodialysis and stroke in Sub-Saharan Africa has not been established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, associated factors, and clinical outcome of stroke among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in Cameroon. METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective study using data from the medical files of 1060 patients on maintenance hemodialysis (given twice a week) was conducted. Patients with stroke prior to starting hemodialysis were excluded. Socio-demographic data, comorbidities, dialysis parameters, and data concerning the diagnosis of stroke were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: The dialysis vintage (duration of time on dialysis) averaged 11.4 ± 9.2 months. The incidence of stroke was 6.1 events per 1000 patient-years, with hemorrhagic stroke being most common (66%). Eighty percent of strokes occurred before the 30th month of dialysis. Sixty percent of strokes occurred within 24 h of a dialysis session. Predictive factors for stroke were diabetes mellitus (p = 0.026), heart failure (p = 0.045), poor dialysis compliance (p = 0.001), and short vintage (p = 0.001). The overall mortality rate was 52% and was higher for hemorrhagic stroke (60%). The leading causes of death were multiple organ failure and sepsis. CONCLUSION: The incidence of stroke is high among hemodialysis patients in Cameroon and hemorrhagic stroke is the commonest type. Diabetes and heart failure triple the risk of stroke. Mortality in patients who suffered a stroke was high.

Frequency, types, and factors associated with complementary and alternative medicine use among patients on maintenance haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite progress in haemodialysis and conventional medicine approaches, many patients still struggle to maintain an acceptable quality of life and turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to address their unmet needs. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the prevalence, types, indications, and factors associated with CAM use by patients on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) in Cameroon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicentric cross-sectional study involving MHD patients in Cameroon from February 2019 to May 2019. We included all consenting participants on MHD for at least 3 months and excluded participants with cognitive and behavioral problems. Face-to-face interviews were conducted. RESULTS: A total of 224 participants (145 males) with a mean age of 56.5 ± 14.2 years and a median haemodialysis vintage of 34.5 [IQR: 17.3-64.4] months were recruited. In all, 89.7% (n = 201) reported having used CAM before, while 71.6% (n = 144) were still using it. Biologically based therapies were the most popular (94%, n = 189), with herbal medicine (81.5%, n = 154) and Calabar chalk (52.4%, n = 99) being the most common. Physical well-being (57.2%), nausea (52%), and insomnia (42.7%) were the main indications for CAM use. Most respondents did not disclose their CAM use to their physicians (61.2%). Long haemodialysis vintage was associated with CAM use (AOR: 7.9; CI = 2.8-22.3; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of CAM is common among Cameroon's haemodialysis population, with herbal medicines and Calabar chalk being the most frequent. The high symptom burden makes CAM attractive to them. Healthcare teams should be aware of these practices, initiate an open discussion, and appropriately advise patients about dangers, risks, and safety associated with their use. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The institutional review board of the University of Bamenda. Reference: 2019/0038H/UBa/IRB UPM/TNCPI/RMC/1.4.18.2.

Causes and outcome of acute kidney injury amongst adults patients in two hospitals of different category in Cameroon; a 5 year retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an under-recognized disorder, which is associated with a high risk for mortality, development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe and compare the causes and outcomes of AKI amongst adult patients in Douala general hospital (DGH) and Buea regional hospital (BRH). METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective cohort analytic study was carried from February to April 2021. Convenience sampling was used. We included Patient's files admitted from January 2016 to December 2020 aged > 18 years, with AKI diagnosed by a nephrologist and recorded values of serum creatinine (sCr) on admission and discharge. Data were analysed using SPSSv26. Chi-square, fisher, median mood's and regression logistic test were used, values were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 349 files included 217 was from DGH and 132 from BRH. Community acquired AKI were more present in BRH 87.12% (n = 115) than DGH 84.79% (n = 184) (p = 0.001). Stage III AKI was the most common presentation in both hospital. Pre-renal AKI was more common (p = 0.013) in DGH (65.44%, n = 142) than BRH (46.97%, n = 62). Sepsis and volume depletion were more prevalent in urban area with (64.51 and 30.41% vs. 46.21 and 25.75%) while severe malaria was more present in Semi-urban area (8.33% vs. 1.84%, p = 0.011). Complete and partial renal recovery was 64.97% (n = 141) in DGH and 69.69% (n = 92) in BRH (p = 0.061). More patients had dialysis in BRH 73.07% (n = 57) than in DGH 23.33% (n = 21). More patient died in DGH 33.18% (n = 72) died than in BRH 19.70% (n = 26) (p = 0.007). Stage III was significantly associated with non-renal recovery in both DGH (p = 0.036) and BRH (p = 0.009) while acute tubular necrosis was associated with non-renal outcome in DGH (p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: AKI was mainly due to sepsis, volume depletion and nephrotoxicity. Complete and partial recovery of kidney function were high in both settings. Patient outcome was poorer in DGH.

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.

Gender Differences in Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation, and Outcome of Patients Admitted with a Hypertensive Crisis at the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon.

Background: Several recent studies have shown differences in the risk profile and outcome of cardiovascular diseases between men and women, with a dearth of data from African populations. This study aimed to examine gender differences in a group of patients from Cameroon hospitalized with a hypertensive crisis. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from June 2018 until June 2019. The criteria to define a hypertensive crisis (HC) were systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure should be ≥180/110 mmHg. We compared the clinical presentation and outcome of males versus females. Results: Out of the 1536 patients admitted, 95 (6.2%) had an HC. There were 49 (51.6%) men. There was no significant age difference between men and women (52.7 years vs. 49.3 years, p = 0.28). Alcohol consumption (p < 0.0001), previous stroke (p = 0.04), and smoking (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in men compared to women. Men had a higher proportion of psychomotor agitation (p = 0.05). There was an equal proportion of men and women with hypertensive emergencies. Although acute left ventricular failure was most frequent in women (46.4% vs 42.9%), cerebral infarction (14.3% vs 17.9%), and acute coronary syndrome (0% vs 7.1%) were higher in men, the differences were not statistically significant (all p > 0.05). Case fatality was also higher in men compared to women but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Men admitted for an HC had a significantly higher cardiovascular risk burden and higher psychomotor agitation. However, there were no significant differences in the types of hypertensive emergencies and outcomes between men and women.

Prevalence, correlates and in-hospital outcomes of kidney dysfunction in hospitalized patients with heart failure in Buea-Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Kidney dysfunction is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and has been associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, correlates, and prognosis of kidney dysfunction in patients with HF in Cameroon, an understudied population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in consecutive patients hospitalized with HF between June 2016 and November 2017 in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon. Kidney dysfunction was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. Prognostic outcomes included death and prolonged hospital stay (> 7 days). We also performed a sensitivity analysis excluding racial considerations. RESULTS: Seventy four patients (86.1% of those eligible) were included. Their median age was 60 (interquartile range: 44-72) years and 46.0% (n = 34) were males. Half of patients (n = 37) had kidney dysfunction. Correlates of kidney dysfunction included previous diagnosis of HF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]4.3, 95% CI: 1.1-17.5) and left ventricular hypertrophy (aOR3.4, 95% CI: 1.1-9.9). Thirty-six (48.9%) had prolonged hospital stay, and seven (9.5%) patients died in hospital. Kidney dysfunction was not associated with in-hospital death (aOR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1-2) nor prolonged hospital stay (aOR 2.04, 0.8-5.3). In sensitivity analysis (excluding racial consideration), factors associated with Kidney dysfunction in HF were; anemia (aOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1-8.5), chronic heart failure (aOR: 4.7, 95% CI: 0.9-24.6), heart rate on admission < 90 bpm (aOR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1-9.1), left atrial dilation (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.04-10), and hypertensive heart disease (aOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2-8.4). Kidney dysfunction in HF was associated with hospital stay > 7 days (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1-6.8). CONCLUSION: Moderate-to-severe kidney dysfunction was seen in half of the patients hospitalized with HF in our setting, and this was associated with a previous diagnosis of HF and left ventricular hypertrophy. Kidney dysfunction might not be the main driver of poor HF outcomes in this population. In sensitivity analysis, this was associated with anemia, chronic heart failure, heart rate on admission less than 90 bpm, left atrial dilatation, and hypertensive heart disease. Kidney dysfunction was associated with hospital stay > 7 days.

Epidemiological factors associated with HBV infection and uptake of testing in south west region of Cameroon: What can be done to scale up HBV testing in our setting?

Hepatitis B infection affects millions of people globally, partly due to its high degree of transmissibility and asymptomatic nature. This study was aimed at identifying prevailing epidemiological factors associated with HBV infection and testing uptake in the South West region of Cameroon. This hospital-based case-control study enrolled HBV infected participants and "healthy" controls ≥18 years old. Venous blood collected from participants was used to conduct HBV panel test (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc). Data on demographic and behavioral risk factors as well as reasons for taking the HBV test for the first time were collected using a questionnaire. A total of 424 participants were enrolled (212 "healthy" controls and 212 HBV infected cases). Male sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08, p = 0.010), ≤ secondary education level (OR = 4.83, p<0.001), low-income level (OR = 3.79, p<0.001), rural settlement (OR = 2.17, p = 0.031), history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) (OR = 4.24, p<0.001) and ignorance of sexual partners HBsAg status (OR = 2.70, p = 0.003) all had an independent and significant association with HBV infection. Top 3 reasons for doing HBsAg test were free screening (40.3%), blood donation (15.0%) and administrative requirements (14.9%). HBV testing uptake and early detection can be improved if more sensitization and free/opportunistic screenings are implemented. A significant drop in the cost of HBV test could encourage more people to get tested.

Profile and outcomes of patients admitted with hyperglycemic emergencies in the Buea Regional Hospital in Cameroon.

INTRODUCTION: hyperglycemic emergencies (diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state) are the most common serious acute metabolic complications of diabetes which result in significant morbidity and mortality. There is paucity of data on hyperglycemic emergencies in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to investigate the precipitants and outcomes of patients admitted for hyperglycemic emergencies in the Buea Regional Hospital in the South West Region of Cameroon. METHODS: in this retrospective study the medical records of patients admitted for hyperglycemic emergencies between 2013 and 2016 in the medical unit of the Buea Regional Hospital were reviewed. We extracted data on demographic characteristics, admission clinical characteristics, precipitants, and treatment outcomes. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of mortality. RESULTS: data were available for 60 patients (51.7% females) admitted for hyperglycemic emergencies. The mean age was 55.2±16.3 (range 18-86). Overall there were 51 (85%) cases of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Twenty six (43.3%) of the patients had hypertension. The most common precipitants of hyperglycemic emergencies were infections (41.7%), newly diagnosed diabetes (33.3%) and non-adherence to medications (33.3%). Mean admission blood glucose was 574mg/dl±70.0mg/dl. The median length of hospital stay was 6 days. Overall case fatality rate was 21.7%. Six (46.2%) deaths were related to infections. Predictors of mortality were a Glasgow coma score <13(p<0.001), a diastolic blood pressure <60 mmHg (p=0.034) and a heart rate >90(0.057) on admission. CONCLUSION: admission for hyperglycemic emergencies in this semi-urban hospital is associated with abnormally high case fatality. Infections, newly diagnosed diabetes and non-adherence to medications are the commonest precipitants of hyperglycemic emergencies. Public health measures to reduce morbidity and mortality from hyperglycemic crisis are urgently needed.

[Burnout syndrome in hemodialysis health workers in Cameroon: Prevalence and associated factors]. / Prévalence et facteurs associés au syndrome d'épuisement professionnel chez le personnel de santé des centres d'hémodialyse au Cameroun.

BACKGROUND: Hemodialysis medical staffs usually work in a stressful environment. In low resource countries, professional conditions are worse and can lead to burnout syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and its associated factors in hemodialysis health care workers in Cameroon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study in all hemodialysis centers from Cameroon between January to August 2017. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used for assessment of burnout level. Burnout syndrome was defined as the presence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization or decreased professional achievement. RESULTS: A total of 92 health workers (women 60%; n=55) among 105 identified were recorded. The median age was 42 years. Most of the workers were nurses (78.5%) and 8.5% were nephrologists. Burnout syndrome was found in 76 (82.6%) workers, 35 (38%) had emotional exhaustion, 44 (48%) depersonalization and 57 (62%) decreased professional achievements. Burnout was significantly more prevalent in overcrowded centers (100% vs. 47%; P<0.001). Hemodialysis position<5 years was less prevalent in participants with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Desire to change position (OR 19.61 [2.074-185.4]; P=0,009) was associated with burnout syndrome. CONCLUSION: Burnout syndrome is very common among Cameroonian hemodialysis medical staff. Improvement of work conditions, limiting posting in hemodialysis to less than 5 years and change of position when requested may be potential preventive measures.

Epidemiology of hypertensive crisis in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon.

Hypertensive crisis (HC) includes hypertensive urgency (HU) and hypertensive emergency (HE). There is scarcity of data on the epidemiology of patients presenting with HC in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcome of HU and HE. We conducted a cross-sectional study from June 2018 until June 2019. The criteria to define a hypertensive crisis were systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥180/110 mm Hg. We compared HU vs HE. Out of the 1536 patients admitted, 95(6.2%) had a HC. There were 49(51.6%) men and 56 (58.9%) had a HE. The mean age was 51.1 ± 14.9 years. A history of hypertension was found in 75.3% of the patients but only 24.2% were on treatment. 33.7% consumed alcohol and 24.2% had chronic kidney disease. Headache (34.7%), dyspnea (34.7%), and neurological deficit (23.2%) were the most common symptoms. Patients with HE had higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures though the difference was not significant. The most frequent forms of HE were acute left ventricular failure with pulmonary edema (44.6%), intracerebral hemorrhage (21.4%), and cerebral infarction (16.1%). The most commonly prescribed medication was labetalol (44.2%). Mean length of hospital stay was 8.4 days. Patients with HE had a longer hospital stay (9.8 vs 6.3 days, P < .001). In-hospital case fatality was 6.3%. Hypertensive crisis accounted for 6.2% of admissions in the medical unit with HE being more common than HU. Acute left ventricular failure with pulmonary edema and stroke were the most frequent target organ lesions in HE.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism, Risk Factors and Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients in the South West Region of Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication in hospitalized patients. It is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, its prevention is of great importance. There is paucity of data on the incidence of VTE in hospitalized patients in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic VTE, its risk factors and the proportion of patients at risk that receive thromboprophylaxis in patients hospitalized in the medical and surgical units in two hospitals in the South West Region of Cameroon. METHODS: A prospective study was performed in the medical and surgical units from January to March 2018. All consecutive eligible patients admitted for at least 3 days were included. Patient profile and risk factors were recorded. Patients were followed and evaluated for signs and symptoms of VTE until discharge from hospital. Suspected VTE was confirmed using compression ultrasonography and computed tomography. RESULTS: A total of 314 patients were included of which 58.7% were females. The mean age was 46±17.9 years. Patients aged <40 years represented 42% of the study population. Three cases of symptomatic VTE were recorded. The incidence of symptomatic VTE was 1% (95% CI: 0.3-2.8%). The prevalence of VTE risk was 93.6% with 32.5% being at high risk. The risk was 94.6% in medical patients and 92.8% in surgical patients. Among the patients at risk, only 32.5% received thromboprophylaxis. Thromboprophylaxis was significantly higher in surgical patients compared to medical patients (45.2% versus 18.7%; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of VTE in hospitalized medical and surgical patients appeared low but likely underestimated considering the high prevalence of patients at risk of VTE coupled with the underutilization of thromboprophylaxis. Clinicians should assess risk of VTE in conjunction with the clinical situation to determine the most appropriate type of prophylaxis as well as the duration of prophylaxis for VTE.

Prescription of pharmacotherapy and blood pressure control among hypertensive outpatients in two semi-urban hospitals in Cameroon: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: several international guidelines are available on drug treatment for hypertension, but the control of hypertension remains very poor in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We investigated the commonly prescribed antihypertensive drugs and their association with blood pressure (BP) control in adult Cameroonians. METHODS: we consecutively recruited hypertensive outpatients attending the Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals (southwest region of Cameroon). Controlled BP was defined as BP < 140/90mmHg in hypertensive patients aged 60 years or younger, diabetics or patients with chronic kidney disease or a BP < 150/90mmHg in non-diabetic hypertensive patients older than 60 years of age (JNC8). RESULTS: of the 408 participants included (mean age 61.1 years), 67% were female. The median duration of hypertension was 6 years and the median duration of the current treatment was 22 weeks. Commonly prescribed antihypertensives were calcium channel blockers (CCB, 35.1%), thiazide/thiazide-like diuretics (TD/TLD, 26.1%) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI, 19.5%). The median monthly cost of antihypertensive was 10279.6 CFA (approximately equal to US$ 172). Seventy percent (70%) of participants were receiving at least 2 drugs, with ACEI+TD/TLD, CCB+TD/TLD, and ACEI+CCB+TD/TLD being the most frequent combination. The rate of BP control was 52% overall, and 60% in participants on monotherapy. CONCLUSION: CCBs were the most prescribed single antihypertensive drugs in this setting while ACEI+TD/TLD was the most common combination. About half of patients were at target BP control levels Improving availability and affordability of these medications may improve hypertension management and control.

Epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases related admissions in a referral hospital in the South West region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional study in sub-Saharan Africa.

BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing an epidemic of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as a result of a rapid epidemiological transition. Little is known about the admission for CVD and outcome in rural and semi-urban settings in Cameroon in this era of epidemiological transition. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and the pattern of CVD admissions in the South West region of Cameroon. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study included all adult patients admitted for CVD in the medical unit of the Buea Regional Hospital between Jan 2016 and December 2017. RESULTS: Out of the 3140 patients admitted, 499(15.9%) had CVD. There were 304(60.9%) females. The mean age was 58.7±16.2 years. There was no age difference between men and women (59.7 years vs 58.1years, p = 0.29). The most commonly affected age group was those aged 50-59 years (22%). Heart failure (38.5%), stroke (33.3%) and uncontrolled hypertension (22.4%) were the most prevalent CVDs. The length of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 37 days with a median length of hospital stay of 7 days. In-hospital case fatality was 78(15.8%). Mortality was higher in women compared to men (9% vs 7%, p = 0.43). The case fatality for stroke was higher compared to case fatality for heart failure (21.7% vs 16.7%, p = 0.23). CONCLUSION: CVDs are a common cause of hospital admission in this semi-urban setting, dominated by heart failure. Women were disproportionately affected and it was associated with high mortality. Prevention, early detection and management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease are imperative given the growing burden of CVD in SSA to reduce CVD morbidity and mortality.

A case series of venous thromboembolic disease in a semi-urban setting in Cameroon.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to study the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcome of patients admitted for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the medical unit of the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon between 1st July 2016 and 30th November 2017. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were admitted for VTE. There were 12 (54.4%) men. The mean age was 54.9 ± 13.9 years (range: 31-77 years). The main risk factors were immobilization (40.9%), HIV infection (22.7%), tuberculosis (18.2%), obesity (13.6%) and cancer (13.6%). Nineteen (86.4%) patients had deep venous thrombosis (DVT), 3(13.6%) had pulmonary embolism (PE). One patient had a concomitant DVT and PE. All patients received low molecular weight heparin and 76.2% were discharged on oral vitamin K antagonist while 23.8% were discharged on direct oral anticoagulants. The median length of hospital stay was 9.5 days (range: 4-34). Three deaths (13.6%) were recorded. This study describes VTE in a semi-urban setting in Cameroon and shows that immobility, HIV infection and tuberculosis are common risk factors for VTE in this semi-urban setting.

Characterization and assessment of HBV chronically infected patients: Identification of those eligible for treatment in the South West region of Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection is quite complex because it requires an in-depth knowledge of the natural history of the disease. This study was aimed at characterizing HBV infected patients in order to determine the phase of the infection and identify the proportion eligible for treatment using 3 different guidelines. METHODS: HBV chronically infected patients (negative for HIV and HCV) were enrolled and the following tests were done for them: ALT, AST, HBV viral load, HBV serologic panel and Full blood count. APRI score was calculated for all patients. These patients were classified into immunotolerant, immune clearance, immune control and immune escape phases of the infection. The WHO and the 2018 AASLD criteria was also used to identify those who need treatment. Patients were clinically examined for signs and symptoms. Questionnaire was administered to all participants to ascertain their treatment status. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: A total of 283 participants (101 females and 182 males) with a mean age of 31.3±8.5 were enrolled. Fifty-two (18.4%) were eligible for treatment (Immune clearance and immune escape phases) and they recorded a significantly higher mean APRI score (0.71±0.51) as compared to those in the immune control and immune tolerant phase (0.43±0.20). Based on WHO and AASLD criteria, 12(4.2%) and 15 (5.3%) were eligible for treatment respectively and these were all subsets of the 52 cases mentioned above. Six (2.1%) and 29 (10.2%) of those identified under the immune control phase were on tenofovir and traditional medication respectively. CONCLUSION: Considering treatment for patients in the immune clearance and immune escape phases of the infection can be a reliable strategy to implement in our setting as this may probably tie with considerations from other treatment guidelines. Fifty-two (18.4%) patients were eligible for treatment and none of them were among the 2.1% of patients put on Tenofovir based treatment. This calls for the need for more trained health experts to periodically assess patients, implement an adequate treatment guideline and place the right patients on treatment in Cameroon.

Brachiocephalic A-V fistula through the median cubital vein; A reliable option to failure of forearm fistulas. A case report from CHU Yaoundé.

INTRODUCTION: Renal replacement therapy in end-stage kidney disease relies on dialysis in low-income countries. This maintenance treatment needs a reliable vascular access and is done through central venous catheter or creation of A-V fistulas. Several types of A-V fistulas can be done but due to some individual conditions, those possibilities may be exhausted rapidly. CASE PRESENTATION: A 31 year old female was diagnosed with an end stage renal disease for which she was prescribed maintenance dialysis. She first denied her condition and went to traditional healer. After some months her clinical state worsened and she was dialyse with catheter and refer to us for A-V fistula construction. The first two attempts on the forearm failed and we found small radial artery both proximally and distally on the left forearm. We finally did a left brachiocephalic fistula with initial retrograde flow on the median cubital vein. DISCUSSION: Despite arm base fistula may be theoretically easy to build because of bigger size vessels, brachiobasilic fistula may be less effective due to difficult venipuncture. Brachiocephalic fistula through median cubital vein may be more effective option with no further procedure needed. CONCLUSION: Brachiocephalic fistula should be considered as option in vascular access especially when a reliable option is needed after previous attempt failure.

Challenges in the management of cardiovascular emergencies in Sub-Saharan Africa: a case report of acute heart failure complicating infective endocarditis in a semi-urban setting in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis is a deadly disease if not promptly treated with antibiotics either in association with cardiac surgery or not. Cardiac complications are the most common complications seen in infective endocarditis. Heart failure remains the most common cause of mortality and the most common indication for cardiac surgery in patients with infective endocarditis which is increasingly available in resource limited settings. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of native valve infective endocarditis of the aortic valve in a 27-year old female in a semi-urban setting in Cameroon complicated by severe aortic valve regurgitation and heart failure. She presented with a 2 month history of fever and a 2 weeks history of rapidly worsening shortness of breath. Emergency cardiac surgery was indicated which unfortunately could not be performed leading to the death of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of improvement in availability of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for cardiovascular emergencies, affordability is still a challenge. Universal health coverage is advocated else the ravages of premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases may continue to remain unchecked in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Chronic Subdural Hematoma Associated with Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Cameroon.

Hematological abnormalities including thrombocytopenia are common in patients living with HIV infection. Patients with HIV infection related thrombocytopenia present generally with only minor bleeding problems. But cases of subdural hematoma are very rare. A 61-year-old female with a history of HIV infection of 9 years' duration presented with a 3-month history of generalized headache associated with visual blurring and anterograde amnesia. There was no history of trauma or fever. She was treated empirically for cerebral toxoplasmosis for 6 weeks without any improvement of the symptoms. One week prior to admission, she developed weakness of the left side of the body. Clinical examination revealed left-sided hemiparesis. Computed tomography scan of the brain showed a 25 mm chronic right frontoparietotemporal subdural hematoma compressing the lateral ventricle with midline shift. There was no appreciable cerebral atrophy. A complete blood count showed leucopenia and thrombocytopenia at 92,000 cells/mm3. Her CD4-positive cell count was 48 cells/mm3 despite receiving combination antiretroviral therapy for 9 years. A complete blood count analysis suggestive of thrombocytopenia should raise suspicion of possibilities of noninfectious focal brain lesions like subdural hematoma amongst HIV infected patients presenting with nonspecific neurological symptoms. This will enable prompt diagnosis and allow early appropriate intervention.

[Falls among hemodialysis patients: Incidence and risk factors]. / Chutes chez l'hémodialysé : incidence et facteurs de risque.

Falls and mineral and bones disorders are both implicated in the occurrence of pathological fractures in patients undergoing chronic dialysis. However, data on falls among this population are rare. We carried out a prospective study during four weeks and included 70 patients on chronic hemodialysis with the main objectives being to evaluate the incidence of falls and factors related to it. At the end of the four weeks, 16 patients (22.86%) fell at least once, with a total of 17 falls during 4 weeks, giving an incidence of 3.2 falls per patient/year. The mean age was 40 ± 16 years. Five patients (31.2%) had a past history of pathological fractures. Ten patients (62.5%) presented intra- and post-dialysis hypotension, six (37.5%) was diagnosed of gait disorders and two (12.5%) had sensory deficit of the lower limbs. Six patients (37.5%) presented frailty. Hypotension (P=0.004), frailty (P=0.047) and sensory deficit (P=0.049) were significantly associated with the occurrence of falls. The incidence of falls is relatively high in our hemodialysis patients and real risk factors exist. Hence, it is important to implement programs for falls prevention to reduce their incidence and impact.