Epidemiology of Childhood Fractures in Cotonou: A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Childhood fractures are frequent. The aim of this study was to evaluate their epidemiological and clinical peculiarities in our context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study that focused on the files of children with a fracture. They were aged 0-15 years and received between January 2011 and December 2015 at the Emergency Department of the National Teaching Hospital of Cotonou. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty fractures were recorded in 257 children. The average age was 8.24 years (7 days-15 years). Older children (6-10 years) were the most affected with 33.8% of cases. The predominance was male (sex ratio = 2.3:1). The aetiologies were dominated by road traffic accidents (45.1%) followed by domestic accidents (42.7%). Fractures were predominant in the lower limbs (52.1%). The most affected segments were the leg (25.4%) and the femur (23.6%). The fracture was open in 13.9% of cases. CONCLUSION: Childhood fractures interest preferentially the older boys. Then, road traffic accidents are the most frequent circumstances of occurrence in our context. Measures to prevent the main causes of these fractures must be taken, in order to reduce their frequency and ensure the development of children.

Hydrocephalus in Neurosarcoidosis: Clinical Course, Radiographic Accompaniments, and Experience with Shunting.

BACKGROUND: Hydrocephalus is an uncommon manifestation of neurosarcoidosis (7-14% of reported cohorts) that poses unique challenges to patient management. Despite being a recognized complication of neurosarcoidosis, very little is known about how hydrocephalus influences its clinical course, management, and prognosis. OBJECTIVES: To characterize hydrocephalus as a clinical manifestation of neurosarcoidosis, highlight which patients required cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion, understand the mediating role of immunomodulatory treatments, and report outcomes in this cohort. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis seen at Emory Healthcare [01/2011-8/2021] were included if hydrocephalus was one manifestation of their disease. Means and proportions were compared between shunted and non-shunted groups using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for continuous variables and the Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with neurosarcoidosis and hydrocephalus as one disease manifestation were included (22/214, 10.3%). Hydrocephalus was communicating in 13 (13/20, 65.0%) and obstructive in 6 patients (6/20, 30.0%), with features of both seen in 1 patient (1/20, 5.0%). Chronic presentations were typical (12/22, 54.5%) with altered sensorium, gait dysfunction, headache, and weakness being present in the majority of patients. There was a rostral-to-caudal gradient in ventriculomegaly, with the lateral ventricles most affected (20/20, 100%) and the fourth ventricle the least (12/20, 60%). Meningoventricular inflammation was the most common neuroinflammatory accompaniment (18/20, 90.0%), especially infratentorial leptomeningitis (16/20, 80.0%) and fourth ventriculitis (9/20, 45.0%). Thirteen patients (13/22, 59.1%) required ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS). Factors associated with shunt placement were younger age at neurosarcoidosis onset (p = 0.019) and hydrocephalus onset (p = 0.015), obstructive hydrocephalus (p = 0.043), and lateral ventriculitis (p = 0.043). In the 6 patients (6/13, 46.2%) with preceding extraventricular drain (EVD) placement, all failed to wean, including 5/6 patients who received high-dose steroids while the EVD was in place. Almost all (19/20, 95.0%) were treated with steroid-sparing agents, including nine (9/20, 45.0%) with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. Modified Rankin Scale score at last outcome was 3.04 (range 0-6). CONCLUSION: Patients with neurosarcoidosis and hydrocephalus experience unique challenges in the management of their disease, including the potential need for CSF diversion, in addition to traditional anti-inflammatory treatments. Younger patients, those with obstructive hydrocephalus, and those with lateral ventriculitis warrant particular consideration for VPS placement, but the decision to shunt likely remains a highly individualized one. The requirement for multiple lines of immunotherapy beyond steroids and moderate disability at last follow-up suggest hydrocephalus may reflect a more severe form of neurosarcoidosis.

Tofacitinib-induced Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy with Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) with subsequent immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a rare disease associated with compromised immune systems. It has never been described in a patient taking tofacitinib. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old woman with history of systemic lupus erythematous treated with tofacitinib presented with several weeks of intermittent fevers and altered mental status. MRI revealed multifocal T2-weighted FLAIR hyperintensities in the subcortical white matter, including the subcortical U-fibers, without mass effect or contrast enhancement, compatible with PML. Tofacitinib was stopped and the patient's symptoms initially improved. However, the patient presented again less than a week after discharge with three days of left arm weakness, left facial droop, dysarthria, and one day of confusion. Repeat MRI demonstrated interval progression in T2/FLAIR hyperintensities with development of patchy gadolinium enhancement on T1-post contrasted sequences, consistent with development of IRIS in the setting of tofacitinib cessation. DISCUSSION: This is the first case describing PML-IRIS in the setting of administration and subsequent cessation of tofacitinib.

Epileptiform Abnormalities in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Impact on Clinical Management and Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Studies examining seizures (Szs) and epileptiform abnormalities (EAs) using continuous EEG in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are limited. Therefore, we aimed to describe the prevalence of Sz and EA in AIS, its impact on anti-Sz drug management, and association with discharge outcomes. METHODS: The study included 132 patients with AIS who underwent continuous EEG monitoring >6 hours. Continuous EEG was reviewed for background, Sz and EA (lateralized periodic discharges [LPD], generalized periodic discharges, lateralized rhythmic delta activity, and sporadic epileptiform discharges). Relevant clinical, demographic, and imaging factors were abstracted to identify risk factors for Sz and EA. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, functional outcome at discharge (good outcome as modified Rankin scale of 0-2 and poor outcome as modified Rankin scale of 3-6) and changes to anti-Sz drugs (escalation or de-escalation). RESULTS: The frequency of Sz was 7.6%, and EA was 37.9%. Patients with Sz or EA were more likely to have cortical involvement (84.6% vs. 67.5% P = 0.028). Among the EAs, the presence of LPD was associated with an increased risk of Sz (25.9% in LPD vs. 2.9% without LPD, P = 0.001). Overall, 21.2% patients had anti-Sz drug changes because of continuous EEG findings, 16.7% escalation and 4.5% de-escalation. The presence of EA or Sz was not associated with in-hospital mortality or discharge functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high incidence of EA, the rate of Sz in AIS is relatively lower and is associated with the presence of LPDs. These continuous EEG findings resulted in anti-Sz drug changes in one-fifth of the cohort. Epileptiform abnormality and Sz did not affect mortality or discharge functional outcomes.

[Epidemiology of cervical spine injuries in National teaching hospital Hubert K. Maga of Cotonou]. / Epidemiologie des traumatismes du rachis cervical au centre National hospitalier et universitaire Hubert K. Maga de Cotonou.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma to the cervical spine is a real public health problem. They can cause neurological complications that are sometimes irreversible and mortality remains high. The causes are dominated by traffic and work accidents. We assess their epidemiological and lesional aspects in our work environment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This was a descriptive retrospective study of any cervical spine trauma patient admitted to the National teaching hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga of Cotonou between January 2010 and June 2014 for which the clinical file was complete. RESULTS: 57 files were retained. The average age was 38.7 years (19 - 71 years). The predominance was male with a sex ratio of 4.2. The mean admission time was 27.5 days (3 hours - 175 days). As aetiologies, we found: traffic accidents (41 cases or 71.9%), work accidents (13 cases or 22.9%) and domestic accidents (3 cases or 5.3%). From an anatomopathological point of view, there were 16 simple fractures, one compression fracture, 13 dislocation fractures, 15 pure dislocations, 5 sprains, 2 post-traumatic disc herniations and 5 decompensations of cervicarthrosis myelopathy. The lesions involved the upper cervical spine (7%), the lower cervical spine (71.9%), the upper and lower cervical spine (21.1%). Thirty-two patients (56.1%) were quadriplegic and autonomic disorders were present in 7 patients (12.3%). CONCLUSION: Cervical spine trauma is frequent in Cotonou. They are often of interest to the young male subject. The lesions predominate on the lower cervical spine.

INTRODUCTION: Les traumatismes du rachis cervical constituent un véritable problème de santé publique. Ils peuvent engendrer des complications neurologiques parfois irréversibles et la mortalité reste élevée. Les étiologies sont dominées par les accidents de circulation et de travail. Nous étudions leurs aspects épidémiologiques et lésionnels dans notre milieu de travail. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODE: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective descriptive portant sur tout traumatisé du rachis cervical admisdans le Centre National Hospitalier et Universitaire Hubert Koutoukou Maga de Cotonou entre janvier 2010 et juin 2014 dont le dossier clinique était complet. RÉSULTATS: 57 dossiers ont été retenus. L'âge moyen était de 38,7 ans (19 - 71 ans). La prédominance était masculine avec un sex-ratio de 4,2. Le délai moyen d'admission était de 27,5 jours (3 heures -175 jours). Comme étiologies, on retrouvait : lesaccidents de circulation (41 cas soit 71,9%), les accidents de travail (13 cas soit 22,9%) et les accidents domestiques (3 cas soit 5,3%). Au plan anatomopathologique, on dénombrait, 16 fractures simples, une fracture tassement, 13 fractures-luxations, 15 luxations pures, 5 entorses, 2 hernies discales post-traumatiques et 5 décompensations d'une myélopathie cervicarthrosique. Les lésions intéressaient le rachis cervical supérieur (7%), le rachis cervical inférieur (71,9%), le rachis cervical supérieur et inférieur (21,1%).Trente-deux patients (56,1%) étaient tétraplégiques et des troubles neurovégétatifs étaient présents chez 7 patients (12,3%). CONCLUSION: Les traumatismes du rachis cervical sont fréquents à Cotonou. Ils intéressent souvent le sujet jeune de sexe masculin. Les lésions prédominent sur le rachis cervical inférieur.

Outcomes of lower limb amputees at Cotonou.

BACKGROUND: Limb amputations are responsible for disability. We studied the outcomes of lower limb amputees in our daily practice. METHODS: This prospective analytical study over 7 years (January 2009-December 2015) included 70 amputees of lower limb. They were mainly male (73%), aged on average of 42.4 ± 18.8 years. The mean time of follow- up was 3.2 ± 1.9 years. We assessed disability on balance, walking, disability in daily life for patients with prosthesis, and the socio-economic impact of the amputation. Statistical analysis was performed with Chi2 and Mann-Whitney tests; a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The average Timed Up and Go Test was 18.5 s. Class II of Pohjolainen subjects were the most recovered (37%). The mean Houghton score in the 17 fitted patients was 6.2 ± 2.0. Socially, 90% of the patients no longer practiced leisure activities, and 4/53 patients were no longer in a couple. At the economic level, 87% of patients had a decreased monthly income. Factors that bear direct correlation to functional outcome of patients were the level of amputation, and the prosthesis fitting. CONCLUSION: Lower limbs amputations entail adverse consequences at the functional and socio-economic level. Our country must review its policy on prosthetic fittings for amputees, and vote laws that involve private firms and government in socio-economic reintegration, and empowerment of these subjects.

Ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures.

PURPOSE: To study the management and evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes of patients with ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures. METHODS: A retrospective, descriptive and analytic study lasted for ten years and a half ranging from January 1, 2005 to June 30, 2015. The following parameters were studied: epidemiology, fracture characteristics, therapeutic, anatomical and functional outcomes. The correlation between different parameters was analyzed with Fischer test. The significant threshold was defined for p value <0.05. RESULTS: Ten medical files were registered. There were 7 men and 3 women, with a sex ratio of 2.33. The average age was 46 years (range: 29-62 years). It was about traffic road accidents in all cases. Motorcycle-motorcycle and motorcycle-car collision were most frequent. Average admission delay was 7 h (range: 1.5-24 h). Left side was most reached in 8 cases. According to Garden classification, there was type III cervical fracture in 2 cases, type II in 1 case and type IV in 1 case. According to Ender classification, there was type I trochanteric fracture in 3 cases, type VI in 2 cases and type VII in 1 case. According to AO classification, there was type A shaft fracture in 6 cases (A2 in 4 cases and A3 in 2 cases), type B in 2 cases (B1 in 1 case and B2 in 1 case) and type C in 2 cases (C1 in 1 case and C2 in 1 case). Average surgical delay was 28.7 days (range: 11-61 days). For proximal femoral fracture, Moore prosthesis was used in 1 case, blade plate 130° in 2 cases, long Gamma nail in 4 cases, double screwing in 2 cases and dynamic hip screw in 1 case. For shaft femoral fracture, blade plate 95° was used in 3 cases, low compressive plate in 2 cases. Osseous contention was achieved in 4 cases with long Gamma nail and in 1 case with long blade plate 130°. Nonunion of cervical fracture was achieved in 2 cases. The average osseous healing delay was 5.14 months (range: 3-12 months) for proximal femoral fracture and 5 months (range: 3-8 months) for shaft femoral fractures. According to Friedman and Wyman criteria, functional results were good in 4 cases, average in 4 cases and bad in 2 cases. Regarding implants, healing delay showed no statistic difference between one-implant group and two-implant group (p = 0.52), and among the patients with different functional outcomes (p = 0.52). Functional outcomes showed no statistic difference between one-implant group and two-implant group (p = 0.46). CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures are relatively uncommon in our daily activities. It is difficult to recognize proximal femoral fractures which are unnoticed. Results are generally good if the doctors take the two fractures into account in the management.

Traumatic hip dislocation in Cotonou.

PURPOSE: Traumatic hip dislocation is an emergency. We studied their epidemiological, and therapeutic characteristics at Cotonou. METHODS: This was a retrospective study from 2006 to 2014 including all inpatient for traumatic hip dislocation, whose minimum follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS: Twenty-three cases in which 19 males were selected. The mean age was 39.6 years. It was mainly fracture-dislocations (17 cases). Sixteen dislocations were posterior. Reduction average delay was 41.0 h. The treatment was mainly orthopedic (16 cases). Few complications were noted: two osteoarthritis, one death. The functional results were excellent (8 cases), very good (4 cases) and good (8 cases). CONCLUSION: Traumatic hip dislocations require early reduction to avoid complications.

Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Protects Retinal Function and Structure in rd1 Mice.

We explored the potential protective effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on cone photoreceptor survival in a model of rapid retinal degeneration, the ß-Pde6 (rd1) (rd1) mouse model. We injected two strains of rd1 mice (B6.C3-Pde6b (rd1) Hps4(le)/J and C57BL/6J-Pde6b (rd1-2)/J mice) daily from postnatal day (P) 6 to P21 with TUDCA or vehicle. At P21, retinal function was evaluated with light-adapted electroretinography (ERG) and retinal structure was observed with plastic or frozen sections. TUDCA treatment partially preserved function and structure in B6.C3-Pde6b (rd1) Hps4(le)/J mice but only partially preserved structure in C57BL/6J-Pde6b (rd1-2)/J mice. Our results suggest a possible intervention for patients undergoing rapid retinal degeneration.

Exercise and Cyclic Light Preconditioning Protect Against Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration and Evoke Similar Gene Expression Patterns.

To compare patterns of gene expression following preconditioning cyclic light rearing versus preconditioning aerobic exercise. BALB/C mice were preconditioned either by rearing in 800 lx 12:12 h cyclic light for 8 days or by running on treadmills for 9 days, exposed to toxic levels of light to cause light-induced retinal degeneration (LIRD), then sacrificed and retinal tissue harvested. Subsets of mice were maintained for an additional 2 weeks and for assessment of retinal function by electroretinogram (ERG). Both preconditioning protocols partially but significantly preserved retinal function and morphology and induced similar leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) gene expression pattern. The data demonstrate that exercise preconditioning and cyclic light preconditioning protect photoreceptors against LIRD and evoke a similar pattern of retinal LIF gene expression. It may be that similar stress response pathways mediate the protection provided by the two preconditioning modalities.

Neuroprotective Effects of Voluntary Exercise in an Inherited Retinal Degeneration Mouse Model.

PURPOSE: Our previous investigations showed that involuntary treadmill exercise is neuroprotective in a light-induced retinal degeneration mouse model, and it may act through activation of tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptors. This study investigated whether voluntary running wheel exercise can be neuroprotective in an inheritable model of the retinal degenerative disease retinitis pigmentosa (RP), rd10 mice. METHODS: Breeding pairs of rd10 and C57BL/6J mice were given free-spinning (active) or locked (inactive) running wheels. Pups were weaned into separate cages with their parents' respective wheel types, and visual function was tested with ERG and a virtual optokinetic system at 4, 5, and 6 weeks of age. Offspring were killed at 6 weeks of age and retinal cross-sections were prepared for photoreceptor nuclei counting. Additionally, separate cohorts of active and inactive rd10 pups were injected daily for 14 days after eye opening with a selective TrkB receptor antagonist (ANA-12) or vehicle solution and assessed as described above. RESULTS: Mice in the rd10 active group exhibited significant preservation of visual acuity, cone nuclei, and total photoreceptor nuclei number. Injection with ANA-12 precluded the preservation of visual acuity and photoreceptor nuclei number in rd10 mice. CONCLUSIONS: Voluntary running partially protected against the retinal degeneration and vision loss that otherwise occurs in the rd10 mouse model of RP. This protection was prevented by injection of ANA-12, suggesting that TrkB activation mediates exercise's preservation of the retina. Exercise may serve as an effective, clinically translational intervention against retinal degeneration.

Aerobic exercise protects retinal function and structure from light-induced retinal degeneration.

Aerobic exercise is a common intervention for rehabilitation of motor, and more recently, cognitive function (Intlekofer and Cotman, 2013; Wood et al., 2012). While the underlying mechanisms are complex, BDNF may mediate much of the beneficial effects of exercise to these neurons (Ploughman et al., 2007; Griffin et al., 2011; Real et al., 2013). We studied the effects of aerobic exercise on retinal neurons undergoing degeneration. We exercised wild-type BALB/c mice on a treadmill (10 m/min for 1 h) for 5 d/week or placed control mice on static treadmills. After 2 weeks of exercise, mice were exposed to either toxic bright light (10,000 lux) for 4 h to induce photoreceptor degeneration or maintenance dim light (25 lux). Bright light caused 75% loss of both retinal function and photoreceptor numbers. However, exercised mice exposed to bright light had 2 times greater retinal function and photoreceptor nuclei than inactive mice exposed to bright light. In addition, exercise increased retinal BDNF protein levels by 20% compared with inactive mice. Systemic injections of a BDNF tropomyosin-receptor-kinase (TrkB) receptor antagonist reduced retinal function and photoreceptor nuclei counts in exercised mice to inactive levels, effectively blocking the protective effects seen with aerobic exercise. The data suggest that aerobic exercise is neuroprotective for retinal degeneration and that this effect is mediated by BDNF signaling.