[Evaluation of erythrocyte deformability in subjects with sickle cell trait during a soccer game: effect of hydration ad libitum]. / Évaluation de la déformabilité érythrocytaire des sujets porteurs de trait drépanocytaire au cours d'un match de football : effet de l'hydratation ad libitum.

This study compared erythrocyte changes between a group of subjects with sickle cell trait (SCT) and controls (subjects without hemoglobinopathy) during a soccer game in two conditions: with and without hydration. Erythrocyte deformability of subjects was assessed by the coefficient of erythrocyte rigidity (Tk) which was calculated before and after football match. Our results showed a significant increase in erythrocyte rigidity (Tk) in SCT at the end of physical activities without hydration; however when water was provided ad libitum their Tk decreased significantly, reaching values of controls. And adequate hydration is recommended in subjects with sickle cell trait during and after exercise.

[Evaluation of the cost of stroke management in Dakar, Senegal]. / Evaluation du coût de prise en charge des accidents vasculaires cérébraux à Dakar--Senegal.

The purpose of this one-year cross-sectional study conducted in 1997 was to estimate the direct cost of stroke management in the Neurology Department of Fann University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. Data were collected about the type of care services required and related spending. Cost analysis was made in CFA Francs (CFAF), the Senegalese currency (1 USD = 500 CFAF in 1997). A total of 1260 patients were hospitalized in the department including 383 for stroke (30.4%). Mean age was 60.8 +/- 14.2 years and men accounted for 49.2% of the population. The mortality rate was 46.2% among hospitalized patients. A total of 33,573 medical acts were carried out including 12,052 (35.9%) for stroke management. The direct cost of stroke management was 32,614,442 CFAF with a mean cost of 78,426 CFAF per patient. The cost was 18,839 CFAF in the patient care unit (57.8%) and 4,954,635 CFAF in the neuroradiology unit (15.2%). The cost of health care personnel was 19,373,172 CFAF (59.4%) and the cost for drugs and other medical products was 8,253,246 CFAF. Health education programs aimed at increasing awareness of risk factors are needed to reduce the cost of stroke management in this difficult economic period.