Risk factors associated with necrotizing fasciitis of the lower limbs: A multicenter case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case-control study was to identify risk factors associated with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) of the lower limbs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective case-control study in hospital dermatology departments in 5 sub-Saharan African countries over a 2-year period (April 2017 to July 2019). The cases were patients with NF of the lower limbs and the controls were patients with leg erysipelas. Each case was matched with two controls for age (±5 years) and sex. We analyzed local and general factors. RESULTS: During the study period, 159 cases (73 females, 86 males) were matched with 318 controls. The mean age was 48.5±15.8 years for cases and 46.5±16.2 years for controls (P=0.24). The main local signs of NF were cutaneous necrosis (83.7%), pain (75.5%) and induration (42.1%). Multivariate analysis showed the following to be independent risk factors associated with NF of the lower limbs: obesity (odds ratio [OR]=2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-3.42), diabetes (OR=3.97; 95% CI: 1.95-6.13), nicotine addiction (OR=5.07; 95% CI: 2.20-11.70), use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR=7.85; 95% CI 4.60-14.21) and voluntary cosmetic depigmentation (OR=2.29; 95% CI: 1.19-3.73). CONCLUSION: Our study documents the role of NSAID use at the onset of symptoms as a risk factor for NF of the lower limbs. However, the originality of our study consists in the identification of voluntary cosmetic depigmentation as a risk factor for NF of the lower limbs in sub-Saharan Africa patients. Our results also identified typical overarching factors such as diabetes, obesity and nicotine addiction. Knowing these factors and taking them into account will enable optimization of management strategies for these conditions.

Tolérance et observance aux ARVs chez les personnes vivant avec le VIH suivis au service des maladies infectieuses de l'hôpital national Donka de Conakry, Guinée

Introduction : L'initiative Guinéenne d'accès aux ARV promulguée en 2003, a apporté un véritable élan de prise de conscience sur la nécessité que toutes les Personnes Vivant avec le VIH (PVVIH) du pays accèdent à un traitement. Les objectifs de ce travail étaient de déterminer la fréquence des effets indésirables (EI) survenus chez les PVVIH en fonction des régimes thérapeutiques, d'évaluer le niveau d'observance ainsi que d'identifier les facteurs associés à l'inobservance aux ARV.Matériels et méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale qui s'est déroulée du 1er juillet au 30 septembre 2014 dans le service des maladies infectieuses de l'hôpital National Donka de Conakry. Pour une file active de 2341 PVVIH, 2118 étaient sous ARV (90,47%). Seuls 1325 (56,6%) répondaient à nos critères d'inclusion.Résultats : La moyenne d'âge était de 37,8 ± 11,1 ans et 67,3% était des femmes. L'AZT+3TC+NVP (59,9%) suivi de TDF+3TC+EFV (28,2%) étaient les principaux schémas thérapeutiques prescrits. La durée du traitement était inférieure à un an chez 30,7%, comprise entre 1 et 5 ans chez 62,4%. Les effets indésirables du traitement ont été retrouvés chez 13,4% des patients. L'anémie, le rash cutané, la fièvre étaient les principaux effets indésirables retrouvés chez les patients sous AZT+3TC+NVP. Ceux soumis à l'AZT+3TC+EFV présentaient essentiellement une anémie. L'inobservance globale au traitement a été rapportée chez 15,8% des patients. Les principaux facteurs associés à cette inobservance étaient la durée du traitement (p = 0,009) et l'altération de l'état général (p = 0,000001). Conclusion : Le maintien voire l'amélioration de ces résultats nécessite une surveillance régulière des effets indésirables ainsi que de l'observance

[Risk factors associated with leg erysipelas (cellulitis) in sub-Saharan Africa: A multicentre case-control study]. / Facteurs de risque associés à l'érysipèle de jambe en Afrique subsaharienne: étude multicentrique cas-témoins.

BACKGROUND: Acute bacterial cellulitis of the leg (erysipelas) is a common problem involving considerable morbidity in dermatology practice in Africa. Previous studies conducted in Europe and North Africa have highlighted lymphoedema and toe-web intertrigo as independent factors associated with leg erysipelas. The aim of this case-control study was to identify risk factors associated with leg erysipelas in sub-Saharan Africa, within a different socio-economic and culture context. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective case-control study in hospital dermatology departments in 8 sub-Saharan African countries over a 12-month period (October 2013 to September 2014). Each case of acute leg cellulitis was matched with 2 controls for age (±5 years) and sex. We analysed the general and local factors. RESULTS: During the study period, 364 cases (223 female, 141 male) were matched with 728 controls. The mean age was 42.15±15.15 years for patients and 42.11±36 years for controls. Multivariate analysis showed the following to be independent risk factors associated with leg erysipelas in our study: obesity (odds ratio [OR]=2.82 ; 95% confidence interval: 2.11-3.76), lymphoedema (OR=3.87, 95%CI: 2.17-6.89), voluntary cosmetic depigmentation (OR=4.29, 95%CI: 2.35-7.83), neglected traumatic wound (OR=37.2, 95%CI: 24.9-57.72) and toe-web intertrigo (OR=37.86, 95%CI: 22.27-64.5). CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirms the major role of local risk factors (toe-web intertrigo, lymphoedema) previously identified in other geographical settings. However, the originality of our study consists of the identification of voluntary cosmetic depigmentation as a risk factor for leg erysipelas in sub-Saharan Africa.

[Evaluation of antiretroviral treatment in HIV infected adult in the department of dermatology venereology of the Donka national hospital]. / Evaluation du traitement antiretroviral chez l'adulte infecte par le VIH au service de dermatologie venereologie de l'hopital national Donka.

If the use of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) have largely improved survival, morbidity and the quality of life of the people living with HIV in Northern countries as well as Southern countries and particularly in Africa, many obstacles have slowed down their use. Thus the follow-up of the patients under HAART in certain developing countries is still limited even non-existent. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work was to bring the therapeutic outcomes obtained after a minimal six months period of follow-up among HIV+ patients admitted in external consultations or following hospitalizations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective and descriptive study concerning patients followed from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2008 (5 years). RESULTS: Our study concerned 275 patients including 61.41% women with a sex-ratio (M/W) of 0.62. The average age of our patients was of 36.83 [rage: 18-70]. The initial average weight of our patients was 59.88 kg [range: 30-107] with the majority (66.91%) at the stage III of the WHO clinical classification. The serologic profile was dominated by HIV1 (97.09%) with a number of average CD4 of 210.99 cells/mm3 at the initiation of the ARV treatment. The evolution under treatment was marked clinically by an average ponderal gain of 7,45kg, with weight increasing from 59.88 kg to 67.33 kg between M0 and M54. Biologically, the number of average CD4 increased from 210.99 to 643 between M0 and M48 with an average gain of 432.01 cells/mm3. On the virological level, the plasmatic viral load was carried out for 64 patients out of 275. It was undetectable in 31 patients, be it 48.44%. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the therapeutic outcomes of the patients under HAART was good at the end of this study with a satisfactory clinical issue, marked by an increase in the average weight which corroborates a good immunological and virological response.

Si l'utilisation des multithérapies antirétro-virales (ARV) a grandement amélioré la survie, la morbidité et la qualité de vie des PVVIH dans les pays du Nord, dans les pays du Sud, et notamment en Afrique, de nombreux obstacles ont freiné leur utilisation. C'est ainsi que le suivi des patients sous ARV dans certains pays en voie de développement est encore timide voir inexistant. OBJECTIF: L'objectif de ce travail était de rapporter les réponses thérapeutiques obtenues après une période minimale de six mois de suivi chez des patients VIH+ admis en consultations externes ou à la suite d'hospitalisations. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective de type descriptif concernant les patients suivis dans la période du 1er janvier 2004 au 31 décembre 2008, soit 5 ans. RÉSULTATS: Notre étude a concernée 275 patients dont 61,41% de femmes avec un sex-ratio (H/F) de 0,62. L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 36,83 [18 70]. Le poids moyen initial de nos patients était de 59,88 kg [30 ­107] avec la majorité (66,91%) au stade III de la classification clinique de l'OMS. Le profil sérologique était dominé par le VIH1 (97,09%) avec un nombre de CD4 moyen à 210,99 cellules/mm3à l'initiation du traitement ARV. L'évolution sous traitement a été marquée cliniquement par un gain pondéral moyen de 7,45kg, le poids moyen passant de 59,88 kg à 67,33 kg entre M0 et M54. Biologiquement, le nombre de CD4 moyen est passé de 210,99 à 643 entre M0 et M48 soit un gain moyen de 432,01 cellules/mm3. Sur le plan virologique, la charge virale plasmatique réalisée chez 64 patients sur 275 était indétectable chez 31 patients soit 48,44%. CONCLUSION: Globalement, la réponse thérapeutique était bonne au terme de cette étude avec une réponse clinique satisfaisante, marquée par une augmentation du poids moyen qui corrobore une bonne réponse immunologique et virologique.

[Scorpion envenomation treated in the Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the Donka National Hospital, Guinea]. / Les envenimations scorpioniques traitées dans le service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales de l'hôpital national Donka, Guinée.

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted from 1(st) October 2010 to 30 November 2012 on the records of patients admitted for scorpion envenomation in the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the Donka National Hospital. The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile and clinical characteristics of scorpion envenomation in Maritime Guinea, from scorpion stings recently covered in this service. We collected 75 cases of scorpion envenomation. The median age was 21.5 with interquartile 8 and 20 and sex ratio was 1.29. The upper limbs were involved in 55% of cases, followed by the lower limbs (35%), trunk (6%), head and neck (4%). We observed 63% of patients with local signs, 30% mild and general clinical signs of 7% severe systemic symptoms. All patients received an analgesic and a heterologous antitoxin, associated with an antibiotic (87% of patients), a corticosteroid (72%), diazepam (13%) and furosemide (34.6%). The incidence of scorpion envenomation is not negligible despite underreporting of cases, most often treated in traditional medicine.

[Evaluation of antiretroviral treatment in HIV infected adult in the department of dermatological venereology of the Donka National Hospital]. / Evaluation du traitement antiretroviral chez l'adulte infecte par le VIH au service de dermatologie venereologie de l'Hopital National Donka.

If the use of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) have largely improved survival, morbidity and quality of life of the people living with HIV in Northern and Southern countries, and particularly in Africa, many obstacles have slowed down their use. Thus the monitoring of patients under HAART in certain developing countries is still very low, if not non-existent. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to bring the therapeutic outcomes obtained after a minimal six months period of monitoring among HIV positive patients admitted in external consultations or following hospitalizations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective descriptive study concerning patients monitored from January 1st, 2004 to December 31st, 2008, that is to say 5 years. RESULTS: Our study consisted of 275 patients including 61.41% women with a man:woman sex-ratio of 0.62. The average age of our patients was of 36.83 [ranging from 18 to 70]. The initial average weight of our patients was 59.88 kg [range: 30-107] with the majority (66.91%) at stage III of the WHO clinical classification. The serologic profile was dominated by the HIV1 (97.09%) with a CD4 average of 210.99 cellules/mm3, the the start of the HAART. The evolution under treatment was marked clinically by an average ponderal gain of 7,45kg, with average weight going from 59.88 kg to 67.33 kg between M0 and M54. Biologically, the CD4 average went from 210.99 to 643 between M0 and M48 or an average gain of 432.01 cells/mm3. On the virological level, the plasmatic viral load carried out on 64 patients out of 275, was undetectable in 31 patients or 48.44% of cases. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that the therapeutic outcomes for patients under HAART was good and with a satisfactory clinical response, marked by an increase in the average weight which indicates a good immunological and virological response.

Si l'utilisation des multithérapies antirétrovirales (ARV) a grandement amélioré la survie, la morbidité et la qualité de vie des PVVIH dans les pays du Nord, dans les pays du Sud, et notamment en Afrique, de nombreux obstacles ont freiné leur utilisation. C'est ainsi que le suivi des patients sous ARV dans certains pays en voie de développement est encore timide voir inexistant. OBJECTIF: L'objectif de ce travail était de rapporter les réponses thérapeutiques obtenues après une période minimale de six mois de suivi chez des patients VIH+ admis en consultations externes ou à la suite d'hospitalisations. MATÉRIEL ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective de type descriptif concernant les patients suivis dans la période du 1er janvier 2004 au 31 décembre 2008, soit 5 ans. RÉSULTATS: Notre étude a concernée 275 patients dont 61,41% de femmes avec un sex-ratio (H/F) de 0,62. L'âge moyen de nos patients était de 36,83 [18 70]. Le poids moyen initial de nos patients était de 59,88 kg [30 ­107] avec la majorité (66,91%) au stade III de la classification clinique de l'OMS. Le profil sérologique était dominé par le VIH1 (97,09%) avec un nombre de CD4 moyen à 210,99 cellules/mm3à l'initiation du traitement ARV. L'évolution sous traitement a été marquée cliniquement par un gain pondéral moyen de 7,45kg, le poids moyen passant de 59,88 kg à 67,33 kg entre M0 et M54. Biologiquement, le nombre de CD4 moyen est passé de 210,99 à 643 entre M0 et M48 soit un gain moyen de 432,01 cellules/mm3. Sur le plan virologique, la charge virale plasmatique réalisée chez 64 patients sur 275 était indétectable chez 31 patients soit 48,44%. CONCLUSION: Globalement, la réponse thérapeutique était bonne au terme de cette étude avec une réponse clinique satisfaisante, marquée par une augmentation du poids moyen qui corrobore une bonne réponse immunologique et virologique.

[Biomedical waste management in five hospitals in Dakar, Senegal]. / Gestion des déchets biomédicaux au sein de cinq structures hospitalières de Dakar, Sénégal.

Biomedical waste is currently a real health and environmental concern. In this regard, a study was conducted in 5 hospitals in Dakar to review their management of biomedical waste and to formulate recommendations. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from 1 April to 31 July 2010 in five major hospitals of Dakar. A questionnaire administered to hospital managers, heads of departments, residents and heads of hospital hygiene departments as well as interviews conducted with healthcare personnel and operators of waste incinerators made it possible to assess mechanisms and knowledge on biomedical waste management. Content analysis of interviews, observations and a data sheet allowed processing the data thus gathered. Of the 150 questionnaires distributed, 98 responses were obtained representing a response rate of 65.3%. An interview was conducted with 75 employees directly involved in the management of biomedical waste and observations were made on biomedical waste management in 86 hospital services. Sharps as well as blood and liquid waste were found in all services except in pharmacies, pharmaceutical waste in 66 services, infectious waste in 49 services and anatomical waste in 11 services. Sorting of biomedical waste was ill-adapted in 53.5% (N = 46) of services and the use of the colour-coding system effective in 31.4% (N = 27) of services. Containers for the safe disposal of sharps were available in 82.5% (N = 71) of services and were effectively utilized in 51.1% (N = 44) of these services. In most services, an illadapted packaging was observed with the use of plastic bottles and bins for waste collection and overfilled containers. With the exception of Hôpital Principal, the main storage area was in open air, unsecured, with biomedical waste littered on the floor and often mixed with waste similar to household refuse. The transfer of biomedical waste to the main storage area was done using trolleys or carts in 67.4% (N = 58) of services and wheelbarrows in 33.7% (N = 29). Biomedical waste was disposed of in old incinerators or in artisanal ovens with a great deal of smoke emanating from these. Working conditions were deemed poor by 81.3% (N = 61) of employees interviewed and personal protection equipment was available in 45.3% (N = 39) of services. Knowledge about biomedical waste management was deemed satisfactory by 62.6% (N = 47) of interviewees and 80% (N = 60) were aware of the health risks related to biomedical waste. The poor management of biomedical waste is a reality in hospital facilities in Dakar. This can be addressed by increasing the awareness of managers for an effective application of the legislation, implementing realistic management programmes and providing the appropriate on-the-job training to staff members.

[Permanent disability and the insurance estimation process]. / Estimation de l'incapacite partielle permanente et du pretium doloris dans le cadre judiciaire et dans le cadre des procedures conseil d'assurances.

INTRODUCTION: The casualties are indemnified according to two processes. First by transaction on rate proposition of insurance physicians, and the second process on rate proposition by a medical expert assigned by law-court. Indemnification scale failure justifies the Interafrican Conference of insurance Markets code adoption. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Six insurance societies and the Automotive Guarantee Fund were debtors. Only 627 victims had been indemnified between 1986 and 2003. Expert valuations done at forensic medicine service were the support of the investigation. Inquired parameters were insurance societies, regulation type, aftermaths and the retained prejudices. The data collected on computer card have been analyzed by software Epi Info. RESULTS: The partial permanent inabilities fixed since its adoption differ to inabilities fixed before this adoption. Transaction process concerned 567 victims (90.4%). Sixty victims were indemnified by judicial way. According to process type, the rates fixed in judicial process were 61.6% middle permanent partial inabilities. After 1997, there have observed a decrease in the high and middle permanent partial inabilities in the two processes. The appreciation of the pretium doloris is more subjective but must repair the aftermaths. The middle pretium was majority in the two processes, before and after 1997 with a high decrease of the middle pretium in the transaction process (-15.07) and a small pretium increase of 10.98 points. CONCLUSION: A common scale code has decreased the judicial litigation concerning casualties in spite of scales' limits. Only the patients with important aftermaths arrive in the judicial process since 1997.

[Sexual child abuse: correlation between medical certificates' conclusions and judiciary sanctions]. / Sevices sexuels sur les enfants: correlations entre les conclusions medicales et les peines prononcees.

Sexual child abuse, comprises of indecency attitudes and physical misbehaviours, directed towards children are dominated by rape. The objective of our study was to assess in sexual child abuse the relation between the conclusion of medical certificates and court decision. It is a retrospective study carried out from 1994 to 1998 on the clerk's office correctional repertories in Dakar regional court. An overall number of 79 cases of child abuse were collected in 5 years period. Children under 18 years old of of both sex, were concerned. Data found were correlated with a review of requisition cases received by the of gynaecology and obstetrics clinic of Aristide Dantec Hospital. This facilitates the establishement of the relationship between the offences and the pronounced sanctions, as well as the initial medical certificate and these sanctions. The sanctions were severe whenever rape had been retained. Some cases were disqualified in indecent assault and were judged as such. The judge decision, which follow the medical certificate conclusions in 11 cases out of 14 shows the importance and reliability of this medical document. All files reviewed at the medical and legal level were incomplete. The difficulty of the materiality of the rape and the psychological consequences in the long run and especially HIV infection should invite to a multidisciplinary, specialized and organized management of sexual child abuse. This study has shown the importance of a correct and complete drafting of the medical certificate, to enable the establishment by the judge the materiality of the facts.