Systems genetics identifies miRNA-mediated regulation of host response in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 vary greatly in their disease severity, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe disease. The regulation of gene expression is an important mechanism in the host immune response and can modulate the outcome of the disease. miRNAs play important roles in post-transcriptional regulation with consequences on downstream molecular and cellular host immune response processes. The nature and magnitude of miRNA perturbations associated with blood phenotypes and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in COVID-19 are poorly understood. RESULTS: We combined multi-omics profiling-genotyping, miRNA and RNA expression, measured at the time of hospital admission soon after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms-with phenotypes from electronic health records to understand how miRNA expression contributes to variation in disease severity in a diverse cohort of 259 unvaccinated patients in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. We analyzed 62 clinical variables and expression levels of 632 miRNAs measured at admission and identified 97 miRNAs associated with 8 blood phenotypes significantly associated with later ICU admission. Integrative miRNA-mRNA cross-correlation analysis identified multiple miRNA-mRNA-blood endophenotype associations and revealed the effect of miR-143-3p on neutrophil count mediated by the expression of its target gene BCL2. We report 168 significant cis-miRNA expression quantitative trait loci, 57 of which implicate miRNAs associated with either ICU admission or a blood endophenotype. CONCLUSIONS: This systems genetics study has given rise to a genomic picture of the architecture of whole blood miRNAs in unvaccinated COVID-19 patients and pinpoints post-transcriptional regulation as a potential mechanism that impacts blood traits underlying COVID-19 severity. The results also highlight the impact of host genetic regulatory control of miRNA expression in early stages of COVID-19 disease.

Contribution to a better analysis of spermatic and ultrasound testicular parameters in the follow-up of male infertility at the Histology Embryology Cytogenetic Laboratory of Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD).

INTRODUCTION: In Senegal, marital infertility is a real problem for society. We undertook the study of this subject to make an analysis of the spermatic parameters of the infertile Senegalese man and to better understand the impact of testicular morphological anomalies on male fertility. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study of 100 infertile patients followed at the Histology-Embryology-Cytogenetics laboratory of UCAD in Dakar, during the year 2020. Sperm parameters, presence of varicocele, and testicular volume were evaluated in our patients. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: The mean age of the patients was 35.17±8.7 years. A history of sexually transmitted infections was found in 57% of patients. The mean duration of infertility was 5.67±3.2 years. The mean sperm count was 14,871,230/ml±4,950,000. Necrospermia was the most frequent abnormality found (60%), followed by asthenospermia (51%). The high rate of necrospermia could be explained by the high frequency of sexually transmitted infections. Other abnormalities were oligospermia (48%, including 09% cryptospermia), azoospermia (19%), teratospermia (19%), and hypospermia (13%). The predominance of azoospermia and oligospermia should prompt a search for a genetic predisposition in these subjects. The mean testicular volume was 10.3±4.9 cc on the right and 9.5±4.8 cc on the left. A single or bilateral varicocele was found in 43% of subjects. Patients with azoospermia and teratospermia were associated with testicular hypotrophy with a significant value (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: Overall, the senegalese man consulting for infertility is a young adult, married for an average of 5 years. Necrospermia is the most frequently found anomaly. The severity of both qualitative and quantitative abnormalities should lead to a systematic search for a genetic origin. The etiological research of infertile patients must be done within a multidisciplinary framework to propose better management of these patients.

Cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer places a significant economic burden on individuals, populations, and health care. However, there is a paucity of information on the costs of the contemporary management of metastatic colorectal cancer. This systematic review aims to review the literature to estimate the direct cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews: National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database Guide, EconLit, and grey literature from the 1st of January 2000 to the 1st of February 2020 were all searched for studies reporting the direct costs of treating metastatic colorectal cancer. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Evers' Consensus on Health Economic Criteria checklist. RESULTS: In total, 39,489 records were retrieved, and 29 studies were included. Costs of treating metastatic colorectal cancer varied because of the heterogeneity of treatment. Studies reported average costs ranged from $12,346 to $293,461. Studies that included the cost of systemic therapy reported an estimated cost of almost $300,000. CONCLUSION: The existing evidence indicates that the cost of treating metastatic colorectal cancer places a significant economic burden on healthcare systems despite differences in methodology and treatment heterogeneity. Future research needs to define the cost components of treating metastatic colorectal cancer to improve comparability and examine the relationship between spending, overall survival, and quality of life. Identifying these costs and their impact on health care budgets can help policymakers plan health system expenditure.

Benefits of a brief psychological intervention targeting fear of cancer recurrence in people at high risk of developing another melanoma: 12-month follow-up results of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: People with melanoma want and need effective interventions for living with fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). OBJECTIVES: This study reports the 12-month outcomes of a brief, psychological intervention designed to reduce FCR in people at high risk of developing another primary melanoma compared with usual care. METHODS: In this two-arm randomized controlled trial, adults previously diagnosed with stage 0, I or II melanoma were randomly allocated to the intervention (n = 80) or control (usual care) arm (n = 84). The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 19 March 2013 (registration: ACTRN12613000304730). The intervention comprised a 76-page psychoeducational resource and three individually tailored, telephone-based sessions with a psychologist, scheduled at specific time points around participants' dermatological appointments. The primary outcome was the level of self-reported fear of new or recurrent melanoma assessed at 12 months postintervention using the severity subscale of the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory. RESULTS: Compared with the control arm, the intervention group reported significantly lower FCR at 12 months postintervention; the between-group mean difference was -1·41 for FCR severity [95% confidence interval (CI) -2·6 to -0·2; P = 0·02] and -1·32 for FCR triggers (95% CI -2·6 to -0·02; P = 0·04). The odds ratio for FCR severity scores ≥13 (54% intervention, 63% control) was 0·59 (95% CI 0·30-1·14, P = 0·12). There were no differences between groups in secondary outcomes, such as anxiety, depression or health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The previously reported 6-month benefits of this brief, patient-centred psychological intervention in reducing FCR were found to continue 12 months postintervention, with no known adverse effects, supporting implementation as part of routine melanoma care.

Validation of the Patient-Oriented SCORing for Atopic Dermatitis tool for black skin.

BACKGROUND: SCORing for Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) is a tool developed by the European Task Force on Atopic Dermatitis (AD) which is used by physicians to assess AD severity during consultations with their patients. Patient-Oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) is a self-assessment tool for use by patients which has been validated in a study performed in European countries. However, there is currently no adapted tool for evaluating AD severity in black skin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the version of the PO-SCORAD specifically adapted for black skin patients (children and adults) with AD. METHODS: In this multicenter, cross-sectional and non-interventional study, children and adults with AD were recruited during regular consultations. This international study was performed in seven sub-Saharan countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Mali and Senegal). During the consultation, AD severity was assessed by the physician using SCORAD score and by the patients or parents using PO-SCORAD. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen patients were included, 72 children and 41 adults, mainly females (61.6%). SCORAD assessed by physicians and PO-SCORAD assessed by patients/parents were well correlated (r = 0.66, P < 0.0001). Correlation coefficients for SCORAD and PO-SCORAD subscale scores were also good, except for symptom intensity criteria. CONCLUSION: Altogether, these data indicate that PO-SCORAD for black skin correlates well with SCORAD and is therefore a valuable tool, which requires no specific level of education, for use by black skin patients with AD.

[Epidemiological, clinical and etiological profile of tinea capitis in adult patients in Dakar, Senegal]. / Profil épidémio-clinique et étiologique des teignes du cuir chevelu chez l'adulte à Dakar (Sénégal).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the epidemiological and etiological profile of tinea capitis in adults in Dakar (Senegal). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 9-month prospective, multicenter, descriptive and analytic study. Patients included were aged over 18 years. Mycological tests were used to confirm the diagnosis. RESULTS: 121 patients were included with a mean age of 36.1 years and a hospitalisation frequency of 0.8%. The age range of 64.4% of patients was between19 and 38 years. 51% of patients were housewives. A low socioeconomic level was found in 72.8% of cases. In 3.3% of patients, the disease began in childhood. 31.4% of patients had already consulted a traditional healer. Similar familial cases were noted in 60.3% of patients. Contact with a sheep was noted in 32.2% of cases, deliberate skin lightening in 64% of women, hair salon attendance in 46.7% of women, and immunosuppression in 17.3% of patients, while itching was present in 95.5%. Dermatologic examination showed scaled plaques and a diffuse form, with 92.6% and 64% (n=75) respectively. Wood's light examination was positive in 40.2% of patients. A positive culture test was found in 71%. The most frequently encountered species were: T. soudanense (65%), M. audouinii (21%), T. rubrum (4.7%), M. gypseum (3.5%), T. violaceum (2.3%), T. verrucosum (2.3%) and M. canis (1 case). The clinical course was favorable under treatment with griseofulvin or terbinafine. CONCLUSION: Tinea capitis in adults mainly affects young women. The diffuse form is the most common. The most frequently encountered species was T. soudanense.

Cutaneous basidiobolomycosis: Seven cases in southern Benin.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous basidiobolomycosis is the most common form of entomophthoramycosis. Herein we report seven cases of cutaneous basidiobolomycosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Buruli ulcer treatment centre in Pobè and at the national teaching hospital in Cotonou from 2010 to 2015. RESULTS: Seven cases of cutaneous basidiobolomycosis were diagnosed. The mean patient age was 9.53 years. There were 4 female and 3 male patients, all from southeast Benin. Clinically, the disease presented in all cases as a hard, well-defined, subcutaneous plaque with little inflammation, and which could easily be lifted from the deep structures but remained attached to the surface structures. The overlying skin was hyperpigmented. Plaques were localized to the buttocks or thighs. All patients had inflammatory anaemia with an accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (30 to 70mm over the first hour), and a low haemoglobin count (8.7 to 11.4g/dL). Blood hypereosinophilia (650 to 3784elements/mm3) was present in six of the seven subjects. Histopathology (performed for 5 of the 7 subjects) showed granulomatous lesions with foreign-body giant cells, and inflammatory cells, with occasional eosinophils surrounding fungal hyphae (Splendore-Hoeppli phenomenon). Mycological analysis revealed Basidiobolus ranarum in three cases. The patients were treated with ketoconazole (5/7) and itraconazole (2/7), with good outcomes after 10 to 24 weeks of therapy. DISCUSSION: Cutaneous basidiobolomycosis is uncommon in southern Benin, with only seven cases being diagnosed over 6 years. The diagnosis of cutaneous basidiobolomycosis is a challenge in the field in Benin due to the non-specific clinical presentation, the lack of technical resources, and the existence of numerous differential diagnoses. CONCLUSION: Cutaneous basidiobolomycosis is an uncommon fungal infection in southern Benin chiefly affecting children.

[Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum associated with HIV]. / Leishmaniose cutanée à Leishmania infantum associée à une infection par le VIH.

BACKGROUND: In Senegal, reported cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis are often due to Leishmania major. Immunosuppression related to HIV infection contributes to the emergence of leishmaniasis in humans and to cutaneous localization of viscerotropic species. We report the first observed case in Senegal of opportunistic cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania infantum associated with HIV. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5-year-old boy presented crusted ulcerative lesions of the scalp and left forearm, together with axillary and cervical lymphadenopathy present for two months. Direct parasitological examination of the scalp and arm lesions, coupled with liquid aspiration of lymph nodes and bone marrow, enabled identification of amastigote forms of Leishmania. Polymerase chain reaction performed on skin, lymph node and bone marrow biopsy samples allowed identification of L. infantum. The child was positive for HIV1. Treatment of HIV infection and leishmaniasis resulted in clinical improvement. DISCUSSION: Co-infection with cutaneous leishmaniasis due to L. infantum and HIV is a complex combination in terms of the related therapeutic issues. The clinical and laboratory outcomes depend on restoration of immunity and on the efficacy, safety and availability of anti-leishmaniasis drugs.

[Leg ulcers in sickle cell disease: A retrospective study of 40 cases]. / Ulcères de jambe au cours de la drépanocytose: étude rétrospective de 40 cas.

BACKGROUND: In Africa, studies primarily devoted to chronic leg ulcer due to sickle cell disease are rare. The objectives of the study were to determine the epidemiology, diagnosis and progression of chronic leg ulcers in sickle cell disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5-year multicentre, retrospective study was conducted in three university hospitals in Dakar. We included all patients with chronic leg ulcers occurring in a setting of sickle cell disease. RESULTS: We identified 40 cases of chronic leg ulcers associated with sickle cell disease, representing 3.4% of the current population of sickle cell patients in our institutions. The average patient age was 25.9 years and the sex ratio was 2.33. Chronic leg ulcer was the presenting feature enabling diagnosis of sickle cell disease in one third of the cases. The average time to consultation from onset was 5.4 years. Pain was reported in 22 cases (48%). Ulcers were isolated in 76% and multiple in 24% of cases. The most common site was the medial malleolus (39%). A CBC allowed identification of anaemia in 35 cases. Haemoglobin electrophoresis was performed and homozygous sickle cell SS disease was identified in 39 cases and heterozygous SC disease in 1 case. Local treatments included physiologic serum, topical antibiotics and skin grafting. Systemic treatment included supplementation with folic acid in all patients, blood transfusion in 16 cases, vasodilators in 11 cases and antibiotics in 25 cases. The outcome was favourable in 61.8% of cases. DISCUSSION: In Dakar, sickle cell disease is a common cause of chronic leg ulcer and is frequently revealed by chronic leg ulcer.

Clinical practice guidelines for identification, screening and follow-up of individuals at high risk of primary cutaneous melanoma: a systematic review.

Understanding how individuals at high-risk of primary cutaneous melanoma are best identified, screened and followed up will help optimize melanoma prevention strategies and clinical management. We conducted a systematic review of international clinical practice guidelines and documented the quality of supporting evidence for recommendations for clinical management of individuals at high risk of melanoma. Guidelines published between January 2000 and July 2014 were identified from a systematic search of Medline, Embase and four guideline databases; 34 guidelines from 20 countries were included. High-risk characteristics that were consistently reported included many melanocytic naevi, dysplastic naevi, family history, large congenital naevi, and Fitzpatrick Type I and II skin types. Most guidelines identify risk factors and recommend that individuals at high risk of cutaneous melanoma be monitored, but only half of the guidelines provide recommendations for screening based on level of risk. There is disagreement in screening and follow-up recommendations for those with an increased risk of future melanoma. High-level evidence supports long-term screening of individuals at high risk and monitoring using dermoscopy. Evidence is low for defining screening intervals and duration of follow-up, and for skin self-examination, although education about skin self-examination is widely encouraged. Clinical practice guidelines would benefit from a dedicated section for identification, screening and follow-up of individuals at high risk of melanoma. Guidelines could be improved with clear definitions of multiple naevi, family history and frequency of follow-up. Research examining the benefits and costs of alternative management strategies for groups at high risk will enhance the quality of recommendations.

[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.

[Schistosoma-induced granulomatous panniculitis. An unusual presentation of cutaneous schistosomiasis]. / Panniculite granulomateuse bilharzienne. Une présentation inhabituelle de la bilharziose cutanée.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous schistosomiasis is extremely rare, even in endemic regions. It usually leads to non-specific papulonodular lesions in the perigenital area. We report a case of cutaneous schistosomiasis presenting as panniculitis. CASE REPORT: An 8-year-old girl was admitted for a large multinodular, indurated plaque over the perineum that gradually spread over a year in a setting of hypereosinophilia. Ultrasonography showed thickening of the bladder and a significant bilateral ureteral hydronephrosis. Histological examination revealed numerous granulomas Schistosoma haematobium ova at their centre and within the hypodermis. Treatment with praziquantel 40 mg/kg resulted in regression of cutaneous lesions within 3 weeks. DISCUSSION: We report a case of Schistosoma-induced granulomatous panniculitis that is noteworthy in terms of its clinical appearance, perineal location, association with severe urinary involvement and rapid regression under treatment. The current extent of endemic schistosomiasis and its severity justify greater awareness of this unusual cutaneous presentation, which to our knowledge has never previously been reported.

Demographics and outcomes of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases during the first epidemic wave in Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have focused on the effects of COVID-19 on African populations. During the first epidemic wave in Senegal (May 1 to July 31, 2020), COVID-19 cases were isolated in treatment centers of epidemics (TCEs). We described the demographics and outcomes of COVID-19 cases in TCEs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All cases with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in Thiès medical region of Senegal were included. RESULTS: COVID-19 was confirmed in 600 cases. Median age of cases (men: 357, 59.5%; women: 243, 40.5%) was 34.0years. The incidence was 12 per 100,000 inhabitants per month. Overall, 46 (7.7%) cases had a severe or critical form of the disease, and nine of them died. Of 455 cases quarantined in non-hospital TCEs, 340 (74.7%) had no symptom and 115 (25.3%) had mild or moderate symptoms. CONCLUSION: In this African retrospective cohort, COVID-19 cases were young and mostly asymptomatic with a low case fatality rate.

Health utilities for non-melanoma skin cancers and pre-cancerous lesions: A systematic review.

Background: Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are common and consume many healthcare resources. A health utility is a single preference-based value for assessing health-related quality of life, which can be used in economic evaluations. There are scarce data on health utilities for NMSCs. Objectives: Using a systematic review approach, we synthesized the current data on NMSC-related health utilities. Methods: A systematic review of studies of NMSC-related health utilities was conducted in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Data were extracted based on the protocol and a quality assessment was performed for each study. Results: The protocol resulted in 16 studies, involving 121 621 participants. Mean utility values across the studies ranged from 0.56 to 1 for undifferentiated NMSC, 0.84 to 1 for actinic keratosis, 0.45 to 1 for squamous cell carcinoma, and 0.67 to 1 for basal cell carcinoma. There was considerable variability in utilities by type of cancer, stage of diagnosis, time to treatment, treatment modality, and quality of life instrument or method. Utility values were predominantly based on the EuroQol 5-dimension instrument and ranged from 0.45 to 0.96, while other measurement methods produced values ranging from 0.67 to 1. Lower utility values were observed for advanced cancers and for the time period during and immediately after treatment, after which values gradually returned to pre-treatment levels. Conclusions: Most utility values clustered around relatively high values of 0.8 to 1, suggesting small decrements in quality of life associated with most NMSCs and their precursors. Variability in utilities indicates that careful characterization is required for measures to be used in economic evaluations.

Factors Associated with Foot Lesions in Diabetic Patients at Saint-Louis Hospital (Senegal): A Case-Control Study Protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes prevalence has increased over the past years. In Senegal, this prevalence is 4% in the general population. However, the region of Saint-Louis (in the north of the country) has the highest rate with 10.4%. The main prognosis problem is the occurrence foot lesions that can lead to lower-limbs amputation. Diabetic foot is a real public health issue, due to its economic burden and its serious repercussions on patients, leading to poor quality of life. The objective of this case-control study is to identify factors associated with foot lesions in diabetic patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: It will be a case-control study from January to December 2021. The patients will be recruited from the departments of general surgery, internal medicine, and emergency. An univariate then multivariate analysis (logistic regression) will allow us to select the variables associated with foot lesions in our study population. The parameters included in the logistic regression will be those with a p < 0.20 in the univariate analysis. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis (with the calculation of Odds Ratios (OR) with confidence intervals (CI)) according to the backward stepwise method will identify the factors independently associated to foot lesions in diabetic patients. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This research protocol will be submitted to the Ethics Committee of our institution for approval. The knowledge of factors causing diabetic foot will help to communicate with policymakers to raise the awareness in our community. Finally, it will help to prevent lower limb amputations. HIGHLIGHTS: Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation in the world.The region of Saint-Louis (Senegal) has the highest prevalence of diabetes.Controlling factors associated with foot lesions in diabetic patients can prevent from amputation.

Profile of Patients with Gallstone Disease in a Sub-Saharan African General Surgery Department: A Retrospective Cohort Study Protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Gallstone disease is a disorder characterised by the formation of stones in the biliary tract. It is the most common biliary condition accounting for more than 98% of all gallbladder and biliary tract disorders. In Africa, previous studies have shown a relative rarity of this condition with a prevalence less than 5%; since it is between 2 and 5 times higher in other continents. A good knowledge of the profile of patient with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment. To our knowledge, there was no previous study about gallstone disease in this region even if there is a high prevalence of metabolic factors of gallstone disease. METHODS: This study objective is to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic profile of patients with gallstone disease at the Department of General Surgery of Saint-Louis Hospital (Senegal). It will be a single-centre retrospective cohort study in a period of 5 years (January 2015 - December 2020). The patients' record of the department of general surgery will be consulted and the patient contacted if there are missing data. Patients with gallstone disease diagnosed with imaging (ultrasonography and/or CT scan) regardless the presentation (asymptomatic, biliary colic, cholecystitis, common bile duct lithiasis, angio-cholitis, pancreatitis) will be included. Adults and paediatric patients will be enrolled. Patient records lacking sufficient data will be excluded. Studied parameters will be epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic aspects. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Anonymity and confidentiality of information collected in patients will be respected. This research protocol will be submitted to the Ethics Committee of our institution for approval. The knowledge of the profile of patients with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment. Finally, it will help to reduce the burden of gallstone disease. HIGHLIGHTS: Gallstone disease is the most common biliary tract conditionTo our knowledge, there was no previous study about gallstone disease in this region even if there is a high prevalence of risk factors of gallstone disease (sickle cell disease, diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia)Good knowledge of the profile of patients with gallstone disease in a surgical setting could allow to reduce gallstone disease complications and to tailor better the treatment.

[First cases of squamous cell carcinoma associated with cosmetic use of bleaching compounds]. / Premiers cas de carcinomes épidermoïdes sur terrain de dépigmentation artificielle.

INTRODUCTION: We report two cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in two black women (phenotype VI) using bleaching compounds for cosmetic purposes over a period of 15 years. CASE REPORTS: Two women (aged 45 and 47 years) with a long history of cosmetic use of bleaching compounds consulted at a dermatology unit for skin tumours. A diagnosis of SCC was confirmed by histological examination of tumour biopsies. One patient was HIV-positive. Surgical treatment was performed in both cases: simple postoperative complications were seen in one patient but the other died at home following recurrence of carcinoma in the year following diagnosis. DISCUSSION: To our knowledge, theses two cases represent the first description of SCC occurring after prolonged cosmetic use of bleaching compounds. Carcinoma occurred in both cases in skin exposed to sun. In our patients, the mechanism of carcinogenesis may have involved melanin destruction, solar exposure and corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression. A direct carcinogenic effect of hydroquinone or other unidentified compounds is another possibility; the carcinogenicity of hydroquinone is well established in rodents. While these observations do not provide formal proof of any implication of depigmentation products in SCC, they emphasize the need for monitoring of dark-skinned women using skin lighteners.

[Drainage of liver abscess by "mini-hepatotomy"]. / Drainage des abcès du foie par la technique de "l'hépatotomie a minima".

UNLABELLED: We have developed a a "mini-hepatotomy" technique to prevent rupture of large superficial liver abscesses. AIM: The purpose of this report is to describe our results using this technique. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Data was extracted from the files of 40 patients hospitalized in our department for liver abscess from January 2000 to June 2005. Antimicrobrial therapy including metronidazole was administered to all patients and was the sole treatment in two. Additional treatment included laparotomy for ruptured abscess in 4 cases, pleural drainage for rupture in the right pleural cavity in one, and "mini hepatotomy" in 33. This study includes the 33 patients who underwent mini-laparotomy. There were 30 men and 3 women with a mean age of 38 years. The mean delay for consultation was 51 days. RESULTS: Liver abscess was classified as amoebic abscess in 28 cases and pyogenic abscess in 5. The mean diameter of the abscess was 11.5 cm. The abscess was located in the right lobe in 21 cases and left lobe in 12. The mean quantity of liquid drained from the abscess was 1060 mL. Outcome was favorable in 28 cases (success rate: 84.8%). In the remaining 5 cases abscess persisted after drain removal including two that required a second drain procedure and three that resolved after medical treatment. The failure rate was 6% (2/33). No patient died. CONCLUSION: Large size and superficial location are risk factors for rupture of liver abscess. Drainage is warranted in patients at risk for this complication. The results of this study show that our "mini-hepatotomy" drainage technique has a high success rate and can achieve good results.

Severe infectious keratitis in tropical environments: 118 cases collected over 10 years.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical, microbiological, and contributing factors of microbial keratitis in tropical environment. Materiel and methods: We performed a retrospective study of all patients admitted to the ophthalmology department of Principal Hospital in Dakar for infectious keratitis, over ten years from January 2006 to December 2015. Clinical, microbiological, and contributing factors as well as visual effects were studied. RESULTS: We collected data of 118 patients hospitalized for unilateral infectious keratitis in 10 years, for an average of 12 cases per year. The patients' mean age was 50 years. At least one local risk factor was found in 58.5% of cases. These were mainly ocular trauma (39%), followed by local treatment of glaucoma (16%), and recent eye surgery (14.5%). In 9 cases (8%), the only risk factor for abscess was an isolated general factor. This was diabetes in 7 cases. The clinical aspects described can be grouped according to topography, depth, and severity in pre-perforation state or perforation (45%), anterior chamber Tyndall effect greater than 1 cross, reaching a hypopyon stage (24%), stromal infiltrate larger than 2 mm (18%) and the abscess located within 3 mm of the corneal center (13%). The microbiological examination isolated a germ in 17% of cases, principally Pseudomonas aeruginosa (40%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (20%). Prognosis was severe with visual acuity of less than 1/10 in 90% of cases and evisceration in 16% of cases. DISCUSSION: The most common risk factor was local ocular trauma by foreign bodies in the cornea. The poor prognostic factors were possible delay in consultation, low initial visual acuity, and low rate of positive microbiological examinations. CONCLUSION: Infectious keratitis is a potentially serious condition that can lead to blindness and eventually to loss of the ocular globe in tropical environments. Local risk factors are largely dominated by ocular trauma. Only early management based on the microbiological results improves the prognosis.