Risk factors for loss to follow-up, transfer or death among people living with HIV on their first antiretroviral therapy regimen in Mali.

OBJECTIVES: Risk factors for loss to follow-up (LTFU) were assessed for people living with HIV (PLHIV) at various reference out-patient clinics (expertise level II) and hospitals (expertise level III) in Mali. METHODS: HIV-1-positive adults starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2006-2013 were eligible for inclusion. Risk factors for LTFU, defined as no visit in the 6 months preceding the last database update, were assessed with the Cox model, taking into account the competing risks of transfer and death. Potential risk factors at the start of ART were demographic and socioeconomic variables, World Health Organization (WHO) stage, CD4 count, period of ART initiation, type of ART, region of care, expertise level and distance from home. RESULTS: We included 9821 PLHIV, 33% of whom were male, starting ART at nine out-patient clinics and seven hospitals [five and two in the capital Bamako and four and five in the 'regions' (i.e. districts outside the capital), respectively] with a median (interquartile range) CD4 count of 153 (56-270) cells/µL. Five-year cumulative incidences of LTFU, transfer and death were 35.2, 9.7 and 6.7%, respectively. People followed at Bamako hospitals > 5 km from home, at regional hospitals or at regional out-patient clinics < 5 km from home were at higher risk of LTFU than people followed at Bamako out-patient clinics, whereas people followed at regional out-patient clinics 5-50 km away from home were at lower risk for LTFU. Deaths were less frequent at hospitals, whether in Bamako or in the regions, than at Bamako out-patient clinics, and more frequent at regional out-patient clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Expertise level and distance to care were associated with LTFU. Stigmatization may play a role for PLHIV living close to the centres in the regions.

High level of HIV-1 resistance in patients failing long-term first-line antiretroviral therapy in Mali.

OBJECTIVES: In resource-limited settings, few data are available on virological failure after long-term first-line antiretroviral therapy. This study characterized the genotypic resistance patterns at the time of failure after at least 36 months of a first-line regimen in Mali, West Africa. METHODS: Plasma samples from 84 patients who were receiving first-line antiretroviral treatment and with an HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL) >1000 copies/mL were analysed. Genotypic resistance testing was performed and HIV-1 drug resistance was interpreted according to the latest version of the National Agency for HIV and Hepatitis Research algorithm. RESULTS: At the time of resistance testing, patients had been treated for a median of 60 months (IQR 36-132 months) and had a median CD4 cell count of 292 cells/mm(3) (IQR 6-1319 cells/mm(3)), a median HIV-1 RNA level of 28266 copies/mL (IQR 1000-2 93 495 copies/mL) and a median genotypic susceptibility score of 1 (IQR 1-4). The prevalence of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance mutations was 78% and 82%, respectively. Viruses were resistant to at least one drug in 92% of cases. Although etravirine and rilpivirine were not used in the first-line regimens, viruses were resistant to etravirine in 34% of cases and to rilpivirine in 49% of cases. The treatment duration, median number of NRTI and NNRTI mutations and some reverse transcriptase mutations (T215Y/F/N, L210W, L74I, M41L and H221Y) were associated with the VL at virological failure. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a high level of resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs, compromising second-generation NNRTIs, for patients who stayed on long-term first-line regimens. It is crucial to expand the accessibility of virological testing in resource-limited settings to limit the expansion of resistance and preserve second-line treatment efficacy.

[Intrapartum obstetrical transfers: sociodemographic, clinical and prognosistic aspects in Conakry, Guinea]. / Evacuations obstétricales intrapartum: aspects sociodémographique, clinique et pronostique à Conakry, Guinée.

The objectives of this descriptive prospective study were to determine the frequency of intrapartum obstetrical transfers, assess the sociodemographic profile of parturients requiring transfer, describe transfer modalities, and assess maternal and newborn outcomes. Study included all patients requiring intrepartum obstetrical transfer to the Ignace Deen University Hospital Gynecology Obstetrics Clinic in Conakry, Guinea from August 1st, 2009 to July 31st, 2010. Out of 3122 deliveries during the study period, intrapartum transfer was required in 220 cases, i.e. 7.05%. Mean patient age was 23.2 years (range, 14 to 44). The risk for intrapartum transfer was higher among multiparous or nulliparous women (incidence, 8.79%) and adolescents (incidence, 10%). Patients requiring transfer were mainly housewives (60%) and uneducated women (57.27%). Most had had an insufficient number (<4) of antenatal examinations (76.36%) and had been examined at peripheral maternity units (62.73%). In 175 cases (79.54%), patients were transferred by taxi. In 191 patients, treatment required surgery including 130 caesarian sections. There were 12 maternal deaths (5.45%) and 45 neonatal deaths out of 242 newborns including 22 twin deliveries (18.59%). Further work is necessary to improve referral and transfer at all levels of the health pyramid.

[Evolution of Uterine Ruptures at the Maternity of Ignace Deen National Hospital (Chu of Conakry)]. / Évolution des Ruptures Utérines à la Maternité de L'hôpital National Ignace Deen (Chu de Conakry).

Uterine rupture is a common obstetrical drama in our delivery rooms that has become exceptional in developed countries. In developing countries including Guinea, this tragedy is one of the major concerns of the obstetrician. The objectives of this work were: to evaluate the frequency of uterine rupture in the department, to describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, to identify the factors favoring the occurrence of uterine rupture, to evaluate the maternal-fetal prognosis and propose a prevention strategy to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality by uterine rupture. This was a descriptive study with data collection in two phases, one retrospective lasting 18 months from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018 and the other prospective, lasting 18 months also from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 both carried out at the maternity ward of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. We collected 84 cases of uterine rupture out of 18,790 deliveries, i.e. a frequency of 0.44%. During the same time 10,067 cesarean sections were realized, i.e. one laparotomy for uterine rupture for 120 cesarean sections. The average age of the patients was 28.14 years with a standard deviation of 2 years and the average profile is that of a housewife (51.8%), multiparous (44.6%), evacuated from peripheral maternity (85.5%) and having an insufficient number of antenatal consultations (82.6%). In 93.1% of cases, the uterine rupture had occurred in delivery centers, peripheral maternity hospitals and on the way, the uterine ruptures were mostly spontaneous (65.1%), and occurred in a healthy uterus (59.0%). Uterine rupture was more frequently complete (83.33%). Surgical treatment was more frequently conservative with hysterorrhaphy (88.1%). We recorded 12 maternal deaths, i.e. a case fatality rate of 14.6%. On admission, almost all of the women showed no signs of fetal life. To reduce the frequency of uterine ruptures, better organization of emergency obstetric and neonatal care and better screening for risk factors for obstructed labor during prenatal consultations should be encouraged.

[Socio-Anthropological Determinants of the High Prevalence of Obstetric Fistula in Guinea]. / Déterminants Socio-Anthropologiques de la Prévalence Élevée des Fistules Obstétricales en Guinée.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyse the socio-anthropological determinants (representations, beliefs, practices and perceptions of health services) of the high prevalence of obstetric fistulas in Guinea. Patients and methods: From January 15 to February 15, 2018, we carried out a qualitative study in three health centres (one urban and two rural). The study focused on biological mothers who attended the centres to get vaccinated their children. The data were collected by semi-structured individual interview. Results: None of the 42 respondents could link the occurrence of obstetric fistulas and obstructed labour. Participants at all three study sites believed that obstructed labour and obstetric fistula have a mystical origin. In Kissidougou, the respondents thought that obstructed labour and obstetric fistulas are caused either by soubaya, sorcery in Malinké or the evil spell korte in Malinké cast by an enemy, or the bad behaviour of the parturient which means either she practices adultery or if she behaves disrespectfully towards elders. In Dubréka, the respondents linked the occurrence of labour dystocia and obstetric fistula to witchcraft koromikhi in Sousou. In Labé, some respondents thought that obstructed labour and obstetric fistula are due to divine punishment in local dialect lette Allah when the woman does not respect her husband or has contracted the pregnancy out of the legal union. Others deemed that childbirth is difficult because of the narrowness of the delivery route in Fulani lawol ngol no faadhi in parturients who do not have sex during pregnancy or when the woman had not adequately had female circumcision, in local dialect o suuwaaki laabhi which means, part of the clitoris was left in place during the excision. The majority of respondents had a poor perception of health services (male staff, lack of privacy, poor hygiene, abuse). Several cultural practices (early wedlocks, genital mutilations, dietary restrictions, home deliveries) also induce obstetric fistulas. Conclusion: Respondents' cultural beliefs and practices regarding childbirth limit women's attendance at maternity hospitals during childbirth and favour obstetric fistulas.

[Contribution of the University Clinical Research Center's laboratoryin the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in Mali]. / Contribution du laboratoire du Centre Universitaire de Recherche Clinique (UCRC) au diagnostic de SRAS-CoV-2 au Mali.

INTRODUCTION: The rapid diagnostic capacities of laboratories in Mali have been an essential element in the response to COVID-19. The University Clinical Research center (UCRC) diagnosed the first cases of Mali COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe the contribution of the UCRC in the diagnosis of Covid-19 and to clinically and epidemiologically characterize the patients tested in the UCRC laboratory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during eight months of intense activity. The samples were sent from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) to the UCRC. RESULTS: The UCRC tested 12,406 contacts and suspected samples and confirmed the diagnosis in 1091 patients, or 9%. The most common symptoms were cough (48.78%), headache (34.14%), fatigue / weakness (34.14%), while (33.33%) of the patients were asymptomatic. The sample positivity rate among new cases decreased from May to September 2020, despite almost 230% of the number of samples tested. CONCLUSION: The laboratory played a major role in the response and there may be a low transmission of the virus in the Malian community.

INTRODUCTION: Les capacités de diagnostic rapide des laboratoires au Mali ont été un élément essentiel dans la riposte contre la COVID-19. Le Centre Universitaire de Recherche Clinique (UCRC)a diagnostiqué les premiers cas du Mali. OBJECTIF: Etait de décrire l'apport de l'UCRC dans le diagnostic de la Covid-19 et de caractériser cliniquement et épidémiologiquement les patients testés au laboratoire de l'UCRC. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Une étude transversale a été conduite pendant huit mois d'activité intense. Les échantillons ont été envoyés de l'Institut National de Santé Publique (INSP) à l'UCRC. RÉSULTATS: L'UCRC a testé 12 406 échantillons contacts et suspects et a confirmé le diagnostic chez 1091 patients soit 9%. Les symptômes les plus rencontrés ont été la toux (48,78%), les maux de tête (34,14%), la fatigue/faiblesse (34,14%), tandis que (33,33%) des patients étaient asymptomatiques. Le taux de positivité des échantillons a diminué entre mai et août et avec une légère diminution en septembre 2020,avec près de 230% du nombre d'échantillons testés. CONCLUSION: Le laboratoire a joué un grand rôle dans la riposte et il y'aurait une faible transmission du virus dans la communauté Malienne.

[Management of pre-term labor: use of nifedipine in Conakry, Guinea]. / Menaces d'accouchement prématuré: utilisation de la nifédipine à Conakry, Guinée.

This purpose of this prospective and descriptive study was to evaluate the utility of a calcium-channel inhibitor, i.e. nifedipine, for management of preterm labor in our work setting in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness in comparison with betamimetics classically used for this indication. Study was carried out over a six-month period in the department of Gynecology-Obstetrics Department of Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry, Guinea. Pregnant women meeting the following criteria were included: 28 to 33 weeks of amenorrhea, six days of hospitalization either for preterm labor or for another diagnosis that was associated with the occurrence of preterm labor during hospitalization, and absence of contraindications for tocolysis using nifedipine. A total of 42 women were included. Pregnancy was extended for more than 48 hours after the first dose of nifedipine in 86.8% of cases. Administration of nifedipine failed in 5 cases including one case in which it was necessary to change the tocolytic and 4 cases in which delivery occurred less than 48 hours after the first dose of nifedipine. In 68% of cases, 90 mg of nifedipine were sufficient to stop uterine contractions within 48 hours. In 39.5% of cases, no side effects were observed. Adverse effects in the other cases were dizziness (39.5%) and headache (18.4%). The mean term of delivery was 36 weeks +/- 5 days of amenorrhea with a mean extension of 6.2 weeks. Apgar score was low in 30.5% of the newborns and normal in 69.5%. One newborn (2.8%) died. The results of this study indicate that nifedipine is an effective, economical and safe drug for tocolysis and that it can be used as an alternative to betamimetis in countries with limited resources. An information campaign is needed to promote use of nifedipine as a tocolytic in obstetrical facilities of our country.

Fluorescein diacetate and rapid molecular testing for the early identification of rifampicin resistance in Mali.

BACKGROUND: Non-conversion on auramine smear microscopy indicates a lack of treatment response, possibly associated with initial rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). However, dead bacteria still stain positive and may be detected. Fluorescein diacetate smear microscopy (FDA) shows live mycobacteria only. Therefore, we studied the potential of 2-month (2M) FDA for the identification of initial RR-TB.METHODS: Between 2015 and 2018, we enrolled new smear-positive pulmonary TB patients from five local centres in Bamako, Mali. After baseline screening, sputum samples were collected at 1M, 2M, 5M and 18M. We used rpoB sequencing to identify initial RR-TB.RESULTS: Of 1359 patients enrolled, 1019 (75%) had rpoB sequencing results. Twenty-six (2.6%, 95%CI: 1.7-3.7) had mutations conferring rifampicin resistance. Most frequent rpoB mutations were located at the codons Asp435Val (42.4%) and Ser450Leu (34.7%). Among patients with initial RR-TB, 72.2% were FDA-negative at 2M (P = 0.2). The positive and negative predictive value of 5M FDA for culture-based failure was respectively 20.0% and 94.7%.CONCLUSION: FDA did not identify the majority of patients with initial RR-TB or culture-based failure. As the full spectrum of mutations identified on sequencing was identified using Xpert, our data support its rapid universal implementation in Mali.

[Management of ectopic pregnancy in Conakry, Guinea]. / Prise en charge de la grossesse extra utérine à Conakry (Guinée).

Ectopic pregnancy is one of the most frequent hemorrhagic emergencies encountered in gynecology and obstetrics. The purpose of this 16-month descriptive prospective study at the Ignace Deen Gynecology-Obstetric clinic at Conakry University Hospital in Guinea was to assess diagnostic techniques and therapeutic attitudes regarding ectopic pregnancy in a low-resource setting. The frequency of ectopic pregnancy was 1.4%. Mean patient age was 28.9 years. Ectopic pregnancy was often observed at the second or third pregnancy (47.1%) in women who were giving birth for the second or third time (36.0%) and had a history of sexually transmitted infections (88.2%) or abortions (43.1%). Most women had no schooling (60.8 %), were poor and lived in a marital home (86.3%). Presenting symptoms included the classic triad of amenorrhea (98.0%), abdominopelvic pain (92.2%), and vaginal bleeding (62.7%). Definitive diagnosis was achieved by ultrasound examination in 76.6% of cases and by puncture of the Douglas pouch in 84%. The most frequent site of ectopic pregnancy was the ampulla of the uterine tube (66.9%). Abdominal and ovarian pregnancy was observed in 3 and 4 of the 51 cases respectively. Surgical management was performed in all cases. The most frequent procedure was salpingectomy (80.3%). Proper treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI), start-up of post-abortion care facilities, and provision of information during early consultation at the first signs of pregnancy would help reduce the frequency and improve the prognosis of ectopic pregnancy.

[Ten years of laparoscopy and laparoscopic surgery at the Jeanne Ebori foundation in Libreville (Gabon)]. / Expérience de dix années de coelioscopies et de coeliochirurgies à la fondation Jeanne-Ebori de Libreville (Gabon).

OBJECTIVE: The authors report their experience with 614 laparoscopies performed from 1 January 1996 through 31 December 2005 at the Jeanne EBORI Foundation. The purpose of this study is to show the benefits of laparoscopy for day-to-day gynaecological treatment in developing countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed all laparoscopies performed during this period. RESULTS: The women's average age was 26.2 years (range: 16-48 years); 68.6% of the procedures were laparoscopic surgery. The main indication for diagnostic laparoscopy was pelvic pain. We performed laparoscopy surgery for ectopic pregnancies and cystectomies (38.9%). The mean operating time was 35 to 50 minutes for diagnostic and 60 to 150 minutes for surgical laparoscopy. Bleeding was the leading complication (1.4%) followed by ruptured cysts (0.7%) and visceral wounds (1.3%). CONCLUSION: In view of the public health benefits of this technology, the authors recommend it be acquired in developing countries to improve the therapeutic approach available to their doctors and patients.

Kinetics of maternally-derived serogroup A, C, Y and W-specific meningococcal immunoglobulin G in Malian women and infants.

A prospective, randomised, controlled observer-blind trial measuring the efficacy and immunogenicity of trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) and the immunogenicity of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV) in pregnant women and their infants up to 6 months of age was conducted in Mali. Here we reported the immunogenicity of MCV, which was used as a comparator vaccine to TIV, in this population. Third-trimester pregnant Malian women were randomized to receive TIV or MCV. Blood samples were collected from women prior to vaccination, 28 days post-vaccination, at delivery and 3 and 6 months post-delivery and from infants at birth and 3 and 6 months of age. Meningococcal-specific serogroup (Men) A, C, Y and W-specific antibodies were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay in a randomly selected subset of 50 mother-infant pairs where the mother had received MCV. At birth, 94.0% (47/50) of infants had MenA specific IgG levels ≥ 2 µg/mL decreasing to 72.9% and 30.4% at 3 and 6 months of age. For MenC, 81.3% (39/48) of infants had MenC specific IgG levels ≥ 2 µg/mL at birth decreasing to 29.4% and 17.8% at 3 and 6 months of age. For MenY, 89.6% (43/48) of infants had MenY specific IgG levels ≥ 2 µg/mL at birth decreasing to 64.6% and 62.5% at 3 and 6 months of age. For MenW, 89.6% (43/48) of infants had MenW specific IgG levels ≥ 2 µg/ml at birth decreasing to 62.5% and 41.7% at 3 and 6 months of age. Maternal immunization with MCV conveyed protective levels of IgG at birth through to 3 months of age in the majority of infants.

Diabetes Mellitus among new tuberculosis patients in Bamako, Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) increases worldwide, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. In Mali, the prevalence in the adult population is estimated at 1.8%, but tuberculosis (TB) patients are not systematically screened. The goal of our study was to determine the prevalence of DM among newly diagnosed TB patients. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study and a pilot prospective cohort study in four health centers in Bamako. All patients underwent fasting capillary-blood glucose (FCBG) test at Day 0, and repeated after one-week of TB treatment. Venous FBG test was performed for discrepancies between the two FCBG results. Thereafter, FCBG was performed for pilot study at month-2 (M2) and M5 of TB treatment. RESULTS: Two hundred and one patients were enrolled in this study. Impaired fasting blood glucose was identified in 17 (8.5%), of whom 11 (5.5%) had DM (VFBG >7 mmol/L). Among patients with DM, seven (63.6%) had successful TB treatment outcome, versus 142 (74.7%) of those without DM (p = 0.64), and (OR: 1.69, 95%CI 0.47-6.02). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DM among TB patients in Bamako exceeds that of the general population and screening at TB diagnosis suffices to identify those with DM. Systematic screening of both diseases will allow better treatment.

Integration of Family Planning Counselling to Mass Screening Campaign for Cervical Cancer: Experience from Guinea.

AIM: To assess feasibility of integrating family planning counselling into mass screening for cervical cancer in Guinea. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted over a month in Guinea regional capital cities. The targeted population comprised women aged 15 to 49 years. Nearly 4000 women were expected for the screening campaigns that utilized VIA and VIL methods with confirmation of positive tests through biopsy. A local treatment was immediately performed when the patient was eligible. RESULTS: Overall 5673 women aged 15 to 60 years were received, a surplus of 42% of the expected population. 92.3% of women were aged 15-49 years and 90.1% were 25-49 years. Long-acting methods were the most utilized (89.2% of family planning users). 154 precancerous and cancerous lesions were screened, a global positivity rate of 2.7%. CONCLUSION: Integration of counselling and family planning services provision during cervical cancer mass screening is a feasible strategy. A cost-effective analysis of this approach would help a better planning of future campaigns and its replication in other contexts.

[Abruptio placentae. Management in a reference Nigerien maternity. Prospective study about 118 cases during one year]. / Hématome rétroplacentaire. Prise en charge dans une maternité de référence du Niger. Etude prospective à propos de 118 cas sur un an.

OBJECTIVE: Placental abruption is a syndrome, which occurs in the third trimester of the pregnancy or during labour. It is the main cause of pregnancy last term bleeding and is also responsible for a high stillbirth rate. The objective is to describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic characteristics in order to decrease the fetal and maternal mortality and morbidity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a prospective and descriptive study in continuous series, over a twelve-month period, from 1st January 2003 to 31st December 2003, at Issaka Gazobi maternity of Niamey, Niger. RESULTS: During the study period, 3255 deliveries have been done. One hundred and eighteen placental abruptions have been observed, which corresponds to a frequency of 3.6% with the highest rate during raining season. The average age and parity were: 31 years and 5th with a predominance of grand multiparous (38.2%). The majority of the patients were in-utero transfers (83,1%) and had done at least 10 km before arriving. One hundred and eleven patients had a caesarean section (94,1%) and 7 delivered through the vaginal route (5.9%). The fetal prognosis was characterized by a high stillbirth rate of 71.3% (87/122), fetal hypotrophy (64.8%) and prematurity (23.8%). The main cause of maternal morbidity was anaemia (76.3%) and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (5.9%). Further, 81 patients have been transfused (68.7%). The maternal mortality was 5.1% (6/118). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Placental abruption, a medical and obstetrical emergency, is a serious obstetric condition, especially in our country. Physicians must be aware that patients with high blood pressure, preeclampsia, eclampsia, particularly in case of multiparity are at increased risk of placental abruption. Early diagnosis, prenatal follow-up and caesarean section improve the maternal and fetal prognosis.

[Clinical appearance and scalable profile Thiamine deficiency in prison in Guinea: study of thirty-eight observations]. / Aspect clinique et profil évolutif de la carence en thiamine en milieu carcéral en Guinée : étude de trente-huit observations.

Cardiovascular and neurological manifestations associated with thiamine deficiency in Guinean prisons are common but not reported.We performed a prospective study of 38 cases related to vitamin B1 deficiency over a period of 4 years. In this population, the literature of traditional data gathered: frequency peak after thirty (92.6%) and clear representation male (sex ratio M/F: 18/1). The clinical symptomatology remains essentially dominated by sensorimotor polyneuropathy and pure sensory (52.2%), overall heart failure (31.5%) and to a lesser degree by Gayet Wernicke's encephalopathy (7.8%) and shoshin beriberi with severe evolution (5.2%). The study of nutritional status by body mass index (BMI) of the World Health Organization, by the criteria of Detsky and biological markers including albumin, shows that these patients are severely malnourished.

Virology. Mutation rate and genotype variation of Ebola virus from Mali case sequences.

The occurrence of Ebola virus (EBOV) in West Africa during 2013-2015 is unprecedented. Early reports suggested that in this outbreak EBOV is mutating twice as fast as previously observed, which indicates the potential for changes in transmissibility and virulence and could render current molecular diagnostics and countermeasures ineffective. We have determined additional full-length sequences from two clusters of imported EBOV infections into Mali, and we show that the nucleotide substitution rate (9.6 × 10(-4) substitutions per site per year) is consistent with rates observed in Central African outbreaks. In addition, overall variation among all genotypes observed remains low. Thus, our data indicate that EBOV is not undergoing rapid evolution in humans during the current outbreak. This finding has important implications for outbreak response and public health decisions and should alleviate several previously raised concerns.

[Prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with sickle cell disease]. / Prévalence des anticorps antiphospholipides au cours de la drépanocytose homozygote.

Structural abnormalities in erythrocyte membrane are more and more claimed as a determinant factor in the sickle cell disease pathogenesis. This being would have been provided by a new anionic phospholipids distribution and conformation. Phosphatidyl-serine exposing and phosphatidic acid enhancing would induce specific immunoglobulins synthesis. In this study, assessment of antiphospholipid antibodies prevalence was carried out among sickle cell trait patients (n = 35) and homozygous patients (n = 59) as compared to healthy subjects (n = 39). Antiphospholipid antibodies, assayed by ELISA procedure, were significantly higher among the homozygous patients than the sickle cell trait patients ones and highlighted as compared to healthy subjects. Pathologic data were only observed among homozygous patients. These specific antibodies, associated with thrombosis and haemolysis, would have constitute a morbid link and a therapeutic target of this sickness, dominated by homodynamic troubles.

[Complications of illegal induced abortions at Bamako (Mali) between December 1997 and November 1998]. / Complications des avortements provoqués illgaux à Bamako (Mali) de décembre 1997 à novembre 1998.

We carried out a descriptive retrospective study over a period of one year, in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Referrals Department of Gabriel-Touré Hospital at Bamako. We analyzed 1,081 files of patients presenting at the department with complications of spontaneous or induced abortion. We identified and studied 189 cases of illegal induced abortions. The patients were young (mean age 21.8 years), of a low socioeconomic level and most (71.4%) had no living child. The gestational age of the fetus was less than 12 weeks for 19.5% of the women and between 13 and 16 weeks for 47.6%. The abortions were carried out by traditional practitioners (3.7%), general practitioners (9%), trainee nurses (10.5%) and state nurses and midwives (57.1%). In more than half the cases (71.4%), the abortion took place at the home of the practitioner. Several methods of abortion were used (e.g. curettage, uterine probes). In 44.4% of the cases, the woman refused to comment on the reasons for the abortion. The other women cited mostly academic reasons (20.63% of cases) and fear of their parents (13.22%). The main reasons for consultation were bleeding (51.3%), hyperthermia (35.4%), pain (9. 52%) and neurological problems (3.1%). Three types of complication were identified: bleeding (47%), infectious complication (33.3%) and drug poisoning (4.2%). The rate of maternal mortality was 10% and the management of the patients required surgical (from curettage to hysterectomy) and medical treatment, with a mean stay in hospital of 10 days.

[Ectopia testicular in child: about 3 cases]. / Les ectopies testiculaires de l'enfant: a propos de trois cas.

The authors report 3 cases of testicular ectopia. Of these 3 cases, two proved tobe cases of penial ectopia whose diagnosis was mentionned before the intervention. One case proved tobe a case of tranverse testicular ectopia diagnosed as an inguino-scrotal hernia. Surgical exploration has always allowed to reach a correct diagnosis. In all three cases the testicle was of normal size and the cord long enough to lower the testicle between the skin an the dartos Surraco's procedure. The authors discuss the pathogenis of this affection, echography contribution in the diagnosis, and the therapeutics aspects.

[Assessment of the level of urinary iodine deficiency in children of Senegalese central regions]. / Evaluation de la teneur en iode urinaire chez les enfants des régions centrales du Sénégal.

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are a major public health problem in Senegal, where strategies of salt iodization were adopted in the southern and eastern regions. The aim of this study led in four districts (Koungheul, Bambey, Mekhe and Kebemer), was to estimate by a questionnaire, the women knowleges, attitudes and practices (KAP) concerning IDD, and to measure children urinary iodine excretion by the Sandell-Kolthoff method to assess a potential deficiency. Six hundred ninety eight households were selected covering 1336 women (age 15 to 49 years) and 400 children (age 6 to 12 years). Sixty three per cent of the women knew the goiter, 89% of them considered that it was a disease and only 0.6% knew the role of iodized salt in the treatment. On the other hand, 20% of the children presented a normal range of urinary iodine excretion superior to 100 microg/l, the deficiency was light (50 to 100 microg/l) in 38% of the children, moderate (25 to 50 microg/l) in 27% and severe (< 25 microg/l) in 15% of them. These results show that other Senegalese regions are concerned by iodine deficiency disorders and need information, education and iodine supplementation programmes, notably for children and young women.