First and Second Waves of Covid-19: A Comparative Study of the Clinical Presentation and Outcome among Hospitalized Patients in Lagos Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Nigeria experienced many waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compared the clinical presentations and mortality among hospitalized patients during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Lagos State, Nigeria. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Deidentified medical records of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted into 15 isolation centers in Lagos, Nigeria between February 27, 2020, and September 30, 2020 (first wave) and October 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021 (second wave) were reviewed. IBM Statistics version 25 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: More patients were hospitalized during the first wave of the pandemic. The mean age of patients was higher during the second wave (54.5±15.8 years vs. 42.2±15.5 years, p <0.001). More patients admitted during the second wave had comorbidities (56.0% vs 28.6%, p <0.001), were symptomatic (90.8% vs 52.0%, p <0.001), had severe COVID-19 disease (58.9% vs 25%, p <0.001) and died (14.9% vs 6.4%, p<0.001) compared with the first wave. The odds of death increased with age and severity of COVID-19 disease during the first and second waves. CONCLUSION: A higher proportion of the patients admitted in Lagos, Nigeria during the second wave were older, had comorbidities, and had severe COVID-19 disease than the first wave. Despite the fewer hospitalized patients, there were more deaths during the second wave.

OBJECTIF: Le Nigeria a connu plusieurs vagues de la pandémie de la COVID-19. Cette étude a comparé les présentations cliniques et la mortalité chez les patients hospitalisés lors des première et deuxième vagues de la pandémie dans l'État de Lagos, Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Une étude de cohorte rétrospective a été réalisée. Les dossiers médicaux déidentifiés des patients atteints de la COVID-19 confirmée par laboratoire, admis dans 15 centres d'isolement à Lagos, Nigeria, entre le 27 février 2020 et le 30 septembre 2020 (première vague) et entre le 1er octobre 2020 et le 30 avril 2021 (deuxième vague), ont été examinés. IBM Statistics version 25 a été utilisé pour l'analyse des données. RÉSULTATS: Un plus grand nombre de patients ont été hospitalisés lors de la première vague de la pandémie. L'âge moyen des patients était plus élevé lors de la deuxième vague (54,5±15,8 ans vs. 42,2±15,5 ans, p <0,001). Un plus grand nombre de patients admis lors de la deuxième vague avaient des comorbidités (56,0% vs. 28,6%, p <0,001), étaient symptomatiques (90,8% vs. 52,0%, p <0,001), avaient une forme grave de la maladie à la COVID-19 (58,9% vs. 25%, p <0,001) et sont décédés (14,9% vs. 6,4%, p<0,001) par rapport à la première vague. Les chances de décès ont augmenté avec l'âge et la gravité de la maladie à la COVID-19 lors des première et deuxième vagues. CONCLUSION: Une proportion plus élevée des patients admis à Lagos, Nigeria, lors de la deuxième vague étaient plus âgés, avaient des comorbidités et présentaient une forme grave de la maladie à la COVID-19 par rapport à la première vague. Malgré un nombre moindre de patients hospitalisés, il y a eu plus de décès lors de la deuxième vague. MOTS-CLÉS: Présentation Clinique, Covid-19, Première Vague, Mortalité, Nigeria, Deuxième Vague.

Length of Hospital Stay of COVID-19 Patients managed at the Lagos State Isolation Centres during the First Wave of the Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Lagos State has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria. We assessed the factors predicting the length of hospital stay of COVID-19 patients admitted in 15 isolation centres across the state. METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of all COVID-19 patients admitted and discharged between February 27, 2020, and September 30, 2020. Logistic and linear regressions were used to assess factors predicting the length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 3153 records were reviewed, of which 2623 (83.2%) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients admitted was 40.5 (Sd 14.8) years. The age range was four days-97 years. A total of 1258 (48.0%) were symptomatic, while 2056 (78.4%) and 567 (21.6%) presented with mild and severe disease, respectively. Cough (22.0%), fever (17.3%) and breathlessness (12.3%) were the most common symptoms at presentation. Generally, the median length of hospital stay was 11 (IQR 9, 14) days. A total of 1609 (61.3%) had a prolonged length of hospital stay. The odds for prolonged hospital stay was higher among elderly patients (AOR 12.1 95%CI 7.6-19.4, p<0.001), male (AOR 1.2 95%CI 1.0-1.4, p=0.031) and patients with severe disease (AOR 1.3 95% CI 1.0-1.7, p=0.042). Age, hypertension and shortness of breath made the most significant contribution to predicting the length of hospital stay (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Age, gender, hypertension and breathlessness predicted the length of hospital stay. Proactive measures should be instituted in managing COVID-19 patients.

CONTEXTE: L'État de Lagos a le plus grand nombre de cas de COVID-19 au Nigeria. Nous avons évalué les facteurs predisan la durée du séjour à l'hôpital des patients atteints de la COVID-19 admis en 15 centres d'isolement à travers l'État. MÉTHODES: Nous avons examiné les dossiers médicaux électroniques de tous les Patients atteints de la COVID-19 admis et sortis de l'hôpital entre février27, 2020 et 30 septembre 2020. Régressions logistiques et linéaire sont été utilisés pour évaluer les facteurs prédisant la durée de l'hôpital rester. RÉSULTATS: Un total de 3153 dossiers ont été examinés, don't 2623 (83,2 %) répondaient aux critères d'inclusion. L'âge moyen des patients admis était de 40,5 ans (Sd 14,8). La gamme d'âge était de quatre jours­97 ans. Au total, 1258 (48,0 %) étaient symptomatiques, tandis qu'en 2056(78,4 %) et 567 (21,6 %) ont présenté une maladie bénigne et grave,respectivement. Toux (22,0 %), fièvre (17,3 %) et essoufflement(12,3 %) étaient les symptômes les plus courants à la présentation.En général, la durée médiane du séjour à l'hôpital était de 11 (IQR 9, 14)Jours. Au total, 1609 (61,3 %) ont eu une durée prolongée d'hospitalisation rester. Les chances de séjour prolongé à l'hôpital étaient plus élevées chezpatients âgés (AOR 12,1 IC à 95 % 7,6­19,4, p<0,001), hommes (AOR1,2 IC à 95 % 1,0 à 1,4, p = 0,031) et patients atteints d'une maladie grave(AOR 1,3 IC à 95 % 1,0­1,7, p = 0,042). Âge, hypertension et l'essoufflement a apporté la contribution la plus significative à prédire la durée du séjour à l'hôpital (P<0,05). CONCLUSION: Âge, sexe, hypertension et essoufflement prédit la durée du séjour à l'hôpital. Des mesures proactives devraient être institués dans la prise en charge des patients atteints de LA COVID-19. Mots-clés: COVID-19, présentation clinique, durée de l'hôpitalrester, Lagos.

Efficacy of Hexetidine, Thymol and Hydrogen Peroxide-Containing Oral Antiseptics in Reducing Sars-Cov-2 Virus in the Oral Cavity: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have demonstrated the role of sputum as a site of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV-2) transmission. However, there is limited literature on the virucidal efficacy of oral antiseptics against SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study investigated the virucidal efficacy of three oral-antiseptics compared to a placebo-control in the sputum of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals. METHODOLOGY: A pilot study of adults with SARS-CoV-2 positive results, as determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of <7 days. The oral antiseptics investigated were: Hexetidine (0.1% w/v); Thymol (0.063% w/v) and H2O2(1.5%) compared to de-mineralized sterile water (Placebo-control). The primary outcome measure was the proportion of negative RT-PCR results at 15-mins, 30-mins, 1-hour, 2-hours and 4-hours After Oral antiseptics Interventions (AOI) compared to the placebo-control. Statistical analysis was done using STATA 15.0 software with p-values of <0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Data from a total of 66 participants that were RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 positive at baseline (0-min) was analysed. At 15-mins AOI, the highest proportion of negativation from sputum samples was observed in the Hexedine group, with 69.2% of the baseline PCR positive cases converting to negative compared to 46.7% in the placebo-control group. In addition, H2O2 demonstrated efficacy at 2-hours AOI compared to placebo-control (62.5% vs 37.5% respectively) and other oral-antiseptics. Across all time-points, the oral-antiseptic groups compared to the placebo-control group, there was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of sputum samples which converted to a negative status (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings in this study suggest there was no significant difference in the proportion of participants who converted to a negative sputum status across the treatment groups at various time points. Future studies could compare the cycle threshold (ct) viral titre values of sputum samples to determine quantitative differences.

CONTEXTE: Des études ont démontré le rôle des expectorations comme un site de transmission du syndrome respiratoire aigu sévère-coronavirus- 2 (SRAS-CoV-2). Cependant, il existe peu de documentation sur l'efficacité virucide des antiseptiques oraux contre le virus du SRASCoV-2. Cette étude a examiné l'efficacité virucide de trois antiseptiques oraux par rapport à un contrôle placebo dans les expectorations de personnes infectées par le SRAS-CoV-2. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Une étude pilote menée auprès d'adultes dont les résultats sont positifs pour le SRAS-CoV-2, tels que déterminés par la réaction en chaîne de la polymérase par transcription inverse (RT-PCR) pendant 7 jours. Les antiseptiques oraux étudiés étaient : Hexetidine (0,1% p/v) ; Thymol (0,063% p/v) et H2O2 (1,5%) par rapport à l'eau stérile déminéralisée (Placebo-contrôle). Le principal critère d'évaluation était la proportion de résultats RT-PCR négatifs 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 heure, 2 heures et 4 heures après les interventions antiseptiques orales (AOI) par rapport au contrôle placebo. L'analyse statistique a été réalisée à l'aide du logiciel STATA 15.0, les valeurs p de <0,05 étant considérées comme statistiquement significatives. RÉSULTATS: Les données d'un total de 66 participants qui étaient positifs à la RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 au départ (0 minute) ont été analysées. Au bout de 15 minutes, la plus forte proportion de négativation des échantillons d'expectoration a été observée dans le groupe Hexedine, 69,2 % des cas positifs au départ par PCR devenant négatifs, contre 46,7 % dans le groupe témoin placebo. En outre, l'H2O2 a démontré son efficacité à 2 heures après l'apparition de la maladie par rapport au groupe placebo (62,5 % contre 37,5 % respectivement) et aux autres antiseptiques oraux. Pour tous les points temporels, les groupes d'antiseptiques oraux comparés au groupe placebo n'ont pas présenté de différence statistiquement significative dans la proportion d'échantillons d'expectoration qui sont devenus négatifs (p>0,05). CONCLUSION: Les résultats de cette étude suggèrent qu'il n'y a pas de différence significative dans la proportion de participants qui sont passés à un statut négatif d'expectoration dans les groupes de traitement à différents moments. Les études futures pourraient comparer les valeurs du titre viral au seuil de cycle (ct) des échantillons d'expectoration afin de déterminer les différences quantitatives. MOTS CLÉS: SRAS-CoV-2, antiseptiques oraux, hexétidine, peroxyde d'hydrogène.

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.

[Risk factors associated with acne keloidalis nuchae, in black subjects: A case-control study]. / Facteurs de risque associés aux folliculites fibrosantes de la nuque chez le sujet noir : étude cas-témoins.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this case-control study was to identify risk factors associated with acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN), seen in a dermatology clinic in Lomé (Togo). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a case-control study conducted from January to December 2018. Patients were recruited at outpatients dermatological clinics and controls were recruited at outpatients dermatological clinics and then in other hospital departments. RESULTS: We recruited 303 consenting subjects, comprising 101 patients with AKN and 202 controls case-matched by age (±5 years). The mean patient age was 34.9±10.7 years vs. 35.6±11.2 years for controls. The most frequently observed AKN lesions were papules (73/101; 72.2%), fibrous scars (42/101; 41.5%) and folliculitis/pustules (41/101; 40.6%). In multivariate analysis, the following factors were associated with AKN: excess weight (adjusted odds ratio=4.8; 95% CI=[2.3-11.7]) or obesity (OR=9.2; 95% CI=[2.1-34.2]), bleeding during hairdressing either occasionally (aOR=13.9; 95% CI=[5.1-40.0]) or systematically (aOR=22.1; 95% CI=[6.2-40.7]), hairdressing procedures less than once per week (aOR=10.1; 95% CI=[3.2-50.8]), and extremely close cropping of hair (aOR=4.9; 95% CI=[2.8-15.5]). CONCLUSION: AKN is common in young adults. Excess weight or obesity, bleeding during hairdressing, and frequency and style of hairdressing are all associated factors. The results of this study stress the importance of limiting injury during hairdressing, and of refraining from shaving or cropping hair without a trimmer. Since management of AKN is extremely difficult, identification of associated risk factors allows suitable preventive approaches to be adopted.

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and gynecomastia in an HIV-infected child: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are antiretroviral drugs often used in the first-line treatment regimen of HIV1 infection worldwide. We report a case of successive gynecomastia and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) respectively induced by efavirenz and nevirapine in a single patient. CASE REPORT: A 16-year-old boy, HIV1-infected since birth, was started on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in August 2015 and was taking a regimen comprising abacavir, lamivudine and efavirenz. In April 2016, when his weight reached 35kg, abacavir was replaced with tenofovir. Bilateral breast enlargement, previously hidden by the patient, was diagnosed two years after the start of ART. History-taking, physical examination and laboratory tests ruled out known causes of gynecomastia, and efavirenz was thus considered the most likely cause. This drug was then withdrawn and replaced with nevirapine in July 2017. Thirty-three days after the patient started nevirapine treatment, a skin rash appeared. Physical examination revealed erythematous macules and flaccid bullae with estimated skin detachment of 10%. There were also conjunctival, buccal and genital lesions. A diagnosis was made of SJS induced by nevirapine. Three months after withdrawal of efavirenz, breast size decreased by 3cm on the left breast and 2cm on the right breast; two months after the SJS, cutaneous sequelae alone persisted, such as diffuse hyperchromic macules. DISCUSSION: Recognition of gynecomastia as a side-effect of efavirenz is important to allow the condition to be treated while it is still potentially reversible. Moreover, when efavirenz is replaced, a protease inhibitor should be preferred to nevirapine.

[Factors associated with the severity of acute ocular involvement in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in sub-Saharan Africa]. / Facteurs de risque associés à la sévérité de l'atteinte oculaire au stade aigu du syndrome de Stevens-Johnson et de la nécrolyse épidermique toxique en Afrique subsaharienne.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with the severity of acute ocular involvement in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) in sub-Saharan Africa. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out at the dermatology department in collaboration with the ophthalmology department for SJS/TEN patients between January 2000 and December 2016 in Lomé (Togo). The severity of acute ocular involvement was evaluated using the Power classification, and the drug eruption score was assessed using de Bastuji-Garin classification. RESULTS: A total of 107 cases of SJS/TEN (84 cases of SJS, 20 cases of TEN and 3 cases of overlap syndrome) were analyzed. There were 71 women and 36 men, with an average age of 32.3±12.5 years (range: 5 to 75 years). Sulfonamides (37.4%) were the most commonly used drugs followed by nevirapine (22.4%). HIV serology was positive in 46 (58.2%) of the 79 patients tested. A total of 54 (50.5%) patients had acute ocular involvement, which was mild in 29.9% of patients, moderate in 13.1% and severe in 7.5%. In multivariate analysis, exposure to sulfadoxine was the sole factor associated with moderate or severe acute ocular involvement in SJS/TEN (adjusted odds ratio=3.3; 95% CI=[1.1; 10.2]). CONCLUSION: Exposure to sulfadoxine was identified in our study as a risk factor associated with the severity of acute ocular involvement in SJS/TEN. Multicenter studies should be conducted in sub-Saharan Africa to confirm this associated risk factor.

Systemic complications during voluntary cosmetic depigmentation among women in Togo: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to document the systemic complications of skin bleaching among women in Togo. METHODS: This was a case-control study conducted between December 2009 and December 2013. Cases comprised of women using skin-bleaching products for at least 6 months and age-matched with non-users (±3 years). RESULTS: We recruited a total of 150 women using skin-bleaching and matched them with 300 controls. Univariate analysis revealed a correlation between systolic hypertension (OR=2.56; 95% CI: 1.68-3.92), diastolic hypertension (OR=1.89; 95% CI: 1.17-3.05), hyperglycaemia (OR=1.5; 95% CI: 1.2-9, 65) and obesity (OR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.08-2.62) with the use of skin-bleaching products. Multivariate analysis revealed a correlation between skin bleaching and both systolic hypertension (OR=3.94; 95% CI: 1.59-3.75) and obesity (OR=2.88; 95% CI: 1.23-5.69). CONCLUSION: The results of our study show the existence of a correlation between voluntary cosmetic depigmentation, hypertension and obesity in Togo.

Validation of histomolecular classification utilizing histological subtype, MUC1, and CDX2 for prognostication of resected ampullary adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes for ampullary adenocarcinomas are heterogeneous, and numerous methods of categorisation exist. A histomolecular phenotype based on histology, caudal-type homeodomain transcription factor 2 (CDX2) staining and Mucin 1 (MUC1) staining has recently been tested and validated in two cohorts. We attempt to validate this classification in a large patient population. METHODS: Tissue samples from 163 patients with resected ampullary adenocarcinoma were classified based on histology and immunohistochemical expression of CDX2 and MUC1. A pancreaticobiliary histomolecular classification (PB) was defined as a sample with pancreaticobiliary histology, positive MUC1 and negative CDX2 expression. RESULTS: There were 82 deaths; median follow-up of 32.4 months; and median overall survival of 87.7 (95% CI 42.9-109.5) months. PB comprised 28.2% of the cases. Factors associated with overall survival were histological subtype (P=0.0340); T1/2 vs T3/4 (P=0.001); perineural (P<0.0001) and lymphovascular (P=0.0203) invasion; and histomolecular intestinal histomolecular phenotype (INT) vs PB phenotype (106.4 vs 21.2 months, P<0.0001). Neither MUC1 nor CDX2 was statistically significant, although MUC1 positivity defined as ⩾10% staining was significant (P=0.0023). In multivariate analysis, age (HR 1.03), PB phenotype (HR 2.26) and perineural invasion (PNI; HR 2.26) were associated with poor survival. CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic ability of histomolecular phenotype has been validated in an independent cohort of ampullary adenocarcinoma patients.

[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.

Estimation of the appendicular skeletal muscle mass and phase angle cut-off values from a young Turkish reference population using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Population-specific muscle mass cut-off values are recommended for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. In this study, we aimed to determine the appendicular muscle mass index (ASMI) and phase angle (PA) cut-off values for the Turkish population using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (mBIA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 250 healthy volunteers aged 18-40 years were included in the study between September 2020 and December 2021. PA was measured by mBIA, and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was calculated by the Sergi formula using the resistance and reactance measurements from mBIA. ASMI was calculated as ASM (kg)/(height in meters)2. Two standard deviations (SD) below the mean values were accepted as cut-off points. RESULTS: 134 women and 116 men were included in the study (26.0±5.6 years). The ASMI cut-offs for men and women were 5.86 and 4.36 kg/m2, respectively. The PA cut-offs were 5.66° in men and 4.38° in women. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reported the ASMI and PA cut-off values specific to the Turkish population using the Sergi formula, which was suggested by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP).

[Profile of Buruli ulcer treated at the National Reference Centre of Togo: a study of 119 cases]. / Profil de l'ulcère de Buruli pris en charge au Centre national de référence du Togo: étude de 119 cas.

The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic profile and the outcome of Buruli ulcer (BU) in the National Reference Center for Buruli ulcer treatment (NRCBUT) in Togo. It was a retrospective and descriptive study of records of patients treated for BU in the NRCBUT between June 2007 and December 2010. During the study period, 119 patients (56.3% males) were treated in the NRCBUT for BU. The median age of patients was 14 years. The proportion of children (< 15 years) was 56.3%. On admission, 85 patients were at ulcer stage and 34 patients at the pre-ulcer stage. BU wounds were mainly located on lower limbs (50.4%), followed by upper limbs (32.6%) and trunk (13.3%). The location of the wounds on the lower limbs were more frequent in patients older than 15 years (P < 0.001), while those on the upper limbs (P = 0.002) and trunk (P = 0.03) were more frequent in patients aged less than 15 years. All patients had received medical treatment which was based on rifampicin-streptomycin combination for eight weeks. This treatment was coupled to surgery in 30 cases. The outcome was punctuated by complications in 7 patients, limb amputation in 3 patients, and sequels in 10 patients. This study confirmed that the BU is the prerogative of young subjects and the exposed areas in the skin facilitates transmission. Apart from these classic features, some unique aspects including the age-dependent distribution are related to the pathogenesis of this disease.

[Rapid regression of infantile haemangioma with 2% propranolol ointment]. / Régression rapide d'un hémangiome infantile sous propranolol topique à 2 %

BACKGROUND: Oral propranolol produces dramatic results in severe infantile haemangioma. We report a case of rapid and significant regression of an infantile haemangioma in infant treated topically with 2% propranolol ointment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A female infant aged 11 weeks was seen as an outpatient for two infantile haemangiomas on the front of the left knee and the vulva. After parental consent was given, the child was treated with a topical preparation of 2% propranolol ointment prepared by the pharmacy. Regression was rapid and on the 45th day, lesion size had been reduced by an estimated 75%. No adverse effects were observed. DISCUSSION: Topical propranolol appears to be effective and safe for the treatment of superficial haemangiomas. Clinical trials are required to determine the optimal dosage and pharmaceutical form, method of use and treatment duration.

The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity and its relationship with type 2 diabetes in a nursing home.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus (DM), sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity (SO) in the elderly were related to frailty, morbidity, and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of diabetes mellitus to the prevalence of SO in a nursing home residents. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 397 old-aged (≥65 years) nursing home residents dwelling in Darulaceze Directorate Kayisdagi Campus of Istanbul. Exclusion criteria included <65 years of age, residing for less than a month, acute medical problems, and severe cognitive impairment (mini-mental state examination test score ≤10). Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional status, and handgrip strength were evaluated for each participant. Sarcopenia was defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) II criteria and obesity was defined with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. SO was the concomitant existence of sarcopenia and obesity together. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 77.95±7.94 (65-101) years (n=397). The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was significantly higher in non-obese patients when compared to obese (48.1% vs. 29.3%, p=0.014), which was similar after the exclusion of malnourished residents. In DM patients (n=63), the prevalence of obesity, probable sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were 30.2%, 42.2%, and 13.3%, which were 20.4%, 43.2%, and 6.5% in non-DM residents, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although they did not reach statistical significance, obesity and sarcopenic obesity were more prevalent among diabetic patients in a nursing home.

Malnutrition risk in hospitalized patients measured with Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 tool and its association with in-hospital mortality.

OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition is related to increased morbidity, mortality, and costs. NRS-2002 is a practical malnutrition risk (MR) screening tool approved by the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) for inpatients. We aimed to reveal the inpatient MR using NRS-2002, and to examine the relationship between MR and in-hospital mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The results of inpatient nutritional screening in a tertiary referral center university hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The NRS-2002 test was used for defining MR. Comorbidities, initial and follow-up anthropometric data, NRS-2002 score, food intake, weight status, and laboratory analysis were examined. In-hospital mortality was noted. RESULTS: Data from 5,999 patients were evaluated. On admission, 49.8% of the patients had MR, and 17.3% had severe MR (sMR). MR-sMR was higher in geriatric patients (62.0-28.5%). Those with dementia had the highest MR (71%), followed by stroke (66%) and malignancy (62%). Age and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) were higher, and body weight, BMI, serum albumin, and creatinine were lower in patients with MR. Multivariate analysis showed that age, albumin, CRP, congestive heart failure (CHF), malignancy, dementia, and stroke were independently associated with MR. The overall mortality rate during hospitalization was 7.9%. MR was associated with mortality regardless of serum CRP, albumin, body mass index (BMI), and age. Half of the patients received nutritional treatment (NT). NT resulted in preserved or increased body weight and albumin levels among patients and the geriatric group with MR. CONCLUSIONS: AMR revealed that NRS-2002 is positive in approximately half of the hospitalized patients, which is associated with in-hospital mortality independent of the underlying diseases. NT is related to weight gain and increased serum albumin.