Urinary S-PMA related to indoor benzene and asthma in children.

INTRODUCTION: Benzene is a ubiquitous pollutant of both indoor and outdoor environments which impacts on respiratory health. Our aim was to relate urinary S-phenylmercapturic acid (S-PMA), a biomarker of benzene exposure, to benzene concentrations and related sources at home and asthma in a population-based sample of children. METHODS: Exposure to benzene was assessed in the dwellings of 63 children (32 asthmatics and 31 controls) through the identification of sources of benzene and in situ assessments with passive samplers. The determination of urinary S-PMA was obtained by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS: At home, asthmatics were significantly more polluted by benzene levels from ambient sampling than controls (p ≤ 0.05). Benzene exposure significantly aggravated asthma symptoms overall in non-atopic children (OR = 10.10; 95% confidence interval: 10.10). Urinary S-PMA was significantly associated with benzene concentrations in the entire population (regression coefficient = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.07-0.49; p < 0.05) and asthma (OR = 7.69; 95% CI: 1.37-42.52 for an increase of 1 µg/g creatinine of urinary S-PMA). However, after adjustment for environmental tobacco smoking exposure, familial allergy, age and sex, the latter relationship was no more significant (OR = 4.95; 95% CI: 0.91-27.4, p < 0.10). Both benzene concentrations and urinary S-PMA concentrations were higher in dwelling built after 1948 and in flats. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests a relationship between childhood asthma and benzene concentrations at home, even at low levels of this pollutant. This was confirmed when considering urinary S-PMA, which was related to both benzene concentrations and asthma. Further epidemiological and toxicological studies are needed to confirm our results.

[Factors associated with the death of tuberculosis patients treated in Bamako, Mali, 2017 - 2018]. / Facteurs associes au deces des patients tuberculeux traites a Bamako, Mali, 2017-2018.

GOALS: We studied the socio-demographic and paraclinicalcharacteristics of tuberculosis patients to identify the factors associated with their deaths in Bamako. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out on tuberculosis patients registered in Bamako from October 1, 2017 to September 30, 2018. Quantitative variables were presented by their mean, qualitative ones by their proportions. Analysis was performed with R version 3.5.0. RESULTS: Out of 2396 patients enrolled, 25 to 45-year olds represented 50.3% and children 4.51%; the average age 37.3 years; the sex ratio M/F 1.94 and co-infected TB/HIV 8.64%. 25 to 45 year olds (HR=2.58; 95% CI [1.35-4.92]; p=0,0042) and those ≥ 46 years (HR=4.64; 95% CI [2.39-9.01] ; p=5.69e-06) and positive HIV status (HR= 5.87 ; 95% CI [2.24-15.41] ; p= 0.0003) were associated with an increased risk of patient death. CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis affects young and old males. The risks of death identified were the patient's age and positive HIV status. We recommend specific monitoring of patients aged 25 to 45 and 46 and over and those with positive HIV status.

BUTS: Nous avons étudié les caractéristiques sociodémographiques et paracliniques des tuberculeux pour identifier les facteurs associés à leurs décès à Bamako. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Une étude de cohorte rétrospective a été menée portant sur les tuberculeuxenregistrés à Bamako du 1er octobre 2017 au 30 septembre 2018. Les variables quantitatives étaient présentées par leur moyenne et celles qualitatives par leurs proportions. L'analyse a été effectuée avec R version 3.5.0. RÉSULTATS: Sur 2396 patients enrôlés, les25 à 45 ansreprésentaient 50,3 % et les enfants 4,51% ; l'âge moyen 37,3 ans ;le sex-ratio H/F 1,94 etles coinfectés TB/VIH 8,64%. Les25 à 45 ans (HR=2,58 ; IC95% [1,35-4,92] ; p=0,0042) et ceux ≥46 ans (HR=4,64 ; IC95% [2,39-9,01] ; p=5,69e-06) et le statut VIH positif (HR= 5,87 ; IC95% [2,24-15,41] ; p= 0,0003) étaient associés à une augmentation du risque de décès des patients. CONCLUSION: La tuberculose affecte les jeunes et les personnes âgées de sexe masculin. Les risque de décès identifiés étaient l'âge et le statut VIH positifdu patient.Nous recommandons une surveillance spécifique des patients de 25 à 45 ans et 46 ans et plus et ceux avec statut VIH positif.

[Community acute bacterial pneumonitis of the subject age in pulmonology at the Point-g hospital and university center, Bamako-Mali]. / La pneumopathie aigue bacterienne communautaire du sujet age en pneumologie au centre hospitalier et universitaire du Point-g, Bamako-Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired acute bacterial pneumonia (ABP) is an acute, non-suppurative, non-tuberculosis lower respiratory infection of the lung parenchyma acquired within the community. They have an atypical clinical presentation and a poor prognosis in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Pneumology department of the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Point-G, from October 30, 2018 to September 30, 2019. The objective was to determine the clinical, etiological, therapeutic and progression of BAP in the elderly. Were included any age ≥ 65 years, presenting clinical and radiological signs of a PAB. RESULTS: During the study period, 85 patients met the inclusion criteria out of 178 hospitalized. The sex ratio was 3/1. About 2/3 were smokers and 11% were HIV positive. Fever was not constant recorded in 51.76% of cases. Respiratory signs were dominated by cough (96.47%), dyspnea (94.11%) and extra respiratory by impaired consciousness. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most found germ. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The average length of hospitalization was 9 days. Mortality was 19%. CONCLUSION: The PAB in the elderly is of a frustrating clinical symptomatology. It is serious with excess mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Les pneumopathies aiguës bactériennes (PAB) communautaires sont des infections respiratoires basses aiguës, non suppurées, non tuberculeuses du parenchyme pulmonaire acquises au sein de la communauté. Elles ont une présentation clinique atypique et un mauvais pronostic chez le sujet âgé. MATÉRIELS ET MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale prospective menée au service de pneumologie du centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) du Point-G, du 30 Octobre 2018 au 30 Septembre 2019. L'objectif était de déterminer les particularités cliniques, étiologiques, thérapeutiques et évolutives de la PAB chez le sujet âgé. Ont été inclus tout âge ≥ 65 ans, présentant des signes cliniques et radiologiques d'une PAB. RÉSULTATS: Durant la période d'étude 85 patients répondaient aux critères d'inclusion sur 178 hospitalisés. Le sex-ratio était de 3/1. Environ 2/3 étaient tabagiques et 11% était positif au VIH. La fièvre n'était pas constante enregistrée dans 51,76% des cas. Les signes respiratoires étaient dominés par la toux (96, 47%), la dyspnée (94, 11%) et extra respiratoires par le trouble de la conscience. Le Klebsiellapneumoniae était le germe le plus retrouvé. L'antibiotique le plus utilisé était l'amoxicilline-acide clavulanique. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 9 jours. La mortalité était de 19%. CONCLUSION: La PAB chez le sujet âgé est d'une symptomatologie clinique frustre. Elle est grave avec une surmortalité.

[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.

[Impact of market place activity on the spread of STI/AIDS in Sikasso, Mali]. / Impact des fêtes foraines dans la propagation des IST/sida à Sikasso au Mali.

Since the beginning of the global HIV pandemic, more than 47 million people have been infected and more than 14 millions of people have died with 95% living in developing countries. Mali is located in West Africa that has been relatively less affected. However Mali is a country with a migratory culture. This study was conducted in primary health care centers located on the main road to neighboring countries with higher HIV prevalence. Attention was focused on healthcare services provided around market places in the main cities where diverse populations converge on a weekly basis. Attendance measured at five health centers on market day was compared with attendance on the other days of the week. In addition the level of sexually transmitted infections (STI) diagnosed on market days was determined to compare prevalence in the resident versus non-resident population in function of market activity. Attendance at all the centers was significantly higher on market days. This increase was due mainly to the non-resident population (60.2% vs. 46.5%; p=0.005). Findings also showed that the proportion of STI diagnosed was higher in the non-resident than resident population, but the difference was not statistically significant (15.6% vs. 11.3%; p=0.320). These results indicate that migration has an impact on the spread of STI. This is probably the same for HIV since these pathologies are known to be linked. Control strategies to fight against STI/AIDS could be improved by taking into account market place activity that is common in all localities of Mali and Africa.

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.

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.

[Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in a black African carceral area: Experience of Mali]. / Tuberculose multi-résistante (TB-MR) en milieu carcéral noir africain : expérience du Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Prison constitutes a risk factor for the emergence of multi-drug resistance of tuberculosis (MDR-TB). The aim of this work was to study MDR-TB in a black African carceral center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study from January to December 2016 at the central house of arrest for men, Bamako. The study population was composed of tuberculous detainee. The suspicion of MDR-TB was done in any tuberculosis case remained positive in the second month of first-line treatment or in contact with an MDR-TB case. RESULT: Among 1622 detainee, 21 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were notified (1.29%), with an annual incidence of 13 cases/1000 detainee, they were 16 cases of SP-PTB (microscopy smear positive tuberculosis) and five cases of microscopy smear negative tuberculosis. The mean age was 28±7 years, extremes of 18 and 46 years. A negative association was found between the notion of smoking and occupation in the occurrence of tuberculosis (OR=0.036, [95% CI: 0.03-0.04], P=0.03. Among the 21 tuberculosis cases notified, one confirmed case of MDR-TB was detected (4.7%). In the first semester of 2016 cohort, we notified a cure rate of 87.5% (7/8 SP-PTB cases), and the confirmed MDR-TB case on treatment (21-month regimen), evolution enameled of pulmonary and hearing sequelae at seven months treatment. CONCLUSION: It was the first case of MDR-TB detected in a prison in Mali. Late diagnosis, evolution is enameled of sequelae and side effects.

[Respiratory diseases in black African carceral area]. / Pathologies respiratoires en milieu carcéral noir africain.

INTRODUCTION: The measures for people in specific situations such as prisoners are part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The objective of this study was to assess respiratory pathologies in a black African carceral center. METHODS: Retrospective study about the prevalence of respiratory pathologies in the arrest central house for men in Bamako (Mali), from May 2012 to April 2013. The admission records have served as data checking support on detainee's records. Statistical significance was investigated by the SAS 9.3 software with a threshold of 5%. RESULTS: Of 2740 admissions, 207 concerned respiratory pathologies (7.5%). All men, were of mean age 30±13 years (range 19-71). The respiratory diseases found were: pneumonia (33.8%), chronic bronchitis (26.6%), acute respiratory infection (14%), asthma (13.5%) and tuberculosis (5.3%). A definite diagnosis was made in 42% of cases. A tobacco intoxication was found in all age groups (CI 95%, R-square=0.01), without significant difference between the occurrence of cough in smoking and non-smoking men. CONCLUSION: According to their relative frequencies, the management of respiratory diseases requires collaboration between carceral health facilities and pneumological specialized services.

La pneumopathie aigue bactérienne communautaire du sujet âge en pneumologie au centre hospitalier et universitaire du point-g, Bamako-mali / Community acute bacterial pneumonitis of the subject age in pulmonology at the Point-g hospital and university center, Bamako- Mali

Introduction : Les pneumopathies aiguës bactériennes (PAB) communautaires sont des infections respiratoires basses aiguës, non suppurées, non tuberculeuses du parenchyme pulmonaire acquises au sein de la communauté. Elles ont une présentation clinique atypique et un mauvais pronostic chez le sujet âgé. Matériels et Méthodes : Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale prospective menée au service de pneumologie du centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU) du Point-G, du 30 Octobre 2018 au 30 Septembre 2019. L'objectif était de déterminer les particularités cliniques, étiologiques, thérapeutiques et évolutives de la PAB chez le sujet âgé. Ont été inclus tout âge ≥ 65 ans, présentant des signes cliniques et radiologiques d'une PAB Résultats : Durant la période d'étude 85 patients répondaient aux critères d'inclusion sur 178 hospitalisés. Le sex-ratio était de 3/1. Environ 2/3 étaient tabagiques et 11% était positif au VIH. La fièvre n'était pas constante enregistrée dans 51,76% des cas. Les signes respiratoires étaient dominés par la toux (96, 47%), la dyspnée (94, 11%) et extra respiratoires par le trouble de la conscience. Le Klebsiellapneumoniae était le germe le plus retrouvé. L'antibiotique le plus utilisé était l'amoxicilline-acide clavulanique. La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 9 jours. La mortalité était de 19%. Conclusion: La PAB chez le sujet âgé est d'une symptomatologie clinique frustre. Elle est grave avec une surmortalité

Introduction: Community-acquired acute bacterial pneumonia (ABP) is an acute, non-suppurative, non-tuberculosis lower respiratory infection of the lung parenchyma acquired within the community. They have an atypical clinical presentation and a poor prognosis in the elderly. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the Pneumology department of the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Point-G, from October 30, 2018, to September 30, 2019. The objective was to determine the clinical, etiological, therapeutic and progression of BAP in the elderly. Were included any age ≥ 65 years, presenting clinical and radiological signs of a PAB. Results During the study period, 85 patients met the inclusion criteria out of 178 hospitalized. The sex ratio was 3/1. About 2/3 were smokers and 11% were HIV positive. Fever was not constant recorded in 51.76% of cases. Respiratory signs were dominated by cough (96.47%), dyspnea (94.11%) and extra respiratory by impaired consciousness. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most found germ. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. The average length of hospitalization was 9 days. Mortality was 19%. Conclusion: The PAB in the elderly is of a frustrating clinical symptomatology. It is serious with excess mortality

[Attitude of private pharmacists in the dispensation of asthma drugs]. / Attitude du pharmacien d'officine dans la dispensation des médicaments de l'asthme.

INTRODUCTION: Despite recommendations, asthma remains poorly controlled in many countries. Asthmatic patients see pharmacy staff regularly to obtain medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the attitude of pharmacists in Burkina Faso about dispensing asthma drugs. METHOD: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data in a descriptive cross-sectional study related to pharmacists' attitudes in the management of asthma in the city of Ouagadougou (November 2010-June 2011). RESULTS: The rate of participation of pharmacists in the study was 82.4%. Of the pharmacists surveyed, 70.1% reported having received asthma patients both during acute asthma exacerbations and when stable. Only 9% of pharmacists insisted on a prescription when asthma patients came to the pharmacy without one. A total of 73.6% of pharmacists explained and demonstrated how to use the spray to the patients. Among pharmacists who demonstrated how to use devices, only 6.7% actually checked patients' technique. Inhaler technique demonstration was done verbally in 68.8% of case. Among pharmacists, 34.5% reported a good mastery of inhaler techniques. CONCLUSION: The techniques for dispensing asthma drugs are not well established among pharmacists and therefore the provision of continuous medical education to pharmacists is important.

[Epidemiological, clinical and progressive aspects of asthma observed at Bamako, Mali]. / Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et évolutifs de l'asthme observés à Bamako, Mali.

We carried out a prospective study of 106 of the 752 asthmatic patients attending the outpatient clinic of Point G Hospital, Bamako, between December 1997 and November 1998. We analyzed data for 61 patients whose lung function was assessed by measurement of peak expiratory flow. The frequency of asthma was 14.9%, suggesting regular progression of the disease. There were slightly more women than men (55.7% women) in the study population and the mean age of the patients was 31 years. Most of the patients (65.5%) were recruited in the dry season (November to May). Based on peak expiratory flow measurements, intermittent asthma was the most frequent type of asthma observed (37.8%), followed by moderate persistent asthma (34.4%), mild persistent asthma (18%) and severe persistent asthma (9.8%). The mean cost per episode of asthma was $36 (US) and the mean cost per patient was $432 (US) per year. In 52.45% of cases, the drugs required were available and the patient had access to them. They were available but not accessible in 26.22% of cases. To improve the management of asthma in countries with limited financial resources, generic drugs should be made available.

[Smoking in the African setting (Abidjan, Ivory coast): patient knowledge, attitude and behavior]. / Connaissances, attitudes et comportements des patients vis-à-vis du tabagisme en milieu africain à Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire).

Recent studies on smoking conducted in the ivory coast have been sparse despite increasingly aggressive tobacco company campaigns. The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the influence of medical specialty on patient knowledge, attitude and smoking behavior among people consulting three university hospitals in Abidjan. The inquiry was performed with a questionnaire concerning a comparative series of 180 subjects (90 patients in each sample). Overall, the series included 16.10% active smokers, 15.60% former smokers, and 68.30% non-smokers, with no difference between the groups. The well-known feature of smoking with friends was main reason cited for beginning smoking. Three quarters of patients (75.9%) had attempted to stop smoking. Information about smoking was obtained from the media. The hospital was involved little in acquiring knowledge about smoking. Type of specialist consultation (hospital units providing care for smoking-related disease or not) had little influence. Hospital units should become more involved in the anti-smoking campaign. Consultations on cessation of smoking should be instituted in a country with highly aggressive smoking advertisements.

[Health impact of exposure to pollens: A review of epidemiological studies]. / Impact sanitaire des pollens : revue des études épidémiologiques.

The aim of this review is to describe the health impact of exposure to pollen based on recently published epidemiological studies. The methodology chapter, describes a review of the literature and outlines important elements of these studies: measurement of exposure to pollens, study types used, study populations and the health indicators related to pollen exposure. In this review, two types of studies have been used to assess the epidemiological evidence of short-term links between pollen exposure and hay fever or asthma. Ecological time-series studies use daily indicators of asthma exacerbations (emergency room admissions or hospitalizations), consultations for rhinitis or conjunctivitis, or anti-allergic drug consumption within general population. Panel studies relate measurements of pollen grain concentrations to nasal, ocular and bronchial symptom severity in a group of subjects sensitized to a specific pollen, monitored during the pollen season. In both cases, the studies show a relationship on a day-to-day basis between health indicators and daily rates of atmospheric pollen collected by a pollen trap. These studies take into account confounding factors, such as air pollution, weather factors and sometimes exposure to outdoor molds. Unlike earlier studies, more and more studies focus on the shape of the dose-response relationship and the lag between pollen exposure and symptoms. Only rarely, individual susceptibility factors, the clinical phenomenon of priming and polysensitization are reported. Thus, ecological time-series studies and panel studies assess respectively the impact of pollen exposure in the general population and in groups of sensitized patients. Using appropriate statistical tools, these studies provide insight into the shape of the dose-response relationship, with a potential threshold below which symptoms are absent, then a linear relationship for nasal, ocular and bronchial symptoms and a plateau where the symptoms do not increase despite the continued increase in pollen.

[Well-digger's lung in Mali during the decade of 2001-2010]. / Poumon de puisatier au Mali pendant la décennie 2001-2010.

INTRODUCTION: The well-digger is a craftsman who hollows wells often manually; this trade can be source of inhalation of the particles of silica. The whole of the radio clinical signs linked to this profession is known under the term "Well-digger's lung". The goal was to study the radio clinical aspects and progression in black African's pulmonological environment. METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive study concerning the respiratory involvement of well-diggers in the Pulmonology service of the Teaching Hospital of Bamako, from January 2001 to December 2010. The admission registers were used as data verification support. RESULTS: Among 4158 admissions for lung affection, we have collected 39 cases of well-digger's lung (0.9%), all young male adults. The average of exposition period was 13 ± 9 years, correlated to the patient's age (p<0.001). The principal reason of consultation was dyspnea (94.8%). The complications were frequent (cardiac, infectious, pleural). The radiological pictures were made of bilateral big opacities associated with small opacities. The evolution was unfavorable in the majority of the cases. CONCLUSION: The well-digger's lung is a young adult pneumoconiosis linked to the inhalation of the particles of silica during the trade (profession) of well-digger that complicates frequently in chronic respiratory insufficiency.

[Cerebral miliary tuberculosis, a case study]. / Miliaire tuberculeuse cerebrale: etude d'un cas.

Cerebral miliary tuberculosis is a rare and serious disease due to the hematogenic spread of bacillus tuberculous. It occurs more often in a debility context. Stereotaxic biopsy allows to establish the final diagnosis. But, in most of the cases it is presumptive based on clinical and biological features, and the regression of symptoms under anti tuberculosis treatment, of which depends the vital prognosis. We report the case of an immunocompetent patient, smoker who presented with cerebral military.

La miliaire tuberculeuse cérébrale est une affection rare et grave due à la dissémination hématogène des bacilles tuberculeux. Elle survient le plus souvent sur un terrain de débilité. La biopsie stéréotaxique permet d'établir le diagnostic définitif. Mais dans la plus part des cas il est présomptif basé sur d'éléments d'orientation clinique et biologique et la régression des signes sous traitement anti tuberculeux, dont dépend le pronostic vital. Nous rapportons le cas d'un patient immunocompétent, tabagique ayant présenté une miliaire cérébrale.

[Miliary tuberculosis in Mali during the decade 2000-2009]. / Miliaire tuberculeuse au Mali pendant la décennie 2000-2009.

In order to describe the epidemio-clinical and evolutionary aspects of miliary tuberculosis (TB) in Mali, a retrospective study of 10 years (1 January 2000 to December 31, 2009) was conducted in the service of pneumo-phtisiology at the university hospital of point G. It concerned all patients with radiological images compatible with miliary TB, signs of bacillary impregnation, bacillus or not, treated with antituberculosis drugs. Of 3630 TB patients all forms recorded during the study period, 183 miliary were recorded (5%) including 117 men and 66 women. Young adults between 29-45 years were more represented (52%). The average diagnostic delay was 3.7 months. The symptomatology was dominated by the fever (100%), cough (90.1%) and asthenia (86.3%), anorexia (81.9%). The radiological images types of micronodular opacities were the most frequent in 147 cases (80.3%) against 36 cases of (19.7%) macronodular types. Bacteriological examination of sputum was negative in 139 patients (76%) and positive in 44 patients (24%). There was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of an excavation in Chest radiography and smear positivity (P<0.001). The clinical improvement observed (55.7%) depended on the time of the diagnosis (P<0.001). The serology HIV was positive at 29 patients on 124 tested. Also, in areas with high prevalence TB/HIV, any miliary fever in the absence of other obvious etiologies should undertake without delay TB proper treatment.

[Neuropathic pain during tuberculosis treatment in Bamako (Mali)]. / Douleur neuropathique au cours du traitement antituberculeux à Bamako (Mali).

BACKGROUND: The incidence of tuberculosis is high in Africa. It is treated with medications that can trigger neuropathic pain and thus negatively affect patients' quality of life and treatment compliance. The aim of this study was to investigate neuropathic pain due to antituberculosis drugs in patients without HIV infection. METHODS: This prospective study, conducted in the pulmonology department of the University Hospital of Point G, Mali, included patients taking antituberculosis drugs who had negative HIV tests and no other potential cause of neuropathic pain. Diagnosis of neuropathic pain relied on the DN4 questionnaire (4 questions for neuropathic pain) and its assessment on a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Lattinen test. RESULTS: During the study period, 423 subjects were admitted to our department, 103 (24.4%) with tuberculosis. Eighty met the inclusion criteria. The sex ratio (male to female) was 2.5. Their mean age was 39 years (range: 13-80). In all, 13 (16.25%) reported neuropathic pain. Burning sensations in the plantar region, with or without paresthesia, were the presenting symptoms in 10 of them. All patients began a treatment based on amitriptyline, vitamin B6, and physical therapy and all reported improvement within 2 months. CONCLUSION: Neuropathic pain occurs independently of age, sex or the specific antituberculosis regimen, as long as it includes isoniazid. Stopping or modifying the treatment regimen is not necessary. In our context, in view of the difficulties in identifying slow acetylators, the routine addition of vitamin B6 to all treatment protocols should be discussed.