Simulation training for emergency obstetric and neonatal care in Senegal preliminary results.

To describe a new training approach for emergency obstetric and neonatal care (EmONC) introduced in Senegal to strengthen the skills of healthcare providers. The approach was based on skills training according to the so-called "humanist" method and on "lifesaving skills". Simulated practice took place in the classroom through 13 clinical stations summarizing the clinical skills needed for EmONC. Evaluation took place in all phases, and the results were recorded in a database to document the progress of each learner. This approach was used to train 432 providers in 10 months and to document the increase in each participants' technical achievements. The combination of training with the "learning by doing" model ensured that providers learned and mastered all EmONC skills and reduced the missed learning opportunities observed in former EmONC training sessions. Assessing the impact of training on EmONC indicators and introducing this learning modality in basic training are the two major challenges we currently face.

[Sexual abuse: epidemiological, clinical aspects and management at gynaecological and obstetrical department of Dakar University Hospital]. / Profil épidémioclinique et prise en charge des victimes d'abus sexuels à la clinique gynécologique et obstétricale du CHU de Dakar.

OBJECTIVES: To carry out the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of supposed victims of sexual abuse and to evaluate case management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted about cases of presumed sexual abuse received at the gynaecological and obstetrical clinic department of Aristide-le-Dantec hospital from January 2003 to May 2005. RESULTS: A total of 55 cases were reported and represented 0.4% of admissions in the clinic during the period of study. Twenty percent of them (20%) were referred on judicial requisition. The mean time between sexual abuse and consultation was 15 days. Victims were 14 years old in average, nulligeste in 96.5% of cases and living in the suburban area of Dakar. The presumed "violenter" was a man of 32 years, belonging to the environment of the victim in 70% of cases (spiritual guide, joint-tenant, friend of the family...). The type of sexual assault was an unprotected genito-genital intercourse in 67.3% of cases. On the clinical plan, 70.9% of patients suffered recent genital traumatism, 54.5% genital examination showed hymeneal lesions. The HIV test was positive in two cases. During the follow-up of the patients, three pregnancies occurred and for only 9.1%, a psychological assistance was proposed. CONCLUSION: Sexual abuses represent a current sociocultural issue. Prevention required large information campaign. Early management is necessary in order to prevent the sexual transmitted diseases and psychological side effects.

[Therapeutics indications and prognosis of eclampsia at Dakar University Teaching Hospital]. / Indications thérapeutiques et pronostic de l'éclampsie au CHU de Dakar.

OBJECTIVE: To study the factors of risk of complications and evaluate the quality of medical and obstetrical management of eclampsia. METHODOLOGY: We performed a retrospective analysis of all cases of eclampsia recorded during the ante- or per partum period from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2001 at the gynecological and obstetrical clinic at Dakar University Teaching Hospital. RESULTS: Eclampsia had concerned 78 patients, with an incidence of 8 per 1000 childbirth. The epidemiological profile was primipara (68%), young (average age: 20 years), 36 weeks pregnancy or more (60,3%), evacuation in a state of post critical coma (74.3%), on average after 2 seizures, without medical assistance (64%) with an average diastolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg. Examinations with strong prognosis value like blood count, creatininemia, coagulation, hepatic transaminases and uricemia were not available in emergency (only 24% of all cases). Medicines prescribed included, nicardipine (63%) and magnesia sulfate (53%); this medical treatment was satisfactory in 34.6% of the cases. Cesarean section was performed in 50%. The prognosis was marked by 17.9% maternal mortality and a perinatal mortality of 359 per 1000 births. The principal risk factors of maternal and perinatal complications were early-onset eclampsia, large number of seizures and late obstetrical treatment. CONCLUSION: Prehospital treatment and availability of early cesarean section must be better organized to improve the prognosis of eclampsia.

[Threatened preterm labour: assessment of its management at the Dakar University Teaching Hospital]. / Evaluation de la prise en charge des menaces d'accouchement prématuré au CHU de Dakar.

The objective is to specify epidemiological profile of pre term labour birth and evaluate the efficiency of the tocolysis protocol of Dakar University Teaching Hospital. It's a retrospective study which included 155 cases of spontaneous premature birth registered from January 1st 2000 to December 31 2002 in obstetrician clinic. The incidence is 15 per 1000 childbirth. The epidemiological profiles on a pauciparous woman (mean age: 25 years), of low economic and social level (90%), admitted with a bad antenatal follow-up and a pathology associated with pregnancy dominated by arterial hypertension (25%). The mean age of gestation is 30 weeks; severe forms are prevalent and tocolysis score of Baumgarten is equal or higher than 4 in 71.6%. The three principal etiologists are toxaemia, premature rupture of membranes and infections. An association Salbutamol-Phloroglucinol is carried out in 28 cases (18%) or with Phloroglucinol in 25 cases (16.1%). In summary, 138 patients (89%) were finally confined by low way after 5 hours a median time. Perinatal mortality was 347.2 per 1000; it's related to the large premature ones particularly having a weight of birth less than or equal to 1300 grams (78%). The threats of pre term labour are often diagnosed tardily. The access to the tocolysis in emergency is limited and it's effectiveness practises very weak. Use of calcic inhibitors and the systematisation of corticotherapy should improve the forecast of prematurity.