[Central precocious puberty due to hypothalamic hamartoma in Cameroon]. / Puberté précoce de cause rare au Cameroun: L'Hamartome hypothalamique.

Hypothalamic hamartoma is an uncommon cause of central precocious puberty and sometimes of gelastic epilepsy and delayed development. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of central precocious puberty in an 18-month-old girl who was referred to our department for further investigation of vaginal bleeding that had appeared during the 8th month of life. The patient's puberty was compatible with Tanner stage 3, her psychomotor development was normal, and epilepsy was not observed. Diagnosis was based on abnormal hormonal workup findings and discovery of a hypothalamic hamartoma on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Neurosurgery was not performed. Administration of long-acting gonadotropin releasing hormone analog to slow puberty led to clinical improvement. Hypothalamic hamartoma must always be suspected in case of central precocious puberty. Although magnetic resonance imaging is the most reliable modality, it is not always available nor affordable in low-income countries. Neurosurgery is not indicated in patients without epileptic seizure. Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists are usually indicated to slow down puberty and improve the adult height. However, the cost is prohibitive in developing countries.

Pediatric hematology and oncology in Cameroon, Africa: past and future perspectives.

In Cameroon, nutritional disorders and infectious diseases account for the majority of pediatric deaths. Pediatric hematology and oncology as a subspecialty of its own is nonexistent. Cases are handled mainly in general pediatric wards. However, adult hematologists, radiotherapists, general practitioners also intervene. Diagnosis is made using available simple techniques. Treatments use adapted protocols elaborated by the lone pediatric hematologist-oncologist. Efforts are being made to create a specialized ward within the pediatric service of one of the teaching hospitals where treatment and care can be received at little or no cost.

Foetal macrosomia in Cameroon: prevalence, risk factors and complications.

102 neonates weighing 4000 g and above were compared to a control group with similar characteristics except for the weight. The sex distribution was 74.19% males and 25.81% females. The prevalence of macrosomia was 6.41%. Maternal risk factors were: age above 30 years (p < 0.05); grand multiparity P > 5(p < 0.05); post term (p = 0.001); height above 1.65 m (p < 0.001); term weight of 90 Kg and above (p < 0.001); pregnancy weight gain of 15 Kg and above (p < 0.001). Macrosomic neonates had the following complications: foetal distress, shoulder dystocia, respiratory distress and hypoglycaemia.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in Cameroon : sonographic findings and clinical outcome : a study of 72 cases in the University Teaching Hospital; Yaounde; Cameroon

Sonographic findings and clinical outcome of 72 consecutive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the Yaounde University Teaching during a period of 20 months are reviewed. The purpose of the study was to assess the sonographic pattern and natural history of HCC in Cameroon. The diagnosis was established by fine needle biopsy; or by a combination of clinical features; elevated serum alphafoetoprotein and sonographic findings. There were 55 males and 17 females. Fifty-five (76 per cent) patients presented with hepatomegaly. Three types of HCC were found : nodular; diffuse and mixed. Twenty-two patients had significant ascites. A thrombus in a major portal vein was present in 19 patients. Ten had secondary lesions on presentation. Only one patient was operated on; but the tumour was not resectable