African coastal camera network efforts at monitoring ocean, climate, and human impacts.

Regular and long-term monitoring of coastal areas is a prerequisite to avoiding or mitigating the impacts of climate and human-driven hazards. In Africa, where populations and infrastructures are particularly exposed to risk, there is an urgent need to establish coastal monitoring, as observations are generally scarce. Measurement campaigns and very high-resolution satellite imagery are costly, while freely available satellite observations have temporal and spatial resolutions that are not suited to capture the event scale. To address the gap, a network of low-cost, multi-variable, shore-based video camera systems has been installed along the African coasts. Here, we present this network and its principle of sharing data, methods, and results obtained, building toward the implementation of a common integrated coastal management policy between countries. Further, we list new contributions to the understanding of still poorly documented African beaches' evolution, waves, and sea level impacts. This network is a solid platform for the development of inter-disciplinary observations for resources and ecology (such as fisheries, and sargassum landing), erosion and flooding, early warning systems during extreme events, and science-based coastal infrastructure management for sustainable future coasts.

Screening and management of HIV infection in pregnant women in Dakar.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility and results of the implementation of systematic HIV screening of pregnant women and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment for those found to be HIV-positive and their newborns at the IHS Gynecology-Obstetrics Department in Dakar, Senegal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional prospective study took place in 2014-1016 and examined the results of screening pregnant women for HIV during their prenatal consultations and treating those found to be HIV-positive and their infants with ARV. RESULTS: HIV screening was routinely proposed to the 1616 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics, and 93.9 % accepted. The test was positive for 5 of these women, for an HIV prevalence of 0.3 % of pregnant women. In addition, another 23 HIV-positive pregnant women were referred to the IHS for their prenatal care and delivery, for a total of 28 women with HIV. Their mean age was 30 years, their mean parity 1.6, and all had HIV-1. Triple therapy was initiated for all HIV-positive pregnant women, in line with the WHO guidelines' "B + option", currently adopted by Senegal. During follow-up, only 35.7 % of the women had access to a viral load assay. The outcome of pregnancy was favorable in 91.6 % of cases; 72.2% of the women had vaginal deliveries. All live-born infants were given antiretroviral prophylaxis at birth. The mode of breastfeeding used was mainly exclusive protected breastfeeding (72.2 %). During postnatal follow-up, 2 of the 17 live-born infants were lost to follow-up, and 15 had PCR testing for HIV, which was positive in only 1 case, for a transmission rate of 6.6 %. CONCLUSION: The systematic offer and performance of HIV testing in all pregnant women is feasible and acceptable. Good organization of care can provide ARV treatment for all HIV-positive pregnant women and their newborns. The accessibility of viral load testing and of PCR screening for neonates still requires improvement.

Integration of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission into maternal health services in Senegal.

The objective of this study was to assess the level of integration of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) in facilities providing services for maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and reproductive health (RH) in Senegal. The survey, conducted from August through November, 2014, comprised five parts : a literature review to assess the place of this integration in the health policies, standards, and protocols in effect in Senegal; an analysis by direct observation of attitudes and practices of 25 healthcare providers at 5 randomly-selected obstetrics and gynecology departments representative of different levels of the health pyramid; a questionnaire evaluating knowledge and attitudes of 10 providers about the integration of PMTCT services into MNCH/RH facilities; interviews to collect the opinions of 70 clients, including 16 HIV-positive, about the quality of PMTCT services they received; and a questionnaire evaluating knowledge and opinions of 14 policy-makers/managers of health programs focusing on mothers and children about this integration. The literature review revealed several constraints impeding this integration : the policy documents, standards, and protocols of each of the programs involved do not clearly indicate the modalities of this integration; the programs are housed in two different divisions while the national Program against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus reports directly to the Prime Minister; program operations remains generally vertical; the resources for the different programs are not sufficiently shared; there is no integrated training module covering integrated management of pregnancy and delivery; and supervision for each of the different programs is organized separately.The observation of the providers supporting women during pregnancy, during childbirth, and in the postpartum period, showed an effort to integrate PMTCT into the MNCH/RH services delivered daily to clients. But this desire is hampered by many problems, including the inconsistent availability of HIV testing and antiretroviral drugs at program sites and the deficit in training and supervision for PMTCT. Clients interviewed after their contact with providers often complained about the lack of information received about PMTCT. They considered that effective integration of these services would provide them with better quality care while reducing their waiting time, costs, and trips to health facilities. The responses of policymakers and program managers interviewed mostly revealed gaps in their understanding and implementation of the integration. There is an effort to integrate MNCH/RH and PMTCT services at the healthcare facilities we visited. But our investigation revealed many shortcomings in both the screening and support of new or expectant HIV+ mothers. To improve this situation it is necessary to improve the skills and motivation of PMTCT providers, enhance the level of equipment, and empower local maternity wards.

Bilan des activités d'Anesthésie au service de Gynécologie - Obstétrique du Centre de Santé Gaspard Kamara, Dakar (Sénégal)

Objectifs : Faire le bilan des activités d'anesthésie au Centre de Santé Gaspard Kamara et proposer des recommandations pour améliorer la qualité des soins.Patientes et méthodes :Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective, descriptive et analytique allant du 1er Janvier au 31 Décembre 2012 et incluant toutes les patientes ayant bénéficié d'une anesthésie et dont les dossiers étaient retrouvés et exploitables. Le personnel du service d'Anesthésie-Réanimation était composé d'un médecin anesthésiste ­ réanimateur et de 5 techniciens supérieurs d'anesthésie dont 3 vacataires à temps partiel. Les paramètres étudiés étaient le profil épidémiologique des patientes, l'indication de l'anesthésie, les données de la consultation pré anesthésique, l'anesthésie peropératoire, la prise en charge postopératoire, les complications et les facteurs influençant le choix de l'anesthésie. L'exploitation statistique des données était effectuée à l'aide du logiciel SPSS version 20.0.Résultats : Durant la période d'étude, nous avons pris en charge 5147 patientes. Parmi celles-ci, 1256 ont bénéficié d'une anesthésie, soit un taux de 24,4%. Nous avons exploité 1033 dossiers (82,2%) qui répondaient aux critères d'inclusion. Le profil épidémiologique était celui d'une femme âgée en moyenne de 28 ans, primipare (50,4%), avec une parité moyenne de 2 et ayant déjà bénéficié d'une anesthésie. Près de la moitié des patientes (46,7%) étaient classées ASA 1. La césarienne était l'indication d'anesthésie la plus fréquente (91,2%) et la majorité des interventions étaient pratiquées dans un contexte d'urgence (87%). L'anesthésie peropératoire était réalisée par les techniciens supérieurs d'anesthésie dans 95,8% des cas. La rachianesthésie était la technique la plus pratiquée (86,9%). L'analgésie postopératoire associait le plus souvent le paracétamol au tramadol (76,8%). Des complications peropératoires étaient dominées par l'hypotension artérielle (10,8%). Un seul décès (0,1%) était enregistré et il n'était pas directement lié à l'anesthésie.Conclusion : La pratique de l'anesthésie est fréquente en Gynécologie Obstétrique. La faible incidence des complications observées dans notre série ne doit pas masquer les difficultés rencontrées au quotidien dans notre pratique. Pour améliorer la qualité des soins en anesthésie, nous devons augmenter l'effectif des ressources humaines qualifiées en anesthésie-réanimation et relever le plateau technique

Stigmate immunologique de la circulation des Orthopoxvirus chez des sujets nés après l'éradication de la variole en Côte d'ivoire Afrique de l'ouest

Justification : Depuis l'éradication du virus de la variole, on note une émergence des autres Orthopoxvirus surtout le Monkeypoxvirus en Afrique centrale. A ce jour aucun cas d'infection humaine à Orthopoxvirus n'a été notifié en Côte d'Ivoire. Cependant, l'activité humaine en milieu rural, la présence des réservoirs potentiels et le climat sont des facteurs favorables à la circulation de ce groupe de virus. Objectif : Mettre en évidence la circulation des Orthopoxvirus en Côte d'Ivoire en situation post éradication de la variole dans la population non vaccinée contre cette maladie. Matériel et méthode : 385 sérums de sujets non vaccinés contre la variole, choisis parmi 1353 sérums collectés lors d'une surveillance nationale de la fièvre jaune, ont été analysés. La méthode ELISA a été utilisée pour rechercher les IgG anti Orthopoxvirus. Résultats : l'âge moyen des patients était de 11 ans et le sex-ratio était de 1,97. Les IgG anti-Orthopoxvirus ont été détectées dans 4,95% des sérums ; seuls 0,78% de ces sérums avaient un titre ≥ 400. La majorité des sérums contenant ces IgG (84,16%) provenaient d'individus habitant la moitié sud de la Côte d'Ivoire. Conclusion : le niveau d'exposition aux Orhopoxvirus reste faible chez les sujets non vaccinés contre la variole. Cependant, vu le nombre croissant de sujets susceptibles à ces virus, il est nécessaire de mettre en place des sites sentinelles de surveillance, particulièrement du Monkeypoxvirus

[Epidemioclinical and legal aspects and cost management of sexual abuse among minors in Dakar, Senegal]. / Aspects épidémiocliniques, juridiques et coût de la prise en charge des abus sexuels chez les mineurs à Dakar, Sénégal.

OBJECTIVES: Specify epidemioclinical and legal aspects of sexual abuse among minors and evaluate the cost of care in Dakar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study on sexual abuse among minors over a period of four years from 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2009. Four maternities were targeted: the Social Hygiene Institute of Medina, health center Roi-Baudouin Guédiawaye, the Pikine hospital and health center Youssou-Mbargane-Diop of Rufisque. RESULTS: During the study period, 252 child victims of sexual abuse were supported at four health facilities on a total of 272 sexual abuses of all ages, a frequency of 92.64%. The epidemiological profile of our patients was a child of 11 years old on average, female (100%) and living in the suburbs of Dakar (68.1%). Children were often abused during working hours (31.7%), outside the family environment and often by someone known to the victim (72.6%). Genito-genital contact was the most common mode of sexual contact (80.9%) with vaginal penetration in 61% of cases. Almost all of the victims (92.1%) came to consult, accompanied by their parents, between the 1st and 4th day after the sexual abuse (70%). The examination usually revealed a hymenal trauma (59.9%) of which nearly half (49%) consisted of old lesions. 56.9% of victims had a post-traumatic stress disorder and 31.1%, mutism. We recorded six (6) pregnancies, 2% of our sample. A case of HIV infection was recorded on a sample taken 72hours after sexual abuse. Control of three months HIV serology was requested in 7.1% of cases and only 20% of children had received antiretroviral prophylaxis. Antibiotic prophylaxis had been performed in 13.7% of cases using doxycycline as drug of choice (75%). Only 29% of our patients had received emergency contraception progestin and psychological care concerned only 22% of children. On the legal aspects, 46% of our patients had filed a complaint. Prosecutions were 38%, 45% of which were convicted and 21% were acquitted. The rate of out-of-court settlement was 35% and the time limit for settlement by the justice was on average 6 months with extremes of one month and 24 months. The average cost of care was estimated at 17,010 CFA francs (26 euros) taking into account the consumables used for clinical examination (sterile gloves, catheter, syringe), analysis and prescription drugs. CONCLUSION: The sexual abuse of minors is a disturbing reality that raises rightly universal reprobation. In Senegal, this mainly affects children and its magnitude is increasing over the years. Improved support for victims necessarily involves raising public awareness through the media and the development of specialized structures in the management of sexual abuse.

[Pregnancies associated with valvular prosthesis at Dakar Teaching Hospital: prognosis, epidemiological, clinical and therapeutical aspects]. / Prothèse valvulaire cardiaque et grossesse au CHU de Dakar: aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques, pronostiques et modalités thérapeutiques.

OBJECTIVE: The persistence of the rheumatic valvular cardiopathie and the access to cardiac surgery make this association frequent. This work will deal with a description of the epidemiological and clinic profile and the evaluation of the cares to the pregnancies with cardiac valvular prostheses. METHODOLOGY: We took a retrospective study beginning from 1987 to 2006 about 14 cases, which had benefited from collaboration between the Gynaecologic and Obstetric Clinic and the Cardiological Clinic of the University Hospital Center of Dakar. RESULTS: The frequency of pregnancies with valvular prosthesis was of 0.12 per thousand. The average age of our patients was of 27.7 years. The average pregnancy was of 2.3 gestures with extremes of 1st to 12th gestures. The pregnancies were not, in any case, planned. An auricular fibrillation was noticed in four patients. The fraction of ejection of the left ventricle was superior or equal to 60% in 10 cases, the prosthesis was lightly blocked in two cases. Despite the use of anti-vitamin K during the first trimester with 42.86% of the patients, the anticoagulation was effective with the entire cases excepted one who died by lung embolism. The delivery was, in seven cases, realized by caesarean and in two cases by natural way. Two cases of premature and foetal hypotrophy have been noticed. There was no case of malformed children. CONCLUSION: With a multidisciplinary care, the carry of valvular prosthesis can be compatible with pregnancy. The lack of embryopathy and malformed children could incite to propose the oral anticoagulation during the whole sequence of pregnancy.

[First-trimester abortion at University Hospital Center in Dakar, Senegal: utility of manual vacuum aspiration]. / Avortements du premier trimestre au chu de Dakar: interêt de l'aspiration manuelle intra-uterine.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the utility of the manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) for management of incomplete first-trimester abortions. All patients treated for incomplete first trimester abortion using MVA under local anesthesia at University Hospital Center in Dakar from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2003 were included. A total of 2379 pregnancy losses were recorded among the 14476 patients admitted during the study period. First-trimester abortion was treated using the MVA method under local anesthesia in 1372 cases (57.7%). For 87% of patients, the duration of hospitalization was less than 12 hours. The epidemiological characteristics of these women were young age (mean, 29 years old), low parity (mean, 2 children) and low gestational age (mean, 10 weeks after amenorrhea). Spontaneous abortion accounted for 94.4% of cases and clandestine abortion for 5.6%. No complications occurred during MVA procedures and no morbidity was observed with a follow-up of one year. These findings show that MVA is a safe and effective method for completing incomplete first-trimester abortions. In our practice use of this simple technique led to a considerable improvement in post-abortion care.

Differences in circulating dendritic cell subtypes in peripheral, placental and cord blood in African pregnant women.

Dendritic cells (DC) are important for induction of primary immune responses and immunological tolerance. Changes in the frequency of DC subsets were analyzed in peripheral blood from pregnant women (mPB) and compared to placental blood (PB) and cord blood (CB). DCs were identified by flow cytometry in whole blood as lineage negative and HLA-DR-positive cells. Different DC subtypes were identified with CD123 and CD11c markers. In these data, the percentage of DC was significantly lower in mPB, PB and CB than in control women, but the absolute number of DC was higher in CB, suggesting that numbers of DC in CB do not explain the decrease of the immune response in newborn infants. Myeloid DCs (MDC) decreased in all compartments of pregnant women compared to control women, especially in mPB where MDC became lower than lymphoid DCs. An increase of less differentiated DC was observed in mPB and CB from pregnant women. DCs in pregnant women were mainly immature DC with a proportion of CD83-positive DC, identical as control women. The levels of IFNgamma, TNFalpha, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 were not different in the three compartments (mPB, PB, CB). In conclusion, the phenotype and subset of DCs were different in pregnant women than in control women, suggesting a role in maintenance of immune tolerance against the fetus. The distribution of DC subsets was different in mPB, PB and CB. Their role in the regulation of immune response remains to be elicited.

Avortements du premier trimestre au CHU de Dakar: interet de l'aspiration manuelle intra-uterine

L'objectif etait d'evaluer l'interet de l'aspiration manuelle intra-uterine (AMIU) sous anesthesie locale dans la prise en charge des avortements du premier trimestre. Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective concernant toutes les patientes prises en charge au CHU de Dakar par AMIU pour un avortement du premier trimestre entre le 1er janvier 2002 et le 31 decembre 2003. Pendant le periode etudiee; nous avons enregistre 2379 grossesses arretees parmi une population de 14476 entrantes. Dans 1372 cas (57;7) il s'agissait d'avortements du premier trimestre qui ont ete traites par l'AMIU ; pour 87des patientes; la duree d'hospitalisation etait inferieure a 12 heures. Le profil epidemiologique est celui d'une patiente agee en moyenne de 29 ans; paucipare (parite moyenne de 2) porteuse d'une grossesse dont l'age gestationnel moyen etait de 10 semaines d'amenorrhee. Dans 1296 cas (94;4) l'avortement etait spontane; alors que dans 76 cas (5;6) il a ete provoque clandestinement. Aucune complication liee a la procedure n'a ete enregistree et le suivi post-abortum n'a revele aucune morbidite avec un recul d'au moins 1 an. L'AMIU est une methode efficace et sure pour evacuer l'uterus dans les avortements incomplets du premier trimestre. C'est une technique simple qui a ameliore considerablement la qualite des soins apres avortement dans notre pratique

Avortements du premier trimestre au CHU de Dakar: interet de l'aspiration manuelle intra-uterine

L'objectif etait d'evaluer l'interet de l'aspiration manuelle intra-uterine (AMIU) sous anesthesie locale dans la prise en charge des avortements du premier trimestre. Il s'agit d'une etude retrospective concernant toutes les patientes prises en charge au CHU de Dakar par AMIU pour un avortement du premier trimestre entre le 1er janvier 2002 et le 31 decembre 2003. Pendant le periode etudiee; nous avons enregistre 2379 grossesses arretees parmi une population de 14476 entrantes. Dans 1372 cas (57;7) il s'agissait d'avortements du premier trimestre qui ont ete traites par l'AMIU ; pour 87des patientes; la duree d'hospitalisation etait inferieure a 12 heures. Le profil epidemiologique est celui d'une patiente agee en moyenne de 29 ans; paucipare (parite moyenne de 2) porteuse d'une grossesse dont l'age gestationnel moyen etait de 10 semaines d'amenorrhee. Dans 1296 cas (94;4) l'avortement etait spontane; alors que dans 76 cas (5;6) il a ete provoque clandestinement. Aucune complication liee a la procedure n'a ete enregistree et le suivi post-abortum n'a revele aucune morbidite avec un recul d'au moins 1 an. L'AMIU est une methode efficace et sure pour evacuer l'uterus dans les avortements incomplets du premier trimestre. C'est une technique simple qui a ameliore considerablement la qualite des soins apres avortement dans notre pratique

[Etiologic factors of prematurity in Ziguinchor maternity hospital center (Senegal)]. / Facteurs étiologiques de la prématurité au centre hospitalier régional de Ziguinchor, Sénégal.

A case-control study was conducted between September 2003 and January 2004. Fifty four newborn babies born before 37 weeks of gestation resulting from 47 pregnancies including 7 multiple pregnancies were compared to 105 newborn babies born between 37 and the 42 weeks of gestation. Parturient geographical origin, marital status, age, alcohol or tea consumption and height were not significantly associated to premature birth (p > 0.05). On the other hand, a higher parity or equal to 3, a number of antenatal care lower than 3 were significantly associated with the risk of premature birth (p < 0.05). But a gestity and a parity lower than 3 and a number of antenatal consultations higher or equal to 3 had a protective effect (OR < 1; p < 0.05). We recommend a reinforcement of malarial prevention during pregnancy according to WHO recommendations and the improvement of the quality of the antenatal care in the Ziguinchor medical district.

[Time-course of neonatal precocious mortality between 1994 and 2003 at the Dakar University Teaching Hospital]. / Evolution de la mortalité néonatale précoce entre 1994 et 2003 au CHU de Dakar.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early neonatal mortality at the University Teaching Hospital and assess changes in the rate and causes during the last ten years. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a retrospective analysis of neonatal deaths recorded at the Neonatal and Premature Unit (NPU) in 2003. The results were compared with earlier evaluations. Comparison of proportions was used for statistical analysis to eliminate the random element in rate variations. The significance threshold was < or =5%. RESULTS: We registered 364 neonatal deaths: 243 among 4853 newborns in our maternity ward and 121 among 213 newborns transferred from a referring maternity. Early neonatal mortality rate 45.5 per 1,000 live births. Mortality particularly concerned newborns with a birth weight < or =2,500 grams (66%) and Apgar scores < or =6. Early neonatal mortality fell significantly since 1994, while overall mortality remained high among newborns transferred from referring maternities. The most frequent causes were premature birth (49%), acute fetal distress (23%) and neonatal infection (18%). CONCLUSION: Early neonatal mortality has decreased remains at a high level. It could be improved by limiting the number of premature births, neonatal suffering and neonatal infection. In a parallel direction we recommend organizing a perinatal network in Dakar.

[Efficiency of kangaroo care on thermoregulation and weight gain of a preterm newborn cohort in Dakar]. / Efficacite de l'elevage par la methode kangourou sur la thermo- regulation et le gain ponderal d'une cohorte de prematures.

AIM OF THIS STUDY: to evaluate the efficacy of kangaroo method on thermoregulation and weight gain of a cohort of preterm. METHODS: it is a retrospective study based on files of preterm baby weighting below 2000 g, included after discharge to neonatal unit of Aristide Le Dantec maternity for kangaroo method care. Efficiency was appreciated on thermic curve evolution and daily weight gain. RESULTS: 56 preterm babies were including. Mean gestational age was 33 +/- 7,6 weeks and mean birth weight, 1488 +/- 277,6 g (median = 1500 g). Mean temperature was satisfying during follow up and was stable around 37 +/- 0,5 degrees C at discharge of program with mean daily weight gain of 33 +/- 7,6 g. We had only one case of death. CONCLUSION: The results of this study point out efficacy of kangaroo method on thermoregulation, weight gain and survival of preterm babies. We advocate for promotion in developing countries because of its low cost.

[Trial of labor in moderate pelvic dystocia at Dakar University Teaching Hospital]. / Epreuve du travail dans les dystocies osseuses modérées au CHU de Dakar.

OBJECTIVE: To study frequency of moderate pelvic dystocia, to evaluate the diagnosis value of clinical pelvic evaluation and prognosis of trial labor with only clinical monitoring. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a prospective, exposed and non-exposed study concerning 296 women selected among deliveries presenting moderate pelvic dystocia recorded at Dakar University Teaching Hospital from February 1st 2001 to July 31 2002. Trial labor was undertaken in 148 patients; the control group was chosen among women who underwent prophylactic caesarean section and had no other risk factors of maternal and perinatal complications. Pearson's chi-square test was used or statistic analysis with p value 5% and test of Kappa. RESULTS: Moderate pelvic dystocia was observed 5.3 per 100 deliveries. The most common epidemiological profile was primipara, young age (mean 24 years), height 161 cm (mean), 38-week pregnancy (mean). Clinical evaluation had good diagnosis value comparable with the radiological pelvimetry. Trial labor was undertaken in 148 women, 109 trials (73.6%) were successful; vaginal delivery rate was 27% in women with moderate pelvic dystocia. There were no maternal deaths, maternal morbidity was 4% in trial labor patients and 2.7% in prophylactic caesarean section patents (mainly infection). Post-natal mortality was 7.4% after trial of labour versus 4.1% of newborn child after prophylactic caesarean. CONCLUSION: These results confirm that trial of labor on moderate pelvic dystocia should be the rule whenever possible, even when only clinical monitoring is available.

[Ovarian fibroma associated with Demons-Meigs syndrome and elevated CA 125]. / Fibrome de l'ovaire associé à un syndrome de Demons-Meigs et à une élévation du CA 125.

We report a rare case of ovarian fibroma in a young woman. When ovarian masse is associated with Meigs' syndrome and elevated CA 125 serum level a malignant process may be suspected. But a negative cytological examination of ascitic effusion and absence of peritoneal implant recommend performing limited surgical procedures.

[Thinking about the evolution of caesarean section rate at University Teaching Hospital of Dakar between 1992 and 2001]. / Réflexions sur l'évolution des taux de césarienne en milieu africain : exemple du CHU de Dakar entre 1992 et 2001.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to answer the question: have we not been doing a lot of caesarean sections at University Teaching Hospital of Dakar? PATIENTS AND METHOD: This is an analytic study about caesarean section in 1992, 1996 and 2001; it was a prospective and longitudinal data collection from the epidemiological survey program carried through in Senegal about its obstetrical and surgical cover. For each year concerned, we have analysed caesarean section rate, maternal mortality rate and perinatal mortality rate. To eliminate the random part in observed variation, we used the comparison of proportions observed as a statistical test with a significant threshold less or equal to 5%. RESULTS: Caesarean section has gone from 12% in 1992 to 17.5 in 1996 and 25.2% in 2001. Operative indications are dominated by foeto-pelvic disproportion with an average of 31% and foetal suffering with an average of 25%. The increasing trend has been statistically significant for information's such as foeto-pelvic disproportion and maternal pathologies. The falling trend was statistically significant for indications in relation on relation to foetal suffering and scarred uterus. Gathering information has shown a stabilisation of "obligatory" caesarean rate around 41%, a decrease in "caution" caesarean rate from 50 to 37.2% and an increase in caesarean by "necessity" from 8.6 to 22.4%. The maternal mortality rate among women delivered has fallen from 1.4% to 0.8%, but postoperative surgery morbidity rate was still high around 10%, essentially due to infections. Reading of caesarean section rate has not a significant impact in perinatal prognosis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Today there is an inflation of caesarean section at University Teaching Hospital of Dakar, without any significant loss of the maternal and perinatal mortality rate. The high level of complications due to surgery incite to reverse trends in order to get reasonable rate around 10 to 15% of childbirths.

[Preeclampsia: current aspects of physiopathology, clinic and treatment]. / Prééclampsie: physiopathologie, aspects cliniques et thérapeutiques actuels.

Preeclampsia complicating 3-5 % of all pregnancies in the world. Its origin is abnormal placentation around 12th week pregnancy. It associates hypertension and proteinuria appeared after 20th week pregnancy. Many risk factors with various mechanism of action have been identified (primigravida, younger age, twin pregnancy...). The main consequence of placental ischemia is generalized endothelial dysfunction responsible for clinical symptoms and complications (eclampsia, placental abruption, HELLP syndrome). It's an important cause of maternal death and is associated with increased risk of neonatal mortality, particularly in developing country. There is no consensus with regard to management particularly utilisation of drugs and break indication of pregnancy. Low dose aspirin is the only efficient preventive strategy in high-risk subjects. The therapeutic aspects are discussed as many in the benefit and the modalities of the antihypertensive treatment, as the indications of pregnancy interuption. Prevention is an up coming way but for the moment, only acetylsalicylic acid has proven its efficacity among the high risk patients.