Ischemic strokes revealing neurosyphilis: Study of six (6) observations at the neurology Department of the University Hospital of Conakry.

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), stroke is a major public health problem and the etiological aspects are poorly studied and documented because of under-medicalization; the syphilitic etiology is rarely mentioned. Patients and methods: We performed a retrospective study of 472 patients hospitalized for ischemic stroke between 2016 and 2021 in the Neurology Department of the University Hospital of Conakry, confirmed by neuroradiological explorations (brain CT, MRI-Angio) and a biological workup including VDRL-TPHA serological reactions in blood and CSF. Results: Syphilitic etiology was retained for six (6) patients (4 men and 2 women) with a mean age of 43 years (extremes 36 and 49 years). The clinical picture was dominated by carotid syndromes: superficial and deep sylvian syndrome, anterior cerebral artery syndrome and vertebro-basilar syndromes and one case of lacunar syndrome.The diagnosis was based on the positivity of serological reactions (VDRL-TPHA) in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the presence of a predominantly lymphocytic hypercellularity and a hyperproteinorachy in the CSF in the absence of any other etiology. Conclusion: These neurological vascular syndromes consecutive to a cerebral treponematous attack are often the result of a still poorly conducted management of primary and secondary syphilis in our country.

EPILEPTIC SEIZURES REVEALING STURGE WEBER'S DISEASE IN A TROPICAL ENVIRONMENT: STUDY OF EIGHT CASES.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the etiological factors of epilepsy are multiple and phacomatoses, in particular Sturge weber's disease, are rarely reported due to under-medicalization and insufficient multidisciplinary care. We carried out a retrospective study of 216 patients hospitalized for recurrent epileptic seizures between 2015 and 2022 in the neurology and pediatrics department of the University Hospital Center of Conakry, among whom eight (8) patients were identified for Sturge Weber's disease in order to reassess this pathology from a clinical and paraclinical point of view in a tropical environment. Sturge Weber's disease was retained in eight (8) on the presence of symptomatic partial epileptic seizures (age 6 months to 14 years) with frequency of status epilepticus, homonymous lateral hemiparesis linked to occipital involvement, piriform calcifications on imaging and ocular disorders. The delay in consultation and medical care revealed severe mental deterioration in our patients. This study shows a stereotyped clinical picture in a context of aggravation of signs related to a delay in multidisciplinary management. These results are important for the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic discussion.

Prise en charge des hémopathies malignes au centre national d'oncologie médicale et de radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara d'Abidjan / Managem ent of hem atologic neoplasm sat the Centre National d'Oncologie Médicale et de Radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara ofAbidjan

Introduction. Les hémopathies malignes sont des proliférations anormales et anarchiques de cellules hématopoïétiques à point de départ médullaire ou périphérique. Notre étude qui avait pour objectif de faire le bilan de la prise en charge des hémopathies malignes au Centre national d'oncologie médical et de radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara. Méthodes. Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective descriptive d'une durée de 2 ans 3 mois allant du 1er janvier 2018 au 31 Mars 2020 portant sur 80 dossiers de malades porteurs d'hémopathies malignes et prise en charge dans le centre. Résultats. Notre étude a permis de recenser 2,2% d'hémopathies malignes sur les 3650 cas de pathologies cancéreuses recensées au CNRAO, soit une incidence 26,66 cas/an avec un sex-ratio 1,2. Les syndromes lymphoprolifératifs (SLP) sont les plus fréquents (96,25 %), sous trois principales formes: lymphomes malins non hodgkiniens (LMNH) non Burkitt (51,25%), leucémie myéloïde chronique (20%) et le myélome multiple (16,25%). Les LMNH représentent 51,25% des HM recensées avec 41,46 % de lymphomes de haut grade de malignité. La chimiothérapie était de mise chez tous nos patients. Ainsi sur 41 cas de LMNH, seulement 12 (29,27%) ont bénéficié du protocole R-CHOP. On notait 46,34% de réponse complète. Dans notre étude, le LH représentait 8,75% il était traité à 71,43% avec le protocole ABVD avec une réponse complète chez 6 patients. 37,5% des patients porteurs de leucémie myéloïde chronique ont reçu le Rituximab; ils ont été traités par les protocoles COP (31,25%), CHOP (31,25%), RCVP (12,5%) et R-CHOP (25%). La réponse thérapeutique était complète à 68,75%. Le protocole utilisé dans le traitement du myélome multiple a été le VMCD-REV à 76,92% avec pour réponse thérapeutique complète chez 6 patients, 3 réponses partielles et 4 en cours de traitement. Conclusion. Les SLP qui sont les plus fréquents des HM avec trois principales formes: LMNH non Burkitt, leucémie myéloïde chronique et myélome multiple. Nous avons cependant des difficultés quant à la mise en route de la chimiothérapie.

Introduction. Hematologic neoplasms are abnormal and anarchic proliferations of hematopoietic cells with a medullary or peripheral starting point. Our study aimed to report the management of hematological malignancies at the Centre National d'Oncologie Médicale et de Radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara (CNRAO). Methods. This was a descriptive retrospective study lasting 2 years 3 months from January 1st, 2018 to March 31st, 2020 concerning 80 patients with hematologic neoplasms who were managed in the CNRAO. Results. Hematologic neoplasms represented 2.2% of cancers (80/3650) at CNRAO, giving an annual incidence of 26.66 cases. The sex ratio was 1.2. Lymphoproliferative syndromes were the most common subgroups (96.25%). These were mainly non-Burkitt non Hodgkin lymphoma (51.25%), high grade lymphomas (41.46%), chronic lymphocytic lymphoma (20%) and multiple myeloma (16.25%). Chemotherapy was administered to all patients. Among 41 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 12 (29.27%) benefited from the R-CHOP protocol and full response was observed in 46.34% of them. We found 7 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (8.75%) and the ABVD protocol was used for 6 cases (71.43%). Six out of these seven patients were in complete response. Among the 16 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 6 (37.5%) received Rituximab. The distribution of the patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia was as follows: COP 31.25%, CHOP 31.25%, RCVP 12.5% and R-CHOP 25% and 68.75% had full response. The most common treatment protocol for multiple myeloma was VMCD-REV (76.92%). Six patients had complete response, 3 had partial response and 4 were in the course of treatment. Conclusion. In our practice, hematologic neoplasms are mainly lymphoproliferative syndromes and the most common varieties are non-Burkitt non Hodgkin lymphoma, high grade lymphomas, chronic lymphocytic lymphoma and multiple myeloma. We have difficulties in getting chemotherapy started.

Development and evaluation of the perceived variety-support in physical education scale (PVSPES).

The provision of variety has been posited to influence motivation in physical education. Therefore, the aim of this 3-phase study was to design and evaluate a brief scale to assess ratings of variety-support in physical education. In Phase 1, 20 experts were invited to review the developed items of the Perceived Variety-Support in Physical Education (PVSPE) scale. In Phase 2, factorial validity of item responses was assessed in a sample of adolescents aged 12-14 years (n = 265). In Phase 3, test-retest reliability was determined over a one-week period (n = 100). A one-factor model resulted in "good" fit to the data (χ2(21) = 43.265, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.968, TLI = 0.952, RMSEA = 0.089; factor loading estimates showed that indicators were highly related to the factor (range: 0.60 to 0.93); and ICC was 0.98, 95% CI [0.97 to 0.98]. Our results provide initial evidence for the validity, measurement invariance, and test-retest reliability of scores derived from the VSPE scale for use with adolescents.

The Role of Visceral Obesity, Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity on Surgical Outcomes After Liver Resections for Colorectal Metastases.

BACKGROUND: The impact of body compositions on surgical results is controversially discussed. This study examined whether visceral obesity, sarcopenia or sarcopenic obesity influence the outcome after hepatic resections of synchronous colorectal liver metastases. METHODS: Ninety-four consecutive patients with primary hepatic resections of synchronous colorectal metastases were identified from a single center database between January 2013 and August 2018. Patient characteristics and 30-day morbidity were retrospectively analyzed. Body fat and skeletal muscle were calculated by planimetry from single-slice CT images at the level of L3. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (62.8%) underwent minor hepatectomies, and 35 patients underwent major resections (37.2%). Postoperative complications occurred in 60 patients (62.8%) including 35 patients with major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III-V). The mortality was nil at 30 days and 2.1% at 90 days. The body mass index showed no influence on postoperative outcomes (p = 1.0). Visceral obesity was found in 66 patients (70.2%) and was significantly associated with overall and major complication rates (p = .002, p = .012, respectively). Sarcopenia was observed in 34 patients (36.2%) without a significant impact on morbidity (p = .461), however, with longer hospital stay. Sarcopenic obesity was found in 18 patients (19.1%) and was significantly associated with postoperative complications (p = .014). Visceral obesity, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity were all identified as significant risk factors for overall postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Visceral obesity, sarcopenic obesity and sarcopenia are independent risk factors for overall complications after resections of CRLM. Early recognition of extremes in body compositions could prompt to perioperative interventions and thus improve postoperative outcomes.

Prevalence, management and ethnobotanical investigation of hypertension in two Guinean urban districts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hypertension is an important public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, and in many African countries including Guinea medicinal plants are still widely used for its treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension in two Guinean urban districts (Pounthioun and Dowsare), to describe its management and to collect information on traditional herbal remedies. A total of 316 participants entered the study, 28.2% (89/316) men and 71.8% (227/316) women. Of these, 181 were from Dowsare (50 men and 131 women) and 135 from Pounthioun (39 men and 96 women). The mean age of subjects was 40.8 ±â€¯14.0 years (range18 - 88years), while the majority of subjects (63.3% or 200/316) were 45-74 years old. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 44.9% (142/316): 46.4% (84/181) from Dowsare and 43.0% (58/135) from Pounthioun. Ethnobotanical investigations among hypertensive patients led to the collection of 15 plant species, among which Hymenocardia acida leaves and Uapaca togoensis stem bark were the most cited. Phytochemical investigation of these two plant species led to the isolation and identification of isovitexin and isoorientin from H. acida, and betulinic acid and lupeol from U. togoensis. CONCLUSION: The presence of these constituents in Hymenocardia acida leaves and Uapaca togoensis stem bark may at least in part support their traditional use against hypertension in Guinea.

[Treatment outcome, survival and their risk factors among new tuberculosis patients co-infected with HIV during the Ebola outbreak in Conakry]. / L'issue du traitement, la survie et ses facteurs de risque chez les nouveaux tuberculeux co-infectés par le VIH pendant l'épidémie d'Ebola à Conakry.

BACKGROUND: Mortality among TB/HIV co-infected patients remains high in Africa. The study aimed to estimate survival and associated factors in a cohort of TB/HIV co-infected patients who started tuberculosis treatment during the Ebola outbreak in Conakry, Guinea. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted from April 2014 to December 2015. TB patients with HIV co-infection were enrolled at the University Hospital of Conakry. Survival and risk factors were analyzed according to Kaplan-Meier's method, log-rank test and Cox's regression. RESULTS: Data from 573 patients were analyzed. From these, 86 (15.0%) died before the end of treatment, 52% occurring within eight weeks of treatment onset. Survival at 4, 12 and 24 weeks after the beginning of the TB treatment was 92%, 86% and 83%, respectively. Independent risk factors associated with death were in the cell CD4 <200 cells/mm3 [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 2.25; 95% CI (confidence intervals): 1.16-4.37], opportunistic infections other than TB [AHR: 2.89; 95% CI: 1.39-6.02], and comorbidities [AHR: 4.12; 95% CI: 2.10-8.10]. An increase of one unit in hemoglobin [AHR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.75-0.91] was protective of death. CONCLUSION: TB/HIV co-infected patients had a higher fatality rate during treatment of tuberculosis. Prevention of opportunistic infections, anemia and proper management of tuberculosis treatment in early comorbidities may improve survival for TB/HIV co-infected patients in restoring immune function.

Information about medications in the district of Bamako, Mali.

The aim of our study was to investigate the quality of information about pharmaceutical products in Mali. The study surveyed 98 prescribers, 60 pharmacists, and the package inserts of a basket of 30 generic medicines, compared to those of the corresponding proprietary versions. We made a rational choice of 98 doctors from various specialties and levels of the health system and randomly selected 60 of the 215 pharmacies in the district of Bamako (Mali). A rational sampling of generic medicines provided us with a basket of 30 drug notices for the antimalarial, antibiotic, antalgic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agents used most in the Republic of Mali. This study showed that the pharmaceutical industry, through its sales representatives, are the main sources of drug information and that this information is not always adequate. The study also found that the content provided with generic medicines is sometimes different from the information for the proprietary brand-name drugs.

Private pharmacy staff in five main towns in Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali: knowledge and practices concerning malaria care in 2014.

The Global Fund's involvement in the fight against malaria has led to significant improvements, but mostly through programs supporting public-sector health facilities and personnel. The authors report the results of the preliminary survey preceding their intervention with private pharmacies. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample of pharmacies in urban areas in Burkina Faso, Benin, and Mali. A pretested questionnaire was administered to the supervisor present in each pharmacy at the time of the survey. Data were collected by local students in the first quarter of 2014. In all, 94 pharmacies were surveyed, representing 17.6% of all the pharmacies in these 5 cities. Among the participants, 84% knew about the national malaria control program, and 77.7% about artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), while 38.8% knew the national protocols. Licensed pharmacists had a better knowledge of ACT than their assistants, and training improved knowledge of treatment for uncomplicated malaria episodes. These pharmacists and assistants would like to be more involved in the fight against malaria. They are ready to advise ACT when appropriate after rapid detection tests. It is necessary to find resources for subsidized inputs in the private sector to make these drugs and tests more accessible for all patients.

Automation for clinical CD4 T-cell enumeration, a desirable tool in the hands of skilled operators.

BACKGROUND: Automation in HIV clinical flow cytometry when appropriately applied brings considerable standardisation benefits. The Canadian Immunology Quality Assessment Program (CIQAP) detected situations where operators did not manually override automated software in the event of improper output on the Epics XL and FC500 CD4 immunophenotyping platforms. The automated gating algorithm identifies lymphocytes using a double gate strategy based on CD45 × side scatter (SS) gating and a light scatter FS × SS gate known to fail with sub optimal specimens. METHOD: To generate correct interpretation and results CIQAP introduced a simple protocol modification, bypassing the light scatter gate to include all cells characterized by the CD45 gate. Seventeen problem cases were reanalysed for both absolute and relative T-cell subsets accuracy and compared to the CIQAP group mean values. Results were found to be associated with the percentage of lymphocytes excluded by the automated light scatter gate. RESULTS: The modified manual protocol resolved poor performance in 14 instances out of 17 problem cases. It was found to improve accuracy when the light scatter gate excluded greater than 5% of the cells. The remaining three cases had a lymphocyte recovery of greater than 94.6% in the original automated analysis. CONCLUSION: There is a risk in relying solely on automated gating procedures when using the Epics XL and FC500 CD4 immunophenotyping platforms. Laboratory managers have the responsibility to intervene when required. EQA providers are equally responsible to alert the clinical laboratories of the need to update operator training to deal with stressed specimens. © 2016 International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Etude comparative des profils de dissolution in vitro de quinine sulfate générique et princeps en utilisant la Chromatographie Liquide Haute Performance

Introduction : La quinine est une molécule préconisée pour le traitement du paludisme dans les régions où les souches de P. falciparum sont poly-résistantes. Face à l'importante utilisation de ses médicaments génériques d'une part, et au fléau des médicaments de qualité inférieure d'autre part, il devient plus que nécessaire d'appuyer les données des tests physico-chimiques par celles de dissolution in vitro dont l'évaluation et la comparaison des cinétiques permettra de prédire le comportement in vivo du principe actif et par conséquent l'efficacité du médicament générique. L'objectif de la présente étude était de réaliser une étude comparative de la cinétique de dissolution d'un princeps et d'un générique à base de quinine comprimé 300 mg commercialisés à Kinshasa.Matériels et méthodes : L'étude a été réalisée en utilisant trois milieux de pH différents (1,2 - 4,5 - 6,8) tels que recommandés par l'Agence Européenne de Médicament et en se servant d'un appareil de dissolution, tandis que l'équipement de chromatographie liquide à haute performance couplée à un détecteur à barrette de diodes a été utilisé pour la quantification. La méthode statistique fit factor a été appliquée pour comparer les résultats de dosage de la quinine dans les trois milieux tout en ayant évalué le biais à différents temps de dissolution.Résultats : Les différents échantillons de médicaments générique et princeps ont été conformes quant à l'identification et au dosage de la quinine, par contre leurs cinétiques de dissolution étaient non-similaires.Discussion : Ceci pourrait avoir une influence sur l'efficacité du produit générique et la sécurité des consommateurs, dénotant l'importance d'examiner les profils de dissolution des génériques avant toute autorisation de mise sur le marché plus particulièrement dans les pays en voie de développement

[Obstetrical vesico-vaginal fistula in Guinea: Data analysis of three sites of treatment at Engender Health ONG]. / Fistules vésico-vaginales obstétricales en Guinée : analyse des données de 3 sites de prise en charge de l'ONG Engender Health.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the management of obstetric vesico-vaginal fistula in the three sites of Engender Health in Guinea. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It was a retrospective study of descriptive type having helped collect 450 cases of vesico-vaginal fistulas in three support sites engender health between January 2008 and December 2011. The variables studied were epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic reasons and treatment outcomes were evaluated after a decline of at least six months. RESULTS: The mean age of onset of the fistula was 25years, ranging from 12 to 55years and 58.8% (n=265) of patients were aged between 18 and 30years. The mean duration of fistula was 11years, ranging from 1 to 38years. Eighty-two percent (n=416) of patients were housewives and 66.4% (n=299) off school. The complex fistula with 66% (n=297) was the most frequent. The treatment consisted of a fistulorraphie after splitting vesico-vaginal in 93.3% (n=420) of cases. Therapeutic results considered after a mean of 8months have resulted in a cure in 79.3% (n=357) of cases, improvement in 4.2% (n=19) of cases and failure in 16 4% (n=74) of cases. CONCLUSION: Vesico-vaginal fistula is a major cause of maternal morbidity in Guinea. The establishment of a real health policy based on sound medical and social structures contributes to its eradication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5.

[Ectopic pregnancy at the Ignace Deen University Hospital in Conakry: epidemiologic, social, demographic, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects]. / Grossesse extra-utérine dans la clinique de gynécologie-obstétrique Ignace-Deen du CHU de Conakry Aspects épidémiologique, sociodémographique, thérapeutique et pronostique.

The objectives of this study were to calculate the frequency of ectopic pregnancy in the department, define its epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects, and determine a clear therapeutic approach appropriate to our setting. In this prospective study, we compiled all cases of ectopic pregnancy seen in 2011 and 2012 in the obstetrics-gynecology department at Ignace Deen University Hospital in Conakry. Ectopic pregnancies represented 1.3% of all deliveries over this period. In the 111 cases in this population, women aged 30-34 years accounted for 31.5%, those pregnant for the first time 40.5%, nulliparous women 35.1%, married women 72.1%, those without schooling 43.2%), and those with a history of sexually transmitted infection 57.6% (these categories are not exclusive, and the same women may be included in several). Secondary amenorrhea with abdominopelvic pain and metrorrhagia was the reason for admission in 56.5% of cases. Ultrasound in early pregnancy is infrequent in Conakry. Almost all of our patients underwent emergency surgery (80.2%) More than half of the ectopic pregnancies were located in the ampulla of the uterine tubes (73.0%). There were three abdominal pregnancies and 2 ovarian. In all cases the treatment was surgical, most often salpingectomy. Postoperative complications occurred in 35.1% of cases, most often anemia (27.9% of all cases) requiring blood transfusion in 11.7% of all cases before, during, or after surgery. The maternal death rate was 1.8%. Ectopic pregnancy remains a major concern at Ignace Deen CHU. Reduction of its frequency requires increased population awareness of sexually transmitted infections and illegal abortions. Management should be prompt and appropriate.

[Sub-capsular renal hematoma during severe preeclampsia: clinical case and review of the literature]. / Hématome sous-capsulaire du rein compliquant une prééclampsie sévère: cas clinique et revue de la littérature.

Renal haematoma during severe preeclampsia is a rare uneventful event. It is usually associated with other organ injury such as cerebral or liver haematoma. Imaging (ultrasound or tomodensitometry examination) plays an important role in detecting this complication and following its evolution. In the current case report, we describe an isolated renal haematoma during a severe preeclampsia complicated by a HELLP syndrome. This patient was managed with a conservative treatment (control of arterial pressure and induction of delivery) and an imaging follow-up.

[Fatal poisoning in Mali]. / Les intoxications mortelles au Mali.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological characteristics of the cases of fatal poisoning in Mali. METHODS: This retrospective study examined the cases of fatal poisoning recorded between 2000 and 2010 in six Health Reference centers, six regional hospitals and three university hospitals in the district of Bamako. RESULTS: During the study period, 146 cases of fatal poisoning were recorded, accounting for 4.6% of all poisoning cases during this period. The average age of patients who died was 24 ± 17.7 years with a female-male ratio of 1.05. Nearly half (43%) were younger than 20 years. The ingestion was intentional in 66.4% of cases, mainly suicide attempts (47%) and therapeutic errors (19%). The median time until arrival at hospital was 8 hours after poisoning with multiple and varied clinical signs. CONCLUSIONS: Decreasing the mortality rate from poison ingestion requires increasing public awareness about poisons and improving emergency service equipment and health personnel training.

[Hysterectomies at the Conakry university hospitals: social, demographic, and clinical characteristics, types, indications, surgical approaches, and prognosis]. / Les hystérectomies au CHU de Conakry : caractéristiques sociodémographiques et cliniques, types, indications, voies d'abord et pronostic.

The objectives of this study were to calculate the frequency of hysterectomies at the Conakry university hospitals (Donka Hospital and Ignace Deen Hospital), describe the women's social, demographic, and clinical characteristics, and identify the key indications, the surgical techniques used, and the prognosis. This was a 2-year descriptive study, retrospective for the first year (May 2011-April 2012) and prospective for the second (May 2012-April 2013), of 333 consecutive hysterectomies performed in the obstetrics and gynecology departments of these two hospitals. Hysterectomy is one of the surgical procedures most commonly performed in these departments (following cesarean deliveries), with frequency of 4.4% interventions. The profile of the women undergoing this surgery was that of a woman aged younger than 49 years (61%), married (75.7%), multiparous (33%), of childbearing age (61%), and with no history of abdominal or pelvic surgery (79.6%). Nearly all hysterectomies were total (95%, compared with 5% subtotal; the approach was abdominal in 82.25% of procedures and vaginal in 17.75%. The most common indication for surgery was uterine fibroids (39.6%), followed by genital prolapse (22.2%), and obstetric emergencies (17.8%). The average duration of surgery was 96 minutes for abdominal and 55 minutes for vaginal hysterectomies. The principal intraoperative complication was hemorrhage (12.31%), and the main postoperative complication parietal suppuration (21.02%). The average length of hospital stay was 10.3 days for abdominal hysterectomies and 7.15 days for vaginal procedures. We recorded 14 deaths for a lethality rate of 4.2%; most of these deaths were associated with hemorrhagic shock during or after an obstetric hysterectomy (93%). Hysterectomy remains a common intervention in developing countries. Its indications are common during the pregnancy and postpartum period, with high morbidity and mortality rates. Improving obstetric coverage could reduce its indications.

Postoperative decrease in plasma sodium concentration after infusion of hypotonic intravenous solutions in neonatal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hypotonic i.v. solutions can cause hyponatraemia in the context of paediatric surgery. However, this has not been demonstrated in neonatal surgery. The goal of this study was to define the relationship between infused perioperative free water and plasma sodium in neonates. METHODS: Newborns up to 7 days old undergoing abdominal or thoracic surgery were included in this prospective, observational study. Collected data included type and duration of surgery, calculated i.v. free water intake, and pre- and postoperative plasma sodium. Statistical analyses were performed using the Pearson correlation, Mann-Whitney test, and receiver operating characteristic analysis with a 1000 time bootstrap procedure. RESULTS: Thirty-four subjects were included. Postoperative hyponatraemia occurred in four subjects (11.9%). The difference between preoperative and postoperative plasma sodium measurements (ΔNaP) correlated with calculated free water intake during surgery (r=0.37, P=0.03), but not with preoperative free water intake. Calculated operative free water intake exceeding 6.5 ml kg(-1) h(-1) was associated with ΔNaP≥4 mM with a sensitivity and specificity [median (95% confidence interval)] of 0.7 (0.9-1) and 0.5 (0.3-0.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Hypotonic solutions and i.v. free water intake of more than 6.5 ml kg(-1) h(-1) are associated with reductions in postoperative plasma sodium measurements ≥4 mM. In the context of neonatal surgery, close monitoring of plasma sodium is mandatory. Routine use of hypotonic i.v. solutions during neonatal surgery should be questioned as they are likely to reduce plasma sodium.

[The profile urological emergencies at the Conakry University Teaching Hospital, Guinea]. / Le profil des urgences urologiques au CHU de Conakry, Guinée.

OBJECTIVE: To stick out the profile urological emergencies at the Conakry University Teaching Hospital, Guinea. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study, carried out over a period of 3 years (January 2005-December 2007), included 757 urological emergencies admitted to the urology department of the university hospital of Conakry, Guinea. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 56 years. These patients had an age equal to or higher than 60 years in 58% of the cases. The sex ratio (M/F) was 16.6. According to the social profession, the farmer (40,6%) and workers (21%) were the dominant patients. The most frequent illness was vesical urinary retention (73.9%), hematuria (9.6%) and genito-urinary system trauma (7%). The most performed procedures were the installation of a urethral catheter (55.25%) and the installation of a suprapubic catheter (24.14%). CONCLUSION: The most frequent urological emergency in our country was vesical urinary retention, the hematuria and genito-urinary system trauma are not rare there.

[Prevalence of illegal abortions in Libreville Hospital, Gabon]. / Prévalence des avortements clandestins au centre hospitalier de Libreville, Gabon.

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of illegal abortion in Libreville and to describe abortive methods used. It is a cross sectional and descriptive survey carried out at the maternity hospital of Libreville (MHL) during one year, from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008. 750 abortions were performed during this period and 651 cases were illegal abortions. Prevalence was of 86.7%. The women undergoing illegal abortion were most often pupils (67.1%), with an average age of 22.4 +/- 5.3 years old and a mean parity of 1.2 +/- 1.50. The average gestational term was of 7.4 +/- 1.9 weeks. Misoprostol (63.1%) was the most frequent abortive product used. 2 maternal deaths were notified. Prevalence of illegal abortions is increasing at the MHL. Up to now, misoprostol is the most frequent abortive product used.