[Hepatosplenic sarcoidosis: description of a case at the University hospital center of Brazzaville, Congo]. / Sarcoïdose à localisation hépatosplénique : description d'un cas au Centre hospitalier universitaire de Brazzaville, Congo.

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. The isolated extrapulmonary form is rare. We report the case of hepatosplenic sarcoidosis in a 29-year-old female patient.It is a patient with no notable medical history, who was seen in consultation for repeated epistaxis. Clinical examination noted nodular hepatomegaly associated with signs of portal hypertension and splenomegaly. Sedimentation rate, alkaline phosphatase, serum angiotensin converting enzyme, aminotransferases were high. Histological examination of the spleen and liver biopsy noted granulomatous inflammatory infiltration without cancerous lesion or tonsil stones.This picture is comparable with sarcoidosis, despite the absence of PET scans. The main challenge remains the differential diagnosis with other granulomatoses. Corticosteroid therapy is the first-line treatment, and after splenectomy the patient has achieved clinical and biological stability.

Prevalence of Iron Deficiency, Anemia, and Associated Factors in a Blood Donor Population in Brazzaville, Congo.

Introduction: Blood donation is not without risk to the donor. It results in a substantial loss of iron and decreased hemoglobin. In our country, no predonation assessment is carried out and the selection of blood donors is only clinical. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of iron deficiency, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia and to identify the factors associated with anemia and iron status in a blood donor population at the National Center for Blood Transfusion (NCBT). Methodology. A prospective study is carried out that consists of 120 blood donors in three NCBT branches in the capital from June to November 2021. The donors were divided into 3 groups: first time donors (FTDs), occasional donors (ODs) who have already made between 1 and 3 previous donations, and regular donors (RDs) with at least 4 previous donations. Iron deficiency was defined by a serum ferritin value of less than 30 ng/mL in men and 20 ng/mL in women. Anemia was defined by Hb levels below 13 g/dL in men and 12 g/dL in women. Iron deficiency anemia was defined by association of anemia and iron deficiency. The chi-square test was used for the comparison of the proportions. The odds ratio with the 95% confidence interval was calculated to assess the association between two variables. The p value of the probability was considered significant for a value < 0.05. Results: Mean serum ferritin and hemoglobin values were lower in RD in both sexes. The prevalence of iron deficiency, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia were 16.66%, 31.66%, and 10.83%, respectively. The factors associated with the three abnormalities were female sex, donor type, including RD, and number of previous donations. Conclusion: Iron deficiency, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia are common among blood donors in Brazzaville. Anemia affects almost a third of blood donors and is not always linked to iron deficiency. Safety of donors should be improved by systematic measurement of ferritinemia and hemoglobin levels before allowing donations for appropriate management in the event of abnormalities.

Associated Factors of Cholelithiasis among Younger Children with Sickle Cell Disease at the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease in Brazzaville, Congo.

Introduction: Chronic hemolysis predisposes sickle cell patients to the development of gallstones. Their frequency increases with age, but they may appear early in young children. In the absence of management, they expose the patient to complications that can hinder the quality of life and sometimes even death. This survey aimed to identify the associated factors of the occurrence of cholelithiasis. Materials and Methods: It was a case-control study carried out between January 2017 and June 2022 at the National Reference Center for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) "Antoinette Sassou N'guesso" in Brazzaville. It concerned 37 children with cholelithiasis. Sociodemographic (socioeconomic status and diet) and clinical (body mass index, frequency of vasoocclusive crises and hospitalization for vasoocclusive crises, number of blood transfusion, and chronic complications) as well as hematological examination (type of SCD and blood count in the intercritical period) and hydroxyurea treatment were compared with those of 74 children with no clinical and radiographic signs of cholelithiasis. The chi-squared statistical test and the odds ratio were used for the comparison (p < 0.05). Results: The average age was 9.70 ± 1.73 years. The 10-12 age group was the most represented (22 cases or 59.45%), followed by 7- to 9-year-olds (12 cases or 32.43%). Three children (8.10%) were 6 years old. The sex ratio was 0.68 vs. 1.38. Factors associated with cholelithiasis were low socioeconomic status (83.78% vs. 45.95%; IC 95% 1.46-3.89; p ≤ 0.001), a higher number of blood transfusions (5.54 ± 1.22 vs. 2.46 ± 1.13; IC 95% 1.55-6.70; p ≤ 0.001), and irregular systematic monitoring (5.54 ± 1.22 vs. 2.46 ± 1.13; IC 95% 1.55-6.70; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: A national strategy to facilitate access to care for patients living with sickle cell disease is imperative. Moreover, emphasis should be placed on the prevention and early management of acute complications of SCD.

[Cervical tumefaction in a child at Brazzaville University Hospital, Republic of the Congo]. / Tuméfaction cervicale chez une enfant au CHU de Brazzaville, République du Congo.

A 8-year-old schoolgirl from West Africa with no previous pathological history was admitted to the haematology department of the Brazzaville University Hospital for the management of cervical adenopathy. The diagnosis of sinus histiocytosis or Destombes-Rosaï-Dorfman disease was retained and the patient was treated with PO corticosteroids (methylprednisolone 32 mg/d then 16 mg/d). Given the rarity and uncertain aetiopathogeny of this syndrome, treatment is poorly codified. It includes corticosteroid therapy, immunomodulators and sometimes chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery, indicated in case of clinical manifestations of local organ compression. The disease may regress spontaneously. Its benignity does not justify systematic treatment in the absence of complications.

Hospital acquired infection in a department of hematology-oncology care in the Congo.

OBJECTIVES: Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hemato-oncology. The study aims to report the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in patients with hematological malignancies and the risk factors associated with them. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational study with cross-sectional data collection was carried out from January 1, 2019, to April 30, 2020, in the department of hematology of Brazzaville University Hospital. The study concerned 77 patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies admitted for a course of chemotherapy. Written consent was obtained from each participant. Participants were divided into two groups: with HAI (n=50) and without HAI (n=27). They were compared using the chi-square test and Student's T-test. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the association of HAI with all the risk factors were performed for analysis of the 2 x k contingency tables and repeated using logistic regression. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence was 64.9% with a 95% confidence interval of [53.8-74.7]. The time to onset of HAIs was 10.6±6.50 days. The incidence of HAI was significantly greater in acute myelogenous leukemia (80%), grade 4 neutropenia (80%). The risk factors were hospitalization stay of over 14 days (OR: 1.09), the regimen: daunorubicin-aracytine (OR: 5.96), the hemoglobin level on admission (OR: 0.72), and the neutropenia of grade 4 (OR: 7.9). The most common clinically identified focus of infection was peripheral venous infections. The fatality rate was 10%. CONCLUSION: The determination of HAI and the identification of its risk factors make it possible to establish prevention strategies.

Les hémopathies lymphoïdes chroniques à Brazzaville

L'épidémiologie des hémopathies lymphoïdes chroniques au Congo n'est pas connue. L'objectif de cette étude est de rapporter la distribution des hémopathies lymphoïdes chronique à Brazzaville.Patients et méthodes : Il s'agi d'une étude transversale descriptive réalisée dans le Service d'Hématologie Clinique du CHU de Brazzaville au Congo. La période étudiée est de 10 ans (du 1er janvier 2006 au 31 décembre 2015). Etaient inclus dans l'étude tous les dossiers de consultation et d'hospitalisation portant le diagnostic d'hémopathie lymphoïdes chroniques.Résultats : 150 cas d'hémopathies lymphoïdes chroniques ont été diagnostiquées durant la période d'étude. Parmi elles, le myélome multiple représentait 52% de la population étudiée (n=78), le lymphome malin non Hodgkinien 22,67% (n=34), le lymphome de Hodgkin et la leucémie lymphoïde chronique respectivement 9,33% (n=14) et la leucémie à tricholeucocyte 6,67% (n=10). La distribution était essentiellement féminine (sex-ratio=0,70). Les pathologies lymphoprolifératives chroniques étaient plus observées dans la tranche d'âge de 45 à 49 ans (66,7%).Conclusion : Les hémopathies lymphoïdes chroniques constituent par leur fréquence un problème sanitaire. Elles plaident pour des études épidémiologiques analytiques afin de mettre en place une politique préventive de celles-ci

Pregnancy and Accelerated Phase of Myeloid Chronic Leukemia Treated with Imatinib: A Case Report from a Developing Country.

Background. Chronic myeloid leukemia is a hematological malignancy caused by expression of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase oncogene, product of the t(9;22) Philadelphia translocation. Accelerated phase of this disease marks the onset of advanced rapidly progressive disease unresponsive to many therapies. Pregnancy limits broad number of therapies on patients because of their potential teratogenic effects. We report the case of a pregnant 34-year-old patient on accelerated phase successively managed by imatinib. She achieved a safe pregnancy and delivered at 39 weeks a healthy baby without congenital abnormalities. Our case is unusual because of the accelerated phase of the disease. Case Presentation. A 34-year-old African female with history of chronic phase of myeloid leukemia on imatinib, lost to follow-up for 4 months, presented to the hematological department for abdominal discomfort. Accelerated phase of chronic myeloid leukemia was diagnosed. Complete hematological response was achieved on high doses of imatinib. At the completion of 39 weeks, she delivered a healthy child without congenital anomalies. Conclusion. Despite its teratogenic and embryotoxic effects, front line imatinib is the only effective, well-tolerated treatment for patient on accelerated phase that can be offered to patients in sub-Saharan countries.

Sickle-Cell Disease Healthcare Cost in Africa: Experience of the Congo.

Background. Lack of medical coverage in Africa leads to inappropriate care that has an impact on the mortality rate. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cost of severe acute sickle-cell related complications in Brazzaville. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted in 2014 in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. It concerned 94 homozygote sickle-cell children that developed severe acute sickle-cell disease related complications (average age 69 months). For each patient, we calculated the cost of care complication. Results. The household income was estimated as low (

[Clinical profile of sickle cell homozygote patient after the age of 30 years]. / Profil clinique du sujet drépanocytaire homozygote après l'âge de 30 ans.

The authors analyse the clinical and epidemiological profile of 63 patients with major Sickle cell and regularly followed up in the department of haematology of the National University Hospital of Brazzaville (CHU) between the 1st of January 1993 and the 30th of June 1996. Acute vasculo occlusive crisis are rare, however anaemic crisis are still present. The average haemoglobin rate between crisis is 7.86 g/dl (extreme values 5.9 to 10.8 g/dl). This study shows that despite the multiple complications, often degenerative, life expectancy of the homozygous sickle cell patient can still be improved.