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INTRODUCTION: To improve and maintain quality and safety in anesthesia, standards have been proposed regarding human resources, facilities and equipment, medications and intravenous fluids, monitoring, and the conduct of anesthesia. Compliance with these standards remains a challenge in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and results in high morbidity and mortality particularly in children. This aim of this study was to assess the progress made in improving the pediatric anesthesia infrastructures, human resources, education, medications, and equipment in French-speaking SSA over the past 10 years (2013-2022). METHODS: This is a descriptive, multicenter, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection, conducted from September 1 to November 5, 2023. Comparative data from 2012 to 2022 were collected through an online survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 12 countries out of 14. The number of hospitals providing pediatric surgery and anesthesia rose from 94 in 2012 to 142 in 2022 (+51%). The total number of physician anesthesiologists rose from 293 (0.1 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 inhabitants) in 2012 to 597 (0.2 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 inhabitants) in 2022 (+103.7%). Five (0.006 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 children) had completed a fellowship in pediatric anesthesia and intensive care in 2012, and 15 (0.01 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 children) in 2022 (+200%). Five physician anesthesiologists had an exclusive pediatric anesthesia practice in 2012, whereas they were 32 in 2022 (+540%). There is no specialized training in pediatric anesthesia and intensive care in any of these countries. Halothane was always available in 81.5% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 50.4% of the hospitals in 2022. Sevoflurane was always available in 5% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 36.2% in 2022. Morphine was always available in 32.2% in 2012, whereas it was available in 52.9% of them in 2022. Pediatric pulse oximeter sensors were available in 36% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 63.4% in 2022. Capnography was available in 5.3% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 48% in 2022. CONCLUSION: Progress have been made over the last 10 years in French-speaking SSA to improve infrastructures, human resources, education, medications, and equipment for pediatric anesthesia in French-speaking SSA. However, major efforts must be continued. Standards adapted to the local context should be formulated.
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BACKGROUND: Head computed tomography scan (HCTS) is the cornerstone of the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The impact of performing a HCTS in TBI has been scarcely investigated in low-income countries (LICs). Furthermore, the cost of a HCTS is a burden for family finances. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in Burkina Faso. All consecutive patients with isolated TBI needing a HCTS were included. Result and impact of HCTS were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 183 patients prescribed a HCTS for an isolated TBI. Mild, moderate, and severe TBIs represented 55%, 31%, and 14% of the cases, respectively. In 72 patients, HCTS was not performed because of economic barrier. Among the 110 HCTSs performed, there were intracranial lesions in 81 (74%) patients. Among the 110 performed HCTS, 34 (31% [22.3%-39.5%]) HCTSs altered the management of TBI, with 16 (15%) cases of surgical indications, and 20 (18%) cases of modification of the medical treatment. In patients without neurologic signs, the rate of alteration of management was 28%. The realization of the HCTSs was associated with the presence of neurologic signs and income level. In-hospital mortality was 11% (n = 21). Among the 162 patients discharged alive from the hospital, 27 (20%) were discharged with a severe disability state (Glasgow Outcome Scale score ≤3). The rate of return to work was 77%. CONCLUSIONS: No modification of guidelines can be advocated from this study. However, given the financial burden on family of performing HCTS, research may identify criteria allowing for avoiding HCTS. Guidelines specific to LICs are needed to get closer to the best interest of patients.
