Surgical Advances in Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Africa: What About the Endoscopic Approach?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the practices, trends, and challenges associated with the use of endoscopic techniques in Africa related to the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia METHODS: The questionnaire, which was based on Google Forms, assessed several points related to the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. RESULTS: In 67.4% of the centers, BPH was the primary pathology requiring surgical management. In all 43 centers, approximately 1/3 of the urologists (n = 41) are able to perform an endoscopic procedure for the management of prostatic hypertrophy. Of the 43 centers, 30 had a block equipped with endourology equipment, and 56.6% (n = 17) performed endourological surgery exclusively for the surgical management of BPH. TURP is the most widely used endoscopic technique. Open prostatectomy was the only surgical technique used in 14 centers (32.5%). In the remaining centers, both procedures (endoscopy and open surgery) were used depending on the surgeon's skills. Twenty-six (60.5%) centers expressed the need for training in endoscopic management of BPH. CONCLUSION: The main challenges encountered relate to the lack of competent personnel, the unavailability of equipment and materials, and the high cost to patients. It is essential to develop modern urology in Africa, particularly in terms of endourological practices.

Place of urolithiasis in the spectrum of urological pathologies, practices and use of endourological procedures in the management of calculi of the upper urinary tract: results of a survey of referral centres in Africa.

Our aim was to determine the current trend of endourology in the management of upper urinary tract calculi in Africa reference centres. We conducted an online multiple-choice questionnaire survey involving 46 centres from 27 countries using a structured well-designed Google Form (®) questionnaire. The questionnaires were distributed to the head of service through their emails. The questions collected demographic data about the centre, the epidemiology of urolithiasis, diagnostic means and management of upper urolithiasis, especially access to endourology procedures and their practices. Descriptive analyses were performed. The participation rate was 77.9%. Urinary lithiasis was one of the three main pathologies encountered in 42/46 centres. 33 centres had easy access to CT scanners and 34 had operating theatres equipped with endo-urological surgery equipment. Of these 34 centres, 30 perform endourology for the management of upper urinary tract stones. Rigid ureteroscopy is the main technique used by the centres. It is the only endourology technique used for stone management by 12 centres (40%). 7/30 (23.3%) have the option of performing rigid ureteroscopy, flexible ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The frequency of procedures varies widely, with 43.3% rarely performing endourological surgery. Seventeen centres have their operating theatre equipped with a fluoroscope and 6/42 centres have extracorporeal lithotripsy. Open surgery is still used in 29/42 centres (69.1%). Laparoscopy is available in 50% of centres, but none reported performing laparoscopic lithotomy. In Africa, urinary lithiasis plays an important role in the activities of referral centres. Modern management techniques are used to varying degrees (not all centres have them) and with very variable frequency. Open surgery is still widely performed as a management. Rigid ureteroscopy is the main endourological technique. It is essential to develop the practice of modern urology in Africa, mainly endourology.

Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et évolutifs de la tuberculose multifocale à N'djamena / Epidemiology, Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Multifocal Tuberculosis in N'djamena

Introduction. La tuberculose est dite multifocale (TMF) lorsqu ́il y a l ́atteinte d ́au moins deux sites extra pulmonaires non contigus associée ou non à une atteinte pulmonaire. Cette étude avait pour but d'étudier les aspects épidémiologiques, diagnostics et évolutifs de la TMF au service de pneumo-phtisiologie du CHU-RN de N'Djamena. Matériels et méthode. Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective à visée descriptive de 5 ans allant de janvier 2018 à décembre 2022. Les variables étudiées étaient, épidémiologiques, cliniques et évolutives. Résultats. Au total, 185 patients étaient inclus sur 2001 cas de tuberculose, soit une fréquence de 9,24%. L'âge moyen était de 34,1 ans avec des extrêmes de 16 ans et 75 ans. Le sex-ratio était de 1,28. Les patients sans-emploi étaient majoritaire soit 47% des cas. La notion de contage tuberculeux représentait 13,5% des cas, et 66,5% des patients étaient vaccinés au BCG avec une séroprévalence VIH de 54,6%. Tous les signes habituels de la tuberculose étaient présents. La localisation pulmonaire était la plus représentée (66,2%) suivie de la localisation ganglionnaire (48,6%). Dans 80% des cas, la localisationétait bifocale. La mortalité était de 21,6% pour un séjour moyen d'hospitalisation de 20,26 jours. Conclusion. La tuberculose multifocale est une forme rare et grave, qui survient généralement chez les patients infectés par le VIH, mais le sujet immunocompétent peut être aussi touché. Un traitement antituberculeux doit être instauré le plus rapidement possible afind'éviter les complications

Introduction. Tuberculosisis called multifocal (TMF) when there is involvement of at least two non-contiguous extrapulmonary sites, whether or notassociated with pulmonary involvement. This study aimed to study the epidemiological, diagnostic and evolutionary aspects of FMT in the pneumo-phthisiology department of the CHU-RN of N'Djamena. Materials and method. This was a 5-year retrospective study with a descriptive aim from January 2018 to December 2022. The variables studied were epidemiological, clinical and progressive. Results. In total, 185 patients were included out of 2001 cases of tuberculosis, i.e. a frequency of 9.24%. The average age was 34.1 years with extremes of 16 and 75 years. The sex ratio was 1.28. Unemployed patients were the majority, i.e. 47% of cases. The notion of tuberculosis contagion represented 13.5% of cases, and 66.5% of patients were vaccinated with BCG with an HIV seroprevalence of 54.6%. All the usual signs of tuberculosis were present. The pulmonary location was the most represented (66.2%) followed by the lymph node location (48.6%). In 80% of cases, bifocal localization. Mortality was 21.6% for an average hospital stay of 20.26 days. Conclusion.Multifocal tuberculosis is a rare and serious form, which generally occurs in patients infected with HIV, but immunocompetent subjects can also be affected. Anti-tuberculosis treatment must be started as quickly as possible to avoid complications.

Exposure and resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides in invasive and endemic Chadian urban rodent species to develop a rational management strategy.

Rodent management involves the use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). This use has resulted in the selection of numerous resistance alleles in the Vkorc1 gene, encoding the target enzyme of ARs. In Africa, although rodents are a major problem as a consequence of their transport and transmission of zoonotic pathogens, and damage to crops, the use of ARs and the spread of resistance alleles are poorly documented. We attempted to address both issues in Chad which is one of the largest countries in Africa. Owing to its location at the crossroads of central and northern Africa, Chad is representative of many African countries. METHODS: Using a sampling of nearly 300 rodents composed of invasive and endemic rodents collected in six of Chad's largest cities, exposure to ARs was analyzed by their quantification in the liver; the spread of AR resistance alleles was analyzed by Vkorc1 sequencing. RESULTS: We demonstrate the use of both ARs generations in Chadian cities and report the total sequencing of the Vkorc1 for 44 Mastomys natalensis with detection of two different haplotypes, the sequencing of the Vkorc1 for two other endemic rodent species, M. kollmannspergeri and Arvicanthis niloticus, and finally the detection of three new missense mutations - V29E, V69E and D127V - in R. rattus, potentially associated with resistance to ARs. DISCUSSION: These results should argue for the implementation of a reasoned management of rodent populations in Africa to avoid the spread of ARs resistance alleles. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Investigation of anticoagulant rodenticide resistance induced by Vkorc1 mutations in rodents in Lebanon.

Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) remain the most effective chemical substances used to control rodents in order to limit their agricultural and public health damage in both rural and urban environments. The emergence of genetically based resistance to AR worldwide has threatened effective rodent control. This study gives a first overview of the distribution and frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism in the vitamin K epoxide reductase subcomponent 1 (Vkorc1) gene in rodents in Lebanon. In the Mus genus, we detected two missense mutations Leu128Ser and Tyr139Cys, that confer resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides in house mice and a new missense mutation Ala72Val in the Mus macedonicus species, not previously described. In the Rattus genus, we found one missense mutation Leu90Ile in the roof rat and one missense mutation Ser149Ile in the Norway rat. This is the first study to demonstrate potential resistance to AR in Lebanese rodents and therefore it provides data to pest control practitioners to choose the most suitable AR to control rodents in order to keep their efficacy.

Post-resection emphysematous prostatitis due to multi-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex: A case of successful conservative management.

Emphysematous prostatitis is a rare complication of bacterial prostatitis with a high mortality rate. Due to limited publications on this entity, its management is not standardized. In the reported cases, the treatment consisted of rapid and complete drainage of the abscess, with early antibiotic therapy. We report a case of emphysematous prostatitis in a 76-year-old patient at D17 of a prostatic resection who presented to the emergency room with asthenia and fever. Clinically, he was in sepsis. The isolated germ is an Enterococcus Enterobacter cloacae complex, sensitive to Piperacillin + Tazobactam. The ultimate evolution was favorable.

Shallow Quaternary groundwater in the Lake Chad basin is resilient to climate change but requires sustainable management strategy: Results of isotopic investigation.

Within the Lake Chad Basin, the unconfined Quaternary aquifer offers permanent and easy access to water resources. This transboundary regional aquifer is shared by Chad, Niger, Nigeria and Cameroon and extends over ~500,000 km2. Climatic conditions and repeated droughts as well as the intensification of agriculture in the region have multiple negative impacts on the aquifer such as changes in groundwater level and its quality. Being a strategic water resource for the whole Chadian region, the groundwater potential of the Quaternary aquifer must be better characterized and understood to evaluate its resilience to climate change and anthropogenic impact. Stable isotopes and tritium of the water molecule were used to estimate water origin and residence time at the regional scale and to elucidate the interconnections between the different hydrological and hydrogeological components. Results show active recharge processes to the Quaternary aquifer as well as dynamic connections with surface waters (both river courses and wetlands) but also indicate less dynamic behavior of the Quaternary groundwater resource in some areas of the region. Based on the isotopic investigations, the Quaternary aquifer in the Chad basin was found to be resilient to climate change but its hydrogeological specificities (dependence to surface water from the upstream basins and transboundary nature of its structure) can make it prone to inadequate management strategies.

Functional outcome of unstable pelvic fractures treated in a level III hospital in a developing country: a 10-year prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Unstable pelvic fractures are severe and life-threatening injuries with high morbi-mortality rates. Management of these fractures is a major challenge in orthopaedic practice in limited resource communities. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome of unstable pelvic fractures managed in a hospital with limited diagnostic and therapeutic facilities. METHODOLOGY: This was a hospital-based prospective observational study carried out from 1st of January 2009 to 31st of December 2018 at the Limbe Regional Hospital, a level III health institution in the South-West region of Cameroon. RESULTS: A total of 68 patients were included in the study. The ages ranged from 18 to 80 years with a mean age of 39 ± 5 years. The average follow-up duration at the latest visit was 36 months (range 3-84 months). There were 59 cases that were evaluated. The overall average Majeed score was fair. Poor outcomes were noted in patients aged 60 years and above, those with co-morbidities, and those managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Although the functional outcomes following unstable pelvic fractures have improved with modernised diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, it is not the case in poor resource settings where the lack of these modalities makes the management challenging, consequently affecting the functional outcome.

[Recrudescence of yellow fever in Chad: case report of the last confirmed case in the health district of Lai-Chad]. / Recrudescence de la fièvre jaune au Tchad: à propos du dernier cas confirmé dans le district sanitaire de Lai-Tchad.

Yellow fever (YF) is a viral haemorrhagic fever caused by yellow fever virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Since 2013, in Chad, four cases of yellow fever have been detected and confirmed as part of the national fever surveillance program. We here report the last clinical case confirmed in the health district of Lai. The patient was a 57-year-old man with no significant medical and surgical history and unknown immunisation status. He consulted on April 21st, 2020 for fever, moderate to low abundance jaundice and epistaxis (nosebleed) and painful hepatomegaly. Paraclinical examinations, such as RT-PCR, objectified yellow fever virus in post-mortem tissue sample. Thus, confirmed yellow fever cases in this district, the low level of vaccination coverage, the circulation of the virus and the presence of vector in the country should warn of a real threat of reemergence of yellow fever in Chad.

Seasonal diet-based resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides in the fossorial water vole (Arvicola amphibius).

Anticoagulant rodenticides (AR) resistance has been defined as "a major loss of efficacy due to the presence of a strain of rodent with a heritable and commensurately reduced sensitivity to the anticoagulant". The mechanism that supports this resistance has been identified as based on mutations in the Vkorc1 gene leading to severe resistance in rats and mice. This study evaluates the validity of this definition in the fossorial water vole and explores the possibility of a non-genetic diet-based resistance in a strict herbivorous rodent species. Genetic support was explored by sequencing the Vkorc1 gene and the diet-based resistance was explored by the dosing of vitamins K in liver of voles according to seasons. From a sample of 300 voles, only 2 coding mutations, G71R and S149I, were detected in the Vkorc1 gene in the heterozygous state with low allele frequencies (0.5-1%). These mutations did not modify the sensitivity to AR, suggesting an absence of genetic Vkorc1-based resistance in the water vole. On the contrary, vitamin K1 was shown to be 5 times more abundant in the liver of the water vole compared to rats. This liver concentration was shown to seasonally vary, with a trough in late winter and a peak in late spring/early summer related to the growth profile of grass. This increase in concentration might be responsible for the increased resistance of water voles to AR. This study highlights a non-genetic, diet-related resistance mechanism in rodents to AR. This diet-based resistance might explain the different evolution of the Vkorc1 gene in the fossorial water vole compared to rats and mice.

Is Schistosomiasis a Risk Factor for Bladder Cancer? Evidence-Based Facts.

Background . Globally, approximately 20% of malignancy are caused by infection. Schistosoma infection is a major cause of bladder in most part of Africa. In 2018 alone, there were approximately 549,393 new cases and 199,922 deaths from bladder cancer. The presence of Schistosoma ova in the venous plexus of the bladder induces a cascade of inflammation causing significant tissue damage and granulomatous changes. Methodology. A literature review was conducted from 1995 to 2019 using PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online, and Google databases. Relevant data on the association of "Schistosomiasis and Bladder cancer" in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) were retrieved. Evidence Synthesis. Results from research using animal models to establish the carcinogenesis of Schistosoma and bladder cancer have been helpful but inconclusive. Immunoregulatory cytokines and genetic marker have been identified to play a role in the pathogenesis. In some parts of sub-Saharan Africa, there has been close association of squamous cell carcinoma and histological evidence of Schistosoma ova. Conclusion. There are some data to support the association between schistosomiasis and bladder cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. However, these have been limited by their design and may not sufficiently establish carcinogenesis. There is a need for more genomic and molecular research to better characterize S. haematobium and its effects on the bladder. Such goal will contribute immensely to Schistosoma bladder cancer prevention and control.

Implementation of Case-Based Surveillance and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction to Monitor Bacterial Meningitis Pathogens in Chad.

BACKGROUND: Meningococcal serogroup A conjugate vaccine (MACV) was introduced in Chad during 2011-2012. Meningitis surveillance has been conducted nationwide since 2003, with case-based surveillance (CBS) in select districts from 2012. In 2016, the MenAfriNet consortium supported Chad to implement CBS in 4 additional districts and real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt-PCR) at the national reference laboratory (NRL) to improve pathogen detection. We describe analysis of bacterial meningitis cases during 3 periods: pre-MACV (2010-2012), pre-MenAfriNet (2013-2015), and post-MenAfriNet (2016-2018). METHODS: National surveillance targeted meningitis cases caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Cerebrospinal fluid specimens, inoculated trans-isolate media, and/or isolates from suspected meningitis cases were tested via culture, latex, and/or rt-PCR; confirmed bacterial meningitis was defined by a positive result on any test. We calculated proportion of suspected cases with a specimen received by period, and proportion of specimens with a bacterial meningitis pathogen identified, by period, pathogen, and test. RESULTS: The NRL received specimens for 6.8% (876/12813), 46.4% (316/681), and 79.1% (787/995) of suspected meningitis cases in 2010-2012, 2013-2015, and 2016-2018, respectively, with a bacterial meningitis pathogen detected in 33.6% (294/876), 27.8% (88/316), and 33.2% (261/787) of tested specimens. The number of N. meningitidis serogroup A (NmA) among confirmed bacterial meningitis cases decreased from 254 (86.4%) during 2010-2012 to 2 (2.3%) during 2013-2015, with zero NmA cases detected after 2014. In contrast, proportional and absolute increases were seen between 2010-2012, 2013-2015, and 2016-2018 in cases caused by S. pneumoniae (5.1% [15/294], 65.9% [58/88], and 52.1% [136/261]), NmX (0.7% [2/294], 1.1% [1/88], and 22.2% [58/261]), and Hib (0.3% [1/294], 11.4% [10/88], and 14.9% [39/261]). Of specimens received at the NRL, proportions tested during the 3 periods were 47.7% (418), 53.2% (168), and 9.0% (71) by latex; 81.4% (713), 98.4% (311), and 93.9% (739) by culture; and 0.0% (0), 0.0% (0), and 90.5% (712) by rt-PCR, respectively. During the post-MenAfriNet period (2016-2018), 86.1% (678) of confirmed cases were tested by both culture and rt-PCR, with 12.5% (85) and 32.4% (220) positive by culture and rt-PCR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CBS implementation was associated with increased specimen referral. Increased detection of non-NmA cases could reflect changes in incidence or increased sensitivity of case detection with rt-PCR. Continued surveillance with the use of rt-PCR to monitor changing epidemiology could inform the development of effective vaccination strategies.

[Fracture of the penis at teaching university hospital Luxemburg in Mali : two cases report]. / La fracture de la verge a propos de 2 cas au service d'urologie du CHU Luxembourg/Mali.

The fracture of the penis is a rare andrological emergency. We report 2 cases of fracture of the penis including one by false-no coitus. These were young adults aged 34 and 40 respectively. The painful swelling with deviation of the penis was the dominant symptomatology of the clinical picture of the 2 patients. Surgical management was performed with favorable functional results in both cases. The long-term functional prognosis of the fracture of the penis depends on the speed of its management.

La fracture de la verge est une urgence andrologique rare. Nous rapportons 2 cas de fracture de la verge dont un par faux-pas de coït. Il s'agissait d'adultes jeunes âgés respectivement de 34 ans et 40 ans. La tuméfaction douloureuse avec déviation de la verge a été la symptomatologie dominante du tableau clinique des 2 patients. Une prise en charge chirurgicale a été réalisée avec des résultats fonctionnels favorables dans les 2 cas. Le pronostic fonctionnel à long terme de la fracture de la verge dépend de la célérité de sa prise en charge.

A large outbreak of Hepatitis E virus genotype 1 infection in an urban setting in Chad likely linked to household level transmission factors, 2016-2017.

BACKGROUND: In September 2016, three acutely jaundiced (AJS) pregnant women were admitted to Am Timan Hospital, eastern Chad. We described the outbreak and conducted a case test-negative study to identify risk factors for this genotype of HEV in an acute outbreak setting. METHODS: Active case finding using a community based surveillance network identified suspected AJS cases. Pregnant or visibly ill AJS cases presenting at hospital were tested with Assure® IgM HEV rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and some with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Amsterdam; confirmed cases were RDT-positive and controls were RDT-negative. All answered questions around: demographics, household makeup, area of residence, handwashing practices, water collection behaviour and clinical presentation. We calculated unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Between September and April 2017, 1443 AJS cases (1293 confirmed) were detected in the town(attack rate: 2%; estimated 65,000 population). PCR testing confirmed HEV genotype 1e. HEV RDTs were used for 250 AJS cases; 100 (40%) were confirmed. Risk factors for HEV infection, included: having at least two children under the age of 5 years (OR 2.1, 95%CI 1.1-4.3), having another household member with jaundice (OR 2.4, 95%CI 0.90-6.3) and, with borderline significance, living in the neighbourhoods of Riad (OR 3.8, 95%CI 1.0-1.8) or Ridina (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.0-12.6). Cases were more likely to present with vomiting (OR 3.2, 9%CI 1.4-7.9) than controls; possibly due to selection bias. Cases were non-significantly less likely to report always washing hands before meals compared with controls (OR 0.33, 95%CI 0.1-1.1). DISCUSSION: Our study suggests household factors and area of residence (possibly linked to access to water and sanitation) play a role in HEV transmission; which could inform future outbreak responses. Ongoing sero-prevalence studies will elucidate more aspects of transmission dynamics of this virus with genotype 1e.

The peculiar epidemiology of dracunculiasis in Chad.

Dracunculiasis was rediscovered in Chad in 2010 after an apparent absence of 10 years. In April 2012 active village-based surveillance was initiated to determine where, when, and how transmission of the disease was occurring, and to implement interventions to interrupt it. The current epidemiologic pattern of the disease in Chad is unlike that seen previously in Chad or other endemic countries, i.e., no clustering of cases by village or association with a common water source, the average number of worms per person was small, and a large number of dogs were found to be infected. Molecular sequencing suggests these infections were all caused by Dracunculus medinensis. It appears that the infection in dogs is serving as the major driving force sustaining transmission in Chad, that an aberrant life cycle involving a paratenic host common to people and dogs is occurring, and that the cases in humans are sporadic and incidental.

Les encéphalocèles : aspects épidémiologiques cliniques et thérapeutiques à propos de 96 cas colligés à l'hôpital national de Niamey

Objectifs : L'objectif de ce travail est d'étudier le profil épidémiologique, clinique et thérapeutique de l'encéphalocèle et d'alerter pour une stratégie préventive adaptée suivant les réalités locales de prise en charge des patients. Méthodes : Il s'agit d'une étude rétrospective et prospective effectuée à l'Hôpital National de Niamey du 29 Février 2008 au 28 Février 2013 avec un suivi de seize (16) mois. Sont inclus dans notre étude les enfants de tous les sexes, âgés de zéro (0) à quinze (15) ans qui présentent une tuméfaction cranio-faciale ayant bénéficié systématiquement d'un scanner cérébral et /ou d'une échographie transfontanellaire qui confirme le diagnostic d'encéphalocèle aboutissant à une cure chirurgicale. Résultats : Durant cinq (5) années une étude sur les encéphalocèles est menée à l'Hôpital National de Niamey au service de Neurochirurgie. Quatre-vingt-seize(96) patients sont vus et chez lesquels, après une TDM cérébrale, le diagnostic d'encéphalocèle fut posé. Il en résulte que: 64,6% des patients sont de sexe féminin contre 35,4% de sexe masculin avec un sexe ratio de 0,55; l'âge des patients varie de 3jours à 5ans1mois 18jours avec une moyenne de six(6) mois; l'encéphalocèle occipitale est le type le plus fréquent : 81,25% ;nos patients sont issus à 32,29% d'une grossesse mal suivie et à 42,71% d'une grossesse non suivie et à 4,16% d'une grossesse bien suivie; dans 10,4% des cas l'accouchement a eu lieu à la maternité; aucun antécédent familial d'encéphalocèle n'est retrouvé dans les familles des patients; aucune des mères de nos patientes n'a pris de l'acide folique pendant qu'elle était en grossesse; le diagnostic est toujours confirmé par une TDM cérébrale dans 100% des patients opérés; le traitement qu'on a entrepris est la cure chirurgicale de l 'encéphalocèle; dans 17,71% des cas l'encéphalocèle est associée à une hydrocéphalie en préopératoire et dans 42,71% à une hydrocéphalie post-opératoire, dans 2,08% des cas elle est associée au spina bifida et/ou à un syndrome de Dandy Walker. A 6 mois l'évolution post-opératoire est favorable dans 86,5% des cas. Néanmoins nous déplorons six (6) cas de décès parmi les 96 patients dont un en post opératoire, un autre en peropératoire et quatre(4) autres au service ce qui nous fait 6,25% de décès en cinq (5) ans. Conclusion : L'encéphalocèle est une pathologie congénitale fréquente au Niger ; elle est responsable d'une mortalité et d'une morbidité importante. Le devenir de la pathologie peut tourner autrement si elle est diagnostiquée en anténatal ou prévenue très tôt par la prise d'acide folique d'où l'intérêt du diagnostic anténatal et de la prévention