Eugène Belley Priso

The profile of patients with obstructive uropathy in Cameroon: case of the Douala General Hospital

Introduction Obstructive uropathy can lead to irreversible kidney damage. The etiology largely determined by the patients age can be benign or malignant. This study aimed at determining the profile and outcome of patients with obstructive uropathy in Cameroon. Methods A cross sectional study carried out in the urology unit of the Douala General Hospital, including patients with a diagnosis of obstructive uropathy seen from January 2004 to December 2013. Clinical profile, treatment and outcome data were obtained from patients records. Results Of the 229 patients included 69% were men, mean age 50 ±18 years. Associated comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes, and HIV. Mean haemoglobin 8,40±2,4g/dl, mean GFR 10,3 ±10ml/min, 94 (41%) patients needed emergency dialysis. Symptoms at presentation: asthenia (57%), anorexia (55%), loin pain (37%), vomiting (28%), oedema (20%), and anuria (15%). Urinary tract infection was present in 33 patients. Main aetiologies of obstruction: urolithiasis (35%), begnin prostatic hypertrophy (27%), prostatic cancer (12%), cervical cancer (16%), and congenital malformations (5%). Drainage was effective in 102 (45%) patients, 63 (28%) recovered completely, 91 (41%) were loss to follow up, 49 (22%) died and more women (p = 0.02). Mortality was associated with prostatic cancer (p = 0.000), cervical cancer (p = 0.004) and radiotherapy (p = 0.03). Conclusion Patients with obstructive uropathy presented with significant impaired renal function. Main causes were urinary stones, prostatic hypertrophy, prostatic and cervical cancers. Renal recovery was poor, loss to follow up and mortality high. Specific strategies to target improvement in renal recovery and patients survival are needed in this patients group.

Prévalence et facteurs associés à l’anémie en grossesse à l’Hôpital Général de Douala

Introduction L’anémie est un problème de santé publique, prédominant chez les enfants et les femmes en âge de procréer. L’objectif de l’étude était de déterminer la prévalence et les facteurs associés à l’anémie chez les femmes enceintes à l’Hôpital Général de Douala. Méthodes Il s’agissait d’une étude transversale qui s’est déroulée de juillet 2012 à juillet 2013. Toutes les femmes enceintes consentantes se présentant pour consultation prénatale et ayant réalisées une numération formule sanguine (NFS) étaient incluses. Les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, les antécédents obstétricaux et les résultats de la NFS étaient enregistrés sur une fiche technique pré-testée. L’anémie était définie selon les critères de l’OMS. Après quelques statistiques descriptives, nous avons effectué une analyse bivariée à l’aide du test de Chi 2 et la probabilité exacte de Fisher pour rechercher les facteurs associés à l’anémie. Une valeur de p< 0,05 était considérée significative. Résultats Au total 415 gestantes ont été recrutées. La prévalence de l’anémie était de 39,8%. L’âge moyen était de 29,89±4,835ans. Le taux moyen d’hémoglobine était de 10,93±1,23.L’anémie normochrome normocytaire (53,3%) était prédominante. L’anémie était sévère dans 2,4% des cas. L’anémie en grossesse était significativement associée aux antécédents de pathologies chroniques (P=0,02) et d’anémie gravidique antérieure (P=0,003). L’anémie était plus observée au 3ème trimestre (P=0,04) et l’allaitement maternel était protecteur (P=0,02). Conclusion La prévalence de l’anémie chez la femme enceinte reste élevée. Un accent doit être mis sur une meilleureprise en charge des pathologies chroniques chez les gestantes et sur leur suivi en post natal afin de corriger l’anémie avant la grossesse ultérieure.

Effects of phloroglucinol on the active phase of labour (EPAL trial): a single blinded randomised controlled trial in a tertiary hospital in sub-Sahara Africa

Introduction One of the most recognized factors of maternal and neonatal outcome pertaining to the peripartum period is the duration of labour. Finding a drug that will decrease the duration of labour with no effects on mother and foetus will be welcomed. Thereby in this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of phloroglucinol on the duration of the active phase of labour. Methods We did a single blinded placebo controlled randomised 1:1 parallel designed superiority trial between January and June 2017 in Douala general hospital. Participants greater than 18 years with singleton uncomplicated pregnancy who consented following randomisation, were administered either 80mg/8ml intravenous phloroglucinol or 8ml of sterile water when in active labour. The primary outcome was the duration of labour. Modified intention to treat analysis was done with the level of significance set at a p value of 0.05. Results 122 participants received the intervention. The mean total duration labour in the treatment and placebo group were 216.8 ± 38.7 and 358.5 ± 65.8 respectively (p value = 0.243). The mean duration of the active phase of labour in the treatment and placebo group were 183.0±35.6 and 316.0±52.2 respectively (p value = 0.046). The mean rate of cervical dilatation in the treatment and placebo group were 2.1 ± 0.4 and 1.3 ± 0.4 respectively (p value = 0.322). There was no difference in maternal and foetal outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion Phloroglucinol shortens the duration of active phase of labour by about 2 hours (42%). It is safe to mother and baby and does not cause adverse foetal or maternal outcomes.

Prélèvement de plaquettes pour la chirurgie cardiaque: première expérience d'aphérèse à l'Hôpital Général de Douala

Cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is usually associated with the loss of a significant amount of blood. Adequate prophylaxis against blood loss and good perioperative hemostasis are known as processes limiting postoperative bleeding. Until now, the need for platelets in patients operated with extracorporeal circulation in our Department has been compensated for by total blood transfusion or platelet concentrates collected from several donors. We here report our first experience with platelet concentrate collection by apheresis at the General Hospital in Douala.

Outcome of permanent vascular access for haemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease in Cameroon: results from the pilot experience of the Douala general hospital

Abstract Background Chronic Kidney disease is a major health problem in the world. Native arteriovenous Fistula (AVF) is well established as the best vascular access for haemodialysis. Little is known about the outcome of AVF in sub-Saharan Africa. We aim to analyze the outcome of patients undergoing AVF creation during the pilot program established at the Douala general hospital (DGH). Method This was hospital-based, longitudinal study with a retrospective phase (April 2010–January 2014) and a prospective phase (January 2014–April 2014). All consecutive patients operated for AVF creation were included in this study. Socio-demographics data, functionality, and complications were analyzed. Results Eighty-one patients including 52 men were enrolled in this study (49 prospectively and 32 retrospectively). The mean age was 52, 3 years (range 18–81 years). Hypertension (66, 7%), diabetes (17, 3%), and HIV (8, 6%) were the most observed co-morbidities. About 96.3% of AVF were native and 3.7% were prosthetic graft. Radiocephalic AVF was performed at a rate of 77.8%. The primary function rate was 97.7% and the mean follow-up period 43.4 weeks. The overall rate of complications was 44.4% of whom 30.5% were early, 30.5% secondary, and 39% lasted. The treatment of these complications was conservative in 48.7% of cases. Conclusions The results of the pilot program of AVF creation at the DGH are encouraging. However, the sustainability of this project requires human capacity building.

Trend in admissions, clinical features and outcome of preeclampsia and eclampsia as seen from the intensive care unit of the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon

Introduction Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) are a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. We aimed at determining the trends in admission, profiles and outcomes of women admitted for preeclampsia and eclampsia to an intensive care unit (ICU) in Cameroon. Methods A retrospective study involving 74 women admitted to the ICU of the Douala General Hospital for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia from January 2007 to December 2014. Clinical profiles and outcome data were obtained from patient records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Results Of the 74 women admitted to ICU (72.5% for eclampsia), mean age was 30.2years and the majority (90.5%) were aged 20-39 years. While overall trend in admission for HDP increased over the years, mortality remained stable. Mean gestational age (GA) on admission was 34.0 weeks (33.5 for preeclampsia vs 35.4 for eclampsia). Most patients presented with complications of which acute kidney injury was most frequent (66.7%). Visual problems were more common in patients with eclampsia compared to preeclampsia (p = 0.01). HELLP syndrome and acute pulmonary oedema (APO) were predominant in patients with preeclampsia, while cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) occurred more in patients with eclampsia. Overall mortality was 24.3%. Presence of APO was associated with mortality in multivariable analysis (O.R.= 0.03, p = 0,01). Conclusion Trends in admission for HDP were increasing with high but stable mortality rate. Patients presented late most of whom with complications. Interventions improving antenatal care services and multidisciplinary management approach may improve maternal outcome in patients with HDP.

Postpartum hemoperitoneum due to rupture of a blood vessel on a uterine pseudo tumor: A case report

We are reporting a case of hemoperitoneum followed by early post partum collapse due to bleeding from a ruptured vessel on the surface of an undiagnosed uterine pseudo tumor. There are literature reports of spontaneous hemoperitoneum from bleeding of superficial vessels over lying myomas during pregnancy but a case of rupture of a blood vessel on a uterine pseudo tumor leading to isolated hemoperitoneum in the immediate postpartum period is a rare event. We are presenting the literature review and some aspects of the management of this case. The importance of having a high index of suspicion in cases of hemoperitoeum occurring immediately after delivery especially in a low income setting where radiologic imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); which is the most sensitive diagnostic tool in cases of ruptured vessels are rare is highlighted.