Eradication of multiresistant Salmonella Hadar convalescent-phase carriage with azithromycin.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to P Imbert.
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UNLABELLED: The relevance of World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for severe malaria has not been assessed in non-immune children. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the significance of 1990 WHO definition reconsidered in 2000 on distribution and lethality of severe cases in children admitted with falciparum malaria, and (ii) to contribute to the study of relevance of the WHO severe criteria in Dakar, an hypoendemic area in Senegal. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 1990 WHO criteria, respiratory distress and platelet counts were prospectively collected in 1997-99 from children admitted to Hôpital Principal de Dakar, Senegal, with falciparum malaria diagnosed on a thick blood film. This method allowed also the definition of severe cases according to 2000 WHO criteria. RESULTS: Among 311 patients (median age: 8 years old), according to the 2000 WHO criteria, the frequency of severe malaria cases was increased by 23% (75% versus 52%) and case-fatality rates thereof were decreased by 5% (17% versus 12%) compared with 1990 WHO definition. One death occurred among cases defined as severe on admission only according to criteria modified by WHO in 2000. A multivariate logistic regression model identified several independent prognostic factors: cerebral malaria, hypoglycaemia, respiratory distress, renal failure, collapse, abnormal bleedings, pupillary abnormalities and thrombocytopaenia defined as a platelet count below 100,000/mm3. A significant association (p < 0.001) was observed between platelet count increase and consciousness level improvement, evaluated on day of first platelet count control (time from admission: 1-7 d). Among survivors, a lesser improvement in coma score was associated with a decrease in platelet counts (p < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The 1990 WHO criteria, which predicted death among malaria cases in children living under stable falciparum transmission, are relevant in this series of non-immune children living in a low and seasonal transmission. Nevertheless new WHO criteria showed poor prognostic significance. However, the 2000 WHO definition was highly sensitive to detect severe malaria cases. These findings should be considered for managing severe malaria in migrant children.
UNLABELLED: Since the Diama dam on the Senegal river became operative in 1986, an exceptional outbreak of intestinal schistosomiasis occurred in northern Senegal. This is the first case report from this region of a splenorenal derivation performed in Dakar to cure decompensated portal hypertension due to Schistosoma mansoni. CASE REPORT: In June 1998, a 16-year old boy, native from Richard-Toll in the Senegal River Basin, was admitted to the paediatric department of Hôpital Principal, Dakar, Senegal, with a 3 years of recurrent hematemesis. Blood transfusions were required despite propranolol and multiple oesophageal varices sclerotherapies. On admission he weighed 33 kg and was noted to have pallor and moderate hepatosplenomegaly. Lab work included normal liver function tests, a Hgb of 58 mg/L, negative HBs antigen, and high titers of schistosomiasis antibodies (> 1/2000 by the hemagglutination method). Ultrasound revealed an homogeneously enlarged liver, periportal fibrosis and spleen with a grade 2 portal hypertension (WHO score). Endoscopy showed stage 3 oesophageal varices with red spots but no active haemorrhage. After transfusions, a Warren distal splenorenal anastomosis was performed. During the operation, a liver biopsy was obtained, showing periportal fibrosis and schistosomiasis granulomas. The patient was discharged without complication. After 4 years he remains free of any recurrence of his upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage and haemoglobin rate is normal. COMMENTS: Before the inauguration of the dam in 1986, S. mansoni infection was never reported from the Senegal River Basin. But as early as 1988, the first cases of intestinal schistosomiasis began to show up. A few years later, this focus had dramatically extended and in 1991 the first cases of hepatic fibrosis were detected in ultrasonography surveys. The present case involves the first patient from northern Senegal who required surgery for haemorrhagic complications of schistosomiasis induced by liver disease. Considering the high prevalence in this area, and the difficulties of medical management, the need for porto-systemic derivations is likely to rise. These operations are difficult and require specially trained surgeons. They have been largely unavailable in Senegal until now. This case report, involving a child only 10 years after the beginning of the epidemic, underlines the acute need for improving both prevention and medical treatment in order to avoid progression to clinical stages of hepatic schistosomiasis where surgery is unavoidable. In addition, the training of local surgical teams able to deal with these complications is urgently needed in Senegal.
Pentavalent antimony (PA) compounds remain the main therapeutic agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). CL infection resistant to PA is difficult to cure, limited by severe side effects and requiring a long course treatment of parenteral administration of recommended second line drugs. We report a case of CL unresponsive to meglumine antimoniate contracted in Djibouti, successfully treated with a short course treatment of AmBisome. In this case the subject had a recurrent thick crusted erythematous lesion on his left elbow associated with spreading micropapula on arms and thorax. The diagnosis of CL was confirmed by direct examination and genomic amplification by PCR of skin samples, cultures were negative. A short course treatment of parenteral AmBisome (18 mg/kg) has lead to clinical cure with no side effects and no relapse. In our hospital, the high cost of medication was counterbalanced by easiest administration, reduction of hospitalization duration, absence of adverse events and a gain of comfort. For this patient, a short course treatment of AmBisome proved to be a suitable alternative to traditional drugs used in CL resistant to PA.
The prognosis of emergency cesarean section is poor for both the mother and child in developing countries. The respective impact of obstetrical and surgical factors has rarely been analyzed. This prospective study was carried out in 370 women (mean age, 30.5 years) who underwent emergency cesarean section at Principal Hospital in Dakar, Senegal, between January 1 and December 31, 1997. Fifty percent of these women had been transferred from an outside maternity clinic. Indications related to the mother (75% of cases) or fetus (25% of cases) were divided into two groups according to degree of emergency: absolute (n = 163) and relative (n = 207). Placental hematoma (n = 64) and fetus-pelvis size mismatching (n = 49) were the main indications in both groups. The technique chosen for initial anesthesia performed by a specialized nurse in most cases was either spinal anesthesia if there were no contraindications (50.8%) or general anesthesia (49.2%). There were 5 complications including 1 that was fatal (aspiration during intubation for general anesthesia). The postoperative maternal morbidity rate was low (n = 7) and outcome was favorable. A total of 7 patients (1.9%) died due to anesthesia-related events in 1 case and obstetrical factors in 6. Mortality in the absolute emergency group was significantly higher for women who were transferred from other clinics (p < 0.02). Child mortality (n = 87) occurred prior to delivery in two thirds of cases and after delivery in one third. Child mortality was significantly higher in the absolute emergency group (RR = 5.4; IC95% = 3.2-8.9, p < 10(-6)). Mother and child mortality rates were correlated with the severity of obstetrical manifestations and delay of care. Findings also showed that a well-organized care system lowers the operative risk of emergency cesarean section even in developing countries.
Data from numerous surveys conducted by UNICEF using standardized methods in most developing countries over the last 10 years now enable evaluation of the status of breastfeeding in the world. The purpose of this report is to present findings concerning the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, and continued breastfeeding after 6 months. Analysis of these data indicates that progress is being made but that various problems remain. In an effort to improve the situation, the WHO/UNICEF has undertaken a number of initiatives and issued several recommendations.
The incidence of childhood heart disease in developing countries is high, but access to cardiac surgery is limited. This mismatch has given rise to numerous humanitarian programs aimed at sending children abroad for surgical treatment. However little is available about the long-term outcome of these interventions. In 1999 we conducted a retrospective study of 168 Senegalese children undergoing follow-up at the Principal Hospital in Dakar after being transferred to Europe or the Ivory Coast for surgical treatment thanks to the Terre des Hommes Association. A total of 85 children presented congenital heart disease (CHD) and 83 presented acquired heart disease (AHD). Fifteen patients did not undergo surgery due to either contraindications or preoperative death. At the end of study, 23 children had been lost to follow-up mostly from the CHA group and presumably some were cured. Outcome was verifiable in the remaining 145 patients with a median follow-up of 5.6 years. Ninety-seven patients were cured or undergoing surveillance. Quality of life was better in the CHD group (p = 0.047). Forty-eight patients died including 16 in the CHD group and 32 in the AHD group. Perioperative mortality (n = 19) was lower and late mortality (n = 29) was higher in the AHD group (p = 0.005). In the AHD group compliance with surveillance was better for children with valve prostheses. In children treated for isolated mitral valve insufficiency, late mortality was higher after valve replacement than valve repair (p = 0.04). In absence of comparative study data, high mortality was due in part to the long delay between the decision to send the patient abroad and the actual evacuation. These findings support humanitarian action to promote cardiac surgery in developing countries.
Childhood cancer has often been considered as a problem mainly affecting industrialized countries. In reality more than half of cases occur in developing countries where management and diagnosis are major issues. This retrospective study includes 130 children (0.3% of admissions) between the ages of 0 and 15 years hospitalized for malignant disease at the Principal Hospital in Dakar, Senegal between January 1, 1990 and December 31, 2000. Mean age was 97 months and M/F sex ratio was 1.2. Mean delay for admission was 3 months. The five most frequent cancers, accounting for 75% of cases, were leukemia (n = 28), lymphoma (n = 21), nephroblastoma (n = 21), retinoblastoma (n = 16) and osteochondrosarcoma (n = 10). Treatment was completed in 18% of cases. Half of patient were lost from follow-up. The cure rate was 10% overall and 50% for patients receiving complete treatment. The highest cure rate was achieved for nephroblastoma, i.e., 58% of cases treated. Management of childhood cancer in Africa is confronted with numerous problems, namely, paucity of specialized staff, absence of expert centers, shortage of anticancer drugs, lack of financial resources, and delay in treatment. These factors associated with frequent malnutrition and recurrent infectious diseases, greatly lower cure rates in comparison with industrialized countries.
The impact of accidental injury on childhood morbidity and mortality in Africa is underestimated. The frequency and severity of accidents is high. This retrospective study includes 381 children (3% of admission) between the ages of 0 and 15 years hospitalized for accidental injury at the Principal Hospital in Dakar, Senegal, between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2000. The annual incidence of childhood injury doubled over the 4-year study period. Mean age was 48 months and the M/F sex ratio was 1.7. The causes were trauma (n = 184) due to domestic accidents (n = 109 including 91 falls) or road accidents (n = 75), poisoning (n = 129 including 38 caustic soda burns), foreign body aspiration or ingestion (n = 30), burns (n = 18), and miscellaneous accidents (n = 20). Most fatalities (9%) were due to road accidents and falls. Rapid uncontrolled urbanization and problems of displaced rural populations in adapting to city living may account for the high frequency of falls from high buildings and road accidents. As in industrialized countries road accidents, though not the most frequent, are the most lethal. Lack of emergency services accounts for severity. Vigorous information campaigns and prevention action will be needed to lower the high morbidity and mortality of childhood injury in developing countries.
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INTRODUCTION: Spontaneous splenic ruptures are rare but life-threatening complications of infectious diseases. Splenectomy is still the treatment of choice but numerous recent reports have documented favorable outcome with conservative treatment. EXEGESIS: We report three cases of splenic rupture occurring respectively with infectious mononucleosis, P. vivax infection and dengue fever. Diagnosis, treatment and indications are reviewed, an approach to management is suggested. The study included three military men respectively aged 23, 24 and 35 years, admitted for acute abdominal pain in the left upper quadrant. The abdominal computed tomography confirmed partial rupture (splenic hematoma) in the first two cases, and an hemoperitoneum in the dengue case. Splenic ruptures can reveal or complicate an evolving infection. Rupture can happen spontaneously or as a result of trauma, which may be minor and unnoticed. The typical presentation is acute, but progressive forms are described. The diagnosis is made by ultrasound and CT scan. Splenectomy dogma tends to be supplanted by conservative treatment. Non-operative management can be successful if appropriate criteria and a long period of follow-up are applied in carefully selected cases. When an operative approach is selected, conservative surgical treatment is attractive. Splenectomy should be reserved for patients with uncontrollable rupture or with recurrent splenic bleeding. CONCLUSION: Spontaneous splenic rupture are uncommon in infectious diseases. A multidisciplinary management is necessary. A conservative treatment should be considered in selected, closely monitored patients.
A multicentric, open, prospective, observational and no-randomized clinical trial was carried out in Spain with 190 postmenopausal women receiving a soy preparation rich in isoflavones (PHYTO SOYA, capsules containing 17.5 mg isoflavones). The main object of the present study was to investigate its efficacy in alleviating the symptomatology derived from the lack of estrogen, mainly hot flushes, but also other symptoms such as sleep disorder, anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, loss of libido and bone pain. Each patient received 35 mg isoflavones per day in two doses. During the four months' treatment, a statistically significant decrease in the number of hot flushes with PHYTO SOYA was experienced by 80.82% women; only 5,48% patients did not improve with the treatment. The average reduction was 47.8%, which is equivalent to 4 hot flushes. All the other studied parameters also showed a statistically significant decrease. No severe side-effects were reported and tolerance was excellent. Treatment with PHYTO SOYA resulted in a significant improvement of the symptomatology that accompanies the lack of estrogen during menopause.
Malaria is a worldwide epidemic causing high morbidity and mortality especially in children younger than 5 years. In France the incidence of pediatric malaria has constantly increased up to 1500 cases in the last two years, due to Plasmodium falciparum in more than 80% of cases. According to current recommendations, any patient with clinical suspicion or confirmed diagnosis of malaria must be hospitalized for treatment. Halofantrine is the most widely used antimalarial for treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in children. However due to halofontrine-related cardiotoxicity some teams recommend mefloquine as the first-line drug despite disadvantages related to its poorly adapted formulation and adverse gastrointestinal effects in young children. Treatment of malaria involving other plasmodium species is still based on chloroquine. Likewise the World Health Organization continues to recommend chloroquine as the first-line agent for uncomplicated malaria in endemic zones with moderate chloroquine resistance. Amodiaquin or sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine combination may be used either in case of failure or as first-line agents in zones with high chloroquine resistance. In case of multiple resistance, quinine may be used alone or in association with an antimicrobial. Other drug therapies such as combinations using artemisinine derivatives have been shown to be highly effective for control of clinical symptoms and parasitemia. Widespread use of these therapies to prevent the appearance and extension of resistance is now undergoing evaluation.
Severe forms of Plasmodium falciparum malaria are one of the world's leading causes of infection-related death in children. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined a set of severity criteria to improve diagnosis and speed antimalarial treatment. Although the pertinence of these criteria has not been documented in France, child travelers presenting such features require hospitalization in intensive care. The gold standard therapy is intravenous administration of quinine. According WHO recommendations, quinine therapy should begin with a loading dose barring contraindications. However French recommendations do not include the loading dose due to potentially dangerous side-effects in young children and lack of proven life-saving effect. Artemisinin derivatives have been shown to be as effective as quinine and are increasingly used in endemic zones due to good tolerance and convenience of use. However due to concerns about neurotoxicity, artemisinin derivatives are rarely used in France, except in patients with contraindications or resistance to quinine. Management of specific complications is also necessary to reduce the high mortality of severe malaria, even in Western countries, and to prevent neurological damage.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the importance of prolonged QT interval and electrocardiographic changes in children treated with halofantrin for an acute malaria attack. RESULTS: Out of 25 children treated with halofantrin, nine had an increase of QTc interval < 440 ms and ten a QTc > 440 ms on control 24 h after the first dose. A 9-year-old girl, treated with halofantrin, had bradycardia and increase of QTc interval for six days, with a normal halofantrin blood level. CONCLUSION: These data show that cardiac monitoring during halofantrin treatment is mandatory in children as in adults. Contraindications of halofantrin treatment must be respected, particularly a long congenital QT interval.