Search

Background and objective: The diagnosis and follow-up of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are essentially based on the clinic and plethysmography. However, medical imaging techniques remain one of the essential examinations in the differential diagnosis with other pathologies and in the detection of complications of COPD. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with COPD followed in Kinshasa. Material and Methods: Documentary and descriptive study of clinical data and chest imaging (radiography and computed tomography), collected from the files of 120 COPD subjects followed in three medical trainings in Kinshasa between January 2014 and June 2017. The clinical and radiological data were the object of this study. Results: The study population (mean age of 64.52 ± 16.82 years) was predominantly male (78.3% n=94). The clinic of the patients in this series was dominated by dyspnea (96.7% n=116) and chronic cough (94.2% n=113) followed by far by sputum (47.5% n=57). Cardiometabolic risk (cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus), interstitial lung disease were the comorbidities in patients with COPD. The proportions of stage II and III being the most frequent around 80%. Thickening of the bronchial walls (airway damage), centrilobular emphysema (emphysematous damage), dilation of the bronchial lumen (emphysematous damage) and dilatation of the pulmonary artery (vascular change) were more frequent. Conclusion: The high frequency of COPD risk factors are probably the basis for the observed lesions. Key words: Clinical, radiological, COPD, Kinshasa.

BACKGROUND. Fibromyalgia is a controversial and often underreported clinical entity in routine medical practice. The present study aimed to describe its epidemiological and clinical profile in patients attending the Kinshasa University Hospital. METHODS. This is a series of clinical cases carried out in patients attending rheumatology practice at the Kinshasa University Hospital from December 2020 to March 2022. The following informations including age, sex, painful symptomatology, psychosomatic signs, the circumstances of the disease onset, factors that emphasize or reduce symptoms, the number of previous medical visits and, the impact on socio-professional life were collected. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia was defined according to the ACR 2010 criteria. Fibromyalgia was considered severe when it was associated with disability. Standard statistical tests were used to analyze the results. RESULTS. 585 patients were followed during the study period. The diagnosis of fibromyalgia was retained in 63 of them, corresponding to a frequency of 10.8%. The sex ratio was 2 in favor of women and the mean age was 50.9±12.4 years. The mean diagnostic score was 17.6±3.6. Painful manifestations were dominated by arm involvement (84.1%). Fatigue was the most common psychosomatic manifestation (93.7%). Anxiety (41.3%) dominated the basic psychic state of patients and the average of previous medical visits number was 5.2±1.6. Fibromyalgia was often triggered by emotional stress (44.4%). Quiet rest (42.9%) was the main calming factor. 60.3% of patients developped the severe form of the disease. CONCLUSION. Fibromyalgia is among common disease for which patients visit the rheumatology unit. So, it is required a special consideration from health care workers particularly rheumatologists for an early diagnosis.

Background and aim: The increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus is one of the constellations of cardiometabolic risk in the world. As the specific diagnostic thresholds for dysglycemia are absent among African Bantou de Brazzaville, Republic of Congo justified this study. The aim of the study was to determine the performance of glycated hemoglobin in the diagnosis of dysglycemia. Methods: The cross-sectional survey involved 500 apparently healthy adult participants. The glycated hemoglobin was modelled using a National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Propram certified method and correlated with the Diabetes Control and Complication Trial. Diagnostic performance was defined using analysis of the receptor's operating characteristics. Results: The study included 225 men and 275 women, the mean age was 47.4-13.7 years, the levels of hemoglobin glycated on an everan erate equal to 5.5-5.9% and 6.0% (Se100% and Sp-100%) (p = 0.001) were characterized by perfect diagnostic performance and prevalence respectively for intermediate/prediabetes-sweetened hyperglycemia (13.8%) and diabetes mellitus (24.4%) with an area under curve equal to one. There was a positive and significant bivariate correlation between older age, fasting blood glucose, and increasing hemoglobin glyched to right Y (glycated hemoglobin) – 2.683; -0.077 - Age (years) - 0.789 - Glycemia (mmol/L). Conclusion: The epidemic of cardiometabolic risk was estimated to be 2/3 of prehypertension/high blood pressure, 4/10 of overweight/obesity and 1/4 of diabetes mellitus in 2018 and significantly higher than reported in 2004. This study showed that the recommended thresholds for diagnosing dysglycemia are not the same for Bantu populations

COVID-19 vaccines will become available in Democratic Republic of Congo soon. Understanding communities’ responses to the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccines is important. We was conducted an analytical cross-sectional study online in 26 provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo during the period from January to March 2021. A total of 11971 responses were included; mean age of respondents was 35.1±10.4 years; 79.4% were males; 90.5% had university school education and 55.4% has a high socioeconomic level. A frequency of poor perception of covid-19 vaccination is 75.6%. In a multivariable regression model, age between 46-55 years, 36-45 years and 26-35 years (aOR=1.54, CI: 1.27-1.87, aOR=1.70 CI: 1.35-2.13 and aOR =3.40, CI: 2.78–4.17, respectively), None profession and liberal profession (aOR=1.75, CI: 1.49-3.34 and aOR=2.52, CI: 1.89-3.34, respectively), moderate and low socioeconomic level (aOR=3.06, CI: 2.64-3.56 and aOR=5.89, CI: 4.11- 8.38, respectively), Low and very low risk of infection with COVID-19 (aOR=1.67, CI: 1.07-1.97 and OR=2.66, CI: 1.36-3.04, respectively; Moderate, low and very low risk of getting sick if you are infected (aOR=1.49, CI: 2.08-2.98, aOR=2.97 CI: 2.45-3.59 and aOR=3.89, CI: 3.11-4.82, respectively) were associated with a poor perception COVID-19 vaccination. In conclusion, the frequency of misperception in the Congolese population is high. It is associated with the poor perception of the disease and the socio-demographic characteristics of individuals.

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is high in Africa. However, local surveys are still needed to be conducted for filling up the gap existing in understanding the epidemiological situation of the infection within the continent. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of H. pylori and its determinant factors in Bukavu, the capital city of Southern Kivu Province in Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted across the 3 communes of Bukavu. A two-stage cluster sampling process was performed at Health Area and Households levels by using a standard questionnaire addressing sociodemographic characteristics and gastrointestinal symptoms of participants. Sera samples were collected from each participant for the detection of anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies by an ELISA system. A logistic regression model was fitted to assess potential determinants of the anti-H. pylori positive serological status. Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS software version 21 (IBM?, USA, 2012). The survey included 331 participants aged from 10 to 86 years old. The anti-H. pylori: seroprevalence was estimated at 89% [95% CI: 84.9% - 92.2%]. Alcohol consumption increased the risk of anti-H. pylori seropositivity by 6 (OR = 5.73 [95% CI: 1.89 - 17.41]; p = 0.002), while illiteracy (OR = 0.41 [95% CI: 0.18 - 0.97]; p = 0.043) and smoking (OR = 0.16 [95% CI: 0.04 - 0.65], p = 0.010) had paradoxical protective effect against anti-H. pylori seropositivity. The seroprevalence of H. pylori is very high in Bukavu. Identification of risk groups has the potential for supporting publish health issues needed for fighting against this infection. We recommend implementing appropriate sanitation and hygiene activities, health education programs, and further investigations for addressing this endemic infection locally.

Introduction: The diagnosis (Dc) of erytrhocyte rate sedimentation(ERS) allows specific management of the patient and his predisposed relatives (PA). Objective: To explore the frequency of ERS and assess the potential associations between the epidemiological-clinical and biological parameters of the JRC. Methods: Multicentric study conducted between 2015 and 2018 in 4 clinics in Kinshasa. Results: Out of 50 patients with CRC, 94% (n = 47) were of unstable microsatellite positive status (MSI +) against 6% (n = 3) MSI negative (-). The mean values (MV) of ages, hemoglobinemia (Hb) and survival time without death (TSSD) were similar (P> 0.05) between the 2 groups. The VMs of the weights (Ps) and the sedimentation rate (SV) were significantly (P

Background and Purpose: Despite progress in the surveillance of newborns in hospitals around the world in general and the country in particular, systemic infection remains a major concern. The purpose of this study to assess the ability of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to predict systemic infection in newborns in clinics in Lubumbashi.Methods: Cross-sectional and analytical study that included 430 normal newborns in 25 medical facilities in the city of Lubumbashi, chosen in a simple random manner during the period from November 2015 to December 2017. The clinical and biological characteristics of newborns were studied. Results: out of 430 children who performed a complete blood count, 106 had an NLR> 3, a frequency of systemic infection of 24.7%. The mean values ​​of neutrophils, lymphocytes, esosinophils, basophils monocytes were significantly higher in patients with an NLR> 3. Mean RNL values ​​were 2.5 ± 1.2, it was 1.9 ± 0.6 in children with NLR≤3, and 4.3 ± 1.2 in those with RNL> 3. The area under the curve (AUC) for NLR, Neutrophil, Lymphocyte and Platelet were 0.887, respectively; 0.738, 0.639 and 0.552. NLR is more sensitive and specific in predicting systemic infection compared to neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet count.Conclusion: The results show that NLR is an effective indicator in the diagnosis of systemic infection than neutrophil, lymphocyte and platelet count.

Background and objective: Despite the reduction in the risks incurred, obtained thanks to the constant improvement of the road networks, the mortality rate by road accidents had doubled in 20 years in the world. The objective of this study is to evaluate the evolutionary trend of mortality due to road traffic accidents in 6 cities of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study of road traffic accident data in 6 cities in the DRC over a period from 2011 to 2016, based on data from the police stations of these 6 cities. It took into account all the accidents on the public highway having been the subject of a report by the police officers. Mortality and injuries due to road accidents were the dependent variables while socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral and environmental determinants were the independent variables. Results: A total of 4635 road traffic accidents were recorded during 6 years in six cities of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Road traffic accidents evolved linearly over the years with a high frequency in 2016 (1415 cases). The overall incidence of mortality in the six cities was 3.4/100P-Y. This incidence of mortality increased more and more over the wyears, going from 1.6/100PA in 2011 to 5.1/100P-Y in 2016. The incidence of mortality per year and per city, it is noted that mortality increased over the years in each city, with very high and significant mortality in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. Conclusion: these data have shown that road traffic accidents increased over the years and the incidence of mortality varied from one city to another.

Background and aim: Neurocognitive disorders are described in people living with HIV (PLWH) on therapeutic anti-retroviral (TARVs), but their determinants are not known. The aim of this study is to determine the determinants of neurocognitive disorders in PLHIV on TARVs. Methods: 45 PLWH on ARVs were analyzed in a cross-sectional study conducted in 2 ARV distribution centers in Kinshasa from August to October 2020. Sociodemographic variables, perceived stress score and neurocognitive disorders were the parameters of interest. A logistic regression made it possible to identify the determinants. The threshold of statistical significance was p 60 years [aOR: 4.09, 95% CI: 1.63), p = 0.022), unmarried status [aOR: 4.40, 95% CI: 1.79-6.63), p = 0.017) and high perceived stress [aOR: 4.97, 95% CI: 2.72-9.85, p = 0.008) were independent risk factors associated with cognitive impairment in the population of study. Conclusion: The prevalence of neurocognitive disorders was high in PLWH on TARVs and these disorders concerned adults, educated, living alone with a predominance of women. Their determinants were age> 60, loneliness and high stress level.

Background and aim: The relationship between cannabis use and psychosis is well established, but the determinants of this use in psychotics in developing countries are lacking. The aim of this study is to identify the determinants of cannabis use among psychotics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: This cross-sectional and analytical study included 321 psychotics carried at the Neuropsycho-pathological Center of the University of Kinshasa out from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. The variables of interest were socio-demographic parameters, cannabis use and diagnoses of psychosis. A logistic regression model identified the determinants of cannabis use. The threshold of statistical significance was p

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since the first reported case in sub Saharan Africa, countries have struggled to respond to the pandemic despite all the barrier measures and preventions strategies put in place; amongst them, Cameroon is characterized by a large amount of contamination and an increase in death rates. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of the Cameroonian population on barrier and preventive measures against COVID-19; the first undertaken in the cities of Douala and Bangangte since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 777 residents in the Littoral (Douala) and in the West (Bangante) regions of Cameroon from a structured, pre-tested and self-administered questionnaire (according to WHO guidelines). Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 18.0 software. For p=0.05, the difference was statistically significant. Out of 777 participants, 67.7% (n=526) were from Douala and 32.3% (n=251) from Bangangte. Seventy percent (70%) of our participants were aware of the main preventive measures against COVID-19 taken by the Cameroonian government. The most used preventive method was the practice of hand hygiene (88.9%); followed by social distancing (87.2%), respiratory hygiene (75.8%), and self-confinement (85.3%). The majority of our participants had a positive attitude towards hand hygiene (81.6%) and wearing a face mask (84.7%). About 52.9% wore a face mask occasionally, 66.67% always washed their hands, 53.1% always used a hand sanitizer to disinfect their hands and 65,4% regularly self-confined themselves homes. Improving behaviors / attitudes and practices remain a major challenge for our populations. It is important to integrate the community in decision-making and increase awareness among our populations. Further studies are required to assess the impact of strategies undertaken by the decision makers, to roll out the COVID-19 pandemic in Cameroon.