échographie dans les abcès hépatiques à germes pyogènes chez les diabétiques

Ojectives

Evaluate different echographic aspects pyogenic liver abscess in diabetic patients, and compare them with those described in the literature in non-diabetic.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study over a period of 10 years of the records of diabetic patients with pyogenic liver abscess who underwent an abdominal ultrasound study.

Results

The mean age of patients was 57±16.7 years old with a male predominance. All patients had type 2 diabetes. The clinical signs were mainly the right upper quadrant pain, hepatomegaly, impaired general condition and fever. The right liver was the most affected. The ultrasound appearances were polymorphic, mostly anechoic and heterogeneous. Rupture of abscesses into the abdominal cavity was noted in two patients, which requiring surgical treatement. Treatement consisted in insulinotherapy and antibiotherapy. The evolution was favorable in all cases.

Conclusion

The ultrasound appearances of hepatic abscesses in diabetics are polymorphic and depend on the evolutionary stage. They do not differ from those reported in the literature in non-diabetics.     

Effect of low [CaCl2] and high [MgCl2] cardioplegia and moderate hypothermic ischemia on myoplasmic [Ca] and cardiac function in intact hearts

Objective: Cold cardioplegia (CP) protects against ischemic damage in part by reducing [Ca²⁺]_i overload on reperfusion. Hyperkalemic cardioplegic solutions are widely used in coronary artery bypass procedures, and the specific ionic composition of these solutions may contribute to their variable myocardial protective effects secondary to reduced Ca²⁺_i loading. We reported previously that CP decreased the rise in cardiac diastolic (dia) [Ca²⁺]_i observed during 4 h cold storage at 3 °C in Krebs–Ringer's (KR) solution and decreased dia[Ca²⁺]_i and increased systolic (sys) [Ca²⁺]_i and function on reperfusion after cold storage. Our aim here was to determine if low Ca²⁺_o and high Mg²⁺_o adds to the protective effects of high K⁺_o by decreasing [Ca²⁺]_i during ischemia and reperfusion. Methods: We compared effects of 4.5 mM K⁺_o, 2.5 mM Ca²⁺_o and 2.4 mM Mg²⁺_o KR solution with a higher K⁺_o (18 mM), a lower Ca²⁺_o (1.25 mM) and/or higher Mg²⁺_o (7.2 mM) CP solutions on cardiac mechanic function and sys and dia[Ca²⁺]_i during and after moderate hypothermic global ischemia (17 °C for 4 h) in guinea pig intact hearts isolated by the Langendorff technique. Isovolumetric left ventricular pressure (LVP) was measured with a transducer connected to a fluid-filled balloon placed in the LV and [Ca²⁺]_i was measured using indo-1 fluorescence and a fiberoptic cable placed on the LV free wall. Results: For all CP groups compared to the KR control group after 60 min reperfusion, we observed significant lowering of dia[Ca²⁺]_i by 47%, left ventricular diastolic pressure (diaLVP) by 55%, and infarct size by 43%. We also found significant elevation of sys[Ca²⁺]_i by 25%, d[Ca²⁺]_i/dt_max and d[Ca²⁺]_i/dt_min by 33 and 34%, sys–diaLVP by 55%, dLVP/dt_max and dLVP/dt_min by 34 and 40%, coronary flow by 31%, cardiac efficiency by 21%, and MVO₂ by 25%. These results indicate that CP reduces myoplasmic Ca²⁺ loading and improves mechanical and metabolic function on warm reperfusion compared to KR. However, there were no differences in these indices of Ca²⁺_i cardiac function or metabolism among any CP group after warm reperfusion with KR solution. Conclusion: Increasing K⁺_o to produce cardiac arrest was the most cardioprotective effect of CP against ischemia reperfusion injury; lowering Ca²⁺_o or raising Mg²⁺_o did not add to this protective effect or additionally alter [Ca²⁺]_i.     

Preconditioning with Sevoflurane Reduces Changes in Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide during Ischemia-Reperfusion in Isolated Hearts: Reversal by 5-Hydroxydecanoic Acid

Background: Ischemia causes an imbalance in mitochondrial metabolism and accumulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). We showed that anesthetic preconditioning (APC), like ischemic preconditioning, improved mitochondrial NADH energy balance during ischemia and improved function and reduced infarct size on reperfusion. Opening adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels may be involved in triggering APC. The authors tested if effects of APC on NADH concentrations before, during, and after ischemia are reversible by 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), a putative mitochondrial KATP channel blocker.

Methods: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide fluorescence was measured in 60 guinea pig Langendorff-prepared hearts assigned into five groups: (1) no treatment before ischemia; (2) APC by exposure to 1.3 mm sevoflurane for 15 min; (3) 200 [mu]m 5-HD from 5 min before to 15 min after sevoflurane exposure; (4) 35 min 5-HD alone; and (5) no treatment and no ischemia. Sevoflurane was washed out for 30 min, and 5-HD for 15 min, before 30-min ischemia and 120-min reperfusion.

Results: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide was reversibly increased during sevoflurane exposure before ischemia, and the increase and rate of decline in NADH during ischemia were reduced after APC. 5-HD abolished these changes in NADH. On reperfusion, function was improved and infarct size reduced after APC compared with other groups.     

Évaluation du bénéfice apporté par des examens complémentaires pour le diagnostic de la tuberculose chez des patients infectés par le VIH mis sous ARV à Niamey,Niger

In Niger, the tuberculosis (TB) screening among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLHIV) is nonsystematic and the use of additional tests is very often limited. The objective of this research is to evaluate the performance and the cost-effectiveness of various paraclinical testing strategies of TB among adult patients with HIV, using available tests in routine for patients cared in Niamey. This is a multicentric prospective intervention study performed in Niamey between 2010 and 2013. TB screening has been sought in newly diagnosed PLHIV, before ART treatment, performing consistently: a sputum examination by MZN (Ziehl-Nielsen staining) and microscopy fluorescence (MIF), chest radiography (CR), and abdominal ultrasound. The performance of these different tests was calculated using sputum culture as a gold standard. The various examinations were then combined in different algorithms. The cost-effectiveness of different algorithms was assessed by calculating the money needed to prevent a patient, put on ART, dying of TB. Between November 2010 and November 2012, 509 PLHIV were included. TB was diagnosed in 78 patients (15.3%), including 35 pulmonary forms, 24 ganglion, and 19 multifocal. The sensitivity of the evaluated algorithms varied between 0.35 and 0.85. The specificity ranged from 0.85 to 0.97. The most costeffective algorithm was the one involving MIF and CR. We recommend implementing a systematic and free direct examination of sputum by MIF and a CR for the detection of TB among newly diagnosed PLHIV in Niger.     

Learning curve and interobserver reproducibility evaluation of liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Fibroscan allows liver stiffness examination (LSE) that is well correlated with fibrosis stages. Our main objective was to evaluate LSE learning curve. METHODS: LSE results of five novice observers with different medical status were compared with those of five expert observers (physicians with >100 examinations) in 250 patients with chronic liver disease. Each novice-expert pair had to blindly examine 50 consecutive patients divided into five consecutive subgroups of 10 patients. RESULTS: In each observer group, novice-expert agreement [intraclass correlation coefficient (Ric)] for LSE results was excellent from the first to the last subgroup. Novice-expert agreement for LSE results varied with liver stiffness level: <9 kPa: Ric=0.49; >or=9 kPa: Ric=0.87. Relative difference (%) between novice and expert LSE results was independently associated with the number of valid LSE measurements, and stabilizes around 20-30% after the fourth valid measurement. In each observer group, novice-expert agreement (Ric) for LSE success rate progressively increased as a function of time. CONCLUSION: LSE requires no learning curve: a novice is able to obtain a reliable result after a single training session, whatever the professional status. However, success rate will progressively increase. An LSE with less than four valid measurements should not be considered as reliable.     

Pattern of Lower Intestinal Ostomies in a Low-Income Country: Case of Southeast of Niger Republic

Background

Intestinal ostomies are common surgical procedures performed in visceral surgery as part of management for several gastrointestinal diseases. This study aims to report the socio-demographic characteristics, indications and prognosis of intestinal ostomies in low-income country.

Methods

This was a 4-year retrospective study (January 2013 to December 2016) at Zinder National Hospital (Niger). All patients with a digestive ostomy on an ileum or colic segment were included in the study.

Results

During the study period, 2437 patients underwent digestive surgery, including 328 gastrointestinal stomas (13.5%). Patients classified ASA3 were 60.7% (n = 199). The median age was 12 years (IQ: 7–25). Children represent 64% (n = 210) of patients with ostomy. The sex ratio was 2.60. The stoma was performed in emergency in 96.3% (n = 316) of cases. Acute peritonitis was the main indication of the stoma in 70.73% (n = 232). The ileostomies accounted for 75.61% (n = 248). Ostomy was intended as temporary in 97.3% of cases (n = 319). Complications were observed in 188 patients (57.3%). Mortality was 14.02% (n = 46). The indigent status (OR: 4.15 [2.20–7.83], P = 000), ASA score 4 (OR: 2.53 [1.54–4.15], P = 0.0003), Altemeier class IV (OR: 4.03 [2.10–7.73], P = 0.0000) and ileostomy (OR: 2.7853 [1.47–5.29], P = 0.0018) were statistically associated with the occurrence of major complications. The mean time for stoma closure was 59.3 ± 14.5 days.

Conclusion

Acute peritonitis was the main indication of digestive ostomy. The occurrence of major complications was associated with bad socioeconomic status, ASA4 score, Altemeier class IV and ileostomy.

     

‘It's raining stones’: stigma,violence and HIV vulnerability among men who have sex with men in Dakar,Senegal

Research in many countries has highlighted the vulnerability of men who have sex with men to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Yet in Africa, such men have received little attention in HIV/AIDS programming and service delivery because of the widespread denial and stigmatization of male homosexual behaviour. In Dakar, Senegal, a study conducted by researchers from Cheikh Anta Diop University, the Senegal National Council Against AIDS, and the Horizons Program elicited quantitative and qualitative data about the needs, behaviours, knowledge, and attitudes of men who have sex with men. Findings reveal that respondents have distinct identities and social roles that go beyond sexual practices, that sex with men is driven by many reasons, including love, pleasure, and economic exchange, and that respondents' lives are often characterized by stigma, violence and rejection. The data also highlight that many men are at risk of HIV because of unprotected sex with other men, a history of STI symptoms, and poor knowledge of STIs. The study underscores the need for non‐stigmatizing, sexual health information and services.     

Immunogenicity and safety of yellow fever vaccine among 115 HIV-infected patients after a preventive immunisation campaign in Mali

The immune response to yellow fever (YF) vaccine and its safety among HIV-infected individuals living in YF endemic areas is not well understood. Following a national YF preventive immunisation campaign in Mali in April 2008, we assessed the immunogenicity and safety of 17D yellow fever vaccine (17DV) among HIV-infected patients in two HIV treatment centres in Bamako, Mali, by testing for neutralising antibodies and identifying serious adverse events following immunisation (AEFI). A YF neutralisation titre (NT) of 1:≥20 was considered to be adequate and protective. A serious AEFI included hospitalisation, any life-threatening condition, or death, occurring within 30 days following 17DV administration. Of 115 HIV-infected patients who reported having received 17DV, 110 (96%) were on combination antiretroviral therapy and 83 patients were tested for neutralising antibodies. Around the time of vaccination, median CD4 cell count was 389 cells/mm(3) (IQR 227-511cells/mm(3)); HIV-RNA was undetectable in 24 of 46 patients tested. Seventy-six (92%) of 83 participants had adequate immune titres 9 months after the immunisation campaign. Previous vaccination or flavivirus exposure could contribute to this finding. No serious AEFI was found in the 115 participants. In this small series, YF vaccine appeared to be immunogenic with a favourable safety profile in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy. Higher CD4 cell counts and suppressed HIV-RNA were associated with the presence of an adequate immune titre and higher NTs.     

New vaccine adoption: qualitative study of national decision-making processes in seven low- and middle-income countries

As more new and improved vaccines become available, decisions on which to adopt into routine programmes become more frequent and complex. This qualitative study aimed to explore processes of national decision-making around new vaccine adoption and to understand the factors affecting these decisions. Ninety-five key informant interviews were conducted in seven low- and middle-income countries: Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Mali and South Africa. Framework analysis was used to explore issues both within and between countries. The underlying driver for adoption decisions in GAVI-eligible countries was the desire to seize GAVI windows of opportunity for funding. By contrast, in South Africa and Guatemala, non-GAVI-eligible countries, the decision-making process was more rooted in internal and political dynamics. Decisions to adopt new vaccines are, by nature, political. The main drivers influencing decisions were the availability of funding, political prioritization of vaccination or the vaccine-preventable disease and the burden of disease. Other factors, such as financial sustainability and feasibility of introduction, were not as influential. Although GAVI procedures have established more formality in decision-making, they did not always result in consideration of all relevant factors. As familiarity with GAVI procedures increased, questioning by decision-makers about whether a country should apply for funding appeared to have diminished. This is one of the first studies to empirically investigate national processes of new vaccine adoption decision-making using rigorous methods. Our findings show that previous decision-making frameworks (developed to guide or study national decision-making) bore little resemblance to real-life decisions, which were dominated by domestic politics. Understanding the realities of vaccine policy decision-making is critical for developing strategies to encourage improved evidence-informed decision-making about new vaccine adoptions. The potential for international initiatives to encourage evidence-informed decision-making should be realised, not assumed.