Introduction: Migraine is the most common primary headache, and can cause significant disability. There are two types, migraine without aura and migraine with aura. The diagnosis of migraine is essentially clinical. W...Introduction: Migraine is the most common primary headache, and can cause significant disability. There are two types, migraine without aura and migraine with aura. The diagnosis of migraine is essentially clinical. Worldwide prevalence was estimated at 11.6% in 2009. In Africa, it is estimated at 10.4%. Objective: To describe the clinical and therapeutic aspects of migraine in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was a door-to-door cross-sectional study conducted from 1<sup>st</sup> May to 1<sup> st</sup> July 2018 in the city of Brazzaville. Subjects over 18 with clearly expressed consent were included. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, diagnostic criteria for migraine according to the IHS, treatments taken. The degree of disability was determined using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 for MAC. Results: Of the 1017 subjects interviewed in this study, 115 (39.9%) had migraine, including 73 women (63.47%) and 42 men (36.52%). In the group of migraine sufferers, the number of cases of definite migraine was 61 (53.04%) and that of probable migraine 54 (46.95%). For 81 migraine sufferers (70.43%), stress was the triggering factor. The frequency of attacks was weekly and monthly for 30 (26.1%) and 19 (16.5%) sufferers respectively. The location of the migraine was unilateral in 38% of cases and tilted in 24.3%. The intensity of the attack was described as moderate and severe in 41.7% and 57.4% of subjects respectively. Phonophobia/photophobia accompanied the migraine in 65.2% of cases. One hundred and eight subjects were treated. Of these, 106 (98.1%) were on medication. Eleven (10.37%) had received a medical prescription, and ninety-seven (89.8%) were self-medicating. Five and three subjects were under the care of a general practitioner and a neurologist respectively. Conclusion: Migraine is a frequent pathology in Brazzaville. Its preponderance among young people and women calls for the implementation of effective prevention strategies for these already vulnerable social groups. The form without aura was the most common type. Visual aura was the most common type. Headache-related symptoms were dominated by phonophotophobia, followed by nausea and vomiting. Almost all migraine sufferers were self-medicating, and very few were under the care of a doctor. First-line analgesics and NSAIDs were the mainstay of treatment.展开更多
Introduction: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are an absolute neurovascular emergency and the main cause of mortality and acquired disability in adults. In the Congo, stroke is the leading cause of mortality and the l...Introduction: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are an absolute neurovascular emergency and the main cause of mortality and acquired disability in adults. In the Congo, stroke is the leading cause of mortality and the leading cardiovascular emergency, with a hospital frequency of between 49.74% and 56.2%. The aim of the study was to identify the mortality factors associated with stroke in young people in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This is a longitudinal analytical study conducted from February to period from February to September 2019 in the neurology, general intensive care and medical emergency departments of the Brazzaville University Hospital (CHUB). All subjects aged 18 - 55 years of completed age, admitted for arterial stroke confirmed by brain imaging, were included. Study variables were: age, gender, socioeconomic level, laterality, time to admission and CT scan, vascular risk factors, history of cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, TIA (transient ischemic attack) or stroke, NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score, Glasgow score, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, occurrence or non-occurrence of complications, blood glucose, creatinine, lipid profile and blood count. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software. Descriptive analyses were performed using SPSS 21 software. Results: 103 patients were included in the study, of whom 45 (43.7%) had ischemic stroke and 58 (56.3%) with hemorrhagic stroke. Mortality was high at 29.1% in our study, and mainly concerned hemorrhagic strokes (73.7%). Two-week mortality in our study accounted for 63.33% of total lethality. After simple logistic regression, the factors associated with death within two weeks were age between 40 - 44 years (OR (odds ratio) = 2.95;p = 0.01), hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 1.41;p = 0.07), mass effect (OR = 3.26;p < 0.01), ventricular flooding (OR = 2.86;p < 0.001), Glasgow score (OR = 2.95 (0.92 - 9.43);p = 0.06), NIHSS score on admission > 15 (OR = 5.89 (2.90 - 11.95);p < 0.001) and bronchopulmonary infection (OR = 30, 95 (4.04 - 236.88), p < 0.001). From multivariate logistic regression, only NIHSS score on admission > 15 emerged as a predictor of death within two weeks (OR = 5.89 (2.90 - 11.95);p Conclusion: This study confirms the basic data of the African literature concerning stroke, as several factors were identified as independent factors associated with mortality.展开更多
Background: Autoimmune diseases, which are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, are pathologies caused by a dysfunction of the immune system. They can affect the central nervous system, th...Background: Autoimmune diseases, which are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, are pathologies caused by a dysfunction of the immune system. They can affect the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system or both nervous systems. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutive aspects of neurological disorders related to autoimmune diseases. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. It was carried out from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019 (5 years). It focused on patients aged 15 years and above, who were hospitalized or followed as ambulatory patients for neurological disorders related to autoimmune diseases in the neurology department of the university teaching hospital in Brazzaville. Results: Among the 41 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria, there were 29 (70.73%) women and 12 (29.27%) men. The average age of patients was 38.3 ± 13.8 years. An increase in the frequency of neurological disorders related to autoimmune diseases was observed every year. The main neurological disorders were neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (n = 14;34.15%), acute polyradiculoneuropathies (n = 13;31.71%), chronic polyradiculoneuropathies (n = 4;9.75%) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (n = 3;7.31%). The treatments administered, which consisted of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, had significantly improved the vital prognosis and functional status of patients (p = 0.025). Conclusion: In our study population, neurological disorders related to autoimmune diseases are rare. The neurological clinico-pathological entities diagnosed are similar to those reported in the literature. The therapeutic approaches used improve the quality of life of patients.展开更多
Background: Moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates is often treated with hypothermia. However, some neonates may experience epileptic seizures during therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Data on...Background: Moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates is often treated with hypothermia. However, some neonates may experience epileptic seizures during therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Data on the electrophysiologic and evolutionary aspects of these seizures are scarce in African countries. Objectives: To determine the types of epileptic seizures caused by HIE in neonates in Brazzaville;to describe the evolution of background EEG activities during TH and rewarming;to report the evolution of epileptic seizures. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted from January 2020 to July 2022. It took place in Brazzaville in the Neonatology Department of the Blanche Gomez Mother and Child Hospital. It focused on term neonates suffering from moderate or severe HIE. They were treated with hypothermia combined with phenobarbital for 72 hours. Results: Among 36 neonates meeting inclusion criteria, there were 18 boys and 18 girls. Thirty-one (86.1%) neonates had grade 2 and 5 (13.9%) grade 3 HIE. In our neonates, HIE had induced isolated electrographic seizures (n = 11;30.6%), electroclinical seizures (n = 25;69.4%), and 6 types of background EEG activity. During TH and rewarming, there were 52.8% of patients with improved background EEG activity, 41.7% of patients with unchanged background EEG activity, and 5.5% of patients with worsened background EEG activity. At the end of rewarming, only 9 (25%) patients still had seizures. Conclusion: Isolated electrographic and electroclinical seizures are the only pathological entities found in our studied population. In neonates with moderate HIE, the applied therapeutic strategy positively influences the evolution of both seizures and background EEG activity. On the other hand, in neonates with severe HIE, the same therapeutic strategy is ineffective. .展开更多
Background: Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder. It often leads to disabilities and handicaps. In Africa, epilepsy is almost exclusively treated by general practitioners (GPs) because of a shortage of epilepsy specia...Background: Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder. It often leads to disabilities and handicaps. In Africa, epilepsy is almost exclusively treated by general practitioners (GPs) because of a shortage of epilepsy specialists. It is therefore important to know the level of knowledge about epilepsy among GPs in order to improve their skills. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge about the management of anti-epileptic drug treatment among GPs in Brazzaville;to investigate the relationship between demographic factors and GPs’ knowledge. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. It was conducted from 20 July to 1 September 2021. It focused on GPs working in public hospitals and private care centers in Brazzaville. Information on treatment aspects was collected through a standardized 11-item questionnaire. Results: Among the 137 participants, there were 84 (61.3%) men and 53 (38.7%) women. Of these participants, 36 (26.3%) were trained in Congo versus 101 (73.7%) in other countries. Only 21 (15.3%) GPs had good knowledge about the management of anti-epileptic drug treatment. The overall average knowledge score among GPs was low (31.4%). No significant associations were found between low and good levels of knowledge and gender (OR = 1.03;95% CI = 0.40 - 2.68;p = 1.000), age groups (OR 0.05), training country (OR = 0.62;95% CI = 0.19 - 1.98;p = 0.591), practice hospital (OR = 0.40;95% CI = 0.05 - 3.20;p = 0.695) and duration of professional experience (OR 0.05). Conclusion: The study population has insufficient knowledge about the management of anti-epileptic drug treatment. Demographic factors have no impact on GPs’ knowledge. Epilepsy education programs are needed to improve GPs’ knowledge and skills.展开更多
Objective: To determine the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the onset of stroke in people living with HIV. Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study from January to July 2019, in the neurology ...Objective: To determine the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the onset of stroke in people living with HIV. Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study from January to July 2019, in the neurology department of loandjili general hospital, including any patient hospitalized for a first episode of stroke confirmed by brain scan. The study variables were: age, sex, CRP value, serum T cell CD4+, CD8+. The statistical analysis was carried out using the EPI info 7 software. Results: Twenty stroke patients were included. The relative frequency of HIV was 20%. The risk factors were potentiated by immunosuppression of CD4+ T cells. Sixty percent (60%) of the patients had a CD4+ count < 200/mm<sup>3</sup> and the mean CD4+ count was ±191/mm<sup>3</sup>. Stroke was the predominant mechanism of injury with a frequency of 70%, the only injury mechanism of stroke in patients with CD8+ T cell count > 800/mm<sup>3</sup> (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Risk factors are potentiated by TCD4+ lymphocyte immunosupression, also CD8+ lymphocytes of immune system activation marker are a cardiovascular risk factor for living people with HIV.展开更多
<strong>Introduction:</strong> The role of immunosuppression of TCD4<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes in the onset of stroke in people living with HIV has been reported in numerous studies examining the...<strong>Introduction:</strong> The role of immunosuppression of TCD4<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes in the onset of stroke in people living with HIV has been reported in numerous studies examining the co-morbidity of stroke and HIV. Objective: To determine the correlation between the viral load and the type of stroke. <strong>Methodology:</strong> This was a 7-month cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in the Neurology Department of Loandjili General Hospital in Pointe-Noire. The study population consisted of patients living with HIV who had a stroke confirmed by brain scan. The sero-immunological investigation consisted of looking for T lymphocyte typing from two kits: a CD4<sup>+</sup> T lymphocyte typing reagent kit (BD FACS Presto TM) and a GeneXpert kit for viral load (Xpert<sup><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Roboto, "white-space:normal;background-color:#D46399;">®</span></sup>HIV-1 Viral Load). The database was made from the 2010 version of Microsoft Excel. <strong>Results:</strong> We included 16 patients living with HIV, 56% of whom were women with a sex ration of 0.78. The mean age was 56.92 ± 11.21. The mean number of TCD4<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes was 413.44 ± 677.95/mm<sup>3</sup>;minimum: 93/mm<sup>3</sup>;maximum: 2854/mm<sup>3</sup>. The mean viral load was 17,996.31 ± 20,982.22/mm<sup>3</sup>;minimum: 1002/mm<sup>3</sup>;maximum: 67,229/mm<sup>3</sup>. No significant difference between the viral load and the occurrence of the stroke (p = 0.13). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Our study did not show a causal link between viral load, immunosuppression of TCD4<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes and the onset of stroke.展开更多
In order to contribute to the improvement of brain infarction management in Brazzaville, a cross-sectional and analytical study with prospective data collection was conducted in the cardiology and neurology department...In order to contribute to the improvement of brain infarction management in Brazzaville, a cross-sectional and analytical study with prospective data collection was conducted in the cardiology and neurology departments of the Brazzaville University Hospital, from February 1 to July 31, 2018. It included patients hospitalized for cerebral infarction confirmed with imaging, and having done an etiological assessment with at least one electrocardiogram at rest and one of long duration. Among these 138 patients included, 11 had atrial fibrillation, equaling?a frequency of 7.9%. The mean age of AF patients was 71 ± 8.8 years. The cardiovascular risk factors found were hypertension in eight cases (72.7%), diabetes in five cases (45.5%), abdominal obesity in four cases (36.4%). AF was permanent in 10 cases (91%), and paroxysmal in one case (9%). It was valvular in three cases (27.3%) and non-valvular in eight cases (72.7%). The cardiopathy involved was hypertensive in seven cases (63.6%), ischemic and valvular in two cases each. The CHA2DS2-VASc score, calculated in eight patients, was an average of 2.2, and ≥2 in more than 80% of patients;HAS-BLED score of 2.4 on average was ≥?3 in more than 72% of patients. Digoxin was prescribed in seven cases (63.6%) and an anti-vitamin K in eight cases (72.7%). In multivariate analysis, age (OR = 20.10, p = 0.023), arterial hypertension (OR = 23.82, p = 0.011), and dyslipidemia (OR = 2.03, p = 0.032) were the predictive factors found. AF is infrequent during brain infarction in Brazzaville. This systematic research raises the problem of age in our context.展开更多
Hypertension is not only an important risk factor, but also an important cause of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Its high prevalence in Africa reflects a high incidence of cerebral hemorrhage ranging from 30% t...Hypertension is not only an important risk factor, but also an important cause of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Its high prevalence in Africa reflects a high incidence of cerebral hemorrhage ranging from 30% to 60% against 10% to 20% in industrialized countries. The aim of our study was to determine the role of hypertension before the onset of intracerebral hemorrhage and its variations during the first three months. This was a longitudinal study conducted at the University Hospital of Brazzaville from 1st January to 31st August 2012 with all patients admitted for intracerebral hemorrhage. Patients with subarachnoid or pure intraventricular hemorrhage were excluded. The study variables were: history of hypertension, knowledge of its history, treatment, blood pressure on admission and during the first 3 months and the relationship between blood pressure and evolution. Statistical analysis was performed using the software SPSSS 16.1. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. During the study 261 patients were hospitalized for stroke, of which 82 (31.42%) were for intracerebral hemorrhage. The mean age was 55 ± 11 years and sex ratio of 2 men:1 woman. Hypertension was found in 80.5% of cases, of which 65.2% had known hypertension, but 82.6% had discontinued treatment. The mean systolic blood pressure was 194 ± 41 mm Hg and diastolic 104 ± 20 mm Hg. The location was deep in 85.71%. The normalization of blood pressure was obtained from the second week. After adjusting for confounders using logistic analysis, only uncontrolled hypertension was associated significantly and independently associated with a higher mortality rate (p = 0.042).展开更多
<strong>Background:</strong><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> Post-stroke sequelae can have repercussions on the sexual life and relational life of pa...<strong>Background:</strong><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> Post-stroke sequelae can have repercussions on the sexual life and relational life of patients and their partners. <b>Objectives:</b> To determine the frequencies of sexual disorders after a first stroke event;to identify the factors associated with sexual disorders;to explore the real-life experience of sexual disorders within couples. <b>Methods:</b> It was an analytical cross</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "="">-sectional study, conducted on patients followed up for a first stroke and their partners. It was carried out at public and private hospitals in Brazzaville, Congo, during the period of patient follow-up, from May to September 2019 (5 months). The Female Sexual Function Index, International Index of Erectile Function 5 <span>and</span> interviews were used to describe sexual aspects. The real-life experience of couples was explored using standardized and pre-established questionnaires. <b>Results:</b> Of the 36 patients who had taken up again sexual intercourse after stroke, 29 (80.6%) were men. Among the post-stroke sexual disorders, erectile dysfunction (53.2%) and ejaculatory dysfunction (40.4%) were the most frequent in men. <span>Decrease</span> <span>of</span> sexual desire was predominant in women (100%). Factors associated with erectile dysfunction were sleep disorder (p = 0.007) and mean sleep duration per night (p = 0.01). Lack of verbal and non-verbal communication of sexual problems and psychological effects was noted in 77.8% of patients and 60% of their partners. The most frequent psychological effects were: in patients, frustration (52.8%), <span>attitude</span> of person decreased (50%) and sadness (41.7%);in partners, <span>attitude</span> of carer (86.7%). <b>Conclusion:</b> Post-stroke sexual disorders are frequent in our context. Sleep disorders and mean sleep duration per night, psychological factors seem to <span>have a negative impact on</span> the sexual life and relational life of stroke patients and their partners. It is important to improve the sex management of couples.</span></span></span>展开更多
Background: Among the main challenges of healthcare system throughout the world, there is stroke management. It is important to have data on the in-hospital costs of stroke care to help decision-makers to implement a ...Background: Among the main challenges of healthcare system throughout the world, there is stroke management. It is important to have data on the in-hospital costs of stroke care to help decision-makers to implement a health insurance system. Objectives: To evaluate the in-hospital costs of stroke care in Brazzaville;to determine the factors influencing the total mean in-hospital cost of stroke care;to identify third parties contributing to stroke care expenditure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional prospective and analytical study. It was carried out at 4 public hospitals in Brazzaville (University Hospital Center, Chinese and Congolese Friendship Hospital, Talangaï Hospital and Makélékélé Hospital), from May to August 2019 (4 months). It focused on patients who had a first episode of stroke confirmed by brain imaging and were at least 18 years old. The bottom-up approach was used to determine the in-hospital costs of stroke care. Results: This study included 109 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 59.2 ± 13.7 years old, with limits of 35 and 90 years old. The total direct in-hospital cost of stroke care was 47,308,330 francs CFA (72,122 euro). The total mean in-hospital cost of stroke care was 1,389,590 francs CFA (2118 euro). The mean cost of intracerebral hemorrhage care was 510,988 francs CFA (779 euro) versus 373,457 francs CFA (569 euro) for cerebral arterial infarction care. The following factors affected the total mean cost of stroke care: type of hospital (p < 0.0001), length of hospital stay (p = 0.001), type of stroke (p = 0.01), stroke severity (p = 0.001) and complications (p = 0.001). The level of contribution to stroke care expenditure covered by third parties was: 78% for patient families;2.8% for community self-help associations. Conclusion: In Congo, the mean in-hospital cost of stroke care is elevated considering the guaranteed minimum wage of 70,000 francs CFA (107 euro). Five factors affect the total mean cost of stroke care. Patient families are the main financial assistance system for stroke care expenditure. To minimize the heavy financial burden induced by stroke on patients, households and families, it is important to implement a health insurance system and strengthen the stroke prevention program.展开更多
Introduction: Dementia constitutes a public health hazard in developing countries. There is little data in the sub-Saharan region of African especially in Benin. Objective: Determining dementia hospitalization prevale...Introduction: Dementia constitutes a public health hazard in developing countries. There is little data in the sub-Saharan region of African especially in Benin. Objective: Determining dementia hospitalization prevalence and identifying its associated factors in CNHU-HKM, Cotonou. Method: It was a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive and analytical research conducted from October 2012 to July 2013 in the neurology department;it involved 251 patients aged 50 and above. Dementia screening was conducted using a modified and adapted Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE). Dementia clinical and etiological diagnoses were respectively conducted based on DMS-IV and HACHINSKI criteria. Results: Patients were averagely aged 60.9 ± 8.1. Sex ratio (Male/Female) was 1.07. Dementia prevalence was 8.8%. This rate increased proportionally with age, from 5.3% with patients aged below 60 to 12.7% with patients aged above 60. Degenerative dementia was the most predominant type (50%). Following multi-varied analysis, smoking (RC = 6.05 [IC 95% = 1.26 - 29.38] p = 0.0001) and stroke past records (RC = 6.05 [IC 95% = 1.26 - 29.38] p = 0.001) revealed to be the factors associated with dementia. Conclusion: This research showed that dementia affects a significant part of the aging population in CNHU-HKM. It is imperative to combat its associated factors so as to defuse its prevalence.展开更多
Background and Aim: Cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors, namely hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus and obesity, are a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa because of health transition. The additional effect of ...Background and Aim: Cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors, namely hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus and obesity, are a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa because of health transition. The additional effect of the social gradient within the railway companies in Congo-Brazzaville on high CVR is not yet established. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight, and obesity and to identify the contributing factors of fatness and hypertension. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in April 2013. A simple random sample of 255 out of all 2550 workers from the railway companies of Congo was examined for epidemiological, clinical and biological variables. Results: Out of the study sample, 231 (90.6%), 79 (31%), and 52 (20.4%) were men, rural dwellers, and senior executives, respectively. The mean age was 45 ± 13 years (range 19 to 63 years). The rates of overweight, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus were 40.3% (n = 103), 29.4% (n = 75), 7.5% (n = 19), and 3.5% (n = 9), respectively. In univariate analysis, female sex (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.13 - 6.45, p = 0.01), senior executive (OR 2.4;95% CI: 1.3 - 4.5;p = 0.003) and physical inactivity (OR 2.5;95% CI: 1.5 - 4.2;p < 0.001) were significantly associated with overweight. Female sex (OR 7.5, 95% CI: 2.6 - 21;p < 0.001) and senior executive (OR 3.17;95% CI: 1.2 - 8.3) were also significantly associated with obesity. In logistic regression, overweight (OR = 4.8, 95% CI 2.8 - 11, p < 0.0001), and obesity (OR = 6.8, 95%CI 2.1 - 22, p = 0.01) were identified as the most important and independent determinants of hypertension. Conclusions: Fatness is emerging and it is the most contributing factor of hypertension among workers at the Congolese railway companies. There is also a significant interaction between non-modifiable factors (genetic: females and family history) and modifiable factors (inactivity, fatness) for higher risk of hypertension. Health promotion should be emphasized by physical activity programs.展开更多
Introduction: Stroke results in severe disability, with impacts that are sometimes socially, emotionally or professionally dramatic and also dramatic for the cost involved in care and treatment. Objective: Assessing t...Introduction: Stroke results in severe disability, with impacts that are sometimes socially, emotionally or professionally dramatic and also dramatic for the cost involved in care and treatment. Objective: Assessing the functional prognosis after hospitalization and identifying associated factors. Method: It consisted in a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive and analytical study that was conducted from April 1 to August 31, 2013 in the Neurology Department of CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. It involved 100 patients who have known stroke for at least 6 months and were all admitted and discharged later on. The disease survivors were re-contacted and examined again at home or at hospital. Disability and dependency were then measured respectively with the Rankin score and Barthel index. The STATA/IC11.0 statistical software was used as the basis for data analysis. Unvaried and multi-varied analyzes helped to identify associated factors. Results: The overall disability and dependency rates were respectively 69% and 57.7%. And the highest rate of disability (38.8%) was observed between 50 and 60 years old. However, dependency prevalence was higher in subjects above 70 years old (37.3%). Regarding gender, the prevalence of disability was 59.2% in men and rather 41.5% in women. Predictors of disability and dependency were paralysis on admission (IC95% = 0.26 [0.77 - 0.92];p = 0.036), obesity (IC95% = 0.26 [0.77 - 0.92];p = 0.012) and monthly income lower than 70$US (IC95% = 0.05 [0.01 - 0.56];p = 0.015). Conclusion: This study enabled us to assess the functional outcome of patients once discharged. The significance of motor deficit on stroke occurrence, obesity and the low monthly income were factors of poor functional prognosis.展开更多
Background: The cardiovascular risk factors including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with...Background: The cardiovascular risk factors including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with stroke in T2DM patients admitted to the emergency Unit in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This is the preliminary findings of a cross-sectional study including patients with T2DM, admitted in Emergency Unit of University Hospital of Brazzaville from January to April 2011. One hundred and seven patients were included. Sex ratio was 1.5. Results: The mean age was 60.3 ± 10.2 years (range 40 - 80 years). Stroke story was noted in 5 cases (4.6%). The main pathologies were metabolic complications (n = 51;47.6%) and cardiovascular diseases (n = 36;33.6%), dominated by stroke (17 cases). Epidemiological factors associated with stroke were high standard living (OR = 3, 95% CI: 1.02 - 8.9, p = 0.03), polypharmacy (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.27 - 10.8, p = 0.01), previous hospitalization (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.07 - 8.9, p = 0.03), and the absence of antiplatelet therapy (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 15, p = 0.03). Clinical associated factors were coma (OR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.14 to 9.6, p = 0.02) and the presence of severe hypertension (OR = 4, 95% CI: 1.2 - 12, p = 0.02). Finally, prognostic factors were the transfer in intensive care unit (OR = 9.8, 95% CI: 2.7 - 34, p 0.001). Conclusion: The first cardiovascular complication in patients with T2DM admitted in emergency at University Hospital of Brazzaville is stroke. Primary prevention in high-risk patients is still inadequate.展开更多
Introduction: Palliative care, firstly used for chronic diseases, is currently indicated for some acute pathology such as Stroke. Its implementation improves the quality of care for end-of-life patients. The aim of ou...Introduction: Palliative care, firstly used for chronic diseases, is currently indicated for some acute pathology such as Stroke. Its implementation improves the quality of care for end-of-life patients. The aim of our study is to report a series of patients who died in the intensive care stroke unit of Brazzaville. Method: It was a descriptive study of a series of 13 cases of severe stroke, admitted to the intensive care unit of the university hospital of Brazzaville, between January 2015 and December 2017. Sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical and prognostic variables were studied. Result: The mean age of the patients was 46 ± 11.5 years with a male predominance in 69.2% (n = 9). They were all hypertensive. The motor deficit and consciousness disorder association was the reason for admission in 84.6% (n = 11) and an epileptic seizure of 15.4% (n = 2). The mean NIHSS at admission was 21 ± 5, that of Glasgow 6 ± 3. Stroke was hemorrhagic in 84.6% (n = 11) and malignant infarction in 15.4% (n = 2). All of these patients received invasive resuscitation with assisted ventilation and all died within 8 days of admission. Conclusion: The issue of limitation of care deserves to be debated, and is proposed on a case-by-case basis, in the face of a serious stroke. Therapeutic relentlessness is not only expensive, but also raises the problem of suffering of the individual at the end of life.展开更多
Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of mortality and physical disability in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: Determining medium-term and long-term mortality for stroke and identifying associated factors. Method: I...Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of mortality and physical disability in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: Determining medium-term and long-term mortality for stroke and identifying associated factors. Method: It consists in a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive and analytical study that was conducted from April 1 to August 31, 2013 in the Neurology Department of CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. It involved patients who have known stroke for at least 6 months, and were all admitted and discharged later on. The disease survivors were re-contacted and examined again at home or at hospital. Then, the number of deceased was systematically recorded with precision of death time-limit. Results: The overall mortality rate was 29%. Mortality was higher with patients over 70 years with a frequency of 57.1%. The medium-term mortality rate was 25% against 4% for long-term. The average time-limit for death occurrence after the vascular incident was 7 months ± 6.4 months. Prognostic factors of mortality were: the age of the patient (IC95% = 7.73 [1.49 - 39.99], p = 0.015 ), marital status (IC95% = 0.27 [0.08 to 0.94], p = 0.039 ) and the presence of aphasia (IC95% = 5.52 [1.45 to 20.94 ], p = 0.012). Conclusion: Stroke mortality still remains significant, even after the patients have been discharged from hospital. A good psychological family support and efficient aphasia coverage are essential for its reduction.展开更多
Background: Stroke causes multiple complications, sequelae and a high mortality rate. Therefore, it is important to initiate or improve stroke awareness. Objectives: To assess knowledge about stroke among workers, exp...Background: Stroke causes multiple complications, sequelae and a high mortality rate. Therefore, it is important to initiate or improve stroke awareness. Objectives: To assess knowledge about stroke among workers, explore workers’ attitudes towards stroke victims and identify factors influencing knowledge about stroke and workers’ attitudes. Methods: It was an analytical cross-sectional study. It was conducted from 16 August to 30 December 2020 (4.5 months). It was carried out in public and private enterprises in the formal sector in Brazzaville. It focused on workers aged 19 years and above. The study variables were socio-professional, psychosocial, epidemiological and clinical. Results: This study included 543 workers who fulfilled inclusion criteria. The knowledge scores for at least one warning sign and one risk factor were 74% and 77.7%, respectively. The average knowledge scores for warning signs and risk factors were 11.4% and 16.7%, respectively. For prevention measures, average knowledge score was 16.5%. The average score of knowledge for items related to post-stroke life of stroke victims was 78.3%. The average rate of positive attitudes of workers towards stroke victims was 81.4%. The determinants of knowledge about stroke were education (p = 0.039) and information (p = 0.040). The factors influencing workers’ normal attitude were education (p = 0.023) and knowledge about stroke (p Conclusion: Although the attitudes towards stroke victims are overall good, the level of knowledge about warning signs, risk factors and prevention measures is low. Because of this, it is important to organize public regular awareness and education campaigns in order to improve and increase knowledge about stroke.展开更多
Introduction: Cognitive disorders frequency arising after a cardio-cerebral vascular disease (stroke) is currently on the rise due to the ageing population and the increase in the number of survivors after stroke occu...Introduction: Cognitive disorders frequency arising after a cardio-cerebral vascular disease (stroke) is currently on the rise due to the ageing population and the increase in the number of survivors after stroke occurrence. Objective: Determining post-stroke cognitive decline and identifying associated factors. Method: It consists in a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive and analytical study which was conducted from April 1 to August 31, 2013 in the Neurology Department of CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. The study involved 100 patients who have known stroke for at least the past 6 months and were all admitted and discharged later on. The disease survivors were re-contacted and examined again at home or at hospital. The cognitive decline (CD) was estimated by using a modified and adapted MMSE to suit our cultural era. Results: All patients were aged 58.9 years ± 13.6 years. Sex-ratio was 1.4. Cognitive decline frequency was 20%. Post-stroke cognitive decline frequency per sex was 11.6% and 8.4% respectively for females and males. Ischemia stroke patients had a higher cognitive decline (22.5%). 58.3% had severe CD. Moreover the CD frequency increased with time, from 16.7% in a year to 50% in 3 years. Total MMSE varied from 6 to 23 with 21 as median. From the unvaried analysis, the presence of sphincter disorders (1.26 [0.35-4.59], p = 0.004), consciousness disorders (15.67 [1.46-168], p = 0.04), and convulsion disorders (3.77 [1.01 -14.00], p = 0.003) was associated with cognitive decline. From multi-varied analysis, the sole presence of convulsive attacks (11.5 [1.79-73.58], p = 0.01) was individually associated with post-stroke cognitive decline. Conclusion: This study reveals the importance of CD after stroke. The occurrence of convulsions at stroke acute stage is a prognostic factor of CD medium or long-term occurrence. The overall coverage improvement depends on the integration of these data in stroke reach-out programs.展开更多
The association between stroke and meningioma is rarely reported in the data. In most etiology classification, there is no compressive cause. The association between meningioma and stroke is increasingly reported. We ...The association between stroke and meningioma is rarely reported in the data. In most etiology classification, there is no compressive cause. The association between meningioma and stroke is increasingly reported. We report a case of 52-year-old woman, previously healthy, presented with sudden right hemiplegia with some transient mood disorders. The CT-scan revealed acute left anterior cerebral artery infarction associated with fronto-basale meningioma infiltrating both anterior cerebral arteries. She was treated by corticosteroid and rehabilitation, with partial recovery. No stroke prevention was used before surgical treatment.展开更多
文摘Introduction: Migraine is the most common primary headache, and can cause significant disability. There are two types, migraine without aura and migraine with aura. The diagnosis of migraine is essentially clinical. Worldwide prevalence was estimated at 11.6% in 2009. In Africa, it is estimated at 10.4%. Objective: To describe the clinical and therapeutic aspects of migraine in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This was a door-to-door cross-sectional study conducted from 1<sup>st</sup> May to 1<sup> st</sup> July 2018 in the city of Brazzaville. Subjects over 18 with clearly expressed consent were included. The questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, diagnostic criteria for migraine according to the IHS, treatments taken. The degree of disability was determined using the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 for MAC. Results: Of the 1017 subjects interviewed in this study, 115 (39.9%) had migraine, including 73 women (63.47%) and 42 men (36.52%). In the group of migraine sufferers, the number of cases of definite migraine was 61 (53.04%) and that of probable migraine 54 (46.95%). For 81 migraine sufferers (70.43%), stress was the triggering factor. The frequency of attacks was weekly and monthly for 30 (26.1%) and 19 (16.5%) sufferers respectively. The location of the migraine was unilateral in 38% of cases and tilted in 24.3%. The intensity of the attack was described as moderate and severe in 41.7% and 57.4% of subjects respectively. Phonophobia/photophobia accompanied the migraine in 65.2% of cases. One hundred and eight subjects were treated. Of these, 106 (98.1%) were on medication. Eleven (10.37%) had received a medical prescription, and ninety-seven (89.8%) were self-medicating. Five and three subjects were under the care of a general practitioner and a neurologist respectively. Conclusion: Migraine is a frequent pathology in Brazzaville. Its preponderance among young people and women calls for the implementation of effective prevention strategies for these already vulnerable social groups. The form without aura was the most common type. Visual aura was the most common type. Headache-related symptoms were dominated by phonophotophobia, followed by nausea and vomiting. Almost all migraine sufferers were self-medicating, and very few were under the care of a doctor. First-line analgesics and NSAIDs were the mainstay of treatment.
文摘Introduction: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) are an absolute neurovascular emergency and the main cause of mortality and acquired disability in adults. In the Congo, stroke is the leading cause of mortality and the leading cardiovascular emergency, with a hospital frequency of between 49.74% and 56.2%. The aim of the study was to identify the mortality factors associated with stroke in young people in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This is a longitudinal analytical study conducted from February to period from February to September 2019 in the neurology, general intensive care and medical emergency departments of the Brazzaville University Hospital (CHUB). All subjects aged 18 - 55 years of completed age, admitted for arterial stroke confirmed by brain imaging, were included. Study variables were: age, gender, socioeconomic level, laterality, time to admission and CT scan, vascular risk factors, history of cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, TIA (transient ischemic attack) or stroke, NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score, Glasgow score, blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, occurrence or non-occurrence of complications, blood glucose, creatinine, lipid profile and blood count. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software. Descriptive analyses were performed using SPSS 21 software. Results: 103 patients were included in the study, of whom 45 (43.7%) had ischemic stroke and 58 (56.3%) with hemorrhagic stroke. Mortality was high at 29.1% in our study, and mainly concerned hemorrhagic strokes (73.7%). Two-week mortality in our study accounted for 63.33% of total lethality. After simple logistic regression, the factors associated with death within two weeks were age between 40 - 44 years (OR (odds ratio) = 2.95;p = 0.01), hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 1.41;p = 0.07), mass effect (OR = 3.26;p < 0.01), ventricular flooding (OR = 2.86;p < 0.001), Glasgow score (OR = 2.95 (0.92 - 9.43);p = 0.06), NIHSS score on admission > 15 (OR = 5.89 (2.90 - 11.95);p < 0.001) and bronchopulmonary infection (OR = 30, 95 (4.04 - 236.88), p < 0.001). From multivariate logistic regression, only NIHSS score on admission > 15 emerged as a predictor of death within two weeks (OR = 5.89 (2.90 - 11.95);p Conclusion: This study confirms the basic data of the African literature concerning stroke, as several factors were identified as independent factors associated with mortality.
文摘Background: Autoimmune diseases, which are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, are pathologies caused by a dysfunction of the immune system. They can affect the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system or both nervous systems. Objectives: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic and evolutive aspects of neurological disorders related to autoimmune diseases. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. It was carried out from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019 (5 years). It focused on patients aged 15 years and above, who were hospitalized or followed as ambulatory patients for neurological disorders related to autoimmune diseases in the neurology department of the university teaching hospital in Brazzaville. Results: Among the 41 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria, there were 29 (70.73%) women and 12 (29.27%) men. The average age of patients was 38.3 ± 13.8 years. An increase in the frequency of neurological disorders related to autoimmune diseases was observed every year. The main neurological disorders were neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (n = 14;34.15%), acute polyradiculoneuropathies (n = 13;31.71%), chronic polyradiculoneuropathies (n = 4;9.75%) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (n = 3;7.31%). The treatments administered, which consisted of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, had significantly improved the vital prognosis and functional status of patients (p = 0.025). Conclusion: In our study population, neurological disorders related to autoimmune diseases are rare. The neurological clinico-pathological entities diagnosed are similar to those reported in the literature. The therapeutic approaches used improve the quality of life of patients.
文摘Background: Moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates is often treated with hypothermia. However, some neonates may experience epileptic seizures during therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Data on the electrophysiologic and evolutionary aspects of these seizures are scarce in African countries. Objectives: To determine the types of epileptic seizures caused by HIE in neonates in Brazzaville;to describe the evolution of background EEG activities during TH and rewarming;to report the evolution of epileptic seizures. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted from January 2020 to July 2022. It took place in Brazzaville in the Neonatology Department of the Blanche Gomez Mother and Child Hospital. It focused on term neonates suffering from moderate or severe HIE. They were treated with hypothermia combined with phenobarbital for 72 hours. Results: Among 36 neonates meeting inclusion criteria, there were 18 boys and 18 girls. Thirty-one (86.1%) neonates had grade 2 and 5 (13.9%) grade 3 HIE. In our neonates, HIE had induced isolated electrographic seizures (n = 11;30.6%), electroclinical seizures (n = 25;69.4%), and 6 types of background EEG activity. During TH and rewarming, there were 52.8% of patients with improved background EEG activity, 41.7% of patients with unchanged background EEG activity, and 5.5% of patients with worsened background EEG activity. At the end of rewarming, only 9 (25%) patients still had seizures. Conclusion: Isolated electrographic and electroclinical seizures are the only pathological entities found in our studied population. In neonates with moderate HIE, the applied therapeutic strategy positively influences the evolution of both seizures and background EEG activity. On the other hand, in neonates with severe HIE, the same therapeutic strategy is ineffective. .
文摘Background: Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder. It often leads to disabilities and handicaps. In Africa, epilepsy is almost exclusively treated by general practitioners (GPs) because of a shortage of epilepsy specialists. It is therefore important to know the level of knowledge about epilepsy among GPs in order to improve their skills. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge about the management of anti-epileptic drug treatment among GPs in Brazzaville;to investigate the relationship between demographic factors and GPs’ knowledge. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. It was conducted from 20 July to 1 September 2021. It focused on GPs working in public hospitals and private care centers in Brazzaville. Information on treatment aspects was collected through a standardized 11-item questionnaire. Results: Among the 137 participants, there were 84 (61.3%) men and 53 (38.7%) women. Of these participants, 36 (26.3%) were trained in Congo versus 101 (73.7%) in other countries. Only 21 (15.3%) GPs had good knowledge about the management of anti-epileptic drug treatment. The overall average knowledge score among GPs was low (31.4%). No significant associations were found between low and good levels of knowledge and gender (OR = 1.03;95% CI = 0.40 - 2.68;p = 1.000), age groups (OR 0.05), training country (OR = 0.62;95% CI = 0.19 - 1.98;p = 0.591), practice hospital (OR = 0.40;95% CI = 0.05 - 3.20;p = 0.695) and duration of professional experience (OR 0.05). Conclusion: The study population has insufficient knowledge about the management of anti-epileptic drug treatment. Demographic factors have no impact on GPs’ knowledge. Epilepsy education programs are needed to improve GPs’ knowledge and skills.
文摘Objective: To determine the role of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in the onset of stroke in people living with HIV. Methodology: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study from January to July 2019, in the neurology department of loandjili general hospital, including any patient hospitalized for a first episode of stroke confirmed by brain scan. The study variables were: age, sex, CRP value, serum T cell CD4+, CD8+. The statistical analysis was carried out using the EPI info 7 software. Results: Twenty stroke patients were included. The relative frequency of HIV was 20%. The risk factors were potentiated by immunosuppression of CD4+ T cells. Sixty percent (60%) of the patients had a CD4+ count < 200/mm<sup>3</sup> and the mean CD4+ count was ±191/mm<sup>3</sup>. Stroke was the predominant mechanism of injury with a frequency of 70%, the only injury mechanism of stroke in patients with CD8+ T cell count > 800/mm<sup>3</sup> (p = 0.04). Conclusion: Risk factors are potentiated by TCD4+ lymphocyte immunosupression, also CD8+ lymphocytes of immune system activation marker are a cardiovascular risk factor for living people with HIV.
文摘<strong>Introduction:</strong> The role of immunosuppression of TCD4<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes in the onset of stroke in people living with HIV has been reported in numerous studies examining the co-morbidity of stroke and HIV. Objective: To determine the correlation between the viral load and the type of stroke. <strong>Methodology:</strong> This was a 7-month cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in the Neurology Department of Loandjili General Hospital in Pointe-Noire. The study population consisted of patients living with HIV who had a stroke confirmed by brain scan. The sero-immunological investigation consisted of looking for T lymphocyte typing from two kits: a CD4<sup>+</sup> T lymphocyte typing reagent kit (BD FACS Presto TM) and a GeneXpert kit for viral load (Xpert<sup><span style="color:#000000;font-family:Roboto, "white-space:normal;background-color:#D46399;">®</span></sup>HIV-1 Viral Load). The database was made from the 2010 version of Microsoft Excel. <strong>Results:</strong> We included 16 patients living with HIV, 56% of whom were women with a sex ration of 0.78. The mean age was 56.92 ± 11.21. The mean number of TCD4<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes was 413.44 ± 677.95/mm<sup>3</sup>;minimum: 93/mm<sup>3</sup>;maximum: 2854/mm<sup>3</sup>. The mean viral load was 17,996.31 ± 20,982.22/mm<sup>3</sup>;minimum: 1002/mm<sup>3</sup>;maximum: 67,229/mm<sup>3</sup>. No significant difference between the viral load and the occurrence of the stroke (p = 0.13). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Our study did not show a causal link between viral load, immunosuppression of TCD4<sup>+</sup> lymphocytes and the onset of stroke.
文摘In order to contribute to the improvement of brain infarction management in Brazzaville, a cross-sectional and analytical study with prospective data collection was conducted in the cardiology and neurology departments of the Brazzaville University Hospital, from February 1 to July 31, 2018. It included patients hospitalized for cerebral infarction confirmed with imaging, and having done an etiological assessment with at least one electrocardiogram at rest and one of long duration. Among these 138 patients included, 11 had atrial fibrillation, equaling?a frequency of 7.9%. The mean age of AF patients was 71 ± 8.8 years. The cardiovascular risk factors found were hypertension in eight cases (72.7%), diabetes in five cases (45.5%), abdominal obesity in four cases (36.4%). AF was permanent in 10 cases (91%), and paroxysmal in one case (9%). It was valvular in three cases (27.3%) and non-valvular in eight cases (72.7%). The cardiopathy involved was hypertensive in seven cases (63.6%), ischemic and valvular in two cases each. The CHA2DS2-VASc score, calculated in eight patients, was an average of 2.2, and ≥2 in more than 80% of patients;HAS-BLED score of 2.4 on average was ≥?3 in more than 72% of patients. Digoxin was prescribed in seven cases (63.6%) and an anti-vitamin K in eight cases (72.7%). In multivariate analysis, age (OR = 20.10, p = 0.023), arterial hypertension (OR = 23.82, p = 0.011), and dyslipidemia (OR = 2.03, p = 0.032) were the predictive factors found. AF is infrequent during brain infarction in Brazzaville. This systematic research raises the problem of age in our context.
文摘Hypertension is not only an important risk factor, but also an important cause of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Its high prevalence in Africa reflects a high incidence of cerebral hemorrhage ranging from 30% to 60% against 10% to 20% in industrialized countries. The aim of our study was to determine the role of hypertension before the onset of intracerebral hemorrhage and its variations during the first three months. This was a longitudinal study conducted at the University Hospital of Brazzaville from 1st January to 31st August 2012 with all patients admitted for intracerebral hemorrhage. Patients with subarachnoid or pure intraventricular hemorrhage were excluded. The study variables were: history of hypertension, knowledge of its history, treatment, blood pressure on admission and during the first 3 months and the relationship between blood pressure and evolution. Statistical analysis was performed using the software SPSSS 16.1. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. During the study 261 patients were hospitalized for stroke, of which 82 (31.42%) were for intracerebral hemorrhage. The mean age was 55 ± 11 years and sex ratio of 2 men:1 woman. Hypertension was found in 80.5% of cases, of which 65.2% had known hypertension, but 82.6% had discontinued treatment. The mean systolic blood pressure was 194 ± 41 mm Hg and diastolic 104 ± 20 mm Hg. The location was deep in 85.71%. The normalization of blood pressure was obtained from the second week. After adjusting for confounders using logistic analysis, only uncontrolled hypertension was associated significantly and independently associated with a higher mortality rate (p = 0.042).
文摘<strong>Background:</strong><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "=""> Post-stroke sequelae can have repercussions on the sexual life and relational life of patients and their partners. <b>Objectives:</b> To determine the frequencies of sexual disorders after a first stroke event;to identify the factors associated with sexual disorders;to explore the real-life experience of sexual disorders within couples. <b>Methods:</b> It was an analytical cross</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><span><span><span style="font-family:;" "="">-sectional study, conducted on patients followed up for a first stroke and their partners. It was carried out at public and private hospitals in Brazzaville, Congo, during the period of patient follow-up, from May to September 2019 (5 months). The Female Sexual Function Index, International Index of Erectile Function 5 <span>and</span> interviews were used to describe sexual aspects. The real-life experience of couples was explored using standardized and pre-established questionnaires. <b>Results:</b> Of the 36 patients who had taken up again sexual intercourse after stroke, 29 (80.6%) were men. Among the post-stroke sexual disorders, erectile dysfunction (53.2%) and ejaculatory dysfunction (40.4%) were the most frequent in men. <span>Decrease</span> <span>of</span> sexual desire was predominant in women (100%). Factors associated with erectile dysfunction were sleep disorder (p = 0.007) and mean sleep duration per night (p = 0.01). Lack of verbal and non-verbal communication of sexual problems and psychological effects was noted in 77.8% of patients and 60% of their partners. The most frequent psychological effects were: in patients, frustration (52.8%), <span>attitude</span> of person decreased (50%) and sadness (41.7%);in partners, <span>attitude</span> of carer (86.7%). <b>Conclusion:</b> Post-stroke sexual disorders are frequent in our context. Sleep disorders and mean sleep duration per night, psychological factors seem to <span>have a negative impact on</span> the sexual life and relational life of stroke patients and their partners. It is important to improve the sex management of couples.</span></span></span>
文摘Background: Among the main challenges of healthcare system throughout the world, there is stroke management. It is important to have data on the in-hospital costs of stroke care to help decision-makers to implement a health insurance system. Objectives: To evaluate the in-hospital costs of stroke care in Brazzaville;to determine the factors influencing the total mean in-hospital cost of stroke care;to identify third parties contributing to stroke care expenditure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional prospective and analytical study. It was carried out at 4 public hospitals in Brazzaville (University Hospital Center, Chinese and Congolese Friendship Hospital, Talangaï Hospital and Makélékélé Hospital), from May to August 2019 (4 months). It focused on patients who had a first episode of stroke confirmed by brain imaging and were at least 18 years old. The bottom-up approach was used to determine the in-hospital costs of stroke care. Results: This study included 109 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria. Their mean age was 59.2 ± 13.7 years old, with limits of 35 and 90 years old. The total direct in-hospital cost of stroke care was 47,308,330 francs CFA (72,122 euro). The total mean in-hospital cost of stroke care was 1,389,590 francs CFA (2118 euro). The mean cost of intracerebral hemorrhage care was 510,988 francs CFA (779 euro) versus 373,457 francs CFA (569 euro) for cerebral arterial infarction care. The following factors affected the total mean cost of stroke care: type of hospital (p < 0.0001), length of hospital stay (p = 0.001), type of stroke (p = 0.01), stroke severity (p = 0.001) and complications (p = 0.001). The level of contribution to stroke care expenditure covered by third parties was: 78% for patient families;2.8% for community self-help associations. Conclusion: In Congo, the mean in-hospital cost of stroke care is elevated considering the guaranteed minimum wage of 70,000 francs CFA (107 euro). Five factors affect the total mean cost of stroke care. Patient families are the main financial assistance system for stroke care expenditure. To minimize the heavy financial burden induced by stroke on patients, households and families, it is important to implement a health insurance system and strengthen the stroke prevention program.
文摘Introduction: Dementia constitutes a public health hazard in developing countries. There is little data in the sub-Saharan region of African especially in Benin. Objective: Determining dementia hospitalization prevalence and identifying its associated factors in CNHU-HKM, Cotonou. Method: It was a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive and analytical research conducted from October 2012 to July 2013 in the neurology department;it involved 251 patients aged 50 and above. Dementia screening was conducted using a modified and adapted Mini Mental Scale Examination (MMSE). Dementia clinical and etiological diagnoses were respectively conducted based on DMS-IV and HACHINSKI criteria. Results: Patients were averagely aged 60.9 ± 8.1. Sex ratio (Male/Female) was 1.07. Dementia prevalence was 8.8%. This rate increased proportionally with age, from 5.3% with patients aged below 60 to 12.7% with patients aged above 60. Degenerative dementia was the most predominant type (50%). Following multi-varied analysis, smoking (RC = 6.05 [IC 95% = 1.26 - 29.38] p = 0.0001) and stroke past records (RC = 6.05 [IC 95% = 1.26 - 29.38] p = 0.001) revealed to be the factors associated with dementia. Conclusion: This research showed that dementia affects a significant part of the aging population in CNHU-HKM. It is imperative to combat its associated factors so as to defuse its prevalence.
文摘Background and Aim: Cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors, namely hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus and obesity, are a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa because of health transition. The additional effect of the social gradient within the railway companies in Congo-Brazzaville on high CVR is not yet established. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, overweight, and obesity and to identify the contributing factors of fatness and hypertension. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in April 2013. A simple random sample of 255 out of all 2550 workers from the railway companies of Congo was examined for epidemiological, clinical and biological variables. Results: Out of the study sample, 231 (90.6%), 79 (31%), and 52 (20.4%) were men, rural dwellers, and senior executives, respectively. The mean age was 45 ± 13 years (range 19 to 63 years). The rates of overweight, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus were 40.3% (n = 103), 29.4% (n = 75), 7.5% (n = 19), and 3.5% (n = 9), respectively. In univariate analysis, female sex (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.13 - 6.45, p = 0.01), senior executive (OR 2.4;95% CI: 1.3 - 4.5;p = 0.003) and physical inactivity (OR 2.5;95% CI: 1.5 - 4.2;p < 0.001) were significantly associated with overweight. Female sex (OR 7.5, 95% CI: 2.6 - 21;p < 0.001) and senior executive (OR 3.17;95% CI: 1.2 - 8.3) were also significantly associated with obesity. In logistic regression, overweight (OR = 4.8, 95% CI 2.8 - 11, p < 0.0001), and obesity (OR = 6.8, 95%CI 2.1 - 22, p = 0.01) were identified as the most important and independent determinants of hypertension. Conclusions: Fatness is emerging and it is the most contributing factor of hypertension among workers at the Congolese railway companies. There is also a significant interaction between non-modifiable factors (genetic: females and family history) and modifiable factors (inactivity, fatness) for higher risk of hypertension. Health promotion should be emphasized by physical activity programs.
文摘Introduction: Stroke results in severe disability, with impacts that are sometimes socially, emotionally or professionally dramatic and also dramatic for the cost involved in care and treatment. Objective: Assessing the functional prognosis after hospitalization and identifying associated factors. Method: It consisted in a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive and analytical study that was conducted from April 1 to August 31, 2013 in the Neurology Department of CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. It involved 100 patients who have known stroke for at least 6 months and were all admitted and discharged later on. The disease survivors were re-contacted and examined again at home or at hospital. Disability and dependency were then measured respectively with the Rankin score and Barthel index. The STATA/IC11.0 statistical software was used as the basis for data analysis. Unvaried and multi-varied analyzes helped to identify associated factors. Results: The overall disability and dependency rates were respectively 69% and 57.7%. And the highest rate of disability (38.8%) was observed between 50 and 60 years old. However, dependency prevalence was higher in subjects above 70 years old (37.3%). Regarding gender, the prevalence of disability was 59.2% in men and rather 41.5% in women. Predictors of disability and dependency were paralysis on admission (IC95% = 0.26 [0.77 - 0.92];p = 0.036), obesity (IC95% = 0.26 [0.77 - 0.92];p = 0.012) and monthly income lower than 70$US (IC95% = 0.05 [0.01 - 0.56];p = 0.015). Conclusion: This study enabled us to assess the functional outcome of patients once discharged. The significance of motor deficit on stroke occurrence, obesity and the low monthly income were factors of poor functional prognosis.
文摘Background: The cardiovascular risk factors including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with stroke in T2DM patients admitted to the emergency Unit in Brazzaville. Patients and Methods: This is the preliminary findings of a cross-sectional study including patients with T2DM, admitted in Emergency Unit of University Hospital of Brazzaville from January to April 2011. One hundred and seven patients were included. Sex ratio was 1.5. Results: The mean age was 60.3 ± 10.2 years (range 40 - 80 years). Stroke story was noted in 5 cases (4.6%). The main pathologies were metabolic complications (n = 51;47.6%) and cardiovascular diseases (n = 36;33.6%), dominated by stroke (17 cases). Epidemiological factors associated with stroke were high standard living (OR = 3, 95% CI: 1.02 - 8.9, p = 0.03), polypharmacy (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.27 - 10.8, p = 0.01), previous hospitalization (OR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.07 - 8.9, p = 0.03), and the absence of antiplatelet therapy (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.2 to 15, p = 0.03). Clinical associated factors were coma (OR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.14 to 9.6, p = 0.02) and the presence of severe hypertension (OR = 4, 95% CI: 1.2 - 12, p = 0.02). Finally, prognostic factors were the transfer in intensive care unit (OR = 9.8, 95% CI: 2.7 - 34, p 0.001). Conclusion: The first cardiovascular complication in patients with T2DM admitted in emergency at University Hospital of Brazzaville is stroke. Primary prevention in high-risk patients is still inadequate.
文摘Introduction: Palliative care, firstly used for chronic diseases, is currently indicated for some acute pathology such as Stroke. Its implementation improves the quality of care for end-of-life patients. The aim of our study is to report a series of patients who died in the intensive care stroke unit of Brazzaville. Method: It was a descriptive study of a series of 13 cases of severe stroke, admitted to the intensive care unit of the university hospital of Brazzaville, between January 2015 and December 2017. Sociodemographic, clinical, paraclinical and prognostic variables were studied. Result: The mean age of the patients was 46 ± 11.5 years with a male predominance in 69.2% (n = 9). They were all hypertensive. The motor deficit and consciousness disorder association was the reason for admission in 84.6% (n = 11) and an epileptic seizure of 15.4% (n = 2). The mean NIHSS at admission was 21 ± 5, that of Glasgow 6 ± 3. Stroke was hemorrhagic in 84.6% (n = 11) and malignant infarction in 15.4% (n = 2). All of these patients received invasive resuscitation with assisted ventilation and all died within 8 days of admission. Conclusion: The issue of limitation of care deserves to be debated, and is proposed on a case-by-case basis, in the face of a serious stroke. Therapeutic relentlessness is not only expensive, but also raises the problem of suffering of the individual at the end of life.
文摘Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of mortality and physical disability in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: Determining medium-term and long-term mortality for stroke and identifying associated factors. Method: It consists in a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive and analytical study that was conducted from April 1 to August 31, 2013 in the Neurology Department of CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. It involved patients who have known stroke for at least 6 months, and were all admitted and discharged later on. The disease survivors were re-contacted and examined again at home or at hospital. Then, the number of deceased was systematically recorded with precision of death time-limit. Results: The overall mortality rate was 29%. Mortality was higher with patients over 70 years with a frequency of 57.1%. The medium-term mortality rate was 25% against 4% for long-term. The average time-limit for death occurrence after the vascular incident was 7 months ± 6.4 months. Prognostic factors of mortality were: the age of the patient (IC95% = 7.73 [1.49 - 39.99], p = 0.015 ), marital status (IC95% = 0.27 [0.08 to 0.94], p = 0.039 ) and the presence of aphasia (IC95% = 5.52 [1.45 to 20.94 ], p = 0.012). Conclusion: Stroke mortality still remains significant, even after the patients have been discharged from hospital. A good psychological family support and efficient aphasia coverage are essential for its reduction.
文摘Background: Stroke causes multiple complications, sequelae and a high mortality rate. Therefore, it is important to initiate or improve stroke awareness. Objectives: To assess knowledge about stroke among workers, explore workers’ attitudes towards stroke victims and identify factors influencing knowledge about stroke and workers’ attitudes. Methods: It was an analytical cross-sectional study. It was conducted from 16 August to 30 December 2020 (4.5 months). It was carried out in public and private enterprises in the formal sector in Brazzaville. It focused on workers aged 19 years and above. The study variables were socio-professional, psychosocial, epidemiological and clinical. Results: This study included 543 workers who fulfilled inclusion criteria. The knowledge scores for at least one warning sign and one risk factor were 74% and 77.7%, respectively. The average knowledge scores for warning signs and risk factors were 11.4% and 16.7%, respectively. For prevention measures, average knowledge score was 16.5%. The average score of knowledge for items related to post-stroke life of stroke victims was 78.3%. The average rate of positive attitudes of workers towards stroke victims was 81.4%. The determinants of knowledge about stroke were education (p = 0.039) and information (p = 0.040). The factors influencing workers’ normal attitude were education (p = 0.023) and knowledge about stroke (p Conclusion: Although the attitudes towards stroke victims are overall good, the level of knowledge about warning signs, risk factors and prevention measures is low. Because of this, it is important to organize public regular awareness and education campaigns in order to improve and increase knowledge about stroke.
文摘Introduction: Cognitive disorders frequency arising after a cardio-cerebral vascular disease (stroke) is currently on the rise due to the ageing population and the increase in the number of survivors after stroke occurrence. Objective: Determining post-stroke cognitive decline and identifying associated factors. Method: It consists in a cross-sectional, prospective, descriptive and analytical study which was conducted from April 1 to August 31, 2013 in the Neurology Department of CNHU-HKM in Cotonou. The study involved 100 patients who have known stroke for at least the past 6 months and were all admitted and discharged later on. The disease survivors were re-contacted and examined again at home or at hospital. The cognitive decline (CD) was estimated by using a modified and adapted MMSE to suit our cultural era. Results: All patients were aged 58.9 years ± 13.6 years. Sex-ratio was 1.4. Cognitive decline frequency was 20%. Post-stroke cognitive decline frequency per sex was 11.6% and 8.4% respectively for females and males. Ischemia stroke patients had a higher cognitive decline (22.5%). 58.3% had severe CD. Moreover the CD frequency increased with time, from 16.7% in a year to 50% in 3 years. Total MMSE varied from 6 to 23 with 21 as median. From the unvaried analysis, the presence of sphincter disorders (1.26 [0.35-4.59], p = 0.004), consciousness disorders (15.67 [1.46-168], p = 0.04), and convulsion disorders (3.77 [1.01 -14.00], p = 0.003) was associated with cognitive decline. From multi-varied analysis, the sole presence of convulsive attacks (11.5 [1.79-73.58], p = 0.01) was individually associated with post-stroke cognitive decline. Conclusion: This study reveals the importance of CD after stroke. The occurrence of convulsions at stroke acute stage is a prognostic factor of CD medium or long-term occurrence. The overall coverage improvement depends on the integration of these data in stroke reach-out programs.
文摘The association between stroke and meningioma is rarely reported in the data. In most etiology classification, there is no compressive cause. The association between meningioma and stroke is increasingly reported. We report a case of 52-year-old woman, previously healthy, presented with sudden right hemiplegia with some transient mood disorders. The CT-scan revealed acute left anterior cerebral artery infarction associated with fronto-basale meningioma infiltrating both anterior cerebral arteries. She was treated by corticosteroid and rehabilitation, with partial recovery. No stroke prevention was used before surgical treatment.
