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INTRODUCTION: La coronaropathie serait fréquente chez les survivants d´accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC). L´objectif de l´étude était de déterminer la prévalence de la coronaropathie chez les survivants d´AVC suivis au centre hospitalier universitaire départemental Borgou-Alibori (CHUD/B-A). METHODES: il s´est agi d´une étude transversale menée du 1er mars au 31 août 2019. Elle a inclus tous les patients victimes d´AVC, d´âge = 18 ans, reçus dans l´unité de neurologie du CHUD/B-A entre janvier 2012 et juillet 2019, ayant survécu à la phase aiguë, et chez qui le consentement éclairé écrit ou celui d´un tuteur (patients sévèrement handicapés) a été obtenu. Un entretien individuel, des mesures anthropométriques, un examen physique, un électrocardiogramme et une revue du dossier médical ont été effectués. La présence de coronaropathie a été définie par un antécédent documenté, des anomalies ST/T et/ou Q évocatrices (critères de Minnesota) ou un questionnaire de dépistage de l´angine de poitrine positif. Les facteurs associés à la coronaropathie ont été recherchés par une régression logistique. RESULTATS: un total de 101 patients était inclus avec un âge moyen de 57,2±10,5 ans. Le délai médian depuis la survenue de l´AVC était de 11 mois [2,0-23,5]. Les AVC ischémiques prédominaient (57,4%). La prévalence de la coronaropathie était estimée à 49,5%. Les facteurs associés à la coronaropathie étaient la non-scolarisation (p=0,036), l´obésité (p=0,036) et le tabagisme ancien (p=0,044). CONCLUSION: cette étude montre une fréquence élevée de coronaropathie chez les survivants d´AVC. Il est important de dépister la coronaropathie dans cette cible afin d´optimiser la prise en charge.

Currently, little is known on the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness (CF), physical activity (PA), and functional outcomes after stroke, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We examine the relationships between CF, PA, and functional outcomes in one-year poststroke in Benin, a lower middle-income country. A case–control study was carried out in northern Benin. Twenty-one participants with chronic strokes were matched to 42 controls according to sex and age. PA patterns and associated energy expenditure (EE) were assessed with a BodyMedia's senseWear armband. CF was evaluated with the Physical Working Capacity at 75% of the predicted maximal heart rate index. The functional outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the ACTIVLIM-Stroke scale. Both people with stroke and the healthy pairs spent much time in sedentary behavior (median [P25; P75]: 672 [460; 793] min vs 515 [287; 666] min, p = 0.006). Although people with chronic stroke performed fewer steps compared to healthy controls (median: 2767 vs 5524, p = 0.005), results showed that total EE was not statistically significant in either group (median: 7166 Kcal vs 8245 Kcal, p = 0.07). In addition, the mRS score (r = 0.47, p = 0.033) and the ACTIVLIM-Stroke measure (r = 0.52, p = 0.016) were moderately associated with the CF index of people with chronic stroke. The study showed clear trends for lower levels of PA in both people with chronic stroke and health controls. A correlation exists between CF, disability, and functional outcomes among stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les neuropathies périphériques chez les hémodialysés sont fréquentes. Étudier les neuropathies périphériques au sein de la population des patients hémodialysés chroniques au Bénin. Il s'agissait d'une étude transversale descriptive et analytique, conduite du 1er avril au 31 juillet 2017 dans les unités d'hémodialyse des deux centres publics de dialyse du Bénin. Le recrutement était exhaustif, avec inclusion de tous les patients hémodialysés depuis plus de 3 mois, âgés d'au moins 18 ans et consentants. Le diagnostic de neuropathie périphérique a été retenu sur la présence de troubles sensitivomoteurs et/ou végétatifs associés à une amyotrophie, une abolition ou une diminution des réflexes ostéo-tendineux, et une absence de signes centraux. Au total, 189/233 hémodialysés ont été inclus dans les deux centres d'hémodialyses publics du Bénin, soit 180 au CNHU-HKM et 9 au CHUD/BA. L'âge moyen était de 50,23 ± 13,31 ans, avec des extrêmes de 20 à 85 ans et un sex-ratio de 1,59. La fréquence globale de la neuropathie périphérique était de 59,26 %, dont les polyneuropathies (72,32 %), les mononeuropathies unifocales (10,71 %), les polyradiculoneuropathies (9,82 %) et les mononeuropathies multiples (7,14 %). Le facteur associé en analyse multivariée était le niveau socio-économique (p = 0,001 ; OR 39,41 ; IC 95 % 4,81–322,64). La neuropathie périphérique est fréquente chez les hémodialysés chroniques au Bénin, imposant un dépistage et une prise en charge précoces. Peripheral neuropathies, in hemodialysis patients, are frequent. To study peripheral neuropathies in the population of chronic hemodialysis patients in Benin. This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted from April 1st to July 31st, 2017 in the hemodialysis units of the two public dialysis centers in Benin. Recruitment was exhaustive with inclusion of all patients with hemodialysis for more than 3 months, aged at least 18 years and consenting. The diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy was based on the presence of sensory-motor and/or vegetative disorders associated with amyotrophy, abolition or reduction of osteotendinous reflexes and absence of central signs. A total of 189 hemodialysis patients were included in the two public hemodialysis centers of Benin, 180 at the CNHU-HKM and 9 at the CHUD/BA. The mean age was 50.23 ± 13.31 years with extremes from 20 to 85 years and a sex ratio of 1.59. The overall frequency of peripheral neuropathy was 59.26%, including polyneuropathies (72.32%), unifocal mononeuropathies (10.71%), polyradiculoneuropathies (9.82%), and multiple mononeuropathies (7.14%). The associated factor in multivariate analysis was socioeconomic level (P = 0.001; OR 39.41; 95% CI 4.81–322.64). Peripheral neuropathy is frequent in chronic hemodialysis patients in Benin, requiring early detection and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the availability of health workers and medications for clinical management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in African hospital centers. Availability and affordability analyses of disease-modifying treatments were performed. Methods: A multicenter observational study involving African hospitals was conducted. A standard questionnaire was developed based on the European Federation of the Neurological Societies (EFNS) guidelines. We collected data on multidisciplinary care and availability of medicines. The availability and affordability were evaluated according to the WHO guidelines. Results: Nine hospital centers from eight African countries participated. We observed a low degree of implementation of multidisciplinary care in ALS management. Riluzole was only available in centers from South Africa, Senegal, Tunisia, and Togo. This treatment was unaffordable and the adjusted price was highly variable among countries. The cost of riluzole was partly or fully covered by patients, which implies a substantial economic burden. Conclusion: Our findings strengthen the need to promote multidisciplinary care in the clinical management of ALS in Africa. Disease-modifying medication should be both available and affordable. Local and international collaboration is needed to improve ALS health care access in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migraine is a disabling disease that inflicts a heavy burden on individuals who suffer from it. Significant advances are being made in understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of the disease. The role of lifestyle modifications has become increasingly predominant. We reviewed the current and available data on the role of a healthy lifestyle in the management of migraine. Physical activity, management of obesity, a healthy diet, and a better lifestyle, such as adequate sleep and avoidance of drug abuse, significantly contribute to reducing the frequency and severity of attacks. It is important to consider these factors in the overall management strategies for migraine sufferers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The number of people living with dementia is growing worldwide and most rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. Little is known about dementia in Benin. We estimated the prevalence of dementia among retired people in Parakou, a northern city in Benin, and then assessed associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Parakou from July to August 2014. Participants were recruited at 2 centers, the National Center of Social Security and the Public Treasury of Benin. Participants with cognitive impairment were defined as having a low cognitive score (<7) for the brief version of the Community Screening Interview for Dementia and were invited to neurological examination. DSM-IV-TR criteria were used to diagnose dementia and the HACHINSKI score was used to differentiate dementia subtypes. A logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with dementia. Results: Overall, 440 retired people were included in the study. They were mainly male (92.3%) and their mean age was 64.9 ± 6.0 years. The prevalence of cognitive impairment was 7.7% (95% CI 5.2–10.2). Fourteen participants were diagnosed with dementia, representing a prevalence of 3.2% (95% CI 1.5–4.8). Alzheimer disease was the most frequent subtype (64.3%), followed by vascular dementia (21.4%). Retired people diagnosed with dementia were all men and were aged between 61 and 71 years. Most of them were living alone. The main factors associated with dementia were older age, low fruit and vegetables consumption, and living alone. Discussion: This study showed a low prevalence of dementia among retired older people in Benin. Despite this, greater attention must be given to the potential burden dementia places on families for better care, before the expected aging of the population becomes more significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We describe and compare the sociodemographic and clinical features, treatments, and prognoses and survival times of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in Africa.Methodology: We conducted a multicentre, hospital-based cohort study in Africa. Patients with ALS diagnosed in the neurology departments of participating hospitals from 2005 to 2017 were included. Subgroup analysis was performed by subcontinent. Survival analyses were conducted using the Cox proportional hazards model.Results: Nine centres from eight African countries participated. A total of 185 patients with ALS were included: 114 from Northern Africa, 41 from Western Africa and 30 from Southern Africa. A male predominance (male to female ratio 2.9) was evident. The median age at onset was 53.0 years (IQR 44.5-64.0 years). The onset was bulbar in 22.7%. Only 47 patients (26.3%) received riluzole, mainly in Northern and Western Africa. The median survival from the time of diagnosis was 14.0 months (95% CI 10.7 to 17.2 months). The median survival was longer in Northern Africa (19.0 months, 95% CI 10.8 to 27.2 months) than in Western (4.0 months, 95% CI 0.8 to 7.1 months) and Southern (11.0 months, 95% CI 5.6 to 16.4 months) Africa (Breslow test, p<0.0001). Both subcontinental location and riluzole treatment independently affected survival.Conclusion: More African patients with ALS were male and younger and exhibited a lower proportion of bulbar onset compared with patients with ALS from Western nations. Survival was consistent with that in Western registers but far shorter than what would be expected for young patients with ALS. The research improves our understanding of the disease in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a 30-year-old human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive HIV patient who was poorly followed. She was admitted on November 30, 2017, for the management of febrile encephalitis syndrome with motor deficit of the left hemicorps and generalized seizures. In biology, we found a nonspecific inflammatory syndrome. The cerebral imaging without and with injection found a cystic formation multilobed right fronto-parietal of approximately 83 mm × 62 mm, the presence of an annular calcification of approximately 8 mm with a commitment under falcator, and a contralateral ventricle dilation. Treatment with antiepileptic, antibiotic, antiparasitic, and corticosteroid therapy was marked by death the day before the neurosurgical procedure after initial improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPurposeMaterials and methodsResultsConclusionFirst healthcare actors in neurological diseases management, General Practitioners (GPs) still limited in the assessment of Peripheral Neuropathies (PN). This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP) of GPs on PN in Benin in 2021 and identifying associated factors to low KAP.It was a cross-sectional study conducted from 20 November 2020 to 30 June 2021 which included GPs registered in the National Order of Physicians in Benin and interns in last year of medical studies (MS). An overall KAP score of 24 points was derived. KAP levels were low (score < 17), medium (17 to 19) and high (score ≥ 20). Multivariable regression models were performed to identify factors associated with low KAP.645/1,066 participants (60.5%) were included in the study with median age 28 years [Interquartile range IQR: 26-30 years], and 442 (68.5%) were male. The KAP level was low in 70.1%. 16.7% had a low knowledge of polyneuropathy manifestations, 35% perceived PN as an incurable disease. Lack of knowledge on PN before MS (adjusted Odds-ratio aOR = 1.6 [95% confidence interval CI: 1.1–2.3]), and no postgraduate training on PN (aOR = 1.8 [95% CI: 1.–-3.0]) were associated with low overall KAP level. Working in rural area (aOR = 0.4 [95%CI: 0.2–0.7]), and being an intern (aOR = 0.6 [95%CI: 0.4–0.9]) were associated with better overall KAP level.This study highlights the need for better training with strong emphasis on PN during the MS and the organization of postgraduate training for GPs; the cornerstone for improving the management of PN in Benin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common cause of pediatric motor disability. While epidemiological data are widespread in high-income countries, corresponding data in low-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa are still rare. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of CP in Northern Benin, a French-speaking low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa., Methods: This study was a community-based door-to-door study involving children younger than 18 years old, in Parakou, a semi-urban city in Benin. We used a two-stage procedure. The first one consisted on children screening to identify potential cases of CP. During the second stage, suspected children were examined by neurologists with high experience with CP., Results: In total, 2,630 children were screened with 10 confirmed cases of CP, resulting in a crude prevalence (95% confidence interval) of 3.8 (1.4, 6.15) per 1,000 children. Of the 10 confirmed cases, six were younger than 5 years old, and five were male. Eight children over ten were spastic with six bilateral spastic subtype according to the Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe classification system. Seven children had a Gross Motor Function Classification System level III-V, and six were classified level III to V of the manual ability classification system., Conclusion: CP is highly prevalent in semi-urban area in Northern Benin. Large studies on potential risk factors are needed for the development of effective preventive strategies., (© 2024 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Sub-Saharan Africa faces a heavy burden of stroke due to the growth of its risk factors. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of stroke risk factors and identify the factors associated with metabolic risk factors in the district of Titirou, in Parakou (northern Benin) in 2016. A cross-sectional study was conducted. It included people aged at least 15 years, living in Titirou for at least 6 months, and who had given their written consent to participate in the study. A door-to-door survey was performed from 15 march to 15 July 2016 in each neighborhood until the pre-determined number was reached. Sociodemographic data, medical histories, anthropometric and blood pressure measures were recorded using the WHO STEPS approach. The prevalence of stroke risk factors was calculated, and a multivariable logistic regression was done to identify the factors associated with metabolic risk factors for stroke. A total of 4671 participants were included with a mean age of 27.7±12.9 years and a sex ratio of 0.98. Concerning the behavioral risk factors for stroke, 17.2% were alcohol consumers, 3.5% were smokers, 21.5% had low fruit and vegetable intake, and 51.1% had low physical activity practice. The prevalence of metabolic risk factors for stroke was respectively of 8.7% for obesity, 7.1% for high blood pressure, 1.7% for self-reported diabetes, and 2.2% for dyslipidemia. Age (p<0.001), sex (p<0.001), marital status (p<0.001) and professional occupation (p = 0.010) were associated with obesity. Age was also associated with high blood pressure (p<0.001) and diabetes (p<0.001). Dyslipidemia varied according to smoking (p = 0.033) and low physical activity practice (p = 0.003). The study revealed a significant prevalence of some stroke risk factors. Targeted local interventions for primary prevention of stroke should be promoted in this community., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2022 Houehanou et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Balance impairment is the predominant risk factor for falls in stroke survivors. A fear of falling after stroke can contribute to sedentary lifestyles, increased disability and risk of recurrence, leading to poor quality of life., Objective: To determine the frequency and factors associated with balance impairments amongst stroke survivors at the University Hospital of Parakou., Method: This cross-sectional study included adult stroke survivors. Stroke survivors after discharge were enrolled at the University Hospital of Parakou between 01 January 2020 and 30 September 2020. Balance impairments were measured by using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and the Get Up and Go (GUG) tests., Results: A total of 54 stroke survivors were included, with a mean age of 58.37 ± 12.42 years and a male predominance of 68.52%. The mean BBS score was 36.87 ± 14.34 with a minimum and a maximum of 10 and 56, respectively. Thirteen (24.07%) had balance impairments (BBS score ≤ 20), 34 (62.96%) had a TUG score ≥ 14 s (abnormal), 9 (16.67%) presented a moderate risk of falling and 6 (11.11%) presented high risk of fall with the GUG test. Post-stroke duration (odds ratio [OR] = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.04-0.30; p < 0.01), severity of disability (OR = 8.33; 95% CI: 1.03-67.14; p = 0.03) and the number of physiotherapy sessions (OR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.03-0.93; p = 0.02) were significantly associated with balance impairments., Conclusion: Our results showed that almost one quarter of stroke survivors after discharge at the University Hospital of Parakou had balance impairments. Post-stroke duration, severity of disability and the number of physiotherapy sessions were significantly associated with balance impairments., Clinical Implications: [AQ1] Balance should be regularly assessed in people post-stroke. Further studies should document the content of rehabilitation and any rehabilitative efforts to improve balance in people post-stroke in Benin., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationships that may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article., (© 2021. The Authors.)