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The prevalence of hypertension appears to be increasing in the pediatric population. To determine the prevalence of hypertension, and evaluate the level of blood pressure in children in preschool settings. This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2023 (3 months), in 5 districts of Brazzaville. A random draw in 3 clusters was carried out, in order to collect the data, in a calculated sample of 250 children, from 10 preschool structures. Age ranged from 3 to 6 years, and written consent from parents or legal guardians was obtained. The mean age was 4.4 ± 0.9 years, and 133 (53.2%) were girls. The medical history was: breastfeeding with breast milk substitute at 6 months (15.6%), gestational hypertension (12.8%), prematurity (10.4%), low birth weight (10.8%), and macrosomia (4%). Moreover, the number of daily meals was often three (76.8%), the consumption of sweetened snack drinks (77.6%). Weight growth was: excessive (4.4%), insufficient (9.6%) and normal (86%). Stature growth was often normal (94.4%). A chronic pathology was noted in 22 cases (8.8%). The socioeconomic level of the parents was often high (77.6%). Blood pressure level was normal (98.4%), high (1.2%) and grade 1 hypertension (0.4%). Factors associated with high blood pressure were: prematurity (OR 19, 95% CI 5.7–64, P < 0.001), low birth weight (OR 7.7, 95% CI 2.4–22, P < 0.001), obesity (OR 11, 95% CI 3.2–37, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis after adjustment with sex and age, the factors associated with high blood pressure were: prematurity, low birth weight, and obesity. Although the prevalence of high blood pressure remains low among children in preschool in Brazzaville, screening must be encouraged, in order to list the associated factors and target their management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchronous volvulus of the transverse and sigmoid colon is an exceedingly rare clinical presentation. The dual location of strangulation constitutes a critical surgical emergency due to the heightened risk of intestinal necrosis and septic shock. Given the rarity of this condition, there is a notable paucity of detailed information in the literature, and the management strategies are poorly codified. We report the case of a 23-year-old man with a history of bowel transit disorders (diarrhea and constipation), who was admitted as an emergency with typical signs of acute large bowel obstruction. Initial diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus was retained; however, intraoperative findings revealed an associated volvulus of both the transverse and sigmoid colon. A left colectomy was performed followed by colorectal anastomosis. The postoperative period was uneventful. Synchronous volvulus of the transverse and sigmoid colon is an extremely rare occurrence; it should be considered as one of the differential diagnoses of acute large bowel obstruction. There is scarcity of information in the literature regarding synchronous sigmoid and transverse colon volvulus. Synchronous volvulus of the transverse and sigmoid colon is an exceedingly rare clinical entity. Diagnosing this condition can be difficult and the management effectiveness remains controversial. It is presumed that sigmoid volvulus is the initial event; therefore, emphasizing the need for early surgical intervention for sigmoid volvulus could potentially improve outcomes. • The synchronous occurrence of a sigmoid colon and transverse colon volvulus is exceptional. • The diagnosis of this double volvulus is most often made intraoperatively. • The literature concerning its description is sparse and the treatment options are poorly codified. • The prognosis of this clinical presentation is good, only one death for 14 cases in 25 years [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the frequency of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in hypertensive patients and report the associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2019 (6 months), in hypertensive outpatient followed up at the University Hospital of Brazzaville. The diagnosis criteria of OSAS were those of Berlin questionnaire. A total of 315 patients were included, 210 women (64.9%). The mean age was 58.5 ± 12.4 years. The standard of living was high in 59 cases (18.7%). Medical history was: hospitalization (n = 209, 66.3%), diabetes (n = 95, 30.2%), heart failure (n = 57, 18.1%). Lifestyle habits were: sedentarity (n = 181, 57.5%), excessive alcohol intake (n = 97, 30.8%). Normal blood pressure (n = 86, 27.3%), severe obesity (n = 23, 7.3%), obdominal obesity (n = 230.73%). Anomalies in the Berlin questionnaire were represented by snoring (n = 197, 62.5%), tiredness upon waking (n = 127, 40.3%), tiredness during the day (n = 97, 30.8%), breathing pauses (n = 75, 23.8%) and falling asleep at the wheel (n = 22, 7%). The frequency of OSAS was 75.8% (n = 239). The factors associated with OSA were: excessive alcohol intake (n = 86, 36% OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6-6.6, P < 0.01), severe obesity (n = 20, 8.3%, OR 7, 95% CI 1.6-35, P = 0.01), abdominal obesity (n = 185, 77.4%, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-4, P = 0.002). OSAS is a real problem among hypertensive patients at Brazzaville. This fact requires its systematic screening, and the implementation of polysomnography, a more efficient means of diagnosis for appropriate treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the associated factors of ECG abnormalities in athletes at Brazzaville (Republic of the Congo). This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2019 at the sport medical center of Alphonse Massamba-Débat stadium in Brazzaville. Included athletes were affiliated with national federations of disciplines recognized by the National Olympic Committee, aged from 12 to 35 years old, and have received a clinical examination and a resting ECG. A total of 436 athletes were involved, including 334 males (76.6%). The mean age was 21.9 ± 5.1 years (range 12 and 35 years). The sports concerned were: handball (n = 137), football (n = 94), taekwondo (n = 57), basketball (n = 54). The average weekly training duration was 8.6 ± 2.6 hours. The average duration of sports practice was 5.5 ± 4.5 years. ECG showed abnormalities in 382 athletes (87.6%), including 56.2% physiological abnormalities, 7.8% borderline abnormalities and 23.6% pathological abnormalities. In the multivariate analysis, associated factors with the abnormalities were male sex (adjusted OR 4.4, 95%CI 2.3-8.6, p < 0.001) and endurance sport, in particular: football (adjusted OR 2.4, 95%CI 1.2-11.7, P = 0.03), marathon (adjusted OR 2.5, 95%CI 1.4-14.7, P = 0.02) and volleyball (adjusted OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.7-3.3, P = 0.04). The study reports many ECG abnormalities among athletes in Brazzaville. These abnormalities should be explored by cardiac ultrasound and other methods of exploring heart, to identify athletes at risk of sudden death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The cardiovascular complications are the major prognostic factor for Sickle cell disease (SCD). Methods This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in the cardiology department of the University Hospital of Brazzaville. 79 patients, included by drawing lots from hematology department file of University Hospital center of Brazzaville, were compared to 73 non-sickle cell subjects. Echocardiographic data were collected and laboratory parameters: hemoglobin. Results The 79 sickle cell patients were distributed in 48 women (60.8%) and 31 men (39.2%), mean age 27.0±9.9 years. The average hemoglobin was 7.8±0.9g/dl. We observed on echocardiography left ventricular dilatation in 12 patients (15.2%), right ventricular dilatation in three patients, left atrial dilatation in 34 patients (43.0%) and right atrial dilatation in 14 patients (17.7%). The ejection fraction of the left ventricle was on average 69.4±7.2%. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 68 patients (86.1%). We observed a normal mitral profile in 73 cases (92.4%). Pulmonary hypertension was found in 42 patients (53.2%). The comparison with non-sickle cell population showed a significant difference in favor of sickle cell on the left atrium (22.1 vs 14.1; p=0.000), the right atrium (16.9 vs 12.3; p=0.000), the left ventricle (55.0 vs 46.8; p=0.000), the right ventricle (21.2 vs 17.0; p=0.000), left ventricular mass (138.5 vs 80.0; p=0.000), cardiac output (7.4 vs 5.3, p=0.007) and the maximum flow velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (23.0 vs 19.6; p=0.000). Conclusion Doppler echocardiography is an essential technic in the assessment of sickle cell patients. It enables the early detection of certain heart complications, especially pulmonary hypertension, making the prognosis of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]