The Pan African medical journal
-
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), several influenza epidemics are ignored because they are confused with other infectious diseases which have similar symptoms. Our study aims to assess influenza epidemics occurred in the DRC before 2008, year of the implementation of the influenza surveillance program in the DRC. We searched all the documents [articles, report,…] about influenza epidemic or acute respiratory infections [ARI] in the DRC before 2008 by using chosen key words. ⋯ Their attack rates ranged between 22.6 and 57.7% and lethality rates ranged between 3.2 and 3.7%. The two epidemics in Bosobolo and Kinshasa were associated with H3N2 influenza virus. This literature review highlights a high morbidity and mortality due to rare influenza epidemics in the DRC.
-
The management of high-energy pilon fractures is still controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation are often associated with serious complications. Various methods have been used to treat these injuries, with variable results. ⋯ The movements of the ankle ranged from 0 to 20° of dorsiflexion and 5° to 40° of plantar flexion. Twenty patients had gone back to their preinjury profession. The ILIZAROV technique is a safe and a very effective treatment for severe pilon fractures with minimum complications and good healing results.
-
Ivermectin is an ant parasitic drug used for combating onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. It works by inhibiting the function of neurons and muscles, thus causing paralysis of microfilariae. Side effects of this drug have been reported including post-ivermectin encephalopathy requiring emergency care in hospital. ⋯ Corticosteroid treatment was administered in emergency and patient recovered despite the persistence of bilateral blindness. Inflammatory process seems to have an important role in the pathophysiology of this encephalopathy. We should therefore carefully control the administration of this drugs.
-
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening idiosyncratic drug reaction. It presents with extensive rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, hematologic abnormalities (eosinophilia and/or atypical lymphocytosis) and internal organ involvement. It has been described in association with more than 50 drugs. ⋯ Ten days after developing eruptions the patient was discharged. To our knowledge, we report the first pediatric case of DRESS syndrome following treatment with cefotaxime and clindamycin. Pediatricians should be aware of this potential complication associated with these commonly prescribed antibiotics.
-
Percutaneous Central Venous Catheter (CVC) insertion using internal jugular and Subclavian veins routes is common procedure for all intensive care admitted patients and some patients in the ward as demand arises in central and referral hospitals of Botswana. This is a case report of a patient on whom a third attempt of re-inserting a CVC for fluid and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was made. X-ray showed that left Subclavian inserted catheter was mis-directed to internal jugular vein of the same side creating discomfort to the patient. Ultra sound is recommended for routine investigation to confirm proper Central venous catheter placement as it can reduce failure, minimize complication and reduce cost of treatment.