Assumpta Bella - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Assumpta Bella

International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an ocular manifestation characterized by microvascular complications... more Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an ocular manifestation characterized by microvascular complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and two lacrimal angiogenic cytokines, interleukin-6 (Il-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). A cross-sectional study was conducted at Yaoundé Central Hospital from February,1 to June, 15, 2019. Twenty-six diabetic patients with retinopathy and 55 diabetics without retinopathy were enrolled. Tears were collected with Schirmer strips. The concentrations of VEGF-A and Il-6 were determined by the ELISA test. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Data version 7.1.5.2. and GraphPad 5.0. The mean VEGF-A concentration was 163.4 ± 45.1 and 149± 81.8 pg/ml in patients with and without DR respectively (p= 0.292) while tear Il-6 level was 118.5±103 and 119±79.43 pg/ml in patients with and without DR respectively (p= 0.497). The mean tear VEGF level was 165.2 ± 76.10 and 153.50 ± 57....

HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASES, Aug 14, 2016

Clinical Ophthalmology, Oct 1, 2013

To describe the different corneal pathologies and determine the prevalence of corneal blindness a... more To describe the different corneal pathologies and determine the prevalence of corneal blindness amongst children aged 0-15 years, seen at the ophthalmology unit of a tertiary hospital in Cameroon. Patients and methods: The medical records of all patients who presented to the Ophthalmic Unit between 2002 and 2010 were reviewed, retrospectively. The records of children aged 0-15 years, presenting with corneal pathologies, were further reviewed. Data collected included age, sex, past medical history, initial visual acuity, type of corneal lesion, and visual acuity at last follow-up. Results: Of the 7,922 children seen over the study period, 168 had corneal pathologies: a prevalence of 2.1%. Males were more affected than females (male to female ratio: 1.4:1; P = 0.008). The age range was from 2 weeks to 15 years (mean age: 7.1 years; standard deviation: 4.4 years). The leading etiologies were trauma (48.2%; n = 81) and infection (28.0%; n = 47). Amongst those with available follow-up data, visual impairment and blindness occurred in 50% of the cases (n = 12), with one case being bilateral. Conclusion: Trauma is the most frequent cause of corneal blindness in children.

Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, Sep 6, 2016

Purpose: To determine the profile of ophthalmic manifestations in chronic inflammatory rheumatic ... more Purpose: To determine the profile of ophthalmic manifestations in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD). Methods: Observational study at the Yaounde Central Hospital and Innel Medical Centre (2004 to 2012). Results: The study population (n = 36) consisted of 14 men and 22 women with average age of 47.9 ± 17.2 years. Cases of CIRD were rheumatoid arthritis (n = 16), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 8), ankylosing spondylitis (n = 8), mixed connective tissue disease (n = 2), scleroderma (n = 1), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 1). Ophthalmic manifestations found in 22 (61.1%) patients were dry eye syndrome (n = 7), cataract (n = 6), anterior uveitis (n = 6), glaucoma (n = 4), and suspected maculopathy (n = 1). No association was found between steroids used and supcapsular cataract (p = 0.06) or glaucoma (p = 0.06). Conclusion: Ocular manifestations occurred in 61.1% of CIRD. Dry eye syndrome and anterior uveitis were commonly observed.

Journal Francais D Ophtalmologie, Feb 1, 2018

Given the causative parasite hypothesis for tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC), we cond... more Given the causative parasite hypothesis for tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC), we conducted an analytical case-control study of all children with tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis seen in the ophthalmology department of Laquintinie hospital in Douala during the period from January 2nd to April 30, 2015. Results.-We identified 64 cases of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis out of 550 children seen; a hospital prevalence of 11.6%; thirteen cases (eight boys and five girls) did not meet inclusion criteria, and 51 cases were included, 31 boys (60.8%) and 20 girls (39.2%) with a male/female (M/F) sex-ratio of 1.41. For controls, we included 28 males (54.9%) and 23 girls (45.1%) for a M/F sex-ratio of 1.22. The prevalence of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis in boys was 12.1%, and for girls it was 7.1% in the case group. Stage II was the most frequent at 29 cases (56.9%), as well as the mixed form at 31 cases (60.8%). The frequency of intestinal parasites was 14 cases (27.5%) in the group of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis patients and 6 cases (11.8%) in the control group (P = 0.08). Entamoeba histolytica in its cystic form was the most intestinal parasite found in both groups, 10 cases for tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis (19.6%) and 6 cases in the control groups (11.8%). The mean serum IgE among cases was 81.2 IU/ml, while in the controls it was 15.6 IU/ml (P = 0.001) Conclusion.-There is no relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and the occurrence of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis.

HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASES, 2020

RESUME Objectif. Evaluer les connaissances, attitudes et pratiques du personnel de sante sur le g... more RESUME Objectif. Evaluer les connaissances, attitudes et pratiques du personnel de sante sur le glaucome primitif a angle ouvert (GPAO). Materiels et methodes. Nous avons realise une etude transversale prospective du 4 janvier au 31 mai 2016 dans 7 structures sanitaires de la region de l’ouest du Cameroun. La population d’etude etait composee des professionnels de sante non impliques en soins oculaires des structures sanitaires suscitees recrutes de facon consecutive en fonction de leur disponibilite a remplir le questionnaire prealablement teste. Leurs connaissances, attitudes et pratiques ont ete evaluees. Resultats. Sur 360 professionnels de sante recrutes 10,5% etaient medecins et 63,3% infirmiers. La majorite du personnel (n=184 ; 51,1%) avait moins de 10 ans d’exercice professionnel. Au total, 300 (83,3%) professionnels avaient entendu parler du GPAO dont 97% des medecins. Seuls 34 (9,44%) etaient capables de definir cette affection et son caractere cecitant etait connu de 10 ...

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2014

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2014

Ophthalmic Epidemiology, 2020

Aim To evaluate systems and services for management of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Methodo... more Aim To evaluate systems and services for management of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Methodology The National Program for Blindness Control conducted a nationwide descriptive study from 1st February to 31st October 2016. Data was collected using WHO’s:“Tool Assessment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetes Management Systems” adapted to the context. Using direct interviews, all previously identified stakeholders, were involved from all levels of management and throughout the territory. The IBM version 20 software permitted analysis. Results Out of the 48 individuals selected, 46 agreed to participate in the survey. Four participants (8.7%) worked at the central level of the Ministry of Public Health, 2 (4.4%) were NGOs partners, 6 (13%) diabetic patients, and 34 (73.9%) health staff. According to the answers of participants, diabetes stands among priorities in the national health policy. Diabetic care services have been integrated into the National action plan for Chronic Non-Com...

Background. L'usage de la colle biologique a révolutionné la chirurgie du ptérygion. Toutefois, d... more Background. L'usage de la colle biologique a révolutionné la chirurgie du ptérygion. Toutefois, des complications peuvent survenir dans le cadre de son utilisation. L'objectif de notre étude était de rechercher les complications survenant dans la cure du ptérygion avec usage de colle biologique dans notre contexte. Méthodologie. Une étude interventionnelle prospective a été réalisée au Centre Acha-Annex de Douala de Janvier à décembre 2017 dans le strict respect de la déclaration d'Helsinski. La population cible était tout personne présentant un ptérygion. Un recrutement consécutif et par convenance a été réalisé. Les patients bénéficiaient d'un examen ophtalmologique complet avant la cure qui consistait en une autogreffe conjonctivale avec colle biologique suivie d'un contrôle postopératoire d'un minimum de 06 mois. Résultats. Parmi les 52 participants (âge: 47 + 12 ans), le ptérygion était droit, gauche et bilatéral chez 22, 16 et 14 participants respectivement. Le type primaire (60,5%) et le grade 2 (50%) étaient les plus fréquents et la position nasale dans tous les cas (n=66). Un total de 30 cures à droite et 26 à gauche ont été réalisées avec 54 complications observées dans 43 yeux. L'oedème conjonctival, la rétraction, et l'hémorragie étaient les plus fréquents et la prise en charge essentiellement médicale. Il n'y avait aucune récidive observée. Conclusion. La plupart des complications survenant dans la cure du ptérygion avec usage de colle biologique dans notre contexte sont résolutives sous traitement conservateur. La récidive au cours des six premiers mois post opératoires est exceptionnelle.

International Medical Case Reports Journal, Feb 1, 2016

Scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis are ocular manifestations found in many inflammatio... more Scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis are ocular manifestations found in many inflammations and infections. Therefore, their association should prompt a search for inflammatory or infectious causes that may be life-threatening, especially in the context of AIDS due to HIV infection. Findings: We report the case of a 37-year-old female, first seen in 2011 with a nodular scleritis in the right eye and a peripheral ulcerative keratitis, a necrotizing scleritis, and a granulomatous anterior uveitis in the left eye, in the context of chronic polyarthropathies that had evolved over 6 months. The patient was diagnosed with AIDS (HIV) in 2008 and was on antiretroviral therapy for the past 2 years. Ophthalmic workup was negative for opportunistic infections and potential causes of scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis, and the patient was unresponsive to topical antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment. Ocular lesion resolution and articular swelling improvement was observed less than 6 weeks after sulfasalazine treatment. Based on American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria, and considering the good response to the treatment (sulfasalazine), diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made in the absence of confirmatory lab tests results. Conclusion: In the context of ocular manifestations associated with polyarthropathies, coexisting pathologies should be considered. Diagnostic workup of chronic inflammatory rheumatism should be carried out, even in the context of HIV/AIDS.

Santé, Jul 1, 2010

To determine the causes of blindness and visual impairment in students attending schools for the ... more To determine the causes of blindness and visual impairment in students attending schools for the blind in Yaounde (Cameroon) and to estimate their frequencies. This study examined all 56 students at three schools for the blind in Yaoundé from September 15 through October 15, 2006. We collected data about their age, sex, medical and surgical history. Visual acuity was measured to determine their vision status according to the World Health Organization categories for blindness and visual impairment. All subjects underwent an ocular examination. Epi Info 3.5.1. was used for the statistical analysis of age, sex, visual acuity, causes of blindness and visual impairment, and etiologies. Fifty six people were examined: 37 men (66.1%) and 19 women (33.9%). Their mean age was 21.57 ± 10.53 years (min-max: 5-49), and 48.2% were in the 10-19 years age group (n = 27). In all, 87.5% were blind, 7.14% severely visually impaired, and 1.78% moderately visually impaired. The main causes of blindness and visual impairment in our sample were corneal disease (32.14%), optic nerve lesions (26.78%), cataract and its surgical complications (19.64%), retinal disorders (10.71%), glaucoma (8.92%, and malformations of the eyeball (1.78%). Their etiologies included congenital cataracts (19.64%), meningitis/fever (8.92%), glaucoma (7.14%), measles (5.35%), ocular trauma (5.35%), albinism (3.57%), Lyell syndrome (1.8%), and alcohol ingestion (1.8%). Etiology was unknown in 46.42%. Fifty per cent of these causes of blindness and visual impairment were treatable and/or preventable. Corneal lesions were the main cause of blindness and visual impairment in our sample. Fifty per cent of the causes found were treatable and/or preventable. Thus, substantial efforts are required to ensure access to better quality specialist ocular care. Furthermore, local authorities should create more centers specialised in the rehabilitation of the visual handicapped.

Bulletin de la Société belge d'ophtalmologie, 2012

KERATOUVEITIS AND LENS OPACITY CAUSED BY BUTTERFLY HAIR Butterfly hair is known to cause eye inju... more KERATOUVEITIS AND LENS OPACITY CAUSED BY BUTTERFLY HAIR Butterfly hair is known to cause eye injury. In Africa, incriminated butterflies are Hylesia (spp). We report a case of a sub-epithelial keratitis associated with anterior uveitis following a trauma by a butterfly that was complicated by late lens opacity due to butterfly hair. Ocular lesions caused by butterfly hair are rare, but require an urgent management to prevent late and severe complications due to intraocular migration of the hairs. MOTS-CLES Papillon, keratite, uveite, cataracte

Cogent Medicine, 2017

Background: Tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC) is an allergic limbo-conjunctivitis, ver... more Background: Tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC) is an allergic limbo-conjunctivitis, very common in children of tropical areas, and often characterized by ocular morbidity. Several studies were devoted to the study of the epidemiological and clinical aspects of TELC in Africa but in Cameroon, no study has ever been conducted on its association with intestinal helminths. The objective of our work was to investigate the association between TELC and intestinal helminths in pupils of Njombe-Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to September 2014. Random consecutive sampling was carried out. Selected pupils underwent a comprehensive eye examination, and their stool sample was examined using the KATO-KATZ technic to search for helminths eggs. Statistical tests were used for data analysis (p-value <0.05). Results: Two hundred and fifty-three students were enrolled. Thirty-six (14.2%) were affected by TELC. The average age of children with TELC was 9 ± 2 years (range: 4-13 years) with a male predominance (p = 0.001). Conjunctival hyperemia (88.9%) was the major clinical sign with a predominance of limbic clinical form (58.4%). The prevalence of intestinal helminths was 28.1% in

HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASES, 2020

RESUME Le lenticone est une protrusion conique du cortex cristallinien souvent associee a une nep... more RESUME Le lenticone est une protrusion conique du cortex cristallinien souvent associee a une nephropathie hereditaire appelee syndrome d'Alport. C’est le cas de ce patient de 22 ans recu pour une baisse de l’acuite visuelle bilaterale. L’examen clinique retrouvait une exotropie alternante, un astigmatisme myopique, un lenticone cristallinien bilateral avec un aspect en gouttelette d’huile en retro illumination. Le fond d’œil etait normal aux 2 yeux. Les consultations de nephrologie et ORL ont revele une hematurie microscopique et une surdite de perception confirmant le syndrome d’Alport. Ce cas pose un probleme diagnostique et therapeutique pour le malade et l’ophtalmologiste. ABSTRACT Lenticonus is a conical protrusion of the lens cortex often associated with an inherited nephropathy called Alport syndrome. This is the case of a 22-year-old patient received for bilateral visual acuity reduction. The clinical examination found alternating exotropia, myopic astigmatism, a bilate...

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Jul 8, 2021

Background: Safe childbirth remains a daunting challenge, particularly in low-middle income count... more Background: Safe childbirth remains a daunting challenge, particularly in low-middle income countries, where most pregnancy-related deaths occur. Cameroon's maternal mortality rate, estimated at 529 per 100,000 live births in 2017, is significantly high. The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) was designed to improve the quality of care provided to pregnant women during childbirth. The SCC was implemented at the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital to improve the quality of care during childbirth. Methods: This study was a retrospective study to determine the adoption rate of the SCC and its association with maternal (eclampsia, perineal tears, and postpartum haemorrhage) and neonatal (stillbirth, neonatal asphyxia and neonatal death) complications. Data were collected 6 months after the introduction of the SCC. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to analyse the association between the use of the SCC and maternofoetal complications. Results: Out of 1611 deliveries conducted, 1001 records were found, giving a retrieval rate of 62%. Twenty-five records were excluded. During the study period, the checklists were used in 828 of 976 clinical notes, with an adoption rate of 84.8% and a utilization rate of 93.9% at 6 months. Severe preeclampsia/eclampsia was associated with the non-use of the SCC (2.1 vs 5.4%, p = 0.041). Stillbirth, neonatal asphyxia, and neonatal death rates were not significantly different between the checklist and non-checklist groups. However, for all neonatal outcomes, the proportion of complications was lower when the checklist was used. Conclusion: The use of the SCC was associated with significantly reduced pregnancy complications, especially for reducing the rates of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. The use of the SCC increased to 93.9% of all deliveries within 6 months. We advocate for the use of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist in maternity units.

Veterinary Microbiology, Aug 1, 2008

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was first detected in Cameroon in February 2006. A... more Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was first detected in Cameroon in February 2006. Analysis of NA sequences of the virus demonstrated that it is closely related to the H5N1 isolates from Northern Nigeria, Sudan and Ivory Coast, suggesting a common virus ancestor.

Aids and Behavior, Aug 13, 2007

The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV infection among specific ... more The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV infection among specific population subgroups and complement the HIV surveillance system in Cameroon. Five subgroups (truck drivers, female-sex-workers, university students, health service providers, and residents along Chad-Cameroon petroleum pipeline) were targeted in 2004. Potential participants were approached at their geographically diverse areas and consented to participate in the study. Anonymous blood samples were collected. 4,011 participants were surveyed (35% students, 25% sex-workers, 20% pipeline residents, 12.5% health service providers, 7.5% truck drivers). HIV prevalence was highest among sex-workers [26.4%, (95% CI, 23.6-29.2)], pipeline residents [19.9% (95% CI, 17.1-22.7)] and truck drivers [16.3% (95% CI, 12.3-20.9)] and lowest among health service providers [5.2% (95% CI, 3.4-7.5)] and university students [3.8% (95% CI, 2.9-5.0)]. Risky sexual behaviours were practiced in all subpopulations. Multivariable analysis shows in female-sex-workers that; older age, residing in the grassland region (Northwest and West Provinces) and inconstant condom use were significantly associated with HIV infection. Despite a moderate HIV prevalence in the general Cameroonian population, some subgroups are at much higher risk for HIV transmission and practicing risky sexual behaviours. There is need for expanded prevention and care programs with emphasis on truck drivers, sex-workers and pipeline residents.

International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an ocular manifestation characterized by microvascular complications... more Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is an ocular manifestation characterized by microvascular complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and two lacrimal angiogenic cytokines, interleukin-6 (Il-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). A cross-sectional study was conducted at Yaoundé Central Hospital from February,1 to June, 15, 2019. Twenty-six diabetic patients with retinopathy and 55 diabetics without retinopathy were enrolled. Tears were collected with Schirmer strips. The concentrations of VEGF-A and Il-6 were determined by the ELISA test. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Data version 7.1.5.2. and GraphPad 5.0. The mean VEGF-A concentration was 163.4 ± 45.1 and 149± 81.8 pg/ml in patients with and without DR respectively (p= 0.292) while tear Il-6 level was 118.5±103 and 119±79.43 pg/ml in patients with and without DR respectively (p= 0.497). The mean tear VEGF level was 165.2 ± 76.10 and 153.50 ± 57....

HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASES, Aug 14, 2016

Clinical Ophthalmology, Oct 1, 2013

To describe the different corneal pathologies and determine the prevalence of corneal blindness a... more To describe the different corneal pathologies and determine the prevalence of corneal blindness amongst children aged 0-15 years, seen at the ophthalmology unit of a tertiary hospital in Cameroon. Patients and methods: The medical records of all patients who presented to the Ophthalmic Unit between 2002 and 2010 were reviewed, retrospectively. The records of children aged 0-15 years, presenting with corneal pathologies, were further reviewed. Data collected included age, sex, past medical history, initial visual acuity, type of corneal lesion, and visual acuity at last follow-up. Results: Of the 7,922 children seen over the study period, 168 had corneal pathologies: a prevalence of 2.1%. Males were more affected than females (male to female ratio: 1.4:1; P = 0.008). The age range was from 2 weeks to 15 years (mean age: 7.1 years; standard deviation: 4.4 years). The leading etiologies were trauma (48.2%; n = 81) and infection (28.0%; n = 47). Amongst those with available follow-up data, visual impairment and blindness occurred in 50% of the cases (n = 12), with one case being bilateral. Conclusion: Trauma is the most frequent cause of corneal blindness in children.

Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, Sep 6, 2016

Purpose: To determine the profile of ophthalmic manifestations in chronic inflammatory rheumatic ... more Purpose: To determine the profile of ophthalmic manifestations in chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (CIRD). Methods: Observational study at the Yaounde Central Hospital and Innel Medical Centre (2004 to 2012). Results: The study population (n = 36) consisted of 14 men and 22 women with average age of 47.9 ± 17.2 years. Cases of CIRD were rheumatoid arthritis (n = 16), systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 8), ankylosing spondylitis (n = 8), mixed connective tissue disease (n = 2), scleroderma (n = 1), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (n = 1). Ophthalmic manifestations found in 22 (61.1%) patients were dry eye syndrome (n = 7), cataract (n = 6), anterior uveitis (n = 6), glaucoma (n = 4), and suspected maculopathy (n = 1). No association was found between steroids used and supcapsular cataract (p = 0.06) or glaucoma (p = 0.06). Conclusion: Ocular manifestations occurred in 61.1% of CIRD. Dry eye syndrome and anterior uveitis were commonly observed.

Journal Francais D Ophtalmologie, Feb 1, 2018

Given the causative parasite hypothesis for tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC), we cond... more Given the causative parasite hypothesis for tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC), we conducted an analytical case-control study of all children with tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis seen in the ophthalmology department of Laquintinie hospital in Douala during the period from January 2nd to April 30, 2015. Results.-We identified 64 cases of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis out of 550 children seen; a hospital prevalence of 11.6%; thirteen cases (eight boys and five girls) did not meet inclusion criteria, and 51 cases were included, 31 boys (60.8%) and 20 girls (39.2%) with a male/female (M/F) sex-ratio of 1.41. For controls, we included 28 males (54.9%) and 23 girls (45.1%) for a M/F sex-ratio of 1.22. The prevalence of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis in boys was 12.1%, and for girls it was 7.1% in the case group. Stage II was the most frequent at 29 cases (56.9%), as well as the mixed form at 31 cases (60.8%). The frequency of intestinal parasites was 14 cases (27.5%) in the group of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis patients and 6 cases (11.8%) in the control group (P = 0.08). Entamoeba histolytica in its cystic form was the most intestinal parasite found in both groups, 10 cases for tropical endemic limboconjunctivitis (19.6%) and 6 cases in the control groups (11.8%). The mean serum IgE among cases was 81.2 IU/ml, while in the controls it was 15.6 IU/ml (P = 0.001) Conclusion.-There is no relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and the occurrence of tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis.

HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASES, 2020

RESUME Objectif. Evaluer les connaissances, attitudes et pratiques du personnel de sante sur le g... more RESUME Objectif. Evaluer les connaissances, attitudes et pratiques du personnel de sante sur le glaucome primitif a angle ouvert (GPAO). Materiels et methodes. Nous avons realise une etude transversale prospective du 4 janvier au 31 mai 2016 dans 7 structures sanitaires de la region de l’ouest du Cameroun. La population d’etude etait composee des professionnels de sante non impliques en soins oculaires des structures sanitaires suscitees recrutes de facon consecutive en fonction de leur disponibilite a remplir le questionnaire prealablement teste. Leurs connaissances, attitudes et pratiques ont ete evaluees. Resultats. Sur 360 professionnels de sante recrutes 10,5% etaient medecins et 63,3% infirmiers. La majorite du personnel (n=184 ; 51,1%) avait moins de 10 ans d’exercice professionnel. Au total, 300 (83,3%) professionnels avaient entendu parler du GPAO dont 97% des medecins. Seuls 34 (9,44%) etaient capables de definir cette affection et son caractere cecitant etait connu de 10 ...

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2014

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 2014

Ophthalmic Epidemiology, 2020

Aim To evaluate systems and services for management of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Methodo... more Aim To evaluate systems and services for management of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. Methodology The National Program for Blindness Control conducted a nationwide descriptive study from 1st February to 31st October 2016. Data was collected using WHO’s:“Tool Assessment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetes Management Systems” adapted to the context. Using direct interviews, all previously identified stakeholders, were involved from all levels of management and throughout the territory. The IBM version 20 software permitted analysis. Results Out of the 48 individuals selected, 46 agreed to participate in the survey. Four participants (8.7%) worked at the central level of the Ministry of Public Health, 2 (4.4%) were NGOs partners, 6 (13%) diabetic patients, and 34 (73.9%) health staff. According to the answers of participants, diabetes stands among priorities in the national health policy. Diabetic care services have been integrated into the National action plan for Chronic Non-Com...

Background. L'usage de la colle biologique a révolutionné la chirurgie du ptérygion. Toutefois, d... more Background. L'usage de la colle biologique a révolutionné la chirurgie du ptérygion. Toutefois, des complications peuvent survenir dans le cadre de son utilisation. L'objectif de notre étude était de rechercher les complications survenant dans la cure du ptérygion avec usage de colle biologique dans notre contexte. Méthodologie. Une étude interventionnelle prospective a été réalisée au Centre Acha-Annex de Douala de Janvier à décembre 2017 dans le strict respect de la déclaration d'Helsinski. La population cible était tout personne présentant un ptérygion. Un recrutement consécutif et par convenance a été réalisé. Les patients bénéficiaient d'un examen ophtalmologique complet avant la cure qui consistait en une autogreffe conjonctivale avec colle biologique suivie d'un contrôle postopératoire d'un minimum de 06 mois. Résultats. Parmi les 52 participants (âge: 47 + 12 ans), le ptérygion était droit, gauche et bilatéral chez 22, 16 et 14 participants respectivement. Le type primaire (60,5%) et le grade 2 (50%) étaient les plus fréquents et la position nasale dans tous les cas (n=66). Un total de 30 cures à droite et 26 à gauche ont été réalisées avec 54 complications observées dans 43 yeux. L'oedème conjonctival, la rétraction, et l'hémorragie étaient les plus fréquents et la prise en charge essentiellement médicale. Il n'y avait aucune récidive observée. Conclusion. La plupart des complications survenant dans la cure du ptérygion avec usage de colle biologique dans notre contexte sont résolutives sous traitement conservateur. La récidive au cours des six premiers mois post opératoires est exceptionnelle.

International Medical Case Reports Journal, Feb 1, 2016

Scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis are ocular manifestations found in many inflammatio... more Scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis are ocular manifestations found in many inflammations and infections. Therefore, their association should prompt a search for inflammatory or infectious causes that may be life-threatening, especially in the context of AIDS due to HIV infection. Findings: We report the case of a 37-year-old female, first seen in 2011 with a nodular scleritis in the right eye and a peripheral ulcerative keratitis, a necrotizing scleritis, and a granulomatous anterior uveitis in the left eye, in the context of chronic polyarthropathies that had evolved over 6 months. The patient was diagnosed with AIDS (HIV) in 2008 and was on antiretroviral therapy for the past 2 years. Ophthalmic workup was negative for opportunistic infections and potential causes of scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis, and the patient was unresponsive to topical antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment. Ocular lesion resolution and articular swelling improvement was observed less than 6 weeks after sulfasalazine treatment. Based on American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria, and considering the good response to the treatment (sulfasalazine), diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was made in the absence of confirmatory lab tests results. Conclusion: In the context of ocular manifestations associated with polyarthropathies, coexisting pathologies should be considered. Diagnostic workup of chronic inflammatory rheumatism should be carried out, even in the context of HIV/AIDS.

Santé, Jul 1, 2010

To determine the causes of blindness and visual impairment in students attending schools for the ... more To determine the causes of blindness and visual impairment in students attending schools for the blind in Yaounde (Cameroon) and to estimate their frequencies. This study examined all 56 students at three schools for the blind in Yaoundé from September 15 through October 15, 2006. We collected data about their age, sex, medical and surgical history. Visual acuity was measured to determine their vision status according to the World Health Organization categories for blindness and visual impairment. All subjects underwent an ocular examination. Epi Info 3.5.1. was used for the statistical analysis of age, sex, visual acuity, causes of blindness and visual impairment, and etiologies. Fifty six people were examined: 37 men (66.1%) and 19 women (33.9%). Their mean age was 21.57 ± 10.53 years (min-max: 5-49), and 48.2% were in the 10-19 years age group (n = 27). In all, 87.5% were blind, 7.14% severely visually impaired, and 1.78% moderately visually impaired. The main causes of blindness and visual impairment in our sample were corneal disease (32.14%), optic nerve lesions (26.78%), cataract and its surgical complications (19.64%), retinal disorders (10.71%), glaucoma (8.92%, and malformations of the eyeball (1.78%). Their etiologies included congenital cataracts (19.64%), meningitis/fever (8.92%), glaucoma (7.14%), measles (5.35%), ocular trauma (5.35%), albinism (3.57%), Lyell syndrome (1.8%), and alcohol ingestion (1.8%). Etiology was unknown in 46.42%. Fifty per cent of these causes of blindness and visual impairment were treatable and/or preventable. Corneal lesions were the main cause of blindness and visual impairment in our sample. Fifty per cent of the causes found were treatable and/or preventable. Thus, substantial efforts are required to ensure access to better quality specialist ocular care. Furthermore, local authorities should create more centers specialised in the rehabilitation of the visual handicapped.

Bulletin de la Société belge d'ophtalmologie, 2012

KERATOUVEITIS AND LENS OPACITY CAUSED BY BUTTERFLY HAIR Butterfly hair is known to cause eye inju... more KERATOUVEITIS AND LENS OPACITY CAUSED BY BUTTERFLY HAIR Butterfly hair is known to cause eye injury. In Africa, incriminated butterflies are Hylesia (spp). We report a case of a sub-epithelial keratitis associated with anterior uveitis following a trauma by a butterfly that was complicated by late lens opacity due to butterfly hair. Ocular lesions caused by butterfly hair are rare, but require an urgent management to prevent late and severe complications due to intraocular migration of the hairs. MOTS-CLES Papillon, keratite, uveite, cataracte

Cogent Medicine, 2017

Background: Tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC) is an allergic limbo-conjunctivitis, ver... more Background: Tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC) is an allergic limbo-conjunctivitis, very common in children of tropical areas, and often characterized by ocular morbidity. Several studies were devoted to the study of the epidemiological and clinical aspects of TELC in Africa but in Cameroon, no study has ever been conducted on its association with intestinal helminths. The objective of our work was to investigate the association between TELC and intestinal helminths in pupils of Njombe-Cameroon. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to September 2014. Random consecutive sampling was carried out. Selected pupils underwent a comprehensive eye examination, and their stool sample was examined using the KATO-KATZ technic to search for helminths eggs. Statistical tests were used for data analysis (p-value <0.05). Results: Two hundred and fifty-three students were enrolled. Thirty-six (14.2%) were affected by TELC. The average age of children with TELC was 9 ± 2 years (range: 4-13 years) with a male predominance (p = 0.001). Conjunctival hyperemia (88.9%) was the major clinical sign with a predominance of limbic clinical form (58.4%). The prevalence of intestinal helminths was 28.1% in

HEALTH SCIENCES AND DISEASES, 2020

RESUME Le lenticone est une protrusion conique du cortex cristallinien souvent associee a une nep... more RESUME Le lenticone est une protrusion conique du cortex cristallinien souvent associee a une nephropathie hereditaire appelee syndrome d'Alport. C’est le cas de ce patient de 22 ans recu pour une baisse de l’acuite visuelle bilaterale. L’examen clinique retrouvait une exotropie alternante, un astigmatisme myopique, un lenticone cristallinien bilateral avec un aspect en gouttelette d’huile en retro illumination. Le fond d’œil etait normal aux 2 yeux. Les consultations de nephrologie et ORL ont revele une hematurie microscopique et une surdite de perception confirmant le syndrome d’Alport. Ce cas pose un probleme diagnostique et therapeutique pour le malade et l’ophtalmologiste. ABSTRACT Lenticonus is a conical protrusion of the lens cortex often associated with an inherited nephropathy called Alport syndrome. This is the case of a 22-year-old patient received for bilateral visual acuity reduction. The clinical examination found alternating exotropia, myopic astigmatism, a bilate...

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, Jul 8, 2021

Background: Safe childbirth remains a daunting challenge, particularly in low-middle income count... more Background: Safe childbirth remains a daunting challenge, particularly in low-middle income countries, where most pregnancy-related deaths occur. Cameroon's maternal mortality rate, estimated at 529 per 100,000 live births in 2017, is significantly high. The WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist (SCC) was designed to improve the quality of care provided to pregnant women during childbirth. The SCC was implemented at the Yaoundé Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital to improve the quality of care during childbirth. Methods: This study was a retrospective study to determine the adoption rate of the SCC and its association with maternal (eclampsia, perineal tears, and postpartum haemorrhage) and neonatal (stillbirth, neonatal asphyxia and neonatal death) complications. Data were collected 6 months after the introduction of the SCC. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to analyse the association between the use of the SCC and maternofoetal complications. Results: Out of 1611 deliveries conducted, 1001 records were found, giving a retrieval rate of 62%. Twenty-five records were excluded. During the study period, the checklists were used in 828 of 976 clinical notes, with an adoption rate of 84.8% and a utilization rate of 93.9% at 6 months. Severe preeclampsia/eclampsia was associated with the non-use of the SCC (2.1 vs 5.4%, p = 0.041). Stillbirth, neonatal asphyxia, and neonatal death rates were not significantly different between the checklist and non-checklist groups. However, for all neonatal outcomes, the proportion of complications was lower when the checklist was used. Conclusion: The use of the SCC was associated with significantly reduced pregnancy complications, especially for reducing the rates of severe pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. The use of the SCC increased to 93.9% of all deliveries within 6 months. We advocate for the use of the WHO Safe Childbirth Checklist in maternity units.

Veterinary Microbiology, Aug 1, 2008

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was first detected in Cameroon in February 2006. A... more Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was first detected in Cameroon in February 2006. Analysis of NA sequences of the virus demonstrated that it is closely related to the H5N1 isolates from Northern Nigeria, Sudan and Ivory Coast, suggesting a common virus ancestor.

Aids and Behavior, Aug 13, 2007

The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV infection among specific ... more The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with HIV infection among specific population subgroups and complement the HIV surveillance system in Cameroon. Five subgroups (truck drivers, female-sex-workers, university students, health service providers, and residents along Chad-Cameroon petroleum pipeline) were targeted in 2004. Potential participants were approached at their geographically diverse areas and consented to participate in the study. Anonymous blood samples were collected. 4,011 participants were surveyed (35% students, 25% sex-workers, 20% pipeline residents, 12.5% health service providers, 7.5% truck drivers). HIV prevalence was highest among sex-workers [26.4%, (95% CI, 23.6-29.2)], pipeline residents [19.9% (95% CI, 17.1-22.7)] and truck drivers [16.3% (95% CI, 12.3-20.9)] and lowest among health service providers [5.2% (95% CI, 3.4-7.5)] and university students [3.8% (95% CI, 2.9-5.0)]. Risky sexual behaviours were practiced in all subpopulations. Multivariable analysis shows in female-sex-workers that; older age, residing in the grassland region (Northwest and West Provinces) and inconstant condom use were significantly associated with HIV infection. Despite a moderate HIV prevalence in the general Cameroonian population, some subgroups are at much higher risk for HIV transmission and practicing risky sexual behaviours. There is need for expanded prevention and care programs with emphasis on truck drivers, sex-workers and pipeline residents.