Vitamin D2 versus vitamin D3 as a risk factor in compromised bone health

Background: Vitamin D plays an important role in the prevention of many diseases. More than 1 billion people worldwide suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to the development of 16 types of cancer (breast, colon, prostate, etc.), cardiovascular diseases, stroke, autoimmune diseases, periodontal pathologies, transplant failure in endo-alveolar surgery, etc. There are several risk factors that would prevent the achievement of treatment objectives. The national protocol for deficiency rickets prevention privileges vitamin D2 versus vitamin D3 , which creates a medical risk factor compromising oral health in both children and adults. The article provides sufficient arguments in favour of vitamin D3 vs vitamin D2 prescription for prophylactic and treatment purposes. Conclusions: Considering that vitamin D deficiency is currently a global public health problem, it can be proposed to declare vitamin D deficit/deficiency a priority public health problem at the national level. Vitamin D3 should be elective in preventing deficit. Taking into account the multitude of acute and chronic diseases related to vitamin D deficiency, in order to improve the status of vitamin D in all population categories, it is necessary to include vitamin D3 in the list of molecules fully subsidized by the state and distributed free of charge at least to children under the age of 5 years and adolescents in the period of intensive growth

Impact of epilepsy on children and parents in Gabon

International audienceChildren with epilepsy and their parents face many social and psychological difficulties that remain insufficiently studied in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim here was to assess the quality of life of children with epilepsy and their parents.A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in two urban areas and four rural areas of Gabon. Children were screened through key informants, medical sources, and a door-to-door survey. They were clinically selected based on their medical history and a clinical exam conducted by the investigating physician. Electroencephalography had not been carried out because of a lack of material and financial resources. The quality of life of children and their parents was assessed by a structured interview of parents using a questionnaire.Of 317 suspected cases on screening, 83 children with epilepsy were identified. Their mean age was 11.9 ± 4.4 years. Twelve percent of the children had neurosensory abnormalities on clinical exam. Sixty-three percent of them attended school; factors associated with schooling were higher score on the sociability subscale, specialized medical advice, and antiepileptic drug treatment. Sociability difficulties, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and behavioral disorders were suspected in 39.8%, 45.8%, 49.4%, and 42.2% of children, respectively. A total of 48.2% of parents expressed a poor quality of life related to their children's illness. A higher score on the cognition subscale, urban residence, specialized medical advice, and a stable income in the household were predictive of poor parental quality of life.Epilepsy influences many aspects of a child's life and the life of the child's parents. Care should incorporate a cognitive assessment of the child and emphasize information for patients and their relatives

Impact of knowledge, attitudes, and sociocultural factors on school enrollment of children with epilepsy in Gabon

International audiencePerceptions, beliefs and culture influence attitude towards epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. Misconceptions on epilepsy contribute to the persistence of negative attitudes in children with epilepsy particularly on their school enrollment. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and sociocultural factors affecting schooling of children with epilepsy in Gabon