Macroscopic examination of fetal appendices in delivery room: good practice at Panzi hospital

The review of fetal appendices is described in the literature, and its importance is well established. Indeed, pathological findings in the placenta can provide information on the pathogenesis of the fetus, including intrauterine growth retardation, mental retardation or neurodevelopmental disorders. This helps to understand a child's disability, but also maternal complications such as preeclampsia. Despite the relevant information provided by the various studies, fetal appendices are not systematically examined in several maternity hospitals in our country, DR Congo. We report good practice from the examination of fetal appendices to the maternity ward of Panzi Hospital, in the town of Bukavu, South Kivu, DR Congo

Prevalence of sickle cell disease in a northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo: What impact on transfusion policy?

Transfusion therapy may save the lives of patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), but it is also associated with a high risk of transmission of infection. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of SCD in a northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and to define ways in which the procedures involved in the security of transfusions should be improved. During a 3-month period in 2006/2007, 520 samples of umbilical cord blood were obtained through neonatal screening in five health centres in Kisangani. The samples were analysed using an isoelectric focusing technique. The estimated prevalence of sickle cell trait and SCD in the population tested was 23.3 and 0.96%, respectively. These numbers will be presented for the attention of the health authorities in DRC with responsibility for SCD and they will be asked to consider improvements in treatment procedures for SCD, such as blood transfusions, as a public health priority.SCOPUS: ar.jFLWINinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe