Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants: is it a congenital or acquired disorder? Reflections on 2 cases

Based on evidence from two collected and treated clinical observations of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in children of 5 and 12 months of age, the authors give their point of view on the unresolved issue of the etiology of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. They emphasize that there are more and more factors to prove this is an acquired condition

Central African Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program: building and strengthening regional workforce capacity in public health

The Central African Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program (CAFELTP) is a 2-year public health leadership capacity building training program. It was established in October 2010 to enhance capacity for applied epidemiology and public health laboratory services in three countries: Cameroon, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aim of the program is to develop a trained public health workforce to assure that acute public health events are detected, investigated, and responded to quickly and effectively. The program consists of 25% didactic and 75% practical training (field based activities). Although the program is still in its infancy, the residents have already responded to six outbreak investigations in the region, evaluated 18 public health surveillance systems and public health programs, and completed 18 management projects. Through these various activities, information is shared to understand similarities and differences in the region leading to new and innovative approaches in public health. The program provides opportunities for regional and international networking in field epidemiology and laboratory activities, and is particularly beneficial for countries that may not have the immediate resources to host an individual country program. Several of the trainees from the first cohort already hold leadership positions within the ministries of health and national laboratories, and will return to their assignments better equipped to face the public health challenges in the region. They bring with them knowledge, practical training, and experiences gained through the program to shape the future of the public health landscape in their countries

Fifteen Years of Annual Mass Treatment of Onchocerciasis with Ivermectin Have Not Interrupted Transmission in the West Region of Cameroon

We followed up the 1996 baseline parasitological and entomological studies on onchocerciasis transmission in eleven health districts in West Region, Cameroon. Annual mass ivermectin treatment had been provided for 15 years. Follow-up assessments which took place in 2005, 2006, and 2011 consisted of skin snips for microfilariae (mf) and palpation examinations for nodules. Follow-up Simulium vector dissections for larval infection rates were done from 2011 to 2012. mf prevalence in adults dropped from 68.7% to 11.4%, and nodule prevalence dropped from 65.9% to 12.1%. The decrease of mf prevalence in children from 29.2% to 8.9% was evidence that transmission was still continuing. mf rates in the follow-up assessments among adults and in children levelled out after a sharp reduction from baseline levels. Only three health districts out of 11 were close to interruption of transmission. Evidence of continuing transmission was also observed in two out of three fly collection sites that had infective rates of 0.19% and 0.18% and ATP of 70 (Foumbot) and 300 (Massangam), respectively. Therefore, halting of annual mass treatment with ivermectin cannot be done after 15 years as it might escalate the risk of transmission recrudescence

The Woodward Technique for Sprengel Deformation

A case of 5-year-old boy with a left congenital undescended scapula graded Cavendish III was consulted in our unit and operated successfully with the Woodward technique. It was the first case treated by this procedure for the past 10 years, in the Pediatric Surgical Unit of the Yaounde Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (Cameroon). The Woodward procedure permitted to obtain a good functional and cosmetic result

Bedside reduction of gastroschisis: A preliminary experience in yaounde-cameroon

Background: Gastroschisis denotes a congenital or sporadic malformation of the anterior abdominal wall, which is rarely associated with other anomalies. The mortality in African countries is still high almost 100%. Objective: The aim was to determine the feasibility and safety of bedside reduction of gastroschisis and factors affecting the outcome in low-income setting. Methodology: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytic study over a period of 6 years conducted in the Pediatric Surgery Service of the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. Only neonates with gastroschisis seen within 6 h of life without bowel necrosis and in whom bedside reduction was attempted in the neonatology unit under sedation (with 0.5 mg/kg of diazepam intra-rectally and 0.5–1 mg of atropine intravenously) were included in this study. Ethical clearance was obtained for the Ethical Committee of the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital and a signed consent form was required from the parents of the children prior to the procedure. Results: Twelve neonates with a mean age of 16.8 h (0 and 24 h) and mean birth weight of 2245 g (1860–3600 g) were enrolled. The mean time to presentation at hospital was 3.5 h (2–9 h). Bedside closure was successful in 10 patients. Two patients underwent primary closure in the theatre after failure of bedside reduction due to the volume of contents of gastroschisis. Mortality rate in our study was 33.3% and the morbidity was dominated by compartment syndrome and malnutrition. Conclusion: Bedside reduction of gastroschisis under sedation in Yaoundé seems to be way to reduce the mortality

Urethral duplication in a 12-year-old child

Urethral duplication is a rare congenital malformation affecting mainly boys. The authors report a case in a Cameroonian child who was diagnosed and managed at the Gynaeco-Obstetric and Paediatric Hospital, Yaounde. The malformation was characterized by the presence of an incontinent epispadic urethra and a normal apical urethra. We describe the difficulties faced in the management of this disorder in a developing country