Abstracts reporting of HIV/AIDS randomized controlled trials in general medicine and infectious diseases journals: completeness to date and improvement in the quality since CONSORT extension for abstracts

Abstract Background Sufficiently detailed abstracts of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are important, because readers often base their assessment of a trial solely on information in the abstract. We aimed at comparing reporting quality of RCTs in HIV/AIDS medicine before and after the publication of the 2008 CONSORT extension for abstracts and to investigate factors associated with better reporting quality. Methods We searched PubMed/Medline for HIV/AIDS RCTs published between 2006–07 (Pre-CONSORT) and 2014–15 (Post-CONSORT) in 40 leading general medicine and infectious diseases journals. Two investigators extracted data and scored abstracts. The primary outcome was the adjusted mean number of items reported among the 17 required. Proportions of abstracts reporting each of 17 items were considered as secondary outcome. The adjustment was done for journal field, CONSORT endorsement, abstract format, type of intervention, journal impact factor and authorship. This study received no funding. Results The adjusted mean number of reported items was 7.2 (95 % CI 6.6–7.7) in pre-CONSORT (n = 159) and 7.8 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 7.3–8.4) in post-CONSORT (n = 153) (mean difference 0.7; 95 % CI 0.1–1.2). Journal high impact factor (adjusted incidence rate ratio 2.16; 95 % CI 1.83–2.54), abstract with 13 authors or more (1.39; 95 % CI 1.07–1.79) and non-pharmacological intervention (1.19; 95 % CI 1.03–1.37) were independent factors for better reporting quality. There were significant improvements in reporting on participants, randomization, outcome results, registration and funding; regression for author contact; and no change for other items: title, design, interventions, objective, primary outcome, blinding, number randomized, recruitment, number analyzed, harms and conclusions. Conclusions After the publication of the CONSORT extension for abstracts, the reporting quality of HIV/AIDS RCT abstracts in general medicine and infectious diseases journals has suboptimally improved. Thus, stricter adherence to the CONSORT for abstract are needed to improve the reporting quality of HIV/AIDS RCT abstracts

Rappels vaccinaux hors programme élargi de vaccination dans deux écoles de l’éducation de base de Yaoundé, Cameroun

Introduction: L’absence des rappels vaccinaux est problématique dans les pays en développement où certaines maladies évitables par la vaccination font encore des victimes chez les enfants en raison d’une immunisation incomplète. L’identification des raisons de non rappel vaccinaux permettrait de proposer des solutions adaptées afin d’améliorer le statut vaccinal des enfants au-delà de 12 mois. Méthodes: Cette étude descriptive transversale avait pour objectif d’évaluer le taux de rappels vaccinaux des enfants au-delà de la cible du programme élargi de vaccination (PEV). Elle s’est déroulée de Septembre à Novembre 2009 dans deux écoles d’éducation de base de Yaoundé. L’échantillonnage était consécutif et limité aux élèves âgés de deux à sept ans possédant des carnets de vaccination. Par souci d’uniformité, nous n’avons pas analysé les rappels des vaccins contre l’hépatite B et l’haemophilus introduits tardivement au Cameroun. Résultats: L’étude a porté sur 310 élèves. La tranche d’âge de 2 à 4 ans représentait 69%. Seul 223 enfants (71,9 %) étaient correctement vaccinés. Quant aux rappels vaccinaux diphtérietétanos-coqueluche et poliomyélite, les couvertures étaient insignifiantes (2,7% et 0% respectivement pour la première et la deuxième dose). Les raisons évoquées étaient l’absence de sensibilisation des parents (50%), le prix élevé des vaccins (48,69%) et la désinformation (1,31%). Conclusion: Le recyclage du personnel de santé sur la vaccination est une nécessité. Les parents doivent être informés sur le déroulement, les prix et les lieux des rappels vaccinaux. La réduction des prix de vaccins faciliterait l’accès à une large tranche de la population.Key words: Vaccination, Programme Elargi de Vaccination, enfant, rappel, Cameroo

Effectiveness of Multidrug Antiretroviral Regimens to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV-1 in Routine Public Health Services in Cameroon

International audienceBACKGROUND: Multidrug antiretroviral (ARV) regimens including HAART and short-course dual antiretroviral (sc-dARV) regimens were introduced in 2004 to improve Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) in Cameroon. We assessed the effectiveness of these regimens from 6-10 weeks and 12 months of age, respectively. METHODOLOGY/FINDINGS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study covering the period from October 2004 to March 2008 in a reference hospital in Cameroon. HIV-positive pregnant women with CD4 or = 37 weeks, women received sd-NVP during labour [regimen 4]. Infants received sd-NVP plus ZDV and 3TC for 7 days or 30 days. Early diagnosis (6-10 weeks) was done, using b-DNA and subsequently RT-PCR. We determined early MTCT rate and associated risk factors using logistic regression. The 12-month HIV-free survival was assessed using Cox regression. Among 418 mothers, 335 (80%) received multidrug ARV regimens (1, 2, and 3) and MTCT rate with multidrug regimens was 6.6% [95%CI: 4.3-9.6] at 6 weeks, without any significant difference between regimens. Duration of mother's ARV regimen < 4 weeks [OR = 4.7, 95%CI: 1.3-17.6], mother's CD4 < 350 cells/mm(3) [OR = 6.4, 95%CI: 1.8-22.5] and low birth weight [OR = 4.0, 95%CI: 1.4-11.3] were associated with early MTCT. By 12 months, mixed feeding [HR = 8.7, 95%CI: 3.6-20.6], prematurity [HR = 2.3, 95%CI: 1.2-4.3] and low birth weight were associated with children's risk of progressing to infection or death. CONCLUSIONS: Multidrug ARV regimens for PMTCT are feasible and effective in routine reference hospital. Early initiation of ARV during pregnancy and proper obstetrical care are essential to improve PMTCT

Fréquence des anémies sévères chez les enfants âgés de 2 mois à 15 ans au Centre Mère et Enfant de la Fondation Chantal Biya, Yaoundé, Cameroun

Introduction: Les an&#233;mies s&#233;v&#232;res constituent une cause importante de d&#233;c&#232;s d&#8217;enfants. Une analyse &#233;pid&#233;miologique et clinique permettrait d&#8217;estimer la morbidit&#233; et mortalit&#233; y relatives afin lutter efficacement contre les causes. M&#233;thodes: Notre &#233;tude r&#233;trospective et descriptive porte sur les an&#233;mies s&#233;v&#232;res chez les enfants de 2 mois &#224; 15 ans de juillet 2005 &#224; juillet 2011. Les dr&#233;panocytaires et les enfants souffrant de n&#233;oplasie &#233;taient exclus. Toutes les admissions de janvier 2008 &#224; juillet 2011 et les d&#233;c&#232;s totaux, qui r&#233;pondaient aux crit&#232;res ci-dessus ont &#233;t&#233; &#233;galement r&#233;pertori&#233;s. R&#233;sultats: Ont &#233;t&#233; analys&#233;s 4735 cas d&#8217;an&#233;mie s&#233;v&#232;re dont 215 d&#233;c&#232;s (4,5%). Entre janvier 2008 et juillet 2011, sur 12879 enfants hospitalis&#233;s 2456 souffraient d&#8217;an&#233;mie s&#233;v&#232;re dont 96 sont d&#233;c&#233;d&#233;s, soit une mortalit&#233; sp&#233;cifique de 0,7% et une l&#233;talit&#233; de 4,0%. Au total, 22,4% d&#8217;an&#233;mies s&#233;v&#232;res survenaient dans la tranche d&#8217;&#226;ge de moins de 12 mois. Celles de 12 &#224; 59 mois et de plus de 5 ans repr&#233;sentaient respectivement 64,4% et 13,2% des cas. Le paludisme &#233;tait l&#8217;&#233;tiologie &#233;voqu&#233;e chez 89,0% des cas, suivi du sepsis (9,4%). Les d&#233;c&#232;s concernaient les enfants s&#233;v&#232;rement an&#233;mi&#233;s &#226;g&#233;s de 12 &#224; 59 mois dans 67,2% de cas. La plupart de patients (84,8%) r&#233;sidaient &#224; Yaound&#233; (P = 0,004). Conclusion: Les an&#233;mies s&#233;v&#232;res restent fr&#233;quentes &#224; Yaound&#233;. La mise en oeuvre de da politique de gratuit&#233; des antipaludiques et l&#8217;utilisation des moustiquaires doivent &#234;tre effectives. Le renforcement de ces mesures d&#232;s le d&#233;but des saisons pluvieuses pr&#233;viendrait les flamb&#233;es d&#8217;an&#233;mies.Pan African Medical Journal 2012; 12:4

Feasibility of Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV in Resource-Limited Settings: The ANRS 12140-PEDIACAM Study in Cameroon

BACKGROUND: Early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV is a key-point for the implementation of early HAART, associated with lower mortality in HIV-infected infants. We evaluated the EID process of HIV according to national recommendations, in urban areas of Cameroon. METHODS/FINDINGS: The ANRS12140-PEDIACAM study is a multisite cohort in which infants born to HIV-infected mothers were included before the 8(th) day of life and followed. Collection of samples for HIV DNA/RNA-PCR was planned at 6 weeks together with routine vaccination. The HIV test result was expected to be available at 10 weeks. A positive or indeterminate test result was confirmed by a second test on a different sample. Systematic HAART was offered to HIV-infected infants identified. The EID process was considered complete if infants were tested and HIV results provided to mothers/family before 7 months of age. During 2007-2009, 1587 mother-infant pairs were included in three referral hospitals; most infants (n = 1423, 89.7%) were tested for HIV, at a median age of 1.5 months (IQR, 1.4-1.6). Among them, 51 (3.6%) were HIV-infected. Overall, 1331 (83.9%) completed the process by returning for the result before 7 months (median age: 2.5 months (IQR, 2.4-3.0)). Incomplete process, that is test not performed, or result of test not provided or provided late to the family, was independently associated with late HIV diagnosis during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.8, 95%CI: 1.1 to 2.9, p = 0.01), absence of PMTCT prophylaxis (aOR = 2.4, 95%CI: 1.4 to 4.3, p = 0.002), and emergency caesarean section (aOR = 2.5, 95%CI: 1.5 to 4.3, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In urban areas of Cameroon, HIV-infected women diagnosed sufficiently early during pregnancy opt to benefit from EID whatever their socio-economic, marital or disclosure status. Reduction of non optimal diagnosis process should focus on women with late HIV diagnosis during pregnancy especially if they did not receive any PMTCT, or if complications occurred at delivery

Determinants of retention in care in an antiretroviral therapy (ART) program in urban Cameroon, 2003-2005

Background: Retention in long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) program remains a major challenge for effective management of HIV infected people in sub-Saharan Africa. Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) discontinuation raises concerns about drug resistance and could negate much of the benefit sought by ART programs. Methods: Based on existing patient records, we assessed determinants of retention in HIV care among HIV patients enrolled in an urban ART at two urban hospitals in Cameroon. Extended Cox regression  procedures were used to identify significant predictors of retention in HIV care. Results: Of 455 patients, 314 (69%) were women, median (IQR) age and baseline CD4 cell count were respectively 36 years (30 – 43) and 110 cells/μL (39 – 177). Forty patients (9%) had active tuberculosis (TB) at enrollment. After a median (IQR) follow-up of 18 months (10–18), 346 (75%) were still in care, 8 (2%) were known dead, and 101 (22%) were lost to follow-up (LFU). Severe immunosuppression (CD4 cell count ≤ 50 cells/μL) at baseline (aHR 2.3; 95% CI 1.4 - 3.7) and active tuberculosis upon enrollment (aHR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0 - 3.6) were independent predictors of cohort losses to follow-up within the first 6 months after HAART initiation. Conclusion: These data suggest that three-quarter of HIV patients initiated on HAART remained in care and on HAART by 18 months; however, those with compromised immunologic status at treatment initiation, and those co-infected with TB were at increased risk for being lost to follow-up within thefirst 6 months on treatment. Keywords: HIV, HAART, low income country, retention in care, loss to follow-up, cohort studies, Cameroon, sub-Sahara Afric

OPV strains circulation in HIV infected infants after National Immunisation Days in Bangui, Central African Republic

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Humans are the only host of polioviruses, thus the prospects of global polio eradication look reasonable. However, individuals with immunodeficiencies were shown to excrete vaccine derived poliovirus for long periods of time which led to reluctance to prolong the vaccination campaign for fear of this end result. Therefore, we aimed to assess the duration of excretion of poliovirus after the 2001 National Immunization Days according to Human immunodeficiency virus status.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Fifty three children were enrolled. Sequential stool samples were collected in between National Immunisation Days rounds and then every month during one year. Children were classified into 2 groups: no immunodepression (n = 38), immunodepression (n = 15) according to CD4+ lymphocytes cells count. Thirteen poliovirus strains were isolated from 11 children: 5 Human immunodeficiency virus positive and 6 Human immunodeficiency virus negative. None of the children excreted poliovirus for more than 4 weeks. The restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis showed that all strains were of Sabin origin including a unique Polio Sabine Vaccine types 2 and 3 (S2/S3) recombinant.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>From these findings we assume that Human immunodeficiency virus positive children are not a high risk population for long term poliovirus excretion. More powerful studies are needed to confirm our findings.</p

A low proportion of HBeAg among HBsAg-positive pregnant women with known HIV status could suggest low perinatal transmission of HBV in Cameroon

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from HBV-positive mothers to their infants is common and usually occurs when the mother is hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive and/or has a high HBV DNA load. In this study, we determined the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBeAg among pregnant women with known HIV status.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>A total of 650 pregnant women with a mean age of 26.2 years including 301 HIV-positives and 349 HIV-negatives were screened for HBsAg (Monolisa AgHBs Plus Biorad, France). Among the HBsAg-positives, HBeAg and anti-HBe were tested (Monolisa Ag HBe Plus Biorad, France). Overall, 51 (7.85%) were positive for HBsAg. The prevalence of HBsAg was not statistically different between HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women [28/301 (9.3%) vs 23/349 (6.59%); p = 0.2]. None of the 45 HBsAg-positive samples was reactive for HBeAg.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our study indicates a high prevalence of HBsAg with very low proportion of HBeAg in Cameroonian pregnant women. Since perinatal transmission of HBV is mostly effective when the mother is also HBeAg-positive, our data could suggest that perinatal transmissions play a minor role in HBV prevalence in Cameroon. In line with previous African studies, these findings further suggests that horizontal transmission could be the most common mechanism of HBV infections in Cameroon.</p

Higher placental anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine expression in HIV-1 infected women receiving longer zidovudine prophylaxis associated with nevirapine

Placental cytokine balance may be critical for the control of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. We assessed whether the type and duration of antiretrovirals used for prevention of HIV-1-MTCT modified the inflammatory cytokine profile. We investigated the levels of cytokine expression in the placentas of 61 HIV-1-infected women who received zidovudine (ZDV) plus single dose nevirapine (SD-NVP) or ZDV only for prevention of MTCT. Placentas of 38 HIV-1-uninfected women were included as controls. All placentas were obtained after vaginal delivery. Levels of mRNA and cytokine expression were quantified using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively, in placental explants and 24-hour culture supernatants and analyzed in relation to the women's characteristics and the type and duration of antiretroviral prophylaxis. HIV-1-infected and uninfected women did not show any differences in the expression of placental cytokine secretion except for a trend toward lower TNF-10 mRNA levels in HIV-1-infected women. Within the HIV-1-infected group, women who were exposed to a long duration of ZDV (>72 days) or received SD-NVP less than 5h prior to delivery, more frequently expressed detectable levels of IL-10 in their placentas (32% versus 7% (p = 0.01) and 32% versus 5% (p = 0.02), respectively). No infant was found to be HIV-1-infected. Our results showed a normalization of the placental cytokine balance in HIV-1-infected women receiving antiretroviral prophylaxis. Furthermore, the type and duration of antiretroviral prophylaxis have an impact on the placental anti-inflammatory IL-10 expression level, which may contribute to controlling HIV replication at the placental level, thus reducing MTCT of HIV-1.Fil: Pornprasert, Sakorn. Chiang Mai University; TailandiaFil: Mary, Jean-Yves. Université Paris Diderot - Paris 7; FranciaFil: Faye, Albert. Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale; FranciaFil: Leechanachai, Pannee. Chiang Mai University; TailandiaFil: Limtrakul, Aram. Health Promotion Center Region; TailandiaFil: Rugpao, Sungwal. Chiang Mai University; TailandiaFil: Sirivatanapa, Pannee. Chiang Mai University; TailandiaFil: Gomuthbutra, Vorapin. Nakornping Hospital; TailandiaFil: Matanasaravoot, Wanmanee. Lamphun Hospital; TailandiaFil: Le Coer, Sophie. Institut National d’Etudes Démographiques; FranciaFil: Lallemant, Marc. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Institut de Recherche pour le Développement; FranciaFil: Barré-Sinoussi, Françoise. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Menu, Elisabeth. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Ngo Giang Huong, Nicole. Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique. Institut de Recherche pour le Développement; FranciaFil: Ayouba, Ahidjo. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Chailert, Sanupong. Chiang Mai University; Tailandia. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Chaouat, Gérard. Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale; FranciaFil: Derrien, Muriel. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: Dolcini, Guillermina Laura. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Departamento de Sanidad Animal y Medicina Preventiva. Laboratorio de Virología; Argentina. Instituto Pasteur; Francia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; ArgentinaFil: Eteki, Nicole. Hôpital Central de Yaoundé. Maternité Principale; CamerúnFil: Kfutwah, Anfumbom Jude. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Kouo, Odette. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Lemen, Brigitte. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Abal, Facundo Juan Pablo. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Nerrienet, Eric. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Njinku, Bernadette. Instituto Pasteur; FranciaFil: Scarlatti, Gabriella. Suan Dok Hospital; TailandiaFil: Tejiokem, Mathurin. Centre Pasteur du Cameroun; CamerúnFil: Téné, Gilbert. No especifíca