Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell leukemia in a black Malian

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare, clinically aggressive hematologic malignancy, that most commonly manifests as cutaneous lesions. A 19-year-old Malian female was admitted to the Unit of Medicine of Hopital du Mali with anemia, fever, weakness, and weight loss. On physical examination she was wasted, pale, febrile (37.4°C), and had inguinal and axillary lymphadenopathies. The complete blood count found pancytopenia with Hemoglobin level of 4.8 g/dL, Leucocytes count of 1900/μL (neutrophil: 300/μL), and platelets count of 56 000/μL. The ultrasonographic examination found hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. The bone marrow biopsy and flow cytometer analysis were in keeping with a diagnosis of BPDCN. The patient, unfortunately, was lost four months later after her hospital admission due to late diagnosis by septicemia. The early diagnosis and availability of specific drugs for acute leukemia could improve the clinical outcome of patients with BPDCN in Mali.Keywords: Acute Leukemia, black african, dendritic cell, Mal

Improving haemophilia diagnosis in developing countries: the Malian experience

Around 90% of all undiagnosed people with haemophilia (PWH) live in developing countries. In Mali, in sub-Saharan Africa, nearly 90% of potential PWH are not identified. We initiated a two-year study involving an integrated programme of training and awareness-raising with the aim of improving diagnosis and access to care for PWH, based on partnership with those who regularly interact with them