Clinical presentation and imaging findings in juvenile-onset back pain: a ten-year hospital-based retrospective analysis in Douala (Cameroon).

Introduction: Studies exploring the clinical and imaging characteristics of juvenile-onset back pain (JOBP) are scarce. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and factors associated with JOBP.

Methods: A retrospective record-based study was conducted among all pediatric cases presenting to the Rheumatology unit of the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon, from January 2014 to December 2023.

Predictors of prolonged length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality in patients aged 1-24 months with acute bronchiolitis in Douala, Cameroon.

Introduction: In Cameroon, acute bronchiolitis has been reported as the third commonest lower respiratory infection and is usually associated with low mortality. Nonetheless, respiratory distress associated with non-adherence to management guidelines can prolong hospital stay. This study aimed to explore predictors of prolonged hospital stay (≥ 5 days) and mortality in patients aged < 2years hospitalised for acute bronchiolitis.

Diagnosis and treatment challenges of autism spectrum disorder at a reference hospital in Douala, Cameroon.

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disability associated with deficiency in social interaction, unusual development of social communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. This study aimed to describe management of pediatric ASD in Cameroon, a resource-constrained Central Africa country.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted between December 2021 and May 2022 at the Pediatrics department of a reference hospital in the town of Douala.

Evaluation of CRP as a marker for bacterial infection and malaria in febrile children at the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital.

Background: C reactive protein (CRP), a marker for the presence of inflammation, has been extensively studied for distinguishing bacterial from non-bacterial infection in febrile patients, but its role in excluding malaria in the febrile child has not been thoroughly evaluated.

Method: This was a cross-sectional study at the Douala Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital which included all patients between the ages of one month and 16 years presenting with fever. Consenting patients received complete clinical examinations, then venous blood samples were collected and tested for CRP values, bacterial infection and malaria.

[Late presentation of anorectal atresia: a case report].

Anorectal atresia and rectal stenosis are rare types of anorectal malformations, accounting for only 1-2% of cases. We here report one case of anorectal atresia. The study involved a female newborn baby delivered at term via vaginal birth, weighing 3600g, who was admitted with failure to pass meconium, abdominal bloating and fever on day 6 of life.