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.

Comparison of in-hospital mortality in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease in a resource-limited setting before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: COVID-19 in children and adolescents with sickle cell disease (SCD) has variable presentations (from mild to severe disease), and the main symptoms are vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) and acute chest syndrome (ACS). We hypothesized that the desertion of hospitals due to the pandemic would lead to late arrival at the emergency room and an increased mortality. In this study, we sought to measure and compare the mortality of children with sickle cell disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

The COVID-19 Prevalence among Children: Hypotheses for Low Infection Rate and Few Severe Forms among This Age Group in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Despite some cases of severe or critical manifestations of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) described among children, the prevalence of this infection in the pediatric population is quite low worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Current data suggest indeed that, independent of the population considered overall, severe and critical cases of COVID-19 are rare among children. This observation prompted us to discuss the possible hypotheses which could explain the low prevalence of COVID-19 among children; amongst others, we discuss (1) immunomodulation by the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine or by some parasitic infections such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and helminthiasis and (2) cross immunization with other coronaviruses commonly found in the sub-Saharan African setting.

Use of WhatsApp®, for distance teaching during COVID-19 pandemic: Experience and perception from a sub-Saharan African setting.

Background: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, to palliate to the lockdown and cover academic programs, the faculty of medicine and pharmaceutical sciences (FMPS) of the university of Dschang (UDs) in Cameroon has implemented e-learning using WhatsApp®.

Aim: Describe the opinion of students and lecturers after its implementation of e-learning at the FMPS of UDs.

Methods: We designed a uniform teaching scheme using WhatsApp® during the university lockdown.

Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain in schoolchildren in Cameroon, sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Data on the prevalence and factors associated with low back pain (LBP) in schoolchildren are scarce in Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with LBP in schoolchildren in Cameroon.

Patients And Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 10 randomly selected schools (public and private) in Douala, Cameroon.

Decrease in Hospitalizations and Increase in Deaths during the Covid-19 Epidemic in a Pediatric Hospital, Yaounde-Cameroon and Prediction for the Coming Months.

The COVID-19 pandemic reached Cameroon in March, 2020. The aim of this study was to unveil the consequences of this pandemic on hospitalizations and on mortality in a pediatric hospital. : A descriptive and retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out using hospitalization and death statistics collected from a pediatric hospital.

[Abnormal EEG in pediatric neurology: 500 records at the Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, Yaounde (Cameroon)].

Introduction: Cette étude dont le but était d’évaluer la contribution de l’électroencéphalogramme (EEG) en neurologie pédiatrique et de déterminer les indications pertinentes chez l’enfant de 0 à 15ans.

MÉthodes: Il s’agit d’une étude rétrospective et descriptive réalisée au laboratoire d’électroencéphalographie de l’Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé du 1er novembre 2011 au 15 mars 2012.

RÉsultats: L’âge moyen des patients était de 70.