Stroke mortality and its determinants in a resource-limited setting: A prospective cohort study in Yaounde, Cameroon

BACKGROUND

About three quarters of stroke deaths occur in developing countries including those in sub-Saharan African. Short and long-term stroke fatality data are needed for health service and policy formulation.

METHODS

We prospectively followed up from stroke onset, 254 patients recruited from the largest reference hospitals in Yaounde (Cameroon). Mortality and determinants were investigated using the accelerated failure time regression analysis.

RESULTS

Stroke mortality rates at one-, six- and 12 months were respectively 23.2% (Ischemic strokes: 20.4%, hemorrhagic strokes: 26.1%, and undetermined strokes: 34.8, p=0.219), 31.5% (ischemic strokes: 31.5%, hemorrhagic strokes: 30.4%, and undetermined strokes: 34.8%, p=0.927), and 32.7% (ischemic strokes: 32.1%, hemorrhagic strokes: 30.4%, undetermined strokes: 43.5%, p=0.496). Fever, swallowing difficulties, and admission NIHSS independently predicted mortality at one month, six and 12 months. Elevated systolic blood pressure (BP) predicted mortality at one month. Elevated diastolic blood pressure was a predictor of mortality at one month in participants with hemorrhagic stroke. Low hemoglobin level on admission only predicted long term mortality.

CONCLUSION

In this resource-limited setting, post-stroke mortality was high with 1 out of 5 deaths occurring at one month and up to 30% deaths at six and twelve months after the index event. Fever, stroke severity, elevated BP and anemia increased the risk of death. Our findings add to the body of evidence for the poor outcome after stroke in resource limited environments.

Factors associated with blood pressure control amongst adults with hypertension in Yaounde, Cameroon: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Improvement of its management to reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes will require an understanding of the patient characteristics and treatment factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure. Factors that affect blood pressure control have not been sufficiently described in Cameroon. The main goal of our study was to determine the predictors of blood pressure control in patients with hypertension in an urban city in Cameroon.

METHODS

This was descriptive cross-sectional study from five outpatient hypertension consultation units in Hospitals in Yaoundé. Controlled hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≤140/90 mmHg. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with blood pressure control.

RESULTS

Among the 440 patients enrolled in the survey, 280 (63.6%) were females. The mean age was 61 (SD ±11) years. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 147 mmHg and mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 88 mmHg. Only 36.8% of patients had their mean blood pressure controlled (BP ≤140/90 mmHg). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed good adherence to anti-hypertensive medications (OR= 3.99; 95% CI: 2.20-7.23; P<0.000) and dietary lifestyle changes (OR =1.5; 95% CI: 0.53-2.49; P=0.031) to be factors independently associated with controlled hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Only one out of three patients has their blood pressure controlled. The results of our study suggest that good adherence to treatment are important factors for tight blood pressure control in primary care. Further identification of patients at risk of non-adherence to treatment and poor blood pressure control can lead to targeted interventions to reduce hypertension related morbidity and mortality in this setting.

Coronary heart disease in sub-Saharan Africa: still rare, misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in developed countries, but it has generally been considered to be rare in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). SSA is undergoing rapid epidemiological transition with an increasing prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors and consequential cardiovascular diseases such as stroke. However, CHD including myocardial infarction has generally been considered to be rare despite this deterioration in the risk factors profile. There is an urgent need to raise awareness about CHD both in the general population and healthcare professionals while making available simple, inexpensive screening and diagnostic tools in sub-Saharan African countries.

Recurrent Stroke and Early Mortality in an Urban Medical Unit in Cameroon

BACKGROUND

Data on stroke mortality in recurrent strokes in the context of limited acute stroke care and secondary stroke prevention within Africa are very scant. We investigated the risk of in-hospital death in patients with recurrent stroke in the medical department of the Yaoundé Central Hospital in Cameroon.

METHODS

Admission and discharge registries, and patient files for the period 1999-2012, were reviewed for evidence of admission for stroke, recurrent stroke, and in-hospital death. Mortality was compared between recurrent and first-ever stroke overall, and heterogeneities across major subgroups were assessed via interaction tests.

RESULTS

Out of 1678 participants included in the final analytic sample, 243 (14.5%) had recurrent stroke. Our first-ever stroke participants were older (median age 65.0 years versus 62.0 years, P = .024), had a worse stroke risk profile (prevalent diabetes 17.5% versus 12.0%, P = .018; atrial fibrillation 3.7% versus 1.1%, P = .002; hypertension 91.7% versus 63.9%, P < .0001), and were smokers. Sixty-five deaths (20.6%) occurred among participants with recurrent stroke and 281 (19.6%) among first-ever stroke participants (P = .013). The adjusted odds ratio of mortality from recurrent stroke was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.03-1.99).

CONCLUSION

Stroke survivors have a 43% higher risk of dying after a recurrent stroke compared to those with first-ever stroke, against a background of unfavorable stroke risk profile.

Epidemiology of cardiovascular diseases related admissions in a referral hospital in the South West region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional study in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing an epidemic of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as a result of a rapid epidemiological transition. Little is known about the admission for CVD and outcome in rural and semi-urban settings in Cameroon in this era of epidemiological transition. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and the pattern of CVD admissions in the South West region of Cameroon.

METHODS

This retrospective descriptive study included all adult patients admitted for CVD in the medical unit of the Buea Regional Hospital between Jan 2016 and December 2017.

RESULTS

Out of the 3140 patients admitted, 499(15.9%) had CVD. There were 304(60.9%) females. The mean age was 58.7±16.2 years. There was no age difference between men and women (59.7 years vs 58.1years, p = 0.29). The most commonly affected age group was those aged 50-59 years (22%). Heart failure (38.5%), stroke (33.3%) and uncontrolled hypertension (22.4%) were the most prevalent CVDs. The length of hospital stay ranged from 1 to 37 days with a median length of hospital stay of 7 days. In-hospital case fatality was 78(15.8%). Mortality was higher in women compared to men (9% vs 7%, p = 0.43). The case fatality for stroke was higher compared to case fatality for heart failure (21.7% vs 16.7%, p = 0.23).

CONCLUSION

CVDs are a common cause of hospital admission in this semi-urban setting, dominated by heart failure. Women were disproportionately affected and it was associated with high mortality. Prevention, early detection and management of risk factors for cardiovascular disease are imperative given the growing burden of CVD in SSA to reduce CVD morbidity and mortality.

A predominance of hypertensive heart disease among patients with cardiac disease in Buea, a semi-urban setting, South West Region of Cameroon

Objective

The pattern of heart disease is diverse within and among world regions. The little data on the spectrum of heart disease in Cameroon has been so far limited to major cities. We sought to describe the pattern of heart disease in Buea, the South West Region of Cameroon, a semi-urban setting. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Between June 2016 and April 2017 the echocardiography register of the Buea Regional Hospital was surveyed. We extracted data on the age, sex and echocardiographic diagnosis.

Results

Out of 529 patients who underwent echocardiography, 239 (45.2%) had a definite heart disease. There were 137 (57.3%) females. The mean age was 58 years (range 3–94 years). The most common echocardiographic diagnoses were hypertensive heart disease (43.2%), dilated cardiomyopathies (17.6%), ischemic heart diseases (9.6%), and cor pulmonale (8.8%). Rheumatic heart disease affected 6.7% of the patients. The most common rheumatic heart disease was mitral stenosis followed by mitral regurgitation. Congenital heart disease represented 2.1% and 5 patients (2.1%) had pulmonary hypertension. Hypertensive heart disease is the most common cardiac disease in this semi-urban region in Cameroon. Rheumatic heart disease still affects a sizable proportion of patients. Prevention of cardiac disease in our setting should focus on mass screening, the treatment and control of hypertension.

Biventricular thrombi in dilated cardiomyopathy in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection: a case report

BACKGROUND

Sub-Saharan Africa is undergoing epidemiological transition with an increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases that will add to the already devastating burden of infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus infection. Human immunodeficiency virus infection is increasingly being recognized as an important etiological factor for dilated cardiomyopathy with the potential complication of intraventricular thrombus. However, biventricular thrombi are extremely rare. We report on a rare finding of biventricular thrombi in dilated cardiomyopathy in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection in Cameroon.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 52-year old Cameroonian male patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection since 4 years, longstanding heavy alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking presented with gradually worsening shortness of breath, fatigue, persistent dry cough and lower extremity swelling of about two weeks duration. Congestive heart failure was diagnosed. Echocardiography showed left ventricular chamber enlargement with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction and biventricular thrombi. The thrombi were immobile and regular in configuration, suggesting they were old. He was treated with a conventional heart failure treatment including loop diuretics and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and anticoagulants for the biventricular thrombi. Six months later, a control echocardiography showed a significant decrease in the size of the thrombi. There was no evidence of systemic or pulmonary embolization during follow up.

CONCLUSION

Dilated cardiomyopathy may be seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection, although other mechanisms needs to be assessed, but the occurrence of biventricular thrombi is rare.

A new look at acquired heart diseases in a contemporary sub-Saharan African pediatric population: the case of Yaoundé, Cameroon

BACKGROUND

Acquired heart diseases (AHD) in children cause significant morbidity and mortality especially in low resource settings. There is limited description of acquired childhood heart diseases in Cameroon, making it difficult to estimate its current contribution to childhood morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography is the main diagnostic modality in low resource settings and has a key role in the characterization and management of these disorders. We aimed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of AHD in children in Yaoundé-Cameroon, in an era of echocardiography. These data are needed for health service and policy formulation.

METHODS

Echocardiography records from August 2003 to December 2013 were reviewed. Echocardiography records of children ≤18 years with an echocardiographic diagnosis of a definite AHD were identified and relevant data extracted from their records.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty eight children (13.4%) ≤18 years had an AHD. The mean [± standard deviations (SD)] age was 11.9 (±4.4) years .The most common affected age group was 15-18 years (36.1%). Heart failure (20.3%), suspicion of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) (12.0%) and the presence of a heart murmur (8.9%) were the most common indications for echocardiography. RHD (41.1%), pericardial disease (25.3%), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (15.8%) and endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) (13.9%) were the most common AHD. Cor pulmonale was rare (1.3%). Fifty-seven (87.7%) children with RHD had mitral regurgitation alone or in combination with other heart valve lesions and 63.3% of the lesions were severe.

CONCLUSIONS

RHD remains the most common AHD in children in this setting and is frequently severe. Multicenter collaborative studies will help to better describe the pattern of AHD and there should be a renewed focus on the prevention of RHD.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of black African heart failure patients with preserved, mid‐range, and reduced ejection fraction: a post hoc analysis of the THESUS‐HF registry

Aims

Limited data are available on clinical characteristics and prognosis of heart failure (HF) in black African populations especially with respect to current classifications and HF management guidelines.

Methods and results

In this post hoc analysis, African patients admitted with acute HF and enrolled in the THESUS‐HF registry in one of 12 hospitals in 9 countries were classified as having preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFpEF), mid‐range LVEF (HFmrEF), and reduced LVEF (HFrEF) based on echocardiography performed close to the time of admission. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, management, and 60 and 180 day outcomes were compared between the groups. Of 888 patients with LVEF available, there were 472 (53.2%) with HFrEF, 174 (19.6%) with HFmrEF, and 243 (27.3%) with HFpEF. History of atrial fibrillation was higher in patients with HFmrEF (28.5%) than in patients with HFrEF (14.5%). Patients with HFrEF had a larger mean LV systolic diameter (54.1 ± 9.67 mm) than patients with HFmrEF (42.9 ± 8.47 mm), who had a larger mean LV diameter than patients with HFpEF (32.6 ± 8.64 mm); a similar pattern with LV diastolic diameter was observed. The mean posterior diastolic wall thickness (10.2 ± 2.94 mm) was lower in patients with HFrEF than in those with HFmrEF (11.1 ± 2.59 mm) and HFpEF (11.2 ± 2.90 mm). Patients with HFpEF were less likely to use angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers, and aldosterone inhibitors, and more likely to use beta‐blockers than those with HFrEF at either admission or discharge/Day 7. Death or readmission rates through Day 60 and 180 day death rates did not differ significantly among the groups; unadjusted hazard ratios relative to patients with HFrEF were 1.32 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–2.08] and 1.24 (95% CI 0.82–1.89) for 60 day death or readmission and 0.92 (95% CI 0.59–1.43) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.51–1.20) for 180 day death in patients with HFmrEF and HFpEF, respectively.

Conclusions

Classification by LVEF according to European Society of Cardiology guidelines revealed some differences in clinical presentation but similar mortality and rehospitalization rates across all EF groups in Africans admitted for HF.

Trends in pediatric echocardiography and the yield for congenital heart disease in a major cardiac referral hospital in Cameroon

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a common condition in children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where it is associated with poor outcomes. Diagnosis of CHD in SSA depends essentially on echocardiography, which is available only in few urban referral centers. Our aim was to assess time changes in the pattern of referral for pediatric echocardiography and the subsequent diagnosis of structural CHD in a major SSA city.

METHODS

All pediatric echocardiography performed between 2004 and 2013 at the echocardiography laboratory of the Yaounde General Hospital were reviewed. The primary indication of the study and the presence of structural CHD were recorded.

RESULTS

Between 2004 and 2013, 9,390 echocardiograms were performed and 834 (8.9%) children aged 1 day to 15 years underwent echocardiography at the center, and 227 (27.2%) cases of definite structural CHD were diagnosed, with 123 (54.2%) in boys. The most frequent indications for echocardiography were heart murmurs (40%) and the suspicion of CHD (37.4%). The commonest CHD was ventricular septal defect (VSD) (30%) with tetralogy of Fallot being the most frequent cyanotic heart lesion (5.3%). The proportion of pediatric echocardiography decreased from 13.3% in 2004-2005 to 6.1% in 2012-2013 (P=0.001) but not in a linear fashion (P=0.072 for linear trend).The diagnosis of structural CHD increased from 25.1% in 2004-2005 to 27.1% in 2012-2013. This increase however was non-significant (P=0.523) and did not follow a linear trend (P=0.230).

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of referral for pediatric echocardiography at this center has changed over time, but diagnosis of structural CHD has remained the same. Improving access to this diagnostic procedure and subsequent treatment of diagnosed CHD will help improving the outcome of the disease in this setting.

A meta-analytic evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the electrocardiographic Peguero-Lo Presti criterion for left ventricular hypertrophy

Although electrocardiography (ECG) is a cost-effective and convenient tool for routine screening of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), its performance has been shown to be poor. The Peguero-Lo Presti, a novel voltage criterion, was found to be potentially better than the most commonly used criteria. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of its diagnostic accuracy compared to Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon voltage criteria. Bibliographic databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed for comparison. Ten studies reporting data from 5984 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. Peguero-Lo Presti had the highest pooled sensitivity (43.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.2-56.9) followed by Cornell (26.1%; 95% CI: 16.9-37.9) and Sokolow Lyon (22.0%; 95% CI: 14.1-32.7). However, Peguero-Lo Presti had the lesser pooled specificity (90.5%; 95% CI: 86.3-93.5) and Cornell the highest (94.9%; 95% CI: 90.3-97.3). The pooled DOR was 6.63 (95% CI: 3.95-11.13), 5.50 (95% CI: 3.64-8.30), and 2.94 (95% CI: 2.20-3.92) for Peguero-Lo Presti, Cornell, and Sokolow-Lyon, respectively. Peguero-Lo Presti had the best accuracy according to summary ROC curves, with an area under the curve of 0.827 compared to 0.715 for Cornell, and 0.623 for Sokolow-Lyon. In conclusion, according to this meta-analysis, Peguero-Lo Presti has a better diagnostic performance than Cornell and Sokolow-Lyon and might be more useful in routine clinical practice as a screening tool for LVH.

Shone's anomaly: a report of one case in sub-Saharan Africa

Shone's anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac malformation consisting of four obstructive lesions of the left heart and the aortic arch: a supramitral membrane; parachute mitral valve; subaortic stenosis; and coarctation of the aorta which occurs most commonly in its incomplete form. We report on a 17-year-old male Cameroonian with a variant of shone anomaly consisting of sub-valvular aortic stenosis, coarctation of the aorta and parachute mitral valve. He was referred for the investigation of a cardiac murmur after he presented with shortness of breath preceded by flu like syndrome. He underwent successful management abroad consisting of aortic coarctation treatment by percutaneous angioplasty and resection of the subaortic ring by traditional surgical approach without any mitral valve repair. Shone's anomaly is a rare congenital heart disease that can be missed in low resource settings. This case raises awareness about this syndrome, highlights the importance of cardiac ultrasonography in resource limited settings and illustrates the need for comprehensive service frameworks to improve access and level of care and services for patients in the African context.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism, Risk Factors and Prophylaxis in Hospitalized Patients in the South West Region of Cameroon

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication in hospitalized patients. It is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, its prevention is of great importance. There is paucity of data on the incidence of VTE in hospitalized patients in Cameroon. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic VTE, its risk factors and the proportion of patients at risk that receive thromboprophylaxis in patients hospitalized in the medical and surgical units in two hospitals in the South West Region of Cameroon.

Methods

A prospective study was performed in the medical and surgical units from January to March 2018. All consecutive eligible patients admitted for at least 3 days were included. Patient profile and risk factors were recorded. Patients were followed and evaluated for signs and symptoms of VTE until discharge from hospital. Suspected VTE was confirmed using compression ultrasonography and computed tomography.

Results

A total of 314 patients were included of which 58.7% were females. The mean age was 46±17.9 years. Patients aged <40 years represented 42% of the study population. Three cases of symptomatic VTE were recorded. The incidence of symptomatic VTE was 1% (95% CI: 0.3-2.8%). The prevalence of VTE risk was 93.6% with 32.5% being at high risk. The risk was 94.6% in medical patients and 92.8% in surgical patients. Among the patients at risk, only 32.5% received thromboprophylaxis. Thromboprophylaxis was significantly higher in surgical patients compared to medical patients (45.2% versus 18.7%; p<0.0001).

Conclusion

The incidence of VTE in hospitalized medical and surgical patients appeared low but likely underestimated considering the high prevalence of patients at risk of VTE coupled with the underutilization of thromboprophylaxis. Clinicians should assess risk of VTE in conjunction with the clinical situation to determine the most appropriate type of prophylaxis as well as the duration of prophylaxis for VTE.

Complete congenital heart block in a neonate with a complex congenital heart defect in Africa

Congenital heart block (CHB) is rare disorder that has a higher mortality when associated with structural congenital heart defects. Very few cases have been reported in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We present a case of complete CHB associated with a complex congenital heart defect in a neonate in Cameroon. A 1-month-old neonate in Cameroon was referred for the evaluation of bradycardia. The obstetrical ultrasound done during pregnancy revealed fetal bradycardia without further evaluation. Clinical examination showed well a developed neonate with bradycardia at 62 beats/minute, and mild cyanosis with oxygen saturation at 93% at room air. There were no signs of heart failure. Twelve lead electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrated a complete atrioventricular conduction block with a junctional escape rhythm at 59/minute, left axis deviation and bi-ventricular hypertrophy. Two-dimensional echocardiography revealed a complex congenital heart disease with the following abnormalities: dextrocardia, complete atrioventricular canal with a single atrium and mild atrioventricular valve regurgitation and malposition of the great vessels with a posterior aorta and an anterior pulmonary artery. This case report highlights the challenges in the diagnosis and management of complex CHBs in low resource settings. A properly performed pregnancy follow-up with serial echocardiograms could aid in antenatal diagnosis and plan perinatal management when appropriate in order to optimize outcome. This emphasizes the clinical value of high quality antenatal care and proper screening.

Rheumatic heart disease in the South West region of Cameroon: a hospital based echocardiographic study

Objective

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) prevails as a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, reports on RHD have been so far limited to a few cities. We sought to describe the demographic, clinical and echocardiographic features of rheumatic heart disease in the Buea Regional Hospital, South West region of Cameroon. Echocardiography reports between June 2016 and June 2017 were reviewed. The diagnosis of RHD was based on the World Heart Federation Criteria for the diagnosis of RHD.

Results

A total of 669 echocardiograms were performed over the 1 year study period. Twenty-one (3.1%) had a definite echocardiographic diagnosis of RHD. There were 14 (66.7%) females. The age range was 13–94 years with a mean age of 47.8 ± 20.3 years. The most common indications for echocardiography were heart failure (47.6%), and dyspnea (42.9%). The mitral valve was the most commonly affected valve in 80.9% of cases. The most common valve lesion was isolated mitral stenosis (42.9%), followed by isolated mitral regurgitation (28.6%). There were no lesions on the tricuspid and pulmonic valves. Severe lesions were found in 80.9% of the patients. The complications were pulmonary hypertension (66.7%) and atrial fibrillation (9.5%).

Post-stroke care: an alternative model to reduce stroke related morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite its considerable burden, there has been limited progress to properly cater for and rehabilitate stroke survivors. Scarcity of rehabilitation services and grossly inadequate skilled personnel for post stroke care are distressing realities for stroke victims in SSA. There is growing evidence suggesting that home-based rehabilitation for stroke can have functional outcomes similar to patients who receive inpatient neuro-rehabilitation. The acute phase of treatment during hospitalization could be an opportunity to educate families and caregivers on how to care for stroke victims at home and provide home-based rehabilitation and care tailored to their disability. Interventions to vulgarize home-based post-stroke care could be more acceptable, affordable and accessible for victims and families. This could go a long way to palliate to the scarcity of rehabilitation services and reduce stroke related morbidity. We suggest that further research be carried out to ascertain the feasibility of this model in SSA settings, with greater emphasis on the cost effectiveness and sustainability arms of such an intervention.

A new look at human immunodeficiency virus infection and stroke in Sub-Saharan Africa

Stroke and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are major causes of morbidity and mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with disease burdens being amongst the highest worldwide. HIV infection has emerged as an important risk factor for stroke. The remarkable development in the treatment of HIV infection which occurred in recent decades has allowed the survival of a large number of patients. This therapeutic success which allows patients to live longer has facilitated the emergence of a new population of adults with increased risk for cardiovascular disease including stroke due to aging, the direct effects of HIV infection and combined anti-retroviral therapy (cART). Preventive strategies to decrease the burden of stroke amongst this specific patient population remain understudied in this region of the world. Lack of early diagnosis (CT scans) and poor record keeping make appreciation of the burden difficult. There is indisputable evidence that early diagnosis and early placement on cART therapy reduce HIV associated morbidity and mortality in this region of the world. However, the emergence of a new population of patients at risk for developing stroke (HIV patients) who fortunately live longer deserves a keener attention. Long term effects of cART regimens on cardiovascular and metabolic profiles remain uncertain, and specific cohort studies to properly ascertain its consequences are needed. The evidence and specific guidelines with regards to anti-platelet therapies and statin use, though potentially beneficial, in this patient sub group remains scarce. African specific cohort studies including HIV positive patients in our opinion should constitute a top research priority, to properly ascertain the potential roles of anti-platelet therapies and statins with regards to primary and secondary prevention of stroke, as well as long term effects of cART on their cardiovascular and metabolic profiles.

Prevalence, correlates and in-hospital outcomes of kidney dysfunction in hospitalized patients with heart failure in Buea-Cameroon

Background

Kidney dysfunction is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and has been associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, correlates, and prognosis of kidney dysfunction in patients with HF in Cameroon, an understudied population.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in consecutive patients hospitalized with HF between June 2016 and November 2017 in the Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon. Kidney dysfunction was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73m². Prognostic outcomes included death and prolonged hospital stay (> 7 days). We also performed a sensitivity analysis excluding racial considerations.

Results

Seventy four patients (86.1% of those eligible) were included. Their median age was 60 (interquartile range: 44–72) years and 46.0% (n = 34) were males. Half of patients (n = 37) had kidney dysfunction. Correlates of kidney dysfunction included previous diagnosis of HF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]4.3, 95% CI: 1.1–17.5) and left ventricular hypertrophy (aOR3.4, 95% CI: 1.1–9.9). Thirty-six (48.9%) had prolonged hospital stay, and seven (9.5%) patients died in hospital. Kidney dysfunction was not associated with in-hospital death (aOR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1–2) nor prolonged hospital stay (aOR 2.04, 0.8–5.3). In sensitivity analysis (excluding racial consideration), factors associated with Kidney dysfunction in HF were; anemia (aOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1–8.5), chronic heart failure (aOR: 4.7, 95% CI: 0.9–24.6), heart rate on admission < 90 bpm (aOR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1–9.1), left atrial dilation (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.04–10), and hypertensive heart disease (aOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.2–8.4). Kidney dysfunction in HF was associated with hospital stay > 7 days (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1–6.8).

Conclusion

Moderate-to-severe kidney dysfunction was seen in half of the patients hospitalized with HF in our setting, and this was associated with a previous diagnosis of HF and left ventricular hypertrophy. Kidney dysfunction might not be the main driver of poor HF outcomes in this population. In sensitivity analysis, this was associated with anemia, chronic heart failure, heart rate on admission less than 90 bpm, left atrial dilatation, and hypertensive heart disease. Kidney dysfunction was associated with hospital stay > 7 days.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-021-02641-2.

May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Cameroon

The multi-country May Measurement Month (MMM) screening campaign aims to raise awareness on blood pressure (BP) and hypertension in individuals and communities, and measure BP, ideally, of those who had no BP measurement in the preceding year. We here report key findings from the Cameroon arm of MMM 2019. An opportunistic sample of adults (≥18 years) was included from 5 May to 5 June 2019 across 15 sites (markets, churches, homes, motor parks, workplaces, and hospitals/clinics). Data collection, cleaning, the definition of hypertension, and statistical analysis followed the standard protocol. The mean age of the 30 187 participants screened was 36.9 (SD: 14.9) years, 50.4% were female (5% of whom were pregnant), and 94.4% were screened out of the hospital/clinic settings. After multiple imputation of missing data, 6286 (20.8%) had hypertension, 24.0% were taking antihypertensive medication, and 705 (11.2%) of all participants with hypertension had controlled BP. In linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and antihypertensive medicines use, a previous diagnosis of hypertension, a history of stroke, and use of antihypertensive medicines were significant predictors of systolic and diastolic BP levels. BPs were also significantly higher when measured in public outdoors, public indoors (diastolic BP only), workplaces, and other unspecified areas compared to hospitals/clinic settings. MMM19 is the largest ever BP screening campaign in a single month, in Cameroon and despite the limitations resulting from non-random sample selection, the opportunistic screening allows access to awareness and screening for hypertension out of the hospital/clinic settings.

Resting heart rate predicts all-cause mortality in sub-Saharan African patients with heart failure: a prospective analysis from the Douala Heart failure registry (Do-HF)

Background

Higher resting heart rate (HR) is associated with mortality amongst Caucasians with heart failure (HF), but its significance has yet to be established in sub-Saharan Africans in whom HF differs in terms of characteristics and etiologies. We assessed the association of HR with all-cause mortality in patients with HF in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

The Douala HF registry (Do-HF) is an ongoing prospective data collection on patients with HF receiving care at four cardiac referral services in Douala, Cameroon. Patients included in this report were followed-up for 12 months from their index admission, for all-cause mortality. We used Cox-regression analysis to study the association of HR with all-cause mortality during follow-up.

Results

Of 347 patients included, 343 (98.8%) completed follow-up. The mean age was 64±14 years, 176 (50.7%) were female, and median admission HR was 85 bpm. During a median follow-up of 12 months, 78 (22.7%) patients died. Mortality increased steadily with HR increase and ranged from 12.2% in the lower quartile of HR (≤69 bpm) to 34.1% in the upper quartile of HR (>100 bpm). Hazard ratio of 12-month death per 10 bpm higher HR was 1.16 (1.04-1.29), with consistent effects across most subgroups, but a higher effect in participants with hypertension vs. those without (interaction P=0.044).

Conclusions

HR was independently associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in this study, particularly among participants with hypertension. The implication of this finding for risk prediction or reduction should be actively investigated.

Fatal monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in a semi-urban setting in Cameroon: a case report

Background

Ventricular tachycardia is a life threatening cardiac arrhythmia. It needs management with defibrillation, without which, immediate death may occur.

Case presentation

A 66 year old black African patient with a 2 year history of hypertension was admitted to the emergency department of the Buea Regional hospital, a semi-urban setting in Cameroon, after presenting with syncope while in church. The wife described a similar episode 2 weeks prior without any further evaluation. Upon arrival at the emergency, patient had regained consciousness but lethargic, tachypneic and diaphoretic. The blood pressure was 85/61 mmHg; the pulse was 219/min, weak and thready. He had cold extremities. A 12 lead electrocardiogram performed showed a sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia at 230/min. He was administered six tablets of amiodarone, oxygen by nasal cannula and intravenous fluids. No electrical cardioversion was attempted due to the non availability of a defibrillator. Outcome was fatal with death of the patient 30 min after his arrival to the emergency.

Conclusion

Our health facilities should be well equipped for resuscitative measures by adopting Advanced Cardiac Life Support as cardiovascular diseases are becoming more frequent in our settings.

Echocardiographic left atrial remodelling and determinants of left atrial size in the early phase of high blood pressure: a comparative cross-sectional study in Douala, Cameroon

BACKGROUND

Left atrial remodelling (LAR) has been described in Western populations with chronic hypertension and is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Although hypertension tends to occur earlier and is more severe in sub-Saharan Africa than in more developed nations, LAR and its associated factors in these African hypertensive subjects have been poorly elucidated.

OBJECTIVES

To assess left atrial structural remodelling in black hypertensive patients and determine factors associated with left atrial size.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, comparative study carried out in two tertiary hospitals in Douala, Cameroon over a period of three months. Fifty-two patients, either newly diagnosed with hypertension or known hypertensives treated for less than a year, were consecutively recruited. These patients were matched (unpaired matching) for age and gender to 40 randomly selected healthy subjects. The posterior-anterior diameter indexed to body surface area (BSA), volume indexed to BSA, and longitudinal and transverse diameters of the left atrium (LA) were measured using transthoracic echocardiography, in accordance with the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. LAR was defined as increase in LA size, characterised by LA volume ≥ 34 ml/m². Early morning urine was analysed for microalbuminuria using urine strips to obtain spot albumin/creatinine ratio. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23 and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The gender distribution and mean age were similar between the two groups. Hypertensive patients had significantly higher mean body mass index, left ventricular mass and an altered diastolic function. They also had significantly higher LA longitudinal diameter (50.0 vs 47.4 mm; p = 0.045), surface area (17.9 vs 15.5 cm²; p = 0.003) and volume (52.4 vs 43.8 ml; p = 0.002) compared to the non-hypertensive counterparts. Fourteen patients (26.9%) had LA enlargement compared to one (2.5%) in the non-hypertensive group (odds ratio = 9.78, CI: 2.67-35.8, p < 0.0001). Diastolic dysfunction (p = 0.008) was the only independent predictor of LA size in the hypertensive subjects. Microalbuminuria did not significantly correlate with LA size.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows evidence of LAR in newly diagnosed black African patients with hypertension, characterised by an increase in the LA length, surface area and volume. Future studies are warranted to better elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying the link between the early phase of hypertension and LAR, as well as its prognostic implications in our population.