-
Research Article
Healthcare-associated Bloodstream Infections in the Neonatal Unit of Dalal Jamm National Hospital, Senegal: Epidemiological and Microbiological Characteristics
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-8
Received:
6 December 2025
Accepted:
29 December 2025
Published:
23 January 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs) represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Senegal, few data exist regarding the incidence, bacterial spectrum, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of HA-BSIs in neonates. This study aimed to describe the epidemiological and microbiological profile of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections in the neonatal unit of Dalal Jamm National Hospital in Senegal. Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study from October 2022 to July 2023 in the neonatal unit of Dalal Jamm National Hospital. All neonates with at least one positive blood culture obtained ≥48 hours after admission were included. Data were extracted from medical records and bacteriology registers and analyzed using R software v4.1.3. Categorical variables were expressed as frequencies, and the time to infection onset was described by the median and interquartile range. Results: Among 288 admitted neonates, 36 cases of HA-BSIs were recorded, yielding a cumulative incidence of 12.5% and an incidence density of 15.5 cases per 1 000 patient-days. The median time to infection was 6 days [IQR 2–13]. Prematurity and low birth weight (< 2 500 g) were observed in 53% of cases. A total of 38 pathogens were isolated, predominantly Gram-negative bacilli (65.8%), mainly Enterobacter cloacae (18.4%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.8%), and Escherichia coli (13.1%). Gram-positive cocci accounted for 31.6% of isolates, primarily coagulase-negative staphylococci (21%). Among 28 strains tested for resistance, 57% were multidrug-resistant, including 61% ESBL- or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales. The case-fatality rate was 36%. Conclusion: The incidence of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections in the neonatal unit of Dalal Jamm Hospital is high, with a predominance of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Strengthening infection prevention and control programs, rational antibiotic use, and continuous surveillance are urgently needed to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality in resource-limited settings.
Abstract: Introduction: Healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs) represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Senegal, few data exist regarding the incidence, bacterial spectrum, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of HA-BSIs in neonates. This...
Show More
-
Research Article
Assessment of Therapeutic Adherence Among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes at the University Hospital Center of Dakar
Aminata Mbaye*
,
Ndeye Fatou Sow,
Hiba Jeribi,
Guillaye Diagne,
Awa Kane,
Mame Awa Ndao,
Ibrahima Diop,
Maryam Aida Kane,
Amadou Sow,
Djibril Boiro,
Babacar Niang
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
9-13
Received:
31 December 2025
Accepted:
2 January 2026
Published:
23 January 2026
Abstract: Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that predominantly affects children and adolescents. Its management requires strict adherence to medical recommendations in order to prevent severe acute and chronic complications. However, during adolescence, therapeutic adherence often becomes challenging due to physical, psychological, and social factors specific to this stage of life. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of poor therapeutic adherence among adolescents with T1DM followed in pediatric departments of the University Hospital Center of Dakar and to identify the factors associated with non-adherence. Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive, analytical, and multicenter study conducted over a three-month period (March–April–May 2023) in the pediatric departments of Abass Ndao Hospital Center and Albert Royer National Children’s Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. All patients aged 10 to 18 years with a diagnosis of T1DM for at least three months who attended outpatient consultations during the study period were included. Data were collected at the end of consultations using a pre-established questionnaire. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants and their caregivers. Therapeutic adherence to insulin was assessed using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Results: A total of 106 adolescents were included among 219 children who attended consultations during the study period. The sex ratio was 0.66, and the mean age was 14.61 years. According to the Morisky score, low adherence to insulin therapy was observed in 18.87% of patients, while good adherence was found in 27.36%. Overall, the prevalence of poor therapeutic adherence was 61.32%. Several factors were significantly associated with adherence. Full parental supervision was associated with better adherence compared to minimal parental involvement (p = 0.003). A perceived loss of freedom related to treatment and the presence of treatment-related side effects were significantly associated with poor adherence (p = 0.029 and p = 0.003, respectively). Poor adherence was also associated with diabetes diagnosis disclosure by a general practitioner rather than a pediatrician (p = 0.03). Furthermore, poor therapeutic adherence was significantly correlated with poor glycemic control (p = 0.03). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering adolescent-specific factors in the management of type 1 diabetes. Improved understanding of these determinants may contribute to more effective care strategies and better prevention of complications among adolescents living with T1DM.
Abstract: Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease that predominantly affects children and adolescents. Its management requires strict adherence to medical recommendations in order to prevent severe acute and chronic complications. However, during adolescence, therapeutic adherence often becomes challenging due to physical, psycholo...
Show More
-
Research Article
Galectin-3 and KL-6 as Biomarkers of Airway Remodelling and Fibrosis in Children with Chronic Lung Diseases
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
14-19
Received:
7 January 2026
Accepted:
15 January 2026
Published:
30 January 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajp.20261201.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Introduction: Airway remodelling in children with severe recurrent episodes of bronchial obstruction starts very early, from preschool age – a period in which the diagnosis of asthma is not yet confirmed. Assessing these early structural changes presents a challenge in clinical practice. Due to the limitations of invasive methods, reliable noninvasive markers of these changes are sought. Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a regulator of inflammatory and fibrotic processes, and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6), a marker of alveolar epithelial damage, are considered as indicators of lung remodelling. Methods: Forty-eight children were studied: 26 children under 4 years of age with recurrent episodes of wheezing (RW) and 22 with cystic fibrosis (CF). Children with RW were divided into two subgroups: those with a low frequency (≤3 episodes/year) and those with a high frequency (>6 episodes/year) of bronchoobstructive symptoms. CF patients were stratified according to genotype (ΔF508 homozygous or heterozygous), and all underwent computed tomography (HRCT). Serum Gal-3 and KL-6 levels were measured by the ELISA method. The correlation between Gal-3 and KL-6 and clinical severity in children with recurrent wheezing at preschool age, and between Gal-3 and KL-6 and radiologically confirmed structural lung changes in children with cystic fibrosis, was assessed. Results: Elevated Gal-3 levels were found in children with RW from infancy. Although the differences in median Gal-3 levels did not reach statistical significance in the two RW subgroups, children with a high frequency of wheezing were 1.76 times more likely to have elevated Gal-3 (>26 ng/mL) compared to those with a low frequency of RW (p = 0.02). In CF, Gal-3 levels were significantly higher in children with confirmed structural lung disease on HRCT compared to those without pathological changes (38.35 vs. 11.63 ng/mL, p = 0.001). The highest Gal-3 values were found in ΔF508 homozygous patients with bronchiectasis. KL-6 levels remained within the normal range for the pediatric population across all groups and did not correlate with the frequency of bronchoobstructive manifestations, genotype, or CT findings. Conclusion: Galectin-3 is a reliable biomarker for pediatric pulmonology practice, reflecting early pulmonary changes in children with frequent recurrent bronchoobstructive episodes and a risk of persistent manifestations, and it correlates with structural damage in cystic fibrosis patients. KL-6 has no diagnostic value in the early stages of pulmonary pathology.
Abstract: Introduction: Airway remodelling in children with severe recurrent episodes of bronchial obstruction starts very early, from preschool age – a period in which the diagnosis of asthma is not yet confirmed. Assessing these early structural changes presents a challenge in clinical practice. Due to the limitations of invasive methods, reliable noninvas...
Show More
