PE is common in Kinshasa, with characteristics similar to those reported in the literature.

Background The ultimate goal of asthma treatment is long-term control. Uncontrolled asthma is a major public health problem worldwide, but there is a lack of data on asthma control and its causes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Objective To determine the socio-demographic, environmental, clinical, and biological factors and comorbidities associated with uncontrolled adult asthma in Kinshasa, DRC. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 216 male and female asthmatics aged 18 and over consecutively recruited from tertiary clinics and the community in Kinshasa between June 2017 and February 2018. For each subject, socio-demographic, clinical, para clinical and environmental data were recorded. Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV 1 ) values were obtained by Spirometry, allergen testing performed using the skin prick test, serum vitamin D levels measured by radioimmunoassay, and asthma control assessed using the asthma control test (ACT) score. Multiple logistic regression identified factors associated with uncontrolled asthma. Results The average age of participants was 45.2 (SD 17.6) years, 74% were female, and 42% had a low educational level. Among all asthmatics, the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma was 56%, abnormal serum vitamin D level 95%, abnormal FEV 1 65%, sensitization to two allergens (cat dander and dust mites) 18%, sleep disorders 37%, and heartburn 60%. Male (aOR 2.24; 95% CIs 1.04–4.79), low educational level (aOR 3.26; 95% CIs 1.54–6.67), sensitization to both cat dander and dust mites (aOR 2.67; 95% CIs 1.16–6.14), FEV 1 ≤80% (aOR 2.07; 95% CIs 1.08–3.96), abnormal serum vitamin D level (aOR 5.11; 95% CIs 1.17–22.33), sleep disorders (aOR 1.96; 95% CIs 1.04–3.71), and heartburn (aOR 2.02; 95% CIs 1.04–3.92) were significantly associated with uncontrolled asthma. Conclusion Uncontrolled asthma is common in Kinshasa, and these factors associated with uncontrolled asthma may be considered as targets for future intervention strategies.

Context: The burden of TB in Africa tends to be exacerbated by the socio-economic situation and the high prevalence of intercurrent infections such as HIV, malaria and non-specific bacterial infections. These factors often result in anemia, making patients at high risk for anemia. Objective: We aimed to gain insights into the characteristics of anemia, hematologic variations and socio-economic status in untreated pulmonary TB patients (PTB) in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 200 smear-positive pulmonary TB patients (PTB) recruited at the initiation of TB treatment. Complete Blood Count, Iron profile, BMI, CRP and albuminemia were assessed. Data were analyzed using Student t or Mann Whitney tests as appropriate, and logistic regression was performed to assess the strength of associations. Results: Anemia was a regular finding in (69%). This anemia was mostly moderate (92.2%) and with iron deficiency pattern (48%). Hypoalbuminemia was observed in half of the subjects and appears to be correlated with the severity of anemia. Surprisingly, the severity of inflammation, as reflected by the CRP, was inversely correlated with the anemia. In the multivariate analysis, alcohol intake (OR: 2.38; IC 95%: 1.05 -5.38), hypoalbuminemia (OR: 1.98; IC 95%: 1.02 -3.82) and CRP rate were significantly associated with the presence of anemia among pulmonary tuberculosis at the diagnostic. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the heavy burden of the iron responsive anemia and risky life conditions in newly diagnosed TB patients, and underscores the potential usefulness of iron supplementation in the Congolese context.

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Background: Opportunistic infections, which are still a major problem in the care of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), occur in situations of immunosuppression. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the profile of Opportunistic Infections in People Living with HIV starting Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) in Kinshasa during the Dolutegravir era. Methods: The present study is a descriptive cross-sectional study to determine the profile of OIs among PLHIV starting ART in Outpatient Treatment Centers (OTC) in Kinshasa. Sixteen OTCs had been included in the study. The patient inclusion period in the study was from October 04, 2021 to February 15, 2022. The population of the present study was patients over the age of 18 at inclusion, infected with HIV-1 and starting ART in a selected OTC. Results: 119 patients were included in this study respecting the inclusion criteria. 56.3% of patients included are women. The mean age on D0 is 39.87 ± 12.36 years. The most represented age group is that of 36 to 45 years with 37 patients (31.9%). The Opportunistic Infections most found in these PLHIV are: Malaria with 54 cases (45.4%), Tuberculosis (29.4%) and Cutaneous pruritus (23.5%). Conclusion: In this cohort of patients starting ARV treatment in Kinshasa, the most common opportunistic infections are Malaria, Tuberculosis and Cutaneous Pruritus.

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