ABSTRACT
Introduction: Nosocomial infections (NI) are common conditions among hospitalized patients. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare workers' knowledge and practices regarding infection prevention measures in intensive care units. Method: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted from April 13to June 10, 2022, among 45 healthcare workers in three university teaching hospitals of Abidjan. The parameters studied were: the theoretical and practical knowledge of healthcare workers regarding the prevention of nosocomial infections. Results: 45 healthcare workers participated. 74.7% knew the definition of a nosocomial infection and 43% identified the main risk factors for its occurrence. Sixty-five percent identified staff hands as the main mode of cross-transmission of germs between patients. Sixty-four percent of staff reported using non-sterile gloves during urinary catheter insertion. Compliance with hand hygiene before patient contact was low (31.8%) while gloves changes between patients were observed in 87.2% of cases. Deficiencies were noted in adherence to aseptic techniques before performing invasive procedures. Non-compliance was mainly attributed to shortages of supplies and personnel, and insufficient knowledge of preventive measures. Conclusion: healthcare workers’ knowledge and adherence to hygiene practices in intensive care units were insufficient.

ABSTRACT
Thrombosis of the dural venous sinus or cerebral veins is a complete or partial occlusion that can affect one or more main sinuses. Involvement of the feeding cortical veins can lead to heterogeneous manifestations (headaches, altered consciousness, behavioral abnormalities, convulsions, speech difficulties and focal or generalized neurological deficits). The incidence of CVT is estimated at 5 per 1million. Venous thromboembolism [TE] is a multifactorial disease, and protein S deficiency [PSD] constitutes a major risk factor. Treatment of CVT with Heparin followed by VKA is recommended by current guidelines and should be started as soon as the diagnosis of CVT is confirmed we will report the case of a 17-year-old male with a medical history of anemia that was admitted in our ICU ward for a cerebral veinous thrombosis complicated with thrombo-embolic pattern. The initial treatment of TE followed the treatment guidelines of the American society of stroke. However, there are no guidelines of long-term treatment in children with PS deficiency. The actual recommendations didn’t state the best moment to introduce an anticoagulant.

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To analyze the epidemiology of maternal deaths in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study covering the period from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2025. The study focused on deaths occurring among pregnant women, during childbirth, or in the postpartum period. For in-hospital data, we used death and delivery registries to calculate the maternal mortality ratio and notification forms to identify the causes of death. For regional data, we consulted the DHIS2 database. Results: At the Maroua Regional Hospital (MRH), we identified 217 maternal deaths, representing an estimated maternal mortality rate of 1,330 per 100,000 live births. Across the entire Far North region, there were 1,507 maternal deaths, for a rate of 275 per 100,000 live births. At the MRH, the trend showed the lowest rates between 2022 and 2023, periods when the department had the largest number of staff (at least 4 obstetrician-gynecologists and 30 midwives). Deaths at the regional hospital represented 20.11% of all in-hospital deaths in the entire Far North region. The most affected age group was 20-29 years old, at 44.7%; the unemployed accounted for 89.3%. The highest percentage of women was unschooled (63.3%). The majority (53.9%) had not received any antenatal care. Deliveries took place at home in 10.7% of cases. 74.65% of these women were referred. The direct causes of death were hypertensive disorders (24,42%), followed by septicemia, and postpartum hemorrhage (20.28% each)The leading indirect cause was severe anemia, observed in 11.52% of cases. Conclusion: The maternal mortality rate, although decreasing, remains high in the Far North region. The affected women are young and referred by lower-level health facilities. Hypertensive disorders are the leading direct cause of these deaths. Each death should be systematically audited to better understand the related dysfunctions and to reduce this rate in the F

ABSTRACT
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute reversible cardiomyopathy mimicking acute coronary syndrome (ACS), characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction. It usually occurs after intense emotional or physical stress. Few cases of TSS in a perioperative setting have been described in the literature. However, recent literature data show an increase in its incidence in the perioperative period in recent years. The prognosis is generally favorable, but the outcome can often be rapidly fatal. We report a case of Takotsubo syndrome that occurred immediately after surgery in a 55-year-old patient with chronic coronary artery disease who underwent right middle lobectomy with lymph node dissection. The event was triggered by an episode of severe hypoxia and an injection of adrenaline. The diagnosis was confirmed by echocardiography (LVEF 25%, circumferential apical akinesis) and coronary angiography (chronic bifocal stenosis without acute occlusion). The outcome was favorable after symptomatic treatment and hemodynamic suppor, with complete recovery of left ventricular function. This observation illustrates the possibility of TST in a surgical setting in coronary patients. We also describe the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this rare perioperative complication.

ABSTRACT
This essay uses the narrative approach to reflect on Luke 24:13-35 in relation to the ministry of healthcare Chaplains besides its application to various theological and pastoral paradigms. It illustrates how the text inspires spiritual accompaniment, informs spiritual assessment, directs pastoral interventions, and guides boundaries in pastoral care for the sick in healthcare settings. It encourages Chaplains to foster and evoke the attitude of compassionate curiosity in patients to aid them engage with the truth of their own health conditions, no matter what, to find meaning, strength and hope in their own sufferings and pain. It finally invites Chaplains to consider their role as a prophetic witness to the truth of the mystery of the human being. Against the backdrop of the story, the article ignites the reader to search for answers to the questions: What is the context of hospital chaplaincy ministry discovered in Luke 24:13-35? What pastoral attitudes of Jesus are evident in the gospel pericope? And how do these pastoral attitudes serve as the “Jesus-factor" to inform the decision and skills of Christian Chaplains on the one hand and inspires Healthcare Chaplaincy Ministry in general on the other hand?

ABSTRACT
Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial infection in intensive care units, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen in critically ill patients, particularly following prolonged mechanical ventilation and prior antibiotic exposure. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study over a 4-year period in three intensive care units in France. Adult patients with VAP caused by S. maltophilia were included. Clinical, microbiological, and therapeutic data were collected. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Results: Among 293 VAP episodes caused by non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli, 28 (9.55%) were due to S. maltophilia. Patients were elderly, highly comorbid, and severely ill, with a high rate of septic shock (71.1%). Polymicrobial infections were frequent (75%), mainly involving Enterobacterales. Empirical antibiotic therapy was active in only 14.3% of cases. Targeted therapy mainly relied on trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole or levofloxacin. The 28-day mortality rate was 60.7%, with early deaths observed after diagnosis. Conclusion: S. maltophilia VAP occurs in high-risk ICU patients and is associated with frequent polymicrobial infections, inadequate empirical therapy, and high mortality, highlighting the need for improved management strategies.

ABSTRACT
Background: Acute respiratory distress is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critical care, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to conventional imaging is often delayed. Point-of-care lung ultrasound (POCUS) has emerged as a rapid, reproducible, and non-invasive bedside tool that enables early etiological assessment, guides timely therapeutic decisions, and may improve patient outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the effect of early POCUS on in-hospital mortality among patients admitted with acute respiratory distress to the intensive care unit of the Essos Hospital Center. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study in the intensive care unit of the Essos Hospital Center. All consecutive adult (≥18 years) patients admitted with acute respiratory distress over a 12-month period were included. Patients were stratified into two groups based on whether early point-of-care lung ultrasound (POCUS) was performed within the first hour of admission by a trained physician. Demographic, clinical, echocardiographic, diagnostic, and outcome data were collected prospectively. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes included time to definitive diagnosis and identification of the primary etiology.