Within EpiMaCT, Kouame Tchankoni explored the epidemiology of lower limb obstructive arterial disease in Togo.
Kouame Tchankoni, chercheur·e au sein de EpiMaCT (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Ω-LIM-Biologie-Chimie-Santé (Limoges ; 2022-).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
Lower limb obstructive arterial disease (AOMI) represents an increasingly concerning public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, and more specifically in Togo. With an alarming prevalence estimated at 16.3% of the population, this condition is often underdiagnosed, leading to serious complications, including non-traumatic amputations of the lower limbs. This phenomenon is all the more worrying in a context where epidemiological data on AOMI is scarce, making it difficult to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies. Kouame Tchankoni's thesis aims to fill this gap by providing accurate data and proposing concrete recommendations to improve patient care.
The research has established a national amputation registry, an essential tool that will allow for prospective patient follow-up. This registry is crucial for collecting reliable and up-to-date data on AOMI and amputations in Togo. Indeed, without precise data, it is practically impossible to understand the extent of the problem and to develop appropriate health policies. Preliminary results from this registry reveal an alarming incidence of amputations, highlighting the urgency for intervention. The recommendations made include the establishment of early screening policies and management of AOMI, as well as a systematic data collection system. These measures aim to improve the management of at-risk patients and reduce healthcare costs, which are often prohibitive for a large part of the population.
The challenges to be addressed are numerous and complex. The lack of awareness about AOMI is a major obstacle. Many people are unaware of the symptoms of this disease, which delays their medical consultation. Furthermore, limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas, further complicates the situation. The need for adequate training of healthcare professionals is also crucial. Without appropriate training, doctors and nurses may overlook cases of AOMI, thereby worsening the situation for patients. It is imperative to act quickly to prevent the situation from deteriorating.
The implementation of awareness and training programs could transform the way AOMI is perceived and treated. For example, awareness campaigns in communities could help educate the population about the risk factors for AOMI, such as diabetes and hypertension, and the importance of early screening. Policymakers must recognize the economic and social impact of this condition and act accordingly. Indeed, amputations lead not only to direct medical costs but also to productivity losses and psychological impacts on patients and their families.
In summary, this research highlights the need for a systematic and integrated approach to combat AOMI and its complications. The national amputation registry could become a model for other countries in the region, allowing for better management of cardiovascular diseases and an improvement in the quality of life for patients. Furthermore, it would be wise to consider collaborations with international organizations to strengthen local capacities in research and treatment of AOMI.
It is essential that governments and public health actors take proactive measures to integrate the fight against AOMI into their health policies. This could include the creation of specialized centers for the treatment of AOMI, ongoing training for healthcare professionals, and improving access to care for vulnerable populations. Ultimately, a concerted and determined action is necessary to reverse the current trend and improve the health of populations in sub-Saharan Africa in the face of this growing threat.
Données clés
- 16,3% : Prévalence de l'AOMI en Afrique subsaharienne, indiquant l'ampleur du problème de santé publique.
- Incidence élevée : Indique le nombre croissant d'amputations des membres inférieurs au Togo sur six ans.
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Sources et accès
Kouame Tchankoni. Épidémiologie de l’Artériopathie des Membres Inférieurs en Afrique subsaharienne avec focus sur les amputations des membres inférieurs au Togo. Médecine humaine et pathologie. Université de Limoges; Université de Lomé (Togo), 2024. Français. ⟨NNT : 2024LIMO0086⟩. ⟨tel-05004531⟩