Epidemiology, clinical features, and management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the neurology department of the Bogodogo University Hospital in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the epidemiology, the clinical features, and the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the neurology department of the Bogodogo University Hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective study including patients followed in the neurology department of the Bogodogo University Hospital between April 15, 2017 and December 31, 2024 for ALS. The socio-demographic, clinical and follow-up data of these patients were studied. Results: During our study period, 14 patients were followed for ALS, an average of 2 cases per year. The mean age of patients at symptom onset was 38.50 ± 14.23 years. The mean time to diagnosis was 19.71 ± 5.27 months. Four patients underwent no spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Riluzole was prescribed in 02 patients (14.29%). No patient benefited from noninvasive ventilation or gastrostomy. Six patients (42.85%) were discharged against medical advice. On December 31, 2024, there were 2 patients alive (14.29%), 5 patients who died (14.29%) and 7 patients (50%) who were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Our cohort is characterized by a low hospital incidence, a young age of patients and difficulties in the care and follow-up of patients.