Characteristics of the Heart of School-Age Children in a Schistosomiasis Endemic Area in Senegal

Introduction: In Senegal, surveys have revealed areas of high endemicity of Schistosomiasis including the town of Richard Toll. We undertook this study to determine the echocardiocardiographic characteristics of school-agechildren in endemic bilharziasis. Methodology: We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study in Richard Toll and Dakar in school-age children. Results: A total of 250 children were included. There was male predominance, age between 4 and 16 (10 years old ± 2.77). Hematuria was reported in 69.6% of cases in endemic areas. Positive testing for Schistoma haematobium was found exclusively in Richard-Toll at 33.5%. The diastolic, systolic, basal and median left ventricle dimensions were larger in Richard Toll’s population compared to Dakar. It was the same for the right chambers dimensions. The average pulmonary systolic arterial pressure was greater in Richard-Toll: 26.38 ± 3.16 mmHg versus 21.82 ± 1.73 mmHg in Dakar (p < 0.001). There was a correletion between pulmonary systolic arterial pressure and presence of hematuria, anemia and parasitological positivity. Conclusion: The heart of the school-aged child in endemic area is characterized by larger cavitary dimensions.