[Socioemotional disorders in children living in Konzo-affected areas, an epidemic paralytic disease associated with cyanide poisoning from food in sub-Saharan Africa].

INTRODUCTION

the aim of this study was to describe the socioemotional profile of children living in Konzo-affected areas, an epidemic toxico-nutritional palsy in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

we evaluated the socioemotional profile of 210 children, 123 with Konzo and 87 presumed to be healthy (4-17 years) based on a structured interview conducted with their parents during an epidemioclinic survey of Konzo in Congo-Kinshasa in 2011. Neurocognitive profile was identified by the KABC-II, the BOT-2 and the global neurological symptom index of Konzo. Associative tests were carried out by using chi-square test, logistic regression and, where applicable, generalized linear model, at the significance threshold of 0.05.

RESULTS

in general, irritability, physical violence or inhibition with or without sadness were found in 46.0%, 30.2%, 18.7% of children respectively, with an increased risk of Konzo (OR = 2.6; CI95%: 1.4-4.8; p = 0.001). Socioemotional disorder was associated with underweight (OR: 0.49; CI95%: 0.31-0.78; p = 0.002) and with an elevated global neurological symptom index of Konzo (OR: 1.33; CI 95%: 1.1-1.63; p = 0.019); furthermore it exacerbated cognitive impairment in children with Konzo (interaction neurological status-socioemotional disorders D = 6.297; p = 0.013). High cognitive performances were observed in children without Konzo but with socioemotional disorders. The average concentration (standard deviation ± SD) of urinary thiocyanate was higher (554.8 ± 371.6 µmol/l) among children with Konzo associated with socioemotional disorders.

CONCLUSION

children living in Konzo-affected areas have socioemotional disorders. Their psychopathological status and the effect of Konzo on cognition require in-depth studies.