Pancreatic autoantibodies in Tunisian children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes

We analyzed 86 children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes for antibodies to islet cells (ICA), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA), second-islet antigen (IA-2A), and insulin (IAA) in order to evaluate the prevalence of immune-mediated type 1 diabetes, as well as to recognize which autoantibody combination is more frequently associated with the disease. A positive result for one or more diabetes-related antibodies evaluated was found in 78 children (90.7%). With regard to single autoantibody testing, ICA were found to be positive in 49 patients (57%), GADA in 56 (65.1%), IA-2A in 37 (43%), and IAA in 43 (50%) patients. Combining the determination of at least two autoantibodies, GADA and/or IAA were better detectable than other antibody combination, being positive in 70 patients (81.4%). GADA and IA-2A represent also a useful screening combination; being positive in 65 patients (75.6%). Our data indicate that the vast majority of cases of type 1 diabetes in children may be considered as immune-mediated and that multiple autoantibody analysis improves identification of the disease.     

Acute renal insufficiency caused by drugs or iodinated contrast media. Results of a prospective and multicenter study in south Tunisia

In order to determine the frequency of acute renal failure (ARF) induced by drugs, to identify the agents responsible for it and to define its semiological characteristics, a prospective study was carried out between 1 October 1987 and 30 September 1988, in Sfax and southern Tunisia. Three Departments of Medicine and one Hemodialysis Center participated in this study. Twelve cases of drug-induced ARF were identified among the 73 cases of ARF reported, i.e., a frequency of 16%. Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs (AINS) were implicated in 5 cases and antibiotics in 2. Symptoms of hypersensitivity were observed in 4 patients, 2/3 without oliguria. Renal insufficiency was usually marked: plasma creatinine was 523 +/- 425 mumol/l; proteinuria greater than 1 g/24 h was seen in 2 patients. Hypovolemia and/or hypotension (6 cases) and diabetes mellitus (4 patients) were found to favor ARF. Renal function returned to normal in 9 patients, whereas mild renal failure persisted in the remaining 3 patients. Drug-induced ARF occurs often. AINS are the most frequently incriminated agents and hypersensitivity symptoms without oliguria are the most common manifestations. Drug-induced ARF can be prevented by close monitoring of high-risk patients, i.e., those taking AINS.     

Acute pulmonary embolism due to the rupture of a right ventricle hydatic cyst.

Hydatid pulmonary embolism is an uncommon condition resulting from the rupture of a hydatid heart cyst or the opening of a visceral hydatid cyst (often in the liver) into the venous circulation. We report a case of hydatid pulmonary embolism following rupture of a hydatic cyst in the right ventricle. Pulmonary angiography showed right pulmonary occlusion. Echocardiography, computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging showed images suggesting a hydatid cyst. The patient underwent sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass in order to treat the heart cyst and remove the hydatic pulmonary obstruction. A concomitant lung hydatid cyst was extirpated.