Distribution of HLA-B*27 subtypes in Tunisians and their association with ankylosing spondylitis

ObjectiveThe human leukocyte antigen HLA-B27 is a class I antigen of the major histocompatibility complex strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and other related spondyloarthropathies (SpAs). The mechanism of this association remains unknown. HLA-B27 is a serologic specificity that represents a family of at least 25 different HLA-B27 alleles (2701–2725). These alleles are closely related by nucleotide sequence homology, but differ in ethnic distribution. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the distribution of HLA-B27 alleles in healthy controls and in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).MethodsWe selected 160 HLA-B27-positive individuals (39 controls and 121 patients with ankylosing spondylitis). Typing of HLA-B27, and Cw alleles were performed by polymerase chain reaction amplification with sequence specific primers (PCR–SSP), and by serological typing (microlymphocytotoxicity).ResultsSeven B27 subtypes were identified: B*2702, 03, 04, 05, 07, 09 and B*2714. The distribution of these alleles in the population of patients was B*2702 (47.1%) and B*2705 (47.1%). These subtypes were also detected in 16 (41%) and 16 (41%), respectively of the 39 control subjects. HLA-B*2707 was detected in 4 (3.31%) patients and in 3 (7.6%) controls. B*2704, 09 and B*2714 were relatively rare and were detected in one subject each. No significant differences were noticed in the frequencies and distribution of HLA-B27 alleles between patients and controls.ConclusionsOur results show a restricted number of HLA B27 subtypes associated with AS. B*2702 and B*2705 were equally common in patients and controls. The most prominent B27/Cw haplotypes in the patient groups and controls were B*2702/Cw02022 and B*2705/Cw02022.     

Rituximab-induced interstitial lung disease: case report and literature review

Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, very rarely causes lung toxicity. Toxicity may present as interstitial lung disease, alveolar hemorrhage and adult respiratory distress syndrome. Sixteen cases of rituximab-induced interstitial lung disease (R-ILD) have been reported. With this case and a review of all other cases reported in the literature, we will try to identify the features of R-ILD, its treatment and why the early diagnosis of this complication is important.     

Cervical spondylolysis: a case report

Cervical spondylolysis is defined as a corticated cleft between the superior and inferior articular facets of the articular pillar, the cervical equivalent of the pars interarticularis in the lumbar spine. Of primary importance is its recognition to avoid confusion with more clinically significant abnormalities such as fracture or dislocation. This case report describes bilateral spondylolysis and associated dysplasia of C5 in a 31-year-old female. We describe the radiographic presentation of this anomaly, stressing the importance of computed tomography for correct diagnosis. A review of the literature on this interesting abnormality and a complete differential diagnosis are presented.     

Quand et comment conduire une nutrition entérale au cours de l’anorexie mentale ?

Lifesaving treatment in patients with anorexia nervosa and compromised nutritional status is controversial. Enteral nutrition, via a nasogastric tube can be useful in this situation. The digestive tract can be used better than parenteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition can also be used in a situation with moderate malnutrition and stable body weight despite an adequate psychological treatment. In all cases, this treatment should be discussed and accepted with the patient. Polymeric standard solutions can be used, taking care of the level of protein which should not be too high. The start of enteral nutrition is progressive, in order to avoid the risk of Refeeding Syndrome. Vitamins and phosphorus should be added to the enteral nutrition during the first few days. Complications of treatment is not frequent with these patients and are presented. Enteral nutrition should be not too long and should be decreased in the same time that oral nutrition progressively increases. The results of literature show that, enteral nutrition does not deteriorate the psychological state of the patients and is found to be accepted more positively than forced feeding orally in the initial critical phases, and is less dangerous in terms of metabolic tolerance. For these reasons, enteral nutrition should be included in the armament of treatment of anorexia nervosa.     

Congenital sick sinus syndrome in a healthy heart: case report

Isolated congenital sick sinusal syndrome on non harmed heart is a rare affection. Its association with an atrio-ventricular block is exceptional. The authors report a case of a 19 year-old patient, with an early history of bradycardia, hospitalised for effort intolerance. His electrocardiogram reveals a high degree sino-atrial block replaced by a junctional rhythm at 30/mn. During Treadmill test, the sinusal acceleration is satisfactory and an effort atrio-ventricular block was present. He later had a definitive stimulation under DDDR. This report shows that the sinusal node, in the same way as the atrio-ventricular node may be injured by congenital dysimmunitary process. The coexistence of these two conductive troubles worsen the prognosis and should lead more often to the practice of definitive stimulation by the only mode DDDR.     

Divergent effects of oxygen therapy in four models of uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock

Treatment with oxygen exerts beneficial effects and prolongs survival in hemorrhagic shock induced by controlled bleeding. We evaluated the effects of inhalation of 100% oxygen in four models of uncontrolled bleeding in rats: amputation of the tail, laceration of two branches of the ileocolic artery, incision of the spleen, and laceration of the lateral lobe of the liver. After tail amputation, oxygen caused a short and transient increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP; P < 0.01), decreased distal aorta (DA) blood flow by 27% (P < 0.01), and induced transient redistribution of blood flow to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA; P < 0.01). Later on, MABP in the oxygen group decreased gradually and was significantly lower than in air controls (P < 0.01). Oxygen therapy increased the mean blood loss by 40% (P < 0.01), increased blood lactate (P < 0.01), and shortened the survival time (P < 0.01). After laceration of two branches of the ileocolic artery, oxygen treatment caused a transient increase in MABP and redistribution of blood flow to the SMA that was followed by a comparable decrease in MABP, increase in vascular resistance, and decreased blood flow in the DA and SMA. In this model, oxygen did not affect bleeding volume, blood lactate, or survival. A similar transient regional hemodynamic effect was found when oxygen was administered after spleen or liver injury; however, in both models, oxygen maintained MABP at significantly higher values (P < 0.05). The results point to differential effects of oxygen in uncontrolled bleeding with benefits in bleeding from small parenchymal vessels and possible detrimental effect in bleeding from large size vessels.     

Prevention of central venous line-related thrombosis by continuous infusion of low-dose unfractionated heparin, in patients with haemato-oncological disease. A randomized controlled trial

We have conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the role of low-dose unfractionated heparin prophylaxis in preventing central venous line-related thrombosis in patients with haemato-oncological disease. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either prophylactic intravenous unfractionated heparin (continuous infusion of 100 IU/kg/daily) or 50 ml/daily of normal saline solution as a continuous infusion. CVLs were externalized, non tunneled, double lumen catheters. All CVLs were placed percutaneously by the same physician in the subclavian vein. Upper limb veins were systematically examined by ultrasonography just before, or <24 hours after, catheter removal, and in case of clinical signs of thrombosis. One hundred and twenty-eight CVLs were inserted. Catheter-related thrombosis occurred in 1.5% of the catheters inserted in patients of the heparin group, and in 12.6% in the control group (p = 0.03). No other risk factors were found for the development of catheter-related thrombosis. Two and three patients experienced severe bleeding in the heparin group, and in the control group, respectively (p = 0.18). There were no other side-effects clearly ascribable to the use of unfractionated heparin. This is the first prospective, randomized study, which shows that low-dose of unfractionated heparin is safe and effective to prevent catheter-related thrombosis in patients with haemato-oncological disease.     

Benign fronto-orbital osteoblastoma arising from the orbital roof: case report and literature review

BACKGROUND: Osteoblastoma is an uncommon benign osteogenic neoplasm that rarely involves the orbit. Intracranial and intraorbital extension causing neurologic and ophthalmologic symptoms and signs is very unusual. We report the case of an osteoblastoma of the orbital cavity with ethmoidal and anterior cranial fossa extension presenting as unilateral proptosis. Manifestations and management of this rare fronto-orbital lesion are discussed, and the relevant literature is reviewed. CASE DESCRIPTION: This 22-year-old man experienced a 3-month history of progressive left proptosis without neurologic symptoms. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated a bony mass involving the roof of the left orbit and extending laterally to the adjacent ethmoid cells and upward to the lower part of the homolateral frontal convexity without parenchymal abnormality. A presumptive diagnosis of osteoma was considered. A left fronto-orbital craniotomy was performed. At surgery, the tumor was well circumscribed by a sclerotic margin. It was granular with bony spicules, destroying the orbital roof and involving the orbital cavity, ethmoidal cells, and anterior cranial fossa. The lesion was totally removed, and the anterior cranial base reconstructed. The histologic features were typical of benign osteoblastoma. After a follow-up period of 12 months, the patient has remained well without evidence of recurrence. CONCLUSION: Osteoblastoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis with other fronto-orbital bone-forming lesions. Although generally regarded as benign, a complete resection is recommended to prevent the possibility of postoperative recurrence and malignant transformation. Twelve previously reported cases were also reviewed.     

The type III aortic dissection. Diagnosis, outcome, contribution of the endovascular therapies to their management--a case report

The dissection of the descending aorta is a serious affection regarding to its mortality and its complications. It becomes chronic after the 14th day following the first signs of dissection. The authors report the case of a 55 years old patient who has presented a type III dissection diagnosed at the chronic period. The persistance of the pain has indicated the implantation of a stent at the intimal tear. This new endovascular treatement of the aorta diseases is a promising and less invasive alternative to the surgical treatement. It may reduce the morbidity and the mortality of this pathology but it needs an accurate and performant imaging techniques.