Optimization of the dose and route of injection,and characterisation of the time course of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in the rat

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to optimize carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in the rat with respect to dose, route of injection, and time course. METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats, 4 to 6 weeks old and weighing 130-180 g were used. Hepatotoxicity was evaluated by measuring the activity of serum enzymes (alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and aspartate aminotransferase [AST]) as well as serum total bilirubin level. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) increased the activity of ALP (from 64.9 to 137.3 U/l), ALT (from 106.6 to 693.1 U/l), and AST (from 113.8 to 693.9 U/l). Plasma bilirubin level increased (from 0.119 to 0.42 mg/dl). In contrast, subcutaneous injection of CCl(4) had no effect on these variables. The optimum intraperitoneal dose of CCl(4) was found to be 2 ml/kg body weight (dissolved in an equal volume of olive oil), and this increased the level of bilirubin and the activity of the three enzymes significantly, without causing death of the animals. Hepatotoxicity was observed within 2 h of intraperitoneal injection of CCl(4) and reached a peak after 24 h. Bilirubin level and serum enzyme activities declined gradually to normal levels by 3 days after CCl(4) injection. CONCLUSION: It is possible to reliably evoke reversible hepatotoxicity in rats by intraperitoneal injection of 2 ml/kg CCl(4).     

Comparative study of two Tramadol prescription protocols for postoperative analgesia in children

We reported the result of a prospective study concerning the use of Tramadol for postoperative analgesia in children. Seventy-two children 1 to 6 year's old were enrolled. Tramadol was given at a dose of 1 mg/kg for 30 minutes and Oral regimen started 4 hours after at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/6 hours for 24 hours in 40 child. Only one dose of Tramad?l, 2 Mg/kg, was used in other 32 children. We assessed every 3 hours: pain scale (CHEOPS), respiratory rate, and cardiac rate, blood pressure and sedation scale. We obtained satisfactory analgesia in 70% of children since the first hour postoperatively with 2 mg/kg Tramadol and in 60% of them who received 1 mg/kg. In the first group, analgesia had lasted for 24 hours in 62.5% of children and in 80% of children with oral Tramadol. The main side effect was vomiting as reported in 25% of children especially after intravenous Tramadol and mild sedation in 34% of them. Tramadol is a safe and efficient analgesic molecule in children.     

Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: study of 17 cases

Aspergillosis is a fungic infection depending on the local or general physiologic and immunologic state of the host. We report the result of retrospective five year study (1995-1999) about 17 cases in the laboratory of Parasitology-Mycology of Rabta hospital in Tunis. Six aspergillomas were observed, they occurred after a pulmonary tuberculosis, two cases of allergic broncho-pulmonary aspergillosis described in two asthmatic patients, nine cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis complicating two cancers, one leukaemia, six chronic granulomatous disease. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most frequent species (67%). The clinical and biological characteristic of those will be studied, and compared with those of the literature.     

Sexual activity as a trigger for ventricular tachycardia in a patient with implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Occurrence of life threatening arrhythmias and sudden death during or following sexual activity is infrequent. We describe a patient with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator who developed increased ventricular ectopic activity followed by sustained ventricular tachycardia during extramarital coitus. A review of literature and management is discussed.     

Adult interhemispheric subdural haematoma: A simple option for an uncommon problem

Two cases of interhemispheric subdural haematoma are presented. None of the patients had any neurological deficit on admission. They developed progressive neurological deficits within a day or two. Surgical treatment was by a large convexity craniectomy and a wide opening of the dura. The dura was left open in one case and primary duroplasty was done in the other. No deliberate attempt was made to remove the interhemispheric clot. Both patients made a quick and complete recovery by this simple procedure. Cranioplasty was carried out subsequently. Chinese Abstract

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Volume 6 , Issue 3 August 2002

Pages 87-90     

Alpha interferon in children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid-leukaemia

The present work focuses on the therapeutic efficacy and the toxicity of alpha interferon in patients younger than age 18 years. 5 patients younger than 18 years were treated and followed up between 1990 and 1999 at the department of haematology (Aziza Othmana Hospital) Hydroxyurea was given as initial treatment to all patients. After a median period of 8 months, these patients received alpha interferon (5 millions units/m2 once). Six months after the beginning of the alpha interferon a complete hematologic response was obtained in all patients. The median overall survival was of 66 months: 3 patients are still alive (2 patients in an advanced stage and one patient in chronic phase) and 2 patients died after transformation. The most common reported side effects of alpha interferon were asthenia, weight loss, fever, myalgia, chills and headaches--these toxic manifestations were mild and were noticed in all our patients. Myelosuppression was noted in two patients. Interferon is well tolerated in patients younger than age years 18 old, with CML. It may offer an alternative to bone marrow transplantation in children in the chronic phase of CML without histocompatible donor. The role of new agents such as STI 571 needs to be evaluated as well.