Budd–Chiari syndrome associated to Behcet disease: An observational retrospective multicenter study in Morocco

Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is considered a rare but serious complication of Behçet’s disease (BD). This study was performed to define the prevalence, clinical and biological features, treatment, and clinical course of BSC associated with BD in a Moroccan population. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 1578 patients fulfilling the international diagnostic criteria for BD, including those with BSC. Eighteen male and 3 female patients, with a mean age of 36 ± 8.6 years. The inferior vena cava was involved in 81% (n = 17) of cases. All forms of BCS were noted: the chronic form in 52.4% (n = 11), the subacute form in 38% (n = 8), and the fulminant form (2 cases). Ascites was the main clinical sign and was present in 62% of patients (n = 13). Other venous thromboses (superior vena cava and lower limbs) were associated with BSC in 52.4% of patients (n = 11). Arterial involvement was noted in 28.6% (n = 6). Cardiac manifestations were present in 19% (n = 4) of the patients. All the patients received anticoagulants associated with corticosteroids. Immunosuppressants were used in 95% (n = 20). One patient received infliximab. Severe complications were noted in 38% (n = 8) of patients (digestive bleeding, confusion, infections and liver failure). Four patients have died during the study period. BCS in patients with BD is not uncommon and can be life threatening. It is frequently associated with other vascular manifestations that can be difficult to treat, particularly in the presence of pulmonary artery aneurysms. Prognosis improved with the use of immunosuppressants. Biologics can be promising in the early stages.     

Metastatic pulmonary synovial sarcoma: A double coincidence: Case report

Synovial sarcomas are considered as one of the most aggressive neoplasms that account for approximately 8% of all soft tissue sarcomas; they are mainly localized in soft tissues of the extremities and joints and rarely occur in the thorax. In this case report, we describe a 34-year-old woman presenting a chest pain with a chest radiography showing a mass lesion occupying two-thirds of the right hemi-thorax. A malignant pulmonary tumor was suspected after CT imaging revealing a bilateral renal metastasis, and then a spindle-cell carcinoma was thought-about. The post-operative pathological analysis of the main mass confirmed the diagnosis of a pulmonary synovial sarcoma.     

The effect of olive leaf extract in decreasing the expression of two pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer. A randomized clinical trial

BackgroundOral mucositis is the most common side effects of chemotherapy of all cancer with intensive treatments regimen, and is the most common side effects of head and neck radiation therapy. For steam cell transplantation, its also regarded as the most debilitating side effects.Aims of the studyThe objectives of this study were to assess the effect of a mouth rinse containing olive leaf extract (OLE) in preventing severe oral mucositis in patients receiving chemotherapy, and to estimate its effect in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production after chemotherapy.Materials and methodsThis study utilized a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, and cross-over design. Twenty-five patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy were randomly assigned to receive a mouth wash containing OLE, benzydamine hydrochloride, or placebo in 3 different cycles of chemotherapy. Oral mucositis severity was assessed using the World Health Organization criteria and Oral Mycositis Assessment Scale. Patients were evaluated weekly until 15 days after chemotherapy for each cycle. Salivary levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay.ResultsOral mucositis rates and severity after 2 weeks were significantly lower in the OLE and benzydamine groups compared to the placebo group. The IL-1β and TNF-α levels were significantly decreased in the OLE group compared to the other groups.ConclusionPreliminary findings indicate that OLE is effective in reducing IL-1β and TNF-α levels after chemotherapy and exert a therapeutic effect and prevent development of severe oral mucositis.     

High potential of escalating HIV transmission in a low prevalence setting in rural Tanzania

Background  

Previous surveillance among antenatal clinic (ANC) attendees within the remote rural Manyara and Singida regions in Tanzania identified an imminent but still, relatively low HIV epidemic. We conducted a population-based HIV study to identify risk factors and validate the representativeness of ANC-based estimates.     

Health aspects of the Tsunami disaster in Asia

This is a summary of the proceedings of the Conference on the Health Aspects of the Tsunami Disaster in Asia that was convened by the World Health Organization in Phuket, Thailand from 04-06 May 2005. It contains reviews of the experiences of the health sector and early recovery following the Earthquake and Tsunami with emphasis on what was done well and what could have been done better and the lessons learned that can be incorporated into actions that will mitigate the damage created by future events. It outlines the national and international responses and recovery and the actions taken and not taken by the international community in support of the countries affected. Specific issues addressed include: (1) needs assessments; (2) coordination; (3) filling gaps in essential services, and (4) capacity building at the country level. Each of these aspects is analyzed as to its: (1) appropriateness; (2) adequacy; (3) effectiveness; (4) efficiency; and (5) connectedness. Much of what occurred provided benefits to the stricken population, but there is substantial room for improvement through implementation of the lessons learned. These lessons must be converted into actions in order to mitigate the damage sustained and to enhance our responses to the damage from future events.     

Monascus ruber: A new of onychomycosis in the north of Morocco (Tetouan)

We report a case of onychomycosis caused by Monascus ruber from 57-year old women. The diagnosis was based on culture morphological characteristics on Sabouraud's Dextrose agar one with antibacterial (chloramphenicol) and the other with cycloheximide. The identification of specie was confirmed by DNA sequencing.     

Transcatheter versus surgical valve replacement for a failed pulmonary homograft in the Ross population

Background

Patients who undergo the Ross procedure are at increased risk of pulmonary valve (PV) homograft dysfunction. For those who require reintervention on the homograft, transcatheter PV replacement (tPVR) provides a less invasive therapeutic option than surgical PVR (sPVR). We examined the outcomes following tPVR versus sPVR in a cohort of patients who underwent the Ross procedure.