The impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life of southern Moroccan doctors : A gender-based approach.

OBJECTIVES: After the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, various countries took preventive health measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The quality of life (QOL) of many populations was affected by lockdown and social distancing. The pandemic increased healthcare professionals' workload and decreased doctors' QOL. Our study aimed to evaluate the QOL of doctors in southern provinces of Morocco during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the study compared QOL of the two genders at that time. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The sample included 257 doctors practicing in the southern provinces of Morocco. To assess QOL, we used the online self-administered WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which evaluates QOL in four domains: physical, mental, social and environmental. The cut-off between good and poor QOL was 60. RESULTS: All doctors showed poor QOL in all domains. The mean scores and standard deviations for the physical, mental, social, and environmental domains were 57.88 ± 17.12, 57.09 ± 20.13, 55.57 ± 23.66 and 47.99 ± 17.34, respectively. Comparing the two genders, males had a higher QOL than females with a statistically significant difference (p-value ≤ 0.05) in all domains. Both men and women had poor QOL in the environmental domain (less than 60). Doctors who worked directly in the COVID-19 circuit had poorer QOL in all domains. Even with scores lower than 60, males working in COVID-19 circuit had better QOL compared to females, except in the social domain. CONCLUSION: Southern Moroccan doctors' QOL was reduced in all domains. All doctors working in COVID-19 circuit had poor QOL, and women's scores were even lower than those of men.

Voluminous craniopharyngioma evolving since childhood revealed by a torticollis.

In case of a torticollis or a stature-weight growth delay in a child, it is always necessary to eliminate a cerebral tumor in the first place, especially a craniopharyngioma. We report the case of a 22-year-old patient with a large craniopharyngioma probably evolving since childhood and revealed by a torticollis associated with decreased visual acuity and a delayed growth and puberty.

Association of Prostate Cancer with Nuts, Seeds, Alcohol and Processed Meats: A Worldwide Population-Based Study.

There are conflicting data with regards to the link between diet and the prostate cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of dietary factors with incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer worldwide. We conducted an ecological study including 170 countries, whose data on incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer, dietary factors, and potentially confounding factors were available and collected in May 2020. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used. Consumption of nuts and seeds was inversely associated with incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer (ß -0.7, P < 0.001; ß -2.1, P < 0.001; ß -0.1, P = 0.02; respectively). Intake of alcohol was associated with increased incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer (ß 1.8, P < 0.001; ß 4.5, P < 0.001; ß 0.4, P < 0.001; respectively). Consumption of processed meats was also associated with increased incidence and prevalence rates of prostate cancer (ß 0.6, P = 0.003; ß 2.8, P = 0.001; respectively). These data suggest that consumption of nuts and seeds have a protective effect against prostate carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis, while alcohol and processed meat increase these risks.

Association of Processed Meats and Alcohol Consumption with Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Worldwide Population-Based Study.

The link between diet and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of diet with RCC's incidence and mortality rates worldwide. We conducted an ecological study including 170 countries, whose data on age-standardized (AS) incidence and mortality rates of RCC, dietary factors, and potentially confounding factors such as obesity, insufficient physical activity, tobacco smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and human development index (HDI) were collected and available on May 2020 from the Global Cancer Observatory, the Global Dietary Database, the Global Health Observatory data repository, the Diabetes Atlas 9th edition and the Human Development Report 2019. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association of dietary factors with incidence and mortality rates of RCC adjusted for the effects of population age and potentially confounding factors. Intake of processed meats and consumption of alcohol were both positively associated with AS incidence rates of RCC (ß = 0.11, P < 0.001 and ß = 0.1, P = 0.044, respectively). We suggest that high consumption of processed meats and/or alcohol is a risk factor for RCC. However, they were not associated with mortality. Further research is needed at an individual level.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2020.1856388.

[Association between karyotype 47XYY and 5-alpha reductase deficiency revealed by micropenis: about a case and literature review]. / Association caryotype 47XYY et déficit en 5 alpha réductase révélée par un micropénis: à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

Subjects with 47XYY often have normal amounts of gonadotropin-releasing hormone. In these subjects the association between 47XYY and 5-alpha reductase deficiency is rare. The common clinical manifestation of 5-alpha reductase deficiency is male pseudohermaphrodism, rarely it has been revealed by micropenis. Testosterone enanthate does not give good results in patients with 5-alpha reductase deficiency; dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has proven effectiveness in these cases. We report the case of a 17-year old patient, referred to our Hospital with micropenis. The patient didn't respond to two enanthate testosterone therapies. Assessment showed normal testosterone levels, amounts of gonadotropin-releasing hormone at the upper limit of normal, low DHT, elevated testosterone/DHT ratio>20, karyotype 47 XYY. This study highlights that 5-alpha reductase deficiency in these subjects raises the issue of simple coincidence or effective link.

[Hypothyroidism and myasthenia: a case study]. / Hypothyroïdie et myasthénie: à propos d'un cas.

Several disorders of immunological origin, in particular thyroid disorders have been reported in patients with myasthenia. This relationship has been little elucidated but in patients with myasthenia and Graves' disease was found an immunological cross-reaction between the neuromuscular junction and thyroid components. It is generally accepted that the association between hyperthyroidism and myasthenia is much more common than between myasthenia and hypothyroidism. However, there has been no clear explanation for this difference. We here report the case of a 53-year old patient treated for hypothyroidism due to suspected Hashimoto's disease well balanced under replacement therapy and whose evolution was marked by the detection of myasthenia during the follow up period. Myasthenia responded well to treatment based on neostigmine.

Gestational Diabetes and Risk of Developing Postpartum Type 2 Diabetes: How to Improve Follow-up?

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined by World Health Organization as glucose intolerance diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy; GDM affects 7% of pregnancies. Women with earlier GDM have higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of GDM and to assess the impact of recalling patients in the postpartum stage by phone, the target was to assess T2D or impaired glucose tolerance in women with a history of GDM. METHODS: This prospective study included 200 patients with GDM that have received education sessions regarding the major interest of screen T2D using 75 g of oral glucose tolerance testing in the 3rd month after birth. RESULTS: Only 22.5% (n = 45) women spontaneously complied to assess T2D. About 15% have had developed T2D and 28% prediabetes. Risk factors of T2D onset were younger gestational age at the occurrence GD, higher fasting blood glucose, and frequent use of insulin. CONCLUSIONS: Women with GD history demonstrated high risk of developing T2D. Simple changes of lifestyle were shown to be an efficient prevention protocol. Despite therapeutical education, few women spontaneously complied with T2D screening. The telephone reminders could improve the screening observance therefore patient's outcome.

Stature-weight growth delays: Clinical and etiological aspects.

BACKGROUND: Stature-weight growth delay (SWGD) is a frequent motivation of consultation. It could be a consequence of a known chronic affection, congenital or acquired affection. The purpose of this study is to describe epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, and etiological aspects of SWGD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 103 patients presenting a growth delay with an average age of 14.44 years and ranging between 5 and 21 years. Male predominance was noticed in 68.93% of cases. Patients showed a stature lower to -2 standard deviation (SD) for corresponding age compared to Sempe and Pedron reference. Patients were hospitalized in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Department of the University Hospital of Fez, Fez, Morocco. RESULTS: Patient's history included a perinatal suffering in 6.7% of cases, a chronic pathology follow-up in 17.6% of cases, and psychomotor development disorder in 10.6% of cases. The average weight was -2.37 SD with extremes varying from -4 to -0.5 SD. The stature values varied between -4.5 and -2 SD for the given age, with an average of -3.12 SD. A severe stature delay (< -3 SD) was recorded in 39.6% of cases and the targeted average size was -2.44 SD with extremes varying from -4 to -1.5 SD. Growth delay etiologies were dominated by a deficit in growth hormones (GHs) in 60% of cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Dynamic tests objectified a total deficit and partial deficits in GH in 41.7 and 30% of patients, respectively. The hypothalamo-pituitary magnetic resonance imaging was pathological in 23.3% of patients and showed a syndrome of interruption of pituitary stem in seven patients, pituitary hail gland in three patients, a craniopharyngioma in two patients, prolactin microadenoma in one patient, and nonfunctional pituitary microadenoma in one patient. GH treatment was established in 16 children that were presenting a deficit in GH, and two girls presenting Turner syndrome, whereas etiological treatment was suggested in all remaining cases.

[Association between Williams syndrome and adrenal insufficiency]. / Association syndrome de Williams et insuffisance surrénalienne.

Williams syndrome is a developmental disorder including dysmorphia, cardiovascular malformations and a specific neuropsychological profile together with other associated disorders. We report the case of a 17-year old girl, born of a non-inbred marriage, with Williams syndrome discovered during an assessment of degree of failure to thrive. Its association with primary adrenal insufficiency makes it unique. Diagnosis is confirmed by cytogenetic and molecular analysis. Its management consists of the implementation of treatment for adrenal insufficiency associated with a clinico-biological monitoring.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy.

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHT) is a frequent and asymptomatic pathology in 80% of patients, and a parathyroidal adenoma is found in the most case. However, rare cases might occur during pregnancy; and the literature reported up to 200 cases. We report three cases of PHT that occurred during the second and last third trimesters of pregnancy stage in patients aged 26, 42 and 32-year-old. Despite diagnosis limitations, since scintigraphy is prohibited in pregnancy, the patients were managed conservatively with good prognosis for both mothers and babies. L'hyperparathyroïdie primaire (HTP) est une maladie fréquente et asymptomatique chez 80% des patients. Un adénome parathyroïdien est retrouvé chez une grande majorité des cas. Cependant, l'apparition au cours de la grossesse est particulièrement rare et la littérature ne rapporte que 200 cas. Nous en rapportons 3 cas d'hyperparathyroïdie âgés de 26, 42 et 32 ans, survenue au cours du deuxième et troisième trimestre de la grossesse. Malgré les limites diagnostiques dues à l'interdiction de la scintigraphie au cours de la grossesse, la gestion avait été faite de façon très conservative de sorte à avoir le meilleur pronostic pour les patientes leurs fétus.

Management of diabetes in Morocco: results of the International Diabetes Management Practices Study (IDMPS) - wave 5.

OBJECTIVES: The International Diabetes Mellitus Practice Study (IDMPS) is a 5-year survey documenting changes in diabetes treatment practices in developing countries. The primary objective of this survey was to assess the therapeutic management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in real-life medical practice. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the clinical management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to assess the proportion of all diabetic patients failing to reach the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) <7% target. METHODS: Data were analysed for 738 patients (240 with T1DM and 498 with T2DM) included in wave 5 of the IDMPS in Morocco in 2011. RESULTS: Nearly two-thirds (61%) of T2DM patients were treated with oral glucose-lowering drugs (OGLDs) alone, 13.1% were treated with insulin alone and 23.3% were treated with OGLDs plus insulin. Insulin use was less frequent, was initiated later and involved a greater use of premixes versus basal/prandial schedules compared to other populations evaluated in the IDMPS. The majority (92.5%) of T1DM patients were treated with insulin alone and the remainder received insulin plus an OGLD. Insulin protocols included basal + prandial dosing (37.5%) and premix preparations (41.3%). The recommended target of HbA1c <7% was achieved by only 22.2% of T1DM patients and 26.8% of T2DM patients. More macrovascular but fewer microvascular complications were reported in T2DM compared to T1DM patients. Late complications increased with disease duration so that 20 years after diagnosis, 75.7% of T2DM patients were found to have at least one late complication. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical burden of diabetes is high in Morocco and the majority of patients do not achieve the recommended glycaemia target, suggesting that there is a huge gap between evidence-based diabetic management and real-life practice. Better education of patients and improved compliance with international recommendations are necessary to deliver a better quality of diabetic care.

Exceptional Association Between Klinefelter Syndrome and Growth Hormone Deficiency.

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is characterized in adults by the combination of a tall stature, small testes, gynecomastia, and azoospermia. This case is described in a North African population of the Mediterranean region of North Africa. We report the case of a male 16 years old, of Arab ethnic origin, and diagnosed with this syndrome, who had a small height in relation to a growth hormone (GH) deficiency and a history of absence seizures (generalized myoclonic epilepsy). The patient's size was <-2.8 standard deviation (SD) with weight <-3 SD. GH deficiency was isolated and confirmed by two dynamic tests (insulin - hypoglycemia tolerance test and clonidine) with normal hypothalamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). GH supplementation using recombinant GH was advocated, while gonadotropin treatment was deferred. Small size in children or adolescents should not eliminate the diagnosis of Klinefelter syndrome - on the contrary, the presence of any associated sign (brain maturation, delay in puberty, aggressiveness) should encourage one to request a karyotype for the diagnosis and appropriate care of any case of KS that can be associated with GH deficiency, or which is in a variant form (isochromosome Xq, 49,XXXXY).

Catastrophic hemorrhage of adrenal pheochromocytoma following thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction: case report and literature review.

We describe here the case of a 62-year-old man with acute abdominal syndrome and severe hemorrhagic shock following successful thrombolysis for acute cardiac infarction. Emergency surgical exploration revealed extensive intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal hemorrhage resulting from the rupture of a large adrenal tumor. The diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed by histological findings. The patient died a few hours after surgery from multiorgan failure despite resuscitation attempts. This report discusses the diagnosis difficulties, treatment approach, and relevant literature.

Nous rapportons l'observation d'un patient âgé de 62 ans, qui présente un syndrome abdominal douloureux aigu associé à un choc hémorragique sévère au décours d'une thrombolyse pour infarctus du myocarde. L'exploration chirurgicale urgente objective une hémorragie extensive retro- et intra péritonéale secondaire à une rupture d'une masse surrénalienne. Le diagnostic de phéochromocytome a été confirmé par l'examen histologique de la pièce opératoire. L'évolution était rapidement fatale, aboutissant au décès du patient par défaillance multi-viscérale quelques heures en postopératoire. Seront discutés à travers cette observation et une revue de la littérature, les difficultés diagnostiques et de prise en charge de cette redoutable complication.

Clinical assessment of depression and type 2 diabetes in Morocco: Economical and social components.

BACKGROUND: The global prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. In Morocco, diabetes and depression are major public health problems, requiring improvement in their care. Diabetes and depression are associated with morbidity and early mortality. This association contributes to raising the risk of the complications that occur, while causing higher suffering to patients, as also an increased cost toward healthcare. AIM: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and identify the main risk factors for depression in this category of diabetic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Type 2 diabetic patients and older than 18 years of age were recruited. The exclusion criteria included being type 1 diabetic, pregnant woman, hospitalized patients, a history of neurological disorders, such as, stroke, infectious episidodes, and history of psychiatric disorders. The individual patient data was collected through individual and confidential interviews lasting 30 minutes, at the end of the diabetology consultation, by the same diabetologist, trained to use the psychometric scales that were needed. The Moroccan-Arabic version of the Beck diagnostic scale of depression was used. Patients assessed with depressive disorders were reviewed in a specialized psychiatric consultation. The statistical analysis was achieved by using SPSS package (version 17). We retained a threshold P value of 0.05. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted that included adults with type 2 diabetes. The depression diagnosis was performed using the Arabic version of the Beck Depression scale. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We included 142 patients with type 2 diabetes, with an average age of 56.26 years. The prevalence of depression was 33.1%. The risk factors recognized for depression were, lack of social security, hypertension, and a history of type 2 diabetes of more than five years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we have focused on the frequent association of 'Type 2 diabetes and depression' and the risk of mutual aggravation of both pathologies that might require multidisciplinary healthcare, as well as, improvement in the risk factors of depression through improved access to healthcare, with the extension of social security. The stability of the healthcare personnel involved in the treatment of both chronic diseases, including diabetes and hypertension screening, should also be considered for better management of psychiatric complications.