A homozygous MED11 C-terminal variant causes a lethal neurodegenerative disease.

PURPOSE: The mediator (MED) multisubunit-complex modulates the activity of the transcriptional machinery, and genetic defects in different MED subunits (17, 20, 27) have been implicated in neurologic diseases. In this study, we identified a recurrent homozygous variant in MED11 (c.325C>T; p.Arg109Ter) in 7 affected individuals from 5 unrelated families. METHODS: To investigate the genetic cause of the disease, exome or genome sequencing were performed in 5 unrelated families identified via different research networks and Matchmaker Exchange. Deep clinical and brain imaging evaluations were performed by clinical pediatric neurologists and neuroradiologists. The functional effect of the candidate variant on both MED11 RNA and protein was assessed using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and western blotting using fibroblast cell lines derived from 1 affected individual and controls and through computational approaches. Knockouts in zebrafish were generated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9. RESULTS: The disease was characterized by microcephaly, profound neurodevelopmental impairment, exaggerated startle response, myoclonic seizures, progressive widespread neurodegeneration, and premature death. Functional studies on patient-derived fibroblasts did not show a loss of protein function but rather disruption of the C-terminal of MED11, likely impairing binding to other MED subunits. A zebrafish knockout model recapitulates key clinical phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Loss of the C-terminal of MED subunit 11 may affect its binding efficiency to other MED subunits, thus implicating the MED-complex stability in brain development and neurodegeneration.

Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia in Tunisia. Report upon a Series of 69 Patients.

AIM: The aim of the study is to report on epidemiological, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) in Tunisia. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with NKH in Laboratory of Biochemistry at Rabta hospital (Tunis, Tunisia) between 1999 and 2018 were included. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) free amino acids were assessed by ion exchange chromatography. Diagnosis was based on family history, patient's clinical presentation and course, and increased CSF to plasma glycine ratio. RESULTS: During 20 years, 69 patients were diagnosed with NKH, with 25 patients originating from Kairouan region. Estimated incidences were 1:55,641 in Tunisia and 1:9,684 in Kairouan. Consanguinity was found for 73.9% of the patients and 42% of the families have history of infantile death due to a disease of similar clinical course than the propositus. Clinical symptoms initiated within the first week of life in 75% of the patients and within the first 3 months in 95.7% ones. The phenotype was severe in 76.8% of the patients. Main symptoms were hypotonia, feeding difficulties, coma, apnea, and seizures. Most patients died within few days to months following diagnosis. CSF to plasma glycine ratio was increased in all patients. CSF and plasma glycine levels were negatively correlated with age of disease onset and severity. CONCLUSION: NKH is quite frequent in Tunisia. Kairouan region has the highest NKH incidence rate, worldwide. However, due to lack of confirmatory enzymatic and genetic tests, NKH diagnosis was based on first-line biochemical tests. Characterization of causal mutations is needed for accurate diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis of this devastating life-threatening disease.

Clinical profile of comorbidity of rare diseases in a Tunisian patient: a case report associating incontinentia pigmenti and Noonan syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant multisystem disorder caused by the dysregulation of several genes belonging to the RAS Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) is an X-linked, dominantly inherited multisystem disorder. CASE PRESENTATION: This study is the first report of the coexistence of Noonan (NS) and Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP) syndromes in the same patient. We report on the clinical phenotype and molecular characterization of this patient. The patient was examined by a pluridisciplinary staff of clinicians and geneticist. The clinical diagnosis of NS and IP was confirmed by molecular investigations. The newborn girl came to our clinics due to flagrant dysmorphia and dermatological manifestations. The clinical observations led to characterize the Incontinentia Pigmenti traits and a suspicion of a Noonan syndrome association. Molecular diagnosis was performed by Haloplex resequencing of 29 genes associated with RASopathies and confirmed the NS diagnosis. The common recurrent intragenic deletion mutation in IKBKG gene causing the IP was detected with an improved PCR protocol. CONCLUSION: This is the first report in the literature of comorbidity of NS and IP, two rare multisystem syndromes.

Extremely preterm infants in Tunisia: Where are we now?

BACKGROUND: Extremely preterm infants are newborns born before 28 weeks of gestation. Survival of these immature newborns depends on resuscitation and the quality of care during hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: To determine survival and neurologic outcomes at2 years after extremely preterm birth. METHODS: It is a retrospective multicentric study in 5 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in 2012-2013.All live births less than 28 weeks gestation were included. RESULTS: A total of 109 births were recorded. Prenatal corticosteroids were given in 47% of cases. Mean weight was 989g and mean age was 26 weeks gestation. Ninety percent of patients had respiratory distress syndrome and 67% of them needed respiratory support. Surfactant was given to 29% of newborns. The mortality rate atdischarge was 76%.The first cause of mortality was nosocomial infections. At thecorrected age of 2 years, 27% of survivors had abnormal neurologic outcome. CONCLUSION: In our study, survival and neurologic outcomes ofextremely preterm infants were poor.In this high-risk population, improving perinatal care remains a challenge to improve long-term outcome in Tunisia.

ABCB1 and SLCO1B3 Gene Polymorphisms and Their Impact on Digoxin Pharmacokinetics in Atrial Fibrillation Patients among the Tunisian Population.

BACKGROUND: Digoxin is a substrate of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and organic anion transporting polypeptide transporters that are encoded by ABCB1 and SLCO1B3 genes. Genetic polymorphisms in both genes may explain inter-individual variability of serum digoxin concentration (SDC). This study evaluates the possible effect of the most common ABCB1 and SLCO1B3 polymorphisms on SDC after a single oral dose of digoxin in Tunisian atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. METHODS: ABCB1 and SLCO1B3 genotypes were analyzed in 102 patients with AF who received digoxin (0.5 mg) without (group I, n = 58) or with the co-administration of P-gp inhibitors (group II, n = 44). SDCs were determined at 6 h following the oral dose. RESULTS: SDCs levels were significantly higher in patients who were co-administered P-gp inhibitors. No influence was noted in ABCB1 and SLCO1B3 polymorphisms on SDC in group I patients. However, SDCs values were significantly different among ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotypes of 2677G>T/A (TT, GG>GT, p < 0.05) and 3435C>T (TT, CC>CT, p < 0.05) only in group II with no effect of 1236C>T and SLCO1B3 SNPs. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that P-gp inhibitors and ABCB1 gene polymorphisms may affect digoxin pharmacokinetics.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of caffeine in preterm infants: Could saliva be an alternative to serum?

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate whether saliva could be a useful alternative to serum for routine therapeutic drug monitoring of caffeine in preterm infants using the enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) assay. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study including preterm infants (less than 34 weeks' amenorrhea) admitted to the intensive care and neonatal medicine department. All infants received 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25mg/kg/day of citrate caffeine intravenously from the first to the fifth day of birth, respectively. For each patient, two concomitant blood and saliva samples corresponding to the trough concentrations were collected 24hours after each caffeine dose. The caffeine concentrations were determined using the EMIT®2000 caffeine assay. RESULTS: Thirteen preterm infants were included. The saliva and the serum caffeine concentration increased proportionally to the administered dose. Saliva and serum kinetics were comparable and the saliva caffeine concentrations were correlated to the serum ones (r2=0.76). CONCLUSION: Saliva caffeine monitoring by EMIT is a valid, useful and safe alternative to serum in preterm infants.

[Marshall syndrome: Clinical, radiological and genetical features of a Tunisian family]. / Syndrome de Marshall: Aspects cliniques, radiologiques et génétiques d'une famille tunisienne.

BACKGROUND: Marshall syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia. It associates a particular facial dysmorphism with midface hypoplasia, ocular abnormalities and sensorineural hearing loss. It is caused by heterozygous mutations in COL11A1 gene coding the 1 chain of collagen XI. Stickler syndrome is the principal differential diagnosis of Marshall syndrome. AIM: Clinical and radiological study of Marshall syndrome in a Tunisian family with a linkage study of the COL11A1 gene to this disease. METHODS: We report the clinical and the radiological findings of a Tunisian family including 8 members affected by Marshall syndrome. The linkage of the COL11A1 gene to this disease was tested using the polymorphic microsatellite markers of DNA. RESULTS: A variability of the clinical expression of Marshall syndrome was reported. Specific Marshall phenotype and an overlapping phenotype between the Marshall and Stickler syndromes were observed among the affected members of this family. The ocular manifestations were also heterogeneous. Marshall syndrome's specific radiological signs were found. The linkage study supports the linkage of the abnormal phenotype to the COL11A1 gene. CONCLUSION: There is a variability of the clinical expression among the affected members of the study's family. We will continue searching the causative mutation to establish a clear genotype- phenotype correlation.

Single-center experience of congenital disorders of glycosylation syndrome screening in Tunisia: A retrospective study over a 15-year period (2007-2021).

BACKGROUND: We report the results gathered over 15 years of screening for congenital disorders of glycosylation syndrome (CDGS) in Tunisia according to clinical and biochemical characteristics. METHODS: Our laboratory received 1055 analysis requests from various departments and hospitals, for children with a clinical suspicion of CDGS. The screening was carried out through separation of transferrin isoforms by capillary zone electrophoresis. RESULTS: During the 15-year period, 23 patients were diagnosed with CDGS (19 patients with CDG-Ia, three patients with CDG-IIx, and one patient with CDG-X). These patients included 13 boys and 10 girls aged between 3 months and 13 years, comprising 2.18 % of the total 1055 patients screened. The incidence for CDGS was estimated to be 1:23,720 live births (4.21 per 100,000) in Tunisia. The main clinical symptoms related to clinical disease state in newborn and younger patients were psychomotor retardation (91 %), cerebellar atrophy (91 %), ataxia (61 %), strabismus (48 %), dysmorphic symptoms (52 %), retinitis pigmentosa, cataract (35 %), hypotonia (30 %), and other symptoms. CONCLUSION: In Tunisia, CDGS still remains underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The resemblance to other diseases, especially neurological disorders, and physicians' unawareness of the existence of these diseases are the main reasons for the underdiagnosis. In routine diagnostics, the screening for CDGS by biochemical tests is mandatory to complete the clinical diagnosis.

Turner syndrome: results of the first Tunisian study group on Turner syndrome (TuSGOT).

OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis in Turner syndrome is desirable to optimize growth and puberty and yet, it is often made late. Here, we aim to identify age at diagnosis, clinical features at presentation and potential strategies to improve the care of TS girls. METHODS: Retrospective study, including patients from 14 care centers across Tunisia including neonatal and pediatric care units, adult endocrinology and genetics departments. RESULTS: We identified 175 patients with TS, karyotype showing 45, xmonosomy in 83(47.4 %) with mosaicism in 37(20 %). Mean ± SD, median (range) age at diagnosis available in 173 patients was 13 ± 9.2,12 (birth-48) years. The diagnosis was antenatal in 4(2.3 %), from birth-2 years in 14 (8 %)with lymphoedema (8)and dysmorphic features (9),2-12 years in 53 (35.5 %) including 35 with short stature, 13-18 years in 43(28.8 %) with short stature(28) and delayed puberty(14) and 35(23.5 %) after 18 years, related to ovarian insufficiency (20) and short stature (11). The associated malformations were cardiac in 14 (12.8 %), renal in 22 (19.6 %). A total of 56 girls (32 %) had proven gonadal dysgenesis and 13 (7 %) had otological problems. Parental height was available in 71 girls (40 %) of whom 59 were below the lower end of parental target range (LTR) (83 %). CONCLUSIONS: This first Tunisian multicenter study, the first African of its kind, reveals that more than half of Turner syndrome cases are diagnosed after the age of 12 years. Subsequently, national strategies for an earlier TS diagnosis are needed such as measuring and plotting parental heights as well as introducing a systematic height screening at 5 years in Tunisia with a view to carrying out a re-audit in five years' time.

Clinical and molecular characterization of five patients with succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid CoA transferase (SCOT) deficiency.

Succinyl-CoA:3-ketoacid CoA transferase (SCOT) deficiency is an inborn error of ketone body metabolism and causes episodic ketoacidosis. We report clinical and molecular analyses of 5 patients with SCOT deficiency. Patients GS07, GS13, and GS14 are homozygotes of S405P, L327P, and R468C, respectively. GS17 and GS18 are compound heterozygotes for S226N and A215V, and V404F and E273X, respectively. These mutations have not been reported previously. Missense mutations were further characterized by transient expression analysis of mutant cDNAs. Among 6 missense mutations, mutants L327P, R468C, and A215V retained some residual activities and their mutant proteins were detected in immunoblot analysis following expression at 37°C. They were more stable at 30°C than 37°C, indicating their temperature sensitive character. The R468C mutant is a distinct temperature sensitive mutant which retained 12% and 51% of wild-type residual activities at 37 and 30°C, respectively. The S226N mutant protein was detected but retained no residual activity. Effects of missense mutations were predicted from the tertiary structure of the SCOT molecule. Main effects of these mutations were destabilization of SCOT molecules, and some of them also affected catalytic activity. Among 5 patients, GS07 and GS18 had null mutations in both alleles and the other three patients retained some residual SCOT activities. All 5 developed a first severe ketoacidotic crisis with blood gas pH <7.1, and experienced multiple ketoacidotic decompensations (two of them had seven such episodes). In general, the outcome was good even following multiple ketoacidotic events. Permanent ketosis or ketonuria is considered a pathognomonic feature of SCOT deficiency. However, this condition depends not only on residual activity but also on environmental factors.

A novel CASR mutation in a Tunisian FHH/NSHPT family associated with a mental retardation.

The calcium-sensing receptor (CASR), a plasma membrane G-protein coupled receptor, is expressed in parathyroid gland and kidney, and controls systemic calcium homeostasis. Inactivating CASR mutations have previously been identified in patients with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH) and neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT). The aim of the present study is to determine the underlying molecular defect of FHH/NSHPT disease in a consanguineous Tunisian family. Mutation screening was carried out using RFLP-PCR and direct sequencing. We found that the proband is homozygous for a novel 15 bp deletion in the exon 7 (c.1952_1966del) confirming the diagnosis of NSHPT. All the FHH members were found to be heterozygous for the novel detected mutation. The mutation, p.S651_L655del, leads to the deletion of 5 codons in the second trans-membrane domain of the CASR which is thought to be involved in the processes of ligand-induced signaling. This alteration was associated with the evidence of mental retardation in the FHH carriers and appears to be a novel inactivating mutation in the CASR gene. Our findings provide additional support for the implication of CASR gene in the FHH/NSHPT pathogenesis.

First description of the MEGDEHL syndrome in the Tunisian population via whole-exome sequencing: Novel nonsense mutation in SERAC1 gene.

INTRODUCTION: MEGDEL syndrome is a rare recessive disorder, with about 100 cases reported worldwide, which is defined by 3-methylglutaconic aciduria (MEG), deafness (D), encephalopathy (E) and Leigh-like syndrome (L). When these manifestations were added to hepatopathy (H), the syndrome was labelled as MEGD(H)EL. Mutations in SERAC1 gene encoding a serine active site containing 1 protein were described in patients affected by this syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study reports the Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) of the first case of MEGDEHL syndrome in Tunisia in a consanguineous family with three affected children. Bioinformatic analysis was also performed in addition to mtDNA deletion screening and mtDNA copy number quantification in the blood of the indexed case, carried out, respectively by Long-Range PCR and qPCR. RESULTS: The WES revealed a novel homozygous nonsense mutation (c.1379G > A; p.W460X) in the SERAC1 gene, which was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. This nonsense mutation was present at a homozygous state in the three affected children and was heterozygous in the parents. In silico analysis using various softwares was performed, and the predictive results supported the pathogenic effect of the identified mutation. Further, long-range PCR and qPCR analyses of the patient's blood excluded any mtDNA deletions or depletions. CONCLUSION: Sequencing results and bioinformatic tools confirmed that the novel mutation (p.W460X) in the SERAC1 gene causes the severe phenotype in the studied family with MEGDEHL syndrome.

Incidence of mucopolysaccharidoses in Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a devastating heterogenous group of lysosomal storage disorders. AIM: To evaluate the epidemiological profile of MPS in Tunisia. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective epidemiological survey covering the period 1970-2005. Multiple sources were used to identify affected patients. RESULTS: Ninety six confirmed MPS cases were collected from 132 suspected cases found in the surveyed data. Of the ninety six confirmed cases, 20% were from multiplex families. Consanguinity was found in 83% of the families. The crude rate for all types of mucopolysaccharidoses was 2.3 cases in 100,000 live births. The prevalence of MPS type I, III and IV, those most frequently occurring in the collected data, were estimated at 0.63, 0.7 and 0.45 per 100,000 live births, respectively. The cumulative incidence of MPS type VI (0.3 per 105 live births) was higher than reported in European countries; but, it is likely that... CONCLUSION: The reported frequency of all types of MPS in Tunisia is underestimated.

Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Asymptomatic Methylmalonic Aciduria in a Child.

Methylmalonic acidemia or aciduria (MMA) is an inborn error of metabolism that results in the accumulation of methylmalonic acid in blood with an increased excretion in urine. MMA usually presents in early infancy and its effects vary from mild to life-threatening. The clinical symptoms mainly include vomiting, dehydration, hypotonia, developmental delay, and failure to thrive. An association between pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and MMA has been rarely reported. In the present work, the authors report a 16-month boy, who was admitted to the Pediatric Department for cyanosis and fever. He had a family history of primary pulmonary hypertension in a sister. The echocardiography showed a mild pericardial effusion and PAH. The metabolic screening led to the diagnosis of MMA. The condition of the baby worsened rapidly- and he died a few days later. Physicians should be aware about this atypical presentation of the disease, which can be fatal if not diagnosed and managed promptly.

Inborn Errors Of Metabolism In Neonatal Period: A Challenging Management In Tunisia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical presentation of inborn errors of metabolism in neonatal period and to identify challenges in their management. METHODS: This is a retrospective study carried out in the department of Intensive Care and Neonatal Medicine of Monastir in Tunisia from January the 1st 2010 until December the 31st 2017. All hospitalized newborns with life-distress related to confirmed or suspected IEM were included. RESULTS: We identified thirty-two IEM with an incidence of 1/1630. Sixty five per cent were born to consanguineous parents. Symptoms were already present at birth in 31% of cases and after a symptom-free interval in 69% of cases. The most common presenting manifestations were neurological distress (72%). We confirmed the specific diagnosis for 26 patients, but 6 patients had unidentified IEMs because of difficulties to perform certain analyzes. The diagnosis was confirmed after death in 16% of cases. The most important measures used to manage the intoxication were removal of toxic products and vitamin therapy. The neonatal death rate was 72%. CONCLUSION: The results illustrate challenges encountered in disease management highlighting the importance of prenatal diagnosis and newborn screening for inherited metabolic disorders, which is not yet available in our country.

Neonatalogist-performed echography in neonatology: a Tunisian experience.

INTRODUCTION: Echocardiography is an important tool for diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities that can impact the management and outcome of the sick newborn in the intensive care unit. A preliminary echocardiogram performed by the neonatologist under the supervision of a paediatric cardiologist for interpretation and review is an alternate when there is not a cardiologist on site. The aim of this study was to evaluate frequency of use, neonatal characteristics, and indications of neonatologist-performed echocardiography in a Tertiary Neonatal Care Centre in Tunisia. METHODS: Prospective observational study in a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Monastir (Tunisia) from April 2015 to February 2017.An echocardiography was indicated in these situations: cyanosis, signs of circulatory shock, clinical signs of heart failure, presence of a murmur, arrhythmia, and abnormal pulses in upper and/or lower extremities, suspected persistent pulmonary hypertension in neonates, clinically suspected patent ductus arteriosus, maternal diabetes mellitus and polymalformative syndrome. The findings of echocardiography were confirmed by pediatric cardiologist in case of structural or functional cardiac abnormalities. RESULTS: 675 echocardiography were performed among them 535 were normal and 25 revealed a persistent arterial duct treated with E2 postaglandins (Prostine®) or paracetamol according to a pre-established protocol. 80 Congenital heart diseases were retained, which represented an incidence of 7 ‰ live births. The second time of our work consisted to study the 55 cases of cardiac diseases confirmed after exclusion of atrial communication. The antenatal diagnosis was made in 11% of cases. The main signs indicating the echocardiogram were the heart murmur (22 cases) followed by cyanosis (6 cases). A malformation association and / or a chromosomal aberration have been noted in 36% of cases. For half of the patients, the cardiac ultrasound was performed before the first 24 hours of life. This examination was completed by a thoracic angioscan in 9 patients. 31% of newborns had an infusion of Prostaglandins for an average duration of 11 days [2-60 days]. One-third of newborns (35 cases) required respiratory assistance. A palliative surgery was made in 7 cases and curative one in 4 cases. The average age at the time of the intervention was 20 days. The neonatal mortality rate was 40%. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography is being utilized progressively on the neonatal unit, and has been indicated to have a high return for both structural and functional cardiac abnormalities. It is important to encourage collaboration with pediatric cardiologists to establish standards for training and to develop guidelines for clinical practice in order to improve neonatal care.

Transported neonates in Tunisia.

AIMS: To describe the transport of sick neonates to a tertiary care hospital and evaluate their condition at arrival and outcome. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective cohort study was performed in 7 NICUs in Tunisia from 1st april to 31 July 2015.Demographic parameters, transport details and clinical features at arrival were recorded. All neonates were followed up till discharge or death. RESULTS: A total of 239 consecutive neonates were enrolled in the study representing 5.7% of all admitted infants. Maternal risk factors were present in 26% of neonates admitted. Sex-ratio was 1.46. Preterm infants represented 24% of transported babies. Seventeen percent of neonates had severe respiratory distress and 10% had hemodynamic troubles. Referred hospital was not informed in 24% of cases. Regarding the transport mode, 113 newborns (47.5%) were transported in ambulance accompanied by a nurse. Documentation during transfert was present in 14% of cases. Five babies expired on arrival despite resuscitation.  Rate mortality was 8.4%. CONCLUSION: Transporting neonates in developing countries is a challenge. Organized transport services in Tunisia are not always available. So, in cases of at-risk pregnancy, it is safer to transport the mother prior to delivery than to transfer the sick baby after birth.

Interplay of socio-economic factors, consanguinity, fertility, and offspring mortality in Monastir, Tunisia.

AIM: To assess the association among social status, prevalence of consanguineous marriages, and the effects of consanguinity on reproductive behavior and mortality in Tunisia. METHODS: The study included data on a total of 1741 live-births born from November 1989 to October 1990 in the maternity ward of the University-Hospital Fattouma Bourguiba of Monastir, Tunisia. After delivery, women filled out a questionnaire on the age of the parents at marriage, the number of pregnancies and abortions, the number of neonatal and post-neonatal deaths, and deaths of children under 5 years. Three categories of marriages were distinguished as follows: marriages between first cousins, marriages between cousins of other degree, and non consanguineous marriages. RESULTS: Consanguineous marriages represented 432 (24.81%) of the unions. Most consanguineous marriages were contracted between first cousins (n=303; 70.13%). Consanguineous couples had a lower age at marriage and a higher fertility index than non-consanguineous couples. The rates of spontaneous abortions and stillbirths were not correlated with consanguinity. However, higher rates of neonatal and post-neonatal deaths, and deaths of children younger than 5 years were observed in consanguineous couples. CONCLUSION: Fertility index and mortality, especially in the first year of life, were significantly higher in consanguineous marriages. This important socio-economical factor needs to be considered in assessing equity on health in specific social and cultural contexts.

Association among education level, occupation status, and consanguinity in Tunisia and Croatia.

AIM: To investigate the association between education level, occupation status (a proxy for socio-economic status), and consanguinity in 2 large data sets from Tunisia and Croatia countries with different attitudes toward consanguinity. METHODS: The sample of 1016 students, attending 5 university institutions in Monastir, Tunisia, were interviewed about the educational level and occupation status of their parents and the degree of parental relatedness. In Croatia, a sample of 1001 examinees from 9 isolated island populations was interviewed about their own educational level, occupation status, and consanguinity. RESULTS: Prevalence of consanguinity (offspring of second cousins or closer) among 1016 Tunisian students was 20.1%, and 9.3% among 1001 Croatian isolates. In Tunisia, the association between consanguinity and both parental degree of education and parental occupation status was highly significant in women (P<0.001), but not significant in men. In Croatia, no statistically significant associations were noted, although there was a consistent trend of increased prevalence of consanguinity with lower education level or occupation status in both genders, but more pronounced in women. CONCLUSION: Association between education level, socio-economic status, and consanguinity needs to be taken into account in inbreeding studies in human populations. The relationship may be specific for each studied population and highly dependent on the cultural context. It is generally more pronounced among women in most settings.

[Congenital abdominal infrarenal aortic aneurysm in infants: 2 case reports and literature review]. / Anevrysme congenital de l'aorte abdominale sous-renale chez le nourrisson: cas cliniques et revue de la littérature.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is extremely rare in infant and is generally due to infection, umbilical artery catheterization, vasculitis, connective tissue diseases and tuberous sclerosis. At the absence of these evident causes, it is a congenital primary aortic aneurysm which is exceedingly rare and only a few cases have of which have been reported. Here we report two cases of aortic wall reconstruction done by a Gore tex patch. The immediate result is excellent with a reestablishment of the femoral pulse and an excellent Doppler control. The problem which we may face in the future is probably the aortic out come with this Gore tex patch a continaons follow up of these patients is necessary.