[Quality of "crisis communication" media during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Great Maghreb countries]. / Qualité des supports de communication de crise lors de la pandémie de la COVID-19 au Grand Maghreb.

OBJECTIVE: To objectively assess the quality of "crisis communication" media, during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the three Greater Maghreb countries (Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco). METHODS: A compliance audit for press releases and epidemiological bulletins was analyzed against a quality benchmark, which had been specifically designed by the authors. This framework, made up of five dimensions and 50 items, graded (0/1), was applied by two researchers in preventive medicine. Multiplying the scores by a coefficient of two resulted in a partial score of 20 points for each dimension and a total score of 100 points for the checklist taken as a whole. The quality of the communication media was considered to be good when exceeding the thresholds of 15/20 for the different dimensions and 75/100 for the entire grid. RESULTS: A total of 141 information media were included in this audit (Tunisia: 60; Algeria: 60; Morocco: 21). The overall median quality score for these media was only 56/100 (IIQ: [46-58]), without major variability between countries. The most appreciated dimension was "maintaining the confidence of the population", with an overall median score of 14/20 (12/20 for epidemiological bulletins and 16/20 for press releases). The most poorly rated dimension was "strengthening community participation", with a median score of only 4/20 (6/20 for epidemiological bulletins and 4/20 for press releases). CONCLUSION: The quality of the Maghreb crisis communication media during COVID-19 was insufficient in most of its dimensions and items, particularly from a psychosocial standpoint. Reinforcement of the capacities of communication officers to develop information material and supports during health crises is indispensable and should be considered as an urgent matter.

Effects of Ramadan fasting on platelet reactivity in diabetic patients treated with clopidogrel.

BACKGROUND: The effects of Ramadan fasting (RF) on clopidogrel antiplatelet inhibition were not previously investigated. The present study evaluated the influence of RF on platelet reactivity in patients with high cardiovascular risk (CVR) in particular those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: A total of 98 stable patients with ≥2 CVR factors were recruited. All patients observed RF and were taking clopidogrel at a maintenance dose of 75 mg. Clinical findings and serum lipids data were recorded before Ramadan (Pre-R), at the last week of Ramadan (R) and 4 weeks after the end of Ramadan (Post-R). During each patient visit, nutrients intakes were calculated and platelet reactivity assessment using Verify Now P2Y12 assay was performed. RESULTS: In DM patients, the absolute PRU changes from baseline were +27 (p = 0.01) and +16 (p = 0.02) respectively at R and Post-R. In addition, there was a significant increase of glycemia and triglycerides levels with a significant decrease of high-density lipoprotein. In non DM patients there was no significant change in absolute PRU values and metabolic parameters. Clopidogrel resistance rate using 2 cut-off PRU values (235 and 208) did not change significantly in DM and non DM patients. CONCLUSIONS: RF significantly decreased platelet sensitivity to clopidogrel in DM patients during and after Ramadan. This effect is possibly related to an increase of glycemia and serum lipids levels induced by fasting. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov NCT02720133. Registered 24 July 2014.Retrospectively registered.

Severe ranitidine-induced anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Ranitidine is a generally well-tolerated drug, and serious side effects are rare. However, ranitidine-induced anaphylaxis has been reported on rare occasions. We report on such a case and review other cases reported in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: A 36-year-old man with no history of other medications, illnesses or allergic diseases, especially to drugs, consulted our emergency department because of renal colic and epigastric discomfort. He was given 50 mg of ranitidine as a slow intravenous bolus and 20 mg of piroxicam intramuscularly. Within the first minute, the patient developed a cold sweat, trembling, dyspnoea and deterioration of his consciousness. The condition was considered as an anaphylactic shock, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and inotropic support were immediately commenced. Two days later, he was weaned off the ventilator as he was haemodynamically stable. He was discharged after 7 days. Four weeks later, skin prick tests to ranitidine and piroxicam were performed on the forearm of the patient. He reacted strongly to ranitidine about 10 min later but not to piroxicam. To assess cross-reactivity to other H2- and H1-receptor antagonists in our patient, we subsequently performed prick tests to famotidine, cimetidine and desloratadine and all were negative. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We re-emphasize a potentially serious, albeit very rare, adverse effect of ranitidine and summarize other reported cases. This case demonstrates that commonly used, generally safe drugs may on occasions cause serious adverse effects.

High frequency of the V548A fs X572 XPC mutation in Tunisia: implication for molecular diagnosis.

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP, OMIM 278700-278780) is a group of autosomal recessive diseases characterized by hypersensitivity to UV rays. There are seven complementation groups of XP (XPA to XPG) and XPV. Among them, the XP group C (XP-C) is the most prevalent type in Western Europe and in the United States. We report here on the clinical and genetic investigation of XP-C patients in 14 Tunisian families. As the XPC V548A fs X572 mutation has been identified in Algerian and Moroccan populations, Tunisian patients were first screened for this mutation by a direct sequencing of exon 9 of the XPC gene. All patients with a severe clinical form had this mutation, thus showing the homogeneity of the mutational spectrum of XPC in Tunisia. A potential founder effect was searched and confirmed by haplotype analysis. Taking into account the similarity of the genetic background, we propose a direct screening of this mutation as a rapid and cost-effective tool for the diagnosis of XP-C in North Africa.

Metabolic effects of Ramadan fasting in patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The effects of Ramadan fasting on health are a little controversial. The present study is aimed at evaluating the metabolic effects on a group of 517 patients with ≥2 cardiovascular risk factors over a period running from 2012 to 2014. METHODS: Each patient was assessed at three visits: before, during, and after Ramadan. Demographical, clinical and biological tests were performed at each visit. RESULTS: Metabolically, we noted a significant and discrete rise in blood glucose level (+1.2 mmol/L), triglycerides (+0.3 mmol/L), cholesterol (+0.12 mmol/L) and creatinine (+3 µmol/L) during Ramadan. These disturbances decreased significantly after Ramadan. The same variations were observed among diabetics (n=323). However, there was a significant decrease in HbA1c after Ramadan (9.0% vs 7.6%, p<0.001). Our findings also revealed there was no significant correlation between variations of metabolic parameters and dietary intake. No acute metabolic incidents were reported during the study period. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that Ramadan is responsible for a transient but well tolerated disturbance of metabolic parameters followed by a significant post-Ramadan improvement. These changes did not seem to be directly related to dietary intake.

Prevesical hydatid cyst: an exceptional occurrence.

Echinococcal cysts usually involve the liver; extrahepatic localization is reported in 11% of all cases of abdominal hydatid disease. We report a case of a prevesical hydatid cyst. A 53-year-old man was admitted with a large suprapubic mass. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a cystic mass situated in front of the urinary bladder. There were no cysts in any other location. Serological tests were positive for Echinococcus. The patient was operated on and the cyst was completely excised. The pathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of Echinococcosis. Isolated hydatid cyst situated in front of the urinary bladder has never been described in the literature. Hydatid cyst should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominopelvic masses in endemic regions, before any procedure like puncture, biopsy or cystectomy, in order to avoid dissemination of the cystic contents or an anaphylactic shock.

[Bacteriology of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Tunisia]. / Bactériologie des exacerbations aiguës des bronchopneumopathies chroniques obstructives en Tunisie.

INTRODUCTION: The role of bacteria, including atypical organisms, in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) has been assessed in various ways in Tunisia. METHODS: This was a descriptive and analytical study of patients with a mean age of 68.3±10.5 years hospitalized for AECOPD. Bacteriological examination included a cytological sputum exam and serology for atypical organisms including Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Coxiella burnetii, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila using standard techniques. RESULTS: Of the 240 patients enrolled, 175 sputum cultures (73%) were considered significant. Twenty-nine cultures were positive (16.5%) and 31 microorganisms were isolated of which the most frequent were P. aeruginosa (25.8%), K. pneumoniae (16.2%), H. influenzae (13%) and S. pneumoniae (9.7%). The prevalence of C. pneumoniae, M. pneumoniae and C. burnetii was 8.4%, 9% and 6.6%, respectively. No L. pneumophila infection was found. The Anthonisen criteria were associated with a positive culture (P=0.04). Almost half (40.9%) of the isolates were resistant to conventional first line antibiotics (43.7% to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid). CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of the low positivity of quantitative sputum bacteriology and the large percentage of resistant strains with a predominance of exclusively multi-resistant Pseudomonas should help in the management of patients with AECOPD.

Prevalence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM and IgG antibodies in Tunisian patients presenting with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the prevalence of Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae acute infections, using serological testing, in patients admitted to the emergency department for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of 100 consecutive patients. Serum specimens were collected at day 0 and day 15. C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae antibodies (IgM and IgG) were tested by commercial ELISA and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. RESULTS: We did not observe any acute M. pneumoniae infection; however, 11 patients (11%) showed a profile compatible with a recent C. pneumoniae infection (nine patients with specific IgM and two with an IgG antibody rise). Demographic and clinical parameters did not differ between patients with and without biological profile of recent C. pneumoniae infection. CONCLUSION: C. pneumoniae is a pathogen that requires specific antimicrobial treatment. Its detection must always be performed considering its prevalence in patients presenting with acute COPD exacerbations.

Phlebotominae (Diptera: Psychodidae) of human leishmaniosis sites in Tunisia.

In order to identify the phlebotomine sandfly populations in Tunisian leishmaniosis foci, an entomological survey was carried out through three entomological seasons (2002-2003-2004) in 19 visceral and cutaneous leishmaniosis areas, located in six bioclimatic zones. Sandfly collections were based on light and sticky traps placed around human leishmaniosis cases. 8,722 phlebotomine sandflies belonging to 12 species were collected. The dominance of subgenus Larroussius species in northern foci, Phlebotomus papatasi in south-western foci and their co-dominance in the centre of the country is in accordance with the distribution of Leishmania infantum and L. major in Tunisia. The low density found in the historical zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniosis focus of Metlaoui in the south-west may indicate the high competence of the local populations. Studied phlebotomine settlements have showed a low specific diversity in most of the studied sites. In L. infantum areas, the dominant species were respectively: P. perfiliewi in the cutaneous leishmaniosis site of the humid bioclimatic stage, P. perniciosus in the cutaneous and visceral leishmaniosis foci of semi-arid and arid bioclimatic stages and P. longicuspis in the visceral leishmaniosis focus of saharan bioclimate. In the zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniosis foci, P. papatasi was a dominant species. In the well-known south-eastern foci of cutaneous leishmaniosis due to L. killicki, P. sergenti was a dominant species with P. perniciosus. In the central emerging foci of L. killicki, P. perniciosus was a dominant species in some sites whereas it was very rare in others. In these sites, the subgenus Paraphlebotomus was always present with a higher abundance of P. alexandri than P. sergenti.

Acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock: a multidisciplinary practical guidance.

PURPOSE: Acute heart failure (AHF) causes high burden of mortality, morbidity, and repeated hospitalizations worldwide. This guidance paper describes the tailored treatment approaches of different clinical scenarios of AHF and CS, focusing on the needs of professionals working in intensive care settings. RESULTS: Tissue congestion and hypoperfusion are the two leading mechanisms of end-organ injury and dysfunction, which are associated with worse outcome in AHF. Diagnosis of AHF is based on clinical assessment, measurement of natriuretic peptides, and imaging modalities. Simultaneously, emphasis should be given in rapidly identifying the underlying trigger of AHF and assessing severity of AHF, as well as in recognizing end-organ injuries. Early initiation of effective treatment is associated with superior outcomes. Oxygen, diuretics, and vasodilators are the key therapies for the initial treatment of AHF. In case of respiratory distress, non-invasive ventilation with pressure support should be promptly started. In patients with severe forms of AHF with cardiogenic shock (CS), inotropes are recommended to achieve hemodynamic stability and restore tissue perfusion. In refractory CS, when hemodynamic stabilization is not achieved, the use of mechanical support with assist devices should be considered early, before the development of irreversible end-organ injuries. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary approach along the entire patient journey from pre-hospital care to hospital discharge is needed to ensure early recognition, risk stratification, and the benefit of available therapies. Medical management should be planned according to the underlying mechanisms of various clinical scenarios of AHF.

[Repeat suicide attempts: characteristics of repeaters versus first-time attempters admitted in the emergency of a Tunisian general hospital]. / Les récidives suicidaires: etude comparative des caractéristiques des suicidants a répétition et des primosuicidants i admis aux urgences d'un hôpital général Tunisien.

UNLABELLED: Repeat suicide attempts constitute a special problem in suicidology. It seems that the excess mortality by suicide is even higher among the suicide repeaters. The objectives of this study were to estimate repeat suicide attempts frequency among a sample of suicide attempters admitted in the University Hospital Emergency of Monastir (Tunisia), to compare their features to those of first-time attempters and to determine factors associated with repeat suicide. METHOD: A transversal survey involves a review of all patients committing suicide attempt and who are admitted in the emergency service during the second semester of 1999. Study variables included: demographic parameters, family and personal psychiatric history, axis I psychiatric disorder and circumstances of the present suicide attempt. Also, subjects were evaluated with the following scales: Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and The Social Readjustment Rating Scale of Holms and Rahe. RESULT: Among the 90 suicide attempters, 42.2% (n = 38) had made at least one previous suicide attempt. More repeaters than first-time attempters were divorced or separated: 21.1% versus 5.8% (p = 0.05). Belonging to a numerous family (n > or = 4) was more frequent in the repeaters group: 73.7% versus 46.2% (p = 0.01). The two groups did not differ as to level of education but were significantly different with regard to their professional activity: 60.5% of repeaters were unemployed versus 34.6% of first-time attempters (p = 0.01). Repeaters had more loaded family psychiatric disorders: 26.3% versus 7.7% (p = 0.03). However there were practically no differences between repeaters and first-time attempters in regard of suicide in their families. Personal previous history of repeaters was characterized by frequency of psychiatric hospitalization: 50% versus 11.5% (p = 0.00005). Sexual abuse was more frequent in repeaters group but this difference was not significant. Alcohol and drug abuse were not frequent in the two groups. Concerning the actual suicide attempt, the most frequently diagnosed disorder was adjustment disorders. However depressive and psychotic disorders were significantly more frequent in the repeaters group: 34.2% versus 13.4% (p = 0.05). Repeaters had more frequently elevated scores (> 14) in MADRS: 71.1% versus 48.1% (p = 0.01), and raised intensity of stress factors lived during the six months preceding actual suicide attempt: 68.4% versus 42.3% (p = 0.04). Nevertheless we hadn't noticed any differences between the two groups regarding the methods used or the motives. CONCLUSION: Differences in the characteristics of repeaters and first-time attempters are therefore of interest when discussing future suicidal risk and should clear on preventive actions in order to face the increase of suicidal recidivism. A broad based, multidisciplinary intervention approach is recommended.

Prognostic value of serum cholinesterase in organophosphate poisoning.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether serum cholinesterase level has a prognostic value in human acute organophosphorus poisoning. DESIGN: Cohort (prospective) prognosis study. SETTING: Medical ICU at University Hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty consecutive patients admitted to the ICU for acute organophosphate poisoning. MEASUREMENTS: Serum cholinesterase level was measured in all patients at the time of hospital admission. Severity of intoxication was assessed by the total dose of atropine required to relieve poisoning manifestations, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score, the need for assisted ventilation, and by a specific grading system previously validated that identified two groups of patients: group 1 (low severity, n = 18) and group 2 (high severity, n = 12). RESULTS: Serum cholinesterase level did not correlate with the total dose of atropine or with the Simplified Acute Physiology Score. Mean serum cholinesterase level was not significantly different between group 1 and group 2 patients (448 +/- 409 U/L in group 1 compared with 611 +/- 575 U/L in group 2 (p = NS); it was also not significantly different between patients with and without mechanical ventilation support (567 +/- 571 vs 470 +/- 409, respectively). CONCLUSION: Serum cholinesterase levels have no prognostic value in acute organophosphate poisoning. Thus, a grading system to identify high-risk patients based on this measurement is most likely unreliable.

Cardiac dysfunction and pulmonary edema following scorpion envenomation.

Cardiac dysfunction with pulmonary edema following scorpion envenomation (SE) has been documented only in a few isolated case reports. We conducted a systematic hemodynamic study in five consecutive patients (mean age, 21.6 +/- 8 years) presenting with pulmonary edema occurring a few hours (9.6 +/- 5.2 hours) after SE. All patients had increased pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (mean, 25 +/- 1.8 mm Hg) while the systemic vascular resistance was elevated only in one. The stroke volume index was markedly depressed (21.7 +/- 3.6 ml/sq m) whereas cardiac index was normal or slightly decreased (2.5 +/- 0.4 L/min/sq m). Cerebral infarct and sudden cardiac arrest were the cause of death in two patients. In the three survivors, all the hemodynamic disturbances and respiratory abnormalities disappeared within a few days. We conclude that cardiac dysfunction was found in all five patients and this was reversible in the three surviving the acute episode.

Right ventricular dysfunction following severe scorpion envenomation.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of right ventricular (RV) performance in patients presenting with pulmonary edema following scorpion envenomation. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Medical intensive care unit of a teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Eight consecutive adult patients stung by yellow scorpion Androctonus australis and presenting with pulmonary edema at hospital admission. INTERVENTIONS: In all patients, standard hemodynamic parameters and RV volumes were measured using a pulmonary artery catheter equipped with a rapid responding thermistor enabling measurement of RV ejection fraction (RVEF). MEASUREMENTS: Hemodynamic evaluation was performed at the time of hospital admission prior to any therapeutic intervention and just before the removal of the pulmonary catheter (2.3 +/- 0.5 days after admission) in the surviving patients (n = 7). RESULTS: All patients had a decreased RVEF (24 +/- 7%) and cardiac index (2.44 +/- 0.5 L/min/m2) and increased pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (23 +/- 6 mm Hg). Right ventricular end-systolic pressure/volume ratio was decreased (.56 +/- .19 mm Hg/mL/m2), suggesting an altered RV contractility. Follow-up evaluation performed in survivors, without any inotropic support, showed hemodynamic changes reflecting a trend toward full recovery. Right ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac index improved markedly (from 24 +/- 7% to 39 +/- 10% and from 2.44 +/- 0.5 to 4 +/- .3 L/min/m2, respectively). Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure, and mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased significantly from baseline values (12 +/- 3 mm Hg, 29 +/- 5 mm Hg, and 20 +/- 4 mm Hg, respectively). Right ventricular end systolic pressure/volume ratio remained almost constant, suggesting that afterload enhancement accounted predominantly for RVEF improvement. CONCLUSION: These data show that RV function impairment is associated with left ventricular dysfunction, suggesting similarities between left ventricular and RV alterations following severe scorpion envenomation providing further arguments to the hypothesis of scorpionic myocarditis.

Dobutamine in severe scorpion envenomation: effects on standard hemodynamics, right ventricular performance, and tissue oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: To document the effects of dobutamine on standard hemodynamics and right ventricular (RV) performance in patients exhibiting pulmonary edema following severe scorpion envenomation, and to characterize the tissue oxygenation profile in patients sustaining scorpion envenomation-related shock. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: An ICU in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Nineteen consecutive patients were admitted to the ICU for severe scorpion envenomation; all 19 patients exhibited hemodynamic pulmonary edema, and 10 patients had peripheral shock. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent a hemodynamic study with a Swan-Ganz catheter. In 8 of 19 patients, the thermodilution catheter was equipped with a fast-response thermistor. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Standard hemodynamic parameters were recorded on admission and following the infusion of dobutamine in all patients at a dosage, from 7 to 20 microg/kg/min, intended to achieve the best hemodynamic and tissue oxygenation compromise. RV ejection fraction (RVEF) and RV volumes were simultaneously recorded in 8 patients, and tissue oxygenation parameters were assessed in the 10 patients with peripheral shock. The clinical signs of tissue hypoperfusion improved, and optimal hemodynamic parameters were achieved at a mean +/- SD dobutamine dosage of 17 +/- 7 microg/kg/min. Dobutamine infusion evoked statistically significant increases in cardiac index, from 2.3 +/- 0.6 to 3.6 +/- 0.7 L/min/m2; stroke volume index, from 18 +/- 5 to 31 +/- 10 mL/m2; and systemic arterial pressure, from 64 +/- 12 to 78 +/- 14 mm Hg. Pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) and venous admixture decreased significantly: from 23 +/- 4 to 15 +/- 6 mm Hg and from 29 +/- 7% to 20 +/- 5%, respectively. With respect to RV function, dobutamine infusion significantly increased the RVEF, from 24 +/- 7% to 42 +/- 9%, without significantly changing the RV end-diastolic volume index, reflecting an enhanced RV contractility. In patients with peripheral circulatory failure, the baseline tissue oxygenation profile was consistent with cardiogenic shock, showing increased oxygen extraction as a consequence of a striking depression in oxygen delivery (DO2). After dobutamine infusion, DO2 improved significantly, from 386 +/- 104 to 676 +/- 156 mL/min/m2, with a significant decrease in oxygen extraction, from 34 +/- 8% to 24 +/- 6%. CONCLUSIONS: In severe scorpion envenomation, dobutamine infusion improves impaired heart function. The effects involve both left ventricular and RV dysfunction. Impaired tissue oxygenation is also improved.

A controlled trial of nebulized salbutamol and adrenaline in acute severe asthma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy and safety of nebulisation of adrenaline (2 mg over 10 min) and salbutamol (5 mg over 10 min) in acute severe asthma. DESIGN: Prospective randomized and double blind study. SETTING: Intensive care unit of a University teaching hospital. PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS: 22 asthmatic patients presenting to the emergency room with acute severe asthma. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either adrenaline (n = 11) or salbutamol (n = 11) via a nebulizer. Additional treatment comprised hydrocortisone hemisuccinate (100 mg) and supplemental oxygen (71/min). The efficacy and safety of both drugs were evaluated at 20 and 40 min. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) was achieved at the 20th min in both groups (from 85 +/- 38 l/min to 120 +/- 45 l/min; p < 0.001; and from 107 +/- 28 l/min to 145 +/- 19 l/min; p < 0.001; in adrenaline group and salbutamol group respectively). With both drugs, PEF further increased at 40 min to a level that was statistically significant when compared to the 20 min evaluation. The magnitude of the absolute variation in PEF was similar with both drugs. Both drugs induced a significant decrease in heart rate, respiratory frequency and PaCO2 while the increase of PaO2/FIO2 ratio was not significant. The decrease of respiratory frequency at 40 min was more important with salbutamol (p = 0.03). No side effects were recorded in both groups. CONCLUSION: After a single dose, nebulized adrenaline (2 mg) proved as effective and safe as salbutamol (5 mg) in acute severe asthma.

Short-term treatment of severe hypertension of pregnancy: prospective comparison of nicardipine and labetalol.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of nicardipine in comparison to labetalol in the initial management of severe hypertension in pregnancy. DESIGN. Randomized prospective study. SETTING: The obstetric ward of the teaching hospital of Monastir Tunisia. PATIENTS: Sixty consecutive pregnant women admitted beyond the 24th week of pregnancy with severe hypertension. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenously for 1 h either labetalol ( n=30) or nicardipine ( n=30). Treatment was titrated to achieve a 20% lowering of blood pressure (BP). MEASUREMENTS: Maternal BP and heart rate were measured at inclusion and repeatedly during the first hour following the drugs administration. Fetal heart rate was recorded throughout the study period. The main outcome endpoints were the success rate and the length of time needed to achieve the therapeutic goal. The rate of maternal and fetal adverse events and dose adjustments were also analyzed. RESULTS: Labetalol and nicardipine achieved the 20% lowering in BP in the same proportion (63% and 70% success rates, respectively). Overall nicardipine caused a significantly greater decrease in systolic and diastolic BP. No patient had any episode of hypotension. The length of time to achieve the BP goal was also similar (12 vs. 11 min, respectively). Both drugs were well tolerated except for a moderate tachycardia observed with the use of nicardipine. CONCLUSION: Nicardipine and labetalol are effective and safe in the initial treatment of severe hypertension of pregnancy.

Assessment of left ventricular function in severe scorpion envenomation: combined hemodynamic and echo-Doppler study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess left ventricular function in patients presenting with pulmonary edema following scorpion envenomation. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Medical intensive care unit of a teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Nine consecutive adult patients stung by Androctonus australis and presenting with pulmonary edema entered the study. Fourteen normal volunteers comprised the control group. INTERVENTIONS: Upon admission, all patients had right heart catheterization and, within the first 8 h, a Doppler echocardiographic study. Results of Doppler echocardiographic studies were compared to those of controls. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Usual hemodynamic information (heart and vascular pressures, derived data and tissue oxygenation parameters), left ventricular dimensions and indicators of systolic function, and Doppler-derived parameters of left ventricular filling and diastolic function were obtained upon admission. Serial echocardiographic measurements were repeated daily until full clinical recovery (eight patients) or death (one patient). All patients had a hemodynamic profile of acute congestive heart failure (mean PAOP = 24 +/- 2 mmHg; mean SVI = 22 +/- 7 ml/m2; mean CI = 2.5 +/- 0.5 l/min/m2). However, SVR were not increased (mean = 22 +/- 3 U/m2). Left ventricle was hypokinetic in all patients with transient mitral regurgitation present in five patients. Left ventricular systolic function was markedly depressed (FS = 12 +/- 6%; EF = 26 +/- 12%). An associated diastolic dysfunction is suggested by Doppler records of mitral inflow. Left ventricular systolic function evolved toward normalization within 6 +/- 2 days preceded by full clinical recovery. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that pulmonary edema in scorpion envenomation is of hemodynamic origin and is related to a severe and prominent impairment of left ventricular systolic function.

Hellp syndrome: incidence and maternal-fetal outcome--a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of Hellp syndrome (HS) and the maternal fetal outcome associated with its occurrence. DESIGN: A prospective study during a 6-month period. SETTING: The department of obstetrics and gynecology and the Intensive Care Unit of a 700 bed teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-two consecutive preeclamptic and eclamptic women. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: All patients were systematically investigated for the biological markers of HS. The effects of the occurrence of HS on maternal and fetal prognosis were evaluated by comparing for prognosis indicators usually assessed in gravidic hypertension, pre-eclamptic and eclamptic woman who exhibited HS (HS+ subgroup) with HS free patients (HS- subgroup). HS was found in 12 out of the 62 pre-eclamptic and eclamptic women (19.3%). Its occurrence was associated with higher maternal mortality (16.7% vs 0%; p = 0.03), a greater incidence of eclamptic crisis (50% vs 20%; p = 0.03), severe hypertension (33% vs 8%; p = 0.03) and episodes of acute renal failure (66% vs 30%; p = 0.02). Mean proteinuria was also higher in HS+ patients (4.6 +/- 3.3 vs 2.2 +/- 2.5 g/day; p = 0.001). However, fetal outcome was not significantly altered. CONCLUSION: Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia may be more severe in the presence of HS with a worsening of maternal prognosis while fetal outcome seems not altered.

Successful weaning from mechanical ventilation following balloon mitral commissurotomy.

Successful weaning from mechanical ventilation (MV) following percutaneous balloon mitral commissurotomy (BMC) is reported in a 59-year-old woman with severe symptomatic rheumatic mitral stenosis. The patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit for acute respiratory failure secondary to pulmonary edema requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. After resolution of the acute phase, she became completely dependent on mechanical ventilatory support. In spite of the reinforcement of conventional therapy (diuretics, digitalis, vasodilators), weaning attempts were unsuccessful because of persisting elevated left atrial pressure. Percutaneous BMC was performed with favorable hemodynamic results, allowing the removal of external ventilatory support 24 h later and discharge from the Intensive Care Unit the same day.