[Epidemiologic study of qat use in the National Army of Djibouti]. / Etude epidemiologique du qâtisme dans l'armee nationale djiboutienne.

Chewing of qat leaves is a traditional practice in the horn of Africa. Amphetamine-like alkaloids contained in the leaves account for the psychostimulating (anorexia, exhiliaration, euphoria) and sympathomimetic effects. The results of this prospective study based on interviews of 100 servicemen seeking medical advice showed that the prevalence of qat use in the National Army of Djibouti was 84%. Mean consumption of qat by users was 400 +/- 50 grams per chew requiring a monthly expenditure of approximately 500 FF. Heart rate and blood pressure in users were not significantly different from non-users. No correlation was found between blood pressure and either age or quantity of qat ingested per chew. A greenish discoloration of the tongue was observed in 65% of qat users but this sign was not specific (60%). qat use was correlated with poor dental health. The findings of this study indicate that qat use is widespread among young males in Djibouti but that its cardiovascular effects are limited in this age group.

[Hypertensive effects of qat]. / Effets hypertenseurs du qât.

Chewing of Qat leaves which contain amphetamine alkaloids is a traditional drug practice in the horn of Africa. Cathine and cathinone are responsible for the desired psychogenic (suppression of hunger, mind stimulation, euphoria) and sympathicomimetic effects. In this study, we monitored seven volunteers during a traditional qat ritual. An increase in systolic and diastolic pressure was observed in three patients including one presenting predisposing chronic arterial hypertension. Peak pressure was observed approximately seven hours after beginning the ritual. The three patients presenting pressure changes were not significantly different from the four unaffected patients with regard to age or duration of qat use. These findings suggest that qat use by untreated hypertensive patients who react strongly to vasoconstrictive effects can lead to hypertension and resulting cardiovascular complications.

[Hepatic amebiasis in French Polynesia. A study of 25 cases]. / L'amibiase hepatique en Polynesie Française. Etude de 25 observations.

The authors report a retrospective study of 25 cases of hepatic amebiasis which were observed from 1988 to 1990 in Tahiti. The symptoms were typical in 20 patients and incomplete in 5 other patients. The ultrasonic examinations showed one (n = 14) or several abscesses (n = 11). The majority were located at the right lobe of the liver (84%). Except in one case where the abscess had a high echo response (it was a pseudo-tumour), the others showed a low echo response or were liquid. The serology (hemagglutination) was always positive but once, at the first examination or afterwards. Recovery was obtained by all patients on an average of 6 days for clinical signs and of three months for ultrasonic features, by administering Metronidazole, combined twice with a drainage (transcutaneous = 1 case, surgical = 1 case). Neither rupture, nor relapse occurred. This series is related to other studies made in South Pacific, Africa and France. It underlines the topicality of amebiasis in French Polynesia, and the interest for the Health Services to carry out a program against this endemy.