Adherence to treatment with continuous positive airway pressure in the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the most effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Adequate compliance with the use of CPAP is cardinal to achieve cardiovascular, metabolic and neuropsychological benefits of treatment. AIM: Assess the factors affecting compliance to the CPAP treatment and analyze the long term acceptance. METHODS: Retrospective study on 130 patients treated by CPAP for OSA in the department of pulmonology between 2005 and 2014.  Long term acceptance was analysis using the method of survival analysis. RESULTS: These patients are characterized by a mean age of 55.4± 10.2 years; main comorbidities were found hypertension (47%), diabetes (25.5%) and COPD (11%). Median baseline apnea-hypopnea index was (AHI), 56 ± 19,5/h. One hundred thirty patients were enrolled with a mean follow up of 75 ± 34 months, 42 patients stopped their treatment, 21% of them in the first 6 months.  In compliant patients, the median value of daily CPAP use was 5, 5 ± 2 hours. Kaplan Meier analysis showed that 96% of patients were still using CPAP at 12 months, 69,4% at 5 years and 64,1% at 10 years. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease was identified as a predictor factor of long term CPAP use. Non observing patients had a higher probability to stop the use of CPAP compared to adherent patients Conclusion: the treatment of OSA with CPAP is generally well accepted in the long term. Treatment dropouts are more common among non-adherent patients justify regular monitoring in the first months of treatment.

Short-term effects of announcing spirometric lung-age on smokers' attitudes: results from a Tunisian real-life pilot study.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effects of informing smokers of their spirometric lung-age (SLA) on smoking cessation (SC) rates and tobacco consumption. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: An interventional study was conducted in real-life through a humanitarian event led by the Red Crescent on 9 January 2022, in Hammam-Sousse (Sousse, Tunisia). The study comprised four steps: i) Medical questionnaire (general questionnaire, Fagerström test for cigarette dependence, SC motivation questionnaire); ii) Measurement of spirometric data; iii) SLA estimation and its announcement to participants; and iv) Self-reported evaluation of smoking behavior three months later through telephonic recall. Smokers were divided into groups (nondependent vs. dependent groups and insufficient/moderate motivation vs. high/very high motivation groups) and categories (ceased smoking, reduced consumption, maintained stable or increased consumption). RESULTS: Fifty-two smokers were included (94% were males). Three months after the event, i) 9 (17%) smokers ceased smoking, ii) 39 (75%) smokers reduced their daily smoking consumption by 12 ± 8 cigarettes/day, and iii) 4 (8%) smokers maintained stable (n = 3) or increased (n = 1) consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Informing smokers of their SLA led 92% of them to cease smoking or reduce their consumption. Announcing SLA could be an effective motivational tool and an easy-to-understand concept to help smokers cease their habit.

Effects of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation program on submaximal exercise in patients with long-COVID-19 conditions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and recommendations for future studies.

INTRODUCTION: Long-COVID-19 patients (LC19Ps) often experience cardiovascular and respiratory complications. Cardiorespiratory rehabilitation programs (CRRPs) have emerged as promising interventions to enhance exercise capacity in this population. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of CRRPs on submaximal exercise performance, specifically the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) outcomes, in LC19Ps through an analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/Medline and Scopus to identify relevant RCTs. Six RCTs meeting inclusion criteria were included in this review, investigating the effects of CRRPs on 6MWT outcomes in LC19Ps. RESULTS: The findings from the included RCTs provide compelling evidence supporting the effectiveness of CRRPs in improving submaximal exercise performance in LC19Ps. These results underscore the potential of CRRPs to enhance submaximal exercise capacity and overall functional well-being in this population. However, future research is imperative to determine optimal CRRPs, including duration, intensity, and specific intervention components. Additionally, the long-term sustainability and durability of CRRP-induced improvements warrant further exploration. Future studies should prioritize patient-centric outcomes and address potential implementation barriers. CONCLUSION: CRRPs show promise in ameliorating submaximal exercise performance among LC19Ps. Further research is needed to refine these programs and ensure their lasting impact on this patient group. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HMN38. [Figure: see text].

Associations between Occupational Asthma and Obesity in the Central Region of Tunisia.

Background: Risk factors for the severity of occupational asthma (OA) are often attributed to occupational exposure. However, some recent epidemiological data suggest a link with obesity. The study aimed to analyze the relationship between obesity and the severity of (OA) assessed by non-specific bronchial provocation. Materials and Methods: We conducted an epidemiological descriptive retrospective study including patients who were referred to the Occupational Medicine Department of Farhat Hached University Hospital of Sousse, for (OA) and who have completed a non-specific bronchoprovocation test to metacholine. Results: Our population consisted of 131 cases of (OA) with a female predominance. The average BMI was 27.34 ±5.30 kg. Obesity was observed in 29.8% of cases. The non-specific metacholine bronchial provocation test revealed an average dose of PD20 at 750.4 ±656.3 µg. Severe (OA) was observed in (35.1%). After univariate analysis, obesity in asthmatics had a significant association with age (p<0.001), marital status (p=0.005), average professional seniority (p<0.001), the evolution of complaints (p=0.035) and abnormal initial spirometry (p=0.044). As for the severity of (OA), the univariate analytical study did not show a significant link with obesity (p=0.68). Conclusion: The association between obesity and OA is not an easy task and should be made using more accurate tools to measure body fat percentage. The preventive role of the occupational physician is essential in factories in order to make more prudent decisions when employing workers with a high BMI in high-risk occupations. Hence the importance of regular monitoring of weight in workers exposed to asthmatics during periodic examinations.

Compassion fatigue among frontline healthcare workers during the covid-19 pandemic in Tunisia.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are highly vulnerable to compassion fatigue (CF), which not only leads to decreased mental and physical health, but also to deterioration in the safety of care delivered. Our study aims to measure compassion satisfaction (CS), CF levels and their predictors among Tunisian HCWs. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among HCWs caring for confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients, staff at two university hospitals in Sousse, Tunisia during the 4thwave of coronavirus through a self-administrated Questionnaire, using the French version of the Professional Quality of Life scale ProQol, version 5. RESULTS: A total of 274 professionals were recruited with a mean age of 32.87±8.35 years. HCWs tend to have an overall moderate levels of compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress and burnout with mean scores 35.09±7.08, 29.72±7.62, 28.54±5.44 respectively. Self-reported resilience (ß = 0.14, p = 10-3), work engagement (ß = 0.39, p = 10-3) and burnout (ß = -0.32, p = 10-3) were the predictors of compassion satisfaction in the linear regression analysis (adjusted r2 = 0.45). Similarly, limited work experience, compassion satisfaction and secondary traumatic sub-scores were the determinants of burnout (ß = -0.1, p = 0.04; ß = -0.54, p = 10-3; ß = 0.35, p = 10-3 respectively); (adjusted r2 = 0.48). Regarding STS, female professionals (ß = 0.20, p = 10-3), being married (ß = 0.19, p = 10-3), the fear of transmitting the infection (ß = 0.11, p = 0.03) and burnout (ß = 0.39, p = 10-3) were the predictors for the occurrence of secondary traumatic stress (adjusted r2 = 0.48). CONCLUSION: More resilience promoting interventions and more coping skills programs must be implemented to fulfill HCWs' psychological well-being needs.

Prognostic value of Quality of life (QoL) assessment among Tunisian lung cancer patients.

OBJECTIF: Etudier la valeur pronostique de l'évaluation de la qualité de vie (QDV) pour la survie chez les patients Tunisiens atteints du CDP. Méthodes: Une étude prospective de cohorte a été réalisée entre Janvier 2018 et Juin 2019. Le Performance status (PS), QoL questionnairecore30 (QLQ-C30), QoL questionnaire-Lung Cancer 13 (QLQ-LC13) et European QoL-5 dimensions-3level version questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) ont été utilisés pour l'évaluation de la QDV. Les patients ont été divisés en 2 groupes selon le score global QLQ-C30, un Déficit Cliniquement Significatif (DCS) a été considéré si le score était ≤50. Les modèles de régression de Cox et Stepwise ont été réalisée pour évaluer la signification pronostique de la QDV. La survie globale (SG) a été calculée à l'aide de la méthode de Kaplan-Meier. Le test du log-rank a été utilisé pour comparer les courbes de survie. Le seuil de valeur de p pour la signification statistique était de 0,05. Résultats: Cent patients ont été inclus. La médiane de SG des patients avec DCS en qualité de vie était significativement inférieure à celle des patients sans déficit : respectivement 365 jours versus 467 jours, (test du log-rank, p = 0,036). De même pour la médiane de survie sans progression : 122 jours versus 326 jours pour ceux qui n'ont pas signalé de différence significative en QDV (test du log-rank, p = 0,05). L'analyse de régression multivariée stepwise a montré que le score global de QDV (QLQ-C30) était un facteur prédictif significatif de SG (coefficient estimate (CE)= 0.336, p=0.005), ainsi que le stade IV (CE=-0.193, p=0.033) et la progression tumorale (CE =-0.238, p=0.047). CONCLUSION: La QDV était un facteur prédictif de survie dans notre cohorte de patients atteints de CDP. Cela devrait recommander une intervention active en soins palliatifs précoces pour les patients présentant un déficit significatif en QDV.

Impact of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation program on submaximal exercise capacity of Tunisian male patients with post-COVID19: A pilot study.

Post-COVID19 patients suffer from persistent respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal health complaints such as dyspnea, chest pain/discomfort, and fatigue. In Tunisia, the potential benefits of a cardiorespiratory rehabilitation program (CRRP) after COVID19 remain unclear. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a CRRP on submaximal exercise capacity, evaluated through the 6-min walk test (6MWT) data in post-COVID19 Tunisian patients. This was a cross-sectional study including 14 moderate to severe COVID19 patients aged from 50 to 70 years. CRRP was performed after the end of patients' hospitalization in COVID19 units for extensive or severe extents of COVID19. Dyspnea (modified medical research council), spirometry data, handgrip strength values, 6MWT data, and 6-min walk work (i.e., 6-min walk distance x weight) were evaluated 1-week pre-CRRP, and 1-week post-CRRP. CRRP included 12 sessions [3 sessions (70 min each)/week for 4 weeks]. Exercise-training included aerobic cycle endurance, strength training, and educational sessions. Comparing pre- and post- CRRP results showed significant improvements in the means±standard deviations of dyspnea by 1.79 ± 0.80 points (p < 0.001), forced expiratory volume in one second by 110 ± 180 ml (p = 0.04), 6-min walk distance by 35 ± 42 m (p = 0.01), 6-min walk work by 2,448 ± 3,925 mkg (p = 0.048), resting heart-rate by 7 ± 9 bpm (p = 0.02) and resting diastolic blood pressure by 6 ± 10 mmHg (p = 0.045). In Tunisia, CRRP seems to improve the submaximal exercise capacity of post-COVID19 patients, mainly the 6-min walk distance and work.

Impact of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on social disadvantage and physical activity data of postCOVID19 patients: A North-African pilot study.

Background In addition to the cardiorespiratory, muscular, and neurological manifestations, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) alters patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL), induces a large variety of psychiatric manifestations, and reduces mobility and motor activity. Several studies have raised the impact of a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) on social disadvantage ( e.g., HRQoL, anxiety, depression) and physical activity of COVID-19 patients, but very few have been performed in low-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a PRP on post-COVID-19 HRQoL, hospital anxiety and depression (HAD), and physical activity in Tunisian post-COVID19-patients. Methods This was a cross-sectional study in an outpatient care setting. Patients with post-COVID-19 were included. They completed an interview (including three questionnaires) before and after a PRP (three sessions/week for four weeks, each session was 70 minutes in duration, PRP items: aerobic cycle endurance, strength training, and education). The VQ11 questionnaire assessed functional dimension, psychological dimension, relational dimension, and total score; HAD appraised depression and anxiety; and Voorrips physical activity assessed daily activity, physical activity, leisure activity, and total scores. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation in PRP change (PRP change=after-PRP values - before-PRP values). Results In total, 14 moderate to severe post-COVID-19 patients (61±4 years) were included. The PRP significantly improved the i) functional, psychological, and relational dimensions, and the VQ11 total score by 1.79±1.58 (p=0.0033), 2.00±2.15 (p=0.0108), 1.57±1.50 (p=0.0077), and 5.36±3.97 (p=0.0015), respectively; ii) HAD anxiety and depression scores by 2.07±2.40 (p=0.0076), and 2.57±3.08 (p=0.0058); and iii) physical activity and total scores by 1.75±2.44 (p=0.0251), and 1.78±2.65 (p=0.0341), respectively. Conclusion The PRP improved HRQoL, HAD, and physical activity of Tunisian post-COVID-19 patients.

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) have been described in many autoimmune diseases (AIDs). Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could trigger AIDs. This study aimed to determine the frequency of ASCA in patients with COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 88 adult patients with severe COVID-19, 51 mild COVID-19, and 160 healthy blood donors. ASCA of isotype immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The frequency of ASCA (IgG or IgA) was significantly higher in patients with severe COVID-19 (21.6 % vs 3.7 %, p < 10-3) and in patients with mild COVID-19 than in the healthy controls (13.7 % vs 3.7 %, p = 0.03). ASCA-IgA was significantly more frequent in patients with severe COVID-19 than in healthy controls (15.9 % vs 0.6 %, p < 10-3). ASCA-IgG was significantly more frequent in patients with mild COVID-19 than in healthy controls (13.7 % vs 3.1 %, p = 0.02). ASCA (IgG or IgA) were more frequent in severe than in mild COVID-19, but the difference was not statistically significant (21.6 % vs 13.7 %). ASCA-IgA was significantly more frequent in patients with severe than those with mild COVID-19 (15.9 % vs 0 %, p = 0.003). The mean ASCA-IgG and ASCA-IgA levels were significantly higher in patients with severe COVID-19 than in healthy controls (5.8 U/mL ± 11.8 vs 2.3 U/mL ± 2.8, p < 10-3 and 9.2 U/mL ± 21.5 vs 3.4 U/mL ± 1.7, respectively, p < 10-3). The mean ASCA-IgG levels were significantly higher in patients with mild COVID-19 than in healthy controls (6.2 U/mL ± 12.9 vs 2.3 U/mL ± 2.8, p < 10-3). The mean ASCA-IgA levels were significantly higher in patients with severe than in those with mild COVID-19 (9.2 U/mL ± 21.5 vs 2.6 U/mL ± 1.2, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: ASCA was more frequent in patients with COVID-19 than in healthy controls.

Erythema Nodosum Revealing Metastatic Lung Cancer.

Erythema nodosum (EN) is an inflammatory condition of the subcutaneous fat and has been reported in patients with haematological malignancies (lymphomas) or solid tumours. Lung cancer is the most common cause of paraneoplastic syndrome. We report a case of EN occurring as a paraneoplastic disease. A 48-year-old Tunisian woman, a non-smoker with no relevant medical history, presented with painful, erythematous, firm nodules on her legs with ankle swelling. The patient did not report any other symptoms. There were no abnormalities on examination except for moderate fever. An extensive infectious and immunological investigation was negative. Antistreptolysin antibodies were undetectable. Chest radiography showed a focal opacity in the right lung and a CT scan revealed a mass in the lower right pulmonary lobe with hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathies, a nodule in the right adrenal gland, condensation in the iliac bone and multiple bilateral nodular cerebral expansive processes. Bronchial biopsies revealed a primitive and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. No argument for tuberculosis or sarcoidosis was found. LEARNING POINTS: Erythema nodosum (EN) can be idiopathic.EN has rarely been associated with lung cancer and so the association may be coincidental in our patient.The lung cancer was easily identified by chest x-ray in this case and in cases described in the literature.

Adherence of North-African Pulmonologists to the 2017-Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Pharmacological Treatment Guidelines (PTGs) of Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

BACKGROUND: No previous study has investigated the adherence rate of North-African pulmonologists to the 2017-GOLD PTGs. AIMS: To investigate the adherence rate of Tunisian pulmonologists to the 2017-GOLD PTGs and to identify the barriers to their adherence. METHODS: This was a cohort study involving clinically stable COPD patients who presented to a pulmonology outpatient consultation. The patients were classified as having been appropriately and inappropriately (over- or undertreatment) treated for the GOLD group. Logistic regression was performed to determine the adherence barriers to the 2017-GOLD PTGs. RESULTS: A total of 296 patients were included (88.1% males, mean age: 68 ± 10 years; GOLD A (7.1%), B (36.1%), C (4.1%), and D (52.7%)). The pulmonologists' adherence rate to the 2017-GOLD PTGs was 29.7%. There was a significant statistical difference between the adherence rates among the four GOLD groups (A: 19.0%, B: 20.6%, C: 8.3%, and D: 39.1%; p = 0.001). Differences were statistically significant between the GOLD group D and groups B (p = 0.001). Differences were statistically significant between the GOLD group D and groups B (p = 0.001). Differences were statistically significant between the GOLD group D and groups B (. CONCLUSION: The adherence rate of Tunisian pulmonologists to the 2017-GOLD PTGs is low. It seems that the patients' age, socioeconomic level, national health insurance coverage, and GOLD groups influenced their adherence.

Seasonality of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Sousse (Tunisia).

INTRODUCTION: Seasonal variation of Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) has attracted the attention in several regions of the world. AIM: To explore the relationship between variations of mean meteorological parameters (temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity and duration of sunshine) and the occurrence of cases of pulmonary TB. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study of two-time series (meteorological data, case of pulmonary TB) from 1th January 2010 to 31th December 2014.Meteorological data were collected throughout the 5-year period. RESULTS: We collected 180 cases confirmed by direct examination. The relationship between seasonality and the occurrence of TB cases was addressed in two ways considering either the date of the bacteriological diagnosis or the date date of onset of symptoms of TB as the date of the census of cases. Taking into account the date of bacteriological diagnosis, it appeared that spring (33.7%) and summer (25.9%) had the most days with positive diagnosis (p = 0.012). However, considering the date of onset of symptoms of TB , it appeared that winter (34.2%) and spring (28%) had the most days with positive diagnosis with a significant difference. The comparison of the mean of meteorological parameters between days with and without bacteriological diagnosis showed that only the mean duration of sunshine was significatively associated with more cases(p=0.002). This same comparison between the days with and without TB according to the date of onset of symptoms of TB showed significant difference only for mean temperatures which were lower  during the days when patients présented symptoms of TB (p=0.013). CONCLUSION: Our results have highlighted the possible implication of meteorological parameters in the occurrence of pulmonary TB cases.

A rare cause of cough: Agenesis of the right pulmonary artery.

Unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis is a rare malformation. It can lead to several complications.The diagnosis is usually set at adolescence, however it can remain asymptomatic and late diagnosis is possible. Diagnosis is based on thoracic angioscanner. Treatment is essentially symptomatic. A 20-year-old male patient presented to our clinic with a history of cough and dyspnea with an abnormal chest X-ray. Physical examination was normal. Chest X-ray, CT-Scan and Pulmonary ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy led to the diagnosis of right pulmonary artery agenesis. Unilateral agenesis of the pulmonary artery with pulmonary hypoplasia is a rare malformation whose prognosis can be fatal. Once the diagnosis has been established medical follow up is mandatory.

Influence of Weather Conditions on the Onset of Spontaneous Pneumothorax in the Region of Sousse (Tunisia): Analysis of Time Series.

INTRODUCTION: Weather conditions were implicated in the onset of spontaneous pneumothorax (SP). AIM: Investigate the influence of weather conditions on the onset of SP. METHODS: A total of 200 patients with SP in Sousse (Tunisia) were enrolled in the study between January 2010 and December 2014. An analysis of two time series (meteorological data and pneumothorax cases) was performed. Data on weather conditions were collected daily throughout the 5-year period. RESULTS: A comparison of the mean temperature between days with and without SP showed significantly higher temperatures during the days with SP. A decrease of 1% in the relative humidity one day lag (D-1) was associated with an increase in the risk of SP by 1.6% (p=0,02). The occurrence of clusters was associated significantly with higher temperature averages on the same days. This same observation was made regarding the mean duration of sunshine two days before the cluster onset (p = 0.05). The occurrence of storms two days before clusters was also significantly associated with a risk multiplied by 1.96. CONCLUSION: There was a correlation between clusters of spontaneous pneumothorax and weather conditions in the region of Sousse-Tunisia.

Lung Adenocarcinoma with Gingival Metastasis.

Gingival metastasis of lung cancer is uncommon. We report the case of an 82-year-old male smoker admitted to the pulmonology department with right pleural effusion. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed an invasive right hilar tumour, adherent to the superior vena cava, pulmonary artery, main right bronchus, mediastinal pleura and pericardium with lymphangitic carcinomatosis of the right lung. Pleural biopsy revealed pleural metastasis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, its primary lung origin being confirmed by immunohistochemistry. One month later, the patient developed an ulcerated polypoid gingival mass. Biopsy of this lesion showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma compatible with metastasis from the lung adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent irradiation of the gingival mass at a dose of 30 Gray, but his condition worsened rapidly and he was not fit for chemotherapy. He received palliative treatment and died 2 months after diagnosis of his metastatic lung cancer. LEARNING POINTS: Lung cancers mostly metastasize to the bones, liver, lymph nodes, brain, lung and adrenal glands, with adenocarcinoma being the most common histological type.Distant metastasis to the oral region is very uncommon but can be the first manifestation of a primary tumour.Oral metastasis can be mistaken for a benign lesion, so a biopsy should be taken for further analysis.

Catamenial pneumothorax revealing diaphragmatic endometriosis: a case report and revue of literature.

Catamenial pneumothorax (CP) is a rare entity of spontaneous, recurring pneumothorax in women. We aim to discuss the etiology, clinical course, and surgical treatment of a 42-year-old woman with CP. This patient had a right-sided spontaneous pneumothoraces occurred one week after menses. She had under-gone video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) because of a persistent air leak under chest tube. VATS revealed multiple diaphragmatic fenestrations with an upper right nodule. Defects were removed and a large part of the diaphragm was resected. Pleural abrasion was then performed over the diaphragm. Diaphragmatic endometriosis was confirmed by microscopic examination. Medical treatment with GnRH agonists was prescribed, and after recovery, the patient has been symptoms free for 20 months.