The effects of fasting on heart rate variability in hypertensive patients.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an independent indicator of increased mortality in patients with myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure. The effects of fasting on the HRV are not known in hypertensive patients. Therefore, studying the effects of Ramadan fasting on hypertensive patients' HRV seems reasonable to address. We conducted a prospective study including 20 hypertensive patients with sinus rhythm. HRV was determined twice by ambulatory 24-hour Holter recordings at fasting during and after Ramadan. Subjects mean age was 55 ± 11.8 years. Sex-ratio was 1.5. When two groups compared, statistically significant differences were found in terms of SDNN (113 ± 71 vs 140 ± 38, p = 0.001), SDANN (109.7 ± 45 vs 134.8 ± 48.3, p = 0.008), T power (2368.7 ± 121.3 vs 3660.5 ± 170.9, p = 0.03) and LF (552.2 ± 31.3 vs 903.7 ± 48.9, p < 0.0001) values. HRV parameters were found to be decreased in Ramadan. Thus, Ramadan fasting enhances the activity of the sympathetic system in hypertensive patients.

Evaluation of patients' knowledge on their vitamin K antagonist treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are currently the most prescribed oral anticoagulant treatment in Tunisia. Despite the standardization of biological monitoring and the better definition of therapeutic objectives, their side effects are a frequent reason for hospitalization. AIM: To evaluate patients' knowledge about their VKA treatment. METHODS: We realized a cross-sectional descriptive study in the Cardiology Department of HabibThameur Hospital from September to October 2016. A questionnaire consisting of 14 items was used in a semi-directed interview in order to assess patients' knowledge on their VKA treatment. RESULTS: Our study included one hundred patients. Mean age was 61 ± 12 years and sex ratio of 1.8. Forty-eight per cent were illiterate. The median duration of AVK intake was 5 years. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was the most frequent indication (57%). Eighty percent of patients had more than five correct answers on the eight items of knowledge: VKA's name (96%), tablet description (93%), dose (99%), time (94%), VKA's effect (70%), INR (56%), treatment's risk (49%) and the target INR (20%). Twenty-two percent had more than four correct answers on the 6 items of know-how: what to do in case of haemorrhage (70%), what to do in case of oblivion (45%), interactions precautions to be observed with food (13%), activities advised against (49%) and medical procedures advised against (27%). In multivariate analysis, only prior VKA information was significantly associated with a better knowledge of VKA (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our patients' knowledge on their VKA treatment was insufficient to ensure the safety and efficacy of treatment. The creation of a therapeutic education program on is therefore necessary to reduce the iatrogenic risk of this treatment.

Script concordance test as a sanctionnal evaluation in cardiology.

INTRODUCTION: Sanctioning evaluation in cardiology is carried out using multiple choice questions, short-answer questions, clinical cases and editorial questions. However, these methods do not assess clinical reasoning in a context of uncertainty in contrast with script concordance tests (SCT). AIM: To compare the scores obtained by the students in the 3rd year of medicine with the SCT versus the sanctioning test of cardiology and to study the correlation between these two evaluation methods. METHODS: This is a prospective study including 31 3rd year students who completed their cardiology clerckship in the Cardiology Department of the HabibThameur Hospital during the first half of 2016. We compared the scores obtained in the 13 SCT test (39 items) with those of the cardiology normative test. RESULTS: Students 'mean score at SCT was significantly lower than that of experts (66.6 ± 10.2 vs 86 ± 6.7%, p <0.0001). The mean score obtained by students at the SCT was significantly higher than that of the cardiology sanctioning test (p <0.001). Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.71. There was no correlation between the two tests (r = 0.329; p= 0.07). CONCLUSION: The evaluation of our students by the SCT showed mean score statistically higher than the questions of a classic test, without correlation between them. This should encourage us to incorporate SCT into our assessment methods to promote clinical reasoning.

Factors associated with poor medication compliance in hypertensive patients.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Despite therapeutic advances, only one-third of patients achieve blood pressure targets. Poor compliance is one of the main causes. AIM: To study the factors associated with poor compliance in hypertensive patients. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive prospective study including 200 hypertensive patients treated and followed out between March and April 2017. The Girerd medication adherence questionnaire was submitted to patients during an semi-directed interview. RESULTS: Patients meanagewas of 63.28 ± 9.62 years-old and sex ratio of 0.92. The predominant risk factor was dyslipidemia in 45% of cases, followed by smoking 36.5% and diabetes 25.5%. A previous history of acute coronary syndrome was found in 33.5% of cases and atrial fibrillation in 13%. Fifteen percent of our patients consumed alcohol regularly and 9.5% practiced regular physical activity. Fifty-five percent of our patients were on low sodium diet. The prevalence of poor medication adherence was 20.5%. In multivariate analysis, independent factors related to poor medication adherence were: the number of treating specialist physicians greater than 1 (OR = 3.444, p = 0.008) and the absence of information received on hypertension (OR = 4.345; p= 0.003). CONCLUSION: The improvement of medication adherence for our patients must be based on information on hypertension and its risks and the harmonization of care between treating physicians.

Early outcomes of cardiac surgery in elderly patients.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increase in average life expectancy and the higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, more elderly patients present for cardiac surgery nowadays. At the same time, age has been considered a predictor of morbidity and mortality. AIM: To evaluate the short-term outcomes of cardiac surgery in elderly patients. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study including elderly patients who underwent cardiac surgery from January 2012 to 31st of December 2016. All patients were hospitalized before and after cardiac surgery in the cardiology department of Habib Thameur Hospital. RESULTS: Our study included 55 patients. Average age was 72±6 years old and sex-ratio was two. Eighty-five percent presented with angina, 18% with dyspnea and one patient with an aortic prosthetic valve endocarditis. Mean left ventricular function was 54 ±9 %. Mean EuroSCORE II was 1.91±1.18. Twenty-six per-cent had an urgent surgery. Mean extracorporeal circulation time was of 77±26 min and mean extubation time was 8±6 h. Eighty-four per cent had a coronary artery bybass grafting and 16% a valve replacement. Four per cent had a redux and 4% a combined surgery. Stay in surgical department varied between 3 and 10 days with average of 4.6±1.2 days. Early mortality rate was of 2% and 98% had complications. Ninety-eight complications occurred after surgery: 35 reintervention for mediastinal bleeding or tamponade, 28 bleedings requiring transfusions, eight heart rhythm disorders, an atrioventricular conduction block requiring ventricular, five atrial fibrillation, two ventricular tachycardias, a ventricular fibrillation, eight low cardiac outpout, seven prolonged mechanical ventilation and eight pneumonias. In univariate analysis, recent myocardial infarction and chronic kidney disease were predictive of early complications. CONCLUSION: Our data shows cardiac surgery is feasible in elderly patients with acceptable risk in terms of mortality and an increased morbidity due to their frailty. Careful patient selection is needed for the success of cardiac surgery in elderly patients.

Evaluation of clinical reasoning teaching for third year medical students.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical reasoning teaching is an educational method based on learning and contextualized education.The aim of this study was to determine the value of clinical reasoning teaching sessions, from the perspective of third year medical students using a self-administered questionnaire. METHOD: Two successive groups of nine students (a total of 18 students) participated in this study.They had anexternship in the cardiology department of HabibThameur hospital during amonth.An anonymous evaluation self-administered questionnaire was submitted to the two groups at the end of the traineeshipperiod. RESULTS: The average scores given by students for the items "quality of education", "workload", "atmosphere", "interest in teaching sessions"and "acquisition of new clinical knowledge" were greater than 8/10. Exposed health problem to be solved has attracted the interest and the motivation of 16 students and prompted 15 others to do further research.Fourteen students opted for clinical reasoning teaching as the preferred teaching method for optimal memorization.Thirteen students have found a real contribution ofreasoning teaching in the management of relationship with the patient.All students assumed that clinical reasoning meetings session should be more frequently usedduring the internship period. CONCLUSION: Clinical reasoning teaching session appears to be widely desired by medical students.

Trends in infective endocarditis.

INTRODUCTION: Infectious endocarditis (IE) is a rare disease with a high mortality. In 2009, the European society of cardiology restricted antibiotic prophylaxis to a smaller number of cardiac conditions with very high risk for IE. Did these changes in the guidelines have an impact on the epidemiological and bacteriological profile of IE? AIM: The main aim of our work was to study the evolution of the microbiological profile of IE from 1991 to 2016. METHODS: We realized an analytic retrospective study comparing two groups: group 1 included patients admitted for a certain IE before September 2009 and group 2 those admitted after that date. RESULTS: Patients mean age was 46 ± 13 years and sex ratio was of 1.5. Forty percent of the patients were at high risk of IE. Blood cultures were positive in 19 cases. The most frequently isolated germ was Staphylococcus (10 patients). Serology was performed in six patients and was positive for Chlamydia Trachomatis in two cases. Forty-two patients had surgical treatment, 17 had a valve culture that was positive in 3 cases only. Clinical and paraclinic characteristics were comparable among the two groups. Negative blood cultures rates decreased from 72% to 68% between group 1 and 2 (p = 0.789). Staphylococcus positive blood cultures increased from 13% to 21% (p = 0.49). In contrast, Streptococcal positive blood cultures decreased from 11% to 5% in 2009 (p = 0.69). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that there has been no change in the bacteriological profile of IE after the reduction in antibiotic prophylaxis.

Right ventricular systolic echocardiographic parameters in dilated cardiomyopathy and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with poor prognosis in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Several RV echocardiographic parameters have been proposed as sensitive markers to detect patients at risk. OBJECTIVE: To compare the predictive value of echographic parameters of RV systolic function for adverse outcomes in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS:    Forty patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy were included. Right ventricular systolic function assessed by Doppler echocardiography standard (RV fractional area change, Tei index, TAPSE and dp/dt), tissue Doppler (peak systolic velocity (Sa)) and Strain 2D of the RV. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of a major cardiovascular event. The follow-up extended for 6.2 months ± 2,49. RESULTS: Eighteen patients reached the primary endpoint. TAPSE (HR 0.86 [0.74-0.99], p=0.04), Sa (HR 0.77 [0.62-0.95], p=0.01), Tei index (HR 1.06 [1.01-1.12], p=0.02) and strain of the lateral wall of the RV (HR 1.13 [1.04-1.23], p=0.004) were found to be independent predictors of major cardiovascular event. The cut-off thresholds for TAPSE, Sa, Tei index and strain of the lateral wall of th RV, defined using ROC curves were respectively 12,5mm ; 8,5cm/s ; 0,55 et -12. CONCLUSION: TAPSE, Sa, Tei index and strain of the lateral wall of the RV are independent predictors of major cardiovascular event in non ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Differences between idiopathic and ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic cardiomyopathy can be reversible after revascularization hence the interest of making systematic coronary angiography that remain an invasive procedure. AIM: To detect epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical differences between idiopathic and ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy to identify predictors of coronary artery disease and to evaluate the interest of making systematic coronary angiography within the etiological check-up of dilated cardiomyopathy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy in whom coronary angiography allowed to distinguish the ischemic cardiomyopathy group from that of idiopathic cardiomyopathy. We compared the clinical and paraclinical findings between these two groups. RESULTS: We identified 102 patients: 42 had ischemic cardiomyopathy and 60 had idiopathic cardiomyopathy. These two groups were comparable according to age and sex. Diabetes was significantly more common (p = 0.002) in the first group. Dyspnea was more common in the second group (p = 0.03) as well as atrial fibrillation and left bundle branch block (p=0,04 and p=0,05, respectively). Renal failure, fasting hyperglycemia and echocardiographic segmental wall motion abnormalities were significantly more frequent in the group of ischemic cardiomyopathy (p=0.01). In multivariate analysis, diabetes (OR=3,291, IC95% : 1,167-10,969), renal failure (OR=11,001, IC95% : 2,15-39,85) and segmental wall motion abnormalities (OR=2,351, IC95% :0.934-5.915) were independent predictors of ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSION: Diabetes, kidney failure and disorders of wall motion appears to be predictors for the ischemic origin of dilated cardiomyopathy and thereby help to limit the routine use of this invasive technique in the diagnosis.

[Immediate, medium- and long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention with very long drug eluting stent : An observational multicentric study]. / Les résultats immédiats, à moyen et à long terme de l'angioplastie coronaire par stent actif très long : à propos d'une étude multicentrique observationnelle.

INTRODUCTION: Very long coronary lesions account for 20% of coronary stenoses in the real world. There are few data on the effectiveness of angioplasty of these lesions with very long active stents (DES) in the literature. We conducted this study to assess the long-term outcomes of angioplasty with DES length ≥ 40 mm in a population with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, multicenter, descriptive, and prognostic study, conducted between January 2015 and January 2020, in four Tunisian centers, including all patients who underwent angioplasty with a DES of length ≥ 40 mm with a follow-up of at least one year. The primary outcome was a combined criteria (major cardiovascular and Cerebral events: MACCE) (stroke, acute coronary syndrome, revascularization of the target lesion: TLR, cardiovascular death: CVD). RESULTS: We included 480 procedures. More than half of the patients had at least three risk factors. The prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking were 61.1%, 56.6% and 60.4%, respectively. The treated lesions were complex: 23.54% calcified lesions, 8.75% chronic occlusions, 25% bifurcation lesions and 12.08% ostial lesions. The average length of the stents was 47.72 mm. We noted 17 cases of per-procedural complications (3.55%). The median follow-up was 35 months (extremes 1-60 months). The rate of stent thrombosis was 0.83%. The incidence of MACCE, TLR and CVD were respectively 16.25%, 8.12% and 5.2%. In multivariate analysis, diabetes (HR = 1.7, 95% CI [1.01-2.9]), dyslipidemia (HR = 2.08, 95% CI [1.3-3.3]), familial coronary artery disease (HR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.01-3.6]), left ventricle dysfunction (HR = 2.07, 95% CI [1.1-3.6]) and bifurcation lesions (HR = 1.9, 95% CI [1.2-3.14]) were the independent predictors of MACCE, while statin intake (HR = 0.38, 95% CI [0.19-0.78]) was a protective factor. CONCLUSION: Angioplasty with very long DES is associated with low levels of MACCE, TLR, stent thrombosis and CVD in our population. Therefore, it could be an interesting alternative to cardiac surgery. Randomized comparative studies of the two treatment options are needed.

Contrast media-induced nephropathy in Tunisia: prospective case-control study with cardio-nephrological monitoring.

Introduction: vascular opacification using iodinated contrast media (ICM) is often the primary diagnostic and therapeutic approach. However, the risk of post-injection nephrotoxicity of ICM is significantly higher in patients with underlying nephropathy. This study aimed to determine the incidence of Contrast Media Induced Nephropathy (CMIN) and identify predictive factors for its occurrence in patients from a cardiology department. Methods: our prospective study involved 158 patients who underwent coronary angiography or angioplasty at the cardiology department between December 2017 and May 2018. Two types of ICM were used in our study: Iopromide and Iohexol. All patients received either physiological serum (9‰) or bicarbonate serum (14‰) intravenously for hydration. We defined impaired renal function as an increase in creatinine ranging from 10 to 26 µmol/L, while CMIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine exceeding 26.5 µmol/L. We investigated the factors associated with CMIN using logistic regression analysis. Results: the mean age of our patients was 60 ± 11 years (range: 29-82), with a predominance of men 63.9% (n=101). The most common cardiovascular risk factors were tobacco (36.1%, n = 57), diabetes (48.1%, n =76), hypertension (55%, n = 87). Pre-procedural creatinine averaged 81.1 ± 47.3 µmol / L with extremes ranging from 39 to 600 µmol / L. The median Mehran risk score was 3.2 (range: 0- 15). The interventional cardiology act consisted of coronary angiography in 86.2% (n=136) of cases, coronary angioplasty in 2.5% (n=4) of cases. We used iohexol and iopromide in 57.6% (n=91) and 42.4% (n=67) of cases, respectively. The overall incidence of CMIN was 9.5% (n=9). The multivariable regression analysis identified 4 risk factors independently linked to the occurrence of CMIN which were Pre-existing renal failure (OR: 6.05, 95%CI [1.23-29.62], p = 0.026), anemia (OR: 0.043, CI [1.03-8.96], p = 0.043), the toxic dose of PC (OR: 4.7, CI [1.28-17.7], p=0.02), and at a Mehran score = 11 (OR: 3.7, CI [0.88-15.6], p=0.036). Conclusion: the most effective approach for CMIN is prevention, which focuses on addressing modifiable risk factors to minimize the risk especially in patients with pre-existing renal failure.

Endovascular therapy for steno-occlusive subclavian artery disease early and long-term outcomes in a multicentric Tunisian study.

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of endovascular therapy in patients with subclavian steno-occlusive disease over the short and long term in a Tunisian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent endovascular treatment of subclavian artery (SCA) steno-occlusive disease between 2013 and 2019 in three Tunisian centers were evaluated retrospectively. After treatment, patients were follow-up was scheduled at 1, 3, 6, 12 months postoperatively and annually afterwards by Doppler ultrasound and clinical findings. Primary outcomes included technical, clinical procedural success rates and limb salvage rate. Secondary outcomes included the occurrence of periprocedural complications and primary patency rates. RESULTS: 56 patients (33 males, 58.9%) were evaluated. Patients' mean age was 61.5 + years. Technical success rate was 94.6 %, being 100% in case of stenosis and 78.5% in case of occlusion. The technical success rate was 94.6%. The clinical success rate was 100% and the upper limb salvage rate was 100%. Minor amputations were performed on 5 patients. Perioperative mortality and morbidity rates were 0% and 8.9% respectively. Mean follow-up was 26.7±16.4 months (range 12-86 months). Two in-stent restenosis occurred (at 12 and 15 months) and one case of thrombosis at the 16th month. The primary patency rates were 88.7%+4.3% at the end of the first year and 78.7%+6.1% at 3 years. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment can be considered as a safe and effective treatment of SCA steno-occlusive disease, with low perioperative complication rates and a good patency rates over long term. KEY WORDS: Subclavian artery stenosis, Subclavian artery occlusion, endovascular, subclavian revascularization.

Clinical and electrophysiological profile of Brugada syndrome in the Tunisian population.

BACKGROUND: Most clinical studies of the clinical profile of Brugada syndrome (BS) have been conducted in either Asia, Europe, or America and their applicability to North African populations is largely unknown. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical profile of BS in Tunisian patients. METHODS: The clinical and follow-up data of 24 patients (22 men, mean age: 40.8 ± 13.7 years) were collected since 2002. Baseline characteristics, morbidity, and mortality data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: One patient (4.16%) survived sudden cardiac death (SCD), four patients (16.3%) had syncope, and 19 patients (79.1%) were asymptomatic. Eleven patients (45.8%) had a family history of SCD. Twenty patients showed a spontaneous coved-type ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram and after medical challenge on the four remnants. An electrophysiological study was performed in 15 of 24 patients (62.5%), during which ventricular fibrillation was induced in six patients (40%); three of the six patients were previously asymptomatic. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) was implanted in 14 patients (58.3%). After a mean follow-up of 26 ± 21 months, one patient died from a noncardiac cause and one patient (with a history of aborted SCD) received an appropriate shock from his ICD. None of the asymptomatic and noninducible patients experienced a cardiac event. CONCLUSIONS: BS is present in the North African population and is probably under-recognized. Tunisian patients with BS share with their western and Asiatic counterparts similar clinical profile.

[Right ventricular function by the tricupid annular motion in inferior myocordial infarction]. / Evaluation de la fonction ventriculaire droite dans l'infarctus du myocarde inférieur par analyse du mouvement annulaire tricuspide.

AIM: To assess the method of tricuspid annular motion and tricuspid annular velocity in the study of the right ventricular function after inferior myocardial infarction. METHODS: 65 patients with myocardial infarction were studied prospectively. The infarction site was anterior in 30 cases and inferior in 35 cases. 9 patients with inferior infarctus had electrocardiographic signs of right ventricular infarction. 24 healthy individuals served as control patients. The standard echocardiography was completed by the analysis of systolic motion of the tricuspid annulus with the use of M-mode and the recording of tricuspid annular velocity with the use of pulsed-move tissue imaging. RESULTS: The tricuspid annular motion was significantly reduced in inferior myocardial infarction compared with that in healthy individuals (20 and 25 mm, p<0.001). The peak systolic velocity of the tricuspid annulus was significantly reduced in inferior myocardial infarction compared with that in healthy individuals and patients with anterior infarction (11.5; 15; 14 cm/s, p<0.001). In the group of patients with inferior infarction, the tricuspid annular motion was significantly lower in patients with right ventricular infarction than in patients without right ventricular infarction (16 and 13 mm, p<0.001). The patients with right ventricular infarction had also a significantly decreased peak systolic tricuspid annular velocity (11 and 1305cm/s, p<0.001), peak early diastolic velocity (9 and 12.5cm/s, p<0.001) and late diastolic velocity (14 and 18 cm/s, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The method of recording the motion and velocity of tricuspid annulus is simple and can be used to assess right ventricular function in patients with inferior myocardial infarction.

Prognostic value of atrial strain in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Left atrial function in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has long been underestimated when studying the ultrasound parameters of DCM. Currently, several ultrasound parameters of left atrial function have been proposed as markers to detect patients at risk. AIM: To evaluate the left atriumfunctionwith 2D speckle tracking echocardiography and itsprognostic value in the dilatedcardiomyopathy. METHODS: The study prospectively recruited 40 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, between January and June 2014, followed up at the cardiology department of Habib Thameur Hospital of Tunis. An echocardiogram was performed for all patients at the beginning of the study. After a 6-month follow-up, the primary endpoint was the occurrence of a major cardiovascular event. The patients were divided into a first group without cardiovascular events (group 1) and a second group with a cardiovascular event (group 2). RESULTS: During the follow-up, 25 patients presented a major cardiovascular event (8 ventricular arrhythmias and 17 hospitalizations for acute decompensated heart failure). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding cardiovascular risk factors, symptoms and blood testing values.In addition, regarding results obtained from speckle tracking echocardiography, atrial peak-systolic longitudinal strain (PALS) and time to peak atrial longitudinal strain (TPALS) values were observed to be significantly lower in group 2 ( 34.6% in group 1 vs 28.4% in group 2, p=0.000; and 344.6ms in group 1 vs 349.8 ms in group 2, p=0.016 respectively). CONCLUSION: The analysis of the LA speckle tracking in the dilatedcardiomyopathymay help cardiologistto identify patients at high cardiovascular risk and thus improve their management and follow-up.

Serious Game Design with medical students as a Learning Activity for Developing the 4Cs Skills: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking: A qualitative research.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of technology in education has led to various changes in the way that different stakeholders, like students and teachers work and interact with each other. The use of the serious game design in educational contexts has been related to the development of the 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. AIM: To analyze a serious game design process by third -year medical students, from the perspective of the 21st century competencies engaged in the game design process. Those outlined key competencies are communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. METHODS: This is a qualitative, descriptive, and inductive study that follows a phenomenological approach. Twelve volunteer third-year medical students participated in an activity of designing of serious games. This study, carried out during summer internship in the cardiology department of Habib Thameur Hospital. The course of the designing of serious games with students spread over 4 weeks with 10 hours face-to-face and 10 hours of remote work. RESULTS: The participants in our study were twelves third-year medical students. Of these 12 students, 10 were female. The duration of each interview depends on each participant's ability. The analysis of the data, based on the phenomenological method of Giorgi brought out four central themes: theme 1: Critical thinking skills and problems solving skills, theme 2: Communication, theme 3: Creativity, theme 4: Collaboration. The overall essence of the phenomenon is these third medical students who experienced the serious game design outlined key competencies. CONCLUSION: Using serious game development-based learning as a learning method to impart multidimensional skills and knowledge suggests a promising approach for developing clinical reasoning, creativity, communication, and collaboration in students.

Effects of Ramadan fasting on blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

INTRODUCTION: During Ramadan, repeated cycles of fasting might contribute to changes in blood pressure among hypertensive patients. Studies on the effects of fasting on the blood pressure of hypertensive patients are scarce and have provided inconclusive results. AIM: To examine the effect of fasting on ambulatory blood pressure and heart rate in treated hypertensive subjects. METHODS: The study prospectively recruited 60 hypertensive patients between April and June 2019, followed up at the cardiology department of Habib Thameur Hospital of Tunis. A 24-hour pressure monitoring was carried out during two periods: prior to Ramadan and during the last ten days of Ramadan. We compared the average values of 24 hour, awake and asleep systolic and diastolic blood pressure and 24 hour, awake and asleep heart rate. RESULTS: We studied 40 women and 20 men; mean age was 58.4 years. 33% of the patients were diabetics, 42% dyslipidemics, 15% had coronaropathy. 45% of the patients were on monotherapy, 37% on dual therapy and 18% on a triple antihypertensive therapy. During Ramadan, 74% of the patients were taking the treatment once daily, 3% twice daily, and 23% three times per day. Average 24hour ambulatory blood pressure in the whole group was 129±17/74±10 mmHg before Ramadan and 128±17/73±9 mmHg during Ramadan (p>0.05). Daytime and nighttime mean values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as mean values of heart rate were not different between both periods regardless of age, gender, medical history and lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, there were no significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as heart rate during the 2 periods.

Assessing medical student satisfaction and interest with serious game.

INTRODUCTION: Serious games are interactive and entertaining digital software with an educational purpose, and they are increasingly being used in undergraduate medical education. Effective serious games attempt to form positive mood in order to encourage players to continue the play, leading to increased interest in gameplay and satisfaction as well as better academic performances. AIM: To determine  the medical students' satisfaction, situational and individual interest during a serious game. METHODS: This was a prospective study performed during a 2-year period (2018-2019 and 2019-2020). A total of 108 third-year medical students participated in this study. Students were asked to play a serious game on a computer for 20 minutes. A set of questionnaires containing evaluation grids to measure the satisfaction and interest was given to students. The effectiveness of the game was assessed using pre and post-tests. RESULTS: Following the exclusion criteria of students due to missing data, complete data were available for 97 students. Satisfaction and interest experienced by the students were high. The median of the game performance of students was 418, 04 points. There was a positive relationship between ease of use and game performance. There was a negative correlation between the three scales of interest and game performance. There was a significant difference between the mean scores of pre-tests and post-tests (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest the potentials of serious game on medical student's satisfaction, interest and learning achievement.

Both mediastinal and pericardial hydatidosis revealed by ST elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Hydatidosis remains an endemic disease in some regions of the world, such as Tunisia. The liver and the lungs are the most common sites in adults. Mediastinal and pericardial hydatid cysts are very rare even in endemic areas and true incidence has not been described in the literature. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman with clinical, biological and electrocardiographic features of acute myocardial infraction. Two-dimensional echocardiography and detailed imaging revealed a mediastinal and pericardial hydatid cyst. The particularity of the clinical presentation, the complementary investigations as well as the management and follow-up of the patient are discussed. This case is of great interest since the rarity of concomitant hydatid cyst in two uncommon localizations: mediastinum and pericardium, and the unusual incidental discovery during a myocardial infarction.