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ABSTRACT: The epidemiologic study of sarcoidosis is problematic and differing incidences across the world are reported. In Tunisia, the incidence of this affection is yet unknown. This is at least attributable to the lack of large series and the overshadowing presence of tuberculosis.
To determine presenting signs, symptoms and investigations particularities.
We report a retrospective series patients with sarcoidosis followed up in the Rabta university hospital between 1991 and 2005 and try to determine presenting signs, symptoms and investigations particularities.
131 patients (79 women and 52 men) with a median age of 47 ± 14 years were reviewed. They were symptomatic in 95 % of cases. Cutaneous symptoms were present at onset in 56.8 %, respiratory symptoms in 48.6 % and general symptoms in 41.6 %. Thoracic presentation was observed in 81.3%. Chest X-ray changes and tomodensitometry showed that type II and III were predominant. Lung function was disturbed in 58.5% of the cases. Extrathoracic involvement, observed in 89.3 % of the cases, was largely dominated by cutaneous lesions. Histopathological lesions provided diagnosis in 66.6%.
The relative high frequency of dermatological lesions suggests genetic or even environmental predisposition to develop sarcoidosis such as sunlight exposition.
La Tunisie médicale 04/2011; 89(4):332-5.
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La Tunisie médicale 09/2009; 87(9):637.
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La Tunisie médicale 06/2008; 86(5):526.
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ABSTRACT: Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is a rare physical allergy, sometimes severe, triggered by exertion following specific food intake. Although described several years ago, this condition is not well known; the diagnosis is frequently made several years after follow up.
To describe the physiopathologic mechanism, etiologic factors, clinical manifestations and diagnostic means.
Review of the literature.
It is likely that execise induce the release of a sufficient amount of mediators from mast IgE dependant cells exceeding a certain threshold. A number of food trigger have been suggested in EIA, the most commonly reported agent is wheat which has to be systematically looked for. A range of physical activities have been associated with EIA. Intensive physical activities are more likely to provoke an attack than less strenuous ones. The recognition of specific food causative role do not indicate the avoidance of food intake but exercise is forbidden within the four hours following specific aliment ingestion.
Further studies seem to be necessary to clarify the mechanism of food dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
La Tunisie médicale 02/2008; 86(1):78-81.
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ABSTRACT: Adverse effects of diesel exhaust is being now a subject of many recent studies. These various outcomes and especially respiratory changes are due to high concentration of different polluants within diesel exhaust particles. To date, it have been demonstrated that diesel emission increase the airway allergic reaction as rhinitis and asthma. In addition, to those side effects, it is proved that diesel exhaust is a probable human carcinogen based on evidence. Many epidémiologic evidence found a significant increase in lung cancer risk. However, some studies have provided contradictory results due to concomittant exposure to other polluants, tobacco exposure and difficulties to extrapolate findings in animal models into humans.
La Tunisie médicale 04/2005; 83(3):127-31.
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ABSTRACT: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the hallmark of allergic diseases and asthma. Regulating IgE production has been the focus over several years as an important strategy in the treatment of allergic diseases. Recently, nonanaphylactogenic antihuman IgE antibodies have been under clinical evaluation as a therapeutic agent against atopic disease. In asthmatic subjects, the administration of these monoclonal anti-IgE antibody has been shown to reduce plasma IgE levels, reduce early and late phase allergic responses after allergen provocation, improve symptoms and reduce rescue medication. No serious side effects were reported. Thus, the clinical effectiveness of these medications supports the viability of anti-IgE therapy as a potentially effective treatment option for asthma.
La Tunisie médicale 11/2002; 80(10):575-80.
