Cigarette smokers' profile in Lebanese adults

The objective of this study was to describe cigarette smoking prevalence among adults in Lebanon and to evaluate the profile of light cigarette smokers compared to never and heavy smokers. Data were taken from a cross-sectional study carried out from October 2009 to Septem-ber 2010, using a multistage cluster sampling all over Lebanon. Lebanese residents aged 40 years and above were enrolled in the study with no exclusion criteria. After an oral informed consent, subjects answered a questionnaire, including detailed smoking history and cigarette dependence. SPSS version 17.0 was used for data analysis. Out of 2201 individuals, 1320 [60.0%] had ever smoked cigarettes, out of whom 10.1% were light cigarette smokers. The adjusted odds ratio estimate of cigarette smoking was 3.08 for males compared to females [P<0.001], 1.13 for lower education [P=0.016], 1.87 and 3.12 for re-tired and jobless compared to working [P=0.001 and P<0.001] respectively, 1.17 for older age [P<0.001], 1.68 for presence versus absence of a family history of chronic respiratory disease [P<0.001], and 5.27 and 1.99 for presence compared to absence of at least one smoker at home [P<0.001] and at work [P < 0.001] respectively. This is the first epidemiological study in Lebanon that determined cigarette smoking prevalence at the national level. In Lebanon, males of the older generation seem to have higher smoking prevalence and dosing.

reflux gastro-oesophagien: point de vue du pneumologue

Gastroesophageal reflux [GER] is a common situation that can express with digestive, extra-digestive, respiratory or otolaryngologic symptoms. Some chronic pulmonary disorders include in their setting GER as well. This review will address pathogenesis, clinical signs, complications and treatment of GER with a special focus towards the pulmonologist field. GER is a physiological post-prandial phenomenon of limited duration. It is induced by transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation [tLESR] or by factors that impede LES function by reducing its tone or disrupting its contractions. Extra-digestive symptoms are caused by vagal stimulation through common autonomic pathways to the esophagus and bronchi. This reflex is triggered by gastric acid stimulation of esophageal receptors and by acid micro-aspirations into the airways. The responsibility of GER towards respiratory symptoms is often difficult to attest despite thorough investigations. Results of one to three-month treatment trial with proton pump inhibitors can be of value. Gastroesophageal assessment is mandatory as pulmonary manifestations might indicate disease severity

childhood asthma crisis in emergencies Investigation of 96 cases

Throughout a 2-year period, children who presented at Hotel-Dieu de France emergency department [ED] with acute asthma were analyzed prospectively and data on their environment, family and personal history as well as treatment were recorded. Treatment delivered at the ED, response and further outcome were analyzed. Out of 2024 children aged less than 15 years, 96 [5%] had acute asthma attack. Their median age was 4 years and M/F ratio was 2:1. Median age at onset of asthma was 2 years. Only 66 patients were recognized as asthmatics and 20% were given regular inhaled daily treatment. Current attack was mild in 45%, moderate in 45% and severe in 10% of cases. Home treatment before ED admission was often inadequate. Nine patients required hospital admission after failure of treatment at the ED. Within a median follow-up of 12 months, half of the patients experienced further attacks sometimes requiring ED care [27%] or hospital admission [8%]. These data highlight the fact that asthma in our country is still largely under recognized and inadequately treated

Le cancer du poumon au liban, D'apres l'experience de l'Hotel-Dieu de France a Beyrouth.

All lung cancer cases admitted in our hospital from the 1st of January 1979 to the 31st of December 1995 were reviewed to allow for the study of the behaviour of the disease in Lebanon. A total of 386 cases included 87.5% males and 12.5% females. Mean age was 60 years. 87.3% were smokers. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent histologic type [37.3%] and predominant in men. Adenocarcinoma was more frequent in women [50% v/s 29.9%]. Patients often consulted their physician after delays of several months. Diagnosis is commonly confirmed by bronchoscopy. Transthoracic needle aspiration has become since 1990, a very useful procedure for diagnosis of peripheral lesions with a sensitivity of 90.6%. Metastases are recorded in 30.9% of cases. Histological type distribution and advanced cancer stages found in our study are similar to that encountered in extensive international studies over the last few decades