[Disribition and prevalence of dyslipidemia in Tunisia: results of Tunisian national nutrition survey]

The aims of the study were to study the distribution of cholesterol and triglycerides and to assess the prevalence of dyslipemia in Tunisian adult population. The Tunisian National Nutrition Survey [TNNS] was a cross sectional study performed on a total of 7860 adult subjects and was conducted on1996-1997. The TNNS included 3087 adults over 20 years old. The mean values of cholesterol [CT] were more elevated in urban than rural area [p<0,001], and in females than in males [p<0.007]. The overall prevalence of hypercholesterolemia [CT >6, 2 mmol/l] was 8, 4% and that of hypertriglyceridemia [TG > 1, 70 mmol/l] was 21%. The prevalence of borderline high cholesterol [>-/ 5, 2 - < 6, 2 mmol/l] was 17%: These prevalences were more elevated in urban than rural areas [p<0,001] and increased with age in both genders [p<0,001]. The multiple adjusted odd ratio of the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia showed a positive correlation with female sex [OR 1.40 p <0, 01], high waist circumference [OR 2.51 in men and 3, 04 in women p <0001] and urban residency [OR1.35 p = 0, 03]. Our study showed the metabolic consequences of westernization style life in our country and should be the starter to preventive adequate policy

[Factors influencing homocysteineamia in type 2 diapetic patients]

Previous studies have suggested that hyperhomocysteinaemia [Hcy] could be a strong and independent cardiovascular risk factor. Many factors could influence the serum concentration of Hcy such as vitamin B 12, folic acid, renal failure, hypothyroId status, ovarian failure and cancers. So the aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia among 54 type 2 diabetic patients and to study, its relationship with vitamin B 12, folic acid and Metformin. Were excluded all patients with an evident cause of hyperhomocysteinaemia. Mean age of patients was 52.8 years. Mean Hcy was 11,7 + 6,9 micro mol/l. The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia was 27,8% in our group. There were eight [14%] patients with vitamin B 12 deficiency and three among them had hyperhomocysteinaemia There was no folic acid deficiency and no relationship with Metformin treatment. We suggest a wide screening of hyperhomocysteinaemia in type 2 diabetic patients and folic acid or vitamin B 12 supplements if necessary

[Hyponatremies: clinical, prognostic and etiological aspects. About 4 observations]

Hyponatremia is defined as a plasmatic sodium level lower than 136 mmol/l it is a relatively frequent pathology and it is often discovered incidentally. The authors report 4 cases of hyponatremia illustrating the variety of mechanisms and the need for adapted treatments. The prognosis depends mostly on the etiology