Mesotheliome - asbeste au Liban: un probleme a retenir

To estimate the incidence of pleural mesothelioma and its relationship with the occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos in Chekka region. Between 1991 and 2000, 22 cases of malignant mesothelioma were diagnosed at Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital. Eighteen cases were epidemiologically investigated. Fifteen among these 18 patients [83%] had a positive exposure history exposure was occupational in 11 cases and environmental in 4 cases.The tumor was attributable to Eternit Company in 12 cases among the exposed 15 [80%]. These 12 cases were secondary to occupational exposures in 8 and to environmental exposure in 4 cases. Mean latency period between exposition and diagnosis was 29 years. Fifteen patients died from the progression of their disease after a median survival of 8 months. The relationship between pleural mesothelioma and Eternit Company with the related occupational and environmental risk in Chekka region is obvious.The assessment of the incidence needs a national cancer registry.Despite the protective measures taken by the government since-1996, an increase in the incidence is suspected in the coming ten years because of the long latency period of the disease

Actinomycose vertebrale. A propos d'un cas et revue de la litterature

In this article, the case of a 32-year-old man with a paravertebral actinomycosis is discussed. Initially, the diagnosis was not obvious but it was confirmed later with the repetitive radiologic procedures, the elimination of other etiologies [purulent, mycobacterial or mycotic infections and neoplasia] and the biopsy Treatment with penicillin initially and then with tetracycline for a long term led to a very good outcome at a 3-year follow-up with a radiologic remission. Following the discussion of the case, a review of the literature concerning the paravertebral actinomycosis, its diagnostic clues and treatment is undertaken

Infections chez les cancereux granulocytopeniques etudes retrospectives de 59 episodes febriles hospitalises

A total of 59 febrile neutropenic episodes were retrospectively recorded at Hotel-Dieu de France hospital between August 1[st] 1991 and December 31[st] 1992. these episodes were recorded in 51 cancer patients. Median neutropenia was less than one week in 50% of the cases. The etiology of these fever was documented in 27 episodes [46%] and in 70% of the cases gram [-] rods were documented. B lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics were used in 34 episodes at the initial treatment of these patients. Success rate at this initial treatment or with a modification of the antibiotic therapy was recorded in 85% of the patients. Only 15% of the patients failed to this antibiotherapy, 2/3 of them had their disease in progression. The systemic use of amphotericine E in those patients with prolonged febrile neutropenia and the concommitent use of growth factors in a sub-group of patients at high risk could lead to a higher success rate in these patients

Manipulation des produits anticancereux et information des infirmieres

Nurses are exposed to a variety of risks while handling cytotoxic drugs. A study was conducted in 6 different hospitals where those drugs are used. We inquired about the nurses information about their possible toxicities and the protection measures used while preparing and giving these drugs. The results showed that 50% of the 43 nurses questioned don't have complete information about these toxicities and nearly 60% of them do not apply any preventive measure for safe handling of these drugs especially the use of disposable gloves, the use of coveralls with long sleeves and the use of protective glasses

Lymphome primitif du sein. A propos d'un cas

The authors report a case of a primary breast lymphoma [P.B.L.]. A 23 years old female patient presented with a primary lymphoma of the left breast, pleural effusion and a biological syndrome of spontaneous tumor lysis. She had salvage mastectomy then chemotherapy. The issue was rapidly fatal, the day after the induction of chemotherapy. P.B.L. are uncommon. Less than 300 cases are found in the literature. These lymphomas are classified in 2 types: The first, the burkitt type lymphoma, usually bilateral, rapidly fatal, and affects pregnant or lactating women. The second, unilateral, unilateral, afflict patients at any age

Registre du cancer a L'Hotel-Dieu de France

Between January and december 1989, 541 new cases of cancer have been diagnosed at Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital at Beirut. These cases were among 5400 histopathologic or hemato-cytologic examinations performed during the same period. There were 311 men [57,5%] and 230 women [42,5%]. In men lung cancer was the most common site [19%] followed by bladder cancer [16,7%] and prostate cancer [11,6%]. In women the most frequent cancer reported was breast cancer [36,1%] followed by uterine [body and cervix] cancer [15,2%] and digestive tract tumors [12,3%]. Hematologic malignancies were more frequent between children and young patients. We have noted a progressive frequency of breast, lung, digestive tract, bladder and genito-urinary Cancers with age The establishment of a national tumor registry covering all diagnosed patients in different Lebanese Institutions is warranted

problems therapeutiques poses par les syndrome de Gardner, a propos d'une famille Libanaise

Gardner's syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease characterised by the association of a polyposis coli with one or more of specific extracolonic manifestations. A Lebanese family is reported. Polyposis coli, desmoid tumors, gastroduodenal polyps, procreation counselling etc are difficult problems to manage in this syndrome

L'utilisation des anti-emetiques dans la chimiotherapie du cancer

The development of new chemotherapeutic protocols especially those cisplatin containing regimens, has lead to a dramatic improvement of remission rates in certain cancers. Nausea and vomiting seems to be the most distressing side effect from the patients point of view. A good administration of classical anti-emetic drugs should yield to at least 50% of good protection. The introduction of new drugs should even give more protection to our patients