[Protective effect of breast-feeding in childhood obesity]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the frequency of obesity in children scolarised in Zaghouan, and to show the protective effect of breast feeding. A retrospective study, included 162 children [aged 2 to 6 years], from 3 kindergartens situated in Zaghouan, during 2006. A questionnaire was drawn up, filled out by parents, concerning the breast feeding, the duration, the family antecedents of obesity, and the nutritional practices. Obesity is defined by a Body Mass Index [BMI] >/= 97 centile referring to curve of the centiles of BMI for the age [Rolland Cachera]. 86% of children were breast fed. 85 children [52%] were nursed by breast exclusively 6 months or over [A group]. 54 [34%] are exclusively breast-fed lower than 6 months [B group]. 23 [14%] were never breast fed [group C]. An overweight was found in 20 children [12%]. This overweight is noted respectively in 8%, 9% and 8/23 in the groups A, B and C. Our results showed that there is a statistically significant relation between the BMI and the breast feeding [P< 10 -8]. Breast feeding has probably a protective effect against obesity of the child [Odds Ratio = 0,17]. Promotion of the breast-feeding and information on its methods and its control are a public health priority, it protects the child and his mother from certain diseases and prevents from childhood obesity. OMS recommends an exclusive breast feeding until the 6 months age, and to continue if possible until the 2 years

[Clinical features and treatment in cushing's disease. About 18 cases]

We report a retrospective study about 18 Cushing's diseases colliged in the department of endocrinology at Charles Nicolle hospital in 24 years. The mean age was 33, 7 years with a male-female ratio of 4/14 Diagnosis was established on adrenocorticotropin hormone analysis and pituitary imaging. Transsphenoidal adenomectomy was related in 8 cases of Cushing's disease, it was sussessful in 5 patients [62.5%]. Bilateral adrenalectomy was performed in three cases