[Macro-AST and myeloma: An incidental association?] / Macro-ASAT et myélome : une association fortuite ?

INTRODUCTION: Macro-AST is recognized as a classical aetiology of isolated and persistent increase of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Macro-AST are high molecular weight complexes associating AST and a macromolecule, often an immunoglobulin. Although those macroenzymes of unknown pathogenesis are usually non-pathogenic, association with several diseases, including autoimmune diseases and liver diseases has been described. CASE REPORT: We report here the case of a 45-year-old patient with previously normal liver enzymes in whom an AST elevation and an IgA monoclonal gammopathy were discovered concomitantly. Following the diagnosis of multiple myeloma, we could evidence in the patient's serum a complex between AST and the monoclonal IgA. AST levels course followed closely the progression of monoclonal gammopathy. CONCLUSION: This is the first report demonstrating a clear link between macro-AST and a monoclonal gammopathy.

[Update on HIV infection in Mayotte]. / Le VIH à Mayotte.

Mayotte is a small French island located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mozambique. It is one of the four Comorian Islands and has a population of about 200,000. The first cases of AIDS were diagnosed in 1989. Since then, the number of serological tests performed annually has stabilized at around 14000. However the number of new cases and treatment reports appears to be increasing slowly. Five of the 15 cases diagnosed in 2005 were at the AIDS stage. In 2006, 74 people were treated at the Mayotte hospital including 5 children. The mean age of the 69 adult patients was 38 years. Contamination was heterosexual for 71% of the adult cases, homosexual in 13% and transfusional in 3%. Women accounted for 59.5% of adult patients because of antenatal screening. All cases in Mayotte involved HIV type 1 infection. Forty-nine patients are undergoing treatment. Viremia is undetectable in 74% as compared to 85% in 2005. This decrease is due to a drop in attendance from 7.2 in 2005 to fold 4.5 in an island environment where HIV is still considered as a shameful disease.

[Vaccination of children against hepatitis B in Mayotte, French Comoros Island]. / Vaccination de l'enfant contre l'hépatite B à Mayotte, île française des Comores.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is responsible for a worldwide mortality of 1 million people each year. It constitutes a major public health problem, especially in highly endemic zones, where it concerns the youngest children, primarily by a mother to child transmission, with a strong risk of chronic hepatitis infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunisation of children versus HBV is known to be efficient and safe. In Mayotte, a French overseas territory in Indian Ocean, immunisation versus HBV has been introduced since 1993 in the vaccine schedule, starting at day 1 of life. We report hereby the local experience and practice on HBV infection, state of vaccine coverage, and difficulties met with this major public health issue.

[The subcutaneous etonogestrel implant: a new contraceptive method in Mayotte?]. / L'etonogestrel en implant sous-cutané: un nou- veau moyen de contraception a Mayotte?

The isle of Mayotte is a part of the Comoros archipelago, its political status is that of a French Territory Despite a birth control programme helping to space out the births rather than restricting their number, the Mayotte population growth is soaring. Since the visit of the President in May 2001 the subcutaneous etonogestrel implant became available for the population of Mayotte. We then carried out a study to evaluate the response given by 50 post-partum women to this new contraceptive method. 38% of the women declared to be willing to use this contraceptive device while 52% instead didn't wish to try. Although not clearly expressed, the wish to have large families is still there and can be explained by religious and cultural factors. Considering the study results, this contraceptive method could certainly be useful in Mayotte. However a well-balanced education campaign, neither too negative nor too enthusiastic, should be necessary to avoid false expectations which in that case could induce widespread negative rumour towards the birth control method.