[Viral infection risk in polytransfused adults: seroprevalence of seven viruses in central Tunisia]. / Le risque infectieux viral chez le polytransfusé : séroprévalence de sept agents viraux dans le centre tunisien.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of seven transfusion-transmitted viruses in polytransfused adults and children comparatively with a group of healthy control subjects. We studied 107 polytransfused patients (59 adults and 48 children) and 160 control subjects (100 blood donors and 60 children). Immunoenzymatic tests were used for detection of HBs antigen (HBs Ag), antibodies against hepatitis C Virus (anti-HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV), and IgG antibodies against human cytomegalovirus (IgG anti-CMV), human parvovirus B19 (IgG anti-PB19), and hepatitis E virus (IgG anti-HEV). An immunofluorescent assay was performed for the detection of human herpesvirus 8 antibodies (anti-HHV8). Prevalence of HBs Ag, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, IgG anti-CMV, IgG anti-PB19, IgG anti-HEV, and anti-HHV8 in polytransfused group was 8.4, 4.7, 0, 86.9, 60.7, 28.9, and 47.6%, respectively, and 1.8, 0.6, 0, 86.2, 53.1, 10, and 12.5%, respectively, in the control group. The difference in prevalence between the two groups was statistically significant for HBs Ag (P = 0.01), anti-HCV (P = 0.03), IgG anti-HEV (P < 10(-4)), and IgG anti-HHV8 (P < 10(-4)). Categorization according to age showed that hepatitis B and C risk was limited in adult polytransfused group. HHV8 infection was higher in polytransfused subjects born before the use of leucocyte-depleted blood components. Our results corroborate literature data on the risk of HEV and HHV8 infection by blood transfusion. Hepatitis B vaccination and improvement in screening tests have an important role in reduction of hepatitis B and C risk in transfusion, especially in young polytransfused persons. However, a residual risk of transmitting viral infections persists, and efforts are needed to improve transfusion safety.

[Postnatal diagnosis and prognosis of 2 cases of triploidy]. / Diagnostic postnatal et pronostic de 2 cas de triploïdie.

Triploidy is one of the most common chromosomal aberrations in spontaneous abortions characterized by a 69-chromosome karyotype. This chromosome abnormality is rare in live-born children. Prevalence is lower than 1/50,000. We report on two premature newborns, male and female, born at 35 and 37 weeks of gestation, who presented with severe intrauterine growth retardation, facial dysmorphy, myelomeningocele, and syndactyly. They died during the first hours of life due to respiratory distress syndrome. Analysis of the karyotype showed a homogeneous triploidy on all mitoses: 69 XXY and 69 XXX. The parental origin of the triploidy can have specific effects in the fetal phenotype and the development of the placenta.

[Factors influencing pulmonary function in Tunisian women aged 45 years and more]. / Facteurs influençant les variables ventilatoires des Tunisiennes âgées de 45 ans et plus.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyse the factors influencing pulmonary function and inspiratory muscle strength in healthy Tunisian women aged >or=45 years and in particular to determine the effect of parity. METHODS: A medical questionnaire together with an evaluation of sporting activity score and 2 levels for schooling and socio-economic status was administered. Parity was introduced as numeric, as dichotomous (G1:or=4) and in 3 classes (C1:<2; C2:=3-4; C3: > 4). Plethysmography with measurement of airway conductance and maximal inspiratory pressure was performed. RESULTS: 108 women were included. According to the ascending multiple linear regression, and in decreasing order, the following influencing factors are noted: Age and height, parity, weight and daily activity, schooling level, and finally leisure activity, body mass index, and physical activity. With high parity, and especially in women aged >or=60 years, there was a decrease in inspiratory muscle strength and an obstructive tendency, without associated restrictive component. Parity effects are age independent. CONCLUSIONS: Factors influencing the pulmonary function of healthy Tunisian women aged >or=45 years are multiple. Lung function declines with increasing parity.