Although gastresophageal reflux disease (GERD) is highly prevalent in Western countries, we have very little data about it in African countries. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and severity of GERD symptoms among Tunisian subjects and report its characteristics, consultation rate, management modes, as well as patients' satisfaction. Five hundred subjects living in Tunisia were interviewed face to face. The study was conducted at seven centers of primary care at Monastir's department by six interviewer doctors. The questionnaire consisted of 30 questions relating to subject attributes, lifestyle factors, medical history, reflux-related symptom characteristics, consultation behavior, previous treatments for GERD, and description of the last episode. Symptoms were defined as 'frequent' if they occurred at least weekly and 'occasional' if they occurred less frequently during the last year. The mean age was 42.3 ± 17.3 years and 75.6% were females. Over the previous year, 60% of the respondents reported suffering any GERD symptom. The prevalence of frequent GERD is 24%. Female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.97[1.15-3.37]) and body mass index ≥ 25 (OR: 1.54[1.042-2.29]) were associated with increased risk of GERD symptom. Only 22.3%, sought medical advice about GERD symptoms in the last year. In the univariate and multivariate analysis, work status, frequency and intensity of symptoms, duration of symptom, and association of atypical symptoms were associated with a higher frequency of medical consultation for GERD symptoms. Among the subjects complaining about heartburn, 34% took medications. GERD symptoms are common among Tunisian subjects. Few heartburn sufferers seek medical attention, and most do not take medications for symptomatic control.

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an auto-immune disease with multiple organ involvements that occurs mainly in young women. Literature data suggest that serositis is more frequent in late-onset SLE. However, peritoneal serositis with massive ascites is an extremely rare manifestation. We report a case of old-onset lupus peritonitis treated successfully by Hydroxychloroquine. A 77-year-old Tunisian woman was hospitalized because of massive painful ascites. Her family history did not include any autoimmune disease. She was explored 4 years prior to admission for exudative pleuritis of the right lung without any established diagnosis. Physical examination showed only massive ascites. Laboratory investigations showed leucopenia: 3100/mm3, lymphopenia: 840/mm3 and trace protein (0.03g/24h). Ascitic fluid contained 170 cells mm3 (67% lymphocytes), 46 g/L protein, but no malignant cells. The main etiologies of exudative ascites were excluded. She had markedly elevated anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1/1600 and a significantly elevated titer of antibody to double-stranded DNA (83 IU/mL) with hypo-complementemia (C3 levl was at 67 mg/dL). Antibody against the Smith antigen was also positive. Relying on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with SLE and treated with Hydroxychloroquine 200 mg daily in combination with diuretics. One month later, there was no detectable ascitic fluid and no pleural effusions. Five months later she remained free from symptoms while continuing to take chloroquine. This case was characterized by old age of onset of SLE, the extremely rare initial presentation with lupus peritonitis and massive painful ascites with dramatic response to only hydroxychloroquine treatment.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Superior mesenteric artery syndrome-induced pancreatitis is rarely reported .We report a case which can be explained by an occlusive post-papillary syndrome, which produces retrograde reflux of bile into the pancreatic duct, activating inflammation responsible for pancreatitis.

No abstract

No abstract