Large-scale screening of lipase acid deficiency in at risk population.

Background: Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LALD, OMIM#278000) is a rare lysosomal disorder with an autosomal recessive inheritance. The main clinical manifestations are related to a progressive accumulation of cholesteryl esters, triglycerides or both within the lysosome in different organs such as the liver, spleen, and cardiovascular system. A wide range of clinical severity is associated with LALD including a severe very rare antenatal/neonatal/infantile phenotype named Wolman disease and a late-onset form named cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD).

[Efficacy of hydrostatic balloon dilatation of anastomotic Crohn's disease strictures].

Objectives: To estimate the efficacy of hydrostatic balloon dilatation (HD) of anastomotic strictures of Crohn's disease and the impact of medical treatment on the duration of HD effects.

Methods: Sixteen patients with anastomotic stricture (average length: 4.7 cm) were treated by HD and followed-up for a median duration of 24 months.

[Epidemiology and management of care of hepatitis C infection in the Poitou-Charentes region in 1997 and 2000].

Objectives: A repeat cross-sectional survey was performed in 1997 and 2000 in the Poitou-Charentes district of France to compare screening and management of hepatitis C virus infection.

Methods: The "Hepatitis C Network" asked the biological laboratories in the region to provide anonymous results of serology tests performed during two two month periods at a 3 year interval. An epidemiological and follow-up questionnaire was sent to the medical practitioner who prescribed the test for all positive tests.