Familial occurrence of painful subacute thyroiditis associated with human leukocyte antigen-B35.

Introduction: Subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is a spontaneously remitting inflammatory disorder of the thyroid that is presumed to be virally induced in genetically predisposed individuals. A strong association has been suggested between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B35 and patients who developed SAT. However, familial occurrence of SAT associated with HLA-B35 is reported only rarely.

[Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura occurring simultaneously with systemic lupus erythematosus. A case report].

Introduction: The association between thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and systemic lupus erythematosus has been rarely described, especially when the occurrence of both situations is simultaneous.

Observation: We report the case of a 21-year-old young woman who presented with this association.

Discussion And Conclusion: The simultaneous diagnosis of these two diseases is difficult because both share similar features.

[Obesity and related diseases in a Lebanese medical center].

Introduction: Obesity is actually a pandemic disease by itself, especially by its numerous associated complications. Obesity is considered among the most important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Its prevalence is variable between countries, but could be estimated to be around 20%.

Peripheral venous catheter-related inflammation. A randomized prospective trial.

Background: Peripheral venous catheter-related inflammation (PVCRI) is a serious health and economic issue. It is mainly linked to peripheral venous catheter (PVC) duration and other risk factors.

Methods: PVCRI was prospectively evaluated in a 3 month-study according to PVC duration.

Treatment of central pontine myelinolysis with thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

Introduction: Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM), demyelination of the brain stem, is a brain injury apparently due to osmotic forces. There is no consensus for its treatment.

Case: We describe here a case of CPM that occurred in a young patient after correction of hyponatremia, its treatment by intravenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone, and its outcome.

[Human brucellosis in Lebanon. Clinical features and therapeutic responses in 88 patients].

Objectives: Present clinical features of brucellosis in Lebanon.

Methods: Eighty-eight patients were seen at Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital of Beirut between 1994 and 2002. Diagnostic criteria were brucellar agglutinins at a titer; 1/160 with symptoms suggestive of brucellosis in the absence of other diagnosis and a therapeutic response.

[Typhoid fever. Clinical and therapeutic study in 70 patients].

Objective: Present clinical features of typhoid fever in Lebanon.

Methods: Retrospective study of 70 patients admitted to a university hospital center between 1995 and 2002. The criteria for inclusion were a positive Salmonella typhi or paratyphi hemoculture and/or a Widal serodiagnosis > or = 1/160 for O agglutinin, in the presence of evocative symptoms.