Flow cytometry-based diagnostic approach for inborn errors of immunity: experience from Algeria.

Purpose: In this study, we retrospectively reviewed the use of flow cytometry (FCM) in the diagnosis of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) at a single center in Algeria. Sharing insights into our practical experience, we present FCM based diagnostic approaches adapted to different clinical scenarios.

Methods: Between May 2017 and February 2024, pediatric and adult patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of immunodeficiency were subjected to FCM evaluation, including lymphocyte subset analysis, detection of specific surface or intracellular proteins, and functional analysis of immune cells.

Assessing hand and global disability in a cohort of Algerian patients with systemic sclerosis: Construct validities of the Arab Hand Function Index and the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the construct validity of the Arab Hand Function Index and the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire in Algerian patients with systemic sclerosis.

Methods: Consecutive Algerian patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria for systemic sclerosis were included. In addition to disease characteristics, global disability and hand disability were assessed using the Arabic Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Arab Hand Function Index, respectively.

Comparative efficacy and safety of Gla-300 versus IDegAsp in insulin-naïve people with type 2 diabetes mellitus uncontrolled on oral anti-diabetics.

Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of insulin glargine-300 once daily (Gla-300) with insulin degludec/aspart (IDegAsp) once daily in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled on oral anti-diabetic drugs (OADs).

Materials And Methods: A systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials was followed by an indirect treatment comparison of studies involving insulin naïve adults, inadequately controlled [glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥7.0%] on OADs, who received Gla-300 or IDegAsp once daily.

Prevalence and risk factors of vascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Results from discover Middle East and Africa cohort.

Background: We evaluated the prevalence of vascular complications and associated risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) initiating second-line glucose-lowering therapy from the Middle East and Africa (MEA) cohort of the 3-year prospective DISCOVER study involving 15,992 patients in 38 countries.

Methods: Baseline cross-sectional data collected from healthcare settings were used to assess micro and macrovascular complications prevalence as crude and age- and sex-standardised. The multi-variable analysis assessed factors associated with these complications.

Characteristics and Treatment Patterns of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Middle East and Africa Cohort of the DISCOVER Study Program: a Prospective Study.

Introduction: Despite the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and suboptimal glycemic control in the Middle East and Africa, comprehensive data on the management of T2D remain scarce. The main aim of this study is to describe the characteristics and treatment of patients with T2D initiating second-line glucose-lowering therapy in these regions.

Methods: DISCOVER is a global, 3-year, prospective observational study of patients with T2D enrolled at initiation of second-line glucose-lowering therapy.

Inborn Errors of Immunity in Algerian Children and Adults: A Single-Center Experience Over a Period of 13 Years (2008-2021).

Background: Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) predispose patients to various infectious and non-infectious complications. Thanks to the development and expanding use of flow cytometry and increased awareness, the diagnostic rate of IEI has markedly increased in Algeria the last decade.

Aim: This study aimed to describe a large cohort of Algerian patients with probable IEI and to determine their clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Breastfeeding for Primary Prevention of Stroke.

A recent review by Zhang et al. published in the "Journal of the National Medical Association" focused on the major and emerging strategies for the prevention of stroke. We would highlight the evolving role of breastfeeding as an efficient intervention in primary prevention of such cardiovascular disease, including in black women.

"3M": Migraine, Microbiota and Melatonin.

We read with deep interest the recent article published on "Medical Hypotheses" about migraine and associated gastrointestinal disorders. Beyond the exhaustive pathophysiological explanations, we would address some relevant points to the role of melatonin as well as the high potential of intestinal microbiota in such conditions.

Diabetes and Ramadan: A multicenter study in Algerian population.

Objective: The aims of this study are to describe the behaviour of an Algerian population with diabetes and the consequences of fasting.

Methods: In 2017, a prospective multicenter study was conducted in 26 counties before and after fasting. The study concerned 901 patients with 836 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 65 with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Autism & Gluten: The Proof By Regression!

Investigators from different clinical and research centers from Paris, France studied the polymorphisms of the HLA class II loci in an autistic population. Through a case control design, they looked for the distribution of HLA class II alleles, genotypes and haplotypes in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) patients meeting DSM-IV TR criteria versus healthy controls (HC).

Ataxia in children: think about vitamin E deficiency ! (comment on: ataxia in children: early recognition and clinical evaluation).

A recent article from Pavone et al. published in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics entitled «Ataxia in children: early recognition and clinical evaluation» made an exhaustive overview of the large spectrum of pediatric ataxias. However, we would underline the importance of considering hereditary ataxia due to isolated vitamin E deficiency as a specific and treatable cause of child ataxia.

Migraine, Celiac Disease and Intestinal Microbiota.

Investigators from four European tertiary care hospitals (in Paris, France; Milan, Udine and Perugia, Italy) performed a case-control study of children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years diagnosed with primary headaches in the emergency department by a pediatric neurologist using the validated ICHD-3 criteria.

Hemodialysis catheter-related infection: rates, risk factors and pathogens.

The main complication of central venous catheter (CVC) in hemodialysis is infection. Identifying CVC related infection (CVC-RI) risk factors and causative micro-organisms is important for setting prevention policies. There were no data regarding CVC-RI in hemodialysis in Algeria.

Living with an adult who has diabetes: Qualitative insights from the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study.

Aims: The second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study identified the experiences of family members who support adults living with diabetes.

Methods: Participants were 2057 adult family members living with the person with diabetes from 17 countries. Qualitative data were responses to open-ended survey questions about how living with a person with diabetes has impacted family members and the ways they choose to be involved in the diabetes care for the person with whom they live.