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El Ghoul K, Akiki D, Nawfal N, Jaoude MA. Renal transplantation for infantile and juvenile cystinosis: Two case report and review of the literature. Transpl Immunol 2024; 83:101993. [PMID: 38224843 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2024.101993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder characterized by cystine buildup in various tissues, including the kidneys. Renal involvement is the primary manifestation, leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) if left untreated. Kidney transplantation (KT) in patients with cystinosis has significantly improved their prognosis for the disease outcome. Detailed reports on preoperative and Long-term postoperative management in these patients remain sparse. This report discusses the outcomes of two young adult patients of Middle Eastern descent with cystinosis who underwent KT. The first patient, diagnosed with infantile nephropathic cystinosis treated by cystine-depleting therapy, was operated by KT at the age of 18. The second patient, diagnosed with juvenile cystinosis, underwent transplantation at the age of 35 after being treated with hemodialysis. Our report describes detailed pre- and postoperative managements, including laboratory results, and pharmacological interventions. Both cases highlighted the varying clinical manifestations and disease severity between infantile and juvenile cystinosis. Pre-transplant conditions included renal dysfunction, growth retardation, secondary hyperparathyroidism, anemia, and extrarenal manifestations. Following KT, both patients experienced regained renal function, resolution of extrarenal complications, and normalization of laboratory parameters. Furthermore, both patients showed excellent postoperative outcomes with no acute rejection or allograft-related complications. KT is the treatment of choice for cystinosis patients with ESRD. Long-term follow-up post-transplantation is crucial to maintain good graft function. Further studies may elucidate optimal pre- and postoperative management protocols for this rare condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen El Ghoul
- Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Dany Akiki
- Postdoctoral research fellow, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nagi Nawfal
- Head of Nephrology Division, Sacred Heart Hospital, Baabda, Lebanon
| | - Maroun Abou Jaoude
- Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Balamand University, Beirut, Lebanon; Head of the department of Surgery, The View Hospital in affiliation with Cedars Sinai, Doha, Qatar
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Abou-Jaoudé M, Akiki D, Moussawi A, Abou-Jaoudé W. The impact of induction therapy in low-immunological risk kidney transplant recipients regardless of HLA matching. Transpl Immunol 2023; 76:101773. [PMID: 36526105 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Induction agents have proved to reduce the rate of acute rejection (AR) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) without improving long-term graft and patient survival (PS). OBJECTIVE This study evaluates the utility of induction therapy in low immunological risk KTRs regardless of donor-to-recipient HLA matching. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 218 patients undergoing kidney transplantation (KT). These patients were divided into two groups according to the usage of induction therapy: 82 did not receive any induction therapy (Group I), and 136 patients received either Anti-IL2 receptor antibodies or anti-thymocyte globulin (Group II). All patients had panel reactive antibody (PRA) < 20% and absence of donor-specific antibodies (DSA). The difference in outcomes were assessed at different intervals following KT. RESULTS The rate of bacterial infections at one year (p-value = 0.032) and the frequency of CMV disease (p-value = 0.044) were significantly higher in Group II (with induction therapy). The duration of hospital stay, the rate and severity of acute rejection, the occurrence of delayed graft function, the rate and type of surgical complications at one year, and the graft function and survival at one and three years were similar between the two groups (p-value = NS). In addition, the financial burden is much less in Group I (without induction therapy), reducing the total cost of the transplant procedure. CONCLUSION We conclude that induction therapy in low-immunological risk kidney transplant patients is not a must regardless of donor-to-recipient HLA matching. Therefore, induction therapy did not yield significant health results, but had negative financial consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Abou-Jaoudé
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Surgery, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon; Department of Surgery, Saint-George Hospital-UMC, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Dany Akiki
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ali Moussawi
- Department of Nephrology, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon
| | - Walid Abou-Jaoudé
- Department of Nephrology, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon
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Khalil M, Danash B, Akiki D, Khoury N. COVID-19-induced myocarditis in patient with anomalous origin of the left circumflex artery from the right coronary artery: a case report. J Vasc Bras 2022; 21:e20210213. [PMID: 36544985 PMCID: PMC9762891 DOI: 10.1590/1677-5449.202102132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of coronary artery anomalies has been increasing due to the increasing usage of coronary angiography. There is a paucity of literature concerning management of viral-induced myocarditis in patients with anomalous coronary artery. We present a very unusual case of a 44-year-old man with anomalous origin of the left circumflex artery from the proximal ostium of the right coronary artery who was admitted for COVID-19-induced myocarditis. He presented with signs of heart failure and coronary angiography revealed the left circumflex artery with a separate ostium originating from the proximal right coronary artery. He was treated medically with Bisoprolol, Perindopril Arginine, Rivaroxaban, and Furosemide. His condition improved rapidly and he resumed regular life within 1 month. Coexistence of cardiac disease such as viral-induced myocarditis with an underlying anomalous origin of the coronary artery is challenging to spot and can lead to worse outcomes in case of misdiagnosis and inaccurate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majed Khalil
- Hôpital Libanais Geitaoui – HLG, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | | | - Dany Akiki
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Nabil Khoury
- Hôpital Libanais Geitaoui – HLG, Beirut, Lebanon.
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El Hage S, Wakim E, Sayde G, Akiki D, Salameh P. Assessment of gender gap in surgical specialties among Lebanese medical personnel: the need for involvement of women in surgery. East Mediterr Health J 2022; 28:743-750. [DOI: 10.26719/emhj.22.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background: Little is known about gender disparity in the surgery specialty in Lebanon. Aims: To assess the status of female surgeons and possible gender gaps in surgery specialty in Lebanon. Methods: The study was conducted in May 2021. Data were retrieved from the Lebanese Order of Physicians website, indicating the number of physicians in the different specialties, their gender, hospitals, and locations. The c2 test of homogeneity was used to establish whether the gender distribution was equal. Results: Women only accounted for 21.84% (3,370) of physicians in Lebanon, with surgery having the lowest number of female physicians in (n = 65; 2.30%). Women accounted for 1.63% of all surgeons in Lebanese hospitals, there were more female plastic and reconstructive surgeons (n = 12; 7.14%), while neurosurgery, oncological surgery and vascular surgery had no females. There was no significant difference in gender between academic and non-academic institutions (χ2 = 2.164, P = 0.149), or between public and private hospitals (χ2 = 1.277, P = 0.234). Conclusion: The surgical specialty had the widest gender gap among all the medical fields in Lebanon. Therefore, the healthcare systems, including public and private hospitals, have a long and difficult road in narrowing the gender gap. Different strategies to incorporate women into surgery should be explored to assure equitable opportunities for all physicians, based on competency rather than gender.
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Said RB, Ghorayeb R, Akiki D, Wakim E, Sukkarieh G, Sfeir J, Cherfan G, Jarade E. Intraocular lens power calculation after excimer laser corneal refractive surgery: A retrospective study to compare the predictability and the efficacy of commonly used and modified formulas. Saudi J Ophthalmol 2022; 36:177-182. [PMID: 36211312 PMCID: PMC9535903 DOI: 10.4103/sjopt.sjopt_185_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Our article aims to assess the accuracy of modified and commonly used formulas of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation after excimer laser corneal refractive surgery. METHODS This is a retrospective study, with data retrieved for 50 eyes of 32 patients who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery after excimer laser corneal refractive surgery. The expected spherical equivalent was calculated using the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) IOL power calculator for Shammas and Barrett True-K, using three-fourth generation formulas (Haigis-L, Barrett True-K no history, and Holladay 2), and using three-third generation formulas (SRKT, Holladay 1, and Hoffer Q) with single k, as a reference, and adjusting these formulas by calculating the keratometry readings by two methods (Jarade's index and formula). The mean refractive error and mean absolute refractive error (MARE) were calculated at the 1 postoperative month. RESULTS When all data was available (eight eyes), 13 formulas were compared. Holladay 1 as modified by Jarade's index and formula, and Hoffer Q as modified by Jarade's formula resulted in MARE <0.75D (P < 0.05). In the group of 25 eyes with only ablation available, the formulas with MARE <0.75D were Haigis L, Barrett TK (from ASCRS), Hoffer Q, and the three conventional formulas in Jarade's index (P < 0.001). In the group of 17 eyes with no available prerefractive data, only Haigis-L and Barret TK (no history) had a MARE <0.75 D. CONCLUSION The use of Hoffer Q or Holladay 1, when prerefractive data are available, gives reliable results with Jarade's index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reeda B. Said
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon,Beirut Eye and ENT Specialist Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ralph Ghorayeb
- Hȏtel-Dieu de France Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dany Akiki
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elias Wakim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Sukkarieh
- Beirut Eye and ENT Specialist Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon,Hȏtel-Dieu de France Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Sfeir
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - George Cherfan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon,Beirut Eye and ENT Specialist Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elias Jarade
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon,Beirut Eye and ENT Specialist Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon,Department of Ophthalmology, Mediclinic Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates,Address for correspondence: Dr. Elias Jarade, Beirut Eye Specialist Hospital, Al-Mathaf Square, P. O. Box 116-5311, Beirut, Lebanon. E-mail:
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Akiki D, El Hage S, El Masri J, Chanbour W. Epidemiology of Ocular Malignancies Among the Lebanese Population: A 12-Year Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e21593. [PMID: 35228951 PMCID: PMC8867964 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.21593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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El Hage S, Akiki D, El Masri J, Roustom M. Complete recovery of complicated methotrexate-induced liver cirrhosis in a patient with psoriasis: A case report. Transpl Immunol 2021; 70:101492. [PMID: 34767946 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is the most common indication for liver transplant. Literature addressing methotrexate (MTX)-induced liver cirrhosis in patients with psoriasis is sparse. We present a case of a nonalcoholic patient diagnosed with psoriasis that was treated with a weekly 5 mg dose of methotrexate, a chemotherapeutic and immunological modulator, for five years. The patient presented after five years with abdominal distension and lower limb edema along with ascites and esophageal varices and was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Upon the discontinuation of MTX, the patient showed clear regression of ascites and esophageal varices, and recovery of liver cirrhosis by de-escalating from Child-Pugh B to A. After five years of follow-up, Echography and Transient Elastography (Fibroscan) of the liver confirmed the full recovery of liver cirrhosis by the absence of steatosis and fibrosis. This study emphasizes the reversibility of MTX-induced liver cirrhosis: cirrhosis is not aggressive, can be reversible, and is dose- and duration-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said El Hage
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon; Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Beirut, Lebanon; Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Sector of Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Dany Akiki
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jad El Masri
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon; Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Majd Roustom
- Lebanese American University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Gastroenterology, Beirut, Lebanon
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Abou-Jaoudé M, El Hage S, Akiki D, Araman R. Effect of donor-to-recipient HLA matching in low-immunological risk kidney transplant recipients without induction therapy on acute rejection, graft survival, infections, and surgical complications at 3 years: The road towards new recommendations. Transpl Immunol 2021; 69:101490. [PMID: 34695578 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Donor-to-recipient human leukocyte antigen mismatching is considered one of the strongest determinants for graft and patient survival in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). OBJECTIVE This retrospective study discusses the impact of HLA matching as low immunological risk KTR without induction therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Records of 80 adult kidney transplant patients were reviewed with three years of the follow-up. All patients had panel reactive antibodies (PRA) < 20%, absence of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) and did not receive the induction therapy. These patients were divided into two groups according to their HLA matching between donor and recipient: 55 patients with ≥ 3 HLA matches (Group I; low immunogenicity) were compared to 25 patients with <3 HLA matches (Group II; high immunogenicity). The primary endpoints included the rate and severity of acute rejection (AR) episodes, graft function (creatinine level), and survival at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months. Secondary endpoints include the rate and type of infections at one-year, surgical complications at one-year, and patient survival at 1, 6, 12, and 36 months after kidney transplantation. Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable between the two groups except for recipient age, donor gender, and pre-transplant dialysis time. RESULTS There was no significant difference observed between two groups at one-year in infection rate, the length of hospital stay, AR severity, the rate of cytomegalovirus infection, and the occurrence of delayed graft function. However, the rate of AR, the graft function upon discharge, and the rate and type of surgical complications at one-year were significantly higher in Group II (high immunogenicity). The patient and graft survival at three years, the death-censored graft survival, and the serum creatinine levels at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months were similar between two groups. Two deaths occurred in each group (NS). CONCLUSION In our center, the donor-to-recipient HLA mismatch is not considered an immunological risk factor in low-risk kidney transplant recipients (PRA < 20% and absence of DSA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Abou-Jaoudé
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Surgery, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon; Department of Surgery, Saint-George Hospital-UMC, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Said El Hage
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon; Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Sector of Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dany Akiki
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rita Araman
- Department of Nephrology, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon
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Abou-Jaoudé M, El Hage S, Akiki D, Fadlallah M, Ghaith AK, Dib A. Cytomegalovirus infection in kidney transplant patients: Prevalence, risk factors, and impact on outcome - A local multicentre experience. Transpl Immunol 2021; 69:101473. [PMID: 34547416 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CMV infection prevalence in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) is reported to be high in the literature, reaching rates of over 80%. OBJECTIVES The primary endpoints were the evaluation of the prevalence, the risks factors, and the effects of CMV infection on graft function and survival, as well as patient survival at three years after kidney transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 288 kidney transplant patients operated in three Lebanese transplant centers between 1998 and 2017 with three years of follow-up. The patients were divided into two groups: those free of any CMV infection (271 patients (94%); Group I) and those who suffered from CMV infection (17 patients (6%); Group II). RESULTS Baseline demographics of the two groups were similar, including recipient and donor gender and age, cause of renal disease, recipient body mass index, pre-transplant fasting blood sugar and dialysis duration, HLA matching between donor and recipient, degree of sensitization in the recipient, type of CMV prophylaxis, maintenance immunosuppression and immunological characteristics. The prevalence of CMV infection is 5.9% among KTR. There were significant differences between the two groups concerning the type of induction therapy and the duration of anti-CMV prophylaxis. The rate of infected patients and infectious episodes were significantly higher in Group II. At 3-years, graft function and survival, patient survival, and the rate of new-onset diabetes were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION The present study is the first to explore the incidence and risk factors of CMV in kidney transplant patients in Lebanon. Comprehensive nationwide studies are therefore necessary to determine the epidemiology and risk factors of CMV infection after kidney transplantation in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maroun Abou-Jaoudé
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon; Department of Surgery, Sacre Coeur Hospital, Hazmieh, Lebanon; Department of Surgery, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon.
| | - Said El Hage
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon; Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Sector of Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dany Akiki
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Mahdi Fadlallah
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | | | - Abbas Dib
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
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El Hage S, Akiki D, Khalife L, Assaf E, Jaoude MA. Rapid clinical recovery of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in two cases of IgA nephropathy disease and nephrotic syndrome type 9 post-renal transplant. Transpl Immunol 2021; 68:101450. [PMID: 34391883 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2021.101450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical-radiological syndrome often associated with immunosuppressant drug use, renal disease, and eclampsia and characterized by parieto-occipital vasogenic edema that usually resolves within days. Globally and in the settings of renal transplant, literature concerning PRES is very scattered. In this report, we provide two cases, one diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and another with nephrotic syndrome type 9 that developed episodes of tonic-clonic seizure immediately after renal transplant in case 1 and four days post-transplant in case 2. The two patients had a history of hypertension, renal disease, corticosteroid and immunosuppressant drug use. Neuro-imaging showed typical vasogenic edema involving the parieto-occipital areas. Therefore, the clinical-radiological presentation confirmed the diagnosis of PRES in both cases. Also, rapid neurologic recovery was witnessed upon administration of anti-epileptic and anti-hypertensive medications. Non-discontinuation of immunosuppressants, steroids, early symptomatic management, and blood pressure control are favorable factors that might explain the rapid recovery of these two patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said El Hage
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon; Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Beirut, Lebanon; Institut National de Santé Publique, Epidémiologie Clinique et Toxicologie, Sector of Public Health and Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dany Akiki
- Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon.
| | - Lourdes Khalife
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie Assaf
- Department of Neurology, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon
| | - Maroun Abou Jaoude
- Transplantation Unit, Department of General Surgery, Middle East Institute of Health, Bsalim, Lebanon; Department of General Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Akiki D, El Hage S, Wakim E, Safi S, Assouad E, Salameh P. Atrial Fibrillation in the Arab World: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Activity from 2004 to 2019. J Cardiac Arrhtythmias 2021. [DOI: 10.24207/jca.v34i1.3430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is in an increasing pattern worldwide, especially in the Arab world. Objective: The aim of this article is to assess AF research activity in the Arab countries over the past 16 years, taking into consideration the population size, gross domestic product (GDP) and disability-adjusted life years (DALY). Methods: Atrial fibrillation related research articles published from Arab countries between 2004 and 2019 were collected from the MEDLINE database and are cited online on PubMed. Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms related to the subject, the origin and the date of publication were used to search for the published articles. Results: The number of AF related publications in the Arab world over the past 16 years was only 283 (0.73%) out of a total of 38,983 publications worldwide. Saudi Arabia ranked first in terms of number of AF related publications, followed by Egypt. Lebanon is the country with the highest number of publications per USD billion GDP, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia have the highest number of publications per 1% DALYs. According to the population size, Qatar and Bahrain produced the highest number of publications per million persons (PPMP). A strong and positive correlation was found between the number of publications and the GDP. The population size and the percentage of DALY showed positive yet weak correlation. Conclusion: A slight increase in AF related publications is observed. Nonetheless, AF research activity in the Arab world is still insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dany Akiki
- Lebanese University – Faculty of Medical Sciences –Department of Internal Medicine – Hadath – Lebanon
| | - Said El Hage
- Lebanese University – Faculty of Medical Sciences –Department of Internal Medicine – Hadath – Lebanon
| | - Elias Wakim
- Lebanese University – Faculty of Medical Sciences –Department of Internal Medicine – Hadath – Lebanon
| | - Steven Safi
- Lebanese University – Faculty of Medical Sciences –Department of Internal Medicine – Hadath – Lebanon
| | - Elise Assouad
- Lebanese American University – School of Arts and Science – Department of Medicine – Byblos – Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- Lebanese University – Faculty of Medical Sciences –Department of Internal Medicine – Hadath – Lebanon
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