Une cause exceptionnelle des péritonites: une perforation iléale par un corps étranger lors de la réduction d’une hernie inguinale

La péritonite secondaire est fréquemment rapportée dans la littérature. Les causes sont multiples. Nous rapportons un cas d'une perforation iléale par une cause exceptionnelle. Il s'agit d'une perforation iléale par un corps étranger lors de la réduction d'une hernie inguinale, responsable d'une péritonite grave avec tableau de défaillance multiviscérale

Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia: epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and prognosis factors

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and to identify factors predictive of a poor outcome.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted over 16 months in a Tunisian intensive care unit (ICU). All adult patients with A. baumannii VAP were included.ResultsNinety-two patients were included in they study; 41 (44.6%) were admitted because of multiple trauma. The mean age of the patients was 44.5±19.5 years. All patients needed mechanical ventilation on admission. The mean SAPS II score was 39±15. The mean delay before VAP onset was 8.1±4.7 days. On VAP onset, 57 patients (62%) developed septic shock. Only 14.2% of isolated strains were susceptible to imipenem; none were resistant to colistin. The mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 20±11 days. The mean duration of ICU stay was 24.3±18.7 days. ICU mortality was 60.9%. In the multivariate analysis, factors predictive of a poor outcome were previously known hypertension (odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 1.4–24.9; p=0.018) and VAP-related septic shock (odds ratio 8.5, 95% confidence interval 3–23.7; p<0.001).ConclusionA. baumannii VAP is associated with a high mortality. Hemodynamic impairment is predictive of a poor outcome

Gravity-induced ischemia in the brain and prone positioning for COVID-19 patients breathing spontaneously: still far from the truth!

International audienceGlobal mindset is usually considered as a positive skill or resource that helps individuals and companies succeed internationally. We argue that it is also a collective scheme of thought that brings some actors together and sets others apart. We investigate this perspective through a qualitative study of French MNC managers, internationalisation support providers, and SME owners and managers attempting to create or grow their business in China. We reveal that global mindset is a double‐edged concept: it is not solely an instrument for integration, but also a doxa, a particular viewpoint imposed to identify and reject outsiders through symbolic struggles. This alternative conceptualisation is necessary to rethink the social forces at work in the field of international business. It is also necessary to encourage educators and practitioners to acknowledge the struggles that result from the imposition of certain views and behaviours and to adapt education, support and training programs accordingly.L’objectif de cet article est de comprendre la dynamique des compétences interculturelles individuelles et collectives des prestataires dans l’expérience de service du client. Les résultats de l’étude de cas d’une business unit française prestataire de services linguistiques qui excelle en la matière montrent qu’une articulation eff icace des deux niveaux de compétence assure la satisfaction des clients et contribue à la compétitivité de l’entreprise

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of critically ill COVID-19 patients in Sfax, Tunisia

Background Africa, like the rest of the world, has been impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, only a few studies covering this subject in Africa have been published. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of critically ill adult COVID-19 patients—all of whom had a confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection—admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital (Sfax, Tunisia). Results A total of 96 patients were admitted into our ICU for respiratory distress due to COVID-19 infection. Mean age was 62.4±12.8 years and median age was 64 years. Mean arterial oxygen tension (PaO2)/fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) ratio was 105±60 and ≤300 in all cases but one. Oxygen support was required for all patients (100%) and invasive mechanical ventilation for 38 (40%). Prone positioning was applied in 67 patients (70%). Within the study period, 47 of the 96 patients died (49%). Multivariate analysis showed that the factors associated with poor outcome were the development of acute renal failure (odds ratio [OR], 6.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75–25.9), the use of mechanical ventilation (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.54–22.0), and serum cholinesterase (SChE) activity lower than 5,000 UI/L (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.34–19). Conclusions In this retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients admitted to the ICU in Sfax, Tunisia, for acute respiratory failure following COVID-19 infection, the mortality rate was high. The development of acute renal failure, the use of mechanical ventilation, and SChE activity lower than 5,000 UI/L were associated with a poor outcome

Incidence, mechanisms and impact outcome of hyperglycaemia in severe scorpion-envenomed patients

Hyperglycaemia is often observed in severe scorpion-envenomed patients. It is due to a severe autonomic storm with a massive release of catecholamines, increased glucagon levels, cortisol levels, and either decreased insulin levels or insulin resistance. The presence of hyperglycaemia is an indicator of severity in this specific condition. Indeed, hyperglycaemia was associated with the severity of clinical manifestations of severe scorpion envenomation requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. In fact, the presence of hyperglycaemia was associated with the presence of respiratory failure, pulmonary oedema, haemodynamic instability, neurological failure, multisystem organ failure, and an increased mortality and ICU length of stay. As a consequence, we think the presence of hyperglycaemia in scorpion-envenomed patients at the emergency department prompts searching for presence of systemic manifestations or cardiorespiratory manifestations. As a consequence, the presence of hyperglycaemia can help screen severe patients at the emergency department. The current management of severe scorpion envenomation involves the admission and close surveillance in the ICU, where vital signs and continuous monitoring enable early initiation of therapy for life-threatening complications. The use of antivenom for scorpion stings remains controversial. All patients with pulmonary oedema should receive prazosin and possibly dobutamine, according the scorpion’s species. Mechanical ventilation is usually used in severe cases. Insulin should be reserved for severe cases with confirmed excessive hyperglycaemia (>10 mmol/l)

Acute Pancreatitis Induced by Diabetic Ketoacidosis with Major Hypertriglyceridemia: Report of Four Cases

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a real clinical challenge. Acute pancreatitis remains a common cause of emergency department consultations and a major cause for hospitalization. Gallstones and drinking a lot of alcohol are the most frequent causes of AP. Moreover, AP can be induced by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) complicated by hypertriglyceridemia. We report 4 cases of DKA with hypertriglyceridemia complicated by AP in previously undiagnosed diabetes patients. All of our patients presented to the emergency ward with abdominal pain. Their physical exam showed epigastric tenderness. An abdominal CT scan was performed for each patient, showing an AP grade E. Laboratory samples showed high serum glucose levels. They had metabolic acidosis with elevated anion gap. They had high lipasemia and amylasemia. Their lipid panel was disturbed with a high level of cholesterol (from 12.8 mmol/l to 33 mmol/l) and triglyceridemia (from 53 to 133 mmol/l). Our patients were admitted into our ICU where they received fluid resuscitation and intravenous insulin, and their triglycerides rates decreased gradually. Two patients recovered to a good health state, and the two others developed septic shock, requiring the use of large-spectrum antibiotics, and acute kidney injury (AKI) with refractory metabolic acidosis, requiring hemodialysis. Despite the intensive treatment, they developed an unrecoverable multiorgan failure. Through our case series, we aim to highlight the importance of making an early diagnosis, which can be difficult in some situations due to overlapping signs; however, it is crucial for a good recovery. A good understanding of the pathway of hypoinsulinemic states causing hypertriglyceridemia then AP is important because it is the key to best management

Factors predicting early outcome in patients admitted at emergency department with severe head trauma

Objective: To determine predictive factors of early mortality among severe traumatic brain injury in emergency department. Methods: This study is based on a retrospective analysis of 198 admitted in emergency depatment with severe head injury (Glasgow coma scale score ≤8) of an university hospital (Sfax, Tunisia). Basic demographic, clinical, biological and radiological data were recorded on admission and during emergency department stay. Results: Forty two patients were died. Univariate analysis showed that the presence of shock, cardiac arrest, bilateral mydriasis, high value of injury severity score and low value of Glasgow coma scale were associated with mortality. Moreover, meningeal hemorrhage, cerebral and subdural haematoma were associated with poorer outcome. Multivariate analysis showed that factors associated with a poor prognosis were cardiac arrest cerebral and the presence of cerebral haematoma. Conclusions: Improving pre-hospital care and ovoid futile resuscitation to given priority in resource allocation and urgent CT scan of the head to look for operable mass lesions as early detection should improve the prognosis of severe head injury at emergency department