G. Khayat

Choix du meilleur panel de prick-tests pour explorer une rhinite ou un asthme au Liban : une étude rétrospective sur 2350 patients

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of skin prick-test reactivity to different aeroallergens in patients with rhinitis and asthma in Lebanon and its geographic variation within the country. It was also to suggest a minimal panel of allergens that should be used to detect sensitized patients. METHODS All patients who underwent skin prick-testing, because of rhinitis and/or symptoms suggesting asthma, between 2004 to 2011 in the hôtel-Dieu de France university hospital of Beirut, were studied. The total number of patients was 2350 and all were tested with the same panel of 24 aeroallergens. A further series of 208 patients were added because Cupressaceae antigens were not included in the initial series. RESULTS The overall rate of sensitization to any allergen was 75.6%. A battery of eleven allergens (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Blomia, Parietaria, grass, Salicaceae, oak, Oleaceae, dog, cat, and cockroaches) was found to identify sensitized patients with a sensitivity of 96% and a negative predictive value of 90%. Cupressaceae should be added to this battery in view of the results of the additional series. The Bekaa region had a unique profile of sensitization. CONCLUSION Twelve allergens are able to detect almost all sensitized patients suffering from respiratory symptoms in Lebanon.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastro-duodenostomy: modified technique: Nine cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES Percutaneous endoscopic gastro-jejunostomy is appropriate for patients with severe neurologic deficit to avoid repeated tube feeding-related aspiration. We describe a modified technique of endoscopic gastro-duodenostomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS This technique was performed in 9 patients with severe neurologic deficit. No fluoroscopy was necessary. The gastrostomy button was pushed across the pylorus into the bulb; a nasogastric tube was then placed in the duodenum under endoscopic control and the button was drawn to the gastric wall. When the gastroduodenal tube migrated or was occluded, the button was placed in the bulb through the pylorus and maintained in this position for alimentation. RESULTS Placement of the gastro-duodenostomy tube was successful without any complication in 100% of patients. The mean duration of the procedure was 15 min. The tube had to be removed for migration (N = 4) and occlusion (N = 5) after a mean period of 5.8 weeks (range: 2-10). During the follow-up period, no tube feeding-related aspiration was observed. CONCLUSION This modified low-cost technique of endoscopic gastro-duodenostomy is simple and efficient.