La Revue de médecine interne
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Sickle cell disease is a frequent genetic condition, due to a mutation of the β-globin gene, leading to the production of an abnormal S hemoglobin and characterized by multiple vaso-occlusive events. The acute chest syndrome is a severe complication associated with a significant disability and mortality. It is defined by the association of one or more clinical respiratory manifestations and a new infiltrate on lung imaging. ⋯ Inferior alveolar opacities with or without pleural effusions are identified on chest X-ray or CT-scan. Management of the acute chest syndrome should be prompt and implies, besides the recognition of severity signs, a multimodal analgesia, oxygen supplementation, sometimes a parenteral antibiotic treatment and the frequent use of blood transfusions especially in the most severe cases. Prevention is important and includes a regular monitoring of hospitalized patients and the use of incentive spirometry.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multifactorial autoimmune disease depending on both intrinsic and environmental factors. Among the latter, the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) has long been suggested as one of the responsible factors for the onset and activity of lupus disease. ⋯ Also, there are abnormalities in humoral and cellular responses to EBV and lupus patients have impaired control of EBV, with higher blood viral loads. Interstingly, this virus seems to be able to promote disease activity, by promoting the survival of autoreactive B lymphocytes and the production of interferon-α, which are two pivotal mechanisms in the pathophysiology of lupus disease.