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Biomedical subjects

A Cortesse

Publications and source records attributed to A Cortesse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Plasma neuroendocrine markers in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Approximately 50% of all malignant prostatic tumors contain neuroendocrine cells, which cannot be attributed to small cell prostatic carcinoma or carcinoid-like tumors, and which represent only 1 to 2% of all prostatic malignancies. Only limited data are available concerning the plasma levels of neuroendocrine markers in patients with prostatic tumors. Therefore, we determine the incidence of high plasma levels of neuroendocrine markers in patients with benign and malignant prostatic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The presence of elevated plasma neuropeptide levels was investigated in 135 patients with prostatic carcinoma and 28 with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Plasma chromogranin A, neurone-specific enolase, substance P, calcitonin, somatostatin, neurotensin and bombesin levels were analyzed by immunoassays, and were compared to clinical and pathological stages of disease. Plasma prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate specific antigen levels were also determined. All patients were followed for at least 2 years after inclusion in the study. RESULTS: Significantly elevated levels of chromogranin A were detected in 15% of patients with prostatic carcinoma before any treatment. During hormone resistant prostate cancer progression plasma chromogranin A and neuron-specific enolase levels were elevated in 55% and 30% of the patients, respectively. In patients with stage D3 disease survival curves were generated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and log rank analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between groups positive and negative for chromogranin A. Substance P and bombesin were also occasionally elevated in prostatic tumors. Determination of neuroendocrine differentiation by neuron-specific enolase or chromogranin A immunoassays was not helpful in the prediction of progressive localized prostatic carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies of plasma neuropeptide levels should confirm whether these parameters can be used as prognostic markers during late progression of prostatic carcinoma or for the selection of patients suitable for evaluation of new antineoplastic drugs to be active against neuroendocrine tumors.

Acid Phosphatase↗
PubMed1996

[Problems raised by representation of activities in urology. Cooperative study by the urology services of the AP - HP (Public Services - Paris Hospitals)].

Paris public hospital urology departments conducted a study which had three objectives: - to test the indicators of activity to determine whether they were well adapted to measurement of the surgical activity performed, - to determine the contribution of the PMSI to the measurement of this activity, - to propose actions designed to improve the representation of the surgical activity actually performed by urology departments. The results of this study show that one half of the operations performed do not correspond to the field of PMSI (day-only admissions, outpatients department). The indicators currently used for budget allocation or interdepartment comparisons of activity are inadequate and, most importantly, induce deformities, variable from one department to another, which severely affect the image of the activity produced by these indicators. Two main reasons can explain these deformities: - the use of the NGAP and the score to measure activity: there is a marked variation of the score for the same operation, from one department to another. - the very poor census of activity performed in outpatient surgery. These two reasons are not related to the medical activity. Definition of a unique nomenclature for surgical procedures would constitute a great progress, provided that this nomenclature allows us to accurately describe our activity and can be modified according to our needs. Although the PMSI is a marked improvement of the information system, its application, in its current state, will not radically change the situation. The PMSI must be enlarged in one way or another, to outpatient activity including procedures performed in the outpatients department. For these measuring tools of activity, which determine the calculation of our budgets, to be adapted to our practice, we must be able to analyse their relevance and introduce changes. We need to develop this field of medico-economic research in urology.

Paris↗
PubMed1996

[Sexually transmitted diseases in men].

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) constitute a frequent presenting complaint. The epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is identical to that of STD and must therefore be systematically investigated in the presence of any STD. Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is involved in the majority of cases of urethritis and epididymitis in young subjects and is present in the urethra of 10% of subjects with a genital ulcer. Genital ulcers are due to either Treponema Pallidum, Haemophilus ducreyi, or Herpes simplex virus: there is little clinicobacteriological correlation and it is therefore essential to perform laboratory examinations in order to establish the diagnosis. The prevalence of venereal vegetations due to HPV viruses has increased markedly over recent years and require effective treatment and surveillance because of the risk of carcinoma induced by viral oncogenesis. Other viral diseases such as hepatitis B are also classified as STD. The main diagnostic techniques used at the present time for each STD are reviewed and the consensually accepted therapeutic protocols are also proposed.

Epididymitis↗
PubMed1996

Normal voiding behaviour in women. Study of the I-PSS in an unselected population of women in general practice.

OBJECTIVE: To define the normality of voiding behavior in women. METHOD: We evaluated 161 women of all ages, consulting in general practice for problems other than voiding disorders. Women were tested with the International Prostatic Symptom Score (I-PSS), originally defined to evaluate patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, in view of the nonprostatic specificity of each of its component questions, and its easy use. RESULTS: The normal replies to each question are less than 1 for questions concerning obstructive symptoms, i.e. each of the obstructive symptoms investigated was never or only rarely (less than 1 in 5 voidings) present, while the normal replies to the questions concerning irritative symptoms were between 1 and 2, i.e. these symptoms, frequency and urgency, are commonly observed by the great majority of women, provided they occur less than once every two voidings. Nocturia is a normal finding provided it occurs less than or equal to 2 per night. Quality of life was strongly correlated with obstructive and irritative symptoms, and the most troublesome voiding disorder was urgency. Those characteristics remain remarkably stable with age. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate irritative symptoms are a normal component of the voiding behavior in women.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Laser induced autofluorescence diagnosis of bladder tumors: dependence on the excitation wavelength.

PURPOSE: We assessed the ability of laser induced autofluorescence spectroscopy to distinguish neoplastic urothelial bladder lesions from normal or nonspecific inflammatory mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three different pulsed laser excitation wavelengths were used successively: 308 nm. (xenium chloride excimer laser), 337 nm. (nitrogen laser) and 480 nm. (coumarin dye laser). The excitation light was delivered by a specially devised multifiber catheter connected to a 1 mm. core diameter silica monofiber introduced through the working channel of a standard cystoscope with saline irrigation. The captured fluorescence light was focused onto an optical multichannel analyzer detection system. Device performance was evaluated in 25 patients after obtaining consent and immediately before transurethral resection of a bladder tumor. Spectroscopic results were compared with histological findings. RESULTS: At 337 and 480 nm. excitation wavelengths the overall fluorescence intensity of bladder tumors was clearly decreased compared to normal urothelial mucosa regardless of tumor stage and grade. At the 308 nm. excitation wavelength the shape of the tumor spectra, including carcinoma in situ, was markedly different from that of normal or nonspecific inflammatory mucosa. No absolute intensity determinations were required in this situation, since a definite diagnosis could be established based on the fluorescence intensity ratio at 360 and 440 nm. CONCLUSIONS: This spectroscopic study could be particularly useful to design a simplified autofluorescence imaging device for detection of occult urothelial neoplasms.

Carcinoma in Situ↗
PubMed1995

Subcutaneous urinary diversions for palliative treatment of pelvic malignancies.

PURPOSE: We developed 2 subcutaneous urinary diversion techniques, pyelovesical bypass and anterior cutaneous nephrostomy, to improve the quality of life of patients undergoing permanent palliative percutaneous nephrostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients underwent either pyelovesical bypass (19) or anterior cutaneous nephrostomy (13). Technically, the percutaneous nephrostomy tube is replaced by a self-retaining expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-silicone tube tunneled underneath the skin. The distal extremity can be either introduced into the bladder, creating a pyelovesical bypass, or brought out directly through a cutaneous orifice, creating an anterior cutaneous nephrostomy. RESULTS: No tube was dislodged and none became obstructed due to incrustation or angulation. Standard percutaneous nephrostomy was necessary in 1 patient in each group. Improvement in the quality of life was stressed by all patients. Pyelovesical bypass eliminates external drainage and anterior cutaneous nephrostomy performed when the bladder is no longer functional allows for the creation of a single, easily dressed anterior stoma. CONCLUSIONS: Pyelovesical bypass and anterior cutaneous nephrostomy constitute valuable alternatives to standard permanent palliative percutaneous nephrostomy.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Tumour-associated trypsin inhibitor and renal cell carcinoma.

In the absence of a specific marker for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), we evaluated the tumour-associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI) in patients with RCC. Between November 1990 and November 1993, 63 patients with RCC and 23 patients with benign renal disease underwent a competitive radioimmunoassay of TATI. The cutoff value was defined on a series of serum samples of 96 healthy subjects (normal n < 20 micrograms/l, then 25 micrograms/l after April 1993). We related the value of TATI to the tumour stage and compared the sensitivities of TATI and other markers (CEA, CA 15-3, CA 125, CA 19-9, ferritin). In 24 patients the TATI assay was repeated 3-12 months after radical nephrectomy. 15 patients with benign disease had a normal value of TATI (specificity: 65%). 44 of the 63 patients had a value of TATI above the cutoff point (sensitivity: 69%). Sensitivities of CEA, CA 15-3, CA 125, CA 19-9 and ferritin were 5, 10, 13, 5, 35%, respectively. The TATI value was correlated with the stage of the disease. Among the 15 patients without metastasis, the mean preoperative value was 112 micrograms/l (14-760) versus 46 micrograms/l (24-180) postoperatively. In the 9 patients with metastasis, the preoperative mean value was 100 micrograms/l (20-434) versus 240 micrograms/l (22-544) postoperatively. TATI showed a better sensitivity than other markers for RCC but its specificity is limited. Nevertheless it can be useful for a postoperative follow-up. TATI remains one of the best serum markers for RCC.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed1995

[Carcinoma of Bellini's tubules].

Carcinoma of the papillary ducts of Bellini is a rare form of renal cancer. Patients are usually asymptomatic middle-aged men who frequently have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis. The diagnosis is based on histological examination of the nephrectomy specimen with a precise immunohistochemical examination. Radical nephrectomy is the first-line treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy, recommended by certain authors, does not appear to improve the usually poor prognosis of these tumours.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1994

Exploration and endoscopic treatment of unilateral primary haematuria: is non-specific diffuse pyelitis a real entity?

Chronic unilateral primary haematuria is rare and raises difficult problems of diagnosis and treatment as most of the knowledge in this field has been based on a very limited number of patients. This clinical entity needs critical reevaluation as recent progress in endourological investigations has revealed that lesions other than the classical submucosal haemangioma are just as frequently responsible for unilateral primary haematuria. These endoscopic lesions have generally been poorly defined up to now and our data based on a retrospective review of 8 patients emphasises the persistent gaps in our understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. Among the lesions responsible for unilateral primary haematuria, diffuse petachiae of the renal pelvis and cavities represent the most frequent endoscopic lesion described in our experience (50% of cases). Histologically, these diffuse lesions correspond to non-specific pyelitis, consisting of simple oedema of the lamina propria. In addition to its diagnostic role, endoscopy can also be used to effectively treat the lesions responsible for unilateral primary haematuria, using either electrocoagulation or nitrate cautery, provided a retrograde approach can be completed by a percutaneous approach, with an overall success rate of 75% of cases with a mean follow-up of 16 months.

Electrocoagulation↗
PubMed1993

Percutaneous extra-anatomic nephrovesical diversion: preliminary report.

We propose a new approach to total ureteric replacement based on the use of a new spiraled composite tube. This tube is inserted percutaneously into the renal pelvis, then tracked subcutaneously and introduced into the bladder via a short incision. The tube is maintained in place by anchoring its spirals along the subcutaneous tract, and only the two silicone extremities are in continuous contact with the urine. We have used this technique for total replacement of the ureter in one renal transplant patient with a follow-up of 8 months and no complication. A longer follow-up is obviously necessary, but this new, minimally invasive approach, using a newly designed tube, would appear to give a new lease of life to an old, abandoned principle.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Interstitial cystitis].

Interstitial cystitis, described for many years, remains a mystery for several reasons. Although the clinical and therapeutic understanding of this disease have improved, the histological features are non-specific and the pathogenesis is still unclear. The aim of this article is to briefly review the current state of knowledge and to remind the reader that this disease must not be underestimated or ignored.

Cystitis↗
PubMed1993

[The treatment of metastasized kidney cancer. Current data and perspectives].

Metastatic renal cancer has a poor prognosis because of the limited impact of traditional treatment modalities on this tumour. The few long-term survivals obtained after isolated surgical resection of the primary tumour or its metastases can be attributed to the occasionally unpredictable natural history of this tumour and isolated surgical resection generally does not appear to improve the survival of these patients. Among non-surgical treatments, radiotherapy is purely palliative and hormone therapy has been shown to be ineffective. New therapeutic approaches have been recently developed, suggesting a possible improvement in the prognosis of metastatic renal cancer. A better understanding of the mechanisms of chemoresistance of renal cancer should lead, in the near future, to the use of drugs capable of increasing the efficacy of cytotoxic chemotherapy in this tumour. The results obtained with new forms of immunotherapy open up prospects for combined immunosurgical modalities.

Humans↗
PubMed1990

[Should fragments of stone expelled after extracorporeal lithotripsy always be analyzed?].

The morphological and constitutional analysis of renal stone fragments expelled after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy enables the structure and morphological type of stones to be reconstructed in 92.8 per cent of the cases as regards surface and section and in 74.5 per cent of the cases down to the core. A study of the molecular and crystalline composition of such fragments demonstrated the preponderance of whewellite in both sexes (men 85.4 per cent; women 72.4 per cent). The frequency of weddellite was 1.6 times higher in men (73.8 per cent) than in women (44.8 per cent), and the frequencies of struvite and ammonium urate were 2.8 and 2.6 times respectively higher in women than in men, despite a significant fall in frequency as compared to a previous series. Correlations between morphological type of stone and biochemical data (when available) could be established in 84 per cent of the cases. This made it possible to initiate treatments aimed at preventing recurrences, the cost of these treatments in the long term being lower than that of the curative urological treatments, including extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Leiomyoma of the urinary excretory tract].

Four cases of leiomyoma of the urinary tract are presented: 3 locations in the bladder and one location in the ureter. Leiomyomas of the urinary tract are rare. These benign mesothelial tumors require conservative resection. Small lesions can be managed with endoscopic techniques.

Female↗
PubMed1987

[Unilateral bladder neck incision: endoscopic treatment of bladder neck obstruction. Results in 100 patients].

Endoscopic diathermy unilateral incision of the bladder neck was carried out in 100 consecutive male patients. This procedure was performed for bladder neck obstruction and small benign prostate. The operative details of this technique are given. Follow-up after 2 months revealed excellent symptomatic and urodynamic results. Morbidity was low. Results remain stable after 13 +/- 9 months. One patient needed a transurethral resection of the prostate. Retrograde ejaculation occurred in 5% of the patients. Unilateral bladder neck incision is a simple procedure safe, and easy to learn, with a low risk of retrograde ejaculation. It is the operation of choice for small benign prostate, bladder neck obstruction and young patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Endoscopic nephrotomy].

A procedure of small endoscopic nephrolithotomy during open surgery for staghorn calculi is described. This procedure is based on the principle of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Same instruments are used. These endoscopic nephrostomies are less traumatic.

Endoscopy↗
PubMed1987

[Vesico-urethral fibroscopy. Reflections after 4 years' practice].

The visualisation of the lower urinary tract by the mean of a fiberscope makes an advance when compared to rigid endoscopy mainly in male patient. Technical features of the fiberscopes suitable for urology thus basic technique of the examination are described. Main advantages are painfree and total visual scanning of the mucosa. Disadvantages are very low.

Cystoscopy↗