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Biomedical subjects

B Dousset

Publications and source records attributed to B Dousset.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Is endotoxin and cytokine release related to a decrease in gastric intramucosal pH after hemorrhagic shock?

OBJECTIVES: (a) To investigate the relationship between gut ischemia parameters (gastric intramucosal pH [pHi], mucosal-arterial carbon dioxide difference [PCO2-gap]), and endotoxin or cytokine release during hemorrhagic shock; (b) to compare the predictive value of pHi, PCO2-gap and arterial lactate concentrations. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 20 multiple trauma patients with severe hemorrhagic shock. INTERVENTIONS: Intramucosal measurements and blood samples were obtained on admission to the emergency room and repeatedly over 48 h. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Endotoxin was measured using a chromogenic limulus amoebocyte assay. Cytokine [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] values were evaluated by immunoradiometric assays. Only 3 patients had positive blood cultures but endotoxins were detected at least once in all patients. Endotoxin levels were similar in survivors and non-survivors over the study period and were not related to pHi or PCO2-gap. Initially, high levels of IL-6 were observed in both nonsurvivors and survivors [median 1778 pg/ml (range 435-44,540) vs 2068 pg/ml (range 996-92,300)]. IL-6 levels progressively decreased in the survivors but not significantly. On admission, TNF alpha concentrations were similar in nonsurvivors and survivors (42 +/- 35 vs 46 +/- 27 pg/ml). From the 24th h, TNF alpha values were higher in the nonsurvivors than in the survivors (24 h: 72 +/- 38 vs 34 +/- 17 pg/ml, p < 0.05). The greatest IL-6 levels were found for a pHi < 7.20 (28.5 +/- 36.5 vs 1.8 +/- 1.3 ng/ml, p < 0.05) or a PCO2-gap > 7.5 mmHg (1 kPa) (32.5 +/- 37.5 vs 1.7 +/- 1.3 ng/ml, p < 0.01). With the same pHi threshold, no difference was found in endotoxin levels. The lactate concentrations were predictive for outcome from the 12th h (9.5 +/- 5.9 vs 3.6 +/- 2.3 mmol/l, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: During severe hemorrhagic shock, endotoxin translocation from the gut was a common phenomenon that seemed independent of both pHi values and outcome. It could not explain IL-6 and TNF alpha release. In severe hemorrhagic shock, neither pHi nor PCO2-gap provides additional information to the lactate measurements.

Adult↗

Selective surgical indications for iatrogenic hemobilia.

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to assess the place for surgery in patients with iatrogenic hemobilia. METHODS: Nineteen patients were treated for hemobilia caused by percutaneous liver biopsy (n = 11), percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC, n = 5), or percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD, n = 3). Selective embolization was attempted in all patients who bled after percutaneous liver biopsy or PTC but one, whereas irrigation via the external catheter was tried first in patients bleeding after PBD. RESULTS: Selective embolization was successful in 13 cases (87%) of 15. Technical impossibility of selective embolization (n = 2) and absence of recognizable vascular lesion (n = 1) were the reasons for surgery in three actively bleeding patients. Indications for delayed surgery included hemocholecystitis (n = 3) and inadvertent embolization of the gallbladder (n = 1). Biliary decompression was only required after PTC and was achieved by endoscopic sphincterotomy (n = 3), percutaneous transtumoral intubation (n = 1), or surgery (n = 1) after failure of percutaneous biliary dilation. After PBD, repeat irrigation and tube replacement were used to stop the bleeding and to decompress the biliary tract without embolization or surgery. None of the 19 patients died, and none experienced recurrent bleeding. CONCLUSION: Surgical indications for iatrogenic hemobilia are limited and include failure or complication of arterial embolization, hemocholecystitis, and failed attempt at endoscopic or percutaneous biliary decompression in case of obstructive jaundice.

Adult↗

Protein-losing enteropathy secondary to hepatic venous outflow obstruction after liver transplantation.

A 42-year-old man with a history of repeated abdominal surgery and lymph node tuberculosis underwent orthotopic liver transplantation for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Two years after transplantation, this patient developed a severe protein-losing enteropathy with no evidence of cardiac disease or lymphoproliferative disorder. Imaging work-up revealed hemodynamically significant stenosis of the supra-hepatic caval anastomosis, which was treated by percutaneous balloon angioplasty. All clinical and biochemical disorders resolved within 1 month after percutaneous dilatation, but relapsed simultaneously with recurrent anastomotic stenosis 15 months later. Repeat caval angioplasty resulted in rapid recovery, which strongly suggests that hepatic venous outflow obstruction was responsible for the protein-losing enteropathy in this patient.

Adult↗

Seminal cytokine concentrations (IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, sR IL-2, sR IL-6), semen parameters and blood hormonal status in male infertility.

Several lines of evidence indicate that cyokines are involved in male fertility. They are secreted by different parts of the male genital tract and may exert effects on steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis and sperm functions. We measured the concentrations of interleukins (IL-beta, IL-2, IL-6) and those of interleukin soluble receptors (sR IL-2, SR IL-6) in semen of fertile subjects (n = 21) and of patients with a range of andrological diseases (n = 119). The seminal concentrations of cytokines were analysed according to semen parameters as well as to the blood hormonal profiles of follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone. An increase of IL-1beta was observed in the group of patients with infertility. No difference was found between the different subgroups defined on the basis of progressive motility, percentage of abnormal forms and diagnosis of infection. The seminal cytokine concentrations were independent of the blood hormonal status. Our data suggest that the determination of interleukins (-1beta, -2 and -6) or interleukin soluble receptors (sR IL-2, sR IL-6) in human spermatozoa does not provide convenient information in male routine infertility work-up.

Antigens, CD↗

Results of liver transplantation in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. A 31-case French multicentric report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the value and timing of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in the treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET). SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Liver metastasis from NET seems less invasive than other secondary tumors. This observation suggests that OLT may be indicated when other therapies become ineffective. However, the potential benefit of this highly aggressive procedure is difficult to assess due to the scarcity and heterogeneity of NET. METHODS: A retrospective multicentric study was carried out, including all cases of OLT for NET performed in France between 1989 and 1994. There were 15 cases of metastatic carcinoid tumor and 16 cases of islet cell carcinomas. Hormone-related symptoms were present in 16 cases (55%). Only 5 patients (16%) had no previous surgical or medical therapy before OLT. Median delay from diagnosis of liver metastasis and OLT was 19 months (range, 2 to 120). RESULTS: The primary tumor was removed at the time of OLT in 11 cases, by upper abdominal exenteration in 7 cases and the Whipple resection in 3. Actuarial survival rate after OLT was 59% at 1 year, 47% at 3 years, and 36% at 5 years. Survival rates were significantly higher for metastatic carcinoid tumors (69% at 5 years) than for noncarcinoid apudomas (8% at 4 years), because of higher tumor- and non-tumor-related mortality rates for the latter. CONCLUSION: OLT can achieve control of hormonal symptoms and prolong survival in selected patients with liver metastasis of carcinoid tumors. It does not seem indicated for other NET.

Adult↗

[Hepatic distomatosis of tumor form after prolonged treatment with corticoids].

A 49-year woman, living in Cameroun and treated by steroids for connective tissue disease, was admitted for a liver mass and epigastric pain. An increase in blood count of eosinophils (1,590.10(9)/L) was observed. Imaging examination showed the presence of a voluminous, multilocular, and heterogeneous hepatic lesion. Pathological examination of the liver showed no evidence of tumor but revealed a rounded cuticle remnant, compatible with bilharziosis eggs or loase transversal section, and Charcot-Leyden's crystals. Due to the uncertainty of diagnosis, a right hepatectomy was performed. Pathological and parasitological examination of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of hepatic distomatosis, with typical eggs of Fasciola hepatica within necrotic tissue, surrounded by eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrates. Specific serology was positive. The presence of intraparenchymatous eggs was unusual and reflected the ectopic migration of a mature fluke into the hepatic parenchyma, even though the worm was not found in the surgical specimen. Serology for fascioliasis should be performed in any patient suffering from hepatic lesions with eosinophilia.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

How valid is emergency liver transplantation for acute liver necrosis in patients with multiple-organ failure?

Multiple-organ failure (MOF), defined as the failure of initially uninvolved organs, is the final step of definitive and massive liver necrosis. Emergency liver transplantation (ELT) has radically modified the outcome of acute liver failure and early primary graft failure, but the results of ELT in cases of MOF are unknown. From May 1988 to June 1993, 243 patients underwent a liver transplantation (LT). Thirty-seven patients (15.2%) who had an acute liver necrosis complicated by a MOF underwent an ELT. Twenty-one patients were children. An emergency retransplantation was performed in 16 patients. Three or 4 organ-system failures (OSF) were present in 13 patients. Before ELT, the mean Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score was 26.3 +/- 5.1. Six-month and 1-year survival rates were 37.8% and 25.9%, respectively, after ELT complicated by MOF, and 78% and 73.5%, respectively, in other cases of LT. Twenty-six patients had surgical complications (70%), whereas thirty-one patients had medical complications (84%). Twenty-two patients died during the postoperative period (60%). Before ELT, infection (P < .05), cardiovascular failure (P < .03), and more than two OSF (P < .05) were more frequent in patients who died after intervention. The APACHE II score (P < .05) and the length of stay in the intensive care unit before ELT (P < .05) were lower among survivors. In the context of liver allograft shortage, our results suggest that an ELT should not be performed in patients with cardiac failure, more than two OSF, or an APACHE II score higher than 30.

Acute Disease↗

Metastatic endocrine tumors: medical treatment, surgical resection, or liver transplantation.

We reviewed our experience with 34 patients with metastatic endocrine tumors (METs) who were treated by different modalities. Eight patients were treated by chemotherapy or chemoembolization because of stable disease or surgical contraindications. Seventeen patients underwent curative or cytoreductive surgical resection. Nine patients received grafts based on the following criteria: no extrahepatic spread on imaging workup and nonresectable symptomatic metastatic disease. Of the eight medically treated patients, the five patients with initial stable clinical condition are alive 32 to 56 months after referral. Of the 17 patients treated by liver resection, 13 are alive 6 to 108 months after surgery, and 7 are disease-free. After curative resection, the 5-year actuarial survival and disease-free survival rates were 62% and 52%, respectively. Of the nine grafted patients, three patients grafted for carcinoid tumor are alive at 15, 24, and 62 months, one of whom has a late recurrence. Our results indicate that therapeutic indications for METs should be based on age, clinical symptoms, histologic type, and tumor extension: Patients with stable MET may benefit from surgical restraint; liver resection in patients with aggressive MET may provide good long-term palliation and possibly cure one-third of the patients; liver transplantation should be restricted to young patients with nonresectable carcinoid MET but remains a high-risk operation because of previous surgery and chemoembolization.

Actuarial Analysis↗

[Evaluation of the blood quality collected by cell-saver during cesarean section].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the quality of blood salvaged and processed during Caesarean section with a cell-saver. STUDY DESIGN: Laboratory study. PATIENTS: The study included 20 patients of ASA physical class 1 or 2 undergoing a scheduled Caesarean section. METHODS: A separate suction device was used from the beginning surgery until the delivery of the fetus, to remove most of the amniotic fluid coming from the surgical field. Thereafter using an Haemolite 2Plus (Haemonetics), the blood was separated and washed with 2 L of normal saline solution. Blood quality was assessed through detection of fetal cells and measuring out of alpha-fetal-protein, tissue factor. A Kleihauer test was also performed. RESULTS: Cell-saver processing removed most of alpha-fetal-protein and tissue factor while fetal cells were rarely seen. The Kleihauer test could not be performed because of haemolized blood samples. However, the results were very heterogeneous and after washing some salvaged units contained very high concentrations of alpha-fetal-protein or tissue factor. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results show that intra-operative autologous transfusion is not fully safe during Caesarean sections. In addition, there is an immunological risk if a significant part of fetal red blood cells are reinfused into maternal circulation. Therefore, additional studies are needed to better assess this risk.

Adult↗

[Complications of two types of pancreatic anastomosis after pancreaticoduodenectomy].

The operative mortality rate after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is 5% or less at major surgical centers and is generally related to pancreatic anastomosis complications. Recently, several authors have reported a low incidence of complications after PD using pancreaticogastrostomy. The aim of our work was to retrospectively study the operative complications of pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) and pancreaticojejeunostomy (PJ) after PD. Since 1989 we have performed 59 consecutive DP, in 33 male patients and 22 female patients, with a mean age of 56 +/- 12 years. We performed 43 PG and 16 PJ. In 42/59 cases, PD was performed for malignant disease. Pancreaticoduodenal resection was identical in both groups, with classical pancreatic transection performed at the level of the mesentericoportal axis. The overall mortality rate in this study was 5.08% (n = 3). It was 4.65% (n = 2) in the PG group and 6.25% (n = 1) in the PJ group. Operative complications were absent in 36 patients (24 PG, 12 PJ). The mean postoperative hospital stay was 17 +/- 6 days; 23 patients (19 PG, 4 PJ) presented one or several complications. 12 patients required re-exploration (10 PG, 2 PJ). Pancreatic fistula occurred in 8 patients (13.55%), 14% (n = 6) in the PG group and 12.5% (n = 2) in the PJ group. In each group, only one pancreatic fistula was re-explored. Seven patients (16%) in the PG group presented postoperative pancreatitis. Pancreatic fistula and postoperative pancreatitis occurred in a pancreas with a normal texture and non-dilated pancreatic duct in every case, with one exception (PJ). During long term follow-up, 18 patients died from cancer (12 PG, 6 PJ). In conclusion, this study suggests that PG does not decrease the pancreatic fistula or postoperative pancreatitis rates and that these complications are essentially related to pancreatic texture and pancreatic duct.

Adult↗

Enhanced risk of steroid-resistant acute rejection following pretransplant steroid therapy in liver graft recipients.

Most episodes of acute rejection will resolve after steroid therapy without detrimental consequences on the liver allograft. However, steroid-resistant acute rejection may induce irreversible lesions of the graft and is associated with an increased risk of chronic rejection. The aim of this study was to determine whether there were predictive factors for steroid-resistant acute rejection after liver transplantation. A total of 108 adult liver recipients with a follow-up of at least 2 years have been analyzed; sixty-two (57%) patients had at least one episode of acute rejection. The rates of steroid resistance were 35%, 52% and 83% after a first (n = 62), second (n = 25), or third (n = 7) episode of acute rejection, respectively. Steroid resistance of acute rejection was significantly associated with a past history of pretransplant steroid therapy (P = 0.004). High levels of ALT (P = 0.03) and serum bilirubin (P = 0.002) were also predictive of steroid-resistant acute rejection. Eight (7%) patients eventually developed chronic rejection. Predictive factors for chronic rejection included steroid-resistant acute rejection (P = 0.01), recurrent acute rejection (P = 0.03), and CMV infection (P = 0.01). In conclusion, this study suggests that pretransplant steroid administration or high levels of ALT and bilirubin in rejecting patients are risk factors for steroid resistance and should lead to aggressive antirejection therapy without delay.

Adolescent↗

Methods for reducing the ammonia in hybridoma cell cultures.

The factors which limit the proliferation of eukaryotic cells in vitro are still not well known. Ammonia is believed to be toxic for mammalian cell proliferation and secretion. We have tried two approaches to reducing the ammonia in the medium. We first limited the ammonia produced by the cells by replacing glutamine by glutamate. Then, we used two chemical engineering methods to eliminate accumulated ammonia. In one the used medium was passed through a natural cation exchanger: the clinoptilolite. In the other, the culture medium was passed through a hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber module. Replacing the glutamine by glutamate reduced the medium ammonia concentration. The physicochemical removal of ammonia induced a better cell growth, but not a better specific antibody secretion.

Ammonia↗

Measurement of plasma testosterone by gas chromatography-negative-ion mass spectrometry using pentafluoropropionic derivatives.

Plasma testosterone was measured by gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The testosterone was extracted from plasma using home-made Extrelut columns and diethyl ether elution. It was quantified as the pentafluoropropionate (PFP) derivative by selected-ion monitoring at m/z 560 (testosterone) and 563 (d3-testosterone), accounting for about 34% of the total ion. The characteristics of the method were: extraction recovery about 95%; linearity over the range 1.7-71.5 nmol l-1 with linear regression equation y = 1.41x + 0.0217, r = 0.999; detection limit 3.5 fmol injected with a signal-to-noise ratio of 7.4; within-day variation, 3% for GC-MS, and 5.8% for the whole process; day-to-day coefficient of variation, 6.6-11%, depending on the concentrations. There was a good correlation between the results obtained by GC-MS and RIA (r = 0.994), but the GC-MS values were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those obtained by RIA.

Adult↗

Metastatic endocrine tumors: is there a place for liver transplantation?

The authors describe their experience with liver transplantation (OLT) for metastatic endocrine tumors (MET) in order to determine reasonable indications for OLT in patients with this disease. Removal of the primary lesion and subsequent liver transplantation were performed in two separate procedures in all patients except one. Only those patients suffering from objective tumor progression and symptoms with no evidence of extrahepatic spread after complete work-up (including endoscopic ultrasonography (US) and 123I-labeled Tyr3-octreotide body scanning) underwent liver transplantation. Fifteen patients were referred for liver transplantation. Seven patients were excluded either because of stability of liver metastases (n = 3), extrahepatic spread, general contraindication (n = 2), or feasibility of aggressive surgical resection (n = 2). Liver transplantation was undertaken in eight patients with carcinoid tumor (n = 4), gastrinoma (n = 3) and glucagonoma (n = 1). Three patients did not survive the surgical procedure itself, whereas two additional patients died from chronic rejection or from recurrent disease. Three patients who received transplants for metastatic carcinoid tumor are alive without biochemical or imaging evidence of disease recurrence at 6, 15, and 52 months. The best indication for transplantation seems to be patients with metastases restricted to the liver and unresponsive to adjuvant therapy after aggressive surgical resection including excision of the primary lesion and reduction of hepatic metastases. In such highly-selected patients, liver transplantation remains a high-risk operation, but it can yield long-term survival.

Adult↗