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Bernard Cortet

Publications and source records attributed to Bernard Cortet.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

Adherence, persistence, concordance: do we provide optimal management to our patients with osteoporosis?

The last two decades have witnessed numerous advances in the treatment of chronic diseases, most notably those occurring in postmenopausal women. An insidious course and minimal symptoms often characterize chronic diseases, with the result that long-term adherence to prescribed treatment regimens may be difficult to obtain. Poor compliance has been abundantly documented, particularly in patients with hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. Many factors may contribute to poor compliance, including the unobtrusiveness of the symptoms, limited patient awareness of the potential severity of the disease and of the benefits expected from optimal treatment, low level of education, fear of adverse effects from medications, and cost of medications. The effects of these factors vary across countries, in particular according to the characteristics of healthcare systems. Several strategies are being developed to measure compliance and to identify reasons for non-compliance. Attention is turning to methods for improving compliance, some of which rest on general principles and others on the specific characteristics of each disease. Few data are available on compliance with treatments for osteoporosis, since these were introduced only within the last decade. In many studies, the reference standard was hormone replacement therapy (HRT), whose use is decreasing markedly as a result of recent data on adverse effects. Available studies of bisphosphonate therapy indicate a less than 50% continuation rate after 1 year. The few comparative studies published to date have methodological flaws that preclude definitive conclusions. Compliance has been equally poor with all available bisphosphonates. Although statistically significant, the improvements produced by weekly dosing have been modest, about 10%, indicating a need for further compliance-enhancing strategies. Conflicting results were obtained from the few studies addressing the potential of bone turnover marker assays for influencing compliance. Having a nurse inform patients about the disease and the importance of compliance with dosing recommendations holds promise for improving compliance.

Bone Density Conservation Agents↗

Magnetic resonance imaging of the hand for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis in the absence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the practical usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in establishing a positive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a cohort of patients with early inflammatory polyarthralgia, in the absence of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. METHODS: We prospectively followed 30 outpatients with inflammatory polyarthralgia and/or synovitis of at least one joint. Patients were disease modifying antirheumatic drug-naive and received no corticosteroids. At the initial visit a clinical examination, radiographs of hands, wrists and feet, and MRI of hands were performed. Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies were assessed. The MRI procedure was T1 fat saturation with gadolinium injection [scores were established on the basis of the axial view of the carpal and metacarpal joints, using the RA MRI scoring system (RAMRIS) defined in the OMERACT study]. In all patients, radiographs at baseline were normal and anti-CCP antibodies were negative. RESULTS: At one-year followup, the final diagnosis was: 16 RA; the non-RA group was composed of 4 cases of spondyloarthropathy, 2 cases of fibromyalgia, 4 cases of undifferentiated arthritis (3 of which were self-limiting), 1 sicca syndrome, 1 hemochromatosis, 1 polymyositis, and 1 paraneoplastic syndrome. No statistical difference was found between patients with and without RA for carpal erosion, synovitis, and tenosynovitis. However, a statistical difference was observed between the RA and non-RA group where metacarpophalangeal (MCP) erosion scores were concerned (p = 0.024). This difference persisted when we compared erosions of the second and third MCP in the 2 groups (p = 0.044). ROC curve analysis revealed a positive MCP score at 15, with a specificity of 70% and a sensitivity of 64%. CONCLUSION: In our population of 30 anti-CPP negative patients with normal radiographs, MRI of hands, showing MCP erosions, can be helpful for the diagnosis of RA.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid↗

[Diagnosing osteoporosis: Laboratory tests].

Malignant or metabolic causes of low bone mineral density must be sought after either a fragility fracture or the discovery of low bone density measurements. Laboratory tests for calcium and phosphate metabolism are normal in osteoporosis. Vitamin D deficiency is frequent and requires supplementation. Markers of bone remodeling can be useful in cases where the treatment decision is difficult.

Adult↗

MR imaging findings in hands in early rheumatoid arthritis: comparison with those in systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjögren syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for differentiating true rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or primary Sjögren syndrome in patients who have inflammatory polyarthralgia of the hands but no radiographic evidence of RA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study had institutional review board approval, and patient informed consent was obtained. Twenty-eight patients (16 female and 12 male patients; mean age, 42 years) with early RA and 19 patients (18 female and one male patient; mean age, 46 years) with SLE (n = 14) or primary Sjögren syndrome (n = 5) underwent MR imaging of both hands. All patients had inflammatory polyarthralgia of the hands and no evidence of erosive changes on radiographs. Coronal T2-weighted short inversion time inversion-recovery, transverse T1-weighted spin-echo, transverse fat-suppressed gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo, and transverse gadolinium-enhanced three-dimensional gradient-echo MR images were obtained. The following MR imaging variables were assessed in the wrist and nonthumb metacarpophalangeal joints: synovitis, bone lesions (erosion, defect, and edema), and tenosynovitis. Synovitis and bone lesions were scored with the OMERACT RA-MRI scoring system. Findings in patients with RA and those without RA were compared by means of Mann-Whitney, chi2, and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: The only significant difference between the two groups in terms of individual scores for synovitis, bone lesions, and tenosynovitis was the more frequent presence of tenosynovitis of the right fourth extensor tendon in patients without RA (P = .04). There were no significant differences between patients with RA and those without RA in terms of global scores for synovitis, bone lesions, and tenosynovitis. However, bone marrow edema in the metacarpophalangeal joints was seen more frequently in patients with RA (P < .001). CONCLUSION: It may be impossible to distinguish between patients with early RA and those without RA (ie, those with SLE or primary Sjögren syndrome) by means of MR imaging.

Adolescent↗

Contribution of percutaneous biopsy to the definite diagnosis in patients with suspected bone tumor.

OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous biopsy is widely used for the diagnosis of primary and secondary bone malignancies. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the contribution of percutaneous biopsy to the definite diagnosis in patients with suspected bone tumor. The secondary objective was to assess the potential diagnostic benefits of a second percutaneous biopsy when the first failed to provide the diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 108 percutaneous biopsies of bone lesions in 89 patients admitted to our rheumatology department from January 1994 to December 2001. There were 61 men and 28 women with a mean age of 59 years. The biopsies were done under computed tomography guidance in 68 patients and fluoroscopy in 21 patients. RESULTS: The diagnostic yield of percutaneous biopsies was 68.5% overall and was significantly higher in patients with metastatic bone disease (100%) than in patients with primary tumors (83%) or hematological malignancies (58%) (P = 0.0004 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Yields were higher for peripheral lesions (85%) than for vertebral (65%) and pelvic (60%) lesions. Yields were 87% for lytic lesions, 66% for sclerotic lesions, and 50% for mixed lesions. When soft tissues were sampled, the yield was 100%, as compared to 86% for biopsies composed only of bone. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous biopsy of suspected bone tumors is a safe and inexpensive procedure that consistently ensures the diagnosis of bone metastases. The diagnostic yield is lowest in patients with bone lesions caused by hematological malignancies. When two biopsies fail to provide the diagnosis, further biopsies are unlikely to be helpful.

Adolescent↗

Bone loss associated with anorexia nervosa.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of bone loss related to anorexia nervosa. Earlier onset and longer duration of anorexia nervosa are associated with more severe bone loss. Osteoporosis develops in 38-50% of cases. Bone mineral density measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry is useful for assessing bone mass, and bone marker assays provide information on bone turnover. Bone loss in anorexia nervosa is probably multifactorial. Estrogen deficiency was long felt to be the major factor. However, in contrast to postmenopausal osteoporosis, bone loss associated with anorexia nervosa is related mainly to inadequate bone formation, with only a slight increase in bone resorption. This suggests a role for nutritional factors, such as disturbances in the growth hormone-somatomedin C axis (GH/IGF-I) related to malnutrition. The best treatment strategy for correcting bone mass in patients with anorexia nervosa is not agreed on. Resumption of menstrual cycles and weight gain seem necessary but not always sufficient. Studies found no benefits with estrogen therapy, but this was usually given as estrogen-progestin contraceptives. No vast studies evaluating hormone replacement therapy have been reported. Bone formation enhancers such as IGF-I seem to provide the best results, most notably when used in combination with estrogens. This suggests that complex treatment strategies combining bone formation enhancers and bone resorption inhibitors may deserve evaluation.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Metacarpophalangeal joints at US in asymptomatic volunteers and cadaveric specimens.

PURPOSE: To determine normal anatomy of metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints at ultrasonography (US) and to compare findings with anatomic and histopathologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Right hands of five cadavers (two women, three men; age range at death, 46-96 years; mean age at death, 62 years) and dominant hands of 30 volunteers (15 men, 15 women; age range, 27-74 years; mean age, 43 years) were evaluated. Nonthumb MCP joints were scanned longitudinally and transversely by two musculoskeletal radiologists working independently at US with a high-frequency linear-array transducer (frequency, 12 MHz). US appearances of intraarticular and periarticular structures were analyzed independently by these radiologists. Specimen sectioning provided anatomic and histopathologic comparisons. Interobserver precision was assessed with determination of coefficient of variation (CV). RESULTS: Sagittal US images enabled good visualization of the dorsal metacarpal synovial recess and the metacarpal head cartilage. In 37% of cases, a small depression (mean depth, 0.3 mm) was identified on the dorsal aspect of the metacarpal head, especially at the second MCP joint (19% of cases). Direct visualization of sagittal bands of the extensor hood was possible on dorsal transverse US scans, especially at the second and third MCP joints. In all cases, the first annular pulley was well seen on palmar transverse US scans. The radial collateral ligament of the second MCP joint was better recognized by the two observers than was the ulnar collateral ligament of the fifth MCP joint. Interobserver precision was high (CV range, 1.5%-6.5%) for intraarticular and periarticular structures. CONCLUSION: US provides detailed information about normal anatomy of nonthumb MCP joints.

Adult↗

Long-term follow-up of vertebral osteoporotic fractures treated by percutaneous vertebroplasty.

The aim of this study was: to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for treating painful vertebral osteoporotic fractures, and to estimate the risk of vertebral fracture in the vicinity of a cemented vertebra. A prospective open study was conducted. PVP were carried out between July 1995 and September 2000 for 16 patients with symptomatic osteoporotic vertebral fracture that had not responded to extensive conservative medical therapy. All the patients were followed-up for more than 1 year. The efficacy of the PVP was assessed by the changes over time in pain on Huskisson's visual analog scale (VAS) and on the McGill-Melzack scoring system (MGM). The efficacy of the procedure was also assessed by measuring the changes over time in quality of life assessed by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP instrument): twenty-one vertebrae treated by PVP in 16 patients were evaluated. The mean duration of follow-up was 35 months. Pain assessed by the VAS significantly decreased from a mean of 71.4 mm+/-13 before PVP to 36 mm+/-30 after 6 months, and to 39 mm+/-33 at the time of maximal follow-up ( p<0.05 for both comparisons). The results were also significant for the MGM: 3.00+/-0.57 before PVP to 1.6+/-1.4 at the long-term follow-up ( p<0.05). The solely statistically significant decrease for quality of life was noted for pain. A slight but not significant improvement was noted for 3/6 dimensions of the NHP scores. A slight but significant increase in social isolation was also found. No severe complication occurred immediately after PVP. At the long term follow-up (35 months) there was a slight but not significantly increased risk of vertebral fracture in the vicinity of a cemented vertebra: odds ratio 3.18 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-19.64). The odds ratio of a vertebral fracture in the vicinity of an uncemented fractured vertebra was 2.14 (95% CI: 0.17-26.31). In conclusion, PVP appears to be safe and effective for treating persistent painful osteoporotic fractures. Controlled studies with long-term follow-up are needed to evaluate the risk of vertebral fractures in the vicinity of a cemented vertebra.

Aged↗

Bone structure of the calcaneus: analysis with magnetic resonance imaging and correlation with histomorphometric study.

The purpose of this study was to compare structural measurements obtained from MR images of the calcaneus with those obtained from conventional histomorphometry. Sagittal magnetic resonance (MR) images of the calcaneus of 24 fresh human cadaveric feet were obtained at a spatial resolution achievable in vivo. A three-dimensional gradient echo-sequence was used with a slice thickness of 700 microm and in plane resolution of 172 x 172 microm. Structural analysis (four histomorphometric parameters; seven connectivity parameters) was performed in the superior region of the calcaneus. Bone biopsy specimens were obtained in the same area and were sectioned for histomorphometric study. Most of the MR histomorphometric parameters were overestimated (by a factor ranging from 0.8 to 3), as compared with histomorphometry. However, significant ( P<0.05) correlations were found between MR imaging and histomorphometric measurements for bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular separation, trabecular number, star volume of the marrow space, node count and terminus count. MR histomorphometric parameters correlated much better with histomorphometry than connectivity parameters. This study suggests that structural parameters characterizing cancellous bone in the calcaneus can be derived from MR images in the limited spatial resolution regime applicable in vivo.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Bone mineral density changes in hypercalciuretic osteoporotic men treated with thiazide diuretics.

UNLABELLED: A few studies suggest that thiazide diuretic agents may have modest beneficial effects on bone. Few data are available on the effects of these medications in patients with osteoporosis and hypercalciuria. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of thiazide diuretic therapy on bone mass and urinary calcium excretion in hypercalciuretic osteoporotic male patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Osteoporosis was defined as a greater than 2.5 standard deviation (S.D.) decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine or hip (T-score). We used an open-label prospective design to compare 14 patients with hypercalciuretic osteoporosis treated with a thiazide diuretic for 18 months and 13 patients with primary osteoporosis treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Mean age was 53.5 +/- 9.6 years in the thiazide group and 48.7 +/- 8.4 years in the calcium-vitamin D supplementation group. The following serum parameters were assayed at baseline: 25OH-D3, 1,25OH-D3, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and bone turnover markers. Urinary calcium excretion and BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the spine and hip were determined at baseline and after 18 months of treatment. RESULTS: Annual BMD increases were similar in the two groups during the 18-month treatment period: lumbar spine, 0.6 +/- 2.5% (P = 0.47) in the thiazide group and 0.004 +/- 3% (P = 0.78) in the supplementation group; femoral neck, 0.47 +/- 2.6% (P = 0.89) and 1.1 +/- 3.2% (P = 0.22); total hip, 0.65 +/- 2.5% (P = 0.37) and 0.12 +/- 2.1% (P = 0.51). Urinary calcium excretion fell by 45.9% in the thiazide group from baseline to study completion (P = 0.0015). CONCLUSION: We found no evidence that thiazide therapy increased bone mass in patients with hypercalciuria and osteoporosis as compared to calcium-vitamin D supplementation in patients with osteoporosis but no hypercalciuria. In contrast, our results establish the efficacy of thiazide diuretics in reducing urinary calcium excretion, an effect that may decrease the risk of urinary lithiasis. Studies in larger patient cohorts treated for longer periods are needed to confirm or refute our findings.

Benzothiadiazines↗

Subchondral fractures of the femoral head: a review of seven cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the main characteristics of subchondral fractures of the femoral head. CASE-REPORTS: The seven patients, five women and two men, with a mean age of 50 years (37-76 years), presented with mechanical pain in the groin. Bone loss was the main risk factor. Two patients had postmenopausal osteoporosis (including one with a history of ovariectomy at 30 years of age), two had osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoid therapy given after transplantation (liver and allogeneic bone marrow, respectively), one had an ACTH-producing adenoma, and one had femoral osteopenia at a site of topical glucocorticoid therapy for atopic dermatitis. The remaining patient had osteopenia and a history of smoking. Phosphate and calcium levels were normal in five patients. One patient had isolated hypocalciuria and another had moderate proximal tubular disease with phosphate wasting and hypercalciuria. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a subcapital line of low signal on T1- and T2-weighted sequences surrounded by an area of variable size generating low signal on T1 images and high signal on T2 images, with postgadolinium enhancement, denoting marrow edema. Complete elimination of weight bearing for 6 weeks, symptomatic agents, and treatment of the underlying causes of bone insufficiency were used in all seven patients. Mean follow-up was 2.4 years (range, 11-39 years). No cases of osteonecrosis were recorded. CONCLUSION: Several cases of subchondral fracture have been reported in the literature. Bone insufficiency was the main risk factor in all the patients.

Adult↗

Bone metastases revealing primary tumors. Comparison of two series separated by 30 years.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two series of patients admitted to a rheumatology department for bone metastases 30 years apart and to obtain a pragmatic estimation of the percentage of bone metastases revealing cancer. METHODS: The recent series was composed of 132 patients seen between 1989 and 1996 and the earlier series of 50 patients admitted between 1958 and 1967. All patients were admitted to the same rheumatology department for bone metastases from a diagnosed or undiagnosed primary. Both series were studied retrospectively. The rate of occurrence of each cancer diagnosis was determined in the patients with and without known primaries. RESULTS: Among the patients with metastatic disease as the first manifestation of cancer, the percentage with lung cancer increased from the early to the recent series, particularly among women, whereas the percentages with prostate and breast cancer decreased. The primary remained unknown in 27% and 38% of patients in the early and recent series, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite the introduction of new investigations, our ability to identify primaries responsible for bone metastases does not seem to have improved. However, our data should be interpreted with caution since recruitment probably differed between the two series.

Adult↗

Trabecular bone structure of the calcaneus: preliminary in vivo MR imaging assessment in men with osteoporosis.

PURPOSE: To use magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to evaluate potential differences in bone structure between men with and men without osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sagittal MR images of the calcaneus were obtained in 50 men (26 patients with osteoporosis and 24 age-matched healthy control subjects). Osteoporosis was defined as a low bone mineral density (at least 2.5 SDs below the normal value for young adults at either the lumbar spine or proximal femur) as measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Seventeen patients had a history of osteoporotic fractures. For each participant, 10 consecutive sagittal three-dimensional gradient-echo MR sections were analyzed by using a rectangular region of interest. Twenty structural measurements were obtained from these images. Additionally, density measurements at the calcaneus were obtained in 46 participants. The significance of differences between the two groups was calculated by using the unpaired Student t test. The odds ratios for fracture per 1 SD decrease in the control group were calculated with logistic regression analysis. Adjustment for participant weight and height was performed if necessary. RESULTS: Thirteen of 20 structural parameters, especially connectivity parameters, showed significant differences between control subjects and patients (P <.05). Differences between the two groups were more significant (P <.001) for apparent bone marrow skeleton length, apparent node count, apparent node-to-node strut count, and apparent terminus-to-terminus strut count. Odds ratios for 11 of 13 structural parameters but not for calcaneus density were significant (P <.05). After adjustment for calcaneus density, these parameters were still significant predictors of osteoporotic fracture. CONCLUSION: Structural measurements derived from MR images of the calcaneus may be used in vivo to characterize trabecular bone architecture in men with osteoporosis.

Body Height↗

Pain management in a rheumatology department: a satisfaction survey.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the quality of pain management in a teaching hospital rheumatology department. METHODS: We conducted a satisfaction survey among all the patients admitted to the conventional rheumatology department of our teaching hospital over a 1-month period (88 patients with a mean length of stay of 5 d). The patients were asked to complete a questionnaire on the day of discharge. The professional staff was not informed of the survey. RESULTS: The mean pain severity score at admission (visual analog scale, VAS) was 7.76 +/- 1.76 and the mean score decrease with treatment was 7.27 +/- 2.81. Expected pain relief and actual pain relief were correlated (R = 0.39; P = 0.001). Nearly all the patients (96.1%) reported have been encouraged to communicate about their pain. Information on the treatment was given to 89.3% of the patients; no significant differences in pain severity or pain relief were found between the patients who did and did not receive this information. The patients were satisfied with their management by the physicians (VAS: 8.83 +/- 2.07) and nurses (VAS: 8.68 +/- 1.72). CONCLUSION: Satisfaction with pain management (a subjective criterion) was good in our patients. However, no validated tools for measuring satisfaction are available, and measurements should be repeated to look for improvements over time. Limitations to these results include the placebo effect, the influence of memory, and the effects of the behavior of hospitalized patients. A repeat survey is needed.

Analgesics↗

Evaluation of spinal curvatures after a recent osteoporotic vertebral fracture.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate spinal curvature changes over a 3-year period in postmenopausal women who had had an osteoporotic vertebral fracture within the last 3 months. METHODS: Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were measured using a curviscope at baseline and after 1, 3, 6, 12, and 36 months. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine were obtained after 1 and 3 years. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included. At baseline, a significant increase in thoracic curvature was found in the subgroup with thoracic fractures as compared to the subgroups with thoracolumbar or lumbar fractures (64 degrees +/- 9 degrees, 56 degrees +/- 10, and 56 degrees +/- 13, respectively; P < 0.05). No lumbar curvature differences were found. Thoracic curvature was significantly correlated with age (r = -0.48, P < 0.001) and with the vertebral deformity index (r = 0.6, P < 0.001). A significant increase in thoracic curvature was apparent 3 months into the study; after 3 years, the increase was 5.6 degrees +/- 0.7 (P < 0.01). A moderate increase in lumbar curvature was found after 3 years (P < 0.01). Five of 13 patients and five of 10 patients had at least one incident fracture after 1 and 3 years, respectively. Mean thoracic curvature was greater among the patients with than without incident fractures after 1 and 3 years, although the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Thoracic compression fractures significantly increase thoracic kyphosis as compared to dorsolumbar and lumbar fractures. Thoracic kyphosis worsens overtime in patients with prevalent vertebral fractures. These data invite an evaluation of techniques capable of providing early correction of alignment disorders, such as widespread use of bracing or kyphoplasty.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗