PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D Lauque

Publications and source records attributed to D Lauque.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Respiratory variant of constrictive pericarditis. Report of 4 cases].

Constrictive pericarditis was diagnosed in four patients who presented respiratory impairment and pleural effusion, associated with right ventricular failure in two. The cause was probable tuberculosis in two cases, post-irradiation lesions in one and unknown in one. The diagnosis was suspected due to the normal heart volume and pathological electrocardiogram as well as the computed tomographic findings demonstrating pericardial morphology. Right catheterism confirmed the diagnosis: increased right ventricular telediastolic pressure with a dip plateau and equivalent pressures in the right atrium and ventricle. Early diagnosis allowed pericardectomy in two cases. In one case, the subacute epicardopericarditis regressed with corticosteroids and antituberculosis therapy.

Aged↗

A prospective, multicenter, randomized trial comparing steroids and pulse cyclophosphamide versus steroids and oral cyclophosphamide in the treatment of generalized Wegener's granulomatosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and side effects of oral versus pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) in combination with corticosteroids (CS) in the treatment of systemic Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed systemic WG were enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial. At the time of diagnosis, prior to randomization, every patient received a daily injection of methylprednisolone for 3 days, followed by daily oral prednisone (1 mg/kg/day) and a 0.7-gm/m2 pulse of CYC. Patients were then randomly assigned to receive either prednisone plus intravenous pulse CYC (group A) or prednisone plus oral CYC (group B) as first-line treatment. CYC was given for at least 1 year and was then progressively tapered and discontinued. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study: 27 in group A and 23 in group B. At 6 months, 24 group A patients (88.9%) were in remission, versus 18 group B patients (78.3%). At the end of the trial, 18 group A patients (66.7%) and 13 group B patients (56.5%) were in remission. In group A, 66.7% of the patients experienced side effects, versus 69.6% in group B. Infectious side effects were significantly more frequent in group B (69.6%) than in group A (40.7%) (P < 0.05). The incidence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was higher in oral CYC-treated patients (30.4%) than in pulse CYC-treated patients (11.1%). Nine group A patients (33.3%) and 10 group B patients (43.5%) died. Actuarial curves showed that relapses were significantly more frequent in group A (59.2%) than in group B (13%) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that pulse CYC is as effective as oral CYC in achieving initial remission of WG and is associated with fewer side effects and lower mortality. However, in the long term, treatment with pulse CYC does not maintain remission or prevent relapses as well as oral CYC.

Administration, Oral↗

[Course of interstitial lung diseases associated with inflammatory myopathies. Apropos of 5 cases].

We describe five cases of polymyositis/dermatomyositis with interstitial lung disease, occurring in women, with a mean follow up of 28 months (15 to 51). One remained without respiratory symptoms, two had a chronic and relapsing course, and two an acute course, leading to death with respiratory failure in one. Anti-Jo1 antibody was found in two patients, without relation to the gravity of the respiratory illness. The two others with a severe course had anticardiolip antibodies, and one cutaneous necrosis of the fingers. Cancer-associated dermatopolymyositis was never seen at diagnosis, but a lymphoma of the brain was diagnosed after two years in one patient. Combination of corticosteroids with another immunomodulator treatment was necessary for all, because of frequent relapses. Methotrexate was effective in one case for the muscular and the respiratory signs, plasma exchanges with azathioprine in two cases, and intravenous immunoglobulin in one patient with acute lung injury.

Adult↗

[GC12, marker of cells of mesodermal origin. Value and application to cytodiagnosis of serous effusions].

Monoclonal antibody GC12 was examined for its value in cytopathologic diagnosis. Its sensitivity and specificity in staining reactive mesothelial cells in serous effusions was determined using the indirect immuno alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase technique. Smears prepared from 78 serous effusions (15 benign, 54 malignant, 9 atypical) were immunostained with GC12 and five other monoclonal antibodies: KL1 directed against cytokeratins, D33 against desmin, E29 against epithelial membrane antigen, Calam 27 against epithelial surface antigen and NEO 723 reactive with carcinoembryonic antigen. GC12 reacted positively with 80 to 100% mesothelial cells from the 15 benign effusions. Carcinoma cells were negative in 87% of malignant cases. Ovarian carcinomas were specially stained among positive cases. One malignant mesothelioma was positive and one was unreactive with GC12. Moreover, the reactivity of atypical cells in 9 serous effusions with GC12 was helpful to characterize benign and malignant effusions: the immunophenotype GC12-, Desmine-, Calam 27+, EMA+, ACE+ allowed detection of carcinoma cells in 2 cases. It is concluded that GC12 is a good tool for distinguishing carcinoma cells from reactive mesothelial cells in serous effusions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Distinct signal transduction pathways for activation of rabbit alveolar macrophages in vitro by cotton bract tannin.

These experiments were designed to study signal transduction pathways in alveolar macrophages stimulated by condensed tannin or zymosan. Condensed tannins, present in cotton mill dust, alter the host-defense function of alveolar macrophages and may contribute to the pathogenesis of byssinosis. We tried to determine the early steps in signal transduction mechanisms of cell activation by tannin. With the quantification of 51Cr release, we determined that tannin was cytotoxic for the cells after 30 min activation with 130 micrograms for 2 x 10(6) cells. 51Cr release was similar for control cells and zymosan- or 30 micrograms tannin-activated cells. Using the luciferine luciferase reaction, we showed that tannin markedly depleted ATP cell content. In inositol-labeled cells, tannin increased inositolphosphate release in a dose-dependent manner. In lysoPAF-labeled cells, tannin induced synthesis of phosphatidic acid and diglycerides. In the presence of ethanol, the level of tannin-induced phosphatidic acid was slightly reduced, and phosphatidylethanol was synthesized. No phosphatidylethanol was found in alveolar macrophages stimulated by zymosan in the presence of ethanol. GF 109203X, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C decreased only tannin-induced phosphatidylethanol synthesis. In conclusion, tannin (at 30 or 130 micrograms/ml) activated an inositol phospholipase C in alveolar membranes. Phosphatidylcholine phospholipases C and D were found only at the higher concentration of tannin.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Plasma DNA as a marker of cancerous cell death. Investigations in patients suffering from lung cancer and in nude mice bearing human tumours.

Plasma DNA that circulates mainly as mononucleosomes is a cell death marker. Its significance and prognostic value in cancer as compared to other tumour markers was investigated in 68 patients hospitalised for lung cancers. Prognostic values of the various studied parameters were evaluated using the Cox's model. The cellular origin of plasma DNA was further investigated in nude mice transplanted with human lung adenocarcinoma. Plasma DNA concentrations were increased in cancer patients as compared to normal subjects (P < 0.01). They were higher in patients with extended (Stage 4) disease than in patients with limited stage disease (P < 0.05). Plasma DNA concentrations, serum lactate dehydrogenase activities and neuron-specific enolase concentrations were correlated all together in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and in non-SCLC. Similar relationships were found between survival and each of these three cell death/tumour markers (P < 0.02-0.005). Plasma DNA from mice bearing human tumour hybridised with both mouse and human plasma DNA, while plasma DNA from endotoxin-injected mice hybridised only with mouse plasma DNA. In conclusion, in patients suffering from lung cancer, plasma DNA as well as LDH and NSE represent cell death markers that are correlated with survival. At a time when apoptosis pathways appear to be potential targets for cancer therapy, plasma DNA is a cell death/tumour marker that should be taken into account in studying the cancerous process in human diseases.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Transverse myelitis caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection].

A twenty-six year old man was admitted for febrile atypical pneumoniae. Few hours later, he presented an acute flaccid paraplegia with dorsal pain. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed a high leukocyte count with raised protein level. Neuroradiological examinations (myelography and MRI) were normal. Seric immunological disorders were reported. High complement-fixing antibody titers to Mycoplasma pneumoniae were found in the serum and in the CSF. The patient was treated with antibiotic and corticosteroids. He improved dramatically within one month. Neurological complications of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have been described (meningoencephalitis, meningitidis, polyradiculoneuropathies, cerebellar ataxia, cranial nerve palsies). Nineteen cases of transverse myelitis induced by Mycoplasma pneumoniae have been previously reported. Pathophysiological mechanisms of nervous system complications induced by Mycoplasma pneumoniae were discussed. Vascular mechanisms, direct invasion by the pathogen, toxic, immunological causes were examined.

Adult↗

[A fleshy bud...].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Bronchoscopy↗

Self-expandable prostheses in the tracheobronchial tree.

Under endoscopic and radiologic control, two types of self-expandable metal prostheses were implanted in tracheobronchial lesions to help reestablish airway caliber. Thirty-nine metal stent prostheses (6-20 mm in diameter) and 35 Gianturco stents (30 mm in diameter) were used in 55 adult patients with 62 lesions of the trachea (n = 33) or bronchi (n = 29). All lesions except one were endoscopically confirmed to be noninflammatory. Immediately after implantation, radiologic and endoscopic studies verified reestablishment of a satisfactory airway diameter in all patients. At a mean follow-up of 10.35 (range, 3-27) months, improvement in the respiratory status of 49 of the 55 patients (89%) was maintained and tolerance of the device was excellent. For the Wallstent endoprosthesis, the six complications observed at endoscopy were successfully treated. The Gianturco stent, however, led to a high rate of complications: 30% of cases had migration and/or rupture of the metallic mesh, potentially leading to obstruction or wall perforation; one case of respiratory distress was fatal. This procedure offers rapid epithelialization and incorporation of the device into the tracheobronchial wall.

Adult↗

Primary pulmonary lymphomas. A clinical study of 70 cases in nonimmunocompromised patients.

We studied 70 patients with biopsy-proven pulmonary non-Hodgkin's lymphomas without extrathoracic involvement or mediastinal adenopathy to determine the clinical, imaging, and endoscopic features of this condition in a homogeneous series. In low-grade (LG) lymphomas, symptoms were cough, dyspnea, chest pain, hemoptysis. Imaging features consisted of localized alveolar opacities, infiltrative diffuse opacities, atelectasis, and pleural effusions. Inflammatory changes of the mucosa were present in some patients, leading to bronchial stenosis in 7; biopsies showed lymphomatous infiltration in 12. Prognosis of LG lymphomas was excellent, with 93.6 percent survival at five years. High-grade lymphomas differed from LG lymphomas principally by a more aggressive course and a worse survival. Inflammatory changes occurred in seven of nine cases leading to stenosis in two, and biopsies showed lymphomatous involvement in five. The profile of primary pulmonary lymphomas in this study could help clinicians consider this condition and prompt them to evaluate new diagnostic tools.

Adult↗

[Microscopic polyarteritis].

Microscopic polyarteritis is an idiopathic necrotising vascularitis of the small vessels. Manifestations include diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, segmentary necrotising glomerulonephritis, and a cutaneous, articular, neurological or digestive vascularitis. The absence of a histological granulomas and medium calibre vessel involvement distinguishes Wegener's syndrome from polyarteritis nodulosa. The diagnosis is facilitated when anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies are found in the serum. These auto-antibodies are suspected to be the cause based on clinical and experimental data, although this aetiology has not been confirmed. Corticosteroids, immunosuppressors and plasmapheresis can improve the prognosis of this severe and evolving affection which may be fatal.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

[Alveolar opacities and busulfan pneumonia].

A case of toxic pneumonia due to busulfan is reported in a man aged 65 treated for three years with busulfan for chronic myeloid leukaemia. He was admitted to hospital for dyspnoea, cough, fever and presented with crepitations, dense alveolar opacities, and a restrictive ventilatory defect. Trans-bronchial biopsy showed a filling of the alveoli by fibroblastic tissue, as well as voluminous dystrophic pneumocytes. Four months later in spite of steroid therapy the clinical state and respiratory function were worse. The alveolar opacities have regressed but some diffuse interstitial opacities had appeared. This new case is a reminder that the appearance of alveolar opacities in a patient treated with busulfan should raise the possibility of a toxic pneumonitis to busulfan in the differential diagnosis. This observation also underlines the role of the initial endo-alveolar fibrosis in the ultimate development of interstitial fibrosis.

Aged↗

Cotton condensed tannin: a potent modulator of alveolar macrophage host-defense function.

Alveolar macrophages are the resident airway cells primarily responsible for the protection of the lungs against inhaled toxins and other biologically active material. A number of functional capabilities constitute their host-defense function. They can phagocytize and inactivate foreign material by production of reactive oxygen intermediates or the action of hydrolytic enzymes. In the absence of phagocytosis, macrophages can secrete reactive oxygen intermediates or enzymes that inactivate extracellular biologically active material. They also can secrete metabolites of arachidonic acid and other cytokines that contribute to the inflammatory response of the lungs. Macrophages also secrete a variety of peptide and lipid chemotactic factors that lead to the recruitment of other inflammatory cells into the airways. The condensed tannins, which constitute a significant percentage of the water soluble compounds present in respirable cotton mill dust, dramatically alter the host-defense function of alveolar macrophages in vitro. Tannin inhibits both phagocytosis and production of reactive oxidants in a dose-dependent manner with EC50's of 16 micrograms/mL and 3 micrograms/mL, respectively. This inhibition dramatically decreases the ability of resident alveolar macrophages to clear and detoxify potentially harmful inhaled particles. However, at similar concentrations, tannin stimulates the dose-dependent secretion (EC50 = 15 micrograms/mL) of a low molecular weight lipid neutrophil chemotactic factor that could result in an inflammatory reaction with the recruitment of neutrophils into the lungs. At slightly higher concentrations, tannin promotes the dose-dependent release of arachidonic acid from the macrophage membranes (EC50 = 65 micrograms/mL), which could also contribute to the local inflammatory reaction. Finally, tannin also causes secretion of the cytokine, interleukin-1, from the monocyte precursors of macrophages with an EC50 of 32 micrograms/mL. Interleukin-1 has been implicated as one of the causative agents in the development of fever.

Animals↗

Signal transducing mechanisms in human platelets stimulated by cotton bract tannin.

Cotton bract tannin is a potent stimulus for platelet aggregation and secretion. Tannin has been shown to stimulate the phosphorylation of two 19-kD and 47-kD cytosolic proteins in platelets, but earlier steps in signal transducing mechanisms of platelet activation are unknown. In this study, measurements of 32P-labeled phospholipids, 14C-labeled arachidonic acid, and levels of intracellular free calcium (Ca2+) were performed before and after the addition of thrombin (1 U/ml) or various concentrations of tannin to human platelets. The results showed that tannin induced a dose-dependent synthesis of phosphatidic acid, an early and transient hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol monophosphate and bisphosphate, a transient synthesis of diacylglycerol, and a release of arachidonic acid metabolites. The kinetics of phosphatidic acid, diacylglycerol, and arachidonic acid metabolite synthesis were similar after platelet stimulation by tannin (75 micrograms/ml) or thrombin. Tannin also induced a reversible rise of intracellular Ca2+ due to a mobilization of the internal stores and an influx of extracellular Ca2+. These results suggest that cotton bract tannin, as thrombin, activates human platelets by phospholipase C and A2 activations, release of diacylglycerol, and mobilization of intracellular free Ca2+.

Arachidonic Acids↗