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Biomedical subjects

E Barre

Publications and source records attributed to E Barre.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Complications of femoral and subclavian venous catheterization in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Whether venous catheterization at the femoral site is associated with an increased risk of complications compared with that at the subclavian site is debated. OBJECTIVE: To compare mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic complications of femoral and subclavian venous catheterization. DESIGN AND SETTING: Concealed, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted between December 1997 and July 2000 at 8 intensive care units (ICUs) in France. PATIENTS: Two hundred eighty-nine adult patients receiving a first central venous catheter. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to undergo central venous catheterization at the femoral site (n = 145) or subclavian site (n = 144). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate and severity of mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic complications, compared by catheterization site in 289, 270, and 223 patients, respectively. RESULTS: Femoral catheterization was associated with a higher incidence rate of overall infectious complications (19.8% vs 4.5%; P<.001; incidence density of 20 vs 3.7 per 1000 catheter-days) and of major infectious complications (clinical sepsis with or without bloodstream infection, 4.4% vs 1.5%; P =.07; incidence density of 4.5 vs 1.2 per 1000 catheter-days), as well as of overall thrombotic complications (21.5% vs 1.9%; P<.001) and complete thrombosis of the vessel (6% vs 0%; P =.01); rates of overall and major mechanical complications were similar between the 2 groups (17.3% vs 18.8 %; P =.74 and 1.4% vs 2.8%; P =.44, respectively). Risk factors for mechanical complications were duration of insertion (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.08 per additional minute; P<.001); insertion in 2 of the centers (OR, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.81-11.23; P =.001); and insertion during the night (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.04-4.08; P =.03). The only factor associated with infectious complications was femoral catheterization (hazard ratio [HR], 4.83; 95% CI, 1.96-11.93; P<.001); antibiotic administration via the catheter decreased risk of infectious complications (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18-0.93; P =.03). Femoral catheterization was the only risk factor for thrombotic complications (OR, 14.42; 95% CI, 3.33-62.57; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Femoral venous catheterization is associated with a greater risk of infectious and thrombotic complications than subclavian catheterization in ICU patients.

Catheterization, Central Venous↗

[Role of osteosynthesis in the consolidation of posterolateral arthrodesis: a comparative study in patients operated for lumbar stenosis].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The main objective of this work was to determine the impact of osteosynthesis for posterolateral arthodesis on bone consolidation. We also tried to isolate factors predictive of nonunion and the effect of nonunion on the final outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recaIIed for assessment patients who had undergone surgery for stenosis of the lumbar spine and who had a posterolateral lumbar or lumbosacral arthodesis in addition to the spinal decompression. Among a total of 98 operated patients, 31 had arthrodesis without instrumentation. These 31 patients were matched for age, sex, smoking habits, and extent of the fusion with 31 other patients who had an instrumented arthrodesis. Radiological and clinical assessment obtained preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively were available for all 62 patients. RESULTS: Our two groups of patients were similar for comorbidity, number of arthodesis levels, fusion zone, extent and site of associated radicular release, lumbar lordosis, slope of the sacrum, global spinal mobility, and angular anteroposterior intersegmentary mobility of the different levels of the fusion zone, and interertebral sliding (site, degree, type, ante- or retrolisthesis). At last follow-up, rate of malunion was the same in the two groups (35 p. 100). Statistical analysis demonstrated three factors significantly associated with malunion: anteroposterior intersegmentary mobility, and especially angular mobility and disk height. Disk height was not however significant if it was associated with intersegmentary hypermobility. Other parameters studied, and notably use of ostheosynthesis material or not, preoperative comorbility, presence or not of preoperative intervertebral displacement, and level of the arthrodesis, had no effect. DISCUSSION: Considering the type of arthrodesis studied (short fusion on a globally minimally mobile spine) the series demonstrated that the use of osteosynthesis material does not significantly increase the rate of fusion of posterolateral arthrodesis and that the mobility of the spinal segment involved is probably a more important predictive factor for the quality of the fusion.

Female↗

Radiologic and computed tomography image evaluation of bone regrowth after wide surgical decompression for lumbar stenosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of bone regrowth after decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. OBJECTIVES: To assess bone regrowth at the operation site, to compare the bone regrowth rate calculated from plain radiographs with computed tomographic image examinations, to determine the effects of bone regrowth on clinical outcome, and to investigate the factors promoting bone regrowth. SUMMARY OF THE BACKGROUND DATA: Moderate or marked bone regrowth in a surgical defect has been reported in most patients after decompression for lumbar spinal stenosis. Postoperative bone regrowth is related to recurrence of neurologic symptoms in the middle of and later on in follow-up periods. METHODS: Twenty-three patients who underwent decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, with an average follow-up of 8 years, were evaluated retrospectively regarding the degree of bone regrowth at the posterior arch. Early postoperative radiographs and computed tomographic images were compared with those obtained at final follow-up. Bone regrowth at the operation sites was evaluated as a regrowth percentage of the original laminectomy site. RESULTS: Decompressive surgery caused bone regrowth to occur at the operation site in most of the patients. However, this regrowth was mild because the mean bone regrowth rate evaluated from plain radiographs averaged 11% and from computed tomographic images 7.7%. In only 20% of the patients was the bone regrowth rate more than 20%. Changes were found to be more elevated at the facet joint level than at the pedicle level. Evaluations of regrowth obtained from plain films and computed tomographic image examinations were compared. Radiographs seemed to overestimate the bone regrowth. The association of postoperative spinal instability with the development of new bone was statistically significant. No relation between bone regrowth and clinical outcome was found. CONCLUSIONS: Bone regrowth in a surgical defect occurs in most patients after posterior decompression. In this study the bone regrowth rate was mild and did not affect the clinical outcome.

Adult↗

[Outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in general hospital intensive care unit].

Mantes' hospital polyvalent intensive care unit (ICU) experienced an outbreak episode caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Suspicion of physicians was strengthened by observing the weekly reading of multiresistant germs and the significative increase of MRSA carriers incidence rate, compared with the number of admission in the ICU: 5.5% to 11.3%. This outbreak was surprising: it happened immediately after the installation in a new hospital and the reinforcement of nosocomial infection surveillance (systematic screening of every patient admitted to the I.U.C., his isolation if he presents risk factors to multiresistant germs, increasing of handwashing stations). The overlapping period of hospitalisation concerning the 13 patients being reported as SARM carrier, having the same antibiogram, and the epidemic curve suggested a cross contamination. The index case was a MRSA carrier the day of her admission and have had a recent hospitalisation in a high risk unit. MRSA has always been isolated in nasal swab. Six patients among the thirteen carriers developed an infection and have been treated by vancomycin: two systemic infections and four pulmonary infections. The mortality rate was 33% and only one of them seemed to be directly due to MRSA. Area samples were all negative. The clinical staff have been screened with nasal swab. We identified only one nasal MRSA carrier. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis study showed that 9/11 which have been analysed were identical. This outbreak brought about staff, more sensibilisation to the nosocomial infection and updating of plain hygien rules leaded to its stop five months later.

Adult↗

[Long-term osseous changes in the posterior arch after laminectomy for lumbar stenosis].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Many studies have indicated favorable results of decompressive surgery for symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis. However, little is known about the osseous changes that occur at the operative sites. Postacchini in 1992 and Chen in 1994 have studied, only from plain radiographs, osseous changes at the operative sites, and have suggested that bone regrowth possibly affects the neurologic result. The aims of this study were: to assess bone regrowth at the operative site, to compare the bone regrowth rate calculated from plain radiographs and CT-Scan examinations, to determine the effects of bone regrowth on clinical outcome, to investigate the factors promoting the bone regrowth. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 28 patients who underwent decompressive surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis were retrospectively studied with an average follow-up of 8.4 years. In order to evaluate the degree of bone regrowth at the posterior arch, early postoperative radiographs and CT images of the operative sites were compared with those obtained at final follow-up. Bone regrowth at the sites operated upon was evaluated as a percentage of regrowth of the original laminectomy site based upon plain radiographs and CT images. RESULTS: Decompressive lumbar spinal stenosis is responsible for bone regrowth at the operative site in most patients. However, this regrowth was mild, the mean bone regrowth rate evaluated from plain radiographs was 12 per cent in average and the obtained from CT images was 8.2 per cent in average. Changes were found to be predominant at the facet joint level compared to the pedicle level. The evaluation of regrowth obtained from plain films and CT image examinations were compared. Radiographs seem to overestimate bone regrowth. Postoperative spinal instability was statistically significantly associated with new bone development. This variable was the only factor that affected the degree of bone regrowth. No relationship between bone regrowth and clinical outcome was found. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Natural course of laminectomy defect includes probably new bone formation in most patients. New bone results from gradual regrowth of the laminae and articular processes partially resected at surgery and from coalescence of islets of bone tissue within the tissue filling the laminectomy defect. In the present study bone regrowth rate was moderate but in other ones it was marked. If some factors (like postoperative destabilization) promoting bone regrowth were identified many remain unknown. Factors influencing rapidity of regrowth progression remain also unknown. Patient's intrinsic features such as spinal stenosis characteristics are probably closely related to quantitative and kinetic characteristics of regrowth. Consequences of bone regrowth are also variable: in some cases regrowth may reproduce pathological conditions identical previous ones, in other ones new bone spreads around the dura a mater without any nerves roots compression. Study of bone regrowth requires further research including prospective studies and using a more precise method for the regrowth evaluation.

Adult↗

Cervical pseudarthrosis in ankylosing spondylitis. A case report.

STUDY DESIGN: This report illustrates two different cases of cervical pseudarthrosis in ankylosing spondylitis. OBJECTIVES: To point out the extreme rarity of this condition at cervical level, to discuss the pathogenesis, and to stress the necessity of surgical management. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: Pathogenesis of pseudarthrosis in ankylosing spondylitis is discussed. Several factors are involved: trauma, which may be major or minor and undetected; stress fracture; and inflammatory changes. Major trauma was the cause of pseudarthrosis in the first patient, whereas stress fracture and inflammatory changes were the probable causes in patient 2. In patient 1 there were signs and symptoms of cord compression. Patient 2 was referred because of functional disability resulting from kyphosis and because of potential neurologic risk. METHODS: Cervical fusion was performed in both patients. Patient 1 underwent posterior fusion; patient 2 had combined fusion. Patient 1 also underwent a lamineotomy. RESULTS: The course of the disorder after surgery was uneventful in both patients. Neurologic symptoms subsided in patient 1; kyphosis was corrected in patient 2. Both patients resumed their preoperative activities. Follow-up evaluation was done 6 years after surgery in patient 1 and 2 years after surgery in patient 2. CONCLUSIONS: Pseudarthrosis of the cervical spine in ankylosing spondylitis is extremely rare. Presentation of the two patients was different in terms of pathogenesis and signs and symptoms. Surgical treatment is advocated for this disorder.

Cervical Vertebrae↗

Are low-molecular-weight heparins useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of arterial thrombi?

The pharmacologic specificity of low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) has enabled multiple attractive developments in the prophylaxis and treatment of arterial thrombosis. Their high antithrombotic potency associated with a potentially lower induced bleeding risk, the lack of platelet interaction, the prevention of myointimal hyperplasia, and the lower incidence of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, are major advantages. New studies in cardiology and vascular surgery demonstrate a high efficacy for LMWHs associated with a low risk.

Anticoagulants↗

[Lateral stenosis of the lumbar canal].

The authors report about 139 cases of nerve root compression due to a lumbar stenosis of the lateral recess. Saccoradiculography seems to be the best examination technique, and the radioclinical agreement is satisfactory. The technique for the surgical treatment and the extent of the release are described. Decompression must involve the symptomatic nerve roots, as well as those who appear to be displaced or amputated on radiculography. The only prognostic element noted in this study is the duration of evolution of preoperative symptoms. Thus the results may be less good for radicular pain lasting for more than one year.

Adult↗

[Mechanisms and prediction of hemorrhagic complications during surgery of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms].

This study, including 33 consecutive patients was designed to assess the haemostatic alterations occurring during repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms. The surgical procedure consisted in Dacron graft replacement of the diseased aorta, using neither cardiopulmonary bypass, nor any shunting technique, nor any heparin. Blood samples were drawn before anaesthesia, before and 30 min after unclamping, and on the first postoperative day. The measured parameters were: haematocrit, platelet count, bleeding, activated cephalin, thrombin and prothrombin times, and concentrations of fibrinogen, factors V, VII, X and II, anti-thrombin III, proteins C and S, fibrin degradation products, D-dimers, alpha 2-antiplasmin, plasminogen, tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor, and serum protein. Eight patients developed severe multiple haemorrhages; 3 of them died during the procedure because of uncontrollable bleeding. Although the measured parameters were similar in the "bleeding" and control (n = 25) groups before surgery, there was, before unclamping in the first group, an important increase in activated cephalin and thrombin times, with a fall in concentrations of factor II and V, protein C, fibrinogen, and alpha 2-antiplasmin, and in platelet numbers. After unclamping, these changes worsened further, with an increase in prothrombin time and in fibrinogen levels (0,8 g.l-1), without any increase in fibrin degradation products. Abnormal bleeding started about 30 min after this in all the patients of the "bleeding" group. These changes, involving the fibrinolytic system as well as a fall in concentration of all the coagulation factors, can probably be partly explained by the clamping and unclamping of mesenteric vessels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aortic Aneurysm↗

[Monitoring of mixed venous oxygen saturation in aortic surgery: value and limits].

This study aimed to determine perioperative changes in mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) in patients undergoing aortic surgery. Continuous SvO2 monitoring was carried out using an Oximetrix pulmonary catheter. Fourteen patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, group I (n = 7) patients being given a thoracic epidural anaesthetic with a supplementary general anaesthetic, and group II (n = 7) a general anaesthetic as usual. In both groups, SvO2 increased at induction. In group I patients, SvO2 decreased during surgery to less than 60% (n = 2) and less than 70% (n = 4). This fall was corrected by volume loading and intravenous ephedrine. The intraoperative decrease in SvO2 occuring in 2 group II patients was due to a fall in haematocrit in one, and a propranolol infusion in the other. Although patients in group I were all extubated early after the end of surgery (85 +/- 35 min), the lowest value of SvO2 after extubation was always greater than 60%. Patients undergoing aortic surgery under thoracic epidural anaesthesia can be extubated early, without markedly depressing peripheral reserves in oxygen extraction.

Anesthesia, Epidural↗

[Long term results of electric stimulation of the conus medullaris in a case of neurogenic bladder].

The authors present long term results (19 to 45 months: Average 37 months) of electrical stimulation of the conus medullaris in neurologic bladder. In 3 cases, the result remain excellent: efficient stimulation, normal micturition, absence of residual urine. In 6 cases, after a long period of normal function, the micturition is poor with residual urine, eventhough the conus medullaris stimulation always produces a satisfactory contraction of the detrusor. In four cases the relapse is due to disease of the external sphincter region, poorly or untreated. In female patients the results are better than in male patients, with positive results in 2 of the 3 women and 1 of the 6 men. The authors find that their results can be compared with those of B. NASCHOLD, originator of the method. They emphasize the necessity of a close collaboration with the urologist to maintain excellent results.

Adolescent↗