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Biomedical subjects

J B Thiebaut

Publications and source records attributed to J B Thiebaut.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Intrathecal baclofen administration for control of severe spinal spasticity: functional improvement and long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To assess long-term efficacy and functional benefits of intrathecal baclofen for severe spinal spasticity. DESIGN: A prospective before-after trial. SETTING: A neurological rehabilitation department of a university hospital. Pump implantation was realized in neurosurgery; follow-up was carried out mostly on an outpatient basis. PATIENTS: Eighteen patients with severe and disabling spinal spasticity received intrathecal baclofen by an implantable pump; average follow-up was 37.4 months (range, 9 to 72). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Spasticity (Ashworth and spasms frequency scores); disability (Functional Independence Measure [FIM]). RESULTS: A significant decrease in tone and spasms was observed in all patients. Tolerance appeared during the first 6 to 9 months. Later on, efficacy remained stable, except in cases of mechanical problems of the pump or catheter. Functional assessment found a highly significant (p < .001) increase of FIM score (particularly for bathing, dressing lower body, transfers, and in some cases, locomotion). This was particularly marked in patients with thoracic spinal cord lesion. In cases of severe upper limb dysfunction, FIM was only improved for wheelchair displacements, due to a better sitting position, but nursing became easier and life comfort was enhanced. Severe side effects (overdose) were observed in two cases. CONCLUSION: Efficacy remained stable after 6 to 9 months. Marked improvement of functional independence was observed in paraplegic patients. Improvement was less spectacular in patients with severe upper limb dysfunction, but nevertheless appreciable in terms of life comfort and use of attendants.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1996

AIDS-associated cytomegalovirus infection mimicking central nervous system tumors: a diagnostic challenge.

We reviewed cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the central nervous system (CNS) that initially masqueraded as tumors in 37 of 543 consecutive patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and CMV who were seen at the Pasteur Institute Hospital and Saint-Louis Hospital (Paris) between 1992 and 1994. We detail the clinical features of three patients who presented with ring-enhanced space-occupying lesions mimicking CNS tumors. They were all profoundly immunodepressed (mean CD4 cell count, 13/mm3). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed enlargement of the spinal cord in one case, consistent with a space-occupying lesion and showing gadolinium enhancement; in the other two cases, ring-enhanced mass lesions were seen in the cerebral hemispheres. In all three cases marked edema and a mass effect were present. Image-guided stereotactic biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of CMV infection. The three patients' conditions improved with specific therapy. MRI showed enhanced focal intraparenchymal lesions consistent with marked focal necrosis, probably related to the severity of immunodepression, as HIV infection had been diagnosed several years previously. CMV infection should be considered as a cause of ring-enhanced space-occupying mass lesions in patients with HIV-1 infection. Earlier identification of these unusual tumorlike forms of CMV infection by means of MRI should result in improved outcome.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1995

AIDS-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy revealed by new-onset seizures.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features of new-onset seizures in HIV-1-infected persons with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), and to discuss potential mechanisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine consecutive HIV-1-infected patients with PML attended our institutions between January 1988 and September 1993. We retrospectively analyzed cases with seizures as the presenting symptom of PML. RESULTS: Twenty percent of the HIV-1-infected patients with PML presented with new-onset seizures of various types, generalized or partial. None of them met the criteria of the AIDS dementia complex or had a concomitant opportunistic infection. Their mean CD4 cell count was < 60/mm3. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed areas of increased signal intensity on T2-weighted images in 9 cases, and atrophy in only 1 case. Lesions most often involved subcortical white matter in parieto-occipital or frontal lobes, but 2 patients had posterior fossa lesions. Image-guided stereotactic brain biopsies in 8 cases and postmortem examination in 2 confirmed the diagnosis of PML. Typical histological lesions were observed in all cases, and positive immunolabelling of oligodendroglial nuclei was obtained in all cases with the polyclonal antibody directed against late SV40 antigens. Putative causative factors for the seizures include demyelinated lesions adjacent to the cerebral cortex acting as irritative foci, axonal conduction abnormalities, or disturbances of the neuron-glia balance. CONCLUSION: These cases illustrate that PML should be considered as a possible cause of new-onset seizures in patients with HIV-1 infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1995

[The epidemiology of cerebral lymphoma in AIDS].

Cerebral lymphomas are one of the complications of AIDS. Their increasing frequency, especially in the last decade, has to be correlated with the incidence of systemic lymphomas and especially central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas in non immuno-compromised patients. CNS involvement is found in 40% of systemic lymphomas. Primary lymphomas have an incidence of 0.4-0.56% in epidemiological studies and 7.6% in post-mortem series. Primary lymphomas are noted in all patients, homosexuals, drug-addicts, children, with a lower rate in the haemophiliacs. Known risk factors are HIV itself Epstein-Barr virus almost constantly demonstrated in tumour cells. Epidemiological studies on cerebral lymphomas must still be completed as, until recently, they were included in the group entitled lymphomas, and risk factors have to be specified with more accuracy.

Brain Neoplasms↗
PubMed1994

Cerebral glial tumors and human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection. More than a coincidental association.

BACKGROUND: The authors describe the clinical and morphologic patterns in four patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) who developed intracranial glial tumors. METHODS: This retrospective study reports 70 patients at various stages of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection who underwent stereotactic brain biopsy for an intracerebral space-occupying lesion. RESULTS: Of these patients, four had glial tumors: one astroblastoma, two astrocytomas, and one glioblastoma. Glial tumors probably arise from a complex interplay of factors; possibilities include the activation of a dominant oncogene or viral inactivation of a tumor suppressor gene by a viral promoter (like the tat protein), impairment of immune defenses (which facilitates the growth of astrocytomas in acute lymphoblastic leukemia), production of cellular growth factors, cytokines, possible infection of glial cells by HIV, and the potentiation of a coinfectious agent. CONCLUSIONS: These cases illustrate that glial tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of brain masses in HIV-1 infection, especially because specific treatment for these tumors is available. Moreover, the occurrence of glial tumors in AIDS patients is not only an important event from a clinical point of view, but may also have implications for the pathogenesis of tumors in AIDS.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Primary central nervous system malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas from HIV-infected and non-infected patients: expression of cellular surface proteins and Epstein-Barr viral markers.

The increased incidence of primary central nervous system malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (PCNSL) in HIV- and non-HIV-infected patients and the demonstration of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in these tumours may indicate relationships between PCNSL and EBV. Consequently expression of EBV-induced antigens and cellular markers were studied in 11 HIV-infected and seven non-infected patients by in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunocytochemistry in monoclonal B cell PCNSL. In HIV-infected patients EBV genome was present in 9/11 cases, LMP in 11/11 cases and EBNA2 in 10/11 cases. The expression of adhesion and activation molecules was low or absent. In HIV non-infected patients, EBV genome was present in 5/7 cases, with LMP in 4/7 cases. EBNA2 was never detected. All these lymphomas expressed LFA1beta. Whatever the population, no lytic cycle EBV markers were detected. Compared with other types of EBV lymphomas, our results suggest a different EBV latency state in primary B cell lymphomas of the CNS from HIV-infected or non-infected patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Effect of intrathecal baclofen on the monosynaptic reflex in humans: evidence for a postsynaptic action.

Intrathecal baclofen is a very powerful antispastic agent. Its mechanism of action on the monosynaptic H-reflex in spinal patients was investigated. It could inhibit rapidly and profoundly monosynaptic reflexes in lower limbs, but did not modify Ia vibratory inhibition of the soleus H-reflex. To assess more precisely its effect on Ia afferents, an experimental paradigm using Ia heteronymous facilitation of the soleus H-reflex was used. Intrathecal baclofen did not modify the amount of monosynaptic facilitation of the soleus H-reflex brought about by stimulation of the femoral nerve. This demonstrates that the main part of the inhibitory effect of baclofen on the H-reflex in spinal patients is not due to a presynaptic effect, suggesting a postsynaptic site of action.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

[Evaluation of the efficacy of a new generation of hemostatic collagen compresses. Results of a multicenter prospective study in visceral surgery and neurosurgery].

The hemostatic potential, tolerance and handiness of a new generation of hemostatic sheets (Hemostagene) were compared with those of reference collagen sheets in a randomized parallel-group multicenter study. Both types of hemostatic sheets, issued from calf derm, have been evaluated in digestive and neurosurgical pathologies. The comparability of both groups (52 patients in the Hemostagene group A, 54 in the reference group B) has been verified on morphological data, coagulation records and hemostasis conditions. The time required to achieve hemostasis was slightly, yet not significantly, shorter in group A (3 min 27 sec) than with the reference sheet (4 min 10 sec). This new sheet was judged significantly handier than the reference sheet. Adherence to the gloves and instruments was very significantly (p less than 0.0001) more frequent in the reference group B than in the group A. Both collagen sheets have quite similar clinical, biological and immunological tolerances which confirms the literature data. So, this new sheet, together with an hemostasis at least as good as the one obtained with the reference sheet, brings a highly improved handiness.

Bandages↗
PubMed1990

Stereotactic biopsy diagnosis of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the central nervous system. A histological and immunohistochemical study.

We report 29 cases of primary non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) of the Central Nervous System (CNS), 26 of which were diagnosed by stereotactic biopsy and 3 by autopsy. In seven cases the patients were affected by AIDS. Histological examination of this series revealed 15 cases of immunoblastic lymphoma, 12 cases of centroblastic lymphoma, 1 case of lymphoplasmacytic immunocytoma and 1 case of unclassified high grade lymphoma. By immunohistochemistry the B-cell origin of lymphoma cells was demonstrated in 28/29 cases. Eight cases were assigned to the B-cell lineage by demonstration of monotypic surface or cytoplasmic immunoglobulin or of the B-cell phenotype CD22+, CD2-, CD3-, CD5-. In twenty cases the B-cell nature of lymphoma was identified by positivity with two or more anti-B monoclonal antibodies (LN1LN2MB2) and negativity by the anti-T monoclonal antibody UCHL1. The histologically unclassified case was a peripheral T-NHL (CD1-, CD2+, CD3-, CD5+, CD22-). We conclude that histological and immunohistological evaluation of stereotactic biopsy specimens provides sufficient information for diagnosis and phenotypic characterization of primary NHL of the CNS. These lymphomas exhibit important predominance of high-grade malignancy histological types and are nearly always B-cell derived. In addition, we provide further evidence that the panel of monoclonal antibodies LN1, LN2, MB2, and UCHL1 is useful for immunophenotypic characterization of brain lymphomas when only paraffin embedded stereotactic biopsy tissue is available.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Occurrence and treatment of pain after brachial plexus injury.

The occurrence of pain was investigated in 118 patients with posttraumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPI). Ninety-five patients were operated upon by the same surgeon. Three to 14 years after BPI and reconstructive surgery, 91% of the patients experienced permanent pain that was severe in 40% and mild in 51% of cases. When early reconstructive surgery was successful, a significant decrease in pain occurred more frequently. For 57% of patients with pain, a plurimodal medical treatment with tricyclic antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, and behavioral therapy efficiently reduced pain. For the patients with unbearable paroxystic pain, when medical treatment failed, the destruction of deafferented dorsal horns at the level of avulsion (Nashold procedure) could produce pain relief. In all cases psychosocial management produced early rehabilitation.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

[Histopathology of microsurgical arterial repair. Use of fibrin cryoprecipitates].

The increasing practice of small arteries anastomosis especially in neurosurgery entails improvements in suture techniques. Classical suture is slow and needs a prolonged clamping. The stitches are responsible for severe necrotic lesions in the arterial wall. A biological glue made of cryoprecipitated human fibrinogen, factor XIII and fibronectin, locally activated by thrombin, is tested here on rabbit's common carotid. The application of the glue on intact or sectioned arteries appears innocuous, notably with regard to its thrombogenic potential. Comparison of classical sutures and sutures with glue and a greatly reduced number of stitches shows histological results of equivalent quality. At the early stages, the fibrin glue doesn't exceed in volume the usual perianastomotic hematoma. It is completely resorbed within two weeks. Later the scar is thinner than after classical suture, although no ruptures or aneurysms were observed. This method shortens the surgical procedure, with presumed benefit for the drained territories. It diminishes the lesions caused by the stitches. Moreover it allows an easy application of an arterial patch on the sectioned vessel: a comparative series with sutured patches shows on the contrary poor results. Although aggresive for the tissues, a minimal number of stitches remains necessary: it is actually the only available means of correctly positioning the anastomosis area.

Carotid Arteries↗
PubMed1985

[Proximal temporo-sylvian anastomosis with an arterial cuff glued with fibrin. Technical, anatomical and arteriographic considerations].

The authors present a new method of temporo-sylvian anastomosis used 8 times since 1982. This anastomosis called proximal is done on the insular segment (M2) of the sylvian artery and gives better revascularizations than the classic method (M4 or distal). The arterial cuff and the fibrin glue simplify, accelerate and improve the usual microsuture. A good knowledge about the microsurgical anatomy of the middle cerebral artery and its variants is important. The proximal sylvian artery and its perforators (50% occlusion in our cases) may be explored by this approach.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

[Regional intravenous guanethidine for sympathetic block in algodystrophic syndromes (author's transl)].

The authors report their experience with 35 guanethidine intravenous local injections in algodystrophic and neurotrophic syndromes. Although excellent results are obtained in post-traumatic algodystrophies which are treated early, they are less remarkable in long standing sequelae due to injuries of the nervous system, and where, at best, only an antalgic effect can be expected.

Autonomic Nerve Block↗
PubMed1981

[Anatomy of intradural anastomoses between cervical nerve roots (authors' translation)].

In cases of cervical radiculopathy manifested by neural deficit, the exact localization of nerve root compression is hampered by anatomical variations such as anastomoses between bundles of adjacent segmental nerve roots inside the dural sac. A dissecting microscope study of the microsurgical anatomy of cervical nerve roots was carried out on 23 spinal cords, and four types of anastomoses were described. On the basis of embryological observations, the occurrence of such connections between neighboring posterior nerve roots can be explained.

Humans↗