Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J C Raphael.
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In this research involving 172 cases of acute primary polyradiculoneuritis, the authors draw attention to the frequency and seriousness of the autonomic disorders, notably circulatory disorders (arterial hypertension, bradycardia), water retention, disorders in glucose metabolism. They have found a close correlation between the development of arterial hypertension and levels of VMA and the cathecholamines and between the appearance of hyperglycaemia and the level of urinary 17 OH. Free water clearance is often negative and becomes positive as the paralytic syndrome improves. The biological picture is identical with that brought about by inappropriate secretion of HAD. From the therapeutic point of view, caution is advised in using certain procedures and in prescribing certain drugs.
The authors report a case of myelopathy associated with macrotic anemia. The prior inefficacy of treatment with B1, B6 and B12 vitamins, in spite of a normal Schilling test, suggested the possibility of folate deficiency, the concentration of which was found very low in the serum (1.5 mg/ml). The addition of folic acid to the vitamins already administered without success, was followed by rapid recovery of the anemia and a frank neurological improvement maintained after 10 months follow-up. The rare similar cases observed in the world literature are analysed here. The other neurological manifestations, due to folate deficiency, the etiological circumstances and the methods of diagnosis are recalled.
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We designed a randomized clinical trial to determine the efficacy of plasma exchange in Guillain-Barré syndrome, an acute neurological disease leading to paralysis in previously healthy subjects. Some patients require temporary mechanical ventilation during the course of the disease. Ventilatory status was analysed using a three-state model with a transient state defined by use of temporary mechanical ventilation, and the probability of being mechanically ventilated modelled as a function of time since randomization. The plot of this function reflects the effect of plasma exchange on ventilatory status showing that fewer plasma-exchanged patients than controls required ventilatory assistance and that the duration of assistance was shorter. Similar functions can be used in a more general framework when the response criterion includes a transient state.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute primary polyradiculoneuritis. A prototype of demyelinating disease, its essential characteristic is that it spontaneously evolves towards recovery from paralysis. Yet the vital and functional prognosis may be compromised in severe cases. Death and motor sequelae are particularly to be feared when the maximum deficit is severe and the maximum paralysis phase is prolonged. Cardiovascular vegetative disorders are also more frequent in these extended types. Symptomatic treatment rests on close supervision of the patients during the paralysis extension phase. Transferring the patient to an intensive care unit is mandatory as soon as disorders of deglutition and/or a significant decrease of vital capacity appear. Plasma exchange is the only treatment proven to be effective. It must be carried out early on in patients whose deficit is severe enough to interfere with walking and for whom this treatment is not contra-indicated. Fresh frozen plasma must not be used as replacement solution: it creates more incidents and complications than diluted albumin and has no additional beneficial effect on the course of the neurological disease.
The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence, mortality, and causes of carbon monoxide intoxications in France. A survey was conducted in the department of the Hauts-de-Seine, which is representative of the French population. Data were collected through a headquarters that had direct contact with all department emergency organizations and to a technical laboratory. During the 3-y study, 735 cases that were related to 291 events were reported. Thirty-six patients died. The average incidence of carbon monoxide intoxications was 17.5 per 100,000 inhabitants. Poisoning was caused by fires in 36 events and by car exhausts in 12. For the remaining events, causes were determined as follows for 196: water heaters (57%), boiler (20.5%), coal stove (9%), brazier (4%), cooker (2%), heating device (1.5%), and miscellaneous (6%). The main mechanisms of intoxication were a defective device, poor ventilation, or poor evacuation of combustion gases. Carbon monoxide intoxication occurs frequently in France, and preventive actions are warranted.
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