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Biomedical subjects

P Hardy

Publications and source records attributed to P Hardy.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

[GUEPAR radial head prosthesis for recent and old fractures: a series of 22 cases].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We reviewed retrospectively outcome in 22 patients with recent or old fractures of the radial head treated with a GUEPAR radial head prosthesis. This prosthesis, derived from the GUEPAR sliding total elbow prosthesis, has a cemented mobile metal cup. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent emergency surgery, four deferred surgery. Mean age at surgery was 41 years and mean follow-up was 18 months. The Mayo Clinic score was calculated to assess clinical outcome. Static and dynamic x-rays of the elbows and wrists were analyzed. All of the fractures were total or displaced head fractures and 72% involved elbow dislocation. The coronoid process was fixed in one patient, the olecranon in one and the medial ligaments were repaired in 5. The quality of the cartilage of the humeral condyle was checked before insertion of the prosthesis. Proper position and height of the prosthesis were carefully controlled. RESULTS: There were no complications. Outcome was good in the patients who underwent emergency surgery with a mean Mayo Clinic score of 83/100, mean force 75%, good joint motion (77 degrees pronation, 79 degrees supination), stable elbow, and no wrist problems. Outcome was not as good in patients who underwent deferred implantation, particularly for joint motion (pronation 44 degrees, supination 54 degrees ). The distal radio-ulnar ratio was not perfectly restored. Finally 4 patients required arthrolysis for limited flexion/extension, proportionally more among the deferred patients. DISCUSSION: Resection of the radial head is an alternative in case of complex fractures. There are two drawbacks. The first is an unstable elbow in valgus if the medial ligaments are damaged. The second is an ascension of the radius if the interosseous membrane is damaged. Osteosynthesis is another alternative which is difficult to achieve and does not give good results (in our experience in comparison with 20 equivalent fractures, and in the literature). The GUEPAR radial head prosthesis appears to be a good solution. It stabilizes the elbow, prevents ascension of the radius, allows early rehabilitation, and provides good subjective results, particularly after emergency surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Dynamic radiographic evaluation of the antero-inferior gleno-humeral ligament].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this work was to propose an objective radiographic evaluation of the antero-inferior gleno-humeral ligament for comparison with the clinical assessment proposed by Gagey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A test radiogram was obtained from 32 healthy volunteers (15 men, 17 women, mean age, 29 years, age range 21-54 years) free of shoulder disease. The dynamic test image consisted in a strictly AP view of the shoulder in forced abduction in neutral rotation. The subjects were awake and in dorsal decubitus. Displacements of the scapulo-thoracic articulation were limited by a counter-force applied to the acromion, in accordance with the method described by Gagey. Bilateral images were obtained for comparison. Several angles were measured between the humeral shaft and the scapula to search for the most reliable and reproducible measurement. RESULTS: Three series of angles were measured between the axis of the humeral shaft and the scapula. The mean angle between the axis of the humeral shaft and line drawn from the lower rim of the glenoid cavity to the lateral border of the scapular tubercle was 130.3 degrees (range 110-148 degrees) on the dominant side and 131.5 degrees (108-148 degrees) on the non-dominant side; giving 38 degrees variability on the dominant side and 40 degrees variation on the non-dominant side and a standard deviation of 10.4 degrees on the dominant side and 11.5 degrees on the non-dominant side. The mean difference in gleno-humeral abduction was 3.8 degrees (range 0-14 degrees) between the dominant and non-dominant side. DISCUSSION: Among the different angles measured between the scapula and the humerus, the angle between the axis of the humeral shaft and the line drawn from the lower rim of the glenoid cavity to the lateral border of the scapular tubercle was the most reliable and reproducible. Inter-observer measurements were well correlated. We observed that the variability in the radiographic values of the scapulo-humeral angle was much greater than the clinical values described by Gagey who, finding very constant values during forced abduction, described "invariable" scapulo-humeral abduction of the shoulder. Our study demonstrates that scapulo-humeral abduction is not an invariable parameter. More interestingly, the difference in amplitude between the dominant and non-dominant sides showed very strong interindividual correlation. Interobserver variability was low and reproducibility was good. CONCLUSION: This dynamic radiographic test enables a precise quantified assessment of pure gleno-humeral abduction which depends on the antero-inferior gleno-humeral ligament. This test is reliable and reproducible. Variations in the length of the antero-inferior gleno-humeral ligament evaluated radiographically were greater than described clinically. We did not find any difference in pure gleno-humeral abduction greater than 14 degrees between the dominant and non-dominant sides in healthy subjects.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Tacrolimus versus microemulsified ciclosporin in liver transplantation: the TMC randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Calcineurin inhibitors are the most commonly used immunosuppressive drugs in liver transplantation, but the optimum initial immunosuppression regimen is not known. The aim of our study was to compare tacrolimus with microemulsified ciclosporin, in a regimen with standardised concomitant immunosuppressive therapy. METHODS: In all liver transplant centres in the UK and Republic of Ireland, 606 patients undergoing a first orthotopic liver transplantation were randomly assigned open-label tacrolimus or microemulsified ciclosporin. Primary outcome was the combined frequency (whichever occurred first) of death, retransplantation, or treatment failure for immunological reasons, analysed by intention to treat. FINDINGS: 96% of patients received the treatment allocated to them. The primary outcome was reached in 62 (21%) of 301 patients in the tacrolimus group versus 99 (32%) of 305 allocated microemulsified ciclosporin (relative risk 0.63 [95% CI 0.48-0.84], p=0.001; time-to-event analysis log-rank test p=0.002): deaths (50 [17%] vs 72 [24%]); retransplantations (11 [4%] vs 31 [10%]) treatment failure for immunological reasons (6 [2%] vs 12 [4%]). The relative risk for the composite outcome was in favour of tacrolimus. The main causes of death in both trial groups were sepsis and multiple organ failure (31 [10%] vs 30 [10%]), and the main cause for retransplantation was hepatic artery thrombosis (6 [2%] vs 17 [6%]). Renal dysfunction and the need for antihypertensive therapy were much the same in both groups. Tacrolimus was more diabetogenic. INTERPRETATION: Clinical outcome at 1 year was better with tacrolimus-based immunosuppression than with microemulsified ciclosporin during the first year after liver transplantation. Tacrolimus should be the first choice of calcineurin inhibitor for patients receiving their first liver graft.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2002

[Total hip arthroplasty and femoral head osteonecrosis in renal transplant recipients].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is reported in a very variable proportion of renal transplant recipients. When these patients require total hip arthroplasty (THA), immunosuppression and poor bone quality increase the risk of aseptic loosening and infection. In the literature, functional outcome has been satisfactory although rates of early and late complications have varied greatly. The purpose of our work was to determine the long-term outcome in a series of renal graft recipients who underwent THA for osteonecrosis of the femoral head. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight THA were implanted for aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (Ficat grade III and IV) in 32 renal transplant recipients between 1974 and 1995 (21 men and 11 women). Mean age was 30 years at transplantation and 39 years at THA surgery. Thirty patients had been on hemodialysis for a mean 1 year prior to transplantation. Joint disease concerned 2 or more joints in 23 of the 32 patients. Fifteen hips had a surgical history: 8 drillings and 3 head arthroplasties. The THA was implanted under general anesthesia via the posterolateral approach. All implants were fixed with a gentamycin cement. A cephalosporin was used for the antibiotic prophylaxis in 20 cases and a cephalosporin/vancomycin combination in 24. Functional outcome was assessed with the Postel-Merle-d'Aubigné (PMA) score. Functional gain was [(PMAreview-PMApreop)/PMApreop]. General or local complications were recorded at last follow-up. The complete or incomplete nature of lucent lines seen on the last follow-up x-rays and their evolution were also recorded. Reasons for second procedures were noted. RESULTS: Early complications were: phlebitis (n=1), hematoma (n=7), dislocation (n=1), deep infection (n=2). At last follow-up (mean=5 years 7 months), four patients (6 THA) had died and six (7 THA) were lost to follow-up. Preoperatively, function was scored fair or poor in 91% of the patients. At last follow-up function was scored good, very good, or excellent in 75%. Mean functional gain was 38%. A second operation was necessary for seven THA due to aseptic loosening (mean delay 9 years 10 months), for five others for septic loosening (mean delay 6 years 8 months), and finally for two for instability (one early and the other after more than 2 years). In all, 29% of the THA were reoperated. Two deaths were related to late THA infection. Active lucent lines were observed in 11% of the THA (excepting patients reperated for loosening). DISCUSSION: The functional gain provided by THA in renal transplant recipients with aseptic osteonecrosis of the femoral head is clearly established. Implant survival remains a problem. The rate of early local complications was high in our series, mainly related to hematoma formation and infection. The infections observed were particularly severe requiring early comprehensive management at onset of clinical signs. For patients with suspected deep infection, we propose an aspiration biopsy of the joint to obtain a bacteriological sample. CONCLUSION: THA enables good functional outcome for renal transplant recipients suffering from osteonecrosis of the femoral head, but at the cost of a high risk of early and long-term complications not always reported in the literature.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2002

[Arthroscopic treatment of a Hoffa ligament cyst].

Cysts of Hoffa's ligament are exceptional. Twelve cases have been reported in the literature, two of which were treated arthroscopically. We report the first case in the French literature. A 21-year-old woman developed an atypical cystic formation of the knee. The diagnosis of ganglion cyst of Hoffa's ligament was strongly suggested at magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed at arthroscopy. We recall the different epidemiologic, pathogenic, clinical and radiological aspects of this condition and emphasize the importance of MRI for the differential diagnosis with other tumors.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2001

Randomized clinical trials with added rescue medication: some approaches to their analysis and interpretation.

Patients in some randomized clinical trials may start additional non-randomized medication because of an exacerbation of symptoms or insufficient therapeutic effect. Typically this rescue medication reduces the observed treatment effect in intention-to-treat analysis. We discuss methods of analysis which take account of rescue medication in order to achieve a more meaningful comparison of the randomized treatments, focusing on trials with a repeated quantitative outcome. Ignoring all data after rescue is likely to be biased because rescued patients are a highly selected group. Instead we propose using methods based on ranks or multilevel models. The rank-based methods assume that rescued patients have especially bad underlying outcomes. The multilevel regression model relates a patient's outcome to allocated treatment and rescue status at each time, and requires correct modelling of all prognostic factors which predict starting rescue medication and of the covariance between outcomes measured at different times. We also describe sensitivity analyses over a range of possible models for the effect of rescue medication. We illustrate these methods in a trial in Parkinson's disease. It appears that adjustment for rescue medication will not radically alter the randomized treatment comparison unless rescue medication is substantially imbalanced between randomized groups and has a substantial effect on the outcome.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2001

Hyperbaric oxygen for children with cerebral palsy: a randomised multicentre trial. HBO-CP Research Group.

BACKGROUND: The use of hyperbaric oxygen for children with cerebral palsy has spread worldwide, despite little scientific evidence of efficacy. We did a randomised trial to assess the efficacy and side-effects of this form of therapy in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: 111 children with cerebral palsy aged 3-12 years were randomly assigned hyperbaric oxygen (n=57) or slightly pressurised room air (n=54). All children received 40 treatments over 2 months. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment was 1 h in 100% oxygen at 1.75 atmospheres absolute (ATA); children on slightly pressurised air received air at 1.3 ATA (the lowest pressure at which pressure can be felt, thereby ensuring the maintenance of masking). The main outcome measure was gross motor function. Secondary outcomes included performance in activities of daily living, attention, working memory, and speech. FINDINGS: For all outcomes, both groups improved over the course of the study, but without any difference between the two treatments. The score on the global gross motor function measure increased by 3.0% in the children on slightly pressurised air and 2.9% in those on hyperbaric oxygen. The mean difference between treatments was -0.40 (95% CI -1.69 to 0.90, p=0.544). Other changes were seen in speech, attention, memory, and functional skills. Ear problems occurred in 27 children treated by hyperbaric oxygen and in 15 treated with hyperbaric air (p=0.004). INTERPRETATION: In this study, hyperbaric oxygen did not improve the condition of children with cerebral palsy compared with slightly pressurised air. The improvement seen in both groups for all dimensions tested deserves further consideration.

Cerebral Palsy↗
PubMed2001

Maintaining contact with people with severe mental illness: 5-year follow-up of assertive outreach.

BACKGROUND: Assertive outreach is a central strand of Government mental health policy in England. Are different long-term models of mental health care which include assertive outreach associated with different service user outcomes and cost? METHOD: We conducted a multi-site 5-year follow-up study of people with severe mental illness. From 0 to 18 months all three sites had Intensive Case Management (ICM) teams practising assertive outreach. From 18 to 60 months one team sustained ICM, one team merged and another was disbanded. All 131 original ICM team clients were the study participants. Outcome was measured in terms of sustained engagement with statutory mental health services, psychiatric symptoms, social functioning, resource use and cost. RESULTS: All 120 live participants were traced. Only four people had no service contact; when contacted by a researcher they appeared to be coping well. No incidents of serious violence were discovered. No differences existed between teams in the mean total symptom or total social functioning change scores at follow-up, after controlling for baseline differences. No differences existed in mean cost between teams during the first 18 months. Mean (standard deviation) annualised costs varied considerably in the 18-60 month period: sustained team Pound Sterling13,734 (10,820); integrated team Pound Sterling11,037 (13,603); disbanded team Pound Sterling5,742 (7,007) (F=4.4, 105 df, p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Continued specialist assertive outreach service models have higher costs than non-specialist services for no apparent benefit. In the long term new assertive outreach services should have procedures in place to transfer people to lower intensity and lower cost care.

Case Management↗
PubMed2001

Ethanol-related adaptive changes and physical dependence in rats after exposure to ethanol.

Adaptive changes that occur after chronic exposure to ethanol are an important component in the development of physical dependence. We have focused our research on ethanol-induced changes in the expression of several genes that may be important in adaptation. In this article, we describe adaptive changes at the level of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, in the protein expression and activity of the Egr transcription factors, and in the expression of a novel gene of unknown function.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed2001

Clinical features of panic attacks in schizophrenia.

Since reports have underscored that panic attacks (PA) may be an identifiable state occurring in schizophrenia, we studied the symptomatology of PA in a group of schizophrenic patients. Of 40 patients (21 males and 19 females) attending a clinic for maintenance therapy of schizophrenia, 19 (36.8%) had a lifetime history of PA. Seven among those 19 patients (36.8%) had or had had spontaneous panic attacks, not related to phobic fears or delusional fears, and for the 12 remaining patients, the PA were related to paranoid ideas. Moreover, the paranoid subtype of schizophrenia tends to be more often associated with a history of panic attack than other subtypes of schizophrenia (52.6% vs 23.8%; chi2 = 3.5, P =.06). It seems that there are at least two types of PA in schizophrenic patients. The first one could be independent from the psychotic feature, with no psychopathological link. The second kind of PA could be directly related to a schizophrenic disorder, and found in patients with the paranoid subtype.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Arthroscopic treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis of the shoulder.

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) rarely affects the shoulder. Fewer than 30 cases have been reported in the English and French language literature. In those patients, PVNS was treated by open surgery involving total or local synovectomy, sometimes associated with total shoulder replacement, cuff tear repair, or arthroplastic head resection. The authors report 2 cases of PVNS of the shoulder treated arthroscopically and discuss the advantages and limitations of this technique in the treatment of shoulder PVNS.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Characterization of PGE2 receptors in fetal and newborn ductus arteriosus in the pig.

We compared the total density and the relative expression of EP receptor (EP) subtypes in ductus arteriosus (DA) of the newborn with that of the fetal piglet. Saturation binding experiments showed 3-fold less PGE2 receptors in the newborn than in the fetus because of loss of EP3 and EP4 receptors thus explaining, at least partly, the reduced responsiveness to PGE2 of the newborn DA. Displacement experiments showed that the relative proportions of EP2, EP3, and EP4 were similar in the fetal DA but only EP2 was detected in the DA of the newborn pig. Hence, PGE2 effects in the newborn DA seem to be exclusively mediated by EP2 receptors both in vitro and in vivo. These findings may help to propose more specific therapies for regulation of DA's tone in certain newborns for whom conventional therapy is contraindicated.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Three-year follow-up of the use of transdermal 17beta-estradiol matrix patches for the prevention of bone loss in early postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: A total of 325 of 569 postmenopausal women who were initially recruited into two 2-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging studies of a matrix transdermal formulation of 17beta-estradiol (Menorest) participated in open-label extensions for a third year. STUDY DESIGN: Those patients originally randomly assigned to receive 17beta-estradiol continued active treatment with dosages of 25, 50, 75, or 100 microg/d, whereas those originally randomly assigned to receive a placebo patch were switched to an active patch of identical size that delivered 17beta-estradiol at 25, 50, 75, or 100 microg/d. Follow-up was conducted, and bone density and other parameters were compared. RESULTS: Overall, gains in bone mass were maintained in patients who received 3 years of active treatment. In patients originally randomly assigned to receive placebo, initial losses in bone mass during the first 2 years were reversed and replaced with marked increases after the switch to active treatment. All patients who had initially received placebo showed significant, dose-related, clinically relevant increases (2.77% +/- 0.99%; P =.0048; to 7.36% +/- 0.74%; P =.0001) in lumbar spine bone mineral density relative to the end of the second year of the original study; smaller final-year increases were noted among the patients who had been actively treated for all 3 years. Similar trends were reported for femoral, trochanter, and total hip bone mineral densities. Mean total body bone mineral density either increased or remained unchanged in all dosage groups. These results were accompanied by parallel changes in levels of serum and urinary markers of bone turnover, with all markers approaching or returning to premenopausal levels by month 36. The high tolerability of this formulation during years 1 and 2 was maintained during year 3; 5.5% of patients withdrew from treatment because of adverse events in the final year. CONCLUSION: The Menorest formulation of transdermal 17beta-estradiol maintained bone mineral density gains in postmenopausal women and was well tolerated through a 3-year treatment period. It was also effective in reversing the initial bone loss associated with late commencement of therapy.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2001

Major role for neuronal NO synthase in curtailing choroidal blood flow autoregulation in newborn pig.

We examined whether nitric oxide (NO) generated from neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) contributes to the reduced ability of the newborn to autoregulate retinal blood flow (RBF) and choroidal blood flow (ChBF) during acute rises in perfusion pressure. In newborn pigs (1-2 days old), RBF (measured by microsphere) is autoregulated over a narrow range of perfusion pressure, whereas ChBF is not autoregulated. N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or specific nNOS inhibitors 7-nitroindazole, 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole, and 1-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)imidazole as well as ganglionic blocker hexamethonium, unveiled a ChBF autoregulation as observed in juvenile (4- to 6-wk old) animals, whereas autoregulation of RBF in the newborn was only enhanced by L-NAME. All NOS inhibitors and hexamethonium prevented the hypertension-induced increase in NO mediator cGMP in the choroid. nNOS mRNA expression and activity were three- to fourfold higher in the choroid of newborn pigs than in tissues of juvenile pigs. It is concluded that increased production of NO from nNOS curtails ChBF autoregulation in the newborn and suggests a role for the autonomic nervous system in this important hemodynamic function, whereas, for RBF autoregulation, endothelial NOS seems to exert a more important contribution in limiting autoregulation.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Water recycling at the Millennium Dome.

Thames Water is working with the New Millennium Experience Company to provide a water recycling system for the Millennium Dome which will supply 500 m3/d of reclaimed water for WC and urinal flushing. The system will treat water from three sources: rainwater--from the Dome roof greywater--from handbasins in the toilet blocks groundwater--from beneath the Dome site The treatment technologies will range from "natural" reedbeds for the rainwater, to more sophisticated options, including biological aerated filters and membranes for the greywater and groundwater. Pilot scale trials were used to design the optimum configuration. In addition to the recycling system, water efficient devices will be installed in three of the core toilet blocks as part of a programme of research into the effectiveness of conservation measures. Data on water usage and customer behaviour will be collected via a comprehensive metering system. Information from the Dome project on the economics and efficiency of on-site recycling at large scale and data on water efficient devices, customer perception and behaviour will be of great value to the water industry. For Thames Water, the project provides vital input to the development of future water resource strategies.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗
PubMed2001

[GUEPAR total elbow prosthesis in rheumatoid arthritis. A multicentric retrospective study of 38 cases with an average 4-year follow-up].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: We conducted a multicentric retrospective analysis of outcome after implantation of 38 GUEPAR elbow prostheses in 36 patients with rheumatoid polyarthritis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The GUEPAR elbow prosthesis is an anatomic prosthesis developed in 1985 by the Groupe pour l'Utilisation et l'Etude des Prothèses Articulaires (GUEPAR). The recommended surgical technique is described. Patients included in this series had moderate to severe persistent elbow pain. Preoperative motion was 113 degrees flexion with a mean 41 degrees extension deficit. The mean global Mayo Clinic score was 32/100; clinically, the overall assessment was poor in 8 and mediocre in 30. Radiographically there were 16 grade III, 16 grade IV and 4 grade V elbows in the Larsen classification. Two cases were arthroplasty revisions. RESULTS: All patients were seen at a mean 47.6 months follow-up (12 to 97 months). There were two early failures (1 infection and 1 instability) leading to ablation of the prosthesis. Results were analyzed for the 36 remaining arthroplasties. Total pain relief was achieved in 18 cases with only occasional pain in 17 others. Postoperative motion was 132 degrees flexion with a 30 degrees extension deficit, giving a mean 30 degrees gain. The global Mayo Clinic score was 85/100 with 32 excellent, 3 good and 1 mediocre results. Radiography revealed 2 cases of loosening of the humeral component and 1 bipolar loosening that had not required revision at last follow-up. Prosthetic instability was the most frequent among the early and late complications. DISCUSSION: Total elbow arthroplasty is a useful therapeutic option among the treatments proposed (including chemical or isotopic synoviothesis, synovectomy, arthroplastic resection) for rheumatoid elbows. It is indicated for Larsen grades III, IV and V and provides good functional outcome and nearly constant pain relief with an amplitude greater than the 100 degrees, generally accepted as functionally useful. In light of our experience we propose certain modifications of the current GUEPAR implant: adjunction of a condylar extension to the humeral component in order to reduce rotation stress and thus avoid humeral loosening and a radial head element to limit the risk of instability.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Simultaneous activated sludge wastewater treatment and odour control.

Lab-scale tests were used to determine the amount of H2S that can be treated using a range of different activated sludges. Static vessels were used to study the effects of different H2S concentrations (5, 25, 50 and 75 ppm). The data indicated that odour control may be carried out using certain types of sludge, but sludge type, e.g. carbonaceous, nitrifying, with or without coagulant, affects removal efficiency. The presence of the biomass resulted in greater H2S removal than the use of wet scrubbing and the adverse effects on mixed liquor were negligible. A pilot plant was used to study the removal efficiencies of activated sludge diffusion using a typical wastewater treatment plant H2S concentration and investigated the effects that the diffusion of H2S had on the process performance. Results indicated that the levels of H2S produced by other unit processes on a wastewater treatment site (approximately 5 ppm) can be treated using activated sludge diffusion without compromising the performance of the wastewater treatment process. The only effects on the activated sludge plant observed were: (1) nitrification was interrupted briefly as H2S diffusion commenced and (2) the species' diversity in the sludge decreased.

Air Pollution↗