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Biomedical subjects

S Lortat-Jacob

Publications and source records attributed to S Lortat-Jacob.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The long-term followup of 33 cases of true hermaphroditism: a 40-year experience with conservative gonadal surgery.

PURPOSE: Little is known about long-term outcomes of conservative gonadal surgery in true hermaphroditism. We present our experience with evaluation and treatment of a large series of children with this rare form of ambiguous genitalia, focusing on gonadal structure and function before and after conservative gonadal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 33 consecutive patients with histologically confirmed true hermaphroditism treated at the Hopital des Enfants-Malades between 1965 and 2005. RESULTS: The most common karyotype of true hermaphrodites was 46,XX, constituting 82% of our series. The frequency of finding the SRY gene in 46,XX cases was 35%. Ovotestis was the most frequent finding (65%) and testis the rarest (9%). Ovarian tissue was more often found on the left side, and testicular tissue on the right side (p <0.05). Proper gonadal tissue was preserved in 28 cases. No gonadal tumors were detected during followup. Ovarian tissue remained normal, while testicular tissue gradually developed signs of dysgenesis in all biopsied cases, confirmed by endocrinological studies. However, testosterone production remained satisfactory in the majority of cases during followup. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of true hermaphroditism is well defined and the condition can be recognized even prenatally. Conservative gonadal surgery is the procedure of choice after a diagnosis of true hermaphroditism. Continued followup is necessary because of the multiple psychological, gynecological and urological problems encountered postpubertally by these patients.

Child↗

Quality of life and continence in patients with spina bifida.

PURPOSE: Spina bifida (SB) is the most common congenital cause of incontinence in childhood. This study attempts to determine the relationships between urinary/faecal incontinence, methods of management, and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in people with SB. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A total of 460 patients (300 adults and 160 adolescents) from six centres in France have taken part in this cross-sectional study. Clinical outcome measures included walking ability, urinary/faecal continence, and medical management. HRQoL was assessed using the SF36 in adults and the VSP in adolescents and their parents. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to determine the relationships between clinical parameters and HRQoL. RESULTS: HRQoL were significantly lower than in the general population. Adult women had significantly lower scores than men, and adolescent females had significantly lower scores for psychological well being. We did not found strong relationship between incontinence and HRQoL in this population. Moreover patients surgically managed for urinary/fecal incontinence did not show significantly higher scores of HRQoL. CONCLUSION: Using generic HRQoL measures, urinary/faecal incontinence and their medical management may not play a determinant role in HRQoL of persons with SB. However many other factors affect HRQoL in these patients. A longitudinal study design is recommended to assess whether incontinence management is associated with improved HRQoL.

Adolescent↗

Control of an ACC-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak in a physical medicine and rehabilitation unit.

This article describes an outbreak of ACC-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae involving 40 patients. These were mainly men under 40 years old with a spinal cord injury, in a physical medicine and rehabilitation unit. The main risk factors were prolonged hospital stay, multiple-bed rooms, tracheostomy care and assisted defaecation. The outbreak was only controlled after the introduction of rigorous patient placement (i.e. single rooms or cohorting in the same room), while allowing the patients to have free access to the various technical services (e.g. physiotherapy and occupational therapy) and living spaces necessary for re-education.

Adult↗

Long-term effects of dextranomer endoscopic injections for the treatment of urinary incontinence: an update of a prospective study of 61 patients.

PURPOSE: To treat sphincteric deficiency in children endoscopic bladder neck injections may avoid or salvage more complex procedures. A prospective study to assess the efficacy of bladder neck injections of dextranomer based implants (Deflux(R)) was done in a 7-year period in 61 patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 1997 to September 2004 we enrolled in the study 41 males and 20 females 5 to 18 years old with severe sphincteric incompetence, including exstrophy-epispadias in 26, neuropathic bladder in 27, bilateral ectopic ureters in 5, and miscellaneous in 3. Preoperative evaluation consisted of medical history, urine culture, urinary tract ultrasound and videourodynamics. This evaluation was repeated 6 months and 1 year after treatment, and yearly thereafter. Of the patients 17 underwent 2 and 4 underwent 3 treatment sessions to achieve a definitive result. At each evaluation the case was considered cured-a dryness interval of 4 hours between voids or CIC, significantly improved-minimal incontinence requiring no more than 1 pad daily and no further treatment required, and treatment failure-no significant, long lasting improvement. Videourodynamics were mainly useful to study the evolution of bladder capacity, activity and compliance. Followup after the last injection was 6 to 84 months (mean 28). RESULTS: Mean injected volume per session was 3.9 cc (range 1.6 to 12). Postoperative complications were temporary dysuria in 2 patients nonfebrile urinary tract infection in 10, orchid-epididymitis in 1 and urinary retention with pyelonephritis in 1. The incidence of dryness or improvement during followup was 79% (48 of 61 patients) at 1 month, 56% (31 of 55) at 6 months, 52% (24 of 46) at 1 year, 51% (18 of 35) at 2 years, 52% (16 of 31) at 3 years, 48% (12 of 25) at 4 years, 43% (9 of 21) at 5 years, 36% (4 of 11) at 6 years and 40% (2 of 5) at 7 years. The success rate according to pathological condition was similar in cases of neuropathic bladder and the exstrophy-epispadias complex (48% and 53%, respectively). The success rate in re-treated cases was 38%. After treatment a contracted bladder developed in 6 patients. Also, of the 35 patients with at least 2 years of followup an increase in capacity of at least 50% was observed in 12 of 18 with an initially small bladder. No side effects related to the substance were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment for pediatric severe sphincteric deficiency with dextranomer implant, a nontoxic, nonimmunogenic, nonmigratory synthetic substance, was effective up to 2 years in half of the patients. Subsequently at up to 7 years of followup a slow decrease in efficacy was observed and treatment remained beneficial in 40% of the patients.

Adolescent↗

A multicenter evaluation of urinary incontinence management and outcome in spina bifida.

PURPOSE: We describe urinary continence management and outcome in patients with spina bifida to identify the procedures that are most successful. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a multicenter retrospective cohort study medical charts were studied. At the same time in a cross-sectional survey sociodemographic characteristics, orthopedic features and urinary continence were described based on the frequency of leakage from the viewpoint of patients or close relatives using a Likert scale of 5 items, namely 1-leakage permanent to 5-leakage never. RESULTS: A total of 421 patients were included, of whom 191 (45%) had been medically treated with a normal voiding pattern according to the patient viewpoint in 21%, clean intermittent catheterization in 61% and no specific bladder emptying method in 18%. The mean leakage score +/- SD was 2.74 +/- 1.55. On the other hand, 230 patients (55%) were surgically treated. Except for 23 patients who underwent noncontinent urinary diversion 207 were considered for treatment and continence description. The mean leakage score was 3.45 +/- 1.60. An artificial urinary sphincter in male and females, and a sling or Kropp technique in females were satisfactory when bladder enlargement was not required. In cases of bladder augmentation without continent diversion an artificial urinary sphincter in males and a bladder neck sling or cinch, Kropp and Young-Dees procedures in females have provided the best results. In cases of bladder enlargement with continent urinary diversion bladder neck closure or a wrap have provided the best results whatever the patient sex. CONCLUSIONS: Many factors may influence the choice of a technique, such as patient sex, bladder characteristics or orthopedic conditions. However, since to our knowledge no randomized, controlled study has been yet performed, definitive conclusions on the best way to achieve urinary continence in patients with spina bifida cannot be established.

Adolescent↗

Long-term effects of dextranomer endoscopic injections for treatment of urinary incontinence: an update of a prospective study of 31 patients.

PURPOSE: A prospective study was initiated 7 years previously to assess the efficacy of endoscopic dextranomer based implants for pediatric structural incontinence. Preliminary results revealed that at 3 years 50% of the patients were either dry or significantly improved. We report long-term results in the same cohort of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 children and adolescents 5 to 18 years old with severe incontinence due to sphincteric incompetence (exstrophy-epispadias complex in 13, neuropathic bladder in 16, bilateral ectopic ureter in 4) were enrolled. Of the patients 13 underwent 2 and 4 underwent 3 treatment sessions to achieve a definitive result. Mean injected volume was 3.9 ml (range 1.6 to 12) per session. At each evaluation patients were considered cured (dryness interval 4 hours), significantly improved (minimal incontinence requiring no more than 1 pad daily and no further treatment required) or treatment failures (no significant improvement). Videourodynamics were used to study the evolution of the bladder capacity, activity and compliance. A total of 31 patients were followed 3 to 7 years after the last injection. RESULTS: At 3 years after treatment 15 of 30 patients (50%) were dry or improved. One patient who had leakage after 3 years of dryness due to bladder deterioration subsequently underwent ileocystoplasty. At 4 years 12 of 25 patients (48%) were dry or improved. At 5 years 9 of 21 patients (43%) were dry, as were 4 of 11 (36%) at 6 years and 2 of 5 (40%) at 7 years of followup. The success rate according to pathological evaluation was comparable in neuropathic bladders (7 of 14, or 50%), exstrophy (3 of 6, or 50%) and epispadias (3 of 7, or 43%). Of 12 patients who underwent bladder neck plasty before the injection of bulking agent 7 (58%) were either dry or improved. The success rate was higher in males (13 of 23, or 57%) than in females (3 of 8, or 38%). Also, at puberty 2 males who were improved became dry. Bladder capacity increased in 12 of 18 initially small bladders and remained normal and stable in 9, while 4 initially dry patients had development of recurrent leakage secondary to bladder deterioration and underwent augmentation. Otherwise, there were no long-term side effects observed related to the injection of the bulking agent. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of severe organic urinary incontinence with dextranomer is durable for up to 7 years of followup in 40% of the patients.

Adolescent↗

A multicentre study of the management of disorders of defecation in patients with spina bifida.

Patients with spinal dysraphism may have severe constipation and faecal incontinence. The impact of antegrade colonic enema (ACE) in the management of patients with spina bifida (SB) is analysed. In a multicentre cross-sectional study, constipation, faecal incontinence and faecal management were described. Cases surgically treated were identified. Data were collected from 423 patients, of whom 230 did not use any manoeuvre or laxatives to assist evacuation. Conventional treatment was used in 193 patients, including digital extraction in 39%, retrograde enema in 21% and oral laxatives in 52%. For intractable constipation and overflow of faecal incontinence, 47 patients were treated with ACE, of whom 41 used the method at a mean time of interview of 4.1 +/- 1.9 years after ACE operation; six abandoned ACE for conventional management. With ACE, faecal continence was significantly improved compared with conventional management, and neither retrograde rectal enema nor digital extraction were required. The conduit was fashioned to the right colon in 32 cases and to the left colon in nine cases. This study provides information on a multicentre experience in bowel management in SB patients. Whatever the technique used, ACE has improved faecal status compared with conventional therapy.

Adolescent↗

Idiopathic male pseudohermaphroditism: variations in presentation and management.

UNLABELLED: Male pseudohermaphroditism (MPH) is the abnormal development of genitalia in an individual with a 46,XY chromosome complement and testicular tissue. The etiology of MPH is unknown in most cases, which are defined as idiopathic. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the data for cases of idiopathic MPH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 29 patients with idiopathic MPH and no uterus. RESULTS: Four patients had a family history of abnormal sexual development and five had low birth weight. The initial manifestations were sexual ambiguity (26), microphallus and hypospadias (2), and primary amenorrhea (1). Basal and/or stimulated testosterone concentrations showed insufficient testosterone secretion in three patients. Genitography showed a vagina in 13 patients. Male genitoplasties were performed on 21 out of the 24 patients reared as males and female genitoplasties on five patients. Histological studies of the gonads of these showed streak gonads in one, normal gonads in one and signs of testicular dysgenesis in three others. Molecular studies on the SRY gene (17) showed no mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Idiopathic male pseudohermaphroditism is a heterogeneous condition, even within families with a history of this condition. We propose a set of guidelines for the management of these patients.

Adolescent↗

[Routine screening of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in acute rehabilitation units].

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among motor impaired patients admitted to an acute rehabilitation unit. METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2002, the acute rehabilitation units of R. Poincare Hospital have screened patients for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase enterobacteria (ESBL-EB) carriage by nasal and rectal swab at admission, every month and exit. RESULTS: Finally, MRSA was isolated form screening or diagnosis samples of 360 patients and ESBL-EB from screening or diagnosis samples of 170 patients, corresponding respectively to an incidence of 3.6 for 1000 days of hospitalization (DH) and 1.7 for 1000 DH. 66% (236/360) of MRSA carriers and 58% of ESBL-EB carriers were identified only by screening samples. Carriage origin was identified for year 2002: Cases were imported for 40% (26/65) of MRSA carriers and 43% (18/42) of ESBL-EB carriers. The median acquisition delays were of 31 days [3-154] for MRSA and 19 days [3-317] for ESBL-EB. CONCLUSION: This allowed to set up contact precautions for more than 2 fold patients that would have allowed diagnosis samples alone.

Drug Resistance, Bacterial↗

Surgical management and genotype/phenotype correlations in WT1 gene-related diseases (Drash, Frasier syndromes).

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The WT1 gene plays a role in urogenital and gonadal development. Germline mutations of this gene have been observed in patients with Drash or Frasier syndrome (Sd). The purpose of this report is to compare phenotype and genotype of these patients. METHODS: Retrospective study of 12 patients treated since 1980 for WT1 gene-related disorders was conducted. RESULTS: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurred in 9 patients, mostly because of diffuse mesangial sclerosis (DMS) or focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS). Seven patients underwent kidney transplantation, and 2 died. Eleven tumors occurred: 8 Wilms' tumors, one soft tissue tumor, one bladder papilloma, and one gonadoblastoma. Wilms' tumors occurred at a younger age than expected. Eight patients had a 46,XY karyotype. One of these XY patients had female phenotype (Frasier syndrome); she was raised as a girl with bilateral gonadectomy. Seven XY patients had ambiguous phenotype; 4 have been raised as boys and 3 as girls. Four patients had a 46,XX karyotype; they had female genitalia and were raised as girls. WT1 gene analysis was performed in 10 patients and showed heterozygous germline mutations in exon 9 (n = 6), intron 9 (n = 1), exon 3 (n = 1), exon 4 (n = 1), or exon 7 (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: ESRD was secondary to DMS when exon 9 was mutated, and secondary to FSGS when intron 9 was mutated. When exon 3, 4, and 7 were mutated, no nephropathy has been observed. Wilms' tumors occurred with any kind of WT1 mutation except intron 9. Abnormal sexual differentiation has been observed in all XY patients with WT1 mutation, and the most profound inversion of phenotype was observed with mutation in intron 9. Correlation between phenotype and genotype provides better understanding of the role of WT1, and can help the surgeon in the management of these patients.

Adolescent↗

Follow-up of 68 children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency: relevance of genotype for management.

The phenotype of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) varies greatly. The purpose of this study was to optimize diagnosis and follow-up by comparing phenotype with genotype. Sixty-eight patients with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency were studied by clinical, hormonal, and molecular genetic methods. Patients were classified according to predicted mutation severity: group 0, null mutation (17.6%); group A, homozygous for IVS2 splice mutation or compound heterozygous for IVS2 and null mutations (33.8%); group B, homozygous or compound heterozygous for I172N mutation (14.7%); group C, homozygous or compound heterozygous for V281L or P30L mutations (26.5%); and group D, mutations with unknown enzyme activity (7.4%). All group 0 and A patients had the salt-wasting form, and group C had nonclassical forms. Group B included five salt-wasting and five simple virilizing forms. Groups 0 and A were younger at diagnosis (P < 0.02), and females were more virilized than those in group B. Group B had higher basal plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone (564 +/- 162 nmol/liter) and testosterone (11 +/- 3 nmol/liter) levels than group C [59 +/- 13 nmol/liter (P < 0.001) and 1.4 +/- 0.2 nmol/liter (P < 0.005), respectively]. Hydrocortisone doses given to groups 0, A, and B were similar at all ages, but lower in group C (P < 0.01). Final height was below target height in classical (n = 16; -2 +/- 0.2 SD score; P < 0.02) and nonclassical (n = 11; -1.2 +/- 0.4 SD score; P < 0.03) forms. The severity of the genetic defects and the clinical-laboratory features are well correlated. Genotyping, combined with neonatal screening and optimal medical and surgical treatment, can help in the management of CAH.

Adolescent↗

Urological complications after renal transplantation using ureteroureteral anastomosis in children.

PURPOSE: Ureterovesical reimplantation is most often performed for renal transplantation in children. We reviewed our experience to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ureteroureteral reimplantation in pediatric renal transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the charts of 92 boys and 72 girls who underwent a total of 166 ureteroureteral anastomoses for renal transplantation from January 1990 to December 1999. Spatulated end-to-end anastomosis was performed between recipient and graft ureters without stenting and with a bladder catheter for at least 10 days. RESULTS: Mean patient age at transplantation was 11.2 years (range 1 to 21.5). There were 22 living related donor and 144 cadaveric grafts. Urological anomalies and nephropathy were the cause of end stage renal disease in 146 and 20 patients, respectively. Urological complications were noted in 14 of the 166 transplantations (8.4%) in 10 boys and 4 girls, including 12 initial and 2 repeat grafts from 2 living related and 12 cadaveric donors. Five of these patients had undergone previous urological surgery. The 2 children (1.2%) with acute ureteral obstruction underwent repeat intervention after stent failure. Anastomotic leakage in 7 cases (4.2%) was treated conservatively in 1 and with a Double-J stent (Medical Engineering Corp., New York, New York) only required in 3. Reoperation was required in 3 cases. One patient (0.6%) with late ureteral stenosis underwent repeat anastomosis, 1 (0.6%) required reimplantation for recurrent pyelonephritis due to vesicoureteral reflux in the graft, 1 (0.6%) with a valve bladder required bladder augmentation and ureteral reimplantation, and 1 (0.6%) with lymphocele and 1 (0.6%) with lithiasis were successfully treated conservatively. Complications were associated with acute rejection in 6 cases. Mean followup without graft loss in patients who presented with versus without complications was 58.3 months (range 1 to 112) versus 75 (range 1 to 118). In the former patients with a mean age of 16 years 9 months versus those without urological complications mean serum creatinine was 116 and 108 mol./l., respectively. Two grafts were lost in patients with urological complications, including 1 who died of pulmonary embolism and 1 with refractory chronic rejection. Seven patients were lost to followup after 54 months (range 12 to 113) of adequate graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Ureteroureteral anastomosis is a safe and effective technique for pediatric renal transplantation with a low complication rate, which may be due to better vascularization of the shorter ureteral end of the graft. Our results should encourage the use of this technique in pediatric renal transplantation. Efforts to preserve the recipient ureters should be made at nephrectomy.

Adolescent↗

Intussusception in infants and children: feasibility of ambulatory management.

To evaluate the ambulatory management of ileo-colic intussusception in infants and children, a retrospective study over 3 years of 113 children treated for ileo-colic intussusception in a paediatric emergency department was undertaken with the aim of shortening the length of stay. A total of 113 children aged 10 days to 9 years (median 12 months) were treated for intussusception between January 1993 and December 1996. None had septic shock or peritoneal aeric effusion. Barium enema reduction was attempted in all patients. Successful reduction rate was 81%. Fifty patients (44.2%) were completely ambulatory managed and 42 were hospital-supervised after successful enema reduction. Twenty-one children underwent laparotomy after failure of enema. With the ambulatory device, costs were reduced ($1000/case) compared with conventional in-patient treatment. Outpatient treatment of acute ileo-colic intussusception is secure and reduces costs. It depends on the willingness of the medical team but requires simultaneous adaptation of hospital funding to promote this trend.

Ambulatory Care↗

Contribution of D-Dimer determination in the exclusion of deep venous thrombosis in spinal cord injury patients.

UNLABELLED: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication of paraplegia despite prophylactic anticoagulant therapy. The diagnosis relies primarily on ultrasonography or phlebography; these investigations are difficult, expensive and can be time-consuming in paraplegic patients. STUDY DESIGN: To evaluate the usefulness of coagulation activation markers in excluding a diagnosis of DVT, D-Dimers, thrombin-antithrombin complexes, prothrombin fragments (F1+2) and activated factor VIIa. OBJECTIVES: To improve the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis in paraplegic patients. SETTING: This collaborative work was done at Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France. METHODS: To evaluate the usefulness of coagulation activation markers in excluding a diagnosis of DVT, D-Dimers (D-Di), thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) complexes, prothrombin fragments (F1+2) and activated factor VIIa (FVIIa), were determined in a prospective study of 67 consecutive patients with paraplegia or tetraplegia. Doppler ultrasonography and/or phlebography of the lower limbs and D-Di, TAT, F1+2 level determination were systematically done in each patient at admission to our rehabilitation unit. RESULTS: Despite prophylactic low molecular weight heparin therapy, six of the 67 patients developed DVT diagnosed by radiologic explorations. D-Di levels measured by a reference ELISA (Asserachrom D-Di, Diagnostica Stago) or a new rapid automated turbidimetric test (STA-Liatest D-Di) were greater than 500 ng/ml in all DVT patients and in 40 non-DVT patients, of whom most had urinary tract infections, osteomas, or pressure sores. D-Di values were normal in only 21/67 patients (31%). The negative predictive value of D-Di in our study was 100% since all DVT patients had D-Di values greater than 500 ng/ml. TAT and F1+2 levels were not correlated with D-Di levels but also had a negative predictive value of 100%. Comparison of D-Di levels obtained using the two tests showed that results of the reference ELISA were closely correlated to those of the new rapid automated turbidimetric. TAT, F1+2, and factor VIIa are not useful for measuring hypercoagulability in paraplegic or tetraplegic patients since no rapid tests for determining these parameters are available. CONCLUSION: D-Di levels determined using an ELISA or a new rapid automated turbidimetric test have a good negative predictive value for DVT in paraplegic or tetraplegic patients and may reduce the need for Doppler ultrasonography and/or phlebography by 31%.

Adolescent↗

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome in pediatric patients.

The aim of this study was to report the presentation and outcome of 22 consecutive children (13 female) who presented with a syndrome of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction with or without urinary tract involvement. We analyse the main clinical and histopathological features and discuss therapeutic management. Ten patients had signs of intestinal obstruction at birth, in which 6 presented antenatally with megacystis on ultrasound. Six children presented with constipation and/or obstruction between 1 and 6 months of age and in 6 other patients diagnosis was made between the ages of 1 and 12 years. There was a family history in 4 patients. Investigations showed diffusely dilated gut on x-ray with slow transit on small bowel follow through. Absent or abnormal motor migrating complex with low amplitude contractions were demonstrated on duodeno-jejunal manometry in 12/13. Megacystis occurred in 15/21 and megaureter in 2/21. Full thickness biopsies (n = 22) revealed involvement of muscle layers in 8, and abnormal myenteric plexus on histochemistry in 13. In 1, the biopsies were inconclusive. Recurrent urinary tract infections occurred in all with structural urinary tract abnormality and most had bacterial overgrowth. Severe recurrent episodes of obstruction which required parenteral nutrition (PN) occurred in all patients. Drugs were unhelpful and decompression ileostomies or colostomies were performed in 20/22. Five children died from sepsis (n = 3) or sudden death. Eleven patients remain partially or totally dependent on PN despite decompression ileostomy in 10/11. Six patients underwent colectomy and ileorectal pull-through, 2 of which remain on long-term PN, while the others are totally orally fed. Despite careful histological study pointing to 2 main forms, myopathy and neuropathy, the etiology of primary intestinal pseudoobstruction syndromes remains unknown. It may present antenatally while most of the time the gut and the urinary tract are diffusely involved. The condition has a high morbidity with a percentage requiring long-term PN. Although the mortality rate is high (23%), careful treatment of urinary tract infections and bacterial overgrowth, decompression surgery and judicious use of PN allows survival to adult life.

Child↗

Evaluation of gonadal function in 107 intersex patients by means of serum antimüllerian hormone measurement.

Fetal male sexual differentiation is driven by two testicular hormones: testosterone (synthesized by interstitial Leydig cells) and antimüllerian hormone (AMH; produced by Sertoli cells present in the seminiferous tubules). Intersex states result either from gonadal dysgenesis, in which both Leydig and Sertoli cell populations are affected, or from impaired secretion or action of either testosterone or AMH. Until now, only Leydig cell function has been assessed in children with ambiguous genitalia, by means of testosterone assay. To determine whether serum AMH would help in the diagnosis of intersex conditions, we assayed serum AMH levels in 107 patients with ambiguous genitalia of various etiologies. In XY patients, AMH was low when the intersex condition was caused by abnormal testicular determination (including pure and partial gonadal dysgenesis) but was normal or elevated in patients with impaired testosterone secretion, whereas serum testosterone was low in both groups. AMH was also elevated during the first year of life and at puberty in intersex states caused by androgen insensitivity. In 46,XX patients with a normal male phenotype or ambiguous genitalia, in whom the diagnosis of female pseudohermaphroditism had been excluded, serum AMH levels higher than 75 pmol/L were indicative of the presence of testicular tissue and correlated with the mass of functional testicular parenchyma. In conclusion, serum AMH determination is a powerful tool to assess Sertoli cell function in children with intersex states, and it helps to distinguish between defects of male sexual differentiation caused by abnormal testicular determination and those resulting from isolated impairment of testosterone secretion or action.

Adult↗

Deletions of distal 9p associated with 46,XY male to female sex reversal: definition of the breakpoints at 9p23.3-p24.1.

Monosomy of distal 9p is associated in rare cases with abnormalities of testicular determination, which can lead to male to female sex reversal in a 46,XY genetic background. We present two 46,XY individuals partially monosomic for 9p who were raised as females. Definition of the breakpoints using somatic cell hybrids containing only the rearranged chromosome 9 indicated that in the first patient the breakpoint was located between markers D9S256 and D9S144 and in the second patient, the breakpoint was distal to the marker D9S144. In both cases this corresponds to the cytogenetic position 9p23.3-p24.1. Analysis of highly polymorphic microsatellite markers demonstrated a paternal origin of the rearranged chromosome 9 in both patients. These studies define the minimum region associated with male to female sex reversal as 9p24.1-pter.

Child, Preschool↗