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Biomedical subjects

T Lacaze-Masmonteil

Publications and source records attributed to T Lacaze-Masmonteil.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Amniotic fluid concentrations of interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 and TNF-alpha in chorioamnionitis before 32 weeks of gestation: histological associations and neonatal outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To test the association between cytokine levels in the amniotic fluid and (i) the vascular invasion phase of intrauterine infection, (ii) the occurrence of periventricular leukomalacia; to assess the correlation between C-reactive protein levels, a recognised biological marker of inflammation in maternal serum and cytokine levels in the amniotic fluid. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Fetal medicine unit and neonatal intensive care unit, Antoine Beclere Hospital, Clamart, France. SAMPLE: Thirty-one pregnancies complicated by chorioamnionitis leading to birth before 32 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Interleukin 1-beta, Interleukin 6 and TNF-alpha prospectively measured in the amniotic fluid. Histological examination of the placenta. Ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the brains of the newborn infants performed within the first week of life. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The occurrence of periventricular leukomalacia was assessed by transfontanellar ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: There was a significant positive correlation between the occurrence of histological chorioamnionitis, vascular extension of infection of the membranes, maternal inflammatory syndrome and neonatal sepsis. A strong association was found between maternal serum C-reactive protein concentrations and cytokine levels in the amniotic fluid. Interleukin-1beta was the best predictor of vascular extension of chorioamnionitis, and TNF-alpha was the best predictor of the development of severe early neonatal infection. There was no association between the amniotic fluid levels of cytokines and the development of periventricular leukomalacia. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha are produced in relation to intrauterine inflammation and infection, but cannot be directly implicated in the development of fetal cerebral white matter lesions.

Amniotic Fluid↗

Single blood donor exposure programme for preterm infants: a large open study and an analysis of the risk factors to multiple donor exposure.

UNLABELLED: As the need for blood transfusions of very preterm infants remains considerable, various strategies are considered to minimize exposure to multiple blood donors along with blood wastage. In a large population of very preterm infants born between 24 and 31 weeks' gestation, we undertook an open study to assess the efficacy of a single blood donor exposure programme and to determine, among the population enrolled in this programme, the risk factors for exposure to multiple donors. One hundred and forty-two neonates were included in a single donor exposure programme with a 35-day expiry date blood unit. Though no inflation in the total number of transfusions was noticed, there was a 55% overall reduction in the total number of required donors. To determine the risk factors for exposure to multiple donors in this population, 114 neonates alive after the expiry date of the first unit of packed red blood cells were selected. The greatest and the most extending transfusion requirements were observed in very preterm infants born before 28 weeks' gestation and in those born after but with an intra-uterine growth retardation below the 10th percentile. Indeed, 70% of those high-risk infants were exposed to a second blood donor and more than 85% of the group exposed to a second donor belonged to this high-risk population. CONCLUSION: Neonates with a very high risk of a more-than-one donor exposure were born before 28 weeks' gestation or between 28 and 31 weeks but with an intra-uterine growth retardation below the 10th percentile.

Blood Donors↗

The early diagnosis of periventricular leukomalacia in premature infants with positive rolandic sharp waves on serial electroencephalography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the specificity and the sensitivity of electroencephalography's positive rolandic sharp waves (PRSW) for the diagnosis of cystic and noncystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on a population of 765 premature infants alive after 5 days who were divided into two groups; 166 infants born before 28 weeks (group 1) and 599 born between 28 and 32 completed weeks' gestation (group 2). Each infants underwent repeated ultrasound scanning and electroencephalography recordings during the first weeks of life. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in infants with persisting hyperechoic periventricular densities on ultrasonography. RESULTS: A total of 83 (10.8%) newborns had PVL; 65 (8.5%) had cystic PVL PRSW, observed in 55 (7.2%) infants, always preceded the ultrasonic detection of cysts. PRSW were very specific markers of PVL in both groups (100% in group 1, 99.8% in group 2). PRSW sensitivity was found dependent on gestational age: 32.4% in group 1 in contrast to 87.8% in group 2. CONCLUSION: PRSW are an early and very specific marker of PVL in premature infants.

Electroencephalography↗

Are neonatal brain lesions due to intrauterine infection related to mode of delivery?

Studies of antenatal and intrapartum factors involved in the development of cerebral palsy have identified intrauterine infection and chorioamnionitis as high risk situations for white matter damage, especially periventricular leukomalacia. To characterise adverse or protective perinatal factors further, we undertook a multiple regression analysis of selected perinatal events in a population of 110 inborn premature neonates with documented chorioamnionitis. In the total population of 110 infants delivered at between 25 and 32 weeks, 101 (92%) survived the first week of life and two were subsequently excluded. Of the 99 remaining infants, 20 (20%) developed periventricular leukomalacia including 16 (80%) cystic lesions. Forty-five (45%) babies were born by lower segment caesarean section, and for 37 of these, this was carried out before labour. Fetal presentation at delivery was breech in 14 (26%) of those born vaginally and 23 (52%) of those born by lower segment caesarean section (OR 3 [95% CI 1.3-7]). Among predetermined perinatal risk factors for periventricular leukomalacia, logistic regression analysis showed that delivery by caesarean section was associated with a dramatic decrease in the incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (OR 0.15 [95% CI 0.04-0.57]). These preliminary results warrant confirmation and preferably a prospective study before considering caesarean section as a protective perinatal factor of periventricular leukomalacia.

Adult↗

[An unknown etiology of fetal ascites: acute intestinal intussusception].

BACKGROUND: Intussusception is a frequent diagnosis during the first year of life. However, it is an uncommon and very rare pathology in neonates and premature infants. CASE REPORTS: Two full term neonates presented an antenatal intussusception associated with fetal ascites; another premature infant developed an intussusception at the age of 15 days. In the three cases the diagnosis of intussusception had only been established during the laparotomy. A recent review of the literature revealed 13 cases of antenatal intussusception, one of these being associated with fetal ascites. CONCLUSION: The differential diagnosis of fetal ascites should always include intussusception. Early recognition of this pathology and prompt surgical action would avoid fatalities.

Acute Disease↗

[Maternofetal disseminated candidiasis and high-grade prematurity].

BACKGROUND: Despite the frequency of vaginal yeast colonization, serious candidiasis infections in pregnant patients or neonates remain rare. Four cases of disseminated congenital candidiasis in very preterm infants are reported. CASE REPORTS: Congenital Candida albicans infection has been diagnosed in four very preterm infants. In three cases, the mothers had intrauterine devices in place throughout pregnancy. A careful macroscopic examination of the umbilical cord and placenta after birth has allowed an early management strategy in three cases. In all cases, a serious infectious alveolitis occurred. A pronounced increase in white blood cells (> 50,000/mm3) and high levels of both segmented neutrophil and band cells, despite the frequent normality of the CRP, constituted other features. Infection was controlled by parenteral amphotericin B or fluconazole. In one case, serious thrombocytopenia occurred after the first amphotericin B injection requiring substitution for fluconazole. The outcome was unfavourable in two cases with an extensive periventricular leukomalacia. CONCLUSION: Congenital candidiasis in these four very preterm neonates has several features in common: intrauterine contraceptive device during pregnancy, characteristic chorioamnionitis and funisitis, high WBC count, infectious alveolitis. Fluconazole as alternative to amphotericine B therapy is proposed.

Adult↗

[Prenatal corticotherapy and acceleration of fetal maturation. I. Experimental and pharmacological data].

Data from numerous experimental studies clearly indicate that endogenous corticosteroids physiologically act on the fetal lung maturation. There are also convincing experimental data demonstrating that exogenous corticosteroids stimulate phospholipids biosynthesis, induce the surfactant specific protein genes expression, and improve the lung biophysical properties. The first report of a clinical beneficial effect derived from these experimental observations is due to Liggins and Howie who demonstrated that prenatal corticosteroid treatment significantly reduces the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and the mortality among preterm neonates. Fluorinated corticosteroids (dexamethasone, betamethasone) are the only efficient corticosteroids, with the advantage of a low mineralocorticoid activity. After a single course, they do not inhibit postnatal stress adrenal response; however, repeated courses may induce adrenal depression if a stressing event occurs after birth.

Animals↗

[Prenatal corticotherapy and acceleration of fetal maturation. II. Results of clinical applications].

Numerous subsequent controlled trials and recent meta-analysis have confirmed the efficiency of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy in reducing both the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and perinatal mortality. Moreover, antenatal glucocorticoid administration reduces the odds of several severe complications relating to immaturity: intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), ductus arteriosus patency, necrotising enterocolitis, and hemodynamic failure. Exogenous surfactant therapy has not ruled out the benefits of corticosteroids: on the contrary, a synergic effect is obtained when both antenatal and postnatal therapeutic approaches are combined. Very premature infants may also take advantage of the hormonal treatment: in this population, RDS occurrence, IVH incidence and perinatal mortality are also reduced. Unfortunately, despite convincing evidence, the incidence of antenatal steroids therapy has not yet achieved the optimal and desirable level. Obstetricians and pediatricians must be encouraged to ensure high maternal exposure to steroids when preterm delivery is likely to occur.

Drug Interactions↗

Periventricular leukomalacia: risk factors revisited.

The dramatic improvement in neonatal care during the last decade did not succeed in reducing the incidence of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), suggesting that prenatal events may be the main target for PVL prevention. The studied cohort included 753 very preterm infants born between 24 and 32 weeks of gestational age, admitted to the intensive care unit and surviving at least 7 days; 69 (9.2%) of these infants had a diagnosis of cystic PVL. The highest PVL frequency was observed among the infants born at 28 weeks of gestation (16%). Inflammatory prenatal events occurring during the last days or weeks before delivery and PVL occurrence are strongly correlated. Indeed, the combination of intra-uterine infection and premature rupture of membranes is associated with a very high risk (22%). Prolongation of pregnancy with tocolysis for more than 24 hours also carries a significant 8% risk of PVL. In contrast, chronic fetal distress of long duration, such as severe intra-uterine growth retardation and pre-eclampsia, is seldom followed by PVL (< 2% risk). Similarly, rapid unexpected deliveries entail a minimal PVL risk (4%). Experimental and epidemiological confirmations of these data would have an influence on the management of both the preterm onset of labour and the premature rupture of membranes.

Female↗

Pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) is expressed by epithelial cells of small and large intestine.

Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is the most abundant protein associated with phospholipids in pulmonary surfactant. There are several lines of evidence that pulmonary and gastrointestinal epithelium produce closely related surface-active materials, although the presence of SP-A in gastrointestinal tract has so far not been reported. Indirect immunofluorescence experiments using different antibodies raised against rat pulmonary SP-A showed that some jejunal and colonic but not gastric epithelial cells positively stained for SP-A. Analysis of the proteins in cell lysates from rat small intestine and colon studied by Western blot revealed several immuno-reactive bands, including the characteristic triplet of 26-, 32-, and 38-kDa monomeric proteins, less strongly labeled than in lung cells, and higher molecular mass forms of 66 and 120 kDa also present in lung cells. The 66- and 120-kDa bands displayed the expected isoelectric pH of SP-A after two-dimensional electrophoresis. Alkylation induced conversion of the 120-kDa form (almost completely) and the 66-kDa form (partly) into the 26-38-kDa monomeric species. The presence of SP-A mRNA in rat stomach, small intestine, and colon was then searched for by conventional cDNA/reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Products of appropriate size (372 base pairs) identical to that of pulmonary tissue were amplified in small intestine and colon but not in stomach or in other tissues used as controls. Cloning and sequencing of rat colon SP-A cDNA revealed the same sequence as the one reported for rat lung SP-A. Furthermore, analysis of the transcriptional initiation site of SP-A gene in colon by anchored-polymerase chain reaction showed that transcription was initiated at the same site in both colon and lung. These data, which demonstrate that small intestine and colon express SP-A constitutively and that this protein is present in some epithelial cells, extend the concept of intestinal surfactant and underline its close relationships to pulmonary surfactant.

Animals↗

[Surfactants in the digestive tube].

Epithelia of the gastrointestinal tract both synthesize and secrete surfactant-like materials. Like the pulmonary surfactant, these materials contain not only phospholipids, but also surfactant apoproteins, regarded until recently as specific products of the bronchoalveolar epithelium. Presented here are the various roles, most of them still speculative, of these phospholipids-containing products in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Animals↗

Fetal rat lung type II cell differentiation in serum-free isolated cell culture: modulation and inhibition.

Undifferentiated fetal rat lung epithelial cells were isolated on gestational days 15 or 17 (term 22 days) and cultured in a defined medium. On plastic, most of the cells developed structurally abnormal lamellar bodies. On a basement membrane matrix (BMM), they sequentially accumulated glycogen and formed typical lamellar bodies. Biochemical analysis of the latter indicated that they had a phospholipid composition typical of surfactant for cells on BMM but not on plastic and that surfactant protein A appeared on BMM only. Progressing maturation from day 1 to day 6 in culture was demonstrated for 17-day cells on BMM by a sevenfold increase of labeled precursor incorporation into surfactant phospholipids. Exposure to medium conditioned by 21-day fetal fibroblasts enhanced incorporation already after a 1-day culture. The antisteroid RU 486 had no effect on differentiation, whereas transforming growth factor-beta, a factor produced by lung mesenchyme at early fetal stages, inhibited it markedly. Alveolar epithelial type II cells appear to be committed early, but their maturational process would be prevented until a definite gestational stage.

Acetates↗

Characterization of the rat pulmonary surfactant protein A promoter.

The expression of the pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) is developmentally regulated and controlled by several hormones. In an attempt to characterize cis-acting elements involved in the regulation of SP-A expression, we have cloned the 5' flanking sequence of the rat SP-A gene. The promoter region contains a TATA box but no CAAT box. The transcription start site has been identified by anchored polymerase chain reaction and S1 nuclease mapping of the mature and precursor transcripts. S1 mapping of precursor transcripts has confirmed the stimulating effect of glucocorticoids on SP-A rat gene transcription in vivo. This hormonal effect may be mediated by a putative glucocorticoid responsive element located 140 bp upstream from the initiation site and protected against DNase 1 digestion in footprinting experiments. In vitro transcription of a G-free reporter cassette linked to the 212-bp 5' flanking DNA fragment has established that this putative promoter region is functional. Efficient transcription of the G-free reporter cassette was obtained with cell-free fetal lung extracts, whereas no transcript was detectable with cell-free liver extracts. Comparative analysis of the human and rat 5' flanking sequences shows the presence of strongly conserved motifs, unrelated to previously known consensus sequences. Some of these motifs, specifically protected in DNase 1 footprinting studies, could therefore be involved in the regulation of SP-A gene expression.

Animals↗