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International audience; ObjectivesTo develop and validate a customized variant for fetal biometry of the generic OSAUS score (Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills)MethodsThe 5-points OSAUS METHOD grid was elaborated by defining five target skills specific to fetal biometry for each thematic item of the generic score. The level of skills of 43 trainees was prospectively assessed during an ultrasound examination by using this grid. The results of the “novice” level group (experience < 10 ultrasounds) were compared to those of the “intermediate” level group (experience ≥ 10 ultrasounds) (I). The reached/non-reached skills ratio within the different items composing the score allowed the identification of priority areas of improvement (II). Previously published distribution and actual distribution of ratings according to the generic pass/fail score were compared (III).ResultsMedian scores of “novices” (n = 29) and “intermediates” (n = 14) groups were statistically different, 1.87 (±0.75) and 3.31 (±0.83) (P = 1.85-5), respectively and corresponded to the pre-existing experience (I). A lower ratio of reached skill allowed the identification of “documentation of the examination” item as a priority area of improvement for both groups (II). The relevance of the pass/fail score is consolidated, even if an overlap was observed between novices and intermediates groups (III).ConclusionsThe relevancy and feasibility of using OSAUS scoring method for fetal biometry are supported. In addition, the possibility of comparisons with generic OSAUS remains.; ObjectifsDévelopper et évaluer la pertinence clinique d’une version du score générique OSAUS (Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills) dédiée à la biométrie fœtale.Matériel et méthodesCinq compétences cibles spécifiques à la biométrie fœtale ont été définies pour chaque item thématique du score générique permettant d’établir une grille d’évaluation OSAUS-METHOD sur 5 points (MEasurements TeacHing in Obstetrics Design). Le niveau de compétence de 43 étudiants a été évalué à l’aide grille OSAUS-METHOD (MEasurements TeacHing in Obstetrics Design) lors d’examens pratiques. Les notes des étudiants débutants (expérience pratique < 10 examens) ont été comparées à celles des étudiants de niveau intermédiaire (expérience pratique ≥ 10 examens) (I). La proportion de compétences validées ou non au sein de chacun des items thématiques du score a permis d’identifier les axes de progression prioritaires (II). La distribution des notes obtenues par rapport au seuil de certification utilisé pour le score générique a été comparée à celle précédemment publiée (III).RésultatsLe score moyen au sein du groupe « débutants » (n = 29) était significativement plus faible que celui au sein du « intermédiaires » (n = 14) (1,87 ± 0,75 et 3,31 ± 0,83 respectivement, p = 1,855) (I). Une proportion plus importante de compétences non validée a permis d’identifier l’item « documentation de l’examen » comme axe de progression prioritaire (II). La pertinence du score seuil pour discriminer les étudiants en fonction du niveau d’expertise est confortée mais un minime chevauchement entre les groupes de niveau est observé (III).ConclusionLa faisabilité et la pertinence de l’utilisation d’un score OSAUS dédié à la biométrie sont confirmées ainsi que la possibilité de comparaisons avec le score OSAUS générique.

Classify antibiotics according to their individual activity so as to identify those suitable for empiric therapy.We studied bacterial strains isolated from patients with urethritis (n = 189) and upper genital tract infections (n = 163) between June 1994 and February 1995 in 3 hospital and 4 community laboratories. Upper genital tract infections were divided into two groups: proven infection on laparoscopy specimen (n = 79) and suspected infection with isolation of pathogen in cervical samples (n = 84). Pathogens isolated were: Chlamydia trachomatis in 36/12/15 cases respectively, Mycoplasma hominis in 12/20/13, Ureaplasma urealyticum in 55/30/15, Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 40/2/0, Haemophilus spp in 20/2/1, group B streptococci in 7/1/8, E. coli in 8/1/17 and miscellaneous in 11/8/15. The minimal inhibitory concentrations for all strains were determined in 4 laboratories for ofloxacin, erythromycin and doxycyclin against C. trachomatis, M. hominis and U. urealyticum, and for ofloxacin, erythromycin, doxycyclin, amoxicillin+clavulanate, cefotaxime and gentamicin against the other strains. The activity score (% susceptibility to each antibiotic weighted by the frequencies of each isolate in urethritis and upper genital tract infection based on recent French epidemiologic data) was calculated for each antibiotic.The antibiotics with the best empiric activity scores in urethritis were, in decreasing order: doxycyclin (90.4%), ofloxacin (88.1%), and erythromycin (50.2%). The most active combinations in upper genital tract infections were ofloxacin+amoxicillin (100%), doxycyclin+cefotaxime+metronidazole (95.9%) and doxycyclin+amoxicillin (95.3%).

There is an increased risk of cancer (mainly breast cancer) in patients with Cowden disease. Little is known of the etiopathogenic mechanisms of this condition, but immunologic abnormalities may be evoked. A young patient with Cowden disease was submitted for gynecologic examination and immunologic investigations. Although no neoplastic disorder had appeared, laboratory investigations disclosed abnormalities of the humoral and cellular immune compartments in the peripheral blood. This rare observation of gynecologic involvement in a very young girl with family antecedents of Cowden disease prompted a review of the gynecologic features and etiopathogenic bases of Cowden disease. The possible role of neoplasia such as breast cancer in this syndrome makes early diagnosis a criterion for good prognosis.