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The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of anticoagulation on intrapartum anesthesia and delivery modalities.This ancillary study is concerned with anticoagulated patients included in the study STRATHEGE, in the Saint-Etienne and Lyon University Hospital from 2007 to 2012, which are compared to a control population. The primary endpoint is to evaluate the type of anesthesia received by women in labor, according to the center at the time of delivery compared to no treatment. The secondary endpoints are comparing the input mode to work, mode of delivery, stop management arrangements of these treatments, the rate of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic complications.Two hundred and three cases were included and 812 controls, matched on age, body mass index and parity. 61.6% of the cases had an epidural during childbirth against 87% of controls (p0.05), spinal rates (22.5% versus 1.85%) and general anesthesia (5.4% versus 0.7%) were higher in the case group. The delivery rate vaginally was 90% in controls, against 65% of cases. The postpartum hemorrhage rate was similar in both groups (p0.05). A relay of the low molecular weight heparin was performed in 63% of the cases in Lyon, but the types of anesthesia received according to the centers were similar.Anticoagulant therapy at the time of delivery, does not limit access to effective analgesia, but with an increased rate of spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia at the expense of epidural anesthesia. The management of a parturient anticoagulant is complex and still exists today, great care disparities in the various maternity hospitals.

Enteroviruses (EV) are a common cause of aseptic meningitis in children. Virological diagnosis of EV meningitis is currently based on the detection of the viral genome in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This study attempted to determine the correlation and the temporality of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in serum and CSF and to evaluate the possibility of diagnosing EV infection only on the serum PCR. The EV genome was sought by RT real-time PCR (Smart Cycler EV Primer and Probe Set(®), Cepheid) in CSF and serum, collected at the same time, for all children who underwent a lumbar puncture for suspected meningitis, between 1 June and 31 July 2010 at the Versailles Hospital. Forty-four patients were included in the study. EV infection was documented for 22 of them. In 10 patients, the EV genome was detected in CSF only; in 3 patients in serum only, and in 9 patients in both. Among patients with acute EV neurological infection, viremic children were significantly younger (1.6 months versus 5.8 years; P0.001). Viremia was detected when the serum was sampled within 30 h after the beginning of symptoms. These results confirm previous reports of early and transient viremia in young children. This preliminary study shows the limits and added value of EV PCR in serum. It suggests that in some children and under certain conditions (age3 months, clinical and biological compatibility with a viral infection, no previous antibiotic therapy, time from symptom onset to blood sampling30 h, PCR in serum analyzed within 3h), PCR in serum, when positive, is a possible alternative. Therefore, it may be possible to diagnose EV infection without performing a lumbar puncture in a limited number of young children (11.4% of our suspected cases). This study needs to be reinforced by a multicenter study with a broader panel of patients.

Endometriosis concerns 10% of childbearing age women and frequently affects the digestive tract. We report here the case of a 31-year-old patient presenting a severe occlusive syndrome while being treated with GnRH agonist, within the framework of an in vitro fertilization. The surgical treatment will find a deep endometriosis affecting the sigmoid and colorectal junction and leading to a colorectal resection. These endometriosis lesion recurrences during ovarian stimulation or by GnRH flare up effect is rare and often debated. The surgical treatment of the lesions, before the medically assisted procreation, seems to prevent these complications.

Evaluation of mid-term functional results and the quality of life after laparoscopic colorectal resection.Twenty-three consecutive patients were included in a retrospective monocentric study. Postoperative functional outcomes and quality of life were analyzed.The median follow-up after colorectal resection was of 24±15.7 months (6-72). Major complications occurred in three cases (12,9%) including one anastomotic stenosis, one digestive and one bladder fistula. A significant improvement in pelvic pain symptoms was observed. De novo constipation and pain on defecation occurred in respectively 23% and 42% of the cases. Transient de novo dysuria occurred in 18% of the cases. The quality of life has been significantly improved.Laparoscopic colorectal resection is associated with unfavourable postoperative digestive and urological outcomes, such as bladder and rectal dysfunction. Radical treatment should be limited to selected patients.

Robotic assisted laparoscopic surgery allows for a more precise dissection than classical laparoscopic surgery. However, it sometimes imposes specific exaggerated postures and extralong procedure duration. Combining these two factors may increase the risk for postural complications in at-risk patients. We report the case of an obese 30-year-old female patient who underwent a 12-hour duration robotic laparoscopic surgery for severe endometriosis, in Trendelenburg position. This was complicated by a two forearms rhabdomyolysis, with subsequent compartment syndrome with multiple neuropathy. Physicians must be aware of the cumulative risk for postural complications when extreme positions are associated to long duration procedures in predisposed patients.

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a new oral, direct, selective and reversible inhibitor of the factor IIa of the coagulation cascade. The main pharmacokinetic characteristics of dabigatran are a bioavailability of approximately 7.5%, a maximum concentration obtained in 0.5 to 2 hours, a terminal half-life of elimination of 7 to 17 hours, a renal way of elimination, 80% as unchanged form and 20% as glucuronide conjugate. The main sources of variability are the renal function, the gastric motility, especially during the early post-operative period and a potential interaction with amiodarone. This compound can be orally administrated, once or twice daily, without any biological monitoring and without any need for dose adjustment. There is a contra-indication in case of severe renal or liver insufficiency. Two phases II with 2287 patients were carried out to for venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis after major orthopaedic surgery, showing that 150 mg and 220 mg once daily could be the optimal dose regimen to assess in phase III. One phase II with 502 patients vas carried out for the prevention of thromboembolic complications of atrial fibrillation (AF) showing that 110 mg or 150 mg twice daily could be the optimal dose regimen to evaluate in the following phases 3. From this study in AF patients, a dose regimen of 150 mg bid has been chosen to be evaluated for the treatment of VTE. No strong signal for a potential liver toxicity was shown during these studies.

Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) is a new oral, direct and selective inhibitor of the factor Xa of the coagulation cascade. The main pharmacokinetic characteristics of rivaroxaban are a bioavailability of approximately 80-100%, a maximum concentration obtained in 2 to 4 hours, a terminal half-life of elimination of 7 to 11 hours, a renal elimination for 1/3 for the active hepatic metabolism from the cytochrome P450 (3A4) for the other 2/3. The main sources of variability are the renal and the liver function and potential interactions with some strong inhibitors or inducers of the CYP450 3A4. Phase II clinical studies have shown that this compound can be orally administrated, once or twice daily, without any biological monitoring and without any need for dose adjustment. There is a contra-indication in case of severe liver insufficiency and not recommended in case of severe renal impairment. Pharmacodynamically, Rivaroxaban is a direct and selective factor Xa inhibitor without any effect on the factor IIa and without any interaction on platelets. Four phases II with 2787 patients were carried out to for venous thromboembolic (VTE) prophylaxis after major orthopaedic surgery, showing that 10 mg once daily could be the optimal dose regimen to assess in phase III. Two phases II with 1446 patients were carried out for the treatment of VTE showing that 15 mg twice daily for 3 weeks and then 20 mg once daily could be the optimal dose regimen to evaluate in the following phases 3. No strong signal for a potential liver toxicity was shown during these 6 phases II.

The thromboembolic risk related to surgery may be considered as low for varicose vein surgery and non major digestive surgery. It could be defined as moderate in case of large dissection, long duration of procedures and emergency cases. The risk may be considered as high for major abdominal surgery involving cancer surgery or not and bariatric surgery. The absence of prophylaxis can be proposed for low risk surgery (grade B). However, elastic compression stocking are effective for all cases of digestive surgery and suggested to be used (grade A). There are no data concerning the moderate risk situation. Therefore, experts recommend the use of elastic compression stockings or low doses of LMWH (grade D). High-risk surgery requires the use of high doses of LMWH recommended for reasons of efficacy, tolerance, and easiness to use (grade A). Associated elastic stockings is efficious (grade B). The duration of prophylaxis lasts generally 7-10 days. Extension to 1 month is recommended for major abdominal cancer surgery (grade A).

To determine whether very old age, older than 80 years, after a stroke is a significant predictor of mortality, orientation to a specific care pathway after the acute phase and functional status at 6 months after the stroke.A sample of 112 consecutive patients admitted to the emergency department because of a first stroke, with hemiplegia and/or aphasia over 6 months, who satisfied strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Forty-seven patients were older than 80.After initial diagnosis and enrolment in the study, follow-up assessments were conducted at 48 hours, 15 days and 6 months. Demographic, medical, and radiographic data were collected, and patients were evaluated on the NIHSS, MMSE, Barthel Index, FIM(TM) and FAM scales. Descriptive statistics were generated, as were uni- and multivariate between group comparisons.Our study shows that after a first stroke, old age is significantly associated with a high rate of death, a low rate of orientation to a physical medicine and rehabilitation unit and return to home but not poorer functional outcome.Old age is therefore a determinant of post stroke management. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether in patient rehabilitation would result in significant functional benefit, considering the high cost of care, high risk of recurrent stroke, and high rate of death.

Recommendations have recently been published regarding the prescription of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) during pregnancy in women at risk of thromboembolism. To assess how well these recommendations are followed, we retrospectively recorded all pregnancy consultations in a thrombosis unit for two years. Of the 26 women included (mean age 30 +/- 4.8 years), 81% presented with a history of thromboembolism, 35% thrombophilia, and 15% a history of pregnancy termination for medical reasons. Clinical follow-up concerned 17% of the women; 8% were given aspirin, 63% LMWH at prophylactic dosages, 4% combination of aspirin and prophylactic LMWH, and 8% were on curative LMWH. Neither thromboembolic nor neonatal events were observed. One case of termination of pregnancy for medical reasons was observed at the 5th month. Although we also took into account the gravity of previous thromboembolism, our prescriptions were globally in compliance with the recommendations. This approach has still to be validated with a decision-making tree.

Early laparascopic cholecystectomy within five days of onset of symptoms of acute cholecystitis has proved superior to open cholecystectomy. Feasability is well established; the conversion rate to open cholecystectomy and the post-operative morbidity are no higher than with delayed laparascopy after initial medical management. Total hospitalization is, on the other hand, significantly shorter. Only one study showed an increase in operative time with early surgery (on average 15 minutes). Both preoperative and perioperative risk factors for conversion to laparotomy were identified. Prompt laparascopic intervention avoids the complications which may arise with initial medical management, i.e., failure of medical management or biliary peritonitis. Early laparascopic cholecystectomy should be considered the gold standard for management of acute cholecystitis.

Reversal of the Hartmann's procedure is associated with a high morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and results of laparoscopic reversal of the Hartmann's procedure.Thirty eight consecutive patients, mean age 60 +/- 13.5 years were included in this retrospective study. The most common indication for the primary procedure was diverticular disease (70%). The mean time from the primary operation to the reconstruction was 136 +/- 124 days. The stoma was first dissected in 24 patients, allowing introduction of the first port. In the remaining 14 patients a standard umbilical port was inserted. The amount of adhesions was classified as low in 13 patients, mild in 15 patients and severe in 10 patients. All patients had a mechanical anastomosis.The conversion rate was 15%, due to adhesion problems in 5 patients and for a positive leakage test in one. The morbidity rate was 23.5% including 8 surgical complications. One patient died after post operative peritonitis complicating an anastomic leakage. The average hospital stay was 10 +/- 4.4 days.Our results indicate that laparoscopic reversal after Hartmann's procedure is feasible. The morbidity is lower than after classical open reconstruction. The presence of diffuse peritonitis at the primary operation as well as a short delay before the reconstruction, are important factors of conversion.

Low or high dosage heparin adjuvant therapy for Erysipelas (E) has become frequent, especially in France.Publications on erysipelas complications were reviewed, and 2 studies were found in which the detection of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was systematically performed: Mahe A (6DVT/40E), and Perrot JL (4DVP/155E). We calculated the relative incidence (CRI) at 4.9 p. 100, for all studies systematically detecting the DVT (whether symptomatic or not). The other studies reported clinical DVT. CRI was at 0.7 p. 100 without heparin adjuvant therapy. CRI was at 0, not statistically significant, with low or high dosage heparin adjuvant therapy. The most frequent complications for heparin treatment were: thrombocytopenia (5.7 and 0.9 p. 100 respectively with standard and low weight heparin), and hemorrhage (less than 3 p. 100 for DVT treatment).The risk of DVT associated with E is inferior to 10 p. 100 (the level of risk for DVT is small according to consensus conferences on thromboembolism). The incidence of asymptomatic DVT is superior to that of symptomatic DVT. But we do not know if asymptomatic DVT is equivalent to symptomatic DVT. Consensus conferences on thromboembolism do not recommend the preventive administration of heparin to bedfast patients with a low risk of DVT.There is no indication of adjuvant anticoagulant therapy for erysipelas. There is no indication for systematic prophylactic anticoagulant therapy for erysipelas. Prophylactic anticoagulant therapy is used depending on other risk factors of DVT. Wearing stockings may be another indication for patients.

Despite precise recommendations for prescription and monitoring, tosades de pointes is still observed with bepridil. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the contribution of bepridil serum assay in therapeutic supervision.Seventy-five patients over 70 years of age were included. Prolongation of the QT interval was observed in 23 patients.The potential prognostic factors for increased QT interval as demonstrated by univariate logistic regression were hypokaliemia, bradycardia, renal failure and bepridil serum level. After multivariate logistic regression, the persisting causal factors for increased QT interval were hypokaliemia, bradycardia and bepridil serum level.Prolongation of the QT interval remains dependent on several variables. Bepridil determination during treatment is insufficient alone.

The venous thromboembolic risk seems to be demonstrated in medical patients since the incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) without any prophylactic methods is respectively about 50 per cent in stroke, 25 per cent in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and 15 per cent in internal medicine. A synthesis of clinical trials performed in medical patients shows that prophylactic doses of heparins (unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparins) reduce the incidence of DVT by 40 to 60 per cent compared with the lack of any antithrombotic agents but without any significant effect on total mortality. Other antithrombotic agents such as antiplatelet agents seem to reduce the incidence of DVT by about 40 per cent associated with a significant decrease in total mortality of stroke or AMI. But the recommendations made on the basis of these results have to be extremely cautious since the number of medical patients included in clinical trials is quite limited compared with the surgical area. Moreover, each of these recommendations is not sufficiently proven. Thus more clinical trials have to be carried out with a placebo control group in internal medicine and an aspirin control group for stroke and AMI.

Heparin treatment of venous thromboembolic disease has been validated since 1960. Nevertheless no study was sufficient to determine an optimal therapeutic schedule between sub-cutaneous (SC) unfractionated heparin (UFH), intravenous (IV) UFH and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). One meta-analysis showed a significant risk reduction of recurrent thromboembolic events (OR = 0.58, CI 95 per cent [0.34-0.99]) and a non-significant risk reduction of haemorrhagic events (OR = 0.78 [0.40-1.52]) with UFH SC compared to UFH IV, but homogeneity testing was significant (p0.001). Some discrepancy was shown between the results of the three metaanalyses which compared LMWH to UFH according to the selection criteria of clinical trials used. With an exhaustive selection, LMWH involved a non-significant risk reduction of recurrent thromboembolic events (OR = 0.66 [0.41-1.07], p = 0.09), and a non-significant risk reduction of haemorrhagic events (OR = 0.65 [0.36-1.16], p = 0.15). So no definitive conclusion could be drawn but it seems that UFH can be recommended whatever the administration route or LMWH for deep vein thrombosis treatment.

The determination of the "optimal" dose is an essential step in the development of a molecule. In the case of anti-thrombotic agents, the search for this "optimal" dose is based on dose-effect relationships on biological criteria in phase I, and, often, radiological criteria in phase II trials. The main objective of these dose studies is not to directly evaluate the benefit-risk ratio of the molecule under development, but to find the dose which will be tested in phase II to estimate the benefit-risk ratio. Errors of choice of dosage observed at the end of phase III trials may be due to problems of extrapolability of the results of the dose studies due to too strict a selection of subjects included and therefore not representative of the target population of the new treatment or to the use of intermediary criteria for the evaluation of the antithrombotic effect. However, these dosage errors are still mainly due to an inadequate search for the "optimal" dose despite the fact that the ethnical and economic consequences are not negligible.

The authors have assessed perceptual motor tasks involving the learning of the mouse control by locking at a Macinthosh computer screen during three consecutive sessions. Tests were performed by 102 control subjects aged between 16 and 85 years. Concerning age, there was a significant time difference (ANOVA) but improvement was the same for all subjects. Educational level and IQP results didn't influence procedural performance. Men were faster in three tasks. We can argue that implicit learning abilities appear before explicit memory and within the adult life span there appears to be little significant deterioration in implicit memory abilitie.

This study evaluated the effect of injection time on pharmacodynamic of a single subcutaneous bolus of nadroparine (7500 anti-Xa IC U) evaluated by anti-Xa activity (Hepaclot and Heptest) and by activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT by auto PTT reagent). 10 healthy male volunteers were studied at 4 different 24 hours periods with 4 different injection times (6 am, 12 am, 6 pm, 12 pm) and with a one week wash-out period between each period. No chronopharmacological variation of the anti-Xa activity evaluated by Hepaclot was found. However the anti-Xa activity evaluated by Heptest was higher at the sixth hour after 12 am injection (p = 0.0022). No difference on APTT values was observed whatever the injection time. So the injection time of nadroparine has a weak influence on anti-Xa activity and no effect on APTT; Before to conclude on the lack of chronopharmacological effect of nadroparine, it seems necessary to evaluate such a possibility with higher dosage, with sick and older subjects.

Intravenous injection of four doses (75, 150, 300, 600 micrograms) of synthetic somatocrinin (GRF 44) greatly increases serum growth hormone concentrations in ten adult normal men in contrast to placebo. Mean peak values were identical. Plasma GH released under GRF stimulation was able to stimulate proliferation of NB2 cells.

Somatocrinin (hp-GRF-44), a growth hormone releasing factor, stimulates acute pituitary response in a 11 years and 4 months old boy, with growth hormone deficiency. The capability of the anterior pituitary to secrete growth hormone in response to an IV injection of somatocrinin (120 micrograms 4 micrograms/kg) was documented, therefore proving the hypothalamic origin of the deficit which had been suspected because of association of diabetes insipidus and hyperprolactinemia.