Search

Vancomycin is always the drug of choice for treatment of infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in spite of his bactericidal kinetic.Background – The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the improvement of bactericidal kinetic of vancomycin associated with cefpirom against MRSA infection in critically ill patients.Methods – The prospective cross-over study was carried out in 20 patients with severe pneumonia or bacteriemia. There were randomized to receive vancomycin 2 g per day (Group 1, n= 10) or vancomycin with cefpirom 2 g × 2 (Group 2, n= 10). Clinical recovery, bacteriologic parameters (bactericidal kinetic and bactericidal power in vivo at the peak and the valley), duration of ventilation and stay in ICU were comparatively explorated in both groups.Results – Clinical outcome did not significantly differ between Group 1 and 2. Bactericidal kinetic was better in the Group 2 (40% vs 60% after 6 hours to the dilution for 1/8e) but the difference was not significant. However, bactericidal power in sera was also better in the Group 2 with more bactericidal dilution at 1/16e (68% vs 88.8%: NS) and overall at 1/32e (10.5% vs 50%: p< 0.05) and CRP, an inflammatory marker, was significantly lower in the Group 2 than in the Group 1 (119.5 ± 24 mg/l vs 198.6 ± 78 mg/l: p< 0.05) on the third day. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pain is a major concern for patients suffering from cancer. Although opioid drugs remain the gold standard for treatment of pain, little is known about the interest of continuous analgesia techniques as alternative. The aim of the present article is to detail the feasibility and to present the diversity of continuous perineural infusion of local anesthetic. A series of five patients suffering from different cancer-related pain is presented. A continuous perineural block was proposed to patients presenting with unbearable pain in an area innervated by a plexus or a nerve despite parenteral analgesic pharmacotherapy. All blocks were performed in a surgical theatre under sterile conditions. An initial bolus dose with 3.75 mg/mL ropivacaine was injected followed by a continuous infusion of 2 mg/mL of ropivacaine. Patient-controlled perineural analgesia was started at home by a nursing network. The technique, the efficacy, and the side effects were reported. Complete pain relief was noted 15 minutes after local anesthetic injection in the five cases, and efficacy was maintained during the following days at home, with no other analgesic treatment required. One patient restarted working a few weeks after catheter insertion. The catheter duration lasted for 12 to 110 days. One catheter was removed because of local anesthetic leak at the puncture point. Some paresthesia was noted in one patient. No other side effect was noted. No infection was reported. In selected patients, continuous perineural infusion of local anesthetics appears to be an attractive alternative to parenteral opioids for cancer-related pain. Further investigation is warranted to better define the place of these techniques in the armamentarium of cancer-related pain treatment.

Objective: To investigate leg fractures infected with Bacillus cereus in a traumatology-orthopedic ward of a university hospital., Methods: All B. cereus strains isolated from patients with leg fracture hospitalized in the traumatology-orthopedic ward between 1995 and 2004 were included in this retrospective study., Results: Five hundred and four patients had leg fracture during this period. Thirty-four patients were included in this retrospective study. B. cereus strains clinical isolates were mainly isolated from patients who had initially leg fractures with telluric contamination (wound contamination with terrestrial environments) before admission. Betalactam antibiotics used for prophylactic chemotherapy were not effective against B. cereus., Conclusion: In this study, we underscore the significance of Sfar recommendations concerning prophylactic chemotherapy. However, B. cereus could be termed an emerging pathogen and physicians need to be aware of its potential importance in trauma cases. In this purpose, a systematic screening for B. cereus at admission should be necessary in front of patients with open fractures associated with telluric contamination. Furthermore, if B. cereus is isolated, chemotherapy should be based upon ciprofloxacin during 2 or 6 weeks.

We describe a new technique for reduction and percutaneous osteosynthesis of displaced posterior facet fractures of the calcaneus which appears to overcome the problems encountered with other percutaneous methods described for this type of surgery. The method relies on the use of traction which allows automatic reduction of the greater tubersosity. The patient is installed on an orthopedic traction table. Pin traction provides anatomic reduction of the posterior articular surface and restitution of Böhler's angle under fluoroscopic and arthroscopic control. We used this technique in thirteen patients with fifteen displaced posterior facet fractures of the calcaneum. Mean patient age was 50.4 Years. Mean follow-up was twenty Months. We did not have any cutaneous or infectious complications in this short series. In the majority of the cases, the overall functional and physical results were excellent or good. The mean Böhler's angle was 27 degrees, corresponding to 83% correction compared with the healthy side. These preliminary results are encouraging. We were able to restitute calcaneum anatomy, shorten hospital stay, and avoid all skin complications. Indications for this percutaneous technique could be widened. It is a valid alternative to open treatment of posterior facet fractures of the calcaneum.

Guinea pig phospholipase B (GPPLB) is a glycosylated ectoenzyme of intestinal brush border membrane. It displays a broad substrate specificity and is activated by trypsin cleavage. The primary sequence contains four tandem repeat domains (I to IV) and several serines in lipase consensus sequences. We used site-directed mutagenesis to demonstrate that only the serine 399 present in repeat II is responsible for the various enzymatic activities of GPPLB. Furthermore, we characterized for the first time the retinyl esterase activity of the enzyme. We also constructed and expressed in COS-7 cells, an NH(2)-terminal repeat I deletion mutant which was detected at a very low level by immunoblot. However, confocal microscopy study showed a strong intracellular accumulation with a weak membrane expression of the mutated protein, indicating a role of the NH(2)-terminal repeat I in the processing of GPPLB. Nevertheless, the Western blot-detected protein presented a glycosylation and trypsin sensitivity patterns similar to wild type PLB. The mutant is also fully active without trypsin treatment, in contrast to native enzyme. Thus, we propose a structural model for GPPLB, in which the repeat I constitutes a lid covering the active site and impairing enzymatic activity, its removal by trypsin leading to an active protein.

In 1931, Böhler proposed that measuring the radiological angle of the tuberosity could be useful in posterior facet fractures of the calcaneus to evaluate initial damage as well as reduction quality. In opposition to the 1998 SOFCOT symposium, certain authors considered that the Böhler angle has no prognostic value. Progress in pathological anatomy has helped to better understand posterior facet fractures, justifying the use of a "double measurement". The fundamental fracture line separates the posterior facet into a lowered medial fragment and a pivoted lateral fragment. The double contour of the posterior facet visualized radiographically allows measurement of a medial Böhler angle and a lateral Böhler angle. It is demonstrated that is the smaller the medial Böhler angle, the greater the subtalar degeneration. Surgical restoration of a satisfactory Böhler angle is a necessary prerequisite for a good outcome. "Double measurement" of the Böhler angle on the lateral view contributes to the prognostic value of this historical angle.

Purpose of the Study: In accordance with the conclusions established at the SOFCOT symposium in 1988, we propose surgical treatment of displaced fractures of the calcaneus with screw fixation after reduction. We developed an original classification system of 3D computed tomography images which allows a precise description of the fractures and guides joint and calcaneal body reconstructions. The purpose of this work was to provide a precise analysis of operated fractures in order to identify prognostic factors and validate use of exclusive screw fixation for calcaneal fractures., Materials and Methods: This series included 60 operated articular fractures of the calcaneus. The Uthéza classification was: 12 vertical, 7 horizontal with 1 fracture line, 3 horizontal with 2 fracture lines, 23 mixed with 1 fracture line and 15 mixed with 2 fracture lines. 3D computed tomography evidenced the fundamental fracture lines and their anterior extension. Fixation was achieved with one screw inserted in a transverse position under the posterior facet and one oblique screw from the greater tuberosity to the sustentaculum tali. The medial and lateral Böhler angles were measured on plain x-rays. The analysis included search for a double line on the posterior talocalcaneal facet, secondary body displacement, the position of the oblique screw and the degree of posttraumatic subtalar wear. The clinical criteria established in the 1988 SOFCOT guidelines were recorded. Analysis of variance, Pearson and Spearman coefficients, and RIDITS analysis (the most powerful method available for evidencing a relationship between two qualitative variables one of which is ordinal) were used to search for prognostic elements and correlations., Results: No severe complications were encountered with the wide lateral access. A negative medial Böhler angle was significantly correlated with an additional posterior facet line. A mean 80 p. 100 reduction in the lowering of the medial part of the posterior facet and an 87 p. 100 reduction in lateral pivoting were achieved irrespective of the type of fracture. Minimal secondary body displacements were significantly related to anchorage of the oblique screw outside the sustentaculum tali. Functional outcome was satisfactory (very good + good + average) in 75 p. 100 of the cases and physical outcome in 50 p. 100 (very good + good) irrespective of the type of fracture. Outcome was significantly correlated with reduction in the Böhler angle, double lines on the posterior facet, secondary displacement and osteoarthritis., Discussion: The 3D analysis of posterior facet fractures using our classification was useful in guiding reconstruction with correction of the medial lowering and the lateral pivoting. A negative medial Böhler angle was a factor of poor prognosis: more posterior facet lines, joint wear and deterioration of the functional and physical outcome. Good outcome required good reduction of the Böhler angle and good anchorage of the oblique screw in the sustentaculum tali. Good subtalar mobility was associated with pain relief. Uniform anatomic and pathologic classifications and precise analysis criteria are needed for pertinent comparison between series and proper definition for indications for first-line reconstruction-arthrodesis., Conclusion: Measurement of the medial Böhler angle improves the sensitivity of revision criteria for articular fractures of the calcaneus. Screw fixation has proven its reliability.

Objective: To assess management of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in Midi-Pyrénées, France., Methods: A prospective study using a questionnaire divided into 10 parts, definition, etiology, radiography, computed tomography, management, was conducted in 26 intensive care units in the Midi-Pyrénées. Management of ARDS in Midi-Pyrénées was comparted with management elsewhere as described in the literature., Results: Overall participation rate was 73%. Disparities were found concerning the definition. Four etiologies accounted for 75% of all ARDS cases. Chest x-rays were used for positive diagnosis and thoracic scans for complications. Ventilatory and hemodynamic optimizations were the first line therapy used. Twenty-nine percent and 41% of the intensive care unites used nitric oxide and prone position respectively., Conclusions: There are differences between ARDS management in Midi-Pyrénées and that described in the current literature. Epidemiologic studies such as this one are necessary before publishing guidelines for the management of ARDS.

An experimental study of the subtalar joint has been conducted with the aim of establishing its axis of movement as well as analysing the associated movement. For description of the axis, CT data for five positions of a single foot were reconstructed using a 3D programme, the 3D data was processed by Patran software. Measures of angular displacements were made from three amputated feet placed in a specially constructed foot frame. Four instantaneous axes of movement could be defined. Calculation of displacements showed an important rolling of the calcaneus (45 degrees). Tacking was evident in inversion, with an opposite displacement between the front and rear part of the calcaneus, whereas during eversion tacking affected only the rear part of the bone: these results were confirmed by 3D reconstructions. Henke's axis was described as that for the talonavicular joint, but acceptable for the subtalar joint. Several authors investigating the coordinates of this axis have reported large differences and described screw-like movements, the latter being incompatible with a fixed axis: instantaneous axes, however are compatible with a screw-like movement. The subtalar joint appears to work as a pivot joint during inversion and as a plane joint during eversion. Although Henke's axis has pedagogical value the subtalar joint has a series of instantaneous axes.

Some of the most recent data concerning various phospholipases A2, with special emphasis on secretory, cytosolic, and calcium-independent phospholipases A2 are summarized. Besides their contribution to the production of proinflammatory lipid mediators, the involvement of these enzymes in key cell responses such as apoptosis or tumor cell metastatic potential is also discussed, taking advantage of transgenic models based on gene invalidation by homologous recombination. The possible role of secretory and cytosolic platelet-activating factor acetyl hydrolases is also briefly mentioned. Finally, the ectopic expression in epididymis of an intestinal phospholipase B opens some novel issues as to the possible function of phospholipases in reproduction.

Unlabelled: Three dimensional CT scans enables to visualize the calcaneum and to follow the fracture pattern without any risk of errors., Purpose of the Study: This technique has been used to validate our previous classification (using three forms: vertical, horizontal, and mixed) which resulted from a two dimensional tomodensitometric study., Material: The study was based on a series of 74 fractures, all of them studied with 3D CT and 71 of which were operated., Method: The previous classification relied on correlation between lateral radiographs and position on coronal CT plane of the Palmer's fracture line. This we called the Fundamental Line (FL); so the vertical form had medial fundamental line, with thalamic verticalization; and so that the horizontal form with thalamic horizontalization had a lateral FL; the mixed form had a medio thalamic FL with double contoured image., Results: In vertical fractures (16 cases, i.e. 20 per cent), the FL was seen denting the thalamus inwards, continuing forward and damaging the forward facet in about two thirds of cases. The thalamic fragment tilted on its axes frequently, with a great rotation movement; in about half cases, it extended backwards (propagated variation). This lateral fragment, called "cortico thalamic" (CT) explained the vertical thalamic x-ray image. In the horizontal fractures (15 cases, i.e. 20 per cent), the FL dents the thalamus outwards, the medial fragment, pushed downwards, explaining the horizontal image. In the mixed cases (40 cases i.e. 55 per cent) the FL was medio thalamic; the two fragments, downed medially and tilted laterally, are of equivalent importance, hence the double contoured image. In half cases, an accessory line separates the sustentaculum tali, creating the two lined mixed form (14 cases i.e. 35 per cent of the mixed). In those cases, the medial thalamic fragment is unsoldered, when in 50 per cent of cases (i.e. 7 out of 14), the pre-thalamic line, following the sinus tarsi, separates it from the forward part and completely isolates it. Therefore, the initial classification in three forms was in fact confirmed. Moreover, the fundamental line appears in all three forms, being the boundary between the lateral thalamic fragment (always tilted) and the medial fragment (always pushed downside). The anterior of cuboidian joint facets are frequently damaged by the forward prolongation of the Fundamental Line according to studied cases., Discussion: This three form classification emphasizes the role of the Fundamental Line, which in effect acts as a boundary between the two typical displacements of this fracture: downward or rotation movement of the thalamic fragments (since it is there that the main displacements occur). A comparison with the Eastwood and Sanders classifications has been carried out., Conclusion: This three dimensional CT approach validates, visualizes and completes the three form classification. This will help us to understand fracture displacements in different forms, and therefore, the particular fracture reduction and osteosynthesis best suited for each case.