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Biomedical subjects

A Boussuges

Publications and source records attributed to A Boussuges.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Circulating venous bubbles in recreational diving: relationships with age, weight, maximal oxygen uptake and body fat percentage.

Decompression sickness (DCS) is recognized as a multifactorial phenomenon depending on several individual factors, such as age, adiposity, and level of fitness. The detection of circulating venous bubbles is considered as a useful index for the safety of a decompression, because of the relationship between bubbles and DCS probability. The aim of this work was to study the effects of individual variables which can be assessed non invasively, on the grades of bubbles detected 60 min, after diving by means of Doppler monitoring, in a sample of 40 male recreational scuba divers. The variables investigated were: age, weight, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and percentage of body fat (%BF). Bubble signals were graded according to the code of Spencer. The relationships between the bubble grades (BG) and the variables investigated were studied using two methods: the differences between the average values of each variable at each BG were analyzed by the Scheffe test. Then we performed the non-parametric Spearman correlation analysis. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found (Scheffe test) between average values of the variables at grade 0 and 3 (age: P = 0.0323; weight: P = 0.0420; VO2max: P = 0.0484), except for %BF (P = 0.1697). Relationships with P < 0.01 were found (Spearman correlation) between BG and the variables: age: p = 0.486, P = 0.0024; weight: p = 0.463, P = 0.0039; VO2max: p = -0.481, P = 0.0027; except for %BF: p = 0.362, P = 0.0237. This work showed that bubble production after hyperbaric exposures depends on several individual factors. The effects of age, weight and VO2max are more significant than the effect of %BF. We concluded that to take into account such variables in decompression tables and diving computer programs should allow to adapt the decompression procedures to individual risk factors and reduce the DCS probability.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Haemoptysis after breath-hold diving.

Pulmonary oedema has been described in swimmers and self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (Scuba) divers. This study reports three cases of haemoptysis secondary to alveolar haemorrhage in breath-hold divers. Contributory factors, such as haemodynamic modifications secondary to immersion, cold exposure, exercise and exposure to an increase in ambient pressure, could explain this type of accident. Furthermore, these divers had taken aspirin, which may have aggravated the bleeding.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

[Acute pleurisy revealing post-myocardial infarction syndrome].

We report a case of Dressler's syndrome in which the diagnosis was made following an investigation of pleurisy which the laboratory data revealed as inflammatory. A myocardial infarction which had occurred two months earlier had passed unnoticed. The principal value of this case was to draw attention to the syndrome which may initially be a pleurisy but also clinically the picture may mimic pneumonia, both alone or together may be associated with classical pericarditis. Pleurisy occurs in Dressler's syndrome but it is rarely the presenting diagnosis as the cardiac picture tends to predominate.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1999

[Homocysteine and coronary events in coronary disease patients].

The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic value of serum homocysteine levels in patients with coronary heart disease. Homocysteine was assayed in 76 coronary patients with a mean age of 59.2 years hospitalized for myocardial ischaemia or myocardial infarction. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed in 47 (70%) of these patients during this hospitalization. The mean follow-up for these patients was 22 months (range: 11 to 67 months). In these patients, serum homocysteine levels were not correlated with the usual risk factors of coronary heart disease (age, sex, treated hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, diabetes) except for hypertension. It was strongly correlated with serum creatinine (R = 0.61; p = 0.0001). Eleven patients presented a major event during follow-up (8 deaths, 1 nonfatal myocardial infarction, 1 cardiac transplantation) and 16 underwent a revascularization procedure. The blood homocysteine level does not have any prognostic value for any coronary events. However, it is higher in patients who develop a major event than in those which do not (15.8 +/- 4 mumol/l versus 11.5 +/- 6.6 mumol/l, p = 0.05). Using multivariate analysis, taking into account age, serum creatinine and serum homocysteine, only serum homocysteine was predictive of major event-free survival (p = 0.02).

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Decompression induced venous gas emboli in sport diving: detection with 2D echocardiography and pulsed Doppler.

The aim of this study was to determine the utility of pulsed Doppler and 2D echocardiography for the detection and the quantification of circulating bubbles after decompression. Twenty-three sport divers performed 60 SCUBA dives (mean 32 msw). An evaluation of circulating bubbles was performed using 2D images one hour after diving. Circulating bubbles were also detected with pulsed Doppler. The sample volume was placed in the outflow area of the right ventricle 1-2 cm below the pulmonary valve. 2D echocardiography showed circulating bubbles in right cavities of the heart in 32 cases. Short axis parasternal view and right cavities long axis view were the best incidences. Pulsed Doppler confirmed the results in these 32 cases and detected circulating bubbles in seven other cases. Isometric contraction of muscle limb must be performed to increase the sensitivity of detection. The count of the bubbles may be evaluated when using a combination of Spencer's and Powell's grading. We conclude that 2D echocardiography is less accurate than pulsed Doppler in the detection of circulating bubbles after decompression. Further studies are needed to compare pulsed Doppler guided by 2D echocardiography to continuous Doppler for the detection of circulating bubbles.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Diagnosis of nosocomial pneumonia in mechanically ventilated patients: repeatability of the bronchoalveolar lavage.

The repeatability of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was assessed prospectively in 44 mechanically ventilated patients with suspected nosocomial pneumonia. Two BAL were performed in the same lung area (contiguous segment) during two fibroscopic procedures performed with a thirty minute interval. All the bronchoscopies were performed by the same operator. The statistical analysis looked out for bias (MacNemar test), agreement, and repeatability (kappa test). In the 44 patients studied, the qualitative repeatability (i.e., presence or absence of bacteria) was excellent (95.4%). However, in the 16 patients having at least one positive culture, these results were more controversial. The quantitative repeatability for bacteria (same log10 for both BAL of the same patient) was the lowest of all the results (26.7%). The distinction between presence and absence of bacterial pneumonia (based on the 10[4] cfu/ml threshold) showed a repeatability of 75% with no bias, an agreement of 47% and a just-significant kappa test (test = 1.97; p = 1.96 for a 5% risk error). BAL seems to have excellent repeatability when sterile. Its repeatability when positive needs further studies to be assessed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Activation of coagulation in decompression illness.

In animal studies, many authors have observed coagulation activation in decompression illness (DCI). These hemostasis modifications have been attributed to circulating bubbles. We have studied molecular hemostasis markers in 25 consecutive divers, victims of DCI admitted to our hyperbaric center, and in 15 control divers. There was no significant difference in parameters studied in the patients and the control group (platelet, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, Thrombin Antithrombin III complexes, and D-Dimers). An activation of coagulation (D-Dimer > 500 ng.ml-1) was noted in three divers with neurologic troubles. However, such signs of coagulation activation were not correlated with the risk of sequeals. No control or study patient with an osteoarticular or vestibular accident presented signs of coagulation activation. Thus, there does not seem to be a correlation between the severity of the accident and the level of coagulation activation. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the responsibility of hemostasis modifications in the physiopathology of decompression accidents in sports divers.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

[Fat embolism after intrapenile injection of sweet almond oil].

We report a case of fat embolism following self injection of vegetable oil in the penis, to treat an impotence. The patient developed respiratory failure and neurological disorders as confusion. A chest roentgenogram revealed diffuse alveolar infiltrate. Initially, he presented an hemoconcentration, and fat globules in his urine. The outcome was favourable in 72 hours, with oxygen and hydration. The diagnosis of fat embolism was made after neurological improvement: the patient admitted to injection his penis with vegetable oil, in his corpus cavernosum.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Echocardiography on HIV patients admitted to the ICU.

A prospective echocardiographic study was conducted in 68 patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) (C3 stage 78%, i.v. drug abuse 71%) in order, firstly to, assess the prevalence of cardiac abnormalities, and, secondly, to make an early therapeutic decision. Only five patients presented clinical evidence of cardiac disease. Echocardiographic abnormalities were identified in 35 patients (51%): pericardial effusion: 20 cases (29%), with tamponade in 2 cases that led to an immediate pericardiocentesis. Left ventricular dysfunction: 15 cases (22%) requiring treatment of cardiac failure. Mitral bioprosthesis rupture in 1 patient that led to a surgical procedure. Vegetations of the tricuspid value in 3 drug addicts (4%) requiring early antibiotic treatment. Echocardiography proved to be very helpful in detecting hidden cardiac dysfunctions. It is immensely valuable in ICU management of HIV patients, since prompt initiation of appropriate treatment is essential.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Economic impact of a prescription protocol in an intensive care unit].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the economic impact of a prescribing protocol for i.v. fluid therapy and artificial nutrition. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative study, before and during use of the protocol. PATIENTS: The study included 555 ICU patients allocated into two groups, before and after starting with the protocol. The groups were comparable for number, pathologies, age, severity score, duration of ICU stay, incidence of nosocomial infections, mortality rate. METHOD: In February 1995, a written literature-based prescribing protocol for fluid therapy (hydroxyethylstarch and albumin), and artificial nutrition (enteral nutrition as first-line therapy) was devised. A cost analysis was made for two 6-month periods: before (August 1994 to January 1995) and after start of protocol (February to July 1995). RESULTS: The prescription of albumin and hydroxyethylstarch decreased (by 33 and 58% respectively), whereas administration of Ringer lactate and gelatine solutes increased simultaneously. This induced a cost saving of 15,000 FF (a 20% decrease in cost). The reduction of parenteral nutrition in favour of early enteral nutrition induced a cost saving of 56,000 FF (31% decrease in cost). CONCLUSION: Our prescribing protocol generated a cost saving of 9% of the pharmaceutical budget and decreased the cost-benefit ratio of our ICU.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Doppler-echocardiography study of cardiac function during a 36 atm (3,650 kPa) human dive.

To determine the influence of a saturation dive on cardiac function, Doppler-echocardiographic measurements were compared at sea level and during a 36 atm (3,650 kPa) He-O2 dive (gas density: 7 g/liter) in four healthy men. Left ventricular systolic function was studied from time motion measurements. Transmitral flow (E:A ratio) and isovolumetric relaxation time were used to assess left ventricular diastolic function. Cardiac output was derived from systolic pulmonary and aortic valvular flows. Cardiac output decreased 4.4 +/- 0.8 vs. 5.9 +/- 1.2 liter/min at sea level) whereas stroke volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, atria and ventricular diameters remained unchanged. Thus, the decrease in cardiac output was attributed to bradycardia (56 +/- 8 vs. 73 +/- 9 beats/min at sea level) which probably resulted from the slight hyperoxia (PI(O2), 0.4 atm). We found no evidence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. nor did we find valvular regurgitation or pulmonary hypertension. We conclude that Doppler-echocardiography can be used safely to investigate cardiac function during human saturation dives. Our results suggest that a 36 atm He-O2 dive does not modify cardiac or systolic and diastolic function except for a slight decrease in cardiac output correlated to bradycardia.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Changes in cardiac function during recreational diving].

Underwater diving is a widely practised leisure activity. As cardiac patients may wish to participate, cardiologists should be aware of potential changes of cardiac function during diving. Multiple factors may affect haemodynamics. Firstly, changes in pressure, secondary to ventilation of a high density gas mixture which increases afterload. Hyperoxia is the principal factor which slows the heart rate, a commonly observed phenomenon. Excitability and conduction speed may be modified by the increase in hydrostatic pressure. During decompression, gaseous pulmonary embolism may increase right heart pressures and cause a paradoxical embolism may increase right heart pressures and cause a paradoxical embolism in patients with a right-to-left shunt. Immersion increases the preload. Exposure to cold also plays a role increasing afterload and slowing the heart rate. These factors may disturb cardiac function and expose cardiac patients to accidents during underwater diving.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Circulating bubbles and breath-hold underwater fishing divers: a two-dimensional echocardiography and continuous wave Doppler study.

Since the 1960s, decompression illness after breath-hold diving has been widely debated. The aim of this study was to detect circulating bubbles after breath-hold diving in underwater fishing divers. We used continuous Doppler (DUG, COMEX Pro) and transthoracic two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography (Kontron Sigma 1). This study was conducted during a training course organized by the French Federation of Subaquatic Sports at Minorca (Balearic Islands). Ten breath-hold divers performed repeated breath-hold dives for periods ranging from 2 to 6 h [mean maximum depth 35 meters of seawater (msw)]. A dive computer (Maestro Pro Beuchat, analyst PC interface) was used to record diving patterns. No circulating bubbles were detected in the right heart cavities (2D echocardiography) or in the pulmonary artery (continuous Doppler). However, this study had some limits: only 10 subjects were studied and the earliest detection was 3 min after immersion, further studies will thus be required.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Gallbladder abnormalities in medical ICU patients: an ultrasonographic study.

Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have many risks factors for gallbladder stasis or acute acalculous cholecystitis (ACC), including fasting, total parenteral nutrition, sedation, mechanical ventilation, infection and shock. We have performed a prospective study to estimate the prevalence of ultrasonographic gallbladder abnormalities in 30 consecutive medical ICU patients during the first 2 days of their stay in the ICU. Two patients had previously undergone cholecystectomy and were excluded from the study. Seventeen (61%) of the remaining 28 patients presented with gallbladder abnormalities. Considering three major criteria of ACC, 14 patients (50%) presented with either sludge (25%), wall thickening (22%) or hydrops (11%). However, none of the patients needed a surgical procedure during the study because of gallbladder disease. We conclude that an important proportion of ICU patients presented with gallbladder abnormalities shown by ultrasonography and that this may have implications for establishing a diagnosis of ACC using ultrasonographic criteria.

Female↗
PubMed1996

Haemoconcentration in neurological decompression illness.

Decompression illness (DCI) is attributed to the formation of bubbles, resulting from the reduction of the ambient pressure. Circulating bubbles lead to capillary leak syndrome, extravasation of plasma and haemoconcentration. Experimental model on animals has shown that a haemoconcentration carried a poor prognosis. We measured the haematocrit level in fifty-eight consecutive sport divers, victims of neurological DCI, admitted to our hyperbaric center, and in sixteen control divers. No significant difference was found in the haematocrit values between the divers with neurological DCI (median 42.5%) and the controls (median 41.75%). The median haematocrit level was significantly higher for divers with neurological sequelae when compared with control (p = 0.01) or with divers without sequelae (p < 0.05). A haematocrit level > or = 48% was correlated with persistent neurological sequelae one month after the accident (p = 0.01). However, a haematocrit < 48% had no prognostic value.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Neurologic decompression illness: a gravity score.

Treatment of neurologic decompression accidents consists of various hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) protocols. To facilitate such comparisons between different protocols we developed a gravity score. A group of 96 divers was used to establish the score. On admission we first identified signs and symptoms that had possible predictive value (chi 2 test). The parameters included were repetitive dive, clinical course before HBO, objective sensory disorder, motor impairment, and urinary disturbances. Each parameter was assigned a coefficient. The sum of the coefficients for each accident, based on the most severe manifestations before decompression therapy, yielded a score for each diver. A multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the overall agreement between the model prediction and clinical observations, which was 78.7%. A second group (66 divers) was used to validate the score; this group showed a significant difference in the gravity score between the divers who had sequelae and those who did not (P = 0.0001), and between the divers who had incapacitating sequelae and those who had mild sequelae (P = 0.04). Eighty-six percent of the divers with a score above 7 developed sequelae. This index remains to be validated in a prospective multicenter study. If endorsed, valid comparisons can be made between the different therapeutic protocols.

Adult↗