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Biomedical subjects

A Maitre

Publications and source records attributed to A Maitre.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Validation of electronic automatic-measurement arterial blood pressure devices].

Validation of automatic devices for self blood pressure measurement is a necessity, as the mercury columns are no longer available. The European consensus meeting organized by the Group for blood pressure measurement and evaluation (GEM), from French Society of Hypertension held last June 1999 has defined a new international protocol for clinical validation of these devices. The main parts of this protocol are the following: the blood pressure is measured at the same arm with two observers simultaneously and then with the automatic device sequentially seven times among 38 patients. The evaluation is interrupted after the 15th patient if the pre-analysis fails defined criteria. Technical supports are available: A CD-rom from French society of HTA for the training and certification of observers, a special kit for the evaluation (2 mercury column's and a double stethoscope) and a specific software for data analysis created by the GEM.

Automation↗

Use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in the management of antihypertensive therapy.

The recent development of ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring techniques has improved recording of blood pressure in therapeutic trials and in the clinical setting. The application of ABP differs according to which of these 2 applications is being considered. In therapeutic trials, a placebo control is required. The large quantity of precise data acquired with ABP monitoring allows the study of a limited number of patients; it also allows individual study of patients with a 'white coat' response (i.e. elevated blood pressure in response to examination by the clinician). Analysis of data from ABP monitoring may include the following: comparison of mean blood pressure values over 24 hours, daytime or night-time, or over any other selected time period; 24-hour blood pressure profiles, or analysis hour-by-hour, giving true chronotherapy, and providing data regarding the wearing-off of a drug effect or loss of therapeutic control; analysis of blood pressure at particular times, such as on waking; or specific examination of nonresponders. In individual patients, ABP monitoring should be reserved for specific indications. It can be used before initiation of treatment to confirm the necessity for treatment, especially in the context of hypertension at rest or the 'white coat' effect. With established treatment, ABP monitoring can be used in patients with resistant hypertension, in severe hypertension to examine loss of blood pressure control over time or inversion of the day/night cycle, and in patients with a specific illness, e.g. diabetes, in order to obtain the lowest blood pressure readings possible. Examination of these factors assists clinicians to accurately decide upon the timing and frequency of antihypertensive therapy.

Blood Pressure Monitors↗

Day and night blood pressure values in normotensive and essential hypertensive subjects assessed by twenty-four-hour ambulatory monitoring.

Circadian blood pressure variations were studied in 110 normotensive (blood pressure less than or equal to 140/90 mmHg) and 142 untreated essential hypertensive (blood pressure greater than or equal to 160/95 mmHg) subjects. Measurements were carried out under full ambulatory conditions by the oscillometric method, using an automatic device (SpaceLabs 5200). Readings taken between 9.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. were defined as daytime values (activity), and those taken between 11.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m. as night-time values (sleep). Blood pressure was significantly higher during the day than at night. The day-night differences were significantly higher in the hypertensive than in the normotensive subjects. There was a significant correlation for both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) between the day-night differences and DBP values at rest. The difference between the normotensives and hypertensives was smaller when the day-night difference was calculated as a percentage of the daytime blood pressure, but the SBP difference remained significantly higher in the hypertensives. The number of subjects without a nocturnal blood pressure decrease or with a decrease of less than 5-10 mmHg was not statistically different between the normotensives and the hypertensives. These results are a contribution towards an understanding of day-night blood pressure differences in hypertensive and in normotensive subjects. A knowledge of the 24-h blood pressure profile in the individual patient is important because abnormal profiles may be linked with various etiologies responsible for dysregulation, and might have prognostic implications.

Adult↗

[An alternative to the hospitalization of the demented elderly: the nursing home].

The number of demented old people continues to increase. Their admission to a hospital is dangerous ("Syndrome de Glissement") and tolerated with difficulty by the nursing staff. The solution of home care is interesting but insufficient. The creation of collective homes for demented elderly seems to furnish an effective solution contributing to a decrease in hospital admissions and a better quality of life for these persons. The modalities of creation and functioning are considered and allows one to think that these establishments will appear in France and also, in the world.

Aged↗