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B Lebeau

Publications and source records attributed to B Lebeau.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Subcutaneous mycosis due to Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in an immunocompromised patient].

BACKGROUND: Scopulariopsis brevicaulis is a causal agent of onchomycosis. We report the unusual clinical manifestations caused by this opportunist fungus. CASE REPORT: A 61-year-old man consulted in February 1997 for a budding lesion located on the right medial malleolus. This patient had had a liver transplantation for primary biliary cirrhosis in 1990 and had been taking prednisone and cyclosporine since this time. Cyclosporine had been recently replaced by tacrolimus. The histology examination of a lesion specimen taken from the ankle evidenced a dermal mycosis due to opportunist filamentous fungus. Total excision was performed. The patient then developed nodular lesions of the left elbow during the summer of 1997. Mycology culture of a skin biopsy grew numerous colonies of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. Excision of the elbow lesion was delayed due to hospitalization for suspected graft rejection and development of insulin-dependent diabetes. The elbow lesion was then resected followed by a skin graft. The mycology examination identified the same causal agent. DISCUSSION: This liver transplant recipient developed two unusual extra-ungual localizations (ankle and elbow) of a Scopulariopsis brevicaulis infection. Chronic immunosuppression favored development of the infection with a pseudo-epithéliomatous presentation. The histology and mycology examinations were necessary for positive diagnosis.

Biopsy↗

[Chemoradiotherapy-chemotherapy for grade III inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to assess results obtained with the MIP (mitomycin 6 mg/m(2) day 1, ifosfamide 1500 mg/m(2) days 1,2, 3, cisplatin 30 mg/m(2) days 1,2, 3) chemotherapy protocol combined with cisplatin-sensitized chest radiotherapy as developed in the French multicentric trial on perioperative chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with grade III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were given two or three starter MIP cycles every 4 weeks then underwent radiation therapy for six weeks for a total dose of 60 Gy with injection of 8 mg/m(2) cisplatin every day for the first two weeks and the last two weeks of treatment. In case of objective response (OR) to MIP before radiotherapy, the MIP protocol was repeated for one to four supplementary cycles according to tolerance. RESULTS: The rate of OR after MIP was 51% and after chemoradiotherapy it was 69%. Toxic effects were limited to one death due to aplasia and 18 cases of grade 3-4 toxicity, mainly due to hematology disorders. Moderate esophagitis was observed in ten cases. Median survival was 13.5 months. Survival rates were 57% and 29% at one and two years. DISCUSSION: This novel scheme, which can be improved, has demonstrated its efficacy. Tolerance is satisfactory and the cost is low compared with associations using "new" drugs.

Adult↗

A high voltage electrical burn of lung parenchyma.

High voltage electrical trauma may cause severe visceral injuries. We report a case of direct electrical injury to the lung parenchyma, without evidence of any thoracic wall contact injury, in an electrician who sustained a 20 kV-electrical shock while working in a substation cubicle. The diagnosis of a true electrical burn of the left lower lobe was suggested early on by imaging and then confirmed by surgical exploration, histological findings and the significant improvement of the patient's condition following resection of the infarcted lobe. All possible causes of bronchial and pulmonary pathologies in such a context were ruled out. The fatal outcome of two previous similar cases and the generally high mortality of any electrical visceral injury support early surgical management as the only rational life-saving treatment. Current pathophysiological knowledge substantiates the theory of an isolated visceral injury located far away from the contact wounds. However, the pathogenesis of such severe injuries is not entirely understood.

Adult↗

Multilocus enzyme electrophoresis analysis of Aspergillus fumigatus strains isolated from the first clinical sample from patients with invasive aspergillosis. EBGA Network. European Research Group on Biotype and Genotype of Aspergillus.

The genotypes of 50 isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus from 11 patients with invasive aspergillosis, obtained from three hospitals in different geographical areas, were determined by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE). The study analysed the genetic polymorphism of multiple isolates from the first sample. Seven of the 14 enzymic loci studied were polymorphic, giving rise to eight different electrophoretic types. For nine of 11 patients studied, no polymorphism was observed in isolates within the first clinical sample. Analysis of genetic distance between electrophoretic types demonstrated a genetic heterogeneity within each geographical site. Moreover, some genotypes were preferentially found in a given area and this revealed a population structure within these geographical sites. Therefore, the epidemiology of A. fumigatus should be considered separately for each of these areas. The multiple discriminatory markers of MLEE seem to provide a powerful tool for increasing the understanding of the biology of this fungus.

Alleles↗

Aspergillus Fumigatus antigen detection in sera from patients at risk for invasive aspergillosis.

We have developed an inhibition enzyme immunoassay (inhibition-EIA) to monitor for the occurrence of invasive aspergillosis (IA) in sera from 45 immunocompromised (IC) patients. The test uses rabbit polyclonal antibodies and a mixture of components from Aspergillus fumigatus, containing three predominant antigens with molecular weights of 18,000, 33,000, and 56,000. Circulating antigens were found in five of seven proven cases of IA due to A. fumigatus. In two of the five positive cases, antigenemia was detected with inhibition-EIA earlier than with X ray or other biological methods. No antigens were detected in the sera from two patients with proven IA due to Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus terreus nor in the sera from four patients with probable IA. Circulating antigens were not detected in the control group, composed of 30 healthy adult blood donors. Four of the 32 at-risk patients examined, though they displayed no definite evidence of IA, gave a positive result in this test. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of inhibition-EIA were 71.4, 94.4, and 71.2%, respectively. The data were compared with those obtained by a latex agglutination assay of galactomannan (GM) that was positive in only one patient with probable IA. The higher sensitivity obtained by inhibition-EIA may well be due to its ability to detect circulating antigens other than GM in the sera of IC patients with IA. Detecting these antigens may improve the diagnosis of IA, as they may serve as markers of this infection.

Antigens, Fungal↗

The addition of cisplatin to cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin-etoposide combination chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with small cell lung carcinoma: A randomized study of 457 patients. "Petites Cellules" Group.

BACKGROUND: To assess whether the addition of cisplatin (100 mg/m(2) administered intravenously on Day 1) to CDE (cyclophosphamide [1000 mg/m(2) on Day 1], doxorubicin [45 mg/m(2) on Day 1], and etoposide [150 mg/m(2) on Days 1 and 2] combination is useful in the treatment of patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). METHODS: In a multicenter clinical trial, 457 patients were randomized from May 1988 to March 1993 to receive either CDE (n = 228) or cisplatin-CDE (PCDE, n = 229) chemotherapy every 4 weeks for 6 cycles. As patients with limited SCLC were included in a concomitant trial assessing thoracic radiotherapy, the current study mainly included patients with extensive stage (79%) or limited stage disease and a contraindication for thoracic radiotherapy. RESULTS: The objective response rate was higher in the cisplatin-CDE group (72%) than in the CDE group (53%) (P = 0.0001). The median overall survival was similar for the groups that received CDE (266 days) and PCDE (271 days) (P = 0.93, log rank test). A higher fatal neutropenia rate was observed in the PCDE group (n = 23) than in the CDE group (n = 4) (P < 0.001, log rank test), mainly for patients with extensive disease (n = 26; P = 0.015, log rank test). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of cisplatin to a CDE regimen is toxic to patients with extensive SCLC and does not improve overall survival. The PCDE combination must be avoided for patients with extensive SCLC; CDE or cisplatin-etoposide combinations remain standard chemotherapy for these patients. The PCDE combination associated with granulocyte-colony stimulating factors could only be assessed in patients with good prognoses.

Aged↗

A randomized clinical trial comparing concurrent and alternating thoracic irradiation for patients with limited small cell lung carcinoma. "Petites Cellules" Group.

BACKGROUND: Although thoracic radiotherapy is considered to be useful for the treatment of patients with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), its optimal administration schedule is still controversial. METHODS: In a multicenter clinical trial, 164 patients with limited SCLC (of whom 156 were eligible for the study) were randomized to receive either concurrent thoracic irradiation, initiated immediately after the second cycle of chemotherapy (Days 30-64) at a dose of 50 grays in 20 fractions, or alternating thoracic irradiation, scheduled in 3 courses between the second, third, fourth, and fifth cycles of chemotherapy with a 7-day rest period after and before chemotherapy at a dose of 20 grays in 8 fractions (Days 36-47 and Days 64-75) and then 15 grays in 6 fractions (Days 92-101). The same chemotherapy regimen (cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin or vindesine-etoposide) was administered every 4 weeks in both groups. RESULTS: Concurrent radiotherapy-induced lung toxicity led to early termination of this trial when a significant difference was observed (6 cases vs. 1, P = 0.05, 2-sided log rank test). Objective response rates were 89% in the 82 patients of the concurrent radiotherapy group and 95% in the 74 patients of the alternating radiotherapy group. Median survival periods were 13.5 and 14.0 months, respectively, with no significant difference between the two survival distributions (P = 0.15, 2-sided log rank test). Toxic deaths due to bone marrow hypoplasia were similar in both groups (3 vs. 2), but mortality due to lung toxicity (pulmonary fibrosis) was more frequent with concurrent radiotherapy (6 patients) than with alternating radiotherapy (1 patient) in long term analysis (P = 0.05, 2-sided log rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Although no statistically significant overall survival difference was observed between the two radiation therapy schedules, the better tolerance of the alternating schedule justifies the choice of this schedule with this chemotherapy regimen, although it may not be applicable to other chemotherapy regimens.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

A controlled study of postoperative radiotherapy for patients with completely resected nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. Groupe d'Etude et de Traitement des Cancers Bronchiques.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative radiotherapy is commonly used to treat patients with completely resected nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, but its effect on overall survival has not been established. METHODS: After undergoing complete surgical resection, 728 patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (221 Stage I, 180 Stage II, and 327 Stage III) were randomized to receive either postoperative radiotherapy at a total dose of 60 gray or observation only . The main end point was overall survival. RESULTS: At the reference date, 218 of 355 patients in the control group had died and 262 of 373 in the radiotherapy group had died. Five-year overall survival was 43% for the control group and 30% for the radiotherapy group (P = 0.002, log rank test; relative risk [RR]: 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.59). This result was not modified by adjustment for potential prognostic factors. The excess mortality rate for the radiotherapy group was due to an excess of intercurrent deaths (P = 0.0001; RR: 3.47; the 5-year intercurrent death rate was 8% for the control group and 31% for the radiotherapy group). Radiotherapy had no significant effect on local recurrence (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.64-1.14) and no effect on metastasis (RR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.85-1.31). The rate of non-cancer-related death increased with the dose per fraction delivered.

Aged↗

[Ecstasy and its "counterparts"].

RISK AWARENESS: Use of psychostimulants is spreading in France, particularly at "techno" dances. The generic term "ecstasy" covers a wide variety of molecules with variable formulations. The situation is a true public health problem, generally concerning very young subjects who must be informed of the risks involved. Knowledge of the chemical makeup of the products currently used is needed to provide valid information and reduce risks. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS: Two types of chemical analysis are used for rapid controls. A coloration test is used by the Rave mission implemented by "Médecins du Monde". More elaborate analysis methods are used to identify the active substances and quantify the compounds in the different "tablets". FINDINGS: Rapid controls give a means of quickly identifying samples containing methylenedioxyamphetamines and distinguishing them from other samples which may contain any number of substances with unknown toxicity. A precise analysis of 73 samples has shown highly variable compositions with 22% actually containing methylenedioxyamphetamines. PREVENTION: Precise analytical knowledge of the drugs circulating in "techno" dances has revealed the extreme danger of a large number of the substances used. A continuous control of ongoing consumption is required to correctly warn the users and reduce risk.

Adolescent↗

Standard combination versus alternating chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer: a randomised clinical trial including 394 patients. 'Petites Cellules' Group.

PURPOSE: to compare standard and alternating administration of chemotherapy combinations in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: in a multicenter clinical trial, 394 previously untreated SCLC patients were randomised to receive, every 4 weeks, eight courses of either a standard regimen with CCNU, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin (CCA) and VP16 or an alternating regimen (CCA regimen alternating with cisplatin-vindesine-VP16). RESULTS: overall response rate was higher in the standard group (78%) than in the alternating group (64%) (P = 0.0001). Complete response rate was also higher in the standard group (32%) than in the alternating group (18%) (P = 0.004). The median survival in the overall SCLC population was 306 days in the standard group and 272 days in the alternating group (P = 0.08). In limited SCLC patients, median survival was higher in the standard group (421 days) than in the alternating group (328 days) (P = 0.01). Grade III/IV haematological toxicity was lower in patients in the alternating group (25 versus 47%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: the standard regimen was better than the alternating regimen for patients with limited forms of SCLC. The alternating regimen, associated with better haematological safety and ensuring a fairly similar survival, may be considered in patients with extensive SCLC. Pleiomorphic resistance mechanisms to chemotherapy make it difficult to define a non-cross-resistant chemotherapy regimen.

Adult↗

Candidemia in cancer patients: a prospective, multicenter surveillance study by the Invasive Fungal Infection Group (IFIG) of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).

In a surveillance study of candidemia in cancer patients that was conducted by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, 249 episodes were noted; Candida albicans was isolated in 70% (63) of the 90 cases involving patients with solid tumors (tumor patients) and in 36% (58) of the 159 involving those with hematologic disease (hematology patients). Neutropenia in tumor patients and acute leukemia and antifungal prophylaxis in hematology patients were significantly associated with non-albicans candidemia in a multivariate analysis. Overall 30-day mortality was 39% (97 of 249). In a univariate analysis, Candida glabrata was associated with the highest mortality rate (odds ratio, 2.66). Two multivariate analyses showed that mortality was associated with older age and severity of the underlying disease. Among hematology patients, additional factors associated with mortality were allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, septic shock, and lack of antifungal prophylaxis.

Adult↗

Combination of three typing methods for the molecular epidemiology of Aspergillus fumigatus infections. European Research Group on Biotype and Genotype of Aspergillus.

This study investigated the source of infection and strain relatedness of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from bronchial colonisation and invasive aspergillosis (IA) in four transplant patients. Environmental isolates from the patient's home and from the hospital and infecting isolates were obtained for patient A who developed IA. Clinic environmental and colonising isolates were obtained for patient B. Sequential isolates were obtained from various organs from patient C who developed IA and also from patient D who had a bronchitic aspergillosis that developed into IA. Ninety-one A. fumigatus isolates were analysed by three typing methods: multi-locus enzyme electrophoresis (MLEE), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and sequence-specific DNA primers (SSDP). The three combined typing methods demonstrated a greater differentiation of isolates than the typing methods used separately or in pairs. This demonstrated the genotypic variability of A. fumigatus and facilitated better epidemiological analysis. Large polymorphisms were demonstrated for each patient isolate between and colonies within various samples. The relatedness of the isolates suggested nosocomially acquired aspergillosis for patient B, but the source of infection for patient A remained unclear. The results suggested at least three multiple infections among the four patients. This study enabled the identification of the source of infection and strain relatedness, which in turn facilitates the development of preventive measures for patient management in the future.

Aspergillosis↗

[Epidemiology of fungemia in a university hospital; therapeutic incidence].

Twenty-two candidemia happened in our hospital from January 1997 to may 1998. We studied the clinical evolution of the patients and the sensitivity of the yeasts to antifungal therapy (Fungitest and E-Test method). We found 11 Candida albicans (CA), 10 Candida non albicans (CNA) (3 C. glabrata, 2 C. parapsilosis, 4 C. tropicalis, 1 C. krusei) and 1 Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mean age of the patients was 56.4 years. There were 13 men and 9 women. We found one group of 8 (36.4%) oncohematological patients, one group of 8 (36.4%) patients with abdominal surgery, one group of 3 (13.6%) children and one group of 3 adults (13.6%) who spent more than 10 days in an intensive care unit. Ten times, these candidemia were associated with bacteriemia, 4 times with several bacteria. Three patients died because of the candidemia, 2 times with CNA and one time with CA. There wasn't any resistance to amphotericin B or ketoconazole. All the CA and 3 CNA (30%) remained sensitive to the four antifungal drugs we used (amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole, itraconazole). The 3 C. glabrata and the C. krusei were resistant or limit to fluconazole. Since the generalization of the use of fluconazole, the epidemiology is marked by the emergence of new strains of CA with high level of resistance to azols, and of CNA. In our hospital, the CA remain preponderant and only the CNA are resistant to fluconazole making difficult the choice of empiric treatment for serious fungemia.

Adult↗