Biomedical subjects
C Chouaid
Publications and source records attributed to C Chouaid.
[Respiratory tract infectious pathologies].
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Use of tumor markers for differential diagnosis of mesothelioma and secondary pleural malignancies.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess diagnosis value of tumor markers for differential diagnosis between mesothelioma and other pleural tumors. DESIGN AND METHODS: Prospective study of 85 patients attending our hospital with malignant pleural effusion. The diagnostic approach involved routine pleurocentesis followed by pleural needle. When precise diagnosis was not achieved, thoracoscopy with pleural biopsies was performed. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), hyaluronic acid, tissue polypeptide antigen and cyfra 21 to 1 were measured in serum and pleural fluid. RESULTS: By using receiver operating characteristics curves and area under curves, the best diagnostic characteristics were obtained with pleural and serum CEA concentrations. The area under the curve was larger for pleural ACE than for serum ACE. The sensitivity and specificity of a pleural CEA level exceeding 3 ng/mL for ruling out the diagnosis of mesothelioma were 100% and 77%, respectively. CONCLUSION: A CEA level above 3 ng/mL in pleural fluid eliminated the diagnosis of mesothelioma, whereas the other markers were not sufficiently discriminant. However, despite a negative predictive value of 100% at a cutoff of 3 ng/mL, CEA assay in pleural fluid only avoids a small number of diagnostic thoracoscopies.
Imbalance between platelet vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor in pulmonary hypertension. Effect of prostacyclin therapy.
Focal vascular injury and impaired endothelial function are features of pulmonary hypertension (PH) that lead to enhanced platelet endothelial cell interactions. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is contained in platelets and released at sites of vascular injury to promote endothelial repair and wound healing in combination with platelet-derived nonspecific mitogens such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The overall balance between platelet VEGF and PDGF was investigated in 21 patients with primary PH, 8 with secondary PH, and 27 with chronic hypoxemic lung disease (CHLD), as well as in 29 control subjects. Platelet VEGF content was increased in patients with primary and secondary PH as compared with control subjects (518 +/- 89, 675 +/- 156, and 166 +/- 29 fg/10(5) platelets, respectively; p < 0.01), whereas platelet PDGF content was similar in the three groups (31 +/- 2, 36 +/- 4, and 33 +/- 3 pg/10(5) platelets, respectively; NS). Patients treated with a continuous prostacyclin infusion had a higher platelet VEGF but a similar platelet PDGF content as compared with untreated patients. Moderate increases in platelet VEGF and PDGF contents were observed in the CHLD patients. We conclude that patients with primary or secondary PH have an increase in platelet VEGF content, but not in platelet PDGF content, and that their platelet VEGF content increases further in response to prostacyclin infusion. We suggest that imbalance between platelet VEGF and PDGF is beneficial to patients with PH.
[Unusual cause of severe alveolar hypoventilation].
Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare disease of the adipose tissue of mesentery. Ascites is an unusual presentation. We report a case of panniculitis whose initial presentation was an obesity-hypoventilation syndrome with pulmonary hypertension. Respiratory disorders were related to abundant ascites. Panniculitis cure and ascites disappearance allowed return to normal pulmonary function and pulmonary artery pressure.
Empyema of the thorax due to Gemella haemolysans.
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[Impact of a multidisciplinary approach for monitoring prescribing of antibiotics in a hospital].
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of a rationalized antibiotic prescription program in a 600-bed hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The program was based on a local consensus policy, developed with the prescribers themselves, together with individual nominative dispensing (IDN) of the most costly antibiotics, and training/information programs aimed at institutional prescribers. The impact of the program was assessed in terms of the relevance of prescriptions (6-monthly audits), changes in the overall cost of anti-infectives, the average daily cost per hospital patient, and changes in the pattern of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens isolated in the institution. RESULTS: Reference recommendations were established for most clinical settings encountered in the hospital (104 for adults, 78 for children). The four audits conducted since June 1996 show that the rate of unjustified prescriptions has remained below 6%. The cost of antimicrobials has fallen regularly, both in absolute terms and as a proportion of total drug costs. Finally, resistance rates among the different pathogens studied have fallen or remained stable. CONCLUSION: Rationalization of antimicrobial chemotherapy in a short-stay hospital necessitates an institution-based policy with long-term objectives, a large initial investment and, above all, a participative approach among all prescribers.
[Quality and accreditation in health establishments. Application of experience acquired in the industrial setting].
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Polycythemia impairs vasodilator response to acetylcholine in patients with chronic hypoxemic lung disease.
To investigate whether polycythemia associated with chronic hypoxemic lung disease (CHLD) increases vascular resistance by altering endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO), we examined the responses to acetylcholine (ACh) infusions (5, 10, and 15 mg/min) on hemodynamics and gas exchange in 21 patients with CHLD of varying severity. Patients were classified into two groups based on whether their hemoglobin (Hb) level was less or greater than 15.5 g/dl. In the normocythemic patients (Hb = 13.6 +/- 0.3 g/100 ml, n = 10), ACh decreased pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) from 30 +/- 2 mm Hg 26 +/- 2 mm Hg (p < 0.01); pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), from 5.1 +/- 0.4 U/m2 to 3.4 +/- 0.3 U/m2 (p < 0.001); systemic arterial pressure (Psa), from 111 +/- 4 mm Hg to 108 +/- 4 mm Hg (p < 0.05); and systemic vascular resistance (SVR), from 27 +/- 2 U/m2 to 22 +/- 2 U/m2 (p < 0.01); and also increased the cardiac index (CI), from 3.8 +/- 0.2 to 4.7 +/- 0.3 L/min/m2 (p < 0.001). PaO2 fell from 59 +/- 3 mm Hg to 48 +/- 3 mm Hg (p < 0.001) whereas venous admixture (Qs/Qt) rose from 32 +/- 4% to 44 +/- 4% (p < 0.01). In contrast, in patients with polycythemia (17.7 +/- 0.5 g/100 ml, n = 11) ACh failed to produce any changes in PaO2 (49 +/- 2 mm Hg versus 51 +/- 2 mm Hg, p = NS), Ppa (34 +/- 1 mm Hg versus 33 +/- 1 mm Hg, p = NS), PVR (6.7 +/- 0.9 U/m2 versus 6.9 +/- 0.8 U/m2, p = NS) or Psa, but slightly increased the CI, from 3.6 +/- 0.3 L/min/m2 to 3.9 +/- 0.3 L/min/m2 (p < 0.01), and Qs/Qt, from 40 +/- 4% to 45 +/- 3% (p < 0.05). In the 21 patients, negative correlations with Hb concentrations were found for ACh-induced changes in PVR (r = -0.57, p < 0.01), Ppa (r = -0.46, p < 0.01), CI (r = -0.5, p < 0.05), PaO2 (r = -0.79, p < 0.01), and Qs/Qt (r = -0.79, p < 0.01). In the six polycythemic patients who received isovolemic hemodilution, with a decrease in Hb concentration from 18.6 +/- 0.9 g/dl to 15.3 +/- 0.3 g/dl as a result, infusion of ACh, which was without effect before hemodilution, caused decreases in Ppa from 28 +/- 1 mm Hg to 23 +/- 1 mm Hg (p < 0.05) and in PVR from 5.7 +/- 0.8 U/m2 to 3.6 +/- 0.5 U/m2 (p < 0.02), as well as an increase in CI from 3.4 +/- 0.4 L/min/ m2 to 4.1 +/- 0.4 L/min/m2 (p < 0.05). In contrast to ACh, inhaled NO (40 ppm) induced pulmonary vasodilation in both the normocythemic and polycythemic groups. Our results show that high hematocrit (Hct) levels inhibit endothelium-dependent vasodilation in response to ACh in patients with CHLD, possibly through inactivation of endothelial-derived NO by Hb.
CPAP titration by an auto-CPAP device based on snoring detection: a clinical trial and economic considerations.
This study aimed to assess the ability of an auto-nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) device (REM + auto; NPBFD, Nancy, France) to predict the optimal constant nCPAP level. The apnoea/hypopnoea detection facility of the auto-nCPAP device was deliberately disabled and nasal mask pressure vibration detection was the only mode of pressure setting. The auto-nCPAP device was tested on 10 previously untreated patients with obstructive sleep apnoea during a single night, with ambulatory polysomnography performed in a conventional hospital room; the efficacy of the fixed pressure determined by the auto-nCPAP device was assessed by an ambulatory full polysomnography 2 weeks after the initiation of treatment at home. The fixed nCPAP pressure was effective (apnoea/hypopnoea and arousal indices <10 events x h(-1)) in all but two of the 10 patients studied. When the fixed nCPAP pressure was increased by 2 cmH2O in these two patients, sleep and respiration were normalized. Since only 12 ambulatory polysomnographic recordings were used to determine the effective nasal continuous positive airway pressure level, and as the device restored normal breathing and sleep in all 10 patients, it was concluded that this method of nasal continuous positive airway pressure titration may improve cost-effectiveness and reduce waiting lists in sleep laboratories.
Routine use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor is not cost-effective and does not increase patient comfort in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer: an analysis using a Markov model.
PURPOSE: The clinical indications and economic consequences of human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prescription during small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) chemotherapy remain controversial. The aim of this study, based on a Markov model, was to assess the impact of routine G-CSF use in the treatment of SCLC on costs and patient comfort. Markov models allow the modeling SCLC chemotherapy, in which the risk of febrile neutropenia (FN) is continuous over time and may occur more than once. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used a Markov model to compare three strategies: a chemotherapy dose reduction after FN and nonuse of G-CSF ("never" strategy), secondary use of G-CSF ("CSF if FN" strategy) and primary use of G-CSF ("systematic CSF" strategy). Model baseline probabilities were based on a review of medical records for all patients (n = 39) treated for SCLC in our unit during 1993 (when G-CSF was not used) and on published reductions in the incidence of FN obtained by using G-CSF. Two different types of rewards were used: a cost-utility scale that took into account the costs of FN (CFN) episodes and G-CSF (CCSF) courses; and a comfort-utility scale that took into account the discomfort of FN and G-CSF therapy. Costs were analyzed from the health care payer's perspective and utilities were assessed prospectively in standardized interviews with treated SCLC patients. RESULTS: The never strategy was the least costly ($4,875 [United States] versus $5,816 and $7,690 for CSF if FN and systematic CSF) and gave the highest comfort value (378 U v 365 and 327 for CSF if FN and systematic CSF). Sensitivity analyses showed that the never strategy remains the less costly when the probability of a first FN episode was less than 49%, the probability of FN recurrence was less than 60%, or the CFN was less than $6,077, or the CCSF was greater than $863. In terms of patient comfort, the never strategy was the best choice, except for patients who considered that a course of G-CSF caused little or no discomfort, whether or not it prevented FN. CONCLUSION: Routine use of G-CSF during SCLC chemotherapy is not justified by clinical benefits, improved patient comfort, or economic considerations.
[Thiamine deficiency. A cause of cardiac insufficiency not to be ignored].
Thiamine deficiency is one of the classical causes of high out put for heart failure. Deficiency of this vitamin may be nutritional or secondary to alcoholic intoxication. We felt it would be interesting to describe a typical case of cardiac beriberi in order to recall the clinical presentation and the pathophysiology.
[Surgical pulmonary biopsies in patients with HIV infection: results apropos of a series of 21 cases].
This retrospective study reports the results of surgical lung biopsies in 21 patients infected by HIV. Diagnostic was assessed by surgical lung biopsies in 66% of cases with a 5% immediate post-operative mortality and a 80% survival rate after one month. Therapeutic management was modified in 38% of cases. These results are in concordance with previously published literature and emphasize that such a procedure should only be performed after other diagnostic procedures, including at least a bronchial endoscopy associated to a BAL and/or transbronchial biopsies.
Efficacy and toxicity of mitomycin, ifosfamide, and cisplatin (MIP) in patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer.
Seventy-two patients with advanced stage IIIB (42%) or stage IV (58%) non-small cell lung cancer (median age 57 years, Karnofsky PS 60-100) were treated with mitomycin C (6 mg/m2, day 1), ifosfamide (1500 mg/m2, days 1-3), and cisplatin (30 mg/m2, days 1-3) every 4 weeks. The objective response rate was 37% in the overall population; 50% in stage IIIB patients and 29% in stage IV patients. Twenty four patients achieved partial response (33%) and three patients achieved complete response. Despite this relatively high objective response rate, the overall median survival time was 32 weeks. The median survival was significantly better in stage IIIB patients (55 weeks) than in stage IV patients (25 weeks) (P = 0.003). MIP regimen was permanently suspended in 14 patients because of toxic events. Seventeen patients developed grade III or IV febrile neutropenia and two patients died from sepsis. Two patients experienced acute mitomycin peumonitis. Despite increased doses of cisplatin and ifosfamide, compared with the original description for MIC chemotherapy, with probably higher toxicity, no apparent increased response rate or median survival was observed in this study. The MIP regimen could be tested in a randomized trial in comparison with other administration plans in a comparable population.
Risk factors for isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae with decreased susceptibility to penicillin G from patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
We conducted a retrospective study of all hospitalized human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients from whom a strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated (n = 45) between January 1992 and September 1994, in order to determine the clinical manifestations and outcome of and risk factors for infection by S. pneumoniae with decreased susceptibility to penicillin G. Such strains were isolated from 14 patients (31%), of whom 8 had pneumonia, 2 had bronchial superinfection, 2 had sinusitis, and 2 were colonized. All infected patients made a clinical recovery regardless of the MIC of the isolate. Indexes of HIV disease stage (CD4+ cell count and p24 antigenemia), antiretroviral treatment, and hospital admission in the previous 3 months did not influence the susceptibility of the isolates. For HIV-infected patients, treatment with antibacterial agents--particularly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole--in the previous 3 months is associated with an increased risk for isolation of S. pneumoniae with decreased susceptibility to penicillin G (relative risk, 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-13.3).
[Diagnostic strategies of pulmonary pneumocystis infection in patients with HIV infection. Decision analysis and medico-economic consequences].
P. carinii pneumonia is one of the most frequent opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients. Clinical and radiological manifestations are non-specific and reference diagnostic procedure remains broncho-alveolar lavage which is costly and invasive. Alternative diagnostic strategies have been proposed. We report here our experience as well as literature date in this field with the purpose to show the usefulness of decision analysis techniques in choosing an optimal cost-effective strategy.
[Clinical aspects and outcome of COPD].
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent disease which is too often diagnosed when already severe. Major known risk factors are tobacco smoking, occupational exposure, and severe respiratory infections during childhood. Diagnostic should be evoked on functional non specific symptoms: chronic cough and sputum, progressive dyspnea. Some physical signs, correlated with the degree of airway obstruction, may be more specific but their diagnostic value remains to be assessed. These signs reflect distension of the chest as well as airway obstruction: pursed lips breathing, increased expiration duration, Hoover and Campbell signs, inspiratory contraction of scalen muscles. COPD results over years in chronic respiratory insufficiency and evolution is associated with episodes of bronchial and parenchymal infections as well as pulmonary emboli which are particularly frequent in these patients.
Use of the polymerase chain reaction technique on induced-sputum samples for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in HIV-infected patients. A clinical and cost-analysis study.
The purpose of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on induced sputum (IS) for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-infected patients, as well as its diagnostic value and cost as a routine clinical tool. Forty-nine patients with suspected PCP who had IS were studied and if negative, followed by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Pneumocystis carinii was detected in these samples using standard staining techniques. Polymerase chain reaction was used with IS samples in a blinded fashion. The patients with negative BAL samples were closely monitored for 1 month. In the absence of any clinical or radiologic features of PCP during this period, they were considered as being free of PCP. The cost analysis considered only the direct costs of the various tests in three diagnostic strategies: routine BAL (BAL); IS with standard staining, if negative, followed by BAL (IS); and IS with standard staining followed, if negative, by PCR on IS samples (PCR-IS). Using standard staining P carinii was found in 13 cases (6 IS and 7 BAL). None of the 36 patients with negative BAL developed further signs of PCP. Thus, the prevalence of PCP was 26.5% and the sensitivity and specificity of BAL were 100%. Standard staining of IS had a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 46.5%. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR-IS were each 100%. The costs of strategies BAL, IS, and PCR-IS were $14,010, $18,300, and $18,040, respectively. The costs of the BAL strategy depended only on the cost of the relevant tests, whereas the costs of strategies IS and PCR-IS depended on the costs of the tests, the sensitivity of IS with standard staining, and the prevalence of PCP in the test population. The routine clinical use of PCR-IS is currently limited by the time required to obtain the results.