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Biomedical subjects

E Boulanger

Publications and source records attributed to E Boulanger.

29 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, an underestimated tool in chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is widely used in the general population. It has seldom been studied in patients with chronic renal failure. The purpose of this study was to assess its usefulness in haemodialysis patients. METHODS: Forty-five haemodialysis patients with no evidence of acute or chronic inflammatory illness were studied. Nine were diabetic, and 12 used a non-biocompatible membrane. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was determined, using a modified Westergren method. Plasma fibrinogen concentration, complete blood count, and serum chemistries were also studied. RESULTS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal or mildly elevated in most of our patients, with a median of 30 mm/h. Linear analysis found positive correlation between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and fibrinogen concentration, globulin level, platelet, and white cell counts, and negative correlation with haematocrit. Fibrinogen concentration was normal in 22 patients, and moderately elevated in 14. It was significantly higher in diabetic patients, or those using a non-biocompatible membrane. The same positive correlations were found for fibrinogen concentration as for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that erythrocyte sedimentation rate can be used in haemodialysis patients much in the same way as in the general population, as it is influenced by the same factors, and its baseline value is lower than previously reported. The lower concentration of fibrinogen, an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk, in patients treated with biocompatible membranes may be of clinical relevance.

Adult↗

[Erdheim-Chester disease. Clinico-pathologic study of two cases].

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare visceral xanthogranulomatosis characterized by bilateral, symmetrical sclerosis of the metaphyseal regions of long bones and infiltration of foamy, lipid-laden histiocytes. Clinically, it ranges from an asymptomatic, focal process to a fatal, systemic disease. We report two new cases, different in their presentation and extension.

Female↗

[Cutaneous atypical Mycobacterium infection with hematogenic dissemination].

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous non-pathogens except for subjects with deficient local or general defence systems. Nearly 80% of the cases observed in France occur in HIV+ patients. Lung, lymph node or skin infections usually simulate tuberculosis and diagnosis must be based on precise identification of the infectious strain. Recommended treatment of M. kansasii is now well established but protocols for other mycobacteria are still under evaluation. We observed a case presenting with persistent fever resistant to large spectrum antibiotics. This case occurred in a 75-year-old non-immunodepressed women who presented typical microcalcifications of the skin subsequent to blood stream dissemination.

Aged↗

[Chester-Erdheim's disease. A case].

We report the 32nd case of a multivisceral form of Erdheim-Chester disease. This exceptional pathology is a diffuse xanthogranulomatosis which comes within the scope of histiocytosis. The originality of this case is due to cerebral localizations and to the fact that some symptoms have been observed for a long time: diabetes insipidus, exophthalmos and stubborn intertrigo.

Bone Diseases↗

[Human herpesvirus 8 ( HHV-8 ): I. Characteristics and epidemiology].

HHV8 is a new herpesvirus recently identified in the Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, and initially named Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. It is a member of gamma-2 herpesvirus family and it shows a number of homologies with the Epstein-Barr virus and the herpesvirus saimiri. HHV8 genome also codes for several proteins which are homologous to cellular proteins and could disturb the regulation mechanisms of cellular proliferation and apoptosis. This is the case for a viral IL6, an antiapoptotic factor homologous to Bcl2, a viral cyclin, a member of the IRF family (interferon regulatory factors) and a G-protein-coupled receptor homologous to the IL8 receptor. Seroprevalence studies showed that HHV8 infection was not ubiquitous but rather limited to some geographic areas (Italy, Greece, Africa), and to some populations of homosexual and bisexual individuals with sexually transmitted diseases. To date, several lines of epidemiologic evidence suggest that this virus is sexually transmitted, although other routes of transmission cannot be excluded.

Africa↗

[Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). II. Pathogenic role and sensitivity to antiviral drugs].

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) has been found to be associated with three different diseases observed in Aids patients: Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, which is a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphomas affecting the body cavities, and multicentric Castleman's disease. The role of this new herpesvirus and other lymphoid proliferations, like angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy or multiple myeloma, is much debatable. To date, there are several evidences for a direct role of this virus in the occurrence of the Kaposi's sarcoma, although the hypothesis of a passenger virus hypothesis cannot be totally excluded. In vitro, HHV8 is sensitive to some anti-herpesvirus drugs like foscarnet, cidofovir and adefovir, but the indications of these therapies in the prevention or the treatment of the Kaposi's sarcoma have not been documented so far.

Antiviral Agents↗