Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

E Hachulla

Publications and source records attributed to E Hachulla.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Pulmonary involvement in polymyositis and in dermatomyositis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess prevalence, characteristics, and predictive factors of pulmonary involvement in polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM). METHODS: The medical records of 55 consecutive patients with PM and DM between 1983 and 1996 were reviewed. The criteria for diagnosis of PM and DM were based upon Bohan and Peter criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (40%) developed lung impairment with a mean of 17 months after onset of PM and DM. The 3 main types of pulmonary disorders were interstitial lung disease (41%), ventilatory insufficiency with bronchopneumonia (22.8%), and alveolitis (with pulmonary function tests revealing restrictive pattern, low diffusing capacity, and normal computerized tomography) (36.2%). Both morbidity and mortality rates were as high as 40 and 27%, respectively, in PM and DM patients with lung involvement. Moreover, for the group with pulmonary diseases, serum GOT and ferritin levels were higher (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02) and the presence of anti-Jo-1 antibody and characteristic microangiopathy were more frequent (p < 0.05 and p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: This series reveals both high prevalence (40%) and severity of pulmonary involvement in PM and DM. Our findings also suggest that high serum GOT and ferritin levels, presence of anti-Jo-1 antibody and characteristic microangiopathy may have predictive value and should encourage the search for pulmonary dysfunction and interstitial lung disease in patients with PM and DM.

Adolescent↗

Genetic analysis of the cytochrome P450 CYP2D6 polymorphism in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Previous reports of an association between the polymorphic cytochrome P450 CYP2D6 and systemic lupus erythematosus are conflicting. Following the elucidation of the molecular basis of the CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism, we re-examined the hypothesis of an association of this gene with a susceptibility to system lupus erythematosus by analysing the complete CYP2D6 coding sequence. For this purpose, we studies the occurrence of 16 mutations in genomic DNA from 69 systemic lupus erythematosus patients and a large control group using a previously described polymerase chain reaction-single strand confirmation polymorphism analysis. In addition, we studied the occurrence of 11 alleles and 21 genotypes in the same individuals by the combined use of restriction fragment length polymorphism and allele-specific polymerase chain reaction followed by polymerase chain reaction-single strand confirmation polymorphism analysis. No significant differences in the distribution of overall genotypes and predicted phenotypes were observed between system lupus erythematosus patients and controls. The only new finding of our study is the higher frequency of one non functional allele, namely the CYP2D6*4A, in systemic lupus erythematosus versus control individuals (P = 0.007). This increased frequency was not statistically significant in multiple comparison analysis and was not related to any specific clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus. These results suggest that CYP2D6 genotype as well as CYP2D6 phenotype are not determinant of susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus but the presence of the inactive CYP2D6*4A allele may be a contributory factor.

Adult↗

[Pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans uncovering a case of Crohn disease].

BACKGROUND: Pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans is an uncommon condition associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease in 75% of the cases, usually hemorrhagic rectocolitis. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old man was referred for recent development of pustulous lesions of the lips and buccal mucosa and weight loss. He complained of abdominal pain and intermittent diarrhea which had persisted for more than one year. During the last three months, a pseudotumoral plaque with a pustulous rim had developed over the two distal phalanxes of the right middle finger in association with ungueal lysis and nodular, vegetating and crusted lesions on the lateral aspect of the left arm. Small pustules covered the entire buccal mucosa excepting the tongue and the glans forming a typical snail trace aspect. Bacterial and mycological samples were negative. The histology reports for skin and mucosa were similar: epithelial hyperplasia, intra- and subepithelial granulocyte micro-abscesses and polymorphous infiltration of the superficial derma with numerous neutrophils and eosinophils. There was a discrete interkeratinocytic fluorescence at direct immunofluorescence but indirect immunofluorescence was negative. Anti-desmogleine 1 immunolabeling showed typical normal skin uptake and immunotransfer was negative. Digestive tract endoscopy and histopathology examination of the bowel specimens confirmed the diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Clinical manifestations improved dramatically with prednisone. DISCUSSION: This case of pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans involved several aspects rarely reported in the literature: a) the cutaneomucosal signs were inaugural; b) the association with Crohn's disease; c) the presence of lesions to the genital mucosa; d) the unusual localization of the inaugural skin manifestations. This clinical entity has now been clearly distinguished from pemphigus vegetans. There was however a long debate on the similar clinical, histological and even immunological expressions. We suggest that pyostomatitis-pyodermatitis vegetans belongs to the spectrum of neutrophilic dermatoses and other authors even propose it is a clinical form of pyoderma gangrenosum.

Colonoscopy↗

Heterogeneity and immunochemical properties of anti-beta2-glycoprotein I autoantibodies.

Most anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are directed against epitopes expressed on beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2GPI). Despite a good correlation between standard ACA assays and those using purified human beta2GPI as the sole antigen, some sera from APS patients only react in the latter. This is indicative of heterogeneity in anti-beta2GPI antibodies. To characterize their reactivity profiles, human and bovine beta2GPI were immobilized on gamma-irradiated plates (beta2GPI-ELISA), plain polystyrene precoated with increasing cardiolipin concentrations (CL/beta2GPI-ELISA), and affinity columns. Fluid-phase inhibition experiments were also carried out with both proteins. Of 56 selected sera, restricted recognition of bovine or human beta2GPI occurred respectively in 10/29 IgA-positive and 9/22 IgM-positive samples, and most of the latter (8/9) were missed by the standard ACA assay, as expected from a previous study. Based on species specificity and ACA results, IgG-positive samples (53/56) were categorized into three groups: antibodies reactive to bovine beta2GPI only (group I) or to bovine and human beta2GPI, group II being ACA-negative, and group III being ACA-positive. The most important group, group III (n = 33) was characterized by (i) binding when beta2GPI was immobilized on gamma-irradiated polystyrene or cardiolipin at sufficient concentration (regardless of beta2GPI density, as assessed using 125I-beta2GPI); (ii) and low avidity binding to fluid-phase beta2GPI (Kd in the range 10(-5) M). In contrast, all six group II samples showed (i) ability to bind human and bovine beta2GPI immobilized on non-irradiated plates; (ii) concentration-dependent blockade of binding by cardiolipin, suggesting epitope location in the vicinity of the phospholipid binding site on native beta2GPI; (iii) and relative avidities approximately 100-fold higher than in group III. Group I patients were heterogeneous with respect to CL/beta2GPI-ELISA and ACA results (6/14 scored negative), possibly reflecting antibody differences in terms of avidity and epitope specificity. Affinity fractionation of 23 sera showed the existence, in individual patients, of various combinations of antibody subsets solely reactive to human or bovine beta2GPI, together with cross-species reactive subsets present in all samples with dual reactivity namely groups III and II, although the latter antibodies were poorly purified on either column. Therefore, the mode of presentation of beta2GPI greatly influences its recognition by anti-beta2GPI antibodies with marked inter-individual heterogeneity, in relation to ACA quantitation and, possibly, disease presentation and pathogenesis.

Adolescent↗

[The synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome, a rare extra-digestive manifestation of Crohn's disease. Presentation of 1 case and review of the literature].

We report the case of a 33-year-old man with a severe Crohn's disease since the age of sixteen. He presented with acne and palmoplantar pustulosis associated with a right knee synovitis. Investigations revealed a major axial bone condensation. The association synovitis-acne-pustulosis-hyperostosis-osteitis leaded to the diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome associated with Crohn's disease.

Acne Vulgaris↗

A prospective, multicenter, randomized trial comparing steroids and pulse cyclophosphamide versus steroids and oral cyclophosphamide in the treatment of generalized Wegener's granulomatosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness and side effects of oral versus pulse cyclophosphamide (CYC) in combination with corticosteroids (CS) in the treatment of systemic Wegener's granulomatosis (WG). METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed systemic WG were enrolled in a prospective, randomized trial. At the time of diagnosis, prior to randomization, every patient received a daily injection of methylprednisolone for 3 days, followed by daily oral prednisone (1 mg/kg/day) and a 0.7-gm/m2 pulse of CYC. Patients were then randomly assigned to receive either prednisone plus intravenous pulse CYC (group A) or prednisone plus oral CYC (group B) as first-line treatment. CYC was given for at least 1 year and was then progressively tapered and discontinued. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study: 27 in group A and 23 in group B. At 6 months, 24 group A patients (88.9%) were in remission, versus 18 group B patients (78.3%). At the end of the trial, 18 group A patients (66.7%) and 13 group B patients (56.5%) were in remission. In group A, 66.7% of the patients experienced side effects, versus 69.6% in group B. Infectious side effects were significantly more frequent in group B (69.6%) than in group A (40.7%) (P < 0.05). The incidence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was higher in oral CYC-treated patients (30.4%) than in pulse CYC-treated patients (11.1%). Nine group A patients (33.3%) and 10 group B patients (43.5%) died. Actuarial curves showed that relapses were significantly more frequent in group A (59.2%) than in group B (13%) (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that pulse CYC is as effective as oral CYC in achieving initial remission of WG and is associated with fewer side effects and lower mortality. However, in the long term, treatment with pulse CYC does not maintain remission or prevent relapses as well as oral CYC.

Administration, Oral↗

[Systemic scleroderma and cancer. Search for predictive factors of cancer in 123 patients with scleroderma].

Several studies have suggested an increased risk of cancer in patients with systemic sclerosis, but the potential risk factors for these cancers remain unknown. The aim of this study was to identify, among patients with systemic sclerosis, factors associated with the development of cancer, with attention to clinical (age, sex, cutaneous sclerosis), immunological (antinuclear antibodies, anticentromere antibodies, anti-Scl-70 antibodies) and histological (pulmonary fibrosis) features. We retrospectively studied 123 patients with systemic sclerosis. The median follow-up period was 4 years. Fourteen cases of cancer (11.3%) were found (lung n = 3, breast n = 2, ovarian n = 2, skin n = 1, thyroid n = 1, rectum n = 1, uterine cervix n = 1, larynx n = 1, pancreas n = 1, myelodysplasia n = 1). The characteristics of systemic sclerosis were similar in patients with and patients without cancer. Yet, the three cases of lung cancers occurred in association with CREST syndromes and anticentromere antibodies.

Adolescent↗

[POEMS syndrome].

POEMS syndrome is an acronym defined by Bardwick (Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal component and Skin changes). Other various clinical and biological features are reported: edema, cachexia, microangiopathic glomerulopathy, most rarely pulmonary hypertension, cutaneous necrosis. Thrombocytosis or polycythemia may be a prominent feature. POEMS syndrome is sometimes associated with lymphoproliferative disorder. Castelman-like disease is frequently observed as pathologic findings on lymph nodes. Distinction between POEMS syndrome and osteosclerotic myeloma is delicate. The rate of the monoclonal protein is modest-always less than 30 g/L-and is almost of the lambda light chain class. In contrast to multiple myeloma this syndrome is rarely associated with hypercalcemia, skeletal fracture, renal involvement and increasing of M component during evolution. Bone marrow plasmocytosis is usually less than 15% and the kinetic phenotype and genetic characteristics of the plasma cell remain those found in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. The pathophysiology of this syndrome remains largely unknown but overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines are reported, especially TNF alpha, IL-6 and IL-1 beta. Some clinical manifestations seem to be cytokine related. Polyneuropathy and cachexia are the main cause of death. A part corticosteroid and cure of solitary bone lesion, treatment is disappointing and survival is 60% at five years.

Humans↗

[Evaluation of the revascularization process by staged dynamic transcutaneous oximetry in stage II of obliterative arteriopathy of the lower limbs: a prospective study of 15 patients].

We evaluated the value of dynamic transcutaneous oxygen tension measurement in 15 patients with Leriche stage II intermittent claudication treated with vascular bypass procedures. Fifteen men, median age 60 years (range: 37-72 years), were studied during six months; 19 limbs were revascularized: eight by angioplasty, 11 by patent graft. Claudication perimeter and dynamic transcutaneous oxygen tension measurement were evaluated before and after revascularization. The TcPO2 was continuously measured with a multimodular Kontron Supermon at seven different sites simultaneously: precordium (reference probe), thighs, calves and feet, in the dorsal recumbent position after 30 minutes rest, during a standardized exercise stress test at 50 W and during the recovery phase. The results were expressed as index of surface defect (ISD). After revascularization, the duration of significant ischemia was significantly reduced (P < 0.001 thigh, calf, foot) in 14 patients. Dynamic transcutaneous oximetry therefore seems to be a useful method in assessing stage II occlusive peripheral arterial disease and the topography of tissue hypoxia. Dynamic transcutaneous oximetry is helpful in the surveillance after revascularization and guides the choice of specific treatment (angioplasty or patent graft) especially for multiple lesions.

Adult↗

[Primary pulmonary hypertension: a rare but often fatal complication of Crest syndrome].

In a retrospective study of 194 systemic sclerosis, we selected 37 Crest syndrome patients. Among these 37 patients, five presented a primary pulmonary hypertension. For three of these patients, the evolution of this primary pulmonary hypertension was rapidly fatal, one died of another cause. One died without certitude that death is imputable to HTAP. Diagnosis and management of the evolution of primary pulmonary hypertension may be easily assessed by doppler-echocardiography.

Aged↗

[Clinical symptomatology and prognosis of periarteritis nodosa in the elderly. Retrospective study of 25 periarteritis nodosa cases in young adults and 22 cases in aged patients].

Between 1985 and 1995, 47 patients with evidence of polyarteritis nodosa were seen at the department of Internal Medicine. Thirty-nine patients fulfilled histological and/or arteriographic diagnostic criteria, and in eight patients, the diagnosis was based on clinical criteria. At the onset of the disease, 25 patients were below the age of 65 (group A) and 22 were above the age of 65 (group B). Except for increased frequency of weight loss in group B and increased frequency of cutaneous signs (purpura and nodes) in group A, no significant differences were found in clinical and biological features. The mean duration of follow-up was 46.9 +/- 36.5 months. The number of deaths was significantly higher among the elderly (ten deaths in group B versus two in group A).

Adult↗

'Localized amyloidosis': 123I-labelled SAP component scintigraphy and labial salivary gland biopsy.

In apparently localized amyloidosis, there is no appropriate test to determine whether systemic deposits exist. We studied the value of serum amyloid P component (SAP) scintigraphy and labial salivary gland (LSG) biopsy on patients with apparently localized amyloidosis in 12 patients who had neither clinical nor biological evidence of systemic amyloidosis. All patients had an LSG biopsy and echocardiography. Iodine-123-labelled serum amyloid P component (123I-SAP) scintigraphy was performed in all patients. Whole-body scintigraphy was done, and tissue retention was evaluated at 24 h and 48 h. Of these 12 patients, three had amyloidosis in their LSG and had abnormal 123I-SAP scintigraphy; these three had a secondary clinical history of systemic amyloidosis. Three other patients had abnormal 123I-SAP scintigraphy without detectable systemic amyloid deposits, but one had a previous history of bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome treated with infiltration. 123I-SAP scintigraphy in association with LSG biopsy may be helpful in determining the localized or systemic character of amyloid disease.

Adult↗

Elastase derived elastin peptides: putative autoimmune targets in giant cell arteritis.

OBJECTIVE: Histological analysis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) reveals a granulomatous reaction around the internal elastic lamina. Elastolysis by multinucleated giant cells has also been reported. We investigated elastin derived peptides as putative recall antigens for peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with GCA. METHODS: PBMC were collected from 17 patients with GCA (Group 1), 17 patients with vascular diseases, connective tissue diseases, or polymyalgia rheumatica without GCA (Group 2), and 17 healthy controls (Group 3). Cultures of PBMC with different elastin derived peptides or elastase were analyzed. RESULTS: A proliferative response was obtained only with elastate derived elastin peptides in 12/13 untreated patients with GCA. Steroid treatment was believed to abolish this proliferative response in 4 patients with GCA. PBMC from only 3/34 non-GCA subjects responded to these antigens. No proliferative response was obtained for other elastin derived peptides or elastase in any subject. CONCLUSION: Degradation of native elastin by leukocyte elastase can provide elastin derived peptides that act as autoimmune targets for T cells in GCA.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗