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Biomedical subjects

J L Bertrand

Publications and source records attributed to J L Bertrand.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Hepatitis caused by clometacin (Dupéran). Retrospective study of 30 cases. A model of autoimmune drug-induced hepatitis?].

Thirty cases of clometacin-induced hepatitis were retrospectively collected over a nine-year period in hepatogastroenterological units of non university, public hospitals. There was a strong female predominance (90 percent). Clometacin (Dupéran) was taken because of arthritis in 8 out of 10 cases. Administration was continuous in 85 percent of cases and median duration was 445 days. median dose was 450 mg per day. Jaundice, fatigue, and weight loss were the most frequent symptoms, but edema, ascites and palmar erythema were not uncommon. Thrombopenia (38 percent) was the most frequent hematologic abnormality. Renal failure, always with benign course, was present in 1/4 of cases. Biochemical disorders indicated hepatocellular and cholestatic hepatitis in 3/4 and 1/4 of cases respectively. Hypoprothrombinemia below 50 percent was noted in 1 out of 6 cases, and was associated with death in half cases. Gamma-globulins were increased in 80 percent of cases, with a predominant increase of IgG. Antinuclear or anti-smooth muscle antibodies were present in 60 percent of cases, whereas antimitochondrial and antimicrosomes were absent. Histopathological examination of the liver biopsy specimens obtained in 25 patients showed acute hepatitis in 8 and chronic active hepatitis with fibrosis in 17--including 6 patients with cirrhosis; there were no epidemiological, clinical (except ascites), or biochemical differences between these two groups. Four of the 7 patients tested had HLA B8 antigens; they all had chronic active hepatitis, with autoantibodies in 3 cases. Median duration of hospitalization was 21 days. Hepatitis was directly responsible for death in 3 patients; biochemical sequelae (hypergammaglobulinemia or anicteric cholestasis) were present in 8 patients, 2 of whom most likely had cirrhosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

[Radiographic scanning of the temporomandibular joint. Technic and results].

The authors report a prospective study involving investigation of the temporo-mandibular joints for algo-dysfunctional syndromes by gaseous arthroscanning. They propose a double articular compartment injection technique using CT scan localization. The CT scan study is performed using fine sagittal sections with the mouth both closed and open, and also Hirtz coronal sections. Early results directly demonstrate menisco-ligamentary structures, the position of the meniscus in the closed position and its displacement on mouth opening, these being of fundamental importance to the practitioner. The authors present normal results and the principal pathological results encountered in the investigation of algodysfunctional syndromes involving this joint (T.M.A.D.S.). CT scan allows more precise localization for joint injection than radioscopy, and while the images obtained are markedly better than those obtained on opaque arthrograms, they offer less dynamic information in view of the lack of radioscopy.

Humans↗

[Intra-orbital explosion of a rocket].

Orbito-palpebral ballistic wounds are relatively common, most often due to firearms, and raise the problem of their surgical management. Excision of the intra-orbital foreign bodies remains difficult, above all when there is impaction of the anterior portion. The authors report a model case of orbital trauma by rocket splinter, excision of which was possible via the entry orifice.

Eye Foreign Bodies↗

Purification and properties of a xylanase from Streptomyces lividans.

An extracellular xylanase produced by a cellulase-negative mutant strain of Streptomyces lividans 1326 was purified to homogeneity. The purified enzyme has an apparent Mr of 43,000 and pI of 5.2. The pH and temperature optima for the activity were 6.0 and 60 degrees C respectively, and the Km and Vmax. values, determined with a soluble oat spelts xylan, were 0.78 mg/ml and 0.85 mmol/min per mg of enzyme. The xylanase showed no activity towards CM-cellulose and p-nitrophenyl beta-D-xyloside. The enzyme degraded xylan, producing mainly xylobiose, a mixture of xylo-oligosaccharides and a small amount of xylose as end products. Its pattern of action on beta-1,4-D-xylan indicates that it is a beta-1,4-endoxylanase (EC 3.2.1.8).

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

[Bacterial infections and early Plasmodium falciparum malaria].

Two cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria associated with bacterial infections--streptococcus A septicemia and Legionnaires' disease--are described. The association of these two infections is probably not incidental, and the hypothesis of Plasmodium falciparum induced immuno-deficiency is discussed.

Adult↗

[Evaluation of the use of ofloxacin in the treatment of various infections].

We investigated the clinical efficiency and safety of ofloxacin, a new fluoroquinolone, for the treatment of various documented bacterial infections in 26 patients (10 females, 16 males) aged 17 to 84 years. Ofloxacin monotherapy was given orally in a dose of 200 mg twice (25) or three times (1) a day. Antibiotic levels and serum bactericidal activity were measured using a microbiological method on the second and sixth days, before and 2 and 6 hours after a single dose. The infectious episode treated was enterocolitis in 7 cases (5 Shigella, 2 Salmonella), Salmonella septicemia in 9 (7 typhoid fevers and 2 Salmonella minor infections), chronic osteoarthritis in 3 (1 E. coli, 2 S. aureus + P. aeruginosa), a soft tissue infection in 3 (2 S. aureus, 1 E. coli), acute pleuropneumonia in 2 (2 Klebsiella pneumoniae), pyelonephritis with bacteremia in 1 (Klebsiella pneumoniae), and pneumococcal pneumonia with septicemia in 1. Mean duration of therapy was ten days for 23 patients (range 7 to 30 days). The three patients with osteoarthritis were treated for 35, 95 and 270 days respectively. 24 patients recovered free of sequelae or germ carriage. Treatment failed in 1 case of chronic osteitis (S. aureus + P. aeruginosa) and in 1 staphylococcal soft tissue infection. No adverse reactions were observed except a slight increase in transaminases in 3 patients. Peak and through serum ofloxacin levels were 3.70 micrograms/ml and 0.95 micrograms/ml respectively on the second day and 3.25 micrograms/ml and 0.80 microgram/ml respectively on the sixth day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

[Hepatic diffusion of ceftriaxone].

We studied the intrahepatic diffusion of ceftriaxone, a new third generation, very potent cephalosporin with a long serum half-life. Sixteen patients had percutaneous liver biopsy for suspected liver disease or protracted fever of unknown origin. Serum samples and liver biopsy specimens were taken simultaneously. Serial determinations of ceftriaxone concentrations showed that the hepatic half-life was significantly shorter than the serum half-life. We suggest that ceftriaxone be used in higher or more closely spaced doses for the treatment of liver infections.

Adult↗

[Purulent Staphylococcus aureus meningitis].

Retrospective study of 14 cases of Staphylococcus aureus meningitis and of data from the literature shows that this as yet infrequent disease which carries a high mortality rate (40%) is always related to neurosurgery, primary or iatrogenic septicemia, or local infection, usually in the lumbar area (spinal, abscess, spondylitis). The major clinical problem is the search for the meningeal lead point of Staphylococcus aureus penetration, whose eradication is more essential than in usual bacterial meningitis. Prognosis is mainly dependent upon the eventual existence of associated severe septicemia. Antibiotics active on Peni-M resistant Staphylococcus aureus and meningeal infection are reviewed.

Adult↗

[Varicella-zoster virus infections in the immunosuppressed child. Treatment with Acyclovir and controls].

Sixty minutes intravenous infusions of Acyclovir were given at 5 to 10 mg/kg 3 times daily for 6 to 11 days in 20 immunodeficient children with varicella (9 cases) and herpes zoster (11 cases) in a controlled open study. Twelve patients had a life-threatening illness. All patients who received therapy before the first 4 days had a more rapid cessation of new vesicles formation and more rapid scarring. Fourteen controlled children had accelerated clearance of viral antigens from vesicles. In 19 cases, virus was no longer isolated after the 3rd day. Eighteen patients recovered within 6 to 10 days. No relapse of varicella zoster virus infections had been observed 1 to 18 months after the end of treatment. Two children with varicellous interstitial pneumonia died 8 and 32 days after the end of treatment. In 3 cases, zoster pains reappeared 8 days after Acyclovir therapy was stopped. The drug was well-tolerated, but control of renal functions is necessary.

Acyclovir↗

[Acyclovir therapy of varicella-zoster virus infections in the immunosuppressed children ].

We evaluated Acyclovir therapy in 16 immunodeficient children with varicella (7 cases) and zoster (9 cases) in a controlled open study. infections were serious in 12 patients. Each patient had daily clinical, biological and virological tests. Sixty minutes intra-venous infusions of Acyclovir were given three times a day (5 to 10 mg/kg/8 hours) for 6 ou 11 days. All patients who received therapy before the first four days, ahd a more rapid cessation of new vesicles formation and more rapid scaring, than those with delayed treatment. Ten controlled children had accelerated clearance of viral antigens from vesicles. In 15 cases, virus was not isolated after the third day. Two children with varicellous interstitial pneumonia died, 8 and 25 days after the end of treatment. Fourteen patients recovered in 8 to 10 days. No relapses of varicella-zoster virus infections had been observed 1 to 14 months after therapy. The drug was well-tolerated, but supervising of renal functions is necessary. Acyclovir had a good therapeutic efficacy to treat chickenpox and shingles in the immunocompromised patients.

Acyclovir↗

[Acute skin disease due to staphylococcal infection (author's transl)].

Sixteen children with "scalded skin" due to staphylococcal infections are described [six cases of staphylococcal scarlet fever, 6 cases of bullous impetigo and 4 cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's disease--of which Ritter's disease is only the neonatal manifestation)]. The clinical features of each of these conditions are described, the common feature being the severity of the pathological changes. The role of the exfoliating toxin secreted by the pathogenic staphylococci mostly belonging to phagegroup II, phagetype 3A, 3N, 3C, 55 or 71) is emphasized. Treatment should be aimed at reducing secondary infection by strict asepsis and by eradicating staphylococci with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Corticosteroids have no beneficial effect. The outcome is good if these principles are applied strictly.

Acute Disease↗