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Biomedical subjects

M Gosselin

Publications and source records attributed to M Gosselin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Superficial and orthovoltage x-ray beam dosimetry.

Output of superficial and orthovoltage x-ray units may be measured with cylindrical or end-window parallel-plate ionization chambers. The air-kerma calibration factors for these chambers are usually determined free in air, and the x-ray machine output is stated as the air-kerma rate free in air, which, when multiplied with the appropriate backscatter factor, gives the air-kerma rate on the surface of a phantom or patient. For end-window chambers, especially when they are used for measurements of small fields or low x-ray energies, the air-kerma calibration factors may also be determined with the chamber embedded in a tissue-equivalent phantom. This results in field size dependent air-kerma in-air calibration factors but obviates the requirement for knowledge of back-scatter factors when determining the air-kerma rate on the surface of a phantom. Since there still is considerable uncertainty in tabulated backscatter factors as a function of field size and x-ray beam energy, the output measurement technique which determines the air-kerma rate on phantom surface with a phantom-embedded end-window ionization chamber offers a clear advantage over the in-air calibration method.

Air↗

[Causal assessment of drug-induced acute colitis. A prospective study of 58 consecutive cases].

AIMS: The causal effect of drugs is underestimated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study was to assess the causal implication of drugs in acute colitis. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in 58 consecutive patients with an acute inflammation of the colonic mucosa. Recent drug intake was recorded and possible causal effects were analyzed exhaustively with respect to both intrinsic and bibliographic criteria. RESULTS: Causal assessment scores were high for 57 drugs and 41 patients. Drug-induced acute colitis was diagnosed in 35 cases. In 7 patients, physician practice had not taken into account drug use despite probable drug involvement. The main drugs implicated were antibiotics (n = 42) and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 10). CONCLUSION: Acute colitis is mainly induced by drugs.

Acute Disease↗

Neurotactin, a membrane-anchored chemokine upregulated in brain inflammation.

Chemokines are small secreted proteins that stimulate the directional migration of leukocytes and mediate inflammation. During screening of a murine choroid plexus complementary DNA library, we identified a new chemokine, designated neurotactin. Unlike other chemokines, neurotactin has a unique cysteine pattern, Cys-X-X-X-Cys, and is predicted to be a type 1 membrane protein. Full-length recombinant neurotactin is localized on the surface of transfected 293 cells. Recombinant neurotactin containing the chemokine domain is chemotactic for neutrophils both in vitro and in vivo. Neurotactin messenger RNA is predominantly expressed in normal murine brain and its protein expression in activated brain microglia is upregulated in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, as well as in mice treated with lipopolysaccharide. Distinct from all other chemokine genes, the neurotactin gene is localized to human chromosome 16q. Consequently we propose that neurotactin represents a new delta-chemokine family and that it may play a role in brain inflammation processes.

Animals↗

Prospective randomized trial of chemoembolization versus intra-arterial injection of 131I-labeled-iodized oil in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Intra-arterial injection of radioactive Lipiodol has shown promising results in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal obstruction. The aim of this prospective, randomized trial was to compare the efficacy and tolerance of 131I-labeled Lipiodol and chemoembolization for the treatment of patients with HCC. From September 1990 to September 1993, 142 patients (135 men, 7 women; age: 65 +/- 6.6 years) were randomly assigned to treatment groups and given either intra-arterial injections of 131I-labeled Lipiodol (60 mCi; 2.2 GBq) (n = 73) or chemoembolization (70 mg cisplatin) (n = 69). Subsequent injections were given at 2, 5, 8, 12, and 18 months. Tumor response was assessed on the basis of tumor size and serum alpha-fetoprotein levels. Patient tolerance was assessed clinically and angiographically. Survival rate was the main end-point. A total of 129 patients (65 in the 131I-labeled Lipiodol group and 64 in the chemoembolization group) were available for analysis; 13 were excluded, mainly because of portal vein thrombosis. The two groups were comparable. Actuarial survival curves were not significantly different between the two groups. Overall survival rates at 6 months, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years were 69%, 38%, 22%, 14%, and 10%, and 66%, 42%, 22%, 3%, and 0% in the 131I-labeled Lipiodol and chemoembolization groups, respectively. Reduction in tumor size was similar for the two groups, with complete response in 1 and 0 patients and partial response in 15 and 16 patients in the 131I-labeled Lipiodol and chemoembolization groups, respectively. Tolerance was significantly better in the 131I-labeled Lipiodol group both clinically (3 severe side effects vs. 29 in the chemoembolization group; P < .001) and angiographically (1 arterial thrombosis vs. 10 in the chemoembolization group; P < .01). In terms of patient survival and tumor response, radioactive 131I-labeled Lipiodol and chemoembolization were equally effective in the treatment of HCC, but tolerance to 131I-labeled Lipiodol was significantly better.

Aged↗

The assessment of diabetes-related cognitive and social factors: the Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire.

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the recently developed Multidimensional Diabetes Questionnaire (MDQ). The MDQ, which is theoretically linked to a social learning perspective of diabetes, was designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of diabetes-related cognitive and social factors. It includes 41 items grouped into three sections: (1) perceptions related to diabetes and related social support, (2) positive and misguided reinforcing behaviors related to self-care activities, and (3) self-efficacy and outcome expectancies. Confirmatory factor analyses, conducted on a sample of 249 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, supported the construct validity of the MDQ. Adequate internal consistency and significant demographic, psychological, behavioral, and disease-related correlates were found. The MDQ may prove valuable in understanding individual differences in adjustment to diabetes.

Adult↗

Anal lesions: any significant prognosis in Crohn's disease?

AIM: Work-up of anoperineal lesions usually includes indices of clinical activity as well as diagnostic criteria of Crohn's disease but their prognostic implication remains unclear. This prospective study was conducted in order to evaluate the overall incidence of anoperineal lesions and their relation to the natural history of underlying intestinal Crohn's disease with special reference to the steroid-dependent state of the patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and one patients (46 males, 55 females, aged 34 +/- 14 years; range: 15-79) were consecutively referred to our institution (May 1991 to May 1994) for intestinal symptoms related to Crohn's disease (mean duration 66 +/- 66 months). They all underwent a proctological examination regardless of perineal symptoms. The Cardiff classification was used to describe anoperineal lesions. Patients with anal lesions (64) differed from those without (37): male predisposition (53% vs. 32%, P<0.05), more frequent rectal involvement (75% vs. 24%, P<0.001) and more acute lesions observed at proctoscopic examination (42% vs. 16%, P<0.05). Age of onset, surgical past history of Crohn's disease, colonic or ileal involvement, or Harvey-Bradshaw score were not different between groups. RESULTS: Patients with anal ulceration (43) as compared to patients having anal involvement without ulceration experienced pain more frequently (constant pain: 56 vs. 14%; defecatory pain: 35 vs. 19%) and a more severe evolution of intestinal (40 vs. 22%, P<0.05) and anal (42 vs. 12%, P<0.05) involvement. In those with an aggressive ulceration (U2, 28 patients), daily stool frequency (5.1 +/- 3 vs. 3.6 +/- 2.5, P<0.05) and clinical score (9 +/- 5 vs. 7 +/- 3) were more pronounced. Steroid therapy dependency occurred more frequently in the group with anal ulceration (35 vs. 16% and 40 vs. 17%, respectively, P<0.05). Similar associations were observed for cases of anal involvement (34 vs. 5%, P<0.01) and azathioprine was more frequently required (39 vs. 5%, P<0.01) than in those free of anal lesions. During follow-up, eight other patients required azathioprine (steroid dependence in six) and seven of them had anal lesions at referral. At the endpoint of the study, one out of two patients with anal lesions required azathioprine most often due to steroid dependency of the intestinal involvement (30/64 vs. 4/37, P<0.005). CONCLUSION: Anal ulcerations are a reliable severity index of Crohn's disease in both short- and long-term prognosis but their link to the steroid status of the intestinal disease remains unclear.

Adolescent↗

Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater: prognostic factors after curative surgery: a series of 45 cases.

BACKGROUND: Some adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy could be important for patients operated on for tumours of the ampulla of Vater, especially for those having a higher risk of recurrence. AIM: To evaluate prognostic factors after curative surgery based on a series of 45 cases of malignant tumours of the Oddi sphincter. PATIENTS: From 1970 to 1992, a curative resection was performed in 45 patients (age 62.8 (SD 10.1) years) with adenocarcinoma of the ampulla. Surgical procedures included pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 42) and resection of the ampulla (n = 3). Actuarial survival was 44 (SD 9)% at five years. METHODS: Various prognostic variables were studied: clinical manifestations, macroscopic aspect, differentiation, noninvasive adenomatous component, mucin histochemistry, immunohistochemistry (CEA, CA19.9, p53, Ki67), and accepted classifications (Blumgart and Kennedy, Martin, Yamaguchi and Enjoji, Talbot et al, pTNM). RESULTS: Variables with prognostic power, in order of importance were: Classification of Talbot et al; CA19.9; pTNM; sialomucins; classification of Yamaguchi and Ejoji; Martin classification; sulphomucins; non-invasive adenomatous component (positive > negative); jaundice; tumour localisation. CONCLUSIONS: This series confirmed the prognostic power of former classifications and showed the prognostic power of other variables (mucin, non-invasive adenomatous component, CA19.9).

Adenocarcinoma↗

Characterization of a specific binding site for angiotensin II in chicken liver.

We have characterized a specific binding site for angiotensin II (AngII) in chicken liver membranes. Pseudo-equilibrium studies at 22 degrees C for 30 min have shown that this binding site recognizes AngII with a high affinity (pKD of 8.13 +/- 0.21). The binding sites are saturable and relatively abundant (maximal binding capacity varies from 0.318 to 0.88 pmol/mg of protein). Nonequilibrium kinetic analyses at 22 degrees C revealed a calculated kinetic pKD of 8.77 +/- 0.20. The binding site is pharmacologically distinct from the classic AngII receptors AT1 and AT2. Competitive binding studies with chicken liver membranes demonstrated the following rank order of effectiveness: AngII (human; Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) > AngI(Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe-His-Leu) > AngIII(Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) > AngIV (Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) > Ang(1-7) (Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro) > PD123319 (1-[4(dimethylamino)3-methylphenyl] methyl-5-(diphenylacetyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo [4,5-c]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid) > DuP753 (2-n-butyl-4-chloro-5 hydroxymethyl-1-[(2'-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl] imidazole. This atypical AngII binding site (chicken AT) was sensitive to increasing concentrations of DTT and Mn2+. The structure-activity relationship on position 1 of AngII showed that the primary N-terminal amine was essential for binding affinity ([Asp1]AngII > [Suc1]AngII > or = [Sar1]AngII), but modifications of the side chain in position 1 had less influence on the affinity ([Gly1]AngII > [Cys1]AngII approximately [aminoisobutyryl1]AngII approximately [Ser1]AngII > > > [Sar1]AngII). The presence of substantial quantities of this binding site in chicken liver membranes suggests the possibility that the chicken AT may play an important, yet unrecognized, role in the renin-angiotensin system.

Angiotensin II↗

TAP gene transporter polymorphism in inflammatory bowel diseases.

BACKGROUND: Many studies suggest the implication of genetic factors in inflammatory bowel diseases. Despite some associations with HLA genes, the lack of definite data may be due to ethnic variations, clinical heterogeneity, or the involvement of additional susceptibility genes beside or within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), such as TAP genes. The aim of this study was to analyze in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease (CD) the polymorphism of TAP genes that encode the proteins necessary for the transfer of antigenic peptides through the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. METHODS: One hundred and one UC and 148 CD patients were compared with 173 unrelated healthy controls. Dimorphisms within the TAP1 and TAP2 alleles were analyzed by sequence-specific oligonucleotide typing. RESULTS: No difference was found between patient groups and controls. However, when CD patients were classified on the basis of their responsiveness to steroid therapy, a significant decrease of TAP2 AA (*0101/*0101) genotype was found in CD patients who did not respond to steroid therapy (22.9% versus 43.7% in steroid responder group; Pc < 0.05; odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence limits (CL) = 1.2-5.9). These data appear independent of the distribution of HLA DRB1*01 or DRB1*03 alleles despite a significant linkage disequilibrium between these alleles and TAP2A. CONCLUSIONS: This result suggests, despite the absence of arguments favoring a genetic susceptibility to CD, that the TAP2 gene or other genes located on chromosome 6 may be involved in the genetic heterogeneity of CD.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

[Polymorphism of the microsatellites and tumor necrosis factor genes in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases].

OBJECTIVES: Multiplex family studies have excluded chromosome 6 as a candidate gene of susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease. However, one recent study suggested that a gene involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease is located on chromosome 6 confering to a microsatellite allelic combination (a2, b1, c2, d4, e1) a strong genetic risk factor in Crohn's disease. The aim of our study was to determine simultaneously the polymorphisms of the TNF microsatellites and of the genes coding for TNF synthesis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with ulcerative colitis, 100 patients with Crohn's disease were compared to 64 healthy ethnically matched controls. Five TNF microsatellite loci (a, b, c, d, e) were typed using polymerase chain reaction PCR, and two dimorphisms of TNF alpha and TNF beta (intron 1) were studied by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). RESULTS: Allelic frequencies of TNF microsatellites and of TNF alpha and beta genes were similar in Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and controls. Five loci microsatellite haplotypes, especially a2 b1 c2 d4 e1 allelic combination, were not more frequent in Crohn's disease (25%) compared to ulcerative colitis (27%) or controls (20%). Subgroups stratification according to clinical characteristics did not modify haplotype frequencies. Analysis of our data taking simultaneously into account the MHC alleles (DRB*01 or DRB1*04) did not modify our data; however, it suggested that extended haplotype on short arm of chromosome 6 differed between patients and controls. Linkage disequilibrium (delta = -360.10(-4); P < 0.01) between a2, b1, c2, d4, e1 allelic combination and DRB1*04 allele was observed only in Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: Percentages of patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis carrying TNF microsatellite or TNF alpha and beta gene haplotypes were similar to those of healthy controls. These data argue against involvement of the TNF locus without exclusion of short arm of chromosome 6 implication in Crohn's disease pathogenesis.

Adult↗

A tightly regulated high level expression vector that utilizes a thermosensitive lac repressor: production of the human T cell receptor V beta 5.3 in Escherichia coli.

A series of vectors has been constructed to express the human T cell receptor V beta 5.3 under the control of the hybrid trc promoter in Escherichia coli. Transcriptional induction of the trc promoter was achieved chemically by using isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) in a bacterial strain that harbors the lacIq gene, or thermally by using the mutant lacIts gene that encodes a temperature-sensitive lac repressor [Bukrinsky et al. (1988) Multicopy expression vector based on temperature-regulated lac repressor: expression of human immunodeficiency virus env gene in Escherichia coli. Gene 70, 415-417]. Several of the plasmids tested also contain the E. coli heat-stable enterotoxin II (STII) signal sequence for protein secretion. In addition, the gene 10 leader sequence from bacteriophage T7 and a minicistron localized upstream of the V beta 5.3 coding sequence were tested for their potential effect on protein production. These elements increased protein yield two-fold when transcription was induced by IPTG, but had no detectable effect on protein yield when transcription was induced thermally. The highest protein yield was obtained when V beta 5.3 was expressed either from plasmid pKB containing the STII signal in strain LJ24, or from plasmid pKBi that lacks the signal sequence, in the protease deficient strain SG21173 (lon, htpR. clp). Both plasmids contain the lacIts gene, the trc promoter, the two transcription terminators of the rrnB operon, and a tetracycline selection marker. Production of V beta 5.3 using pKBi-V beta 5.3 in strain SG21173 in a 5-liter fermenter under controlled growth conditions yielded over 25 mg V beta 5.3/liter culture. Conversion of the lacIts to the lacIqts gene yielded vector pKBiq-V beta 5.3 which exhibits complete repression of the trc promoter at 30 degrees C. This stringent regulation of the thermally inducible trc promoter, the elimination of IPTG, the inclusion of the tetracycline resistance gene, and the high level of protein yield should render this expression system broadly useful for the high level production of heterologous proteins in E. coli, for both basic research and human therapeutic applications.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Are HLA-DR or TAP genes genetic markers of severity in ulcerative colitis?

The pathogeny of ulcerative colitis (UC) is not yet elucidated, but some arguments suggest the implication of genetic factors. Among the candidate genes, those encoding for HLA class II genotypes have been extensively studied in UC; however, discordant data may be imputable to heterogeneity, characterized by immunological markers such as atypical ANCA (p-ANCA), or to inclusion of more or less intractable UC. The aim of our study is to evaluate the interest of HLA class II and TAP genetic markers to identify different clinical forms of UC, according to p-ANCA status. Unrelated patients with a history of UC (n = 91) and healthy control subjects with no personal or family history of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) (n = 200) were included. HLA-DRB1*03 was less frequent in UC patients than in healthy controls (8% vs 28%, PC < 0.03). No association was found with any TAP genotypes. Moreover, there was no association with the HLA-DR2 specificity, either in the entire group of UC patients (38% vs 28%) or in the p-ANCA-positive subgroup of patients (30%). The most consistent finding in the present study is that some genetic markers may characterize intractability in UC patients. HLA-DR2 was associated with poor prognosis, regardless of p-ANCA status. In HLA-DR2 and non-HLA-DR2 groups, colectomy was done in 55% and 27% of patients, respectively, (PC < 0.05). Furthermore, in non-HLA-DR2 patients, p-ANCA could be of interest to characterize those with more severe prognosis. Our results confirm the interest of genetic studies to define UC genetic susceptibility, taking into account intractability of the disease. They do not support the hypothesis that p-ANCA is a subclinical marker of genetic susceptibility to UC.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

Equivalent square as a predictor of depth of dose maximum for megavoltage therapy beams.

The depths of dose maxima, dmax, and surface doses of 6 MV, 10 MV, and 18 MV photon beams were measured for various square fields and rectangular fields with elongation ratios from 1 to 27. Rectangular fields with elongation ratios below 2 have essentially the same depths of dose maxima and surface doses as their corresponding equivalent square fields. For rectangular fields with elongation ratios above 2, the surface doses increase, and depths of dose maxima decrease with increasing elongation ratio in comparison to their respective values for their corresponding equivalent square fields. The shift of dmax toward the surface is more pronounced when the upper jaws rather than the lower jaws define the long axis of the field. This collimator exchange effect does not influence the surface dose. Even for the largest elongation ratios, the changes in dmax and surface dose from their equivalent square field values were minor and clinically insignificant, suggesting that the equivalent square approach provides a reliable method for predicting the values of dmax and surface dose for rectangular fields from square fields data.

Forecasting↗

Labeled granulocyte scanning for the diagnosis of infected necrosis in acute pancreatitis: what kind of labeling should be used?

Clinical and laboratory data or imaging results cannot provide a positive diagnosis of septic complications of pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis in patients with acute pancreatitis. Confirmation can be obtained only after percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided aspiration of the necrotic tissues or fluid collection; although the important role of 99Tc(m)-HMPAO-labeled granulocyte scintigraphy has been recently emphasized. The aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of 99m-technetium-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (99Tc(m)-HMPAO)- or 111In-oxine-labeled granulocyte scintigraphy for the diagnosis of infection in pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis to define the ideal label for diagnosis. Thirty-six scintigraphic examinations were performed in 34 consecutive patients (mean age, 58 +/- 2 years) 20 +/- 2 days after the onset of acute pancreatitis (Balthazar classes A-C, n = 7; classes D and E, n = 29). The scintigraphic study included scintigraphic tomography and static acquisition 1 and 3 h, respectively, after reinjection of the autologous 99Tc(m)-labeled granulocytes and static images 3-4 and 24 h after the simultaneous reinjection of 111In-oxine-labeled autologous granulocytes. The diagnosis of infected pancreatic or peripancreatic necrosis was confirmed with percutaneous CT-guided aspiration (14 positive aspirates among 20 performed) and sterile necrosis after negative aspiration (6 negative aspirates) or after a 6 +/- 1-month follow-up free of clinical or biological signs of ongoing sepsis. The sensitivity and specificity were 86 and 73%, respectively, for scintigraphic tomography, 100 and 55% for 3-h 111In images, 93 and 68% for 3-4-h 111In images, and 100 and 64% for 24-h 111In images. The fall in splenic activity between the 3-4 and the 24-h 111In images was 26 +/- 3% in patients with septic pancreatic and peripancreatic necrosis (n = 14) and 16 +/- 3% in those with sterile necrosis (n = 22) (p < 0.01). Labeled granulocyte scintigraphy was thus shown to be an effective tool for the diagnosis of infection in pancreatic and/or peripancreatic necrosis due to acute pancreatitis, especially when the scintiscans are performed early after injection of 99Tc(m) or when the fall in splenic activity over the 24 h following reinjection of 111In is measured in particularly difficult cases. These promising preliminary results should be confirmed by a prospective study.

Acute Disease↗

Investigation of the association of major histocompatibility complex genes, including HLA class I, class II and TAP genes, with clinical forms of Crohn's disease.

The aim of this study was to determine immunogenetic markers of susceptibility in Crohn's disease (CD), taking the different features of the clinical course of the disease into account. HLA class I, HLA class II and TAP transporter gene polymorphisms were studied using DNA typing methods. Gene and antigen frequencies were analysed and compared in a group of 102 CD patients and 200 unrelated healthy controls from the same area. Analysis of the whole CD patient population revealed no definite association with either HLA or TAP gene alleles, with the exception of an association with DRB1*1302 (Pc < 0.05). However, when clinical subgroups of patients were considered, specific associations with some genetic markers were found. The most definitive results involved a genetic association in the group of patients who did not respond to glucocorticoid therapy. This group was characterized by a high frequency of HLA-DRB1*04 (P < 0.05). Conversely, a positive association with the TAP2-A allele was found in cortico-responder patients (Pc < 0.03). Furthermore, analysis of the distribution of HLA class II alleles in relation to the presence of extra-intestinal manifestations revealed an association with the DQB1*0501 or *0503 suballele of DQ5 (P < 0.05). Finally, patients with lesions in the small bowel were more frequently HLA DRB1*07 (P < 0.05). The present study supports the concept of clinical heterogeneity in Crohn's disease associated with a background of genetic heterogeneity.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

[Giant hyperplastic polyposis with adenomatous tissue].

Hyperplastic polyps are the most common type of colorectal polyps. They are usually multiple and localized in the rectosigmoid area. They are easily recognized by their small size (< 10 mm), sessile form, smooth-surface and translucid appearance. Typically, these polyps have no malignant potential. We report the case of a 68-year-old man who had multiple rectosigmoid polyps, some of them having macroscopic features of adenomatous polyps. Because of the occurrence of bleeding after endoscopic polypectomy of two polyps corresponding to adenomas at examination, because of the multiplicity of these polyps and their localization in diverticulosis, a left colectomy followed by coloanal anastomosis was performed. Histologic examination of the surgical specimen revealed the hyperplastic nature of all polyps with, in two of them, a focus of adenomatous tissue.

Adenomatous Polyps↗

[Emergency medical treatment of portal hypertension].

The main aetiology of acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage in cirrhotic patients is variceal bleeding. Prognosis is determined by early or late rebleeding rates and the severity of underlying liver disease, mostly estimated by Child Pugh score. Diagnosis and therapy of variceal bleeding is currently based on endoscopic sclerotherapy and more recently on banding ligation. However, the management of acute variceal bleeding remains controversial and vasoactive drugs are an alternative treatment. At present, most of these studies showed encouraging but conflicting results. These trials show that the cyclic octapeptide analogue (octreotide) of somatostatin or the triglycyl analogue (terlipressin) of vasopressin are safer and more effective than their natural drugs respectively. Clinically, drug choice depends on four factors: -results of trials comparing vasoactive treatment to classical sclerotherapy: comparison of these two kinds of treatment show similar results concerning haemostatic rate as well as mortality especially for somatostatin or its synthetic analogue; -results of trials comparing synthetic analogue of vasopressin to cyclic analogue of somatostatin in variceal bleeding: current study designs demonstrate an arithmetic difference (p = 0.06) with a better early haemostatic rate after octreotide associated with comparable final haemostasis (after 24 hours) and mortality; -results of combination of both treatments (i.e. sclerotherapy associated with vasoactive drug versus sclerotherapy): such association decreases variceal rebleeding without improvement of survival rate; -and finally, importance of adverse drug effects on hepatic and renal functions: few studies show scanty and conflicting adverse drug effect especially on free water clearance which must be studied by further clinical trials to confirm their benefit in emergency management of variceal bleeding.

Combined Modality Therapy↗