Biomedical subjects

M Lamy

Publications and source records attributed to M Lamy.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1992

Acute adenovirus hepatitis in liver transplant recipients.

An acute or fulminant adenovirus hepatitis developed in 5 of 224 pediatric patients who were recipients of orthotopic liver transplants. All had received prednisolone, azathioprine, and cyclosporine as basal immunosuppression, and four received monoclonal (OKT3) or polyclonal (antithymocyte globulin) antibodies for steroid-resistant rejection episodes. These patients initially had high fever and a worsening condition for a mean of 73 days after transplantation (range 44 to 140 days). Results of biochemical tests showed very high serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase. Aspartate aminotransferase values were always markedly more elevated than those of alanine aminotransferase. Two patients had severe leukopenia. Results of histologic studies of the liver showed extensive areas of confluent necrosis and targetlike hepatocyte nuclei. Typical intranuclear viral inclusions were observed on electron microscopy. Adenovirus was cultured in all patients and in two relatives. Two patients died of liver failure; others recovered after cessation of immunosuppression. We conclude that adenovirus hepatitis can be fatal in liver transplant recipients. There is no specific treatment, and immunosuppression must be discontinued.

Adenovirus Infections, Human↗

PubMed1992

Plasma levels of polymorphonuclear elastase and myeloperoxidase after uphill walking and downhill running at similar energy cost.

This study was designed to compare the effects of eccentric and concentric exercises on blood polymorphonuclear neutrophil count (nPMN) and plasma levels of myeloperoxidase ([MPO]) and elastase ([EL]) used as markers of neutrophil (PMN) activation. Ten healthy male subjects underwent 2 periods of exercise of 20 min duration each at 60% VO2max on an inclined treadmill. They initially walked up a 5% grade (UW). Ten days later they ran downhill on a 20% grade (RD). Blood samples were collected 10 min before and immediately after exercise. A postexercise sample was drawn after 20 min recovery. Both exercise bouts were accompanied by a similar and significant (p < 0.01) increase of 33% in nPMN above resting values. Baseline nPMN values were reached after 20 min recovery. There were no significant changes in [MPO] and [EL] following UW. In contrast, RD was followed by significant increases (p < 0.001) in [MPO] (+97%) and [EL] (+70%) above resting levels. While [MPO] returned to its pre-exercise level after 20 min recovery, [EL] remained significantly elevated (p < 0.05). These results clearly demonstrate the importance of the eccentric component of muscle contraction in exercise-induced PMN activation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Metabolic and respiratory changes after cholecystectomy performed via laparotomy or laparoscopy.

We have compared metabolic and respiratory changes after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n = 15) with those after open cholecystectomy (n = 15). The durations of postoperative i.v. therapy, fasting and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the laparoscopy group. During the first and second days after operation, analgesic consumption but not pain scores (visual analogue scale) were significantly smaller after laparoscopy, while vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and PaO2 were significantly greater. The metabolic and acute phase responses (glucose, leucocytosis, C-reactive protein) were less after laparoscopy compared with laparotomy. Although plasma cortisol and catecholamine concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups, after surgery interleukin-6 concentrations were less in the laparoscopy group.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗

PubMed1992

Cytokine serum level during severe sepsis in human IL-6 as a marker of severity.

Forty critically ill surgical patients with documented infections were studied during their stay in an intensive care unit. Among these patients, 19 developed septic shock and 16 died, 9 of them from septic shock. Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor (TNF alpha), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured each day and every 1 or 2 hours when septic shock occurred. Although IL-1 beta was never found, TNF alpha was most often observed in the serum at a level under 100 pg/mL except during septic shock. During these acute episodes TNF alpha level reached several hundred pg/mL, but only for a few hours. In contrast, IL-6 was always increased in the serum of acutely ill patients (peak to 500,000 pg/mL). There was a direct correlation between IL-6 peak serum level and TNF alpha peak serum level during septic shock and between IL-6 serum level and temperature or C-reactive protein serum level. Moreover, IL-6 correlated well with APACHE II score, and the mortality rate increased significantly in the group of patients who presented with IL-6 serum level above 1000 pg/mL. Thus, IL-6 appears to be a good marker of severity during bacterial infection.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

[Cytomegalovirus and the fetus].

The literature on the risks to the fetus and neonate of maternal cytomegalovirus infection, whether primary or reactivated, is briefly reviewed. The various rates of risks reported and the mechanism of fetal infection are discussed. Screening for maternal infection, antenatal diagnosis of fetal infection, and development of new antiviral treatments and immunizations are advocated.

Cytomegalovirus Infections↗

PubMed1991

Self-labeling of human polymorphonuclear leucocyte myeloperoxidase with 125iodine.

In order to obtain a radioimmunoassay (RIA) technique for the measurement of human plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO), we purified the enzyme from polymorphonuclear granulocytes (neutrophils), and compared three methods of labeling it with 125Iodine:chloramine T, lactoperoxidase, and an original technique of 'self labeling' based on the ability of the enzyme to oxidize and bind 125I in the presence of H2O2. The chloramine T technique produced a degraded protein, as well shown by a high non-specific binding of tracer to antibody. The lactoperoxidase technique did not succeed in labeling MPO with an adequate specific activity. In contrast, the self-labeling method gave a stable tracer with a specific activity of 23 microCi/micrograms MPO (85 MBq), a satisfactory level of immunoreactivity, and a low-specific binding (less than or equal to 3%). After labeling, purification of tracer was achieved by gel filtration chromatography in phosphate buffer (0.05 M; pH7) to which 0.1% poly-L-lysine was added. The labeled molecule remained stable for 40 days and could be used for RIA with a polyclonal antibody raised in rabbits.

Chloramines↗

PubMed1991

Fast double antibody radioimmunoassay of human granulocyte myeloperoxidase and its application to plasma.

The haem enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) (EC 1.11.1.7) with a spectral A430/A280 ratio greater than 0.7 and a specific activity of 125 U/mg was purified from isolated human neutrophils. To obtain a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for this enzyme, a specific antiserum against human neutrophil MPO was raised in rabbits and used at an initial dilution of 1/10,000. MPO labelled with 125iodine by a technique of self-labelling in the presence of H2O2, had a specific activity of 24 mCi/mg. After incubation at room temperature (2 h) and separation by double antibody precipitation in the presence of polyethylene glycol, the sensitivity of the RIA was 21 ng/ml. The RIA showed good precision and accuracy with intra- and interassay coefficients of variation of less than 7% for MPO concentrations ranging from 100 to 800 ng/ml, and satisfactory recoveries of known amounts of exogenous MPO in plasma. For the measurement of MPO in blood, the best sampling technique was to collect blood into EDTA. Rapid centrifugation (within 20 min) was necessary for blood collected into heparin. Mean MPO values in normal individuals were 340 +/- 98 ng/ml in EDTA plasma (n = 152) and 332 +/- 82 ng/ml in heparinized plasma (n = 34). When MPO was measured 12-6 h after injury in critically ill patients high values (above 1000 ng/ml) were found in 6/15 patients with multiple injuries. In patients with sepsis (n = 22), MPO values were always above 1000 ng/ml.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Clinical and serological studies in a series of 45 patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome.

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical files of 45 Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) patients admitted to our Department between 1979 and 1989. The age distribution was bimodal with a first peak in young adults (20-40 years), and a second one between 60 to 70 years. Seasonal distribution showed a late fall and a hivernal predominance. Three patients experienced a second attack of GBS 2-9 years after the first one. Thirty-one (69%) presented antecedent events, most often a respiratory tract infection (n = 20) or enteritis (n = 6). Serological studies were systematically performed, including antibody titers against herpes simplex virus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), respiratory syncytial virus, human immunodeficiency virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Campylobacter jejuni/coli and cardiolipin. These studies showed the presence of antibodies indicative of a CMV primary infection in 22% cases and of a Campylobacter jejuni/coli infection in 13%. Co-infection was observed in 3 cases. Serology remained negative in 12 patients with a preceding respiratory infection. There was no correlation between serology and the severity of the disease. Absence of antecedent events and of positive anti-infectious serology was observed in only 10 patients.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Plasma vitamin E, total lipids and myeloperoxidase levels during spinal surgery. A comparison between two anesthetic agents: propofol and isoflurane.

Plasma levels of vitamin E (Vit. E), total lipids (TL), Vit. E to TL ratio and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were studied in 20 patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery and randomly allocated to two anesthetic groups: propofol (bolus dose + continuous infusion and thiopental/isoflurane. Peripheral blood samples were withdrawn prior to induction, each hour during anesthesia and 1 h after the end of surgery. Mean Vit. E and TL levels as well as mean Vit. E to TL ratios remained in the normal range over the entire period of study whatever the anesthetic regimen. MPO levels rose significantly in the post-operative period only, but without statistical difference between the two groups. Therefore, anesthesia with propofol or thiopental/isoflurane modifies neither total lipid concentrations nor plasma Vit. E, which is a potent endogenous inhibitor of lipid peroxidation bound to lipoproteins. The rise of plasma MPO suggests a moderate post-operative neutrophil activation which is not influenced by anesthetic techniques.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

[Mobilization of leukocytes during sub-maximal dynamic exercise].

Increase of blood leucocytes induced by a dynamic exercise has been studied in 10 adult male subjects (age: 22 +/- 2 years; body weight 73 +/- 10 kg; VO2max: 54 +/- 8 ml O2/kg.min. The exercise consisted of a 20 minutes test on a cycle ergometer at a work rate eliciting a total energy expenditure roughly equal to 80% of the maximal aerobic power (80% VO2max). During exercise the absolute number of circulating leucocytes (n Leu) increased significantly toward a maximal value reached in most cases at the end of exercise. The maximal values of n Leu--expressed as percentage of n Leu measured at rest--in the different blood leucocyte types (monocytes:n Mono; granulocytes:n GR; natural killer cells:n NK) and lymphocyte subsets (lymphocytes:n LY; lymphocytes T:n T; lymphocytes B:n B; lymphocytes T helper:n T4; lymphocytes T suppressor:n T8)--were as follows:n Mono:240%; n GR:170%; n NK:490%; n LY:220%; n T:200%; n B:190%; n T4:140%; n T8:190%. With the exception of n GR, n Leu decreased during recovery at a rate depending on the leucocyte type. The n T4/n T8 ratio, equal to 1 at rest, was reduced by about 40% during exercise. This ratio rose after exercise and reached a value equal to that measured at rest after 20 minutes recovery. In agreement with FERRY (1989), we concluded that exercise is accompanied by a selective mobilization of the different leucocyte types. The magnitude of this phenomenon and the kinetics of n Leu recuperation depend on cell types.

Adult↗

PubMed1991

Continuous measurement of jugular venous bulb oxygen saturation in neurosurgical patients.

Monitoring cerebral oxygen availability and utilization is of the utmost importance for patients with brain insults or potentially at risk of brain oxygen deprivation. The availability of the continuous measurement of oxygen saturation in the jugular bulb questions the value of this parameter as an indicator of brain oxygenation. This article reviews the theoretical background and the practical aspects of this monitoring. It describes its possible applications to neurosurgical patients in the operating theater as well as in the intensive therapy unit. Finally, it comments on its main limitations which could impede an extensive utilization in clinical practice.

Brain↗

PubMed1991

[Urticating hairs of "brown-tail" moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) (Lepidoptera): preliminary studies in urban and laboratory].

Urticating hairs of the brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.) are detectable in the air using apparatus designed for the collection of airborne microorganisms and pollen research studies. The hairs are produced by caterpillars and are distributed by air currents or via moths. They were collected in Bordeaux. In the laboratory a nycthemeral cycle of hair emission is observed and is correlated with the biological activities of these species.

Air Microbiology↗

PubMed1990

Prospective trial of recombinant leucocyte interferon in chronic hepatitis B: a long-term follow-up study.

Twenty-one adult patients with chronic hepatitis B and active viral replication as indicated by positivity for hepatitis B e antigen and hepatitis B virus DNA, with increased DNA polymerase levels for more than 6 months, were entered into a prospective trial of low-dose recombinant human alpha-interferon therapy. All patients were treated with 5 million units of recombinant interferon alfa-2b given subcutaneously every other day for 12 weeks. During treatment, 18 patients (86%) showed a significant reduction of DNA polymerase levels (p less than or equal to 0.001), which reached normal values in ten (48%). After 10 months' mean follow up, seven patients (33%) were hepatitis B e antigen negative and five (24%) subsequently became positive for antibodies to e antigen. By 27 months, nine patients (43%) were both hepatitis B e antigen negative and e antibody positive. Only one patient became permanently negative for hepatitis B surface antigen. One patient relapsed during the second year of follow up. Side effects necessitated withdrawal of therapy in two patients: one due to worsening thrombocytopenia after two doses of interferon (data omitted from the study results) and one due to a local reaction at the injection sites. Our data indicate that small doses of recombinant interferon alfa-2b given during a 12-week period induce a significant reduction in viral replication and approximately triple the spontaneous seroconversion rate observed in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Alanine Transaminase↗

PubMed1990

Plasma renin activity and urine beta 2-microglobulin during and after cardiopulmonary bypass: pulsatile vs non-pulsatile perfusion.

Fourteen patients with normal preoperative renal function underwent aortocoronary bypass graft using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with pulsatile (P;n = 7) or non pulsatile (NP;n = 7) perfusion. In the two groups prebypass values of plasma renin activity (PRA) and urine beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-M) were within normal limits. PRA increased significantly during CPB and the first 6 h after CPB only in the non-pulsatile group. In both groups, the urine beta 2-M level increased significantly during and after CPB; however, there was no significant difference in urine beta 2-M levels between the two groups. Also, the amount of beta 2-M excreted in urines per unit of time increased significantly in both groups during and after CPB; there was no significant difference between the two groups.

Aged↗

PubMed1990

[Atmospheric pollution of animal origin: the urticating hairs of the processionary caterpillar (Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff.) (Insects, Lepidoptera)].

Urticating hairs of pine processionary caterpillars are detectable in air using techniques designed for airborne microorganisms and pollen's research. As with pollens, abondance of hairs is correlated with distance of production zone and with local meterological conditions. Collected in Bordeaux, urticating hairs will be considered for allergists as pollens and other allergic particles.

Air Pollutants↗

PubMed1990

Equine postanaesthetic myositis: a possible role for free radical generation and membrane lipoperoxidation.

A method for the evaluation of total plasma antihydroxyl and antiperferryl activity is described. This method was applied to horse plasma obtained during halothane anaesthesia. In horses suffering from postanaesthetic myositis, a significant decrease in the antiperferryl activity was observed during anaesthesia particularly when the muscular compression produced by the weight of the horse was released. In the affected muscles, strong oxidants could therefore be generated during the reperfusion of the ischaemic muscles and might initiate membrane lipid peroxidation. This phenomenon could possibly explain the muscular damage observed in equine postanaesthetic myositis.

Anesthesia, General↗

PubMed1990

Posttraumatic parathyroid crisis and severe hypercalcemia treated with intravenous bisphosphonate (APD). Case report.

Severe acute hypercalcemia (4.03 mmol/l) developed in a 50 years old woman after head and intraabdominal trauma (and splenectomy). After failure to correct the calcium levels by intravenous saline, furosemide, steroids and calcitonin, two hemodialyses were performed; definitive control of hypercalcemia was obtained by intravenous (3-amino-1-hydroxypropylidene)-1.1-bisphosphonic acid (APD). APD is a new drug analog of pyrophosphate; its main property is to block bone resorption, irrespective of its stimulus. As suspected by clinical and laboratory data and confirmed by arteriographic findings, surgery and pathologic examination, the underlying pathology was a mild primary hyperparathyroidism which was acutely worsened (parathyroid crisis) in the course of the trauma. Definitive treatment consisted of the removal of the adenoma responsible of the hyperparathyroidism.

Abdominal Injuries↗

PubMed1989

Operative mortality following surgery for colorectal cancer.

From 1973 to 1986 at the Baviere Hospital, University of Liège, 476 patients underwent surgery for colorectal cancers. The overall operative mortality rate was 13.4 per cent. The following postoperative life-threatening complications occurred: myocardial infarction (14 per cent of the postoperative deaths) during the first three postoperative days; bronchopneumonia (27 per cent of the postoperative deaths) mainly during the first postoperative week; pulmonary embolism (17 per cent of the postoperative deaths) mainly during the second postoperative week; anastomotic leakage and cerebrovascular accident (14 and 8 per cent of the postoperative deaths respectively) mainly during the third and fourth postoperative weeks. Specific risk factors were chronic obstructive airways disease associated with a higher incidence of postoperative bronchopneumonia, and previous myocardial infarction associated with postoperative myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism. General risk factors were old age and emergency procedure, both of which were associated with a higher incidence of infectious complications. The operative mortality rate fell from 20.1 per cent in the 1973-79 period to 7.8 per cent in the 1980-86 period.

Age Factors↗