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Biomedical subjects

O Bouchaud

Publications and source records attributed to O Bouchaud.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Prevention of viral hepatitis in travelers and expatriots in a tropical and subtropical environment].

Hepatitis A and B are hyperendemic in tropical and, to a lesser extent, subtropical countries. This high level of endemicity is in sharp contrast with the low frequency of these infections in the industrialized world. As a consequence, the incidences of hepatitis A and B are high among travellers to or foreigners living in tropical or subtropical countries. Therefore, these subjects should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Furthermore, the usual preventive measures should be maintained. Risk of infection with the hepatitis C and E virus are much lower. Given the increasing number of travellers to tropical and subtropical countries, imported hepatitis is a public health problem for industrialized countries. Preventive measures must, then, be reinforced.

Developing Countries↗

[Vaccinations and systemic diseases. Vaccinations and immunosuppression].

The hypothesis of systemic disease flare up or onset triggered by vaccination cannot be confirmed by the analysis of data from the literature. In immune deficiency of any cause, immunization is of great interest to avoid preventable infectious diseases but the risk of adverse events and suboptimal immunologic responses has to be considered. For live, attenuated vaccines the main risks are postimmunization complications, specially in persons severely immunocompromised. For killed or inactivated vaccines there are no contraindications, but the immune response is reduced leading to consider higher vaccine doses or more frequent boosters. However the response to such modifications of vaccine schedules has not been systematically evaluated and firm recommendations cannot be made at this time. In addition, in HIV infection, the effect of vaccination on viral replication has to be considered. In developing countries some live vaccines are still recommended in HIV+ children because of the prevalence of the target-diseases (measles, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis...) and the rarity of complications.

Adult↗

Nutritional status of HIV-seropositive subjects in an AIDS clinic in Paris.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence and analyse the characteristics of malnutrition among subjects attending an AIDS outpatient clinic and a day care center, to improve the nutritional management of HIV-infected subjects. DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: AIDS clinic in a University Hospital in Paris. SUBJECTS: 124 HIV-seropositive adults attending the clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Evaluation of nutritional status using anthropometry, impedancemetry, plasma albumin and pre-albumin assays. Degree of malnutrition, defined by the percentage of body weight loss (BWL), calculated by reference to the usual body weight. RESULTS: Among the 124 subjects recruited (M:F sex ratio: 3.3, mean age: 36.3 +/- 7.2 y), 77 (62.1%, 95%CI: 53.9-70.3) had normal nutrition status (BWL < or = 5%), 16 (12.9%, 95%CI: 7.0-18.2) moderate malnutrition (5% < BWL < or = 10%), 21 (16.9% 95%CI: 10.3-23.5) intermediate malnutrition (10% < BWL < or = 20%), and 10 (8.1%, 95%CI: 3.3-12.9) severe malnutrition (BWL > 20%). BWL was related to the CDC class (variance analysis, P < 9 x 10(-5)) and CD4 cell count (P < 3 x 10(-5)). Malnutrition was observed even among CDC class A subjects (14.9%). BWL was also related to the body mass index (P < 3 x 10(-6)), lean body mass (P < 3 x 10(-5)), body fat (P < 7 x 10(-6)), and as assessed by impedancemetry, body cell mass (P < 10(-5)) an the extra/intra cellular water ratio (P < 2 x 10(-4)). The decrease in lean body mass was related to the decrease in body cell mass. CONCLUSIONS: Given its high frequency, malnutrition should be prevented, detected, monitored and treated from the early stages of HIV infection among patients attending AIDS clinics in order to improve survival and quality of life.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[Vaccinations in immunosuppressed patients].

In immune deficiency of any cause, immunization is of great interest to avoid preventable infectious diseases but the risk of adverse events and suboptimal immunologic responses has to be considered. For live, attenuated vaccines, the main risks are post-immunization complications, especially in severely immunocompromised people. For killed or inactivated vaccines, there are no contra-indications, but the immune response is reduced, leading to consider higher vaccine doses or more frequent boosters. However, the response to such modifications of vaccine schedules has not been systematically evaluated and definitive recommendations cannot be made at this time. In addition, in HIV infection, the effect of vaccination on viral replication has to be evaluated. In developing countries some live vaccines are still recommended in HIV+ children because of the prevalence of the target-diseases (measles, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis...) and the rarity of vaccine complications.

Contraindications↗

[Drug sensitivity of falciparum malaria imported into France in 1995].

The National Reference Centre for Malaria Chemosusceptibility (CNRCP) and the Tropical Medicine Institute of the Health Department for the Army (IMTSSA) monitor the chemosusceptibility of falciparum malaria introduced in France. In 1995, 353 isolates of P. falciparum are sent to the CNRCP and IMTSSA from malaria cases presenting in 49 civil and military hospitals distributed all over the french country. The patients are mostly Africans living in France and have mainly stayed in West Africa. Half of them did not take any chemoprophylaxis and a quarter took only chloroquine more or less regularly. The curative treatment, when known, is halofantrine alone in 52% of cases and quinine alone in 28% of cases. Three halofantrine failures are reported including 1 incorrect regimen and 4 quinine failures including 3 incorrect regimens. In 1995, in vitro resistance of P. falciparum isolates imported in France to the chemoprophylactic and therapeutic drugs is not worsening. In vitro quinine resistance is rare (1/108), mefloquine resistance (2/20) and halofantrine resistance (12/211) are limited, cycloguanil resistance (42/185) is stable and chloroquine resistance (84/230) is even decreasing (less selective pressure in Africa?).

Adolescent↗

[Diarrhea in immune deficiency status].

With a prevalence of approximatively 50%, diarrhoea is a frequent event in immune deficiency of any cause. Because this condition is permanent in AIDS, the main characteristic of diarrhoea is chronicity. Non infectious causes are more common in conditions other than AIDS with, for exemple, intestinal injuries related to graft versus host disease or to chemotherapy toxicity. Among infectious causes, enteric parasitic diseases such as cryptosporidiosis or microsporidiosis are more commonly observed in the immunodeficiency related to HIV while viral infections due to cytomegalovirus or adenovirus seem possible in any case of severe troubles of the immunity. Gram-negative infections and Clostridium difficile colitis have to be diagnosed because efficient treatment is available. In these patients usually in bad general condition, because diarrhoea is often of unknown aetiology or non curable, the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy has to be pragmatic in order to control the symptoms without an excess of invasive procedures.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Albendazole versus thiabendazole as therapy for trichinosis: a retrospective study.

An outbreak of trichinosis caused by ingestion of horse meat occurred in December 1993 in France; more than 500 people were affected. We compared the immediate and midterm efficacy and tolerability of thiabendazole and albendazole as therapy for the 46 patients seen in our department. Forty-four patients (96%) were treated. The first 26 patients received thiabendazole therapy; the next 18 received albendazole therapy. All the patients were tested with prednisone. Eight relapses occurred (seven in the thiabendazole group and one in the albendazole group [not significant]). Side effects of treatment were reported by seven patients, all of whom were treated with thiabendazole (P = .01). Six months after treatment, 16 of the 31 patients who responded to a questionnaire still had symptoms, the most frequent of which were myalgias (81%) and fatigue (69%). No significant difference was observed between the two treatment groups. The immediate efficacy of thiabendazole and albendazole as therapy for trichinosis was comparable, but albendazole was better tolerated.

Adolescent↗

Herpes simplex esophagitis in patients with AIDS: report of 34 cases. The Cooperative Study Group on Herpetic Esophagitis in HIV Infection.

Herpetic esophagitis (HE) associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a rare condition mainly reported as isolated cases. We thus decided to study this association and analyze the possible predisposing factors, clinical and endoscopic presentations, and clinical response to treatment. Thirty-four HIV-1-infected patients were identified: 27 had histologically or virologically confirmed HE and seven had probable HE, a retrospective diagnosis based on the efficacy of acyclovir given alone. The median CD4 cell count was 15/mm3. Recent predisposing factors (such as nasogastric procedures, steroid therapy, and anticancer therapy) were noted with regard to 16 of the 34 patients (47%). Odynophagia and/or chest pain occurred in 30 patients (88%). At the time of diagnosis of HE, extraesophageal herpes was found in only 13 patients (38%). Superficial ulcers of the distal third of the esophagus were present in 17 (50%). Among 20 of the 27 patients with confirmed HE that could be evaluated, therapy with acyclovir led to complete resolution in 16 and partial response in 3; 1 patient died of HE. Five patients (15%) suffered confirmed or possible relapses. The mean interval between the diagnosis of HE and death was 8.8 months. Herpes simplex virus may be responsible for ulcerated esophagitis that occurs in the advanced stages of AIDS and that can be safely treated with acyclovir before a definitive diagnosis is made.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Phase II study of liposomal encapsulated daunorubicin in the treatment of AIDS-associated mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of liposomal encapsulated daunorubicin (DaunoXome) in the treatment of AIDS-associated mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma. DESIGN: A Phase II, multicentre, European, non-comparative, open study to assess the use of DaunoXome in patients with no prior anthracycline chemotherapy for Kaposi's sarcoma. The response rate, time to disease progression, and the incidence and severity of adverse events were documented. SETTING: Hospital-based HIV units. PATIENTS: Thirty HIV-seropositive patients with mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma were enrolled and treated. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with DaunoXome at a dose of 40 mg/m2 intravenously once every 2 weeks. Treatment with antiretroviral agents and prophylaxis of opportunistic infections where indicated. RESULTS: Of the 30 evaluable patients, 22 patients (73%) achieved a partial response. Median time to treatment response was 30 days (range, 15-202). For patients with a partial response, median time to treatment failure was 153 days (range, 15-558). Patients received a median of 10 cycles (range, 1-44). Adverse events were minimal. The most common side effect was granulocytopenia in 16 patients (53%). CONCLUSION: DaunoXome is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for AIDS-associated mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma and can be administered for prolonged periods. The myelosuppression can be managed by dose reductions and dose not preclude the concurrent use of antiretroviral therapies.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Pulmonary capillary blood volume in patients with probable pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: An increase in pulmonary capillary blood volume secondary to angiogenesis has been described in Kaposi's sarcoma. The value of the pulmonary capillary blood volume as an early marker of pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma was evaluated. METHODS: In a prospective study 45 HIV positive patients (nine asymptomatic for Kaposi's sarcoma, 29 with cutaneous or mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma, and seven with pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma), underwent pulmonary function tests and determination of transfer capacity for carbon monoxide (TLCO) with its components, pulmonary capillary volume and membrane factor. RESULTS: Total lung capacity (TLC), TLCO, and its components were similar in the three groups. TLCO was normal in patients with pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma and no changes in membrane factor or pulmonary capillary volume were observed. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary function tests and pulmonary capillary volume alone are not useful for identifying patients with pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma.

Adult↗

[Radiologic diagnosis for a Gabonese case].

We describe a case of porocephalosis diagnosed in a 50 year old Gabonese male hospitalized in France for a HIV-related renal insufficiency. A standard abdominal radiography showed numerous ring-shaped calcifications, predominantly in the hepatic area. This aspect was very suggestive of the diagnosis in a patient living in Central Africa and eating occasionally meat of snake. The parasites live normally in the lungs of snakes (python, Bitis sp.). People become infected in eating undercooked snake or in handling snakes. In the majority of cases, the disease is asymptomatic and diagnosis made accidentally as in the case of our patient.

Animals↗

[Diagnosis of colitis caused by cytomegalovirus infection in AIDS. Comparative value of total colonoscopy and rectosigmoidoscopy (apropos of 24 cases). AIDS GIT].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the respective diagnostic value of flexible rectosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy in the cytomegalovirus colitis. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with AIDS were studied retrospectively. The entry criteria were: flexible rectosigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, with 2 rectal and 2 caecal biopsies, presenting cytomegalovirus inclusions bodies linked to an inflammation at least on one colonic biopsy. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients had 29 colonoscopies. In 16 cases colonoscopy was performed to the caecum. The endoscopic findings of the 16 full colonoscopies were: 7 right colitis, 5 diffuse colitis, 2 bisegmentary colitis, 1 proctitis and 1 non endoscopic lesion. The histologic findings of the 16 full colonoscopies were: 5 cytomegalovirus inclusions on rectal biopsies and 16 on caecal biopsies. For the 13 incomplete colonoscopies, 11 had inclusions on rectal biopsies. So the flexible rectosigmoidoscopy was not sufficient to find inclusions 13 times out of 29. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that in the cytomegalovirus colitis, inclusions predominate in the caecum, isolated right colitis exists and extra-colonic cytomegalovirus disease is not always found. For these reasons full colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis in patients with normal flexible rectosigmoidoscopy.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

[Digestive involvements in human immunodeficiency virus infection].

Dysphagia or odynophagia occurs in an estimated 21% of patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection. A causal agent can be identified in 60-90% of the cases and generally can be successfully eradicated. Oesophageal candidosis, the predominant disorder, usually responds to nitrate derivatives and amphotericine B after a 10 to 15 day cure. Ulcerations of the oesophagus is the second major cause of dysphagia in these patients and result from cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex infections or unknown causes. Epstein-Barr virus infection has been suggested but is rarely demonstrated in clinical situations. Similar to other localizations in HIV-infected patients, Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin malignant lymphomas are the predominant tumours in the bowel. Infections are essentially revealed by sometimes very severe diarrhoea. Infective agents include Cryptosporidium parvum, microsporidiosae, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, Isospora belli, Clostridium difficile, Salmonellae and non-tuberculous mycobacteria among others. When the search for an infective agent is negative, the diarrhoea is usually considered to be the expression of HIV infection itself. The clinical approach to HIV-related diarrhoea can be based on decision making management scheme according to the results of stool cultures or on complete exploration protocols. Whatever the diagnostic procedure, symptomatic treatment is of major importance because of the severe nutritional impact of HIV-related diarrhoea.

Digestive System Diseases↗

Intestinal histoplasmosis in AIDS patients: report of three cases observed in France and review of the literature.

We report three cases of colonic histoplasmosis observed in a non-endemic area in patients with AIDS. The patients presented with fever, abdominal pain and an abdominal mass in the right lower quadrant. Diagnosis was obtained using Gomori-Crocott staining of endoscopic or surgical biopsies. One patient died without specific treatment and two patients had a complete remission when treated with intravenous amphotericin B but suffered a relapse when given oral itraconazole. Thus, physicians in areas where intestinal histoplasmosis is not endemic should be aware of the condition. Diagnosis can easily be obtained using Gomori-Crocott staining of colonoscopic biopsies; this should avoid unnecessary laparotomies and allow specific treatment to be instituted rapidly.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗