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Biomedical subjects

O Lamy

Publications and source records attributed to O Lamy.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2003

[Liver abscess: a practical approach].

The management of a liver abscess suspected on the basis of clinical and radiological findings is radically different depending on its amoebic or pyogenic etiology. Medical management is usually enough to treat amoebic abscess, the prognosis of which is excellent while percutaneous aspiration puncture, drainage and antibiotics is the rule in pyogenic abscess, the prognosis of which depends on the quickness of diagnosis and risk factors associated. This article first relates a case of liver abscess we had in our service and then propose, on the basis of a literature review, a synthesis of the different characteristics, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches and follow-up of amoebic and pyogenic liver abscesses.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Hypophosphatemia and refeeding syndrome: a severe and underdiagnosed adverse effect].

A 68-year-old woman was hospitalised because of generalised weakness and development of confusional state, related to severe hyponatremia, probably due to an eating disorder with malnutrition. During the first days of hospitalisation the patient eats surprising large amounts of food. The worsening of the confusional state in spite of normalisation of natremia, and the progressive development of anemia and thrombocytopenia, leads to the discovery of a new onset severe hypophosphatemia. The rapid fall in plasma levels of phosphorus, magnesium and potassium are the main futures of the refeeding syndrome. Its clinical manifestations are neurological, muscular, haematological and renal. The development of this syndrome is associated with a high mortality. The refeeding syndrome is seen when carbohydrates are introduced after a period of malnutrition. Identification of patients at risk for the refeeding syndrome (anorexia nervosa, chronic alcoholism, chronic malnutrition, elderly patients, oncology patients), the introduction of cautious progressive nutrition and the careful monitoring of vital signs, electrolytes levels and fluid balance, allows to prevent morbidity and mortality of this syndrome.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

[Torsade de pointes: a severe and unknown adverse effect in a patient taking methadone].

We present here the case of a young drug-addicted patient, who showed a cardio-respiratory arrest attributed to a torsade de pointe-type ventricular arrhythmia. After excluding the usual causes of such arrhythmia, we concluded that it was consecutive to high-dose methadone intake. Methadone can induce torsade de pointe through two mechanisms: a QT interval prolongation secondary to a bradycardia or a prolongation of the myocardial action potential. When prescribing methadone, one should avoid association with other CYP3A4 inhibiting drugs and, if higher doses are necessary, perform regular EKG screening.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Intravenous ibandronate in men with osteoporosis: an open pilot study over 2 years.

In the treatment of osteoporosis, the tolerance of oral bisphosphonates is often low. The high potency of ibandronate allows iv bolus injections that can be repeated every 2 to 3 months. However, the best dose and time interval of the treatment with iv ibandronate is still debated. Efficacy of 2-mg ibandronate injected every 3 months was tested in men with osteoporosis over 2 yr, in a prospective, open study. Fourteen men with primary osteoporosis, mean age 57 +/- 12 yr (range: 40-73), received 2-mg ibandronate iv every 3 months over 2 yr. All got 1 g/day calcium and 880 UI/day vitamin D for 2 yr. Bone mineral density (BMD) increased after 2 yr by 6.7 +/- 1.5% (mean change +/- SEM) at lumbar spine (p<0.001), by 3.2 +/- 08% at trochanter (p<0.001) and by 1.4 +/- 1.1% at femoral neck (ns). Serum beta-crosslaps and osteocalcin decreased significantly by 30-45 and 30%, respectively, during the 2 yr of treatment. Serum calcium increased from the lower to the middle tertile of the normal range during the 2 yr of the study. The observed decrease of bone remodelling and the increase of BMD are of the same magnitude as those described with oral bisphosphonates. The increase of plasma calcium confirms the positive effect of the supplementation with calcium and vitamin D. These results suggest that 3 months are a good interval between two doses of iv ibandronate, when 2 mg are given.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Ambulatory management of community-acquired pneumonia in the adult. I: Diagnostic and prognostic strategy].

Because its incidence increases with age and the current population ageing, community-acquired pneumonia will remain an important public health problem. The variability in the process of care is important. However, hospitalisation accounts for near 90% of the total annual cost. It is necessary to give to patients a rational process of care, supported by evidence of effectiveness, in order to guarantee the better quality of care and to control the costs. The chest radiograph is the cornerstone of the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia. The reason of this proposition is to avoid the overuse of antibiotherapy, in pathology such as lower-respiratory-tract infections. The use of the prognostic score index is recommended in emergency room to diminish the number of hospitalisations.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Ambulatory management of community-acquired pneumonia in the adult. II: Therapeutic strategy and follow-up].

In adult outpatients with community-acquired pneumonia, the choice for antibiotherapy is empirical. This choice includes the age and the severity assessment of the patient, and the epidemiology of respiratory pathogens. New fluoroquinolones are not recommended as first line agents. Patients with community-acquired pneumonia had an increased morbidity and mortality. Prevention includes influenza and pneumococcal vaccination, and smoking cessation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Hypercalcaemia of malignancy: an undiagnosed and undertreated disease.

BACKGROUND: Hypercalcaemia of malignancy, a relatively frequent phenomenon, seems to be insufficiently recognized and treated. Its symptoms are not specific, but they affect the quality of life. METHODS: A prospective study to analyse the influence of symptoms caused by hypercalcaemia on the decision of the admitting physician, the motivation for treatment, and the effect of the treatment on the given symptoms in hospitalized patients with oncologic disease in progression, where confounding causes of similar symptoms such as cerebral metastasis, radiotherapy, treatment with opioids, etc., were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients, mean age 65 + 11 years, fulfilled the strict inclusion criteria. About 42% were hospitalized because of symptoms caused by hypercalcaemia, but none of the medical reports mentioned hypercalcaemia as reason for hospitalization. Specific antihypercalcaemic therapy was given to only 37% of patients, and only 25% got an adequate rehydratation. Antihypercalcaemic treatment was guided by the severity of hypercalcaemia (>3.00 mmol L(-1)), not by the symptoms. Polyuria-polydipsia, nausea-vomiting and constipation were correlated with hypercalcaemia. These symptoms, as well as confusion-stupor and bone pains improved significantly when calcaemia was normalized. Patients with calcaemia normalized returned home most frequently (P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Malignant hypercalcaemia remains mostly undiagnosed in medical praxis. Specific treatment occurs in too small fractions of the patients. As the normalization of calcaemia significantly improves the symptoms because of hypercalcaemia and the quality of life, rapid rehydration and specific calcium lowering treatments should be part of palliative measures in all patients with malignant hypercalcaemia.

Bone and Bones↗
PubMed2001

Heart failure and community-acquired pneumonia: cases for home hospital?

BACKGROUND: Home hospital is advocated in many western countries in spite of limited evidence of its economic advantage over usual hospital care. Heart failure and community-acquired pneumonia are two medical conditions which are frequently targeted by home hospital programs. While recent trials were devoted to comparisons of safety and costs, the acceptance of home hospital for patients with these conditions remains poorly described. OBJECTIVE: To document the medical eligibility and final transfer decision to home hospital for patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of heart failure or community-acquired pneumonia. DESIGN: Longitudinal study of patients admitted to the medical ward of acute care hospitals, up to the final decision concerning their transfer. SETTING: Medical departments of one university hospital and two regional teaching Swiss hospitals. PATIENTS: All patients admitted over a 9 month period to the three settings with a primary diagnosis of heart failure (n= 301) or pneumonia (n=441). MEASUREMENTS: Presence of permanent exclusion criteria on admission; final decision of (in)eligibility based on medical criteria; final decision regarding the transfer, taking into account the opinions of the family physician, the patient and informal caregivers. RESULTS: While 27.9% of heart failure and 37.6% of pneumonia patients were considered to be eligible from a medical point of view, the program acceptance by family physicians, patients and informal caregivers was low and a transfer to home hospital was ultimately chosen for just 3.8% of heart failure and 9.6% of pneumonia patients. There were no major differences between the three settings. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of these two conditions, the potential economic advantage of home hospital over usual inpatient care is compromised by the low proportion of patients ultimately transferred.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Primary bilateral adrenal lymphoma].

When abdominal imaging reveals the existence of unsuspected adrenal masses, a diagnostic strategy is necessary. We report the case of a woman presenting with pulmonary embolism, in whom abdominal ultrasound revealed voluminous masses in both adrenals without clinical or biological signs of hormone hypersecretion, but with mild primary adrenal failure. From a CT scan-directed needle biopsy of the right adrenal mass and subsequent staging we were able to diagnose a primary bilateral adrenal lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell type (REAL/WHO). On CHOP chemotherapy both adrenal masses decreased dramatically and the patient is in remission 18 months later. Primary adrenal lymphoma is a rare condition, since 65 cases have been reported to date. Histological diagnosis is nevertheless important, in view of the excellent response to specific therapy observed in some cases.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗
PubMed2000

Breast plasmacytoma.

An unusual case of breast plasmacytoma associated with a multiple myeloma is reported. Breast plasmacytoma is exceedingly rare. We identified 37 cases published between 1928 and 1999, and reviewed the clinical features of this unusual presentation of plasmacytoma.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

[Treatment of proximal deep venous thrombosis of the legs by low-molecular-weight heparin: a systematic review].

It is difficult to draw conclusions from published meta-analysis on the treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis by low molecular weight heparins in view of methodological problems related to selection of the studies and the addition of early and late complications. To determine the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous low molecular weight heparins in the initial treatment of proximal deep vein thrombosis we reviewed all published randomised controlled studies comparing this treatment to the standard intravenous unfractionated heparin regimen. Adverse events were taken into account up to 48 hours after cessation of heparin treatment. Results point towards equivalent or greater efficacy, with reduction in thrombosis size, and safety of low molecular weight heparin. The mortality rate was low (0-1.2%). Incidence of recurrent venous thromboembolism (0-2%) or major bleeding (0-2.4%) was also low, though such events were linked to a high mortality rate (9-16%). Thrombocytopenia occurred in 0 to 2.5% of cases.

Heparin↗
PubMed1999

[Inhaled steroids effect on bones].

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the mainstay of asthma treatment, when an antiinflammatory agent is warranted. The development of the ICS has permitted to diminish the adverse effects associated with oral steroids and with equipotent doses there are less adverse effects with ICS on bone metabolism compared to oral steroids. There is now reassuring evidence that doses of < or = 400 micrograms for children and < or = 1000 micrograms for adults are safe and do not appear to have clinically significant adverse effect on bone density or bone growth. When exceeding the recommended thresholds for more than 3 months, osteoporosis prevention would be appropriate. Furthermore a mineral bone density measurement might be done in this context in order to identify those persons who are at risk of developing or worsening preexisting osteoporosis. Growth monitoring is justified in any child taking ICS. Biochemical markers of bone formation and resorption might give complementary information to the mineral bone density measurement. The addition of a leukotriene receptor antagonist and or of a chromone may allow a reduction in the requirement for ICS in mild to moderate asthma. Finally the achievement of an increased glucocorticoid potency combined with an improved airway selectivity and a shorter plasmatic half-life of the ICS will further contribute to diminish their effects on bone metabolism.

Administration, Inhalation↗