Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to P Jeandel.
In a retrospective study of 60 cases of leptospirosis, the association of thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure as previously reported was confirmed. However, increased mortality, in our experience, was not associated with either thrombocytopenia or acute renal failure.
In 89 cases of rheumatoid polyarthritis the number of B lymphocytes was shown by an immunofluorescence technique and the number T lymphocytes by a rosette test. 30 untreated polyarthritics were distinguished into two groups: in one there was no change in the number of T cellules; in the other there was a reduction in the number of T cells and lymphopenia. The same differences were found under corticotherapy (10 cases), antimalarial drugs (8 cases), penicillamine (21 cases), chrysotherapy (11 cases) and levamisole (9 cases). Levamisole only infrequently increases the number of T cellules (2/9). No relation with any developmental parameter was found in any group.
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The focus of African human trypanosomiasis at Douala was evaluated in 1973 for the last time. The authors report on the results of their prospective survey. The methodology was characterized by utilizing Testryp C.A.T.T. as immunological case finding field test. 11,614 people were surveyed and 5 positive CATT revealed. But such results have be weighted by the rate of people present (52.2%) and by the fact that the selected area was not fully covered. On the other side, the authors examine the operational feasibility of Testryp CATT as immunological case finding field test. Over almost 12,000 tests performed, the feasibility appears very good.
Case finding of pancreatic calcification by an X Ray of abdomen without preparation was systematically made for 183 diabetics treated in Cameroonese hospitals. Found 8 times (4.4%), these calcifications were detected usually in patients among them diabetes started before the age of 30 (35%), whatever sex or ethnic groups may be. All of them passed their childhood in rural environment. Alcoholic origin was obvious for 3 patients. For the 5 others, no etiology was formerly blamed. However, a woman had drunk traditional spirits from her childhood and an other has suffered from kwashiorkor. These 5 diabetics all had acetonuria and were poorly balanced. Only one presented some clinical stigmata f a pancreatic lesion. These results point out the existence in Cameroon of fibrocalcific pancreatic diabetes (FPD) considered as linked to malnutrition. Based on their observations, the authors discuss the classical features of such diabetes, and underline the role of alcoholic beverages in the genesis of these FPD. They also take into consideration the recent developments of physiopathology implicating the role of casava and of protein malnutrition.
The authors first point out the importance of A.I.D.S. in Africa; then they appreciate the risk of contamination for occasional traveller in Africa. They recall some epidemic features of tropical A.I.D.S., its originality suggesting some risk factors different from the ones faced in temperate countries. Importance of risk of heterosexual transmission is emphasized, as well as possible parenteral contamination in connection with the frequent use of disposable needles and syringes again utilized without preliminary sterilization. Taking into consideration all these possibilities, the authors expose some prophylactic advises intended for people travelling briefly in endemic zones.
The understanding of the pathophysiology of cerebral malaria has much benefited from the modern techniques of in vitro cultivation of Plasmodium falciparum and from a better knowledge of the biology of the parasite. The demonstration of the existence of "knob-like protrusions" explains some of the processes giving way to changes in the deep capillaries of viscera and particularly of brain. In a synthetic view one can say that this localized vasculopathy is the main factor of the pathologic changes observed in cerebral malaria.
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60 cases of leptospiroses were diagnosed in Polynesia by blood culture and immunological test. Fever and pains are prevailing signs. Among 3 patients, presence of leptospires is revealed on the 43th, 54th and 90th days. The following serogroups are found: Icterohaemorrhagiae 69.7%, Canicola 13%, Pomona 4%, Australis 2%. 85% of the patients come from Tahiti and 15% from "Sousle-Vent" Islands and Tuamotou. Walking bare foot on wet ground in areas where numerous rodents are found is a source of contamination. The procedure of blood cultures plays a prominent part.