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Biomedical subjects

P Laloux

Publications and source records attributed to P Laloux.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Subcutaneous sumatriptan compared with usual acute treatments for migraine: clinical and pharmacoeconomic evaluation.

Cost-effectiveness and cost per successful treatment has been evaluated in 186 outpatients randomised to treat moderate to severe migraine attacks either with subcutaneous sumatriptan 6 mg (n = 97) or with their current therapy (n = 89) during an open, multicentre study of 3 months. Within 2 hours, headache severity decreased to none/mild in 86% of all attacks in the sumatriptan group (STG) compared to 25% in the customary group (CTG). Migraine was alleviated earlier in the STG than in the CTG (median 3.78 vs. 13.39 hours, p < 0.0001). The direct and total cost of treatment was 133 and 2012 BF, respectively, in the CTG and 1400 and 2522 BF, respectively, in the STG. Measuring the effectiveness of earlier pain relief with sumatriptan, the incremental cost-effective ratios for direct and total cost were 132 and 53 BF per hour of relieved pain, respectively. For this price, significantly more sumatriptan patients improved their quality of life by more than 20% (61.6 vs. 20.6% patients, p < 0.001) and less sumatriptan patient consulted a medical professional (11.3 vs. 29.2% patients, p < 0.01), used less medication for adverse events (6.2 vs. 22.5%, p < 0.001) and suffered less from associated migraine symptoms. The median number of hours of diminished work-efficiency (3 vs. 7 hours, p < 0.01) or of suspension of non-professional activity (10 vs. 24 hours, p < 0.001) was also significantly lower in the STG. The total cost per successfully treated patient was lower in the STG. Sumatriptan is more effective, provides a better quality of life, reduces health care resource utilisation, and improves work productivity as compared to the CTG, thereby resulting in a favourable cost-effectiveness ratio.

Absenteeism↗
PubMed1996

Persisting perfusion defect in transient ischemic attacks: a new clinically useful subgroup?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral infarction and prolonged regional hypoperfusion have been described in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The aim of this study was to compare the sensitivity of single-photon emission CT (SPECT) with that of brain CT and to evaluate the clinical significance of differentiation of TIA patients with or without focal hypoperfusion. METHODS: From a hospital-based population, we studied the SPECT and CT findings in 76 consecutive patients, without a stroke history, who presented with TIA in the carotid artery territory. The recorded variables were the time of SPECT, imaging (<36 or > or = 36 hours), clinical presentation, history of previous TIA(s), duration of the presenting attack (<2 or > or = 2 hours), vascular risk factors, and etiology. We used both visual and semiquantitative analyses for the SPECT evaluation. Acetazolamide challenge was not performed. RESULTS: The overall SPECT sensitivity was 36% (27/76). When brain CT and SPECT were performed in the same patients, the SPECT sensitivity was significantly higher than that of CT (19/59 [32%] versus 8/59 [14%]; P=.007). The SPECT sensitivity was not dependent on the time of investigation, duration of attacks, history of TIA(s), or the clinical presentation. The vascular risk and etiologic factors were not significantly different between the patients with or without prolonged focal hypoperfusion. Logistic regression did not identify any variable to discriminate the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its better sensitivity compared with CT, SPECT performed without the acetazolamide test provides no additional clinically useful information on the vascular risk factors and etiology in TIA patients.

Acetazolamide↗
PubMed1996

The anti-Hu syndrome: a clinical and immunological study of 7 cases.

The authors describe the clinical and biological data of seven patients with anti-Hu antibodies. Six of them displayed a small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC), but no cancer was detected in the 7th patient in spite of an extensive workup. The clinical heterogeneity of the anti-Hu syndrome is emphasized. The major symptoms were linked to a severe sensory neuropathy in three cases, to cerebellitis in two cases, to dysautonomia in one case, and to gastro-intestinal pseudo-obstruction in one case. One patient also displayed EMG abnormalities characteristic of the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Two patients developed opsoclonus or ocular flutter associated with severe confusion in the late stage of their disease. In four patients, the neurological signs and symptoms preceded the discovery of the SCLC, and in two cases the initial detection of anti-Hu antibodies prompted the successful search for this tumor. Immunopathological events injuring the peripheral and central nervous system are briefly discussed.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

HMPAO single-photon emission computed tomography in posterior circulation infarcts.

The sensitivity of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in evaluating posterior circulation infarcts compared with that of computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains unknown. In a hospital-based population, the authors studied SPECT, CT, and MRI in 35 consecutive patients presenting with acute infarction clinically localized in the thalamus (7), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory (15), brainstem (19), and cerebellum (3). Multiple infarcts were noted in 8 patients. Overall, the SPECT sensitivity was lower than that of MRI (21% vs 93%, p = 0.004) and CT (42% vs 65%, p = 0.046). The SPECT and CT sensitivities were not significantly different (67% vs 73%) for PCA infarcts. Performed within 24 hours, SPECT showed a relevant hypoperfusion in all PCA infarcts. For brainstem infarcts, CT (33%, p = 0.074) and MRI (91%, p = 0.004) were more sensitive than SPECT, which showed no hemispheric hypoperfusion. The sensitivity of the three imaging techniques was 100% for large cerebellar infarcts. For the small group of thalamic infarcts, the SPECT, CT, and MRI sensitivities were 14, 71, and 100%, respectively. Thus, SPECT compared to CT and MRI is not helpful in the subacute phase to localize PCA and cerebellar infarcts and is of limited value for thalamic infarcts. In the first hours, the absence of cerebral hypoperfusion in brainstem infarcts may help to differentiate them from hemispheric infarcts usually associated with profound hypoperfusion.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Comparative correlations of HMPAO SPECT indices, neurological score, and stroke subtypes with clinical outcome in acute carotid infarcts.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The prognostic value of single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the prognostic value of stroke severity, stroke subtypes, and SPECT indices and to determine which predictive factors have an independent effect on clinical outcome. METHODS: We studied 55 consecutive patients with acute (< 12 hours) carotid infarct within 36 hours of symptom onset with SPECT. Clinical presentation was assessed by the Canadian Neurological Scale and stroke subtypes. SPECT indices were the degree and size of hypoperfusion and crossed cerebellar diaschisis as assessed by a semiquantitative analysis. Outcome was evaluated by the functional status and mortality (Rankin Scale score at 1 month). RESULTS: The Rankin Scale score correlated with the degree (r = .580; P < .00001) and size (r = .616; P < .00001) of hypoperfusion. The mean degree and size of hypoperfusion were significantly higher in patients with poor outcome. Crossed cerebellar diaschisis had no significant predictive value. Statistical analysis determined threshold values for the Canadian Neurological Scale score and the degree and size of hypoperfusion for the functional status and mortality. The degree and size of hypoperfusion had no higher performance than the Canadian Neurological Scale score. The negative predictive value was excellent for both clinical and SPECT indices. Multivariate analysis selected only the size of hypoperfusion as an independent predictor for the functional status (P = .004) and the Canadian Neurological Scale score for mortality (P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: SPECT performed within 36 hours of onset predicts clinical outcome, but different clinical and SPECT indices with threshold values should be chosen according to the relevant outcome end point.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Association between stroke and atrial septal aneurysm assessed by transesophageal echocardiography in a cardiologic population.

Atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) is now recognized as a source of emboli. Its prevalence in a general population remains controversial. We assessed, in a cardiologic population, the prevalence of ASA, the association with cerebrovascular events, the role of associated interatrial shunting and age. Four hundred and ninety-four consecutive patients were referred for transesophageal echocardiography with contrast. The prevalence of ASA in two groups, with (A) and without (B) cerebrovascular events were compared. In group A, we studied the prevalence of ASA according to the clinical presentation (stroke, TIA and peripheral emboli in limbs). An ASA was found in 38 patients (8%). The prevalence of ASA was higher in group A (16%) than in group B (4%) (p < 10(-5)). Prevalence of ASA was not significantly different in stroke, TIA and peripheral emboli subgroups. There was no difference in prevalence of ASA in stroke or TIA subgroups according whether age was < 55 years or > or = 55 years. Prevalence of all types of vascular events was increased when ASA was associated with an interatrial shunt. Our results support the assumption that ASA is a potential source of cerebrovascular events, whatever the clinical presentation or age. Presence of interatrial shunt increases the risk of stroke in subjects with ASA.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Cerebral blood flow and perfusion reserve capacity in hemodynamic carotid transient ischemic attacks due to innominate artery stenosis.

Ischemia in the carotid artery territory due to atherosclerotic stenosis of the innominate artery is rare. We report a case in which transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) and SPECT with acetazolamide challenge proved the hemodynamic mechanism. The patient presented with three hypotensive TIAs in the right middle cerebral artery territory. Angiography showed a tight innominate artery stenosis and subclavian steal but no coexistent carotid or vertebrobasilar lesion. SPECT showed disturbed regional blood flow in the middle cerebral artery territory along with an exhausted perfusion reserve capacity. After angioplasty, flow velocities were normal and the perfusion reserve was restored. SPECT should be used to select patients at risk susceptible to benefit from angioplasty.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Self-treatment of acute migraine with subcutaneous sumatriptan using an auto-injector device: comparison with customary treatment in an open, longitudinal study.

In a multicenter open longitudinal clinical trial where 479 patients suffering from migraine with or without aura were recruited, patients treated at home one to three migraine attacks with their customary treatment, and subsequently, over a 3-month period, one to three migraine attacks with 6 mg sumatriptan sc using an autoinjector. The headache response to customary treatment was 19% at 1 h and 30.5% at 2 h, and was not significantly different when only attacks treated "adequately" according to accepted treatment recommendations were considered: 16% at 1 h and 35% at 2 h. In contrast, 69% and 82% of patients treated with 6 mg sumatriptan sc had mild headache or no headache at 1 and 2 h respectively, regardless of migraine type or duration of symptoms prior to treatment. Other migraine symptoms (nausea, vomiting, photo- and phonophobia) were effectively treated with sumatriptan. Recurrence of migraine was observed in 31% of patients and was well controlled by a second injection of sumatriptan. It is concluded that 6 mg sumatriptan sc, self-administered using an autoinjector, is well tolerated and more effective than most currently used acute treatments for migraine in a population of severely affected patients consulting a neurologist.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

Stroke subtypes and risk factors associated with silent infarctions in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

The relationship between the presence of silent cerebral infarcts (SCI) and etiology of an acute cerebral ischemia remains controversial. In a population of 306 patients with a first-ever stroke (225) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (81), we studied the prevalence and associated risk factors of SCI as well as the presumed etiology of the qualifying event. Silent infarction was defined as a focal hypodensity on brain CT, not related to the recent ischemic event. The overall prevalence was 33% (102/306) with a higher rate in stroke patients (83/225, 37%) than in TIA patients (19/81, 23%; p = 0.028). Age (p < 0.01), smoking (p < 0.01), hypertension (p = 0.013), and leukoaraiosis (p = 0.05) were significantly associated with SCI, but only in some degree in TIA patients. Presence of SCI was statistically associated with a small-artery disease (p < 0.01) considered as the cause of the qualifying event. Emboligenic cardiopathy was significantly more frequent in patients without SCI (p < 0.05) in the TIA subgroup. Thus, in patients with silent cerebral infarcts, small-vessel disease may be in most cases the cause of the recent symptomatic cerebral ischemia.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

Dyskinesia of the superior oesophageal sphincter: assessment and treatment.

Pharyngo-oesophageal dyskinesias present a common symptomatology associated with those difficulties in swallowing for which the radio-manometric assessment is well known. Radiology, nevertheless, with an overall analysis of deglutition and its iatrogenic complications, as well as manometry of the superior oesophageal sphincter (OSS) with its diversity of results, according to the material, techniques, age, sex and stress involved, has convinced us of the necessity for a supplementary dynamic examination. Electromyography (EMG), simultaneously by the inferior constrictor (IC) and cricopharyngeal (CP) muscles, analyses with precision the electric activity of these two muscles, as well as the pharyngosphincteral synchronism. It is an easy examination, reproducible and without complications. In less than one year, nineteen patients suffering exclusively from a pharyngo-oesophageal dyskinesia benefited by this complete assessment. The secondary aetiologies are clearly predominant. Gastro-oesophageal reflux represents a quarter of those detected by an anamnesis alone. EMG detects 68% of functional anomaly of the OSS; manometry finds 47% and radiology 32%. Extramucosal myotomy of the OSS concerns incomplete or uncoordinated relaxation, preferentially by left cervical approach. The preliminary results, both clinical and manometric, are very satisfactory.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Technetium-99m HM-PAO single photon emission computed tomography imaging in transient global amnesia.

Five right-handed patients with pure transient global amnesia were evaluated with technetium-99m hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime single photon emission computed tomography after the amnesic attack. Independent of the interval between the procedure and the amnesic episode, single photon emission computed tomography demonstrated a decreased cerebral blood flow in the left temporal lobe in one patient and in the left parietotemporal region in three patients, with a more marked reduction in the temporal lobe. The remaining three patients were normal. A control single photon emission computed tomographic study was carried out in one patient 3 months after the amnesic attack and showed a left-sided persistent temporal hypoperfusion. These findings suggest that in some patients, transient global amnesia can be due to a vascular mechanism requiring strong investigations for vascular risk factors and appropriate treatment. During a follow-up period of 12 to 32 months, none of the patients with regional hypoperfusion suffered cerebrovascular events, suggesting that single photon emission computed tomography has no predictive value for further stroke.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Visual hallucinations on eye closure after cardiovascular surgery.

Visual hallucinations on eye closure are very uncommon. The underlying mechanism remains controversial. We report on a new case after carotid endarterectomy and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The hypothesis of a temporal lobe epilepsy is discussed.

Carotid Artery, External↗
PubMed1992

[Intracranial plasmocytoma manifesting multiple myeloma: apropos of a case].

Neurological complications of myeloma are multiple and various. Cranial and intracranial locations have been rarely reported. They can be classified into three clinical groups: (1) cranial nerve palsies secondary to single or multiple lesions in the base of the skull, (2) intraorbital tumors, (3) intracranial tumors, either cranial myeloma extending intracranially or pure intracranial tumor (dural and/or cerebral). In our case, macroscopic and microscopic examination of the brain showed dural and cerebral involvement, confirmed by immunohistochemical studies. The radiological features are discussed (CT scan, MRI, angiography). To our knowledge, a single report of intracranial plasmacytoma documented by MRI has been reported in the literature.

Brain Neoplasms↗