Epidural injection of hydroxyethyl starch in the management of postdural puncture headache

Epidural blood patch is the standard treatment for postdural puncture headache when symptomatic therapy is ineffective. We report the cases of two patients who received an epidural injection of hydroxyethyl starch when an epidural blood patch was contraindicated; one due to Streptococcus agalactiae bacteraemia and one due to acute leukaemia. Relief of headache was achieved in both patients with no adverse effects. The use of an epidural hydroxyethyl starch injection may be a suitable alternative for treatment of postdural puncture headache if epidural blood patch is contraindicated.

Cleaved/associated TLR3 represents the primary form of the signaling receptor

TLR3 belongs to the family of intracellular TLRs that recognize nucleic acids. Endolysosomal localization and cleavage of intracellular TLRs play pivotal roles in signaling and represent fail-safe mechanisms to prevent self-nucleic acid recognition. Indeed, cleavage by cathepsins is required for native TLR3 to signal in response to dsRNA. Using novel Abs generated against TLR3, we show that the conserved loop exposed in LRR12 is the single cleavage site that lies between the two dsRNA binding sites required for TLR3 dimerization and signaling. Accordingly, we found that the cleavage does not dissociate the C- and N-terminal fragments, but it generates a very stable "cleaved/associated" TLR3 present in endolysosomes that recognizes dsRNA and signals. Moreover, comparison of wild-type, noncleavable, and C-terminal-only mutants of TLR3 demonstrates that efficient signaling requires cleavage of the LRR12 loop but not dissociation of the fragments. Thus, the proteolytic cleavage of TLR3 appears to fulfill function(s) other than separating the two fragments to generate a functional receptor.

[Antimicrobial prophylaxis for caesarean delivery: changes in practice and administration before incision, feasibility study to paediatricians in Auvergne]

OBJECTIVE

To describe the knowledge of paediatricians regarding the practice of antimicrobial prophylaxis for caesarean section in reference to the Consensus Conference of the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SFAR) and assess the feasibility of a change in attitude (injection of the antibiotic prior to incision) among paediatricians Perinatal Health Network of Auvergne (RSPA) working in maternity.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross sectional study by survey.

METHODS

First questionnaire was sent to 46 RSPA paediatricians working in maternity. Almost one-third of paediatricians who returned the questionnaire said they were not concerned. A second questionnaire was developed with two paediatricians of the CHU and sent to the same 46 paediatricians. The statistical part involved percentages.

RESULTS

Response rates were respectively 61% and 67%. For the first questionnaire, only 25% of the paediatricians knew the antibiotic and the time for injection. For the second questionnaire, 87% were in favour of an administration before incision and 42% thought it will not affect the care of the newborn. For 35% of respondents, it could lead to a change in the duration of antibiotic therapy in cases of perinatal infection and for 13% only a delay in the implementation of antibiotic therapy in children.

CONCLUSION

The RSPA paediatricians did not know the practices of antibiotic prophylaxis for caesarean section. However, they did not appear opposed to an administration before cord clamping as it would not delay the implementation of any antibiotics in the newborn.

Techniques and pitfalls with the Salto prosthesis: our experience of the first 15 years

The Salto total ankle replacement system has shown to be a viable alternative in the treatment of symptomatic arthritis. However, although outcomes after total ankle replacement are promising, an exact analysis of surgical technique could help to improve them. Based on a 15 years experience with the Salto Total Ankle replacement system, the uthors discuss the surgical technique and its pitfalls, its inications and limitations in current practice.

Management of HSV-1 encephalitis due to reactivation of HSV-1 during late pregnancy

A previously healthy 31-year-old G4P2 woman at 33 weeks of gestation was admitted as an emergency with a pyrexia of 39°C, vomiting, headache and neck stiffness associated with photophobia, phonophobia and visual and auditory symptoms. There were no heraldic signs of eclampsia. Polymerase chain reaction and testing for herpes simplex virus in the cerebrospinal fluid diagnosed herpes simplex-1 meningoencephalitis. Following acyclovir, the clinical course improved. Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred at 39 weeks of gestation with epidural analgesia using ropivacaine. Mother and child were neurologically normal and healthy 15 months later. Early administration of acyclovir is essential to reduce the risk of neurological complications. After treatment and a negative polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus in the cerebrospinal fluid, epidural analgesia with local anesthetic and sufentanil is possible.

dsRNA induces apoptosis through an atypical death complex associating TLR3 to caspase-8

Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is a pattern-recognition receptor known to initiate an innate immune response when stimulated by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Components of TLR3 signaling, including TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-α (TRIF), have been demonstrated to contribute to dsRNA-induced cell death through caspase-8 and receptor interacting protein (RIP)1 in various human cancer cells. We provide here a detailed analysis of the caspase-8 activating machinery triggered in response to Poly(I:C) dsRNA. Engagement of TLR3 by dsRNA in both type I and type II lung cancer cells induces the formation of an atypical caspase-8-containing complex that is devoid of classical death receptors of the TNFR superfamily, but instead is physically associated to TLR3. The recruitment of caspase-8 to TLR3 requires RIP1, and is negatively modulated by cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein (cIAP)2-TNF receptor-associated factor (TRAF)2-TNFR-associated death domain (TRADD) ubiquitin ligase complex, which regulates RIP1 ubiquitination. Intriguingly, unlike Fas- or TRAILR-dependent death signaling, caspase-8 recruitment and activation within the TLR3 death-signaling complex appears not to be stringently dependent on Fas-associated with death domain (FADD). Our findings uncover a novel aspect of the molecular mechanisms involved during apoptosis induced by the innate immune receptor TLR3 in cancer cells.

Posterior tibial slope changes after opening- and closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a comparative prospective multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Valgus high tibial osteotomy is considered to be an effective treatment for unicompartmental medial osteoarthritis. It is generally admitted that tibial slope increases after open-wedge high tibial osteotomy and decreases after closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy. However, the effects on posterior tibial slope of closing- or opening-wedge osteotomies remain controversial.

HYPOTHESIS

We analyzed the modifications of tibial slope after opening- and closing-wedge high tibial osteotomies and compared the results of these two procedures. We hypothesized that there was no difference in postoperative tibial slope between opening and closing-wedge osteotomies.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective consecutive nonrandomized multicenter study was conducted between January 2008 and March 2009 and included 321 patients: 205 men and 116 women. A total of 224 patients underwent an opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy and 97 a closing-wedge osteotomy. The mean age was 52 years ± 9 and the mean body mass index was 28kg/m(2) ± 5. The main etiology was primary arthritis. Posterior tibial slope was measured preoperatively and at the last follow-up on a lateral radiograph in relation to the posterior tibial cortex.

RESULTS

In the opening-wedge group, a definite 0.6° increase in tibial slope (P=0.016) was observed. In the closing-wedge group, a definite 0.7° decrease in tibial slope (P=0.02) was found. Fourteen percent of the opening-wedge osteotomies increased tibial slope by 5° or more versus only 2% of the closed-wedge osteotomies (P<0.001). Twelve percent of the closing-wedge high tibial osteotomies led to a decrease of 5° or more of the tibial slope versus 7% of the opening-wedge osteotomies (P<0.02).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

These results confirm what is generally reported in the literature, i.e., an increase in tibial slope in opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy and a decrease in the slope in closing-wedge osteotomies. These tibial slope changes appear to be very limited in this series, less than 1° on average. However, there was a bias since the open-wedge technique was preferred in cases with substantial varus deformity. We emphasize the importance of surgical technique to avoid alteration of the tibial slope, particularly in opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy for which we recommend a release of posterior soft tissue and a complete osteotomy of the posterior cortex of the tibia.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III. Prospective consecutive nonrandomized multicenter study.

Factors associated with hospital admission for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

INTRODUCTION

Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) that require hospital admission have a major impact on the progression of disease and generate high health costs.

METHOD

A multi-center, cross-sectional, observational, study was conducted with the aim to identify factors associated with hospital admission in patients with COPD. We obtained data of socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics, quality of life, respiratory symptoms, anxiety and depression, physical activity and pulmonary function tests. We analyzed their association with hospital admission with a multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

We analyzed 127 patients, 50 (39%) of whom had been hospitalized. 93.7% were men, mean age 67 years (SD=9) and a FEV1 of 41.9% (SD=15.3). In the first model obtained, the baseline SpO(2), the BODE index and emergency room (ER) visits were associated with hospital admission and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.809. In a second model we included only variables readily available (without the 6 minutes walking test) and only the SpO(2) and previous visits to the ER were significant with an AUC ROC 0.783.

CONCLUSIONS

hospital admission for exacerbation of COPD is associated with poor SpO(2), higher BODE index score and a greater number of visits to the ER. In case you do not have the 6 minutes walking test, the other two variables offer a similar discriminative ability.

[Post-partum haemorrhage in delivery room: anaesthetists' practioner in Auvergne]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the management of post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) in delivery rooms by the anaesthetists of the Auvergne region.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross sectional study.

METHODS

An anonymous postal survey was sent to all the anaesthetists working in a public or private hospital with a maternity unit.

RESULTS

The response rate was about 70 %. Eight percent of the respondents never practiced in obstetrics; others all declared to have managed PPH at least once. Only 66 % declared to know the right definition of PPH, 98 % declared to have guidelines in the delivery room, 87 % to use graduate blood receipt pockets, 85 % to work under midwives-directed delivery at expulsion, 88 % to have a HemoCue™ system. More than 80 % declared to use first oxytocin and to switch for prostaglandins in case of failure, to put two venous catheters and a urinary catheter, to administer broad-spectrum prophylactic antibiotic and to draw a blood sample for early biology. Packed red cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma were accessible in less than 30 minutes for 98 %. Transfusion guidelines were applied. Only 27 % could have arterial radiologic embolisation on site. The knowledge about PPH and its consensual care tended to be poorer in practitioners from the university hospital, and younger under 40 also.

CONCLUSION

This survey, with a good response rate, showed a practice generally fitting to the guidelines, although with some failures depending on the practioner's age and type of hospital.

Emerging dynamics in neuronal networks of diffusively coupled hard oscillators

Oscillatory networks are a special class of neural networks where each neuron exhibits time periodic behavior. They represent bio-inspired architectures which can be exploited to model biological processes such as the binding problem and selective attention. In this paper we investigate the dynamics of networks whose neurons are hard oscillators, namely they exhibit the coexistence of different stable attractors. We consider a constant external stimulus applied to each neuron, which influences the neuron's own natural frequency. We show that, due to the interaction between different kinds of attractors, as well as between attractors and repellors, new interesting dynamics arises, in the form of synchronous oscillations of various amplitudes. We also show that neurons subject to different stimuli are able to synchronize if their couplings are strong enough.

Total knee replacement in post-traumatic arthritic knees with limitation of flexion

The objective of this study is to investigate the results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in traumatic osteoarthritis cases with flexion restriction and to describe the technical details of their management. A multicentre series comprising 40 patients with limitation of flexion less than or equal to 90° was selected from 152 cases of post-traumatic knee arthritis with malunion. We hypothesized that the arthroplasty complication rate would be higher than in other etiologies of limitation of flexion and would require specific management strategies.

PATIENTS

In 23 cases, intra-articular malunion was present, in 15 cases extra-articular, and in two cases combined. The mean flexion was 72±23°, extension was 6±6°, and total range of motion (ROM) 66±23°. Eight cases of flexion restriction were severe (flexion<50°), six intermediate (flexion, 50-70°) and 26 moderate. In 14 cases, the anterior tibial tuberosity was osteotomized (43% intra-articular malunion and 6% extra-articular malunion). Five simultaneous realignment osteotomies were necessary. In severe cases of limitation of flexion, five extensive quadriceps releases were associated.

RESULTS

Four mobilizations under general anesthesia were performed. In the cases of severe limitation of flexion, we noted three avulsions of the patellar tendon, two cases of cutaneous necrosis, one of which was associated with deep infection, and another case of deep infection. In the cases of moderate limitation of flexion, we noted one case of nonunion of the tibial tuberosity and two cases were revised for loosening, one aseptic and the other septic. With a mean follow-up of 5±4 years, the mean flexion was 99.4°±23 for a gain of 26.7±20°. The final flexion and the gain in flexion were correlated with preoperative flexion (r=0.62 and r=-0.47, respectively). The final amplitude was 99±27° for a gain of 33±21°. The flexion gains were comparable for both types of malunion, whether they were intra- or extra-articular.

DISCUSSION

Arthroplasty provided a substantial gain in flexion. Osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity and the realignment osteotomies should be performed if necessary, with no risk of compromising the result. Superior gains can be sought in severe cases of limitation of flexion by releasing the extensor apparatus, in absence of cutaneous scar tissue retractions and recent infection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4. Noncomparative retrospective study.

Early treatment of obstructive apnoea and stroke outcome: a randomised controlled trial

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in ischaemic stroke patients followed for 2 yrs. Stroke patients with an apnoea-hypopnoea index ≥ 20 events·h⁻¹ were randomised to early nCPAP (n = 71; 3-6 days after stroke onset) or conventional treatment (n = 69). The Barthel Index, Canadian Scale, Rankin Scale and Short Form-36 were measured at baseline, and at 1, 3, 12 and 24 months. The percentage of patients with neurological improvement 1 month after stroke was significantly higher in the nCPAP group (Rankin scale 90.9 versus 56.3% (p < 0.01); Canadian scale 88.2 versus 72.7% (p < 0.05)). The mean time until the appearance of cardiovascular events was longer in the nCPAP group (14.9 versus 7.9 months; p = 0.044), although cardiovascular event-free survival after 24 months was similar in both groups. The cardiovascular mortality rate was 0% in the nCPAP group and 4.3% in the control group (p = 0.161). Early use of nCPAP seems to accelerate neurological recovery and to delay the appearance of cardiovascular events, although an improvement in patients' survival or quality of life was not shown.

Total ankle arthroplasty in France

OBJECTIVES

After more than 10 years' experience in France, the French Foot Surgery Association (Association française de chirurgie du pied [AFCP]) presents an update on mobile-bearing ankle prostheses, based on a multicenter study. META-ANALYSIS - BIOMECHANICS - ASSESSMENT AND INDICATIONS: A preliminary comparative meta-analysis of the literature studies on ankle and prosthesis biomechanics, reviews validated indications and contra-indications, and details clinical and radiological outcomes assessment protocols.

PROFESSIONAL SURVEY

Sixty-three surgeons (95% AFCP members) answered a professional online survey, by email or regular post: 70% performed total ankle replacement (TAR), 39% of them at least two per year and 16% more than 10 per year, resulting in 317 TARs per year or 50% of the French activity and 312 arthrodeses per year or 17% of the French activity - which gave the survey considerable power. In 2004-2005, 46% of the TARs implanted were AES, 38% Salto and 9% Hintegra.

GAIT ANALYSIS FOLLOWING TAR

This study included two series of patients (15 in Brussels and six in Paris) with laboratory gait analysis preoperatively and at 6 months' and 1 year's FU. Following TAR, speed, cadence and strides increased and mean total work approximated normal values. These two independent studies quantified the advantages of TAR over arthrodesis.

MULTICENTER STUDY

This retrospective study had a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Results were not distinguished between the four types of prosthesis (approved by the French Healthcare Agency [HAS]) involved. Inclusion criteria for operators were: AFCP membership, and experience of more than 20 prostheses of a given type. Twelve out of 15 centers responded and undertook to include continuous series. Data were centralized on a dedicated anonymous online site. Five hundred and ninety-two TARs (388 Salto, 173 AES, 22 Hintegra, nine Star) in 555 patients (mean age, 56.4 years; range 17-84 yrs) were included. Indications were post-traumatic arthritis (48%), arthritis associated with laxity (15%), inflammatory arthropathy (20%), primitive arthritis (9%), prosthetic revision (2%), and miscellaneous (5%). Sixty-one percent of operations included associated procedures: 208 Achilles lengthenings, 45 subtalar arthrodeses, nine calcaneal osteotomies and 45 lateral ligament reconstructions. Complications comprised 53 malleolar fractures, and 39 cutaneous and seven infections (9%). At a mean 37 months' FU, 87.5% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied; mean functional score was 82.1/100; radiographic mobility, 23.2 degrees ; and total SF 36 score (on the Short Form Health Survey), 66. X-ray found stable anchorage in 98% of cases, cysts in 15%, and calcification in 4%.

REVISION FOR FAILURE

Overall cumulated survivorship was 88% at 71 months: 22 patients underwent arthrodesis (61% satisfied), and 10 implant replacement (50% satisfied).

CONCLUSION

This multioperator, multi-implant series of 592 patients confirmed literature data. Prospective follow-up of the cohorts managed in these expert centers is essential, in order to make available long-term data.

[Ogilvie's syndrome after cesarean section: a case report]

We report a case of acute postcesarean colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie's syndrome). We report the treatment algorithm we followed. Recording to this algorithm may improve the treatment of this pathology and perhaps avoid surgical treatment in emergency.

Total ankle arthroplasty in France

OBJECTIVES

After more than 10 years' experience in France, the French Foot Surgery Association (Association française de chirurgie du pied [AFCP]) presents an update on mobile-bearing ankle prostheses, based on a multicenter study. META-ANALYSIS - BIOMECHANICS - ASSESSMENT AND INDICATIONS: A preliminary comparative meta-analysis of the literature studies on ankle and prosthesis biomechanics, reviews validated indications and contra-indications, and details clinical and radiological outcomes assessment protocols.

PROFESSIONAL SURVEY

Sixty-three surgeons (95% AFCP members) answered a professional online survey, by email or regular post: 70% performed total ankle replacement (TAR), 39% of them at least two per year and 16% more than 10 per year, resulting in 317 TARs per year or 50% of the French activity and 312 arthrodeses per year or 17% of the French activity - which gave the survey considerable power. In 2004-2005, 46% of the TARs implanted were AES, 38% Salto and 9% Hintegra.

GAIT ANALYSIS FOLLOWING TAR

This study included two series of patients (15 in Brussels and six in Paris) with laboratory gait analysis preoperatively and at 6 months' and 1 year's FU. Following TAR, speed, cadence and strides increased and mean total work approximated normal values. These two independent studies quantified the advantages of TAR over arthrodesis.

MULTICENTER STUDY

This retrospective study had a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Results were not distinguished between the four types of prosthesis (approved by the French Healthcare Agency [HAS]) involved. Inclusion criteria for operators were: AFCP membership, and experience of more than 20 prostheses of a given type. Twelve out of 15 centers responded and undertook to include continuous series. Data were centralized on a dedicated anonymous online site. Five hundred and ninety-two TARs (388 Salto, 173 AES, 22 Hintegra, nine Star) in 555 patients (mean age, 56.4 years; range 17-84 yrs) were included. Indications were post-traumatic arthritis (48%), arthritis associated with laxity (15%), inflammatory arthropathy (20%), primitive arthritis (9%), prosthetic revision (2%), and miscellaneous (5%). Sixty-one percent of operations included associated procedures: 208 Achilles lengthenings, 45 subtalar arthrodeses, nine calcaneal osteotomies and 45 lateral ligament reconstructions. Complications comprised 53 malleolar fractures, and 39 cutaneous and seven infections (9%). At a mean 37 months' FU, 87.5% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied; mean functional score was 82.1/100; radiographic mobility, 23.2 degrees ; and total SF 36 score (on the Short Form Health Survey), 66. X-ray found stable anchorage in 98% of cases, cysts in 15%, and calcification in 4%.

REVISION FOR FAILURE

Overall cumulated survivorship was 88% at 71 months: 22 patients underwent arthrodesis (61% satisfied), and 10 implant replacement (50% satisfied).

CONCLUSION

This multioperator, multi-implant series of 592 patients confirmed literature data. Prospective follow-up of the cohorts managed in these expert centers is essential, in order to make available long-term data.