Management and outcomes of pregnant women with cardiovascular diseases in a cardio-obstetric team

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are currently the leading cause of maternal death in Western countries. Although multidisciplinary cardio-obstetric teams are recommended to improve the management of pregnant women with CVD, data supporting this approach are scarce.

AIMS

To describe the characteristics and outcomes of pregnant patients with CVD managed within the cardio-obstetric programme of a tertiary centre.

METHODS

We included every pregnant patient with history of CVD managed by our cardio-obstetric team between June 2017 and December 2019, and collected all major cardiovascular events (death, heart failure, acute coronary syndromes, stroke, endocarditis and aortic dissection) that occurred during pregnancy, peripartum and the following year.

RESULTS

We included 209 consecutive pregnancies in 202 patients. CVDs were predominantly valvular heart diseases (37.8%), rhythm disorders (26.8%), and adult congenital heart diseases (22.5%). Altogether, 47.4% were classified modified World Health Organization (mWHO)>II, 66.5% had CARdiac disease in PREGnancy score (CARPREG II)≥2 and 80 pregnancies (38.3%) were delivered by caesarean section. Major cardiovascular events occurred in 16 pregnancies (7.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.5-12.2) during pregnancy and in three others (1.5%, 95% CI 0.3-4.1) during 1-year follow-up. Most events (63.1%) occurred in the 16.3% of patients with unknown CVD before pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of pregnant patients with CVD within a cardio-obstetric team seems encouraging as we found a relatively low rate of cardiovascular events compared to the high-risk profile of our population. However, most of the remaining events occurred in patients without cardiac monitoring before pregnancy.

Specific and Non-specific Aspects and Future Challenges of ICU Care Among COVID-19 Patients with Obesity: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Since the end of 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected nearly 800 million people and caused almost seven million deaths. Obesity was quickly identified as a risk factor for severe COVID-19, ICU admission, acute respiratory distress syndrome, organ support including mechanical ventilation and prolonged length of stay. The relationship among obesity; COVID-19; and respiratory, thrombotic, and renal complications upon admission to the ICU is unclear.

RECENT FINDINGS

The predominant effect of a hyperinflammatory status or a cytokine storm has been suggested in patients with obesity, but more recent studies have challenged this hypothesis. Numerous studies have also shown increased mortality among critically ill patients with obesity and COVID-19, casting doubt on the obesity paradox, with survival advantages with overweight and mild obesity being reported in other ICU syndromes. Finally, it is now clear that the increase in the global prevalence of overweight and obesity is a major public health issue that must be accompanied by a transformation of our ICUs, both in terms of equipment and human resources. Research must also focus more on these patients to improve their care. In this review, we focused on the central role of obesity in critically ill patients during this pandemic, highlighting its specificities during their stay in the ICU, identifying the lessons we have learned, and identifying areas for future research as well as the future challenges for ICU activity.

Training first-year medical residents to break bad news using healthcare role-play and trainees as simulated patients: Experience of the "ADIAMED" program from Lille University School of Medicine

INTRODUCTION

Several studies suggest the relevance of healthcare simulation to prepare future doctors to deliver bad news. A such, we designed a role-play workshop to train first-year residents enrolled in Lille University School of Medicine to break bad news. The objective of this work is to report on our experience of this training and to assess its educational value through its capacity to satisfy residents' expectations, to induce a feeling of ease towards bad news disclosure, and to change trainees' preconceptions regarding these situations.

METHODS

The training consisted of a 45-minute heuristic reflective activity, aimed at identifying residents' preconceptions regarding bad news disclosure, followed by 4 30-min role-plays in which they played the parts of the physician, the patient and/or their relatives. Trainees were asked to answer 2 questionnaires (pre- and post-training), exploring previous experiences, preconceived ideas regarding bad news disclosure and workshop satisfaction.

RESULTS

Almost all residents felt very satisfied with the workshop, which they regarded as formative (91%) and not too stressful (89%). The majority felt "more capable" (53% vs. 83%) and "more comfortable" (27% vs. 62%) to deliver bad news, especially regarding "finding the right words" (12% vs. 22%). Trainees tended to overestimate their skills before the workshop and lowered their assessment of their performance after attending the training, especially when they played the role of a patient in the simulation.

CONCLUSION

Healthcare role-play seems an interesting technique for training to breaking bad news. Placing residents in the role of patients or relatives is an active approach that encourages reflexivity.

Ten actions to achieve gender equity among intensivists: the French Society of Intensive Care (FICS) model

In our recent survey, we aimed to collect information on perceived inequity as well as professional and personal fulfillment among women intensivists in France. For the 371 respondents out of the 732 persons who received the survey, the findings were unequivocal: for one-third of the respondents, being a woman was considered as an obstacle to careers or academic advancement, and for two thirds, pregnancy was viewed as a barrier to their career advancement. Gender discrimination had been experienced by 55% of the respondents. In 2019, to promote and achieve gender equity in the French Intensive Care Society (FICS), ten actions were initiated and are detailed in the present manuscript together with supporting data: (1) creation of a working group: the FEMMIR group; (2) promotion of mentorship; (3) implementation of concrete sponsorship; (4) transparency and public reporting of gender ratios in editorial boards; (5) workshops dedicated to unconscious gender bias; (6) workshops dedicated to improved women assertiveness; (7) role models; (8) creation of educational/information programs for young intensivists; (9) development of research on gender inequity and, as a perspective; and (10) development of a wide-ranging program. This review is aimed at providing a toolbox of organizational best practices designed to achieve gender equity. It is particularly important to share promising practical action engaged in our FEMMIR group with other concerned professionals around the world.

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness: Questions the clinician should ask

Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is defined as clinically detected weakness in critically ill patients in whom there is no plausible etiology other than critical illness. Using electrophysiological methods, patients with ICU-AW are classified in three subcategories: critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy and critical illness neuromyopathy. ICU-AW is a frequent complication occurring in critical ill patients. Risk factors include illness severity and organ failure, age, hyperglycemia, parenteral nutrition, drugs and immobility. Due to short- and long-term complications, ICU-AW results in longer hospital stay and increased mortality. Its management is essentially preventive avoiding modifiable risk factors, especially duration of sedation and immobilization that should be as short as possible. Pharmacological approaches have been studied but none have proven efficacy. In the present review, we propose practical questions that the clinician should ask in case of acquired weakness during ICU stay: when to suspect ICU-AW, what risk factors should be identified, how to diagnose ICU-AW, what is the prognosis and how can recovery be improved?

Effects at 3 months of a large-scale simulation-based training for first year medical residents on the knowledge of suicide

BACKGROUND

Suicide is a leading yet underestimated cause of death in the world and in France. The goal of our study was to determine the impact at 3 months of a large-scale simulation program on suicide risk assessment for first-year medical residents.

METHODS

All the first-year medical residents participated in the simulation program that included a session on suicide risk assessment. The scenario was carried out by a standardized patient (professional actor) who had a normal check-up at the ER after a chest pain. He verbalized suicidal thoughts to an ER nurse due to a recent divorce and social difficulties, who then reported it to the resident. The latter had to assess suicide risk on his own. The QECS "Questionnaire de connaissances relatives au suicide" was used to assess knowledge of suicide before the training session (T0) and 3 months later (T1). A pre/post comparison was performed with a paired t-test.

RESULTS

420 residents participated in this study. A total of 273 matching questionnaires was obtained. A statistically significant theoretical knowledge improvement was found at 3 months of the session for all the residents.

LIMITATIONS

The absence of a control group and data loss were some of the major limitations of our study. Another limitation corresponds to the lack of additional questions, such as levels of interest, former and recent training, level of experience, attitudes, and self-competency in suicide risk assessment before and after the simulation program that could have helped to interpret the obtained results and their variation. Moreover, the exact effects of this increased knowledge on clinical practice has not been measured in our study.

CONCLUSION

This is an unprecedented, large-scale attempt in France to allow all the medical residents to practice suicide risk assessment. This simulation-based training had a positive impact at 3 months on the knowledge of suicide in medical residents.

Perceived inequity, professional and personal fulfillment by women intensivists in France

Background

The medical workforce has been feminized for the last two decades worldwide. Nonetheless, women remain under-represented among intensivists. We conducted a survey among French women intensivists to assess their professional and personal quality of life and their perception of potential gender discrimination at work.

Methods

We conducted an observational descriptive study by sending a survey, designed by the group FEMMIR (FEmmes Médecins en Médecine Intensive Réanimation), to women intensivists in France, using primarily the Société de Réanimation de Langue Française (SRLF) mailing list. The questionnaire was also available online between September 2019 and January 2020 and women intensivists were encouraged to answer through email reminders. It pertained to five main domains, including demographic characteristics, work position, workload and clinical/research activities, self-fulfillment scale, perceived discrimination at work and suggested measures to implement.

Results

Three hundred and seventy-one women responded to the questionnaire, among whom 16% had an academic position. Being a woman intensivist and pregnancy were both considered to increase difficulties in careers’ advancement by 31% and 73% of the respondents, respectively. Almost half of the respondents (46%) quoted their quality of life equal to or lower than 6 on a scale varying from 1 (very bad quality of life) to 10 (excellent quality of life). They were 52% to feel an imbalance between their personal and professional life at the cost of their personal life. Gender discrimination has been experienced by 55% of the respondents while 37% confided having already been subject of bullying or harassment. Opportunities to adjust their work timetable including part-time work, better considerations for pregnant women including increasing the number of intensivists and the systematic replacement during maternity leave, and the respect of the law regarding the paternity leave were suggested as key measures to enable better professional and personal accomplishment by women intensivists.

Conclusion

In this first large French survey in women intensivists, we pointed out issues felt by women intensivists that included an imbalance between professional and personal life, a perceived loss of opportunity due to the fact of being a woman, frequent reported bullying or harassment and a lack of consideration of the needs related to pregnancy and motherhood.

[Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in pregnancy: About four cases and key messages on management]

OBJECTIFS

The diagnosis of a pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma secreting during pregnancy is a rare and serious situation, involving maternal-fetal prognosis. The purpose of this case series is to discuss the management of these patients.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of cases of pheochromocytoma (n=2) or paraganglioma (n=2) managed during pregnancy between 2013 and 2020 in one center (Lille, France).

RESULTS

We report four cases of patients with a diagnosis of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma during pregnancy, at respectively 4, 28, 31 and 34 weeks of amenorrhea (AS). Their pregnancies were affected by a sudden onset of hypertension sometimes associated with headaches, sweating, and palpitations. All patients delivered by Caesarean section after calcium channel blocker impregnation, with a good outcome. Tumor removal took place at a distance from delivery for each patient.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic strategy includes antihypertensive treatment with calcium channel blockers or alphablockers and surgical curative treatment linked to gestational age. Multidisciplinary management as well as early diagnosis can improve the maternal-fetal prognosis. The preferred way of delivery is Caesarean section, but vaginal delivery can also be considered. Removal should ideally take place at a distance from the birth. The analysis of these cases has led to the development of a protocol for monitoring and management of parturients with diagnosis of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma during pregnancy.

Career aspirations among specialty residents in France: a cross-sectional gender-based comparison

BACKGROUND

Most studies evaluating career aspirations among gender are performed in Anglo-Saxon countries. Two recent French studies looked at the career choice of residents in obstetrics & gynecology. It seemed useful to us to broaden this questioning to other specialties, by proposing a study to all residents in the same Faculty. The objective of our study was to describe residents' career aspirations and possible barriers according to gender.

METHODS

Declarative cross-sectional survey, using questionnaires sent by email to the specialty residents of the Faculty of Medicine of Lille (France). An analysis by specialty group (i.e., medicine, surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, and anesthesia & resuscitation) and a comparison of the results according to gender were performed.

RESULTS

Of the 1384 specialty residents currently in training, 462 answered the questionnaire (33.38%), among whom 289 women and 173 men (average age = 27.08 ± 0.091 years). Seventeen women (5.9%) were currently considering a university hospital career versus 37 men (21.4%) (p = 0.001). Gender analysis made it possible to identify obstacles to engaging in a university career: lacking a female model, more frequent doubting the ability to undertake this type of career among women (61.6%) than men (35.3%) (p < 0.001), and gender discrimination felt in the workplace for 51.6% of women (versus 7.5% of men, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed specificities related to each specialty.

CONCLUSIONS

Few residents plan to embark upon a university hospital career, let alone female residents. There are considerations specific to each specialty and marked gender differences regarding career aspirations. Many features have been identified as obstacles to access to university hospital positions for women. It is important to develop strategies to remove these barriers and enable women to pursue such university careers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable (no intervention).

High incidence of Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and human-herpes virus-6 reactivations in critically ill patients with COVID-19

Background

Systemic reactivation of herpesviruses may occur in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and is associated with morbidity and mortality. Data on severe Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and concomitant reactivation of herpesviruses are lacking.

Methods

We selected patients admitted to ICU for confirmed COVID-19 who underwent systematic testing for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and human-herpes virus-6 (HHV-6) DNAemia while in the ICU. We retrospectively analysed frequency, timing, duration and co-occurrence of viral DNAemia.

Results

Thirty-four patients were included. Viremia with EBV, CMV, and HHV-6 was detected in 28 (82%), 5 (15%), and 7 (22%) patients, respectively. EBV reactivation occurred early after ICU admission and was associated with longer ICU length-of-stay.

Conclusions

While in the ICU, critically ill patients with COVID-19 are prone to develop reactivations due to various types of herpesviruses.

Simulation-based pediatric training: A French national survey

INTRODUCTION

To have an overview of pediatric medical simulation within a country would be helpful to improve the offer and quality of teaching. The main objective of this study was to identify the scope for simulation-based teaching in pediatrics in France.

METHODS

An assessment of professional practices was conducted by means of a national survey conducted among all university hospitals between 20 May and 6 August 2018. A standardized GoogleForm® was created and sent to heads of simulation centers or persons responsible for pediatric simulation. Descriptive analyses and comparisons of centers with and without university trainers as well as with and without research activity were performed.

RESULTS

All 34 teaching hospitals or faculties of medicine responded to our survey. Of these, 31 had a simulation center. There was a median of nine trainers per center (interquartile range: 5-13). Most used simulation for communication and teamwork, as well as for technical and relational skills. These sessions were mainly dedicated to residents and health professionals. All centers reported working on high-fidelity newborn mannequins and 84% used low-fidelity newborn mannequins. Research activity was declared by 14 centers (45%), but only six of these had at least one publication. No difference was identified between centers with and without university trainers or with and without research activity.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the 2012 report, 19 new centers have emerged within 6 years in France (+158%). Pursuing research to evaluate the impact of simulation programs on physician skills and patient management would appear to be important.

Single Low Dose of Human Recombinant Antithrombin (ATryn) has no Impact on Endotoxin-Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: An Experimental Randomized Open Label Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Antithrombin (AT) III physiological levels are decreased during septic shock and supplementation therapy could therefore be beneficial.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that the use of recombinant human AT could reduce disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurrence.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized open label controlled experimental study. Ten female "Large White" pigs were challenged with i.v. infusion of Escherichia coli endotoxin. Two groups of 5 pigs were randomly assigned to receive either recombinant human AT 100 U/kg over 30 min (ATryn group) or 0.9% saline (control group). AT III levels, coagulation, hemostasis, inflammation parameters, hemodynamics, and microcirculatory parameters were measured over a 5-h period. Immediately after euthanasia, kidneys were withdrawn for histology evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric tests and Dunn's test for multiple comparisons.

RESULTS

AT III activity was significantly higher in the ATryn group than in the control group from 60% (213% [203-223] vs. 104% [98-115], P = 0.008, respectively) to 300 min (115% [95-124] vs. 79% [67-93], P = 0.03). Recombinant human AT supplementation had no impact on hemodynamics, microcirculatory parameters, and sequential changes of coagulation parameters (platelet count, fibrinogen level, thrombin-AT complexes, and von Willebrand factor). Interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α values were statistically the same for both groups throughout the study. Percentage of thrombosed glomeruli and percentage of thrombosed capillary in glomerulus were not significantly different between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In our model of endotoxic shock, a single low dose of recombinant human AT did not prevent DIC occurrence, severity, inflammatory profile, or hemodynamic alterations.

Association of transcription factor 7-like 2 gene (TCF7L2) polymorphisms with stress-related hyperglycaemia (SRH) in intensive care and resulting outcomes: The READIAB study

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs7903146 on the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene in stress-related hyperglycaemia (SRH), defined as blood glucose≥11mmol/L in at least two blood samples during the first 3 days in the intensive care unit (ICU), and on 28-day and 1-year mortality, and incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) at 6 months and 1 year in patients hospitalized in the ICU.

METHODS

This prospective observational (non-interventional) multicentre READIAB study, carried out during 2012-2016 in six French ICUs, involved adult patients admitted to ICUs for at least two organ failures; patients admitted for<48h were excluded. During the 3-day ICU observational period, genetic testing, blood glucose values and insulin treatment were recorded.

MAIN RESULTS

The association of rs7903146 with SRH was assessed using logistic regression models. Cox proportional hazards regression models assessed the associations between rs7903146 and mortality and between SRH and mortality, both at 28 days and 1 year. A total of 991 of the 1000 enrolled patients were included in the READIAB-G4 cohort, but 242 (24.4%) had preexisting diabetes and were excluded from the analyses. SRH occurred within the first 3 days in the ICU for one-third of the non-diabetes patients. The association between the rs7903146 polymorphism and SRH did not reach significance (P=0.078): OR_{(peroneTcopy)}: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.98-1.58. A significant association was found between rs7903146 and 28-day mortality after adjusting for severity scores (P=0.026), but was no longer significant at 1 year (P=0.61). At 28 days, mortality was increased in patients with SRH (HR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.43-3.06; P<0.001), and remained significant at 1 year after adjusting for severity scores (HR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.32-2.28; P<0.001). On admission, non-diabetes patients with SRH had a higher incidence of T2D at 6 months vs. those without SRH (16.0% vs. 7.6%, RR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.07-4.20; P=0.030). At 1 year, these figures were 13.4% vs. 9.2%, RR: 1.45, 95% CI: 0.71-2.96; P=0.31). Moreover, the rs7903146 polymorphism was not significantly associated with T2D development at either 6 months (P=0.72) or 1 year (P=0.64).

CONCLUSION

This study failed to demonstrate any significant association between rs7903146 and SRH. Nevertheless, the issue remains an important challenge, as SRH may be associated with increased rates of both mortality and T2D development.

Encéphalopathie hyperammoniémique en Réanimation adulte : à propos de deux observations cliniques

L’hyperammoniémie est un trouble métabolique induit par un excès d’ammoniac plasmatique. La toxicité nerveuse de l’ammoniac peut entraîner une encéphalopathie d’aggravation rapide, avec risque de décès par oedème cérébral irréversible. En Réanimation adulte, lorsque l’hyperammoniémie n’est pas en lien avec une insuffisance hépatocellulaire aiguë, d’autres causes plus rares doivent être recherchées, incluant un déficit enzymatique du cycle de l’urée (urea cycle disorder [UCD]) de révélation tardive. C’est le bilan métabolique qui permettra de distinguer une hyperammoniémie primitive, par déficit enzymatique du cycle de l’urée, d’une hyperammoniémie secondaire. Nous rapportons les cas de deux patients pris en charge en Réanimation adulte pour encéphalopathie hyperammoniémique majeure révélatrice d’un déficit du cycle de l’urée dans un cas (acidurie argininosuccinique) et secondaire aux localisations hépatiques d’une tumeur dans l’autre cas. Nous souhaitons rappeler ici la démarche rigoureuse pour parvenir au diagnostic ainsi que la prise en charge thérapeutique spécifique de ces situations.

Recours inappropriés aux urgences pédiatriques par les parents : approche qualitative d'un comportement multidimensionnel

Introduction : Les recours aux services d'urgences pédiatriques se multiplient, mais une partie d'entre eux sont médicalement inappropriés. Pour comprendre, au-delà des déterminants connus comme la démographie médicale ou l'attraction du plateau technique, la genèse de ces recours inadéquats et les logiques internes des parents concernés, une enquête a été menée en Pays de la Loire.

Méthode : Qualitative par entretiens semi-directifs, à Nantes et à La Roche-sur-Yon, auprès de parents ayant conduit leur enfant aux urgences et qui, après examen clinique, n'a eu besoin ni de soin ni d'investigation technique. Les entretiens étaient centrés sur le récit de l'épisode ayant motivé la décision de recours et sur le contexte familial de cette décision. Une analyse thématique puis conceptuelle a tenté d'aboutir à une typologie de recours.

Résultats : Les thèmes récurrents permettant d'interpréter ces recours concernaient : 1) le niveau d'inquiétude lié au caractère inhabituel ou inexplicable des premiers symptômes ; 2) la grande confiance accordée aux services d'urgences, effaçant tous les inconvénients possibles ; 3) une perception contrastée ou une méconnaissance du réseau de soins primaires freinant son usage non programmé. Des thèmes discordants concernant le contexte familial ont permis d'isoler trois modalités de recours inappropriés : recours par effacement parental et délégation de responsabilité de la part de parents se positionnant comme profanes incompétents, recours par confrontation de compétence avec revendication de reconnaissance de l'expertise parentale, recours par recherche de complémentarité de compétence avec les médecins.

Conclusion : Certains recours inappropriés peuvent cacher une demande implicite d'étayage urgent de la parentalité.

Sodium lactate improves renal microvascular thrombosis compared to sodium bicarbonate and 0.9% NaCl in a porcine model of endotoxic shock: an experimental randomized open label controlled study

Background

Sodium lactate seemed to improve fluid balance and avoid fluid overload. The objective of this study was to determine if these beneficial effects can be at least partly explained by an improvement in disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)-associated renal microvascular thrombosis.

Methods

Ancillary work of an interventional randomized open label controlled experimental study. Fifteen female “Large White” pigs (2 months old) were challenged with intravenous infusion of E. coli endotoxin. Three groups of five animals were randomly assigned to receive different fluids: a treatment group received sodium lactate 11.2% (SL group); an isotonic control group received 0.9% NaCl (NC group); a hypertonic control group, with the same amount of osmoles and sodium than SL group, received sodium bicarbonate 8.4% (SB group). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) markers, coagulation and inflammation parameters were measured over a 5-h period. Immediately after euthanasia, kidneys were withdrawn for histological study. Statistical analysis was performed with nonparametric tests and the Dunn correction for multiple comparisons. A p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The direct immunofluorescence study revealed that the percentage of capillary sections thrombosed in glomerulus were significantly lesser in SL group [5 (0–28) %] compared to NC [64 (43–79) %, p = 0.01] and SB [64 (43–79), p = 0.03] groups. Alterations in platelet count and fibrinogen level occurred earlier and were significantly more pronounced in both control groups compared to SL group (p < 0.05 at 210 and 300 min). The increase in thrombin–antithrombin complexes was significantly higher in NC [754 (367–945) μg/mL; p = 0.03] and SB [463 (249–592) μg/mL; p = 0.03] groups than in SL group [176 (37–265) μg/mL]. At the end of the experiment, creatinine clearance was significantly higher in SL group [55.46 (30.07–67.85) mL/min] compared to NC group [1.52 (0.17–27.67) mL/min, p = 0.03].

Conclusions

In this study, we report that sodium lactate improves DIC-associated renal microvascular thrombosis and preserves GFR. These findings could at least partly explain the better fluid balance observed with sodium lactate infusion.

Evaluation by undergraduate medical students of a role-playing training program on the management of acute states of agitation

OBJECTIVES

Acute states of agitation (ASAs) are frequent in daily medical practice. However, training on real ASAs raises technical and ethical issues, whereas lecture-based teaching hardly addresses some educational objectives, e.g., improving relational skills and team-based coordination. Simulation-based medical education (SBME) is a promising medium to train students on managing ASAs. We have recently implemented a role-playing training module on ASAs. In this scenario, four to five students play the role of the staff, while a trained professional actor plays the agitated patient. A subsequent standardized debriefing is conducted by a senior psychiatrist. A first wave of 219 students participated in a one-session training of this ASA module in June 2015. They completed pre-session and post-session questionnaires aiming to collect "proof-of-concept" data.

METHODS

The pre-session questionnaire investigated: previous experience of ASA among students during their clinical training; previous participation in a role-playing SBME; and perceived knowledge of the good practice rules for managing ASAs. The post-session questionnaire investigated among the students if: they thought having been able to appropriately manage the simulated ASA; they found the SBME medium more fitted for training than real situations; they found that the SBME session faithfully reproduced a real ASA; and the session was found useful for transmitting the skills on correct management of ASA. The average level of stress induced by the training was assessed using a numerical rating scale (0-10).

RESULTS

Two hundred and six of the 219 students completed the pre-session questionnaire (63% females; response rate 96.7%). A hundred and thirty four students played the scenario and completed the post-session questionnaire (65.7% females; response rate 100%). 38.3% of the responders reported having previously experienced a situation of ASA in their practice, and 31.1% deemed to know the good practices rules for managing an ASA. In post-session, 29.9% of the participants considered that they appropriately managed the ASA, 79.9% deemed that the role-playing session faithfully reproduced a real ASA, and 97% deemed that this SBME was more fitted and useful than a real clinical situation to improve their medical skills. Bivariate analyses revealed that the post-session responses and level of stress were not influenced by previous experience on ASA, previous participation in a SBME role-playing session, or thinking to know the rules for managing ASAs.

CONCLUSION

SBME role-playing training appears a promising, realistic, and well-accepted method for teaching the management of ASA.

[Physicians' assessments of work capacity in patients with SHC: comparison between five European countries]

OBJECTIVE

Comparing assessments of incapacity to work in patients with subjective health complaints (SHC) by physicians from 5 different European countries.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHOD

General practitioners from Norway (n=56), Sweden (n=29), Denmark (n=41), France (n=46) and occupational and insurance physicians from the Netherlands (n=93) watched and assessed incapacity to work in nine video vignettes of patients with SHC. We subsequently analysed differences between assessments (whether or not there was incapacity to work) by country, with Norway as a reference, as well as differences between general practitioners from the four countries and occupational and insurance physicians using a generalised linear mixed model.

RESULTS

Assessments of incapacity to work by physicians from the 5 countries were generally very similar. However, compared to Norwegian general practitioners, Swedish general practitioners (odds ratio (OR) of 0.43 with 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.23-0.79) and Dutch occupational and insurance physicians (OR of 0.55 with 95% CI of 0.36-0.86) concluded less often that the patients in the videos were unable to work. There were no differences between general practitioners from the other 2 European countries and those from Norway. The Dutch occupational and insurance physicians also concluded less often that there was an incapacity to work compared to all general practitioners from the other 4 European countries (OR of 0.67 with 95% CI of 0.49-0.93).

CONCLUSION

There are significant differences between assessments of incapacity to work in patients with SHC between countries and professional groups, but these differences are generally small. Potential explanations for these differences could be found in occupational and insurance medicine specialist training and in the existence of professional guidelines.

[In Poitou-Charentes family planning centers, Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women is more frequently detected through the presence or absence of risk factors than in accordance with official guidelines]

BACKGROUND

The French health authorities recommend systematic screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) urogenital infections in dedicated sexual health centers (planning centers) for women under 25 years old and for women who have changed partners during the last year. The two main purposes of this study were to assess adherence to this recommendation in planning centers and to identify possible obstacles to this screening.

METHODS

We conducted an observational prospective study from April to August 2013 in planning centers of Poitou-Charentes. Data on declarative screening practices and possible obstacles to Ct screening were collected qualitatively. Real center practices were also recorded to assess conformity with guidelines. Quantitative data were collected about real activities in each center. Screening percentage among women younger than 25 years and among those who had changed partners during the year was computed for each center. The main endpoint was percentage of centers that did not follow the recommendations. Declared practices were compared to observational practices using real practices data.

RESULTS

Twelve out of 17 planning centers in the region participated. Six centers declared they performed systematic screening for Ct infection in women under 25 and 2 centers in women who had changed partners during the year. No center fully complied with the recommendations. Forty-three percent (601/1390) of women with standard screening criteria were screened and 52 % (102/197) of women without these criteria were screened. Depending on the center, declared practices could overestimate or underestimate the observed practices. The declared obstacles were lack of time, patient refusal, budget issues and no specific organization.

CONCLUSION

Poitou-Charentes planning centers screen for Ct infection in women younger than 25 years old and those who have changed partners during the last year depending on risk factors (unprotected sex, infected partner…). Which patients need this screening has to be clarified.

[Pseudo-adult Still's disease, anasarca, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and dysautonomia: An atypical presentation of multicentric Castleman's disease. Discussion of TAFRO syndrome]

INTRODUCTION

Multicentric Castleman's disease can mimic adult-onset Still disease. It is exceptionally associated with anasarca, thrombotic microangiopathy and dysautonomia.

CASE REPORT

We report a 32-year-old woman with an association of oligoanuria, anasarca, thrombotic microangiopathy with features compatible with adult-onset Still disease. The outcome was initially favorable with corticosteroids, immunoglobulins and plasmapheresis but with the persistence of relapses marked by severe autonomic syndrome and necessity of high dose corticosteroids. The diagnosis of mixed type Castleman's disease, HHV8 and HIV negative, was obtained four years after the onset of symptoms by a lymph node biopsy. The outcome was favorable after tocilizumab and corticosteroids but tocilizumab had to be switched to anakinra to ensure a proper and long-lasting control of the disease.

CONCLUSION

Our patient partially fits the description of TAFRO syndrome (Thrombocytopenia, Anasarca, myeloFibrosis, Renal dysfunction, Organomegaly), a MCM rare variant, recently described in Japanese patients.

[Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a case of persistent thrombocytopenia]

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is rare. It should be considered if there is a reduction of at least 40% in the number of platelets and/or a level<100,000/mm3 in any patients who have received heparin in the previous 100 days. On stopping heparin, the rise in platelets is classically rapid, and normal levels are usually obtained in under 7 days. We report a case of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, which was marked by a severe thrombocytopenia that only returned to normal 19 days after stopping heparin, in a patient treated initially with non-fractionated heparin for a pulmonary embolism secondary to an extensive deep venous thrombosis of the right lower limb.

Comparaison de la réadaptation psychosociale et de la qualité de vie des schizophrènes sous neuroleptique classique ou atypique

The psychosocial rehabilitation and the quality of life of schizophrenics have constituted the main concern in the taking care of these patients since their return into our society. Thus, the emergence of atypical neuroleptics allows us to imagine very interesting and important perspectives concerning these 2 concepts. The adaptation to social and professional life, and the quality of life have been rarely compared according to the antipsychotic therapeutic used (classical neuroleptics or atypical neuroleptics). As many authors underline it, there are still very few studies undertaken concerning this subject because of the diverse methodological and ethical limitations implied. That is why we established a transversal study of the psychosocial adaptation and of the quality of life of 2 stabilized schizophrenic groups. These 2 different groups are: the NC group under classical neuroleptics on the one hand, and the NA group under atypical neuroleptics on the other hand. The main target of this study is to observe the influence of the atypical neuroleptics independently of the other factors. Three evaluation scales were used: the PANSS, the psychosocial skill scale (EAPS) of G. Darcourt and the French translation by P. Martin of the Functional Statut Questionnaire (FSQ), and a collection of the clinical and therapeutic socio-demographic data. Concerning the psychosocial capacities, the total results revealed one significant difference (p-value<0.01) between the two groups. The NA group showed a better psychosocial adaptation (80 +/- 10.89 versus 72 +/- 13.39). Besides 4 key-domains are statistically different, but are always in favour of the NA group; the domains are family life (p=0.01), social life (p=0.0026), presentation (p=0.003) and housing and food (0.029). These observations incite to modify our cure. The analysis of the total score of the FSQ did not reveal a statistically significant difference between both groups but this total score seems high in both groups, conveying an important feeling of satisfaction about the quality of life of our sample of schizophrenics. Literature data also abound along the same lines. Indeed, authors underline that patients clearly prefer to live outside rather than in the hospital. Besides, this study allows to confirm the literature data while studying some domains (such as sexuality) rarely brought to light in studies. As a conclusion, we can say that our sample is representative of a population of schizophrenics, and in spite of the difficulties of methodology inherent to this type of study, we can make a comparison between our 2 groups thanks to the stu-died data. Data in which differences could be found, did not show any influence on the results of scales, thus, they cannot be considered as a confounding factor. The NA group showed a better psychosocial adaptation. Furthermore the FSQ did not reveal a difference between both groups. It seems important to remind that a prospective study, conducted for several months and with several evaluations, is essential to confirm the results obtained on both types of treatment.

Cefepime-induced neurotoxicity: an underestimated complication of antibiotherapy in patients with acute renal failure

OBJECTIVES

To describe five new cases of life-threatening cefepime-induced neurotoxicity observed in a 2-year period.

SETTING

A university intensive care unit.

PATIENTS

Five patients recently treated with cefepime, admitted for seizures and coma. All suffered from acute renal failure, induced by sepsis and combined aminoside therapy, or by cefepime itself in one case.

INTERVENTIONS

All patients underwent hemodialysis, which led to complete neurological improvement in four of them. One patient remained comatose and subsequently died.

MEASUREMENTS

Blood and CSF cefepime levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography before and after hemodialysis.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of cefepime-induced neurotoxicity is probably underestimated. Monitoring of renal function and close neurological survey in treated patients should allow an early diagnosis of this complication. Urgent hemodialysis seems the best therapeutic method to obtain a rapid neurological improvement.

[Coagulation activation with intraportal islets of Langerhans transplantation in swine]

STUDY AIM

Intraportal islet allograft appears to be one of the promising treatments for type I diabetes. However, many limiting factors persist. An activation of the coagulation cascade upon contact with islets, has been reported recently in vitro and could play a crucial role in a non specific inflammatory reaction and favour the specific immune reaction. The aim of this experimental study was to confirm in vivo this activation of the coagulation cascade.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An allogenic islets preparation or a material control (inert microbeads) was injected intraportally, in Large White pigs (n = 26), associated with or without an anticoagulant treatment (heparin). Systemic markers of haemostasis were measured in pigs for 72 hours following injection of the studied material.

RESULTS

The thrombin-antithrombin complex increased and platelet count decreased in groups receiving preparation of islets, both indicators of an activation of the coagulation cascade. This activation was proportional to the injected volume and was partially attenuated by heparin. No activation was observed in pigs receiving the material control.

CONCLUSION

The activation of the coagulation cascade and the non specific inflammatory reaction could be one of the obstacles to the success of the islet allografts. The use of anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory molecules could potentially allow an improvement of the present results of islet allograft.