Detection of colorectal carcinoma by emission-computerized tomography after injection of 123I-labeled Fab or F(ab')2 fragments from monoclonal anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibodies.

This clinical study was based on experimental results obtained in nude mice grafted with human colon carcinoma, showing that injected 131I-labeled F(ab')2 and Fab fragments from high affinity anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) monoclonal antibodies (MAb) gave markedly higher ratios of tumor to normal tissue localization than intact MAb. 31 patients with known colorectal carcinoma, including 10 primary tumors, 13 local tumor recurrences, and 21 metastatic involvements, were injected with 123I-labeled F(ab')2 (n = 14) or Fab (n = 17) fragments from MAb anti-CEA. The patients were examined by emission-computerized tomography (ECT) at 6, 24, and sometimes 48 h after injection using a rotating dual head scintillation camera. All 23 primary tumors and local recurrences except one were clearly visualized on at least two sections of different tomographic planes. Interestingly, nine of these patients had almost normal circulating CEA levels, and three of the visualized tumors weighed only 3-5 g. Among 19 known metastatic tumor involvements, 14 were correctly localized by ECT. Two additional liver and several bone metastases were discovered by immunoscintigraphy. Altogether, 86% of the tumor sites were detected, 82% with F(ab')2 and 89% with Fab fragments. The contrast of the tumor images obtained with Fab fragments suggests that this improved method of immunoscintigraphy has the potential to detect early tumor recurrences and thus to increase the survival of patients. The results of this retrospective study, however, should be confirmed in a prospective study before this method can be recommended for the routine diagnosis of cancer.

Prise en charge de l'asthme en médecine de premier recours [Management of asthma in primary care medicine].

The international recommendations issued by GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) have undergone considerable adaptations over the last years. This article proposes the local adaptation of those guidelines bearing on the practical aspects of the treatment for the general practitioner's use. One of the fundamental changes in these new guidelines on good practice relates to the permanent adaptation of the treatment on the basis of symptom control rather than on the severity of the asthma. Another change from the old recommendations concerns the manner in which the asthma is categorised into different phases.

Prise en charge initiate du sepsis sévère et du choc septique [Management of severe sepsis and septic shock].

Severe sepsis and septic shock are systemic manifestations of the host response to infection. Mortality remains high despite advances in pathophysiological knowledge. Hemodynamic and respiratory management is largely supportive, while early antibiotics administration and source of infection's control are crucial for patient outcome. We review the principles guiding the initial management of these patients in emergency situation.

Polyarthrite rhumatoïde du sujet agé: présentation clinique et prise en charge [Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis: clinical presentation and management]

Onset of rheumatoid arthritis in an elderly patient is common, in fact more common than in younger subject. If the reality of true differences in clinical presentation between younger and older subjects remained discussed, the central point remains that the prognosis is not better in older patients. Finally, conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) and biological treatments are as efficient and safe than in younger patients, and the same strict management objectives used for younger subjects must be applied in the elderly.

Centre de la prostate: une approche multidisciplinaire pour une prise en charge globale du patient [Prostate cancer center: a multidisciplinary approach to accurately manage patients with prostate cancer]

The prostate cancer is a complex pathology involving oncological, functional and psychosocial items. The prostate's center of CHUV harmonize the know-how of urologists, oncologist, radiotherapists and clinical nurses to offer a global management to patients attempts by prostate cancer, from diagnosis to therapy and follow-up.

Intrathecal administration of Ziconotide: does single-shot injection predict efficacy?

Introduction: Though a trial of intrathecal (IT) therapy should always be performed before implantation of a definitive intrathecal pump, there is no agreement as to how this test should be performed. Ziconotide is trialed in most of cases with continuous IT administration using implanted catheters. Unlike other intrathecal drugs, there is little experience with single bolus IT injections of ziconotide. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of single-shot IT trialing with ziconotide. Patients and methods: Eleven consecutive patients with chronic neuropathic intractable pain were trialed with a single IT bolus of 2.5 mcg of ziconotide. Pain and side effects are monitored for at least 72 hours after the injection. Depending on the response, a second injection is given a week later, with either the same dose (if VAS decreased ≥50% without side effects), a higher dose of 3.75 mcg (if VAS decreased <50% without side effects) or a lower dose of 1.25 mcg (if VAS decreased ≥50% but with side effects). If VAS decreased less than 50% and side effects occurred, no further injection was performed. When VAS decreased >50% without side effects after the first or the second dose, the result is confirmed by one more injection of the same dose one week later. The trial is considered positive if two successive injections provide a VAS decreased more than 50% without side effects. Results: Eleven patients (6 females and 5 males) were included. Nine patients experienced modest or no pain relief. Four of these had significant side effects (dizziness, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain) and had no further injection. In the others 5, one patient retired from study and four received a second injection of 3.75 mcg. The trial was negative in all 5 cases because of side effects (dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, muscle cramps), the pain decreased in only 2 patients. Two patients experienced profound pain relief with an IT injection of 2.5 mcg. One patient had no side effects and the other had dizziness and drowsiness that disappeared with an injection of 1.25 mcg. Pain relief without adverse effects was confirmed with the second injection. The trial was considered positive for those two patients. Discussion and conclusion: The response rate of 18% (2/11) is consistent with the success rate of a continuous infusion trialing with an implanted catheter. Single-shot injection of ziconotide may therefore predict efficacy.

Prise en charge des coliques néphrétiques en urgence [Emergency management of renal colic]

Renal colic (RC) is a common problem in primary care practice. It is estimated that 5-12% of the general population will suffer once RC during his lifetime. The primary care physicians play a central role in the management of urolithiasis. This article summarizes the current recommendations in terms of renal colic emergency management: biological assessment, imaging, pain relief and specific treatment. The vast majority of patients only needs efficient antalgic treatment and an outpatient monitoring. A minimal assessment must however be undertaken to detect complicated RC that will require urgent treatment in urology department. The analysis of the stone after the crisis is crucial to set up a preventive treatment.

Duodénopancréatectomie céphalique: indications, résultats et prise en charge des complications [Pancreaticoduodenectomy: indications, results and management of complications]

Pancreaticoduodenectomy is a major procedure in visceral surgery. Post-operative mortality is around 5% in high-volume hospitals, thanks to improvement in global patients care. Morbidity remains high though. The treatment of complications most often require a multidisciplinary approach. Delayed gastric emptying, intraabdominal abscesses and pancreatic fistulas are the most frequent complications. Post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage, although more rare, is a severe and dreadful event. Despite its morbidity, duodenopancreatectomy significantly improves survival of patients with biliopancreatic cancer. Early recognition of these complications and a prompt treatment increase the safety of this procedure.