Mieux comprendre le syndrome douloureux fémoro-patellaire... pour mieux le traiter [Patellofemoral pain syndrome: understand better in order to treat better].

Le syndrome douloureux fémoro-patellaire (SDFP) est l'une des causes les plus fréquentes de douleur antérieure du genou chez l'adolescent et l'adulte. De par son étiologie complexe, multifactorielle et encore mal comprise, sa prise en charge est un important challenge pour le praticien. Le diagnostic se fait principalement sur l'anamnèse et l'examen clinique du genou mais aussi de l'ensemble du membre inférieur, pouvant parfois nécessiter la réalisation d'une imagerie. Le traitement est dans la grande majorité des cas conservateur, principalement axé sur la rééducation avec de la physiothérapie ciblée et personnalisée. Le traitement chirurgical est réservé aux cas présentant une anomalie structurelle causale. Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is one of the most frequent cause of anterior knee pain in adolescents and adults. Due to its complex etiology, which is multifactorial and still poorly understood, its management is a major challenge for the practitioner. The diagnosis is made primarily on the history and clinical examination of the knee, but also of the entire lower limb, which may sometimes require the completion of imaging. The treatment is mostly conservative, focussing on rehabilitation with targeted and personalized therapy. Surgical treatment is reserved for cases with a causal structural lesion.

Comparison of acute non-visual bright light responses in patients with optic nerve disease, glaucoma and healthy controls.

This study examined the effect of optic nerve disease, hence retinal ganglion cell loss, on non-visual functions related to melanopsin signalling. Test subjects were patients with bilateral visual loss and optic atrophy from either hereditary optic neuropathy (n = 11) or glaucoma (n = 11). We measured melatonin suppression, subjective sleepiness and cognitive functions in response to bright light exposure in the evening. We also quantified the post-illumination pupil response to a blue light stimulus. All results were compared to age-matched controls (n = 22). Both groups of patients showed similar melatonin suppression when compared to their controls. Greater melatonin suppression was intra-individually correlated to larger post-illumination pupil response in patients and controls. Only the glaucoma patients demonstrated a relative attenuation of their pupil response. In addition, they were sleepier with slower reaction times during nocturnal light exposure. In conclusion, glaucomatous, but not hereditary, optic neuropathy is associated with reduced acute light effects. At mild to moderate stages of disease, this is detected only in the pupil function and not in responses conveyed via the retinohypothalamic tract such as melatonin suppression.

Recommandations pour le traitement et la prévention du zona et des douleurs associées chez la personne âgée [Recommendations for treatment and prevention of herpes zoster and associated pain in aged adults].

Initiated within the first 72hours of the rash, prescribing antiviral drugs reduces both acute neuralgia (AN) and later complications and especially postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). But their analgesic as well as preventative effect on AN and PHN is modest. Combination with analgesic drugs is more often needed for pain management. However, the pharmacological management of pain, in the context of old patients' frailty, co-morbidities and often polypharmacy, must be carefully considered. Based on analyses of the evidences from the literature, this review presents the therapeutic options we have at one's disposal and proposes a stepwise management for both AN and PHN specifically designed for aged population.

Prognostic value of PCSK9 levels in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

AIMS: Proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) is an emerging target for the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia, but the clinical utility of PCSK9 levels to guide treatment is unknown. We aimed to prospectively assess the prognostic value of plasma PCSK9 levels in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Plasma PCSK9 levels were measured in 2030 ACS patients undergoing coronary angiography in a Swiss prospective cohort. At 1 year, the association between PCSK9 tertiles and all-cause death was assessed adjusting for the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) variables, as well as the achievement of LDL cholesterol targets of <1.8 mmol/L. Patients with higher PCSK9 levels at angiography were more likely to have clinical familial hypercholesterolaemia (rate ratio, RR 1.21, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.09-1.53), be treated with lipid-lowering therapy (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.30-1.63), present with longer time interval of chest pain (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.09-1.53) and higher C-reactive protein levels (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.16-1.30). PCSK9 increased 12-24 h after ACS (374 ± 149 vs. 323 ± 134 ng/mL, P < 0.001). At 1 year follow-up, HRs for upper vs. lower PCSK9-level tertiles were 1.13 (95% CI 0.69-1.85) for all-cause death and remained similar after adjustment for the GRACE score. Patients with higher PCSK9 levels were less likely to reach the recommended LDL cholesterol targets (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.66-0.99). CONCLUSION: In ACS patients, high initial PCSK9 plasma levels were associated with inflammation in the acute phase and hypercholesterolaemia, but did not predict mortality at 1 year.

Hybrid treatment of penetrating aortic ulcer

AbstractPenetrating atherosclerotic aortic ulcer is a rare entity with poor prognosis in the setting of acute aortic syndrome. In the literature, cases like the present one, located in the aortic arch, starting with chest pain and evolving with dysphonia, are even rarer. The present report emphasizes the role played by computed tomography in the diagnosis of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer as well as in the differentiation of this condition from other acute aortic syndromes. Additionally, the authors describe a new therapeutic approach represented by a hybrid endovascular surgical procedure for treatment of the disease.

Spontaneous rupture of ovarian cystadenocarcinoma: pre- and post-rupture computed tomography evaluation

AbstractEpithelial ovarian tumors are the most common malignant ovarian neoplasms and, in most cases, eventual rupture of such tumors is associated with a surgical procedure. The authors report the case of a 54-year-old woman who presented with spontaneous rupture of ovarian cystadenocarcinoma documented by computed tomography, both before and after the event. In such cases, a post-rupture staging tends to be less favorable, compromising the prognosis.

A randomized double-blind control study of early intra-coronary autologous bone marrow cell infusion in acute myocardial infarction: the REGENERATE-AMI clinical trial?.

AIMS: Clinical trials suggest that intracoronary delivery of autologous bone marrow-derived cells (BMCs) 1-7 days post-acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may improve left ventricular (LV) function. Earlier time points have not been evaluated. We sought to determine the effect of intracoronary autologous BMC on LV function when delivered within 24 h of successful reperfusion therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: A multi-centre phase II randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. One hundred patients with anterior AMI and significant regional wall motion abnormality were randomized to receive either intracoronary infusion of BMC or placebo (1:1) within 24 h of successful primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI). The primary endpoint was the change in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between baseline and 1 year as determined by advanced cardiac imaging. At 1 year, although LVEF increased compared with baseline in both groups, the between-group difference favouring BMC was small (2.2%; 95% confidence interval, CI: -0.5 to 5.0; P = 0.10). However, there was a significantly greater myocardial salvage index in the BMC-treated group compared with placebo (0.1%; 95% CI: 0.0-0.20; P = 0.048). Major adverse events were rare in both treatment groups. CONCLUSION: The early infusion of intracoronary BMC following PPCI for patients with AMI and regional wall motion abnormality leads to a small non-significant improvement in LVEF when compared with placebo; however, it may play an important role in infarct remodelling and myocardial salvage. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00765453 and EudraCT 2007-002144-16.

The role of endothelial enzymes NOS, VAP-1 and CD73 in acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a syndrome of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates that is not caused by left atrial hypertension. Since there is no effective treatment available, this frequent clinical syndrome significantly contributes to mortality of both medical and surgical patients. Great majority of the patients with the syndrome suffers from indirect ALI caused by systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Sepsis, trauma, major surgery and severe burns, which represent the most common triggers of SIRS, often induce an overwhelming inflammatory reaction leading to dysfunction of several vital organs. Studies of indirect ALI due to SIRS revealed that respiratory dysfunction results from increased permeability of endothelium. Disruption of endothelial barrier allows extravasation of protein-rich liquid and neutrophils to pulmonary parenchyma. Both under normal conditions and in inflammation, endothelial barrier function is regulated by numerous mechanisms. Endothelial enzymes represent one of the critical control points of vascular permeability and leukocyte trafficking. Some endothelial enzymes prevent disruption of endothelial barrier by production of anti-inflammatory substances. For instance, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) down-regulates leukocyte extravasation in inflammation by generation of nitric oxide. CD73 decreases vascular leakage and neutrophil emigration to inflamed tissues by generation of adenosine. On the other hand, vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) mediates leukocyte trafficking to the sites of inflammation both by generation of pro-inflammatory substances and by physically acting as an adhesion molecule. The aims of this study were to define the role of endothelial enzymes NOS, CD73 and VAP-1 in acute lung injury. Our data suggest that increasing substrate availability for NOS reduces both lung edema and neutrophil infiltration and this effect is not enhanced by concomitant administration of antioxidants. CD73 protects from vascular leakage in ALI and its up-regulation by interferon-β represents a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of this syndrome. Enzymatic activity of VAP-1 mediates neutrophil infiltration in ALI and its inhibition represents an attractive approach to treat ALI.

Nursing Advocacy: A concept clarification in context of procedural pain care

The purpose of this study was to clarify the concept of advocacy in context of procedural pain care and to investigate the implementation of advocacy in that context. First, the concept of advocacy was described on the basis of a literature review (n = 89 empirical studies from 1990 to 2003). Then, the concept was described in the context of procedural pain care on the basis of interview data (n = 22 patients, 21 nurses) in a medical and surgical context. In the second phase, an instrument exploring the content of advocacy and the implementation of advocacy in context of procedural pain care was developed and validated. Then, the content of advocacy and implementation of it was explored in a sample of otolaryngeal patients (n = 405) and nurses (n = 118) in 12 hospitals. In the third phase, an update literature review (n = 35 empirical studies from 2003 to 2007) was conducted, and all data from phases one and two were reviewed in order to refine the elements the concept of advocacy, and the relationships between these elements. As a result of this study, advocacy in context of procedural pain care was defined as consisting of the dual aspects of patient advocacy and professional advocacy, and called nursing advocacy. It was divided into dimensions and subdimensions in which patient and nurse empowerment seems to play a vital role. All the data obtained lend support to this definition of nursing advocacy. Patients and nurses felt that nearly all of the activities that they considered as advocacy were implemented.

Surgical treatment of hamstring injuries and disorders – the clinical spectrum from chronic tendinopathy to complete rupture

Hamstring muscle injuries and tendon disorders are common, especially in sports. They can be severe and difficult to treat, often resulting in impaired athletic performance and long rehabilitation times. Previous studies considering treatment of these problems are scarce. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of surgery on different types of hamstring muscle injuries and on proximal hamstring tendinopathy. In addition, we wanted to study the typical histopathological findings relating to proximal hamstring tendinopathy. In the study of complete (all three muscles torn) proximal hamstring avulsions (41 patients), our results showed that early operative treatment gives significantly better results than late surgery, and is therefore recommended. Despite this, considerable improvement of symptoms could also be achieved in chronic cases. In the study of partial (one or two muscles torn) proximal hamstring tears (47 patients), we observed that these injuries can cause significant functional deficit and impaired performance in athletes. The main finding was that after surgical repair most of the patients were able to return to their pre-injury level of sports. In the study of distal hamstring tears (18 patients), the results showed that surgical treatment had a good effect in the majority of these cases. In proximal hamstring tendinopathy, the main problem is pain which limits sports. In this study (90 patients), we found that after unsuccessful conservative treatment, surgery was a good treatment option resulting in full return to sports in most cases. In tendinopathic hamstring tendons, the morphological changes of tendinosis were largely identical to those previously described in other common (e.g. Achilles and patellar) tendinopathies. In chronic proximal hamstring avulsions, and also in reoperations, a large defect between distally retracted tendons and the ischial tuberosity may occasionally prevent anatomic reinsertion. We have described a reconstruction method using fascia lata autograft augmentation to be used in these most challenging repairs. This technique was utilized in the treatment of five patients, with encouraging results.

Pregabalin in the treatment of inferior alveolar nerve paraesthesia following overfilling of endodontic sealer

A case of orofacial pain and inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) paraesthesia after extrusion of endodontic sealer within the mandibular canal treated with prednisone and pregabalin is described. A 36-year-old woman underwent root canal treatment of the mandibular second right premolar tooth. Post-operative panoramic radiograph revealed the presence of radiopaque canal sealer in the mandibular canal. Damage to IAN consecutive to extrusion of endodontic sealer was diagnosed. Non-surgical management was decided, including: 1 mg/kg/day prednisone 2 times/day, once-daily regimen, and 150 mg/day pregabalin, two doses per day, monitoring the progress with periodic follow-up visits. Six weeks after the incident the signs and symptoms were gone. The complete resolution of paraesthesia and the control of pain achieved suggest that a non-surgical approach, combining prednisone and the GABA analogue pregabalin, is a good option in the management of the IAN damage subsequent to endodontic sealer extrusion

Síndrome da alça aferente com necrose simulando pseudocisto de pâncreas

Afferent loop obstruction after gastrectomy and Billroth II reconstruction is an uncommon problem. Complete acute obstruction requires emergent laparotomy. We describe a patient who developed acute abdominal pain, hyperamylasemia, and palpable abdominal mass, five years after Billroth II gastrectomy. At laparotomy the patient was found to have a complete stricture of the afferent limb with evidence of strangulation and necrosis. There was no evidence of pancreatitis or pancreatic pseudocyst. The patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy plus degastrectomy and died 18 hours after the procedure in the ICU. The mass was initially inte1preted as pancreatic pseudocyst. Ultrasonography may provide enough evidence to differentiate a pancreatic pseudocyst. from an obstructed afferent loop, by the presence of a peripancreatic cystic mass or debris within the mass or the absence of the keyboard sign, suggesting effacement of the valvulae conniventes of the small bowel. Howewer, CT scan of the abdomen has been suggested to be highly characteristic, if not pathognomonic, for an obstructed afferent loop and should be considered first in patients with pancreatitis after Billroth II gastrectomy. A history of previous gastrectomy, recurrent or severe abdominal pain, hyperamylasemia with characteristic tomography, and endoscopic findings will establish the diagnosis and necessitate surgical evaluation and intervention.

Leiomioma do esôfago removido por videolaparoscopia

This report describes a leiomyoma of the inferior third section of the esophagus removed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient is a woman 55-years-age, carrying esophageal myoma of 40 mm in diameter wide, situated in the posterior wall of the lower esophagus. Indications for surgery were based mainly on the growth of the mass (6 mm when discovered 7 years previously, increased to 40 mm). Recently the patient returned suffering from pain, which could be attributed to his litiasic cholecystopaty. A small degree of low disphagia could also be observed. Radiologic imaging, direct endoscopic examination and endoscopic ultrasound showed that the mioma protruded on to the oesophagic lumen, discreetly diminishing there. A laparoscopic esophageal myomectomy was indicated at the same session of the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Once the pneunoperitoneum was installed, five ports were placed as if for a hiatus hernia surgery. The cholecystectomy was uneventful. Next, an esophagoscopy was performed so as to determine the precise area covering the base of the tumour; at the right-lateral site. Longitudinal and circular fibres of the esophagus was severed over the lesion and the enucleation of the tumour was performed alternating the monopolar dissection, bipolar and hidrodisection. Control-endoscopy was carried out to verify mucosa integrity. Four suture points with poliglactine 3-0 string so as to close the musculature followed this. One suture was placed in for diminution of the size of the esophagean hiatus. Total time of intervention: two hours (30m for the cholecystectomy and one hour and thirty minutes for the myomectomy). Postoperative period: uneventful. Disappearance of the disphagia was observed. Radiologic transit control with water-soluble contrast at 4th post-operative day: good passage. Diagnosis from laboratory of pathology: conjunctive tumour formed by muscle non-striated cells: leiomyoma. The patient was re-examined on the two-month postoperative follow-up. General conditions were good and there were no complain of dysphagia. Neither there were any symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux.

Volvo de ceco complicado por icterícia séptica

Cecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of acute bowel obstruction in adults. The mechanism is torsion of the enlarged, poorly-fixed or hypermobile cecum. Patients with this condition may display highly variable clinical presentations, ranging from intermittent, self-limiting abdominal discomfort to acute abdominal pain associated with intestinal strangulation and sepsis. The treatment needs to be individualized for each case, but surgical management is required in almost every case. In the presence of gangrene or perforation of the cecum, resection and primary ileocolic anastomosis is recommended. However, in non-complicated cases detorsion and cecopexy are adequate. The authors report one case of cecal volvulus in a 55-year-old women treated with cecopexy that complicated with septic jaundice.

Tumor do estroma gastrintestinal (GIST): relato de caso

The authors report a case of a male patient in his forties with progressive abdominal pain associated with weight loss, dyspnea, and edema of the inferior limbs, culminating in a surgical acute abdomen. A segmental enterectomy containing a lesion of about 10cm in diameter was performed. It was later confirmed, by means of immuno-hystochemistry, as being a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor of high biological aggressiveness. Etiology, diagnosis, classification, prognosis and therapeutic with Imatinib Mesylate - STI-571 (Glivec® - Novartis) are hence discussed.