[The register of activity at the Ebola treatment center in Forecariah (Guinea) from april 23 to june 5, 2015: analysis and thoughts]. / Bilan d'activité du centre de traitement Ebola de Forécariah (Guinée) du 23 avril au 5 juin 2015 : analyse et réflexions.

The register of activity at the Ebola Treatment Center (ETC) in Forecariah (Guinea), from April 23 to June 5, 2015 is presented for analysis. The viral load of each patient is evaluated by the cycle threshold (Ct). One hundred and thirty patients were seen in Triage at the ETC, of which 24 (18.5%) patients who failed to meet theWHO case criteria for viral hemorrhagic fever were excluded from admission to the ETC. Of the 106 patients admitted in the ETC, 72 (67.9%) were declared non-cases after the results of their two PCR (drawn 48 hours apart) tests were negative. Thirty-four patients were tested positive for Ebola virus disease (EVD): 19 women and 15 men (sex ratio: male/female = 0.78), mean age of 33.51 ± 20.1 years (extremes of 42 days to 70 years), of which six children were aged below 8 years. The median initial Ct value was 21.6 ± 6.3 cycles in this group. Enquiry into patient contacts was only able to identify actual contacts in 20 of these patients (58.8%). Thirteen patients were ultimately cured of EVD (six men and seven women) - with a median age of 31.8 years (extremes of 4 to 54 years). These patients presented on admission with a median Ct value of 21.88 ± 6.2 cycles (extremes of 17.6 to 31.7). Of the six children aged below 8 years, only one survived. Twenty-one patients (61.76%) with EVD died (9 men and 12 women) - median age, 34 ± 21 years (extremes of 42 days to 70 years). They presented on admission with a median Ct value of 18 ± 7 cycles (extremes of 12 to 24). The single most important factor associated with lethality was the Ct value at the time of admission to the ETC (P = 0.0004), i.e., the lower the Ct value, the higher the lethality rate or simply stated, the higher the viral load, the greater the lethality. Age, sex, identification of contact, and delay between the onset of symptoms and admission did not prove to be predictive of death outcome in our series.

[Input of a laboratory in the management of patients with Ebola virus disease and in the training of health personnel: experience of the Forecariah Ebola treatment centre (Guinea) in 2015]. / Apport d'un laboratoire dans la prise en charge des patients atteints de la maladie à virus Ebola et dans la formation des personnels soignants : expérience du Centre de traitement d'Ebola de Forécariah (Guinée) en 2015.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is associated with a high lethality rate even when the afflicted are provided with good support in an Ebola treatment center (ETC). Basic laboratory tests can help to better understand the pathophysiology of the disease, to guide treatment and to establish simple protocols and procedures tailored to the practice of medicine in the context of such precarious environment for caregivers. Based on a few clinical cases of patients treated in the ETC of Forecariah, Guinea, run by the French Red Cross, this article describes the difficult conditions associated with the provision of medical practice in this challenging environment, aiming to minimize the casualties in the EVD patient and to train the health staff.

[Emergency valvular replacement in infective endocarditis: hospital and long term clinical course. Analysis of 45 patients]. / Sustitución valvular urgente en la endocarditis infecciosa: evolución hospitalaria y a largo plazo. Análisis de 45 pacientes.

BACKGROUND: To define the evolution of patients with infective endocarditis who require urgent valve replacement in our environment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We followed 45 consecutive cases of infective endocarditis that require valve replacement during their hospitalization. 32 patients had native valve infective endocarditis, 7 early prosthesis valve endocarditis and 6 late prosthesis valve endocarditis. Patients were followed for a long-term period, clinical and echocardiographycally. RESULTS: In 39 cases valve replacement was performed before ending antibiotic therapy. The main indications for surgery were refractory heart failure (24 patients) and shock (11 patients). The mortality rate was 24%: 19% in native valve infective endocarditis, 43% in early prosthetic valve endocarditis and 33% in late prosthesis valve endocarditis. The first cause of death was septic shock (46%). We followed 31 over 34 survivors for a mean time 65 (DS 49) months. We found two relapses and six deaths (1 sudden death, 2 endocarditis) and 72% of patients presented class I NYHA. We detected 17% prosthetic leaks (34% in the prosthetic valve endocarditis group). CONCLUSIONS: The need of urgent valve replacement in the context of infective endocarditis is associated with a high mortality rate, and should be considered a serious condition. Long term prognosis is, however, acceptable, although 17% of patients had prosthesis leak, specially those with prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Ministernotomy versus median sternotomy for aortic valve replacement: a prospective, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement reduces surgical trauma and, supposedly, postoperative pain, blood loss, and length of stay. A prospective, randomized study was designed to prove these theoretical advantages. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing isolated, elective aortic valve replacement were randomized into two equal groups. Patients in group M underwent aortic valve replacement through a ministernotomy (reversed L or reversed C). In group S, a median sternotomy was used. The anesthetic and surgical protocol was identical for both groups. Pain was evaluated on a daily basis. Pulmonary function tests were performed preoperatively and before hospital discharge in all patients. RESULTS: There were two deaths in each group. Cross-clamp time was longer in group M: 70 +/- 19 minutes versus 51 +/- 13 minutes in group S (p = 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences between groups M and S in pump time (95 +/- 20 minutes versus 83 +/- 19 minutes), extubation time (9.9 hours in both groups), chest drainage (479 +/- 274 mL/L 24 hours versus 355 +/- 159 mL/24 hours), transfusion requirements (27% in both groups), pain evaluation (1.34 +/- 1.3 versus 2.15 +/- 1.5), length of stay (6.2 +/- 2.3 days versus 6.3 +/- 2.5 days), and cosmetic appraisal. Forced vital capacity decreased 26% from preoperative reference values in group M and 33% in group S (p = not significant). Forced expiratory volume in 1 second decreased 22% and 35%, respectively (p = not significant). CONCLUSIONS: This study has failed to prove the theoretical advantages of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement. With this technique, cross-clamp time is longer than with a median sternotomy.

Pulmonary function following aortic valve replacement: a comparison between ministernotomy and median sternotomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) has several theoretical advantages over standard median sternotomy, but the effects of these techniques on postoperative pulmonary function have not been determined. METHODS: Twenty-six patients undergoing AVR through either a ministernotomy (group M; n = 12) or a median sternotomy (group S; n = 14) underwent pulmonary function tests. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), PaO2 and PaCO2 were determined preoperatively and before hospital discharge (at a mean of five days). Data regarding time to extubation, degree of pain and opening of the pleura were collected prospectively. Both groups had similar preoperative characteristics. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in FVC, FEVJ, PaO2 and PaCO2 during the postoperative period in all patients, though differences between the groups were not significant. Patients in group M referred less pain than those in group S. In this group, the fall in FVC and FEV1 correlated with the degree of pain, while preoperative FVC correlated with early extubation. Pleurotomy did not affect pulmonary function or pain. CONCLUSION: FVC, FEV1, PaO2 and PaCO2 are reduced significantly following AVR, but a minimally invasive approach does not prevent postoperative pulmonary dysfunction.

[Intramural hematomas of the ascending aorta]. / Hematomas intramurales en aorta ascendente.

We present four patients with intramural hematomas in the ascending aorta. Diagnostic suspicion was aortic dissection in two of them. Prompt surgical procedures were performed in all of them. After reviewing other series, we conclude that ascending aorta hematomas should be treated as true aortic dissections.

[Minimally invasive aortic valve replacement]. / Sustitución valvular aórtica mínimamente invasiva.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery is being applied to certain procedures in cardiac surgery. Aortic valve replacement presents the highest number of cases in which this approach is feasible. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen patients, aged 16 to 75 years, underwent aortic valve replacement through a 10 cm incision at the level of the second intercostal space. Cardiopulmonary bypass was instituted through cannulation of the aorta and the femoral vein. RESULTS: Adequate exposure of the aortic root was achieved in all cases. Valve replacement was accomplished with a mean ischemic time of 50 +/- 6 minutes and a pump time of 80 +/- 14 minutes. Mean chest drainage was of 310 +/- 251 ml. The patients were discharged between the third and the fifth day of the postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: A transverse incision at the level of the second intercostal space provides an excellent exposure for aortic valve replacement. Surgical times are not excessively prolonged and patient's recovery is faster and less painful than with the standard midline sternotomy.

The 20 mm Medtronic Hall prosthesis in the small aortic root.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: The choice of prosthesis becomes crucial in the narrow aortic annulus. The 20 mm Medtronic Hall valve has a reduced sewing ring that fits in an annulus where only a 19 mm valve would fit. This study assesses the hemodynamic performance of this prosthesis at rest and at exercise, and compares it with two 19 mm mechanical prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients were studied by Doppler echocardiography, a mean of 34 months following surgery. Twenty-six had a 19 mm prosthesis implanted (12 standard St. Jude Medical and 14 Monostrut valves) and 16 had a 20 mm Medtronic Hall. Parameters studied were peak velocity and transvalvular gradient, both at rest and at exercise, effective orifice area and valve index. RESULTS: No differences were found between the two 19 mm valves, but when compared with the Medtronic Hall valve at rest, this valve showed significantly lower peak velocity and gradient (2.9 vs. 3.3 m/sec, p < 0.01, and 17 vs. 23 mmHg, p < 0.003, respectively) and higher effective orifice area and valve index (1.3 vs. 1.0 cm2, p < 0.01 and 0.81 vs. 0.62 cm2, p < 0.006, respectively). There were also significant differences under exercise. CONCLUSIONS: The 20 mm Medtronic Hall prosthesis shows a significantly better hemodynamic performance, both at rest and under exercise, than other, 19 mm mechanical prostheses and represents a superior choice in valve replacement with a small aortic root.

As originally published in 1988: Long-term results of mitral valve surgery in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. Updated in 1996.

Mitral valve surgery was performed in 88 patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (average systolic pulmonary artery pressure, 94.7 +/- 22 mm Hg; range, 70-180 mm Hg) over a 10-year period. Sixty-four patients (73%) were in New York Heart Association Functional Class III or IV. There were 64 valve replacements and 24 open mitral commissurotomies. Operative mortality was 5.6% (5 patients) and was not related to the degree of pulmonary hypertension, surgical procedure performed, or type of valve lesion. A 100% follow-up was obtained, ranging from nine months to 10 years, with a mean of 44 months. Six late cardiac deaths (7.2%) occurred, 5 in patients with valve replacement and 1 in a patient who underwent a commissurotomy. Actuarial survival was 86 +/- 3% at five years and 83 +/- 4% at 10 years. Fourteen patients underwent right ventricular catheterization a mean of 24 months following operation. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure had decreased from a mean preoperative value of 101 +/- 22 to 40.5 +/- 7 mm Hg (p < 0.001). Cardiac index increased by 55% of the preoperative values. Functional status improved markedly; 71 survivors (93%) were in New York Heart Association Class I or II. These results indicate that, in patients with mitral valve lesions and severe pulmonary hypertension, (1) surgical procedures can be performed with an acceptable operative mortality; (2) excellent long-term survival and functional results can be obtained; and (3) pulmonary hypertension decreases significantly after operation. Patients with mitral valve disease may benefit from surgical treatment regardless of the degree of pulmonary hypertension.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and heart operation: management with tedelparin.

Anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass in the infrequent clinical setting of thrombocytopenia associated with the use of unfractionated heparin is a very serious problem. We describe a case in which a low-molecular-weight heparin (tedelparin) was selected for this purpose based on a platelet aggregation test, permitting adequate anticoagulation during cardiopulmonary bypass for valve replacement. This case report might help establish an adequate anticoagulation protocol when faced with a patient suffering from this condition.

[Bullet embolism of the right ventricle following gunshot wound]. / Embolismo de bala al ventrículo derecho después de una herida por arma de fuego.

Bullet embolism to the right ventricle after a gunshot wound is exceptional. We describe a patient in whom the bullet after entering through the superior vena cava migrated for the venous system with further embolism to the right ventricle. Clinical history, diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

The Monostrut Björk-Shiley valve. Seven years' experience.

The results of cardiac valve replacement with the Monostrut Björk-Shiley prosthesis (Shiley, Inc., Irvine, Calif.) during a 7-year period are presented. A total of 984 valves were implanted in 820 patients from May 1983 to April 1990. Aortic valve replacement was performed in 378 patients, mitral replacement in 294, and multiple replacement in 148. In addition, 180 patients (22%) underwent associated procedures. Mean age was 52.6 +/- 11 years. Operative (30 days) mortality was 5.9% (49 patients): 3.9% (15 patients) for aortic, 7.8% (23 patients) for mitral, and 7.4% (11 patients) for multiple valve replacement. All patients were given long-term anticoagulation therapy. Follow-up was 99% complete (eight patients were lost to follow-up), with a closing interval of 3 months, and totaled 2422 patient-years. Valve-related complications, expressed as percentage event-free (+/- standard error) at seven years were as follows: structural deterioration, 100%; nonstructural dysfunction, 98.3% +/- 0.6%; thromboembolism, 90.2% +/- 1.7%; anticoagulant-related hemorrhage, 88.7% +/- 2.8%; and prosthetic valve endocarditis, 98.1% +/- 0.8%. There were no cases of valve thrombosis. Actuarial survival (free from operative, valve-related, and sudden death) was 88.4% +/- 1.2% at 7 years. Freedom from reoperation was 96.8% +/- 0.1%. Probability of being free from all valve-related morbidity and mortality was 70% +/- 3%, and 708 (93%) of the survivors were in New York Heart Association class I or II. Serial Doppler echocardiograms were done prospectively in 243 patients (with 154 aortic and 120 mitral prostheses), both postoperatively and at regular intervals up to 3 years. Mean prosthetic gradients ranged from an average of 20.9 to 7 mm Hg in the aortic prostheses (21 to 29 mm) and from 6.1 to 4.8 mm Hg in the mitral prostheses (25 to 31 mm). The gradients in each patient did not change significantly during the follow-up period. Our 7 year's experience with the Monostrut valve shows a low rate of valve-related complications, a durable design, and good hemodynamic and functional results.

Hemodynamic effects of prostaglandin E1 and isoproterenol early after cardiac operations for mitral stenosis.

Patients with mitral stenosis and some degree of right ventricular failure may benefit from inotropic or pulmonary vasodilator drugs in the early postoperative period. Thirty patients undergoing an operation for mitral stenosis were randomized into three groups. In group I (n = 10), isoproterenol (5 micrograms/kg/min) was started in the immediate postoperative period. In group P (n = 10), prostaglandin E1 (0.08 microgram/kg/min) was given, and in group C, the control group (n = 10), no drugs were used. After the operation and before drug therapy was begun, basal measurements of cardiac index, mean pulmonary arterial and mean arterial pressures, and pulmonary vascular resistance were taken. Measurements were repeated at 6, 12, and 24 hours. Mean measurements of cardiac index (basal up to 24 hours) were as follows: 1.39 +/- 0.3, 1.92 +/- 0.4, 2.4 +/- 0.5, and 2.34 +/- 0.3 L/min/m2 for group C; 1.54 +/- 0.5, 2.64 +/- 0.4, 2.68 +/- 0.7, and 2.2 +/- 0.6 L/min/m2 for group I, and 1.57 +/- 0.3, 2.2 +/- 0.6, 2.72 +/- 0.7, and 2.27 +/- 0.4 L/min/m2 for group P (p less than 0.05 between groups C and I at 6 and 12 hours). Mean pulmonary artery pressures were as follows: 19.5 +/- 3.2, 24.8 +/- 7, 27.7 +/- 7.3 and 28.8 +/- 5.7 mm Hg in group C; 21.4 +/- 8.7, 25.7 +/- 7.2, 26.4 +/- 7, and 29.4 +/- 8.6 mm Hg in group I, and 19.1 +/- 4, 19.2 +/- 3, 20.4 +/- 6, and 20.7 +/- 5 mm Hg in group P (p less than 0.05, group P versus groups C and I at 6, 12, and 24 hours). Mean pulmonary vascular resistances were as follows: 3.9 +/- 2.4, 3.9 +/- 1, 3.36 +/- 2, and 3.2 +/- 1.4 Wood units in group C; 4.84 +/- 4, 3.37 +/- 2.2, 3.69 +/- 3, and 4.69 +/- 4.1 Wood units in group I, and 3.29 +/- 1.3, 1.71 +/- 0.5, 1.61 +/- 0.5, and 1.96 +/- 0.8 Wood units in group P (p less than 0.05, group P versus groups C and I at 6, 12, and 24 hours). There was no difference in mean systemic arterial pressure among the three groups. Our results indicate that patients subjected to mitral valve operations have a low cardiac index. Isoproterenol increases cardiac index but has little effect on pulmonary resistance. At low doses, prostaglandin E1 effectively decreases pulmonary vascular resistance without altering systemic arterial pressure or heart rate.

[The long-term results of aortocoronary bypass surgery in patients with a severe preoperative left ventricular dysfunction]. / Resultados a largo plazo de la cirugía de bypass aortocoronario en pacientes con disfunción ventricular izquierda severa preoperatoria.

We analyze retrospectively the short- and long-term results of coronary artery bypass surgery in 50 patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction operated in a period of 11 years. Sixty-six percent of patients had unstable angina and 12% of total presented angina post-acute postmyocardial infarction. Thirty-eight percent of patients were in preoperative functional class III-IV of NYHA. Three-vessel disease was present in 70% of the patients, two-vessel in 30%, and the main trunk was affected in 12% of the global. Hospital mortality was 4% (2/50) due to low cardiac output syndrome. Follow-up was available in all the survivors and ranged 6 months-11 years (mean: 4.8 +/- 3.1). During follow-up, 13 patients died, but in only six was due to cardiac cause. The 35 patients followed were in functional class I-II of NYHA. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were angina free at follow-up. Actuarial analysis, after exclusion of 3 patients who died of causes no directly related to the heart, showed an intrahospital survival rates of 96%; at first year was 92, at 3rd was 78%, and 5th year survival rates were 75%. In conclusion, patients with symptomatic angina and preoperative severe left ventricular dysfunction, coronary artery bypass graft has a low hospital mortality, is effective in improving angina and heart failure, and the long-term survival is acceptable.

[Membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava in its drainage portion in the left atrium. Presentation of a case]. / Obstrucción membranosa de la vena cava inferior en su drenaje a la aurícula derecha. Presentación de un caso.

A child with a membranous obstruction of the inferior vena cava (MOIVC) is presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by angiography. The clinic significance, the evolution, the surgical treatment and the possible complications are described.

Sutureless repair of postinfarction cardiac rupture.

A 62-year-old female with a history of progressive angina experienced an acute myocardial infarction. Seven days later, cardiac rupture ensued. She underwent surgical repair without the aid of extracorporeal circulation. A Teflon patch was glued over the myocardial tear with medical adhesive. She recovered and is leading a normal life, 15 months after surgery.

Clinical and hemodynamic results of cardiac valve replacement with the Monostrut Björk-Shiley prosthesis.

Between May 1983 and April 1986, 318 patients underwent cardiac valve replacement with the Monostrut Björk-Shiley prosthesis. There were 136 aortic valve replacements, 128 mitral valve replacements, and 54 multiple replacements. A total of 373 valves were implanted. Associated procedures were done in 79 (25%) of the patients. Hospital (30-day) mortality rate was 5.6% (18 patients): 2.9% (n = 4) after aortic, 7.8% (n = 10) after mitrals and 7.4% (n = 4) after multiple valve replacement. Follow-up was obtained in all 300 operative survivors, for a total of 500 patient-years (mean 18 months). Actuarial survival rate, excluding operative deaths, at 4 years was 94.7% +/- 1.5% (mean +/- standard error of the mean). There were 16 thromboembolic episodes (3.2/100 patient-years). Freedom from all valve-related complications was 87% +/- 2.4% at 3 1/2 years. Neither valve thrombosis nor structural failure has been observed. Eighty percent of the patients are in New York Heart Association functional class I. Forty-two patients (26 with aortic and 16 with mitral valve replacement) underwent cardiac catheterization a mean of 6 1/2 months after the operation. In the aortic position, peak gradients were an average of 6.9 +/- 1.2 mm Hg. Mean systolic gradients were 12.4 +/- 6.3 mm Hg and did not increase with exercise. In the mitral position, end-diastolic gradients were an average of 2.1 +/- 2 mm Hg and mean gradients, 5.9 +/- 2 mm Hg. Discharge coefficient (estimated orifice area/geometric area) was 0.63 +/- 0.2 for the aortic and 0.53 +/- 0.2 for the mitral prostheses. Disc opening was maximal in most patients. These results indicate that the Monostrut prosthesis has a low rate of thromboembolic events, no structural failures or thrombotic obstructions and excellent hemodynamic performance, especially in the small aortic sizes (discharge coefficient for 19 and 21 mm valves, 0.77).

Long-term results of mitral valve surgery in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension.

Mitral valve surgery was performed in 88 patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (average systolic pulmonary artery pressure, 94.7 +/- 22 mm Hg; range, 70-180 mm Hg) over a 10-year period. Sixty-four patients (73%) were in New York Heart Association Functional Class III or IV. There were 64 valve replacements and 24 open mitral commissurotomies. Operative mortality was 5.6% (5 patients) and was not related to the degree of pulmonary hypertension, surgical procedure performed, or type of valve lesion. A 100% follow-up was obtained, ranging from nine months to 10 years, with a mean of 44 months. Six late cardiac deaths (7.2%) occurred, 5 in patients with valve replacement and 1 in a patient who underwent a commissurotomy. Actuarial survival was 86 +/- 3% at five years and 83 +/- 4% at 10 years. Fourteen patients underwent right ventricular catheterization a mean of 24 months following operation. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure had decreased from a mean preoperative value of 101 +/- 22 to 40.5 +/- 7 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). Cardiac index increased by 55% of the preoperative values. Functional status improved markedly; 71 survivors (93%) were in New York Heart Association Class I or II. These results indicate that, in patients with mitral valve lesions and severe pulmonary hypertension, (1) surgical procedures can be performed with an acceptable operative mortality; (2) excellent long-term survival and functional results can be obtained; and (3) pulmonary hypertension decreases significantly after operation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)