Toward AI-supported US Triage of Women with Palpable Breast Lumps in a Low-Resource Setting.

Background Most low- and middle-income countries lack access to organized breast cancer screening, and women with lumps may wait months for diagnostic assessment. Purpose To demonstrate that artificial intelligence (AI) software applied to breast US images obtained with low-cost portable equipment and by minimally trained observers could accurately classify palpable breast masses for triage in a low-resource setting. Materials and Methods This prospective multicenter study evaluated participants with at least one palpable mass who were enrolled in a hospital in Jalisco, Mexico, from December 2017 through May 2021. Orthogonal US images were obtained first with portable US with and without calipers of any findings at the site of lump and adjacent tissue. Then women were imaged with standard-of-care (SOC) US with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System assessments by a radiologist. After exclusions, 758 masses in 300 women were analyzable by AI, with outputs of benign, probably benign, suspicious, and malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were determined. Results The mean patient age ± SD was 50.0 years ± 12.5 (range, 18-92 years) and mean largest lesion diameter was 13 mm ± 8 (range, 2-54 mm). Of 758 masses, 360 (47.5%) were palpable and 56 (7.4%) malignant, including six ductal carcinoma in situ. AI correctly identified 47 or 48 of 49 women (96%-98%) with cancer with either portable US or SOC US images, with AUCs of 0.91 and 0.95, respectively. One circumscribed invasive ductal carcinoma was classified as probably benign with SOC US, ipsilateral to a spiculated invasive ductal carcinoma. Of 251 women with benign masses, 168 (67%) imaged with SOC US were classified as benign or probably benign by AI, as were 96 of 251 masses (38%, P < .001) with portable US. AI performance with images obtained by a radiologist was significantly better than with images obtained by a minimally trained observer. Conclusion AI applied to portable US images of breast masses can accurately identify malignancies. Moderate specificity, which could triage 38%-67% of women with benign masses without tertiary referral, should further improve with AI and observer training with portable US. © RSNA, 2023 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Slanetz in this issue.

Análisis de las medidas correctoras para la disminución de los eventos adversos en una unidad de hemodiálisis hospitalaria / Analysis of corrective measures for reducing adverse events in a hospital dialysis unit

Los pacientes en hemodiálisis son una población susceptible de padecer eventos adversos por fallos en el proceso asistencial. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de las medidas correctoras en un plan de seguridad del paciente en hemodiálisis para disminuir los eventos adversos. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo del registro de hemodiálisis de una unidad hospitalaria. Como método de evaluación se utilizó la metodología propia de nuestro centro (MIDEA) basado en el método Global Trigger Tools. Se revisaron todas las sesiones de hemodiálisis de marzo, mayo y julio de 2016: 2.080 sesiones; y los mismos meses en 2017: 1953 sesiones. Después del análisis de 2016, se implantaron las siguientes medidas correctoras: revisión del procedimiento de anticoagulación del circuito extracorpóreo, actualización del manejo de los accesos vasculares y actualización del procedimiento ante hipotensiones. Resultados: En el año 2016, se revisaron las gráficas de 208 pacientes. Se detectaron 255 eventos adversos (11,8% de las sesiones), siendo los más frecuentes: 85 hipotensiones, 74 coagulaciones del circuito sanguíneo, 31 problemas del acceso vascular y 65 otros eventos adversos. En el año 2017, se revisaron las gráficas de 258 pacientes. Se detectaron 155 eventos adversos (7,9% de las sesiones), siendo los más frecuentes: 60 hipotensiones, 36 coagulaciones del circuito, 30 problemas del acceso vascular y 29 otros eventos adversos. Conclusiones: Los eventos adversos disminuyeron un 39,2% en 2017, y aunque siguen siendo las hipotensiones, coagulaciones del circuito sanguíneo y los problemas derivados del acceso vascular los más frecuentes, pensamos que las medidas correctoras están siendo eficaces

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) are a population susceptible to suffering adverse events (AD) due to failures in the healthcare process. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of corrective measures in a HD patient safety plan to reduce AD. Material and Method: Descriptive and retrospective study of the HD records of a hospital unit. As an evaluation method, we used the methodology of our center (MIDEA) based on the Global Trigger Tools method. All the HD sessions of March, May and July 2016 were reviewed: 2,080 sessions; and the same months in 2017: 1953 sessions. After the 2016 analysis, the following corrective measures were implemented: revision of the anticoagulation procedure of the extracorporeal circuit, updating of the vascular access management and updating of the procedure before hypotension. Results: In 2016, the clinical records of 208 patients were reviewed. 255 EA were detected (11.8% of the sessions). The most frequent AEs were: 85 hypotension, 74 blood circuit coagulations, 31 vascular access problems and 65 other AD. In 2017, the clinical records of 258 patients were reviewed. 155 AE were detected (in 7.9% of the sessions). The most frequent AEs were: 60 hypotension, 36 circuit coagulations, 30 vascular access problems and 29 other AE. Conclusions: Adverse events decreased by 39.2% in 2017, and although hypotension, blood circuit coagulation and vascular access problems are the most frequent, we consider that corrective measures are being effective

Donor-Specific Antibodies After Starting Hemodialysis in Nonrenal Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Role of TH17.

BACKGROUND: Nonrenal transplantation could cause a progressive deterioration in renal function until need dialysis. It is important to know if these patients increased their risk to develop de novo donor-specific anti-HLA antibody (DSA) after starting hemodialysis (HD) and if so, try to find the mechanism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this double-phase study, we first analyzed the incidence of development DSA in nonrenal transplant recipients after starting HD by a retrospective study. Secondly, a prospective study was designed to analyze the pharmacokinetics of immunosuppressive drugs and the cytokine profile of these patients. RESULTS: Of 179 pancreas transplant recipients, 16 needed to start HD, and 62.5% of these patients developed de novo DSA after starting HD, with 80% of them class I DSA. In the second phase of the study, the plasma levels of the immunosuppressive drugs as measured by a limited sampling strategy of 3 sample time points (C0, C2, and C4) were stable. The cytokine profile showed that there was an increase in Th1 cytokine (interferon gamma of 0.045 ng/mL) and also in Th17 cytokines (transforming growth factor ß >10 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the development of DSA after starting HD in nonrenal transplant recipients could be mediated by Th17 immune response mechanisms.

One-year follow-up of at-home bleaching in smokers before and after dental prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE: This clinical study evaluated the color longevity after one-year of at-home bleaching with 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) in smokers and nonsmokers. METHODS: Sixty patients, 30 smokers and 30 non-smokers were subjected to bleaching with 10% CP during three hours daily for three weeks. The color was measured at baseline and one week, one month and one year after the completion of dental bleaching using the spectrophotometer Vita Easyshade (ΔE*), shade guide Vita classical organized by value and Vita Bleachedguide 3D-MASTER (ΔSGU). In the one-year recall, the color was assessed before and after dental prophylaxis with Robinson brush and prophylaxis paste. Data from color evaluation were analyzed by two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test for the contrast of means (α=0.05). RESULTS: Twenty-seven smokers and 28 non-smokers attended the one-year recall. For both study groups, only the main factor assessment time was statistically significant for ΔSGU (Vita classical) and ΔE* (p<0.001). Effective whitening was observed for both groups at baseline, which was stable at one-month and one year after dental prophylaxis. A slight darkening was observed after one year when the color was measured without prophylaxis. For the Vita Bleachedguide 3D-MASTER, color rebound was observed irrespectively of dental prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: The bleaching with 10% CP remained stable in both groups as long as extrinsic stains from diet and cigarette smoke were removed by professional dental prophylaxis. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY: NCT02017873. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study indicate that the bleaching is effective in smokers even after one-year, but dental prophylaxis may be necessary to remove extrinsic stains caused by diet and smoking.

Diadenosine tetraphosphate induces tight junction disassembly thus increasing corneal epithelial permeability.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Here, we have studied the effects of the dinucleotide P(1), P(4)-Di (adenosine-5') tetraphosphate (Ap4 A) on corneal barrier function conferred by the tight junction (TJ) proteins and its possible involvement in ocular drug delivery and therapeutic efficiency. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Experiments in vitro were performed using human corneal epithelial cells (HCLEs) treated with Ap4 A (100 µM) for 5 min. Western blot analysis and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were performed to study the TJ protein levels and barrier function respectively. Intracellular pathways involved were determined using an ERK inhibitor and P2Y(2) receptor siRNAs. In in vivo assays with New Zealand rabbits, TJ integrity was examined by zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) staining. The hypotensive compound 5-methoxycarbonylamino-N-acetyltryptamine (5-MCA-NAT) was used to assess improved delivery, measuring its levels by HPLC and measuring intraocular pressure using 5-MCA-NAT, P2Y receptor antagonists and P2Y2 siRNAs. KEY RESULTS: Two hours after Ap4 A pretreatment, TJ protein levels in HCLE cells were reduced around 40% compared with control. TEER values were significantly reduced at 2 and 4 h (68 and 52% respectively). TJ reduction and ERK activation were blocked by the ERK inhibitor U012 and P2Y(2) siRNAs. In vivo, topical application of Ap4 A disrupted ZO-1 membrane distribution. 5-MCA-NAT levels in the aqueous humour were higher when Ap4 A was previously instilled and its hypotensive effect was also increased. This action was reversed by P2Y receptor antagonists and P2Y(2) siRNA. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Ap4 A increased corneal epithelial barrier permeability. Its application could improve ocular drug delivery and consequently therapeutic efficiency.

Ventilación mecánica no invasiva con interfase tipo helmet / Interface type helmet non-invasive mechanical ventilation

La ventilación mecánica no invasiva es una técnica que ha dejado de ser utilizada exclusivamente en los Servicios de Medicina Intensiva para formar parte del arsenal terapéutico de los Servicios de Urgencias y Críticos, suponiendo una adaptación a este procedimiento por parte del personal de enfermería, cuya participación es crucial para conseguir el triunfo de la técnica. Compuesta básicamente por un ventilador mecánico y una mascarilla (interfase) que se interpone entre el paciente y el ventilador sin invadir la vía aérea, se precisa la colaboración del paciente a diferencia de la ventilación mecánica convencional e, inicialmente, un mayor tiempo de dedicación de la enfermera. Los modelos de interfases y la evolución de las mismas para conseguir los efectos deseados con una buena tolerancia por el paciente llegaron al desarrollo del Helmet, un dispositivo en forma de escafandra, bien tolerado por el paciente, que permite el uso de presiones altas para el reclutamiento alveolar, pero que, por su diseño, tiene connotaciones que deben conocerse antes de su utilización (AU)

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation is a technique that has ceased to be exclusively used in intensive medicine services to form part of the armamentarium of emergency and critical services, assuming an adaptation to this procedure by the nursing staff, whose participation is crucial to achieve the triumph of technique. Composed basically of a mechanical ventilator and a mask (interface) which is interposed between the patient and the fan without invading the airway, requires the collaboration of the patient unlike conventional mechanical ventilation and, initially, a longer time of dedication of the nurse. Interfaces models and the evolution of the same to achieve the effects desired with good tolerance by the patient came to the development of the Helmet, a device in the form of diving, well tolerated by the patient, allowing the use of high pressure for alveolar recruitment, but that, by design, has connotations that must be known before use (AU)

Post-dilution high convective transport improves microinflammation and endothelial dysfunction independently of the technique.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We examined the effects of different online hemodiafiltration techniques on microinflammation and endothelial damage/repair. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective crossover study. Flow cytometry was used to measure CD14(+)CD16(+) monocytes, apoptotic endothelial microparticles (EMPs), and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). RESULTS: Patients treated with high-flux hemodialysis showed a marked chronic inflammatory state (HF-HD 11 ± 2) versus healthy subjects (HS 3.9 ± 2.3; p < 0.05). High convective transport, independent of the technique used, improves microinflammatory parameters (OL-HDF 7.3 ± 2.1 or MID 6.5 ± 3.4; p < 0.05) and the endothelial damage/repair balance compared to HF-HD (EPCs HF-HD 0.3 ± 0.2), with no differences found between the two modalities (EPCs OL-HDF 0.6 ± 0.1, MID 0.6 ± 0.2; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An increase in convective transport improves the microinflammatory state and the endothelial damage/repair of these patients independently of the technique used.

[Interface type helmet non-invasive mechanical ventilation]. / Ventilación mecánica no invasiva con interfase tipo Helmet.

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation is a technique that has ceased to be exclusively used in intensive medicine services to form part of the armamentarium of emergency and critical services, assuming an adaptation to this procedure by the nursing staff whose participation is crucial to achieve the triumph of technique. Composed basically of a mechanical ventilator and a mask (interface) which is interposed between the patient and the fan without invading the airway, requires the collaboration of the patient unlike conventional mechanical ventilation and, initially, a longer time of dedication of the nurse. Interfaces models and the evolution of the same to achieve the effects desired with good tolerance by the patient came to the development of the Helmet, a device in the form of diving, well tolerated by the patient, allowing the use of high pressure for alveolar recruitment, but that, by design, has connotations that must be known before use.

Assessment of imaging techniques for evaluating small-airway disease in asthma.

The imaging techniques used to investigate patients with asthma and to assess the effects of asthma treatments include computed tomography (CT), helium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and positron-emission tomography (PET). Only MRI does not involve radiation exposure. Technical improvements in CT, together with the imaging advantages inherent in the presence of air in the lung, have diminished the radiation exposure required for lung CT. High-resolution low-dose lung CT protocols deliver a dose roughly equal to 1 year of natural radiation exposure and can be used even in paediatric patients. To date, CT is the most extensively studied lung imaging method, the simplest to perform, and the least expensive. In patients with asthma, CT may show several structural changes related to small-airway disease including cylindrical bronchiolectasis, bronchial wall thickening, and air trapping; an indirect marker for bronchiolar obstruction. A robust body of evidence indicates that valid CT markers for small-airway disease can be derived from quantitative lung density measurements and that these markers correlate with clinical severity and lung function test results. In addition, these CT markers are sufficiently sensitive to demonstrate therapeutic effects.

[Assessment of imaging techniques in the evaluation of small airways disease in asthma]. / Apport de l'imagerie dans l'évaluation de l'atteinte des petites voies aériennes dans l'asthme.

The imaging techniques that have been used in the exploration and evaluation of treatment in asthma include computed tomography (CT), helium-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), single photon emission computerized tomoscintigraphy (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET). Only MRI does not involve radiation. However, in the case of CT, technical improvements and the advantages of the air-filled lung have resulted in a decreased radiation burden. High resolution examinations, using a low dose of about one-year of natural background irradiation, are possible even in infancy. CT is the best evaluated so far, the simplest to perform and the least expensive. In asthma several morphological changes related to small airway disease can be visualised on CT images: cylindrical bronchiolectasis, thickening of the bronchial walls and air trapping, an indirect marker of bronchiolar obstruction. Today there is a robust body of evidence that valid indices of small airways disease can be deduced from quantitative analysis of lung density, indices that correlate well with clinical severity and functional measurements. In addition, the sensitivity of the method is sufficient to demonstrate therapeutic effects.

[Acetate-free on-line PHF: how to improve hyperacetatemia and haemodynamic tolerance]. / PHF on-line sin acetato: cómo mejorar la hiperacetatemia y la tolerancia hemodinámica.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: The small quantity of acetate present in the dialysis fluid exposes patient's blood to an acetate concentration 30-40 times the physiological levels. This amount is even greater in hemodiafiltration on-line. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical-analytical effects using three different dialysis techniques in the same patient. METHODS: 35 patients on hemodialysis were included. All patients were treated with conventional bicarbonate dialysate for 3 months, after randomization were switched to first be treated with PHF online with standard bicarbonate dialysate for 6 months and then switched to PHF on-line acetate-free dialysate for the other 6 months or to invert the two last periods. Blood samples were drawn monthly throughout the study and clinical data were obtained. RESULTS: Postdialysis blood acetate levels were higher in patients treated with conventional bicarbonate dialysate with respect to the period of PHF with free-acetate dialysate. Moreover, the percentage of patients with postdialysis blood acetate levels in the pathologic range was higher in patients treated with conventional bicarbonate dialysate respect to PHF on-line acetate-free dialysate period (61% vs. 30%). Serum concentrations of chloride postdialysis were higher and serum concentrations of bicarbonate pre and posthemodialysis were lower in the PHF free-acetate period. The incidence of hypotensive episodes was significantly lower in the PHF on-line with conventional dialysate. CONCLUSIONS: PHF on-line with free-acetate dialysate allows that most of patients finished hemodialysis with blood acetate levels in the physiologic ranges. PHF on-line is a predilutional hemodiafiltration treatment with better tolerance than hemodialysis with standard bicarbonate dialysate.

PHF on-line sin acetato: cómo mejorar la hiperacetatemia y la tolerancia hemodinámica / No disponible

Antecedentes: la presencia de acético en el Líquido de Diálisis (LD) expone al paciente a una concentración de acetato 30-40 veces superior a la normal. Dicha exposición aumenta en técnicas de Hemodiafiltración (HDF) online. El objetivo de dicho estudio fue evaluar los cambios clínico-analíticos al usar tres técnicas de Hemodiálisis(HD) diferentes. Métodos: se reclutaron 35 pacientes en HD estable. Se dializaron tres meses con HD convencional y luego fueron aleatorizados para pasar a una técnica de PHF on-line con concentrado convencional seis meses, y después pasaron a PHF on-line sin acetato otros seis meses. El otro grupo invertía estos dos períodos. Se obtuvieron análisis de sangre y datos clínicos de HD. Resultados: las medias de los acetatos posdiálisis fueron significativamente superiores durante los períodos de tratamiento con acético respecto al período sin acetato. El porcentaje de valores patológicos de acetato posdiálisis fue significativamente superior durante los períodos de tratamiento con acético (61 respecto al 30%). Las concentraciones de cloro pos-HD fueron superiores y las de bicarbonato pre y pos-HD fueron menores durante el período sin acético. El número de hipotensiones fue significativamente inferior en el período de PHF on-line con LD estándar respecto a los otros períodos. Conclusiones: la técnica de PHF on-line sin acetato disminuye la exposición a concentraciones elevadas de acetato y consigue que la mayoría de pacientes termine la HD con una acetatemia en el rango fisiológico. La PHF on-line es un tratamiento de HDF predilucional con mejor tolerancia que la HD estándar con bicarbonato (AU)

Summary Background: the small quantity of acetate present in the dialysis fluid exposes patient’s blood to an acetate concentration 30-40 times the physiological levels. This amountis even greater in hemodiafiltration on-line. Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical-analytical effects using three different dialysis techniques in the same patient. Methods: 35 patients on hemodialysis were included. All patients were treated with conventional bicarbonate dialysate for 3 months, after randomization were switched to first be treated with PHF online with standard bicarbonate dialysate for 6 months and then switched to PHF on-line acetate-free dialysate for the other 6months or to invert the two last periods. Blood samples were drawn monthly throughout the study and clinical data were obtained. Results: Posdialysis blood acetate levels were higher in patients treated with conventional bicarbonate dialysate with respect to the period of PHF with free-acetate dialysate. Moreover, the percentage of patients with posdialysis blood acetate levels in the pathologic range was higher in patients treated with conventional bicarbonate dialysate respect to PHF on-line acetate-free dialysate period (61% vs. 30%). Serum concentrations of chloride posdialysis were higher and serum concentrations of bicarbonate pre and poshemodialysis were lower in the PHF free-acetate period. The incidence of hypotensive episodes was significantly lower in the PHF on-line with conventional dialysate. Conclusions: PHF on-line with free-acetate dialysate allows that most of patients finished hemodialysis with blood acetate levels in the physiologic ranges. PHF on-line is a predilutional hemodiafiltration treatment with better tolerance than hemodialysis with standard bicarbonate dialysate (AU)

Relation between inflammation and symptoms in asthma.

Asthma symptoms are the main reason for healthcare utilization and are a fundamental parameter for the evaluation of asthma control. Currently, asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease. A French expert group studied the association between inflammation and asthma symptoms by carrying out a critical review of the international literature. Uncontrolled asthmatics have an increased number of polynuclear eosinophils in the induced sputum and an increased production of exhaled NO. Control by anti-inflammatory treatment is accompanied by a reduction in bronchial eosinophilia and exhaled NO. Asthma symptoms are the result of complex mechanisms and many factors modify their perception. Experimental data suggest that there is a relationship between the perception of symptoms and eosinophilic inflammation and that inhaled corticoid therapy improves this perception. Although they are still not applicable in routine practice, follow-up strategies based on the evaluation of inflammation are thought to be more effective in reducing exacerbations than those usually recommended based on symptoms and sequential analysis of respiratory function. Inhaled corticosteroid therapy is the reference disease-modifying therapy for persistent asthma. Recent studies demonstrated that adjustment of anti-inflammatory treatment based on symptoms is an effective strategy to prevent exacerbations and reduce the total number of doses of inhaled corticosteroids.

Multi-criteria dynamic decision under uncertainty: a stochastic viability analysis and an application to sustainable fishery management.

Managing natural resources in a sustainable way is a hard task, due to uncertainties, dynamics and conflicting objectives (ecological, social, and economical). We propose a stochastic viability approach to address such problems. We consider a discrete-time control dynamical model with uncertainties, representing a bioeconomic system. The sustainability of this system is described by a set of constraints, defined in practice by indicators - namely, state, control and uncertainty functions - together with thresholds. This approach aims at identifying decision rules such that a set of constraints, representing various objectives, is respected with maximal probability. Under appropriate monotonicity properties of dynamics and constraints, having economic and biological content, we characterize an optimal feedback. The connection is made between this approach and the so-called Management Strategy Evaluation for fisheries. A numerical application to sustainable management of Bay of Biscay nephrops-hakes mixed fishery is given.

Update on the roles of distal airways in asthma.

The present review is the summary of an expert workshop that took place in Vence (France) in 2007 on the role of distal airways in asthma. The evidence showing inflammation and remodelling in distal airways, and their possible involvement in asthma control and natural history, was reviewed. The usefulness and limitations of various techniques used for assessing distal airways were also evaluated, including pulmonary function tests and imaging. Finally, the available data studying the benefit of treatment better targeting distal airways in asthma was examined. It was concluded that both proximal and distal airways were involved in asthma and that distal airways were the major determinant of airflow obstruction. Inflammation in distal airways appeared more intense in severe and uncontrolled asthma. Distal airways were poorly attained by conventional aerosol of asthma medications owing to their granulometry, being composed of 3-5 µm particles. Both proximal and distal airways might be targeted either by delivering medications systemically or by aerosol of extra-fine particles. Extra-fine aerosols of long-acting ß-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids or inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting ß-agonist combinations have been shown in short-term studies to be not inferior to non-extra-fine aerosols of comparators. However, available studies have not yet demonstrated that extra-fine inhaled medications offer increased benefit compared with usual aerosols in asthmatic patients.

[The relationship between inflammation and symptoms in asthma]. / Relation entre inflammation et symptômes dans l'asthme.

In asthma, symptoms are the main reason for recourse to healthcare and are a fundamental parameter for the evaluation of asthma control. Currently, asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disease. Uncontrolled asthmatics have an increased number of eosinophils in induced sputum and an increased production of exhaled NO. Control by anti-inflammatory treatment is accompanied by a reduction in bronchial eosinophilia and exhaled NO. Asthma symptoms are the result of complex mechanisms and many factors modify their perception. Experimental data suggests that there is a relationship between the perception of symptoms and eosinophilic inflammation, and that inhaled corticoid therapy improves this perception. Although they are still not applicable in routine practice, follow-up strategies based on the evaluation of inflammation are thought to be more effective in reducing exacerbations than those usually recommended based on retrospective evaluation of symptoms and sequential analysis of respiratory function. Inhaled corticosteroid therapy is the reference maintenance therapy for persistent asthma and adjustment of anti-inflammatory treatment based on symptoms is an effective strategy to prevent exacerbations and reduce the total dose of inhaled corticosteroids. A French expert group has undertaken a study of the association between inflammation and asthma symptoms by carrying out a critical review of the international literature.

[Cutaneous, pulmonary and bone aspergillosis in a patient presumed immunocompetent presenting subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus]. / Aspergillose cutanée, pulmonaire et osseuse chez un malade ayant un lupus érythémateux cutané subaigu sans déficit immunitaire associé.

INTRODUCTION: We report a case of cutaneous, pulmonary and bone aspergillosis successfully treated after many years of progression in a patient presumed immunocompetent presenting subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. CASE-REPORT: A 43-year-old man, treated with thalidomide for subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, presented chest pain with haemoptysis and dyspnea. A pulmonary nodule was detected but the microbiological investigation was negative. The histological examination showed granuloma with round structures. No cause was found. Three years later, skin lesions appeared on the patient's face concomitantly with a pulmonary relapse. Histopathological examination of these lesions demonstrated septate hyphae. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated in skin and lung. Disseminated aspergillosis was then diagnosed as spondylodiscitis developed. Treatment with combined voriconazole and caspofungin produced significant and rapid improvement of lesions. DISCUSSION: While aspergillosis is commonly seen in immunocompetent patients, angiotropic dissemination points to cellular immunodepression. Our patient, however, was not presenting immunodepression. We discuss the possible contributory role of thalidomide in dissemination of aspergillosis given that the literature to date contains only one reported case of cutaneous aspergillosis secondary to A. fumigatus in an immunocompetent patient. We would also point out the specific histopathological pattern of this disseminated aspergillosis with both septate hyphae and round structures. Invasive aspergillosis is highly lethal but the chances of recovery are now greater thanks to new antifungal agents.

Mild asthma: an expert review on epidemiology, clinical characteristics and treatment recommendations.

This review is the synthesis of a working group on mild asthma. Mild asthma includes intermittent and persistent mild asthma according to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) classification, and affects between 50% and 75% of asthmatic patients. Mild asthma is more frequent, more symptomatic, and less well controlled in children than in adults. Cohort studies from childhood to adulthood show that asthma severity usually remains stable over time. Nevertheless, mild asthma can lead to severe exacerbations, with a frequency ranging from 0.12 to 0.77 per patient-year. Severe exacerbations in mild asthma represent 30-40% of asthma exacerbations requiring emergency consultation. In mild asthma, inflammation and structural remodelling are constant, of varying intensity, but nonspecific. Therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) decreases bronchial inflammation, but has only a slight effect on structural remodelling, and, when stopped, inflammation immediately recurs. Permanent low-dose ICS therapy is the reference treatment for persistent mild asthma. Effectiveness is to be reassessed at 3 months, and if it is insufficient the patient is no longer considered mildly asthmatic, and treatment has to be stepped up. As mild asthma is the most frequent form of the disease, diagnosis and management require physicians' particular attention.

[Characteristics of mild asthma: descriptive epidemiology and nature of bronchial inflammation. Position of the Mild Asthma Working Group]. / Caractéristiques de l'asthme léger: épidémiologie descriptive et nature de l'inflammation bronchique.

INTRODUCTION: Update on the state of knowledge in the mild asthma (intermittent and persistent mild asthma, according to the GINA classification) literature, and position of a French Mild Asthma Working Group. STATE OF THE ART: The French Mild Asthma Working Group (11 lung specialists, 4 paediatricians, 1 pharmacologist, and 1 general practitioner) selected, analysed, and summarised the literature on the epidemiology, physiopathology, clinical signs, and management of mild asthma. The present article shows the position of the working group on mild asthma descriptive epidemiology (causal factors excluded) and the nature of the bronchial inflammation. Clinical signs and medicinal treatments will be presented in a second article. PERSPECTIVES: Between 50% and 75% of asthma patients, depending on the study, present mild asthma. Childhood-to-adulthood cohort monitoring found severity to be unchanged over developmental time. Its generally benign evolution may in some (<10%) cases be complicated by severe episodes. Inflammation and airway-wall remodelling were always found, although of variable intensity, and non-specific (except for absence of infiltration by polymorphonuclear neutrophils). Corticosteroid therapy by inhalation reduces bronchial inflammation, but with little impact on airway-wall remodelling. CONCLUSION: The present findings should help clinicians in identifying and understanding mild asthma.