[Results of radiofrequency on small renal masses: Complications, effects on renal fonction and oncological outcomes]. / Résultats périopératoires de la radiofréquence sur les petites tumeurs du rein : complications, impact sur la fonction rénale et résultats oncologiques.

INTRODUCTION: Finding of small renal masses and their ablative treatment has increased in patients unfit for surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy of Radiofrequency on those lesions. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective monocentric study of radiofrequency between 2009 and 2017 on small renal masses was undertaken. Complications, effects on renal function and oncological outcomes, were evaluated. RESULTS: One hundred and three tumors were treated over 96 patients. Two patients (2%) had major complications (Clavien Dindo>=3). Glomerular filtration rate was 66ml/min (±21ml/min) before procedure versus 59ml/min (±21ml/min) after (P<0,001). Ninety-five patients (99%) did not present recurrence with a median follow up of 22,8 months {9,6 ; 37,2}. CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency is a safe technique with low impact on renal function and good oncological outcomes. Selection of patients based on comorbidities, renal status, tumoral data (RENAL score) must be specified to evaluate at long term efficacy of RF.

High-flow priapism: Highly selective embolization of a traumatic arterio-cavernosal fistula.

We report the case of a 14-year-old man who arrived at the emergency department affected by a high-flow priapism due to a traumatic left arterial-sinusoidal fistula. After clinical examination, a colour Doppler ultrasound of the penis was performed which showed a left arterial-sinusoidal fistula measuring 7×16×30mm, with high-speed and turbulent flow. The fistula was successfully treated by three highly selective endovascular embolizations and at the 20days follow-up, clinical examination resulted normal.

Efficacy and safety of methylphenidate on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common co-morbidity that affects up to 44% of children with Down syndrome (DS). There is a need for reliable, good quality research on the use of methylphenidate within this population. The objective of this study is to report our experience regarding the management of ADHD in these children using methylphenidate. METHODS: This study is a retrospective observation of 21 children with DS, followed at Jérôme Lejeune Institute between 2000 and 2018. The diagnosis of ADHD was made using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders criteria. Efficacy was measured as response or non-response on two main symptoms: attention/concentration and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Safety was evaluated by the presence or absence of side effects. RESULTS: Sixteen out of the 21 children (76%) showed improvement with methylphenidate. The average age of treatment onset in responding children was 8 years and 10 months versus 6 years and 3 months in non-responders (P = 0.05). Average dose/weight was significantly different in responders and non-responders (0.82 vs. 0.54 mg/kg/day, respectively; P = 0.03). Twelve children out of 21 (57%) experienced side effects; only three experienced side effects severe enough to require treatment interruption. Most common side effects were loss of appetite and difficulties in falling asleep. CONCLUSION: Methylphenidate was effective and safe in treating ADHD in 76% of cases in children with DS, with few serious side effects to report. Early diagnosis of ADHD is important to improve the quality of life, learning, inclusion and socialisation of children with DS.

Feeding problems and gastrointestinal diseases in Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND METHOD: Feeding problems and gastrointestinal disorders are the most common anomalies in people with Down syndrome (DS) and have a significant impact on their daily life. This study lists the various anomalies on the basis of 504 references selected from a PubMed search in October 2018. RESULTS: The anomalies are grouped into three categories: anatomical anomalies: duodenal atresia and stenosis (3.9%), duodenal web and annular pancreas; aberrant right subclavian artery (12% of children with DS with cardiac anomaly); Hirschsprung's disease (2.76%); anorectal malformation (1.16%); congenital vascular malformations of the liver; orofacial cleft, bifid uvula (4.63%), and submucous orofacial cleft; esophageal atresia (0.5-0.9%); pyloric stenosis (0.3%); diaphragmatic hernia; malrotation of small intestine or duodenum inversum; omphalocele, gastroschisis or anomalies of the median line, anomalies of the umbilical vein; biological, immunological, and infectious anomalies: neonatal cholestasis (3.9%); neonatal hepatic fibrosis; Helicobacter pylori infection (75.8% in institutionalized children with DS, between 29.2 and 19.5% in non-institutionalized); non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; 82% in obese and 45% in non-obese); biliary lithiasis (6.9% under 3 years); celiac disease (6.,6%); geographical tongue (4%); hepatitis B virus sensitivity; autoimmune hepatitis and cholangitis; Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); pancreatitis; vitamin D deficiency (45.2% in Italy); functional disorders: suction, swallowing and chewing disorders (13 of 19 children with DS under 4 years); gastroesophageal reflux (47% in children with sleep apnea); achalasia (0,5% in adults); obesity (51.6% of males and 40.0% of females in Ireland) and overweight (32.0% and 14.8%); constipation (19.0%). Based on their practice, the authors insist on the following points: malformations are sometimes detected late (chronic vomiting after the introduction of food pieces, resistant constipation despite appropriate measures); prescription of preventive doses of vitamin D is advised; jaundice in a baby with DS may be retentional; in the event of transient leukemoid reaction it is vital to monitor liver function; the patient with geographic tongue must be reassured; for celiac serology there is no consensus on the staring age and the frequency, we propose every year from the age of 2; we advise to test people with DS for H. pylori infection if they are attending specialized institutions; abdominal ultrasounds must be systematic during the first months of life; detection of NAFLD is recommended; people with DS must be vaccinated against hepatitis B; breastfeeding is possible with maternal support; it is important to start speech therapy very early; feeding difficulties are often overlooked by the family and educators; gastroesophageal reflux is often pathological; preventing obesity must start from birth using body mass index for the general population; it is necessary to do everything for their meals to be joyful.

Quebec's Multi-Party Observatory on Zoonoses and Adaptation to Climate Change.

Climate change has been linked with the establishment and geographical expansion of zoonotic diseases, an example of which is the well-documented increase in human cases of Lyme disease in Quebec, Canada. As temperatures continue to increase in Quebec, it is anticipated that several zoonotic diseases will be affected. In response to the growing zoonotic issues facing public health authorities, Quebec's Multi-Party Observatory on Zoonoses and Adaptation to Climate Change (Observatoire multipartite québécois sur les zoonoses et l'adaptation aux changements climatiques) (the Observatory) was founded in 2015 as part of the Quebec government's Climate Change Action Plan (Plan d'action 2013-2020 sur les changements climatiques). The Observatory was designed to bring together agencies involved in formulating public policy and experts from the disciplines of human health, animal health and environmental sciences, in a manner similar to the innovative "One World, One Health" approach. The Observatory provides a platform for knowledge sharing and consensus building among representatives of public policy decision makers and scientists. Its main objectives are to anticipate and prioritize potential issues associated with zoonotic diseases in Quebec, in order to support applicable risk management and climate change adaptation. This article describes what the Observatory is, what it does and outlines its plans for the future.

Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as sentinels for parasitic zoonoses, Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella nativa, in the northeastern Canadian Arctic.

Outbreaks of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. have been recurring for decades among Inuit of Nunavik, northeastern Canada. Contact with wildlife has been identified as a risk factor for Inuit exposure to T. gondii, but reservoirs have yet to be confirmed based on direct detection of DNA or organism. Similarly, little is known about the occurrence of Trichinella spp. in wildlife species of Nunavik other than walrus (Odobenus rosmarus) and bears (Ursus americanus, Ursus maritimus). Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were targeted as possible sentinels for T. gondii and Trichinella spp. because of their high trophic position within the Arctic food chain as carnivorous scavengers. A total of 39 red foxes were sampled from four communities in southern and western Nunavik between November 2015 and September 2016. For the first time in wildlife, a novel magnetic capture DNA extraction and real-time PCR technique was used to isolate and detect T. gondii DNA from the heart and brain of foxes. A double separatory funnel digestion method followed by multiplex PCR was used to recover and genotype larvae of Trichinella spp. from tongues of foxes. Seroprevalence based on detection of antibodies to T. gondii was 41% (95% CI: 27-57%) using a commercially available modified agglutination test (MAT). Detection of DNA of T. gondii and larvae of Trichinella nativa (T2) occurred in 44% (95% CI: 28-60%) and 36% (95% CI: 21-51%) of foxes, respectively. Coinfection with both T. nativa and T. gondii occurred among 23% (95%CI: 13-38%) of foxes which can be attributed to co-transmission from prey and scavenged species in their diet. There was only moderate agreement between T. gondii serology and direct detection of T. gondii DNA using the MC-PCR technique (Kappa test statistic: 0.321), suggesting that using both methods in tandem can increase the sensitivity of detection for this parasite. These findings show that foxes are good sentinels for circulation of parasitic zoonoses in terrestrial northern ecosystems since they are highly exposed, show measurable indicators of infection and do not serve as exposure sources for humans.

Do contamination of and exposure to chicken meat and water drive the temporal dynamics of Campylobacter cases?

Campylobacteriosis, the most frequent bacterial enteric disease, shows a clear yet unexplained seasonality. The study purpose was to explore the influence of seasonal fluctuation in the contamination of and in the behaviour exposures to two important sources of Campylobacter on the seasonality of campylobacteriosis. Time series analyses were applied to data collected through an integrated surveillance system in Canada in 2005-2010. Data included sporadic, domestically-acquired cases of Campylobacter jejuni infection, contamination of retail chicken meat and of surface water by C. jejuni, and exposure to each source through barbequing and swimming in natural waters. Seasonal patterns were evident for all variables with a peak in summer for human cases and for both exposures, in fall for chicken meat contamination, and in late fall for water contamination. Time series analyses showed that the observed campylobacteriosis summer peak could only be significantly linked to behaviour exposures rather than sources contamination (swimming rather than water contamination and barbequing rather than chicken meat contamination). The results indicate that the observed summer increase in human cases may be more the result of amplification through more frequent risky exposures rather than the result of an increase of the Campylobacter source contamination.

Assessing multiple foodborne, waterborne and environmental exposures of healthy people to potential enteric pathogen sources: effect of age, gender, season, and recall period.

Information is lacking in Canada on the frequency of exposures of healthy people to enteric pathogen sources (i.e. water, food, animal contact) at the community level. This information is critical to develop more robust risk assessments and prioritize control measures. A 12-month-long cross-sectional telephone survey of 1200 healthy individuals in a sentinel community was performed. Survey respondents were divided into three recall period groups (3, 7, 14 days). The occurrence of 46 exposures (including water, animal contact, environmental contact and high-risk foods) was assessed per recall period. Effect of age, gender, and season on exposures was modelled and frequencies of exposure were extrapolated. Thirty-five exposures had similar occurrences across recall periods. Age was significant for 23 exposures, season for 18, and gender for three. Exposures that vary by age and season (i.e. bottled water, swimming, etc.) warrant consideration when investigating and analysing cases of enteric illness.

Epidemiological and clinical description of the top three reportable parasitic diseases in a Canadian community.

This study provides a comprehensive epidemio-clinical picture of sporadic, domestically acquired cases of amoebiasis, cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in one Canadian community based on patient symptom, outcome and exposure data from an enhanced surveillance system. It yields valuable data for estimating the burden of those diseases including the proportion of bloody diarrhoea, hospitalization, and disease duration. Age differences were observed by incidence rate and for some clinical information and exposures to risk factors. For each of the three diseases, the animal/environment-to-person route was the most common possible main transmission route according to the exposure reported, whereas the person-to-person route was the least common. Exposure was higher for the 10-24 years age group of giardiasis cases for swimming in recreational waters (79%) and attending a barbeque (50%). Therefore, comparisons between groups of cases or extrapolation of results when estimating the burden of illness should be adjusted for age.

Treatment of atheromatous renal artery in-stent restenosis in 51 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate our treatment of renal artery in-stent restenosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Monocentric retrospective study of 53 cases of restenosis and two occlusions in 51 patients detected via systematic follow-up with imaging (72.5%) and/or deterioration of kidney function (5.9%) and/or blood pressure failure (54.9%), 15.7 months (5-121) after implantation, giving rise to 49 recalibrations via a balloon and five additional stentings. Analysis of the technical results, the effects on blood pressure and kidney function after repeated revascularizations. RESULTS: Secondary permeability of 38 arteries (63.2%) after 12.4 months (3-64) with 14 second restenoses; 33.3% after redilation with a balloon, 60% after renewed stenting, more common in smokers (P=0.02), in case of peripheral arterial disease (P=0.02), ostial location (P=0.049) and kidney function impairment at the time of diagnosis of the restenosis (P=0.012). After 12.7 months (3-64) post-revascularization, kidney function was improved in 30% of patients and stabilised in 50% of patients. Treatment of second restenoses: one failure (7.1%), nine dilations with a balloon, three cutting balloon, one second stent. Treatment of third restenoses: 71.4% treated with a balloon (2), cutting balloon (2) or coated stent (DES) (1); then permeability at a later point in time: 50%. CONCLUSION: The treatment of repeated restenoses with conventional techniques is of imperfect efficacy, and currently remains un-codified.

Hypersplenism due to portal hypertension: retrospective evaluation of 17 patients treated by splenic embolization.

PURPOSE: The objective of this retrospective study was to analyze the efficacy and morbidity associated with splenic artery embolization for hypersplenism due to portal hypertension (PHT), as a function of the volume of the splenic parenchyma embolized and the type of PHT (due to intrahepatic block or segmental PHT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively included 17 patients with hypersplenism secondary to PHT (intrahepatic block, n=14; segmental, n=3) treated by splenic artery embolization. The splenic volume embolized was estimated by computed tomography (CT) one month after embolization. A clinical assessment and platelet count took place at 7 days, 1 month and 6 months after the embolization. RESULTS: In the group with PHT due to intrahepatic block, the mean volume of embolized splenic parenchyma was 63% of the initial volume (range: 30-95%). Six months later, the platelet level had increased by an average of 232%. All patients with fewer than 80,000 platelets/mL at 6 months had an embolization volume less than 50%. In the segmental PHT group, the mean volume of the embolized parenchyma was 62% of the initial volume (range: 20-95%), bleeding symptoms had disappeared in all patients, and the platelet level exceeded 80,000/mL. Six patients (6/17, 35%) had complications, two minor and four major: two splenic abscesses, one respiratory distress with ascites, and one pancreatitis with ascites. Five of the six complications were observed in patients with a volume of embolized splenic parenchyma more than 70%. CONCLUSION: Our results show that splenic embolization of more than 50% of the parenchyma is effective in the treatment of hypersplenism due to PHT, but that when the embolized volume exceeds 70%, the procedure is associated with considerable morbidity.

Environmental characteristics associated with campylobacteriosis: accounting for the effect of age and season.

Campylobacteriosis is a leading cause of acute bacterial gastroenteritis. An ecological study was undertaken to explore the association between environmental characteristics and incidence of campylobacteriosis in relation to four age groups and two seasonal periods. A multi-level Poisson regression model was used for modelling at the municipal level. High ruminant density was positively associated with incidence of campylobacteriosis, with a reduced effect as people become older. High poultry density and presence of a large poultry slaughterhouse were also associated with higher incidence, but only for people aged 16-34 years. The effect of ruminant density, poultry density, and slaughterhouses were constant across seasonal periods. Other associations were detected with population density and average daily precipitation. Close contacts with farm animals are probably involved in the associations observed. The specificity of age and season on this important disease must be considered in further studies and in the design of preventive measures.

Integrated surveillance and potential sources of Salmonella enteritidis in human cases in Canada from 2003 to 2009.

Salmonella enteritidis has emerged as the most prevalent cause of human salmonellosis in Canada. Recent trends of S. enteritidis subtypes and their potential sources were described by integrating Salmonella data from several Canadian surveillance and monitoring programmes. A threefold increase in S. enteritidis cases from 2003 to 2009 was identified to be primarily associated with phage types 13, 8 and 13a. Other common phage types (4, 1, 6a) showed winter seasonality and were more likely to be associated with cases linked to international travel. Conversely, phage types 13, 8 and 13a had summer seasonal peaks and were associated with cases of domestically acquired infections. During agri-food surveillance, S. enteritidis was detected in various commodities, most frequently in chicken (with PT13, PT8 and PT13a predominating). Antimicrobial resistance was low in human and non-human isolates. Continued integrated surveillance and collaborative prevention and control efforts are required to mitigate future illness.

[Preoperative portal vein embolization with Amplatzer(®) vascular plugs (AVP): a review of 17 cases]. / Embolisation portale préopératoire par Amplatzer(®) Vascular Plugs (AVP) : 17 patients.

The purpose was to determine the efficacy and technical particularities related to the use of Amplatzer(®) Vascular Plugs (AVP) for preoperative portal vein embolization. Between 2005 and 2009, a total of 48 type I AVP were embolized into the portal venous system of 17 patients (51-83 years) prior to extended hepatic resection where the residual liver volume (RLV) was deemed sufficient (RLV < 35-40% in patients with underlying hepatocellular disease, < 25-30% in patients with normal liver). AVP were used alone in seven patients and combined to other embolization agents in 10 patients (coils: n=5, microparticles: n=1, resorbable gel foam: n=4). The procedure was technically successful in 100% of cases with immediate success rate of 94.1% (imcomplete embolization of a segmental branch of segment VIII). The procedure was well tolerated clinically in 94.1% of cases, and in 100% of cases based on laboratory values. The rate of recanalization on follow-up CT at 5 weeks (2-22) was 11.7%. The rate of complications, major (left portal vein thrombosis following right portal vein embolization) and minor (one case of portovenous fistula), was 11.7%. The rate of RLV growth was from +13 to +285 cm(3) (mean at +122 cm(3)), or +4.98 to +78.51% (mean at +33.3%) (hepatocellular carcinoma: mean of +30.7%, metastases: mean of +19.7%). The rate of surgical candicacy was 94.1% (two patients were excluded: insufficient growth of RLV, development of peritoneal carcinomatosis). AVP appear to be reliable and effective for the preoperative embolization of the portal vein, with low morbidity and sufficient growth of RLV.

[Preventive and emergency embolization of angiomyolipomas: our experience]. / Embolisation préventive et en urgence des angiomyolipomes: notre expérience.

AIM: To present our experience with emergency or programmed embolization of angiomyolipomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The retrospective study 1999-2000 included a total of 20 patients with AML, five of whom had hypothyroidism. Group I emergency embolization: 11 patients age being 61.4 ± 15.6 years and the size of AML 8.2 ± 2.8 cm presented retroperitoneal hemorrhage from spontaneous rupture. Two had a hemorrhagic shock. A transfusion of 3.4 blood units per patient was performed for five patients. A clinical and radiological follow-up was done by scanning during the first week and in one month. Group II preventive embolization: nine patients, with age between 58.3 ± 15.2 years and tumor size 5.2 ± 2.2 cm, all asymptomatic. All successfully received a unilateral preventive embolization. A scan was performed one month later. RESULTS: Group I: the embolization was effective in 100% of patients. No intraoperative incident was reported. After one month, the reduction in tumor volume was 40%. At eight months, a patient underwent nephrectomy because of a new fracture, and another a second embolization after 14 months. The technical result was maintained in 83% of cases after 18 months. Two patients developed HTA after embolization controlled by a single treatment, and five had limited renal ischemic sequels. Group II: no intraoperative incidents and no postoperatively complications have been reported. One month after embolization, the reduction in tumor volume was 23%. After 24 months, patients remained completely asymptomatic, no spontaneous bleeding has been reported, no surgery has been performed, and no HTA has been described. Only one re-embolization was done at 20 months (artery duplicity). Limited renal ischemic sequels were reported for one patient but no renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: The required embolization became the method of choice in emergency with excellent results and few complications at distance. Programmed embolization effectively prevented the risk of bleeding, without impact on the renal function, with a low economic cost compared to hospitalization and emergency care. The significance of the observed AML--hypothyroidism association in our series requires a confrontation with more important cohorts.

[Indications for balloon angioplasty of the renal arteries: to revisit?]. / Indications de l'angioplastie des artères rénales: à revisiter?

Presentation in several international conferences, at the stage of design and interim results of randomized trials regarding the appropriateness of percutaneous endovascular correction of renal artery stenosis has raised some questions among clinicians, including nephrologists. What lessons should get the interventional radiologist now published the first results?

[State of the art: interventional radiology management of renovascular hypertension]. / Recommandations et bonnes pratiques en radiologie vasculaire interventionnelle: traitement de la maladie réno-vasculaire: sténoses de l'artère rénale (SAR).

The management of renal artery stenosis (RAS) has been the subject of numerous clinical studies and recommendations, most frequently with regards to atherosclerotic RAS. We present the current recommendations from the French Society of Cardiac and Vascular Imaging updated from a recent literature review (April 2008) with regards to medical, endovascular and surgical management of atheroscletotic and non-atherosclerotic RAS. The evidence-based recommendations are ranked by level.

[CT and MR imaging follow-up of medically treated acute aortic syndrome]. / Comment je surveille un syndrome aortique aigu traité médicalement au scanner ou en IRM?

The follow-up of medically treated acute aortic syndromes relies on CT and MR imaging. Comparison with prior examinations is essential. For aortic dissections, progressive enlargement of the false lumen, visceral hypoperfusion, and extension should be excluded. Mural hematomas and ulcers also undergo close follow-up to detect progression and recanalization. It is important to be familiar with the risk factors of disease progression for medically treated acute aortic syndromes and their management. It is also important to be familiar with the imaging features of disease progression. Acute aortic syndromes managed medically should undergo routine follow-up with CT or MR because these lesions may evolve silently over time and present with complications.

Exploring historical Canadian foodborne outbreak data sets for human illness attribution.

Human illness attribution has been recently recognized as an important tool to better inform food safety decisions. Analysis of outbreak data sets has been used for that purpose. This study was conducted to explore the usefulness of three comprehensive Canadian foodborne outbreak data sets covering 30 years for estimating food attribution in cases of gastrointestinal illness, providing Canadian food attribution estimates from a historical perspective. Information concerning the microbiological etiology and food vehicles recorded for each outbreak was standardized between the data sets. The agent-food vehicle combinations were described and analyzed for changes over time by using multiple correspondence analysis. Overall, 6,908 foodborne outbreaks were available for three decades (1976 through 2005), but the agent and the food vehicle were identified in only 2,107 of these outbreaks. Differences between the data sets were found in the distribution of the cause, the vehicle, and the location or size of the outbreaks. Multiple correspondence analysis revealed an association between Clostridium botulinum and wild meat and between C. botulinum and seafood. This analysis also highlighted changes in food attribution over time and generated the most up-to-date food attribution values for salmonellosis (29% of cases associated with produce, 15% with poultry, and 15% with meat other than poultry, pork, and beef), campylobacteriosis (56% of cases associated with poultry and 22% with dairy products other than fluid milk), and Escherichia coli infection (37% of cases associated with beef, 23% with cooked multi-ingredient dishes, and 11% with meat other than beef, poultry, and pork). Because of the inherent limitations of this approach, only the main findings should be considered for policy making. The use of other human illness attribution approaches may provide further clarification.