Neurophysiologic cut off values for safe resection of patients with supratentorial gliomas.

BACKGROUND: Gliomas have infiltrative nature and tumor volume has direct prognostic value. Optimal resection limits delineated by high-frequency monopolar stimulation with multipulse short train technique is still a matter of debate for safe surgery without (or with acceptable) neurological deficits. It is also an enigma whether the same cut-off values are valid for high and low grades. We aimed to analyze the value of motor mapping/monitoring findings on postoperative motor outcome in diffuse glioma surgery. METHODS: Patients who were operated on due to glioma with intraoperative neuromonitorization at our institution between 2017 and 2021 were analyzed. Demographic information, pre- and post-operative neurological deficit, magnetic resonance images, resection rates, and motor evoked potential (MEP) findings were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients of whom 55 had high-grade tumors were included in the study. Total/near-total resection was achieved in 85%. Subcortical motor threshold (ScMTh) from resection cavity to the corticospinal tract was ≤ 2mA in 17; 3 mA in 14; 4 mA in 6; 5 mA in 7, and ≥5mA in 50 patients. On the 6th month examination, six patients (5 with high-grade tumor) had motor deficits. These patients had changes in MEP that exceeded critical threshold during monitoring. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed 2.5 mA ScMTh as the cut-off point for limb paresis after awakening and 6 months for the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Subcortical mapping with MEP monitoring helps to achieve safe wider resection. The optimal safe limit for SCMTh was determined as 2.5 mA. Provided that safe threshold values are maintained in MEP, surgeon may force the functional limits by lowering the SCMTh to 1 mA, especially in low-grade gliomas.

[Focusing on peritoneal dialysis adequacy]. / Adéquation en dialyse péritonéale : mise au point.

The optimal method to assess the adequacy of peritoneal dialysis therapies is controversial. Today, the adequacy must not be considered as a number or a concept assessed only by two parameters (total KT/V urea and total solute clearance) but defined by many more items. In the absence of data, based on theoretical considerations, the reanalysis of the CANUSA study showed that renal kidney function, rather than peritoneal clearance, was associated with improved survival. Residual renal function is considered as a major predictor factor of cardiovascular mortality. Results of this reanalysis were supported by the adequacy data in ADEMEX, EAPOS and ANZDATA studies. Therefore, clinical assessment plays a major role in PD adequacy. The management of fluid balance, the regular monitoring of malnutrition, the control of mineral metabolism and particularly the glucose load, considered as the "corner-stone" of the system, are the main points to be considered in the adequacy of PD patients. The essential goal is to minimize glucose load by glucose-sparing strategies in order to reduce the neoangiogenesis of the peritoneal membrane.

[Uterine rupture: risk factors, maternal and perinatal complications]. / Rupture utérine : facteurs de risque, complications maternelles et foetales.

OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors, maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with uterine rupture in women with previous caesarean delivery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort analysis, comparing deliveries with and without uterine rupture in women with uterine scar during a 12-year period. Women attempting a trial of labour were selected with precise criterion. We analysed obstetric history, characteristics of labour, mode of delivery, maternal and perinatal complications. RESULTS: Thirty-six uterine ruptures were registered of which 11 were complete. These complete ruptures occurred at a rate of 0.4% among deliveries in women with previous caesarean delivery (n=2718) and 0.5% among women attempting a trial of labour (8/1440). Twenty-one ruptures (58%) were diagnosed during a trial of labour. Some risks factors were identified like a labor after 41weeks of amenorrhea and no medical history of natural childbirth. There were neither maternal nor neonatal deaths. The major maternal complications were postpartum haemorrhage (13.8%, n=5) and blood transfusion (8.3%, n=3), significantly most frequent than in the control group (p<0.01). No hysterectomy was required. Concerning neonatal morbidity, mean lactate rate was significantly higher for the rupture group. CONCLUSION: The low rate of uterine rupture, maternal and neonatal complications supports a rigorously selection of women attemping a trial of labor. A labor after 41weeks of amenorrhea and no medical history of natural childbirth should be added to common criterion.

[Access to preventative care, screening and treatment of women in vulnerable socio-economic groups presenting with cervical cancer]. / Cancer du col et précarité, accès aux soins diagnostic et traitement.

AIM: The object of this study was to evaluate access to preventative care, screening and treatment of women in vulnerable socio-economic groups presenting with cervical cancer and the progression of their disease. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of 123 patients with cervical cancer treated at the hôpital Bichat (Paris) or the hôpital Verdier (Bondy) between 1st January 1996 and 31 December 2005. RESULTS: "CMU" or "AME" is the entitlement for fully state funded medical care and was used in this study to indicate social deprivation. Social deprivation is associated with homelessness (43.9 vs 1.23%; P = 0.0001) and unemployment (90 vs 30%; P = 0.0001). Women from deprived groups seldom enter screening programs (25 vs 56.1%; P = 0.008). Once symptomatic they delay seeking medical attention (1.8 months later than for non-deprived groups; P = 0.027), present more often to accident and emergency departments (51.22 vs 17.07%; P = 0.0003), and do not see any primary care practitioner (41.46 vs 8.64%; P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference with regard to treatment instituted in the two groups. The non-deprived patients residing in Bondy had similar access to care as the deprived patients treated in Paris. The average follow-up period was 30.43 months (+/- 26.64). CONCLUSION: Cervical screening is not taken up adequately throughout the general population. Access to health care is poorly tailored to the needs of the socially deprived. Social deprivation did not demonstrate an association with levels of pelvic recurrence, metastasis or death. The low doctor to patient ratio in certain geographical areas reduces access to medical care.

[Postpartum perineal pain: effectiveness of local ropivacaine infiltration]. / Douleur périnéale du post-partum: intérêt de l'infiltration locale de ropivacaïne.

GOAL: To assess efficiency of local ropivacaine infiltration in perineal pain after episiotomy and perineal tear during the first 24 h after vaginal delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case control survey, including 62 consecutive patients with episiotomy and/or perineal tear during two consecutive periods: the ropivacaine group from February 2, 2008 to March 27, 2008 (n=31) and the control group from December 27, 2007 to January 1, 2008 (n=31). In the ropivacaine group, patients received 10 ml of ropivacaine 7,5mg/ml as a local infiltration along the perineal damage. In the control group no injection was done. A numerical pain rating scale (0-10) at four (H4), eight (H8), 12 (H12) and 24 h (H24) was used to evaluate patients post-partum perineal pain. A numerical rating scale was used to evaluate patients satisfaction (0: no satisfied, 5: very satisfied). RESULTS: Numerical pain rating scale for perineal pain evaluation was significantly lower in the ropivacaine group than in the control group at H4 (1.9+/-0.3 versus 3.6+/-0.5, p=0.006), H8 (3.3+/-0.4 versus 5.2+/-0.4, p=0.003), H12 (2.8+/-0.4 versus 5.2+/-0.4, p=0.0001) and H24 (2.6+/-0.4 versus 4.3+/-0.4, p=0.006). Numerical rating scale for satisfaction evaluation was significantly higher in the ropivacaine group (4.2+/-0.2 versus 3.5+/-0.2, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Local ropivacaine infiltration in episiotomy and/or perineal tear reduce post-partum perineal pain within the first 24 h.

[Eclampsia: retrospective study about 16 cases]. / Eclampsie: étude rétrospective de 16 cas.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the etiologic factors, circumstances of diagnosis, obstetrical management and complications of eclampsia and to value the maternal and perinatal outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study, from January 1996 to December 2006 in a maternity type IIB. RESULTS: Sixteen cases of eclampsia were studied. The prevalence of eclampsia over the study period was 8.1 per 10,000 births, without annual change in the incidence. The mean age of the patients was 27.8+/-6.7 years. The major risk factor was the primipaternity (87.5%). The eclampsia occurred in ante-, peri- and post-partum in 56, 6 and 38% of the cases, respectively. In cases of eclampsia, 75% of the patients had elevated blood pressure, 93% presented headache, but 62% presented with an atypical form with less than three functional symptoms (headache, visual trouble, hyperreflexia). Various treatments had been started: antihypertensive treatment (75%), antiepileptic treatment (69%) and magnesium sulphate (94%). Eleven patients had developed complications, mainly HELLP syndrome (10 patients). No maternal death was noted. The mean birth weight was 2366+/-818 g, 43.8% of children had birth weight less than the 10th percentile, and 87.5% of children were girls. One fetal and one perinatal death at day 19 had been noted. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Nowadays, the physiopathology of eclampsia remains misunderstood. It is difficult to establish risk factors, the primipaternity being certainly one of these. Eclampsia may occur in an atypical and unforeseeable form in well followed patients, without risk factor. The diagnosis should be done quickly for an adapted treatment and obstetrical management.

[Surgical management of stress urinary incontinence: a questionnaire-based survey amongst members of the Société de Chirurgie Gynécologique et Pelvienne (SCGP)]. / Prise en charge chirurgicale de l'incontinence urinaire d'effort : résultat d'une enquête par questionnaire parmi les membres de la Société de chirurgie gynécologique et pelvienne (SCGP).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate by voluntary and anonymous declaration the current surgical practice for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in France. POPULATION AND METHODS: A postal survey, anonymous, sealed, and validated by the Scientific Committee of the Société de chirurgie gynécologie et pelvienne (SCGP), was conducted among all members. The questionnaire was also available online, on the SCGP website. RESULTS: One hundred and three (18%) members responded. The respondents (87%; n=90) were performing less than 10 incontinence procedures in a month. Suburethral slings represent the choice technique for SUI, prior by transobturator approach (87%; n=90). Other practices are exceptional. Urodynamics study was routinely performed prior to surgery in 69% of cases. Surgical treatment was performed using prior regional anaesthesia in retropubic approach (58%; n=40 in 68 respondents); either loco-regional (47%; n=48 in 102 respondents) or general anaesthesia (50%; n=51 in 102 respondents) were used in transobturator approach. No transobturator route was privileged. The postoperative urethral catheter was being left for 24h or less in case of retropubic or transobturator approach (70%; n=37 in 53 respondents and 68%; n=52 in 76 respondents, respectively). The patient's hospital stay was one night (83%; n=54 in 65 respondents and 85%; n=87 in 102 respondents, respectively). A postoperative audit was not done by 19% of respondents. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Suburethral tape placement is nowadays the main surgical treatment for female stress urinary incontinence amongst members of SCGP. The transobturator approach is preferred.

[Psychosomatical approach to Hyperemesis gravidarum]. / Approche psychosomatique des vomissements incoercibles du premier trimestre.

Vomiting of pregnancy is a physiological symptom of the first trimester and is a frequent reason for consultation in emergency as well as hospitalization in the severe forms (Hyperemesis gravidarum). Though strong the aversion usually developed against the hospitalized patients for H. gravidarum may be, it is important to understand the distress of these women with a symptom difficult to endure, which often reflects a psychical conflict with respect to their pregnancy. The gynecologist must be the somatic doctor who deals with the symptom and its sometimes disastrous clinical consequences, whereas the psychologist or the psychiatrist plays a fundamental role in this pathology. Indeed, he will lead the patient to work on how she feels her pregnancy, to give it a place in her personal history and to understand her contradictory feelings with regard to this pregnancy.

[Pregnancy in a patient with Gitelman syndrome: a case report and review of literature]. / Syndrome de Gitelman et grossesse: à propos d'un cas et revue de la littérature.

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a tubulopathy characterized by hypokaliemia, hypomagnesiemia, metabolic alkalosis and hypocalciuria. We report a case of a 33-year-old pregnant woman with Gitelman Syndrome. Oral potassium chloride and magnesium citrate were prescribed and the course of the pregnancy was uneventful with vaginal delivery at term. The impact of GS on the physiologic adaptations to pregnancy is not well-known, with few reports to date. Monitoring of serum potassium and magnesium levels with supplementation, amniotic fluid and fetal growth is required to prevent obstetrical and fetal complications in a patient with GS.

Obstetric outcome following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate obstetric outcomes following laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in obese women. METHODS: Obstetric outcomes were compared in a retrospective case-control study with 427 obese women, 13 who underwent LABG and 414 who did not. RESULTS: The mean weight gain during pregnancy was significantly lower in the LABG group than among controls (5.5 kg vs. 7.1 kg; P<0.05). The incidence of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, low birth weight, and fetal macrosomia was less in the LABG group (P<0.05), and the incidence of cesarean deliveries during labor was half in the LAGB group (15.3% vs. 34.4%; P<0.01). Neonatal outcomes were not significantly different in the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among obese women, the incidence of adverse obstetric outcomes was less in those who underwent LABG than in those who did not. These results suggest that obese women who wish to become pregnant would decrease their risk of obstetric complications if they first underwent LAGB.

[Vasa previa: one case]. / Vasa praevia: à propos d'un cas.

Vasa previa is a rare condition (1/2000 to 1/5000) in which the rupture of membranes may result in fetal haemorrhage (Benckiser's haemorrhage). We report one unusual case of delayed Benckiser's haemorrhage 12 hours after rupture of membranes. We point out the risk situations in which prenatal diagnosis should particularly be sought: low-lying placenta at routine second trimester ultrasound screening, bilobate or succenturiate placenta, velamentous insertion of the umbilical cord, in vitro fertilization. A universal screening, as proposed by certain authors, is also discussed.

Semilobar holoprosencephaly prenatal diagnosis: an unexpected complex rearrangement in a de novo apparently balanced reciprocal translocation on karyotype.

We report a semilobar holoprosencephaly (HPE) in a post-intracytoplasmic-sperm-injection pregnancy. It was suggested by ultrasonography (US), documented on karyotype, identified with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), established after birth and confirmed on post-mortem autopsy. An amniocentesis revealed a de novo apparently balanced reciprocal translocation 46,XY, t(7;8) (q31.3;q12). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) identified a deletion in the region of the Sonic Hedgehog gene (SHH) on der(8); nevertheless, the subtelomeric regions for chromosomes 7 and 8 were present. The parents decided to continue the pregnancy; a boy was born and survived for 3 days. The brain autopsy confirmed the semilobar HPE previously noted on US and MRI. Further, band-specific FISH revealed, in addition to SHH deletion, the presence of an inversion in the 7q translocated material on der(8). The parents' karyotypes were normal. An unexpected complex rearrangement was present in a de novo apparently balanced reciprocal translocation in a semilobar HPE.

[Pregnancy in obese patients: which risks is it necessary to fear?]. / Grossesse des patientes obèses: quels risques faut-il craindre?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the deleterious effects of maternal obesity on obstetrical complications and neonatal outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Historical cohort study including all patients delivered in our maternity between 1st January 2002 and 31st December 2004. Intra uterine death and fetal loss before 22 weeks were excluded. Women were categorized by the Body Mass Index: less than 25, between 25 and 30, and more than 30. Maternal data, obstetrical complications, labor and its complications, and neonatal outcomes were studied. RESULTS: During these 3 years, 23.5% (1336/5686) of patients were overweight and 7.5% (425/5686) were obese. Obstetrical pathologies (gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preeclampsia and fetal macrosomia) and labour induction were more significantly frequent in obese patients (P < 0.01). We noted twice more caesarean sections during labour in obese patients. The rate of artificial placental delivery was significantly higher in obese patients (P < 0.01). Obese patients with prior caesarean sections had a rate of vaginal delivery significantly lower than non obese patients with prior C-sections (23.6 vs 43.8%; P < 0.01). Mean children birth weight was significantly higher in obese patients (3305 vs 3181 g; P < 0.01) with no impact on Apgar score. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that obesity is responsible for major obstetrical complications, for what should no doubt be considered as high risk pregnancies. Our practices must take these complications into account by ensuring an adapted and early management in order to improve maternal and neonatal issues.

Endometriosis mimicking hernia recurrence.

Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition and has been described in several locations, mostly in the pelvis. Extragenital endometriosis may appear as a painful nodule evoking an inguinal hernia. Scar endometriosis after inguinal hernia repair seems to be a rare occurrence. We report an unusual case of a 28-year-old woman who developed a scar endometriosis 2 years after an inguinal hernia repair. This case highlights that the presence of a painless inguinal mass similar to a recurrent hernia, with possible swelling related to the menstrual cycle, may evoke endometriosis, especially after a previous hernia repair and should lead to prompt diagnosis, wide excision, and gynecological advice.

[Interest of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic surgery: A case-control study]. / Intérêt du gel d'acide hyaluronique dans la prévention des synéchies intra-utérines après hystéroscopie opératoire: étude cas-témoin.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of adhesions after operative hysteroscopy using a case-control study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients with an intrauterine lesion (myoma, polyp, uterine septa and adhesions) undergoing hysteroscopic surgery were divided into two groups: group A (30 patients) with intrauterine application of hyaluronic acid gel at the end of the surgical procedure and group B, which was considered as control (24 patients). The rate of adhesion formation, the score and the adhesion severity were estimated for each group using American Fertility Society (AFS) classification, by diagnostic hysteroscopy two months after surgery. No other treatment was associated. RESULTS: Age, weight, parity, hysterometry were comparable in the two groups. Surgery indications were polyp(s), myoma(s), uterine septa, and adhesions (11, 8, 1, and 10 patients in group A and 6, 6, 4, and 8 patients in group B, respectively). No difference was observed in intrauterine adhesion formation between the two groups (33.3% for group A and B; p = NS). The median adhesion scores using AFS were comparable in the two groups (1.30+/-2.35 vs 1.42+/-2.47; respectively, p = NS). The severity of the adhesions showed no significant difference between the two (70% stage I, mild adhesions; 20% stage II, moderate adhesions; 10% stage III, severe adhesions and 62.5% stage I; 25% stage II; 12.5% stage III in the group A and B, respectively). No adverse effect with the ACP gel was detected. CONCLUSION: ACP gel does not reduce the incidence and the severity of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic surgery.

Evaluation of apoptosis in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with severe head injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sFas, caspase-3, proteins which propagate apoptosis, and bcl-2, a protein which inhibits apoptosis, would be increased in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to examine the correlation of sFas, caspase-3, and bcl-2 with each other and with clinical variables. METHODS: sFas, caspase-3, and bcl-2 were measured in CSF of 14 patients with severe TBI on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 post-trauma. The results were compared with CSF samples from control patients who had no brain and spinal pathology and had undergone spinal anesthesia for some other reason. Soluble Fas and bcl-2 were measured by ELISA while caspase-3 was measured enzymatically. RESULTS: No sFas, caspase-3, and bcl-2 activities were found in CSF of controls, but activities significantly increased in CSF of patients at all time points post-trauma (p < 0.01). Caspase-3 significantly correlated to intracranial pressure (p = 0.01) and cerebral perfusion pressure (p = 0.04). Soluble Fas and caspase-3 peaks coincided on day 5 post-trauma and there was significant association between sFas and caspase-3 increase (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study indicates a prolonged activation of pro-apoptotic (sFas, caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (bcl-2) proteins after severe TBI in humans. The degree of activation of particularly caspase-3 may be related to the severity of the injury. Parallel increases of these three molecules may indicate a pivotal role of apoptosis in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic brain oedema, secondary cell destruction and chronic cell loss following severe TBI and may open new targets for post-traumatic therapeutic interventions.

[Maternal cannabis use and intra-uterine growth restriction]. / Consommation maternelle de cannabis et retard de croissance intra-utérin.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug, especially among young women in Western societies. The effects of cannabis use during pregnancy have been studied for many years. The vast majority of studies have shown a link between maternal consumption of cannabis and foetal development. Foetal growth restriction seems to be the major complication of cannabis exposure. Nevertheless, all these studies have suffered from several methodological biases. The maternal marijuana use should be first and foremost detected in pregnant women for a specific addiction management and pregnancy follow-up.

[Efavirenz (Sustiva) in pregnancy: a study about 12 HIV patients]. / Grossesse sous efavirenz (Sustiva): à propos de 12 cas de patientes positives pour le VIH.

OBJECTIVE: In developed countries, where the mother-to-child transmission rate of HIV is low (1 to 1,5%), a major medical concern is the safety of new therapies during pregnancy. Teratogenicity has been described with an NNRTI, efavirenz (Sustiva), in animal model, regarding neural tube defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have made a retrospective study of pregnancies starting with efavirenz with a special focus on foetal and infant abnormalities. RESULTS: Three abnormalities were notified no one linked to a neural tube defect. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In the English literature published, although the prevalence of abnormalities in human is low (1,7%) during pregnancy, due to the potent teratogenicity, efavirenz is contraindicated in the first trimester and should be used with caution in women of childbearing potential.