Annales de medecine interne最新文献

Slippage of the upper femoral epiphysis can occur in association with multiple endocrine imbalances. A case of slipped femoral epiphysis with primary hyperparathyroidism is reported. The patient was an adolescent, 16 Years of age, who presented bilateral slipped epiphysis. Investigation showed that he had hypercalcemia (3.1 mmol/l) related to primary hyperparathyroidism. A parathyroid adenoma was removed. Outcome was favorable and the slipped femoral epiphyses did not require a specific treatment.

We report the case of a 49-Year-old-man with primary sclerosis cholangitis (PSC) and ulcerative colitis who developed two acute episodes of pseudo-angiocholitis. Both episodes were triggered by septic hepatitis translocated from ulcerative colonic adenocarcinoma. The biliary MRI did not show any signs of lithiasis or cholangiocarcinoma. cholangiocarcinoma, intra-hepatic lithiasis and colonic cancer are potential diagnoses in patients with PSC who develop angiocholitis.

From 1978 to 2002, 30 patients presenting hairy-cell leukemia were seen in two different hospitals. We reviewed clinical, biological and therapeutic data. At diagnosis, the median age was 67.8 years; 47% were clinically asymptomatic, 12 patients had anaemia, 15 thrombocytopenia (platelets<100,000/mm3). A treatment was required for 29 patients. At the end of the study, 27 patients are alive and none died because of the disease. This study confirms the good prognosis of hairy-cell leukemia, especially since the advent of new therapeutics such as purine analogs. Based on the results in this series, we examined the different aspects of the disease referring to diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Subacute motor neuropathy involving bulbar nerves is an unusual complication of hyperthyroidism. Clinical and neurophysiologic follow-up of such patients has been rarely reported. We describe a 41-year-old Colombian patient who developed respiratory failure associated with motor neuropathy and severe weight loss. The major clinical features included diffuse amyotrophy, bilateral facial paresis, and fasciculations, suggesting motor neuropathy. Electromyography confirmed the presence of axonal neuropathy, with predominant motor involvement. Goiter with hypervascularization was noticed, associated with pure T3 hyperthyroidism (T3l=26 pg/ml; N<3.8). The patient was given carbimazole which induced a severe skin vasculitis 10 days later. Carbimazole was stopped and replaced by propylthiouracile, which also induced vasculitis with secondary cardiac failure. Total thyroidectomy was then performed. General status improved rapidly as well as motor deficit, amyotrophy and pyramidal syndrome. Electromyographic abnormalities improved significantly within 3 months. This observation demonstrates that hyperthyroidism can produce motor axonal neuropathy, curable with radical surgery.

Antisynthetase syndrome belongs to the idiopathic myositis group which includes pulmonary interstitial disease, arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, and mechanic's hands , associated with the anti-Jo1 antibody. We report three cases of antisynthetase syndrome, and review the clinical characteristics, and prognosis factors dominated by interstitial pneumonia.

Unlabelled: The paper presents the health hazards of the major doping substances and raises some questions about the relationship between doping and addictive behavior.

Aims: Current definitions of doping and addictive behavior are examined. The paper's goal is: 1- to assess the risks of neurotoxicity and overall toxicity of doping substances: stimulants, narcotics (seldom used as doping substances), and hormones, and assess their addictive potential; 2- to present available data on drug-dependent patients with a record of early prolonged and intensive physical activity or athletic practice.

Results and discussion: Some doping substances present high risks for health at large doses, but usually low addictive potential and neurotoxicity. Dependency on doping substances and drift towards dependency to addictive drugs, if any, are therefore determined by genetic and environmental factors. A significant susceptibility to drug dependence has been observed in some cases of very intensive and competitive practice. Over-representation of intensive and competitive athletic antecedents among some drug-dependent patients could be accounted for in either of two ways. On the first account, the causal factor is a sensation-seeking character trait, with a likely genetic component, which predisposes the individual to the use of drugs or doping substances, as the opportunities arise. On the second account, the sudden interruption of intensive practice, and of the associated organic stress and hypersensitization of the hedonic pathway, creates a weaning syndrome and leads to the search for relief through drugs. Further exploration of this hypothesis is called for.

Objectives: To evaluate opinion of physicians about the legalization of euthanasia according to their professional characteristics, their attitudes toward morphine, their attitudes toward communication with end-of-life patients, and their perception of specific types of terminal care.

Method: Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out from data collected among 1.000 general practitioners, oncologists, neurologists and HIV specialists (French cross-sectional survey on palliative care, 2002).

Results: 42.5% of physicians agreed with the statement that euthanasia should be legalized as it is already the case in the Netherlands. Inadequate prescription of morphine and calling terminal sedation as active euthanasia were associated with a favorable opinion toward legalization of euthanasia.

Conclusion: Specific training on pain management and terminal sedation would help physicians to have a better view of the problem of euthanasia.

The objective of this retrospective study was to describe drug maintenance treatments (DMT) in ambulatory care, and to evaluate their impact on social life. A convenience sample of 665 patients on DMT was recruited by 94 general practitioners in three geographic areas (Ile-de-France, Alsace, Aquitaine), and interviewed face to face by independent staff with a standardized questionnaire on three periods (one month before DMT, 6 months after beginning of DMT and 1 month before inclusion within the survey). Among the 665 patients, 76% were on buprenorphine, 20% on methadone, and 4% on morphine sulfate. Consumption of heroin and other psychoactive drugs was lower 6 months after DMT initiation. Patients were more likely to have relationships with people who did not have any problem with alcohol and drugs after DMT initiation than before treatment. They were also more likely to spend their free time alone after having begun DMT than before. All markers of social vulnerability evaluated through standardized questionnaires (employment, housing, social insurance, days of in-patient treatment related to drug consumption and number of condemnations) were improved after a six-month period with DMT. This research contributes to demonstrating the positive impact of DMT both on drug consumption and social life. Health professionals should include social support in their clinical practice.