B Acad Nat Med Paris
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B Acad Nat Med Paris · Jan 2004
Multicenter Study Comparative Study[Epidemiology of infection and sepsis in intensive care unit patients].
Since 1992, epidemiological and clinical studies have classified severe infections into three categories: sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. Microbiological documentation is not always provided. We used a different approach, focusing on the infection itself, whether or not it is microbiologically documented or associated with sepsis. ⋯ The in-hospital mortality rate increased with severity, from 20% for sepsis to 40% for severe sepsis and 60% for septic shock, but also depended on the origin of infection (community vs hospital/ICU). Crude incidence rates of ICU infection were high, varying among ICUs and patient subsets. Thus, vital outcome depends not only on the severity of sepsis but also on the characteristics of the infection.
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Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease characterized by the presence of an abnormal haemoglobin. It is the more prevalent genetic disease at birth in Ile-de France area. Sickle cell disease can be complicated by acute vaso-occlusive crisis, chronic visceral involvement related to ischemic process, and infectious complications. ⋯ It mainly manifests by osteoarticular pain and acute chest syndrome and can be complicated by multiorgan failure. Acute vaso-occlusive crisis can be also manifested by priapism, ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke, or abdominal pain. The main treatment of severe acute vaso-occlusive crisis is based on transfusion.
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Physicians and surgeons who treat patients with gastrointestinal or hepatic disease must prescribe the most appropriate diagnostic tests, together with an accurate prognosis and effective and safe therapy. This paper examines the best modalities of surgical treatment for cancer of the pancreas, in an evidence-based approach. Evidence was classified as follows: Grade A : evidence from large randomized controlled trials (RCT) or systematic reviews (including meta-analyses) of multiple randomized trials which collectively have at least as much data as one single well-defined trial. ⋯ Surgical resection and reconstruction procedures for pancreatic cancer must be based on evidence-based studies. However, the most important prognostic factor is the surgeon's experience, not only with regard to the post-operative course, but also survival. Specific teaching and training is thus essential.
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As their name implies, orphan diseases are rare, often poorly studied diseases. Patients with orphan diseases are often deprived of adequate diagnosis and treatment. To promote a comprehensive study of orphan pulmonary diseases, we established a network of pulmonologists, allowing us to collect and study several series of patients. Based on the examples of lymphangioleiomyomatosis and idiopathic eosinophilic pneumonia, we emphasize the value of a global approach to orphan diseases within the context of a medical specialty.
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B Acad Nat Med Paris · Jan 2004
Review[Advances in comparative pathology: some zoonoses threatening man].
The last major human epidemics of infectious diseases have arisen from animals. Some of them are especially threatening. ⋯ They underline the role of animals in the epidemiology of SARS, West Nile virus, hepatitis E, NIPA and Hendra virus, ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. The authors recommend health surveillance not only in humans but also in animals; the teaching of zoonoses, and research on animal diseases transmissible to humans.