Presse Med
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Despite numerous attempts, synthetic materials and heterologous tissues failed to replace durably the trachea. Autologous tracheal substitution (ATS) without synthetic material or immunosuppression was investigated to replace extended tracheal defect. We present our experience regards to this innovative challenge. ⋯ ATS is actually a good, durable tracheal substitute that can resist respiratory pressure variations because of their transverse rigidity without any immunosuppression. The limits of this technique are probably, chronic respiratory insufficiency and cartilage calcifications. Research to develop a method for lining the neo-trachea with ciliated respiratory epithelium is needed.
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Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disorder characterized by progressive obliteration of the pulmonary microvasculature, resulting in elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and premature death. According to the current classification, PAH can be associated with exposure to certain drugs or toxins, particularly appetite suppressant drugs, such as aminorex, fenfluramine derivatives and benfluorex. These drugs have been confirmed to be risk factors for PAH and were withdrawn from the market. ⋯ Recently several studies raised the potential endothelial dysfunction that could be induced by interferon, and few cases of PAH have been reported with interferon therapy. Other possible risk factors for PAH include: nasal decongestants, like phenylpropanolamine, dietary supplement - L-Tryptophan, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, pergolide and other drugs that could act on 5HT2B receptors. Interestingly, PAH remains a rare complication of these drugs, suggesting possible individual susceptibility and further studies are needed to identify patients at risk of drugs induced PAH.
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Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is characterized by an unstable expansion of a CTG repeat resulting in altered mRNA biogenesis. Benign or malignant tumours are increasingly reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of tumor in a cohort of patients DM1. ⋯ While this cohort is small, our findings nevertheless suggest an increased risk of particular cancers in DM1. The toxic effects of mutant RNA may possibly affect oncogene expression or growth factor signalling pathways in cells. Clinical practice should include cancer screening and prevention of risk factors in DM1 patients.