[Positive impact of a video and TV documentary on attendance of women to catch-up collective vaccinations and reasons for non-attendance]. / Impact positif d'un documentaire vidéo-TV sur la vaccination antitétanique des femmes au Cambodge et causes de non-vaccination.

The impact of medical documentaries on attendance to immunization sessions is not documented in developing countries. The impact of a video and TV medical documentary on women's vaccination during a catch-up tetanus collective immunization was studied in Cambodia (2002-2004). A medical video documentary produced locally was publicly shown in 10 villages chosen at random among 63 villages to be covered by collective tetanus immunization. In each village where the video was shown, 33 women, older than age 11, were selected at random and questioned about their tetanus vaccination records, to assess if they attended the video and to evaluate their knowledge about tetanus. A second interview was conducted after the first collective vaccination to check their attendance and to record reasons for non-attendance. The same interview was conducted 10 months later, after the documentary was shown on a local TV channel and a second collective tetanus vaccination conducted. Data were collected from 323 (98%) women. Seventy-eight (24%) women saw the video documentary and only eight (2.4%) saw it on TV. Compared to farmers, shopkeepers saw significantly less the documentary (χ² of Yates: 5.77,P = 0.016; 95% CI: 0.10 < RR = 0.29 < 0.88) and no home keeper or civil servant attended it. Women of childbearing age with no school education were significantly more attracted by the video documentary (χ² of Yates: 5.99,P = 0.01; 95% CI: 1.10 < RR = 1.57 < 2.22) than other childbearing-aged women, although their final immunization coverage was not better. The documentary did not increase the knowledge that contamination for tetanus may come from earth and tools, but not from air and water, and that all ages are at-risk for tetanus, but it increased significantly the knowledge that vaccination can prevent the disease (χ² of Yates: 13.98;P = 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.28 < RR = 1.57 < 1.93). Women who saw the video documentary attended the first collective session more often than those who did not (χ² of Yates: 11.00; P = 0.0006; 95% CI: 1.23 < RR = 1.51 < 1.84)in spite of their better vaccination status before the immunization, and this was mostly significant for farmers and women more than 45 years of age. Women who saw the documentary either on video or on TV also attended more the second collective session, but not significantly (χ² of Yates: 1.23;P = 0.266; 95% CI: 0.91 < RR = 1.23 < 1.66). Forty-nine percent of women had not attended school and the video documentary was re-run twice after the first performance. Women older than 45 years (55%) completely escaped immunization significantly more often than women of childbearing age (35%) (χ² of Yates: 17.26;P = 0.00003, 95% CI: 1.53 < RR = 2.13 < 2.97), who did it more often than schoolgirls (2%) (χ² of Yates: 9.69;P = 0.002; 95% CI: 0.01 < RR = 0.09 < 0.65). The main reasons for not being vaccinated during catch-up collective tetanus vaccinations were a too short interval between doses according to the WHO schedule (25%), agricultural task (18%), leisure travel (8%), fear of injections (7%), and being completely vaccinated according to the WHO schedule (7%). Only 2% of women were not informed, showing that vaccination was well-publicized. This educational technique should be re-used in all villages during coming catch-up tetanus collective immunizations in Cambodia, mostly in urban contexts where coverage during these sessions is lower. Video is still the best method in rural context if some education is also provided to the audience. According to the WHO schedule, the interval between two catch-up tetanus sessions should be extended to over a year to be able to give booster shots to women who already received three or more tetanus doses. Vaccination of schoolgirls is significantly easier to achieve with the help of the teachers. Vaccinating women aged over 45 should be encouraged as they are at risk of tetanus even in developed Asian countries.

Incidence of all-cause adult community-acquired pneumonia in primary care settings in France.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of all-cause outpatient community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults in France from a national prospective observational study of CAP management in general practice (CAPA). METHODS: Patients aged over 18 years presenting with signs or symptoms indicative of CAP associated with recent onset of unilateral crackles on auscultation and/or a new opacity on chest X-ray were included in the CAPA study. An ancillary survey (AIMSIS) aiming at identifying family physicians' difficulties in including patients and at collecting their opinion on the use of an electronic case report form, determined the number of non-included eligible patients. A three-step analysis was then performed, including computation of the total number of eligible patients, adjustment for seasonality, and extrapolation to the French FP population using indirect standardization to adjust for differences in characteristics between CAPA FPs and French FPs. RESULTS: Between September 2011 and July 2012, 267 (63%) CAPA investigators included 886 CAP patients. Most patients presented with mild CAP. The rates of hospitalization and one-month case fatality were 7% and 0.3%, respectively. Data from 336 (79%) AIMSIS investigators identified 641 additional patients and estimated at 234,023 the number of CAP patients per year (incidence of 4.7 per 1000 persons per year). CONCLUSIONS: Using a pragmatic case definition of CAP patients, this study estimated an incidence of 4.7 per 1000 persons per year that is in the lower half of the range of estimated incidences reported in primary care settings in industrialized countries.

CAPECO: Cost evaluation of community acquired pneumonia managed in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Estimating the economic burden of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) managed in ambulatory setting is needed in France since no data are available. METHOD: A retrospective study (CAPECO) was conducted based on a prospective French study describing patients with suspected CAP managed in primary care (CAPA). The aim of the CAPECO study was to estimate and explain medical costs of a disease episode in CAP patients only followed in ambulatory care and in hospitalised patients. Primary endpoints were the direct medical costs, impact on productivity and costs of incident CAP over one year. Secondary endpoint was to describe predictive factors of costs, hospital admission and stay length. RESULTS: In this cohort of 886 patients, resulting in an incidence of CAP of 400 per 100,000 inhabitants per year, the mean direct medical cost of a disease episode of CAP was € 118.8 for strictly ambulatory patients with an equal weight for medical time, drugs, diagnostic procedures and tests. This direct cost was € 102.1 before admission for patients who were finally hospitalised. The mean cost of hospital admissions was € 3522.9. Main predictive factors of hospital admission and stay length were respectively a history of chronic respiratory disease and older age. Factors of direct medical cost were prescribing X-ray examination and having a positive X-ray. The impact of a disease episode on productivity was € 1980 (sd 1400) per ambulatory episode and € 5425 (sd 4760) per episode leading to hospital admission. CONCLUSION: Costs per ambulatory episode were modest but increased substantially in hospitalised patients, who were more numerous when chronic respiratory disorders were present and in the elderly. Indirect costs were significant. Deciders should thus consider both direct and indirect costs when assessing preventive interventions in the context of this disease.

[Vaccination coverage against hepatitis B in first-grade children, Paris, 2002-2008]. / Couverture vaccinale contre l'hépatite B des enfants scolarisés à Paris en classe préparatoire entre 2002 et 2008.

INTRODUCTION: The French controversy over the possible risks of vaccination against hepatitis B seems to have resulted in a slowdown or delay in vaccination of target populations since the mid-1990s. This article reports the results of the analysis of vaccination coverage against hepatitis B of first-grade children in Paris between 2002 and 2008. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective and descriptive study of vaccination status against hepatitis B for children born between 1997 and 2002 and attending first grade in a Paris school between 2002 and 2008, using anonymous data from the prevention service of the city of Paris. RESULTS: The analysis included 108,114 children whose Health Book (carnet de santé) included sociodemographic data and the presence of at least one diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccination. Among these targeted children, 66,597 (61.6%) had started a vaccination against hepatitis B, 61,190 (56.6%) were considered "vaccinated" (at least three doses), and 47,489 (43.9%) "adequately vaccinated" (at least three doses respecting the prescribed intervals between injections). The sociodemographic factors associated with hepatitis B coverage were as follows: Paris arrondissement where the child attended school, year, and country of birth. CONCLUSION: Nearly 40% of the children in this cohort had not been vaccinated against hepatitis B before beginning first grade. They have now become adolescents aged 12-17 years. Current data indicate that only one-third of them have benefited from the catch-up campaign. This finding reinforces the need for vigilance on the vaccination status of adolescents against hepatitis B.

Use of galeal or pericranial flaps for reconstruction or orbital and eyelid defects.

The use of galeal or pericranial flaps for craniofacial reconstruction is well recognized. The excellent blood supply of the flap permits vascularized support for skin, bone, or cartilage grafts in otherwise unsatisfactory recipient sites. The pericranial flap was used in 1 patient with a large orbital bony defect and the galeopericranial flap was used in 3 patients with various periocular defects produced by trauma or following tumor extirpation. In the case of an orbital defect induced by chronic cocaine abuse, the pericranial flap successfully sequestered the orbit from the nasal cavity while providing support for the globe. In 3 of the 4 cases involving eyelid reconstruction, the galeopericranial flap served a dual function in providing vascular supply to the underlying free tarsal graft and to the overlying free skin graft. This tissue flap is analogous to a median forehead flap, except skin is not transposed and a second-stage inset revision is not required.

Scanning electron microscopic examination of porous orbital implants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the structural makeup of five porous orbital implants: two made of coralline hydroxyapatite (Bio-Eye and Chinese implant), one of synthetic hydroxyapatite (FCI), one of porous polyethylene (Medpor) and one of alumina. The Bio-Eye, Medpor and alumina implants are currently available in Canada. OUTCOME MEASURES: Pore size, pore interconnectivity and microcrystalline architecture. RESULTS: The Bio-Eye had multiple interconnected pores ranging from 300 microns to 700 microns in width; higher-power views showed coarse-appearing crystals approximately 2 microns wide. The FCI implant showed similar interconnectivity of the pores but fewer pores, which were about 300 microns to 500 microns in size. Higher-power views showed hexagonal crystals about 1 micron to 5 microns in size. The Chinese hydroxyapatite implant had multiple interconnected pores ranging from 200 microns to 700 microns in size. The crystals were similar in appearance to those of the Bio-Eye but were smaller and more granular. The 150-micron pore size Medpor implant had irregularly shaped pores ranging from 100 microns to 500 microns in size. The 400-micron pore size implant had pores that looked more like channels that coalesced; the pores and channels ranged in size from 125 microns to 1000 microns. In both cases higher-power views showed a woven texture. In the alumina implant the pores were well connected and evenly distributed and were approximately 500 microns in size. On high-power studies the implant showed a cobblestone-like pattern of crystals approximately 4 microns to 5 microns wide. CONCLUSIONS: There are notable differences in pore size, pore interconnectivity and microcrystalline architecture between the implants studied. These features may be important in the overall biocompatibility of the implant.

Proliferation of human fibroblasts in vitro after exposure to orbital implants.

BACKGROUND: Porous orbital implants allow fibrovascular ingrowth and integration with the extraocular muscles. The available implants have different structural characteristics, which may influence orbital response. We studied the proliferation of orbital fibroblasts in vitro after exposure to four different orbital implants. METHODS: Four orbital implant biomaterials were studied: hydroxyapatite (Bio-Eye), synthetic hydroxyapatite, porous polyethylene (Medpor) (pore sizes 150 microm and 400 microm) and aluminium oxide (Bioceramic implant). Human fibroblasts obtained from orbital fat at the time of elective blepharoplasty were cultured and then exposed to the individual implants. Cell growth was assessed with immunocytochemical analysis using bromodeoxyuridine, a thymidine analogue. After DNA denaturation, the cells were washed, incubated with secondary antibody and visualized. RESULTS: The fibroblasts growing on the Bio-Eye, synthetic hydroxyapatite, and 150-microm and 400-microm Medpor implants all had debris associated with them. The Bioceramic implant was free of this debris. The Bioceramic implant and the 150-microm Medpor implant had the greatest number of fibroblasts on the coverslips. INTERPRETATION: The proliferation of fibroblasts, as determined by visualization of actively dividing cells with bromodeoxyuridine, differed on the various implants studied. The lack of debris associated with the Bioceramic implant may be related to the crystalline structure of the implant.

Vicryl-mesh wrap for the implantation of hydroxyapatite orbital implants: an animal model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate host fibrovascularization of hydroxyapatite orbital implants wrapped in sclera or in Vicryl (polyglactin 910) mesh in a rabbit model. NUMBERS: Eight adult New Zealand white rabbits that received hydroxyapatite orbital implants wrapped in homologous donor sclera (four animals) or Vicryl mesh (four animals). INTERVENTIONS: The rabbits had one eye enucleated and then received a 12-mm hydroxyapatite implant wrapped in sclera or Vicryl mesh. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone scintigraphy were done to assess host fibrovascularization of the implant 4, 8, 12 and 20 weeks after implantation. Two animals (one in each group) were killed at each of these times, and the implant was removed for histopathological examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Enhancement on MRI, uptake on bone scintigraphy, fibrovascularization seen on histopathological examination. RESULTS: The degree of fibrovascularization was substantial in all the specimens but appeared greater in the Vicryl-mesh-wrapped implants in the first 12 weeks after implantation on both histopathological and MRI studies. At 20 weeks these findings were similar in the two groups. A granulomatous foreign-body giant-cell reaction to both the Vicryl mesh and the implant itself was present up to 8 weeks after implantation. Bone scans showed only grade 1+ activity in all the implants. CONCLUSIONS: Host fibrovascularization in the rabbit appears to occur to a greater degree in Vicryl-mesh-wrapped hydroxyapatite implants than in those wrapped in donor sclera during the first 12 weeks after implantation. Vicryl mesh appears to be an acceptable alternative wrap for the hydroxyapatite implant, eliminating the need for donor sclera and its potential risks of transmissible diseases.

Topical versus intravenous administration of tranexamic acid: a comparison of intraocular and serum concentrations in the rabbit.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid has been shown to greatly reduce the incidence of secondary hemorrhage when administered orally or intravenously. Topical administration of the drug should result in much lower serum concentrations, with fewer adverse effects. We performed a study to determine whether topical application of tranexamic acid would yield higher intraocular concentrations and lower serum concentrations of drug than intravenous administration. METHODS: Ten New Zealand white rabbits received 25 mg/kg of tranexamic acid intravenously every 8 hours for 3 days. Another group of 10 rabbits received one drop (0.05 mL) of commercially available tranexamic acid solution (100 mg/mL) every 8 hours for 3 days to one eye. Tranexamic acid levels in the aqueous humour, vitreous humour and serum 1 hour after administration of the last dose of drug were determined. RESULTS: Analysis of variance showed that aqueous concentrations of tranexamic acid were significantly higher with topical delivery than with intravenous administration (15 vs. 9 micrograms/mL)(p < 0.05). Serum concentrations were significantly lower following topical administration (9 vs. 19 micrograms/mL)(p < 0.01). The drug was not detected in the vitreous humour in either group. INTERPRETATION: Topical delivery of tranexamic acid may prove to be valuable in yielding therapeutic intraocular concentrations of drug in patients with hyphema while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Cavernous hemangiomas of the orbital apex with intracranial extension.

Cavernous hemangiomas are benign vascular tumors that usually present as unilateral, intraconal mass lesions in middle-aged women. They may on occasion extend to the orbital apex or have intracranial extension. The authors present three patients with deep apical hemangiomas, two of whom had intracranial extension to the cavernous sinus area.

Use of temporalis fascia for exposed hydroxyapatite orbital implants.

The hydroxyapatite implant (Bio-Eye, Intergrated Orbital Implant, Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A.) has gained increasing popularity as an orbital implant in recent years. Several complications may occur, including infection, exposure, extrusion, and various peg problems. Exposure of the implant appears to be the most common complication, ranging up to 21.6%. Many techniques, including nonsurgical and surgical approaches, have been described to manage these exposures. When surgery is indicated, a patch graft may be required to cover the defect. We report our experience and technique with autogenous temporalis fascia as a patch graft. Autografts such as temporalis fascia are easily obtained, bring about no immunological reaction, and have no risk of infectious transmission.

Fibrovascularization of porous polyethylene (Medpor) orbital implant in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the porous polyethylene (Medpor) orbital implant in a rabbit model and compare it with three other currently available porous implants: Bio-Eye coralline hydroxyapatite (HA), FCI(3) synthetic HA, and aluminum oxide (Bioceramic). METHODS: The porous polyethylene implant was examined macroscopically and microscopically (with scanning electron microscopy). Implantation was performed in 10 adult male New Zealand albino rabbits. Each animal underwent enucleation of the right globe under general halothane gas anesthesia, followed by placement of a 12-mm porous polyethylene implant. In 5 animals, the implant was encased in polyglactin 910 (Vicryl mesh); in the other 5, it was left unwrapped. The implants were moistened in saline before placement. Implant vascularization was evaluated by histopathology at 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks. RESULTS: The porous polyethylene implant was found to have a smoother exterior surface than the Bio-Eye, FCI(3) synthetic HA, and aluminum oxide implants. Rather than a uniform interconnected porous architecture, there was an extensive system of interconnected channels through the implant, ranging in size from 125 to 1000 microm. On high-power examination there was a more solid, woven appearance without any sign of the microcrystals seen in the other porous implants. One rabbit had a retrobulbar hemorrhage after surgery and was euthanized. All the other rabbits tolerated the implant well, and there were no complications. On histopathologic examination, fibrovascularization gradually increased over time. One implant was completely vascularized at 12 weeks, and both implants harvested at 16 weeks were completely vascularized. The implant harvested at 24 weeks showed only partial vascularization (14%). CONCLUSIONS: The porous polyethylene orbital implant represents an alternative implant for use after enucleation or evisceration or for secondary implantation. In our rabbit model, the porous polyethylene implant was well tolerated without complication. Complete fibrovascularization was first seen at 12 weeks. Porous polyethylene orbital implants appear to vascularize more slowly than Bio-Eye coralline HA, FCI(3) synthetic HA, and aluminum oxide implants.

A synthetic hydroxyapatite implant: the so-called counterfeit implant.

This article evaluates three generations of synthetic hydroxyapatite implants in a rabbit model. Fourteen New Zealand white rabbits received synthetic hydroxyapatite orbital implants (first, second, and third generation). The rabbits underwent enucleation of one eye and then received a 12-mm synthetic hydroxyapatite implant wrapped in Vicryl (polygalactin 910; Ethicon, Inc.) mesh or sclera. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted to assess host fibrovascularization of the implant 4 and 12 weeks after implantation. Animals were killed at each of these times and the implant was removed for histopathologic examination. Enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging and extent of fibrovascularization by histopathologic examination were assessed. The first-generation synthetic hydroxyapatite (FCI, Issy-Les-Moulineaux, France) was not 100% hydroxyapatite as is the Bio Eye (Integrated Orbital Implants, Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A.). It contained 3.2% calcium oxide. The implant was heavier and much less porous than the original Bio Eye implant. Central vascularization eventually occurred but was not extensive. The second-generation implant was more porous than the first, with rapid central vascularization to the center of the implant by 4 weeks. However, the second-generation implant was very fragile and crumbled easily. The second-generation synthetic implant was chemically identical to the original Bio Eye implant with no calcium oxide. The third-generation implant was more porous than its predecessors. When compared side by side with the Bio Eye, a difference in pore uniformity and interconnectivity seems apparent. However, an early extensive vascularization pattern to the center of the implant is seen histopathologically, similar to that with the Bio Eye. Magnetic resonance imaging also shows extensive enhancement as is the case with the Bio Eye. The third-generation synthetic implant is not fragile as was the second-generation implant, and chemically it is identical to the Bio Eye with no calcium oxide present. The third-generation implant is approximately half the price of the original Bio Eye implant.

The synthetic hydroxyapatite implant: a report on 65 patients.

Sixty-five patients receiving the FCI synthetic hydroxyapatite implant (FCI3, FCI, Issy-Les-Moulineaux, France) after enucleation, evisceration, or as a secondary implant were studied under human trial guidelines established by Health and Welfare Canada. The implant is chemically identical to the original coralline Bio Eye (Integrated Orbital Implants Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A.), is easy to work with, and was implanted without difficulty using a wrap of polygalactin 910 (Vicryl mesh, Ethicon, Inc.) in the majority of patients. Postoperative drilling was carried out at approximately 6 months and found to be much easier than drilling of the Bio Eye. The implant could be hand drilled using drill bits rolled between the thumb and index finger. Postoperatively, patients were followed-up from 7 to 24 months and did not have any problems different from those associated with the original hydroxyapatite implant derived from sea coral (Bio Eye). One case of conjunctival dehiscence occurred at 4 weeks and required a temporalis fascia patch graft to repair. One implant became infected after drilling and had to be removed. The motility obtained with the third-generation FCI implant (FCI3) was similar to that seen with the Bio Eye, in comparable patients. That is, those receiving implants after an evisceration, on the whole, had better motility than those receiving an implant after primary enucleation or secondary implantation. The FCI3 hydroxyapatite implant is a viable alternative to the original Bio Eye hydroxyapatite implant. It's advantages are: 1) reduced cost, and 2) ease of drilling (a motorized drill is not required). The implant was given Health and Welfare approval in Canada on February 26, 1997.