Primary cementless total knee arthroplasty with or without stem extension: a matched comparative study of ninety eight standard stems versus ninety eight long stems after more than ten years of follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Using a cementless fixation for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is controversial. We hypothesized that cementless tibial base plate with a monoblock long stem (MLS) would provide secure tibial alignment and stable fixation when bone conditions were considered as poor for a cementless fixation. The purpose of this study was to compare the mean eight year survivorship of cementless standard keels (SK) vs cementless MLS. MATERIAL METHODS: We report a matched series of 98 cases of SK and 98 cases of MLS in patients with poor bone conditions. The two cohorts were statistically compared. Revision for tibial loosening was used as the endpoint in the survivorship analysis. RESULTS: We recorded two cases of tibial loosening and three cases of bipolar loosening in the SK group (0% MLS vs 5% SK). No tibial loosening occurred in the MLS group (statistically significant). No tibial periprosthetic or intra-operative fractures occurred in either group. The survivorship at eight years of follow-up was 95.6% in the SS cohort vs 100% in the MLS cohort using revision for tibial loosening as the endpoint. DISCUSSION: This study was not randomized. Its strength was that it took into account the comparative midterm outcomes of a matched cohort of patients implanted with two types of cementless components in the same bone conditions. We did not record any tibial loosening in the MLS group. Using long stems has been criticized but we did not observe any adverse reactions and no intra-operative tibial fracture occurred. CONCLUSION: MLS improves the alignment and fixation of cementless TKA. This is a safe solution when bone conditions are poor or modified by previous surgery.

How is patella height modified after total knee arthroplasty?

INTRODUCTION: Since the first measurement method of patella height in 1929 (Janssen), more than 16 methods have been described. Most of these measures are not suitable to measure patella height after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). One of us (JC) modified the original Caton Deschamps (oCD), index with a new relative index called modified Caton Deschamps (mCD) index, by using new landmarks. The purpose of this study was to determine how patella height is modified after TKA. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty primary TKAs were consecutively prospectively enrolled. One type of implant was used (cementless postero-stabilized TKA, rotating plateau, cemented patella resurfacing). Patient's characteristics, functional and radiological outcomes were recorded pre-operatively and at one year follow-up. Pre-operative and post-operative outcomes were compared by paired t-test. Post-operative outcomes were compared between groups by one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Average difference between pre and post-operative mCD was 0.19 in this series. In 81.7% of cases, patella was lowered. Patients were classified in three groups according to patella height lowering. Between these three groups, no significant statistical differences (IKS score knee and function, range of motion) could be identified. DISCUSSION: In TKA, patella assessment in sagittal plane is as important as frontal or horizontal planes. True patella infera (TPI) is mostly due to patella tendon shortening measured by oCD. Pseudo patella infera (PPI) measured by mCD is mostly due to joint line elevation (over femoral cut with an over thickness of the tibial component). In this study a moderate patella lowering (minor than 15%) does not have a significant impact on the functional results (IKS, ROM) nevertheless in 80% patella is lowered. The next step will be to analyze precisely what factors are influencing this lowering and what prevention could be suggested in primary and revision TKA.

Causes for revision of dual-mobility and standard primary total hip arthroplasty : Matched case-control study based on a prospective multicenter study of two thousand and forty four implants.

INTRODUCTION: The causes for revision of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) are various and quite well known. The developing use of dual-mobility THA (DM-THA) seems a relevant option to decrease the risk of instability. Due to lack of long-term follow-up, this innovative retentive concept is suspected to increase the risk of polyethylene (PE) wear. the aim of the study was to analyse the causes for DM-THA revision and assess whether or not its occurrence is different from that of fixed-standard (FS) THA , particularly for aseptic loosening or wear and/or osteolysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The SoFCOT group conducted an observational prospective multicentre study from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2011. Inclusion criteria comprised an exhaustive collection of 2044 first-revision THAs with 251 DM-THAs and 1793 FS-THAs. After excluding complications linked to patient factors (infection and periprosthetic fractures), we performed a matched case-control study (matching ratio 1:1) comparing two groups of 133 THAs. RESULTS: Revisions for aseptic loosening or osteolysis/wear were as frequent in DM-THA (58.7 %) as in FS-THA (57.1 %) (p 0.32); 7.5 % of DM-THA were revised for dislocation versus 19.5 % of FS-THA (p 0.007). DISCUSSION: Revision for osteolysis/wear and aseptic loosening were as frequent in DM-THA as in FS-THA; revision for dislocation was less frequent in DM-THA. This confirms the efficiency of the DM concept regarding the risk of dislocation. Causes for revision were different between groups, and revisions for dislocation were less frequent in DM-THA. Only prospective comparative studies could provide reliable information that may support broader use of the DM concept.

Low friction arthroplasty and dual mobility cup: a new gold standard.

INTRODUCTION: Low friction arthroplasty (LFA) introduced by Sir John Charnley was the gold standard for many years. Dislocation and infection are the first causes for early revision. Late failures are polyethylene (PE) wear and loosening. Due to dislocation risk we slowly switched to the use of LFA with dual mobility cups (DMC). The purposes of this study are (1) to assess whether our changes have improved outcomes and (2) what is the new gold standard? MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected from an observational registry of 1,091 cases of hybrid Charnley total hip arthroplasty (THA). The acetabular component was either DMC in 455 cases or fixed cup (FC) in 636 cases. RESULTS: Three dislocations (0.6%) occurred in the DMC group (none revised). In the FC group 54 dislocated (8.49%) and 20 were recurrent and underwent revision (revision rate 3.14%). In the DMC group, five acetabular and three femoral revisions were performed (revision rate for loosening 1.7%). In the FC group 19 cases underwent acetabular revision, and five cases had femoral component revised (revision rate for loosening 3.7%). DISCUSSION: Charnley's LFA has proven over 50 years of excellent survivorship. To decrease dislocation risk, one suggested increasing femoral head diameter. Gilles Bousquet proposed another way, namely, the DMC concept. Dislocation is no longer a critical issue with DMC as demonstrated in our series and main series. DMC in primary THA is still a subject of debate. Mid-term results do not demonstrate a higher rate of wear than LFA. What is the current gold standard? LFA was and is our current gold standard in association with a DMC.

The evolution of outcomes and indications for the dual-mobility cup: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Instability following total hip arthroplasty remains a common and disabling complication. The dual mobility cup (DMC) allows a reduction in the dislocation rate. An increasing number of studies have been undertaken to better understand DMC long term outcomes and complications. The goal of this systematic review was to clarify its different uses and outcomes according to the indications. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed using the keywords 'dual mobility' and 'tripolar cup' with no limit regarding the year of publication. One hundred seventy six publications were identified. RESULTS: Current literature shows that "contemporary" dual mobility cup are a significant indication to manage instability following primary and revision hip arthroplasty. Survivorship at midterm is comparable to other articulations for primary THA, but is more difficult to evaluate in revision. Intra-prosthetic dislocation, wear, and loosening are now uncommon with new generations of DMC. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to previous generations of DMC, the current "contemporary" DMC presents a significant improvement. Current literature reveals a tendency to increase the indications but further studies with long term follow up remain important to consolidate these findings.

Dual-mobility cup in total hip arthroplasty in patients less than fifty five years and over ten years of follow-up : A prospective and comparative series.

PURPOSE: We report clinical and radiological outcome of a dual mobility cup (DMC) of 2nd generation after a minimum of ten year-follow-up (FU). The goal of this work was to compare the results of this DMC in patients aged less than 55 years and in patients aged more than 55 years. METHODS: From 2000 to 2005, a prospective and consecutive series of 119 THAs with a cementless DMC of 2nd generation (GIROS) were performed in patients aged less than 55 years and 444 in patients aged more than 55 years. RESULTS: The mean FU was 11 years (8 to 15 years). Survivorships (failure of both components or cup loosening) were not different between patients aged less than 55 years and patients aged more than 55 years. There was no dislocation. DEVANE classification, Harris, PMA and Oxford scores improved after THA but no difference could be found between between < 55 years and > 55 years patients. CONCLUSION: These results are better than those of first generation (BOUSQUET) DMC (77 % of survival rate at 20 years of FU). These results are in the same agreement than those of the literature: 99 % of survival rate at 14.2 years of FU for KERBOULL with a low friction arthroplasty and 96.5 % at ten years of FU for ceramic/ceramic bearing (R CHANA). The DMC for young patient is a relevant surgical option with no dislocation and excellent clinical results and survival rate at more than ten years of FU.

Contemporary dual-mobility cup regional and private register: methodology and results.

INTRODUCTION: The dual-mobility cup (DMC) was introduced in 1979. Due to lack of referenced publications, this interesting and innovating concept was ignored during close to 20 years. However, 180 studies (level III or IV) have now been published. Evidence-based medicine is based on level I studies. Over the past three decades, the role of national registries developed with the intention of surveying orthopaedic implants. In 2012, we developed, registered, and implemented a specific database for contemporary DMC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data are collected with an electronic case-report form, and this evaluation is limited to a single product line . From May 2012 to December 2016, 2090 cases of Quattro cup implantation have been registered; results of the first 636 primary cases with a minimum follow-up of three years were previously reported (series 1). Of the 1454 remaining cases, dislocation rate only was monitored (series 2) and results are reported here. RESULTS: In series1 comprising 553 degenerative diseases and 83 proximal femoral fractures (PFF), one dislocation (1.2%) occurred in PFF and none in degenerative disease. Survivorship (infection excluded) at three years was 99.8%. In series 2 (1315 degenerative diseases; 139 PFFs), dislocation rate was 0.27% (four cases). In neither series did we observe any intraprosthetic dislocation. DISCUSSION: Results of this private regional register confirm the high efficiency of DMC to decrease dislocation rate (0.23%). Few outcomes of DMC in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) are published in national registries. The Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register has reported on 287 primary DMC hips of 78,098 THAs. No dislocations were reported. We conclude that DMC decreases dislocation rate, and the national registry of Lithuania also reports a significant decrease in the rate of revision for dislocation in the DMC group. These data-available online-allow us to monitor DMC in real time, although they lack short-term follow-up.

Patellar height assessment in total knee arthroplasty: a new method.

INTRODUCTION: We described in 1981 a method to evaluate patellar height in normal and symptomatic knees on sagittal X-ray view. This index is a frequently used method, yet it is not suitable after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The original method measures the distance between the distal margin of the articular surface of the patella (point A) and the anterosuperior angle of the tibial plateau (point T), then the length of the patellar articular surface (AP). The index is AT/AP ratio (normal values range from 0.8 to 1.2). After TKA, the T landmark is no longer available, so we must define a new T' landmark. This point is situated at the intersection between the line perpendicular to the tibial posterior cortex elevated at the tip of the fibular head and the tibial anterior cortex. This remarkable landmark can be identified before and after TKA, with a new relative index AT'/AP ratio. This modified method allows the comparison of patella height before and after TKA. RESULTS: We have used this modified index with the collaboration of several authors during the testing of different models of TKA, with an accurate reproducibility. Repeatability (usually called intra-observer reliability) was good, with intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between 0.58 and 0.75 among the observers. Reproducibility (usually called inter-observer reliability) was also considered as good, with ICC ranging from 0.64 to 0.72. DISCUSSION: Patella height measurement has to be assessed with the original method (AT/AP) to detect patella infera that could influence the surgical approach. The correlation between original and modified indexes has to be assessed. The modification of patella height after TKA could be evaluated through the modified index and compared with functional results.

Prospective study of the cementless "New Wave" total knee mobile-bearing arthroplasty: 8-year follow-up.

One of the main factors affecting the survival of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the fixation method. The constraints placed on the bone-implant interface of a mobile-bearing TKA must be taken in account during the design and evaluation phases. For more than two decades, calcium phosphate ceramics, particularly hydroxyapatitis, have been used in Europe to accelerate the bone integration of cementless implants. A prospective study of patients continuously recruited by three senior surgeons at three French private hospitals has been carried out. There were no exclusion criteria. Eighty-four (84) cementless mobile-bearing total knee prosthesis of the brand "New Wave" were implanted in 74 patients over a 2-year period (2004-2005). Implant survival at 8 years was 95% [with a confidence interval of 95%: 80.2-96.4%] when revision for any cause was defined as the endpoint. Five implants required surgical revision to exchange all or part of the implant: two for aseptic loosening of tibial component, one for osteolysis, one for persistent flessum (30°) and one for tibial periprosthetic fracture. Completely integrated implants and event-free outcomes were recorded in 91.4% of the cases at eight-year follow-up. The Hospital for Special Surgery score significantly improved from 56.8/100 points before the surgery to 83.9/100 points at the last follow-up (p < 0.05). Radiologically, only one patient had radiolucent lines around the tibial and femoral components. This cementless total knee prosthesis yielded good medium-term survival. Cementless arthroplasty can generate solid and durable bone fixation in this total weight-bearing implant, and it seems that the hidroxyapathitis surface in this series stimulate the bone integration at the bone-implant interface.

A comparative and retrospective study of three hundred and twenty primary Charnley type hip replacements with a minimum follow up of ten years to assess whether a dual mobility cup has a decreased dislocation risk.

PURPOSE: Mid- and long-term follow-up of Charnley total hip arthroplasty (THA) demonstrated good functional results with 85 % survivorship at 25-year follow-up. However, dislocation still remains an unsolved problem. Dislocation may occur throughout the patient's and implant's life. The aim of this study is to answer the question: does a dual mobility cup (DMC) decrease the dislocation risk? METHODS: We report comparative results at ten years of follow-up of two groups of primary cemented Charnley-type THA, one with a standard polyethylene cup (group 1, n = 215) and the other one with a DMC (group 2, n = 105). RESULTS: In group 1, 26 dislocations (12.9 %) occurred. In group 2 only one dislocation (0.9 %) occurred. This dislocation was successfully reduced by closed reduction, without any recurrence. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0018). In group 1, the reason for revision was recurrent dislocation in 21 cases. Five patients were revised for other reasons. The global revision rate was 12.9 %. In group 2, two patients needed revision surgery for aseptic loosening. The global revision rate was 2.1 %. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.054). The goal was reached for the patients of group 2 who had more risks factors for dislocation (age, aetiology, American Society of Anesthesiologists and Devane scores) than those of group 1. CONCLUSIONS: When using a DMC, we observed a low rate of dislocation in primary THA (0.9 %). This surgical choice seems to be a safe and effective technique in Charnley-type THA, especially in a high-risk population.

Cementless dual-mobility cup in total hip arthroplasty revision.

PURPOSE: Dislocation is a frequent complication in total hip arthroplasty (THA) revision. Cup fixation is the second concern. In order to know outcomes at two years, we prospectively followed a continuous series of 78 patients to demonstrate that cementless dual-mobility cup (DMC) used in revision THA is safe as regards dislocation risk and bone fixation. METHOD: We enrolled 78 consecutive patients (79 cases) in a prospective study. Mean interval between index surgery and revision was 12.9 years. Mean age at revision was 75.5 years. Two types of cementless DMC were used: a standard DMC in 68 cases with low-grade bone defect (Paprosky grade 1 and 2), and a specific design reconstruction DMC in 11 cases with severe bone loss (Paprosky grade 3). RESULTS: At two years of follow-up, 68 patients were reviewed; four were lost to follow-up., and six patients were deceased. We identified three types of situations at risk:standard risk (33 cases), Paprosky grade 1 or 2; medium risk (37 cases), revision for recurrent instability (21), periprosthetic fractures (14) or severe loosening Paprosky grade 3 without femorotomy (2); high risk (nine cases), revision for severe loosening with a femorotomy. One (1.3%) patient dislocated her hip at one month without recurrence. Revision rate for dislocation was 0%; two (2.7%) early mechanical failures occurred. CONCLUSION: Considering outcomes of this series, cementless DMC can be suggested in THA revision surgery.

Dual mobility cup: dislocation rate and survivorship at ten years of follow-up.

PURPOSE: The dual mobility cup introduced in France by Gilles Bousquet has been used in total hip replacement in high-risk patients. This device acts as a large ball implant and significantly reduces the risk of dislocation following hip arthroplasty. Published French literature has focused on low rates of dislocation and long-term follow-up similar to the low-friction arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a continuous series of 105 cases of dual mobility cup Quattro (Groupe Lépine, Genay, France) implanted from 2000 to 2002. Selection of the patients requiring a primary hip replacement depended on risk criteria such as age, hip disease and activity score. The dual mobility cup was associated with a modular cemented femoral component and a 22.2-mm stainless steel head. RESULTS: One dislocation occurred one month after the index surgery requiring no revision surgery. According to the Kaplan-Meier method, survival probability was 95.0% (95% confidence interval 81.5-98.8) at ten years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Based on clinical outcome and patient assessment we conclude that the dual mobility cup is a reliable option to decrease dislocation risk without increasing polyethylene wear.

Coverage rates for diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and pertussis age-specific booster recommendations in France: 2018 update of the real-world cohort analysis.

The French National Immunization Program was updated in 2013 for vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and poliomyelitis. Our previous findings on the evolution of age-specific booster vaccination coverage rates (VCRs) up to 2017 suggested suboptimal vaccination coverages due to the pre-2013 recommendation-residual vaccination practices. In the current analysis, we evaluated all age-specific booster VCR and distribution of age at vaccination visits in 2018. In this retrospective observational cohort study, the cumulative booster VCRs were updated at all vaccination visits up to 2018 among the people who were eligible for a booster vaccination, using a 1/97th random sample of French national healthcare reimbursement databases. The cumulative booster VCR for individuals from all age groups increased from 2017 to 2018, except for 85-years-old vaccination visit. Majority of the individuals from all age groups were vaccinated (boosted) with a vaccine containing the pertussis valence. In 2018, sharp peaks corresponding to the recommended ages for booster vaccination visits were observed for individuals aged 6, 11 to 13, 25, 45, and 65 years. Our study reiterates suboptimal coverages in France and implies the need for booster vaccination throughout life for the protection of the population.

Cocooning strategy: Pertussis vaccination coverage rate of parents with a new-born in 2016 and 2017 in France.

Background: The "cocooning" strategy was introduced in 2004 to protect infants too young to be vaccinated against pertussis, by immunizing their parents and close relatives. The study objective was to assess its implementation 12 years after its introduction by estimating the pertussis vaccination coverage rates (VCR) among parents of newborns. Materials and methods: Pertussis VCR were estimated among all women who gave birth and men who took paternity leave, in 2016 or 2017, from a 1/97th random sample of French claims data. Two distinct study periods were defined based on current recommendations for the cocooning strategy: the "common practice" and the "parental project" periods. Results: In 2016, the pertussis VCR of women having given birth and men having taken paternity leave was 47.2 and 47.1%, respectively (46.1 and 45.6% in 2017, respectively). About one quarter of vaccinations were performed during the "parental project" period, with the vaccine most frequently reimbursed during the month of childbirth for women (57.1% in 2016 and 49.4% in 2017) and before or during the month the paternity leave began for men (about 78% in both 2016 and 2017). General practitioners were the main prescribers in private practice, even during the "parental project" period. Conclusion: To optimize the protection for infants, the main objective of the cocooning strategy, pertussis immunization coverage of adults and seniors needs to be improved. Moreover, cocooning vaccination linked to a parental project needs to be performed earlier, during pregnancy (for those around the mother) or in immediate post-partum (e.g., during the maternity stay).

Vaccination coverage rates for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis and Pertussis booster vaccination in France between 2013 and 2017: Learnings from an analysis of National Health System Real-World Data.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining a high vaccination coverage rate (VCR) throughout the lifetime and complying with the National Immunization Program are essential to optimize the protection of the population. The study objectives were to evaluate the evolution of the VCRs and the compliance with the vaccination visits for the diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and pertussis boosters in France since the changes implemented in the 2013 National Immunization Program. METHODS: Cumulative booster VCRs were estimated at all vaccination visits, from 2013 to 2017, among persons eligible for a booster vaccination from a 1/97th random sample of French claims data. Broader age groups around the recommended ages by the vaccination schedule (6, 11-13, 25, 45, 65, 75, 85, 95y) were used: all persons aged 5 to 8, 10 to 15, 21 to 29, 41 to 49, 61 to 69, 71 to 79, 81 to 89 and 91 to 99. RESULTS: Over the study period, the diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis booster VCRs increased, reaching in 2017: 73.3% at 8 years old, 75.6% at 15 years old, 46.6% at 29 years old, 38.4% at 49 years old, 36.3% at 69 years old, 30.8% at 79 years old, 22.1% at 89 years old and 11.0% at 99 years old. The pertussis VCRs were also increasing at all vaccination visits, in particular at the vaccination visits at 6 and 11-13 years old (from 16.4% to 63.8% and from 50.3% to 61.2%, respectively). Delayed vaccinations were observed at all vaccination visits. CONCLUSION: VCRs for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis and Pertussis booster vaccination increased from 2013 to 2017 while remaining suboptimal across all ages and lower in the adult populations. The analysis also shows that the introduction in 2013 of a pertussis vaccination at 6 years of age was relatively well-established in 2017 while other changes in recommendations were slowly or partially implemented.

Is dual mobility associated with an increased risk of revision for infection? Matched cohort of 231 cases of dual-mobility cups and 231 fixed cups.

INTRODUCTION: We used a matched cohort of 231 cases of revision of primary dual-mobility cups (DMC) total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 231 cases of fixed cups (FC) THA, to determine whether (i) revision for infection was more frequent when using DMC-THA than FC-THA; (ii) Causes for revision were significantly different. METHODS: The French Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology carried out a prospective multicentre study from 2010 to 2011. The inclusion criterion was an exhaustive collection of 1st revision THA (at least 1 component revised, re-revision excluded). 2,044 1st revision cases were prospectively collected; 251 (13.5%) were revision of DMC-THA and 1,793 were revision of FC-THA (87.7%). We defined a matching process (1:1) between the 2 cohorts. 231 DMC-THAs were eligible for comparison with 231 FC-THAs. RESULTS: 47 (20.3%) FC-THAs were revised for infection and 54 (23.3%) DMC-THAs. There was no statistical difference (p = 0.43). 41 (17.7%) FC-THAs were revised for dislocation, compared to 11 (4.7%) DMC-THAs (p<0.001). DISCUSSION: The main finding of our study was that DMC was not associated with an increased risk of revision for infection compared to standard THA. THA revision for infection was not correlated to the type of cup used. It is mandatory to report on comparable types of patients when comparing outcomes. For similar patient profiles (i) DMC-THAs were not revised more often for infection than FC-THA (ii) FC-THAs were revised 4 times more for dislocation than DMC-THA.

Cemented or cementless total knee arthroplasty? - Comparative results of 200 cases at a minimum follow-up of 11 years.

INTRODUCTION: Since 1996 we have been using cementless fixation with hydroxyapatite (HA) coating. The purpose of this paper is to compare survivorship of a series of 100 cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) to a similar series of 100 cementless with a follow up of 11-16 years. Material methods: Both TKA are mobile bearing total knee postero-stabilized. They can be used with cement or without cement. Among 1030 New Wave TKATM implanted from 2002 to 2015 we have identified 100 cemented TKAs and 100 cementless TKAs. All these cases were primary replacement. Differences in survival probability were determined using log-rank test. RESULTS: Survival probabilities at 11 years of follow-up were: Cemented group: 90.2% CI95% [81.9-94.8]; Cementless group: 95.4% CI95% [88.1-98.2]. Comparison between both group showed significant difference, p = 0.32. DISCUSSION: The advantages of cementless TKA are bone stock preservation, cement debris protection and the potential to achieve biologic fixation. Cementless implants rely on a porous or roughened surface to facilitate bone formation. HA has been shown to accelerate bone integration and to decrease micro motion of the components and to increase fixation. With a survival probability of 90.2% (cemented version) and 95.4% (cementless version), this total knee prosthesis performs as intended in primary total knee arthroplasty. No statistical differences could be found between cemented and cementless implants.

Impact of an infection control program in an intensive care unit in France.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of an infection control program in an intensive care unit (ICU). DESIGN: Prospective before-after study. Two 6-month study periods were compared; between these periods, an infection control program based on isolation was implemented. SETTING: Polyvalent ICU of Montpellier Teaching Hospital.Patients. Any patient who was hospitalized in the ICU for >48 hours and was discharged during 1 of the 2 periods. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main patient-related variables were sex, age at admission, type of patient (surgical, medical, or trauma), Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, length of ICU stay, need for intubation, duration of exposure to invasive devices, onset of nosocomial infection and pathogens responsible, and death. We compared the 2 study periods with respect to the incidence of 4 nosocomial infections (pneumonia, urinary tract infection, bacteremia, and catheter-associated infection), the frequency of infection with the main multidrug-resistant pathogens, and patient survival. RESULTS: Patients in periods 1 and 2 were similar with regard to sex, age, physiology score, and exposure to invasive devices. The rates of infection with multidrug-resistant pathogens were significantly lower during period 2 than during period 1 (infection rate: 28.1% of patients in period 1 and 9.6% of patients in period 2 [P = .01]; pneumonia rate: 32.6% of patients in period 1 and 4.2% of patients in period 2 [P = .008]). The mortality rate among patients with nosocomial pneumonia was 38.2% in period 1 and 4.3% in period 2 (P = .009). CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of an infection control program, the rate of infection with multidrug-resistant pathogens decreased, as did the mortality rate among patients with nosocomial pneumonia.

Impaired decision making in suicide attempters.

OBJECTIVE: The understanding of suicidal behavior is incomplete. The stress-diathesis model suggests that a deficit in serotonergic projections to the orbitofrontal cortex is involved in susceptibility to suicidal behavior. The orbitofrontal cortex has been implicated in decision making, a cognitive function dealing with complex choices that may be under serotonergic modulation. In this preliminary study, the authors assessed decision making in suicide attempters. METHOD: The authors used the Iowa Gambling Task to investigate patients with a history of violent (N=32) or nonviolent (N=37) suicidal behavior, patients suffering from affective disorders with no history of suicidal behavior (N=25), and healthy comparison subjects (N=82). Patients were assessed when they were not suffering from a current axis I disorder. The authors also assessed the correlation of Iowa Gambling Task performance with psychometric measures of impulsivity, hostility, anger, aggression, and emotional instability. RESULTS: Both groups of suicide attempters scored significantly lower than healthy comparison subjects, and violent suicide attempters performed significantly worse than affective comparison subjects. No significant differences were observed between the groups of suicide attempters or between the two comparison groups. The differences in performance could not be accounted for by age, intellectual ability, educational level, number of suicide attempts, age at first suicide attempt, history of axis I disorder, or medication use. Iowa Gambling Task performances were correlated positively with affective lability and with anger expression but not with impulsivity. CONCLUSIONS: Impaired decision making, possibly due to emotional dysfunction, may be a neuropsychological risk factor for suicidal behavior.

Cytomegalovirus infection in critically ill patients: associated factors and consequences.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, associated findings, and consequences of cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigenemia in critically ill patients. DESIGN: A retrospective, case-control clinical study. SETTING: A 12-bed university hospital medical-surgical ICU. PATIENTS: Two hundred thirty-seven patients with fever for > 72 h, without proven evidence of bacteriologic and/or fungal origin, and whose pp65 antigenemia assays were studied. Patients with HIV infection and transplant recipients were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: CMV antigenemia was diagnosed within 20 +/- 12 days (mean +/- SD) after ICU admission in 17% patients in whom the pathology was suspected. The 40 patients in the CMV group were matched with 40 other patients in the control group. CMV infection was linked to renal failure (58% vs 33%, respectively; p = 0.02) and steroid use (55% vs 33%, respectively; p = 0.04). Patients with CMV had a significantly longer stay in the ICU (41 +/- 28 days vs 31 +/- 22 days, respectively; p = 0.04), a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (35 +/- 27 days vs 24 +/- 20 days, respectively; p = 0.03), a higher rate of nosocomial infection (75% vs 50%, respectively; p = 0.04), and a higher mortality (50% vs 28%, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: CMV antigenemia is not an uncommon diagnosis in critically ill ICU patients with unexplained prolonged fever after 10 days of hospitalization, regardless of their immune system status. Although associated with a higher morbidity and mortality, the clinical significance of CMV is unknown. Further prospective studies should evaluate the impact on ICU outcome and whether CMV is truly a pathogen or simply another indicator of immunosuppression.