HbA1c changes in a deprived population who followed or not a diabetes self-management programme, organised in a multi-professional primary care practice: a historical cohort study on 207 patients between 2017 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes self-management (DSM) helps people with diabetes to become actors in their disease. Deprived populations are particularly affected by diabetes and are less likely to have access to these programmes. DSM implementation in primary care, particularly in a multi-professional primary care practice (MPCP), is a valuable strategy to promote care access for these populations. In Rennes (Western France), a DSM programme was designed by a MPCP in a socio-economically deprived area. The study objective was to compare diabetes control in people who followed or not this DSM programme. METHOD: The historical cohort of patients who participated in the DSM programme at the MPCP between 2017 and 2019 (n = 69) was compared with patients who did not participate in the programme, matched on sex, age, diabetes type and place of the general practitioner's practice (n = 138). The primary outcome was glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) change between 12 months before and 12 months after the DSM programme. Secondary outcomes included modifications in diabetes treatment, body mass index, blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, presence of microalbuminuria, and diabetes retinopathy screening participation. RESULTS: HbA1c was significantly improved in the exposed group after the programme (p < 0.01). The analysis did not find any significant between-group difference in socio-demographic data, medical history, comorbidities, and treatment adaptation. CONCLUSIONS: These results, consistent with the international literature, promote the development of DSM programmes in primary care settings in deprived areas. The results of this real-life study need to be confirmed on the long-term and in different contexts (rural area, healthcare organisation).

A software tool to support follow-up care in a French childhood cancer cohort: construction and feasibility.

BACKGROUND: Treatment summaries and a personalized survivorship care plans based on internationally approved, organ-specific follow-up care recommendations are essential in preserving the health and quality of life for cancer survivors. Cohorts made up of survivors of childhood cancer have made significant contributions to the understanding of early mortality, somatic late complications, and psychosocial outcomes among former patients. New treatment protocols are needed to enhance survival and reduce the potential risk and severity of late effects, and working with treatment databases is crucial in doing so. CONSTRUCTION AND CONTENT: In the GOCE (Grand Ouest Cancer de l'Enfant [Western Region Childhood Cancer]) network, in a participative approach, we developed the LOG-after medical tool, on which health data are registered and can be extracted for analysis. Its name emphasizes the tool's goal, referring to 'logiciel' (the French word for software) that focuses on the period "after" the acute phase. This tool is hosted on a certified health data server. Several interfaces have been developed that can be used depending on the user's profile. Here we present this innovative co-constructed tool that takes national aspects into account, including the results of the feasibility/satisfaction study and its perspective. UTILITY AND DISCUSSION: The database contains data relating to 2558 patients, with samples from 1702 of these (66.54%) being held in a tumor bank. The average year in which treatment started was 2015 (ranging from December 1967 to November 2022: 118 patients were treated before 2012 and registered retrospectively when seen in long-term follow-up consultations or for another cancer since November 2021). A short questionnaire was distributed to healthcare professionals using the tool (physicians and research associates or technicians, n = 14), of whom 11 answered and were all satisfied. Access to the patient interface is currently open to 124 former patients. This was initially offered to 30 former patients who were over 15 years old, affected by the disease within the last 5 years, and had agreed to test it. Their opinions were collected by their doctor by e-mail, telephone, or during a consultation in an open-ended question and a non-directive interview. All patients were satisfied with the tool, with interest in testing it in the long term. Some former patients found that the tool provided them with some ease of mind; one, for instance, commented: "I feel lighter. I allow myself to forget. I know I will get a notification when the time comes." CONCLUSIONS: Freely available to all users, LOG-after: (1) provides help with determining personalized survivorship care plans for follow-up; (2) builds links with general practitioners; (3) empowers the patient; and (4) enables health data to be exported for analysis. Database URL for presentation: https://youtu.be/2Ga64iausJE.

Effects of virtual reality on pain during intrauterine device insertions: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The trial aimed to compare the pain perceived by women during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, with or without virtual reality (VR) therapy. Furthermore, anxiety during the insertions, pain after the insertions, and satisfaction with the insertions were compared. METHODS: The trial was designed as a prospective, bi-centric, randomized, open-label interventional trial. All adult women that chose an IUD during a contraceptive consultation, and who provided informed consent were eligible. Women under legal guardianship, not affiliated to a national social security system, and with pre-existing dizziness, severe facial wounds, or epilepsy were not eligible. Eligible women were randomly allocated either standard care without VR therapy (Control group) or with VR therapy (Experimental group). Pain, anxiety, and satisfaction were measured using a 10-cm numerical scale. RESULTS: Between September 2020 and April 2022, 100 women were randomized: 50 to each group. The mean pain scores during IUD insertion were 5.4 cm in the Control group versus 5.1 cm in the Experimental group (p = 0.54). Mean anxiety during insertion were 4.8 cm in the Control group versus 4.2 cm in the Experimental group (p = 0.13). While mean pain perceived after insertions were 2.4 cm in the Control Group and 2.4 cm in the Experimental group (p = 0.98). Mean satisfaction with the insertions was 9.6 cm in both groups (p = 0.87). Anxiety before IUD insertion, as well as anticipated pain, were significantly correlated with pain perceived during insertions. CONCLUSIONS: VR therapy performed during the procedure did not alleviate perceived pain in women undergoing IUD insertions.

Rural general practitioners have different personal and professional trajectories from those of their urban colleagues: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In France, rural general practitioner (GP) numbers could reduce by 20% between 2006 and 2030 if no measures are taken to address primary care access difficulties. In countries such as Australia, the USA and Canada, intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with GPs practising in rural areas include rural upbringing and rural training placements. However, the health systems and rural area definition differ between these countries and France making result extrapolation difficult. These factors must be studied in the context of the French heath system, to design strategies to improve rural GP recruitment and retention. This study aims to identify the intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with GPs practising in rural areas in France. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted between May and September 2020. Included GPs practised in Brittany, France, and completed a self-administered questionnaire. The cases were rural GPs and controls were urban GPs. National references defined rural and urban areas. Comparisons between rural and urban groups were conducted using univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors associated with practising in a rural area. RESULTS: The study included 341 GPs, of which 146 were in the rural group and 195 in the urban group. Working as a rural GP was significantly associated with having a rural upbringing (OR = 2.35; 95% CI [1.07-5.15]; p = 0.032), completing at least one undergraduate general medicine training placement in a rural area (OR = 3.44; 95% CI [1.18-9.98]; p < 0.023), and having worked as a locum in a rural area for at least three months (OR = 3.76; 95% CI [2.28-6.18]; p < 0.001). Choosing to work in a rural area was also associated with the place of residence at the end of postgraduate training (OR = 5.13; 95% CI [1.38-19.06]; p = 0.015) and with the spouse or partner having a rural upbringing (OR = 2.36; 95% CI [1.12-4.96]; p = 0.023) or working in a rural area (OR = 5.29; 95% CI [2,02-13.87]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: French rural GPs were more likely to have grown up, trained, or worked as a locum in a rural area. Strategies to improve rural GP retention and recruitment in France could therefore include making rural areas a more attractive place to live and work, encouraging rural locum placements and compulsory rural training, and possibly enrolling more medical students with a rural background.

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for circulatory failure in COVID-19 patients: insights from the ECMOSARS registry.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical profile and outcomes of patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) who require veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) or veno-arterial-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VAV-ECMO) are poorly understood. We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of these patients and to identify predictors of both favourable and unfavourable outcomes. METHODS: ECMOSARS is a multicentre, prospective, nationwide French registry enrolling patients who require veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)/VA-ECMO in the context of COVID-19 infection (652 patients at 41 centres). We focused on 47 patients supported with VA- or VAV-ECMO for refractory cardiogenic shock. RESULTS: The median age was 49. Fourteen percent of patients had a prior diagnosis of heart failure. The most common aetiologies of cardiogenic shock were acute pulmonary embolism (30%), myocarditis (28%) and acute coronary syndrome (4%). Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (E-CPR) occurred in 38%. In-hospital survival was 28% in the whole cohort, and 43% when E-CPR patients were excluded. ECMO cannulation was associated with significant improvements in pH and FiO2 on day 1, but non-survivors showed significantly more severe acidosis and higher FiO2 than survivors at this point (P = 0.030 and P = 0.006). Other factors associated with death were greater age (P = 0.02), higher body mass index (P = 0.03), E-CPR (P = 0.001), non-myocarditis aetiology (P = 0.02), higher serum lactates (P = 0.004), epinephrine (but not noradrenaline) use before initiation of ECMO (P = 0.003), haemorrhagic complications (P = 0.001), greater transfusion requirements (P = 0.001) and more severe Survival after Veno-Arterial ECMO (SAVE) and Sonographic Assessment of Intravascular Fluid Estimate (SAFE) scores (P = 0.01 and P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We report the largest focused analysis of VA- and VAV-ECMO recipients in COVID-19. Although relatively rare, the need for temporary mechanical circulatory support in these patients is associated with poor prognosis. However, VA-ECMO remains a viable solution to rescue carefully selected patients. We identified factors associated with poor prognosis and suggest that E-CPR is not a reasonable indication for VA-ECMO in this population.

Impact of Prone Position in COVID-19 Patients on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

OBJECTIVES: Prone positioning and venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are both useful interventions in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Combining the two therapies is feasible and safe, but the effectiveness is not known. Our objective was to evaluate the potential survival benefit of prone positioning in venovenous ECMO patients cannulated for COVID-19-related ARDS. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a multicenter cohort. PATIENTS: Patients on venovenous ECMO who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or with a diagnosis on chest CT were eligible. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patients on venovenous ECMO for respiratory failure in whom prone position status while on ECMO and in-hospital mortality were known were included. Of 647 patients in 41 centers, 517 were included. Median age was 55 (47-61), 78% were male and 95% were proned before cannulation. After cannulation, 364 patients (70%) were proned and 153 (30%) remained in the supine position for the whole ECMO run. There were 194 (53%) and 92 (60%) deaths in the prone and the supine groups, respectively. Prone position on ECMO was independently associated with lower in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 0.49 [0.29-0.84]; p = 0.010). In 153 propensity score-matched pairs, mortality rate was 49.7% in the prone position group versus 60.1% in the supine position group (p = 0.085). Considering only patients alive at decannulation, propensity-matched proned patients had a significantly lower mortality rate (22.4% vs 37.8%; p = 0.029) than nonproned patients. CONCLUSIONS: Prone position may be beneficial in patients supported by venovenous ECMO for COVID-19-related ARDS but more data are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

Bleeding and thrombotic events in patients with severe COVID-19 supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a nationwide cohort study.

PURPOSE: To describe bleeding and thrombotic events and their risk factors in patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to evaluate their impact on in-hospital mortality. METHODS: The ECMOSARS registry included COVID-19 patients supported by ECMO in France. We analyzed all patients included up to March 31, 2022 without missing data regarding bleeding and thrombotic events. The association of bleeding and thrombotic events with in-hospital mortality and pre-ECMO variables was assessed using multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 620 patients supported by ECMO, 29% had only bleeding events, 16% only thrombotic events and 20% both bleeding and thrombosis. Cannulation site (18% of patients), ear nose and throat (12%), pulmonary bleeding (9%) and intracranial hemorrhage (8%) were the most frequent bleeding types. Device-related thrombosis and pulmonary embolism/thrombosis accounted for most of thrombotic events. In-hospital mortality was 55.7%. Bleeding events were associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (adjOR) = 2.91[1.94-4.4]) but not thrombotic events (adjOR = 1.02[0.68-1.53]). Intracranial hemorrhage was strongly associated with in-hospital mortality (adjOR = 13.5[4.4-41.5]). Ventilation duration before ECMO ≥ 7 days and length of ECMO support were associated with bleeding. Thrombosis-associated factors were fibrinogen ≥ 6 g/L and length of ECMO support. CONCLUSIONS: In a nationwide cohort of COVID-19 patients supported by ECMO, bleeding incidence was high and associated with mortality. Intracranial hemorrhage incidence was higher than reported for non-COVID patients and carried the highest risk of death. Thrombotic events were less frequent and not associated with mortality. Length of ECMO support was associated with a higher risk of both bleeding and thrombosis, supporting the development of strategies to minimize ECMO duration.

Medical students' exposure to and attitudes towards product promotion and incentives from the pharmaceutical industry in 2019: a national cross-sectional study in France.

OBJECTIVES: To measure medical students' exposure to pharmaceutical product promotion and incentives nationwide, and to evaluate students' attitudes towards the pharmaceutical industry, access to education on promotional strategies and knowledge of institutional policies about drug company-student relationships. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey based on a 48-item anonymous questionnaire. SETTING: All 37 French medical schools, from March to April 2019. PARTICIPANTS: French medical students in their 4th year of study and beyond, having studied exclusively in France. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Cumulative frequency of students' exposure to pharmaceutical product promotion and incentives. SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Exposure within the last 6 months, attitudes regarding interactions with the industry, access to education on pharmaceutical product promotion and incentives and knowledge of institutional policies. RESULTS: 6280 responses were analysed (10.4% out of a total of 60 550 eligible students). 5992 students (96.3% poststratification, 99% CI (96.1% to 96.5%)) had already been exposed to pharmaceutical product promotion and incentives and 4650 (78.1%, 99% CI (77.7% to 78.6%)) within the last 6 months. 5140 students (85.4%, 99% CI (84.8% to 85.8%)) had met a pharmaceutical representative. Regarding attitudes, 2195 students (36.8%, 99% CI (36.0% to 37.5%)) thought receiving a gift could influence their own prescriptions while 3252 (53.6%, 99% CI (53.1% to 54.2%)) thought it could influence their colleagues' prescriptions. 4533 students (76.0%, 99% CI (75.6% to 76.5%)) reported never having attended any lecture on promotional strategies. Exposure seemed to depend on the year of study and specialty. 5122 (88.1%, 99% CI (87.7% to 88.4%)) did not know whether their faculty had a policy regarding drug company-student interactions. CONCLUSION: In France in 2019, medical students' exposure to pharmaceutical product promotion and incentives remains considerable and starts early during medical training. Education on promotional strategies and institutional policies should be improved to ensure responsible and ethical behaviour in prescribing medications.

Altered epithelial barrier functions in the colon of patients with spina bifida.

Our objectives were to better characterize the colorectal function of patients with Spina Bifida (SB). Patients with SB and healthy volunteers (HVs) completed prospectively a standardized questionnaire, clinical evaluation, rectal barostat, colonoscopy with biopsies and faecal collection. The data from 36 adults with SB (age: 38.8 [34.1-47.2]) were compared with those of 16 HVs (age: 39.0 [31.0-46.5]). Compared to HVs, rectal compliance was lower in patients with SB (p = 0.01), whereas rectal tone was higher (p = 0.0015). Ex vivo paracellular permeability was increased in patients with SB (p = 0.0008) and inversely correlated with rectal compliance (r = - 0.563, p = 0.002). The expression of key tight junction proteins and inflammatory markers was comparable between SB and HVs, except for an increase in Claudin-1 immunoreactivity (p = 0.04) in SB compared to HVs. TGFß1 and GDNF mRNAs were expressed at higher levels in patients with SB (p = 0.02 and p = 0.008). The levels of acetate, propionate and butyrate in faecal samples were reduced (p = 0.04, p = 0.01, and p = 0.02, respectively). Our findings provide evidence that anorectal and epithelial functions are altered in patients with SB. The alterations in these key functions might represent new therapeutic targets, in particular using microbiota-derived approaches.Clinical Trials: NCT02440984 and NCT03054415.

General Anesthesia versus Sedation, Both with Hemodynamic Control, during Intraarterial Treatment for Stroke: The GASS Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: It is speculated that the anesthetic strategy during endovascular therapy for stroke may have an impact on the outcome of the patients. The authors hypothesized that conscious sedation is associated with a better functional outcome 3 months after endovascular therapy for the treatment of stroke compared with general anesthesia. METHODS: In this single-blind, randomized trial, patients received either a standardized general anesthesia or a standardized conscious sedation. Blood pressure control was also standardized in both groups. The primary outcome measure was a modified Rankin score less than or equal to 2 (0 = no symptoms; 5 = severe disability) assessed 3 months after treatment. The main secondary outcomes were complications, mortality, reperfusion results, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scores at days 1 and 7. RESULTS: Of 351 randomized patients, 345 were included in the analysis. The primary outcome occurred in 129 of 341 (38%) of the patients: 63 (36%) in the conscious sedation group and 66 (40%) in the general anesthesia group (relative risk, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.69 to 1.19]; P = 0.474). Patients in the general anesthesia group experienced more intraoperative hypo- or hypertensive episodes, while the cumulative duration was not different (mean ± SD, 36 ± 31 vs. 39 ± 25 min; P = 0.079). The time from onset and from arrival to puncture were longer in the general anesthesia group (mean difference, 19 min [i.e., -00:19] [95% CI, -0:38 to 0] and mean difference, 9 min [95% CI, -0:18 to -0:01], respectively), while the time from onset to recanalization was similar in both groups. Recanalization was more often successful in the general anesthesia group (144 of 169 [85%] vs. 131 of 174 [75%]; P = 0.021). The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The functional outcomes 3 months after endovascular treatment for stroke were similar with general anesthesia and sedation. Our results, therefore, suggest that clinicians can use either approach.

Prevalence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents in France: Results of a large cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUNDS: Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynecological complaint in young women but is overlooked by recent studies. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of dysmenorrhea in adolescents in France and its impact on daily living. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted between April-May 2019, in eight randomly selected high schools in France. Participants were randomly selected post-menarche girl pupils 15-19 years who completed a 50-item questionnaire. Dysmenorrhea severity was assessed with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Verbal Multidimensional Scoring System Scale (VMSS). RESULTS: Questionnaires from 953 girls were analyzed (mean age: 16.9 years). The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 92.9% with 8.9% describing their pain as severe. Impact on quality of life was significant: 43.3% reported school absences because of dysmenorrhea, 74.9% difficulties in attending classes and 77.2% difficulties in sports activities. Risk factors of severe dysmenorrhea in multivariate analysis were heavy menstrual bleeding (OR 2.02, 95%CI [1.12; 3.63] p = 0.0192), early menarche (OR 0.68, 95%CI [0.57; 0.81] p<0.0001), chronic pelvic pain (OR 2.60, 95%CI [1.10; 6.11] p = 0.0274), BMI (BMI<18, OR 1.94, 95%CI [1.03; 3.66] p = 0.0335). Of the 50.4% who had consulted a physician, 45.4% had seen a general practitioner. Among the girls who had not consulted, 55.1% reported that menstruation was a "woman's burden". CONCLUSIONS: Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent in adolescents in France and has a real impact on daily living with social repercussions. As such, it should be treated as a public health problem with educational and information campaigns targeting the girls themselves, their families and healthcare professionals.

Therapeutic approach and outcome of children with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia at first relapse in the era of tyrosine kinase inhibitors: An SFCE retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Since the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), the profile of pediatric relapse of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) has changed. However, the management of pediatric Ph+ ALL relapses is not currently standardized. PROCEDURE: We retrospectively analyzed the therapeutic strategies and outcomes of pediatric Ph+ ALL patients in first relapse who were initially treated with a TKI-containing regimen in one of the French pediatric hematology centers from 2004 to 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-seven children experienced a Ph+ ALL relapse: 24 (89%) had an overt relapse and three a molecular relapse. Eight involved the central nervous system. A second complete remission (CR2) was obtained for 26 patients (96%). Induction consisted of nonintensive chemotherapy for 13 patients (48%) and intensive chemotherapy for 14 (52%). Thirteen patients (48%) received consolidation. Allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) was performed for 21 patients (78%). The TKI was changed for 23 patients (88%), mainly with dasatinib (n = 15). T315I was the most common mutation at relapse (4/7). The 4-year event-free survival and survival rates were 60.9% and 76.1%, respectively. Survival was positively associated with alloHSCT in CR2. CONCLUSION: We show that pediatric first-relapse Ph+ ALL reinduces well with a second course of TKI exposure, despite the use of different therapeutic approaches. The main prognostic factor for survival was alloHSCT in CR2. Because of the small size of the cohort, we could not draw any conclusions about the respective impact of TKIs, but the predominance of the T315I mutation should encourage careful consideration of the TKI choice.

Balanced Opioid-free Anesthesia with Dexmedetomidine versus Balanced Anesthesia with Remifentanil for Major or Intermediate Noncardiac Surgery.

BACKGROUND: It is speculated that opioid-free anesthesia may provide adequate pain control while reducing postoperative opioid consumption. However, there is currently no evidence to support the speculation. The authors hypothesized that opioid-free balanced anesthetic with dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative opioid-related adverse events compared with balanced anesthetic with remifentanil. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive a standard balanced anesthetic with either intraoperative remifentanil plus morphine (remifentanil group) or dexmedetomidine (opioid-free group). All patients received intraoperative propofol, desflurane, dexamethasone, lidocaine infusion, ketamine infusion, neuromuscular blockade, and postoperative lidocaine infusion, paracetamol, nefopam, and patient-controlled morphine. The primary outcome was a composite of postoperative opioid-related adverse events (hypoxemia, ileus, or cognitive dysfunction) within the first 48 h after extubation. The main secondary outcomes were episodes of postoperative pain, opioid consumption, and postoperative nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: The study was stopped prematurely because of five cases of severe bradycardia in the dexmedetomidine group. The primary composite outcome occurred in 122 of 156 (78%) dexmedetomidine group patients compared with 105 of 156 (67%) in the remifentanil group (relative risk, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.33; P = 0.031). Hypoxemia occurred 110 of 152 (72%) of dexmedetomidine group and 94 of 155 (61%) of remifentanil group patients (relative risk, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.40; P = 0.030). There were no differences in ileus or cognitive dysfunction. Cumulative 0 to 48 h postoperative morphine consumption (11 mg [5 to 21] versus 6 mg [0 to 17]) and postoperative nausea and vomiting (58 of 157 [37%] versus 37 of 157 [24%]; relative risk, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.90) were both less in the dexmedetomidine group, whereas measures of analgesia were similar in both groups. Dexmedetomidine patients had more delayed extubation and prolonged postanesthesia care unit stay. CONCLUSIONS: This trial refuted the hypothesis that balanced opioid-free anesthesia with dexmedetomidine, compared with remifentanil, would result in fewer postoperative opioid-related adverse events. Conversely, it did result in a greater incidence of serious adverse events, especially hypoxemia and bradycardia.

Impact of ear protection on occurrence of exostosis in surfers: an observational prospective study of 242 ears.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of ear protection (earplug and surf hood) in preventing the development of external auditory exostosis (EAE) in surfers. METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study. Volunteer surfers were recruited from June 2016 to October 2017 on the Brittany coast in France. Each participant filled in a questionnaire and underwent otoscopic digitalized photography to establish the degree of external ear obstruction by two different practitioners. The correlation between the percentage of external ear obstruction and the time spent in water with or without protection was evaluated. Risk factors of EAE were assessed. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-two ears were analysed. The incidence of EAE was 89.96% with an average rate of obstruction of 37.65%. Risk factors for EAE were male sex (p = 0.0005), number of years practicing surf (p < 0.0001) and symptoms of ear obstruction (p = 0.0358). A significant correlation was found between EAE severity and number of hours spent in water without any protection (earplugs or surf hood) (p < 0.0001). No correlation was found between EAE severity and time spent in water with earplugs (p = 0.6711) but a correlation was identified between obstruction and time spent in water with surf hood (p = 0.0358). CONCLUSIONS: Wearing earplugs is an effective way to prevent EAE in surfers unlike surf hood.

A visual analogue scale for food intake as a screening test for malnutrition in the primary care setting: Prospective non-interventional study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: The Self-Evaluation of Food Intake (SEFI®) is a simple tool to assess food intake that correlates well with the diagnosis of malnutrition in the hospital setting. AIMS: to evaluate the validity of SEFI® for the diagnosis of malnutrition among adults in the primary care setting (primary aim); to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, the feasibility of the SEFI® and the variables associated with malnutrition (secondary aims). METHODS: A non-interventional prospective study on consecutive patients at three primary care practices. Primary endpoint: confrontation of a SEFI® visual analogue scale score <7/10 with the diagnosis of malnutrition as defined by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. Secondary endpoints: the proportion of patients for whom a SEFI® score was collected. Multivariate analysis: threshold α = 0.20 in univariate analyses, step-by-step logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 747 eligible patients, 505 were included: mean age (±SD) 56 ± 19 yrs, 61% female, 49% presenting with acute medical problems, 15.8% (n = 80) with SEFI® score <7/10, and 4.2% (n = 21) with malnutrition. The predictive performance of the SEFI® score <7 for the diagnosis of malnutrition was good (AUC = 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72-0.92]): sensitivity 76.2% (n = 16/21, [58.0-94.4]), specificity 86.8% (n = 420/484, [83.8-89.8]), positive predictive value 20.0% (n = 16/80, [11.2-28.8]), and negative predictive value 98.8% (n = 420/425, [97.8-99.8]). The feasibility of the SEFI® 10-point visual analogue scale was 100% (505/505). The variables independently associated with malnutrition were: female gender (odds ratio 4.9 [95% CI, 1.7-14.2], P = 0.003), cancer (4.8 [1.4-15.9], P = 0.011) and chronic alcohol consumption (7.4 [1.3-41.4], P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malnutrition was 4.2% in this primary care setting. The SEFI® visual analogue scale for food intake is feasible and could be helpful for the diagnosis of malnutrition in this setting.

Quiet Sleep Organization of Very Preterm Infants Is Correlated With Postnatal Maturation.

Background: Sleep is an important determinant of brain development in preterm infants. Its temporal organization varies with gestational age (GA) and post-menstrual age (PMA) but little is known about how sleep develops in very preterm infants. The objective was to study the correlation between the temporal organization of quiet sleep (QS) and maturation in premature infants without severe complications during their neonatal hospitalization. Methods: Percentage of time spent in QS and average duration of time intervals (ADI) spent in QS were analyzed from a cohort of newborns with no severe complications included in the Digi-NewB prospective, multicentric, observational study in 2017-19. Three groups were analyzed according to GA: Group 1 (27-30 weeks), Group 2 (33-37 weeks), Group 3 (>39 weeks). Two 8-h video recordings were acquired in groups 1 and 2: after birth (T1) and before discharge from hospital (T2). The annotation of the QS phases was performed by analyzing video recordings together with heart rate and respiratory traces thanks to a dedicated software tool of visualization and annotation of multimodal long-time recordings, with a double expert reading. Results are expressed as median (interquartile range, IQR). Correlations were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Results: Five newborns were studied in each group (160 h of recording). Median time spent in QS increased from 13.0% [IQR: 13-20] to 28.8% [IQR: 27-30] and from 17.0% [IQR: 15-21] to 29.6% [IQR: 29.5-31.5] in Group 1 and 2, respectively. Median ADI increased from 54 [IQR: 53-54] to 288 s [IQR: 279-428] and from 90 [IQR: 84-96] to 258 s [IQR: 168-312] in Group 1 and 2. Both groups reach values similar to that of group 3, respectively 28.2% [IQR: 24.5-31.3] and 270 s [IQR: 210-402]. The correlation between PMA and time spent in QS or ADI were, respectively 0.73 (p < 10-4) and 0.46 (p = 0.06). Multilinear analysis using temporal organization of QS gave an accurate estimate of PMA (r 2 = 0.87, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The temporal organization of QS is correlated with PMA in newborns without severe complication. An automated standardized continuous behavioral quantification of QS could be interesting to monitor during the hospitalization stay in neonatal units.

Perceptions, Knowledge, and Practices Concerning Indoor Environmental Pollution of Parents or Future Parents.

Indoor pollutants can have short- and long-term health effects, especially if exposure occurs during prenatal life or early childhood. This study describe the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of adults concerning indoor environmental pollution. Adults of 18 to 45 years of age were recruited in the department of Ille-et-Vilaine (Brittany-France) in 2019 through a stratified random draw in the waiting rooms of general practitioners (GPs) (n = 554) who completed a self-questionnaire. The 71% who had already heard of this type of pollution were older (p = 0.001), predominantly women (p = 0.007), not expecting a baby (p = 0.005), and had a higher knowledge score (p < 0.001). The average knowledge score was 6.6 ± 6.6 out of 11, which was higher for participants living in a couple and with a higher level of education (p < 0.001). Some practices were well implemented (>80% of participants) (aeration during renovation) whereas others were insufficiently practiced (<60% of participants) (paying attention to the composition of cosmetic products). Factors associated differed depending on the frequency of integration: living in a couple and having a child for well implemented practices and educational level, knowledge level, and perception for those under implemented. Knowledge must be improved to modify perceptions and certain practices, making sure not to increase social inequalities in health.

Ruxolitinib in children with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease: A retrospective multicenter study of the pediatric group of SFGM-TC.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a national multicenter retrospective study in France to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of ruxolitinib in children with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant. PROCEDURE: Patients were recruited from the 15 pediatric transplantation centers. Transplanted patients were eligible if they met the following criteria: aged ≤ 18 years at transplantation, receiving a myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, having an aGVHD of grade ≥2, and treated with ruxolitinib for steroid-refractory aGVHD. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients received ruxolitinib for steroid-refractory aGVHD. Six patients achieved a complete response at day 28 after the start of treatment but finally 19 patients (65.5%) achieved a complete response (CR) with a median delay of 41 days (5-93 days). Two patients had a partial response. All patients who achieved CR or partial response discontinued corticosteroid treatment. Eight patients showed treatment failure. The overall response rate was 72.4%. Twenty-three of 29 patients were alive at a median follow-up of 685 days (177-1042 days) after the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Viral replication was observed in 41.4% of cases. We did not observe severe hematological adverse events and cytopenia requiring a modification of ruxolitinib doses always resolved. The median initial dose of ruxolitinib was 12.6 mg/m2 /day with an important range. We could not demonstrate any relationship between initial dose and effectiveness. CONCLUSION: Ruxolitinib may constitute a promising second-line treatment for children with steroid-refractory aGVHD that should be validated in a prospective large-scale pharmacokinetic and efficacy trial.

A proposal for a useful algorithm to diagnose small hepatocellular carcinoma on MRI.

OBJECTIVE: To assess MRI features for the diagnosis of small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and especially for nodules not showing both of the typical hallmarks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-four cirrhotic patients underwent liver MRI for 10-30 mm nodules suggestive of HCC. The diagnostic performances of MRI features [T1, T2; diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging signal, enhancement, capsule, fat content] were tested, both individually and in association with both typical hallmarks and as substitutions for one hallmark. The diagnostic reference was obtained using a multifactorial algorithm ensuring high specificity (Sp). RESULTS: Four hundred and ninety-three nodules were analyzed. No alternative features, associations or substitutions outperformed the typical hallmarks for the diagnosis of HCC. For 10-20 mm nodules not displaying one of the typical hallmarks, hyperintensity on DW images was the most accurate substitutive sign, providing a sensitivity of 71.4% and Sp of 75% for nodules without arterial enhancement and sensitivity = 65.2% and Sp = 66% for nodules without washout on the portal or delayed phases. A new diagnostic algorithm, including typical hallmarks as a first step then the best-performing substitutive signs (capsule presence or DW hyperintensity) in combination with the nonmissing typical hallmark as a second step, enabled the correct classification of 77.7% of all nodules, regardless of size. CONCLUSION: Using MRI, the typical hallmarks remain the best criteria for the diagnosis of small HCCs. However, by incorporating other MRI features, it is possible to build a simple algorithm enabling the noninvasive diagnosis of HCCs displaying both or only one of the typical hallmarks.