[Responsibility due to medication errors in France: a study based on SHAM insurance data]. / Responsabilité liée aux erreurs médicamenteuses : données SHAM.

PURPOSE: The safe medication practices at the hospital constitute a major public health problem. Drug supply chain is a complex process, potentially source of errors and damages for the patient. SHAM insurances are the biggest French provider of medical liability insurances and a relevant source of data on the health care complications. METHODS: The main objective of the study was to analyze the type and cause of medication errors declared to SHAM and having led to a conviction by a court. We did a retrospective study on insurance claims provided by SHAM insurances with a medication error and leading to a condemnation over a 6-year period (between 2005 and 2010). RESULTS: Thirty-one cases were analysed, 21 for scheduled activity and 10 for emergency activity. Consequences of claims were mostly serious (12 deaths, 14 serious complications, 5 simple complications). The types of medication errors were a drug monitoring error (11 cases), an administration error (5 cases), an overdose (6 cases), an allergy (4 cases), a contraindication (3 cases) and an omission (2 cases). Intravenous route of administration was involved in 19 of 31 cases (61%). The causes identified by the court expert were an error related to service organization (11), an error related to medical practice (11) or nursing practice (13). Only one claim was due to the hospital pharmacy. CONCLUSION: The claim related to drug supply chain is infrequent but potentially serious. These data should help strengthen quality approach in risk management.

Metabolic response to the stress of critical illness.

The metabolic response to stress is part of the adaptive response to survive critical illness. Several mechanisms are well preserved during evolution, including the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, the release of pituitary hormones, a peripheral resistance to the effects of these and other anabolic factors, triggered to increase the provision of energy substrates to the vital tissues. The pathways of energy production are altered and alternative substrates are used as a result of the loss of control of energy substrate utilization by their availability. The clinical consequences of the metabolic response to stress include sequential changes in energy expenditure, stress hyperglycaemia, changes in body composition, and psychological and behavioural problems. The loss of muscle proteins and function is a major long-term consequence of stress metabolism. Specific therapeutic interventions, including hormone supplementation, enhanced protein intake, and early mobilization, are investigated. This review aims to summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms, the clinical consequences, and therapeutic implications of the metabolic response to stress.

[Management of glycemia: an audit in 66 ICUs]. / Gestion de la glycémie : un audit dans 66 réanimations.

INTRODUCTION: The interest of tight glucose control in ICU is still debated. In France, no data are available regarding this therapy and the implementation of its guidelines. STUDY DESIGN: Sub-study of a one-day audit performed between January and May 2009. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a one-day audit performed in 66 ICUs, trained residents collected data regarding the presence of a formal glucose control protocol and its practical application. RESULTS: A formalized glucose control protocol was found in 88% of patients. During the day before the audit, 3645 glycemia measurements were performed accounting for six measurements [4-9] per patient with a median higher value of 1.6 [1.4-2.1]. Hypoglycemia (<0.8 g/L) and hyperglycemia (>1.4 g/L in non-diabetic and >1.8 g/L in diabetic patients) were found in 81 (15%) and 326 (58%) patients respectively. Two episodes (0.36%) of severe hypoglycemia (<0.4 g/L) were reported. Factors associated with glucose control protocol application were: a high SOFA score, cardioversion, mechanical ventilation, intracranial pressure monitoring, steroid use and nurse to patient ratio less than 1/2.5. Hepatic failure was the only factor associated with hypoglycemia. DISCUSSION: Glucose control protocols are available in more than 80% ICUs but their implementation is still imperfect. However, the median glycemia meets international current recommendations. Severe hypoglycemia is a very rare event in ICU.

[Activity and the available human resources working in 66 French Southern intensive care units]. / Quelle activité et quels personnels soignants dans 66 unités de réanimation du sud de la France?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the activity and the available human resources working in 66 intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: One-day audit performed between January 2009 and May 2009 by trained residents. RESULTS: Among 710 beds, 695 (98%) beds were available for 626 patients (occupation rate=90%). The two most frequent causes of admission were shock and pneumonia. On admission, the median SAPS II was 46. More than 75% of patients had at least two organ dysfunctions within their ICU stay (respiratory failure=80%, circulatory failure=67%). At the moment of the audit, the median SOFA score was 3, and 549 (88%) patients had required a billing procedure with an admission SAPS II greater or equal to 15. Twenty seven percent of ICUs had a ratio patients/nurses or patients/aid nurse greater than 2.5 and 4, respectively whereas 58% ICUs had a ratio open beds/nurse greater than 2.5 or open beds/aid nurse greater than 4. CONCLUSION: In this study, more than 75% patients had at least two organ dysfunctions within their ICU stay and 88% required a billing procedure and had an admission SAPS II greater or equal to 15. Nevertheless, the staff resource remained below the 2002 decree in 27% ICUs.

[Secondary hyperkalaemic acute flaccid tetraplegia]. / Tétraplégie flasque aiguë secondaire à une hyperkaliémie.

A 57-year-old man with chronic renal failure and multiple vascular diseases presented an acute flaccid tetraplegia. Blood tests revealed renal failure with serum potassium of 9.69 mmol/l. The medullar and brain MRI were normal. The correction of the hyperkalaemia led to a fast and complete neurological recovery. This fact confirmed the diagnosis of secondary hyperkalaemic tetraplegia.

Restenosis after balloon angioplasty for cerebral vasospasm.

Transluminal balloon dilatation for symptomatic vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage is effective, and clinical studies have shown that it achieves long-lasting dilatation of spastic cerebral arteries. Delayed arterial renarrowing has not been reported. Here we report the case of a 58-year-old woman who presented asymptomatic and permanent restenosis after angioplasty for cerebral vasospasm.

[Hierarchical strategy for treating elevated intracranial pressure in severe traumatic brain injury]. / Hiérarchisation des traitements de l'hypertension intracrânienne chez le traumatisé crânien grave.

The objective of the treatment of intracranial hypertension is to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) while maintaining cerebral blood flow (CBF). Despite numerous treatments, none of them associates total efficiency and security. Systemic secondary cerebral injuries, which are responsible for cerebral ischemia, lead us to administer non specific treatments in order to optimize CBF and cerebral oxygenation. Thus, the goals are: 1) to maintain cerebral perfusion pressure> or =70 mmHg; 2) to control metabolic status by preventing hyperglycaemia, anaemia and hyperthermia; 3) to maintain normoxia and normocapnia (hypercapnia increases ICP and hypocapnia decreases CBF). Beside the neurosurgical evacuation of extra- and intraparenchymatous haematomas, osmotherapy and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evacuation are the two specific treatments of intracranial hypertension. Osmotherapy consists in an administration of a hypertonic solution which induces a decrease in cerebral water and finally in ICP. Mannitol (20%), which is the reference, associates osmotic and rheologic effects, and decreases CSF production too. Recent data conduct us to administer larger doses, between 0.7 and 1 g/kg in 15 minutes. Hypertonic saline solution associates osmotic effects and plasma volume loading. Thus, this solution is particularly appropriate in severe head injury with arterial hypotension. CBF evacuation decreases rapidly ICP without any major side-effect. Until now, there is no proof of a superior efficiency of a treatment for intracranial hypertension compared to another. Considering their mechanism of action, all of them are efficient but potentially dangerous too. Indeed, the choice between treatments depends on data which are issued from the multimodal monitoring. General non specific treatments are always necessary. Specific treatments are indicated if ICP is above 20-25 mmHg. Maintaining cerebral perfusion pressure represents the first therapeutic goal. If intracranial hypertension persists, evacuation of CBF or osmotherapy may be advocated. In case of refractory intracranial hypertension, it may be useful to deepen neurosedation. Controlled hypocapnia and barbiturates remain a third line therapy providing to monitor and maintain an appropriate CBF and cerebral oxygenation. Controlled hypothermia and decompressive craniectomy must be individually discussed.

[Metformin-associated lactic acidosis]. / Acidose lactique et metformine.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this review are to precise the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to biguanide-associated lactic acidosis, to give elements of diagnosis, and to underline the precautionary conditions for prescribing these drugs by an improvement in physicians and patient's education. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed database research in English and French language reports published until December 2005. The keywords were: lactic acidosis, metformin, biguanide, diabetes mellitus. DATA EXTRACTION: Data in selected articles were reviewed, clinical and basic science research relevant informations were extracted. DATA SYNTHESIS: Metformin, which is an oral antidiabetic agent, is the only one biguanide available in France. It acts by enhancing the sensitivity to insulin by a decrease in the hepatic glucose production and an increase in its peripheral use. In term of glycemic control, it has the same efficiency than the other hypoglycemic agents. It represents the treatment of choice for overweight type 2 diabetic patients because of its beneficial effects on the weight loss and on the cardiovascular complications. The incidence of metformin-associated lactic acidosis is very low when contra-indications and appropriate rules for prescribing this drug are respected. The relationship between metformin and lactic acidosis remains largely controversial. In practical, we can distinguish three situations which have different prognosis. In the first case, metformin seems to be responsible for lactic acidosis because of self-poisoning or accidental overdose, and prognosis is good. In the second case, the association between metformin and lactic acidosis is coincidental rather than causal, and may be induced by an underlying organ failure. In the last case there is a cause of lactic acidosis which is worsened by a precipitating factor leading to metformin accumulation. The 2 latter situations are very severe as mortality rate is about 50%. Symptomatic treatments and renal replacement therapy which allows metformin removal are the curative treatment. Prevention is essential. It requires the respect of metformin contraindications and a better education of physicians and patients for a safe prescription. CONCLUSION: Due to its beneficial effects, metformin is the gold standard treatment for overweight type 2 diabetic patients. The essential precautionary conditions for prescribing metformin as well as the respect of its contra-indications permit largely to prevent lactic acidosis. This complication is serious when it is associated with intercurrent illnesses and metformin accumulation. The curative treatment is based on renal replacement therapy. Prevention only rests on the respect of the contra-indications. Education of physicians and patients concerning the rules of prescription remains essential.

Effects of acetylcysteine and ischaemic preconditioning on muscular function and postoperative pain after orthopaedic surgery using a pneumatic tourniquet.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of a pneumatic tourniquet can induce muscular and neurological complications in the operated limb. The genesis of these injuries could involve an ischaemia/reperfusion phenomenon and a compression under the cuff. We evaluated effects of an antioxidant, acetylcysteine and ischaemic preconditioning on the rhabdomyolysis and postoperative pain following a knee ligamentoplasty using a pneumatic tourniquet. METHODS: We included 31 patients scheduled for a knee ligamentoplasty randomly assigned in three groups (control, acetylcysteine 1200 mg the day before and 600 mg at the operative day, ischaemic preconditioning). RESULTS: There was a moderate rise in myoglobin and creatinine phosphokinase with no significant difference between the three groups. The muscular functional parameters were similar in all the groups. However, the morphine consumption within the first 48 h was smaller in the treatment groups (0.22 +/- 0.31 mg kg-1 and 0.22 +/- 0.23 mg kg-1 in the preconditioning and antioxidant groups, respectively) than in the control group (0.47 +/- 0.33 mg kg-1, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acetylcysteine and ischaemic preconditioning do not decrease the extent of rhabdomyolysis related to the use of a pneumatic tourniquet and do not improve the postoperative muscle recovery. On the other hand, they allow a significant reduction in the postoperative morphine consumption.

[Septic shock: blood glucose regulation]. / Sepsis sévère: le contrôle glycémique.

Blood glucose regulation is controlled by several hormones, neurological mechanisms and the hepatic autoregulation. Glucose uptake necessitates glucose transporters which are called GLUT. In physiological situation, 80% of glucose uptake of the whole body is produced by the non-insulin dependant tissues, via the GLUT 1 to 3 transporters. Glucose uptake by insulin dependant tissues is mediated by insuline, which activates GLUT-4 transporters. Because of the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-alpha), sepsis induces hyperglycemia, which results essentially from an hepatic insulinoresistance. This phenomenon leads to an acute load and uptake of glucose by the non-insulin dependant tissues. Hyperglycemia modifies inflammatory and immune reactions and enhances the production of reactive oxygen species. Thus, sepsis has an impact on blood glucose control and conversely. Blood glucose control has been found to decrease mortality and morbidity in critically ill patients. The exact mechanism, by which these beneficial effects are produced, remains controversial, due to euglycemia or to insulin infusion. Probably both mechanisms are implicated. In all cases the beneficial effects seem to be multifactorial: a decrease in oxydative stress, a protective effect in front of the burst suppression, multiple anti-inflammatory effects. The optimum level of blood glucose is still discussed and must be evaluated in further studies. In all cases, blood glucose level must be under or equal to 1,4 g/l. Even no clinical study evaluates precisely the impact of hyperglycemia during sepsis, a lot of arguments supports that blood glucose level must be a therapeutic goal in these situations.

[Pasteurella multocida meningo-encephalitis with aphasia in a young adult]. / Méningoencéphalite à Pasteurella multocida avec aphasie chez une adulte jeune.

We report the first case of Pasteurella multocida meningo-encephalitis with aphasia in a 28 year-old-patient. The investigations confirmed the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. But the delay in identification of the organism involved iterative changes of antibiotherapy. The evolution was finally favourable with appropriate antibiotic treatment. The epidemiologic investigation highlighted the responsibility of a patient's cat carrying the same bacterial strain. Finally we discuss the epidemiologic, clinical and therapeutic features of this unusual meningitis.

[Metformin-associated lactic acidosis remains a serious complication of metformin therapy]. / L'acidose lactique reste une complication grave du traitement par metformine.

We report 4 cases of lactic acidosis in diabetic patients usually treated with metformin. For the first 3 patients, the clinical history was similar because lactic acidosis was precipitated by gastro-intestinal disorders whereas all of them were simultaneously treated with several nephrotoxic drugs. These 3 patients presented with acute renal failure on arrival at hospital. Their issue was fatal whereas any obvious cause of overproduction of lactate was found. The fourth case, which was due to a voluntary intoxication, was the only one presenting with a favourable evolution. The metformin plasma and red blood cell levels were performed for 2 of 4 patients and confirmed the overdose. These observations remind that metformin-associated lactic acidosis remains a serious complication, and that medical doctors must respect strictly contra-indications and guidelines for withdrawing metformin.

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: specific aspect.

A case of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is reported. A non smoker, 63-year-old man, consulted for severe claudication of the lower limb, with a sudden onset. There was no past history of vascular disease. Neither the arteriography nor the arterial doppler led to definite diagnosis. In our case, only the C.T. scan was contributive to the diagnosis. The age, 63, at which this abnormality became symptomatic, the abrupt appearance of ischaemic symptoms and the embryologic type of the arterial stenosis were particular. The surgical management was the only therapeutic option.

Remineralization by fluoride enhanced with calcium and phosphate ingredients.

The effectiveness of fluoride ions provided by toothpastes and mouthrinses in promoting remineralization can be limited by the low concentrations of calcium and phosphate ions in saliva. The purpose of this study was to determine whether improved remineralization can be obtained from toothpastes or mouthrinses that simultaneously deliver fluoride, calcium, and phosphate ions from dual-dispensing systems. Enamel specimens with artificial lesions between 60 and 90 microns deep were cycled 15 times through demineralization for 30 minutes, treated for 5 minutes with an experimental or control fluoride toothpaste or mouthrinse, and remineralized for 60 minutes. In the toothpaste study, surface hardness increased by 11.5 +/- 9.2 and 2.7 +/- 3.6 Vickers hardness units, and enamel fluoride content was 5984 +/- 521 ppm and 3971 +/- 531 ppm for the experimental and control fluoride toothpastes, respectively. Remineralization was confirmed by x-ray microradiography. In the mouthrinse study, surface hardness increased by 8.8 +/- 7.7 and 2.2 +/- 3.7 Vickers hardness units, and enamel fluoride content was 6111 +/- 1078 ppm and 3160 +/- 364 ppm for the experimental and control fluoride mouthrinses, respectively. Use of a non-fluoride control mouthrinse led to a decrease in surface hardness of 3.7 +/- 5.2 Vickers hardness units despite a fluoride content of 402 ppm. The results demonstrate that calcium and phosphate supplementation in a toothpaste or mouthrinse can improve remineralization and increase fluoride uptake.

Review of 1,375 cases of vascular reconstruction for ischemic disorder of the lower limbs Statistical analysis of late postoperative thromboses with evaluation of the effect of an anti-platelet agent[tauthor's transl)]. / Réflexions et commentaires concernant 1.375 cas de reconstruction vasculaire pour troubles ischémiques des membres inférieurs. Analyse statistique des thromboses tardives avec évaluation de l'effet d'un agent antiplaquettaire

The authors are presenting 1.375 cases of arterial reconstruciton of the lower limbs, those patients having undergone 1.562 operatons between 1963 and 1974. Although mention is made of long-term postoperative morbidity (false femoral aneurysm, infection, amputation), the study is mainly centered on the problem of late thromboses, calculated in percentages per year and classified according to the time lapse since the initail operation. Comparison is made between the percentages before and after 1972. Since 1972, Dipyridamol, an anti-platelet agent, has been administered systematically to all vascular reconstructions of the lower limbs. The action of this type of drug on the platelet adhesivenss is briefly treated. In this respect the numbers calculated suggests a decrease of about 25 % in the numbers of late thrombosis, all other treatment remaining unchanged for the past 11 years. In conclusion, operative indication and surgical skill remain primordial in this type of surgery. However, the anti-platelet treatment, associated with fat-free diet, no tobacco, vasodilators or anticoagulants, seems to bring a further guarantee to permeability of arterial reconstructions.