[Evaluation of the theoretical teaching of postgraduate medical students in France]. / Évaluation nationale de l'enseignement théorique du troisième cycle des études médicales en France.

OBJECTIVES: In France, medical students regularly complain about the shortcomings of their theoretical training and the necessity of its adaptation to better fit the needs of students. The goal was to evaluate the theoretical teaching practices in postgraduate medical studies by: 1) collecting data from medical students in different medical faculties in France; 2) comparing this data with expected practices when it is possible; 3) and proposing several lines of improvement. METHODS: A survey of theoretical practices in the 3rd cycle of medical studies was conducted by self-administered questionnaires which were free of charge, anonymous, and administered electronically from July 3 to October 31, 2013 to all medical students in France. RESULTS: National, inter-regional, regional and field internship educational content was absent in respectively 50.5%, 42.8%, 26.0% and 30.2% of cases. Medical students follow complementary training due to insufficient DES and/or DESC 2 training in 43.7% of cases or as part of a professional project in 54.9% of cases. The knowledge sought by medical students concerns the following crosscutting topics: career development (58.9%), practice management (50.7%), medical English (50.4%) and their specialty organization (49.9%). Fifty-four point one percent would like to be evaluated on their theoretical training on an annual basis. CONCLUSION: The results of this first national survey give insights into the theoretical teaching conditions in postgraduate medical education in France and the aspirations of medical students.

[Evaluation of theoretical teaching of the French diploma of medical gynecology]. / Enseignement théorique du Diplôme d'études spécialisées de gynécologie médicale en France: évaluation nationale.

OBJECTIVES: As far as the reform of the "Diplômes d'études spécialisées" (DES) is approaching, a first national evaluation of the Medical Gynecology diploma was necessary. The objective was to evaluate the practices of the theoretical teaching with the whole students, by receiving their opinions and their wishes of changing, and by proposing some improving measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The self-evaluation form made by members of the Association of residents (AIGM) and the Teacher's College (CNEGM) was submitted to the students during the national teaching session of June 2014. RESULTS: Fifty-six results were gathered among 145 students enrolled at the DES (38.6 %). Twelve half days of national theoretical training are yearly scheduled. The accordance of the national theoretical training to the level of the students was assessed on average at 7.8 (VAS from 0 to 10). The scientific and pedagogical skills of the speakers are evaluated at 8.9 and 7.8. The theoretical training of the diploma was considered as satisfying for 76.6 % of the respondents. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Despite a globally satisfying evaluation, some points can be improved in the organization of the diploma. The introduction of courses about establishment, medical acts and imaging, the implementation of gradual progress teaching, the development of hands-on training and practical works, reciprocal evaluation of the students and the teachings/teachers, should be set up.

Use of transesophageal echocardiography for diagnosis of traumatic aortic injury.

This prospective study was conducted to describe the signs on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) associated with traumatic aortic injury (TAI). Twenty-eight patients with TAI underwent TEE, and they were compared with a control group of 30 thoracic trauma patients without aortic injury. The TEE signs were classified as direct or indirect signs, and the quality of imaging was assessed. Patients' TEE images were compared with their anatomic lesions. The direct signs were thick stripes (n=19), false aneurysm (n=7), aortic dissection (n=6), free-edge intimal flap (n=15), aortic wall hematoma (n=2), fusiform aneurysm (n=13), and complete aortic obstruction (n=2). The indirect signs included minor increases in aortic diameter (n=7), impairment of the aortic Doppler color flow (n= 18), and an increase of aorta-probe distance, indicating hemomediastinum (n=23). TEE allowed diagnosis of recently described limited intimal lesions frequently missed by other conventional methods, and permitted rapid diagnosis of complete rupture in which fast degeneration means that more time-consuming methods are not practicable. Significant blurring of the aortic outline was noted in 20% of cases and intraluminal artifacts were observed in 36% of cases, but neither sign impaired accurate diagnosis of TAI. The echocardiographic signs of aortic injury are complex and may be confined to a short section of the aorta. Therefore, examination by a physician highly trained in echocardiography is necessary in such cases.

Comparison between radionuclide ejection fraction and fractional area changes derived from transesophageal echocardiography using automated border detection.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular fractional area changes (FAC) can be derived from transesophageal echocardiography using an automated border detection system. However, FAC has not yet been compared to left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) evaluated by a reference technique. The aim of this study was to correlate transesophageal echocardiography automated FAC to EF derived from radionuclide angiography to obtain a quantifying method of global left ventricular systolic function at the bedside. METHODS: Ten critically ill patients, whose lungs were mechanically ventilated, were included in this prospective study. Patients were scheduled for radionuclide EF evaluation when at least 75% of the endocardium was clearly visualized on transesophageal echocardiography. Patients with esophageal pathology or cardiac dysrhythmia were excluded. Ejection fraction derived from radionuclide angiography was measured using technetium 99m. Echocardiographic data were obtained using an ultrasound system with automated border capabilities. Simultaneous measurements of left ventricular EF and FAC were obtained for each patient, both before and after starting a dobutamine intravenous infusion to modify left ventricular contractility. RESULTS: Mean values for radionuclide EF and transesophageal echocardiography FAC were, respectively: 55% +/- 19% (range 19-89%) and 46% +/- 18% (range 17-80%). Left ventricular EF and FAC were significantly correlated (r = 0.85, SEE = 9.6%). Variations of EF and FAC, induced by dobutamine, were also correlated (r = 0.70, SEE = 4.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Fractional area changes determined by transesophageal echocardiography using automated border detection correlate well with radionuclide EF and may be used at the bedside to quantify left ventricular function in selected intensive care unit patients.

Topical upper airway anaesthesia with lidocaine increases airway resistance by impairing glottic function.

OBJECTIVE: To assess if two different forms of upper airway topical anaesthesia induce similar changes in airway flow resistance (Rrs). DESIGN: Serial measurements of Rrs before and after topical anaesthesia with acqueous or paste lidocaine. SETTING: Lung function test laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: 9 normal men with documented normal lung function tests. INTERVENTIONS: 2 different session of topical upper airway anaesthesia with 100 mg of liquid 5% lidocaine and 100 mg of 2% lidocaine paste, respectively. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Rrs was measured by the random noise forced oscillation technique. Fiberoptic upper airway examination was performed in two subjects. Rrs increased on average by 81% after lidocaine spray and by 68% after lidocaine paste (p < 0.005, respectively) with no difference in the magnitude of Rrs increase between the two modes of anaesthesia studied. This increase lasted 13 +/- 3 min (spray) and 12 +/- 3 min (paste), respectively (p = ns). Fiberoptic examination of the two most responders showed inspiratory laryngeal collapse. CONCLUSIONS: Topical upper airway anaesthesia transiently increases Rrs with no specific effects regarding the drug presentation. Laryngeal dysfunction may be one mechanisms involved in Rrs increase following upper airway topical anaesthesia. Such findings may explain some poor respiratory tolerance reported during endoscopy.

Systematic transesophageal echocardiography for detection of mediastinal lesions in patients with multiple injuries.

A prospective study assessing the interest in and the results of systematic transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examination in nonselected intubated multiple injury patients was carried out from January 1992 through June 1993. Seventy patients were included and divided into two groups according to the results of admission screening, including clinical examination, EKG, CK-MB and chest radiograph. Group 1 (60 patients) had abnormalities on initial screening, while group 2 (10 patients) had no symptom of thoracic or mediastinal injury. TEE was performed within 48 hours following admission and its results were compared with those of the initial screening. TEE usefulness was evaluated on a score grade from 0 (no interest) to 4 (outstanding interest). Myocardial contusion was suspected in 25 patients. TEE invalidated 18 suspected and found 5 unsuspected myocardial contusions. Pericardial effusion was suspected in only one case, while TEE documented 13 additional cases. A mediastinal enlargement was seen in 13 patients, but TEE invalidated aortic lesions in all these cases and made an unsuspected diagnosis of aortic tears. Eight cases of severe hypovolemia and seven cases of left ventricle dysfunction were detected by TEE. The score of interest showed that TEE allowed new interesting diagnoses in 70% of group I patients and in 33% of group II patients. TEE is of utmost importance in multiple injury patients, with or without any evidence of thoracic or mediastinal injury, providing a safe and rapid examination of the mediastinal structures and an evaluation of the hemodynamic status.

[Electrophysiologic tests and benzodiazepine hypnosis]. / Tests électrophysiologiques et hypnose aux benzodiazépines.

The effects of a pure benzodiazepine antagonist (Flumazenil) on the responses R1 and R2 of the blink reflex, psychomotor tests, and Event Related Potentials (ERP), in six healthy volunteers sedated with Midazolam have been compared. Measurements were made during each of four successive phases. Phase 0 corresponded to control recordings. Midazolam was administered rapidly during phase 1 and slowly during phase 2. Phase 3 corresponded to spontaneous waking once the administration of Midazolam had been stopped. Flumazenil was administered during phase 2. As the subjects fell asleep, R1 and R2 were the last parameters to disappear. Under the influence of Flumazenil, R1 was the first to reappear, while R2 did not recur until complete waking, and the other tests were unpracticable. During phase 3, R1 reappeared before R2 once more, the psychomotor test responses and ERP returning only later. The modifications of both R1 and R2 of the blink reflex are a good criterion of the presence of BZD in a toxic coma and a good test to indicate the depth of a coma or a sedation with BZD, whilst ERP, since they require the cooperation of the patient, are a test of vigilance and not of awakening.

Transesophageal echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function during apnea testing for brain death.

The effects of apnea testing-induced respiratory acidosis on left ventricular function (LVF) are still controversial. The aim of the study was to assess LVF during apnea testing using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Twenty consecutive patients suspected of brain death, hemodynamically stable, and considered as potential organ donors were prospectively studied. A 20-min apnea test was performed after obtaining a PaCO2 > 35 mmHg and 20 min of FIO2 1 ventilation. LVF was assessed using TEE with a CFM 750 (Diasonic) connected to a 5 MHz probe. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), left ventricle end-diastolic and systolic area (LVEDA, LVESA), and LVF assessed by fractional area changes (FAC), systolic wall motion (SWM) scores, and blood gases were recorded at baseline, and after 5, 10, 15, and 20 min of apnea testing. In 19 patients, no spontaneous respiratory movement occurred during the standard 20-min period. In one patient (No. 15), the apnea test had to be stopped after 10 min because of hypoxia. HR, LVEDA, LVESA, and SWM were not significantly modified during the study. There was a progressive statistically significant decrease in MAP during apnea (from 77 +/- 10 to 63 +/- 11 mmHg), associated with a statistically significant increase in FAC at 20 min (from 48 +/- 13 to 56 +/- 8%). PaCO2 progressively rose (from 40 +/- 3 to 95 +/- 11 mmHg), associated with a decrease in pH (from 7.42 +/- 0.06 to 7.09 +/- 0.08). At the same time, PaO2 decreased slightly in all patients, but values remained well above hypoxic levels, except for one patient. Despite severe respiratory acidosis the increase in FAC suggests that apnea testing is well tolerated for brain death assessment.

Traumatic laceration of the ascending aorta detected by transesophageal echocardiography.

The diagnosis of aortic injury after blunt chest trauma is of utmost importance to emergency physicians. We present a case in which transesophageal echocardiography was successful in diagnosing a transectional intimal tear on the posterior wall of the ascending aorta. Potential usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography is discussed.

[Locoregional analgesia in thoracic injuries]. / Analgésie locorégionale dans les traumatismes thoraciques.

Pain is a major factor of respiratory decompensation after chest trauma. General and/or regional analgesia improve alveolar ventilation, make physiotherapy easier and often avoid mechanical ventilation. Concerning regional techniques, epidural, intercostal and interpleural routes have their respective indications and contraindications, benefits and risks. When suitable, epidural analgesia appears to be the preferable technique.

Clonidine comparably decreases the thermoregulatory thresholds for vasoconstriction and shivering in humans.

BACKGROUND: Clonidine stops postoperative shivering, but its underlying mechanism of action is unknown. Clonidine may impair central control of thermoregulation or act on peripheral receptors. Accordingly, the authors tested the hypothesis that clonidine reduces both the vasoconstriction and shivering thresholds, a pattern consistent with central thermoregulatory impairment. METHODS: Seven healthy volunteers participated in the study. Thermoregulatory vasoconstriction was evaluated using forearm minus fingertip, skin-temperature gradients; values exceeding 4 degrees C were considered to be significant vasoconstriction. Systemic oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured with a canopy system. In addition, shivering was qualitatively evaluated using a simple scale, graduated from 0 (no shivering) to 2 (intense shivering). The tympanic membrane temperatures triggering significant vasoconstriction and grade 1 shivering were considered to be the thresholds for the two thermoregulatory responses. Measurements were performed after a 10-min steady state period and during cooling by central venous infusion of Ringer's lactate solution at 4 degrees C. Each subject was evaluated at two sessions, separated by at least 48 h. They were randomly and blindly assigned to received either an intravenous bolus of 75 micrograms clonidine or a placebo before cooling. When the shivering score equaled 2, 75 micrograms clonidine was injected intravenously, and repeated if necessary, to completely stop shivering.

[Contribution of transesophageal echocardiography in intensive care: a prospective assessment]. / Apport de l'échocardiographie transoesophagienne en réanimation: évaluation prospective.

The benefits of transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) were assessed prospectively in intensive care patients. The doctors carrying out TOE were not the same as those who ordered it. TOE was performed in 32 patients, all of whom but one were intubated and artificially ventilated, to elucidate the cause of circulatory shock, or to search for valvular vegetations or an intracardiac mass. TOE confirmed the diagnosis previously obtained with pulmonary arterial catheterization (10 patients), transthoracic echocardiography (3 patients) or ventriculography (1 patient) in 54% of cases. In 28% of cases, TOE invalidated the suspected diagnosis, and, in the remaining 28% of patients, TOE invalidated provided a previously unsuspected diagnosis. TOE was particularly useful in confirming the presence of valvular vegetations, endocarditis, or intracardiac thrombi, and to assess left ventricular function and preload in patients in shock. Like others, this study confirms the benefits of TOE in the intensive care setting.