Manejo endoscópico de fístulas del seno piriforme. Reporte de dos casos / Endoscopic management of piriform sinus fistula. Two cases report

Resumen Caso 1: Femenino de cuatro años de edad con absceso cervical izquierdo recurrente por fístula del seno piriforme izquierdo tratada finalmente con electrocoagulación endoscópica sin recidivas en más de siete meses. Caso 2: Masculino de seis años de edad con absceso cervical izquierdo recurrente por fístula del seno piriforme izquierdo tratado con electrocoagulación endoscópica sin recidivas en más de 6 meses. Discusión: Las fistulas del seno piriforme son poco comunes, resueltas en forma quirúrgica con amplias disecciones cervicales y en ocasiones con hemitiroidectomías. No suelen sospecharse sino hasta la recurrencia del cuadro. Aunque no todos los abscesos cervicales son por fístulas del seno piriforme, recomendamos descartarla en casos de recidiva sobre todo en el lado izquierdo del cuello; acompañando el drenaje con exploración endoscópica. De confirmarse el diagnóstico se ofrece tratamiento por electrocoagulación en la misma intervención con mejores resultados al evitar los riesgos que implica la resección extensa del tratamiento convencional. En nuestros casos usamos endoscopía flexible y electrocoagulación con resultados superiores en relación con el tratamiento quirúrgico convencional. Limitaciones: Solo se trata de dos casos, pero corresponden a una entidad poco frecuente. Valor: Se muestra como alternativa el tratamiento endoscópico con electrocoagulación con mejores resultados en relación con el manejo tradicional para los casos de fístula del seno piriforme en niños.

Abstract Case 1: A 4-year-old female with a recurrent left cervical abscess due to a left piriform sinus fistula finally treated with endoscopic electrocoagulation without recurrences for more than 7 months. Case 2: 6-year-old male with recurrent left cervical abscess due to left piriform sinus fistula treated with endoscopic electrocoagulation without recurrences for more than 6 months. Discussion: Piriform sinus fistulas are rare and are surgically corrected with extensive cervical dissections and occasionally hemithyroidectomies. They are not usually noticed as such until the recurrence. Although not all cervical abscesses are due to piriform sinus fistulas, we recommend ruling out in cases of recurrence, especially on the left side of the neck, accompanying by drainage with endoscopic exploration. If the suspicion is confirmed, electrocoagulation treatment is offered in the same intervention with better results by avoiding the risks involved in an extensive resection with conventional treatment. In our cases we use flexible endoscopy and electrocoagulation with better results compared to conventional surgical treatment. Limitations: These are only two cases, but they are rare. Value: Endoscopic treatment with electrocoagulation is shown as an alternative with better results in relation to traditional management for cases of piriform sinus fistula in children.

Factors associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia diagnosed by videofluoroscopy in children with cerebral palsy.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) occurs in children with cerebral palsy. It is important to investigate its relationship with some variables, and the objective of this study was to identify factors associated with OD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case-control study in patients with cerebral palsy from 8months to 15years of age, from November 2018 to November 2019, approved by the Ethics Committee. The diagnosis of OD was made by videofluoroscopy when there was nasopharyngeal reflux, stagnation in the vallecular sinuses, in the piriformis sinuses, penetration, and aspiration. The independent variables were type of cerebral palsy, gross motor impairment classified into five levels, nutritional status and comorbidities. One case with OD was included and the next one without alterations in videofluoroscopy was control. The variables were compared with Chi square and Student's t. The association was measured with odds ratio. The confidence interval was 95%. RESULTS: Thirty patients with OD and 30without OD were studied. Sex, age, birth weight, and gestational age had a similar distribution in the two groups. From the data perceived by the mothers at the time of feeding, the greater frequency of the difficulty in the transfer of the food bolus in the group with OD showed a statistically significant difference (P<.001) and of the studied factors, the levelV of the gross motor involvement was associated with a higher frequency of OD. CONCLUSIONS: OD was associated with level V of gross motor involvement.

Factors associated with oropharyngeal dysphagia diagnosed by videofluoroscopy in children with cerebral palsy. / Factores asociados a disfagia orofaríngea diagnosticada por videofluoroscopia en niños con parálisis cerebral.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) occurs in children with cerebral palsy. It is important to investigate its relationship with some variables, and the objective of this study was to identify factors associated with OD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case-control study in patients with cerebral palsy from 8months to 15years of age, from November 2018 to November 2019, approved by the Ethics Committee. The diagnosis of OD was made by videofluoroscopy when there was nasopharyngeal reflux, stagnation in the vallecular sinuses, in the piriformis sinuses, penetration, and aspiration. The independent variables were type of cerebral palsy, gross motor impairment classified into five levels, nutritional status and comorbidities. One case with OD was included and the next one without alterations in videofluoroscopy was control. The variables were compared with Chi square and Student's t. The association was measured with odds ratio. The confidence interval was 95%. RESULTS: Thirty patients with OD and 30without OD were studied. Sex, age, birth weight, and gestational age had a similar distribution in the two groups. From the data perceived by the mothers at the time of feeding, the greater frequency of the difficulty in the transfer of the food bolus in the group with OD showed a statistically significant difference (P<.001) and of the studied factors, the levelV of the gross motor involvement was associated with a higher frequency of OD. CONCLUSIONS: OD was associated with level V of gross motor involvement.

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Effect of homeostatic T-cell proliferation in the vaccine responsiveness against influenza in elderly people.

BACKGROUND: Seasonal influenza virus infection is a significant cause of morbimortality in the elderly. However, there is poor vaccine efficacy in this population due to immunosenescence. We aimed to explore several homeostatic parameters in the elderly that could impact influenza vaccine responsiveness. METHODS: Subjects (> 60 years old) who were vaccinated against influenza virus were included, and the vaccine response was measured by a haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) test. At baseline, peripheral CD4 and CD8 T-cells were phenotypically characterized. Thymic function and the levels of different inflammation-related biomarkers, including Lipopolysaccharide Binding Protein (LBP) and anti-cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG antibodies, were also measured. RESULTS: Influenza vaccine non-responders showed a tendency of higher frequency of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) before vaccination than responders (1.49 [1.08-1.85] vs. 1.12 [0.94-1.63], respectively, p = 0.061), as well as higher expression of the proliferation marker Ki67 in Tregs and different CD4 and CD8 T-cell maturational subsets. The levels of inflammation-related biomarkers correlated with the frequencies of different proliferating T-cell subsets and with thymic function (e.g., thymic function with D-dimers, r = - 0.442, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Age-related homeostatic dysregulation involving the proliferation of CD4 and CD8 T-cell subsets, including Tregs, was related to a limited responsiveness to influenza vaccination and a higher inflammatory status in a cohort of elderly people.

[Feasibility and benefits of training to screen for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]. / Faisabilité et bénéfices de la formation au dépistage du trouble ventilatoire obstructif.

INTRODUCTION: Though still under-diagnosed, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) currently affects nearly 3.5 million people in France. The present study presents the results of continuing medical education sessions on COPD screening by electronic mini-spirometry. METHODS: From April 2013 to December 2015, the sessions involved 73 health professionals. The study analysed three questionnaires administered before, after, and long after sessions led by experts within a professional associative network. RESULTS: The sessions proved efficient in increasing the participants' theoretical knowledge. It increased the percentage of correct answers regarding the nature of COPD (90 % vs. 81%), the functions, features, and outputs of mini-spirometers, and the treatment recommendations. The sessions led to non-negligible changes in everyday medical practice regarding the acquisition of a mini-spirometer (+13 devices), the presentation of COPD to the patients (+33 practitioners), the dialogue on tobacco use (+32 practitioners), vaccination (+33 practitioners), and compliance with the treatment recommendations (+43 practitioners). CONCLUSION: These results encourage both holding and following up such sessions. The specialized professional environment ensures knowledge updates and offers subsequent assistance. Further improving these sessions will increase their benefits in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and health economy.

A Lower Baseline CD4/CD8 T-Cell Ratio Is Independently Associated with Immunodiscordant Response to Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-Infected Subjects.

We explored if baseline CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio is associated with immunodiscordant response to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected subjects. Comparing immunodiscordant and immunoconcordant subjects matched by pretreatment CD4 counts, we observed a lower pretreatment CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio in immunodiscordant subjects. Furthermore, pretreatment CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, but not CD4 counts, correlated with the main immunological alterations observed in immunodiscordants, including increased regulatory T-cell (Treg) frequency and T-cell turnover-related markers. Then, in a larger cohort, only baseline CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio was independently associated with immunodiscordance, after adjusting by the viral CXCR4-tropic HIV variants. Our results suggest that the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio could be an accurate biomarker of the subjacent immunological damage triggering immunodiscordance.

[Isolated bilateral macrostomia: case report and literature review]. / Macrostomía bilateral aislada: a propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

INTRODUCTION: The macrostomia is a facial abnormality also called transverse facial cleft or Tessier cleft number 7. Macrostomia is a rare condition with an incidence from 1/80,000 to 1/300,000 live births. The left commisure is more commonly affected. Bilateral macrostomia is extremely rare, with only 10 to 20% of all cases of macrostomia, and 50% of bilateral cases are associated with different syndromes. To date just over 20 cases of isolated bilateral macrostomia have been described in the literature. CLINICAL OBSERVATION: We report the case of a patient with isolated bilateral macrostomia solved by surgery and with good aesthetic and functional results. COMMENTS: The treatment of bilateral macrostomia is surgical and should be done early. Although there are many techniques, the key is to recreate a new and correct commisure through a good reorientation of the orbicularis oris.

INTRODUCCION: La macrostomía es una anomalía facial denominada también fisura facial transversa o fisura tipo 7 de Tessier. Su aparición es muy rara, con una incidencia estimada de 1/80.000 a 1/300.000 nacidos vivos, siendo la forma unilateral izquierda la más frecuente. La macrostomía bilateral es extremadamente infrecuente, con solo 10 a 20% de todos los casos de macrostomía, y de estos el 50% se asocian a diferentes síndromes. Hasta la fecha solo se han descrito en la literatura poco más de 20 casos de macrostomía bilateral aislada. OBSERVACION CLINICA: Presentamos el caso de una paciente con macrostomía bilateral aislada resuelto mediante intervención quirúrgica y con buen resultado estético y funcional. COMENTARIOS: El tratamiento de la macrostomía bilateral es quirúrgico y debe realizarse precozmente. Aunque existen muchas técnicas, lo fundamental es recrear una nueva y correcta comisura a través de una buena reorientación del músculo orbicular de los labios.

Validation of the HIV Tropism Test TROCAI Using the Virological Response to a Short-Term Maraviroc Monotherapy Exposure.

TROCAI is a phenotypic tropism test developed using the virological response to a short-term exposure to maraviroc monotherapy (Maraviroc Clinical Test [MCT]). It was found that with TROCAI, a cutoff of <0.5% of dual/mixed viruses was needed to predict R5 HIV tropism. Here, we have validated TROCAI, using this cutoff, in a new cohort of 42 patients, finding a very high concordance between TROCAI and MCT (98%), and a good concordance (71 to 87%) with other genotypic/phenotypic methods.

[Effects of fine particulate matter from on bronchial epithelial cells]. / Effets des particules fines sur les cellules épithéliales bronchiques.

INTRODUCTION: Ambient air contains a variety of pollutants including solid particles. Human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) play a key role following inhalation of these toxic particles. In a cell culture system of HBEC, we investigated the effects of several fractions of Lyons air-derived particles on cell viability/proliferation and production of the inflammatory mediators IL-8 and TGF-ß. METHODS: Air particles were collected in Lyon (France) by filtration of the air and impaction on filters located on a tapered element oscillating microbalance. Several diameter-based fractions of particles were prepared. HBEC were then exposed to different concentrations of these fractions. RESULTS: HBEC survival was not altered after 48hours of culture in the presence of particles regardless of their diameter and concentration. A dose-dependent inhibitory effect on cell growth was observed for all fractions. The particles caused an increase of both TGF-ß and Il-8 protein levels as a function of their diameters and/or concentrations. CONCLUSION: Air-derived particle fractions exhibit both an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and a pro-inflammatory activity on HBEC.

Maraviroc contributes to the restoration of the homeostasis of regulatory T-cell subsets in antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected subjects.

Regulatory T (Treg) cells comprise different functional subsets with different CCR5 expression. Treg homeostasis is disrupted by HIV but the effect of treatment has barely been explored. In a longitudinal design, we compared the effect of a maraviroc-containing (n = 9) or sparing (n = 12) therapy in antiretroviral-naive HIV-positive participants on peripheral FoxP3(low) CD45RA(+) (nTreg), FoxP3(high) CD45RA(-) (eTreg) and FoxP3(low) CD45RA(-) (non-Treg) cells. Maraviroc significantly reduced all subsets in the short-term and, except for nTreg cells, also normalized them in the long-term. The correlation between eTreg cells and CD4 counts, lost before treatment, was only restored by maraviroc. The differential effect of maraviroc on Treg subsets contributes to understanding its immunomodulatory effects.

Phenotype and Polyfunctional Deregulation Involving Interleukin 6 (IL-6)- and IL-10-Producing Monocytes in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Differ From Those in Healthy Older Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Despite the relevance of monocytes as promoters of the inflammatory response, whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection induces premature age-related changes to the phenotype and function of monocytes or whether these alterations are different and/or specifically driven by HIV remains to be mechanistically determined. METHODS: We assayed the activation phenotype and the responsiveness in vitro to Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists in classical, intermediate, and nonclassical subsets of monocytes by assessing intracellular interleukin 1α (IL-1α), IL-1ß, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin 10 (IL-10) production in 20 HIV-infected patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and 2 groups of uninfected controls (20 age-matched young individuals and 20 older individuals aged >65 years). RESULTS: HIV-infected patients showed a more activated phenotype of monocytes than older controls. Regarding functionality, under unstimulated conditions HIV-infected patients showed a higher percentage of classical monocytes producing IL-6 and IL-10 than control subjects. The percentage of cells with production of multiple cytokines (polyfunctionality), including IL-10, in response to TLR agonists was greater among HIV-infected patients than among control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory alterations associated with monocytes during HIV infection are different from those in aging individuals. This monocyte dysfunction, mainly characterized by high levels of IL-6- and IL-10-producing monocytes, may have clinical implications in HIV-infected patients that are different from those in aging individuals.

[COPD: An early disease]. / La BPCO : une maladie qui commence précocement.

This general review deals with the mechanisms which underlie the genetic factors in COPD. Many cellular and biochemical mechanisms occur in bronchial inflammation. We present the experimental models of COPD, insisting on the importance of oxydative stress, and on recent knowledge about the lung microbiome. Starting from this pathophysiology basis, we show how various genetic targets are able to interfere with the disease model. Thanks to these genetic targets, new markers in exhaled breath condensates and new drug targets are rising.

[Aspirin hypersensitivity: characteristics and diagnostic approach]. / Intolérance à l'aspirine : caractéristiques et éléments diagnostiques.

INTRODUCTION: In routine medical practice, the diagnosis of aspirin hypersensitivity (AH) remains difficult. No clinical feature or biomarker is available to reliably confirm this diagnosis and oral provocation tests (OPT) are rarely performed. AIM: To compare asthmatics with and without AH. METHOD: The clinical characteristics of 21 asthmatics with and 24 without AH respectively were determined. AH was defined by a positive OPT. A full blood count was done before and 24 hours after the OPT. RESULTS: The medical history was associated with a weak sensitivity (52%) and a good specificity (96%) for assessing the diagnosis of AH. There was a higher prevalence of AH in women, and a higher frequency of allergic rhinitis in AH, but no characteristic was useful to facilitate the diagnosis of AH in asthmatic patients. Our results demonstrate higher values of platelets in AH patients. Following OPT, in AH patients only, a decrease in blood eosinophils and an increase in neutrophils was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that the diagnosis of AH is challenging, with the history having only weak sensitivity. The observation that fluctuations in eosinophils and neutrophils occur following OPT in AH patients only warrants further investigations and suggests a rapid pro-inflammatory role for aspirin.

Increased risk of non-AIDS-related events in HIV subjects with persistent low CD4 counts despite cART in the CoRIS cohort.

The aim was to analyze clinical complications in HIV-infected subjects who persistently maintain low CD4 levels despite virological response to cART in the Spanish CoRIS cohort. The main inclusion criteria were CD4 counts <200cells/mm(3) at cART-initiation and at least 2years under cART achieving a viral load <500copies/mL. Those patients with CD4 counts <250cells/mm(3) 2years after cART were classified as the Low-CD4 group, and clinical events were collected from this time-point. Poisson regression models were used to calculate incidence rate ratios of death, AIDS-defining events, serious non-AIDS-defining events (NAE) and of each specific NAE category (non-AIDS-defining malignancies (non-ADM), cardiovascular, kidney- and liver-related events). Of 9667 patients in the cohort, a total of 1128 met the criteria and 287 (25.4%) were classified in the Low-CD4 group. A higher risk of death (aIRR: 4.71; 95% CI: 1.88-11.82; p-value=0.001) and of non-ADM were observed in this group (aIRR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.07-4.63; p=0.03). Our results stress the need to control accelerated aging in this population to counter their increased risk of non-AIDS-defining diseases, particularly cancer, and are consistent with the concept that clinical complications are potentially affected by genetics and lifestyle.

[Preaxial polydactyly of the hand: 15 years of experience]. / Polidactilia preaxial de la mano: experiencia de 15 años.

INTRODUCTION: Preaxial polydactyly is one of the most common congenital malformations of the hand. The treatment is surgical and should be done early, between 6 and 12 months old. The purpose of this paper is to review our experience in terms of casuistry, treatment and functional and aesthetic results of duplicity of thumb, since 2000 until today. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with diagnosis of preaxial polydactyly from 2000 to january 2016 was performed. RESULTS: Thirty patients with duplicity of thumb and thirty one bifid thumbs were diagnosed. No difference was found in terms of gender. The right hand was the most affected. Wassel type IV was the most common, followed by type II. Age at time of surgery had a median and mode of 12 months. All were treated surgically, using the model of preservation of the dominant thumb in 97% of the cases. According to Tada system, our postoperative results were good in 26 cases (83.8%). Our most frequent complication was slight radial clinodactyly, which was found in 5 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Preaxial polydactyly of the hand is one of the most common congenital malformations. It is usually unilateral and without gender predominance. Surgical treatment provides good results. The most common technique for reconstruction is the model of preservation of the dominant thumb. Clinodactyly is the most common complication after surgery, however its presence is more aesthetic than a functional problem.

INTRODUCCION: La polidactilia preaxial es una de las malformaciones congénitas más frecuentes de la mano. El tratamiento es quirúrgico y debe realizarse precozmente entre los 6 y 12 meses de edad. El propósito de este trabajo es revisar nuestra experiencia, en cuanto a casuística, tratamiento y resultados funcionales y estéticos de duplicidad de pulgar, desde el año 2000 hasta la actualidad. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes con el diagnóstico de polidactilia preaxial en el periodo de 2000 a enero de 2016. RESULTADOS: Se diagnosticaron 30 pacientes de duplicidad de pulgar y 31 pulgares bífidos. Sin diferencia en cuanto al sexo. La mano más afectada fue la derecha con 22 casos. El tipo IV de Wassel fue el más frecuente, seguido del tipo II. La edad en el momento de la cirugía tuvo una mediana y moda de 12 meses. Todos fueron tratados quirúrgicamente, el 97% siguiendo el modelo de conservación de pulgar dominante. De acuerdo al sistema publicado por Tada, nuestros resultados postoperatorios fueron buenos en 26 casos (83,8%). Nuestra complicación más frecuente fue la clinodactilia radial leve, que se encontró en 5 casos. CONCLUSIONES: La polidactilia preaxial de la mano es una de las malformaciones congénitas más frecuentes. Suele ser unilateral y sin predominio de sexo. El tratamiento quirúrgico ofrece buenos resultados. La técnica más fomentada para la reconstrucción es el modelo de conservación de pulgar dominante. La clinodactilia es la complicación más frecuente post-cirugía, no obstante su presencia es más un problema estético que funcional.

[Role of T lymphocyte cyclic nucleotides and G protein in sarcoidosis]. / Quels rôles les anomalies de la voie des nucléotides cycliques et des protéines G jouent-elles dans le désordre biochimique des lymphocytes T dans la sarcoïdose ?

CD4+ T lymphocytes play a major role in the pathophysiology of sarcoidosis. Many studies have investigated the immunological and genetic abnormalities in this disease. There are few studies concerning the metabolic pathways. Essentially they concern the pathways: STAT1, MAPK38, NF-κB, Galphai, cAMP and cGMP PDE and PEMT1. Using studies in the literature and results of our own work concerning some metabolic aspects of T lymphocytes in sarcoidosis, we present a revue of the various hypotheses, which involve dysfunction of cAMP signaling pathways, such as RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK in T lymphocytes, leading to a disorder of immunity.

[Interest for evaluation of bronchial inflammation in asthma]. / Intérêt des méthodes non invasives d'évaluation de l'inflammation bronchique dans l'asthme.

Asthma is a heterogeneous chronic inflammatory disease. The respiratory functional tests are sometimes insufficient to confirm the diagnosis. Other tools are developed to estimate the bronchial inflammation such as tests of bronchial provocation, measure of exhaled nitric oxide, induced sputum and exhaled breath condensate. This review presents these non-invasive methods, approaches their interests on the identification of the disease and the treatment.