Hepatic lipase activity is increased in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease beyond insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hepatic lipase is a lipolytic enzyme mostly synthesized and localized at the surface of liver sinusoidal capillaries, which hydrolyses triglycerides and phospholipids of intermediate density, large low density (LDL) and high density lipoproteins. Hepatic lipase activity is increased in insulin resistant states. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by insulin resistance. However, at present, no data are available regarding the behaviour of hepatic lipase with regard to the degree of hepatic steatosis. Our aim was to evaluate hepatic lipase activity in NAFLD patients and its relationship to the severity of hepatic steatosis. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We studied 48 patients with NAFLD (diagnosed by ultrasonography and confirmed by liver biopsy) and 30 controls. Steatosis was semi-quantitatively assessed and considered as mild or grade 1, moderate or grade 2 and severe or grade 3. MEASUREMENTS: hepatic lipase activity, lipid and lipoprotein profile (including intermediate density lipoproteins and dense LDL), adiponectin, insulin, glucose and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were measured. Homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA) index was calculated. RESULTS: Patients with hepatic steatosis presented with higher hepatic lipase activity, HOMA and dense LDL and lower levels of adiponectin, high density lipoproteins, cholesterol and apoA-I. Hepatic lipase activity positively correlated significantly with the severity of hepatic steatosis. Hepatic lipase correlated with a more atherogenic profile and persisted higher in patients even after corrected for age, gender, body mass index, HOMA and adiponectin. CONCLUSION: The higher hepatic lipase activity in NAFLD patients contributes to a more atherogenic profile linked to increased cardiovascular risk, beyond the insulin resistance and the reduction in adiponectin.

[Techniques of anastomoses issue from vascular surgery and apply to maxillofacial microsurgery]. / Application des techniques d'anastomoses de chirurgie vasculaire à la microchirurgie maxillofaciale.

Vascular surgeons use an anastomosis technique that has proven its efficiency for a long time. This technique consists in an anastomosis with spatulated ended vessels designed with opposite obliquity. This anastomosis is closed by a continuous suture. Authors expose the results of this technique applied to microvascular surgery in facial reconstruction.

[Suprafascial dissection of the radial forearm flap]. / Prélèvement suprafascial du lambeau antébrachial radial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of dissection of radial forearm flap in a superficial plan above the deep fascia to prevent donor site problems. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen radial forearm flaps were used for orofacial reconstruction: 11 suprafascial flaps and seven infrafascial flaps. We compared in the two groups: flap failure, graft success, tendon adhesions, sensory nerve damage at donor site. RESULTS: We observed one case of flap failure in the infrafascial group and one case in the suprafascial group. With suprafascial elevation flap technique, we noted 100% of grafts integration without tendon adhesion. In infrafascial elevation flap technique, four out of seven patients had delayed healing. DISCUSSION: The suprafascial dissection of free radial forearm flap creates a superior graft recipient bed ensuring early and complete successful graft.

Histological progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a critical reassessment based on liver sampling variability.

BACKGROUND: In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, histological lesions display a significant sampling variability that is ignored when interpreting histological progression during natural history or therapeutic interventions. AIM: To provide a method taking into account sampling variability when interpreting crude histological data, and to investigate how this alters the conclusions of available studies. METHODS: Natural history studies detailing histological progression and therapeutic trials were compared with the results of a previously published sampling variability study. RESULTS: Natural history studies showed an improvement in steatosis, which was significantly higher than expected from sampling variability (47% vs. 8%, P < 0.0001). In contrast, no study showed a change in activity grade or ballooning higher than that of sampling variability. There was only a marginal effect on fibrosis with no convincing demonstration of a worsening of fibrosis, a conclusion contrary to what individual studies have claimed. Some insulin sensitizing drugs and anti-obesity surgery significantly improved steatosis, while most did not significantly impact on fibrosis or activity. CONCLUSIONS: Sampling variability of liver biopsy is an overlooked confounding factor that should be considered systematically when interpreting histological progression in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Comparative study between nadolol and 5-isosorbide mononitrate vs. endoscopic band ligation plus sclerotherapy in the prevention of variceal rebleeding in cirrhotic patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: After variceal bleeding, cirrhotic patients should receive secondary prophylaxis. AIM: To compare nadolol plus 5-isosorbide mononitrate (5-ISMN) with endoscopic band ligation. The end points were rebleeding, treatment failure and death. METHODS: One hundred and nine cirrhotic patients with a recent variceal bleeding were randomized: nadolol plus 5-ISMN in 57 patients and endoscopic band ligation in 52 patients. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 17 and 19 months in nadolol plus 5-ISMN and endoscopic band ligation groups, respectively. No differences were observed between groups in upper rebleeding (47% vs. 46%), variceal rebleeding (40% vs. 36%), failure (32% vs. 22%), major complications (7% vs. 13.5%) and death (19% vs. 20%), respectively. The actuarial probability of remaining free of rebleeding, failure and deaths were similar in both groups. Time to rebleeding shows that endoscopic band ligation patients had an early rebleed, with a median of 0.5 month (95% CI: 0.0-4.2) compared with patients from nadolol plus 5-ISMN, 7.6 months (95% CI: 2.9-12.3, P < 0.013). Multivariate analysis indicated that outcome-specific predictive factor(s) for rebleeding was Child A vs. B + C (P < 0.01); for failure was Child A vs. B + C (P < 0.02); and for death ascites (P < 0.01) and rebleeding (P < 0.02). CONCLUSION: This trial suggests no superiority of endoscopic band ligation over nadolol plus 5-ISMN mononitrate for the prevention of rebleeding in cirrhotic patients.

[Isosorbide-5-mononitrate in the prevention of digestive hemorrhage in cirrhosis: randomized study]. / 5 mononitrato de isosorbide en la prevención de la hemorragia digestiva en cirrosis: estudio randomizado.

Isosorbide 5-mononitrate (5MI) is a preferential venous dilator that has been shown to decrease portal pressure in acute and long-term haemodynamic studies, and this is not associated with adverse effects on hepatic perfusion. The aim of this trial was to investigate the efficacy and safety of 5MI in the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients. Forty two cirrhotic patients with F2 or F3 esophageal varices showing "red signs" and who had never bled were included and randomly y assigned to receive either 5MI (group I,n23) or placebo (group P,n19). Patients with hepatocarcinomas or complications potentially lethal in the short-term or who were being given drugs such as steroids or interferon were excluded. The end points of the study were bleeding and death. There were no significant differences between the groups in the basal clinical and laboratory data. The mean +/- SD follow-up time was 49 +/- 36 and 43 +/- 25 weeks in the groups I and P, respectively. The percentage of patients free of bleeding 61 weeks after inclusion in the study was 62.4% in the group I and 46.3% in the group P (NS). The percentage of patients surviving 85 weeks after inclusion in the study was 81.2% in the group I and 39.8% in the group P (NS). Treatment did not have to be stopped in any patient of both groups because of side effects. In conclusion, 5MI is a safe drug for the chronic management of portal hypertension, that showed a trend to reduce the risk of bleeding and death in cirrhosis with large esophageal varices.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ascites due to hypothyroidism in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis.

Myxedema is the cause of ascites in less than 1% of new-onset ascites cases, where as only 4% of patients with hypothyroidism present ascites. When ascites is the first manifestation of thyroid insufficiency, there is usually a delay in diagnosis. We report here a case of myxedema ascites occurring in a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis, that was first thought to be the cause of the ascites, and review the features of 48 cases previously reported. Some clinic and analytical findings that have been commonly reported, are the long duration of the ascites before diagnosis, the prompt response (with resolution of ascites) to thyroid replacement treatment, a high total protein concentration in ascites fluid, white moderate white blood cell counts and a lymphocyte predominance. Serum-ascites albumin gradient has been postulated to be high in myxedema ascites, but we believe this has been studied in too few cases thus far, to be conclusive.

[Upper digestive hemorrhage in liver cirrhosis: clinical and endoscopic findings]. / Hemorragia digestiva alta en la cirrosis hepática: hallazgos clínicos y endoscópicos.

There are different opinions in respect to the main sources in upper gastrointestinal bleeding in hepatic cirrhosis. Some authors claim that ruptured esophageal varices are the cause of most of the hemorrhages. Recently, characteristic lesions have been showed in the gastric mucosa in portal hypertension (congestive gastropathy), and many believe that they are frequently the origin of the bleeding. We reviewed the records of 195 episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhosis, with endoscopy performed within 12 hours of entry, and report here the endoscopic findings and the bleeding sites. We also investigated the relation between the etiology and functional class of the hepatic disease and the bleeding source. We observed variceal hemorrhage in 52.2% of cases; by gastroduodenal mucosal lesions in 13.8%; by gastric and duodenal ulcers in 13.8%; undetermined origin in 14.8% (due to coexistence of two or more lesions, without active bleeding). We found no differences between alcoholic and nonalcoholic cirrhotics in the bleeding sources. Furthermore, the bleeding sites were not different either in child A, B and C patients. In contrast, in major hemorrhages, esophageal varices were more frequently the origin (73.5%) than in minor ones (40.4%) (p < 0.002). The mortality was significantly higher in CHild C group (25%), than in groups B (14.3%) and A (2.3%) (p < 0.05 and p < 0.002, respectively). We recommend to carry out early endoscopy in every cirrhotic patient suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding, by skilled performers who are able to recognize the gastric red signs, before making a decision about potentially dangerous therapeutic measures, such as surgery, balloon tamponade, etc.

[Interferon alfa in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: course of 24 versus 48 weeks. Results of a randomized trial]. / Interferon alfa en el tratamiento de la hepatitis crónica C: curso de 24 versus 48 semanas. Resultados de un estudio randomizado.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this trial was to investigate if a more prolonged course of interferon (IFN) is able to increase the long-term benefit in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Forty-four patients with active chronic hepatitis and antibodies to HCV were randomly assigned to receive IFN-alfa 2b 3 MU t.i.w. during 24 weeks (group I, n 23) or during 48 weeks (group II, n 21). In the evaluation of results, complete response was considered when the ALT values returned to normality during the treatment; and sustained response, when the ALT values persisted below normal range during at least 6 months post therapy. Histologic changes were compared by using the Histological Activity Index, or Knodell score. Viremia status was evaluated for the study of HCV RNA (by nested-RT-PCR). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between both groups before treatment, in terms of age, sex, ALT, or histologic findings (11 patients in group I, and 7 in group II had cirrhosis). Complete response was found in 9 patients (39.1%) from group I; in 11 (52.4%) from group II (NS). Basal histologic findings were identified as the only predictive factor of complete and sustained response, by logistic regression analysis. Considering only noncirrhotic patients, complete response was seen in 58.3% in patients from group I, 71.4% in group II. Sustained response was obtained in 4 patients from group I, (17.4%), 7 from group II (33.3%) (NS). Post IFN liver biopsies were performed in 23 patients (12 from group I, 11 from group II). In group I patients, there were no significant changes. In group II, Knodell score was found to be significantly decreased post IFN [pre IFN, median 10, range 3-15; post IFN, median 6, range 2-14] (p < 0.05). HCV RNA was absent in serum during the follow-up post IFN in 2 patients from group I, in 3 from group II. The results of this study show that a 48 weeks course of IFN has a trend to achieve a higher sustained response than the usual regime (but non significant); and it produces a decrease in the histologic activity. The best predictive factor of positive response was the absence of cirrhosis in our study (although we did not evaluate viral factors, such as genotypes or HCV viremia levels).

Structural and functional reorganization of working memory system during the first decade in schizophrenia. A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Progressive atrophy occurs in brain regions involved in the working memory network along the schizophrenia's course, but without parallel evolution of working memory impairment. We investigated the functional organization inside this network at different stages of the disease. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with schizophrenia (16 with long disease duration (>60 months) and 12 with short disease duration (<60 months)) and eleven healthy controls underwent structural and functional MRI during an n-back task to determine atrophy and activation patterns. RESULTS: At similar n-back performances and relative to short disease duration patients, long disease duration patients activated more frontal temporal parietal and frontal network during 0-back and 1-back tasks respectively. n-back scores were correlated to atrophy in the frontal-temporal areas. DISCUSSION: Functional reorganization in the working memory network may play a compensatory role during the first ten years of schizophrenia.

[Anterolateral thigh flap. Retrospective study]. / Le lambeau antérolatéral de cuisse. Etude rétrospective.

The anterolateral thigh flap is a cutaneous or fasciocutaneous perforator flap, extensively used in China, Japan, Taiwan (Demirkan et al., 2000; Kimata et al., 1997; Koshima et al., 1993; Luo et al., 1999) but infrequently in Europe, probably because of variations in origin and course of the cutaneous perforators rending its use apparently less reliable. This study is about 13 anterolateral thigh flaps performed between November 1, 1998, and December 30, 2002, on 13 patients, four women, nine men. Among these 13 flaps, 11 were free flaps, two were pedicled flaps. The surgical procedure was decided because of loss of soft tissue localised in: floor of the mouth (2 flaps), limb (9 flaps), inguinal-illiac region (2 flaps). The mean age of patients was 47.7 years (ext. 23 years and 69 years). The quality of the result was evaluated by the surgeon as good or very good, fair or bad. The function of the donor site was evaluated by questionnaire of the patient and physical examination of knee extension. Three free flaps were re-explored because of venous thrombosis, one of them necrosed. No functional impairment was found. The result was evaluated by the surgeon as good or very good in 11 cases, fair for one case, "bad" in the case were the flap was lost. The results of the reconstructive procedure using the anterolateral thigh flap are satisfying. This flap is reliable if the surgical technique is strictly applied.

[The relation of the short radial extensor muscle of the wrist with the deep branch division of the radial nerve. Its significance in the physiopathology of elbow pain]. / Les rapports du muscle court extenseur radial du carpe avec la branche de division profonde du nerf radial. Intérêt dans la physiopathologie des épicondylalgies.

Since Roles and Maudsley's publication, in 1972, it has been admitted that the entrapment of the posterior interosseous nerve (PION) is a possible cause of lateral elbow pain. In the radial tunnel, at least 4 or 5 compressive structures have been described. The arcade of Frohse is a well known compressive cause while the medial edge of the extensor radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle is less frequently incriminated. An anatomic study of 45 supper limbs from 40 cadavers was performed to analyse the relations between the medial edge of the ECRB and the PION. The medial edge of the ECRB was a real fibrous arch in 43 cases (95%). It crossed over the PION in 42 cases, 9 mm more proximally than the arcade of Frohse. So the relationships between the ECRB and PION are very close in 93% of cases. The proximal edge of the supinator muscle was fibrous in 40% of cases but always supple. These findings suggest that the ECRB is a possible cause of PION entrapment. Its role is underestimated in pathology. The frequent association between lateral epicondylitis and PION compression can be explained by the presence of this fibrous structure. Lateral elbow pain must be considered as a regional pathology. The treatment has to deal with every pathological aspect.

[Chondroblastoma of the temporomandibular region. Review of the literature apropos of a case]. / Chondroblastome de la région temporo-mandibulaire. Revue de la littérature à propos d'un cas.

A case of chondroblastoma of the temporomandibular area in a 56 years old female patient is presented. We proposed a discussion about clinical, histological diagnosis and therapy.

[Microvascular mandibular reconstruction and implantology. A study of the stability of long-term results, apropos of 2 cases followed for 8 years]. / Reconstruction mandibulaire microvascularisée et implantologie. Etude de la stabilité des résultats à long terme, à propos de deux cas suivis à 8 ans.

The objective of this study was to determine the long term stability of implants on mandibles reconstructed by microvascular bone transfer. We present two cases of mandible reconstruction, the first one was performed after tumor resection and the second one after gunshot injury. The reconstructions were performed by iliac crest osseous and osteocutaneous free flaps and the mean follow-up period was 8 years. The implant was an IMZ Titanium and a classic prosthetic system was used. No complication was observed (mucous ulceration, infiltration around the implant), and the feared friction phenomenon between the neo mucosa and the reconstructed bone has not been a problem for long term follow-up.

[Congenital stenosis of the piriform aperture: a cause of respiratory distress in newborn infants. Review of the literature, from 2 cases]. / Sténose congénitale de l'orifice piriforme: une cause de détresse respiratoire du nouveau-né. Revue de la littérature, à partir de deux observations.

Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis is a rare cause of neonatal airway obstruction. Computed tomography confirms the diagnosis and delineates the anomaly. This abnormality can be isolated or associated with abnormalities of the midface. The two options are surgical or medical treatment. The surgical treatment usually used is a surgical enlargement of the nasal pyriform aperture via a sublabial approach. We report 2 cases of congenital nasal stenosis treated successfully by an inter-maxillary disjunction followed by an expandable palatal plate. This simple and low morbidity technique allowed a durable transversal augmentation of the pyriform apertures.

Reverse first dorsal metatarsal artery adipofascial flap.

An adipofascial flap distally based on the first dorsal metatarsal artery is described. This flap was used successfully in three cases with skin defects of the distal foot. The advantages of this flap are minimal donor site morbidity and its applicability for larger defects. The surgical technique is described, and indications, advantages, and disadvantages of the method are discussed and compared with the distally based first dorsal metatarsal artery fasciocutaneous flap. The reverse first dorsal metatarsal artery adipofascial flap offers a new solution for reconstruction of distal foot defects.

[Anterolateral thigh free flap. Surgical technique]. / Le lambeau libre antéro-latéral de cuisse. Technique chirurgicale.

The anterolateral thigh free flap is a cutaneous or fasciocutaneous flap vascularised by one or several perforating arteries arising from the descending branch of the lateral circonflex femoral artery. Venous drainage occurs via the perforators or a similar route to the deep femoral system or the femoral vein. This flap is commonly used in Asia (China, Japan) where for certain teams, it replaces the classical radial forearm flap or the rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for the reconstruction of head and neck defects after tumor ablation. We briefly describe the anatomy and vascularization of this flap and present the harvesting technique as well as the properties of the flap.