The elastin peptide VGVAPG increases CD4 T-cell IL-4 production in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung-infiltrating inflammatory cells secrete proteases and participate in elastin breakdown and genesis of elastin-derived peptides (EP). In the present study, we hypothesized that the pattern of T lymphocytes cytokine expression may be modulated by EP in COPD patients.

Methods: CD4 and CD8 T-cells, sorted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected from COPD patients (n = 29) and controls (n = 13) were cultured with or without EP.

Amniocentesis performed for karyotyping after identified ultrasonographic abnormalities: what to expect?

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative risk of identifying fetal chromosomal anomalies after finding ultrasonographic (US) abnormalities in a high-risk population who underwent amniocentesis.

Methods: A retrospective review of a cohort of patients with single pregnancies who underwent genetic amniocentesis was undertaken. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine the best correlations between US findings and chromosomal abnormalities.

Is rapid aneuploidy screening used alone acceptable in prenatal diagnosis? An evaluation of the possible role of ultrasound examination.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to use a factual basis to: (1) determine the number, nature, and probable phenotypic consequences of karyotype anomalies that would probably be missed (structural anomalies, uncommon aneuploidies and mosaic aneuploidies) by rapid aneuploidy screening (RAS), and (2) appraise whether RAS can replace traditional karyotyping when amniocenteses are performed for increased risk of Down's syndrome by maternal serum screening or advanced maternal age in the absence of ultrasound abnormality.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed the indications, results and outcomes of 5,713 consecutive amniocenteses over a 5-year period at a single prenatal diagnosis centre in Paris.

Results: Advanced maternal age and increased Down's risk with maternal serum marker were the most common indications.

Fetal loss after amniocentesis in a series of 5,780 procedures.

Objectives: Counseling on prenatal diagnosis requires accurate knowledge of the associated risks, including fetal loss. The objective of our study was to assess this risk of amniocentesis in a single center with several operators.

Methods: This retrospective analysis concerns only women with singleton pregnancies who underwent amniocentesis between 14(+0) and 23(+6) weeks' gestation.

[Reflection on one case of acute peritonitis due to adjustable gastric banding during pregnancy].

Improving the information delivered to pregnant women with adjustable gastric banding is desirable. Indeed, we report a case of peritonitis on gastric banding due to Klebsiella pneumoniae complicated with fetal death. Then, we discuss the specific risks of infection on the gastric band during pregnancy.