Prevalence of hepatitis G virus RNA in a monocentric population of French haemophiliacs.

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) and hepatitis GB virus (GBV-C) have been reported as possible causes of non-A-E transfusional hepatitis. To assess the prevalence of hepatitis G virus infection in haemophiliacs we retrospectively investigated the presence of viral RNA in 92 patients with and without HCV infection. HGV/GBV-C RNA was reverse transcribed and amplified with primers from the 5' non-coding region of the genome.

Persistent hepatitis C virus RNA replication in haemophiliacs: role of co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus.

In order to evaluate the evolution of transfusional hepatitis C in haemophiliacs, we performed a retrospective study of ALT levels and HCV viraemia with a RNA PCR assay in 57 patients. We found that the vast majority of HCV-infected patients remained viraemic (43/57 = 75%) and higher ALT levels correlated with HCV viraemia. Although indicators of the transfusional viral load (age, severity of haemophilia) and HBV co-infection did not correlate with HCV RNA replication, HIV seropositivity was strongly associated with persistence of HCV viraemia (23/25 = 92% in HIV-positive versus 20/32 = 62% in HIV-negative patients), without any correlation with CD4 counts.

Some aspects of middle molecules toxicity.

Middle molecules can act on several levels of uremic disease. So, this work is a multidisciplinary one with the participation of nephrologists, hematologists and also pharmacologists, chemists and biophysicians. We present here our results on four different toxic effects found with middle molecules: the energy dependant phenomena, the platelet aggregability, the cardiotoxic, and the neurotoxic effects.

"In vitro" inhibition of platelet aggregation by uremic middle molecules.

"Uremic middle molecules" are isolated from the urine of normal subjects and the blood in chronic renal insufficiency treated by hemodialysis. Their action is tested in vitro on platelets aggregation induced by ADP. Some fractions of these middle molecules (fractions 7b, 7c and 7 "fg") are without any effect.

[Effect of acetylsalicylic acid on immunologically induced morphologic changes after experimental lung transplantation (light and electron microscopic study)].

In 3 comparing series the behavior of platelets after experimental lung transplantation was examined in 33 dogs. After allogenic transplantations (21 animals) the ultrastructural findings were pathologic changes of the platelets, such as hyperaggregability with irreversible aggregation prevailing, as well as capillary wall alterations. X-rays showed considerable reduction of functioning parenchyma.

[Appearance of coagulation disorders in the non-healthy newborn infant].

Coagulation abnormalities are particularly frequent in neonatal pathology and justify exploration of hemostasis in the newborn. First of all we established a profile of coagulation in the newborn using our own results and data from the literature. Contrasting with a deficit in numerous factors (II - VII - IX - X - XI - and XII), overall coagulation is normal, or even increased.