Microbiological diagnosis of suspected vertebral osteomyelitis with a focus on the yield of percutaneous needle biopsy: a 10-year cohort study.

This study aims to evaluate in patients hospitalized for vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) the effectiveness of bacteriological diagnosis and the yield of percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) and to identify factors associated with the result of PNB. This retrospective, two-centre study was conducted between 2000 and 2009. Data on patients with VO were retrieved from the diagnosis database and confirmed by checking medical records.

Gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel until progression or alternating with FOLFIRI.3, as first-line treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma: The Federation Francophone de Cancérologie Digestive-PRODIGE 37 randomised phase II study (FIRGEMAX).

Background: Chemotherapy is effective in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPA), but new approaches are still needed to improve patients' survival and quality of life. We have previously published good efficacy and tolerability results on a sequential treatment strategy of gemcitabine followed by an intensified FOLFIRI (5FU+irinotecan) regimen. In the present study, we evaluated the same sequence but replaced gemcitabine by the new gemcitabine + nab-paclitaxel standard first-line combination.

[Desmoid tumors in an adolescent girl with familial adenomatous polyposis].

Desmoid tumors (DT) are rare and nonmetastasizing fibroblastic neoplasms, characterized by local invasiveness. They occur sporadically or arise in the context of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP; 5-10% of cases). Most cases develop sporadically in young adults, but some cases also occur in children.

Role of patient education in the perception and acceptance of home monitoring after recent implantation of cardioverter defibrillators: the EDUCAT study.

Background: Much attention is being paid to the education of and provision of medical information to patients, to optimize their understanding and acceptance of their disease.

Aims: To ascertain the impact of educating recent recipients of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) on their perception and acceptance of a home monitoring (HM) system.

Methods: Questionnaire 1, completed one month after ICD implantation, was designed to assess: the quality of patient preparation for HM; patient comprehension of HM; and patient anxiety experienced during its installation.

[Acute transverse myelitis and Lyme borreliosis: a case report].

Lyme disease is an infectious disease caused by a spirochete of the Borrelia sensu lato group. Its incidence has greatly increased in recent years. The main vector is a tick of the Ixodes family.

[Nicorandil-induced cutaneous ulceration on a pacemaker implantation wound].

Background: Nicorandil is a potassium-channel activator used to prevent angina. While mucosal ulceration is a well-known adverse effect of this drug, skin ulcers have been described only rarely, and always in association with mucosal ulcers.

Patients And Methods: An 86-year-old woman presented ulceration on a pacemaker implantation scar despite complete initial wound healing.

[Psychological aspects of cancer Information dedicated to patients and relatives].

In response to the evolution of the information-seeking behaviour of patients and concerns from health professionals regarding cancer patient information, the French National Federation of Comprehensive Cancer Centres (FNCLCC) introduced, in 1998, an information and education program dedicated to patients and relatives, the SOR SAVOIR PATIENT program (SSP). The methodology of this program adheres to established quality criteria regarding the elaboration of patient information. Cancer patient information, developed in this program, is based on clinical practice guidelines produced by the FNCLCC and the twenty French cancer centres, the National League against Cancer, The National Cancer Institute, the French Hospital Federation, the National Oncology Federation of Regional and University Hospitals, the French Oncology Federation of General Hospitals, many learned societies, as well as an active participation of patients, former patients and caregivers.