Proxy indicators to estimate appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions by general practitioners: a proof-of-concept cross-sectional study based on reimbursement data, north-eastern France 2017.

BackgroundIn most countries, including France, data on clinical indications for outpatient antibiotic prescriptions are not available, making it impossible to assess appropriateness of antibiotic use at prescription level.AimOur objectives were to: (i) propose proxy indicators (PIs) to estimate appropriateness of antibiotic use at general practitioner (GP) level based on routine reimbursement data; and (ii) assess PIs' performance scores and their clinimetric properties using a large regional reimbursement database.MethodsA recent systematic literature review on quality indicators was the starting point for defining a set of PIs, taking French national guidelines into account.

Identification of TGFβ signatures in six murine models mimicking different osteoarthritis clinical phenotypes.

Objective: TGFβ is a key player in cartilage homeostasis and OA pathology. However, few data are available on the role of TGFβ signalling in the different OA phenotypes. Here, we analysed the TGFβ pathway by transcriptomic analysis in six mouse models of OA.

Pulmonary embolism in COVID-19 patients: a French multicentre cohort study.

Aims: While pulmonary embolism (PE) appears to be a major issue in COVID-19, data remain sparse. We aimed to describe the risk factors and baseline characteristics of patients with PE in a cohort of COVID-19 patients.

Methods And Results: In a retrospective multicentre observational study, we included consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

Artificial intelligence to predict clinical disability in patients with multiple sclerosis using FLAIR MRI.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to create an algorithm that combines multiple machine-learning techniques to predict the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score of patients with multiple sclerosis at two years solely based on age, sex and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI data.

Materials And Methods: Our algorithm combined several complementary predictors: a pure deep learning predictor based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) that learns from the images, as well as classical machine-learning predictors based on random forest regressors and manifold learning trained using the location of lesion load with respect to white matter tracts. The aggregation of the predictors was done through a weighted average taking into account prediction errors for different EDSS ranges.

Adverse Drug Reactions in Patients with CKD.

Background And Objectives: Little is known about the burden of adverse drug reactions in CKD. We estimated the incidence of overall and serious adverse drug reactions and assessed the probability of causation, preventability, and factors associated with adverse drug reactions in patients seen by nephrologists.

Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: The Chronic Kidney Disease-Renal Epidemiology and Information Network cohort included 3033 outpatients (65% men) with CKD and eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.

Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages (ERIC) versus conventional stent retrievers for thrombectomy: a propensity score-based analysis.

Background: The Embolus Retriever with Interlinked Cages (ERIC) is one of the latest devices for thrombectomies. It has several architectural features that are supposed to enhance its ability to remove clots and prevent distal emboli. We aimed to compare ERIC with standard stent retrievers (SRs) using propensity score (PS) matching.

Phenotype and Outcomes of Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a rare and largely unknown complication of NF1. To describe characteristics and outcomes of PH-NF1. We reported the clinical, functional, radiologic, histologic, and hemodynamic characteristics, response to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-approved drugs, and transplant-free survival of patients with PH-NF1 from the French PH registry.

Thyroxine Threshold Is Linked to Impaired Outcomes in Preterm Infants.

Transient hypothyroxinaemia of prematurity (THOP) presents as decreased free thyroxine without an increase in thyroid stimulating hormone. Thyroxine availability is important in case of premature birth, and THOP could be associated with impaired adaptation to extra-uterine life but the association of thyroxine level and clinical status has not yet been clearly defined. To defined a free thyroxine threshold likely associated with neonatal clinical impairment and outcomes at age three years.

Assessment of antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric care units in a regional university hospital.

Objectives: The main objective was to assess the relevance of antibiotic prescriptions in the pediatric wards of a regional university hospital in France. Secondary objectives were to assess adequacy of the dose, administration frequency, administration route, treatment duration, adaptation to bacteriological results, and treatment reevaluation.

Patients And Methods: We assessed antibiotic prescriptions in pediatric settings.

Prospective assessment of reproducibility of three-dimensional ultrasound for fetal biometry.

Purpose: To compare fetal ultrasound measurements performed by two observers with different levels of experience and evaluate the potential contribution of the use of three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound on repeatability, reproducibility and agreement of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D-derived measurements.

Materials And Methods: Two observers (one senior and one junior) measured head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) in 33 fetuses (20 to 40 weeks of gestation). Each observer performed two series of 2D measurements and two series of 3D measurements (i.

Ketogenic diet: a pharmaceutical guide for the management of drug therapy in the pediatric population.

For a ketogenic diet to be effective, strict control of carbohydrate intake is paramount. Factors such as medications may upset this delicate balance. The aim of this commentary is to provide physicians who are treating patients with a ketogenic diet, with a step-by-step guide.

Phenotype and outcome of pulmonary arterial hypertension patients carrying a mutation.

Introduction: mutation causes small patella syndrome (SPS) and/or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The characteristics and outcomes of PAH associated with mutations are largely unknown.

Methods: We report the clinical, functional, radiologic, histologic and haemodynamic characteristics and outcomes of heritable PAH patients carrying a mutation from the French pulmonary hypertension (PH) network.

New OFSEP recommendations for MRI assessment of multiple sclerosis patients: Special consideration for gadolinium deposition and frequent acquisitions.

Purpose: New multiple sclerosis (MS) disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), which exert beneficial effects through prevention of relapse, limitation of disability progression, and improvement of patients' quality of life, have recently emerged. Nonetheless, these DMTs are not without associated complications (severe adverse events like. progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy).

Detection of anti-domain I antibodies by chemiluminescence enables the identification of high-risk antiphospholipid syndrome patients: A multicenter multiplatform study.

Background: Classification of the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) relies predominantly on detecting antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs). Antibodies against a domain I (DI) epitope of anti-β2glycoprotein I (β2GPI) proved to be pathogenic, but are not included in the current classification criteria.

Objectives: Investigate the clinical value of detecting anti-DI IgG in APS.

The convergent procedure: a hybrid approach for long lasting persistent atrial fibrillation ablation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart failure and all-cause mortality. The Cox-Maze procedure is the most effective approach to ablate persistent AF but presents a significant morbidity and mortality. Additionally, the classical endocardial ablation approach has limited efficacy to treat long lasting persistent AF.

The (non-)sense of detecting anti-cardiolipin and anti-β2glycoprotein I IgM antibodies in the antiphospholipid syndrome.

Background: The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterized by thrombosis and/or pregnancy morbidity with the persistent presence of lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anti-cardiolipin (aCL) and/or anti-β2glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI) antibodies of the immunoglobulin G/immunoglobulin M (IgG/IgM) isotype. However, the role of aCL and aβ2GPI IgM as a serologic marker in APS is debated.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the diagnostic and clinical value of IgM antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in APS within the classification criteria.

Understanding Patients' Perspectives and Educational Needs by Type of Osteoporosis in Men and Women and People with Glucocorticosteroid-Induced Osteoporosis: A Qualitative Study to Improve Disease Management.

The aim of the study was to investigate similarities and differences in health beliefs, experiences and educational needs by type of osteoporosis (OP), particularly in people with glucocorticoid-induced OP (GIOP) and men. A qualitative study was conducted via focus groups involving post-menopausal women with or without osteoporotic fractures, osteoporotic men and people with GIOP. Fifty-three participants were included in eight groups.

Immunosuppression and Graft Rejection in Living-related HLA-identical Renal Transplantation: The RADOVFULL Study.

Background: We aimed to describe the immunosuppressive regimens and graft rejection rates in living-related HLA-identical (LR HLAid) renal transplantation.

Methods: We performed a retrospective multicenter analysis of the French national database for LR HLAid renal transplantations performed between 2002 and 2012. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine risk factors for graft rejection in LR HLAid recipients.

Sustained Progression-Free Survival Benefit of Rituximab Maintenance in Patients With Follicular Lymphoma: Long-Term Results of the PRIMA Study.

Purpose: The PRIMA study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00140582) established that 2 years of rituximab maintenance after first-line immunochemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with follicular lymphoma compared with observation. Here, we report the final PFS and overall survival (OS) results from the PRIMA study after 9 years of follow-up and provide a final overview of safety.

Obinutuzumab combined with lenalidomide for relapsed or refractory follicular B-cell lymphoma (GALEN): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2 study.

Background: Lenalidomide plus rituximab is approved to treat patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. Obinutuzumab has been shown to enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, and direct B-cell killing better than rituximab. Our aim was to determine the activity and safety of lenalidomide plus obinutuzumab in previously treated patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma.