Jacques Bessereau

Ticagrelor versus prasugrel in diabetic patients with an acute coronary syndrome. A pharmacodynamic randomised study.

Optimal P2Y12 receptor blockade is critical to prevent ischaemic recurrence in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to compare the level of platelet reactivity (PR) inhibition achieved by prasugrel and ticagrelor loading dose (LD) in diabetic acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing PCI. We performed a single-center prospective open-label randomised trial. Patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing PCI for an ACS were randomised to receive prasugrel 60 mg or ticagrelor 180 mg. The primary endpoint of the study was the level of platelet reactivity (PR) assessed between 6 and 18 hours post-LD using the VASP index. We randomised 100 diabetic patients undergoing PCI for an ACS. No difference was observed in baseline characteristics between the two groups. In particular, the rate of patient receiving insulin therapy was identical (25 vs 28.6%; p =0.7). Ticagrelor achieved a significantly lower PR compared to prasugrel loading dose (17.3 ± 14.2 vs 27.7 ± 23.3%; p=0.009). In addition the rate of high on-treatment platelet reactivity, defined by a VASP ≥50%, tend to be lower in the ticagrelor group although the difference did not reach statistical significance (6 vs 16%; p=0.2). The rate of low on treatment PR was identical (60 vs 54%; p=0.8). The present study demonstrates that ticagrelor LD is superior to prasugrel LD to reduce PR in ACS patients with diabetes mellitus. Whether the higher potency of ticagrelor could translate into a clinical benefit should be investigated.

Treatment of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw: the case against the use of hyperbaric oxygen.

M t t p e b l ancer places a major burden on the health care ystem worldwide. It accounts for about 7.9 million eaths every year or 13% of all deaths worldwide World Health Organization, 2007). Head and neck ancers include cancers originating in the oral cavity, he oropharynx, the hypopharynx, and the larynx. he global annual incidence of these cancers is about 50,000 new cases and they cause 300,000 deaths per ear in the world. In France, they are responsible for 2% and 1.6% of cancer-related deaths in male and emale patients, respectively. The 5-year crude surival of patients may be no more than 30%, with imited gain in the previous 3 decades. Radiotherapy s a well-established treatment for these cancers. The andible is the most common site of radiationnduced tissue damages after treatment of head and eck cancer, with an incidence of 5% to 15% of ases. Postradiotherapy osteoradionecrosis (ORN) f the jaw was first published by Regaud in 1922. ight decades later, the treatment of ORN is still not onsensual for several reasons. First, the terminology nd definition of ORN varied greatly across studies. econd, the therapeutic strategies varied also greatly cross studies, including trials of surgery alone, of yperbaric oxygen therapy alone, and of combined reatments. Third, the quality of the studies was genrally poor with very limited data from randomized ontrolled studies.

Ultrasound to confirm gastric tube placement in prehospital management

BACKGROUND In emergency medicine, the gastric tube (GT) has many purposes, however in prehospital settings, the only indication is gastric decompression. To date, there is lack of recommendation on the diagnostic methods to verify correct GT placement in prehospital. The aim of this study is to estimate diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in confirming gastric tubes placement in a prehospital setting. METHOD This was a prospective multicentre study conducted in two French towns (Marseille and Grasse) over a one-year period from May 2010 to May 2011. RESULTS One hundred and thirty patients were included in the study with an M/F sex ratio of 77/53 and a mean age of 55.7±19.8 years. The GT position was confirmed by ultrasound, with direct visualization in the gastric area in 116 of the 130 patients. In 14 cases, the ultrasound failed to visualize the tip of the GT; these results were due in 2 cases to gas interposition and in 12 cases the GT was shown by final X-ray to be located in the end of the oesophagus. Direct visualization by ultrasound thus has a sensitivity of 98.3% [94-99.5] and a specificity of 100% [75.7-100], a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 85.7%, Youdens index of 0.98. GT size affects ultrasound visualization; the larger the GT, the easier it is to see. CONCLUSION Bedside ultrasound thus appears to constitute an effective and reliable diagnostic procedure for confirming correct gastric tube placement in prehospital settings.

Biological efficacy of a 600 mg loading dose of clopidogrel in ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Optimal platelet reactivity (PR) inhibition is critical to prevent thrombotic events in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to determine the relationship between high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) following a 600 mg loading dose (LD) of clopidogrel. We performed a prospective monocentre study enrolling patients on clopidogrel undergoing PCI. The VASP index was used to assess PR inhibition after clopidogrel LD. HTPR was defined according to the consensus as a VASP index ≥50%. The present study included 833 patients undergoing PCI. Most patients had PCI for an acute coronary syndrome (58.7%). The mean VASP index was 50 ± 23% with a large inter-individual variability (range: 1-94%). Patients with a VASP index ≥50% were significantly older (p= 0.03), with a higher body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001), more often diabetic (p=0.03), taking omeprazole (p=0.03), admitted for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and with a high fibrinogen level compared to good responders (VASP <50%). In multivariate analysis BMI, omeprazole use, ACS and high fibrinogen level (p<0.001) remained significantly associated with HTPR. Of importance, in this analysis STEMI was independently associated with HTPR when compared with the other forms of ACS (NSTEMI and unstable angina) with an odd ratio of 2.14 (95% CI: 1.3 -3.5; p=0.003). In conclusion, STEMI is associated with high on-treatment platelet reactivity following 600 mg of clopidogrel. The present results suggest that 600 mg of clopidogrel may not be able to achieve an optimal PR inhibition in STEMI patients undergoing PCI and more potent drugs may be preferred.

Stay and play eFAST or scoop and run eFAST? That is the question!

UNLABELLED The concept that ultrasonography could be interesting in the prehospital setting and during the transfer of traumatized patients is not new. Paradoxically, there is a lack of description of routine use of ultrasonography in emergency ambulances. The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and efficiency of an extended focused assessment sonography for trauma (eFAST) examination performed on-site, during the patients transfer, or both. MATERIALS AND METHODS From February 2010 to June 2012, 30 prehospital emergency physicians were divided randomly into 3 groups. Group 1 performed an ultrasound examination on-site; group 2, during patient transfer; and group 3, in both settings. The eFAST examination was systematically performed in all severe traumas. RESULTS Ninety-eight patients were included. Forty-four eFAST examinations were performed on-site only; 33, only during transport; and 21, in both settings. The feasibility was 95.4%, 93.9%, and 95.2%, respectively, and efficiency, 95%, 97%, and 100%, respectively. There was no significant difference in performance or duration whether the examination was performed on-site, during the transfer, or both (w = 0.68). Last but not least, in 2 cases in group 3, the second examination carried out during transfer showed new results with the occurrence of intraperitoneal effusion in one case and a pleural effusion in the other. CONCLUSIONS The eFAST examination can provide reliable and important information in the initial evaluation of traumatized patients. It can be completed either on-site or during patient transfer. Its feasibility and efficiency are similar to that done in intensive units, especially if the examination is repeated.

Platelet reactivity evaluated with the VASP assay following ticagrelor loading dose in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND The level of platelet reactivity (PR) inhibition obtained after P2Y12-ADP receptor antagonist loading dose (LD) is associated with the ischemic and bleeding risk following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the level of PR inhibition achieved by a 180 mg LD of ticagrelor and the rate of high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) in ACS patients undergoing PCI. METHODS We performed a multicentre prospective observational study enrolling ACS patients undergoing PCI. Patients were included if they were admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction or non ST-elevation ACS. To assess PR, a VASP index was measured at least 6 and within 24 hours following a 180 mg LD of ticagrelor. HTPR was defined as a VASP index ≥50%. RESULTS One hundred and fifteen patients were included: 31.3% of STEMI, 49.6% of NSTEMI and 19.1% of unstable angina. Following ticagrelor LD the mean VASP index was 17±14%. However the response to ticagrelor was not uniform with a small inter-individual variability: inter quartile range: 7.6-22.8% and a rate of HTPR of 3.5%. A high number of patients, 65.6%, had a VASP index <16%. None of the baseline characteristics of the study population was associated with PR. In addition, PR was similar in STEMI, NSTEMI and unstable angina (p=0.9). CONCLUSION In ACS patients the level of PR inhibition achieved by a 180 mg loading dose of ticagrelor is not uniform and the rate of HTPR is 3.5%. A high proportion of patients exhibited a VASP index <16%.

A randomized trial of platelet reactivity monitoring-adjusted clopidogrel therapy versus prasugrel therapy to reduce high on-treatment platelet reactivity

BACKGROUND Peri-procedural platelet reactivity (PR) inhibition is critical in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). High on-treatment PR (HTPR) was associated with recurrent ischemic events in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing PCI. We aimed to compare a strategy of clopidogrel loading dose-adjustment (CDA) according to PR monitoring with standard prasugrel therapy to reduce the rate of patients exhibiting HTPR. METHODS We enrolled 177 ACS patients in a prospective multicentre randomized trial comparing CDA according to PR monitoring and prasugrel therapy. The VASP index was used to measure PR and a VASP ≥ 50% defined HTPR. The primary endpoint of the study was the rate of HTPR on discharge. RESULTS Baseline characteristics of the CDA group (n = 88) and of the prasugrel group (n = 89) were similar. CDA significantly reduced PR and the rate of HTPR compared to a single LD of clopidogrel (30.9 ± 13.9%; p < 0.0001 and 43 to 2.3%; p < 0.001, respectively). Following CDA the rate of patients with HTPR was significantly lower in the CDA group compared to the prasugrel group on discharge (2.3 vs 15.7%; p = 0.005). In addition fewer patients in the CDA group had a VASP < 16% on discharge (14.7 vs 50.5%; p <0.0001). CONCLUSION In the present study, PR monitoring was superior to standard prasugrel therapy to reduce the rate of HTPR in ACS patients. In addition such strategy reduced the number of patients with very low PR.

Commotio cordis as a result of neutralization shot with the Flash Ball™ less- lethal weapon

Commotio cordis (CC) is a well-known cause of sudden cardiac death mainly reported in young patients who are accidentally struck in the left precordium. Clinical spectrumof CC iswide but eventsmainly occurred during sports. We report the first case of a patient who suffered CC related cardiac arrest after being shot with the Flash-BallTM less-lethal weapon. During an intervention by a police patrol, officers encountered a man described as threatening and aggressive. Neutralization shot was attempted with the Flash-BallTM handgun to the required distance of 7 m according to the police officer. The man was struck over the left precordium by a rubber bullet, and collapsed to the ground within few seconds. A mobile intensive care unit was dispatched to the scene. Ten minutes after the call, the medical team arrived on field and found a pulse less 43 year-old man with asystole as initial cardiac rhythm. After 12 min of resuscitation, a return of spontaneous circulation occurred. However, the patient was unstable, with mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg. At this time, inotropic support was undertaken with adrenaline and dobutamine. Physical examination found a large contusion mark on the left precordium. Cardiac auscultation was normal. Twelve lead ECG showed sinus bradycardia with premature ventricular complex (Fig. 1). Pre-admission transthoracic echocardiography found global severe left ventricular hypokinesia and absence of pericardial or pleural effusion (Fig. 2). The patient was

Epidemiology of unintentional drowning in a metropolis of the French Mediterranean coast: a retrospective analysis (2000-2011)

Drowning affects more than 500,000 people worldwide and is responsible for at least 350,000 deaths each year. In France, 1235 drowning resulting in 496 deaths were recorded in the summer 2012. This retrospective study has investigated the epidemiology of drowning in the city of Marseille (South of France) between 2000 and 2011. We identified 449 cases of unintentional drowning. The highest incidence was found among males with a median age of 36 years. The incidence was 5.3 victims per 10,000 inhabitants with a mortality rate of 1.2 per 10,000. These accidents occurred mainly at sea (89%) and during the summer season. A majority of drowning victims (69%) were admitted in a hospital. This is the only study in France to analyse data on drowning throughout the year and over a long period. Drowning is a serious condition burdened by 22% of victims who die.

Safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in mechanically ventilated patients

BACKGROUND To evaluate the epidemiology of patients who require mechanical ventilation during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS One-hundred-fifty patients who required mechanical ventilation during hyperbaric oxygen therapy were prospectively studied during a 6-year period in a French university hyperbaric centre. We analysed the indication of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, agent used for sedation, presence of a chest tube, need for vasopressor agents and tolerance and appearance of side effects. Finally, we compared the outcomes of patients according to the presence or absence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). RESULTS Eleven children and 139 adult patients were included (n = 150) in the study. In both populations, carbon monoxide poisoning (51%) and iatrogenic gas embolism (33%) were the two main causes of intubation and mechanical ventilation. The combination of midazolam and sufentanil was used in 85 (67%) patients. All of the patients were given a bolus of a neuromuscular blocker during the hyperbaric session, despite the presence of ARDS in 35 patients. Patient-ventilator asynchrony was the most frequent side effect in 6 (5%) patients and was often the consequence of suboptimal sedation. Mortality was higher in the group with ARDS (23%). CONCLUSIONS Carbon monoxide poisoning and iatrogenic gas embolism are the two main diseases of the patients who required mechanical ventilation during hyperbaric oxygen therapy in this study. Mechanical ventilation is a safe method for patients during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Sedation needs to be perfected to avoid patient-ventilator asynchrony.