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There is a trend towards decentralisation of laboratory tests by means of Point-of-Care testing (POCT). Within hospitals, Belgian law requires a POCT policy, coordinated by the clinical laboratory. There is however no legal framework for POCT performed outside the hospital: no reimbursement, no compulsory quality monitoring and no limits nor control on the prices charged to the patient. Uncontrolled use of POCT can have negative consequences for individual and public health. We propose that POCT outside hospitals would only be reimbursed for tests carried out within a legal framework, requiring evidence-based testing and collaboration with a clinical laboratory, because clinical laboratories have procedures for test validation and quality monitoring, are equipped for electronic data transfer, are familiar with logistical processes, can provide support when technical issues arise and can organise and certify training. Under these conditions the government investment will be offset by health benefits, e.g. fall in antibiotic consumption with POCT for CRP in primary care, quick response to SARS-CoV2-positive cases in COVID-19 triage centres. 1° extension of the Belgian decree on certification of clinical laboratories to decentralised tests in primary care; 2° introduction of a separate reimbursement category for POCT; 3° introduction of reimbursement for a limited number of specified POCT; 4° setup of a Multidisciplinary POCT Advisory Council, the purpose of which is to draw up a model for reimbursement of POCT, to select tests eligible for reimbursement and to make proposals to the National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance ().

PURPOSE: We reported the first described post Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen, Johnson & Johnson) vaccine-induced immune thrombocytopenia (VITT) case outside US. CASE DESCRIPTION: CA young woman without any medical history presented association of deep vein thrombosis and thrombocytopenia at day 10 after vaccine injection. The patient was treated with low-molecular weight heparin at a first medical institution. Twelve days post Ad26.COV2.S vaccination, the patient was admitted at our hospital for neurological deterioration and right hemiplegia. Medical imaging using MRI showed thrombosis of the major anterior part of the sagittal superior sinus with bilateral intraparenchymal hemorrhagic complications. Screening tests for antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4)-heparin by rapid lateral flow immunoassay and chemiluminescence techniques were negative. Platelet activation test using heparin-induced multiple electrode aggregometry confirmed the initial clinical hypothesis. Despite immediate treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, dexamethasone, danaparoid and attempted neurosurgery the patient evolved toward brain death. CONCLUSION: Even though it is an extremely rare complication of vaccination physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion of VITT in patients who received an adenovirus-vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine within the last 30 days with persistent complains compatible with VITT or thromboembolic event associated with thrombocytopenia. The diagnosis should not be excluded if the rapid anti-PF4 immunological nor chemiluminescence techniques yield negative results. An adapted functional assay should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Early treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin and non-heparin anticoagulants is essential as delayed diagnosis and administration of appropriate treatment is associated with poor prognosis.

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SCOPUS: le.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

ObjectivesNew data have emerged from ambulatory and acute care settings about adverse patient events, including death, attributable to erroneous blood glucose meter measurements and leading to questions over their use in critically ill patients. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published new, more stringent guidelines for glucose meter manufacturers to evaluate the performance of blood glucose meters in critically ill patient settings. The primary objective of this international, multicenter, multidisciplinary clinical study was to develop and apply a rigorous clinical accuracy assessment algorithm, using four distinct statistical tools, to evaluate the clinical accuracy of a blood glucose monitoring system in critically ill patients.DesignObservational study.SettingFive international medical and surgical ICUs.PatientsAll patients admitted to critical care settings in the centers.InterventionsNone.Measurements and main resultsGlucose measurements were performed on 1,698 critically ill patients with 257 different clinical conditions and complex treatment regimens. The clinical accuracy assessment algorithm comprised four statistical tools to assess the performance of the study blood glucose monitoring system compared with laboratory reference methods traceable to a definitive standard. Based on POCT12-A3, the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute standard for hospitals about hospital glucose meter procedures and performance, and Parkes error grid clinical accuracy performance criteria, no clinically significant differences were observed due to patient condition or therapy, with 96.1% and 99.3% glucose results meeting the respective criteria. Stratified sensitivity and specificity analysis (10 mg/dL glucose intervals, 50-150 mg/dL) demonstrated high sensitivity (mean = 95.2%, SD = ± 0.02) and specificity (mean = 95. 8%, SD = ± 0.03). Monte Carlo simulation modeling of the study blood glucose monitoring system showed low probability of category 2 and category 3

Introduction This report describes our experience with early complications that occurred in two patients who underwent sutureless aortobifemoral bypass using the EndoVascular REtroperitoneoScopic Technique (EVREST). Report Two patients who underwent EVREST for aortoiliac TASC D lesions experienced a dislocation of the proximal assembly. The first dislocation occurred four hours post-operatively and led to the death of the patient, and the second occurred during surgery and led to open conversion. Conclusion As a result of these serious complications, we recommend the use of anchorage stitches while using an endograft connector in a sutureless aortobifemoral bypass., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Objective This prospective study describes the feasibility and safety of a new clampless and sutureless aortic anastomotic technique used during retroperitoneal laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass in extensive aortoiliac occlusive lesions. This is a case series of a previously published technique, demonstrating wider applicability of the technique. Materials and methods Twelve patients underwent a clampless and sutureless laparoscopic bypass for TASC D aortoiliac occlusive lesions using the EndoVascular REtroperitoneoScopic Technique (EVREST). Dissection of the retroperitoneal space and the infrarenal aorta was performed laparoscopically. A bifurcated graft was inserted into the retroperitoneal space. The main body of the graft was connected on the left side of the aorta by an intra- and extra-aortic covered stent-graft. An aortic clamp was used temporarily on four patients because of excessive bleeding when the connector was deployed. The femoral anastomoses were performed by classic open surgery. Initial technical success, complications, and bypass patency were assessed. Results Median follow-up was 9.3 months. Median operative time was 265 minutes. Median duration of aorto-prosthetic connection was 60 seconds. Thirty-day postoperative mortality was 0%. No major postoperative complications were observed. All grafts were patent at the end of follow-up and there was no early or late disruption of the proximal assembly. Conclusions EVREST greatly facilitates laparoscopic aortic surgery in occlusive disease with no need for suture or clamping of the aorta. This technique performed in a single center on 12 patients, seems to be feasible and safe. It offers the advantages of laparoscopy and those of endovascular surgery, especially in the challenging conditions encountered during aortic laparoscopic surgery. Early experience supports procedural and initial postprocedural safety and demonstrates proof-of-concept for EVREST., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

The classic procedure for aortobifemoral bypass is open surgery. Laparoscopy has been accepted by several authors as a minimal invasive alternative for aortoiliac occlusive disease. The totally retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedure has been described as an alternative to the transperitoneal approach. Whatever the approach, the aortoprosthetic anastomosis is a major difficulty making those techniques unpopular despite obvious advantages for the patients. We report a clampless and sutureless approach for the proximal anastomosis of a totally retroperitoneal laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass using an EndoVascular REtroperitoneoScopic Technique (EVREST). This approach was proposed to a 56-year-old man with severe aortoiliac occlusive disease. There was no indication for endovascular re-vascularization. The patient was placed in a 30° right lateral decubitus position. The dissection of the retroperitoneal space was performed and the infrarenal aorta was exposed. A bifurcated graft was inserted into the retroperitoneal space. Under videoscopic control the prosthetic limbs were brought to the groins. The main body of the graft was connected on the left side of the aorta by an intra and extra aortic covered stent-graft. This connection was performed without the use of an aortic clamp and without suture. The femoral anastomoses were performed by classic open surgery. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

SCOPUS: cp.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

The recent renewed interest in glycemic control has led to a considerable increase in the use of glucose readers, including point-of-care devices. These readers, designed for an out-of-hospital use in diabetic patients, have been introduced in hospitals without adaptation to the specific conditions of intensive care. Because of the numerous possible drug-related and physico-chemical interferences, the accuracy of these readers is not sufficient for strict glycemic control, especially when blood samples are drawn from the fingertip. This review aims to summarize the inaccuracies of this technology as well as the potential room for improvement. © SRLF et Springer-Verlag France 2011., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

The classic procedure for aortobifemoral bypass is open surgery. Since the first totally laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass reported in 1997 by Yves-Marie Dion, laparoscopy has been accepted by several authors as a possible minimally invasive alternative for aorto-iliac occlusive disease. The transperitoneal left retrocolic and retrorenal ways are generally used. The totally retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedure has been described as an alternative to the transperitoneal approach. We report here a totally laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach to performing aortobifemoral bypass. This approach was proposed to a 51-year-old man with aorto-iliac occlusive disease. There was no indication for endovascular revascularization. The patient suffered from 10 metres of bilateral intermittent claudication and lower limb ulcers. During the surgical procedure our patient was placed in a 30-degree right lateral decubitus position. The optical system was first placed in an intra-abdominal position to check the positioning of the trocars in the left retroperitoneal space. The dissection of the retroperitoneal space was performed by CO2 insufflation and by blunt dissection using laparoscopic forceps. The infrarenal aorta was exposed and clamped by laparoscopic clamps. A bifurcated graft was sutured on the left-hand side of the aorta by a running suture. Both prosthetic limbs were tunnelized retroperitoneally to the groin under optical control. The femoral anastomoses were performed by classic open surgery., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

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A 63-yr-old female patient developed a tracheal necrosis after esophageal resection with gastric interposition. We report the anesthetic management of this patient undergoing tracheal repair focusing on an original airway management and ventilation strategy., Case Reports, Journal Article, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

A 37-year-old female originating from Central Africa presented with cardiac failure, aortic insufficiency and aortic root dilatation of supposed dystrophic origin. Left coronary ostial dilatation and dense adhesions between the aorta and the pulmonary trunk at operation were the only unusual features. However, pathological examination evoked a syphilitic disease and serology confirmed luetic infection. The diagnosis and the therapeutic approach are discussed. Syphilitic aneurysms belong to the protohistory of vascular surgery (1), but, in the antibiotherapy era, tracking a syphilitic aneurysm is like fishing for coelacanth. When this pathology mimics a dystrophic aneurysm, diagnosis and therapeutic attitude becomes hazardous and justifies the present report., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

JOURNAL ARTICLE, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

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We studied the effects of pretreatment with either ibuprofen (15 mg/kg), diethylcarbamazine (DEC, 15 mg/kg), or vehicle, on the hemodynamic, hematologic, and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6 responses to a bolus Escherichia coli endotoxin infusion (2 mg/kg) in 21 pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs (n = 7 each group). Hematologic and cytokine data were collected before and 0.5, 1, and 3 h after endotoxin infusion. Endotoxin decreased arterial pressure (P(a)), cardiac output (CO), total leukocyte (WBC) and platelet counts, and increased lactate, TNF-alpha, and IL-6. TNF-alpha levels peaked at 1 h and decreased by 3 h, whereas IL-6 remained elevated. Ibuprofen abolished the endotoxin-induced changes in P(a) and lactate, but did not alter the initial decrease in CO, WBC, and platelets or the increase in TNF-alpha and IL-6. DEC did not alter the response to endotoxin, although the DEC group had higher TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels before endotoxin infusion compared to controls. We conclude that the cardiovascular effects of ibuprofen in the canine model of acute endotoxemia are not due to suppression of the systemic inflammatory response., Journal Article, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Organized by the Belgian Society of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

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We recently observed a 45-year-old patient with a history of psychiatric illness who presented with severe hyperthermia (rectal temperature above 41°C) with intense rhabdomyolysis and liver cytolysis during tetrabenazine therapy for neuroleptic tardive dyskinesia. In addition to tetrabenazine, this patient took lorazepam and two antidepressant drugs: clomipramine, a potent serotonin-reuptake inhibitor, and mianserin. Hyperthermia responded to parenteral sodium dantrolene and oral bromocriptine administration. The significant role of tetrabenazine (a central nervous system dopamine-depleting drug) and the contribution of antidepressants to the mechanism of this neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like hyperthermia are discussed., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

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Organized by the Belgian Society of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

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We explored the effects of balloon filling into the inferior vena cava as a relatively simple and atraumatic method to study the relationship between oxygen uptake (V̇O2) and oxygen supply (DO2) during an acute reduction in blood flow. Via a femoral vein, a Foley catheter was inserted with its balloon placed above the renal veins and filled with fluid for 40 minutes. A fluid challenge with saline was performed before and during the balloon filling. In nine control dogs, the critical DO2 (DO(2crit)) below which V̇O2 started to decline was found at 18.5 mL/kg/min. In nine dogs receiving endotoxin as a bolus of 0.5 mg/kg followed by an infusion of 0.02 mg/kg/min, the DO(2crit) was found at 18.4 mL/kg/min. In seven dogs, increasing doses of endotoxin did not influence DO(2crit). In two dogs, prolonged balloon filling demonstrated the stability and also the reversibility of the model. As the DO(2crit) is much higher on this model than in other studies using acute hemorrhage, six dogs were submitted first to balloon filling and second to hemorrhage. The DO(2crit) was 14.6 mL/kg/min during balloon filling but only 9.0 mL/kg/min during hemorrhage (P < .01). These differences in extraction capabilities are probably due to blood flow redistribution in the present model. Thus, balloon filling in the inferior vena cava represents a relatively atraumatic and reversible model to study the effects of an acute reduction in blood flow on the V̇O2/DO2 relationship. However, the DO(2crit) is significantly higher in this balloon-filling model than in hemorrhagic models. In the present study, effects of endotoxin on the tissues' extraction capabilities could not be demonstrated. In view of the probable effects of balloon filling on the distribution of blood flow, this model might not be suitable to study global changes in V̇O2/DO2 relationships., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

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Out of a total of 31 patients (26 females and five males) there were 24 complete and nine impending pathological fractures. These, treated from October 1985 to September 1987 at the Bordet Institute, were evaluated. Breast cancer was the most frequent underlying disease (66%) followed by lung cancer (12%). Eighteen lesions were treated by endoprosthetic replacement and 15 by an intramedullary fixation device. Bone cement was added to either of these. Satisfactory pain relief was obtained in 82% of the treated areas and restoration of function in 76%. Complications were rare but included one easily resolved superficial wound infection, four deep venous thromboses, movement limited to 21% (seven joints), and the changing of two fixation or reconstruction devices. Median survival time was 6 months; 35% of the patients were still alive after 12 months and 10% after 24 months., Journal Article, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Calbindin-27 kDa immunocytochemical localization was studied concurrently in the pineal organ and retina from human as well as representatives of all vertebrate classes. Calbindin immunoreactivity was demonstrated in retinal cones (but not in rods) and in pineal transducers (cone-like and modified photoreceptor cells, pinealocytes) of a majority of amniotes. In contrast, no labelling was observed in anamniotes, except in retinal cones of the toad. Labelling was distributed through all cellular compartments (outer and inner segments, perikarya, pedicles or processes) of pineal transducers and retinal cones. Intra- and interspecific variations of calbindin contents are discussed., Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Calbindin 28K and calretinin are very similar calcium binding proteins which are both present in the central nervous system (CNS). They respectively bind 4 and 5 Ca++ ions. We have compared by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization their localisation in the brain and the retina. The two proteins are generally expressed in different neurons with a few neurons containing both calcium binding proteins. Calbindin 28K is also present in the endocrine system. We have examined the cellular distribution of calbindin in the pancreatic endocrine cells of chick, rat and human and found variable distribution among the different endocrine cell types. We also describe the presence of calbindin in RINm5F cells, an insulin-producing tumor cell line derived from a radiation-induced rat insulinoma., Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

SCOPUS: re.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published