Louis d'Alteroche

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, Centre, France

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Publications (17)44.13 Total impact

  • Article: Sustained virologic response with ribavirin in chronic hepatitis E virus infection in heart transplantation.
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    ABSTRACT: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging problem amongst transplant recipients. We report a patient with chronic HEV hepatitis after a heart transplant. The patient received a 3-month course of oral ribavirin (17 mg/kg/day). HEV RNA became undetectable in the serum after 1 month of treatment and remained undetectable in serum and stool samples until the last follow-up, 2 months after completion of ribavirin therapy. The values of liver function indicators returned to normal reference ranges. The main ribavirin-induced side effect was a significant but well-tolerated anemia. We confirmed that ribavirin may induce a sustained virologic response (4 months after ribavirin cessation) in heart transplant patients with chronic HEV infection. Liver cytolysis is rather common in patients after heart transplantation. Rapid evolution to liver fibrosis lesions and available anti-viral therapy highlight the need to look for HEV infection in heart transplant recipients with unexplained hepatitis.
    The Journal of heart and lung transplantation: the official publication of the International Society for Heart Transplantation 07/2011; 30(7):841-3. · 3.54 Impact Factor
  • Article: Evolutionary history of hepatitis C virus genotype 5a in France, a multicenter ANRS study.
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    ABSTRACT: The epidemic history of HCV genotype 5a is poorly documented in France, where its prevalence is very low, except in a small central area, where it accounts for 14.2% of chronic hepatitis C cases. A Bayesian coalescent phylogenetic investigation based on the E1 envelope gene and a non-structural genomic segment (NS3/4) was carried out to trace the origin of this epidemic using a large sample of genotype 5a isolates collected throughout France. The dates of documented transmissions by blood transfusion were used to calibrate five nodes in the phylogeny. The results of the E1 gene analysis showed that the best-fitting population dynamic model was the expansion growth model under a relaxed molecular clock. The rate of nucleotide substitutions and time to the most recent common ancestors (tMRCA) of genotype 5a isolates were estimated. The divergence of all the French HCV genotype 5a strains included in this study was dated to 1939 [95% HPD: 1921-1956], and the tMRCA of isolates from central France was dated to 1954 [1942-1967], which is in agreement with epidemiological data. NS3/4 analysis provided similar estimates with strongly overlapping HPD values. Phylodynamic analyses give a plausible reconstruction of the evolutionary history of HCV genotype 5a in France, suggesting the concomitant roles of transfusion, iatrogenic route and intra-familial transmission in viral diffusion.
    Infection, genetics and evolution: journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases 01/2011; 11(2):496-503. · 3.22 Impact Factor
  • Article: Comparative study of coagulation and thrombin generation in the portal and jugular plasma of patients with cirrhosis.
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    ABSTRACT: Portal vein thromboses are frequent in cirrhotic patients and may be favoured by hypercoagulability in the splanchnic venous system. The coagulation balance and thrombin generation (TG) were evaluated in platelet-free plasma obtained from portal and systemic blood samples in 28 cirrhotic patients while undergoing transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt. TG assay (TGA) was performed with all samples from cirrhotic patients and with plasma samples from 14 healthy controls, with varying concentrations of tissue factor and phospholipids, with or without thrombomodulin. Screening tests and specific assays were also performed and activated partial thromboplastin time was shorter in portal plasma samples with higher FVIII and lower protein C levels, well correlated with Child-Pugh scores, and higher D-dimers and F1+2 levels However, all TGA parameters were similar in portal and jugular samples, possibly due in part to similar concentrations of factor II and antithrombin in these two sites of plasma sampling. TGA showed lower thrombin peaks and endogenous thrombin potential values in cirrhotic plasma compared to those of healthy controls. Importantly, a resistance to thrombomodulin that well correlated with factor VIII and PC levels, was evidenced in all samples from patients with cirrhosis, and was more significant in those from severely affected cases. This study therefore supports the existence of a relative hypercoagulability in the portal vein of cirrhotic patients that is likely due to protein C/S deficiency and to high FVIII levels.
    Thrombosis and Haemostasis 10/2010; 104(4):741-9. · 5.04 Impact Factor
  • Article: Comparison of liver fibrosis blood tests developed for HCV with new specific tests in HIV/HCV co-infection.
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    ABSTRACT: We compared 5 non-specific and 2 specific blood tests for liver fibrosis in HCV/HIV co-infection. Four hundred and sixty-seven patients were included into derivation (n=183) or validation (n=284) populations. Within these populations, the diagnostic target, significant fibrosis (Metavir F > or = 2), was found in 66% and 72% of the patients, respectively. Two new fibrosis tests, FibroMeter HICV and HICV test, were constructed in the derivation population. Unadjusted AUROCs in the derivation population were: APRI: 0.716, Fib-4: 0.722, Fibrotest: 0.778, Hepascore: 0.779, FibroMeter: 0.783, HICV test: 0.822, FibroMeter HICV: 0.828. AUROCs adjusted on classification and distribution of fibrosis stages in a reference population showed similar values in both populations. FibroMeter, FibroMeter HICV and HICV test had the highest correct classification rates in F0/1 and F3/4 (which account for high predictive values): 77-79% vs. 70-72% in the other tests (p=0.002). Reliable individual diagnosis based on predictive values > or = 90% distinguished three test categories: poorly reliable: Fib-4 (2.4% of patients), APRI (8.9%); moderately reliable: Fibrotest (25.4%), FibroMeter (26.6%), Hepascore (30.2%); acceptably reliable: HICV test (40.2%), FibroMeter HICV (45.6%) (p<10(-3) between tests). FibroMeter HICV classified all patients into four reliable diagnosis intervals (< or =F1, F1+/-1, > or =F1, > or =F2) with an overall accuracy of 93% vs. 79% (p<10(-3)) for a binary diagnosis of significant fibrosis. Tests designed for HCV infections are less effective in HIV/HCV infections. A specific test, like FibroMeter HICV, was the most interesting test for diagnostic accuracy, correct classification profile, and a reliable diagnosis. With reliable diagnosis intervals, liver biopsy can therefore be avoided in all patients.
    Journal of Hepatology 08/2010; 53(2):238-44. · 9.26 Impact Factor
  • Article: Feasibility and long-term evolution of TIPS in cirrhotic patients with portal thrombosis.
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    ABSTRACT: Many researchers consider portal thrombosis (PT) as a contraindication to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the feasibility and long-term prognosis of TIPS in cirrhotic patients, with and without, complete PT. Four hundred and thirty-six consecutive cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension were referred for TIPS, between 1990 and 2004. These patients were divided into two groups according to their portal patency. PT+: 34 patients with complete PT with cavernoma (19) or without (15) cavernoma versus PT-: 402 patients with normal portal patency (308) and partial PT (94). Epidemiological data were compared using the chi and Student's t-tests, and comparative evolution was made from actuarial data using the log-rank test. PT+ patients were more frequently women with viral hepatitis, and TIPS was performed more often for bleeding indications. The TIPS success rate was significantly lower in the PT+ group (79%) than in the PT- group (99.5%) (P<10). Presence of a cavernoma decreased the success rate to 63%. TIPS was always feasible in cases of recent PT and portal cavernoma with an accessible intrahepatic patent portal branch. Early and late outcome and complications were not significantly different between the two groups. Complete PT does not modify TIPS' long-term outcome. Rather than a contraindication, PT should be considered as an indication for TIPS in cirrhotic patients with accessible intrahepatic portal vein. Further randomized studies should be planned in cirrhotic patients with recent PT to better qualify TIPS and anticoagulation indications, respectively.
    European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology 03/2010; 22(9):1093-8. · 1.66 Impact Factor
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    Article: Influence of the HCV subtype on the virological response to pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy.
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    ABSTRACT: The hepatitis C virus genotype is considered to be the most important baseline predictor of a sustained virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The influence of the subtype on the sustained virological response was investigated in patients infected with genotypes 1, 4, 5, or 6. This study was done on 597 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were given pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 48 weeks. The overall rate of sustained virological response in the 597 patients was 37.8%. Univariate analysis indicated that the sustained virological response of patients infected with subtype 1b (39%) tended to be higher than that of patients infected with subtype 1a (30.6%; P = 0.06) and it was similar to those patients infected with subtypes 4a (51.3%; P = 0.12) or 4d (51.7%; P = 0.16). Multivariate analysis indicated that five factors were independently associated with sustained virological response: the age (OR 0.97; 95% CI = 0.95-0.99), absence of cirrhosis (OR: 2.92; 95% CI = 1.7-5.0; P < 0.01), absence of HIV co-infection (OR: 2.08; 95% CI = 1.2-3.5; P < 0.01), low baseline plasma HCV RNA concentration (OR: 1.74; 95% CI = 1.2-2.6; P < 0.01), and the subtype 1b (OR: 1.61; 95% CI = 1.0-2.5; P = 0.04) or subtypes 4a and 4d (OR: 2.03; 95% CI = 1.1-3.8; P = 0.03). In conclusion, among difficult-to-treat genotypes, the subtype 1a is associated with a lower response to anti-HCV therapy than subtypes 1b, 4a, and 4d.
    Journal of Medical Virology 12/2009; 81(12):2029-35. · 2.82 Impact Factor
  • Article: Peritoneovenous shunt after failure of octreotide treatment for chylous ascites in lymphangioleiomyomatosis.
    Digestive Diseases and Sciences 12/2007; 52(11):3188-90. · 2.12 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Autoimmune thrombopenia associated with hepatitis B reactivation (reverse seroconversion) after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].
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    ABSTRACT: We report a case of autoimmune thrombocytopenia associated with acute reverse seroconversion of hepatitis B in a patient who was initially hepatitis B virus surface antigen negative and hepatitis B virus surface antibody positive. Reactivation occurred 9 months after chemotherapy with anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibodies and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for lymphoma had been performed. After non specific polyglobulin injections and treatment with adefovir dipivoxil, thrombocytopenia and viral replication were controlled. Seroconversion for both HBe and HBs occurred at 5 months. Adefovir was stopped 4 months later with no relapse during fifteen months of follow-up. This case shows that patients who have had previous contact with hepatitis B virus should be monitored if they become immunosuppressed, even if anti-HBs were initially present.
    Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique 02/2007; 31(1):97-9. · 0.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Impact of a recall campaign of the rules of the elimination of the injection equipment used for the treatment of hepatitis C in the centre region of France].
    Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique 04/2006; 30(3):492-3. · 0.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: Ophthalmologic side effects during alpha-interferon therapy for viral hepatitis.
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    ABSTRACT: Ophthalmologic side effects have been reported during interferon therapy, particularly retinal lesions and neurovisual impairment. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the nature and the frequency of such lesions during alpha-interferon therapy for viral hepatitis. Between 1995 and 2003, 156 patients treated with standard or pegylated alpha-interferon, with or without ribavirin, had a regular ophthalmologic examination before and during treatment. No patient had signs of retinopathy before treatment. Cotton-wool spots were found in 31 patients and retinal hemorrhage in nine patients during treatment (24% of patients). These lesions remained asymptomatic and disappeared in all patients. A previous history of arterial hypertension (RR 4.60, 95% CI 1.95-10.85), age above 45 years (RR 2.80, 95% CI 1.36-5.85), and use of pegylated alpha-interferon (RR 2.75, 95% CI 1.41-5.38) were significantly associated with retinopathy. Neurovisual impairment was present in 31 patients (20%) before treatment and in 74 patients (47%) during treatment. In conclusion, this study showed that signs of retinopathy and neurovisual impairment were common in patients receiving alpha-interferon therapy but were rarely symptomatic. It suggests that alpha-interferon may usually be continued in asymptomatic patients as long as there is careful fundoscopic examination.
    Journal of Hepatology 02/2006; 44(1):56-61. · 9.26 Impact Factor
  • Article: [A new case of native viral hepatitis E in the center of France].
    Louis D'alteroche, Frédéric Dubois, Yannick Bacq
    Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique 01/2006; 29(12):1298-9. · 0.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: [A French case of native intestinal amibiasis imported from the United Kingdom].
    Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique 01/2006; 29(12):1305-6. · 0.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Severe autoimmune neutropenia and thrombopenia associated with chronic C hepatitis: effect of antiviral therapy].
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    ABSTRACT: We report the case of a 45-year-old man admitted for severe autoimmune thrombopenia and neutropenia associated with chronic viral C hepatitis. After failed, intravenous gammaglobulin and corticosteroid therapy antiviral treatment with interferon and ribavirin was given for one year. Thrombopenia improved progressively during antiviral therapy and worsened after the end of treatment. Neutropenia improved during antiviral therapy. Two years after the end of treatment, serum RNA-HCV was positive, white cell count was normal and platelet count was 77 G/L. In conclusion, these results suggest that antiviral therapy may be useful in patients with auto-immune cytopenia associated with viral hepatitis C infection.
    Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique 04/2005; 29(3):297-9. · 0.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: Disposal of injection material used for the treatment of hepatitis C: comparison with insulin-dependent diabetes and thromboembolism.
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    ABSTRACT: The survey conducted in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region in France in 1999 showed that 38% of patients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) receiving interferon injections in their home were aware of the recommendations concerning the disposal of injection material and that 41% of the needles were discarded with household waste after use. The purpose of our study conducted in the Centre region of France was to ascertain how injection material used by HCV-positive patients for interferon treatment are disposed of in comparison with material used by patients injecting insulin for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for thromboembolism. A questionnaire to be completed by patients was proposed to HCV-positive patients attending hepatogastroenterology clinics in the Centre region hepatitis C network for therapeutic follow-up (N=113 patients) between October 2001-January 2002. The same questionnaire was proposed to patients attending follow-up consultations for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (N=85 patients) or thromboembolism (N=23 patients) between March-June 2002. Significantly more patients stated they were aware of recommendations for disposal of injection material in the HCV group (89%) than in the IDDM (67%) or LMWH (26%) groups (P<0.01). Injection material was discarded with household waste less often by patients in the HCV group (6%) than in the IDDM (32%) or LMWH (29%) groups (P<0.001) and more often collected in a safety box prior to incineration (73% in the HCV group versus 63% and 14% in the IDDM and LMWH groups respectively). The safety box was discarded with household garbage more often by patients in the IDDM (54%) or LMWH (50%) groups than in the HCV group (0%) (P<0.001). Equivalent proportions of the patients said they recapped the needle after use (HCV 83%; IDDM 93%; LMWH 84%). Information concerning use of safety boxes for disposal of injection material should be provided to patients in order to comply with regulatory recommendations on proper disposal of used injection material. Moreover, the habit of recapping needles (89% of all patients in this study) is still widespread.
    Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique 02/2005; 29(1):63-8. · 0.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Sustained virologic response after two months antiviral treatment in two patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C].
    Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique 11/2003; 27(10):946-7. · 0.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: Enteral nutrition during acute pancreatitis: feasibility study of a self-propeeling spiral distal end jejunal tube.
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    ABSTRACT: The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility of enteral jejunal nutrition for acute pancreatitis using a self-propelling spiral distal end jejunal tube. Sixteen consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis in whom Flocare tubes were placed for enteral nutrition were included in this open prospective study. All of them had pancreatic and/or peripancreatic necrosis (Balthazar >=D). The median computed topography index was 5 (range 3-10) and the median Ranson score was 2 (range 0-5). The nasoenteric Flocare tube (spiral distal end) was inserted in the stomach at the bedside. Self progression into the jejunum was assessed by X-ray at 1, 7 and 12 hours and then every 24 hours for 4 days. The rate of successful tube self-placement in the jejunum and the time to successful placement were noted. Insertion was successful in 12 of 16 patients (75%). Treitz's ligament was reached in a median of 12 hours (range 1-96 hours). For the remaining patients, the tube was successfully repositioned under fluoroscopic guidance in 2 and withdrawn in 2, one for oral renutrition and one to change to a weighted jejunal tube. No tube dysfunction or recurrence of pancreatitis occurred during the entire period of enteral nutrition. This study suggests that the nasoenteric Flocare tube can be used effectively and safely in early enteral jejunal nutrition for severe acute pancreatitis, without endoscopic or radiological manipulation.
    Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique 06/2003; 27(6-7):614-7. · 0.80 Impact Factor
  • Article: [Acute pancreatitis related to hemobilia complicating hepatocarcinoma].
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    ABSTRACT: Hemobilia is an rare cause of acute pancreatitis. The most frequent causes are iatrogenic trauma (percutaneous liver biopsy) and hepatic artery aneurysm. To our knowledge, this is the second published case of acute pancreatitis related to hemobilia secondary to hepatocarcinoma complicated cirrhosis in a patient treated with anticoagulants for a mechanical valvular aortic prosthesis. The clinical picture included acute epigastric pain, fever and jaundice. Increased amylase and lipase serum activities, and abdominal CT data confirmed the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Gallstone induced acute pancreatitis was suspected and thus, a cholecystectomy was performed. No bile duct stones were found but a clot was extracted from the extrahepatic bile duct during surgery. Arterial embolization was then performed and repeated 1 and 3 months later for recurrence. The patient was asymptomatic eight months later. Hepatic arterial embolization is an effective haemostatic treatment for hemobilia, even though, in this case treatment had to be repeated because of an anticoagulant therapy.
    Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique 12/2002; 26(11):1051-4. · 0.80 Impact Factor