Poly(2-dimethylamino ethylmethacrylate)-based polymers to camouflage red blood cell antigens.

in Biomacromolecules (2012), 13(4), 1172-80

Poly(2-dimethylamino-ethylmethacrylate) (PDMAEMA) is a cationic polymer when dissolved in a 7.4 pH fluid. Owing to its ionic nature, this polycation interacts with the negatively charged cell membrane ... [more ▼]

Poly(2-dimethylamino-ethylmethacrylate) (PDMAEMA) is a cationic polymer when dissolved in a 7.4 pH fluid. Owing to its ionic nature, this polycation interacts with the negatively charged cell membrane surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The electrostatic self-assembly of PDMAEMA on RBCs membrane can be employed for inducing the formation of a polymeric shield camouflaging blood group antigens on RBCs as a valuable strategy for developing "universal RBCs" for blood transfusion. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the camouflaging ability of PDMAEMA homopolymers and PDMAEMA-co-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers differing in molecular weight and architecture. Surprisingly, the PDMAEMAs caused a partially masking, no masking, and sensitization of the same RBCs population. The MW and architecture of the polymers as well as temperature of PDMAEMA-RBCs treatment influenced the results observed. Herein, the very particular reactivity of PDMAEMAs and RBCs is analyzed and discussed. [less ▲]

Comment je traite une ascite

in Revue Médicale de Liège (2001), 56(12), 809-815

Ascites is the most common of the major complications of cirrhosis. The initial evaluation of a patient with ascites should include a history, physical evaluation and some investigations. Treatment should ... [more ▼]

Ascites is the most common of the major complications of cirrhosis. The initial evaluation of a patient with ascites should include a history, physical evaluation and some investigations. Treatment should consist of treating the underlying liver disease, sodium restricted diet (2 g of Na+/day) and diuretics. This regimen is effective in 90 % of patients. The treatment options for the diuretic-resistant patients include serial therapeutic paracentesis, peritoneovenous shunting, TIPSand liver transplantation. The treatment and prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis which is a frequent and severe complication in cirrhotic patients with ascites is also important. The differential diagnosis with secondary bacterial peritonitisis is essential because the latter usually does not resolve unless patients are surgically treated. [less ▲]

La transmission du virus de l’hépatite C en milieu hospitalier

in Médecine et Hygiène (1999), 57

Prevalence of hepatitis G virus in a haemodialysis unit

in Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica (1999), 62(1), 13-15

Background : Recently, a novel blood-borne virus has been identified and named hepatitis G virus. Transfusion is the main route of transmission. It is known that patients on maintenance dialysis are more ... [more ▼]

Background : Recently, a novel blood-borne virus has been identified and named hepatitis G virus. Transfusion is the main route of transmission. It is known that patients on maintenance dialysis are more susceptible to infections with parenterally-transmitted viruses than the general population. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis G infection in a Belgian dialysis unit. Methods: The entire population of our dialysis unit (82 patients) was tested for the presence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. History of transfusion or renal transplantation coinfections with hepatitis B and C viruses, and serum aminotransferase levels were also tested. Results: Thirteen patients (16%) were found positive for HGV-RNA. Among these patients, 69.2% were infected by the G virus alone, 15.4% were coinfected with B virus, and 15.4% with C virus. All but one patient had a history of transfusion. Ten of the thirteen infected patients (77%) had normal aminotransferase (< 30 UI/l). Three patients had elevated aminotransferase levels (23%); one was coinfected with B virus, one with C virus, and the last one had a diabetes-induced fatty liver infiltration. No liver biopsies were performed. Conclusions :It is concluded that infection with C virus is common among dialyzed patients. This high rate of infection could be related to previous transfusions, but may as well be due to nosocomial transmission. In our series, at least one patient has been contaminated by another road than transplantation or transfusion. Finally, it does not appear clearly that chronic infection with hepatitis G virus induces Liver disease, as defined by elevated aminotransferase level. [less ▲]

Does HCV screening of blood donors affect transmission of hepatitis G virus in dialysed patients?

in Vox Sanguinis (1998), 75(1), 77-77

Hepatitis G virus (HGV) prevalence in a Belgian population of chronic hemodialyzed patients

in Gut (1997), 41(Suppl. 3), 129-130