Hepatocellular carcinoma: A real-life experience in a specialized center in Bogotá, Colombia / Hepatocarcinoma: experiencia de la vida real en un centro especializado de Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent malignant primary liver tumor globally. In 2018, it ranked sixth and represented the fourth cause of death from cancer; the five-year overall survival is 18 %. Most cases of HCC develop in patients with cirrhosis of any etiology, especially because of hepatitis B and C viruses, alcohol, and recently nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Aim: To analyze the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatments, prognostic variables, and survival. Materials and methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted on a cohort of patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and treated between January 2011 and December 2020 at a health care center in Bogotá. The diagnosis of HCC was confirmed radiologically or by biopsy. We analyzed the information descriptively with absolute frequency measures in the case of categorical variables. For continuous variables, the information was summarized with measures of central tendency (mean or median) and their relevant measures of dispersion. Results: We included 152 patients diagnosed with HCC, with a mean age of 69.4 years; 51.3 % were men. The leading cause of HCC was nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which accounted for almost a third of cases (32 %); other causes were alcohol (15 %) and hepatitis C virus (14 %). The median manifestation of the tumor was two nodules with a size close to 4 cm. Besides, 35 % of patients had a BCLC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer) stage with curative options, and 25 % received curative treatment options. The first-line systemic therapy used in this cohort was sorafenib®, used in 35 patients (33.7 %). Survival curves showed that women, Child-Pugh class A, and BCLC stage 0 had higher median survival. Multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of death for males (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.16; confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-3.76), Child-Pugh class B (HR: 2.14; CI 1.16-3.95), and Child-Pugh class C (HR: 7.52; CI 2.88-19.57). Conclusions: NAFLD is the leading cause of HCC in this cohort. A third of patients are diagnosed in early BCLC stages with a curative treatment option, and 25 % are treated with curative therapies. Sorafenib was the first-line therapy in advanced HCC. Overall survival after diagnosis of HCC remains low, being necessary to join forces in the follow-up of patients with cirrhosis to improve these outcomes.

Resumen Introducción: el hepatocarcinoma (HCC) es el tumor hepático primario maligno más frecuente en el mundo: en 2018 ocupó la sexta posición y representó la cuarta causa de muerte por cáncer; la supervivencia global a 5 años es del 18 %. La mayoría de los casos de HCC se desarrolla en pacientes con cirrosis de cualquier etiología, especialmente por virus de la hepatitis B y C, alcohol y, recientemente, por la esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (NASH). Objetivo: analizar las características clínicas, métodos de diagnóstico, tratamientos, variables pronósticas y supervivencia. Metodología: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de una cohorte de pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis atendidos entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2020 en un centro de atención médica de Bogotá, con diagnóstico de HCC confirmado radiológicamente o por biopsia. La información se analizó de forma descriptiva con medidas de frecuencia absoluta en el caso de las variables categóricas; para las variables continuas se resumió la información con medidas de tendencia central (media o medianas) y su respectiva medida de dispersión. Resultados: se incluyeron 152 pacientes diagnosticados con HCC, con edad promedio de 69,4 años, 51,3 % eran hombres. La principal causa de HCC fue el hígado graso no alcohólico (NAFLD), que representó casi una tercera parte de los casos (32 %); otras causas fueron el alcohol (15 %) y el virus de la hepatitis C (14 %). La mediana de presentación del tumor fue de 2 nódulos con un tamaño cercano a 4 cm. El 35 % de los pacientes tenía un estadio BCLC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer) con opciones curativas y el 25 % de los pacientes recibió opciones curativas de tratamiento. La terapia sistémica de primera línea utilizada en esta cohorte fue el sorafenib®, que se utilizó en 35 pacientes (33,7 %). Las curvas de supervivencia mostraron que las mujeres, el estadio Child-Pugh A y el estadio BCLC 0 presentaron mayores medianas de supervivencia. El análisis multivariado evidenció un mayor riesgo de muerte al ser hombre (Hazard ratio [HR]: 2,16; intervalo de confianza [IC]: 1,24 a 3,76), estar en los estadios Child-Pugh B (HR: 2,14; IC: 1,16 a 3,95) y Child-Pugh C (HR: 7,52; IC: 2,88 a 19,57). Conclusiones: el NAFLD es la principal causa de HCC en la presente cohorte, una tercera parte de los pacientes se diagnostica en estadios BCLC tempranos con opción curativa de tratamiento, y un 25 % se trata con terapias curativas. El sorafenib fue la terapia de primera línea en HCC avanzado. La supervivencia global luego del diagnóstico de HCC sigue siendo baja, y es necesario aunar esfuerzos en el seguimiento de los pacientes con cirrosis para mejorar estos resultados.

The behavior of liver diseases in a cohort of Colombian patients with COVID-19 / Comportamiento de las enfermedades hepáticas en una cohorte de pacientes colombianos con COVID-19

Abstract Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome type 2 coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) is receiving the most attention now. The asymptomatic elevation of transaminases is typical in the liver, and liver involvement varies from 14 % to 78 %. The assessment of liver comorbidities is scarce, with prevalence ranging between 2 % and 11 %. Aim: To describe the behavior of a cohort of patients with liver diseases who fell ill with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and methods: This retrospective observational study analyzed the behavior of a cohort of patients with liver diseases who fell ill with COVID-19. Results: 543 patients became ill with COVID-19, of which 300 were women (55.3 %). The median age at diagnosis of liver disease was 52 years. The leading causes of liver disease were nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (49.5 %), cholestatic disease (7.7 %), and hepatitis C and B viruses (6.3 %). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) had a median of 52 U/L (interquartile range [IQR]: 30-98) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 32 U/L (IQR: 23-62). Mortality due to viral infection was 5.7 %, with an incidence rate of 2.9 (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 2-4.2). Conclusions: It is a retrospective study but, until the preparation of the manuscript, it had been the first cohort in Colombia to describe the behavior of liver diseases in patients who become ill with COVID-19. No statistically significant differences were found between the causes of liver disease that confer a higher risk of mortality; however, having decompensated cirrhosis is the only condition related to mortality.

Resumen Introducción: la infección por coronavirus del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave de tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2) concentra la mayor atención en el momento. En el hígado es frecuente la elevación asintomática de transaminasas y la afectación hepática varía del 14 % al 78 %. La evaluación de las comorbilidades hepáticas es escasa, con prevalencias que oscilan entre el 2 % y el 11 %. Objetivo: describir el comportamiento de una cohorte de pacientes con enfermedades hepáticas que presentaron el coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19). Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo que analizó el comportamiento de una cohorte de pacientes con hepatopatías que enfermaron por COVID-19. Resultados: 543 pacientes padecieron por COVID-19, de los cuales 300 fueron mujeres (55,3 %). La mediana de edad al diagnóstico de la enfermedad hepática fue de 52 años. Las principales causas de las hepatopatías fueron esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (49,5 %), enfermedad colestásica (7,7 %), virus de la hepatitis C y B (6,3 %). La alanina-aminotransferasa (ALT) presentó una mediana de 52 U/L (rango intercuartílico [RIC]: 30-98) y aspartato-aminotransferasa (AST) 32 U/L (RIC: 23-62). La mortalidad por la infección viral fue del 5,7 % con una tasa de incidencia de 2,9 (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 %: 2-4,2). Conclusiones: es un estudio de carácter retrospectivo; sin embargo, hasta la elaboración del manuscrito es la primera cohorte en Colombia en describir el comportamiento de las enfermedades hepáticas en pacientes que enferman de COVID-19. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las causas de hepatopatía que confieran un mayor riesgo de mortalidad; sin embargo, tener una descompensación de cirrosis es la única condición que tiene una relación con la mortalidad.

A point-of-care diagnostic test for aquaporin-4 antibody seropositive neuromyelitis optica.

BACKGROUND: Given the need for specialized laboratory techniques, diagnostic testing for serum antibodies to aquaporin-4, a protein associated with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), is not globally accessible. We aimed to evaluate a novel point-of-care, filter paper-based test for serum AQP4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab). METHODS: Adults with AQP4-Ab seropositive NMOSD and seronegative controls (with other central nervous system demyelinating diagnoses) used lancets to place blood drops (∼1 mL) on filter paper cards. Samples were analyzed after an average of 9.4 days using transfected AQP4-GFP HEK293 cells, and results were compared to participants' prior serum AQP4-Ab test results by blinded laboratory staff. RESULTS: Of 40 participants (mean age 53.7 years; 83% female), 25 were cases and 15 were controls. The most common diagnosis of controls was multiple sclerosis (73%). The average NMOSD disease duration was 6.3 years. All AQP4-Ab seropositive participants were on disease modifying therapies at the time of participation. The point-of-care test yielded a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 93% (positive and negative predictive values 95% and 74%). CONCLUSION: This point-of-care AQP4-Ab testing method may become a pragmatic option to diagnose AQP4-Ab seropositive NMOSD in difficult-to-reach settings. This method should be confirmed with other testing parameters and field tested in new populations.

Survival in Patients with Cirrhosis According to Etiology. Retrospective Cohort / Sobrevida en pacientes con cirrosis de acuerdo con su etiología. Cohorte retrospectiva

Abstract Introduction: Cirrhosis is the final stage of chronically progressive liver diseases of various etiologies. It is a common disease, with a variable prevalence in each country. Its peak incidence occurs between 40 and 50 years of age, predominantly in men. Aims: To compare a cohort of patients diagnosed with cirrhosis, evaluate their complications and survival according to etiology, describe clinical and laboratory aspects, and determine the role of a fatty liver. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out with patients who held a specialized hepatology consultation in the center of liver and digestive diseases (CEHYD) in Bogotá, Colombia, between January 2010 and June 2019. Results: We reviewed a total of 1,200 medical records (56.8 % women). There were no statistically significant differences in median survival between groups by etiology, sex, presence or absence of complications, or Child. We noted that the older the age at the diagnosis of cirrhosis, the higher the risk of death; HR 1.04 (95 % CI 1.02-1.075). For each month that follow-up increases, the risk of death decreases by 90 %; HR 0.1 (95 % CI 0.03-0.29). For each month that the follow-up of complications increases, the risk of death is reduced by 2 %; HR 0.98 (95 % CI 0.97-0.99). Conclusions: Survival by etiology was similar in the different groups. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was the leading cause of cirrhosis in this cohort. Efforts should focus on its diagnosis and management in the early stages.

Resumen Introducción: la cirrosis es el estadio final de enfermedades hepáticas crónicamente progresivas de diferentes etiologías. Es una enfermedad frecuente, con una prevalencia variable en cada país. Su pico de incidencia se presenta entre los 40 y 50 años, predominantemente en hombres. Objetivos: comparar una cohorte de pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis, evaluar sus complicaciones y sobrevida de acuerdo con su etiología, describir los aspectos clínicos y de laboratorio, y determinar el papel del hígado graso. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva, en donde se incluyeron pacientes que asistieron a consulta especializada de hepatología en el centro de enfermedades hepáticas y digestivas (CEHYD), en la ciudad de Bogotá, durante enero de 2010 y junio de 2019. Resultados: se revisaron un total de 1200 historias clínicas (56,8 % mujeres). No se evidenció diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las medianas de sobrevida entre los grupos por etiologías, sexo, presencia o no de complicaciones, o Child. Se evidenció que entre mayor edad en el diagnóstico de cirrosis, el riesgo de muerte es mayor; HR 1,04 (IC 95 % 1,02-1,075). Por cada mes que aumenta el seguimiento se reduce el riesgo de muerte en 90 %; HR 0,1 (IC 95 % 0,03-0,29). Por cada mes que aumenta el seguimiento de las complicaciones se reduce el riesgo de muerte en 2 %; HR 0,98 (IC 95 % 0,97-0,99). Conclusiones: La sobrevida por etiología fue similar en los diferentes grupos. La esteatohepatitis no alcohólica (NASH) fue la principal causa de cirrosis en esta cohorte. Se deben orientar esfuerzos a su diagnóstico y manejo en fases tempranas.

Standardized Nutritional Intervention in Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to a Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia / Intervención nutricional estandarizada en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 admitidos en un Hospital en Bogotá, Colombia

Summary Background: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) present an increase in oxidative stress, characterized by the production of reactive oxygen species and a concomitant deficiency of antioxidants. There are multiple defense mechanisms including enzymatic scavengers and non-enzymatic molecules (glutathione and vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc). Methods: In this observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study, we aimed to describe the clinical behavior of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 (those trea ted with a standardized nutritional intervention versus those who received the COVID-19 standard treatment available at the time). A total of 214 medical records of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 who required nutritional intervention were analyzed. Descriptive analyses of continuous and categorical variables were performed, and an ANOVA test was performed for numerical variables. A logistic regression model and a propensity score matching determined the differences between the matched groups. Findings: 33·6% of the patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), 28·5% required invasive mechanical ventilation, and the overall mortality was 19·6%. 44·8% of the patients received the standardized nutritional intervention. There were no statistically significant differences between intervention groups, except for the intervention time, in which the standardized nutritional intervention (days) was identified as a protective factor OR=0·550 (p <0·05; CI=0·324-0·936). Conclusions: This is the first study in Colombia to consider a standardized nutritional intervention in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. Despite not being able to meet the primary objectives, controlled experiments must be carried out to determine the role and possible therapeutic effects of micro and macronutrients in patients with COVID-19.

Resumen Antecedentes: los pacientes con enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) presentan un aumento del estrés oxidativo, caracterizado por la producción de especies reactivas de oxígeno y una deficiencia concomitante de antioxidantes. Existen múltiples mecanismos de defensa que incluyen eliminadores enzimáticos y moléculas no enzimáticas (glutatión y vitaminas A, C, D, E y zinc). Métodos: En este estudio observacional, transversal y retrospectivo, el objetivo fue describir el comportamiento clínico de los pacientes hospitalizados por CO VID-19 (aquellos tratados con una intervención nutricional estandarizada versus aquellos que recibieron el tratamiento estándar COVID-19 disponible en el tiempo). Un total de 214 historias clínicas de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 que requirieron intervención nutricional. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos de variables continuas y categóricas. Se realizó una prueba de ANOVA para las variables numéricas. Un modelo de regresión logística y un emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión determinaron las diferencias entre los grupos emparejados. Resultados: el 33,6% de los pacientes ingresaron en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), el 28,5% requirió ventilación mecánica invasiva y la mortalidad global fue del 19,6%.44 · 8% de los pacientes recibieron la intervención nutricional estandarizada. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos de intervención, excepto por el tiempo de intervención, en el que la intervención nutricional estandarizada (días) se identificó como factor protector OR = 0 · 550 (p <0 · 05; IC = 0 · 324-0 · 936). Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio en Colombia que considera una intervención nutricional estandarizada en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. A pesar de no poder alcanzar los objetivos primarios, se deben realizar experimentos controlados para determinar el papel y los posibles efectos terapéuticos de los micro y macronutrientes en pacientes con COVID-19

Pertinencia de la solicitud del dímero D en pacientes de un servicio de urgencias / Pertinence of D-dimer request in patients in emergency services / Relevância da solicitação de D-dímero em pacientes de um setor de emergência

Introducción. El tromboembolismo pulmonar y la trombosis venosa profunda son urgencias cardiovasculares relativamente comunes, se han descrito diferentes predictores clínicos para la estratificación del riesgo, biomarcadores séricos y pruebas de imagenología. Dentro de los biomarcadores séricos se ha descrito el dímero D. Debido a que la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa es un reto diagnóstico para el clínico, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la pertinencia de la solicitud del dímero D, en el servicio de urgencias de un centro de tercer nivel en la ciudad de Bogotá durante los años 2018-2019. Metodología. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal retrospectivo de pacientes que consultaron al servicio de urgencias, de una clínica de tercer nivel, de la ciudad de Bogotá, durante el periodo 2018-2019. Resultados. Se revisaron 583 historias clínicas, se excluyeron 107 pacientes, con un total final de 474 (57.3% mujeres y 42.6% hombres). De estos, 21 pacientes presentaron estudios positivos (angiotomografía y Doppler venoso). El dímero D presentó un valor predictivo negativo inferior al 50%. Discusión. A pesar de los resultados y de ser un estudio de un solo centro se evidencian las dificultades que tienen los médicos de los servicios de urgencias al momento de solicitar pruebas diagnósticas. Conclusiones. Este estudio evidencia la dificultad que existe en los servicios de urgencias al momento de la evaluación diagnóstica y cómo la solicitud de los paraclínicos tiene que ser un proceso estandarizado, guiado por los motivos de consulta y hallazgos al examen físico, y así no perder las características operativas de las pruebas diagnósticas y su utilidad al momento de la evaluación clínica.

Introduction. Pulmonary thromboembolisms and deep vein thromboses are relatively common cardiovascular emergencies. Various clinical predictors, serial biomarkers and imaging tests have been described for the stratification of the risk. D-dimer has been described within the serial biomarkers. Since venous thromboembolic disease is a diagnostic challenge for doctors, the objective of this study was to assess the pertinence of the D-dimer request in emergency services in a level three center in Bogotá during 2018-2019. Methodology. An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional retrospective study of patients who resorted to emergency services in a level three clinic in Bogotá during 2018-2019. Results. 583 medical records were reviewed, and 107 patients were excluded, with a final total of 474 patients (57.3% women and 42.6% men). Of these, 21 patients had positive studies (angiotomography and venous doppler ultrasound). D-dimer had a negative predictive value of less than 50%. Discussion. Despite the results and it being a study in a single clinic, the difficulties emergency service doctors experience when requesting diagnostic tests can be observed. Conclusions. This study shows the difficulties in emergency services when performing a diagnosis. The request for complementary tests has to be a standardized process guided by the reasons for the consultation and findings from the physical exam, in order not to lose the operational characteristics of the diagnostic tests and their usefulness during the clinical evaluation.

Introdução. Tromboembolismo pulmonar e trombose venosa profunda são emergências cardiovasculares relativamente comuns. Têm sido descritos diferentes preditores clínicos para estratificação de risco, biomarcadores séricos e testes de imagem. Entre os biomarcadores séricos, foi descrito o D-dímero. Considerando que a doença tromboembólica venosa é um desafio diagnóstico para o clínico, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a relevância da solicitação de D-dímero no serviço de emergência de um centro de terceiro nível na cidade de Bogotá ao longo dos anos 2018-2019. Metodologia. Estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal retrospectivo de pacientes que consultaram o serviço de emergência de uma clínica de terceiro nível na cidade de Bogotá, no período de 2018-2019. Resultados. Foram revisados 583 prontuários, excluídos 107 pacientes, totalizando 474 (57.3% mulheres e 42.6% homens). Destes, 21 pacientes apresentaram estudos positivos (angiotomografia e Doppler venoso). D-dímero apresentou valor preditivo negativo inferior a 50%. Discussão. Apesar dos resultados e do fato de se tratar de um estudo só de um centro, são evidentes as dificuldades que os médicos de emergência apresentam ao solicitarem exames diagnósticos. Conclusões. Este estudo mostra a dificuldade que existe nos serviços de emergência no momento da avaliação diagnóstica e como a solicitação dos testes paraclínicos tem que ser um processo padronizado, orientado pelos motivos da consulta e pelos resultados do exame físico, e assim não perder as características operacionais dos exames diagnósticos e sua utilidade no momento da avaliação clínica.

Alteraciones Hepaticas en pacientes con infeccion por VIH en un centro de investigacion en Bogotá Colombia 2009 - 2019 / Hepatic alterations in patients with HIV infection in a research center in Bogotá Colombia 2009 - 2019

Resumen Introducción: Las alteraciones de la bioquímica hepática son frecuentes en los pacientes con infección por VIH, la etiología es variada, la esteatosis hepática es frecuente con una prevalencia estimada del 60% Objetivos: Caracterizar las alteraciones hepáticas en una serie de pacientes con infección por VIH en un centro de investigación de Bogotá Colombia durante el periodo 2009 - 2019. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, observacional de pacientes con infección por VIH que asistieron a un centro de investigación durante los años 2009-2019. Resultados: 94% fueron hombres y 6% mujeres con edad promedio de 44 años, 92,5% de los pacientes presentaba uso de terapia antiretroviral. Las principales hepatopatías fueron la coinfección VIH-Hepatitis C y el hígado graso en iguales porcentajes, 31,3%. El promedio del indice HOMA fue de 2,58. Discusión: Las enfermedades hepáticas son una causa importante de morbimortalidad en pacientes con infección por VIH, las coinfecciones virales y el hígado graso pueden ser muy frecuentes en nuestro medio a diferencia de otros estudios Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio a nivel local en describir las alteraciones hepáticas en pacientes con VIH, las comorbilidades no SIDA, juegan un papel importante dentro de la enfermedad. La hepatitis C continúa siendo una coinfección frecuente en la población VIH.

Abstract Introduction: Alterations in liver biochemistry are frequent in patients with HIV infection, the etiology is varied and includes multiple causes, liver steatosis is one of the most frequent with an estimated prevalence of 60% after the appearance of antiretroviral treatment Objectives: To characterize liver disorders in a series of patients with HIV infection at a research center in Bogotá Colombia during the period 2009-2019. Materials and Methods: Descriptive, retrospective, observational study of patients with HIV infection who attended a disease research center during the years 2009-2019. Results: 67 clinical histories were reviewed, 94% were men and 6% women with an average age of 44 years, 92.5% of the patients had use of anti-retroviral therapy and the diagnosis of HIV was known 11.7 years ago on average. The main liver diseases were HIV-Hepatitis C coinfection and fatty liver in equal percentages, 31.3%. The average HOMA index was 2.58. Discussion: Liver diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV infection. Viral coinfections and fatty liver can be very frequent in our setting, unlike other studies. Conclusions: This is the first study locally to describe the liver disorders in patients with HIV, non-AIDS comorbidities, including fatty liver, play an important role in the disease and could behave like the general population. Hepatitis C continues to be a frequent coinfection in the HIV population.

Thyroid storm and therapeutic plasma exchange. case report / Thyroid storm and therapeutic plasma exchange. Case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Thyroid storm is a life-threatening condition caused by an elevated release of T3 and T4. Its incidence is 0.20/100 000 inhabitants, with reported mortality rates of up to 30%. Due to its refractory nature, few therapeutic options are available, but plasma exchange is considered a potentially useful strategy for its treatment. Case presentation: A 17-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary care institution due to the onset of symptoms approximately 25 days before consultation, consisting of palpitations, dyspnea at rest, orthopnea, chest and abdominal pain, asthenia, adynamia, dizziness, headache, and liquid stools. In addition, the patient had a history of hyperthyroidism treated on an outpatient basis. Thyroid storm was diagnosed considering the symptoms and a score of 65 on the Burch-Wartofsky scale. As a result, the patient was admitted to the hospital, and pharmacological management was initiated, although no improvement was achieved. On the third day of hospitalization, her condition deteriorated and she had a seizure, which led to consider a refractory thyroid storm. This condition was satisfactorily treated with plasma exchange as a bridge therapy prior to emergency thyroidectomy. Conclusion: Plasma exchange therapy allows a rapid removal of thyroid hormones. Although its implementation is not widely disseminated in clinical practice guidelines, there is evidence of a decrease in the risk of perioperative complications and a successful evolution after its use as a bridge therapy before performing thyroidectomy in patients with refractory thyroid storm.

RESUMEN Introducción. La tormenta tiroidea es una afectación orgánica severa que se produce por la liberación de triyodotironina (T3) y tiroxina (T4). Su incidencia es de 0.20 casos por cada 100 000 habitantes y puede conllevar a una mortalidad de hasta el 30%. Esta es una entidad refractaria para la cual existen pocas opciones terapéuticas, siendo la terapia de intercambio plasmático una estrategia potencialmente útil para su manejo. Presentación del caso. Paciente femenina de 17 años quien ingresó al servicio de urgencias de una institución de tercer nivel de atención por un cuadro clínico de aproximadamente 25 días de evolución consistente en palpitaciones, disnea en reposo, ortopnea, dolor torácico y abdominal, astenia, adinamia, mareo, cefalea y deposiciones líquidas; como antecedentes presentaba hipertiroidismo en manejo ambulatorio. Dada la sintomatología y gracias a que se obtuvo un puntaje de 65 en la escala de Burch-Wartofsky, se diagnosticó tormenta tiroidea, se dio orden de hospitalización y se inició manejo farmacológico, con el cual no se logró una mejoría. Al tercer día de hospitalización la joven presentó deterioro clínico continuo y un episodio convulsivo, por lo que se consideró tormenta tiroidea refractaria que fue tratada satisfactoriamente con terapia de intercambio plasmático como terapia puente previo a tiroidectomía total de urgencia. Conclusión. La terapia de intercambio plasmático permite una rápida remoción de las hormonas tiroideas y, aunque su implementación no es ampliamente difundida por las guías de práctica clínica, existe evidencia que demuestra una disminución en el riesgo de complicaciones perioperatorias y una evolución exitosa tras su uso como terapia puente previo a tiroidectomía en pacientes con tormenta tiroidea refractaria.

Evaluation of serological lateral flow assays for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lateral flow assays can detect anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies to monitor transmission. However, standardized evaluation of their accuracy and tools to aid in interpreting results are needed. METHODS: We evaluated 20 IgG and IgM assays selected from available tests in April 2020. We evaluated the assays' performance using 56 pre-pandemic negative and 56 SARS-CoV-2-positive plasma samples, collected 10-40 days after symptom onset, confirmed by a molecular test and analyzed by an ultra-sensitive immunoassay. Finally, we developed a user-friendly web app to extrapolate the positive predictive values based on their accuracy and local prevalence. RESULTS: Combined IgG + IgM sensitivities ranged from 33.9 to 94.6%, while combined specificities ranged from 92.6 to 100%. The highest sensitivities were detected in Lumiquick for IgG (98.2%), BioHit for both IgM (96.4%), and combined IgG + IgM sensitivity (94.6%). Furthermore, 11 LFAs and 8 LFAs showed perfect specificity for IgG and IgM, respectively, with 15 LFAs showing perfect combined IgG + IgM specificity. Lumiquick had the lowest estimated limit-of-detection (LOD) (0.1 µg/mL), followed by a similar LOD of 1.5 µg/mL for CareHealth, Cellex, KHB, and Vivachek. CONCLUSION: We provide a public resource of the accuracy of select lateral flow assays with potential for home testing. The cost-effectiveness, scalable manufacturing process, and suitability for self-testing makes LFAs an attractive option for monitoring disease prevalence and assessing vaccine responsiveness. Our web tool provides an easy-to-use interface to demonstrate the impact of prevalence and test accuracy on the positive predictive values.

Comparison of shear wave elastography (supersonic) with liver biopsy in a cohort of patients from a medium-income country: an observational study.

INTRODUCTION: shear-wave elastography is a non-invasive diagnostic test that calculates the degree of liver fibrosis by measuring liver elasticity. This technique was recently introduced in Colombia. Thus, cutoff points delineating the change between fibrosis stages (using the Metavir scale) have not been previously defined in our patient population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: a retrospective study was performed of patients who had undergone two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D-SWE) and liver biopsy (LB) between June 2010 and June 2018 at a private outpatient hepatology center in Bogota, Colombia. We used a training dataset (subjects with time between biopsy and 2D-SWE of ≤ 6 months) to establish diagnostic cutoff values and a test dataset (subjects with time between biopsy and 2D-SWE of > 6 months) to validate our results. RESULTS: a total of 453 subjects (training dataset, n = 153; test dataset, n = 300) were included. In the training dataset, the cutoff points were 7.6, 8.4, 9.5 and 10.9 kPa, and the areas under the curve were 0.75, 0.83, 0.89 and 0.94 for mild fibrosis, significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, respectively. In the test dataset, the areas under the curve were 0.77, 0.78, 0.83 and 0.89 for mild fibrosis, significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis, respectively. CONCLUSION: two-dimensional shear-wave elastography was reliable and useful for the non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis, particularly in patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cutoff points for fibrosis in a Hispanic population were described.

Infarto esplénico asociado a infección por citomegalovirus, primer reporte de caso en Colombia / Splenic infarction associated with cytomegalovirus infection, first Colombian Case report

Resumen Introducción: El infarto esplénico ocurre cuando la arteria esplénica o alguna de sus ramas quedan ocluidas, ya sea por émbolos distantes o por trombosis in situ. Dentro de la literatura mundial hay muy pocos casos documentados de infarto esplénico asociado a infección por Citomegalovirus, por lo que este podría considerarse el primero en Colombia. Presentación del Caso: Se trata de una paciente femenina de 53 años quien fue atendida en una institución de tercer nivel de la Ciudad de Bogotá, Colombia, por cuadro de dolor abdominal, a quien se le realizó una tomografía abdominal contrastada que demostró en el bazo una lesión hipodensa en cuña correspondiente con infarto esplénico por lo cual se realizaron estudios complementarios evidenciando como único dato positivo la positividad de la IgM para Citomegalovirus, descartándose eventos de h ipercoagulabilidad. Discusión: El infarto esplénico es una condición infrecuente que normalmente se presenta con síntomas variables e inespecíficos, dentro de las enfermedades infecciosas que corresponden con aproximadamente el 30% de los diagnósticos de Infarto esplénico, la infección por Citomegalovirus únicamente ha sido reportada en muy pocos casos. Se presenta el caso de una mujer joven con infarto esplénico como diagnóstico final de dolor abdominal en quien se descartaron causas de hipercoagulabilidad y se confirma la infección aguda por Citomegalovirus, lo cual se ha descrito muy poco en la literatura y puede considerarse el primer caso reportado en Colombia.

Abstract Introduction: Splenic infarction occurs when the splenic artery or any of its branches are occluded, either by distant emboli or by thrombosis in situ. Within the world literature, there are very few documented cases of splenic infarction associated with Cytomegalovirus infection, so this could be considered the first in Colombia. Case Presentation: This is a 53-year-old female patient who was treated at a third-level institution in the City of Bogotá, Colombia, for symptoms of abdominal pain, who underwent a contrasted abdominal tomography that she demonstrated in the spleen. a hypodense wedge lesion corresponding to splenic infarction, for which reason complementary studies were carried out, showing the positivity of IgM for Cytomegalovirus as the only positive data, ruling out events of hypercoagulability. Discussion: Splenic infarction is an infrequent condition that normally presents with variable and nonspecific symptoms. Among infectious diseases that correspond to approximately 30% of the diagnoses of splenic infarction, Cytomegalovirus infection has only been reported in very few cases. The case of a young woman with splenic infarction is presented as the final diagnosis of abdominal pain in whom causes of hypercoagulability were ruled out and acute infection by Cytomegalovirus was confirmed, which has been described very little in the literature and can be considered the first reported case In colombia.

Factores relacionados con letalidad en pacientes con bacteriemia hospitalizados por patología médica en una institución de tercer nivel en Colombia, 2014-2016 / Case fatality rate-related factors in patients with bacteremia hospitalized due medical conditions in an institution of third level in Colombia, 2014-2016

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones del torrente sanguíneo son un problema creciente y actualmente son una amenaza para la salud pública. La bacteriemia representa aproximadamente 15% de todas las infecciones nosocomiales y afecta a 1% de los pacientes hospitalizados. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, epidemiológicas y microbiológicas de episodios de bacteriemia nosocomial ocurridos en un hospital colombiano. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional, de corte transversal, con inclusión de pacientes adultos, hospitalizados por el Servicio de Medicina Interna en el Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia, durante los años 2014 a 2016. El protocolo fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Universidad Industrial de Santander. Resultados: Se revisaron 450 historias clínicas, con 148 pacientes y 182 aislados microbianos. Los antecedentes más frecuentes fueron: hipertensión arterial (46,6%) e infección por VIH (29,7%). El sistema vascular y urinario ocuparon los sitios anatómicos más frecuentes (37,3 y 38,3%, respectivamente). La letalidad fue de 29%. Los patógenos más frecuentemente aislados fueron: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (en suma: 49,8%) y Staphylococcus aureus 12,1%. El análisis multivariado mostró relación de la anemia con mortalidad intrahospitalaria (OR = 17,3; IC95% 2,95-102,0). Conclusiones: La bacteriemia es una infección frecuente durante la atención hospitalaria que presenta gran mortalidad. Es destacable el predominio de aislados de enterobacterias multiresistentes. El antecedente de infección por VIH es uno de los más frecuentes el que amerita ser evaluado como grupo de riesgo.

Abstract Background: Bloodstream infections are an increasing problem and currently represent a threat to public health, overcoming diseases such as HIV. Bacteremia accounts for approximately 15% of all nosocomial infections and affects 1% of all hospitalized patients. Aim: To describe the clinical, epidemiological and microbiological characteristic of episodes of nosocomial bacteremia occurring in a Colombian hospital. Methods: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study including adult patients, hospitalized in the internal medicine unit at the University Hospital of Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia, during years 2014 to 2016, who met the criteria of the CDC for bloodstream infection. The protocol was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee and by the Research Ethics Committee of the Industrial University of Santander. Results: We reviewed 450 clinical records with 148 patients and 182 microbiological isolates. 53% were male. The most frequent comorbidities were: high blood pressure (46.6%), HIV infection (29.7%). The vascular and urinary systems were the most frequent anatomical sites as the source of the infection (respectively 37.3% and 38.3%). Case fatality rate was 29%. The pathogens most frequently isolated were: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (globally: 49.8%) and Staphylococcus aureus 12.1%. The multivariate analysis showed a relationship between anemia and in-hospital mortality (OR = 17.3, 95%CI 2.95-102.0). Conclusions: Bacteremia is a frequent infection during hospital care that presents high mortality. It is noteworthy the predominance of Enterobacteriaceae isolates with broad profiles of resistance. The history of HIV infection is one of the most frequent which deserves to be evaluated as a risk group.

Treatment of MOG-IgG-associated disorder with rituximab: An international study of 121 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of anti-CD20 B-cell depletion with rituximab (RTX) on relapse rates in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disorder (MOGAD). METHODS: Retrospective review of RTX-treated MOGAD patients from 29 centres in 13 countries. The primary outcome measure was change in relapse rate after starting rituximab (Poisson regression model). RESULTS: Data on 121 patients were analysed, including 30 (24.8%) children. Twenty/121 (16.5%) were treated after one attack, of whom 14/20 (70.0%) remained relapse-free after median (IQR) 11.2 (6.3-14.1) months. The remainder (101/121, 83.5%) were treated after two or more attacks, of whom 53/101 (52.5%) remained relapse-free after median 12.1 (6.3-24.9) months. In this 'relapsing group', relapse rate declined by 37% (95%CI=19-52%, p<0.001) overall, 63% (95%CI=35-79%, p = 0.001) when RTX was used first line (n = 47), and 26% (95%CI=2-44%, p = 0.038) when used after other steroid-sparing immunotherapies (n = 54). Predicted 1-year and 2-year relapse-free survival was 79% and 55% for first-line RTX therapy, and 38% and 18% for second-/third-line therapy. Circulating CD19+B-cells were suppressed to <1% of total circulating lymphocyte population at the time of 45/57 (78.9%) relapses. CONCLUSION: RTX reduced relapse rates in MOGAD. However, many patients continued to relapse despite apparent B-cell depletion. Prospective controlled studies are needed to validate these results.

Aquaporin-4 IgG seropositivity is associated with worse visual outcomes after optic neuritis than MOG-IgG seropositivity and multiple sclerosis, independent of macular ganglion cell layer thinning.

BACKGROUND: Comparative studies of characteristics of optic neuritis (ON) associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-IgG (MOG-ON) and aquaporin-4-IgG (AQP4-ON) seropositivity are limited. OBJECTIVE: To compare visual and optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures following AQP4-ON, MOG-ON, and multiple sclerosis associated ON (MS-ON). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 48 AQP4-ON, 16 MOG-ON, 40 MS-ON, and 31 healthy control participants underwent monocular letter-acuity assessment and spectral-domain OCT. Eyes with a history of ON >3 months prior to evaluation were analyzed. RESULTS: AQP4-ON eyes exhibited worse high-contrast letter acuity (HCLA) compared to MOG-ON (-22.3 ± 3.9 letters; p < 0.001) and MS-ON eyes (-21.7 ± 4.0 letters; p < 0.001). Macular ganglion cell + inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness was lower, as compared to MS-ON, in AQP4-ON (-9.1 ± 2.0 µm; p < 0.001) and MOG-ON (-7.6 ± 2.2 µm; p = 0.001) eyes. Lower GCIPL thickness was associated with worse HCLA in AQP4-ON (-16.5 ± 1.5 letters per 10 µm decrease; p < 0.001) and MS-ON eyes (-8.5 ± 2.3 letters per 10 µm decrease; p < 0.001), but not in MOG-ON eyes (-5.2 ± 3.8 letters per 10 µm decrease; p = 0.17), and these relationships differed between the AQP4-ON and other ON groups (p < 0.01 for interaction). CONCLUSION: AQP4-IgG seropositivity is associated with worse visual outcomes after ON compared with MOG-ON and MS-ON, even with similar severity of macular GCIPL thinning.

[Case fatality rate-related factors in patients with bacteremia hospitalized due medical conditions in an institution of third level in Colombia, 2014-2016]. / Factores relacionados con letalidad en pacientes con bacteriemia hospitalizados por patología médica en una institución de tercer nivel en Colombia, 2014-2016.

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections are an increasing problem and currently represent a threat to public health, overcoming diseases such as HIV. Bacteremia accounts for approximately 15% of all nosocomial infections and affects 1% of all hospitalized patients. AIM: To describe the clinical, epidemiological and microbiological characteristic of episodes of nosocomial bacteremia occurring in a Colombian hospital. METHODS: Retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study including adult patients, hospitalized in the internal medicine unit at the University Hospital of Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia, during years 2014 to 2016, who met the criteria of the CDC for bloodstream infection. The protocol was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee and by the Research Ethics Committee of the Industrial University of Santander. RESULTS: We reviewed 450 clinical records with 148 patients and 182 microbiological isolates. 53% were male. The most frequent comorbidities were: high blood pressure (46.6%), HIV infection (29.7%). The vascular and urinary systems were the most frequent anatomical sites as the source of the infection (respectively 37.3% and 38.3%). Case fatality rate was 29%. The pathogens most frequently isolated were: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (globally: 49.8%) and Staphylococcus aureus 12.1%. The multivariate analysis showed a relationship between anemia and in-hospital mortality (OR = 17.3, 95%CI 2.95-102.0). CONCLUSIONS: Bacteremia is a frequent infection during hospital care that presents high mortality. It is noteworthy the predominance of Enterobacteriaceae isolates with broad profiles of resistance. The history of HIV infection is one of the most frequent which deserves to be evaluated as a risk group.

TAFRO syndrome, variant of Castleman's disease: case report. / Síndrome TAFRO, variante de la enfermedad de Castleman: reporte de caso.

INTRODUCTION: Multicentric Castleman's disease is a rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder that involves multiple enlarged lymph nodes in different areas of the body. Recently, a unique clinic pathological variant of this disease called TAFRO syndrome has been described. CASE REPORT: A 23-year-old male with a history of one year and six months of evolution characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy with, night diaphoresis, dyspnea and weight loss. At the third month, hypertension was diagnosed and 8 months later type 2 diabetes mellitus. After his admission, microcytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, pleural effusion and ascites were documented. Based on the findings of the physical examination, a computed tomography scan was performed, where multiple lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly were identified. A lymph node biopsy was performed, which reported Castleman's disease, considering then a diagnosis of TAFRO syndrome due to its association with thrombocytopenia, microcytic anemia, anasarca, fever, renal dysfunction, adenomegaly and hepatosplenomegaly. CONCLUSIONS: There are still doubts about whether it corresponds to a different disease or a subtype of the Castleman disease. It is more frequent in women, occurs in the middle-aged and elderly and given its heterogeneous presentation, it usually represents a diagnostic challenge. Although its management is not standardized, therapeutic options include immunosuppressant such as steroids, cyclosporine, rituximab and anti-IL6.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad de Castleman multicéntrica es un raro trastorno linfoproliferativo benigno que compromete múltiples nódulos linfáticos agrandados en distintas zonas del cuerpo. Se ha descrito una variante clinicopatológica única de esta enfermedad, denominada síndrome TAFRO. CASO CLÍNICO: Varón de 23 años con un cuadro de 1 año y 6 meses de evolución caracterizado por adenopatías generalizadas, diaforesis nocturna, disnea y pérdida de peso. Al tercer mes se diagnosticó hipertensión arterial, y 8 meses después, diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Tras su ingreso se documentó anemia microcítica, trombocitopenia, disfunción renal, derrame pleural y ascitis. Por los hallazgos de la exploración física, se realizó tomografía computarizada, que identificó múltiples adenomegalias y hepatoesplenomegalia. Se realizó biopsia de ganglio linfático, cuyo reporte informó enfermedad de Castleman, considerándose entonces el diagnóstico de síndrome TAFRO por su asociación con trombocitopenia, anemia microcítica, anasarca, fiebre, disfunción renal, adenomegalias y hepatoesplenomegalia. CONCLUSIONES: Aún existen dudas sobre si el síndrome TAFRO corresponde a una enfermedad diferente o a un subtipo de la enfermedad Castleman. Es más frecuente en mujeres y en personas de mediana edad o ancianas, y dada su presentación heterogénea suele representar un reto diagnóstico. Aunque su manejo no se encuentra estandarizado, las opciones terapéuticas incluyen inmunosupresores como esteroides, ciclosporina, rituximab y anti-IL6.

Mioclonías posthipóxicas asociadas a estatus epiléptico superrefractario / Post hypoxic myoclonus associated with super refractory status epilepticus

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: Las mioclonías posthipóxicas aparecen como consecuencia del daño cerebral secundario a hipoxemia severa, con frecuencia en las primeras 24 horas después de la realización de reanimación cardiopulmonar, y los pacientes permanecen en estado de coma por largo tiempo. En general, su aparición constituye un predictor de mal pronóstico. El objetivo de la presentación de este caso es resaltar la presencia de estado epiléptico superrefractario relacionado con mioclonías posthipóxicas. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente masculino de 24 años con herida de arma cortopunzante en región precordial y toracoabdominal posterior derecha, que ingresa en estado de coma. Es llevado a cirugía y allí se evidencia hemopericardio y herida cardiaca grado III, que fue corregida, con retorno a circulación espontánea pasados 15 minutos desde el inicio de la reanimación cardio-pulmonar y masaje cardiaco bimanual intraoperatorio. Se realiza resonancia magnética cerebral con gadolinio que muestra extensas zonas de isquemia cortical, de tálamos y leve de tallo cerebral, con electroencefalograma que demuestra actividad epiléptica bajo coma barbitúrico con mioclonías generalizadas. CONCLUSIONES: Al analizarse críticamente la clínica, los hallazgos paraclínicos, el estado de conciencia persistente comatoso y la actividad convulsiva con mioclonías, se confirma el diagnóstico de mioclonías posthipóxicas asociadas a estatus epiléptico superrefractario.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Post hypoxic myoclonus appears as a consequence of brain damage secondary to severe hypoxemia, generally occurring in the first 24 hours after performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and patients remain in a coma for a long time. In general, the appearance of them is a predictor of poor prognosis. The objective of this case is to highlight the presence of super refractory status epilepticus related to post hypoxic myoclonus. CLINICAL CASE: A 24-year-old male with a punctured short gun wound in the precordial region and right thoracoabdominal posterior, who was admitted in a coma. He underwent surgery where hemopericardium and grade III heart injury were corrected, with return to spontaneous circulation after 15 minutes from the start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intraoperative bimanual cardiac massage, magnetic resonance imaging of the brain with gadolinium was performed, showing extensive areas of cortical ischemia, of both thalamus and minor in brainstem, with electroencephalogram showing epileptic activity under barbituric coma with generalized myoclonus. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical analysis, paraclinical findings, persistent comatose state of consciousness and seizure activity with myoclonus confirmed the diagnosis of post-hypoxic myoclonus associated with super refractory status epilepticus.

False-positive fourth-generation hiv test associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: The fourth-generation ELISA human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening test has a high sensitivity and specificity >99% to detect both antigens and antibodies. Estimates are that only 0.5% yield false positive results. Case description: 61-year-old female patient with a clinical picture consisting of malaise, unqualified fever, asthenia and adynamia. Laboratory tests revealed anemia, so a Coombs test was performed, obtaining a positive result along with other findings of mixed autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Two fourth-generation ELISA HIV screening tests were performed obtaining positive results. Given the national recommendations on the diagnosis of HIV infection, a viral load was performed, which turned out to be negative, so the result was considered a false positive. Discussion: Clinical and biological factors are related to false positive results. There are descriptions about autoimmunity phenomena, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or autoimmune hemolytic anemia, with few cases in older adults. Conclusions: Rapid tests have changed the diagnosis of HIV infection worldwide; however, like any other diagnostic test, they may yield false positive results with differential diagnoses, including autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

RESUMEN Introducción. La prueba de tamizaje para virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) con ELISA de cuarta generación tiene gran sensibilidad y una especificidad >99% para detectar tanto antígenos como anticuerpos. Se estima que solo el 0.5% son falsos positivos. Presentación del caso. Paciente femenino de 61 años con cuadro clínico consistente en malestar general, fiebre no cuantificada, astenia y adinamia. En los paraclínicos se evidenció anemia, por lo que se realizó prueba de Coombs, la cual resultó positiva junto con otros hallazgos de anemia hemolítica autoinmune mixta. Se realizaron dos pruebas de tamizaje para VIH con técnica ELISA de cuarta generación que fueron positivas. Dadas las recomendaciones nacionales sobre el diagnóstico de la infección por VIH, se realizó una carga viral que resultó ser negativa, por lo que se consideró el resultado como un falso positivo. Discusión. Factores clínicos y biológicos se relacionan con resultados falsos positivos. Existen descripciones sobre fenómenos de autoinmunidad, como el lupus eritematoso sistémico o la anemia hemolítica autoinmune, con pocos casos en adultos mayores. Conclusiones. Las pruebas rápidas han cambiado el diagnóstico de la infección por VIH en el mundo; sin embargo, como toda prueba diagnóstica, tienen falsos positivos con diagnósticos diferenciales, incluidos la anemia hemolítica autoinmune.

Retinal vasculitis associated with epstein-barr virus infection in a young immunocompetent patient. first colombian case report

RESUMEN Introducción. La infección por virus de Epstein-Barr (VEB) suele ser asintomática y persiste durante toda la vida. La afectación ocular es infrecuente, y aunque existen informes de casos, ninguno de ellos proviene de Colombia o Latinoamérica. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino inmunocompetente con vasculitis retiniana unilateral generalizada, con vasos sin sangre temporales e inferonasales en la periferia, hemorragias intrarretinianas, vitritis intensa y desprendimiento de retina. La presencia de VEB se definió con una técnica de reacción en cadena de la poli-merasa en humor vítreo. El paciente recuperó la agudeza visual con el tratamiento oral antiviral convencional. Discusión. La afectación ocular asociada con el VEB se describe en pacientes inmunocomprometidos, en especial con infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana donde puede haber afectación retiniana. En este caso particular se discute la presencia de esta patología en pacientes inmunocompetentes. Conclusiones. La vasculitis retiniana es una entidad rara con mayor asociación a la inmuno-depresión. No existe un algoritmo de diagnóstico de esta enfermedad y la afectación ocular puede ser variable; tampoco existen líneas estándar de tratamiento. La evidencia reportada en el presente caso podría justificar estudios en pacientes seleccionados que muestran un compromiso de la agudeza visual sin una etiología establecida.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Epstein - Barr virus (EBV) infection is usually asymptomatic and persists throughout life. Eye involvement is rare, and even though there are some case reports, none of them comes from Colombia or Latin America. Case presentation: Immunocompetent young man with generalized unilateral retinal vasculitis, temporal and inferonasal bloodless vessels in the periphery, intraretinal hemorrhages, intense vitritis and retinal detachment. Epstein-Barr virus presence was determined using a polymerase chain reaction technique in vitreous humor. The patient recovered visual acuity with conventional antiviral oral treatment. Discussion: Eye involvement associated with Epstein-Barr virus is observed in immunocompromised patients, especially with HIV infection, where retinal involvement may occur. This case reports the presence of this pathology in an immunocompetent patient. Conclusions: Retinal vasculitis is a rare entity, frequently associated with immunocompromise. There is no diagnostic algorithm for this disease and eye involvement may be variable; there are no standard lines of treatment either. The evidence reported here explains the need for studies in selected patients showing visual acuity involvement without an established etiology.