New prognostic model in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma treated with second-line immune checkpoint inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Bellmunt Risk Score, based on Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS), hemoglobin levels and presence of liver metastases, is the most established prognostic algorithm for patients with advanced urothelial cancer (aUC) progressing after platinum-based chemotherapy. Nevertheless, existing algorithms may not be sufficient following the introduction of immunotherapy. Our aim was to develop an improved prognostic model in patients receiving second-line atezolizumab for aUC. METHODS: Patients with aUC progressing after cisplatin/carboplatin-based chemotherapy and enrolled in the prospective, single-arm, phase IIIb SAUL study were included in this analysis. Patients were treated with 3-weekly atezolizumab 1200 mg intravenously. The development and internal validation of a prognostic model for overall survival (OS) was performed using Cox regression analyses, bootstrapping methods and calibration. RESULTS: In 936 patients, ECOG PS, alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, liver metastases, bone metastases and time from last chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors. In a 4-tier model, median OS for patients with 0-1, 2, 3-4 and 5-7 risk factors was 18.6, 10.4, 4.8 and 2.1 months, respectively. Compared with Bellmunt Risk Score, this model provided enhanced prognostic separation, with a c-index of 0.725 vs 0.685 and increment in c-statistic of 0.04 (p<0.001). Inclusion of PD-L1 expression did not improve the model. CONCLUSIONS: We developed and internally validated a prognostic model for patients with aUC receiving postplatinum immunotherapy. This model represents an improvement over the Bellmunt algorithm and could aid selection of patients with aUC for second-line immunotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02928406.

Culex quinquefasciatus predominance during integrated mosquito surveillance in an urban area of the Brazilian Amazon.

The presence and establishment of Culicidae in urban areas increase the transmissibility of tropical diseases, since some species can participate as vectors of pathogens. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the indoor and outdoor abundance of immature and adult populations of Culicidae at the urban area of Porto Velho, Rondônia. Mosquitoes were captured using electric aspirators and ovitraps in September and December 2018 in 27 households spread over nine neighborhoods. A total of 2,342 specimens were collected, distributed among five species, of which Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823), Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) were the most abundant. Considering the sum total obtained by both techniques, more mosquitoes were captured indoors than outdoors. However, the GLM estimates for the ovitrap technique showed that immature Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Cx. quinquefasciatus were significantly more abundant in the outdoors, on average. The opposite result was observed for electrical aspiration, in which Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus adults were more abundant indoors. The average number of winged Ae. albopictus showed no significant difference between indoors and outdoors. Our findings corroborate the data on the abundance and incidence of these three species in other regions of Brazil, highlighting the need for continuous surveillance due to their importance in disease transmission to humans. We also demonstrated that the ovitrap is a sensitive device to monitor Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae and wild species that occasionally frequent urban areas, and thus can be used for surveillance, especially when there are budgetary constraints. Therefore, we emphasize that the combination of techniques, in addition to identifying which species and which stage of development are more frequent inside and outside households, also allows for the implementation of specific and integrated control measures.

Recommendations of the Society of Thoracic Surgery and the Section of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy, for patients undergoing lung surgery included in an intensified recovery program.

In recent years, multidisciplinary programs have been implemented that include different actions during the pre, intra and postoperative period, aimed at reducing perioperative stress and therefore improving the results of patients undergoing surgical interventions. Initially, these programs were developed for colorectal surgery and from there they have been extended to other surgeries. Thoracic surgery, considered highly complex, like other surgeries with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, may be one of the specialties that most benefit from the implementation of these programs. This review presents the recommendations made by different specialties involved in the perioperative care of patients who require resection of a lung tumor. Meta-analyzes, systematic reviews, randomized and non-randomized controlled studies, and retrospective studies conducted in patients undergoing this type of intervention have been taken into account in preparing the recommendations presented in this guide. The GRADE scale has been used to classify the recommendations, assessing on the one hand the level of evidence published on each specific aspect and, on the other hand, the strength of the recommendation with which the authors propose its application. The recommendations considered most important for this type of surgery are those that refer to pre-habilitation, minimization of surgical aggression, excellence in the management of perioperative pain and postoperative care aimed at providing rapid postoperative rehabilitation.

[Tumors that cause bone metastases]. / Tumores que producen metástasis óseas.

INTRODUCTION: A metastasis is the tumor cell capacity to migrate from the primary tumor and implant itself in tissues of an organ at a distance by hematogenous, lymphatic or contiguity. The main causes of bone metastases are: breast, prostate and lung cancer. It usually occurs in patients over 50 years of age. There is a predilection for metastasizing to the axial skeleton. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of tumors that produce bone metastases in our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study, for retrospective analysis of the cases of patients diagnosed with bone metastases. RESULTS: 193 cases; 121 women and 72 men with an age range of 42 to 84 years. Cancers associated with bone metastases were breast, lung, prostate, cervical and renal cancers; to a lesser extent other such as colon, thyroid, liver and skin. The most affected bones were axial skeleton: lumbar and dorsal spine, and in appendicular skeleton the femur in the diaphysiary region and in the humerus the proximal third. At present it has not been possible to improve the effectiveness of timely detection strategies, so bone pain should begin with a protocol of tumor suspicion. CONCLUSIONS: More than 80% of the patients came for fracture. All patients had a history of pain greater than 12 months with no prior study protocol.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Una metástasis es la capacidad celular tumoral para migrar del tumor primario e implantarse en tejidos de un órgano a distancia por vía hematógena, linfática o contigüidad. Las principales causas de metástasis óseas son: cáncer de mama, próstata y pulmón. Habitualmente se da en pacientes mayores de 50 años. Existe predilección por metastatizar al esqueleto axial. OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia de los tumores que producen metástasis óseas en nuestra institución. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, transversal, descriptivo, para análisis retrospectivo de los casos con diagnóstico de metástasis ósea. RESULTADOS: Ciento noventa y tres casos; 121 mujeres y 72 hombres con rango de edad de 42 a 84 años. Los cánceres asociados a metástasis ósea fueron cáncer de mama, pulmón, próstata, cervicouterino y renal; en menor proporción otros como colon, tiroides, hígado y piel. Los huesos más afectados fueron esqueleto axial: columna lumbar y dorsal; en esqueleto apendicular el fémur en la región diafisaria y en el húmero el tercio proximal. En la actualidad, no se ha logrado mejorar la efectividad de estrategias de detección oportuna, por lo que los cuadros de dolor óseo deben iniciar con un protocolo de sospecha tumoral. CONCLUSIONES: Más de 80% de los pacientes acudieron por fractura. Todos tenían historial de dolor mayor a 12 meses sin protocolo de estudio previo.

Steroids and mortality in non-critically ill COVID-19 patients: a propensity score-weighted study in a Chilean cohort.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on 30-day mortality of early use of corticosteroids in COVID-19 patients with supplementary oxygen requirements and without invasive mechanical ventilation at the initiation of therapy. METHODS: All patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between April 15 and July 15, 2020, and requiring supplementary oxygen, were prospectively included in a database. Patients who died or required intubation within the first 48 hours were excluded. Patients who received corticosteroids within the first 5 days of hospitalization and at least 24 hours prior to intubation were allocated to the 'early corticosteroids' group. To compare both populations and adjust for non-random treatment assignment bias, a weight-adjusted propensity score model was used. RESULTS: In total, 571 patients met the inclusion criteria, 520 had sufficient information for the analysis. Of these, 233 received early corticosteroids and 287 did not. Analysis showed a reduction of 8.5% (p = 0.038) in 30-day mortality in the early corticosteroid group. The reduction in mortality was not significant when patients with corticosteroid initiation between day 5 and day 8 of hospitalization were included. CONCLUSION: Early corticosteroid use reduced mortality in patients with pneumonia due to COVID-19, who required supplementary oxygen but not initial invasive mechanical ventilation.

Recommendations of the Society of Thoracic Surgery and the Section of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of the Spanish Society of Anesthesia, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy, for patients undergoing lung surgery included in an intensified recovery program. / Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Torácica y de la Sección de Cardiotorácica y Cirugía Vascular de la Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor, para los pacientes sometidos a cirugía pulmonar incluidos en un programa de recuperación intensificada.

In recent years, multidisciplinary programs have been implemented that include different actions during the pre, intra and postoperative period, aimed at reducing perioperative stress and therefore improving the results of patients undergoing surgical interventions. Initially, these programs were developed for colorectal surgery and from there they have been extended to other surgeries. Thoracic surgery, considered highly complex, like other surgeries with a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, may be one of the specialties that most benefit from the implementation of these programs. This review presents the recommendations made by different specialties involved in the perioperative care of patients who require resection of a lung tumor. Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized and non-randomized controlled studies, and retrospective studies conducted in patients undergoing this type of intervention have been taken into account in preparing the recommendations presented in this guide. The GRADE scale has been used to classify the recommendations, assessing on the one hand the level of evidence published on each specific aspect and, on the other hand, the strength of the recommendation with which the authors propose its application. The recommendations considered most important for this type of surgery are those that refer to pre-habilitation, minimization of surgical aggression, excellence in the management of perioperative pain and postoperative care aimed at providing rapid postoperative rehabilitation.

SAUL, a single-arm study of atezolizumab for chemotherapy-pretreated locally advanced or metastatic carcinoma of the urinary tract: outcomes by key baseline factors, PD-L1 expression and prior platinum therapy.

BACKGROUND: The impact of pretreatment factors on immune checkpoint inhibition in platinum-refractory advanced urothelial cancer (aUC) deserves further evaluation. The aim was to study the association of Bellmunt risk factors, time from last chemotherapy (TFLC), previous therapy and PD-L1 expression with atezolizumab efficacy in platinum-refractory aUC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a post-hoc analysis of patients who had received prior cisplatin or carboplatin in the prospective, single-arm, phase IIIb SAUL study (NCT02928406). Patients were treated with 3-weekly atezolizumab 1200 mg intravenously. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Relationships were analysed using Cox regression and long-rank test. RESULTS: Of 997 patients in SAUL, 969 were eligible for this analysis. The number of Bellmunt risk factors was associated with OS (P < 0.001); median OS (mOS) for 0, 1 and 2-3 risk factors was 17.9, 8.9 and 3.3 months, respectively. Significant associations were also observed between OS and TFLC (P < 0.001), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression (P = 0.002), and prior perioperative chemotherapy (P = 0.013); mOS was 6.97 versus 11.63 months for TFLC ≤6 versus >6 months, 7.75 versus 11.6 months for PD-L1 expression on <1% of tumour-infiltrating immune cells (ICs) (IC0)/expression on 1% to <5% of tumour-infiltrating ICs (IC1) versus expression on ≥5% of tumour-infiltrating ICs (IC2/3) and 10.2 versus 7.8 months for prior versus no prior perioperative chemotherapy, respectively. The type of platinum compound and number of previous treatment lines were not associated with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Post-platinum atezolizumab is active in aUC, irrespective of previous platinum compound and lines of therapy. Bellmunt risk stratification, PD-L1 expression, TFLC and perioperative chemotherapy were identified as prognostic factors for OS with second-line atezolizumab, indicating the need for novel prognostic signatures for immunotherapy-treated patients with aUC.

Multidisciplinary consensus on optimising the detection of NTRK gene alterations in tumours.

The recent identification of rearrangements of neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) genes and the development of specific fusion protein inhibitors, such as larotrectinib and entrectinib, have revolutionised the diagnostic and clinical management of patients presenting with tumours with these alterations. Tumours that harbour NTRK fusions are found in both adults and children; and they are either rare tumours with common NTRK fusions that may be diagnostic, or more prevalent tumours with rare NTRK fusions. To assess currently available evidence on this matter, three key Spanish medical societies (the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), the Spanish Society of Pathological Anatomy (SEAP), and the Spanish Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology (SEHOP) have brought together a group of experts to develop a consensus document that includes guidelines on the diagnostic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects of NTRK-fusion tumours. This document also discusses the challenges related to the routine detection of these genetic alterations in a mostly public Health Care System.

[Complications of supracondylar humeral fractures in children]. / Complicaciones de fracturas supracondíleas humerales en niños.

INTRODUCTION: Supracondylar fractures represent the most frequent cause of pediatric elbow injuries, at 64%, in children under eight years old. These fractures can present complications such as: A) Complications prior to treatment: 1) neurological, 2) vascular and 3) compartment syndrome. B) Complications after treatment: 1) early, in the first days after treatment: loss of reduction, neurological, vascular, compartment syndrome, infection of Kirschner wires. 2) Late complications in treatment: Angular deformity, loss of mobility, ossifying myositis, avascular necrosis of the trochlea, others. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of complications in humeral supracondylar fractures in less than eight years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted in patients under 8 years of age during the period of March 2014 to February 2018. RESULTS: 277 patients were obtained with the following percentages: cubitus varus 3.97%, neurological lesions prior to surgical treatment 1.44%, early neurological complications to treatment 1.44%, infections of Kirschner needles 0.72%, cubitus valgus 0.72%, loss of mobility 0.36%. CONCLUSIONS: The most common complication of humerus supracondylar fractures in this study was cubitus varus and neurological complications prior to treatment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas supracondíleas representan la causa más frecuente de las lesiones del codo pediátrico (64% de la población en niños menores de ocho años). Estas fracturas pueden presentar complicaciones como: A) complicaciones previas al tratamiento: 1) neurológicas, 2) vasculares y 3) síndrome compartimental. B) complicaciones posteriores al tratamiento: 1) precoces en los primeros días tras el tratamiento: pérdida de reducción, complicaciones neurológicas, vasculares, síndrome compartimental, infección de las agujas de Kirschner, 2) complicaciones tardías en el tratamiento: deformidad angular, pérdida de movilidad, miositis osificante, necrosis avascular de la tróclea, entre otros. OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia de las complicaciones en fracturas supracondíleas humerales en menores de ocho años. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo y observacional de cohorte en pacientes menores de ocho años en el período de Marzo de 2014 a Febrero de 2018. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 277 pacientes con los siguientes porcentajes: 3.97% presentó lesiones de cúbito varo; 1.44%, lesiones neurológicas previas al tratamiento quirúrgico; 1.44%, complicaciones neurológicas precoces al tratamiento; 0.72%, infecciones de agujas de Kirschner; 0.72%, cúbito valgo y 0.36% con pérdida de la movilidad. CONCLUSIONES: La complicación más frecuente de las fracturas supracondíleas de húmero en este estudio fue cúbito varo y complicaciones neurológicas previas al tratamiento.

[Complex multiligament knee injury associated with patellar tendon rupture]. / Lesiones multiligamentarias de rodilla asociadas a ruptura de tendón rotuliano.

INTRODUCTION: Multi-ligament injury of the knee joint is defined as damage to two or more major ligaments. They are uncommon, with an incidence of ? 10:10,000. They constitute less than 0.02% of all orthopedic lesions. It is even less frequent to find an association of these with a complete rupture of the patellar tendon which presents with a prevalence of 2.4%. CASE REPORT: 22 year old male; he presented a high-speed accident with a diagnosis of multi-ligament left knee injury stage V of Schenck associated with complete patellar tendon rupture treated in a single surgical time with ligament reconstruction, four weeks after traumatic event. A score of 88.5 was obtained after eight months with the IKDC 2000 form for the subjective functional evaluation of the knee. DISCUSSION: The definitive surgical treatment is performed four weeks after the injury. This reduces the risk of instability. In our clinical case, the patient is integrated into the activities of his daily life after eight months. To validate this technique as effective or good for its use, a greater number of patients treated in the same way is required. It is, however, suggested to contemplate as a management option. CONCLUSION: These types of lesions are infrequent with a prognosis reserved.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La lesión multiligamentaria de la articulación de rodilla se define como el daño a dos o más ligamentos principales. Estas lesiones son poco comunes, con una incidencia de ? 10:10,000. Constituyen menos de 0.02% de todas las lesiones ortopédicas. Es aún menos frecuente encontrar asociación de éstas a una ruptura completa del tendón patelar, la cual se presenta con una prevalencia 2.4%. CASO CLÍNICO: Masculino de 22 años sufrió accidente de alta velocidad, con diagnóstico de lesión multiligamentaria de rodilla izquierda estadio V de Schenck asociada a ruptura completa de tendón patelar, fue tratado en un solo tiempo quirúrgico con reconstrucción ligamentaria cuatro semanas después de evento traumático. Se obtuvo a los ocho meses un puntaje de 88.5 con el formulario IKDC 2000 para la evaluación funcional subjetiva de la rodilla. DISCUSIÓN: El tratamiento quirúrgico definitivo se realiza a las cuatro semanas de la lesión. Con esto se disminuye el riesgo de inestabilidad. En nuestro caso clínico el paciente se logra integrar a las actividades de su vida diaria después de ocho meses. Para validar esta técnica como efectiva o buena para su uso, se requiere un mayor número de pacientes tratados de la misma forma. Sin embargo, se sugiere contemplar como una opción de manejo. CONCLUSIÓN: Lesión poco frecuente, de tratamiento quirúrgico con un pronóstico reservado.

Updated guidelines for predictive biomarker testing in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a National Consensus of the Spanish Society of Pathology and the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology.

In 2011 the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and the Spanish Society of Pathology (SEAP) started a joint project to establish guidelines on biomarker testing in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) based on current evidence. As this field is constantly evolving, these guidelines have been updated, previously in 2012 and 2015 and now in 2019. Current evidence suggests that the mandatory tests to conduct in all patients with advanced NSCLC are for EGFR and BRAF mutations, ALK and ROS1 rearrangements and PD-L1 expression. The growing need to study other emerging biomarkers has promoted the routine use of massive sequencing (next-generation sequencing, NGS). The coordination of every professional involved and the prioritisation of the most suitable tests and technologies for each case remains a challenge.

ESMO recommendations on the standard methods to detect NTRK fusions in daily practice and clinical research.

BACKGROUND: NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3 fusions are present in a plethora of malignancies across different histologies. These fusions represent the most frequent mechanism of oncogenic activation of these receptor tyrosine kinases, and biomarkers for the use of TRK small molecule inhibitors. Given the varying frequency of NTRK1/2/3 fusions, crucial to the administration of NTRK inhibitors is the development of optimal approaches for the detection of human cancers harbouring activating NTRK1/2/3 fusion genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experts from several Institutions were recruited by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Translational Research and Precision Medicine Working Group (TR and PM WG) to review the available methods for the detection of NTRK gene fusions, their potential applications, and strategies for the implementation of a rational approach for the detection of NTRK1/2/3 fusion genes in human malignancies. A consensus on the most reasonable strategy to adopt when screening for NTRK fusions in oncologic patients was sought, and further reviewed and approved by the ESMO TR and PM WG and the ESMO leadership. RESULTS: The main techniques employed for NTRK fusion gene detection include immunohistochemistry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RT-PCR, and both RNA-based and DNA-based next generation sequencing (NGS). Each technique has advantages and limitations, and the choice of assays for screening and final diagnosis should also take into account the resources and clinical context. CONCLUSION: In tumours where NTRK fusions are highly recurrent, FISH, RT-PCR or RNA-based sequencing panels can be used as confirmatory techniques, whereas in the scenario of testing an unselected population where NTRK1/2/3 fusions are uncommon, either front-line sequencing (preferentially RNA-sequencing) or screening by immunohistochemistry followed by sequencing of positive cases should be pursued.

[Benign tumors that cause fractures in children]. / Tumores benignos que producen fracturas en niños.

INTRODUCTION: A pathological fracture is defined as that which occurs through an abnormal bone. Approximately 20,000 benign neoplasms of the musculoskeletal system are diagnosed each year. Often the pain of the fracture is the first symptom of a pathological process in the bone. The site, age and radiographic appearance create a differential diagnosis for pathological fractures that remains broad. The clinical examination evaluates the condition of the skin, palpating any tissue mass and determining if there are local inflammatory signs such as erythema, heat or edema. The biopsy is highly recommended to confirm the diagnosis of a pathological fracture. OBJECTIVE: To determine which benign bone tumors and pseudotumoral lesions produce fractures in childrens bones more frequently in our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective study, review of records of patients with diagnosis of pathological fracture, attended in the period from March 2013 to March 2017, were reviewed. Results: The benign tumors that caused fractures in previously damaged areas were: aneurysmal bone cyst 13, enchondroma 5, osteoid osteoma 3, giant cell tumor 2. CONCLUSION: At our institution, aneurysmal bone cysts were the benign tumors that most frequently produce pathological fractures in children, with predominance in males.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se define fractura patológica a la que se produce a través de un hueso anormal. Cada año se diagnostican aproximadamente 20,000 neoplasias benignas del sistema musculoesquelético. A menudo, el dolor de la fractura es el primer síntoma de un proceso patológico en el hueso. El sitio, la edad y la apariencia radiográfica crean un diagnóstico diferencial para las fracturas patológicas que sigue siendo amplio. El examen clínico evalúa la condición de la piel, palpar cualquier masa de tejido y determinar si hay signos inflamatorios locales como eritema, calor o edema. La toma de biopsia es muy recomendable para confirmar el diagnóstico de una fractura patológica. OBJETIVO: Determinar qué tumores óseos benignos y qué lesiones seudotumorales producen fracturas en huesos de niños con mayor frecuencia en nuestro hospital. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo transversal, se revisaron expedientes de pacientes con diagnóstico de fractura en terreno patológico, atendidos en el período de Marzo de 2013 a Marzo de 2017. RESULTADOS: Los tumores benignos que ocasionaron fracturas en terreno previamente dañado fueron: quiste óseo aneurismático 13, encondroma cinco, osteoma osteoide tres, tumor de células gigantes dos. CONCLUSIÓN: En nuestra institución, los quistes óseos aneurismáticos fueron los tumores benignos que con mayor frecuencia producen fracturas patológicas en niños, con predominio en el sexo masculino.

[Osteochondromas: introducing the subungual osteochondroma]. / Osteocondromas: presentación del osteocondroma subungueal.

INTRODUCTION: Subungual osteochondromas are benign tumors of the sub- or periungual region, causing lifting, ulceration and deformity at that level. OBJECTIVE: To research the incidence of subungual osteochondromas in a specific pediatric population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective, transversal, descriptive and observational study based on the review of records with a histopathological result of osteochondroma from 2001 to 2014. RESULTS: The pathological assessment featured four osteochondromas that corresponded to the subungual presentation, with an equal gender distribution of 1:1, an average age of 9.5 years, right: left ratio of 3:1; the 4th finger was the most affected. DISCUSSION: Subungual osteochondroma has an incidence of 8.5% of all osteochondromas.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los osteocondromas subungueales son tumoraciones benignas de la región sub- o periungueal que ocasionan elevación, ulceración y deformidad a dicho nivel. OBJETIVOS: Investigar la incidencia de osteocondroma subungueal en un segmento de población pediátrica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal, descriptivo y observacional, basado en la revisión de expedientes con resultado histopatológico de osteocondroma de 2001 a 2014. RESULTADOS: Cuatro de los osteocondromas correspondieron a la presentación subungueal, con una distribución por sexos de 1:1 y un promedio de edad de 9.5 años, relación 3:1, derecho:izquierdo; el cuarto dedo fue el más afectado. DISCUSIÓN: El osteocondroma sunbungueal presenta una incidencia de 8.5% de todos los osteocondromas.

Biomarkers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently the third most frequent form of malignancy. The role of biomarkers in the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy of cancer is constantly expanding. Translational research is already changing paradigms in tumours encompassing from early diagnosis to precision medicine in advanced disease. Nomenclature for molecular subtypes of tumours is gradually gaining acceptance and there are growing expectations it will further go from the bench to the bedside. However, the clinical relevance of biomarkers in PDAC is still far behind the relevance of biomarkers in other solid tumours. This article is part of a wider project (GALLgo) involving over forty specialists devoted to the multidisciplinary management of PDAC which concluded in recommendations based on scientific evidence. The aim of the present article is to review the diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers, either in localised or advanced disease, which have been lately subjected to study and analysis and others currently available for PDAC in order to give strength-graded recommendations linked to quality of evidence that can be used as guidelines in routine clinical practice.

Evidence-based guides in tracheostomy use in critical patients

Objetivos: Proporcionar guías de traqueostomía para el paciente crítico, basadas en la evidencia científica disponible, y facilitar la identificación de áreas en las cuales se requieren mayores estudios. Métodos: Un grupo de trabajo formado con representantes de 10 países pertenecientes a la Federación Panamericana e Ibérica de Sociedades de Medicina Crítica y Terapia Intensiva y a la Latin American Critical Care Trial Investigators Network(LACCTIN) desarrollaron estas recomendaciones basadas en el sistema Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Resultados: El grupo identificó 23 preguntas relevantes entre las 87 preguntas planteadas inicialmente. En la búsqueda inicial de la literatura se identificaron 333 estudios, de los cuales se escogieron un total de 226. El equipo de trabajo generó un total de 19 recomendaciones: 10 positivas (1B = 3, 2C = 3, 2D = 4) y 9 negativas (1B = 8, 2C = 1). En 6 ocasiones no se pudieron establecer recomendaciones. Conclusión: La traqueostomía percutánea se asocia a menor riesgo de infecciones en comparación con la traqueostomía quirúrgica. La traqueostomía precoz solo parece reducir la duración de la ventilación mecánica pero no la incidencia de neumonía, la duración de la estancia hospitalaria o la mortalidad a largo plazo. La evidencia no apoya el uso de broncoscopia de forma rutinaria ni el uso de máscara laríngea durante el procedimiento. Finalmente, el entrenamiento adecuado previo es tanto o más importante que la técnica utilizada para disminuir las complicaciones.(AU)

OBJECTIVES: Provide evidence based guidelines for tracheostomy in critically ill adult patients and identify areas needing further research. METHODS: A task force composed of representatives of 10 member countries of the Pan-American and Iberic Federation of Societies of Critical and Intensive Therapy Medicine and of the Latin American Critical Care Trial Investigators Network developed recommendations based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS: The group identified 23 relevant questions among 87 issues that were initially identified. In the initial search, 333 relevant publications were identified of which 226 publications were chosen. The task force generated a total of 19 recommendations: 10 positive (1B=3, 2C=3, 2D=4) and 9 negative (1B=8, 2C=1). A recommendation was not possible in six questions. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous techniques are associated with a lower risk of infections compared to surgical tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy only seems to reduce the duration of ventilator use but not the incidence of pneumonia, the length of stay, or the long-term mortality rate. The evidence does not support the use of routine bronchoscopy guidance or laryngeal masks during the procedure. Finally, proper prior training is as important or even a more significant factor in reducing complications than the technique used.(AU)

Evidence-based guides in tracheostomy use in critical patients. / Guías basadas en la evidencia para el uso de traqueostomía en el paciente crítico.

OBJECTIVES: Provide evidence based guidelines for tracheostomy in critically ill adult patients and identify areas needing further research. METHODS: A task force composed of representatives of 10 member countries of the Pan-American and Iberic Federation of Societies of Critical and Intensive Therapy Medicine and of the Latin American Critical Care Trial Investigators Network developed recommendations based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS: The group identified 23 relevant questions among 87 issues that were initially identified. In the initial search, 333 relevant publications were identified of which 226 publications were chosen. The task force generated a total of 19 recommendations: 10 positive (1B=3, 2C=3, 2D=4) and 9 negative (1B=8, 2C=1). A recommendation was not possible in six questions. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous techniques are associated with a lower risk of infections compared to surgical tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy only seems to reduce the duration of ventilator use but not the incidence of pneumonia, the length of stay, or the long-term mortality rate. The evidence does not support the use of routine bronchoscopy guidance or laryngeal masks during the procedure. Finally, proper prior training is as important or even a more significant factor in reducing complications than the technique used.

Anti-atherosclerotic effect of the angiotensin 1-7 mimetic AVE0991 is mediated by inhibition of perivascular and plaque inflammation in early atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis. The protective role of angiotensin 1-7 (Ang-(1-7)) in vascular pathologies suggested the therapeutic use of low MW, non-peptide Ang-(1-7) mimetics, such as AVE0991. The mechanisms underlying the vaso-protective effects of AVE0991, a Mas receptor agonist, remain to be explored. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We investigated the effects of AVE0991 on the spontaneous atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-/- mice, in the context of vascular inflammation and plaque stability. KEY RESULTS: AVE0991 has significant anti-atherosclerotic properties in ApoE-/- mice and increases plaque stability, by reducing plaque macrophage content, without effects on collagen. Using the descending aorta of chow-fed ApoE-/- mice, before significant atherosclerotic plaque develops, we gained insight to early events in atherosclerosis. Interestingly, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and adventitial infiltration with macrophages and T-cells precedes atherosclerotic plaque or the impairment of endothelium-dependent NO bioavailability (a measure of endothelial function). AVE0991 inhibited perivascular inflammation, by reducing chemokine expression in PVAT and through direct actions on monocytes/macrophages inhibiting their activation, characterized by production of IL-1ß, TNF-α, CCL2 and CXCL10, and differentiation to M1 phenotype. Pretreatment with AVE0991 inhibited migration of THP-1 monocytes towards supernatants of activated adipocytes (SW872). Mas receptors were expressed in PVAT and in THP-1 cells in vitro, and the anti-inflammatory effects of AVE0991 were partly Mas dependent. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The selective Mas receptor agonist AVE0991 exhibited anti-atherosclerotic and anti-inflammatory actions, affecting monocyte/macrophage differentiation and recruitment to the perivascular space during early stages of atherosclerosis in ApoE-/- mice. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Targeting Inflammation to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.22/issuetoc and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v82.4/issuetoc.