Family sitosterolemia: report of two cases in Colombia. / Sitosterolemia familiar: reporte de dos casos en Colombia.

Sitosterolemia is an autosomal recessive and very rare disease. Its main characteristic is that there is a greater absorption and a decrease in the excretion of sterols, which leads to them being deposited in tissues. It is given by mutations in the ABCG5 or ABCG8 genes found on chromosome 2p21. In this clinical note, we describe the first two patients with familial sitosterolemia described in Colombia, brothers, one of them with xanthomas in extremities as the only symptom, and the other, completely asymptomatic. Genetic studies were performed as a diagnostic test in both patients, where a pathogenic homozygous variant could be identified in the ABCG8 gene in the first case (symptomatic), and a heterozygous variant in the ABCG8 gene in the second case (asymptomatic); the first patient has responded to treatment with ezetimibe. In conclusion, xanthomas should be studied in depth in pediatric age as they may be the only visible sign of such complex and hereditary diseases as familial sitosterolemia, which can be controlled and prevent cardiovascular complications of the disease.

Comorbidity between depressive symptoms and substance use in-patients hospitalized for non-psychiatric diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies have shown a high prevalence and concurrence between depression and substance use. This is known as "dual diagnosis" and is associated with a worse prognosis for patients. OBJECTIVE: To establish the comorbidity between depressive symptoms and substance abuse in patients admitted with acute or chronic diseases to a public hospital. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of prevalence which included 296 patients aged 18-65, to whom the PHQ-9 and ASSIST 3.0 scales were applied to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and substance abuse. Other clinical and sociodemographic variables were also taken into account. RESULTS: 50.7% were women with a median age of 41 and an interquartile range of 27 years. Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were found in 27.4% of the patients. Alcohol was the substance with the highest consumption in the previous 3 months with 53.7%, followed by cigarettes (47.6%), marijuana (26.7%) and cocaine (14.5%). A significant association was found between severe depressive symptoms PHQ-9 ≥ 20 and problematic use of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine (ASSIST score >26); alcohol (RP 27.30, 95% CI [2.37-314.16], P = 0.01); marijuana (RP 15.00, 95% CI [3.46-64.96], P = 0.001) and cocaine (RP 10.65, 95% CI [2.23-51.10], P = 0.01). DISCUSSION: A high prevalence of depressive symptoms and substance use was found in patients hospitalised for non-psychiatric medical conditions, which worsens the prognosis of the underlying medical condition. CONCLUSIONS: To provide better hospital care for patients, we need to give visibility to the problem of dual pathology. This could be achieved by conducting more related research in these clinical scenarios.

Comorbilidad entre síntomas depresivos y consumo de sustancias en pacientes hospitalizados por enfermedades no psiquiátricas / Comorbidity between depressive symptoms and substance use in-patients hospitalized for non-psychiatric diseases

RESUMEN Introducción: Los estudios epidemiológicos muestran una alta prevalencia y concurrencia entre la depresión y el consumo de sustancias, lo cual es denominado «patología dual¼; esta comorbilidad implica un peor pronóstico para los pacientes. Objetivo: Determinar la comorbilidad entre síntomas depresivos y consumo de sustancias en pacientes hospitalizados por enfermedades agudas y crónicas en un hospital público. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, de prevalencia con 296 pacientes con edades entre 18 a 65 arios a quienes se les aplicó el PHQ-9 y el ASSIST 3.0 para determinar la preva lencia de síntomas depresivos y consumo de sustancias psicoactivas; además, se tomaron otras variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Resultados: El 50,7% fueron mujeres con una edad mediana de 41 años y rango intercuartílico de 27 años. Se encontraron síntomas depresivos moderados-severos en el 27,4% de los pacientes. El alcohol fue la sustancia de mayor consumo en los últimos 3 meses con un 53,7%, seguido por el cigarrillo (47,6%), la marihuana (26,7%) y la cocaína (14,5%). Se encontró asociación significativa entre síntomas depresivos graves PHQ-9 ≥ 20 y uso problemático de alcohol, marihuana y cocaína (puntuación ASSIST > 26); alcohol (RP 27,30, IC del 95%, 2,37 314,16; p = 0,01); marihuana (RP 15,00 IC del 95%, 3,46-64,96; p = 0,001) y cocaína (RP 10,65, IC del 95%, 2,23-51,10; p = 0,01). Discusión: Se encontró alta prevalencia de síntomas depresivos y uso de sustancias en pacientes hospitalizados por condiciones médicas no psiquiátricas, lo cual empeora el pro nóstico de la condición médica de base. Conclusiones: Para brindar un mejor cuidado hospitalario de los pacientes, se requiere hacer visible el problema de la patología dual, lo cual podría lograrse a partir de más investigación relacionada en estos escenarios clínicos.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Epidemiological studies have shown a high prevalence and concurrence bet ween depression and substance use. This is known as "dual diagnosis" and is associated with a worse prognosis for patients. Objective: To establish the comorbidity between depressive symptoms and substance abuse in patients admitted with acute or chronic diseases to a public hospital. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of prevalence which included 296 patients aged 18 to 65, to whom the PHQ-9 and ASSIST 3.0 scales were applied to determine the pre valence of depressive symptoms and substance abuse. Other clinical and sociodemographic variables were also taken into account. Results: 50.7% were women with a median age of 41 and an interquartile range of 27 years. Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were found in 27.4% of the patients. Alcohol was the substance with the highest consumption in the previous 3 months with 53.7%, followed by cigarettes (47.6%), marijuana (26.7%) and cocaine (14.5%). A significant association was found between severe depressive symptoms PHQ-9 ≥20 and problematic use of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine (ASSIST score > 26); alcohol (RP 27.30, 95% CI [2.37-314.16], P = 0.01); marijuana (RP 15.00, 95% CI [3.46-64.96], P = 0.001) and cocaine (RP 10.65, 95% CI [2.23-51.10], P=0.01). Discussion: A high prevalence of depressive symptoms and substance use was found in patients hospitalized for non-psychiatric medical conditions, which worsens the prognosis of the underlying medical condition. Conclusions: To provide better hospital care for patients, we need to give visibility to the problem of dual pathology. This could be achieved by conducting more related research in these clinical scenarios.

Comorbidity between depressive symptoms and substance use in-patients hospitalized for non-psychiatric diseases. / Comorbilidad entre síntomas depresivos y consumo de sustancias en pacientes hospitalizados por enfermedades no psiquiátricas.

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological studies have shown a high prevalence and concurrence between depression and substance use. This is known as "dual diagnosis" and is associated with a worse prognosis for patients. OBJECTIVE: To establish the comorbidity between depressive symptoms and substance abuse in patients admitted with acute or chronic diseases to a public hospital. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of prevalence which included 296 patients aged 18 to 65, to whom the PHQ-9 and ASSIST 3.0 scales were applied to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and substance abuse. Other clinical and sociodemographic variables were also taken into account. RESULTS: 50.7% were women with a median age of 41 and an interquartile range of 27 years. Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were found in 27.4% of the patients. Alcohol was the substance with the highest consumption in the previous 3 months with 53.7%, followed by cigarettes (47.6%), marijuana (26.7%) and cocaine (14.5%). A significant association was found between severe depressive symptoms PHQ-9 ≥20 and problematic use of alcohol, marijuana and cocaine (ASSIST score>26); alcohol (RP 27.30, 95% CI [2.37-314.16], P=0.01); marijuana (RP 15.00, 95% CI [3.46-64.96], P=0.001) and cocaine (RP 10.65, 95% CI [2.23-51.10], P=0.01). DISCUSSION: A high prevalence of depressive symptoms and substance use was found in patients hospitalized for non-psychiatric medical conditions, which worsens the prognosis of the underlying medical condition. CONCLUSIONS: To provide better hospital care for patients, we need to give visibility to the problem of dual pathology. This could be achieved by conducting more related research in these clinical scenarios.

Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of oral cefuroxime axetil in dogs.

Cefuroxime axetil pharmacokinetic profile was investigated in 12 Beagle dogs after single intravenous and oral administration of tablets or suspension at a dose of 20 mg/kg, under both fasting and fed conditions. A three-period, three-treatment crossover study (IV, PO under fasting and fed condition) was applied. Blood samples were withdrawn at predetermined times over a 12-hr period. Cefuroxime plasma concentrations were determined by HPLC. Data were analyzed by compartmental analysis. No statistically significant differences were observed between formulations and feeding conditions on PK parameters. Independently of the feeding condition, absorption of cefuroxime axetil after tablet administration was low and erratic. The drug has been quantified in plasma in 3 out of 6 and 5 out of 6 dogs in the fasted and fed groups. For this formulation, the bioavailability (F), peak plasma concentration (Cmax ), and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of cefuroxime axetil were significantly enhanced (p < .05) by the concomitant ingestion of food (32.97 ± 13.47-14.08 ± 7.79%, 6.30 ± 2.62-2.74 ± 0.66 µg/ml, and 15.75 ± 3.98-7.82 ± 2.76 µg.hr/ml for F, Cmax, and AUC in fed and fasted dogs, respectively), while for cefuroxime axetil suspension, feeding conditions affected only the rate of absorption, as reflected by the significantly shorter absorption half-life (T½(a) ) and time to peak concentration (Tmax ) (0.55 ± 0.27-1.15 ± 0.19 hr and 1.21 ± 0.22-1.70 ± 0.30 for T½(a) and Tmax in fed and fasted dogs, respectively). For cefuroxime axetil tablets, T > MIC (≤1 µg/ml) was <2 hr in fasted and ≈4 hr in fed animals, and for cefuroxime axetil suspension, T > MIC (≤1 µg/ml) was ≈5 hr and for T >MIC (≤4 µg/ml) was ≈2.5 hr for fasted and fed dogs, respectively. Cefuroxime axetil as a suspension formulation seems to be a better option than tablets. However, its short permanence in plasma could reduce its clinical usefulness in dogs.

Efficacy of paravertebral block techniques in thoracic surgery: systematic literature review / Eficacia de las técnicas de bloqueo paravertebral en cirugía torácica. Revisión sistemática de la literatura

Abstract Introduction: Postoperative pain in thoracic surgery in adults is usually severe, and to control it there are many analgesic methods that include paravertebral blockade (PVB). Until now, there is no clarity on which is the most effective technique to perform this blockade. Objective: To describe the different PVB techniques and its analgesic effect in thoracic surgery. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed. We included studies that analyzed patients in open chest surgery and used PVB as analgesic technique. The Cochrane and Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation strategies were used to analyze biases and evidence. The results are presented graphically by means of a visual analog scale (VAS) pain and opioid consumption equivalent to morphine for each technique found. We summarize the results with a qualitative approach without meta-analysis. Results: A total of 38 articles were analyzed (2188 patients). 13 using PVB guided by surface anatomy (SA-PVB), 7 Ultrasound-guided PVB (US-PVB), 1 neurostimulation guided PVB (NE-PVB) and the remaining using PVB performed under direct visualization by the surgeon (S-PVB). A VAS of less than 3 was found in studies with SA-PVB and US-PVB, and greater than 5 in studies with S-PVB; however, opioid consumption in the postoperative period was similar between the techniques described. Conclusion: PVB can be performed through 4 techniques. Techniques of US-PVB or SA-PVB have shown better consistency to manage postoperative acute pain in thoracic surgery.

Resumen Introducción: El dolor posoperatorio en cirugía de tórax en adultos usualmente es grave, y para su control existen varios métodos analgésicos que incluyen el bloqueo paravertebral (BPV). En la actualidad no hay claridad acerca de la técnica más efectiva para su realización. Objetivo: Describir las diferentes técnicas de colocación del BPV y su efecto en el control analgésico en cirugía de tórax. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Se incluyeron estudios que analizaron pacientes sometidos a cirugía de tórax abierta y que utilizaron el BPV como técnica analgésica. Se emplearon las estrategias Cochrane y GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) para valorar la evidencia disponible. Se presentan los resultados de manera gráfica mediante escala visual análoga de dolor y consumo de opioide equivalente a morfina para cada técnica encontrada. Se realizó síntesis cualitativa de los resultados sin metanálisis. Resultados: Se analizaron en total 38 artículos (2188 pacientes). 13 estudios usaban BPV guiado por anatomía de superficie (BPV-AS), 7 BPV con guía ecográfica (BPV-US), 1 BPV guiado por neuroestimulación (BPV-NE) y los restantes BPV bajo visualización directa por el cirujano (BPV-C). Se encontró una escala visual análoga (EVA) menor a 3 en los estudios con BPV-AS y BPV-US y mayor a 5 en estudios con BPV-C; sin embargo, el consumo de opioides en el posoperatorio fue similar entre las técnicas descritas. Conclusión: Se han descrito cuatro técnicas para la realización del BPV. Las técnicas de BPV-US o BPV-AS han mostrado mejor consistencia para el manejo del dolor agudo posoperatorio en cirugía de tórax.

Factores de riesgo y mortalidad hospitalaria de los pacientes quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos con delirium / Risk Factors and Hospital Mortality in Surgical and Non-surgical Patients with Delirium

resumen Introducción: El delirium es un síndrome neuropsiquiátrico frecuente y con graves consecuencias, especialmente para los pacientes ancianos y con deterioro cognitivo preexistente. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de una única cohorte retrospectiva. El objetivo es comparar los factores de riesgo y la mortalidad según el tipo de tratamiento (quirúrgico y no quirúrgico) en un grupo de pacientes con delirium hospitalizados. Resultados: Se analizó a 184 pacientes con delirium hospitalizados, por causas quirúrgicas el 29,3% y no quirúrgicas el 70,7%. El 50,5% eran mujeres; el 50% de los pacientes tenían 74 anos o menos (intervalo intercuartílico, 27 arios), con diferencias estadísticas, siendo mayores los no quirúrgicos (p = 0,002). El 42,9% de los pacientes presentaban deterioro cognitivo previo, con mayor proporción entre los no quirúrgicos (el 50,8 frente al 24,1%) y diferencias significativas (p = 0,001). El 89,7% recibía medicamentos anticolinérgicos y el 99,5%, más de 3 medicamentos, sin diferencias significativas. La mitad de los pacientes permanecieron en hospitalización 16,3 días o menos (intervalo intercuartílico, 23 días), y fue significativamente más larga la estancia en el grupo quirúrgico (p < 0,001); el 14,7% de los pacientes murieron en el hospital, sin diferencias estadísticas entre los grupos (p = 0,073). Discusión: No hubo diferencias significativas en la mortalidad entre los grupos, si bien fue mayor en el no quirúrgico (el 17,7 frente al 7,4%). En cuanto a la edad, se encontró que el grupo de mayor mortalidad (el no quirúrgico) tenía una edad y un deterioro cognitivo significativamente mayores, lo cual coincide con la literatura científica.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric syndrome with severe consequences, especially for elderly patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment. Methodology: Descriptive study of one retrospective cohort, with the aim of comparing risk factors and mortality between surgical treatment and non-surgical treatment in a group of hospitalised patients with delirium. Results: Of the 184 hospitalised patients with delirium analysed, 29.3% were for surgical causes and 70.7% for non-surgical causes. Just over half (50.5%) were women, and 50% of the patients were 74 years or less (interquartile range, 27 years), with statistical differences (P=.002). Prior cognitive impairment was observed in 42.9% of patients, with a greater proportion of non-surgical (50.8% vs 24.1%) with significant differences (P=.001). Anticholinergic medications were received by 89.7% of patients, and almost all of them (99.5%) received three or more medicines, with no significant differences. Half (50%) of the patients remained in hospital for 16.3 days or less (interquartile range, 23 days). Hospitalisation was significantly longer in the surgical group (P<.001). The hospital mortality was 14.7%, with no statistical differences between groups (P=.073). Discussion: Although there were no significant differences in mortality between the groups, it was higher in the non-surgical (17.7% vs. 7.4%). Increased mortality was found in the older group (non-surgical) that also had significantly greater cognitive impairment, which coincides with that in the scientific literature.

Risk Factors and Hospital Mortality in Surgical and Non-surgical Patients with Delirium. / Factores de riesgo y mortalidad hospitalaria de los pacientes quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos con delirium.

INTRODUCTION: Delirium is a common neuropsychiatric syndrome with severe consequences, especially for elderly patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive study of one retrospective cohort, with the aim of comparing risk factors and mortality between surgical treatment and non-surgical treatment in a group of hospitalised patients with delirium. RESULTS: Of the 184 hospitalised patients with delirium analysed, 29.3% were for surgical causes and 70.7% for non-surgical causes. Just over half (50.5%) were women, and 50% of the patients were 74 years or less (interquartile range, 27 years), with statistical differences (P=.002). Prior cognitive impairment was observed in 42.9% of patients, with a greater proportion of non-surgical (50.8% vs 24.1%) with significant differences (P=.001). Anticholinergic medications were received by 89.7% of patients, and almost all of them (99.5%) received three or more medicines, with no significant differences. Half (50%) of the patients remained in hospital for 16.3 days or less (interquartile range, 23 days). Hospitalisation was significantly longer in the surgical group (P<.001). The hospital mortality was 14.7%, with no statistical differences between groups (P=.073). DISCUSSION: Although there were no significant differences in mortality between the groups, it was higher in the non-surgical (17.7% vs. 7.4%). Increased mortality was found in the older group (non-surgical) that also had significantly greater cognitive impairment, which coincides with that in the scientific literature.

Mapping Amyloid Regions in Gad m 1 with Peptide Arrays.

Amyloid formation is basically featured by a protein-protein interaction in which the reacting regions are the segments assembling into cross ß-sheets. To identify these segments both theoretical and experimental tools have been developed. Here, we focus on the use of peptide arrays to probe the binding of several amyloid-specific probes such as the OC and A11 anti-amyloid conformation-selective antibodies and of monomers and preformed fibrils. These arrays use libraries containing partly overlapping peptides derived from the sequence of Gad m 1, the major allergen from Atlantic cod, which forms amyloids under gastrointestinal relevant conditions.

Corea lúpica. Prevalencia y expresión clínica / It Korea lupus. Prevalence and clinical expression

Introducción y objetivo: La corea es uno de los subtipos de compromiso neurológico ob-servados al debut y durante el curso del lupus eritematoso sistémico juvenil (LESJ). Origina dificultades de diagnóstico diferencial y puede provocar morbilidad significativa. El objetivo del estudio es describir la prevalencia y curso de corea en una cohorte de pacientes con LESJ. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Se analizaron las características clínicas y se-rológicas de una cohorte de pacientes con LESJ que desarrollaron corea al debut y durante el tiempo de seguimiento.

Infecciones al debut de lupus eritematoso sistémico juvenil / Infections to systemic lupus erythematosus youth debut

ntroducción: Las infecciones son reconocidas como evento disparador de enfermedad au-toinmune y originan complicaciones e interfieren en el tratamiento requerido para el control de actividad lúpica. El objetivo del estudio es describir el patrón de infecciones observadas al debut y su prevalencia en una cohorte de pacientes con lupus eritematoso juvenil (LESJ). Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. De una cohorte de 241 pacientes con LESJ, analizar aquellas cuyo debut coincidió con un evento infeccioso y cuyos datos demográfi-cos, clínicos, serológicos y el tipo y curso de infecciones documentadas fueron registradas.

Nefritis lúpica juvenil. Espectro clínico y patológico al debut / Juvenile lupus nephritis. Clinical and pathological spectrum debut

Introducción y objetivo: La nefritis lúpica (NL) es más frecuente y severa en pacientes juveni-les. Origina significativa morbi-mortalidad a corto y largo plazo. Las manifestaciones clínicas varían según el tipo histológico. El objetivo del estudio es determinar las características clíni-cas e histológicas al debut de NL. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en pacientes lúpicos juveniles controlados en cuatro instituciones hospitalarias.

A 38-year-old woman with a legal and voluntary interruption of pregnancy due to mental health risk. An unexpected outcome / Mujer de 38 arios con interrupción legal y voluntaria del embarazo por riesgo para la salud mental. Un desenlace inesperado

Abstract Objective: To describe a case of legal and voluntary interruption of pregnancy due to a mental health risk in the mother. However, the foetus survived and the mother decided to care for the child. Methods: Description of the case and a non-systematic review of the relevant literature. Results: A multiparous woman of 38 years with unknown gestational age who requests legal and voluntary interruption of pregnancy. After abortion a male child born of 1050 g was born, intubated and admitted to intensive care. Subsequently, the mother, without the mental problems that led to abortion, gradually assumed the care of the child. Discussion: To address this complex case, several aspects are analysed: first, the change of mind of a woman in her desire to be a mother. Second, the disappearance of mental symptoms in the immediate postpartum. Third, the need to review the clinical, ethical and legal foundations of the legal ruling that allows therapeutic abortion in Colombia.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir un caso clínico de interrupción legal y voluntaria del embarazo por riesgo para la salud mental de la madre con sobrevida del feto y posterior deseo de la madre de cuidar del niño. Métodos: Descripción del caso clínico y revisión no sistemática de la literatura relevante. Resultados: Mujer de 38 arios multigestante, con edad gestacional desconocida, solicitó interrupción legal y voluntaria del embarazo por riesgo para la salud mental por embarazo no deseado. Luego de la interrupción del embarazo, nació un varón de 1.050g de peso, al que se intubó y trasladó a cuidados intensivos. Tras el parto, los síntomas mentales que llevaron a esta mujer al aborto terapéutico desaparecieron, y decidió asumir el cuidado del niño. Discusión: Frente a este complejo caso, se analizan varios aspectos: primero, el cambio de opinión de una mujer sobre su deseo de ser madre; segundo, la desaparición de los síntomas mentales en el posparto inmediato, y tercero, la necesidad de revisar los fundamentos clínicos, éticos y legales de la norma legal que permite el aborto terapéutico en Colombia.

[A 38-year-old Woman with a Legal and Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy due to Mental Health Risk. An Unexpected Outcome]. / Mujer de 38 años con interrupción legal y voluntaria del embarazo por riesgo para la salud mental. Un desenlace inesperado.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of legal and voluntary interruption of pregnancy due to a mental health risk in the mother. However, the foetus survived and the mother decided to care for the child. METHODS: Description of the case and a non-systematic review of the relevant literature. RESULTS: A multiparous woman of 38 years with unknown gestational age who requests legal and voluntary interruption of pregnancy. After abortion a male child born of 1050 grams was born, intubated and admitted to intensive care. Subsequently, the mother, without the mental problems that led to abortion, gradually assumed the care of the child. DISCUSSION: To address this complex case, several aspects are analysed: first, the change of mind of a woman in her desire to be a mother. Second, the disappearance of mental symptoms in the immediate postpartum. Third, the need to review the clinical, ethical and legal foundations of the legal ruling that allows therapeutic abortion in Colombia.

Cefazolin pharmacokinetics in cats under surgical conditions.

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the plasma pharmacokinetic profile, tissue concentrations and urine elimination of cefazolin in cats under surgical conditions after a single intravenous dose of 20 mg/kg. Methods Intravenous cefazolin (20 mg/kg) was administered to nine young mixed-breed cats 30 mins before they underwent surgical procedures (ovariectomy or orchiectomy). After antibiotic administration, samples from blood, some tissues and urine were taken. Cefazolin concentrations were determined in all biological matrices and pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. Results Initial plasma concentrations were high (Cp(0), 134.80 ± 40.54 µg/ml), with fast and moderately wide distribution (distribution half-life [t½(d)] 0.16 ± 0.15 h; volume of distribution at steady state [V(d[ss])] 0.29 ± 0.10 l/kg) and rapid elimination (body clearance [ClB], 0.21 ± 0.06 l/h/kg; elimination half-life [t½], 1.18 ± 0.27 h; mean residence time 1.42 ± 0.36 h). Thirty to 60 mins after intravenous administration, cefazolin tissue concentrations ranged from 9.24 µg/ml (subcutaneous tissue) to 26.44 µg/ml (ovary). The tissue/plasma concentration ratio ranged from 0.18 (muscle) to 0.58 (ovary). Cefazolin urine concentrations were high with 84.2% of the administered dose being eliminated in the first 6 h postadministration. Conclusions and relevance Cefazolin plasma concentrations remained above a minimum inhibitory concentration of ⩽2 µg/ml up to 4 h in all the studied cats. This suggests that a single intravenous dose of 20 mg/kg cefazolin would be adequate for perioperative prophylactic use in cats.

Pharmacokinetics of meropenem after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration to cats.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe the pharmacokinetics and predicted efficacy of meropenem after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) administration to cats at a single dose of 10 mg/kg. METHODS: Five adult healthy cats were used. Blood samples were withdrawn at predetermined times over a 12 h period. Meropenem concentrations were determined by microbiological assay. Pharmacokinetic analyses were performed with computer software. Initial estimates were determined using the residual method and refitted by non-linear regression. The time that plasma concentrations were greater than the minimum inhibitory concentration (T >MIC) was estimated by applying bibliographic MIC values and meropenem MIC breakpoint. RESULTS: Maximum plasma concentrations of meropenem were 101.02 µg/ml (Cp(0), IV), 27.21 µg/ml (Cmax, IM) and 15.57 µg/ml (Cmax, SC). Bioavailability was 99.69% (IM) and 96.52 % (SC). Elimination half-lives for the IV, IM and SC administration were 1.35, 2.10 and 2.26 h, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Meropenem, when administered to cats at a dose of 10 mg/kg q12h,, is effective against bacteria with MIC values of 6 µg/ml, 7 µg/ml and 10 µg/ml for IV, IM and SC administration, respectively. However, clinical trials are necessary to confirm clinical efficacy of the proposed dosage regimen.

Capsular block syndrome: a case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: To report the case of a patient who developed late capsular block syndrome and to review the current literature regarding this complication of phacoemulsification procedures. METHODS: The literature was reviewed to summarize the diagnosis, classification, use of diagnostic aids, and the current treatments for this complication. RESULTS: A 69-year-old patient complained of decreased visual acuity 11 months after undergoing phacoemulsification. She was found to have a secondary myopization. Anterior segment ultrabiomicroscopy confirmed the diagnosis of capsular block syndrome. The patient underwent neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy, which resulted in complete resolution of her symptoms. CONCLUSION: CAPSULAR BLOCK SYNDROME IS A FAIRLY RARE COMPLICATION OF PHACOEMULSIFICATION PROCEDURES THAT, DEPENDING PRIMARILY ON THE TIMING OF ITS OCCURRENCE FOLLOWING SURGERY, CAN DEVELOP INTO ONE OF THE THREE FOLLOWING POSSIBLE CLINICAL SCENARIOS: intraoperatory, early postoperatory, and late postoperatory. In this patient, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for this type of complication.

Pharmacokinetics of imipenem after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration to cats.

The study describes the pharmacokinetics and predicted efficacy of imipenem after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) administration to five adult cats at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Susceptibility to imipenem [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)] was determined for antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli (n = 13) and staphylococci (n = 3) isolated from domestic cat infections (urinary system, skin and conjunctiva). Maximum plasma concentrations of imipenem were 13.45 µg/ml (IV), 6.47 µg/ml (IM) and 3.83 µg/ml (SC). Bioavailability was 93.18% (IM) and 107.90% (SC). Elimination half-lives for IV, IM and SC administration were 1.17, 1.44 and 1.55 h, respectively. All tested bacteria were susceptible to imipenem; MIC values were 0.03 µg/ml for Staphylococcus species and <0.25-0.5 µg/ml for E coli. Mean imipenem concentrations remained above a MIC of 0.5 µg/ml for approximately 4 h (IV and IM) and 9 h (SC). Imipenem would be predicted to be effective for the treatment of antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections in cats at a dosage of 5 mg/kg every 6-8 h (IV, IM), or longer for the SC route. However, clinical trials are mandatory to establish its efficacy and proper dosing.

Chronokinetics of ceftazidime after intramuscular administration to dogs.

Ceftazidime, a third-generation cephalosporin, is widely used for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The aims of the present study were to characterize the pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime and to estimate the T > MIC against P. aeruginosa, after its intramuscular (i.m.) administration at two different dosing times (08:30 h and 20:30 h) to dogs, in order to determine whether time-of-day administration modifies ceftazidime pharmacokinetics and/or predicted clinical antipseudomonal efficacy. Six female healthy beagle dogs were administered ceftazidime pentahydrate by the intramuscular route in a single dose of 25 mg/kg at both 08:30 and 20:30 h, two weeks apart. Plasma ceftazidime concentrations were determined by microbiological assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters and time above the minimum inhibitory concentration (T > MIC) and 4xMIC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa were calculated from the disposition curve of each dog. No differences between the daytime and nighttime administrations were found for the main pharmacokinetic parameters, including C(max), t(max), t((1/2) lambda), AUC, and MRT; however, the high interindividual variability shown by these values and the small number of individuals may account for this lack of difference. Rate of absorption (k(a)) was significantly higher after the 20:30 h than 08:30 h administration. No significant differences between T > MIC were found when comparing the 08:30 h and 20:30 h administrations. Mean T > MIC values predicted a favorable bacteriostatic effect for all susceptible strains of P. aeruginosa for the 12 h dosing interval at both dosing times. Our results suggest that similar antipseudomonal activity may be expected when ceftazidime is administered at 8:30 and 20:30 h; however, as only two timepoints of drug administration were explored, we are unable to draw any conclusions for other treatment times during the 24 h.

Frecuencia de la mutación F508del en estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia / Carrier frequency of F508del mutation of cystic fibrosis in medical students from Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción: La fibrosis quística es la enfermedad letal autosómica recesiva más frecuente en caucásicos, donde su incidencia es de 1 en 2000 nacidos vivos. Se debe a mutaciones en el gen CFTR, de las cuales la más frecuente es la F508del presente en 66% de los enfermos y en 1 de cada 25 personas sanas de origen caucásico. Objetivo: Identificar la tasa de portadores de la mutación F508del en una muestra de estudiantes de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad del Rosario.Materiales y métodos: Se determinó la presencia de la mutación F508del mediante PCR y análisis de heterodúplex en 110 estudiantes de IV y VII semestre de la Facultad de Medicina. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 4 heterocigotos para la mutación F508del, es decir, una frecuencia de portadores de 1 en 27 estudiantes. Conclusiones: La frecuencia de portadores de esta mutación en la población analizada es considerable, e indica que hay un alto número de personas en riesgo de heredar la enfermedad y que deben recibir asesoramiento genético. Es necesario aumentar el tamaño de la muestra para obtener datos representativos de la población colombiana.

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent autosomical recessive disorder in Caucasian population with an incidence of 1 in 2000 newborns. The disease is caused by mutations in the cftr gene, but the most common mutation is F508del, which accounts for 66% of CF chromosomes worldwide and a carrier frequency for Caucasian population of 1 in 25. Objective: To determine the carrier frequency of the F508del mutation in 110 unrelated, healthy students from the Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Rosario. Methods: The presence of F508del mutation using PCR and heteroduplex analysis was determined. Results: Only four heterozygotes for F508del mutation were discovered. This represents a carrier frequency of 1 in 27 students. Conclusions: This estimated frequency of F508del carriers is higher than expected, encouraging further screening in normal control individuals from different regions of Colombia.