Factores asociados a mayor sobrevida en pacientes con cáncer de páncreas tratados mediante pancreatoduodenectomía. Estudio de casos y controles

Introducción: El cáncer de páncreas (CP) tiene un pronóstico ominoso a pesar de los avances en técnica quirúrgica y en los cuidados peri/postoperatorios. Nuestro objetivo fue identificar factores asociados a mayor sobrevida en pacientes con CP tratados mediante pancreatoduodenectomía (PD). Material y Método: Estudio de casos y controles de pacientes con CP tratados mediante PD en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica entre 2002-2015. Se definió como caso al paciente con sobrevida ≥ 3 años y como control a aquel con sobrevida inferior a ese plazo. Se comparó entre casos y controles datos biodemográficos, clínicos, histopatológicos, de morbilidad y mortalidad mediante regresión logística. Resultados: Se analizaron 70 pacientes, con una edad media de 62 ± 11 años; 40 (57%) mujeres. Hubo morbilidad en 26 enfermos (37,1%); Clavien-Dindo ≥ Illa en 8 (11,4%). La mediana (rango) de días de hospitalización fue 12 (7-84). La sobrevida actuarial a 1, 3 y 5 años fue 77%, 32% y 22% respectivamente. Se identificaron 21 casos (30%) y 49 controles (70%). En el análisis univariable, la resección R0, los ganglios regionales negativos, la ausencia de infiltración perineural, los estadios más precoces (IA, IB y IIA) y la ausencia de diabetes mellitus (DM2) al momento del diagnóstico, fueron variables asociadas a sobrevida ≥ 3 años (p 100 U/mL) y los tratamientos complementarios no se asociaron a diferencias significativas en sobrevida. En el análisis multivariable, se identificó la ausencia de DM2 (OR ajustado: 12; IC95% 1,7-84,3), la ausencia de infiltración perineural (OR ajustado: 7; IC95% 1,3-36,3) y los estadios precoces IA, IB y IIA (OR ajustado: 10,3; IC95% 2,1-49,1) como los factores independientes asociados a sobrevida mayor a 3 años. Conclusión: Los pacientes no diabéticos, con etapas precoces del CP sin infiltración perineural, resecados R0 mediante PD pueden obtener una sobrevida mayor a 3 años.

Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies, despite developments in surgical and non-surgical therapies. Significant improvements in long-term survival have not been achieved. Only radical surgical resection has obtained a moderate extension in survival. We aim to identify factors associated with longer survival in patients with PC treated by pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). Material and Method: We designed a case-control study of patients with PC treated by PD in our center between 2002-2015. We compare patients who survived ≥ 3 years (case) with those not achieving it (control). Bio-demographic, clinical, histopathological, morbidity and mortality data were compared between cases and controls using logistic regression. Results: Seventy patients were analyzed; mean age 62 ± 11 years; 40 (57%) women. Morbidity was found in 26 patients (37.1%); Clavien-Dindo ≥ Illa in 8 (11.4%). The median (range) of hospitalization days was 12 (7-84). The actuarial 1, 3, and 5 years survival was 77%, 32%, and 22%, respectively, for the entire series. Twenty-one cases (30%), and 49 controls (70%) were identified. In the univariate analysis, R0 resection, negative regional lymph nodes, the absence of perineural infiltration, the earliest stages (IA, IB, and IIA) and the absence of diabetes mellitus (DM) at time of diagnosis were variables associated with survival ≥ 3 years (p 100 U / mL), and neo/adjuvant treatments, did not significantly show differences in survival. In the multivariate analysis, no DM at diagnosis (adjusted OR: 12; 95% CI 1.7 - 84.3), no perineural infiltration (adjusted OR: 7; 95% CI 1.3 - 36.3) and early stages IA, IB, and IIA (adjusted OR: 10.3; 95% CI 2.1 - 49.1) were identified as independent factors associated with survival > 3 years. Conclusion: Nondiabetic patients with early stages PC without perineural infiltration, resected R0 by PD can achieve survival over 3 years.

Sterile water moisturizer of the skin of extremely low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of sterile water application to the skin of the extremely low birth weight (ELBW) newborns in the first week of life and examine its effects on their skin integrity and outcomes. DESIGN: Pilot randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Open-bay, 18 bed Level III NICU in the Eastern United States. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight ELBW neonates. Two newborns expired, sixteen newborns remained in the intervention group and twelve newborns in the control group. METHODS: ELBW neonates were either assigned to receive frequent sterile water wash to skin or not during care for the first week of life. Using the Neonatal Skin Condition Scale (NSCS), assessments were performed twice a day during the first week. Fluid intake, serum electrolytes, culture proven sepsis and other morbidities, and length of stay (LOS) were compared while controlling for confounding variables using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: There was no difference in the demographic or clinical characteristics between both groups. Sterile water wash application to skin was not associated with differences in skin health indices or fluid intake. However, it was associated with higher median sodium level and with early regression of bilirubin level when compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Frequent skin washes with sterile water are feasible and safe. However, they may not be associated with improved skin integrity or fluid intake.

Bedside and laboratory neuromonitoring in neonatal encephalopathy.

Several bedside and laboratory neuromonitoring tools are currently used in neonatal encephalopathy (NE) to assess 1) brain function [amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) and EEG], 2) cerebral oxygenation delivery and consumption [near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)] and 3) blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. The aim of the review is to provide the role of neuromonitoring in understanding the development of brain injury in these newborns and better predict their long-term outcome. Simultaneous use of these monitoring modalities may improve our ability to provide meaningful prognostic information regarding ongoing treatments. Evidence will be summarized in this review for each of these modalities, by describing (1) the methods, (2) the clinical evidence in context of NE both before and with hypothermia, and (3) the research and future directions.

Interobserver Reliability of an MR Imaging Scoring System in Infants with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MR imaging has a key role in predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes following neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). A novel MR imaging scoring system for hypoxic-ischemic brain injury was used in our patient population with the aim of assessing interobserver variability and developing subcategories for the severity of brain injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated brain MR images of 252 infants who underwent hypothermia for HIE between 2014 and 2019. First, 40 infants were selected randomly to test interobserver variability. Discrepancies were identified during the assessment of the first 20 MR images. The remaining 20 MR images were scored after adjusting the scoring system. Second, we determined cutoff values for the severity of injury that were based on the percentiles of the total scores in the full cohort. RESULTS: The interobserver reliability showed excellent agreement for the total score both before (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96; 95% CI 0.89-0.99) and after the adjustment (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.89-0.98). The average of the differences and the agreement interval between the 2 readers decreased after the adjustment. Subcategories of brain injury were the following: We considered a total score of ≤4 (≤75%) as normal, 5-10 (76%-90%) as mild, 11-15 (91%-95%) as moderate, and >15 (>95%) as severe brain injury. The agreement on the classification of brain injury improved in the second epoch (weighted κ = 0.723 versus 0.887). CONCLUSIONS: The adjusted scoring system may lead to a higher degree of interrater agreement. The presented cutoff values may be used to determine the severity of brain injury in future clinical studies including infants with mild hypoxia-ischemia.

Donante vivo hepático adulto-pediátrico totalmente laparoscópico: aspectos técnicos y resultados / Fully laparoscopic adult living donor for pediatric transplantation: technical aspects and results

Resumen Introducción: La cirugía hepática laparoscópica ha presentado un desarrollo más lento debido a la complejidad que ésta posee, lo que determina una curva de aprendizaje prolongada. En relación a la hepatectomía laparoscópica para donante vivo en trasplante hepático (TH), ésta se ha retrasado aún más por las preocupaciones sobre la seguridad del donante, el resultado del injerto y la adquisición de las competencias técnicas de los cirujanos. El objetivo de este artículo, es exponer detalles técnicos de la hepatectomía izquierda laparoscópica de donantes vivos adultos para trasplante pediátrico y se presentan los resultados quirúrgicos de los casos realizados en este centro. Materiales y Método: Presentación de la técnica quirúrgica de la hepatectomía izquierda en donantes vivos para TH en receptores pediátricos, además, de realizar un estudio cohorte no concurrente de pacientes sometidos a esta cirugía en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica entre mayo de 2011 y noviembre de 2017. Resultados: La serie consta de 15 pacientes, 60% sexo femenino. Trece pacientes (86,6%) eran madre o padre del receptor. El 100% de pacientes fue sometido a hepatectomía izquierda laparoscópica sin necesidad de conversión. Morbilidad Clavien-Dindo >3,1 paciente requirió punción percutánea de bilioma. Mediana de hospitalización de 3 días (2-5). No hubo mortalidad. Conclusión: La hepatectomía izquierda por vía laparoscópica de donante vivo para TH pediátrico es un procedimiento seguro y factible de realizar en este centro, con excelentes resultados en términos de morbimortalidad y consideramos que esta técnica debe ser la vía de elección para donantes vivos adultos-pediátricos.

Introduction: Laparoscopic liver surgery has presented a slower development due to the complexity it has, which determines a prolonged learning curve. In relation to laparoscopic hepatectomy for a living donor liver transplantation (LT), this has been further delayed due to concerns about donor safety, graft results and the acquisition of the technical skills of surgeons. The objective of this article is to present technical details of the laparoscopic left hepatectomy of adult living donors for pediatric transplantation and the surgical results of the cases performed in this center. Materials and Method: Presentation of the surgical technique of left hepatectomy in living donors for LT in pediatric recipients in addition to conducting a non-concurrent cohort study of patients undergoing this surgery at the Hospital Clinico Universidad Catolica between May 2011 to November 2017. Results: The series consists of 15 patients, 60% female. Thirteen patients (86.6%) were mother or father of the recipient. 100% of patients underwent laparoscopic left hepatectomy without conversion. Clavien-Dindo Morbidity > 3, in 1 patient who required percutaneous drainage of biloma. Median hospitalization of 3 days (2-5). There was no mortality. Conclusión: Laparoscopic left hepatectomy of living donors for pediatric LT is a safe and feasible procedure to perform in this center, with excellent results in terms of morbidity and mortality and we consider that this technique should be the route of choice for adult-pediatric living donors.

Indicaciones inhabituales de trasplante hepático. resultados / Unusual indications for liver transplantation. results

Resumen Introducción: El trasplante hepático (TH), es una terapia establecida en el tratamiento de diversas enfermedades del hígado agudas y crónicas terminales y del carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). Las principales indicaciones en nuestro medio son la cirrosis de diferentes etiologías, el CHC, la atresia de vías biliares en niños y la falla hepática fulminante (FHF). Menos del 10% corresponden a indicaciones inhabituales, que incluyen pacientes con una miscelánea de enfermedades entre las cuales están la enfermedad poliquística hepática (EPH), enfermedades metabólicas (Niemann-Pick, otras), el síndrome hepato/portopulmonar, metástasis de diferentes tumores, etc. Objetivo: Describir y evaluar los resultados obtenidos con el trasplante hepático en estas indicaciones. Materiales y Método: Estudio de cohorte no concurrente que incluyó los TH por indicaciones inhabituales realizados entre marzo de 1997 y diciembre de 2016. De 295 TH realizados, 34 (11,5%) fueron por estas indicaciones. Resultados: Las causas más frecuentes fueron el síndrome porto/hepatopulmonar en 11 (40,7%) pacientes y la EPH en 9 (26,5%). Las enfermedades metabólicas representaron la tercera indicación, con 5 (14,7%) casos. Siete (20,6%) pacientes eran menores de 18 años. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron biliares y la trombosis de arteria hepática en 6 (17,6%) y 4 (11,8%) casos respectivamente; estos últimos eran portadores de una EPH masiva. Cuatro (12,5%) pacientes requirieron retrasplante. La mortalidad a 90 días fue de 2 (5,9%) enfermos. Conclusión: El TH es una opción factible en este grupo de pacientes con resultados similares a los obtenidos en las indicaciones clásicas.

Introduction: Liver transplantation (LT) is an established therapy in the treatment of several acute and chronic end-stage liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The main indications worldwide are cirrhosis of different etiologies, HCC, biliary atresia in children, and fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). Less than 10% concerns unusual indications which include patients with miscellaneous diseases among which are hepatic polycystic disease (HPD), metabolic diseases (Niemann-Pick, others), portal/hepatopulmonary syndrome, metastasis of different tumors, among others. Aim: The objective of the study is to describe and asses the results obtained with liver transplantation in these indications. Materials and Method: We performed a non-concurrent cohort study that included all LT due to unusual indications between March 1997 and December 2016 in a university medical center. Of 295 TH performed, 34 (11.75%) were due to these indications. Results: The most frequent causes were the portal/hepatopulmonary syndrome in 11 (40.7%) patients and HPD in 9 (26.5%). Metabolic diseases accounted for the third indication in 5 (14.7%) cases. Seven (20.6%) patients were less than 18 years old. The most frequent complications were biliary and hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) in 6 (17.6%) and 4 (11.8%) cases, respectively. Patients complicated by a HAT suffered a massive EPH. Four (12.5%), required retransplantation. Mortality at 90 days was 2 (5.9%). Conclusión: LT is a feasible option in this group of patients with results similar to those obtained in classic indications of LT.

Early exit from neonatal therapeutic hypothermia: A single institution experience using MRI to guide decision-making.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the feasibility of a protocol using combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinical data, and electroencephalogram (EEG) to identify neonates with mild neonatal encephalopathy (NE) treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) who are eligible for "early exit". METHODS: Retrospective chart review of TH cases at a single Level III NICU over a 5-year period was used to describe the demographic, clinical, and outcome data in neonates that received early exit in contrast to 72 hour TH treatment. RESULTS: Two hundred and eight TH cases, including 18 early exit cases (9%) and 9 cases (4%) evaluated for early exit with MRI but continued on 72 hours of TH, were identified. Early exit and 72 hour treatment groups did not differ in demographics or cord gas measures, although early exit neonates had a shorter length of stay (p < 0.05). Consistent with the early exit protocol, no early exit infants had evidence of moderate or severe encephalopathy on EEG or evidence of hypoxic ischemic injury on MRI at 24 hours of life. Neurology follow up between age 1 and 18 months was available for 10 early exit infants, 8 of whom had a normal examination. CONCLUSIONS: Early MRI at 24 hours of age, alongside clinical and EEG criteria, is feasible as part of a protocol to identify neonates eligible for early exit from therapeutic hypothermia.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las metástasis hepáticas de cáncer colorrectal: de las resecciones locales al trasplante hepático / Surgical treatment of hepatic metastases in colorectal cancer: from local resections to liver transplantation

Resumen El cáncer colorrectal es de las principales causas de muerte por cáncer a nivel mundial. Una proporción importante de los casos desarrolla metástasis hepáticas. Gracias a los avances diagnósticos y tratamientos oncológicos, la sobrevida ha ido en aumento, sin embargo, para ello es fundamental lograr la resección quirúrgica completa de las lesiones primarias y metastásicas con márgenes microscópicos negativos (R0). Existen numerosos procedimientos y técnicas diseñadas para este objetivo como la quimioterapia neoadyuvante, embolización portal, cirugía en etapas, etc. A pesar de ello, hay casos no resecables por compromiso hepático bilobar, multisegmentario y/o compromiso de vasos arteriales, portales o venosos que en caso de resección, no permiten mantener hígado remanente funcional compatible con la vida del paciente. El trasplante hepático surge como alternativa radical para el tratamiento de casos no resecables. Dado la escasez de donantes y mortalidad en la lista de espera nacional, no es aceptable ocupar hígados del pool de donantes para patologías con criterios expandidos como metástasis colorrectales. Sin embargo, con el recurso del donante vivo de adulto a adulto, hoy en día es posible indicar trasplante en casos seleccionados, que cumplan con todos los criterios establecidos.

Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. A significant proportion of cases develop liver metastases. Thanks to diagnostic advances and oncologic treatments, survival has been increasing, however, it is essential to achieve complete surgical resection of primary and metastatic lesions with negative microscopic margins (R0). There are many procedures and techniques designed for this purpose such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy, portal embolization, stage surgery, etc. Despite this, there are non-resectable cases due to bilobar, multisegmental and/or hepatic involvement of arterial, portal or venous vessels that, in case of resection, do not allow the maintenance of functional remnant liver compatible with the patient's life. Liver transplantation emerges as a radical alternative for the treatment of unresectable cases. Given the shortage of donors and mortality on the national waiting list, it is not acceptable to occupy donor pool livers for pathologies with expanded criteria such as colorectal metastases. However, with the resource of the living donor from adult to adult, today it is possible to indicate transplantation in selected cases, which meet all established criteria.

Combined lung-liver-pancreas transplantation in a recipient with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) affects multiple organs including the lung, liver, and pancreas. Lung transplant, liver transplant, and combined lung-liver transplant have become well-established therapies for CF patients with end-stage organ failure. Thus far, however, there has been limited experience with pancreas transplantation in CF. In this report, we detail the clinical history, transplant procedure, and post-operative recovery of a patient who underwent combined lung-liver-pancreas transplant for advanced CF.

[Control of cardiovascular risk factors in coronary patients one year after cardiac rehabilitation]. / Contrôle des facteurs de risque chez les patients coronariens un an après une réadaptation cardiaque.

OBJECTIVE: To assess risk factors monitoring in coronary patients one year after cardiac rehabilitation. METHOD: From 2015 to 2015, cardiac morbidity, total mortality and risk factors data were collected from a 4-week ambulatory cardiac rehabilitation program with a control one year later and were compared with the results of Euroaspire and Reach studies. RESULTS: Out of 1091 (87%) coronary patients, 746 (68%) were re-examined 12months later (aged 60years (ranging from 20 to 85years), 15% women, 44% hypertensive, 36% smokers, 17% diabetics, 74% with dyslipidemia). At the end of the program, management of CV risk factors was improved (BP ≤ 140/90mmHg and BMI > 30: 80 and 20% vs 65 and 25% at the beginning of the program; LDL < 0.7g/L: 42% and smoking: 4% vs 18% when hospitalized for their cardiac event). Unfortunately, this benefit decreased significantly at one year (BP ≤ 140/90mmHg: 63%, LDL < 0.7g/L: 27%; smoking: 6%) but it remains better than in Euroaspire IV study: 57, 20 et 16% respectively). While 54% had insufficient physical activity before cardiac rehabilitation, they were only 23% at 1-year vs 60% in Euroaspire study. We reported a total mortality of 0.6% vs 2.9% in Reach study and 12% cardiac hospitalization (53% for a new coronary event). CONCLUSION: Participation of coronary patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program significantly improves management of CV risk factors, morbidity and mortality. However, the control obtained at the end of the program decreases at one year.

ICORG 10-14: NEOadjuvant trial in Adenocarcinoma of the oEsophagus and oesophagoGastric junction International Study (Neo-AEGIS).

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy is increasingly the standard of care in the management of locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus and junction (AEG). In randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the MAGIC regimen of pre- and postoperative chemotherapy, and the CROSS regimen of preoperative chemotherapy combined with radiation, were superior to surgery only in RCTs that included AEG but were not powered on this cohort. No completed RCT has directly compared neoadjuvant or perioperative chemotherapy and neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The Neo-AEGIS trial, uniquely powered on AEG, and including comprehensive modern staging, compares both these regimens. METHODS: This open label, multicentre, phase III RCT randomises patients (cT2-3, N0-3, M0) in a 1:1 fashion to receive CROSS protocol (Carboplatin and Paclitaxel with concurrent radiotherapy, 41.4Gy/23Fr, over 5 weeks). The power calculation is a 10% difference in favour of CROSS, powered at 80%, two-sided alpha level of 0.05, requiring 540 patients to be evaluable, 594 to be recruited if a 10% dropout is included (297 in each group). The primary endpoint is overall survival, with a minimum 3-year follow up. Secondary endpoints include: disease free survival, recurrence rates, clinical and pathological response rates, toxicities of induction regimens, post-operative pathology and tumour regression grade, operative in-hospital complications, and health-related quality of life. The trial also affords opportunities for establishing a bio-resource of pre-treatment and resected tumour, and translational research. DISCUSSION: This RCT directly compares two established treatment regimens, and addresses whether radiation therapy positively impacts on overall survival compared with a standard perioperative chemotherapy regimen Sponsor: Irish Clinical Research Group (ICORG). TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01726452 . Protocol 10-14. Date of registration 06/11/2012.

Patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants: to treat or not to treat?

OBJECTIVE: Closing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a widely accepted approach in the management of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Our objective is to test the hypothesis that conservative management (no treatment) of PDA will not affect survival without chronic lung diseases (CLD). STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study utilizes a prospectively collected database to compare two cohorts of VLBW infants. Infants in the first group (2001 to 2009) had their PDA treated with pharmacological and if necessary with surgical ligation. PDA in the second group (2010 to 2014) was not treated with medical or surgical intervention. The primary outcome was survival without oxygen requirement at 36 weeks. Pulmonary and non-pulmonary morbidities were also compared. Logistic regression analyses were performed to control for confounders. RESULTS: This study included 643 VLBW infants, of them 415 infants in the Treat group and 228 in the No-Treat group. The rate of survival without CLD did not differ between Treat and No-Treat groups (78.4% vs 83.9%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=1.72, confidence interval (CI): 0.92 to 3.23, P=0.09). Mortality declined in No-Treat group (15.2% vs 10.5%, aOR=0.51, CI: 0.25 to 0.99, P=0.049), but the two groups did not differ in the incidence of CLD among survivors (5.8% vs 5.0%,=P0.47). Pulmonary complications and non-pulmonary morbidities did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management (no treatment) of PDA may not compromise survival without CLD and is not associated with increased morbidities in VLBW infants. Prospective physiological studies are needed to determine the sector of VLBW infants, if any, who could benefit from PDA treatment.

Ex-vivo liver perfusion for organ preservation: Recent advances in the field.

Liver transplantation is the optimal treatment for end-stage liver disease but is limited by the severe shortage of donor organs. This shortage has prompted increased utilization of marginal grafts from DCD and extended criteria donors, which poorly tolerate cold storage in comparison to standard criteria grafts. Ex-vivo liver perfusion (EVLP) technology has emerged as a potential alternative to cold storage for organ preservation, but there is no consensus regarding the optimal temperature or conditions for EVLP. Herein, we review recent advances in both pre-clinical and clinical studies, organized by perfusion temperature (hypothermic, subnormothermic, normothermic).

First-Degree Living-Related Donor Liver Transplantation in Autoimmune Liver Diseases.

Liver transplantation (LT) is the treatment of choice for end-stage autoimmune liver diseases. However, the underlying disease may recur in the graft in some 20% of cases. The aim of this study is to determine whether LT using living donor grafts from first-degree relatives results in higher rates of recurrence than grafts from more distant/unrelated donors. Two hundred sixty-three patients, who underwent a first LT in the Toronto liver transplant program between January 2000 and March 2015 for autoimmune liver diseases, and had at least 6 months of post-LT follow-up, were included in this study. Of these, 72 (27%) received a graft from a first-degree living-related donor, 56 (21%) from a distant/unrelated living donor, and 135 (51%) from a deceased donor for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) (n = 138, 52%), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (n = 69, 26%), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (n = 44, 17%), and overlap syndromes (n = 12, 5%). Recurrence occurred in 52 (20%) patients. Recurrence rates for each autoimmune liver disease were not significantly different after first-degree living-related, living-unrelated, or deceased-donor LT. Similarly, time to recurrence, recurrence-related graft failure, graft survival, and patient survival were not significantly different between groups. In conclusion, first-degree living-related donor LT for PSC, PBC, or AIH is not associated with an increased risk of disease recurrence.

EEG maturation and stability of cerebral oxygen extraction in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: Fractional cerebral tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) can be continuously monitored by simultaneous near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and pulse oximetry. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, the more mature EEG activity is, the less variable FTOE is. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was conducted on VLBW infants (< 1500 g and ⩽ 34 weeks gestation) without significant brain injury. Simultaneous continuous two-channel electroencephalography (EEG), NIRS and pulse oximetry were recorded. Absolute and relative powers of EEG in the delta, theta, alpha, beta and total frequency bands have been calculated. FTOE variability was calculated on two scales: short scales (3 to 20 s) and long scales (20 to 150 s). FTOE variability was examined against changes in relative spectral power of different EEG bands. RESULT: We evaluated 67 studies performed on 46 VLBW infants. Average study duration was 21.3 ± 5.5 h. Relative power of delta band positively correlated with FTOE short- and long-scale variability (r=0.45, P<0.001; r=0.44, P<0.001, respectively). Relative power of alpha bands negatively correlated with FTOE short- and long-scale variability (r=-0.38, P=0.002; r=-0.42, P<0.001, respectively). These correlations continued to be significant when controlling for sex, small for gestational age, postmenstrual age, being on respiratory support, hemoglobin concentration, systemic oxygen saturation and transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension. CONCLUSION: Increased maturation of EEG activity is associated with decreased variability in cerebral oxygen extraction. The implications of increased variability in FTOE on brain injury in premature infants need further exploration.

Maternal juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with preterm birth but not poor fetal growth.

OBJECTIVE: Adverse pregnancy outcomes in mothers with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) are not known. The objective of this study was to examine the risk of preterm birth and restricted fetal growth in pregnant mothers diagnosed with JRA, and to examine the impact of race/ethnicity and maternal age on this association. STUDY DESIGN: Hospital discharge records for mothers who gave birth in 2011 and 2012 were examined in the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. JRA, preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation), birth weight that is small for gestational age (SGA) and other demographic and clinical variables were identified using ICD-9 (International Classification of Disease--9th revision) diagnostic codes. The associations of JRA with preterm birth and restricted fetal growth were examined controlling for confounding variables. RESULT: The sample included 8,273,987 birthing mothers, of these 1236 (0.01%) had JRA. The prevalence of preterm birth and SGA was 6.08% and 2.34%, respectively. Preterm birth in mothers with JRA was 12.9% compared with 6.1% in mothers without JRA with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.1 (confidence interval (CI): 1.74 to 2.42, P<0.001). The incidence of SGA in infants born to mothers with JRA was 3.34% compared with 2.34% in non-JRA mothers, which was not statistically significant. Adjusted OR for preterm birth in association with JRA among White mothers was 1.78 (CI: 1.41 to 2.24, P<0.001). However, Hispanic mothers with JRA (12%) were the ethnicity to suffer the most from preterm birth with an adjusted OR of 4.43 (CI: 2.97 to 6.62, P<0.001). Preterm birth among advanced maternal age (AMA) mothers with JRA was 25% compared with 7% in those without JRA with an adjusted OR of 5.42 (CI: 3.51 to 8.35, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: JRA is associated with preterm birth but not with SGA. This association is significantly influenced by race/ethnicity and maternal age. More studies are needed to examine these findings in relation to medications used, severity of the disease and exacerbation during pregnancy to understand the genetic/socioeconomic factors behind these racial/ethnic differences.

ESTUDIO DE LA SENSIBILIZACIÓN POR AEROALÉRGENOS CON ESPECIAL ENFOQUE EN LA POLINOSIS COMO FACTOR DE SENSIBILIZACIÓN / Sensitizen by aeroalergens study with special focus on polinosis as sensitizen factor

Fundamento. Las alergias son importantes en Salud Pública; entre distintos tipos, la sensibilidad polínica (SP), en su forma de hipersensibilidad a pólenes, son patologías que afectan a parte de la población. Objetivo. Valorar la importancia del problema de SP en la región y relacionarlas con rinitis, asma, valores de IgE y otras alergias. Lugar de aplicación. Servicio Cátedra de Alergia e Inmunología (SAEI) del Hospital Nacional de Clínicas (HNC), Región Centro del País. Diseño. Estudio de corte. Estudio descriptivo útil para el administrador sanitario ya que permite determinar la carga que significa la enfermedad en la población. Permite conocer la prevalencia (P) de enfermedad. Población. Se analizaron historias clínicas (HC) de los pacientes que concurrieron al SAEI, ubicado en Córdoba capital. Método. Se procesaron las HC de los pacientes que acudieron al SAEI durante los años 2008-09 y a los que se les realizó el prick test, usando el programa Epi-Info 2000 versión 3.3.2. Se las analizó estadísticamente determinando Chicuadrado e intervalo de confianza. Resultados. La P de SP fue de 51,96%. Del total de la muestra, el 24,24% era monosensibilizado el 12,50% de estos lo era a pólenes. Del 75,76% de la muestra restante (polisensibilizado), el 65,33% estaba sensibilizado a pólenes. Conclusión. Analizando la P obtenida se desprende que las SP constituyen una problemática que afecta a más de la mitad de la población estudiada. También se observó que dicha problemática tiene, para la mayoría de los pacientes, una comorbilidad asociada a otros tipos de alergia. (AU)

Background. Allergies are important in Public Health, among the different types Pollen sensitivity, as hypersensitivity to pollen, are pathologies affecting part of the population. Objective. To appreciate the importance of the Pollen sensitivity problem in our region and to relate them to Rhinitis, Asthma, IgE values, and other allergies. Setting. Allergy and Immunology Service (AAIS) of the Hospital Nacional de Clínicas (HNC), in Córdoba city, Central Region of the country. Design. A Cross-sectional study was developed. This is a descriptive study of usefulness for the healthcare administrator because it allows estimating the disease burden significance on the population. It lets to know the sickness Prevalence (P). Population. Clinical Histories (CH) of the patients that attended the AAIS, located in Córdoba city were analyzed. Methods. CH of the patients that attended the AAIS during the years 2008 and 2009 and that the Prick Test was carried out, were processed by using the 2000 Epi-Info Program, 3.3.2. version. Statistically, Chi-square and Confidence Interval were calculated. Results. The Prevalence of Pollen sensitivity was 51.96%. From the total sample, 24.24% was monosensitized patients. Among them, 12.5% were monosensitized to pollens. The rest of the sample (75.76%) were poly-sensitized, from these, 65.33% were sensitized to pollens. Conclusion. Analyzing the obtained Prevalence emerges that Pollen sensitivity represent a problematic that affect more than a half of the studied population. Also it was observed that the pathology presented a comorbidity associated to other types of allergy produced by mites or fungus, among others, for the majority of the patients.(AU)

Melatonin use for neuroprotection in perinatal asphyxia: a randomized controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Melatonin has been shown to be neuroprotective in animal models. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of melatonin on clinical, biochemical, neurophysiological and radiological outcomes of neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective trial on 45 newborns, 30 with HIE and 15 healthy controls. HIE infants were randomized into: hypothermia group (N=15; received 72-h whole-body cooling) and melatonin/hypothermia group (N=15; received hypothermia and five daily enteral doses of melatonin 10 mg kg(-1)). Serum melatonin, plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum nitric oxide (NO) were measured at enrollment for all infants (N=45) and at 5 days for the HIE groups (N=30). In addition to electroencephalography (EEG) at enrollment, all surviving HIE infants were studied with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and repeated EEG at 2 weeks of life. Neurologic evaluations and Denver Developmental Screening Test II were performed at 6 months. RESULT: Compared with healthy neonates, the two HIE groups had increased melatonin, SOD and NO. At enrollment, the two HIE groups did not differ in clinical, laboratory or EEG findings. At 5 days, the melatonin/hypothermia group had greater increase in melatonin (P<0.001) and decline in NO (P<0.001), but less decline in SOD (P=0.004). The melatonin/hypothermia group had fewer seizures on follow-up EEG and less white matter abnormalities on MRI. At 6 months, the melatonin/hypothermia group had improved survival without neurological or developmental abnormalities (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Early administration of melatonin to asphyxiated term neonates is feasible and may ameliorate brain injury.

El inexorable avance de la Leishmaniasis: Comunicación del primer caso autóctono en la Provincia de Córdoba / O Avanço Inexorável Da Leishmaniose: Comunicação Do Primeiro Caso Autóctone Na Província De Córdoba / The Relentless Progress Of Leishmaniasis: Report Of The First Autochthonous Case In The Province Of Cordoba

El objetivo del presente trabajo es la comunicación del primer caso de leishmaniasis cutánea (LC) en laprovincia de Córdoba, en el mes de Noviembre del año 2014. No existen reportes anteriores de casosautóctonos en el territorio provincial. El equipo de trabajo de la Cátedra de Parasitología y MicologíaMédicas, FCM, UNC, viene advirtiendo sobre los efectos del calentamiento global para la saludpública, hecho que favorece el avance de la frontera epidemiológica de enfermedades transmitidas porvectores - la leishmaniasis es un ejemplo de estaafirmación-. La zoonosis se ha diagnosticado en unpaciente de Unquillo, localidad serrana, distante pocomás de 20 km de la capital de Córdoba, Argentina. Eldiagnóstico ha sido corroborado mediante biopsias detejido, de manera indubitable a través de la observacióndel parásito. La deforestación para las explotaciones agrícolas, producción de madera, la generaciónde barrios cerrados en la periferia de las ciudades, las migraciones humanas provenientesde áreas endémicas y el aumento global de la temperatura son los factores que favorecenlas nuevas radicaciones de esta patología.8 Esta enfermedad tiene alto impacto sanitarioy su vector debe ser combatida a través de programas sanitarios permanentes. La LC estáampliamente distribuida en América y hay representaciones desde la época precolombinaen cerámicas y huacos antropomórfi cos con lesiones propias de esta patología.1, 7, 8 Elagente etiológico es un parásito transmitido por un pequeño insecto –Lutzomya.- produceúlceras crónicas y mutilaciones por destrucción de cartílagos nasales y laríngeos. Entendemosprioritario informar la emergencia de de la enfermedad, generar las conductaspreventivas, de promoción de salud y poner al corriente a todo el equipo de salud de supresencia en nuestro medio...

The objective of this work is to report the fi rst case of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in theprovince of Cordoba, in the month of November, 2014. There are no previous reports ofautochthonous cases in the province. The work team from the Chair of Medical Parasitologyand Mycology. School of Medicine, National University of Cordoba, has been raisingwarning fl ags regarding the effects of global warming on public health, since it stimulatesthe advance of the epidemiologic boundary of vector transmitted diseases; leishmaniasisis an example of this statement. This zoonosis has been diagnosed in a patient from Unquillo,a mountainous region, little more than 20 km away from the capital of Cordoba,Argentina. The diagnosis has been checked with tissue biopsies, undoubtedly throughparasite observation.Deforestation for agriculture and wood production, the generation of closed neighborhoodsin the surroundings of cities, the migration of people coming from endemic areasand the global increase of temperatures are the factors which favor the new settlements ofthis pathology.8 This disease has a great impact on health and its vector has to be foughtagainst through permanent health programs. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is greatly spread inAmerica and representations can be found since pre-Columbian times in pottery and anthropomorphichuacos showing lesions corresponding to this pathology.1, 7, 8 The etiologicagent is a parasite transmitted by a small insect, Lutzomyia; it produces chronic ulcers andmutilation due to the destruction of nose and larynx cartilages. It is a priority to informabout the emergency of the disease, generate preventive actions of health promotion andlet all the health team know about the existence of the disease in our setting...