Experiencia de cuerpos extraños en vía aérea en el Hospital Clínico UC

Introducción: El cuerpo extraño en vía aérea es una patología infrecuente en el área Otorrinolaringológica, siendo la primera causa de muerte accidental de la especialidad. La alta sospecha clínica es fundamental para lograr un diagnóstico precoz. El Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica es un centro de referencia a nivel nacional para el manejo de esta patología. Objetivo: Realizar una descripción epidemiológica de los pacientes con diagnóstico de cuerpo extraño en vía aérea sometidos a revisión de vía aérea de los pacientes atendidos en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica entre los años 2018-2021. Material y Método: Estudio retrospectivo y descriptivo. Se revisaron las fichas clínicas de pacientes con revisión de vía aérea realizada entre junio 2018 y julio 2021. Estudio cuenta con la aprobación del comité de ética de nuestro hospital. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 13 pacientes con diagnóstico de cuerpo extraño en vía aérea. 62% de los pacientes fueron de sexo masculino. Rango de edad entre 0 y 11 años, mediana de edad de 1 año. El 100% de los pacientes presentó algún síntoma respiratorio y un 90% presentó síndrome de penetración. El cuerpo extraño se evidenció en el 30% de las radiografías. El 100% de las revisiones de vía aérea se hizo con ventilación espontánea. El 70% se localizó en los bronquios. No hubo mortalidad asociada al procedimiento. Conclusión: Las cifras encontradas en nuestro estudio fueron similares a las reportadas en las diferentes series a nivel internacional.

Introduction: Foreign body in the airway is a rare condition in the Otorhinolaryngology field, being the leading cause of accidental death in the specialty. High clinical suspicion is crucial for achieving an early diagnosis. The Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica is a national reference center for the management of this condition. Aim: To provide an epidemiological description of patients diagnosed with foreign bodies in the airway who underwent airway review at the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad Católica between the years 2018-2021. Materials and Method: A retrospective and descriptive study. Clinical records of patients who underwent airway review between June 2018 and July 2021 were reviewed. The study has received approval from our hospital's ethics committee. Results: A total of 13 patients with a diagnosis of foreign bodies in the airway were included. 62% of the patients were male. The age ranged from 0 to 11 years, with a median age of 1 year. 100% of the patients presented respiratory symptoms, and 90% presented with a penetration syndrome. The foreign body was evident in 30% of the X-rays. All airway reviews were conducted with spontaneous ventilation. 70% of the foreign bodies were located in the bronchi. There was no mortality associated with the procedure. Conclusion: The findings in our study were similar to those reported in various international series.

Antioxidant activity of glucosamine and its effects on ROS production, Nrf2, and O-GlcNAc expression in HMEC-1 cells.

Glucosamine (GlcN) is the most used supplement for osteoarthritis treatment. In vitro studies have related GlcN to beneficial and detrimental effects on health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of O-linked-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAc) on GlcN-induced ROS production and Nrf2 expression in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells-1 (HMEC-1) and to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of GlcN compared to well-known antioxidants. For this, we evaluate the antioxidant capacity by in vitro assays. Besides, the GlcN (5-20 mM) effects on cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, O-GlcNAc, and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression with and without the O-GlcNAc inhibitor OSMI-1 (10 µM) in HMEC-1 were evaluated. GlcN showed high inhibitory concentration (low scavenging activity) against superoxide (O2•─, IC20 = 47.67 mM), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•, IC50 = 21.32 mM), and hydroxyl (HO•, IC50 = 14.04 mM) radicals without scavenging activity against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and low antioxidant capacity determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC, 0.001 mM Trolox equivalent) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 0.046 mM Trolox equivalent). In cell culture, GlcN (20 mM) reduced cell viability up to 26 % and induced an increase in ROS production (up to 70 %), O-GlcNAc (4-fold-higher vs. control), and Nrf2 expression (56 %), which were prevented by OSMI-1. These data suggest an association between O-GlcNAc, ROS production, and Nrf2 expression in HMEC-1 cells stimulated with GlcN.

[One hundred years of health in a demographic, epidemiological and public policy context: the transition of childhood morbidity and its challenges]. / Cien años de salud en un contexto demográfico, epidemiológico y de políticas públicas: la transición de la morbilidad infantil y sus desafíos.

Chile is in an advanced stage of demographic and epidemiological transition. It is in this scenario that the political, economic and health crisis occurred, with the social outbreak in 2019 and then the COVID-19 pandemic. The mortality of children and adolescents dropped significantly, however, changes in lifestyles and demotivation, associated with long confinement and worsening health of parents and caregivers triggered an epidemic of mental health, developmental and nutritional problems. Pediatricians were forced to reinvent themselves, exposing themselves to stress and burnout. The aim of the manuscript is to describe the demographic, epidemiological and public policy context of child health in Chile in the last century, as a backdrop to dimension the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new health challenges for this age group in the medium and long term are discussed. Some theories, conceptualizations, and relevant milestones of the public health system in Chile are presented. The emergence of "post-pandemic morbidity", such as sedentary lifestyle, food insecurity, screen addiction, identity conflicts, violence, mental health disorders and reemergence of morbidity and mortality due to infectious and contagious diseases is discussed. Professionals responsible for the care of children must redouble their efforts to provide comprehensive care, accompanying families in the new challenges, in order to rehabilitate a healthy childhood.

A rationally designed self-immolative linker enhances the synergism between a polymer-rock inhibitor conjugate and neural progenitor cells in the treatment of spinal cord injury.

Rho/ROCK signaling induced after spinal cord injury (SCI) contributes to secondary damage by promoting apoptosis, inflammation, and axon growth inhibition. The specific Rho-kinase inhibitor fasudil can contribute to functional regeneration after SCI, although inherent low stability has hampered its use. To improve the therapeutic potential of fasudil, we now describe a family of rationally-designed bioresponsive polymer-fasudil conjugates based on an understanding of the conditions after SCI, such as low pH, enhanced expression of specific proteases, and a reductive environment. Fasudil conjugated to poly-l-glutamate via a self-immolative redox-sensitive linker (PGA-SS-F) displays optimal release kinetics and, consequently, treatment with PGA-SS-F significantly induces neurite elongation and axon growth in dorsal root ganglia explants, spinal cord organotypic cultures, and neural precursor cells (NPCs). The intrathecal administration of PGA-SS-F after SCI in a rat model prevents early apoptosis and induces the expression of axonal growth- and neuroplasticity-associated markers to a higher extent than the free form of fasudil. Moreover, a combination treatment comprising the acute transplantation of NPCs pre-treated with PGA-SS-F leads to enhanced cell engraftment and reduced cyst formation after SCI. In chronic SCI, combinatory treatment increases the preservation of neuronal fibers. Overall, this synergistic combinatorial strategy may represent a potentially efficient clinical approach to SCI treatment.

Angiomiolipoma nasal: reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura

Resumen El angiomiolipoma es una lesión hamartomatosa, habitualmente de localización renal asociado a esclerosis tuberosa. La ubicación nasosinusal es extremadamente infrecuente y se puede presentar con obstrucción nasal y epistaxis. Se presentan dos casos de angiomiolipoma de cavidad nasal diagnosticados en el Hospital Carlos Van Buren de Valparaíso. Ambos casos se presentaron como masa nasal unilateral, se estudiaron con tomografía computada y fueron tratados con biopsia escisional, sin presentar recidivas durante su seguimiento. El anigiomiolipoma está compuesto por vasos sanguíneos, músculo liso y adipocitos. Existen diferencias entre el angiomiolipoma del riñón versus el de piel, cavidad oral y nasal (angiomiolipomas mucocutáneos); estos últimos son extremadamente infrecuentes, de menor tamaño, con presencia de agregados linfoides, negativos para antígeno específico de melanoma HMB-45 y sin asociación a esclerosis tuberosa. Existen pocos casos reportados en la literatura de esta patología, por lo que existe poca evidencia. Clínicamente, se presentan con obstrucción nasal, epistaxis recurrente, sensación de masa nasal. El estudio preoperatorio depende de su extensión y puede incluir una tomografía computada y/o angiografía para identificar su irrigación. El diagnóstico definitivo es anatomopatológico. Si se logra la escisión completa, no se han reportado recidivas, por lo que presenta un excelente pronóstico.

Abstract Angiomyolipoma is a hamartomatous lesion, usually of a renal location associated with tuberous sclerosis. Nasosinusal location is extremely rare and can present with nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Two cases of angiomyolipoma of the nasal cavity diagnosed at the Carlos Van Buren Hospital in Valparaíso are presented. Both cases presented as a unilateral nasal mass, and were studied with computed tomography, and treated with an excisional biopsy, with no recurrences during follow-up. Anigiomyolipoma is composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle and adipocytes. There are differences between angiomyolipoma of the kidney versus skin, oral and nasal cavity (mucocutaneous angiomyolipomas). The latter are extremely infrequent, smaller in size, with the presence of lymphoid aggregates, negative for the HMB-45 specific melanoma antigen and without association with tuberous sclerosis. There are few cases reported in the literature of this pathology, so there is little evidence. Clinically, they present with nasal obstruction, recurrent epistaxis, sensation of nasal mass. The preoperative study depends on its extension and may include a computed tomography and/or angiography to identify its irrigation. The definitive diagnosis is pathological. If complete excision is achieved, no recurrences have been reported, so it has an excellent prognosis.

Tumor maligno de la vaina nerviosa periférica del nervio vago: Reporte de un caso

Resumen Los tumores malignos de la vaina nerviosa forman parte del 5% de los sarcomas de partes blandas. Si bien son infrecuentes, su incidencia aumenta en caso de neurofibromatosis tipo 1. Cuando estos tumores están ubicados en cabeza y cuello, suelen ser asintomáticos, por lo que su diagnóstico es tardío. El tratamiento es principalmente quirúrgico, con una tasa de recidiva importante y pobre sobrevida a los 5 años. Se presenta el reporte de un caso de una paciente de 52 años con antecedentes de neurofibromatosis tipo 1 y un tumor maligno de vaina nerviosa periférica del nervio vago, localizado en el espacio parafaríngeo.

Abstract Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are part of 5% of soft tissue sarcomas. Although they are infrequent, their incidence increases in case of neurofibromatosis type 1. When these tumors are located in the head and neck, they are usually asymptomatic, so their diagnosis is delayed. Treatment is primarily surgical, with a significant recurrence rate and poor 5-year survival. We present a case report of a 52-year-old patient with a history of type 1 neurofibromatosis and a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the vagus, located in the parapharyngeal space.

Manejo quirúrgico de cáncer papilar de tiroides con invasión traqueal: Reporte de dos casos en Servicio de Otorrinolaringología de Hospital Carlos Van Buren

Resumen La invasión traqueal corresponde al tercer sitio más común de extensión extratiroidea del cáncer de tiroides. Se debe sospechar en caso de disnea, disfonía, estridor y hemoptisis, sin embargo, hasta un 30% de los pacientes se pueden presentar de forma asintomática, pesquisándose al momento de la cirugía. La nasofibroscopía de rutina, una alta sospecha y una planificación quirúrgica adecuada, serán fundamentales para lograr una resección tumoral completa y mejorar tanto el pronóstico como el control local. A continuación, presentamos dos casos clínicos manejados con resección cricotraqueal con anastomosis términoterminal en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Carlos Van Buren.

Abstract Tracheal invasion is the third most common site of extrathyroideal invasión of thyroid cancer, recognized as a por prognostic indicator. It should be suspected in case of dyspnea, dysphonia, stridor, and hemoptysis. However, up to 30% of cases are asymptomatic, detected at the time of surgery. Routine nasofibroscopy, thorough examination and surgical planning are essential to ensure a complete tumoral resection, improvement in prognostic and local control of disease. We present two cases with cricotracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis in Otholaringology Service from the Carlos Van Buren Hospital.

Recomendaciones para la realización de traqueostomía y manejo de paciente traqueostomizado luego de diez meses de pandemia COVID-19: revisión de la literatura

Resumen La pandemia causada por el coronavirus designado SARS-CoV-2 ha tenido una propagación y efectos a nivel global importantes, generando desafíos para los distintos equipos médicos. Los otorrinolaringólogos se encuentran en particular riesgo por su manejo de la vía aéreodigestiva en la mayoría de pacientes y procedimientos. Dentro de éstos, la traqueostomía se observa como uno de aquellos procedimientos de alto riesgo que se verán involucrados en el manejo de pacientes con patología COVID-19 confirmada o posible. Es por ello que se deben tomar una serie de consideraciones para el correcto manejo, con el objetivo de disminuir los riesgos de contagio. En esta revisión se resumen las principales recomendaciones descritas por distintas sociedades de otorrinolaringología y cirugía de cabeza y cuello del mundo, así como de trabajos publicados relacionados. En resumen, se define un plan preoperatorio que considere el status infeccioso del paciente y elección cuidadosa por equipo multidisciplinario. Para la cirugía destaca utilizar elementos de protección personal disponibles, considerar las condiciones de la sala operatoria, equipo quirúrgico limitado y más experto. Durante el procedimiento se recomiendan una serie de medidas para disminuir el riesgo de exposición de aerosoles y secreciones. El manejo posoperatorio debe considerar cuidados especiales para el manejo de la cánula y sistema de ventilación.

Abstract The pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus designed SARS-CoV-2 has rapidly spread across the world, challenging all medical teams. Otolaryngologists are at particular risk because of interventions and care of aerodigestive secretions. At this level, tracheostomy it seen as a highly risk procedure involved in COVID-19 infected or suspected patients. Therefore, its important to take considerations for the correct care of these patients to decrease the potential contagious risk. In this revision we summarize the principal recommendations published by the main societies of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery among the world, as well as related published papers. In summary, a preoperative plan is performed, knowing the infectious status and a careful selection of patients by a multidisciplinary team. For the surgery, it is strongly recommended to wear personal protective equipment available, select the best conditions for the operating room, limited and most experimented surgery team. During the surgery, its recommended to take care for minimize the time of exposure to aerosolized secretions. Postoperative care should consider special measurements for cannula and ventilation systems.

Immunohistochemical analysis of cancer-associated fibroblasts and podoplanin in head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: To immunohistochemically evaluate the association between the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the tumour expression of podoplanin (PDPN) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and their association with clinicopathological variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A tissue microarray (TMA) with biopsy sections from patients diagnosed with HNSCC was stained with antibodies against the CAFs marker, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and PDPN. We subsequently evaluated their expression to determine the association between them and with clinicopathological variables including age, primary tumour site, TNM stage, and tumour differentiation grade. RESULTS: Positive reaction to α-SMA was observed in the tumour stroma, revealing spindle-shaped cells compatible with CAFs, which showed a high expression in 62% of cases and a significant association with laryngeal carcinomas, advanced clinical stages, and lower tumour differentiation (P ≤ 0.05). PDPN staining on tumour cells showed low expression in 72% of cases, and it was not associated with any clinicopathological variable or with the presence of CAFs. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of CAFs in the tumour stroma is related to an aggressive phenotype and could increase as the disease progresses, although based on our findings, it would have no relationship, at least directly, with the expression of PDPN.

Utilidad del tromboelastograma en pediatría: correlación con pruebas habituales de la coagulación / Usefulness of the thromboelastogram in children: correlation with habitual coagulation tests

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los exámenes habituales de coagulación evalúan distintos elementos de la hemostasia en forma par cial, y no traducen las interacciones celulares, lo que es especialmente sensible en pacientes críticos. Las técnicas viscoelásticas, como el tromboelastograma (TEG) muestran el proceso de coagulación completo, y están siendo evaluadas como exámenes de la coagulación global. OBJETIVO: determinar la correlación de los exámenes habituales de coagulación con los valores del TEG, en niños atendidos en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se revisaron 238 TEG de pacientes <18 años, con evidencia de alteración de coagulación clínica y/o de laboratorio, hospitalizados en UCI. Se correlacionaron los valores de los parámetros del TEG con cada uno de los valores de los exámenes habituales de coagulación. Los exámenes se obtuvieron según protocolo, utilizando una muestra de sangre de 4,5 ml para TEG con equipo TEG® 5000 Thrombelastograph Hemostasis Sys tem, mediante un transductor electromagnético que permite la medición de la resistencia durante la formación y lisis del coágulo. El recuento de plaquetas se obtuvo utilizando método automatizado o microscopía con contraste de fase; el fibrinógeno, tiempo de protrombina y de tromboplastina parcial activada por métodos nefelométricos. RESULTADOS: 201 TEGs correspondientes a 59 pacientes. Se evidenció una correlación moderada a baja en todos los parámetros medidos. No se encontró co rrelación entre porcentaje de lisis del coágulo, ni firmeza del coágulo. CONCLUSIONES: Existe una baja correlación entre la información entregada por TEG y los exámenes de coagulación habituales, esto sugiere que el TEG aporta información diferente acerca del estado de coagulación de los pacientes críticos evaluados.

INTRODUCTION: Usual coagulation tests partially evaluate different elements of hemostasis, and do not translate cell interactions, which is an especially sensitive issue in critically ill patients. Viscoelastic measurement techniques, such as thromboelastogram (TEG) show the complete coagulation pro cess and are being evaluated as global coagulation tests. OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of the usual coagulation tests with the TEG values, in children treated in an intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS AND METHOD: We reviewed 238 TEGs of patients under 18 years of age, with evidence of clinical and/or laboratory coagulation alterations, who were hospitalized in the ICU. The TEG para meter values were correlated with each of the usual coagulation test values. The tests were obtained according to the protocol, using a 4.5 ml blood sample for TEG with TEG® 5000 Thrombelastograph Hemostasis System, through an electromagnetic transducer that allows the measurement of resis tance during the clot formation and lysis. Platelet count was obtained using an automated method or phase-contrast microscopy, and fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time activated by nephelometric methods. RESULTS: 201 TEGs corresponding to 59 patients were re viewed. A moderate to low correlation was observed in all the measured parameters. No correlation was found between the percentages of clot lysis or clot firmness. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low corre lation between the information provided by TEG and the usual coagulation tests. This suggests that the TEG provides different information about the coagulation status of the evaluated critical patients.

Usefulness of the thromboelastogram in children: correlation with habitual coagulation tests. / Utilidad del tromboelastograma en pediatría: Correlación con pruebas habituales de la coagulación.

INTRODUCTION: Usual coagulation tests partially evaluate different elements of hemostasis, and do not translate cell interactions, which is an especially sensitive issue in critically ill patients. Viscoelastic measurement techniques, such as thromboelastogram (TEG) show the complete coagulation pro cess and are being evaluated as global coagulation tests. OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation of the usual coagulation tests with the TEG values, in children treated in an intensive care unit (ICU). PATIENTS AND METHOD: We reviewed 238 TEGs of patients under 18 years of age, with evidence of clinical and/or laboratory coagulation alterations, who were hospitalized in the ICU. The TEG para meter values were correlated with each of the usual coagulation test values. The tests were obtained according to the protocol, using a 4.5 ml blood sample for TEG with TEG® 5000 Thrombelastograph Hemostasis System, through an electromagnetic transducer that allows the measurement of resis tance during the clot formation and lysis. Platelet count was obtained using an automated method or phase-contrast microscopy, and fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time activated by nephelometric methods. RESULTS: 201 TEGs corresponding to 59 patients were re viewed. A moderate to low correlation was observed in all the measured parameters. No correlation was found between the percentages of clot lysis or clot firmness. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low corre lation between the information provided by TEG and the usual coagulation tests. This suggests that the TEG provides different information about the coagulation status of the evaluated critical patients.

Diagnóstico y manejo de la colitis microscópica / Diagnosis and management of microscopic colitis

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a clinical condition characterized by chronic watery diarrhea, normal colonic mucosa and characteristic histological findings. It is composed of two main entities: collagenous colitis (CC) and lymphocytic colitis (LC). Its incidence has been increasing, currently accounting for between 8 to 16% of studies for chronic diarrhea. It is more frequent in elderly women and is strongly associated with other autoimmune disorders. Its pathogenesis is not very well understood, but it supposes the immune activation secondary to the exposure of the colonic mucosa to different luminal antigens, mainly drugs. Management includes suspension of the potential causative agent and the use of anti-diarrheal medications. Oral budesonide has proven to be effective in induction and maintenance of remission, but with a high rate of recurrence upon discontinuation. Immune-modulators drugs such as azatioprine and metrotrexate have been tested in patients dependent to corticoids with variable results. Antibodies against tumor necrosis factors (TNF) are under studies, with promising results.

La colitis microscópica (CM) es una condición clínica caracterizada por diarrea crónica acuosa con mucosa colónica normal y hallazgos histológicos característicos. Está compuesta por dos entidades principales: la colitis colágena (CC) y la colitis linfocítica (CL). Su incidencia ha ido en aumento, siendo en la actualidad la responsable del 8 a 16% de los casos por diarrea crónica. Es más frecuente en mujeres de edad avanzada con una fuerte asociación a otras enfermedades autoinmunes. Su etiopatogenia no es del todo conocida, pero se cree juega un rol la activación inmune secundaria a la exposición de la mucosa colónica a diferentes antígenos luminales, principalmente fármacos. Dentro del manejo se incluye la suspensión del potencial agente causal y el uso de fármacos antidiarreicos. La budesonida oral ha demostrado alta efectividad en la inducción y mantención de la remisión, pero con una alta tasa de recurrencia al suspenderla. Fármacos inmunomoduladores como azatioprina y metrotrexato se han probado en pacientes corticodependendientes con resultados variables. El uso de anticuerpos monoclonales anti factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF) se encuentra en estudio, con resultados prometedores.

Caracterización de indicadores de detección de glaucoma con los equipos OCT Spectralis y campímetro Humphrey II en pacientes altos miopes y altos miopes glaucomatosos del Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile / Characterization of glaucoma detection indicators with OCT Spectralis equipment and Humphrey II campimeter in patients with high myopia and high myopia glaucomatous at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile

Purpose: Characterize and describe glaucoma index parameters of the results of visual exams, Optical Coherence Tomography and Visual Field, in high myopic subjects with and without the pathology. Method: Cross sectional and observational study of 39 eyes, 15 high myopic with glaucoma y 24 high myopic without it. Visual Field (VF) were performed, where the global index between both groups were analyzed; Mean Deviation (MD), Model Standard Deviation (MSD) and Visual Field Index (VFI), beside Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), in which the thickness of the ganglion cells layer (GCL) inside 3 central mm was compared. Results: The results were satisfactory, demonstrating different characteristics between the high myopic group with glaucoma and without it, both in VF and OCT exams. It was obtained in the VF analysis difference in average MD of -4,92 dB + 3,71 (p<0,05); difference in average DSM of 2,01 dB + 2,85 (p>0,05) and VFI with Friedman Test 10,29 (p>0,05). The statistical OCT analysis, when comparing GCL, observed that the Temporary sector (T) had a statistically significant decrease (p<0,05). Conclusions: To continue studies in this investigative line, can expand the knowledge in this area, mainly in the study of the GCL. (AU)

Calprotectina fecal: utilidad en el diagnóstico diferencial de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y síndrome intestino irritable en adultos / Fecal Calprotectin: utility in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome in adults

Differentiation between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be complex as their symptoms are often similar and unspecific. Fecal biomarkers could be useful to select patients with suspected organic diseases for colonoscopy, with the aim to improve early diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary invasive studies. Fecal calprotectin (FC) is a protein found mainly in neutrophils that is released into the feces as a result of cell disruption and apoptosis. Currently, FC is a simple and non-invasive biomarker of intestinal inflammation. Inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders are associated with high levels of FC, as occurs in IBD. This review focuses on FC as a useful tool for differential diagnosis between IBS and IBD in adults. (AU)

Litiasis urinaria y su relación con el consumo de aguas duras en la comuna de Maipú / Urinary lithiasis and its relation to the consumption of hard water in the Maipu Borough

INTRODUCCIÓN: La litiasis urinaria es una patología frecuente, que afecta principalmente a adultos en edad productiva, y que en el último tiempo ha presentado un aumento en la incidencia global. Cerca del 80 % de los cálculos se componen mayoritariamente de calcio. Existe controversia en la literatura sobre el rol que podría tener el consumo de aguas con altos índices de dureza y el riesgo de padecer litiasis. El objetivo de este estudio es identificar una posible asociación entre dureza de agua para consumos e incidencia de litiasis urinaria en la poblacion de Maipú. MATERIALES Y METODOS: Se incluyen en el estudio todos los pacientes atendidos por urólogos en forma ambulatoria electiva en el Hospital El Carmen de Maipú, por diagnóstico de litiasis urinaria, en los años 2015 y 2016, que residen en la comuna. Se georreferenciaron de acuerdo a sus direcciones en los distintos sectores de distribución de agua potable.Se realizó análisis fisicoquímico de muestras de agua extraídas de cada sector para determinar su dureza. Se estudiaron a través del índice de correlación de Pearson las posibles asociaciones entre dureza del agua e incidencia de litiasis. RESULTADOS: La dureza promedio del agua de Maipú es de 484 mg/L de CaCO3, valor que se encuentra por sobre el promedio regional y nacional. La incidencia anual de litiasis en la poblacion estudiada fue de 4,4 casos/10.000 habitantes, valor similar al promedio nacional. El índice de correlación de Pearson entre dureza de agua e incidencia anual fue de -0,51. CONCLUSIONES: No fue posible establecer una relación causal entre dureza de agua e incidencia de litiasis en la población estudiada. Se sugiere avanzar en esta misma línea con estudios futuros de casos y controles.AU

INTRODUCTION: Urinary lithiasis is a frequent pathology, which mainly affects adults in a productive age, and which-in recent times- has increased in terms of global incidence. About 80 % of the stones are composed mainly of calcium.There is controversy in literature addressing the possible relation amongst water consumption with high hardnessindexes and the risk of lithiasis. The objective of this study is to identify a possible association between water hardnessfor consumption and urinary lithiasis incidence in the Maipu population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients assisted by urologists on an elective ambulatory basis, at the El Carmen Hospital in Maipú, diagnosed with urinary lithiasis, in the years 2015 and 2016, and who reside in the Borough have been included in the study. They were georeferenced according to their address in the different drinking water distribution areas. Physiochemical analysis of water samples extracted from each sector was carried out to determine its hardness. The possible associations between hardness of water and incidence of lithiasis were studied through the Pearson correlation index. RESULTS: The average water hardness in Maipu is 484 mg / L of CaCO3, a value that is above the regional and national average. The annual incidence of lithiasis in the studied population was 4.4 cases / 10,000 inhabitants, a value that is similar to the national average. The Pearson correlation index between water hardness and annual incidence was -0.51. CONCLUSIONS: It was not possible to establish a causal relation between water hardness and incidence of lithiasis in the studied population. It is suggested to advance in this same line with future case and control studies.

[Situs inversus of the optic nerve. A case report]. / Situs inversus del nervio optico. A proposito de un caso.

INTRODUCTION: Situs inversus of the optic nerve is a congenital anomaly characterised by the emergence of the vessels in the retina towards the nose rather than in a temporal direction. It is caused by an anomalous insertion of the optic stalks into the optic vesicle that gives rise to dysversion of the head of the optic nerve. It is not an isolated condition and usually appears jointly with tilted disc syndrome and in patients with myopia. It is characterised by the presence of inferior conus atrophy, deficiencies in the temporal visual field, refraction defects and ambliopy. CASE REPORT: A 22 years-old female who attended an ophthalmological examination due to severe frontal headaches accompanied by halos and loss of sharpness in her sight. From the results of the ophthalmetric and ophthalmological examination she was diagnosed as suffering from a condition consistent with this congenital anatomical anomaly. CONCLUSIONS: Situs inversus of the optic nerve is a rare condition that may appear in isolation or accompanied by other pathologies. Application of the visual field test and new diagnostic techniques, such as optical coherence tomography, facilitates the differential diagnosis of this situation. Its prevalence remains unknown, as it is not included in the register of rare diseases. Moreover, the scant number of patients studied and the scarce literature on this anomaly do not allow us to know whether the defects it causes develop over time. It would therefore be important to perform an ophthalmological follow-up of patients with situs inversus of the optic nerve.

TITLE: Situs inversus del nervio optico. A proposito de un caso.Introduccion. El situs inversus del nervio optico es una anomalia congenita caracterizada por la emergencia de los vasos de la retina en direccion nasal en lugar de temporal. Es causado por una anomala insercion del tallo optico en la vesicula optica que da lugar a la variacion de disposicion de la cabeza del nervio optico. No es una condicion aislada y suele aparecer junto con el sindrome del disco inclinado y en pacientes con miopia. Se caracteriza por la presencia de un cono de atrofia inferior, defectos en el campo visual temporal, defectos de refraccion y ambliopia. Caso clinico. Mujer de 22 años, que acude a revision oftalmologica por presentar fuertes cefaleas frontales acompañadas de halos y perdida de nitidez en la vision. Tras un examen optometrico y oftalmologico se llega al juicio clinico de que padece un cuadro compatible con esta anomalia anatomica congenita. Conclusiones. El situs inversus del nervio optico es una condicion rara que puede aparecer aislada o acompañada de otras patologias. La aplicacion de la campimetria y de nuevas tecnicas diagnosticas, como la tomografia de coherencia optica, facilita el diagnostico diferencial de esta situacion. No se conoce su prevalencia, pues no se encuentra en el registro de las enfermedades raras. Ademas, el escaso numero de pacientes estudiados y la exigua bibliografia existente sobre esta anomalia no permiten conocer si los defectos causados progresan en el tiempo, por lo que seria importante realizar un seguimiento oftalmologico de los pacientes con situs inversus del nervio optico.

Ventajas de la medición de niveles plasmáticos de infliximab en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Advantages of level measurement of infliximab in patients with with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn´s disease, ulcerative colitis and unclassified colitis. Conventional therapies used for treating these diseases are often insufficient orcontraindicated and biological agents have proved to be effective and safe in these cases. Infliximab is a quimeric IgG1 monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody that is capableof inducing and mantaining clinical remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Despite its proven efficacy a considerable group of patients lose response requiring changesin therapy. Serum Infliximab trough levels are correlated with clinical response, endoscopic remission and mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Monitoring and adjusting therapy guided by drug serum levels have proved to be more cost-effective and safer than empiric adjustments. Current international guidelines recommend the measurement of Infliximab trough levels in the global evaluation and management of these patients to improve treatment, avoid adverse events and unnecessary costs.

Efecto de los micronutrientes en polvo en el estado nutricional y en los valores hemáticos de preescolares sanos. Medellín, 2013 / The effect of powdered micronutrients on the hematologic values and nutritional status of healthy preschoolers. Medellín, 2013 / Efeito dos micronutrientes em pó no estado nutricional e nos valores hemáticos de crianças sadias em idade pré-escolar. Medellín, 2013

Las carencias de micronutrientes son un problema de salud pública común en muchos países, principalmente en aquellos en vía de desarrollo; las deficiencias más prevalentes son las de vitamina A, hierro y yodo, para reducirlas se pueden ejecutar estrategias como la fortificación de alimentos. OBJETIVO: evaluar el efecto de la fortificación de la dieta con micronutrientes en polvo en el estado nutricional y los valores hemáticos de preescolares sanos. METODOLOGIA: ensayo clínico triple ciego, con asignación aleatoria de grupos y controlado con placebo. Se analizaron 90 preescolares sanos a quienes se suministró 1g de mezcla de micronutrientes al día con 12,50 mg de hierro (fumarato ferroso). Antes y después de nueve semanas, se midieron los niveles de hemoglobina, ferritina sérica, transferrina, ácido fólico y los indicadores nutricionales. RESULTADOS :la concentración de hemoglobina disminuyó en el grupo de intervención, pasando de 12,80 g/dL a 12,10 g/dL (p=0,000), mientras que en el grupo placebo no hubo variación (p=0,639); así mismo la transferrina disminuyó significativamente solo en el grupo intervenido (p=0,004); el nivel de ferritina al final del estudio no difirió intra o entre grupos de intervención. Las reacciones adversas fueron similares en ambos grupos: dos niños presentaron náusea y dos tuvieron dolor abdominal, sin diferencias estadísticas. CONCLUSIONES:la fortificación de alimentos durante nueve semanas con los micronutrientes en polvo empleados en el estudio, no mejoró los niveles hematológicos, ni el estado nutricional de los niños sanos estudiados; los alimentos fortificados fueron bien tolerados por los preescolares.

Micronutrient deficiencies are a common public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Vitamin A, iron and iodine deficiencies are the most prevalent. To reduce these, many strategies such as food fortification can be implemented. OBJECTIVE:to assess the effect of a diet fortified with powdered micronutrients on the nutritional status and hematological values of healthy preschoolers. METHODOLOGY: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted with 90 healthy preschoolers who were given 1g of powdered micronutrients per day with 12.5 mg of iron (ferrous fumarate).The levels of hemoglobin, serum ferritin, transferrin, folic acid and the nutritional indicators were measured before and after nine weeks. RESULTS:for the group receiving powdered micronutrients, hemoglobin concentration decreased from 12.80 g / dL to 12.10 g / dL (p = 0.000), whereas the placebo group showed no change (p = 0.639); likewise, transferrin decreased significantly only for the powdered micronutrients group (p = 0.004); the ferritin level showed no difference between groups or inside any of them. Adverse reactions were similar for both groups:two children had nausea and two abdominal pain. There were no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS:fortifying the individuals' diet with the powdered micronutrients used in this study for nine weeks did not improve the hematological levels or the nutritional status of the healthy preschoolers. Additionally, the fortified foods were well tolerated by the children.

As carências de micronutrientes são um problema de saúde pública comum em muitos países, principalmente naqueles em via de desenvolvimento; as deficiências mais prevalentes são de vitamina A, ferro e iodo, para reduzi-las podem ser realizadas estratégias como a fortificação de alimentos. OBJETIVO: avaliar o efeito da fortificação da dieta com micronutrientes em pó no estado nutricional e os valores hemáticos de pré-escolares sadios. METODOLOGIA: ensaio clínico triplo-cego, com afetação aleatória de grupos e controlado com placebo.Foram analisados 90 pré-escolares sadios aos quais foi proporcionado 1g de mescla de micronutrientes por dia com 12,50 mg de ferro (fumarato ferroso).Antes e após nove semanas, foram medidos os níveis de hemoglobina, ferritina sérica, transferrina, ácido fólico e os indicadores nutricionais. RESULTADOS: a concentração de hemoglobina diminuiu no grupo de intervenção, passando de 12,80 g/dL a 12,10 g/dL (p=0,000), enquanto no grupo placebo não houve variação(p=0,639); do mesmo modo, a transferrina apenas diminuiu expressivamente no grupo intervindo (p=0,004); o nível de ferritina no final do estudo não divergiu intra ou entre os grupos de intervenção.As reações adversas foram semelhantes em ambos os grupos:duas crianças apresentaram náusea e duas tiveram dor abdominal, sem diferenças estatísticas. CONCLUSÕES: a fortificação de alimentos durante nove semanas com os micronutrientes em pó utilizados no estudo não melhorou os níveis hematológicos, nem o estado nutricional das crianças saudáveis analisadas; os alimentos fortificados foram bem tolerados pelas crianças.