Carotid artery penetrating trauma: Report of 4 cases and literature revision.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: In penetrating neck trauma, carotid artery penetrating trauma is considered one of the most complicated injuries to treat. Active bleeding, large hematomas, and rapid occlusion of the airways make the surgical approach to controlling bleeding and repairing the vessel much more complex, constituting an essential clinical challenge to every surgeon. CASE PRESENTATION: We present 4 cases of patients with carotid artery penetrating trauma. Two patients were treated with endovascular therapy, one with surgery, and the fourth one treated conservatively. None of the patients had posterior neurological impairment. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Carotid artery penetrating trauma is uncommon yet is associated with high rates of mortality and neurological impairment. The common carotid artery is the most frequently injured, and gunshot wounds (GSW) are the most frequent trauma mechanism. Angiotomography (CTA) is the first-line exam for diagnosing these injuries. Treatment should be prompt and individualized and may include conservative techniques, endovascular therapy, and traditional surgical repair. CONCLUSION: Carotid artery penetrating trauma is an uncommon but complex injury that requires a timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid potentially devastating consequences, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients. Traditionally, the treatment strategies for these injuries used to be limited to vascular repair or ligation. However, endovascular therapy and conservative management are viable alternatives, which have become more and more useful in selected patients, allowing less invasive approaches with fewer morbidity and acceptable results.

Is REBOA the Last Card to Control a Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

INTRODUCTION: Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a potential tool for the management of massive gastrointestinal bleeding (MGB). This study aims to describe the experience of the use of REBOA as adjunctive therapy in patients with MGB and to evaluate its effectiveness. METHODS: Serial cases of patients with hemorrhagic shock secondary to MGB in whom REBOA was placed were collected. Patient demographics, bleeding severity, etiology, management, and clinical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Between 2017 and 2020, five cases were analyzed. All patients had a severe gastrointestinal bleeding (Glasgow Blatchford Bleeding Score range 12-17; Clinical Rockal Score range 5-9). The etiologies of MGB were perforated gastric or duodenal ulcers, esophageal varices, and vascular lesions. Systolic blood pressure increased after REBOA placement and total occlusion time was 25-60 min. REBOA provided temporary hemorrhage control in all cases and allowed additional hemostatic maneuvers to be performed. Three patients survived more than 24 h. All patients died in index hospitalization. The main cause of death was related to hemorrhagic shock. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular aortic occlusion can work as a bridge to further resuscitation and attempts at hemostasis in patients with MGB. REBOA provides hemodynamic support and may be used simultaneously with other hemostatic maneuvers, facilitating definitive hemorrhage control.

Uso de la tomografía corporal total en pacientes con heridas de arma de fuego y hemodinámicamente inestables: ¿Rompiendo paradigmas de atención inicial? / Whole-body computed tomography in hemodynamically unstable patients with gunshot wounds: A paradigm shift in trauma management?

Introducción. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el impacto del uso de la tomografía corporal total en la evaluación de los pacientes con trauma penetrante por proyectil de arma de fuego y hemodinámicamente inestables atendidos en un centro de referencia de trauma. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio analítico, retrospectivo, con base en un subanálisis del registro de la Sociedad Panamericana de Trauma ­ Fundación Valle del Lili. Se incluyeron los pacientes con trauma penetrante por proyectil de arma de fuego atendidos entre 2018 y 2021. Se excluyeron los pacientes con trauma craneoencefálico severo, trauma leve y en condición in extremis. Resultados. Doscientos pacientes cumplieron los criterios de elegibilidad, 115 fueron estudiados con tomografía corporal total y se compararon con 85 controles. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria en el grupo de tomografía fue de 4/115 (3,5 %) vs 10/85 (12 %) en el grupo control. En el análisis multivariado se identificó que la tomografía no tenía asociación significativa con la mortalidad (aOR=0,46; IC95% 0,10-1,94). El grupo de tomografía tuvo una reducción relativa del 39 % en la frecuencia de cirugías mayores, con un efecto asociado en la disminución de la necesidad de cirugía (aOR=0,47; IC95% 0,22-0,98). Conclusiones. La tomografía corporal total fue empleada en el abordaje inicial de los pacientes con trauma penetrante por proyectil de arma de fuego y hemodinámicamente inestables. Su uso no se asoció con una mayor mortalidad, pero sí con una menor frecuencia de cirugías mayores.

Introduction. This study aims to assess the impact of whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) in the evaluation of patients with penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW) who are hemodynamically unstable and treated at a trauma referral center. Methods. An analytical, retrospective study was conducted based on a subanalysis of the Panamerican Trauma Society-FVL registry. Patients with GSW treated between 2018 and 2021 were included. Patients with severe cranioencephalic trauma, minor trauma, and those in extremis were excluded. Patients with and without WBCT were compared. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was the frequency of major surgeries (thoracotomy, sternotomy, cervicotomy, and/or laparotomy) during initial care. Results. Two hundred eligible patients were included, with 115 undergoing WBCT and compared to 85 controls. In-hospital mortality in the WBCT group was 4/115 (3.5%) compared to 10/85 (12%) in the control group. Multivariate analysis showed that WBCT was not significantly associated to mortality (aOR: 0.46; 95% CI 0.10-1.94). The WBCT group had a relative reduction of 39% in the frequency of major surgeries, with an associated effect on reducing the need for surgery (aOR: 0.47; 95% CI 0.22-0.98). Conclusions. Whole-body computed tomography was employed in the initial management of patients with penetrating firearm projectile injuries and hemodynamic instability. The use of WBCT was not associated with mortality but rather with a reduction in the frequency of major surgery.

Umbral crítico de administración en pacientes con trauma severo y reanimación endovascular: ¿Un concepto útil? / Critical Administration Threshold in severe trauma patients and endovascular resuscitation: A useful concept?

Introducción. Se describe la utilidad del umbral crítico de administración (CAT por su denominación en inglés) como herramienta para la reanimación hemostática en pacientes con trauma severo y oclusión endovascular aórtica. Métodos. Revisión retrospectiva de pacientes adultos con hemorragia por trauma, con o sin oclusión endovascular aórtica (REBOA), atendidos entre enero de 2015 y junio de 2020, en un centro de trauma nivel I en Cali, Colombia. Se registraron variables demográficas, severidad del trauma, estado clínico, requerimiento transfusional, tiempo hasta CAT+ y CAT alcanzado (1, 2 ó 3). Resultados. Se incluyeron 93 pacientes, se utilizó REBOA en 36 y manejo tradicional en 57. El grupo REBOA presentó mayor volumen de sangrado (mediana de 3000 ml, RIC: 1950-3625 ml) frente al grupo control (mediana de1500 ml, RIC: 700-2975ml) (p<0,001) y mayor cantidad de glóbulos rojos transfundidos en las primeras 6 horas (mediana de 5, RIC:4-9); p=0,015 y en las primeras 24 horas (mediana de 6, RIC: 4-11); p=0,005. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en número de pacientes CAT+ entre grupos o tiempo hasta alcanzarlo. Sin embargo, el estado CAT+ durante los primeros 30 minutos de la cirugía fue mayor en grupo REBOA (24/36, 66,7 %) frente al grupo control (17/57, 29,8 %; p=0,001), teniendo este mayor tasa de mortalidad intrahospitalaria frente a los pacientes CAT-. Conclusión. El umbral crítico de administración es una herramienta útil en la reanimación hemostática de pacientes con trauma y REBOA, que podría predecir mortalidad precoz.

Introduction. The objective is to describe the utility of the Critical Administration Threshold (CAT) as a tool in hemostatic resuscitation in patients with severe trauma and REBOA. Methods. Retrospective review between January 2015 and June 2020 of adult patients with hemorrhage secondary to trauma with or without REBOA in a level I trauma center in Cali, Colombia. Demographic variables, trauma severity, clinical status, transfusion needs, time to CAT+ and number of CAT achieved (1, 2 or 3) were recorded. Results. Ninety-three patients were included, in which REBOA was used in 36 and traditional management in 57. The REBOA group had a higher bleeding volume (3000 ml), IQR: 1950-3625 ml vs the control group (1500 ml, IQR: 700-2975 ml) (p<0.001) and a higher rate of PRBC units transfused in the first 6 hours (median 5, IQR: 4-9); p=0.015 and in the first 24 hours (median 6, IQR: 4-11); p=0.005. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of CAT+ patients between groups or time to CAT+. However, CAT+ status during the first 30 minutes of surgery was higher in the REBOA Group (24/36, 66.7%) vs. the control group (17/57, 29.8%; p=0.001), having this group a higher in-hospital mortality rate vs. CAT- patients. Conclusion. CAT is a useful tool in the hemostatic resuscitation of patients with trauma and REBOA that could predict early mortality.

Critical systolic blood pressure threshold for endovascular aortic occlusion-A multinational analysis to determine when to place a REBOA.

BACKGROUND: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is a potential indicator that could guide when to use a resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in trauma patients with life-threatening injuries. This study aims to determine the optimal SBP threshold for REBOA placement by analyzing the association between SBP pre-REBOA and 24-hour mortality in severely injured hemodynamically unstable trauma patients. METHODS: We performed a pooled analysis of the aortic balloon occlusion (ABO) trauma and AORTA registries. These databases record the details related to the use of REBOA and include data from 14 countries worldwide. We included patients who had suffered penetrating and/or blunt trauma. Patients who arrived at the hospital with a SBP pre-REBOA of 0 mm Hg and remained at 0 mm Hg after balloon inflation were excluded. We evaluated the impact that SBP pre-REBOA had on the probability of death in the first 24 hours. RESULTS: A total of 1,107 patients underwent endovascular aortic occlusion, of these, 848 met inclusion criteria. The median age was 44 years (interquartile range [IQR], 27-59 years) and 643 (76%) were male. The median injury severity score was 34 (IQR, 25-45). The median SBP pre-REBOA was 65 mm Hg (IQR, 49-88 mm Hg). Mortality at 24 hours was reported in 279 (32%) patients. Math modeling shows that predicted probabilities of the primary outcome increased steadily in SBP pre-REBOA below 100 mm Hg. Multivariable mixed-effects analysis shows that when SBP pre-REBOA was lower than 60 mm Hg, the risk of death was more than 50% (relative risk, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.92; p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: In patients who do not respond to initial resuscitation, the use of REBOA in SBPs between 60 mm Hg and 80 mm Hg may be a useful tool in resuscitation efforts before further decompensation or complete cardiovascular collapse. The findings from our study are clinically important as a first step in identifying candidates for REBOA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Evaluation and Performance of a Positive Airway Pressure Device (CPAP-AirFlife™): A Randomized Crossover Non-Inferiority Clinical Study in Normal Subjects.

Background and Objectives: During the COVID-19, the demand for non-invasive ventilatory support equipment significantly increased. In response, a novel non-invasive ventilatory support model called CPAP-AirFlife™ was developed utilizing existing technologies. This model offers technological advantages, including an aerosol-controlled helmet suitable for high-risk environments such as ambulances. Additionally, it is cost-effective and does not require medical air, making it accessible for implementation in low-level hospitals, particularly in rural areas. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of CPAP-AirFlife™ by conducting a non-inferiority comparison with conventional ventilation equipment used in the Intensive Care Unit. Materials and Methods: A clinical study was conducted on normal subjects in a randomized and sequential manner. Parameters such as hemoglobin oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry, exhaled PCO2 levels, vital signs, and individual tolerance were compared between the CPAP-AirFlife™ and conventional equipment. The study population was described in terms of demographic characteristics and included in the analysis. Results: It was shown that the CPAP-AirFlife™ was not inferior to conventional equipment in terms of efficacy or tolerability. Hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels, exhaled PCO2 levels, vital signs, and individual tolerance did not significantly differ between the two models. Conclusions: The findings suggest that CPAP-AirFlife™ is a practical and cost-effective alternative for non-invasive ventilatory support. Its technological advantages, including the aerosol-controlled helmet, make it suitable for high-risk environments. The device's accessibility and affordability make it a promising solution for implementation in low-level hospitals, particularly in rural areas. This study supports using CPAP-AirFlife™ as a practical option for non-invasive ventilatory support, providing a valuable contribution to respiratory care during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

"More Spiritual Health Professionals Provide Different Care": A Qualitative Study in the Field of Mental Health.

In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in studies demonstrating the positive effects of the religiosity/spirituality (R/S) approach on patients' physical and mental health. In mental health units, patients want professionals to be sensitive to their spiritual and/or religious needs, which is a fundamental aspect of a holistic approach to patients. Qualitative research with an exploratory and descriptive design with an ethnographic-phenomenological approach through in-depth interviews with sixteen professionals from Spanish mental health units. There is no consensus on the definition of spirituality; however, all of them believe that R/S has a positive influence on the health of patients in coping with illness. They believe that their own R/S may interfere with the professional-patient relationship and their attention to spiritual needs. Few professionals address these needs, citing limitations such as lack of time and lack of specific training in spiritual care. More research is needed on the spiritual care of mental health professionals to define the framework, professional training, and associated challenges in the spiritual care of patients.

Non-tunneled catheter tip depth position in urgent hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The average accepted depth for non-tunneled catheters (NTC) insertion does not guarantee its correct position, so controversy exists. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of two NTC placement depths on the number of NTC complication episodes. METHODS: We designed a triple blind, parallel group, randomized controlled trial in a single Hemodialysis Center in Mexico (Registry: ACTRN12619000774123). We included patients in urgent need of hemodialysis via internal right jugular vein NTC. The length of the NTC tip placement depth was randomized to second intercostal space (2ICS) or fourth intercostal space (4ICS), using physical landmarks. The primary outcome was to compare the composite number of NTC dysfunction, repositioning, and relocation episodes for 48 hours post-procedure. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-five patients were included, 86 and 79 patients to NTC placement in the 2ICS and 4ICS, respectively. All patients underwent intention-to-treat analysis. The incidence of the composite outcome was lower in the 2ICS group compared to the 4ICS group, 4 (4.6%) and 50 (63%) combined episodes, respectively (P<0.001). Compared to the 4ICS group, the 2ICS group presented a relative risk of 0.06 (CI: 0.02-0.21, P<0.001) and number needed to treat (NNT) of 2.1. No adverse events occurred, derived from the NTC placement. CONCLUSIONS: NTC tip placement in the 2ICS compared to 4ICS decreases the incidence of the combined number of dysfunctions, repositioning and relocation episodes, with a NNT of 2 for its prevention.

Empatia médica e valores éticos da profissão: estudo quantitativo / Empathy and ethical values in medicine: a quantitative study / Empatía médica y valores éticos de la profesión: estudio cuantitativo

Resumo Na assistência em saúde, a empatia tem sido associada a uma série de resultados benéficos. No entanto, diversos estudos evidenciam a diminuição de empatia no decorrer da formação médica, com reflexos negativos sobre a humanização do cuidado. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a relação de fatores sociodemográficos com o nível de empatia de médicos, bem como sua relação com os valores éticos da profissão. Nesta pesquisa transversal e analítica, foram aplicadas escalas de empatia e de hospitalidade para 143 médicos brasileiros. Os resultados apontam uma relação entre empatia e hospitalidade, assim como a influência que fatores como sexo, área de atuação e histórico de situações de sofrimento exercem sobre a humanização do cuidado.

Abstract In health care, empathy is associated to several benefits; however, many studies have shown a decrease in empathy during medical education, which negatively impacts the humanization of care. This cross-sectional study analyzes the relation between sociodemographic factors and physicians' level of empathy, as well as medical ethical values. A total of 143 Brazilian physicians answered empathy and hospitality scales. Results point to a relation between empathy and hospitality, as well as that factors such as gender, specialty and history of suffering influence care humanization.

Resumen La empatía se asocia a una serie de resultados beneficiosos en la asistencia sanitaria. Sin embargo, varios estudios reportan que la empatía disminuye a lo largo de la formación médica, con efectos negativos en la atención humanizada. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la relación de los factores sociodemográficos con el nivel de empatía de los médicos, así como su relación con los valores éticos de la profesión. En esta investigación transversal y analítica, se aplicaron escalas de empatía y hospitalidad a 143 médicos brasileños. Los resultados apuntan a una relación entre la empatía y la hospitalidad, así como la influencia que tienen los factores como el género, el área de actividad y la historia de situaciones de sufrimiento en la atención más humanizada.

De un centro de trauma a un sistema de trauma en el suroccidente colombiano / From a Trauma Center to a Trauma System in Southwest Colombia

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto sobre la mortalidad según el perfil de ingreso a un centro de trauma del suroccidente colombiano, como método para entender las dinámicas de atención del paciente con trauma. Métodos. Se realizó un subanálisis del registro de la Sociedad Panamericana de Trauma asociado a un centro de trauma en el suroccidente colombiano. Se analizaron los pacientes atendidos entre los años 2012 y 2021. Se compararon los pacientes con condición de ingreso directo y aquellos que ingresaron remitidos. Se hicieron análisis de poblaciones de interés como pacientes con trauma severo (ISS > 15) y pacientes con/sin trauma craneoencefálico. Se evaluó el impacto de los pacientes remitidos y su condición al ingreso sobre la mortalidad. Resultados. Se incluyeron 10.814 pacientes. La proporción de pacientes remitidos fue del 54,7 %. Los pacientes que ingresaron remitidos presentaron diferencias respecto a la severidad del trauma y compromiso fisiológico al ingreso comparado con los pacientes con ingreso directo. Los pacientes remitidos tienen mayor riesgo de mortalidad (RR: 2,81; IC95% 2,44-3,22); sin embargo, es el estado fisiológico al ingreso lo que impacta en la mortalidad. Conclusión. Los pacientes remitidos de otras instituciones tienen un mayor riesgo de mortalidad, siendo una inequidad en salud que invita a la articulación de actores institucionales en la atención de trauma. Un centro de trauma debe relacionarse con las instituciones asociadas para crear un sistema de trauma que optimice la atención de los pacientes y la oportunidad

Introduction. This study aims to evaluate the impact on mortality by admission profile to a trauma center in Southwest Colombia between direct and referred patients, as a method to understand the dynamics of trauma care.Methods. A sub-analysis of the Panamerican Trauma Society registry associated with a trauma center in Southwest Colombia was performed. Patients attended between 2012-2021 were analyzed. Patients with direct admission and referred condition were compared. Analyses of populations of interest such as patients with severe trauma (ISS > 15) and patients with/without brain trauma were made. The impact of referred patients and their admission status on mortality was evaluated. Results. A total of 10,814 patients were included. The proportion of referred patients was 54.7%. Patients admitted referred vs. with direct admission have differences regarding trauma severity and physiological compromise on admission. The referred patient has a higher risk of mortality (RR: 2.81; 95% CI 2.44-3.22). There is a high proportion of penetrating trauma by gunshot wounds. However, it is the physiological state at admission that impacts mortality. Conclusion. Patients referred from other institutions have a higher mortality risk, being a health inequity that invites the articulation of institutional actors in trauma care. A trauma center should relate to partner institutions to create a trauma system that optimizes care and timeliness

Lung ultrasound as a screening tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection in surgical patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of lung ultrasound (LUS) in screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients requiring surgery. METHODS: Patients underwent a LUS protocol that included a scoring system for screening COVID-19 pneumonia as well as RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was determined for the relationship between LUS score and PCR test results for COVID-19. The optimal threshold for the best discrimination between non-COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 patients was calculated. RESULTS: Among 203 patients enrolled (mean age 48 years; 82 males), 8.3% were COVID-19-positive; 4.9% were diagnosed via the initial RT-PCR test. Of the patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2, 64.7% required in-hospital management and 17.6% died. The most common ultrasound findings were B lines (19.7%) and a thickened pleura (19.2%). The AUC of the ROC curve of the relationship of LUS score with a cutoff value >8 versus RT-PCR test for the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia was 0.75 (95% CI 0.61-0.89; sensitivity 52.9%; specificity 91%; LR (+) 6.15, LR (-) 0.51). CONCLUSION: The LUS score in surgical patients is not a useful tool for screening patients with potential COVID-19 infection. LUS score shows a high specificity with a cut-off value of 8.

Changes in Quality of Sleep, Mood, and Other Neuropsychiatric Symptoms After Switching Dolutegravir/Lamivudine/Abacavir to Darunavir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in a Randomized Study of People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus With Poor Sleep Quality: GESIDA 10418.

Background: Although switching antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people with human immunodeficiency virus experiencing insomnia due to dolutegravir-related neurotoxicity is well founded upon evidence, there is a lack of proof in regard to the outcome of stopping dolutegravir-based ART in people without insomnia but reporting poor sleep quality. Methods: This is a randomized, multicenter, open-label study to evaluate the reversibility of patient-reported sleep disturbances in patients on dolutegravir/lamivudine/abacavir without insomnia after switching to darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide. The participants were randomized to switch ART at baseline or at week 4 and then completed 8 weeks of darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide. Our primary objective was to compare changes in sleep quality between arms at week 4. Secondary objectives were to compare changes in mood and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NS) at week 4 and 4 and 8 weeks after switching to darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide. The participants completed a survey, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), and specific questions to explore NS, at each visit to assess those objectives. Results: We included 72 participants. The results show that study arms were similar at baseline; however, at week 4, PSQI scores remained unchanged with dolutegravir/lamivudine/abacavir, whereas patients improved significantly after switching to darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide. Similar differences between arms were also observed in HADS and NS changes. At weeks 4 and 8 after all participants switched to darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide, we have observed significant improvements in PSQI and HAD scores and in NS. Conclusions: In patients reporting subclinical sleep disturbances without insomnia, switching from dolutegravir/lamivudine/abacavir to darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide was associated with better sleep quality and improvements in mood and NS.

Oocyte vitrification for elective fertility preservation: a SWOT analysis.

Oocyte vitrification, also known as egg freezing, is increasingly being used by women as a precautionary measure against the anticipated decline in fertility. In countries where this procedure is allowed, elective oocyte vitrification has become an integral part of the treatment portfolio of fertility clinics. The widespread tendency towards the postponement of motherhood and the advances in laboratory technologies are encouraging women to consider oocyte vitrification and, by doing so, increase their reproductive autonomy. However, elective oocyte vitrification, or elective egg freezing (EEF), still elicits controversy, not only when EEF is appraised from a cost-efficiency point of view, but also in terms of medical and ethical concerns. In general, although the laboratory tool of vitrification has revolutionized the treatment of infertility, the pros and cons need to be clarified when considering EEF.

Venous thromboembolism in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia under chemotherapy treatment. Risk factors and usefulness of thromboprophylaxis. Results of LAL-SEHOP-PETHEMA-2013.

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) is diagnosed in 3%-14% of patients during pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy. There are well-known risk factors, but the role of others as inherited thrombophilia is still controversial. Prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has been described, but its use is not globally accepted. METHODS: A retrospective multicentric study in ALL patients 1-18 years old following SEHOP-PETHEMA-2013 treatment guideline was performed to evaluate VTE rate, anticoagulant treatment, outcome, risk factors, and safety and usefulness of LMWH administration as primary thromboprophylaxis in children with inherited thrombophilia. RESULTS: A total of 652 patients were included in the study. VTE incidence was 8.7%. Most of the cases occurred during induction therapy associated with central venous catheter. Univariant analysis showed that family history of thrombosis, presence of mediastinal mass, high-risk treatment group, and inherited thrombophilia were statistically significant risk factors. LMWH administration seemed to decrease VTE rate in patients with inherited thrombophilia and those with T-cell ALL phenotype. CONCLUSION: Most of the VTE cases occurred in patients without inherited thrombophilia, but when it is present, the VTE risk is higher. LMWH administration was useful to decrease VTE in these patients.

Quality of Life in Pediatric Minimally Invasive Surgery: Cost-Utility Analysis of Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendectomy.

Background: Economic evaluation in health care is becoming increasingly important. Laparoscopic appendectomy (LAp) is one of the most frequent minimally invasive procedures in the pediatric population. The increased costs of this approach in any indication could be justified by proving its cost-utility in terms of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aim to perform a cost-utility analysis between open and LAp (open appendectomy [OAp] and LAp). Materials and Methods: We included the data of children operated for acute noncomplicated appendicitis, who agreed to answer a validated quality of life (QoL) questionnaire. Costs were calculated for each patient. We established a threshold for cost-effectiveness (λ) of 20,000 to 30,000€ per quality adjusted life year (QALY) according to previous research. Results: A total of 53 patients were included. Overall mean costs in the OAp were 758.98€ and in the LAp 1525.50€. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 18,000€/QALY, under the threshold of cost-effectiveness, therefore favoring the laparoscopic approach as it improves HRQoL despite the costs. Conclusions: Economic evaluation studies in Pediatric Surgery are scarce and rarely measure outcomes in terms of QoL. This information is important in the decision-making process for institutions and health-care professionals. Our results encourage the use of laparoscopy in pediatric appendectomy to improve HRQoL in our patients.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis en Achatina fulica en la provincia del Napo, Ecuador y el riesgo incrementado de angiostrongiliasis / Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Achatina fulica in Napo province, Ecuador and the increased risk of angiostrongyliasis

Introducción: Angiostrongylus cantonensis es reconocido como uno de los principales patógenos causantes de la meningoencefalitis eosinofílica, fue identificado en Ecuador por primera vez en 2008. Métodos: se recolectaron 1476 ejemplares de Achatina fulica con el método de captura por unidad de esfuerzo durante 30 minutos, en 3 cantones de la provincia del Napo, con el fin de establecer la prevalencia de infección por A. cantonensis Resultados: el porcentaje total de caracoles infectados fue de 46,5% (687/1476). Conclusiones: Los resultados revelan una amplia distribución de A. fulica infectado con A. cantonensis, lo que, sumado a la gran cantidad de hospederos definitivos presentes, indica que un número considerable de personas tiene riesgo de adquirir angiostrongiliasis. Se necesita intervenciones educativas comunitaria orientadas a formación sanitaria, recalcando el riesgo de adquirir la infección parasitaria, principalmente por el consumo de A. fulica, crudos y/o con cocción inadecuada, principal forma de contagio. Además, se recomienda vigilancia rigurosa y control de los hospedadores involucrados, saneamiento ambiental, haciendo insistencia en factores relacionados con los hábitos biológico del caracol gigante africano, entre ello alimentos (vegetales), suelos y derivados del caracol de uso artesanal; para prevenir la aparición de casos esporádicos y de brotes de la enfermedad(AU)

Introduction: Angiostrongylus cantonensis is recognized as one of the main pathogens that cause eosinophilic meningoencephalitis, it was identified in Ecuador for the first time in 2008. Methods: 1476 specimens of Achatina fulica were collected using the capture method per unit of effort for 30 minutes, in 3 cantons of the Napo province, in order to establish the prevalence of infection by A. cantonensis Results: the total percentage of infected snails was 46.5% (687/1476). Conclusions: The results reveal a wide distribution of A. fulica infected with A. cantonensis, which, added to the large number of definitive hosts present, indicates that a considerable number of people are at risk of acquiring angiostrongyliasis. Community educational interventions aimed at health training are needed, emphasizing the risk of acquiring parasitic infection, mainly due to the consumption of A. fulica, raw and/or inadequately cooked, the main form of contagion. In addition, rigorous surveillance and control of the hosts involved, environmental sanitation, insisting on factors related to the biological habits of the giant African snail, including food (vegetables), soil and snail derivatives for artisanal use; to prevent the appearance of sporadic cases and outbreaks of the disease(AU)

Damage control in penetrating carotid artery trauma: changing a 100-year paradigm.

Carotid artery trauma carries a high risk of neurological sequelae and death. Surgical management of these injuries has been controversial because it entails deciding between repair or ligation of the vessel, for which there is still no true consensus either way. This article proposes a new management strategy for carotid artery injuries based on the principles of damage control surgery which include endovascular and/or traditional open repair techniques. The decision to operate immediately or to perform further imaging studies will depend on the patient's hemodynamic status. If the patient presents with massive bleeding, an expanding neck hematoma or refractory hypovolemic shock, urgent surgical intervention is indicated. An altered mental status upon arrival is a potentially poor prognosis marker and should be taken into account in the therapeutic decision-making. We describe a step-by-step algorithmic approach to these injuries, including open and endovascular techniques. In addition, conservative non-operative management has also been included as a potentially viable strategy in selected patients, which avoids unnecessary surgery in many cases.

El trauma de la arteria carótida tiene una alta probabilidad de muerte y de secuelas neurológicas. El manejo quirúrgico es objeto de controversia porque se tiene que decidir entre reparar la arteria carótida o ligarla, para lo cual aún no existe un consenso. El objetivo de este artículo es proponer una nueva estrategia de manejo para el trauma de la arteria carótida con los principios de la cirugía de control de daños y el uso de técnicas como el reparo endovascular o el manejo conservador. La decisión de operar el paciente inmediatamente o realizar estudios imagenológicos dependerá del estado hemodinámico del paciente. Si el paciente presenta sangrado masivo, hematoma expansivo o choque hipovolémico refractario, una intervención quirúrgica urgente esta indicada. Un déficit del estado neurológico al ingreso es un marcador de mal pronóstico en estos casos e influye en la toma de decisiones. Se describe el paso a paso del reparo vascular abierto y se incluye las estrategias de manejo tanto endovasculares como abiertas. Adicionalmente, el manejo conservador también ha sido incluido como una estrategia viable en pacientes seleccionados, evitando cirugías innecesarias.

Damage control surgery for thoracic outlet vascular injuries: the new resuscitative median sternotomy plus REBOA.

Thoracic vascular trauma is associated with high mortality and is the second most common cause of death in patients with trauma following head injuries. Less than 25% of patients with a thoracic vascular injury arrive alive to the hospital and more than 50% die within the first 24 hours. Thoracic trauma with the involvement of the great vessels is a surgical challenge due to the complex and restricted anatomy of these structures and its association with adjacent organ damage. This article aims to delineate the experience obtained in the surgical management of thoracic vascular injuries via the creation of a practical algorithm that includes basic principles of damage control surgery. We have been able to show that the early application of a resuscitative median sternotomy together with a zone 1 resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) in hemodynamically unstable patients with thoracic outlet vascular injuries improves survival by providing rapid stabilization of central aortic pressure and serving as a bridge to hemorrhage control. Damage control surgery principles should also be implemented when indicated, followed by definitive repair once the correction of the lethal diamond has been achieved. To this end, we have developed a six-step management algorithm that illustrates the surgical care of patients with thoracic outlet vascular injuries according to the American Association of the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) classification.

El trauma vascular torácico está asociado con una alta mortalidad y es la segunda causa más común de muerte en pacientes con trauma después del trauma craneoencefálico. Se estima que menos del 25% de los pacientes con una lesión vascular torácica alcanzan a llegar con vida para recibir atención hospitalaria y más del 50% fallecen en las primeras 24 horas. El trauma torácico penetrante con compromiso de los grandes vasos es un problema quirúrgico dado a su severidad y la asociación con lesiones a órganos adyacentes. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico de las lesiones del opérculo torácico con la creación de un algoritmo de manejo quirúrgico en seis pasos prácticos de seguir basados en la clasificación de la AAST. que incluye los principios básicos del control de daños. La esternotomía mediana de resucitación junto con la colocación de un balón de resucitación de oclusión aortica (Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta - REBOA) en zona 1 permiten un control primario de la hemorragia y mejoran la sobrevida de los pacientes con trauma del opérculo torácico e inestabilidad hemodinámica.

Primary repair: damage control surgery in esophageal trauma.

Esophageal trauma is a rare but life-threatening event associated with high morbidity and mortality. An inadvertent esophageal perforation can rapidly contaminate the neck, mediastinum, pleural space, or abdominal cavity, resulting in sepsis or septic shock. Higher complications and mortality rates are commonly associated with adjacent organ injuries and/or delays in diagnosis or definitive management. This article aims to delineate the experience obtained by the Trauma and Emergency Surgery Group (CTE) of Cali, Colombia, on the surgical management of esophageal trauma following damage control principles. Esophageal injuries should always be suspected in thoracoabdominal or cervical trauma when the trajectory or mechanism suggests so. Hemodynamically stable patients should be radiologically evaluated before a surgical correction, ideally with computed tomography of the neck, chest, and abdomen. While hemodynamically unstable patients should be immediately transferred to the operating room for direct surgical control. A primary repair is the surgical management of choice in all esophageal injuries, along with endoscopic nasogastric tube placement and immediate postoperative care in the intensive care unit. We propose an easy-to-follow surgical management algorithm that sticks to the philosophy of "Less is Better" by avoiding esophagostomas.

El trauma esofágico es un evento poco frecuente pero potencialmente mortal. Una perforación esofágica inadvertida puede ocasionar la rápida contaminación del cuello, el mediastino, el espacio pleural o la cavidad abdominal, lo cual puede resultar en sepsis o choque séptico. Las complicaciones y la mortalidad aumentan con el retraso en el diagnóstico o manejo definitivo, y la presencia de lesiones asociadas. El objetivo del presente artículo es describir la experiencia adquirida por el grupo de cirugía de Trauma y Emergencias (CTE) de Cali, Colombia en el manejo del trauma de esófago de acuerdo con los principios de la cirugía de control de daños. Las lesiones esofágicas deben sospecharse en todo trauma toraco-abdominal o cervical en el que el mecanismo o la trayectoria de la lesión lo sugieran. El paciente hemodinámicamente estable se debe estudiar con imágenes diagnósticas antes de la corrección quirúrgica del defecto, idealmente por medio de tomografía computarizada del cuello, tórax y abdomen con contraste endovenoso. Mientras que en el paciente hemodinámicamente inestable se debe explorar y controlar la lesión. El reparo primario es el manejo quirúrgico de elección, con la previa colocación de una sonda nasogástrica y el seguimiento postoperatorio estricto en la unidad de cuidado intensivo. Se propone un algoritmo de manejo quirúrgico que resulta fácil de seguir y adopta la premisa "Menos es Mejor" evitando realizar derivaciones esofágicas.