Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

INTRODUCTION: Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is classified according to neurophysiological and histological findings, the inheritance pattern, and the underlying genetic defect. The objective of these guidelines is to offer recommendations for the diagnosis, prognosis, follow-up, and treatment of this disease in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: These consensus guidelines were developed through collaboration by a multidisciplinary panel encompassing a broad group of experts on the subject, including neurologists, paediatric neurologists, geneticists, physiatrists, and orthopaedic surgeons. RECOMMENDATIONS: The diagnosis of CMT is clinical, with patients usually presenting a common or classical phenotype. Clinical assessment should be followed by an appropriate neurophysiological study; specific recommendations are established for the parameters that should be included. Genetic diagnosis should be approached sequentially; once PMP22 duplication has been ruled out, if appropriate, a next-generation sequencing study should be considered, taking into account the limitations of the available techniques. To date, no pharmacological disease-modifying treatment is available, but symptomatic management, guided by a multidiciplinary team, is important, as is proper rehabilitation and orthopaedic management. The latter should be initiated early to identify and improve the patient's functional deficits, and should include individualised exercise guidelines, orthotic adaptation, and assessment of conservative surgeries such as tendon transfer. The follow-up of patients with CMT is exclusively clinical, and ancillary testing is not necessary in routine clinical practice.

Impact of mediterranean diet promotion on environmental sustainability: a longitudinal analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This article aims to estimate the differences in environmental impact (greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions, land use, energy used, acidification and potential eutrophication) after one year of promoting a Mediterranean diet (MD). METHODS: Baseline and 1-year follow-up data from 5800 participants in the PREDIMED-Plus study were used. Each participant's food intake was estimated using validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaires, and the adherence to MD using the Dietary Score. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The influence of diet on environmental impact was assessed through the EAT-Lancet Commission tables. The association between MD adherence and its environmental impact was calculated using adjusted multivariate linear regression models. RESULTS: After one year of intervention, the kcal/day consumed was significantly reduced (-125,1 kcal/day), adherence to a MD pattern was improved (+0,9) and the environmental impact due to the diet was significantly reduced (GHG: -361 g/CO2-eq; Acidification:-11,5 g SO2-eq; Eutrophication:-4,7 g PO4-eq; Energy use:-842,7 kJ; and Land use:-2,2 m2). Higher adherence to MD (high vs. low) was significantly associated with lower environmental impact both at baseline and one year follow-up. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the factors analysed, both at baseline and at one-year follow-up, in spite of the reduction observed in their consumption. CONCLUSIONS: A program promoting a MD, after one year of intervention, significantly reduced the environmental impact in all the factors analysed. Meat products had the greatest environmental impact in all the dimensions analysed.

Epidemiological aspects, clinical management and short-term outcomes in elderly patients diagnosed with acute heart failure in the emergency department in Spain: results of the EDEN-34 study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of acute heart failure (AHF) diagnosis in elderly patients in emergency departments (ED), diagnostic confirmation in hospitalized patients, and short-term adverse events. METHODS: All patients aged ≥65 years attended in 52 Spanish EDs during 1 week were included and those diagnosed with AHF were selected. In hospitalized patients, those diagnosed with AHF at discharge were collected. As adverse events, in-hospital and 30-day mortality, and combined adverse event (death or hospitalization) at 30 days post-discharge were collected. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for association of demographic variables, baseline status and constants at ED arrival with mortality and 30-day post-discharge adverse event were calculated. RESULTS: We included 1,155 patients with AHF (annual incidence: 26.5 per 1000 inhabitants ≥65 years, 95% CI: 25.0-28.1). In 86% the diagnosis of AHF was known at discharge. Overall 30-day mortality was 10.7% and in-hospital mortality was 7.9%, and the combined event in 15.6%. In-hospital and 30-day mortality was associated with arterial hypotension (adjusted OR: 74.0, 95% CI: 5.39-1015. and 42.6, 3.74-485, respectively and hypoxemia (2.14, 1.27-3.61; and 1.87, 1.19-2.93) on arrival at the ED and requiring assistance with ambulation (2.24, 1.04-4.83; and 2.48, 1.27-4.86) and age (per 10-year increment; 1.54, 1.04-2.29; and 1.60, 1.13-2.28). The combined post-discharge adverse event was not associated with any characteristic. CONCLUSIONS: AHF is a frequent diagnosis in elderly patients consulting in the ED. The functional impairment, age, hypotension and hypoxemia are the factors most associated with mortality.

[Translated article] Drug Survival in Cyclosporine Treatment for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Analysis of the Spanish Atopic Dermatitis Registry (BIOBADATOP).

BACKGROUND: The past 5 years have seen a proliferation of new treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD). We analyzed recent drug survival data for cyclosporine in this setting. Because the Spanish National Healthcare system requires patients with AD to be treated with cyclosporine before they can be prescribed other systemic treatments, drug survival for cyclosporine may be shorter than in other diseases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study using data from the Spanish Atopic Dermatitis Registry (BIOBADATOP). Data from the Spanish Registry of Systemic Treatments in Psoriasis (BIOBADADERM) were used to create a comparison cohort. RESULTS: We analyzed data for 130 patients with AD treated with cyclosporine (median drug survival, 1 year). Median cyclosporine survival in the psoriasis comparison group (150 patients) was 0.37 years. Drug survival was significantly longer in AD than in psoriasis (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Drug survival of cyclosporine in the BIOBADATOP registry is similar to that described in other series of patients with AD and longer than that observed in the BIOBADADERM psoriasis registry.

Cocaine-related ischemic priapism. Systematic review and presentation of a single center series.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic priapism is a medical emergency that, if not treated, could lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. The association between cocaine and priapism is well-known; however, data on patient characteristics, treatment, and outcomes is missing. This work aimed to answer the research question: What are the characteristics, management strategies, and erectile prognosis of patients consuming cocaine and presenting with priapism? METHODS: We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA guidelines and described our case series. RESULTS: Eight studies were selected for qualitative synthesis, presenting information on ten patients. In our case series, we showed information regarding four patients. From the systematic review, the mean presentation time was 42.6 h, and the mean number of procedures to solve priapism was 2,4; in our case series was 42.75 h and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Cocaine-related priapism might present with a delayed diagnosis, need more procedures to be managed, and have a worse prognosis. More extensive and prospective studies are required.

Satisfaction assessment study in patients (and their partners) with/without Peyronie's disease and penile prosthesis implantation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Among the many treatments for erectile dysfunction, implantation of a penile prosthesis has been associated with high patient satisfaction rates. However, patients with coexistent Peyronie's disease (PD) and refractory erectile dysfunction and/or severe deformities may show different results. The aim of our study was to assess and to compare the level of satisfaction, with an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), in men with/without coexistent PD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey study based on a five-item satisfaction questionnaire was submitted to all those live patients implanted in the period 1992-2022 at our center (n = 570) and their partners. Ninety-two percent of implants were inflatable devices. Surgeries were mainly performed by two surgeons. The main outcome measure used was the level of patient and partner satisfaction with sexual intercourse after IPP. RESULTS: Of the 570 eligible patients, 479 (84%) completed the survey (393 Non-PD: GROUP 1; 70 non-complex PD-Group 2; 16 complex PD). Eighty-six per cent of patients in Group 1 reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied). Non-complex PD implanted patients (Group 2) reported a global 81% satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied) (p > 0.05). However, when we evaluated the PD subgroup of patients with severe PD who require incision/excision/grafting at the time of implant (Group 3: n = 20), only 61% reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (p < 0.01) with predominance of moderately satisfied patients over very satisfied: 78% vs. 22%). Additionally, 84% (Group 1), 80% (Group 2) and 54% (Group 3) of partners reported satisfactory intercourses, respectively (p < 0.01). Overall, 84% of Group 1 implants and 79% of Group 2 reported that they would undergo the procedure again if the IPP failed (p > 0.05; ns). Only 50% of Group 3 patients would do it again. With regard to cosmetic aspects, 48% of the Group 3 implant reported penile shortness or soft glans as the main causes of their dissatisfaction. Only 2.4% of total PP patients expressed difficulty in manipulating the device. CONCLUSION: The presence of PD alone may not impact PP patient and partner satisfaction, but patients with more severe baseline deformity who require incision/grafting may be less satisfied with outcomes including penile length and glans sensation.

Prevalence and management of urinary incontinece after pelvic organ prolapse surgery (sacrocolpopexy). A literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is frequently associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and may occur after its surgical treatment. AIM: To determine the incidence, risk factors and management of SUI during and after POP surgery through a review of the available literature. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Narrative literature review on the incidence and management of SUI after POP surgery after search of relevant manuscripts indexed in PubMed, EMBASE and Scielo published in Spanish and English between 2013 and 2023. RESULTS: Occult SUI is defined as visible urine leakage when prolapse is reduced in patients without SUI symptoms. De novo SUI develops after prolapse surgery without having previously existed. In continent patients, the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one case of de novo SUI is estimated to be 9 patients and about 17 to avoid repeat incontinence surgery. In patients with occult UI, the NNT to avoid repeat incontinence surgery is around 7. Patients with POP and concomitant SUI are the group most likely to benefit from combined surgery with a more favorable NNT (NNT 2). CONCLUSION: Quality studies on combined surgery for treatment SUI and POP repair are lacking. Continent patients with prolapse should be warned of the risk of de novo SUI, although concomitant incontinence treatment is not currently recommended. Incontinence surgery should be considered on an individual basis in patients with prolapse and SUI.

[Translated article] Requirements for Accessing New Dermatology Drugs in Spain: Results of the EQUIDAD Study.

BACKGROUND: Although the Spanish Ministry of Health prepares national therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) and drug reimbursement policies, each of the country's 17 autonomous communities (ACs) is responsible for health care services and prescription requirements in its territory. The aim of the EQUIDAD study was to describe and explore potential differences in prescription requirements for new dermatology drugs across the autonomous communities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in April and May, 2023. Two dermatologists with management responsibilities from each autonomous community reported on territorial and more local prescription requirements for drugs covered by national TPRs issued between 2016 and 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-three researchers from 17 autonomous communities participated. The data submitted revealed between-community inequities in access to new drugs. Overall, 64.7% of the regions imposed additional prescription requirements to those mentioned in the TPRs for psoriasis. This percentage was lower for atopic dermatitis (35.3%) and melanoma (11.8%). The most common requirement for accessing a new drug was a previous prescription for another drug. Differences and additional requirements were also detected at the local level (i.e., differences between hospitals within the same autonomous community). CONCLUSIONS: Spain's autonomous communities have multiple regional and local prescription requirements that are not aligned with national TPR recommendations. These differences result in inequitable access to new drugs for both patients and practitioners across Spain.

Long hydraulic retention time mediates stable volatile fatty acids production against slight pH oscillations.

The effect of operational conditions on the stability of acidogenic fermentation (AF) devoted to volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production still presents numerous gaps to achieve high yields and fully understand the responses of open microbiomes associated to this technology. To cope with that, this investigation was designed to assess the stability of VFAs production via AF of agro-food wastes at high hydraulic retention times (HRTs) (20 and 30 d) and pH oscillations (5.8-6.2). Similar bioconversion efficiencies (∼50 %) were reached regardless of the HRT, revealing that HRT of 20 d can be considered as a threshold from which, no further improvement was achieved. The combination of long HRTs, 25 °C and acid pHs promoted a robust microbiome that resulted in a stable outcome against pH variations, being Clostridiales order identified as key player of AF stability. These conditions mediated a high selectivity in the VFAs production profile, with acetic and butyric acids, prevailing in the VFAs pool (∼80 % of total VFAs) at HRT 20 d. The selection of appropriated conditions was shown to be critical to maximize the hydrolysis and acidogenesis of the substrate and attain a stable effluent against pH oscillations.

[Translated article] Efficacy of transplantation of lipoaspired mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chronic rotator cuff tears. Experimental model in rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rotator cuff tears emerge in approximately 30% of the population over 60 years of age. Arthroscopic surgical treatment of these lesions is the treatment of choice, however, despite the improved repair techniques, the rate of re-tears ranges between 11 and 94%. Therefore, researchers seek to improve the biological healing process through the use of different alternatives such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of a cellular therapy drug made from allogeneic stem cells derived from adipose tissue in a rat model of chronic rotator cuff injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The supraspinatus lesion was created in 48 rats for subsequent suturing at 4 weeks. MSCs in suspension were added to 24 animals after suturing, and HypoThermosol-FRS® (HTS) to 24 animals as a control group. Histology (Åström and Rausing scale) and the maximum load, displacement and elastic constant of the supraspinatus tendon were analysed in both groups 4 months after the repair. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the histological score comparing the tendons treated with MSCs with respect to the tendons treated with HTS (P=0.811) nor in the results of maximum load (P=0.770), displacement (P=0.852) or elastic constant (P=0.669) of the tendon in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of adipose-derived cells in suspension to the repair of a chronic cuff injury does not improve the histology or biomechanics of the sutured tendon.

Sedation with propofol/remifentanil versus dexmedetomidine / remifentanil for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implant: A retrospective study between 2012 and 2019.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis is a therapeutic alternative for patients with severe aortic stenosis. The procedure is traditionally performed under general anaesthesia; however, sedation is now gaining in popularity because it reduces the need for vasoactive drugs and shortens the patient's stay in the critical care unit and on the ward. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety and potential benefits of sedation with dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing percutaneous implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis in terms of haemodynamic and respiratory complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 222 patients that had undergone percutaneous implantation of an aortic valve prosthesis between 2012 and 2019 under sedation with either dexmedetomidine plus remifentanil (DEX-RMF) or propofol plus remifentanil (PROPO-RMF). We collected data on complications, mainly haemodynamic and respiratory, during and after the procedure. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between sedation with dexmedetomidine and propofol (in combination with remifentanil) in terms of haemodynamic stability and intraprocedural cerebral blood oxygen. In the DEX-RMF group, however, mean blood pressure, midazolam dose, and duration of anaesthesia were lower compared with the PROPO-RMF group, but the incidence of haemodynamic and respiratory complications did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that sedation, particularly with adjuvant dexmedetomidine, is a valid anaesthetic techniques in percutaneous aortic valve prosthesis implantation.

Protocol for the treatment of cystoid macular edema secondary to retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal dystrophies.

Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) are the leading cause of legal blindness in the working population. Cystic macular edema (CME) is one of the treatable causes of visual loss, affecting up to 50% of the patients. A bibliographic review has been carried out combining "inherited retinal dystrophy", "retinitis pigmentosa", "macular oedema" and a diagnostic-therapeutic protocol according to the levels of evidence and recommendations of the "US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality". This protocol has been discussed in the monthly meetings of the XAREA DHR group with the participation of more than 25 ophthalmologists, creating a consensus document. The etiology of CME is multifactorial: dysfunction of the blood-retinal barrier, retinal pigment epithelium, and Müller cells, inflammation, and vitreous traction. OCT is the test of choice for the diagnosis and follow-up of CME associated with IRD. The drugs with the highest degree of scientific evidence are carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (IAC). Intravitreal corticosteroids, anti-VEGF, and vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane do not have sufficient evidence. A treatment scheme is proposed for the CME in IRD in adults, another for pediatric patients and another for IRD and cataract surgery. Oral and topical IACs are effective in the treatment of CME secondary to IRD. Treatment with corticosteroids, anti-VEGF, and vitrectomy are second-line options. Randomized clinical trials are required to establish the therapeutic scale in these patients.

Efficacy of transplantation of lipoaspired mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chronic rotator cuff tears. Experimental model in rats. / Eficacia del trasplante de células madre mesenquimales de lipoaspirado en el tratamiento de lesiones crónicas del manguito rotador. Modelo experimental en ratas.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Rotator cuff tears emerge in approximately 30% of the population over 60 years of age. Arthroscopic surgical treatment of these lesions is the treatment of choice, however, despite the improved repair techniques, the rate of re-tears ranges between 11 and 94%. Therefore, researchers seek to improve the biological healing process through the use of different alternatives such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of a Cellular Therapy Drug made from allogeneic stem cells derived from adipose tissue in a rat model of chronic rotator cuff injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The supraspinatus lesion was created in 48 rats for subsequent suturing at 4 weeks. MSCs in suspension were added to 24 animals after suturing, and HypoThermosol-FRS® (HTS) to 24 animals as a control group. Histology (Åström and Rausing scale) and the maximum load, displacement and elastic constant of the supraspinatus tendon were analyzed in both groups 4 months after the repair. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in the histological score comparing the tendons treated with MSCs with respect to the tendons treated with HTS (P=.811) nor in the results of maximum load (P=.770), displacement (P=.852) or elastic constant (P=.669) of the tendon in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of adipose-derived cells in suspension to the repair of a chronic cuff injury does not improve the histology or biomechanics of the sutured tendon.

Drug Survival in Cyclosporine Treatment for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Analysis of the Spanish Atopic Dermatitis Registry (BIOBADATOP). / Supervivencia de la ciclosporina en el tratamiento de la dermatitis atópica moderada-grave: Registro Español de Dermatitis Atópica (BIOBADATOP).

BACKGROUND: The past 5 years have seen a proliferation of new treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD). We analyzed recent drug survival data for cyclosporine in this setting. Because the Spanish National Healthcare system requires patients with AD to be treated with cyclosporine before they can be prescribed other systemic treatments, drug survival for cyclosporine may be shorter than in other diseases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study using data from the Spanish Atopic Dermatitis Registry (BIOBADATOP). Data from the Spanish Registry of Systemic Treatments in Psoriasis (BIOBADADERM) were used to create a comparison cohort. RESULTS: We analyzed data for 130 patients with AD treated with cyclosporine (median drug survival, 1 year). Median cyclosporine survival in the psoriasis comparison group (150 patients) was 0.37 years. Drug survival was significantly longer in AD than in psoriasis (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Drug survival of cyclosporine in the BIOBADATOP registry is similar to that described in other series of patients with AD and longer than that observed in the BIOBADADERM psoriasis registry.

Requirements for Accessing New Dermatology Drugs in Spain: Results of the EQUIDAD Study. / Condicionantes de acceso a nuevos medicamentos dermatológicos en España: resultados del proyecto EQUIDAD.

BACKGROUND: Although the Spanish Ministry of Health prepares national therapeutic positioning reports (TPRs) and drug reimbursement policies, each of the country's 17 autonomous communities (ACs) is responsible for health care services and prescription requirements in its territory. The aim of the EQUIDAD study was to describe and explore potential differences in prescription requirements for new dermatology drugs across the autonomous communities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted in April and May, 2023. Two dermatologists with management responsibilities from each autonomous community reported on territorial and more local prescription requirements for drugs covered by national TPRs issued between 2016 and 2022. RESULTS: Thirty-three researchers from 17 autonomous communities participated. The data submitted revealed between-community inequities in access to new drugs. Overall, 64.7% of the regions imposed additional prescription requirements to those mentioned in the TPRs for psoriasis. This percentage was lower for atopic dermatitis (35.3%) and melanoma (11.8%). The most common requirement for accessing a new drug was a previous prescription for another drug. Differences and additional requirements were also detected at the local level (i.e., differences between hospitals within the same autonomous community). CONCLUSIONS: Spain's autonomous communities have multiple regional and local prescription requirements that are not aligned with national TPR recommendations. These differences result in inequitable access to new drugs for both patients and practitioners across Spain.

Efecto del implante anticonceptivo sub-dérmico de Etonogestrel sobre el peso corporal en mujeres en edad reproductiva

Objetivo: Analizar el efecto sobre el peso corporal de la anticoncepción hormonal continua mediante implante sub-dérmico liberador de etonogestrel (ENG) en mujeres en edad reproductiva atendidas en la consulta de planificación familiar de un hospital venezolano. Métodos: Investigación comparativa, con diseño cuasi experimental, de casos y controles, a etiqueta abierta, y prospectivo; con una muestra intencionada de 60 mujeres separadas para recibir bien sea un implante subdérmico (Implanon NXT®; casos) o un dispositivo intrauterino (DIU) de cobre (T de cobre; controles). Se evaluaron el peso corporal e índice de masa corporal antes y posterior de doce meses del uso del contraceptivo; así como las características demográficas de las usuarias, efectos adversos y efectividad anticonceptiva de cada método. Resultados: Luego de un año con el implante de ENG no se encontraron variaciones significativas respecto a las mediciones iniciales del peso corporal (61,21±8,30 vs. 61,23±9,50, p>0,5) e IMC (25,23±3.89 vs. 25,26 ±4,30; p>0,05); contrariamente, a lo observado entre las usuarias del DIU donde tanto el peso corporal como el IMC tuvieron un aumento significativo (P<0,05). Asimismo, la mayoría de las usuarias se mantuvieron en el mismo rango de peso donde se encontraban al iniciar el método (p<0,001); mientras que la ganancia ponderal fue mayor entre las usuarias del DIU (1,530±2,04 vs. 3,700±3,02; p<0,05). Conclusiones: El implante de ENG no produce aumento del peso corporal luego de 12 meses de uso, con mínimos efectos adversos y alta efectividad contraceptiva.

Aim: To analyse the effect on body weight of continuous hormonal contraception by releasing subdermal implant etonogestrel (ENG) in women of reproductive age treated in the family planning consultation of a Venezuelan hospital. Methods: Comparative and applied research, with quasiexperimental, case-control, open label and prospective design, with an intentional sample of 60 women separated to receive the contraceptive implant (Implanon NXT®; cases) or a cooper intrauterine device (IUD) (Cooper T; controls) was carried out. Body weight and body mass index were evaluated before and after 12 months of contraceptive use; as well as demographic characteristics of users, side effects, and contraceptive effectiveness of each method. Results: After one year with the ENG implant, no significant variations were found with respect to initial measurements of body weight (61.21±8.30 vs. 61.23±9.50, p>0.5) and BMI (25.23±3.89 vs 25.26±4.30; p>0.05); on the contrary, to what was observed among IUD users where both body weight and BMI had a significant increase (P<0.05). Likewise, most users remained in the same weight range as when starting the method (p<0.001); while weight gain was greater among IUD users (1,530±2.04 vs. 3,700±3.02; p<0.05). Conclusions: The ENG implant does not produce an increase in body weight after 12 months of use, with minimal adverse effects and high contraceptive efficacy.

Periodontal Effects of the Reversible Dipeptidyl Peptidase 1 Inhibitor Brensocatib in Bronchiectasis.

AIMS: Brensocatib is a reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (cathepsin C), in development to treat chronic non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. The phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled WILLOW trial (NCT03218917) was conducted to examine whether brensocatib reduced the incidence of pulmonary exacerbations. Brensocatib prolonged the time to the first exacerbation and led to fewer exacerbations than placebo. Because brensocatib potentially affects oral tissues due to its action on neutrophil-mediated inflammation, we analyzed periodontal outcomes in the trial participants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with bronchiectasis were randomized 1:1:1 to receive once-daily oral brensocatib 10 or 25 mg or placebo. Periodontal status was monitored throughout the 24-week trial in a prespecified safety analysis. Periodontal pocket depth (PPD) at screening, week 8, and week 24 was evaluated. Gingival inflammation was evaluated by a combination of assessing bleeding upon probing and monitoring the Löe-Silness Gingival Index on 3 facial surfaces and the mid-lingual surface. RESULTS: At week 24, mean ± SE PPD reductions were similar across treatment groups: -0.07 ± 0.007, -0.06 ± 0.007, and -0.15 ± 0.007 mm with brensocatib 10 mg, brensocatib 25 mg, and placebo, respectively. The distribution of changes in PPD and the number of patients with multiple increased PPD sites were similar across treatment groups at weeks 8 and 24. The frequencies of gingival index values were generally similar across treatment groups at each assessment. An increase in index values 0-1 and a decrease in index values 2-3 over time and at the end of the study were observed in all groups, indicating improved oral health. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, brensocatib 10 or 25 mg had an acceptable safety profile after 6 months' treatment, with no changes in periodontal status noted. Improvement in oral health at end of the study may be due to regular dental care during the trial and independent of brensocatib treatment. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: The results of this study suggest that 24 weeks of treatment with brensocatib does not affect periodontal disease progression. This information can be used by clinicians when considering treatment approaches for bronchiectasis and suggests that the use of brensocatib will not be limited by periodontal disease risks. Nevertheless, routine dental/periodontal care should be provided to patients irrespective of brensocatib treatment.

[Translated article] Imaging diagnosis of vertebral metastasis.

The spine is the third most frequent location for metastatic disease, after the lung and liver. On the other hand, the most frequent bone tumours are metastases and the spine is the main location. A review of the different imaging techniques available, both radiological and nuclear medicine, and the morphological appearance of spinal metastases in each of them is performed. Magnetic resonance imaging is the best imaging modality for detection of spinal metastases. It is important to make the differential diagnosis between vertebral fracture of osteoporotic and pathological cause. Spinal cord compression is a serious complication of metastatic disease and its assessment by imaging through objective scales is decisive for estimating spinal stability and therefore establishing treatment. Lastly, percutaneous intervention techniques are briefly discussed.