A single center experience of abdominal wall graft rejection after combined intestinal and abdominal wall transplantation.

We report our outcomes following combined intestinal and abdominal wall transplantation, focusing on the presentation and treatment of acute rejection of the abdominal wall vascularized composite allograft (VCA). Retrospective analysis of all patients with combined intestinal/VCA transplantation was undertaken. Graft abnormalities were documented photographically and biopsies taken, with histological classification of rejection according to Banff 2007 guidelines. We have performed five combined intestinal and abdominal wall transplants to date. Two patients developed erythematous, maculopapular to papular eruptions confined to the VCA, histologically confirmed as grade II/III rejection, yet with normal bowel on endoscopy. Both patients' rashes resolved within 72 h of increasing immunosuppressive treatment. One patient later developed a recurrence of the rash, confirmed as skin rejection, but did not immediately seek medical attention. Treatment was therefore delayed, and mild intestinal rejection developed. We describe the rash associated with VCA rejection, and propose that while the skin of an abdominal wall VCA may reject independently of the intestinal allograft, delay in treatment of rejection episodes may result in rejection of the intestinal graft.

[Risk factors associated with adherence to medical oncology treatment in pediatrics]. / Factores de riesgos asociados a la adherencia al tratamiento médico oncológico en pediatría.

In Chile, between 450 and 500 cases of cancer are diagnosed annually in children and adolescents. Treatment is financed by the state, but there are non-financial elements that could condition adherence to treatment. OBJECTIVE: to explore family, socioeconomic, housing, and support network risk factors that could affect adherence to medical treatment in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive observational study in pediatric oncology hospitals of a national cancer program. Through a "Social Care Form" applied to 104 caregivers of children and adolescents, between August 2019 and March 2020, socioeconomic data of children diagnosed with cancer were recorded in four dimensions: i) Individual/family/health; ii) Work/education/socioeconomic; iii) Housing/environment; and iv) Participation/support networks. RESULTS: 99% of the children and adolescents were registered in the public health system; 69% belonged to the lowest income brackets. Care for children and adolescents was mainly provided by the mother (91%). 79% reported living in a house; 48% owned or were paying for their home. Housing quality was described as good (70%), with low levels of overcrowding. 56% of households had access to Wi-Fi internet connection, while 27% reported no access. The main support network reported was the family (84%). CONCLUSIONS: Family, socioeconomic, housing, and support network risk factors were observed in children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer; socioeconomic and gender aspects highlight the social inequalities in these families. Descriptive baseline results were obtained, so it is suggested to re-observe its evolution and thus measure its impact on adherence to treatment.

Determination of dietary intake of total arsenic, inorganic arsenic and total mercury in the Chilean school meal program.

The dietary intake of total arsenic (tAs), inorganic arsenic (iAs) and total mercury (tHg) in lunch and breakfast servings provided by the Chilean School Meal Program (SMP) was estimated, using the duplicate-portion variant of the total diet study. Lunch and breakfast samples were collected from 65 schools throughout the country in 2006. The population sample was a group of girls and boys between 6 and 18 years old. The tAs concentration was measured via hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The total mercury concentration was measured via cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. The estimated iAs intake was 12.5% (5.4 µg/day) of the Provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) as proposed by the FAO/WHO, and the tHg intake was 13.2% (1.9 µg/day) of the PTDI as proposed by the FAO/WHO. It was therefore concluded that tAs, iAs and tHg intake from food provided by the SMP do not pose risks to student health.

Fisiología respiratoria: fisiología del surfactante pulmonar / Physiology of pulmonary surfactant

El proceso de respiración y el intercambio gaseoso requiere la interacción de variadas fuerzas en los distintos tejidos y órganos involucrados. La tensión superficial a nivel alveolar provocaría colapso de dichas estructuras de no ser por las características del surfactante que lo recubre. Revisaremos en este articulo la fisiología involucrada en su estructura física, producción y efectos pulmonares.

The process of breathing and gas exchange requires the interaction of various forces in the different tissues and organs involved. The surface tension at the alveolus would cause collapse of these structures without of the surfactant that covers it. We will review in this article the physiology involved in its physical structure, production, and pulmonary effects.

Cyclosporine-associated leukoencephalopathy in organ transplant recipients: experience of three clinical cases.

Leukoencephalopathy is a structural alteration of cerebral white matter mainly involving damage to myelin. Several reports have linked cyclosporine (CsA) with this alteration. The clinical features vary from qualitative alterations of consciousness to neurological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrates the damage to the white matter, which is essential for the differential diagnosis. We describe three clinical cases of leukoencephalopathy. The first case is a 43-year-old man received a cadaveric kidney transplant using immunosuppression with of mycophenolate mofetil, prednisone, and CsA. Four months later he developed meningism and bilateral sixth nerve palsy. The second case is a 50-year-old man with a cadaveric kidney transplant received immunosuppressive treatment with azathioprine and prednisone. As a result of gouty arthritis of the ankle, azathioprine was replaced with CsA to allow addition of allopurinol. Two weeks later he developed confusion and personality changes. The third case is a 16-year-old man received a orthotopic liver transplant. Postoperatively he suffered generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In all patients the CsA levels were toxic and signs of neurological alterations were present on MRI. All patients recovered rapidly after CsA withdrawal.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy: safe and comfortable surgical alternative for living donors and for good results of graft function.

Laparoscopic nephrectomy for kidney donation from living related donors has the advantages of a less invasive surgical access, better cosmesis, and a shorter hospital stay for the donor. However, some workers have reported up to 10% life-threatening complications for the donor using this technique. The purpose of our study was to evaluate hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy for living donors of kidney transplants in terms of graft function. Thirty donors who underwent open nephrectomy (ON) were compared with 27 who had hand-assisted nephrectomy (HALN). Surgery and ischemia times, hospital stay, bleeding, graft function, remaining kidney function, and complications were compared in both groups. Mean surgery time was 126.9 minutes for ON and 98 minutes for HALN (P = .0005), warm ischemia time was 3 minutes versus 6 for ON vs HALN, respectively (P = .02). Hospitalization stay was 6.3 days for ON versus 4.8 days for HALN (P = .0015). Differences in change in hematocrit and in serum creatinine levels were not significant; graft outcomes were also similar. Complications were minimal. We conclude that HALN is a valid, safe technique to obtain kidneys from living related donors, significantly reducing the hospital stay and allowing return to normal activities sooner, with risks falling within those reported in the literature.

Impact of pregnancy on the function of transplanted kidneys.

INTRODUCTION: This study reviewed the course of pregnancies in terms of impact on renal function and delivery-related data among women who received kidney transplants in our unit. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of women transplanted between 1982 and 2002 who became pregnant. We recorded the data of medical, obstetrical, and transplant-related complications, plasma creatinine levels, and blood pressures at baseline, delivery, and 12 months after delivery. RESULTS: Thirty women had 37 pregnancies. Immunosuppressive protocols included cyclosporine, ketoconazole, azathioprine, and prednisone in 22 patients or azathioprine and prednisone in 15. Renal function decreased significantly: mean creatinine levels at baseline, delivery, and after 1 year were: 1.19 +/- 0.38 mg/dL; 1.44 +/- 0.70 mg/dL; and 1.38 +/- 0.53 mg/dL, respectively (P = .023 and P = .004 vs baseline respectively). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures at delivery were higher than at baseline (134 +/- 19 and 86 +/- 14 mm Hg vs 126 +/- 21 and 79 +/- 13 mm Hg (P = .029 and P = .053, respectively). These values normalized 1 year later (128 +/- 21 and 80 +/- 16). Decreased use of antihypertensive drugs were the cause of poor blood pressure control (1.8 +/- 1.3 vs 0.9 +/- 0.7, P < .01). Blood pressure control improved following delivery. The most frequent complications were preeclampsia (18.9%), intrahepatic cholestasis (13.5%), and urinary tract infections (13.5%). There were five rejection episodes. Seven miscarriages took place and one mole. Eleven pregnancies were uncomplicated. CONCLUSION: Renal transplantation is the best treatment for fertile women with end-stage renal disease who want to become pregnant. However, pregnancy is risky for the mother, fetus, newborn, and allograft.

Tratamiento de la infección por SARS-COV-2 en pediatría / Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pediatrics

In December 2019, a novel virus called SARS-CoV-2 emerged in China. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the world was undergoing a pandemic. With a massive outbreak of severe cases and deaths, there has been an urgency in the medical community to seek effective treatments to prevent the progression of the disease and reduce its fatality rate. This review analyzes the therapeutic options available for the disease based on the recommendations from WHO, scientific societies and the still scarce scientific evidence available on treatment of CoVID-19.

En diciembre del 2019 emergió un nuevo virus denominado SARS-CoV-2 en China. En marzo de 2020 la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) declaró que el mundo estaba sufriendo una pandemia. Con un gran brote de casos graves y fallecidos se ha producido una urgencia en la comunidad médica por buscar tratamientos efectivos para evitar la progresión de la enfermedad y disminuir su letalidad. En esta revisión se analizan las opciones terapéuticas disponibles para la enfermedad en base a las recomendaciones de la OMS, de sociedades científicas y a la aún escasa evidencia científica disponible para el tratamiento del CoVID-19.

Impacto de la tuberculosis en el hospital de Puerto Montt / Impact of tuberculosis in Puerto Montt hospital, Chile

Resumen Objetivo: Dimensionar la demanda de atención y/u hospitalización de la tuberculosis (TBC) en el Hospital de Puerto Montt (HPM). Método: Revisión retrospectiva de los registros de TBC del Servicio de Salud del Reloncaví (SSDR) y del HPM entre los años 2011 y 2015. Se incluyeron todos los casos de TBC activa vistos en forma ambulatoria u hospitalizada en el HPM. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron en el SSDR 298 casos de TBC, y de ellos un 64% (192/298) fue pesquisado en el HPM. Se presentan datos socioeconómicos, epidemiológicos, clínicos, de laboratorio y forma de diagnóstico de 180 casos, que cumplieron criterios de inclusión: varones 62%, edad media 44 ± 19 años. El 72% correspondieron al estrato social de menores ingresos, 4% indigentes, solo 14% poseía enseñanza media completa, 11% analfabetos, ruralidad 19%. Las principales co-morbilidades fueron alcoholismo (17%), VIH (12%), Diabetes (10%). En aquellos con TBC pulmonar o pleural (128) el tiempo con síntomas con frecuencia era prolongado (15% > 90 días) y la radiología mostraba enfermedad avanzada: infiltrados bilaterales 73%, compromiso > 3 lóbulos 55%, una o más cavitaciones 34%. Se hospitalizó el 71% (126/180), 50% por necesidad de estudio, 48%por gravedad. El 8% necesitó Unidad de Paciente Crítico (UPC). Fallecieron 24 pacientes (13%). Se asoció significativamente a mortalidad el analfabetismo y necesidad de UPC. Conclusiones: En el SSDR la TBC es un problema sanitario que afecta principalmente a poblaciones más pobres y vulnerables.

Backgroud: Tuberculosis (TB) is still a problem that impacts on hospitals of high complexity. Aim: To assess demand for care and/or hospitalization because of TB in Puerto Montt Hospital (PMH), located in the southern of Chile. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study of all Reloncaví Health Service (RHS) and PMH clinical records, between 2011 and 2015. We include all ambulatory or hospitalized cases of active TB registered in PMH during the period of the study. Results: In RHS there were 298 cases of TB and 64% of them (192/298) was detected in HPM. We present social, economic, epidemiological, clinical, laboratory studies, and specific type of diagnosis of 180 cases that met inclusion criteria: men 62%, mean age 45 ± 19 years-old. The population with lower income was 72%, 4% homeless, 14% with complete high school, 11% illiterate and 19% lived at country side. Main co-morbidities were alcoholism 17%, HIV 12%, Diabetes Mellitus 10%. In the specific group of lung/pleural TB (128 cases) the time with symptoms was often prolonged (15% > 90 days) and imagen studies showed advanced pathology: bilateral infiltrates 73%>, affecting three or more lobes 55%, cavitations 34%. 71% (126/180) were hospitalized, because of necessity of more study (50%) or severity (48%), 8% required to enter to the Critical Care Unit (CCU). Twenty-four patients died (13%). Illiteracy and the need for CCU were associated with mortality. Conclusions: In RHS TB is a sanitary problem that affects principally the most poor and vulnerable populations.

Everolimus versus azathioprine in a cyclosporine and ketoconazole-based immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplant: 3-year follow-up of an open-label, prospective, cohort, comparative clinical trial.

In cyclosporine-based protocols, everolimus is more effective than azathioprine to reduce acute rejection. Ketoconazole may reduce cyclosporine and everolimus requirements. We compared kidney transplant patients treated with everolimus or azathioprine in a ketoconazole- and cyclosporine-based immunosuppressive regimen. This open-label, prospective trial of low immunologic risk patients. Included one group (n = 11) who received everolimus (target blood level, 3-8 ng/mL) and the other (n = 11) azathioprine (2.0-2.5 mg/kg/d). Both received steroids, ketoconazole, and cyclosporine with C(0) targets (ng/mL) in the everolimus group of 200-250, 100-125, and 50-65 for months 1 and 2 and thereafter and in the azathioprine group of 250-300 in month 1, 200-250 in month 2, 180-200 until month 6, and 100-125 thereafter. Their baseline characteristics were similar. Two biopsy-proven acute rejections occurred in each group. Three-year graft and patient survival in both groups was 100%. Creatinine clearances at months 6, 12, 24, and 36 were 63.7 +/- 25.4, 58.9 +/- 24.9, 56.0 +/- 22.9, and 57.0 +/- 27.6 in the everolimus group versus 72.6 +/- 20, 68.6 +/- 21.3, 71.4 +/- 23.2, and 68.4 +/- 19.2 in the azathioprine group (NS for every comparison). Major complications were rare and similar in both groups. Five patients in the everolimus group received simvastatin versus 4 in the azathioprine cohort (P = .53). The average cyclosporine doses to achieve targets were 0.8-1.2 mg/kg in the everolimus group and 1.6-2.2 mg/kg in the azathioprine group. The average everolimus dose after month 2 was 0.75-0.9 mg/d. We concluded that with cyclosporine, ketoconazole, and steroids, everolimus was as effective and safe as azathioprine. Cyclosporine reduction with everolimus did not influence graft survival or function at 3 years.

Effectiveness and cost of replacing a calcineurin inhibitor with sirolimus to slow the course of chronic kidney disease in renal allografts.

Renal grafts suffer a progressive decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) because of several factors including calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity. Switching CNIs to sirolimus may improve this adverse prognosis. We performed a prospective, open-label clinical trial among 18 kidney transplant patients with more than 12 months of evolution (range, 385-1826 days), showing progressive GFR decreases and biopsies with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA). Immunosuppressive treatment included cyclosporine, ketoconazole, and steroids associated with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil. After signing an Institutional Review Board-approved written consent, cyclosporine was switched to sirolimus seeking to achieve a trough blood sirolimus concentration of 6-15 ng/mL. Wilcoxon and Student's t-tests were used to compare the values in the annual periods before and after the switch. GFR was estimated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. There were no acute rejection episodes. Estimated GFR on the day of the switch was 38.0 +/- 12.1 mL/min. After CNI switch, the slope of the estimated GFR significantly improved from -6.5 +/- 9.2 to 8.1 +/- 14.0 mL/min/year (P < .01). The estimated GFR 1 year after the switch was 47.2 +/- 16.9 mL/min (P = .003 vs baseline). Total expenditures increased. The ratio of post-switch versus baseline total expenditures was 1.93 (95% confidence interval, 1.54-2.31) and the ratio of sirolimus to CNI cost was 2.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.53-2.78). Switching from CNI to sirolimus for kidney transplants with decreasing GFR and a biopsy with IFTA changes, suggesting progressive graft nephropathy, almost doubled total expenses. It is necessary to conduct trials using clinical end points to definitively validate this therapeutic intervention.

Parathion effects on protein synthesis in the seminiferous tubules of mice.

Agropesticides impart high risks of exposure for animals including humans. This work analysed the effect of parathion upon protein synthesis in seminiferous tubules cultured in vitro from adult male CF1 mice. They were incubated with parathion solutions (0.8, 0.4, 0.04, 0.004, 0.0004 mM) for 5 h. One hour after ending incubation tritiated leucine was added to each sample. In addition, groups treated with 0.8 mM parathion were incubated for 5 h, and thereafter transferred to a parathion-free medium; tritiated leucine incorporation was measured 1, 2, or 3 h afterwards. Results of protein synthesis denote an inhibitory dose-dependent effect of parathion. This is reversed after pesticide-free incubation. Testicular protein synthesis inhibition induced by parathion may compromise male fertility in view of the fact that, in spermatogenesis, proliferation (mitosis, meiosis) and cell differentiation occurs.

Hábitos de alimentación y actividad física en estudiantes universitarios / Eating habits and physical activity in university students

During university life s tudents should consolidate healthy habits, presumably acquired during formal education, which should eventually be reflected in the professional adult life. This study aims to determine the influence of the universities on eating habits and physical activity of students. Food habits and physical activity were evaluated in a convenience sample of 169 students of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso attending different courses. The students in this study had been attending the fundamental studies "Autocuidado y Vida Saludable" (Self-care and Healthy Life) given in 2010. Two surveys were taken: Quality of the Food Service (CASEDA) and Quality of the Service of University Sports (CASEDU). They also completed basic anthropometric measurements, blood pressure tests, resting heart rate and blood glucose and triglycerides. The results showed that students have a poor perception of the quality offood service and although they indicated that there is a wide range of healthy and unhealthy foods; they tend to choose foods rich in carbohydrates andfats. This situation adds to their lack of physical activity data. It also shows that in women predominated high levels of triglyceride levels (161mg/dl) and in the male group predominated high blood pressure (132 mmHg). These facts underscore the need to take action at the university to enable students to acquire proper eating habits and provide a range ofphysical activities which will allow students to better use of their free time at college.

Durante la vida universitaria debieran consolidarse los hábitos saludables, supuestamente adquiridos durante la enseñanza escolar, los que finalmente deberían verse reflejados en el profesional adulto. En este estudio se pretende determinar la influencia de los centros universitarios, en los hábitos de alimentación y actividad física de los estudiantes. Se valúan los hábitos alimentarios y de actividad física de una muestra intencionada de 169 estudiantes de diferentes carreras de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, que asisten a la asignatura de estudios fundamentales "Autocuidado y vida saludable", dictada durante el año 2010. Se aplicaron dos encuestas: Calidad del Servicio de Alimentación (CASEDA) y Calidad de Servicio de Deporte Universitario (CASEDU). Además se realizaron antropométrica básica, determinación de la presión arterial, frecuencia cardíaca de reposo y pruebas sanguíneas para la determinación de glicemia y trigliceridemia. Los resultados arrojaron que los estudiantes tienen una mala percepción de la calidad del servicio de alimentación y aunque señalan que existe una amplia oferta de alimentos saludables y no saludables, tienden a elegir alimentos ricos en carbohidratos y lípidos. Esta situación se suma a su escaza práctica de actividad física. Se aprecia además que en el grupo femenino predominan niveles de triglicéridos elevados (161,7 mg/dL) y en el grupo masculino, hipertensión arterial elevada (132,1 mmHg). Estos antecedentes ponen de manifiesto la necesidad tomar acciones a nivel universitario que permitan a los alumnos adquirir hábitos alimentarios adecuados y entregar una oferta de actividades físicas que permitan a los estudiantes ocupar sus tiempos libres dentro de la universidad.

Melatonin as protective agent for the cytotoxic effects of diazinon in the spermatogenesis in the earthworm Eisenia foetida.

Diazinon (D) is an organophosphorate synthetic insecticide widely used in the world. It inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity and damages reproduction as well as other organic functions mostly by increasing lipid peroxidation. Melatonin (M) is an indolamine secreted by the pineal gland. It performs numerous functions but recently it has been proposed as a good scavenger of oxygen radicals. The earthworm E. foetida is reputed as an excellent bioindicator of environmental chemical pollution. The testicular toxic effect of D and the protective role of M was analyzed in adult E. foetida, at 1, 7, 10, 15 and 30 days after exposure to 1/4, 1/2 and 3/4 of LD50. Sperm counts and the diameter of the seminal receptacles and of their lumina were altered in D exposed worms, which in addition have a lower percentage of survival, decreased weight and show cholinergic effect (coiling of the tail). All these changes were prevented fully or in part by simultaneous exposure to M. The observations confirm that D is a general and testicular toxicant for E. foetida, a good sentinel indicator and stresses the role of M as a protective agent.

Bitter cassava poisoning in eight children: a case report.

Bitter cassava poisoning in 8 children is reported. The incidence of bright cherry-red blood is emphasized. These patients were in bad condition, but they survived although they received different therapies. Four of them were treated with sodium nitrite and thiosulfate and the remainder with hydroxocobalamin alone. This latter drug may be useful in less severe circumstances.

An unusual presentation of opioid-like syndrome in pediatric valproic acid poisoning.

We report a 3-y-o boy who accidentally poisoned himself with valproic acid (VPA). Clinical features included profound coma, depressed respiration and miosis. Treatment included naloxone, gastric lavage, and activated charcoal and a saline cathartic. The patient fully recovered and was discharged 24 h after the admission. Prompt use of naloxone is advised whenever the triad of coma, pinpoint pupils and depressed respiration concur with the clinical possibility of VPA intoxication.

[Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis in renal transplantation]. / Glomeruloesclerosis focal y segmentaria en el transplante renal.

In 179 patients subjected to 186 renal transplants, 30 renal biopsies were performed due to the presence of a proteinuria over 3.5 g/24 h or due to a reduction in glomerular filtration rate. Six of these biopsies, coming from 5 patients, disclosed morphological alterations compatible with focal segmental glomeruloesclerosis. Five of these were due to recurrence of the primary disease (in four patients) and in all, massive proteinuria appeared from 1 to 23 days after transplantation. Two patients with three transplants, evolved to renal failure and required dialysis in a period 12 months as a mean. The third patient, developed a nephrotic syndrome without renal failure and died 14 months after the renal transplant due to a stroke. In the fourth patient, the nephrotic syndrome disappeared 38 days after the transplant and remained with minimal proteinuria until his last follow up visit two years later. The primary disease of the fifth patient is unknown; the nephrotic syndrome appeared 68 months after the transplant and remitted spontaneously in 2 months. The renal biopsy showed focal and segmental lesions with partial effacement of epithelial foot processes. It is concluded that focal segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence in renal transplant occurs with early massive proteinuria and frequently leads to renal failure and graft loss in no more than two years.

Paraquat poisoning in children: survival of three cases.

Five children with paraquat poisoning are presented. Three were diagnosed early, treated and survived; the other 2 arrived 1-2 days after paraquat ingestion and died subsequently from respiratory failure due to pulmonary fibrosis.