Comparison of the prognostic value of Chronic Liver Failure Consortium scores and traditional models for predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recently, the European Association for the Study of the Liver - Chronic Liver Failure (CLIF) Consortium defined two new prognostic scores, according to the presence or absence of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF): the CLIF Consortium ACLF score (CLIF-C ACLFs) and the CLIF-C Acute Decompensation score (CLIF-C ADs). We sought to compare their accuracy in predicting 30- and 90-day mortality with some of the existing models: Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), MELD-Na, integrated MELD (iMELD), MELD to serum sodium ratio index (MESO), Refit MELD and Refit MELD-Na. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study that evaluated all admissions due to decompensated cirrhosis in 2 centers between 2011 and 2014. At admission each score was assessed, and the discrimination ability was compared by measuring the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). RESULTS: A total of 779 hospitalizations were evaluated. Two hundred and twenty-two patients met criteria for ACLF (25.9%). The 30- and 90-day mortality were respectively 17.7 and 37.3%. CLIF-C ACLFs presented an AUROC for predicting 30- and 90-day mortality of 0.684 (95% CI: 0.599-0.770) and 0.666 (95% CI: 0.588-0.744) respectively. No statistically significant differences were found when compared to traditional models. For patients without ACLF, CLIF-C ADs had an AUROC for predicting 30- and 90-day mortality of 0.689 (95% CI: 0.614-0.763) and 0.672 (95% CI: 0.624-0.720) respectively. When compared to other scores, it was only statistically superior to MELD for predicting 30-day mortality (p=0.0296). CONCLUSIONS: The new CLIF-C scores were not statistically superior to the traditional models, with the exception of CLIF-C ADs for predicting 30-day mortality.

Correlation between preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and survival with respect to the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma at a tertiary care hospital in Veracruz, Mexico. / Correlación de los niveles de alfafetoproteína sérica preoperatoria y sobrevida en el tratamiento quirúrgico del hepatocarcinoma en una unidad médica de alta especialidad en Veracruz, México.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels can have predictive value for hepatocellular carcinoma survival. AIM: Our aim was to analyze the correlation between preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and survival, following the surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Nineteen patients were prospectively followed (07/2005-01/2016). An ROC curve was created to determine the sensitivity and specificity of alpha-fetoprotein in relation to survival (Kaplan-Meier). RESULTS: Of the 19 patients evaluated, 57.9% were men. The mean patient age was 68.1 ± 8.5 years and survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 89.4, 55.9, and 55.9%. The alpha-fetoprotein cutoff point was 15.1 ng/ml (sensitivity 100%, specificity 99.23%). Preoperative alpha-fetoprotein levels below 15.1, 200, 400, and 463 ng/ml correlated with better 1 and 5-year survival rates than levels above 15.1, 200, 400, and 463 ng/ml (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein levels have predictive value for hepatocellular carcinoma survival.

Arcobacter butzleri survives within trophozoite of Acanthamoeba castellanii.

The survival of three Arcobacter butzleri strains inside Acanthamoeba castellanii was assessed using axenic cultures of A. castellanii that were inoculated with the tested strains and incubated at 26°C under aerobic conditions for 240h. The behavior of bacteria in contact with amoebae was monitored using phase contrast microscopy. The bacterial survival rate within amoebae was assessed through counting colony forming units, using the gentamicin protection assay. All A. butzleri strains were able to survive during 240h within the amoebae, thus suggesting that (i) A. butzleri resists the amoebic digestion processes at least for the analyzed time; (ii) that A. castellanii could serve as an environmental reservoir for this bacterium, probably acting as a transmission vehicle for A. butzleri.

[Trisomy 18 syndrome: A case report]. / Síndrome de trisomía 18. Reporte de un caso clínico.

INTRODUCTION: The trisomy 18 syndrome occurs due to the presence of an extra chromosome 18 in most cases. The prevalence in infants is estimated at 1:6000 to 1:8000. Those affected have a high mortality rate, only 4% may survive their first year of life. There are few reported cases exceeding five years of age. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to report a case of trisomy 18 of long survival with oral cavity features not described in the literature, and to provide information to physicians and paediatricians about aetiology, phenotype, survival and genetic counselling. CASE REPORT: A 7 year-old female patient with 2 karyotypes performed by lymphocyte culture showing 47XX+18 in all metaphases. She presented with growth deficiency, dysmorphic facies, severe psychomotor retardation and cognitive disability, inability to feed, lack of verbal language, sensorineural hearing loss, ataxia, cerebellar hypoplasia, and genitals with hypoplastic labia majora and minora. In the oral cavity: dome shaped palate, macroglossia, absence of upper central incisors and first upper and lower molars in mouth. X-ray findings showed formation of missing teeth, with late eruption being concluded. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of trisomy 18 syndrome there is an increased risk of neonatal and infant mortality. The clinical characteristics in utero and in neonates have been well described. Since few cases exceeding five years of age have been reported, the phenotype is yet to be established. In the case being reported we describe oral cavity findings not documented in the literature.

[Presentation, staging, and outcome of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma at a center in Veracruz, Mexico]. / Presentación, clasificación y evolución de los pacientes con carcinoma hepatocelular en un centro de Veracruz, México.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) staging provides a basis for calculating disease prognosis and therapeutic guidance. Liver resection and transplantation are curative options, and ablation therapies are applied to patients that are not candidates for curative treatment. Survival after liver resection or ablation therapies varies. AIMS: To describe the presentation, staging, management, and outcome in patients with HCC in our center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients had a 7-year prospective follow-up. Survival was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test was used for its comparison between the staging systems (Okuda, BCLC, and CLIP) and types of treatment (liver resection, radiofrequency ablation, and no surgical treatment). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 68.9 ± 9.5 years; 57% were women. A total of 54% of the patients presented with cirrhosis and 31% were infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The mean tumor size was 6.48 ± 2.52cm. The CLIP 0, Okuda I, and BCLC A stages had better survival rates than the other stages (P<0.05). Survival with resection was superior (median of 32 months and survival at 1, 3, and 5 years of 83, 39, and 19.7%, respectively) to that of both radiofrequency ablation (median of 25 months and survival at 1 and 3 years of 90 and 17.2%, respectively) and no surgical treatment (1 year < 5%) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The patients at our center were diagnosed at late stages of HCC, as is the case in other Mexican populations. Outcome in relation to CLIP and BCLC was similar to the prognoses reported in the literature. The best results were observed in the patients with early stage disease and those that underwent HCC resection surgery.

Factores asociados a sobrevida a un año en pacientes postoperados de glioblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with one-year survival in postoperative glioblastoma patients at a hospital in northeastern Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nested case-control study. Patients operated on for glioblastoma between 2016-2019 were included. Information about clinical and surgical factors was obtained, survival was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Descriptive analysis was performed with medians and ranges, and inferential analysis with χ2, Fisher and Student t test, odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with glioblastoma were included, 27 (43.5%) women and 35 (56.5%) men, median age 56 years (range: 6-83). Median survival was 3.6 months (1-52), 45 (72.6%) survived less than 12 months. The factors associated with a higher survival were administration of adjuvant treatment (p < 0.001), better functional status (p = 0.001), and absence of post-surgical complications (p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with glioblastoma survive less than 12 months and the factors most strongly associated with longer survival are administration of adjuvant treatment, better functional status of the patient and absence of post-surgical complications.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores asociados a la sobrevida a un año en pacientes postoperados de glioblastoma en un hospital del noreste de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte. Se incluyeron pacientes operados de glioblastoma entre 2016 y 2019. Se obtuvo la información sobre factores clínicos y quirúrgicos, se calculó la sobrevida mediante análisis de Kaplan-Meier. El análisis descriptivo se realizó con medianas y rangos, y el inferencial con prueba de χ2, Fisher, t de Student, razón de momios e intervalo de confianza al 95%. Se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 62 pacientes con glioblastoma, 27 (43.5%) mujeres y 35 (56.5%) hombres, mediana de edad de 56 años (rango: 6-83). La mediana de sobrevida fue de 3.6 meses (1-52), 45 (72.6%) sobrevivieron menos de 12 meses. Los factores asociados a mayor sobrevida fueron: administración de tratamiento adyuvante (p < 0.001), mejor estado funcional (p = 0.001) y ausencia de complicaciones posquirúrgicas (p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los pacientes con glioblastoma sobreviven menos de 12 meses y los factores más fuertemente asociados a mayor sobrevida son administración de tratamiento adyuvante, mejor estado funcional del paciente y ausencia de complicaciones posquirúrgicas.

[Nutritional assessment of cancer patients in palliative care is a key element in comprehensive care and survival]. / La evaluación nutricional del paciente oncológico en cuidado paliativo es una pieza clave en la atención integral y de la supervivencia.

Introduction: Introduction: palliative care has been linked to the management of patients without a curative option. The detection of malnutrition allows establishing nutritional intervention strategies to make an adequate use of resources and contribute to support measures. Objective: to describe changes in nutritional status and their impact on survival in patients with cancer disease under palliative care. Methods: descriptive observational study of a retrospective cohort. The patients had stage IV cancer disease, Karnofsky index ≤70 and a survival prognosis <6 months. A complete nutritional assessment was carried out and they were followed for one year. The nutritional status and its characteristics, the presence of cachexia and the median survival at one year were described. Results: of 256 patients at the beginning of the follow-up, 60,9 % had some degree of malnutrition, which increased to 71,9 % at the end of the follow-up. There was an increase in patients with a thin body mass index (BMI) (+7.6%, p = 0.04) and a decrease in patients with excess weight (overweight -3.6%, p = 0, 24; and obesity -2.6%, p = 0.17). Overall survival at 1 year was 60 % (95% CI: 53-65). Conclusion: malnutrition was frequent in patients under palliative care (60,9 %) and increased throughout the follow-up. Differences were observed between the complete nutritional diagnosis and BMI, which can lead to a misclassification of the diagnosis and a decrease in the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Introducción: Introducción: los cuidados paliativos han estado ligados al manejo de pacientes sin opción curativa. La detección de la desnutrición permite establecer estrategias de intervención nutricional que promueva el adecuado uso de los recursos y aporte a las medidas de apoyo en el tratamiento médico. Objetivo: describir cambios en el estado nutricional y su impacto sobre la supervivencia en pacientes con enfermedad oncológica bajo cuidado paliativo. Métodos: cohorte observacional retrospectiva. Los pacientes presentaban enfermedad oncológica estadio IV, índice de Karnofsky ≤70 y un pronóstico de supervivencia <6 meses. Se realizó evaluación nutricional por criterios GLIM y seguimiento por un año. Se identificó el estado nutricional y se describieron sus características, la presencia de los estadios de caquexia y la mediana de supervivencia a un año. Resultados: de 256 pacientes al inicio de la intervención, el 84,0 % presentaba algún grado de desnutrición, ésta cifra incrementó a 87,0 % al finalizar el seguimiento. Se observó un aumento en el número de pacientes con índice de masa corporal (IMC) delgado (+7,6 %, p=0,04) y una disminución en el número de pacientes con exceso de peso (sobrepeso -3,6 %, p=0,24; y obesidad -2,6 %, p=0,17). La supervivencia global a 1 año fue del 60 % (IC95%:53-66). Conclusión: la desnutrición fue muy frecuente en pacientes bajo cuidado paliativo y aumentó a lo largo del seguimiento. Se observaron diferencias entre el diagnóstico nutricional y el IMC, lo cual puede conllevar a una mala clasificación del diagnóstico y a una disminución en la efectividad del tratamiento oncológico.

Exploratory study on gastrostomy in patients with neurological diseases: usefulness and impact.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a useful intervention for patients with impaired swallowing and a functional gastrointestinal system. Neurological diseases that cause neuromotor dysphagia, brain tumors, and cerebrovascular disease are the most frequent indications; complications are rare, and morbidity and mortality rates are low. OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of PEG in patients with neurological diseases, and its impact on care, survival, and costs and benefits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study, reviewing clinical files of patients hospitalised at the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (years 2015-2017) who underwent PEG placement. RESULTS: The sample included 51 patients: 62.7% were women and the mean (SD) age was 54.4 (18.6) years (range, 18-86). Diagnosis was tumor in 37.3% of cases and cerebrovascular disease in 33.3%. Sixteen patients (33.3%) died and 11 presented minor complications. The PEG tube remained in place for a mean of 9.14 months; in 52.9% of patients it was removed due to lack of improvement and/or tolerated oral intake, with removal occurring after a mean of 5.1 (4.4) months. Among patients' family members, 78.4% reported a great benefit, 43.1% reported difficulty caring for the PEG, and 45.1% reported complicated care in general. The monthly cost of maintaining the PEG was €175.78 on average (range, 38.38-293.45). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study reveals that PEG was well indicated in patients with neurological diseases, with survival rates similar to those reported in other studies with long follow-up periods. In patients with cerebrovascular disease, the PEG tube remained in place a mean of 9.14 months, during recovery of swallowing function; however, the cost is high for our population.

Is serum bilirubin level a predictor factor in parotid gland carcinoma?

INTRODUCTION: Bilirubin levels have been associated with risk of several malignancies. The association between pretreatment serum bilirubin levels and overall survival of patients with parotid gland carcinoma is unclear. OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed the effect of serum bilirubin levels to overall survival in malignant parotid tumors. METHODS: This study included a total of 35 patients, 15 female and 20 male. The mean age of these patients was 60.7±14.5 years. All patients who were diagnosed with parotid gland carcinoma and underwent total parotidectomy between 2008 and 2018, were retrospectively assessed. The relationship between the overall survival of patients and total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels was estimated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal cut-off points. RESULTS: Patients with low direct bilirubin, total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin had significantly longer overall survival than those with high levels. Cut-off values for total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and indirect bilirubin were detected as 0.545mg/dL, 0.175mg/dL and 0.435mg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our study, we observed that increased preoperative bilirubin levels are associated with reduced survival time in the postoperative period of patients with parotid gland carcinoma.

Prognostic value of positive surgical margins after resection of cholangiocarcinoma. Experience at a high-volume hospital center specializing in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. / Valor pronóstico del margen quirúrgico positivo tras la resección de un colangiocarcinoma. Experiencia en un centro de alto volumen en cirugía hepatopancreatobiliar.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Cholangiocarcinoma accounts for 3% of gastrointestinal tumors and is the second most frequent hepatic neoplasia after hepatocellular carcinoma. The primary aim was to evaluate the median disease-free period and survival in patients with cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis through the comparison of R0 and R1 resection margins. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 patients that underwent some type of surgical resection due to cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis, within the time frame of 2000-2017, at a center specializing in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. Population, preoperative, and oncologic variables were included. The IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Mac, version 16.0, software (IBM SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was employed. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients underwent hepatectomy, the Whipple procedure, or bypass surgery, depending on tumor location. The statistical significance of survival between patients with positive margins and those with negative margins was evaluated through the Mann-Whitney U test, with a P<.05 as the reference value. No statistically significant difference was found. The overall morbidity rate was 58.06% (n=18) and the mortality rate was 12.9% (n=4). CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant difference in relation to the incidence of disease recurrence or general survival resulted from the comparison of microscopically positive surgical margins (R1) and negative surgical margins (R0). There was also no correlation between preoperative CA 19-9 levels and disease prognosis.

Outcomes of surgical treatment for patients with distal rectal cancer: A retrospective review from a single university hospital. / Desenlaces de tratamiento quirúrgico para pacientes con cáncer de recto distal: Una revisión retrospectiva en un hospital universitario.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Surgery for distal rectal cancer (DRC) can be performed with or without sphincter preservation. The aim of the present study was to analyze the outcomes of two surgical techniques in the treatment of DRC patients: low anterior resection (LAR) and abdominoperineal resection (APR). METHODS: Patients with advanced DRC that underwent surgical treatment between 2002 and 2012 were evaluated. We compared the outcomes of the type of surgery (APR vs LAR) and analyzed the associations of survival and recurrence with the following factors: age, sex, tumor location, lymph nodes obtained, lymph node involvement, and rectal wall involvement. Patients with distant metastases were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 148 patients were included, 78 of whom were females (52.7%). The mean patient age was 61.2years. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy was performed in 86.5% of the patients. APR was performed on 86 (58.1%) patients, and LAR on 62 (41.9%) patients. No differences were observed between the two groups regarding clinical and oncologic characteristics. Eighty-seven (62%) patients had pT3-4 disease, and 41 patients (27.7%) had lymph node involvement. In the multivariate analysis, only poorly differentiated tumors (P=.026) and APR (P=.009) correlated with higher recurrence rates. Mean follow-up time was 32 (16-59.9) months. Overall 5-year survival was 58.1%. The 5-year survival rate was worse in patients that underwent APR (46.5%) than in the patients that underwent LAR (74.2%) (P=.009). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with locally advanced DRC that underwent APR presented with a lower survival rate and a higher local recurrence rate than patients that underwent LAR. In addition, advanced T/stage, lymph node involvement, and poor tumor differentiation were associated with recurrence and a lower survival rate, regardless of the procedure.

Total rhinectomy for nasal carcinomas.

INTRODUCTION: Total rhinectomy is an uncommon procedure for the treatment of nasal malignancies, usually reserved for locally advanced tumors. There are few case series studying total rhinectomy in the literature, reporting conflicting results about recurrence and metastasis. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate prognosis of total rhinectomy cases for malignant neoplasia in our institution. METHODS: Retrospective review from January 2013 to September 2018, including all patients undergoing total rhinectomy in our Institution, under the care of the Head and Neck surgical team. RESULTS: Ten patients were included, two men and eight women. The mean patient age was 71.6 years old. The majority had nasal skin (8 cases) carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinoma was present in seven cases. In total, six cases had regional metastasis, in a median period of 14.3 months. The overall mortality and disease specific mortality was 50% and 30%, respectively, in a median follow-up of 45.7 months. CONCLUSION: We observed high overall and disease-specific mortality among cases with advanced nasal malignancies undergoing total rhinectomy.

Pediatric penetrating keratoplasty and graft rejection: experience at the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez.

Background: Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is a challenging surgical ocular procedure indicated for some pediatric patients with vision-threatening corneal disease damage. Pediatric PK is reserved for cases with advanced pathology or dysfunction as rejection and failure rates greatly supersede the rates of adult PK. The objective was to identify factors associated with graft rejection and failure amongst Mexican children undergoing primary PK for different indications. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive pediatric PK medical records was conducted between 2001 and 2015 at the Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. Graft survival was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier survival method. Results: During the 15 years of study, 67 eyes of 57 patients underwent PK. The mean age at the time of surgery was 11 years. The mean follow-up duration was 44 months. Keratoconus was the most common indication for PK (61%) followed by herpetic keratitis (15%) and other corneal dystrophies (10%). Mean graft survival time was 45.6 months (95% confidence interval 31.8-58.4 months, standard deviation = 0.069), with a survival rate of 70% at 1 year. Univariate Cox proportional hazard showed that being < 9 years of age at the time of the surgery (p = 0.023) and corneal dystrophies (p = 0.04) were prognostic factors for corneal rejection. Five eyes of five patients developed graft failure. Conclusions: Pediatric PK patients commonly experience graft rejection, which need to be promptly diagnosed and treated to minimize permanent damage. The age at the time of surgery and congenital corneal opacities is factors associated with a higher risk of rejection and failure.

Introducción: La queratoplastia penetrante (QP) es un procedimiento quirúrgico indicado en algunos pacientes pediátricos con daño corneal con riesgo de fracaso que amenaza la visión. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue identificar los factores asociados a rechazo y fallo del injerto corneal en niños sometidos a QP. Métodos: Serie de casos de pacientes sometidos a QP en el Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez entre 2001 y 2015. La sobrevida del injerto fue calculada por el método de estimación de la función de supervivencia Kaplan­Meier. Resultados: Durante 15 años de estudio, 67 ojos de 57 pacientes fueron sometidos a QP. El promedio de edad de los pacientes al tiempo de la cirugía fue de 11 años. El seguimiento promedio fue de 44 meses. El queratocono fue la indicación más común de QP (61%), seguido de queratitis herpética (15%) y otras distrofias corneales (10%). El tiempo promedio de sobrevida fue 45.6% (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 31.8-58.4 meses, desviación estándar [DS] = 0.069), con una tasa de sobrevida del 70% a 1 año. El riesgo proporcional de Cox univariado mostró que una edad < 9 años al momento de la cirugía (p = 0.023) y distrofias corneales (p = 0.04) son factores pronóstico para el rechazo corneal. Cinco ojos de cinco pacientes desarrollaron falla del injerto. Conclusiones: El rechazo del injerto en QP en pacientes pediátricos es común y puede ser resuelto satisfactoriamente en casi todos los casos con diagnóstico y tratamiento. La edad al momento de la cirugía y las opacidades corneales congénitas son factores asociados con el rechazo y fallo.

Functional outcomes and survival of patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer after total glossectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx presents aggressive behavior and its diagnosis is, in most cases, performed in advanced stages. Total glossectomy is a therapeutic option in locally advanced cancer, and the only one in the recurrent or residual disease, after chemoradiotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical-epidemiological profile, postoperative complications, survival rates and functional aspects of patients with oral cavity and oropharynx cancer after total glossectomy. METHODS: It was a retrospective study where 22 patients were included with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer after total glossectomy at the Hospital Regional do Vale do Paraíba, em Taubaté, São Paulo. RESULTS: All patients were male, with a median age of 57 years, most of tumors are located in the tongue and floor of the mouth and classified as stage IVa. Total glossectomy as initial treatment was performed in 18 and as salvage in four patients. The major pectoralis myocutaneous flap was used for reconstruction in all cases. The main postoperative complication was wound infection and salivary fistula. CONCLUSION: Overall survival was 19% and cancer-specific survival was 30.8% in five years. Eight patients were rehabilitated for exclusive oral feeding without the dependence tracheostomy and enteral tube, all with an overall survival greater than 15 months.

Treatment outcomes of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a middle-income developing country: high mortalities, early relapses, and poor survival.

OBJECTIVE: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common childhood cancer, yet surprisingly, very few studies have reported the treatment outcomes and the relapse rate of patients from low/middle-income countries. METHOD: This study was a 5-year retrospective cohort study. It was conducted at Oncology Center of Mansoura University in Egypt and aimed to estimate the treatment outcomes and the relapse rates of newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. RESULTS: Two hundred children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia were studied; forty-six patients (23%) died during induction and most of those deaths were related to infection. Forty-one patients (27%) relapsed out of the 152 patients who achieved complete remission. The most common site of relapse was the bone marrow, followed by the isolated central nervous system, 53.7% and 31.7%, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of relapses occurred very early/early rather than later. The majority of relapse patients' deaths were related to infection and disease progression. The 5-year overall survival rate for patients was 63.1% (82.1% for non-relapsed compared to 36.6% for relapsed patients). CONCLUSION: There was a high incidence of induction deaths related to infection and high percentages of very early/early relapses, with high mortalities and low 5-year overall survival rates. These findings suggest the urgent need for modification of chemotherapy regimens to be suitable for the local conditions, including implementation of supportive care and infection control policies. There is also a requirement for antimicrobial prophylaxis during induction period combined with the necessary increase in government healthcare spending to improve the survival of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Egyptian children.

[How does vitamin D influence body composition, sarcopenia and lifespan in older persons? A retrospective study of nine years]. / ¿Cómo influye la vitamina D en la composición corporal, sarcopenia y sobrevida en las personas mayores? Un estudio retrospectivo de nueve años.

INTRODUCTION: Background: hypovitaminosis D has a prevalence of 50,4% in older persons. This population has grown globally in an impressive way during the last 20 years. In addition, the deficiency of vitamin D (< 30 ng/ml) could raise the risk of mortality in this population. Objectives: to know whether vitamin D levels less than 30 ng/ml have an impact on mortality for overall causes, cardiovascular causes, cancer or injuries (falls) in a follow-up period of nine years in elderly subjects. Methods: a retrospective longitudinal study with nine years period of observation; 418 elderly subjects were followed, and they were recruited in 2004 to participate in a study about vitamin D supplementation and muscle strength. Results: vitamin D levels below 30 ng/dl increase by almost three times the probability of dying (OR = 2.77, IC = 1.81-3.85), while the same level of vitamin D is associated with a double risk of dying from cardiovascular causes (OR = 1.78, CI = 1.21-2.09) in the unadjusted model. For cancer mortality and falls, no significant results were obtained. Vitamin D would not act as a protective factor against mortality. Conclusions: vitamin D levels less than 30 ng/ml could be a risk factor for general mortality.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la hipovitaminosis D tiene una prevalencia del 50,4% en personas mayores, población en aumento a nivel mundial, en la cual la deficiencia de vitamina D (< 30 mg/dl) podría ser un factor de riesgo para disminuir la sobrevida de esta población. Objetivo: determinar si niveles séricos de vitamina D menores a 30 ng/ml tienen impacto en la sobrevida, medida a través de la mortalidad general y por causas específicas, considerando un periodo de seguimiento de nueve años en personas mayores autovalentes con capacidades cognitivas adecuadas. Método: corresponde a un estudio retrospectivo longitudinal, con un seguimiento de nueve años. Se realizó el seguimiento a 418 personas mayores de la comuna de Santiago, los cuales fueron incorporados el año 2004 para participar en un estudio referente a la suplementación de vitamina D y fuerza muscular. Resultados: niveles de vitamina D bajo 30 ng/dl aumentan en casi tres veces la probabilidad de fallecer (OR = 2,77; IC = 1,81-3,85), mientras que igual nivel de vitamina D se asocia a un doble riesgo de morir por causas cardiovasculares (OR = 1,78; IC = 1,21-2,09) en el modelo no ajustado. Para la mortalidad por cáncer y por caídas no se obtuvo ningún resultado significativo. La vitamina D no actuaría como factor protector ante la mortalidad. Conclusión: el poseer niveles de vitamina D bajo 30 ng/dl podría ser un factor de riesgo de mortalidad general.

Factors associated with survival in patients operated on for hilar cholangiocarcinoma with curative intention.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term survival and to analyze the factors associated with it in the patients operated on for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) with curative intention. METHOD: Non concurrent cohort study. We included all patients who underwent surgery with curative intent for HC between 2002 and 2016. An analysis of factors associated with survival using Kaplan Meier, log-rank test and Cox regression was performed. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Thirty patients were operated on. The median age was 65.5 years (range: 33-84); 24 patients (80%) were male. The surgical margin was negative in 27 patients (90%). Twenty-one patients (70%) presented complications and three patients (10%) died postoperatively. Survival at the year, 5 years and 10 years were 65.7%, 37.3% and 16.6%, respectively. In multivariable analysis, the only factor associated with survival was the T stage (hazard ratio: 0.309; 95% confidence interval: 0.101-0.942; p = 0.03). DISCUSSION: Patients operated on for HC with curative intent in our center have adequate long-term survival, with high postoperative morbidity and mortality. The only factor that was associated with survival was T stage.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la sobrevida a largo plazo y analizar los factores asociados a esta en pacientes operados por colangiocarcinoma hiliar (CH) con intención curativa. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte no concurrente. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes sometidos a cirugía con intención curativa por CH entre 2002 y 2016. Se realizó un análisis de los factores asociados a la sobrevida mediante Kaplan Meier, test de log-rank y regresión de Cox. Se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se operaron 30 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 65.5 años (rango: 33-84); 24 (80%) fueron de sexo masculino. El margen quirúrgico resultó negativo en 27 (90%) pacientes. Veintiún (70%) pacientes presentaron complicaciones y 3 (10%) fallecieron en el posoperatorio. Las sobrevidas al año, a 5 años y a 10 años fueron del 65.7%, el 37.3% y el 16.6%, respectivamente. En el análisis multivariable, el único factor asociado a la sobrevida fue el estadio T (hazard ratio: 0.309; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0.101-0.942; p = 0.03). DISCUSIÓN: Los pacientes operados por CH con intención curativa en nuestro centro presentan una adecuada sobrevida a largo plazo, con una elevada morbimortalidad posoperatoria. El único factor que se asoció a la sobrevida fue el estadio T.

Factors associated with the survival of liver transplant patients due to hepatocellular carcinoma according to Milan criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the overall survival of patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following the Milan criteria (MC) and analyze factors associated with survival. METHOD: Non-concurrent cohort study. We analyzed patients undergoing LT for HCC between 2000 and 2016. An analysis of the factors associated with survival was carried out using Kaplan-Meier, log-rank test and Cox regression. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 50 LT were performed for HCC. The average age was 60.8 ± 6.1 years; 38 patients (76%) were male. In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with survival were compliance with CM (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.104; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.017-0.637; p = 0.01) and absence of vascular invasion (HR: 0.050; 95%CI: 0.008-0.306; p < 0.01) in the explant biopsy. CONCLUSION: Survival of patients undergoing HT by HCC in our center is similar to that reported in the international literature, and is determined by the compliance of the CM and the absence of vascular invasion in the explant biopsy.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la sobrevida global de los pacientes sometidos a trasplante hepático (TH) por carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) siguiendo los criterios de Milán (CM), y analizar los factores asociados a la sobrevida. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte no concurrente. Se analizaron los pacientes sometidos a TH por CHC entre los años 2000 y 2016. Se realizó un análisis de los factores asociados a la sobrevida mediante Kaplan-Meier, test de log-rank y regresión de Cox. Se consideró significativo un valor de p < 0.05. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 50 TH por CHC. El promedio de edad fue de 60.8 ± 6.1 años; 38 pacientes (76%) fueron de sexo masculino. En el análisis multivariable, los factores asociados a la sobrevida fueron el cumplimiento de los CM (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.104; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 0.017-0.637; p = 0.01) y la ausencia de invasión vascular (HR: 0.050; IC 95%: 0.008-0.306; p < 0.01) en la biopsia del explante. CONCLUSIÓN: La sobrevida de los pacientes sometidos a TH por CHC en nuestro centro es similar a lo reportado en la literatura internacional, y se encuentra determinada por el cumplimiento de los CM y la ausencia de invasión vascular en la biopsia del explante.

Sobrevida post instalación de gastrostomía: experiencia de un centro terciario / Survival post installation of gastrostomy: experience of a tertiary cente

Introduction: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) is one of the preferred methods for providing enteral feeding to patients whose oral intake nutrition is not feasible. There is limited evidence regarding post- PEG survival. Our primary objective is to evaluate long-term survival and identify main variables in a cohort of patients with PEG. Methodology: A retrospective study of patients who underwent PEG at Sótero del Río Hos- pital between 2013 and 2020 was conducted. Demographic data, indications for PEG, and time from placement to death, in applicable cases, were evaluated. Specific indications were classified into four groups: Neoplasia, Dementia, Stroke (CVA), and Other neurological causes. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to represent survival, and log-rank tests were used. Results: 635 patients were included, 53.5% male, with a median age of 69 years (IQR 55-79). Indications included Neoplasia (11.8%), Dementia (9.8%), Stroke (58.4%), and Other neurological causes (20.0%). The overall survival rate was 36%, with rates of 50.23% at one year and 3.94% at five years, and a median survival of 12 months (IQR 4-28). According to the previous diagnosis, the Other neurological causes group had a higher survival rate (p < 0.001), with a median survival of 16 months (IQR 4-35). Conclusions: PEG is an invasive technique where placement is influenced by multiple variables such as previous diagnosis and patient type. Our study demonstrated a survival rate consistent with the literature, where factors such as age and the type of disease that prompted indication are relevant to consider.

Introducción: La gastrostomía endoscópica percutánea (GEP) es uno de los métodos de elección para brindar alimentación enteral a pacientes que ven afectada su capacidad de nutrición por vía oral. Existe escasa evidencia respecto a la sobrevida post GEP, estudios describen un 40% al año, en relación a la gravedad inherente de la enfermedad de base de los pacientes. Nuestro objetivo principal es evaluar la sobrevida a largo plazo y cuáles serían las principales variables que podrían influir, en una cohorte de pacientes con GEP. Metodología: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes a quienes se les instaló una GEP en el Hospital Sótero del Río, entre los años 2013- 2020. Se evaluaron datos demográficos, indicación de la GEP y tiempo transcurrido desde la instalación hasta el fallecimiento, en los casos correspondientes. Las indicaciones específicas fueron clasificadas en cuatro grandes grupos: Neoplasia, Demencia, Accidente Cerebrovascular (ACV) y Otras causas neurológicas. Se trazaron curvas de Kaplan-Meier para representar la supervivencia y se utilizaron pruebas de log-rank test. En el análisis estadísti- co se utilizó SPSS versión 25. Resultados: Se incluyeron 635 pacientes, 53,5% sexo masculino, con una mediana de edad 69 años (RIQ 55-79). Dentro las indicaciones: Neoplasia (11,8%), Demencia (9,8%), ACV (58,4%) y Otras causas neurológicas (20,0%). La tasa de sobrevida global fue del 36%, siendo al año 50,23 % y a los 5 años 3,94%; con una mediana de sobrevida de 12 meses (RIQ 4-28). Según diagnóstico previo, el grupo Otras causas neurológicos tuvo una mayor sobrevida (p < 0,001), con una mediana de 16 meses (RIQ 4-35). Conclusiones: La GEP es una técnica invasiva donde su instalación responde a múltiples variables como diagnóstico previo y tipo de paciente. Nuestro trabajo demostró una tasa de supervivencia acorde con la literatura, donde los factores como la edad y el tipo de enfermedad que originó indicación son relevantes a considerar.

Epidemiologic and Histopathologic Characterization of Cutaneous Metastases in Patients Who Visited 2 Hospitals in Santiago de Chile Between 2005 and 2017. / Caracterización epidemiológica e histopatológica de metástasis cutáneas en la población consultante de 2 hospitales de Santiago durante los años 2005 a 2017.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Cutaneous metastases (CMs) account for 2% of skin tumors and their incidence varies between 0.7% and 9% in patients with cancer. The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the demographic, clinical, and histopathologic characteristics of CM in patients who visited 2 hospitals in the Santiago de Chile metropolitan region. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We performed a retrospective, descriptive, analytical, observational, cross-sectional study. We reviewed the pathology reports, patient records, pathology slides, and dates of death for diagnosed cases of CM from the anatomic pathology departments of 2 hospitals in the Santiago de Chile metropolitan region between 2015 and 2017. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients with CM were included in the study; 60.42% were women and 39.58% were men. The mean (SD) age was 67.95 (13.74) years, with a range of 28 to 96 years. The most common primary tumor was melanoma in 27.08% of cases (n=26), followed by breast cancer (18.75%, n=18), and adenocarcinoma (15.63%, n=15). The median time between diagnosis of the tumor and cutaneous metastasis was 9 months. Patients with CM of melanoma had a higher survival rate than patients with metastasis of other primary tumors (P<.05). A histopathologic study of 91 slides showed that diffuse infiltration of the tissue with tumor cells was the most common pattern and vascular invasion was rare. CONCLUSIONS: The results are similar to those found worldwide. CM is a rare manifestation of internal tumors. It presents mainly at an advanced age and is equally prevalent in both sexes.