Coronary artery disease as a risk factor for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and liver fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at an increased cardiovascular risk. On the contrary, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). However, it is not known whether patients with significant CHD show a higher frequency of liver fibrosis. This study aimed to determine the frequency of MASLD and liver fibrosis in patients with CHD and to assess whether coronary stenosis is significantly associated with MASLD and fibrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational and analytical study included adult patients without any known liver disease who underwent coronary angiography for suspected coronary artery disease (Jul 2021-Jul 2022). The presence of significant CHD (> 50% stenosis of at least one coronary artery) was determined. Liver elastography (FibroScan®) was performed up to 6 months after the coronary angiographic study to determine liver fibrosis, a measurement of liver stiffness (> 6.5 Kpa). Fisher's test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression models were used (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The study included 113 patients (76% men, average age: 63 years [standard deviation: 9.9]), of which 72% presented with significant CHD. The prevalence rate of MASLD was 52%. Liver fibrosis was present in 12% of the patients and all patients in the significant CHD group (p = 0.007). An increase in the number of vessels with significant CHD increased the probability of liver fibrosis (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-3.04; p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: MASLD is highly prevalent in patients with significant CHD but without known liver damage. These data suggest that MASLD and liver fibrosis should be investigated in patients with CHD. The presence of confounding variables, especially the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, should be evaluated in further studies.

Implementation of a re-linkage to care strategy in patients with chronic hepatitis C who were lost to follow-up in Latin America.

To achieve WHO's goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV), innovative strategies must be designed to diagnose and treat more patients. Therefore, we aimed to describe an implementation strategy to identify patients with HCV who were lost to follow-up (LTFU) and offer them re-linkage to HCV care. We conducted an implementation study utilizing a strategy to contact patients with HCV who were not under regular follow-up in 13 countries from Latin America. Patients with HCV were identified by the international classification of diseases (ICD-9/10) or equivalent. Medical records were then reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of chronic HCV infection defined by anti-HCV+ and detectable HCV-RNA. Identified patients who were not under follow-up by a liver specialist were contacted by telephone or email, and offered a medical reevaluation. A total of 10,364 patients were classified to have HCV. After reviewing their medical charts, 1349 (13%) had undetectable HCV-RNA or were wrongly coded. Overall, 9015 (86.9%) individuals were identified with chronic HCV infection. A total of 5096 (56.5%) patients were under routine HCV care and 3919 (43.5%) had been LTFU. We were able to contact 1617 (41.3%) of the 3919 patients who were LTFU at the primary medical institution, of which 427 (26.4%) were cured at a different institutions or were dead. Of the remaining patients, 906 (76.1%) were candidates for retrieval. In our cohort, about one out of four patients with chronic HCV who were LTFU were candidates to receive treatment. This strategy has the potential to be effective, accessible and significantly impacts on the HCV care cascade.

[Utility of the detection of autoantibodies in autoinmune liver diseases using immunoblot]. / Evaluación del panel de enfermedades hepáticas autoinmunes (INMUNOBLOT) en el diagnóstico de enfermedades hepáticas.

INTRODUCTION: For the diagnosis of liver diseases, clinical criteria, biochemical, immunological and histological parameters are included. The autoimmune panel is an immunoblot that contemplates the detection of antibodies against 9 different hepatic antigens, which could guide the diagnosis of these pathologies. OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of the autoimmune panel in the diagnosis of liver diseases. METHODS: Observational, descriptive study. All autoimmune panels performed between January 2020 and August 2021 (n = 279) were reviewed, and the ones with positive result selected (n = 101). Clinical records were reviewed, including: clinical, biochemical, immunological and histological characteristics. Diagnosis was determined by clinical suspicion (clinical, biochemical and immunological parameters), only through autoimmune panel, and according to liver biopsy in available cases. RESULTS: 45 patients with complete clinical history were included in the analysis; 82% women, median age 58 years (16-79). Clinical suspicions included autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in 12 patients (27%), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in 10 patients (22%), overlap syndrome (AIH/PBC) in 17 (38%), and others in 6 (13%). The diagnosis of PBC was confirmed by autoimmune panel in 9/10 and 11/17 patients with clinical suspicion of PBC and HAI/PBC, respectively. Of the 27 patients with initial clinical suspicion of PBC, 14 had negative AMA and AMA-M2 (6 had Sp100 and 5 gp210 as the only markers and 3 had positive Sp100 and PML). In 10/14 patients, the diagnosis was confirmed by panel and/or compatible liver biopsy. CONCLUSION: The autoimmune panel turns out to be a useful diagnostic tool for liver diseases, especially PBC in isolation or in overlap syndrome.

[Cholangiocarcinoma and combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma in cirrhotic patients]. / Colangiocarcinoma y hepatocolangiocarcinoma combinado en pacientes con cirrosis.

BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary hepatic tumor, frequently found in patients with liver cirrhosis and biliary tract diseases. Its varieties include isolated CCA or "combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma" (cHCC-CCA). The latter is uncommon, with poorly defined diagnostic criteria and natural history. AIM: To characterize patients with cirrhosis with a pathological diagnosis of CCA and cHCC-CCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-nine liver biopsies with a pathological diagnosis of CCA were reviewed. The clinical records of patients were reviewed to fetch demographic variables, etiology of cirrhosis and clinical presentation. RESULTS: Eight of the 49 patients had cirrhosis (16% of CCA biopsies reviewed). Their median age was 64 (27-71) years and five were females. Four patients had CCA, three patients cHCC-CCA and one had a bifocal tumor. Patients in the CCA group were more commonly symptomatic. Alpha-fetoprotein and CA 19-9 levels were elevated in one of eight and four of six patients, respectively. Within 12 months from diagnosis, five of eight patients died. CONCLUSIONS: In most of these cases, the diagnosis of cHCC-CCA and CCA was made in the liver explant study without previous imaging diagnosis. This reinforces the usefulness of the histological study, in specific cases, prior to liver transplantation and emphasizes the importance of systematic explant exploration in these cases.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibody Prevalence in Blood in a Large School Community Subject to a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: A severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak affecting 52 people from a large school community in Santiago, Chile, was identified (12 March) 9 days after the first case in the country. We assessed the magnitude of the outbreak and the role students and staff played using self-administered antibody detection tests and a self-administered survey. METHODS: The school was closed on 13 March, and the entire community was placed under quarantine. We implemented a home-delivery, self-administered, immunoglobin (Ig) G/IgM antibody test and survey to a classroom-stratified sample of students and all staff from 4-19 May. We aimed to determine the overall seroprevalence rates by age group, reported symptoms, and contact exposure, and to explore the dynamics of transmission. RESULTS: The antibody positivity rates were 9.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.2-11.8) for 1009 students and 16.6% (95% CI, 12.1-21.9) for 235 staff. Among students, positivity was associated with a younger age (P = .01), a lower grade level (P = .05), prior real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity (P = .03), and a history of contact with a confirmed case (P < .001). Among staff, positivity was higher in teachers (P = .01) and in those previously RT-PCR positive (P < .001). Excluding RT-PCR-positive individuals, antibody positivity was associated with fever in adults and children (P = .02 and P = .002, respectively), abdominal pain in children (P = .001), and chest pain in adults (P = .02). Within antibody-positive individuals, 40% of students and 18% of staff reported no symptoms (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Teachers were more affected during the outbreak and younger children were at a higher risk for infection, likely because index case(s) were teachers and/or parents from the preschool. Self-administered antibody testing, supervised remotely, proved to be a suitable and rapid tool. Our study provides useful information for school reopenings.

Infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease. Is premedication necessary? / Infliximab en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. ¿Es necesario premedicar?

BACKGROUND: The use of infliximab (IFX) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been associated with a 1-6% risk of infusion reactions. The usefulness of premedication with corticosteroids, paracetamol and /or antihistamines is controversial. AIM: The aim of this study is to assess, in IBD patients on IFX, whether there are differences in secondary reactions to the infusion between those who use premedication or not. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed identifying patients with a diagnosis of IBD who received IFX at our institution between January 2009 and July 2019. Acute reactions were defined as those that occurred in the first 24 hours postinfusion and late reactions for more than 24 hours. Infusion reactions were classified as mild, moderate and severe. Descriptive and association statistics were used (χ2; p < 0.05). RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were included with 1,263 infusions in total, 52% men. Median infusions per patient was 22 (2-66). All induction infusions were administered with premedication, and in maintenance in 57% of them. Premedication was given with hydrocortisone, chlorphenamine and paracetamol. Most of reactions were acute, mild or moderate in severity and no patient needed to discontinue IFX. In the maintenance group, there were 9/718 (1.2%) infusion reactions with premedication and 4/358 (1.1%) without it (p = 0.606). In the induction group, there were 8/187 (4.3%) infusion reactions, significantly higher when compared with both maintenance groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this group, premedication use during maintenance was not effective at reducing the rate of infusion reactions. These results suggest that premedication would not be necessary.

Pregnancy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Experience of a Chilean cohort. / Embarazo en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: experiencia en una cohorte chilena.

BACKGROUND: In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) a high percentage of women are diagnosed during their reproductive age. IBD in remission is the ideal scenario when planning a pregnancy. AIMS: To describe the clinical characteristics of pregnancy/newborn and assess disease activity at the time of conception and throughout the pregnancy in patients with IBD treated at a tertiary centre in Chile. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed women diagnosed with IBD who were pregnant or delivered between 2017 and 2020. Demographic, clinical, obstetric and delivery data were obtained from the IBD registry, approved by the local IRB. Descriptive statistics and association tests were performed (χ2, p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Sixty women with IBD were included. At the beginning of pregnancy, 21 (35%) had active disease and 39 (65%) were in remission. Of those with active disease, 16 (66%) remained active and 6 had spontaneous abortions. In those who were in remission, 26 (69%) remained in this condition. Nine patients (15%) discontinued treatment, and 6 of these had inflammatory activity during pregnancy. Preconception counselling was performed in 23 of the 60 patients, being higher in the group that remained in remission during pregnancy (65% vs. 35%, p = 0.02). Patients who had a flare during pregnancy had more probability of preterm birth (<37 weeks) and newborn with lower weight compared with the group that always remained in remission (89% vs. 74%, p = 0.161) and (2.885 vs 3.370 g; p = 0.0014). CONCLUSION: Remission presents better outcomes in pregnancy and preconception counselling would allow a better IBD control during pregnancy.

Are patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving adequate immunisation? / ¿Están recibiendo los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal una adecuada inmunización?

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) treatment may increase the risk of infections. Vaccines are part of the comprehensive IBD patient care. The aim of this study was to describe indications and adherence of immunizations in IBD and identify possible associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, analytic study was conducted in patients from an IBD Program of a tertiary center in Chile, between April - June 2019. Patients were asked to answer a vaccine survey and information also was obtained from the National Immunization Registry. Descriptive and association statistic were used (χ2; p<0.05). RESULTS: A total of 243 patients were included (148 ulcerative colitis (UC), 86 Crohn's disease (CD) and 9 non-classifiable IBD). Only six patients (2%) of IBD patients received a complete immunization schedule. The highest vaccine rates were against influenza (67%), hepatitis B virus (40%), 13-valent pneumococcal (34%) and 23-polysaccharide pneumococcal (16%). The influenza vaccine rate has significantly increased, reaching 67% in 2019. The survey showed that 23% of patients have not been immunized with any vaccine, mainly due to lack of time, lack of medical prescription and high cost. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, although vaccination rates are higher than previously reported, adherence to IBD immunization program would be improved, being considered since diagnosis by the multidisciplinary team.

Progression of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is increasing in Latin America. We performed a systematic review to identify clinical and epidemiologic features of IBD in Latin America (including Mexico, Central America, and South America) and the Caribbean. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SciELO databases for clinical or epidemiologic studies of Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) from Latin American and Caribbean countries and territories that reported incidence, prevalence, ratio of UC:CD, IBD phenotype, and treatment, through September 12, 2018. Data were extracted from 61 articles for analysis. RESULTS: The incidence and prevalence of IBD have been steadily increasing in Latin America and the Caribbean. The incidence of CD in Brazil increased from 0.08 per 100,000 person-years in 1988 to 0.68 per 100,000 person-years in 1991-1995 to 5.5 per 100,000 person-years in 2015. The highest reported prevalence of IBD was in Argentina, in 2007, at 15 and 82 per 100,000 person-years for CD and UC, respectively. The ratio of UC:CD exceeded 1 in all regions throughout Latin America and the Caribbean with the exception of Brazil. Treatment with tumor necrosis factor antagonists increased steadily for patients with CD (43.4% of all patients in Brazil were treated in 2014) but less so for patients with UC (4.5% of all patients were treated in 2014). Surgery for IBD decreased with time. In Chile, surgeries were performed on 57.0% of patients with CD and 18.0% of patients with UC during the period of 1990-2002; these values decreased to 38.0% and 5.0%, respectively, during the period of 2012-2015. In Peru, 6.9% of patients with UC received colectomies in the period of 2001-2003 and 6.2% in 2004-2014. CONCLUSIONS: In a systematic review, we found the incidence of IBD to be increasing throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Population-based epidemiology studies are needed to evaluate the increase in IBD in these regions, which differ from other global regions in climate, culture, demographics, diet, healthcare delivery and infrastructure, and socioeconomic status.

Characterization of Chilean patients with sporadic colorectal cancer according to the three main carcinogenic pathways: Microsatellite instability, CpG island methylator phenotype and Chromosomal instability.

Molecular classification of colorectal cancer is difficult to implement in clinical settings where hundreds of genes are involved, and resources are limited. This study aims to characterize the molecular subtypes of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer based on the three main carcinogenic pathways microsatellite instability (MSI), CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), and chromosomal instability (CIN) in a Chilean population. Although several reports have characterized colorectal cancer, most do not represent Latin-American populations. Our study includes 103 colorectal cancer patients who underwent surgery, without neoadjuvant treatment, in a private hospital between 2008 and 2017. MSI, CIN, and CIMP status were assessed. Frequent mutations in KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA genes were analyzed by Sanger sequencing, and statistical analysis was performed by Fisher's exact and/or chi-square test. Survival curves were estimated with Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test. Based on our observations, we can classify the tumors in four subgroups, Group 1: MSI-high tumors (15%) are located in the right colon, occur at older age, and 60% show a BRAF mutation; Group 2: CIN-high tumors (38%) are in the left colon, and 26% have KRAS mutations. Group 3: [MSI/CIN/CIMP]-low/negative tumors (30%) are left-sided, and 39% have KRAS mutations; Group 4: CIMP-high tumors (15%) were more frequent in men and left side colon, with 27% KRAS and 7% presented BRAF mutations. Three percent of patients could not be classified. We found that CIMP-high was associated with a worse prognosis, both in MSI-high and MSI stable patients (p = 0.0452). Group 3 (Low/negative tumors) tend to have better overall survival compared with MSI-high, CIMP-high, and CIN-high tumors. This study contributes to understanding the heterogeneity of tumors in the Chilean population being one of the few characterizations performed in Latin-America. Given the limited resources of these countries, these results allow to improve molecular characterization in Latin-American colorectal cancer populations and confirm the possibility of using the three main carcinogenic pathways to define therapeutic strategies.

The Role of an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Nurse in the Follow-Up of Patients From a Latin American Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program.

Inflammatory bowel disease requires long-term treatment to maintain disease control. Favorable follow-up of patients indicates attention from a multidisciplinary team, in which the nurse's responsibilities have great importance. The aim of this observational, descriptive study was to describe the role of an inflammatory bowel disease nurse in the management of patients in a tertiary center in Chile, including all patients in follow-up between January 2016 and April 2017. Inflammatory bowel disease nurse contacts were recorded and classified. Demographic data, clinical variables, and patient satisfaction were also analyzed. A total of 597 patients (51%) were in follow-up over the 16-month period; 63% had ulcerative colitis, with a median age of 35 years. The inflammatory bowel disease nurse performed 760 contacts in 253 patients (42% of the follow-up patients). The most frequent nurse interventions were reinforcement of medical indications (42%), assessment of laboratory results (17%), and disease follow-up (12%); 49% related to education. Nurse interventions were focused in more severely ill patients; flares during the follow-up, biological therapy, immunomodulators, and steroids were all statistically significant. Of a sample of 107 patients surveyed, 96% perceived the inflammatory bowel disease program as excellent/good. The inflammatory bowel disease nurse plays an important role in the follow-up and management, specifically in education, of more severely ill patients.

[Environmental risk factors in the development and evolution of inflammatory bowel disease]. / Factores ambientales en el desarrollo y evolución de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

Environmental factors may influence the development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and modify its natural history. The objective of this review is to evaluate current evidence about environmental factors associated with the disease. A better knowledge about the pathogenesis of the disease can lead to better treatment strategies and suggestions to prevent the disease.

The relationship between chemokines CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 with the tumor microenvironment and tumor-associated macrophage markers in colorectal cancer.

A complex network of chemokines can influence cancer progression with the recruitment and activation of hematopoietic cells, including macrophages to the supporting tumor stroma promoting carcinogenesis and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between tissue and plasma chemokine levels involved in macrophage recruitment with tumor-associated macrophage profile markers and clinicopathological features such as tumor-node-metastases stage, desmoplasia, tumor necrosis factor-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor plasma content. Plasma and tumor/healthy mucosa were obtained from Chilean patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. Chemokines were evaluated from tissue lysates (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, and CX3CL1) by Luminex. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon match-paired test ( p < 0.05). Macrophage markers (CD68, CD163, and iNOS) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry samples derived from colorectal cancer patients. Correlation analysis between chemokines and macrophage markers and clinicopathological features were performed using Spearman's test. Plasmatic levels of chemokines and inflammatory mediators' vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-α were evaluated by Luminex. Tumor levels of CCL2 (mean ± standard deviation = 530.1 ± 613.9 pg/mg), CCL3 (102.7 ± 106.0 pg/mg), and CCL4 (64.98 ± 48.09 pg/mg) were higher than those found in healthy tissue (182.1 ± 116.5, 26.79 ± 22.40, and 27.06 ± 23.69 pg/mg, respectively p < 0.05). The tumor characterization allowed us to identify a positive correlation between CCL4 and the pro-tumor macrophages marker CD163 ( p = 0.0443), and a negative correlation of iNOS with desmoplastic reaction ( p = 0.0467). Moreover, we identified that tumors with immature desmoplasia have a higher CD163 density compared to those with a mature/intermediated stromal tissue ( p = 0.0288). Plasmatic CCL4 has shown a positive correlation with inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor) that have previously been associated with poor prognosis in patients. In conclusion High expression of CCL4 in colon cancer could induce the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages and specifically a pro-tumor macrophage profile (CD163+ cells). Moreover, plasmatic chemokines could be considered inflammatory mediators associated to CRC progression as well as tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor. These data reinforce the idea of chemokines as potential therapeutic targets or biomarker in CRC.

[Fecal microbiota transplantation through colonoscopy for Clostridium difficile recurrent infection. Report of eight cases]. / Experiencia del trasplante de microbiota fecal a través de colonoscopía en el tratamiento de la infección por Clostridium difficile recurrente.

BACKGROUND: Most cases of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) respond to a standard course of antibiotics, however recurrent CDI is becoming common and alternative therapeutic strategies are needed. In this scenario, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been suggested. AIM: To describe the efficacy and safety of FMT for the treatment of recurrent CDI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Review of medical records of all patients with recurrent CDI treated with FMT between April 2013 and April 2017. Demographic and clinical data were abstracted including details of treatment prior to FMT, rate of FMT treatment success and clinical course during follow-up period. Telephone surveys were conducted to determine patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Eight patients aged 19 to 82 years (six women) underwent FMT. They experienced a median of four previous episodes of CDI (range 3-8). The mean duration of CDI was 18 days (range 3-36) before FMT. All procedures were performed by colonoscopy. Effectiveness with one session of FMT was 100%. During the follow-up period (median 24 months, range 7-55), two patients developed CDI, one of them after using antibiotics. Adverse events were reported in three patients. Two had bloating and one patient with Crohn's disease and a history of bacteremia had an episode of Escherichia coli bacteremia. All patients would use FMT again if necessary. CONCLUSIONS: FMT through colonoscopy appears to be a safe, effective and long-lasting therapy in cases of recurrent CDI.

Assessment of disease-related knowledge and possible factors associated with the knowledge level among Chilean patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess disease-related knowledge among patients with inflammatory bowel disease and to identify the factors that are possibly associated with the knowledge level. BACKGROUND: Disease-related knowledge can positively influence the acceptance of the disease, increase treatment compliance and improve the quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. DESIGN: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted and prospectively included patients from the inflammatory bowel disease programme between October 2014-July 2015. METHODS: A Spanish-translated version of the 24-item Crohn's and Colitis Knowledge score was used to assess disease-related knowledge. Patients also completed a demographic and clinical questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients were included, 62% were female, and 66% were diagnosed with ulcerative colitis; the median age was 34 years (range 18-79), and the median disease duration was four years. The median disease-related knowledge score was 9 (range 1-20). Only 29% of the patients answered more than 50% of the questions correctly. Lower disease-related knowledge was observed in questions related to pregnancy/fertility and surgery/complications. Patients older than 50 years, with ulcerative colitis, with disease durations less than five years and patients without histories of surgery exhibited lower disease-related knowledge. There was no association between the knowledge scores and the educational levels. CONCLUSIONS: The patients who attended our inflammatory bowel disease programme exhibited poor disease-related knowledge that was similar to the knowledge levels that have been observed in developed countries. It is necessary to assess patient knowledge to develop educational strategies and evaluate the influences of these strategies on patient compliance and quality of life. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: These results will allow the inflammatory bowel disease team to develop educational programmes that account for the disease-related knowledge of each patient. Inflammatory bowel disease nurses should evaluate their interventions to provide evidence that educating our patients contributes to improving their treatment outcomes and overall health statuses.

[Acute severe ulcerative colitis treated with accelerated infliximab induction. Case report]. / Terapia de inducción acelerada con infliximab en paciente con colitis ulcerosa grave refractaria a corticoides. Caso clínico.

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires early recognition, hospitalization and adequate treatment. Currently, the use of infliximab in ulcerative colitis (UC) is recommended in the case of severe disease refractory to corticosteroids, once that superimposed bacterial or viral infections (such as cytomegalovirus or Clostridium difficile) have been excluded. However, conventional weight-based regimens of infliximab might be insufficient for patients with ASUC. Accelerated infliximab induction regimen may increase its serum concentration levels and efficacy by reducing early colectomy rates in these patients. We report a 34 year old female presenting with an ASUC. She was initially treated with hydrocortisone 300 mg/day and mesalazine enemas 4 g/day with an unfavorable clinical response. At the fifth day of therapy, an accelerated induction therapy with infliximab was started in doses of 10 mg/kg at weeks 0, 1 and 4. After the second dose, there was a favorable response with reduction of abdominal pain, stool frequency and hematochezia. She was discharged with prednisone and azathioprine. After a year of starting infliximab, the patient remains in clinical remission.

[Rectal diffuse large B cell lymphoma appearing after immunosuppression for ulcerative colitis. Report of one case]. / Linfoma difuso de células grandes B rectal en un paciente con colitis ulcerosa.

Primary colorectal lymphoma is a rare form of presentation of gastrointestinal tract lymphomas. Inflammatory bowel disease and its treatment are risk factors for its development. We report a 47-year-old male patient with Ulcerative Colitis of two years of evolution, treated initially with azathioprine and later on with infliximab. Due to a relapse in symptoms after the second dose of infliximab, a new coloncoscopy was performed showing a rectal ulcerative lesion, corresponding to a large cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The patient was successfully treated with RCHOP chemotherapy (Rituximab cyclophosphamide doxorubicin vincristine prednisone). He is currently in disease remission.

[Characterization of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer following the new Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMS)]. / Caracterización de pacientes con cáncer colorrectal esporádico basado en la nueva subclasificación molecular de consenso.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an heterogeneous disease. Three carcinogenic pathways determine its molecular profile: microsatellite instability (MSI), chromosomal instability (CIN) and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP). Based on the new molecular classification, four consensus CRC molecular subtypes (CMS) are established, which are related to clinical, pathological and biological characteristics of the tumor. AIM: To classify Chilean patients with sporadic CRC according to the new consensus molecular subtypes of carcinogenic pathways. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective analytical study of 53 patients with a mean age of 70 years (55% males) with CRC, operated at a private clinic, without neoadjuvant treatment. From normal and tumor tissue DNA of each patient, CIN, MSI and CIMP were analyzed. Combining these variables, tumors were classified as CMS1/MSI-immune, CMS2/canonical, CMS3/metabolic and CMS4/mesenchymal. RESULTS: CMS1 tumors (19%) were located in the right colon, were in early stages, had MMR complex deficiencies and 67% had an activating mutation of the BRAF oncogene. CMS2 tumors (31%) were located in the left colon, had moderate differentiation, absence of vascular invasion, lymphatic and mucin. CMS3 tumors (29%) were also left-sided, with absence of vascular and lymphatic invasion, and 29% had an activating mutation of the KRAS oncogene. CMS4 tumors (21%) showed advanced stages and presence of metastases. CONCLUSIONS: This new molecular classification contributes to understanding the heterogeneity of tumors. It is possible to differentiate molecular subgroups of a single pathological diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, opening the door to personalized medicine.