Small renal masses in Latin-American population: characteristics and prognostic factors for survival, recurrence and metastasis - a multi-institutional study from LARCG database.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate demographic, clinical and pathological characteristics of small renal masses (SRM) (≤ 4 cm) in a Latin-American population provided by LARCG (Latin-American Renal Cancer Group) and analyze predictors of survival, recurrence and metastasis. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective cohort study of 1523 patients submitted to surgical treatment for non-metastatic SRM from 1979 to 2016. Comparisons between radical (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN) and young or elderly patients were performed. Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests estimated 10-year overall survival. Predictors of local recurrence or metastasis were analyzed by a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: PN and RN were performed in 897 (66%) and 461 (34%) patients. A proportional increase of PN cases from 48.5% (1979-2009) to 75% (after 2009) was evidenced. Stratifying by age, elderly patients (≥ 65 years) had better 10-year OS rates when submitted to PN (83.5%), than RN (54.5%), p = 0.044. This disparity was not evidenced in younger patients. On multivariable model, bilaterality, extracapsular extension and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) classification ≥3 were predictors of local recurrence. We did not identify significant predictors for distant metastasis in our series. CONCLUSIONS: PN is performed in Latin-America in a similar proportion to developed areas and it has been increasing in the last years. Even in elderly individuals, if good functional status, sufficiently fit to surgery, and favorable tumor characteristics, they should be encouraged to perform PN. Intending to an earlier diagnosis of recurrence or distant metastasis, SRM cases with unfavorable characteristics should have a more rigorous follow-up routine.

Prognostic Factors in De Novo Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Report From the Latin American Renal Cancer Group.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of clinical and pathological variables on cancer-specific and overall survival (OS) in de novo metastatic patients from a collaborative of primarily Latin American countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Of 4,060 patients with renal cell carcinoma diagnosed between 1990 and 2015, a total of 530 (14.5%) had metastasis at clinical presentation. Relationships between clinical and pathological parameters and treatment-related outcomes were analyzed by Cox regression and the log-rank method. RESULTS: Of 530 patients, 184 (90.6%) had died of renal cell carcinoma. The median OS of the entire cohort was 24 months. American Society of Anesthesiology classification 3-4 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.64), perirenal fat invasion (HR: 2.02), and ≥ 2 metastatic organ sites (HR: 2.19) were independent prognostic factors for 5-year OS in multivariable analyses. We created a risk group stratification with these variables: no adverse risk factors (favorable group), median OS not reached; one adverse factor (intermediate group), median OS 33 months (HR: 2.04); and two or three adverse factors (poor risk group), median OS 14 months (HR: 3.58). CONCLUSION: Our study defines novel prognostic factors that are relevant to a Latin American cohort. With external validation, these easily discerned clinical variables can be used to offer prognostic information across low- and middle-income countries.

Defecto septal ventricular postinfarto: complicación devastadora / Post-infarction ventricular septal defect: a devastating complicatio

Introducción: la comunicación interventricular es la complicación mecánica más frecuente después de un infarto agudo del miocardio en especial si cursa con elevación del ST, cuya frecuencia es alrededor de 0.21%, aumentando cuando es extenso y no reperfundido en pacientes con mayor edad, si hay compromiso multivaso y sin colateralidad; es una situación devastadora de mal pronóstico. Presentación de los casos: se describen 2 casos en un hospital universitario de Bogotá posteriores a infarto agudo del miocardio con elevación del ST y sin reperfusión temprana, ambos en choque cardiogénico, el primero con evolución tórpida y mortalidad temprana y la segunda fue llevada a los 10 días a cierre transcatéter, documentándose periprocedimiento un aumento significativo del tamaño del defecto septal, con mayor inestabilidad hemodinámica y muerte posterior al cierre.

Introduction: ventricular septal communication is the most frequent mechanical complication of acute myocardial infarction (MI), especially if associated with ST-segment elevation, featuring a rate of around 0.21%, which increases in older patients with extensive defects and no reperfusion therapy. In patients with multivessel involvement and no collateral circulation; it is a catastrophic situation which carries a poor prognosis. Case reports: two patients admitted to a university hospital in Bogotá, with ST-elevation post-MI VSD, undergoing no early reperfusion, both in cardiogenic shock. The first patient had a torpid evolution and early mortality. The second patient underwent a VSD transcatheter repair 10 days after MI, determining significant periprocedural increase in the size of the septal defect, with greater hemodynamic instability and death.

Primer caso en Colombia de crioablación y mapeo de alta densidad en arritmia ventricular del músculo papilar / First case in Colombia of cryoablation and high-density mapping in ventricular arrhythmia of the papillary muscle

Resumen La ablación con catéter se ha convertido en un enfoque práctico para el tratamiento de las arritmias cardiacas, sobre todo cuando el manejo farmacológico óptimo no logra controlarlas. De esta manera se reduce la readmisión hospitalaria y se mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes, incluso de aquellos en quienes no se logra la resolución completa de la arritmia. Hasta la fecha se han utilizado varias modalidades entre las que se incluyen la radiofrecuencia y la crioablación. Los principios de la criobiología se establecieron por primera vez con investigaciones sobre la congelación de los tumores y datos actuales sugieren que es necesaria una temperatura entre -30 a -40 °C para inducir muerte celular, ya sea por mecanismos inmediatos, como ruptura celular, lesión hipotérmica o daño vascular, o tardíos, como apoptosis. Se presenta el primer caso en Colombia de mapeo de alta densidad y crioablación como estrategias combinadas para el tratamiento efectivo de un paciente con alta carga de arritmia ventricular sintomática originada en el músculo papilar anterolateral, sin recurrencia de la arritmia en el tiempo de seguimiento.

Abstract Catheter ablation has become a practical approach for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, especially when optimal pharmacological management does not achieve adequate control of it, thus reducing hospital readmission and improving quality of life, even in patients in whom the complete resolution of the arrhythmia is not achieved. To date, a variety of modalities have been used, including radiofrequency and cryoablation. The principles of cryobiology were established for the first time with research on the freezing of tumors and current data suggest that a temperature of -30 to -40 °C is necessary to induce cell death either by immediate or delayed mechanisms; immediate as cellular rupture or hypothermic injury as well as vascular damage or apoptosis among the late. The first case in Colombia of high-density mapping and cryoablation is presented as combined strategies for the effective treatment of a patient with a high load of symptomatic ventricular arrhythmia originating in the anterolateral papillary muscle, without recurrence of the arrhythmia at the time of follow-up with symptoms, so it was to successful cryoablation, as the first case with this technique.

Desenlaces asociados con solución salina normal versus lactato de ringer en sepsis y choque séptico o hipovolémico / Outcomes associated with normal saline solution vs lactated ringer´s solution in sepsis and septic or hypovelemic shock

Introducción: los cristaloides son medicamentos usados en pacientes críticamente enfermos, con resultados ambiguos cuando se utilizan soluciones balanceadas versus solución salina normal. Objetivo: conocer si existen diferencias al usar solución salina 0.9% vs. lactato de Ringer en pacientes críticamente enfermos con sepsis y choque séptico o hipovolémico, en cuanto a mortalidad, lesión renal aguda y tiempo de estancia hospitalaria. Métodos: estudio observacional de tipo cohorte retrospectiva en mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de sepsis, choque séptico o hipovolémico. Se excluyeron aquellos con enfermedad renal crónica en diálisis, las hospitalizadas por ginecología/obstetricia y aquellos con diagnóstico de muerte encefálica o donantes de órganos. Se evaluaron los desenlaces primarios de mortalidad, lesión renal aguda y estancia hospitalaria. Resultados y discusión: se incluyeron 314 pacientes, 158 en el grupo expuesto a solución salina al 0.9% y 156 con lactato de Ringer. Se presentó lesión renal aguda en 22.7% con solución salina y 25.8% con lactato de Ringer (OR 1.18 IC 95%:0.7-2). La mortalidad con solución salina fue de 49%, y en lactato 49% (OR 1.01 IC 95%:0.63-1.63). Los factores de riesgo identificados para mortalidad fueron uso de soporte vasopresor (OR 35 IC 95% 12-83) y lesión renal aguda (1.3 IC 95% 1.01-1.69). Conclusiones: en el paciente críticamente enfermo con sepsis, choque séptico o hipovolémico el uso desolución salina 0.9% no representa diferencias al compararlo con lactato de Ringer en cuanto a mortalidad, lesión renal aguda o estancia hospitalaria. La elección de un cristaloide debe ser individualizada, teniendo en cuenta las comorbilidades, la presencia de hipercloremia o hiperpotasemia.

Objective: crystalloids are drugs used in critically ill patients, with ambiguous results when balanced solutions versus normal saline solution (NS) are used. The objective of this study is to determine if there are differences when NS (0.9%) vs. lactated Ringer ́s (LR) solution are given to critically ill patients in sepsis or septic or hypovolemic shock, in terms of mortality, acute renal injury and length of hospital stay. Methods: a retrospective observational cohort study in patients over 18 years old with sepsis or septic or hypovolemic shock. Patients with chronic renal disease on dialysis, those hospitalized by gynecology/obstetrics and those diagnosed with brain death or organ donors were excluded. The primary mortality outcomes, acute renal injury and hospital stay were evaluated. Results: 314 patients were included, 158 in the NS group and 156 in the LR group. Acute renal injury occurred in 22.7% in the NS group and 25.8% in the LR group (OR 1.18 IC 95%:0.7-2). Mortality rate was 49% in the NS group and 49% in the LR group (OR 1.01 95%: CI 0.63-1.63). Mortality risk factors included the use of vasopressor support (OR 35 95% CI 12-83) and acute renal injury (1.3 95% CI 1.01-1.69). Conclusions: no difference was found with the use of NS in critically ill patients with sepsis or septic or hypovolemic shock when compared with LR in terms of mortality, acute renal injury or hospital stay. The choice of which crystalloid to administer should be individualized, based on the comorbidities and the presence of hyperchloremia or hyperkalemia.

Prevalencia de fibrilación auricular en pacientes hospitalizados por Medicina interna / Prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients admitted by Internal Medicine

Resumen Introducción: La fibrilación auricular es la arritmia más frecuente en el mundo y conlleva importantes consecuencias clínicas. Sin embargo, son pocos los datos de prevalencia o incidencia en Latinoamérica, específicamente en Colombia. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal en el que se revisaron las historias clínicas electrónicas de pacientes hospitalizados por Medicina interna en el año 2016 en tres hospitales universitarios de Colombia, excluyendo pacientes de la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo o que tenían soporte vasoactivo/inotrópico. Se calculó prevalencia global y por grupos de edad; además, se estimó la diferencia de prevalencias entre grupos etarios mediante el cálculo de la razón de prevalencias. Resultados: Se evaluaron 6.882 historias clínicas; se encontró una prevalencia global de fibrilación auricular de 4,8% (331 pacientes), más alta en mujeres (2,64%). La mediana de edad global fue 65 años con un rango intercuartílico (RIC) entre 49-78; para los pacientes con fibrilación auricular fue de 79 años (RIC 71-86). El 93,96% de los casos tenían una o más comorbilidades asociadas y, de éstas la más frecuente fue la hipertensión arterial crónica, con un 74,32%. Al pasar los 70 años, aumentó la prevalencia de fibrilación auricular 3.3 veces en comparación con los menores de este rango (razón de prevalencias 3.3). Conclusiones: La fibrilación auricular en las tres instituciones estudiadas, tiene una prevalencia global del 4,8%, y aumenta 3.3 veces al pasar los 70 años, hecho que demuestra que en Colombia esta enfermedad crece a mayor rango etario, datos útiles para sustentar políticas de tamizaje, que mejoren la calidad y el cubrimiento en salud.

Abstract Introduction: Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia in the world, and has significant clinical consequences. However, there are few data on the prevalence or incidence in Latin America, particularly in Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, in which a review was made of the computerised clinical records of patients admitted by Internal Medicine into three University Hospitals in Colombia. Patients admitted to Intensive Care or had vasoactive/ inotropic support were excluded. The overall prevalence was calculated, as well as by age group. The difference in prevalence between age groups was also calculated using the prevalence rates. Results: A total of 6,882 clinical records were reviewed, finding an overall prevalence of atrial fibrillation of 4.8% (331 patients), and was higher in women (2.64%). The overall median age was 65 years with an interquartile range (IQR) between 49 and 78 years. This increased to 79 years (IQR 71-86) for patients with atrial fibrillation. One or more associated comorbidities were found in 93.96% of cases, and of these the most common was chronic arterial hypertension in 74.32%. At greater than 70 years, atrial fibrillation increased 3.3 times more compared to those below this age range (prevalence ratio, 3.3). Conclusions: Atrial fibrillation in the three sites studied had an overall prevalence of 4.8%. This increased by 3.3 times in those patients over 70 years-old. This fact shows that the disease increases with increased age, making this useful data to maintain a screening policy that could improve health quality and coverage in Colombia.

Características clínicas y sociodemográficas de y sociodemográficas de pacientes fallecidos por pacientes fallecidos por COVID-19 en Colombia / Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients who died from COVID-19 in Colombia

Introducción: desde el 6 de marzo 2020 se confirmó el primer contagiado de la enfermedad coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) en Colombia, se extendió por todo su territorio con un compromiso clínico variable. Es de vital importancia conocer las Características de los pacientes afectados letalmente. Objetivos: describir las características clínicas y sociodemográficas de pacientes fallecidos por COVID-19 en Colombia hasta el 15 de mayo 2020. Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal. Se tomaron datos de los pacientes fallecidos por COVID-19 en todo el territorio colombiano, registradas en las bases de datos reportadas por el Instituto Nacional de Salud desde el 6 de marzo a 15 de mayo 2020. Resultados: hasta el 15 de mayo 2020 se reportaron un total de 546 muertes, 60.8% de los fallecidos eran hombres. La edad mediana fue 69 años (RIC: 59-79) siendo 73.3% pacientes con 60 años o más, 86.8% tenían factores de riesgo conocidos, los más comunes fueron hipertensión arterial (37.9%), diabetes mellitus (18.7%), enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (17.3%) y antecedente de cardiopatía (15.2%), 3.3% eran casos provenientes del extranjero. Las principales zonas afectadas a nivel nacional fueron Bogotá (29.8%), Cali (12.2%), Cartagena (11.1%) y Leticia (6.2%). Conclusiones: la letalidad en Colombia por COVID-19 es de 3.8%. La mayoría de los pacientes tuvo una condición clínica asociada siendo la hipertensión arterial la más frecuente, pero enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica e hipotiroidismo son relevantes en nuestra población.

Introduction: the first case of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in Colombia on March 6 2020, and spread through the country with diverse clinical presentations. It is critical to identify the characteristics of individuals with fatal outcomes. Objectives: to describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients who died from COVID-19 in Colombia up to May 15 2020. Material and Methods: a cross-sectional study. Data on patients who died from COVID-19 in Colombia recorded and reported by the National Health Institute from March 6 to May 15 2020 were used. Results: a total of 546 deaths were reported as of May 15 2020, of which 60.8% were males. The median age was 69 years (IQR: 59-79), 73.3% were patients aged 60 years or older and 86.8% had underlying risk factors, the most common being hypertension (37.9%), diabetes mellitus (18.7%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (17.3%) and a past history of heart disease (15.2%), 3.3% were cases that had arrived from abroad. Nationally, the most affected areas were Bogotá (29.8%), Cali (12.2%), Cartagena (11.1%) and Leticia (6.2%). Conclusions: the COVID-19 mortality rate in Colombia is 3.8%. Most patients had an associated clinical condition being hypertension the most frequent one, but chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypothyroidism are relevant in our population.

Community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a new aetiological agent of prostatic abscess.

Prostatic abscess is rare. Its potentially serious course requires a high level of clinical suspicion and prompt and effective treatment. The causative germs are usually either enterobacteria or Enterococcus. The authors highlight the importance of considering epidemiological and clinical aspects in the early diagnosis and treatment. Prostatic abscess due to community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus has three typical characteristics: skin entry point, periprostatic compromise, and anaemia and low prothrombin.

Rosai-Dorfman disease presenting as a kidney tumour.

An 81-year-old Caucasian lady studied for anaemia presented with a large solid enhancing mass arising from the hilum of the left kidney on computed tomography scan. A laparoscopic left radical nephrectomy was done through a retroperitoneal approach. Microscopy and histochemistry classified it as Rosai-Dorfman disease though there was neither lymphadenopathy anywhere nor lymphocytosis. It was a very unusual urological presentation of a rare disease.

An association of purple urine bag syndrome with intussusception.

We report a case of an elderly lady with a long-term suprapubic catheter who developed purple discoloration of urine around the same time as she developed intussusception. Purple urine bag syndrome is a benign condition known to be associated with intestinal stasis. However, this association with intussusception should be kept in mind before the patient is reassured.