Discovery of New 2-Phenylamino-3-acyl-1,4-naphthoquinones as Inhibitors of Cancer Cells Proliferation: Searching for Intra-Cellular Targets Playing a Role in Cancer Cells Survival.

A series of 2-phenylamino-3-acyl-1,4-naphtoquinones were evaluated regarding their in vitro antiproliferative activities using DU-145, MCF-7 and T24 cancer cells. Such activities were discussed in terms of molecular descriptors such as half-wave potentials, hydrophobicity and molar refractivity. Compounds 4 and 11 displayed the highest antiproliferative activity against the three cancer cells and were therefore further investigated. The in silico prediction of drug likeness, using pkCSM and SwissADME explorer online, shows that compound 11 is a suitable lead molecule to be developed. Moreover, the expressions of key genes were studied in DU-145 cancer cells. They include genes involved in apoptosis (Bcl-2), tumor metabolism regulation (mTOR), redox homeostasis (GSR), cell cycle regulation (CDC25A), cell cycle progression (TP53), epigenetic (HDAC4), cell-cell communication (CCN2) and inflammatory pathways (TNF). Compound 11 displays an interesting profile because among these genes, mTOR was significantly less expressed as compared to control conditions. Molecular docking shows that compound 11 has good affinity with mTOR, unraveling a potential inhibitory effect on this protein. Due to the key role of mTOR on tumor metabolism, we suggest that impaired DU-145 cells proliferation by compound 11 is caused by a reduced mTOR expression (less mTOR protein) and inhibitory activity on mTOR protein.

Results of the ACTION-IO survey in Chilean patients with obesity and health care providers.

BACKGROUND: Most of the Chilean population has overweight or obesity. The ACTION-IO survey identified the perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to effective obesity care in people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs). AIM: To report the results of the survey in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted in 11 countries. In Chile, eligible PwO were adults with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. Eligible HCPs were physicians involved in direct patient care. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 1,000 PwO and 200 HCPs in Chile. Seventy four percent of PwO and 95% of HCPs agreed that obesity was a chronic disease. Most PwO (79%) assumed responsibility for their own weight loss, while 47% of HCPs considered weight loss to be the sole responsibility of their patients. Both 82% of PwO and 97% of HCPs believed that lack of exercise was a key barrier to weight loss. Sixty six percent of PwO and 58% HCPs noted that the cost of weight management medications, programs, and services was another barrier. Compared with HCPs, more PwO felt that genetic factors prevented weight loss (26 and 44% respectively). Few HCPs (19%) thought that their patients were motivated to lose weight, while 55% of PwO reported being motivated. Most (70%) PwO had discussed their weight problem with their HCP in the past 5 years, and of those that had not, 89% want their HCP to start a discussion about weight. CONCLUSIONS: Chilean data reveal misconceptions among PwO and HCPs about obesity and highlights the need to improve education about its biologic background and clinical management.

[Use of sodium-glucose cotrasporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetics. Experience in 77 patients]. / Experiencia de uso de inhibidores del cotransportador sodio-glucosa 2 en diabéticos tipo 2.

BACKGROUND: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new pharmacological alternative for the treatment of diabetes. AIM: To report our experience with the use of this type of drugs in type 2 diabetics treated in an outpatient clinic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected 77 type 2 diabetic patients aged 59 ± 11 years (45 men) who started SGLT2i, based on the advice of their treating physician. We registered their demographic characteristics and changes in metabolic parameters, weight, blood pressure, albuminuria and adverse effects, during a follow-up of at least three months. RESULTS: We observed a decrease of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c of 0.8 ± 1.14% (p < 0.01) and a weight decrease of 2.5 ± 2.24 kg (p < 0.01). The proportion of patients with a glycosylated hemoglobin A1c of less than 7% increased from 7.2% to 30.9% (p = 0.002). In addition, a relative decrease in albuminuria of 39.9% was observed (p = 0.07). The treatment was well tolerated with a rate of adverse effects of 21%, all of them being categorized as mild. Of these, most of them corresponded to genital mycotic infections. CONCLUSIONS: The effects observed in this study are comparable and of similar magnitude to randomized studies of SGLT2i reported in the international literature.

The Mediterranean diet, hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to present the pathophysiological mechanisms and most recent clinical evidence regarding the role of the Mediterranean diet in preventing and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). RECENT FINDINGS: Several components of the Mediterranean diet have proven benefits in controlling the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in NAFLD. However, the few clinical studies that have assessed the diet have involved low numbers of patients and lacked methodological rigor. The results of these studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet attenuates the progression of NAFLD once it is established, but does not contribute to preventing the disease in patients at risk. SUMMARY: Although there is a lack of clinical evidence derived from studies with high-quality methodology, the pathophysiological mechanisms of NAFLD shared with other associated pathologies suggest that there is a role for the Mediterranean diet in managing NAFLD. Studies with better methodology are needed to confirm the impact of the diet.

Reflections on the impact and response to the Peruvian 2017 Coastal El Niño event: Looking to the past to prepare for the future.

Climate-related phenomena in Peru have been slowly but continuously changing in recent years beyond historical variability. These include sea surface temperature increases, irregular precipitation patterns and reduction of glacier-covered areas. In addition, climate scenarios show amplification in rainfall variability related to the warmer conditions associated with El Niño events. Extreme weather can affect human health, increase shocks and stresses to the health systems, and cause large economic losses. In this article, we study the characteristics of El Niño events in Peru, its health and economic impacts and we discuss government preparedness for this kind of event, identify gaps in response, and provide evidence to inform adequate planning for future events and mitigating impacts on highly vulnerable regions and populations. This is the first case study to review the impact of a Coastal El Niño event on Peru's economy, public health, and governance. The 2017 event was the third strongest El Niño event according to literature, in terms of precipitation and river flooding and caused important economic losses and health impacts. At a national level, these findings expose a need for careful consideration of the potential limitations of policies linked to disaster prevention and preparedness when dealing with El Niño events. El Niño-related policies should be based on local-level risk analysis and efficient preparedness measures in the face of emergencies.

[A clinical teaching course for residents improves self-perception about preparation to teach]. / Un curso de docencia clínica para residentes mejora la autopercepción de preparación para enseñar.

BACKGROUND: Medical doctors need to be competent to teach patients, their families, students, and the health care team. In a previous study we determined that although the residents attach great importance to have teaching skills, they do not feel prepared to meet this role. AIM: To assess self-perception of learning in a formal course of training how to teach for residents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 2004 we implemented the course "Residents as Clinical Teachers", based on the Stanford Faculty Development Center for Medical Teachers Model (SFDC), for residents of a Medical School. Residents of all the post graduate programs were invited to take the course as an elective during the period 2004-2011. At the end of the course each resident completed the pre/post Seminar Series Housestaff/student Questionnaire; assessing perceptions of learning, expressed in a Likert scale from 1-5. RESULTS: The implementation of the course in 111 residents significantly improved self-perception of general preparation for teaching and improved self-perception of preparedness in each educational category. The personal goals most commonly established by participants were on feedback (52,2%), control of session (44%) and communication of goals (40%). Barriers for teaching most frequently identified were lack of time to do clinical teaching (51,3%) and environmental limitations (16,2%). The main impact of the course reported by residents were acquisition of teaching skills or tools for teaching (39,6%), enhancing of motivation (14%), and a richer understanding of teaching principles (14%). CONCLUSIONS: A clinical teaching course for residents improves their self-perception of preparation to teach and enhances motivation for clinical teaching.

Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio for non-invasive prediction of high risk esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Prophylaxis therapy is indicated in cirrhotic patients with large esophageal varices or small varices with red wale signs (high risk esophageal varices; HREV). Endoscopic surveillance to detect HREV is currently recommended. The objective of this study is to identify non-invasive predictors of HREV in cirrhotic patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Adult cirrhotic patients without previous variceal bleeding were prospectively included. All patients underwent a complete biochemical workup, upper digestive endoscopy, and ultrasonographic measurement of spleen bipolar diameter. Platelet count/spleen diameter ratio (PC/SD) was calculated for all patients. The association of these variables with the presence of HREV in upper endoscopy was tested using univariate and multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for variables associated with HREV. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were included. The prevalence rate of HREV was 50%. Age, gender (female), platelet count, spleen diameter, PC/SD ratio, total bilirrubin, prothrombin activity (INR), Child-Pugh score, clinical and ultrasonographic ascites were significantly associated with presence of HREV in univariate analysis. Age and PC/SD ratio were the parameters independently associated with HREV in a multivariate analysis, with OR 8.81 (CI 95%: 1.7-44.9) and OR 11.21 (CI 95%: 2.8-44.6) respectively. A PC/SD ratio cut-off value under 830.8 predicted HREV with 76.9% sensitivity, 74.2% specificity and 77.8% negative predictive value (ROC curve area: 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: The PC/SD ratio was significantly associated with HREV, but with suboptimal sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, the results of this study do not support the routine clinical use of PC/SD ratio for screening of HREV.

Relevancia y contribución de la Atención Primaria de Salud / Contributions and relevance of Primary Health Care

Primary Health Care (PHC) constitutes the basis of the Chilean public health system. For more than 30 years, Primary Health Care (PHC) has been internationally recognized as one of the key components of an effective health system, since it is considered a development strategy to achieve better levels of health, which is why WHO strongly encourages countries to strengthen the primary level of care. However, despite the relevance of PHC and the evidence in its favor, there are important barriers to the implementation of the family medicine model in the health system in Chile. Therefore, it is important to know in detail the benefits of a strong PHC and the difficulties that plague the public care system for its development.

La Atención Primaria de Salud (APS) constituye la base del sistema público de salud chileno. Desde hace más de 30 años la Atención Primaria de Salud (APS) es reconocida internacionalmente como uno de los componentes claves de un sistema de salud efectivo, puesto que se considera una estrategia de desarrollo para alcanzar mejores niveles de salud, razón por la cual la OMS promueve enfáticamente que los países fortalezcan el nivel primario de atención. Sin embargo, a pesar de la relevancia de la APS y la evidencia a favor, existen barreras importantes para la implementación del modelo de medicina familiar en el sistema de salud en Chile. Por lo tanto, es importante conocer a detalle los beneficios de una APS fuerte y las dificultades que aquejan el sistema público de atención para el desarrollo de ésta.

Results of the ACTION-IO survey in Chilean patients with obesity and health care providers / Resultados de la encuesta ACTION-IO en pacientes con obesidad y profesionales de la salud chilenos

ABSTRACT Background: Most of the Chilean population has overweight or obesity. The ACTION-IO survey identified the perceptions, attitudes, and barriers to effective obesity care in people with obesity (PwO) and healthcare professionals (HCPs). Aim: To report the results of the survey in Chile. Material and Methods: An online survey was conducted in 11 countries. In Chile, eligible PwO were adults with a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. Eligible HCPs were physicians involved in direct patient care. Results: The survey was completed by 1,000 PwO and 200 HCPs in Chile. Seventy four percent of PwO and 95% of HCPs agreed that obesity was a chronic disease. Most PwO (79%) assumed responsibility for their own weight loss, while 47% of HCPs considered weight loss to be the sole responsibility of their patients. Both 82% of PwO and 97% of HCPs believed that lack of exercise was a key barrier to weight loss. Sixty six percent of PwO and 58% HCPs noted that the cost of weight management medications, programs, and services was another barrier. Compared with HCPs, more PwO felt that genetic factors prevented weight loss (26 and 44% respectively). Few HCPs (19%) thought that their patients were motivated to lose weight, while 55% of PwO reported being motivated. Most (70%) PwO had discussed their weight problem with their HCP in the past 5 years, and of those that had not, 89% want their HCP to start a discussion about weight. Conclusions: Chilean data reveal misconceptions among PwO and HCPs about obesity and highlights the need to improve education about its biologic background and clinical management.

Antecedentes: La población chilena tiene una alta prevalencia de sobrepeso u obesidad. La encuesta ACTION-IO, realizada en personas con obesidad (PcO) y profesionales de la salud (PdS), identificó las percepciones, actitudes y barreras para lograr un efectivo manejo de la obesidad. Objetivos: Informar los resultados de la encuesta en Chile. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una encuesta on-line en 11 países. En Chile, las PcO elegibles fueron adultos con un índice de masa corporal ≥ 30 kg/m2 y los PdS eran médicos que realizaban atención directa de pacientes. Resultados: En Chile, la encuesta fue completada por 1000 PcO y 200 PdS. Un 74% de las PcO y 95% de los PdS consideraron que la obesidad es una enfermedad crónica. La mayoría de las PcO (79%) asumieron su total responsabilidad en la pérdida de peso, mientras que el 47% de los PdS consideraron que la pérdida de peso era responsabilidad exclusiva de los pacientes. Un 82% de las PcO y 97% de los PdS estimaron que la falta de ejercicio era una importante barrera para la pérdida de peso. Además, las PcO (66%) y los PdS (58%) refirieron que el costo de los programas, medicamentos y otros servicios constituyen barreras para el control del peso. Un 44% de las PcO y un 26% de los PdS consideraron que factores genéticos dificultaban la baja de peso. Solo el 19% de los PdS pensaban que sus pacientes estaban motivados para perder peso, mientras que el 55% de las PcO afirmaron estar motivados. La mayoría de las PcO (70%), había discutido el problema del peso con algún PdS en los últimos cinco años. De aquellas que no lo habían hecho, el 89% deseaba entablar una conversación sobre el peso con algún PdS. Conclusiones: Los datos chilenos revelan percepciones y creencias discordantes entre PcO y PdS sobre la obesidad, destacando así la necesidad de mejorar la educación sobre su base biológica y manejo clínico.

Experiencia de uso de inhibidores del cotransportador sodio-glucosa 2 en diabéticos tipo 2 / Use of sodium-glucose cotrasporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetics: experience in 77 patients

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new pharmacological alternative for the treatment of diabetes. Aim: To report our experience with the use of this type of drugs in type 2 diabetics treated in an outpatient clinic. Material and Methods: We selected 77 type 2 diabetic patients aged 59 ± 11 years (45 men) who started SGLT2i, based on the advice of their treating physician. We registered their demographic characteristics and changes in metabolic parameters, weight, blood pressure, albuminuria and adverse effects, during a follow-up of at least three months. Results: We observed a decrease of glycosylated hemoglobin A1c of 0.8 ± 1.14% (p < 0.01) and a weight decrease of 2.5 ± 2.24 kg (p < 0.01). The proportion of patients with a glycosylated hemoglobin A1c of less than 7% increased from 7.2% to 30.9% (p = 0.002). In addition, a relative decrease in albuminuria of 39.9% was observed (p = 0.07). The treatment was well tolerated with a rate of adverse effects of 21%, all of them being categorized as mild. Of these, most of them corresponded to genital mycotic infections. Conclusions: The effects observed in this study are comparable and of similar magnitude to randomized studies of SGLT2i reported in the international literature.

Un curso de docencia clínica para residentes mejora la autopercepción de preparación para enseñar / A clinical teaching course for residents improves self-perception about preparation to teach

Background: Medical doctors need to be competent to teach patients, their families, students, and the health care team. In a previous study we determined that although the residents attach great importance to have teaching skills, they do not feel prepared to meet this role. Aim: To assess self-perception of learning in a formal course of training how to teach for residents. Material and Methods: In 2004 we implemented the course "Residents as Clinical Teachers", based on the Stanford Faculty Development Center for Medical Teachers Model (SFDC), for residents of a Medical School. Residents of all the post graduate programs were invited to take the course as an elective during the period 2004-2011. At the end of the course each resident completed the pre/post Seminar Series Housestaff/student Questionnaire; assessing perceptions of learning, expressed in a Likert scale from 1-5. Results: The implementation of the course in 111 residents significantly improved self-perception of general preparation for teaching and improved self-perception of preparedness in each educational category. The personal goals most commonly established by participants were on feedback (52,2%), control of session (44%) and communication of goals (40%). Barriers for teaching most frequently identified were lack of time to do clinical teaching (51,3%) and environmental limitations (16,2%). The main impact of the course reported by residents were acquisition of teaching skills or tools for teaching (39,6%), enhancing of motivation (14%), and a richer understanding of teaching principles (14%). Conclusions: A clinical teaching course for residents improves their self-perception of preparation to teach and enhances motivation for clinical teaching.

Paget disease of bone in Colombia and Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Paget disease of bone has an unknown etiology, having complex pathogenesis leading to increased bone resorption in the first phase and an excess of bone formation with more advanced disease. The disease has been associated to white ancestry in Europe and other countries, being less common in people without European origin. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to describe the Colombian cases of Paget disease and search the published literature for more Latin American cases and their characteristics. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched up to August 2004: MEDLINE, PUBMED, BIREME LILAC, and MEDCARIB, evaluating the entire bibliography regarding reports of Paget disease in Latin America during the last 30 years. Additionally, we searched the medical databases of local reference centers to describe new cases from Colombia. RESULTS: We found 14 cases of Paget disease from Colombia; 12 of them were previously reported elsewhere and 2 additional cases were found in the medical database of a local reference center. We describe the main clinic characteristics, including age, symptoms, type and stage of involved bone (monostotic or polyostotic), and treatment, which generally are similar to cases from Europe or the United States. The literature search showed that a total of 1149 cases of Paget disease have been previously published from Latin America in the last 30 years, more than half of them coming from Argentina and Brazil with predominant white ancestry. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize the presence of white European origin or ancestry in the great majority of reported cases of Paget disease in Latin America and Colombia. Studies of factors that influence the etiology in cases of non-European ancestry would be of interest.

Hashimoto encephalopathy (autoimmune encephalitis).

Patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis may have neurologic manifestations that have been described in the literature for some decades now; these include psychiatric disorders, abnormal movements, and simulation of cerebrovascular events. Nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI) studies have revealed diffuse leukoencephalopathy in most cases. We describe a case having clinical manifestations simulating cerebrovascular events, together with cognitive alterations (a presentation already described in other patients). Among the 2 main forms of neurologic manifestations, the cognitive type, which is probably associated with endocrinologic alteration, may improve with hormone supplement. Those alterations simulating cerebrovascular events are most probably related to autoimmune vasculitis. The latter may improve with the administration of corticosteroids, which are proposed as treatment of this disorder.

Síndrome de Sjögren primario con neumonía intersticial linfocítica y enfermedad quística pulmonar / Primary Sjögren's syndrome with lymphocitic interstitial pneumonia and cystic pulmonary disease

El síndrome de Sjögren primario (SSP) es una exocrinopatía autoinmune crónica caracterizada por infiltración linfocítica de tejido glandular y extraglandular; el compromiso pulmonar es heterogéneo; el objetivo del presente estudio es informar el primer caso en Colombia de SSP con neumonía intersticial linfocítica y enfermedad quística pulmonar, plantear diagnósticos diferenciales, abordaje diagnóstico y alternativas terapéuticas.

The primary Sjögren's syndrome (PSS) is a chronic autoimmune exocrinopathy characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of glandular and extraglandular tissue, the lung involvement is heterogeneous; the aim of this study is report the first case in Colombia of PSS with lymphocytic intersticial pneumonia and cystic pulmonary disease discuss differential diagnosis and the initial diagnostic and therapeutic work up.

Paniculitis y eritema nodoso. Un estudio de correlación clínico-biológica / Panniculitis and erythema nodosum. A clinical and biological correlation

Objetivos: el propósito de este estudio fue analizar la frecuencia de presentación de la paniculitis en nuestro medio, valorar su presentación clínica, factores etiológicos, las manifestaciones histológicas típicas en el grupo de pacientes con eritema nodoso clasificándolas en los diferentes estadios y su correlación con los hallazgos de los subgrupos celulares predominantes en cada una de las etapas de la enfermedad. Materiales y métodos: se incluyeron 60 pacientes con diagnóstico de paniculitis, valorados de manera prospectiva en nuestro servicio en el período comprendido entre junio de 1994 y junio de 1998. Se realizó una historia y examen físico completo y se evaluaron factores de riesgo. Se realizaron estudios paraclínicos complementarios. Se estableció una clasificación de las lesiones, de acuerdo a su estadio histológico, dependiendo del tipo celular predominante y alteraciones tisulares, en lesiones tempranas (incipientes), establecidas (activas) y tardías. Se realizó estudio histológico con tinción hematoxilina eosina a un subgrupo de 26 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de eritema nodoso. Se estudiaron con anticuerpos monoclonales (ACL, CD15, CD45Ro, CD45Ra, CD68, CD35, DR, DP, DQ, CD4 y CD8) las 26 muestras para determinar la presencia o ausencia de leucocitos en las lesiones y los subtipos celulares más frecuentes (Linfocitos T, linfocitos B, granulocitos, células presentadoras de antígeno, macrófagos). Se estableció una correlación entre los hallazgos clínicos, histológicos y de inmunohistoquímica, de acuerdo al estadio de las lesiones. Resultados: 92% (n=55) de los pacientes eran mujeres; la edad promedio de presentación de la enfermedad fue de 34 años. El tipo de lesión más frecuentemente observada fue el nódulo en el 83% de los pacientes (n=50). El sitio de presentación más frecuente fue en la pierna en el 77% de los pacientes (n=46), acompañándose de dolor en la lesión en el 87% (n=52). La velocidad de sedimentación y la proteína C reactiva fueron positivas en la mayoría de los pacientes. La patología más frecuentemente asociada fue la faringoamigdalitis en 17% de los pacientes (n=10) y no se encontraron patologías asociadas en el 25% de los casos (n=15). De los 26 estudios histológicos dos correspondieron a vasculitis nodular (8%), el 23% (n=6) se encontraban en un estadio inicial de eritema nodoso, el 46% (n=12) de las lesiones se encontraban en un estadio activo bien desarrollado. El 23% (n=6) de las lesiones se encontraba en un estadio tardío de regresión. Por técnicas de inmunohistoquímica se encontraron linfocitos (antígeno Común leucocitario) en el 100% de los casos (n=26)). En las lesiones tempranas se encontraron principalmente células presentadoras de antígeno (DR, DP, DQ, CD35) y linfocitos T (CD45Ro); en las lesiones activas se encontraron predominantemente linfocitos T (CD45R0), seguidos por células presentadoras de antígeno (DR, DP, DQ, CD35) y macrófagos (CD 68). En las lesiones tardías se encontraron linfocitos T (CD45Ro). En las dos muestras con hallazgo de vasculitis nodular los granulocitos (CD15) fueron más frecuentes. Conclusiones: el Eritema Nodoso es una enfermedad frecuente dentro del grupo de pacientes con paniculitis, presentándose principalmente en mujeres y de características idiopáticas en el 25% de los pacientes. La enfermedad se presenta en diferentes estadios clínicos e histológicos. En el estadio inicial predominan las células presentadoras de antígeno (DR, DP, DQ, CD35) y los linfocitos T (CD45Ro); en el estadio activo (lesiones bien desarrolladas) predominan los linfocitos T (CD45R0), seguidos por células presentadoras de antígeno (DR, DP, DQ, CD35) y macrófagos (CD 68). En el estadio tardío (en regresión) predominan los linfocitos T (CD45Ro ). Es una enfermedad cutánea por hipersensibilidad celular, dependiente de células T, posiblemente células CD4. En la vasculitis nodular llama la atención que predominan los granulocitos (CD15), sin observarse predominancia de células presentadoras de antígenos ni linfocitos T, por lo cual inferimos que son patologías totalmente diferentes en su patogénesis.

Objective: to assess the frequency, etiologic factors, clinical patterns, histological types of panniculitis, and to correlate the different histologic patterns with stages of the disease. Material and methods: this is a prospective study of 60 patients with the diagnosis of panniculitis referred to our service between June 1994 and June 1998. A complete history and physical examination was performed, risk factors were evaluated. Laboratory studies were performed. A classification of the lesions depending on the predominant cellular type and tissue alterations were done, in early (incipient), established (active) and delayed injuries. Biopsy of the lesion and H&E examination was done in 26 patients. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis was performed using the following monoclonal antibodies (LCA, CD15, CD45Ro, CD45Ra, CD68, CD35, DR, DP, DQ, CD4 and CD8) to determine the presence or absence of leukocytes, and cellular subtypes including lymphocytes, T and B, polymorphonuclear, dendritic cells, and macrophages. A correlation between the clinical, histological and inmmunohistochemical findings, according to the stage of the lesions were established. Results: the majority of patients were women-55 (92%), mean age was 34 years. Nodular lesions were the most common - seen in 50/60 (83%), with lower extremities most commonly affected - 46/60 (77%). Most lesions were painful - 52/60 (87%). Both ESR and CRP were elevated in most patients. A precipitating event was present in 75%. Tonsillitis was present in 10/60 (17%). One-fourth (n=15) of patients did not exhibit clinical associated pathology. Of the 26 studies realized, histologically vasculitis was found in 2 cases, 6 cases were deemed to be in early stages of EN (23%), 12 (46%) were well developed active EN, and 6 (23%) exhibited late stage and in regression. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed: lymphocytes present in all cases. In early stages APC (DR, DP, DQ, CD35) and CD45Ro were the dominant types; in active lesions CD45Ro and to a lesser degree APC and macrophages (CD68) were the predominant cell types. In late stages CD45Ro lymphocytes were the dominant cell types. In the 2 cases with nodular vasculitis - CD15 PMN cells were the most frequent. Conclusion: erythema nodosum is a relatively frequent condition, most commonly seen in women, and of unknown etiology in 25% of cases. The diseases is presented in different clinical and histological stages. In early stages, APC and CD45Ro lymphocytes predominate, while in late stages CD45Ro T lymphocytes are the predominant cell type. In active and well developed stages, CD45Ro, APC and CD68 cells predominate. PMN (CD 15) appears to be the dominant cell type in the nodular vasculitic variant, with no predominance of neither APC o T lymphocytes, thus we inferred that they are totally different pathologies in its pathogenesis.

Sindrome de Sjogren primario: aspectos clinicos e inmunologicos / Primary Sjogren syndrome: clinical and immunological aspects

En sus formas primaria o secundaria el sindrome de Sjogren o exocrinopatia autoinmune es una de las enfermedades de tejido conectivo mas comun. La variedad primaria (no asociada a ninguna otra enfermedad autoinmune) es sin embargo mal conocida en Colombia. Se presentan diez casos de ella, de cuyo analisis resaltan la heterogeneidad de las manifestaciones clinicas extraglandulares, la constante afectacion de las secreciones exocrinas variable en severidad y extension (sindrome sicca), y las caracteristicas alteraciones inmunologicas: hipergammaglobulinemia G, anticuerpos antinucleares positivos, pero ausencia de anti-DNA, RNP y Sm, factor reumatoide no necesariamente positivo, y sobre todo HLD-B8 negativo en todos los pacientes, lo cual pareceria diferenciar este grupo de los descritos en otras partes. Una cuidadosa correlacion entre el sindrome sicca (xerostomia, queratoconjuntivitis sicca), los sintomas de compromiso sistemico extraglandular y las alteraciones inmunologicas permiten establecer el diagnostico diferencial sin mayores dificultades.

Capilaroscopia: observaciones en 65 pacientes con desordenes del tejido conectivo / Capillaroscopy: observations in 65 patients with connective tissue disorders

La capilaroscopia in vivo del pliegue ungueal proximal de los dedos de las manos es un procedimento simple, no invasivo, con una sensibilidad y especificidad notables que lo convierten en una ayuda muy util en la valoracion de pacientes con enfermedades del tejido concetivo. Fueron examinados 65 pacientes con esclerosis sistemica progresiva, lupus eritematoso sistemico, dermattomiositis, fenomeno de Raynaud primario o artritis reumatoide. Los resultados confirman la ocurrencia de patrones caracteristicos de algunas entidades: el patron SD fue encontrado en todos los casos de dermatomiositis en 93% de esclerosis y en 80% de fenomeno de Raynaud primario. En la artritis reumatoide no existe un patron particular bien definido por lo que quizas la capilaroscopia es menos util. El seguimiento capilaroscopico de los pacientes con fenomeno de Raynaud primario puede predecir el desarrollo ulterior de una enfermedad sistemica del tejido concetivo.