Leucemia y Covid-19 (Leucovid-19): efecto de la pandemia sobre el diagnóstico de leucemia aguda en la Ciudad de México previo a Ómicron.

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Usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte, monocyte-to-lymphocyte and lymphocyte-to-platelet ratios for the prognosis of COVID-19-associated complications.

INTRODUCTION: Various biomarkers based on blood counts have been useful for the prognosis of patients critically ill with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To describe the usefulness of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte (MLR) and lymphocyte-to-platelet (LPR) ratios for the prognosis of mortality and ventilatory support requirement for COVID-19. METHOD: Retrospective cohort of clinical records of patients with COVID-19 who required hospital care. RESULTS: One-hundred and -twenty-five cases were analyzed; mean age was 51 years, and 60 % were of the male gender; 21.6 % had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 18.4 % had hypertension. Mean leukocyte count was 9.5 x 103/µL, with a neutrophil mean of 8.0 x 103/µL. Mean NLR was 12.01, while for MLR it was 0.442, and for LPR, 373.07. Regarding the area under the curve, the following values were recorded for mortality: 0.594 for NLR, 0.628 for MLR and 0.505 for LPR; as for mechanical ventilation, the values were 0.581 for NLR, 0.619 for MLR and 0.547 for LPR. In the univariate analysis, an NLR value > 13 (OR: 2.750, p = 0.001) and an MLR of > 0.5 (OR: 2.069, p = 0.047) were associated with mortality; LPR showed no impact on mortality or respiratory support. CONCLUSION: NLR and MLR are useful for predicting mortality in patients with COVID-19.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Diversos biomarcadores basados en conteos sanguíneos han sido de utilidad para el pronóstico de los pacientes en estado crítico por COVID-19. OBJETIVO: Describir la utilidad de los índices neutrófilo/linfocito (INL), monocito/linfocito (IML) y linfocito/plaqueta (IPL) para el pronóstico de la mortalidad y necesidad de soporte ventilatorio por COVID-19. MÉTODO: Cohorte retrospectiva de registros clínicos de pacientes con COVID-19 que requirieron atención hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 125 casos, la edad media fue de 51 años y 60 %, del sexo masculino; 21.6 % padecía diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y 18.4 %, hipertensión. La media de leucocitos fue 9.5 × 103/µL y la de neutrófilos, de 8.0 × 103/µL. La media del INL fue de 12.01; del IML, de 0.442 y del IPL, de 373.07. Respecto al área bajo la curva se registraron los siguientes valores en cuanto a mortalidad: INL, 0.594; IML, 0.628 e ILP, 0.505; en cuanto a ventilación mecánica: INL, 0.581; IML, 0.619 e ILP, 0.547. En el análisis univariado, INL > 13 (RM = 2.750, p = 0.001) e IML > 0.5 (RM = 2.069, p = 0.047) se asociaron a mortalidad; ILP no mostró impacto en la mortalidad ni en el soporte respiratorio. CONCLUSIÓN: INL e IML son de utilidad para predecir la mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19.

Circulating levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 are associated with metabolic syndrome rather than with menopause.

The plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is the major determinant of fibrinolytic activity. PAI-1 concentrations are elevated in obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome (MetS). On the other hand, during menopause, fibrinolytic activity decreases and, consequently, PAI-1 concentration increases; however, it is debated whether menopause is an independent determinant factor of PAI-1 levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of hormonal and metabolic status on the concentration of PAI-1 in pre-and post-menopausal women. A case-control study was conducted in ninety pre-and post-menopausal women aged 45 to 55 years, matched by body mass index (BMI). Anthropometric measurements and biochemical determinations were performed on all participants. The fibrinolytic activity was determined by measuring PAI-1 by ELISA. Of all the women, 30% presented MetS. Women with MetS had higher values of PAI-1 (36.0 ± 19.1 vs 19.3 ± 14.8 ng/mL, p < .001); in contrast, no differences were observed when compared by hormonal status (20.7 ± 18.10 vs 20.2 ± 17.0 ng/mL, NS). The results of this study suggest that in women, MetS plays a more important role in the deterioration of the fibrinolytic mechanisms rather than their hormonal status. Therefore, the identification of cardio-metabolic factors is relevant to reduce the presence of thrombosis in post-menopausal women.

Risk Factors for Thrombosis Development in Mexican Patients.

BACKGROUND: To identify inherited factors: Protein C (PC), protein S (PS), antithrombin (AT), plasminogen (Plg), the activated PC resistance (APCR), prothrombin (PT) mutation G20210 A (PTG20210 A) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677 T polymorphism (MTHFR C677 T), as well as acquired-risk factors such as: diabetes mellitus, surgeries, smoking, obesity, hypertension, trauma, alcoholism, family history; and their association, in Mexican patients with diagnostic of thrombophilia. METHODS: Overall, 200 patients diagnosed with thrombophilia and 100 healthy controls. Commercial kits were used for the coagulometric tests and polymerase chain reaction, restriction fragment length polymorphism for molecular alterations. RESULTS: Alterations were found with an estimated prevalence to PC 0.65%, AT 2.04% and Plg 2.5%, APCR 2%, PT 20210 2%, and MTHFR 65%. The C677 T polymorphism of the MTHFR did not associate with acquired-risk factors so we can suppose that it is an independent risk factor. For the patients that only presented acquired-risk factors (21 of 200), the association smoking-alcoholism showed to be the cause of thrombosis with high risk. The following were also associated: smoking with AT, PC, and alcoholism; obesity with Plg; smoking with alcoholism, and PS deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for both primary and secondary and their association were present as a cause of thrombosis in the patients studied, and the possibility to suffer a recurrent thrombosis.

Menopausal women have hypofibrinolysis even in subclinical stage of atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: PAI-1 is the main inhibitor of fibrinolysis. Increase in PAI-1 levels has been associated with the risk of coronary disease; however, there are few studies on the relationship between subclinical atherosclerosis and PAI-1 levels. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between PAI-1 level and carotid intima-media thickness in premenopausal and postmenopausal women without apparent cardiovascular disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 142 women aged 45 to 60 years with no history of cardiovascular disease. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were performed, including PAI-1 levels. All participants underwent a B-Mode ultrasound to measure intima-media thickness. Subclinical atherosclerosis was considered when intima-media thickness was ≥ 0.7 mm and/or an atheromatous plaque was observed. RESULTS: Postmenopausal women had greater intima-media thickness than premenopausal women (0.688 ± 0.129 vs. 0.621 ± 0.113 mm; p < 0.05). Compared to women with normal intima-media thickness, women with subclinical atherosclerosis had higher PAI-1 levels (23.2 ± 13.7 vs. 30.4 ± 20.7 ng/ml; p < 0.05). In all participants, intima-media thickness correlated with PAI-1 (r = 0.302; p = 0.01) and with age (r = 0.358; p = 0001). CONCLUSIONS: An increase in intima-media thickness was observed in postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women. Asymptomatic women with increased intima-media thickness had higher PAI-1 levels. These findings suggest that fibrinolytic activity is low in the subclinical stage of atherosclerosis.

[Primary immune thrombocytopenia in adults in Mexico: national characteristics and the relation to international literature]. / Trombocitopenia inmune primaria (TIP) del adulto en México: características nacionales y su relación con la literatura internacional.

In order to identify the clinical approach of a sample of Mexican hematologists for primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults in Mexico, we applied an electronic survey via the internet to identify common practices for the diagnosis and treatment of ITP and draw a comparison between the information from these hematologists with international guidelines or the international literature. The results were analyzed using measures of central tendency. The sample was 21 medical hematologists, predominantly from Mexico City (average age: 51.4 years). A total of 66.7% of the surveyed physicians use international guidelines to make therapeutic decisions, and 43% defined ITP including the numerical concept (< 100 x 10(9)/l). We found some differences between requested clinical exams and tests indicated by the guidelines. In first-line treatment (except emergency), 91% of the participants start with prednisone and 24% use dexamethasone. Danazol is used in persistent ITP by most (41%) of the specialists. In second-line treatment, 67% would indicate splenectomy. Some differences were found between clinical practice of the hematologists in Mexico versus guidelines recommendations.

Thrombotic risk assessed by PAI-1 in patients with COVID-19: The influence of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To assess thrombotic risk with PAI-1 levels in patients with COVID-19, to evaluate PAI-1 differences between hyperglycemic and/or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) versus non-hyperglycemic patients, and to analyze the association of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) with hyperglycemia and T2DM. METHODS: A cross-sectional study carried out in 181 patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Two groups were formed: the patients with hyperglycemia at admission and/or previously diagnosed T2DM group and the non-hyperglycemic group. Fibrinolysis was assessed by measuring PAI-1 levels by ELISA. RESULTS: The mean age was 59.4±16.1 years; 55.8% were male 54.1% of patients presented obesity, 38.1% had pre-existing T2DM and 50.8% had admission hyperglycemia and/or pre-existing T2DM. The patients with admission hyperglycemia and/or preexisting T2DM had higher PAI-1 compared with non-hyperglycemic patients [197.5 (128.8-315.9) vs 158.1 (113.4-201.4) ng/mL; p=0.031]. The glucose levels showed a positive correlation with PAI-1 levels (r=0.284, p=0.041). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed association of PAI-1 level and hyperglycemia and pre-existing T2DM with severity of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection with preexisting T2DM or hyperglycemia detected during their hospitalization presented a greater increase in PAI-1 levels, which suggests that hyperglycemia contributes directly to the hypercoagulable state and probably a worse outcome from the patients.

[Acute leukemia frequency observed in a reference hospital]. / Frecuencia de leucemias agudas en un hospital de referencia.

OBJECTIVE: to compare the frequency of acute leukemia in two periods of study in a reference Hospital at Mexico City. METHODS: it was an observational study. There were registered 250 cases with the morphology diagnostic criterion of acute leukemia. RESULTS: 63 cases versus 92 of acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) and 16 versus 79 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) of 1990-1992 versus 2008-2009 respectively was observed; corresponding to 62 % in total of ALL in both periods and 38 % of AML. The ALL was the most frequent variant (62 % versus 38 %). The median age was 26 years, male 52 %. It showed a significant increase in the number of admissions in the period of 2008-2009 and acute promyelocytic leukemia also showed an increase (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: acute leukemia is the main cause of admission, mortality and morbidity. Our study differs slightly from the literature; the leukemia that diagnostic with major frequency was the acute lymphoid leukemia increasing his number in the period of 2008-2009. The significant rise due to an increase use of new diagnostic tools such as the flow cytometry and molecular biology.

Overexpression of BCL2, BCL6, VEGFR1 and TWIST1 in Circulating Tumor Cells Derived from Patients with DLBCL Decreases Event-Free Survival.

Purpose: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a heterogeneous malignant lymphoid neoplasm and is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults. More than half of patients with DLBCL can achieve remission with standard R-CHOP regimes; however, approximately 30-40% of patients are still failing this standard therapy, which remains as an important cause of progression and mortality of this disease. It is necessary to have diagnostic and monitoring tools that allow us to improve the accuracy of prognosis in these patients. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) identification through molecular biomarkers is one of the novel strategies that have been used in other types of cancer, and we aim to use this tool to analyze the potential role in DLBCL. Patients and Methods: We analyzed 138 blood samples of patients with DLBCL, of which CTCs were isolated by density gradient for subsequent detection and quantitation of molecular biomarkers using RT-qPCR with TaqMan probes. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: We found overexpression of ABCB1, αSMA, BCL2, BCL6 and VEGFR1 genes, as well as the presence of CK19, EpCAM, KI67, MAGE-A4, SNAIL and TWIST1 genes. CK19 and EpCAM expression were associated with a minor OS (85.7% vs 98.1%, p = 0.002). The overexpression of BCL2, BCL6, VEGFR1 and TWIST1 was related to a minor EFS (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that in liquid biopsies analyzed, the presence of CTCs can be confirmed through molecular biomarkers, and it has an impact on OS and EFs, making this detection useful in the follow-up and prognosis of patients with DLBCL.

[Clinical guideline for diagnosis and treatment of the thromboembolic venous disease]. / Guía de práctica clínica. Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a guideline on thrombosis in order to standardize the protocol of management, as a strategy for reducing the morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Clinical questions were formulated and structured. Standardized sequence was established to search for practice guidelines from the clinical questions raised on diagnosis and treatment of venous thrombosis. The working group selected clinical practice guidelines. We choose seven guidelines with the best recommendations. For recommendations not included in the referenced guides the search process was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane Library. The results were expressed as levels of evidence and grade of recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Risk criteria and the correct diagnosis can be established to choose thromboprophylaxis strategy. This guide is a compilation and an analysis of international guidelines, that meta-analysis and review articles on thrombosis that makes available to medical staff recommendations based on evidence to make decisions, standardized diagnostic and treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with venous thrombosis.

Pattern of Adiponectin, Osteocalcin, Irisin, FGF-21, and MCP-1 According to the Body Size Phenotype: Could They Be Markers of Metabolic Health in Mexican-Mestizo Middle-Aged Women?

Variations in levels of some adipokines, myokines, osteokines, hepatokines and inflammatory cytokines contribute to abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of adiponectin, osteocalcin (OCN), irisin, FGF-21, and MCP-1 according to the body size phenotype of middle-aged women, and their associations with BMI, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and HOMA-IR. A cross-sectional study in 265 women aged from 40 to 65 years was performed. The biochemical characteristics were evaluated in metabolically healthy normal weight, metabolically unhealthy normal weight, metabolically healthy obese, and metabolically unhealthy obese women. There was an association of OCN with BMI (r = -0.107; p = 0.047); adiponectin with BMI (r = -0.217; p = 0.001), insulin (r = -0.415; p = 0.0001), HOMA-IR (r = -0.429; p = 0.0001), and VAT (r = -0.134; p = 0.025); irisin with BMI (r = 0.604; p = 0.001), insulin (r = 0.446; p = 0.0001), HOMA-IR (r = 0.452; p = 0.0001), and VAT (r = 0.645; p = 0.0001); FGF-21 with insulin (r = -0.337; p= 0.030) and HOMA-IR (r = -0.341; p = 0.03); and MCP-1 with BMI (r = 0.481; p = 0.0001), VAT (r = 0.497; p = 0.001), insulin (r = 0.298; p= 0.001), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.255; p = 0.004). A multivariate analysis showed that an elevation of OCN (OR 1.4 (95%CI 1.06-1.81)) and a reduction of adiponectin (OR 0.9 (0.84-0.96)) were associated factors for a metabolic unhealthy phenotype in normal weight participants. Likewise, higher irisin (OR 1.007 (1.003-1.011)) and MCP-1 (1.044 (1.008-1.083)) were risk factors for a metabolic unhealthy phenotype in woman with obesity. OCN, adiponectin, irisin, FGF-21, and MCP-1 are associated with some metabolic parameters such as BMI, HOMA-IR, and VAT, and could be possible biomarkers of an unhealthy metabolic phenotype in middle-aged women.

COVID-19 in a country with a very high prevalence of diabetes: The impact of admission hyperglycaemia on mortality.

Aims: To evaluate the frequency of diabetes and admission hyperglycaemia in Mexican COVID-19 patients, to describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with admission hyperglycaemia and to determinate the impact of diabetes and admission hyperglycaemia on COVID-19 severity and mortality. Methods: A multicentric study was performed in 480 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Clinical and biochemical characteristics were evaluated in patients with admission hyperglycaemia and compared with non-hyperglycaemic patients. The effect of diabetes and admission hyperglycaemia on severity and risk of death were evaluated. Results: Age was 50.7 ± 13.6 years; 68.3% were male. Some 48.5% (n = 233) had admission hyperglycaemia; 29% (n = 139) of these patients had pre-existing diabetes. Patients with admission hyperglycaemia had more requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), higher levels of urea, D-dimer and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as well as lower lymphocyte count. An association between admission hyperglycaemia with IMV and D-dimer with glucose was found. Age ≥50 years (OR 2.09; 95%CI 1.37-3.17), pre-existing diabetes (OR 2.38; 95%CI 1.59-5.04) and admission hyperglycaemia (OR 8.24; 95%CI 4.74-14.32) were risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: Admission hyperglycaemia is presented in 48.5% of COVID-19 patients. Diabetes and admission hyperglycaemia are associated with the severity of disease and mortality. This study shows the devastating conjunction of hyperglycaemia and COVID-19. Clinical trial registration: Clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19, DI/20/204/04/41 (Hospital General de Mexico) and NR-13-2020 (Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad Ixtapaluca).

Differences between metabolically healthy and unhealthy obesity in PAI-1 level: Fibrinolysis, body size phenotypes and metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Different studies have recognized the existence of subtypes of obesity and normal weight, in which it is reported that not all patients show the same cardiometabolic risk, called "metabolically healthy" and "metabolically unhealthy". In several reviews, differences in the inflammatory profile have been studied, but there is not information on the relationship of body size phenotypes with thrombosis risk. OBJECTIVE: Determine the association between body size phenotypes and fibrinolytic activity by measuring the concentration of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in women aged 40 to 65 years. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical determinations were performed on all participants. The fibrinolytic activity was determined by measuring PAI-1 by ELISA. Karelis criteria were used to define metabolic status. Four groups were formed: Metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW), Metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW), Metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and Metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). RESULTS: 230 women were included in our study with a mean age 52.3 ±â€¯5.9 years. The concentration of PAI-1 showed a significant difference between the groups MHNW, MUNW, MHO, MUO [2.3 (0.08, 13.6), 12.7, (0.08, 33.1), 23.4 (2.6, 28.8) and 22.8 (2.0, 46.7) ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.006]. Multiple regression analysis identified that BMI and HOMA-IR were independent factors influencing PAI-1 levels. CONCLUSION: This study is the first one that recognizes differences in the fibrinolytic activity between body size phenotypes. The groups with the lowest fibrinolytic activity were MUO and MHO, however, MUNW also present alterations of fibrinolysis, thus suggesting a prothrombotic state.

Diagnosis and treatment of congenital hemophilia with inhibitors a Latin American perspective.

The Committee of Latin America on the Therapeutics of Inhibitor Groups (CLOTTING) is composed of a number of hemophilia specialists from Latin America. The group aims to encourage the adoption of a good standard of care for Latin American patients with hemophilia. The occurrence of inhibitors in patients with hemophilia poses clinical challenges, and it is estimated that between 1000 and 3000 patients in Latin America are affected by hemophilia with inhibitors. There is an urgent need to establish a regional consensus and clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. We present an extensive review based on best current clinical practice and published literature, as seen from a Latin American perspective, taking into account the variable nature of hemophilia care available in the various countries in this Region.

[Type 2N von Willebrand disease (Normandy)]. / Enfermedad de von Willebrand tipo 2N "Normandy"

INTRODUCTION: the results of the laboratory test for 2N von Willebrand disease (2N vWD) are indistinguishable from those of light or moderate haemophilia A, until the technique that evaluates the operation of the vWF: FVIII binding is performed. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of type 2N vWD in patients diagnosed with light or moderate haemophilia A and type 1 vWD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: twelve healthy donors and twenty-five patients diagnosed with haemophilia A (a carrier) and five suspected of type 1 vWD were included in the study. The common tests of haemostasis for this condition plus the technique of the relationship of the vWF: FVIII recombinant (F VIIIr) binding was performed. RESULTS: the laboratory results of the 30 patients were concordant with the previous diagnosis. However, three with a previous diagnosis of haemophilia A demonstrated a rate of relationship of the vWF: F VIIIr binding lower than the reference interval obtained from the healthy donors, which means it corresponds to 2N vWD. CONCLUSIONS: the screening method of 2N vWD employed in this study allowed to identify for first time in Mexico, the first cases of this variant with a prevalence of 10%. In our country, this method will allow to establishing accurate diagnosis of 2N vWD and to providing specific treatments.

Principales modificaciones asociadas a la esplenectomía / Main modifications associated with splenectomy

Introducción. El bazo es un órgano linfoide implicado en el reconocimiento antigénico, la depuración de patógenos y la remoción de eritrocitos envejecidos o con inclusiones citoplasmáticas. La esplenectomía es una técnica utilizada tanto para el diagnóstico (linfomas), el tratamiento (trombocitopenia inmune, anemia hemolítica adquirida) y la curación (microesferocitosis hereditaria) de diversas enfermedades. Métodos. Describir los principales cambios hematológicos y complicaciones asociadas al procedimiento de esplenectomía. Discusión. Los cambios posteriores a la esplenectomía pueden ser inmediatos, como la aparición de cuerpos de Howell-Jolly, la trombocitosis y la presencia de leucocitosis durante las primeras dos semanas. Otras complicaciones tempranas incluyen la presencia de trombosis, en especial en pacientes con factores de riesgo secundarios (edad, sedentarismo, manejo hospitalario, obesidad) o un estado hipercoagulable (diabetes, cáncer, trombofilia primaria), siendo tanto el flujo de la vena porta como el volumen esplénico los principales factores de riesgo para su aparición. Las complicaciones tardías incluyen la alteración en la respuesta inmune, aumentando el riesgo de infecciones por bacterias encapsuladas, en conjunto con una reducción en los niveles de IgM secundario a la ausencia de linfocitos B a nivel de bazo. Debido al riesgo de infecciones, principalmente por Streptococcus pneumoniae, la esplenectomía parcial se ha considerado una opción. Conclusión. Una adecuada valoración de la indicación de esplenectomía y la identificación precoz de complicaciones posoperatorias son fundamentales para reducir la mortalidad asociada a la esplenectomía

Introduction. The spleen is a lymphoid organ involved in antigen recognition, pathogen clearance, and removal of aged erythrocytes or those with cytoplasmic inclusions. Splenectomy is a technique used for diagnosis (lymphomas), treatment (immune thrombocytopenia, acquired hemolytic anemia), and cure (hereditary microspherocytosis) of various diseases. Methods. To describe the main hematological changes and complications associated with the splenectomy procedure. Discussion. Changes after splenectomy can be considered immediate: the appearance of Howell-Jolly bodies, thrombocytosis, and leukocytosis during the first two weeks. Other complications include the presence of thrombosis, especially in patients with risk factors (age, sedentary lifestyle, long hospital stay, obesity) or a hypercoagulable state (diabetes, cancer, primary thrombophilia), with both portal vein flow and splenic volume being the main risk factors for its appearance. Late complications include altered immune response, increased risk of infections by encapsulated bacteria, and a reduction in IgM levels secondary to the absence of B lymphocytes in the spleen; due to the risk of diseases mainly by Streptococcus pneumoniae, partial splenectomy has been considered an option. Conclusion. An adequate assessment of the indication for splenectomy and the early identification of complications are essential to reduce the mortality associated with splenectomy

An increase in epicardial fat in women is associated with thrombotic risk. / El incremento de la grasa epicárdica en mujeres se asocia a riesgo trombótico.

INTRODUCTION: A decrease in fibrinolytic activity and an increase in the thickness of the epicardial adipose tissue have been observed in patients with coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to determine the association between epicardial adipose tissue and fibrinolytic activity by measuring the concentration of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 56 apparently healthy women aged 45 to 60 years. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical determinations were performed on all participants. The fibrinolytic activity was determined by measuring PAI-1 by ELISA. Epicardial thickness was assessed by transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS: The concentration of PAI-1 was directly associated with the thickness of the epicardial adipose tissue (r=0.475, P=.001), body mass index (BMI), visceral adipose tissue, insulin resistance, glucose, and HDL-cholesterol. The multivariate regression analysis indicated that epicardial fat independently predicts the concentrations of PAI-1. CONCLUSIONS: Women with thicker epicardial adipose tissue have reduced fibrinolytic activity, and consequently greater thrombotic risk.

[Optimism, family cohesion and treatment as predictors of quality of life in blood cancer diseases]. / Optimismo, cohesión familiar y tratamiento como predictores de la calidad de vida en padecimientos oncohematológicos.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life must be a part of the goals of care given to blood cancer patients and it must be used to assess the effectiveness of their treatment. The objective was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with leukemia and its relationship with psychological, familial and disease-related aspects. METHODS: An analytic cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with acute leukemia at different stages of treatment. We used SF-36, Optimism and Family Cohesion scales. RESULTS: Quality of life was affected physically and mentally in the treatment phases aimed to mitigate the active, and the advanced stage of this disease (50.6 ± 25.6, 62 ± 14.3; 46 ± 23.2, 53.8 ± 23.4, respectively), regardless of gender, age, level of optimism and family cohesion. Patients could carry out basic functions of self-care (bathing, feeding, etcetera), but not activities of daily living (shopping, household chores, etcetera), which require a greater effort. Although the patients perceived having been affected in the emotional health area-by the presence of anxiety and depression-they did not consider that these alterations limited their ability to carry out work and everyday activities. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life was most affected at mental dimension and physical dimension, mainly in patients at induction and palliative treatment. The results showed that the objectives of care aimed to reduce symptoms and maintain patient comfort are not achieved.

Introducción: la calidad de vida debe ser parte de los objetivos de la atención a pacientes oncohematológicos y ser utilizada para evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento que se les brinda. El objetivo fue evaluar la calidad de vida en pacientes con leucemia y su relación con aspectos del padecimiento, psicológicos y familiares. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal analítico en pacientes con leucemia aguda en diferentes etapas de tratamiento. Se aplicaron las escalas SF-36, Optimismo y Cohesión Familiar. Resultados: la calidad de vida se vio afectada física y mentalmente en las fases del tratamiento dirigidas a combatir la enfermedad activa (50.6 ± 25.6; 62 ± 14.3) y avanzada (46 ± 23.2; 53.8 ± 23.4), independientemente del género, la edad, el nivel de optimismo y la cohesión familiar. Los pacientes podían llevar a cabo funciones básicas de autocuidado, no así actividades de la vida diaria y laborales que requieren mayor esfuerzo. Si bien los pacientes percibieron afectación en el área de salud emocional (por la presencia de ansiedad y depresión), no consideraron que estas alteraciones limitaban su capacidad para llevar a cabo actividades laborales y cotidianas. Conclusiones: la calidad de vida estuvo más afectada en la dimensión mental (Salud emocional) y física (Rol físico), principalmente en los pacientes en tratamiento paliativo y de inducción. Los resultados muestran que no se cubren los objetivos de los esfuerzos asistenciales dirigidos a aminorar los síntomas y mantener el confort del paciente.

Coagulopatía, tratamiento anticoagulante en COVID-19 y trombosis posvacunación / Coagulopathy, anticoagulant treatment in COVID-19 and thrombosis postvaccine

Resumen La coagulopatía y la trombosis son situaciones graves que afectan a los pacientes con enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) que requieren hospitalización. En estos pacientes se alteran mecanismos procoagulantes y fibrinolíticos que condicionan un estado procoagulante progresivo y grave. La anticoagulación oportuna en estos pacientes es importante, pero han surgido preguntas sobre el tipo, la dosis y el momento adecuado de la anticoagulación. Las directrices y documentos de consenso existentes ofrecen sugerencias generales sobre la dosis de heparinas de bajo peso molecular en función de la gravedad de la enfermedad y el riesgo de trombosis, pero todavía falta una relación entre los marcadores de coagulación y el régimen de anticoagulación. Se están llevando a cabo muchos ensayos clínicos que abordan estas cuestiones; se alienta la participación en estos ensayos para determinar las mejores estrategias de tratamiento para los pacientes de COVID-19. Es necesario aumentar los conocimientos con un rápido intercambio para atender adecuadamente a los pacientes en esta pandemia.

Abstract Coagulopathy and thrombosis are serious situations that COVID-19 patients require hospitalization. In these patients, procoagulant and fibrinolytic mechanisms are altered that condition a progressive and severe procoagulant state. Timely anticoagulation in these patients is important, but questions have been raised about the type, dose, and timing of anticoagulation. The guidelines and consensus documents offer general suggestions on the dose of LMWH based on the severity of the disease and the risk of thrombosis, but a relationship between coagulation markers and anticoagulation regimen is still lacking. Many clinical trials are underway that address these issues; Participation in these trials to determine the best treatment strategies for COVID-19 patients is encouraged. Increasing knowledge with rapid exchange is necessary to adequately care for patients in this pandemic.