Is a vegetarian diet beneficial for bipolar disorder? Relationship between dietary patterns, exercise and pharmacological treatments with metabolic syndrome and course of disease in bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle factors are being increasingly studied in bipolar disorder (BD) due to their possible effects on both course of disease and physical health. The aim of this study was to jointly describe and explore the interrelations between diet patterns, exercise, pharmacological treatment with course of disease and metabolic profile in BD. METHODS: The sample consisted of 66 euthymic or mild depressive individuals with BD. Clinical and metabolic outcomes were assessed, as well as pharmacological treatment or lifestyle habits (diet and exercise). Correlations were explored for different interrelations and a factor analysis of dietary patterns was performed. RESULTS: Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was low, seen in 37.9% of the patients and was positively associated with perceived quality of life. The amount of exercise was negatively associated with cholesterol levels, with 32.8% of participants rated as low active by International Physical Activity Questionnaire. There was a high prevalence of obesity (40.6%) and metabolic syndrome (29.7%). Users of lithium showed the best metabolic profile. Interestingly, three dietary patterns were identified: "vegetarian," "omnivore" and "Western." The key finding was the overall positive impact of the "vegetarian" pattern in BD, which was associated with reduced depression scores, better psychosocial functioning, and perceived quality of life, decreased body mass index, cholesterol, LDL and diastolic blood pressure. Nuts consumption was associated with a better metabolic profile. CONCLUSIONS: A vegetarian diet pattern was associated with both, better clinical and metabolic parameters, in patients with BD. Future studies should prioritize prospective and randomized designs to determine causal relationships, and potentially inform clinical recommendations.

Vickybot, a Chatbot for Anxiety-Depressive Symptoms and Work-Related Burnout in Primary Care and Health Care Professionals: Development, Feasibility, and Potential Effectiveness Studies.

BACKGROUND: Many people attending primary care (PC) have anxiety-depressive symptoms and work-related burnout compounded by a lack of resources to meet their needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this problem, and digital tools have been proposed as a solution. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to present the development, feasibility, and potential effectiveness of Vickybot, a chatbot aimed at screening, monitoring, and reducing anxiety-depressive symptoms and work-related burnout, and detecting suicide risk in patients from PC and health care workers. METHODS: Healthy controls (HCs) tested Vickybot for reliability. For the simulation study, HCs used Vickybot for 2 weeks to simulate different clinical situations. For feasibility and effectiveness study, people consulting PC or health care workers with mental health problems used Vickybot for 1 month. Self-assessments for anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) symptoms and work-related burnout (based on the Maslach Burnout Inventory) were administered at baseline and every 2 weeks. Feasibility was determined from both subjective and objective user-engagement indicators (UEIs). Potential effectiveness was measured using paired 2-tailed t tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank test for changes in self-assessment scores. RESULTS: Overall, 40 HCs tested Vickybot simultaneously, and the data were reliably transmitted and registered. For simulation, 17 HCs (n=13, 76% female; mean age 36.5, SD 9.7 years) received 98.8% of the expected modules. Suicidal alerts were received correctly. For the feasibility and potential effectiveness study, 34 patients (15 from PC and 19 health care workers; 76% [26/34] female; mean age 35.3, SD 10.1 years) completed the first self-assessments, with 100% (34/34) presenting anxiety symptoms, 94% (32/34) depressive symptoms, and 65% (22/34) work-related burnout. In addition, 27% (9/34) of patients completed the second self-assessment after 2 weeks of use. No significant differences were found between the first and second self-assessments for anxiety (t8=1.000; P=.34) or depressive (t8=0.40; P=.70) symptoms. However, work-related burnout scores were moderately reduced (z=-2.07, P=.04, r=0.32). There was a nonsignificant trend toward a greater reduction in anxiety-depressive symptoms and work-related burnout with greater use of the chatbot. Furthermore, 9% (3/34) of patients activated the suicide alert, and the research team promptly intervened with successful outcomes. Vickybot showed high subjective UEI (acceptability, usability, and satisfaction), but low objective UEI (completion, adherence, compliance, and engagement). Vickybot was moderately feasible. CONCLUSIONS: The chatbot was useful in screening for the presence and severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and for detecting suicidal risk. Potential effectiveness was shown to reduce work-related burnout but not anxiety or depressive symptoms. Subjective perceptions of use contrasted with low objective-use metrics. Our results are promising but suggest the need to adapt and enhance the smartphone-based solution to improve engagement. A consensus on how to report UEIs and validate digital solutions, particularly for chatbots, is required.

Off-Target Effects of P2Y12 Receptor Inhibitors: Focus on Early Myocardial Fibrosis Modulation.

Several studies have demonstrated that, beyond their antithrombotic effects, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors may provide additional off-target effects through different mechanisms. These effects range from the preservation of endothelial barrier function to the modulation of inflammation or stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques, with an impact on different cell types, including endothelial and immune cells. Many P2Y12 inhibitors have been developed, from ticlopidine, the first thienopyridine, to the more potent non-thienopyridine derivatives such as ticagrelor which may promote cardioprotective effects following myocardial infarction (MI) by inhibiting adenosine reuptake through sodium-independent equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1). Adenosine may affect different molecular pathways involved in cardiac fibrosis, such as the Wnt (wingless-type)/beta (ß)-catenin signaling. An early pro-fibrotic response of the epicardium and activation of cardiac fibroblasts with the involvement of Wnt1 (wingless-type family member 1)/ß-catenin, are critically required for preserving cardiac function after acute ischemic cardiac injury. This review discusses molecular signaling pathways involved in cardiac fibrosis post MI, focusing on the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, and the off-target effect of P2Y12 receptor inhibition. A potential role of ticagrelor was speculated in the early modulation of cardiac fibrosis, thanks to its off-target effect.

Monkeypox Outbreak - Nine States, May 2022.

On May 17, 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Laboratory Response Network (LRN) laboratory confirmed the presence of orthopoxvirus DNA via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from lesion swabs obtained from a Massachusetts resident. Orthopoxviruses include Monkeypox virus, the causative agent of monkeypox. Subsequent real-time PCR testing at CDC on May 18 confirmed that the patient was infected with the West African clade of Monkeypox virus. Since then, confirmed cases* have been reported by nine states. In addition, 28 countries and territories,† none of which has endemic monkeypox, have reported laboratory-confirmed cases. On May 17, CDC, in coordination with state and local jurisdictions, initiated an emergency response to identify, monitor, and investigate additional monkeypox cases in the United States. This response has included releasing a Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory, developing interim public health and clinical recommendations, releasing guidance for LRN testing, hosting clinician and public health partner outreach calls, disseminating health communication messages to the public, developing protocols for use and release of medical countermeasures, and facilitating delivery of vaccine postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) and antivirals that have been stockpiled by the U.S. government for preparedness and response purposes. On May 19, a call center was established to provide guidance to states for the evaluation of possible cases of monkeypox, including recommendations for clinical diagnosis and orthopoxvirus testing. The call center also gathers information about possible cases to identify interjurisdictional linkages. As of May 31, this investigation has identified 17§ cases in the United States; most cases (16) were diagnosed in persons who identify as gay, bisexual, or men who have sex with men (MSM). Ongoing investigation suggests person-to-person community transmission, and CDC urges health departments, clinicians, and the public to remain vigilant, institute appropriate infection prevention and control measures, and notify public health authorities of suspected cases to reduce disease spread. Public health authorities are identifying cases and conducting investigations to determine possible sources and prevent further spread. This activity was reviewed by CDC and conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.¶.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Refractory Multi-organ Failure by 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Intoxication ("Ecstasy").

The substance known as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) that is commonly named ecstasy is a designer drug used for recreation. The intoxication for MDMA could generate hyperthermia, hepatotoxicity, acute renal failure, cardiovascular toxicity, hyponatremia, serotonin syndrome, coma, and, eventually could lead to, death. There is no antidote available, that is why the treatment is symptomatic and of advanced vital support until the resolution of the case. A case is presented of an adult with multi-organ failure secondary to intoxication for MDMA in whom it was decided to initiate support of oxygenation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to recovery, with good results. How to cite this article: Ruiz V, Rosciani F, Bisso IC, Heras ML. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Refractory Multi-organ Failure by 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Intoxication ("Ecstasy"). Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(4):521-523.

Phase III evaluating the addition of fulvestrant (F) to anastrozole (A) as adjuvant therapy in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative (HR+/HER2-) early breast cancer (EBC): results from the GEICAM/2006-10 study.

PURPOSE: GEICAM/2006-10 compared anastrozole (A) versus fulvestrant plus anastrozole (A + F) to test the hypothesis of whether a complete oestrogen blockade is superior to aromatase inhibitors alone in breast cancer patients receiving hormone adjuvant therapy. METHODS: Multicenter, open label, phase III study. HR+/HER2- EBC postmenopausal patients were randomized 1:1 to adjuvant A (5 years [year]) or A + F (A plus F 250 mg/4 weeks for 3 year followed by 2 year of A). Stratification factors: prior chemotherapy (yes/no); number of positive lymph nodes (0/1-3/≥ 4); HR status (both positive/one positive) and site. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: disease-free survival (DFS). Planned sample size: 2852 patients. RESULTS: The study has an early stop due to the financer decision with 870 patients (437 randomized to A and 433 to A + F). Patient characteristics were well balanced. After a median follow-up of 6.24y and 111 DFS events (62 in A and 49 in A + F) the Hazard Ratio for DFS (combination vs. anastrozole) was 0.84 (95% CI 0.58-1.22; p = 0.352). The proportion of patients disease-free in arms A and A + F at 5 year and 7 year were 90.8% versus 91% and 83.6% versus 86.7%, respectively. Most relevant G2-4 toxicities (≥ 5% in either arm) with A versus A + F were joint pain (14.7%; 13.7%), fatigue (2.5%; 7.2%), bone pain (3%; 6.5%), hot flushes (3.5%; 5%) and muscle pain (2.8%; 5.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The GEICAM/2006-10 study did not show a statistically significant increase in DFS by adding adjuvant F to A, though no firm conclusions can be drawn because of the limited sample size due to the early stop of the trial. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00543127.

Impact of childhood trauma on cognitive profile in bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVES: Bipolar Disorder (BD) is associated with cognitive impairment even during remission periods. Nonetheless, this impairment seems to adjust to different profiles of severity. Our aim was to examine the potential impact of childhood trauma (CT) on cognitive performance and, more specifically, on neurocognitive profile membership. METHODS: Using a data-driven strategy, 113 euthymic bipolar patients were grouped according to their cognitive performance using a hierarchical clustering technique. Patients from the three resulting clusters, the so-called "low", "average", and "high performance" groups, were then compared in terms of main sociodemographic, clinical and functioning variables, including CT measures. One-way ANOVA, a chi-square test and partial correlations were used for this purpose, as appropriate. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine which variables contributed to neurocognitive clustering membership. RESULTS: Patients from the three neurocognitive clusters differed in terms of sociodemographic, clinical, functioning and CT variables. Scores on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), especially on the physical negligence subscale, were also associated with a poor cognitive performance. The multinomial regression model indicated that CTQ total scores and the estimated intelligence quotient (IQ) significantly contributed to differentiation among the three neurocognitive groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed that CT significantly impacts on cognitive performance during adulthood in BD. The data obtained suggest that a history of CT could act as a liability marker for cognitive impairment. A higher estimated IQ may act as a protective factor against cognitive decline in this group of patients.

Antipsychotic response in delusional disorder and schizophrenia: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Scientific evidence focused on the treatment response in delusional disorder (DD) patients is scarce, and the findings are controversial. Our goal was to compare the antipsychotic response at the 12-week followup between patients diagnosed with DD and patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and to identify potential response dimensions. METHODS: A prospective, observational, cohort study with 12-week follow-up was conducted with DD and schizophrenia patients matched for sex, age and cumulative years of disease. The following scales were assessed: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS; 5-factors), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), and Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Treatment response was defined as a ≥30% reduction in the total PANSS score. Linear and logistic regression models were used to investigate the potential predictive value of psychopathological variables for the antipsychotic response. RESULTS: Response percentages in DD and schizophrenia were 61.5% and 69.2%, respectively. The duration of untreated psychosis, antipsychotic dosage, and diagnosis did not predict antipsychotic response. In the whole sample, improvement in positive symptoms was significantly associated with the clinical global improvement (p=0.006), explaining almost 20% of the variance in the model. Within the DD group, improvement in cognitive symptoms explained 30% of the variance in clinical global improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Both response percentages and required antipsychotic doses were similar between DD and schizophrenia. Changes in positive symptoms were associated with clinical global improvement in the entire sample, and improvement in cognitive symptoms was correlated with global improvement exclusively in DD.

Cytogenomic and phenotypic analysis in low-level monosomy 7 mosaicism with non-supernumerary ring chromosome 7.

We present the literature review of ring chromosome 7 and clinical, cytogenetic and fine molecular mapping of the first postnatal report of a male child with a non-supernumerary ring chromosome 7, r(7). The patient had dysmorphic features, developmental delay, dermatologic lesions with variable pigmentation, hypogenitalism, lumbar dextroscoliosis, cerebellar and ophthalmological abnormalities, and melanocytic congenital nevi. Cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood and the nevus sample showed the presence of three different cell lines r(7), monosomy 7, and duplicated r(7) (idic r(7)), while findings on fibroblasts from both light and dark skin showed only mosaicism with r(7) and monosomy 7 cell lines in various proportions. FISH assay of the ring chromosome showed subtelomeric loss in both chromosome arms in all tissues studied. Analysis by genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism array showed a 0.8 Mb deletion in 7p22.3 (involving eight genes) and a 7.5 Mb deletion in 7q36 (involving 29 genes including some involved in genital and central nervous system development). The combination of results from our karyotypic and array analyses enabled us to establish an accurate genotype-phenotype relationship.

Profile of the Patient Who Refuses to Participate in the Expert Patients Program.

The Expert Patients Program (EPP), an educational intervention for chronic diseases aimed at nonprofessionals, has high nonparticipation and dropout rates. We used quantitative and qualitative methods to identify the prevalence of and reasons for nonparticipation in 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 69 with stroke. We confirmed a high prevalence of refusal, identifying three groups based on degree of participation: patients who refused to attend (51%), patients who attended and then dropped out (10%), and patients who attended (39%). Patients who refused to participate or dropped out were mainly women and former/current smokers with a better-than-average physical condition. In addition, they were invited to participate in the EPP long after their cardiovascular event. We found that the degree of participation depended upon the patient's individual and social context and the professional profile of the recruiter. Therefore, tailored strategic interventions should be designed for each type of participation.

Changes in BDNF methylation patterns after cognitive remediation therapy in schizophrenia: A randomized and controlled trial.

Although cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) produces cognitive benefits in schizophrenia, we do not yet understand whether molecular changes are associated with this cognitive improvement. A gene central to synaptic plasticity, the BDNF, has been proposed as one potential route. This study assesses whether BDNF methylation changes following CRT-produced cognitive improvement are detected. A randomized and controlled trial was performed with two groups (CRT, n = 40; TAU: Treatment as Usual, n = 20) on a sample of participants with schizophrenia. CRT was delivered by trained therapists using a web-based computerized program. Mixed Models, where the interaction of treatment (CRT, TAU) by time (T0: 0 weeks, T1: 16 weeks) was the main effect were used. Then, we tested the association between the treatment and methylation changes in three CpG islands of the BDNF gene. CRT group showed significant improvements in some cognitive domains. Between-groups differential changes in 5 CpG units over time were found, 4 in island 1 (CpG1.2, CpG1.7, CpG1.10, CpG1.17) and 1 in island 3 (CpG3.2). CRT group showed increases in methylation in CpG1.2, CpG1.7 and decreases in pG1.10, CpG1.17, and CpG3.2. Differences in the degree of methylation were associated with changes in Speed of Processing, Working Memory, and Verbal Learning within the CRT group. Those findings provide new data on the relationship between cognitive improvement and changes in peripheral methylation levels of BDNF gene, a key factor involved in neuroplasticity regulation. Trial Registration: NCT04278027.

Antithrombotic Therapy in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) now represents the mainstay of treatment for severe aortic stenosis. Owing to its exceptional procedural efficacy and safety, TAVI has been extended to include patients at lower surgical risk, thus now encompassing a diverse patient population receiving this treatment. Yet, long-term outcomes also depend on optimal medical therapy for secondary vascular prevention, with antithrombotic therapy serving as the cornerstone. Leveraging data from multiple randomized controlled trials, the current guidelines generally recommend single antithrombotic therapy, with either single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) or oral anticoagulation (OAC) alone in those patients without or with atrial fibrillation, respectively. Yet, individualization of this pattern, as well as specific case uses, may be needed based on individual patient characteristics and concurrent procedures. This review aims to discuss the evidence supporting antithrombotic treatments in patients treated with TAVI, indications for a standardized treatment, as well as specific considerations for an individualized approach to treatment.

Lithium response in bipolar disorder: Epigenome-wide DNA methylation signatures and epigenetic aging.

Lithium (Li) is the first-line treatment for bipolar disorder (BD) even though only 30 % of BD patients are considered excellent responders. The mechanisms by which Li exerts its action are not clearly understood, but it has been suggested that specific epigenetic mechanisms, such as methylation processes, may play a role. In this regard, DNA methylation patterns can be used to estimate epigenetic age (EpiAge), which is accelerated in BD patients and reversed by Li treatment. Our first aim was to compare the DNA methylation profile in peripheral blood between BD patients categorized as excellent responders to Li (Ex-Rp) and non-responders (N-Rp). Secondly, EpiAge was estimated to detect differential age acceleration between the two groups. A total of 130 differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and 16 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between Ex-Rp (n = 26) and N-Rp (n = 37) were identified (FDR adjusted p-value < 0.05). We found 122 genes mapping the DMPs and DMRs, nine of which (HOXB6, HOXB3, HOXB-AS3, TENM2, CACNA1B, ANK3, EEF2K, CYP1A1, and SORCS2) had previously been linked to Li response. We found genes related to the GSK3ß pathway to be highly represented. Using FUMA, we found enrichment in Gene Ontology Cell Component for the synapse. Gene network analysis highlighted functions related to the cell cycle, nervous system development and function, and gene expression. No significant differences in age acceleration were found between Ex-Rp and N-Rp for any of the epigenetic clocks analysed. Our findings indicate that a specific methylation pattern could determine the response to Li in BD patients. We also found that a significant portion of the differentially methylated genes are closely associated with the GSK3ß pathway, reinforcing the role of this system in Li response. Future longitudinal studies with larger samples will help to elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying Li response.

The Evolving Field of Acute Coronary Syndrome Management: A Critical Appraisal of the 2023 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome.

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS), encompassing conditions like ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS), represent a significant challenge in cardiovascular care due to their complex pathophysiology and substantial impact on morbidity and mortality. The 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for ACS management introduce several updates in key areas such as invasive treatment timing in NSTE-ACS, pre-treatment strategies, approaches to multivessel disease, and the use of imaging modalities including computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and intracoronary imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). They also address a modulation of antiplatelet therapy, taking into consideration different patient risk profiles, and introduce new recommendations for low-dose colchicine. These guidelines provide important evidence-based updates in practice, reflecting an evolution in the understanding and management of ACS, yet some potentially missed opportunities for more personalized care and technology adoption are discussed.

Hemoptysis after COVID-19 and the importance of differential diagnosis: Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome.

Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome is a genodermatosis of autosomal dominant inheritance characterized by mutations in the folliculin (FLCN) gene. There is an inappropriate inhibition/activation of a protein, the foliculin, which may cause tumor lesions in skin, renal and lung lesions; they could have more risk of developing pneumothorax compared to the normal population. A 38-year-old male patient with bronchial asthma who consulted for hemoptysis three weeks after recovery from COVID-19 infection. A chest tomography was requested, showing an air cyst in the left lower lobe. Physical examination shows evidence of thoracic skin lesions which a skin biopsy was performed on. The results were compatible with fibrofolliculoma. Differential diagnoses were proposed. A genetic disorder associated with skin lesions was suspected. A multi-genetic panel that includes BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53 and FLCN genes was requested, which reported the mutation of the FLCN gene in heterozygosis classified as pathognomonic of Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome. Patient is currently under clinical follow-up while genetic counseling was requested for relatives.

El síndrome de Birt-Hogg-Dubé es una genodermatosis de herencia autosómica dominante caracterizada por mutaciones en el gen foliculina (FLCN), donde existe inhibición/activación inapropiada de una proteína, la foliculina, que puede causar lesiones tumorales sistémicas, principalmente a nivel de la piel, renal y lesiones pulmonares, presentando mayor riesgo de desarrollar neumotórax en comparación con la población normal. Comunicamos el caso de un varón de 38 años con asma bronquial que consultó por hemoptisis 3 semanas después de la recuperación de la infección por COVID-19. Se solicitó una tomografía de tórax, que mostró un quiste aéreo en el lóbulo inferior izquierdo. Además, presentaba en el examen físico una lesión cutánea que fue biopsiada, presentando diagnóstico de foliculoma. Se plantearon diagnósticos diferenciales y ante la sospecha de probable desorden genético, un panel genético fue solicitado. Se confirmó síndrome de Birt-Hogg-Dubé ante el hallazgo de la deleción heterocigota que comprende el exón 1 del gen FLCN clasificada como patogénica. Actualmente el paciente se encuentra en seguimiento clínico mientras se solicitó estudio genético para familiares.

Bidirectional Ventricular Tachycardia and Prominent U Waves: Look at Fingers and Muscles and Use Flecainide.

We present a case of bidirectional ventricular tachycardia in a 15-year-old boy asymptomatic for arrhythmias, whose major complaint was muscle weakness. At our first evaluation he was receiving sotalol for his ventricular arrhythmias. In addition to bidirectional tachycardia, electrocardiogram during sinus rhythm showed prominent U waves and prolonged QT-U interval. These electrocardiographic signs, along with the evidence of clinodactyly and mild hypertelorism, led us to the diagnosis of Andersen-Tawil syndrome, confirmed by genetic analysis that revealed a "de novo" missense mutation of KCNJ2 gene. Monotherapy with flecainide was rapidly effective and almost eliminated ventricular arrhythmias. After a 4-year follow-up there were no adverse events, flecainide has been well tolerated without significant modification of the QRS or repolarization, and ventricular arrhythmias have not been relapsed to date. The case highlights the importance of a correct clinical diagnosis, which is crucial for the optimal selection of the most appropriate drug therapy, which is expected not to be harmful, before being beneficial.

Bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the efficacy and complications associated with performing bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomy in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Prospective observational study conducted between March of 2020 and February of 2022. All adult patients who underwent elective bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomy were included. The efficacy of the procedure was evaluated based either on the success rate in the execution or on the need for conversion to open technique. Percutaneous tracheostomy-related complications were registered during the procedure. We performed 6-month follow-up for identifying late complications. RESULTS: During the study period, 312 bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomies were analyzed. One hundred and eighty-three were performed in COVID-19 patients and 129 among non-COVID-19 patients. Overall, 64.1% (200) of patients were male, with a median age of 66 (interquartile range 54-74), and 65% (205) presented at least 1 comorbidity. Overall, oxygen desaturation was the main complication observed (20.8% [65]), being more frequent in the COVID-19 group occurring in 27.3% (50) with a statistically significant difference versus the non-COVID-19 patients' group (11.6% [15]); P < .01). Major complications such as hypotension, arrhythmias, and pneumothorax were more frequently observed among COVID-19 patients as well but with no significant differences. Percutaneous tracheostomy could be executed quickly and satisfactorily in all the patients with no need for conversion to the open technique. Likewise, no suspension of the procedure was required in any case. During 6-month follow-up, we found an incidence of 0.96% (n = 3) late complications, 2 tracheal granulomas, and 1 ostomal infection. CONCLUSION: Bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous tracheostomy can be considered an effective and safe procedure in COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, it is highly remarkable that in the series under study, a great number of COVID-19 patients presented oxygen desaturation during the procedure.

[Venous and cerebral sinus thrombosis in newborns and children]. / Trombosis venosa y de senos cerebrales en recién nacidos y niños.

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a well-known, although underestimated, cause of stroke in childhood. Its diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, a correct interpretation of neuroimaging studies and an interrelation between clinicians and radiologists. The clinical features, risk factors and neuroimaging of children under 15 years of age with CVST were analyzed. METHODS: multicenter, retrospective, descriptive, study of a consecutive series of cases of children under 15 years of age, who were admitted due to CVST between January 1st, 2010, and March 1st, 2022. RESULTS: The study included 51 patients: 39% with acute symptoms and 59% with subacute symptoms. Newborns predominantly presented encephalopathic symptoms and seizures, while children exhibited signs of intracranial hypertension (ICH). Risk factors were identified in 90% of the cases. Magnetic resonance with angiography in venous time confirmed the diagnosis in 80% of the patients, with the straight sinus being the most affected in newborns and the lateral sinus in children. Hemorrhagic complications were found in 30.5%, being more frequent in newborns. Anticoagulation was initiated in 82% without complications. Sequelae were present in 44.4% of newborns and 37.9% of children, being more frequent and severe in newborns. CONCLUSIONS: To make an early diagnosis, it is essential to consider CVST in newborns with encephalopathic symptoms and/or seizures, and in children with signs of ICH in the presence of predisposing or triggering conditions.

Introducción: La trombosis de venas y senos venosos cerebrales (TVSC) constituye una causa conocida, aunque subestimada de ictus en la infancia. Su diagnóstico requiere un alto índice de sospecha, una correcta interpretación de la neuroimagen e interrelación entre el clínico y el radiólogo. OBJETIVO: Analizar las manifestaciones clínicas, factores de riesgo y neuroimagen de recién nacidos (RN) y niños menores de 15 años con TVSC. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, multicéntrico, de una serie consecutiva de casos de menores de 15 años que ingresaron por TVSC entre el 1 de enero del 2010 y el 1 de marzo de 2022. RESULTADOS: El estudio incluyó 51 pacientes: 39% con síntomas agudos y 59% subagudos. En los RN predominaron síntomas encefalopáticos y convulsiones, mientras en los niños elementos de hipertensión endocraneana (HTEC). Se identificaron factores de riesgo en el 90% de los casos. La resonancia magnética con angiografía en tiempo venoso confirmó el diagnóstico en el 80%, siendo el seno recto el más afectado en RN y el seno lateral en niños. Se encontraron complicaciones hemorrágicas en 30.5%, siendo más frecuentes en los RN. Se inició anticoagulación en el 82% sin complicaciones. Las secuelas estuvieron presentes en 44.4% de RN y 37.9% de niños, siendo más frecuentes y graves en los RN. CONCLUSIONES: Para realizar un diagnóstico precoz es fundamental pensar en TVSC en RN con síntomas encefalopáticos y/o convulsiones y en mayores con clínica de HTEC en presencia de enfermedades predisponentes o desencadenantes.

Autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for spinal fusion: 10 years follow-up of a phase I/II clinical trial.

Posterolateral spinal fusion is the standard surgical approach for patients with degenerative disc disease. In our previously published article, we reported a 5-years follow-up of a phase I/II clinical trial in patients undergoing spinal fusion with autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) embedded in tricalcium phosphate. In the current manuscript, we have updated the results with a 10-year follow-up, the longest reported to date in this setting. After clinical and radiological evaluation, safety of the procedure was further confirmed in all 11 treated patients, with no evidence of tumor, infection, inflammatory reaction, or heterotopic ossification related to the administration of MSCs. Regarding clinical efficacy, low back pain and radicular pain (both assessed by the visual analogue scale-VAS), and the Owestry Disability Index remained significantly lower compared to pre-intervention. Radiologic evaluation demonstrated spinal fusion in all cases, improving over time. Finally, quality of life improved significantly also during follow-up. In summary, the use of tricalcium phosphate-embedded autologous MSCs with lumbar posterolateral arthrodesis is safe and potentially provides long-term benefits for 10 years.