Predictive models of long-term anatomic outcome in age-related macular degeneration treated with as-needed Ranibizumab.

BACKGROUND: To analyze predictors and develop predictive models of anatomic outcome in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with as-needed ranibizumab after 4 years of follow-up. METHODS: A multicenter consecutive case series non-interventional study was performed. Clinical, funduscopic and OCT characteristics of 194 treatment-naïve patients with AMD treated with as-needed ranibizumab for at least 2 years and up to 4 years were analyzed at baseline, 3 months and each year until the end of the follow-up. Baseline demographic and angiographic characteristics were also evaluated. R Statistical Software was used for statistical analysis. Main outcome measure was final anatomic status. RESULTS: Factors associated with less probability of preserved macula were diagnosis in 2009, older age, worse vision, presence of atrophy/fibrosis, pigment epithelium detachment, and geographic atrophy/fibrotic scar/neovascular AMD in the fellow eye. Factors associated with higher probability of GA were presence of atrophy and greater number of injections, whereas male sex, worse vision, lesser change in central macular thickness and presence of fibrosis were associated with less probability of GA as final macular status. Predictive model of preserved macula vs. GA/fibrotic scar showed sensibility of 77.78% and specificity of 69.09%. Predictive model of GA vs. fibrotic scar showed sensibility of 68.89% and specificity of 72.22%. CONCLUSIONS: We identified predictors of final macular status, and developed two predictive models. Predictive models that we propose are based on easily harvested variables, and, if validated, could be a useful tool for individual patient management and clinical research studies.

Funduscopic results after 4-year follow-up treatment with ranibizumab for age-related macular degeneration in a region of Spain.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to survey longstanding funduscopic and functional outcomes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after ranibizumab treatment and verify the accuracy of a new method to compare the retinal thickness measured with different optical coherence tomography (OCT) tools. METHODS: Case series included 314 eyes with 2-4 years of follow-up. Main Outcome Measures were visual acuity (VA), number of injections, retinal thickness, OCT morphology, and final macular funduscopic status. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two men and 177 women (mean age, 78.3 years) were included. The mean time to the first injection was 17.3 ± 14.6 days. Initial VA was O.8(20/125) ± 0.5; 0.7(20/100) ± 0.5 at 3 months; 0.8(20/125) ± 0.5 at a year; 1(20/200) ± 0.6 at year 2; 1(20/200) ± 0.6 at year 3 and 1.1(20/250) ± 0.6 at year 4. Number of visits at 3 months was 2.7 ± 0.8; 7.3 ± 2.1 at a year; 5.2 ± 2.7 along the 2nd year; 3.9 ± 2.3 at year 3 and 3.6 ± 2.2 at year 4. Number of injections at 3 months was 2.6 ± 0.5; 3.9 ± 1.5 at a year; 1.1 ± 1.5 along the 2nd year; 1.5 ± 2.4 at year 3 and 1.8 ± 3.1 at year 4. Patients with worse VA outcomes received more injections and were older. The formula to calculate changes in retinal thickness showed a 30% reduction in thickness, which correlated well with the OCT morphology. Patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) had a worse final outcome. The final disciform macular status (37%) was related to fewer injections and a greater decrease in thickness. Final well-preserved maculas (12.%) needed more injections and treatment changes; those that were atrophic at the final visit (30.8%) had a worse initial VA and greater decrease in thickness at the 3-month visit. CONCLUSIONS: Younger patients had better final outcomes. Our method to compare retinal thickness using different OCT tools worked well. The final visual outcome after a long follow-up was poor, which may be related to advanced age, poor initial VA, and the high incidence of final fibrosis or atrophy.

Validation of the Kidney Failure Risk Equation in the Colombian Population.

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease prevention programs must identify patients at risk of early progression to provide better treatment and prolong kidney replacement therapy-free survival. Risk equations have been developed and validated in cohorts outside of Colombia, so this study aims to evaluate the discrimination and calibration of the four-variable kidney failure risk equation in a Colombian population where it has yet to be validated. Methods: External validation study of a kidney failure risk equation using a historical cohort of patients with CKD stages 3, 4, and 5, adults without a history of dialysis or kidney transplantation with a two-year follow-up, belonging to the Baxter Renal Care Services Colombia network. The discriminatory capacity of the model was evaluated by the concordance index using Harrell's C statistic, and the time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was estimated using the nearest neighbor method, as well as the optimal cut-off point for sensitivity and specificity. Calibration was determined by the degree of agreement between the observed outcome and the probabilities predicted by the model using the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic. Results: A total of 5,477 patients were included, with a mean age of 72 years, 36.4% diabetic, and a mean baseline eGFR of 36 ml/min/1.73 m2. The rate of dialysis initiation was three events per 100 patient-years, 95% CI (2.9-3.6). The optimal cutoff for sensitivity was 0.94, for specificity, 0.76, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.92. Harrell's C-statistic was 0.88 for the total population, 0.88 for diabetic patients, and 0.93 for those 65 years or older. The validation of the model showed good calibration. Conclusions: In this Colombian cohort, the four-variable KFRE with a two-year prediction horizon has excellent calibration and discrimination, and its use in the care of CKD Colombian patients is recommended.

Long-term effects of perinatal androgenization on reproductive parameters of male rat offspring androgenization and male rat reproduction.

It is known that during sex differentiation, fetal androgens are critical determinants of the male phenotype. Although testosterone is necessary for normal development of male sexual behavior, perinatal androgen treatment can result in disruption of normal male sexual reproduction. Pregnant Wistar rats were administered either corn oil (vehicle) or testosterone propionate at 0.2 mg/kg from gestational day 12 until the end of lactation and the reproductive function of male offspring was evaluated at 90 (adulthood) and 270 (middle age) days of age. Perinatal androgenization in the rat provoked a reduction in sperm production and reserves in adulthood that did not affect fertility and did not persist at more advanced ages, as shown by the results at post-natal day 270. If perinatal androgenization promotes similar effects in humans of reproductive age, the results of the present work can impact male reproduction health, given the less efficient spermatogenesis and lower sperm reserves in the human epididymis, compared to rodents.

[Parosteal osteosarcoma of the femur and salvage surgery with intercalary prosthesis. Experience in a third level unit and surgical technique]. / Osteosarcoma parostal de fémur y cirugía de salvamento con prótesis intercalar. Experiencia en una unidad de tercer nivel y técnica quirúrgica.

INTRODUCTION: parosteal osteosarcoma is an extramedullary malignant bone tumor in which cells produce osteoid, represents less than 5% of all osteosarcomas, it occurs predominantly in women between the second and fourth decade of life. It is often located in the distal region of the femur and proximal tibia. Clinically it presents with increased volume and thigh or knee pain. Due to its low incidence and clinical features, a clinical case of femoral parosteal osteosarcoma is presented, with description of the surgical technique performed. CASE REPORT: a 14-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of increased volume and right thigh pain. Radiological studies revealed a bone lesion with malignant characteristics, for which she was sent to third-level hospital where oncology study protocol was set up; consisting in two percutaneous biopsies of the lesion with Jamshidi needle, which were histopathology reported as negative for malignant cells. The pulmonary high-resolution computed tomography showed metastasis and a Tc-99m MDP bone scintigraphy showed increased osteoblastic activity in the right femoral shaft. Given the results, is confirmed the need of en-bloc resection and intercalary prosthesis implantation with adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: the intercalary prosthesis is a suitable therapeutic option in limb-salvage surgery for patients with femoral parosteal osteosarcoma.

INTRODUCCIÓN: el osteosarcoma parostal es un tumor óseo maligno extramedular en el cual las células tumorales producen osteoide. Representa menos de 5% de los osteosarcomas. Se presenta predominantemente en la mujer, entre la segunda y cuarta década de la vida. Su localización más frecuente es la región distal del fémur y proximal de la tibia. Clínicamente, se manifiesta con aumento de volumen y dolor en muslo o rodilla. Debido a su baja incidencia y características clínicas, se presenta un caso clínico de osteosarcoma parostal femoral con descripción de la técnica quirúrgica realizada. CASO CLÍNICO: femenino de 14 años edad con cuadro clínico caracterizado por aumento de volumen y dolor en muslo derecho de seis meses de evolución. Se realizaron radiografías de fémur derecho, encontrando lesión ósea con características compatibles de malignidad, por lo que es enviada a unidad de tercer nivel para iniciar protocolo oncológico; se realizan dos biopsias percutáneas con aguja de Jamshidi, ambas con reporte histológico negativo para células malignas. En tomografía pulmonar de alta resolución se observó presencia de metástasis y la gammagrafía ósea con Tc99 reportó actividad osteoblástica en fémur derecho. Se decide tratamiento con resección en bloque y colocación de prótesis intercalar más quimioterapia adyuvante. CONCLUSIÓN: la prótesis intercalar resulta una opción terapéutica adecuada en la cirugía de salvamento de extremidad para pacientes con diagnóstico de osteosarcoma parostal femoral.

Consensus on complementary feeding from the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition: COCO 2023.

Complementary feeding (CF) is defined as the feeding of infants that complements breastfeeding, or alternatively, feeding with a breast milk substitute, and is a process that is more than simply a guide as to what and how to introduce foods. The information provided by healthcare professionals must be up-to-date and evidence-based. Most of the recommendations that appear in the different international guidelines and position papers are widely applicable, but some must be regionalized or adapted to fit the conditions and reality of each geographic zone. The Nutrition Working Group of the Latin American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (LASPGHAN) summoned a group of experts from each of the society's member countries, to develop a consensus on CF, incorporating, whenever possible, local information adapted to the reality of the region. The aim of the present document is to show the results of that endeavor. Utilizing the Delphi method, a total of 34 statements on relevant aspects of CF were evaluated, discussed, and voted upon.

Pathology associated with optical coherence tomography macular bending due to either dome-shaped macula or inferior staphyloma in myopic patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of and describe the pathology associated with macular bending (MB) defined as a smooth macular elevation found in optical coherence tomography (OCT) of patients with high myopia related to either dome-shaped macula (DSM) or the border of an inferior staphyloma. PROCEDURES: We reviewed the 330 files of all highly myopic patients in our database that had had an OCT performed in the last 5 years. Main outcome measures were MB prevalence and its associated pathology. RESULTS: Sixty-eight eyes from 45 patients (13.63%) presented MB; 23 bilateral, 40 in a posterior pole or macular staphyloma and 21 in an inferior staphyloma. Eighteen eyes presented choroidal neovascularization (CNV), 7 subretinal fluid without CNV, 11 retinoschisis and 3 a macular hole which had been stable for years. No differences were found in the rate of complications between patients with DSM or inferior staphyloma. CONCLUSIONS: MB is not an uncommon clinical feature. Associated pathology prevalence in MB was elevated and similar in posterior and inferior staphylomas.

Retinal pigment epithelium tears in age-related macular degeneration treated with antiangiogenic drugs: a controlled study with long follow-up.

PURPOSE: To study whether anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy improves visual acuity (VA) in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) complicated with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears. METHODS: Retrospective case-control series. Group I (control group) included 9 patients with RPE tears that received no treatment, and group II (intervention group) incorporated 12 patients treated with anti-VEGF. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found in VA between the groups from the 3rd month to the final follow-up (p = 0.034). Final VA improved in the treatment group (p = 0.015). No differences were found in central macular thickness between the groups either before or after treatment. Mean number of injections in group II was 5.75 (SD = 1.19). Most patients presented a grade 3 rip. All lesions were inactive at the end of follow-up in group II and 1 remained active in group I. The number of final atrophic/disciform scars was 6/8 in group I and 7/5 in group II. CONCLUSIONS: RPE tears treated with antiangiogenic drugs experienced functional benefit. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first controlled series reporting effectiveness of suppression of neovascular activity with antiangiogenic treatment after RPE rip in AMD.

Descriptive Study of a Cohort of 488 Patients with Inherited Retinal Dystrophies.

PURPOSE: To analyze the distribution of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), describe the clinical characteristics of patients, and determine the percentages of patients with genetic diagnosis in the Castilla y Leon region of Spain. METHODS: All patients with an IRD seen in the two major referral units of Castilla y Leon during a 20-year period were included. The ages at symptom onset, diagnosis, and the last visit; sex; family history; history of consanguinity; type of inheritance; status of the fundus and electroretinogram findings; lens and macular status, visual acuity; and visual field data were recorded. Patients were divided into those with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and all others. Gene mutations were gathered when available. RESULTS: Four hundred eighty-eight patients with IRDs were studied: 216 (44.26%) with RP of which 34 (15.74%) had syndromic diseases, and 272 had other conditions being 161 (59,19%) macular dystrophies. The mean delay in diagnosis was 6-16.2 years respectively. For the RP group the mean age at the last visit was 47.96±17,26; mean age of cataract surgery was 48.30 ± 12.01 years; and the foveal area was preserved in 74 (35.07%) patients, atrophic in 101 (47.87%), and edematous in 36 (17.06%). A genetic study had been performed in 58 (26.85%) of patients with RP and 71 (26,1%) of the rest, being indeterminate in 17 (29.31%) out of RP group and 20 (28.16%) out of the others. CONCLUSION: Clinical characteristics are comparable to other published series. There is a significant delay in diagnosis. The number of patients with IRDs and available genetic diagnosis, thus being possible candidates for undergoing personalized treatments including gene therapy in our region is low and must be improved.

PRPH2 (Peripherin/RDS) mutations associated with different macular dystrophies in a Spanish population: a new mutation.

PURPOSE: To assess the occurrence of PRPH2 mutations in patients presenting macular dystrophies and to describe their phenotype-genotype correlation. METHODS: A total of 32 sporadic cases and 13 individuals from 5 families were studied. The patients presented early onset drusen, suspected pattern dystrophy (including adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy [AOFVD]), or any presumed macular dystrophy producing neovascularization or atrophic changes documented before patients reached 50 years of age. In case of atrophy, this could be confined to the macula, which was considered to be central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD), or extend to the midperiphery of the retina, which we called diffuse macular dystrophy (DMD). Clinical workup and analysis of PRPH2, EFEMP1, and TIMP3 genes were done. RESULTS: Four mutations of the PRPH2 gene were found in 3 sporadic cases and 3 families (n = 11). A p.R46X mutation, previously described in CACD, was found in 3 members of a family with AOFVD and in a sporadic case with DMD. A p.L45F mutation, described before in retinitis pigmentosa, was found in a sporadic case of AOFVD. A p.R195L mutation previously described in CACD was found in 2 members of a family with CACD. The latter was found in a family and a sporadic case (from the same village as the family) and all of them presented DMD. A new p.V2091 mutation was found in a patient with AOFVD. CONCLUSIONS: New phenotypes were found for known mutations. No phenotype variation was observed in the members of the 3 families. A new mutation in PRPH2 gene was found.

Atypical femoral fracture, case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates have been the gold standard in the management of osteoporosis. Its antiresorptive effect has reduced the incidence of fractures due to bone fragility, as well as its impact on public health. We present the clinical case of a patient in prolonged treatment with bisphosphonates and atypical bilateral femur fracture. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old female who presented a fall from her own height, on treatment with risedronate for seven years, and a history of systemic arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, both with medical treatment. Diagnosed with bilateral atypical femoral fracture, treated with closed reduction internal fixation (CRIF) with intramedullary nailing, application of calcium citrate and teriparatide. DISCUSSION: Multiple studies indicate that the benefit of using bisphosphonates for osteoporosis is higher than the risk of presenting atypical fractures.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los bifosfonatos han sido de gran utilidad en el manejo de la osteoporosis. Su efecto antirresortivo ha disminuido la incidencia de fracturas por fragilidad ósea, así como, su impacto en salud pública. Presentamos el caso clínico de una usuaria en tratamiento prolongado con bifosfonatos y fractura atípica de fémur bilateral. CASO CLÍNICO: Femenino de 65 años, presenta caía de su plano de sustentación, en tratamiento con risedronato desde hace siete años y antecedente de hipertensión arterial sistémica e hipercolesterolemia, ambas con manejo médico. Diagnosticada con fractura bilateral de fémur, tratada con enclavado centro-medular, citrato de calcio y teriparatida. DISCUSIÓN: Múltiples estudios refieren que el beneficio del uso de bifosfonatos en la prevención del riesgo de fracturas es mayor, aunque exista la posibilidad de presentar fracturas atípicas.

Dialysis outcomes in Colombia (DOC) study: a comparison of patient survival on peritoneal dialysis vs hemodialysis in Colombia.

The goal of the Dialysis Outcomes in Colombia (DOC) study was to compare the survival of patients on hemodialysis (HD) vs peritoneal dialysis (PD) in a network of renal units in Colombia. The DOC study examined a historical cohort of incident patients starting dialysis therapy between 1 January 2001 and 1 December 2003 and followed until 1 December 2005, measuring demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical variables. Only patients older than 18 years were included. As-treated and intention-to-treat statistical analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model. There were 1094 eligible patients in total and 923 were actually enrolled: 47.3% started HD therapy and 52.7% started PD therapy. Of the patients studied, 751 (81.3%) remained in their initial therapy until the end of the follow-up period, death, or censorship. Age, sex, weight, height, body mass index, creatinine, calcium, and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) variables did not show statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups. Diabetes, socioeconomic level, educational level, phosphorus, Charlson Co-morbidity Index, and cardiovascular history did show a difference, and were less favorable for patients on PD. Residual renal function was greater for PD patients. Also, there were differences in the median survival time between groups: 27.2 months for PD vs 23.1 months for HD (P=0.001) by the intention-to-treat approach; and 24.5 months for PD vs 16.7 months for HD (P<0.001) by the as-treated approach. When performing univariate Cox analyses using the intention-to-treat approach, associations were with age > or =65 years (hazard ratio (HR)=2.21; confidence interval (CI) 95% (1.77-2.755); P<0.001); history of cardiovascular disease (HR=1.96; CI 95% (1.58-2.90); P<0.001); diabetes (HR=2.34; CI 95% (1.88-2.90); P<0.001); and SGA (mild or moderate-severe malnutrition) (HR=1.47; CI 95% (1.17-1.79); P=0.001); but no association was found with gender (HR=1.03, CI 95% 0.83-1.27; P=0.786). Similar results were found with the as-treated approach, with additional associations found with Charlson Index (0-2) (HR=0.29; Cl 95% (0.22-0.38); P<0.001); Charlson Index (3-4) (HR=0.61; Cl 95% (0.48-0.79); P<0.001); and SGA (mild-severe malnutrition) (HR=1.43; Cl 95% (1.15-1.77); P<0.001). Similarly, the multivariate Cox model was run with the variables that had shown association in previous analyses, and it was found that the variables explaining the survival of patients with end-stage renal disease in our study were age, SGA, Charlson Comorbidity Index 5 and above, diabetes, healthcare regimes I and II, and socioeconomic level 2. The results of Cox proportional risk model in both the as-treated and intention-to-treat analyses showed that there were no statistically significant differences in survival of PD and HD patients: intention-to-treat HD/PD (HR 1.127; CI 95%: 0.855-1.484) and as-treated HD/PD (HR 1.231; CI 95%: 0.976-1.553). In this historical cohort of incident patients, there was a trend, although not statistically significant, for a higher (12.7%) adjusted mortality risk associated with HD when compared to PD, even though the PD patients were poorer, were more likely to be diabetic, and had higher co-morbidity scores than the HD patients. The variables that most influenced survival were age, diabetes, comorbidity, healthcare regime, socioeconomic level, nutrition, and education.

Atypical myopic retinoschisis.

A 34-year-old woman with a refraction of-11 diopters in both eyes presented with a central scotoma and metamorphopsia in her right eye related to a juxtafoveal hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography ruled out choroidal neovascularization and lacquer cracks. Optical coherence tomography revealed retinal splitting in the juxtafoveal area and the peripapillary area. No ophthalmoscopic peripheral abnormalities were observed. This is an atypical example of schisis associated with myopia because it was symptomatic, associated with hemorrhage, and did not affect the fovea. This may be an extension to the macula of a subclinical peripheral retinoschisis that became progressive and symptomatic due to vitreous tractional forces.

Photodynamic therapy for subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization associated with punctate inner choroidopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the treatment of subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) using verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) in patients affected by punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC). METHODS: A chart review of 8 patients with CNV associated with PIC treated with vPDT was done. RESULTS: The 8 patients (8 eyes) included 4 men and 4 women with a mean age of 30.9 years. Six of them presented juxtafoveal CNVs, and two had subfoveal CNVs, at presentation. Mean follow-up time was 22.7 months. The VA improved in five eyes, and three eyes declined. One patient developed a new CNV a few days after vPDT, and one had multiple CNVs at presentation. Two of the 3 patients with longer follow-up period presented late recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: vPDT is a beneficial resource in stabilizing and also improving VA in PIC patients affected with subfoveal and juxtafoveal CNV, although one third of the patients retain poor visual acuity.

[Teletherapy ocular complications. A clinical case]. / Complicaciones oculares tras teleterapia. Caso clínico.

CLINICAL CASE: An 82-year-old pseudophakic male patient developed several ocular complications after teletherapy for cavum carcinoma. Three years after receiving the radiotherapy, he presented with a right optic neuritis with some posterior improvement. Five years later he developed an ischemic retinopathy and a severe dry eye syndrome. DISCUSSION: Ocular complications due to radiotherapy used to treat nasopharyngeal carcinomas are not as common as those caused by epiescleral radiotherapy for choroidal melanoma, but must be taken into account due to their special severity. We present a single case of a patient who suffered several subsequent ocular complications after such radiotherapy.

Evaluation of a follow-up protocol for patients on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To review the problems found after a new follow-up protocol for patients on chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine treatment. METHOD: Retrospective study was conducted between May 2012 and January 2013 on the clinical files, retinographies, fundus auto-fluorescence (FAF) images, and central-10 degree visual fields (VF) of patients who were referred to the Ophthalmology Department as they had started treatment with hydroxychloroquine. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six patients were included; 94.4% were referred from the Rheumatology Department and 5.6% from Dermatology. Mean age was 59.7 years, and 73.8% were women. All of them were on hydroxychloroquine treatment, and 300mg was the most frequent daily dose. Rheumatoid arthritis was the most common diagnosis (40.5%), followed by systemic lupus erythematosus (15.9%). The mean Snellen visual acuity was 0.76, and 26 patients had lens opacities. The VF were normal in 97 patients, 8 had mild to moderate defects with no definite pattern, and in 9 the results were unreliable. Of the 51 patients older than 65years, 16 (31.4%) had altered or unreliable VF. The FAF was normal in 104 patients (82.5%), and abnormal, but consistent with ophthalmoscopic features, in 12 patients (pathological myopia, age related changes, early, middle or late age-related macular degeneration). CONCLUSIONS: Visual fields as a reference test for the diagnosis of AP toxicity are not quite reliable for patients over 65. Therefore, the FAF is recommended as primary test, perhaps combined with another objective test, such as SD-OCT instead of VF.

Urinary N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase in the prediction of preeclampsia.

The urinary excretion of N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAG), a lysosomal enzyme of the renal tubular cells was analyzed in 177 women divided into nonpregnant healthy controls (n = 46), normal pregnant women in their third trimester (n = 49), pregnant women with transient hypertension (n = 43), and women with preeclampsia (n = 39). Urinary activity of NAG was increased in normal pregnant women and in patients with transient hypertension in pregnancy compared to nonpregnant healthy controls. In preeclamptic women, this increase was found to be much higher than that corresponding to their gestational age; this fact is due to the tissue ischemia that precedes glomerular endotheliosis, but also tubular lesions caused by arteriolar vasoconstriction may have an important role.

Controlled study of early postoperative parenteral nutrition in children.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Nutritional support of surgical patients has improved in recent years because of the possibility of modulating catabolism and anabolism, thus enhancing the immune response and repair processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate metabolic effects of early parenteral nutrition (PN) after major surgery. METHODS: The authors studied 63 children aged 4 to 14 years with diffuse peritonitis caused by perforated-suppurative appendicitis. They were assigned randomly to a study group (SG, n = 31), which received PN for 5 days, starting 24 to 48 hours after surgery or to a control group (CG, n = 32), that received standard treatment (fluids). Weight, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, prealbumin, glycemia, nitrogen balance (NB), and insulinlike growth factor (IGF-I), were evaluated on postoperative days 1, 4, and 6. RESULTS: Early nutritional support was associated with a significant improvement in NB and IGF-I (Repeat measures analysis of variance IGF-I, P<.001 and NB P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that early parenteral nutrition has a positive effect on the anabolic response as shown by improved NB and higher IGF-I levels in pediatric patients after major surgery.

Autofluorescence Images with Carl Zeiss versus Topcon Eye Fundus Camera: A Comparative Study.

Purpose. To compare the autofluorescence images of the Zeiss versus Topcon eye fundus cameras and design an objective way to quantify it. Procedures. The IMAGEJ software was used to determine the gray level corresponding to the darkest veins and the peripapillary ring (thresholds), the level of white of the brightest perifoveal area, their difference (contrast level), and the suprathreshold area for each photograph. Results. Carl Zeiss has higher contrast values than Topcon. The Topcon contrast presented a crest with further decline as the suprathreshold area continued to increase. On the contrary, the Zeiss profile did not decline in contrast. Conclusions and Message. The Carl Zeiss camera showed superior contrast ability over the Topcon when performing autofluorescence imaging. We set objective parameters to compare fundus cameras FAF images. These parameters could be the base to objectively measure and determine changes and realize followup to areas of hyper- or hypofluorescence.