[Clinical and practical management of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease]. / Manejo clínico-práctico de los inhibidores del cotransportador sodio-glucosa tipo 2 en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica.

The discovery of the nephroprotective role of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (iSGLT2) inhibitor drugs in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) following the results obtained in the respective cardiovascular safety trials led to a change in the approach to diabetic kidney disease in recent years, positioning this group in the first step in the treatment of this comorbidity. The publication of the results of the DAPA-CKD study with dapagliflozin, demonstrating its benefit in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with and without DM, has opened a new age in the management of this pathology. These drugs are also safe and easy to use for the clinician. This article reviews the management of iSGLT2 in patients with diabetic and non-diabetic CKD.

[The natriuretic peptides in the diagnosis of heart failure in primary care setting]. / Los péptidos natriuréticos en el diagnóstico de la insuficiencia cardíaca en atención primaria.

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by symptoms and signs caused by structural and/or functional abnormalities of the heart that cause reduced cardiac output and/or elevated intracardiac pressures at rest or during exercise. Its prevalence and incidence are increasing and it is the leading cause of hospitalization in people over 65years of age. The new American and European guidelines for the management of HF emphasize that the measurement of natriuretic peptide (NP) concentrations constitutes a cornerstone of the diagnostic management of HF, and that the history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray, complete the beginning of the HF diagnostic process. All these actions and diagnostic tests can be performed and requested from the primary care office. The authors of this document, on behalf of the SEMERGEN Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease Working Group, have reviewed the most recent scientific evidence related to the preventive diagnostic management of NP in patients with HF in primary care setting.

[SEMERGEN positioning on approaching chronic heart failure in primary care]. / Posicionamiento SEMERGEN en el abordaje de la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica en atención primaria.

Heart failure (HF) is a public health problem that generates a large healthcare burden both in hospitals and in Primary Care (PC). The publication of numerous studies about HF in recent years has led to a paradigm shift in the approach to this syndrome, in which the work of PC teams is gaining greater prominence. The recent guidelines published by the European Society of Cardiology have fundamentally introduced changes in the management of patients with HF. The new proposed strategy, with drugs that reduce hospitalizations and slow the progression of the disease, should now be a priority for all professionals involved. This position document analyzes a proposal for an approach based on multidisciplinary teams with the leadership of family doctors, key to providing quality care throughout the entire process of the disease, from its prevention to the end of the life.

The Chilean socio-ethno-genomic cline.

Studies of the current Chilean population performed using classical genetic markers have established that the Chilean population originated primarily from the admixture of European people, particularly Spaniards, and Amerindians. A socioeconomic-ethno-genetic cline was established soon after the conquest. Spaniards born in Spain or Chile occupied the highest Socioeconomic Strata, while Amerindians belonged to the lowest. The intermediate strata consisted of people with different degrees of ethnic admixture; the larger the European admixture, the higher the Socioeconomic Level. The present study of molecular genomic markers sought to calculate the percentage of Amerindian admixture and revealed a finer distribution of this cline, as well as differences between two Amerindian groups: Aymara and Mapuche. The use of two socioeconomic classifications - Class and Socioeconomic Level - reveals important differences. Furthermore, Self-reported Ethnicity (self-assignment to an ethnic group) and Self-reported Ancestry (self-recognition of Amerindian ancestors) show variations and differing relationships between socioeconomic classifications and genomic Amerindian Admixture. These data constitute a valuable input for the formulation of public healthcare policy and show that the notions of Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Strata and Class should always be a consideration in policy development.

Consenso chileno para la atención integral de niños y adultos con fibrosis quística

Resumen La Fibrosis Quística (FQ) es la enfermedad hereditaria de pronóstico reservado más frecuente en raza blanca. Desde el año 2003, Chile inicia un Programa Nacional de Fibrosis Quística, de carácter integral, dirigido por la Unidad de Salud Respiratoria del Ministerio de Salud. Hasta la fecha, los principales resultados del Programa registran una significativa mayor sobrevida (promedio 27 años) y una significativa reducción en la edad de diagnóstico de los pacientes ingresados desde 2006 en adelante. El acceso a la canasta GES (Garantías Explícitas en Salud), la implementación del tamizaje neonatal en algunas regiones del país, la organización y la constitución de equipos entrenados en FQ de diversas especialidades, ha contribuido a mejorar los resultados. Si bien las principales manifestaciones son del aparato respiratorio y digestivo, el carácter multisistémico de la FQ obliga a conocer los distintos aspectos involucrados en su manejo, a fin de optimizar los resultados del tratamiento y los recursos invertidos, tanto en el sector público como privado. Este documento es una revisión y actualización sobre los principales aspectos del diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de las manifestaciones respiratorias y no respiratorias de la FQ.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent hereditary disease in whites, with a reserved prognosis. Since 2003, Chile began a comprehensive National Cystic Fibrosis Program, directed by the Respiratory Health Unit of the Ministry of Health. To date, the main results of the Program record a significantly longer survival (average 27 years) and a significant reduction in the age of diagnosis of patients admitted from 2006 onwards. Access to Chilean Explicit Health Guarantees, the implementation of neonatal screening in some regions of the country, the organization and setting up of CF-trained teams of various specialties, has contributed to improving results. Although the main manifestations are of the respiratory and digestive system, the multisystemic nature of CF makes it necessary to know the different aspects involved in its management, in order to optimize the results of the treatment and the resources invested, both in the public and private sectors. This document is a review and an update on the main aspects of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the respiratory and non-respiratory manifestations of CF.

Dieta Cetogénica en el paciente con epilepsia refractaria / Ketogenic Diet in patients with refractory epilepsy

INTRODUCCIÓN: La epilepsia afecta a 0,5% a 1% de la población, iniciándose en la infancia en el 60% de los casos. El 25% de los niños que la presentan, tienen epilepsia refractaria (ER) a fármacos antiepilépticos (FAE) y en ellos la dieta cetogénica (DC) surge como un tratamiento no farmacológico efectivo. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de la DC en el número de crisis, en la calidad de vida y bienestar del paciente y su entorno. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Se revisaron los registros médicos de los pacientes con diagnóstico de ER que recibieron DC entre los años 2008 y 2018 registrando variables: edad, diagnóstico, número de crisis, número de FAE, respuesta y complicaciones. La DC se inició en todos los casos con el paciente hospitalizado durante un período no mayor a siete días, en el cual se realizó evaluación nutricional antropométrica con medición de peso y talla según condición clínica. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 35 DC. La mediana de edad al inicio fue 4,8 años con rango intercuartil (RIC) de 2,3-6,8 años. Se utilizó DC clásica en 49% de los pacientes, Dieta Atkins Modificada en 37% y Dieta de Bajo Índice Glicémico en 14%. Su promedio de duración fue 13 meses + 11 DS meses. Luego de tres meses de iniciada la DC, la reducción de al menos un 50% de las crisis se observó en 82% de los casos, de los cuales 22,8% presentaron reducción de más de 90% y 20% quedó libre de crisis. Se registraron efectos secundarios en 21 pacientes, la mayoría gastrointestinales (62%) y dislipidemia (14%). Todos los efectos secundarios se resolvieron con manejo médico. CONCLUSIONES: La DC es un tratamiento efectivo en pacientes pediátricos con ER y las complicaciones asociadas fueron fácilmente controla das por un equipo multidisciplinario.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy affects 0.5 to 1% of the population. 25% of pediatric patients have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Ketogenic Diet (KD) emerges as an effective, non-pharmacological treatment in this group. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of KD on seizure control and nutritional status in children whit DRE. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of patients with DRE treated with KD, between 2008 and 2018, evaluating age, diagnosis, number of seizures, number of antiepileptic drugs used, clinical outcomes, and complications. The KD was initiated in all patients hospitalized for a period no longer than seven days, who were evaluated for their nutritional and anthropometric sta tus, with weight and height measurements according to the clinical condition. RESULTS: We analyzed 35 KD in 33 cases. The median age of KD initiation was 4.8 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 2-3 to 6.8 years. Classical KD was used in 49% of patients, Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) in 37%, and Low-Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT) in 14% of cases. The average duration was 13 months (SD 11 months). After three months of using KD, we observed at least 50% reduction of seizures in 82% (27/33) of the patients, out of these, 22.8% presented 90% or more reduction of seizures, and 20% ended up seizure-free. Adverse events were observed in 21 patients, mainly gastrointestinal (62%) and dyslipidemia (14%), without effect on height. All side effects resolved with medical ma nagement. CONCLUSIONS: KD is a useful treatment in pediatric patients with DRE without nutritional impact. The adverse events were easily controlled if the patients are evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, according to international guidelines.

Ketogenic Diet in patients with refractory epilepsy. / Dieta Cetogénica en el paciente con epilepsia refractaria.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy affects 0.5 to 1% of the population. 25% of pediatric patients have drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Ketogenic Diet (KD) emerges as an effective, non-pharmacological treatment in this group. OBJECTIVE: To describe the effect of KD on seizure control and nutritional status in children whit DRE. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We reviewed the medical records of patients with DRE treated with KD, between 2008 and 2018, evaluating age, diagnosis, number of seizures, number of antiepileptic drugs used, clinical outcomes, and complications. The KD was initiated in all patients hospitalized for a period no longer than seven days, who were evaluated for their nutritional and anthropometric sta tus, with weight and height measurements according to the clinical condition. RESULTS: We analyzed 35 KD in 33 cases. The median age of KD initiation was 4.8 years with an interquartile range (IQR) of 2-3 to 6.8 years. Classical KD was used in 49% of patients, Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) in 37%, and Low-Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT) in 14% of cases. The average duration was 13 months (SD 11 months). After three months of using KD, we observed at least 50% reduction of seizures in 82% (27/33) of the patients, out of these, 22.8% presented 90% or more reduction of seizures, and 20% ended up seizure-free. Adverse events were observed in 21 patients, mainly gastrointestinal (62%) and dyslipidemia (14%), without effect on height. All side effects resolved with medical ma nagement. CONCLUSIONS: KD is a useful treatment in pediatric patients with DRE without nutritional impact. The adverse events were easily controlled if the patients are evaluated by a multidisciplinary team, according to international guidelines.

Consenso chileno para la atención integral de niños y adultos con fibrosis quística / Chilean consensus for the integral care of children and adults with cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent hereditary disease in whites, with a reserved prognosis. Since 2003, Chile began a comprehensive National Cystic Fibrosis Program, directed by the Respiratory Health Unit of the Ministry of Health. To date, the main results of the Program record a significantly longer survival (average 27 years) and a significant reduction in the age of diagnosis of patients admitted from 2006 onwards. Access to Chilean Explicit Health Guarantees, the implementation of neonatal screening in some regions of the country, the organization and setting up of CF-trained teams of various specialties, has contributed to improving results. Although the main manifestations are of the respiratory and digestive system, the multisystemic nature of CF makes it necessary to know the different aspects involved in its management, in order to optimize the results of the treatment and the resources invested, both in the public and private sectors. This document is a review and an update on the main aspects of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the respiratory and non-respiratory manifestations of CF.

La Fibrosis Quística (FQ) es la enfermedad hereditaria de pronóstico reservado más frecuente en raza blanca. Desde el año 2003, Chile inicia un Programa Nacional de Fibrosis Quística, de carácter integral, dirigido por la Unidad de Salud Respiratoria del Ministerio de Salud. Hasta la fecha, los principales resultados del Programa registran una significativa mayor sobrevida (promedio 27 años) y una significativa reducción en la edad de diagnóstico de los pacientes ingresados desde 2006 en adelante. El acceso a la canasta GES (Garantías Explícitas en Salud), la implementación del tamizaje neonatal en algunas regiones del país, la organización y la constitución de equipos entrenados en FQ de diversas especialidades, ha contribuido a mejorar los resultados. Si bien las principales manifestaciones son del aparato respiratorio y digestivo, el carácter multisistémico de la FQ obliga a conocer los distintos aspectos involucrados en su manejo, a fin de optimizar los resultados del tratamiento y los recursos invertidos, tanto en el sector público como privado. Este documento es una revisión y actualización sobre los principales aspectos del diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de las manifestaciones respiratorias y no respiratorias de la FQ.

Molecular phylogeny and a taxonomic proposal for the genus Streptococcus.

Alternative phylogenies for the genus Streptococcus have been proposed due to uncertainty about the among-species group relationships. Here, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of the genus Streptococcus, considering all the species groups and also the genomic data accumulated by other studies. Seventy-five species were subjected to a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis using sequences from eight genes (16S rRNA, rpoB, sodA, tuf, rnpB, gyrB, dnaJ, and recN). On the basis of our results, we propose a new Phylogeny for the genus, with special emphasis on the inter-species group level. This new phylogeny differs from those suggested previously. From topological and evolutionary distance criteria, we propose that gordonii, pluranimalium, and sobrinus should be considered as new species groups, in addition to the currently recognized groups of mutans, bovis, pyogenic, suis, mitis, and salivarius.

Streptococcus massiliensis in the human mouth: a phylogenetic approach for the inference of bacterial habitats.

Streptococcus is a diverse bacterial lineage. Species of this genus occupy a myriad of environments inside humans and other animals. Despite the elucidation of several of these habitats, many remain to be identified. Here, we explore a methodological approach to reveal unknown bacterial environments. Specifically, we inferred the phylogeny of the Mitis group by analyzing the sequences of eight genes. In addition, information regarding habitat use of species belonging to this group was obtained from the scientific literature. The oral cavity emerged as a potential, previously unknown, environment of Streptococcus massiliensis. This phylogeny-based prediction was confirmed by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. We propose employing a similar approach, i.e., use of bibliographic data and molecular phylogenetics as predictive methods, and species-specific PCR as confirmation, in order to reveal other unknown habitats in further bacterial taxa.

Serum PCB levels in a representative sample of the Spanish adult population: the BIOAMBIENT.ES project.

This manuscript presents the levels of six indicator polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (IUPAC nos. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180) in the serum of 1880 individuals from a representative sample of the Spanish working population recruited between March 2009 and July 2010. Three out of the six PCBs studied (180, 153 and 138) were quantified in more than 99% of participants. PCB 180 was the highest contributor, followed by PCBs 153 and 138, with relative abundances of 42.6%, 33.2% and 24.2%, respectively. In contrast, PCBs 28 and 52 were detected in only 1% of samples, whereas PCB 101 was detectable in 6% of samples. The geometric mean (GM) for ΣPCBs138/153/180 was 135.4 ng/g lipid (95% CI: 121.3-151.2 ng/g lipid) and the 95th percentile was 482.2 ng/g lipid. Men had higher PCB blood concentrations than women (GMs 138.9 and 129.9 ng/g lipid respectively). As expected, serum PCB levels increased with age and frequency of fish consumption, particularly in those participants younger than 30 years of age. The highest levels we found were for participants from the Basque Country, whereas the lowest concentrations were found for those from the Canary Islands. The Spanish population studied herein had similar levels to those found previously in Greece and southern Italy, lower levels than those in France and central Europe, and higher PCB levels than those in the USA, Canada and New Zealand. This paper provides the first baseline information regarding PCB exposure in the Spanish adult population on a national scale. The results will allow us to establish reference levels, follow temporal trends and identify high-exposure groups, as well as monitor implementation of the Stockholm Convention in Spain.

Prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidemia: association with risk factors and cardiovascular risk in Spanish working population. "ICARIA" study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD) and the lipid triad (LT) in the working population in Spain, their associated variables and how far they are linked to cardiovascular risk (CVR). METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study of 70,609 workers (71.5% male (M), 28.5% female (F), mean age 39.2 ± 10), who attended medical checkups and agreed to participate. Plasma samples were analysed in a central laboratory. AD definition used was: triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl and HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dl (M)/<50 mg/dl (F) and LT when LDL cholesterol > 160 mg/dl is further added. Univariate comparisons in the absence and presence of AD and LT and the probability of AD according to different parameters and their possible association with CVR were assessed. CVR was stratified following the European SCORE model for low risk-population. RESULTS: 5.7% (95% CI 4.7-6.9) of the working population have AD and 1.1% (95% CI 1.0-1.2) LT. In univariate analysis, workers with AD and LT had a higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, smoking and diabetes than those who had not (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, BMI, sex, age 40-49, diabetes, tobacco, uric acid, LDL or blood pressure significantly influenced the risk of AD. AD was significantly associated with CVR after adjusting for alcohol and obesity. However, most of the AD subjects (91.8%) were classified as low risk. CONCLUSIONS: About 6% of the working population in Spain meets AD criteria. Assuming that these subjects have increased CVR, AD allows to identify additional 5% of subjects with increased CVR to that one the SCORE model detects, helping to improve cardiovascular risk stratification.

Long-term sickness absence due to adjustment disorder.

BACKGROUND: Although adjustment disorder is frequently reported in clinical settings, scientific evidence is scarce regarding its impact on sickness absence and the variables associated with sickness absence duration. AIMS: To report sickness absence duration and to identify predictors of long-term sickness absence in patients with adjustment disorder. METHODS: This observational, prospective study included subjects with non-work-related sickness absence (>15 days) after a diagnosis of adjustment disorder. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the best predictors of long-term sickness absence (≥ 6 months). RESULTS: There were 1182 subjects in the final analysis. The median duration of sickness absence due to adjustment disorder was 91 days. Twenty-two per cent of the subjects reported long-term sickness absence. After multivariate analysis, comorbidity (OR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.43-3.49), age (25-34 years old versus <25 years old: OR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.27-6.07; 35-44 years old versus <25 years old: OR = 3.70, 95% CI 1.71-7.99; 45-54 years old versus <25 years old: OR = 3.58, 95% CI 1.60-8.02; ≥ 55 years old versus <25 years old: OR = 6.35, 95% CI 2.64-15.31) and occupational level (blue collar versus white collar: OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.10-2.09) remained significantly associated with long-term sickness absence. Comorbidity was the strongest predictor. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to predict long-term sickness absence due to adjustment disorder on the basis of demographic, work-related and clinical information available during the basic assessment of the patient.

Nutrición del niño con enfermedades neurológicas prevalentes / Nutrition of children with selected neurological illnesses

In this paper, some neurological disorders are reviewed where nutritional management is relevant. These are cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism and attention déficit disorder (ADHD). Nutrition is affected in children with Cerebral Palsy due to the illness, difficult in ingesting foods due to sensory, motor and/or GI disorders, and specific nutritional déficits secondary to insufficient intake. In epilepsy and ADHD, interaction with medications must be added. In autism there is additional controversy regarding nutritional management. Nutritional status will depend on the severity of the main disorder, time of evolution, adequate care. Nutritional vigilance by the multidisciplinbary treatment team. Good management contributes to improve the evolution of the illness, diminish medication adverse effect, prevent specific deficiencies, development of excess disorders (as in obesity), and non nutritional complications (such as infections).

En este artículo se revisan algunas enfermedades neurológicas en donde el manejo nutricional tiene un rol relevante, como son la parálisis cerebral, epilepsia, autismo y síndrome de déficit atencional (SDAH). La nutrición frecuentemente es afectada en niños con parálisis cerebral por factores como la enfermedad de base, la dificultad en ingerir alimentos por alteraciones sensoriales, motoras y/o gastrointestinales y las deficiencias nutricionales específicas relacionadas con la ingesta insuficiente lograda; se agregan para epilepsia y SDAH las interacciones fármaco-nutriente. En autismo hay controversias que involucran factores relacionados a la alimentación en su manejo. El estado nutricional del paciente dependerá de la severidad de su enfermedad de base, tiempo de evolución, adecuado cuidado y de la vigilancia nutricional por parte del equipo multidisciplinario tratante. Un buen manejo metabólico nutricional contribuye a mejorar la evolución de la enfermedad neurológica de base, a disminuir los efectos adversos de la medicaciones específicas, a prevenir carencias específicas de nutrientes, el desarrollo de enfermedades por exceso (obesidad) y complicaciones no nutricionales (ej infecciosas).

La historia desconocida tras el logo de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría: iI bambino de L'ospedale degli Innocenti / The unknown history behind the Chilean Pediatric Society logo: il bambino de L'ospedale degli Innocenti

There are two kinds of logo standard: a name or a name and drawing and its objective is to capture the essence of the organization that they represent. The logo of the Chilean Society of Pediatrics (SOCHIPE) is a graphic expression of glaced terracottas made by Andrea Delia Robbia in 1463, situated at the Hospital of the Innocents in Florence, the first institution devoted to host, care and education of abandoned children in Europe, whose image shows the reception of the child abandoned at the wheel revolving door, allowing anonymously that abandoned children were recepted for their care and social reintegration. The construction of the hospital by Brunellesco also marks the beginning of the Renaissance architecture, a new conception of forms and spaces for institucionalized children and the establishment of the concept of fraternal help, beyond simple charity, to the child in biological, psychological and social distress, being the first active action by the authorities. SOCHIPE, in the First Article of its Statutes, manifested its intention to promote the rights and welfare of children and adolescents through many initiatives. So, our logo captures and proyects this renaissance conception of the child as a subject of law that, far from being changed, is actually more valid, considering all the situations that interact in current times with the commitment to protect children rights.

Existen dos clases de logotipos estándar: un nombre, o un nombre y un dibujo; su fundamento es capturar la esencia de la organización a la que representa. El logo de la Sociedad Chilena de Pediatría (Sochipe) es la expresión gráfica de las terracotas confeccionadas por Andrea Della Robbia en 1463, ubicadas en el Hospital de los Inocentes en Florencia, primea institución dedicada a acoger, cuidar, restituir la salud y educar a los niños abandonados en Europa, cuya imagen representa la acogida del menor abandonado en la rueda que, junto con la inscripción ubicada en el pórtico del Hospital, permitía que, anónimamente, los niños abandonados fueran depositados y recepcionados para su atención y reinserción social. La construcción del Hospital por parte de Brunellesco marca también el inicio del Renacimiento arquitectónico, una nueva concepción de formas y espacios para los niños institucionalizados y la aparición del concepto de ayuda fraterna, más allá de la simple caridad, para con el niño en situación de desamparo biológico, psicológico y social en lo que constituye la primera acción decidida por autoridades destinada a la protección del Derecho a la Vida de los niños. La Sochipe, en el Primer Artículo de sus Estatutos, destaca su compromiso de promover los derechos y el bienestar del niño y adolescente, a través de múltiples iniciativas; así, nuestro logo recoge y proyecta esta naciente concepción renacentista del niño como sujeto de derecho la que, lejos de haber sufrido cambios, se encuentra más vigente que nunca, considerando el sinnúmero de situaciones que los tiempos actuales interactúan poniendo en peligro el compromiso de proteger los derechos de los niños.

[Integrons and their relationship with resistance phenotype in Gram negative bacilli isolated in the Hospital Torres Galdames, Iquique, Chile]. / Integrones y su relación con el fenotipo de resistencia en bacilos gramnegativos aislados en el Hospital Torres Galdames de Iquique, Chile.

UNLABELLED: The antimicrobial resistance is coded in genetic elements which generate a horizontal flow of information, particularly in conditions that are under strong selective pressure like the nosocomial environment. In that sense, in the last decades, gram negative bacilli have become important agents of nosocomial infection. In order to investigate the presence of integrons among clinical isolates of gram negative bacilli and their relationship with their resistance profile, we studied 88 strains isolated from clinical specimens of different wards of the Hospital Torres Galdames, during the June-December period, 2004. They were identified according to biochemical tests. The antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated by agar diffusion method. The integron presence was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A cluster analysis was carried out to study the relationship between the presence of integrons and the resistance profile. The genotyping of the isolates was carried out by ERIC-PCR technique. RESULTS: Of the isolated strains, 18% corresponded to Proteus mirabilis, 17% to Escherichia coli, and 32% to Non Fermentative Gram Negative bacilli. Most isolates presented high resistance to the antibiotics studied: 83% to ampicillin, 85% to cephalotin, 82% to ceftriaxone, 82% to ciprofloxacin, 81% to gentamycin and 82% to cotrimoxazole. Seventy-five % of the 88 strains presented integrons. Class 2 integrons were found to be the most common. The results of the cluster analysis did not show a clear relationship among the presence of the integrons and the resistance profile. With the available information it is not possible to relate the integron presence with a certain resistance pattern. The patterns of bands obtained with the technique ERIC-PCR revealed a great genetic variety among the analyzed isolations, defining diverse genotypes, distributed in the different services of the hospital where they were isolated.