The Learning Curve for Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy in Latin America: A Slide to the Right?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been increasingly used for achalasia in Latin America, where Chagas disease is prevalent, and this makes POEM more challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the learning curve for POEM in Latin America. METHODS: Patients undergoing POEM in Latin America with a single operator were included from a prospective registry over 4 years. Non-linear regression and cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) analyses were conducted for the learning curve. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were included (52% male; mean age, 59 years), of which 80 had type II achalasia (64%), and 38 had Chagas disease (30%). The average pre-procedure and post-procedure Eckardt scores were 6.79 and 1.87, respectively. Technical success was achieved in 93.5% of patients, and clinical success was achieved in 88.8%. Adverse events occurred in 27 patients (22%) and included bleeding (4 patients), pneumothorax (4 patients), mucosal perforation (13 patients), mediastinitis (2 patients), and leakage (4 patients).
The CUSUM chart showed a median procedure time of 97 min (range, 45-196 min), which was achieved at the 61st procedure. Procedure duration progressively decreased, with the last 10 procedures under 50 min approaching a plateau (p-value <0.01). CONCLUSION: Mastering POEM in Latin America requires approximately 61 procedures for both POEM efficiency and to accomplish the procedure within 97 minutes.

First prospective clinical trial of reduced incision bariatric procedures using magnetic liver retraction.

BACKGROUND: Exposure of the surgical field is an essential component of minimally invasive surgery. Liver retraction is an important element of bariatric procedures because visualization of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction is key. The magnetic surgical system provides a well-tolerated and effective option for adjustable liver retraction without the use of a dedicated port. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety profile and effectiveness of the magnetic surgical system in patients undergoing bariatric procedures. SETTING: Two investigational sites in Chile. METHODS: A prospective, single-arm study (ClinicalTrials.govNCT03508674) with adherence to Good Clinical Practices and ISO 14155:2011(E) was undertaken to evaluate the safety profile and effectiveness of the magnetic surgical system in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Patient follow-up occurred at 7 and 30 days postprocedure. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria had a body mass index ranging from 28.4 to 58.2 kg/m2. All procedures were completed without complications or conversions. The average overall procedure time was 61 minutes, and the amount of coupling time between the magnetic controller and the detachable grasper was 37 minutes. In all cases the device was able to adequately retract the liver to achieve an effective exposure of the target tissue and perform the bariatric procedure. A total of 24 adverse effects were reported throughout the course of the study. All device-related adverse effects were mild in severity and resolved with no clinical sequelae. CONCLUSION: The magnetic surgical system is a well-tolerated and effective option for liver retraction in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery in patients with a varying range of body mass indexes.

How does per-oral endoscopic myotomy compare to Heller myotomy? The Latin American perspective.

Background and study aims Both Heller myotomy (HM) and per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) are efficacious therapies for achalasia. The efficacy and safety of POEM vs HM in Latin America and specifically in patients with Chagas disease is unknown. Patients and methods Consecutive patients undergoing either HM or POEM for achalasia were included from nine Latin American centers in a prospective registry over 5 years. Technical success was defined as undergoing a successful myotomy. Clinical success was defined as achieving an Eckardt score < 3. Data on demographics, procedure info, Eckardt score, and adverse events (AEs) were collected. Student's t test, Chi squared, and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results One hundred thirty-three patients were included (59 male; 44 %; mean age 47). POEM was performed in 69 patients, HM in 64 patients. A total of 35 patients had Chagas disease, 17 of 69 in the POEM group, 18 of 64 in the HM group. Both groups had significant reduction in Eckardt scores ( P  < 0.00001), but successful initial therapy was significantly higher in the POEM group compared to the HM group ( P  = 0.01304). AEs were similar in both group (17 % vs 14 %) and consisted of pneumothorax (n = 3 vs 2), bleeding requiring transfusion (n = 3 vs 2), and mediastinitis (n = 3 vs 1). Hospital stay was longer in the HM group than in the POEM group ( P  < 0.00001). In the Chagas subgroup, post-procedure Eckardt score in the POEM group was significantly reduced by 5.71 points ( P  < 0.00001) versus 1.56 points in the HM group ( P  = 0.042793). Conclusion Both HM and POEM are efficacious for achalasia, but POEM was associated with higher initial therapy success and shorter hospital stay in Latin America. In Chagas patients with achalasia, POEM was significantly more effective than HM.

Hemobilia secundaria a aneurisma de la arteria hepática / Hemobilia Secondary to Aneurysm of the Hepatic Artery

Resumen Se presenta el caso de un paciente con hemorragia de vías digestivas altas e ictericia asociadas a un aneurisma de la arteria hepática derecha.

Abstract We present the case of a patient with upper digestive tract hemorrhaging and jaundice due to an aneurysm of the right hepatic artery.

Factores asociados con el uso de litotripsia mecánica en pacientes con cálculos gigantes de la vía biliar: ¿puede la dilatación papilar con balón grande disminuir su requerimiento? / Can Endoscopic Papillary Large Balloon Dilation (EPLBD) Decrease the Need for Mechanical Lithotripsy in Patients with Giant Biliary Stones?

Resumen Introducción: cerca del 10% al 15% de los pacientes con coledocolitiasis presentan cálculos gigantes, definidos como aquellos que miden más de 10 mm a 15 mm. La extracción de estos puede ser problemática, aun para endoscopistas experimentados. Casi todos los pacientes con esta patología pueden ser tratados endoscópicamente, y la mayoría de los cálculos son removidos con la realización de esfinterotomía (EFT), litotripsia mecánica (LM) o dilatación papilar con balón grande (DPBG). La DPBG ha demostrado ser efectiva en el manejo del cálculo gigante y disminuye la necesidad de LM. Objetivos: determinar la prevalencia de coledocolitiasis gigante en el Hospital Universitario de la Samaritana (HUS) entre el 2009 y el 2014, la frecuencia de éxito endoscópico y la necesidad de manejo quirúrgico, además de evaluar los factores asociados con el uso de litotripsia en casos de cálculos gigantes de la vía biliar. Materiales y métodos: el presente es un estudio de casos y controles de pacientes con cálculos gigantes, definidos como cálculos mayores de 10 mm en pacientes llevados a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) en el HUS entre 2009 y 2014. Los casos fueron los pacientes a quienes se les realizó litotripsia y, los controles, quienes no requirieron este procedimiento. Los resultados se presentan como medias o medianas, y se indican sus respectivas medidas de dispersión para las variables continuas, según pruebas de normalidad o como frecuencias y porcentajes para las variables categóricas. Se realizó un análisis de regresión logística con el principal objetivo de determinar los factores asociados con litotripsia, en el que se incluyeron las variables biológicamente plausibles o que, estadísticamente, mostraron diferencias en el análisis bivariado (p<0,200). Los resultados se presentan como odds ratios (oportunidad relativa) ajustados (ORA). Resultados: entre 2009 y 2014, se realizaron un total de 1403 CPRE, de las cuales 198 (14,1%) tuvieron presencia de cálculos gigantes. Fue más frecuente la coledocolitiasis gigante en el sexo femenino que en el masculino. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 66,6 años. El diámetro promedio del colédoco fue de 18 mm, y el diámetro promedio de los cálculos fue de 18 mm. Al 99% de los pacientes se les realizo EFT, el 28% requirió LM, al 48% se les realizo DPBG, el 5,5% requirió LM y DPBG, y el 30,8% requirió el avance de prótesis biliar y más de una CPRE para la resolución de la coledocolitiasis. En el 89,9% de los casos, el manejo endoscópico fue exitoso. El 10,1% requirió cirugía. En el 9,0% de los casos, se presentaron complicaciones (6 pancreatitis, 7 sangrados, 2 impactaciones de canastilla y 1 perforación). En el análisis bivariado, la DPBG fue un factor protector del requerimiento de LM (ORA 0,07-IC del 95% 0,025-0,194), y el tamaño del colédoco es un predictor del requerimiento de LM (p<0,05). Conclusiones: en nuestra serie, la prevalencia de coledocolitiasis gigante y el éxito del manejo endoscópico es similar a la reportada en la literatura. La EFT, la LM y la DPBG fueron efectivas en el manejo de los cálculos gigantes. El tamaño del colédoco es un predictor de requerimiento de LM y la DPBG disminuyó el requerimiento de LM.

Abstract Introduction: About 10% to 15% of patients with choledocholithiasis develop a giant calculus, defined as one that measures more than 10 mm to 15 mm. Removal of these stones can be problematic even for experienced endoscopists. Almost all patients with this pathology can be treated endoscopically: most are removed with sphincterotomies, mechanical lithotripsy (ML) or large balloon papillary dilatation (LBPD). LBPD has been shown to be effective in handling giant calculi and decreases the need for ML. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of giant choledocholithiasis at HUS between 2009 and 2014, the frequency of successful endoscopic treatment, and the frequency of surgery in these cases. We also evaluated factors associated with the use of lithotripsy to remove giant biliary calculi. Materials and Methods: This study is a case-control study of patients who had giant calculi and underwent ERCP at the HUS between 2009 and 2014. Calculi larger than 10 mm were defined as giant. Cases were patients who underwent lithotripsy while controls were those who did not require lithotripsy. The results for continuous variables are presented as means or medians and their respective measures of dispersion while results for categorical variables are presented according to tests of normality or as frequencies and percentages. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with lithotripsy. Biologically plausible variables and those that had statistically significant differences in the bivariate analysis (p <0.200) were included. The results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (ORA). Results: Between 2009 and 2014, a total of 1403 ERCPs were performed. Giant calculi were found in 198 (14.1%) of these procedures. Giant choledocholithiasis was more common in female patients than in male patients. The patients' mean age was 66.6 years. The average diameter of the common bile duct was 18 mm, and the average diameter of the stones was 18 mm. Ninety-nine percent of these patients underwent sphincterotomies, 28% required ML, 48% underwent LBPD, 5.5% required ML and LBPD, and 30.8% required biliary stents and more than one ERCP for the resolution of choledocholithiasis. In 89.9% of cases, endoscopic management was successful. Only 10.1% of the total number of patients required surgery. Complications occurred in 9.0% of the cases: 6 cases of pancreatitis, 7 cases of bleeding, 2 impacted cannula and 1 perforation. In the bivariate analysis, LBPD was a protective factor against the need for ML (ORA 0.07-IC 95% 0.025-0.194) and choledochal size was a predictor a need for MM (p <0.05). Conclusions: In our series the prevalence of giant choledocholithiasis and the success of endoscopic management are similar to those reported in the literature. Sphincterotomies, ML and LBPD were effective for managing giant calculi. Choledochal size is a predictor of a need for ML while performance of LBPD decreased the need for ML.

Factores pronósticos asociados con mortalidad en pacientes cirróticos con sangrado varicoso en dos hospitales de Bogotá, Colombia / Prognostic Factors Associated with Mortality in Cirrhotic Patients with Bleeding Varices at Two Hospitals in Bogotá D.C. Colombia

Antecedentes: el 90% de los pacientes cirróticos desarrollará várices esofágicas, y en algún momento de su vida, el 30% de ellos sangrará. Objetivo: identificar los factores pronósticos asociados con mortalidad en cirróticos con sangrado digestivo varicoso. Método: se presenta una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes con sangrado digestivo varicoso en un período de 30 meses. Resultados: se presentan 63 pacientes (33 hombres y 30 mujeres), de 56 años (desviación estándar DE 16 años) de edad media. El 52,4% tenía una clase funcional Child-Pugh B. El promedio de hospitalización fue de 10 días. De estas, 12 (19%) fallecieron; el choque hipovolémico (p = 0,033) y la transfusión de glóbulo rojos (p = 0,05) estuvieron relacionados con la mortalidad. En el análisis bivariado, la variable más relacionada con la mortalidad fue el compromiso funcional hepático Child-Pugh C (p = 0,00). Las comparaciones de las variables numéricas encontraron que el valor de creatinina; media 1,74 mg/dL (p = 0,043); y la duración de la hospitalización; media de 10 días (p = 0,057); fueron superiores en los pacientes fallecidos. En los análisis bivariados, las variables Child-Pugh C (Exp(B) = 0,068; p = 0,002) y creatinina (Exp(B) = 0,094; p = 0,034) se mantuvieron estadísticamente relacionadas con el desenlace de interés. Conclusiones: la mortalidad del paciente con sangrado varicoso en este estudio es comparable con los estándares internacionales actuales. La enfermedad hepática avanzada y una función renal deteriorada están relacionadas con mayor mortalidad, razón por la cual los pacientes con predictores de mortalidad presentes durante la descompensación por sangrado varicoso ameritan una vigilancia estrecha e intervenciones tempranas para evitar desenlaces negativos

Background: Ninety percent of cirrhotic patients will develop esophageal varices, and bleeding will occur in 30% of these patients at some point in their lives. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with mortality in cirrhotic patients with bleeding varices. Method: We present a retrospective cohort study of patients with bleeding digestive varices over a period of 30 months. Results: This study included 63 patients (33 men and 30 women) whose average age was 56 years (SD: 16 years). 52.4% of these patients’ Child-Pugh classification was B. The average stay in the hospital was 10 days. Twelve (19%) died. Hypovolemic shock (p = 0.033) and red blood cell transfusion (p = 0.05) were related to mortality. Bivariate analysis showed that the variable most closely related to mortality was hepatic impairment with Child-Pugh C classification (p = 0.00). Comparisons of numerical variables found that the creatinine value (Mean: 1.74 mg/dl, p = 0.043) and length of hospital stay (mean time:10 days, p = 0.057) were higher in patients who died. In the bivariate analysis, Child-Pugh C (Exp (B) = 0.068, p = 0.002) and creatinine (Exp (B) = 0.094, p = 0.034) remained statistically related to the outcome of interest. Conclusions: Mortality from bleeding varices in the patients in this study is comparable to current international standards. Because advanced liver disease and impaired renal function are associated with increased mortality, patients with bleeding varices who have predictors for mortality during decompensation due to bleeding warrant close monitoring and early interventions to avoid negative outcomes

Hemorragia digestiva alta severa por úlceras de Cameron. Reporte de caso / Severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding caused by Cameron ulcers. Case report

Se reporta el caso de una mujer anciana con hemorragia digestiva alta y choque hipovolémico secundario a úlceras de Cameron. Dado que estas lesiones se caracterizan por presentar cuadros crónicos de hemorragia sin aparente repercusión, se hace una revisión de esta exótica causa de sangrado digestivo masivo con repercusión hemodinámica. Estas ulceras se deben a abrasión de la mucosa por la contracción del diafragma durante los movimientos respiratorios, lo que genera pérdidas crónicas de sangre.

A case of an elderly woman with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hypovolemic shock, secondary to Cameron ulcers, is presented. Since these injuries are characterized by showing chronic hemorrhage medical profiles chronic with no apparent impact a review of this exotic cause of massive gastrointestinal bleeding with hemodynamic impact is performed. These mucosal ulcers are formed due to abrasion during the contraction of the diaphragm in the breathing movements, which in turn produces chronic blood loss.

Determinación de la prevalencia de hepatitis C mediante la prueba rápida BIOLINE HCV en una población de alto riesgo / The SD BIOLINE Rapid Test for Detection of Antibodies to HCV among High-Risk Patients

Introducción: la infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (HCV sus siglas en inglés) es un problema de salud pública en el mundo y la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) calcula en más de 180 millones las personas infectadas. El objetivo del presente estudio es determinar la prevalencia de anti-HCV en pacientes con alto riesgo de infección mediante una prueba rápida con sangre capilar, y la confirmación de la infección por la prueba de PCR en tiempo real. Método: se incluyeron pacientes atendidos en la Unidad de gastroenterología del Hospital Universitario de La Samaritana de Bogotá D.C, principal centro de referencia del departamento de Cundinamarca y que atiende pacientes de todo el país. Se definieron como factores de riesgo para hepatitis C: antecedentes de transfusiones, hemodiálisis, cirugías mayores (sistema nervioso central [SNC], tórax, abdomen, ortopédicas), drogadicción (farmacodependencia), tatuajes, piercing, acupuntura, presidiarios, trabajadores sexuales, VIH/sida, enfermedades de trasmisión sexual, trabajadores de la salud, pacientes procedentes de la Orinoquía y/o Amazonía, e insuficiencia renal crónica; también se estudiaron pacientes remitidos por alteración del perfil hepático, hígado graso, masas hepáticas, cirrosis excepto por virus C, ascitis, y várices esofagogástricas. Se empleó el estuche comercial SD BIOLINE HCV (Standard Diagnostics, INC. Corea), esta prueba contiene una membrana precubierta con antígenos recombinantes del HCV (core, NS3, NS4, NS5); se combina una proteína A coloidal con la muestra de suero y se mueve a lo largo de la membrana cromatográfica formando una línea visible de reacción antígeno-anticuerpo-proteína A, con un alto grado de especificidad y sensibilidad. Resultados: entre enero y octubre de 2014 se estudiaron 391 pacientes, 161 mujeres (41%) y 230 (59%) hombres; edad promedio de 46,6 años y rango de edad de 14 a 86 años. Se detectaron, por la prueba rápida para hepatitis C, ...

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are a public health problem throughout the world: the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 180 million people are currently infected. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of anti-HCV in patients at high risk of infection through using a rapid test with capillary blood and confirmation of infection by PCR testing in real time. Method: Patients were enrolled in the study from among those treated in the gastroenterology unit of the Hospital Universitario de La Samaritana. This is one of the principal referral centers in the department of Cundinamarca, but it cares for patients from across the country. Hepatitis C risk factors identified included previous history of hepatitis C, transfusions, hemodialysis, major surgery (SNC, thorax, abdomen, orthopedic), drug addiction, tattooing, piercing, acupuncture, time in prison, experience as a sex worker, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases, health care work, chronic renal failure, and time spent living in the chronic renal failure the Orinoco and/or Amazon regions. Patients referred because of abnormal liver profiles, fatty liver disease, liver masses, cirrhosis (except when due to Hepatitis C virus), ascites, and esophageal-gastric varices were also included in the study. The SD BIOLINE HCV One Step Hepatitis C Virus Test (Standard Diagnostics, Inc. Korea), which is a commercially available kit, was used. This test contains a membrane which is pre-coated with recombinant HCV antigens (core, NS3, NS4, and NS5). A Protein A colloid is combined with the serum sample which then moves along the chromatographic membrane forming a visible line showing the antigen-antibody- Protein A reaction. This test has a high degree of specificity and sensitivity. Results: Between January and October 2014, 391 patients were included in the study. Of this number, 161 were women (41%) and 230 were men (59%). Average patient age was 46.6 ...

Tres variedades de sarcoma de Kaposi con compromiso gastrointestinal / Three varieties of Kaposi’s sarcoma with gastrointestinal involvement

Se presentan casos de 4 pacientes adultos con 3 variedades de sarcoma de Kaposi: epidémico (asociado con infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia humana), iatrogénico (en paciente con inmunosupresión crónica y en un hombre con cirrosis alcohólica) y clásico (en paciente anciana sin inmunosupresión conocida); todos ellos presentaron compromiso gastrointestinal. Se hace una breve revisión de esta enfermedad.

This article presents the cases of four adult patients with three varieties of Kaposi’s sarcoma: epidemic, associated with human immunodeficiency virus infections; iatrogenic, associated with chronic immune suppression (and in this case in a man with alcoholic cirrhosis); and classic, occurring in elderly patient without previously known immunosuppression. All four cases had gastrointestinal involvement. A brief review of the disease is included.

[Gastric Kaposi sarcoma in a patient with HIV]. / Sarcoma de Kaposi gástrico en un paciente con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH).

A 38 years old man with 48 hours of gastrointestinal bleeding was admitted to the hospital. The EGD revealed red-purple nodules in the gastric antrum. Histopathologically, there were spindle cells and capillary size vascular proliferation. These findings were consistent with Kaposi sarcoma of the stomach. Immediately after, the patient had a positive test for HIV.

[Portal hypertension in pregnancy: report of a case]. / Hipertensiónportal en el embarazo: presentaciónde un caso.

The coexistence of pregnancy and liver disease represents a complex clinical situation. Pregnancy develops hypervolemic state due to increased splachnic blood flow, which contributes to increased portal pressure transmitted to collateral veins that increase the risk of variceal bleeding in these patients. We report the case of a 39 years old patient in the sixth pregnancy and without any previous medical history that presented pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension, and thanks to appropriate multidisciplinary management had an uncomplicated delivery. We review the literature relevant to the case.

Sarcoma de Kaposi gástrico en un paciente con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) / Gastric Kaposi Sarcoma in a patient with HIV

Hombre de 38 años que consultó por sangrado digestivo de dos días de duración. La esofagogastroduodenoscopía demostró múltiples lesiones nodulares de color púrpura en el antro gástrico. La histopatología mostró un tumor formado por células fusiformes y proliferación vascular, hallazgos consistentes con sarcoma de Kaposi del estómago. Posteriormente se determinó la infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia (VIH) del paciente.

A 38 years old man with 48 hours of gastrointestinal bleeding was admitted to the hospital. The EGD revealed red-purple nodules in the gastric antrum. Histopathologically, there were spindle cells and capillary size vascular proliferation. These findings were consistent with Kaposi sarcoma of the stomach. Immediately after, the patient had a positive test for HIV.

Sarcoma, Kaposi; Gastric antrum; HIV.

Hipertensión portal en el embarazo: presentación de un caso / Portal hypertension in pregnancy: report of a case

La coexistencia de embarazo y enfermedad hepática representa una situación clínica compleja. Durante el embarazo se desarrolla un estado hipervolémico debido a un flujo esplácnico incrementado, que contribuye a mayor presión portal transmitida a las venas colaterales que incrementan el riesgo de hemorragia varicosa en este grupo de pacientes. Se reporta el caso de una paciente de 39 años en el sexto embarazo y sin ningún antecedente médico previo que presenta hipertensión portal pre-sinusoidal y que gracias al manejo multidisciplinario adecuado, tuvo un parto sin complicaciones. Se revisa la literatura pertinente al caso.

The coexistence of pregnancy and liver disease represents a complex clinical situation. Pregnancy develops hypervolemic state due to increased splachnic blood flow, which contributes to increased portal pressure transmitted to collateral veins that increase the risk of variceal bleeding in these patients. We report the case of a 39 years old patient in the sixth pregnancy and without any previous medical history that presented pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension, and thanks to appropriate multidisciplinary management had an uncomplicated delivery. We review the literature relevant to the case.

Dysphagia Lusoria and Zenker's Diverticulum / Dysphagia Lusoria y Diverticulum de Zenker. Reporte de caso

An 81-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of dysphagia which she had suffered for four years. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a Zenker's diverticulum and extrinsic compression of the esophagus. A thoracic CT scan confirmed the presence of extrinsic compression caused by an aberrant right subclavian artery, which compromised the posterior esophageal wall thus confirming a diagnosis of dysphagia lusoria. An association between Zenker's diverticulum and dysphagia lusoria is so uncommon that there have been no previously published cases.

Una mujer de 81 años fue remitida para evaluación de una disfagia que padecía desde hacía cuatro años. Una endoscopia gastrointestinal reveló un divertículo de Zenker y una compresión extrínseca del esófago. Un escaneo computadorizado del tórax confirmó la presencia de la comprensión extrínseca, causada por una arteria subclavia derecha aberrada, que comprometía la pared esofágica posterior, lo que confirmó un diagnóstico de disfagia lusoria. Una asociación entre el divertículo de Zenker y la disfagia lusoria es tan poco común que no han sido publicados sus casos con anterioridad.

Hemorragia digestiva alta secundaria a lesión de Dieulafoy / Upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to Dieulafoy vascular lesion

Se reporta un paciente con hemorragia masiva de vías digestivas altas secundaria a lesión vascular de Dieulafoy atendido en la institución. En este caso no se logró el control adecuado del sangrado por métodos endoscópicos y requirió tratamiento con arteriografía y embolización selectiva. Se hace una revisión de esta infrecuente causa de sangrado de vías digestivas y se enfatiza en su manejo actual.

One patient with massive upper GI bleeding due to Dieulafoy vascular lesion treated at our institution is reported. In this case, adequate control of bleeding could not be achieved by endoscopic methods, and selective arteriography and embolization was required. A review of this uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and its management is presented.

Reporta-se um paciente com hemorragia massiva de vias digestivas altas, secundária à lesão vascular de Dieulafoy atendido na instituição. Neste caso não se conseguiu o controle adequado do sangrado por métodos endoscópicos e requereu tratamento com arteriografia e embolização seletiva. Faz-se uma revisão desta infrequente causa de sangrado de vias digestivas e se enfatiza em seu manejo atual.

[Nursing Activity Score (NAS). Our experience with a nursing load calculation system based on times]. / Nursing Activity Score (NAS). Nuestra experiencia con un sistema de cómputo de cargas de enfermería basado en tiempos.

INTRODUCTION: The load calculation systems of nursing work in the ICU has not had the same success in its introduction as the prognostic survival estimation systems. It causes may be: a medical design not oriented towards nursing (Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System--TISS in all its versions), lack of adaptation to the calculating of staff (Nursing Manpower Use Score--NEMS, care levels) and demand for permanent technological up-dating. In 2003, NAS was published in an attempt to obviate all the problems expressed. Its result expresses the percentage of nursing work time required for attention to each patient. Our objective has been to apply the method in our ICU and evaluate its results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the last quarter of 2004, NAS was systematically applied to all the patients admitted to our ICU, regardless of the reason for admission and stay time in the Unit. The analysis of this application was done by SPSS/PC 11. RESULTS: NAS calculations of 350 patients, which represents 1880 total registers, were collected during the mentioned period. The NAS result of the first day was analyzed, 40.8 +/- 14.1, comparing it with its evolution during all the stay days of each patient, until reaching the ICU discharge date (39.3 +/- 12.7). The mean stay of our series has been 4.3 +/- 5.4 days during this period and the total accumulated NAS per patient was 196.2 +/- 279.8. There was no good correlation (R2: 0.273) between the NAS score on the first day of stay in the ICU but there was between total NAS and total stay of each case (R2: 0.958). Translated into times, this implies that one nurse can care for (by shift and average) 2.5 patients in our ICU. CONCLUSIONS: This system adapts, without demands of periodic up-dating, to the real nursing work in the ICU. Its design is oriented to nursing work, regardless of the disease that justifies admission to the ICU. It is useful to adequately evaluate the nursing staff in the conventional ICU.

Ascitis cirrótica y sus complicaciones en un hospital de referencia departamental / Cirrhotic ascites and their complications in a departmental referral hospital

La ascitis es la complicación más común de la cirrosis hepática. Hasta 50% de los pacientes con cirrosis compensada desarrollarán ascitis en los siguientes 10 años de su evolución, y su presencia se asocia con una pobre supervivencia. Algunos estudios indican que los parámetros que estiman la hemodinámica sistémica y la función renal son mejores predictores de la supervivencia que aquellos que estiman la función hepática. Objetivos. Establecer las características de los pacientes con ascitis cirrótica en nuestro hospital, su etiología, manifestaciones clínicas, estadio funcional hepático, presencia de complicaciones, grado de activación de los sistemas retenedores de volumen y su correlación con el estadio funcional. Materiales y métodos. El presente es un estudio descriptivo de serie de casos, realizado entre junio de 2000 y junio de 2002. Se reclutaron a todos los pacientes con ascitis cirrótica que ingresaron al hospital. Se estudió la etiología de la enfermedad hepática, se hizo el perfil hepático con función hepática, la punción de la ascitis al ingreso con estudio citoquímico y bacteriológico para establecer el gradiente de albúmina, la presencia o no de infección (peritonitis bacteriana espontánea -PBE- o sus variedades, neutroascitis y bacteriascitis), nitrogenados, creatinina, sodio (Na) sérico y urinario, orina de 24 horas para depuración renal, niveles de renina y angiotensina. Se utilizó la clasificación de Child Pugh para establecer el estadio funcional hepático y se correlacionó el mismo con los niveles de renina y angiotensina. Se determinó la presencia de otras complicaciones de la ascitis como el síndrome hepatorrenal, la frecuencia de sangrado digestivo y la presencia de encefalopatía hepática. Resultados. Se reclutaron 58 pacientes, 37 (63,8%) de sexo masculino. El promedio de edad fue de 59,5 años. La mayoría (73,5%) procedía del área rural de Cundinamarca y estaba conformada por agricultores (70,4%). La ascitis fue el motivo de consulta principal (29,4%), seguida por hemorragia digestiva (23,5%), ictericia (11,1%), y dolor abdominal (11,1%). En 87,5% de los pacientes la etiología fue alcohólica y en 12,5% otras causas (autoinmune, virales B y C, y hemocromatosis). Cuarenta y uno por ciento cursó con hemorragia de vías digestivas altas, con sangrado secundario a várices esofágicas en 78,9%. Se presentó encefalopatía hepática al ingreso en 51,7% de los pacientes. El 41,37% se presentó con CHILD B, 29,3% con CHILD C, y sólo 29,3% con CHILD A. La totalidad de los pacientes tenía gradiente de albúmina mayor de 1,1. El promedio del gradiente de albúmina fue de 1,76. Se observó infección del líquido ascítico con neutroascitis en 17,6%. El 72,7% de los pacientes con neutroascitis cursó con proteínas en líquido ascítico menores de 1,0 g/dl. En 66,6% el sodio en orina se encontró por debajo de 50 mg/dl. En 34,5% se presentó elevación de azoados, en 5,1% hubo síndrome hepatorrenal tipo1, en 13,8% síndrome hepatorrenal tipo 2, en 13,79% insuficiencia renal de origen prerrenal y un paciente (1,72%) tuvo nefropatía diabética. Se realizó medición de renina y aldosterona a 33 pacientes. Los niveles de renina se encontraron elevados en 22,2% de los pacientes con Child-Pugh A, en 66,6% de los Child B y en 77,8% de los Child C. La aldosterona estuvo elevada en 46,6% de los pacientes con Child B y 77,8% con Child C. En los pacientes con neutroascitis la renina sérica estaba elevada en 60% de los pacientes. El sodio urinario se mostró disminuido en todos los pacientes con hiperreninismo e hiperaldosteronismo sérico con promedio de 25,5 mg/dl. Los pacientes con síndrome hepatorrenal tipo 1 cursaron con marcada disminución en el sodio urinario, elevación de renina y aldosterona sérica, todos tenían neutroascitis, se encontraban en Child C y todos fallecieron. Conclusiones. El presente estudio confirma el predominio de etiología alcohólica en nuestros pacientes, la mayoría consulta por ascitis, ingresan en estadios avanzados de la enfermedad hepática, frecuentemente con complicaciones asociadas (PBE - encefalopatía). Se demostró la correlación entre la activación de los sistemas retenedores de volumen con el estadio avanzado de la enfermedad, el sodio urinario disminuido, la infección del líquido ascítico y el mal pronóstico.

The ascitis is the more common complication of the Liver cirrhosis. Until 50% of the patients with compensated cirrhosis developed ascitis in the following 10 years of their evolution and their presence associates with a poor survive. There are some studies indicating that the parameters that estimate the systemic hemodynamic and the renal function is better predictors of the survive that those that estimate the hepatic function. Objectives. To Establish the characteristics of the patients with cirrhotic ascitis in our hospital, their etiology, clinical manifestations, hepatic functional stadium, witnesses of its complications, the grade of activation of the volume systems retainers and its correlation with the functional stadium. Materials and methods. The present is a descriptive study of series of cases, realized among June of 2.000 to June 2.002. All the patients were gathered with cirrhotic ascitis that entered to the hospital. To all the patients they are studied the etiology of the hepatic illness, hepatic profile with hepatic function, punction of the ascitic fluid to the entrance with chemical and bacteriologic study to establish the albumin gradient, the presence or not of infection (PBE or its varieties - neutroascitis, bacteriascitis), nitrogen blood urea, creatinine, blood and urinal Sodium (Na) levels, urinate of 24 Hr. for renal depuration, blood renin and angiotensin levels. We uses the classification of Child Pough to establish the hepatic functional stadium and correlates the same with the renin and angiotensin levels. We determinate the presence of other complications of the ascitis, like the hepatorenal syndrome, the frequency of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and the presence of hepatic encefalopathy. Results. 58 patients were gathered, 37 (63,79%) of masculine sex. The age average was of 59,5 years. Most (73,52%) they were coming from rural area of Cundinamarca and farmers (70,37%). The ascitis was the reason of main consultation (29,4%) continued by digestive hemorrhage (23,5%), jaundice (11,1%), and abdominal pain (11,1%). In 87,5% of the patients the etiology was alcoholic and in 12,5% other causes (autoinmune, viral B and C and hemocromatosis). 41,17% studied with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, with secondary bleeding to esophageal varices in 78,9%. Hepatic encefalopathy was presented to the entrance in 51,7% of the patients. 41.37% was presented with CHILD B, 29.3% with CHILD C, and alone 29.3% with CHILD A. 100% of the patients had albumin gradient bigger than 1,1. The average of the albumin gradient was of 1.76. Infection of the ascitic fluid was observed with neutroascitis in 17,6%. 72,7% of the patients with neutroascitis studied had ascitic fluid proteins smaller than 1,0 gr/dl. In 66,6% the urine Sodium was below 50 mg/dl. 34,48% of the patients presented nitrogens elevation, 5,1% with hepatorrenal type 1 syndrome, 13,79% with hepatorrenal type 2 syndrome, 13,79% with renal insufficence of prerenal origin and a patient (1,72%) with diabetic nefropathy. We mensurate Renin and Aldosterone levels to 33 patients. The renin levels were elevated in 22,2% of the patients with Child-Pugh A, 66,6% Child B and 77,77% Child-Pugh C and the Aldosterone risen in 46,6% of the patients with Child B and 77,77% with Child C. In the patients with neutroascitis the blood renin was elevated in 60% of the patients. The urinal sodium was shown diminished in 100% of the patients with blood Hiperreninism and hiperaldosteronism with average of 25,46 mg/dl. The patients with hepatorrenal type 1 syndrome studied had marked decrease in the urinal sodium levels, elevation of blood Renin and Aldosterone levels, all with neutroascitis, in Child C and all died. Conclusions. The present study confirms the prevalence of alcoholic etiology in our patients, most consults for the ascitis, they enter in advanced stadiums of the hepatic illness, frequently with associate complications (PBE-encefalopathy) and the correlation was demonstrated among the activation of the volume retainers systems with the advanced stadium of the illness, the diminished urinal sodium, the infection of the ascític fluid and its poor prognosis.

Hepatocarcinoma: patología maligna de mal pronóstico / Hepatocarcinoma: malignant pathology with poor prognosis

El hepatocarcinoma es el tumor primario hepático más frecuente, cuyo pronóstico está ligado a la detección temprana. Su asociación con el daño hepatocelular producido por la infección crónica del virus de hepatitis B y C, obligan a establecer seguimientos estrictos en estos pacientes. Hasta el momento, el tratamiento quirúrgico mediante la resección completa del tumor ha demostrado ser la mejor alternativa con intención curativa para el hepatocarcinoma, sin embargo esta posibilidad está limitada a unos pocos pacientes, debido a la detección tardía de estos tumores, que en su inicio son indolentes y asintomáticos. De igual manera la coexistencia de enfermedad hepática crónica, contraindica en muchos casos la posibilidad de resección por el alto riesgo de falla hepática. En esta revisión se muestra la incidencia de este tumor en nuestro medio, mostrando su distribución, formas de presentación y características clínicas, con el fin de estimular su detección temprana y tratamiento.

The hepatocarcinoma is the most frequent primary hepatic tumor which prognostic is related to the early detection. The association between chronic hepatocellular damage by human hepatitis virus B and C, forces to establish strict follow up in these patients. Until now, the surgical treatment by means of the complete resection of the tumor has demonstrated to be the best alternative with healing intention for the hepatocarcinoma, however this possibility is limited to some few patients, due to the late detection of these tumors that are non-symptomatic in their beginning. In a same way the coexistence of chronic hepatic illness, contraindicates in many cases the resection possibility for the high risk of liver failure. In this revision, the incidence of this tumor is shown in our hospital, as well as its distribution, presentation forms and clinical characteristics, with the purpose of stimulating its early detection and treatment.

Evaluacion de la concentracion serica de pepsinogeno como metodo de tamizaje para gastritis atrofica y cancer gastrico / Evaluation of serum concentration of pepsinogen as screening for athropic gastritis and gastric cancer

El cáncer gástrico en Colombia es un problema de salud pública por su alta incidencia y su diagnóstico tardío, con un porcentaje de cáncer temprano menor de 5 por ciento. Por estas razones, es imprescindible constituir un programa de tamizaje para cáncer gástrico que sea sensible, costo-efectivo y tolerable por los pacientes. El pepsinógeno I y el II han ido sustituyendo en el Japón al método de tamizaje con fluoroscopia ya que, como ha sido demostrado por varios autores, tiene una tasa de detección de cáncer gástrico de 0,168 por ciento comparado con el 0,066 por ciento de la fluoroscopia. Con esto en mente, decidimos evaluar el uso del pepsinógeno I para detectar gastritis crónica atrofia y cáncer gástrico. Para esto se tomaron dos poblaciones: 66 pacientes con cáncer gástrico y 110 tomados de la población general; a todos se les tomó muestra para pepsinógeno I y anticuerpos para Helicobacter pylori (IgG e IgA), con endoscopio y biopsia posterior. Se construyó una curva ROC para definir el mejor punto de corte para el pepsinógeno I, encontrándose que el mejor punto era un valor < 150 ng/ml con una sensibilidad de 84,3 por ciento y una especificidad de 71,3 por ciento. Podemos entonces concluir que el uso de pepsinógeno I es un buen método para detectar gastritis crónica atrófica y cáncer gástrico, y que se debería asociar la determinación del pepsinógeno II en nuestra población por la alta prevalencia de infección por H. pylori que en nuestro estudio fue de 97 por ciento