Hallazgo Incidental de Tumor Estromal Gastrointestinal en Divertículo de Meckel. Caso Clínico

Introducción: El divertículo de Meckel es un defecto sacular ubicado en el íleon distal, con una tasa de complicaciones de 4%. La resección quirúrgica está indicada en estas complicaciones, siendo controversial en casos asintomáticos o incidentales. Dentro de las complicaciones existen tumores como los estromales gastrointestinales (GIST). Caso Clínico: Hombre de 57 años, postrado por múltiples factores, presenta úlcera por presión sacra grado IV sobreinfectada y con evolución tórpida. Se decide realizar colostomía terminal, evidenciando un divertículo de Meckel en el intraoperatorio con aspecto sospechoso, por lo cual se decide resecar, resultando en un GIST de bajo riesgo. Se mantiene en seguimiento por 6 meses, sin recidiva tumoral. Discusión: Mientras que la cirugía pareciera ser imperativa en complicaciones, aún existe debate respecto a las indicaciones de resección de divertículo de Meckel hallado incidentalmente en el intraoperatorio por cirugía de otra causa. Si bien puede aumentar la morbimortalidad, la resección estaría indicada según ciertas características como edad, sexo, tamaño y aspecto, dado el riesgo de desarrollo de complicaciones y neoplasias.

Introduction: Meckel's diverticulum is a saccular defect located in the distal ileum, with a complication rate of 4%. Surgical resection is indicated when these complications occur, yet resection in asymptomatic or incidental cases remains controversial. Among these complications, the appearance of tumors such as gastrointestinal stromal (GIST), may occur. Case Report: A 57-year-old male, bedridden due to multi- ple factors, presents with a complicated grade IV sacral pressure ulcer with a torpid evolution. An end colostomy is performed, evidencing a suspicious-looking Meckel's diverticulum intraoperatively, which was resected and resulted to be a low-risk GIST. At a 6-month follow-up, the patient showed no evidence of tumor recurrence. Discussion: While surgery seems to be imperative in complications, there is still a debate regarding the indications for resection of Meckel's diverticulum found incidentally intraoperatively due to surgery for another cause. Although it could increase morbidity and mortality, resection could be indicated according to certain characteristics such as age, sex, size and appearance, given the risk of developing complications and neoplasm.

Reconstrucción microquirúrgica en pandemia por Covid-19 / MICROSURGICAL RECONSTRUCTION IN THE COVID - 19 PANDEMIC

Introducción: la Pandemia por SARS CoV ­ 2 (COVID ­ 19) tuvo un impacto significativo en el desarrollo de los servicios quirúrgicos en general y obligo a establecer protocolos de actuación para las distintas patologías a fin de cuidar al máximo los recursos humanos y la capacidad instalada de los hospitales para hacer frente a esta contingencia mundial. Objetivos: presentar una casuística de 7 pacientes con reconstrucción microquirúrgica de patología de cabeza y cuello en estadios avanzados y patología de miembros inferiores durante la pandemia por COVID - 19. Materiales y Métodos: trabajo retrospectivo, se revisaron las historias clínicas físicas y digitales. Se incluyeron 5 pacientes con patología avanzada de cabeza y cuello y 2 pacientes con patología de miembros inferiores. Resultados: cinco pacientes fueron operados por patología avanzada de cabeza y cuello: 3 pacientes con carcinomas escamosos de cavidad oral estadio IVa, 1 paciente con carcinoma escamoso de piel avanzado estadio IV y 1 paciente con fractura compleja de maxilar inferior por herida de arma de fuego con fistula oro-cutánea crónica, con exposición del material de osteosíntesis, mala oclusión y pérdida de peso importante por dificultad para alimentación. Dos pacientes fueron operados por patología de miembros inferiores en tercio inferior de pierna, uno por fractura expuesta grave con defecto de tejidos blandos y el otro por una ulcera arterial. Conclusión: la cirugía reconstructiva microquirúrgica puede realizarse con buenos niveles de seguridad para el personal de salud y para los pacientes afectados por patologías avanzadas de cabeza y cuello y otras patologías que requieran colgajos libres. Es fundamental respetar estrictamente los protocolos para evitar los contagios en el medio intrahospitalario, entendiendo que debe considerarse todo paciente que ingrese al hospital como COVID (+) hasta que se demuestre lo contrario

Introduction: the SARS CoV ­ 2 (COVID ­ 19) Pandemic had a significant impact on the development of surgical services in general and forced the establishment of action protocols for the different pathologies in order to take maximum care of human resources and capacity. installed in hospitals to deal with this global contingency. Objectives: to present a casuistry of 7 patients with microsurgical reconstruction of head and neck pathology in advanced stages and lower limb pathology during the COVID - 19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: retrospective work, physical and digital medical records were reviewed. Five patients with advanced head and neck disease and 2 patients with lower limb disease were included. Results: five patients underwent surgery for advanced head and neck disease: 3 patients with stage IVa squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, 1 patient with stage IV advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and 1 patient with a complex fracture of the lower jaw due to a gunshot wound. with chronic oro-cutaneous fistula, with exposure of the osteosynthesis material, poor occlusion and significant weight loss due to difficulty feeding. Two patients underwent surgery for pathology of the lower limbs in the lower third of the leg, one for a severe open fracture with a soft tissue defect and the other for an arterial ulcer. Conclusion: microsurgical reconstructive surgery can be performed with good levels of safety for health personnel and for patients affected by advanced pathologies of the head and neck and other pathologies that require free flaps. It is essential to strictly respect the protocols to avoid contagion in the hospital environment, understanding that every patient who enters the hospital must be considered as COVID (+) until proven otherwise.

Apendicectomía profiláctica en la dotación Antártica: experiencia del Hospital de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile / Prophylactic appendectomy in the Antarctic endowment: experience of the Chilean Air Force Hospital

Resumen Objetivo: Reportar y caracterizar las complicaciones quirúrgicas de las apendicectomías laparoscópicas electivas profilácticas, realizadas a pacientes destinados a dotación antártica, realizadas en Hospital clínico de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile (FACh). Materiales y Método: Análisis retrospectivo descriptivo de fichas clínicas de todos los pacientes sometidos a apendicectomía laparoscópica profiláctica entre los años 2013 y 2017 en Hospital FACh. Se registraron variables demográficas y quirúrgicas de los pacientes. Las complicaciones fueron registradas y clasificadas de acuerdo a Clavien-Dindo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 200 pacientes, 96% hombres y solo 4% mujeres. Se registraron 6 pacientes (3%) con complicaciones quirúrgicas, clasificadas como grado I según Clavien-Dindo. Discusión: No existen reportes de complicaciones en apendicectomías profilácticas. En nuestra serie éstas alcanzan el 3%. Conclusiones: La apendicectomía profiláctica es una cirugía segura, con escasas complicaciones, pero existen y se desarrollan en un paciente que estaba previamente sano.

Aim: To present and characterize surgical complications of elective prophylactic appendectomies, performed in patients for the Antarctic endowment at the Hospital Clínico de la Fuerza Aérea de Chile. Materials and Method: Retrospective descriptive analysis of all patients operated of prophylactic laparoscopic appendectomy between 2013 and 2017. Demographic and surgical variables of the patients were recorded and analysed. Complications were classified according Clavien-Dindo. Results: 200 patients were included, 96% mens. Six patients (3%) had a surgical complication, all classified as Grade I. Discussion: There are no previous reports of surgical complications on prophylactics appendectomies. The complications rate is 3%. Conclusions: The prophylactic appendectomy is a safe surgery with a low rate of complications, although its exists and develops in a previously healthy patient.

Insuficiencia suprarenal secundaria al uso de corticoides inhalados: reporte de caso / Adrenal insufficiency secondary to use of inhaled corticosteroids: case report

La insuficiencia suprarrenal es un síndrome que se produce por la disminución de niveles séricos de glucocorticoides, la cual se clasifica en primaria o secundaria, según la etiología. El uso prolongado de corticoides exógenos a altas dosis puede producir una inhibición en el eje hipotálamo-hipofisiario-adrenal, y la supresión aguda de éstos produce insuficiencia suprarrenal secundaria. Los glucocorticoides inhalados, usados ampliamente como tratamiento del asma bronquial, pudiesen tener un impacto a nivel del eje adrenal, principalmente en la población pediátrica. Por el momento, si bien hay reportes de casos que evidencian insuficiencia suprarrenal secundaria al uso de corticoides tanto tópicos como inhalatorios, aún es materia de discusión esta interacción a nivel sistémico, con artículos que se contraponen en sus resultados. Se presenta un caso clínico de una paciente usuaria de glucocorticoides inhalatorios por el antecedente de asma bronquial, que desarrolla una clínica de insuficiencia suprarrenal en el periodo de lactancia.

Adrenal insufficiency is a syndrome that is produced by the decrease in serum glucocorticoid levels, which is classified as primary or secondary, according to the etiology. Prolonged use of exogenous corticosteroids at high doses may cause inhibition in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and acute suppression of these results in secondary adrenal insufficiency. Inhaled glucocorticoids, widely used as a treatment for bronchial asthma, could have an impact at the level of the adrenal axis, mainly in the pediatric population. At the moment, although there are reports of cases that show adrenal insufficiency secondary to the use of both topical and inhalation corticosteroids, this interaction at systemic level is still a matter of discussion, with articles that contrast in their results. We present a clinical case of a patient using inhaled glucocorticoids due to a history of bronchial asthma, which develops a clinical of adrenal insufficiency in the period of breastfeeding.

Páncreas ectópico, diagnóstico diferencial de lesión gástrica subepitelial: reporte de caso y enfrentamiento inicial / Ectopic pancreas, differential diagnosis of subepithelial gastric lesion: case report and initial confrontation

Subepithelial lesions are generally an incidental diagnosis with an prevalence of 0.4%. These tumors represent a great diagnostic challenge, mainly when ruling out potentially malignant lesions, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), lymphomas and carcinomas. Among the many differential diagnosis, the ectopic pancreas arises with an prevalence of 1-2% in general population. The first diagnostic approach is performed using upper digestive endoscopy, computed tomography and endosonography. This last one has a diagnostic performance of less than 50%, which increases to 90% when it is associated with a histopathological examination. There is no current consensus regarding the management and monitoring of these lesions. Based on the imaging and histological characteristics, the possibilities range from observation to endoscopic or surgical resection. In this context, we will present a clinical case of ectopic pancreas as an incidental finding, and afterwards the diagnostic and therapeutic breakdown of subepithelial lesions.

Las lesiones subepiteliales son pesquisadas generalmente de manera incidental, con una prevalencia de 0,4%. Estos tumores suponen un gran desafío diagnóstico, principalmente al momento de descartar lesiones potencialmente malignas, como el tumor estromal gastrointestinal (GIST), linfomas y carcinomas. Dentro de los posibles diagnósticos, surge el páncreas ectópico, con una prevalencia de hasta 1-2% en la población general. La primera aproximación diagnóstica se realiza mediante endoscopia digestiva alta, tomografía computarizada y la endosonografía, ésta última con un rendimiento diagnóstico menor del 50%, que aumenta hasta el 90% al asociar el examen histopatológico. No existe consenso actual respecto al manejo y seguimiento de estas lesiones, que según sus características imagenológicas e histológicas, va desde la observación hasta la resección endoscópica o quirúrgica. En este contexto, se presenta un caso clínico de páncreas ectópico como hallazgo incidental y el desglose diagnóstico y terapéutico de las lesiones subepiteliales.

The role of angiogenic biomarkers and uterine artery Doppler in pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus or antiphospholipid syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of the uterine artery mean pulsatility index (mPI-UtA) and the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) for the prediction of placental dysfunction-related adverse outcomes (AO), namely pre-eclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and for differential diagnosis between PE and SLE flares. STUDY DESIGN: Observational prospective cohort study of 57 pregnant women with SLE or APS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: mPI-UtA and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in maternal serum were obtained at four gestational age periods (11-14, 19-22, 24-29 and 32-34 weeks). Comparisons among pregnancies with normal outcome, SLE flare and AO were performed. RESULTS: Overall, we had 44 ongoing pregnancies (36 with SLE and 8 with APS) of which most (n = 35, 80%) were uncomplicated. The overall rate of AO was 9% (n = 4), that was diagnosed at a mean (SD) gestational age of 34.1 (7.5) weeks. Five SLE patients (14%) suffered a SLE flare. No differences for these markers were found between normal pregnancies and those affected by SLE flare. mUtA-PI values were significantly higher in the AO group when compared with normal and SLE flare groups, at 19-22 weeks (1.52, 0.95 and 0.76) and 32-34 weeks (1.13, 0.68 and 0.65), respectively. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was significantly higher in the AO group at 24-29 weeks (191.1, 3.1 and 9.2), respectively. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results indicate that mPI-UtA and sFlt1/PlGF ratio may be useful to predict AO in women with SLE, and to make the differential diagnosis with a lupus flare.

Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia: analysis of three Spanish cases with two new mutations in the APOB gene.

Extremely low LDL-cholesterol concentrations are very unusual and generally related with comorbidities accompanying malnutrition. Less frequently low LDL-cholesterol levels result from mutations in the APOB, PCSK9, ANGPTL3, SAR1B and MTTP genes (primary hypobetalipoproteinemia). We investigated three patients with plasma LDL-cholesterol levels below the fifth percentile of the Spanish population. We recorded data on demographic and anthropometric characteristics, life style habits, physical examination, liver ultrasound and lipid and lipoprotein levels, in the probands and their first-degree relatives. Secondary causes of hypocholesterolemia were ruled out by clinical study, complementary tests and follow-up. The APOB, MTTP and SAR1B genes were sequenced. Patients were found to be heterozygotes for point mutations located in the exon 26 of the APOB gene. One patient, with fatty liver, carried a previously described mutation (c.7600C>T) (Arg2507X), causing the formation of truncated Apo B-55.25. The other two mutations producing truncations are new. One asymptomatic patient carried the Arg3672X (Apo B-80.93) and the other with fatty liver and steatorrhea carried the Ser2184fsVal2193X (Apo B-48.32). Our study reinforces the concept that in the heterozygous carriers of truncated Apo Bs, the clinical manifestations of FHBL are dependent on the size of the truncations.

Percepción de la población respecto a los riesgos asociados a los estudios de imágenes / Public perception of radiation-related risks of imaging studies

Introduction: In recent years, diagnostic procedures using ionizing radiation have achieved a great boom, although patients are often unaware of the risks they involve. Objectives: To know how is ionizing radiation perceived by the population attending Clínica Dávila, Department of Radiology (DRCD).Methods: A voluntary and anonymous survey was conducted on patients and / or companions. Results: A total of 330 adults were surveyed. An 57 percent had completed higher education, whereas 7.9 percent had only finished elementary schooling; 78.8 percent had undergone three or more imaging tests. CT examination was considered to pose the highest levels of risk (42.4 percent), followed by Ultrasonography (30.6 percent). Discussion: The survey group was made up of young adults, mostly college graduates, and predominantly female. Surprinsingly enough, considering that obstetric sonography is commonly used during pregnancy, US was ranked second in terms of associated health risks. There is an evident interest in the subject, since 90 percent of responders would like to receive further information.

Introducción: Los procedimientos diagnósticos que usan radiación ionizante están en auge, aunque conllevan riesgos muchas veces desconocidos por los pacientes. Objetivos: Conocer la percepción de la población que acude al Departamento de Radiología de Clínica Dávila (DRCD) sobre la radiación. Material y métodos: Se aplicó una encuesta voluntaria y anónima a pacientes y/o acompañantes. Resultados: Se encuestó a 330 adultos. El 57 por ciento poseía estudios superiores y 7,9 por ciento sólo estudios básicos. El 78,8 por ciento se había efectuado 3 o más estudios radiológicos. La TC fue el examen considerado con mayor riesgo (42,4 por ciento), luego la US (30,6 por ciento). Discusión: El grupo encuestado fueron adultos jóvenes, con estudios superiores en su mayoría y con predominio femenino. Sorprendió que la US se considerara como el segundo examen de mayor riesgo, ya que las mujeres poseen mayor contacto con este estudio durante el embarazo. Hay interés en el tema, porque el 90 por ciento desea recibir información.

Quality requirements for cross-border care in Europe: a qualitative study of patients', professionals' and healthcare financiers' views.

BACKGROUND: In the past decade the issue of patient mobility has emerged on the European health policy agenda. Although the volume of patients crossing borders to obtain healthcare is low, it is increasing continuously and, due to its legal, financial and medical implications, has generated considerable interest among health policy and other decision makers. However, there is little information available on the safety and patient-centredness of cross-border care and neither governments nor citizens have an explicit basis for comparing healthcare delivery in Europe. METHODS: This study investigated the viewpoints of patients, professionals and healthcare financiers on the safety and patient-centredness of cross-border care. Qualitative interviews were carried out during 2005 and early 2006 with 40 patients, 30 professionals (doctors, nurses and managers) and 3 healthcare-financing bodies. RESULTS: Although cross-border care has become a common issue in many European countries, there remain uncertainties on the side of each of the parties addressed--patients, professionals and financiers--with regard to the provision of cross-border care. One of the most striking results of this project is the current lack of research on systematic knowledge on the quality of cross-border care. CONCLUSION: Many of the issues identified through this research may have a potential impact on the quality and safety of cross-border care and will support further investigation and help shape the health policy agenda on patients crossing borders in European Union countries.

Application of quality improvement strategies in 389 European hospitals: results of the MARQuIS project.

CONTEXT: This study was part of the Methods of Assessing Response to Quality Improvement Strategies (MARQuIS) research project investigating the impact of quality improvement strategies on hospital care in various countries of the European Union (EU), in relation to specific needs of cross-border patients. AIM: This paper describes how EU hospitals have applied seven quality improvement strategies previously defined by the MARQuIS study: organisational quality management programmes; systems for obtaining patients' views; patient safety systems; audit and internal assessment of clinical standards; clinical and practice guidelines; performance indicators; and external assessment. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was used to survey acute care hospitals in eight EU countries. The reported findings were later validated via on-site survey and site visits in a sample of the participating hospitals. Data collection took place from April to August 2006. RESULTS: 389 hospitals participated in the survey; response rates varied per country. All seven quality improvement strategies were widely used in European countries. Activities related to external assessment were the most broadly applied across Europe, and activities related to patient involvement were the least widely implemented. No one country implemented all quality strategies at all hospitals. There were no differences between participating hospitals in western and eastern European countries regarding the application of quality improvement strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation varied per country and per quality improvement strategy, leaving considerable scope for progress in quality improvements. The results may contribute to benchmarking activities in European countries, and point to further areas of research to explore the relationship between the application of quality improvement strategies and actual hospital performance.

Differentiating between hospitals according to the "maturity" of quality improvement systems: a new classification scheme in a sample of European hospitals.

AIM: This study, part of the Methods of Assessing Response to Quality Improvement Strategies (MARQuIS) research project focusing on cross-border patients in Europe, investigated quality policies and improvement in healthcare systems across the European Union (EU). The aim was to develop a classification scheme for the level of quality improvement (maturity) in EU hospitals, in order to evaluate hospitals according to the maturity of their quality improvement activities. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire survey designed to measure quality improvement in EU hospitals was used as the basis for the classification scheme. Items included for the development of an evaluation tool--the maturity index--were considered important contributors to quality improvement. The four-stage quality cycle (plan, do, check and act) was used to determine the level of maturity of the various items. Psychometric properties of the classification scheme were assessed, and validation analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 389 hospitals participated in a questionnaire survey; response rates varied by country. For a final sample of 349 hospitals, it was possible to construct a quality improvement maturity index which consisted of seven domains and 113 items. The results of independent analyses sustained the validity of the index, which was useful in differentiating between hospitals in the research sample according to the maturity of their quality improvement system (defined as the total of all quality improvement activities). DISCUSSION: Further research is recommended to develop an instrument which for use in the future as a practical tool to evaluate the maturity of hospital quality improvement systems.

Do European hospitals have quality and safety governance systems and structures in place?

Internal systems for quality and safety were assessed in 89 hospitals in six European states, by external teams using standardised criteria and procedures, as part of the Methods of Assessing Response to Quality Improvement Strategies (MARQuIS) project. The assessments were made primarily to identify the current use of quality management systems in the sample hospitals, and also to demonstrate a potential tool for comparable assessment of hospitals in general. The large majority of the hospitals had a formal, documented infrastructure to manage quality and safety, but a significant minority had no designated mission, programme or coordination. In two-thirds of hospitals, the governing body was active in defining policy and programmes for improvement, and received reports on quality, safety and patient satisfaction at least once a year. The brief on-site assessments identified systematic variations, within and between countries, in structures and processes of governance and to document the uptake of best practice. Unacceptable variations in practice could be reduced, to the benefit of consumers and providers, by developing and publishing basic organisational standards relevant to all European states. The simple assessment criteria designed for this project could be developed into a practical tool for self-assessment, peer review or benchmarking of hospitals across national borders. This assessment, combined with explicit, relevant and achievable standards, could provide a vehicle to promote the voluntary uptake of best practice and consistency in quality and safety among hospitals in Europe.

Implementation of patient safety strategies in European hospitals.

CONTEXT: This study is part of the Methods of Assessing Response to Quality Improvement Strategies (MARQuIS) research project on cross-border care, investigating quality improvement strategies in healthcare systems across the European Union (EU). AIM: To explore to what extent a sample of acute care European hospitals have implemented patient safety strategies and mechanisms and whether the implementation is related to the type of hospital. METHODS: Data were collected on patient safety structures and mechanisms in 389 acute care hospitals in eight EU countries using a web-based questionnaire. Subsequently, an on-site audit was carried out by independent surveyors in 89 of these hospitals to assess patient safety outputs. This paper presents univariate and bivariate statistics on the implementation and explores the associations between implementation of patient safety strategies and hospital type using the chi(2) test and Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Structures and plans for safety (including responsibilities regarding patient safety management) are well developed in most of the hospitals that participated in this study. The study found greater variation regarding the implementation of mechanisms or activities to promote patient safety, such as electronic drug prescription systems, guidelines for prevention of wrong patient, wrong site and wrong surgical procedure, and adverse events reporting systems. In the sample of hospitals that underwent audit, a considerable proportion do not comply with basic patient safety strategies--for example, using bracelets for adult patient identification and correct labelling of medication.

Impact of quality strategies on hospital outputs.

CONTEXT: This study was part of the Methods of Assessing Response to Quality Improvement Strategies (MARQuIS) research project on patients crossing borders, a study to investigate quality improvement strategies in healthcare systems across the European Union (EU). AIM: To explore the association between the implementation of quality improvement strategies in hospitals and hospitals' success in meeting defined quality requirements that are considered intermediate outputs of the care process. METHODS: Data regarding the implementation of seven quality improvement strategies (accreditation, organisational quality management programmes, audit and internal assessment of clinical standards, patient safety systems, clinical practice guidelines, performance indicators and systems for obtaining patients' views) and four dimensions of outputs (clinical, safety, patient-centredness and cross-border patient-centredness) were collected from 389 acute care hospitals in eight EU countries using a web-based questionnaire. In a second phase, 89 of these hospitals participated in an on-site audit by independent surveyors. Pearson correlation and linear regression models were used to explore associations and relations between quality improvement strategies and achievement of outputs. RESULTS: Positive associations were found between six internal quality improvement strategies and hospital outputs. The quality improvement strategies could be reasonably subsumed under one latent index which explained about half of their variation. The analysis of outputs concluded that the outputs can also be considered part of a single construct. The findings indicate that the implementation of internal as well as external quality improvement strategies in hospitals has beneficial effects on the hospital outputs studied here. CONCLUSION: The implementation of internal quality improvement strategies as well as external assessment systems should be promoted.

Volume and diagnosis: an approach to cross-border care in eight European countries.

OBJECTIVES: Mobility of patients is a pertinent issue on the European Union's agenda. This study aimed to estimate the volume and main diagnoses of cross-border care in eight European countries, in order to provide policy makers with background information about the nature of patient mobility in Europe. METHODS: This article reports the combined findings from three independent studies that compiled self-reported information on admissions data and main diagnoses from more than 200 hospitals in eight European countries. RESULTS: The average volume of cross-border patients accounted for less than 1% of total admissions in the hospitals studied here. Diseases of the circulatory system (mainly acute myocardial infarction) and fractures were the most common reasons for hospitalisation of European patients abroad. Deliveries and other diagnoses related to pregnancy, pneumonia, appendicitis and other diseases of the digestive system, aftercare procedures, and disorders of the eye and adnexa were also common diagnoses for this population. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals should reinforce their efforts to adapt the care provided to the needs of foreign patients in treatment areas that cover the most frequent pathologies identified in this population.

In vitro effect of the presence of human albumin or human serum on the bactericidal activity of daptomycin against strains with the main resistance phenotypes in Gram-positives.

OBJECTIVES: Bactericidal activity depends on antibiotic-bacteria couples, resistance phenotype and theoretically on protein binding. This work explores the influence of protein binding on the bactericidal activity of two antibiotics, daptomycin versus vancomycin, that exhibit, respectively, different C(max) (56 versus 25.5 mg/L), protein binding (91.7% versus 36.9%) and thus theoretical free-drug fractions (4.7 versus 16.1 mg/L). METHODS: The effect of the presence of physiological concentrations of human albumin (4 g/dL) or human serum (90%) on the bactericidal activity of daptomycin was studied against Gram-positive isolates with troublesome resistance phenotypes [multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (MDRSP), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate MRSA (MRSA-hVI) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium]. Killing curves (final inocula of approximately 10(7) cfu/mL) were performed using daptomycin and vancomycin concentrations similar to the C(max) obtained in serum. RESULTS: Daptomycin was rapidly bactericidal (> or =3 log(10) initial inocula reduction) against S. pneumoniae and S. aureus, regardless of the strain tested or the presence of albumin or human serum (that slightly delayed bactericidal activity). Against vancomycin-susceptible or -resistant enterococci, daptomycin exhibited rapid bactericidal activity, delayed to 8 and 24 h, respectively, by human albumin. Vancomycin exhibited much slower bactericidal activity against MDRSP and methicillin-susceptible or -resistant S. aureus, but was never bactericidal against MRSA-hVI and vancomycin-susceptible or -resistant E. faecium. CONCLUSIONS: Daptomycin exhibited rapid bactericidal activity against the strains of the three Gram-positive species tested, regardless of resistance phenotype or the presence of physiological concentrations of albumin.

Evaluación de diferentes valores de referencia espirométricos para el diagnóstico de alteración restrictiva en población chilena / Assessment of different spirometric reference values for diagnosing restrictive impairment in chilean population

In 1988, the Chilean Respiratory Society decided to get national spirometric reference values (SRV), because those used at that time (Knudson et al) underestimated the values in our population. Since then, and using national SRV, it has been observed an increase of the positive false restrictive impairment diagnoses. Our aim was to analyse the probability of making a restrictive impairment diagnosis, according to different spirometric reference values, using the total lung capacity (TLC) measurement as a gold standard. Patients and Methods: We analysed the spirometries from male and female patients older than 59 y.o., in whom lung volumes by helium dilution, had been measured concurrently in our laboratory during 2004. Restrictive impairment was substantiated (confirmed) if TLC was lower than its theoretical value (European Community) minus 1,64À RSD (standard deviation of the residual). Spirometries from the same patients were analysed with different SRV and several statistical indicators of diagnostic tests were calculated. Results: 91 patients (mean age: 72 y.o. ranging from 60 to 89) were assessed. We confirmed a restrictive impairment in 35 of them (38 percent). Using national SRV, sensitivity (S) was 86 percent, specificity (E) 59 percent and the post-test probability (PPT) 57 percent. Using NHANES III SRV, S was 54 percent, E was 91 percent and PPT 79 percent Using Knudson SRV S was 49 percent, E 93 percent and PPT 81 percent, while by using Platino study SRV, S was of 49 percent, E was 77 percent and PPT 57 percent. Conclusion: Similarly to previous reports, we have found an important difference in the probability of diagnosing restriction in our population, according to the SRV used

A finales de los años 80 se planteó la necesidad de disponer de valores de referencia espirométricos (VRE) nacionales, ya que los utilizados en esa época (Knudson) subestimaban los valores en nuestra población. Posteriormente, al utilizar VRE nacionales, se ha observado un aumento de los diagnósticos de restricción falsos positivos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la probabilidad de hacer el diagnóstico de restricción a través de la espirometría, según diferentes valores de referencia utilizando como gold standard la medición de la capacidad pulmonar total (CPT). Material y Método: Se analizaron las espirometrías de pacientes mayores de 59 años, estudiados además con volúmenes pulmonares por técnica de dilución de helio durante el año 2004. Como criterio de restricción se utilizó el valor inferior a CPT teórica menos 1,64À RSD (desviación standard del residuo) con respecto a los valores teóricos de la comunidad europea. Se analizaron las espirometrías de los mismos pacientes con diferentes VRE y se calcularon diferentes indicadores estadísticos de pruebas diagnósticas. Resultados: Se evaluaron 91 casos con edad promedio de 72 años (rango 60 a 89) encontrando verdadera restricción en 35 de ellos (38 por ciento). Al utilizar VRE nacionales la sensibilidad (S) fue de 86 por ciento, la especificidad (E) de 59 por ciento y la probabilidad postest (PPT) de 57 por ciento. Con NHANES III la S fue de 54 por ciento, la E de 91 por ciento y la PPT de 79 por ciento.Con Knudson la S fue de 49 por ciento, la E de 93 por ciento y la PPT de 81 por ciento mientras que con Platino la S fue de 49 por ciento, la E de 77 por ciento y la PPT de 57 por ciento. Se concluye que existe una gran diferencia en la probabilidad de diagnosticar restricción según el VRE utilizado, de manera similar a lo publicado por otros autores.

Evaluation of the continuation of care between psychiatric hospitalization units and the outpatient clinics in the community.

INTRODUCTION: Continuum of care between health institutions is one of the basic elements of healthcare quality. In this article we present a study that was conducted in an acute psychiatric hospitalization unit for adolescent population. The present study analyzes the perception of professionals from community psychiatric care centers on the continuum of care provided to the patients hospitalized in this unit. METHOD: A self-administered and anonymous questionnaire was mailed to each of the mental health centers that refer patients to the unit. The instrument used is a self-created questionnaire, based on previous tools developed for primary healthcare institutions. The data were analyzed and action plans were defined for the improvement of those areas with a lower score. RESULTS: The response rate was 71.4 %. All the items have an average rate higher than 3 on a scale of 1 to 5. The items with a higher score are the possibility to exchange opinions with the professionals of the unit and the knowledge of the doctor responsible for the patient during the hospitalization. The items with a lower level of satisfaction are the referral procedure and the unit's resources. CONCLUSION: The study provides data on the perception that professionals from mental health out-patient centers have about the coordination with the Unit. This data has been found to be useful to define improvement initiatives that will improve the continuum of care.