[Utility of treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg versus atorvastatin 80 mg in reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol in patients with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack]. / Utilidad del tratamiento con atorvastatina 40 mg más ezetimiba 10 mg frente a atorvastatina 80 mg en la reducción de los niveles de colesterol LDL en pacientes con ictus isquémico o ataque isquémico transitorio.

INTRODUCTION: After an ischaemic stroke, to reduce LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels decreases the risk of recurrence. The risk of recurrence is lower with more intense reductions in LDLc levels. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and security of atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated stroke or TIA patients admitted to our hospital who received atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg (n = 34) or atorvastatin 80 mg (n = 52) at discharge. We analyzed changes in lipid parameters and established as a primary outcome LDLc <= 70 mg/dL and/or reduction in LDLc >= 50%. Furthermore, safety parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Predictors associated with primary outcome achievement were treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg (odds ratio: 11.94; 95% CI: 2.82-50.64; p = 0.001) and male (odds ratio: 4.76; 95% CI: 1.35-16.67; p = 0.02). Treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg achieved significantly greater reductions in LDLc (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.001) and non-HDLc (p < 0.001). Both treatments were safe and well tolerated, with a low number of secondary effects. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with atorvastatin 80 mg, atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg increases the likelihood of achieving LDLc goals after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated.

TITLE: Utilidad del tratamiento con atorvastatina 40 mg mas ezetimiba 10 mg frente a atorvastatina 80 mg en la reduccion de los niveles de colesterol LDL en pacientes con ictus isquemico o ataque isquemico transitorio.Introduccion. Tras un ictus isquemico, reducir los niveles de colesterol LDL (LDLc) disminuye el riesgo de recurrencia. El riesgo de recurrencia es menor con reducciones mas intensas de las cifras de LDLc. Objetivo. Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento hipolipemiante combinado con atorvastatina 40 mg mas ezetimiba 10 mg tras un ictus isquemico o ataque isquemico transitorio (AIT). Pacientes y metodos. Evaluacion de la eficacia del tratamiento con atorvastatina 40 mg mas ezetimiba 10 mg (n = 34) frente a atorvastatina 80 mg (n = 52) en la modificacion de parametros lipidicos tras un ictus isquemico o AIT. Se establecio como objetivo primario la obtencion de niveles de LDLc <= 70 mg/dL o la reduccion de las cifras de LDLc >= 50%. Adicionalmente se evaluo la presencia de efectos secundarios en ambos grupos. Resultados. Se observo un incremento significativo de las probabilidades de alcanzar el objetivo primario en el grupo tratado con atorvastatina 40 mg mas ezetimiba 10 mg (odds ratio: 11,94; intervalo de confianza al 95%: 2,82-50,64; p = 0,001) y en los varones (odds ratio: 4,76; intervalo de confianza al 95%: 1,35-16,67; p = 0,02). El tratamiento con atorvastatina 40 mg mas ezetimiba 10 mg obtuvo reducciones superiores de LDLc (p < 0,001), colesterol total (p = 0,001) y no HDLc (p < 0,001). Ambos tratamientos fueron seguros, con escaso numero de efectos secundarios. Conclusiones. En comparacion con atorvastatina 80 mg, el tratamiento con atorvastatina 40 mg mas ezetimiba 10 mg incrementa la probabilidad de alcanzar los objetivos de LDLc. Ambos tratamientos son seguros y bien tolerados.

Intraoperative peripheral nerve injury in colorectal surgery. An update.

Intraoperative peripheral nerve injury during colorectal surgery procedures is a potentially serious complication that is often underestimated. The Trendelenburg position, use of inappropriately padded armboards and excessive shoulder abduction may encourage the development of brachial plexopathy during laparoscopic procedures. In open colorectal surgery, nerve injuries are less common. It usually involves the femoral plexus associated with lithotomy position and self-retaining retractor systems. Although in most cases the recovery is mostly complete, treatment consists of physical therapy to prevent muscular atrophy, protection of hypoesthesic skin areas and analgesics for neuropathic pain. The aim of the present study is to review the incidence, prevention and management of intraoperative peripheral nerve injury.