Late presentation of chronic HBV and HCV patients seeking first time specialist care in Spain: a 2-year registry review.

Chronic viral hepatitis infection affects an estimated 325 million people globally. People who initiate treatment after significant disease progression face increased risk of severe liver complications and death. Data are scarce on the characteristics and risk factors of people who present late to care in Spain and globally. Data were collected from January 2018 to December 2019 to report late presentation (LP) to specialist care at 11 large university hospitals in Spain to assess related risk factors using a multivariable logistic regression model. 2290 (CHB = 505, CHC = 1785) patients were analysed, with 581 (25.2%) presenting late. Hepatitis C patients more frequently reported LP compared to hepatitis B patients (28.1% vs 15.0%; p < 0.001). Older age (p < 0.001), being male (p < 0.001), being Spanish-born (p < 0.001), and having an unknown origin of referral (p = 0.08) were associated with a higher likelihood of LP. Advanced liver disease was identified in 533 (23%) patients and late-stage liver disease in 124 (5.4%). LP, including with irreversible liver damage, to viral hepatitis specialist care is frequent in Spain, despite being a country with unrestricted treatment access. Initiatives to reduce LP should specifically target men, older individuals, foreign-born populations for CHB, and Spanish nationals for CHC.

A meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of chest ultrasound for the diagnosis of occult penetrating cardiac injuries in hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating thoracic trauma.

BACKGROUND: We performed a systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) to determine the diagnostic accuracy of chest ultrasound (US) compared with a pericardial window (PW) for the diagnosis of occult penetrating cardiac injuries in hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating thoracic trauma. METHODS: A literature search in five databases identified relevant articles for inclusion in this SR and MA. Studies were eligible if they evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of chest US, compared with a PW, for the diagnosis of occult penetrating cardiac injuries in hemodynamically stable patients presenting with penetrating thoracic trauma. Two investigators independently assessed articles for inclusion and exclusion criteria and selected studies for final analysis. Methodological quality was evaluated using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. We performed a MA of binary diagnostic test accuracy within the bivariate mixed-effects logistic regression modeling framework. RESULTS: We included five studies in our SR and MA. These studies included a total of 556 trauma patients. The MA found that, compared with PW, the US was 79% sensitive and 92% specific for detecting occult penetrating cardiac injuries in hemodynamically stable patients. The presence of a concomitant left hemothorax was frequent in patients with false-negative results. CONCLUSION: This SR and MA found that, compared with PW, US was 79% sensitive and 92% specific for detecting occult penetrating cardiac injuries in hemodynamically stable patients with penetrating thoracic trauma. Caution interpretation of pericardial US results is suggested in the presence of left hemothorax. In these cases, a second diagnostic test should be performed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, level II.

The tenets of intrathoracic packing during damage control thoracic surgery for trauma patients: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Although Damage Control Thoracic Surgery (DCTS) has become a provocative alternative to treat patients with chest injuries who are critically ill and physiologically depleted, the management approaches of chest-packing and the measurement of clinically relevant outcomes are not well established. In this paper, we systematically reviewed the available knowledge and evidence about intra-thoracic packing during DCTS for trauma patients. We furthermore inform on the management approaches, surgical strategies, and mortality associated with this intervention. METHODS: We identified articles in MEDLINE and SCOPUS. We reviewed all studies that included trauma patients with chest injuries and managed with intrathoracic packing during DCTS. Studies were eligible if the use of intrathoracic packing in trauma populations was reported. RESULTS: We identified 14 studies with a total of 211 patients. Overall, intrathoracic packing was used in 131 trauma patients. Packing was most commonly used to arrest persistent coagulopathic bleeding or oozing either from raw surfaces or repaired structures and in conjunction with other operative techniques. Pneumonectomy was a deadly intervention; however, one study reported survivors when pneumonectomy was deferred. CONCLUSION: Packing is a feasible, reliable and potentially effective complementary method for hemorrhage control. Therefore, we recommend that packing can be used liberally as a complement to rapid lung-sparing techniques.

Chest Trauma Outcomes: Public Versus Private Level I Trauma Centers.

BACKGROUND: The goal of our study was to evaluate the differences in care and clinical outcomes of patients with chest trauma between two hospitals, including one public trauma center (Pu-TC) and one private trauma center (Pri-TC). METHODS: Patients with thoracic trauma admitted from January 2012 to December 2018 at two level I trauma centers (Pu-TC: Hospital Universitario del Valle, Pri-TC: Fundación Valle del Lili) in Cali, Colombia, were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess for differences in in-hospital mortality, adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 482 patients were identified; 300 (62.2%) at the Pri-TC and 182 (37.8%) at the Pu-TC. Median age was 27 years (IQR 21-36) and median Injury Severity Score was 25 (IQR 16-26). 456 patients (94.6%) were male, and the majority had penetrating trauma [total 465 (96.5%); Pri-TC 287 (95.7%), Pu-TC 179 (98.4%), p 0.08]. All patients arrived at the emergency room with unstable hemodynamics. There were no statistically significant differences in post-operative complications, including retained hemothorax [Pri-TC 19 vs. Pu-TC 18], pneumonia [Pri-TC 14 vs. Pu-TC 14], empyema [Pri-TC 13 vs. Pu-TC 13] and mediastinitis [Pri-TC 6 vs. Pu-TC 2]. Logistic regression did, however, show a higher odds of mortality when patients were treated at the Pu-TC [OR 2.27 (95% CI 1.34-3.87, p < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found significant statistical differences in clinical outcomes between patients treated at a Pu-TC and Pri-TC. The results are intended to stimulate discussions to better understand reasons for outcome variability and ways to reduce it.

Feasibility and Efficacy of High-Dose Chemotherapy and Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for HIV-Associated Lymphoma: A Single-Institution Experience.

BACKGROUND: HIV-associated lymphomas (HAL) remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV patients, especially in the setting of treatment-refractory disease. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is considered a curative option for patients with refractory HAL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report the efficacy of autologous HCT in 20 patients with HAL [non-Hodgkin lymphoma = 14 (70%), Hodgkin lymphoma = 6 (30%)]. At the time of transplantation, the median peripheral blood CD4+ count was 226 cells/µL. HIV virus load was undetectable in 14 (70%) of 20 patients. RESULTS: The median follow-up of surviving patients was 47 months (range, 20-119 months). The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 11 days. The median progression-free survival and median overall survival have not been reached. At 4 years after transplantation, progression-free survival and overall survival were 65% and 70%, respectively. Six patients died from disease relapse or progression (n = 5) and infection (n = 1). Nonrelapse mortality was 0 and 5% at 100 days and 4 years after transplantation, respectively. CONCLUSION: Autologous HCT is an effective therapy for refractory/relapsed HAL with manageable toxicity, similar to non-HIV patients.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts survival in European patients with hepatocellular carcinoma administered sorafenib.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is considered a prognostic factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim is to investigate the prognostic significance of NLR in patients with HCC treated with sorafenib. RESULTS: Median follow-up time was 7 months. Patients were mostly in the intermediate (27.3%) or advanced (72.7%) BCLC stages, 38.6% had vascular invasion and 27.5% extrahepatic disease. A large proportion (38.9%) had been previously treated with TACE. Liver function was preserved: 65.8% were classed as Child A. Median overall survival was 7.7 months (95% CI: 5.8-9.6). In univariate analysis, vascular invasion (P = 0.004), ECOG-PS ≥ 1 (P < 0.001), high bilirubin (P < 0.001), clinical ascites (P = 0.036), BCLC stage (P = 0.004), no previous TACE (P = 0.041) and NRL ≥ 2.3 (P = 0.005) were predictors of poor survival. Skin toxicity (P = 0.039) or hypertension (P = 0.033) during treatment were related to better survival. In multivariate analysis NLR ≥ 2.3 [HR 1.72 (95% CI: 1.03-2.71)], hyperbilirubinemia [HR 3.42 (95% CI: 1.87-6.25)] and ECOG-PS ≥ 1 [HR 1.97 (95% CI: 1.19-3.26)] were found as independent indicators of poor overall survival. Dermatologic adverse effects were an indicator of good overall survival [HR 0.59 (95% CI: 0.38-0.92)]. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-four consecutive HCC patients treated with sorafenib in four different Spanish hospitals between August 2005 and October 2013 were analysed. Clinical, laboratory, and tumour features were obtained. Survival was calculated from the moment sorafenib treatment was initiated. Log-rank and Cox regression were used to analyse the ability of NLR to predict survival. CONCLUSIONS: NLR is an independent prognostic indicator for overall survival in HCC patients treated with sorafenib.

Presentation, Treatment, and Outcomes of Haitian Women With Breast Cancer in Miami and Haiti: Disparities in Breast Cancer-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: We compared a cohort of Haitian immigrants with residents in Haiti with breast cancer (BC) to evaluate the effects of location on presentation, treatment, and outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants were Haitian women with BC living in Miami who presented to the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and women with BC living in Haiti who presented to the Innovating Health International Women's Cancer Center. The primary outcome was the relationship between location, cancer characteristics, and survival. The secondary objective was to compare our results with data extracted from the SEER database. Cox regression was used to compare survival. RESULTS: One hundred two patients from University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital and 94 patients from Innovating Health International were included. The patients in Haiti, compared with the patients in Miami, were younger (mean age, 50.2 v 53.7 years, respectively; P = .042), presented after a longer duration of symptoms (median, 20 v 3 months, respectively; P < .001), had more advanced stage (44.7% v 25.5% with stage III and 27.6% v 18.6% with stage IV BC, respectively), and had more estrogen receptor (ER) -negative tumors (44.9% v 26.5%, respectively; P = .024). The percentage of women who died was 31.9% in Haiti died compared with 17.6% in Miami. Median survival time was 53.7 months for women in Haiti and was not reached in Miami. The risk of death was higher for women in Haiti versus women in Miami (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.09; P = .0024). CONCLUSION: Women with BC in Haiti experience a significantly worse outcome than immigrants in Miami, which seems to be related to a more advanced stage and younger age at diagnosis, more ER-negative tumors, and lack of timely effective treatments. The differences in age and ER status are not a result of access to care and are unexplained.

High efficacy of Sofosbuvir plus Simeprevir in a large cohort of Spanish cirrhotic patients infected with genotypes 1 and 4.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatitis C (HCV) therapy with Sofosbuvir (SOF)/Simeprevir (SMV) in clinical trials and real-world clinical practice, showed high rates of sustained virological response (SVR) in non-cirrhotic genotype (GT)-1 and GT-4 patients. These results were slightly lower in cirrhotic patients. We investigated real-life effectiveness and safety of SOF/SMV with or without ribavirin (RBV) in a large cohort of cirrhotic patients. METHODS: This collaborative multicentre study included data from 968 patients with cirrhosis infected with HCV-GT1 or 4, treated with SOF/SMV±RBV in 30 centres across Spain between January-2014 and December-2015. Demographic, clinical, virological and safety data were analysed. RESULTS: Overall SVR was 92.3%; the majority of patients were treated with RBV (62%) for 12 weeks (92.4%). No significant differences in SVR were observed between genotypes (GT1a:94.3%; GT1b:91.7%; GT4:91.1%). Those patients with more advanced liver disease (Child B/C, MELD≥10) or portal hypertension (platelet count≤100×109 /L, transient elastography≥21 Kpa) showed significantly lower SVR rates (84.4%-91.9%) than patients with less advanced liver disease (93.8%-95.9%, P<.01 in all cases). In the multivariate analysis, the use of RBV, female gender, baseline albumin≥35 g/L, MELD<10 and lack of exposure to a triple therapy regimen were independent predictors of SVR (P<.05). Serious adverse events (SAEs) and SAE-associated discontinuation events occurred in 5.9% and 2.6%. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of cirrhotic patients managed in the real-world setting in Spain, SOF/SMV±RBV yielded to excellent SVR rates, especially in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis. In addition, this combination showed to be safe, with low rates of SAEs and early discontinuations.

A Rare Case of Hepatitis C-Associated Cryoglobulinemic Duodenal Vasculitis.

Intestinal involvement of cryoglobulinemia is an uncommon manifestation and marker of severe vasculitis. We describe the case of a woman admitted to our service for management of acute renal failure and progressive gastrointestinal symptoms after initiating hepatitis C virus treatment with ribavirin and sofosbuvir 4 weeks prior. With an undetectable hepatitis C viral load and persistent symptoms despite hepatitis C virus therapy cessation, an upper endoscopy revealed duodenal sloughing, erythema, and bleeding, sparking suspicion for recurrence of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.

Routine interim disease assessment in patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia: Can we do better?

The presence of >5% blasts at "day 14" (D14), in patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is problematic. It is unclear if a second course of chemotherapy for early persistent disease will alter outcome in these patients. We conducted a retrospective study of AML patients undergoing induction chemotherapy where diagnostic, interim (around day 14), and recovery (days 21-42) bone marrow (BM) evaluations were available for review. Of the 113 patients included in the final analysis, 99 (87.6%) achieved CR at hematologic recovery. At D14, 90 patients (79.6%) had <5% blasts and of these, 87 (96.7%) ultimately achieved CR. At D14, Twenty-three (20.4%) patients had residual leukemia (>5% blasts). Of these, 11 (47.8%) received a second course of chemotherapy (double induction [DI]) and 12 (52.2%) were observed until count recovery (single induction [SI]). No significant difference in CR rates was observed between these two groups (58.3% DI group vs. 45.5% SI group, P value = 0.684). In our analysis, D14 BM evaluation did not uniformly identify patients with primary induction failure. To unequivocally determine the value of a D14 marrow assessment in AML, prospective studies in the context of large cooperative group trials are required. Considering our findings and similar reports from others, we propose that D14 marrow assessment should be individualized, and that other factors, such as cytogenetics and early peripheral blood blast clearance should be considered, to identify patients most likely to benefit from interim disease assessment during AML induction therapy.

Clinical outcomes in breast cancer patients with HIV/AIDS: a retrospective study.

The purpose of the study is to describe what is the presentation of breast cancer in women with HIV, their tolerance to therapy, the most common complications of treatment and their outcomes. Retrospective chart review of patients with HIV diagnosed with breast cancer between January 1, 1989 and December 31, 2013 at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital (UM/JMH) 47 females and 1 male were included in the analysis. The median age of diagnosis was 46 years (IQR 41-52) and 64% of the women were premenopausal. Median CD4(+) count was 330 cells/µL (IQR 131-589 cells/µL). 41% had AIDS at time of diagnosis. 94% of patients presented with locoregional disease and 6% with late stage breast cancer. 52% had ER(+) tumors. 6% had HER-2/neu tumor expression and 21 % had triple negative disease. The 5 year PFS was 50% (95% CI 34-64%), the 5 year OS was 44% (95% CI 29-58%), and the Breast cancer-specific survival was 57% (95% CI 40-70%). Death was attributed to breast cancer in 22 patients, AIDS progression in 6 patients, other medical condition in 1, and for 4, the cause was unknown. Serious adverse events were documented in 46% of patients treated with chemotherapy. Targeted therapy was well tolerated. Patients with HIV/AIDS and breast cancer pose a major challenge for oncologists. Surgery, radiation, and endocrine therapy are well tolerated. Standard dose chemotherapy can have life-threatening side effects which can be managed with growth factor support and antimicrobial prophylaxis. All cancer therapy can be given while continuing with antiviral therapy at full dose.

Distribution and trends of hematology and oncology research in Latin America: A decade of uncertainty.

BACKGROUND: Although hematology and oncology research is a highly relevant and evolving field, research contributions by Latin American countries, apart from Brazil, remain unclear. METHODS: The authors performed a bibliometric analysis through a methodical search of the Latin American abstracts presented at 4 main hematology and oncology annual scientific meetings from 2000 to 2010. Latin American regional and national productivity was described through distribution and trend analyses; the subsequent percentage of full-text publications was also determined. RESULTS: In total, 2871 abstracts were identified, of which 1972 abstracts (68.7%) were determined to be original Latin American research and were included in the analysis. Brazil produced by far the most abstracts, with 51.1% of the total, followed by Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay. Together, these 6 countries accounted for 95.2% of the abstracts. Latin America had a positive trend, registering an average increase of 21.5 abstracts per year (P < .001). Significant positive growth trends were observed for Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay. Argentina and Uruguay were the most productive countries when considering the rate of abstract presentation per population. The full-text publication rate was 17.9%, and the median time to publication after presentation was 1 year. Brazil prevailed as the leading publishing country (60%), followed by Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Cuba, all of which together published 96% of the full-text articles. CONCLUSIONS: Hematology and oncology research is increasing in Latin America, but this contribution remains limited to a few countries. There is also a low rate of full-text articles derived from annual scientific meetings. More extensive research is recommended.

Aneurisma coronario en un paciente con síndrome coronario agudo secundario a cocaína / Coronary aneurysm in a patient with acute coronary syndrome secondary to cocaine

La prevalencia actual del consumo de cocaína hace necesario conocer las complicaciones cardiovasculares derivadas de su uso, como lo es el síndrome coronario agudo, condición que se presenta en personas jóvenes que consultan a los servicios de Urgencias con dolor torácico y alteraciones electrocardiográficas. El consumo de esta sustancia se asocia con aterosclerosis acelerada, vasoconstricción de arterias coronarias, vasoespasmo, arritmias, miocardiopatía, endocarditis, disección y ruptura aórtica, y muerte cardiaca súbita. Aunque la incidencia de aneurismas de arterias coronarias es extremadamente baja en la población general, existe una asociación con el consumo de cocaína que debe ser considerada en estos pacientes.

The current prevalence of cocaine use makes necessary to know the cardiovascular complications derived from its use such as acute coronary syndrome, a condition that occurs in young people who consult the emergency departments with chest pain and electrocardiographic alterations. The consumption of this substance is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, coronary artery vasoconstriction, vasospasm, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, endocarditis, aortic dissection and rupture, and sudden cardiac death. Although the incidence of coronary artery aneurysms is extremely low in the general population, there is an association with cocaine consumption that must be considered in these patients.

Análisis bibliométrico sobre la inclusión de niños, niñas y adolescentes con discapacidad haciendo uso de la música como herramienta central / Bibliometric analysis on inclusion regarding kids and teenagers with disability using music as the main tool / Análise bibliométrica sobre a inclusão de crianças e adolescentes com deficiência fazendo uso da música como ferramenta central

Objetivo: identificar evidencia bibliográfica del uso de la música como herramienta en procesos de inclusión de personas con discapacidad, que permitiera ofrecer sustento teórico al proyecto del convenio establecido entre la Fundación Saldarriaga Concha y la Fundación Nacional Batuta. Materiales y métodos: como estrategia de búsqueda se utilizaron los temas "música", "inclusión" y "discapacidad" y el booleano AND en tres bases de datos: Ebsco, Medline y Lilacs. Los análisis fueron realizados mediante el establecimiento de frecuencias para variables como revista, país, tipo de estudio y años de publicación. Se localizaron veintidós artículos que incluyeron los criterios de búsqueda definidos por los autores. Resultados: los resultados muestran que la mayoría de publicaciones se encuentra en la base de datos Ebsco, en la revista Music Educators Journal, en el período comprendido entre el año 2004 a 2006 (40,9%). Estados Unidos es el país que más publicaciones ha realizado (81,8%). El tipo de estudio más frecuente es la revisión de tema (86,4%) y la temática más utilizada incorpora aspectos como música-discapacidad. De acuerdo con Rumbo, Aranton y García, el grado de evidencia de los documentos analizados es 3, lo que indica que son principalmente estudios descriptivos y de opinión de expertos. Conclusiones: después de realizar la búsqueda sistemática se puede concluir que las publicaciones que incorporan el uso de la música como herramienta para facilitar procesos de inclusión social de niños y adolescentes es escasa, por lo que se sugiere sistematizar y publicar resultados de las intervenciones en este campo de la Terapia Ocupacional. El presente documento proporciona una posible ruta para el desarrollo de futuras investigaciones referentes al tema.

Objective: to identify literature and bibliographical evidence regarding, the use of music as a tool during social inclusion processes of people with disabilities; this was done in order to obtain and supply theoretical bases to the project which pertains and arises from the agreement between the Fundación Saldarriaga Concha and the Fundación Nacional Batuta. Materials and methods: as the research strategy implemented during the investigation, "music", "inclusion" and "disability" with the Boolean AND were used as the search criteria in three different databases: Ebsco, Medline and Lilacs. The analysis was elaborated considering the frequency of different variables/ characteristics of the articles such as, journal, country, type of study and the year it was published. Twenty two articles met the search criteria defined by the authors. Results: the results indicated that the database which contained the most amount of evidence is Ebsco, specifically in the Music Educators Journal, during the years of 2004-2006 (40,9%) and the majority of articles were published in the United States (81,8%). The most common and frequent type of study found was the subject review (86,4%), mainly incorporating search topics like music-disability. Agreeing with Rumbo, Aranton and García, the level of evidence of the analyzed documents is generally 3, indicating that, above all, the studies tend to be descriptive and based on the opinion of experts. Conclusions: after systematically carrying out the research, it is possible to conclude that the publications which consider the use of music as a tool to facilitate social inclusion processes in children and teenagers, is low. Due to the results obtained, it is strongly suggested that, writers begin to systemize and publish the results evidenced in this field of Occupational Therapy. This paper provides a possible route for future research regarding the topic.

Objetivo: identificar evidencia bibliográfica do uso da música como ferramenta em processos de inclusão de pessoas com deficiência, que permitira oferecer sustento teórico ao projeto do convênio estabelecido entre a Fundação Saldarriaga Concha e a Fundação Nacional Batuta. Materiais e métodos: como estratégia de procura utilizaram-se os temas "música", "inclusão" e "deficiência" e o booleano AND em três bases de dados: Ebsco, Medline y Lilacs. As análises foram realizadas mediante o estabelecimento de frequências para variáveis como revista, país, tipo de estudo e anos de publicação. Localizaram-se vinte e dois artigos que incluíram os critérios de procura definidos pelos autores. Resultados: os resultados evidenciam que a maioria de publicações encontra-se na base de dados Ebsco, na revista Educators Journal, no período compreendido entre o ano 2004 e o ano 2006 (40,9%). Os Estados Unidos é o país que mais publicações tem realizado (81,8%). O tipo de estudo mais frequente é a revisão de temas (86,4%) e a temática mais utilizada incorpora aspectos como a música-deficiência. De acordo com Rumbo, Aranton e García, o grau de evidencia dos documentos analisados é 3, o que indica que são principalmente estudos descritivos e de opinião de expertos. Conclusãoes: depois de realizar a procura sistemática pode-se concluir que as publicações que incorporam o uso da música como ferramenta para facilitar processos de inclusão social de crianças e adolescentes é escassa, pelo que se sugere sistematizar e publicar resultados das intervenções neste campo da Terapia Ocupacional. O presente documento proporciona uma possível direção para o desenvolvimento de futuras pesquisas referentes ao tema.

Estimulación fisiaria con Poli-P-Dioxanona: estudio experimental en conejos / Stimulation of the the growth plate: experimental study in rabbits

En este estudio exploramos la posiblidad de ofrecer una opción quirúrgica menor para lograr una estimulación Fisiaria controlada y predecible al paciente con discrepancias menores de miembros inferiores. Ese trabajo experimental en conejos está diseñado para determinar los efectos de la implantación percutánea de un material bioabsorbible en la cercanía de la fisis de fémur y tibia. Se trata de determinar si existe una estimulación vascular de la fisis que resulte en un sobrecrecimiento controlado respecto al mismo contralateral. Para responder a estas preguntas de investigación, se realizó el implante de Pon-P-Dioxanona (PDS) en el fémur distal y la tibia proximal de conejos en fase de crecimiento rápido, y se analizaron sus efectos histológicos, gamagráficos y de crecimiento en longitud. Los animales fueron divididos en 8 grupos de estudio, 5 especímenes cada uno. Cuatro de estos grupos recibieron implante de PDS en fémur y tibia, y otros cuatro grupos solamente se les realizaron perforaciones exactamente iguales pero sin la implantación del PDS. Los animales fueron sacrificados a los 30, 60, 90 y 150 días de la Cirugía. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados de la primera fase de este estudio. Existe un efecto de estimulación fisiaria por la Poli-P-Dioxanona que resulta en un sobrecrecimiento de las extremidades posteriores del conejo expensas de la tibia.