Dermoscopic Evaluation of Actinic Changes in the Lips of Indigenous Children Living at High Altitude in Ecuador: A Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND High altitude increases sunlight exposure, resulting in actinic keratosis, which predisposes people to skin cancer. The dermoscopy procedure evaluates keratotic and pigmented skin changes. This study aimed to describe the clinical and dermoscopic actinic changes in the lips of 25 indigenous children living at high altitude in Ecuador. MATERIAL AND METHODS An observational study was conducted in a public school in the Andes region of Ecuador (August-November 2019). Twenty-five children, males and females, age 5-15 years were assessed by complete physical examination, digital dermoscopic photographs, and punch biopsies. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were used to summarize and analyze the data. RESULTS We included 17 (68%) boys and 8 (32%) girls with a mean age of 9.8±2.0 years. Clinical lips findings reported desquamation [52% Upper Lip (UL); 40% Lower Lip (LL)], fissuring (8% UL; 8% LL), scabs (8% UL; 8% LL), and discoloration (40% UL; 20% LL). Dermoscopic features included a white-yellow lip color (24% UL; p=0.02). The main morphologic pattern of blood vessels was monomorphic (88% UL; p<0.001), polymorphous (60% LL; p<0.001), dotted pattern (64% UL; 28% LL; p=0.02), and linear-irregular (32% UL; 72% LL; p=0.01). Girls had radiating white structures on UL (p=0.025), while boys presented white structureless areas (UL 63.6%; LL 77.8%; p=0.032). No differences in dermoscopic findings were observed according to Fitzpatrick scale score (FSS). Punch biopsies showed no indications of actinic cheilitis. CONCLUSIONS Dermoscopic features in indigenous children living in high altitudes were related to actinic damage, but histopathological findings were negative.

A Refined Minimally Invasive Distal First Metatarsal Osteotomy for Moderate Hallux Valgus Treatment: The BC Procedure.

During the last 2 decades, there was an increasing interest in mini-invasive procedures for hallux valgus correction. In this scenario the Bösch technique appears to be a reproducible distal metatarsal osteotomy (DMO) to achieve a proper correction. Our DMO variant, called BC, was planned to combine the stability and predictability of the chevron osteotomy, with the power of correction, low surgical time and mini-invasive approach of the Bösch-SERI technique. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the surgical technique and report the results of this modified procedure at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Sixty-three patients who underwent the BC technique for mild and moderate hallux valgus were prospectively evaluated. Mean follow-up was 36.5 (range 23.4-59.8) months, the mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score improved from a median of 47.4 points preoperatively to a median of 88 points postoperatively (p < .05). First MTPJ ROM did not change from preoperative period (mean 32.5°) to the postoperative period (mean 31.8°) (p > .65). All osteotomies went on to bony healing in the 6-week follow-up visit. Fifty-two (82%) of patients were either very satisfied or satisfied with the procedure (p < .05). With our numbers, BC osteotomy is shown to be a technique that can treat both mild and moderate deformities, achieving correction that is maintained over the follow-up evaluated, with a 24 relatively simple procedure and short operative time.

Two-step Testing for Clostridioides Difficile is Inadequate in Differentiating Infection From Colonization in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Recent Infectious Disease Society of America guidelines recommend multistep testing algorithms to diagnose Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), including a combination of nucleic acid amplification-based testing (NAAT) and toxin enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The use of these algorithms in children, including the ability to differentiate between C. difficile colonization and CDI, however, has not been evaluated. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled asymptomatic pediatric patients with cancer, cystic fibrosis (CF), or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and obtained a stool sample for NAAT testing. If positive by NAAT (colonized), EIA was performed. In addition, children with symptomatic CDI who tested positive by NAAT via the clinical laboratory were enrolled, and EIA was performed on residual stool. A functional cell cytotoxicity neutralization assay (CCNA) was also applied to stool samples from both the colonized and symptomatic cohorts. RESULTS: Of the 225 asymptomatic children enrolled in the study, 47 (21%) were colonized with C. difficile including 9/59 (15.5%) with cancer, 30/92 (32.6%) with CF, and 8/74 (10.8%) with IBD. An additional 41 children with symptomatic CDI were enrolled. When symptomatic and colonized children were compared, neither EIA positivity (44% vs 26%, P = 0.07) nor CCNA positivity (49% vs 45%, P = 0.70) differed significantly or were able to predict disease severity in the symptomatic cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a multistep testing algorithm with NAAT followed by EIA failed to differentiate symptomatic CDI from asymptomatic colonization in our pediatric cohort. As multistep algorithms are moved into clinical care, the pediatric provider will need to be aware of their limitations.

Correction Power of Percutaneous Adductor Tendon Release (PATR) for the Treatment of Hallux Valgus: A Cadaveric Study.

Osteotomies are commonly used in order to correct hallux valgus deformity. However, soft tissue structures also play an essential role in the etiology, progression, and treatment of hallux valgus (HV). The purpose of the present study was to analyze the correcting power (varus), reduction strength (sesamoid) and rotation of metatarsal and proximal phalanx after percutaneous adductor tendon release (PATR). To date, no study addresses this issue. Eleven cadaveric fresh-frozen below-the-knee cadaveric lower limbs with associated hallux valgus deformity were used. These specimens were subjected to a constant abduction force after PATR. HV and intermetatarsal angles showed statistically significant differences when comparing the preoperative and postoperative periods. PATR showed to be a reliable technique as the adductor tendon was completely released in 9 cases, and 75% released in the remaining 2 feet. The study supports that PATR provides powerful and quantifiable correction of HV deformity and can be accurately performed percutaneously.

Youngswick osteotomy for treatment of moderate hallux rigidus: Thirteen years without arthrodesis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the need for first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis as a measure of the Youngswick osteotomy survival, or any other secondary procedures in the long term follow up in patients with stage II and III hallux rigidus. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 61 patients with stage II and III hallux rigidus who had undergone Youngswick osteotomy and analyzed their outcomes in the long term using first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis as an end point. The candidates for inclusion underwent clinical and radiographic evaluation, including the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 54.8 months. All patients had improved their FAOS, with all achieving postoperative scores >75 points at the final follow up (P<0.05). Although 49 % (P<0.05) of the patients depicted worsening of the radiological aspect of the MTPJ, over the long time, no patient needed a first MTPJ arthrodesis. CONCLUSION: Our results show satisfying long-term outcomes with regard to function, pain relief, and patient satisfaction of the Youngswick osteotomy in grade II as well as grade III hallux rigidus that sustained over the follow up period; even in patients followed up for over 13 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Influence of Age, Sex, and Body Mass Index on the Depth of the Superficial Fascia in the Face and Neck.

BACKGROUND: Nonsurgical skin-tightening procedures are increasing in popularity, as patients seek aesthetic interventions that are safe with minimal downtime. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to provide precise data on the depth of the superficial fascia-the structure of action-of the face and neck. METHODS: One hundred fifty Caucasian individuals (75 men and 75 women) were investigated with a balanced distribution of age (n = 30 per decade: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 years) and body mass index (BMI) (n = 50 per group: BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m, BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m, and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m). The distance between skin surface and the superficial fascia was measured through ultrasound in the buccal region, premasseteric region, and lateral neck. RESULTS: The mean distance between skin surface and superficial fascia was for the buccal region 4.82 ± 0.9 mm, range (2.60-6.90); for the premasseteric region 4.25 ± 0.6 mm, range (2.60-5.80); and for the lateral neck 3.71 ± 0.5 mm, range (2.0-5.0). The depth of the superficial fascia increased with increasing BMI, whereas it decreased with advanced age. CONCLUSION: Knowing the precise depth of the superficial fascia for nonsurgical skin-tightening procedures will guide practitioners toward safer and more effective outcomes.

Joint Preserving Procedure for Moderate Hallux Rigidus: Does the Metatarsal Index Really Matter?

Surgical treatment of moderate hallux rigidus remains controversial and the optimal surgical technique has yet to be defined. Decompressive metatarsal osteotomy is one of the procedures available; however, one of the potential drawbacks is the effect of the metatarsal shortening. We evaluated the global effect of the decompressive metatarsal osteotomy, accounting for the metatarsal index. We retrospectively evaluated 78 patients with stage II and III hallux rigidus who had undergone Youngswick osteotomy and analyzed their outcomes according to the metatarsal index. The candidates for inclusion underwent clinical and radiographic evaluation, including the visual analog scale foot and ankle score, first metatarsophalangeal joint range of motion, and first metatarsal protrusion distance to define the metatarsal index. Also, shortening of the first metatarsal was measured postoperatively, and the occurrence of metatarsalgia was considered a postoperative complication. The mean follow-up period was 53 ± 17 months. The groups stratified according to the metatarsal index (index plus, index plus minus, and index minus) presented with similar results (p > .05). The average preoperative visual analog scale foot and ankle score of 56.4 ± 13.8 points improved significantly to 84.1 ± 5.5 points postoperatively (p < .0001). Also, the mean preoperative dorsiflexion of 20.4° ± 1.5° improved to 37.3° ± 1.6° postoperatively (p < .0001). Of the 78 patients, 97% would recommend the procedure to a family member or friend. Four patients (6%) experienced postoperative metatarsal pain. We found consistent results with this procedure. The reported functional score and dorsiflexion improvement provide evidence that good outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction can be achieved, regardless of the metatarsal length.

Cholinesterases in Gambusia yucatana: Biochemical Characterization and its Relationship with Sex and Total Length.

Since several reports have indicated that cholinesterases (ChE) type and distribution is species specific and that in some species there is a relationship among gender, size and ChE activities, characterization has been suggested. The aim of the present study was to characterize the ChE present in head and muscle of Gambusia yucatana (using selective substrates and inhibitors) and to find its relationship with total length or gender. Results indicated that the ChE present in G. yucatana is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with high sensitivity to BW284C51 and an atypical smaller Km with butyrylthiocholine. Scatterplots indicated that there is no linearity between total length and AChE in male or female wild mosquitofish. There were no sex differences in AChE activities. Results indicated significant differences between a single collection site in the Yucatan peninsula and depurated organisms. This study emphasized the importance of characterizing ChE before usage in biomonitoring.

Republication of "How Accurate Is Clinical Evaluation in Hindfoot Coronal Alignment?"

Background: Hindfoot coronal alignment is an important factor in the assessment of patients with many different foot and ankle complaints. A number of clinical and radiographic techniques have been described to measure hindfoot coronal alignment, but none of them are widely accepted. The purpose of the present study was to assess the correlation between clinical and radiographic hindfoot alignment measures and to evaluate the reproducibility of each. Methods: We evaluated 85 patients with foot and/or ankle symptoms. Hindfoot clinical alignment was measured from photographs. Each patient was placed at a distance of 1 m from the observer, with both feet placed parallel. Four photographs were taken, at a height of 40 cm: a posterior view of both lower limbs including knees, a posterior view focalized on the studied hindfoot, an anterior view of the foot, and the last view of the medial aspect of the foot. Radiographic alignment was quantified on long axial view radiographs. Patients were lying over the film cassette with a focus distance of 1 m and the beam pointed to the ankle joint. The inclination angle of the beam was 45 degrees to the floor. Measurements were independently made by 2 observers, who were asked to classify pictures into 3 categories: varus, neutral, and valgus. Radiographic measurements were made using the angle measurement tool on the radiograph viewer. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the ICC were used to quantify the inter- and intraobserver reliability for clinical assessment. Radiographic parameters were correlated by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). Results: The intraobserver ICC for clinical analysis was good for both observers, while the interobserver ICC was moderate for both measurements. Regarding radiographic assessment, there was significant intra- and interobserver reliability. The correlation between both methods was weak for both observers. Conclusions: We found only weak intra- and interobserver correlations between the clinical and radiographic assessment of hindfoot coronal alignment. It is therefore necessary to complement the clinical evaluation of hindfoot alignment with an objective measurement method such as a long axial view radiograph. Further studies comparing different measurement methods need to be performed to establish the most objective evaluation. Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic study.

Comparison of Visual Field Test Measurements With a Novel Approach on a Wearable Headset to Standard Automated Perimetry.

PRCIS: This study of inter-test comparability of a novel visual field application installed on an augmented-reality portable headset and Humphrey field analyzer Swedish interactive thresholding algorithm (SITA) Standard visual field test demonstrates the excellent correlation of mean deviation (MD) and mean sensitivity (MS). PURPOSE: To determine the correlation between visual field testing with novel software on a wearable headset versus standard automated perimetry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with and without visual field defects attributable to glaucoma had visual field testing in one eye of each patient with 2 methods: re:Imagine Strategy (Heru, Inc.) and the Humphrey field analyzer (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.) SITA Standard 24-2 program. Main outcome measures included MS and MD, which were evaluated by linear regression, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland Altman analysis for assessment of the mean difference and limits of agreement. RESULTS: Measurements from 89 eyes of 89 patients (18 normal and 71 glaucomas) were compared with both instruments. Linear regression analysis demonstrated an excellent Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.94 for MS and r = 0.95 for MD. ICC analysis demonstrated high levels of concordance (ICC = 0.95, P < 0.001 for MS and ICC = 0.94, P < 0.001 for MD). Bland-Altman analysis determined a small mean difference between the two devices (Heru minus Humphrey) of 1.15 dB for MS and 1.06 dB for MD. CONCLUSIONS: The Heru visual field test correlated well with SITA Standard in a population of normal eyes and eyes with glaucoma.

The endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor IRE1 regulates collagen secretion through the enforcement of the proteostasis factor P4HB/PDIA1 contributing to liver damage and fibrosis.

Collagen is one the most abundant proteins and the main cargo of the secretory pathway, contributing to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis due to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Here we investigated the possible contribution of the unfolded protein response, the main adaptive pathway that monitors and adjusts the protein production capacity at the endoplasmic reticulum, to collagen biogenesis and liver disease. Genetic ablation of the ER stress sensor IRE1 reduced liver damage and diminished collagen deposition in models of liver fibrosis triggered by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) administration or by high fat diet. Proteomic and transcriptomic profiling identified the prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4HB, also known as PDIA1), which is known to be critical for collagen maturation, as a major IRE1-induced gene. Cell culture studies demonstrated that IRE1 deficiency results in collagen retention at the ER and altered secretion, a phenotype rescued by P4HB overexpression. Taken together, our results collectively establish a role of the IRE1/P4HB axis in the regulation of collagen production and its significance in the pathogenesis of various disease states.

Metatarsalgia: Assessment Algorithm and Decision Making.

Historically, metatarsalgia was approached as a forefoot condition, most often associated with hallux valgus. Consequently, surgical treatments were limited to that anatomic zone, disregarding more proximal structures. In order to assess this entity properly, it is necessary to consider anatomic and biomechanical factors, as well as general and local conditions of the affected patients. A thorough understanding of the multiple potential causal factors is essential to ensure selection of the optimal treatment.

What Metrics Can Be Used to Determine the Optimal Timing of Reimplantation in Patients Who Have Undergone Resection Arthroplasty as Part of a Two-Stage Exchange for Infected Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA)?

RECOMMENDATION: There is no conclusive data regarding what metrics can be used in order to determine the optimal timing of reimplantation for an infected TAA. We recommend that reimplantation is performed when there are clinical signs of resolution of infection (well-healed wound, lack of erythema, etc), and the serologic markers have substantially declined (>40%) from baseline (measured at the time of diagnosis of infection). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Consensus. DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus).

Mini thigthrope® fixation of unstable bony avulsion of the extensor hallucis longus tendon.

Reports of isolated avulsion fracture of the distal phalanx of the hallux that comprise the functionality of the extensor hallucis longus tendon (EHL) are scarce and treatment for such injury has only been described in isolated single case reports. Two patients with an unstable avulsion fracture of the distal phalanx treated with reinsertion of the EHL with a Mini ThigthRope® system are presented in this paper. Two patients whom suffered an extreme plantarflexion mechanism sought attention in our clinic. Plain x-rays depicted a displaced and angulated bony avulsion fracture of the base of the distal phalanx of the hallux. The interphalangeal joint was in a slightly plantarflexed position and the patient was not able to perform active extension upon request. Surgical fixation performed with Mini ThigthRope® system without transarticular immobilization of the interphalangeal joint. In the two patients the Mini ThigthRope® system provided adequate reduction of the displaced articular fragment, restored the extensor function and allowed early postoperative mobilization of the IP joint. Removal of the implants was not necessary and patients were able to resume their previous activity levels. Level of Evidence: IV.

Should Routine Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), or MRSA, Screening Be in Place Prior to Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA)?

RECOMMENDATION: Unknown. The role of screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and decolonization prior to total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) remains unclear. Further data are needed to support this practice in TAA, which can be costly and logistically difficult to implement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Consensus. DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus).

What Are the Benefits and Risks Associated With the Use of Vancomycin Powder in the Wound During Total Ankle Arthroplasty (TAA) or Other Foot and Ankle Procedures?

RECOMMENDATION: Though one study supporting topically applied vancomycin has shown it to reduce the rate of deep infection in diabetic patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery, there is insufficient evidence to show benefits or to show any risks associated with the use of vancomycin powder during total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) or other foot and ankle procedures in a general population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Consensus. DELEGATE VOTE: Agree: 100%, Disagree: 0%, Abstain: 0% (Unanimous, Strongest Consensus).

Is pulse oximetry helpful for the early detection of critical congenital heart disease at high altitude?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the pulse oximetry as a method for screening critical congenital heart disease (CHD) in newborns. STUDY DESIGN: This is an observational, transversal, descriptive simple study. The pre-ductal and postductal saturation were taken in term newborns that fulfilled the criteria of inclusion and exclusion in the Hospital Gineco-Obstetrico Isidro Ayora (HGOIA) in Quito. These measurements were performed between the 24 and 48 h after birth. Those newborns that saturated less than 90% on initial pulse oxìmetry underwent 3 successive measurements at 1-h intervals. Those who saturate less than 90% after 3 measurements or have a difference higher than 3% in preductal saturation and postductal saturation (positive screening) underwent transthoracic echocardiography evaluate for CHD. RESULTS: Pulse oximetry from 963 newborns was evaluated. In Quito, at an altitude of 2820 meters above sea level (9252 feet), the mean preductal saturation was 92.76% (SD ± 3) and the postductal saturation, 93.76% (SD ± 4.7). Pulse oximetry in 53 patients (5.5%) was classified as a positive screening. No critical congenital heart diseases were found. Atrial septal defect (ASD) was the most common finding in a 46.94% (n = 23), followed by the association of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and ASD with a 12.24% (n = 6). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients who underwent screening pulse oximetry, no critical congenital heart diseases (CHD) were observed. However, identifying those with oxygen saturation less than 90% after 3 successive measurements or a pre- and postductal oxygen difference of > 3% resulted in successful identification of ASD and PDA. It is necessary to implement new cutoff points in saturation values to identify critical cardiac anomalies in cities placed at a high altitude. The use of pulse oximetry should be recommended in all the newborns.

[The imagination of sexuality in graduate student]. / Imaginarios de sexualidad en estudiantes universitarios.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and explain imaginaries about sexuality that university students have at the beginning of their professional training. METHODS: Study with a qualitative approach, for which grounded theory was used as methodology and method. 11 students enrolled in the first semester of different undergraduate programs were included. The information was collected through 25 in-depth interviews, with an average of two interviews per reporter. RESULTS: Six categories emerged from the data: socialization of sexuality in the family; socialization of sexuality in the school; socialization of sexuality in the media; socialization of sexuality with peers; traditional imaginary of sexuality; and liberal imaginary of sexuality. The grounded theory emerged based on these general categories: "Sexuality imaginaries between adaptation and resistance". DISCUSSION: The theoretical approach describes how young people internalize the symbols and views of sexuality that they learn before entering university during socialization processes with their family, the school, the media, peers and own experiences. This internalization is not completely passive, as the youth go through some confrontation processes in relation to these visions that lead them to adapt or resist.

OBJETIVO: Describir y explicar los imaginarios sobre sexualidad que tienen los estudiantes universitarios al comienzo de su formación profesional. MÉTODOS: Estudio con enfoque cualitativo, en el que se utilizó como metodología y método la teoría fundamentada; en total participaron 11 estudiantes que se encontraban matriculados en primer semestre en diferentes programas presenciales de pregrado; la recolección de la información se realizó mediante 25 entrevistas a profundidad, con un promedio de dos entrevistas por informante. RESULTADOS: A partir de los datos surgieron seis categorías: socialización de la sexualidad en la familia; socialización de la sexualidad en la escuela; socialización de la sexualidad en los medios de comunicación; socialización de la sexualidad con los pares; imaginario tradicional de sexualidad; imaginario liberal de la sexualidad. Finalmente, a partir de las categorías generales emergió la teoría sustantiva: imaginarios de sexualidad entre la adaptación y la resistencia. DISCUSIÓN: El planteamiento teórico, describe como los jóvenes van interiorizando los símbolos y visiones de la sexualidad que van aprendiendo antes de ingresar a la universidad, en los procesos de socialización en la familia, la escuela, los medios de comunicación, los pares y sus propias experiencias. Esta interiorización no es totalmente pasiva, sino que en el joven se van dando unos procesos de confrontación de estas visiones que los llevan a adaptarse o a resistirse.

Pie diabético y pandemia de la COVID-19: adaptación al uso de la Telemedicina por los especialistas de pie y tobillo de los Servicios de Traumatología de la Argentina / Diabetic foot and COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina: Foot and ankle specialists respond to the use of telemedicine

Introducción: La telemedicina fue la recomendación internacional durante la pandemia de COVID-19 para las consultas médicas de los pacientes con pie diabético. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el empleo de la telemedicina como herramienta en pacientes con pie diabético, por parte de especialistas en pie y tobillo de la Argentina. Como objetivos secundarios se planteó valorar la satisfacción percibida por los profesionales con el uso de esta herramienta, evaluar qué estrategias se usaron para realizar la consulta médica remota y determinar la permanencia al retornar a la actividad asistencial habitual. Materiales y Métodos: Se enviaron tres encuestas a los socios de la Sociedad Argentina de Medicina y Cirugía de la Pierna y Pie, entre mayo 2020 y abril de 2022. Resultados: La función más valiosa de la consulta remota fue la prevención (75% de los encuestados), el seguimiento clínico (54,1%), el seguimiento posoperatorio (41,6%) y el diagnóstico (29,1%). El recurso más utilizado fue la conversación telefónica, seguida del envío de imágenes por mensajería instantánea. Solo el 37,5% utilizó las plataformas de historia clínica virtual. Conclusiones: Los recursos más utilizados para la consulta remota fueron la conversación telefónica, seguida del envío de imágenes por mensajería instantánea. El 33,4% estaba conforme con la consulta por telemedicina en mayo de 2020, mientras que, en julio, la conformidad ascendió al 46,7%. En abril de 2022, solo el 13% continuaba con las consultas remotas. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: Telemedicine was the recommendation of international societies during the COVID-19 pandemic for medical consultations in patients with diabetic foot (DF). The main aim of this work is to evaluate the use of telemedicine as a tool for the eva-luation and follow-up of patients with DF by foot and ankle specialists in Argentina. As secondary objectives, we propose to assess the satisfaction perceived by the professionals with the use of this tool, to evaluate the specific strategies used to carry out the remote medical consultation, and to determine its permanence when returning to the usual care activity. Materials and Methods:Three surveys were sent to members of the Argentine Society of Medicine and Surgery of the Leg and Foot in May and July 2020 and April 2022. Results: According to 75% of respondents, the most valuable function of telemedicine was prevention, followed by monitoring of the clinical pathology (54.1%), postoperative follow-up (41.6%), and diagnosis (29.1%). The most commonly used resources for remote consultation were telephone conversations, followed by images sent by instant messaging. Only 37.5% used electronic health record platforms during 2020. Conclusions: The most commonly used resources for remote consultation were telephone conversations, followed by images sent by instant messaging. 33.4% of respondents were satisfied with telemedicine consultations in May 2020, while in July, satisfaction with this tool rose to 46.7%. In April 2022, only 13% of those surveyed in July 2020 continued offering remote consultations. Level of Evidence: IV

Auto-brewery syndrome A diagnostic challenge

Auto-brewery syndrome is defined as intestinal distillation syndrome and is probably caused by an overgrowth of microorganisms which metabolize carbohydrates to ethanol. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with classical symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome, with no prior alcohol ingestion and clinical improvement after medical treatment was instituted. It is a very rare case and, due to its inadequate description in the medical literature, we attempt to describe the essentials of the disease and the diagnostic challenge it represents. (Acta Med Colomb 2022; 48. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2023.2565).