Modulation of the neuronal network activity by P2X receptors and their involvement in neurological disorders.

ATP is a key energetic molecule, fundamental to cell function, which also has an important role in the extracellular milieu as a signaling molecule, acting as a chemoattractant for immune cells and as a neuro- and gliotransmitter. The ionotropic P2X receptors are members of an ATP-gated ion channels family. These ionotropic receptors are widely expressed through the body, with 7 subunits described in mammals, which are arranged in a trimeric configuration with a central pore permeable mainly to Ca(2+) and Na(+). All 7 subunits are expressed in different brain areas, being present in neurons and glia. ATP, through these ionotropic receptors, can act as a neuromodulator, facilitating the Ca(2+)-dependent release of neurotransmitters, inducing the cross-inhibition between P2XR and GABA receptors, and exercising by this way a modulation of synaptic plasticity. Growing evidence shows that P2XR play an important role in neuronal disorders and neurodegenerative diseases, like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease; this role involves changes on P2XR expression levels, activation of key pathways like GSK3ß, APP processing, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. This review is focused on the neuromodulatory function of P2XR on pathophysiological conditions of the brain; the recent evidence could open a window to a new therapeutic target.

Pancreatic steatosis: A frequent finding in a Chilean population.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Pancreatic steatosis is an incidental radiologic finding in asymptomatic patients, and its clinical importance is unclear. PRIMARY AIM: to study the prevalence of pancreatic steatosis (PS) in consecutive patients registered at our hospital, that underwent computed axial tomography (CAT) scanning of the abdomen and pelvis, excluding known pancreatic diseases. Secondary aim: to review the association of PS with the demographic and clinical data of the patients, as well as with hepatic steatosis (HS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study was conducted on adult patients that had CAT scans of the abdomen and pelvis. DEFINITIONS: a) tissue density was measured in Hounsfield units (HU) in five 1 cm2 areas of the pancreas, three areas of the spleen, and in segments VI and VII of the liver; b) fatty pancreas: a difference < -10 HU between the mean pancreas and mean spleen densities; and c) fatty liver: density < 40 HU. We registered the epidemiologic and laboratory data of the patients. The association of those factors with the presence of PS was analyzed using SPSS version 24.0 software, and statistical significance was set at a p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 203 patients, PS was found in 61 (30%). The patients with PS were significantly older and had a higher body mass index. We found no significant association with the rest of the parameters studied, nor with HS (55 patients). None of the patients had symptoms attributable to a disease of the exocrine pancreas. CONCLUSIONS: Fatty infiltration of the pancreas is a frequent finding in CAT scans, and its clinical importance is unclear. Aging of the population and the increase in obesity underline the need for future studies on PS.

Designing an Information and Communications Technology Tool With and for Victims of Violence and Their Case Managers in San Francisco: Human-Centered Design Study.

BACKGROUND: Violence is a public health problem. Hospital-based violence intervention programs such as the San Francisco Wraparound Project (WAP) have been shown to reduce future violent injury. The WAP model employs culturally competent case managers who recruit and enroll violently injured patients as clients. Client acceptance of the WAP intervention is variable, and program success depends on streamlined, timely communication and access to resources. High rates of smartphone usage in populations who are at risk for violent reinjury create an opportunity to design a tailored information and communications technology (ICT) tool to support hospital-based violence intervention programs. OBJECTIVE: Current evidence shows that ICT tools developed in the health care space may not be successful in engaging vulnerable populations. The goal of this study was to use human-centered design methodology to identify the unique communication needs of the clients and case managers at WAP to design a mobile ICT. METHODS: We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with users: clients, their friends and families, case managers, and other stakeholders in violence intervention and prevention. We used a human-centered design and general inductive approach to thematic analysis to identify themes in the qualitative data, which were extrapolated to insight statements and then reframed into design opportunities. Wireframes of potential mobile ICT app screens were developed to depict these opportunities. RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed four main insights that were characterized by the opposing needs of our users. (1) A successful relationship is both professional and personal. Clients need this around the clock, but case managers can only support this while on the clock. (2) Communications need to feel personal, but they do not always need to be personalized. (3) Healing is a journey of skill development and lifestyle changes that must be acknowledged, monitored, and rewarded. (4) Social networks need to provide peer support for healing rather than peer pressure to propagate violence. These insights resulted in the following associated design opportunities: (1) Maximize personal connection while controlling access, (2) allow case managers to personalize automated client interactions, (3) hold clients accountable to progress and reward achievements, and (4) build a connected, yet confidential community. CONCLUSIONS: Human-centered design enabled us to identify unique insights and design opportunities that may inform the design of a novel and tailored mobile ICT tool for the WAP community.

Características clínicas y resultados de pacientes con fibrosis quística con enfermedad pulmonar avanzada: experiencia en 10 años del Instituto Nacional del Tórax / Clinical features and outcomes of cystic fibrosis patients with advanced lung disease: experience of 10 years at the Instituto Nacional del Tórax

La enfermedad pulmonar avanzada (EPAV) es la principal causa de morbimortalidad en pacientes con Fibrosis Quística (FQ). Objetivo: describir características clínicas de pacientes con FQ con EPAV y mortalidad en el seguimiento. Método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de pacientes con FQ y EPAV: VEF1 4 años de vida. Un 75% era portador de infección crónica por Pseudomonas. Un 68% era dependiente de oxígeno y un 18% de ventilación mecánica no invasiva. El 70 % tuvo 2 o más hospitalizaciones el último año de seguimiento. De 27 pacientes derivados a trasplante, 7 se trasplantaron, 3 fallecieron en lista para trasplante, 9 presentaron alguna contraindicación: 4 de ellos por desnutrición y 5 por mala adherencia y escasa red de apoyo. En el seguimiento un 32% (n = 14) falleció, 93% de causa respiratoria. Conclusión: Un 39% de los pacientes tenían EPAV cuyo diagnóstico de FQ en promedio fue a los 11,2 años (SD ± 13 a). Las barreras de ingreso a lista para trasplante fueron: desnutrición, mala adherencia y falta de red de apoyo. Esta es una población con una elevada mortalidad.

Advanced cystic fibrosis lung disease (ACFLD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Objective: to describe clinical characteristics of patients with CF with ACFLD and mortality during follow-up. Method: Descriptive, retrospective study of patients with CF and ACFLD: FEVi < 40%, oxygen dependent, and/or referred to a lung transplantprogram. Clinical, microbiological, functional, genetic and mortality characteristics were collected. Results: Of 111 controlled patients, 39% met criteria for ACFLD. 52% were men and the mean age was 29,8 years- old. The average BMI was 19.9 kg/m2, 72% had pancreatic insufficiency and 87% had a genetic study, being the DF508 mutation the most frequent (67%). The average age of diagnosis was 11.2 years (SD ± 13 years), being in 54,5% over the age of 4 years. 75% had chronic Pseudomonas infection. 68% were oxygen dependent and 18% on noninvasive mechanical ventilation. In the last year of follow-up 70% had 2 or more hospitalizations. Of 27 patients who have been referred for transplantation, 7 underwent lung transplantation, 3 died waiting on the transplant list, 9 had contraindications: 4 due to malnutrition and 5 to poor adherence and poor support network. 32% (n = 14) of the ACFLD patients died, 93% due to respiratory causes. Conclusion: 39% of the patients had ACFLD. The average age for CF diagnosis was 11.2 years (SD ± 13 years) Barriers to entering the transplant list are: malnutrition, poor adherence, and lack of a support network. This is a population with a high mortality.

Linfoma no Hodgkin primario extranodal de musculatura masticatoria. A propósito de un caso

Resumen Entre el 25% a 40% de los linfomas no Hodgkin (LNH) surgen en ubicaciones extranodales. La afectación de los tejidos blandos por el LNH es infrecuente y el linfoma de origen primario del músculo esquelético es aún más inusual. Los músculos mayormente afectados son los de las extremidades, pelvis, región glútea y con menor frecuencia los músculos de cabeza y cuello. En este artículo se presenta nuestra experiencia sobre un caso de linfoma no Hodgkin primario extranodal del músculo masetero, que fue tratado con quimioterapia combinada tipo R-CHOP con buena respuesta. Se revisan en la literatura las características clínicas de esta patología, los criterios diagnósticos y el tratamiento en este tipo de linfoma.

Abstract Around 20% to 45% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) develop in extranodal locations. Soft tissue involvement is rare and skeletal muscle affection is a far more unusual NHL presentation. In this singular scenario, upper and lower extremity muscles are mostly affected, especially those from the pelvic and gluteal area and less frequent of the musculature from the head and neck region. Therefore, we here in report a case of an extranodal NHL of the masseter muscle. Treatment regime was based on R-CHOP combined chemotherapy resulting in a favorable outcome. Diagnostic criteria and clinical characteristics, and treatment of this type of lymphoma are reviewed in this article.

ATP leakage induces P2XR activation and contributes to acute synaptic excitotoxicity induced by soluble oligomers of ß-amyloid peptide in hippocampal neurons.

Recent studies suggest that the toxic effects of Aß can be attributed to its capability to insert in membranes and form pore-like structures, which are permeable to cations and molecules such as ATP. Our working hypothesis is that Aß increases extracellular ATP causing activation of P2X receptors and potentiating excitatory synaptic activity. We found that soluble oligomers of ß-amyloid peptide increased cytosolic Ca(2+) 4-fold above control (415 ± 28% of control). Also, ATP leakage (157 ± 10% of control) was independent of extracellular Ca(2+), suggesting that ATP traveled from the cytosol through an Aß pore-mediated efflux and not from exocytotic mechanisms. The subsequent activation of P2XR by ATP can contribute to the cytosolic Ca(2+) increase observed with Aß. Additionally, we found that ß-amyloid oligomers bind preferentially to excitatory neurons inducing an increase in excitatory synaptic current frequency (248.1 ± 32.7%) that was blocked by the use of P2XR antagonists such as PPADS (Aß + PPADS: 110.9 ± 18.35%) or Apyrase plus DPCPX (Aß + inhibitors: 98.97 ± 17.4%). Taken together, we suggest that Aß induces excitotoxicity by binding preferentially to excitatory neuron membranes forming a non-selective pore and by increasing intracellular calcium by itself and through P2XR activation by extracellular ATP leading to an augmention in mEPSC activity. All these effects were blocked with a non-specific P2XR antagonist, indicating that part of the neurotoxicity of Aß is mediated by P2XR activation and facilitation of excitatory neurotransmitter release. These findings suggest that P2XR can be considered as a potential new target for the development of drugs or pharmacological tools to treat Alzheimer's disease. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Synaptopathy--from Biology to Therapy'.

Consenso chileno para la atención integral de niños y adultos con fibrosis quística

Resumen La Fibrosis Quística (FQ) es la enfermedad hereditaria de pronóstico reservado más frecuente en raza blanca. Desde el año 2003, Chile inicia un Programa Nacional de Fibrosis Quística, de carácter integral, dirigido por la Unidad de Salud Respiratoria del Ministerio de Salud. Hasta la fecha, los principales resultados del Programa registran una significativa mayor sobrevida (promedio 27 años) y una significativa reducción en la edad de diagnóstico de los pacientes ingresados desde 2006 en adelante. El acceso a la canasta GES (Garantías Explícitas en Salud), la implementación del tamizaje neonatal en algunas regiones del país, la organización y la constitución de equipos entrenados en FQ de diversas especialidades, ha contribuido a mejorar los resultados. Si bien las principales manifestaciones son del aparato respiratorio y digestivo, el carácter multisistémico de la FQ obliga a conocer los distintos aspectos involucrados en su manejo, a fin de optimizar los resultados del tratamiento y los recursos invertidos, tanto en el sector público como privado. Este documento es una revisión y actualización sobre los principales aspectos del diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de las manifestaciones respiratorias y no respiratorias de la FQ.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent hereditary disease in whites, with a reserved prognosis. Since 2003, Chile began a comprehensive National Cystic Fibrosis Program, directed by the Respiratory Health Unit of the Ministry of Health. To date, the main results of the Program record a significantly longer survival (average 27 years) and a significant reduction in the age of diagnosis of patients admitted from 2006 onwards. Access to Chilean Explicit Health Guarantees, the implementation of neonatal screening in some regions of the country, the organization and setting up of CF-trained teams of various specialties, has contributed to improving results. Although the main manifestations are of the respiratory and digestive system, the multisystemic nature of CF makes it necessary to know the different aspects involved in its management, in order to optimize the results of the treatment and the resources invested, both in the public and private sectors. This document is a review and an update on the main aspects of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the respiratory and non-respiratory manifestations of CF.

Consenso chileno para la atención integral de niños y adultos con fibrosis quística / Chilean consensus for the integral care of children and adults with cystic fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most frequent hereditary disease in whites, with a reserved prognosis. Since 2003, Chile began a comprehensive National Cystic Fibrosis Program, directed by the Respiratory Health Unit of the Ministry of Health. To date, the main results of the Program record a significantly longer survival (average 27 years) and a significant reduction in the age of diagnosis of patients admitted from 2006 onwards. Access to Chilean Explicit Health Guarantees, the implementation of neonatal screening in some regions of the country, the organization and setting up of CF-trained teams of various specialties, has contributed to improving results. Although the main manifestations are of the respiratory and digestive system, the multisystemic nature of CF makes it necessary to know the different aspects involved in its management, in order to optimize the results of the treatment and the resources invested, both in the public and private sectors. This document is a review and an update on the main aspects of the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the respiratory and non-respiratory manifestations of CF.

La Fibrosis Quística (FQ) es la enfermedad hereditaria de pronóstico reservado más frecuente en raza blanca. Desde el año 2003, Chile inicia un Programa Nacional de Fibrosis Quística, de carácter integral, dirigido por la Unidad de Salud Respiratoria del Ministerio de Salud. Hasta la fecha, los principales resultados del Programa registran una significativa mayor sobrevida (promedio 27 años) y una significativa reducción en la edad de diagnóstico de los pacientes ingresados desde 2006 en adelante. El acceso a la canasta GES (Garantías Explícitas en Salud), la implementación del tamizaje neonatal en algunas regiones del país, la organización y la constitución de equipos entrenados en FQ de diversas especialidades, ha contribuido a mejorar los resultados. Si bien las principales manifestaciones son del aparato respiratorio y digestivo, el carácter multisistémico de la FQ obliga a conocer los distintos aspectos involucrados en su manejo, a fin de optimizar los resultados del tratamiento y los recursos invertidos, tanto en el sector público como privado. Este documento es una revisión y actualización sobre los principales aspectos del diagnóstico, seguimiento y tratamiento de las manifestaciones respiratorias y no respiratorias de la FQ.

Experiencia de un programa de cesación del tabaquismo en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax / Experience of a smoking cessation program from a Chilean chest hospital

Background: Tobacco use is one of the main preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. This report presents the experience of the smoking cessation team from the National Thorax Institute (Instituto Nacional del Tórax-Chile). Patients and Method: A clinical series of patients treated between April 2013 and March 2014, with one-year follow-up was studied. Intervention was based on seven group sessions, with a cognitive behavioral viewpoint and pharmacological treatment (mainly varenicline). Follow-up was done through telephone calls at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Descriptive statistics and X² test were used. Results: Eighty-seven patients were treated, mean age 54 years, 63% women; 79% had a pack year index over 20; 28% had depression and 16% had COPD. 59% received varenicline. Self-reported abstinence for 12 months was 37%. No significant differences between high risk groups were found. Conclusion: The smoking cessation program done at the National Thorax Institute shows that it is feasible to implement this type of programs in the public health system of Chile with results comparable to those internationally published.

Introducción: El tabaco es uno de los principales factores de morbimortalidad prevenible en el mundo. En este artículo se presenta la experiencia del equipo de tratamiento del tabaquismo en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax (INT). Método: Se analizaron los pacientes tratados entre abril de 2013 y marzo de 2014, con seguimiento a un año. La intervención consistió en 7 sesiones grupales con enfoque cognitivo conductual y terapia farmacológica (principalmente vareniclina). El seguimiento fue telefónico al mes 1, 3, 6 y 12. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva y test de X². Resultados: Se sometieron a tratamiento 87pacientes, edad promedio 54 años, 63% mujeres; tienen índice paquete año sobre 20 el 79%, depresión 28% y Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica 16%. El 59% recibió vareniclina. La abstinencia autoreportada a 12 meses fue de 37%. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en grupos de riesgo. Conclusión: La experiencia de tratamiento anti-tabaco realizada en el INT muestra que es factible implementar este tipo de programas en el sistema público de salud chileno con resultados comparables a las publicaciones internacionales.

Uso de oxicodona en manejo del dolor por cáncer avanzado / Use of oxycodone in management of advanced cancer pain

Introducción: Estudio descriptivo que busca evaluar la experiencia de nuestra Unidad con uso de oxicodona, opioide, con perfil de analgesia similar a morfina, en pacientes con dolor por cáncer avanzado. Objetivo: Analizar la eficacia analgésica de oxicodona (de liberación controlada), perfil de paciente, dosis utilizadas y efectos adversos descritos. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo-retrospectivo. Revisión de fichas de pacientes tratados con oxicodona durante años 2009 y 2010 en UADyCP. Respuesta analgésica estimada con test de Wilcoxon. Estadística descriptiva en resto de las variables. Evaluación de dolor según Escala Numérica de rango 0 a 10. Resultados: Muestra 64 pacientes: 34 mujeres y 30 hombres. Edad promedio 59,5 años. Tipo dolor: somático (53 por ciento), visceral (19 por ciento), neuropático (5 por ciento), mixto (23 por ciento). Tiempo medio de uso oxicodona: 3,2 meses. EVA 8 (5-9) antes del inicio de oxicodona. EVA 3 (2-8) con oxicodona (p<0,0005). La dosis promedio utilizada fue de 40mg/día (20-80mg/día). 44 pacientes con efectos adversos: náuseas (22 por ciento), constipación (18 por ciento ), prurito (15 por ciento) anorexia (13 por ciento). 31 por ciento se encontraba en tratamiento previo con opioides débiles, 62 por ciento con metadona o morfina. 7 por ciento recibió oxicodona como terapia inicial. Las principales razones para el cambio de oxicodona fueron mal control analgésico (54 por ciento), necesidad de uso de medicamentos vía subcutánea (29 por ciento), intolerancia al medicamento (17 por ciento). Conclusiones: Oxicodona permite adecuado control analgésico. Dosis utilizadas son inferiores a las descritas en la literatura y su perfil de efectos adversos es similar a otros opioides. Constituye alternativa en intolerancia a morfina o rotación de opioides.

Introduction: Descriptive study that seeks to evaluate the experience of our unit with the use of oxycodone, an opioid with a profile similar to morphine, in patients with advanced cancer pain. Objective: to evaluate analgesic efficacy of oxycodone (controlled release), patient profile, doses and adverse effects. Methodology: A descriptive, retrospective study. Review records of patients treated with oxycodone during 2009 and 2010. Analgesic response estimated with Wilcoxon test. Descriptive statistics on other variables. Assessment of pain by numeric scale range 0 to 10.Results: 64 patients. 34 women and 30 men were analyzed Mean age 59.5 years. Type of Pain: Somatic (53 per cent), visceral (19 per cent) neuropathic (5 per cent) mixed (23 per cent). Average time of oxycodone use: 3.2 months . Average VAS before starting Oxycodone 8 (5-9). Average VAS with oxycodone 3 (2-8) (p <0.0005). The average dose used was 40mg/day (20-80mg/day). Adverse effects: in 44 patients: nausea (22 per cent), constipation (18 per cent), pruritus (15 percent), anorexia (13 per cent). 31 per cent patients were using weak opioids previously, 62 per cent was using methadone or morphine. 7 per cent received oxycodone as initial therapy. The main reasons for discontinue the use of oxycodone were poorly controlled pain (54 percent), need for subcutaneous drug use (29 per cent) drug intolerance (17 per cent). Conclusions: Oxycodone allows adequate pain control. Doses used were lower that the described in the literature and its adverse effect profile is similar to other opioids. Alternative in intolerance to morphine or opioid rotation.

Intervencionismo musculoesquelético en cuidados paliativos / Musculoskeletal interventionism on palliatives cares

El presente estudio descriptivo da cuenta de resultados en aplicación de intervencionismo para alivio del dolor musculoesquelético en enfermos con diagnóstico de cáncer terminal, pero que se mantienen activos, e ingresados a Unidad de Alivio del Dolor y Cuidados Paliativos del Hospital del Salvador en Santiago de Chile, entre los meses de julio del 2010 a marzo del 2011. Los principales diagnósticos causantes de dolor musculoesquelético fueron síndrome miofascial, artrosis y ambos diagnósticos combinados. Las técnicas usadas fueron infiltración de punto gatillo, infiltración intra-articular, o ambas. Los resultados mostraron disminución estadísticamente significativa en la intensidad del dolor en forma global en escala numérica, así como al analizar según tipo de intervención por separado. La media de duración del efecto fue de un mes en el caso de infiltración de puntos gatillo. Este tiempo podría constituir una ventana analgésica en pacientes con sobrevida limitada y controlaría el alza de analgésicos. Cuando el DME está presente, el uso de terapia intervencionista para DME podría ser una herramienta útil en Cuidados Paliativos, pero se requieren mayores estudios con mejor diseño estadístico para poder obtener conclusiones con mayor nivel de seguridad.

This descriptive study gives an account of results of interventionism implementation to the relief of musculoskeletal pain in patients that were diagnosed with terminal cancer; but have retained activity level, which are given they state of health at the Unit Pain Relief And Palliative Care at Hospital del Salvador in Santiago, Chile between the months of July 2010 to March 2011. The main causes of musculoskeletal pain diagnoses were Myofascial pain syndrome, arthritis and both combined conditions. The techniques used were trigger point infiltration, intra-articular joint infiltration or both together. The results showed statistical significant decrease in pain intensity on a numerical scale global, as well as the analysis by the type of separately intervention. The mean duration of effect was about a month in the case of infiltration of trigger points, this time window could be a survival analgesic in patients with limited and control the rise of analgesics. When the DME is present, the use of interventional therapy for DMA could be useful tool in palliative care, but require larger studies with better statistical design in order to draw conclusions with greater security.

[Salmonella infection in children. Epidemiological and clinical considerations (author's transl)]. / Salmonellosis en niños Parte I: Características epidemiológicas y clínicas.

An analysis of data on Salmonella infection treated at the Children's Hospital "La Fe", in Valencia, from 1974--75 is presentd. A patient population of 211 selected cases were divided into two groups: Gastroenteritis (GEC), 155 cases, and typhoid-paratyphoid fever (T-P F), 56 cases. Hospitalization was required in 79% of the cases. The following parameter were studied: Locality and district of origin with respect to residence, conditions of hygiene, size of family: age, sex, seasonal incidence, previous time of illness, presenting symptoms and physical sings and complementary studies. The following conclusions were obtained: Salmonella infection are and endemic problem in Valencia. Their incidence is maximal during the months of June to October. Epidemiological environment was positive in 15% of the cases. Higher morbidity in children less than two years of age. Most frequent presenting symptoms: Diarrhea, fever and vomiting as often in GEC as in T-P F. In 38.7% of GEC cases, the diarrhea was bloody; 21.9% of GEC cases began with fever. Salmonella paratyphi B was the agent most frequently responsible. Data concerning sex, family size, conditions of hygiene and white blood cells offer little discriminatory information. Results obtained are concordant with those described in the literature.

[Salmonellosis in children. II: management and follow-up (author's transl)]. / Salmonelósis en niños. II. Tratamiento y evolución.

The clinical records of 185 cases of Salmonellosis have been reviewed retrospectively, in order to study a relation between the evolution and the treatment given, so as to be able to determine the therapeutic criteria. 139 cases showed as gastroenteritis, 48 of which received antibiotic treatment and 91 did not. Statistic differences were observed in favour of the non treated cases where, the average time of hospitalization, the negative copro-cultive and the onset of complications were more favourable. All the cases with Tipho-Paratific fever were treated with antibiotics without finding any significant differences in the clinical evolution not withstanding the antibiotic used. The data here obtained is compared with that previously reported. According to the results a treatment planning is suggested.

[Bacterial meningitis in valencia: epidemiology and therapeutic results in 208 cases (author's transl)]. / Meningitis purulenta en Valencia Epidemiología y resultados sobre 208 casos.

Review of 208 patients with bacterial meningitis, admitted from march 1, 1971 to march 1, 1976. Incidence peak was found in Winter (december to march). Etiologically N. meningitiditis, 39, 9%, was the mainly predominate germ. In 49% of the patients C.S.F. cultures were negative, significantly influenced by the previous treatment with antibiotics (P less than 0.001). Cure was obtained in 86.5% Convulsions, 12%, were the most frequent complication, followed by subdural effussion, 3.8%, and arthritis, 2.4%. Twenty patients died, 9.6%; fifteen of them with endotoxic shock. Definitive sequelae was present in the 3.8%, mainly hidrocephaly. A comparative study with other series in Spain is performed.