Interpretation of a serial Mantoux test taking into account the annual risk of tuberculous infection.

BACKGROUND: Interpretation of tuberculin tests (TSTs) can be difficult. However, it is even more difficult to classify an individual as infected or non-infected if he or she has undergone a prior TST, as the difference between the booster effect and true conversion is not always clear. OBJECTIVE: To determine the size of the induration that is indicative of true infection after a second Mantoux test, based on the fact that the annual risk of tuberculous infection (ARTI) is equivalent, regardless of whether it is calculated directly or indirectly. METHOD: We performed two TSTs in the same population (aged 6 years at the first examination) with a 1-year interval. We calculated the prevalence of infection the first year (1.16%, 95%CI 0.67-1.65) and the ARTI using the indirect method (0.18%, 95%CI 0.00-0.37). For the second year, we considered different induration sizes and finally accepted a diameter of >10 mm as the criterion according to which the ARTI, calculated directly, corresponded to the value of the previous year (0.18%). CONCLUSION: Although they served as an aid in the interpretation of the TST, calculations of this type will probably be unnecessary in the future, when in vitro diagnostic tests for tuberculosis are made available in every health centre, thus enabling the classification of those individuals with indurations of intermediate size in the TST.

[Oxygen therapy in acute and chronic conditions: Indications, oxygen systems, assessement and follow-up]. / Fundamentos de la oxigenoterapia en situaciones agudas y crónicas: indicaciones, métodos, controles y seguimiento.

Oxygen therapy has become a major tool for infants with acute and chronic respiratory failure. Appropriate goals when prescribing supplemental oxygen are reduction and prevention of hypoxemia, prevention and treatment of pulmonary hypertension and decrease in respiratory and cardiac overload. This is commonplace in the acute setting and is also becoming widespread in chronic pathologies. However, there is a lack of consensus on many fundamental issues, such as appropriate indications, desirable targets and outcome measures amongst centres, reflecting a variety of clinical practices. The Techniques Group of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Pneumology undertook to design recommendations for a rational approach to oxygen therapy, reviewing the existing literature in order to establish its indications, benefits and potential risks as well as its cost-effectivenes. General aspects of oxygen treatment are reviewed including physiological mechanisms, indications, delivery systems and assessment methods. Management of patients on home oxygen therapy is also addressed with discussion of benefits and potential risks of supplemental oxygen use.

Multiple sclerosis prevalence in Salta City, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the leading causes of disability in young adults. Its prevalence varies according to different countries. In Argentina there is a wide heterogeneity regarding data published in different areas of the country. Prevalence established in most studies is 17 cases per 100,000 inhabitants; however, most of the available data comes from studies that took place in Buenos Aires. There is little or no information from other provinces, especially from Northwest of Argentina (NOA), where there are no studies of the disease prevalence. The aim of this study is to investigate MS prevalence, phenotypes and epidemiological characteristics in Salta, Argentina, in order to contribute to the current knowledge of MS epidemiology and distribution in our country. METHODS: A descriptive, observational, transversal study was carried out in the capital city of Salta. Researchers from all public and private hospitals with a Neurology Department have participated. Private researchers who are well known leaders in demyelinating diseases in the city provided valuable information. Patients who did not have medical control for the past two years as well as patients whose last address was not registered in Salta were excluded. RESULTS: 120 registries were obtained from the four hospitals that participated and from the 12 private researchers. Ten patients were excluded due to overlapping data. The population of the area based on 2010 census was 535,310, so we estimated an MS prevalence 23.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 20.1-27.4), 24.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in female population (95% CI 21.2-28.6) and 18.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 15.2-21.1) in male population. In our analysis, 64 (58.2%) were female and the average age was 42.1 years. 81.8% are recurrent remitting forms, 16.4% secondary progressive and 1.8% primary progressive. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that provides epidemiological data on the prevalence and clinical forms of MS in Salta City as well as in the entire Northwest Region of Argentina(NOA). We estimate a prevalence of 23.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which establishes a moderate risk area for MS.

[Endoscopic evaluation of endobronchial tuberculosis in children]. / Valoración endoscópica de la tuberculosis endobronquial infantil.

The aim of this study was to determine the role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) in pulmonary tuberculosis in children. We assessed bronchoscopic findings of 36 procedures performed in 30 children who presented the following abnormalities on chest films: lobular or segmentary atelectasis (17), paratracheal or parahilar adenopathies (14), parenchymatous consolidation (9) and localized hyperinflation (5). Premedication for FB included intravenous atropine and diazepam plus ketamine for sedation, as well as lidocaine 2 and 5% in aerosol form for topical anesthesia. FB results showed that involvement was endobronchial in 29 patients. In the 18 patients with X-rays suggestive of endobronchial tuberculosis (EBT), the diagnosis was confirmed by FB. Significantly, EBT was found by FB in 11 (36.6%) patients with no clinical or radiological signs of such involvement. EBT was in the early stages in 3 (10%) patients and was advanced in 8 (26.6%). M. tuberculosis was isolated in 9 (30%) of the 30 patients. Culture was of bronchoalveolar lavage in three, of gastric lavage in four and of endobronchial biopsy in two. We conclude that FB is a safe, important tool for the confirmation of EBT in the management of pulmonary tuberculosis in children. It serves as a guide for the start of steroid treatment, especially in children with no radiological suggestion of EBT.

[Usefulness of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in critical pediatric care]. / Utilidad de la fibrobroncoscopia en el paciente crítico pediátrico.

UNLABELLED: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) is being applied increasingly in pediatrics as a therapeutic and diagnostic technique. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the contribution of FB to the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disease in patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). PATIENTS AND METHOD: We reviewed FB performed with 3.5 and 2.2 mm external diameter instruments between January 1989 and October 1998 in patients admitted to the PICU. Underlying disease and purpose of and indications for FB were analyzed. We also analyzed route of insertion, findings of airway inspection and bronco-alveolar lavage (BAL), complications and the contribution of FB to patient management. RESULTS: A total of 51 procedures in 47 patients aged between ten days and 12 years old were performed. Twenty-one children (41%) were under one year old. The initial indications for FB were diagnostic in 73% and therapeutic in 27%. Airway inspection showed abnormality in 65%. BAL was performed in 18 cases, with microbiological findings in 8 of the 18. The patients benefited directly from the technique in 75% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: FB is useful diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in PICU patients and is generally well tolerated.

[Incidence and current clinical spectrum of tuberculosis in a metropolitan area in the south of Spain]. / Incidencia y espectro clínico actual de la tuberculosis en un área sanitaria metropolitana del sur de España.

BACKGROUND: To study the incidence and clinical spectrum of tuberculosis in the metropolitan area of Málaga (Spain). METHODS: Prospective study which includes all patients who had a diagnosis of tuberculosis within the referral area of "Carlos Haya" Málaga Regional Hospital from March 1, 1993 to February 28, 1994. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 138 cases of tuberculosis, with an incidence of 43.7 cases/10(5) inhabitants. Ninety one cases (66%) were male, and the mean age (SD) was 33.2 (18.3), with 88% being less than 55 years old. Thirty six patients (26.1%) were HIV-infected. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis made up 27.5% of the cases, and was more frequent in HIV-infected patients (p < 0.01; odds ratio: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2-7.1). The mean (SD) time to diagnosis was 54.3 (76) days. The diagnosis was microbiologically confirmed in 106 cases (76.8%), histologically in 14 cases (10.1%), and the remaining 18 cases (13.1%) were clinically diagnosed. The global rate of resistance was 10.8%. The rate of primary resistance was 4.6%, and the rate of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis was 3.1%. Eighty nine patients (77.4%) were cured, six patients (5.2%) stopped the treatment, 3 (2.6%) had relapses and 1 (0.9%) was considered a therapeutic failure; 16.7% of patients were lost for follow-up. Sixteen patients died and in nine of them (6.5%) the death was attributed to tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of tuberculosis in Málaga urban area is high. It mainly affects young males of unfavored socio-economic classes. HIV-infected patients account for a high percentage of the cases. The high number of productive cases and the long time to diagnosis evidence the shortcomings of our sanitary system. These facts, together with the high rate of non-compliance, of treatment may explain the seriousness of the current situation in our country.

[Carbohydrate metabolic changes in cystic fibrosis]. / Alteraciones del metabolismo hidrocarbonado en la fibrosis quística.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus in a group of patients with cystic fibrosis and to compare insulin secretion, haemoglobin A1c, age, gender, genotype, and clinical status related variables between the groups with abnormal (impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus) and normal carbohydrate metabolism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 66 patients with cystic fibrosis (age 1-38 years). Plasma glucose, insulin and C peptide determinations during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 65 patients (one was previously known as diabetic). Based on the Expert Committee from the American Diabetes Association (1997), patients were classified as having impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus. Haemoglobin A1c, presence of delta F508 mutation, date of diagnosis and first sputum colonization, scores of National Institutes of Health, Schwachman and Chrispin-Norman, pancreatic enzyme intake, weight, body mass index, forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity determinations in every patient. Comparative analysis of these variables in both groups of patients was performed by Student test. RESULTS: Nine patients (13.6%) showed impaired tolerance glucose and one diabetes mellitus following OGTT, so we have two diabetics in our cystic fibrosis group (3.0%). When compared to cystic fibrosis patients with normal glucose tolerance, tolerance glucose and diabetes mellitus patients had significantly reduced basal insulin levels (8.6 [3.8] vs 15.0 [22.2] microU/ml; p < 0.0001), increased glucose stimulated insulin and C peptide levels (50.2 [19.3] vs 21.4 [19.3] microU/ml; p < 0.0001, and 9.0 [5.9] vs 4.4 [3.2] ng/ml; p < 0.0001), they were older (18.0 [7.5] vs 12.7 [7.3] years old; p < 0.05) and had longer time since diagnosis and since first sputum colonization. The remaining variables did not differ between the two groups. All patients with exocrine pancreatic sufficiency showed normal glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism were present in 16.6% of cystic fibrosis patients. These patients had reduced basal but increased glucose stimulated insulin levels. Age, time since diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, time since first sputum colonization and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency are the variables being associated with carbohydrate metabolism abnormalities.

[Techniques and complementary techniques. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy in mechanically ventilated children]. / Técnicas y tratamientos complementarios. Fribroncoscopia en el niño con ventilación mecánica.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy can be performed at the patient's bedside. This technique allows direct visualization of the upper and lower airways up to the segmental and subsegmental bronchi. Its most frequent indications are airway examination ot evaluate damage produced by toxins or the endotracheal tube, patency of the endotracheal tube and extubation failure. It is also used to obtain microbiological samples, facilitate intubation when difficult, aspirate airway sections or mucus plugs, perform bronchoalveolar lavage and administer drugs. With prior preparation, adequate monitoring and sedation, material according to the size of the patient and correct techniques, there are few complications. However, the procedure can produce trauma and obstruction of the airway, bronchial hemorrhage, barotrauma, loss of alveolar recruitment, bronchospasm, hypoxemia, bradycardia, and bronchopulmonary infection.

[Cell saver use during knee arthroplasty]. / Uso de recuperador de sangre durante la artroplastía de rodilla.

BACKGOUND: Gonarthrosis is a degenerative condition that importantly limits an individua's performance. Surgical treatment is used in patients with important functional limitation and severe pain. Knee arthroplasty is one of the surgeries with the best functional results in patients with this condition. However, its limitations include the risk of heavy bleeding and the resulting need for blood transfusion. The objective of this study was to assess the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing knee arthroplasy in whom the cell saver was used postoperatively and find out the cost differences between the cell saver and standard blood transfusion. METHODS: Retrospective, cross-sectional, retrolective trial including 300 records of patients who underwent knee arthroplasty at Hospital Angeles Querétaro that included the use of the cell saver and allogeneic blood transfusion from October 2001 to June 2013. RESULTS: Only 3 of the 246 operated knees required allogeneic blood transfusion. There were no complications/infections resulting from the use of the cell saver. Mean age of patients was 67.1 +/- 9.78 years; females were predominant, as they were 141 (60.5%), compared to 92 (39.5%) males. The blood collected with the cell saver ranged from 150 to 1,225 ml with a mean of 318 +/- 100.6 ml and was retransfused to each patient. CONCLUSIONS: Cell saver use in patients subjected to knee arthroplasty importantly decreases the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.

[Risk Factors and extraneurological complications of stroke patients]. / Factores de riesgo y complicaciones extraneurológicas de pacientes internados por Accidente Cerebrovascular en el Hospital Nacional de Clínicas de Córdoba.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is the third leading cause of death globally , act on modifiable risk factors is now the best prevention strategy. Medical complications are common in patients hospitalized for stroke , the valuation of income NIHSS , is associated with the final result in terms of duration of hospitalization, survival and discharge location. OBJETIVE: Determining risk factors ( RF) in patients hospitalized for stroke in Hospital Nacional de Clinicas de Córdoba (HNC) and characterize neurological complications NIHSS relative to income. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of patients admitted to the Service of Neurology at HNC diagnosed with the first of September , 2010 to December 30, 2012 , we applied the admission NIHSS scale. Were determined cerebrovascular risk factors , we evaluated neurological complications during hospitalization. RESULTS: The total number of patients admitted for stroke was 200 , with 168 ischemic stroke ( 84%) and hemorrhagic stroke 32 (16 % ) . The FR Hypertension was the most frequent ( 83.5 %), over 40% had 3 or more FR for stroke. Had complications : 32 % of patients , the respiratory infection was the most frequent (14.5 % ). Patients with NIHSS greater than 10 points had a higher rate of complications. CONCLUSION: The multiple RF control is an effective strategy to decrease the incidence of stroke . Prevention of medical complications enable better patient care and reduce morbidity associated with stroke.

El Accidente cerebro vascular (ACV) constituye la tercera causa de muerte a nivel mundial; actuar sobre los factores de riesgo modificables constituye hoy la mejor estrategia de prevención. Las complicaciones médicas son frecuentes en los pacientes internados por ACV; la valoración del NIHSS de ingreso, está asociado al resultado final en términos de duración de internación, supervivencia y ubicación al alta. Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo (FR) en pacientes internados por ACV en el HNC de Córdoba y caracterizar las complicaciones no neurológicas en relación al NIHSS de ingreso. Material y métodos. Estudio prospectivo de pacientes internados en el HNC con diagnóstico de ACV del primero de septiembre de 2010 al 30 de diciembre de 2012, se aplicó la escala de NIHSS al ingreso. Se determinaron los factores de riesgo cerebrovasculares; se evaluaron las complicaciones no neurológicas durante la internación. Resultados. El total de pacientes ingresados por ACV fue de 200, con ACV isquémico 168 (84%) y ACV hemorrágico 32(16%). La Hipertensión Arterial fue el FR más frecuente (83,5%); más del 40% tenía 3 o más FR para ACV. Tuvieron complicaciones: 32% de los pacientes, la Infección respiratoria fue la más frecuente (14.5%)Pacientes con NIHSS superior a 10 puntos presentaron mayor porcentaje de complicaciones. Conclusión. El control de FR múltiples constituye una estrategia efectiva para disminuir la incidencia de ACV. La prevención de las complicaciones médicas permiten un mejor cuidado del paciente y reducen la morbilidad relacionada al ACV.

[Foreign body management. Combined bronchoscopy in a Paediatric Pulmonology Unit]. / Tratamiento del cuerpo extraño intrabronquial. Broncoscopia combinada en Neumología Infantil.

The foreign body (FB) aspiration is a significant of morbidity and mortality in childhood. The severity of the acute obstruction of the upper airway and the complications that the FB creates in the lower airway requires early diagnosis and treatment. Classically, the FB is removed with a rigid bronchoscope, with general anaesthesia, by surgeons. Nowadays, there are publications on removing FB with flexible bronchoscopy. There is now discussion on which is the best instrument, rigid or flexible bronchoscope. Flexible bronchoscopy is a minimal invasive procedure that allows the diagnosis to be made and locate the FB, which can only be removed in selected cases. Therefore, authors believe that FB removal is more effective with rigid bronchoscopy. It guarantees patient safety and the success of the procedure. However, both, flexible and rigid bronchoscopes are complementary, so their combined use is the most appropriate choice. We report the management of five cases of FB in paediatric patients with a combined procedure using flexible and rigid bronchoscopy.

Uso de recuperador de sangre durante la artroplastía de rodilla / Cell saver use during knee arthroplasty

Antecedentes: La gonartrosis es una patología degenerativa que limita de forma importante la funcionalidad de una persona. Se recurre al manejo quirúrgico cuando el paciente presenta una limitación funcional importante así como dolor intenso. La artroplastía de rodilla es una de las cirugías con mejores resultados funcionales en pacientes con esta patología, pero dentro de sus limitaciones está la posibilidad de un sangrado importante y, por consiguiente, la necesidad de hemotransfundir al paciente. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la necesidad de hemotransfundir a los pacientes operados de artroplastía de rodilla que utilizaron recuperador sanguíneo en el postoperatorio y las diferencias entre los costos del recuperador sanguíneo y la transfusión clásica. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal y retrolectivo de 300 expedientes de pacientes operados en el Hospital Ángeles de Querétaro de artroplastía de rodilla que utilizaron recuperador sanguíneo que requirieron hemotransfusión alogénica entre Octubre 2001 y Junio 2013. Resultados: De las 246 rodillas operadas, solamente tres requirieron hemotransfusión alogénica. Ninguna complicación/infección con el uso de recuperador sanguíneo. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 67.1 ± 9.78 años con un predominio femenino siendo éstos 141 (60.5%) en comparación con 92 (39.5%) masculinos. La sangre recolectada vía recuperador sanguíneo varió de 150 a 1,225 ml con un promedio de 318 ± 100.6 ml, la cual fue retransfundida a cada paciente. Conclusiones: El uso de recapturador sanguíneo en pacientes postoperados de artroplastía de rodilla disminuye de forma importante la necesidad de hemotransfusión alogénica.

Backgound: Gonarthrosis is a degenerative condition that importantly limits an individual's performance. Surgical treatment is used in patients with important functional limitation and severe pain. Knee arthroplasty is one of the surgeries with the best functional results in patients with this condition. However, its limitations include the risk of heavy bleeding and the resulting need for blood transfusion. The objective of this study was to assess the need for blood transfusion in patients undergoing knee arthroplasy in whom the cell saver was used postoperatively and find out the cost differences between the cell saver and standard blood transfusion. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional, retrolective trial including 300 records of patients who underwent knee arthroplasty at Hospital Ángeles Querétaro that included the use of the cell saver and allogeneic blood transfusion from October 2001 to June 2013. Results: Only 3 of the 246 operated knees required allogeneic blood transfusion. There were no complications/infections resulting from the use of the cell saver. Mean age of patients was 67.1 ± 9.78 years; females were predominant, as they were 141 (60.5%), compared to 92 (39.5%) males. The blood collected with the cell saver ranged from 150 to 1,225 ml with a mean of 318 ± 100.6 ml and was retransfused to each patient. Conclusions: Cell saver use in patients subjected to knee arthroplasty importantly decreases the need for allogeneic blood transfusion.