Paediatric viral myocarditis successfully treated with interferon beta-1b and corticoids.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: In paediatrics, evidence regarding the treatment of viral myocarditis using interferon beta-1B is restricted to four children older than two years and there are no reported cases of infants. The objective was to describe the efficacy and safety of interferon beta-1B in two infants under one year of age with viral myocarditis. CASE SUMMARY: Two infants were admitted to the hospital presenting with respiratory symptoms. Echocardiogram showed myocardial damage. Parvovirus-B19 was detected using a PCR assay, and treatment with interferon beta-1B was initiated. Six months later, the cardiac function had recovered in both cases. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This is the first published series of cases of infants less than 1 year of age with viral myocarditis treated with interferon beta-1B.

Development and validation of a sexual relations satisfaction scale in patients with breast cancer - "SEXSAT-Q".

PURPOSE: Because the currently available questionnaires to evaluate sexual changes on breast cancer women only address the sexual sphere with a few questions our purpose was to develop a questionnaire that assesses changes in sexual dysfunction and satisfaction in women treated for breast cancer. METHODS: A sample was selected of women aged between 18 and 65 who had had surgery for breast cancer, completed neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy treatment and could be receiving adjuvant hormonal treatment, with an active sex life at least 3 months before starting treatment. Metastatic disease was excluded. A questionnaire structured in 4 dimensions was developed. The MOS SF-12 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were also provided. The following metric properties were evaluated: item analysis; internal consistency; temporal stability; construct validity; concurrent, convergent and divergent validity; and feasibility. RESULTS: Three samples were recruited: a pilot sample of 20; a reduction sample of 152; and a validation sample of 148. The presence of 6 dimensions was confirmed: 1) Loss of sex drive; 2) worsening of body image; 3) psychological coping; 4) discomfort during intercourse; 5) satisfaction with sexual relations; and 6) satisfaction with breast reconstruction. Good goodness-of-fit statistics were obtained (χ2/df = 1.5, GFI = 0.9, AGFI = 0.84, CFI = 0.959, RMSEA = 0.062). Reliability was good (α = 0.855), as was test-retest stability (r = 0.838). The correlation with the convergent questionnaires proved to be higher than that obtained with generic measurements. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to develop a short questionnaire (17 items) capable of measuring sexual satisfaction in women with breast cancer with good metric properties.

End-stage ischemic heart failure and Williams-Beuren syndrome: A unique scenario for pediatric heart transplantation.

WBS is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the chromosomal sub-band 7q11.23 involving the elastin gene. The clinical features (craniofacial, developmental, and cardiovascular abnormalities) are variable. The association with cardiac anomalies is a well-recognized feature, and SVAS is the most common cardiac defect found. End-stage ischemic heart disease is unusual in this setting but when it occurs, OHT remains the final therapeutic option. This decision can be difficult to determine, and it must be tailored to the individual patient based on the clinical status and concomitant cardiovascular and multisystem lesions. To date, no cases of OHT in patients with WBS have been described. We present a 14-month-old patient with WBS who developed severe LV dysfunction secondary to ischemia following a complex staged surgery for SVAS repair. He underwent successful OHT with no post-operative complications, and at three-month follow-up, he remains asymptomatic on standard immunosuppressive therapy. This case constitutes the first demonstration that OHT may be indicated for extended survival in selected children with WBS and we discuss the basic principles for extending the indication for OHT to this scenario as well as the particularities for post-transplant care.

Comparing predictors of conversion to Alzheimer's disease using the disease state index.

BACKGROUND: The Disease State Index (DSI) is a method which interprets data originating from multiple different sources, assisting the clinician in the diagnosis and follow-up of dementia diseases. OBJECTIVE: We compared the differences in accuracy in differentiating stable mild cognitive impairment (S-MCI) and progressive MCI (P-MCI) obtained from different data combinations using the DSI. METHODS: We investigated 212 cases with S-MCI and 165 cases with P-MCI from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort. Data from neuropsychological tests, cerebrospinal fluid, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) were included. RESULTS: The combination of all parameters gave the highest accuracy (accuracy 0.70, sensitivity 0.71, specificity 0.68). In the different categories, neuropsychological tests (0.65, 0.65, 0.65) and hippocampal volumetry (0.66, 0.66, 0.66) achieved the highest accuracy. CONCLUSION: In addition to neuropsychological testing, MRI is recommended to be included for differentiating S-MCI from P-MCI. APOE genotype, CSF and PET may provide some additional information.

Time to -30°C as a predictor of acute success during cryoablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Freezing rate of second-generation cryoballoon (CB) is a biophysical parameter that could assist pulmonary vein isolation. The aim of this study is to assess freezing rate (time to reach -30°C ([TT-30C]) as an early predictor of acute pulmonary vein isolation using the CB. METHODS: Biophysical data from CB freeze applications within a multicenter, nation-wide CB ablation registry were gathered. Successful application (SA), was defined as achieving durable intraprocedural vein isolation. And SA with time to isolation under 60 s (SA-TTI<60) as achieving durable vein isolation in under 60 s. Logistic regressions were performed and predictive models were built for the data set. RESULTS: 12,488 CB applications from 1,733 atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures were included within 27 centers from a Spanish CB AF ablation registry. SA was achieved in 6,349 of 9,178 (69.2%) total freeze applications, and SA-TTI<60 was obtained in 2,673 of 4,784 (55.9%) freezes where electrogram monitoring was present. TT-30C was shorter in the SA group (33.4 ± 9.2 vs 39.3 ± 12.1 s; p < 0.001) and SA-TTI<60 group (31.8 ± 7.6 vs. 38.5 ± 11.5 s; p < 0.001). Also, a 10 s increase in TT-30C was associated with a 41% reduction in the odds for an SA (odds ratio [OR] 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.63) and a 57% reduction in the odds for achieving SA-TTI<60 (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.39-0.49), when corrected for electrogram visualization, vein position, and application order. CONCLUSIONS: Time to reach -30°C is an early predictor of the quality of a CB application and can be used to guide the ablation procedure even in the absence of electrogram monitoring.

Quantum Computation of Hydrogen Bond Dynamics and Vibrational Spectra.

Calculating observable properties of chemical systems is often classically intractable and widely viewed as a promising application of quantum information processing. Here, we introduce a new framework for solving generic quantum chemical dynamics problems using quantum logic. We experimentally demonstrate a proof-of-principle instance of our method using the QSCOUT ion-trap quantum computer, where we experimentally drive the ion-trap system to emulate the quantum wavepacket dynamics corresponding to the shared-proton within an anharmonic hydrogen bonded system. Following the experimental creation and propagation of the shared-proton wavepacket on the ion-trap, we extract measurement observables such as its time-dependent spatial projection and its characteristic vibrational frequencies to spectroscopic accuracy (3.3 cm-1 wavenumbers, corresponding to >99.9% fidelity). Our approach introduces a new paradigm for studying the chemical dynamics and vibrational spectra of molecules and opens the possibility to describe the behavior of complex molecular processes with unprecedented accuracy.

Measuring the desire for control: a Spanish version of Burger and Cooper's Scale.

The following study will present findings on the validity of the adaptation of the Burger and Cooper's Desirability of Control Scale into Spanish. Two samples are present: the first involving 1,999 people to study their psychometric properties. In the second sample, 111 people were included to estimate test/retest reliability. Cultural adaptation was performed using the translation & back-translation method. Item analysis, internal consistency and test/retest reliability were assessed, then evidence of the validity of the internal structure was determined by using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Subject recruitment was performed to gather the 1,999 subjects stratified by age, gender quotas as designed in the sampling plan. Of the subjects, 51% were female, average age of 45 years old (SD = 17.5). All items from the original scale were understood correctly, while five items presented ceiling effect. Cronbach's alpha = .736 and a test-retest correlation r = .713 were obtained. The factor structure indicated the presence of four dimensions: forecast, autonomy, power and influence and reactance which were reassured in the confirmatory analysis (chi2/df = 4.805, CFI = .932, TLI = .954, RMSEA = .062). The basic dimensions of the scale have shown to be stable and well-defined, though not perfect. The scope, possible applications of the scale and further research are later proposed and discussed.

The first year of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Africa: challenges and lessons learned.

Introduction: in the first year following the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines, only 6.8% of the total population in the 47 countries in the WHO African Region have received full vaccination. In an emergency context, the intra-action review helps countries to assess their progress and document what has worked and not worked. Methods: we reviewed and identified the key lessons and challenges documented in the reports from intra-action review of COVID vaccine roll out in 22 African countries. Results: all countries documented high level political commitment, but a serious shortage of COVID-19 vaccines and funding. Seven countries identified gaps in microplanning because of lack of funding or due to the unpredictability in the type and volume of vaccine supplies. The shortage of operational funding also affected training of health workers and hampered the expansion of service delivery. The countries implemented multi-channel communications and social mobilisation activities, alongside social media engagement and social listening. However, country capacity was limited in terms of timely responding to infodemics. Hesitancy among health workers and the general population was a challenge in most of the countries. Conclusion: countries have gained valuable experiences exploring various COVID-19 vaccination delivery models, including implementing the integration of COVID-19 vaccination within routine health care programs. There is a need to regularly monitor or do studies measuring public perceptions towards COVID-19 vaccination in order to drive the demand generation efforts, as well as use evidence in addressing hesitancy.

Financial impact of the hospital pharmacy's participation in clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost of the hospital pharmacy's participation in clinical trials (CTs) and to compare it to the amount received in compensation from sponsors.To analyse the financial impact of CTs that end without recruiting any patients and without any financial compensation from promoters. METHODS: This retrospective observational study analysed data from 5 years (2014-2018) at a tertiary university hospital.We established an allocation formula taking into account direct costs related to the pharmacy department's CT area's activity (reception, safekeeping, preparation, devolution, and destruction of medication, as well as patient monitoring) and indirect costs (facilities, resources, support staff). We calculated the costs to the department and the compensation received both overall and based on the type of promoter, clinical department involved in the trial, and the number of patients included. RESULTS: We included 134 trials. Costs added up to €207 372.95 and the compensation to €149 128.93 (€58 244.02 loss for the department). Trials ending without recruiting patients (33.6%) and without compensation accounted for 57.45% of the deficit. The mean cost of trials ending without recruiting patients was €875. We plan to charge a reimbursable setup fee for opening CTs to safeguard against these losses (€875 for trials in all departments except oncology; €1100 for oncology because 38% of their trials end without recruiting patients) and to compensate for the costs incurred in participating in trials for cooperative groups without financial compensation (20%). CONCLUSIONS: Billing sponsors based on costs incurred for each trial would be a fairer system than the current approach based on the number of patients included. Establishing an initial fee would make up for losses from trials that fail to recruit any patients.

[Usefulness of laser Holmium Lumenis Pulse 120 H® in the treatment of renal lithiasis through RIRS: Preliminary experience.] / Utilidad del láser Holmium Lumenis Pulse 120 H® en el tratamiento de las litiasis renales mediante RIRS: experiencia preliminar.

INTRODUCTION: The Holmium laser is the most used energy source in flexible ureterrenoscopy (URSf). The Lumenis Pulse 120H® laser has a higher system energy, a higher energy per pulse and a higher repetition frequency in relation to other types of lasers, which offers advantages in the treatment of lithiasis. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results that we have obtained with the use of the Lumenis Pulse120H® laser in patients treated by intrarenal retrograde surgery (RIRS). As secondary objectives there are: the study of the demographic variables of the patients, the characteristics of the stones and the complications associated with the procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, retrospective study of the first 26 patients treated by RIRS and Lumenis Pulse 120H® laser has been performed in our Service between August 2018 and February 2019. The size of the lithiasis was measured on the simple radiography and the CT, in addition, the volume of the lithiasis was calculated. For the realization of RIRS, 8.5Fr digital flexible ureterorenoscope (Olympus®) and the Holmium Lumenis 120H® laser with 200 micron laser fibers from Lumenis® were used. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSSv21 system. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients with renal lithiasis have been analyzed. The median age was 55.15 years (40.67-67.05). 57.7% of the patients had prior surgical treatment of lithiasis. Thirteen patients presented the litiasis in the renal pelvis, ten in the Upper Calicial Group (GCS), fifteen in the Middle Calicial Group (GCM) and eighteen in the Lower Calicial Group (GCI). The median of the lithiasic volume was 1826.41 mm3. Our overall success rate was 80.8% (100% success in lithiasis less than 2 cm and 85.7% in lithiasis between 2-3 cm). Five patients presented complications, of which 4 were ClavienII and 1 Clavien IIIb. No significant results were found between the lithiasic size and the presence of complications (p = 0.128). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the Lumenis Pulse 120H®laser is an useful tool for the treatment of kidney stones by RIRS, due to his efficiency in the fragmentation and dusting, taking into account that very large lithiasic masses require, in a high percentage of cases, more than one treatment session.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El láser de Holmium es la fuente de energía más utilizada en la ureterrenoscopia flexible (URSf). El láser Lumenis Pulse 120H® tiene una mayor energía del sistema, una mayor energía por pulso y una frecuencia de repetición más elevada en relación a otros tipos de láser, lo que ofrece ventajas en el tratamiento de las litiasis. OBJETIVO: Analizar los resultados que hemos obtenido con la utilización del láser Lumenis Pulse120H® en pacientes tratados mediante RIRS. Como objetivos secundarios se encuentra el estudio de las variables demográficas de los pacientes, de las características del cálculo y de las complicaciones asociadas al procedimiento.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de los primeros 26 pacientes tratados mediante RIRS y láser Lumenis Pulse 120H® en nuestro Servicio entre agosto 2018 y febrero 2019. El tamaño de la litiasis fue medido en la radiografía simple y el TC (tomografía computarizada) y, aparte, se calculó el volumen de la litiasis. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el sistema SPSSv21. RESULTADOS: Se han analizado un total de 26 pacientes con litiasis renales. Un 57,7% de los pacientes tenían tratamiento quirúrgico previo de litiasis. Presentaban litiasis en la pelvis renal 13 pacientes, en Grupo Calicial Superior (GCS) 10, en Grupo Calicial Medio (GCM) 15 y en Grupo Calicial Inferior (GCI) 18. La mediana del volumen litiásico fue de 1.826,41 mm3. Nuestra tasa global de éxito fue del 80,8% (100% éxito en litiasis menores de 2 cm y 85,7% en litiasis entre 2-3cm). Cinco pacientes presentaron complicaciones, de ellos 4 fueron Clavien II y 1 Clavien IIIb. No se hallaron resultados significativos al relacionar el tamaño litiásico con las complicaciones (p=0,128). CONCLUSIONES: La utilización del láser Lumenis Pulse120H® es una herramienta útil y segura para el tratamiento de los cálculos renales mediante RIRS, debido a la eficacia en la fragmentación y pulverización de los mismos, teniendo en cuenta que las masas litiásicas muy grandes requieren, en un alto porcentaje de casos, más de una sesión de tratamiento.

Glioblastoma multiforme in children: experience at Hospital Infantil de Mexico Federico Gomez.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical evolution of pediatric patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) at Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez. METHODS: Cases of patients treated from January to May, 2007, were included in this study. Variables analyzed were: age, diagnosis, size of tumor, histopathological description, degree of resection, time of stay in hospital, complications and outcome using Pearson's chi-squared test and logistic regression. CONCLUSION: Sixteen patients were identified. Mean age of presentation was 8.8. An increased frequency of complications was observed in younger patients and longer survival rates in patients with greater resections; main mode of presentation was directly related to intracranial hypertension; size of tumor was not related to evolution or outcome. Modern histological classifications especially designed for children are deemed necessary to accurately diagnose GBM.

[Retropharyngeal liposarcoma: apropos of a case of apnoeas and hypopnoea during sleep]. / Liposarcoma retrofaríngeo: a propósito de un caso de apneas-hipopneas durante el sueño.

Liposarcomas rarely occur in the head and neck. We report a case of myxoid liposarcoma occurring in the retropharyngeal space in a middle-aged male with clinical symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea.

[Maternal mortality: relation between directive management and opportune clinical care]. / Mortalidad materna: enlace entre gestión directiva y atención clínica oportuna.

The authorities of the High Medical Specialized Units (HMSUs) Obstetric/Gynecology Service (OB/GYN) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) elaborated a strategy, which included the organization and interrelation of both hospital services and the implementation of an Epidemiologic Monitoring Program for all critical complicated pregnancies. This plan consisted in an assignment of personnel for special care, immediate communication with heads of services to coordinate the attention and to facilitate the resources for medical attention in these patients, as well as daily follow up by the authorities until complete resolution. Through epidemiological monitoring, 274 cases of pregnant women with high risk of mortality were identified during 2005, and 437 during 2006 (increased 59 %). The admittance to ICU for this reason in 2003 was 17; in 2005 was 24 and in 2006 was 42 (147 % from 2003 to 2006). Maternal deaths diminished from: 3/17 (17.6 %) to 1/24 (4.1 %) to 2/42 (4.7 %) during the same years, respectively. The maternal death rate from 2004 to 2006 was: 33.2, 17.4, and 22 per 100,000 newborns, respectively, below the national and institutional average. The coordination between the Headquarters and the HMSUs that take care of obstetrical patients helped diminution maternal death over this period.

Standard error of measurement as a valid alternative to minimally important difference for evaluating the magnitude of changes in patient-reported outcomes measures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the degree of agreement between standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimally important difference (MID) criteria to evaluate the magnitude of the change caused by a medical intervention. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Data were obtained from a cohort of 603 patients with neuropathic pain undergoing analgesic treatment with gabapentin who completed four health scales: Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale, Sheehan Disability Scale, Covi Anxiety Scale, and Raskin Depression scale. After calculating MID and SEM values for all scales, patients were classified into three categories: improvement, no change, and worsening. Agreement between the two criteria was assessed using Cohen's kappa index of agreement and Kendall's tau-b linear correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The 1 SEM criterion showed the highest agreement (kappa=0.68-1.00) and correlation (tau-b=0.75-1.00) with the MID criterion. Sensitivity analysis performed in gabapentin responders and nonresponders confirmed the results of the main analysis. CONCLUSION: The 1 SEM criterion is a valid alternative to the MID criterion to evaluate the magnitude of the change produced in patient-reported health outcomes measures.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension as an uncommon presentation of primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized pathophysiologically by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies and > or =1 clinical manifestation, the most common being venous or arterial thrombosis. We describe the case of a 40-year-old male with unexplained severe pulmonary arterial hypertension with a seven-day history of progressive shortness of breath, hemoptysis, chest discomfort and bilateral pedal edema. Electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and imaging studies showed changes consistent with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Further work-up showed positive anticardiolipin antibodies and lupus anticoagulant with negative features for lupus with negative primary thrombophilic studies as well. The patient was managed adequately with oral anticoagulation with improvement of his clinical status and referred to a tertiary care center to be screened for pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. For patients meeting surgical selection criteria, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy has demonstrated positive outcomes with respect to survival, functionality and quality of life. We discuss the pathophysiology and treatment as well as novel therapies in nonsurgical candidates with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in the setting of primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

Improvement of diastolic function after regression of left ventricular hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diastolic function after regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, in mild to moderate hypertension treated with angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) inhibitor and, if necessary, with a diuretic. METHODS: Ninety-eight hypertensive patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and abnormal left ventricle diastolic function indexes received captopril (Capotena) 50 to 200 mg/day plus chlortalidone during 12 months to reach blood pressure control, defined as a diastolic blood pressure < or =90 and systolic blood pressure < or =140 mm Hg. Left ventricular (LV) mass index was calculated by M mode and two-dimensional echocardiography, and left ventricular diastolic function was assessed by transmitral pulsed Doppler ultrasound every 3 months. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were women and 35 were men, mean age was 53.4 +/- 8.4 years (range 34-70). Thirty-six patients had mild (36.7%) and 62 (63.3%) moderate hypertension. Treatment reduced significantly both systolic pressure from 165 +/- 13 to 137 +/- 12.9 mm Hg (p<0.05) and diastolic pressure from 99 +/- 8.6 to 86 +/- 6.37 mm Hg (p<0.05). LV mass index decreased from 155.4 +/- 32.9 to 121.7 +/- 29.14 g/m2 (p<0.05). Late diastolic filling velocity (A wave) and the ratio of E/A waves improved (p<0.05), but early diastolic filling velocity (E wave) and isovolumetric relaxation time did not change with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Some indexes of diastolic function improved after regression of left ventricular hypertrophy and good blood pressure control with captopril and chlortalidone.

Puntuación de trauma revisado como predictor de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes politraumatizados atendidos en el Hospital Belén de Trujillo, Perú

Objetivo: Determinar si el score de trauma revisado es predictor de mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes politraumatizados atendidos en el Hospital Belén de Trujillo. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, transversal de pruebas diagnósticas, se identificaron pacientes que fueron admitidos por politraumatismo y fueron hospitalizados en el Departamento de Cirugía General durante el periodo comprendido entre enero del 2017 a diciembre del 2021; en una muestra de 100 pacientes se evaluó la mortalidad. Resultados: La edad promedio fue 47,18 ± 20,40 vs 41,13 ± 18,37 en aquellos que fallecieron y sobrevivieron; el 55% y 63,33% de los fallecidos y sobrevivientes fueron varones en los grupos de estudio. La coagulopatía, acidosis metabólica y SRIS estuvieron asociadas a la mortalidad. Se observó una proporción de 72,50% y 3,33% de RTS < 6 en los pacientes politraumatizados que fallecieron y sobrevivieron (p = 0,001); se obtuvieron valores de sensibilidad: 73% IC 95% (59% - 86%), especificidad: 97% IC 95% (92% - 100%), valor predictivo positivo: 94% IC 95% (85% - 100%) y valor predictivo negativo: 84% IC 95% (75% - 93%). El área bajo la curva fue del 96,50% en la predicción de mortalidad por el RTS en pacientes con politraumatismo. Conclusión: El score de trauma revisado es un buen predictor de mortalidad en politraumatizados.

Objective: To determine whether the revised trauma score is a predictor of in-hospital mortality in polytrauma patients treated at Hospital Belén de Trujillo. Material and methods: An observational, analytical, retrospective, cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests was conducted, identifying patients who were admitted for polytrauma and were hospitalized in the Department of General Surgery during the period from January 2017 to December 2021; mortality was assessed in a sample of 100 patients. Results: Mean age was 47.18 ± 20.40 vs 41.13 ± 18.37 in those who died and survived; 55% and 63.33% of the deceased and survivors were male in the study groups. Coagulopathy, metabolic acidosis and SIRS were associated with mortality. A proportion of 72.50% and 3.33% STR < 6 was observed in polytrauma patients who died and survived (p = 0.001); sensitivity: 73% CI 95% (59% - 86%), specificity: 97% CI 95% (92% - 100%), positive predictive value: 94% CI 95% (85% - 100%) and negative predictive value: 84% CI 95% (75% - 93%). The area under the curve was 96.50% in predicting mortality by RTS in polytrauma patients. Conclusion: The revised trauma score is a good predictor of mortality in polytrauma patients.

Coccidioidomycosis infection in a predominantly Hispanic population.

In Texas there are limited data on the epidemiology of coccidioidomycosis. Our goal is to determine the prevalence of coccidioidomycosis in a county hospital in El Paso, Texas. The charts of all patients with coccidioidomycosis admitted to the hospital in the past 9 years was retrospectively reviewed statistical analysis performed. Forty-one cases were identified, giving a prevalence of 3.2 cases per 10,000 discharges. Pneumonic consolidation occurred in 14 (44%), miliary pattern in 6 (19%) and cavitation in 6 (19%) cases. Pulmonary involvement occurred in 32 patients (78%) and meningeal involvement in 3 patients. Six patients had disseminated disease. The mortality rate was higher with disseminated disease (50% compared to 3.6%, P = 0.04). Four had concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis. Diabetes mellitus was found in 17 patients (41.4%), followed by HIV infection in 15 (36.5%). Patients with HIV had a higher incidence of disseminated disease (36.4% vs. 0%, P = 0.01). Four patients died, and the risk of death was increased in disseminated disease (P < 0.05). Coccidioiomycosis is not as frequent in El Paso, and for that matter in Texas, as in other states, but still has to be taken into consideration both in HIV and in diabetic patients.