Mortalidad en niños con bacteriemia por Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: revisión sistemática / Mortality in children with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia-related bacteremia: A systematic review

Introducción: En los niños, la bacteriemia por Stenotrophomonas maltophilia es considerada una complicación severa y asociada a una elevada mortalidad. Con el objetivo de conocer la mortalidad asociada a esa condición, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Material y métodos: Se aplicó una estrategia de búsqueda bibliográfica con las palabras clave: bacteriemia por Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, niños y adolescentes como únicos filtros. Se informan la mediana y los valores intercuartílicos de la frecuencia de la mortalidad reportada por los estudios incluidos. Resultados: Se identificaron 165 estudios potencialmente útiles. De ellos, se seleccionaron finalmente, 9 estudios para ser incluidos. La incidencia de mortalidad a consecuencia de una bacteriemia por S.maltophilia fue del 25%; Q25: 11­Q75: 36; rango: 6,06 a 40,6. Consideraciones finales: La bacteriemia por Sm tuvo un alto porcentaje de mortalidad en especial en pacientes con patología subyacente y uso de procedimientos invasivos y el uso inadecuado de antibióticos empíricos (AU)

Introduction: In children, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia-related bacteremia is considered a severe complication associated with high mortality. With the aim to determine the mortality associated with this condition, a systematic review of the literature was conducted. Material and methods: A literature search strategy was applied using the keywords: bacteremia due to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, children, and adolescents as the only filters. The median and interquartile ranges of the mortality rates described in the studies included are reported. Results: A total of 165 potentially useful studies were identified, of which nine were finally selected to be included in the analysis. The incidence of S.maltophilia bacteremia-related mortality was 25%; Q25: 11­Q75: 36; range: 6.06 to 40.6. Final considerations: S.maltophilia-related bacteremia was associated with a high mortality rate especially in patients with an underlying disease, when invasive procedures were performed, and when emperical antibiotics were inadequately used (AU)

Aneurisma apical en paciente con miocardiopatía hipertrófica / Apical aneurysm in a patient with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

We report a 51-year-old asymptomatic male, with type II diabetes, referred to our outpatient clinic due to ST and T alterations on the precordial leads on the electrocardiogram. The echocardiogram showed apical akinesia and left ventricular hypertrophy. There were no angiographic lesions in the coronary angiography. In the left ventriculography, a hyperdynamic left ventricle with suspected left ventricular hypertrophy and an apical aneurysm were found. The cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed those findings, without late gadolinium enhancement. According to the European Cardiology Society Risk Score, the patient had a low sudden death risk. However, this score does not consider the presence of an aneurysm as risk factor for sudden death, but it is considered in the 2017 ACC/AHA Heart Rhythm Society Guidelines, as a major risk factor. Therefore a defibrillator was implanted, and he was discharged on permanent oral anticoagulation.

A modified nasolabial flap for reconstruction of transfixing alar wing defects.

Reconstruction of an entire alar wing is a frequently encountered reconstructive challenge in onco-dermatologic surgery. The aim of this technical note was to describe a surgical technique total for reconstruction of the alar wing, with a modified nasolabial flap with an inferior pedicle associated with a cartilaginous graft. This rapid procedure seems to be a well alternative for elderly people and patients who do not want a forehead flap. The aesthetic and functional outcomes of the donor and recipient sites were satisfactory.

Utilidad de Trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol en épocas de S. aureus meticilino resistente de la comunidad / Usefulness of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in times of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus.

Trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol (TMP-SMX) tiene actividad in vitro contra cepas de Staphylococcusaureus, en especial las cepas resistentes a la meticilina de la comunidad (SAMR-Co), Éste es considerado un antibiótico útil debido a su bajo costo, amplio espectro y posibilidad de administración por vía oral dada su adecuada biodisponibilidad y sabor agradable. Se realizó esta revisión narrativa de la literatura para evaluar el uso de TMP-SMX en comparación con otras opciones disponibles en el tratamiento de las infecciones por SAMR-Co en niños (AU)

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) has in vitro activity against Staphylococcus aureus, especially against community-acquired methicillin-resistant (CAMR) strains. It is considered to be a useful antibiotic because of its low cost, broad spectrum, and possibility of oral administration because of its adequate bioavailability and agreeable flavor. A review of the literature was performed to evaluate the use of TMP-SMX compared to available options for the treatment of CAMR infections in children (AU)

[The thin ALT perforator flap for oropharyngeal robotic-assisted reconstruction]. / Le lambeau libre perforant antérolatéral de cuisse fin dans les reconstructions oropharyngées robot-assistées.

Since a few years, the transoral robotic surgery reduced the morbidity of oropharyngeal tumors excision. Large posterior tumors can now be removed without any scar visible on the face. In this context and to respect the thinness required for reconstructions at the junction of the upper aerodigestive tract, the free radial forearm flap still remains the solution of choice. However, if the transoral robotic surgery respects the anatomy and the aesthetics of patients at the visible and social area that represents the face, the forearm flap provides visible scars on the other region of social interaction that represents the upper limb. The aim of our work was to prove the feasibility and the benefits in terms of reducing sequelae when using a thin anterolateral perforator flap harvested above the plane of the superficial fascia. We present this new original method in detail and the advantages it offers to patients after surgery.

Evaluación del estado nutricional mediante el índice de masa corporal y el método de Chang en pacientes ambulatorios con VIH/SIDA en el Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín / Evaluation of nutritional status by body mass index and the Chang method in outpatients with HIV / AIDS at Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital

Introducción: El virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana ha provocado una alta morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo. El VIH/SIDA causa alteraciones nutricionales por enfermedades relacionadas o por ciertos síntomas secundarios al tratamiento antirretroviral que ameritan una valoración nutricional temprana, que es el objetivo de este estudio. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional de corte transversal, con una muestra de 213 personas con diagnóstico de VIH/ SIDA y otra de 75 personas que fueron utilizadas para comparar los dos métodos empleados (IMC y el método de Chang). Todos fueron atendidos en el área de Infectología del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín y se registró sus datos antropométricos. Los reportes bioquímicos (albúmina y perfil lipídico) e inmunológicos (linfocitos totales) fueron tomados de la historia clínica. Resultados: Mediante el IMC se detectó peso normal 53%, bajo peso 7%, sobrepeso 32%, obesidad 8%. Por el método de Chang 61% presentaban peso normal; Kwashiorkor leve 23%, kwashiorkor grave 3%, desnutrición mixta leve 8%, mixta moderada 3% marasmo leve 1.3% y marasmo grave 1.3%. Discusión: El Método de Chang permitió una identificación más temprana de los casos de desnutrición a diferencia del IMC, que subestima casos la desnutrición y se enfoca más en sobrepeso y obesidad.

Introduction: The human immonodeficiency virus has caused high morbidity and mortality all over the world. HIV/AIDS causes nutritional disorders due to related disease or antiretroviral treatment, turning out crucial to provide early nutritional assessment, which is the main goal of this study. Methods: Cross-sectional study that enrolled 213 HIV/AIDS patients and a subsample of 75 persons to compare both nutritional assessment methods (IMC and Chang´s method). They were all treated in the Infectious Diseases Unit at Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital. Anthropometric data was measured from each subject. Biochemical (albumin, and lipid profile) and immunologica (total lymphocyte) data were obtained from the medical records. Results: BMI assessment results were: normal weight 53 %, low weight 7%, overweight 32%, obesity 8%, whereas, using Chang´s method: normal weight 61%, mild kwashiorkor 23%, severe kwashiorkor 3% mild mixed 8%, moderate mixed 3%, mild marasmus 1.3% and severe malnutrition marasmus 1.3%. Discusion: The method Chang allowed earlier identification of malnutrition unli8ke BMI that underestimates malnutrition since its main focus is overweight and obesity.

Breast cancer patients' narrative experiences about communication during the oncology care process: a qualitative study.

To analyse the perception about the information and communication received to evaluate oncologic care of breast cancer patients in Spain. Qualitative study based on conducting in-depth interviews. An inductive thematic analysis of the illness narratives was performed. Intentional theoretical sampling of 41 people diagnosed with breast cancer. The information provided during care process is assessed as appropriate, as it includes personalised skills focused on communication and considers organisational and contextual issues. In some cases, the information was considered partial, heterogeneous and at times contradictory, which revealed a lack of continuity. To provide and adequately cover information needs from the patient perspective, it is necessary to ensure access, both in its physical (material) and intellectual (comprehension) dimension, keeping in mind elements of social capital (social networks) and cultural capital (values, beliefs, non-verbal language) that facilitate or hinder access. The current state of transition to a horizontal model in the doctor-patient relationship, could account for the difficulties, deficits and contradictions in communication and information that breast cancer patients perceive in many contexts.

Hemorragia postparto por causas diferentes a atonia uterina severa en el Hospital Escuela Universitario de Tegucigalpa / Postpartum hemorrhage due to different causes not owing to severe uterine atony at the Hospital Escuela Universitario in Tegucigalpa

Objetivo: caracterizar los casos de Hemorragia Post-Parto (HPP) que ocurren por etiologías diferentes a la hemorragia por atonía uterina en el Hospital Escuela de Tegucigalpa. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo-transversal, se tomó como población a todas las pacientes que ingresaron al Hospital Escuela por atención de parto vía vaginal, cesárea o ingresadas en el puerperio inmediato durante los meses de junio a diciembre del año 2011. La muestra se tomó de las pacientes complicadas con hemorragia postparto diagnosticadas clínicamente según la clasificación de Benedetti. Se consideró la presencia de factores de riesgo asociados al manejo y complicaciones. Resultados: ocurrieron 10,701 nacimientos y 56 casos de hemorragia postparto poratonía grado I, trauma del canal del parto, retención de tejido o trastornos de la coagulación, con una frecuencia de 0.5% de casos, las causas de hemorragia fueron: 22(39%) casos por trauma del canal del parto, de estos, 17(77%) fueron nacimientos por cesárea; ocurrieron 19(34%) por retención de tejido. Se clasificó la gravedad de la hemorragia que presentaron las pacientes al momento del ingreso en grado III y grado IV, resultando 9 (16%) casos de cada uno. Las complicaciones fueron: coagulopatía, falla renal, sepsis y Síndrome Anémico. La mayoría de las pacientes 45 (80%) presentó gestaciones a término; los factores de riesgo fueron: 13(23%) enfermedad hipertensiva, en 4 (7%) se aumentó la labor del parto con fármacos, la mayoría 30 (54%) no tuvieron factores asociados. El manejo inicial se realizó con reanimación con cristaloides, el uterotónico más utilizado fue la combinación de oxitocina y prostaglandinas en 20 (36%) pacientes, se realizó manejo quirúrgico en 14 (25%) y ocurrieron 3(5%) muertes por complicaciones asociadas a hemorragia. Conclusiones: La causa más frecuente de hemorragia postparto encontrada en la población de estudio fue el trauma del canal del parto; en su mayoría...

Clinical relevance of positron emission tomography/computed tomography-positive inguinal nodes in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation.

AIM: Inguinal nodes may be a possible route for lymphatic spread in patients with distal rectal cancer. The outcome was examined for patients with distal rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) and having 2-fluorine-18-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG)-avid inguinal nodes using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging. METHOD: Ninety-nine consecutive patients with cT2-4N0-2M0 distal rectal adenocarcinoma were enrolled in a clinical trial (NCT00254683) and underwent baseline PET/CT followed by 54 Gy and 5-fluorouracil-based CRT. After CRT, patients underwent 6- and 12-week PET/CT. Patients with positive inguinal node uptake were compared with patients with negative uptake. The inguinal region was not included in the field of radiation therapy. RESULTS: Seventeen (17%) patients had baseline positive inguinal node FDG uptake. They were more likely to have the tumour closer to the anal verge (2.0 vs 4.2 cm; P = 0.001). Of these, eight (47%) demonstrated a positive inguinal uptake at PET/CT after 12 weeks from CRT. Patients with inguinal node FDG uptake after CRT (positive PET at baseline and 12 weeks) had a significantly worse 3-year overall and disease-free survival (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03). After a median follow-up period of 22 months, none of these patients had developed inguinal recurrence. CONCLUSION: Uptake of inguinal nodes at PET/CT may be present in up to 17% of patients with distal rectal cancer, particularly with ultra-low tumours. Nearly half of these nodes no longer show uptake after CRT despite the groin area not being included in the radiation field. Persistence of inguinal node uptake 12 weeks after CRT completion may be a marker for worse oncological outcome.

Development and validation of a computer-aided diagnostic tool to screen for age-related macular degeneration by optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: To develop and assess the technical validity of new computer-aided diagnostic software (CAD) for automated analyses of optical coherence tomography (OCT) images for the purpose of screening for neovascular age-related macular degeneration. METHODS: Artificial visual techniques were used to develop the CAD in two steps: normalisation and feature vector extraction from OCT images; and training and classification by means of decision trees. Technical validation was performed by a retrospective study design based on OCT images randomly extracted from clinical charts. Images were classified as normal or abnormal to serve for screening purposes. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values and negative predictive values were obtained. RESULTS: The CAD was able to quantify image information by working in the perceptually uniform hue-saturation-value colour space. Particle swarm optimisation with Haar-like features is suitable to reveal structural features in normal and abnormal OCT images. Decision trees were useful to characterise normal and abnormal images using feature vectors obtained from descriptive statistics of detected structures. The sensitivity of the CAD was 96% and the specificity 92%. CONCLUSIONS: This new CAD for automated analysis of OCT images offers adequate sensitivity and specificity to distinguish normal OCT images from those showing potential neovascular age-related macular degeneration. These results will enable its clinical validation and a subsequent cost-effectiveness assessment to be made before recommendations are made for population-screening purposes.

Costs of QuantiFERON-TB Gold versus tuberculin skin test in Spanish healthcare workers.

We compared the cost of the tuberculin skin test (TST) with the QuantiFERON-TB Gold (QFT-G) test when screening for latent tuberculosis in 134 healthcare workers in Spain. The QFT-G test cost euro42.5 per healthcare worker, while the TST cost euro39.5. The tests varied in cost structure; most (70%) TST costs were due to time demands on the participants, whereas the QFT-G was more expensive in terms of consumables (50% of the total cost). Accordingly, the results depend on the hourly wages of the participants and the time they must dedicate to the tests. In the Spanish healthcare system, the societal costs of QFT-G are comparable to those of the TST, although their cost structures are quite distinct.

Obesity and health related quality of life in the general adult population of the Canary Islands.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationship between excess weight and health related quality of life (HRQL) in the general population by means of the EuroQol-5D questionnaire. METHODS: The relationship between excess weight and HRQL was explored by the 2004 Canary Islands Health Survey. Survey participants from 16 years of age and older were classified according to their body mass index (BMI). The relationship between excess weight and the dichotomized EuroQol-5D was examined by multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting by socio-demographic variables, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and self-reported disease status. RESULTS: People with excess weight were older, less educated, and had more associated diseases than the population without excess weight. Excess weight and HRQL are inversely correlated. Severely obese participants showed EuroQol-5D index scores significantly lower than those of normal weight participants (0.65 vs. 0.87). The adjusted odds ratio for the lower HRQL is 3.17 for severely obese people compared to normal weight people. CONCLUSIONS: Excess weight has a negative impact on HRQL, even for people without chronic diseases. A better understanding of the relationships between excess weight, its associated comorbidities, and HRQL may have important implications for the design and assessment of prevention and treatment strategies.

A systematic review of specialised palliative care for terminal patients: which model is better?

There is evidence of improved effectiveness of specialised palliative care for terminally ill patients in comparison to conventional care. However, there is uncertainty about which model is better. The objective of this systematic review was to identify studies that compare specialised palliative care models between them assessing their effectiveness or cost-effectiveness. We searched studies published between 2003 and 2006 in several electronic databases and updated the search in MEDLINE up to 2008. Papers published before 2003 were identified by means of previous systematic reviews and manual search. Studies with broad designs comparing two or more specialised palliative care programmes in adults with terminal illness were selected. Six systematic reviews, three studies on effectiveness and one cost study were included. All systematic reviews drew the conclusion that specialised palliative care is more effective than conventional care. The methodological limitations of the original studies and the heterogeneity of programmes did not allow to draw conclusions about whether a specific model of specialised palliative care is more or less effective or cost-effective than other.

Sensitivity and specificity of digital retinal imaging for screening diabetic retinopathy.

AIMS: To assess the effectiveness of a non-mydriatic digital camera (45 degrees -30 degrees photographs) compared with the reference method for screening diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Type 1 and 2 diabetic patients (n = 773; 1546 eyes) underwent screening for diabetic retinopathy in a prospective observational study. Hospital-based non-mydriatic digital retinal imaging by a consultant specialist in retinal diseases was compared with slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy through dilated pupils, as a gold standard, previously performed in a community health centre by another consultant specialist in retinal diseases. The main outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity of screening methods and prevalence of diabetic retinopathy. RESULTS: The prevalence of any form of diabetic retinopathy was 42.4% (n = 328); the prevalence of sight-threatening including macular oedema and proliferative retinopathy was 9.6% (n = 74). Sensitivity of detection of any diabetic retinopathy by digital imaging was 92% (95% confidence interval 90, 94). Specificity of detection of any diabetic retinopathy was 96% (95, 98). The predictive value of the negative tests was 94% and of a positive test 95%. For sight-threatening retinopathy digital imaging had a sensitivity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: A high sensitivity and specificity are essential for an effective screening programme. These results confirm digital retinal imaging with a non-mydriatic camera as an effective option in community-based screening programmes for diabetic retinopathy.

Disinfection of sludge with high pathogenic content using silver and other compounds.

A physicochemical sludge with high microbial content (10(2)-10(4) FPU/g TS bacteriophages, 10(6)-10(7) MPN/g TS faecal coliforms, 10(4) MPN/g TS Salmonella spp., 10(4) MPN/g TS Shigella spp., 10(3) MPN/g TS Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 10(2) MPN/g TS Vibrio cholerae, 10(2)-10(3) cysts/g TS Giardia sp., 10(2)-10(4) oocyts/g TS Cryptosporidium sp., 168-215 viable helminth ova/g TS) was disinfected using silver, silver-copper, and silver-copper plus a synergistic agent (SA). Twenty milligrams Ag/g TS inactivated 4.8 log of faecal coliforms in 1 h; however, 40 mg Ag/g TS are needed to reduce helminth ova viability from 84 to 38.4% in the same period of time. Combinations of Ag-Cu (60:600 mg Ag-Cu/g TS) and Ag-SA (60:24 mg Ag-SA/g TS) inactivated 7.8 log of faecal coliforms and around 90% of helminth ova in 60 min. To produce USEPA class A biosolids, 10:100:8 and 5:50:13.3 mg Ag-Cu-SA/gTS are needed. Bacterial regrowth was not observed for all conditions producing <1000 MPN/gTS faecal coliforms, suggesting a residual disinfection effect. Recommended doses to produce class A biosolids inactivated 2-4 log of bacteriophages, 4 log of Salmonella spp., 4 log of Shigella spp., 3 log of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 2 log of Vibrio cholerae, 87-99.9% of Giardia sp., and 75-99.9% of Cryptosporidium sp.

[Routine preoperative screening of asymptomatic patients: beliefs and attitudes of anesthesiologists in the Canary Islands, Spain]. / Pruebas preoperatorias rutinarias en población asintomática: opiniones y actitudes de los profesionales en Canarias.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors that explain anesthesiologists' inappropriate use of preoperative tests in asymptomatic patients scheduled for elective surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A validated questionnaire was sent to anesthesiologists at university hospitals in the Canary Islands. Information about preoperative testing patterns and reasons for selecting tests was gathered. RESULTS: The questionnaire was self-administered by 66 anesthesiologists (68% of the total). Scientific knowledge was not the reason why most respondents ordered preoperative tests in asymptomatic individuals. That was the opinion of 95% of anesthesiologists for chest x-rays, 82% for electrocardiograms, and 68% for laboratory tests. Clinical history and a medical examination gave sufficient information for selecting patients in need of specific tests in the opinion of 77.19% of the respondents. Half did not agree that routine electrocardiograms and laboratory tests should be abandoned. The justification for these tests was coverage of medical malpractice liability for 68.42%. Most considered that the need to order preoperative tests in asymptomatic patients increased after age 40. CONCLUSIONS: Although anesthesiologists admit that their request for preoperative tests in asymptomatic individuals is not supported by scientific evidence, the quest for safety and legal protection from the consequences of potential adverse consequences of providing anesthesia affects the selection of preoperative tests for asymptomatic patients.