Association of reviewer experience with discriminating human-written versus ChatGPT-written abstracts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if reviewer experience impacts the ability to discriminate between human-written and ChatGPT-written abstracts. METHODS: Thirty reviewers (10 seniors, 10 juniors, and 10 residents) were asked to differentiate between 10 ChatGPT-written and 10 human-written (fabricated) abstracts. For the study, 10 gynecologic oncology abstracts were fabricated by the authors. For each human-written abstract we generated a ChatGPT matching abstract by using the same title and the fabricated results of each of the human generated abstracts. A web-based questionnaire was used to gather demographic data and to record the reviewers' evaluation of the 20 abstracts. Comparative statistics and multivariable regression were used to identify factors associated with a higher correct identification rate. RESULTS: The 30 reviewers discriminated 20 abstracts, giving a total of 600 abstract evaluations. The reviewers were able to correctly identify 300/600 (50%) of the abstracts: 139/300 (46.3%) of the ChatGPT-generated abstracts and 161/300 (53.7%) of the human-written abstracts (p=0.07). Human-written abstracts had a higher rate of correct identification (median (IQR) 56.7% (49.2-64.1%) vs 45.0% (43.2-48.3%), p=0.023). Senior reviewers had a higher correct identification rate (60%) than junior reviewers and residents (45% each; p=0.043 and p=0.002, respectively). In a linear regression model including the experience level of the reviewers, familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) and the country in which the majority of medical training was achieved (English speaking vs non-English speaking), the experience of the reviewer (ß=10.2 (95% CI 1.8 to 18.7)) and familiarity with AI (ß=7.78 (95% CI 0.6 to 15.0)) were independently associated with the correct identification rate (p=0.019 and p=0.035, respectively). In a correlation analysis the number of publications by the reviewer was positively correlated with the correct identification rate (r28)=0.61, p<0.001. CONCLUSION: A total of 46.3% of abstracts written by ChatGPT were detected by reviewers. The correct identification rate increased with reviewer and publication experience.

[Circulatory support with venovenous ECMO in a patient with reperfusion pulmonary edema after pulmonary artery thromboendarterectomy]. / Soporte circulatorio con ECMO venovenoso en paciente con síndrome de reperfusión pulmonar secundario a tromboendarterectomía arterial pulmonar.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a subtype of pulmonary hypertension characterized by the obstruction of pulmonary arteries secondary to chronic thromboembolism. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy surgery (PTE) is the main treatment for patients with CTEPH, as it removes the chronic thrombi from the pulmonary arteries. Pulmonary reperfusion syndrome is a common complication of the surgery, which involves the development of pulmonary edema in the area where blood perfusion improves after the surgery. The incidence of this syndrome varies from 8 to 91% depending on the criteria used for diagnosis, and it is one of the most serious complications of pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. In such cases, circulatory support with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become a valuable therapeutic modality. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with a history of acute pulmonary embolism due to deep vein thrombosis of the right pelvic limb who was diagnosed later with CTEPH who was admitted for scheduled surgical treatment involving bilateral PTE. However, during the immediate postoperative period, she developed cardiogenic shock and refractory hypoxemia secondary to pulmonary reperfusion syndrome following the surgical procedure. As a result, she required veno-venous ECMO circulatory support for 6 days, leading to resolution of the pulmonary condition and clinical improvement.

La hipertensión pulmonar tromboembólica crónica (HPTEC) es un subtipo de hipertensión pulmonar caracterizada por la obstrucción de las arterias pulmonares secundaria a tromboembolias crónicas. La cirugía de tromboendarterectomía pulmonar (TEAP) es el tratamiento principal para los pacientes con HPTEC, elimina los trombos crónicos de las arterias pulmonares. El síndrome de reperfusión pulmonar es una complicación común de la cirugía, se trata del desarrollo de edema pulmonar en el área en la que la perfusión sanguínea mejora después de la cirugía. La incidencia del síndrome varía del 8 al 91% según los criterios utilizados para diagnosticarlo y es una de las complicaciones más graves de la tromboendarterectomía pulmonar. En tales casos, el soporte circulatorio con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) se ha convertido en una valiosa modalidad terapéutica. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 60 años de edad con antecedente de tromboembolia pulmonar aguda secundaria a trombosis venosa profunda de miembro pélvico derecho a quien durante el seguimiento se realizó el diagnóstico de HPTEC e ingresó de manera programada para tratamiento quirúrgico con realización de TEAP bilateral, sin embargo durante el posquirúrgico inmediato presentó choque cardiogénico e hipoxemia refractaria secundarios a síndrome de reperfusión pulmonar, por lo cual requirió soporte circulatorio con ECMO venovenosa durante seis días, con resolución del cuadro pulmonar y mejoría clínica.

Assessing the venous system: Correlation of mean systemic filling pressure with the venous excess ultrasound grading system in cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the venous system has long been underestimated as an important component of the circulatory system. As systemic venous pressure increases, the perfusion pressure to the tissues is compromised. During initial resuscitation in cardiac surgery, excessive fluid administration is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 60 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery and in whom it was possible to obtain the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) grading system and mean systemic filling pressure (Pmsf) in the postoperative period upon admission, at 24 and 48 h. We then determined the correlation between VExUS grading and Pmsf. RESULTS: On admission, patients with VExUS grading 0 predominated, with a progressive increase in venous congestion and an increase in Pmsf over the course of the first 48 h. There was a strong positive correlation between VExUS grading and the invasive measurement of Pmsf at 24 and 48 h after arrival. The presence of grade 2 or grade 3 venous congestion in the postoperative period poses an increased risk of developing acute kidney injury. CONCLUSION: The VExUS grading system indicates a high degree of systemic venous congestion in the first 48 h of the postoperative period after cardiac surgery and correlates with the Pmsf, which is the best surrogate of stressed circulatory volume.

Usefulness of the velocity-time integral of the left ventricular outflow tract variability index to predict fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Haemodynamic monitoring of patients after cardiac surgery using echocardiographic evaluation of fluid responsiveness is both challenging and increasingly popular. We evaluated fluid responsiveness in the first hours after surgery by determining the variability of the velocity-time integral of the left ventricular outflow tract (VTI-LVOT). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 50 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery and in whom it was possible to obtain VTI-LVOT measurements. We then determined the variability and correlations with our pulse pressure variation (PPV) measurements to predict fluid responsiveness. RESULTS: A strong positive correlation was seen between the VTI-LVOT variability index absolute values and PPV for predicting fluid responsiveness in the first hours after cardiac surgery. We also found that the VTI-LVOT variability index has high specificity and a high positive likelihood ratio compared with the gold standard using a cut-off point of ≥ 12%. CONCLUSIONS: The VTI-LVOT variability index is a valuable tool for determining fluid responsiveness during the first 6 postoperative hours in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Endarterectomía carotídea en paciente con estenosis aórtica crítica. Importancia de la anestesia regional y del neuromonitoreo / Carotid endarterectomy in a patient with critical aortic stenosis. Importance of regional anesthesia and transoperative neurological monitoring

Resumen: La estenosis carotídea (EC) ocurre en 13% de los pacientes con estenosis valvular aórtica (EVA). El riesgo de evento vascular cerebral (EVC), en los pacientes con EC significativa sometidos a cirugía valvular cardíaca, puede aumentar hasta 11%. Someter a un paciente con EVA crítica y fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) disminuida a endarterectomía carotídea es todo un reto anestésico, cuyo principal objetivo es evitar la hipotensión y el bajo gasto cardíaco. La anestesia regional es una opción para estos pacientes. Presentamos el caso de un hombre de 70 años con diagnóstico de EC significativa y EVA crítica con disfunción ventricular izquierda, al que se realizó endarterectomía carotídea con bloqueo del plexo cervical superficial por alto riesgo de colapso circulatorio. Dicha estrategia anestésica permitió mantener al paciente despierto durante la cirugía, al valorar continuamente su estado neurológico. Asimismo, se documentaron los cambios transoperatorios en el NIRS (Near-infrared spectroscopy) cerebral y Doppler transcraneal (DTC), los cuales se correlacionaron con el estado clínico del paciente. En un segundo tiempo se hizo cambio valvular aórtico sin complicaciones. En este caso destaca la importancia de la anestesia regional y el monitoreo neurológico con Doppler transcraneal, en pacientes sometidos a endarterectomía carotídea con alto riesgo quirúrgico por EVA crítica.

Abstract: Carotid stenosis occurs in 13% of patients with aortic valve stenosis. The risk of stroke in patients with significant carotid stenosis undergoing heart valve surgery may increase to 11%. Proposing a patient with critical aortic valve stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction to carotid endarterectomy is an anesthetic challenge, where the objective is to avoid hypotension and low cardiac output. Regional anesthesia is an option for these patients. Due to the high incidence of intraoperative stroke during carotid endarterectomy, continuous neurological monitoring is of relevance. We present the case of a 70-year-old man diagnosed with significant carotid stenosis and critical aortic valve stenosis and left ventricular dysfunction who underwent carotid endarterectomy with superficial cervical plexus block due to a high risk of circulatory collapse. In addition, this anesthetic strategy made it possible to keep the patient awake during surgery, and to continuously assess their neurological status. Likewise, transoperative changes in brain NIRS and transcranial Doppler were documented, which correlated with the patient's clinical status. In a second time, aortic valve replacement was performed without complications. This case highlights the importance of regional anesthesia and neurological monitoring in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy with high surgical risk due to critical aortic valve stenosis.

Aortic Perforation and Ascending Dissection Due to Intra-Aortic Balloon Counterpulsation Implantation in Cardiac Surgery.

The intra-aortic balloon pump continues to be a useful ventricular assist device in cardiac surgery. Complications are estimated to be 7% to 40%, significantly high to catastrophic. We describe an aortic injury associated with the use of the device and an interdisciplinary management for the diagnostic and therapeutic approach. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Correlation between transhepatic and subcostal inferior vena cava ultrasonographic images for evaluating fluid responsiveness after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: Echocardiographic monitoring during the postoperative period following cardiac surgery is essential because patients often develop hemodynamic instability from hypovolemia and other causes. Therefore, predicting fluid responsiveness by measuring respirophasic variation in the inferior vena cava (IVC) is essential in this population. Yet it is not always possible to evaluate using the traditional subcostal view. METHODS: This cross-sectional study of 36 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery included those in whom it was possible to adequately visualize the IVC in both the subcostal and transhepatic views. The maximum and minimum diameters and respirophasic variation were measured in each view. These views were then correlated and the capacity of the transhepatic view to predict fluid responsiveness was evaluated. RESULTS: There was a strong positive correlation between IVC maximum and minimum diameters and respirophasic variation according to subcostal and transhepatic views. Evaluation of IVC respirophasic variation indices using the transhepatic view also showed high sensitivity for predicting fluid responsiveness. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between the transhepatic and subcostal views for determining maximum and minimum IVC diameters, and distensibility and variability indices for predicting fluid responsiveness in postoperative cardiac surgery patients.

Endotheliitis, Shunts, and Ventilation-Perfusion Mismatch in Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Literature Review of Disease Mechanisms.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has continued to impact global health. However, while immunity acquired by vaccines has been developed, 40% of the world's population has still not been vaccinated. Economic problems associated with acquiring novel therapies, misinformation, and differences in treatment protocols have generated catastrophic results, especially in low-resource countries. Understanding the pathophysiological aspects of coronavirus disease and the therapeutic strategies that have been validated to date is essential for successful medical care. In this review, I summarize the historical aspects of the virus, molecules involved in infecting the host, and consequences of viral interactions with and in tissues.

Soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial en paciente con cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular / Circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO in a patient with biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Resumen La cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo es una entidad caracterizada por disfunción ventricular aguda y transitoria, la cual está generalmente relacionada a un evento desencadenante (estrés emocional o físico) y que, por lo general, se presenta con disfunción sistólica regional del ventrículo izquierdo, aunque hasta en un 30% puede ser biventricular. Según su severidad, en algunos casos puede condicionar choque cardiogénico refractario a manejo con inotrópicos y vasopresores, por lo que para estos casos deben considerarse los dispositivos de asistencia circulatoria. Presentamos el caso de una paciente joven a quien se realizó cambio valvular pulmonar con prótesis biológica, la cual siete semanas posteriores a la cirugía acudió al servicio de urgencias con derrame pericárdico y fisiología de tamponade secundario a síndrome pospericardiotomía. Por tal motivo se le practicó ventana pericárdica, sin embargo durante el transquirúrgico presentó cardiomiopatía de Takotsubo biventricular que le condicionó choque cardiogénico con insuficiencia mitral y tricúspidea severas y refractariedad a tratamiento médico, así como a balón intraaórtico de contrapulsación (BIAC), por lo cual requirió soporte circulatorio con ECMO venoarterial durante 5 días.

Abstract Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is an entity characterized by acute and transient ventricular dysfunction, which is usually related to a triggering event (emotional or physical stress), and usually presents with regional systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle, however up to 30% may be biventricular. Depending on its severity in some cases the disease can condition refractory cardiogenic shock to management with inotropics and vasopressors, so for these cases circulatory assistance devices should be considered. We present the case of a young patient who had pulmonary valve change with biological prosthesis, which seven weeks after surgery went to the emergency department with pericardial effusion and tamponade physiology secondary to postpericardiotomy syndrome. For this reason pericardial window was practiced, however during the procedure she presented biventricular Takotsubo cardiomyopathy which conditioned cardiogenic shock with severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, and refractivity to medical treatment as well as intraaortic balloon pump, requiring circulatory support with venoarterial ECMO for 5 days.

Trastorno depresivo mayor: una mirada genética / Major depressive disorder: a genetic view

Resumen El trastorno depresivo mayor es una enfermedad que se caracteriza por la presencia de diferentes síntomas, que van desde no poder comer o dormir, hasta el no disfrute de las actividades que antes resultaban placenteras, ideas de minusvalía y suicidio. Las investigaciones del campo de las neurociencias y de las enfermedades psiquiátricas en especial, tienden cada vez más a buscar los posibles orígenes genéticos que expliquen su desarrollo y progresión. En esta revisión de la literatura se presenta lo reportado en estudios que no solo describen la enfermedad desde los trastornos neurofisiológicos, sino también desde alteraciones genéticas y epigenéticas, con el fin de brindar un mayor entendimiento de las bases moleculares y fisiopatológicas de esta patología psiquiátrica.

Abstract Major depressive disorder is a disease that is characterized by the presence of different symptoms, ranging from not being able to eat or sleep, to not enjoy activities that were previously pleasurable, ideas of disability and suicide. Research in the field of neurosciences and psychiatric diseases in particular, increasingly tend to seek the possible genetic origins that explain the development and progression of them. In this review of the literature, is presented what has been reported in studies, that not only describe the disease from its neurophysiological disorders, but also from the genetic and epigenetic alterations, in order to provide a better understanding of the molecular and physiopathological bases of this psychiatric pathology.

Perfil clínico y epidemiológico de las enfermedades oculares no infecciosas en comunidades indígenas de Chocó, Colombia / Clinical and epidemiological profile of non-infectious eye diseases in indigenous communities from Choco, Colombia

Objetivo: determinar el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de las enfermedades oculares no infecciosas en población indígena del departamento de Chocó, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, en comunidades indígenas de la Asociación de Cabildos Indígenas Embera, Wounaan, Katío, Chami y Tule en 2015.No se realizó muestreo, se evaluaron líderes indígenas mayores de 18 años, sin enfermedades oftalmológicas infecciosas y que decidieron participar voluntariamente mediante consentimiento informado. Se diseñó un cuestionario para registrar variables sociodemográficas y oftalmológicas. Resultados: se evaluaron 46 indígenas, con un promedio de edad de 34,2 ± 9,5, 69,6% eran hombres, 21,7% eran Embera Dobida, 56,5% habían completado los estudios de secundaria y 23,9% se desempeñaban en el área de educación. El 82,6% de los participantes presentaron agudeza visual normal,15,2% presentaron déficit visual y ninguno presentó déficit visual severo o ceguera.Se encontraron alteraciones conjuntivales en el 56,5% y alteraciones al Cover test en 58,6%, siendo la endotropia y endoforia los hallazgos más frecuentes. No se encontraron alteraciones en la evaluación de la movilidad ocular, tonometría, campimetría, ni fondo de ojo. Conclusiones: se encontraron niveles aceptables de visión y salud oftalmológica entre la población evaluada, que no representan limitaciones considerables para su quehacer diario, pero que potencialmente las podrían ocasionar. La endotropia y las alteraciones conjuntivales corresponden a los hallazgos más frecuentes...(AU)

Objective: to determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of non-infectious ocular diseases in indigenous populations of Chocó, Colombia. Materials and methods:transversal descriptive study, in indigenous communities of the Asociación de Cabildos Indígenas Embera, Wounaan, Katío, Chami and Tule in 2015. Sampling was not performed,indigenous leaders over the age of 18, without infectious eye diseases were evaluated and decided to voluntarily participate by informed consent. A questionnaire was designed to register demographic and opthalmologic variables variables. Results: 46 indigenous people were evaluated, with an average age of 34,2 ± 9,5 years, 69,6% were men, 21,7% were Embera Dobida, 56,5% had completed secondary education and 23,9% worked in the education area. 82,6% of the participants presented normal visual acuity, 15,2% presented visual deficit and none had severe visual impairment or blindness. Conjunctival alterations were found in 56,5% and alterations in the coverage test in 58,6%, with endotropia and endophoria being the most frequent findings. No alterations were found in the assessment of ocular mobility, tonometry, campimetry, or ocular fundus. Conclusions: acceptable levels of vision and ophthalmological health were found among the evaluated population, which do not represent considerable limitations for their daily work, but could potentially cause them. Endotropia and conjunctival alterations correspond to the most frequent findings...(AU)

Prevención de la infección por Streptococcus del grupo B en gestantes / Prevention of Group B Streptococcal Infection in Pregnant Women / Prevenção da infecção pelo Streptococcus do grupo B as mulheres grávidas: Revisão do tema

Introducción: La infección neonatal por Streptococcus del Grupo B en mujeres gestantes es un problema creciente a nivel mundial y tiene múltiples consecuencias para el recién nacido, su prevención impacta directamente la morbi-mortalidad neonatal. Objetivo: Brindar al lector información relevante sobre la importancia clínica, nuevos métodos de tamizaje y formas de prevención de la infección por Streptococcus del Grupo B en gestantes, que será de utilidad para evitar complicaciones del binomio materno-fetal. Metodología: En esta revisión de la literatura, se estudiaron 53 artículos, abordando evidencia tanto en el ámbito local e internacional, utilizando las bases de datos PubMed, ScienceDirect y Google Scholar, dentro los criterios de búsqueda se tuvo en cuenta el año de publicación, incluyendo artículos que fueron publicados a partir del año 2011. Resultados: La comunidad internacional ha desarrollado guías y planes de prevención; en la actualidad, para una profilaxis y prevención adecuada se proponen diversos métodos, partiendo del tamizaje para las maternas, uso de antibióticos durante el embarazo y parto, además del desarrollo de vacunas maternas para prevenir infecciones. Conclusiones: La colonización por Streptococcus del Grupo B en gestantes y el riesgo que conlleva para el recién nacido y su madre, exige una constante actualización en técnicas de tamizaje, prevención y manejo. Numerosos avances en estos campos vienen llevándose a cabo en los últimos años y su fortalecimiento y desarrollo será clave para impactar positivamente la morbi-mortalidad materno-fetal. [Martínez-Sánchez LM, Restrepo-Arango M, Sánchez-Díaz E, Marín-Cárdenas JS,Gallego-González D,Vélez-Peláez MC. Prevención de la infección por Streptococcus del grupo B en gestantes. MedUNAB 2017; 20(2): 182-189].

Introduction: The neonatal infection by Group B Streptococcus in pregnant women is a growing problem worldwide and has multiple consequences for the newborn, so its prevention directly impacts neonatal morbimortality. Objective: To provide the reader with relevant information about the clinical importance, new screening methods and ways to prevent Group B Streptococcus infection in pregnant women which will be useful to avoid complications in the pairing of maternal-fetal. Methodology: In this review of literature, 53 articles were studied addressing local and international evidence by using PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases; within the search criteria the year of publication was taken into account to do so, thus articles published from 2011 were included. Results: The international community has developed guidelines and prevention plans for this infection. Currently, for an adequate prophylaxis and prevention, various methods are proposed such as the screening for expectant mothers, the use of antibiotics during pregnancy and childbirth, and the development of maternal immunization to prevent infections as well. Conclusions: The colonization by Group B Streptococcus in pregnant women and the risk that this entails to the newborn and his/her mother requires constant updating in techniques for screening, prevention and management of it. Numerous advances in these fields of study have been carried out in recent years, and this strengthening and its development will be the key to impact, in a positive way, the maternal-fetal morbimortality. [Martínez-Sánchez LM, Restrepo-Arango M, Sánchez-Díaz E, Marín-Cárdenas JS,Gallego-González D, Vélez-Peláez MC. Prevention of Group B Streptococcal Infection in Pregnant Women. MedUNAB 2017; 20(2): 182-189].

Introdução: A infecção neonatal pelo Streptococcus do Grupo B em mulheres grávidas é um problema crescente no mundo inteiro e tem múltiplas conseqüências para o recém-nascido. Sua prevenção afeta diretamente a morbidade e mortalidade neonatal. Objetivo: Oferecer ao leitor a informação relevante sobre a importância clínica, os novos métodos de seleção e as formas de prevenir a infecção por Streptococcus do Grupo B em mulheres grávidas, o que será muito útil para evitar as complicações tanto para a mãe quanto para o feto. Metodologia: Nesta revisão da literatura, foram estudados 53 artigos, ressaltando as evidências tanto no nível local como internacional y se utilizaram os bancos de dados em PubMed, ScienceDirect e Google Scholar. Um dos critérios da pesquisa foi verificar o ano da publicação e incluir somente os artigos publicados a partir de 2011. Resultados: Atualmente, a comunidade internacional desenvolveu diretrizes e planos de prevenção para a profilaxia e a prevenção adequada, propondo diversos métodos como: Atriagem materna, o uso de antibióticos durante a gravidez e o parto, além do desenvolvimento das vacinas maternas para preveniras infecções. Conclusões: A colonização por Streptococcus do Grupo B em mulheres grávidas e o risco que isso implica para o recém-nascido e sua mãe, requer uma atualização constante nas técnicas da triagem, da precaução e do tratamento. São numerosos os avanços realizados, nesta área, nos últimos anos. O seu fortalecimento e desenvolvimento são fundamentais para interferir positivamente na doença e na mortalidade materno-fetal. [Martínez-Sánchez LM, Restrepo-Arango M, Sánchez-Díaz E, Marín-Cárdenas JS, Gallego-González D, Vélez-Peláez MC. Prevenção da infecção pelo Streptococcus do grupo B nas mulheres grávidas: Revisão do tema. MedUNAB 2017; 20(2): 182-189].

Mitocondria: de la célula a la clínica, caso de la sepsis / Mitochondria: from the cell to the clinic, case of sepsis

La mitocondria ha sido identificada como una organela clave en el proceso fisiopatológico de muchos trastornos clínicos, especialmente aquellos que involucran procesos metabólicos, Se han descrito múltiples mecanismos, tales como vías metabólicas de interacción biológica en los trastornos inflamatorios sistémicos severos como es el caso de la sepsis. Particularmente, el papel protagónico del estrés oxidativo como marcador de disfunción mitocondrial ha dilucidado blancos moleculares de interés clínico, A partir de estas consideraciones ha sido posible sintetizar moléculas con actividad terapéutica selectiva para contrarrestar el compromiso mitocondrial y mejorar con ello el pronóstico y la sobrevida de cuadros de alta morbimortalidad, constituyendo un escenario modelo de la evolución del conocimiento de la célula a la clínica en el paciente séptico...

Prednisolone with vs without pentoxifylline and survival of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Prednisolone or pentoxifylline is recommended for severe alcoholic hepatitis, a life-threatening disease. The benefit of their combination is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the addition of pentoxifylline to prednisolone is more effective than prednisolone alone. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Multicenter, randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted between December 2007 and March 2010 in 1 Belgian and 23 French hospitals of 270 patients aged 18 to 70 years who were heavy drinkers with severe biopsy-proven alcoholic hepatitis, as indicated by recent onset of jaundice in the prior 3 months and a Maddrey score of at least 32. Duration of follow-up was 6 months. The last included patient completed the study in October 2010. None of the patients were lost to follow-up for the main outcome. INTERVENTION: Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a combination of 40 mg of prednisolone once a day and 400 mg of pentoxifylline 3 times a day (n=133) for 28 days, or 40 mg of prednisolone and matching placebo (n=137) for 28 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Six-month survival, with secondary end points of development of hepatorenal syndrome and response to therapy based on the Lille model, which defines treatment nonresponders after 7 days of initiation of treatment. RESULTS: In intention-to-treat analysis, 6-month survival was not different in the pentoxifylline-prednisolone and placebo-prednisolone groups (69.9% [95% CI, 62.1%-77.7%] vs 69.2% [95% CI; 61.4%-76.9%], P = .91), corresponding to 40 vs 42 deaths, respectively. In multivariable analysis, only the Lille model and the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score were independently associated with 6-month survival. At 7 days, response to therapy assessed by the Lille model was not significantly different between the 2 groups (Lille model score, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.36-0.46] vs 0.40 [95% CI, 0.35-0.45], P = .80). The probability of being a responder was not different in both groups (62.6% [95% CI, 53.9%-71.3%] vs 61.9% [95% CI, 53.7%-70.3%], P = .91). The cumulative incidence of hepatorenal syndrome at 6 months was not significantly different in the pentoxifylline-prednisolone and the placebo-prednisolone groups (8.4% [95% CI, 4.8%-14.8%] vs 15.3% [95% CI, 10.3%-22.7%], P = .07). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: In patients with alcoholic hepatitis, 4-week treatment with pentoxifylline and prednisolone, compared with prednisolone alone, did not result in improved 6-month survival. The study may have been underpowered to detect a significant difference in incidence of hepatorenal syndrome, which was less frequent in the group receiving pentoxifylline. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01214226.

Performance of biomarkers FibroTest, ActiTest, SteatoTest, and NashTest in patients with severe obesity: meta analysis of individual patient data.

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is considered as the gold standard for assessing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) histologic lesions in patients with severe obesity. The aim of this study was to perform an overview of 3 studies which assessed the performance of non-invasive markers of fibrosis (FibroTest), steatosis (SteatoTest) and steato-hepatitis (NashTest, ActiTest) in these patients. METHODS: 494 patients with interpretable biopsy and biomarkers using of three prospective cohorts of patients with severe obesity (BMI >35 kg/m2) were included. Histology (NAS score) and the biochemical measurements were blinded to any other characteristics. The area under the ROC curves (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were assessed. Weighted AUROC (wAUROC Obuchowski method) was used to prevent multiple testing and spectrum effect. Two meta-analyses were performed; one used the individual patient, and the other a classical meta-analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of advanced fibrosis (bridging) was 9.9%, advanced steatosis (>33%) 54.2%, and steato-hepatitis (NAS score >4) 17.2%. The mean wAUROCs were: FibroTest for advanced fibrosis (95%CI; significance)  =  0.85 (0.83-0.87; P<0.0001); SteatoTest for advanced steatosis = 0.80 (0.79-0.83); and ActiTest for steato-hepatitis = 0.84 (0.82-0.86; P<0.0001). Using the classical meta-analysis (random effect model) the mean AUROCs were: FibroTest = 0.72 (0.63-0.79; P<0.0001); SteatoTest = 0.71 (0.66-0.75; P<0.0001); and ActiTest = 0.74 (0.68-0.79; P<0.0001). Despite more metabolic risk factors in one cohort, results were similar according to gender, presence of diabetes and between the 3 cohorts. CONCLUSION: In patients with severe obesity, a significant diagnostic performance of FibroTest, SteatoTest and ActiTest was observed for liver lesions.

Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with long-acting octreotide: a phase III multicentre, randomised, double blind placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: A previous study reported a significant survival benefit for octreotide compared with no treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This was investigated further in this multicentre study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and seventy two patients with HCC who were ineligible for curative treatments or had relapsed following potentially curative therapies were randomised to receive long-acting octreotide, 30 mg as an intramuscular injection once every 4 weeks for up to 2 years, or placebo. RESULTS: At the time of the final analysis, median overall survival (OS) was 6.53 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.8-8.3) for octreotide versus 7.03 months (95% CI, 5.43-8.53) for placebo (p=0.34). Progression-free survival (p=0.26) also did not differ significantly between the two treatment groups. No objective responses were achieved in the octreotide group but 33% of patients achieved disease stabilisation for a mean time of 5.5 months (95% CI, 1.1-9.9). The median time until definitive global health score deterioration (according to QLQ-C30) was 2.3 months (95% CI, 1.4-3.7) in the octreotide and 4 months (95% CI, 2.2-5.7) in the placebo group (p=0.09). There were four objective responses in the placebo group. Octreotide was well tolerated; seven patients reported severe adverse events possibly related to octreotide and there were no cases of haematoma or cholecystitis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with advanced HCC, octreotide has a favourable safety profile but does not improve OS and could have a negative impact on quality of life.