Original and minimally invasive approach to a left-lung refractory atelectasis after reparation of an aortic recoarctation in a lactant: Selective endobronchial CPAP.

Atelectasis is one of the most common respiratory complications in pediatric patients after open-heart surgery, and may lead to weaning failure and increased morbidity. We report the use of an original, minimally invasive approach to refractory left lung atelectasis after repair of an aortic coarctation in a 2 month-old infant, in which a CPAP system connected to a flexible endobronchial tube resolved the atelectasis.

Development of a Group-Based Community Health Worker Intervention to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among Latinos.

INTRODUCTION: Latinos are at higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality than non-Hispanic Whites due, in part, to disparities in cancer screening. There is a need to evaluate community-based CRC interventions as they may reach underinsured communities and those at highest risk for CRC. This article describes the development of a group-based CRC intervention (Juntos contra el Cancer). METHOD: Purposive sampling was used to recruit Latino men and women aged 50 to 75 years not-up-to-date with CRC screening. The development of the intervention was guided by the socioecologic framework, a community needs assessment, literature reviews, five focus groups (n = 39) from the target community and feedback from a Community Advisory Board. RESULTS: Findings from focus groups suggested that a group-based, promotor or community health worker (CHW) led, cancer prevention education with linkages to care would address barriers to CRC screening. CONCLUSION: Development of community-based CRC screening interventions should be informed by early and sustained community engagement. Interventions led by CHWs with linkages to care are feasible and can reach populations not connected to health care settings.

Ultrasound-guided biopsy of the equine forelimb proximal suspensory ligament by longitudinal access / [Biópsia guiada por ultrassom da origem do ligamento suspensor do boleto de equinos por acesso longitudinal]

A literatura atual discute múltiplas modalidades de imagem para acompanhar o processo de cicatrização da origem do ligamento suspensor do boleto (LSB) em equinos, mas nenhuma pode garantir que eles possuam fibras colágenas com calibre suficiente para suportar o retorno ao exercício. Já as técnicas morfológicas e bioquímicas, bem como a análise de birrefringência, podem ser mais apropriadas para caracterizar o processo de cicatrização e avaliar a eficiência do tratamento. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever procedimento simples que possibilita a coleta de amostras teciduais de boa qualidade e em sentido longitudinal, por biópsia em equinos em estação. Após antissepsia local, sedação e bloqueio do nervo palmar lateral no aspecto medial do osso acessório do carpo (OAC), o membro foi colocado em suspensão com o carpo flexionado em 90º; a agulha de biópsia guiada por ultrassom foi introduzida em sentido distoproximal, 11 a 13cm distal ao OAC, ângulo de 20º em relação ao LSB, até a região de sua origem. O equipamento foi disparado e coletou-se a amostra tecidual. Essa técnica possibilitou a coleta de fragmentos de boa qualidade para análise histológica e de birrefringência, sem reações adversas, podendo ser usada em modelos experimentais ou na prática clínica.(AU)

Thoracic outlet syndrome in adolescents: a case series. / Síndrome del opérculo torácico en adolescentes: serie de casos.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is caused by a compression of the brachial plexus and the subclavian vessels in their passage to the upper limb. It mostly occurs in women aged 20-50, so it is infrequent in children. We present our results in the diagnosis and management of pediatric TOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients diagnosed with TOS between December 2017 and June 2018. Clinical, radiological, surgical, and evolution variables were assessed. RESULTS: Five TOS were diagnosed in 4 patients - one TOS was bilateral. Mean age at diagnosis was 12.5 years (7-15), and there was a delay in diagnosis of 153 days (10-36). TOS was either venous (3) or neurogenic (2). Patients presented with pain (5/5), edema (4/5), hypoesthesia (3/5), decreased strength (3/5), and cervical pain (2/5). One patient presented with sport-related pain. Neurophysiological study was normal in three cases. Two patients presented bone anomalies at CT-scan. Three surgeries were performed in two patients using the supraclavicular approach with resection of the anomalous first rib and scalenectomy. One patient refused surgery, and another patient remained expectant without reappearance of symptoms. Postoperative follow-up was 9 months (6-12), with progressive improvement of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: TOS may occur in adolescents in the form of upper limb pain and edema. Imaging tests are recommended to detect abnormal anatomical structures. The supraclavicular approach represents a safe and effective technique in decompressing the thoracic outlet.

OBJETIVO: El síndrome del opérculo torácico (SOT) está causado por una compresión del plexo braquial y vasos subclavios en su paso hacia la extremidad superior. Patología típica de mujeres entre 20 y 50 años, que es infrecuente diagnosticar en niños. Presentamos nuestros resultados en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del SOT pediátrico. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes diagnosticados de SOT entre diciembre 2017 y junio 2018. Se analizaron variables clínicas, radiológicas, quirúrgicas y de evolución. RESULTADOS: Cinco SOT fueron diagnosticados en cuatro pacientes, uno de ellos bilateral. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 12,5 años (7-15) y hubo una demora en el diagnóstico de 153 días (10-360). SOT venoso (3) y neurológico (2). Presentaron dolor (5/5), edema (4/5), hipoestesia (3/5), disminución de fuerza (3/5) y dolor cervical (2/5). Una paciente presentaba dolor asociado al deporte. El estudio neurofisiológico fue normal en tres casos. Dos pacientes presentaron anomalías óseas por TAC. Se realizaron tres intervenciones quirúrgicas en dos pacientes por abordaje supraclavicular realizando resección de la primera costilla anómala y escalenectomía. Una paciente rechazo la intervención y en otra se mantuvo en una actitud expectante sin reaparición de los síntomas. Seguimiento posoperatorio de 9 meses (6-12) con mejoría progresivas de los síntomas. CONCLUSION: El SOT puede darse en adolescentes siendo el dolor y edema de la extremidad superior lo más específico. Se recomienda la realización de pruebas de imagen para detectar estructuras anatómicas anómalas. El abordaje supraclavicular se presenta como una técnica segura y eficaz en la descompresión del desfiladero torácico.

Angiotensin II receptor agonist antibodies are associated with microvascular damage in lupus nephritis.

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor agonist antibodies (AT1R-AAs) have been associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation in human diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of AT1R-AAs in active lupus nephritis (LN) patients and their association with vascular damage. One hundred and seven active LN patients underwent a complete clinical examination, measurement of AT1R-AAs, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, carotid intima-media thickness measurement and morphometric analysis of subintimal fibrosis and medial hyperplasia of the vessels in the kidney tissue. Plasma AT1R-AAs were positive in 58 (54.2%) patients. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score, complement C3 and C4 levels and titers of anti-dsDNA antibodies were higher in the group with positive AT1R-AAs compared with those with negative AT1R-AAs. The AT1R-AA titers correlated with anti-dsDNA antibody titers and with complement C3 and C4 serum levels. In the kidney biopsy, the percentage of subintimal fibrosis and the area of medial hyperplasia were greater in the AT1R-AA-positive patients. No differences in arterial pressure, carotid intima-media thickness and response to therapy were detected. In conclusion, AT1R-AAs are prevalent in active LN patients and are associated with histologic features of microvascular damage.

Combined approach for paediatric recurrent antrochoanal polyp: a single-centre case series of 27 children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare functional endoscopic sinus surgery with a combined approach (functional endoscopic sinus surgery plus Caldwell-Luc procedure) for the treatment of paediatric antrochoanal polyp, in terms of antrochoanal polyp recurrence and safety. METHOD: This retrospective case series comprises 27 paediatric patients with recurrent antrochoanal polyp, treated from January 2010 to January 2018. RESULTS: The average age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 10.4 ± 2.49 years. The recurrence rate after functional endoscopic sinus surgery alone was 72.9 per cent, compared with 12.5 per cent after functional endoscopic sinus surgery plus the Caldwell-Luc procedure (p < 0.00001). No complications were reported during surgery or follow up. CONCLUSION: The correct identification of the origin of the antrochoanal polyp and an adequate returning of maxillary ventilation by widening the ostium can prevent recurrences. Although functional endoscopic sinus surgery continues to be the 'gold standard' for antrochoanal polyp treatment, in cases of revision surgery, a combined approach could ensure the complete removal of the polyp through the two openings.

[Pulmonary lobectomy in children: the sooner the better?] / Lobectomía pulmonar en niños: ¿cuanto antes mejor?

AIM OF THE STUDY: Recommendation of early pulmonary resection in asymptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs) is based on the presumed compensatory lung growth during the first months of life. Our aim is to analyze the long-term pulmonary function after lobectomy before and after one year of age using spirometry. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of children who underwent pulmonary lobectomy for CPAM between 2001 and 2016. Patients who were old enough (>5 years) to carry out a spirometry were included in the study and were divided into 2 groups (surgery before or after 12 months of age). Pulmonary function testing values were considered normal if they were >80% of predicted. MAIN RESULTS: Forty-seven patients underwent pulmonary lobectomy for CPAM, 23 of them met the inclusion criteria and prospectively performed a spirometry. Among them, 7 had surgery before and 16 after one year of age (0.1 vs. 2); being both groups comparable in terms of sex, type of CPAM and surgical approach. Time from surgery until pulmonary function testing was longer in patients who had surgery before one year of age (9.1 vs. 4.6 years, p = 0.003). After correcting results by time from surgery until spirometry, a better FEV1/FVC was found in patients who had surgery after one year of age (90% vs. 77%, p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Although spirometry may be influenced by many other variables, these preliminary results do not support the current recommendation of performing early lobectomy in CPAMs. Further studies are required in order to resolve the best age to perform pulmonary lobectomy.

INTRODUCCION/OBJETIVO: La resección temprana de las malformaciones pulmonares asintomáticas ofrece el beneficio teórico de optimizar el crecimiento pulmonar compensatorio durante la infancia. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si la lobectomía antes del año de vida se asocia con mejor función pulmonar a largo plazo. MATERIALES Y METODOS: Revisión de pacientes en los que se realizó lobectomía pulmonar desde 2001, incluyendo los que tenían edad suficiente para realizar una espirometría (>5 años). Fueron divididos en dos grupos: lobectomía antes o después de 12 meses de vida. Los parámetros espirométricos se consideraron normales cuando eran mayores del 80% esperado. RESULTADOS: Veintitrés de los 47 pacientes intervenidos cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Siete fueron intervenidos antes (0,1 ± 0,4 años) y 16 después del año de vida (2 ± 3,6 años), siendo ambos grupos comparables en sexo, tipo de malformación y abordaje quirúrgico. El tiempo de seguimiento desde la cirugía hasta que se realizó la espirometría fue mayor en los pacientes intervenidos antes del año de vida (9,1 vs. 4,6 años, p = 0,003). Tras corregir los resultados por el tiempo de seguimiento, se objetivó un mejor cociente FEV1/FVC en los pacientes intervenidos después del año de vida (90% vs. 77%, p = 0,043). CONCLUSION: Aunque la espirometría puede estar influenciada por otras variables, los datos de nuestro estudio no apoyan la recomendación actual de realizar resección temprana en las malformaciones pulmonares congénitas asintomáticas. Se necesitan estudios prospectivos con mayor número de pacientes para determinar la mejor edad para realizar la lobectomía.

Practice Models in Teledermatology in Spain: Longitudinal Study, 2009-2014. / Modelos de práctica de la teledermatología en España. Estudio longitudinal 2009-2014.

INTRODUCTION: Teledermatology is the most advanced clinical specialty in telemedicine. The development of teledermatology in specific countries has not been studied in depth. METHODS: Our objective was to analyze teledermatology models in clinical practice in Spain. We paid special attention to organization, technical aspects, training, and the advantages/disadvantages as seen by teledermatologists. Two surveys were carried out (2009 and 2014). RESULTS: Teledermatology was used at 25 centers in 2009 and at 70 in 2014. The extended survey was completed by 21 centers in 2009 and 41 in 2014. Store-and-forward teledermatology was the main technique (83%) in 2014. Only 12% of centers used the real-time method, and 5% used a hybrid modality. Patients lived less than 25km away in 75% of cases (urban teledermatology). Most centers used mid-range bridge cameras; only 12% used mobile phones. Teledermoscopy and tertiary teledermatology were each used in 15% of centers. Teledermatology was restricted to skin cancer in 25% of cases, and 66% of centers used it to train primary care physicians. The main advantages, assessed on a scale of 1 to 10, were prioritization in cancer screening (8.3), rapid emergency care (7.8), training of and communication with primary care physicians (7.6), screening for trivial conditions (7.6), and reduction in the number of face-to-face visits (7.6). The main disadvantages were poor image quality (6.3), fear of error (5.7), difficulty in coordinating with primary care physicians (3.8), and time commitment (3.3). Between 2009 and 2014, the number of centers using teledermatology and the number of teledermatologists increased, as did use of the store-and-forward and urban models. The technology used also improved. CONCLUSION: Teledermatology is an emerging technology that is becoming well established in Spain. More than 25% of dermatology centers in Spain have implemented a teledermatology model. Store-and-forward in an urban setting is the most widely used modality. Teledermatologists see this technology as an effective option with more advantages than disadvantages. General satisfaction is high, although there is room for significant improvement in some areas.

Drug Delivery Nanosystems for the Localized Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme.

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most prevalent and malignant forms of central nervous system tumors. The treatment of glioblastoma remains a great challenge due to its location in the intracranial space and the presence of the blood⁻brain tumor barrier. There is an urgent need to develop novel therapy approaches for this tumor, to improve the clinical outcomes, and to reduce the rate of recurrence and adverse effects associated with present options. The formulation of therapeutic agents in nanostructures is one of the most promising approaches to treat glioblastoma due to the increased availability at the target site, and the possibility to co-deliver a range of drugs and diagnostic agents. Moreover, the local administration of nanostructures presents significant additional advantages, since it overcomes blood⁻brain barrier penetration issues to reach higher concentrations of therapeutic agents in the tumor area with minimal side effects. In this paper, we aim to review the attempts to develop nanostructures as local drug delivery systems able to deliver multiple agents for both therapeutic and diagnostic functions for the management of glioblastoma.

[Long-term results of the early endoscopic treatment of acquired tracheal-subglottic stenosis: 10 years of experience]. / Resultados a largo plazo del tratamiento endoscópico precoz de las estenosis subglóticas y traqueales adquiridas: 10 años de experiencia.

INTRODUCTION: Acquired stenosis of the airway is a common complication after endotracheal intubation. Endoscopic dilation has been accepted as the treatment of choice in cases detected precociously. Our goal is to know the current status of the patients treated in our hospital with endoscopic dilation in the last 10 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients with subglottic and tracheal acquired stenosis (STAS) early treated endoscopically with balloon dilation at our center in the last 10 years. Bronchoscopy control at 2 weeks, a month, 3 and 6 months post-dilation were performed and later on depending on the symptoms. RESULTS: 32 patient were treated in the period considered. The median age was 4.5 (3-120) months. There were necessary 2.5 (1-5) dilations per patient. All cases were extubated in the operating room or in the following 24 hours. There were no complications during the procedure. Follow-up time was 6 (1-10) years. Only 1 of the 32 patients have had recurrence of stenosis 2 years after, it was secondary to reintubations due to new surgical interventions; which it was dilated successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Early endoscopic dilation in the acquired airway stenosis is a safe and effective long-term procedure. The results support the use of this technique as a treatment of choice in these patients.

INTRODUCCION: La estenosis adquirida de la vía aérea es una complicación frecuente tras la intubación endotraqueal. La dilatación endoscópica ha sido aceptada como tratamiento de elección en los casos detectados de forma precoz. Nuestro objetivo es conocer el estado actual de los pacientes tratados en nuestro centro mediante dilatación endoscópica en los últimos 10 años. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes con estenosis subglóticas y traqueales adquiridas (ESTA) tratadas endoscópicamente mediante dilatación con balón en nuestro centro en los últimos 10 años. Se realizaron broncoscopias de control a las 2 semanas, al mes, a los 3 y 6 meses postdilatación y posteriormente en función de la clínica. RESULTADOS: Se trataron 32 pacientes de ESTA de reciente aparición en dicho periodo. La mediana de edad fue de 4,5 (3-120) meses. Fueron necesarias 2,5 (1-5) dilataciones por paciente. Todos los pacientes fueron extubados en quirófano o en las 24 horas siguientes al procedimiento. No hubo complicaciones durante los procedimientos ni durante el postoperatorio. El tiempo de seguimiento fue de 6 (1-10) años. Solo 1 de los 32 pacientes presentó recidiva de la estenosis 2 años después que fue secundaria a reintubaciones por nuevas intervenciones quirúrgicas; la cual se dilató nuevamente. CONCLUSIONES: La dilatación endoscópica precoz en las estenosis adquiridas de la vía aérea es un procedimiento seguro y eficaz a largo plazo. Los resultados avalan el uso de esta técnica como tratamiento de elección en estos pacientes.

Aneuploidy identification in pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients at diagnosis by Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA).

Three-quarters of the patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), show numerical or structural chromosomal alterations, which are important factors in leukemogenesis. The use of Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probes Amplification (MLPA) has been mainly limited for searching copy number alterations of genes, suggesting that MLPA could detect numerical alterations in cancer. However, the use of MLPA in pediatrics to analyze subtelomeric sequences for aneuploidy detection has not been considered in previous studies. The aim of this study was to identify aneuploidy for the first time using MLPA and correlate the results with karyotype and DNA-index (DI), from preB ALL patients. Forty-two bone marrow samples were analyzed by cytogenetics and flow cytometry to determine the DI. The chromosomal gains and/or losses were detected by the SALSA MLPA P036 Subtelomere Mix 1 probemix®. The chromosomal number matched in 36 out of 42 samples between MLPA and karyotype (R2=0.7829, p=3.7×10-10), 18/42 between MLPA and DI (R2=0.1556, p=0.023), and 20/42 between karyotype and DI (R2=0.1509, p=0.015). MLPA results correlated with karyotype and DI. The use of MLPA led us to identify a gained marker chromosome. Our results indicate that MLPA could be a useful and fast alternative tool for aneuploidy identification in pediatric leukemia.

Promoting cancer screening among churchgoing Latinas: Fe en Acción/faith in action.

Cancer screening rates among Latinas are generally low, reducing the likelihood of early cancer detection in this population. This article examines the effects of a community intervention (Fe en Acción/Faith in Action) led by community health workers (promotoras) on promoting breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening among churchgoing Latinas. Sixteen churches were randomly assigned to a cancer screening or a physical activity intervention. We examined cancer knowledge, barriers to screening and self-reported mammography, clinical breast exam, Pap test, fecal occult blood test and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy at baseline and 12 months follow-up. Participants were 436 adult Latinas, with 16 promotoras conducting a cancer screening intervention at 8 out of 16 churches. The cancer screening intervention had a significant positive impact on self-reported mammography (OR = 4.64, 95% CI: 2.00-10.75) and breast exams in the last year (OR= 2.82, 95% CI: 1.41-5.57) and corresponding reductions in perceived (87.6%) barriers to breast cancer screening (P < .008). Cervical and colorectal cancer screening did not improve with the intervention. These findings suggest Fe en Acción church-based promotoras had a significant impact on promoting breast cancer screening among Latinas. Colon cancer screening promotion, however, remains a challenge.

[Nissen fundoplication in children under 1 year of age: is age important?] / Funduplicatura de Nissen en niños menores de 1 año: ¿la edad importa?

AIM: Nissen fundoplication (NF) is a procedure with technical difficulties and variable functional prognosis the lower the patient's age is. Our objective is to analyze the peculiarities of this procedure when performed in children under 1 year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of the NF in our center from 1999 to 2014. We review the differences between children under 1 year of age and the leftover of the series: history, indications, surgical approach and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients (57.1% male) were operated at a median age of 2.3years (1 month-17.31years), of which 82 (35.2%) were younger than 1 year. It Open surgery was performed in 118 patients (86.6% of children under 1 year and 31.1% over 1 year, p <0.05) and laparoscopic in 115. The median follow-up was 3.92 ± 3.24 years. Patients under 1 year had a higher number of comorbidities (91.5% vs 81.5%), respiratory symptoms (76.8% vs 49.7%) and postoperative complications (20.7% vs 9.9% OR = 2.4), with statistically significant differences (p <0.05). There were not differences in the Nissen's failure rate (15.9% vs 8.6%) or the need of reoperation (15.9% vs 7.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients under 1 year operated by NF form a group with particular indications and comorbidities. Although the outcomes among these patients are favourable, surgical complications are more frequent than in older children.

INTRODUCCION Y OBJETIVOS: La funduplicatura de Nissen (FN) es un procedimiento que plantea dificultades técnicas y un pronóstico funcional variable cuanto menor es la edad del paciente. Nuestro objetivo es analizar las peculiaridades de esta intervención cuando se realiza a niños menores de 1 año. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de las FN en nuestro centro de 1999 a 2014. Se evaluaron las diferencias entre menores de 1 año de vida y el resto de la serie en cuanto a antecedentes, indicaciones, abordaje quirúrgico y evolución postoperatoria. RESULTADOS: Un total de 233 pacientes (57,1% varones) fueron intervenidos a una mediana de edad de 2,3 a (1 mes-17,31 a), de los que 82 (35,2%) eran menores de 1 año. La cirugía fue abierta en 118 pacientes (86,6% de los menores de 1 año y 31,1% de los mayores de 1 año, p <0,05) y laparoscópica en 115. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 3,92 años. Los pacientes menores de 1 año presentaron mayor número de comorbilidades (91,5% vs 81,5%), sintomatología respiratoria (76,8% vs 49,7%) y complicaciones postoperatorias (20,7% vs 9,9%, OR=2,4), siendo estas diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p <0,05). No hubo diferencias en cuanto al fallo del Nissen (15,9% vs 8,6%) ni a la necesidad de reintervención (15,9% vs 7,9%). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes menores de 1 año operados mediante FN constituyen un grupo con indicaciones y comorbilidades particulares. Aunque los resultados son favorables, las complicaciones quirúrgicas son más frecuentes.

Mesohepatectomy for Centrally Located Tumors in Children.

INTRODUCTION: Central hepatectomy or mesohepatectomy (MH) is a complex surgical technique rarely used in children. It is indicated in central tumors to preserve functioning liver mass avoiding an extended right hepatectomy. The purpose of this article is to analyze our experience with this technique. METHODS: We reviewed five patients who underwent MH in the period from 2008 to 2014. Diagnoses were hepatoblastoma PRETEXT III (two cases), hepatic embryonal sarcoma (one case), focal nodular hyperplasia (one case), and vascular tumor with rapid growth in a newborn causing an acute liver failure, compartment syndrome, and multiple organ failure (one case). In all cases, the tumor was centrally located, including the segment IVb, with large displacement of the hepatic pedicle in two cases. RESULTS: MH was standard in three cases and under total vascular exclusion in two cases. All children are alive with a mean follow-up of 38 (6-70) months. None of the children required reoperation because of bleeding. One child developed a biliary fistula in the cutting area that closed spontaneously. The newborn with the vascular tumor required the placement of a Gore-Tex patch (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc, Flagstaff, Arizona, United States) to relieve the compartment syndrome. He subsequently underwent partial embolization of the tumor and MH under vascular exclusion. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, MH is an alternative to trisegmentectomy and should be available in advanced pediatric hepatobiliary units.

Clinical Response to Ingenol Mebutate in Patients With Actinic Keratoses.

Cryotherapy is the most common treatment for actinic keratosis, but its effect is limited to individual lesions. Several topical drugs, however, are available that, in addition to treating individual actinic keratoses, target field cancerization and thereby act on subclinical lesions. Examples are 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac, and ingenol mebutate. We report on 17 patients with actinic keratoses treated with ingenol mebutate and describe our findings on treatment effectiveness, adherence, and tolerance. Complete and partial response rates were 35% and 53%, respectively. Ninety-four percent of patients fully adhered to treatment and 18% developed severe local reactions. Ingenol mebutate is an effective treatment for actinic keratosis. Although it has a similar rate of local reactions to other treatments available for actinic keratosis, its short treatment regimen favors better adherence.

Nevus oligemicus: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Nevus oligemicus is a functional nevus caused by vasoconstriction of the cutaneous deep vascular plexus, and vasodilatation of vessels of the superficial dermis due to abnormal responses of adrenergic receptors. To the best of our knowledge, only 14 cases in 8 articles were reported in the revised indexed literature. Case report We present five cases of nevus oligemicus in two males and in three female patients. Common characteristics in all patients were overweight and sedentary habits. DISCUSSION: Nevus oligemicus is an uncommon condition characterized by livid and cyanotic patches with localized hypothermia as the key-diagnostic sign. It has been suggested that this entity is probably underdiagnosed, as it is asymptomatic and remains stable in its evolution.

[Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in postoperative period of tracheal surgery]. / Ventilación con presión positiva no invasiva en el postoperatorio de cirugía traqueal.

OBJECTIVES: Reconstructive surgery of the airway often means prolonged periods of intubation during the post-operatory period, increasing the needs for drugs and favoring the appearance of infectious complications. We present an original system of ventilatory support with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) using in patients subjected to reconstructive surgery of the airway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study in patients undergoing reconstructive procedures of the airway in the year 2009 was carried out. We exclude those treated endoscopically and those who had vascular rings. The positive pressure mechanism used in the Surgery Critical Care Unit was a design made by the unit based on the circuit devised by Mapleson that provides optimum levels of ventilation without need for connection to a respiratory. We analyze the results, postoperatory intubation time, time dependent on NIPPV and medical treatment received. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients (1 Female and 6 Males) with median age of 1.6 (0.1-7.5) years were included. The diagnoses were: 4 subglottic stenosis, 2 had tracheal stenosis and 1 subcarinal stenosis with involvement of both principal bronchioles. The techniques used were: laryngotracheoplasty with costal cartilage graft (4), tracheoplasty with costal cartilage (1) and sliding tracheoplasty (2) with bilateral bronchoplasty in one of them. The mean time of nasotracheal intubation was 3 days, and mean time of NIPPV was 2.3. No patient required reintubation and none had infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Ventilatory support by VPPNI allows effective extubation in these patients, it being possible to maintain a safe airway. Infectious complications, frequent in prolonged intubations, were not observed in any of the cases.

[Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma: a report of 2 cases]. / Hamartoma angiomatoso ecrino: presentación de dos casos.

Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma is a rare, benign tumor characterized by a proliferation of eccrine and vascular structures. We present 2 cases and review the characteristics of this disorder. The first patient was a 33-year-old woman who consulted for a brownish lesion on her back associated with local hyperhidrosis. The second patient was a 25-year-old man with an asymptomatic erythematous lesion on his left palm. In both patients a diagnosis of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma was made based on the histological findings. Eccrine angiomatous hamartoma is usually present at birth or develops during childhood. It is typically a solitary lesion and signs and symptoms can vary; diagnosis is therefore based on histological study. The most common site is on the distal parts of limbs. The lesions tend to be asymptomatic, but there may be associated pain and hyperhidrosis. Treatment is not usually necessary except in cases with persistent symptoms, excessive sweating, or cosmetic concerns.

[Lung involvement in pyoderma gangrenosum: a case report and review of the literature]. / Pioderma gangrenoso con afectación pulmonar: caso clínico y revisión de la literatura.

Pyoderma gangrenosum is a neutrophilic dermatosis that, in addition to its characteristic skin manifestations, can cause visceral alterations. Our patient was a 34-year-old woman with pyoderma gangrenosum that was exacerbated by iodine and that also affected the lungs. Other published cases of lung involvement in pyoderma gangrenosum are reviewed and we discuss the possible exacerbation of this disease by iodine. Lung involvement is the most common extracutaneous manifestation of pyoderma gangrenosum and the main differential diagnosis is then with Wegener granulomatosis. It is important to remember the possible presentation of extracutaneous manifestations of pyoderma gangrenosum, including particularly lung involvement, in order to avoid subjecting a patient to aggressive diagnostic tests, at least in the initial stages.