The efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation training program for patients after lung transplantation.

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognized widely as one of the most effective measures to promote postoperative recovery of lung transplant recipients (LTRs), and it has positive effects on both short- and long-term quality of life (QoL) and survival outcomes. However, no standardized pulmonary rehabilitation training programs exist specifically for LTRs. The pulmonary rehabilitation programs widely used in clinical practice focus mainly on exercise or respiratory training, to some extent neglecting other therapeutic methods that could promote patient health, such as nutrition support, pain control, spiritual comfort, and so on. This study aimed to develop a postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation training program for LTRs and evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: Using convenience sampling, all patients who underwent lung transplantation (LTx) at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a total of 68 patients were finally included in this study. A non-synchronous quasi-experimental design was used, with patients who underwent LTx in 2021 as the control group and patients who underwent LTx in 2022 as the experimental group. The control group received routine treatment, health education, and rehabilitation guidance when patients determined the date of surgery. In addition to this, the experimental group received pulmonary rehabilitation training. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (pulmonary infections), duration of chest tube drainage, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, postoperative pain scores, postoperative QoL, pulmonary function, oxygenation index, and the distance in the 6-minute walking test (6MWD) were compared between the two groups. Results: The length of ICU stay and duration of chest tube drainage in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group, and the results of oxygenation index, 6MWD, and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (reflecting the QoL) were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the pain of the two groups 1 week after surgery and 3 months after surgery, and the pain score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group at 1 month after surgery (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: The postoperative pulmonary rehabilitation training program for LTRs is safe and effective. It can shorten both the duration of chest tube drainage and ICU stay, it can also improve patients' exercise capacity and pulmonary function while also promote safety outcomes of LTRs, and improve QoL scores.

Pelvic actinomycosis secondary to intrauterine device.

Actinomycosis is a rare bacterial infection causing lesions and abscesses, often mimicking tumors. It commonly affects the cervicofacial, abdominal, and thoracic regions. We present a case of a woman with an intrauterine device (IUD) who developed an abscess and abdominal symptoms. Initial studies suggested a tumor, but biopsy revealed inflammation. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with Actinomyces Israelii infection, her IUDwas removed, and she was treated with penicillin, resulting in improvement. Pelvic actinomycosis is uncommon and often diagnosed late, often post-surgery, requiring combined surgical and medical treatment.

Surgical Complications After Lung Transplantation: The Reina Sofía Hospital Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of surgical complications after lung transplantation and its influence on early mortality and long-term survival. METHODS: Retrospective review of 792 lung transplants (LTs) performed from 1994 to 2022. Among them, 769 with complete data were selected. Patients with and without surgical complications were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: There were 385 single LTs (50%), 371 double LTs (48%), 8 bilobar LTs (1%), and 5 combined liver LTs (1%). Two hundred forty-nine patients presented surgical complications (32%) as follows: bronchial (n = 61), vascular (n = 55), pneumothorax (n = 33), and phrenic nerve palsy (n = 22). Thirty-day mortality (noncomplicated vs complicated) was 57 (41%) vs 80 (59%), P < .001. Transplants for bronchiectasis (58%), pulmonary hypertension (50%), and re-transplants (78%) presented more surgical complications (P < .001). Double LT (40%), bilobar LT (88%), and combined liver LT (100%) presented more surgical complications (P < .001). Complicated recipients were younger (49 ± 15 vs 45 ± 17 years; P = .001), with longer ischemic times (429 ± 67 vs 450 ± 76 min [2nd graft]; P = .007), and required extracorporeal support (ECLS) more often (43% vs 57%; P < .001). Survival at 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years (noncomplicated vs complicated): 78%, 63%, 52%, 41%, 31% vs 52%, 42%, 35%, 26%, 22%; P < .001). Predictors of mortality were the need for ECLS (odds ratio [OR] 4.14; P < .001), postoperative ventilation (hours) (OR 1.01; P < .001), and vascular complications (OR 4.78; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Surgical complications remain an important source of morbidity and mortality after lung transplantation. Complex surgical procedures requiring ECLS develop frequent surgical complications needing long postoperative ventilation that are associated with early mortality and poorer long-term survival.

Case Report of Complex Chest Wall Repair for Sternal Dehiscence After Bilateral Lung Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: We report a case of a complex chest wall reconstruction because of sternal dehiscence, requiring different surgical procedures for its complete resolution. CASE REPORT: A 54-year-old man patient with Langerhans cell histiocytosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underwent bilateral sequential lung transplantation through a clamshell incision, using nitinol thermo-reactive clips for sternal closure. One year later, he consulted because of chest pain, fever, and purulent secretions. Physical examination and chest X-ray revealed a right pulmonary hernia due to post-clamshell wound dehiscence. Chest wall repair was performed, placing an expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene synthetic mesh, and the sternum was realigned and fixated with titanium plates and screws. However, in the immediate postoperative period, there was a large amount of serous drainage through the surgical wound, needing negative pressure therapy. Unfortunately, the wound became necrotic with exposure to the osteosynthesis material. In addition, a chest computed tomography scan showed fluid accumulation in the anterior chest wall. Therefore, two-stage revision surgery was indicated: first, the removal of the previous prosthesis and, the definite one, the use of a pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap to provide effective coverage of the wound. CONCLUSION: Sternal dehiscence is not an uncommon complication after clamshell incision in patients undergoing bilateral sequential lung transplantation, and it is associated with significant morbidity. In the presence of chest wall instability, surgical repair is mandatory.

Influence of De Novo Malignancies on Long-Term Survival after Lung Transplantation.

(1) Background: Malignancies are an important cause of mortality after solid organ transplantation. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of malignancies in patients receiving lung transplants (LT) and their influence on patients' survival. (2) Methods: Review of consecutive LT from 1994 to 2021. Patients with and without malignancies were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses. Survival was compared with Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. (3) Results: There were 731 LT malignancies developed in 91 patients (12.4%) with related mortality of 47% (n = 43). Native lung cancer, digestive and hematological malignancies were associated with higher lethality. Malignancies were more frequent in males (81%; p = 0.005), transplanted for emphysema (55%; p = 0.003), with cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (58%; p < 0.001), and receiving single LT (65%; p = 0.011). Survival was worse in patients with malignancies (overall) and with native lung cancer. Risk factors for mortality were cyclosporine-based immunosuppression (OR 1.8; 95%CI: 1.3-2.4; p < 0.001) and de novo lung cancer (OR 2.6; 95%CI: 1.5-4.4; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Malignancies are an important source of morbidity and mortality following lung transplantation that should not be neglected. Patients undergoing single LT for emphysema are especially at higher risk of mortality due to lung cancer in the native lung.

Correction of Lacrimal Gland Ptosis in Blepharoplasty: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Lacrimal gland ptosis has a prevalence of 10% to 15% in Caucasian patients, reaching up to 60% in older age. Its involuntary resection during blepharoplasty carries the potential risk of compromising corneal lubrication. The purpose of this systematic review is to check whether there is a consensus in the literature regarding the surgical procedure of choice and which outcomes and complications have been observed. METHODS: A systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A search was carried out in the Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases in March 2022. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies involving 483 patients with lacrimal gland ptosis have been included. In 90.06% of patients, resuspension or direct refixation of the gland to the lacrimal fossa with suture to the orbital periosteum was performed. Follow up has been inconsistent, with an average of 18 months. Regarding complications, 5 recurrences and only 2 patients with persistent dry eye were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In general, the evidence is sparse. Nevertheless, repair of lacrimal gland ptosis is a relatively simple, reproducible, and safe surgical technique, with a low likelihood of recurrence, severe, or persistent complications. A classification is proposed for both the grading of ptosis and its treatment.

Granulomatous tattoo reaction treated with topical allopurinol.

Granulomatous reactions to tattoo ink have been frequently associated with exogenous pigment, although sometimes they are the manifestation of a cutaneous or an underlying systemic sarcoidosis. We report a case of a patient with a granulomatous reaction to a black tattoo pigment treated with 3% topical allopurinol for 3 months. We observed complete resolution without any side-effects. Examination and follow-up ruled out sarcoidosis. Oral allopurinol has been proven to be effective for the management of granulomatous reactions to tattoos. Based on the significant improvement we have described in our patient, we recommend new studies to reveal all the potential benefits of the topical use of allopurinol for the treatment of granulomatous reactions to tattoo ink.

Burkitt's lymphoma in the adult as an unusual cause of large bowel obstruction.

Bowel obstruction is an uncommon clinical presentation in Burkitt´s lymphoma, specially in adults. This type of lymphoma is classified within B-cell non-Hodgkin´s lymphomas, which is characterized by its aggressiveness and quickly tumoral growth. The clinical presentation related to the gastrointestinal tract is unusual, but it can be presented as intussusception, obstruction or ischemic perforation. Here we describe a case of Burkitt´s lymphoma with bowel obstruction as a clinical debut.

Lung allograft transbronchial cryobiopsy for critical ventilated patients: a randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy is an emerging technique for diagnosing pulmonary rejection. However, no prospective studies of this procedure for critically ill lung transplant recipients who require mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU) have been performed. METHODS: From March 2017 to January 2020, we performed a prospective, randomised, comparative study to assess the diagnostic yield, histological quality and safety of transbronchial lung biopsy using biopsy forceps, a 1.9-mm cryoprobe or a 2.4-mm cryoprobe. RESULTS: 89 out of 129 consecutive transbronchial biopsy procedures (forceps group, 28 procedures; 1.9-mm cryoprobe group, 31 procedures; 2.4-mm cryoprobe group, 30 procedures) were randomised. Compared with lung samples from the forceps and 1.9-mm cryoprobe groups, lung samples from the 2.4-mm cryoprobe group allowed the most definitive diagnoses (p<0.01 and p=0.02, respectively), the most diagnoses of acute lung rejection (p<0.01 and p=0.01, respectively) and the most diagnoses of rejection severity (p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively). These samples were larger (p<0.01 and p=0.04, respectively), had the most adequate alveolar tissue (p<0.01 and p=0.02, respectively), had more vessels per procedure (p<0.01 and p=0.01, respectively) and had no significant crush artefacts. Moderate bleeding was observed in 23% of cases (p=0.01 and p=0.08, respectively). No severe bleeding was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Transbronchial lung biopsy using a 2.4-mm cryoprobe allows the safe collection of lung tissue samples from critically ill lung transplant recipients who require mechanical ventilation in the ICU and has good diagnostic performance.

Polyclonal antibody-induced downregulation of HER1/EGFR and HER2 surpasses the effect of combinations of specific registered antibodies.

Background: Antitumor therapies targeting HER1/EGFR and HER2, such as monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs), have demonstrated a significant clinical benefit, but the emergence of resistance limits long-term efficacy. While secondary HER1 mutations confer tolerance to TKI, compensatory upregulation of HER2 drives resistance to anti-HER1 MAbs, which identifies MAb combinations targeting both receptors as an attractive therapeutic strategy. Nevertheless, toxicity hampers the clinical validation of this approach. Alternatively, cancer vaccines may induce antibodies directed against several antigens with less concern about induced toxicity. Methods: Polyclonal antibodies (PAbs) targeting HER1 and HER2 were induced in mice or rabbits through immunization. Recognition of different epitopes on targets by PAbs was validated by phage-display technology. Receptor downregulation was evaluated by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. MTT assays assessed cytotoxicity, while the antitumor effect of PAbs was assayed in nude mice. Results: PAbs promoted degradation of HER1 and HER2 regarding clinical MAbs or their combinations. As a result, inhibition of cytotoxicity on tumor cell lines was improved, even in the presence of oncogenic mutations in HER1, as well as in cetuximab-insensitive cells. Accordingly, the antitumor effect of vaccination-induced PAbs was observed in lung tumor lines representative of sensitivity or resistance to HER1 targeting therapies. Conclusions: Immunization against HER1 and HER2 receptors offers an alternative to passive administration of combinations of MAbs, since vaccination-induced PAbs promote the downregulation of both receptors and they have a higher impact on the survival of tumor cells.

Lung Transplantation for Multiple Giant Hamartomas: First Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: To assess lung transplant as a solution for a rare complication of giant lung hamartoma, in which surgical resection was discouraged because of severe underlying chronic lung disease. METHODS: A 54-year-old woman had an episode of severe acute hemoptysis. Imaging techniques showed 2 masses in the right lung as hamartomas and severe pulmonary emphysema. After resolution of the acute episode of hemoptysis, the case could have been solved with a right pneumonectomy; however, a single-lung transplant was performed because of the underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. RESULTS: The outcome of the surgery was satisfactory, although a second operation was required because of bleeding. The patient was discharged and currently has a good quality of life, with no recurrence of the disease. The pathologic anatomy of the surgical specimen confirmed the diagnosis of multiple giant hamartomas. CONCLUSIONS: Lung transplant could be a feasible procedure to treat life-threatening complications of benign tumors in selected patients with pulmonary end-stage disease.

Diseño de la asignatura Obstetricia y Ginecología basada en la formación de competencias / Design of the Obstetrics and Gynecology subject based on competency training

Introducción: La sociedad contemporánea reclama la presencia de personas competentes, con la recursividad necesaria para acometer de manera innovadora las funciones y tareas para las que han sido preparadas desde el punto de vista teórico. Solo que esta preparación, como eslabón aislado, no garantiza la generación de sujetos competentes. La calidad de los servicios de salud se mide por el nivel de competencia de sus trabajadores. Dentro de los aspectos generales del sistema de educación superior, se mantiene que estos estarán en continuo perfeccionamiento. Es necesario diseñar estrategias didácticas en la asignatura Obstetricia y Ginecología para la formación basada en competencias para el desempeño. Objetivo: Diseñar los procesos didácticos para la formación de competencias en Obstetricia y Ginecología. Posicionamiento del autor: Se necesita diseñar estrategias didácticas en la asignatura de Obstetricia y Ginecología para la formación basada en competencias para el desempeño, para lo cual se realizó un análisis documental, histórico-lógico, de los programas de estudios de la asignatura de Obstetricia y Ginecología, previo a 2010, para proponer las transformaciones pertinentes en los procesos didácticos de la asignatura. Conclusiones: Los resultados mostraron las transformaciones realizadas al programa de la asignatura desde 2010 hasta 2020. El diseño estuvo basado en el modelo por competencias para el desempeño, por la necesidad de incrementar la calidad de los servicios de salud, a partir de los principios de la educación médica cubana como parte del sistema nacional de salud(AU)

Introduction: The contemporary society demands the presence of competent people, with the necessary resources to undertake, in an innovative way, the functions and tasks for which they have been trained from the theoretical point of view. However, this preparation, as an isolated link, does not guarantee the generation of competent individuals. The quality of health services is measured by the level of competence of workers. The general aspects of the higher education system maintain that workers will continuously improve professionally. It is necessary to design didactic strategies for the Obstetrics and Gynecology subject aimed at training based on performance competencies. Objective: To design the didactic processes for the formation of competencies in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Author's stand: It is necessary to design didactic strategies for the Obstetrics and Gynecology subject in view of training based on performance competencies, for which a documentary and historical-logical analysis of its syllabus was carried, prior to 2010, in order to propose the relevant transformations in the didactic processes of the subject. Conclusions: The results showed the transformations made to the syllabus of the subject from 2010 to 2020. The design was based on the performance competency model, due to the need to increase the quality of health services, based on the principles of Cuban medical education as part of the national health system(AU)

Caracterización clínica epidemiológica de los pacientes con enfermedad de la Peyronie infiltrados con células mononucleares / Clinical Epidemiological Characterization of Peyronie's Disease Patients Infiltrated With Mononuclear Cells

Introducción: La enfermedad de la Peyronie resulta poco común e involucra a hombres de mediana edad. Objetivo: Caracterizar los aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de los pacientes con enfermedad de la Peyronie infiltrados con células mononucleares. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, longitudinal prospectivo en el Hospital General Docente "Comandante Pinares" desde junio de 2015 hasta mayo de 2018, con una muestra de 159 pacientes. Se controlaron las variables de edad, color de la piel, factores etiológicos, curvatura y desviación del pene además de síntomas y signos. Resultados: El mayor número de pacientes correspondieron a la edad de 50-59 años, de piel blanca, grados de curvatura entre 20o y 39o. Después del tratamiento 115 pacientes se encontraron con curvatura menor a 20o y desviación dorsal. Las causas más frecuentes de los microtraumas a nivel de pene resultan durante al acto sexual o en estado flácido del pene (105/159). La diabetes mellitus y la hipertensión arterial, con 59,7 y 30,8 por ciento, respectivamente resultan los factores etiológicos más frecuentes; los síntomas y signos fueron el dolor y la curvatura, 115 pacientes presentaron ausencia de dolor al hacer la comparación de la media al concluir el tratamiento, resultando significativo (p= 0,0000). Conclusiones: La enfermedad de la Peyronie resulta frecuente en pacientes de la quinta década de la vida, con color de piel blanca. La causa más frecuente son los microtraumas en la actividad sexual, la diabetes mellitus y la hipertensión arterial como antecedentes patológicos personales. Existe mejoría de la sintomatología en los pacientes infiltrados con células mononucleares(AU)

Introduction: Peyronie's disease is rare and involves middle-aged men. Objective: To characterize the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with Peyronie's disease infiltrated with mononuclear cells. Methods: An observational, analytical, prospective longitudinal study was carried out at the "Comandante Pinares" General Teaching Hospital from June 2015 to May 2018, with a sample of 159 patients. The variables of age, skin color, etiological factors, curvature and deviation of the penis, as well as symptoms and signs, were controlled. Results: The largest number of patients corresponded to the age of 50-59 years, white skin, degrees of curvature between 20o and 39o. After treatment, 115 patients were found to have curvature less than 20o and dorsal deviation. The most frequent cause of penile microtrauma is during sexual intercourse or in the flaccid state of the penis (105/159). Diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension, with 59.7 and 30.8 percent, respectively, are the most frequent etiological factors; the symptoms and signs were pain and curvature, 115 patients presented absence of pain when comparing the mean at the end of the treatment, being significant (p= 0.0000). Conclusions: Peyronie's disease is frequent in patients of the fifth decade of life, with white skin color. The most frequent cause are microtraumas in sexual activity, diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension as personal pathological antecedents. There is improvement of the symptoms in patients infiltrated with mononuclear cells(AU)

Survival After Lung Transplantation for Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Results From a Large International Cohort Study.

Repeated exposure to antigens via inhalation is the primary cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a form of interstitial pneumonia. The chronic form of hypersensitivity pneumonitis leads to progressive loss of respiratory function; lung transplantation is the only therapeutic option for chronically ill patients. The ESTS Lung Transplantation Working Group conducted a retrospective multicentred cohort study to increase the body of knowledge available on this rare indication for lung transplantation. Data were collected for every patient who underwent lung transplant for hypersensitivity pneumonitis in participating centres between December 1996 and October 2019. Primary outcome was overall survival; secondary outcome was freedom from chronic lung allograft dysfunction. A total of 114 patients were enrolled from 9 centres. Almost 90% of patients were diagnosed with hypersensitivity pneumonitis before transplantation, yet the antigen responsible for the infection was identified in only 25% of cases. Eighty per cent of the recipients received induction therapy. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years was 85%, 75%, and 70%, respectively. 85% of the patients who survived 90 days after transplantation were free from chronic lung allograft dysfunction after 3 years. The given study presents a large cohort of HP patients who underwent lung transplants. Overall survival rate is higher in transplanted hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients than in those suffering from any other interstitial lung diseases. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis patients are good candidates for lung transplantation.

Case Report on Sternal Osteomyelitis by Trichosporon inkin Complicating Lung Transplantation: Effective Treatment With Vacuum-Assisted Closure and Surgical Reconstruction.

Sternal osteomyelitis is a serious complication that significantly increases morbidity and mortality after thoracic surgery. We describe a case of sternal osteomyelitis by Trichosporon inkin following lung transplantation and the excellent results achieved with vacuum-assisted closure therapy.

Incidence of Carcinoma in the Native Lung After Single Lung Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the incidence of primary lung cancer in the native lung and its impact on survival in patients undergoing single lung transplantation (SLT). METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 161 SLTs performed between June 2012 and June 2019. The incidence of carcinoma in the native lung and its influence on patient survival was determined. Recipient variables, tumor stage, and survival were analyzed and compared between patients with and without native lung cancer. The analysis was adjusted for transplant indication. Both univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. The present study followed the Declaration of Helsinki Ethical Principles for Medical Research involving human subjects. RESULTS: There were 161 patients (126 men/35 women; 57 ± 7 years) transplanted for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 72), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) (n = 77), or other indications (n = 12). Eleven patients with COPD (7%) developed lung cancer in the native lung after SLT. Lung cancer did not appear in any of the SLTs for pulmonary fibrosis. Five participants were in stages I/II and underwent lung resection, and 6 participants were in stages III/IV and underwent chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Survival (1, 3, and 5 years) without vs with native lung carcinoma in patients with COPD was 89%, 86%, and 80% vs 86%, 71%, and 51% (P = .04). The occurrence of carcinoma in the native lung predicted survival in patients with COPD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.55; P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: Lung cancer in the native lung is a frequent and devastating complication after SLT in patients with COPD, which might negatively affect long-term survival. This should be considered when choosing the transplant procedure for patients with COPD.

Validation of a Spanish version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in cystic fibrosis.

Cough is a main symptom in cystic fibrosis (CF). We aim to validate a Spanish version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ-Sp) to measure the impact of cough in CF bronchiectasis. A prospective longitudinal multicentre study was performed. Internal consistency and score changes over a 15-day period in stable state were assessed to analyse reliability. Concurrent validity was analysed by correlation with Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and convergent validity by assessing the association with clinical variables. Changes in scores between stable state and the first exacerbation were assessed to analyse responsiveness. 132 patients (29.73 ± 10.52 years) were enrolled in four hospitals. Internal consistency was high for the total score and good for the three domains (Cronbach's α 0.81-0.93). The test-retest reliability showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.86 for the total score. The correlation between LCQ-Sp and SGRQ scores was -0.74. The LCQ-Sp score negatively correlated with sputum volume, and the mean score decreased at the beginning of exacerbations (16.04±3.81 vs 13.91±4.29) with a large effect size. The LCQ-Sp is a reliable, repeatable and responsive instrument to assess the impact of cough in CF bronchiectasis and is responsive to change in the event of exacerbations.