Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Are tumors smaller than 2 cm truly indolent?

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are relatively rare but rank as the second most common pancreatic neoplasm. They can be functional, causing early metabolic disturbances due to hormone secretion, or non-functional and diagnosed later based on tumor size-related symptoms. Recent diagnoses of PNETs under 2 cm in size have sparked debates about their management; some practitioners advocate for surgical removal and others suggest observation due to the tumors' lower potential for malignancy. However, it is unclear whether managing these small tumors expectantly is truly safe. AIM: To evaluate poor prognostic factors in PNETs based on tumor size (> 2 cm or < 2 cm) in surgically treated patients. METHODS: This cohort study included 64 patients with PNETs who underwent surgical resection between 2006 and 2019 at a high-complexity reference hospital in Medellín, Colombia. To assess patient survival, quarterly follow-ups were conducted during the first year after surgery, followed by semi-annual consultations at the hospital's hepatobiliary surgery department. Qualitative variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies, and quantitative variables were expressed using measures of central tendency and their corresponding measures of dispersion. RESULTS: The presence of lymph node involvement, neural involvement, and lymphovascular invasion were all associated with an increased risk of mortality, with hazard ratios of 5.68 (95%CI: 1.26-25.61, P = 0.024), 6.44 (95%CI: 1.43-28.93, P = 0.015), and 24.87 (95%CI: 2.98-207.19, P = 0.003), respectively. Neural involvement and lymphovascular invasion were present in tumors smaller than 2 cm in diameter and those larger than 2 cm in diameter. The recurrence rates between the two tumor groups were furthermore similar: 18.2% for tumors smaller than 2 cm and 21.4% for tumors larger than 2 cm. Patient survival was additionally comparable between the two tumor groups. CONCLUSION: Tumor size does not dictate prognosis; lymph node and lymphovascular involvement affect mortality, which highlights that histopathological factors-rather than tumor size-may play a role in management.

Lung function is related to salivary cytokines and hormones in healthy children. An exploratory cross-sectional study.

Pulmonary mechanics has been traditionally viewed as determined by lung size and physical factors such as frictional forces and tissue viscoelastic properties, but few information exists regarding potential influences of cytokines and hormones on lung function. Concentrations of 28 cytokines and hormones were measured in saliva from clinically healthy scholar children, purposely selected to include a wide range of body mass index (BMI). Lung function was assessed by impulse oscillometry, spirometry, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, and expressed as z-score or percent predicted. Ninety-six scholar children (55.2% female) were enrolled. Bivariate analysis showed that almost all lung function variables correlated with one or more cytokine or hormone, mainly in boys, but only some of them remained statistically significant in the multiple regression analyses. Thus, after adjusting by height, age, and BMI, salivary concentrations of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in boys were associated with zR5-R20 and reactance parameters (zX20, zFres, and zAX), while glucagon inversely correlated with resistances (zR5 and zR20). Thus, in physiological conditions, part of the mechanics of breathing might be influenced by some cytokines and hormones, including glucagon and GM-CSF. This endogenous influence is a novel concept that warrants in-depth characterization.

Functional Repercussions of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-2α in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are essential in regulating several cellular processes, such as survival, differentiation, and the cell cycle; this adaptation is orchestrated in a complex way. In this review, we focused on the impact of hypoxia in the physiopathology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) related to lung development, regeneration, and repair. There is robust evidence that the responses of HIF-1α and -2α differ; HIF-1α participates mainly in the acute phase of the response to hypoxia, and HIF-2α in the chronic phase. The analysis of their structure and of different studies showed a high specificity according to the tissue and the process involved. We propose that hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 2a (HIF-2α) is part of the persistent aberrant regeneration associated with developing IPF.

Abo Blood Group, Atherothrombotic Comorbidities, and COVID-19: A Case-Control Study of their Association in the Mexican Population.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has been associated with negative results in patients with A blood group and with a better evolution in O blood group individuals. AIM: Because the evidence regarding ABO blood groups and COVID was empirically not that clear in our country, we tested the association regarding COVID-19 and blood groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult patients were enrolled in this prospective, case-control, observational multicenter study. Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were assigned to one of three groups based on the clinical presentation of the infection. Age, gender, ABO and Rh blood groups, body mass index, history of diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure, and smoking were recorded directly or from their clinical charts. ABO blood group was obtained from 5,000 blood donors (50% each gender). Atherothrombotic variables were compared with a nation-wide data collection. RESULTS: A total of 2,416 patients with COVID-19 were included (women:39.6%; men:60.4%). There were no significant differences between cases and controls in terms of age. O blood group was the most frequently found in healthy donors and COVID-19 patients, but this blood group was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients vs. healthy donors. ABO blood group was not associated with the final health status in COVID-19 patients. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and smoking were significantly more frequent among COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSION: The proposed protective effect of the O blood group in COVID-19 patients could not be reproduced in the Mexican population while some atherothrombotic risk factors had a significant effect on the clinical evolution.

Consenso mexicano para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la trombastenia de Glanzmann / Mexican consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of Glanzmann thrombasthenia

Resumen Las plaquetas tienen un papel central en diferentes escenarios fisiológicos, incluyendo la hemostasia; se unen unas con otras en la agregación plaquetaria, lo cual permite formar un coágulo plaquetario. Para que la agregación sea apropiada se requiere del complejo glicoproteico IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) en la superficie plaquetaria. Toda alteración funcional plaquetaria, hereditaria o adquirida, impide la formación adecuada del coágulo y se manifiesta como hemorragia. Las enfermedades plaquetarias hereditarias son raras y, hasta recientemente, fueron ignoradas. Una de las más reconocidas y estudiadas es la trombastenia de Glanzmann (TG), entidad en la cual el número de plaquetas puede ser normal pero la función está alterada. Es un padecimiento autosómico y recesivo que causa hemorragia de diferente intensidad toda la vida y en la cual el problema radica en precisamente en la GPIIb/IIIa. Las hemorragias son típicamente mucocutáneas: equimosis, púrpura, epistaxis, gingivorragia; menos frecuentes son la hemorragia gastrointestinal, hemartrosis o en sistema nervioso central. La hiperpolimenorrea es común en las mujeres y llega a ser tan importante que amerita transfusiones en la menarca. La TG afecta a todos los grupos étnicos y su prevalencia varía entre 1/40,000 y 1/400,000. A pesar de esta información acerca de la TG en el mundo, hay pocas guías o recomendaciones basadas en la opinión de expertos y experiencias unicéntricas. En México la TG es rara y no se cuenta con una recomendación general para su diagnóstico y tratamiento. El objetivo de este documento fue establecer un consenso y hacer sugerencias generales para su diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Abstract Platelets have a central role in several physiological scenarios including hemostasis. Platelets bind each other during platelet aggregation allowing the proper formation of the clot; to be appropriate, platelet aggregation requires the glycoproteic complex IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa). Every platelet function abnormality both, congenital or acquired, impedes clot formation and favors bleeding episodes. Hereditary platelet abnormalities are rare and, until recently, they were almost ignored. Among these disorders, Glanzmann Thrombasthenia (GT) is a widely recognized abnormality in which platelet counts may be normal, but their function is affected. GT is an autosomal, recessive disease that causes life-long bleeding of different intensity. Main biochemical abnormality resides in GPIIb/IIIa. Bleeding is typically mucocutaneous: easy bruising, purpura, and nose and gum bleeds; less frequently are gastrointestinal bleeds, hemarthrosis, or intracranial. Menorrhagia and hyperpolymenorrhea are common findings in in women and may be the cause of anemia requiring blood transfusions at fertile age. GT affects all ethnic groups and its prevalence ranges between 1/40,000 to 1/400,000. Despite this worldwide information regarding GT, only a few guidelines and recommendations have been published, most of them based on expert opinions. In Mexico, GT is rare and there is not a general recommendation regarding its diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this document was to establish a consensus to suggest a general guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of GT in Mexico.

Propuesta para manejo de la coagulopatía asociada a la COVID-19 en adultos / A proposal for the management of COVID-19-induced coagulopathy in adults

Resumen La infección por coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2) es la causante de la pandemia de enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), con un índice de letalidad alto. La mayoría de los pacientes graves desarrollan un tipo especial de coagulopatía no descrito hasta ahora y la cual se considera ahora la principal causa de muerte. Por esta razón, el tratamiento anticoagulante se ha convertido en una de las piedras angulares del tratamiento de esta infección. Sin embargo, la velocidad con la que se genera la evidencia respecto al uso de anticoagulantes es muy rápida y, en ocasiones difícil de interpretar y contradictoria. Luego de hacer una revisión extensa de la literatura publicada, se hace esta propuesta para el uso del tratamiento anticoagulante tomando en cuenta los recursos disponibles en México.

Abstract Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has a high case fatality rate. Most severely ill patients develop a special type of coagulopathy that had not been described before and that is now considered the main cause of death. For this reason, anticoagulant treatment has become one of the cornerstones of the treatment of this infection. However, the rate at which the evidence regarding the use of anticoagulants is generated is quite fast, and sometimes it is difficult to interpret and conflicting. After having performed an extensive review of the published literature, this proposal for the use of anticoagulant treatment is made, taking into account available resources in Mexico.

Clinical relevance of NKT cells and soluble MIC-A in Hodgkin lymphoma.

Previous studies demonstrated that the majority of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients achieve response after treatment, while 5% become refractory. Studies analyzing the role of lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood are limited. This investigation sought to evaluate peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and soluble MHC class I chain-related proteins A and B (sMIC-A/B) and their correlation with survival in patients with newly diagnosed HL. The study recruited 36 patients and 72 healthy donors. HL patients showed a decrease in CD4, B, monocytes, NK, and NKT cells; and an increase in γ-δ T cells and soluble MIC-A serum levels. Higher values of s-MIC-A  >100 ng/mL and NKT cells >40 µL correlated with poor overall survival (OS). In conclusion, in HL peripheral blood CD4 T and B cells, monocytes, NK, and NKT cells were decreased, while s-MIC-A and γ-δ T cells increased. Higher values of s-MIC-A and NKT cells correlated with poor survival.

FLT3-ITD and CD135 Over-Expression are Frequent Findings of Poor Survival in Adult Patients with Acute Leukemias.

BACKGROUND: Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) expression and mutation have been considered a poor prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). FLT3-ITD mutation is present in 30% of adult patients with AML and 2-5% in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The impact of these mutations on the prognosis of ALL patients, has not yet been established. Moreover, a limited number of publications regarding the level of expression of the FLT3 receptor (CD135) in both leukemias exist. This study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes associated to the presence of FLT3-ITD mutation and the expression of CD135. METHODS: 82 adult patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia (39 with AML and 43 with ALL) were included. Flow cytometry and RT-PCR were done to analyze the expression of CD135 and the presence of FLT3 ITD mutation, respectively. RESULTS: FLT3-ITD was present in 14 (36%) of AML and 15 (35%) of ALL patients. Disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were lower in ALL patients having a CD135 expression >3000 cells/µL. There was a trend for poor OS in AML patients expressing FLT3 ITD. OS was worse in AML patients with high expression of CD135. CONCLUSION: A higher (35%) frequency of FLT3-ITD was found in adult ALL patients. The presence of FLT3-ITD was associated with a trend of poor OS in AML cases, and overexpression of CD135 was correlated with poor DFS in ALL cases and poor OS in both acute leukemias.

Consenso de hemofilia en México / Mexican Consensus in Haemophilia

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Abstract Hemophilia is a hemorrhagic disorder with a sex-linked inherited pattern, characterized by an inability to amplify coagulation due to a deficiency in coagulation factor VIII (hemophilia A or classic) or factor IX (hemophilia B). Sequencing of the genes involved in hemophilia has provided a description and record of the main mutations, as well as a correlation with the various degrees of severity. Hemorrhagic manifestations are related to levels of circulating factor, mainly affecting the musculoskeletal system and specifically the large joints (knees, ankles and elbows). This document is a review and consensus of the main genetic aspects of hemophilia, from the inheritance pattern to the concept of women carriers, physiopathology and classification of the disorder, the basic and confirmation studies when hemophilia is suspected, the various treatment regimens based on infusion of the deficient coagulation factor as well as innovative factor-free therapies and recommendations for the management of complications associated with treatment (development of inhibitors and/or transfusion transmitted infections) or secondary to articular hemorrhagic events (hemophilic arthropathy). Finally, relevant reviews of clinical and treatment aspects of hemorrhagic pathology charachterized by acquired deficiency of FVIII secondary to neutralized antibodies named acquired hemophilia.

Acquired hemophilia.

Acquired hemophilia (AH) is an autoimmune hemostatic disorder mediated by autoantibodies directed against factor VIII: C. In 52% of cases, the cause is unknown or is not associated with other pathological entities; in the rest, there are concomitant factors: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, pregnancy, and medications. In Mexico, there is not a registry of AH, and awareness of the disease among health personnel is low. The groups with the highest incidence are women of childbearing age and individuals older than 70 years. It is characterized by severe bleeding, especially after trauma and normal childbirth or cesarean delivery, and large ecchymoses in the trunk and extremities. The suspicion is simple, it just takes for sudden, severe hemorrhage and a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time that is not corrected with plasma to concur in an individual. Treatment involves achieving hemostasis and eradicating the antibody. The former is achieved with recombinant activated factor VII or activated prothrombin complex concentrate. Cyclophosphamide, prednisone or rituximab are used to eradicate the antibody. Most cases of AH are not diagnosed, which translates into a high mortality rate. Given that awareness about the disease among physicians is low, it is not suspected, neither diagnosed, and nor is it treated. This document reviews the most recent data on AH and expands on its diagnosis and treatment.

La hemofilia adquirida (HA) es un trastorno hemostático autoinmune ocasionado por autoanticuerpos dirigidos contra el factor VIII: C. En 52 % de los casos, la causa se desconoce o no se asocia con otra entidad patológica; en el resto, existen factores concomitantes: lupus, artritis reumatoide, cáncer, embarazo y medicamentos. En México no existe registro ni conciencia de la enfermedad entre el personal de salud. Los grupos de mayor incidencia son las mujeres en edad reproductiva y los individuos mayores de 70 años. Se caracteriza por hemorragia grave, sobre todo posterior a traumatismos y parto o cesárea, y equimosis grandes en tronco y extremidades. La sospecha es simple, basta que concurran hemorragia súbita, grave y un TTPa prolongado que no se corrige con plasma. El tratamiento consiste en lograr la hemostasia y erradicar el anticuerpo; lo primero se logra con el factor VII activado recombinante o concentrado del complejo de protrombínico activado. La ciclofosfamida, prednisona o rituximab sirven para erradicar el anticuerpo. La mayoría de los casos no son diagnosticados y la mortalidad es alta. Ya que los médicos desconocen el problema, no se sospecha, no se diagnostica y no se trata. Este documento revisa los datos más recientes de la HA y abunda en el diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Hemofilia adquirida / Acquired hemophilia

Resumen La hemofilia adquirida (HA) es un trastorno hemostático autoinmune ocasionado por autoanticuerpos dirigidos contra el factor VIII: C. En 52 % de los casos, la causa se desconoce o no se asocia con otra entidad patológica; en el resto, existen factores concomitantes: lupus, artritis reumatoide, cáncer, embarazo y medicamentos. En México no existe registro ni conciencia de la enfermedad entre el personal de salud. Los grupos de mayor incidencia son las mujeres en edad reproductiva y los individuos mayores de 70 años. Se caracteriza por hemorragia grave, sobre todo posterior a traumatismos y parto o cesárea, y equimosis grandes en tronco y extremidades. La sospecha es simple, basta que concurran hemorragia súbita, grave y un TTPa prolongado que no se corrige con plasma. El tratamiento consiste en lograr la hemostasia y erradicar el anticuerpo; lo primero se logra con el factor VII activado recombinante o concentrado del complejo de protrombínico activado. La ciclofosfamida, prednisona o rituximab sirven para erradicar el anticuerpo. La mayoría de los casos no son diagnosticados y la mortalidad es alta. Ya que los médicos desconocen el problema, no se sospecha, no se diagnostica y no se trata. Este documento revisa los datos más recientes de la HA y abunda en el diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Abstract Acquired hemophilia (AH) is an autoimmune hemostatic disorder mediated by autoantibodies directed against factor VIII: C. In 52% of cases, the cause is unknown or is not associated with other pathological entities; in the rest, there are concomitant factors: lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, pregnancy, and medications. In Mexico, there is not a registry of AH, and awareness of the disease among health personnel is low. The groups with the highest incidence are women of childbearing age and individuals older than 70 years. It is characterized by severe bleeding, especially after trauma and normal childbirth or cesarean delivery, and large ecchymoses in the trunk and extremities. The suspicion is simple, it just takes for sudden, severe hemorrhage and a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time that is not corrected with plasma to concur in an individual. Treatment involves achieving hemostasis and eradicating the antibody. The former is achieved with recombinant activated factor VII or activated prothrombin complex concentrate. Cyclophosphamide, prednisone or rituximab are used to eradicate the antibody. Most cases of AH are not diagnosed, which translates into a high mortality rate. Given that awareness about the disease among physicians is low, it is not suspected, neither diagnosed, and nor is it treated. This document reviews the most recent data on AH and expands on its diagnosis and treatment.

The Cholinergic System Contributes to the Immunopathological Progression of Experimental Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

The cholinergic system is present in both bacteria and mammals and regulates inflammation during bacterial respiratory infections through neuronal and non-neuronal production of acetylcholine (ACh) and its receptors. However, the presence of this system during the immunopathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in vivo and in its causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has not been studied. Therefore, we used an experimental model of progressive pulmonary TB in BALB/c mice to quantify pulmonary ACh using high-performance liquid chromatography during the course of the disease. In addition, we performed immunohistochemistry in lung tissue to determine the cellular expression of cholinergic system components, and then administered nicotinic receptor (nAChR) antagonists to validate their effect on lung bacterial burden, inflammation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, we subjected Mtb cultures to colorimetric analysis to reveal the production of ACh and the effect of ACh and nAChR antagonists on Mtb growth. Our results show high concentrations of ACh and expression of its synthesizing enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) during early infection in lung epithelial cells and macrophages. During late progressive TB, lung ACh upregulation was even higher and coincided with ChAT and α7 nAChR subunit expression in immune cells. Moreover, the administration of nAChR antagonists increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced bacillary loads and synergized with antibiotic therapy in multidrug resistant TB. Finally, in vitro studies revealed that the bacteria is capable of producing nanomolar concentrations of ACh in liquid culture. In addition, the administration of ACh and nicotinic antagonists to Mtb cultures induced or inhibited bacterial proliferation, respectively. These results suggest that Mtb possesses a cholinergic system and upregulates the lung non-neuronal cholinergic system, particularly during late progressive TB. The upregulation of the cholinergic system during infection could aid both bacterial growth and immunomodulation within the lung to favor disease progression. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of modulating this system suggests that it could be a target for treating the disease.

Post-treatment improvement of NK cell numbers predicts better survival in myeloma patients treated with thalidomide-based regimens.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a disease characterized by antitumoral immune dysfunction. The objective of the present study was to determine lymphocyte subsets (B, T, NK, NKT, iNKT, dendritic cells, and regulatory T cells) in 68 newly diagnosed patients and 113 healthy donors. Lymphocyte subsets were studied in the same patients 6 months after treatment. Pre-treatment values of CD4+ T cells, NK cells, type 2 dendritic cells, and B cells in MM patients were lower than in healthy donors. Forty patients (59%) received MPT treatment and 28 (41%) thal-dex. Patients with no response to treatment, exhibited a decrease in CD4+ T cells and NK cells, as well as an increase in Treg cell numbers. Median DFS and OS was lower in patients not achieving response, in patients having low numbers of NK cells, and higher values of LDH. The number of CD4 T cells, NK, DC2, and B cells at diagnosis is lower in patients with MM. Non-responder patients had lower CD4 and NK, but higher Treg cell values. Patients in which response is not achieved, and those holding lower values of NK cells and higher levels of LDH, have poor DFS and OS.

Allergic sensitization increases the amount of extracellular ATP hydrolyzed by guinea pig leukocytes.

Increased levels of ATP have been found in the bronchoalveolar lavage of patients with asthma, and subjects with this disease, but not healthy subjects, develop bronchospasm after nebulization with ATP. Because the main mechanism for controlling the noxious effects of extracellular ATP is its enzymatic hydrolysis, we hypothesized that allergic sensitization is accompanied by a decreased functioning of such hydrolysis. In the present study, peripheral blood leukocytes from sensitized and non-sensitized guinea pigs were used for determining the extracellular metabolism (as assessed by inorganic phosphate production) of ATP, ADP, AMP, or adenosine, and for detecting possible changes in the expression (qPCR and Western blot) of major ectonucleotidases (NTPDase1, NTPDase3, and NPP1) and purinoceptors (P2X1, P2X7, P2Y4, and P2Y6). Contrary to our hypothesis, we found that leukocytes from allergic animals produced higher amounts of inorganic phosphate after stimulation with ATP and ADP, as compared with leukocytes from non-sensitized animals. Although at first glance, this result suggested that sensitization caused higher efficiency of ectonucleotidases, their mRNA and protein expressions were unaffected. On the other hand, after sensitization, we found a significant increase in the protein expression of P2X7 and P2Y4, two purinoceptors known to be responsible for ATP release after activation. We concluded that allergic sensitization increased the amount of ATP hydrolyzed by ectonucleotidases, the latter probably not due to the enhanced efficiency of its enzymatic breakdown, but rather due to an increased release of endogenous ATP or other nucleotides, partly mediated by enhanced expression or P2X7 and P2Y4 receptors.

Prognostic Value of CD95, Active Caspase-3, and Bcl-2 Expression in Adult Patients with De Novo Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is an aggressive malignant disease with high mortality rates in adults. AIM OF THE STUDY: The expression levels of CD95, active caspase-3, and Bcl-2 were determined in 111 patients with de novo acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and correlated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). METHODS: The immunophenotyped ok leukemia and the expression of CD95, active caspase-3, and Bcl-2, were determined by flow cytometry. Apoptotic variables were correlated by Spearman test, and survival by Kaplan-Meier method. Log-rank test was used to compare survival curves. RESULTS: From a total of 111 patients, 56 cases were B-ALL, 16 T-ALL, 16 B-ALL/CD33+, and 23 ambiguous lineage-AL (AmbLin-AL). The median expression of CD95 (61.5%) and active-caspase-3 (19.4%) was higher in T-ALL (p <0.05), whereas Bcl-2 was lower in T-ALL (p <0.038). There was a highly significant correlation in B-ALL, B-ALL/CD33+ and AmbLin-AL between CD95 and Bcl-2, CD95-Active caspase-3, and Bcl-2-Active caspase-3; while in T-ALL, there was only a correlation between CD95-Active caspase-3, and Bcl-2-Active caspase-3. OS and DFS were better for T-ALL than the other groups, especially in patients having higher values of CD95 and active caspase 3, and lower values of Bcl-2. The worse survival rates were observed in patients with B-ALL/CD33+, and AmbLin-AL. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of ALL in adults is influenced by the expression levels of Bcl-2, active-caspase-3, and CD95.

Effect of oral glycine on the clinical, spirometric and inflammatory status in subjects with cystic fibrosis: a pilot randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have airway inflammation that contributes to symptoms and to pulmonary function derangement. Current drugs used to diminish airway inflammation improve the clinical and spirometric status of patients with CF, but their use is limited due to their undesired side effects, for example, glucose intolerance, growth retardation, and cataracts with corticosteroids, gastrointestinal toxicity with ibuprofen, and macrolide resistance with azythromycin. Glycine is known to decrease activation of inflammatory cells, including alveolar macrophages and neutrophils, and is relatively inexpensive, palatable, and virtually devoid of untoward effects. These features make glycine a good candidate for antiinflammatory treatment of CF. Thus, we aimed to explore whether glycine can exert a beneficial effect in a population of patients with CF. METHODS: This was a randomized, double blinded, cross-over pilot clinical trial. Subjects with CF received, in random order, oral glycine (0.5 g/kg/day, dissolved in any liquid) and placebo (glass sugar), each during 8 weeks with an intermediate 2-week wash-out period. RESULTS: Thirteen subjects aged 6-23 years, 8 females, completed the two arms of the study. As compared with placebo, after glycine intake patients had better symptom questionnaire scores (p = 0.02), mainly regarding sputum features and dyspnea. While spirometric variables tended to decline during placebo intake, they remained stable or even increased during glycine treatment (p = 0.04 to p = 0.003). In this context, FEV1 declined 8.6% after placebo and increased 9.7% at the end of the glycine period. Pulse oximetry improved after glycine intake (p = 0.04 vs. placebo). TNF-α in serum and IL-6 and G-CSF in sputum tended to decline at the end of the glycine period (p = 0.061, p = 0.068 and p = 0.04, respectively, vs placebo). Glycine was remarkably well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical, spirometric and inflammatory status of subjects with CF improved after just 8 weeks of glycine intake, suggesting that this amino acid might constitute a novel therapeutic tool for these patients. Thus, further studies are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www.clinicaltrials.gov , registration number: NCT01417481 , date of registration: March 12, 2012.

Prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en el Perú

Peru es un país en desarrollo con una prevalencia creciente de enfermedades crónicas no comunicables, entre las que destacan la enfermedad cardiovascular, el cáncer, la diabetes mellitus (DM), el síndrome metabólico (SM) y la obesidad. Objetivo. Revisar los aspectos epidemiológicos de la obesidad y el síndrome metabólico en el Perú en lo concerniente a su prevalencia. Método. Se revisó la literatura a través de una búsqueda sistemática de PubMed, SciELO, LILACS y las publicaciones del Ministerio de Salud, Organización Mundial de la Salud y otras agencias ligadas a la salud pública nacional. Resultados. La Encuesta Nacional de Hogares en 2006 encontró una prevalencia de sobrepeso de 30,9% en adultos jóvenes, 42,5% en adultos y 21,7% en adultos mayores. La prevalencia de obesidad en estos grupos etarios fue 8,7%, 19,8% y 10,6%, respectivamente. Los factores asociados al exceso de peso fueron: ser mujer, no ser pobre y vivir en área urbana. La prevalencia de sobrepeso en niños menores de 5 años fue 6,4%, en aquellos entre 5 a 9 años 15,5% y en adolescentes (10 a 19 años de edad), 11,0%. La prevalencia de obesidad en estos grupos fue 1,8%, 8,9% y 3,3%, respectivamente. Los factores asociados al exceso fueron: no ser pobre, vivir en área urbana y nivel educativo primario. La Encuesta Nacional de Salud (ENDES) 2014, en personas ≥ 15 años de edad, encontró una prevalencia de sobrepeso de 33,8%. Esta fue mayor en Lima (35,7%) y en la costa (36,7%) que en la selva (33,4%) y que en la región andina (29,8%). La prevalencia de obesidad fue 18,3%, mayor en áreas urbanas (21,5%) que en rurales (8,9%). En el seguimiento de estos indicadores los años 2015 y 2016 se observó que el IMC promedio y la prevalencia de obesidad y sobrepeso se han estabilizado a nivel nacional. La prevalencia de SM (ATP III) fluctúa entre 10% y 45%, es más prevalente en mujeres, adultos mayores y en aquellos que viven en zonas urbanas y en altitudes bajas. Conclusiones. La obesidad es un problema creciente de salud en el Perú que conlleva retos para el Sistema de Salud por las consecuencias derivadas de ella, como son la diabetes mellitus, la hipertensión arterial, el síndrome metabólico y el ovario poliquístico, entre otra patología. La estrategia nacional contra esta epidemia debe incluir la promoción de hábitos de vida saludables en la comunidad, a través de los medios de comunicación masiva y redes sociales, el diagnóstico operativo de esta condición por parte de los profesionales de la salud -particularmente en el nivel primario, junto con la indicación de la adopción de hábitos de vida saludable, refiriendo los casos más severos a centros especializados.

Peru is a medium income developing country with an increasing prevalence of chronic non communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and obesity. Objective: To review the epidemiology of obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MS) concerning its prevalence. Methods: The medical literature was reviewed based on the systematic searching of Pub-Med, SciELO, LILACS and publications from the Peruvian Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and national public health related agencies. Results: The National Household Survey (ENAHO) 2006 found prevalence of overweight of 30.9% in young adults, 42.5% in adults and 21.7% in older adults. The prevalence of obesity in these groups was 8.7%, 19.8% and 10.6%, respectively. Being woman, not being poor and living in urban area were the main factors associated to weight excess. Prevalence of overweight in children < 5 years old was 6.4%, in those between 5 to 9 years old 15.5%, and in adolescents (10-19 years old) 11.0%. Prevalence of obesity in these groups was 1.8%, 8.9% y 3.3%, respectively. Not being poor, living in an urban area and primary school education level were the main factors associated to weight excess. The National Health Survey (ENDES) 2014, in people ≥ 15 years old found an overweight prevalence of 33.8%, greater in Lima (35.7%) and in the coast (36.7%) than in the jungle (33.4%) and the Andean region (29.8%). The prevalence of obesity was 18.3%, greater in urban areas (21.5 %) than in rural ones (8.9%). In the follow up of this survey through 2015-2016, it was observed that the mean BMI of this population and the prevalence of obesity and overweight remained constant. Prevalence of MS (ATP III) varies between 10% a 45%. It is more prevalent in women, older adults and in those living in urban areas and at low altitudes. Conclusions: Obesity is a major health care issue in Peru that exposes difficult challenges to the Health System due to the morbidity resulting from this condition, such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovaries, among others. The national strategy for tackling obesity should include promotion in the community of healthy lifestyles through the mass media and social networks, the appropriate diagnosis of this morbid condition particularly among primary health providers, and the capability of prescribing the adoption of healthy life habits, and referring the most severe cases to specialized medical centers.

Safety and efficacy of romiplostim in splenectomized and nonsplenectomized patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia.

Primary immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune disorder characterized by increased platelet destruction and insufficient platelet production without another identified underlying disorder. Splenectomy may alter responsiveness to treatment and/or increase the risk of thrombosis, infection, and pulmonary hypertension. The analysis herein evaluated the safety and efficacy of the thrombopoietin receptor agonist romiplostim in splenectomized and nonsplenectomized adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia. Data were pooled across 13 completed clinical studies in adults with immune thrombocytopenia from 2002-2014. Adverse event rates were adjusted for time of exposure. Results were considered different when 95% confidence intervals were non-overlapping. Safety was analyzed for 1111 patients (395 splenectomized; 716 nonsplenectomized) who received romiplostim or control (placebo or standard of care). At baseline, splenectomized patients had a longer median duration of immune thrombocytopenia and a lower median platelet count, as well as a higher proportion with >3 prior immune thrombocytopenia treatments versus nonsplenectomized patients. In each treatment group, splenectomized patients used rescue medications more often than nonsplenectomized patients. Platelet response rates (≥50×109/L) for romiplostim were 82% (310/376) for splenectomized and 91% (592/648) for nonsplenectomized patients (P<0.001 by Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test). Platelet responses were stable over time in both subgroups. Exposure-adjusted adverse event rates were higher for control versus romiplostim for both splenectomized (1857 versus 1226 per 100 patient-years) and nonsplenectomized patients (1052 versus 852 per 100 patient-years). In conclusion, responses to romiplostim were seen in both splenectomized and nonsplenectomized patients, and romiplostim was not associated with an increase in the risk of adverse events in splenectomized patients. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: 00111475(A)(B), 00117143, 00305435, 01143038, 00102323, 00102336, 00415532, 00603642, 00508820, 00907478, 00116688, and 00440037.

Resección hepática en metástasis de cáncer colorrectal, análisis de supervivencia de una cohorte de pacientes en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe / Hepatic resection of metastases in colorectal cancer, survival analysis in a cohort of patients at Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital, Medellín, Colombia

Introducción. La resección hepática sigue siendo la única opción de tratamiento con intención curativa y con posibilidad de supervivencia a largo plazo. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar los resultados de la resección hepática en un grupo de pacientes. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de una serie consecutiva de 97 hepatectomías por metástasis de cáncer colorrectal, en el período comprendido entre el 15 de junio de 2005 y el 30 diciembre de 2015, en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín. Se hizo análisis bivariado de los factores asociados a la supervivencia. Resultados. De 370 hepatectomías, se practicaron 97 resecciones hepáticas en 93 pacientes por metástasis de cáncer colorrectal. El promedio de edad fue de 58 años, y el 50,5 % fueron resecciones hepáticas mayores. La mediana del volumen de sangrado intraoperatorio fue de 200 ml (rango intercuartílico, RIQ: 100 a 400 ml) y la mediana del tiempo quirúrgico fue de 150 minutos (RIQ: 120 a 180 minutos). La estancia hospitalaria tuvo una mediana de 3 días (RIQ: 2 a 4 días). Solo se trasladó a la unidad de cuidados intensivos el 25,9 % de los pacientes; se presentaron complicaciones en 21,5 % de los pacientes. La mortalidad perioperatoria a 90 días fue de 2,06 %. Se cumplió con el protocolo quirúrgico de recuperación rápida (Fast Track Surgery) en 54,8 % de los pacientes. La supervivencia global a cinco años fue de 34,5 % y, a 100 meses, de 23 %. Debido a que no se encontró significancia estadística con ninguna de las variables en el análisis bivariado para supervivencia, no se hizo un análisis multivariado. Conclusiones. La resección hepática en pacientes con metástasis de cáncer colorrectal se puede practicar en nuestro medio de manera segura, con morbilidad, mortalidad y resultado oncológico comparables a los de otras series del mundo

Introduction. Hepatic resection remains the only treatment option with curative intent and long-term survival in colorectal liver metastasis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of hepatic resection in this group of patients. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study of a consecutive series of 97 hepatectomies due to colorectal cancer metastases in the period between June 2005 and December 2015 at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín. Bivariate analysis was performed on factors associated with survival. Results. Of a total of 370 hepatectomies, 97 liver resections were performed in 93 patients due to colorectal cancer metastases. The mean age was 58 years, 50.5% were major liver resections. The median intraoperative bleeding was 200 ml (RIQ 100-400 ml) and the median surgical time was 150 minutes (RIQ 120-180 min). The hospital stay had a median of 3 days (RIQ 2-4 days). Only 25.9% of the patients were transferred to the intensive care unit. Complications occurred in 21.5% of patients. Perioperative mortality at 90 days was 2.06%. A fast track protocol was performed in 54.8% of the patients. The 5-year actuarial survival was 34.5% and at 100 months it was 23%. Because no statistical significance was found with any of the variables in the bivariate analysis for survival, no multivariate analysis was performed. Conclusions. Liver resection in patients with colorectal cancer metastases can safely be performed in our setting, with morbidity, mortality and cancer outcomes comparable to the other series in the world