Graphene Sensor Arrays for Rapid and Accurate Detection of Pancreatic Cancer Exosomes in Patients' Blood Plasma Samples.

Biosensors based on graphene field effect transistors (GFETs) have the potential to enable the development of point-of-care diagnostic tools for early stage disease detection. However, issues with reproducibility and manufacturing yields of graphene sensors, but also with Debye screening and unwanted detection of nonspecific species, have prevented the wider clinical use of graphene technology. Here, we demonstrate that our wafer-scalable GFETs array platform enables meaningful clinical results. As a case study of high clinical relevance, we demonstrate an accurate and robust portable GFET array biosensor platform for the detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in patients' plasma through specific exosomes (GPC-1 expression) within 45 min. In order to facilitate reproducible detection in blood plasma, we optimized the analytical performance of GFET biosensors via the application of an internal control channel and the development of an optimized test protocol. Based on samples from 18 PDAC patients and 8 healthy controls, the GFET biosensor arrays could accurately discriminate between the two groups while being able to detect early cancer stages including stages 1 and 2. Furthermore, we confirmed the higher expression of GPC-1 and found that the concentration in PDAC plasma was on average more than 1 order of magnitude higher than in healthy samples. We found that these characteristics of GPC-1 cancerous exosomes are responsible for an increase in the number of target exosomes on the surface of graphene, leading to an improved signal response of the GFET biosensors. This GFET biosensor platform holds great promise for the development of an accurate tool for the rapid diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Impacts of intrathecal fentanyl on the incidence of postoperative nausea/vomiting: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies.

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is an event of multifactorial origin with an incidence of 30% in the general population. Opioids such as fentanyl are being used as adjuvant to local anesthetic for its antiemetic effect. In this context, with this study we aimed to evaluate the impact of spinal fentanyl as an adjuvant on the incidence of PONV compared with a placebo, and shivering. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the use of spinal fentanyl in the prevention of PONV and shivering was conducted in different databases, of which 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2116 patients scheduled for various surgeries, including cesarean section, orthopedic surgery in the lower limb, hysterectomy, and transurethral resection of the prostate, were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis estimated the relative risk of incidence of PONV in the first 24 hours after surgery and secondary outcomes included the shivering symptom. The use of intrathecal fentanyl was associated with lower incidence of PONV, but not statistically significant when compared to the placebo (RR: 0.74 CI95%: 0.55-1.01 P = 0.06). Subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in PONV incidences with lower doses between 10 and 15 µg (RR: 0.44 CI95%: 0.35-0.55 P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) but not with higher doses 20-25 µg. Secondary outcomes showed a decrease in incidence with the use of fentanyl vs the placebo (RR: 0.49, CI95% 0.33-0.72 P = 0.0003). Current evidence shows that the use of spinal fentanyl decreases the incidence of PONV, an effect favored using low doses.

Corrected and Republished: Impacts of intrathecal fentanyl on the incidence of postoperative nausea/vomiting: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies.

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is an event of multifactorial origin with an incidence of 30% in the general population. Opioids such as fentanyl are being used as adjuvant to local anesthetic for its antiemetic effect. In this context, with this study we aimed to evaluate the impact of spinal fentanyl as an adjuvant on the incidence of PONV compared with a placebo, and shivering. A systematic search of randomized controlled trials that evaluated the use of spinal fentanyl in the prevention of PONV and shivering was conducted in different databases, of which 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 2116 patients scheduled for various surgeries, including cesarean section, orthopedic surgery in the lower limb, hysterectomy, and transurethral resection of the prostate, were included in the final analysis. The meta-analysis estimated the relative risk of incidence of PONV in the first 24 hours after surgery and secondary outcomes included the shivering symptom. The use of intrathecal fentanyl was associated with lower incidence of PONV, but not statistically significant when compared to the placebo (RR: 0.74 CI95%: 0.55-1.01 P = 0.06). Subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in PONV incidences with lower doses between 10 and 15 µg (RR: 0.44 CI95%: 0.35-0.55 P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%) but not with higher doses 20-25 µg. Secondary outcomes showed a decrease in incidence with the use of fentanyl vs the placebo (RR: 0.49, CI95% 0.33-0.72 P = 0.0003). Current evidence shows that the use of spinal fentanyl decreases the incidence of PONV, an effect favored using low doses.

[Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and evolution to myeloma: Experience in 153 patients]. / Gammapatía monoclonal de significado incierto y evolución a mieloma múltiple: Experiencia en 153 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Based on risk factors, the Mayo Clinic Multiple Myeloma Group (MCMMG) established a model of progression from monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to multiple myeloma (MM) at 20 years. It is also described that MGUS with a progressive increase of monoclonal protein (M-protein) and/or immunoparesis (IMP) may be more predisposed to progress to myeloma. Our objective was to make a review of MGUS, to see how those who presented IMP and/or progression of their M-protein, contrasting them with MGUS that presented intermediate/high and high risk according to MCMMG. METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS: A review of the MGUS objectified during the realization of a serum proteinogram (SPEP) was carried out during 2010-2014, in our area. Serum immunoglobulins, serum immunofixation (IFs), and serum free light chain ratio (FLCr) were determined for all MGUS. RESULTS: Of the 153 MGUS that are followed up for 4 years, 6 progress to MM. Of these 6 MM, 5 progress from MGUS with intermediate/high risk taking into account the MCMMG. Of these 5, 3 have IMP or progression of their M-protein. 2 present IMP plus progression of their M-protein. The sixth MM evolves from a MGUS without any risk factor, but with progression of its M-protein plus IMP. CONCLUSIONS: IMP and/or M-protein progression are important risk factors to be taken into account in the MGUS, in the first years after diagnosis, due to their possible evolution to MM.

IPACK block: emerging complementary analgesic technique for total knee arthroplasty / Bloqueo IPACK: Complemento analgésico emergente en artroplastia de rodilla

Abstract Introduction: Pain control in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a determining factor in the patient's rehabilitation process. With conventional peripheral blocking techniques for the posterior compartment, foot drop, and distal motor deficit have been reported. The infiltration between popliteal artery and capsule of the knee (IPACK) block is a promising emerging analgesic technique. Objective: To describe analgesic control, opioid consumption, and mobility of patients scheduled for TKA using IPACK block as adjunct analgesic to the femoral block. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study over a 6-month period in adults taken to TKA. Sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, laterality, postoperative pain, and opioid consumption, patient and surgeon satisfaction (Likert), postoperative nausea and vomiting, and walk in the first 24hours, were evaluated and reported with a descriptive analysis. Results: Twenty-seven patients taken to TKA received an IPACK block. The pain score remained in a mild level during the 48 hours of evaluation. In 73% of the cases, an opioid rescue dose was not required; 81% of the patients managed to walk in the first 24 hours. Conclusion: The IPACK block, combined with femoral block and neuraxial anesthesia, turn out to be an excellent analgesic strategy for TKA, achieving adequate pain management, prompt rehabilitation, and early ambulation of the patient.

Resumen Introducción: El control del dolor en artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR) es determinante en el proceso de rehabilitación del paciente. Con las técnicas convencionales de bloqueo periférico para el compartimiento posterior se ha reportado pie caído y déficit motor distal. Por lo anterior, se decidió evaluar en una cohorte las cualidades analgésicas del bloqueo IPACK como una técnica emergente prometedora. Objetivo: Describir el control analgésico, consumo de opioides y movilidad de pacientes programados para ATR usando bloqueo IPACK como adyuvante analgésico al bloqueo femoral. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo, en adultos llevados a ATR, durante 6 meses. Se evaluaron las características sociodemográficas, antropométricas, lateralidad, dolor postopera torio y consumo de opioides, satisfacción del paciente y del cirujano, náuseas y vómito postoperatorio, caminata en las primeras 48 h. Se informar los resultados de forma descriptiva. Resultados: En total, 27 pacientes a quienes se les realizó ATR obtuvieron bloqueo IPACK. La puntuación del dolor se mantuvo en una escala leve en un rango de 1-3 durante las 48 horas de seguimiento. En el 73% de los casos no se requirió una dosis de opioide de rescate. El 81% de los pacientes logró caminar en las primeras 24 horas. Conclusión: El IPACK, combinado con el bloqueo femoral y la anestesia neuroaxial, resultan ser una excelente estrategia analgésica para logar un adecuado control del dolor en ATR, pronta rehabilitación y deambulación temprana del paciente.

Vascular access clinic results before and after implementing a multidisciplinary approach adding routine Doppler ultrasound. / Consulta de acceso vascular: resultados antes y después de la instauración de un programa multidisciplinar con realización de ecografía doppler de rutina.

BACKGROUND: A multidisciplinary approach and Doppler ultrasound (DU) assessment for the creation and maintenance of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) for haemodialysis can improve prevalence and patency. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of a new multidisciplinary vascular access (VA) clinic with routine DU. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed the VA clinic results from 2014 and 2015, before and after the implementation of a multidisciplinary team protocol (vascular surgeon/nephrologist) with routine DU in preoperative mapping and prevalent AVF. RESULTS: We analysed 345 and 364 patients from 2014 and 2015 respectively. The number of surgical interventions was similar in both periods (p=.289), with a trend towards an increase in preventive surgical repair of AVF in 2015 (17 vs. 29, p=.098). 155 vs. 169 new AVF were performed in 2014 and 2015, with a significantly lower primary failure rate in 2015 (26.4 vs. 15.3%, p=.015), and a non-significant increase in radiocephalic AVF, 25.8 vs. 33.2% (n=40 vs. 56), p=.159. The concordance between the indication at the clinic and the surgery performed also increased (81.3 vs. 93.5%, p=.001). Throughout 2015 fewer complementary imaging test were requested from the clinic (78 vs. 35, p <.001), with a corresponding reduction in costs (€87,716 vs. €59,445). CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary approach with routine DU can improve VA results, with a decrease in primary failure rate, higher likelihood of radiocephalic AVF, better management of dis-functioning AVF and lower radiological test costs.

Clinical and functional results in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated surgically by anterior approach in a tertiary health care center / Resultados clínicos e funcionais em pacientes com mielopatia espondilótica tratados cirurgicamente através de uma abordagem anterior em um centro de referência para cuidados / Resultados clínicos y funcionales en pacientes con mielopatía espondilótica cervical tratados quirúrgicamente mediante abordaje anterior en un centro de tercer nivel de atención

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the clinical and functional results in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated surgically by anterior approach in a reference center. Methods: An observational, longitudinal, analytical study was carried out. The patients were evaluated using the JOA, Nurick and SF12v2 scales at hospital admission, at 3 and 6 months after surgery, analyzing the data with the Student's T test in the IBM SPSS Statistics version 24. Results: The male sex predominated, the mean age was 61 years; the mean JOA score before surgery, at 3 and 6 months was 8, 10.9, and 11.6, respectively. The Nurick scale obtained a presurgical score, at 3 and 6 months of 2.8, 2.2, and 1.9, respectively. Regarding the quality of life (PCS), 93.3% of the patients were found to be below the mean, 2.2% in the mean, and 4.5% above the mean, while at 6 months, 91.1% of the patients were below the mean, 6.7% in the mean, and 2.2% above the mean. In the preoperative evaluation the SF 12v2 scale, 68.9% of the patients were below the mean, 2.2% in the mean, and 28.9% above the mean, being that at 6 months, 31.1% of the patients were below the mean, 15.6% in the mean, and 53.3% above the mean. A statistically significant improvement was observed with the JOA and Nurick scales from preoperative to 3 and 6 months (p<0.05) with a statistically significant difference in the mental component of quality in the same periods. Conclusions: Anterior approach decompression gives a significant clinical improvement at 3 and 6 months. However, this improvement does not correlate with the patient's perception of his or her health condition. Level of Evidence III; Case control study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados funcionais clínicos em pacientes com compressão da medula espinhal (CME) tratados cirurgicamente pela abordagem anterior, em um centro de referência. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, longitudinal e analítico. Os pacientes foram avaliados na admissão hospitalar através das escalas JOA, Nurick e SF12v2, aos três e seis meses após a cirurgia, analisando os dados com o teste t de Student, no programa IBM SPSS Statistics versão 24. Resultados: O estudo mostrou uma predominância no sexo masculino, com idade média de 61 anos. Avaliação do JOA pré-cirúrgica teve uma pontuação média, no terceiro e no sexto mês, de 8, 10,9 e 11,6. Por sua vez, a escala de Nurick, obtida em um pré-operatório, foi nos mesmos meses, com pontuação de 2.8, 2.2 e 1.9. Tal como para a qualidade de vida (PCS), que foi encontrado na avaliação pré-operatória, 93,3% dos pacientes estavam abaixo da média, 2,2%,na média e 4,5% superior à média. Enquanto aos 6 meses, 91,1% dos pacientes estavam abaixo da média, 6,7%, na média e 2,2% superior à média. Na avaliação pré-operatória de escala 12v2 SF, 68,9% dos pacientes estavam abaixo da média, 2,2% na média e 28,9% superior à média, sendo que aos 6 meses, 31,1% dos pacientes estavam abaixo da média, 15,6%, na média e 53,3% superior à média. Uma melhoria estatisticamente significativa com as escalas JOA e Nurick de pré-operatória em 3 e 6 meses (p <0,05) foi observada e, também, uma melhoria estatisticamente significativa na qualidade do componente mental nos mesmos períodos. Conclusões: Pode-se concluir que a abordagem da descompressão anterior proporciona uma melhoria clínica significativa, mas esta melhoria não está correlacionada com a percepção do paciente sobre sua saúde. Nível de Evidencia II;Estudo de caso.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Valorar los resultados clínicos y funcionales en pacientes con mielopatía espondilótica cervical tratados quirúrgicamente mediante abordaje anterior en un centro de referencia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, longitudinal y analítico. Los pacientes fueron evaluados mediante las escalas JOA, Nurick y SF12v2 a su ingreso hospitalario, a los 3, y 6 meses de la cirugía, analizando los datos con prueba T de Student en el programa IBM SPSS Statistics versión 24. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino, el promedio de edad fue 61 años; la valoración de JOA media antes de la cirugía, a los 3 y 6 meses fue de 8, 10,9 y 11,6, respectivamente. La escala de Nurick obtuvo una puntuación prequirúrgica, a los 3 y 6 meses de 2,8, 2,2 y 1,9 respectivamente. En cuanto a la calidad de vida (PCS), se encontró en la evaluación prequirúrgica que el 93,3% de los pacientes estaba por debajo de la media, 2,2% en la media y el 4,5% por arriba de la media, mientras que a los 6 meses, el 91,1% de los pacientes estaba por debajo de la media, el 6,7% en la media y el 2,2% por arriba de la media. En la evaluación prequirúrgica la puntuación de la escala SF 12v2, el 68,9% de los pacientes estaba por debajo de la media, 2,2% en la media y el 28,9% por arriba de la media, siendo que a los 6 meses, el 31,1% de los pacientes estaba por debajo de la media, el 15,6% en la media y el 53,3% por arriba de la media. Se observó una mejoría estadísticamente significativa con las escalas de JOA y Nurick desde el prequirúrgico hasta los 3 y 6 meses (p < 0,05) con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en el componente mental de la calidad en los mismos periodos. Conclusiones: La descompresión por vía anterior otorga una mejoría clínica significativa a los 3 y 6 meses; sin embargo esta mejoría no se correlaciona con la percepción que tiene el paciente sobre su estado de salud. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio de caso control.

Is High-Volume Online Hemodiafiltration Associated With Malnutrition?

Chronic malnutrition is a common problem in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Some studies have reported albumin loss into dialysis fluid during postdilution online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF). The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of patients on high-volume OL-HDF and to demonstrate that higher convective clearances are not associated with malnutrition due to possible loss of nutrients with ultrafiltration. Demographic and clinical data, corporal composition with bioimpedance spectroscopy, dialysis features, albumin loss into dialysis fluid and laboratory parameters were collected in twenty-eight patients with ESRD undergoing postdilution OL-HDF with stable convective volumes over 28 L/session. Convective volume (CV) in the last six months was 32.51 ± 3.52 L per session. Cross-sectional analysis of dialysis features showed 32.7 ± 3.34 L of CV and high reduction rates of beta-2-microglobulin (84.2 ± 3.8%) and cystatin-C (81.6 ± 3.47%). Beta-2-microglobulin reduction showed a positive correlation with prealbumin levels (P = 0.048). CV was only correlated with cystatin-C reduction (P = 0.025). Estimated albumin loss into dialysis fluid (1.82 ± 1.05 g/session) was not related to laboratory or bioimpedance nutritional parameters, or to CV. Among patients with higher CV, serum albumin levels maintained more stability during the observational period. High volume OL-HDF results in better convective clearances and is not associated with malnutrition. Albumin and nutrients loss into dialysis fluid should not be a limiting factor of the substitution volume.

Importance of Body Water in the Efficacy of Convective Solute Transport in Online Hemodiafiltration.

High-volume online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) has been associated with improved patient survival compared to conventional hemodialysis in recent trials, where the importance of convective volume (CV) in this benefit is noted. The purpose of this study was to determine the corporal composition parameters influencing the efficacy of CV in the removal of different molecular weight (MW) molecules. Demographic data, corporal composition parameters with bioimpedance spectroscopy, dialysis features and the reduction rates of different MW molecules in a four-hour OL-HDF session were collected in 61 patients. We observed a significant negative correlation of ß2-microglobulin, cystatin-C, myoglobin and prolactin reduction rates with body surface area, weight, total body extracellular (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW), lean tissue mass and body cellular mass. The multivariable regression analysis identified ECW and ICW as the only corporal composition factors independently associated to the relative elimination of ß2-microglobulin (Beta: -0.801, P = 0.002 for ECW and Beta: -1.710, P = 0.001 for ICW), cystatin-C (Beta: -0.656, P = 0.010 for ECW and Beta: -1.511, P = 0.004 for ICW) and myoglobin (Beta: -0.745, P = 0.014 for ECW and Beta: -2.103, P = 0.001 for ICW), in addition to CV. Prolactin reduction was only associated with ICW (Beta: -1.540, P = 0.028). When adjusting CV with ECW and ICW, only the ratio CV/ECW was an independent predictor for higher elimination of ß2-microglobulin, cystatin-C and myoglobin. The corporal composition parameters independently associated to the reduction of medium-sized molecules are the extracellular and intracellular water. The ratio "convective volume/extracellular water" predicts higher efficacy of convective transport. Adjusting the convective volume to patient features could be useful to monitor the efficacy of OL-HDF and to prescribe individualized therapies.

Relajación residual posoperatoria en la unidad de cuidados postanestésicos de un hospital universitario: Estudio de corte transversal / Postoperative residual curarization at the post-anesthetic care unit of a university hospital: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction: Postoperative residual curarization has been related to postoperative complications. Objective: To determine the prevalence of postoperative residual curarization in a university hospital and its association with perioperative conditions. Method: A prospective registry of 102 patients in a period of 4 months was designed to include ASA I-II patients who intraoperatively received nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers. Abductor pollicis response to a train-of-four stimuli based on accelleromyography and thenar eminence temperature (TOF-Watch SX®. Organon, Ireland) was measured immediately upon arrival at the postanesthetic care unit and 30 s later. Uni-bivariate analysis was planned to determine possible associations with residual curarization, defined as two repeated values of T4/T1 ratio <0.90 in response to train-of-four stimuli. Results: Postoperative residual curarization was detected in 42.2% of the subjects. Pancuronium was associated with a high risk for train-of-four response <0.9 at the arrive at postoperative care unit [RR:2.56 (IC95% 1.99-3.30); p = 0.034]. A significant difference in thenar temperature (°C) was found in subjects with train-of-four <0.9 when compared to those who reach adequate neuromuscular function (29.9 ± 1.6 vs. 31.1 ± 2.2; respectively. p = 0.003). However, we were unable to demonstrate a direct attribution of findings in train-of-four response to temperature (R² determination coefficient = 0.08%). Conclusions: A high prevalence of postoperative residual curarization persists in university hospitals, despite a reduced use of "long-lasting" neuromuscular blockers. Strategies to assure neuromuscular monitoring practice and access to therapeutic alternatives in this setting must be considered. Intraoperative neuromuscular blockers using algorithms and continued education in this field must be priorities within anesthesia services.

Introducción: La relajación residual postoperatoria ha sido asociada con mayores complicaciones postoperatorias. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de relajación residual postoperatoria en un hospital universitario y su relación con condiciones perioperatorias. Métodos: Se diseñó un registro prospectivo de 4 meses de duración, que incluyó pacientes ASA I-II que intraoperatoriamente recibieran bloqueadores neuromusculares. Se registró la respuesta del abductor pollicis a un estímulo de tren de cuatro mediante aceleromiografía y se midió la temperatura de la eminencia tenar (TOF-Watch SX®.Organon, Ireland) inmediatamente al ingreso a recuperación y a los 30 segundos. Se realizó análisis uni y bivariado para determinar posibles asociaciones con relajación residual postoperatoria, definida como dos respuestas sucesivas al estímulo tren-de-cuatro con una relación T4/T1 <0.90. Resultados: Se reclutaron 102 pacientes, encontrando una prevalencia de relajación residual del 42.2%. Pancuronio fue asociado con un riesgo elevado de TOF < 0.9 al ingreso a recuperación [RR:2,56 (IC95% 1.99-3.30); p = 0.034]. Se evidenció una diferencia significativa en la temperatura tenar de los pacientes que presentaban relajación residual, al compararla con pacientes que recuperaron su función neuromuscular [Grupo evento = 29.9 ± 1.6 (n = 43); Grupo control = 31.1 ±2.2 (n = 59)]. Sin embargo no se logró determinar una atribución directa de relajación residual a esta medición (coeficiente de determinación = 0.08%). Conclusión: Persiste una alta prevalencia de relajación residual postoperatoria en los hospitales universitarios, a pesar del uso reducido de bloqueadores neuromusculares de larga duración. Se hace indispensable encaminar estrategias para incentivar la monitoria neuromuscular y establecer algoritmos que permitan un manejo eficiente de los bloqueadores neuromusculares.

Microtubule organization is determined by the shape of epithelial cells.

Interphase microtubule organization is critical for cell function and tissue architecture. In general, physical mechanisms are sufficient to drive microtubule organization in single cells, whereas cells within tissues are thought to utilize signalling mechanisms. By improving the imaging and quantitation of microtubule alignment within developing Drosophila embryos, here we demonstrate that microtubule alignment underneath the apical surface of epithelial cells follows cell shape. During development, epidermal cell elongation and microtubule alignment occur simultaneously, but by perturbing cell shape, we discover that microtubule organization responds to cell shape, rather than the converse. A simple set of microtubule behaviour rules is sufficient for a computer model to mimic the observed responses to changes in cell surface geometry. Moreover, we show that microtubules colliding with cell boundaries zip-up or depolymerize in an angle-dependent manner, as predicted by the model. Finally, we show microtubule alignment responds to cell shape in diverse epithelia.

Haematuria on the Spanish Registry of Glomerulonephritis.

Recent studies suggest a pathogenic role for glomerular haematuria among renal function. However, there is no data on the prevalence of haematuria from a large renal biopsy registry. We analysed the prevalence of gross (GH) and microscopic (mH) haematuria in 19,895 patients that underwent native renal biopsies from the Spanish Registry of Glomerulonephritis. Haematuria's overall incidence was 63% (GH 8.6% and mH 55.1%), being more frequent in males (64.7% vs. 62.4%). GH was more prevalent in patients <18 years (21.3% vs. 7.7%). The commonest clinical presentation associated with GH was acute kidney injury (31.5%) and IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) (33.6%) was the most frequent histological finding. GH patients showed a significantly (p < 0.05) lower eGFR and proteinuria levels as compared with patients with mH and without haematuria. Moreover, mH was more prevalent in adults (56.3%). Nephrotic syndrome was the commonest clinical presentation in mH patients (32.2%) and IgAN (18.5%) the most frequent histological finding. In conclusion, haematuria, is a frequent urinalysis finding in patients underwent native renal biopsy. The most frequent histological finding in both GH and mH is IgAN. Whereas, GH is more frequent in young males with acute kidney injury, mH is commoner among adults with nephrotic syndrome.

Videolaringoscopios: ¿la solución para el manejo de la vía aérea difícil o una estrategia más? Revisión no sistemática / Videolaryngoscopes: The solution for difficult airway management or just another strategy? Non-systematic review

Introduction: Difficult airway management remains a challenge and is a pillar of anesthesia training. At present, unsuccessful management of the difficult airway is a leading cause of complications in the practice of anesthesia, something that has led to regular updates to the management algorithms and the development of new technologies. Objectives: To review the current state of videolaryngoscopy and its impact on difficult airway management. Methods: With the keywords Videotape Recording; Laryngoscopy; Airway Management; Intubation; Intratracheal; Obesity; Anesthesia. A non-systematic review in the following databases was conducted: Pubmed/Medline, SciElo, LILACS). Results: Videolaryngoscopes are a new technology for the management of difficult airways that so far have not replaced the standard airway management algorithm devices. Its main impact is better visualization of the laryngeal structures. However, there are still controversies regarding the ease and success of tracheal intubation. Evidence of its usefulness in difficult airway management is weak. Conclusion: Knowledge of these devices and their limitations is an alternative in difficult airway scenario, but its real value and safety for the patient is still not defined and continues to be researched.

Introducción: el manejo de la vía área difícil continua siendo un reto y es uno de los pilares del entrenamiento en anestesia. En la actualidad, el manejo no exitoso de la vía aérea difícil representa una de las principales causas de complicación en el ejercicio de la anestesia que promueve la actualización regular de los algoritmos de manejo y al desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías. Objetivos: presentar el estado actual de los videolaringoscopios y su impacto en el manejo de la vía aérea. Métodos: con las palabras claves: Grabación en video Laringoscopia, Intubación intratraqueal; Vía aérea difícil; Obesidad; Anestesia; Emergencias se realizó una revisión no sistemática en bases de datos (PubMed/Medline, SciElo, Lilacs). Resultados: los videolaringoscopios son una tecnología adicional para el manejo de la vía aérea que hasta el momento no han demostrado sustituir los dispositivos estándares expuestos en el algoritmo de manejo de la vía aérea. Su principal impacto está determinado por la mejoría en la visualización de las estructuras de la laringe sin embargo aún hay controversias respecto a la facilidad y éxito de la intubación endotraqueal. La evidencia de su utilidad en el manejo exitoso de la vía aérea difícil es débil. Conclusiones: el conocimiento de estos dispositivos así como sus limitaciones constituye una alternativa en el escenario de la vía aérea difícil, pero su valor real y la seguridad que representa para el paciente aún no se han definido y continúa en investigación.

Resultados auditivos y de beneficios comunicativos en pacientes tratados con el implante activo de transmisión ósea Bonebridge® / Hearing results and communication benefits in patients treated with the active bone conduction implant Bonebridge®

El avance en dispositivos de rehabilitación auditiva ha logrado llegar a los dispositivos de transmisión ósea por medio de anclaje al hueso. El BAHA® (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid, Cochlear Co., Australia) es el más usado, dada su ganancia en el rango de frecuencias altas con menor distorsión de la señal; sin embargo, con complicaciones importantes, como infección, pérdida del implante y necesidad de cirugía revisional, que impactan en calidad de vida y costos. Debido a esto se han desarrollado implantes transcutáneos con menos complicaciones y resultados audiológicos similares, como el nuevo sistema activo de conducción ósea Bonebridge®. Objetivo: Describir los resultados auditivos y beneficios comunicativos del sistema implantable transcutáneo activo de conducción ósea Bonebridge® en hipoacusia conductiva y mixta. Diseño: Estudio pseudoexperimental tipo antes y después. Métodos: Se analizó a los pacientes implantados con el Bonebridge® entre octubre del 2012 y agosto del 2013, por el Servicio de Otología del Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, y se evaluaron ganancia funcional en audiometría, logoaudiometría, beneficio comunicativo y APHAB pre y posquirúrgico. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la vía ósea pre y postoperatoria. En las pruebas en campo libre solo hubo diferencia en la frecuencia de 500 Hz (P < 0,05). Se evidenció ganancia funcional en la discriminación del lenguaje en bisílabos a 60 dB SPL (nivel de presión sonora) (P: 0,042); se encontraron diferencias en el cuestionario de beneficio comunicativo APHAB (P: 0,043) en todas sus subcategorías, exceptuando aversión (P: 0,068). No hubo complicaciones. Conclusiones: El Bonebridge® es seguro y eficaz para la rehabilitación auditiva...

Advances in hearing rehabilitation devices have developed bone conduction devices through bone anchorage, BAHA® (Cochlear Bone Anchored Hearing Aid Co., Australia) is the most used because of its profit in the range of higher frequencies with less signal distortion, however, ought to its complications such as infection, implant loss and need for revisional surgery, which impact in costs and quality of life; transcutaneous implants have been developed with fewer complications and similar audiological results as the new active system Bonebridge® bone conduction. Objective: To describe the auditory results and communicative benefits of the active transcutaneous bone conduction implantable system Bonebridge® for treatment of conductive and mixed hearing loss. Desing: Pseudoexperimental before and after study. Methods: Patients who were implanted with Bonebridge® between October 2012 and August 2013 were analized by the Otology Department from the Fundación Santa Fe University Hospital in Bogotá, assessing functional gain in audiometry, speech audiometry and communicative benefit, APHAB, before and after surgery. Results: No significant differences in bone conduction were found before or after surgery. In free field test there was only a significant difference for 500 Hz frequency (P < 0.05), functional gain was observed in speech discrimination at 60 dB SPL disyllabic (P 0.042). There were differences for communicative benefit questionnaire (P 0.043) with the use of the device in every subcategories except aversion (P 0.068). There were no complications. Conclusion: Bonebridge® is safe and effective for hearing rehabilitations...

Body composition affects the response to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in patients with chronic kidney disease in dialysis.

BACKGROUND: The response to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is variable. The body mass index (BMI) variations can modify the response to ESA. The objective was to assess the effect of body composition on the response to ESA in dialysis patients. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study. Prevalent hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients were selected. In the same day, a single blood test, a body composition analysis using bioimpedance spectroscopy and anthropometric measurements were performed. We collected ESA doses. We analyzed erythropoietin resistance index (ERI). The ERI was calculated dividing the weekly weight-adjusted (kg) dose of ESA (IU) by the hemoglobin level (g/dL). RESULTS: The study was comprised of 218 patients (58% men; age 65 (16) years old; 80% hemodialysis, 20% PD). There was an inverse correlation between ERI and BMI (p=0.01), fat tissue index (FTI) (p=0.01) and prealbumin (p=0.04). We found an independent association between higher ERI levels and lower FTI and prealbumin values. CONCLUSION: Response to ESA is influenced by body composition. Fat tissue favors the body's response to ESA.

Percepción de la relación anestesiólogo-paciente valorada en el posoperatorio de pacientes ASA I y II en instituciones de nivel III y IV (estudio RAP-2) en Cali, Colombia / Perception about the anesthesiologist-patient relationship assessed during the post-operative of ASA I and II patients at level III and IV institutions (RAP-2 trial) in Cali, Colombia

Contexto:La consulta preanestésica es frecuentemente el momento para establecer la relación anestesiólogo-paciente. Es usual que los pacientes recuerden a su cirujano, pero no a su anestesiólogo, o la importancia que este tiene en su cuidado perioperatorio. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la percepción actual de los pacientes ambulatorios (ASA I y II) en el posoperatorio inmediato sobre la relación anestesiólogo-paciente mediante una encuesta de opinión. Diseño:Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico de corte transversal realizado en 4 instituciones de salud entre agosto de 2011 y mayo de 2012. Palabras clave: Anestesiología Periodo perioperatorio Servicios de Salud Satisfacción del paciente Anestesia Métodos:Se aplicaron 340 encuestas a sujetos adultos programados para cirugía ambulatoria, ASA I y II con Aldrette de 10 en recuperación, antes del alta. Resultados:Solo un 74,1% de las personas reconocía a su anestesiólogo como un médico especialista. El 21,2% desconocía la formación profesional real de este. El 99% de los pacientes refirió como agradable que quien realizó su valoración preoperatoria fuera el mismo que estuviera en su cirugía, pero esta situación se dio solamente en un 35% de los casos. Conclusiones: A pesar de la alta satisfacción de los pacientes ambulatorios sobre su cuidado anestésico, se requieren estrategias para fortalecer la percepción que tienen sobre nuestra especialidad. La relación anestesiólogo-paciente no debería limitarse solamente a la ejecución de la valoración preoperatoria y del procedimiento quirúrgico; adicionalmente deberían incluir espacios que poco se abordan. Es indispensable un mayor acercamiento a la comunidad para dar a conocer el papel del anestesiólogo y su contribución preponderante al cuidado y la seguridad del paciente.

Background:The preoperative visit is often the time to establish the anesthesiologist-patient relationship (APR). Frequently patients remember their surgeon but fail to remember who their anesthesiologist was and his/her key role in perioperative care. Using an opinion survey, the aim of this study was to analyze the current perception of outpatients (ASA I and II) about the APR during the immediate postoperative period. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional multicenter trial including four healthcare institutions between August 2011 and May 2012. Methods: 340 surveys were administered to ASA I and II adult subjects scheduled for outpa-tient surgery, with Aldrette recovery score of 10 prior to discharge. Results:Only 74.1% of the people acknowledged their anesthesiologist as a specialized physician. 21.2% were unaware of the professional trainingrequired to become an anesthe-siologist and 99% of the patients said that it was gratifying to have the doctor who did the preoperative evaluation in the OR; however this only occurred in 35% of the cases. Conclusions:Notwithstanding the high level of outpatient satisfaction with their anesthetic care, some strategies are required to strengthen their perception about the specialty. The APR a preoperative evaluation for the surgical procedure, but should be more comprehen-sive. There is a need to establish closer links with the community to create awareness about the role of the anesthesiologist and his/her outstanding contribution to the patient's care and safety.

Enteritis lúpica. Reporte de un caso / Lupus enteritis. Case report

Las manifestaciones en lupus son variadas y algunas de ella con menor frecuencia. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con diarrea crónica en el contexto de un lupus eritematoso sistémico. Luego de su estudio, se evidenciaron hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos compatibles con actividad lúpica que sugirieron la posibilidad diagnóstica de enteritis lúpica. Se indicó tratamiento inmunosupresor y al cabo de 30 días se logró la resolución completa de la sintomatología. En la actualidad se desconoce la terapia inmunosupresora más acertada para esta manifestación de la enfermedad, siendo el uso de corticoides la principal herramienta terapéutica.

The clinical findings of lupus are diverse and some of them exotic. Herein, we present the case of a patient with chronic diarrhea andlupus. We found clinical and radiologic features that suggested lupusactivity. Complete resolution of symptoms was achieved after immunosuppressive therapy; however, more evidence is needed regardingthe appropriate therapeutic approach to cases like this.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in anaemia due to chronic kidney disease: a cost-minimization analysis.

BACKGROUND: Some publications have shown that equivalent doses of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) defined on label differ from those effective in clinical practice. Therefore, real costs could vary from theoretical costs in the treatment of anaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVES: To perform a cost-minimization analysis to establish the economic impact of the principal ESAs used in treating anaemia secondary to CKD in daily practice. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: to determine patient-month cost based on the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI); to analyze the difference in cost between pre-dialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients; and to analyze the association between iron deposits and ESA cost. SETTING: This study was carried out at 2 tertiary hospitals in Spain. METHOD: A multicentre cost-minimization analysis was performed in adult outpatients treated with ESAs for anaemia due to CKD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome was the patient-month cost for each ESA. RESULTS: 409 patients were included. Median patient-month cost was: epoetin (103.2 [63.7, 187.8] euros), darbepoetin α (134.4 [67.2, 216.0] euros) and CERA (147.5 [98.3, 196.7] euros). Median patient-month cost according to ERI was: epoetin (1.60 [0.90, 2.60] euros/kg), darbepoetin α (2.01 [0.95, 3.48] euros/kg) and CERA (1.87 [1.33, 3.00] euros/kg). Median patient-month cost in pre-dialysis was 126.0 (73.7, 201.6) euros and in PD 153.0 (100.2, 275.4) euros. Median patient-month cost for patients with TSI < 20% was 147.5 (98.3, 224.9) euros compared to 100.9 (67.2, 196.7) euros which was the cost for patients with IST ≥ 20%. The median patient-month cost for patients with ferritin < 100 mcg/l was 134.4 (85.0, 201.6) euros compared to 100.8 (68.8, 196.7) euros, which was the cost for patients with ferritin ≥ 100 mcg/l (p = 0.242). CONCLUSION: Doses of CERA used in clinical practice are lower than those recommended on label, which directly influences cost and treatment efficiency. Cost stratification based on iron deposits has shown that patients with low TSI or ferritin require higher doses and consequently an associated higher cost. Thus, to guarantee adequate iron levels is essential in the rational use of ESAs.

Lesiones quirúrgicas de la vía biliar / Surgical bile duct injuries

RESUMEN Introducción: las lesiones iatrogénicas de la vía biliar son situaciones clínicas complejas, producidas generalmente por los cirujanos en pacientes habitualmente sanos, asociadas a una morbilidad importante y una mortalidad baja pero no despreciable. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas asociadas a la lesión quirúrgica de vía biliar. Materiales y Métodos: estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo sobre una serie de 8 pacientes tratados por lesión quirúrgica de la vía biliar en el Servicio de Cirugía General del Hospital Nacional (Itauguá) mediante la revisión de fichas clínicas en un periodo comprendido entre enero de 2007 a enero 2012. Resultados: se recolectaron 10 pacientes con lesión de la vía biliar, 8 mujeres (80%), con una edad media 43 años (rango de 16-72 años). La cirugía inicial de todos los pacientes fue la colecistectomía, en 4 pacientes (40%) fue una cirugía de urgencia por una colecistitis aguda y 6 pacientes (60%) una cirugía electiva por una colecistopatía crónica calculosa. En 9 casos la lesión se produjo en una cirugía convencional por la vía abierta y en 1 paciente fue en el trascurso de una colecistectomía por videolaparoscopía. Conclusión: la lesión de la vía biliar fue iatrogénica y se asoció a colecistectomía electiva por colecistopatía crónica calculosa realizada por cirugía convencional por la vía abierta.

ABSTRACT Introduction: iatrogenic lesions of the biliary duct are complex clinical situations, generally produced by surgeons in usually healthy patients associated with significant morbidity and low, but not negligible mortality. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics associated with surgical bile duct injury. Materials and Methods: descriptive, retrospective study on a series of 8 patients treated for surgical injury of the bile duct at the General Surgery Service of the National Hospital (Itauguá) by reviewing medical records in a period from January 2007 to January 2012. Results: 10 patients with bile duct injury were gathered, 8 women (80%), mean age 43 years (range 16-72 years). Initial surgery for all patients was cholecystectomy, in 4 patients (40%) emergency surgery for acute cholecystitis was performed and in 6 patients (60%) elective surgery for a chronic calculous gallbladder disease. In 9 cases the injury occurred in conventional open surgery and 1 patient was during the course of a video laparoscopy cholecystectomy. Conclusion: The bile duct injury was iatrogenic and associated to elective cholecystectomy for chronic calculous gallbladder disease performed by conventional open surgery.