Medication reconciliation in hospitalized hematological patient. / Conciliación de la medicación en el paciente hematológico ingresado.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to analyze unjustified discrepancies during the medication reconciliation process in patients admitted to the Hematology Service of our hospital and the pharmaceutical interventions. As a secondary objective, to detect possible points of the procedure to be perfected with a view to protocolizing the medication reconciliation process in hematological patients that adapts to the conditions of our center. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational pilot study carried out in a reference hospital in hematology for a population of 800,000 inhabitants. Adult inpatients admitted to the Hematology Service between August and October 2022 whose medication had been reconciled were included. The main variables were: number and type of unjustified discrepancy, proposed pharmaceutical intervention, and acceptance rate. RESULTS: 36 conciliation processes were analyzed, 34 admissions and 2 intrahospital transfer. 58.3% of the patients presented at least one unjustified discrepancy. 38 unjustified discrepancies were detected, with an acceptance of pharmaceutical interventions of 97.4%. The most common types of discrepancy were medication omission (56.8%) and drug interaction (24.3%). The most frequent pharmaceutical interventions were reintroducing medication (48.6%) and treatment discontinuation (16.2%). Polypharmacy and chemotherapy multiplied by 4 the probability of presenting drug interactions. CONCLUSIONS: The most common unjustified discrepancies in the medication reconciliation process in hospitalized hematology patients are: Medication omission and drug interactions. The reintroduction of medication and suspension of the prescription are the most frequent accepted pharmaceutical interventions. Polypharmacy is related to an increase in unjustified discrepancies. The factors that promote the appearance of interactions are admissions to receive chemotherapy treatment and polypharmacy. The main point of improvement detected is the need to create a circuit that allows conciliation to be carried out on discharge. Medication reconciliation contribute to improving patient safety by reducing medication errors.

Sebaceous Adenoma: A Dermoscopic Case Perspective.

This report focuses on sebaceous skin tumors, specifically sebaceous adenoma, sebaceoma, and sebaceous carcinoma, along with their association with Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS). A clinical case of a 25-year-old male with a suspected sebaceous neoplasm based on dermoscopy appearance is presented. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis and surgical management resulted in successful treatment. The report highlights the importance of considering differential diagnoses and utilizing dermoscopy for accurate evaluation of these rare skin tumors.

Osteosarcoma como patología GES. Experiencia de 7 años en Centro de Referencia Nacional

Introducción: El osteosarcoma (OS) es el tumor óseo primario maligno más frecuente. En 2014 se incorporó en Chile dentro del plan de garantías explícitas en salud (GES), ley que garantiza el tratamiento desde la sospecha hasta su tratamiento y rehabilitación. Objetivos: Describir las características de la población mayor de 15 años, con diagnóstico histopatológico de OS, definir su sobrevida, complicaciones e identificar variables que afectan estos resultados. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, se incluyó a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de OS, con confirmación histológica, desde 2014 a 2020. Datos demográficos, sitio anatómico, hallazgos histopatológicos, estadio de ingreso, presencia de metástasis, tratamiento, complicaciones y sobrevida fueron registrados. Se realizó un estudio multivariante para determinar factores pronósticos. Resultados: 133 pacientes fueron incluidos. 58,8% hombres, la edad promedio fue 31 años y la localización más frecuente fue fémur distal (34,9%). El 56,4% de los pacientes ingresó en estadio Enneking IIB, 36,4% presentó metástasis al ingreso. Un 14,3% presentó complicaciones, siendo la más frecuente la infección periprotésica (6 casos). El 16% evolucionó con recidiva local. El modelo multivariante mostró que la edad y presencia de metástasis al ingreso constituyen variables pronósticas independientes, con un cociente de riesgo de 1,017 para edad (p = 0,016) y de 3,13 para presencia de metástasis (p = 0,0000). En el análisis de subgrupos, los pacientes sin metástasis al diagnóstico presentaron sobrevida a 5 años de 54% versus 11% para el grupo con metástasis; al ajustar por edad, la sobrevida a 5 años para el grupo sin metástasis y con metástasis fue de 73% y 22% respectivamente. Conclusión: Este es el primer estudio de descripción demográfica de pacientes con OS que se realiza en nuestro país. Los resultados son similares a lo reportado por la literatura internacional, destacando en nuestra serie la edad de presentación y presencia de metástasis al ingreso como factores que afectan el pronóstico de una manera significativa. Al ajustar por edad, los porcentajes de sobrevida son equiparables con lo reportado en otros centros internacionales especializados en sarcomas.

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent malignant primary bone tumor. The explicit health guarantee (GES) plan in Chile, a law that guarantees diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, incorporated OS in 2014. Objectives: To describe the characteristics of the population over 15 years, with a histopathological diagnosis of OS, to define survival rate and complications, and to identify variables that affect these outcomes. Methods: A retrospective study from 2014 to 2020, including all patients affiliated with the public health system diagnosed with OS, with histological confirmation. From clinical records, we extracted demographic data, anatomical OS location, histopathological findings, admission stage, presence of metastases, treatment, complications, and survival. We determined prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. Results: 133 patients, 58.8% men, the average age was 31 years, and the most frequent location was the distal femur (34.9%). 56.4% of the patients were admitted in Enneking stage IIB, and 36.4% presented metastasis at admission. 14.3% presented complications, the most frequent periprosthetic infection (6 cases). 16% of patients evolved with local recurrence. The multivariate model showed that age and metastases at admission constitute independent prognostic variables, with a hazard ratio of 1.017 for age (p = 0.016) and 3.13 for metastases (p = 0.0000). In the subgroup analysis, patients without metastases at diagnosis had a 5-year survival of 54% versus 11% for the group with metastases. Adjusting for age, the 5-year survival for the non-metastatic and metastatic groups was 73% and 22%, respectively. Conclusion: This is our country's first demographic description study of patients with OS. In our series, the age of presentation and the presence of metastases at admission were factors that significantly affect prognosis. When adjusting for age, the survival percentages are comparable to those reported in other international centers specialized in sarcomas.

Improvements in gait and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis after treatment with coconut oil and epigallocatechin gallate. A pilot study.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease that progressively decreases the muscular and functional capacity. Thus, there is an alteration in the ability to walk that affects balance, speed and resistance. Since MS pathology involves neuroinflammation, cellular oxidation and mitochondrial alterations, the objective of the study was to assess the impact of a nutritional intervention with coconut oil and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on gait and balance. In order to do this, 51 patients with MS were enrolled and randomly distributed into an intervention group and a control group, which received either a daily dose of 800 mg of EGCG and 60 ml of coconut oil, or a placebo, all during a period of 4 months and which followed a Mediterranean isocaloric diet. Initial and final assessments consisted of the evaluation of quantitative balance (Berg scale), perceived balance (ABC scale), gait speed (10MWT) and resistance (2MWT). Besides, muscle strength was measured using a dynamometer and levels of ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) were measured in serum samples. In the intervention group, there was a significant improvement in the gait speed, quantitative balance and muscle strength of the right quadriceps; an improvement in gait resistance was observed in both groups. There were also significant and positive correlations between balance and gait scales. In conclusion, the administration of EGCG and coconut oil seems to improve gait speed and balance in MS patients, although the latter was not perceived by them. Furthermore, these variables appear to be related and contribute to functionality.

[Osteosarcoma as a GES-Listed Pathology: 7-Year Experience at a National Reference Center]. / Osteosarcoma como patología GES. Experiencia de 7 años en Centro de Referencia Nacional.

BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent malignant primary bone tumor. The explicit health guarantee (GES) plan in Chile, a law that guarantees diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, incorporated OS in 2014. OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of the population over 15 years, with a histopathological diagnosis of OS, to define survival rate and complications, and to identify variables that affect these outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study from 2014 to 2020, including all patients affiliated with the public health system diagnosed with OS, with histological confirmation. From clinical records, we extracted demographic data, anatomical OS location, histopathological findings, admission stage, presence of metastases, treatment, complications, and survival. We determined prognostic factors by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 133 patients, 58.8% men, the average age was 31 years, and the most frequent location was the distal femur (34.9%). 56.4% of the patients were admitted in Enneking stage IIB, and 36.4% presented metastasis at admission. 14.3% presented complications, the most frequent periprosthetic infection (6 cases). 16% of patients evolved with local recurrence. The multivariate model showed that age and metastases at admission constitute independent prognostic variables, with a hazard ratio of 1.017 for age (p = 0.016) and 3.13 for metastases (p = 0.0000). In the subgroup analysis, patients without metastases at diagnosis had a 5-year survival of 54% versus 11% for the group with metastases. Adjusting for age, the 5-year survival for the non-metastatic and metastatic groups was 73% and 22%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is our country's first demographic description study of patients with OS. In our series, the age of presentation and the presence of metastases at admission were factors that significantly affect prognosis. When adjusting for age, the survival percentages are comparable to those reported in other international centers specialized in sarcomas.

El costo esperado de cáncer en Chile / The expected cost of cancer in Chile

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a public health priority in Chile. AIM: To estimate the expected annual cost of cancer in Chile, due to direct costs of health services, working allowances and indirect costs for productivity losses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We undertook an ascendent costing methodology to calculate direct costs. We built diagnostic, treatment and follow-up cost baskets for each cancer type. Further, we estimated the expenditure due to sick leave subsidies. Both estimates were performed either for the public or private sector. Costs related to productivity loss were estimated using the human capital approach, incorporating disease related absenteeism premature deaths. The time frame for all estimates was one year. RESULTS: The annual expected costs attributed to cancer was $1,557 billion of Chilean pesos. The health services expected annual costs were $1,436 billion, 67% of which are spent on five cancer groups (digestive, hematologic, respiratory, breast and urinary tract). The expected costs of sick leave subsidies and productivity loss were $48 and $71 billion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer generates costs to the health system, which obliges health planners to allocate a significant proportion of the health budget to this disease. The expected costs estimated in this study are equivalent to 8.9% of all health expenditures and 0.69% of the Gross Domestic Product. This study provides an updated reference for future research, such as those aimed at evaluating the current health policies in cancer.

Nimotuzumab Increases the Recovery Rate of Severe and Critical COVID-19 Patients: Evaluation in the Real-World Scenario.

EGFR signaling is an important regulator of SARS-CoV induced lung damage, inflammation and fibrosis. Nimotuzumab is a humanized anti-EGFR antibody registered for several cancer indications. An expanded access study was conducted to evaluate the safety and recovery rate of severe and critical patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, treated with nimotuzumab in combination with the standard of care in the real-world scenario. The antibody was administered as an intravenous infusions every 72 h, up to 5 doses. In order to assess the impact of nimotuzumab, the recovery rate was compared with a paired retrospective cohort. Control patients received standard treatment according the national protocol but not nimotuzumab. Overall, 1,151 severe or critical patients received nimotuzumab in 21 hospitals of Cuba. Median age was 65 and 773 patients had at least one comorbidity. Nimotuzumab was very well-tolerated and mild or moderate adverse events were detected in 19 patients. 1,009 controls matching with the nimotuzumab patients, were selected using a "propensity score" method. The 14-day recovery rate of the nimotuzumab cohort was 72 vs. 42% in the control group. Controls had a higher mortality risk (RR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.38) than the nimotuzumab treated patients. The attributable fraction was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.44%; 0.58), and indicates the proportion of deaths that were prevented with nimotuzumab. Our preliminary results suggest that nimotuzumab is a safe antibody that can reduce the mortality of severe and critical COVID-19 patients.

Riesgo de recurrencia y factores de riesgo de invasión del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides / Risk of recurrence and risk factors for invasion of differentiated thyroid cancer

Introducción: El cáncer diferenciado de tiroides (CDT) se encuentra representado por el carcinoma papilar y el carcinoma folicular. Comprende la gran mayoría (>90%) de todos los cánceres de tiroides. Objetivos: Estratificar el riesgo de recurrencia inicial de los pacientes con CDT. Relacionar la edad, sexo y tamaño tumoral con el riesgo de recurrencia, invasión capsular, ganglionar, vascular y de tejido peritiroideo. Materiales y métodos: Estratificar el riesgo de recurrencia inicial de los pacientes con CDT. Relacionar la edad, sexo y tamaño tumoral con el riesgo de recurrencia, invasión capsular, ganglionar, vascular y de tejido peritiroideo. Resultados: El 87% fueron del sexo femenino. La edad media fue de 43±14 años. Predominó el riesgo de recurrencia bajo en el 49% de los pacientes, seguido del riesgo intermedio (33%) y riesgo alto (18%). El tamaño tumoral ˃1cm confiere mayor riesgo de ser estratificado como riesgo de recurrencia intermedio/alto (OR 5,7 IC 95% 3,6-9). El sexo masculino representó mayor riesgo de invasión ganglionar (OR 2,8 IC 95% 1,2-6,6); la edad ≥55 años lo fue en la invasión vascular (OR 2,1 IC 95% 1,1-4,1); el tamaño >1cm constituyó un mayor riesgo de manera significativa de invasión capsular (OR 10,5 IC 95% 6,5-17), invasión ganglionar (OR 10,2 IC 95% 3,8-26,9), invasión vascular (OR 30,7 IC 95% 4,2-224) e invasión de tejido peritiroideo (OR 5,2 IC 95% 3,3-8,2). Conclusión: El riesgo de recurrencia inicial más frecuente fue el riesgo bajo. El sexo masculino, la edad ≥55años y el tamaño >1cm constituyen factores de riesgo de invasión a estructuras vecinas.

Introduction: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is represented by papillary carcinoma and follicular carcinoma. It comprises the vast majority (> 90%) of all thyroid cancers. Objectives: Stratify the risk of initial recurrence of patients with DTC. Relate age, sex, and tumor size to the risk of recurrence, capsular, nodal, vascular, and perithyroid tissue invasion. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study with an analytical component. A total of 432 patients with a diagnosis of DTC from Hospital de Clínicas, Instituto de Previsión Social and Instituto Nacional del Cáncer between 2011 and 2015 were included. Results: 87% were female. The mean age was 43 ± 14 years. Low recurrence risk predominated in 49% of patients, followed by intermediate risk (33%) and high risk (18%). Male sex, age ≥55 years and tumor size ˃1cm confer a higher risk of being stratified as intermediate / high recurrence risk, but only size> 1cm was significantly (OR 5.7 95% CI 3.6-9). Male sex represented a higher risk of lymph node invasion (OR 3.1 95% CI 1.4-2.8) and vascular invasion (OR 2.3 95% CI 1.1-4.8); age ≥55 years was in the vascular invasion (OR 2.6 95% CI 1.4-4.9); size> 1cm constituted a significantly higher risk of capsular invasion (OR 10.7 95% CI 6.7-17.3), nodal invasion (OR 10.5 95% CI 4-27.7), vascular invasion (OR 33 95% CI 4.5-244) and invasion of perithyroid tissue (OR 5.1 95% CI 3.2-8.1). Conclusion: The most frequent initial recurrence risk was low risk. Male sex, age ≥55 years, and size> 1cm are risk factors for invasion of neighboring structures.

Ocular biodistribution of cysteamine delivered by a sustained release microsphere/thermoresponsive gel eyedrop.

The objective of the investigation was to determine the ocular biodistribution of cysteamine, a reducing agent used for treatment of cystine crystals in cystinosis, following topical administration of a sustained release formulation and traditional eyedrop formulation. To the right eye only, rabbits received a 50 µL drop of 0.44% cysteamine eyedrops at one drop per waking hour for 2, 6, 12, and 24 h. A second group received one 100 µL drop of a sustained release formulation containing encapsulated cysteamine microspheres suspended in a thermoresponsive gel. Upon serial sacrifice, ocular tissues from both eyes and plasma were obtained and quantified for cysteamine using LC-MS/MS. Cysteamine was detected in the cornea, aqueous humor and vitreous humor. Systemic plasma concentrations of cysteamine from treatment groups were below the limit of detection. As expected, 0.44% cysteamine eyedrops when administered hourly maintained drug concentrations within the cornea at a magnitude 5 times higher than a single dose of the sustained release formulation over 12 h. The sustained release formulation maintained cysteamine presentation across 12 h from a single drop. These studies demonstrate distribution of cysteamine to the eye following topical administration, including high drug uptake to the cornea and low systemic distribution.

Early stimulated thyroglobulin after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer predicts pre-radioiodine therapy thyroglobulin values.

INTRODUCTION: Follow-up of patients who undergo a total thyroidectomy is performed with thyroglobulin (Tg), and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (AbTg). The objective of RAI adjuvant therapy is to negativize Tg to undetectable levels to ease the follow-up. The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation of serum Tg values measured 2 weeks after surgery with the Tg value prior to RAI adjuvant therapy in order to define its utility as a reliable predictor of pre-therapy Tg and as a potential predictor to avoid RAI adjuvant therapy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a cohort recruited prospectively. Adult patients with thyroid carcinoma who underwent total thyroidectomy and classified as intermediate or high risk by ATA guidelines. All patients were left without levothyroxine support after surgery and for at least two weeks. We measured biochemical markers two-four weeks after thyroidectomy and before and after RAI. RESULTS: We included 75 patients. Thirty-three (44.0%) patients were classified as ATA high risk. In the post-RAI scan, only 1 (1.3%) showed distant metastases. The comparison between early post-operative and pre-therapy Tg values showed that Tg decreased or remained stable at postoperative levels in 75 patients (100%). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative Tg measurements are a reliable marker of pretherapy Tg levels in patients with intermediate- and high-risk thyroid carcinoma who are candidates for RAI adjuvant therapy. These results need correlation with outcomes and response to therapy in high-risk patients.

A model combining pretreatment MRI radiomic features and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to predict response to neoadjuvant systemic therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.

PURPOSE: We aimed to develop a predictive model based on pretreatment MRI radiomic features (MRIRF) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) levels, an established prognostic marker, to improve the accuracy of predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NAST) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. METHODS: This Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved retrospective study included a preliminary set of 80 women with biopsy-proven TNBC who underwent NAST, pretreatment dynamic contrast enhanced MRI, and biopsy-based pathologic assessment of TIL. A threshold of ≥ 20% was used to define high TIL. Patients were classified into pCR and non-pCR based on pathologic evaluation of post-NAST surgical specimens. pCR was defined as the absence of invasive carcinoma in the surgical specimen. Segmentation and MRIRF extraction were done using a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved software QuantX. The top five features were combined into a single MRIRF signature value. RESULTS: Of 145 extracted MRIRF, 38 were significantly correlated with pCR. Five nonredundant imaging features were identified: volume, uniformity, peak timepoint variance, homogeneity, and variance. The accuracy of the MRIRF model, P = .001, 72.7% positive predictive value (PPV), 72.0% negative predictive value (NPV), was similar to the TIL model (P = .038, 65.5% PPV, 72.6% NPV). When MRIRF and TIL models were combined, we observed improved prognostic accuracy (P < .001, 90.9% PPV, 81.4% NPV). The models area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.632 (TIL), 0.712 (MRIRF) and 0.752 (TIL + MRIRF). CONCLUSION: A predictive model combining pretreatment MRI radiomic features with TIL level on pretreatment core biopsy improved accuracy in predicting pCR to NAST in TNBC patients.

Lesion-Based Radiomics Signature in Pretherapy 18F-FDG PET Predicts Treatment Response to Ibrutinib in Lymphoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a pretherapy PET/CT-based prediction model for treatment response to ibrutinib in lymphoma patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred sixty-nine lymphoma patients with 2441 lesions were studied retrospectively. All eligible lymphomas on pretherapy 18F-FDG PET images were contoured and segmented for radiomic analysis. Lesion- and patient-based responsiveness to ibrutinib was determined retrospectively using the Lugano classification. PET radiomic features were extracted. A radiomic model was built to predict ibrutinib response. The prognostic significance of the radiomic model was evaluated independently in a test cohort and compared with conventional PET metrics: SUVmax, metabolic tumor volume, and total lesion glycolysis. RESULTS: The radiomic model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC) of 0.860 (sensitivity, 92.9%, specificity, 81.4%; P < 0.001) for predicting response to ibrutinib, outperforming the SUVmax (ROC AUC, 0.519; P = 0.823), metabolic tumor volume (ROC AUC, 0.579; P = 0.412), total lesion glycolysis (ROC AUC, 0.576; P = 0.199), and a composite model built using all 3 (ROC AUC, 0.562; P = 0.046). The radiomic model increased the probability of accurately predicting ibrutinib-responsive lesions from 84.8% (pretest) to 96.5% (posttest). At the patient level, the model's performance (ROC AUC = 0.811; P = 0.007) was superior to that of conventional PET metrics. Furthermore, the radiomic model showed robustness when validated in treatment subgroups: first (ROC AUC, 0.916; P < 0.001) versus second or greater (ROC AUC, 0.842; P < 0.001) line of defense and single treatment (ROC AUC, 0.931; P < 0.001) versus multiple treatments (ROC AUC, 0.824; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We developed and validated a pretherapy PET-based radiomic model to predict response to treatment with ibrutinib in a diverse cohort of lymphoma patients.

Impact of Anchor Location on Mitral Neochordae Forces: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: This study examined changes in force distribution between the neochordae corresponding to different ventricular anchor locations. DESCRIPTION: Seven porcine mitral valves were mounted in a left heart simulator. Neochordae (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) originated from either a simulated left ventricular apex, papillary muscle base, or papillary muscle tip location. The neochordae were attached at three sites along the P2 leaflet segment: P2Lateral; P2Center, and P2Medial. Mitral regurgitation was induced by cutting posterior leaflet P2 marginal chordae. The forces on each neochord required to restore normal mitral valve coaptation were quantified for different ventricular anchoring origins and leaflet insertion sites. EVALUATION: The results showed that under both normotensive and hypertensive conditions, the force exerted was much higher at P2Center than either P2Lateral or P2Medial, independent of ventricular anchor location. Also, forces on both P2Lateral and P2Medial were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: Artificial neochordae treatment for all anchoring locations was effective in correcting induced mitral regurgitation. The P2 central neochordae had a significantly higher force than both lateral neochords under all conditions.

New Sub-Classification of Vancouver B2 Periprosthetic Hip Fractures According to Fracture Pattern.

INTRODUCTION: There is currently a debate on whether all Vancouver type B2 (V-B2) periprosthetic hip fractures (PPHF) should be revised. Vancouver classification takes into account fracture location, implant stability and bone stock, but it does not distinguish between fracture patterns. The aim of our work was to study the different fracture patterns of V-B2 PPHF and to analyze if there is any pattern that presents lower osteosynthesis failure rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with V-B2 PPHF treated by osteosynthesis between January 2009 and January 2019 were included in the study. Using the Gruen system the proximal femur was divided into 3 zones. The lateral zone (Gruen 1±2±3), medial zone (Gruen 5±6±7), and distal zone (Gruen 4±3±5) were analysed and it was determined whether each of the 3 zones was fractured. RESULTS: 56 patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 79 years (R 45 - 92). The chosen treatment was: 39 Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), 10 Stem revision and 7 nonoperatively treatment. In ORIF group, no implant complications (0/24) were found in patients with a single fractured zone, while 5 implant complications (5/15) were discovered in patients with two or more fractured areas; this difference was significant (p=0.0147). All patients treated by stem revision had a fracture that involved two or more zones. In the nonoperatively group, the fracture pattern did not influence the treatment because of all of them had a very precarious functional and medical situation. CONCLUSIONS: V-B2 PPHF treated via ORIF affecting only one zone (medial, lateral, or distal) have a lower risk of complication than those affecting two or more zones. We propose a sub-classification of Vancouver B2 type fractures: B2.1 (1 fractured zone) and B2.2 (≥2 fractured zones). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Historical cohorts. Level III.

[The expected cost of cancer in Chile]. / El costo esperado de cáncer en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a public health priority in Chile. AIM: To estimate the expected annual cost of cancer in Chile, due to direct costs of health services, working allowances and indirect costs for productivity losses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We undertook an ascendent costing methodology to calculate direct costs. We built diagnostic, treatment and follow-up cost baskets for each cancer type. Further, we estimated the expenditure due to sick leave subsidies. Both estimates were performed either for the public or private sector. Costs related to productivity loss were estimated using the human capital approach, incorporating disease related absenteeism premature deaths. The time frame for all estimates was one year. RESULTS: The annual expected costs attributed to cancer was $1,557 billion of Chilean pesos. The health services expected annual costs were $1,436 billion, 67% of which are spent on five cancer groups (digestive, hematologic, respiratory, breast and urinary tract). The expected costs of sick leave subsidies and productivity loss were $48 and $71 billion, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer generates costs to the health system, which obliges health planners to allocate a significant proportion of the health budget to this disease. The expected costs estimated in this study are equivalent to 8.9% of all health expenditures and 0.69% of the Gross Domestic Product. This study provides an updated reference for future research, such as those aimed at evaluating the current health policies in cancer.

"Safe incision" in calcaneal sliding osteotomies reduces the incidence of sural nerve injury.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate whether application of the so-called safe incision when performing calcaneal sliding osteotomies reduces the risk of sural nerve injury. METHODS: Patients who underwent either medial or lateral sliding calcaneal osteotomies between 2010 and 2018 were analysed retrospectively. A thorough neurological examination was performed, and the location of the surgical wound and the type of wound closure were recorded. The European Foot and Ankle Surgery (EFAS) score and 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) were also documented. RESULTS: A total of 57 patients were included, of which 20 (35.1%) had a sural nerve injury. Five patients had a neurapraxia (8.8%), while 15 patients had a permanent injury (26.3%). Respecting the "safe incision" decreased sural nerve injury (p = 0.02). The type of osteotomy and closure was not significant. No significant differences were found in the functional tests between the different techniques, or between patients who presented sural nerve injury and those who did not. CONCLUSION: Sural nerve injury after calcaneal sliding osteotomies is higher than previously reported in the scientific literature, with an incidence of 35.1% (20/57 patients). Respecting the so-called safe zone (oblique incision that runs through the point that is > 1/3 of the distance from the tip of the lateral malleolus to the posteroinferior margin of the calcaneus) clearly decreases the incidence of sural nerve injury. Finally, the majority of patients remained asymptomatic despite the neurological injury.

Comparación de antibióticoterapia en la apendicitis complicada en pediatría / Comparison of antibiotic therapy in complicated appendicitis in pediatrics

INTRODUCCIÓN. La apendicitis aguda es una patología pediátrica quirúrgica que en su fase complicada requiere uso de antibióticos en el postoperatorio; encontrar la mejor opción como experiencia local, fue necesario. OBJETIVO. Comparar un esquema de antibioticoterapia triple vs un doble respecto a variables: demográficas, clínicas y de costos en pacientes pediátricos con apendicitis complicada. MATERIALES y MÉTODOS. Estudio analítico transversal. Población de 133 pacientes y una muestra de 93, operados por apendicitis complicada; 58 recibieron ampicilina + metronidazol + gentamicina y 35 ceftriaxona + metronidazol. Se comparó las variables: estadía hospitalaria, complicaciones y costo monetario de cada esquema. Se realizó en la Unidad de Cirugía Pediátrica del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín, en el periodo enero de 2017 a octubre de 2018. Los datos fueron analizados con R-Studio 1.8.366 para Windows. RESULTADOS. No hubo diferencia estadística con respecto a: estadía hospitalaria (p=0,261); complicaciones como infección del sitio quirúrgico (p=0,196), re-intervención quirúrgica (p=0,653) y costo (p=0,059). CONCLUSIÓN. Se comparó el esquema de antibioticoterapia triple vs un doble, utilizados en apendicitis complicada en pediatría. No se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en este reporte preliminar, con la diferencia de que con el esquema doble la frecuencia de administración fue menor y se evitó la exposición a los efectos colaterales de los aminoglicósidos.

INTRODUCTION. Acute appendicitis is a pediatric surgical pathology that in its complicated phase requires the use of antibiotics during the postoperative period; finding the best option as local experience was a must. OBJECTIVE. Compare a triple vs a double antibiotic therapy scheme respect demographic, clinical and cost variables in pediatric patients whit complicated apendicitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Cross-sectional analytical study. Population of 133 patients and sample of 93, with complicated appendicitis; 58 received ampicillin + metronidazole + gentamicin and 35 ceftriaxone + metronidazole. The following variables were compared; hospital stay, complications and monetary cost of each scheme. It was performed in the Pediatric Surgery Unit of the Hospital of Specialties Carlos Andrade Marin, during january 2017, through october 2018. The data were analyzed with R-Studio 1.8.366 for Windows. RESULTS. There was no statistical difference regarding hospital stay (p=0.261); complications such as surgical site infection (p=0.196), re-surgical intervention (p=0.653); nor cost (p=0.059). CONCLUSION. Triple vs. Double antibiotic therapy scheme used in complicated appendicitis in pediatrics was compared. No statistically significant differences were found in this preliminary report, how ever with the double scheme the frequency of administration was lower and exposure to side effects of aminoglycosides was avoided.

A sustained release cysteamine microsphere/thermoresponsive gel eyedrop for corneal cystinosis improves drug stability.

Cystinosis is a rare, metabolic, recessive genetic disease in which the intralysosomal accumulation of cystine leads to system wide organ and tissue damage. In the eye, cystine accumulates in the cornea as corneal cystine crystals and severely impacts vision. Corneal cystine crystals are treated with cysteamine eyedrops when administrated 6 to 12 times day and used within 1 week. The strict dosing regimen and poor stability are inconvenient and add to the burden of therapy. To reduce the dosing frequency and improve the stability, we present reformulation of cysteamine into a novel controlled release eyedrop. In this work, we characterize and evaluate a topical drug delivery system comprised of encapsulated cysteamine in polymer microspheres with a thermoresponsive gel carrier. Spray-dried encapsulation of cysteamine was performed. In vitro cysteamine release, stability, and ocular irritation and corneal permeation were evaluated. The data suggest that encapsulated cysteamine improves the stability to 7 weeks when compared with 1-week aqueous cysteamine eyedrops. Release studies from one drop of our system show that cysteamine release was present for 24 h and above the minimum cysteamine eyedrop amount (6 drops). Cysteamine from our system also resulted in negligible irritation and enhanced permeation when compared with traditional cysteamine eyedrops. In vivo studies were implemented to support ease of administration, tolerability, and retention for 24 h. These studies suggest that our controlled release delivery system may provide stable cysteamine from a safe, once daily gel eyedrop.

Cirugía de cabeza y cuello durante la pandemia de COVID-19 en Colombia: Experiencia de un centro de excelencia / Head and neck surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia: Experience from a center of excellence

Introducción. La pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 modificó la prestación de servicios de salud para priorizar el manejo de los casos emergentes. La Asociación Colombiana de Cirugía fue una de las primeras en liderar dichas iniciativas. Este estudio describe el comportamiento de los servicios de salud de un centro especializado en patología de cabeza y cuello en Medellín, Colombia. Métodos. Este es un análisis retrospectivo de una cohorte prospectiva, en el que se usó la base de datos administrativa. Las variables analizadas fueron el número y tipo de consultas y procedimientos, realizados en el periodo de enero-julio de 2109 y su comparación con el mismo periodo de 2020. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo usando porcentajes, promedio y desviación estándar. Resultados. Se analizaron 3521 consultas y 866 procedimientos quirúrgicos. Se observó una caída del número de consultas, que alcanzó su punto más bajo en el mes de abril, con un 33,9 % de disminución El porcentaje de consultas de telemedicina aumentó desde marzo de 2020, hasta alcanzar un 98 % en el mes de abril. Se observó una caída del número de procedimientos, con un aumento compensatorio en junio del 62,5 %. A la fecha, ningún paciente ni integrante del equipo de atención en salud ha presentado infección por COVID-19. Discusión. La pandemia de COVID-19 tuvo un efecto importante en el número de consultas y de procedimientos quirúrgicos de cabeza y cuello. La estrategia de telemedicina ayudó a compensar la disminución del acceso a la atención especializada

Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic modified the provision of health services to prioritize the management of emerging cases. The Colombian Association of Surgery was one of the first to lead these initiatives. This study describes the behavior of the health services of a center specialized in head and neck pathology in Medellín, Colombia. Methods. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort, in which the administrative database was used. The variables analyzed were the number and type of consultations and procedures, carried out in the period from January to July 2019 and their comparison with the same period in 2020. A descriptive analysis was carried out using percentages, average and standard deviation. Results. On the database, 3,521 consultations and 866 surgical procedures were analyzed. A drop in the number of consultations was observed, reaching its lowest point in the month of April, with a 33.9% decrease. The percentage of telemedicine consultations increased since March 2020, reaching 98% in the month of April. A drop in the number of procedures was observed, with a compensatory increase in June of 62.5%. To date, no patient or member of the health care team has developed a COVID-19 infection. Discussion. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on the number of consultations and head and neck surgical procedures. The telemedicine strategy helped to compensate the decrease in access to specialized care

Synthetic generation of DSC-MRI-derived relative CBV maps from DCE MRI of brain tumors.

PURPOSE: Perfusion MRI with gadolinium-based contrast agents is useful for diagnosis and treatment response evaluation of brain tumors. Dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI are two gadolinium-based contrast agent perfusion imaging techniques that provide complementary information about the tumor vasculature. However, each requires a separate administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the feasibility of synthesizing relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) maps, as computed from DSC MRI, from DCE MRI of brain tumors. METHODS: One hundred nine brain-tumor patients underwent both DCE and DSC MRI. Relative CBV maps were computed from the DSC MRI, and blood plasma volume fraction maps were computed from the DCE MRIs. Conditional generative adversarial networks were developed to synthesize rCBV maps from the DCE MRIs. Tumor-to-white matter ratios were calculated from real rCBV, synthetic rCBV, and plasma volume fraction maps and compared using correlation analysis. Real and synthetic rCBV in white and gray matter regions were also compared. RESULTS: Pearson correlation analysis showed that both the tumor rCBV and tumor-to-white matter ratios in the synthetic and real rCBV maps were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.87, P < .05 and ρ = 0.86, P < .05, respectively). Tumor plasma volume fraction and real rCBV were not strongly correlated (ρ = 0.47). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference between the synthetic and real rCBV tumor-to-white matter ratios of 0.20 with a 95% confidence interval of ±0.47. CONCLUSION: Realistic rCBV maps can be synthesized from DCE MRI and contain quantitative information, enabling robust brain-tumor perfusion imaging of DSC and DCE parameters with a single gadolinium-based contrast agent administration.