Carcinogenic effect of human tumor-derived cell-free filtrates in nude mice.

Cancer remains a worldwide cause of morbidity and mortality. Investigational research efforts have included the administration of tumor-derived extracts to healthy animals. Having previously demonstrated that the administration of non-transmissible, human cancer-derived homogenates induced malignant tumors in mice, here, we examined the consequences of administering 50 or 100 µg of protein of crude homogenates from mammary carcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and melanoma samples in 6 inoculations per week during 2 months. The concurrent control mice received homogenates of healthy donor-skin cosmetic surgery fragments. Mammary carcinoma homogenate administration did not provoke the deterioration or mortality of the animals. Multiple foci of lung adenocarcinomas with a broad expression of malignity histomarkers coexisting with small cell-like carcinomas were found. Disseminated cells, positive to classic epithelial markers, were detected in lymphoid nodes. The administration of pancreatic tumor and melanoma homogenates progressively deteriorated animal health. Pancreatic tumor induced poorly differentiated lung adenocarcinomas and pancreatic islet hyperplasia. Melanoma affected lungs with solid pseudopapillary adenocarcinomas. Giant atypical hepatocytes were also observed. The kidney exhibited dispersed foci of neoplastic cells within a desmoplastic matrix. Nuclear overlapping with hyperchromatic nuclei, mitotic figures, and prominent nuclear atypia was identified in epidermal cells. None of these changes were ever detected in the control mice. Furthermore, the incubation of zebrafish embryos with breast tumor homogenates induced the expression of c-Myc and HER-2 as tumor markers, contrasting to embryos exposed to healthy tissue-derived material. This study confirms and extends our hypothesis that tumor homogenates contain and may act as vectors for "malignancy drivers," which ultimately implement a carcinogenesis process in otherwise healthy mice.

Experiencias en la realización de autopsias a puérperas fallecidas por la COVID-19

Introducción: El SARS-CoV-2 causa graves neumonías. Las gestantes experimentan cambios inmunológicos y fisiológicos, que pueden hacerlas más susceptibles a las infecciones respiratorias virales, incluida la COVID-19. Objetivo: Exponer las características de una serie de casos de muertes maternas, confirmadas con la COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de serie de autopsias parciales, a las puérperas confirmadas al SARS-CoV-2, revisadas por el grupo especial de trabajo de anatomía patológica para la COVID-19, en el año 2021. Se analizaron las variables edad, historia obstétrica y causas de muerte, en el Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto". Resultados: En el 2021 fueron atendidas 425 gestantes confirmadas al SARS-CoV-2, de ellas 16 fallecieron (3,8 %). A todas se les realizó cesárea, por beneficio materno-fetal e ingresaron en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, con comorbilidades entre las cuales la obesidad y la diabetes fueron más frecuentes. La media de fecha de inicio de los síntomas fue 5,18 días, todas contacto de casos positivos; en las causas de muerte la hipoxia sistémica afectó a un tercio de las fallecidas; el edema pulmonar de permeabilidad se presentó en el 100 % de las puérperas y en todas las muertes maternas hubo daño múltiple de órganos. Conclusiones: El edema pulmonar de permeabilidad afecta a todos los casos, con impacto importante como causa de muerte, así como en la expresión de la hipoxia y la respuesta inflamatoria sistémica. La COVID-19 es la causa básica de muerte en todos los casos.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 causes severe pneumonias. Pregnant women experience immunological and physiological changes, which may make them more susceptible to viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Objective: To present the characteristics of a case series of maternal deaths confirmed with COVID-19. Methods: A serial study of partial autopsies of postpartum women confirmed with SARS-CoV-2, reviewed by the special working group of pathological anatomy for COVID-19, in the year 2021, was carried out. The variables age, obstetric history and causes of death were analyzed at the Central Military Hospital "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto". Results: In 2021, 425 pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 were attended, 16 of them died (3.8%). All of them underwent cesarean section for maternal-fetal benefit and were admitted to the intensive care unit, with comorbidities among which obesity and diabetes were more frequent. The mean date of symptom onset was 5.18 days, all contact positive cases; in the causes of death systemic hypoxia affected one third of the deceased; permeability pulmonary edema was present in 100 % of the puerperal women and in all maternal deaths there was multiple organ damage. Conclusions: Permeability pulmonary edema affects all cases, with important impact as a cause of death, as well as in the expression of hypoxia and systemic inflammatory response. COVID-19 is the basic cause of death in all cases.

Infección por SARS-CoV-2, endotelitis y ácidos biliares: una visión integradora / SARS-CoV-2 infection, endotheliitis and bile acids: an integrative view

Introducción: La endotelitis es causada por mecanismos complejos asociados a comorbilidades inmunitario-metabólicas como expresión del daño producido por diversos agentes, como el caso de las acciones proinflamatorias debidas a la interacción del virus SARS-CoV-2 con los ácidos biliares, que pueden estar implicadas en la mortalidad por la COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir las evidencias biomoleculares de la citotoxicidad de los ácidos biliares sobre el endotelio y la posible relación con la endotelitis de los cortes histológicos de tejidos de fallecidos por la COVID-19, asociada o no a las comorbilidades conocidas. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática y crítica de los artículos reportados sobre ácidos biliares y endotelitis desde 1963 hasta 2021 en los sitios web (PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs y Elservier). Se citó la histología del tejido pulmonar con daño endotelial en 34 fallecidos por COVID-19 en el Hospital Militar Central "Luis Díaz Soto", cuyos cortes histológicos fueron examinados en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras". Asimismo, se describieron las acciones y las propiedades físico-químicas de los ácidos biliares que pudieran relacionarse con la endotelitis observada en dichos cortes histológicos. Conclusiones: Los ácidos biliares hidrofóbicos conjugados con glicinas, por sus propiedades e incrementos séricos hallados en las comorbilidades inmunitario-metabólicas y en las enfermedades hepato-intestinales, pudieran tener un papel en la endotelitis presente en pacientes de la COVID-19, con estadíos graves y críticos(AU)

Introduction: Endotheliitis is caused by complex mechanisms associated with immune-metabolic comorbidities as an expression of the damage produced by various agents, such as the case of proinflammatory actions due to the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with bile acids, which may be involved in mortality from COVID-19. Objective: To describe the biomolecular evidence of bile acid cytotoxicity on the endothelium and the possible relationship with endothelitis of histological sections of tissues from COVID-19 deaths, associated or not with known comorbidities. Methods: A systematic and critical review of the articles reported on bile acids and endothelitis from 1963 to 2021 was conducted on the websites (PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs and Elservier). It was cited the histology of lung tissue with endothelial damage in 34 deceased by COVID-19 at "Luis Díaz Soto" Central Military Hospital, whose histological sections were examined at "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Clinical Surgical Hospital. Likewise, the actions and physicochemical properties of bile acids that could be related to observed endothelitis in these histological sections were described. Conclusions: Hydrophobic bile acids conjugated with glycine, due to their properties and serum increases found in immune-metabolic comorbidities and hepato-intestinal diseases, could have a role in endothelitis present in COVID-19 patients, with severe and critical stages(AU)

A case of intestinal schwannoma initially suspected by transvaginal ultrasound.

Schwannomas are peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Due to their low incidence, few cases of colorectal schwannomas have been published, which increases the diagnostic challenge. The aim of this case report is to discuss the role of transvaginal ultrasound in different areas than the gynecological disorders, when on hands of properly trained professionals that perform systematized procedures. A 56-year-old woman consulted for postmenopausal genital bleeding. During transvaginal ultrasound, a colonic solid, hypervascularized mass of 23 × 26 mm was visualized. As a result of this incidental finding, the patient underwent a sigmoidectomy, with a final diagnosis of intestinal schwannoma. Transvaginal ultrasound is today one of the most useful and accurate diagnostic tools in the assessment of gynecological disorders. However, the proximity of other pelvic structures makes it possible to evaluate the presence of nongynecological conditions. This fact should encourage gynecologists to systematize the transvaginal ultrasound procedure.

Feasibility of targeted axillary dissection for de-escalation of surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Targeted axillary dissection, which combines sentinel lymph node biopsy with removal of the proven involved node noted during the staging process, has been shown to improve axillary staging and decrease false negative rates after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer. OBJECTIVE(S): The main goal of this study was to assess the ability to identify and remove the clipped node and the false negative rate of targeted axillary dissection. METHODS: We performed a prospective study among patients with biopsy-confirmed nodal metastases who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A clip was placed on the sample node prior systemic therapy. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, all patients underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (dual tracer), localization and excision of the clipped node and axillary lymph node dissection. The clipped node was preoperatively localized in all cases placing an iodine-125 seed guided by ultrasound. The pathology of the sentinel nodes and clipped node was compared with other nodes. RESULTS: A total of 455 patients with invasive breast cancer were studied. Of the 148 patients with NAC, 32 met the eligibility criteria and were enrolled in the study. Mean age at diagnosis was 52.3 years. Systematic lymphadenectomy was performed in all patients, with an average of 14.3 lymph nodes removed. Detection rate of the clipped node alone was 96.9%, and 100% for targeted axillary dissection. Ability of clipped node alone to predict nodal status showed a FNR of 10,5% while SLNB alone performed by dual tracer and targeted axillary dissection, showed FNRs of 5.3% and 5.0%, respectively. Sentinel lymph nodes matched clipped node in 23 patients (74.2%). CONCLUSION (S): In node positive breast cancer patients, targeted axillary dissection is a reliably approach for axillary staging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The preoperative location of the clipped node is mandatory to increase the detection rate and optimize the results of the technique.

Experiencias de autopsias a fallecidos por la COVID-19 / Autopsy experiences of deceased by COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción: Se presenta un caso de paciente fallecido por la COVID-19, que los autores consideran prototipo de la mayor parte de los fallecidos por esta afección, que se le realizó a autopsia. Objetivo: Divulgar las experiencias en el estudio de la autopsia de este tipo de pacientes y contribuir a su aplicación en la práctica asistencial y científica. Caso clínico: Se presenta un paciente masculino de 78 años, con hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus y obesidad, que comenzó con tos, fiebre, secreción nasal, que ingresa con diagnóstico de la COVID-19, evoluciona hacia la gravedad y fallece 10 días después de su ingreso. Se presentan los elementos fundamentales de la historia clínica, los diagnósticos de causas de muerte pre mortem y post mortem. Se precisan los diagnósticos en la autopsia y los resultados de la evaluación de la calidad de los diagnósticos de causas de muerte clínicos. Conclusiones: Las experiencias del estudio de esta autopsia como prototipo, reafirman los daños ocasionados por el SARS-CoV-2 y aporta a los conocimientos de este campo.

ABSTRACT Introduction: A case of a patient who died from COVID-19 is presented, which the authors consider to be the prototype of most of those who died from this condition, which was performed at autopsy. Objective: Disseminate the experiences in the study of the autopsy of this type of patients and contribute to its application in clinical and scientific practice. Clinical case: A 78-year-old male patient is presented, with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity, who began with cough, fever, runny nose, who was admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19, progressed to severity and died 10 days later. of his admittance. The fundamental elements of the clinical history, the diagnoses of causes of death pre-mortem and post-mortem are presented. Autopsy diagnoses and quality assessment results of clinical cause of death diagnoses are specified. Conclusions: The experiences of the study of this autopsy as a prototype, reaffirm the damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 and contribute to the knowledge of this field.

Visión de las causas de muerte por la COVID-19 con las experiencias de las autopsias / Vision of the causes of death by COVID-19 with the experiences of autopsies

RESUMEN El 30 de enero de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró a la infección por SARS-CoV-2 una emergencia internacional de salud pública. La autopsia, considerada el mejor método de estudio del enfermo y la enfermedad, corrobora que los pacientes pueden morir por la acción directa del virus (fallecidos por la COVID-19), mientras que otros positivos al SARS-CoV-2, no mostraron cambios morfológicos pulmonares atribuidos a la acción del virus. Se propone establecer los criterios diagnósticos morfológicos en el contexto de la epidemia por el SARS-CoV-2 y la COVID-19 en los fallecidos en Cuba, a partir del estudio sistemático de las autopsias. Se han identificado los patrones morfológicos que se establecen en los pulmones de los pacientes fallecidos bajo el efecto de la COVID-19. El edema pulmonar de permeabilidad con el ensanchamiento de tabique pulmonar, el depósito de la membrana hialina desorganizada en el interior de los alveolos, el desprendimiento de células epiteliales (neumocitos y células bronquiales y bronquiolares), seguida de la hiperplasia epitelial con presencia en ocasiones de cambios metaplásicos y atipias, y finalmente, la fibrosis. Cuando se realizan autopsias, es posible ubicar cada enfermedad en su lugar, en el cronopatograma, lo que permite realizar el reparo de los certificados de defunción, para evaluar el lugar que la COVID-19 ha ocupado como causa de muerte en la población estudiada. En criterio del colectivo, identificar en las alteraciones morfológicas, es imprescindible para elaborar el cronopatograma del fallecido y la adecuada evaluación clínico patológica del paciente.

ABSTRACT On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared SARS-CoV-2 infection an international public health emergency. The autopsy, considered the best method of studying the patient and the disease, corroborates that patients can die from the direct action of the virus (who died from COVID-19), while others positive for SARS-CoV-2 did not show morphological lung changes attributed to the action of the virus. It is proposed to establish the morphological diagnostic criteria in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 epidemic in the deceased in Cuba based on the systematic study of autopsies. The morphological patterns that are established in the lungs of patients who died under the effect of COVID-19 have been identified. The pulmonary edema of permeability with the widening of the pulmonary septum, the deposit of the disorganized hyaline membrane inside the alveoli, the detachment of epithelial cells (pneumocytes and bronchial and bronchiolar cells), followed by epithelial hyperplasia with sometimes the presence of metaplastic changes and atypia, and finally, fibrosis. When autopsies are performed, it is possible to locate each disease in its place, in chronopathogram, which allows death certificates repair to be carried out to assess the place that COVID-19 has occupied as a cause of death in the population studied. In the opinion of the group, identifying morphological alterations is essential to prepare the chronopathogram of the deceased and the adequate clinical-pathological evaluation of the patient.

Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Patients Recovering from COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: During the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, some patients who develop severe forms of COVID-19 present thrombotic microangiopathy in the course of the disease's clinical progression. METHODS: Data came from direct patient observation and clinical records. We performed a kidney biopsy and used optical microscopy and immunofluorescence techniques. RESULTS: We present the case of a 78-year-old male patient, mestizo, overweight with a history of high blood pressure, ischemic cardiopathy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who was first admitted to the hospital due to respiratory symptoms and diarrhea related to COVID-19, from which he recovered. He was subsequently readmitted with symptoms of acute renal dysfunction accompanied by mild anemia and thrombocytopenia; at the same time, he resulted negative for COVID-19 via a real-time polymerase chain reaction test. A kidney biopsy revealed thrombi in glomerular capillaries, acute tubular necrosis, thickening of extraglomerular blood vessel walls, and C3 deposits in the glomerular tufts. CONCLUSIONS: We describe a case of thrombotic microangiopathy with kidney biopsy in a patient recovering from COVID-19. Acute renal dysfunction is a form of thrombotic microangiopathy that has been observed in patients recovering from COVID-19.

Autopsia y certificados médicos de defunción en fallecidos relacionados con la COVID-19

RESUMEN Introducción: La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha sido la mayor del siglo actual y motivo de numerosos trabajos científicos. En Cuba se ha constituido el Grupo Temporal de Anatomía Patológica para estudiar las autopsias de los fallecidos por la COVID-19 (más de 400). Los certificados médicos de defunción, documentos de inestimable valor, en Cuba se reparan de acuerdo a los resultados de las autopsias, para elevar su calidad. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados de las autopsias con diagnósticos de COVID-19, comparadas con los certificados médicos de defunción. Métodos: Se evaluaron los diagnósticos de causas de muerte de 65 autopsias del año 2020 con sus certificados médicos de defunción. Los diagnósticos fueron procesados en el Sistema Automatizado de Registro y Control de Anatomía Patológica. Se analizaron las causas directas de muerte, causas básicas de muerte, causas de muerte intermedias y causas de muerte contribuyentes. Se definió la coincidencia total de ambos diagnósticos, coincidencia parcial, no coincidencia o discrepancia diagnóstica y datos insuficientes. Resultados: Las discrepancias diagnósticas de causa básica y directa de muerte son 46,2 % y 60,0 % del total de casos y 19,4 % y 64,5 % cuando la COVID-19 fue causa básica de muerte. Las elevadas cifras de discrepancias diagnósticas, se corresponden con las reportadas en estudios previos, tanto en diagnósticos clínicos como en los certificados médicos de defunción. Conclusiones: Existe elevadas cifras de discrepancias diagnósticas en los resultados de las autopsias con diagnósticos de COVID-19, comparadas con los certificados médicos de defunción.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been the largest in the current century and the reason for numerous scientific works. In Cuba, the Temporary Group of Pathological Anatomy has been established to study the autopsies of those who died from COVID-19 (more than 400). The medical death certificates, documents of inestimable value, in Cuba are repaired according to the results of the autopsies, to raise their quality. Objectives: To evaluate the results of autopsies with COVID-19 diagnoses, compared to medical death certificates. Methods: The diagnoses of causes of death of 65 autopsies of the year 2020 were evaluated with their medical death certificates. The diagnoses were processed in the Automated System for the Registration and Control of Pathology. Direct causes of death, basic causes of death, intermediate causes of death, and contributing causes of death were analyzed. The total agreement of both diagnoses was defined, partial agreement, diagnostic mismatch or discrepancy, and insufficient data. Results: Diagnostic discrepancies of basic and direct cause of death are 46.2 % and 60.0 % of all cases and 19.4 % and 64.5 % when COVID-19 was basic cause of death. The high figures for diagnostic discrepancies correspond to those reported in previous studies, both in clinical diagnoses and in medical death certificates. Conclusions: There are high numbers of diagnostic discrepancies compared with the results of autopsies with COVID-19 diagnoses, compared to medical death certificates.

Hallazgos ultraestructurales renales de pacientes con nefritis intersticial crónica de las comunidades agrícolas en El Salvador / Renal ultrastructural findings of patients with chronic interstitial nephritis from farming communities in El Salvador

Introducción: Desde hace 20 años se presenta en Centroamérica una enfermedad renal crónica que fundamentalmente afecta a hombres agricultores y no asociada a las causas tradicionales. Se caracteriza por presentar una nefritis intersticial crónica, en tanto las características ultraestructurales no se conocen con exactitud. En su origen se invoca el uso de agroquímicos y otros agentes nefrotóxicos, la deshidratación crónica, el consumo de medicamentos, entre otros factores. Objetivo: Describir las características ultraestructurales de la nefritis intersticial crónica en comunidades agrícolas. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se estudiaron muestras de biopsias renales de ocho pacientes con diagnóstico de nefritis intersticial crónica de las comunidades agrícolas. Resultados: De los ocho pacientes estudiados, dos (25 por ciento) trabajaban en labores agrícolas y cinco eran del sexo femenino (62,5 por ciento). Dos de los pacientes (25 por ciento) presentaban una enfermedad renal crónica estadio 2, y seis (75 por ciento) estadio 3. En cinco pacientes se hallaron fagolisosomas con presencia de componente lipídico entremezclado con material electrodenso en células del túbulo distal. En igual cantidad de pacientes se observaron cuerpos mieloides con zonas laminadas y núcleo central en células de túbulo proximal y de los vasos sanguíneos. Conclusiones: En pacientes de comunidades agrícolas que padecen nefritis intersticial crónica se evidencian fagolisosomas y estructuras mieloides en túbulos y vasos renales, cuyo contenido y origen se desconocen(AU)

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease mainly affecting male farmers and not associated to traditional causes has been present in Central America for twenty years. The condition is characterized by the presence of chronic interstitial nephritis, but its ultrastructural features are not fully known. Factors suggested as responsible for its occurrence include the use of agrochemicals and other nephrotoxic agents, chronic dehydration and medicine consumption. Objective: Describe the ultrastructural characteristics of chronic interstitial nephritis in farming communities. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted of renal biopsy samples from eight patients diagnosed with chronic interstitial nephritis in farming communities. Results: Of the eight patients studied, two (25 percent) were farm workers and five (62.5percent) were female. Two of the patients (25 percent) had stage 2 and six (75 percent) stage 3 chronic kidney disease. In five patients evidence was found of phagolysosomes with lipid component mixed with electrodense material in distal tubule cells. An equal number of patients had myeloid bodies with laminated areas and central nucleus in proximal tubule and blood vessel cells. Conclusions: Evidence of phagolysosomes and myeloid structures of unknown content and origin was found in renal tubules and vessels of patients from farming communities diagnosed with chronic interstitial nephritis(AU)

Esclerosis peritoneal encapsulante en paciente en diálisis peritoneal domiciliaria / Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis in a patient on home peritoneal dialysis

La esclerosis peritoneal encapsulante es una complicación poco común, pero muy grave, de la diálisis peritoneal. Esta complicación está asociada con altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. El diagnóstico clínico requiere la presencia de obstrucción intestinal o función gastrointestinal alterada con signos patológicos y radiológicos de encapsulamiento intestinal. El diagnóstico patognomónico es solo con la realización de una biopsia peritoneal. El mecanismo patogénico exacto de esta entidad sigue siendo desconocido, aunque se asocia firmemente con el tiempo de duración del paciente en el tratamiento con diálisis peritoneal. Se presenta un caso clínico de esclerosis peritoneal encapsulante y se analizan las manifestaciones clínicas, diagnóstico, tratamiento, pronóstico y prevención(AU)

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is a rare but very serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. This complication is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Clinical diagnosis is based on the presence of intestinal obstruction or altered gastrointestinal function with pathological and radiological signs of intestinal encapsulation. The pathognomonic diagnosis is achieved only by performing peritoneal biopsy. The exact pathogenic mechanism of this entity remains unknown, although it is strongly associated with the duration of the patient with peritoneal dialysis. We report a clinical case of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention are analyzed(AU)

Marcadores morfológicos de hipoxia en el riñón fetal con insuficiencia placentaria tratado con neuro-EPO: estudio en ratas / Morphological markers of hypoxia in the fetal kidney with placental insufficiency treated with neuro-EPO: study in rats

RESUMEN Fundamento: la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino constituye una complicación del embarazo. Los recién nacidos con esta condición están expuestos a un mayor riesgo de morbimortalidad perinatal y postnatal. Objetivo: evaluar marcadores morfológicos de hipoxia en el desarrollo fetal y en el riñón, utilizando un modelo de insuficiencia placentaria tratado con eritropoyetina humana con bajo contenido de ácido siálico (neuro-Epo) en ratas. Métodos: se utilizaron tres grupos de ratas gestadas de la línea Wistar. Un grupo control (grupo I) y dos grupos experimentales (grupos II y III) con seis ratas cada uno. A las ratas de los grupos II y III se les realizó ligaduras de arterias uterinas en el día 16 de la gestación (E 16). Al grupo III desde E16 hasta E19 se le administró una dosis de 0,5 mg/kg/día de neuro-Epo por vía subcutánea y al grupo II se les administró placebo. En el día 20 de la gestación se pesaron los fetos y sus placentas. En el feto se midió la talla y los diámetros cefálicos. Las características morfométricas e histológicas en el riñón fetal se estudiaron con tinción de hematoxilina-eosina y PAS. Se realizó un análisis cualitativo histopatológico de sus tipos celulares. Resultados: los fetos con restricción del crecimiento intrauterino no mejoraron los marcadores de crecimiento. Se encontraron lesiones por hipoxia en el riñón fetal del grupo RCIU no tratado que mejoraron al administrar neuro-Epo. Conclusiones: la administración de neuro-Epo solo mostró efectos reparadores y protectores sobre alteraciones histológicas provocadas por la hipoxia en el riñón fetal.

ABSTRACT Foundation: intrauterine growth restriction constitutes a complication of pregnancy. Newborns with this condition are exposed to an increased risk of perinatal and postnatal morbidity and mortality. Objective: to evaluate morphological markers of hypoxia in fetal and kidney development, using a model of placental insufficiency treated with human erythropoietin with low sialic acid content (neuro-Epo) in rats. Methods: three groups of gestated rats from the Wistar line were used. A control group (group I) and two experimental groups (groups II and III) with six rats each. Rats of groups II and III had uterine artery ligation on day 16 of pregnancy (E 16). Group III from E16 to E19 was administered a dose of 0.5 mg / kg / day of neuro-Epo subcutaneously and group II was administered placebo. On the 20th day of gestation the fetuses and their placentas were weighed. The fetuses' size and cephalic diameters were measured. Morphometric and histological features in the fetal kidney were studied with hematoxylin-eosin staining and PAS. A qualitative histopathological analysis of their cell types was performed. Results: fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction did not improve growth markers. Hypoxia lesions were found in the fetal kidney of the untreated RCIU group that improved by administering neuro-Epo. Conclusions: the administration of neuro-Epo only showed reparative and protective effects on histological alterations caused by hypoxia in the fetal kidney.

Mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedad renal. Instituto de Nefrología. 2016 y 2017 / Mortality in patients with kidney disease. Institute of Nephrology, 2016 and 2017

Introducción: La Enfermedad Renal Crónica es un problema de salud mundial. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento de la mortalidad en pacientes con enfermedad renal en el Instituto de Nefrología durante 2016 y 2017. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo transversal de pacientes fallecidos con necropsia realizada. Se registraron variables demográficas, de laboratorio, las relacionadas con la terapia de reemplazo de la función renal y con el diagnóstico anatomo-patológico. Para cada una de las variables se calcularon frecuencias absolutas y relativas. En el caso de la variable presencia de sepsis en las defunciones, fue empleada la prueba de chi-cuadrado para la bondad del ajuste, para probar la hipótesis nula H0: de igualdad de la distribución de las tres categorías de la variable. Resultados: Se estudiaron 48 fallecidos con necropsia, 48,9 por ciento del total de fallecidos en el periodo. La correspondencia clínico patológica fue 80,1 por ciento. Predominó el sexo masculino, el grupo de edad superior a 60 años y la hipertensión arterial como antecedente. El método de terapia de reemplazo renal más documentado fue la hemodiálisis, mediante catéter venoso central un 87,8 por ciento. El 61,8 por ciento de los fallecidos recibieron tratamiento hemodialítico por 3 meses o menos. La sepsis fue la segunda causa de muerte precedida por eventos cardio y cerebrovasculares; no obstante, en el análisis de la totalidad de necropsias, la infección asociada directa o indirecta a la muerte tuvo una frecuencia mayor. Conclusiones: La infección directa o indirectamente asociada a la muerte, la hipoalbuminemia y el acceso vascular mediante catéter se relacionan con la mortalidad en el periodo(AU)

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is a health problem worldwide. Objective: To determine the behavior of mortality in patients with kidney damage in the Nephrology Institute during the years between 2016 and 2017. Material and Method: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted in 48 deceased patients who underwent necropsy. Demographic and laboratory variables were recorded, as well as those related to the type of renal function replacement therapy and the anatomopathological diagnosis. Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated for each of the variables. In the case of the variable presence of sepsis in deaths, the Chi-Square Goodness-of-Fit Test was used to test the Null Hypothesis HO: uniformity of the distribution of the three categories of the variable. Results: A total of 48 deceased were studied at necropsy, representing 48.9 percent of the total number of deaths within the period. The clinical- pathological correlation was 80.1percent. The male sex, the group over the age of 60 years, and arterial hypertension as antecedent of the disease predominated in the study. The most documented method of renal function replacement therapy was hemodialysis which was performed through central venous catheter, 87.8 percent. The 61.8 percent of deceased patients received hemodialysis treatment for 3 months or less. Sepsis represented the second cause of death preceded by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, during the analysis of all the necropsies, the direct or indirect infection associated with the death had a greater frequency. Conclusions: Direct or indirect infections associated with death, hypoalbuminemia, and the vascular access with venous catheter was related to mortality during the observed period(AU)

Epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease of Nontraditional Etiology in El Salvador: Integrated Health Sector Action and South-South Cooperation.

In El Salvador, chronic kidney disease had reached epidemic propor-tions towards the end of this century's first decade. In 2011-2012, the Ministry of Health reported it was the leading cause of hospital deaths in men, the fifth in women, and the third overall in adult hospital fa-talities. Farming was the most common occupation among men in dialysis (50.7%). By 2017, chronic kidney disease admissions had overwhelmed hospital capacity.In 2009, El Salvador's Ministry of Health, Cuba's Ministry of Public Health and PAHO launched a cooperative effort to comprehensively tackle the epidemic. The joint investigations revealed a total prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the adult population of farming communities higher than that reported internationally (18% vs.11%-14.8%), higher in men than in women (23.9% vs 13.9%) and higher in men who were farmers/farmworkers than in men who were not (31.3% vs. 14.8%). The disease was also detected in children. An association was found between chronic kidney disease and exposure to agrochemicals (OR 1.4-2.5). In 51.9% of all chronic kidney disease cases, traditional causes (diabetes, hyperten-sion, glomerulopathies, obstructive nephropathies and cystic diseases) were ruled out and the existence of a particular form of chronic kidney disease of nontraditional etiology was confirmed (whose initial cases were reported as early as 2002). In the patients studied, functional altera-tions and histopathologic diagnosis confirmed a chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis; most presented with neurosensory hearing loss, altered tendon refiexes and tibial artery damage. The main results of this cooperation were the epidemiologic, physio-pathologic, clinical and histopathologic characterization of chronic kid-ney disease of nontraditional etiology. This characterization facilitated case definition for the epidemic and led to the hypothesis of systemic toxicity from agrochemicals (e.g., paraquat, glyphosate), which par-ticularly affect the kidneys and to which farmers/farmworkers (who may also become dehydrated in the fields) are most exposed. The research thus also laid the foundations for design of comprehensive intersectoral government actions to reduce cases and put an end to the epidemic. KEYWORDS Chronic kidney disease; chronic renal failure; tubuloint-erstitial nephritis; epidemiology; histopathology; international coopera-tion; agrochemicals; environmental pollutants, noxae, and pesticides; occupational health; PAHO; El Salvador; Cuba.

Toward a Comprehensive Hypothesis of Chronic Interstitial Nephritis in Agricultural Communities.

Over the past 20 years, there has been an increase in chronic interstitial nephritis in agricultural communities (CINAC) not associated with traditional risk factors. This disease has become an important public health problem and is observed in several countries in Central America and Asia. CINAC predominantly affects young male farmers between the third and fifth decades of life with women, children, and adolescents less often affected. Clinically, CINAC behaves like a chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy but with systemic manifestations not attributable to kidney disease. Kidney biopsy reveals chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis with variable glomerulosclerosis and mild chronic vascular damage, with the severity depending on sex, occupation, and CKD stage. The presence of toxicological, occupational, and environmental risk factors within these communities suggests a multifactorial etiology for CINAC. This may include exposure to agrochemicals, a contaminated environment, repeated episodes of dehydration with heat stress, and an underlying genetic predisposition. An understanding of these interacting factors using a multidisciplinary approach with international cooperation and the formulation of a comprehensive hypothesis are essential for the development of public health programs to prevent this devastating epidemic.

Síndrome de nefritis tubulointersticial y uveítis / Interstitial Tubule Nephritis Syndrome and Uveitis

El síndrome de nefritis tubulointersticial y uveítis es una causa infrecuente de disfunción renal aguda en los adultos. El diagnóstico puede hacerse difícil, pues con frecuencia no coinciden temporalmente los síntomas oculares y renales. Se presentaron dos casos de síndrome de nefritis tubulointersticial y uveítis en adultos, con evolución favorable con tratamiento esteroideo sistémico(AU)

Tubulointerstitial nephritis syndrome and uveitis is an uncommon cause of acute renal dysfunction in adults. The diagnosis can be difficult, as ocular and renal symptoms often do not coincide temporarily. Two cases of tubulointerstitial nephritis syndrome and uveitis in adults, with favorable evolution with systemic steroid treatment are presented in this paper(AU)

Morfometría cardiaca en ratas con crecimiento intrauterino retardado / Heart Morphometry in Rats with Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Fundamento: estudios epidemiológicos y experimentales sugieren que el desarrollo de las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la adultez está influenciado por eventos de la vida prenatal o posnatal temprana, independientemente de los factores de riesgo relacionados con el estilo de vida. Objetivo: caracterizar la morfometría cardiaca en ratas de la línea Wistar portadoras de crecimiento intrauterino retardado, así como determinar las diferencias existentes entre adolescentes y adultos, en ambos sexos y la asociación con algunas variables morfométricas en el momento del nacimiento. Métodos: se estudiaron 80 crías del grupo control y 80 de un grupo experimental y se analizaron las siguientes variables morfométricas del recién nacido: peso, talla, circunferencia abdominal, diámetro biparental del cráneo, diámetro antero posterior del cráneo, todas en milímetros. Resultados: el bajo peso al nacer como resultado de crecimiento intrauterino retardado provocó cambios en la morfometría cardiaca, especialmente en el peso del corazón y en el grosor del ventrículo izquierdo. Estos cambios se observan en ambos sexos en la adolescencia y muestran un ligero predominio en el sexo masculino en la adultez. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos permitieron profundizar en el conocimiento de los eventos que participan en el desarrollo cardiaco en respuesta a la restricción de nutrientes durante la vida intrauterina, lo que podría contribuir al planteamiento de estrategias de salud encaminadas a disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad perinatal de estas enfermedades.

Background: epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that cardiovascular disease in adulthood is influenced by prenatal or early postnatal events, regardless of lifestyle-related risk factors. Objective: to characterize the heart morphometry in Wistar rats with intrauterine growth restriction and to determine the differences between adolescents and adults of both sexes as well as the association with some morphometric variables at birth. Methods: a total of 80 rats in the control group and 80 in the experimental group were studied. The following morphometric variables were analyzed in the newborns: weight, height in addition to size, weight and volume of the heart, all in millimeters. Results: low birth weight resulting from intrauterine growth restriction caused changes in heart morphometry, especially in heart weight and thickness of the left ventricle. These changes were observed in both sexes during adolescence and showed a slight predominance in adult males. Conclusions: these results led to an increased knowledge of the events involved in heart development in response to nutrient restriction in utero, which could contribute to the design of health strategies to reduce morbidity and perinatal mortality from heart diseases.

Experiencia de 20 años en biopsia renal percutánea en adultos del Instituto de Nefrología / Twenty years of experience of the Nephrology Institute in performing percutaneous renal biopsy in adults

INTRODUCCIÓN: la biopsia renal percutánea constituye un elemento clave en el manejo de la enfermedad renal crónica, además de tener gran valor en la evaluación de la disfunción renal aguda y en el establecimiento de pronósticos. OBJETIVOS: conocer las indicaciones de la biopsia renal percutánea de riñones propios, en el Instituto de Nefrología entre 1988 y el 2007; las complicaciones relacionadas, los diagnósticos y su relación con la forma de presentación de la enfermedad renal a través de estudio descriptivo y transversal. MÉTODOS: los datos primarios para esta investigación fueron recolectados de la boleta de biopsia. Todas las biopsias renales durante los años de estudio fueron realizadas, siguiendo el protocolo del Departamento de Anatomía Patológica. La información fue procesada automatizada; paquete estadístico SPSS 22.0. Se utilizó análisis de distribución de frecuencias, promedio y desviación estándar en las variables cuantitativas y el test de independencia para identificar posibles relaciones entre variables. RESULTADOS: la edad media de los pacientes fue de 35,9 años. El 49,6 % eran hombres. Presentaron complicaciones 59 pacientes (3,9 %), fundamentalmente sangramientos. El síndrome nefrótico (47,0 %) y el síndrome nefrítico (11,2 %) fueron las indicaciones más comunes. Predominaron las enfermedades glomerulares (91,3 %) y dentro de estas las glomerulopatías primarias (75,3 %). Los diagnósticos más comunes fueron la glomeruloesclerosis segmentaria y focal (20,6 %) y la glomerulopatía proliferativa mesangial (16,8 %). CONCLUSIONES: la indicación más común de biopsia renal percutánea, es el síndrome nefrótico y la complicación más frecuente, el sangramiento. Los diagnósticos más usualmente realizados son: glomerulesclerosis segmentaria y focal, glomerulopatía proliferativa mesangial y nefritis lúpica.

INTRODUCTION: percutaneous renal biopsy is a key element in the management of the chronic kidney disease in addition to having great value in the evaluation of acute kidney dysfunction and in making prognoses. OBJECTIVE: to identify the indications for percutaneos renal biopsy of native kidney in the Nephrology Institute from 1988 to 2007; the related complications, the diagnoses and their relationship with the form of presentation of the renal disease through a descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS: primary data for this research work were gathered from the biopsy form. All the renal biopsies performed during the study years followed the Pathological Anatomy Department protocol. The statistical package SPSS 22.0 was used for data processing. Frequency distribution analysis, averages and standard deviation were used in the quantitative variables whereas the independence test served to identify possible associations of variables. RESULTS: the average age of patients was 35.9 years. In the group, 49.6 % were men. Fifty nine patients presented (3.9 %) presented with complications, mainly bleeding. Nephrotic syndrome (47 %) and nephritic syndrome (11.2 %) were the most common indications for biopsy. Glomerular diseases (91.3 %) predominated and primary glomerulopathies prevailed among them (75.3 %). The most common diagnoses were focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (20.6 %) and mesangial proliferative glomerulopathy (16.8 %). CONCLUSIONS: the most common indication of percutaneous renal biopsy is the nephrotic syndrome whereas the most frequent complication is bleeding. The usual diagnoses were focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, mesangial proliferative glomerulopathy and lupus nephritis.