Neutrophils seeking new neighbors: radiotherapy affects the cellular framework and the spatial organization in a murine breast cancer model.

Neutrophils are known to contribute in many aspects of tumor progression and metastasis. The presence of neutrophils or neutrophil-derived mediators in the tumor microenvironment has been associated with poor prognosis in several types of solid tumors. However, the effects of classical cancer treatments such as radiation therapy on neutrophils are poorly understood. Furthermore, the cellular composition and distribution of immune cells in the tumor is of increasing interest in cancer research and new imaging technologies allow to perform more complex spatial analyses within tumor tissues. Therefore, we aim to offer novel insight into intra-tumoral formation of cellular neighborhoods and communities in murine breast cancer. To address this question, we performed image mass cytometry on tumors of the TS/A breast cancer tumor model, performed spatial neighborhood analyses of the tumor microenvironment and quantified neutrophil-extracellular trap degradation products in serum of the mice. We show that irradiation with 2 × 8 Gy significantly alters the cellular composition and spatial organization in the tumor, especially regarding neutrophils and other cells of the myeloid lineage. Locally applied radiotherapy further affects neutrophils in a systemic manner by decreasing the serum neutrophil extracellular trap concentrations which correlates positively with survival. In addition, the intercellular cohesion is maintained due to radiotherapy as shown by E-Cadherin expression. Radiotherapy, therefore, might affect the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in tumors and thus prevent metastasis. Our findings underscore the growing importance of the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment, particularly with respect to radiotherapy, and provide insight into potential mechanisms by which radiotherapy affects epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity and tumor metastasis.

Anaesthetic considerations for elective cesarean section in a patient with a giant Tarlov cyst.

Tarlov cysts are a pathological dilatation of the meninges. Their incidence is more frequent in women between 30 and 50 years of age. The imaging test of choice for diagnosis is MRI. Of unknown etiology, most cases are asymptomatic, but symptoms of radicular irritation, among others, may occur. The therapeutic possibilities are multiple, reserving surgical excision as the last option. We report a case of successful spinal anaesthesia for elective cesarean section in a patient with a giant Tarlov cyst but with potential airway compromise, in whom the risks of general anaesthesia would be increased. Anaesthetic management presents a challenge for the anesthesiologist, especially in situations where the patient presents an increased anaesthetic risk for general anaesthesia, as is the case in the obstetric patient.

Nitrous oxide versus lidocaine versus no analgesic for in-office hysteroscopy: a randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of inhaled nitrous oxide (INO) on pain control during in-office hysteroscopy with 1% lidocaine paracervical infiltration and no analgesic. DESIGN: Single-blind stratified randomised clinical trial with masked assessment by a third party. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a Spanish hospital. POPULATION: Women who underwent hysteroscopy. METHODS: Patients were stratified into three groups according to the purpose of the hysteroscopy (biopsy, polypectomy or tubal sterilisation) and then assigned to different treatment groups through a permuted-blocks randomisation within strata. Pain scale was provided by a gynaecologist totally blinded to procedures and treatments. Effects were assessed using a one-way analysis of variance following an intention-to-treat approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 to 100 mm. RESULTS: A total of 314 women were included: 105 to INO, 104 to 1% lidocaine and 105 to no analgesic. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Mean VAS score after the procedure was 34.7 ± 25.8 mm, 36.1 ± 22.9 mm (P = 1.0) and 47.3 ± 28.2 mm (P = 0.001) for INO, 1% lidocaine and no analgesic, respectively. No adverse events were reported in 91 (86.7%) patients in the INO group compared with 79 (76%) in the 1%-lidocaine group (P = 0.04) and 85 (81%) in the no-analgesic group (P = 0.26). CONCLUSION: INO was as effective as 1% lidocaine in pain control for in-office hysteroscopy and was better tolerated. The no-analgesic group presented the poorer results, so was the least recommended clinical option.

Neurological injury as a complication of spinal surgery: incidence, risk factors, and prognosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate, injury site, aetiology and outcomes in elective spinal surgery patients who sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: SCI national centre Toledo, Spain. METHODS: The study sample included patients who sustained an SCI after elective spinal surgery from 2013 to 2017. Oncological patients and patients receiving interventional therapies were excluded. Data collected included: demographics, aetiology, precipitating cause, injury mechanism, injury site, neurological status (AIS), SCIMIII at admission and discharge, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, depression and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and eighty-two patients were admitted in this period of whom 114 met the inclusion criteria with a median (IQR) age of 58 (45-69) years; 46% female. The prevalence of SCI as a complication following spinal surgery in the total number of patients admitted to our centre was 9%. In 43%, the injury was to the dorsal spine with T12 being the most common neurological level of injury (20% of cases following laminectomy secondary to spinal canal stenosis). The most frequent precipitating cause was epidural haematoma (38% of cases). The median (IQR) SCIMIII scores at admission and discharge were (31) points (20-54) and (67) points (34-81), respectively. General AIS at admission were C (35%) and D at discharge (54%). The presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and dyslipidemia adjusted by age was not linked to a higher complication rate. The median (IQR) hospital length of stay was 120 days (60-189). CONCLUSION: In total 8.9% of patients admitted with SCI were the result of elective spinal surgery.

Transoral robotic surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx in a primarily human papillomavirus-negative patient population.

PURPOSE: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is one of the main treatment options for non-locally advanced primary oropharyngeal cancer in the United States. However, its use is more limited in countries with a low incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV), such as Spain, in patients with advanced disease, and as salvage surgery. To shed light on the use and potential benefit of TORS in Spanish patients, we analyzed the functional and oncologic outcomes of TORS as both primary and salvage surgery in a primarily HPV-negative population which is representative of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on OPSCC patients treated with TORS at our center between February 2017 and February 2019. RESULTS: Fifty-four OPSCC patients were included; 79.6% were males and 80.5% were HPV negative. Median age was 62 years. Primary surgery was performed on 73.7% (48.1% stage I-II; 51.9% stage III-IV) and salvage surgery on 25.9% of patients. Positive margin rates were 4.3% for T1-2 and 25.8% for T3-4. None of the stage I-II patients and 27.7% of stage III-IV patients required adjuvant treatment. Reconstructive surgery was performed in 19.2% of all patients. Normal swallowing was achieved in 92.7% of patients at 6 months after surgery. 1- and 2-year survival rates for all patients were 94.5% and 89%, respectively. The overall complication rate was 16.1%. Bleeding occurred in 11.5% of patients. Longer hospitalization time was associated with surgical complications (P = 0.03) and reconstructive surgery (P = 0.03) but not with salvage surgery. CONCLUSION: TORS is a safe and effective treatment for HPV-negative T1-2 OPSCC patients. The positive margin rate was worse in T3-4 patients, indicating the need for careful patient selection in this subgroup.

Uso de bastones contralaterales en artrosis de rodilla / Contralateral canes for knee osteoarthritis

INTRODUCCIÓN La artrosis de rodilla es un problema de salud relevante dada su alta prevalencia y discapacidad asociada. Dentro de las alternativas de manejo no farmacológico se ha planteado el uso de bastones, sin embargo no existe consenso en la literatura respecto a su indicación. MÉTODOS Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis, preparamos tablas de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES Identificamos tres revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron cuatro estudios primarios, de los cuales, uno es ensayo aleatorizado. Concluimos que el uso de bastón contralateral en pacientes con artrosis de rodilla probablemente disminuye el dolor. Además, podría aumentar levemente la funcionalidad, pero la certeza de la evidencia es baja.

INTRODUCTION Knee osteoarthritis is a relevant health problem given its high prevalence and associated disability. Within the non-pharmacological management alternatives, the use of canes has been proposed, however, there is no consensus in the literature regarding its indication. METHODS We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified three systematic reviews including four studies overall, of which one was randomized trials. We conclude that the use of a contralateral cane in patients with knee osteoarthritis probably reduces pain. In addition, it could slightly increase function, but the certainty of the evidence is low.

Comparison of subcutaneous inflammatory response to commercial and engineered zinc hydroxyapatite implants in rabbits / Comparação da resposta inflamatória subcutânea aos implantes de hidroxiapatita comercial e modificada com zinco em coelhos

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is widely used as a biomaterial for bone repair and metallic prostheses coating. The main limitations of the current commercial synthetic hydroxyapatite compounds include high cost and decreased availability, especially for veterinary medicine purposes. Additionally, it is thought that HA biocompatibility and bioactivity could be enhanced by the addition of metal compounds. The objective of this work was to compare the subcutaneous tissue response of commercial and engineered hydroxyapatite obtained from the bovine femur diaphysis mixed with different concentrations of hexa-hydrated Zinc Nitrate in rabbits. Twenty-Five New Zealand female rabbits were used. Five treatments were done according to HA composition (commercial HA, no Zn-HA, 0.1M Zn, 0.2M Zn, and 0.3M Zn). Each treatment was evaluated at five time-points (8, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days post-implantation). Histopathologic analysis was performed to assess inflammation by polymorphonuclear cells infiltration, neovascularization, and fibrosis. Results obtained in this work suggest that general inflammation decreased after 60 days of implantation regardless of Zn concentration. Fibrosis score was increased in the commercial HP compared to control and Zn-hydrated HA. This paper shows that bovine hydroxyapatite is a biocompatible material regardless of nitrate Zinc concentration and has the same properties of commercial hydroxyapatite.(AU)

A hidroxiapatita (HA) é amplamente utilizada como biomaterial para reparo ósseo e revestimento de próteses metálicas. As principais limitações dos atuais compostos comerciais de hidroxiapatita sintética incluem alto custo e menor disponibilidade, especialmente para fins de medicina veterinária. Além disso, acredita-se que a biocompatibilidade e a bioatividade da HA poderiam ser aumentadas pela adição de compostos metálicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar a resposta tecidual subcutânea de hidroxiapatita comercial e da obtida da diáfise do fêmur bovino misturada com diferentes concentrações de nitrato de zinco hexa-hidratado em coelhos. Foram utilizadas 25 coelhas fêmeas Nova Zelândia. Cinco tratamentos foram feitos de acordo com os compostos de HA (HA comercial, no Zn-HA, 0,1M Zn, 0,2M Zn e 0,3M Zn). Cada tratamento foi avaliado em cinco momentos (oito, 15, 30, 60 e 90 dias após a implantação). A análise histopatológica foi realizada para avaliar a inflamação por infiltração de células polimorfonucleares, neovascularização e fibrose. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho sugerem que a inflamação geral diminuiu após 60 dias de implantação, independentemente da concentração de Zn. O escore de fibrose foi aumentado na HA comercial comparada com o controle e com a HA hidratada com Zn. Este trabalho mostra que a hidroxiapatita bovina é um material biocompatível independentemente da concentração de nitrato de zinco e possui as mesmas propriedades da hidroxiapatita comercial.(AU)

Perfil clínico y Psicosocial de los Adolescentes de 15 a 18 años Intentadores de Suicidio Hospitalizados en la Clínica Psiquiátrica de la Universidad de Chile (CPU) 2009-2011 / Clinical and Psychosocial Profile of 15 to 18-year-old Adolescents with Suicide Attempts Hospitalized in the Universidad de Chile Psychiatric Clinic (CPU) 2009-2011

El fenómeno suicida ha aumentado en la población general y esto cobra especial relevancia en los adolescentes de nuestro país. Si bien se conocen factores de riesgo asociados, existen aún escasos estudios locales respecto a las características de los adolescentes intentadores de suicidio en población consultante. Métodos: Se consideró población estudio a los adolescentes entre 15 y 18 años hospitalizados en la CPU entre 2009 y 2011, se dividieron intentadores (IS) y no intentadores de suicidio (NIS), registrando características clínicas y sociodemográficas, analizadas luego con el software STATA. Resultados: En el grupo de intentadores de suicidio el 68,13% presentaban historia de intento suicida previo, siendo más frecuente en mujeres. Otra característica distintiva de este grupo es la asociación a conducta suicida de familiar de primer grado y el antecedente de abuso sexual infantil. Palabras Clave: comportamiento suicida, intento suicida, adolescentes, perfil psicosocial, abuso sexual.

The suicidal phenomenon has increased in the general population and this is especially relevant in our country's adolescents. Although there are known risk factors for suicide, there are still few local studies regarding the characteristics of adolescents attempting suicide in our consulting population. Methods: The study population was considered to be 15 to 18-year-old adolescents hospitalized in the CPU between 2009 and 2011, they were divided into suicide attempters (SA) and non suicide attempters (NSA); clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were recorded and later analyzed with the software STATA. Results: In the group of suicide attempters 68.13% presented a history of previous suicide attempts, more frequently in women. Another distinctive feature of this group is the association of suicide attempts to suicidal behavior of a first-degree relative and a history of child sexual abuse.Key words: suicidal behaviour, suicidal attempt, adolescent, psychosocial profile, sexual abuse.

Condición corporal en caballos de rodeo chileno de élite: estudio preliminar / Body condition in elite Chilean rodeo horses: preliminary study

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la condición corporal de caballos de rodeo chileno de élite en competencia. Se eligieron al azar 48 caballos raza chilena (15 hembras, 24 machos enteros y 9 machos castrados) participantes del 64° Campeonato Nacional de Rodeo Chileno. La condición corporal de cada caballo se evaluó por inspección visual y palpación según el sistema de Henneke. El rendimiento deportivo se registró como clasificados o no clasificados en la final del campeonato. Se construyeron tablas de frecuencia para la condición corporal por género y por rendimiento deportivo, se calcularon modas como descriptores de tendencia central y se comparó la condición corporal por género y rendimiento deportivo mediante la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0,05). La condición corporal presentó una moda de 7, con un rango de 5 a 8. El 87,5% de los caballos tenía condición corporal entre 6 y 7 y se detectó un 6,3% de individuos obesos. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en relación al género ni rendimiento deportivo. Este es el primer estudio que reporta la condición corporal en caballos de rodeo chileno de élite y los resultados sugieren que los valores más frecuentes para esta variable en la raza están entre 6 a 7 puntos.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize the distribution of body condition score for elite Chilean rodeo horses in competition. Forty-eight Chilean breed horses (15 mares, 24 stallions and 9 geldings) were randomly chosen for evaluation while participating at the 64th National Championship of Chilean Rodeo 2012. Body condition score for each horse was assessed by visual inspection and palpation according to the Henneke system. The sport performance was recorded as qualified or not qualified to the final round of the competition. Frequencies of body condition score were tabulated according to gender and according to sport performance of the horses. Modes were calculated as central tendency measurements and body condition score was compared between gender and sport performance groups by means of the Kruskal-Wallis test (p < 0.05). The mode of the general body condition score had a value of 7, with range between 5 and 8. 87.5% of the horses had body condition score between 6 and 7 points and 6.3% of them exhibited obesity. No significant differences were found both for gender and sport performance. This is the first study reporting body condition score in Chilean élite horses and results suggest that in the breed the most frequent value for this variable lies between 6 and 7 points.

Estradiol impairs epithelial CXCL1 gradient in the cervix to delay neutrophil transepithelial migration during insemination.

Female reproductive mucosa must allow allogenic sperm survival whereas at the same time, avoid pathogen infection. To preserve sperm from neutrophil attack, neutrophils disappear from the vagina during the ovulatory phase (high estradiol); although the mechanisms that regulate neutrophil influx to the vagina during insemination remain controversial. We investigated the sex hormone regulation of the neutrophil migration through the cervix during insemination and revealed that ovulatory estradiol dose fades the CXCL1 epithelial expression in the ectocervix and fornix; hence, retarding neutrophil migration and retaining them in the epithelium. These mechanisms spare sperm from neutrophil attack to preserve reproduction, but might compromise immunity. However, luteal progesterone dose promotes the CXCL1 gradient expression to restore neutrophil migration, to eliminate sperm and prevent sperm associated pathogen dissemination. Surprisingly, these mechanisms are hormone dependent and independent of the insemination. Thus, sex hormones orchestrate tolerance and immunity in the vaginal lumen by regulating neutrophil transepithelial migration in the fornix and ectocervix.

[Treatment of refractory aggressiveness by amygdalotomy and posteromedial hypothalamotomy by radiofrequency]. / Tratamiento de la agresividad refractaria mediante amigdalotomia e hipotalamotomia posteromedial por radiofrecuencia.

INTRODUCTION: Since, under certain circumstances, defensive or attacking behaviours display a pattern of motor dominance, as observed in subjects who participate in contact or fighting sports, aggressive behaviour was considered to have a dominant motor pattern. With the aim of preventing the functional problems reported with bilateral lesion procedures involving both the central nucleus of the amygdala and the posteromedial hypothalamus, the decision was made to combine them; thus, an amygdalotomy of the central nucleus of the amygdala and a posteromedial hypothalamotomy were to be performed simultaneously and unilaterally, on the basis of the motor dominance of the patient determined by means of the Edinburgh test. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study describes the surgical experience in a series of nine patients diagnosed with refractory neuroaggressive syndrome. As part of the study protocol, a magnetic resonance brain scan was performed to rule out the presence of neoplasms, vascular diseases, infections and degenerative disorders. The degree of aggressiveness was quantified using Yudofsky's Overt Aggression Scale. Additionally, manual dominance was determined by means of the Edinburgh test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Good control of aggressiveness was seen immediately. In some cases it was necessary to reduce the antipsychotic or benzodiazepine medication, as it was seen to increase aggressiveness. Only one case required a second surgical intervention. Follow-up was achieved in 100% of the cases at 24 months and 78% at 36 months.

TITLE: Tratamiento de la agresividad refractaria mediante amigdalotomia e hipotalamotomia posteromedial por radiofrecuencia.Introduccion. Dado que, en algunas circunstancias, las conductas defensivas o de ataque muestran un patron de dominancia motora, tal como se observa en los sujetos dedicados a los deportes de contacto o de lucha, se considero que la conducta agresiva tiene un patron motor dominante. Con el fin de evitar los problemas funcionales descritos con los procedimientos de lesion bilateral tanto del nucleo central de la amigdala como del hipotalamo posteromedial, se decidio combinarlos; es decir, realizar amigdalotomia del nucleo central de la amigdala e hipotalamotomia posteromedial de manera unilateral y simultanea, basandose en la dominancia motora del paciente mediante la prueba de Edimburgo. Pacientes y metodos. Este estudio muestra la experiencia quirurgica en una serie de nueve pacientes con el diagnostico de sindrome neuroagresivo resistente al tratamiento farmacologico. Dentro del protocolo de estudio, se les realizo resonancia magnetica cerebral para descartar la presencia de neoplasias, enfermedades vasculares, infecciones y trastornos degenerativos. El grado de agresividad se cuantifico mediante la escala global de agresividad de Yudofsky. Adicionalmente, se determino la dominancia manual a traves de la prueba de Edimburgo. Resultados y conclusiones. El buen control de la agresividad se observo de modo inmediato. En algunos casos fue necesario reducir la medicacion de antipsicoticos o benzodiacepinas, ya que aumentaban la agresividad. Solo un caso requirio una segunda cirugia. Se logro seguimiento del 100% de los casos en 24 meses y del 78% en 36 meses.

End-of-life care for patients hospitalised in internal medicine departments. / Cuidados en los últimos días de vida en los pacientes hospitalizados en medicina interna.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the care provided at the end of life for patients who die in internal medicine departments. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, retrospective multicentre, clinical audit study was conducted where each hospital included the first 10 patients who died in the internal medicine department starting on December 1, 2015. We collected demographic and clinical data and information regarding the circumstances and care at the time of death. RESULTS: The study included 1,447 patients with a median age of 84 years. Of these, 1,065 (74.3%) were polypathological, 751 (51.9%) were terminal and 248 (17.1%) had cancer. For the terminal patients, do-not-resuscitate orders were established for 539 (73.3%), and palliative sedation was performed for 422 (57.4%). There was no record as to whether psychological, religious or grief care was provided in 32%, 64.8% and 44.1% of the terminal patients, respectively. The patients with cancer were more often competent to make decisions (54.4% vs. 15.5%; P<.001), knew their prognosis (42.6% vs. 8.6%; P<.001), received psychological care (24.9% vs. 8.6%; P<.001), died in an individual room (64.6% vs. 44.4%; P<.001) and were accompanied (81.9% vs. 71.9%; P=.003). Their relatives also more frequently received grief care (15.6% vs. 8.2%; P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient recording in the medical history as to the end-of-life care. There are differences in the care provided to patients with cancer and to those without cancer.

HPV E6 oncoproteins and nucleic acids in neck lymph node fine needle aspirates and oral samples from patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Commercial assays measuring HPV E6 viral oncoproteins, E6/E7 mRNA or DNA were used to test neck lymph node fine needle aspirates (FNA) and oropharyngeal samples (saliva and oral swabs) from 59 Canadian patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC). Overall agreements of p16 antigen staining of tumors to FNA tested for OncoE6™, Aptima HPV E6/E7 mRNA and cobas HPV DNA were 81.4% (k 0.53), 94.9% (k 0.83) and 91.1% (k 0.73) respectively. Using HPV presence in a subset of 25 tumors as the comparator, overall agreement was 64.0% (k 0.08) with OncoE6™, 88.0% (k 0.65) with Aptima HPV E6/E7 mRNA and 91.7% (k 0.70) with cobas HPV DNA. HPV testing of oropharyngeal samples yielded lower agreements with tumor markers; 23.7-24.0% (k 0.02), 55.9-68.0% (k 0.24-0.37) and 78.9-86.9% (k 0.49-0.58) in the 3 respective tests. HPV 16 was present in 93.7-100% of the samples tested and showed 100% genotype agreement between FNA and tumors. The high rates for HPV E6 oncoproteins and E6/E7 mRNA suggests most patients were experiencing transcriptionally active HPV-related OPSCC. Results from these commercial assays performed on FNA but not oropharyngeal samples showed moderate to very good agreements with p16 and HPV testing of tumors.

Complexity of the medication regimen for polypathological patients. / Complejidad del régimen de medicación en pacientes pluripatológicos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the complexity of the therapeutic regimen for polypathological patients hospitalised in internal medicine departments. METHODS: A multicentre observational study included polypathological patients hospitalised in internal medicine departments. Patients who were readmitted or died were excluded. Data were collected on age, sex, residence, disease, Charlson, Barthel and Lawton-Brody indices, Pfeiffer questionnaire, Gijón scale, number of hospitalisations in the previous year, delirium, need for and availability of caregivers and the PROFUND index score. We calculated the therapeutic complexity with the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI). We considered a therapeutic regimen complex when the MRCI score was in the fourth quartile. To determine the factors associated with complexity, we constructed a logistic regression model. RESULTS: We included 233 polypathological patients, 52.9% of whom were women, with a mean age of 79.8 (SD: 8.6) years. The mean number of drugs consumed was 8.4 (SD: 3.3). The mean MRCI score was 30 (SD: 15.2). The MRCI score by quartiles was 0-20, 20.5-30, 30.5-42, 42.5-80. The respiratory diseases (OR: 4.185; 95%CI: 2.015-8.693; P<.001) were independently associated with increased therapeutic complexity, and the neurological diseases with permanent mental deficiency (OR: 0.265; 95%CI: 0.085-0.828; P=.022) were associated with less complexity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with comorbidities are polymedicated and have complex therapeutic drug regimens. Respiratory diseases determine greater therapeutic complexity, while cognitive impairment determines a lower therapeutic complexity.

Are Modic changes in patients with chronic low back pain indicative of a worse clinical course? 10 years of follow-up. / ¿Supone la presencia de cambios Modic en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico una peor evolución clínica y una mayor posibilidad de precisar cirugía? Evolución a 10 años.

OBJECTIVE: Establish the long-term (10 years) predictive value of Modic changes in the course of lumbar pain and the need for surgical treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational longitudinal prospective cohort study. Comparison of progression at 10 years of 2 groups of patients with chronic lumbar pain: group A with Modic changes in MRI and group B with no Modic changes. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: neoplasia, inflammatory or infectious diseases, or previous surgery. Assessment was done with the aid of the VAS for low lumbar and radicular pain and the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. The need for surgical or medical treatment and occupational disability during the study period was analyzed. For the statistical analyses, the Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression were applied. RESULTS: Seventy patients, 24 male and 46 female, with a mean age of 56.5 years (35 in each group) were included in the study. No statistically significant differences in the intensity of lumbar pain, degree of impairment, or need for medical or surgical treatment (P>.05) were found in patients with Modic changes types 1, 2, or 3 between the baseline assessment and 10 years after. No statistically significant differences between patients with/without changes in Modic at 10 years of follow-up (P>.05) were determined. CONCLUSIONS: There is no relationship between Modic changes in MRI and greater intensity of lumbar pain or need for medical or surgical treatment at 10 years of follow-up. Modic changes cannot be considered a sign of bad prognosis by themselves, or an indication for surgery.

Etiología y evolución de recién nacidos con hipotiroidismo congénito y glándula eutópica / Etiology and evolution of newborns with congenital hypothyroidism and eutopic thyroid gland

RESUMEN Objetivos Analizar las características clínicas, bioquímicas, estudios complementarios, hallazgos moleculares y la prevalencia de glándula eutópica en neonatos con HC pertenecientes al Programa Provincial de Pesquisa Neonatal de Córdoba, Argentina, entre 1996 y 2015. Analizar la evolución de los pacientes que reunieron criterios para una reevaluación. Pacientes y métodos Se analizaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de 237 pacientes detectados por pesquisa neonatal en la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina, entre 1996-2015 con una incidencia promedio de 1/2146 pesquisados. Presentaron glándula eutópica 81 pacientes (34%) F35/M46; se excluyeron 10 con síndromes genéticos asociados. Se analizaron los niveles de: TSH, T4T, T4L, T3, TPOAb / TGAb y Tiroglobulina (ECLIA -ROCHE) (VR: >15 días: 6-83 ng/ ml; <15 días: 29-173 ng/ml), ecografía y centellografía de cuello con Tc-99m. El valor de corte de TSH sérica adoptado para la confirmación diagnóstica fue de ≥10 mUI/ml. Se realizaron estudios de biología molecular en casos seleccionados. Se reevaluaron niños mayores de 3 años, sin bocio, con valores normales de Tiroglobulina y sin requerimiento de incrementos en la dosis de LT4. Resultados: La prevalencia de HC y Tiroides Eutópica se mantuvo constante. El 50% de los pacientes (36/71) mostraron hiperplasia glandular tiroidea. El 84% (n: 60 de 71) presentó niveles de TSH sérica ≥20 uUI/ml (20-1186) y el 75% (n: 53 de 71) >40 uUI/ml (40-1186). TGAb and TPOAb fueron positivos en un niño. La determinación de TG fue normal en el 29% (21/71) de los casos, elevada en el 56% (39/71) y baja en el 14% (10/71). Los estudios de biología molecular resultaron diagnósticos en 26 pacientes de 18 familias, demostrándose mutaciones en los genes de: TPO: 9 pacientes, TG: 12 pacientes, NIS: 2 pacientes, DUOX2: 2 pacientes y TRβ: 1 paciente. Se encontraron 11 nuevas mutaciones: tres en TPO, cinco en TG, dos en NIS y una en DUOX2. Se informaron anomalías congénitas en el 11% (8/71) de los pacientes. Se reevaluó el 11% (8/71) de los niños, resultando: HC transitorio n: 5, permanente n: 2 y una niña con Síndrome de Resistencia a las Hormonas Tiroideas. La prevalencia de lactantes con HC y glándula eutópica se mantuvo constante a lo largo de 19 años del Programa. Conclusiones Nuestros estudios demuestran que la prevalencia de Hipotiroidismo Congénito con glándula eutópica se mantuvo estable en los períodos analizados. Este grupo de pacientes se caracterizó predominantemente por presentar HC de carácter permanente acompañado por fenotipos de moderada a severa intensidad. En el futuro deberá profundizarse el conocimiento respecto a la influencia de factores medioambientales, como posibles agentes de riesgo asociados a la génesis de Hipotiroidismo Congénito.

abstract Objectives To describe clinical, biochemical characteristics and complementary studies to diagnosis, molecular findings and the prevalence of eutopic gland in newborn with CH detected through our neonatal screening program in Córdoba, Argentina, between 1996 and 2015. To analyze the evolution of the patients who met criteria for re-evaluation. Patients and methods We retrospectively analysed medical records of 237 patients with CH detected by neonatal screening in Córdoba, Argentina, from 1996 to 2015 with an average incidence of 1/2146 researched. 81 patients (34%) F35/M46 had eutopic thyroid gland; 10 patients with associated genetic syndromes were excluded. TT4, FT4, T3, TSH, TPOAb, TGAb and Thyroglobulin (VR: >15 days: 6-83 ng/ml; <15 days: 29-173 ng/ml) (ECLIA ROCHE), thyroid ultrasonography and 99Tc scan were assessed. The serum TSH cutoff value adopted for diagnostic confirmation was ≥10 mIU/ml. Molecular biology studies were performed in selected cases. Those who had no goiter, with normal thyroglobulin, and had not required increases in L-T4 dose underwent re-evaluation after the age of 3 years. Results The prevalence of HC and thyroid Eutopic remained constant. 50% of the patients (36/71) showed glandular hyperplasia. In 84% (60/71) presented serum TSH levels ≥20 uUI/ml (20-1186) and in 75% (n: 53 of 71) levels >40 uUI/ml (40-1186). TGAb and TPOAb were positive only in one baby. TG levels were: normal in 29% (21/71) of the cases, elevated in 56% (39/71) and low in 14% (10/71). Gene mutations were found in 26 patients from 18 families: TPO: 9 patients, TG: 12 patients, NIS: 2 patients, DUOX2: 2 patients y TRβ: 1 patient. Eleven new mutations were found: three in TPO, five in TG, two in NIS and one in DUOX2. Congenital anomalies were reported in 11% (8/71) patients. The 11% (8/71) of children were re-evaluated resulting in: 5 Transient CH, 2 Permanent CH and 1 with Resistance to Thyroid Hormones. The prevalence of infants with CH and eutopic gland remained constant along 19 years of the Program. Conclusions Our studies show that the prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism with eutopic gland remained stable in the periods analyzed. This group of patients was predominantly characterized by permanent CH accompanied by moderate to severe phenotypes. In the future, knowledge about the influence of environmental factors, as possible risk agents associated with the genesis of Congenital Hypothyroidism, should be deepened.

Surgical treatment of hip ankylosis due to heterotopic ossification secondary to spinal cord injury. / Cirugía de la anquilosis de cadera por osificación heterotópica secundaria a lesión medular.

OBJECTIVES: To expose our experience in the diagnostic and surgical treatment of neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed an observational retrospective descriptive study including 20 patients (30 hips) with neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip secondary to spinal cord injury attended in our institution in the last 10 years, with a minimum of one year follow-up. Medical files and imaging studies were reviewed. The study variables analyzed were: type and localization of neurogenic heterotopic ossification, pre-post excision range of motion, level and aetiology of spinal cord injury, ASIA score, smoking history, surgical approach and complications associated with surgery. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were treated with resection of heterotopic ossification in 30 hips. 16 patients presented ASIA A spinal cord injury and 4 ASIA B spinal cord injury. Preoperatively all the patients had severe ankylosis in the hip that made sitting in a wheel chair and activities such as repositioning and hygiene difficult. The average postoperative motion at the follow-up evaluation was 90° in flexion, 20° of internal rotation and 40° of external rotation. Immediately after surgery all the patients followed a specific intensive physiotherapy regime for the hip and celecoxib 200 mg was administrated daily orally for a month to prevent recurrence of heterotopic bone formation. None of the patients reviewed suffered a recurrence of heterotopic bone formation. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical excision of hip ossification in order to achieve functional ROM of the hip is the best treatment for patients with neurogenic heterotopic ossification of the hip.

Characterization of CD34+ hematopoietic cells in systemic mastocytosis: Potential role in disease dissemination.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies show that most systemic mastocytosis (SM) patients, including indolent SM (ISM) with (ISMs+) and without skin lesions (ISMs-), carry the KIT D816V mutation in PB leukocytes. We investigated the potential association between the degree of involvement of BM hematopoiesis by the KIT D816V mutation and the distribution of different maturation-associated compartments of bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ hematopoietic precursors (HPC) in ISM and identified the specific PB cell compartments that carry this mutation. METHODS: The distribution of different maturation-associated subsets of BM and PB CD34+ HPC from 64 newly diagnosed (KIT-mutated) ISM patients and 14 healthy controls was analyzed by flow cytometry. In 18 patients, distinct FACS-purified PB cell compartments were also investigated for the KIT mutation. RESULTS: ISM patients showed higher percentages of both BM and PB MC-committed CD34+ HPC vs controls, particularly among ISM cases with MC-restricted KIT mutation (ISMMC ); this was associated with progressive blockade of maturation of CD34+ HPC to the neutrophil lineage from ISMMC to multilineage KIT-mutated cases (ISMML ). Regarding the frequency of KIT-mutated cases and cell populations in PB, variable patterns were observed, the percentage of KIT-mutated PB CD34+ HPC, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes and T cells increasing from ISMs-MC and ISMs+MC to ISMML patients. CONCLUSION: The presence of the KIT D816V mutation in PB of ISM patients is associated with (early) involvement of circulating CD34+ HPC and multiple myeloid cell subpopulations, KIT-mutated PB CD34+ HPC potentially contributing to early dissemination of the disease.

[Reason for consultation: Weight loss]. / Motivo de consulta: pérdida de peso.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Unintentional weight loss is frequent reason to visit a doctor and it has multiple diagnostic possibilities. The objective of this study is to examine the background of the patients who seek consultation for weight loss and to establish the relationship between weight loss and neoplasia. METHOD: An analysis was performed on the demographic data, quantified weight loss, accompanying symptomatology, and diagnosis of patients who sought medical advice for unintentional weight loss during the year 2015. RESULTS: A total of 226 patients were included, of whom 44.2% of them had an intentional weight loss ≥ 5% in 6 months. The most frequent diagnosis in this group was a neoplasia, whereas in the rest of patients the most common diagnosis was a gastrointestinal disease. In light of this study we can conclude that there is a relationship between unintentional weight loss≥5% and the presence of neoplasia. CONCLUSION: An unintentional weight loss greater than 5% in the previous 6 months is associated with the presence of neoplastic diseases, and therefore requires further diagnostic study.