Pediatric pituitary adenoma and medulloblastoma in the setting of p53 mutation: case report and review of the literature.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a cancer predisposition condition associated with various tumor types. We present the case of a 6-year-old boy who initially presented with a pituitary adenoma that was successfully treated with surgery. It ultimately recurred, requiring further surgical intervention followed by proton beam therapy. He later developed a medulloblastoma, and genetic testing revealed TP53 germline mutation. The patient underwent gross total resection of this medulloblastoma, followed by proton-based craniospinal irradiation and adjuvant chemotherapy. He remained disease-free 12 months after radiation and 7 months after chemotherapy. Current literature does not report pituitary adenoma as the initial central nervous manifestation in Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Early genetic testing should be considered in pediatric patients who present with such rare tumor types to help identify cancer predisposing conditions. Furthermore, as evidenced by our case, the management of multiple brain tumors in the pediatric population poses challenges. A multidisciplinary approach involving neurosurgery, pediatric oncology, pathology, and radiation oncology remains crucial to optimize patient outcomes.

Cambios en resonancia magnética funcional en estudiantes de medicina con y sin restricción moderada de sueño / Changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging in medical students with and without moderate sleep deprivation

OBJETIVO: Describir los efectos de la restricción moderada del sueño en las regiones cerebrales involucradas en los procesos de inhibición cognitiva, función motora y fluidez fonológica, utilizando imágenes por resonancia magnética funcional (RMf). Materiales y métodos: Se estableció una condición de sueño habitual y otra de restricción moderada en 12 estudiantes diestros de pre y posgrado de Medicina, de entre 20 y 40 años. En ambos estados se utilizó la prueba psicológica de atención d2 e imágenes de RMf con paradigmas de función motora, fluencia fonológica y atención del tipo inhibición de la función ejecutiva Stroop. La restricción moderada de sueño fue de al menos el 63% con respecto al sueño habitual. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias significativas en la activación cerebral con RMf para la función motora (p<0,05) entre el ciclo de sueño regular y el de restricción moderada. La actividad cerebral en RMf con los paradigmas de atención Stroop y fluidez fonológica no mostró diferencias significativas, así como tampoco la prueba psicológica de atención d2. Discusión: Se encontró interferencia en las activaciones cerebrales de representación motora con la restricción moderada de sueño, pero no se hallaron diferencias significativas en las activaciones de atención tipo Stroop, ni en la tarea de fluencia fonológica o las pruebas de atención d2. Esto podría deberse a una insuficiente restricción del sueño o a eficientes mecanismos de compensación en los sujetos de este estudio. Conclusión: Existen diferencias en las activaciones cerebrales de representación motora en la restricción moderada del sueño medidas con RMf

OBJECTIVE: To describe the effects of moderate sleep deprivation in brain regions involved in cognitive inhibition processes, motor function, and phonological fluency using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). Materials and methods: A sample of 12 under-graduate and post-graduate medical students, between 20 and 40 years, were subjected to a follow-up of the number of hours of regular sleep in order compare to a moderate sleep deprivation after a nightshift. The d2 attention test and fMRI studies were used in both groups in order to evaluate motor function, verbal fluency and cognitive inhibition, or Stroop paradigms. The moderate sleep deprivation was at least 63% with respect to the regular sleep pattern during the previous week. Results: Significant differences in brain activity were found in fMRI to measure motor function (P<0.05) comparing regular sleep cycle and moderate sleep deprivation. The brain activity with fMRI Stroop paradigms and phonological fluency showed no significant differences between the two conditions, likewise with the psychological attention test d2. Discussion: The fMRI showed interference on motor representation activations in moderate sleep deprivation. No significant differences in fMRI were found in the processes of cognitive inhibition or Stroop paradigms, in phonological fluency, or in the psychological attention test d2. These could be attributed to inadequate sleep deprivation or efficient compensation mechanisms in the subjects of this study. Conclusión: There is a difference showed in fMRI on motor representation activations in moderate sleep deprivation

Immune activation in amyloid-ß-related angiitis correlates with decreased parenchymal amyloid-ß plaque load.

BACKGROUND: Primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS) is a rare but serious condition. A fraction of patients suffering from PACNS concurrently exhibit pronounced cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) which is characterized by deposits of amyloid-ß (Aß) in and around the walls of small and medium-sized arteries of the brain. PACNS with CAA has been identified as a distinct disease entity, termed Aß-related angiitis (ABRA). Evidence points to an immune reaction to vessel wall Aß as the trigger of vasculitis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the inflammatory response to Aß has (1) any effect on the status of immune activation in the brain parenchyma and (2) leads to clearance of Aß from brain parenchyma. METHODS: We studied immune activation and Aß load by quantitative immunohistochemical analysis in brain parenchyma adjacent to affected vessels in 11 ABRA patients and 10 matched CAA controls. RESULTS: ABRA patients showed significantly increased immune activation and decreased Aß loads in the brain parenchyma adjacent to affected vessels. CONCLUSION: Our results are in line with the hypothesis of ABRA being the result of an excessive immune response to Aß and show that this can lead to enhanced clearance of Aß from the brain parenchyma by immune-mediated mechanisms.

Lymphoproliferative response to the 30-kDa protein and a crude lysate from Salmonella typhimurium in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the lymphoproliferative response to the 30-kDa protein (p30) of Salmonella typhimurium in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHOD: Lymphoproliferative response was determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 30 patients with AS and 40 healthy subjects. Cells were cultured with concanavalin A (Con A), a crude lysate of S. typhimurium (StCL), or p30. Lymphoproliferation was measured by the MTT assay. RESULTS: Our data show that the mitogenic response to Con A was similar in both groups studied; however, the lymphoproliferative response to StCL and p30 was statistically higher in AS patients than in healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our data strongly suggest that S. typhimurium, and particularly p30, are associated with AS.

Eficacia de la premedicación anestésica en el paciente pediátrico con midazolam oral y acetaminofén. Estudio observacional / Efficacy of anesthetic premedication in pediatric patients using oral midazolam and acetaminophen. Observational study

La premedicación anestésica con midazolam, permite disminuir la ansiedad de los niños y los padres así como los requerimientos analgésicos, la aparición de eventos psicológicos negativos en el postoperatorio, y acorta los tiempos de inducción inhalatoria de la intubación orotraqueal. Se han desarrollado preparaciones magistrales utilizando ampollas de administración parenteral mezcladas con sustancias que modifican su sabor para mejorar la aceptación. Para determinar la eficacia de la premedicación con midazolam mezclado con acetaminofén se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo en 216 niños ASAI o II sometidos a procedimientos quirúrgicos o diagnósticos que requerían anestesia general; se aplicaron escalas de ansiedad-sedación (Yale modificada y RASS) y se valoró la tolerancia a la separación de los padres. Resultados: La escala de RASS aplicada al momento de la inducción evidenció que el 92% de los pacientes se encontraban en un grado adecuado de sedación para tolerar la máscara facial y la inducción inhalatoria, y además el 86% de los pacientes toleró de manera adecuada la separación de sus padres. El 61,6% de los pacientes se encontraban con un grado adecuado de sedación ansiólisis con la escala de Yale, previo al momento de la separación de los padres. Edad, género, escolaridad, estrato socioeconómico, tipo de valoración preanestésica o antecedente de anestesia no se correlacionaron con el grado de ansiedad-sedación. Conclusiones: La premedicación con la mezcla magistral utilizada disminuye la ansiedad en el momento en que el niño se separa de sus padres y permite una buena aceptación de la inducción anestésica inhalada.

Anesthetic premedication with midazolam helps reduce anxiety in the children and the parents, the need for analgesic use, and the development of negative psychological events during the postoperative period; it also results in shorter inhalation induction and orotracheal intubation. Compounded preparations have been developed using ampoules for parenteral administration mixed with flavor modifiers in order to improve acceptance. To determine the efficacy of premedication using a mix of midazolam plus acetaminophen, a prospective descriptive observational study was conducted in 216 children ASAI or II, scheduled for surgical or diagnostic procedures requiring general anesthesia. Anxiety-sedation scales were given (Modified Yale scale and RASS), and tolerance to separation from the parents was assessed. Results: The RASS scale applied at the time of induction showed that 92% of the patients were at an appropriate level of sedation to tolerate facemask inhalation induction, and 86% of patients tolerated well their separation from their parents. It was found that age, gender, education, socioeconomic status, pre-anesthetic check type (telephonic or in person), or a history of previous anesthesia, did not have a statistically significant correlation with the degree of anxiety-sedation. Conclusions: Premedication with a compounded preparation does reduce anxiety at the time of separating the child from its parents, and allows a good acceptance of the inhaled anesthetic induction.

Foetal and neonatal outcomes in first-trimester pregnant women exposed to abdominal or lumbar radiodiagnostic procedures without administration of radionucleotides.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Little is known about exposures to low radiation doses in the first trimester of pregnancy and deterministic adverse effects in the offspring, and risks are extrapolated from catastrophic events or from exposures to radiotherapy. The study aimed to assess the foetal and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women exposed to radiodiagnostic procedures with abdominal or lumbar irradiation. METHODS: In a prospective cohort design, we studied the foetal and neonatal outcomes in 115 singleton pregnant women who required abdominal or lumbar radiodiagnostic procedures without the administration of radionucleotides, and in 527 age-matched (± 2 years) control pregnant women. RESULTS: In the exposed group, lumbar spine radiography (33.9%), plain abdominal radiography (16.5%) and upper gastrointestinal tract radiography with abdominal irradiation (15.7%) were the most common radiodiagnostic procedures. Major congenital malformations were identified in two (1.9%) babies born in the exposed group and in two (0.4%) babies born in the control group (odds ratio = 4.7; 95% confidence interval 0.7-33.6; P = 0.15). The rest of the foetal and neonatal outcomes was similar in the two groups except by a marginally higher rate of admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit among babies born to exposed women (odds ratio = 2.9; 95% confidence interval 1.0-9.4; P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that X-ray and computed tomography scan exposure involving abdominal irradiation without the administration of radionucleotides is not associated with adverse foetal and neonatal deterministic outcomes. Efforts are required to reduce the use of radiodiagnostic procedures for general check-ups in childbearing age women.

A prospective cohort study of pregnancy outcomes of women inadvertently exposed to methylephedrine in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

No information is currently available on the safety of methylephedrine, a component of various cold medications available in South Korea. With previous approval by an Institutional Review Board, 349 women inadvertently exposed to methylephedrine during the 1st trimester of pregnancy and an age- and gravidity-matched control group, were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Study outcomes, for example gestational age at birth, birth weight and major and minor malformations were evaluated in 282 cases and 280 controls. Exposure to methylephedrine was at a gestational age of 4.0 weeks (median), at doses ranging from 52.5 to 1,575 mg/day, for a median duration of 3 (range: 1-30) days. No differences were observed between cases and controls in any of the pregnancy outcomes studied. There were 4/265 (1.5%) babies born with major malformations in the case group and 4/260 (1.5%) in the control group. In conclusion, inadvertent exposure to methylephedrine as a component of over-the counter oral cold remedies in early pregnancy was not associated with an increased rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Co-exposure with acetaminophen, cigarette smoking or alcohol did not appear to modify the outcomes.

Effect of simplification from protease inhibitors to boosted atazanavir-based regimens in real-life conditions.

BACKGROUND: Atazanavir (ATV) boosted with ritonavir (ATV/r) is a potent, well-tolerated, once-daily protease inhibitor (PI). Few data are available on this agent as a treatment simplification option for patients taking other PIs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of ATV-containing regimens in patients who have simplified their antiretroviral treatment. METHODS: SIMPATAZ was a multicentre, prospective, noninterventional study in patients who had undetectable HIV RNA on their current PI-containing therapy and who were switched to an ATV/r-based regimen. Patients underwent a routine physical examination, and data were collected on HIV RNA levels, CD4 cell counts, liver function, lipid parameters, adverse reactions, adherence to treatment and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients were enrolled in the study and included in the analysis (80% were male, 29% had AIDS, and 52% were coinfected with HIV and hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus). The median baseline CD4 count was 514 cells/µL. Median exposure to previous HIV therapy was 8 years, and 32% of patients had a history of PI failures. Lopinavir boosted with ritonavir was the most frequent PI replaced (62%) and tenofovir+lamivudine /emtricitabine the backbone most used during the study (29%). The study drug was discontinued early by 25 patients (14%), two of whom discontinued as a result of adverse events (Hodgkin lymphoma and vomiting). Two patients died (lung cancer and myocardial infarction). At month 12, 93% of the study population had an undetectable HIV RNA viral load. Hyperbilirubinaemia >3 mg/dL and increased alanine aminotransferase levels>200 IU/L were observed in 38.5% and 4.4% of patients, respectively. Median changes from baseline to month 12 in total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were -13 mg/dL (-7%; P<0.0001), -19 mg/dL (-13%; P<0.0001) and -7 mg/dL (-6%; P=0.021), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a real-world setting, switching from other PIs to ATV/r is a well-tolerated and safe option for improving the lipid profile and for retaining virological response in controlled pretreated patients.

Development of a panel of well-characterized human immunodeficiency virus type 1 isolates from newly diagnosed patients including acute and recent infections.

The aim of this study was the development of a panel constituted by well-defined HIV-1 strains of different genetic forms, with a particular focus on isolates from acute and recent infections. Fourteen HIV-1 isolates, including four from acute and five from recent infections, were expanded in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. SI phenotype, coreceptors use, and TCID(50)/ml were determined. V3 net charge was calculated. Near full-length genomes were amplified by RT-nested PCR in four overlapping segments. Phylogenetic analyses were performed with neighbor-joining trees and bootscanning. Analysis of cysteine residues, lengths of variable regions, and potential N-linked glycosylation sites in gp120 and gp41 was performed. Viral stocks were produced. Thirteen strains were NSI/R5 and one SI/R5,X4. TCID(50)/ml ranged between 10(4.6) and 10(6). V3 net charge was <+5 in 12 sequences and +5 in two sequences. Near full-length HIV-1 genomes analysis identified viruses of the following genetic forms: eight subtype B, three subtype C, two CRF02_AG, and one subtype G. Cysteine residues that form the V1,V2,V3, and V4 loops were highly conserved. The number of potential N-linked glycosylation sites in gp120 and gp41 ranged between 24-29 and 4-6, respectively. Seven potential N-linked glycosylation sites in gp120 and three in gp41 were conserved. V1, V2, V4, and V5 variable regions exhibited substantial length variation. In addition, an analysis of transmitted and natural resistance to current antiretroviral drugs in these strains was performed. It is worth mentioning that the 13S mutation in the V3 sequence, associated with resistance to maraviroc, was observed in a subtype B strain that harbored resistance mutations to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and to T20. The availability of a panel including strains from acute and recent infections should be a valuable resource for optimizing and standardizing vaccine candidate assessment. Near full-length genome characterization may be necessary for evaluating clade-specific reactivities.

Long-term prognosis of HIV-infected patients with Kaposi sarcoma treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin.

INTRODUCTION: Incidence of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons has dramatically decreased in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era. However, this tumor still represents the most common cancer in this population. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate long-term prognosis of HIV-infected patients with KS who had received pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and, more specifically, to assess tumor relapse rate, mortality, and cause of death in these subjects. DESIGN: This study was a retrospective review of all patients with KS who had received PLD in centers belonging to the Caelyx/KS Spanish Group. Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox-regression analysis were used to assess the rate of and factors associated with relapse and death through January 2006. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients received PLD from September 1997 through June 2002. Median follow-up after initiation of treatment was 28.7 months (interquartile range, 6.6-73.2 months); during follow-up, 29 patients died (a mortality rate of 14.6% per year). In 9 patients (31%), the cause of death was related to the appearance of other tumors (including 7 lymphomas, 1 gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma, and 1 tongue epidermoid cancer). Death caused by progression of KS occurred in 3 cases. Death risk was inversely related to CD4(+) cell counts at the end of follow-up (hazard ratio for every increase in CD4(+) cell count of 100 cells/microL, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.9). A relapse study was performed for 61 patients who had complete or partial response to PLD and who attended a control visit after treatment completion. After a median follow-up of 50 months (interquartile range, 17.2-76 months), 8 patients (13%) had experienced relapse; 5 of these patient experienced relapse within the first year after stopping PLD. The only factor that was independently related to risk of relapse was having a CD4(+) cell count >200 cells/microL at baseline (hazard ratio, 6.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-30). Lower CD4(+) cell count at the end of follow-up was marginally associated with relapse (hazard ratio for every increase in CD4(+) cell count of 100 cells/microL, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.01). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of KS with PLD in HIV-infected patients is followed by a low relapse rate, with most relapses occurring during the first year after stopping chemotherapy. However, the mortality rate in this population was high, in part because of an unexpectedly high incidence of other tumors, mainly lymphomas.

Hypereosinophilia, hyper-IgE syndrome, and atopic dermatitis in a toddler with food hypersensitivity.

We describe a 20-month-old girl with hypereosinophilia, hyper-immunoglobulin (Ig) E syndrome, and atopic dermatitis. Her peripheral eosinophil count and IgE plasma levels were 2.65 x 10(9)/L and 6702 IU/mL, respectively. Specific IgE levels for a variety of foods and inhalants were high and single-blind food challenges were positive for cow's milk, hen's egg, oat, wheat, and soy. When the patient received an extensively hydrolyzed milk formula, an exclusion diet, and 2 mg/kg of prednisone daily, the atopic dermatitis partially improved. Further improvement was observed with 1 mg/kg of azathioprine daily. Long-term clinical response was satisfactory. We suggest that food hypersensitivity should be ruled out in patients with hypereosinophilia, hyper-IgE syndrome, and atopic dermatitis. Azathioprine may be a good therapeutic alternative for treatment in such cases.

[A potential neuroprotective and synaptic plasticity mechanism induced by estradiol through PI3K/GSK3beta in cerebral ischaemia]. / Mecanismo potencial de neuroprotección y plasticidadsináptica inducidas por el estradiol a través dePI3K/GSK3beta en la isquemia cerebra.

AIM: To review the basic molecular mechanisms that are triggered by neuroactive steroids related to protection and plasticity, and their possible therapeutic application in cases of cerebral ischaemia. DEVELOPMENT: The term 'neuroprotection' embraces a series of strategies and effects that are aimed at preventing, impeding or delaying anomalies in the functioning of the central nervous system. The neuroactive steroids, and particularly estradiol, have been widely reported owing to their neuroprotective action because they give rise to a wide range of cell signals and generate effects in genes by means of canonical pathways or through non-conventional mechanisms that are involved in neuronal survival, dendritogenesis and synapse remodelling. Thus, neuroactive steroids become an important long-term protective therapeutic alternative due to the fact that such effects converge on neuronal plasticity. CONCLUSIONS: Further work needs to be carried out to study the mechanisms of action of neuroactive steroids, especially the non-conventional ones, which involve proteins such as GSK-3beta and beta-catenin. These proteins are involved in the functions of synaptic plasticity and survival, and play a crucial role in maintaining and recovering the functional integrity of the brain after the appearance of the lesions caused by cerebral ischaemia.

Evaluación de la estabilidad de los miniimplantes como anclaje óseo para intrusión de molares superiores / Evaluation of stability of mini implants as bony anchorage for upper molar intrusion

En este estudio se realizó una evaluación de la estabilidad clínica de los miniimplantes utilizados como anclaje óseo para la intrusión de molares superiores. Se emplearon treinta y cuatro mini implantes de acero inoxidable marca Leone® de cuatro dimensiones (1,5 x 10 mm, 1,5x12 mm, 2 x 10 mm y 2 x 12 mm), en nueve pacientes y un total de dieciocho dientes por intruir. El procedimiento de inserción se hizo de acuerdo con las recomendaciones del fabricante. La estabilidad de los mini implantes se evaluó mensualmente midiendo su movilidad clínica por medio de un calibrador digital. Se encontró que todos los miniimplantes colocados fueron efectivos como anclaje óseo para realizar el movimiento intrusivo a pesar de la aparición de movilidad en algunos de ellos, lo que indica que los mini implantes pueden tener cierto rango de movimiento sin perder su eficacia clínica. Se encontró que variables como la fuerza aplicada al miniimplante, la dimensión (longitud y diámetro) y el torque de inserción no tienen relación con la estabilidad. A diferencia de esto se halló que los mini implantes ubicados en la mucosa palatina fueron más estables que los localizados en la zona vestibular. La encía queratinizada presenta mejores condiciones clínicas (menor inflamación e hiperplasia) que la mucosa alveolar para la colocación de los mini implantes que favorecen la estabilidad a través del tiempo. En ningún molar se encontraron signos de reabsorción radicular en la evaluación radiográfica.

Critical role of ribavirin for the achievement of early virological response to HCV therapy in HCV/HIV-coinfected patients.

The response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy seems to be lower in HCV/HIV-coinfected patients than in HCV-monoinfected individuals. Given that most pivotal trials conducted in coinfected patients have used the combination of pegylated interferon (pegIFN) along with fixed low doses (800 mg/day) of ribavirin (RBV), it is unclear whether HIV itself and/or suboptimal RBV exposure could explain this poorer outcome. Two well-defined end points of early virological response were evaluated in Peginterferon Ribavirina España Coinfección (PRESCO), a multicentre trial in which the combination of pegIFN plus RBV (1000 mg if body weight <75 kg and 1200 mg if >75 kg) was prescribed to coinfected patients. For comparisons, we used unpublished data from early kinetics in two other large trials, one performed in HIV-negative patients [Pegasys International Study Group (PISG)] in which RBV 1000-1200 mg/day was used and another [AIDS Pegasys Ribavirin Coinfection Trial (APRICOT)] in which HIV-positive patients received fixed low RBV doses (800 mg/day). A total of 348 HCV/HIV-coinfected patients from the PRESCO trial were analysed as well as all patients treated with pegIFN plus RBV, who completed 12 weeks of therapy in the comparative studies (435 in PISG and 268 in APRICOT). Negative serum HCV-RNA at week 4 (which has the highest positive predictive value of sustained virological response, SVR) was attained in 33.3%, 31.2% and 13% of treated patients with HCV genotype 1, respectively, in PRESCO, PISG and APRICOT. For HCV genotypes 2/3, responses were 83.7%, 84.2% and 37%, respectively. A decline lower than 2 log(10) at week 12 (which has the highest negative predictive value of SVR) was seen in 25.5%, 19.5% and 37% of HCV genotype-1-infected patients, and in 2.1%, 2.9% and 12% of genotypes-2/3-infected patients, respectively. Prescription of high RBV doses enhances the early virological response to HCV therapy in HCV/HIV-coinfected patients, with results approaching those seen in HCV-monoinfected patients.

Miniimplantes como anclaje en ortodoncia / Miniimplants as anchorage in orthodontics

El control del anclaje es uno de los factores más importantes para el éxito del tratamiento ortodóncico. Para este fin se han utilizado diferentes mecanismos que van desde el uso de las estructuras dentarias hasta diferentes aditamentos intraorales y extraorales. Ninguno de estos métodos ha proporcionado anclaje óptimo. En un intento por superar dichas limitaciones y conseguir un anclaje absoluto se ha incursionado en el uso de implantes. Entre los implantes se encuentran los oseointegrados, los onplants, las miniplacas de titanio y los minitornillos. Hace dos décadas se empezaron a usar los miniimplantes, tiempo desde el cual su utilización ha incrementado notoriamente debido a sus múltiples ventajas, como tamaño reducido, baja costo, facilidad de inserción y remoción, técnica quirúrgica menos invasiva, posibilidad de carga inmediata, disminución del tiempo clínico y versatilidad clínica. Este artículo tiene como propósito integrar un conocimiento general sobre el uso de los miniimplantes como anclaje ortodóncico en diferentes aplicaciones clínicas haciendo referencia a sus orígenes, características, indicaciones, contraindicaciones, sitios seguros para su inserción y algunos ejemplos clínicos.

Preoperative catheterization of H-type tracheoesophageal fistula to facilitate its localization and surgical correction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate that preoperative catheterization of H-type tracheoesophageal fistula facilitates its identification and surgical correction. METHODS: This is a case series of seven patients with H-type tracheoesophageal fistula. Diagnosis was established in three patients and suspected in two more by means of an esophagogram. Confirmation of fistula was performed by endoscopy in all patients. On the day of surgery, either a rigid bronchoscope or a nasolaryngoscope was introduced into the trachea to localize and catheterize the fistula. Because of the location of the fistula, the surgical correction was performed through the neck in five patients and through the thorax in two patients. The fistulas were easily identified surgically and the corrections were successfully performed in all cases. An extensive dissection was not required in any case. Refistulization, identified by bronchoscopic examination one week after surgery, occurred in one patient. Surgical repair was performed again using same procedure described above. All patients are currently asymptomatic and without any evidence of refistulization. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative catheterization of H-type tracheoesophageal fistula is useful to facilitate its preoperative identification, to plan the surgical approach, and to decrease operating times and the extent of surgery.

A new endoscopic procedure for membranectomy of fenestrated duodenal membranes.

AIM OF THE STUDY: We describe a new endoscopic procedure for membranectomy of fenestrated duodenal membranes. METHODS: With the patients under general anesthesia and tracheally intubated, a flexible video-panendoscope was introduced into the second portion of the duodenum. The fenestrated membrane was visualized and a triple-lumen stone extraction balloon of 15 mm was inserted through the fenestration. After the balloon was insufflated, gentle traction was performed in order to expose the fenestrated membrane and differentiate it from the normal duodenal wall. The orifice was dilated in order to introduce the endoscope and localize the Vater's ampulla. A sphincterotome was used to carry out one or two incisions of 1.5 to 2 cm in the membrane in the opposite direction to the ampulla. RESULTS: The procedure was successfully performed in five patients with a mean surgical time of 50 minutes. None of the patients complained of postoperative pain. Peristalsis was not affected, and patients started intake of oral fluids at approximately 24 hours. On discharge patients were completely asymptomatic, and four patients were followed up for one year following the procedure and remained asymptomatic. One patient who was also asymptomatic did not continue follow-up longer than two weeks after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic membranectomy of duodenal membranes is a safe and effective procedure that reduces surgical times, postoperative fasting times and the length of hospitalization, and probably has no postoperative complications.

Diagnóstico de las alteraciones verticales dentofaciales / Diagnosis of dentofacial vertical alterations

Las displasias verticales son entidades complejas de origen multifactorial, donde tanto factores genéticos como ambientales están involucrados. Ellas pueden afectar las estructuras dentoalveolares, las esqueléticas o ambas. Una identificación precisa de sus características es fundamental para lograr el diagnóstico acertado que permita establecer el plan de tratamiento adecuado. Este artículo tiene como propósito integrar un conocimiento general de las alteraciones en el plano vertical enfocado hacia el diagnóstico, evaluando los diferentes factores etiológicos y las características faciales, cefalométricas, oclusales y articulares de las displasias verticales esqueléticas (el síndrome de cara corta y el síndrome de cara larga) y de las alteraciones verticales dentoalveolares.

Non-contrast computed tomography-guided intra-articular corticosteroid injections of severe bilateral hip arthritis in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

Progressively destructive hip arthritis is a common complication of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Palliative intra-articular corticosteroid hip injections are helpful in younger patients who wish to delay joint replacement surgery. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT)-guided intra-articular procedures can potentially minimize radiation exposure compared to fluoroscopy-guided techniques. We describe a CT-guided technique for intra-articular corticosteroid hip injections for severe bilateral hip arthritis which avoids the use of radiologic contrast by documenting the presence of a pre-injection air bubble underneath the fibrous capsule. Significant reduction in symptoms within 48 hours and at 6 weeks post-injection confirmed the successful outcome of this technique.