Actualización en lesión renal aguda inducida por contraste en pediatría

Contexto: la lesión renal aguda inducida por contraste se ha convertido en un tema de gran interés en la comunidad médica a nivel mundial, siendo la tercera causa de lesión renal aguda adquirida en el hospital. Objetivo: el presente artículo presenta una revisión de la literatura con el fin de actualizar los conceptos de esta patología en el personal de la salud que está en contacto con la población pediátrica y que es sometida a procedimientos con medios de contraste. Metodología: en esta revisión narrativa de la literatura, presentamos la definición, los factores de riesgo, el enfoque clínico y las medidas preventivas de la nefropatía inducida por contraste en pediatría. Resultados: se define que hay un deterioro en la función renal aguda después de la administración del medio de contraste en donde se excluyen otras posibles etiologías y se establece una verdadera relación causal con la sustancia. Los factores de riesgo son múltiples, sin embargo, factores estrictamente relacionados en los niños no han sido establecidos en su totalidad. El abordaje de los pacientes que van a ser sometidos a estudios con medios de contraste inicia desde una historia clínica, un examen físico y unas medidas de laboratorio que permiten evaluar el estado basal de cada paciente para instaurar medidas preventivas. Por su parte, las estrategias de prevención de esta condición son múltiples, sin embargo, no existen guías basadas en la evidencia acerca de esta condición en el paciente pediátrico. Conclusiones: el artículo presenta una revisión de la literatura sobre lesión renal aguda para actualizar los conceptos de esta patología en el personal de la salud que está en contacto con la población pediátrica que se somete a procedimientos con medios de contraste.

Context: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury has become a topic of great interest in the medical community worldwide, being the third cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. Purpose: This article presents a review of the literature in order to update the concepts of this pathology in health personnel who are in contact with the pediatric population that undergoes procedures with contrast media. Methodology: In this narrative review of the literature, we present the definition, risk factors, clinical approach, and preventive measures of contrast-induced nephropathy in pediatrics. Results: It is defined as a deterioration in acute renal function after the administration of the contrast medium where other possible etiologies are excluded and a true causal relationship with the substance is established. The risk factors are multiple; nevertheless; Strictly related factors in children have not been fully established. The approach to patients who are going to undergo studies with contrast media begins with a clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory measurements that allow the baseline status of each patient to be evaluated in order to establish preventive measures. The prevention strategies of this condition are multiple; however, there are no evidence-based guidelines on this condition in pediatric patients. Conclusions: This article presents a review of the literature in order to update the concepts of acute kidney injury in health personnel who are in contact with the pediatric population that undergoes procedures with contrast media.

Multi-institutional expert update on the use of laparoscopic bile duct exploration in the management of choledocholithiasis: Lesson learned from 3950 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Recently there has been a growing interest in the laparoscopic management of common bile duct stones with gallbladder in situ (LBDE), which is favoring the expansion of this technique. Our study identified the standardization factors of LBDE and its implementation in the single-stage management of choledocholithiasis. METHODS: A retrospective multi-institutional study among 17 centers with proven experience in LBDE was performed. A cross-sectional survey consisting of a semi-structured pretested questionnaire was distributed covering the main aspects on the use of LBDE in the management of choledocholithiasis. RESULTS: A total of 3950 LBDEs were analyzed. The most frequent indication was jaundice (58.8%). LBDEs were performed after failed ERCP in 15.2%. The most common approach used was the transcystic (63.11%). The overall series failure rate of LBDE was 4% and the median rate for each center was 6% (IQR, 4.5-12.5). Median operative time ranged between 60-120 min (70.6%). Overall morbidity rate was 14.6%, with a postoperative bile leak and complications ≥3a rate of 4.5% and 2.5%, respectively. The operative time decreased with experience (P = .03) and length of hospital stay was longer in the presence of a biliary leak (P = .04). Current training of LBDE was defined as poor or very poor by 82.4%. CONCLUSION: Based on this multicenter survey, LBDE is a safe and effective approach when performed by experienced teams. The generalization of LBDE will be based on developing training programs.

Factores relacionados con el desarrollo de proyectos de investigación científica disciplinar por personal de enfermería / Factors related to the development of curricular scientific research projects made by the nursing staff

Introducción: es ineludible revisar la situación de la investigación en enfermería en relación con las condicionantes y dificultades que entraña esta actividad para los profesionales de enfermería. Objetivo: identificar los factores relacionados con el desarrollo de proyectos de investigación científica disciplinar por el personal de enfermería de un hospital de tercer nivel de atención del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal que incluyó una muestra aleatoria de 177 enfermeras. Se aplicó un cuestionario diseñado para el estudio y estructurado con 25 preguntas, con alfa de Cronbach de 0.772. Las variables cualitativas se analizaron con porcentajes y frecuencias, y las cuantitativas con medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión. El análisis de factores se hizo con chi cuadrada. Resultados: la media de edad fue de 41 ± 7.91 años. El nivel académico del personal fue técnico en 46.9% y de licenciatura en 46.3%. El 15.3% del personal ha hecho proyectos de investigación; no obstante que el 5.6% del personal opina que casi siempre dedica tiempo para hacer investigación, 4.5% cuenta con apoyo económico en su área laboral para realizarla y 4% ha publicado. Fue significativa la relación entre quien hace investigación con el tiempo para su desarrollo (p < 0.05), así como con la publicación de artículos (p < 0.05). Conclusión: el desarrollo de proyectos de investigación científica disciplinar por el personal de enfermería está relacionado con el tiempo que dedican para ello y la publicación de artículos.

Introduction: It is unavoidable to review the status of nursing research, concerning the conditions and difficulties that this activity entails for nursing professionals. Objective: To identify the factors related to the development of curricular scientific research projects by the nursing staff from a third level hospital of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study which included a random sample of 177 nurses. A questionnaire designed for the study and structured with 25 questions was administered; it had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.772. Qualitative variables were analyzed with percentages and frequencies and quantitative variables with measures of central tendency and dispersion. The factor analysis was carried out with chi-square test. Results: Mean age was 41 ± 7.91 years. The school level of staff was technical in 46.9% and undergraduate in 46.3%. 15.3% has done research projects; despite the fact that 5.6% of staff believe that they almost always dedicate time to do research, 4.5% have financial support in their work area to carry it out and 4% have published. It was significant the relationship between those who carry out research with the time they take to develop it (p < 0.05), as well as with the publication of articles (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The development of curricular scientific research projects by nurses is related to the time they spend on it and the publication of articles.

Evaluación y tratamiento del niño con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior (LUTS) / Evaluation and management of children with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)

RESUMEN La disfunción miccional es un trastorno del llenado o vaciado de la vejiga en niños sin alteraciones neurológicas o anatómicas. Los síntomas del tracto urinario inferior (LUTS, por la sigla en inglés de Lower urinary tract symptoms) son un motivo frecuente de consulta con el pediatra, el nefrólogo o el urólogo pediatra, e incluso con el neurólogo y el psicólogo infantil. Se le considera una enfermedad relativamente benigna lo que en ocasiones genera desinterés entre médicos y familiares y lleva a consultas tardías e interpretación inadecuada de los síntomas. Manifestaciones como urgencia, incontinencia, enuresis, goteo posmiccional, infecciones urinarias, vulvovaginitis recurrente y constipación, en un niño sin enfermedad neurológica, deben hacer pensar al médico en disfunción miccional para enfocar oportunamente el diagnóstico, restablecer la calidad de vida del paciente, evitar las infecciones urinarias y el daño renal subsecuente e irreversible secundario a un diagnóstico tardío. Las recomendaciones actuales hacen énfasis en un enfoque menos invasivo, tratamiento conservador, manejo de la constipación y reentrenamiento vesical. Este artículo discute la evaluación, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento correctos de niños con LUTS.

SUMMARY Voiding dysfunction is a disorder of the bladder filling or emptying in children without neurological or anatomical disorders. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a frequent reason for consulting the pediatrician, nephrologist or pediatric urologist, and even the neurologist and child psychologist. It is considered a relatively benign disease that sometimes generates disinterest among doctors and families, leading to late consultation and inadequate interpretation of symptoms. Urgency, incontinence, enuresis, post-void dribbling, urinary tract infections, recurrent vulvovaginitis and constipation in children without neurological disease should lead to consider the possibility of voiding dysfunction, in order to recognize it timely, restore the quality of life, prevent urinary tract infection and the irreversible kidney damage secondary to delayed diagnosis. Current recommendations emphasize on a less invasive approach, conservative treatment, management of constipation and bladder retraining. This article discusses the correct assessment, diagnosis and management of children with LUTS.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as an early predictor of delayed graft function.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed graft function occurs in about 20 to 50 percent of kidney transplants.  OBJECTIVE: To describe the behavior of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGALu) in deceased-donor renal transplant recipients and to compare this indicator with the percentage of creatinine decrease (PdC) for the early detection of delayed graft function.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: NGALu levels were evaluated in a prospective cohort in the first, 12th, 24th and 48th hours after kidney transplant, and compared with the daily PdC until day 5.  RESULTS: We included 79 patients in the study. Delayed graft function occurred in 13 patients (16.5%), and five patients (6.3%) required dialysis in the first week. NGALu levels at all cut-off points were higher in patients with delayed graft function (p=0.526, p=0.049, p=0.032, and p=0.001). NGALu levels above 120 ng/ml at 48 hours predicted delayed graft function with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 71%. A PdC of 59.5% best discriminated the delayed graft function, with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 83% at 48 hours. Using logistic regression for the adjusted delayed graft function, the only significant values to predict it were those of PdC.  CONCLUSIONS: NGALu levels measured at 48 hours after renal transplantation predicted delayed graft function, including the need for dialysis; however, this marker was not superior to the PdC for early detection.

Plasmaféresis en rechazo agudo del injerto renal mediado por anticuerpos. Estudio realizado en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Medellín, Colombia. Año 2005-2015 / Plasmapheresis in antibody-mediated renal allograft rejection. Experience of Pablo Tobon Uribe, Medellin, Colombia. Year 2005-2015

Introducción: el rechazo agudo mediado por anticuerpos es una complicación que se presenta luego del trasplante renal y es una causa importante de pérdida del injerto. La plasmaféresis es una de las terapias utilizadas para su tratamiento, algunos estudios sugieren mejor supervivencia del injerto renal con el uso de plasmaféresis; sin embargo su evidencia es débil. Objetivo: este estudio tiene como objetivo describir la experiencia del uso de plasmaféresis en el rechazo agudo mediado por anticuerpos. Materiales y Métodos: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo realizado en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe entre agosto de 2005 y junio de 2015 en pacientes con diagnóstico de rechazo agudo mediado por anticuerpos, quienes recibieron entre tres y nueve sesiones de plasmaféresis. Resultados: se realizaron un total de 769 trasplantes renales; de los cuales 26 pacientes presentaron rechazo agudo mediado por anticuerpos y recibieron plasmaféresis como parte del tratamiento. Todos los pacientes recibieron terapia de inducción al momento del trasplante y en el 80,8% la terapia de mantenimiento utilizada fue tacrolimus-micofenolato-prednisolona. El rechazo mediado por anticuerpos se presentó en forma temprana en el 61,5% de los pacientes. A seis y doce meses el 44% y 53,8% de los pacientes respectivamente presentaron pérdida del injerto renal; las complicaciones se presentaron en el 53,8% de los pacientes, las cuales fueron hipocalcemia, hipotensión y anafilaxia. Conclusión: en esta cohorte el uso de plasmaféresis en el rechazo agudo mediado por anticuerpos no logró evitar la pérdida del injerto renal en el 50% de los pacientes; se sugiere adicionar a esta terapia otras alternativas de tratamiento entre ellas, la inmunoglobulinas intravenosas, rituximab, eculizumab y bortezomib. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(2):41-8.

Background: antibody-mediated renal allograft rejection is a complication after kidney transplantation, and it has poor prognosis for graft survival. Plasmapheresis has been used with controversial results; few trials indicate a trend towards superior graft survival in patients receiving this treatment; however, the evidence remains weak. Objetive: the aim of this study was to describe the experience in treating Antibody-mediated renal allograft rejection with plasmapheresis in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: retrospective and descriptive study of the patients that underwent three to nine session of plasmapheresis as a treatment of severe Antibody-mediated renal allograft rejection in Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital. Results: between August 2005 and June 2015, 769 patients underwent kidney transplantation at our institution; 26 patients received plasmapheresis as part of the treatment for Antibody-mediated renal allograft rejection. All patients received induction therapy. Maintenance therapy used was tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid and steroids in 80,8% of the patients and cyclosporine, micophenolic acid and steroids in 19,2%. Antibody mediated rejection had an early onset in 61,5% of the cases. At six and 12 months after therapy, 44% and 53,8% patients respectively were back on dialysis. Complications were reported in 53,8% of the patients (hypocalcaemia, hypotension and anaphylaxis). Conclusion: in this cohort, 50% of patients who received Plasmapheresis as therapy for severe Antibody-mediated renal allograft rejection presented loss graft after one year of follow up. It is necessary adding to this therapy new treatment alternatives, among them intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab, eculizumab and bortezomib. MÉD.UIS. 2016;29(2):41-8.

La lipocalina asociada con la gelatinasa de neutrófilos como factor temprano de predicción de la función retardada del injerto renal / Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as an early predictor of delayed graft function

Introducción. La función retardada del injerto renal se presenta en 20 a 50 % de los trasplantes renales. Objetivo. Describir el comportamiento de la lipocalina urinaria asociada a la gelatinasa de neutrófilos en receptores de trasplante renal de donante fallecido y compararlo con el porcentaje de descenso de la creatinina sérica para detectar tempranamente la función retardada del injerto renal. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron los niveles de lipocalina urinaria asociada a la gelatinasa de neutrófilos en una cohorte prospectiva 1, 12, 24 y 48 horas después del trasplante renal, y se compararon diariamente con los de la creatinina sérica hasta el quinto día del trasplante. Resultados. Se incluyeron en el estudio 79 pacientes con trasplante renal de donante fallecido. La función retardada del injerto renal se presentó en 13 pacientes (16,5 %) y cinco de ellos (6,3 %) necesitaron diálisis en la primera semana. Los valores de lipocalina urinaria asociada a la gelatinasa de neutrófilos en todos los puntos de corte fueron mayores en los pacientes con función retardada del injerto renal (p=0,526, p=0,049, p=0,032 y p=0,001, respectivamente). Se estableció un valor de más de 120 ng/ml a las 48 horas como factor de predicción de la función retardada del injerto, con una sensibilidad de 75 % y una especificidad de 71 %; el valor de creatinina sérica que mejor discriminó la función retardada se presentó a las 48 horas (59,5 %), con una sensibilidad de 92 % y una especificidad de 83 %. En la regresión logística los únicos valores significativos para predecir la función retardada del injerto renal fueron los de la creatinina serica. Conclusión. Los niveles de lipocalina urinaria asociada a la gelatinasa de neutrófilos a las 48 horas del trasplante renal predijeron la función retardada, incluida la necesidad de diálisis, pero no fueron superiores a los de la creatinina sérica para la detección temprana.

Introduction: Delayed graft function occurs in about 20 to 50 percent of kidney transplants. Objective: To describe the behavior of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGALu) in deceased-donor renal transplant recipients and to compare this indicator with the percentage of creatinine decrease (PdC) for the early detection of delayed graft function. Materials and methods: NGALu levels were evaluated in a prospective cohort in the first, 12th, 24th and 48th hours after kidney transplant, and compared with the daily PdC until day 5. Results: We included 79 patients in the study. Delayed graft function occurred in 13 patients (16.5%), and five patients (6.3%) required dialysis in the first week. NGALu levels at all cut-off points were higher in patients with delayed graft function (p=0.526, p=0.049, p=0.032, and p=0.001). NGALu levels above 120 ng/ml at 48 hours predicted delayed graft function with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 71%. A PdC of 59.5% best discriminated the delayed graft function, with a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 83% at 48 hours. Using logistic regression for the adjusted delayed graft function, the only significant values to predict it were those of PdC. Conclusions: NGALu levels measured at 48 hours after renal transplantation predicted delayed graft function, including the need for dialysis; however, this marker was not superior to the PdC for early detection.

Hallazgos nefro-urológicos postnatales de pacientes con diagnóstico prenatal de hidronefrosis evaluados en un hospital de cuarto nivel de complejidad / Postnatal nephro-urology findings of patients with prenatal diagnosis of hydronephrosis

No es clara la repercusión clínica de la hidronefrosis. Este estudio busca determinar las características de las imágenes diagnósticas de los pacientes con hidronefrosis prenatal y determinar si el valor del diámetro anteroposterior de la pelvis renal puede identificar la presencia de malformaciones urológicas posnatales y la necesidad de cirugía. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal en el que se revisaron las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes con edades entre 0 y 5 años de edad, con diagnóstico prenatal de hidronefrosis, quienes consultaron a un hospital de cuarto nivel de complejidad en la ciudad de Medellín - Colombia. Cada unidad renal se evaluó en forma independiente. Resultados: en total se estudiaron 135 unidades renales de 97 pacientes. No se encontró hidronefrosis posnatal en el 17,8 %. Al seguimiento, el 85 % de los pacientes con estenosis pieloureteral y 90 % de los pacientes con valvas de uretra posterior fueron clasificados prenatalmente como hidronefrosis moderada a grave. Por el contrario, el 41,4 % de los riñones con diagnóstico de reflujo vesico-ureteral fueron clasificados como hidronefrosis leve, 34,5 % moderada y 24,1 % grave. El 56,3 % de los riñones necesitaron algún tipo de cirugía. El 26 % de las hidronefrosis clasificadas como leves necesitaron algún procedimiento quirúrgico. Un diámetro anteroposterior de la pelvis renal de 10,5 mm tuvo una sensibilidad de 67 % y una especificidad de 71,2 % para la detección de malformaciones nefro-urológicas. Conclusión: la hidronefrosis prenatal, independiente de su grado, puede ser indicativa de malformaciones del tracto genitourinario. Se recomienda un seguimiento estricto en los pacientes con hidronefrosis, incluso en los casos leves, para así detectar tempranamente la presencia o no de malformaciones nefro-urológicas que requieran algún tipo de intervención.

Currently, we do know the clinical repercussions of prenatal hydronephrosis. This study aims to assess the imaging features of hydronephrosis patients and to determine whether the renal pelvis value in the prenatal ultrasound correlates with the presence of urologic malformations and the need for surgery. Materials and methods: Cross sectional study. We evaluated the medical records of all patients almost 5 years old with prenatal hydronephrosis who had consulted during 2006-2010. Results: we analyzed 97 patients, for a total of 135 kidneys. 17.8 % had not hydronephosis; 85.1 % of the patients with pyeloureteral junction stenosis and 90 % of those with posterior urethral valves had been prenatally classified as having mild to severe hydronephrosis. Conversely, 41.4 % of kidneys with vesicouretral reflux were classified as having mild hydronephrosis, 34.5 % moderate and 24.14 % severe. Furthermore, 56.3 % of the evaluated kidneys needed some type of surgery. It is also worth mentioning that it was necessary to perform surgical procedures on 26 % of the kidneys with mild hydronephrosis. Finally, the analysis of the ROC curve made it possible to find that, when the pelvis has an anteroposterior diameter of 10.5 mm, the sensitivity for the detection of nephro-urologic malformations is 67 % and the specificity 71.2 %. Conclusion: prenatal hydronephrosis, regardless of its degree, may be an indication of malformations in the urinary tract. We recommend performing strict follow-ups on the patients to determine the presence of nephro-urologic malformations requiring some kind of intervention.

Uso de rituximab en pacientes pediátricos con síndrome nefrótico córtico-resistente. Experiencia de un centro / Use of rituximab in pediatric patients with steroidresistant nephrotic syndrome. A single center study / Uso de rituximab em pacientes pediátricos com síndrome nefrótica córtico-resistente. Experiência de um centro

Introducción: los esteroides son el tratamiento de elección del síndrome nefrótico con tasas de éxito hasta del 90%. En pacientes que no responden adecuadamente a ellos, se han usado diferentes esquemas de inmunosupresión. Objetivo y métodos: describir la respuesta terapéutica en un grupo de siete niños con síndrome nefrótico córtico-dependiente (SNCD) o córtico-resistente (SNCR) que recibieron tratamiento con rituximab y micofenolato mofetil en un hospital universitario de la ciudad de Medellín durante los años 2010-2012. Resultados: dos pacientes tenían SNCD y cinco, SNCR; la mediana de edad en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 2 años (p25-75: 1-5); seis meses después de la aplicación del rituximab se encontró disminución de la proteinuria en el 93% de los pacientes; los esteroides se lograron suspender en el 100%; además, disminuyó el número de recaídas; sin embargo, la proteinuria reapareció un año después de dicho tratamiento. Conclusión: con el rituximab disminuyen la proteinuria y la dosis de esteroides, pero la enfermedad recurre 12 meses después de usarlo. Se sugiere hacer otro estudio evaluando el efecto de una segunda dosis de rituximab al año de la primera.

Introduction: Steroids are the cornerstone of therapy for nephrotic syndrome (NS) with a remission rate as high as 90%. In patients who do not respond to them or are steroid dependent, other immunosuppressive drugs have been used. Although rituximab use in NS is off-label, many authors have published their experience with it. Objective and methods: To describe retrospectively a group of seven children with nephrotic syndrome, either steroid-dependent (SDNS) or steroid- resistant (SRNS), treated with rituximab and mycophenolate, at Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital, in Medellín, Colombia. Results: Two patients with SDNS and five with SRNS were evaluated; median age at diagnosis was 2 years (p25-75: 1-5); six months after treatment with rituximab there was reduction in proteinuria (93%), in the steroid dose (100%) and in the relapse episodes. However, proteinuria reappeared 12 months after treatment. Conclusion: During the first year after rituximab treatment of NS there is reduction in proteinuria and in the steroid dose, but thereafter there is relapse. It is suggested to carry out another study using a second dose of rituximab one year after the first one.

Introdução: os esteroides são o tratamento de eleição da síndrome nefrótica com taxas de sucesso até da 90%. Em pacientes que não respondem adequadamente a eles, usaram-se diferentes esquemas de imunossupressão. Não está aprovado o uso do rituximab em pacientes com síndrome nefrótica, mas alguns grupos publicaram sua experiência com ele nesta doença. Objetivo e métodos: descrever a resposta terapêutica num grupo de sete meninos com síndrome nefrótica córtico-dependente (SNCD) ou córtico -resistente (SNCR) que receberam tratamento com rituximab e micofenolato mofetil num hospital universitário da cidade de Medellín durante os anos 2010-2012. Resultados: dois pacientes tinham SNCD e cinco, SNCR; a idade no momento do diagnóstico foi de 2 anos (p25-75: 1-5); seis meses depois da aplicação do rituximab se encontrou diminuição de 93% da proteinúria e de 100% na dose de prednisolona; ademais, diminuiu o número de recaídas; no entanto, a proteinúria reapareceu um ano depois de dito tratamento. Conclusão: com o rituximab diminuem a proteinúria e a dose de esteroides, mas a doença recorre 12 meses depois de usá-lo. Sugere-se fazer outro estudo avaliando o efeito de uma segunda dose de rituximab no ano seguinte da primeira dose.

Tuberculosis in renal transplant patients: The experience of a single center in Medellín-Colombia, 2005-2013 / Tuberculose em pacientes transplantados renais: experiência de um único centro em Medellín-Colômbia, 2005-2013

Introduction: Tuberculosis is a common opportunistic infection in renal transplant patients. Objective: To obtain a clinical and laboratory description of transplant patients diagnosed with tuberculosis and their response to treatment during a period ranging from 2005 to 2013 at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital. Methods: Retrospective and descriptive study. Results: In 641 renal transplants, tuberculosis was confirmed in 12 cases. Of these, 25% had a history of acute rejection, and 50% had creatinine levels greater than 1.5 mg/dl prior to infection. The disease typically presented as pulmonary (50%) and disseminated (33.3%). The first phase of treatment consisted of 3 months of HZRE (isoniazid, pyrazinamide, rifampicin and ethambutol) in 75% of the cases and HZME (isoniazid, pyrazinamide, moxifloxacin and ethambutol) in 25% of the cases. During the second phase of the treatment, 75% of the cases received isoniazid and rifampicin, and 25% of the cases received isoniazid and ethambutol. The length of treatment varied between 6 and 18 months. In 41.7% of patients, hepatotoxicity was associated with the beginning of anti-tuberculosis therapy. During a year-long follow-up, renal function remained stable, and the mortality rate was 16.7%. Conclusion: Tuberculosis in the renal transplant population studied caused diverse nonspecific symptoms. Pulmonary and disseminated tuberculosis were the most frequent forms and required prolonged treatment. Antituberculosis medications had a high toxicity and mortality. This infection must be considered when patients present with a febrile syndrome of unknown origin, especially during the first year after renal transplant. .

Introdução: A tuberculose é uma infecção oportunista comum em pacientes transplantados renais. Objetivo: Oferecer uma descrição clínica e laboratorial de pacientes transplantados com diagnóstico de tuberculose e sua resposta ao tratamento durante o período entre 2005 e 2013 no Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo descritivo. Resultados: Em 641 transplantes renais, a tuberculose foi confirmada em 12 pacientes. Destes, 25% tinham histórico de rejeição aguda e 50% apresentaram níveis de creatinina superiores a 1,5 mg/dl antes da infecção. A patologia geralmente se apresentava como pulmonar (50%) e disseminada (33,3%). A primeira fase do tratamento consistiu de três meses de HZRE (isoniazida, pirazinamida, rifampicina e etambutol) em 75% dos casos e HZME (isoniazida, pirazinamida, moxifloxacina e etambutol) em 25% dos pacientes. Durante a segunda fase do tratamento, 75% dos pacientes receberam isoniazida e rifampicina e 25% isoniazida e etambutol. A duração do tratamento variou entre seis e 18 meses. Em 41,7% dos pacientes, hepatotoxicidade foi associada ao início do tratamento da tuberculose. Durante o seguimento de um ano a função renal manteve-se estável e a taxa de mortalidade foi de 16,7%. Conclusão: A tuberculose foi responsável por diversos sintomas inespecíficos na população de transplantados renais estudada. Tuberculose pulmonar e disseminada foram as formas mais frequentes de acometimento e necessitaram de tratamento prolongado. Medicamentos contra a tuberculose apresentaram alta toxicidade e mortalidade. Esta infecção deve ser considerada quando o paciente apresenta síndrome febril de origem desconhecida, especialmente durante o primeiro ano após o transplante renal. .

Evolución de los pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de hidronefrosis que consultaron al Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, Medellín, Colombia, entre 1960 y 2010 / Evolution of pediatric patients diagnosed with hydronephrosis at Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, in Medellín, Colombia between 1960 and 2010

Introducción: la hidronefrosis es una de las malformaciones congénitas detectadas comúnmente en la ecografía prenatal. Los casos moderados y graves frecuentemente se asocian a anomalías de la vía urinaria. Objetivo: describir las causas de la hidronefrosis, la frecuencia de su diagnóstico prenatal y la de enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en una serie de pacientes pediátricos. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo de 924 pacientes atendidos entre 1960 y 2010 en un hospital universitario de Medellín. Resultados: hubo predominio de hombres (64,3%); en el 14,4% el diagnóstico fue prenatal. En el 18,3% no se encontraron anomalías urológicas asociadas. Siete de estos (4,2%) llegaron a la ERC. La estenosis pieloureteral fue la anomalía hallada con mayor frecuencia (28,6%) seguida por el reflujo vesicoureteral (21,5%) y las valvas de la uretra posterior (9,4%); el 10,2% de los pacientes llegaron a la enfermedad renal crónica; al agrupar los pacientes de acuerdo con el método utilizado para el diagnóstico de hidronefrosis, el grupo en que se hizo por urografía excretora tuvo ERC en el 11,3%, en contraste con el 8,4% en quienes el diagnóstico se hizo por ecografía renal; por otro lado. al agrupar los pacientes con diagnóstico ecográfico de hidronefrosis prenatal o posnatal, el porcentaje de ERC fue de 4,8% frente a 10,8%, respectivamente. Conclusión: el diagnóstico temprano de la hidronefrosis permite detectar anomalías urológicas susceptibles de seguimiento o corrección quirúrgica. Todavía existe mucha controversia acerca del mejor seguimiento imaginológico para estos pacientes.

Introduction: Hydronephrosis is one of the most common congenital malformations detected on prenatal ultrasounds. Moderate and severe cases are often associated with urological abnormalities. Objective: To describe the causes of hydronephrosis, and the frequency of its prenatal diagnosis and of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a series of pediatric patients. Materials and methods: A descriptive, retrospective study of 924 patients under 18 years of age seen at a university hospital in Medellín, Colombia, between 1960 and 2010. Results: 64.3% were male. Diagnosis was prenatal in 133 (14.4%). Hydronephrosis was bilateral in 198 patients (28.5%). In 169 (18.3%) no associated urological abnormality was found; 7 of these (4.2%) reached CKD. Ureteropelvic stenosis was diagnosed in 216 (23.3%) followed by vesicoureteral reflux in 199 (21.5%) and posterior urethral valves in 87 (9.4%); 93 (10.2%) reached CKD. When hydronephrosis was diagnosed by urography, patients developed CKD in 11.3% vs. 8.4% in those whose diagnosis was made by ultrasound; frequency of CKD was 4.8% when diagnosis by ultrasound was prenatal, and 10.8% when it was postnatal. Conclusion: Early diagnosis of hydronephrosis allows the detection of urologic abnormalities susceptible to treatment. There is controversy about the best imaginological method for the follow-up of these patients.

Development of pediatric hydronephrosis patients visiting the San Vicente Foundation University Hospital, Medellín, Colombia

Hydronephrosis is one of the most common congenital malformations detected on prenatal ultrasounds. Moderate and severe cases are often associated with urological abnormality. OBJECTIVE To describe a series of pediatric patients diagnosed with hydronephrosis determining their etiology, prenatal diagnosis and frequency of chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive, retrospective study. RESULTS The records of 924 patients between the ages of 0 and 18 years were evaluated, 35.7% female and 64.3% male. In 14.4% (133) the diagnosis was prenatal. Hydronephrosis was bilateral in 198 patients (28.5%). In 18.3% (169) no associated urological abnormality was found, reaching 4.2% in CKD (7). Ureteropelvic stenosis was diagnosed in 23.3% (216) followed with 21.5% VUR (199) and posterior urethral valves in 9.4% (87), reaching 10.2% ERC (93). When the hydroneprhosis was diagnosed by urography, those patients presented 11.3% of chronic kidney disease vs. 8.4% in whom the diagnosis was made by ultrasound, when the hydronephosis diagnosed was by prenatal vs postnatal ultrasound, the percentage of CKD was 4.8% vs 10.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION Early diagnosis of hydronephrosis allows the detection of urologic abnormalities susceptible of treatment. Although there are still many questions about which one is the ideal strategy of follow up; the ultrasonography, voiding cystourethrogram, urography, scintigraphy and magnetic resonance urography in selected patients are the most useful tools in order to evaluate urinary tract anomaly.

Baja incidencia de enfermedad linfoproliferativa postrasplante renal con uso predominante de Alemtuzumab / Low incidence of limphoproliferative disease post kidney transplantation with prevalent use of Alemtuzumab

Introducción: Se conoce que la incidencia de malignidad es significativamente mayor en los pacientes trasplantados que en la población general. La incidencia de enfermedad linfoproliferativa post trasplante (PTLD) es aproximadamente de 1% a 2% en los receptores de trasplante renal. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar la incidencia de PTLD en el seguimiento de pacientes trasplantados de riñón entre el 2005 y el 2010. Material y Métodos: Se tomaron de forma retrospectiva los datos de pacientes trasplantados de riñón entre los años 2005 a 2010 para determinar el número de casos de PTLD según el esquema inductor usado. Resultados: Se trasplantaron 425 pacientes en el periodo 2005 - 2010. Recibieron alemtuzumab 76.2%, daclizumab 10.7%, basiliximab 3.6% y timoglobulina 2.4%. No recibieron inducción con anticuerpos el 7 %. Durante este tiempo se presentaron 2 casos de PTLD: 1 con mieloma múltiple y otro con linfoma. Uno de ellos recibió alemtuzumab y otro timoglobulina. Conclusiones: En esta cohorte de pacientes donde se usó predominantemente alemtuzumab, la incidencia de PTLD fue más baja que lo reportado en estudios previos.

Introduction: It is well known that the incidence of malignancy is significantly higher in transplanted patients than in general population. The incidence of lymphoproliferative disease post-transplantation (PTLD) is approximately of 1% to 2% in kidney transplantation recipients. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the PTLD incidence when monitoring kidney transplanted patients between the years 2005 and 2010. Material and Methods: Kidney transplanted patients' data was retrospectively taken between the years 2005 to 2010 in order to determine the number of PTLD cases according to the inductor scheme used. Results: 425 patients were transplanted between 2005 and 2010. They received alemtuzumab 76.2%,daclizumab 10.7%, basiliximab 3.6% and thymoglobulin 2.4%. The 7% did not receive antibody induction. During this period 2 cases of PTLD ocurred: One with multiple myeloma and the other with lymphoma. One of them had been treated with alemtuzumab and the other with thymoglobulin. Conclusions: The PTLD incidence in our group, where alemtuzumab was used predominantly as inductor, was very low; this might suggest that alemtuzumab is a medication that does not increase the risk of this kind of neoplasia.

Immunosupressive therapy in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome: single center experience / Tratamento com imunossupressores em crianças com síndrome nefrótica resistente a corticosteróide: experiência de um único centro

INTODUCTION: Nephrotic syndrome is one of the most frequent glomerular diseases among children, and steroid therapy remains as the treatment choice. In spite of this, 10 to 15% of the patients are steroidresistant, and the best therapy for such cases has never been defined. Mycophenolate acid (MA) is one of the treatments used in such situations. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical behavior of children diagnosed with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) and to assess the therapeutic response to MA. METHODS: This was a retrospective and descriptive study. RESULTS: 26 clinical records of patients with SRNS; 70% male and 30% female. All patients underwent kidney biopsies, which showed a predominance of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). The immunosuppresive drugs used were: Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 100%, Cyclosporine 69.2%, Cyclophosphamide 23.1%, and Rituximab 23%. One month after treatment initiation with MMF 61.5% achieved remission. The median of relapses per year for the patients was 3 (p25: 2.75 - p75: 4). This median became 1 (p25: 1 - p75: 3.25) after using this medication (p = 0.08). Furthermore, prior to the start of the MMF treatment, the median of the steroid dose was 1 (p25: 0.5- p75: 1.62) mg/k/day. After using MMF, this median became 0.07 (p25: 0 - p75: 0.55) mg/k/day (p < 0.001), in 8 patients prednisolone was stopped. CONCLUSION: In our experience, treatment with MMF showed positive results such as decrease in the frequency of relapses, less proteinuria, and reduction in the dose of steroids administered without deterioration of glomerular filtration rates. However, more studies are needed to assess efficacy, safety, and optimal dosage.

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome nefrótica é uma das mais frequentes doenças glomerulares em crianças e o tratamento com corticosteróides ainda é o tratamento de escolha. Apesar disso, 10 a 15% dos pacientes são resistentes a corticosteróides, e o melhor tratamento para tais casos ainda não foi definido. O ácido micofenólico (AM) é um dos tratamentos usados em tais situações. OBJETIVO: Descrever o comportamento clínico de crianças diagnosticadas com síndrome nefrótica resistente a corticosteróide (SNRC) e avaliar a resposta terapêutica ao AM. MÉTODOS: Esse foi um estudo retrospectivo e descritivo. RESULTADOS: 26 registros de pacientes com SNRC; 70% homens e 30% mulheres. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a biópsias renais, o que mostrou predominância de glomeruloesclerose segmentar focal (GESF). Os medicamentos imunossupressores utilizados foram: Mofetil Micofenolato (MMF) 100%; Ciclosporina 69,2%; Ciclosfosfamida 23,1%; e Rituximabe 23%. Um mês após início do tratamento com MMF, 61,5% tiveram remissão. A mediana das recidivas por ano para os pacientes foi de 3 (p25: 2,75 - p75: 4). Essa mediana se tornou 1 (p25: 1 - p75: 3,25) após o uso da medicação (p = 0,08). Além disso, antes do início do tratamento com MMF, a mediana da dose de corticosteróide foi de 1 (p25: 0.5 - p75: 1.62) mg/k/ dia. Após a utilização do MMF, essa mediana se tornou 0,07 (p25: 0 - p75: 0,55) mg/k/dia (p < 0,001), em 8 pacientes a prednisolona foi interrompida. CONCLUSÃO: em nossa casuística, o tratamento com MMF mostrou resultados positivos, tais como a redução na frequência de recidivas, menos proteinúria, e redução da dose de corticosteróide administrada sem deterioração nas taxas de filtração glomerular. Entretanto, mais estudos são necessários para se avaliar a eficácia, segurança e otimização da dosagem.

Evolución a largo plazo de los niños con diagnóstico de síndrome nefrótico atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl, Medellín, entre enero de 1960 y diciembre de 2009 / Long-term follow-up of pediatric patients with nephrotic syndrome treated at Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl (Medellín (HUSVP), Colombia), between January 1960 and December 2009

Introducción: el síndrome nefrótico (SN) es una de las enfermedades glomerulares más frecuentes en la infancia y son pocos los estudios realizados en Colombia sobre esta enfermedad. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los niños con SN atendidos en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl, de Medellín, Colombia, entre los años 1960-2009. Metodología: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Resultados: el 87,9% de los pacientes fueron corticosensibles, entre 1,7%-5,4% se tornaron corticorresistentes. La histopatología predominante fue la del síndrome nefrótico con cambios mínimos (43,6%) seguida por la glomeruloesclerosis focal y segmentaria (37,3%). El 40% requirieron inmunosupresión adicional; en 88,8% de estos se utilizó ciclofosfamida con remisión en 85,7%. Se presentaron complicaciones en 56% y 52% de ellas fueron infecciosas. El 9% de los pacientes llegaron a la insuficiencia renal crónica. La tasa de mortalidad fue del 5,7%. Discusión: esta es una de las series más grandes de pacientes con SN reportadas hasta el momento y con un período de seguimiento de hasta 35 años, lo que aporta información valiosa sobre el comportamiento local de la enfermedad y la respuesta al tratamiento inmunosupresor, El seguimiento a largo plazo de estos pacientes es fundamental para ofrecer el mejor tratamiento disponible y nos plantea nuevos interrogantes sobre la evolución del SN en nuestra población.

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a glomerular disease that frequently affects children. There have been few studies on it in Colombia. Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of children with SN treated at HUSVP between 1960 and 2009. Methodology: Retrospective and descriptive study. Results: Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome was diagnosed in 87.9% of the patients, and between 1.7%-5.4% turned steroid-resistant. Biopsies revealed disease with minimal changes in 43.6% and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 37.3%. Additional immunosuppressive therapy was required by 40% of the patients; in 88.8% of these, cyclophosphamide was used, and remission was achieved in 85.7%. In 56% of the cases there were complications that were infectious in 52%. Nine percent of the patients progressed to end-stage renal disease. Mortality rate was 5.7%. Discussion: The large number of patients with nephrotic syndrome studied in this series and the long period of follow-up (up to 35 years) provide valuable information about the clinical behavior of this syndrome in Colombia and on its response to immunosuppressive therapy.

Malformaciones urológicas asociadas y desarrollo de enfermedad renal crónica en pacientes pediátricos con diagnóstico de infección urinaria que consultaron al Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl (Medellín, Colombia) entre los años 1960-2010 / Associated urological malformations and development of chronic kidney disease in pediatric patients with urinary tract infection at San Vicente de Paúl Hospital (Medellín, Colombia) between 1960 and 2010

Introducción: una de las principales infecciones bacterianas en la población pediátrica es la infección urinaria (ITU). Factores asociados como reflujo vesicoureteral (RVU), valvas de la uretra posterior, vejiga neurogénica y otras malformaciones anatómicas aumentan la probabilidad de desarrollar cicatrices renales y displasia/hipoplasia, lo que a su vez eleva el riesgo de hipertensión arterial (HTA), proteinuria y enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) a largo plazo.Objetivo: describir las malformaciones asociadas a ITU y la frecuencia de desarrollo de ERC en pacientes pediátricos que consultaron al Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl entre 1960 y 2010.Metodología: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, en el que se evaluaron 4.476 registros de pacientes con diagnóstico de ITU.Resultados: los pacientes con anomalías de las vías urinarias correspondieron al 78,3% (con predominio de mujeres: 52,8%). Se encontró RVU primario en 29,9%; de estos 5,1% evolucionaron a ERC. La vejiga neurogénica se diagnosticó en 8,1%, de los cuales 70,8% fueron secundarios a mielomeningocele y 4,9% desarrollaron ERC. Las valvas de la uretra posterior se presentaron en 3,5% de la muestra total, de los cuales el 28,5% llegaron a ERC.Conclusión: la ITU en la población pediátrica es un marcador de malformación de la vía urinaria y su pronóstico está determinado por la presencia de RVU, anomalías obstructivas y/o displasia renal que favorecen la aparición de cicatrices renales y aumentan el riesgo de HTA, proteinuria y ERC. Un enfoque diagnóstico adecuado permitiría establecer estrategias de manejo con el objetivo de evitar el deterioro de la función renal.

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a major cause of bacterial disease in the pediatric population. Associated factors such as vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), posterior urethral valves, neurogenic bladder and other anatomical malformations increase the likelihood of developing renal scarring and dysplasia/ hypoplasia, which at the same time increase in the long term the risk of hypertension (HT), proteinuria and chronic kidney disease (CKD).Objective: To describe the malformations associated with the frequency of UTI and development of CKD in pediatric patients who consulted San Vicente de Paúl Hospital, in Medellin, Colombia, between 1960 and 2010.Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study in which the clinical records of 4.476 patients with UTI were evaluated.Results: Patients with urinary tract anomalies corresponded to 78.3% of the total (predominance of women: 52.8%). Primary VUR was found in 29.9%; out of these, 5.1% progressed to CKD. Neurogenic bladder was diagnosed in 8.6%, of which 70.8% were secondary to myelomeningocele and 4.9% developed CKD. The posterior urethral valves were present in 3.5% of the total sample, of which 28.5% developed CKD.Conclusion: UTI in the pediatric population is a marker of urinary tract malformation and the prognosis is determined by the presence of VUR, obstructive anomalies and/or renal dysplasia favoring renal scarring, and increasing the risk of hypertension, proteinuria and CKD. An appropriate diagnostic approach would be the basis to implement management strategies to prevent deterioration of renal function.

Validation of a modified fluorimetric assay for the screening of trichomonacidal drugs

A fluorimetric microassay that uses a redox dye to determine the viability of the flagellate Trichomonas vaginalis has been optimised to provide a more sensitive method to evaluate potential trichomonacidal compounds. Resazurin has been used in recent years to test drugs against different parasites, including trichomonadid protozoa; however, the reproducibility of these resazurin-based methods in our laboratory has been limited because the flagellate culture medium spontaneously reduces the resazurin. The objective of this work was to refine the fluorimetric microassay method previously developed by other research groups to reduce the fluorescence background generated by the media and increase the sensitivity of the screening assay. The experimental conditions, time of incubation, resazurin concentration and media used in the microtitre plates were adjusted. Different drug sensitivity studies against T. vaginalis were developed using the 5-nitroimidazole reference drugs, new 5-nitroindazolinones and 5-nitroindazole synthetic derivatives. Haemocytometer count results were compared with the resazurin assay using a 10% solution of 3 mM resazurin dissolved in phosphate buffered saline with glucose (1 mg/mL). The fluorimetric assay and the haemocytometer counts resulted in similar percentages of trichomonacidal activity in all the experiments, demonstrating that the fluorimetric microtitre assay has the necessary accuracy for high-throughput screening of new drugs against T. vaginalis.

Causas de enfermedad renal crónica en niños atendidos en el Servicio de Nefrología Pediátrica del Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl, de Medellín, Colombia, entre 1960 y 2010 / Etiology of chronic kidney disease: fifty-year experience (1960-2010) at the Pediatric Nephrology Service, Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl (Medellín, Colombia)

La insuficiencia renal crónica es el resultado del deterioro progresivo e irreversible de la función renal, que genera incapacidad del riñón para remover los productos de desecho y mantener el equilibrio ácido básico. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las causas de insuficiencia renal crónica en nuestros pacientes y su importancia relativa en este desenlace. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal, basado en la revisión de 367 registros pertenecientes al Servicio de Nefrología Infantil, de pacientes con diagnóstico de insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC), que acudieron al Servicio de Consulta Externa del Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl, de Medellín, entre el 01 de enero de 1960 y el 30 de agosto de 2010. De los 367 pacientes, 199 (54,2%) fueron hombres y 168 (45,8%), mujeres; las enfermedades predominantes como causa de la IRC fueron: reflujo vésico-ureteral (37,1%), hidronefrosis (24,0%), valvas de la uretra posterior (13,4%), glomerulonefritis aguda (12,3%), síndrome nefrótico (11,2%) e hipoplasia renal (9,3%).

Chronic renal failure (CRF) results from progressive and irreversible deterioration of kidney function; it manifests as the inability to remove waste products and to maintain acid-base balance. The objectives of this study were to identify the diseases responsible for CRF in our patients and their relative importance in such outcome. A descriptive retrospective study was carried out, based on the review of the charts of 367 children with the diagnosis of CRF treated at the Pediatric Nephrology Service (Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl, Medellín, Colombia) between 01 January 1960 and August 30, 2010. One hundred and ninety nine patients (54,2%) were males, and 168 (45,8), females. The predominant diseases as cause of CRF were: vesico-ureteral reflux (37.1%), hydronephrosis (24.0%), posterior urethral valves (13.4%), acute glomerulonephritis (12.3%), nephrotic syndrome (11.2%), and kidney hypoplasia (9.3%).

Key areas in the learning curve for robotic urological surgery: a Spanish multicentre survey.

BACKGROUND: The number of robotic-assisted procedures offered in Spain is rapidly increasing despite a lack of consensus criteria for training and credentialling. OBJECTIVE: This national multicentre study was designed to analyze the different areas of the robotic urological surgery learning curve. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all 13 urology units in Spain with an active robotics programme requesting information on training and problems encountered. RESULTS: In most centres (n = 11, 84.6%), training programmes were animal-based; cadavers were used at only 2 (15.4%). Proctoring in initial procedures was practiced by 12 groups (92.3%). When initiating the robotics programme, the console was shared at 8 units (61.5%). Prior experience in open and/or laparoscopic surgery was reported by 10 of the groups (76.9%), and experience in open surgery only by 2 (15.4%) or robotic surgery alone by 1 (7.7%). The procedure with which the robotics programme was started in all 13 participating units was radical prostatectomy. The number of cases needed to complete the learning curve for this procedure was 20-25 cases according to 8 (61.5%) surgery teams. CONCLUSIONS: Up until March 26, 2010, 1,692 operations, mostly radical prostatectomies, were conducted using the da Vinci robot in our country.

Immunomodulation of the response to excretory/secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica by Anapsos in Balb/C mice and rat alveolar macrophages.

It is known that excretory/secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica (ESFh) trigger a Th2-like immune response. Anapsos (A) is an aqueous hydrosoluble extract obtained from the rhizomes of the fern Polypodium leucotomos that has shown immunomodulator effects in some parasitic infections and immunological disorders. In this work we assess the effect of Anapsos and ESFh and Quillaja saponaria extract (Qs) on BALB/c mice and rat alveolar macrophages. Anapsos modulates the response of mice immunized with ESFh, decreasing IgG antibodies in A+ESFh- and A+Qs+ESFh-treated mice and triggering high levels of gammaIFN in spleen cell culture in comparison with ESFh- and Qs + ESFh--treated groups. Moreover, Anapsos showed statistically significant inhibitory effects on the nitrite production by rat alveolar macrophages prestimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as well as ESFh antigen in comparison with macrophages stimulated only with LPS. The application of ESFh and Anapsos combined avoids this inhibitory effect. Thus, Anapsos modulates the immune response against ESFh in naive mice and on the nitrite production in prestimulated rat aveolar macrophages.