SIGIS-SIAMS-SIE position statement of gender affirming hormonal treatment in transgender and non-binary people.

PURPOSE: Gender Incongruence (GI) is a marked and persistent incongruence between an individual's experienced and the assigned gender at birth. In the recent years, there has been a considerable evolution and change in attitude as regards to gender nonconforming people. METHODS: According to the Italian Society of Gender, Identity and Health (SIGIS), the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) and the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE) rules, a team of experts on the topic has been nominated by a SIGIS-SIAMS-SIE Guideline Board on the basis of their recognized clinical and research expertise in the field, and coordinated by a senior author, has prepared this Position statement. Later on, the present manuscript has been submitted to the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation for the normal process of international peer reviewing after a first internal revision process made by the SIGIS-SIAMS-SIE Guideline Board. RESULTS: In the present document by the SIGIS-SIAMS-SIE group, we propose experts opinions concerning the psychological functioning, gender affirming hormonal treatment, safety concerns, emerging issues in transgender healthcare (sexual health, fertility issues, elderly trans people), and an Italian law overview aimed to improve gender non-conforming people care. CONCLUSION: In this Position statement, we propose experts opinions concerning the psychological functioning of transgender people, the gender-affirming hormonal treatment (full/partial masculinization in assigned female at birth trans people, full/partial feminization and de-masculinization in assigned male at birth trans people), the emerging issues in transgender health care aimed to improve patient care. We have also included an overview of Italian law about gender affirming surgery and registry rectification.

Quality of Life of Patients with Mandibular Third Molars and Mild Pericoronitis. A Comparison between Two Different Treatments: Extraction or Periodontal Approach.

Background: The extraction of the mandibular third molar is one of the most frequent intervention in oral surgery. A common indication for wisdom tooth extraction is represented by pericoronitis, which can determine discomfort and pain in patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of patients' quality of life by comparing a surgical approach with a periodontal approach. METHODS: We evaluated 82 patients diagnosed with pericoronitis that occurred at the third molar site. In total, 41 of them received a periodontal treatment and 41 were treated by extraction. The quality of life (QoL) of the patients was assessed by using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) index. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients were included in the study and were followed up for 6 months. Of the patients, 41 received a periodontal treatment and 41 underwent surgical extraction. At the baseline, the OHIP-14 scores of the surgical group were higher (19.71, SD 9.90) than the periodontal group (14.41, SD 8.71). At 1 week, there was a reduction in terms of OHIP-14 in both groups, but the periodontal group showed lower values (12.3, SD 8.11). Long-term follow-up showed a reduction of the OHIP-14 values, with a difference in favor of the surgical group (0.10, SD 0.45). However, there was a reduction in OHIP-14 scores in both groups. CONCLUSION: Although the periodontal treatment offered a rapid improvement in terms of quality of life during the first week after the treatment, after 1 month and 6 months, the extraction of the mandibular third molar extraction remained the best treatment, removing the occurrence of re-inflammation of the site.

Transition memories: experiences of trans adult women with hormone therapy and their beliefs on the usage of hormone blockers to suppress puberty.

PURPOSE: In recent years, an increasing number of specialized gender clinics have been prescribing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs to adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria (GD) to suppress puberty. This paper presents qualitative research on the hormone therapy (HT) experiences of older trans-people and their views on puberty suppression. The main aim of this research was to explore the psychological aspects of hormonal treatments for gender non-conforming adults, including the controversial use of puberty suppression treatments. METHODS: Using a semi-structured interview format, ten adult trans-women were interviewed (mean age: 37.4) to explore their personal histories regarding GD onset and development, their HT experiences, and their views on the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-children and adolescents. RESULTS: the interview transcripts were analyzed using the consensual qualitative research method from which several themes emerged: the onset of GD, childhood experiences, experiences with puberty and HT, views on the puberty suspension procedure, and the effects of this suspension on gender identity and sexuality. CONCLUSIONS: The interviews showed that overall, the participants valued the new treatment protocol due to the opportunity to prevent the severe body dysphoria and social phobia trans-people experience with puberty. It seems that the risk of social isolation and psychological suffering is increased by the general lack of acceptance and stigma toward trans-identities in the Italian society. However, during gender transitions, they highlight the need to focus more on internal and psychological aspects, rather than over-emphasize physical appearance. This study gives a voice to an under-represented group regarding the use of GnRH analogs to suppress puberty in trans-individuals, and collected firsthand insights on this controversial treatment and its recommendations in professional international guidelines.

Influence of emulsifier structure on lipid bioaccessibility in oil-water nanoemulsions.

The influence of several nonionic surfactants (Tween-20, Tween-40, Tween-60, Span-20, Span-60, or Span-80) and anionic surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, and sodium stearyl fumarate) showed drastic differences in the rank order of lipase activity/lipid bioaccessibility. The biophysical composition of the oil and water interface has a clear impact on the bioaccessibility of fatty acids (FA) by altering the interactions of lipase at the oil-water interface. It was found that the bioaccessibility was positively correlated with the hydrophilic/lipophilic balance (HLB) of the surfactant and inversely correlated to the surfactant aliphatic chain length. Furthermore, the induction time in the jejunum increased as the HLB value increased and decreased with increasing aliphatic chain length. The rate of lipolysis slowed in the jejunum with increasing HLB and with increasing aliphatic chain length.

Navigated knee kinematics after cutting of the ACL and its secondary restraint.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the kinematics changes of the knee after cutting of the ACL with or without injury of the anterolateral structures. METHODS: In this study, the role of the ACL and one of the secondary restraints in controlling knee stability using a navigation system was evaluated. The kinematics of the knee was evaluated in different conditions of instability: ACL intact, after dissection of the posterolateral (PL) bundle, after dissection of the anteromedial (AM) bundle, and after lesion of the lateral capsular ligament (LCL). Anterior tibial translation and rotation were measured with a computer navigation system in 10 fresh-frozen cadaveric knees by use of a manual maximum load. Anterior translation was evaluated at 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion; rotation at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°. RESULTS: Cutting the PL bundle does not increase anterior translation and rotation of the knee. Cutting the AM bundle significantly increased the anteroposterior (AP) translation at 30° and 60° (P = 0.01), but does not increase rotation of the knee. Cutting the LCL increased anterior translation at 60° (P = 0.04) and rotation at 30°, 45°, and 60° (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Within the testing conditions of this study, the PL bundle does not affect anterior translation and rotation of the knee; the AM bundle is the primary restraint of the anterior translation but does not affect rotation of the knee while the lesion of the LCL increases tibial rotation and could be related to the pivot shift phenomenon, so it is more correct and biomechanical valid to assess and repair the associated lesion of the antero-lateral structure of the knee at the time of ACL surgery.

Reactive oxygen species are involved in pollen tube initiation in kiwifruit.

The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during pollen tube growth has been well established, but its involvement in the early germination stage is poorly understood. ROS production has been reported in germinating tobacco pollen, but evidence for a clear correlation between ROS and germination success remains elusive. Here, we show that ROS are involved in germination and pollen tube formation in kiwifruit. Using labelling with dihydrofluorescein diacetate (H(2) FDA) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), endogenous ROS were detected immediately following pollen rehydration and during the lag phase preceding pollen tube emergence. Furthermore, extracellular H(2) O(2) was found to accumulate, beginning a few minutes after pollen suspension in liquid medium. ROS production was essential for kiwifruit pollen performance, since in the presence of compounds acting as superoxide dismutase/catalase mimic (Mn-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)21H,23H-porphin, Mn-TMPP) or as NADPH oxidase inhibitor (diphenyleneiodonium chloride, DPI), ROS levels were reduced and pollen tube emergence was severely or completely inhibited. Moreover, ROS production was substantially decreased in the absence of calcium, and by chromium and bisphenol A, which inhibit germination in kiwifruit. Peroxidase activity was cytochemically revealed after rehydration and during germination. In parallel, superoxide dismutase enzymes, particularly the Cu/Zn-dependent subtype - which function as superoxide radical scavengers - were detected by immunoblotting and by an in-gel activity assay in kiwifruit pollen, suggesting that ROS levels may be tightly regulated. Timing of ROS appearance, early localisation at the germination aperture and strict requirement for germination clearly suggest an important role for ROS in pollen grain activation and pollen tube initiation.

Proteomic changes and molecular effects associated with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) treatments on germinating kiwifruit pollen.

The present study is aimed at identifying molecular changes elicited by Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on germinating kiwifruit pollen. To address this question, comparative proteomic and DNA laddering analyses were performed. While no genotoxic effect was detected, a number of proteins whose accumulation levels were altered by treatments were identified. In particular, the upregulation of some proteins involved in the scavenging response, cell redox homeostasis and lipid synthesis could be interpreted as an oxidative stress response induced by Cr treatment. The strong reduction of two proteins involved in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and a decline in ATP levels were also observed. The decrease of pollen energy availability could be one of the causes of the severe inhibition of the pollen germination observed upon exposure to both Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Finally, proteomic and biochemical data indicate proteasome impairment: the consequential accumulation of misfolded/damaged proteins could be an important molecular mechanism of Cr(III) toxicity in pollen.

Surgical access and damage extent after total hip arthroplasty influence early gait pattern and guide rehabilitation treatment.

AIM: Different surgical approaches are used in total hip arthroplasty. The present study confronted two surgical techniques, analysing functional recovery in terms of activities of daily living, and ambulation using gait analysis, after a standardized rehabilitation protocol. Our hypothesis was that the increased surgical damage could modify the gait pattern and functional recovery. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups: Group A was treated with intermuscular minimally invasive surgery (MIS); Group B was treated with standard lateral transmuscular approach. Follow up was planned at 30 and 90 days. Instrumental evaluation using gait analysis and functional evaluation using validated scales were performed at follow up. RESULTS: No differences could be found as for functional scales. At the first follow up, the MIS approach proved to be the most favourable: data showed a longer duration of the swing phase, an improved range of motion of the non-treated hip, a reduced adduction (all P<0.005) and a correct timing of activation of the gluteus medium muscle on the treated side. At the second evaluation, gait analysis demonstrated some benefits of the intermuscular approach (a better flexion of both hips, and a minor obliquity of the pelvis during the terminal stance), but also advantages in the transmuscular group (better hip extension). CONCLUSION: Gait pattern after THA seems to be strictly dependent on surgical access and on the extent and location of surgical damage. It appears important to consider these elements in order to correctly manage the rehabilitation treatment after surgery.

Biomechanical evaluation of different anterior cruciate ligament fixation techniques for hamstring graft.

BACKGROUND: A number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) fixation techniques are currently in use. Slippage or failure of the graft by excessive loading or aggressive rehabilitation may result in an unstable knee. Load and slippage of the ACL graft varies according to the fixation technique used. METHODS: Graft slippage, load to failure, and stiffness were evaluated using an animal model. Six soft tissue ACL fixation techniques and bone cement as a fixation device were tested: group A, Endo Button CL-Bio RCI; group B, Swing Bridge-Evolgate; group C, Rigidfix-Intrafix; group D, Bone Mulch-Washer Lock; group E, Transfix-Retroscrew; group F, Transfix-Deltascrew; group G, Kryptonite bone cement. Maximum failure load, stiffness, and slippage at the 1st and 1000th cycles and mode of failure were evaluated. RESULTS: The maximum failure load was significantly higher in group B (1030 N) and significantly lower in group E (483 N) than in the others. The stiffness of group B (270 N/mm) was significantly higher than the others. As for the mode of failure, group C showed failure in the femoral side in all tests (four device ruptures and two tendon ruptures on the femoral side). All failures of the other groups occurred on the tibial side except one test in group A. All failures in group G were due to slippage of the tendons. CONCLUSION: Load to failure and stiffness was significantly different between the ACL fixation techniques. All but one of the fixation techniques showed sufficient properties for adequate postoperative rehabilitation. Bone cement used as a fixation device in soft tissue grafts did not seem to provide adequate initial fixation suitable for early rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction.

[MDCT in GIST evaluation.]. / Ruolo della TC Multidetettore nello studio dei tumori stromali gastrointestinali (GIST).

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of MDCT in the study of gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST), and to compare CT results with histological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MDCT exams of 18 patients with 19 lesions, with histological proven GISTs diagnosis, were retrospectively evaluated in order to assess the localization, the size, the contours, as well as the CT pattern and enhancement of the lesions. All the tumors were recorded with Fletcher and Miettinen classification, which evaluate the risk assessment in the gastrointestinal stromal tumours. CT findings were correlated with histological results after surgery. RESULTS: MDCT properly identified the localization and the size in all cases. CT features essentially agreed with histological features. CONCLUSIONS: The immunopositivity to c-KIT (CD117) is the key to making a diagnosis of GIST. CT is the modality of choice to study these neoplasms, evaluating the tumour's site and size with high accuracy. In our experience MDCT proved to be a valid diagnostic tool, highly correlated with histological features.

A lateral minimal-incision technique in total hip replacement: a prospective, randomizes, controlled trial.

Minimally invasive surgery has become a trend over the last few years in all aspects of orthopaedic surgery, including total hip arthroplasty. So-called mini-incision techniques involve limiting the length of the skin incision to 10 cm with use of either an anterior, lateral or posterior approach. Between March 2004 and December 2005 one hundred consecutive unilateral total hip replacements were performed by the same senior surgeon in our institute. All patients were randomly assigned to study group (group A) or control group (group B). In group A (50 patients) the skin incision was 8 cm; in group B (50 patients) the skin incision was standard (about 12-14 cm). Patient demographic data, including sex, age, height, weight, BMI, diagnosis and preoperative Harris hip score were recorded. Other criteria evaluated included the perioperative and postoperative complications, the surgical time, the blood loss, the length of the incision, the acetabular and stem positions, the length of hospital stay, Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the WOMAC osteoarthritis index at six months. No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to the average surgical time, the acetabular and stem position, the length of hospital stay and the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the WOMAC osteoarthritis index at six months. A significant lower blood loss was found in the mini-incision group. A higher percentage of peri-operative complications was recorded in Group A (two stupor of sciatic nerve and one fracture of the greater trochanter). On the basis of our experience we could speculate that minimally invasive surgery should be directed to the new surgical approach with muscle sparing, instead of a shorter skin incision using standard approaches.

A novel retinoic/butyric hyaluronan ester for the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia: preliminary preclinical results.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) represents the therapy of choice for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, patients often relapse due to ATRA-resistance. The molecular basis of APL alterations indicates that addition of a histone deacetylase inhibitor to ATRA may restore the sensitivity to retinoids. We explored the in vitro and in vivo effects of a novel retinoic/butyric hyaluronan ester (HBR) on a retinoic acid (RA)-sensitive human myeloid cell line, NB4, and on its RA-resistant subclone, NB4.007/6. In vitro, HBR induced growth arrest and terminal differentiation in RA-sensitive NB4 cells (as confirmed by an increased expression of CD11 family members and nitroblue tetrazolium assay), whereas it inhibited the growth of RA-resistant cells by apoptosis, paralleled by an increase in the levels of caspase 3 and 7. In vivo, HBR treatment of NB4-inoculated severe combined immunodeficient mice resulted in a statistically significant increase in survival time (P<0.0001), comparable to that induced by a maximum tolerated dose of RA alone. Also on P388-inoculated mice, HBR was active in contrast to RA that was completely ineffective. Present findings suggest that, owing to the simultaneous presence of RA and an histone deacetylases inhibitor, HBR might be useful in controlling the proliferation of RA-resistant cells and the differentiation of RA-sensitive cells.

Evolución de niños post-trasplante hepático luego del primer año de sobrevida / Evolution of children one year post liver transplant

Orthotopic liver transplantation is the only definitive mode of therapy for children with end-stage liver disease. However, it remains challenging because of the necessity to prevent long-term complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of transplanted patients with more than one year of follow up. Between November 1992 and November 2001, 238 patients underwent 264 liver transplantations. A total of 143 patients with more than one year of follow up were included. The median age of patients +/- SD was 5.41 years +/- 5.26 (r: 0.58-21.7 years). All children received primary immunosuppression with cyclosporine. The indications for liver replacement were: fulminant hepatic failure (n: 50), biliary atresia (n: 38), cirrhosis (n: 37), chronic cholestasis (n: 13) and miscellaneous (n: 5). The indications for liver re-transplantation were: biliary cirrhosis (n: 7), hepatic artery thrombosis (n: 4) and chronic rejection (n: 3). Reduced-size liver allografts were used in 73/157 liver transplants, 14 of them were from living-related donors and 11 were split-livers. Patient and graft survival rates were 93% and 86% respectively. Death risk was statistically higher in retransplanted and reduced-size grafted patients. Growth retardation and low bone density were recovered before the first 3 years post-transplant. The incidence of lymphoproliferative disease was 7.69%. De novo hepatitis B was diagnosed in 7 patients (4.8%). Social risk did not affect the outcome of our population. The prevention, detection and early treatment of complications in the long-term follow up contributed to improve the outcome.

Enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal crónica en pediatría: manifestaciones sistémicas y extradigestivas / Chronic inflamatory intestinal disease in children: Systemic and extradigestive manifestations

Se denomina Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal Crónica (EIIC) a la colitis ulcerosa (CU) a la enfermedad de Crohn y a un tercer grupo, la colitis indeterminada (CI). Los avances de los métodos diagnósticos: técnicas de laboratorio, estudios radiológicos, endoscopía y anatomía patológica, permiten reconocer y precisar el diagnóstico de EIIC, en sus tres formas. Las manifestaciones sistémicas y extradigestivas son frecuentes, pudiendo preceder a los síntomas gastrointestinales, coincidir con ellos o presentarse después de larga evolución. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar las manifestaciones sistémicas y extradigestivas de esta enfermedad para alertar a los pediatras y facilitar su diagnóstico. Se analizaron 146 historias clínicas de niños co EIIC atendidos en el consultorio interdisciplinario del Hospital Juan P Garrahan entre marzo de 1990 y marzo de 2002. Se analizaron las siguientes variables al momento del diagnóstico: sexo, edad, tipo de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal ; manifestaciones sistémicas: desnutrición, hipoalbuminemia, anemia, eritrocedimentación acelerada ; manifestaciones extradigestivas: articulares, hepatobiliares, mucocutáneas, renales y pulmonares. Resultados: 115 pacientes correspondieron a CU (78.7 por ciento), 16 a EC (11 por ciento) y 15 a CI (10.3 por ciento). La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 12 años (rango 0.5-16 años). Mujeres 52.7 por ciento y varones 47.3 por ciento. El 63.7 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron manifestaciones sistémicas y/o extradigestivas.El compromiso nutricional se presentó en el 32.1 por ciento, siendo más frecuente en la EC. Las manifestaciones extradigestivas se hallaron en el 70/146 pacientes. Su distribución fue: 22.6 por cientoarticular, 15 por ciento hepatobiliar, 8.2 por ciento mucocutánea, 1.4 por ciento renal y 0.7 por ciento pulmonar. Las manifestaciones sistémicas y extradigestivas precedieron al diagnóstico de EIIC en el 25.8 por ciento de los pacientes, coincidieron con el 50 por ciento y aparecieron en el transcurso de la evolución en el 24.2 por ciento Conclusión: La EIIC requiere un alto índice de sospecha, el pediatra debe estar atento a los síntomas y signos clínicos y las alteraciones del laboratorio para realizar la consulta o la derivación oportuna a centros pediátricos de mayor complejidad

Hypoxia and estrogen receptor profile influence the responsiveness of human breast cancer cells to estradiol and antiestrogens.

Angiogenesis activation mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the factors that can cause antiestrogen treatment failure in estrogen receptor (ER)?positive breast cancer patients. Since VEGF synthesis is modulated not only by hypoxia but also by steroid hormones, we investigated the relationship between hypoxic and estrogenic/antiestrogenic stimuli in two human breast cancer cell lines expressing both ER6alpha and ERbeta (MCF7) or only ERbeta (MDA-MB231). In both cell lines, the VEGF level was significantly influenced by hypoxic conditions and in antiestrogen-responsive MCF7 cells, this effect was not counteracted by tamoxifen or ICI 182780, thus providing an experimental explanation for the resistance to endocrine treatment observed in patients with ER-positive tumors. In MDA-MB231 cells, estradiol significantly reduced the VEGF level, suggesting that through the ERbeta isoform it may function as a negative modulator of VEGF synthesis under hypoxia, and providing evidence for a complex interplay of the estrogen-dependent and hypoxia-dependent pathways.

Fallo hepático fulminante por hepatitis a: evolución y costos / Fulminant liver failure caused by hepatitis A: outcome and cost

La hepatitis A (HA) es una de las enfermedades inmunoprevenibles más frecuente, constituye actualmente en nuestro país un grave problema de la Salud Pública, por su alta incidencia 40/100.000 habitantes según informe del SINAVE 2002. La complicación más severa es el fallo Hepático fulminante (FHF), emergencia médica que se presenta en el 1/1000 de los pacientes sintomáticos infectados por virus de hepatitis A (VHA). Las tasas de morbimortalidad del FHF continúan siendo altas, lo que genera importantes costos. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar características, evolución y costos de la población internada por FHF secundario a VHA con indicación de trasplante hepático (TXH) en el Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, en el período comprendido entre noviembre de 1992 a junio de 2003. Se analizó: Lugar de procedencia, edad, días de internación en cuidados intermedios (CIM) y/o intensivos (UCI) y evolución. Los costos se obtuvieron del Departamento de Costos del hospital. Para evaluar el tiempo perdido por muerte prematura, utilizamos el cálculo de los años de vida potencial perdidos. Durante el período de estudio se realizaron 308 trasplantes hepáticos. Fueron asistidos por Falla Hepática Fulminante 145 pacientes (p) de ellos el 58 por ciento (p:84) fueron Hepatitis por Virus de Hepatitis A. La edad media de los niños fue de 4.6 años (1a-11a). Los datos de la evolución fueron: el 20 por ciento (n:17) fallecieron en lista de espera de emergencia, el 11 por ciento (n:9). la función hepática se recuperó antes que el injerto apareciera, el 69% (n:58) fueron trasplantados. El TXH se realizó con donante cadavérico en el 90% (n:52) de los casos, se utilizó donante vivo relacionado en el 10 por ciento (n:6). Requirieron retrasplante el (19 por ciento) (n: 11). La mortalidad del FHF por VHA fue del 38 por ciento (n:32). La mortalidad por trasplante hepático fue del 26 por ciento (n:15). Los años perdidos por muerte prematura fueron 2.275 años.

Remisión clínica con persistencia de lesiones endoscópicas e histológicas en colítis ulcerosa luego del tratamiento con corticoides / Clinical remission along with persistance of endoscopic and histological damage in ulcerative colitis after treatment with steroids

Los corticoides son utilizados en el curso de colitis ulcerosa (CU) moderada o severa. El gran número de efectos colaterales que poseen hace que la dosis inicial sea rápidamente disminuida al obterner la mejoría clínica. Luego de la suspensión, las recaídas son frecuentes postulándose que éstas se deben a la persistencia de actividad histológica. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la persistencia de lesiones endoscópicas y de actividad inflamatoria histológica en la mucosa del recto y colón, en pacientes con CU moderada o severa en remisión clínica y de laboratorio, luego del tratamiento con corticoides. En el período comprendido entre agosto 1999 y noviembre de 2001 se evaluaron pacientes con CU moderada o severa en tratamiento con corticoides. Se incluyeron: 1) pacientes al inicio del diagnóstico, 2) pacientes ya diagnósticados que presentaron una recaída después de un año o más libres de síntomas, en tratamiento con ácido 5 aminossalicilico (5 ASA). Los pacientes recibieron prednisona vía oral en dosis de 1 a 2 mg/KG/día (máximo 40 mg/día). La misma fue disminuida a partir de los treinta días en aquellos que se encontraran asintomáticos. Todos los niños recibieron además 5 ASA 40 mg/Kg/día. La actividad de la enfermedad fue evaluada según parámetros clínicos, endoscópicos e histológicos al incio y luego del tratamiento esteroideo. Se utilizó el score clínico de truelove y witts, modificación de Osford. La actividad endoscópica e histológica se clasificó en leve, moderada, severa o inactiva de acuerdo a los hallazgos rectosigmoideoscópicos con biopsias múltiples. Se incluyeron 12 niños con CU moderada o severa con edades comprendidas entre 3 y 16 años (X 10 años 1 mes). Once al inicio del diagnóstico y restante previamente diagnósticado presentó una recaída luego de 3 años libre de sintomas. El tiempo transcurrido entre las dos evaluaciones, la inicial y luego del tratamiento osciló entre 61 y 110 días (X85 días).

Enfermedad de Crohn en pediatría / Crohn´s disease in children

La enfermedad de Crohn (EC) es una enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal crónica (EIIC) de etiología desconocida que puede localizarse en cualquier parte del tubo digestivo desde la boca hasta el ano. Los síntomas de presentación dependen del sitio afectado son proteiformes y por ello se retrasa el diagnóstico. Se describen tres tipos de comportamientos: inflamatorio, fibroestenosante y fistulizante. Objetivo: evaluar los síntomas de comienzo, la demora diagnóstica, el índice de actividad clínica, la localización de las lesiones y el comportamiento evollutivo de la enfermedd en pediatría. Material y Métodos: se evaluaron retrospectivamente a18 pacientes con diagnóstico de EC que concurrieron al hospital entre 1988-2001. Se efectuó videendoscopía alta y baja con tomas de biopsias múltiples. Se realizó tránsito de intestino delgado y colón por enema para establecer la localización: extensión de la lesión y búsqueda de fístula, estenosis y/o dilataciónes. De acuerdo a la clasificación de Viena la localización fue: colónica, intestinales, ileocolónica y del tracto gastrointestinal superior y el comportamiento evolutivo: inflamatorio, fibroestenótico y/o perforante. Resultados: de los 18 pacientes 12 fueron varones. La mediana de edad al comienzo de los sintomas fuede 8 a 8 m y al diagnóstico de 11 a 6 m. La demora diagnóstica promedio fue de 23 m. Al momento del diagnóstico 14 pacientes tenían un índice de actividad de moderado a severo La localización colónica fue la más frecuente. El comportamiento predominantemente inflamatorio se obsevó en 17 pacientes. En la evolución 6 pacientes desarrollaron formas perforantes y tres fibroestenosantes. Conclusiones: se debe pensar en EC aún en niños muy pequeños, la actividad clínica de la EC en niños en más severa que en la población adulta. El compromiso colónica y el comportamiento inflamatorio es predominate en nuestro medio.