Cocaine-Induced Asthma and the "Crack Lung": A Case Report.

Cocaine, the second most used illicit drug, is associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and other complications. Lung involvement associated with cocaine use, also known as "crack lung syndrome" (CLS), can elicit new-onset and exacerbate chronic pulmonary conditions. A 28-year-old female with a history of chronic controlled asthma arrived at the Emergency Department (ED), referring to cocaine inhalation, followed by symptoms compatible with an asthmatic crisis, requiring immediate steroid and bronchodilator therapy. Radiological studies and bronchoscopy confirmed CLS diagnosis. Despite treatment with oxygen, bronchodilators, and steroids, the asthmatic crises persisted. However, after 48 hours, we observed a complete regression of the lung infiltrates. This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion, bronchoscopy findings, and the potential co-occurrence of CLS with asthma exacerbations. While computed tomography (CT) scans can be helpful, they should not be the only tool to diagnose CLS. The successful management of CLS involves the use of bronchodilators, steroids, and oxygen therapy and abstaining from cocaine use. Researchers should conduct further studies to diagnose and treat CLS in conjunction with acute asthma symptoms to assist this patient population better.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: role of isolated adductor tenotomy?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the radiological results at maturity of patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, treated either by a uniform conservative treatment or by an adductor longus tenotomy. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 349 hips, mean age 4.4 years. Patients were classified in two different groups depending on the treatment performed. The conservative group (Group I) consisted of 318 hips that had been treated by physical therapy and abduction cast/brace, with a mean age 4.3 years (range 1-10). The tenotomy group (Group II) consisted of 31 hips (treated conservatively but developed an adduction contracture limited to 30°), which had been treated by adductor longus tenotomy with a mean age of 6.2 years (range 2-9). Hip range of motion and radiographic studies were performed at the time of admission. The extent of femoral epiphyseal involvement was assessed at each follow-up by the method of Herring. The final outcomes were assessed at skeletal maturity according to the Stulberg classification system. RESULTS: Only one patient (two hips) from Group II experienced an improvement in abduction, which was maintained throughout the follow-up until complete the healing of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease was achieved. In the remaining 29 hips, we observed a progressive loss of ROM previous to 4.3 months from the tenotomy. According to the Stulberg classification, we did not find differences between both groups at final follow-up (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggest that the isolated tenotomy of the adductor longus tendon does not modify the natural evolution of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Fusariosis in cancer patients: 13 case series report and literature review / Fusariosis en pacientes con cáncer: serie de 13 casos y revisión de la literatura

The fusariosis is an opportunistic mycosis caused by Fusarium spp. Its clinical presentation depends on the immunological status of the host, especially in patients with hematooncological diseases, whose manifestations vary from localized to invasive fungal infections. Skin or blood culture helps to guide combined antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and voriconazole. Here, we present 13 cases in a period of eleven years of patients with cancer who developed disseminated fusariosis and their outcomes, together with a review of the related literature. In this series of cases, mortality was 61.5 % (8/13), despite the use of the antifungal. Out of the 13 cases, 11 had hematological neoplasia and 2 solid neoplasia. The most determinant risk factor was profound neutropenia. Skin involvement and positive blood cultures in most cases allowed combined treatment prescription. Persistent febrile neutropenia associated with skin lesions, onychomycosis, nodules, or lung masses lead to suspicion of Fusarium spp. fungal invasive infection. The aim of this series of cases is to remind healthcare professionals that oncological patients with deep and persistent febrile neutropenia can develop fusariosis.

La fusariosis es una micosis oportunista producida por Fusarium spp. Su presentación clínica depende del estado inmunológico del huésped, especialmente, el de aquellos con enfermedades hematooncológicas, cuyas manifestaciones varían desde formas localizadas hasta infección fúngica invasora. El cultivo de piel o de sangre permite orientar el tratamiento antifúngico combinado con anfotericina B y voriconazol. Se presentan 13 casos de pacientes con cáncer en un periodo de once años que desarrollaron fusariosis diseminada; asimismo, se hizo con una revisión extensa de la literatura. En esta serie de casos, la mortalidad fue del 61,5 % (8/13), a pesar del uso del antifúngico. De los 13 pacientes, 11 tenían neoplasia hematológica y 2 neoplasia sólida. El factor de riesgo más importante fue la neutropenia profunda. El compromiso de la piel y los hemocultivos positivos facilitaron la prescripción del tratamiento combinado en la mayoría de los casos. La neutropenia febril persistente asociada a lesiones cutáneas, la onicomicosis, los nódulos o las masas pulmonares permitieron sospechar una infección fúngica invasora por Fusarium spp. El objetivo de la presentación de esta serie de casos es recordar el diagnóstico de fusariosis a la comunidad médica en contacto con pacientes oncológicos, con neutropenia febril profunda y persistentes.

Ellipsoidal Process of the Femoral Head in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: Effect of Prophylactic Hemiepiphysiodesis.

Purpose: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) often causes the residual deformity, typically appearing as an ellipsoidal shape. In some cases, this ovalization is related to the asymmetric growth of the femoral head physis, which presents a growth-inhibiting necrotic area in the anterosuperior quadrant. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of selective hemiepiphysiodesis of the healthy physis in the posteroinferior quadrant as a means of disrupting femoral head ovalization in cases of LCPD with the previous onset of ovalization. Methods: We performed a prospective study of 39 LCPD hips operated on consecutively by selective hemiepiphysiodesis of the posteroinferior portion of the head during the reossification phase.Surgical indication was based on a progressive increase in the ellipsoidal index (EI), the presence of a double epiphyseal nucleus of reossification, physeal narrowing, and physeal angulation. Hemiepiphysiodesis was performed at the mean patient age of 8.8 years (SD 1.5) and a mean of 4.7 years (SD 1.4) following disease onset. Results: Preoperative EI was 1.80 (SD 0.2), which was reduced to 1.72 (SD 0.2) postoperatively (P > 0.05). Physeal angulation increased from 50° preoperatively (SD 9.3) to 54.29° (SD 9.7) at the end of growth (P > 0.05). The final result according to the Stulberg classification revealed 20 class-II cases, 16 class III, and 3 class IV, and SDS was 25.97 (SD 9.95), range: 9.36-51.67. Conclusion: As revealed by the EI, the ellipsoidal process may be stopped by selective hemiepiphysiodesis in the posteroinferior quadrant of the femoral head. Level of Evidence: II.

Automatic detection of patient-ventilator asynchrony by spectral analysis of airway flow.

INTRODUCTION: Adequate ventilatory support of critically ill patients depends on prompt recognition of ventilator asynchrony, as asynchrony is associated with worse outcomes.We compared an automatic method of patient-ventilator asynchrony monitoring, based on airway flow frequency analysis, to the asynchrony index (AI) determined visually from airway tracings. METHODS: This was a prospective, sequential observational study of 110 mechanically ventilated adults. All eligible ventilated patients were enrolled. No clinical interventions were performed. Airway flow and pressure signals were sampled digitally for two hours. The frequency spectrum of the airway flow signal, processed to include only its expiratory phase, was calculated with the Cooley-Tukey Fast Fourier Transform method at 2.5 minute intervals. The amplitude ratio of the first harmonic peak (H1) to that of zero frequency (DC), or H1/DC, was taken as a measure of spectral organization. AI values were obtained at 30-minute intervals and compared to corresponding measures of H1/DC. RESULTS: The frequency spectrum of synchronized patients was characterized by sharply defined peaks spaced at multiples of mean respiratory rate. The spectrum of asynchronous patients was less organized, showing lower and wider H1 peaks and disappearance of higher frequency harmonics. H1/DC was inversely related to AI (n = 110; r2 = 0.57; P < 0.0001). Asynchrony, defined by AI > 10%, was associated H1/DC < 43% with 83% sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Spectral analysis of airway flow provides an automatic, non-invasive assessment of ventilator asynchrony at fixed short intervals. This method can be adapted to ventilator systems as a clinical monitor of asynchrony.

Ellipsoidal process of the femoral head in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. Part I.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) often produces a residual deformity, typically consistent with coxa magna, coxa plana, and ellipsoidal shape. Depending on the degree of asphericity and flatness, this morphology was classified by Stulberg in stages III and IV. Thus far, few studies have investigated physeal injury as an etiological cause or evaluated its progressive profile throughout Waldenström's reossification stage and the remodelling stage. In this study, we analysed the ellipsoidal process of the femoral head. This was a retrospective control case study involving 83 unoperated hips with LCPD and Stulberg stages III and IV outcome. The data were compared with those obtained for 49 healthy contralateral hips (control). The Ellipsoidal Index, the presence of a double epiphyseal reossification nucleus, physeal narrowing, intraphyseal angle, epiphyseal height, diameter of the head, and Reimer's Index were determined. Measurements were performed at four-time points: the year the reossification stage was initiated, the final growth stage, and two equally spaced time points in between. The Ellipsoidal Index gradually increased throughout the course of the disease from 1.6 in the initial reossification stage to 2.0 at the end of growth. In the control cases, this value was consistently 1.4. More ellipsoidal deformity was observed in Stulberg stage IV versus Stulberg stage III patients (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a direct link between a high Ellipsoidal Index and the appearance of a double reossification nucleus, a physeal narrowing in the area underlying the anterosuperior nucleus, intraphyseal angle. Reimer's Index showed a gradual extrusion from baseline to the end of growth (26.1 versus 31.8, respectively; P < 0.05). The ellipsoidal process of the femoral head occurs gradually throughout the reossification and remodelling stages. This was linked to the appearance of a double epiphyseal nucleus, gradual extrusion, an angulated physis appearance, an asymmetrical narrowing of the physis and a high Ellipsoidal Index, which may be indicative of poor prognosis. Levels of Evidence for Primary Research Question: Level III, case-control study.

Juvenile osteochondritis dissecans of the knee: perifocal sclerotic rim as a prognostic factor of healing.

BACKGROUND: Management of osteochondritis dissecans of the femoral condyle in children remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of a perilesional sclerotic ring in radiologic examination and to establish its value for prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 85 patients diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans. The population was distributed according to the grade of perilesional radiologic sclerosis: stage 0, patients who did not show a sclerotic rim in the anteroposterior and the lateral views; stage I, patients with marginal sclerosis only in 1 radiologic view; stage II, patients with sclerosis in both views. Patients were also distributed in different age groups: group 1, children under 12 years of age; group 2, children between 12 and 15 years of age; and group 3, children more than 15 years of age. These groups were correlated with the stage of perilesional sclerosis. Radiologic results were analyzed according to the Hughston scale after conservative or surgical treatment of the lesion. RESULTS: Lesions without perilesional sclerosis (stage 0) were cured in all the cases, with good results by means of conservative treatment (P<0.05). In patients with stage I or II perilesional sclerosis, the percentage of healing was smaller; in these cases, surgical treatment improved the results compared with those in which conservative treatment was used (P<0.05). Children under 12 years of age showed less perilesional sclerosis and more tendencies to spontaneous healing than those more than 15 years of age. In these patients, radiologic sclerosis is greater (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a sclerotic rim in the osteochondritis dissecans lesions of the knees in children is considered a prognostic indicator of the process. Lesions without sclerosis show a tendency toward spontaneous recovery with conservative treatment. Lesions with perilesional sclerosis show worse evolution, and treatment with perforations is still essential for enhancement of healing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, Level II (retrospective study).

Inusual hallazgo en paciente cirrótico con anemia crónica e hipereosinofilia usando cápsula endoscópica: a propósito de un caso (video) / Unusual finding in cirrhotic patient with chronic anemia and hypereosinophilia using an endoscopic capsule: a case report (video)

We report a clinical case from a patient with alcoholic cirrhosis who had chronic anemia and carried out several endoscopic studies without evidence of active bleeding, a complementary study with endoscopic capsule was requested to search for a source of bleeding. In the analysis of laboratory data, the presence of hypereosinophilia stands out in parallel. The images obtained in the video capsule study show geoparasites helminth-type. After parasite treatment, anemia improves and the absolute eosinophil count is normalized.

Reportamos el caso de un paciente cirrótico por alcohol con anemia crónica quien se realizó varios estudios endoscópicos sin evidencia de sangrado activo, por tal motivo se solicitó estudio complementario con cápsula endoscópica para búsqueda de fuente de sangrado. En el análisis de los datos de laboratorio paralelamente destaca la presencia de hipereosinofilia. Las imágenes obtenidas en el estudio de la video cápsula muestran varios geoparásitos de tipo helmintos. Posterior al tratamiento antiparasitario mejora la anemia y se normaliza el recuento absoluto de eosinófilos.

Fusariosis en pacientes con cáncer: serie de 13 casos y revisión de la literatura / Fusariosis in cancer patients: 13 case series report and literature review

La fusariosis es una micosis oportunista producida por Fusarium spp. Su presentación clínica depende del estado inmunológico del huésped, especialmente, el de aquellos con enfermedades hematooncológicas, cuyas manifestaciones varían desde formas localizadas hasta infección fúngica invasora. El cultivo de piel o de sangre permite orientar el tratamiento antifúngico combinado con anfotericina B y voriconazol. Se presentan 13 casos de pacientes con cáncer en un periodo de once años que desarrollaron fusariosis diseminada; asimismo, se hizo con una revisión extensa de la literatura. En esta serie de casos, la mortalidad fue del 61,5 % (8/13), a pesar del uso del antifúngico. De los 13 pacientes, 11 tenían neoplasia hematológica y 2 neoplasia sólida. El factor de riesgo más importante fue la neutropenia profunda. El compromiso de la piel y los hemocultivos positivos facilitaron la prescripción del tratamiento combinado en la mayoría de los casos. La neutropenia febril persistente asociada a lesiones cutáneas, la onicomicosis, los nódulos o las masas pulmonares permitieron sospechar una infección fúngica invasora por Fusarium spp. El objetivo de la presentación de esta serie de casos es recordar el diagnóstico de fusariosis a la comunidad médica en contacto con pacientes oncológicos, con neutropenia febril profunda y persistentes.

The fusariosis is an opportunistic mycosis caused by Fusarium spp. Its clinical presentation depends on the immunological status of the host, especially in patients with hemato-oncological diseases, whose manifestations vary from localized to invasive fungal infections. Skin or blood culture helps to guide combined antifungal treatment with amphotericin B and voriconazole. Here, we present 13 cases in a period of eleven years of patients with cancer who developed disseminated fusariosis and their outcomes, together with a review of the related literature. In this series of cases, mortality was 61.5 % (8/13), despite the use of the antifungal. Out of the 13 cases, 11 had hematological neoplasia and 2 solid neoplasia. The most determinant risk factor was profound neutropenia. Skin involvement and positive blood cultures in most cases allowed combined treatment prescription. Persistent febrile neutropenia associated with skin lesions, onychomycosis, nodules, or lung masses lead to suspicion of Fusarium spp. fungal invasive infection. The aim of this series of cases is to remind healthcare professionals that oncological patients with deep and persistent febrile neutropenia can develop fusariosis.

Using ankle-brachial index to detect peripheral arterial disease: prevalence and associated risk factors in a random population sample.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is being used increasingly to diagnose peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of PAD and associated risk factors in a Spanish random population sample of age > or =40. METHODS AND RESULTS: PAD is defined as an ABI<0.9 in either leg. 784 participants of age > or =40 were randomly selected in a Spanish province. 55.4% of them were female. The prevalence of PAD in this sample was 10.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.4-12.8); 9.7% in females and 11.4% in males. In logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age and gender, smoking per 10 pack-years (odds ratio (OR) 1.40, 95% CI 1.23-1.58), hypertension (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.05-3.28), hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.04-2.98), and diabetes (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.04-3.11) were positively associated with prevalent PAD. More than 91% of persons with PAD had one or more cardiovascular disease risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in our study hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking are associated with PAD. The majority of individuals with PAD had at least one important cardiovascular risk factor advanced enough to be considered eligible for an aggressive treatment.

Pseudomelanosis duodeni: a propósito de un caso - revisión de literatura / Pseudomelanosis duodeni: a case report - literature review

Pseudomelanosis duodeni is a very rare appearance of the duodenal mucosa, characterized by the presence of a dark pigment (iron oxide) seen in the surface of the villi, evident by endoscopy. It can be associated with pathologies such as arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, chronic kidney failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, and consumption of different drugs. We describe the case of a 68-year-old male patient, with chronic renal insufficiency, hemodialysis and intravenous iron treatment.

La Pseudomelanosis duodeni es una entidad muy poco frecuente de la mucosa duodenal que se caracteriza por la presencia de un pigmento oscuro de las vellosidades (oxido de hierro) que es evidente mediante endoscopía y puede estar asociado a patologías como hipertensión arterial, insuficiencia cardíaca crónica, insuficiencia renal crónica, hemorragia gastrointestinal y consumo de diferentes fármacos. Describimos el caso de un paciente masculino de 68 años, con antecedentes de insuficiencia renal crónica, en hemodiálisis y uso de hierro intravenoso.

Clavo Intramedular de Sign en Rodilla Flotante: Una serie de casos / Sign Intramedullary Nail in 'Floating Knee". A Case Series Report.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El concepto de "rodilla flotante" describe fracturas ipsilaterales del fémur y la tibia, donde la rodilla está desconectada del resto de la extremidad. El mecanismo suele ser un trauma de alta energía. Las tasas de infección, no unión, malunión y rigidez de la rodilla, pérdida excesiva de sangre, embolia grasa, son relativamente altas; lo que lleva a un deterioro funcional y con frecuencia resultados no satisfactorios. La reducción definitiva inmediata y fijación de las fracturas por clavo intramedular disminuye la incidencia de complicaciones. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, serie de casos de 7 pacientes tratados con el Clavo Intramedular de SIGN (Surgical Implant Generation Network); para establecer resultados funcionales, lesiones concomitantes, complicaciones y ventajas del clavo en nuestra práctica. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de pacientes fueron del sexo masculino, con una media de 26 años de edad. Todas las lesiones fueron producidas en accidentes de tráfico, el 50% de las fracturas fueron expuestas. Según la clasificacion de Blake & McBryde, 6 fueron de Tipo I y un caso tipo IIa. Los resultados funcionales se evaluaron según los criterios de Karlström&Olerud; excelentes y buenos resultados se obtuvieron en el 85% de los casos. Todas las fracturas consolidaron; se describe un caso de infección superficial y un paciente presentó acortamiento de miembro <3cms y limitación menor del rango de movilidad de la rodilla. CONCLUSIÓN: El CIM de SIGN resultó eficiente y versátil en el tratamiento de rodilla flotante en adultos. Con buenos resultados funcionales (85%) y baja incidencia de complicaciones.

BACKGROUND: "Floating knee" describes ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia, where the knee is disconnected from the rest of the limb. The mechanism is usually a high-energy trauma. Rates of infection, lack of union, stiffness of the knee, excessive blood loss, fat embolism, are relatively high; leading to functional impairment and often unsatisfactory results. Immediate definitive reduction and fixation of fractures by intramedullary nail reduces the incidence of complications. METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out, a case series report of 7 patientes treated by the SIGN Intramedullary Nail (IMN); to establish the functional results, concomitant injuries, complications and advantages of this nail, in our practice. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were male, with a mean age of 26 years. All injuries were caused in traffic accidents, 50% of the fractures were exposed fractures. According to the Blake & McBryde classification, 6 were Type I and one case Type IIa. Functional results were evaluated according to the Karlström and Olerud criteria; excellent and good results were obtained in 85% of cases. All of the fractures healed; one case of superficial infection was described, one patient presented limb shortening <3 cm and minor limitation of the knee motion range. CONCLUSION: The SIGN intramedullary nail, was efficient and versatile for the treatment of floating knee in adults. It had good functional results (85%) and low incidence of complications.

Framingham risk score for prediction of cardiovascular diseases: a population-based study from southern Europe.

BACKGROUND: The question about what risk function should be used in primary prevention remains unanswered. The Framingham Study proposed a new algorithm based on three key ideas: use of the four risk factors with the most weight (cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes and smoking), prediction of overall cardiovascular diseases and incorporating the concept of vascular age. The objective of this study was to apply this new function in a cohort of the general non Anglo-Saxon population, with a 10-year follow-up to determine its validity. METHODS: The cohort was studied in 1992-94 and again in 2004-06. The sample comprised 959 randomly-selected persons, aged 30-74 years, who were representative of the population of Albacete, Spain. At the first examination cycle, needed data for the new function were collected and at the second examination, data on all events were recorded during the follow-up period. Discrimination was studied with ROC curves. Comparisons of prediction models and reality in tertiles (Hosmer-Lemeshow) were performed, and the individual survival functions were calculated. RESULTS: The mean risks for women and men, respectively, were 11.3% and 19.7% and the areas under the ROC curve were 0.789 (95%CI, 0.716-0.863) and 0.780 (95%CI, 0.713-0.847) (P<0.001, both). Cardiovascular disease events occurred in the top risk tertiles. Of note were the negative predictive values in both sexes, and a good specificity in women (85.6%) and sensitivity in men (79.1%) when their risk for cardiovascular disease was high. This model overestimates the risk in older women and in middle-aged men. The cumulative probability of individual survival by tertiles was significant in both sexes (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results support the proposal for "reclassification" of Framingham. This study, with a few exceptions, passed the test of discrimination and calibration in a random sample of the general population from southern Europe.

Unicameral bone cyst: radiographic assessment of venous outflow by cystography as a prognostic index.

The aim of this study was to determine the benefits of cystography in the management of a simple bone cyst, its implication in the final result of the treatment after corticoid intracystic injections, and the presence of secondary effects. We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients diagnosed with a simple bone cyst. Cystography was performed before the corticoid injection. The presence or absence of loculation intracyst and the existence and number of venous outflows were determined. According to the venous drainage, cysts were classified as type 0 when a venous outflow did not exist and as type 1 when there was a rapid venous outflow (<3 min). The treatment protocol included a maximum of three corticoid injections at an interval of 6 months. Healing of the cyst was determined on the basis of Neer's criteria. Secondary effects and surgical complications were assessed. Cystography studies showed a unicameral bone cyst with absent loculation in 16 cases (37.3%), whereas the lesion showed multiloculation in 26 cases (62.7%). There was no statistical difference between loculation intracyst (present or absent) and the final outcomes of the 42 cysts treated with a steroid injection (P=0.9). Cystography showed a negative venogram in 10 cases (23.8%), whereas the cysts showed a rapid venous outflow in 32 cases (76.2%). On the basis of Neer's classification, all patients with a negative venogram achieved complete healing of the cyst. Patients with a rapid venous outflow achieved complete healing in 14 cases (Neer I). In two patients, the healing was incomplete at the end of the follow-up period (Neer IV). In most cases (21 cysts), healing was partial (Neer II). Five patients showed a recurrence after initial healing of the cyst (Neer III) (P<0.05). The number or the size of veins did not affect healing of a bone cyst (P=0.6). Two patients with a rapid venous outflow showed a generalized hypertrichosis after the first injection of corticosteroids. Sex and age at the initiation of the first injection were not significant factors of healing (P=0.4). The average follow-up time was 59 months (24-60 months). Cystography provides morphological and functional information of simple bone cyst. It is a useful test before the administration of percutaneous injections of sclerosing substances. It facilitates the differentiation of cysts that may achieve complete healing (negative venogram) from those that tend to show recurrence (rapid venous outflow). Therapeutic material should be introduced slowly and a second trocar should always be placed to decrease the risk of migration in cysts with communication with the venous system.

[Trends in prevalence of risk factors and global cardiovascular risk in general population of albacete, Spain (1992-94 a 2004-06)]. / Evolución de la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo y del riesgo cardiovascular global en población mayor de 18 años de la provincia de Albacete (1992-94 a 2004-06).

BACKGROUND: To establish strategies for prevention of cardiovascular disease implies to know its epidemiology and evolution in time. The objective of this study is to know the prevalence of risk factors and cardiovascular risk in two moments during the following of a grownup general population. METHODS: Study of cohorts, followed at random selected general population during 12 years (1992-94 to 2204-06). Two transversal studies were made, one at the beginning and the other one at the end of this follow-up. The population in this study was 18 years and older registered in the province of Albacete. Random sampling, stratified and two-stage. The sample size for the first cut was 2121 subjects and for second one 1577. One specific anamnesis was made, physical examination, measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiogram and extraction of venous blood. The studied variables were: age, sex, personal and familiar antecedents, risk factors and global cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: 1322 subjects went to the appointment for the first examination (mean age 48.2 years. 53.6% women) and 997 for the second (mean age 52.8 years. 56.7% women). Has Increased the prevalence of hypertension (32.7% to 41,2%), diabetes (9,8 to 11,4%), obesity (27,8 to 34,3%) and hypercolesterolemia (47,5 to 53,5%), whereas smokers have decreased (32,6 to 23,7%) and have handicapped the average values of arterial pressure (132/81 to 129/73 mmHg), glycaemia (100,8 to 92,8 mg/dl) and LDL-cholesterol (128,7 to 116,7 mg/dl) and also a lowering of cardiovascular risk with Framingham (10,8% to 8,2%) and Score (2,3% to 1,6%). CONCLUSIONS: In the last years an increasing prevalence of risk factors has been seen (hypertension, diabetes and hypercolesterolemia), a better control of them, and lower prevalence of smoking and cardiovascular risk in the population has also be seen.

[Association of insulin resistance to different anthropometric measures and cardiovascular risk factors in a non-diabetic population]. / Relación de la resistencia a la insulina con diferentes medidas antropométricas y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en una población no diabética.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance (IR) has been directly related to obesity, particularly central obesity, and to other cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). Direct IR quantification is difficult in clinical practice, and indirect methods such as HOMA (homeostasis model assessment) have therefore been developed. The aim of this study was to assess the association of IR, as measured by HOMA, with different anthropometric measures and some CVRFs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out in a general population sample older than 18 years in the province of Albacete, Spain. Sample size was 678 subjects. Participants completed a survey and underwent physical examinations and laboratory tests. Obesity measures included body mass index, waist perimeter, and sagittal abdominal diameter. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 software. RESULTS: Mean values of obesity measures were higher in males as compared to females and increased with age. IR prevalence was 39.8%. All assessed anthropometric measures, decreased HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol and increased non-HDL cholesterol were independently associated to the risk of IR. CONCLUSIONS: A clear association exists between different anthropometrical measures and IR in the general population. There is also an association between lipid profile cahnges and the risk of experiencing IR.

[Current situation of hypertensive patients over 75 years old: the DISEHTAE study]. / Situación actual del paciente hipertenso y mayor de 75 años en España. Estudio DISEHTAE.

OBJECTIVE: To assess in patients over 75 years old the degree of their compliance with recommendations on follow-up, control and treatment of hypertension. DESIGN: Descriptive, multi-centre study, covering the whole of Spain. SETTING: A total of 107 health centres from 14 autonomous communities. PARTICIPANTS: Hypertensive patients over 75: 1,369 clinical charts. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The variables studied were: age and sex, place monitored, blood pressure figures, screening for, and diagnosis of diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and obesity. Blood creatinine, proteinuria, prescribed medication, and infrastructure variables were also included. RESULTS: The most often screened cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) was obesity (76.1%), whilst the most prevalent was hypercholesterolaemia (31.3%). Of the patients, 25.5% had associated diabetes and 48.5% had a body mass index (BMI) >25. Low microalbuminuria (8.4%) was found. The proportion of patients with their blood pressure controlled was higher among those monitored in primary care (32.8%) than out of primary care (23.2%). No drug treatment was prescribed for 7.9%, only hygiene-dietary measures. The most common pharmacological group was that of the diuretics, followed by IECAS and ARA II. CONCLUSIONS: Though we can say that the degree of control of hypertension in elderly patients is steadily increasing, it is still far from optimal in most of our patients.

Successful treatment of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis with indomethacin: a preliminary report of five cases.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a disease of children and young adults. Clinically, the disease is characterized by the insidious onset of local pain and swelling in affected bones. Its course is one of intermittent periods of exacerbation and remission with successive bones affected. The pathogenesis of CRMO remains unknown, although an autoinflammatory disorder may be the cause, with inflammation of bone. This lesion is radiologically characterized as multiple lucencies surrounded by defined zones of patchy but dense sclerosis, cortical thickening from periosteal new bone formation, and increased bone size with different bones involved. Multiple therapeutic regimens had shown only a partial or temporary response. Because indomethacin has been successfully applied in inhibition of ossification and inflammatory processes, we initiated therapy with indomethacin in patients with CRMO. We report on the cases of 5 patients who responded dramatically to treatment with indomethacin. All underwent progressive clinical improvement (mean, 2.8 months). Radiological lesions disappeared after a mean period of 10.5 months. In 1 case where treatment was started late, small osteolytic zones persisted but with no clinical consequences. There were no additional recurrences or new bones affected during follow-up period (mean, 4 years). Our observation indicates that indomethacin may be an effective treatment for CRMO.

Longitudinal growth after nonphyseal forearm fractures.

The overgrowth phenomenon after fracture has been considered rare in the upper extremity. This study analyzes 119 patients with forearm fractures treated conservatively. All patients had scanograms of both forearms 5 years later. A difference in length more than 2 mm was considered a discrepancy. Positive values of discrepancy were called overgrowth. A radial length discrepancy was observed in 80 patients (67.2%) and overgrowth in 38 (26.8%); ulnar values were 65 (54.6%) and 29 (24.3%), respectively. Radial overgrowth and ulnar overgrowth were related to the location of the radial fracture and handedness but not to the type of fracture, age or sex of the patient, or the presence or absence of an associated ulnar fracture. Discrepancy did not show a significant relationship to any of these variables. Surprisingly, fractures in the proximal and middle thirds often presented with overgrowth, whereas those closer to the distal physis did not.

Evaluación del tratamiento superovulatorio con extracto de hipófisis equina en yeguas criollas / Evaluation of superovulatory treatment with extract of equine hypophysis in creole mares

Se evaluó la respuesta superovulatoria en yeguas criollas a las cuales se aplicó extracto de hipófifis equina (EHE)en dos diferentes dosis, comparada con FSH de origen porcino (Folltropin V). Se tomaron 20 yeguas criollas Colombianas cíclicas con edades entre 2 y 8 años (5,3 años en promedio) las cuales fueron seleccionadas y asignadas al azar en 4 grupos así: Grupo 1 También llamado grupo control (T1): se les aplicó 5cc suero fisiológico IM (a.m., p.m.); grupo 2 (T2): 6,25mg Foltropin-v (FSH-P) IM (a.m., p.m.); Grupo 3 (T3): 8,3mg EHE IM (a.m., p.m.); Grupo 4 (T4): 12,5mg EHE IM (a.m., p.m.). Los tratamientos se iniciaron 7 días después de haber dectado una ovulación mediante ultrasonografía, el día 8 se aplicaron 12,5 mg PgF 2alfa vía IM. El tratamiento con EHE se suspendió cuando la mayoría de los folículos alcanzaron un tamaño > 35mm, momento en el cual se aplicaron 2500 UI de hCG vía IV, seguida de inseminación artificial. Entre el día 7 u 8 se realizaron las colectas de embriones mediante lavado uterino de circuito cerrado. Los datos se analizaron mediante un análisis de varianza por una vía (ANOVA), determinando el promedio de crecimiento folicular entre el día del inicio del tratamiento y la ovulación, el número de fóliculos preovulatorios con un tamaño > 35mm, el número de días de tratamiento y la cantidad de embriones colectados en cada grupo. Se realizó una prueba de rango o comparción múltiple de Duncan para observar las diferencias entre grupos y se determinó por análisis de relación el estado y la calidad de los embriones en cada tratamiento para determinar la viabilidad. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que en T4 se desarrolló un mayor número de folículos > a 35mm en comparación con los demás grupos (P<0.005) en 7,4 días de tratamiento, mayor rata de crecimiento folicular (3.01 mm/día), mayor número de ovulaciones por tratamiento (2.8) y mayor número de embriones colectados por yegua (1,6), siendo este (T4) el tratamiento de mejores resultados res.