[Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the management of heart failure]. / Los inhibidores SGLT2: una mirada al futuro del tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca.

Heart failure (HF) is a global health problem. There is a strong association h between HF and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), with an increasing prevalence of patients having both conditions concomitantly. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (ISGLT2) significantly reduce cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death. In this article we will focus on the current evidence about the effectiveness of these medications in adults with heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction.

Acute effect of iloprost inhalation on right atrial function and ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Right atrium function and ventricular function have significant prognostic value in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. Acute changes in right ventricular synchrony and right atrium function postiloprost inhalation have not been evaluated. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Consecutive pulmonary arterial hypertension patients (group I from Nice classification) were included. Echocardiographic right atrium and right ventricular function pre- and postiloprost inhalation, including a right ventricular dyssynchrony index and right atrium function using speckle tracking, were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Twenty pulmonary arterial hypertension patients, 44±7 years and 90% females, were included. After iloprost inhalation, we observed a significant increment in right ventricular fractional area change and a significant decrease in right ventricular dyssynchrony index (21.4±5.6% vs 26.1±4.0 %, P=.007 and 79±44 vs 32±22 mseconds, P<.01, respectively), also an improvement in right atrium reservoir function (8.6±3.1% vs 11.7±3.5 %, P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: Iloprost inhalation induces acute changes in right ventricular function, dyssynchrony, and right atrium performance that may add relevant clinical information in the management and risk stratification of pulmonary arterial hypertension patients.

[Frailty in patients admitted to hospital with acute decompensated heart failure]. / Factores asociados a fragilidad en pacientes hospitalizados con insuficiencia cardiaca descompensada.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a progressive impairment in the subjects’ ability to respond to environmental stress. Frailty is more commonly found in heart failure (HF) patients than in general population and it is an independent predictor of rehospitalization, emergency room visits and death. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of frailty in patients with decompensated HF admitted to four hospitals in Santiago, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Subjects aged 60 or older consecutively admitted for decompensated HF to the study centers between August 2014 and March 2015 were included. Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more of the following criteria: unintended weight loss, muscular weakness, depression symptoms (exhaustion), reduced gait speed and low physical activity. Independent variables were tested for association using simple logistic regression. Variables associated with frailty (p < 0.05) were included in a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: Seventy-nine subjects were included. The prevalence of frailty was 50.6%. Frail patients were mostly female (52.6%) and older than non-frail subjects (73.7± 7.9 vs 68.2 ± 7.1; p < 0.003). Independent predictors of frailty were age (Odds raio (OR) 1.10; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.03-1.17), quality of life measured with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (OR 1.07; IC95%: 1.03-1.11), previous hospitalizations (OR 2.56; 95%CI: 1.02-6.43) and number of medications (OR 4.46; 95%CI: 1.11-17.32). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of frailty in patients admitted to the hospital for decompensated heart failure is high. Age, quality of life, hospitalizations and polypharmacy were factors associated with frailty in this group of participants.

Effects of trimetazidine in nonischemic heart failure: a randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: Heart failure (HF) is associated with changes in myocardial metabolism that lead to impairment of contractile function. Trimetazidine (TMZ) modulates cardiac energetic efficiency and improves outcomes in ischemic heart disease. We evaluated the effects of TMZ on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac metabolism, exercise capacity, O2 uptake, and quality of life in patients with nonischemic HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty patients with stable nonischemic HF under optimal medical therapy were included in this randomized double-blind study. Patients were randomized to TMZ (35 mg orally twice a day) or placebo for 6 months. LVEF, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), maximum O2 uptake in cardiopulmonary exercise test, different markers of metabolism, oxidative stress, and endothelial function, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after TMZ treatment. Left ventricular peak glucose uptake was evaluated with the use of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)FDG-PET). Etiology was idiopathic in 85% and hypertensive in 15%. Both groups were similar in age, functional class, LVEF, and levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at baseline. After 6 months of TMZ treatment, no changes were observed in LVEF (31 ± 10% vs 34 ± 8%; P = .8), 6MWT (443 ± 25 m vs 506 ± 79 m; P = .03), maximum O2 uptake (19.1 ± 5.0 mL kg(-1) min(-1) vs 23.0 ± 7.2 mL kg(-1) min(-1); P = .11), functional class (percentages of patients in functional classes I/II/III/IV 10/3753/0 vs 7/40/50/3; P = .14), or quality of life (32 ± 26 points vs 24 ± 18 points; P = .25) in TMZ versus placebo, respectively. In the subgroup of patients evaluated with (18)FDG-PET, no significant differences were observed in SUV between both groups (7.0 ± 3.6 vs 8.2 ± 3.4 respectively; P = .47). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with nonischemic HF, the addition of TMZ to optimal medical treatment does not result in significant changes of LVEF, exercise capacity, O2 uptake, or quality of life.

[Cystic echinococcosis in dogs and children in the province of Río Negro, Argentina]. / Vigilancia de la equinococosis quística en perros y niños en la provincia de Río Negro, Argentina.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an endemic disease in the province of Río Negro, Argentina. The control program against CE has developed monitoring surveillance systems. Currently, the coproELISA/Western blot (WB) test is used to determine transmission in livestock farms (epidemiological units or EU) from collected dry field-dispersed dog feces. The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of CE on livestock farms and its relationship with CE cases in children aged 0-14 years. Canine fecal samples were obtained from randomly selected livestock farms and processed by the coproELISA/WB test. Furthermore, new cases in children in the same age group mentioned above were identified. In 278 EU, 571 samples of canine feces were obtained. There were 37 positive samples for coproELISA/WB (6.5%) and the presence of transmission was demonstrated in 37 EU (13.3%). There were no significant differences (p=0.9) with the survey conducted in the period 2003-2004 while there were significant differences (p=0.02) with the EU survey of native populations conducted in 2009-2010. With respect to animal density in the work area, the EU yielding negative results had an average of 2 dogs (SD 2.1) per EU while in the EU having positive results the average was 3 dogs (SD 4.2), showing statistically significant differences (p=0.02). In children under 15 years of age, 12 cases were diagnosed. This study has identified, on average, that the cases of hydatid disease are closer in the positive fields than in the negative fields (p=0.00307).The coproELISA/WB test allowed to identify the dispersion of CE on livestock farms and its relationship with the occurrence of cases in children in 2009-2010.

[Deterioration of kidney function as a risk factor for mortality among patients hospitalized for heart failure]. / Incidencia e importancia pronóstica del deterioro de la función renal en pacientes hospitalizados con insuficiencia cardiaca.

BACKGROUND: Acute deterioration of kidney function among patients admitted to the hospital for cardiac failure is associated with an increased mortality. AIM: To investigate the association between deterioration of kidney function and mortality among patients hospitalized for cardiac failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients admitted for decompensated cardiac failure to 14 Chilean hospitals between 2002 and 2009 were incorporated to the study. Clinical and laboratory features were registered. Serum creatinine values on admission and discharge were determined. Hospital and long term mortality was determined requesting death certificates to the National Identification Service at the end of follow up, lasting 635 ± 581 days. RESULTS: One thousand sixty four patients were incorporated and 1100, aged 68 ± 13 years (45% females) had information about renal function. Seventy seven percent were hypertensive and 36% were diabetic. Mean ejection fraction was 41 ± 18% and 34% had an ejection fraction over 50%. Mean admission creatinine was 1.7 ± 1.6 mg/dl and 19% had a creatinine over 2 mg/dl. Serum creatinine increased more than 0.5 mg/dl during hospitalization in 9% of general patients and in 11% of diabetics. The increase in creatinine was associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 12.9, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 6.7-27.6) and long term mortality (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.6-3). CONCLUSIONS: The deterioration of renal function during hospitalization of patients with heart failure is a risk factor for hospital and long term mortality.

Analysis of vaccination strategy against cystic echinococcosis developed in the Province of Río Negro, Argentina: 12 years of work.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by species of the complex Echinococcus granulosus, sensu lato in their larval stage. It is an endemic disease in the province of Río Negro, where small farmers generally have both sheep and goats. Lamb vaccination with EG95 was incorporated in 2009 with very good results: in fact, it contributed to a significant drop in prevalence of infection in both sheep and goats, when determined by necropsy and serology in 2018. In the design of the activity, it was decided not to vaccinate goats in order to minimize the operational requirements of vaccination and comments from producers about the rarity of observing hydatid cysts in goat viscera were considered. OBJECTIVE: To identify causes which can still generate infection in dogs, and to detect species/genotypes in circulation in the province of Río Negro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In indigenous reserves comprised within the area of lamb vaccination with 3 doses of EG95, (dose 1 in December, dose 2 in January and dose 3 in December of the year following, at the time of application of dose 1 to the new lambs). Prevalence in adult goats and sheep was determined by necropsy and serology (ELISA). Infective species/genotypes present in the work area and in the rest of the province of Río Negro were identified by Cox1 mitochondrial gene sequencing. Epidemiological analysis was completed with surveys among farmers about slaughter habits for human consumption. RESULTS: Through serology and necropsy, infection rates in vaccinated and nonvaccinated sheep were significantly different (21% versus 66%). Non-vaccinated sheep and non-vaccinated goats were also significantly different in that there was less infection in goats compared to sheep (7% versus 66% for necropsy, 30% versus 61% for serology); After many years of sheep vaccination the infection positives were low, and differences between vaccinated sheep and non-vaccinated goats turned out non-significant (21% versus 7%). With reference to epidemiology and control along the period 2018-2022, PZQ dosing of dogs 4 times a year was maintained, and 2 extra deworming tasks were introduced together with dose 1 and 2 of EG95, performed by the veterinary vaccination team, ensuring the ingestion of PZQ by dogs. Assessment of animal slaughter for consumption in 41 producers showed that 21 of them slaughter a monthly average of 18 goats (an average of 0.43 goat per month per farm) and 36 in all slaughter 35 old sheep in a year (average of 0.85 sheep per month per farm). With respect to identification of species/genotypes as from 2010, genotypes G1 have been found in 11 sheep (out of which 6 belong to vaccination zone) and genotypes G7, in one pig. A goat cyst within vaccination zone turned out unfertile and it was not possible to sequence it. CONCLUSION: Design and implementation of a vaccine programme combined with the use of PZQ resulted as cost-effective, since it was possible to maintain the vaccine over time, with clear impact on prevalence decrease in sheep and goats.

Identification of potential 'hot spots' of cystic echinococcosis transmission in the province of Río Negro, Argentina.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The control program of CE of Rio Negro province, Argentina, involves annual surveillance using ultrasound (US) screening in school children, and five-year cross-sectional surveys to detect livestock farms with parasitized dogs by coproELISA with confirmation tests (Western Blot or PCR). Control program is based on deworming of dogs with praziquantel and the aim is to identify areas at risk of Cystic echinococcosis transmission to humans, using all available data sources. The information was spatially distributed in 13 program areas and, at a smaller geographical scale, in 80 Primary Health Care Centers. CoproELISA surveys involved three randomized sampling periods (2003-05, 2009-10, 2017-18), with 1790 canine fecal samples. The US surveys were conducted in 2003-08, 2009-16 and 2017-18 in 34,515 children. Heat maps were created at the smallest geographic scale with QGIS 3.4.6. For the consecutive sampling periods, prevalence of positive canine fecal samples from livestock farms were 14.7, 12.1 and 7.8%, respectively, and children prevalence was 0.4, 0.2 and 0.1%, respectively. The study has been developed on a scale according to which the temporal-spatial distribution of CE allows to adjust control strategies in those areas of potential transmission of the zoonosis to humans.

[Vanishing prostate cancer. Clinical presentation and histological review]. / Cáncer evanescente de la próstata. Presentación clínica y revisión histológica.

The impossibility to identify cancer in the final surgical specimen has been reported in some patients with prostate cancer undergoing radical prostatectomy. This has been attributed to either a wrong diagnosis or pathological technique, or to spontaneous or biopsy-induced cure of the tumor. This study assessed the incidence of vanishing prostate cancer in our department for 12 years, the clinical characteristics of patients, and their follow-up. The initial puncture biopsies were also re-evaluated using inmunohistochemical stains. Prostate cancer could not be confirmed in the surgical specimen in six out of 346 operated patients (1.73%) receiving no neoadjuvant therapy. When the initial biopsies were reviewed, cancer was only confirmed in three patients. Incidence of vanishing cancer at our department in the 12-year period considered was 0.86% (3/346). No tumor relapse occurred during 4.5 years of follow-up.

[Eosinophilic cystitis: review and two case reports]. / Cistitis eosinofílica: revisión y reporte de dos casos.

Eosinophilic cystitis is a low frequency disease, with less than 200 reported cases in the world. It is characterized by a bladder wall inflammation, mainly by eosinophils, with fibrosis and muscle necrosis areas. Its origin seems to be immunological, although the triggers are not well known. Several predispose factor have been described such as allergic diseases, bladder injuries, drugs, infections, etc. It affects patient of all ages, mainly adults. It presents with frecuency, haematuria and suprapubic pain. Other less frequent symptoms are disuria, urinary retention, nicturia, and enuresis. The laboratory study (urinalysis, urinalysis and haemogram) and radiology (ultrasound, intravenous pyelography, computed tomography and nuclear magnetic resonance) are non specific. The lesions observed in the cystoscopy could emulate other diseases, that why the proper diagnostic is the histological analysis. The management could be observation o antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory and corticoid treatment. In refractory cases, surgery is an alternative. In this work, two male adult cases are reported with their symptoms, studies and management.

Epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of cystic echinococcosis in asymptomatic carriers.

Background: Río Negro Province is endemic for cystic echinococcosis (CE). A CE control program includes early diagnosis in humans. During 1980-1996, screening was done with serology and surgery was the unique choice of treatment. Since 1997, ultrasound (US) has been the method of choice for screening, and new choices of treatment for asymptomatic carriers are discussed in the CE guidelines. Methods: Between 1997 and 2016, 42 734 abdominal USs were performed, 192 new asymptomatic cases were diagnosed and underwent a protocol according to the size, location and type of cyst. Treatment options included active surveillance (US monitoring, 83 [43.3%]), antiparasitic (albendazole, 92 [47.9%]) and surgery (17 [8.8%], including percutaneous treatment). Results: After 7.7 y of follow-up, of the cases under active surveillance, 28 (33.7%) had to change treatment: 5 (6%) to surgery and 22 (26.5%) to albendazole. Of the patients treated with albendazole, 3 (3.2%) were operated on and 13 (14%) were treated with a second cycle of albendazole. Conclusion: As a result of the present study, resolution of CE in a non-surgical way with albendazole is confirmed to be effective in asymptomatic carriers with CE1 or CE3a cysts. An update eliminates the strategy of active surveillance in type CE1 cysts <3 cm and is replaced by treatment with antiparasitic in all asymptomatic cases with CE1 or CE3a cysts <10 cm. The update also limits follow-up to 12-18 months to evaluate those cases with non-response to antiparasitic and switch to a surgical option.

Pilot field trial of the EG95 vaccine against ovine cystic echinococcosis in Rio Negro, Argentina: 8 years of work.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is endemic in the Rio Negro province of Argentina. After 30 years of control using praziquantel in dogs the transmission rate to humans and sheep has decreased significantly, however transmission persists. The objective of the study was to assess the inclusion of the EG95 for sheep in the control program and to determine the vaccine's operative feasibility in field conditions. An intervention study was defined in Rio Negro Province in Argentina comprising, in total, an area of 5820 Km2. Lambs received two vaccinations with the EG95 vaccine followed by a single booster injection when the animals were 1-1.5 years of age. Vaccination of lambs born into one trial site was introduced and continued for 8 years. Evidence for Echinococcus granulosus transmission was monitored before and after vaccination by coproantigen ELISA in faecal samples of dog, purgation of dogs to detect E. granulosus worms, necropsy on adult sheep and by ultrasound screening in children of 6-14 years old. 29,323 doses of vaccine were applied between 2009 and 2017, which a vaccination coverage of 80.1%/85.7% (57.3% average for fully vaccinated). Before the introduction of the vaccine 56.3% of the 6-year-old sheep were infected with E. granulosus at necropsy and 84.2% of the farms had infected sheep; 4.3% of the dogs were positive for E. granulosus infection using the arecoline test, and with coproELISA 9.6% of dog fecal samples were positive and 20.3% of the farms had infected dog.After the vaccine was introduced, 21.6% of sheep older than 6 years were found to be infected at necropsy and 20.2% of the farms were found to be infected; in dogs, 4.5% were found positive for E. granulosus using arecoline purgation and with coproELISA 3.7% of samples were positive, with 8.9% of farms having a positive dog. In 2016 only one case of E. granulosus infection was diagnosed by US screening in a 6-14 years old child. Included in the analysis are discussions of difficulties experienced in the field which affected correct vaccine administration as well as social features and practices that may impact on echinococcosis control and the EG95 vaccination program in Rio Negro. Vaccination of sheep with the EG95 vaccine provides a valuable new tool which improves the effectiveness of CE control activities. Vaccination was effective even in a difficult, remote environment where only approximately half the lambs born into the communities were fully vaccinated.

Varicocele treatment in patients up to 35 years old: A multicentric retrospective studycomparing 3 different techniques.

OBJECTIVE: To report and compare the clinical outcomes after varicocele treatment managed by open surgery, laparoscopic approach and embolization, with an emphasis in terms of recurrence, complication rate and length of surgery. METHODS: 2 different Portuguese Centers collected pre and postoperative data of patients submitted to varicocele treatment. Over a period of 8 years, 251 cases were evaluated retrospectively and 161 were included and further divided in procedure-related groups. Patients older than 35 years-old were excluded. Laparoscopic Palomo (without artery-sparing technique), artery-sparing Open Palomo surgery and retrograde percutaneous embolization were performed. As outcome measures recurrence/persistence, postoperative hydrocele and other complications were analyzed. Patients were followed a mean of 11.84 months. RESULTS: In the 72 cases in the laparoscopy group, varicocele persisted in 7% and hydrocele developed in 18% . In the 41 patients who underwent retrograde percutaneous embolization recurrent varicoceles were identified in 17% and 10% presented postoperative hydroceles. Of the 48 patients who underwent suprainguinal retroperitoneal open surgery with artery preservation, varicocele recurred in 17% , while hydroceles developed in 6%. The overall success rate, defined as absence of recurrence or persistence of the varicocele during follow-up, was 87.6%. Comparison of reactive hydrocele and recurrence rates with the variables of age, degree of varicocele and length of follow-up showed that both parameters were statistically dependent on the duration of postoperative surveillance (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of all 3 groups did not revealed significant differences in varicocele recurrence and hydrocele formation (p>0.05). Pairwise group comparison showed that open surgery with artery preservation and retrograde embolization might carry a higher risk of recurrence/persistence compared to laparoscopic mass ligation of the spermatic vessels. On the other hand, the laparoscopic approach with en bloc ligation of the spermatic vessels may be associated with a higher risk of secondary hydrocele. According to our data varicocele embolization appears to be slightly less successful than laparoscopy, with similar overall complication rate. Most varicocele recurrences and postoperative hydrocele formation are seen in patients with more than 12 months of follow-up so appropriate length of postoperative surveillance is deemed necessary in these patients.

Efectos cardiovasculares de los inhibidores del cotransportador 2 de sodio-glucosa (ISGLT2): los mecanismos del beneficio en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca / Cardiovascular effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (ISGLT2)

La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) es un problema de salud mundial. En la actualidad existe una clara asociación entre la IC y la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), con una prevalencia cada vez mayor de pacientes que presentan concomitantemente ambas patologías. Los inhibidores del cotransportador 2 de sodio-glucosa (ISGLT2) han demostrado disminuir los eventos cardiovasculares, incluida la muerte de origen cardiovascular, por lo que se han instalado como uno de los pilares en su tratamiento. En el presente artículo se describen los principales mecanismos de acción de los ISGLT2 y sus efectos: mejora de condiciones de carga ventricular, metabolismo cardíaco, bioenergética, remodelado ventricular y sus efectos cardioprotectores directos y posiblemente antiarrítmicos.

Heart failure (HF) is a global health problem. Currently there is a clear association between HF and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), with an increasing prevalence of patients presenting with both pathologies concomitantly. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (ISGLT2) have shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death. These results have placed ISGLT2 as one of the main pillars in the treatment of HF. This article will focus on the mechanisms of action, and their effects: improved ventricular loading conditions, cardiac metabolism, bioenergetics, ventricular remodeling, direct cardioprotective and possibly antiarrhythmic effects.

Los inhibidores SGLT2: una mirada al futuro del tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca / Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for the management of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a global health problem. There is a strong association h between HF and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), with an increasing prevalence of patients having both conditions concomitantly. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (ISGLT2) significantly reduce cardiovascular events, including cardiovascular death. In this article we will focus on the current evidence about the effectiveness of these medications in adults with heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction.

Prostate cancer metastatic to the cervical lymph nodes.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, often presenting with regional lymph node or bone metastasis and rarely with supradiaphragmatic lymph node involvement. Most metastatic cancers involving the cervical lymph nodes are from cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract. In this report, we describe two cases with cervical lymph node enlargement due to metastatic prostate cancer as the initial clinical presentation: a 43-year-old male, initially misdiagnosed with a tumor of the upper aerodigestive tract and an 87-year-old male with right lobe pneumonia and cervical lymph node enlargement, initially attributed to be an acute inflammatory lymph node reaction. To the best of our knowledge, there are less than 50 cases reported in the literature of adenocarcinoma of prostate metastatic to the cervical lymph nodes and only one case presenting in men younger than 45 years. The authors intend to highlight the importance of digital rectal exam and PSA test in case of persistent left cervical lymph node enlargement, including men younger than 45 years of age.

The role of transrectal ultrasound in the diagnosis of prostate cancer: new contributions.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at evaluating the contribution of transrectal prostate ultrasound in the screening for prostate neoplasias and in the guidance of prostate biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study developed over a one-year period. All the patients with indication for prostate biopsy were evaluated. Regardless of PSA values, the patients underwent ultrasound in order to identify suspicious nodules (confirmed by two observers). Sextant biopsy was subsequently performed. In cases of finding suspicious nodules, an additional puncture directed to such nodules was done. RESULTS: In a total of 155 cases the prevalence of malignancy was of 53%. Suspicious nodules were detected in 34 patients, and 25 where malignant (positive predictive value of 74%). The specificity and sensitivity for suspicious nodules were 88% and 31% respectively. Comparatively with the randomly obtained sextant specimens, the rate of findings of neoplasia was higher in the specimens obtained with puncture directed to the nodule (p = 0.032). No statistically significant difference was observed in the Gleason score for both types of specimens (p = 0.172). CONCLUSION: The high positive predictive value and the high rate of findings of neoplasia in specimens of suspicious nodules should be taken into consideration in the future. The authors suggest a biopsy technique similar to the one described in the present study (sextant biopsy plus puncture directed to the suspicious nodule).

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o papel da ecografia prostática transretal no rastreamento da neoplasia prostática e na orientação da biópsia prostática. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo com a duração de um ano. Foram avaliados todos os doentes com indicação para biópsia. Ignorando o valor de PSA, realizamos ecografia para identificar nódulos suspeitos (confirmados por dois observadores). Efetuamos, depois, biópsia dirigida a todos os sextantes. Nos casos com nódulo suspeito, efetuamos ainda punção adicional dirigida ao nódulo. RESULTADOS: Num total de 155 casos, a prevalência de malignidade foi 53%. Detectamos nódulos suspeitos em 34 pacientes, 25 dos quais malignos (valor preditivo positivo de 74%). A especificidade e a sensibilidade dos nódulos suspeitos foram 88% e 31%, respectivamente. A porcentagem de tumor foi superior nas biópsias dirigidas ao nódulo, comparativamente à amostra com maior representação tumoral obtida aleatoriamente (p = 0,032). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o escore de Gleason de ambas as amostras (p = 0,172). CONCLUSÃO: O elevado valor preditivo positivo e a elevada representação tumoral nos nódulos considerados suspeitos deverão ser levados em consideração no futuro. Sugerimos uma técnica de biópsia igual à utilizada neste estudo (biópsia sextante mais punção dirigida a nódulo suspeito).

Pilot Field Trial of the EG95 Vaccine Against Ovine Cystic Echinococcosis in Rio Negro, Argentina: Second Study of Impact.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important zoonotic disease caused by the cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus. It occurs in many parts of the world where pastoral activities predominate, including the Rio Negro province of Argentina. Although CE control activities have been undertaken in the western regions of Rio Negro for more than two decades, the disease continues to remain prevalent in both the human and livestock animal populations. Vaccination of animal intermediate hosts of CE with the EG95 vaccine may provide a new opportunity to improve the effectiveness of CE control measures, although data are lacking about field application of the vaccine. AIMS: Evaluate the impact of EG95 vaccination in sheep on the transmission of Echinococcus granulosus in a field environment. METHODOLOGY: Two trial sites were established in western Rio Negro province within indigenous communities. Vaccination of lambs born into one trial site was introduced and continued for 6 years. Prior to initiation of the trial, and at the end of the trial, the prevalence of CE in sheep was determined by necropsy. Weaned lambs received two injections of EG95 vaccine, approximately one month apart, and a single booster injection one year later. Vaccination was not implemented at the second trial site. A total of 2725 animals were vaccinated in the first year. Animals from this cohort as well as age-matched sheep from the control area were evaluated by necropsy. KEY RESULTS: Introduction of the vaccine led to a statistically significant in the number and size of hydatid cysts in comparison to the situation prior to the introduction of the vaccine, or compared to CE prevalence in the control area where the vaccine was not applied. The prevalence of infection in the vaccinated area was also significantly reduced by 62% compared to the re-intervention level, being lower than the prevalence seen in the control area, although the difference from the control area after the intervention was not significant possibly due to limitations in the numbers of animals available for necropsy. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination of sheep with the EG95 vaccine provides a valuable new tool which improves the effectiveness of CE control activities. Vaccination was effective even in a difficult, remote environment where only approximately half the lambs born into the communities were fully vaccinated.