Lactate dehydrogenase as a hematopoietic stem cell mobilization biomarker in autologous transplantation

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pre-apheresis peripheral blood CD34+ cell count (PBCD34+) is the most important predictor of good cell mobilization before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, albeit flow cytometry is not always immediately available. Identification of surrogate markers can be useful. The CD34+ cells proliferate after mobilization, resulting in elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and correlating with the PBCD34+ count. Objective: To determine the LDH cut-off value at which adequate CD34+ cell mobilization is achieved and its diagnostic yield. Materials and methods: A total of 103 patients who received an autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) between January 2015 and January 2020 were included. Demographic and laboratory characteristics were obtained, including complete blood count, pre-apheresis PBCD34+ and LDH levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to identify the optimal serum LDH activity cut-off points for ≥ 2 and ≥ 4 × 106 cells/kg post-mobilization CD34+ count and their diagnostic yield. Results: A post-mobilization serum LDH cut-off value of 462 U/L yielded a sensitivity (Se) = 86.8% (positive predictive value [PPV] = 72.7%), a pre- and post-mobilization serum LDH difference cut-off value of 387 U/L, an Se = 45.7% (PPV = 97%) and an LDH ratio of 2.46, with an Se = 47.1% (PPV = 97%) for an optimal mobilization count (CD34+ ≥ 4 × 106). Conclusion: The LDH measurement represents a fast and affordable way to predict PBCD34+ mobilization in cases where flow cytometry is not immediately available. According to the LDH diagnostic yield, it could be used as a surrogate marker in transplant centers, supporting the CD34+ count, which remains the gold standard.

Outcomes and survival predictors of Latin American older adults with acute myeloid leukemia: Data from a single center

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is most commonly presented in older adults; however, it appears 10 years earlier in Latin American countries. Clinical evolution in older adults from this populations has not been characterized. We analyzed outcomes and survival predictors. Methods: Patients ≥ 55 years old diagnosed with AML at a hematology referral center from 2005 to 2020 receiving intensive chemotherapy (IC), low-dose cytarabine (LDAC) and best supportive care (BSC) were included. Survival analysis included the Kaplan-Meier and Cox models and the cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR). Results: Seventy-five adults were included and the overall survival (OS) was 4.87, 1.67 and 1.16 months, using IC, LDAC and BSC, respectively. The IC led to a higher OS (p < 0.001) and was a protective factor for early death, at a cost of more days spent hospitalized and more non-fatal treatment complications; non-significant differences were found between the LDAC and BSC. Eight (10.7%) patients underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation, with a higher OS (p = 0.013). Twenty (26.7%) patients achieved complete remission; 12 (60%) relapsed with a 6-month CIR of 57.9% in those < 70 years old vs. 86.5% in those ≥ 70 years old, p = 0.034. Multivariate analysis showed the white blood cell count (WBC) and IC had a significant impact on the patient survival, whereas chronological age and the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) did not. Conclusion: AML in low-middle income countries demands a different approach; the IC improves survival, even with a high incidence of relapse, and should be offered as first-line treatment. Eligibility criteria should include WBC and a multidimensional evaluation. The age per se and the CCI should not be exclusion criteria to consider IC.

Impact of the appendiceal position on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric appendicitis / Impacto da posição do apêndice sobre o diagnóstico e tratamento de apendicite da infância

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate how symptoms vary according to the appendiceal position in pediatric patients and to demonstrate that the laparoscopic approach is safe and effective in any appendiceal location by comparing each location to another. Methods: The medical records of 1,736 children aged 14 or younger who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy over a period of 14 years were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided according to the position of the appendiceal tip into four groups: anterior, pelvic, retrocecal and subhepatic. The Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square tests were used with the Bonferroni correction, with a significant p<0.05. Results: The appendiceal location was anterior in 1,366 cases, retrocecal in 248 cases, pelvic in 66 cases and subhepatic in 56 cases. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of patient age and gender. Abdominal pain was the only symptom with statistically significant differences between the groups. The rate of perforated appendicitis was higher in the subhepatic and pelvic positions. Intraoperative complications and conversions were not statistically significant. Technical difficulties and operative time were higher in subhepatic position. The rate of postoperative complications was similar between the different locations, except for bowel obstruction, which was higher in pelvic appendicitis. Conclusions: The clinical symptoms of appendicitis hardly ever change with the position of the appendix. The laparoscopic approach is safe and effective, regardless the appendiceal location.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar como os sintomas variam de acordo com a posição do apêndice em pacientes pediátricos e demonstrar que a laparoscopia é segura e eficaz em qualquer posição do apêndice, comparando-as. Métodos: Os prontuários de 1.736 pacientes pediátricos com idade ≤14 anos submetidos à apendicectomia laparoscópica em um período de 14 anos foram analisados retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com a posição do apêndice: anterior, pélvica, retrocecal e sub-hepático. Os testes de Kruskal-Wallis e do qui-quadrado foram usados com a correção de Bonferroni, sendo significante p<0,05. Resultados: A posição do apêndice era anterior em 1.366 casos, retrocecal em 248 casos, pélvica em 66 casos e sub-hepática em 56 casos. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos quanto às variáveis idade e sexo. A dor abdominal foi a única variável com diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos. A taxa de apêndice perfurado foi superior nas posições sub-hepática e pélvica. As complicações intraoperatórias e a taxa de conversão não foram estatisticamente significativas. As dificuldades técnicas e o tempo cirúrgico foram superiores em posição sub-hepática. A taxa de complicações pós-operatórias foi semelhante entre as diferentes posições, exceto a obstrução intestinal, que foi superior em posição pélvica. Conclusões: Os sintomas da apendicite dificilmente variam com a posição do apêndice. A laparoscopia é segura e eficaz, independentemente da posição do apêndice.

Treatment of autoimmune hemolytic anemia: real world data from a reference center in Mexico

BACKGROUND: Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (w-AIHA) is an uncommon disease with heterogeneous response to treatment. Steroids are the standard treatment at diagnosis, whereas rituximab has recently been recommended as the second-line therapy of choice. Our main objective was to document the response to treatment in patients with newly diagnosed w-AIHA, including the effectiveness of low-dose rituximab as frontline treatment and for refractory disease. METHODS: Patients with w-AIHA from 2002 to 2017 were included. Relapse-free survival (RFS), probability of maintained response (MR), and time-to-response were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Response was classified as complete, partial, and no response. RESULTS: We included 64 adults with w-AIHA (39 women and 25 men). The median age was 37 (16–77) years. Response rates to steroids alone were 76.7%, rituximab plus steroids, 100%; and cyclophosphamide, 80%. RFS with steroids at 6, 36, and 72 months was 86.3%, 65.1%, and 59.7%, respectively. Eighteen patients received rituximab at 100 mg/wk for 4 weeks plus high-dose dexamethasone as first-line therapy, with RFS at 6, 36, and 72 months of 92.3%, 58.7% and 44.1%, respectively. Eight patients refractory to several lines of therapy were treated with low-dose rituximab, and all achieved a response (three complete response and five partial response) at a median 16 days (95% confidence interval, 14.1–17.8), with a 75% probability of MR at 103 months; the mean MR was 81.93±18 months. CONCLUSION: Outcomes of w-AIHA treatment were considerably heterogeneous. Low rituximab doses plus high dexamethasone doses were effective for refractory disease.

Cirugía mayor ambulatoria de la glándula tiroides y paratiroides: resultados tras 6 años de experiencia / Major outpatient surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands: results after 6 years experience

Objetivo: La cirugía mayor ambulatoria (CMA) y con estancia inferior a 24 horas (overnight stay) se ha consolidado en muchas patologías aunque en cirugía tiroidea y paratiroidea resulta controvertido. El objetivo es valorar nuestros resultados en cirugía del tiroides y paratiroides en régimen de CMA durante un periodo de 6 años. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo de pacientes con indicación de hemitiroidectomía o paratiroidectomía enfocada en régimen CMA entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2016. Los pacientes cumplían criterios de CMA. En los primeros años se excluyeron los nodulos tiroideos mayores de 3 cm y los pacientes ASA III. Los pacientes ingresaron la mañana de la intervención, tras el acto quirúrgico pasaron a la Unidad de Recuperación Posquirúrgica y posteriormente a sala de hospitalización. Tras 8 h, si cumplían criterios, fueron dados de alta. Resultados: Se intervinieron 270 pacientes, la tasa de aplicabilidad global fue del 59%, la tasa de aceptabilidad global del 83,6% y el índice de sustitución del 49,2%. El índice de ingresos no deseados fue del 10,4% para la paratiroidectomía y del 17,6% en la cirugía del tiroides. Ningún paciente presentó complicaciones mayores en su domicilio. El grado de satisfacción fue alto o muy alto en el 94% de los pacientes. Conclusiones: La paratiroidectomía enfocada y la hemitiroidectomía realizada por cirujanos expertos en pacientes seleccionados, es segura y efectiva en régimen ambulatorio. Es posible mejorar el índice de sustitución ambulatorio aumentando la tasa de aplicabilidad y aceptabilidad.

Objetive: Ambulatory or overnight stay surgery have been consolidated in many different procedures. However, its use in thyroid and parathyroid surgery is still controversial. The aim of this report is to present the results of 6 years of ambulatory patients undergoing surgery of the thyroid or parathyroid glands. Material and Methods: Prospective observational study of patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy or selective parathyroidectomy in the ambulatory program from January 2011 to December 2016. All patients included met the general criteria of ambulatory surgery. During the first years nodules bigger than 3 cm and patients classified as ASA III were excluded. Patients arrive at hospital the morning of surgery. After the operation, patients pass to the post-anesthesia care unit and then to the hospitalization room. 8 hours after surgery patients are discharged home if they meet the criteria. Results: 270 patients were operated, 159 of them met the inclusion criteria. The overall applicability rate was 59%. The acceptance rate was 83.6% and the substitution index was 49.2%. The unwanted hospital admission was 10.4% for the parathyroidectomy and 17.6% for the hemithyroidectomy. Any patient presented major complications at home. The satisfaction rate was high or very high for 94% of the patients. Conclusion: Selective parathyroidectomy and hemithyroidectomy performed by experienced surgeons in selected patients can be safely and effectively carried out in ambulatory surgery (outpatient). It would be possible to improve the substitution index by increasing the application and acceptability ratios.

Linfangioma quístico retroperitoneal: Un tumor infrecuente en la edad adulta / Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma: A rare tumor in adulthood

Los linfangiomas son tumores benignos raros del sistema linfático, más comunes en la población pediátrica. La localización intraabdominal es muy infrecuente: tan solo el 1% de los linfangiomas aparece en el retroperitoneo. Se describe una tumoración quística infrecuente tanto por su localización como por la edad de presentación. Los linfangiomas retroperitoneales son tumores raros y su etiopatogenia es incierta. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante estudios de imagen; las técnicas de elección son la ultrasonografía (USG), la resonancia magnética (RM) o la tomografía computarizada (TC). A pesar de que se trata de tumores de naturaleza benigna, la exéresis quirúrgica completa es el tratamiento de elección para prevenir complicaciones como la sobreinfección, la rotura o el sangrado. Nuestro caso resulta infrecuente tanto por la localización retroperitoneal del tumor como por la tardía edad de presentación.

Background: lymphangiomas are rare benign tumors of the lymphatic system, being more common in the pediatric population. Intra-abdominal localization is very rare; only 1 % of lymphangiomas appear in the retroperitoneum. We report a case of a rare tumor because of its location and the elderly age of presentation. Retroperitoneal lymphangioma is a rare tumor with an unertain pathogenesis. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by imaging studies , e.g., US, MRI or CT. Although they are benign tumors, complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice. With this treatment, complications like infection, perforation or bleeding are prevented. Our case is unusual because of the retroperitoneal location of the tumor and the late age of presentation.

Management of the Sequelae of Severe Congenital Abdominal Wall Defects

BACKGROUND: The survival rate of newborns with severe congenital abdominal wall defects has increased. After successfully addressing life-threatening complications, it is necessary to focus on the cosmetic and functional outcomes of the abdominal wall. METHODS: We performed a chart review of five cases treated in our institution. RESULTS: Five patients, ranging from seven to 18 years of age, underwent the following surgical approaches: simple approximation of the rectus abdominis fascia, the rectus abdominis sheath turnover flap, the placement of submuscular tissue expanders, mesh repair, or a combination of these techniques depending on the characteristics of each individual case. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe congenital abdominal wall defects require individualized surgical treatment to address both the aesthetic and functional issues related to the sequelae of their defects.

Representaciones sociales de normas de tránsito, agresividad, facilidad percibida en la conducción, accidentes y multas en conductores de Bogotá, D. C. / Social representations of traffic rules, aggressiveness, easiness perceivedin driving, accidents, and traffic tickets involving drivers in Bogota, D. C. / Representações sociais de normas de trânsito, agressividade, facilidadepercebida na condução, acidentes e multas nos motoristas de Bogotá, D. C.

El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue conocer las representaciones sociales sobre normas de tránsito, y su relación con la agresividad y con la accidentalidad, y multas de tránsito autoinformadas en conductores de Bogotá. Se aplicó una encuesta basada en casos (Mamontoff, 2010) con elementosgráficos (Abric, 1993), a una muestra no aleatoriade conductores infractores o en proceso de renovación dela licencia de conducción. Como resultados se identificaron cuatro clases de conductores: dos grupos más dispuestos a consumir alcohol y exceder límites de velocidad (1.ª clase)o no respetar semáforos en rojo y otras señalizaciones (2.ªclase), otro grupo menos de acuerdo con consumir alcohol antes de conducir, pero favorable a superar límites de velocidad(3.ª clase) y otro grupo favorable a no violar ninguna norma de conducción (4.ª clase). Una actitud más favorable a consumir alcohol en la conducción se asoció con atribución de los accidentes a factores externos a los conductores, con haber sido multado más veces en el pasado y con más daños en accidentes. Una mayor agresividad se asoció, asimismo,con una intención de conducta más imprudente.

The main objective in this work consisted of getting to know the social representations about traffic rules and their connection with self-reported aggressiveness, accident rates and fines for traffic offenses by drivers in Bogota. A case-based survey (Mamontoff, 2010) with graphic elements (Abric,1993) was applied to a non-random sample of driving offenders or drivers undergoing their driving license renewal process. As results, four classes of drivers were identified: Two groups more likely to: abuse alcohol and exceed speed limits (1st class), pass through red or yellow lights and disregar dother traffic signs (2nd class); another group that was more cautious about drinking alcohol before driving, but not with regard to exceeding speed limits (3rd class), and another group with a willingness to comply with all driving rules (4th class). A more lenient attitude towards drinking alcohol before or while driving was associated to attributing accidents to factors external to the driver, or with a higher record of fines or sanctions in the past, and having suffered more damages in road-traffic. Likewise, a more far-reaching aggressiveness was associated with an intended less prudent or cautious conduct.

O objetivo principal deste trabalho era conhecer as representações sociais sobre as normas de trânsito, e a sua relação com a agressividade e a acidentalidade, e as multas de trânsito autoinformadas nos motoristas de Bogotá. Uma pesquisa baseada em casos (Mamontoff, 2010) com elementos gráficos (Abric, 1993) foi aplicada a uma amostra não aleatória de motoristas infratores ou em processo da renovação da carteira de motorista. Como resultados identificaram-se quatro classes de motoristas: dois grupos mais prontos para consumir o álcool e exceder limites de velocidade (1°classe)ou não respeitar semáforos em vermelho e outra sinalização(2° classe), um outro grupo menos de acordo com o consumo de álcool antes de dirigir, mas favorável para exceder limites de velocidade (3° classe) e um outro grupo favorável para não infringir nenhuma norma da condução (4° classe). Uma atitude mais favorável para consumir o álcool ao dirigir foi associada com a atribuição dos acidentes aos fatores externos aos motoristas, por ser multado mais vezes no passado e com mais danos nos acidentes. Uma maior agressividade foi associada, também, com uma intenção da conduta mais imprudente.

Estudo da repolarização ventricular em pacientes submetidos à terapia de ressincronização cardíaca, portadores de bloqueio de ramo esquerdo e insuficiência cardíaca, através do mapeamento eletrocardiográfico de superfície / Study of ventricular repolarization in patients with bundlebranch block and heart failure, undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy, by body surface potential mapping

INTRODUÇÃO: A terapia de ressincronização cardíaca (TRC) é procedimento já incorporado às diretrizes do tratamento da insuficiência cardíaca crônica grave. Os efeitos sobre a repolarização ventricular são controversos e seu comportamento ainda precisa ser melhor definido por meios não invasivos. OBJETIVO: Analisar o comportamento da repolarização ventricular, através do mapeamento eletrocardiográfico de superfície (MES), em pacientes sob TRC. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 52 pacientes sob TRC com indicação classe I das Diretrizes Brasileiras de Dispositivos Cardíacos Eletrônicos Implantáveis-2007, com idade média 58,8±12,3 anos, 31 homens, FEVE:27,5±9,2 e QRS:181,5±24,2ms. Foram excluídos os que não eram classe I e também os que usavam amiodarona, portadores de fibrilação atrial, marcapasso ou CDI prévios. O MES de 87 derivações (59 no tórax anterior e 28 no dorso) foi realizado em ritmo sinusal (BASAL) e sob efeito do ressincronizador (BIV) Através de medidas semiautomáticas foram obtidos o intervalo QT, QTc médio e a dispersão de QT (DQT) global das 87 derivações, nos dois modos de estimulação, em cada paciente. As mesmas medidas foram realizadas e comparadas nas três regiões discriminadas pelo MES (VD, Septo e VE). Caracterizamos assim, o comportamento global e regional do QT e sua dispersão na TRC. Utilizamos os testes t Student pareado e ANOVA para comparações múltiplas. Nível de significância de p< 0,05. RESULTADOS: O comportamento global do QTmédio foi sensivelmente menor em BIV que no BASAL (424,4±38,7 x 455,8±46,5ms; p<0,001), assim como o QTc médio (460,7±42,3 x 483,8±41,4ms; p<0,05) e a DQT (61,2±26,2 x 74,9±28,7ms; p<0,05). O QTmédio foi semelhante nas 3 regiões nos modos BASAL e BIV (p=ns), porém o QTc médio nas regiõess VD e VE mostrou-se significantemente menor no modo BASAL. Sob BIV, essa diferença foi notavelmente menor na região do VD...

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an already established procedure, which became part of the guidelines for severe chronic heart failure treatment. Its effects upon the ventricular repolarization are controversial, therefore CRT response still remains to be better defined by noninvasive methods. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the ventricular repolarization response by body surface potential mapping (BSPM) in patients undergoing CRT. METHODS: Fifty-two patients undergoing CRT, mean age 58.8±12.3 years, 31 male, LVEF 27.5±9.2 and QRS duration 181.5±14.2ms, with indication class I of the 2007Guidelines for Implantable Electronic Cardiac Devices of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, were studied. Those who were not in class I and/or in use of amiodarone, with atrial fibrillation, or with previous pacemaker or ICD, were excluded. Eighty-seven-lead BSPM examination (59 leads on the anterior chest and 28 on the back) was performed in sinus rhythm (BASELINE), and in biventricular pacing (BIV) with the resynchronization device on. Global values of QT and mean QTc intervals, and QT dispersion (DQT) were semiautomatically measured in all patients in the two pacing modes. Same measurements were made and compared in the three regions (RV, Septum and LV) discriminated by BSPM maps. Thus we characterized the global and regional QT response and its dispersion under CRT. t-Student paired test and ANOVA were used for multiple comparisons. Significance level: p<.05. RESULTS: The global mean QT response was considerably smaller in BIV pacing than in BASELINE (424.4±38.7 x 455.8±46.5ms; p<.001), and so were the mean QTc (460.7±42.3 x 483.8±41.4ms; p<.05) and DQT (61.2±26.2 x 74.9±28.7ms; p<.05). Mean QT was similar across the three regions in both pacing modes (p=ns); however, mean QTc in RV and LV regions was found to be significantly smaller in BASELINE. In BIV pacing such difference was considerably smaller in the RV region...