Análisis de los tiempos críticos en diagnóstico y tratamiento de Cáncer de Cabeza y Cuello en Complejo Asistencial Sótero del Río / Analysis of critical times in diagnosis and treatment of Head and Neck Cancer at Hospital Sótero del Río

Introducción: El cáncer de cabeza y cuello (CaCyC) representa una alta carga de enfermedad. El retraso del inicio de tratamiento es un factor predictor independiente de mortalidad. Objetivo: Describir los tiempos entre hitos claves diagnósticos y terapéuticos de pacientes con CaCyC atendidos en Hospital Sótero del Río (CASR) y comparar la experiencia local con guías internacionales. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo-retrospectivo de pacientes presentados en Comité Oncológico de cabeza y cuello (COCYC) del CASR desde septiembre 2020 hasta julio 2022. Se analizan los tiempos críticos del proceso diagnóstico y terapéutico. Resultados: 78 pacientes se seleccionan, 75,5% con carcinoma escamoso. La mediana de tiempos entre derivación desde atención primaria (APS) y evaluación CASR es 2 días, entre evaluación y biopsia es 9 días, y entre diagnóstico histológico e inicio de tratamiento en cualquier modalidad de 27 días. Se comparan los tiempos críticos según los plazos definidos por el Cancer Council Australia. Las tasas de cumplimiento entre derivación APS y evaluación CASR es 67%. Según el tratamiento recibido, la tasa de cumplimiento desde el ingreso al inicio de tratamiento es 70% para cirugía exclusiva, 0% para inicio de radioterapia, y 20% para radioquimioterapia. Para cirugía y radioterapia adyuvante, la tasa es 67% entre evaluación y cirugía, y 6% entre cirugía y radioterapia. Conclusión: Se describen los tiempos entre hitos claves diagnósticos y terapéuticos. Los tiempos de derivación desde APS e inicio de terapias quirúrgicas son comparables a la literatura internacional, pero los tiempos en inicio de radioterapia son mejorables.

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (H&NCa) represents a high burden of disease. Delay in starting treatment is an independent predictor of mortality. Objective: To describe the times between the key diagnostic and therapeutic milestones of patients with H&NCa treated at the Hospital Sótero del Río (CASR) and compare the local experience with international guidelines. Material and Method: descriptive-retrospective study of patients presented to the Head and Neck Oncology Committee (H&NOCO) of the CASR from September 2020 to July 2022. The critical times of the diagnostic and therapeutic process are analyzed. Results: 78 patients are selected, 75.5% with squamous cell carcinoma. The median time between referral from primary care (PC) and CASR evaluation is 2 days, between evaluation and biopsy is 9 days, and between histological diagnosis and initiation of treatment in any modality is 27 days. Critical times are compared according to the deadlines defined by Cancer Council Australia. Compliance rates between PC referral and CASR admission is 67%. Depending on the treatment received, the compliance rate from admission to the start of treatment is 70% for exclusive surgery, 0% for the start of radiotherapy, and 20% for radiochemotherapy. For surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, the rate is 67% between evaluation and surgery, and 6% between surgery and radiotherapy. Conclusion: Waiting times between key diagnostic and therapeutic process are described. The times of referral from PC and start of surgical therapies are comparable to the international literature. However, times regarding the start radiotherapy can be improved.

Rol de la cirugía bariátrica/metabólica en el manejo de la diabetes mellitus 2. Consenso SOCHED/SCCBM / Consensus statement of the Chilean endocrinological society on the role of bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and obesity are a public health problem in Chile. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment alternative to achieve a significant and sustained weight reduction in patients with morbid obesity. The results of controlled clinical trials indicate that, compared to medical treatment, surgery for obese patients with DM2 allows a better control of blood glucose and cardiovascular risk factors, reduces the need for medications and increases the likelihood for remission. Consensus conferences and clinical practice guidelines support bariatric surgery as an option to treat DM2 in Class III Obesity (Body Mass Index (BMI) > 40) regardless of the glycemic control and the complexity of pharmacological treatment and in Class II Obesity (BMI 35-39,9) with inadequate glycemic control despite optimal pharmacological treatment and lifestyle. However, surgical indication for patients with DM2 and BMI between 30-34.9, the most prevalent sub-group, is only suggested. The Chilean Societies of Endocrinology and Diabetes and of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery decided to generate a consensus regarding the importance of other factors related to DM2 that would allow a better selection of candidates for surgery, particularly when weight does not constitute an indication. Considering the national reality, we also need a statement regarding the selection and characteristics of the surgical procedure as well as the role of the diabetologist in the multidisciplinary team.

Caracterización de pacientes controlados por enfermedad de Basedow Graves en un hospital universitario / Clinical features of patients with Basedow Graves disease seen at a university hospital

Background: Basedow Graves disease (BGD) is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism. The characteristics of patients seen at a university hospital may differ from those described in the general population. Aim: To describe the clinical features of patients with BGD seen at a university hospital. Material and Methods: Review of medical records of all patients seen at our hospital between 2009 and 2014 with the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism or BGD. Clinical features, laboratory results and treatments were recorded. Results: We reviewed clinical records of 272 patients; 15 had to be excluded due to incomplete data. BGD was present in 77.9% (n = 212). The mean age of the latter was 42 years (range 10-81) and 76% were women. Ninety six percent were hyperthyroid at diagnosis and thyroid stimulating hormone was below 0.1 mIU/L in all patients. Median free thyroxin and triiodothyronine levels were 3.26 ng/dl and 3.16 ng/ml, respectively. Thyrotropin-receptor antibodies were positive in 98.5% and 85.7% had positive thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Graves orbitopathy (GO) was clinically present in 55% of patients. Of this group, 47% had an active GO, 26% had a moderate to severe disease and 7.8% had sight-threatening GO. As treatment, 26% received radioiodine, 44% anti-thyroid drugs exclusively, 28% underwent thyroidectomy and 2% did not require therapy. Conclusions: In this group of patients, we observed a greater frequency of severe eye disease and a high rate of surgical management. This finding could be explained by referral to highly qualified surgical and ophthalmological teams.

Descripción de los hallazgos en el perfil lipídico y proteico de pacientes dependientes a cocaína, en abstinencia reciente / Serum lipid levels in a group of cocaine dependent subjects in recent abstinence

Background: Chronic cocaine users develop multiple potentially lethal ischemic vascular complications associated with accelerated atherosclerosis. Aim: To assess biochemical and lipid profiles among cocaine dependent subjects in recent abstinence. Material and Methods: A blood sample to measure blood count, biochemical and lipid profiles was obtained from 78 patients aged 19 to 53 years (78% males) who complied with DSM-IV criteria for cocaine dependency. Laboratory results were compared with a group of normal subjects. Results: All cases had positive urinary cocaine, with a mean consumption lapse of 7.6 years. The frequency of smoking was higher in cases. Dependent males had higher body mass index than controls. Compared to controls, dependent females had significantly higher triglyceride (TG) levels and lower HDL cholesterol. Therefore the relation total/HDL cholesterol was higher (p = 0.0365). Dependent males had higher TG levels than their normal counterparts. Dependent subjects consuming cocaine base-paste had higher TG levels. Total proteins, albumin, urea and blood urea nitrogen were lower in dependent subjects. Among males, serum creatinine was lower and blood urea was positively correlated with the daily amount of cocaine use (p = 0.03). After a month of strict abstinence, lipid profile was repeated in 27 patients and remained unchanged. Conclusions: Chronic cocaine use was associated with higher TG in both genders and lower HDL cholesterol in women when compared with a group of healthy counterparts.

II Consenso de la Sociedad Chilena de Endocrinología y Diabetes sobre resistencia a la insulina

Insulin resistance is a prevalent condition commonly associated with unhealthy lifestyles. It affects several metabolic pathways, increasing risk of abnormalities at different organ levels. Thus, diverse medical specialties should be involved in its diagnosis and treatment. With the purpose of unifying criteria about this condition, a scientific-based consensus was elaborated. A questionnaire including the most important topics such as cardio-metabolic risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome, was designed and sent to national experts. When no agreement among them was achieved, the Delphi methodology was applied. The main conclusions reached are that clinical findings are critical for the diagnosis of insulin resistance, not being necessary blood testing. Acquisition of a healthy lifestyle is the most important therapeutic tool. Insulin-sensitizing drugs should be prescribed to individuals at high risk of disease according to clinically validated outcomes. There are specific recommendations for pregnant women, children, adolescents and older people.

Seguimiento a cinco años en pacientes diabéticos sin síntomas cardíacos estudiados con perfusión miocárdica / Myocardial perfusion studies in asymptomatic patients with diabetes mellitus are controversial

Antecedentes: El rendimiento del estudio de perfusión miocárdica en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus (DM) y sin síntomas coronarios es controvertido. Objetivo: Efectuar un seguimiento a 5 años para eventos cardíacos mayores en DM asintomáticos estudiados con SPECT miocárdico en esfuerzo. Método: Se estudiaron 40 pacientes asintomáticos coronarios, con DM conocida por >5 años, >45 años de edad, con >2 factores de riesgo cardiovascular (FRCV) y electrocardiograma basal normal o con alteraciones inespecíficas. Todos efectuaron una prueba de esfuerzo (PE) adecuada y se estudiaron con Sestamibi-Tc99m repetido en 32 casos al 3° año. Además, se evaluó a 36 controles no diabéticos con >2 FRCV. El seguimiento fue de 64+/-11 meses. Resultados: En el grupo DM, 48 por ciento tenía Hba1c>7.5 por ciento; en ellos el SPECT mostró isquemia silente (IS) en 30 por ciento y la PE en 18 por ciento del total. No hubo variaciones significativas en SPECT al 3° año. Hubo una muerte no cardíaca en el 2° año; en el 4° año, se produjo una muerte por infarto agudo de miocardio, con mínima isquemia septal y otra asociada a miocardiopatía e insuficiencia cardíaca, con defecto de predominio fijo, ambos con PE negativa. En el grupo control, el 11 por ciento tuvo SPECT anormal y 8 por ciento PE positiva; hubo una muerte no cardíaca. El Odds Ratio para isquemia fue 3.42 [IC=0.99-11.85] entre DM vs controles y el Hazard Ratio para eventos cardíacos 6.75 [IC=0.40-108.2]. Conclusiones: En DM asintomáticos coronarios el riesgo de IS en SPECT fue mayor que en controles sin DM y con FRCV. Los eventos cardiacos mayores fueron más frecuentes, aunque no significativamente, en DM que en controles. Ello deberá reevaluarse conocidos los resultados del estudio multicéntrico.

The clinical value of myocardial perfusion studies in cardiac asymptomatic patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is controversial. Aim: To conduct a 5 year follow-up study to detect major adverse cardiac events in asymptomatic DM patients using exercise stress and SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging. Methods: 40 patients with known DM for at least 5 years and without evidence of coronary artery disease, older than 45 years of age with >2 cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and either normal or minimally altered ECG underwent adequate exercise testing (ET) and 99mTc Sestamibi, repeated 3 years later in 32 cases. We also assessed 36 non-diabetic control patients, with >2 CVRF. Mean follow up was 64+/-11 months. Results: 48 percent of DM patients had HbA1c >7.5 percent; in them, the SPECT showed silent ischemia (SI) in 30 percent and positive ET in 18 percent. There were no significant variations in SPECT at 3 years. There was 1 non-cardiac death in the 2nd year and 2 deaths, one from acute myocardial infarction associated to minimal septal ischemia and another associated with cardiomyopathy and heart failure, with a fixed perfusion defect. Both patients had a negative ET. In the control group, 11 percent had abnormal SPECT and 8 percent positive ET and no cardiac deaths were observed. The Odds ratio for ischemia between DM and controls was 3.42 [CI=0.99-11.85 ] and the Hazard Ratio for cardiac events was 6.746 [CI=0.4205-108.2]. Conclusions: In asymptomatic coronary DM patients, the presence of SPECT ischemia detect was higher than in non-DM controls with CVRF. The incidence of major cardiac events was higher, although not significantly, in DM than control patients. This finding should be re-evaluated in the multicenter study.

Valor del índice de excentricidad del ventrículo izquierdo con tomografía spect de perfusión miocárdica en diversas condiciones / Value of eccentricity index of left ventricle with miocardial SPECT perfusion tomography in several conditions

Introducción: El índice de excentricidad (IE) obtenido con SPECT miocárdico permite evaluación de esfericidad ventricular izquierda en remodelación patológica. Objetivo: conocer IE en adultos con diversas condiciones cardíacas. Método: Grupo I: Controles (n=44) con >2 factores de riesgo cardiovascular exceptuando Diabetes Mellitus (DM); Grupo II: DM 2 (n=41). Ambos grupos asintomáticos sin enfermedad coronaria conocida. Grupo III: Con alteración de motilidad segmentaria y/o infarto de miocardio (n=64). Grupo IV: Dilatados (n=21) con alteraciones de motilidad difusa o miocardiopatías. Se utilizó Sestamibi-Tc99m y procesamiento QGS. (IE esfera valor

Background: The Eccentricity Index (EI) obtained with myocardial SPECT allows adequate assessment of left ventricular shape in pathological myocardial remodeling. Aim: To compare EIs in adults with different cardiac conditions. Methods: 170 patients were studied. Group I (n=44) were control subjects with >2 cardiovascular risk factors not including Diabetes Mellitus (DM); Group II (n=41) had type II DM. Patients in both groups were asymptomatic without known coronary artery disease or wall motion abnormalities. Group III (n=64) had seg-mental wall motion abnormality and/or myocardial infarction; Group IV (n=21) included patients with dilated ventricles and diffuse abnormal wall motion. We used gated 99mTc Sestamibi SPECT and QGS processing (EI sphere

Determinación de los niveles de cortisol salival en una muestra de sujetos de Santiago de Chile / Salivary cortisol among subjects with and without Cushing syndrome

Background: Salivary cortisol measurement is recommended as a screening mea-sure when a Cushing Syndrome is suspected. Theproposed cut-offpointfor aprobable diagnosis is 0.16 ug/dL. Aim: To determine salivary cortisol concentrations during the day inpatients with and without Cushing syndrome and with depression. Material and Methods: Salivary cortisol was measured by competitive enzyme immuno assay (EIA), in samples obtained at 8:00,15:00 and 23:00 h in 78 patients without Cushing syndrome, aged 40 ± 15years (28 males), 30 patients with depression aged 40 ± 12years (nine males) and four jemales with Cushing syndrome aged 42 ± 17 years. Results: Salivary cortisol was higher among patients with Cushing syndrome than the rest of patients. A salivary cortisol over the cut-off value of O.16 ug/dL was found in 42 percent of subjects without Cushing syndrome and in 33 percent of patients with depression. Median values among patients without Cushing syndrome, depression and with Cushing syndrome were 0.21 (range < 0.1-1.42), 0.2 (range 0,12-0.9) and 0.58 (range 0.37-1.1) ug/dL, respectively Conclusions: Salivary cortisol measured by EIA method was higher among patients with Cushing syndrome but there was a great overlap with values obtained in subjects without the syndrome.