Fluoroless catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: a step-by-step workflow.

Catheter ablation is an important therapeutic strategy for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). While some critical steps of the procedure have traditionally relied on fluoroscopy, advances in electroanatomic mapping and the growing use of intracardiac echocardiography have made non-fluoroscopic AF ablation a reality. This hands-on review provides an overview on how to perform radiofrequency ablation of AF without the use of fluoroscopy, focusing on technical aspects, new technologies, and troubleshooting.

Tumescent local anesthesia versus general anesthesia for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: General anesthesia (GA) is the standard anesthetic approach for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) implantation. Nonetheless, GA is expensive and can be associated with adverse events. Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) has been shown to reduce in-room and procedural times and to decrease post-procedural pain, all of which could result in a reduction in procedure-related costs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare the cost-effectiveness of GA and TLA in patients undergoing S-ICD implantation. METHODS: The present study is a prospective, nonrandomized, controlled study of patients who underwent S-ICD implantation between 2019 and 2022. Patients were allocated to either the TLA or the GA group. We performed a cost analysis for each intervention. As an effectiveness measure, the 0-10 point Numeric Pain Rating Scale at 1, 12, and 24 hours post-implantation was analyzed and compared between the groups. A score of 0 was considered no pain; 1-5, mild pain; 6-7, moderate pain; and 8-10, severe pain. Cost-effectiveness was calculated using incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. RESULTS: Seventy patients underwent successful S-ICD implantation. The total cost of the electrophysiology laboratory was higher in the GA group than in the TLA group (median ± interquartile range US$55,824 ± US$29,411 vs US$37,222 ± US$24,293; P < .001), with a net saving of $20,821 when compared with GA for each S-ICD implantation. There was a significant decrease in post-procedural pain scores in the TLA group when compared with the GA group (repeated measures analysis of variance, P = .009; median ± interquartile range 0 ± 3 vs 0 ± 5 at 1 hour, P = .058; 3 ± 4 vs 6 ± 8 at 12 hours, P = .030; 0 ± 4 vs 2 ± 6 at 24 hours, P = .040). CONCLUSION: TLA is a more cost-effective alternative to GA for S-ICD implantation, with both direct and indirect cost reductions. Importantly, these reduced costs are associated with reduced postprocedural pain.

Tumescent local anesthesia versus general anesthesia for subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) is an effective alternative to transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. General anesthesia (GA) is considered the standard sedation approach because of the pain caused by the manipulation of subcutaneous tissue with S-ICD implantation. However, GA carries several limitations, including additional risk of adverse events, prolonged in-room times, and increased costs. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to define the effectiveness and safety of tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) in comparison to GA in patients undergoing S-ICD implantation. METHODS: We performed a prospective, nonrandomized, controlled, multicenter study of patients referred for S-ICD implantation between 2019 and 2020. Patients were allocated to either TLA or GA on the basis of patient's preferences and/or anesthesia service availability. TLA was prepared using lidocaine, epinephrine, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium chloride. All patients provided written informed consent, and the institutional review board at each site provided approval for the study. RESULTS: Sixty patients underwent successful S-ICD implantation from July 2019 to November 2020. Thirty patients (50%) received TLA, and the rest GA. There were no differences between groups with regard to baseline characteristics. In-room and procedural times were significantly shorter with TLA (107.6 minutes vs 186 minutes; P < .0001 and 53.2 minutes vs 153.7 minutes; P < .0001, respectively). Pain was reported less frequently by patients who received TLA. The use of opioids was significantly reduced in patients who received TLA (23% vs 62%; P = .002). CONCLUSION: TLA is an effective and safe alternative to GA in S-ICD implantation. The use of TLA is associated with shorter in-room and procedural times, less postprocedural pain, and reduced usage of opioids and acetaminophen for analgesia.

Caracterización clínico-terapéutica de pacientes diagnosticados con Osteonecrosis en los maxilares relacionada con medicación / Clinical and therapeutic characterization of patients diagnosed with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws

Introducción: La osteonecrosis en los maxilares por medicación es una afección asociada al tratamiento con bifosfonatos, antireabsortivos y antiangiogénicos. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínica y terapéuticamente los pacientes diagnosticados de Osteonecrosis en los Maxilares relacionada con medicación. Material y Método: Se realizó una serie de casos de 19 pacientes, la totalidad de los diagnosticados con la entidad en el Servicio de Cirugía Maxilofacial. Facultad de Estomatología Raúl González Sánchez, enero 2018-enero 2019. Se identificó severidad, factores de riesgo y se estandarizó tratamiento que incluyó la curación con aceite ozonizado y la aplicación de láser infrarrojo. Se evaluó el tratamiento a los 90 días. Se operacionalizaron las variables: sexo, tipo de medicación, vía y tiempo de administración, localización y evaluación al tratamiento. Resultados: La edad promedio de los pacientes fue 69±8,5 años, un 52,63 por ciento fueron masculinos, el zolendronato fue el agente mas asociado en el 78,95 por ciento de los casos, la enfermedad periodontal fue el factor local preponderante (57,89 por ciento), la localización mandibular postero lateral y el estadio evolutivo 2 predominaron en el 63,16 por ciento y 52,63 por ciento de las lesiones. El 78,94 por ciento de los casos presentó evolución satisfactoria a los 90 días. Conclusiones: La medicación con bifosfosfonatos parenterales predominantemente con el zolendronato, fue la causa principal de las osteonecrosis, las cuales prevalecieron en el sector postero lateral de mandíbula y con el estadio 2. La variante de tratamiento de curación con aceite ozonizado e irradiación con láser fue la más implementada. Los valores de lesiones resueltas y mejoradas a los 90 días fueron satisfactorios(AU)

Introduction: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws is an affection associated with the treatment with bisphosphonates, antiresorptive agents or antiangiogenic medications. Objective: To perform a clinical and therapeutic characterization of patients with the diagnosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. Material and Method: A case series of a total of 19 patients with the diagnosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws was carried out in the Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery of ¨Raúl González Sánchez¨ Dental School of Havana from January 2018 to January 2019. The severity and risk factors were identified and the treatment including the healing with ozone oil and the application of infrared laser was standardized. The patients were evaluated in the 90 days after treatment. The operationalization of variables included: sex, type of medications, ways and time of administration, localization, and evaluation of treatment. Results: The average age of patients was 69±8,5 years and 52,63 percent of them were male. Zolendronate was the most associated agent in 78,95 percent of cases. Periodontal disease was the most identified local factor (57, 89 percent). The posterolateral area of the mandible and stage 2 disease evolution predominated in 63,16 percent and 52, 63 percent of lesions, respectively. Also 78, 94 percent of cases had a satisfactory evolution in the 90 days after treatment. Conclusions: The administration of intravenous bisphosphonates, particularly Zolendronate, was the main cause of osteonecrosis. These lesions were mainly located in the posterior lateral area of the mandible and presented stage 2 disease evolution. Healing with ozone oil and application of infrared laser was the most implemented alternative treatment. The values of resolved and improved lesions were satisfactory in the 90 days after treatment(AU)

Methodology of Typical Accessory Pathway Catheter Ablation.

Accessory pathways are abnormal electrical conductions between the atrial and ventricular myocardium, bypassing the atrioventricular node and as such are an important substrate for arrhythmias. Ablation is a curative treatment and should always be offered to symptomatic patients and asymptomatic patients with high risk professions. Adequate knowledge and understanding of different mapping and ablation techniques is pivotal to achieve successful outcomes.

Modern mapping and ablation techniques to treat ventricular arrhythmias from the left ventricular summit and interventricular septum.

Managing arrhythmias from the left ventricular summit and interventricular septum is a major challenge for the clinical electrophysiologist requiring intimate knowledge of cardiac anatomy, advanced training and expertise. Novel mapping and ablation strategies are needed to treat arrhythmias originating from these regions given the current suboptimal long-term success rates with standard techniques. Herein, we describe innovative approaches to improve acute and long-term clinical outcomes such as mapping and ablation using the septal coronary venous system and the septal coronary arteries, alcohol ablation, coil embolization, and ablation of all early sites among others.

Mastering the art of epicardial access in cardiac electrophysiology.

Access to the epicardial space is fundamental to several cardiac procedures. While traditional indications include catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias and accessory pathways, novel indications include left atrial appendage occlusion, esophageal protection, mapping and ablation during atrial fibrillation procedures, implantation of epicardial pacing leads, and phrenic nerve displacement to facilitate safe ablation of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Accessing the epicardial space safely is a major challenge requiring intimate knowledge of cardiac anatomy, extensive training, and expertise. Over the past years, multiple technological advances have led to significant improvements in epicardial access success and safety. Important examples of such advances include CO2 insufflation through the coronary sinus or the right atrial appendage, pressure sensor needle, computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and electroanatomic mapping-guided epicardial access. In addition, we provide special maneuvers to minimize inadvertent right ventricular perforation.

Variant of ventricular outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias requiring ablation from multiple sites: Intramural origin.

BACKGROUND: The optimal site of ablation of idiopathic left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) is challenging as activation mapping can reveal similar activation times in different anatomical sites, suggesting an intramural origin. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess whether in patients with intramural VAs and with multiple early activation sites (EASs), sequential ablation of all the early EASs could improve acute and long-term clinical outcomes. METHODS: A total of 116 patients undergoing catheter ablation for symptomatic LVOT VAs were enrolled in this study. Thirty-nine patients (34%) were referred for a redo procedure, whereas the remaining presented for a first procedure. Mapping was performed manually in 86 cases (74%) and with a magnetic robotic system (Niobe, Stereotaxis, St. Louis, MO) in the remainder of the cases. RESULTS: Of the 116 patients, 15 (13%) were found to have multiple sites of equally early activation. In patients with multiple EASs, the mean pre-QRS activation time was significantly less than in patients with a single EASs (-26 ± 3 ms vs -38 ± 6 ms; P < .005). Sequential ablation of all the EASs was possible in 14 patients (93%), resulting in complete arrhythmia suppression. After a mean follow-up of 21 ± 5 months, all patients with successful ablation of all multiple early EASs remained free from clinical VAs. CONCLUSION: Intramural LVOT VAs manifesting with multiple EASs require ablation at all sites to achieve acute and long-term success, particularly if none of the EASs is > -30ms pre-QRS activation time.

Bundle branch reentrant ventricular tachycardia: review and case presentation.

Bundle branch reentrant ventricular tachycardia (BBRVT) is characterized by a unique, fast (200-300 beats/min), monomorphic wide complex tachycardia (WCT) associated with syncope, hemodynamic compromise, and cardiac arrest. It is challenging to diagnose, requiring a His bundle recording and specific pacing maneuvers. The overall incidence has been reported to be up to 20% among patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) undergoing electrophysiologic studies. We report a case of BBRVT in a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) presenting as a WCT with recurrent implantable-cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks. We describe all the characteristic features of BBRVT and discuss its differential. We also discuss the role of ablation for this condition.

Right ventricular scar-related ventricular tachycardia in nonischemic cardiomyopathy: Electrophysiological characteristics, mapping, and ablation of underlying heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular (RV)-scar related ventricular tachycardia (VT) is often due to arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia (ARVC/D) or cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), but some patients whose clinical course has not been described do not fulfill diagnostic criteria for these diseases. We sought to characterize the electrophysiologic substrate and catheter ablation outcomes of such patients, termed RV cardiomyopathy of unknown source (RCUS). METHODS AND RESULTS: Data of 100 consecutive patients who presented with RV cardiomyopathy and/or RV-related VT for ablation were reviewed (51 ARVC/D, 22 CS; 27 RCUS). Compared to ARVC/D, RCUS patients were older (P = 0.001), less commonly had RV dilatation (P = 0.001) or dysfunction (P = 0.01) and fragmented QRS, parietal block, and T-wave inversion. Compared to CS, R-CUS patients had less severe LV dysfunction. Extent and distribution of endocardial/epicardial scar and inducible VTs in RCUS patients were comparable with ARVC/D and CS patients. At a median follow-up of 23 months, RCUS patients had more favorable VT-free survival (RCUS 71%, ARVC/D 60%, CS 41%, P = 0.03) and survival free of death or cardiac transplant (RCUS 92%, ARVC/D 92%, CS 62%, P = 0.01). No RCUS patients developed new criteria for ARVC/D or CS in follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Up to one-third of patients with RV scar-related VT are not classifiable as ARVC/D or CS. These patients had a somewhat better prognosis than ARVC/D or sarcoid and did not develop evidence of these diseases during the initial 2 years of follow-up. The extent to which this population comprises mild ARVC/D, CS, or other diseases is not clear.

Characterization of Aortic Valve Closure Artifact During Outflow Tract Mapping: Correlation With Hemodynamics and Mechanical Valves.

BACKGROUND: Premature ventricular contractions originating in the left ventricle outflow tract represent a significant subgroup of patients referred for catheter ablation. Mechanical artifacts from aortic valve leaflet motion may be observed during mapping, although the incidence and characteristics have not been reported. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with left ventricle outflow tract premature ventricular contraction were included. Electric signals recorded on the ablation catheter not coincident with atrial or ventricular depolarization were analyzed on the recording system. Correlation with invasive hemodynamic aortic pressure tracings was performed. Additionally, 4 patients with mechanical aortic valves, who underwent scar-related ventricular tachycardia ablation, were analyzed to correlate the timing of the observed artifacts with native aortic valves. Aortic valve artifact was observed while mapping within the coronary cusps in 11 patients (39%; 73% men; age, 41±25 years; left ventricular ejection fraction 49±16%) with high incidence from the left coronary cusp. This artifact was consistently observed with timing coincident with the terminal portion of the T wave. The average interval between the end of the T wave and the aortic valve artifact was 19±37 ms. The duration of the aortic valve artifact was 39±8 ms with amplitude of 0.12±0.07 mV (range, 0.06-0.36 mV). CONCLUSIONS: In patients referred for left ventricle outflow tract premature ventricular contraction ablation, an aortic valve closure artifact is observed in up to one third of cases during mapping within the aortic cusps. The timing of this artifact correlates with invasive hemodynamics and mechanical aortic valve artifacts. Recognition of this physiological phenomenon is useful when assigning near-field activation.

Substrate-Based Ablation Versus Ablation Guided by Activation and Entrainment Mapping for Ventricular Tachycardia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Substrate-based ablation for scar-related ventricular tachycardia (VT) has gained prominence: however, there is limited data comparing it to ablation guided predominantly by activation and entrainment mapping of inducible and hemodynamically tolerated VTs. We compared the acute procedural efficacy and outcomes of predominantly substrate-based ablation versus ablation guided predominantly by activation and entrainment mapping. METHODS AND RESULTS: Database searches through April 2016 identified 6 eligible studies (enrolling 403 patients, with 1 randomized study) comparing the 2 strategies. The relative risk of VT recurrence at follow-up was assessed as the primary outcome using a random-effects meta-analysis. Secondary endpoints of acute success (based on noninducibility of VT), procedural complications, and mortality were assessed using weighted mean difference with the random effects model. At a median follow-up of 18 months, the relative risk (RR) of VT recurrence was not significantly different with substrate-based versus activation/entrainment guided VT ablation (0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44-1.18), P = 0.2). Acute success (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95-1.1, P = 0.6), procedural complications (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.35-1.82, P = 0.5) cardiovascular mortality and total mortality did not differ significantly (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.38-1.79, P = 0.6 and RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.36-1.59, P = 0.5, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrates similar acute procedural efficacy, and complications, VT recurrence and mortality rates when comparing a predominantly substrate-based ablation strategy to a strategy guided predominantly by activation and entrainment mapping of inducible and hemodynamically tolerated VTs.

Costo efectividad del suplemento de calcio para reducir la mortalidad materna asociada a preeclampsia en Colombia / Cost effectiveness of calcium supplement in reducing preeclampsia-related maternal mortality in Colombia

Objetivo Estimar el costo-efectividad de la administración de calcio (1 200 mg diarios) a partir de la semana 14 de gestación a todas las gestantes, comparada con no administrarlo, para reducir la incidencia de preeclampsia. Métodos Se construyó un árbol de decisión en TreeAge® con desenlace en años de vida ganados (AVG). Los costos se incluyeron desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud colombiano, en pesos (COP) de 2014. La tasa de descuento fue de 0%. Se realizaron análisis de sensibilidad univariados y probabilísticos para costos y efectividad. Resultados El suplemento de calcio es una alternativa dominante frente a la no intervención. Si la incidencia de preeclampsia es menor a 51,7 por 1 000 gestantes o el costo por tableta de calcio de 600 mg es mayor a COP$ 507,85, el suplemento de calcio deja de ser una alternativa costo-efectiva en Colombia para un umbral de 3 veces el PIB per cápita de 2013 (COP$ 45 026 379) por AVG. Conclusiones La administración de calcio a todas las gestantes a partir de la semana 14 de gestación es una alternativa dominante frente a la no intervención, que permite ganar 200 años de vida, al tiempo que disminuye costos del orden de COP$ 5 933 millones por 100 000 gestantes.(AU)

Objectives To estimate the cost-effectiveness of administering calcium (1200 mg per day) starting in week 14 of pregnancy to all pregnant women compared to not supplying it to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia. Methods A decision tree was built in TreeAge® with outcome measured in life years gained (LYG) associated with the reduction in maternal deaths. Costs were included from the perspective of the health system in Colombia and expressed in Colombian pesos in 2014 (COP). The discount rate was 0 %. We performed sensitivity univariate and probabilistic analyses for costs and effectiveness. Results Compared to no intervention, calcium supplement is a dominant alternative. If the incidence of preeclampsia is lower than 51.7 per 1 000 pregnant women or the cost per tablet of calcium of 600 mg is greater than COP $507.85, calcium supplement is no longer a cost-effective alternative in Colombia for a threshold of COP $ 45 026 379 (3 times the Colombian per capita GDP of 2013 per LYG). Conclusions Supplying calcium to all pregnant women from week 14 of gestation is a dominant alternative compared to no intervention, which saves 200 LYG, while it decreases costs to the order of COP$5 933 million per 100.000 pregnant women.(AU)

[Cost effectiveness of calcium supplement in reducing preeclampsia-related maternal mortality in Colombia]. / Costo efectividad del suplemento de calcio para reducir la mortalidad materna asociada a preeclampsia en Colombia.

Objectives To estimate the cost-effectiveness of administering calcium (1200 mg per day) starting in week 14 of pregnancy to all pregnant women compared to not supplying it to reduce the incidence of preeclampsia. Methods A decision tree was built in TreeAge® with outcome measured in life years gained (LYG) associated with the reduction in maternal deaths. Costs were included from the perspective of the health system in Colombia and expressed in Colombian pesos in 2014 (COP). The discount rate was 0 %. We performed sensitivity univariate and probabilistic analyses for costs and effectiveness. Results Compared to no intervention, calcium supplement is a dominant alternative. If the incidence of preeclampsia is lower than 51.7 per 1 000 pregnant women or the cost per tablet of calcium of 600 mg is greater than COP $507.85, calcium supplement is no longer a cost-effective alternative in Colombia for a threshold of COP $ 45 026 379 (3 times the Colombian per capita GDP of 2013 per LYG). Conclusions Supplying calcium to all pregnant women from week 14 of gestation is a dominant alternative compared to no intervention, which saves 200 LYG, while it decreases costs to the order of COP$5 933 million per 100.000 pregnant women.

Catheter Ablation for Long-Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia worldwide and represents a major burden to health care systems. Atrial fibrillation is associated with a 4- to 5-fold increased risk of thromboembolic stroke. The pulmonary veins have been identified as major sources of atrial triggers for AF. This is particularly true in patients with paroxysmal AF but not always the case for those with long-standing persistent AF (LSPAF), in which other locations for ectopic beats have been well recognized. Structures with foci triggering AF include the coronary sinus, the left atrial appendage (LAA), the superior vena cava, the crista terminalis, and the ligament of Marshall. More than 30 studies reporting results on radiofrequency ablation of LSPAF have been published to date. Most of these are observational studies with very different methodologies using different strategies. As a result, there has been remarkable variation in short- and long-term success, which suggests that the optimal ablation technique for LSPAF is still to be elucidated. In this review we discuss the different approaches to LSPAF catheter ablation, starting with pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) through ablation lines in different left atrial locations, the role of complex fractionated atrial electrograms, focal impulses and rotor modulation, autonomic modulation (ganglionated plexi), alcohol ablation, and the future of epicardial mapping and ablation for this arrhythmia. A stepwise ablation approach requires several key ablation techniques, such as meticulous PVI, linear ablation at the roof and mitral isthmus, electrogram-targeted ablation with particular attention to triggers in the coronary sinus and LAA, and discretionary right atrial ablation (superior vena cava, intercaval, or cavotricuspid isthmus lines).

Efectos del Qi gong sobre presión arterial, dolor, movilidad articular y actividades de la vida diaria en pacientes con enfermedad articular degenerativa, ensayo clínico en una unidad de rehabilitación de México / Effects of Qi gong on blood pressure, pain, joint mobility and activities of daily living in patients with degenerative joint disease, clinical trial in a rehabilitation unit in Mexico

Al Qi gong se le ha adjudicado la regulación funcional del organismo. Esta práctica fue utilizada en 40 pacientes con enfermedad articular degenerativa (EAD) en la Unidad de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación (UMFR) Zona Sur del Instituto de Seguridad Social al Servicio de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) en la ciudad de México en 2008. Se realizó un ensayo clínico basado en una comparación intragrupo antes y después de la intervención del ejercicio. Se estudiaron los efectos sobre dolor, presión arterial, movimientos articulares, y actividades de la vida diaria con cuatro instrumentos: "Escala dolor de la UMFR ISSSTE", "Numerical Rating Scale" (NRS), "Escala de Medida de Impacto Artrítico" (AIMS) y "Cuestionario HAQ-DI modificado de la Universidad de Stanford para Artritis adaptado para pacientes de habla hispana". Después de 10 sesiones el dolor moderado a intenso disminuyó en el 25% de los casos y con ello los movimientos y actividades de la vida diaria se incrementaron. La presión arterial sistólica aumentó un promedio de 5.95 mm Hg. mientras que la diastólica no mostró cambios o tendió a disminuir. Ninguno de los resultados fueron estadísticamente significativos. (AU)

Sarcomas mandibulares: experiencia quirúrgica en los últimos 10 años / Mandibular sarcomas: surgical experience over the past 10 years

Introducción: Los sarcomas mandibulares representan una entidad de difícil estudio por su escasa incidencia e histopatología. Pacientes y métodos: Presentamos la experiencia del servicio de Cirugía Oral y Maxilofacial del Hospital Vall d’Hebron de Barcelona en los últimos 10 años (2001-2010) en el manejo de los sarcomas mandibulares, realizando una revisión retrospectiva de 12 casos de pacientes afectos por este tipo de tumor. Resultados: La técnica más utilizada para la reconstrucción fue el colgajo microvascularizado (hueso peroné: 8/12), recibiendo tratamiento adyuvante (quimioterapia y/o radioterapia) el 82% de los pacientes. Cinco pacientes fallecieron (42%), 2 se encuentran con progresión de la enfermedad (16%) y 5 sobreviven libres de enfermedad (42%) hasta la finalización del seguimiento. Conclusiones: Los casos descritos representan una serie singular debido a la localización mandibular, no antes publicadas en la literatura. Aún así, los resultados obtenidos en términos de supervivencia y factores pronóstico son similares a los descritos para los sarcomas de cabeza y cuello. La consecución de márgenes libres con la cirugía es la clave del tratamiento, siendo necesario el tratamiento complementario para mejorar el pronóstico(AU)

Introduction: Sarcomas located in the mandible are difficult to study due to their relatively rare appearance and histology. Patients and Methods: We present the experience of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Vall d’Hebron Hospital in Barcelona over the last 10 years (2001-2010) in the management of jaw sarcomas, performing a retrospective review of 12 cases of patients affected by this type of tumour. Results: The technique mostly used for the reconstruction was the microvascularised bone graft (fibula: 8/12), with 82% of the patients receiving adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy and radiotherapy). Five of the patients died (42%), twowere found with disease progression (16%), and 5 survived free of disease (42%) until the end of follow-up. Conclusions: The cases described are a unique series due to the mandibular location. Prognostic factors and survival rates are similar to those described for head and neck sarcomas. Free margin during surgery must be the goal of treatment, additional chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both being required to improve the survival rates(AU)

Fine sediment and nutrient dynamics related to particle size and floc formation in a Burdekin River flood plume, Australia.

The extreme 2010-2011 wet season resulted in highly elevated Burdekin River discharge into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon for a period of 200 days, resulting in a large flood plume extending >50km offshore and >100km north during peak conditions. Export of suspended sediment was dominated by clay and fine silt fractions and most sediment initially settled within ∼10km of the river mouth. Biologically-mediated flocculation of these particles enhanced deposition in the initial low salinity zone. Fine silt and clay particles and nutrients remaining in suspension, were carried as far as 100km northward from the mouth, binding with planktonic and transparent exopolymer particulate matter to form large floc aggregates (muddy marine snow). These aggregates, due to their sticky nature, likely pose a risk to benthic organisms e.g. coral and seagrass through smothering, and also by contributing to increased turbidity during wind-induced resuspension events.

Hipotensión en anestesia regional y velocidad de inyección / Hypotension in regional anesthesia and rate of injection

Introducción. Realizar una reflexión sobre el artículo “Anestesia regional subaracnoidea para cesárea y Pomeroy postparto. Aplicación de anestésico local a una velocidad de inyección menor o mayor a 60 segundos”, para aproximar al lector a otra perspectiva de los resultados presentados. Métodos. Se realizó una lectura crítica del artículo mencionado, con el fin de evaluar la calidad metodológica del mismo, las posibles fuentes de sesgo y de error, las variables de confusión y también para revisar los resultados desde esta nueva mirada. Resultados. La hipotensión es un desenlace frecuente cuando se aplica anestesia subaracnoidea y la velocidad de inyección de la misma puede ser parte de su causa. La serie de casos analizada tiene un tamaño de muestra limitado, por lo que en el estudio se puede presentar sesgo de información y factores de confusión, además de no haberse tenido en cuenta una posible interacción entre la velocidad de infusión y las mezclas de anestésicos empleados. Conclusión. Es necesario realizar un estudio de cohorte con mayor tamaño de muestra, el cual permita controlar la confusión mediante la estandarización de los procedimientos, el análisis estratificado por subgrupos y el modelamiento matemático para identificar tanto la fuerza de asociación entre la velocidad de inyección del anestésico y la aparición de hipotensión, como las posibles fuentes de confusión e interacción allí presentes.

Introduction. To present some thoughts on the article “Regional subarachnoid anesthesia for C-section and post-partum Pomeroy procedure. Application of a local anesthetic at a rate lower or greater than 60 seconds” in order to provide readers with a different perspective regarding the results reported. Methods. The paper was read critically in order to assess the quality of the methodology, the potential sources of bias and error, the confounding variables, and also to review the results from a fresh perspective. Results. Hypotension occurs frequently when subarachnoid anesthesia is applied, and the rate of injection may explain it in part. The case series analyzed has a limited sample size, creating the possibility of information bias and confounding factors, not to mention that the potential interaction between the rate of infusion and the mix of anesthetics was not considered. Conclusion. A cohort study with a larger sample size must be undertaken in order to control confusion by means of standardized procedures, an analysis stratified by subgroups, and mathematical modeling designed to identify the strength of association between the injection rate and the onset of hypotension, as potential sources of confusion and interaction.

Peripheral edema associated with calcium channel blockers: incidence and withdrawal rate--a meta-analysis of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: Peripheral edema is considered to be a common and annoying adverse effect of calcium channel blockers (CCBs). It has been thought to occur secondary to arteriolar dilatation causing intracapillary hypertension and fluid extravasation. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and withdrawal rate of peripheral edema with CCBs. METHODS: A systematic search was made in PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL from 1980 to January 2011 for randomized clinical trials reporting peripheral edema with CCBs in patients with hypertension. Trials enrolling at least 100 patients in the CCB arm and lasting at least 4 weeks were included in the analysis. Both the incidence and withdrawal rate due to edema were pooled by weighing each trial by the inverse of the variance. Head-to-head comparison was done to evaluate the risk of edema between newer lipophilic dihydropyridine (DHP) CCBs and older DHPs. RESULTS: One hundred and six studies with 99 469 participants, mean age 56 ± 6 years, satisfied our inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. The weighted incidence of peripheral edema was significantly higher in the CCBs group when compared with controls/placebo (10.7 vs. 3.2%, P < 0.0001). Similarly, the withdrawal rate due to edema was higher in patients on CCBs compared with control/placebo (2.1 vs. 0.5%, P < 0.0001). Both the incidence of edema and patient withdrawal rate due to edema increased with the duration of therapy with CCBs reaching 24 and 5%, respectively, after 6 months. The risk of peripheral edema with lipophilic DHPs was 57% lower than with traditional DHPs (relative risk 0.43; 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.53; P < 0.0001). Incidence of peripheral edema in patients on DHPs was 12.3% compared with 3.1% with non-DHPs (P < 0.0001). Edema with high-dose CCBs (defined as more than half the usual maximal dose) was 2.8 times higher than that with low-dose CCBs (16.1 vs. 5.7%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The incidence of peripheral edema progressively increased with duration of CCB therapy up to 6 months. Over the long term, more than 5% of patients discontinued CCBs because of this adverse effect. Edema rates were lower with both non-DHPs and lipophilic DHPs.