Effect of anaesthetic maintenance with isoflurane or propofol on ease of endoscopic duodenal intubation in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the ease of endoscopic duodenal intubation (EDI) in dogs during maintenance of general anaesthesia with isoflurane or propofol infusion. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, partially blinded clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 22 dogs undergoing upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy to include EDI were recruited. METHODS: Dogs were randomly assigned isoflurane (ISO; n = 10) or propofol (PROP; n = 11) for maintenance of general anaesthesia. Following anaesthetic premedication with intramuscular medetomidine (0.005 mg kg-1) and butorphanol (0.2 mg kg-1), general anaesthesia was induced with propofol, to effect, maintained with 1.5% (vaporizer setting) isoflurane in 100% oxygen or 0.2 mg kg-1 minute-1 propofol. The dose of both agents was adjusted to maintain general anaesthesia adequate for the procedure. Degree of sedation 20 minutes post-anaesthetic premedication, propofol induction dose, anaesthetist and endoscopist training grade, animal's response to endoscopy, presence of gastro-oesophageal and duodenal-gastric reflux, spontaneous opening of the lower oesophageal and pyloric sphincters, antral movement and time to achieve EDI were recorded. EDI was scored 1 (immediate entry with minimal manoeuvring) to 4 (no entry after 120 seconds) by the endoscopist, blinded to the agent in use. Data were tested for normality (Shapiro-Wilk test) and differences between groups analysed using independent t test, Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups for EDI score [median (interquartile range): 2 (3) ISO, 2 (3) PROP] or time to achieve EDI [mean ± standard deviation: 52.50 ± 107.00 seconds (ISO), 70.00 ± 196.00 seconds (PROP)]. Significantly more dogs responded to passage of the endoscope into the oesophagus in group PROP compared with group ISO (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Maintenance of general anaesthesia with either isoflurane or propofol did not affect EDI score or time to achieve EDI.

Ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in horses: a cadaver study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe dye distribution and spinal nerve involvement after a simulated erector spinae plane (ESP) block performed on fresh equine cadavers. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental cadaver study. ANIMALS: A group of 11 adult equine cadavers. METHODS: The spinal region surrounding the sixteenth thoracic vertebra (Th16) of one cadaver was removed and underwent magnetic resonance imaging. In 10 adult equine cadavers [body weight, 549 ± 58 kg (mean ± standard deviation)], 0.2 mL kg-1 of a 50:1 2% lidocaine/dye solution was injected bilaterally (n = 20 injections) into the fascial plane between the transverse process of Th16 and the erector spinae muscles. An in-plane ultrasound-guided technique with a convex transducer was used to guide injection. Dissection was performed immediately following injection. The craniocaudal and lateral extent of dye distribution was measured (cm) and the number of vertebral bodies involved were counted (n = 20). Abdominal and thoracic cavities as well as the epidural space were also examined for presence of dye (yes/no) (n = 20). Further dissection was performed to evaluate if staining of the dorsal and ventral rami of the spinal nerves and sympathetic chain occurred (n = 14). RESULTS: The thoracolumbar fascia was stained in 17/20 (85%) injections and three injections terminated intramuscularly. Multisegmental staining of the dorsal rami was observed in the 14 injections in which staining was evaluated. Ventral rami staining was observed in 3/14 injections where staining was evaluated. Epidural migration was observed in 4/20 (20%) injections. No evidence of dye was found in the thoracic and abdominal cavities or on the sympathetic chain. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The ESP block may prove beneficial to desensitize structures innervated by the dorsal rami of the thoracic spinal nerves. Further investigation is necessary to evaluate complications caused by epidural contamination.

Sildenafil reduces neuroinflammation and restores spatial learning in rats with hepatic encephalopathy: underlying mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: There are no specific treatments for the neurological alterations of cirrhotic patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). Rats with MHE due to portacaval shunt (PCS) show impaired spatial learning. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aims of this work were to assess: (a) whether PCS rats show neuroinflammation in hippocampus, (b) whether treatment with sildenafil reduces neuroinflammation and restores spatial learning in PCS rats, and (c) analyze the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Neuroinflammation was assessed by determining inflammatory markers by Western blot. Phosphorylation of MAP-kinase p38 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Membrane expression of GABA and glutamate receptors was analyzed using BS3 cross-linker. Spatial learning was analyzed using the radial and Morris water mazes. To assess if sildenafil reverses the alterations, rats were treated with sildenafil in the drinking water. RESULTS: PCS rats show increased IL-1ß and TNF-α levels and phosphorylation (activity) of p38 in hippocampus. Membrane expression of subunits α1 of GABAA receptor and GluR2 of AMPA receptor are increased in PCS rats, while subunits GluR1 of AMPA receptors and NR1 and NR2a of NMDA receptors are reduced. PCS rats show reduced spatial learning in the radial and Morris water mazes. Sildenafil treatment normalizes IL-1ß and TNF-α levels, p38 phosphorylation, and membrane expression of GABAA, AMPA, and NMDA receptors and restores spatial learning. CONCLUSIONS: Increased IL-1ß alters GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in hippocampus and impairs spatial learning in rats with MHE. Sildenafil reduces neuroinflammation and restores learning. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors may be useful to improve cognitive function in patients with MHE.

A Versatile Approach to CF3 -Containing 2-Pyrrolidones by Tandem Michael Addition-Cyclization: Exemplification in the Synthesis of Amidine Class BACE1 Inhibitors.

The synthesis of new fluorinated pyrrolidones starting from unprotected amino esters and amino nitriles through a Michael addition-lactamization sequence is described. The resulting CF3 -containing building blocks, bearing a quaternary stereogenic center adjacent to the fluorinated group, have been converted into amino pyrrolidines that display potent ß-secretase 1 (BACE1) inhibitory activity. This work constitutes an example of selective fluorination as a valid strategy for the modulation of physicochemical and biological properties of lead compounds in drug discovery.

Diastereoselective synthesis of 2-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)piperazines as building blocks for drug discovery.

The synthesis of enantiomerically pure cis- and trans-2-phenyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)piperazines is described. It involved, as the key step, a diastereoselective nucleophilic addition of the Ruppert-Prakash reagent (TMSCF3) to α-amino sulfinylimines bearing Ellman's auxiliary. This methodology allows an entry into hitherto unknown trifluoromethylated and stereochemically defined piperazines, key scaffold components in medicinal chemistry.

A practical entry to ß-aryl-ß-alkyl amino alcohols: application to the synthesis of a potent BACE1 inhibitor.

The 1,2-addition of alkyl Grignard reagents to readily available N-tert-butanesulfinyl ketimines, bearing an α-silyloxy substituent, proceeds in high yields and excellent diastereocontrol. The utility of the present method was demonstrated by the synthesis, in enantiomerically pure form, of one recently disclosed ß-secretase (BACE1) inhibitor.

Real world comparison of spironolactone and eplerenone in patients with heart failure.

AIMS: In the absence of previous direct comparative studies, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of spironolactone and eplerenone in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in a real-world clinical setting. METHODS: Using Fine-Gray´s competing risk regression, we compared the clinical outcomes of 293 patients with chronic HF and left ventricular ejection fraction <40% treated with eplerenone and 293 propensity-score matched individuals treated with spironolactone. Study subjects were selected from a prospective cohort of 1404 ambulatory patients with HFrEF seen since 2010 to 2019 in a single specialized HF clinic, among which 992 received a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist at baseline. Median follow-up was 3.95 years. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between patients treated with eplerenone versus spironolactone were observed with regard to the risk of the primary composite end-point cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization (HR 0.95; 95% CI 0.73-1.23; p= 0.677). However, eplerenone use was associated to lower cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.55; 95% CI 0.35-0.85; p= 0.008) and lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.47-0.95; p= 0.027). The incidence of drug suspension due to side effects (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.40-0.85; p= 0.005) and drug suspension due to any reason (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.97; p= 0.033) were lower among patients treated with eplerenone. CONCLUSIONS: In this observational, real-world, propensity-score matched study of patients with HFrEF, eplerenone was associated to lower cardiovascular mortality and lower all-cause mortality than spironolactone.

Rationale and design of the pragmatic clinical trial tREatment with Beta-blockers after myOcardial infarction withOut reduced ejection fracTion (REBOOT).

AIMS: There is a lack of evidence regarding the benefits of ß-blocker treatment after invasively managed acute myocardial infarction (MI) without reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: The tREatment with Beta-blockers after myOcardial infarction withOut reduced ejection fracTion (REBOOT) trial is a pragmatic, controlled, prospective, randomized, open-label blinded endpoint (PROBE design) clinical trial testing the benefits of ß-blocker maintenance therapy in patients discharged after MI with or without ST-segment elevation. Patients eligible for participation are those managed invasively during index hospitalization (coronary angiography), with LVEF >40%, and no history of heart failure (HF). At discharge, patients will be randomized 1:1 to ß-blocker therapy (agent and dose according to treating physician) or no ß-blocker therapy. The primary endpoint is a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal reinfarction, or HF hospitalization over a median follow-up period of 2.75 years (minimum 2 years, maximum 3 years). Key secondary endpoints include the incidence of the individual components of the primary composite endpoint, the incidence of cardiac death, and incidence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias or resuscitated cardiac arrest. The primary endpoint will be analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. CONCLUSION: The REBOOT trial will provide robust evidence to guide the prescription of ß-blockers to patients discharged after MI without reduced LVEF.

Safety and efficacy of femoral vascular closure devices in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: The use of vascular closure devices (VCDs) for the reduction of access site complications following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains controversial. Patients undergoing primary PCI for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are at high risk of femoral artery complications. A lack of information exists regarding the use of VCDs in this group of patients because they have been routinely excluded from randomized trials. This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the routine use of VCDs after primary PCI. METHODS: A total of 558 consecutive patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI via femoral route were studied for in-hospital outcomes through a prospective registry from January 2003 to December 2008. The primary end point was the presence of major vascular complication (MVC) defined as a composite of fatal access site bleeding, access site complication requiring interventional or surgical correction, or access site bleeding with ≥3 g/dL drop in hemoglobin or requiring blood transfusion. RESULTS: Of the total patients, 464 (83.2%) received a VCD; and manual compression was used in 94 patients (16.8%). Major vascular complication occurred in 5.2% of patients. The risk of MVC was significantly lower with VCDs compared with manual compression (4.3% vs 9.6%, P = .036). Multivariable logistic regression analysis determined that VCD use remained an independent predictor of lower rate of MVC (odds ratio 0.38, 95% CI 0.17-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: The use of VCDs in patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI is safe and is associated with lower rates of MVC compared with manual compression.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel fluorinated ethanolamines.

The preparation of novel fluorinated allylamines and their use as key fragments for the stereoselective synthesis of hydroxyethyl secondary amine (HEA)-type peptidomimetics is described. Our strategy employs chiral sulfinyl imines as synthesis intermediates, by treatment of hemiaminal precursors with two equivalents of vinylmagnesium bromide. The subsequent oxidation of the allylic amines to the corresponding epoxides was achieved by treatment with methyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane. Finally, epoxide ring opening with a range of nitrogen nucleophiles provided a library of HEA-derived peptidomimetics with a phenyldifluoromethylene moiety. The biological evaluation of these derivatives revealed compounds with remarkable BACE1 inhibitory activity. Docking studies revealed the influence of the fluorine atoms in the binding mode of the synthesized ligands. Furthermore, the biological evaluation of our final products and synthesis intermediates led to the discovery of compounds with antimicrobial activity against Mycobacterium and Nocardia species.

Rational design and synthesis of aminopiperazinones as ß-secretase (BACE) inhibitors.

Aminopiperazinone inhibitors of BACE were identified by rational design. Structure based design guided idea prioritization and initial racemic hit 18a showed good activity. Modification in decoration and chiral separation resulted in the 40 nM inhibitor, (-)-37, which showed in vivo reduction of amyloid beta peptides. The crystal structure of 18a showed a binding mode driven by interaction with the catalytic aspartate dyad and distribution of the biaryl amide decoration towards S1 and S3 pockets.

Modeling transit bus fuel consumption on the basis of cycle properties.

A method exists to predict heavy-duty vehicle fuel economy and emissions over an "unseen" cycle or during unseen on-road activity on the basis of fuel consumption and emissions data from measured chassis dynamometer test cycles and properties (statistical parameters) of those cycles. No regression is required for the method, which relies solely on the linear association of vehicle performance with cycle properties. This method has been advanced and examined using previously published heavy-duty truck data gathered using the West Virginia University heavy-duty chassis dynamometer with the trucks exercised over limited test cycles. In this study, data were available from a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority emission testing program conducted in 2006. Chassis dynamometer data from two conventional diesel buses, two compressed natural gas buses, and one hybrid diesel bus were evaluated using an expanded driving cycle set of 16 or 17 different driving cycles. Cycle properties and vehicle fuel consumption measurements from three baseline cycles were selected to generate a linear model and then to predict unseen fuel consumption over the remaining 13 or 14 cycles. Average velocity, average positive acceleration, and number of stops per distance were found to be the desired cycle properties for use in the model. The methodology allowed for the prediction of fuel consumption with an average error of 8.5% from vehicles operating on a diverse set of chassis dynamometer cycles on the basis of relatively few experimental measurements. It was found that the data used for prediction should be acquired from a set that must include an idle cycle along with a relatively slow transient cycle and a relatively high speed cycle. The method was also applied to oxides of nitrogen prediction and was found to have less predictive capability than for fuel consumption with an average error of 20.4%.

Differences in the Clinical Profile and Management of Atrial Fibrillation According to Gender. Results of the REgistro GallEgo Intercéntrico de Fibrilación Auricular (REGUEIFA) Trial.

To analyze the clinical profile and therapeutic strategy in atrial fibrillation (AF) according to gender in a contemporaneous patient cohort a prospective, multicenter observational study was performed on consecutive patients diagnosed with AF and assessed by cardiology units in the region of Galicia (Spain). A total of 1007 patients were included, of which 32.3% were women. The mean age of the women was significantly greater than that of the men (71.6 versus 65.7 years; p < 0.001), with a higher prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and valve disease. Women more often reported symptoms related to arrhythmia (28.2% in EHRA class I versus 36.4% in men), with a poorer level of symptoms (EHRA classes IIb and III). Thromboembolic risk was significantly higher among women (CHA2DS2-VASc 3 ± 1.3 versus 2 ± 1.5), in the same way as bleeding risk (HAS-BLED 0.83 ± 0.78 versus 0.64 ± 0.78) (p < 0.001), and women more often received anticoagulation therapy (94.1% versus 87.6%; p = 0.001). Rhythm control strategies proved significantly less frequent in women (55.8% versus 66.6%; p = 0.001), with a lesser electrical cardioversion (ECV) rate (18.4% versus 27.3%; p = 0.002). Perceived health status was poorer in women. Women were older and presented greater comorbidity than men, with a greater thromboembolic and bleeding risk. Likewise, rhythm control strategies were less frequent than in men, despite the fact that women had poorer perceived quality of life and were more symptomatic.

Desigualdades en salud en mortalidad perinatal durante el Plan Decenal de Salud Pública 2012-2021. Cauca, Colombia

Objetivo: identificar desigualdades en salud asociadas a la mortalidad perinatal durante el Plan Decenal de Salud Pública 2012-2021 en los 42 municipios del Departamento de Cauca Colombia. Métodos: estudio ecológico que abordó el periodo 2012-2021 a partir de datos de fuentes secundarias procedentes del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística. La población de estudio fueron mujeres entre los 12 y 49 años residentes en Cauca. Se calcularon desigualdades por rangos y modelos de regresión de acuerdo con el Índice de Desigualdad de la Pendiente, el Índice de Desigualdad Relativa y el Índice de Concentración. Resultados: 42 municipios reportaron 3 110 muertes perinatales. La edad media de las mujeres afectadas fue de 25,3 años con predominio del grupo de 20 a 24 años. La región Pacifico reportó la mayor tasa de mortalidad. La pertenencia étnica, el analfabetismo y el Índice de Pobreza Multidimensional, se asociaron estadísticamente con la mortalidad. Se observó una desigualdad más pronunciada en la tasa de mortalidad perinatal en los municipios con condiciones socioeconómicas más desfavorables. Conclusiones: a pesar de la operacionalización del Plan Decenal de Salud Pública, la mortalidad perinatal en el Cauca continúa siendo un reto en el proceso salud/enfermedad. Existe disparidad en la mortalidad perinatal en relación con el nivel socioeconómico; aunque se ha observado disminución en la desigualdad en el transcurso de los años, aún persisten brechas significativas. Los hallazgos subrayan la necesidad de monitorear y dar cuenta de las desigualdades en salud al diseñar, implementar y evaluar las políticas públicas de prevención de la mortalidad perinatal.

Objective: to identify health inequalities associated with perinatal mortality during the Ten-Year Public Health Plan 2012-2021 in the 42 municipalities of the Department of Cauca, Colombia. Methods: ecological study that addressed the period 2012 - 2021 based on data from secondary sources from the National Administrative Department of Statistics. The study population was women between 12 and 49 years of age residing in Cauca. Rank inequalities and regression models were calculated according to the Slope Inequality Index, the Relative Inequality Index and the Concentration Index. Results: 42 municipalities reported 3 110 perinatal deaths. The mean age of the affected women was 25,3 years with a predominance of the 20-24 years age group. The Pacific region reported the highest mortality rate. Ethnicity, illiteracy and the Multidimensional Poverty Index were statistically associated with mortality. There was greater inequality in perinatal mortality in municipalities with worse socioeconomic status. Conclusions: despite the operationalization of the Ten-Year Public Health Plan, perinatal mortality in Cauca continues to be a challenge in the health/disease process. There is disparity in perinatal mortality in relation to socioeconomic level, and although a decrease in inequality has been observed over the years, significant gaps still persist. The findings underscore the need to monitor and account for health inequalities in the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies to prevent perinatal mortality.

Efecto de la Rehabilitación Cardiovascular basada en Ejercicio en Fase de Mantención sobre Fitness Cardiorrespiratorio en Adultos con Enfermedad Cardiovascular. Revisión Sistemática / Effect of Exercise-based Cardiovascular Rehabilitation in the Maintenance Phase on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adults with Cardiovascular Disease, a Systematic Review

Introducción. La enfermedad cardiovascular constituye la primera causa de morbimortalidad a nivel mundial. La rehabilitación cardiovascular basada en ejercicio surge como herramienta eficaz para controlar factores de riesgo cardiovascular y mejorar determinantes de salud como el fitness cardiorrespiratorio, sin embargo, no existen revisiones actualizadas que indiquen el efecto de la fase de mantención de rehabilitación cardiovascular sobre esta variable. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la rehabilitación cardiovascular basada en ejercicio en fase de mantención sobre el fitness cardiorrespiratorio en adultos con enfermedad cardiovascular. Método. Se realizó la búsqueda de estudios a través de PubMed, Google Scholar y Web of Science desde el año 2010 hasta agosto de 2021. Se seleccionaron estudios que incluyeran individuos adultos de ambos sexos y cualquier raza con enfermedad cardiovascular, que analicen el efecto de la rehabilitación cardiovascular basada en ejercicio en fase de mantención sobre el fitness cardiorrespiratorio. La calidad metodológica se evaluó a través de la escala PEDro a través de dos revisores. Se analizaron de manera cualitativa variables secundarias como calidad de vida, antropometría y perfil lipídico y nivel de actividad física. Resultados. La búsqueda arrojó 541 resultados, de los cuales se seleccionaron 8 estudios. La edad promedio de los individuos fue 60,7±9,5 años, la mayoría de los ensayos incluyen individuos con cardiopatía coronaria. Los resultados muestran la mantención o mejora del fitness cardiorrespiratorio y la mantención de calidad de vida, antropometría y perfil lipídico y nivel de actividad física. La calidad de los estudios con escala PEDro fue en 6,18/10 en promedio de dos evaluadores. Conclusión. La rehabilitación cardiovascular basada en ejercicio en fase de mantención logra mantener o mejorar el fitness cardiorrespiratorio en adultos con enfermedad cardiovascular.

Background. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Exercise-based cardiovascular rehabilitation emerges as an effective tool to control cardiovascular risk factors and improve health determinants such as cardiorespiratory fitness, however, there are no updated reviews that indicate the effect of the maintenance phase of cardiovascular rehabilitation on this variable. Objective. To determine the effect of exercise-based cardiovascular rehabilitation in the maintenance phase on cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with cardiovascular disease. Method. The search for studies was carried out through PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science from 2010 to August 2021. Studies selected included adult individuals of both sexes and any race with cardiovascular disease, which analyzed the effect of cardiovascular rehabilitation based on maintenance phase exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness. The methodological quality was evaluated through the PEDro scale through two reviewers. Secondary variables such as quality of life, anthropometry and lipid profile, and level of physical activity were analyzed qualitatively. Results. The search yielded 541 results, of which 8 studies were selected. The average age of the individuals was 60.7±9.5 years, most trials include individuals with coronary heart disease. The results show the maintenance or improvement of cardiorespiratory fitness and the maintenance of quality of life, anthropometry and lipid profile and level of physical activity. The quality of the studies with the PEDro scale was 6.18/10 on average of two evaluators Conclusion. Cardiovascular rehabilitation based on exercise in the maintenance phase manages to maintain or improve cardiorespiratory fitness in adults with cardiovascular disease.

1,3,5-Trisubstituted Pyrazoles as Potent Negative Allosteric Modulators of the mGlu2/3 Receptors.

The metabotropic glutamate subtype 2 (mGlu2 ) receptor is a presynaptic membrane receptor distributed widely in brain that provides feedback inhibitory control of glutamate release. Inhibition of the mGlu2 receptor function with a negative allosteric modulator (NAM) enhances activity-dependent glutamate release, which may be of therapeutic benefit for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. An attractive pyrazole hit was identified after a high-throughput screening (HTS) campaign. The evolution of this hit is described by structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies on specific parts of the molecule. From near micromolar potency we could obtain compounds with single-digit nanomolar activity in the mGlu2 NAM GTPγS assay. In addition to SAR on in vitro potency, a more detailed overview is given with a specific set of compounds on the excellent agreement between in vitro potency, free brain concentration, and ex vivo mGlu2 receptor occupancy. Finally, to obtain improved drug-like compounds, plans for future research are suggested toward increasing free brain concentration while maintaining high in vitro potency.

Percutaneous Isolated Hepatic Perfusion: Hemodynamic Monitoring and Goal-Directed Anesthetic Management: A Case Report.

The percutaneous isolated hepatic perfusion utilizes a venovenous bypass to administer high-dose chemotherapy exclusively in the liver, getting depurated through a hemofilter before returning to the systemic circulation. The hepatic perfusion is managed under general anesthesia and invasive monitoring as a result of very abrupt changes in venous return and vascular resistances because of the isolation of the hepatic territory and absorption of circulating catecholamines by the hemofilter. We report a case in which we describe the technique, physiologic implications, anesthetic, and goal-directed hemodynamic management for this procedure.

Factors associated with length of hospital stay in minor and moderate burns at Popayan, Colombia. Analysis of a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the independent contribution of prognostic factors to length of hospital stay of minor and moderate burn victims at the Hospital Universitario San José (HUSJ), Popayán, Colombia, 2000-2010. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of minor and moderate burn victims admitted between 2000 and 2010, at the burn unit (HUSJ). This is a further analysis of a same cohort previously published in Burns. The following variables were recorded and analyzed: age, gender, origin, depth and extent of burn, causal agent, length of hospital stay and mortality. The main outcome under study was length of stay. Survival analysis was done to explore the association of covariates and length of hospital stay and Cox regression model to adjust the effect of covariates in the outcome. RESULTS: During the study period 2000-2010, 842 of 921 (91.5%) patients treated at the Burn Unit of HUSJ that had complete data were included. There were 520 (61.8%) males and 322 (38.2%) females with a male to female ratio of 1.6:1. Their median age was 9 years (IQR 3-28). The median of percent total body surface area burned (TBSA) was 12% (IQR 7-21) and the most common degree of burn was 2nd degree with 58% (488 patients). There were 12 deaths (censored data) and 830 patients were discharged alive. After multivariate adjustment, significant associations with length of hospital stay remained for age group, burn degree and extension of the burn. The strongest relationship found was for burn degree (2nd degree superficial vs. 3rd degree hazard ratio=2.66 CI 95% [2.13-3.33]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted with mild and moderate burns at HUSJ, the main predictors of length of stay were age, burn degree and extension of the burn.