Results after the application of biodegradable spacer balloons as a therapeutic option in non-repairable massive ruptures of the shoulder rotator cuff / Resultados tras la aplicación de balones espaciadores biodegradables como opción terapéutica en roturas masivas no reparables del manguito de los rotadores del hombro

Introduction: One of the most frequently treated pathologies in our department are tendon lesions that affect the rotator cuff of the shoulder. There are different types of treatment for massive or irreparable tears. For a few years, a low-invasive technique was introduced based on the placement of a biodegradable subacromial spacer. The objective of the work is to analyse the results of our experience with the use of this device (InSpaceTM).Material and method: The study collects the results obtained in 25 patients with irreparable ruptures of rotator cuff defined by RM, in which they were implanted a balloon subacromial in our centre in the period from January 2015 – until December 2017. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and one year after surgery including the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Constant test (CS) and the QuickDASH (QD). Results: Of the 25 patients, 5 patients (20%) were operated by arthroscopy and 20 (80%) By open approach (mini-open). A total of 22 patients completed the follow-up year. At 12 months, 64% of the patients obtained an improvement of at least 10 points in the CS. Patients departed from an initial average CS of 32 points that improved to 54.9 points of average in the postoperative evaluation at 12 months (average improvement 22.9 points; Value-p < 0.05). In terms of pain assessment, in our study, 87% of patients obtained an improvement of at least 2 points in the EVA at 12 months of follow-up (P-value < 0.05). Patients departed from an initial average EVA of 8.7 that improved to 3.7 points average at 12 months. 73% of the patients responded to be satisfied with the intervention and would return to the surgery.(AU)

Introducción: Una de las patologías más frecuentemente atendida en nuestro medio son las lesiones tendinosas que afectan al manguito rotador del hombro. Existen diferentes modalidades de tratamiento para las roturas masivas o irreparables. Desde hace unos años, se introdujo en el mercado una técnica poco invasiva basada en la colocación de un espaciador subacromial biodegradable. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar los resultados de nuestra experiencia con el uso de este dispositivo (InSpace®). Material y método: En el estudio se recogen los resultados obtenidos en 25 pacientes con roturas irreparables del manguito rotador definidas mediante resonancia magnética (RM), en los que se les implantó un balón subacromial en nuestro centro en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2015 hasta diciembre de 2017. Todos los pacientes fueron evaluados preoperatoriamente y un año después de la cirugía incluyendo la escala visual analógica (EVA), el test de Constant (CS) y el QuickDASH (QD). Resultados: De los 25 pacientes, cinco pacientes (20%) fueron intervenidos mediante artroscopia y 20 (80%) mediante abordaje abierto (mini-open). Un total de 22 pacientes completaron el año de seguimiento. A los 12 meses, el 64% (14/22) de los pacientes obtuvo una mejoría de al menos 10 puntos en el CS. Los pacientes partían de un CS promedio inicial de 32 puntos que mejoró hasta los 54,9 puntos de media en la evaluación postoperatoria a los 12 meses (Promedio de mejoría 22,9 puntos; p < 0,05). En cuanto a la evaluación del dolor, en nuestro estudio, el 87% (19/22) de los pacientes obtuvo una mejoría de al menos 2 puntos en la EVA a los 12 meses de seguimiento (p < 0,05). Los pacientes partían de una EVA media inicial de 8,7 que mejoró hasta los 3,7 puntos de media a los 12 meses. Un 73% de los pacientes contestaron estar satisfechos con la intervención y volverían a someterse a la cirugía.(AU)

Resultados tras la aplicación de balones espaciadores biodegradables como opción terapéutica en roturas masivas no reparables del manguito de los rotadores del hombro / Results after the application of biodegradable spacer balloons as a therapeutic option in non-repairable massive ruptures of the shoulder rotator cuff

Introducción: Una de las patologías más frecuentemente atendida en nuestro medio son las lesiones tendinosas que afectan al manguito rotador del hombro. Existen diferentes modalidades de tratamiento para las roturas masivas o irreparables. Desde hace unos años, se introdujo en el mercado una técnica poco invasiva basada en la colocación de un espaciador subacromial biodegradable. El objetivo del trabajo es analizar los resultados de nuestra experiencia con el uso de este dispositivo (InSpace®). Material y método: En el estudio se recogen los resultados obtenidos en 25 pacientes con roturas irreparables del manguito rotador definidas mediante resonancia magnética (RM), en los que se les implantó un balón subacromial en nuestro centro en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2015 hasta diciembre de 2017. Todos los pacientes fueron evaluados preoperatoriamente y un año después de la cirugía incluyendo la escala visual analógica (EVA), el test de Constant (CS) y el QuickDASH (QD). Resultados: De los 25 pacientes, cinco pacientes (20%) fueron intervenidos mediante artroscopia y 20 (80%) mediante abordaje abierto (mini-open). Un total de 22 pacientes completaron el año de seguimiento. A los 12 meses, el 64% (14/22) de los pacientes obtuvo una mejoría de al menos 10 puntos en el CS. Los pacientes partían de un CS promedio inicial de 32 puntos que mejoró hasta los 54,9 puntos de media en la evaluación postoperatoria a los 12 meses (Promedio de mejoría 22,9 puntos; p < 0,05). En cuanto a la evaluación del dolor, en nuestro estudio, el 87% (19/22) de los pacientes obtuvo una mejoría de al menos 2 puntos en la EVA a los 12 meses de seguimiento (p < 0,05). Los pacientes partían de una EVA media inicial de 8,7 que mejoró hasta los 3,7 puntos de media a los 12 meses. Un 73% de los pacientes contestaron estar satisfechos con la intervención y volverían a someterse a la cirugía.(AU)

Introduction: One of the most frequently treated pathologies in our department are tendon lesions that affect the rotator cuff of the shoulder. There are different types of treatment for massive or irreparable tears. For a few years, a low-invasive technique was introduced based on the placement of a biodegradable subacromial spacer. The objective of the work is to analyse the results of our experience with the use of this device (InSpaceTM).Material and method: The study collects the results obtained in 25 patients with irreparable ruptures of rotator cuff defined by RM, in which they were implanted a balloon subacromial in our centre in the period from January 2015 – until December 2017. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and one year after surgery including the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Constant test (CS) and the QuickDASH (QD). Results: Of the 25 patients, 5 patients (20%) were operated by arthroscopy and 20 (80%) By open approach (mini-open). A total of 22 patients completed the follow-up year. At 12 months, 64% of the patients obtained an improvement of at least 10 points in the CS. Patients departed from an initial average CS of 32 points that improved to 54.9 points of average in the postoperative evaluation at 12 months (average improvement 22.9 points; Value-p < 0.05). In terms of pain assessment, in our study, 87% of patients obtained an improvement of at least 2 points in the EVA at 12 months of follow-up (P-value < 0.05). Patients departed from an initial average EVA of 8.7 that improved to 3.7 points average at 12 months. 73% of the patients responded to be satisfied with the intervention and would return to the surgery.(AU)

Results after the application of biodegradable spacer balloons as a therapeutic option in non-repairable massive ruptures of the shoulder rotator cuff. / Resultados tras la aplicación de balones espaciadores biodegradables como opción terapéutica en roturas masivas no reparables del manguito de los rotadores del hombro.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most frequently treated pathologies in our department are tendon lesions that affect the rotator cuff of the shoulder. There are different types of treatment for massive or irreparable tears. For a few years, a low-invasive technique was introduced based on the placement of a biodegradable subacromial spacer. The objective of the work is to analyse the results of our experience with the use of this device (InSpaceTM). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study collects the results obtained in 25 patients with irreparable ruptures of rotator cuff defined by RM, in which they were implanted a balloon subacromial in our centre in the period from January 2015 - until December 2017. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and one year after surgery including the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Constant test (CS) and the QuickDASH (QD). RESULTS: Of the 25 patients, 5 patients (20%) were operated by arthroscopy and 20 (80%) By open approach (mini-open). A total of 22 patients completed the follow-up year. At 12 months, 64% of the patients obtained an improvement of at least 10 points in the CS. Patients departed from an initial average CS of 32 points that improved to 54.9 points of average in the postoperative evaluation at 12 months (average improvement 22.9 points; Value-p < 0.05). In terms of pain assessment, in our study, 87% of patients obtained an improvement of at least 2 points in the EVA at 12 months of follow-up (P-value < 0.05). Patients departed from an initial average EVA of 8.7 that improved to 3.7 points average at 12 months. 73% of the patients responded to be satisfied with the intervention and would return to the surgery. CONCLUSIóN: The results obtained in our series to one year of follow-up speak in favour of the use of the Subacromial Balloon (InSpaceTM), as a therapeutic option available for patients with irreparable ruptures of the rotator cuff. It can be used as an interim procedure, delaying the need for more invasive surgery, or as a definitive procedure in patients medically non-candidates for reverse arthroplasty. It is important to have clear indications of this procedure in order not to make mistakes.

Gravity and active acceleration limit the ability of killer flies (Coenosia attenuata) to steer towards prey when attacking from above.

Insects that predate aerially usually contrast prey against the sky and attack upwards. However, killer flies (Coenosia attenuata) can attack prey flying below them, performing what we term 'aerial dives'. During these dives, killer flies accelerate up to 36 m s-2. Although the trajectories of the killer fly's dives appear highly variable, proportional navigation explains them, as long as the model has the lateral acceleration limit of a real killer fly. The trajectory's steepness is explained by the initial geometry of engagement; steep attacks result from the killer fly taking off when the target is approaching the predator. Under such circumstances, the killer fly dives almost vertically towards the target, and gravity significantly increases its acceleration. Although killer flies usually time their take-off to minimize flight duration, during aerial dives killer flies cannot reach the lateral accelerations necessary to match the increase in speed caused by gravity. Since a close miss still leads the predator closer to the target, and might even slow the prey down, there may not be a selective pressure for killer flies to account for gravity during aerial dives.

Cuttlefish use stereopsis to strike at prey.

The camera-type eyes of vertebrates and cephalopods exhibit remarkable convergence, but it is currently unknown whether the mechanisms for visual information processing in these brains, which exhibit wildly disparate architecture, are also shared. To investigate stereopsis in a cephalopod species, we affixed "anaglyph" glasses to cuttlefish and used a three-dimensional perception paradigm. We show that (i) cuttlefish have also evolved stereopsis (i.e., the ability to extract depth information from the disparity between left and right visual fields); (ii) when stereopsis information is intact, the time and distance covered before striking at a target are shorter; (iii) stereopsis in cuttlefish works differently to vertebrates, as cuttlefish can extract stereopsis cues from anticorrelated stimuli. These findings demonstrate that although there is convergent evolution in depth computation, cuttlefish stereopsis is likely afforded by a different algorithm than in humans, and not just a different implementation.

Matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation grafting in osteochondral lesions of the talus: Evaluation of cartilage repair using T2 mapping.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus may be treated with different autologous biological approaches. These include platelet-rich plasma, stem cells or MACI and ACI. MACI implants are used to cover cartilage lining defects in the ankle. A total of 18 patients were treated with MACI implants. NMR images were taken before and after the procedure. T2 mapping was used to quantify the changes in cartilage collagen after a 6 12-month postoperative period. Increase in collagen was recorded on all patients. Both open and arthroscopic procedures were performed depending on the technical difficulties encountered during the repair.

Arthroscopic aproach of femoroacetabular impigement: Early clinical outcomes. A multicentric study.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip joint dysfunction and pain in adults aged between 30-60 years. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the short term clinical outcome of hip arthroscopy in patients diagnosed with FAI. A total of 105 patients were studied. This minimal invasive technique has shown to be highly effective in comparison to open surgery in young patients.

Spectral characterization of laser-accelerated protons with CR-39 nuclear track detector.

CR-39 nuclear track material is frequently used for the detection of protons accelerated in laser-plasma interactions. The measurement of track densities allows for determination of particle angular distributions, and information on the kinetic energy can be obtained by the use of passive absorbers. We present a precise method of measuring spectral distributions of laser-accelerated protons in a single etching and analysis process. We make use of a one-to-one relation between proton energy and track size and present a precise calibration based on monoenergetic particle beams. While this relation is limited to proton energies below 1 MeV, we show that the range of spectral measurements can be significantly extended by simultaneous use of absorbers of suitable thicknesses. Examples from laser-plasma interactions are presented, and quantitative results on proton energies and particle numbers are compared to those obtained from a time-of-flight detector. The spectrum end points of continuous energy distributions have been determined with both detector types and coincide within 50-100 keV.

Expression of squid iridescence depends on environmental luminance and peripheral ganglion control.

Squid display impressive changes in body coloration that are afforded by two types of dynamic skin elements: structural iridophores (which produce iridescence) and pigmented chromatophores. Both color elements are neurally controlled, but nothing is known about the iridescence circuit, or the environmental cues, that elicit iridescence expression. To tackle this knowledge gap, we performed denervation, electrical stimulation and behavioral experiments using the long-fin squid, Doryteuthis pealeii. We show that while the pigmentary and iridescence circuits originate in the brain, they are wired differently in the periphery: (1) the iridescence signals are routed through a peripheral center called the stellate ganglion and (2) the iridescence motor neurons likely originate within this ganglion (as revealed by nerve fluorescence dye fills). Cutting the inputs to the stellate ganglion that descend from the brain shifts highly reflective iridophores into a transparent state. Taken together, these findings suggest that although brain commands are necessary for expression of iridescence, integration with peripheral information in the stellate ganglion could modulate the final output. We also demonstrate that squid change their iridescence brightness in response to environmental luminance; such changes are robust but slow (minutes to hours). The squid's ability to alter its iridescence levels may improve camouflage under different lighting intensities.

Neural control of tuneable skin iridescence in squid.

Fast dynamic control of skin coloration is rare in the animal kingdom, whether it be pigmentary or structural. Iridescent structural coloration results when nanoscale structures disrupt incident light and selectively reflect specific colours. Unlike animals with fixed iridescent coloration (e.g. butterflies), squid iridophores (i.e. aggregations of iridescent cells in the skin) produce dynamically tuneable structural coloration, as exogenous application of acetylcholine (ACh) changes the colour and brightness output. Previous efforts to stimulate iridophores neurally or to identify the source of endogenous ACh were unsuccessful, leaving researchers to question the activation mechanism. We developed a novel neurophysiological preparation in the squid Doryteuthis pealeii and demonstrated that electrical stimulation of neurons in the skin shifts the spectral peak of the reflected light to shorter wavelengths (greater than 145 nm) and increases the peak reflectance (greater than 245%) of innervated iridophores. We show ACh is released within the iridophore layer and that extensive nerve branching is seen within the iridophore. The dynamic colour shift is significantly faster (17 s) than the peak reflectance increase (32 s), revealing two distinct mechanisms. Responses from a structurally altered preparation indicate that the reflectin protein condensation mechanism explains peak reflectance change, while an undiscovered mechanism causes the fast colour shift.

[The bispectral index as a predictor of anterograde amnesia caused by premedication with intranasal midazolam]. / Utilización del BIS como predictor de la amnesia anterógrada producida por el midazolam intranasal administrado como premedicación.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the ability of the bispectral index (BIS) to predict anterograde amnesia for events occurring between the arrival of patients in the operating theater and anesthetic induction, following premedication with 10 mg of intranasal midazolam. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled patients scheduled for any type of surgery under general anesthesia. Patients were first monitored using the BIS and administered 10 mg of intranasal midazolam. The BIS was monitored until it began to fall steadily and remained below a value of 90; the elapsed time was recorded and the patient was taken to the theater. All patients underwent 6 routine maneuvers before induction. After surgery, patients were asked about their memory of the maneuvers performed. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were studied to obtain the BIS value that provided the best combination of sensitivity and specificity, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn. RESULTS: We enrolled 55 patients. The mean (SD) time taken for the BIS value to fall was 5.93 (2.93) minutes. The sensitivity of the test was 0.96 and specificity was 0.60. The positive predictive value was 0.91 and the negative predictive value was 0.75. The test classified 89.1% of the patients correctly. The ROC curve showed the best cutoff to be 83. CONCLUSIONS: A fall in the BIS to below 90 can be used as a predictor for anterograde amnesia following administration of 10 mg of intranasal midazolam.

Utilización del BIS como predictor de la amnesia anterógradaproducida por el midazolam intranasal administradocomo premedicación / The bispectral index as a predictor of anterograde amnesia caused by premedication with intranasal midazolam

OBJETIVOS: Determinar la capacidad del índice biespectral(BIS) como predictor de amnesia anterógrada para loseventos que ocurren desde la llegada a quirófano de lospacientes hasta la inducción anestésica, después de premedicarloscon 10 mg de midazolam intranasal.PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Pacientes intervenidos paracualquier intervención quirúrgica programada con anestesiageneral, después de monitorizarlos con el índice biespectraly administrarles 10 mg de midazolam por víaintranasal. Se observó el BIS hasta que empezó a bajar demanera continua y mantenida por debajo del valor de 90,se anotó el tiempo transcurrido y se les trasladó a quirófano.Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a seis maniobrasrutinarias antes de la inducción. Finalizada la intervenciónse les interrogó sobre los recuerdos de las maniobras realizadas.Se estudiaron los valores de sensibilidad, especificidady valores predictivos; para obtener la cifra de BISque presenta una mejor combinación de sensibilidad yespecificidad, se trazó una curva ROC.RESULTADOS: Incluímos 55 pacientes, el tiempo mediotranscurrido en descender el valor de BIS fue 5,93 ± 2,93minutos. La sensibilidad total de la prueba es de 0,96 y laespecificidad de 0,60, el valor predictivo positivo de 0,91 yel valor predictivo negativo de 0,75. El valor global de laprueba es del 89,1%. El mejor valor de corte de la curvaROC es 83.CONCLUSIONES: La disminución del BIS por debajo delvalor de 90 se puede usar como predictor de amnesia anterógradatras la administración de 10 mg de midazolamintranasal (AU)

OBJETIVE: To determine the ability of the bispectralindex (BIS) to predict anterograde amnesia for eventsoccurring between the arrival of patients in the operatingtheater and anesthetic induction, following premedicationwith 10 mg of intranasal midazolam.PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled patients scheduledfor any type of surgery under general anesthesia. Patientswere first monitored using the BIS and administered 10mg of intranasal midazolam. The BIS was monitored untilit began to fall steadily and remained below a value of 90;the elapsed time was recorded and the patient was takento the theater. All patients underwent 6 routine maneuversbefore induction. After surgery, patients were asked abouttheir memory of the maneuvers performed. Sensitivity,specificity, and predictive values were studied to obtain theBIS value that provided the best combination of sensitivityand specificity, and a receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was drawn.RESULTS: We enrolled 55 patients. The mean (SD) timetaken for the BIS value to fall was 5.93 (2.93) minutes. Thesensitivity of the test was 0.96 and specificity was 0.60. Thepositive predictive value was 0.91 and the negativepredictive value was 0.75. The test classified 89.1% of thepatients correctly. The ROC curve showed the best cutoffto be 83.CONCLUSIONS: A fall in the BIS to below 90 can be usedas a predictor for anterograde amnesia followingadministration of 10 mg of intranasal midazolam (AU)

[Comparison of 2 devices to measure spinal fluid glucose concentration in hyperbaric spinal anesthesia]. / Comparación de dos sistemas de medida de las concentraciones de glucosa en líquido cefalorraquídeo en la anestesia intradural hiperbara.

OBJECTIVES: To compare spinal fluid glucose measurements recorded by the laboratory analyzer Synchron LX20 Pro and the glucometer Ascensia Elite XL during continuous spinal anesthesia after injection of 10 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine, in order to assess the reliability and speed of the 2 devices for monitoring changes in glucose concentration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study of 34 patients under continuous spinal anesthesia administered through a 22-gauge catheter; 9 samples of spinal fluid were extracted from each patient for glucose level measurement. The first extraction was before administration of the anesthetic and the remaining ones were during spinal anesthesia until the end of complete motor block. Correlation was assessed with the Pearson test and agreement with the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: A total of 241 pairs of measurements were obtained. The correlation was r = 0.96 (P < .01). The mean (SD) difference in measurements from the 2 devices was -1.06 (34.82 mg x dL(-1)). The percentage of variation (systematic error) was -1.9% (11.8%), placing the 95% confidence interval between -25% and 21.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements from the 2 devices are highly correlated. The absolute and percentage systematic error (bias) is negligible. Finding that 95% of measurements are within 23% of the mean seems a fair percentage of error to us. We therefore believe the percentage variation, or systematic error, is clinically acceptable and that either device can be used.

Comparación de dos sistemas de medida de las concentraciones de glucosa en líquido cefalorraquídeo en la anestesia intradural hiperbara / Comparison of 2 devices to measure spinal fluid glucose concentration in hyperbaric spinal anesthesia

OBJETIVOS: Comparar las mediciones de glucorraquia realizadas en el Laboratorio con el autoanalizador Synchron LX20 PRO(R) (Beckman Coulter) con las realizadas con un glucómetro Ascensia EliteXL&Elite(R) durante la anestesia espinal, después de administrar 10 mg de bupivacaína hiperbara para así disponer de un método rápido y fiable al medir las cifras de glucorraquia durante una anestesia espinal continua y seguir su evolución. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo de 34 pacientes bajo anestesia espinal continua con un catéter 22 G a través del cual se extrajeron 9 muestras por paciente de líquido cefalorraquídeo para determinar la glucorraquia, la primera antes de la administración del anestésico y los siguientes durante la anestesia espinal hasta el final del bloqueo motor completo. La correlación se midió con el test de Pearson y el grado de concordancia con el método de Bland-Altman. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 241 pares de medidas. El coeficiente de correlación fue de r = 0,96 (p < 0,01). La diferencia media entre los dos métodos fue de –1,06 ± 34,82 mg dL–1. El porcentaje de variación (error sistemático) fue de –1,9 ± 11,8%, situándose el intervalo de confianza del 95% entre el –25% y el 21,2%. CONCLUSIONES: Se obtiene una buena correlación entre ambos métodos. El error sistemático absoluto y porcentual (bias), es despreciable. Encontrar el 95% de los valores con un margen de un 23% sobre la media del error porcentual nos parece razonable, por lo que consideramos la variación porcentual del error sistemático clínicamente aceptable para poder intercambiar ambos métodos de medida

OBJECTIVES: To compare spinal fluid glucose measurements recorded by the laboratory analyzer Synchron LX20 Pro and the glucometer Ascensia Elite XL during continuous spinal anesthesia after injection of 10 mg of hyperbaric bupivacaine, in order to assess the reliability and speed of the 2 devices for monitoring changes in glucose concentration. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective study of 34 patients under continuous spinal anesthesia administered through a 22-gauge catheter; 9 samples of spinal fluid were extracted from each patient for glucose level measurement. The first extraction was before administration of the anesthetic and the remaining ones were during spinal anesthesia until the end of complete motor block. Correlation was assessed with the Pearson test and agreement with the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: A total of 241 pairs of measurements were obtained. The correlation was r=0.96 (P<.01). The mean (SD) difference in measurements from the 2 devices was –1.06 (34.82 mg·dL-1). The percentage of variation (systematic error) was –1.9% (11.8%), placing the 95% confidence interval between -25% and 21.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements from the 2 devices are highly correlated. The absolute and percentage systematic error (bias) is negligible. Finding that 95% of measurements are within 23% of the mean seems a fair percentage of error to us. We therefore believe the percentage variation, or systematic error, is clinically acceptable and that either device can be used

[Relation between glucose concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and sensory and motor block during spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine]. / Relación de los niveles de la glucorraquia con el bloqueo sensitivo y motor durante la anestesia raquídea con bupivacaína hiperbara.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose levels, the highest level of sensory block, and the duration of motor block after intrathecal injection of 2 mL of hyperbaric bupivacaine. To determine CSF glucose levels upon recovery from motor block. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 34 patients administered a spinal anesthetic in continuous infusion through a 22-gauge catheter. CSF samples were extracted through the catheter 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after start of infusion and upon motor recovery. After each extraction the intensity of the motor block was assessed; the intensity of the sensory block was assessed after each extraction up to 20 minutes. RESULTS: Glucose concentrations in CSF tended to decrease from 5 minutes (1027.07 [SD 349.04] mg dL(-1)) until full motor recovery (247.50 [20.39] mg dL(-1)). The probability of finding a motor block at a CSF glucose concentration of 287.5 mg dL(-1) or higher was less than 5%. We identified a positive correlation between the highest level of sensory block and the duration of full motor block (r=0.62, P<0.01) and between CSF glucose levels at the moment of greatest sensory block and upon full motor recovery (r=0.50, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: After continuous spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine, glucose concentrations in CSF are directly related to the highest level of sensory block, the course of the blockade, and its reversal.

Relación de los niveles de la glucorraquia con el bloqueo sensitivo y motor durante la anestesia raquídea con bupivacaína hiperbara / Relation between glucose concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and sensory and motor block during spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la relación de la glucorraquia conel nivel más alto del bloqueo sensitivo y con la duracióndel bloqueo motor después de la administración intratecalde 2 mL de bupivacaína hiperbara. Averiguar lascifras de glucorraquia al finalizar el bloqueo motor.PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo de 34pacientes bajo anestesia espinal continua con un catéter22 G, a través del cual se extraen muestras de líquidocefalorraquídeo para determinar la glucorraquia a los 5,10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60 minutos y al final del bloqueomotor. Después de cada extracción se valora el grado delbloqueo motor y durante los primeros 20 minutos elnivel del bloqueo sensitivo.RESULTADOS: Se observa una tendencia descendente delos niveles de glucorraquia desde los 5 minutos (1027,07 ±349,04 mg dL-1), hasta el final del bloqueo motor completo(247,50 ± 20,39 mg dL-1). La probabilidad de no encontrarbloqueo motor con cifras de glucorraquia de 287,5 mgdL-1 o superiores es menor del 5%. Identificamos unacorrelación positiva entre el nivel más alto de bloqueo sensitivoy la duración del bloqueo motor completo (r = 0,62,p < 0,01) y entre las glucorraquias obtenidas en el momentodel nivel más alto de bloqueo sensitivo y al final del bloqueomotor completo (r = 0,50, p <0,01).CONCLUSIÓN: Después de una anestesia espinal continuacon bupivacaína hiperbara, la glucorraquia guardauna relación directa con el nivel más alto de bloqueosensitivo, la evolución y el final del bloqueo motor

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between cerebrospinalfluid (CSF) glucose levels, the highest level of sensoryblock, and the duration of motor block after intrathecalinjection of 2 mL of hyperbaric bupivacaine. Todetermine CSF glucose levels upon recovery from motorblock.PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 34patients administered a spinal anesthetic in continuousinfusion through a 22-gauge catheter. CSF samples wereextracted through the catheter 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and60 minutes after start of infusion and upon motor recovery.After each extraction the intensity of the motorblock was assessed; the intensity of the sensory blockwas assessed after each extraction up to 20 minutes.RESULTS: Glucose concentrations in CSF tended todecrease from 5 minutes (1027.07 [SD 349.04] mg dL-1)until full motor recovery (247.50 [20.39] mg dL-1). Theprobability not to find a motor block at a CSF glucoseconcentration of 287.5 mg dL-1 or higher was less than5%. We identified a positive correlation between the highestlevel of sensory block and the duration of full motorblock (r=0.62, P<0.01) and between CSF glucose levels atthe moment of greatest sensory block and upon fullmotor recovery (r=0.50, P<0.01).CONCLUSIONS: After continuous spinal anesthesia withhyperbaric bupivacaine, glucose concentrations in CSFare directly related to the highest level of sensory block,the course of the blockade, and its reversal

[Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) in non-neoplastic diseases]. / El antígeno polipeptídico tisular (TPA) en patologías no tumorales.

Radioimmunoassay (TPA Prolifigen RIA) was used to determine the serum concentration of TPA in 333 patients with different kinds of non-tumoral diseases. Amounts higher than 90 U/l, that was taken as the upper normal limit, were observed in 40 per 100 of the cases, being higher than 200 U/l in 10 per 100. The frequency of abnormal amounts of TPA in non-tumoral diseases obliges to eliminate them before making a diagnosis of cancer.