Direct and deferred sediment-transport events and seafloor disturbance induced by trawling in submarine canyons.

Bottom trawling on marine environments can drastically modify seafloor geomorphology and sedimentary dynamics not only on the fishing grounds but also in adjacent downslope regions, particularly in submarine canyons environments, which are hotspots of benthic biomass and productivity in the deep sea. When this type of fishery occurs along submarine canyon flanks, it can induce sediment gravity flows that descend along tributary gullies towards the main canyon axis. However, these flows had only been clearly identified in the Palamós Canyon, where they could be recorded synchronously with the passage of the trawling fleet. In this study we also recorded trawl-induced sediment gravity flows in the Blanes Canyon, both synchronously and asynchronously with the passage of trawlers. Increases in particulate matter fluxes in other trawled submarine canyons occurring in absence of natural triggering mechanisms, were not directly associated with bottom trawling because of the lack of direct synchronicity of these events with this human activity. Here we show, however, that the practice of bottom trawling along canyon flanks can not only resuspend and directly trigger sediment gravity flows, but they can also pile up disturbed sediment on steep areas, which can become unstable and collapse afterwards, asynchronically with the passage of trawlers. Our study provides evidence that sediment gravity flows in submarine canyons affected by bottom trawling, where the causal mechanisms are presently unidentified, may potentially be linked to instabilities in sediment originating from recurrent bottom trawling, which can precondition these events.

Long-Term Treatment with Alcaligenes faecalis A12C Improves Host Resistance to Pathogens in Septic Rats: Possible Contribution of Curdlan-Like Immune Trainer.

Curdlan, a ß-1,3/1,6-glucan found in Alcaligenes faecalis (A. faecalis) wall, activates innate and humoral immunity. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether pretreated rats with A. faecalis A12C could prevent sepsis disturbances and identify the immunomodulatory mechanisms involved. Experiments occurred in two stages: a survival study with 16 rats randomly divided into septic (SC) (n = 8) and septic pretreated (SA) (n = 8) groups and 45 rats divided into four groups: healthy (AGUSAN) (n = 9), septic (AGUIC) (n = 13), septic pretreated (AGUIA) (n = 14), and healthy pretreated (AGUSTO) (n = 9). Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture after 30 days of A. faecalis A12C pretreatment or without. SA group had a higher survival rate of 58% vs. 16% for SC group (P < 0.05). Overall, AGUIA showed better status than AGUIC (P < 0.01). Higher monocytosis was found in AGUIA and AGUSTO vs. AGUIC and AGUSAN, respectively (P < 0.05). A gradual increase in curdlan fecal concentration was observed in AGUIA during pretreatment. Fecal concentrations of Escherichia coli significantly decreased in AGUIA and AGUSTO. Bacterial load in urine, peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) decreased (P < 0.05) in AGUIA vs. AGUIC. Finally, lower inflammation was observed in serum, BALF, and PLF, with reduced IL-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, and TNF-α, along with less damage in lungs and peritoneum in AGUIA vs. AGUIC. These findings suggest the connection between curdlan-produced by A. faecalis A12C-with the immune system and the reduction in severity of experimental sepsis.

Relationship between iron deficiency and expression of genes involved in iron metabolism in human myocardium and skeletal muscle.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) is associated with adverse prognosis in patients with heart failure. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ID and expression of genes involved in iron metabolism in human myocardium and skeletal muscle, focusing on Transferrin 1 receptor (TfR1), the main pathway of cellular iron uptake. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective CABG were assessed prior to surgery with echocardiography and serum iron parameters. Core needle biopsies were collected from the left and right ventricle (LV, RV), the right atrium and intercostal skeletal muscle (SM). Gene expression analyses were done by mRNA sequencing. RESULTS: Of 69 patients (median age 69 years, 91% men), 28% had ID. 26% had HFrEF, 25% had HFpEF physiology according to echocardiographic findings and NT-proBNP levels, and 49% had normal LV function. The expression of TfR1 was increased in patients with ID compared to patients without ID in ventricular tissue (p = 0.04) and in intercostal SM (p = 0.01). The increase in TfR1 expression in LV and RV was more pronounced when analysing patients with absolute ID (S-Ferritin<100 µg/L). Analysing the correlation between various iron parameters, S-Ferritin levels showed the strongest correlation with TfR1 expression. There was no correlation with NT-proBNP levels and no difference in TfR1 expression between different HF phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing elective CABG we found an association between ID and increased TfR1 expression in myocardium regardless of LV function, indicating physiologically upregulated TfR1 expression in the presence of ID to restore intracellular iron needs. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.govNCT03671122.

Basophil activation test as alternative method to CAP-inhibition in patients with double sensitization to vespid venoms.

Most patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) to vespid venoms present double sensitization by specific IgE (sIgE)-mediated cross-reactivity. Thus, it is mandatory could discriminate between a true double and primary sensitization to implement an accurate venom-specific immunotherapy (VIT). To date, CAP-inhibition is the reference method in the diagnosis of cross-reactivity in double sensitized patients to vespid venoms, being the results obtained with the component resolved diagnostics (CRD) conflicting. For this, we have studied in a cohort of double sensitized patients to Vespula vulgaris (VV) and Polistes dominulus (PD) venoms (n = 40) the diagnostic accuracy of CRD using the CAP-inhibition as reference method, as well as to investigate whether basophil activation test (BAT) is an alternative method for inconclusive results obtained by CAP-inhibition. CAP-inhibition showed a sensitivity of 59.46 % in view of the indeterminate results; most patients had true double sensitization (54.5 %), followed by single sensitization to PD (27.27 %) and VV (18.18 %) venoms. CRD based on rVes v 5/rPol d 5 (or vice versa) ratio as well as whole extracts I3/I77 (or vice versa) ratio (specific IgE-I3 to VV/specific IgE-I77 to PD) showed a low diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.504, p = 0.974; AUC = 0.35, p = 0.235; respectively). BAT was determined in parallel with CAP-inhibition in 12 patients, presented higher sensitivity than CAP-inhibition (p = 0.021) and a positive agreement of 71.43 %. Likewise it was able to identify 100% of inconclusive results, showing a specificity of 83.3 %. Therefore, CRD is not a suitable method to distinguish monosensitization and BAT appears to be an appropriate method resolving indeterminate results from the gold standard method.

Interaction Control and Bright Solitons in Coherently Coupled Bose-Einstein Condensates.

We demonstrate fast control of the interatomic interactions in a Bose-Einstein condensate by coherently coupling two atomic states with intra- and interstate scattering lengths of opposite signs. We measure the elastic and inelastic scattering properties of the system and find good agreement with a theoretical model describing the interactions between dressed states. In the attractive regime, we observe the formation of bright solitons formed by dressed-state atoms. Finally, we study the response of the system to an interaction quench from repulsive to attractive values, and observe how the resulting modulational instability develops into a bright soliton train.

Genomic landscape and immune-related gene expression profiling of epithelial ovarian cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery is an accepted treatment for patients with stage III or IV epithelial ovarian cancer who are not suitable for primary debulking surgery. The identification of suitable adjuvant treatments in these patients is an unmet need. Here, we explore potential genomic characteristics (mutational and immune-associated expression profiles) in a series of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Tumor samples from biopsy and interval debulking surgery were analyzed for mutational landscape and immune profiling, together with detailed immunohistochemistry using different immune cell markers, and correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and potential response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. No major differences in the mutational landscape were observed in paired biopsy and surgery samples. Genomic loss of heterozygosity was found to be higher in patients with total/near-total tumor response. The immune gene expression profile after neoadjuvant chemotherapy revealed activation of several immune regulation-related pathways in patients with no/minimal or partial response. In parallel, neoadjuvant therapy caused a significant increase of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte population abundance, primarily due to an augmentation of the CD8+ T cell population. Remarkably, these changes occurred irrespective of potential homologous recombination defects, such as those associated with BRCA1/2 mutations. Our study strengthens the use of loss of heterozygosity as a biomarker of homologous repair deficiency. The changes of immune states during neoadjuvant chemotherapy reveal the dynamic nature of tumor-host immune interactions and suggest the potential use of immune checkpoint inhibitors or their combination with poly-ADP polymerase inhibitors in high stage and grade epithelial ovarian cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy.

Gestational nutrient restriction under extensive grazing conditions: Effects on muscle characteristics and meat quality in heavy lambs.

We evaluated maternal undernutrition effects induced by a lower natural pasture allowance (gestation days 30-143) on histological-biochemical and meat traits in muscles Semitendinosus, cranial Gluteobiceps and Supraspinatus from 200-day old male and female lambs. Maternal undernutrition increased oxidative and reduced glycolytic fibers in all muscles (P ≤ 0.01). Maternal undernutrition reduced the diameter of glycolytic fibers in the cranial Gluteobiceps of exclusively female lambs (P = 0.05) and reduced the diameter of oxidative fibers in the Supraspinatus of exclusively male lambs (P = 0.02). Maternal undernutrition increased lipid content in the Supraspinatus of females (P = 0.001), reduced lactate content (P = 0.03) and WB shear force (P = 0.02) in the Semitendinosus of females, and increased cooking losses in the Semitendinosus of males (P = 0.0069). In conclusion, gestational nutrient restriction induced fetal programming effects on muscle characteristics of lambs. Moreover, our study demonstrates that maternal undernutrition influences muscle and meat characteristics in a sex and muscle-dependent way.

Probiotic Properties of Alcaligenes faecalis Isolated from Argyrosomus regius in Experimental Peritonitis (Rat Model).

A strain of Alcaligenes faecalis A12C (A. faecalis A12C) isolated from Argyrosomus regius is a probiotic in fish. Previous experiments showed that A. faecalis A12C had inhibitory effects on the growth of multidrug-resistant bacteria. We aimed to confirm whether A. faecalis A12C is safe and has adequate intestinal colonization in experimental rats, and evaluate its efficacy in an animal model of peritonitis. We used 30 male rats, randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 5): three groups (HA7, HA15, HA30) received A. faecalis A12C in drinking water (6 × 108 CFU/mL) for 7 days, and three control groups received drinking water only. All groups were evaluated at 7, 15, and 30 days. Survival after A. faecalis A12C administration was 100% in all groups. Mild eosinophilia (1.5%, p < 0.01) and increased aspartate aminotransferase (86 IU/L, p < 0.05) were observed in HA7, followed by progressive normalization. No histological signs of organ injury were found. We observed significant E. coli decline in faeces, parallel to an increase in A. faecalis A12C at 7 days. E. coli had a tendency to recover initial values, while A. faecalis A12C disappeared from the intestinal microbiota at 30 days. To evaluate its efficacy against peritonitis, we studied two additional groups of animals: IA group pretreated with A. faecalis A12C before E. coli intra-abdominal inoculation, and IC group inoculated with no A. faecalis A12C. We found an increase in C-reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, urea, and eosinophils in IC animals when compared with IA. Peritonitis was more evident in IC than in IA animals. Our findings suggest that A. faecalis A12C altered clinically relevant parameters in sepsis and was associated with a lesser spread of infection.

Binder-jetting 3D printer capable of voxel-based control over deposited ink volume, adaptive layer thickness, and selective multi-pass printing.

The limited control over the printing process in commercial powder bed 3D printers hinders the exploration of novel materials and applications. In this study, a custom binder-jetting 3D printer was developed. The resulting fine-grained control over the printing process enables features such as voxel-based control over the printed ink volume, adaptive layer thickness, and selective multi-pass printing. A protocol was developed to optimize the 3D printing process for new build materials and binders, in which resolution tests were used as a guideline for improving the dimensional accuracy. As a demonstration of the voxel-based control over the printing process, a functionally graded object was printed.

Selective CD8 cell reduction by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a worse prognosis and systemic inflammation in COVID-19 patients.

The lymphopenia exhibited in patients with COVID-19 has been associated with a worse prognosis in the development of the disease. To understand the factors associated with a worse evolution of COVID-19, we analyzed comorbidities, indicators of inflammation such as CRP and the ratio of neutrophils/lymphocytes, as well as the count of blood cells with T-lymphocyte subtypes in 172 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients were grouped according to their needs for mechanical ventilation (ICU care) or not. Within the comorbidities studied, obesity was the only associated with greater severity and ICU admission. Both the percentage and the absolute number of neutrophils were higher in patients needing ICU care than non-ICU patients, whereas absolute lymphocyte count, and especially the percentage of lymphocytes, presented a deep decline in critical patients. There was no difference between the two groups of patients for CD4 T-lymphocytes, neither in percentage of lymphocyte nor in absolute number, however for CD8 T-cells the differences were significant for both parameters which were in decline in ICU patients. There was a firm correlation between the highest values of inflammation indicators with the decrease in percentage of CD8 T-lymphocytes. This effect was not seen with CD4 cells. Obesity together with lymphopenia, especially whether preferentially affects to CD8 T- lymphocytes, are factors that can predict a poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19.

Manifestaciones neuroftalmológicas como complicación de una infección por Mycoplasma pneumoniae y desarrollo posterior de una encefalitis aguda diseminada / Neuro-ophthalmological manifestations as complication of an infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and subsequent development of disseminated acute encephalitis

El objetivo es describir dos cuadros clínicos neuroftalmológicos en niños por infección sistémica por Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae). Se presentan los casos de dos niñas de 14 y 12 años que acudieron a urgencias: la primera con oftalmoplejía internuclear y la segunda con pérdida de visión y cefalea. No presentaban otra focalidad neurológica. En la imagen de resonancia magnética se evidenciaron placas hiperintensas en ambas, sugerentes de cuadro desmielinizante. Al mes, los síntomas neuroftalmológicos se resolvieron y las resonancias magnéticas de control fueron normales. El diagnóstico fue encefalitis diseminada aguda secundaria a M. pneumoniae. El diagnóstico se hace por PCR (gold standard) y/o IgM en serología. Es importante pensar en esta posible etiología ante casos sugerentes de enfermedad desmielinizante. Existe controversia sobre el papel de los antibióticos y si se contemplan los corticoides. Como conclusión, M. pneumoniae debe ser diagnóstico diferencial en afectaciones neuroftalmológicas agudas en niños

The purpose of this article is to describe two paediatric neuro-ophthalmological clinical cases caused by a systemic infection due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae). The cases are two girls aged 14 and 12 seen in the Emergency Department: The first one had internuclear ophthalmoplegia and second with loss of vision and headache. They had no other neurological foci. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense plaques in both, suggestive of a demyelinating disease. One month later, the neuro-ophthalmological symptoms resolved, with normal follow-up magnetic resonance imagings. The diagnosis was acute disseminated encephalitis secondary to M. pneumoniae. The diagnosis was made using PCR (gold standard) and/or IgM in serology. It is important to think about this possible aetiology in cases of suggestive demyelinating disease. There is controversy about the role of antibiotics and on whether corticosteroids are contemplated. In conclusion, M. pneumoniae must be a differential diagnosis in acute neuro-ophthalmological disorders in children

Animal models of mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathology.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infections has led to a substantial unmet need for treatments, many of which will require testing in appropriate animal models of this disease. Vaccine trials are already underway, but there remains an urgent need to find other therapeutic approaches to either target SARS-CoV-2 or the complications arising from viral infection, particularly the dysregulated immune response and systemic complications which have been associated with progression to severe COVID-19. At the time of writing, in vivo studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described using macaques, cats, ferrets, hamsters, and transgenic mice expressing human angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). These infection models have already been useful for studies of transmission and immunity, but to date only partly model the mechanisms involved in human severe COVID-19. There is therefore an urgent need for development of animal models for improved evaluation of efficacy of drugs identified as having potential in the treatment of severe COVID-19. These models need to reproduce the key mechanisms of COVID-19 severe acute respiratory distress syndrome and the immunopathology and systemic sequelae associated with this disease. Here, we review the current models of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related disease mechanisms and suggest ways in which animal models can be adapted to increase their usefulness in research into COVID-19 pathogenesis and for assessing potential treatments. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on The Pharmacology of COVID-19. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.21/issuetoc.

Neuro-ophthalmological manifestations as complication of an infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae and subsequent development of disseminated acute encephalitis. / Manifestaciones neuroftalmológicas como complicación de una infección por Mycoplasma pneumoniae y desarrollo posterior de una encefalitis aguda diseminada.

The purpose of this article is to describe two paediatric neuro-ophthalmological clinical cases caused by a systemic infection due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae). The cases are two girls aged 14 and 12 seen in the Emergency Department: The first one had internuclear ophthalmoplegia and second with loss of vision and headache. They had no other neurological foci. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense plaques in both, suggestive of a demyelinating disease. One month later, the neuro-ophthalmological symptoms resolved, with normal follow-up magnetic resonance imagings. The diagnosis was acute disseminated encephalitis secondary to M. pneumoniae. The diagnosis was made using PCR (gold standard) and/or IgM in serology. It is important to think about this possible aetiology in cases of suggestive demyelinating disease. There is controversy about the role of antibiotics and on whether corticosteroids are contemplated. In conclusion, M. pneumoniae must be a differential diagnosis in acute neuro-ophthalmological disorders in children.

Spanish Guidelines for Diagnosis, Management, Treatment, and Prevention of DRESS Syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a complex multisystemic severe drug hypersensitivity reaction whose diagnosis and management are troublesome. DRESS syndrome requires management by various specialists. The correct identification of the culprit drug is essential to ensure safe future therapeutic options for the patient. There are no previous Spanish guidelines or consensus statements on DRESS syndrome. Objective: To draft a review and guidelines on the clinical diagnosis, allergy work-up, management, treatment, and prevention of DRESS syndrome in light of currently available scientific evidence and the experience of experts from multiple disciplines. METHODS: These guidelines were drafted by a panel of allergy specialists from the Drug Allergy Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), together with other medical specialists involved in the management of DRESS syndrome and researchers from the PIELenRed consortium. A review was conducted of scientific papers on DRESS syndrome, and the expert panel evaluated the quality of the evidence of the literature and provided grades of recommendation. Whenever evidence was lacking, a consensus was reached among the experts. RESULTS: The first Spanish guidelines on DRESS syndrome are now being published. Important aspects have been addressed, including practical recommendations about clinical diagnosis, identification of the culprit drug through the Spanish pharmacovigilance system algorithm, and the allergy work-up. Recommendations are provided on management, treatment, and prevention. Algorithms for the management of DRESS in the acute and recovery phases have been drawn up. Expert consensus-based stepwise guidelines for the management and treatment of DRESS syndrome are provided.

Spanish guidelines for diagnosis, management, treatment, and prevention of DRESS syndrome

BACKGROUND: Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a complex multisystemic severe drug hypersensitivity reaction whose diagnosis and management are troublesome. DRESS syndrome requires management by various specialists. The correct identification of the culprit drug is essential to ensure safe future therapeutic options for the patient. There are no previous Spanish guidelines or consensus statements on DRESS syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To draft a review and guidelines on the clinical diagnosis, allergy work-up, management, treatment, and prevention of DRESS syndrome in light of currently available scientific evidence and the experience of experts from multiple disciplines. METHODS: These guidelines were drafted by a panel of allergy specialists from the Drug Allergy Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), together with other medical specialists involved in the management of DRESS syndrome and researchers from the PIELenRed consortium. A review was conducted of scientific papers on DRESS syndrome, and the expert panel evaluated the quality of the evidence of the literature and provided grades of recommendation. Whenever evidence was lacking, a consensus was reached among the experts. RESULTS: The first Spanish guidelines on DRESS syndrome are now being published. Important aspects have been addressed, including practical recommendations about clinical diagnosis, identification of the culprit drug through the Spanish pharmacovigilance system algorithm, and the allergy work-up. Recommendations are provided on management, treatment, and prevention. Algorithms for the management of DRESS in the acute and recovery phases have been drawn up. Expert consensus-based stepwise guidelines for the management and treatment of DRESS syndrome are provided

ANTECEDENTES: El síndrome DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) es una reacción cutánea grave inducida por hipersensibilidad a fármacos, compleja y multisistémica. Su diagnóstico y manejo es difícil e implica a diferentes especialistas. Es muy importante una correcta identificación del fármaco responsable para que el paciente disponga de opciones terapéuticas seguras en el futuro. No hay guías ni documentos de consenso españoles previos sobre el síndrome DRESS. OBJETIVO: Realizar una revisión y guía sobre el diagnóstico clínico y alergológico, manejo, tratamiento y prevención del DRESS según la evidencia científica disponible y la experiencia de expertos de diferentes especialidades médicas. MÉTODOS: Esta guía ha sido elaborada por un grupo de alergólogos del Comité de Alergia a Fármacos de la SEAIC, junto a otros especialistas involucrados en el manejo del DRESS e investigadores del Consorcio PIELenRed. Se realizó una búsqueda de publicaciones científicas sobre DRESS y el grupo de expertos evaluó la evidencia científica de la literatura y aportaron grados de recomendación. Cuando no existía evidencia se alcanzó un consenso entre expertos. RESULTADOS: Se publica la guía española sobre DRESS. Incluye aspectos prácticos importantes sobre el diagnóstico clínico, la identificación de fármacos causales a través del algoritmo del Sistema Español de Farmacovigilancia y guía para el diagnóstico alergológico. Se realizan recomendaciones sobre el manejo, tratamiento y prevención del DRESS. Se aportan algoritmos sobre el manejo en la fase aguda y en la de recuperación. Se ha elaborado una guía terapéutica escalonada consensuada por expertos especialistas implicados en el tratamiento del DRESS

Efficacy of bortezomib to intensify the conditioning regimen and the graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis for high-risk myeloma patients undergoing transplantation.

This multicenter phase I trial was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bortezomib (Bz) as part of both the conditioning regimen and the graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis. Patients received fludarabine, melphalan and Bz (days -9 and -2). GVHD prophylaxis consisted of Bz (days +1, +4, and +7), sirolimus (Siro) from day -5 and tacrolimus (Tk) from -3 (except the first five patients that did not receive Tk). Twenty-five patients with poor prognostic multiple myeloma were included. Eleven out of the 19 patients had high-risk features. Out of the 21 patients evaluable at day +100, 14 were in CR (67%) and 7 (33%) in PR. Cumulative incidence (CI) of nonrelapse mortality at 1 year was 24%. CI of grades 2-4 and 3-4 acute GvHD was 35% and 10%, respectively; CI of chronic GvHD was 35% and 55% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. Overall and event free survival at 2 years were 64% and 31%, respectively. Bz as part of the conditioning regimen and in the combination with Siro/tacrolimus for GvHD prophylaxis is safe and effective allowing an optimal disease control early after transplant and reducing the risk of GvHD.

PET/TC con 18F-FDG en la recaída extramedular de una leucemia aguda de linaje ambiguo / 18F-FDG PET/CT for extramedullary relapse of acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage

No disponible

[Autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Review of 43 cases]. / Anemia hemolítica autoinmune en Chile: un análisis retrospectivo de 43 pacientes.

BACKGROUND: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an uncommon disease. In its presentation, it can be severe and even lethal. There is only one clinical report concerning this pathology in Chile. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics and evolution of adult AIHA inpatients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of clinical records of adult AIHA inpatients between January 2010 and June 2018 was done. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic information was analyzed. A descriptive, analytical and survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: Forty-three adult patients diagnosed with AHIA were hospitalized in a period of 8 years. Median age was 63 years (range 22-86 years), mostly women (72%). Warm antibodies were detected in 36 cases (84%) and cold antibodies in seven. Seventy two percent of the patients had an underlying cause, and 58% were secondary to lymphoproliferative neoplasms. All patients except two, received steroids as initial treatment, with response in 37 (90%) of them. Three refractory patients received rituximab, with response in all of them, and relapse in one. Median follow-up was 38 months (range 2-98 months). Five year overall survival was 72%. CONCLUSION: AHIA in adults inpatients is a heterogeneous disease, mainly due to warm antibodies, and to secondary etiology.