Prevalence of Protein-Energy Wasting in Dialysis Patients Using a Practical Online Tool to Compare with Other Nutritional Scores: Results of the Nutrendial Study.

This cross-sectional study aims to explore the prevalence of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in dialysis patients in Catalonia, Spain, using a new and practical online tool which enables rapid calculation and comparison with other nutritional scores. METHODS: A web tool (Nutrendial) was created to introduce different variables and automatically calculate PEW, Malnutrition inflammation Score (MIS) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) in 1389 patients (88% in haemodialysis (HD)), 12% in peritoneal dialysis (PD) from different regions of Catalonia. RESULTS: A prevalence of 23.3% (26% HD, 10.2% PD) of PEW was found, with a mean MIS score of 6 and SGA score of C in 7% of the patients. ROC analysis showed MIS as the best nutritional score to diagnose PEW (AUC 0.85). Albumin delivered lower diagnostic precision (AUC 0.77) and sensitivity (66%). A cut off point of 7 (86% sensitivity and 75% specificity) for MIS and 3.7 mg/dL for albumin were found to predict the appearance of PEW in this population. SGA B or C showed an 87% sensitivity and 55% specificity to diagnose PEW. Very low nutritional intervention (14%) was recorded with this tool in patients with PEW. CONCLUSIONS: This new online tool facilitated the calculation of PEW, enabling different professionals-including nephrologists, dieticians and nurses-to efficiently obtain insights into the nutritional status of the Catalonian dialysis population and implement the required nutritional interventions. MIS is the score with more sensitivity to diagnose PEW.

Identification of an Emergent Pathogen, Bartonella vinsonii, Using Next-Generation Sequencing in a Patient With Culture-Negative Endocarditis.

Diagnosis and treatment of culture negative endocarditis remains a challenge. This report describes a rare cause of endocarditis in humans, Bartonella vinsonii, identified through next generation sequencing of plasma microbial cell-free DNA with confirmation of cardiac valve tissue infection through immunohistochemical staining and polymerase chain reaction.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis Among Hospitalized Children in Texas, 2016.

BACKGROUND: Acute flaccid myelitis is characterized by acute-onset flaccid limb weakness with predominantly gray matter lesions in the spinal cord spanning one or more segments. Rates of full recovery are poor, and there is no standard treatment or definitive cause. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of children diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis in Texas during 2016. Patients were identified through a Texas collaborative of six hospitals in four major metropolitan areas. Data abstraction included health history, illness presentation, medical treatments, laboratory studies, imaging data, recovery, and ability to perform activities of daily living up to approximately two years from illness onset. RESULTS: Among all sites, 21 patients met inclusion criteria. Treatments varied with the most common being intravenous immunoglobulin, high-dose methylprednisolone, and plasmapheresis. No differences were seen in response to medical treatments. A potential etiology was found in 12 (57%) cases, including four with enterovirus D68. Five cases recovered fully. Of the 16 patients without full recovery, abilities ranged from (1) able to perform all activities of daily living for age independently (n = 5), (2) mild deficits (n = 5), and (3) substantial reliance on caregivers for activities of daily living (n = 6). CONCLUSION: Many reports describe symptoms and outcomes of acute flaccid myelitis, but limited data are available on long-term functional outcomes. We were unable to make a strong case for any single cause or treatment modality. Fortunately, the majority of patients (15, 71%) were able to perform activities of daily living with complete independence or only mild deficits.

Oral Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection in Infants Younger Than 60 Days.

Data on the outcome of infants younger than 60 days treated with a combination of intravenous and oral antibiotics for urinary tract infection are limited. This study examined susceptibility and successful outcomes of treatment with narrow-spectrum oral antibiotics. In addition, we describe the effects of antimicrobial stewardship education intervention on prescribing practices.

Factores asociados a la polaridad predominante en el trastorno bipolar: una revisión sistemática / Epidemiological and clinical variables related with the predominant polarity on bipolar disorder: a systematic review

Introducción: Las actuales clasificaciones del trastorno bipolar (TB) en tipo I y tipo II, aunque han demostrado utilidad, aportan una información clínica insuficiente en algunos pacientes. Por ese motivo se han propuesto clasificaciones complementarias como la basada en la polaridad predominante (PP) que es definida como la tendencia clara a que el paciente presente recaídas de polaridad maniaca o depresiva. Métodos: Revisión en los buscadores PubMed y Web of Science según las recomendaciones de la Preferred Items for Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-PRISMA-de todos los artículos sobre el TB en los que se analizara la PP, actualizada a junio de 2016. Resultados: La búsqueda inicial mostró 907 artículos, de los cuales 16 cumplieron criterios de inclusión. La PP maníaca se asoció a las formas de inicio maníacas, al consumo de tóxicos anterior al TB y a una mejor respuesta a antipsicóticos atípicos y a eutimizantes. La PP depresiva se relacionó con comienzos depresivos, más recaídas, episodios agudos prolongados, mayor riesgo suicida y con un mayor retraso hasta el diagnóstico de TB. También con los trastornos de ansiedad, los síntomas mixtos y melancólicos y el uso de lamotrigina y quetiapina. Limitaciones: Variabilidad en los resultados. Pocos estudios prospectivos. Conclusión: La PP puede resultar de utilidad como complemento a las actuales clasificaciones del TB. Se dispone de datos consistentes en numerosos estudios, pero existen otros contradictorios. Se necesitan más estudios prospectivos y con una metodología unificada

Introduction: Current classification of bipolar disorder (BD) in type i or type ii, however useful, may be insufficient to provide relevant clinical information in some patients. As a result, complementary classifications are being proposed, like the predominant polarity (PP) based, which is defined as a clear tendency in the patient to present relapses in the manic or depressive poles. Methods: We carried out a search in PubMed and Web of Science databases, following the Preferred Items for Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses -PRISMA- guidelines, to identify studies about BD reporting PP. The search is updated to June 2016. Results: Initial search revealed 907 articles, of which 16 met inclusion criteria. Manic PP was found to be associated with manic onset, drug consumption prior to onset and a better response to atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilisers. Depressive PP showed an association with depressive onset, more relapses, prolonged acute episodes, a greater suicide risk and a later diagnosis of BD. Depressive PP was also associated with anxiety disorders, mixed symptoms, melancholic symptoms and a wider use of quetiapine and lamotrigine. Limitations: Few prospective studies. Variability in some results. Conclusion: PP may be useful as a supplement to current BD classifications. We have found consistent data on a great number of studies, but there is also contradictory information regarding PP. Further studies are needed, ideally of a prospective design and with a unified methodology

Epidemiological and clinical variables related with the predominant polarity on bipolar disorder: A systematic review. / Factores asociados a la polaridad predominante en el trastorno bipolar: una revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Current classification of bipolar disorder (BD) in type i or type ii, however useful, may be insufficient to provide relevant clinical information in some patients. As a result, complementary classifications are being proposed, like the predominant polarity (PP) based, which is defined as a clear tendency in the patient to present relapses in the manic or depressive poles. METHODS: We carried out a search in PubMed and Web of Science databases, following the Preferred Items for Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses -PRISMA- guidelines, to identify studies about BD reporting PP. The search is updated to June 2016. RESULTS: Initial search revealed 907 articles, of which 16 met inclusion criteria. Manic PP was found to be associated with manic onset, drug consumption prior to onset and a better response to atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilisers. Depressive PP showed an association with depressive onset, more relapses, prolonged acute episodes, a greater suicide risk and a later diagnosis of BD. Depressive PP was also associated with anxiety disorders, mixed symptoms, melancholic symptoms and a wider use of quetiapine and lamotrigine. LIMITATIONS: Few prospective studies. Variability in some results. CONCLUSION: PP may be useful as a supplement to current BD classifications. We have found consistent data on a great number of studies, but there is also contradictory information regarding PP. Further studies are needed, ideally of a prospective design and with a unified methodology.

Improved Diagnosis and Treatment of Bone and Joint Infections Using an Evidence-based Treatment Guideline.

BACKGROUND: Our institution created a multidisciplinary guideline for treatment of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) and septic arthritis (SA) in response to updates in evidence-based literature in the field and existing provider variability in treatment. This guideline aims to improve the care of these patients by standardizing diagnosis and treatment and incorporating up to date evidence-based research into practice. The primary objective of this study is to compare cases before versus after the implementation of the guideline to determine concrete effects the guideline has had in the care of patients with AHO and SA. METHODS: This is an Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective study of pediatric patients age 6 months to 18 years hospitalized between January 2009 and July 2016 with a diagnosis of AHO or SA qualifying for the guideline. Cohorts were categorized: preguideline and postguideline. Exclusion criteria consisted of: symptoms >14 days, multifocal involvement, hemodynamic instability, sepsis, or history of immune deficiency or chronic systemic disease. Cohorts were compared for outcomes that described clinical course. RESULTS: Data were included for 117 cases that qualified for the guideline: 54 preguideline and 63 postguideline. Following the successful implementation of the guideline, we found significant decrease in the length of intravenous antibiotic treatment (P<0.001), decrease in peripherally inserted central catheter use (P<0.001), and an increase in bacterial identification (P=0.040). Bacterial identification allowed for targeted antibiotic therapy. There was no change in length of hospital stay or readmission rate after the implementation of the guideline. CONCLUSION: Utilizing an evidence-based treatment guideline for pediatric acute hematogenous bone and joint infections can lead to improved bacterial diagnosis and decreased burden of treatment through early oral antibiotic use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III- retrospective comparative study.

Decreasing Exposure to Radiation, Surgical Risk, and Costs for Pediatric Complicated Pneumonia: A Guideline Evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: This report describes the creation and successful implementation of a complicated pneumonia care algorithm at our institution. Outcomes are measured for specific goals of the algorithm: to decrease radiation exposure, surgical risk, and patient charges without adversely affecting clinical outcomes. METHODS: We describe steps involved in algorithm creation and implementation at our institution. To depict outcomes of the algorithm, we completed a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized pediatric patients with a diagnosis of complicated pneumonia at a single institution between January 2010 and April 2016 who met criteria for the algorithm. Charts were manually reviewed and data were analyzed via Wilcoxon rank sum, χ2, and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Throughout the algorithm creation process, our institution began to see a change in practice. We saw a statistically significant decrease in the number of patients who underwent a chest computed tomography scan and an increase in patients who underwent a chest ultrasound (P < .001). We also saw an increase in the use of chest tube placement with fibrinolytics and a decrease in the use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery as the initial chest procedure (P ≤ .001) after algorithm implementation. These interventions reduced related charges without significantly affecting length of stay, readmission rate, or other variables studied. CONCLUSIONS: The collaborative creation and introduction of an algorithm for the management of complicated pneumonia at our institution, combined with an effort among physicians to incorporate evidence-based clinical care into practice, led to reduced radiation exposure, surgical risk, and cost to patient.

Impacto de la asesoría anticonceptiva en la elección del método anticonceptivo: Resultados del Proyecto PIENSA en Venezuela

Objetivo: Determinar la influencia de la asesoría anticonceptiva en la elección del método anticonceptivo que realiza la usuaria. Métodos: Se incluyeron 873 mujeres (18-40 años) en 7 estados de Venezuela. Se obtuvo información sociodemográfica, método anticonceptivo elegido antes y después de la asesoría anticonceptiva estructurada, percepciones sobre el método anticonceptivo y razones de elección o no del mismo. La diferencia entre proporciones del método anticonceptivo antes y después con sus IC: 97,5 % se compararon usando un nivel de significancia unilateral de 1,25 %. Resultados: Posterior a la asesoría anticonceptiva, hubo una disminución en la selección de la píldora como método anticonceptivo, en el grupo de pacientes que inicialmente la eligieron (61,4 % a 45,6 %; P<0,0001), 68,7 % de quienes la solicitaron inicialmente la eligieron. La elección del parche se incrementó (7,8 % a 12,4 %; P=0,0007), manteniendo la intención original de uso 73,5 % de ellas. La elección del anillo vaginal muestra un incremento (16,5 % a 35,5 %; P<0,0001), conservando su elección original el 95,8.%. Los otros métodos disminuyeron (14,3 % a 3,1 %; P<0,0001) y 16,8 % mantuvieron elección inicial. Conclusiones: La asesoría anticonceptiva estructurada influye significativamente en la elección final del método anticonceptivo hormonal combinado (píldora, parche o anillo) y está asociado con el método solicitado previamente, número de hijos y percepciones de las usuarias sobre los anticonceptivos.

Objective: To determine the influence of contraceptive counselling in the choice of contraceptive method made by users. Methods: 873 women (18-40 years) in 7 states of Venezuela were included. Information about sociodemographic characteristics; contraceptive method chosen before and after a structured contraceptive counseling; perceptions about contraceptive method, and reasons for choosing or not the contraceptive method were obtained. The difference between the ratios of contraceptive method before and after counseling with CI 97.5 % was compared using a one-sided significance level of 1.25 %. Results: There was a decrease in the choice of the pill after counseling (61.4 % to 45.6 %; P<0.0001), 68.7% of those who initially requested pill then chose them. The patch choice was increased (7.8 % to 12.4 %; P=0.0007), they maintained their original intended use in 73.5 % of them. The choice of ring was increased (16.5 % to 35.5 %; P<0.0001), 95.8 % was retained their original request. The other methods decreased (14.3 % to 3.1 %; P<0.0001), and 16.8 % maintained initial choice. Women who requested a particular method were more likely to choose the same after counseling, except the ring which was very likely to choose regardless of whichever method originally was requested. Conclusions: Structured contraceptive counseling significantly influence the final choice of combined hormonal contraceptive method (pill, patch or ring) and is associated with the contraceptive method previously requested, number of children, and user perceptions on contraceptives.

Niveles de hormona antimülleriana en pacientes con síndrome de ovario poliquístico / AMH hormone levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

OBJETIVO: Determinar los valores de hormona antimülleriana en pacientes con síndrome de ovario poliquístico de la consulta de Endocrinología Ginecológica del Hospital Universitario de Caracas en el lapso de marzo-septiembre de 2013. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio de tipo prospectivo, descriptivo y longitudinal, con muestreo secuencial simple de 30 pacientes entre los 18-39 años que cumplían con los criterios de Rotterdam. Se realizaron determinaciones de hormona antimülleriana tomando como valor control 3,5 para síndrome de ovario poliquístico. Se determinaron los niveles de hormona antimülleriana en los diferentes grupos etarios y se correlacionaron los valores de la hormona según la presencia de ciclos ovulatorios o anovulatorios y su relación con el índice de masa corporal y con niveles de andrógenos. RESULTADOS: El total de la muestra fue de 30 pacientes: 20 % (6/30) entre los 18 y 24 años, 56,5 7 % (17/30) 25-30 años, 16, 7 % (5/30) 31-36 años y 6, 7 %(2/30) 37-40 años. El índice de masa corporal osciló entre 19 y 48 kg/m² con mediana en 26,10 kg/m². Los valores de hormona antimülleriana oscilaron entre 1,90 y 22,20, x=10,22. El 3,33 %(1/30) presentó valores inferiores a 3 y el 96,6 7 % (29/30) superaron este valor. Se establecieron los valores de hormona antimülleriana para los distintos grupos etarios que componen la muestra. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson entre índice de masa corporal y hormona antimülleriana reporta un valor r=0,03 lo que sugiere una relación directa muy baja entre ambas variables. Al considerar la condición de ciclos anovulatorios dependiente de hormona antimülleriana, el coeficiente alcanza el valor 0,95, con una relación muy alta, donde 24 pacientes anovulatorias tienen valores de hormona antimülleriana que oscilan entre 4,80 y 22,20, x=10,86. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson r=-0,03 indica una relación inversa muy baja entre hormona antimülleriana y 17OHPG y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson r=0,04 indica una relación directa muy baja entre hormona antimülleriana y testosterona. CONCLUSIONES: La hormona antimülleriana se encuentra elevada en pacientes con síndrome de ovario poliquístico (valores superiores a 3). No se encontró relación significativa entre niveles de hormona antimülleriana e índice de masa corporal y una relación directa muy baja con la presencia de hiperandrogenismo bioquímico. Sin embargo, si se encontró correlación entre los ciclos anovulatorios y más elevados de hormona antimülleriana.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the values of antimülleriana hormone in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome who were treated at the Gynecology office of the University Hospital of Caracas between March to September 2013. METHODS: A prospective, descriptive and longitudinal study with simple sequential sampling of 30 patients between the ages of 18-39 who met the Rotterdam criteria was performed. Antimülleriana hormone determinations were performed using a 3.5 value as a control for polycystic ovary syndrome. Antimülleriana hormone levels were determined in the different age groups and hormone values were then correlated according to the presence of ovulatory or anovulatory cycles and its relationship with BMI and androgen levels. RESULTS: 30 patients were recruited for the study: 20 % (6/30) between 18 and 24 years old, 56.5 7 % (17/30) between 25-30 years old, 16. 7 % (5/30) between 31-36 years old and 6. 7 % (2/30) between 37-40 years old. The BMI ranged between 19 and 48 kg/m² with a median of 26.10 kg/m². The antimülleriana hormone values ranged between 1.90 and 22.20, x = 10.22. 3.33 % (1/30) had values less than 3 and 96.6 7 % (29/30) exceeded this value. Antimülleriana hormone values were established for the different age groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient between BMI and antimülleriana hormone yielded a value of r = 0.03 suggesting a very low direct relationship between the two variables. When considering the anovulatory cycles condition dependent of antimülleriana hormone, the eta coefficient value reached 0.95 with a very high relationship, where 24 anovulatory patients with antimülleriana hormone values ranging between 4.80 and 22.20, x = 10, 86. The Pearson correlation coefficient r = -0.03 indicates a very low inverse relationship between the antimülleriana hormone and the 17OHPG. Also the Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.04 indicates a very low direct relationship between antimülleriana hormone and testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: The antimülleriana hormone is elevated in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (values greater than 3). No significant relationship was found between antimülleriana hormone and BMI levels and a very low direct relationship with the presence of biochemical hyperandrogenism. However, a dependency among the anovulatory cycles dependent of the higher values of antimülleriana hormone was found.

Tiempo de crecimiento bacteriano en hemocultivos en neonatos / Time bacterial growth in blood cultures in neonates Abstract

Introducción: La sepsis es causa importante de morbimortalidad neonatal. Objetivos: Detectar el tiempo en que la curva de crecimiento bacteriano es evidenciada en la muestra de sangre inoculada en los hemocultivos y comparar estos tiempos de crecimiento bacteriano entre bacterias gramnegativas y grampositivas, entre los tipos de sepsis neonatal y determinar las bacterias más frecuentemente aisladas entre neonatos prematuros y de término. Pacientes y método: Estudio descriptivo de recién nacidos en riesgo de sepsis o con sospecha de sepsis por manifestaciones clínicas o de laboratorio, en que se evaluaron 114 hemocultivos positivos entre 1.932 hemocultivos tomados entre mayo de 2010 y mayo de 2014. Los datos se analizaron con Stata® 11.0. Resultados: El 5,9% de los hemocultivos tuvieron crecimiento bacteriano. La mediana y rango intercuartílico de tiempos de crecimiento bacteriano para gramnegativos fue 11 h (10-13 h), para grampositivos diferentes a Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo (SCoN) 12 h (12-18 h) y para SCoN 42h (36-44h). El 95,8% de las bacterias grampositivas y el 96% de las gramnegativas tuvieron tiempos de crecimiento bacteriano ≤ 24 h de incubación, mientras que en los SCoN el 100% de los hemocultivos fue positivo en ≤ 62 h de incubación. Conclusión: El 100% de sepsis por bacterias gramnegativas, grampositivas no SCoN y 90% de las ocasionadas por SCoN, son identificadas en los hemocultivos en las primeras 48 h, por lo cual podemos concluir que para descartar una sepsis, un período de incubación en hemocultivos de 48 h es suficiente.

Introduction: Sepsis is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objectives: To detect the time when the bacterial growth curve is evidenced in the blood sample inoculated blood cultures and comparing the times of bacterial growth between Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, among the types of neonatal sepsis and identifying microorganisms more often isolated from preterm and term. Patients and method: A descriptive study. 114 positive blood cultures from 1,932 blood cultures taken from 01-May-2010 and 31-May-2014 were evaluated. Data were analyzed with Stata® 11.0. Results: 5.9% of blood cultures had bacterial growth. The median and interquartile range of Gram negative times of bacterial growth was 11 h (10-13 h), for Gram positive coagulase-negative Staphylococcus different (CoNS) 12h (12-18h) and CoNS 42h (36-44h). 95.8% of Gram positive and 96% of Gram negative, were the times of bacterial growth ≤ 24 h incubation, whereas the 100% CoNS was positive ≤ 62 h of incubation. Conclusion: 100% of sepsis by Gram negative and Gram positive no CoNS and 90% of those caused by CoNS are identified in blood cultures in 48 h, so we can conclude that to rule out sepsis, an incubation period of 48 h in blood cultures is sufficient.

[Time bacterial growth in blood cultures in neonates]. / Tiempo de crecimiento bacteriano en hemocultivos en neonatos.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: To detect the time when the bacterial growth curve is evidenced in the blood sample inoculated blood cultures and comparing the times of bacterial growth between Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, among the types of neonatal sepsis and identifying microorganisms more often isolated from preterm and term. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A descriptive study. 114 positive blood cultures from 1,932 blood cultures taken from 01-May-2010 and 31-May-2014 were evaluated. Data were analyzed with Stata(®) 11.0. RESULTS: 5.9% of blood cultures had bacterial growth. The median and interquartile range of Gram negative times of bacterial growth was 11h (10-13h), for Gram positive coagulase-negative Staphylococcus different (CoNS) 12h (12-18h) and CoNS 42h (36-44h). 95.8% of Gram positive and 96% of Gram negative, were the times of bacterial growth≤24h incubation, whereas the 100% CoNS was positive≤62h of incubation. CONCLUSION: 100% of sepsis by Gram negative and Gram positive no CoNS and 90% of those caused by CoNS are identified in blood cultures in 48h, so we can conclude that to rule out sepsis, an incubation period of 48h in blood cultures is sufficient.

[Seroconversion in response to a reinforced primary hepatitis B vaccination in children with cancer]. / Seroconversión frente a primovacunación reforzada contra hepatitis B en niños con cáncer.

INTRODUCTION: Immune response against vaccine antigens may be impaired in children with cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroconversion response against hepatitis B vaccination (HBV) at the time of chemotherapy onset and/or remission in children with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective, two-centre, controlled, non-randomised study conducted on children recently diagnosed with cancer, paired with healthy subjects. Cases received HBV at time 0, 1 and 6 months with DNA recombinant HBV at a dose of 20 and 40 µg if < or > than 10 years of age, respectively, at the time of diagnosis for solids tumours and after the remission in case of haematological tumours. Controls received the same schedule, but at of 10 and 20 µg doses, respectively. HBs antibodies were measured in serum samples obtained at 2, 8 and 12 months post-vaccination. Protective titres were defined as > 10 mIU/ml at 8th month of follow up. RESULTS: A total of 78 children with cancer and 25 healthy controls were analysed at month 8th of follow up. Seroconversion rates in the cancer group reached 26.9%, with no differences by age, gender or type of tumour (P = .13, .29, and .44, respectively). Control group seroconversion was 100% at the 8th month, with P < .0001 compared with the cancer group. At month 12 of follow up, just 31.9% of children with cancer achieved anti-HBs antibodies > 10 mIU/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination against hepatitis B with three doses of DNA recombinant vaccine at an increased concentration, administrated at the time of onset of chemotherapy and/or remission provided an insufficient immune response in a majority of children with cancer. More immunogenic vaccines should be evaluated in this special population, such as a third generation, with more immunogenic adjuvants, enhanced schedules at 0, 1, 2, 6 month, evaluation of antibody titres at month 8 and 12h to evaluate the need for further booster doses.

Seroconversión frente a primovacunación reforzada contra hepatitis B en niños con cáncer / Seroconversion in response to a reinforced primary hepatitis B vaccination in children with cancer

Introducción: La respuesta inmune a los antígenos de las vacunas está disminuida en los niños con cáncer. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la seroconversión frente a vacuna ADN recombinante contra hepatitis B al momento del inicio de la quimioterapia y/o remisión en niños con cáncer. Pacientes y método: Estudio prospectivo, bicéntrico, controlado, no aleatorizado de niños con diagnóstico reciente de cáncer pareados con niños sanos. Los casos fueron vacunados a tiempo 0, 1 y 6 meses, a dosis de 20 y 40 μg si eran < ó > 10 años, respectivamente, con vacuna ADN recombinante contra hepatitis B, en el momento del diagnóstico en el caso de los tumores sólidos y luego de la remisión en el caso de los tumores hematológicos. El grupo control recibió el mismo esquema, con dosis de 10 o 20 μg respectivamente. Se midieron anticuerpos séricos anti-HBs a los 2, 8 y 12 meses posvacunación. Seroconversión se definió como títulos anti-HBs > 10 mUI/ml al octavo mes. Resultados: Un total de 78 niños con cáncer y 25 controles fueron evaluados con títulos anti-HBs al octavo mes. La tasa de seroconversión fue de 26,9%, en niños con cáncer, sin diferencia por edad, género ni tipo de tumor (p = 0,13; 0,29; y 0,44, respectivamente), y de 100% en el grupo control (p < 0,0001, comparado con los niños con cáncer). En el seguimiento a los 12 meses solo el 31,9% de los niños con cáncer presentaba títulos anti-HBs > 10 mUI/ml. Conclusiones: La vacunación contra hepatitis B con vacuna ADN recombinante, con esquema reforzado de 3 dosis, en el momento del inicio de la quimioterapia y/o remisión provee una respuesta inmune insuficiente en la mayoría de los niños con cáncer. En esta población debieran evaluarse vacunas de tercera generación, con adyuvantes más inmunogénicos, esquemas reforzados a los 0, 1, 2 y 6 meses, medición de títulos de anticuerpos al octavo y duodécimo mes, eventual uso de refuerzos y reevaluación de inmunogenicidad si correspondiese.

Introduction: Immune response against vaccine antigens may be impaired in children with cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroconversion response against hepatitis B vaccination (HBV) at the time of chemotherapy onset and/or remission in children with cancer. Patients and method: Prospective, two-centre, controlled, non-randomised study conducted on children recently diagnosed with cancer, paired with healthy subjects. Cases received HBV at time 0, 1 and 6 months with DNA recombinant HBV at a dose of 20 and 40 μg if < or > than 10 years of age, respectively, at the time of diagnosis for solids tumours and after the remission in case of haematological tumours. Controls received the same schedule, but at of 10 and 20 μg doses, respectively. HBs antibodies were measured in serum samples obtained at 2, 8 and 12 months post-vaccination. Protective titres were defined as > 10 mIU/ml at 8th month of follow up. Results: A total of 78 children with cancer and 25 healthy controls were analysed at month 8th of follow up. Seroconversion rates in the cancer group reached 26.9%, with no differences by age, gender or type of tumour (P = .13, .29, and .44, respectively). Control group seroconversion was 100% at the 8th month, with P < .0001 compared with the cancer group. At month 12 of follow up, just 31.9% of children with cancer achieved anti-HBs antibodies > 10 mIU/ml. Conclusions: Vaccination against hepatitis B with three doses of DNA recombinant vaccine at an increased concentration, administrated at the time of onset of chemotherapy and/or remission provided an insufficient immune response in a majority of children with cancer. More immunogenic vaccines should be evaluated in this special population, such as a third generation, with more immunogenic adjuvants, enhanced schedules at 0, 1, 2, 6 month, evaluation of antibody titres at month 8 and 12 h to evaluate the need for further booster doses.

Útero unicorne

Objetivos: Reportar 7 pacientes entre 20-31 años que acudieron a las consultas de ginecología del Hospital Chiquinquirá de Maracaibo y Policlínca Maracaibo en un período de 21 años a quienes se les diagnosticó útero unicorne en una época donde los métodos diagnósticos morfológicos adecuados apenas se iniciaban. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de historias clínicas, métodos diagnósticos: ecografía, histerosalpingografía, urografía por eliminación y laparoscopia. Resultados: La mayoría consultó por deseos de embarazo, pérdida recurrente de la gestación, dolor pélvico y trastornos menstruales. Sospecha diagnóstica con ecografía se logró en 2 casos y la histerosalpingografía fue básica para el diagnóstico; pero la laparoscopia hizo el diagnóstico definitivo de la presencia de cuernos rudimentarios en 2 de las 7 pacientes en las que se realizó. Dos de 4 mujeres que deseaban embarazo lo lograron al corregir la anovulación o los defectos luteales, con partos a término normales. Conclusión: Para obtener el diagnóstico exacto y clasificar el tipo de malformación en casos de útero unicorne, es necesario la utilización de todos los métodos para diagnósticos morfológicos incluyendo la laparoscopia, para observar la presencia de un útero rudimentario funcionante comunicante o no, porque dan sintomatología dolorosa y ser asiento de embarazos ectópicos. La ecografía y urografía por eliminación son métodos eficaces para diagnosticar malformaciones o agenesia renal. Recomendamos ampliar la clasificación FIGO 1988 del útero unicorne por la aparición de variedades anatómicas no incluidas en ella.

Objectives: To report 7 patients attending gynecology consultations at the Hospital Chiquinquira in Maracaibo and Policlínca Maracaibo over a period of 21 years who were diagnosed unicorn uterus at a time when adequate diagnostic morphological methods just began. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records, diagnostic tests: Ultrasound, hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy and urography. Results: Most consulted for desires pregnancy, recurrent pregnancy loss, pelvic pain and menstrual disorders. Ultrasound diagnostic suspicion was achieved in 2 cases and hysterosalpingography was central to the diagnosis; but laparoscopy made the definitive diagnosis of the presence of rudimentary horns in 2 of the 7 patients in which it was performed. Two of 4 women wishing pregnancies they succeeded after correcting anovulation or luteal defects, with normal term deliveries. Conclusions: For accurate diagnosis and classify the type of malformation cases of unicorn uterus, there are use all methods including morphological diagnostic. Laparoscopy is necessary to observe the presence of communicating functioning rudimentary uterus or not communicating, because they give painfully symptoms and ectopic pregnancies. Ultrasonography and urography are effective to diagnostic methofs for renal malformations of agenesis. We recommend expanding the FIGO classification (1988) of the unicorn uterus by the appearance of anatomical varieties not included in it.

Diverticulitis perforada en seis mujeres posmenopáusicas / Perforated diverticulitis six postmenopausal women

Objetivo: Comunicar la perforación diverticular del colon ocurrida en 6 mujeres menopáusicas en una consulta privada de ginecología durante el período de 1980 a 2005 en la Policlínica Maracaibo, Maracaibo. Venezuela. Casos clínicos. Seis mujeres posmenopáusicas con antecedentes de cirugía previa abdominal que acudieron por dolor pélvico, secreción vaginal y signos inflamatorios a quienes se les realizó el diagnóstico de enfermedad diverticular del colon perforada. No hubo obstrucción o hemorragias, pero sí la formación de abscesos y fistulas. Resultados: De las 6 pacientes, 5 que recibieron tratamiento médico, quirúrgico o combinados, evolucionaron satisfactoriamente. En una se desconoce el curso de la enfermedad. Conclusión: La enfermedad diverticular del colon, sintomática o asintomática (diverticulosis) y sus formas de complicaciones (diverticulitis, hemorragia, absceso, perforación, plastrón) son frecuentes en la mujer que envejece y no parece existir relación con el déficit estrogénico que acompaña a la menopáusica, del momento de su aparición o del uso de terapia de reemplazo hormonal; sin embargo, en esta serie todas tenían antecedentes de cirugía previa y adherencias que pudieran haber facilitado la perforación intestinal. El diagnóstico a menudo es clínico, radiológico o endoscópico. El tratamiento inicial es medicamentoso pero a menudo puede llegar a ser quirúrgico, realizándose colectomía parcial en su mayoría.

Objective: To report the diverticular perforation of the colon in 6 menopausal women in a private gynecology clinic for a period of 1980 to 2005 in the Policlinica Maracaibo, Maracaibo. Venezuela. Clinical cases. Six postmenopausal women with a history of prior abdominal surgery who have had pelvic pain, vaginal discharge and signs of abdomino-pelvic inflammation who underwent diagnosis of perforated diverticular disease of the colon. There was no obstruction or bleeding, but the formation of abscesses and fistulas . Results: Of the 6 patients, 5 were receiving medical, surgical or combined treatment evolved satisfactorily. In a patient the course of the disease is unknown. Conclusion: Diverticular disease of the colon in asintomatic or sintomatic forms (diverticulosis) and it´s complications (diverticulitis, bleeding, abscess, perforation and plastron) are common in aging women and no relationships with estrogen deficiency accompanying menopause, the time of onset or the use of hormone replacement therapy, but in this series all had previous surgery and adhesions that may have facilitated the intestinal perforation. The diagnosis is often clinical, radiological and endoscopic. The initial treatment is medical, but often should be surgical: partial colectomy performed mostly.