Uso de vasopresina en el postoperatorio de cirugía de Fontan: inferencias sobre morbimortalidad / Vasopressin use in postoperative Fontan surgery: implications for morbidity and mortality

Introducción: Se ha postulado que el uso de vasopresina tendría efectos beneficiosos en el postoperatorio de cirugía cardiovascular. Objetivo: Evaluar la respuesta a la vasopresina en el postoperatorio (POP) de cirugía de Fontan de nuestra población. Métodos: Estudio de casos y controles anidados en una cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes con cirugía de Fontan entre 2014 y 2019. Se registraron variables demográficas, datos del cateterismo pre-Fontan, días de asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM), necesidad de inotrópicos, diuréticos, diálisis, dieta hipograsa, octreotide, sildenafil y nutrición parenteral total (NPT); balance de fluidos al primer y segundo día POP, necesidad de cateterismo en el POP, días de permanencia de tubo pleural, días de internación, necesidad de reinternación y mortalidad. Se compararon los grupos con y sin vasopresina utilizando la prueba de Mann- Whitney-Wilcoxon test. Se consideró significativa una p < 0.05. Resultados: Del total analizado, 35 pacientes recibieron vasopresina. En el grupo control fueron 58 pacientes con características similares de gravedad sin vasopresina. No se encontraron diferencias en la evolución postoperatoria entre ambos grupos. El grupo con vasopresina recibió en mayor proporción dieta hipograsa. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie el uso de vasopresina no marcó diferencias significativas en términos de morbimortalidad con relación al grupo control (AU)

Introduction: The use of vasopressin has been suggested to have beneficial effects in the postoperative period after cardiovascular surgery. Objective: To evaluate the response to vasopressin in the postoperative period (POP) of Fontan surgery in our population. Methods: Nested case-control study in a retrospective cohort. Patients who underwent Fontan surgery between 2014 and 2019 were included. Demographic variables, pre-Fontan catheterization data, days of mechanical ventilation (MRA), need for inotropics, diuretics, dialysis, low-fat diet, octreotide, sildenafil and total parenteral nutrition (TPN); fluid balance at first and second day POP, need for catheterization at POP, duration of chest tube drainage, days of hospitalization, need for readmission, and mortality were recorded. Groups with and without vasopressin were compared using the Mann-Whitney- Wilcoxon test. A p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Of all patients analyzed, 35 received vasopressin. The control group consisted of 58 patients with similar severity characteristics who did not receive vasopressin. No differences were found in the postoperative outcome between the two groups. The vasopressin group received a higher proportion of low-fat diet. Conclusions: In our series the use of vasopressin did not show significant differences in terms of morbidity and mortality compared to the control group (AU)

Spatial predictions of tree density and tree height across Mexico forests using ensemble learning and forest inventory data.

The National Forestry Commission of Mexico continuously monitors forest structure within the country's continental territory by the implementation of the National Forest and Soils Inventory (INFyS). Due to the challenges involved in collecting data exclusively from field surveys, there are spatial information gaps for important forest attributes. This can produce bias or increase uncertainty when generating estimates required to support forest management decisions. Our objective is to predict the spatial distribution of tree height and tree density in all Mexican forests. We performed wall-to-wall spatial predictions of both attributes in 1-km grids, using ensemble machine learning across each forest type in Mexico. Predictor variables include remote sensing imagery and other geospatial data (e.g., mean precipitation, surface temperature, canopy cover). Training data is from the 2009 to 2014 cycle (n > 26,000 sampling plots). Spatial cross validation suggested that the model had a better performance when predicting tree height r 2 = .35 [.12, .51] (mean [min, max]) than for tree density r 2 = .23 [.05, .42]. The best predictive performance when mapping tree height was for broadleaf and coniferous-broadleaf forests (model explained ~50% of variance). The best predictive performance when mapping tree density was for tropical forest (model explained ~40% of variance). Although most forests had relatively low uncertainty for tree height predictions, e.g., values <60%, arid and semiarid ecosystems had high uncertainty, e.g., values >80%. Uncertainty values for tree density predictions were >80% in most forests. The applied open science approach we present is easily replicable and scalable, thus it is helpful to assist in the decision-making and future of the National Forest and Soils Inventory. This work highlights the need for analytical tools that help us exploit the full potential of the Mexican forest inventory datasets.

Prior influenza vaccine is not a risk factor for bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the prior usage of the flu vaccine is a risk factor for bacterial co-infection in patients with severe influenza. DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of subjects admitted to the ICU. A propensity score matching, and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders were carried out to evaluate the association between prior influenza vaccination and bacterial co-infection. SETTINGS: 184 ICUs in Spain due to severe influenza. PATIENTS: Patients included in the Spanish prospective flu registry. INTERVENTIONS: Flu vaccine prior to the hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 4175 subjects were included in the study. 489 (11.7%) received the flu vaccine prior to develop influenza infection. Prior vaccinated patients were older 71 [61-78], and predominantly male 65.4%, with at least one comorbid condition 88.5%. Prior vaccination was not associated with bacterial co-infection in the logistic regression model (OR: 1.017; 95%CI 0.803-1.288; p=0.885). After matching, the average treatment effect of prior influenza vaccine on bacterial co-infection was not statistically significant when assessed by propensity score matching (p=0.87), nearest neighbor matching (p=0.59) and inverse probability weighting (p=0.99). CONCLUSIONS: No association was identified between prior influenza vaccine and bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza. Post influenza vaccination studies are necessary to continue evaluating the possible benefits.

Update of the PANCCO clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of ulcerative colitis in the adult population.

Ulcerative colitis (US) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology. It is incurable and its clinical course is intermittent, characterized by periods of remission and relapse. The prevalence and incidence of the disease has been increasing worldwide. The update presented herein includes the participation of healthcare professionals, decision-makers, and a representative of the patients, all of whom declared their conflicts of interest. Answerable clinical questions were formulated, and the outcomes were graded. The information search was conducted on the Medline/PubMed, Embase, Epistemonikos, and LILACS databases, and covered grey literature sources, as well. The search was updated on November 30, 2020, with no restrictions regarding date or language. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) classification system was implemented to establish the strength of the recommendation and quality of evidence. A formal consensus was developed, based on the RAND/UCLA methodology and the document was peer reviewed. The short version of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in the Adult Population is presented herein, together with the supporting evidence and respective recommendations. In mild-to-moderate UC, budesonide MMX is an option when treatment with 5-ASA fails, and before using systemic steroids. In moderate-to-severe UC, infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, ustekinumab, and tofacitinib can be used as first-line therapy. If there is anti-TNF therapy failure, ustekinumab and tofacitinib provide the best results. In patients with antibiotic-refractory pouchitis, anti-TNFs are the treatment of choice.

Prior influenza vaccine is not a risk factor for bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the prior usage of the flu vaccine is a risk factor for bacterial co-infection in patients with severe influenza. DESIGN: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of subjects admitted to the ICU. A propensity score matching, and logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders were carried out to evaluate the association between prior influenza vaccination and bacterial co-infection. SETTINGS: 184 ICUs in Spain due to severe influenza. PATIENTS: Patients included in the Spanish prospective flu registry. INTERVENTIONS: Flu vaccine prior to the hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 4175 subjects were included in the study. 489 (11.7%) received the flu vaccine prior to develop influenza infection. Prior vaccinated patients were older 71 [61-78], and predominantly male 65.4%, with at least one comorbid condition 88.5%. Prior vaccination was not associated with bacterial co-infection in the logistic regression model (OR: 1.017; 95%CI 0.803-1.288; p=0.885). After matching, the average treatment effect of prior influenza vaccine on bacterial co-infection was not statistically significant when assessed by propensity score matching (p=0.87), nearest neighbor matching (p=0.59) and inverse probability weighting (p=0.99). CONCLUSIONS: No association was identified between prior influenza vaccine and bacterial coinfection in patients admitted to the ICU due to severe influenza. Post influenza vaccination studies are necessary to continue evaluating the possible benefits.

El espacio muerto (VD/VT) como predictor de éxito en la extubación de pacientes postquirúrgicos de cirugía cardiovascular pediátrica / Dead space (VD/VT) as a predictor of successful extubation of patients after pediatric cardiovascular surgery

Introducción: La ventilación mecánica (VM) forma parte de la recuperación postoperatoria (PO) de niños con cirugía de cardiopatía congénita, pero su uso no está exento de riesgos. El fracaso de extubación (FE) se ha asociado con internaciones prolongadas, aumento de complicaciones y mortalidad. El objetivo es determinar un valor de Vd/Vt predictor de extubación exitosa (EE). Material y métodos: estudio de cohorte prospectivo y observacional realizado del 1 de Enero al 31 de Diciembre de 2016 en niños menores de 6 meses cursando PO de cirugía cardiovascular con circulación extracorpórea (CEC) con requerimientos de VM por más de 48 horas. En los mismo se analizó el éxito o fracaso de extubación. Previo a la extubación se registraron valores de mecánica respiratoria; Vd/Vt, CO2 espiratoria final, Vt/kg, etc. Otras variables registradas: edad, sexo, peso, requerimiento de VM antes de la cirugía, fisiología de ventrículo único, duración de VM, complicaciones, duración de la internación y mortalidad. Las variables continuas se describieron como mediana y rango intercuartilo (25-75) y se compararon con prueba de Wilcoxon, las categóricas como proporciones o porcentajes y se analizaron con chi2 . Se efectuó un análisis bivariado con diferentes puntos de corte de Vd/Vt pre extubación para realizar un análisis de sensibilidad del valor predictivo de EE. Resultados: Se evaluó Vd/Vt en 67 pacientes, tres se eliminaron por parálisis cordal (1) y parálisis del diafragma (2). Mediana de edad 23 días (10-55), peso 3.2 Kg (2.89- 3.88), días de VM 5 (3-7), días de internación 15 (2- 128), mortalidad 7,8%. Se extubaron con éxito 76% de los pacientes (50/64). Las características demográficas de los pacientes, la mecánica respiratoria, gases de sangre arterial y EtCO2 no tuvieron asociación significativa con EE. Un Vd/Vt pre extubación < 0,53 se asoció con EE. Conclusión: En la población estudiada un valor de Vd/Vt <0,53 se asoció con EE. Los pacientes con ventrículo único presentaron mayor FE.(AU)

Introduction: Mechanical ventilation (MV) is part of postoperative (PO) recovery of children with congenital heart disease surgery, but is not without risks. Extubation failure (EF) has been associated with prolonged hospital stays and increased complication and mortality rates. The goal is to determine the value of Vd/Vt as a predictor of successful extubation (SE). Material and methods: A prospective and observational cohort study was conducted from January 1 to December 31, 2016, in children under 6 months of age undergoing cardiovascular surgery with extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and requiring MV for more than 48 hours. Intubation success or failure was evaluated. Prior to extubation, respiratory mechanics values, such as Vd/Vt, final expiratory CO2, and Vt/kg, were recorded. Other variables, including age, sex, weight, VM requirement before surgery, single ventricle physiology, VM duration, complications, length of hospital stay, and mortality were also recorded. Continuous variables were described as median and interquartile range (25-75) and compared with the Wilcoxon test. Categorical variables were described as proportions or percentages and analyzed with chi2. Bivariate analysis was performed with different pre-extubation Vd/Vt cut-off points to analyze the sensitivity of the predictive value for SE. Results: Vd/Vt was evaluated in 67 patients; three were excluded because of vocal fold (1) and diaphragm paralysis (2). Median age was 23 days (10-55), weight 3.2 Kg (2.89- 3.88), days on MV 5 (3-7), length of hospital stay 15 (2- 128), and mortality rate 7.8%. Overall, 76% of patients (50/64) were successfully extubated. Patient demographics, respiratory mechanics, arterial blood gases, and EtCO2 were not significantly associated with SE. A pre-extubation Vd/ Vt < 0.53 was associated with SE. Conclusion: In this series of patients, a Vd/Vt value of <0.53 was associated with SE. EF was increased in patients with a single ventricle (AU)

Atresia congénita bilateral de coanas en una adolescente: reporte de un caso / Congenital bilateral choanal atresia in an adolescelent: a case report

La atresia congénita de coanas se caracteriza por la presencia de placas que obliteran la comunicación entre la cavidad nasal y la nasofaringe desde el nacimiento. Se considera como incompatible con la vida cuando la condición es bilateral. El siguiente es el caso de una paciente femenina, de 17 años, sin síndromes asociados, con obstrucción y descarga nasal anterior bilateral, asociado a respiración oral desde el periodo neonatal. El diagnóstico de atresia bilateral de coanas fue confirmado por medio de endoscopía nasal y tomografía computarizada (TC). La imagen confirmó la presencia de placas atrésicas de composición mixta. La paciente recibió tratamiento quirúrgicamente por vía transnasal con resección de las placas y modelado de neocoana.

Congenital choanal atresia is characterized by the presence of plates obliterating the communication between the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx from birth. If bilateral, this condition is incompatible with life. This following is the case of a 17-year-old female patient, without associated syndromes, with bilateral nasal obstruction and anterior discharge, associated to oral breathing, starting in her neonatal period. The diagnosis of bilateral choanal atresia was confirmed by nasal endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan, due to the presence of atretic plates of mixed composition. The patient was surgically treated with plate resection and modeling of a neochoana by means of a transnasal surgical approach.

Coconut Cake in Diets for Quail in the Laying Phase

Currently, agro-industrial by-products have increasingly been used in animal feeding, as they constitute an alternative source of nutrients for the animal diet and a way to simultaneously reduce environmental pollution. The objective of this study was to examine increasing levels of inclusion of coconut cake in Japanese quail diets in the laying phase on their production performance and egg quality. A total of 360 Japanese quails were allotted to eight treatments with nine replicates and eight birds per experimental unit, in a randomized-block design. Five diets were formulated: a diet without inclusion of the by-product; and diets containing 3, 6, 9, and 12% coconut cake. The experiment lasted 63 days, with evaluations occurring at every 21 days. The following variables were analyzed: feed intake, laying rate, feed conversion, egg weight, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk, albumen and shell percentage, shell thickness, and shell weight. The treatments elicited a positive linear response from laying rate, whereas feed conversion per egg mass decreased linearly. In terms of egg-quality traits, shell percentage was influenced, increasing linearly. Coconut cake inclusion at 12% in the diet of Japanese quail in the laying improved feed conversion per egg mass and increased egg-laying rate and eggshell percentage.

Coconut Cake in Diets for Quail in the Laying Phase

Currently, agro-industrial by-products have increasingly been used in animal feeding, as they constitute an alternative source of nutrients for the animal diet and a way to simultaneously reduce environmental pollution. The objective of this study was to examine increasing levels of inclusion of coconut cake in Japanese quail diets in the laying phase on their production performance and egg quality. A total of 360 Japanese quails were allotted to eight treatments with nine replicates and eight birds per experimental unit, in a randomized-block design. Five diets were formulated: a diet without inclusion of the by-product; and diets containing 3, 6, 9, and 12% coconut cake. The experiment lasted 63 days, with evaluations occurring at every 21 days. The following variables were analyzed: feed intake, laying rate, feed conversion, egg weight, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk, albumen and shell percentage, shell thickness, and shell weight. The treatments elicited a positive linear response from laying rate, whereas feed conversion per egg mass decreased linearly. In terms of egg-quality traits, shell percentage was influenced, increasing linearly. Coconut cake inclusion at 12% in the diet of Japanese quail in the laying improved feed conversion per egg mass and increased egg-laying rate and eggshell percentage.(AU)

Impacto de la cirugía cardiovascular precoz. Resultados en el Hospital Juan P. Garrahan / Impact of early cardiovascular surgery. Results at Hospital Juan P. Garrahan

Objetivos: Describir los resultados actuales en cirugía cardiovascular de pacientes portadores de cardiopatía congénita (CC) intervenidos con circulación extracorpórea (CEC) en menores de un año de vida. Métodos: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes operados de cirugía cardiovascular (CCV) en el Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan en el periodo comprendido 2004-2017. Se analizaron los resultados actuales en términos de morbi-mortalidad de neonatos y lactantes menores de 1 año que requirieron cirugía precoz. Se excluyeron todos los pacientes operados que no requirieron cirugía con CEC y aquellos operados que ingresaron al Área de Neonatología. El análisis de mortalidad fue realizado por riesgo estratificado con la escala de RACHS-1. Los datos se obtuvieron de la base de datos de la Unidad de Recuperación Cardiovascular (UCI 35). Resultados: El número anual de pacientes intervenidos en cirugía cardiovascular ha presentado un incremento persistente desde sus comienzos. En el año 2004 se registraron 448 casos y a partir del año 2014, en forma persistente, los pacientes intervenidos superan las 500 cirugías anuales de cardiopatías. A inicios del 2004 el 75% de las cirugías totales eran con CEC, mostrando un ascenso significativo que alcanzo el 89% durante los últimos años. Los menores de 1 años representan más del 50% de las cirugías y en promedio un 15% son neonatos. También se evidenció un importante incremento de cirugías en cardiopatías más complejas, pero se mantuvo un número estable para aquellas cirugías de complejidad intermedia. En la escala RACHS-1, el 55% de las intervenciones correspondieron a un score >3 y más del 10% para categorías 5-6. La mortalidad global fue entre 5- 6% de las cirugías realizadas, y un 15% para la cirugía neonatal. El 10% de los fallecidos eran portadores de síndromes genéticos o presentaban asociación con otras malformaciones mayores. Conclusiones: Es notorio el incremento anual en frecuencia de patologías de mayor severidad que son enfrentadas en forma precoz logrando modificar la historia natural de las cardiopatías complejas. Aumenta el riesgo de morbimortalidad en CC asociadas a síndrome genético y condición clínica desfavorable pre quirúrgica. La intervención quirúrgica correctora precoz mejoraría los resultados en término de crecimiento y desarrollo del niño portador de CC (AU)

Objectives: To describe the current results in cardiovascular surgery of patients with congenital heart defects (CHD) who underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support at less than one year of life. Methods: All patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery (CVS) at the Juan P. Garrahan Pediatric Hospital between 2004 and 2017 were included. Current results regarding morbidity and mortality in neonates and infants under 1 year who required early surgery were analyzed. Patients who did not require ECMO postoperatively and those admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were excluded. Mortality analysis was performed stratified by risk using the RACHS-1 scale. Data were obtained from the Cardiovascular Recovery Unit (ICU 35) database. Results: The annual number of patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery has steadily increased since its beginning. In 2004, 448 cases were reported and as of 2014, yearly more than 500 patients undergo heart surgery. At the beginning of 2004, 75% of all surgeries were with ECMO, significantly increasing to 89% over the last few years. Children under 1 years of age account for more than 50% of surgeries and around 15% are neonates. A significant increase in surgeries in more complex heart disease was also evident, but a stable number was maintained for those surgeries of intermediate complexity. On the RACHS-1 scale, 55% of the interventions were score >3 and more than 10% were scores 5-6. Overall mortality was between 5-6% of all surgeries performed, and 15% for neonatal surgery. Of the children who died, 10% were carriers of genetic syndromes or had other major malformations. Conclusions: There was a remarkable yearly increase in frequency of more severe conditions that are managed early, modifying the natural history of complex heart disease. In CHD associated with a genetic syndrome and an unfavorable pre-surgical clinical condition the risk of morbidity and mortality is increased. Early surgical intervention may improve outcomes in terms of the growth and development of the child with CHD (AU)

Tuberculosis cutánea en pabellón auricular: reporte de un caso / Cutaneous tuberculosis in ear auricle: a case report

RESUMEN La tuberculosis cutánea representa menos del 2% de todos los casos de la infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Su baja prevalencia, asociada a la amplia variedad en la presentación clínica de las lesiones, dificulta y retrasa el diagnóstico y, por tanto, el inicio del tratamiento. El siguiente es el caso de una paciente de 80 años, con una lesión ulcerada, crónica, en pabellón auricular izquierdo, con evolución tórpida y pobre respuesta al manejo farmacológico instaurado; con biopsia de piel que mostró reacción inflamatoria crónica y presencia de bacilos ácido-alcohol resistentes.

ABSTRACT Cutaneous tuberculosis represents less than 2% of all cases of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its low prevalence, associated with a wide variety in clinical presentation of the lesions, hinders and delays the diagnosis and, thus, treatment initiation. The following is the case of an 80-years old, female patient with an ulcerated, chronic lesion in the left ear auricle, with a torpid evolution and poor response to established pharmacological management; with a skin biopsy that showed chronic inflammatory reaction and the presence of acid-fast bacilli.

NT- Péptido natriurético cerebral en la evaluación de respuesta al tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardíaca con levosimendan en pacientes pediátricos / NT-brain natriuretic peptide in the assessment of response to levosimendan treatment in pediatric patients with heart failure

Introducción: El tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca ha incorporado drogas inotrópicas de muy alto costo, como el levosimendan (LEVO). La evaluación de la respuesta a estas drogas en pediatría ofrece dificultades por lo que la medición de biomarcadores como la prohormona N-Terminal Péptido Natriurético Cerebral (NT-ProBNP) podrían ser de utilidad. Objetivo: describir la variación del NT-ProBNP y su correlación con parámetros ecocardiográficos en respuesta a la administración de levosimendan en pacientes pediátricos con insuficiencia cardiaca. Diseño: estudio descriptivo, observacional y prospectivo, sin intervención. Pacientes y métodos: se incluyeron pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca de 0 a 18 años internados en terapia intensiva a los cuales se les pudo realizar dosaje de NT ProBNP pre LEVO. Se midió dicho péptido al 1°, 3° y 5° día post LEVO. Con cada determinación se realizó ecocardiograma doppler. Resultados: Se enrolaron 15 pacientes, mediana de edad 188,5 días (IQR 25-75: 56-475); de peso 5,475 kg (IQR 25-75: 2.8-7.5). El 80% fueron pacientes con reparación quirúrgica de cardiopatías congénitas, 13.3% con ventrículo único. La mediana de valor de NT ProBNPantes de la administración de LEVO fue 8924.5 pg./ml (IQR 25-75: 4096-20419,75). El 80% de la población presentó descenso en el valor de pro BNP post LEVO y en 10 (66.6%) el descenso fue mayor o igual al 30%. La evaluación global de la función miocárdica no presentó diferencias antes y después del LEVO. Conclusiones: El 66% de los pacientes presentó una disminución de al menos un 30% en los valores de NT ProBNP luego de la administración de levosimendan

Introduction: Very high-cost inotropic drugs, such as levosimendan (LEVO), have been incorporated in the treatment of heart failure. Evaluation of the response to these drugs in children is difficult and measurement of biomarkers such as the prohormone N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may be of use. Objective: To describe variation of NT-ProBNP and its correlation with echocardiographic parameters in response to the administration of LEVO in pediatric patients with heart failure. Design: A prospective, descriptive, observational, non-interventional study. Patients and methods: Patients between 0 and 18 years of age with heart failure admitted to the intensive care unit in whom pre-LEVO NT-ProBNP levels could be measured were included. NT-ProBNP levels were measured at day 1, 3, and 5 post LEVO. At each measurement, a Doppler echocardiogram was performed. Results: 15 patients with a median age of 188.5 days (IQR 25-75: 56-475) and a weight of 5.475 kg (IQR 25-75: 2.8-7.5) were enrolled. Of the patients, 80% had undergone surgery for congenital heart defects, 13.3% with a single ventricle. Median NT-ProBNP levels before LEVO administration were 8924.5 pg./ml (IQR 25-75: 4096-20419.75). Overall, 80% of the patients had a decrease of post-LEVO NT-ProBNP levels and in 10 (66.6%) the decrease was greater than or equal to 30%. Overall evaluation of myocardial function did not show differences before and after LEVO administration. Conclusions: 66% of the patients presented with a decrease of at least 30% of NT-ProBNP levels after LEVO administration

[Subacromial sodium hyaluronate injection for the treatment of chronic shoulder pain: A prospective series of eighty patients]. / Infiltración subacromial de ácido hialurónico en el tratamiento del dolor crónico de hombro. Serie prospectiva de 80 pacientes seguidos durante un año.

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid infiltrations for chronic shoulder pain as an alternative to the non-surgical and surgical treatments that are currently available. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a prospective study of 80 consecutive patients suffering from chronic shoulder pain followed for twelve months. Five subacromial hyaluronic acid injections on five consecutive weeks were administrated to all patients. RESULTS: A significant improvement within the whole group after six months was observed. Constant score improved by 7.7 points, DASH questionnaire decreased by 5 points and Visual Analog Scale for pain decreased by 1.6 points. Patients with history of less than 24 months of pain responded better to treatment. Females responded better. Patients with decreased subacromial space or cuff tear in the MRI improved but patients diagnosed by the MRI of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis worsened in all scales assessed. DISCUSSION: Subacromial hyaluronic acid injections are specially effective in patients with history of less than 24 months of pain, a decreased subacromial space or partial or total cuff tear but, in our experience, its result is not good in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis.

OBJETIVO: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la efectividad de las infiltraciones subacromiales de ácido hialurónico en el tratamiento del dolor crónico de hombro como alternativa a los tratamientos quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos actualmente disponibles. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo de 80 pacientes consecutivos con dolor crónico de hombro seguidos durante 12 meses. Se realizaron cinco infiltraciones subacromiales con ácido hialurónico durante cinco semanas consecutivas y se analizaron los resultados clínicos obtenidos. RESULTADOS: La puntuación en la escala de Constant mejoró en 7.7 puntos, el cuestionario DASH disminuyó en cinco puntos y la puntuación en la escala visual analógica para el dolor disminuyó 1.6 puntos por término medio. Los pacientes que presentaban dolor de menos de 24 meses de evolución respondieron mejor al tratamiento. Las mujeres respondieron mejor. Los pacientes con disminución del espacio subacromial o lesión del manguito rotador según la resonancia magnética mejoraron, pero los pacientes que mostraron signos de artrosis acromioclavicular en la resonancia empeoraron en todas las escalas evaluadas. DISCUSIÓN: Las infiltraciones subacromiales de ácido hialurónico son especialmente efectivas en el tratamiento del dolor crónico de hombro de menos de 24 meses de evolución, con disminución del espacio subacromial o lesión parcial o total del manguito rotador, pero en nuestra experiencia, su resultado no es bueno en pacientes con artrosis acromioclavicular.

Infiltración subacromial de ácido hialurónico en el tratamiento del dolor crónico de hombro. Serie prospectiva de 80 pacientes seguidos durante un año / Subacromial sodium hyaluronate injection for the treatment of chronic shoulder pain: A prospective series of eighty patients

Resumen: Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la efectividad de las infiltraciones subacromiales de ácido hialurónico en el tratamiento del dolor crónico de hombro como alternativa a los tratamientos quirúrgicos y no quirúrgicos actualmente disponibles. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 80 pacientes consecutivos con dolor crónico de hombro seguidos durante 12 meses. Se realizaron cinco infiltraciones subacromiales con ácido hialurónico durante cinco semanas consecutivas y se analizaron los resultados clínicos obtenidos. Resultados: La puntuación en la escala de Constant mejoró en 7.7 puntos, el cuestionario DASH disminuyó en cinco puntos y la puntuación en la escala visual analógica para el dolor disminuyó 1.6 puntos por término medio. Los pacientes que presentaban dolor de menos de 24 meses de evolución respondieron mejor al tratamiento. Las mujeres respondieron mejor. Los pacientes con disminución del espacio subacromial o lesión del manguito rotador según la resonancia magnética mejoraron, pero los pacientes que mostraron signos de artrosis acromioclavicular en la resonancia empeoraron en todas las escalas evaluadas. Discusión: Las infiltraciones subacromiales de ácido hialurónico son especialmente efectivas en el tratamiento del dolor crónico de hombro de menos de 24 meses de evolución, con disminución del espacio subacromial o lesión parcial o total del manguito rotador, pero en nuestra experiencia, su resultado no es bueno en pacientes con artrosis acromioclavicular.

Abstract: Objective: Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid infiltrations for chronic shoulder pain as an alternative to the non-surgical and surgical treatments that are currently available. Material and methods: This is a prospective study of 80 consecutive patients suffering from chronic shoulder pain followed for twelve months. Five subacromial hyaluronic acid injections on five consecutive weeks were administrated to all patients. Results: A significant improvement within the whole group after six months was observed. Constant score improved by 7.7 points, DASH questionnaire decreased by 5 points and Visual Analog Scale for pain decreased by 1.6 points. Patients with history of less than 24 months of pain responded better to treatment. Females responded better. Patients with decreased subacromial space or cuff tear in the MRI improved but patients diagnosed by the MRI of acromioclavicular osteoarthritis worsened in all scales assessed. Discussion: Subacromial hyaluronic acid injections are specially effective in patients with history of less than 24 months of pain, a decreased subacromial space or partial or total cuff tear but, in our experience, its result is not good in patients with acromioclavicular osteoarthritis.

Blastoma pleuropulmonar: Presentación de un caso / Pleuropulmonary Blastoma: Case Report

El blastoma pleuropulmonar es una neoplasia mesenquimal rara que se debe considerar siempre en el escenario de una masa pulmonar sólida o quística en niños menores de 5 años. Se localiza usualmente en la periferia del pulmón; sin embargo, puede existir compromiso extrapulmonar de mediastino, diafragma y pleura. Se clasifica según su patrón histológico e imagenológico en tres tipos: quístico, mixto (sólido-quístico) y sólido. La cirugía radical es el tratamiento de elección y la única que ha demostrado disminución en la tasa de recurrencia. Se indica el uso de la quimioterapia neoadyuvante y la radioterapia según el tipo histológico y las márgenes libres de tumor. Se estudia el caso de una niña de 3 años con hallazgos, en radiografía convencional y tomografía de tórax, de masa sólida con diagnóstico histopatológico de blastoma pleuropulmonar.

Pleuropulmonary blastoma is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that should always be considered in the setting of a solid or cystic lung mass in children under 5 years old. It is usually located in the periphery of the lung. However extra pulmonary involvement of the mediastinum, diaphragm, and pleura can exist. It is classified according to its histological and imaging pattern in three types: cystic, mixed (solidcystic) and solid. Radical surgery is the treatment of choice and the only one that has demonstrated a decrease in the rate of recurrence. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are defined according to the histological type and presence of tumor-free margins. We present the case of a 3-year-old female patient with findings on conventional radiography and thoracic tomography of a solid mass with histopathological diagnosis of pleuropulmonary blastoma.

Rendimiento diagnóstico de la ultrasonografía, la enterografía por tomografía y la enterografía por resonancia magnética en el diagnóstico y control de la actividad de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en niños. Revisión sistemática de la literatura / Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasound, Computed Tomography Enterography and Magnetic Resonance Enterography in Diagnosis and Activity Control of Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Children: A Systematic Literature Review

Introducción: La enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) es un serio problema que está generando alta morbilidad en el paciente pediátrico. Existen múltiples métodos diagnósticos que permiten su evaluación, entre los cuales, los más utilizados son el ultrasonido intestinal (US), la enterografía por tomografía computarizada (ATC) y la enterografía por resonancia magnética (ERM). Objetivo: Identificar cuál es el rendimiento diagnóstico del ultrasonido intestinal, la enterografía por tomografía computarizada y la enterografía por resonancia magnética en el diagnóstico y determinación de la actividad de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en niños. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en las bases de datos: Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Cochrane Database of Sytematic Reviews, SciELO y literatura gris desde 2000 hasta marzo de 2016, usando términos MeSH y limitada a pacientes menores de 18 años con diagnóstico confirmado por ileocolonoscopia y/o histología de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Dos investigadores independientes realizaron el estudio de calidad mediante la herramienta QUADAS-2. Se eligieron estudios de diseño observacional de corte transversal que compararan una o más de las pruebas diagnósticas mencionadas contra el estándar de referencia. Se tuvieron en cuenta variables como signos de compromiso inflamatorio intestinal (engrosamiento de la pared intestinal >3 mm) y extraintestinal mesentérico (cambios inflamatorios de la grasa mesentérica, ganglios mesentéricos prominentes, prominencia de la vasa recta), hiperemia de la pared intestinal en la ecografía Doppler color. Resultados: Todos los estudios usaron la endoscopia como estándar de referencia. La sensibilidad se encontró en rangos entre 67-96 % para el US y de 60-94,5 % para la ERM. La especificidad se encontró en rangos de 77,8-100 % para el US y de 80-100 % en ERM. El VPP para el US fue de 83-100 % y para la ERM fue de 92-94 %. Por último, el VPN para el US fue de 66,7-85 % y para la ERM fue de 84-97 %. No se encontraron estudios para ETC. Conclusiones: Tanto la ERM como el US tienen rendimiento diagnóstico similar en la sospecha diagnóstica y en el seguimiento de la EII comparado con la colonoscopia, en la población pediátrica.

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a serious problem that generates large morbidity in pediatric patients. There are multiple diagnostic methods that allow for its evaluation, among which the most commonly used being bowel ultrasound (BUS), followed by computed tomography enterography (CTE) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE). Objective: To identify the diagnostic performance of BUS, CTE and MRE in the diagnosis and determination of the activity of inflammatory bowel disease in children. Methods: A systematic review was performed in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Cochrane Database of Sytematic Reviews, Scielo and gray literature with time restriction between 2000 and March 2016 using MeSH terms and restricted to patients under 18 years with a confirmed diagnosis by ileocolonoscopy-histology. Two investigators independently conducted the study quality study through the application of QUADAS-2. Cross-sectional observational studies were chosen that compared one or more of the aforementioned diagnostic tests (BUS, CTE or MRE) against the reference standard. Variables, such as signs of inflammatory bowel involvement (thickening of the intestinal wall > 3 mm), mesenteric extraintestinal involvement (inflammatory changes of mesenteric fat, prominent mesenteric nodes, vasa recta prominence), and increase in bowel wall perfusion with color doppler, were taken into account. Results: All studies used endoscopy as the reference standard. The sensitivity ranged between 67% and 96% for the BUS and from 60% to 94.5% for the MRE. The specificity ranged between 77.8% and 100% for the BUS and from 80% to 100% in the MRE. The PPV for BUS was 83% to 100% and MRE was 92-94%. Finally, the NPV for BUS was 66.7% to 85% and for MRE it was 84% - 97%. No studies were found for CTE. Conclusions: Both the MRE and BUS have similar diagnostic performance in the diagnostic suspicion and follow-up of IBD compared to colonoscopy in the pediatric population.

Characterization of structural and immunological properties of a fusion protein between flagellin from Salmonella and lumazine synthase from Brucella.

Aiming to combine the flexibility of Brucella lumazine synthase (BLS) to adapt different protein domains in a decameric structure and the capacity of BLS and flagellin to enhance the immunogenicity of peptides that are linked to their structure, we generated a chimeric protein (BLS-FliC131) by fusing flagellin from Salmonella in the N-termini of BLS. The obtained protein was recognized by anti-flagellin and anti-BLS antibodies, keeping the oligomerization capacity of BLS, without affecting the folding of the monomeric protein components determined by circular dichroism. Furthermore, the thermal stability of each fusion partner is conserved, indicating that the interactions that participate in its folding are not affected by the genetic fusion. Besides, either in vitro or in vivo using TLR5-deficient animals we could determine that BLS-FliC131 retains the capacity of triggering TLR5. The humoral response against BLS elicited by BLS-FliC131 was stronger than the one elicited by equimolar amounts of BLS + FliC. Since BLS scaffold allows the generation of hetero-decameric structures, we expect that flagellin oligomerization on this protein scaffold will generate a new vaccine platform with enhanced capacity to activate immune responses.

Técnica de Bristow-Latarjet en la inestabilidad glenohumeral anterior / Bristow-Latarjet Technique for anterior glenohumeral instability

Resumen: Antecedentes: En el tratamiento de la inestabilidad glenohumeral anterior se han descrito multitud de técnicas quirúrgicas, todas ellas con ventajas e inconvenientes. Nuestro objetivo es analizar los resultados obtenidos a medio plazo en los pacientes que hemos intervenido mediante la técnica de Bristow-Latarjet teniendo en cuenta el valor del ISIS preoperatorio. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 33 pacientes intervenidos entre 2005 y 2012 con edad media de 33.2 años y seguimiento medio de 75 meses. Se recogió el resultado con las escalas de Rowe y Constant, cuestionario DASH y una encuesta de valoración subjetiva del resultado por parte de cada paciente. Resultados: No se presentaron recidivas. La puntuación media postoperatoria en la escala de Rowe fue de 74.6 puntos y de 70 puntos en la escala de Constant. En el cuestionario DASH el valor promedio fue 22.9 puntos. En 78.8% de los pacientes se valoró positivamente el resultado. Se produjo la migración del tornillo en un paciente, encontrándose asintomático. No se identificaron otras complicaciones. Conclusiones: La técnica de Bristow-Latarjet en el tratamiento de la inestabilidad glenohumeral anterior es una técnica fiable y con una mínima tasa de recidivas, por lo que debe emplearse como cirugía de elección en determinados casos y, para ello, la valoración preoperatoria con la escala ISIS es una buena guía a la hora de indicar el tipo de cirugía.

Abstract: Background: In treatment of anterior shoulder instability, many surgical techniques have been described, all of them with advantages and disadvantages. Our goal is to study the half term results on patients that underwent open Bristow-Latarjet surgery considering the preoperative ISIS value. Material and methods: This is a retrospective study of 33 patients which underwent open Bristow-Latarjet surgery in our center between 2005 and 2012. Average age of 33.2 years and follow up of 75 months. Results were taken by Rowe and Constant scores, DASH questionnaire and we also recorded a subjective assessment of the result by each patient. Results: No recurrence was reported. No reoperations. Mean Rowe score was 74.6 points and mean Constant score was 70 points. In the disability questionnaire (DASH), the mean value was 22.9 points. The outcome assessment by the patients was positive in 78.8%. The migration of a screw occurred in one patient but he still asymptomatic. No other complication was identified. Conclusions: The Bristow-Latarjet technique is a reliable technique, with few complications and with an excellent rate of recurrence in treatment of chronic shoulder instability as reported in literature; it should be used as primary surgery in some cases and the preoperative ISIS score is an excellent and simple guide to select correctly the surgical technique for each patient.