Función pulmonar: medición continua de la saturación del pulso arterial de oxígeno: propuesta para interpretación / Continuous measurement of oxygen arterial pulse saturation: an interpretation proposal

La medición continua de la saturación de pulso arterial de oxígeno (SpO2) es un método no invasivo, confiable y seguro. El consolidado permite obtener valores promedio de SpO2 y frecuencia cardiaca, gráficos y valores acumulados, rangos de valores de SpO2, que permiten definir si existe o no alguna alteración. Los avances tecnológicos han dado paso a la fabricación de equipos con alta exactitud de las mediciones, mediante algoritmos matemáticos que filtran los artefactos debido a movimientos y/o hipoperfusión. La ventaja, es una mayor precisión para determinar estados de hipoxemia en distintas situaciones clínicas. Las principales indicaciones en pediatría son la determinación de hipoxemia y titulación de oxígeno en niños con enfermedades que comprometen el sistema respiratorio, especialmente displasia broncopulmonar. También se usa como screening para apneas obstructivas del sueño en rango moderado a severo en situaciones en que no es posible realizar poligrafía o polisomnografía, dado la facilidad con la que se puede realizar la medición continua de SpO2 en domicilio u hospitalizado. En este artículo se describen características importantes del procedimiento, y se propone un esquema para ordenar su interpretación.

Continuous measurement of arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) is a non-invasive, reliable, and safe method. The consolidated allows obtaining average values of SpO2 and heart rate, graphs and accumulated values, ranges of SpO2 values, which allow defining whether or not there is any alteration. Technological advances have given way to the manufacture of equipment with high measurement accuracy, using mathematical algorithms that filter artifacts due to movements and/or hypoperfusion. The main indications are the diagnosis of hypoxemia and titration of oxygen requirements in patients with chronic lung damage and other diseases that compromise the respiratory system. Also, it is used as screening of moderate to severe obstructive apneas when other sleep studies, such as polysomnography or polygraphy, are not available. It can be done at home or hospitalized. This article describes important characteristics of the procedure, and a scheme is proposed to order its interpretation.

Fisiología respiratoria: contribución de la estructura de la vía aérea y el pulmón a la función del aparato respiratorio / Contribution of the airways and lung structure to the respiratory system function

Conocer la estructura del sistema respiratorio es fundamental para comprender cómo realiza sus funciones, desde la principal, el intercambio gaseoso, hasta otras funciones no respiratorias tales como el equilibrio ácido-base, fonación, defensa pulmonar, metabolismo pulmonar y procesamiento de materiales bioactivos. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir los conocimientos actuales de la anatomía del aparato respiratorio y mencionar sus funciones tanto respiratorias como no respiratorias.

Knowing the structure of the respiratory system is essential to understand how it performs its various functions, from the main, gas exchange, to its non-respiratory functions such as acid-base balance, phonation, lung defense, pulmonary metabolism, and the handling of bioactive materials. The main objective of this review is to describe the updated knowledge of the respiratory system's anatomy and to mention its various respiratory and non-respiratory functions.

Malos hábitos de sueño en lactantes: factor de riesgo para síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante: estudio piloto / Bad sleeping habits in infants: risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome: pilot study

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Academia Americana de Pediatría recomienda que los lactantes menores de un año duerman en posición supina para prevenir el síndrome de muerte súbita en lactantes (SMSL). OBJETIVO: Describir la posición en que duermen un grupo de lactantes y factores de riesgo asociados al SMSL. SUJETOS Y MÉTODO: Estudio piloto, prospectivo concurrente, de lactantes < 45 días de vida en control sano en Centro Médico San Joaquín UC Christus. Criterios de exclusión: prematurez (edad gestacional < 37 semanas) y patología de base (respiratorias, metabólicas, cardiológicas). Se aplicó encuesta al cuidador principal respecto a datos demográficos y hábitos de sueño, basada en encuesta BISQ (Brief Screening Questionnaire for Infant Sleep Problems) validada en español, dado la inexistencia de instru mentos para < 3 meses. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo muestra de 100 lactantes de edad 16,78 ± 12,88 días de vida, siendo 57% mujeres. La madre fue el principal informante (84%). El 79% de los lactantes dor mían en decúbito supino, 19% lo hacía de lado y 2% en prono. El 66% dormía en cuna en habitación de los padres, 31% en la cama de los padres. El 74% se quedaban dormidos durante la alimentación. El 28% de los lactantes estaban expuestos a tabaquismo pasivo. El 91% cuidadores estaba informa do sobre la posición segura de sueño, siendo el principal informante el pediatra (54%). CONCLUSIONES: En esta muestra se encontró alto porcentaje de lactantes < 45 días que duermen en posición no segura, siendo frecuente el colecho. Es importante implementar campañas locales de prevención del SMSL que refuercen el hábito de dormir seguro.

INTRODUCTION: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, through the implementation of the "Back to Sleep (BTS)" campaign, the supine sleeping position for infant sleeping since it prevents to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). OBJECTIVE: To describe the sleeping position of a group of infants and the risk factors associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Prospective pilot study, including infants < 45 days of life in well-child care visits at a medical center. Exclusion criteria: Preterm-born infant (gestational age < 37 weeks) and/or comorbidities (pulmonary, metabolic, cardiologic). A brief parental questionnaire was conducted regarding general demographic data and sleep habits. The questioner was based on the BISQ - Spanish version, due to the lack of validated instruments for infants < 3-month-old. RESULTS: We included a sample of 100 infants between 16.78 ± 12.88 days old (57% girls). Mothers were the main information source (84%). 79% of the infants slept in supine position, 19% slept on their sides, and 2% in prone position. Regarding the place where the infants slept, 66% did in their crib in the parents' room and 31% slept in parents' bed. 74% of infants fell asleep while being fed. 28% of infants were exposed to passive smoking at home. 91% of parents were informed about safe sleep positions, reporting that pediatricians were the main source of information (54%). CONCLUSION: We found a high percentage of infants < 45 days of life who slept in an unsafe position, and frequently co-sleep with their parents. Thus, it is important to implement local SIDS prevention campaigns to reinforce safe infant sleep.

[Bad sleeping habits in infants: Risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome. Pilot study]. / Malos hábitos de sueño en lactantes: Factor de riesgo para síndrome de muerte súbita del lactante. Estudio piloto.

INTRODUCTION: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends, through the implementation of the "Back to Sleep (BTS)" campaign, the supine sleeping position for infant sleeping since it prevents to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). OBJECTIVE: To describe the sleeping position of a group of infants and the risk factors associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Prospective pilot study, including infants < 45 days of life in well-child care visits at a medical center. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Preterm-born infant (gestational age < 37 weeks) and/or comorbidities (pulmonary, metabolic, cardiologic). A brief parental questionnaire was conducted regarding general demographic data and sleep habits. The questioner was based on the BISQ - Spanish version, due to the lack of validated instruments for infants < 3-month-old. RESULTS: We included a sample of 100 infants between 16.78 ± 12.88 days old (57% girls). Mothers were the main information source (84%). 79% of the infants slept in supine position, 19% slept on their sides, and 2% in prone position. Regarding the place where the infants slept, 66% did in their crib in the parents' room and 31% slept in parents' bed. 74% of infants fell asleep while being fed. 28% of infants were exposed to passive smoking at home. 91% of parents were informed about safe sleep positions, reporting that pediatricians were the main source of information (54%). Conclu sion: We found a high percentage of infants < 45 days of life who slept in an unsafe position, and frequently co-sleep with their parents. Thus, it is important to implement local SIDS prevention campaigns to reinforce safe infant sleep.

Association between air pollution and sleep disordered breathing in children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Similar to other respiratory diseases, sleep disordered breathing (SDB) may be exacerbated by air contaminants. Air pollution may have an impact on incidence and severity of SDB in children. The aims of this study were to examine potential associations between the exposure to different air pollutants and SDB symptoms in children. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, parents from first grade children of elementary schools throughout Chile were included. Data about clinical and family-related SDB risk factors, and the pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ) were obtained. Air pollution and meteorological data were obtained from the Chilean online air quality database. RESULTS: A total of 564 children (44.9% males) aged (median) 6 years (5-9 year) were included. Prevalence of SDB based on PSQ was 17.7%. When examining air pollutants and conditions, only higher humidity (ß = 0.005, 95%CI 0.001-0.009, P = 0.011) was significantly associated with higher PSQ scores after adjusting for demographic and household variables. Higher ozone (O3 ) levels (OR = 1.693, 95%CI 1.409-2.035, P < 0.001), higher humidity (OR = 1.161, 95%CI 1.041-2.035, P = 0.008) and higher dioxide sulfur (SO2 ) levels (OR = 1.16, 95%CI 1.07-1.94, P < 0.001]) were associated with increased odds of wheezing-related sleep disturbances after adjusting for confounders. Lower temperature was a significant predictor of snoring at least >3 nights/week, following adjustment (OR = 0.865, 95%CI 0.751-0.997, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sleep respiratory symptoms (wheezing and snoring) are significantly associated with air pollutants such as O3 and SO2 . In addition, meteorological conditions such as humidity and low temperatures may be also associated with SDB-related symptoms.

Trastornos respiratorios del sueño en niños escolares chilenos: prevalencia y factores de riesgo / Prevalence and risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in chilean schoolchildren

Resumen: Objetivos: Describir la prevalencia de trastornos respiratorios del sueño (TRS) en escolares chilenos y estudiar factores de riesgo asociados. Pacientes y Método: Estudio transversal y descriptivo. Se enviaron cuestionarios a los padres de niños de 1° año básico de colegios de la Región Metropolitana (Santiago), Región del Biobío (Concepción, Chillán, Yumbel) y Región de Magallanes (Porvenir y Puerto Natales). Se consignaron datos antropométricos, desempeño escolar, características del hogar, contaminantes intradomiciliarios, antecedentes médicos y síntomas actuales de asma, rinitis alérgica y dermatitis atópica. Se determinó estado nutricional según zIMC. Se aplicó un cuestionario de sue ño pediátrico validado en español (pediatric sleep questionnaire, PSQ). Resultados: 564 encuestas fueron analizadas, la edad mediana fue 6 años (rango 5 a 9), 44,9% sexo masculino. La prevalencia de TRS fue 17,7% (n = 100): 6% en Vitacura (Metropolitana), 28,7% en Chillán (Biobío) y 36,4% en Puerto Natales (Magallanes) (p = 0,001). El grupo con TRS tuvo mayor proporción de hombres (54,5 vs 42,8%, p = 0,033), menor rendimiento académico (promedio general 6,36 ± 0,48 vs 6,56 ± 0,34, p = 0,001), menor educación superior materna (44,4 vs 69,9%, p = 0,001) y mayor exposición a contaminantes intradomiciliarios que aquellos sin TRS. Posterior al análisis multivariado se mantu vieron como predictor de TRS el haber presentado síntomas de rinitis en últimos 12 meses (OR 4,79; IC 95% 2,20-10,43) y el nivel educacional básico o medio de la madre (OR 3,51; IC 95% 1,53-8,02). Conclusiones: Los escolares chilenos presentan una alta prevalencia de TRS, con diferencias demo gráficas. Se asoció a factores de riesgo social, a factores más específicos de daño pulmonar y a peor cantidad y calidad del sueño.

Abstract: Objectives: To describe the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in Chilean schoolchil dren and study associated risk factors. Patients and Method: We carried out a transversal and des criptive study. Questionnaires were sent to the parents of children attending first year of elementary school in the Metropolitan Region (Santiago), the Biobío Region (Concepción, Chillán, Yumbel) and the Magallanes Region (Porvenir and Puerto Natales). Anthropometric data, school performan ce, household characteristics, indoor pollutants, medical history, and current symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were recorded. The nutritional status was determined accor ding to z-BMI. A pediatric sleep questionnaire validated in Spanish (PSQ) was applied. Results: 564 questionnaires were analyzed, the median age was six years (range 5 to 9), 44.9% male. The SDB prevalence was 17.7% (n = 100): 6% in Vitacura (Metropolitan Region), 28.7% in Chillán (Biobío Region), and 36.4% in Puerto Natales (Magallanes Region) (p = 0.001). The group with SDB had a higher proportion of men (54.5 vs 42.8%, p = 0.033), lower academic performance (overall grade point average 6.36 ± 0.48 vs 6.56 ± 0.34, p = 0.001), lower maternal higher education (44.4% vs 69.9%, p = 0.001), and higher exposure to indoor pollutants than those without SDB. After the multivariate analysis, symptoms of rhinitis in the last 12 months (OR 4.79, 95% CI 2.20-10.43) and lower maternal educational level (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.53-8.02) remained as predictors of SDB. Con clusions: Chilean schoolchildren have a high prevalence of SDB with demographic differences. It was associated with social risk factors, more specific factors of lung damage, and worse sleep quality and quantity.

[Prevalence and risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in chilean schoolchildren]. / Trastornos respiratorios del sueño en niños escolares chilenos: prevalencia y factores de riesgo.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in Chilean schoolchil dren and study associated risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We carried out a transversal and des criptive study. Questionnaires were sent to the parents of children attending first year of elementary school in the Metropolitan Region (Santiago), the Biobío Region (Concepción, Chillán, Yumbel) and the Magallanes Region (Porvenir and Puerto Natales). Anthropometric data, school performan ce, household characteristics, indoor pollutants, medical history, and current symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were recorded. The nutritional status was determined accor ding to z-BMI. A pediatric sleep questionnaire validated in Spanish (PSQ) was applied. RESULTS: 564 questionnaires were analyzed, the median age was six years (range 5 to 9), 44.9% male. The SDB prevalence was 17.7% (n = 100): 6% in Vitacura (Metropolitan Region), 28.7% in Chillán (Biobío Region), and 36.4% in Puerto Natales (Magallanes Region) (p = 0.001). The group with SDB had a higher proportion of men (54.5 vs 42.8%, p = 0.033), lower academic performance (overall grade point average 6.36 ± 0.48 vs 6.56 ± 0.34, p = 0.001), lower maternal higher education (44.4% vs 69.9%, p = 0.001), and higher exposure to indoor pollutants than those without SDB. After the multivariate analysis, symptoms of rhinitis in the last 12 months (OR 4.79, 95% CI 2.20-10.43) and lower maternal educational level (OR 3.51; 95% CI 1.53-8.02) remained as predictors of SDB. Con clusions: Chilean schoolchildren have a high prevalence of SDB with demographic differences. It was associated with social risk factors, more specific factors of lung damage, and worse sleep quality and quantity.

Sleep-disordered breathing in children with asthma: a systematic review on the impact of treatment.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to perform a systematic review in order to describe the relationship between asthma and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children, especially regarding the impact of treatment and management. METHODS: We performed an electronic search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS database. Study inclusion criteria were the following: 1) studies that examined the relationship between asthma/wheezing and SDB/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); and 2) studies conducted in children <18 years of age. Primary outcomes were the prevalence of asthma and SDB, the tests used for diagnosis, and the influence of their treatment and management. RESULTS: One thousand and twenty studies were identified, among which 32 were selected (n=143,343 children; 51% males; age [mean ± standard deviation] 8.4±2.5 years). Most studies (n=26) diagnosed SDB using questionnaires or clinical history. Nine studies performed a sleep study for diagnosing OSA. The diagnosis of asthma was based on clinical history (n=16), previous medical diagnosis (n=4), questionnaires (n=12), and spirometry (n=5). Children with asthma were more likely to develop habitual snoring and OSA, and children with SDB were more likely to develop asthma. Moreover, asthma was associated with more severe OSA, and the presence of SDB was associated with severe asthma. Treatment of SDB with adenotonsillectomy was associated with significant asthma improvement. CONCLUSION: The relationship between asthma and SDB appears to be bidirectional, and adenotonsillectomy appears to improve asthma control. Future trials on how asthma treatment could impact on SDB are needed.

Photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine by hydrothermally synthesized Bi2MoO 6 in presence of EDTA.

Bi2MoO6 oxide was synthesized by hydrothermal reaction in the presence of EDTA under different experimental conditions (time of reaction and EDTA concentration) in order to obtain materials with specific textural properties. It was determined that the addition of EDTA influences the final physical properties of Bi2MoO6. The photocatalytic activity of Bi2MoO6 samples was evaluated in the degradation reaction of indigo carmine (IC) in aqueous solution under solar radiation type. The best results as photocatalyst were obtained with the sample hydrothermally synthesized at 150 ºC for 4h in presence of a 0.031 M EDTA solution. This sample was able to whiten a solution of IC in a 94% after 120 min of lamp irradiation with t 1/2 = 31 min. In general, the samples prepared with lower concentrations of EDTA were the best photocatalysts. A gradual decrease in the activity was observed in the samples prepared with the same EDTA concentration as was increased in the reaction time. Beyond differences in morphology and textural properties of the samples prepared, the presence of EDTA by-products on the samples and the decomposition degree of it were important factors in determining the activity of the photocatalysts. Analysis of total organic carbon (TOC) of samples irradiated for 100 h confirmed that Bi2MoO6 oxide is able to mineralize the complex organic molecule of IC to CO2 and H2O in 55 %.

Geographical distribution of the Aedes Triseriatus Group (Diptera: Culicidae) in Mexico.

Aedes brelandi Zavortink is reported for the first time outside of the United States, where it has been found in northern and central parts of Mexico. Ae. triseriatus (Say) is reported in northern and central Mexico and Ae. zoosophus Dyar and Knab is recorded in southern Mexico. Collection records for these species in northern, central, and southern Mexico showing the current distribution of the Aedes Triseriatus Group are included.

Actitudes y comportamiento hacia el medio ambiente natural. Salud medioambiental y bienestar emocional / Attitudes and Behavior towards Natural Environment. Environmental Health and Psychological Well-Being

La naturaleza ha sido un elemento ampliamente omitido en la literatura sobre bienestar emocional. La escasa investigación al respecto ha estado centrada en los efectos beneficiosos del contacto con la naturaleza, pero no en cómo las actitudes y conductas hacia el medio ambiente se asocian a un mayor o menor bienestar emocional. La presente investigación tiene el objetivo de llenar este vacío, analizando las relaciones entre las actitudes ambientales y la conducta proambiental autoinformada con el bienestar emocional. Los resultados obtenidos con una muestra de 320 estudiantes universitarios, ponen de manifiesto que pensar y comportarse proambientalmente no solo favorece al medio ambiente, sino que redunda en un mayor bienestar emocional. Se discuten algunas implicaciones en las actitudes antropocéntricas y sus relaciones con medidas de bienestar emocional.

The natural environment has largely been overlooked by research into subjective well-being. The few studies to have addressed the issue have focused on the beneficial effects of contact with nature, but have not looked at how attitudes and behaviours towards the natural environment are related to subjective well-being. The present paper seeks to fill this gap through the analysis of the relationships between environmental attitudes and self-reported ecological behaviours, and subjective well-being. The results obtained from a sample of 320 university students show that to think and behave pro environmentally is not only good for the natural environment but also leads directly to higher levels of subjective well-being. Some implications regarding anthropocentric attitudes and how they relate to subjective well-being are discussed.

Cultivo primario de células ciliadas de adenoides humanos: un modelo experimental para evaluar la actividad ciliar in vitro / Primary culture of human adenoid ciliated cells: an experimental model to evaluate ciliar activity in vitro

Introducción: El clearance mucociliar normal es el mecanismo de defensa básico de las vías respiratorias. Sin embargo, los mecanismos de control ciliar aún se desconocen. Con el fin de entenderlo mejor, se han desarrollado diferentes técnicas de cultivo de células ciliadas. Objetivos: Desarrollar un modelo experimental a partir de cultivos primarios de tejido adenoideo y cornete medio. Caracterizarla respuesta a adenosin trifosfato (ATP), agonista conocido de la frecuencia de batido ciliar (FBC). Material y método: Cultivos primarios a partir de explantes de epitelio adenoideo y cornete medio humano. Medición de FBC, con técnica de microfotodensitometría, en condición basal y en respuesta a ATP a diferentes concentraciones. Resultados: La FBC basal (promedio (X) + - desv estándar (DE)) para los cultivos de cornete medio fue 11,9 + -1,5 Hz y para tejido adenoideo fue 10,9 + - 1,9 (p >0,05). Se observó un aumento en la FBC en respuesta a ATP, dosis dependiente. No hubo diferencia significativa en la FBC basal ni en la respuesta a ATP entre cultivos de cornete medio y adenoides. Conclusión: El cultivo primario de células ciliadas nasales a partir de explantes de adenoides, es un modelo experimental reproducible, en el que es posible observar actividad ciliary una respuesta funcional concordante con lo descrito en la literatura.

Introduction. Mucociliary clearance constitutes the main defense mechanism of the airway, but the mechanisms of ciliary control are still unknown. With the aim of a better understanding of this process, many ciliated cells culture techniques have been developed. Aims. 1. To develop an experimental model based on primary cultures from adenoid and middle turbinate tissue. 2. To characterize in this model the response to ATP, a known agonist of ciliary beat frequency (CBF). Material and Method. Primary cultures derived from human adenoid tissue and middle turbinate epithelial explants were obtained. CFB was measured by microphotodensitometry, both in basal conditions and in response to ATP at different concentrations. Results. Basal CFB (average (X) +- standard deviation (SD)) for middle turbinate cultures was 11.9 +-1.5 Hz, and for adenoid tissue was 10.9 +-1.9 Hz (p< 0.05). A CBF increase was observed in response to ATP, in a dose-dependent manner. No significant difference in basal CFB or in response to ATP was found between middle turbinate and adenoid cultures. Conclusion. Primary culture of nasal ciliated cells derived from adenoid explants is a reproducible experimental model, in which it is possible to observe both ciliary activity and a functional response in accordance to what has been reported in the literature.

Effect of oestradiol and progesterone on the instant and directional velocity of microsphere movements in the rat oviduct: gap junctions mediate the kinetic effect of oestradiol.

The oviducal transport of eggs to the uterus normally takes 72-96 h in the rat, but this is reduced to less than 20 h after a single injection of oestradiol (E2). This accelerated transport is associated with an increased frequency of pendular movements in the isthmic segment of the oviduct, with increased levels of the gap junction (GJ) component Connexin (Cx) 43, and is antagonised by progesterone (P). In the present study, we investigated the effect of these hormones on the instant and directional velocity of pendular movements and the role of the GJ and its Cx43 component in the kinetic response of the oviduct to E2 and P. Using microspheres as egg surrogates, microsphere instant velocity (MIV) was measured following treatment with E2, P or P + E2, which accelerate or delay egg transport. Microspheres were delivered into the oviduct of rats on Day 1 of pregnancy and their movement within the isthmic segment was recorded. Oestrogen increased MIV with faster movement towards the uterus. After P or P + E2, MIV was similar to that in the control group. Two GJ uncouplers, namely 18 alpha- and 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, blocked the effect of E2 on MIV. Connexin 43 mRNA levels increased over that seen in control with all treatments. In conclusion, the effects of E2 on MIV resulted in faster movements that produced accelerated egg transport towards the uterus. Gap junctions are probably involved as smooth muscle synchronisers in this kinetic effect of E2, but the opposing effects of E2 and P are not exerted at the level of Cx43 transcription.

Enfermedad de Gaucher / Gaucher disease

Se presenta un caso de enfermedad de Gaucher en una paciente de 19 años quien consultó por dolor abdominal. Al examen físico presentaba palidez y hepato-esplenomegalia importante. Había pancitopenia y ß-gluco cerebrosidos disminuidos con un nivel de 1,14 mmol (V-N=6-17). La biopsia de médula ósea mostró histiocitos con corpusculos de grasa. Con esplenectomía se obtuvo brazo de 2.100 gr en el cual se encontraron células de Gaucher. Se presenta una revisión breve de la enfermedad

Histiocitosis maligna: causística de la Unidad de Hematología del Hospital Universitario de Caracas, período 1980-1990 / Malignant histiocytosis: causistic from the HUC Hematology Unit, period 1980-1990

Se presentan las características clínicas, hematológicas, bioquímica e histológicas de 10 pacientes con Histiocitósis Maligna diagnosticados y tratados en la Unidad de Hematología y Banco de Sangre del Hospital Universitario de Caracas, durante el período 1980-1990. Se comparan con las publicaciones nacionales e internacionales. Se insiste en la necesidad de incorporar los estudios histoquímicos, inmunofenotípicos y genéticos para lograr una definición real de esta patología en nuestro país