Incorporando el soporte vital de los niños con discapacidades múltiples en la formación pediátrica de posgrado: ¿qué nos dicen los estudiantes sobre esta nueva experiencia? / Incorporating life support of children with disabilities multiple in training pediatric postgraduate: what do we the students say about this new experience?

Introducción: La competencia de los pediatras para el soporte vital de niños con discapacidades múltiples podría mejorar con nuevas estrategias educativas. Se evaluó, desde el punto de vista de los pediatras en formación, la incorporación de una rotación orientada al soporte vital de niños con discapacidades múltiples a dos programas de posgrado en pediatría. Métodos: Se diseñaron dos encuestas: una "diagnóstica" para explorar las necesidades de aprendizaje de los pediatras en formación sobre este tema y otra para evaluar la competencia percibida "prerrotación y posrotación" en seis aspectos seleccionados, junto con el grado de satisfacción con la rotación. Resultados: El 92% (n = 32) de los pediatras en formación respondieron la encuesta "diagnóstica": todos refirieron haber atendido niños con discapacidad, el 90,6% identificó la temática como relevante y el 87,5% consideró que debería ser parte del currículo. De los 35 pediatras en formación encuestados, 17 realizaron la rotación en el período estudiado. Todos (n = 17) los estudiantes que completaron la rotación respondieron la encuesta "prerrotación y posrotación": el 100% manifestó que esta era su primera experiencia de aprendizaje en el área, el 76,5% afirmó leer por primera vez sobre la temática y el 94,1% consideró confortable el ambiente de aprendizaje. Los puntajes utilizados para evaluar las competencias percibidas en las variables seleccionadas mejoraron significativamente luego de la rotación, salvo para las habilidades de comunicación. Los términos más frecuentemente utilizados por los encuestados para resumir los desafíos encontrados fueron "comunicación" y "familia". Conclusiones: Se han detectado necesidades de aprendizaje entre los pediatras en formación para el soporte vital de niños con discapacidades múltiples. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que una rotación focalizada en la atención de niños con discapacidades múltiples podría mejorar estas competencias.(AU)

Introduction: Acquisition of the competences for vital support of children with multiple disabilities may be achieved by new educational strategies. The objective of this paper was to analyze the initial implementation of a new clerkship for training medical postgraduate students in vital support of children with multiple disabilities. Methods: A survey was designed to explore the educational needs of the postgraduate students. Of the 35 eligible postgraduate students, 17 participated in the clerkship. Attendees completed a survey before and after the clerkship assessing their perceived competence in six selected aspects, the relevance of the clerkship and their satisfaction with the experience. Results: In the initial survey, all participants referred previous contact with children suffering disabilities. The 90.6% considered the subject as relevant and 87.5% considered that it should be part of the curriculum. For all the participants who did the clerkship this was the first educational experience in the subject and 76.5% read about it for the first time. Scores for perceived competence improved significantly after clerkship participation, except for communicational skills. The terms more frequently used by the participants to describe the challenges were "communication" and "family". Conclusions: Postgraduate medical trainees have significant learning needs for vital support of children with multiple disabilities. A special clerkship focused on the vital support for these children can be an effective educational tool to improve these competences.(AU)

[Prognostic value of Onodera's index in colorectal cancer survival]. / Valor pronóstico del índice de Onodera en la supervivencia del cáncer colorrectal.

BACKGROUND: Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI), which is calculated using total lymphocyte count and serum albumin level, has been used as a marker of nutritional status, with its potential prognostic value in colorectal cancer having recently been postulated in Japan and China. There is still no data on the predictive value of OPNI in a Western population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive case series of 207 patients scheduled for colorectal cancer resection with curative intent was reviewed. Pre-treatment OPNI was calculated using the formula: [10 x serum albumin (g/dl) + 0.005 x lymphocytes/mm²]. OPNI values under 40 were considered low. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed on survival curves, comparing cases with OPNI values less than, equal to or greater than 40 (Cox model, stepwise), in the overall series and in pTNM stage II. RESULTS: The median for clinical follow-up was 81 months (interquartile range 60-96). Twenty-six patients (12.6%) had a low OPNI (≤ 40). In the multivariate analysis, patients with low OPNI showed less favourable survival curves, both in the overall series: [p <0.001; HR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.67-5.94] and in the 78 cases in pTNM stage II: [p <0.004; HR = 4.36; 95% CI = 1.61-11.76]. CONCLUSIONS: A low pre-treatment OPNI (<40) has an independent, unfavourable predictive value on survival in European patients with resected colorectal cancer, both in the overall series and in pTNM stage II.

Valor pronóstico del índice de Onodera en la supervivencia del cáncer colorrectal / Prognostic value of Onodera’s index in colorectal cancer survival

Fundamento: El índice de Onodera (IO) combina los valores de los linfocitos circulantes y de la albúmina sérica y se ha utilizado como marcador del estado nutricional, postulándose recientemente en Japón y China su posible valor pronóstico en el cáncer colorrectal. Todavía no disponemos de datos sobre el valor predictivo del IO en una población occidental. Pacientes y métodos: Se revisaron 207 cánceres colorrectales resecados programada y consecutivamente, con intención curativa. Se calculó el IO pre-tratamiento mediante la fórmula: [10 x albúmina sérica (g/dl) + 0,005 x cifra de linfocitos circulantes/mm²]. Consideramos bajos los valores de IO menores de 40. Se efectuó un análisis univariable y multivariable de las curvas de supervivencia entre los casos con valores de IO menores, iguales o mayores de 40 (modelo de Cox, stepwise), todo ello en la serie global y en el estadio pTNM II. Resultados: El seguimiento clínico tuvo una mediana de 81 meses (rango intercuartílico 60-96). Veintiséis pacientes (12,6%) presentaron un IO bajo (≤ 40). En el análisis multivariable, los pacientes con IO bajo mostraron unas curvas de supervivencia más desfavorables, tanto en la serie global: [p < 0,001; HR = 3,16; IC 95% = 1,67-5,94)] como en los 78 casos en estadio pTNM II: [p < 0,004; HR = 4,36; IC 95% = 1,61-11,76)]. Conclusiones: También en pacientes europeos, un índice de Onodera pre-tratamiento bajo (< 40) tiene un valor predictivo independiente y desfavorable sobre la supervivencia en el cáncer colorrectal resecado, tanto en la serie global como en el estadio pTNM II (AU)

Background: Onodera's prognostic nutritional index (OPNI), which is calculated using total lymphocyte count and serum albumin level, has been used as a marker of nutritional status, with its potential prognostic value in colorectal cancer having recently been postulated in Japan and China. There is still no data on the predictive value of OPNI in a Western population. Patients and methods: A consecutive case series of 207 patients scheduled for colorectal cancer resection with curative intent was reviewed. Pre-treatment OPNI was calculated using the formula: [10 x serum albumin (g/dl) + 0.005 x lymphocytes/mm²]. OPNI values under 40 were considered low. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed on survival curves, comparing cases with OPNI values less than, equal to or greater than 40 (Cox model, stepwise), in the overall series and in pTNM stage II. Results: The median for clinical follow-up was 81 months (interquartile range 60-96). Twenty-six patients (12.6%) had a low OPNI (≤ 40). In the multivariate analysis, patients with low OPNI showed less favourable survival curves, both in the overall series: [p <0.001; HR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.67-5.94] and in the 78 cases in pTNM stage II: [p <0.004; HR = 4.36; 95% CI = 1.61-11.76]. Conclusions: A low pre-treatment OPNI (<40) has an independent, unfavourable predictive value on survival in European patients with resected colorectal cancer, both in the overall series and in pTNM stage II (AU)

Endoscopic localization of colorectal cancer: study of its accuracy and possible error factors.

INTRODUCTION: accurate preoperative localization of colorectal cancer (CRC) is very important, with a wide range of published error rates. AIMS: to determine accuracy of endoscopic localization of CRC in comparison with preoperative computed tomography (CT). To analyse variables that could be associated with a wrong endoscopic localization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: endoscopic and CT localization of a series of CRC without previous surgery were reviewed. We studied the concordance between endoscopic and radiologic localization against operative findings comparing accuracy of endoscopy and CT. We analysed the frequency of wrong endoscopic diagnoses with regard to a series of patient, endoscopy and tumor variables. RESULTS: two hundred thirty seven CRC in 223 patients were studied. Concordance with surgical localization was: colonoscopy = 0.87 and CT = 0.69. Endoscopic localization accuracy was:91.1%; CT: 76.2%: p = 0.00001; OR = 3.22 (1.82-5.72). Obstructive cancer presented a higher rate of wrong localization: 18 vs. 5.7% in non-obstructive tumors (p = 0.0034; OR = 3.65 (1.35-9.96). Endoscopic localization mistakes varied depending on tumor location, being more frequent in descending colon: 36.3%, p = 0.014; OR = 6.23 (1.38-26.87) and cecum: 23.1%, p = 0.007; OR = 3.92 (1.20-12.43). CONCLUSIONS: endoscopic accuracy for CRC localization was very high and significantly better than CT accuracy. Obstructive tumor and those located in the descending colon or cecum wereassociated with a significant increase of the error risk of CRC endoscopic localization.

Expresión tisular de proteínas reparadoras e infiltración linfocítica tumoral: significado pronóstico en el carcinoma colorrectal resecado / Tissular expression of mismatch repair proteins and tumour lymphocytic infiltration: prognostic significance in resected colorectal carcinoma

Fundamento. En el cáncer colorrectal se discute la posible relación entre la expresión patológica de proteínas reparadoras (EPPR) y la infiltración linfocítica tumoral (ILT), así como el posible efecto pronóstico de ambos factores. Material y métodos. Se han revisado 243 cánceres colorrectales, resecados consecutivamente. Estudiamos inmunohistoquímicamente la EPPR de MLH1, MSH2 y MSH6. La ITL se valoró mediante la tinción de CD3 en el epitelio tumoral. Comparamos la mortalidad y progresión tumoral post-operatoria entre los casos con y sin EPPR y con y sin ITL. Adicionalmente estudiamos la mortalidad y progresión tumoral entre los casos EPPR (+), según presentaran o no ITL. Resultados. El 13,6% tumores expresaron EPPR (+) y el25,5% ITL (+). El seguimiento fue: 73,8±34,6 meses. La frecuencia de ITL (+) resultó similar entre tumores EPPR (+):27,3% y EPPR (-): 25,2% (p = 0,80). Los casos EPPR (+) mostraron menor mortalidad: 12,1% versus 23,3% (p = 0,15) y menor progresión tumoral: 21,2% versus 29% (p = 0,35). Las neoplasias ITL (+) tuvieron menor mortalidad: 9,7% versus26% [p = 0,007; OR = 3,27(1,25-9,05)] y progresión tumoral: 12,9% versus 33,1% [p = 0,002; OR = 3,35 (1,42-8,15)]. Los 9 tumores EPPR (+) e ILT (+) no presentaron mortalidad ni progresión tumoral, frente a una mortalidad: 16,7% y progresión: 29,2% de los 24 casos EPPR (+) e ITL (-) p = 0,19 y p= 0,07 respectivamente. Conclusiones. No se ha encontrado relación entre EPPR e ITL, con tasas muy similares de ILT (+) entre casos con y sin EPPR. La ILT (+) mostró un efecto pronóstico favorable superior a la EPPR (+). La combinación de ILT (+) e EPPR (+) parece tener un efecto protector acumulativo, aunque su escasa frecuencia resta significación al hallazgo(AU)

Background. In colorectal cancer there is discussion about the possible relation between the mismatch repair protein expression (MMRPE) and tumour lymphocytic infiltration(TLI), as well as the possible prognostic effect of both factors. Methods. A review was made of 243 colorectal cancers, consecutively resected. We made an immunohystochemical study of the MMRPE of MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6. The TLI was evaluated through CD3 staining in the tumoural epithelium. We compared mortality and post-operative tumoural progression amongst the cases with and without MMRPE and with and without TLI. Additionally, we studied mortality and tumoural progression amongst MMRPE (+) cases, according to whether or not they presented TLI. Results. Thirteen point six percent of the tumours expressed MMRPE (+) and 25.5% TLI (+). The follow-up was: 73.8±34.6 months. The frequency of TLI (+) turned out to be similar between MMRPE (+) tumours: 27.3% and MMRPE (-): 25.2% (p = 0.80). The MMRPE (+) cases showed less mortality: 12.1%versus 23.3% (p = 0.15) and less tumoural progression: 21.2%versus 29% (p = 0.35). The ITL neoplasias (+) had a lower mortality: 9.7% versus 26% [p = 0.007; OR = 3.27(1.25-9.05)]and tumoural progression: 12.9% versus 33.1% [p = 0.002; OR = 3.35 (1.42-8.15)]. The 9 MMRPE (+) and ILT (+) tumours did not present mortality or tumoural progression, against a mortality: 16.7% and progression: 29.2% of the 24 MMRPE (+) and TLI (-) cases p = 0.19 and p = 0.07 respectively. Conclusions. No relation was found between MMRPE and TLI, with very similar rates of TLI (+) between cases with and without MMRPE. The TLI (+) showed a favourable prognostic effect higher than that of the MMRPE (+). The combination of TLI (+) and MMRPE (+) seems to have an accumulative protective effect, although its limited frequency reduces the significance of the finding(AU)

[Tissue expression of mismatch repair proteins and tumor lymphocytic infiltration: prognostic significance in resected colorectal carcinoma]. / Expresión tisular de proteínas reparadoras e infiltración linfocítica tumoral: significado pronóstico en el carcinoma colorrectal resecado.

BACKGROUND: In colorectal cancer there is discussion about the possible relation between the mismatch repair protein expression (MMRPE) and tumour lymphocytic infiltration (TLI), as well as the possible prognostic effect of both factors. METHODS: A review was made of 243 colorectal cancers, consecutively resected. We made an immunohystochemical study of the MMRPE of MLH1, MSH2 and MSH6. The TLI was evaluated through CD3 staining in the tumoural epithelium. We compared mortality and post-operative tumoural progression amongst the cases with and without MMRPE and with and without TLI. Additionally, we studied mortality and tumoural progression amongst MMRPE (+) cases, according to whether or not they presented TLI. RESULTS: Thirteen point six percent of the tumours expressed MMRPE (+) and 25.5% TLI (+). The follow-up was: 73.8±34.6 months. The frequency of TLI (+) turned out to be similar between MMRPE (+) tumours: 27.3% and MMRPE (-): 25.2% (p = 0.80). The MMRPE (+) cases showed less mortality: 12.1% versus 23.3% (p = 0.15) and less tumoural progression: 21.2% versus 29% (p = 0.35). The ITL neoplasias (+) had a lower mortality: 9.7% versus 26% [p = 0.007; OR = 3.27(1.25-9.05)] and tumoural progression: 12.9% versus 33.1% [p = 0.002; OR = 3.35 (1.42-8.15)]. The 9 MMRPE (+) and ILT (+) tumours did not present mortality or tumoural progression, against a mortality: 16.7% and progression: 29.2% of the 24 MMRPE (+) and TLI (-) cases p = 0.19 and p = 0.07 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No relation was found between MMRPE and TLI, with very similar rates of TLI (+) between cases with and without MMRPE. The LTI (+) showed a favourable prognostic effect higher than that of the MMRPE (+). The combination of LTI (+) and MMRPE (+) seems to have an accumulative protective effect, although its limited frequency reduces the significance of the finding.

Diagnostic yield and reliability of endoscopic ultrasonography in patients with idiopathic acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in patients with idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP), find factors predictive of a positive EUS finding in these patients and investigate whether these etiological findings are maintained during follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed EUS in patients with IAP between July 2004 and August 2007. We recorded epidemiological data, the number and severity of previous bouts of pancreatitis and gallbladder status. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients were included in the study. EUS was normal in seven patients (16%). In the remaining 37 patients (84%) we found cholelithiasis (n = 3), microlithiasis (n = 20), chronic pancreatitis (n = 14), pancreas divisum (n = 3), pancreatic mass (n = 1), apudoma (n = 1), cystic tumor of the pancreas (n = 2) and choledocholithiasis (n = 2). Positive EUS findings were not influenced by sex, severity of pancreatitis or recurrent disease. Patients aged < 65 years (age > or < 65 years: 73.9% versus 95.2%; P = 0.097) and patients with gallbladder in situ (cholecystectomy versus non-cholecystectomy: 63.6% versus 90.9%; P = 0.054) showed a tendency to have positive EUS findings. Mean follow-up was 28.95 +/- 10.86 months (range 12-64 months; median 28 months). During follow-up the etiological diagnosis was changed in two patients, lowering the diagnostic yield to 79%. CONCLUSIONS: EUS identified the cause of IAP in 79% of patients. Patients with gallbladder in situ and patients aged < 65 years showed a tendency to have positive EUS findings. The majority of the diagnoses provided by EUS are maintained during follow-up and seem to be reliable.

[Idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (with diffuse stenosis of Wirsung's duct) in ulcerative colitis]. / Pancreatitis crónica idiopática (con estenosis difusa del Wirsung) en la colitis ulcerosa.

We describe a case of chronic idiopathic pancreatitis associated with ulcerative colitis. Pancreatitis is a rare extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. Chronic idiopathic pancreatitis associated with ulcerative colitis are usually painless, without calcification, with stricture of the main pancreatic duct and with severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Diabetic gustatory sweating successfully treated with topical glycopyrrolate: report of a case and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Gustatory sweating is a more common manifestation of diabetes mellitus than is appreciated. It is a distressing problem that has been difficult to treat safely. METHODS: Daily topical application of glycopyrrolate roll-on lotion was offered as an alternative to oral anticholinergic agents to an 87-year-old woman with long-standing type 2 diabetes mellitus who complained of profuse sweating after eating. RESULTS: Gustatory sweating was relieved by application of glycopyrrolate and reappeared when the glycopyrrolate was briefly withdrawn to confirm its therapeutic effect. CONCLUSION: For moderate to severe symptoms of diabetic gustatory sweating, topical application of glycopyrrolate is safe, effective, well tolerated, and convenient.

Systemic lupus erythematosus in the younger patient: survival studies.

One hundred eighty-two patients fulfilling the American Rheumatism Association criteria for the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were followed prospectively. Sixty-seven had the onset of SLE before age 21, 32 before age 16, and 35 between age 16 and 20. All patients received similar therapy. Only 4 patients received cytotoxic agents. Malar blush, cellular casts, and profuse proteinuria were significantly more common in the 0-15 compared to the adult group (age 21 or older). Five-year survival was 100% for children with membranous or focal lupus nephritis and 85% for diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis.