Utilidad de la Determinación de CD25 Soluble en Pacientes con sospecha de Síndrome de Activación Macrofágica / Usefulness of the determination of soluble CD25 in patients with suspected macrophage activation syndrome

El síndrome de activación macrofágica (SAM) presenta criterios clínicos y de laboratorio establecidos. Presentamos el caso de un adolescente varón con debut de Lupus eritematoso generalizado pediátrico grave, donde su manifestación principal fue un SAM y el receptor de interleucina 2 soluble en suero (IL-2rs) o CD25 soluble (CD25s) aumentado resultó clave en la confirmación diagnóstica, en el tratamiento y pronóstico de su enfermedad. Sin embargo, este receptor de citocinas no se mide habitualmente en la práctica clínica.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) presents established clinical and laboratory criteria. We present the case of a male adolescent with the onset of severe pediatric systemic Lupus erythematosus, manifested mainly by MAS and how a laboratory marker, serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2rs) or altered soluble CD25(CD25s), played a key role in treatment and prognosis of the disease. However, this cytokine receptor is rarely measured in clinical practice.

High copper concentration reduces biofilm formation in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans by decreasing production of extracellular polymeric substances and its adherence to elemental sulfur.

Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is an acidophilic bacterium able to grow in environments with high concentrations of metals. It is a chemolithoautotroph able to form biofilms on the surface of solid minerals to obtain its energy. The response of both planktonic and sessile cells of A. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 grown in elemental sulfur and adapted to high copper concentration was analyzed by quantitative proteomics. It was found that 137 proteins varied their abundance when comparing both lifestyles. Copper effllux proteins, some subunits of the ATP synthase complex, porins, and proteins involved in cell wall modification increased their abundance in copper-adapted sessile lifestyle cells. On the other hand, planktonic copper-adapted cells showed increased levels of proteins such as: cupreredoxins involved in copper cell sequestration, some proteins related to sulfur metabolism, those involved in biosynthesis and transport of lipopolysaccharides, and in assembly of type IV pili. During copper adaptation a decreased formation of biofilms was measured as determined by epifluorescence microscopy. This was apparently due not only to a diminished number of sessile cells but also to their exopolysaccharides production. This is the first study showing that copper, a prevalent metal in biomining environments causes dispersion of A. ferrooxidans biofilms. SIGNIFICANCE: Copper is a metal frequently found in high concentrations at mining environments inhabitated by acidophilic microorganisms. Copper resistance determinants of A. ferrooxidans have been previously studied in planktonic cells. Although biofilms are recurrent in these types of environments, the effect of copper on their formation has not been studied so far. The results obtained indicate that high concentrations of copper reduce the capacity of A. ferrooxidans ATCC 23270 to form biofilms on sulfur. These findings may be relevant to consider for a bacterium widely used in copper bioleaching processes.

Espondiloartropatía juvenil: una visión desde la pediatría / Juvenile spondyloarthropathy: a view from pediatrics

La espondiloartropatía juvenil (EAPj) representa un grupo de artropatías crónicas que se inician en la infancia y que corresponden a entidades cuyas clasificaciones se han modificado en el transcurso de las décadas. Las clasificaciones actuales las incluyen sólo parcialmente. Las manifestaciones clínicas incluyen compromiso articular periférico asimétrico, entesis, sacroilíaco y menos frecuentemente de columna han permitido agruparlas en cinco categorías entre el que se encuentra la forma anquilosante juvenil relacionada con HLA B27 (+), el prototipo de EAPj y que podría representar a la forma de inicio de espondiloartropatía anquilosante del adulto. Los recientes avances en los estudios genéticos, en la patogenia, el desarrollo de mejores técnicas de imagenología tales como la ecografía musculo-esquelética y resonancia magnética aplicada a la Reumatología pediátrica podrían contribuir a generar criterios de clasificación de manera tal que faciliten la comunicación científica con los Reumatólogos de adultos. Un diagnóstico precoz, la aplicación de medidas de actividad de la enfermedad validadas y el oportuno manejo terapéutico obtendrán un pronóstico más favorable. Los resultados terapéuticos en EAPj presentan evidencia limitada aún requiriéndose mayor tiempo de evolución para obtener resultados a largo plazo.

Juvenile spondyloarthropathy (EAPj) represents a heterogeneous group of juvenile articular inflammatory entities and their classification have been changed during the last decades. The current classifications include only partially. The clinical manifestations of diseases involves peripheral joints, enthesis, sacroiliac and less frequently spine and they are classified in five specific subgroups among which is the juvenile ankylosing HLA B27 (+); the EAPj’s prototype and that may represent one of ankylosing spondyloarthropathy adult diseases. Recently, novel insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and development of the imaging techniques such as muscle-skeletal ultrasound and magnetic resonance applied to pediatric rheumatology could be contributing to new classification criteria in order to facilitate the scientific communication with Rheumatologist of adult patients. An early diagnosis a validated measures of disease activity and treatment can change the course and outcome of disease.

Enfermedad granulomatosa crónica: tres casos clínicos con diferentes formas de presentación / Chronic granulomatous disease: three cases with different presentations

Introducción: La enfermedad granulomatosa crónica (EGC) es una forma infrecuente de inmunodeficiencia primaria que se caracteriza por una sensibilidad anormal a infecciones bacterianas y fúngicas, debida a un déficit en el complejo nicotinamida adenina dinucleótida fosfato oxidasa (NADPH) en los fagocitos. Objetivo: Describir tres casos de EGC con énfasis en su forma de presentación y realizar una revisión del tema. Casos Clínicos: Se presentan tres casos clínicos, dos de ellos con relación de parentesco (primos en primer grado). Se llegó a diagnóstico molecular en uno de los casos. Se destacan las manifestaciones clínicas: infecciones recurrentes, abscesos, adenitis y granulomas, y complicaciones, con la finalidad de facilitar la sospecha diagnóstica de EGC, debido a la importancia del diagnóstico temprano y el consejo genético. Conclusiones: La EGC es un trastorno inmunológico primario congénito infrecuente, con herencia ligada a X en su mayoría, pero también con formas autosómicas recesivas, con una forma de presentación característica y cuyo diagnóstico debe ser oportuno para evitar complicaciones, realizar profilaxis y tratamiento agresivo de las infecciones y consejo genético.

Introduction: Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare form of primary immunodeficiency disease, characterized by an abnormal susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections, and it is caused by a deficit in the phagocyte nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex (NADPH), resulting in the inability to generate reactive oxygen species that destroy micro-organisms. The diagnosis is based on clinical characteristics and analysis of phagocytes, and later confirmed by molecular studies. Its management should consider antimicrobial prophylaxis, a search for infections and aggressive management of these. Objective: To describe three cases of CGD emphasizing their forms of presentation and to conduct a review of the condition. Case reports: Three case reports, two of them first cousins, are presented. Molecular diagnosis was reached in one of the cases. Recurrent infections, abscesses, adenitis, granulomas and complications are identified to facilitate the suspected diagnosis of CGD, bearing in mind the importance of early diagnosis and genetic counseling. Conclusions: EGC is a rare congenital primary immunodeficiency disorder, mostly with X-linked inheritance, autosomal recessive form, and a specific presentation form. Its diagnosis should be timely to avoid complications. Prophylaxis and aggressive treatment of infections should be performed, as well as genetic counseling.

Síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible: presentación de un caso clínico pediátrico / Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: presentation of a pediatric case report

The Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) is a clinical and neuro-radiological syndrome described several decades ago. This syndrome was characterized by headache, frequent seizures, nausea, vomiting, decreased vision and variable confusion. The clinical manifestations may be of varying magnitude and should be recognized as an early management is associated with increased likelihood of full recovery of neurological disturbances. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals the typical pattern of bilateral hyper intensities on fluid attenuated inversion recovery imaging predominantly in the parietal-occipital regions. The possible triggers may be abrupt arterial hypertension, impaired renal function, immunosuppressive therapies, eclampsia / pre-eclampsia, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory conditions. PRES is involved in the differential diagnosis of acute encephalopathy, leukoencephalopathies, CNS tumor and other refractory seizures. The prognosis is generally good and the recurrence rare. The clinical resolves within days and the earlier management in inpatient pediatric or medicine services withdrawal of medication related in the acute phase. RNM lesions are resolved more slowly and the injury may be remaining any month in hemorrhagic vascular compromise.

El Síndrome de Encefalopatía Posterior Reversible, de la denominación inglesa “Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome” (PRES), es un síndrome clínico neuro-radiológico descrito hace algunas décadas, caracterizado por cefalea, convulsiones frecuentes, náuseas, vómitos, disminución de la visión, con compromiso variable de la conciencia. Las manifestaciones clínicas pueden ser de diversa magnitud y deben ser reconocidas, ya que un manejo precoz se relaciona con mayor probabilidad de recuperación completa del compromiso neurológico. El estudio con resonancia nuclear magnética (RNM) cerebral precoz permite demostrar imágenes hiperdensas en diferentes localizaciones, principalmente en las regiones parietooccipitales. Este síndrome se ha relacionado con varios posibles factores desencadenantes, como la hipertensión arterial aguda, compromiso de la función renal, uso de inmunosupresores, eclampsia/pre eclampsia, quimioterapia, enfermedades autoinmunes, entre otras condiciones. Constituye parte del estudio de diagnóstico diferencial de encefalopatías agudas, leucoencefalopatías, procesos tumorales de SNC, crisis convulsivas refractarias, entre otros. El pronóstico en general es favorable, con recuperación clínica en días y con adecuado manejo en unidad de hospitalizados, con control de las condiciones desencadenantes y/o del fármaco relacionado. Las alteraciones en RNM se resuelven mucho más lentamente que la clínica, pudiendo persistir lesiones por meses, principalmente en caso de compromiso hemorrágico-vascular.

Síndrome hiper IGE: a propósito de tres casos clínicos / Hyper IGE syndrome: three case reports

Introducción: El síndrome Hiper IgE (SHIGE) autosómico dominante (SHIGE-AD) es una inmunodeficiencia primaria asociada a alteraciones del tejido conectivo, esqueléticas, cerebrales y vasculares. La patogénesis de la inmunodeficiencia reside en una alteración en la vía Th17 lo que explica la susceptibilidad especial de estos pacientes a infecciones por S. aureus y Candida. Objetivo: Describir tres niños diagnosticados como síndrome Hiper IgE y realizar una revisión sobre el tema, con especial foco en la forma dominante de la enfermedad. Casos clínicos: Se presentan 3 niños con SHIGE (2 varones), con rash eccematoso desde el período de recién nacido, infecciones cutáneas, óticas, pulmonares, ganglionares, con niveles de IgE sérica sobre 2.000 UI/ml y eosinofilia, tratados con antimicrobianos y tópicos, con seguimiento más de 7 años. Conclusiones: Es una entidad infrecuente, que requiere alto grado de sospecha y el manejo precoz de las infecciones. Uno de sus principales diagnósticos diferenciales está dado por el niño atópico con infecciones recurrentes pero difieren en el contexto, respuesta y resolución frente a las infecciones y la falta de las otras características fenotípicas.

Introduction: Autosomal dominant Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES-AD) is a primary immunodeficiency associated with connective tissue, skeletal, vascular and brain disorders. The pathogenesis of immune deficiency lies in an alteration of Th17 cells which explains the special susceptibility of these patients to S. aureus and Candida infections. Objective: To describe three children diagnosed with hyper IgE syndrome and conduct a study on the subject, with special focus on the dominant form of the disease. Case reports: 3 children with HIES-AD (2 males and one female) with eczema since birth, skin, ear, lung, and lymph node infections, and serum IgE levels over 2,000 IU/ml and eosinophilia values, treated with antibiotics and topically, and 7 year follow-up. Conclusions: It is a rare condition that requires a high index of suspicion and early management of infections. One of its main diagnoses is atopic syndrome with recurrent infections but both conditions differ in context, response and resolution against infections and lack of other phenotypic characteristics.

[Hyper IgE syndrome: three case reports]. / Síndrome Hiper IgE: a propósito de tres casos clínicos.

INTRODUCTION: Autosomal dominant Hyper IgE syndrome (HIES-AD) is a primary immunodeficiency associated with connective tissue, skeletal, vascular and brain disorders. The pathogenesis of immune deficiency lies in an alteration of Th17 cells which explains the special susceptibility of these patients to S. aureus and Candida infections. OBJECTIVE: To describe three children diagnosed with hyper IgE syndrome and conduct a study on the subject, with special focus on the dominant form of the disease. CASE REPORTS: 3 children with HIES-AD (2 males and one female) with eczema since birth, skin, ear, lung, and lymph node infections, and serum IgE levels over 2,000 IU/ml and eosinophilia values, treated with antibiotics and topically, and 7 year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: It is a rare condition that requires a high index of suspicion and early management of infections. One of its main diagnoses is atopic syndrome with recurrent infections but both conditions differ in context, response and resolution against infections and lack of other phenotypic characteristics.

Manifestaciones reumatológicas de enfermedades oncológicas: visión pediátrica / Rheumatic manifestations of oncologic diseases: pediatric vision

The musculoskeletal and / or joint complaints in childhood are a frequent medical problem involving several etiologies varying from a reaction to intercurrent infection to the presence of diseases with significant alterations of the musculoskeletal system, malignancies or skeletal dysplasia. The diagnosis requires a very good history including family history, a systematic physical evaluation and complementary laboratory study to help establish the diagnosis. This article shows some retrospectively experiences of oncology or rheumatology national and international centers who evaluated describing those characteristics that allowed them to detect a definitive diagnosis. Some clues are necessary to systematize the differential diagnoses among rheumatism and malignancies diseases in childhood because the earlier diagnosis may be reached. Malignancies conditions can development rheumatologic manifestations that can be distracting delaying diagnosis and their patient outcomes...

Las manifestaciones músculo esqueléticas y/o articulares en el niño/a constituyen un frecuente motivo de consulta, además de conformar un complejo sindromático que involucra diversas etiologías, que van desde una expresión reactiva a una infección intercurrente transitoria hasta patologías con alteraciones significativas del sistema músculoesquelético, como neoplasias o displasias óseas. El rol del médico en este motivo de consulta será establecer el diagnóstico a través de una exhaustiva historia que incluya antecedentes familiares, un examen físico completo y estudio de laboratorio complementario que contribuya a establecer el diagnóstico. En este artículo se presentan algunas experiencias de centros de referencia oncológicos y/o reumatológicos nacionales e internacionales que evaluaron retrospectivamente a sus pacientes, describiendo aquellas características que les permitieron establecer el diagnóstico definitivo. Se presentan, además, algunas claves para sistematizar algunos diagnósticos diferenciales entre reumatismos infantiles y enfermedades neoplásicas, ya que en estas últimas pueden presentarse manifestaciones reumatológicas que pueden ser distractores que retardan el diagnóstico y pueden modificar su pronóstico...

Patología inflamatoria de columna en niños y adolescentes / Inflammatory spine pathology in children and adolescents

Chronic inflammatory axial pain is an uncommon pediatric syndrome, brings a number of diseases affecting the axial skeleton. It is characterized by unknown etiology, with recognizing genetic susceptibility factors. The medical clinician should be performed to establish the diagnosis, making accurate therapy for long-term success and working to get a good quality of life. Current classifications established for children and young patients forms are limited by the pediatric medical short follow-up age. Two international classifications (a) International League of Associations for Rheumatology and (b) Classification of juvenile spondyloarthropathies Spondylarthropathy European group Study Group to achieve approximate diagnosis for pediatric rheumatology forms. The adult rheumatologist usually who will establish the definitive diagnosis and prognosis. The chronic inflammatory axial pain needs an unification of classification criteria for children and adults in order to facilitate the scientific communication and medical transition.

El dolor axial inflamatorio crónico es una entidad infrecuente en Pediatría, y agrupa una serie de patologías que afectan el esqueleto axial. este grupo de enfermedades son de etiología aún desconocida, reconociendo factores de susceptibilidad genética en ellas. Su importancia está en el enfoque que el clínico debe realizar para establecer el diagnóstico, realizar una terapia precoz para obtener buenos resultados a largo plazo y procurar que el paciente obtenga una buena calidad de vida. Las clasificaciones actuales establecidas para las formas infantojuveniles se ven limitadas por lo breve del periodo de seguimiento etario, además que se hace necesario aplicar dos clasificaciones internacionales (a) International League of Associations for Rheumatology y (b) Clasificación de Espondiloartropatías Juveniles del European Spondyloarthropathy Study Group para lograr el diagnóstico aproximado. Es necesario considerar que en muchos casos será el reumatólogo de adultos quien establecerá el diagnóstico y pronóstico definitivo. Se reconoce que este grupo de patología inflamatoria crónica requiere unificación de criterios de clasificación en niños y adultos para facilitar la comunicación científica y de transición.

Therapeutic effects of the anti-tumor necrosis factor monoclonal antibody, infliximab, in four children with refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of treatment with infliximab in patients with refractory juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of four children with refractory JIA was carried out. Infliximab (100 mg) was administered in weeks 0, 2 and 6. Subsequently, the drug was administered every 8 weeks. The following parameters were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the follow-up period: number of joints with active arthritis, number of joints with a limited range of motion, physician overall assessment of disease activity, parent assessment of the child's overall well-being, pain assessment scores, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Improvement was rated according to the definition of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR 30). Paired sample tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Three girls and one boy aged between 10 and 16 years old with a history of JIA ranging from 1 to 9 years were included. The patients received infliximab for a period of 11 to 33 months (average 22 months). There was a significant decrease in the number of swollen joints (p < 0.05), joints with a limited range of movement (p < 0.04), pain score assessment (p < 0.005), physician overall assessment (p = 0.002), maternal evaluation (p < 0.001), the patient's own evaluation (p < 0.001), and duration of morning stiffness (p < 0.001). Both steroids and methotrexate dosages were reduced and no adverse effects or infections were registered. CONCLUSIONS: Infliximab improved joint inflammatory indexes and clinical assessments. This improvement increased the quality of life of the patients and their families, suggesting that the use of biological therapy is a good option in refractory JIA.

Identificación de mutaciones en el gen CYBB que llevan al fenotipo de la enfermedad granulomatosa crónica ligada al cromosoma X: Reporte de una nueva mutación / Report of a new mutation in CYBB gene in two patients with X linked chronic granulomatous disease

Background: The X-linked form of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a primary immunodeficiency that affects phagocytes of the innate immune system and is characterized by an increased susceptibility to severe bacterial and fungal infections. It is caused by mutations in the CYBB gene, which encodes the 91-kD subunit of phagocyte NADPH oxidase. Aim: To identify the mutation in the CYBB gene in two unrelated patients from Chile with the diagnosis of X-linked CGD and their families. Patients and methods: The molecular genetic defects of two unrelated patients from Chile with X-linked CGD caused by defects in the CYBB gene were investigated. The underlying mutation was investigated by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of PCR-amplified genomic DNA and by sequencing of the affected gene region. Results: We found an insertion c.1267_1268insA in exon 10 leading to a frameshift mutation. This mutation is a novel report. We also identified a splice site mutation in the other patient, that presented a c.1326 +1 G>A substitution in intron 10. The mutation was also detectable in his heterozygous mother. Conclusions: This is the first report of the clinical and molecular characterization of Chilean patients with mutations in CYBB gene.

Síndrome de Burnout: una alerta / Burnout syndrome: an alert

The burnout syndrome is a psycho emotional condition that effects people who systematically work with others. It presents specific characteristics and risk factors that anticipate it. Opportune diagnosis allows appropriate intervention at both organizational and personal level, and this leads to better workplace health. This review seeks to encourage further national studies in order to demonstrate that this affects health care workers, and create strategies to prevent and deal with this syndrome.

Importance of early adequate exposure to cyclosporine in renal transplant outcome: study of 1-year creatinine.

INTRODUCTION: One-year serum creatinine (SCr) level has been used as a surrogate marker for graft survival in kidney transplantation. We evaluated the importance of different factors on this parameter, emphasizing the importance of adequate exposure to Cyclosporine (CyA). METHODS: Ninety-six consecutive renal transplant recipients who underwent transplantation between 1996 and 2002 were treated with CyA, steroids, and azathioprine. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed for 1-year SCr, acute rejection episodes (ARE), and duration of delayed graft function (DGF). We considered adequate CyA levels within 1 week to be >250 ng/mL trough levels (38%) or 3 hour postdose level (C3) >1100 ng/mL (62%). RESULTS: Mean 1-year SCr was 1.52 +/- 0.5, ARE rate was 27%, and DGF rate was 31%. Overall, 53% of patients achieved adequate exposure to CyA at 1 week (68% on those monitored by C3). Univariate analysis identified female recipient gender, decreasing donor age, absence of ARE, and decreased DGF duration to yield lower 1-year SCr (P < .05). On multivariate analysis for donor age (lower), ARE rate, and duration of DGF (shorter) were the only factors considered to be significant for a lower 1-year SCr level. Multivariate analysis for ARE showed that adequate CyA exposure and lower HLA mismatch decreased ARE, whereas the ability to achieve adequate exposure to CyA and shorter cold ischemia time (CIT) correlated with a reduced incidence of DGF. CONCLUSIONS: One-year SCr level is affected primarily by the incidence of ARE, by donor age, and by duration of DGF. Adequate CyA exposure is related to lower ARE; however, its relation to DGF may be influenced by the reluctance to increase exposure on patients with a nonfunctioning graft.

Benefits of early biopsy on the outcome of kidney transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed graft function has been associated with worse long-term kidney allograft survival. Adequate diagnosis of the etiology of dysfunction is crucial, often requiring routine early biopsies. The aim of this article was to report the results and safety of early kidney allograft biopsies and how they influenced its management. METHOD: Between September 1994 and July 2004, 134 renal transplant recipients were prescribed cyclosporine (CsA; Neoral, Novartis, Chile), steroids, and a third agent (azathioprine in 92% of the graft recipients). Thirty-four patients (26%) had a kidney biopsy performed within the first week because of allograft dysfunction. RESULTS: The main diagnosis was acute tubular necrosis (ATN) in 22 patients (65%), whereas 6 (18%) were diagnosed with an acute rejection episode (ARE), allowing prompt initiation of therapy with reversal of rejection in 4 of them. Two patients (6%) showed signs of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) induced by CsA, which subsided following a switch from CsA to tacrolimus (Prograf Pharmainvesti, Chile). In 2 patients, the biopsy specimen showed signs of CsA nephrotoxicity that reverted following dose reduction. Finally, in 2 patients, the biopsy specimen showed chronic nephropathy of donor origin, which had not been previously recognized, resulting in graft loss. There was only one major complication related to the biopsy, intraperitoneal bleeding that required surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Early allograft biopsy is safe and, in a significant number of cases (30%), it detects important allograft pathology (ARE, TMA, and drug toxicity), which when adequately and promptly treated may rescue the graft.

C2 monitoring of cyclosporine in stable renal transplant patients results in lower costs and improved renal function.

INTRODUCTION: C2 (2-hour post-absorption levels) monitoring of cyclosporine (CsA) seems to reduce the rate of acute rejection episodes (ARE) without increasing nephrotoxicity during the first months after transplant. There are a few reports on the impact of adopting this strategy in patients with stable renal transplants. We herein report a prospective trial in long-term renal transplant patients (>6 months) monitored by C0 or C3 who were switched to C2 monitoring. METHODS: Seventy-six (mean age = 43 +/- 11 years) kidney transplant patients (mean = 37 +/- 21 months after transplant) receiving CsA, steroids, and azathioprine were switched to C2 monitoring, seeking to achieve a target range of 800 +/- 100 ng/mL. The patients were followed for at least 6 months. RESULTS: At conversion the C2 values of 61% of the patients were above and 17% below the therapeutic range. Six months after conversion there was a significant reduction in BUN (29 +/- 11 vs 27 +/- 10, P < .01), Creatinine (Cr), cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were unchanged. Mean CsA dose was decreased 10% from 244 +/- 63 to 220 +/- 52 (P < .01), implying a net savings of 390 US dollars per patient per year. Among the group of patients who showed a high C2 level, there was also a reduction in BUN (30 +/- 12 vs 27 +/- 10, P < .01) and a nonsignificant decrease in Cr (1.53 +/- 0.6 vs 1.50 +/- 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: C2 monitoring in stable kidney transplant recipients is feasible and safe. The strategy results in reduced drug costs and improved renal function.

Nefrectomía donante vivo: comparación de la técnica clásica y laparoscópica / Alive donor nephrectomy: comparison between classic and laparoscopic techniques

La Nefrectomía Laparoscópica Donante Vivo (NLDV) es un procedimiento seguro y efectivo, con beneficios ampliamente conocidos para el donante. Sin embargo, también es importante que los injertos funcionen bien o que al menos se parezcan a los obtenidos por Nefrectomía Clásica (NC). Por lo anterior, el objetivo de este trabajo es comparar los resultados quirúrgicos y la función de los injertos obtenidos en una serie inicial de NLDV con una serie contemporánea de NC. Se revisan las fichas y los registros de laboratorio de los donantes y receptores de todos los trasplantes renales con donante vivo realizados desde el año 2000 a marzo de 2004, los últimos de los cuales fueron con Nefrectomía Laparoscópica (NL) tipo mano asistida. Se comparan los resultados quirúrgicos de las nefrectomías y los resultados funcionales a los 3 meses del trasplante de acuerdo al tipo de nefrectomía. En el periodo de estudio se realizaron 10 trasplantes con NC y los 4 más recientes con NL. Las características de los receptores y donantes fueron similares en ambos grupos salvo por la edad de estos últimos que fue en promedio 10 años mayor en el grupo de NC (40 v/s 30 años). Los tiempos operatorios promedio fueron similares en ambos grupos (2 hrs. 40 min.). No hubo complicaciones graves ni en las nefrectomías ni en los trasplantes. El tiempo promedio de hospitalización fue de 4,6 días para la NC y 2 días para la NL. La función renal de los receptores al momento del trasplante fue similar en ambos grupos (creatinina 6,84 mg/dl en la NC y 6,25 mg/dl en la NL). Tampoco hubo diferencias en la función renal a los tres meses (creatinina 1,4 mg/dl en la NC y 1,35 mg/dl en la NL). En esta experiencia la NLDV es una técnica segura desde el punto de vista del donante, con los beneficios que este tipo de cirugía les entrega (menos dolor, menor estadía hospitalaria, reintegro precoz al trabajo, etc.). Y lo más importante, la calidad de los injertos es similar a los obtenidos por NC, al menos en el corto plazo. La NLDV debería transformarse en la técnica de elección en casos seleccionados.

Renal transplants with delayed graft function show decreased renal function despite monitoring with postabsorptive levels.

Cyclosporine (CyA) monitoring with postabsorptive levels can predict the risk of an acute rejection episode (ARE). Large doses of CyA are needed to obtain adequate drug exposure. The impact of this strategy on renal function, especially in patients with delayed graft function (DGF), is unknown. We report our experience comparing C3 (3-hour postdose) monitoring with a historical series of cadaveric renal transplants. Sixty-three consecutive patients who received cadaveric renal transplants were followed for 1 year. Group A (historical n = 31) patients received 6 mg/kg/d CyA with the dose adjusted according to the trough level (target, 250-350 ng/mL), group B (study n = 32) received 10 mg/kg/d CyA with dose adjustments based upon C3 (target, 1100-1500 ng/mL). All patients received cyclosporine prednisone and a third agents. The general characteristics of the donors and recipients were comparable. The incidence of biopsy-proven ARE at 1 year in group A was 42% and 19% in group B (P <.05). Patients achieving C3 levels >1000 ng/mL at 1 week displayed significantly lower ARE rates (8% vs 50%; P <.05). The rate of DGF was similar in both groups, but the duration was longer in group B (15 vs 21 days, P <.05). The serum creatinine (SCr) level was significantly higher in group B at 3 months (1.47 mg/dL group A vs 1.76 mg/dL group B; P <.05). Patients in group B with DGF showed significantly higher SCr values at 1 year (1.18mg% vs 2.03 mg%; P <.05). C3 level monitoring of CyA yields excellent results in terms of decreased ARE, but an increased SCR was observed among patients with DGF.

Manifestaciones neurológicas asociadas a infección por Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Neurological clinical manifestations associated to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, reconocido patógeno respiratorio, es también responsable de numerosas y variadas manifestaciones extrapulmonares, siendo las neurológicas las más frecuentes. Se presenta el caso de una escolar de 8 años, con un síndrome febril prolongado asociado a infección por M. pneumoniae que se complicó con encefalomielitis diseminada aguda. Se reportan otros seis casos con manifestaciones neurológicas: meningitis aséptica (1), meningoencefalitis (1), síndrome de Guillain Barré (1) y parálisis facial (3). La patogenia de las complicaciones neurológicas asociadas con infección por M. pneumoniae es aún desconocida, planteándose que algunas se deben a invasión directa del SNC y aquellas con pródromo prolongado, como encefalomielitis diseminada aguda, síndrome de Guillain Barré y mielitis transversa, obedecerían probablemente a fenómenos autoinmunes. En nuestro medio, en ausencia de RPC para confirmar el diagnóstico de esta infección, éste se fundamenta en la presencia de anticuerpos IgM o ascenso de IgG específica. La utilidad de los antimicrobianos en el control de estas manifestaciones neurológicas es discutida postulándose el uso de terapia inmunomoduladora.