Helicobacter pylori virulence genotypes and their relationship with precursor lesions of gastric malignancy and histological parameters in infected patients in Colombia. / Genotipos de virulencia de Helicobacter pylori y su asociación con lesiones precursoras de malignidad gástrica y parámetros histológicos en pacientes colombianos.

The aim of this research was to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori virulence genotypes and their association with precursor lesions of gastric malignancy and histological parameters in patients with dyspepsia symptoms in southwestern Colombia. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the genetic characterization of vacA, cagA, babA2 and sabA. The chi-square or Fischer test were used to evaluate the association between each genotype and the clinical outcome. We found that 86.3% of the patients with precursor lesions of gastric malignancy presented the vacA s1/m1 genotype, 68.1% had the cagA+ genotype and 68.8% and 55.8% had the babA2+ and sabA+ genotypes, respectively. Our results show association between virulence genotypes and severe degree of polymorphonuclear cell infiltration. In addition, we found an association between the combination of vacA/cagA, vacA/sabA and babA2/sabA genes. This study provides evidence about the association of H. pylori virulence genotypes and gastric inflammation in infected patients.

Se determinó la presencia de los genotipos de virulencia de Helicobacter pylori y su asociación con las lesiones precursoras de malignidad gástrica y parámetros histológicos en pacientes con síntomas de dispepsia del suroccidente de Colombia. Se realizó reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR) para la caracterización genética de vacA, cagA, babA2 y sabA. Se empleó la prueba de chi cuadrado o Fischer para evaluar la asociación de cada genotipo sobre el desenlace clínico. En los pacientes con lesiones precursoras de malignidad gástrica se encontró que el 86,3% presentaron el genotipo vacA s1/m1, el 68,1% cagA+ y los genotipos babA2+ y sabA+ con el 68,8% y 55,8%, respectivamente. También, se demostró la asociación entre los genotipos de virulencia y el grado severo de infiltración de células polimorfonucleares. Además, se encontró una asociación entre la combinación de los genes vacA/cagA, vacA/sabA y babA2/sabA. Este estudio proporciona evidencia acerca de la asociación de los genotipos de virulencia del H. pylori y la inflamación gástrica en pacientes infectados.

Genotipos de virulencia de Helicobacter pylori y su asociación con lesiones precursoras de malignidad gástrica y parámetros histológicos en pacientes colombianos / Helicobacter pylori virulence genotypes and their relationship with precursor lesions of gastric malignancy and histological parameters in infected patients in Colombia

Se determinó la presencia de los genotipos de virulencia de Helicobacter pylori y su asociación con las lesiones precursoras de malignidad gástrica y parámetros histológicos en pacientes con síntomas de dispepsia del suroccidente de Colombia. Se realizó reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR) para la caracterización genética de vacA, cagA, babA2 y sabA. Se empleó la prueba de chi cuadrado o Fischer para evaluar la asociación de cada genotipo sobre el desenlace clínico. En los pacientes con lesiones precursoras de malignidad gástrica se encontró que el 86,3% presentaron el genotipo vacA s1/m1, el 68,1% cagA+ y los genotipos babA2+ y sabA+ con el 68,8% y 55,8%, respectivamente. También, se demostró la asociación entre los genotipos de virulencia y el grado severo de infiltración de células polimorfonucleares. Además, se encontró una asociación entre la combinación de los genes vacA/cagA, vacA/sabA y babA2/sabA. Este estudio proporciona evidencia acerca de la asociación de los genotipos de virulencia del H. pylori y la inflamación gástrica en pacientes infectados.

The aim of this research was to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori virulence genotypes and their association with precursor lesions of gastric malignancy and histological parameters in patients with dyspepsia symptoms in southwestern Colombia. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for the genetic characterization of vacA, cagA, babA2 and sabA. The chi-square or Fischer test were used to evaluate the association between each genotype and the clinical outcome. We found that 86.3% of the patients with precursor lesions of gastric malignancy presented the vacA s1/m1 genotype, 68.1% had the cagA+ genotype and 68.8% and 55.8% had the babA2+ and sabA+ genotypes, respectively. Our results show association between virulence genotypes and severe degree of polymorphonuclear cell infiltration. In addition, we found an association between the combination of vacA/cagA, vacA/sabA and babA2/sabA genes. This study provides evidence about the association of H. pylori virulence genotypes and gastric inflammation in infected patients.

Severe febrile neutropenia associated with satralizumab in an Argentinian neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder patient.

BACKGROUND: Recently, satralizumab (interleukin-6 receptor blocker) was approved for seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients. In SAkuraSky trial, mild neutropenia was reported in 15% of patients under satralizumab. Most neutropenias were transient; grade 3-4 was not related to serious infections. So far, no severe neutropenia (<100 cell/mm3) has been reported worldwide. METHODS: We present an aquaporin-4-antibody-positive NMOSD patient who developed severe febrile neutropenia 2 weeks after adding satralizumab to her azathioprine treatment. CONCLUSION: Analytic control for satralizumab is recommended at 4 weeks. However, we recommend this control at week 2, in order to closely monitor neutrophil count and prevent further complications.

Endoscopic negative pressure therapy for the closure of an esophagojejunal anastomosis fistula. Case report / Terapia endoscópica de presión negativa para cierre de fístula de la anastomosis esófago-yeyunal. Reporte de caso

Abstract Introduction: Post-surgical esophagojejunal anastomosis fistulas can be life-threatening. Currently, there are several treatment alternatives. In recent years, endoscopic negative pressure therapy has emerged as an innovative treatment for these fistulas, offering numerous benefits. Case presentation: A 72-year-old man diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma of the body and fundus underwent total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy and Roux-en-Y anastomosis with curative intent in a quaternary care hospital in Popayán, Colombia. However, in the postoperative period, he presented systemic inflammatory response syndrome and acute abdomen due to an esophagojejunal fistula. Initial management included a laparotomy, two peritoneal washings, and an abdominal drainage. Then the patient developed frozen abdomen, so it was not possible to access the esophagojejunal anastomosis. Fistula closure was attempted by inserting a self-expandable metallic stent, yet the procedure was not successful. Salvage therapy was started using an endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) system. After 5 replacements of the VAC system, complete drainage of the intra-abdominal collection, complete closure of the peritoneal cavity, and closure of the esophagojejunal leak, with a small residual diverticular formation, were achieved. The patient's condition improved progressively, resuming oral intake 20 days after initiation of VAC therapy. In addition, no new abdominal complications were reported during the follow-up period (17 months). Conclusions: Endoscopic VAC therapy is a new safe and effective alternative to treat complex post-surgical fistulas caused by esophagojejunal anastomosis.

Resumen Introducción. Las fístulas de las anastomosis esófago-yeyunales postquirúrgicas pueden llegar a ser mortales. En la actualidad, existen varias alternativas de tratamiento, y en los últimos años la terapia endoscópica de presión negativa se ha convertido en un método innovador y con grandes ventajas para el manejo de estas fístulas. Presentación del caso. Hombre de 72 años diagnosticado con adenocarcinoma gástrico de cuerpo y fondo a quien se le realizó una gastrectomía total con linfadenectomía D2 y una anastomosis en Y de Roux con intención curativa en un hospital de cuarto nivel en Popayán, Colombia. Sin embargo, en el posoperatorio presentó síndrome de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y abdomen agudo producto de fístula esófago-yeyunal. Se realizó manejo inicial con laparotomía, dos lavados de cavidad peritoneal y drenaje abdominal. Posteriormente, el paciente desarrolló abdomen congelado, por lo que no fue posible acceder a la anastomosis esófago-yeyunal. Se intentó cierre de fístula mediante la inserción de prótesis metálica autoexpandible, pero el procedimiento no fue exitoso. Se inició terapia de rescate mediante sistema de cierre asistido por vacío (VAC) por vía endoscópica. Luego de 5 recambios del sistema VAC, se logró el drenaje completo de la colección intraabdominal encontrada, el cierre completo de la cavidad peritoneal y el cierre de la fuga esófago-yeyunal, con una pequeña formación diverticular residual. La condición del paciente mejoró progresivamente, con reinicio de la vía oral a los 20 días del inicio de la terapia VAC. Además, no se reportaron nuevas complicaciones abdominales en el periodo de seguimiento (17 meses). Conclusión. La terapia endoscópica de VAC es una nueva alternativa segura y efectiva para el tratamiento de fístulas postquirúrgicas complejas producto de anastomosis esófago-yeyunales.

New insights into the taxonomy of autoimmune diseases based on polyautoimmunity.

OBJECTIVE: The clinical coexistence of two or more autoimmune diseases (ADs) fulfilling classification criteria is termed "overt polyautoimmunity" (PolyA), whereas the presence of autoantibodies unrelated to an index AD, without clinical criteria fulfillment, is known as "latent PolyA". We aimed to explore a new taxonomy of ADs based on PolyA. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 292 subjects, we evaluated the presence of PolyA in 146, 45, 29, 17, and 17 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), respectively, and 38 healthy controls. Clinical assessment, autoantibody profile (by autoantigen array chip), lymphocytes immunophenotype and cytokine profile (by flow cytometry) were evaluated simultaneously. A mixed cluster methodology was used to classify ADs. RESULTS: Latent PolyA was more frequent than overt PolyA, ranging from 69.9% in RA to 100% in SSc. Nevertheless, both latent and overt PolyA clustered together. Over-expressed IgG autoantibodies were found to be hallmarks for the identification of index ADs. The combination of autoantibodies allowed high accuracy in the classification of ADs. Three well-defined clusters based on PolyA were observed with distinctive clinical and immunological phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept study indicates that ADs can be classified according to PolyA. PolyA should be considered in all studies dealing with ADs, including epidemiological, genetic, and clinical trials.

Ocular Manifestations in Colombian Patients with Systemic Rheumatologic Diseases.

PURPOSE: To establish the prevalence of ocular involvement in a Colombian population with rheumatologic diseases. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS: We included a probabilistic sample size of 797 patients who attended a rheumatologic disease center in Bogotá, Colombia. Statistical analysis with descriptive measures and Chi-square independence test between rheumatologic diseases and ophthalmological symptoms and diseases was performed. RESULTS: Eighty-four percent of the population were women, and the mean age was 54.61± 15.64 years. The most common condition was rheumatoid arthritis (33.37%), followed by fibromyalgia (22.71%), Sjögren Syndrome (19.72%), and systemic lupus erythematosus (9.91%). Almost 7% of the patients presented polyautoimmunity. Thirty-five percent of the patients reported one or more ophthalmological symptoms, being dry eye sensation the most common (30.86%), followed by ocular pain (2.76%), red-eye, and decreased visual acuity (both 2.63%). Similarly, 21.45% of the patients presented one or more ophthalmological diagnoses, being keratoconjunctivitis sicca the most common (15.93%), followed by cataract, uveitis (1.38% each), and scleritis (1.25%). CONCLUSION: Almost a third of the patients reported any ocular involvement. It is crucial to be aware of the most common ophthalmic manifestations among the different rheumatologic diseases in our population, to offer early specialist referral and timely treatment.

Adenoma velloso de esófago en la mucosa ectópica gástrica: reporte de un caso / Villous adenoma of the esophagus in ectopic gastric mucosa: A case report

Resumen Introducción: Los adenomas vellosos son lesiones del tubo digestivo con tendencia alta a la malignidad. Su ubicación en parches de mucosa gástrica ectópica en el esófago cervical determina una presentación atípica de interés tanto clínico como patológico. Objetivo: Presentar un caso de adenoma velloso en la mucosa gástrica ectópica del esófago cervical. Métodos: Describir el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de adenoma velloso y realizar una revisión de la literatura disponible hasta el momento. Resultados: Se identificó mediante un estudio histopatológico un adenoma tubulovelloso con displasia de bajo grado, cuya ubicación endoscópica era un parche de mucosa ectópica gástrica en el esófago cervical. Conclusiones: La ubicación de los adenomas vellosos en el esófago cervical puede predisponer al desarrollo de lesiones neoplásicas. La evaluación detallada de este segmento, con técnicas como la cromoendoscopia digital de alta definición, permiten la detección temprana de estas lesiones y su oportuna intervención.

Abstract Introduction: Villous adenomas are lesions of the digestive tract with a high tendency to malignancy. Its location in ectopic gastric mucosa patches in the cervical esophagus is an atypical presentation of clinical and pathological interest. Objective: To present a case of villous adenoma in ectopic gastric mucosa of the cervical esophagus. Methods: A case study of a patient with a diagnosis of villous adenoma is presented, as well as a review of the current literature. Results: A tubulovillous adenoma with low-grade dysplasia was identified by histopathological study. Its endoscopic location was a gastric ectopic mucosa patch in the cervical esophagus. Conclusions: The location of villous adenomas in the cervical esophagus may predispose to the development of neoplastic lesions. Detailed evaluation of this segment using techniques, such as high-definition digital chromoendoscopy, would allow for early detection and treatment of these lesions.

Eficacia de dos sistemas mecanizados para la desobturación de conductos radiculares curvos obturados con GuttaCore / Efficacy of two engine-driven systems for the removal of GuttaCore fillings from curved root canals

Objetivo: Comparar ex vivo la eficacia del instrumento WaveOne Gold Primary con la del sistema ProTaper Retratamiento para la remoción del material de obturación en conductos mesiales de molares inferiores obturados con GuttaCore y sellador. Materiales y métodos: Se seleccionaron raíces mesiales de 15 molares inferiores humanos extraídos con dos conductos radiculares cada una, forámenes independientes y curvaturas de entre 20o y 40o. Los conductos se prepararon con el sistema WaveOne Gold hasta una longitud de trabajo prefijada y hasta el instrumento Primary. La irrigación fue realizada con NaClO al 2,5%. Todos los conductos fueron obturados mediante GuttaCore empleando el obturador Primary y el sellador AH Plus con el agregado de una gota de azul de metileno al 1%. Los 30 conductos (15 mesio-vestibulares y 15 mesio-linguales) fueron divididos al azar en dos grupos de 15 (n=15) conductos cada uno. Los del grupo 1 fueron desobturados con el instrumento de movimiento recíproco WaveOne Gold Primary; los del grupo 2, con el sistema rotatorio ProTaper Retratamiento. Las muestras fueron incluidas en bloques de resina acrílica y se realizaron secciones transversales de 1 mm de espesor a nivel de 1,5, 3 y 9 mm de la longitud de trabajo con micrótomo para tejidos duros. Luego se observaron con un microscopio óptico bajo luz reflejada y se fotografiaron con una cámara digital. Las imágenes se analizaron mediante un programa informático. En cada grupo y en cada uno de los niveles prefijados, los resultados fueron expresados como la diferencia entre el área cubierta por restos de gutapercha/sellador y el área total perimetral del conducto radicular, y analizados mediante ANOVA y la prueba de Tukey, con un nivel de significación de P<0,05. Resultados: Se observaron remanentes del material de obturación en todos los niveles de ambos grupos. No hubo diferencias significativas (P>0,05) entre grupos. Las diferencias observadas entre los niveles prefijados fueron significativas (P<0,05), especialmente cuando se compararon los resultados obtenidos a 1,5 y 9 mm de la longitud de trabajo. Conclusiones: El empleo de WaveOne Gold Primary o ProTaper Retratamiento no permitió remover completamente el material de obturación en conductos mesiales de molares inferiores obturados con GuttaCore y AH Plus (AU)

Síndrome de Gianotti-Crosti: reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Gianotti-Crosti syndrome: report of 2 cases and literature review

El síndrome de Gianotti-Crosti, también llamado acrodermatitis papular de la infancia, es un exantema infrecuente de la infancia, que se presenta generalmente en niños entre 1 y 6 años de edad. Dado que estos pacientes generalmente son llevados a su pediatra, es fundamental el conocimiento de las características de este síndrome. El cuadro clínico se caracteriza por una reacción pápulo-vesicular asintomática y autolimitada de distribución simétrica en cara, nalgas y superficies extensoras de las extremidades, formando placas o permaneciendo aisladas. El tronco generalmente se encuentra respetado y las lesiones usualmente no son pruriginosas. Se reportan los casos de dos pacientes que consultaron en el Servicio de Dermatología de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, por un cuadro compatible con síndrome de Gianotti-Crosti. A propósito de los casos, se presentan los aspectos más relevantes sobre esta patología.

The Gianotti-Crosti syndrome, also known as papular acrodermatitis of childhood, is an uncommon rash that usually occurs in children between 1 and 6 years old. Given that these patients are usually brought to their pediatrician, it is essential to know the characteristics of this syndrome. The clinical picture is characterized by a self-limited and asymptomatic papulo-vesicular reaction, symmetrically distributed on the face, buttocks and extensor surfaces of the extremities. The trunk is generally respected and the lesions are usually not itchy. We report the cases of two patients treated at the Dermatology Department at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, with symptoms consistent with Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. We also present the most relevant aspects of this disease.

Marcadores cutáneos de disrafia espinal oculta: reporte de 5 casos / Skin markers of occult spinal dysraphism: report of 5 cases

Las disrafias espinales ocultas son patologías caracterizadas por la fusión incompleta del tubo neural, en las que la lesión se encuentra cubierta por piel y no hay exposición del tejido nervioso. El diagnóstico precoz es de gran importancia, ya que la corrección quirúrgica oportuna puede prevenir daño neurológico irreversible. Existen alteraciones cutáneas que se asocian a la presencia de disrafias espinales ocultas. Debido a que en muchos casos estos marcadores cutáneos son la única manifestación inicial de estas alteraciones, es fundamental que el pediatra esté familiarizado con ellos, para poder realizar un estudio diagnóstico y terapéutico adecuado. Dentro de los marcadores cutáneos descritos en la literatura, una combinación de dos o más alteraciones cutáneas congénitas de la línea media constituye probablemente el predictor más importante de disrafia espinal oculta. Lesiones como el lipoma de la línea media y la cola de fauno son los marcadores aislados de mayor riesgo. Actualmente las disrafias espinales ocultas cuentan con cobertura GES, por lo que todo paciente en el que se sospeche el diagnóstico, debe ser derivado a neurocirujano, quien deberá evaluarlo en un plazo máximo de tres meses.

Occult spinal dysraphism are diseases characterized by the incomplete fusion of the neural tube, where the lesion is covered by skin and there is no exposure of nerve tissue. Early diagnosis is very important, because prompt surgical correction can prevent irreversible neurological damage. There are usually skin changes associated with the presence of occult spinal dysraphism. Because in many cases these skin lesions are the only initial manifestation of the disease, it’s essential for the pediatrician to know them well, for achieving a timely and appropriate diagnosis. Among the skin markers described in the literature, a combination of two or more skin lesions of the midline is probably the best predictor of occult spinal dysraphism. Lesions such as lipoma of the midline and faun tail have the highest risk for these disorders. Occult spinal dysraphism have GES financing, so every patient in whom the diagnosis is suspected should be referred to a neurosurgeon, who will perform an evaluation within three months.

Cutaneous mastocytosis in twins: multiple mastocytomas and urticaria pigmentosa in two pairs of monozygotic twins.

We report two sets of monozygotic twins with cutaneous mastocytosis: one set with urticaria pigmentosa and the other set with multiple mastocytomas. This is the first report of multiple mastocytomas in twins to our knowledge.

Comorbilidades metabólicas y cardiovasculares en psoriasis / Cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidity in psoriasis

La psoriasis es una enfermedad crónica y aumenta el riesgo de mortalidad general, mortalidad cardiovascular y diversas enfermedades metabólicas y cardiovasculares. La inflamación crónica observada en psoriasis y aterosclorosis parece ser la razón de esta asociación. Diabetes, hipertensión, dislipidemia, obesidad, síndrome metabólico y otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular clásicos son más frecuentes en psoriasis; sin embargo, la psoriasis ha demostrado ser un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad y de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Infarto al miocardio, enfermedades cerebrovasculares, hígado graso y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica son alguna de las enfermedades específicas relacionadas con la psoriasis. Todas estas observaciones apoyan la idea de psoriasis como una enfermedad sistémica, más que sólo una condición cutánea.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease and increases the risk of general mortality, cardiovascular mortality and several metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. The chronic inflammation observed in psoriasis and atherosclerosis seems to be the reason for this association. Diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome and other classical cardiovascular risk factors are more common in psoriasis; however, psoriasis has been shown as an independent risk factor for mortality and cardiovascular diseases. Myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are some specific disease related to psoriasis. All these observations support the idea that psoriasis behaves like a systemic disease, more than just as a cutaneous condition.

Treatment of facial atrophic scars with Esthélis, a hyaluronic acid filler with polydense cohesive matrix (CPM).

BACKGROUND: The treatment of atrophic scars is difficult and dermal filler materials provide a simple alternative with immediate results. Esthélis® is an injectable non-animal crosslinked hyaluronic acid of Swiss origin characterized by a polydense cohesive matrix (CPM®) which produces a gel of uniform consistency with better biointegration to the tissues and a longer duration. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Esthélis in the treatment of atrophic scars. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients aged 18-56 years with facial atrophic scars caused by acne vulgaris, dog bite, piercing, basal cell carcinoma and leishmaniasis were treated with Esthélis. The injection technique was linear threading, serial puncture or a combination of both. Clinical efficacy was assessed independently by the authors and by patients immediately, one week and one month after the injection. Adverse events were registered. RESULTS: Authors described the results as moderate (27%), good (57%) and excellent (17%), immediately, one week and one month after the injection. Patients evaluated the cosmetic improvement as good (42%) or excellent (58%) one month after the treatment. Pain during the injection was described as slight or moderate. Only mild erythema was observed immediately after injection, which spontaneously resolved within few hours. CONCLUSION: Esthélis showed good or excellent results in most patients with atrophic scars, and these were perceived as even better when patients evaluated the cosmetic improvement. The best results were observed in patients with more deforming scars such as surgical scars or trauma.

Hair shaft abnormalities. Pili bifurcati: a scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Pili bifurcati is an extremely rare hair shaft abnormality. We present a case with a scanning electron microscopy analysis.

Tanning salons in Santiago, Chile: the knowledge of the staff in charge and the quality of information provided to potential clients before and after a new regulatory law.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, the use of artificial tanning devices has become very popular in Chile. In April, 2007, a new law was established to regulate the non-medical use of tanning beds and tanning booths. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level and quality of information provided by tanning salon staff to clients before deciding on using the services. This information was collected before and 6 months after the law was enacted by researchers visiting tanning salons posing as potential clients. METHODS: Using a previously designed questionnaire, 24 tanning salons in Santiago, Chile, were evaluated by researchers acting as potential customers without experience with artificial tanning devices. Employees were questioned using a hidden questionnaire before and 6 months after enactment of the law. RESULTS: Before the law, 25% of the establishments gave spontaneous information about the risks of using tanning beds, which increased to 45.8% after enactment of the law. Clients never received written information, either before or after enactment of the law. On both evaluations, more than 1/3 of the employees affirmed that there were no risks in using tanning beds. Before enactment of the law, only 12.5% of the tanning salons required the use of goggles, while after the law, this increased to 25% (P=NS). Only two establishments required that clients sign an informed consent form after enactment of the law. DISCUSSION: The level of knowledge among employees in tanning salons was very low and the quality of the information they provided to the clients was very poor. It was important to legislate on ultraviolet tanning services, but at present, the impact of the law has been very limited.

Pregnant rats treated with a serotonin precursor have reduced fetal weight and lower plasma volume and kallikrein levels.

Pregnant women with preeclampsia have increased serotonin levels, suggesting a possible role of this amine in abnormal pregnancy. With the hypothesis that an increase in serotonin would reduce volume expansion and cause fetal growth restriction, we evaluated the maternal and fetal effects of the administration of the serotonin precursor 5-hidroxytryptophan (5-HTP) to Sprague-Dawley rats. At pregnancy day 13 (n=19) or in random cycle nonpregnant rats (n=10), animals were assigned to a single injection of 5-HTP (100 mg/kg IP) or to a control group. Animals were studied at day 21, after overnight urinary collection. Additional pregnant rats received ketanserin (1 mg/kg), a 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist, 1 hour before 5-HTP injection. In pregnant rats, 5-HTP lowered plasma volume (control: 22+/-1.1; 5-HTP: 17+/-0.7 mL; P<0.001) and creatinine clearance, whereas serum creatinine and urinary protein excretion were increased; no changes were observed in nonpregnant rats. Systolic blood pressure did not change significantly. Urinary kallikrein activity and plasma aldosterone levels decreased only in pregnant animals. Fetal (control: 5.5+/-0.1; 5-HTP: 4.2+/-0.2 g; P<0.001) and placental weights were reduced. In nonpregnant and pregnant animals, 5-HTP caused profound renal morphological alterations and decreased kallikrein immunostaining. Preadministration of ketanserin abolished all of the changes associated with the use of 5-HTP. These data indicate that the administration of a serotonin precursor to pregnant rats limits plasma volume expansion and fetal growth via 5-HT(2) receptors, suggesting a possible role for serotonin in abnormal pregnancy. We postulate that an increased vascular resistance, both at the placental and renal levels, mediates these effects.

[Disclosure of financial sources and conflicts of interest among research articles published in Revista Médica de Chile]. / ¿Explicitan los autores de la Revista Médica de Chile sus fuentes de financiamiento?

BACKGROUND: Financial relationships between the industry and researchers have raised concerns about the existence of conflicts of interest that could influence the scientific validity of the studies. AIM: To determine the financial sources of research articles published in the Revista Médica de Chile during a five-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all articles classified as research articles, published in this journal between years 2001-2005, identifying the funding source and the existence of a declaration of conflicts of interest by the authors. RESULTS: Two hundred seventeen out of 519 research articles published in the period (42%) had an explicit financial source disclosed. Of these, 28% were funded by internal sources, 36% by Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico and 36% by other sources. Twenty-six studies (5%) received funding from the industry. In only five of these, the authors explicity declared the absence of conflict of interest. Among the studies that did not disclose any financial source, one third required some funding to be carried out. CONCLUSIONS: Forty two percent of research articles published in the last five years did not specify the financial source. Those that did specify a funding source were mainly supported by non-profit agencies including university centers and governmental funds. This is in contrast with international reports that evidence an important financial support from the industry. Only a minority of the authors sponsored by the industry declared absence of conflict of interest.

Síndromes mielodisplásticos en pediatría / Pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes

Los síndromes mielodisplásticos (SMD) son desórdenes clónales de las células madres hematopoyéticas caracterizados por hematopoyesis inefectiva, citopenia periférica y riesgo variable de transformación a leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA). Los SMD son relativamente raros en niños, representando aproximadamente el 3 por ciento de las neoplasias hematológicas pediátricas. Se han descrito numerosos subtipos de SMD en niños, no existiendo actualmente una clasificación de consenso. Existen desórdenes genéticos que predisponen al desarrollo de SMD en niños, como el síndrome de Down, la neurofibromatosis tipo I y síndrome de falla medular hereditarios; por otro lado, la exposición a agentes quimioterapéuticos y radiaciones ionizantes, aumenta el riesgo de desarrollar SMD tanto en niños como en adultos. Los SMD infantiles usualmente tienen un curso clínico agresivo y son de difícil manejo, siendo el trasplante de médula ósea alogénico el único tratamiento curativo conocido actualmente.