Clinical and Surgical Outcomes of Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Giant Pituitary Adenomas: Analysis of Predictive Factors.

BACKGROUND: Giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs) are defined as tumors with ≥40 mm in any maximum diameter, and these tend to invade multiple intracranial compartments. Hence, treatment remains a surgical challenge. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and surgical outcomes of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for GPA in a pituitary referral center in Latin America and to analyze associated predictive factors. METHODS: 37 patients with histologically-confirmed GPA treated solely through the EEA between a 2-year period were included. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and neuroimaging findings; surgical morbidity and mortality; and binary logistic regression analysis to assess predictive factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Preoperative visual impairment prevalence was 97.3%. Mean tumor volume was 32 cc and gross total resection rate was 40.5%. Favorable visual acuity and visual fields outcome rate was 75% and 82.9%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, bilateral cavernous sinus invasion (P = 0.018) and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (P = 0.036) were associated with an unfavorable visual acuity outcome, while radiation therapy (P = 0.035) was for visual fields. Similarly, intraoperative CSF leak was a predictive factor for postoperative CSF leak (10.8%) (P = 0.042) and vascular injury (13.5%) (P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: In this first Mexican clinical series, we demonstrated that the EEA is a safe and effective technique for GPA, although early diagnosis and prompt intervention may promote further visual function preservation without significant endocrine morbidity.

Patient-reported outcomes in RA patients treated with tofacitinib or bDMARDs in real-life conditions in two Latin American countries.

OBJECTIVE: To describe efficacy, safety, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with an inadequate response to conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) treated with tofacitinib or biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) in real-life conditions. METHODS: A noninterventional study was performed between March 2017 and September 2019 at 13 sites in Colombia and Peru. Outcomes measured at baseline and at the 6-month follow-up were disease activity (RAPID3 [Routine Assessment of Patients Index Data] score), functional status (HAQ-DI [Health Assessment Questionnaire] score), and quality of life (EQ-5D-3L [EuroQol Questionnaire]). The Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28-ESR) and frequency of adverse events (AEs) were also reported. Unadjusted and adjusted differences from baseline were estimated and expressed as the least squares mean difference (LSMD). RESULTS: Data from 100 patients treated with tofacitinib and 70 patients with bDMARDs were collected. At baseline, the patients' mean age was 53.53 years (SD 13.77), the mean disease duration was 6.31 years (SD 7.01). The change from baseline at month 6 was not statistically significant different in the adjusted LSMD [SD] for tofacitinib vs. bDMARDs for RAPID3 score (-2.55[.30] vs. -2.52[.26]), HAQ-DI score (-.56[.07] vs. -.50[.08]), EQ-5D-3L score (.39[.04] vs. .37[.04]) and DAS28-ESR (-2.37[.22] vs. -2.77[.20]). Patients from both groups presented similar proportions of nonserious and serious AEs. No deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: Changes from baseline were not statistically significantly different between tofacitinib and bDMARDs in terms of RAPID3 scores and secondary outcomes. Patients from both groups presented similar proportions of nonserious and serious AEs. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT03073109.

Work productivity in rheumatoid arthritis patients from two Latin American countries treated with tofacitinib or biological DMARDs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate work productivity of adult Latin American patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tofacitinib and biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) measured by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) in RA questionnaire at 0- and 6-month follow-up. METHODS: This non-interventional study was performed in Colombia and Peru. Evaluated the effects of tofacitinib and bDMARDs in patients with RA after failure of conventional DMARDs. The WPAI-RA questionnaire was administered at baseline and at the 6-month (±1 month) follow-up. The results are expressed as least squares means (LSMs), and standard errors (SEs). RESULTS: One hundred patients treated with tofacitinib and 70 patients treated with bDMARDs were recruited. Twenty-eight percent of patients from the tofacitinib group and 40.0% from the bDMARDs group were working for pay at baseline. At month 6, the changes in absenteeism, presenteeism, and work impairment due to health were -18.3% (SE 7.7), -34.8% (SE 5.9), and -11.0% (SE 16.5), respectively, in the tofacitinib group and -19.4% (SE 8.0), -34.8% (SE 6.2), and -15.9% (SE 15.0), for the bDMARD group. CONCLUSION: For patients who reported working, there were improvements in presenteeism, absenteeism, and work impairment due to health in both groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03073109.

Quiste aracnoideo (Galassi Tipo II) y síntomas neuropsiquiátricos: a propósito de un caso / Arachnoid Cyst (Galassi Type II) and neuropsychiatry symptoms: about a case

INTRODUCCIÓN: un quiste aracnoideo es originado de la alteración de una de las membranas de la meninges (aracnoides), de predominio en la fosa craneal media; es una patología poco común que cause síntomas y si ocurren, se pueden presentar manifestaciones neuropsiquiatrías. OBJETIVO: exponer los datos clínicos; y la metodología diagnóstica y terapéutica. CASO: presentamos una paciente femenina de 24 años de edad; sin antecedentes personales médicos psiquiátricos y médicos no psiquiátricos conocidos, quien presenta una historia con un mes de evolución de síntomas psicóticos y cambios conductuales. Se le realizo CAT cerebral simple y luego una resonancia magnética cerebral contrastada para definir el tamaño del quiste aracnoideo, por los posibles síntomas neuropsiquiátricos encontrados. Por medio de exámenes de laboratorios, estudios electrofisiológicos (electroencefalograma), neuroimágenes y evaluación clínica. Se decide presentar las características clínicas encontradas de la paciente quien requirió manejo con antipsicóticos, benzodiacepinas y estabilizador del humor con gradual mejoría de sus sintomatologías de ingreso (agitación psicomotora y psicosis).

INTRODUCTION: an arachnoid cyst is caused by the alteration of one of the membranes of the meninges (arachnoid), predominantly in the middle cranial fossa; It is an uncommon pathology that causes symptoms and if they occur, neuropsychiatric manifestations may take place. OBJECTIVE: expose the clinical data; and the diagnostic and therapeutic methodology. CASE: we present a 24-year-old female patient; with no personal history of psychiatric and known non-psychiatric medical records, whom presents a story with a month of evolution of psychotic symptoms and behavioral changes. A simple cerebral CAT was performed and then a cerebral magnetic resonance imaging with contrast to define the size of the arachnoid cyst, due to the possible neuropsychiatric symptoms found. Through laboratory tests, electrophysiological studies (electroencephalogram), neuroimaging and clinical evaluation. It was decided to present the clinical characteristics of the patient who required management with antipsychotics, benzodiazepines and mood stabilizer with gradual improvement of her admission symptoms (psychomotor agitation and psychosis)

Surgical thromboprophylaxis in daily urologic surgery: Beyond bridge therapy. / La tromboprofilaxis quirúrgica en el día a día de la cirugía urológica: más allá de la terapia puente.

INTRODUCTION: With the advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, thromboembolic prophylaxis in urologic procedures has traditionally been based on the experience of other surgical specialties. This paper aims to analyze the current recommendations, through a detailed study of the European clinical guidelines and bibliography, applying the recommendations of thromboprophylaxis to the daily urological practice. OBJECTIVES: To elaborate general recommendations to surgical patients in Urology, avoiding the risk of perioperative thromboembolic events. Optimize medication in chronic patients and accurately classify who are eligible for bridge therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the available literature and the European clinical guidelines was carried out. We analyzed the most recent consensus articles by studying the available bibliography, trials and reviews on which the European guidelines for thromboprophylaxis in urology are based. RESULTS: Thromboembolic prophylaxis should be targeted towards surgeries that require abdominal approaches, prolonged bed rest or oncological pathologies. Bridge therapies with low molecular weight heparins should be limited. Patients undergoing treatment for chronic conditions can benefit from bridge therapies in specific cases. CONCLUSIONS: According to the current guidelines, there might be an overuse of heparins in the daily clinical practice. The development of -direct oral- anticoagulants have shown to reduce the time to reintroduction of medication for chronic conditions as well as a more effective bleeding management.

Enfermedad periodontal y factores relacionados en escolares con síndrome de Down en Cartagena, Colombia / Periodontal disease and related factors in scholars with Down syndrome from Cartagena, Colombia

Objetivo: Describir el estado de salud periodontal y factores relacionados en escolares con Síndrome de Down en Cartagena, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en 91 individuos entre 3 y 18 años en una institución de Cartagena. Se aplicó un cuestionario sobre factores sociodemográficos, hábitos de higiene bucal y factores relacionados con enfermedad periodontal; además una valoración clínica de factores locales (mal posiciones dentales, apiñamiento dental, adaptación de restauraciones, presencia de aparatología intraoral, presencia de movilidad dental, exudado y lesiones de furca), cuantificación de placa bacteriana con Índice de Placa Comunitario de Corchuelo, estado gingival y periodontal utilizando el Índice Comunitario de Necesidades de Tratamiento Periodontal. Los datos fueron analizados con proporciones y la prueba chi cuadrado para significancia en las relaciones, asumiendo un límite de 0,05. Resultados: La enfermedad periodontal más frecuente fue gingivitis en 46,1% (IC 95%: 35,7-56,6). El índice de placa bacteriana fue ≥80% (IC 95%: 83,8-96,3) y el cepillado dental fue ≤2 veces/día en la mayoría de sujetos. La necesidad más frecuente de tratamiento periodontal fue instrucción de higiene bucal en 36,2% (IC 95%: 26,1-46,3). En análisis bivariado, la edad presentó relación estadísticamente significativa con enfermedad periodontal, los individuos entre 13 y 18 años fueron los más afectados (p=0,045). Conclusión: es necesario realizar una evaluación continua para detectar posibles factores de riesgo individual en la población con síndrome de Down para enfermedad periodontal (AU)

Objective: Describe the status of periodontal health and related factors in scholars with Down Syndrome in Cartagena, Colombia. Materials and methods: cross-sectional descriptive study in 91 individuals between 3 and 18 years in an institution of Cartagena, was applied a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic factors, oral hygiene habits and factors associated with periodontal disease; moreover a clinical assessment, which included the identification of local factors (dental malpositions, dental crowding, adaptations of restorations, presence of intraoral appliances, presence or absence of tooth mobility, furcation involvement and exudate), quantification of dental plaque with oral hygiene index for community use (CPI), gingival and periodontal status using the Community Treatment Needs Index. Data were analyzed from proportions and chi-Square test was used for significance in relationships, assuming a limit of 0.05. Results: the most common periodontal disease was gingivitis 46.1% (35.7 to 56.6% CI). The plaque index was ≥80% (83.8 to 96.3% IC) and tooth brushing was ≤2 times/day in most subjects with Down syndrome. The most common need for periodontal treatment was oral hygiene instruction in 36.2% (26.1 to 46.3% IC). In bivariate analysis, age showed statistically significant relationship with periodontal disease, individuals between 13 and 18 years were most affected (p=0.045). Conclusion: it is necessary a continuing periodontal evaluation to detect possible risk factors Individual in people with Down syndrome for periodontal disease (AU)

Helicobacter pylori generates cells with cancer stem cell properties via epithelial-mesenchymal transition-like changes.

Helicobacter pylori infection is the major risk factor for gastric adenocarcinoma. The link with gastric adenocarcinoma is partly due to the H. pylori CagA oncoprotein. CagA is responsible for a particular cell phenotype in vitro, the 'hummingbird' phenotype, that corresponds to an elongation of the cells, mimicking an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT participates in the carcinogenesis process, and is involved in the generation of cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, its involvement in gastric carcinogenesis has yet not been studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the role of H. pylori in EMT and in the emergence of gastric CSCs. For this purpose, gastric epithelial cells were cocultured with a cagA-positive H. pylori strain or its isogenic-deleted mutants or were transfected with CagA expression vectors. Study of the expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers showed that H. pylori, via CagA, is responsible for an EMT phenotype associated with an increase in mesenchymal markers as well as CD44 expression, a known gastric CSC marker. Moreover, infection led to an increased ability to migrate, to invade and to form tumorspheres. Cell sorting experiments showed that only the CD44(high) cells induced by H. pylori infection displayed the mesenchymal phenotype and CSC properties in vitro, and had higher tumorigenic properties than CD44(low) cells in xenografted mice. Immunohistochemistry analyses on human and mouse gastric mucosa tissue samples confirmed a high expression of CD44 and mesenchymal markers in H. pylori-infected cases, and in gastric dysplasia and carcinoma. All of these data suggest that H. pylori, via CagA, unveils CSC-like properties by induction of EMT-like changes in gastric epithelial cells.

Toxicity and adherence to treatment for latent tuberculosis infection in patients with hematologic malignancies.

PURPOSE: Oncohematological patients undergoing chemotherapy who have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) are at a high risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB). The identification and treatment of these patients can prevent LTBI progressing to active TB. This study analyzed the degree of adherence with and safety of the treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (TLTBI) in oncohematological patients undergoing antineoplastic chemotherapy. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a cohort of oncohematological patients receiving TLTBI and antineoplastic chemotherapy simultaneously, between January 2007 and June 2010. The proportions of toxicity and adherence to TLTBI in these patients were compared with a non-oncohematological control group, matched for age, sex, and year in which the TLTBI was started. In addition, a minimum 2-year follow-up was carried out for all patients. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients who received TLTBI were included, 21 of whom had received antineoplastic chemotherapy simultaneously. The mean age of the patients was 63 years. There were no significant baseline differences in transaminase values. The percentages of patients completing treatment were 76.2% in the control group and 71.4% in the oncohematological group [risk ratio (RR): 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79-1.43]. The voluntary dropout proportion was similar in both groups (12.3 vs. 11.8%, RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.25-4.42). Treatment was discontinued because of toxicity in three oncohematological patients and in 11 patients from the control group (RR: 1.14; 95% CI: 035-3.66). No patient developed TB during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The safety of TLTBI is not influenced by simultaneous antineoplastic chemotherapy in oncohematological patients.

Laser terapia en el manejo de aftas mayores: reporte de un caso / Laser therapy in the management of major afthas: case report

Las lesiones ulcerativas, como las Aftas pueden originarse por múltiples factores y afectar la masticación, nutrición, deglución, fonación y la estética. Dentro de los tratamientos se sugiere el uso de fármacos antibióticos, antivirales, anestésicos tópicos y medidas locales paliativas. Se presenta caso de un paciente masculino de 34 años, sin antecedentes médicos relevantes, con diagnostico de estomatitis aftosa recurrente desde los 8 años; inicialmente aftas menores, después las lesiones aumentaron en tamaño. Con antecedentes de tratamientos antivirales, antibióticos, antimicóticos, sin evolución satisfactoria. Al examen estomatológico se observan múltiples ulceras en carrillos, piso de boca, dorso y superficie ventral de lengua. Se decide tratamiento con Láser de alta y baja potencia para terapia de barrido en zonas intraorales y sobre puntos de acupuntura; obteniendo cicatrización de las lesiones y disminución de la sintomatología. El uso de la terapia láser es una propuesta innovadora, indolora y satisfactoria mediante la cual se pueden combinar los beneficios del laser de alta y baja potencia para generar efectos analgésicos y cicatrizantes

Ulcerative lesions, such as canker can be caused by many factors and affect chewing, nutrition, swallowing, speech and aesthetics. Within treatments suggest the use of antibiotic drugs, antivirals, local anesthetics and local palliative measures. A case report of a male patient of 34 years, with no relevant medical history, with a diagnosis of recurrent aphthous stomatitis from 8 years, initially under thrush after injuries increased in size. With a history of antiviral treatments, antibiotics, antifungals, with no satisfactory outcome. Stomatological examination were multiple ulcers in cheek, floor of mouth, back and ventral surface of tongue laser treatment is decided high-and low-power scanning therapy in intraoral areas and acupuncture points, achieved healing in wounds and reducing pain. The use of laser therapy is an innovative, painless and successful through which you can combine the benefits of high and low laser power to generate analgesic and healing

Human papillomavirus infection and its association with cervical dysplasia in Ecuadorian women attending a private cancer screening clinic.

Women living in Latin American countries bear a disproportionate burden of cervical cancer, a condition caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). We performed a study in Santa Elena, Guayas (currently Santa Elena Province), Ecuador, to determine how often HPV could be detected in women attending a private cancer screening clinic. Participants underwent a Pap test, and vaginal and cervical swabs were performed for HPV testing by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Each participant completed a verbally administered survey. The mean age of 302 participants was 37.7 years (range 18 to 78 years). The majority of cervical and vaginal specimens contained sufficient DNA to perform PCR. Overall, 24.2% of the participants had either a cervical or vaginal swab that tested positive for HPV. In general, there was a good correlation between the HPV types detected in the cervical and vaginal swabs from the participants, but vaginal swabs were more likely to contain HPV DNA than were cervical swabs. The high-risk HPV types 16, 52, 58, and 59 and the low-risk HPV types 62, 71, 72, and 83 were the most frequently detected HPV types. The number of lifetime sexual partners was positively associated with detection of any HPV type, detection of oncogenic HPV, and abnormal Pap smears. Further studies are needed to determine if these results are representative of all Ecuadorian women and to determine if cervical cancers in Ecuadorian women are caused by the same HPV types found in the swab specimens obtained in this study.

Human papillomavirus infection and its association with cervical dysplasia in Ecuadorian women attending a private cancer screening clinic

Women living in Latin American countries bear a disproportionate burden of cervical cancer, a condition caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). We performed a study in Santa Elena, Guayas (currently Santa Elena Province), Ecuador, to determine how often HPV could be detected in women attending a private cancer screening clinic. Participants underwent a Pap test, and vaginal and cervical swabs were performed for HPV testing by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Each participant completed a verbally administered survey. The mean age of 302 participants was 37.7 years (range 18 to 78 years). The majorityof cervical and vaginal specimens contained sufficient DNA to perform PCR. Overall, 24.2% of the participants had either a cervical or vaginal swab that tested positive for HPV. In general, there was a good correlation between the HPV types detected in the cervical and vaginal swabs from the participants, but vaginal swabs were more likely to contain HPV DNA than were cervical swabs. The high-risk HPV types 16, 52, 58, and 59 and the low-risk HPV types 62, 71, 72, and 83 were the most frequently detected HPV types. The number of lifetime sexual partners was positively associated with detection of any HPV type, detection of oncogenic HPV, and abnormal Pap smears. Further studies are needed to determine if these results are representative of all Ecuadorian women and to determine if cervical cancers in Ecuadorian women are caused by the same HPV types found in the swab specimens obtained in this study.

[Anatomic and topographic models of the cerebral areas that activates during the linguistic functions]. / Modelos anatomotopográficos de las áreas cerebrales que se activan durante la función lingüística.

AIM: A brief revision was performed in order to develop a topographic model of cerebral activation during silent reading, syllable's repetition and emotional prosody, based in recent neuroimaging studies. DEVELOPMENT: It has been reported that the words are analyzed in both occipital hemispheres during silent reading, after they are 'written' in the right temporal cortex while the integration of the semantic and phonologic processes are integrated on different left temporal areas and also in the left frontal lower part. The understanding is achieved in the left-middle temporal cortex. In the other hand, activation during articulatory movements is carried out in the left supratemporal gyrus and the left motor and premotor cortex, the left putamen and part of both hemispheres of the cerebellum. Finally, recognition of the emotional prosody occurs in three stages: obtaining of the acoustic information in some areas of the right temporal lobe, representation of acoustic sequences in the right posterio-superior temporal area, and an evaluation of the emotional prosody in the lower frontal bilateral cortex, with the involvement of the basal ganglia in the emotional expression. CONCLUSIONS: The location and synchrony of the areas that activate during the language processing is lateralized toward the left hemisphere and it involves cortical and subcortical areas, except for the emotional prosody. The understanding of the language processes will open the field for to take advantage of the plastic mechanisms for the speech therapy and rehabilitation.

Modelos anatomotopográficos de las áreas cerebrales que se activan durante la función lingüística / Anatomic and topographic models of the cerebral areas that activates duringthe linguistic functions

Objetivo. Con el fin de elaborar modelos topográficos de activación cerebral asociados a los procesos de lecturasilenciosa, repetición de sílabas y prosodia emocional, se realiza una breve revisión bibliográfica de los avances recientes en estudios de neuroimagen. Desarrollo. Se ha comunicado que durante la lectura silenciosa, las palabras se analizan en amboshemisferios occipitales, después la palabra se ‘redacta’ en la corteza temporal derecha, mientras que la integración del proceso semántico y el fonológico se realiza en distintas áreas temporales izquierdas y en la parte inferior frontal izquierda. La comprensión se logra en la corteza temporal media izquierda. Por otro lado, la activación durante los movimientos articulatorios se lleva a cabo en el giro supratemporal izquierdo y las cortezas motora y premotora izquierdas, el putamen izquierdo y parte del cerebelo en forma bilateral. Finalmente, el reconocimiento de la prosodia emocional sucede en tres etapas: obtención de la información acústica en áreas del lóbulo temporal derecho, representación de secuencias acústicas en el surco temporal posterosuperior derecho y evaluación de la prosodia emocional en la corteza bilateral frontal inferior, junto con la participación de los ganglios basales en lo que respecta a la expresión emocional. Conclusiones. La localización y sincronizaciónde las áreas que se activan durante los procesos del lenguaje, con excepción de la prosodia emocional, está lateralizada preferentemente hacia el hemisferio izquierdo e implica áreas corticales y subcorticales. El entendimiento de los procesos del lenguaje abrirá el campo para el aprovechamiento de los mecanismos plásticos en la rehabilitación logopédica

Aim. A brief revision was performed in order to develop a topographic model of cerebral activation during silentreading, syllable’s repetition and emotional prosody, based in recent neuroimaging studies. Development. It has been reported that the words are analyzed in both occipital hemispheres during silent reading, after they are ‘written’ in the right temporal cortex while the integration of the semantic and phonologic processes are integrated on different left temporal areas and alsoin the left frontal lower part. The understanding is achieved in the left-middle temporal cortex. In the other hand, activation during articulatory movements is carried out in the left supratemporal gyrus and the left motor and premotor cortex, the left putamen and part of both hemispheres of the cerebellum. Finally, recognition of the emotional prosody occurs in three stages:obtaining of the acoustic information in some areas of the right temporal lobe, representation of acoustic sequences in the right posterio-superior temporal area, and an evaluation of the emotional prosody in the lower frontal bilateral cortex, with the involvement of the basal ganglia in the emotional expression. Conclusions. The location and synchrony of the areas thatactivate during the language processing is lateralized toward the left hemisphere and it involves cortical and subcortical areas, except for the emotional prosody. The understanding of the language processes will open the field for to take advantage of the plastic mechanisms for the speech therapy and rehabilitation

[Home versus inpatient therapy for deep venous thrombosis. A cost-comparative analysis]. / Tratamiento domiciliario de la trombosis venosa profunda. Comparación de costes con la hospitalización convencional.

AIMS: To compare the home-care management of deep vein thromboses (DVT) by a Home Care Unit (HCU) respect to conventional inpatient treatment. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with a doppler-ecography diagnosis of DVT were managed by the HCU during 2002. In 7 out 13 a concomitant diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) was made by lung scan. Median age was 81 years, 52% were women and all, except one case, showed severe medical concomitant conditions. All patients received low-weight molecular heparin, followed by oral anticoagulants in 3 patients. No patients died and only one was hospitalized briefly due to a poor thrombosis-related pain control. Costs of this patient were added to those of HCU. A comparison was made between ambulatory and hospitalary costs for EP and DVT. Pharmacological treatment costs were calculated for a 10-days period. RESULTS: The length of inhospital stay was 1 day for HCU vs. 8 days (DVT) and 13 days (EP). There was a estimated cost-saving of 1680 per patient. CONCLUSIONS: The management of DVT in patients with serious conditions, can be accomplished safely and in a cost-saving manner by a Home Care Unit.

Tratamiento domiciliario de la trombosis venosa profunda. Comparación de costes con la hospitalización convencional / Home versus inpatient therapy for deep venous thrombosis. A cost-comparative analysis

Objetivos: Comparar los costes del tratamiento ambulatorio por una Unidad de Hospitalización a Domicilio (HADO) frente a la hospitalización convencional en el tratamiento agudo de la trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) y embolismo pulmonar (EP). Métodos: Durante el año 2002 se trataron 21 pacientes con TVP en la Unidad de HADO. La mediana de edad fue de 81 años, 11 fueron mujeres (52%) y, excepto uno, todos los pacientes presentaban importante comorbilidad. El diagnóstico se realizó en el hospital por ecografía-doppler. En 13 casos se realizó además una gammagrafía pulmonar, objetivándose EP concomitante en 7 pacientes. El tratamiento se realizó mediante heparinas de bajo peso molecular (HBPM) seguidas de anticoagulantes orales en 3 pacientes. No hubo complicaciones excepto un caso que requirió un ingreso breve debido al pobre control sintomático de la TVP y cuyos costes se imputaron a HADO. El estudio comparativo de costes se realizó con respecto a pacientes con TVP (grupo de diagnóstico relacionado, GDR 131) y EP ingresados (GDR: 78). El coste farmacológico para pacientes de HADO se calculó para 10 días. Resultados: La estancia media hospitalaria de los pacientes ingresados fue de 8,1 días en TVP y 13,1 en TEP frente a 1 día en los pacientes en HADO. El ahorro de costes en HADO para el tratamiento agudo fue estimado en 1.680 € por paciente. Conclusiones: El tratamiento ambulatorio mediante una unidad de HADO de pacientes con TVP (y TEP seleccionados) resultó una estrategia segura, eficaz y coste-efectiva

Aims: To compare the home-care management of deep vein thromboses (DVT) by a Home Care Unit (HCU) respect to conventional inpatient treatment. Methods: Twenty-one patients with a doppler-ecography diagnosis of DVT were managed by the HCU during 2002. In 7 out 13 a concomitant diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) was made by lung scan. Median age was 81 years, 52% were women and all, except one case, showed severe medical concomitant conditions. All patients received low-weight molecular heparin, followed by oral anticoagulants in 3 patients. No patients died and only one was hopitalized briefly due to a poor thrombosis-related pain control. Costs of this patient were added to those of HCU. A comparison was made between ambulatory and hospitalary costs for EP and DVT. Pharmacological treatment costs were calculated for a 10-days period. Results: The length of inhospital stay was 1 day for HCU vs. 8 days (DVT) and 13 days (EP). There was a estimated cost-saving of 1680 € per patient. Conclusions: The management of DVT in patients with serious conditions, can be accomplished safely and in a cost–saving manner by a Home Care Unit

Short- and long-term results of a programme for the prevention of readmissions and mortality in patients with heart failure: are effects maintained after stopping the programme?

UNLABELLED: The objective of the study was to evaluate whether improvements obtained during an intervention programme were maintained after the programme was stopped. 153 patients discharged with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF) were randomized to either usual care or an intervention programme, which included patient education, consultation with the cardiologist and monitoring in the Heart Failure Unit. After an average period of 16+/-8 months, the intervention programme was stopped. One year later, all the patients were re-examined to assess HF readmissions, all-cause mortality, quality of life, and prescribed medical treatment. During the 16+/-8-month treatment period, patients in the intervention group had a lower rate of HF readmissions (17% vs. 51%, p<0.01), less all-cause mortality (13% vs. 27%, p=0.03), improvement in quality of life (1.5+/-0.8 vs. 1.9+/-1, p=0.03) and optimisation of medical treatment was achieved. One year after stopping the intervention, there was no difference in HF readmissions (28% vs. 25%, p=0.72), all-cause mortality (14% vs. 17%, p=0.64) and quality of life (1.7+/-0.9 vs. 1.8+/-1, p=0.24) between the groups. Survival and the probability of not being readmitted due to HF were similar in both groups. There was also a reduction in the use of beta-blockers and spironolactone in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: The positive effects of an intervention programme are clearly reduced when it is stopped, due to less strict control of the patients and a decrease in the use of drugs with proven efficacy in HF.

[Desensitization to human recombinant DNA insulin in an adolescent with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus]. / Desensibilización a insulina DNA recombinante humana en una adolescente con diabetes mellitus insulinodependiente.

BACKGROUND: Adverse reactions to drugs have increased in the last years, about 15% of all side effects are thought to be immune mediated according to the Coombs and Gell classification they can be type I (immediate) hypersensitivity, type II (cytotoxic) type III (immune complex mediated) or type IV (delay). Allergy to insulin is defined as an immunological response type I, and type II or III to exogenous insulin solutions occurring the 0.1% and 0.2% of the patients. PATIENTS: A 13 year old female with a 4-year history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who presented hypersensitivity against recombinant DNA (rDNA) insulin manifested with urticaria and itching. We used a premedication therapy without good response and impossibility to use alternative therapy for her metabolic control, so she needed desensitization with insulin. METHODS: Skin prick testing with rapid insulin preparations 1:10 W/V dilution were positive. IgE antibodies to insulin weren't presented. IgE serum values were normal. We began the desensitization with a rapid 1:1000 UI insulin solution by intradermal route, than by subcutaneous route until reaching the accumulated doses necessary per day. During the process it appeared a papular rash and itching which were treated with an intravenous antihistaminic without troubles. RESULTS: The patient tolerated the desensitization procedure very well. For the past 14 months she has been treated uneventfully by subcutaneous administration of rDNA insulin. DISCUSSION: The desensitization against drugs is not a frequently process it only has to be used when it is impossible to substitute the treatment. Our patient showed probably hypersensitivity type 1 to insulin. However, we have to take into account the cytotoxic reaction caused by IgG or IgM antibodies or by immune complex. The desensitization finally was tolerated, 14 months after our patient accepts correctly her daily dose of human recombinant insulin.

Where we stand with treating dementia.

Our aging population is growing. As a result, dementia is becoming an ever more prevalent problem--with devastating consequences to the affected persons and their families. In the evaluation of the demented patient, it is crucial to look for and exclude conditions such as depression and other reversible causes of cognitive impairment before branding the patient with a diagnosis of dementia. Drug treatment of AD is not highly successful, although the Food and Drug Administration has approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of mild to moderate AD. Present-day treatment for dementia focuses mainly on improving or preserving the quality of life of patients and their families, and on treating concomitant psychosocial, behavioral, and medical issues. We are optimistic that new, innovative medications may in the future allow us to treat or even cure Alzheimer's disease and other progressive dementing disorders.