Estudio de cohortes para evaluar la prevalencia de QT prolongado y arritmias en pacientes críticos durante la primera fase de la pandemia por COVID-19 / Cohort study to assess the prevalence of prolonged QT and arrhythmias in critically ill patients during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Antecedentes y objetivo: Los pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2 pueden presentar afectación cardiovascular, incluyendo miocarditis, arritmias y prolongación del intervalo QT. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto de la COVID-19 y su tratamiento en la repolarización ventricular y el desarrollo de arritmias en pacientes críticos. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de pacientes críticos con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV-2 durante un periodo de 3meses. Se registraron los datos clínicos relevantes y el tratamiento específico administrado para la COVID-19. Se consideró QTc prolongado cuando medía ≥460ms en mujeres y ≥450ms en hombres. Se registró la incidencia y el tipo de arritmias durante el mismo periodo. Resultados: Se evaluaron 77 pacientes con una edad media de 62±13años: 20 mujeres y 57 hombres. El 60% de los pacientes eran hipertensos, el 52% presentaban un IMC>30 y el 70% desarrollaron fracaso renal agudo durante el ingreso. El 56% de los pacientes presentaron prolongación del QTc. El 44% presentaron algún tipo de arritmia durante su estancia en la UCI, siendo en el 21% arritmias auriculares. La mortalidad global fue del 53%, sin diferencias entre los pacientes con o sin QTc prolongado. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, una elevada proporción de pacientes críticos con COVID-19 han presentado QTc prolongado y arritmias. Los factores implicados se han relacionado con la elevación de biomarcadores cardiacos, la propia afectación miocárdica del virus y la medicación concomitante recibida en la UCI.(AU)

Introduction and objective: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may present cardiovascular involvement including myocarditis, arrhythmias and QT interval prolongation. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and its treatment on ventricular repolarization and development of arrhythmias in critically ill patients. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study of critically ill COVID-19 patients during a 3-month period in whom at least one ECG was available. Relevant clinical data and specific treatment administered for COVID-19 were recorded. Prolonged QTc was considered prolonged when it measured ≥460ms in women and ≥450ms in men. The incidence and type of arrhythmias during the same period were recorded. Results: A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 62±13years, 20 women and 57 men, were evaluated. Sixty percent of the patients were hypertensive, 52% had a BMI>30, and 70% developed acute renal failure during admission. Some 56% of the patients presented QTc prolongation. Forty-four percent presented some type of arrhythmia during their stay in the ICU, 21% of which were atrial arrhythmias. Overall mortality was 53%, with no differences between patients with or without prolonged QTc. Conclusions: In our series, a high proportion of critical patients with COVID-19 presented prolonged QTc and arrhythmias. The factors involved have been related to the elevation of cardiac biomarkers, the myocardial involvement of the virus and concomitant medication received in the ICU.(AU)

Impacto del prebriefing en las emociones en una sesión de simulación de alta fidelidad: estudio controlado aleatorizado / Impact of prebriefing on emotions in a high-fidelity simulation session: A randomized controlled study

Introducción La simulación médica está asociada a emociones intensas, que influyen en el comportamiento humano. Nuestro objetivo fue investigar el modo en que el prebriefing repercute en las emociones de los alumnos durante una sesión de simulación de alta fidelidad (SAF). Métodos Estudio controlado aleatorizado prospectivo. Se asignó aleatorizadamente a los participantes para recibir un prebriefing estandarizado (grupo PE) o no recibirlo (grupo NPE). Se utilizó en ambos grupos el debriefing tras el enfoque de «buen juicio», estructurado en fases de reacciones, comprensión y resumen. A fin de evaluar las emociones, utilizamos el modelo circunflejo de afecto aplicando la escala Affect grid antes del prebriefing, tras el desempeño del caso y tras el debriefing. También se evaluaron los tiempos de debriefing. Resultados Participaron 128 facultativos en el estudio (64 frente a 64). Tras el desempeño del caso, la experiencia de esta sesión de SAF reflejó emociones significativamente más agradables en comparación con el nivel basal, que se mantuvieron durante el debriefing (p<0,01), mientras que el nivel de alerta se incrementó tras el desempeño del caso y disminuyó tras el debriefing (p<0,01). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos. En el grupo NPE, los tiempos totales del debriefing (p=0,003) y de la fase de comprensión (p=0,002) fueron significativamente más prolongados. Conclusiones La experiencia de esta sesión de SAF fue agradable y con elevado nivel de alerta, sin impacto emocional específico atribuible al prebriefing, lo que da lugar a un debriefing con un flujo más libre. (AU)

Introduction Medical simulation is associated with intense emotions which influence human behavior. We aim to investigate how prebriefing impacts on learnerś emotions during a high-fidelity simulation (HFS) session. Methods This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a standardized prebriefing (SP group) versus not receiving it (NSP group). Debriefing following the «good judgment» approach, structured in reactions, understanding and summary phases, was used in both groups. In order to assess emotions, we used the circumplex model of affect applying the Affect Grid scale, which was performed prior to prebriefing, following case performance and following debriefing. Debriefing times were also assessed. Results A total of 128 physicians participate in the study (64 vs. 64). Following case performance, this HFS session was experienced with significantly more pleasant emotions compared to baseline, that were maintained during debriefing (P<0.01) while alertness increased after case performance diminishing after debriefing (P<0.01). There were no statistical significant differences between groups. In the NSP group, total debriefing (P=0.003) and understanding phase (P=0.002) times were significantly longer. Conclusions This HFS session was experienced as pleasant with high alertness with no specific emotional impact attributable to prebriefing. Prebriefing leads to a freer flowing debriefing. (AU)

Impact of prebriefing on emotions in a high-fidelity simulation session: A randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Medical simulation is associated with intense emotions which influence human behavior. We aim to investigate how prebriefing impacts on learners' emotions during a high-fidelity simulation (HFS) session. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a standardized prebriefing (SP group) versus not receiving it (NSP group). Debriefing following the «good judgment¼ approach, structured in reactions, understanding and summary phases, was used in both groups. In order to assess emotions, we used the circumplex model of affect applying the Affect Grid scale, which was performed prior to prebriefing, following case performance and following debriefing. Debriefing times were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 128 physicians participate in the study (64 vs. 64). Following case performance, this HFS session was experienced with significantly more pleasant emotions compared to baseline, that were maintained during debriefing (p < 0.01) while alertness increased after case performance diminishing after debriefing (p < 0.01). There were no statistical significant differences between groups. In the NSP group, total debriefing (p = 0.003) and understanding phase (p = 0.002) times were significantly longer. CONCLUSIONS: This HFS session was experienced as pleasant with high alertness with no specific emotional impact attributable to prebriefing. Prebriefing leads to a freer flowing debriefing.

Cohort study to assess the prevalence of prolonged QT and arrhythmias in critically ill patients during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may present cardiovascular involvement including myocarditis, arrhythmias and QT interval prolongation. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and its treatment on ventricular repolarization and development of arrhythmias in critically ill patients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of critically ill COVID-19 patients during a 3-month period in whom at least one ECG was available. Relevant clinical data and specific treatment administered for COVID-19 were recorded. Prolonged QTc was considered prolonged when it measured ≥ 460 ms in women and ≥450 ms in men. The incidence and type of arrhythmias during the same period were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 62 ±â€¯13 years, 20 women and 57 men, were evaluated. Sixty percent of the patients were hypertensive, 52% had a BMI > 30, and 70% developed acute renal failure during admission. Some 56% of the patients presented QTc prolongation. Forty-four percent presented some type of arrhythmia during their stay in the ICU, 21% of which were atrial arrhythmias. Overall mortality was 53%, with no differences between patients with or without prolonged QTc. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, a high proportion of critical patients with COVID-19 presented prolonged QTc and arrhythmias. The factors involved have been related to the elevation of cardiac biomarkers, the myocardial involvement of the virus and concomitant medication received in the ICU.

Tranexamic acid use in severely injured patients, is it always appropriate?

Recently, it has been suggested that tranexamic acid should be administered only in those patients with hyperfibrinolysis determined using viscoelastic assays, as severely injured patients may present with fibrinolytic shutdown. However the last European guidelines on management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following trauma endorse the use of tranexamic acid to the trauma patient who is bleeding or at risk of significant hemorrhage as soon as possible without waiting for viscoelastic results. We present a severely blunt trauma patient treated with on-scene administration of tranexamic acid that developed immediate pulmonary embolism.

Septocutaneous gluteal artery perforator flap in breast reconstruction: An insight into the related anatomy and preoperative imaging.

BACKGROUND: Although without a widespread popularity, the septocutaneous gluteal artery perforator flap (sc-GAP) can be an excellent choice in breast reconstruction. The purpose of the article is to further study the preoperative imaging anatomy and surgical technique for a safe operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A clinical experience in four unilateral breast reconstructions is reported, and an analysis is made of the computed tomography angiography (CTA) variables (36 studies/72 sides) that might define the microsurgical consistency and reliability of the technique. RESULTS: After a careful preoperative imaging evaluation, the surgical operation confirmed a predictable, although not straightforward, anatomy. All the flaps were raised in the supine position. With a remarkably quick postoperative recovery, the resulting scar was well hidden and did not significantly distort the gluteal aesthetics although contralateral contouring liposuction might be desirable in unilateral cases. Good aesthetic results were obtained in all the patients. In the evaluation of the CTA studies, a right/left septocutaneous perforator arising from the superficial branch of the superior gluteal artery could be found in 80.6% of the patients, with a few patients having 2-3 perforators on one side. Although with an overall suitable pedicle length (mean 7.4 cm), the arterial diameter at the suture site was found to be small (mean 1.6 mm). CONCLUSION: Given the adequate body habitus and reconstructive requirements, the sc-GAP can be a good choice even in large breasts. However, the technique requires the appropriate surgical expertise and mandates a thorough preoperative imaging evaluation that defines whether the technique should be done in a particular patient.

Ácido tranexámico en el paciente politraumatizado grave, ¿está siempre indicado? / Tranexamic acid use in severely injured patients, is it always appropriate?

Recientemente se ha sugerido la administración de ácido tranexámico sólo en aquellos pacientes con hiperfibrinólisis documentada con métodos viscoelásticos, ya que los pacientes politraumatizados graves pueden presentar una disminución de la fibrinólisis. Sin embargo, las últimas guías clínicas sobre el manejo de la hemorragia y coagulopatía tras un trauma recomiendan el uso de ácido tranexámico en todo paciente sangrante, o con posibilidad de sangrar, lo más precozmente posible sin esperar los resultados de los métodos viscoelásticos. Presentamos el caso de un trauma cerrado grave que recibió ácido tranexámico prehospitalariamente y desarrolló un embolismo pulmonar inmediato.(AU)

Recently, it has been suggested that tranexamic acid should be administered only in those patients with hyperfibrinolysis determined using viscoelastic assays, as severely injured patients may present with fibrinolytic shutdown. However the last European guidelines on management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following trauma endorse the use of tranexamic acid to the trauma patient who is bleeding or at risk of significant hemorrhage as soon as possible without waiting for viscoelastic results. We present a severely blunt trauma patient treated with on-scene administration of tranexamic acid that developed immediate pulmonary embolism.(AU)

Tranexamic acid use in severely injured patients, is it always appropriate? / Ácido tranexámico en el paciente politraumatizado grave, ¿está siempre indicado?

Recently, it has been suggested that tranexamic acid should be administered only in those patients with hyperfibrinolysis determined using viscoelastic assays, as severely injured patients may present with fibrinolytic shutdown. However the last European guidelines on management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following trauma endorse the use of tranexamic acid to the trauma patient who is bleeding or at risk of significant hemorrhage as soon as possible without waiting for viscoelastic results. We present a severely blunt trauma patient treated with on-scene administration of tranexamic acid that developed immediate pulmonary embolism.

Respuesta emocional a una simulación de alta fidelidad en trauma: un estudio observacional / Emotional response to a high-fidelity trauma simulation: an observational study

INTRODUCCIÓN: El entorno emocional que se crea en una sesión de simulación puede afectar al proceso de aprendizaje. Las emociones positivas mejoran el proceso de percepción y facilitan el aprendizaje. Sin embargo, las emociones negativas pueden disminuir la memoria de trabajo, lo que da lugar a menor adquisición de aprendizaje. OBJETIVOS: El objetivo del estudio fue investigar el impacto que la simulación tiene sobre las emociones durante todas las fases de una simulación de alta fidelidad, usando un prebriefing estandarizado y el debriefing «con buen juicio». MÉTODOS: Es un estudio observacional que incluyó a 74 anestesiólogos que participaron en una sesión de simulación. Se utilizó un prebriefing estandarizado y el debriefing «con buen juicio». Para evaluar las emociones, usamos el modelo circumplejo de las emociones aplicando la escala Affect Grid, que se utilizó antes del prebriefing (estadio 1), antes del caso (estadio 2), antes del debriefing (estadio 3) y después de él (estadio 4). RESULTADOS: La muestra final fueron los resultados de la escala Affect Grid obtenidos de 67 participantes. Tras el debriefing, esta simulación sobre un caso de paciente politraumatizado fue experimentada de manera significativamente más placentera que en estadios previos (p <0,01). Además, se percibió como una actividad cada vez más activa según iba avanzando (p <0,01). CONCLUSIONES: El entrenamiento en atención al trauma grave mediante simulación en un entorno seguro con un prebriefing estandarizado y el debriefing «con buen juicio» fue experimentado como una actividad placentera y activa durante todas las fases de la simulación. Se necesitan nuevas investigaciones para evaluar el impacto de estos resultados en el aprendizaje

INTRODUCTION: The emotional environment created during a simulation session can influence learning. Positive emotions improve perceptual processing and facilitate learning, while negative emotions can reduce working memory, resulting in poorer learning outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of simulation training on emotions during all phases of a high-fidelity simulation using standard prebriefing and «good judgement debriefing » techniques. METHODS: This was an observational study that included 74 anesthesiologists participating in a simulation-based training. A standardized prebriefing was followed by «good judgement debriefing». In order to assess emotions, we used the circumplex model of emotion, and asked participants to complete the affect grid scale before prebriefing (Stage 1), before starting the simulation (Stage 2), before debriefing (Stage 3) and following debriefing (Stage 4). RESULTS: The affect grid scores obtained from 67 participants were analyzed. Following debriefing, the experience of the polytrauma patient simulation was significantly more pleasant compared to previous stages (P<0.01). In addition, participants perceived the activity as becoming increasingly active as it progressed (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: High-fidelity trauma simulation creating a safe environment using a standardized prebriefing and «good judgement debriefing» is experienced as a pleasant and active activity at all stages of the simulation. Further investigation is needed to assess the impact of these results on learning

Emotional response to a high-fidelity trauma simulation: An observational study. / Respuesta emocional a una simulación de alta fidelidad en trauma: Un estudio observacional.

INTRODUCTION: The emotional environment created during a simulation session can influence learning. Positive emotions improve perceptual processing and facilitate learning, while negative emotions can reduce working memory, resulting in poorer learning outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of simulation training on emotions during all phases of a high-fidelity simulation using standard prebriefing and «good judgement debriefing ¼ techniques. METHODS: This was an observational study that included 74 anesthesiologists participating in a simulation-based training. A standardized prebriefing was followed by «good judgement debriefing¼. In order to assess emotions, we used the circumplex model of emotion, and asked participants to complete the affect grid scale before prebriefing (Stage 1), before starting the simulation (Stage 2), before debriefing (Stage 3) and following debriefing (Stage 4). RESULTS: The affect grid scores obtained from 67 participants were analyzed. Following debriefing, the experience of the polytrauma patient simulation was significantly more pleasant compared to previous stages (P<0.01). In addition, participants perceived the activity as becoming increasingly active as it progressed (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: High-fidelity trauma simulation creating a safe environment using a standardized prebriefing and «good judgement debriefing¼ is experienced as a pleasant and active activity at all stages of the simulation. Further investigation is needed to assess the impact of these results on learning.

Estudios de cohortes: 1a parte: descripción, metodología y aplicaciones / Cohort studies: 1st part: description, methodology and applications

Resumen Los estudio de cohortes (EC), son estudios de carácter longitudinal, observacional y analíticos. Corresponden a uno de los diseños más utilizados en investigación clínica, aportando altos niveles de evidencia, según el tipo de escenario en los que se aplique. Los EC tienen como objetivos, determinar asociación entre un factor de exposición y el desarrollo de alguna enfermedad o evento de interés, a partir de la estimación de riesgos; conocer la historia natural o el curso clínico de una enfermedad o de un evento de interés; determinar supervivencia; estudiar factores protectores y pronósticos. Los EC tienen diversas aplicaciones, por ejemplo: investigación de brotes epidemiológicos, estudios de causalidad, evaluación de intervenciones educacionales, etc. Teóricamente, la mejor aproximación es mediante un estudio de cohortes prospectivas; sin embargo, suelen exigir largos períodos de tiempo de seguimiento para obtener resultados útiles; por lo tanto, se puede recurrir a otras estrategias, como a los estudios retrospectivos y otros, que pueden resultar más factibles respecto de recursos y tiempos de seguimiento. El objetivo de este manuscrito fue generar un documento de estudio referente a descripción, metodología y aplicaciones de los EC en ciencias de la salud.

Cohort studies (CS) are longitudinal, observational and analytical studies. As one of the most utilized designs in clinical research, CS provides high levels of evidence, depending on the type of scenario in which they are applied. The objectives of CS are to determine the association between an exposure factor and the development of a disease or event of interest, based on the estimation of risks. Additionally, CS aim to provide insight into the natural history or the clinical course of an event of interest as well as generate results with regard to determine survival; study protective studies and prognostic factors. CS have various applications, for example: epidemiological outbreak research, causality studies, evaluation of educational interventions, etc. Theoretically, the method to generate the best approximations is through the use of a prospective CS; however, these usually require long periods of time performing follow-up to obtain useful results; therefore, it is possible to use other strategies, such as retrospective CS among others, which may be more feasible with respect to resources and monitoring times. The aim of this manuscript was to generate a document with reference to the description, methodology and applications of the CS in health sciences

Breast Prosthetic Reconstruction: Tips and Tricks on ADM Position.

In the late years, the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has extended rapidly in the field of breast reconstruction. However, with the follow-up visits, we discovered some deformities on the lateral part of the lower pole, due to the folding of the ADM. The aim of this letter is to share some tricks developed in our clinical practice that would permit the surgeon to avoid getting these irregularities in the aesthetic result of breast reconstruction with ADM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these evidence-based medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Resultados preliminares del tratamiento con hemoperfusión con polimixina B en el shock séptico de origen abdominal / Preliminary results of polymyxin B hemoperfusion in abdominal septic shock

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[Brief Neuropsychological Battery for multiple sclerosis. Normative data stratified by age and educational level]. / Bateria neuropsicologica breve en la esclerosis multiple. Baremacion normativa estratificada por edad y nivel educativo.

INTRODUCTION: Interpretation of the performance on cognitive tests for neuropsychological assessment in multiple sclerosis (MS) differs according to the educational level of the examinee. AIMS: To provide normative data for the Brief Neuropsychological Battery (BNB) for MS stratified by age and education, as well as to demonstrate the utility of the battery for discriminating between healthy controls and patients with MS. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from 701 healthy volunteers from the original normative sample were stratified by age and education using regression analyses of standard scores. Performance of the healthy control group was compared to a group of 112 patients with MS. RESULTS: Significant differences on the BNB were found between groups, mainly in tasks of information processing speed, working memory and verbal memory. Age and sex variables did not have a significant effect on the results. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the BNB for MS is sensitive for identifying cognitive impairments in MS, specifically in tasks measuring working memory.

TITLE: Bateria neuropsicologica breve en la esclerosis multiple. Baremacion normativa estratificada por edad y nivel educativo.Introduccion. La interpretacion del rendimiento en los tests cognitivos utilizados en la evaluacion neuropsicologica de pacientes con esclerosis multiple difiere en funcion del nivel educativo del evaluado. Objetivos. Aportar datos normativos de la bateria neuropsicologica breve (BNB) en la esclerosis multiple, estratificados por edad y nivel educativo, y demostrar la utilidad de la bateria para discriminar entre sujetos sanos y pacientes con esclerosis multiple. Sujetos y metodos. Se utilizaron los datos de 701 controles sanos de la muestra de baremacion original de la BNB en la esclerosis multiple, y se estratificaron por edad y nivel educativo mediante analisis de regresion de puntuaciones escalares. Se comparo el rendimiento del grupo control con un grupo de 112 pacientes con esclerosis multiple. Resultados. Se hallaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en las variables de la BNB, en especial en tareas de velocidad de procesamiento, memoria de trabajo y memoria verbal. La edad y el sexo no mostraron efectos relevantes. Conclusiones. Los datos indican que la BNB en la esclerosis multiple es una herramienta sensible para identificar alteraciones cognitivas en la esclerosis multiple, con especial enfasis en las tareas de memoria de trabajo.

Derrame pleural unilateral tras perforación vascular por catéter venoso central de inserción periférica: utilidad del verde de indocianina en el diagnóstico / Unilateral pleural effusion caused by vessel perforation due to peripherally inserted central catheter: Indocyanine green as a diagnostic tool

Varón de 44 años con desnutrición calórico-proteica grave en el contexto de una estenosis pilórica benigna, a quien se decidió colocar un catéter central de inserción periférica (CCIP) para tratamiento con nutrición parenteral. Al quinto día de la inserción del catéter, presentó un derrame pleural derecho masivo de color blanco e insuficiencia respiratoria tras la realización de una endoscopia digestiva alta para el tratamiento de la estenosis pilórica. Ante la sospecha inicial de quilotórax el paciente ingresó en la Unidad de Reanimación. Se administró verde de indocianina a través del CCIP, obteniendo a los 30 min una coloración verdosa del contenido del derrame pleural; este resultado nos hizo sospechar que el derrame pleural era secundario a una perforación vascular por el CCIP con extravasación de la nutrición parenteral al espacio pleural. Se realizó una tomografía computarizada toracoabdominal, que confirmó la existencia de una perforación a nivel de la vena innominada. La colocación de un CCIP puede asociarse a complicaciones graves, como la perforación de una vena central, por tanto, la correcta posición de un catéter central debe ser siempre comprobada. La prueba diagnóstica de elección de perforación vascular a nivel central es la tomografía computarizada con contraste; sin embargo, ante la existencia de derrame pleural en este contexto, es posible emplear un colorante que, administrado de forma intravenosa, oriente su diagnóstico in situ. En este caso se empleó el verde de indocianina con este objetivo (AU)

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was inserted into a 44-year-old man to provide parenteral nutrition in a protein-calorie malnutrition secondary to a benign pyloric stenosis. On the fifth day while monitoring the catheter, the patient presented with a massive whitish pleural effusion after undergoing gastric endoscopy in order to treat pyloric stenosis. Chylothorax was initially suspected, and the patient was admitted to a recovery unit. Indocyanine green was administered through the PICC, obtaining a greenish discoloration in the pleural effusion 30 min later. This led to the diagnosis of a pleural effusion caused by a vessel perforation due to the PICC, leading to parenteral nutrition extravasation. Thoraco-abdominal computed tomography was performed, which confirmed an innominate vein perforation due to the PICC. PICC insertion may be associated with severe complications, such as central vessel perforation, and therefore the correct position of a central catheter should be always checked. Intravenous computed tomography contrast is the gold standard for central vascular perforation diagnosis. However if a pleural effusion occurs in this context, it is possible to use a dye, which administered intravenously can lead us to the correct diagnosis in situ. Indocyanine green was used for this purpose in this case (AU)

Modern hydroxyethyl starch and acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery: a prospective multicentre cohort.

BACKGROUND: Recent trials have shown hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions increase the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients. It is uncertain whether these adverse effects also affect surgical patients. We sought to determine the renal safety of modern tetrastarch (6% HES 130/0.4) use in cardiac surgical patients. METHODS: In this multicentre prospective cohort study, 1058 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery from 15th September 2012 to 15th December 2012 were recruited in 23 Spanish hospitals. RESULTS: We identified 350 patients (33%) administered 6% HES 130/0.4 intraoperatively and postoperatively, and 377 (36%) experienced postoperative AKI (AKI Network criteria). In-hospital death occurred in 45 (4.2%) patients. Patients in the non-HES group had higher Euroscore and more comorbidities including unstable angina, preoperative cardiogenic shock, preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump use, peripheral arterial disease, and pulmonary hypertension. The non-HES group received more intraoperative vasopressors and had longer cardiopulmonary bypass times. After multivariable risk-adjustment, 6% HES 130/0.4 use was not associated with significantly increased risks of AKI (adjusted odds ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.71-1.46, P=0.91). These results were confirmed by propensity score-matched pairs analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The intraoperative and postoperative use of modern hydroxyethyl starch 6% HES 130/0.4 was not associated with increased risks of AKI and dialysis after cardiac surgery in our multicentre cohort.

[Unilateral pleural effusion caused by vessel perforation due to peripherally inserted central catheter: Indocyanine green as a diagnostic tool]. / Derrame pleural unilateral tras perforación vascular por catéter venoso central de inserción periférica: utilidad del verde de indocianina en el diagnóstico.

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was inserted into a 44-year-old man to provide parenteral nutrition in a protein-calorie malnutrition secondary to a benign pyloric stenosis. On the fifth day while monitoring the catheter, the patient presented with a massive whitish pleural effusion after undergoing gastric endoscopy in order to treat pyloric stenosis. Chylothorax was initially suspected, and the patient was admitted to a recovery unit. Indocyanine green was administered through the PICC, obtaining a greenish discoloration in the pleural effusion 30 min later. This led to the diagnosis of a pleural effusion caused by a vessel perforation due to the PICC, leading to parenteral nutrition extravasation. Thoraco-abdominal computed tomography was performed, which confirmed an innominate vein perforation due to the PICC. PICC insertion may be associated with severe complications, such as central vessel perforation, and therefore the correct position of a central catheter should be always checked. Intravenous computed tomography contrast is the gold standard for central vascular perforation diagnosis. However if a pleural effusion occurs in this context, it is possible to use a dye, which administered intravenously can lead us to the correct diagnosis in situ. Indocyanine green was used for this purpose in this case.

Evaluation of the efficacy of intramuscular versus intramammary treatment of subclinical Streptococcus agalactiae mastitis in dairy cows in Colombia.

A randomized controlled trial was performed in 17 Colombian dairy herds to determine the cure risk among cows subclinically infected with Streptococcus agalactiae exposed to 2 antibiotic therapies. Composite milk samples were collected before milking at the onset of the trial (pretreatment) and 2 subsequent times over a period of approximately 63 d. The intramammary application (IMM) of ampicillin-cloxacillin was compared with the intramuscular application (IM) of penethamate hydriodide, and cure risks after an initial and retreatment application were assessed. Cure risk after the initial treatment was higher (82.4%) for the IMM treatment than for IM therapy (65.8%). However, no difference was observed in the cure risk of refractory cases after retreatment (IMM=52.6% vs. IM=51.2%). The cumulative cure risk (both initial and retreatment) was 90.4 and 82.9% for the IMM and IM products, respectively. A 2-level random effects logistic model that controlled for pretreatment cow-level somatic cell count, indicated that IM treatment (odds ratio=0.37) had a lower cure risk than IMM and a tendency for a lower cure risk with increasing baseline somatic cell count. Our findings suggest that both products and administration routes can reduce the prevalence of S. agalactiae in affected herds, but the IMM product had a better efficacy in curing the infection. In addition to the treatment protocol, the cow somatic cell count should be considered when making management decisions for cows infected with S. agalactiae.