Alternativas de reconstrucción mamaria inmediata

La mastectomía total por cáncer de mama produce una deformidad importante en las pacientes, con alteraciones severas de su autoestima, imagen corporal, sexualidad, y calidad de vida en general. El gold estándar en los países desarrollados es la reconstrucción mamaria inmediata y, actualmente existen pocas contraindicaciones absolutas para realizar alguna técnica de reconstrucción. Este artículo se describen las opciones reconstructivas (colgajos e implantes), tiempos de reconstrucción, ventajas y desventajas de ambas técnicas, potenciales complicaciones, y se propone un algoritmo de tratamiento. La elección de la técnica de reconstrucción debería ser decidida entre la paciente y su cirujano/a, considerando características físicas, factores relacionados con la enfermedad y tratamiento oncológico, y preferencias de las pacientes.

Total mastectomy for breast cancer treatment can be a cause of deformity and distress for patients, with severe impairment of self-esteem, body image, sexuality, and quality of life. In developing countries, immediate breast reconstruction is the gold standard, and there are only a few absolut contraindications for some technique of breast reconstruction. This article describes reconstructive options (flaps and allo-plastic material), reconstructive timing, pros and cons of both techniques, potential complications, and an algorithm of treatment is proposed. Choice of the reconstructive technique should be decided by the patient and her surgeon, considering physical characteristics, factors related with the disease and oncologic treatments, and patients' preferences.

FACE-Q craniofacial module: Part 2 Psychometric properties of newly developed scales for children and young adults with facial conditions.

BACKGROUND: The FACE-Q Craniofacial Module is a patient-reported outcome measure designed for patients aged 8 to 29 years with conditions associated with a facial difference. In part 1, we describe the psychometric findings for the original CLEFT-Q scales tested in patients with cleft and noncleft facial conditions. The aim of this study was to examine psychometric performance of new FACE-Q Craniofacial Module scales. METHODS: Data were collected between December 2016 and December 2019 from patients aged 8 to 29 years with conditions associated with a visible or functional facial difference. Rasch measurement theory (RMT) analysis was used to examine psychometric properties of each scale. Scores were transformed from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) for tests of construct validity. RESULTS: 1495 participants were recruited with a broad range of conditions (e.g., birthmarks, facial paralysis, craniosynostosis, craniofacial microsomia, etc.) RMT analysis resulted in the refinement of 7 appearance scales (Birthmark, Cheeks, Chin, Eyes, Forehead, Head Shape, Smile), two function scales (Breathing, Facial), and an Appearance Distress scale. Person separation index and Cronbach alpha values met criteria. Three checklists were also formed (Eye Function, and Eye and Face Adverse Effects). Significantly lower scores on eight of nine scales were reported by participants whose appearance or functional difference was rated as a major rather than minor or no difference. Higher appearance distress correlated with lower appearance scale scores. CONCLUSION: The FACE-Q Craniofacial Module scales can be used to collect and compare patient reported outcomes data in children and young adults with a facial condition.

Diagnosis and treatment of women with radiologic findings suspicious for uterine arteriovenous malformations.

This study investigated the clinical outcomes for patients with pelvic ultrasound findings suspicious for uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) at a single institution. We reviewed the electronic medical record to identify women with pelvic ultrasound reports read as possible uterine AVM, and used medical records to determine clinical outcomes. Among the 39 women with ultrasounds suspicious for AVM, 14 had subsequent MRIs, 10 had additional ultrasounds, and 10 underwent pelvic angiography. Five of the 39 women were ultimately diagnosed with AVMs. Of the 34 women who did not have an AVM, 12 were diagnosed with retained products of conception. Women may be receiving overtreatment for possible uterine AVMs; careful clinical consideration is warranted as the most common clinical diagnosis for women with radiologic findings suspicious of uterine AVM is retained products of conception.Impact statementWhat is already known on the subject: An acquired uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal arterio-venous connection in the myometrium that may cause life-threatening haemorrhage. Over the past decade, it has been noted that the characteristic ultrasound findings of uterine AVM may represent other causes of uterine hypervascularity including retained products of conception.What the results of this study add: As there is no consensus on the management of highly vascular myometrial lesions suspicious for uterine AVMs, this study reports our institution's experience with pelvic ultrasound findings suspicious for uterine AVMs. We found that further diagnostic workup, including MRI and angiography were common, but that the most frequent final diagnosis was retained products of conception.What the implications are of these findings for future clinical practice: This study contributes to the growing body of work noting spectrum of conditions with similar vascular ultrasound findings, and suggests that at least in this sample, women may be receiving overtreatment for these presumed uterine AVMs. Close collaboration among gynaecologists and radiologists is needed to interpret the significance of these radiographic images and to determine the appropriate intervention, as women with radiologic findings suspicious of uterine AVM will frequently have retained products of conception.

Mucocele de glándulas de Blandin Nuhn. Caso inusual y revisión de la literatura / Mucocele da glândula Blandin Nuhn. Caso incomum e revisão da literatura / Mucocele of Blandin Nuhn glands. Unusual case and review of the literature

El mucocele asociado a las glándulas de Blandin Nuhn es un fenómeno de extravasación mucosa que ocurre en las glándulas salivales localizadas en la superficie ventral anterior de la lengua, son de tipo mixto, no encapsuladas, que forman parte del complejo de glándulas salivales menores de cavidad bucal. Objetivo: Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente masculino que cursa la segunda década de vida con características clínicas peculiares de un mucocele de Blandin Nuhn. Caso clínico: Adolescente masculino de 14 años de edad presenta aumento de volumen localizado en superficie ventral de lengua, forma cilíndrica, de 3 meses de evolución y asintomático. Se realiza biopsia excisional para estudio histopatológico, el cual reporta fenómeno de extravasación mucosa y se establece la correlación clínico histopatológica. Conclusiones: Se debe fundamentar un diagnóstico correcto para proporcionar un tratamiento oportuno y evitar complicaciones en el paciente que afecten su calidad de vida.

Mucoceles of the glands of BlandinNuhn consist in a mucus extravasation phenomenon that occurs in the salivary glands located in the anterior ventral surface of the tongue. They are mixed, not encapsulated, and part of the complex of minor salivary glands of the oral cavity. Objective: This paper presents the clinical case of a male patient in his second decade of life with peculiar clinical characteristics of a mucocele of the glands of Blandin-Nuhn. Clinical case: A 14-year-old male adolescent has an increase in volume located on the ventral surface of the tongue, of cylindrical shape, with three months of evolution and is asymptomatic. An excisional biopsy is performed for histopathological study, which reports mucosal extravasation phenomenon and a histopathological clinical correlation is established. Conclusions: A correct diagnosis should have a solid foundation in order to provide timely treatment and avoid complications for the patient that may affect quality of life

A mucocele associada às glândulas de Blandin Nuhn é um fenômeno de extravasamento de mucosa que ocorre nas glândulas salivares localizadas na superfície ventral anterior da língua, do tipo misto, não encapsuladas, que fazem parte do complexo de glândulas salivares menores da cavidade oral. Objetivo: É apresentado o caso clínico de um paciente do sexo masculino na segunda década de vida com características clínicas peculiares de uma mucocele de Blandin Nuhn. Caso clínico: Adolescente de 14 anos apresenta aumento de volume localizado na superfície ventral da língua, formato cilíndrico, evolução de 3 meses e assintomático. A biópsia excisional é realizada para estudo histopatológico, que relata o fenômeno do extravasamento da mucosa e a correlação clínica histopatológica é estabelecida. Conclusões: Um diagnóstico correto deve ser baseado para fornecer tratamento oportuno e evitar complicações no paciente que afetem sua qualidade de vida

Long-Term Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Body Contouring Surgery: Phase IV Results for the Body-QoL® Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Body contouring surgery (BCS) is becoming increasing popular for aesthetic and reconstructive purposes, particularly among patients with massive weight loss (MWL). However, data on quality of life (QoL) following the surgery are limited, especially long-term QoL. OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluated the effect of BCS on QoL and the durability of this effect over time. METHODS: QoL was measured with the Body-QoL® instrument at 3 time points among consecutively treated patients: the day before BCS, 1 to 9 months postoperatively (short term), and 1 to 2.7 years postoperatively (long term). Total Body-QoL scores were compiled, as were scores for the instrument's main domains: body satisfaction, sex life, self-esteem and social performance, and physical symptoms. Scores were examined for the entire study population and separately for the cosmetic and MWL cohorts. RESULTS: Fifty-seven of the 112 patients participated in the short-term assessment and 84 in the long-term assessment. Total Body-QoL scores increased significantly (P < 0.0001), from 44.0 ± 14.1 preoperatively to 85.5 ± 17.5 short-term postoperatively and to 84.4 ± 12.7 long-term postoperatively. Scores for the 2 postoperative assessments did not differ significantly. Similar results were observed for scores on each separate domain. Although preoperative scores were lower for the MWL cohort than the cosmetic cohort (33.9 ± 15.6 vs 46.1 ± 12.8; P = 0.0002), they improved substantially after BCS, approaching scores for the cosmetic cohort. CONCLUSIONS: QoL increases significantly after BCS. This favorable outcome remained stable throughout long-term follow-up and was true for the cosmetic and MWL cohorts.

Cuerpo extraño en uretra. Reporte de caso / Foreign body in the urethra. Report of a case

El hallazgo de cuerpo extraño uretral es una de las patologías menos comunes reportadas en la bibliografía médica y, por tanto, es de gran sorpresa para el especialista de urología. Debido a que no hay suficiente documentación, este tema despierta gran interés para el manejo futuro y en la instrucción a médicos de esta especialidad. Comúnmente, en estos casos hay un componente psicológico/psiquiátrico, sexual, autoerotismo o de abuso de sustancias psicotrópicas. De acuerdo a las características del cuerpo extraño, su localización y tipo de paciente, el tratamiento variará y su resultado final dependerá de estos factores. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 52 años que acude a Emergencia con sintomatología respiratoria y dificultad urinaria de varios días de evolución, con antecedente de uso de drogas como base de cocaína y marihuana durante largo tiempo, además de prácticas sexuales grupales; se logra evidenciar de manera incidental un cuerpo extraño en la uretra. (AU)

The finding of foreign urethral body is one of the less common pathologies reported in medical literature, and therefore of great surprise to the Urology Specialist. In the absence of sufficient literature on the subject, this is an issue that arouses great interest for the future management and training doctors in this specialty. Typically, such cases have basic psychological / mental, sexual, and/or substance abuse component. According to the characteristics of the foreign body, its location and type of patient, treatment will vary and the outcome will depend on these factors; it is why a multidisciplinary assessment should be performed. We report the case of a 52-year-old male patient who came to Emergency Department with respiratory symptoms and urinary difficulty of several days duration, as background there was a history of long-term drug abuse as cocaine base and marihuana, also group sex activities; incidentally a foreign body in urethra was found. (AU)

Resultados a largo plazo en calidad de vida en cirugía de contorno corporal: Fase IV en la cohorte Body-Qol® / Long-term outcomes in quality of life after body contouring surgery: Phase IV results in the Body-Qol® cohort

Introducción: La calidad de vida es uno de los resultados en cirugía de contorno corporal más importantes. La evidencia sobre la calidad de vida de estos pacientes a largo plazo es escasa. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la calidad de vida obtenida en el postoperatorio temprano posterior a la cirugía de contorno corporal se mantiene a largo plazo. Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de cohorte prospectiva compuesta por pacientes postoperados de cirugía de contorno corporal con más de un año de seguimiento. La calidad de vida fue medida con el instrumento Body-Qol®. Se compararon los puntajes preoperatorios, postoperatorios tempranos y postoperatorios tardíos. Se realizó el análisis estadístico con las pruebas de Kruskal-Wallis y Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Resultados: La cohorte se compuso de 112 pacientes con un seguimiento a largo plazo del 75%. En toda la cohorte la calidad de vida mejoró entre el preoperatorio (43,9 ± 14,1 puntos) y ambas mediciones postoperatorias (85,2 ± 16,8 postoperatorio temprano y 83,6 ± 13,5 postoperatorio tardío), siendo estadísticamente significativo (p < 0,0001). Entre el postoperatorio temprano y tardío no existió diferencia (p = 0,112). El análisis por dominios demostró la misma tendencia. Los pacientes con pérdida masiva de peso tuvieron puntajes preoperatorios menores, pero igualaron a la población estética en ambas mediciones postoperatorias. Conclusiones: La calidad de vida mejora significativamente posterior a la cirugía de contorno corporal de forma temprana, y esta mejoría es estable en el tiempo. Esto se observa tanto en los pacientes estéticos como en los posteriores a la pérdida masiva de peso.

Introduction: One of the most important outcomes in patients undergoing body-contouring surgery is quality of life. Data on long-term quality of life is deficient. The main purpose of this study is to determine if short-term QoL after body contouring surgery maintains in the long-term follow up. Methods: A cohort study was designed; patients with at least one-year follow-up from the surgery were included. Quality of life was measured with the Body-Qol© instrument. All patients answered the preoperative Body-Qol© and at least one measurement after one year of follow-up from body contouring surgery. The preoperative scores, short-term scores and long-term follow-up scores were compared. The statistical analysis was made with Kruskal-Wallis y Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Results: The cohort was integrated by 112 patients; the long-term follow-up was of 75%. Quality of life improved between the preoperative measure (43.9 ± 14.1 points) and both short-term and long-term measures (85.2 ± 16.8 early postoperative y 83.6 ± 13.5 late postoperative), which was statistically significant (P< .0001). There was no difference between the short-term and long-term measures (P = .112). The domain analysis demonstrated the same tendency. Massive weight loss patients had lower preoperative scores but improved more after BCS, reaching almost cosmetic values. Conclusions: Quality of life improves soon after surgery and is stable over time. This was observed for both massive weight loss and cosmetic patients.

Cambios en la calidad de vida en mujeres sometidas a aumento mamario: resultados preliminares de un estudio de cohortes / Changes in quality of life in women subjected to augmentation mammoplasty: preliminary results of a cohort study

Objetivo Determinar los cambios en calidad de vida en mujeres sometidas a mamoplastia de aumento o mastopexia con prótesis, usando el instrumento validado Breast-Q®. Materiales y métodos Estudio de cohortes prospectivo. Se incluyeron todas las pacientes operadas de mamoplastia de aumento o mastopexia de aumento en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre octubre de 2013 y mayo de 2014. La calidad de vida (CdV) se midió con el instrumento validado Breast-Q®. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y analítica para evaluar el cambio global en CdV y por dominios considerando estadísticamente significativo un valor p < 0,05. Resultados En el periodo estudiado se operaron 58 pacientes, 33 (56,9%) completaron el instrumento Breast-Q® en el preoperatorio y 25 (75,7%) de ellas en el postoperatorio. La CdV subió de un 49,7% a un 82,5% (p < 0,001); analizando por dominio hubo mejoría en autoestima (52% a 88%, p < 0,001), autoimagen (22% a 80%, p < 0,001) y vida sexual (31% a 86%, p < 0,001). Los síntomas físicos empeoraron desde un 94% a 75% (p < 0,001). Conclusiones El aumento mamario mejora la CdV, específicamente la autoestima, la autoimagen y la vida sexual, pero las molestias físicas aumentan. La satisfacción global fue alta.

Objective To determine the changes in the quality of life of women subjected to augmentation mammoplasty or a prosthesis mastopexy, using the validated tool Breast-Q®. Materials and methods A prospective cohorts study was conducted that included operated on for augmentation mammoplasty or augmentation mastopexy in the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile (HCUCH) between October 2013 and May 2014. The quality of life (QoL) was measured using the Breast-Q® validated tool. Descriptive and analytic statistics were performed to evaluate the overall change in QoL and by domains, considering a p<.05 as statistically significant. Results A total of 58 patients were operated on, of whom 33 (56.9%) completed the Breast-Q® questionnaire before surgery, and 25 (75.7%) of them in the post-operative period. The quality of life increased from 49.7% to 82.5% (p<.001). When analysed by domain, there was an improvement in Self-esteem (52% to 88%, p<.001), Self-image (22% to 80%, p<.001) and Sex Life (31% to 86%, p<.001). The physical symptoms increased from 75% to 94% (p<.001). Conclusions Breast augmentation improves the quality of life, in particular, self-esteem, self-image, and sex life, but physical discomforts increased. The overall satisfaction was high.

Estrategias de reanimación facial: resultados preliminares de un estudio de cohorte / Results of a face reanimation protocol in patients with facial paralysis

Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar el protocolo de reanimación facial y determinar los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la parálisis facial. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectiva con todos los pacientes que ingresaron en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile (HCUCH) y se sometieron al protocolo de reanimación facial, desde el año 2008 al 2014. Los resultados quirúrgicos se evaluaron según el protocolo de medición directa publicado por Mantkelow. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para caracterizar la muestra y analítica para determinar el cambio en la excursión de la comisura labial como indicador de movilidad facial. Resultados: Desde el año 2008 hasta la fecha se han intervenido 21 pacientes, de los cuales 6 han completado su protocolo de tratamiento y período de seguimiento. La edad promedio fue de 35 años, el seguimiento promedio alcanzó los 22 meses. La excursión de la comisura labial postoperatoria promedio alcanzó los 12,8 mm, lo que significa una mejoría significativa, con un promedio de 7 mm respecto al preoperatorio. La excursión postoperatoria promedio del labio superior fue de 5,9 mm, lo que también constituye una mejoría significativa respecto al preoperatorio. Conclusiones: Existe una mejoría significativa en la movilidad facial en los pacientes sometidos al protocolo de reanimación facial. Si bien estos cambios pueden parecer pequeños en magnitud, implican un cambio profundo en la calidad de vida. Con el fin de optimizar resultados resulta esencial una terapia de rehabilitación especializada, con terapias individualizadas.

Background: The deformity caused by facial paralysis has important functional and psychological consequences. Aim:To report a face reanimation protocol and the results of surgical treatment of facial paralysis.Materials and methods: Prospective intervention of 25 patients aged 8 to 79 years (13 males) with facial paralysis, between 2008 and 2014. Surgical results were evaluated using measurements according to Mantkelow protocol. Results: Patients were followed for 22 months. Postoperative excursion of the labial commissure reached 12.8 mm, which was 7 mm better than before surgery. The postoperative excursion of the upper lip was 5.9 cm, which also represented an improvement. Conclusions: There is a significant improvement in facial movements in these patients subjected to the face reanimation protocol. Although changes are of low magnitude, they have an impact in their quality.

Introducing the Body-QoL®: A New Patient-Reported Outcome Instrument for Measuring Body Satisfaction-Related Quality of Life in Aesthetic and Post-bariatric Body Contouring Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new patient-reported outcome instrument (PRO) to measure body-related satisfaction quality of life (QoL). METHODS: Standard 3-phase PRO design was followed; in the first phase, a qualitative design was used in 45 patients to develop a conceptual framework and to create preliminary scale domains and items. In phase 2, large-scale population testing on 1340 subjects was performed to reduce items and domains. In phase 3, final testing of the developed instrument on 34 patients was performed. Statistics used include Factor, RASCH, and multivariate regression analysis. Psychometric properties measured were internal reliability, item-rest, item-test, and test-retest correlations. RESULTS: The PRO-developed instrument is composed of four domains (satisfaction with the abdomen, sex life, self-esteem and social life, and physical symptoms) and 20 items in total. The score can range from 20 (worst) to 100 (best). Responsiveness was 100 %, internal reliability 93.3 %, and test-retest concordance 97.7 %. Body image-related QoL was superior in men than women (p < 0.001) and decreased with increasing age (p = 0.004) and BMI (p < 0.001). Post-bariatric body contouring patients score lower than cosmetic patients in all domains of the Body-QoL instrument (p < 0.001). After surgery, the score improves by on average 21.9 ± 16.9 (effect size 1.8, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Body satisfaction-related QoL can be measured reliably with the Body-QoL instrument. It can be used to quantify the improvement in cosmetic and post-bariatric patients including non- or minimally invasive procedures, suction assisted lipectomy, abdominoplasty, lipoabdominoplasty, and lower body lift and to give an evidence-based approach to standard practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: 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.

Catecholaminergic and cholinergic systems of mouse brain are modulated by LMN diet, rich in theobromine, polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The possible modulatory effect of the functional LMN diet, rich in theobromine, polyphenols and polyunsaturated fatty acids, on the catecholaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, affecting cognition decline during aging has been studied. 129S1/SvlmJ mice were fed for 10, 20, 30 and 40 days with either LMN or control diets. The enzymes involved in catecholaminergic and cholinergic metabolism were determined by both immunohistological and western blot analyses. Noradrenalin, dopamine and other metabolites were quantified by HPLC analysis. Theobromine, present in cocoa, the main LMN diet component, was analysed in parallel using SH-SY5Y and PC12 cell lines. An enhanced modulatory effect on both cholinergic and catecholaminergic transmissions was observed on 20 day fed mice. Similar effect was observed with theobromine, besides its antioxidant capacity inducing SOD-1 and GPx expression. The enhancing effect of the LMN diet and theobromine on the levels of acetylcholine-related enzymes, dopamine and specially noradrenalin confirms the beneficial role of this diet on the "cognitive reserve" and hence a possible reducing effect on cognitive decline underlying aging and Alzheimer's disease.

The Body-QoL(®): patient reported outcomes in body contouring surgery patients [corrected].

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to design a new patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument to measure patient satisfaction after body-contouring procedures such as liposculpture, abdominoplasty, body-lift, thigh-lift, and arm-lift. METHODS: Phase 1a involved an extensive literature review, 16 in-depth patient interviews, and expert focus groups with 5 plastic surgeons to develop a conceptual framework for the outcomes deemed important for body image and preliminary PRO instruments. In phase 1b, the preliminary instrument was tested with a second independent sample of 29 patients with whom simple interviews were additionally performed. In the second sample, scale reliability was calculated. RESULTS: In phase 1a, the domains identified for the conceptual framework included clothing and body image, sexual and affective life, self-image and self-esteem, social relationships, and physical symptoms. In phase 1b, the scale internal consistency was 91.5 %. CONCLUSIONS: When psychometric evaluation is completed, the Body-Shape-Related Quality of Life instrument and its subscales will provide a reliable tool for plastic surgeons, researchers, and patients to use in measuring the impact and effectiveness of body-contouring procedures from the patient's perspective. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 . This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-B.

Superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap in partial parotidectomy and clinical and subclinical Frey's syndrome. Cosmesis and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Frey's syndrome (FS), facial depression, and noticeable scar may have an impact on patient's quality of life after a parotidectomy. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap has been used to ameliorate those effects. METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive parotidectomies were analyzed; SMAS flap was performed in 26 of them. We investigated clinical FS, subclinical FS, and cosmetic satisfaction, and compared SMAS flap versus cases where this was not done. RESULTS: By performing the SMAS flap, the occurrence of clinical FS was reduced; however, there was no significant difference. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference in the perspiration intensity in favor of the group with SMAS flaps. In the cases we studied, the cosmetic satisfaction was high, even though facial contour-filling techniques were not used. CONCLUSIONS: Provided that the intensity of sweating is the main factor affecting the quality of life after surgery in patients, performing a SMAS flap renders the intervention worthwhile.

Suction-assisted lipectomy fails to improve cardiovascular metabolic markers of disease: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) decreases the incidence of early cardiovascular disease risk factors or its biochemical and clinical risk indicators. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed by conducting a predefined, sensitive search in MEDLINE without limiting the year of publication or language. The extracted data included the basal characteristics of the patients, the surgical technique, the amount of fat extracted, the cardiovascular risk factors and the biochemical and clinical markers monitored over time. The data were analysed using pooled curves, risk ratios and standardised means with meta-analytical techniques. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were identified involving 357 patients. In all of the studies, measurements of predefined variables were recorded before and after the SAL procedure. The median follow-up was 3 months (interquartile range (IQR) 1-6, range 0.5-10.5). The mean amount of extracted fat ranged from 2063 to 16,300 ml, with a mean ± standard deviation (SD) of 6138 ± 4735 ml. After adjusting for time and body mass index (BMI), leptin and fasting insulin were the only markers that were significantly associated with the amount of aspirated fat. No associations were observed for high sensitive C-reactive protein (hCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin, resistin, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Homeostasis Model of Assessment (HOMA), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, free fatty acids or systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of our analysis, we conclude that there is no evidence to support the hypothesis that subcutaneous fat removal reduces early cardiovascular or metabolic disease, its markers or its risk factors.

Effects of chronic ascariasis and trichuriasis on cytokine production and gene expression in human blood: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are associated with effects on systemic immune responses that could be caused by alterations in immune homeostasis. To investigate this, we measured the impact in children of STH infections on cytokine responses and gene expression in unstimulated blood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Sixty children were classified as having chronic, light, or no STH infections. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were cultured in medium for 5 days to measure cytokine accumulation. RNA was isolated from peripheral blood and gene expression analysed using microarrays. Different infection groups were compared for the purpose of analysis: STH infection (combined chronic and light vs. uninfected groups) and chronic STH infection (chronic vs. combined light and uninfected groups). The chronic STH infection effect was associated with elevated production of GM-CSF (P=0.007), IL-2 (P=0.03), IL-5 (P=0.01), and IL-10 (P=0.01). Data reduction suggested that chronic infections were primarily associated with an immune phenotype characterized by elevated IL-5 and IL-10, typical of a modified Th2-like response. Chronic STH infections were associated with the up-regulation of genes associated with immune homeostasis (IDO, P=0.03; CCL23, P=0.008, HRK, P=0.005), down-regulation of microRNA hsa-let-7d (P=0.01) and differential regulation of several genes associated with granulocyte-mediated inflammation (IL-8, down-regulated, P=0.0002; RNASE2, up-regulated, P=0.009; RNASE3, up-regulated, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Chronic STH infections were associated with a cytokine response indicative of a modified Th2 response. There was evidence that STH infections were associated with a pattern of gene expression suggestive of the induction of homeostatic mechanisms, the differential expression of several inflammatory genes and the down-regulation of microRNA has-let-7d. Effects on immune homeostasis and the development of a modified Th2 immune response during chronic STH infections could explain the systemic immunologic effects that have been associated with these infections such as impaired immune responses to vaccines and the suppression of inflammatory diseases.

Liposuction and lipoinjection treatment for congenital and acquired lipodystrophies in children.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this clinical study was to establish liposuction and lipoinjection as a noncosmetic procedure in children to correct lipodystrophies. METHODS: Liposuction, fat injection, or a combination of both was performed on 30 patients between 1994 and 2006 at Roberto del Rio Hospital or Clinica Alemana, Santiago, Chile. Liposuction was indicated in patients with excessive amounts of fatty tissue or tumor-like swelling. Combined liposuction and lipoinjection was performed on patients with deficit and excess in soft tissues. Lipoinjection was used for patients with soft-tissue insufficiencies. Samples of fat obtained by liposuction were submitted to histopathologic examination. Traditional tumescent technique was used for liposuction. The supernatant obtained by simple filtration was used for fat injection. Short- and long-term postoperative follow-up included registration of complications and assessment of aesthetic and functional outcome. The kappa test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Thirty patients, nine boys and 21 girls, were operated on, with an average age of 11 years (range, 4 to 17 years). A total of 43 procedures were performed: 27 liposuctions, 10 lipoinjections, and six combined procedures. Average hospital stay was 1.1 days. Of a total 20 patients who underwent liposuction, six required revision. Histopathologic study showed 19 lipomatoses and one lipoblastomatosis. Cosmetic outcomes based on Strasser scale were as follows: six excellent, 19 good, four mediocre, and one poor. CONCLUSIONS: Liposuction and lipoinjection as sole or combined procedures are safe methods for the pediatric population. They are well tolerated, with a low rate of complications and satisfactory aesthetic results.

Evidence for in utero sensitization to Ascaris lumbricoides in newborns of mothers with ascariasis.

Ascaris lumbricoides infections in humans may have important effects on the development of allergy and on susceptibility to infectious diseases that start during early life. To investigate whether sensitization to A. lumbricoides occurs in utero, we measured interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-4 responses in A. lumbricoides antigen-stimulated cord blood from newborns of infected and noninfected mothers by flow cytometry. There was evidence of higher frequencies of IFN-gamma-expressing and IL-4-expressing CD4+ T cells in newborns of infected mothers than in newborns of noninfected mothers. Our data provide evidence of in utero sensitization to A. lumbricoides and raise the possibility that the immunological effects of infection start in the fetus.

Repeated treatments with albendazole enhance Th2 responses to Ascaris Lumbricoides, but not to aeroallergens, in children from rural communities in the Tropics.

Geohelminth infections are associated with modulation of immunity to parasite antigens and aeroallergens. To investigate the possibility that this modulation is affected by anthelmintic treatment, we compared cytokine responses in children who were treated with repeated doses of albendazole over 1 year versus those in children who had were not treated. Whole-blood samples were cultured with Ascaris antigen and house dust mite and cockroach allergens, and levels of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, interferon-gamma, and IL-10 were measured. Anthelmintic treatment was associated with enhanced production of Th2 cytokines in response to parasite antigen but did not affect responses to aeroallergens. The data indicate that long-term treatment may be associated with increased Th2 antiparasite immunity.

Environmental determinants of total IgE among school children living in the rural Tropics: importance of geohelminth infections and effect of anthelmintic treatment.

BACKGROUND: The environmental factors that determine the elevated levels of polyclonal IgE observed in populations living in the Tropics are poorly understood but may include geohelminth infections. We investigated the association between geohelminth infections and total IgE levels in school children in rural tropical Ecuador, and assessed the effect on IgE of repeated anthelmintic treatments over a period of 12 months. The study was nested within a cluster-randomized study that randomized 68 schools to receive either 400 mg of albendazole every 2 months over a year or no treatment. We studied random samples of children completing follow-up and representing four groups stratified by the presence of geohelminth infection at baseline and treatment allocation. We measured levels of total IgE and anti-A. lumbricoides IgG (used as a measure of past and current geohelminth infectious exposure) in blood samples collected at the start of the study and after 12 months. RESULTS: We observed elevated levels of total IgE (compared to standard reference values) at the start of the study in this population of school children (geometric mean, 1,004 IU/mL, range 12 to 22,608 IU/mL)) and baseline IgE levels were strongly associated with parameters of geohelminth infection but not with age, nutritional and socioeconomic status. After 12 months, levels of IgE fell significantly in the treatment (by 35.1%) and no treatment (by 10.4%) groups, respectively, but the fall was significantly greater in the treatment group. Falls in IgE were independently associated with albendazole treatment, having a baseline geohelminth infection and with high baseline levels of anti-A. lumbricoides IgG. Increases in IgE at 12 months were associated with the presence of geohelminth infections and increasing levels of anti-A. lumbricoides IgG at 12 months independent of treatment allocation. CONCLUSION: The data provide evidence that geohelminth infections are an important determinant of total IgE in school children in the rural Tropics and that periodic anthelmintic treatments over 12 months are associated with reductions in IgE. The failure of anthelmintic treatment to reduce IgE levels to that considered normal in industrialized countries may be attributed to continued exposure of children to geohelminths or to the effects of infections in early life in programming a long-lasting Th2-biassed immunity.