Severe dermatitis caused by diltiazem

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[Solar elastosis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma]. / Elastosis solar en carcinomas espinocelulares cutáneos.

INTRODUCTION: Solar elastosis, or basophilic degeneration of collagen, may be a histologic sign of chronic sun damage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 222 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to identify the presence of solar elastosis and its possible invasion of the upper, middle, or deep reticular dermis. We also analyzed clinical variables such as SCC location, location in exposed areas of the skin, age, sex, and immunosuppression. Patients included had undergone surgical excision of an SCC. RESULTS: Severe solar elastosis was found in most cases (182 patients, 82%): 87 extended to the middle reticular dermis and 95 had reached the deep reticular dermis. Only 6 (2.7%) patients had no solar elastosis. In some cases elastosis was so severe that it had affected the subcutaneous cellular tissue or venous or arteriolar walls. Deeper solar elastosis was significantly associated with older age and female sex. CONCLUSIONS: Solar elastosis was found in most patients with SCC and seems to indicate chronic severe solar damage. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation would be the main cause of SCC, although other factors might also be implicated, particularly in patients who did not have severe solar elastosis. Systemic or localized immunosuppression was associated with nearly all the SCC cases studied, consistent with the marked immunosuppressant effects of sun exposure, the aging process, or both.

Elastosis solar en carcinomas espinocelulares cutáneos / Solar Elastosis in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introducción: El hallazgo de elastosis solar (degeneración basófila del colágeno) se podría considerar como un signo histológico del daño solar crónico. Material y método: Se ha realizado un estudio retrospectivo sobre 222 carcinomas espinocelulares (CE). Se ha valorado si existía elastosis solar y si esta se extendía hasta la dermis reticular superficial, media o profunda. También se han analizado otras variables clínicas como la localización, la ubuicación en áreas fotoexpuestas, así como la edad, el sexo y la inmunodepresión de los pacientes a los que se extirparon estos CE. Resultados: En la mayoría de CE (182CE, un 82%) se observa una intensa elastosis solar: 87CE presentaban elastosis solar hasta la dermis reticular media y 95CE hasta la dermis reticular profunda. Sólo hubo 6CE (2,7%) que no presentaban elastosis solar. En algunos CE la elastosis solar era tan intensa que se extendía hasta el tejido celular subcutáneo o afectaba a la pared de venas y/o arteriolas. Existía una relación significativa entre la observación de elastosis solar a más profundidad y una edad mayor, así como con el sexo femenino. Conclusiones: En la mayoría de CE se observa elastosis solar, lo que podría traducir un intenso daño solar crónico. La radiación ultravioleta sería el principal factor etiopatogénico en la mayoría de CE, aunque también podrían estar implicados otros factores etiopatogénicos, sobre todo en aquellos CE sin una elastosis solar intensa. Casi todos estos CE estudiados se asociarían a inmunodepresión (sistémica o localizada), basándonos en los importantes efectos inmunosupresores que producen las radiaciones solares, la edad avanzada o ambas (AU)

Introduction: Solar elastosis, or basophilic degeneration of collagen, may be a histologic sign of chronic sun damage. Material and methods: We reviewed 222 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to identify the presence of solar elastosis and its possible invasion of the upper, middle, or deep reticular dermis. We also analyzed clinical variables such as SCC location, location in exposed areas of the skin, age, sex, and immunosuppression. Patients included had undergone surgical excision of an SCC. Results: Severe solar elastosis was found in most cases (182 patients, 82%): 87 extended to the middle reticular dermis and 95 had reached the deep reticular dermis. Only 6 (2.7%) patients had no solar elastosis. In some cases elastosis was so severe that it had affected the subcutaneous cellular tissue or venous or arteriolar walls. Deeper solar elastosis was significantly associated with older age and female sex. Conclusions: Solar elastosis was found in most patients with SCC and seems to indicate chronic severe solar damage. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation would be the main cause of SCC, although other factors might also be implicated, particularly in patients who did not have severe solar elastosis. Systemic or localized immunosuppression was associated with nearly all the SCC cases studied, consistent with the marked immunosuppressant effects of sun exposure, the aging process, or both (AU)

[Clear cells in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma]. / Las células claras en el carcinoma espinocelular cutáneo.

INTRODUCTION: Although few cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with clear cells have been published, we believe that these cells are often present in SCC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 249 SCCs, analyzing a number of clinical and histological variables. Various immunohistochemical techniques (immunoperoxidase method) were used to determine whether adnexal differentiation was present. RESULTS: There were 96 SCCs with a proportion of clear cells of over 25 %. Advanced or established SCCs and SCCs associated with Bowen disease contained a larger proportion of clear cells. We defined 2 histological patterns: a) clear cells around the keratin pearls of SCCs arising from pre-existing actinic keratosis and with indirect signs of human papilloma virus infection in hair follicles; and b) clear cells that simulate adnexal differentiation in lesions arising on pre-existing Bowen disease lesions. There were also 19 carcinomas with true adnexal differentiation. DISCUSSION: Clear cells are frequently observed in SCC, though large numbers of clear cells are present only in certain SCCs. The appearance of clear cells in SCCs is progressive and they are only present in more advanced SCC. The presence of clear cells is suggestive of adnexal differentiation; however, in the majority of cases, their presence is due to infiltration of normal adnexal structures by the cells of pagetoid Bowen disease. True adnexal differentiation exists only in a small percentage of cases (7.6 % in our study). The histological pattern described as clear cells around keratin pearls practically rules out this differentiation.

[Update of the topical treatment of psoriasis]. / Revisión actualizada del tratamiento tópico de la psoriasis.

Topical therapy continues to be one of the pillars of psoriasis management. Topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs are the drugs of choice during the induction phase, and vitamin D analogs continue to be drugs of choice for maintenance therapy. Tazarotene and dithranol are suitable options in patients with certain, specific characteristics. The calcineurin inhibitors can be considered to be second-line treatment for psoriasis of the face and flexures. The efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination of betamethasone and calcipotriol in the induction phase is greater than that of either drug alone. The combination of corticosteroids with salicylic acid achieves better results than corticosteroids in monotherapy. None of the drugs evaluated stands out over the others in all clinical situations, and their use must therefore be individualized in each patient and adjusted according to the course of the disease.

Las células claras en el carcinoma espinocelular cutáneo / Clear Cells in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introducción. Se han publicado pocos casos de carcinoma espinocelular (CE) de células claras, aunque creemos que es frecuente observar células claras en los CE. Material y métodos. Hemos estudiado 249 CE. Analizamos distintas variables clínicas e histológicas. Hemos usado diversas técnicas de inmunohistoquímica (método de inmunoperoxidasa) para valorar si existía diferenciación anexial. Resultados. Observamos 96 CE con más de un 25 % de células claras. Existe más cantidad de células claras en los CE desarrollados o ®no incipientes» y en los derivados de enfermedad de Bowen (EB). Describimos dos patrones histológicos: a) células claras alrededor de las perlas córneas del CE, que se asocia a la existencia de queratosis actínica como lesión previa y a signos indirectos de virus del papiloma humano (VPH) en infundíbulos pilosos, y b) células claras que simulan diferenciación anexial, relacionado con EB como lesión previa. También hemos encontrado 19 carcinomas con verdadera diferenciación anexial. Conclusiones. Es frecuente observar células claras en los CE, aunque solo algunos presentan una gran cantidad. El desarrollo de células claras en los CE sería progresivo y solo aparecería en los CE más desarrollados. Cuando se observan células claras en los CE, se tiende a pensar que existe diferenciación anexial, sin embargo, en la mayoría de casos se trataría solo de EB de células claras que infiltra estructuras anexiales normales. En un pequeño porcentaje de casos (7,6 % en nuestro estudio) sí existe verdadera diferenciación anexial. Por otra parte, el patrón histológico descrito como células claras alrededor de perlas córneas prácticamente nos descartaría dicha diferenciación (AU)

Introduction. Although few cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with clear cells have been published, we believe that these cells are often present in SCC. Material and methods. We studied 249 SCCs, analyzing a number of clinical and histological variables. Various immunohistochemical techniques (immunoperoxidase method) were used to determine whether adnexal differentiation was present. Results. There were 96 SCCs with a proportion of clear cells of over 25 %. Advanced or established SCCs and SCCs associated with Bowen disease contained a larger proportion of clear cells. We defined 2 histological patterns: a) clear cells around the keratin pearls of SCCs arising from pre-existing actinic keratosis and with indirect signs of human papilloma virus infection in hair follicles; and b) clear cells that simulate adnexal differentiation in lesions arising on pre-existing Bowen disease lesions. There were also 19 carcinomas with true adnexal differentiation. Discussion. Clear cells are frequently observed in SCC, though large numbers of clear cells are present only in certain SCCs. The appearance of clear cells in SCCs is progressive and they are only present in more advanced SCC. The presence of clear cells is suggestive of adnexal differentiation; however, in the majority of cases, their presence is due to infiltration of normal adnexal structures by the cells of pagetoid Bowen disease. True adnexal differentiation exists only in a small percentage of cases (7.6 % in our study). The histological pattern described as clear cells around keratin pearls practically rules out this differentiation (AU)

Revisión actualizada del tratamiento tópico de la psoriasis / Update of the topical treatment of psoriasis

La terapia tópica sigue representando un pilar fundamental y de actualidad en el manejo de la psoriasis. Los corticoides tópicos y los análogos de la vitamina D son los principios activos de elección durante la fase de inducción, mientras que estos últimos se mantienen como alternativa de elección en el mantenimiento. El tazaroteno y el ditranol resultan alternativas adecuadas en pacientes con determinadas características. Los inhibidores de la calcineurina pueden considerarse tratamientos de segunda línea en la psoriasis de la cara y las flexuras. La eficacia y la seguridad en la fase de inducción de la combinación en dosis fija de betametasona y calcipotriol es superior a la obtenida por ambos principios activos por separado. La combinación de corticoides con ácido salicílico aporta ventajas con respecto a los corticoides en monoterapia. Ninguno de los principios activos evaluados presenta ventajas sobre el resto en todas las situaciones clínicas, por lo que su empleo debe individualizarse para cada paciente y para cada momento evolutivo de la dermatosis (AU)

Topical therapy continues to be one of the pillars of psoriasis management. Topical corticosteroids and vitamin D analogs are the drugs of choice during the induction phase, and vitamin D analogs continue to be drugs of choice for maintenance therapy. Tazarotene and dithranol are suitable options in patients with certain, specific characteristics. The calcineurin inhibitors can be considered to be second-line treatment for psoriasis of the face and flexures. The efficacy and safety of the fixed-dose combination of betamethasone and calcipotriol in the induction phase is greater than that of either drug alone. The combination of corticosteroids with salicylic acid achieves better results than corticosteroids in monotherapy. None of the drugs evaluated stands out over the others in all clinical situations, and their use must therefore be individualized in each patient and adjusted according to the course of the disease (AU)

'Bowenoid wart': wart with bowenoid histological changes? Report of 9 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Cases of lesions that simulate Bowen's disease have been previously described in the literature. CASE REPORT: Nine exophytic verruca-like lesions with histological findings of Bowen's disease (BD) are described. All cases had a rapid growth, and were located on the face and neck of elderly patients with chronic solar skin damage. We carried out p16 immunohistochemical staining using the immunoperoxidase technique, which was negative in all cases. DISCUSSION: We think that these 9 lesions are only histologically mimicking BD, and could be a subtype of verruca ('bowenoid wart'). These lesions could be provoked by nononcogenic human papillomavirus (HPV), as in other cases previously described. The p16 staining was negative in all cases, in contrast with most BD cases. It would be interesting to study whether positive p16 staining is related to oncogenic HPV, whereas negative p16 staining could be associated with low or nononcogenic HPV; thus, more studies are needed.

Las células tipo epidermodisplasia verruciforme como marcador histológico de inmunodepresión: revisión de 229 carcinomas espinocelulares / Epidermodysplasia verruciformis-like cells as histologic markers of immunosuppression: review of 229 squamous cell carcinomas

Introducción. La epidermodisplasia verruciforme (EV) es una enfermedad en la que existe una mayor susceptibilidad genética a la infección por determinados subtipos oncogénicos del virus del papiloma humano (VPH). Entre otros hallazgos histológicos, en la EV suelen observarse unas células claras, grandes, ovaladas o redondeadas (células EV) en la capa granulosa, que según algunos autores se podrían considerar como un marcador histológico de inmunodepresión. Material y métodos. Hemos estudiado 229 carcinomas espinocelulares (CE) para valorar si presentaban células EV y si se relacionaban con inmunodepresión, tanto localizada o cutánea (tumores con signos de intenso daño solar crónico o con una dermatitis de estasis intensa), como sistémica (pacientes inmunodeprimidos o ancianos). Resultados. Observamos células EV en 33 carcinomas. No hemos encontrado relación significativa entre la existencia de células EV e inmunodepresión. Realizamos reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en 8 lesiones, pero los resultados no fueron valorables porque el ADN estaba desnaturalizado. Conclusiones. No hemos demostrado relación entre las células EV e inmunodepresión, localizada o sistémica, posiblemente porque la muestra no era adecuada (se podría considerar que prácticamente todos los CE estudiados se asociaban a signos de inmunodepresión, tanto aquellos que presentaban células EV como los que no). Serían necesarios más estudios que comparasen lesiones asociadas a inmunodepresión con otras que no. Es posible que estas células EV sean el resultado de los efectos citopáticos de determinados subtipos de VPH, como el VPH-5 o el VPH-8, aunque sería necesario demostrar esta hipótesis mediante técnicas de PCR o similar (AU)

Associated with greater susceptibility to infection by certain oncogenic subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV). Among other histologic findings, large, clear, oval or rounded cells (EV cells) are observed in the granular layer in EV, and some authors consider these cells to be markers of immunosuppression. Material and Methods. We analyzed 229 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) to determine whether EV cells were present and to assess whether their presence was associated either with localized or cutaneous immunosuppression (tumors with signs of severe chronic actinic damage or severe stasis dermatitis) or with systemic immunosuppression (immunocompromised or elderly patients). Results. We observed EV cells in 33 SCC. No statistically significant relationship was observed between the presence of EV cells and immunosuppression. We performed polymerase chain reaction in 8 lesions, but the results were not informative as the DNA was denatured. Conclusions. We found no relationship between the presence of EV cells and localized or systemic immunosuppression, possibly because the sample was inadequate (almost all SCC studied were associated with signs of immunosuppression, irrespective of the presence or absence of EV cells). Further studies will be required to compare lesions associated with immunosuppression with those in which immunosuppression is absent. The presence of EV cells may be the result of cytopathic effects of certain HPV subtypes, such as HPV 5 or 8, but this will need to be demonstrated using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (AU)

[Epidermodysplasia verruciformis-like cells as histologic markers of immunosuppression: review of 229 squamous cell carcinomas]. / Las células tipo epidermodisplasia verruciforme como marcador histológico de inmunodepresión: revisión de 229 carcinomas espinocelulares.

INTRODUCTION: Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is associated with greater susceptibility to infection by certain oncogenic subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV). Among other histologic findings, large, clear, oval or rounded cells (EV cells) are observed in the granular layer in EV, and some authors consider these cells to be markers of immunosuppression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 229 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) to determine whether EV cells were present and to assess whether their presence was associated either with localized or cutaneous immunosuppression (tumors with signs of severe chronic actinic damage or severe stasis dermatitis) or with systemic immunosuppression (immunocompromised or elderly patients). RESULTS: We observed EV cells in 33 SCC. No statistically significant relationship was observed between the presence of EV cells and immunosuppression. We performed polymerase chain reaction in 8 lesions, but the results were not informative as the DNA was denatured. CONCLUSIONS: We found no relationship between the presence of EV cells and localized or systemic immunosuppression, possibly because the sample was inadequate (almost all SCC studied were associated with signs of immunosuppression, irrespective of the presence or absence of EV cells). Further studies will be required to compare lesions associated with immunosuppression with those in which immunosuppression is absent. The presence of EV cells may be the result of cytopathic effects of certain HPV subtypes, such as HPV 5 or 8, but this will need to be demonstrated using techniques such as polymerase chain reaction.

Carcinoma espinocelular cutáneo y papilomavirus (VPH) / Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and human papillomavirus

La relación entre los virus papilomas humanos (VPH) de tipo mucoso (VPH-muc) y el carcinoma de cérvix o los carcinomas espinocelulares (CE) de la región ano-genital es cada vez más evidente. Sin embargo, la relación del VPH con el resto de los CE cutáneos es más controvertida. Recientes publicaciones relacionan los VPH tipo epidermodisplasia verruciforme (VPH-EV) con los CE cutáneos extra-genitales, sobre todo en los pacientes inmunodeprimidos, aunque también en los inmunocompetentes. Los VPH-muc también se podrían relacionar con algunas enfermedades de Bowen y determinados CE: dedos de manos, mucosa oro-faríngea, etc. Revisamos los posibles mecanismos oncogénicos de los VPH-muc y los VPH-EV. La mayoría de los CE podrían explicarse por la acción conjunta de los VPH, la inmunodepresión y los efectos oncogénicos e inmunosupresores de las radiaciones ultravioleta. Los VPH podrían implicar un peor pronóstico de los CE, con más posibilidades de producir metástasis, entre otras implicaciones en la práctica clínica

The relationship between mucosal human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical carcinoma or anogenital squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is becoming increasingly evident, whereas a link between HPV and other cutaneous SCCs is less clear. Recent studies have reported links between epidermodysplasia-verruciformis-associated HPV and extragenital cutaneous SCC, particularly in immunosuppressed patients, although immunocompetent patients have also been affected. Mucosal HPV could also be linked to some types of Bowen disease and certain SCCs of the fingers, oropharyngeal mucosa, etc. We review the possible oncogenic mechanisms involving mucosal HPV and epidermodysplasia-verruciformis-associated HPV. Most SCCs could be explained by the combined action of HPV, immunosuppression, and the oncogenic and immunosuppressive effect of UV radiation. HPV might be associated with worse prognosis of SCC, with implications for clinical practice including greater risk of metastasis

[Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and human papillomavirus]. / Carcinoma espinocelular cutáneo y papilomavirus (VPH).

The relationship between mucosal human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical carcinoma or anogenital squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is becoming increasingly evident, whereas a link between HPV and other cutaneous SCCs is less clear. Recent studies have reported links between epidermodysplasia-verruciformis-associated HPV and extragenital cutaneous SCC, particularly in immunosuppressed patients, although immunocompetent patients have also been affected. Mucosal HPV could also be linked to some types of Bowen disease and certain SCCs of the fingers, oropharyngeal mucosa, etc. We review the possible oncogenic mechanisms involving mucosal HPV and epidermodysplasia-verruciformis-associated HPV. Most SCCs could be explained by the combined action of HPV, immunosuppression, and the oncogenic and immunosuppressive effect of UV radiation. HPV might be associated with worse prognosis of SCC, with implications for clinical practice including greater risk of metastasis.

[Allergic contact dermatitis to temporary henna tattoos]. / Dermatitis de contacto alérgica a tatuajes temporales de henna.

INTRODUCTION: In the last years there have been increasing reports of adverse cutaneous reactions to temporary black henna tattoos. Black henna does not exist naturally, it is obtained from original henna after the addition of other compounds, among them paraphenylenediamine (PPD), that darken it and facilitate the process of tattoing. Paraphenylenediamine is an aromatic compound that presents cross reactions with other components that have a benzene ring in their molecular structure. Many of these products may be present in the daily life of any person. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed patients that have shown erythema, inflammation and/or vesiculation in a previously tattooed area. The patients have undergone a temporary tattoo in street stalls during the summer period (2004-2005). A total of five patients were included, there were four men and one woman with a mean age of 13 years (3-34) and a mean latency period of 9.4 days (5-14). Black ink and plastic stencils were used to perform the tattoo. None of the patients has had previous contact with hair dyes or tattoos and none of them referred a personal history of atopic dermatitis. Patch testing was carried out using the standard set of the Spanish Group for Research in Contact Dermatitis [GEIDC] (TRUE TEST, Pharmacia. Hillerod. Denmark), with readings at 48 and 96 hours. RESULTS: Sensitization to PPD is confirmed in three patients, one of them was also sensitized to formaldehyde. Hypopigmented scars persist in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Black henna pseudotattoos are a source of sensitization to PPD with potential severe consequences in a medium to long term. Currently there is no specific legislation with respect to the practice of this type of tattoos in our country.

Dermatitis de contacto alérgica a tatuajes temporales de henna / Allergic contact dermatitis to temporary henna tattoos

Introducción. Las comunicaciones de reacciones cutáneas adversas a tatuajes temporales por henna negra son cada vez más frecuentes en los últimos años. La henna negra no existe de forma natural; se obtiene a partir de la henna original añadiéndole otros compuestos que la oscurecen y facilitan el proceso de tatuaje, entre ellos la parafenilendiamina (PPD). La PPD es un compuesto aromático que presenta reacciones cruzadas con otros componentes con anillo bencénico en su estructura molecular. Muchos de estos productos pueden estar presentes en la vida cotidiana de cualquier persona. Material y métodos. Realizamos una revisión de pacientes que presentaran un cuadro de eritema, inflamación y/o vesiculación en la zona tatuada previamente. Los pacientes se habían realizado un tatuaje temporal en puestos callejeros durante el periodo estival (2004-2005). Se incluyeron un total de 5 pacientes, 4 varones/1 mujer, con una edad media de 13 años (3-34 años) y un periodo de latencia medio de 9,4 días (5-14 días). Para el tatuado usaron tinta de color negro y plantillas de material plástico. Ninguno de los pacientes había tenido contacto previo con tintes capilares ni tatuajes y tampoco refirieron antecedentes personales de dermatitis atópica. Se realizaron pruebas epicutáneas con la batería estándar del GEIDC (TRUE TEST® Pharmacia. Hillerod. Denmark), con lectura a las 48 y 96 horas. Resultados. Se confirma una sensibilización a la PPD en 3 pacientes, en uno de ellos también a formaldehído. En 3 pacientes persisten las cicatrices hipopigmentadas. Conclusiones. Los pseudotatuajes con henna negra son una fuente de sensibilización a PPD con consecuencias graves potenciales a medio-largo plazo. En la actualidad no existe ninguna ley que regule la práctica de este tipo de tatuajes en nuestro país (AU)

Introduction. In the last years there have been increasing reports of adverse cutaneous reactions to temporary black henna tattoos. Black henna does not exist naturally, it is obtained from original henna after the addition of other compounds, among them paraphenilendiamine (PPD), that darken it and facilitate the process of tattoing. Paraphenilendiamine is an aromatic compound that presents cross reactions with other components that have a benzene ring in their molecular structure. Many of these products may be present in the daily life of any person. Material and methods. We reviewed patients that have shown erythema, inflammation and/or vesiculation in a previously tattooed area. The patients have undergone a temporary tattoo in street stalls during the summer period (2004-2005). A total of five patients were included, there were four men and one woman with a mean age of 13 years (3-34) and a mean latency period of 9.4 days (5-14). Black ink and plastic stencils were used to perform the tattoo. None of the patients has had previous contact with hair dyes or tattoos and none of them referred a personal history of atopic dermatitis. Patch testing was carried out using the standard set of the Spanish Group for Research in Contact Dermatitis [GEIDC] (TRUE TEST ®, Pharmacia. Hillerod. Denmark), with readings at 48 and 96 hours. Results. Sensitization to PPD is confirmed in three patients, one of them was also sensitized to formaldehyde. Hypopigmented scars persist in three patients. Conclusions. Black henna pseudotattoos are a source of sensitization to PPD with potential severe consequences in a medium to long term. Currently there is no specific legislation with respect to the practice of this type of tattoos in our country (AU)

To what extent are the effects of diet on coronary heart disease lipid-mediated?

BACKGROUND: Cohort and case-control studies support the effect of diet on coronary heart disease. The objective of this study was to analyze the strength of the influence of dietary fat subtypes and other nutrients on serum lipids levels in patients with a first acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: We studied 139 patients with a first myocardial infarction and no previous history of vascular disease. Serum lipids were determined, and nutrient intake was analyzed using a validated 118-food item questionnaire. RESULTS: Multiple regression models found weak but significant associations between the intake of different fatty acids and total to HDL cholesterol ratio (atherogenic index) when we adjusted for age, gender and body mass index (BMI). Positive associations with serum HDL cholesterol concentration were observed for energy-adjusted intake of red wine, alcohol intake, and omega-3 fatty acids intake. However, these nutrients explained less than 12% of the variability in the atherogenic index, and less than 17% in the variability of HDL. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest only a modest contribution of the investigated nutrients on serum lipids (atherogenic index and HDL cholesterol) in coronary patients. Alternative mechanisms of dietary factors not directly related with serum lipids or, more likely, a global effect of diet on inflammatory and antioxidant parameters should be studied in order to better understand the nature of dietary habits' influence on cardiovascular disease.

[Validity in a community (with outside verification) of primary prevention studies on hypercholesterolemia]. / Aplicabilidad en una comunidad (validez externa) de los estudios de prevención primaria de hipercolesterolemia.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to determine the degree of similarity between large primary prevention trials of hypercholesterolemia and our population of patients with dyslipidemia, in order to evaluate the external validity of these studies and their applicability to the general population. DESIGN: Descriptive retrospective study. SETTING: Tafalla Health Center in Navarra (Northern Spain), serving a population of 11 500 inhabitants.Participants. All patients older than 18 years assigned to our health center who had dyslipidemia with no antecedents of ischemic heart disease. RESULTS: The percentage of patients in our sample who satisfied the inclusion criteria used in large clinical trials ranged from 2.4% to 46%, depending on the study: AFCAPS/TexCAPS 1998, 46.2%; HPS 2002, 46.1%; WOSCOPS 1995, 10.9%; HHS 1987, 10.6%; LRC-CPPT 1984, 2.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Many of our patients (54%-97%) with dyslipidemia would not have been eligible for inclusion in earlier studies of hyperlipidemia and primary prevention. The external validity (applicability to the general population) of these studies is questionable. Decision-making in clinical practice for the primary prevention of hypercholesterolemia should be based on the risk/benefit ratio of pharmacological treatment.

Aplicabilidad en un acomunidad (validez externa) de los estudios de prevención primaria de hipercolesterolemia / Applicability to a different community (external validity) of studies of the primary prevention o hypercholesterolemia

Objetivos. El objetivo principal de nuestro estudio es determinar el grado de similitud de los grandes ensayos clínicos de prevención primaria e hipercolesterolemia y nuestra población de pacientes con dislipemia, para valorar su aplicabilidad a la población general y la validez externa de los mismos. Diseño. Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Emplazamiento. Centro de Salud de Tafalla (Navarra); población de 11.500 habitantes. Participantes. Todos los pacientes dislipémicos, mayores de 18 años, sin antecedentes de cardiopatía isquémica, del centro de salud. Resultados. El porcentaje pacientes de nuestra muestra que cumplen los criterios de inclusión de los grandes estudios varía del 46 al 2,4 por ciento. En el estudio AFCAPS/TexCAPS (1998) fue del 46,2 por ciento, en el estudio HPS (2002) del 46,1 por ciento, en el estudio WOSCOPS (1995) del 10,9 por ciento, en el estudio HHS (1987) del 10,6 por ciento, y en el estudio LRC-CPPT (1984) del 2,4 por ciento. Conclusiones. Un gran número de nuestros pacientes (97-54 por ciento) con dislipemia no serían incluidos en los estudios de hiperlipidemia y prevención primaria. Comprobamos que la validez externa (aplicabilidad a la población general) de estos estudios es cuestionable. La toma de decisiones en la práctica clínica de la prevención primaria en la hipercolesterolemia deberá basarse en la relación riesgo/beneficio de la introducción de un fármaco (AU)

Type of alcoholic beverage and first acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study in a Mediterranean country.

BACKGROUND: Although international comparisons have consistently found an inverse association between wine and coronary heart disease, few epidemiologic studies are available in Southern Europe. We assessed the association of wine, red wine, and the pattern of drinking wine during meals with the risk of myocardial infarction. HYPOTHESIS: We specifically evaluated three hypotheses: (1) Is the protection against incidence of nonfatal myocardial infarction stronger for wine than for other alcoholic beverages? (2) Does the wine consumed during meals represent a more beneficial pattern of alcohol consumption? (3) Is red wine more advantageous than other types of wine? METHODS: A case-control study (171 cases, 171 matched controls) was conducted in Spain. Multiple dietary and nondietary potential confounders were assessed. RESULTS: Exposure to wine, red wine, and wine during meals was associated with risk reductions similar to those of other alcoholic beverages (point estimates of the odds ratio for low and high intake were 0.48 and 0.38 for wine; 0.42 and 0.55 for other beverages). However, after controlling for total alcohol intake, wine consumption (g/day) improved the prediction of a myocardial infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that red wine or drinking wine during meals was similar to alcohol from other sources for reducing coronary risk. However, an additional benefit of wine, keeping constant overall alcohol intake, deserves further research.

Role of fibre and fruit in the Mediterranean diet to protect against myocardial infarction: a case-control study in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between a first acute myocardial infarction and the consumption of fibre and fruit. DESIGN: Hospital-based case-control study with incident cases. A validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (136 items) was used to assess food intake. SETTING: Three third-level university hospitals in Pamplona (Spain). SUBJECTS: Cases were subjects aged under 80, newly diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction. Each case patient (n=171) was matched to a control subject of the same gender and age (5 y bands) admitted to the same hospital. RESULTS: An inverse association was apparent for the three upper quintiles of fibre intake. After adjustment for non-dietary and dietary confounders, an inverse linear trend was clearly significant, showing the highest relative reduction of risk (86%) for the fifth quintile (OR=0.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.03-0.67). An inverse association was also apparent for fruit intake, but not for vegetables or legumes. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a substantial part of the postulated benefits of the Mediterranean diet on coronary risk might be attributed to a high intake of fibre and fruit.