Clinical and molecular characterization of Chilean patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia.

We report the most comprehensive clinical and molecular characterization of XLH patients performed in Chile. We show high prevalence of musculoskeletal burden and pain, associated with significantly impaired physical capacity and quality of life, with many relevant complications presenting more frequently than previously reported in cohorts from developed countries. INTRODUCTION: Our current understanding of the clinical presentation and natural history of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) comes mainly from cohorts from developed countries, with limited data on the clinical and genetic abnormalities of XLH patients in South America. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, biochemical, and molecular presentation of patients with XLH in Chile. METHODS: Patients with XLH referred by endocrinologist throughout Chile were included. Demographic data and clinical presentation were obtained from a clinical interview. Surveys were applied for quality of life (QoL), pain, and functionality. FGF23 was measured by ELISA, and genetic testing was performed. Imaging studies were conducted to assess skeletal and renal involvement. RESULTS: We included 26 patients, aged 2-64 years, from 17 unrelated Chilean families. All pediatric patients but only 40% of adults were receiving conventional therapy, while 65% of all patients had elevated alkaline phosphatase. All patients had mutations in PHEX, including 5 novel variants. Radiographic skeletal events (RSE) and enthesopathies in adults were frequent (34% and 85%, respectively). The duration of treatment was associated with fewer RSE (p < 0.05). Most adults reported pain and impaired QoL, and 50% had impaired physical capacity. The number of enthesopathies was associated with worse pain and stiffness scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chilean patients with XLH have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal burden associated with pain and impaired physical capacity and QoL, especially in adults who were generally undertreated. These data identify a significant unmet need, inform our understanding of the current status of patients, and can guide care for XLH patients in similarly socioeconomically defined countries.

Effect of a moderate electric field on the salting of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): An experimental study and phenomenological understanding.

Salting is one of the oldest methods of preserving food. The main limitation of salting is its extended processing time due to slow salt diffusion. A moderate electric field (MEF) can improve the mass transfer rate through electroporation. Regularly, mass transfer processes are modeled with Fick's second law. However, due to the anisotropic nature of food microstructures, it might be more appropriate to use an anomalous model. The main objective of this study was to search for a phenomenological explanation for salt and water diffusion in the salmon brining process coupled with MEF. Salmon fillets were cut into finite cylinders (0.025 × 0.025 m) and brined in two salt concentrations (6 and 24% w/w NaCl) at 6 °C for 20 h. MEFs were applied in the range of 0 to 2 V/cm. The salt and water contents of the salmon were measured during the process. Fick's second law and anomalous model based on fractional calculus were used to describe the diffusion phenomena. The results showed that an MEF tended to reduce the brining processing time and increase the salt content of salmon. This effect is predominantly due to an increase in the equilibrium salt concentration in the salmon tissue. Mathematical analysis shows that the anomalous diffusion model is more suitable for representing the brining process, exhibiting superdiffusion behavior (α > 1). An MEF accelerates the salt mass transfer into salmon tissue even at lower temperatures, significantly reducing the processing time. In addition, the diffusion process can be characterized with an anomalous model.

Nadar 2.5-km indoor disminuye el nitrito y ph en aire espirado condensado / Swim 2.5-Km Indoor Decreases the Nitrite and Ph in Exhaled Breath Condensate

OBJETIVO: determinar el efecto de una prueba aeróbica de natación en piscina clorada indoor sobre la concentración de NO2-, H2O2 y el pH en el condensado del aire espirado. MÉTODO: diez nadadores aficionados nadaron 2,5 km en piscina clorada. Se obtuvieron muestras antes y en cuatro oportunidades durante las ocho horas posteriores a la prueba. El análisis estadístico usó modelos mixtos y la prueba de Spearman RESULTADOS: la prueba se realizó a 74,99 ± 10,10 % de la reserva cardíaca y duró 50,80 ± 8,98 minutos. Posterior a la prueba disminuyó el NO2- (p = 0,04) y el pH (p = 0,02) en el condensado del aire espirado. Los valores pre-ejercicio se relacionaron con los cambios absolutos p = 0,0002, p = 0,047 y con el volumen de entrenamiento p = 0,017, p = 0,077 para NO2- y H2O2 respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: la natación en piscina clorada disminuye la concentración de NO2- y el pH en el condensado del aire espirado

OBJECTIVE: to determine the effect of an aerobic swimming test in chlorinated indoor swimming pool on the concentration of NO2-, H2O2 and the pH in the exhaled breath condensate. METHODS: ten amateur swimmers swam 2,5 km in a chlorinated pool. Samples were obtained before and four times in the eight hours after the test. The statistical analysis used mixed models and the Spearman test. RESULTS: the test was performed at 74,99 ± 10,10 % of the cardiac reserve and lasted 50,80 ± 8,98 minutes. After the test the NO2- (p = 0,04) and the pH (p = 0,02) in the exhaled air condensate decreased. The pre-exercise values were related to the absolute changes p = 0,0002, p = 0.047 and with the training volume p = 0,017, p = 0.077 for NO2- and H2O2 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Swimming in a chlorinated pool decreases the NO2-concentration and the pH in the exhaled breath condensate

Comparison of oncological outcomes after open and laparoscopic re-resection of incidental gallbladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: The safety and oncological efficacy of laparoscopic re-resection of incidental gallbladder cancer have not been studied. This study aimed to compare laparoscopic with open re-resection of incidentally discovered gallbladder cancer while minimizing selection bias. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective observational cohort study of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer who underwent re-resection with curative intent at four centres between 2000 and 2017. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analysed by intention to treat. Inverse probability of surgery treatment weighting using propensity scoring was undertaken. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients underwent re-resection (190 open, 65 laparoscopic). Nineteen laparoscopic procedures were converted to open operation. Surgery before 2011 was the only factor associated with conversion. Duration of hospital stay was shorter after laparoscopic re-resection (median 4 versus 6 days; P < 0·001). Three-year OS rates for laparoscopic and open re-resection were 87 and 62 per cent respectively (P = 0·502). Independent predictors of worse OS were residual cancer found at re-resection (hazard ratio (HR) 1·91, 95 per cent c.i. 1·17 to 3·11), blood loss of at least 500 ml (HR 1·83, 1·23 to 2·74) and at least four positive nodes (HR 3·11, 1·46 to 6·65). In competing-risks analysis, the RFS incidence was higher for laparoscopic re-resection (P = 0·038), but OS did not differ between groups. Independent predictors of worse RFS were one to three positive nodes (HR 2·16, 1·29 to 3·60), at least four positive nodes (HR 4·39, 1·96 to 9·82) and residual cancer (HR 2·42, 1·46 to 4·00). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic re-resection for selected patients with incidental gallbladder cancer is oncologically non-inferior to an open approach. Dissemination of advanced laparoscopic skills and timely referral of patients with incidental gallbladder cancer to specialized centres may allow more patients to benefit from this operation.

ANTECEDENTES: No se conoce la seguridad y la eficacia oncológica de la re-resección laparoscópica del cáncer incidental de vesícula biliar. Este estudio tiene como objetivo comparar las re-resecciones del cáncer incidental de vesícula biliar por vía laparoscópica y vía abierta, minimizando el sesgo de selección. MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohortes observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico de pacientes con cáncer incidental de vesícula biliar que se sometieron a una re-resección con intención curativa en 4 centros entre 2000 y 2017. Se analizó la supervivencia global (overall survival, OS) y la supervivencia libre de recidiva (recurrence free survival, RFS) según intención de tratamiento. Se calculó la probabilidad inversa de la ponderación del tratamiento quirúrgico utilizando puntuación de propensión. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 255 pacientes con re-resección (190 por vía abierta y 65 por vía laparoscópica). Se convirtieron 19 pacientes del grupo laparoscópico. El único factor relacionado con la conversión fue la realización de la cirugía antes de año 2011. La mediana de la estancia hospitalaria fue más corta tras la re-resección laparoscópica (4 versus 6 días; P < 0,001). La OS a tres años fue del 87% y del 62% (P = 0,502) para las re-resecciones laparoscópicas y abiertas, respectivamente). Los factores predictivos independientes relacionados con una peor OS fueron el hallazgo de cáncer residual en el momento de la re-resección (cociente de riesgos instantáneos, hazard ratio, HR 1,91; i.c. del 95% 1,17-3,11), una pérdida hemática > 500 ml (HR 1,83; i.c. del 95% 1,23-2,74) y la presencia de ≥ 4 ganglios positivos (HR 3,11; i.c. del 95% 1,46-6,65). En el análisis de riesgo competitivo, la RFS fue mayor para la resección laparoscópica (P = 0,038), pero no hubo diferencias en la OS entre ambos grupos. Los factores predictivos independientes de peor RFS fueron la detección de 1-3 ganglios positivos (HR 2,16; i.c. del 95% 1,29-3,60), ≥ 4 ganglio positivos (HR 4,39; i.c. del 95% 1,96-9,82) y el cáncer residual (HR 2,42; i.c. de 95% 1,46-4,0). CONCLUSIÓN: En pacientes seleccionados, los resultados oncológicos de la re-resección laparoscópica de un cáncer incidental de vesícula biliar no son inferiores a los que se obtienen por vía abierta. Una mayor difusión de las técnicas laparoscópicas avanzadas y una oportuna derivación de los pacientes con cáncer de vesícula biliar incidental a centros especializados podrían permitir que un mayor número de pacientes se beneficiaran de este abordaje.

Treatment, outcomes and costs of asthma exacerbations in Chilean children: a prospective multicenter observational study

Objective: To describe potential regional variations in therapies for severe asthma exacerbations in Chilean children and estimate the associated health expenditures. Methods: Observational prospective cohort study in 14 hospitals over a one-year period. Children five years of age or older were eligible for inclusion. Days with oxygen supply and pharmacological treatments received were recorded from the clinical chart. A basic asthma hospitalization basket was defined in order to estimate the average hospitalization cost for a single patient. Six months after discharge, new visits to the Emergency Room (ER), use of systemic corticosteroids and adherence to the controller treatment were evaluated. Results: 396 patients were enrolled. Patients from the public health system and from the north zone received significantly more days of oxygen, systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics. Great heterogeneity in antibiotic use among the participating hospitals was found, from 0 to 92.3% (ICC 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.52). The use of aminophylline, magnesium sulfate and ketamine varied from 0 to 36.4% between the different Pediatric Intensive Care Units (ICC 0.353, 95% CI 0.010-0.608). The average cost per inpatient was of $1910 USD. 290 patients (73.2%) completed the follow-up six months after discharge. 76 patients (26.2%) were not receiving any controller treatment and nearly a fourth had new ER visits and use of systemic corticosteroids due to new asthma exacerbations. Conclusions: Considerable practice variation in asthma exacerbations treatment was found among the participating hospitals, highlighting the poor outcome of many patients after hospital discharge, with an important health cost

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Treatment, outcomes and costs of asthma exacerbations in Chilean children: a prospective multicenter observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe potential regional variations in therapies for severe asthma exacerbations in Chilean children and estimate the associated health expenditures. METHODS: Observational prospective cohort study in 14 hospitals over a one-year period. Children five years of age or older were eligible for inclusion. Days with oxygen supply and pharmacological treatments received were recorded from the clinical chart. A basic asthma hospitalization basket was defined in order to estimate the average hospitalization cost for a single patient. Six months after discharge, new visits to the Emergency Room (ER), use of systemic corticosteroids and adherence to the controller treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: 396 patients were enrolled. Patients from the public health system and from the north zone received significantly more days of oxygen, systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics. Great heterogeneity in antibiotic use among the participating hospitals was found, from 0 to 92.3% (ICC 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.52). The use of aminophylline, magnesium sulfate and ketamine varied from 0 to 36.4% between the different Pediatric Intensive Care Units (ICC 0.353, 95% CI 0.010-0.608). The average cost per inpatient was of $1910 USD. 290 patients (73.2%) completed the follow-up six months after discharge. 76 patients (26.2%) were not receiving any controller treatment and nearly a fourth had new ER visits and use of systemic corticosteroids due to new asthma exacerbations. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable practice variation in asthma exacerbations treatment was found among the participating hospitals, highlighting the poor outcome of many patients after hospital discharge, with an important health cost.

Hospitalizations for asthma exacerbation in Chilean children: A multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND: Asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children have increased in the last 14 years, but little is known about the factors associated with this. OBJECTIVE: Describe clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for asthma exacerbation. METHODS: Observational prospective cohort study in 14 hospitals. Over a one-year period, children five years of age or older hospitalized with asthma exacerbation were eligible for inclusion. Parents completed an online questionnaire with questions on demographic information, about asthma, indoor environmental contaminant exposure, comorbidities and beliefs about disease and treatment. Disease control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test. Inhalation technique was observed using a checklist. RESULTS: 396 patients were enrolled. 168 children did not have an established diagnosis of asthma. Only 188 used at least one controller treatment at the time of hospitalization. 208 parents said they believed their child had asthma only when they had an exacerbation and 97 correctly identified inhaled corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory treatment. 342 patients used the wrong spacer and 73 correctly performed all steps of the checklist. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of the patients were not diagnosed with asthma at the time of hospitalization despite having a medical history suggestive of the disease. In the remaining patients with an established diagnosis of asthma potentially modifiable factors like bad adherence to treatment and poor inhalation technique were found. Implementing a nationwide asthma program including continued medical education for the correct diagnosis and follow up of these patients and asthma education for patients and caregivers is needed to reduce asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children

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Hospitalizations for asthma exacerbation in Chilean children: A multicenter observational study.

BACKGROUND: Asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children have increased in the last 14 years, but little is known about the factors associated with this. OBJECTIVE: Describe clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for asthma exacerbation. METHODS: Observational prospective cohort study in 14 hospitals. Over a one-year period, children five years of age or older hospitalized with asthma exacerbation were eligible for inclusion. Parents completed an online questionnaire with questions on demographic information, about asthma, indoor environmental contaminant exposure, comorbidities and beliefs about disease and treatment. Disease control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test. Inhalation technique was observed using a checklist. RESULTS: 396 patients were enrolled. 168 children did not have an established diagnosis of asthma. Only 188 used at least one controller treatment at the time of hospitalization. 208 parents said they believed their child had asthma only when they had an exacerbation and 97 correctly identified inhaled corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory treatment. 342 patients used the wrong spacer and 73 correctly performed all steps of the checklist. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of the patients were not diagnosed with asthma at the time of hospitalization despite having a medical history suggestive of the disease. In the remaining patients with an established diagnosis of asthma potentially modifiable factors like bad adherence to treatment and poor inhalation technique were found. Implementing a nationwide asthma program including continued medical education for the correct diagnosis and follow up of these patients and asthma education for patients and caregivers is needed to reduce asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children.

Improvement in postoperative mortality in elective gastrectomy for gastric cancer: Analysis of predictive factors in 1066 patients from a single centre.

BACKGROUND: Gastrectomy represents the main treatment for gastric adenocarcinoma. This procedure is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative mortality changes across the study period and to identify predictive factors of 30-day mortality after elective gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of a prospective database from a single centre. Patients treated with an elective gastrectomy from 1996 to 2014 for gastric adenocarcinoma were included. We compared postoperative mortality between four time periods: 1996-2000, 2001-2005, 2006-2010, and 2011-2014. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to identify predictors of 30-day postoperative mortality. RESULTS: We included 1066 patients (median age 65 years; 67% male). The 30-day mortality rate was 4.7%. Mortality decreased across the four time periods; from 6.5% to 1.8% (P = 0.022). In the univariate analysis, age, ASA score, albumin <3.5, multivisceral resection, splenectomy, intrathoracic esophagojejunal anastomosis, R status, and T status were significantly associated with postoperative mortality. In the multivariate analysis, ASA class 3 (OR 10.06; CI 1.97-51.3; P = 0.005) and multivisceral resection (OR 1.6; CI 1.09-2.36; P = 0.016) were associated with higher postoperative 30-day mortality; surgery between 2011 and 2014 was associated with lower postoperative 30-day mortality (OR 0.55; CI 0.33-0.15; P = 0.030). CONCLUSION: There was a decrease in postoperative 30-day mortality during this 18-year period at our institution. We have identified ASA score and multivisceral resection as predictors of 30-day mortality for elective gastrectomy for cancer.

Concordance of the location of the innervation zone of the tibialis anterior muscle using voluntary and imposed contractions by electrostimulation.

BACKGROUND: The innervation zone (IZ) corresponds to the location of the neuromuscular junctions. Its location can be determined by using arranged surface linear electrode arrays. Typically, voluntary muscle contractions (VC) are used in this method. However, it also may be necessary to locate the IZ under clinical conditions such as spasticity, in which this type of contraction is difficult to perform. Therefore, contractions imposed by electrostimulation (ES) can be an alternative. There is little background comparing the locations of IZ obtained by two different types of contractions. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the concordance between using voluntary and imposed contractions from electrostimulation in order to determine the location of the innervation zone of the tibialis anterior muscle in healthy volunteers. METHODS: The tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of sixteen volunteers (men: 8; women: 8; age: 22.1±1.4years, weight: 61.6±7.5kg, height: 167.1±7.5cm) were evaluated using a linear electrode array. The IZ of the TA muscle was located using two types of muscle contractions, voluntary (10% MVC) and imposed contractions by ES. The concordance between both conditions was evaluated using the Bland-Altman method and the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC). The analyses were applied to the absolute and relative positions to the length of an anatomical landmark frame. RESULTS: CCC for absolute position was 0.98 (p<0.0001, 95% CI [0.98-1.00], and CCC for relative positions also was 0.98 (p<0.0001, 95% CI [0.97-1.00]). The Bland-Altman analysis for absolute data showed an average difference of -0.63mm (SD: 4.1). Whereas, for adjusted data, the average difference was -0.20% (SD: 1.2). The power of the results, based on absolute data, was 98%, whereas for relative data, 82%. CONCLUSION: In healthy volunteers, there was a substantially concordance between the location of the IZ of the TA muscle derived from using contractions imposed by ES and the location derived from using VC.

Sertraline improves the somatic and psychological symptoms of the climacteric syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of sertraline versus placebo in the management of somatic and psychological complaints of the climacteric syndrome. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 44 women with moderate to severe complaints, defined as 16 or more points according to the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) considering only the psychological and somatic domains, were incorporated into the trial and randomized to receive either sertraline (50 mg/day) or placebo. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and after 45 and 90 days of treatment. A reduction of 50% or more in the score was considered as a successful response. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients finished the trial (16 in the sertraline group and 17 in the placebo group), showing an odds ratio of 7.94 (95% confidence interval 1.3-57.3), p = 0.0038 for the sertraline group, in spite of the prominent effect of placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Sertraline was more effective than placebo in the management of the somatic and psychological complaints of the climacteric syndrome.

Impacto de la obesidad central en el diagnóstico de cáncer prostático y su agresividad en tumores cT1c / Impact of central obesity in the diagnosis and prognosis of cT1c prostate cancer

La obesidad y el sobrepeso afectan al 62,8 por ciento de la población chilena. Esta condición aumenta los niveles de insulina, IGF-1 y otros mediadores inflamatorios asociados al cáncer prostático (CaP). La relación entre CaP y obesidad, utilizando al índice de masa corporal (IMC) como indicador, ha evidenciado resultados inconsistentes. Sin embargo, la obesidad central (OC), determinada por una circunferencia de cintura (CC) mayor de 95 cm, es en la actualidad un mejor predictor de los efectos metabólicos y cardiovasculares de la adiposidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre OC y CaP. Como objetivo secundario se evaluó los efectos de la OC sobre: volumen prostático (VP), APE, score de Gleason y porcentaje de cáncer en biopsia transrectal (BTR).Materiales y Método: Se diseñó un estudio de casos y controles prospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes sometidos a BTR, con clasificación cT1c, en dos hospitales de Santiago, entre junio de 2008 y julio de 2009. Se realizó medición de IMC y CC previo a la BTR, según protocolos validados. Se realizaron tests estadísticos bivariados y multivariados, para medir asociaciones brutas y ajustadas entre las variables estudiadas y el resultado histológico de la BTR. Resultados: Se incluyeron 150 pacientes. El promedio de edad fue 63,1 años. El 53,3 por ciento tuvo una CC mayor de 95 cm. Ambos grupos de exposición fueron comparables. Hubo 40,0 por ciento con CaP y, entre ellos, el 40,0 por ciento fue considerado de alto riesgo. No se encontró asociación significativa entre CC y las variables: VP, APE y presencia de cáncer en la biopsia. Sin embargo, en el análisis multivariado la CC se asoció positivamente con el score de Gleason (p= 0,0352) y con el porcentaje total de CaP en la BTR (p= 0,0341). A mayor VP fue menos probable hallar CaP, y la densidad del APE predijo significativamente el 70 por ciento Conclusiones: En este estudio, la CC no fue un factor de riesgo significativo para la...

Obesity and overweight affect 62 percent of the Chilean population. This condition increases insulin levels, IGF-1 levels and other inflammatory mediators associated to prostate cancer (PCa). The relationship between PCa and obesity using the body mass index (BMI) as an indicator, has been inconsistent. However, central obesity (CO), determined by a waist circumference (WC) over 95 cm, is currently a better predictor for the metabolic and cardiovascular effects of adiposity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between CO and PCa. As a secondary objective, we evaluated the effects of CO on: prostate volume (PV), serum PSA, Gleason score and percentage of cancer in the transrectal biopsy (TRB).Materials and method: We designed a prospective case control study. All patients submitted to TRB, with cT1c tumors, at 2 hospitals in Santiago between June 2008 and July 2009, were included. Before TRB, BMI and WC were measured, according to standard protocols. Bivariated and multivariated statistical tests were used to measure both raw and adjusted associations between the studied variables and the histologic result of the TRB. Results: The study included 150 patients. Average age was 53.1 years. A WC over 95 cm was found in 53 percent of them. Both groups were comparable. PCa was present in 40 per cent of the subjects; among them, 40 percent had high risk tumors. No significant association was found between WC and the following variables: PV, PSA level and the presence of cancer in the TRB. However, in the multivariate analysis, WC was associated with Gleason score (p =0.0352). Also, the total percentage of PCa in the TRB was associated with WC (p =0.0341). At higher PV, PCa was less frequent and PSA level predicted 70 percent of PCa. Conclusions: In this study, WC was a significant risk factor for the presence of PCa. Nevertheless, a pathologic WC was associated with higher Gleason scores and higher percentage of PCa in the TRB...

Early steroid withdrawal in pediatric renal transplantation at a single center: preliminary report.

Steroids have been a cornerstone in renal transplant immunosuppression despite cardiovascular risk and growth impairment in children. New immunosuppressive drugs have allowed early withdrawal or even complete avoidance of steroids. To evaluate a new immunosuppressive protocol with early withdrawal of steroids in a pediatric renal transplant population, we initiated a prospective study in recipients >1 year old who showed low immunologic risk was started. Group A (n = 12) received decreasing doses of steroids until day posttransplant 7 under a regimen of Tacrolimus (FK) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Group B (n = 11) were controls treated with steroids, cyclosporine and azathioprine. In both groups, induction therapy included basiliximab. We evaluated anthropometric and biochemical variables, acute rejection episodes (ARE), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Mean values and variations for continuous variables were calculated at months 1 and 3 for comparison at the same time using student's t-test and regresion analysis. We obtained mean values at months 1, 3, and 6 for groups A and B of creatinine clearance (mL/min): 86.2 versus 107.4; 76.9 versus 96.6; 73.3 versus 97.9 (P < .05); hematocrit (%) was 27.4 versus 31.8; 29.3 versus 33.9; 32.9 versus 34.3% (P < .05); total cholesterol (mg/dL), 148 versus 195, 139 versus 85, 142 versus 174 (P < .05); creatinine clearance decreased in both groups during follow-up with a smaller slope among group A (P < .05). No differences were observed between the groups in Z height, diastolic and systolic blood pressures at 6 months of follow-up. Serum total cholesterol mean levels at months 1, 3, and 6 were significantly lower among the group withdrawn from steroids (P < .05). Plasma bicarbonate levels were lower among group A than B; there was no difference in blood glucose levels. No AREs and no difference in CMV infections were observed. In conclusion, early withdrawal of steroids with FK and MMF was not associated with a higher incidence of either ARE or CMV infection. Lower levels of cholesterol could imply a reduced cardiovascular risk. Longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the impact of this therapy on renal function and linear growth.

Comparación del dolor secundario a lipoaspiración tradicional versus lipolisis láser. Estudio prospectivo / Postoperative pain in suction assited lipoplasty versus laser lipolisis. Comparative prospective study

La lipoaspiración, técnica tradicional usada para el tratamiento de las lipodistrofias con cicatrices mínimas, ha sido a través de los años mejorada con los avances anestésicos, farmacológicos y de instrumental. A su vez han aparecido otras técnicas que han publicitado ventajas respecto al tiempo de recuperación, sintomatología y resultados estéticos. Una de estas técnicas es la laserlipolisis a la que se atribuye menos dolor, menos equimosis y rápido postoperatorio. No se encuentran trabajos que acrediten estas ventajas, por lo que decidimos estudiar si existen ventajas de laserlipolisis en comparación con la lipoaspiración tradicional respecto del dolor, síntoma importante a considerar en el postoperatorio. Para esto se diseñó un trabajo prospectivo randomizado con una muestra de 60 pacientes a los cuales se aplicaron las dos técnicas en diferentes áreas y al mismo paciente. Se evaluó el dolor con escala numérica analógica a las 4 horas, 48 horas y 5 días de postoperatorio. Los resultados mostraron que la laserlipolisis presenta menos dolor en los muslos medido a las 48 horas y 5 días de la intervención. No hay diferencias entre estas dos técnicas en las otras zonas medidas como abdomen, áreas pretrocantéreas (“alforjas”), zona lumbar y pectoral. Considerando todos los pacientes sin diferenciar la técnica usada, las “alforjas” a las 4 horas duelen menos que el abdomen y a los 5 días duelen menos los muslos que el abdomen. No encontramos relación entre volumen aspirado e intensidad del dolor (AU)

The traditional suction-assisted lipoplasty, is a well established and commonly performed technique used for the treatment of lipodystrophias, which has undergone improvements with advances in anesthetics, pharmacology and introduction of new instruments. New techniques have appeared, promising advantages in recovery periods, symptomathology and aesthetic results when compared to the traditional suction- assisted lipoplasty. One of these newly introduced techniques is the laser-assisted lipoplasty (laserlipolysis), which claims less pain, less bruising and faster postoperative recovery. No evidence has been published to support these advantages when comparing laser-assisted lipoplasty to the traditional method, specifically when refering to pain, an important symptom to be taken into consideration in the postoperative period. For this reason we designed a prospective, randomized clinical study comprising 60 patients to which the two techniques were applied to different body areas. Pain was assessed using the numeric analog scale at 4 and 48 hours, and at 5 days after surgery. Evidence showed that laserlipolysis results in less pain of the thighs measured at 48 hours and 5 days after surgery. No difference in pain was found between both techniques on the other body areas evaluated (abdomen, trochanteric bulge, lumbar and pectoral areas). Assesing all patients, independent of the technique used, trochanteric bulge at 4 hours was found to be less painful than the abdominal area, and at 5 day evaluation the thighs were less painful than the abdominal area. No relationship was found between pain intensity and lipoaspirated volume

Laterotrusive occlusal schemes and their effect on supra- and infrahyoid electromyographic activity.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of canine guidance and group function on supra- and infrahyoid electromyographic (EMG) activity. The sample included 40 healthy subjects, 20 with bilateral canine guidance and 20 with bilateral group function. Surface electrodes were used to record the integrated EMG (IEMG) activity of the left supra- and infrahyoid muscles during (1) grinding from intercuspal position to lateral edge-to-edge contact position (with canine guidance or group function), (2) static clenching in edge-to-edge lateral contact position with canine guidance or group function, and (3) grinding from lateral edge-to-edge contact position (with canine guidance or group function) to intercuspal position. IEMG activity in the suprahyoid or infrahyoid muscles was not significantly different with canine guidance or group function. Supra- and infrahyoid IEMG activity in condition 2 was significantly higher than in condition 3, which was significantly higher than in condition 1. Supra- and infrahyoid IEMG activity was not significantly different with canine guidance and group function. Supra- and infrahyoid IEMG activity during the static recording (clenching) was significantly higher than during the dynamic recordings (grinding). Activity during grinding from the lateral edge-to-edge contact position to the intercuspal position was higher than vice versa.

Pediatric renal transplantation: a single center experience over 14 years.

Between 1989 and 2003, 100 transplants were performed in 96 patients at the pediatric nephrology unit of the Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital. Mean age 10.9 +/- 3.9 yr (1-17.6), 30% from LD. Donors were younger than 5 yr in five patients and all recipients received an 'en bloc' graft. Original disease was hypo/dysplasia 27%, reflux nephropathy 22 and 17% chronic glomerulonephritis. The immunosuppressive protocol during the first period (n = 56, 1989-2000): Cyclosporine, steroids and azathioprine, and during the second period (n = 44, 2001-2003): FK, steroids, MMF and anti-CD25 antibody (mAbs). AR was reported in 22 patients, 11% in LD, 31% in DD (p < 0.01). The AR rate decreased from 40 to 8% after anti-CD25 monoclonal induction. Patient actuarial survival rate at 1, 3 and 5 yr was 100% for LD and 96% for DD. The overall actuarial graft survival at 1,3, and 5 yr was 96.7, 96.7 and 71% for LD and 89, 76 and 73% for DD donors. Graft survival rate improved from the first period (1989-2000) to the second period (2001-2003; p = 0.05). No difference in graft survival rate with HLA-A,B,DR matching was found. Graft survival rate was better when cold ischemia time was <24 h (p < 0.01). CMV infections increased from 19 to 40% when MMF and anti-CD25 Ab were introduced (p < 0.01). The height/age Z score at 1, 3 and 5 yr post-transplant was -2.2, -2.1, -2.2, respectively, for children older than 7 yr and -1.8, -1.9, -2.1 for those transplanted younger than 7 yr of age who were switched to alternate day steroids (p < 0.01). The cause of graft lost was: chronic rejection eight, non-adherence four, AR four and vascular thrombosis two. The cause of death in two patients was fungus septicemia and accelerated rejection. Pediatric renal transplantation can be performed in our group with acceptable morbidity, low mortality and graft survival rates similar to other reports in North America and Western Europe. Graft survival rate improved with newer immunosuppression and greater experience at the center. Management of non-adherence and chronic rejection remain the major challenges.

Kt/V and nPNA in pediatric peritoneal dialysis: a clinical or a mathematical association?

The relationship between dialysis dose and nutrition is a field of particular interest in chronic pediatric dialysis (PD), and a positive correlation between ureaKt/V and nPNA has been published, suggesting a better nutritional status is associated with higher dialysis doses. However, this relationship has also been criticized as being the result of a mathematical coupling resulting from the same variables. The objective of the study was to establish the relationship between dialysis dose (Kt/V) and nutritional variables: daily protein intake (DPI), protein catabolic rate (PCR), protein equivalent of total nitrogen appearance (PNA) and nitrogen balance (NB) in dialyzed children. A cohort, prospective, observational study was carried out, for which 223 biochemical measurements were performed in 20 patients, ages 1 month to 14.3 years old (13 males), under PD for a 12-month period of follow-up. Monthly residual and total ureaKt/V, DPI, PCR, nPNA and NB were calculated, and the correlation between Kt/V and the nutritional parameters was evaluated. The Borah equation was used to calculate the nPNA. The data are reported as the mean plus or minus the standard error. All statistical comparisons were done with a paired t test, and two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used to calculate correlations. A P <0.05 was considered significant. Mean total and residual Kt/V was 3.4+/-1.3 and 1.69+/-1.27, respectively; nPNA and PCR were 1.38+/-0.44 and 1.39+/-0.43 g/kg/day, daily protein intake (DPI) was 3.25+/-1.27 g/kg/day, and NB showed a value of 1.86+/-1.25 g/kg/day. A significant positive correlation was found between Kt/V and DPI, PCR, DPC and nPNA (all values P <0.0001), but no correlation was found between total and residual Kt/V vs. nitrogen balance ( P:ns). Total Kt/V showed a significant positive correlation with nPNA, but it did not show any correlation with nitrogen balance, suggesting that the relationship with nPNA is the result of a mathematical association calculated from the same variables.

Comparative study between children with and without cleft lip and cleft palate, part 1: cephalometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare craniofacial relationships, position, and curvature of the cervical spine between children with cleft lip and cleft palate who had been operated on and children without clefts. METHOD: This study was performed in 28 children with mixed dentition. They were divided into two groups. The study group included 14 children with unilateral operated cleft lip and cleft palate, ranging in age from 6 to 12 years, who clinically presented with a short upper lip, abnormal lip seal, and inhibition of sagittal development of the midface that was radiographically assessed. The control group included 14 children without clefts, ranging in age from 8 to 11 years. All of them had normal lip seal, nasal breathing, and a clinically normal body posture. DESIGN: A lateral craniocervical radiograph in a self-balanced natural head position in an erect posture, and without using a head holder, was taken for each child of both groups, with the mandible in maximum intercuspation and lips in habitual posture. The true vertical was marked on all the films. Specific angular and linear dimensions were used to assess the craniocervical relationships, as were the position of the cervical spine, its curvature, or both. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The study group presented a significant increase in the extension of the head on the neck, forward position of the cervical spine, and a decrease in the curvature of the cervical spine in comparison with the children without clefts. These results are more relevant considering that the study group also presented higher significant values of lower facial height than children without clefts.

[A universal method to correct underreporting of communicable diseases. Real incidence of hydatidosis in Chile, 1985-1994]. / Un método universal para corregir la subnotificación en enfermedades transmisibles. Incidencia real de la hidatidosis humana en Chile, 1985-1994.

BACKGROUND: There is evidence to postulate that undernotification is the reason for the great decrease in the reported incidence of hydatidosis in Chile. AIM: To develop and propose a method to assess the notification of transmissible diseases, based on observed lethality and hospital discharges. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human hydatidosis in the period 1985-1994 was used as a model to develop the method. Official reports and mortality were analyzed first, determining the first lethality rate. A second lethality rate was calculated based on hospital discharges and a third, based on all Chilean surgical series published in the last two decades. Adjusting official notification of lethality to the true lethality according to surgical series, the number of unreported cases was calculated and the true incidence of hydatidosis was calculated, summing these cases to the official notification. RESULTS: According to this method, the real rates of human hydatidosis in the period 1985-1994, would fluctuate between 6.5 and 11.4 per 100,000. This figure is four times higher than the official notification in the analysed period. CONCLUSIONS: The correction of under notification based on hospital discharges, with or without correction for repeated hospital admissions, or real mortality of surgical series gave similar results, suggesting that both methods are correct.