Optimization design of submerged propeller in oxidation ditch by computational fluid dynamics and comparison with experiments.

The operating condition of a submerged propeller has a significant impact on flow field and energy consumption of the oxidation ditch. An experimentally validated numerical model, based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tool, is presented to optimize the operating condition by considering two important factors: flow field and energy consumption. Performance demonstration and comparison of different operating conditions were carried out in a Carrousel oxidation ditch at the Yingtang wastewater treatment plants in Anhui Province, China. By adjusting the position and rotating speed together with the number of submerged propellers, problems of sludge deposit and the low velocity in the bend could be solved in a most cost-effective way. The simulated results were acceptable compared with the experimental data and the following results were obtained. The CFD model characterized flow pattern and energy consumption in the full-scale oxidation ditch. The predicted flow field values were within -1.28 ± 7.14% difference from the measured values. By determining three sets of propellers under the rotating speed of 6.50 rad/s with one located 5 m from the first curved wall, after numerical simulation and actual measurement, not only the least power density but also the requirement of the flow pattern could be realized.

Influence of the exon 3 deletion of GH receptor and IGF-I level at diagnosis on the efficacy and safety of treatment with somatotropin in adults with GH deficiency.

PURPOSE: The treatment of adults with GH deficiency (GHD) with human recombinant growth hormone has interindividual variability and several factors influence it. The aims of this study were : 1-to analyze the GH receptor (GHR) genotype in terms of exon 3 deletion GHR (d3-GHR) in adults with GHD; 2-to assess the effects of d3-GHR on initial IGF-I levels; 3-to evaluate whether d3-GHR and/or initial IGF-I levels were associated with adverse effects and/or treatment discontinuation. METHODS: Forty-four adult patients with GHD were included. Demographic, clinical and biochemical characteristics were retrospectively evaluated at baseline and 6 months, 1 and 3 years after the initiation of treatment. d3-GHR was analyzed in 35 patients. RESULTS: 37.1% of patients were d3-GHR carriers (31.4% heterozygous, 5.7% homozygous). IGF-I at baseline was low in 64% of patients and was not related to d3-GHR status. There was no association between the d3-GHR allele and baseline IGF-I (p = 0.14). Although adverse events were more frequent in the d3-GHR carriers (30.7 vs. 18.2% in fl/fl) and in patients with normal IGF-I levels at diagnosis (43.7 vs. 17.8% in patients with low IGF-I levels), this association was not statistically significant. d3-GHR status was not related to the incidence of adverse events (p = 0.4) or treatment discontinuation (p = 0.47). Baseline IGF-I levels were neither associated with adverse events (p = 0.08) nor treatment discontinuation (p = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: The d3-GHR allele was not related to baseline levels of IGF-I. Neither d3-GHR nor baseline IGF-I level was related to adverse events or treatment discontinuation.

Update on prognostic factors in acromegaly: Is a risk score possible?

Certain clinical conditions and markers have recently been demonstrated to modify the natural history of acromegaly in affected patients. Thus, some clinical, histological, radiological and molecular factors are associated with more aggressive pituitary tumors that have higher biochemical activity, higher tumor volumes and decreased tumoral and biochemical responses to current therapies. However, these factors do not seem to have an equal influence on the prognosis of patients with acromegaly. We present a review of the factors that influence the clinical course of patients with acromegaly and propose a risk value for each factor that will allow prognostic scoring for affected patients by considering a combination of these factors.

Epidemiology, mortality rate and survival in a homogeneous population of hypopituitary patients.

INTRODUCTION: Hypopituitarism is associated with higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and premature death. Furthermore, some clinical and therapeutic features of hypopituitarism have been associated with a worse prognosis. OBJECTIVE: We reviewed, retrospectively, a large series of adult patients with hypopituitarism using stringent epidemiological criteria. Prevalence, association with cardiovascular risk factors, mortality and survival have been analysed. DESIGN AND METHODS: Two hundred and nine adult hypopituitary patients (56·9% females) from a population of 405 218 inhabitants, followed for 10 years. RESULTS: Prevalence of hypopituitarism at the end of the study was 37·5 cases/100 000 inhabitants. Incidence of hypopituitarism was 2·07 cases/100 000 inhabitants and year. Thirty-two patients died during the period of the study. Standardized mortality rate (SMR) was 8·05, higher in males (8·92 vs 7·34) and in younger patients (84·93 vs 5·26). Diagnosis of acromegaly (P = 0·033), previous radiotherapy (P = 0·02), higher BMI (P = 0·04), diabetes mellitus (P = 0·03) and cancer (P < 0·0001) were associated with mortality. A lower survival was associated with older age at diagnosis, nontumoural causes, previous radiotherapy, diabetes mellitus with poor metabolic control and malignant disease. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of hypopituitarism was 37·5 cases/100 000 inhabitants, and annual incidence was 2·07 cases/100 000 inhabitants. SMR was 8 times higher in hypopituitarism than in general population and was also higher in males and younger patients. Reduced survival was significantly related to cancer, nontumoural causes of hypopituitarism, older age at diagnosis, previous radiotherapy and diabetes mellitus with poor metabolic control.

Somatotroph tumor progression during pegvisomant therapy: a clinical and molecular study.

CONTEXT: There is concern that pegvisomant could be associated with a higher risk of tumor growth. The rate and possible determinants of this tumor growth are unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical, immunohistological, and molecular factors conditioning tumor growth in patients taking pegvisomant. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study performed from 2004 to 2010 in four university hospitals in Spain. PATIENTS: Seventy-five acromegalic patients with active disease resistant to somatostatin analogs treated with pegvisomant were followed up for a mean of 29 ± 20 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Magnetic resonance images before initiation of pegvisomant, at 6 months, and then yearly were examined in all patients. Immunohistological and molecular studies were performed in tumors that grew. RESULTS: A significant increase in tumor size was observed in five patients (6.7%). Absence of previous irradiation (P = 0.014) and shorter duration of prepegvisomant somatostatin analog therapy (P < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of tumor growth. A stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis (R(2) = 0.334, P < 0.001) identified the duration of somatostatin analog therapy prior to pegvisomant (beta = -4.509, P = 0.014) as the only significant predictor of tumor growth. In those tumors that grew, GH expression and insulin receptor expression were higher (P = 0.033 in both cases) than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: No previous radiotherapy, shorter duration of prepegvisomant somatostatin analog therapy, and higher tumor expression of GH and insulin receptor could be risk factors for tumor growth during pegvisomant therapy.

[Use of MDRD equation to detect occult renal failure and reduce the risk of digitalis overdose]. / Utilidad de la ecuación MDRD para detectar insuficiencia renal oculta y disminuir el riesgo de sobredosificación digitálica.

INTRODUCTION: Digoxin overdose is closely related to Chronic Kidney Disease and creatinine dosage adjustment is usually needed. Our goal was to assess the advantages of serum creatinine and the MDRD equation to detect hidden renal insufficiency to reduce the overdose Digital risk. METHODS: We describe all digoxin samples processed and registered in our hospital laboratory database for a year. Patients under 18 years and samples below therapeutic ranges were excluded. Chi square (p<0.05), ROC curves and logistic regression analysis were conducted. SPSS software was used. RESULTS: Between 1228 digoxin samples taken to 679 patients (273 men, 77 +/- 10 years old , and 406 women 82 +/- 8 years old), 14% were over therapeutic range (28 men and 67 women). Significant differences were observed in over dosage between high creatinine group regarding to normal creatinine group (31% vs. 10% in men, 44% vs. 15% in women). ROC curves showed that the most accurate levels to predict digoxin over dosage were MDRD<56 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in men and MDRD<52 ml/min/1.73 m(2) in women. 68% of over dosage men had declines of MDRD levels, compared to 61% with high creatinine levels, 81% of over dosage women had declines of MDRD compared to 51% with elevated creatinine levels. CONCLUSIONS: Even in patients with normal creatinine levels, chronic kidney disease enhances digoxin over dose risk. Using the decline of glomerular filtration rate estimated by the MDRD equation is better than elevated creatinine levels to detect digoxin overdose, thus constituting a very useful tool to reduce the risk of overdose, especially among women.

Medical therapy in patients with acromegaly: predictors of response and comparison of efficacy of dopamine agonists and somatostatin analogues.

CONTEXT: Acromegaly is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and medical therapy. AIMS: The objective of the study was to examine the role of prolactin status, prior surgery, and radiotherapy on the response to medical therapy in patients with acromegaly and assess the relative efficacy of dopamine agonist therapy compared with somatostatin analog therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 276 patients with acromegaly received either dopamine agonists (DA) and/or somatostatin analogs (SSA). One hundred seventy-two patients had received surgery and 73 radiotherapy prior to receiving medical therapy. One hundred ninety-eight of 276 received DA, and 143 of 276 received SSA. GH and IGF-I values at baseline and after 12 months on therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: In the DA group, basal prolactin concentration did not predict response to therapy, GH percent reduction: hyperprolactinemia, 26.7% (-10.4 to 48) vs. normoprolactinemia, 34.8% (0.2-53.2), P = 0.58; IGF-I percent reduction: hyperprolactinemia 30.0% (9.2-43.1) vs. normoprolactinemia 16.8% (4-37), P = 0.45. Prior surgery was not associated with any difference in response to DA: GH percent reduction (P = 0.1) and IGF-I percent reduction (P = 0.08). By contrast, prior radiotherapy was associated with an enhanced efficacy of GH response to DA, P = 0.02. In the SSA group, there was no effect of prior surgery or radiotherapy on response of GH, but radiotherapy was associated with less marked IGF-I percent reduction (P = 0.05). SSA were more potent than DA at decreasing both GH [62.8% (20.7-85%) vs. 42.4% (-6.5 to 68.6), P < 0.008] and IGF-I [SSA 40.4% (0-64.3) vs. 8% (0-40.8), P = 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of DA are irrespective of baseline prolactin concentrations. Prior radiotherapy is associated with differences in GH and IGF-I response to DA and SSA therapy.

Características epidemiológicas del lactante con primer episodio sibilante ¿podemos identificar al niño con riesgo de episodio grave y/o de recidiva? / Epidemiological characteristics of first wheezy episodes: can we identify children at risk of serious episode and/or relapse?

Introducción: los episodios sibilantes bronquiales son una de las patologías más frecuentes en la época del lactante. Pacientes y métodos: se diseñó un estudio prospectivo observacional con el objetivo de determinar los factores de riesgo de mala evolución y de reingreso de los episodios sibilantes en los lactantes. Se incluyeron, durante 12 meses, a todos los niños menores de 2 años ingresados en nuestro Hospital por un primer episodio sibilante. En los pacientes en que se realizó analítica sanguínea se determinaron los valores de troponina I. Se realizó una comparación por grupos, virus sincitial respiratorio (VSR) positivo frente a VSR negativo y mayores de 6 meses frente a menores y se estableció un período de observación de reingreso. Resultados: los pacientes pertenecientes al grupo VSR positivo presentaron una puntuación en la escala de Wood-Downes modificada por Ferres en el peor momento de evolución superior a la de los VSR negativos (7,2 vs 5,9; p<0,01). Los pacientes con troponina I elevada (≥0,1 ng/ml) presentaron también mayor media en esta escala, aunque estos hallazgos no adquirieron significación estadística. En el grupo de pacientes que reingresaron encontramos mayor porcentaje de niñas, padres fumadores y una estancia hospitalaria prolongada en el primer ingreso, adquiriendo todos estos resultados significación estadística. Conclusiones: la infección por VSR y la troponina I elevada pueden jugar un papel como factores predictivos de gravedad. Se relacionan con el reingreso el sexo femenino, padres fumadores y primer episodio con estancia hospitalaria prolongada (AU)

Introduction: wheezing is a common problem in infancy. Patients and methods: a prospective observational study was designed to determine risk factors for a poor outcome and readmission among infants admitted for a wheezing episode. Infants younger than 2 years admitted in a 12 month period for a first wheezing episode were included. Troponine I values were measured in some infants who had a blood sample. A comparison among groups, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)- positive versus RSV- negative, and younger than six months of age versus 6 months or older() were performed and an observation period was established. Results: scores in the Wood-Downes scale modified by Ferres were higher among the RSV + children (7,2 vs 5,9; p<0,01). Patients with elevated troponine I values (≥0,1 ng/ml) showed higher average scores but this finding did not reach statistical significance. In the group of patients who were readmission there was more female, parental smoking, and a longer length- of stay in their first admission, this results reach statistical significance. Conclusions: RSV positive and high troponine I levels may play be related to more severe disease. Female gender, parental smoking and a long length of stay in their first episode are related to a higher risk of readmission (AU)

Home artificial nutrition in a sanitary area of Galicia (Spain): descriptive study and proposals for the future / Nutrición artificial domiciliaria en un área sanitaria de Galicia (España): estudio descriptivo y propuestas de futuro

Objectives: Home artificial nutrition (HAN) is a technique in increasing use, but the available data about it is limited because record-keeping in most countries is voluntary. Our objective is to describe the characteristics of HAN in our setting and to design a future proposal that improves its coordination. Subjects: Retrospective review of 237 clinical histories of the patients who began with HAN in 2006 in our unit. Variables: epidemiological information, indications, type of HAN, duration, complications and costs. Results: Mean age: 75.4 years. Neurological and neoplasic diseases were the most frequent diagnoses (39.7% and 32.1%, respectively). Main indications were: reduction of ingestion (41.8%) and neurological dysphagia (27.8%). 48.1% presented an important functional impairment and 63.7% needed a caregiver. HAN duration was < 3 months in 43.9% and the principal cause of suspension was the lack of follow-up. Oral nutrition was the preferred route (70.9%), gastrostomy was found in only 3.4%. High energy formulas were mostly used in patients with supplements (53.3%) and standard formulas in those with complete diets (32.4%). Complications related to this therapy were low, mainly in the oral route. The most frequent were gastrointestinal (19.3%). Mean monthly cost: 159.3 euros/patient and an average travel distance of 26 km to pick up supplies. Conclusion: HAN is a safe, short-term therapy, indicated in patients with diminished ingestion due to an acute situation. Our future proposal tries to improve the selection of patients, to facilitate the provision of materials and to customize follow-up to patient needs (AU)

Objetivos: La nutrición artificial domiciliaria (NAD) es una técnica que cada vez se está desarrollando más, si bien los datos disponibles al respecto son limitados puesto que en la mayoría de los países los registros son voluntarios. Nuestro objetivo es conocer las características de la NAD en nuestro ámbito y diseñar propuestas futuras que mejoren su coordinación. Sujetos: Revisión retrospectiva de 237 historias clínicas de pacientes que iniciaron NAD en el año 2006 en nuestra Unidad. Variables: información epidemiológica, indicaciones, tipo de NAD, duración, complicaciones y costes. Resultados: Edad media: 75,4 años. Las enfermedades neurológicas y neoplásicas fueron los diagnósticos más frecuentes (39,7% y 32,1%, respectivamente). Las indicaciones principales fueron: reducción de la ingestión (41,8%) y disfagia neurológica (27,8%). El 48,1% presentaba una alteración funcional importante y el 63,7% necesitaba un cuidador. La duración de la NAD fue < 3 meses en el 43,9% y la causa principal de su suspensión fue la falta de seguimiento. La nutrición oral fue la ruta preferente (70,9%), y la gastrostomía se usó en sólo el 3,4%. Las fórmulas de alto contenido energético se usaron predominantemente en pacientes con suplementos (53,3%) y las fórmulas estándar en aquellos con dietas completas (32,4%). Las complicaciones relacionadas con esta terapia fueron escasas, principalmente en la vía oral. Las más frecuentes fueron las gastrointestinales (19,3%). El coste medio mensual fue de 159,3 euros / paciente y el desplazamiento para adquirir las provisiones de material de nutrición cerca de 26 km. Conclusión: La NAD es una terapia a corto plazo segura, indicada en pacientes con ingesta diminuida por un proceso agudo. Nuestra propuesta de futuro es la de intentar mejorar la selección de pacientes, acercar la provisión del material y adaptar el seguimiento (AU)

[Maternal non-diagnosed celiac disease and risk of low birth weight]. / Enfermedad celiaca materna no diagnosticada y riesgo de tener hijos con bajo peso al nacimiento.

AIMS: In order to know the prevalence of celiac disease in mothers with newborns weighing less or more than 2,500 g at birth we carried out a case-control study. PATIENTS: mothers of newborns in Cabueñes Hospital. Case group: Mothers with babies weighing less than 2,500 g at birth. CONTROLS: Mothers with babies weighing more than 2,500 g at birth. One control for each case. METHODS: epidemiological and clinical interviews, and celiac disease serology. RESULTS: We studied 1103 women: 577 cases and 526 controls. We diagnosed 4 celiac disease cases, 2 in the case group and 2 in the control group. These 4 mothers had 3 term newborns (1 case in each 235 mothers; prevalence 0.42%) and 1 preterm newborn (1 case in each 389 mothers; prevalence 0.26%). Two cases had babies with adequate birth weight for their gestational age (1 case in each 419 mothers; prevalence 0.24%) and two cases had babies with low birth weight for their gestational age (1 in each 132 mothers; prevalence 0.75%). The odds ratio for low birth weight was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.12-6.49), the odds ratio for preterm birth was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.06-5.89), ad the odds ratio for low birth weight for gestational age was 3.19 (95% CI: 0.44-22.79). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of celiac disease in fertile women in our geographic area was 0.36% (1 case in each 275 mothers), and no differences were found between study groups.

Enfermedad celiaca materna no diagnosticada y riesgo de tener hijos con bajo peso al nacimiento / No disponible

Objetivo: conocer la prevalencia de enfermedad celiaca enmadres de neonatos mayores y menores de 2.500 gramos depeso al nacimiento.Pacientes: sujetos: casos: madres de neonatos menores de2.500 g al nacimiento. Controles: madres de neonatos mayoresde 2.500 g al nacimiento. Un control por cada caso. Instrumentalización:encuesta clínico-epidemiológica y serología celiaca.Métodos: estudio caso-control. Ámbito: mujeres del Área SanitariaV (Gijón) del Principado de Asturias que den a luz en elHospital de Cabueñes.Resultados: se analizaron 1.103 mujeres: 577 madres de niñosmenores de 2.500 g y 526 madres de niños mayores de 2.500 g.Se diagnosticaron 4 casos de celiaquía, 2 en cada grupo. De las 4madres, 3 dieron a luz a niños a término (1 caso cada 235 madres,prevalencia 0,42%) y 1 dio a luz a un niño prematuro (1 caso cada389 madres, prevalencia 0,26%). Dos madres dieron a luz a niñosde peso adecuado para su edad gestacional (1/419 madres, prevalencia0,24%) y 2 madres dieron a luz niños de bajo peso para suedad gestacional (1/132 madres, prevalencia 0,75%). La odds ratiopara peso menor de 2.500 g al nacimiento fue 0,91 (IC 95% 0,12-6,49), para prematuridad 0,61 (IC 95% 0,06-5,89) y para bajo pesopara su edad gestacional 3,19 (0,44-22,79).Conclusiones: la prevalencia de enfermedad celiaca en mujeresfértiles de Gijón es de un caso cada 275 madres (prevalencia0,36%), sin que hayamos encontrado diferencias entre los dosgrupos estudiados

Aims: in order to know the prevalence of celiac disease inmothers with newborns weighing less or more than 2,500 g atbirth we carried out a case-control study.Patients: mothers of newborns in Cabueñes Hospital. Casegroup: Mothers with babies weighing less than 2,500 g at birth.Controls: Mothers with babies weighing more than 2,500 g atbirth. One control for each case.Methods: epidemiological and clinical interviews, and celiacdisease serology.Results: we studied 1103 women: 577 cases and 526 controls.We diagnosed 4 celiac disease cases, 2 in the case groupand 2 in the control group. These 4 mothers had 3 term newborns(1 case in each 235 mothers; prevalence 0.42%) and 1preterm newborn (1 case in each 389 mothers; prevalence0.26%). Two cases had babies with adequate birth weight for theirgestational age (1 case in each 419 mothers; prevalence 0.24%)and two cases had babies with low birth weight for their gestationalage (1 in each 132 mothers; prevalence 0.75%). The odds ratiofor low birth weight was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.12-6.49), the odds ratiofor preterm birth was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.06-5.89), ad the odds ratiofor low birth weight for gestational age was 3.19 (95% CI: 0.44-22.79).Conclusions: the prevalence of celiac disease in fertilewomen in our geographic area was 0.36% (1 case in each 275mothers), and no differences were found between study groups

Leishmaniasis visceral y asma bronquial: influencia del tratamiento esteroideo en el desarrollo del síndrome de activación macrofágica e insuficiencia suprarrenal relativa / Visceral leishmaniasis and bronchial asthma: influence of steroid therapy in the development of the macrophage activation syndrome and relative adrenal insufficiency

El riesgo de padecer infecciones oportunistas en los pacientes inmunodeprimidos es un hecho perfectamente establecido. Una situación infrecuente la constituyen las broncopatías, patologías con un elevada prevalencia entre la población general, que requieren habitualmente, entre otros, tratamiento esteroideo. La inmunodepresión confiere a la evolución clínica de las infecciones, una inadecuada respuesta al estrés físico, debido a la inhibición del eje hipotálamo-hipofisario, pudiendo en casos particularmente graves, desarrollar el denominado Síndrome de Activación Macrofágica, síndrome grave e infrecuente, que ensombrece el pronóstico clínico en estos pacientes. Ante un síndrome febril de origen incierto en un paciente en tratamiento inmunosupresor, aunque sea a dosis bajas, es necesario realizar un exhaustivo diagnóstico diferencial, debiendo considerar, entre ellos, la infección por Leishmania, una parasitosis cuya incidencia se está incrementando notablemente en los últimos años entre la población inmunodeprimida. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 63 años de edad, inmunocomprometido a consecuencia de terapia crónica esteroide a secundaria a broncopatía asmática, que experimenta una forma infrecuente de leishmaniasis visceral en nuestro medio, consistente en fracaso multiorgánico a raíz del desarrollo de un Síndrome de Activación Macrofágica

The risk of suffering opportunistics infections in the immunoincompetent patient is a fact perfectly established. An uncommon situation constitutes the bronchopaties, pathologies with a high prevalence among the general population that they require habitually, among other, steroid treatment. The immunosupression confers to the clinical evolution of the infections, as a consequence of the inadequate response to the physical stress, due to the inhibition of the hypothalamus-hypophysis axis beingable to in particularly serious cases, to develop the denominated macrophage activation syndrome, a serious and uncommon syndrome that darkens the clinical prognosis in these patients. In presence of a feverish syndrome of uncertain origin in a patient inimmunosuppressor treatment, although it is to low dose, it is necessary to carry out a exhaustive differential diagnosis, should consider, among them, the infection for Leishmania, a parasitosis whose incidence is increasing notably in the last years in the immunosuppressed population. We present the clinical case of a 63 year-old patient, immunoincompetent as a consequence of secondary chronic steroid therapy to asthmatic bronchopaty that experiences an uncommon form of visceral leishmaniasis in our area, consistent in multiorganic failure in the context ofthe development of a macrophage activation syndrome

Cadenas ligeras libres en suero. Utilidad clínica / Serum free light chains. Clinical utility

No disponible

[Visceral leishmaniasis and bronchial asthma: influence of steroid therapy in the development of the macrophage activation syndrome and relative adrenal insufficiency]. / Leishmaniasis visceral y asma bronquial: influencia del tratamiento esteroideo en el desarrollo del síndrome de activación macrofágica e insuficiencia suprarrenal relativa.

The risk of suffering opportunistics infections in the immunoincompetent patient is a fact perfectly established. An uncommon situation constitutes the bronchopaties, pathologies with a high prevalence among the general population that they require habitually, among other, steroid treatment. The immunosupression confers to the clinical evolution of the infections, as a consequence of the inadequate response to the physical stress, due to the inhibition of the hypothalamus-hypophysis axis being able to in particularly serious cases, to develop the denominated macrophage activation syndrome, a serious and uncommon syndrome that darkens the clinical prognosis in these patients. In presence of a feverish syndrome of uncertain origin in a patient in immunosuppressor treatment, although it is to low dose, it is necessary to carry out a exhaustive differential diagnosis, should consider, among them, the infection for Leishmania, a parasitosis whose incidence is increasing notably in the last years in the immunosuppressed population. We present the clinical case of a 63 year-old patient, immunoincompetent as a consequence of secondary chronic steroid therapy to asthmatic bronchopaty that experiences an uncommon form of visceral leishmaniasis in our area, consistent in multiorganic failure in the context of the development of a macrophage activation syndrome.

Home artificial nutrition in a sanitary area of Galicia (Spain): descriptive study and proposals for the future.

OBJECTIVES: Home artificial nutrition (HAN) is a technique in increasing use, but the available data about it is limited because record-keeping in most countries is voluntary. Our objective is to describe the characteristics of HAN in our setting and to design a future proposal that improves its coordination. SUBJECTS: Retrospective review of 237 clinical histories of the patients who began with HAN in 2006 in our unit. VARIABLES: epidemiological information, indications, type of HAN, duration, complications and costs. RESULTS: Mean age: 75.4 years. Neurological and neoplasic diseases were the most frequent diagnoses (39.7% and 32.1%, respectively). Main indications were: reduction of ingestion (41.8%) and neurological dysphagia (27.8%). 48.1% presented an important functional impairment and 63.7% needed a caregiver. HAN duration was < 3 months in 43.9% and the principal cause of suspension was the lack of follow-up. Oral nutrition was the preferred route (70.9%), gastrostomy was found in only 3.4%. High-energy formulas were mostly used in patients with supplements (53.3%) and standard formulas in those with complete diets (32.4%). Complications related to this therapy were low, mainly in the oral route. The most frequent were gastrointestinal (19.3%). Mean monthly cost: 159.3 euros/patient and an average travel distance of 26 km to pick up supplies. CONCLUSION: HAN is a safe, short-term therapy, indicated in patients with diminished ingestion due to an acute situation. Our future proposal tries to improve the selection of patients, to facilitate the provision of materials and to customize follow-up to patient needs.

[Patient with Crohn's disease and seizures due to hypomagnesemia]. / Paciente con enfermedad de Crohn y convulsiones por hipomagnesemia.

We report a patient with Crohn's disease who suffered several generalized convulsions. He was studied with cerebral image techniques and neurophysiologic tests without getting the aetiology of the convulsions. A severe depletion in magnesium levels was suspected at the time of the initial evaluation by the Nutritional Team Group. Low serum magnesium levels were confirmed in the first blood test. Convulsions disappeared when magnesium was normalised by intravenous infusion. It is necessary for specialist physicians to be on the alert of severe complications of nutrients deficiency and that this kind of patients should be checked by the Nutrition Team.

Paciente con enfermedad de Crohn y convulsiones por hipomagnesemia / Patient with Crohn’s disease and seizures due to hypomagnesemia

Se trata de un paciente con enfermedad de Crohn y afectación intestinal extensa por su enfermedad, que presenta episodios repetidos de convulsiones generalizadas. Fue valorado con pruebas de imagen cerebral y neurofisiología sin conseguir establecer su etiología. En la primera valoración nutricional se objetiva un déficit severo de magnesio, coincidiendo con un episodio convulsivo y consiguiendo el cese de los mismos tras la normalización del magnesio mediante reposición parenteral. Es preciso alertar a los especialistas respectivos de las graves repercusiones del déficit de nutrientes en estos pacientes y de la necesidad de que sean controlados por la Unidad de Nutrición

We report a patient with Crohn’s disease who suffered several generalized convulsions. He was studied with cerebral image techniques and neurophysiologic tests without getting the a etiology of the convulsions. A severe depletion in magnesium levels was suspected at the time of the initial evaluation by the Nutritional Team Group. Low serum magnesium levels were confirmed in the first blood test. Convulsions disappeared when magnesium was normalized by intravenous infusion. It is necessary for specialist physicians to be on the alert of severe complications of nutrients deficiency and that this kind of patients should be checked by the Nutrition Team

[Symptomatic secondary hyponatraemia due to combined treatment anticonvulsant and antidepressant: risk of sudden death in epilepsy?]. / Hiponatremia sintomática secundaria a tratamiento conjunto anticomicial y antidepresivo: ¿riesgo de muerte súbita en epilepsia?

The notable incidence of epilepsy in the general population, with the presence, more and more frequent of refractory therapeutic, it forces the anticonvulsant polytherapy. If we depart from the fact, that many of the epilepsies have a secondary cause, with affective disorders associate, we can understand the most habitual association of anticonvulsant and antidepressant. We present the clinical case of a 37-year-old-woman with refractory therapeutic epilepsy associated to exogenous depressive syndrome, in combined treatment with Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine and Venlafaxine, that suffers a episode of syncope secondary to symptomatic hyponatraemia, generated by syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The relevance of this case resides in the fact that the hyponatraemia generated by this pharmacological combination, up to now, it has not been described in the literature. This electrolytic anomaly can derive in secondary neurological and cardiovascular effects, in so outstanding occasions, as to produce the phenomenon denominated sudden death in the epileptic patient (SUDEP). We recommended a strict ionic control in those patients that require anti-epileptic and anti-depressant treatment combined, in order to avoiding paroxistic vascular episodes and to minimize the risk of SUDEP.

Hiponatremia sintomática secundaria a tratamiento conjunto anticomicial y antidepresivo: ¿riesgo de muerte súbita en epilepsia? / Symptomatic secondary hyponatremia due to combined treatment anticonvulsant and antidepressant: risk of sudden death in epilepsy?

La notable incidencia de epilepsia en nuestro medio, con la presencia, cada vez más frecuente, de refractariedad terapéutica, obliga a la politerapia anticomicial. Si partimos del hecho, de que muchas de las epilepsias tienen una base secundaria, con trastornos comportamentales asociados, podemos comprender la cada vez más habitual asociación entre fármacos anticomiciales y antidepresivos. Presentamos el caso clínico de una mujer de 37 años, afecta de epilepsia farmacorresistente asociada a síndrome depresivo exógeno, en tratamiento conjunto con Carbamacepina, Lamotrigina y Venlafaxina que sufre cuadro sincopal secundario a hiponatremia sintomática, cuya patogénesis radica en un mecanismo de secreción inadecuada de hormona antidiurética (SIADH). La relevancia de este caso radica en el hecho de que la hiponatremia generada por esta combinación farmacológica, hasta ahora, no ha sido descrita en la literatura. Esta anomalía electrolítica puede derivar en efectos secundarios neurológicos y cardiovasculares, en ocasiones tan relevantes, como para producir el fenómeno conocido como muerte súbita en el paciente epiléptico (SUDEP). Recomendamos, por ello, un estricto control iónico en aquellos pacientes en tratamiento conjunto anticomicial y antidepresivo, a fin de evitar episodios paroxísticos vasculares y minimizar el riesgo de SUDEP

The notable incidence of epilepsy in the general population, with the presence, more and more frequent of refractory therapeutic, it forces the anticonvulsant polytherapy. If we depart from the fact, that many of the epilepsies have a secondary cause, with affective disorders associate, we can understand the most habitual association of anticonvulsant and antidepressant. We present the clinical case of a 37-year-old-woman with refractory therapeutic epilepsy associated to exogenous depressive syndrome, in combined treatment with Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine and Venlafaxine, that suffers a episode of syncope secondary to symptomatic hyponatraemia, generated by syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The relevance of this case resides in the fact that the hyponatraemia generated by this pharmacological combination, up to now, it has not been described in the literature. This electrolytic anomaly can derive in secondary neurological and cardiovascular effects, in so outstanding occasions, as to produce the phenomenon denominated sudden death in the epileptic patient (SUDEP). We recommended a strict ionic control in those patients that require anti-epileptic and anti-depressant treatment combined, in order to avoiding paroxistic vascular episodes and to minimize the risk of SUDEP