Concomitant treatment with safinamide and antidepressant drugs: Safety data from real clinical practice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the possible pharmacological interactions between safinamide and antidepressants, and in particular the appearance of serotonin syndrome with data from real life. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with Parkinson's disease from our Movement Disorders Unit, who were under treatment with any antidepressant drug and safinamide. Specifically, symptoms suggestive of serotonin syndrome were screened for. Also, we collected time of simultaneous use, doses of levodopa and other antiparkinsonian drugs. RESULTS: Clinical records were reviewed for the study period of September 2018 to September 2019. Seventy-eight PD patients who were treated with safinamide of which 25 (32.05%) had a concomitant treatment with an antidepressant drug, being sertraline and escitalopram the most frequent. Mean age was 80 years±8.43 and H&Y stage was 3 [2-4]. Mean dose of levodopa used was 703.75mg±233.15. Median duration of concomitant treatment with safinamide and antidepressant drug was 6 months (IQR 20.5), and over eighteen months in 5 cases. No case of serotonin syndrome was recorded, neither was any of its typical manifestations combined or in isolation. CONCLUSIONS: Our real clinical practice study suggests that concomitant use of safinamide with antidepressant drugs in PD patients seemed to be safe and well tolerated, even in the long term. However, caution is warranted, individualizing treatment regimens and monitoring the potential appearance of adverse effects.

Concomitant treatment with safinamide and antidepressant drugs: Safety data from real clinical practice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the possible pharmacological interactions between safinamide and antidepressants, and in particular the appearance of serotonin syndrome with data from real life. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients with Parkinson's disease from our Movement Disorders Unit, who were under treatment with any antidepressant drug and safinamide. Specifically, symptoms suggestive of serotonin syndrome were screened for. Also, we collected time of simultaneous use, doses of levodopa and other antiparkinsonian drugs. RESULTS: Clinical records were reviewed for the study period of September 2018 to September 2019. Seventy-eight PD patients who were treated with safinamide of which 25 (32.05%) had a concomitant treatment with an antidepressant drug, being sertraline and escitalopram the most frequent. Mean age was 80 years±8.43 and H&Y stage was 3 [2-4]. Mean dose of levodopa used was 703.75mg±233.15. Median duration of concomitant treatment with safinamide and antidepressant drug was 6 months (IQR 20.5), and over eighteen months in 5 cases. No case of serotonin syndrome was recorded, neither was any of its typical manifestations combined or in isolation. CONCLUSIONS: Our real clinical practice study suggests that concomitant use of safinamide with antidepressant drugs in PD patients seemed to be safe and well tolerated, even in the long term. However, caution is warranted, individualizing treatment regimens and monitoring the potential appearance of adverse effects.

COVID-19 in Parkinson's disease: what holds the key?

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is more frequent in the elderly and increases the risk of respiratory infections. Previous data on PD and SARS-CoV-2 are scarce, suggesting a poor prognosis in advanced disease and second-line therapies. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study comparing patients with PD and COVID-19 and patients with PD without COVID-19 was conducted during the pandemic period in Spain (March 1st-July 31st 2020) in a tertiary university hospital. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (COVID-19 +) and 172 (COVID-19-) PD patients were included. Fifty-nine percent were males in both groups, with similar age (75.9 ± 9.0 COVID-19 + , 73.9 ± 10.0 COVID-19-), disease duration (8.9 ± 6.2 COVID-19 + , 8.5 ± 5.6 COVID-19-) and PD treatments. COVID-19 was mild in 10 (26%), required admission in 21 (54%) and caused death in 8 (21%) patients. Dementia was the only comorbidity more frequent in COVID-19 + patients (36% vs. 14%, p = 0.0013). However, in a multivariate analysis, institutionalization was the only variable associated with COVID-19 + (OR 17.0, 95% CI 5.0-60.0, p < 0.001). When considering severe COVID-19 (admission or death) vs. mild or absent COVID-19, institutionalization, neoplasm, dementia and a lower frequency of dopamine agonists were associated with severe COVID-19. In multivariate analysis, only institutionalization [OR 5.17, 95% CI 1.57-17, p = 0.004] and neoplasm [OR 8.0, 95%CI 1.27-49.8, p = 0.027] remained significantly associated. CONCLUSION: In our experience, institutionalization and oncologic comorbidity, rather than PD-related variables, increased the risk of developing COVID-19, and impacted on its severity. These findings suggest that epidemiologic factors and frailty are key factors for COVID-19 morbidity/mortality in PD. Appropriate preventive strategies should be implemented in institutionalized patients to prevent infection and improve prognosis.

COVID-19: manejo de cuidados intensivos pediátrico / COVID-19: pediatric intensive care management

The appearance of a new nosological entity named by the World Health Organization (WHO) as CoVID-19, which is causing a global pandemic, has meant a major medical challenge. This article tries to concentrate the most important aspects in the management pediatric of the severe CoVID-19 patient, reviewing the existing literature with emphasis on ventilatory, hemodynamic and other affected systems management. It must be taken into account that due to the high possibility of contagion, it is necessary to review the protection measures for health personnel in the procedures that are routine in the seriously ill patient.

La aparición de una nueva entidad nosológica denominada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) como CoVID-19, está causando una pandemia mundial que ha significado un desafío médico de gran envergadura Este artículo trata de concentrar los aspectos más importantes en el manejo pediátrico del paciente CoVID-19 grave, revisando la literatura existente poniendo énfasis en el manejo ventilatorio, hemodinámico y de otros sistemas afectados. Hay que tomar en cuenta que debido a la alta posibilidad de contagio se hace necesario revisar las medidas de protección para el personal de salud en los procedimientos que son de rutina en el paciente gravemente enfermo.

Acute-onset smell and taste disorders in the context of COVID-19: a pilot multicentre polymerase chain reaction based case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Specific respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, may cause smell and/or taste disorders (STDs) with increased frequency. The aim was to determine whether new-onset STDs are more frequent amongst COVID-19 patients than influenza patients. METHOD: This was a case-control study including hospitalized patients of two tertiary care centres. Consecutive patients positive for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (cases) and patients positive for influenza polymerase chain reaction (historical control sample) were assessed during specific periods, employing a self-reported STD questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventy-nine cases and 40 controls were included. No significant differences were found in basal features between the two groups. New-onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst cases (31, 39.2%) than in the control group (5, 12.5 %) [adjusted odds ratio 21.4 (2.77-165.4, P = 0.003)]. COVID-19 patients with new-onset STDs were significantly younger than COVID-19 patients without STDs (52.6 ± 17.2 vs. 67.4 ± 15.1, P < 0.001). Amongst COVID-19 patients who presented STDs, 22 (70.9%) recalled an acute onset and it was an initial manifestation in 11 (35.5%). Twenty-five (80.6%) presented smell disorders (mostly anosmia, 14, 45.2%) and 28 (90.3%) taste disorders (mostly ageusia, 14, 45.2%). Only four (12.9 %) reported concomitant nasal obstruction. The mean duration of STD was 7.5 ± 3.2 days and 12 patients (40%) manifested complete recovery after 7.4 ± 2.3 days of onset. CONCLUSION: New-onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst COVID-19 patients than influenza patients; they usually had an acute onset and were commonly an initial manifestation. The use of STD assessment in anamnesis as a hint for COVID-19 and to support individuals' self-isolation in the current epidemic context is suggested.

Neumonía eosinofílica en pediatría, a propósito de dos casos clínicos / Pneumonia eosinofilic in pediatrics, clinical cases

INTRODUCCIÓN: La Neumonía Eosinofílica (NE) es una entidad muy poco frecuente en pediatría y se caracteriza por infiltración de eosinófilos en el intersticio pulmonar y alveolar, pudiendo ser primaria o secundaria, así como también presentar un curso agudo o crónico. OBJETIVO: Presentar dos casos clínicos de NE diagnosticados en el período 2014-2017 en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos pediátricos. CASOS CLÍNICOS: Dos lactantes mayores, ambos con antecedente de madre asmática, hospitalizados por in suficiencia respiratoria y diagnóstico de neumonía viral en Clínica Indisa, Santiago, Chile. Ambos presentaron síndrome febril, imágenes de condensación persistentes en la radiografía de tórax y eosinofilia periférica en el transcurso de su enfermedad. Uno de ellos con requerimiento de oxígeno por más de un mes, sin eosinofilia en el lavado broncoalveolar (LBA), al que se le hizo el diagnóstico de NE por biopsia pulmonar. El otro niño requirió ventilación mecánica por 28 días y se hizo diag nóstico de NE por eosinofilia mayor a 20% en LBA. Los dos casos presentaron excelente respuesta a corticoides sistémicos. CONCLUSIÓN: La NE se debe sospechar en el niño con diagnóstico de neumonía con síntomas persistentes sin respuesta al tratamiento, habiéndose descartado otras causas, sobre todo si se asocia a eosinofilia periférica. El diagnostico de NE en pediatría se confirma por eosinofilia mayor a 20% en LBA y en algunos casos es necesaria la biopsia pulmonar.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic Pneumonia (EP) is a very rare disorder in Pediatrics. It is characterized by the infiltra tion of eosinophils in the pulmonary and alveolar interstitium, and may be primary or secondary as well as present an acute or chronic progress. OBJECTIVE: to present 2 pediatric EP clinical cases which were diagnosed at the pediatric intensive care unit of Clinica Indisa in Santiago, Chile between 2014 and 2017. CLINICAL CASES: Two older infants, who were hospitalized due to respiratory failure with a diagnosis of viral pneumonia. Both have asthmatic mothers. Additionally, they both had febrile syn drome, persistent condensation images in the chest x-rays, and peripheral eosinophilia throughout the course of the disease. One of the infants required oxygen for more than one month, and there was no eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). In this case, the diagnosis of EP was reached via pulmonary biopsy. The other infant required mechanic ventilation for 28 days, and was diagnosed due to eosinophilia greater than 25% in the bronchoalveolar lavage. Both patients had excellent res ponse to systemic corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: After ruling out other causes, EP should be suspected in children with pneumonia diagnosis, and persistent symptoms that do not respond positively to treatment, especially if associated with peripheral eosinophilia. The diagnosis of EP in pediatrics is confirmed with eosinophilia greater than 20% in BAL and, in some cases, it is necessary to perform a lung biopsy.

Infección letal por adenovirus: presentación de un caso / Lethal infection for adenovirus: case report

Adenovirus (ADV) can cause serious, localized or disseminated, sometimes lethal disease. There is no specific treatment, only support management according to requirements and severity of disease. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used in severe ADV infection. Cidofovir has been reported as a therapeutic option. This case reports a lethal case of ADV respiratory infection despite the treatment with cidofovir an ECMO.

El adenovirus (ADV) puede causar infección respiratoria grave, localizada o diseminada y letal en pacientes susceptibles. No existe terapia específica, solo de soporte según requerimientos y gravedad. En este sentido el manejo con oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) ha sido utilizado en niños con infección grave por ADV. Si bien no existe terapia específica actual se ha reportado uso de cidofovir que ha ganado espacio como posibilidad terapéutica en caso de enfermedad grave. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente que cursó con infección letal por ADV a pesar del tratamiento de soporte con ECMO y el tratamiento con cidofovir.

Ecmo pediátrico: una puesta al día / Pediatric ecmo up to date

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an ever more available technique for reversible catastrophic heart or pulmonary failure that requires permanent training and actualization. This article reviews inclusion criteria, basic concepts, anticoagulation management, use of vasoactive drugs, respiratory support, laboratory tests and weaning. An up to date and easy to use reference material we hope will facilitate the study and implementation of ECMO in centers that are, or look to be, providers. The authors have made an exhaustive review of published literature and have also referenced the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) guidelines.

La oxigenación de membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) es una técnica indicada para falla cardiológica y/o pulmonar catastrófica de etiología recuperable, cada vez más disponible, lo que hace necesario que los prestadores de cuidados intensivos estén actualizados en esta técnica. Este artículo repasa conceptos, criterios de inclusión, manejo de anticoagulación, uso de drogas vasoactivas, apoyo ventilatorio, exámenes paraclínicos y destete de la asistencia. El tener una referencia actualizada, fácil y concreta facilita el estudio e implementación de ECMO en centros que van a disponer del mismo o que ya la están desarrollando. Los autores hicieron una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura publicada y de la normativa internacional disponible de la Organización del soporte de vida extracorpóreo (ELSO por su sigla en inglés Extracorporeal Life Support Organization).

Pneumonia eosinofilic in pediatrics, clinical cases. / Neumonía eosinofílica en pediatría, a propósito de dos casos clínicos.

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic Pneumonia (EP) is a very rare disorder in Pediatrics. It is characterized by the infiltra tion of eosinophils in the pulmonary and alveolar interstitium, and may be primary or secondary as well as present an acute or chronic progress. OBJECTIVE: to present 2 pediatric EP clinical cases which were diagnosed at the pediatric intensive care unit of Clinica Indisa in Santiago, Chile between 2014 and 2017. CLINICAL CASES: Two older infants, who were hospitalized due to respiratory failure with a diagnosis of viral pneumonia. Both have asthmatic mothers. Additionally, they both had febrile syn drome, persistent condensation images in the chest x-rays, and peripheral eosinophilia throughout the course of the disease. One of the infants required oxygen for more than one month, and there was no eosinophilia in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). In this case, the diagnosis of EP was reached via pulmonary biopsy. The other infant required mechanic ventilation for 28 days, and was diagnosed due to eosinophilia greater than 25% in the bronchoalveolar lavage. Both patients had excellent res ponse to systemic corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: After ruling out other causes, EP should be suspected in children with pneumonia diagnosis, and persistent symptoms that do not respond positively to treatment, especially if associated with peripheral eosinophilia. The diagnosis of EP in pediatrics is confirmed with eosinophilia greater than 20% in BAL and, in some cases, it is necessary to perform a lung biopsy.

Gran quemado experiencia en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediatricos: evolución de la morbimortalidad / Great burned pediatric patient: experience in a pediatric intensive care unit

Introducción: En 1974 Garcés y Artigas, publican un score de índice de gravedad (IG) predictivo de evolución y mortalidad. Este índice, modificado por edad, es recomendado en las guías clínicas del Ministerio de Salud de Chile. Objetivos: Relacionar la mortalidad esperada y real según IG e identificar factores asociados entre IG elevado y mayor gravedad o evolución. Materiales y Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de fichas clínicas de pacientes quemados ingresados a la Unidad de Paciente Crítico (UPC) del Hospital Roberto del Río entre julio de 2005 a noviembre de 2007. Resultados: En el período estudiado egresaron 1.161 pacientes, 30 eran quemados, 22 (73 por ciento) tenían IG sobre 70. El porcentaje de superficie corporal total quemada (SQC) promedio fue 32 (14-75). El IG osciló entre 71 y 205. Un total de 13 pacientes presentaron IG 70-100, 8 entre 101 y 150, 1 (4,5 por ciento) paciente ingresó con IG >150. Los pacientes con IG 100-150 presentaron más complicaciones y mayor estadía en UPC, que aquellos pacientes con IG <100 (p<0,02). Letalidad global fue de 4,5 por ciento. Conclusiones: El IG en pacientes críticos (IG 101-150) sobrestimó la mortalidad real en esta serie (p <0,05), aunque el número de casos es pequeño. La mayor gravedad según IG se asoció a estadías más prolongadas y mayor incidencia de complicaciones.

Introduction: In 1974, Garcés and Artigas published a severity index (SI), predictor of mortality trends. This index, modified by age, is recommended till now by the clinical guidelines of the Chilean Ministry of Health. Objectives: Link the real and expected mortality based on the calculated SI score in great burned pediatric patients. Identify a relation between higher SI score and outcome. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of burned patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit(PICU) Roberto del Río Hospital between July 2005 to November2007. Results: Among 1161 PICU admissions, 30 were burned patients. The ranged total burned surface area (TBSA) was 14 to 75. 22 (73 percent) had a SI above 70. The SI averaged 115 (71-205), 13 (59 percent) between 70 and 100, 8 (36.3 percent) between 101 and 150, 1 (4.5 percent) patient was admitted with SI > 150. Patients with SI between100-150 had a higher incidence of complications and length of stay in the PICU, compared with patients with SI less than100. One patient died. Conclusions: The SI in patients categorized as critical (SI 101-150) overestimated the real mortality in this series (p <0.05), although the number of cases is small. SI associated severity was related to a higher incidence of complications and longer PICU stay.

Neuritis óptica bilateral y síndrome de hipertensión endocraneal en una paciente afecta de linfoma no Hodgkin / Bilateral optic neuritis and endocranial hypertension syndrome in a woman with no-Hodgkin lymphoma

La afectación orbitaria es una complicación poco frecuente en los linfomas no Hodgkin, pudiendo manifestarse como pérdida de agudeza visual a consecuencia de una neuritis óptica. En aquellos casos en que se acompaña de deterioro del nivel de consciencia y clínica progresiva de hipertensión endocraneal debe descartarse la presencia de una carcinomatosis meníngea. El diagnóstico precoz en urgencias del cuadro de hipertensión endocraneal, y de la causa del mismo, permitirá instaurar un tratamiento precoz y de esa forma evitar las posibles secuelas que pudieran producirse. Presentamos el caso de una paciente afecta de un linfoma no Hodgkin en fase de remisión, que acudió a nuestro Servicio de Urgencias por un cuadro de pérdida de agudeza visual y en la que se diagnosticó un síndrome de hipertensión endocraneal. El rápido diagnóstico de una carcinomatosis meníngea fue fundamental para la evolución posterior de la paciente (AU)

[Scheduled consultation in primary care. Analysis of several relevant factors]. / Consulta programada en atención primaria. Análisis de algunos factores implicados en su funcionamiento.

We carried out a longitudinal prospective study of 5179 appointments with 1782 patients, which generated 4483 scheduled consultation in a 10-month period, so as to evaluate changes in compliance, duration of visit and month of appointment, depending on the age and sex of the patient and the cause for consultation. There were no sex or age group differences in compliance, but there were differences depending on the cause for consultation (p less than 0.0001). Obesity, dyslipemia and family planning were the groups with the lowest compliance. A time longer than 15 minutes for each visit was spent in a greater number of women than of men (p less than 0.0001). The age group with the longest time interval per visit was the 25-34 years group. There was also a difference depending on the cause for consultation, which was also not randomly distributed throughout the surveyed months (p less than 0.05). It was concluded that the compliance with appointments was directly related with the perceived morbidity, that subprograms of attention to women take a longer time per visit, and that the month of appointment determines the distribution of the causes for consultation.