Efficacy and safety of biological treatment for inflammatory bowel disease in elderly patients: Results from a GETECCU cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Biological therapies used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have shown to be effective and safe, although these results were obtained from studies involving mostly a young population, who are generally included in clinical trials. The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the different biological treatments in the elderly population. METHODS: Multicenter study was carried out in the GETECCU group. Patients diagnosed with IBD and aged over 65 years at the time of initiating biological therapy (infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, ustekinumab or vedolizumab) were retrospectively included. Among the patients included, clinical response was assessed after drug induction (12 weeks of treatment) and at 52 weeks. Patients' colonoscopy data in week 52 were assessment, where available. Regarding complications, development of oncological events during follow-up and infectious processes occurring during biological treatment were collected (excluding bowel infection by cytomegalovirus). RESULTS: A total of 1090 patients were included. After induction, at approximately 12-14 weeks of treatment, 419 patients (39.6%) were in clinical remission, 502 patients (47.4%) had responded without remission and 137 patients (12.9%) had no response. At 52 weeks of treatment 442 patients (57.1%) had achieved clinical remission, 249 patients had responded without remission (32.2%) and 53 patients had no response to the treatment (6.8%). Before 52 weeks, 129 patients (14.8%) had discontinued treatment due to inefficacy, this being significantly higher (p<0.0001) for Golimumab - 9 patients (37.5%) - compared to the other biological treatments analyzed. With respect to tumor development, an oncological event was observed in 74 patients (6.9%): 30 patients (8%) on infliximab, 23 (7.14%) on adalimumab, 3 (11.1%) on golimumab, 10 (6.4%) on ustekinumab, and 8 (3.8%) on vedolizumab. The incidence was significantly lower (p=0.04) for the vedolizumab group compared to other treatments. As regards infections, these occurred in 160 patients during treatment (14.9%), with no differences between the different biologicals used (p=0.61): 61 patients (19.4%) on infliximab, 39 (12.5%) on adalimumab, 5 (17.8%) on golimumab, 22 (14.1%) on ustekinumab, and 34 (16.5%) on vedolizumab. CONCLUSIONS: Biological drug therapies have response rates in elderly patients similar to those described in the general population, Golimumab was the drug that was discontinued most frequently due to inefficacy. In our experience, tumor development was more frequent in patients who used anti-TNF therapies compared to other targets, although its incidence was generally low and that this is in line with younger patients based on previous literature.

Scientific output on validation and adaptation of depression screening instruments in peruvian population. / Producción científica sobre validación y adaptación de instrumentos de tamizaje de la depresión en población peruana.

The aim of the research was to describe the scientific output of psychometric studies on screening instruments for depression in the Peruvian population. We carried out a descriptive study of the scientific literature in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed and SciELO, with descriptors for depression, psychometric properties, and Peru. After the review process, we included 22 studies. We found validations of screening instruments for older adults, adults, adults with depression, adult women, pregnant women, health professionals, university students, high school students and children. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was the most widely used instrument. Psychometric studies cover most populations; however, native people and clinical populations remain to be studied. The PHQ-9, due to its characteristics, could be implemented in mental health policies in Peru.

El objetivo de la investigación fue describir la producción científica sobre estudios psicométricos de instrumentos de tamizaje para la depresión en población peruana. Para ello, se realizó un estudio descriptivo de la literatura científica en Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed y SciELO, con descriptores para depresión, propiedades psicométricas y Perú. Luego del proceso de revisión se incluyeron 22 estudios. Se encontraron validaciones de instrumentos de tamizaje en adultos mayores, adultos, adultos con depresión, mujeres adultas, mujeres embarazadas, profesionales de salud, estudiantes universitarios, estudiantes de secundaria y niños. El Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) fue el instrumento más estudiado. A pesar de que los estudios psicométricos cubren la mayoría de las poblaciones, quedan pendientes los pueblos originarios y poblaciones clínicas. El PHQ-9, por sus características, podría implementarse en las políticas de salud mental del Perú.

Íleo biliar resuelto por endoscopia / Successful gallstone ileus treatment by endoscopy

Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 73 años que acude por estreñimiento desde hace 6 días, dolor abdominal y vómitos. Se realiza un TAC abdominal que muestra una dilatación del marco colónico hasta sigma, identificándose una litiasis de 43x20mm a ese nivel y una solución de continuidad entre la pared vesicular y el ángulo hepático con aerobilia asociada. Dada la obstrucción a nivel de sigma se decide realizar una colonoscopia urgente. Durante la endoscopia se objetiva el cálculo biliar que se extrae con éxito mediante cesta de Roth.La mucosa circundante presentaba datos de sufrimiento mucoso y una extensa úlcera por decúbito. Tras la endoscopia la paciente presenta resolución del cuadro obstructivo. Durante su ingreso se realiza una cirugía de resección de la fístula colecistocólica, colecistectomía y cierre primario de colon. Sin embargo la paciente presenta un postoperatorio tórpido con perforación a nivel del colon ascendente y fascitis necrotizante en la herida quirúrgica, falleciendo finalmente por shock séptico abdominal. (AU)

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in healthcare workers in a network of clinics in Latin America.

Objectives: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been severely affected in terms of both morbidity and mortality since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first few months of 2021, Colombia experienced a surge in positive cases. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vaccination on the incidence of new positive cases in HCWs. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of frontline employees in a network of clinics in Colombia, who were prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination from February to March 2021. Results: Our findings were consistent with recent reports. During early 2020, the incidence of HCWs positively diagnosed with COVID-19 in Colombia was higher than that for the general population. With the start of the national vaccination program, the incidence among HCWs decreased from April 2021, while that for the general population remained relatively unchanged. Our study identified lower infection rates among HCWs during April (odds ratio [OR], 0.72 [95% CI 0.58-0.90]; p < 0.01) and May (odds ratio [OR], 0.25 [95% CI 0.18-0.36]; p < 0.01). Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination rollout in Colombia during early 2021 led to a decrease in the incidence of new positive cases among HCWs, in contrast to a continuing surge in the general population. Our findings suggested that COVID-19 vaccination provided adequate immunity, which guaranteed protection to HCWs.

Successful gallstone ileus treatment by endoscopy.

We present the case of a 73-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital with a 6-day history of complete constipation, abdominal pain and vomiting. An abdominal CT scan is performed that shows a large colonic dilatation. In the sigmoid colon identifying a 43x20mm gallstone impaction and a solution of continuity between the gallbladder and the hepatic flexure with pneumobilia associated. Because the obstruction is located at the sigmoid colon, it was decided to perform an urgent colonoscopy. During the endoscopy, the gallstone was observed, which was successfully extracted using a Roth Net. The surrounding mucosa showed signs of mucosal damage and an extensive decubitus ulcer. After endoscopy, the patient presented resolution of the obstructive condition. During her admission, surgery was performed to resection the cholecystocolic fistula, cholecystectomy, and primary closure of the colon. However, the patient presented a torpid evolution with ascending colon perforation and necrotizing fasciitis in the surgical wound, finally dying of abdominal septic shock.

Massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to an esophago-arterial fistula (arteria lusoria).

A 50-year-old patient with a history of hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngectomy, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and incompetent tracheoesophageal fistula was admitted for elective pharingostomal surgery. During the surgery, he presented esophageal bleeding with hemodynamic instability. After stabilization, a gastroscopy was performed through the stoma, showing arterial bleeding 4-5 cm distal to the stoma, which was controlled with three hemostatic clips. After four hours, the patient presented a new episode of bleeding with hemodynamic instability and a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube was placed that stopped the bleeding. Computed tomography angiography (CT angiography) was performed, which showed an aberrant right subclavian artery with a retroesophageal pathway, in close contact with the area where the clips were placed. An endovascular stent was placed in the right subclavian artery with control of the bleeding after removal of the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The patient was discharged seven days later.

Should high-dose-rate brachytherapy boost be used in early nasopharyngeal carcinomas?

BACKGROUND: Radiation with or without chemotherapy is the main treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC). Local recurrence is difficult to manage. Local control is dose-dependent. AIM: To analyze the effect of an endocavitary brachytherapy boost after external beam radiation (EBRT) to decrease local recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients with T0-T2 NPC were treated: 70% T1, 20% T2 and 10% T0; 33.3% N0, 20% N1, 43.3% N2 and 3.3% N3; 90% were undifferentiated carcinoma. All they received a 192-Ir high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) boost after 60 Gy of EBRT. The Rotterdam applicator was used in most cases, 3-4 fractions of 3.75-3 Gy in two days. RESULTS: With median follow-up (FU) of 63 months, a single parapharyngeal failure resulted in local control of 100% at 3 years and 95% at 5 years. Local control for T0-1 was 100% and for T2 67% at five years (p = 0.02). Regional-free recurrence survival was 92% at 5 years. Metastasis-free survival was 84% at 5 years. All cases of metastasis had histopathology of undifferentiated. The overall and cause-specific survival was 96% and 86% at 3 and 5 years. No late complications related to brachytherapy were described. CONCLUSION: A HDR-BT boost is useful to decrease the incidence of local recurrence of NPC to 5%. With a fractionated schedule of 3-4 fractions in two days, Rotterdam applicator and 3-D planning, no late complications are described. Therefore we recommend to use brachytherapy boost in all early NPC.

Experiencia en el manejo de metástasis cerebrales tratadas con radiocirugía estereotáctica / Experience with the radiosurgical treatment of brain metastases

Objetivos: Analizar la supervivencia de una cohorte de pacientes con metástasis cerebrales tratados con radiocirugía y determinar qué factores pueden influir en los resultados. Pacientes y método: Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo sobre una cohorte de 126 pacientes diagnosticados de metástasis intracraneal tratados con radiocirugía. Se excluyeron aquellos casos en los que se realizó cirugía (antes o después de la radiocirugía). Se analizó la supervivencia en función de factores clínicos (edad, sexo, tumor primario), radiológicos (número, localización y volumen de las lesiones) y de radioterapia (dosis de tratamiento, radioterapia holocraneal). Se realizó análisis univariante y multivariante de regresión de Cox. Resultados: Entre febrero de 2008 y abril de 2015 se trataron 225 metástasis cerebrales en 126 pacientes con edad media de 59,8 ± 11,6 años. La mediana de supervivencia fue de 8,2 meses. La supervivencia global a los 6, 12 y 24 meses fue del 60,3, del 31,5 y del 12,8%, respectivamente. Los orígenes más frecuentes fueron pulmonar (59,5%) y mama (14,3%), y la localización principal, los hemisferios cerebrales (77%). El volumen medio fue de 10,35cc (0,2-43,5). Se encontraron como factores significativos de supervivencia, entre otros: edad menor de 60años (p = 0,046), sexo femenino (p < 0,001), cáncer de mama (p < 0,001); KPS > 80 (p = 0,001), puntuación en la escala SIR > 6,5 (p = 0,031), escala GPA ≥ 2,5 (p = 0,003). Conclusiones: La radiocirugía es una técnica adecuada para el tratamiento de las metástasis cerebrales, y entre los factores pronósticos encontrados destacan la edad menor de 60 años, el sexo femenino y las mejores puntuaciones en las escalas de Karfnosky, SIR y GPA

Objective: To analyse the survival rate of a cohort of patients with intracranial metastases treated with radiosurgery, and to determine the factors that influence the results. Patients and method: Retrospective analysis performed on a cohort of 126 patients undergoing radiosurgery for brain metastases. Patients treated with surgery before or after radiosurgery were excluded. Survival is analysed based on clinical (age, sex, primary tumour), radiological (number, location and volume of lesions), and radiotherapy factors (treatment dose, holocraneal radiation). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine significant prognostic factors. Results: A total of 225 brain metastases in 126 patients, with a mean age of 59.8 ± 11.6 years, were treated between February 2008 and April 2015. The mean survival was 8.2 months. The overall survival rates at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 60.3%, 31.5%, and 12.8%, respectively. Lung (59.5%) and breast (14.3) were the most common primary tumours, and the most common site for metastases was the cerebral hemisphere (77%) and the average volume was 10.35 cc (0.2-43.5). Significant survival factors were: age under 60 (P = .046), female (P < .001), breast cancer (P < .001), KPS > 80 (P = .001), SIR6 > 5 (P = .031), and GPA ≥ 2.5 (P = .003). Conclusions: Radiosurgery is an appropriate technique for the treatment of brain metastases, and the main prognostic factors include being age under 65, female, breast cancer, and good scores on Karnofsky, SIR, and GPA scales

[Experience with the radiosurgical treatment of brain metastases]. / Experiencia en el manejo de metástasis cerebrales tratadas con radiocirugía estereotáctica.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the survival rate of a cohort of patients with intracranial metastases treated with radiosurgery, and to determine the factors that influence the results. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis performed on a cohort of 126 patients undergoing radiosurgery for brain metastases. Patients treated with surgery before or after radiosurgery were excluded. Survival is analysed based on clinical (age, sex, primary tumour), radiological (number, location and volume of lesions), and radiotherapy factors (treatment dose, holocraneal radiation). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine significant prognostic factors. RESULTS: A total of 225 brain metastases in 126 patients, with a mean age of 59.8±11.6years, were treated between February 2008 and April 2015. The mean survival was 8.2 months. The overall survival rates at 6months, 1year, and 2years were 60.3%, 31.5%, and 12.8%, respectively. Lung (59.5%) and breast (14.3) were the most common primary tumours, and the most common site for metastases was the cerebral hemisphere (77%) and the average volume was 10.35 cc (0.2-43.5). Significant survival factors were: age under 60 (P=.046), female (P<.001), breast cancer (P<.001), KPS >80 (P=.001), SIR6 >5 (P=.031), and GPA ≥2.5 (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: Radiosurgery is an appropriate technique for the treatment of brain metastases, and the main prognostic factors include being age under 65, female, breast cancer, and good scores on Karnofsky, SIR, and GPA scales.

The relationship among IL-13, GSTP1, and CYP1A1 polymorphisms and environmental tobacco smoke in a population of children with asthma in Northern Mexico.

Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) during early childhood increases the risk of developing asthma. The intention of this study was to genotype a population of children from Coahuila state in Northern Mexico and to determine whether polymorphisms of the CYP1A1, GSTP1, and IL13 genes are associated with exposure to ETS and subsequently a higher risk for asthma. IL13 plays an important role in the development of allergic response, particularly those related with airway inflammation. CYP1A1 and GSTP1 are xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes induced by repeated exposure to toxicants. Polymorphisms of these genes have been related with ETS exposure and increased risk for asthma. To assess the effect of IL13 (-1112 C>T and Arg110Gln), GSTP1 (Ile105Val), and CYP1A1 (Ile462Val) on asthma risk and ETS exposure, we recruited 201 unrelated children and classified them into four groups: (1) control without ETS exposure; (2) control with ETS exposure; (3) with asthma and with ETS exposure and (4) with asthma and without ETS exposure. No association among ETS exposure, asthma, and the studied polymorphisms was denoted by multivariate analysis of this population.

Ectopía ureteral de segmento superior de duplicación ureteral drenando a la uretra (Reporte de un caso) / Ectopic ureter segment segment superior of ureter duplication draining to uretra (Report of a case)

Reportamos un caso muy raro de un uretero ectópico con un megaureter drenado en la uretra con obstrucción distal en una mujer joven que se presentó con un absceso perirenal.

Características clínicas y sociodemográficas de la población consultante en una unidad de alcoholismo de un hospital general / Clinical and sociodemographical characteristics of consulting population in an alcoholism unit of a general hospital

En el marco de la reorganización de la red de servicios enfocada al Beber Problema y Consumo de Drogas, se analizan las características clínicas y sociodemográficas de los consultantes en una unidad de alcoholismo en un Hospital General y se infieren conclusiones respecto al funcionamiento de la red. Se constata una mayoría de pacientes hombres, mayores de 50 años, que tienden a constituir una población cautiva en el nivel secundario de atención, reduciendo la cobertura a menos casos