Recomendaciones para el tratamiento del dolor neuropático / Recommendations for the treatment of neuropathic pain

Con la introducción y el desarrollo de nuevos productos que han demostrado ser eficaces en el dolor neuropático (DN), se ha generado una clara necesidad de tener un algoritmo basado en la evidencia para tratar las diferentes condiciones del DN. El objetivo de este artículo es elaborar unas recomendaciones para el tratamiento del DN que estén avaladas por la evidencia científica y que estén consensuadas por un grupo multidisciplinario de expertos en metodología y en tratamiento del dolor. La evidencia se ha obtenido de estudios de metanálisis que recogen la mayor información disponible para cada tipo de DN. La búsqueda bibliográfica se llevó a cabo por 5 revisores, que se centraron individualmente en las diferentes formas de presentación del DN. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron la Cochrane Library, EMBASE (año 2000 en adelante) y PUBMED(año 2000 en adelante), y se seleccionaron metaanálisis y ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y controlados. Finalmente, los autores, especialistas en dolor, evaluaron e hicieron las recomendaciones clínicas para el tratamiento del DN. En algunos tipos de DN, de los cuales no hay suficiente información, se han incluido recomendaciones basadas en publicaciones científicas sin evidencia, con el objetivo de que estas recomendaciones proporcionen la mayor información posible acerca de su tratamiento. Se han revisado estudios de eficacia y seguridad de neuralgia postherpética (NPH), neuropatía diabética dolorosa (NDD) y neuralgia del trigémino(NT) como paradigmas de DN periférico, y también se ha recogido la escasa información existente acerca del DN central(DNC) y el dolor simpático (DS). Con los resultados obtenidos con este estudio bibliográfico y las evidencias extraídas, se ha elaborado un algoritmo de decisión con los fármacos disponibles actualmente en la farmacopea española para la NPH y la NDD; por otro lado, y de forma independiente, para la NT y, finalmente, para el DNC y el DS.

The introduction and development of new products with demonstrated efficacy in neuropathic pain has generated a clear need for an evidence-based algorithm to treat the different types of neuropathic pain. The present article aims to provide recommendations on the treatment of neuropathic pain supported by the scientific evidence and agreed on by consensus by a multidisciplinary group of experts in methodology and pain management. The evidence was obtained from meta-analyses including the greatest amount of information available for each type of neuropathic pain. The literature search was performed by 5 reviewers, who focussed individually on the distinct forms of presentation of neuropathic pain. The databases consulted were the Cochrane Library, EMBASE (from 2000 onwards), and PUBMED (from 2000 onwards). Meta-analyses and randomized, controlled clinical trials were selected. Finally, retrieved articles were evaluated and clinical recommendations for the treatment of neuropathic pain were designed by the pain specialists. For some types of neuropathic pain, there is insufficient information. In these types of pain, recommendations based on scientific publications without evidence were included to provide the reatest possible amount of information on their treatment. Studies of safety and efficacy in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) were reviewed as paradigms of peripheral neuropathic pain. The scarce available information on central neuropathic pain (CNP) and sympathetic pain (SP) was also gathered. Based on the results obtained with this literature review and the evidence extracted, a decision algorithm was designed with the drugs currently available in the Spanish pharmacopeia for PHN and PDN, and separate decision algorithms were designed for TN and finally for CNP and S P.

Better sexual acceptability of agomelatine (25 and 50 mg) compared with paroxetine (20 mg) in healthy male volunteers. An 8-week, placebo-controlled study using the PRSEXDQ-SALSEX scale.

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common and underestimated effect of antidepressants. Healthy volunteers are the most adequate group to study this adverse event avoiding influence of depression itself. Sexual acceptability of agomelatine (a melatonergic agonist and 5HT(2C) antagonist) paroxetine and placebo by using the Psychotropic-Related Sexual Dysfunction Salamanca Sex Questionnaire (PRSEXDQ-SALSEX) was explored. A total of 92 healthy male volunteers were randomised to agomelatine (25 or 50 mg), paroxetine 20 mg or placebo for 8 weeks. SD, defined as at least one sexual impairment in one of the following PRSEXDQ-SALSEX items (decreased libido, delayed orgasm/ejaculation, anorgasmia/no ejaculation and erectile dysfunction), was evaluated at baseline and after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. At the last post-baseline assessment, SD was significantly lower in each agomelatine group (22.7% on 25 mg and 4.8% on 50 mg) than in the paroxetine group (85.7%; p < 0.0001). In the placebo group, 8.7% of volunteers reported a SD. The percentages of volunteers with moderate or severe SD were 4.5% for agomelatine 25 mg, 4.8% for agomelatine 50 mg, 61.9% for paroxetine 20 mg and 0% in the placebo group (p < or = 0.0001 agomelatine versus paroxetine). There is a much lower risk of having SD with agomelatine than paroxetine in healthy male volunteers, which confirms the better sexual acceptability profile of agomelatine compared with the SSRIs.

Recomendaciones para el tratamiento del dolor neuropático / Recommendations for the treatment of neuropathic pain

Con la introducción y el desarrollo de nuevos productos que han demostrado ser eficaces en el dolor neuropático (DN), se ha generado una clara necesidad de tener un algoritmo basado en la evidencia para tratar las diferentes condiciones del DN. El objetivo de este artículo es elaborar unas recomendaciones para el tratamiento del DN que estén avaladas por la evidencia científica y que estén consensuadas por un grupo multidisciplinar de expertos en metodología y en tratamiento del dolor. La evidencia se ha obtenido de estudios de metaanálisis que recogen la mayor información disponible para cada tipo de DN. La búsqueda bibliográfica se llevó a cabo por 5 revisores, que se centraron individualmente en las diferentes formas de presentación del DN. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron la Cochrane Library, EMBASE (año 2000 en adelante) y PUBMED (año 2000 en adelante), y se seleccionaron metaanálisis y ensayos clínicos aleatorizados y controlados. Finalmente, los autores, especialistas en dolor, evaluaron e hicieron las recomendaciones clínicas para el tratamiento del DN. En algunos tipos de DN, de los cuales no hay suficiente información, se han incluido recomendaciones basadas en publicaciones científicas sin evidencia con el objetivo de que estas recomendaciones proporcionen la mayor información posible acerca de su tratamiento. Se han revisado estudios de eficacia y seguridad de neuralgia postherpética (NPH), neuropatía diabética dolorosa (NDD) y neuralgia del trigémino (NT) como paradigmas de DN periférico, y también se ha recogido la escasa información existente acerca del DN central (DNC) y el dolor simpático (DS)...(AU)

The introduction and development of new products with demonstrated efficacy inneuropathic pain has generated a clear need for an evidence-based algorithm to treat the different types of neuropathic pain. The present article aims to provide recommendations on the treatment of neuropathic pain supported by the scientific evidence and agreed on by consensus by a multidisciplinary group of experts in methodology and pain management. The evidence was obtained from meta-analyses including the greatest amount of information available for each type of neuropathic pain. The literature search was performed by 5 reviewers, who focussed individually on the distinct forms of presentation of neuropathic pain. The databases consulted were the Cochrane Library, EMBASE (from 2000 onwards), and PUBMED (from 2000 onwards). Metaanalyses and randomized, controlled clinical trials were selected. Finally, retrieved articles were evaluated and clinical recommendations for the treatment of neuropathic pain were designed by the pain specialists. For some types of neuropathic pain, there is insufficient information. In these types of pain, recommendations based on scientific publications without evidence were included to provide the greatest possible amount of information on their treatment. Studies of safety and efficacy in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN), and trigeminal neuralgia (TN) were reviewed as paradigms of peripheral neuropathic pain. The scarce available information on central neuropathic pain (CNP) and sympathetic pain (SP) was also gathered. Based on the results obtained with this literature review and the evidence extracted, a decision algorithm was designed with the drugs currently available in the Spanish pharmacopeia for PHN and PDN, and separate decision algorithms were designed for TN and finally for CNP and SP...(AU)

Estudio piloto de utilización deantifúngicos sistémicos en el HospitalClínico San Carlos. Propuesta de unmétodo de estudio / Pilot Drug Utilization Study of systemic antifungal agents in the Hospital Clínico San Carlos. Proposal of a study method

Introducción. El estudio propone definir una metodologíade evaluación del uso habitual de antifúngicos sistémicosy ponerla a prueba en un estudio piloto con el fin de facilitarel diseño de estudios de mayor tamaño.Método. Se diseñó en un Estudio de Utilización deMedicamentos, piloto, observacional, de prescripción-indicación.Se propuso una definición de tipo de tratamiento antifúngico(microbiológico, empírico y uso profiláctico) utilizandolos criterios de la EORTC (European Organization for Researchand Treatment of Cancer), la clínica del paciente y la evidenciamicrobiológica, conforme a las pautas de diagnóstico en lapráctica clínica habitual. La adecuación de los tratamientos sevaloró según tres patrones de comparación: ficha técnica, recomendacioneshospitalarias y comité de expertos.Resultados. Se recogieron 60 prescripciones de antifúngicos.39 casos fueron de fluconazol, 6 de itraconazol, 5 deanfotericina liposomal, 5 de caspofungina y 5 de voriconazol.El inicio del tratamiento se realizó en 28 casos como tratamientomicrobiológico (46,7%), en 22 casos como empírico(36,7%) y en 7 casos como uso profiláctico (11,7%). La indicaciónde tratamiento antifúngico se consideró adecuada enmás de un 90% de los casos para los tres patrones de comparación,mientras que adecuación de la selección osciló entreun 75 y un 83%.Conclusiones. El método propuesto para la definición deltipo de tratamiento antifúngico según criterios aplicables en lapráctica clínica se considera satisfactorio y se propone para suempleo en un estudio de mayor tamaño. Para todos los antifúngicosy patrones de comparación, la evaluación resultó conun alto grado de adecuación, sin embargo no resulta fácil sistematizarlas condiciones de utilización de los antifúngicos, debidoa la heterogeneidad de los pacientes e indicaciones (AU)

Introduction. The study aims to define a method forthe evaluation of the usage of systemic antifungal agents,and test it, in order to be able to develop larger studies.Method. Drug Use Study, pilot, observational, prescription-indication. We proposed a definition of antifungaltype of treatment using as host factors the EORTC(European Organization for Research and Treatment ofCancer) criteria, the patient’s clinical data as well as anyevidence of fungal infection. Adequate use was evaluatedby three standards of comparison: summary of productcharacteristics, hospital recommendations and an experts’committee.Results. 60 antifungal prescriptions were recovered:fluconazole: 39; itraconazole: 6; liposomal amphotericinB: 5; caspofungin: 5; voriconazole: 5. Treatment wasstarted as follows (N;%): microbiological (28;46.7), empirical(22;36.7) and prophylactic use (7;11.7). The indicationfor antifungal treatment was considered adequatein more than 90% of the cases for the three standards ofcomparison, whereas selection in 75-83% of the cases.Conclusions. The method is considered satisfactoryfor the evaluation of antifungal treatments and is proposedfor being used in larger studies. For all the antifungalagents evaluated, a high degree of appropriateness of usewas found, though some conditions are considered improvable (AU)

[Pilot Drug Utilization Study of systemic antifungal agents in the Hospital Clínico San Carlos. Proposal of a study method]. / Estudio piloto de utilización de antifúngicos sistémicos en el Hospital Clínico San Carlos. Propuesta de un método de estudio.

INTRODUCTION: The study aims to define a method for the evaluation of the usage of systemic antifungal agents, and test it, in order to be able to develop larger studies. METHOD: Drug Use Study, pilot, observational, prescription- indication. We proposed a definition of antifungal type of treatment using as host factors the EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer) criteria, the patient's clinical data as well as any evidence of fungal infection. Adequate use was evaluated by three standards of comparison: summary of product characteristics, hospital recommendations and an experts' committee. RESULTS: 60 antifungal prescriptions were recovered: fluconazole: 39; itraconazole: 6; liposomal amphotericin B: 5; caspofungin: 5; voriconazole: 5. Treatment was started as follows (N;%): microbiological (28;46.7), empirical (22;36.7) and prophylactic use (7;11.7). The indication for antifungal treatment was considered adequate in more than 90% of the cases for the three standards of comparison, whereas selection in 75-83% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: The method is considered satisfactory for the evaluation of antifungal treatments and is proposed for being used in larger studies. For all the antifungal agents evaluated, a high degree of appropriateness of use was found, though some conditions are considered improvable.

A clinical distortion index for compressed echocardiogram evaluation: recommendations for Xvid codec.

This paper introduces a new clinical distortion index able to measure the decrease in diagnostic content in compressed echocardiograms. It is calculated using cardiologists' answers to a clinical testbed composed of two types of tests: one blind and the other semi-blind. This index may be used to compare clinical performance among video codecs from a clinical perspective. It can also be used to classify compression rates into useful and useless ranges, thus providing recommendations for echocardiogram compression. A study carried out in order to illustrate its use with Xvid video codec is also presented. The results obtained showed that, for 2D and M modes, the transmission rate should be at least 768 kbit s(-1) and for color Doppler mode and pulsed/continuous Doppler, 256 kbit s(-1).

Velázquez: farmacología básica y clínica

Prefacio, los directores. Prólogo a la primera edición (1930), Teófilo Hernando. Farmacología básica. Sistema nervioso periférico. Sistema nervioso central. Aparato cardiovascular. Autacoides, inflamación y respuesta inmunológica. Aparato digestivo. Sistema nervioso endocrino. Aparato respiratorio. Sangre. Quimioterapia antiinfecciosa y antitumoral. Miscelánea. Farmacología clínica. Variabilidad de la repsuesta farmacológica. Efectos no deseados de los medicamentos. Evaluación de los efectos de los medicamentos. Evaluación y mejora del uso de medicamentos. Nuevas perspectivas

Velázquez: farmacología básica y clínica

Prefacio, los directores. Prólogo a la primera edición (1930), Teófilo Hernando. Farmacología básica. Sistema nervioso periférico. Sistema nervioso central. Aparato cardiovascular. Autacoides, inflamación y respuesta inmunológica. Aparato digestivo. Sistema nervioso endocrino. Aparato respiratorio. Sangre. Quimioterapia antiinfecciosa y antitumoral. Miscelánea. Farmacología clínica. Variabilidad de la repsuesta farmacológica. Efectos no deseados de los medicamentos. Evaluación de los efectos de los medicamentos. Evaluación y mejora del uso de medicamentos. Nuevas perspectivas

Effects of Hypericum perforatum on ivabradine pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers: an open-label, pharmacokinetic interaction clinical trial.

The effects of the CYP3A4 inducer, Hypericum perforatum, on the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of ivabradine were assessed. An open-label, 2-period, nonrandomized, phase-I, pharmacokinetic interaction design was used. Twelve healthy volunteers received a single oral dose of ivabradine (10 mg) followed by H perforatum (300 mg orally, 3 times a day) for 14 days, combining the last dose with another single dose of ivabradine. Pharmacokinetic data for ivabradine (S16257) and its main active metabolite (S18982) prior to and after the administration of H perforatum were analyzed. After repeated administration of H perforatum, highest observed concentration in plasma (C(max)) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were significantly decreased for ivabradine (32.7 +/- 16.6 vs 15.4 +/- 7.0 ng/mL, P < .01; 114 +/- 39.1 vs 43.7 +/- 12.0 ng x h/mL, P < .01, respectively), and for S18982 (C(max), 6.8 +/- 3.7 vs 5.1 +/- 2.0 ng/mL, P < .05; AUC, 56.2 +/- 23.4 vs 38.3 +/- 25.1 ng x h/mL, P < .01). Tendencies toward shorter time to C(max) and lower apparent terminal half-life values were found. Pharmacokinetic results are consistent with an induction of ivabradine metabolism by H perforatum.

Lack of pharmacokinetic interaction between omeprazole or lansoprazole and ivabradine in healthy volunteers: an open-label, randomized, crossover, pharmacokinetic interaction clinical trial.

The effects of omeprazole and lansoprazole (CYP3A4 inhibitors) on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of ivabradine (metabolized via CYP3A4) and its active metabolite (S18982) were assessed. Pharmacodynamics and safety were secondary objectives. An open-label, randomized, crossover, phase I, pharmacokinetic interaction design was used. Volunteers received a single oral dose of ivabradine (10 mg), were randomized to receive either omeprazole (40 mg) or lansoprazole (60 mg) for 5 days, and were administered an ivabradine dose on the sixth day. Crossover was performed after washout. Pharmacokinetic parameters for ivabradine did not vary significantly after omeprazole (C(max): 45.0 +/- 36.6 vs 42.7 +/- 27.6 ng/mL, P = .98; AUC: 128 +/- 87 vs 126 +/- 63 ng/mL, P = .82) or lansoprazole administration (C(max): 45.0 +/- 36.6 vs 41.3 +/- 29.4 ng/mL, P = .70; AUC: 128 +/- 87 vs 123 +/- 50, P = .73). Analyses of S18982 pharmacokinetic parameters showed similar results. Coadministration of either omeprazole or lansoprazole did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of ivabradine. No pharmacodynamic interaction or safety concerns were evidenced.

Health economics assessment study of teicoplanin versus vancomycin in Gram-positive infections.

The objective of this study, conducted at Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain, was to compare the cost of treatment of Gram-positive infections with teicoplanin and vancomycin under normal conditions. Using a prospective observational study design for drug utilization and economic assessment, we evaluated the comparability of the sample, adverse events, features of treatment with teicoplanin/vancomycin and factors influencing the consumption of resources until the end of glycopeptide treatment or discharge (whichever occurred later) using Health System perspective. Costs were assigned using the hospital's evaluation at the time of the study. Analyses made: multivariate, sensitivity (by modifying staff or acquisition costs) and simulation of reduction of stay by early discharge in the teicoplanin group. Study participants included 201 patients who had been using teicoplanin (n=100) or vancomycin (n=101) for at least four days. Data collected daily outside morning work timetable. Costs of acquisition, administration and monitoring by course of treatment (mean+/-SD, in euros) were lower in the vancomycin group (teicoplanin euro647.62+/-euro572.75 vs. vancomycin euro378.11+/-euro225.90); when total costs (including hospital stay) were considered, no differences were found (teicoplanin euro4,432.04+/-euro3,383.46 vs. vancomycin euro4,364.44+/-euro2,734.24). Conditions of use and results were similar for both antibiotics. The economic results of acquisition, administration and monitoring were advantageous for vancomycin; when global costs of care were taken into account, these differences were not evident. Tolerability was significantly advantageous in the teicoplanin group (with regard to phlebitis and elevation of creatininemia), without differences in clinical or economic outcomes. The formulation of teicoplanin did not take advantage of its potential benefits of administration.

Health economics assessment study of teicoplanin versus vancomycin in Gram-positive infections

El objetivo de este estudio, realizado en el Hospital Clínico San Carlos de Madrid, en España, fue comparar el coste del tratamiento de las infecciones por grampositivos con teicoplanina y vancomicina en la práctica clínica habitual. Mediante un diseño prospectivo observacional orientado al análisis de la utilización del fármaco y la valoración económica, se evaluó el grado de comparabilidad de la muestra, los efectos adversos, las características del tratamiento con teicoplanina/vancomicina y los factores que influyeron sobre la utilización de los recursos sanitarios hasta el final del tratamiento con el glucopéptido o el alta hospitalaria (tomando como referencia siempre lo que ocurriese más tarde) desde la perspectiva de los Servicios de Salud. Los costes se calcularon según la evaluación hospitalaria durante el periodo del estudio. Se realizó un análisis multivariado, de sensibilidad (modificando los costes de adquisición o relativos al personal sanitario) y de simulación de la reducción de la estancia hospitalaria por la anticipación del alta en el grupo tratado con teicoplanina. En el estudio participaron 201 pacientes tratados con teicoplanina (n=100) o vancomicina (n=101) durante al menos cuatro días. Toda la información relativa a los pacientes del estudio se recogió diariamente. Los costes de adquisición y administración del fármaco y de control de los pacientes durante el tratamiento (media ± DE, en euros) fueron menores en el grupo tratado con vancomicina (647,62 ± 572,75 para la teicoplanina frente a 378,11 ± 225,90 para la vancomicina); cuando se consideraron los costes globales, incluyendo la estancia hospitalaria, no se hallaron diferencias entre ambos grupos (4432,04 ± 3383,46 para la teicoplanina y 4364,44 ± 2734,24 para la vancomicina). Las condiciones de uso y los resultados obtenidos fueron similares con ambos antibióticos. El coste económico de la adquisición y administración del fármaco y del control de los pacientes fue menor en el grupo tratado con vancomicina, pero cuando se consideraron los costes globales incluyendo la estancia hospitalaria, fueron similares en ambos grupos. La tolerabilidad fue significativamente mejor en el grupo tratado con teicoplanina (con relación a la aparición de flebitis y elevaciones de la creatininemia), sin que existiesen diferencias en la eficacia clínica ni el coste económico. La formulación de teicoplanina no mostró ningún posible beneficio en cuanto a la administración

The objective of this study, conducted at Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain, was to compare the cost of treatment of Gram-positive infections with teicoplanin and vancomycin under normal conditions. Using a prospective observational study design for drug utilization and economic assessment, we evaluated the comparability of the sample, adverse events, features of treatment with teicoplanin/vancomycin and factors influencing the consumption of resources until the end of glycopeptide treatment or discharge (whichever occurred later) using Health System perspective. Costs were assigned using the hospital’s evaluation at the time of the study. Analyses made: multivariate, sensitivity (by modifying staff or acquisition costs) and simulation of reduction of stay by early discharge in the teicoplanin group. Study participants included 201 patients who had been using teicoplanin (n = 100) or vancomycin (n = 101) for at least four days. Data collected daily outside morning work timetable. Costs of acquisition, administration and monitoring by course of treatment (mean ± SD, in euros) were lower in the vancomycin group (teicoplanin ;647.62 ± ;572.75 vs. vancomycin ;378.11 ± ;225.90); when total costs (including hospital stay) were considered, no differences were found (teicoplanin ;4,432.04 ± ;3,383.46 vs. vancomycin ;4,364.44 ± ;2,734.24). Conditions of use and results were similar for both antibiotics. The economic results of acquisition, administration and monitoring were advantageous for vancomycin; when global costs of care were taken into account, these differences were not evident. Tolerability was significantly advantageous in the teicoplanin group (with regard to phlebitis and elevation of creatininemia), without differences in clinical or economic outcomes. The formulation of teicoplanin did not take advantage of its potential benefits of administration

Fatal portal thrombosis after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis is a very uncommon complication of laparoscopic surgery, especially after anti-reflux procedures. We report the case of a twenty-year-old man with a history of alcohol and cocaine consumption. A Nissen fundoplication was performed. The patient received a single 20-mg dose of enoxaparin (Clexane, Aventis Pharma, Spain) two hours before surgery for antithrombotic prophylaxis. On the seventh postoperative day the patient had a portal and mesenteric venous thrombosis, which was confirmed at laparotomy, with both extensive small-intestine necrosis and partial colon necrosis. Despite anticoagulant therapy, the patient died 24 hours later. Surgical findings were confirmed at necropsy. Portal and mesenteric venous thrombosis is an uncommon but severe and even fatal complication after laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery. When other pro-thrombotic, predisposing conditions such as laparoscopic surgery and cocaine consumption are present, the usual prophylactic doses of low molecular weight heparin might not be sufficient to protect against this life-threatening complication.

Trombosis mesentérica y portal tras funduplicatura de Nissen laparoscópica / Fatal portal thrombosis after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

La trombosis venosa mesentérica y portal es una complicacióninfrecuente de la cirugía laparoscópica. Presentamos el caso de unvarón de 20 años, consumidor de cocaína inhalada, al que se realizauna funduplicatura de Nissen laparoscópica, administrándose20 mg de enoxaparina (Clexane®, Aventis Pharma, Spain) preoperatoriamente.El séptimo día postoperatorio, el paciente presentauna trombosis venosa mesentérica y portal, que se confirmaen la laparotomía, con necrosis de todo el intestino delgado y segmentariadel colon, falleciendo el paciente a las 24 horas, a pesarde la terapia anticoagulante y confirmándose el diagnóstico en lanecropsia.La trombosis mesentérica y portal es una complicación infrecuentre,pero grave y potencialmente mortal, de la cirugía laparoscópicadel reflujo gastroesofágico. Cuando se asocian variosfactores predisponentes con un potencial trombótico demostradoaislado, como la cirugía laparoscópica y el consumo de cocaína,no parece que las dosis habituales de profilaxis tromboembólicasean suficientes para evitar esta grave complicación

Portal and mesenteric vein thrombosis is a very uncommoncomplication of laparoscopic surgery, especially after anti-refluxprocedures. We report the case of a twenty-year-old man with ahistory of alcohol and cocaine consumption. A Nissen fundoplicationwas performed. The patient received a single 20-mg dose ofenoxaparin (Clexane®, Aventis Pharma, Spain) two hours beforesurgery for antithrombotic prophylaxis. On the seventh postoperativeday the patient had a portal and mesenteric venous thrombosis,which was confirmed at laparotomy, with both extensivesmall-intestine necrosis and partial colon necrosis. Despite anticoagulanttherapy, the patient died 24 hours later. Surgical findingswere confirmed at necropsy.Portal and mesenteric venous thrombosis is an uncommon butsevere and even fatal complication after laparoscopic anti-refluxsurgery. When other pro-thrombotic, predisposing conditionssuch as laparoscopic surgery and cocaine consumption are present,the usual prophylactic doses of low molecular weight heparinmight not be sufficient to protect against this life-threateningcomplication

Use of albumin in two Spanish university hospitals.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to characterize the use of seralbumin, evaluating how appropriate its prescription is and what possible economic repercussions may result from inappropriate use. METHODS: We performed a prospective study that included all patients receiving albumin in two University Hospitals from October 1995 to March 1996. The reasons for albumin use were considered appropriate if they coincided with the recommendations of a panel of experts. RESULTS: During the study period, 197 patients received albumin and a total of 3208 50-ml vials (20%) were used. The internal medicine and gastroenterology services prescribed this drug the most often. The most frequent prescription motives were paracentesis in cirrhotic patients (25.9%), hypoalbuminemia (24.9%) and chronic handling of cirrhotic patients (18.6%). Only 16 prescriptions (8.1%) (corresponding to 315 vials, 9.8%) were considered appropriate. One cause of inappropriate prescribing was that colloid solutions had not previously been used in 56 (30.9%) of the 186 inappropriate prescriptions. During the study period, 74,306 ECUs were spent on inappropriate indications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of albumin in our centers is incorrect and has important economic repercussions. Some educational and informative measures must be established to change this situation.

[Neuroimaging and efficacy of treatment in advanced African trypanosomiasis]. / Neuroimagen y eficacia del tratamiento en la tripanosomiasis africana avanzada.

INTRODUCTION: West African trypanosomiasis (WAT) is rare in Spain. Delay in its diagnosis and treatment leads to irreversible diffuse meningoencephalitis and finally death of the patients. CLINICAL CASE: We described a patient in whom the diagnosis of advance WAT had been delayed. He had headache, alteration of the level of consciousness and sleep pattern, psychiatric disorders, crises, extrapyramidal, sensitive and endocrinological clinical alterations. Biochemical investigation showed slight anemia with marked thrombocytopenia, and raised ESR and IgM. Initially serology was negative for trypanosomes, although examination of the CSF confirmed the diagnosis. MR showed extensive lesions of the basal nuclei, brainstem and white matter. Both the clinical abnormalities and the lesions shown on MR disappeared after treatment with intravenous difluoromethylornithine. The patient is now symptom-free and at work as usual. DISCUSSION: Find diagnosis of WAT requires isolation of the parasite from the blood, the bone marrow or CSF. When other complementary tests (such as serology) are negative, the diagnosis should not be ruled out. There are few neuroimaging studies of WAT, and only by CT. We have found no MR studies of patients with WAT, in the literature. We emphasize the close correlation between the clinical and radiological findings in this case, and the excellent result obtained after treatment.

[Carbon monoxide poisoning. Report of 13 cases]. / Intoxicación por monóxido de carbono. A propósito de trece casos.

From November 1990 to February 1991 was had, in the Emergency Unit of Clinical University Hospital San Carlos, Madrid, 13 documented cases of intoxication due to Carbon Monoxide (CO), in patients with unspecific cephalalgia and asthenia and a possible CO source (total 19 affected people living together, because some of them did not came to hospital to consult). We consider that CO intoxication shall be always be beared in mind when doing the diagnosis at the Emergency Unit, especially during winter months, and that appropriate resources should be available to perform promptyl the analytical confirmation.

[Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of soft tissue: description of 10 cases]. / Histiocitoma fibroso maligno de partes blandas: descripción de 10 casos.

We analyze the clinical and histological features of 10 cases of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of soft tissue. Nine belonged to the pleomorphic-verticillate variety and one was myxoid. The initial clinical feature was a palpable mass in all cases except three with retroperitoneal localization, where constitutional symptoms predominated. After therapy (surgery in all, associated with radiotherapy in four), seven patients had local relapse and two had distant metastases. 50% died, with a mean survival of 13 months. We discuss the prognostic factors and the therapeutic approach, with emphasis on aggressive therapy and the need for radical surgery and postoperative adjuvant therapy.

[Pericardial mesothelioma: apropos of a case]. / Mesotelioma pericárdico: a propósito de un caso.

We report a case of primary pericardial malignant mesothelioma in a 53-year old male with no asbestos previous exposure. The first clinical sign was a massive pericardial effusion causing hemodynamic disturbances. CT confirmed the initial ecochardiographic diagnosis. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis which improved his hemodynamic status as well as showed malignant cellularity in the liquid examination. Surgical treatment, including pericardiectomy and tumor resection, together with chemotherapy restored normal hemodynamics, the patient being now asymptomatic. We want to emphasize the rarity of this tumor and its insidious clinical presentation even leading to hemodynamic impairment, as well as the great value of echocardiography and CT in its diagnosis, although, in some cases, thoracotomy has been the only valid diagnostic procedure.