Expert views on screening for tuberculosis infection in patients commencing treatment with a biologic agent.

OBJECTIVE: Many biologic agents cause some degree of immunosuppression, which can increase the risk of reactivation of tuberculosis infection (TBI). This risk is variable between individual biologics. We aimed to assess current (and recommended) clinical practice of TBI screening and treatment among patients initiating treatment with biologic agents. METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed via email to members of the Global Tuberculosis Network and associated professional organisations to seek insights into the screening for and treatment of TBI in patients treated with biologics. RESULTS: A total of 163 respondents in 27 countries answered at least one question. For all biologics described in the questionnaire, respondents advised increasing screening relative to current practice. Observed and supported TBI screening rates in patients treated with TNF-a inhibitors were high, especially for older TNF-a inhibitors. Most participants supported TBI screening in patients treated with B- or T-cell inhibitors but not in those treated with interleukin inhibitors. Guideline awareness was higher for TNF-a inhibitors than for other biologic classes (79% vs. 34%). CONCLUSIONS: Although respondents stated that TBI screening rates are lower than what they consider ideal, there was a tendency to recommend TBI screening in patients treated with biologics not known to be associated with an increased risk of TBI. As a result, there is a potential risk of over-screening and over-treatment of TBI, potentially causing harm, in patients treated with biologics other than TNF-a inhibitors. There is a need to research the risk of TBI associated with biologics and for guidelines to address the spectrum of TBI risk across all types of biologics.

Descripción de polimorfismos genéticos en CYP3A5 y MDR-1 y su impacto en el rechazo agudo clínico de pacientes trasplantados de hígado del Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro / Description of genetic polymorphisms in CYP3A5 and MDR-1 and their impact on clinical acute rejection in liver transplant patients at Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro

Introducción. El tacrolimus es un medicamento inmunosupresor ampliamente usado en trasplante hepático, que presenta una gran variabilidad interindividual la cual se considera asociada a la frecuencia de polimorfismos de CYP3A5 y MDR-1. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la frecuencia de los polimorfismos rs776746, rs2032582 y rs1045642 y su asociación con rechazo clínico y toxicidad farmacológica. Métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes inmunosuprimidos con tacrolimus a quienes se les realizó trasplante hepático en el Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro entre 2020 y 2022, con supervivencia mayor a un mes. Se evaluaron las variables clínicas, rechazo agudo y toxicidad farmacológica. Se secuenciaron los genes de estudio mediante PCR, comparando la expresión o no en cada uno de los pacientes. Resultados. Se identificaron 17 pacientes. El 43 % de los pacientes se clasificaron como CYP3A5*1/*1 y CYP3A5*1/*3, entre los cuales se encontró asociación con aumento en la tasa de rechazo agudo clínico, al comparar con los pacientes no expresivos (100 % vs. 44 %, p=0,05); no hubo diferencias en cuanto a la toxicidad farmacológica u otros desenlaces. Se encontró el polimorfismo rs2032582 en un 50 % y el rs1045642 en un 23,5 % de los pacientes, sin embargo, no se identificó asociación con rechazo u otros eventos clínicos. Conclusiones. Se encontró una asociación entre el genotipo CYP3A5*1/*1 y CYP3A5*1/*3 y la tasa de rechazo clínico. Sin embargo, se requiere una muestra más amplia para validar estos datos y plantear modelos de medicina personalizada.

Introduction. Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug widely used in liver transplantation, which presents great interindividual variability which is considered associated with the frequency of CYP3A5 and MDR-1 polymorphisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the rs776746, rs2032582 and rs1045642 polymorphisms and their association with clinical rejection and drug toxicity. Methods. Immunosuppressed patients with tacrolimus who underwent a liver transplant at the Hospital San Vicente Fundación Rionegro between 2020 and 2022 were included, with survival of more than one month. Clinical variables, acute rejection and pharmacological toxicity were evaluated. The study genes were sequenced by PCR, comparing their expression or not in each of the patients. Results. Seventeen patients were identified. 43% of the patients were classified as CYP3A5*1/*1 and CYP3A5*1/*3, among which an association was found with increased rates of clinical acute rejection when compared with non-expressive patients (100% vs. 44%, p=0.05). There were no differences in drug toxicity or other outcomes. The rs2032582 polymorphism was found in 50% and rs1045642 in 23.5% of patients; however, no association with rejection or other clinical events was identified. Conclusions. An association was found between the CYP3A5*1/*1 and CYP3A5*1/*3 genotype and the clinical rejection rate. However, a larger sample is required to validate these data and propose models of personalized medicine.

Expert views on screening for tuberculosis infection in patients commencing treatment with a biologic agent

ABSTRACT Objective: Many biologic agents cause some degree of immunosuppression, which can increase the risk of reactivation of tuberculosis infection (TBI). This risk is variable between individual biologics. We aimed to assess current (and recommended) clinical practice of TBI screening and treatment among patients initiating treatment with biologic agents. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed via email to members of the Global Tuberculosis Network and associated professional organisations to seek insights into the screening for and treatment of TBI in patients treated with biologics. Results: A total of 163 respondents in 27 countries answered at least one question. For all biologics described in the questionnaire, respondents advised increasing screening relative to current practice. Observed and supported TBI screening rates in patients treated with TNF-a inhibitors were high, especially for older TNF-a inhibitors. Most participants supported TBI screening in patients treated with B- or T-cell inhibitors but not in those treated with interleukin inhibitors. Guideline awareness was higher for TNF-a inhibitors than for other biologic classes (79% vs. 34%). Conclusions: Although respondents stated that TBI screening rates are lower than what they consider ideal, there was a tendency to recommend TBI screening in patients treated with biologics not known to be associated with an increased risk of TBI. As a result, there is a potential risk of over-screening and over-treatment of TBI, potentially causing harm, in patients treated with biologics other than TNF-a inhibitors. There is a need to research the risk of TBI associated with biologics and for guidelines to address the spectrum of TBI risk across all types of biologics.

Avances en tuberculosis en el 54° congreso chileno de enfermedades respiratorias. 1ra parte: nuevos esquemas acortados para tuberculosis drogoresistente ¿son adecuados para todos? / New shortened schemes for drug-resistant tuberculosis: are they suitable for everyone?

En esta presentación se realiza un recorrido a través de los diferentes esquemas terapéuticos de la tuberculosis drogo-resistente. Se muestra como los investigadores utilizan los nuevos fármacos disponibles y desarrollan diferentes esquemas cada vez más acortados y de administración por vía oral exclusiva, con la intención de lograr una mayor eficacia de curación de la tuberculosis resistente, con menos efectos colaterales y menor letalidad. La búsqueda de esquemas con una duración similar a las terapias de casos sensibles de tuberculosis (esquemas primarios de 6 meses) es el objetivo principal. Las pruebas moleculares como el Xpert ayudan enormemente a seleccionar los esquemas de terapia, según el perfil de susceptibilidad de los casos (resistencia a isoniazida, rifampicina, fluorquinolonas y combinaciones). Las terapias actuales de la tuberculosis drogo-resistente se basan en nuevos fármacos como fluorquinolonas, bedaquilina y linezolid, pero otros fármacos como pretomanid y delamanid también están siendo recomendados.

This presentation takes a tour through the different therapeutic schemes of drug-resistant tuberculosis. It shows how researchers use the new drugs available and develop different increasingly shortened schedules and exclusive oral administration, with the intention of achieving greater efficacy in curing resistant tuberculosis, with fewer side effects and lower lethality. The search for regimens with a duration similar to therapies of sensitive cases of tuberculosis (primary regimens of 6 months) is the main objective. Molecular tests, such as Xpert, greatly help in selecting therapy regimens, according to the susceptibility profile of the cases (resistance to isoniazid, rifampicin, fluorquinolones and combinations). Current drug-resistant tuberculosis therapies are based on new drugs such as fluorquinolones, bedaquiline and linezolid, but other drugs such as pretomanid and delamanid are also being recommended.

Síndrome metabólico postrasplante hepático en pacientes del Centro Especializado San Vicente Fundación, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, 2013-2017 / Metabolic syndrome after liver transplant in patients at the Specialized Center San Vicente Fundación, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, 2013-2017

Se revisaron las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes con trasplante hepático atendidos en el Centro Especializado San Vicente Fundación entre enero de 2013 y junio de 2017, para determinar la frecuencia de síndrome metabólico (SM) postrasplante. En instrumento validado se registraron datos sociodemográficos, antecedentes patológicos, antecedentes toxicológicos, complicaciones y criterios ATP III. Se utilizó OpenEpi 3,01 para análisis estadístico; se consideró significancia estadística con p<0,05. De 102 historias clínicas revisadas, se analizaron 73 que cumplieron criterios de inclusión (sin diagnóstico de SM pretrasplante y con información completa para el instrumento). La mayoría de los pacientes eran hombres (59%), adultos mayores (64%) y casados (62%). La frecuencia de SM postrasplante fue 66%; hubo asociación significativa entre SM y antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y diabetes. Se confirma que el SM es una complicación frecuente de los trasplantados hepáticos y los antecedentes de hipertensión y diabetes son los factores asociados más frecuentes.

The medical records of all liver transplant patients attended at the Centro Especializado San Vicente Fundación between January 2013 and June 2017 were reviewed in order to determine the frequency of post-transplant metabolic syndrome (MS). We collected sociodemographic data, pathological history, toxicological history, complications, and ATP III criteria in a validated instrument. The statistical analysis was carried out with OpenEpi 3.01; p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Of the 102 reviewed medical records, 73 met the inclusion criteria (no MS diagnosis prior to transplant and complete information for the instru­ment) and were analyzed. Most patients were male (59%), older adults (64%) and married (62%). The frequency of MS after liver transplant was 66%. The association between MS and history of hypertension and diabetes was significant. We confirmed that MS is a frequent complication in liver transplant recipients and that history of hypertension and diabetes are the most frequent associated factors.

Metabolic syndrome after liver transplant in patients at the specialized Center San Vicente Fundación, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, 2013-2017. / Síndrome metabólico postrasplante hepático en pacientes del Centro Especializado San Vicente Fundación, Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, 2013-2017.

OBJECTIVES.: Motivation for the study: there is a lack of studies in Latin America on the frequency of metabolic syndrome in patients who receive liver transplants. Main findings: two-thirds (66%) of patients who received liver transplantation between 2013 and 2017 at the Specialized Center San Vicente Fundación de Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, subsequently presented metabolic syndrome. Implications: this study confirms that liver transplant recipients very frequently develop metabolic syndrome; however, the frequency found by this study (66%) was almost double that reported in other regions of the world, suggesting that patients from the Specialized Center San Vicente Fundación de Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, may present some additional condition. The medical records of all liver transplant patients attended at the Centro Especializado San Vicente Fundación between January 2013 and June 2017 were reviewed in order to determine the frequency of post-transplant metabolic syndrome (MS). We collected sociodemographic data, pathological history, toxicological history, complications, and ATP III criteria in a validated instrument. The statistical analysis was carried out with OpenEpi 3.01; p<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Of the 102 reviewed medical records, 73 met the inclusion criteria (no MS diagnosis prior to transplant and complete information for the instru-ment) and were analyzed. Most patients were male (59%), older adults (64%) and married (62%). The frequency of MS after liver transplant was 66%. The association between MS and history of hypertension and diabetes was significant. We confirmed that MS is a frequent complication in liver transplant recipients and that history of hypertension and diabetes are the most frequent associated factors.

OBJETIVOS.: Motivation for the study: there is a lack of studies in Latin America on the frequency of metabolic syndrome in patients who receive liver transplants. Main findings: two-thirds (66%) of patients who received liver transplantation between 2013 and 2017 at the Specialized Center San Vicente Fundación de Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, subsequently presented metabolic syndrome. Implications: this study confirms that liver transplant recipients very frequently develop metabolic syndrome; however, the frequency found by this study (66%) was almost double that reported in other regions of the world, suggesting that patients from the Specialized Center San Vicente Fundación de Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia, may present some additional condition. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes con trasplante hepático atendidos en el Centro Especializado San Vicente Fundación entre enero de 2013 y junio de 2017, para determinar la frecuencia de síndrome metabólico (SM) postrasplante. En instrumento validado se registraron datos sociodemográficos, antecedentes patológicos, antecedentes toxicológicos, complicaciones y criterios ATP III. Se utilizó OpenEpi 3,01 para análisis estadístico; se consideró significancia estadística con p<0,05. De 102 historias clínicas revisadas, se analizaron 73 que cumplieron criterios de inclusión (sin diagnóstico de SM pretrasplante y con información completa para el instrumento). La mayoría de los pacientes eran hombres (59%), adultos mayores (64%) y casados (62%). La frecuencia de SM postrasplante fue 66%; hubo asociación significativa entre SM y antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y diabetes. Se confirma que el SM es una complicación frecuente de los trasplantados hepáticos y los antecedentes de hipertensión y diabetes son los factores asociados más frecuentes.

Costs Associated With Early Vascular and Biliary Complications in Liver-Transplanted Patients in a Hospital in Antioquia, Colombia 2019: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: Vascular and biliary complications associated with liver transplants involve high morbidity and mortality as well as cost overrun for health systems. Efforts to prioritize their prevention require not only clinical information but also information on costs that reflect the economic burden on health systems. The objective of this study was to describe cost overrun incurred from early vascular and biliary complications after liver transplant. METHODS: This cases series included liver transplant patients treated at the San Vicente Foundation University Hospital, Rionegro, Antioquia, from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018. All liver transplant patients treated during the above period were included; the absence of clinical records on the variables of interest was considered the exclusion criterion. A probabilistic analysis of patient cost was performed. Monte Carlo simulations as well as a 1-way sensitivity analysis per transplant cost component were performed. RESULTS: Records from 154 patients were assessed. The average patient age was 56.9 (SD 10.9) years; 42.9% of patients were women. Of all, 36.4% patients were classified as Child C, and the average Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score was 19.6. The average cost for patients without complications was $27 834.82, whereas that for patients with early vascular complications was $36 747.83 and for those with early biliary complications was $38 523.74. CONCLUSION: Early vascular and biliary complications after liver transplant increase healthcare costs, with the increase being significant in patients with biliary complications.

Multiwall and bamboo-like carbon nanotubes from the Allende chondrite: A probable source of asymmetry.

This study presents multiwall and bamboo-like carbon nanotubes found in samples from the Allende carbonaceous chondrite using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). A highly disordered lattice observed in this material suggests the presence of chiral domains in it. Our results also show amorphous and poorly-graphitized carbon, nanodiamonds, and onion-like fullerenes. The presence of multiwall and bamboo-like carbon nanotubes have important implications for hypotheses that explain how a probable source of asymmetry in carbonaceous chondrites might have contributed to the enantiomeric excess in soluble organics under extraterrestrial scenarios. This is the first study proving the existence of carbon nanotubes in carbonaceous chondrites.

Infección por el virus de la Hepatitis B en el embarazo / Infection by the Hepatitis B virus in pregnacy

Resumen Introducción: la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B constituye un importante problema de salud pública a nivel mundial, pues genera una gran carga de morbilidad y mortalidad relacionada con cirrosis y hepatocarcinoma. En áreas de alta prevalencia la transmisión vertical constituye una fuente importante de infección. Objetivo: revisar la presentación de la infección por virus de la hepatitis B en el embarazo y ofrecer pautas para el manejo de esta entidad. Metodología de búsqueda: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos Pubmed, LILACS, SciELO y el motor de búsqueda Google Scholar, de artículos publicados hasta agosto de 2017, utilizando los términos hepatitis B virus AND infection AND pregnancy. Se restringió la búsqueda a artículos de los últimos quince años, en inglés y español, incluyendo artículos de revisión, estudios clínicos controlados y metaanálisis. Se obtuvieron en total 535 manuscritos para revisión, de los cuales 52 fueron referenciados. Desarrollo del tema: los hijos de madres seropositivas para el antígeno de superficie de la hepatitis B deberían recibir inmunoglobulina y vacunación contra la hepatitis B en las primeras doce horas de nacimiento, lográndose reducir la tasa de transmisión vertical desde más del 90% a menos del 10%. La terapia antiviral, al ser administrada en el tercer trimestre de gestación, puede prevenir la falla inmunoprofiláctica, y debería utilizarse en madres con alto riesgo de trasmisión vertical. Datos recientes apuntan acerca de la seguridad de Tenofovir en el embarazo, siendo actualmente el medicamento de elección. Conclusiones: el tamizaje universal en la gestante para la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B es una medida costoefectiva para reducir la transmisión vertical. Los niveles elevados de antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B y la carga viral materna, así como la presencia de antígeno e, se asocian a mayor riesgo de transmisión vertical. La combinación de inmunoglobulina y vacunación para hepatitis B, administradas dentro de las doce horas posteriores al nacimiento, se asocian a reducción de la tasa de transmisión vertical. El Tenofovir es la mejor opción terapéutica como terapia antiviral iniciado en las semanas 28-32 de gestación en aquellas gestantes con alto riesgo de transmisión de la infección. MÉD.UIS. 2018;31(2):49-56.

Abstract Introduction: infection by the hepatitis B virus represents an important worldwide public health problem, since it generates a large burden of morbidity and mortality related to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In areas of high prevalence, vertical transmission is a major source of infection. Objective: to review the presentation of the infection by the Hepatitis B virus during pregnancy and offer guidelines to treat this entity. Search methodology: a bibliographic search was made through Pubmed, LILACS and SciELO databases, and Google Scholar search engine, of articles published until august 2017, using the terms hepatitis B virus AND infection AND pregnancy. The search was restricted to articles of the last fifteen years, in english and spanish, including review articles, controlled clinical trials and meta-analysis. A total of 535 articles were obtained for review, from which 52 were referenced. Results: children from seropositive mothers for the surface antigen of hepatitis B should receive immunoglobulin and vaccination against hepatitis B in the first twelve hours after birth, reducing the vertical transmission rate from more than 90% to less than 10%. Antiviral therapy on the third gestational trimester can prevent immunoprophylactic failure, and should be used on mothers at high risk of vertical transmission. Recent data point towards tenofovir's safety during pregnancy, being the treatment of choice. Conclusions: universal screening on pregnant women for the hepatitis B virus infection is a cost-effective measure to reduce vertical transmission. High hepatitis B virus surface antigen levels and mother's viral load, as well as antigen e presence, are associated with increased risk of vertical transmission. The combination of hepatitis B immunoglobulin and vaccination, given before twelve hours after birth, are associated to a reduction of the vertical transmission rate. Tenofovir is the best treatment option as antiviral therapy initiated on gestational weeks 28-32 in pregnant women at high risk of infection transmission. MÉD.UIS. 2018;31(2):49-56.

Síndrome hepatopulmonar: revisión narrativa / Hepatopulmonary syndrome: a narrative revision

Resumen: el síndrome hepatopulmonar es una de las tres principales condiciones pulmonares en pacientes con enfermedad hepática o hipertensión portal. Esta alteración es causada por la circulación hiperdinámica, los cortocircuitos intrapulmonares y la vasodilatación pulmonar, lo que lleva a alteraciones que generan un compromiso en el intercambio gaseoso, el cual se manifiesta como hipoxemia y aumento del gradiente alveolo arterial. El diagnóstico del síndrome hepatopulmonar consiste en demostrar las alteraciones del intercambio gaseoso, por medio del análisis de los gases arteriales, y las dilataciones vasculares intrapulmonares, documentadas por ecocardiografía transtorácica contrastada con solución salina agitada, la cual es considerada el estándar de referencia. Por el impacto pronóstico del síndrome hepatopulmonar, se recomienda una tamización activa que permita un diagnóstico temprano, y referir a tiempo al paciente a un centro especializado para la valoración de trasplante hepático como único tratamiento disponible curativo. El objetivo de este artículo es proporcionar una revisión narrativa sobre el síndrome hepatopulmonar, con énfasis en la definición, diagnóstico, fisiopatogénesis y medidas terapéuticas disponibles. (AU)

Abstract: Hepatopulmonary syndrome is one of the three main pulmonary disorders affecting patients with liver disease or portal hypertension. This disease is caused by hyperdynamic circulation, intrapulmonary shunts, and pulmonary vasodilation, which leads to disturbances in gas exchange, evidenced by hypoxemia and increased alveolar-arterial gradient. Diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome requires arterial blood gas analysis and documentation of intrapulmonary vascular dilation by transthoracic echocardiogram with agitated saline contrast; the gold standard for hepatopulmonary syndrome diagnosis. Due to the prognostic value of hepatopulmonary syndrome, active screening is recommended in order to achieve early diagnosis and timely patient referral to a specialized center to be evaluated as a candidate for liver transplant, as it currently is the only available curative treatment. The aim of this article is to provide a narrative review of current literature on hepatopulmonary syndrome, focusing on its definition, diagnosis, physiopathogenesis, and available therapeutic approaches. (AU)

Hepatocarcinoma fibrolamelar un tumor de adultos jóvenes poco frecuente: Reporte de un caso / Case Report of Fibrolamellar Hepatocarcinoma, a Rare Tumor of Young Adults

El hepatocarcinoma fibrolamelar (CHC-FL) es una rara variante del carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC), se presenta con mayor frecuencia en adultos jóvenes, sin distinción de sexo, se desarrolla en su manera más característica sobre un hígado previamente sano. La manifestación clásica está dada por la triada de masa palpable en hipocondrio derecho, dolor y pérdida de peso. Ante la ausencia de historia de enfermedad hepática previa, es usual que se encuentre como una neoplasia avanzada de gran tamaño, la cual tiene hallazgos característicos en la tomografía o en la RM, que permiten en un alto porcentaje de casos hacer el diagnóstico solo con las imágenes. En este tipo de neoplasias, el mejor tratamiento es la resección quirúrgica, que proporciona una sobrevida a 5 años de 58-82%, pero con unas tasas de recaídas muy elevadas, que puede variar según las series entre 33-100% de los casos. Presentamos el caso de un paciente joven, sin historia de enfermedad hepática, en el que se diagnosticó un CHC-FL mediante el uso de resonancia magnética con medio de contraste órgano-específico y que es tratado con resección quirúrgica radical.

Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) is a rare variant of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) which occurs most often in young adults without regard to sex. It develops in its characteristic way on a previously healthy liver. The classical presentation is a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant, pain, and weight loss. In the absence of a prior history of liver disease, it is usual to find a large advanced neoplasia which has characteristic findings in a CT scan or MRI. A high percentage of cases can be diagnosed solely with images. The best treatment for this type of tumor is surgical resection which provides a 5-year survival rate of 58% to 82% but with very high rates of relapse. In published studies rates of relapse vary between 33% and 100%. We report the case of a young patient with no history of liver disease in which fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed using contrast organ-specific MRI. The tumor was treated with radical surgical resection.

Hidrotórax hepático: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura / Hepatic hydrothorax: case report and literature review

El hidrotórax hepático es una complicación poco común que se da en pacientes con cirrosis hepática. Sepresenta el caso de una paciente con cirrosis por esteatohepatitis no alcohólica y evidencia de hipertensiónportal, y quien se presenta al servicio de urgencias con tos y dolor torácico; se le encuentra un derramepleural tipo trasudado por criterios de Light, asociado a ascitis, sin hallarse una causa cardíaca, pleural opulmonar del derrame mencionado. Se inicia tratamiento diurético, pero este debe ser suspendido cuandola paciente desarrolla disfunción renal importante; se drena el líquido con toracostomía, pero la pérdida devolumen adicional deteriora aún más la función renal, por lo que se decide realizar un shunt transyugularportosistémico (TIPS). Se logra disminuir la presión portal y el nivel de líquido ascítico y el derrame pleuraldisminuyen progresivamente. En una revisión posterior de la paciente y de su seguimiento radiológico no seregistró reaparición de los síntomas ni del derrame pleural o de ascitis.

Hepatic hydrothorax is a rare complication that occurs in patients with liver cirrhosis. We report the caseof a patient with NASH cirrhosis and evidence of portal hypertension who was admitted to the emergencydepartment with coughing and chest pain. Transudative pleural effusions (according to Light’s criteria) werefound in association with ascites, but no cardiac cause, pleural effusion or pulmonary effusion could be found.Treatment with diuretics was begun, but was suspended because the patient developed signifi cant renal dysfunction.Fluid was drained with a thoracostomy but additional loss of fl uid led to further deterioration of renalfunction. It was decided to insert a transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to signifi cantly decrease portalpressure and to progressively decrease ascitic fl uid and pleural effusion. A subsequent review of the patientand radiological follow-up found no recurrence of symptoms, pleural effusion or ascites.

Enfermedad de still del adulto: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Adult still's disease: a case report and literature review

La enfermedad de Still del adulto es una enfermedad inflamatoria con compromiso sistémico de origen desconocido, de poca frecuencia en la población general y evolución variable,desde un curso relativamente benigno, hasta enfermedad severa con complicaciones que pueden ser mortales. Se presenta un caso de un paciente de 49 años quien ingresó por un cuadro febril prolongado de un mes de evolución, y dentro de los estudios para fiebre de origen desconocidose descartaron diferentes etiologías, cumpliendo criterios para el diagnóstico de enfermedad de Still del adulto. Posteriormente se hace una revisión de la literatura, evaluando la epidemiología, etiología, clínica, hallazgos de laboratorio, diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad de Still del adulto.

Adult Still’s disease is an inflammatory disease with systemic involvement of unknown origin, not frequent in the general population and with variable evolution, from a relatively benigncourse to a severe disease with potentially fatal complications. We present a case of 49-yearoldpatient who consulted due to a 1-month history of prolonged febrile illness, and among the diagnostic work-up for fever of unknown origin, different etiologies were ruled out while fulfillingthe criteria for diagnosis of adult Still’s disease. Furthermore, we review the literature on the epidemiology,etiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of adult Still’s disease.

Bacteriemia por Salmonella en pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico: revisión de la literatura y reporte de un caso / Salmonella bacteremia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: review of the literature and case report

El lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES) es una enfermedad de origen autoinmune de causa desconocida, con predominio en el género femenino, y dado el compromiso multisistémico tiene importantes tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. Presentamos un caso de una paciente de 32 años quien ingresa por cuadro de síntomas generales, con hepatopatía y nefritis lúpica, quien durante la hospitalización presenta bacteriemia de origen en tejidos blandos por Salmonella spp. Posteriormente hacemos una revisión de la literatura, evaluando la epidemiología, factores de riesgo, clínica, diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico de la bacteriemia por Salmonella spp. en el paciente con LES.

[Injuries from external causes in minors (less than 18 years of age) and adults at a hospital in Colombia]. / Lesiones de causa externa en menores y mayores de 18 años en un hospital colombiano.

OBJECTIVES: To define and compare the types of injuries from external causes in patients more than and less than 18 years of age treated by the Mario Correa Rengifo Hospital. METHODS: An analysis was conducted of data retrieved from the Sistema de Vigilancia de Lesiones de Causa Externa (Surveillance System for Injuries from External Causes) maintained by the Mario Correa Rengifo Hospital in Cali, Colombia, to compare minors (less than 18 years of age) with adults during January 2004-December 2007. RESULTS: A total of 4 507 minors were seen, most of whom (69.3%) were boys, with unintentional injuries (75.5%); however, 88% of the intentional injuries were person-to-person and 12% were self-inflicted. Injuries had occurred most frequently in the home (44.1%) and on the street (39.5%); the most frequent activity was recreation (53.3%). The minors had more head injuries (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62; P = 0.0000) and maxillofacial injuries (OR = 1.49; P = 0.0000) than did the adults. Alcohol had been consumed in 5.8% and drugs in 2.6%, both of which increased intentional injuries (alcohol OR = 4.25 and drugs OR = 1.56). CONCLUSIONS: The number of patients less than 18 years of age with injuries from external causes being treated at the Mario Correa Rengifo Hospital is constantly rising. The circumstances regarding injuries seen in children and adolescents differ from those of adults in that minors tend to suffer more unintentional injuries in the home or in the street where they play regularly. It is important that special educational and structural strategies be implemented to prevent injuries of this type.

Lesiones de causa externa en menores y mayores de 18 años en un hospital colombiano / Injuries from external causes in minors (less than 18 years of age) and adults at a hospital in Colombia

OBJETIVOS: Definir y comparar las características de las lesiones de causa externa entre los pacientes menores y mayores de 18 años que consultaron al Hospital Mario Correa Rengifo. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un análisis de la información recabada mediante el Sistema de Vigilancia de Lesiones de Causa Externa del hospital Mario Correa Rengifo de Cali, Colombia, comparando menores y mayores de edad, entre enero de 2004 y diciembre de 2007. RESULTADOS: Se atendieron 4 507 menores de 18 años, la mayoría varones (69,3 por ciento), con 75,5 por ciento de las lesiones no intencionales (aunque 88 por ciento de las lesiones intencionales fueron interpersonales y 12 por ciento autoinfligidas). Las lesiones se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en la residencia (44,1 por ciento) y la calle (39,5 por ciento); la actividad más frecuente fue la recreación (53,3 por ciento). Los menores de 18 años tuvieron más lesiones en el cráneo (razón de posibilidades [OR] = 1,62; P = 0,0000) y la región maxilofacial (OR = 1,49; P = 0,0000) que los mayores. En 5,8 por ciento hubo consumo de alcohol y en 2,6 por ciento de drogas, lo que incrementó la ocurrencia de lesiones intencionales (alcohol OR = 4,25 y drogas OR = 1,56). CONCLUSIONES: El número de pacientes menores de 18 años de edad con lesiones de causa externa que son atendidos en el hospital Mario Correa Rengifo aumenta cada vez más. El comportamiento de las lesiones en la niñez y adolescencia es diferente al de los mayores, pues tienen más lesiones no intencionales, que ocurren en el lugar de residencia o en las calles, donde habitualmente juegan. Es importante implementar diversas estrategias, educativas y estructurales para la prevención de este tipo de lesiones.

OBJECTIVES: To define and compare the types of injuries from external causes in patients more than and less than 18 years of age treated by the Mario Correa Rengifo Hospital. METHODS: An analysis was conducted of data retrieved from the Sistema de Vigilancia de Lesiones de Causa Externa (Surveillance System for Injuries from External Causes) maintained by the Mario Correa Rengifo Hospital in Cali, Colombia, to compare minors (less than 18 years of age) with adults during January 2004-December 2007. RESULTS: A total of 4 507 minors were seen, most of whom (69.3 percent) were boys, with unintentional injuries (75.5 percent); however, 88 percent of the intentional injuries were person-to-person and 12 percent were self-inflicted. Injuries had occurred most frequently in the home (44.1 percent) and on the street (39.5 percent); the most frequent activity was recreation (53.3 percent). The minors had more head injuries (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62; P = 0.0000) and maxillofacial injuries (OR = 1.49; P = 0.0000) than did the adults. Alcohol had been consumed in 5.8 percent and drugs in 2.6 percent, both of which increased intentional injuries (alcohol OR = 4.25 and drugs OR = 1.56). CONCLUSIONS: The number of patients less than 18 years of age with injuries from external causes being treated at the Mario Correa Rengifo Hospital is constantly rising. The circumstances regarding injuries seen in children and adolescents differ from those of adults in that minors tend to suffer more unintentional injuries in the home or in the street where they play regularly. It is important that special educational and structural strategies be implemented to prevent injuries of this type.

[Evaluation of endoscopic visualisation for identifying premalignant gastric lesions in a Columbian population using histopathology as a reference]. / Evaluación de la visualización por endoscopia en la identificación de lesiones gástricas premalignas en una población colombiana con prueba de referencia histopatológica.

AIM: To evaluate the performance of endoscopic visualization in the identification of premalignant gastric lesions, with histopathological examination of biopsy samples as a reference test, in Bucaramanga, Colombia. LOCATION: League for the Fight Against Cancer, Bucaramanga, Colombia. DESIGN: Diagnostic technology evaluation with cross-sectional sampling. MEASUREMENTS: We calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, likelihood ratio (+), likelihood ratio (-), kappa index and the prevalence rate kappa. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients were studied, with a mean age of 45.43 (14.15) years and an approximate male:female ratio of 2:1. The endoscopic visualization had a sensitivity of 87.84%, a specificity of 55.56%, a positive predictive value of 64.36%, a negative predictive value of 83.33%, a likelihood ratio+of 1.98, a likelihood ratio-de 0.22 and a kappa index of 0.4272, in the identification of preneoplastic lesions of the stomach in a population with a disease prevalence of 47.74%. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic visualization of the gastrointestinal mucosa, allows a moderate and fast identification of early preneoplastic lesions, providing an opportunity of its early histopathological diagnosis.

Derrame pleural: [revisión] / Pleural effusion: [review]

El derrame pleural se define como la acumulación anormal de líquido en el espacio pleural; no es una enfermedad, es el resultado del desequilibrio entre la formación y la reabsorción del líquido como manifestación de alguna condición que incluso puede amenazar la vida del paciente. Es una entidad a la cual el clínico se ve enfrentado con frecuencia, la mayoría de las veces es secundaria a enfermedad pleural o pulmonar, pero puede también ser causada por enfermedades extrapulmonares, sistémicas o neoplásicas (bien sea primarias o metastásicas)...

Mortalidad prematura en salas de recuperación del Hospital Universitario del Valle, ESE, "Evaristo García" / Premature mortality in recovery rooms of the Hospital Universitario del Valle, ESE, Evaristo Garcia"

Introducción. La mortalidad es un indicador confiable para medir la calidad de la atención prestada en una institución o en un servicio específico, especialmente cuando se identifican muertes prematuras o evitables. materiales y métodos. En este trabajo se evalúa la mortalidad en la Unidad de Cuidados Postanestésicos del Hospital Universitario del Valle (HUV) durante el periodo comprendido entre el 1º de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2006, teniendo como fuente de información la base de datos del servicio que, además de registrar las diferentes variables sociodemográficas, identifica la procedencia, el servicio que atendió al usuario y la causa final de muerte. Además, se adicionó la clasificación según la carga de la enfermedad (global burden disease - GBD) y se calcularon los años de vida potencialmente perdidos (AVPP). Resultados. Durante el año 2006 fallecieron 397 pacientes, 66% del sexo masculino, con una mediana edad de 39 años. La mortalidad por causas violentas acumula el 54% de los casos, seguida por las enfermedades digestivas (24%) y las neoplasias (6,3%). El 83% de los pacientes eran del servicio de cirugía general, 8% de ortopedia y 3% de neurocirugía. El total de AVPP fueron 12.340, de los cuales, el 75% fueron aportados por hombres, y las lesiones intencionales fueron responsables de 56% de los AVPP (6.876). Se encontraron diferencia significativas según el sexo (t=5,11, p<0,001), especialidad médica (f=3,28, p<0,0001) y la clasificación diagnóstica según la carga de la enfermedad (f=8,7, p<0,0001). Estos resultados muestran la carga de la enfermedad por lesiones de causa externa y la necesidad de aumentar la disponibilidad del servicio de cuidado intensivo en el Hospital Universitario del Valle.

Introdution. The mortality is a dependable indicator to measure the quality of the service provided in an institution or in a specific service, especially when it is identified premature or inevitable deaths. In this project the mortality of the UCPA of H.U.V. is evaluated, during the period between January 1st and December 31st of 2006. Having as information, the database of the service which also register the different socio- demographic variables identifies the precedence, the service which was provided to the user and the cause of death. Also, in addition to the classifcation and according to "Global Burden Disease" (GBD), the life years potentially lost (AVPP) were also calculated. Results. During the year of 2006, 397 patients died 66% of which were males, with a median age of 39 years. The mortality by violent causes accumulates the 54% of the cases followed by digestive diseases 24% and cancer 6.3%. From all of the patients, 83% were from the General Surgery service, 8% from orthopedic and 3% from neurosurgery. The total of AVPP was 12.340 of which 75% was contributed for men and the Intentional injuries were responsible for the 56% of the AVPP (6.876). A signifcant difference according to genre t:5.11 p<0.001, medical specialty F:3.28 p<0.0001 was found and the diagnosis classifcation according to GBD f:8.7 p<0.0001. These results show the load of the disease for external cause injuries and the necessity of increase the availability of the Intensive Care Unit of the HUV.