Fontan surgery failure: risk factors and experience in a Colombian reference centre.

BACKGROUND: The Fontan procedure is considered one of the most remarkable achievements in paediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery. Its final anatomical objective is a venous return through the superior and inferior vena cava. The complications inherent to this procedure and subsequent failure are its limitations. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and haemodynamic characteristics of patients with Fontan failure and define the risk factors associated with it, with its short- and long-term outcomes during a 21-year observation period. METHODS: This is a retrospective follow-up study in which 15 patients diagnosed with Fontan failure in the single-ventricle programme of a high-complexity hospital in Medellín, Colombia, between 2001 and 2022 were included. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were identified in whom the Fontan procedure was performed, and 17 met the failure criteria. 82.4% were men, with a median age of 4.3 years. Ebstein's anomaly was the most common diagnosis, 29.4%. All patients underwent Fontan with an extracardiac tube following the procedure. According to the type of failure, 58.8% of patients presented protein-losing enteropathy and 17.6% plastic bronchitis. During follow-up, 5.9% of patients died. CONCLUSION: Fontan surgery in our centre is an option for patients with univentricular physiology. The correct selection of the patient is essential to mitigate failure risks.

Factores asociados al desarrollo de secuelas por trauma craneoencefálico en menores de 15 años: un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva en un hospital de Medellín, Colombia. 2010-2014

Introducción: el trauma craneoencefálico es una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad infantil en Colombia, sus secuelas impactan gravemente la calidad de vida de los pacientes y la evidencia científica actual de los factores asociados al trauma es escasa. Objetivo: analizar los factores asociados al desarrollo de secuelas por trauma craneoencefálico en menores de 15 años que consultaron a un hospital de Medellín entre 2010 y 2014. Materiales y métodos: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. Se incluyeron 812 pacientes en un periodo de 5 años, de los cuales 294 no cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas y se estimó la incidencia de secuelas con el método estadístico de Wilson. El riesgo relativo se calculó mediante regresión log-binomial. Resultados: en total se analizaron 518 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 5 años, el 64,3 % eran hombres, el 75,4 % de los participantes tenía un trauma leve y el 5 % un trauma grave. Las caídas fueron la principal causa (64,2 %), seguidas de los accidentes de tránsito (25,3 %). La incidencia de secuelas fue del 7.3 % (IC: 5,4 % - 9,9 %). Conclusiones: la carga de enfermedad en el paciente posterior a TCE representa un problema de salud pública. La probabilidad de desarrollar una secuela en este estudio fue del 7,3 %, la cual se relaciona con los siguientes factores que se identifican en el servicio de urgencias: lesión difusa, una escala de Glasgow al ingreso moderada o grave y sufrir un accidente de tránsito.

Background: traumatic brain injury is one of the main causes of infant morbidity and mortality. The sequelae after trauma seriously impact the quality of life of patients and the scientific evidence of associated factors is scarce. Objective: to analyze the factors associated with the development of sequelae due to head trauma in children under 15 years old who went to the emergency room of a hospital in Medellín between 2010 and 2014. Materials and methods: retrospective cohort study. 812 patients were included in a period of 5 years, of which 294 did not meet the inclusion criteria. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were evaluated and the incidence of sequelae was estimated with 95 % confidence intervals using the Wilson statistical method. The relative risk was calculated using log-binomial regression. Results: a total of 518 patients were analyzed. The median age was 5 years, 64,23 % were male children, 75,4 % had mild trauma, and 5 % suffered severe trauma. Falls were the main cause (64,2 %), followed by traffic accidents (25,3 %). The incidence of sequelae was 7,3 % (CI: 5,4% - 9,9 %). Conclusions: the burden of disease in the patient after TCE represents a public health problem. The probability of developing a sequel in this study was 7,3 %, which is related to the following factors that identify in the emergency department: diffuse injury, a moderate or severe Glasgow scale on admission, and suffering a traffic accident.

Síndrome de Moebius y ortotropía en posición primaria: ¿es infrecuente esta asociación? (Colombia) / Moebius syndrome and orthotropia in primary position: is this association uncommon? (Colombia) / Síndrome de Moebius e ortotropia em posição primária: é uma associação incomum? (Colômbia)

El síndrome de Moebius es una enfermedad congénita poco común que se caracteriza por el compromiso unilateral o bilateral del VI y VII par craneal, lo que compromete los músculos que controlan la oculomotricidad, produciendo una parálisis en la abducción del globo ocular y los músculos involucrados en la expresión facial. Su presentación clínica y grados de severidad son variables, puede presentar compromiso simétrico o asimétrico. Adicionalmente, gran parte de los casos se relacionan con trastornos del lenguaje, anomalías musculoesqueléticas y orofaciales. En el presente artículo se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 3 años producto de un embarazo trigemelar con diagnóstico clínico de síndrome de Moebius al nacer, confirmado por neuroimagen en la que se evidencia la ausencia bilateral del nervio facial en ángulos pontocerebelosos, adicionalmente con un defecto completo en los movimientos oculares de abducción y aducción lo que impide el estrabismo convergente común en estos pacientes.

Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital disease characterized by unilateral or bilateral involvement of the VI and VII cranial nerves, which compromises the muscles that control ocular motricity with paralysis in the abduction of the eyeball and the muscles involved in the facial expression. Its clinical presentation and degrees of severity are variable, and it can be symmetric or asymmetric. Additionally, most of the cases are related to language disorders, musculoskeletal and orofacial anomalies. This paper presents the case of a 3-year-old female patient, product of a trigemellar pregnancy with a clinical diagnosis of Moebius syndrome at birth, confirmed by neuroimaging, which shows the bilateral absence of the facial nerve in point-lateral angles. Additionally she has a complete defect in abduction and adduction eye movements, which prevents the common convergent strabismus in these patients.

A síndrome de Moebius é uma doença congênita rara caracterizada pelo envolvimento unilateral ou bilateral dos nervos cranianos VI e VII, que compromete os músculos que controlam a oculomotricidade com paralisia na abdução do globo ocular e dos músculos envolvidos na expressão facial. Sua apresentação clínica e graus de gravidade são variáveis, podendo ser um comprometimento simétrico ou assimétrico. Além disso, a maioria dos casos está relacionada a distúrbios de linguagem, anomalias musculoesqueléticas e orofaciais. Este paper apresenta o caso de uma paciente de 3 anos de idade, fruto de uma gravidez trigêmea com diagnóstico clínico de Síndrome de Moebius ao nascimento, confirmado por neuroimagem em que é evidente a ausência bilateral do nervo facial nos ângulos ponto-cerebelares. Além disso, ela tem um defeito completo nos movimentos oculares de abdução e adução, o que impede o estrabismo convergente comum nesses pacientes.

Actualización en lesión renal aguda inducida por contraste en pediatría

Contexto: la lesión renal aguda inducida por contraste se ha convertido en un tema de gran interés en la comunidad médica a nivel mundial, siendo la tercera causa de lesión renal aguda adquirida en el hospital. Objetivo: el presente artículo presenta una revisión de la literatura con el fin de actualizar los conceptos de esta patología en el personal de la salud que está en contacto con la población pediátrica y que es sometida a procedimientos con medios de contraste. Metodología: en esta revisión narrativa de la literatura, presentamos la definición, los factores de riesgo, el enfoque clínico y las medidas preventivas de la nefropatía inducida por contraste en pediatría. Resultados: se define que hay un deterioro en la función renal aguda después de la administración del medio de contraste en donde se excluyen otras posibles etiologías y se establece una verdadera relación causal con la sustancia. Los factores de riesgo son múltiples, sin embargo, factores estrictamente relacionados en los niños no han sido establecidos en su totalidad. El abordaje de los pacientes que van a ser sometidos a estudios con medios de contraste inicia desde una historia clínica, un examen físico y unas medidas de laboratorio que permiten evaluar el estado basal de cada paciente para instaurar medidas preventivas. Por su parte, las estrategias de prevención de esta condición son múltiples, sin embargo, no existen guías basadas en la evidencia acerca de esta condición en el paciente pediátrico. Conclusiones: el artículo presenta una revisión de la literatura sobre lesión renal aguda para actualizar los conceptos de esta patología en el personal de la salud que está en contacto con la población pediátrica que se somete a procedimientos con medios de contraste.

Context: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury has become a topic of great interest in the medical community worldwide, being the third cause of hospital-acquired acute kidney injury. Purpose: This article presents a review of the literature in order to update the concepts of this pathology in health personnel who are in contact with the pediatric population that undergoes procedures with contrast media. Methodology: In this narrative review of the literature, we present the definition, risk factors, clinical approach, and preventive measures of contrast-induced nephropathy in pediatrics. Results: It is defined as a deterioration in acute renal function after the administration of the contrast medium where other possible etiologies are excluded and a true causal relationship with the substance is established. The risk factors are multiple; nevertheless; Strictly related factors in children have not been fully established. The approach to patients who are going to undergo studies with contrast media begins with a clinical history, physical examination, and laboratory measurements that allow the baseline status of each patient to be evaluated in order to establish preventive measures. The prevention strategies of this condition are multiple; however, there are no evidence-based guidelines on this condition in pediatric patients. Conclusions: This article presents a review of the literature in order to update the concepts of acute kidney injury in health personnel who are in contact with the pediatric population that undergoes procedures with contrast media.

Bronquiolitis obliterante y SARS-CoV-2: el inicio de una asociación

La infección por SARS-CoV-2 en la población pediátrica gene-ralmente se manifiesta con síntomas leves; sin embargo, en pacientes con co-morbilidades puede haber compromiso pulmonar grave. Se presenta el caso de un lactante de tres meses de edad con una infección por SARS-CoV-2, con sintomatología respiratoria persistente por 8 semanas después de la infección inicial, con RPC persistentemente positiva, requiriendo varias hospitalizaciones, oxígeno suplementario y ventilación mecánica invasiva. Se encontraron hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos compatibles con una bronquiolitis obliterante asociada a la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Hubo una adecuada respuesta clínica, después del inicio de tratamiento de primera línea para bronquiolitis obliterante, y una evolución favorable durante el seguimiento hasta la fecha, evidenciando la importancia de tener en cuenta esta asociación en la práctica clínica.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pediatric population usually manifests with mild symptoms; however, in patients with comorbidities, there may be a severe pulmonary compromise. We present the case of a 3-month-old patient with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, with persistent respiratory symptoms up to 8 weeks after the initial infection, with a persistently positive PCR test, requiring several hospitalizations, supplemental oxygen, and even invasive mechanical ventilation. Clinical and radiological manifestations were found consistent with bronchiolitis obliterans associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. An adequate clinical response was documented after starting first-line treatment for bronchiolitis obliterans with satisfactory evolution during follow-up to date, evidencing the importance of considering this association in clinical practice.

Histoplasmosis pulmonar cavitada en un paciente pediátrico: reporte de caso / Acute cavitated pulmonary histoplasmosis in a pediatric patient: a case report

La histoplasmosis es una micosis producida por el Histoplasma capsulatum. Esta condición es endémica en Estados Unidos, Suramérica, América central y África. Suele presentarse en todas las edades, pero en niños; en especial en aquellos inmunodeprimidos, se han descrito presentaciones graves o atípicas. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 16 años con antecedentes de trasplante renal, que inicia con síntomas respiratorios inespecíficos, tos y alzas térmicas intermitentes. La radiografía de tórax mostró una imagen de condensación cavitada en el lóbulo superior izquierdo, por lo que se realiza una fibrobroncoscopia, lavado broncoalveolar y cultivos para patógenos habituales, micobacterias y hongos, lográndose aislar al Histoplasma capsulatum. EL objetivo de este trabajo es el de resaltar la consideración de histoplasmosis como diagnóstico diferencial de lesiones cavitadas en parénquima pulmonar en pacientes inmunodeprimidos con la presentación de un caso clínico.

Histoplasmosis is a mycosis caused by Histoplasma capsulatum. This condition is endemic in the United States, South America, Central America, and Africa. It usually occurs in all ages, but in children, especially those immunosuppressed, serious or atypical presentations have been described. We present the case of a 16-year-old patient with a history of kidney transplantation that began with nonspecific respiratory symptoms, cough, and intermittent fever peaks. Imaging findings suggestive of cavitation were found, which by means of a fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage study isolated Histoplasma capsulatum by means of a deep mycosis culture. The main interest of the case presented is the consideration of histoplasmosis in the presence of cavitated lesions in the lung parenchyma in immunosuppressed patients.

Exercise addiction in Mexico: Psychometric properties of the Exercise Addiction Inventory and risk analysis / Adicción al ejercicio en México: propiedades psicométricas del Exercise Addiction Inventory y análisis de riesgo

Abstract Introduction: The consequences of exercise addiction have a physical, psychological and social impact on the sports men and women, similar to others addictions, which can cause serious health problems. In Mexico its incidence and relevance are unknown, and there is no instrument for its evaluation. This study aims to analyse the psychometric properties of the Exercise Addiction Inventory in a Mexican context and examine its relevance to different groups of people who practice sport. Method: Participants consisted of 487 people who practice physical exercise or competitive sport, aged between 18 and 52, with a mean age of 22.04. The EAI was used, and reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and factorial invariance analysis were conducted. Differences between groups of participants were also tested. Results: The results demonstrated the unifactorial structure of instrument, with satisfactory goodness of fit indices, and its factorial invariance was confirmed. The reliability obtained was adequate. In addition, significant differences were found between men and women in relation to degree of addiction, there was a higher risk for athletes compared to regular exercise goers, and 26.5% of participants obtained scores that place them at a high risk of exercise addiction. Conclusions: It is concluded that EAI is an adequate and reliable instrument, with appropriate psychometric properties. In the studied population there is an excessively high rate of participants who present a high risk of addiction, and men and athletes are the most susceptible groups to develop an exercise addiction.

Resumen Introducción: Las consecuencias de la adicción al ejercicio físico impactan de manera física, psicológica y social en el practicante, de forma similar a otras adicciones, pudiendo ocasionar serios problemas para su salud. En México se desconoce su incidencia y relevancia, y no se dispone de instrumentos para su evaluación. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Exercise Addiction Inventory en el contexto mexicano, y examinar su relevancia en diferentes grupos de practicantes. Método: Participaron 487 practicantes de ejercicio físico o deporte competitivo, de edades entre 18 y 52 años, y una media de edad de 22.04 años. Se empleó el EAI, y se realizaron análisis de fiabilidad, análisis factorial confirmatorio y de invarianza factorial. También se comprobaron las diferencias entre grupos de participantes. Resultados: Los resultados demostraron la estructura unifactorial del instrumento, con índices de bondad y ajuste satisfactorios, y se confirma su invarianza factorial. La fiabilidad obtenida fue adecuada. Además, se encontraron diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres con relación al grado de adicción, mayor riesgo de los deportistas frente a practicantes habituales de ejercicio, y un 26.5% de participantes que obtienen puntuaciones que los sitúan en alto riesgo de adicción al ejercicio. Conclusiones: Se concluye que el EAI se muestra como un instrumento adecuado y fiable, con apropiadas propiedades psicométricas. En la población estudiada hay una tasa excesivamente alta de participantes que presentan un elevado riesgo de adicción, siendo los hombres y los deportistas los grupos con mayor susceptibilidad a padecerla.

Leptospirosis en pediatría, un diagnóstico a tener en cuenta / Leptospirosis in pediatrics, a diagnosis to be considered

Resumen La leptospirosis humana es una importante causa de enfermedad febril aguda que afecta con mayor frecuencia las zonas tropicales. Su principal reservorio es los roedores por lo que la infección está vinculada con factores de pobreza, déficit sanitario, actividades recreativas y laborales que favorecen el contacto con la orina de animales infectados, agua o suelos contaminados. Las infecciones por Leptospira spp tienen una presentación inespecífica desde cuadros asintomáticos hasta un compromiso multisistémico con alta mortalidad, siendo la sospecha clínica y la presencia de factores de riesgo las variables iniciales para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Entre los métodos disponibles para el diagnóstico microbiológico se destaca la observación directa, el cultivo, la reacción de polimerasa en cadena y la serología que permiten la confirmación de éste. El tratamiento de leptospirosis en niños se basa en medidas de soporte y en el inicio de antimicrobianos β-lactámicos o macrólidos. Las medidas de prevención de la enfermedad son fundamentales en la población expuesta al riesgo siendo recursos esenciales intervenciones generales, quimioprofilaxis y vacunación. El conocimiento, la consideración diagnóstica y el tratamiento oportuno en el paciente pediátrico, acelera la recuperación y limita la aparición de complicaciones que pueden impactar en la calidad de vida.

Abstract Human leptospirosis is an important cause of acute febrile disease that most frequently affects tropical areas. Its main reserve is rodents, so the infection is limited by factors of poverty, health deficit, recreational and work activities that favor contact with the urine of infected animals, contaminated water or soil. Leptospira spp infections have a non-specific presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to multisystem compromise with high mortality; being the clinical suspicion and the presence of risk factors the initial variables for the diagnosis of the disease. Among the available methods for microbiological diagnosis, direct observation, culture, polymerase chain reaction and serology that allows confirmation of this are highlighted. The treatment of leptospirosis in children is based on clinical support measures and the antibiotic initiation of β-lactams or macrolides. Disease prevention measures are fundamental in the population exposed to risk being essential resources general interventions, chemoprophylaxis and vaccination. The knowledge, diagnostic consideration, and timely treatment in pediatric patients accelerate recovery and limit the appearance of complications that can impact the quality of life

Biocatalytic Potential of Native Basidiomycetes from Colombia for Flavour/Aroma Production.

Aromas and flavours can be produced from fungi by either de novo synthesis or biotransformation processes. Herein, the biocatalytic potential of seven basidiomycete species from Colombia fungal strains isolated as endophytes or basidioma was evaluated. Ganoderma webenarium, Ganoderma chocoense, and Ganoderma stipitatum were the most potent strains capable of decolourizing ß,ß-carotene as evidence of their potential as biocatalysts for de novo aroma synthesis. Since a species' biocatalytic potential cannot solely be determined via qualitative screening using ß,ß-carotene biotransformation processes, we focused on using α-pinene biotransformation with mycelium as a measure of catalytic potential. Here, two strains of Trametes elegans-namely, the endophytic (ET-06) and basidioma (EBB-046) strains-were screened. Herein, T. elegans is reported for the first time as a novel biocatalyst for the oxidation of α-pinene, with a product yield of 2.9 mg of cis-Verbenol per gram of dry weight mycelia used. The EBB-046 strain generated flavour compounds via the biotransformation of a Cape gooseberry medium and de novo synthesis in submerged cultures. Three aroma-producing compounds were identified via GC-MS-namely, methyl-3-methoxy-4H-pyran-4-one, hexahydro-3-(methylpropyl)-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, and hexahydro-3-(methylphenyl)-pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione.

[Leptospirosis in pediatrics, a diagnosis to be considered]. / Leptospirosis en pediatría, un diagnóstico a tener en cuenta.

Human leptospirosis is an important cause of acute febrile disease that most frequently affects tropical areas. Its main reserve is rodents, so the infection is limited by factors of poverty, health deficit, recreational and work activities that favor contact with the urine of infected animals, contaminated water or soil. Leptospira spp infections have a non-specific presentation, ranging from asymptomatic to multisystem compromise with high mortality; being the clinical suspicion and the presence of risk factors the initial variables for the diagnosis of the disease. Among the available methods for microbiological diagnosis, direct observation, culture, polymerase chain reaction and serology that allows confirmation of this are highlighted. The treatment of leptospirosis in children is based on clinical support measures and the antibiotic initiation of ß-lactams or macrolides. Disease prevention measures are fundamental in the population exposed to risk being essential resources general interventions, chemoprophylaxis and vaccination. The knowledge, diagnostic consideration, and timely treatment in pediatric patients accelerate recovery and limit the appearance of complications that can impact the quality of life.

Patient-Specific Multi-Scale Model Analysis of Hemodynamics Following the Hybrid Norwood Procedure for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Effects of Reverse Blalock-Taussig Shunt Diameter.

INTRODUCTION: The hybrid Norwood (HN) is a relatively new first stage palliative procedure for neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, in which a sustainable uni-ventricular circulation is established in a less invasive manner than with the standard Norwood procedure. A computational multiscale model of the circulation following the HN procedure was used to obtain detailed hemodynamics. Implementation of a reverse-BT shunt (RBTS), a synthetic bypass from the main pulmonary to the innominate artery placed to counteract aortic arch stenosis, and its effects on local and global hemodynamics were studied. METHODS: A post-op patient-derived anatomy of the HN procedure was utilized with varying degrees of distal arch obstruction, or stenosis, (nominal and 90% lumenal area reduction) and varying RBTS diameters (3.0, 3.5, 4.0 mm). A closed lumped parameter model (LPM) for the proximal and peripheral circulations was coupled to a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model in order to obtain converged flow fields for analysis. RESULTS: CFD analyses of patient-derived anatomic configurations demonstrated consistent trends of vascular bed perfusion, vorticity, oscillatory shear index and wall shear stress levels. In the models with severe stenosis, implementation of the RBTS resulted in a restoration of arterial perfusion to near-nominal levels regardless of the shunt diameter. Shunt flow velocity, vorticity, and overall wall shear stress levels decreased with increasing shunt diameter, while shunt flow and systemic oxygen delivery increased with increased shunt diameter. In the absence of distal arch stenosis, large (4.0 mm) grafts may risk thrombosis due to low velocities and flow patterns. CONCLUSION: Among the three graft sizes, the best option seems to be the 3.5 mm RBTS which provides a more organized flow similar to that of the 3.0 mm configuration with lower levels of wall shear stress. As such, in the setting of this study and for comparable HN physiologies our results suggest that: (1) the 4.0 mm shunt is a generous shunt diameter choice that may be problematic particularly when implemented prophylactically in the absence of stenosis, and (2) the 3.5 mm shunt may be a more suitable alternative since it exhibits more favorable hemodynamics at lower levels of wall shear stress.

Tuberculosis y embarazo, más allá de una infección / Tuberculosis and pregnancy, infection beyond

La tuberculosis (TB) es una enfermedad infecciosa crónica, transmitida por un microorganismo denominado M. tuberculosis. Esta enfermedad afecta principalmente los pulmones, pero potencialmente puede comprometer cualquier órgano del ser humano.La TB representa un problema de salud pública que afecta a las gestantes a nivel mundial. El más reciente reporte de la OMS “Global Tuberculosis Report” estima que cada año adquieren la infección 9,6 millones de personas, de las cuales 3.2 millones son mujeres en su mayoría en edad reproductiva y de estas mujeres afectadas fallecen 480.000 anualmente por TB.Las gestantes que adquieren ésta infección, manifiestan una serie de síntomas similares a las mujeres que no están en embarazo, pero el diagnóstico se convierte en un reto, debido a una serie de síntomas como anorexia, fatiga, letargia entre otros que son compartidos por la TB y el embarazo. Aunque el embarazo por sí mismo no es un factor predisponente para adquirir la infección por TB, la coexistencia de ambas condiciones lleva a un aumento en las complicaciones obstétricas como abortos espontáneos, mortalidad perinatal, preeclampsia, bajo peso al nacer entre otros, por ende el tratamiento rápido y efectivo es vital para preservar la salud de la madre y el feto.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease, chronic, transmitted by a microorganism called M. tuberculosis. The disease primarily affects the lungs, but can potentially compromise any organ of the human.TB is a public health problem that affects pregnant women worldwide. The most recent report of the WHO “Global Tuberculosis Report” estimates that each year 9,6 million people become infected, of this 3.2 millions are mostly women in a reproductive age and 480,000 of these women die each year from TB. Pregnant women who acquire this infection, show a series of similar symptoms than in women who are not pregnant; but the diagnosis becomes a challenge due to a numberof symptoms such as anorexia, fatigue, lethargy among another symtoms shared bythe TB infection and pregnancy Although pregnancy by itself is not a predisposing factor for acquiring TB infection, the coexistence of both conditions leads to an increase in obstetric complications suchas spontaneous abortions, perinatal mortality, preeclampsia, low birth weight amongothers, hence the rapid and effective treatment is vital to preserve the health of themother and fetus.

Computational analysis of pediatric ventricular assist device implantation to decrease cerebral particulate embolization.

Stroke is the most devastating complication after ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation with a 19% incidence and 65% mortality in the pediatric population. Current pediatric VAD technology and anticoagulation strategies alone are suboptimal. VAD implantation assisted by computational methods (CFD) may contribute reducing the risk of cerebral embolization. Representative three-dimensional aortic arch models of an infant and a child were generated. An 8 mm VAD outflow-graft (VAD-OG) anastomosed to the aorta was rendered and CFD was applied to study blood flow patterns. Particle tracks, originating in the VAD, were computed with a Lagrangian phase model and the percentage of particles entering the cerebral vessels was calculated. Eight implantation configurations (infant = 5 and child = 3) and 5 particle sizes (0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm) were considered. For the infant model, percentage of particles entering the cerebral vessels ranged from 15% for a VAD-OG anastomosed at 90° to the aorta, to 31% for 30° VAD-OG anastomosis (overall percentages: X(2) = 10,852, p < 0.0001). For the child model, cerebral embolization ranged from 9% for the 30° VAD-OG anastomosis to 15% for the 60° anastomosis (overall percentages: χ(2) = 10,323, p < 0.0001). Using detailed CFD calculations, we demonstrate that the risk of stroke depends significantly on the VAD implantation geometry. In turn, the risk probably depends on patient-specific anatomy. CFD can be used to optimize VAD implantation geometry to minimize stroke risk.

Síndrome de Sjõgren, más que un ojo seco / Sjõgren syndrome, more than a dry eye

El síndrome de Sjõgren primario (SSp) es una exocrinopatía autoinmune de gran importancia en la actualidad, ya que afecta entre 0.2 al 3 % de la población general. Al SSp se le ha atribuido una estrecha relación con la susceptibilidad genética de cada individuo, debido a la presencia de alelos del HLA DR y HLA DQ y a la influencia ambiental que conllevan al desarrollo de dicha enfermedad.El SSp se caracteriza por pérdida de la tolerancia central, la cual origina una epitelitispor la infiltración de células linfomonocitarias, proceso que tiene como consecuencia atrofia acinar de las glándulas exocrinas. Las manifestaciones clínicas fundamentalmente se dividen en dos grupos: manifestaciones glandulares como xerostomía,xeroftalmia e hipertrofia parotídea y manifestaciones extraglandulares como artralgias,neuropatía, fatiga, entre otras.El SSp es un reto para el clínico, ya que requiere un alto índice de sospecha debido a la amplia gama de manifestaciones, pero apoyándose en una adecuada implementación e interpretación de ayudas diagnósticas y siguiendo los criterios de clasificación se puede realizar un diagnóstico oportuno. El tratamiento depende de la sintomatología y del compromiso que genere. Este se basa en tres pilares fundamentales: medidas generales para evitar la sequedad, estimulantes de secreción y la medicación cuando existe compromiso sistémico.En los últimos años se ha despertado el interés acerca del uso de anticuerpos monoclonales en el tratamiento del SSp, los cuales han llevado a resultados prometedores como el uso de anti CD20...

Characterising atypical Candida albicans clinical isolates from six third-level hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Candida species are the most frequently found fungal pathogens causing nosocomial disease in a hospital setting. Such species must be correctly identified to ensure that appropriate control measures are taken and that suitable treatment is given for each species. Candida albicans is causing most fungal disease burden worldwide; the challenge lies in differentiating it from emerging atypical, minor and related species such as Candida dubliniensis and Candida africana. The purpose of this study was to compare identification based on MALDI-TOF MS to standard identification systems using a set of nosocomial isolates. METHODS: Eleven nosocomial samples were collected from 6 third-level hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. All the samples were identified by combining MALDI-TOF MS with morphological characters, carbohydrate assimilation and molecular markers (D1/D2 and HWP1). RESULTS: The present work describes the first collection of atypical Colombian Candida clinical isolates; these were identified as Candida albicans/Candida africana by their MALDI-TOF MS profile. Phenotypical characteristics showed that they were unable to produce chlamydospores, assimilate trehalose, glucosamine, N- acetyl-glucosamine and barely grew at 42 °C, as would be expected for Candida africana. The molecular identification of the D1/D2 region of large subunit ribosomal RNA and HWP1 hyphal cell wall protein 1 sequences from these isolates was consistent with those for Candida albicans. The mass spectra obtained by MALDI-TOF MS were analysed by multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) and cluster analysis, differences being revealed between Candida albicans, Candida africana, Candida dubliniensis reference spectra and two clinical isolate groups which clustered according to the clinical setting, one of them being clearly related to C. albicans. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of using MALDI-TOF MS in combination with morphology, substrate assimilation and molecular markers for characterising Candida albicans-related and atypical C. albicans species, thereby overcoming conventional identification methods. This is the first report of hospital-obtained isolates of this type in Colombia; the approach followed might be useful for gathering knowledge regarding local epidemiology which could, in turn, have an impact on clinical management. The findings highlight the complexity of distinguishing between typical and atypical Candida albicans isolates in hospitals.

Mathematical modeling of patient-specific ventricular assist device implantation to reduce particulate embolization rate to cerebral vessels.

Stroke is the most devastating complication after ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation, with an incidence of 14%-47% despite improvements in device design and anticoagulation. This complication continues to limit the widespread implementation of VAD therapy. Patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis may elucidate ways to reduce this risk. A patient-specific three-dimensional model of the aortic arch was generated from computed tomography. A 12 mm VAD outflow-graft (VAD-OG) "anastomosed" to the aorta was rendered. CFD was applied to study blood flow patterns. Particle tracks, originating from the VAD, were computed with a Lagrangian phase model and percentage of particles entering the cerebral vessels was calculated. Twelve implantation configurations of the VAD-OG and three particle sizes (2, 4, and 5 mm) were considered. Percentage of particles entering the cerebral vessels ranged from 6% for the descending aorta VAD-OG anastomosis, to 14% for the ascending aorta at 90 deg VAD-OG anastomosis. Values were significantly different among all configurations (X(2) = 3925, p < 0.0001). Shallower and more cephalad anastomoses prevented formation of zones of recirculation in the ascending aorta. In this computational model and within the range of anatomic parameters considered, the percentage of particles entering the cerebral vessels from a VAD-OG is reduced by nearly 60% by optimizing outflow-graft configuration. Ascending aorta recirculation zones, which may be thrombogenic, can also be eliminated. CFD methods coupled with patient-specific anatomy may aid in identifying the optimal location and angle for VAD-OG anastomosis to minimize stroke risk.

Computational fluid dynamics analysis of surgical adjustment of left ventricular assist device implantation to minimise stroke risk.

BACKGROUND: Currently, mechanical support is the most promising alternative to cardiac transplantation. Ventricular assist devices (VADs) were originally used to provide mechanical circulatory support in patients awaiting planned heart transplantation ('bridge-to-transplantation' therapy). The success of short-term bridge devices led to clinical trials evaluating the clinical suitability of long-term support ('destination' therapy) with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The first larger scale, randomised trial that tested long-term support with an LVAD reported a 44% reduction in the risk of stroke or death in patients with an LVAD. In spite of the success of LVADs as bridge-to-transplantation and long-term support, patients managed by these devices are still at risk of several adverse events. The most devastating complication is caused by embolisation of thrombi formed within the LVAD or inside the heart into the brain. Prevention of thrombi formation is attempted through anticoagulation management and by improving LVADs design; however, there is still significant occurrence of thromboembolic events in patients. Investigators have reported that the incidence of thromboembolic cerebral events ranges from 14% to 47% over a period of 6-12 months. METHODS AND APPROACH: An alternative method to reduce the incidence of cerebral embolisation is proposed by the co-authors, and the hypothesis is that it is possible to minimise the number of thrombi flowing into the carotid and vertebral arteries by an optimal placement of the LVAD outflow conduit, with or without the addition of aortic bypass connecting the ascending aorta and the innominate artery (IA), or left carotid artery. This paper presents the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the aortic arch haemodynamics using a representative geometry of the human aortic arch with or without an alternative aortic bypass. In order to study the trajectory of the thrombi within the aortic arch bed, the CFD code, Fluent 6.3, is utilised to resolve the flow field and to solve the Lagrangian particle tracking of thrombi released randomly at the inlet of the LVAD cannula. RESULTS: Results are presented for simulations of thrombi in the range of 2-5 mm. The percentage of individual diameter as well as aggregate diameter thrombi flowing to the carotid and vertebral arteries as a function of LVAD conduit placement and aortic bypass implantation is reported. The influence of the LVAD conduit implantation and bypass reveals a nearly 50% variation in predicted cerebral embolism rates. CONCLUSIONS: The adjustment of the location of the anastomosis of the LVAD outflow cannula as well as its angle of incidence plays a significant role in the level of thromboembolisms. By proper adjustment in this CFD study of a synthetic model of an aortic arch bed, we found that nearly a 50% reduction in cerebral embolism could be achieved for a configuration consisting of a shallow angle of implantation over a baseline normal incidence of the LVAD cannula. Within the limitations of our model, we have established that the LVAD implantation geometry is an important factor and should be taken into consideration when implanting an LVAD. It is possible that other parameters such as distance of the LVAD outflow cannula to the root of the IA could affect the thrombi embolisation probabilities. However, the results of this study suggest that the risk of stroke may be significantly reduced by as much as 50% by tailoring the VAD implantation by a simple surgical manoeuvre. The results of this line of research may ultimately lead to techniques that can be used to estimate the optimal LVAD configuration in a patient-specific manner by pre-operative imaging.

Computational analysis of hybrid Norwood circulation with distal aortic arch obstruction and reverse Blalock-Taussig shunt.

BACKGROUND: The hemodynamics characteristics of the hybrid Norwood (HN) procedure differ from those of the conventional Norwood and are not fully understood. We present a multiscale model of HN circulation to understand local hemodynamics and effects of aortic arch stenosis and a reverse Blalock-Taussig shunt (RBTS) on coronary and carotid perfusion. METHODS: Four 3-dimensional models of four HN anatomic variants were developed, with and without 90% distal preductal arch stenosis and with and without a 4-mm RBTS. A lumped parameter model of the circulation was coupled to a local 3-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model. Outputs from the lumped parameter model provided waveform boundary conditions for the computational fluid dynamics model. RESULTS: A 90% distal arch stenosis reduced pressure and net flow-rate through the coronary and carotid arteries by 30%. Addition of the RBTS completely restored pressure and flow rate to baseline in these vessels. Zones of flow stagnation, flow reversal, and recirculation in the presence of stenosis were rendered more orderly by addition of the RBTS. In the absence of stenosis, presence of the shunt resulted in extensive zones of disturbed flow within the RBTS and arch. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a 4-mm × 21-mm RBTS completely compensated for the effects of a 90% discrete stenosis of the distal aortic arch in the HN. Placed preventatively, the RBTS and arch displayed zones with thrombogenic potential showing recirculation and stagnation that persist for a substantial fraction of the cardiac cycle, indicating that anticoagulation should be considered with a prophylactic RBTS.