Overall survival and cause-specific mortality in a hospital-based cohort of retinoblastoma patients in São Paulo, Brazil.

Studies are lacking on long-term effects among retinoblastoma patients in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, we examined cause-specific mortality in a retrospective cohort of retinoblastoma patients treated at Antonio Candido de Camargo Cancer Center (ACCCC), São Paulo, Brazil from 1986 to 2003 and followed up through December 31, 2018. Vital status and cause of death were ascertained from medical records and multiple national databases. We estimated overall and cause-specific survival using the Kaplan-Meier survival method, and estimated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and absolute excess risk (AER) of death. This cohort study included 465 retinoblastoma patients (42% hereditary, 58% nonhereditary), with most (77%) patients diagnosed at advanced stages (IV or V). Over an 11-year average follow-up, 80 deaths occurred: 70% due to retinoblastoma, 22% due to subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) and 5% to non-cancer causes. The overall 5-year survival rate was 88% consistent across hereditary and nonhereditary patients (p = .67). Hereditary retinoblastoma patients faced an 86-fold higher risk of SMN-related death compared to the general population (N = 16, SMR = 86.1, 95% CI 52.7-140.5), corresponding to 42.4 excess deaths per 10,000 person-years. This risk remained consistent for those treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy (N = 10, SMR = 90.3, 95% CI 48.6-167.8) and chemotherapy alone (N = 6, SMR = 80.0, 95% CI 35.9-177.9). Nonhereditary patients had only two SMN-related deaths (SMR = 7.2, 95% CI 1.8-28.7). There was no excess risk of non-cancer-related deaths in either retinoblastoma form. Findings from this cohort with a high proportion of advanced-stage patients and extensive chemotherapy use may help guide policy and healthcare planning, emphasizing the need to enhance early diagnosis and treatment access in less developed countries.

Caracterización de pacientes con enfermedades asociadas a inmunosupresión con infecciones por Cryptosporidium spp. atendidos en un hospital pediátrico referencial de Argentina, 2018-2023 / Description of the characteristics of patients with diseases associated with immunosuppression and Cryptosporidium spp. infection seen at a referral children's hospital in Argentina, 2018­2023

Cryptosporidium spp. es un protozoario productor de diarrea. Los pacientes inmunocomprometidos pueden desarrollar formas clínicas graves y persistentes. Se describen las características de pacientes con enfermedad de base asociada a inmunosupresión (EAI) con infección por Cryptosporidium spp. (IC) atendidos en un hospital pediátrico referencial de Argentina entre los años 2018 y 2023. Se analizaron datos demográficos, EAI, características de la diarrea y coinfecciones. Se incluyeron 30 pacientes con EAI e IC. La mayoría registró trasplante de órgano sólido, neoplasia hematológica e inmunodeficiencia primaria. Dieciocho presentaron diarrea persistente al momento del diagnóstico. Seis pacientes registraron coinfecciones. Se debe considerar la criptosporidiosis en el diagnóstico diferencial de enfermedad diarreica aguda o persistente en niños con distintos tipos de EAI, como el trasplante de órgano sólido, neoplasias hematológicas e inmunodeficiencias primarias.

Cryptosporidium spp. is a diarrhea-causing protozoan. Immunocompromised patients may develop severe and persistent clinical forms. Here we describe the characteristics of patients with an underlying disease associated with immunosuppression (DAI) and Cryptosporidium spp. infection seen at a referral children's hospital in Argentina between 2018 and 2023. Demographic data, DAI, diarrhea characteristics, and co-infections were analyzed. A total of 30 patients with DAI and cryptosporidiosis were included. Most of them had undergone a solid organ transplant, had a hematologic neoplasm, or primary immunodeficiency. Persistent diarrhea was observed in 18 patients at the time of diagnosis. Co-infections were recorded in 6 patients. Cryptosporidiosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute or persistent diarrhea in children with different types of DAI, such as solid organ transplant, hematologic neoplasms, and primary immunodeficiencies.

Fenómeno de Raynaud en el pezón durante la lactancia: serie de casos / Fenómeno de Raynaud en el pezón durante la lactancia: serie de casos

El fenómeno de Raynaud consiste en la contracción excesiva de los vasos sanguíneos en respuesta a diversos estímulos y, si bien suele comprometer las extremidades, existen otras localizaciones menos frecuentemente afectadas. Este trabajo se enfoca en describir las características de una serie de mujeres con fenómeno de Raynaud en el pezón. Mediante revisión de historias clínicas y comunicación directa con las pacientes, se recopilaron y analizaron los datos de 12 mujeres con Raynaud del pezón entre 2016 y 2023. Se evaluaron variables como edad, síntomas, desencadenantes, tratamientos y duración de los síntomas. En esta serie de casos, el fenómeno de Raynaud del pezón en mujeres lactantes se manifestó con mayor frecuencia en primigestas alrededor del décimo día posparto; el dolor fue intenso, en la mayoría mejoró con tratamientos locales y/o farmacológicos, y no limitó la duración de la lactancia materna.

Raynaud's phenomenon consists of excessive contraction of the blood vessels in response to various stimuli; although it usually affects the extremities, other locations are less frequently involved. This study focused on describing the characteristics of a series of women with Raynaud's phenomenon of the nipple. Through medical record review and direct communication with patients, data from 12 women diagnosed with Raynaud's phenomenon of the nipple between 2016 and 2023 were collected and analyzed. The following variables were assessed: age, symptoms, triggering factors, treatment, and duration of symptoms. In this case series, Raynaud's phenomenon of the nipple in breastfeeding women was more common among primiparous women around 10 days after delivery; pain was severe and, in most cases, improved with local and/or drug treatment, and did not limit the duration of breastfeeding.

Prevalencia de urticaria crónica: un estudio en población pediátrica de un hospital general / Prevalence of chronic urticaria: A study in the pediatric population of a general hospital

Introducción. La urticaria crónica es una afección inflamatoria de la piel caracterizada por presencia de habones evanescentes y/o angioedema, que ocurren durante un período ≥ 6 semanas. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de esta enfermedad y describir características clínicas en niños y adolescentes menores de 19 años de un hospital general. Población y métodos. Estudio corte transversal, realizado entre el 2015 y el 2020, en una población de niños y adolescentes de un sistema de salud privado. Resultados. Se revisaron 1567 historias clínicas de pacientes con urticaria atendidos durante el período de estudio. Se identificaron 36 pacientes con urticaria crónica; se estableció una prevalencia del 0,16 % (IC95% 0,11-0,22). Conclusión. La prevalencia de urticaria crónica en niños y adolescentes fue del 0,16 %. Se observó mayor frecuencia en el sexo femenino y adolescentes.

Introduction. Chronic urticaria is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by the presence of evanescent wheals or angioedema that last for ≥ 6 weeks. Objective. To determine the prevalence of urticaria and describe its clinical characteristics in children and adolescents under 19 years of age in a general hospital. Population and methods. This was a cross-sectional study carried out between 2015 and 2020 in a population of children and adolescents seen at a private healthcare facility. Results. A total of 1567 medical records of patients with urticaria seen during the study period were reviewed. Thirty-six patients with chronic urticaria were identified; the prevalence was 0.16% (95% CI: 0.11­0.22). Conclusion. The prevalence of chronic urticaria in children and adolescents was 0.16%. A higher frequency was observed among girls and adolescents.

Hipotermia terapéutica: estudio descriptivo de una cohorte de 10 años en un hospital público de alta complejidad / Therapeutic hypothermia: A descriptive, cohort study conducted over 10 years at a tertiary care public hospital

Introducción. La hipotermia terapéutica (HT) reduce el riesgo de muerte o discapacidad en niños con encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica (EHI) moderada-grave. Objetivo. Describir una población de pacientes con EHI que requirió HT y su evolución hasta el alta hospitalaria. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de cohorte retrospectivo. Se analizaron todos los pacientes que ingresaron a HT entre 2013 y 2022. Se evaluaron datos epidemiológicos, clínicos, de monitoreo, tratamiento, estudios complementarios y condición al alta. Se compararon los factores de riesgo entre pacientes fallecidos y sobrevivientes, y de estos, los que requirieron necesidades especiales al alta (NEAS). Resultados. Se incluyeron 247 pacientes. Mortalidad: 11 %. Evento centinela más frecuente: período expulsivo prolongado (39 %). Inicio del tratamiento: mediana 5 horas de vida. Convulsiones: 57 %. Eritropoyetina intravenosa: 66,7 %. Patrón anormal de monitoreo de función cerebral: 52 %. Normalización del monitoreo: mediana 24 horas. Resonancia magnética patológica: 42 %. Variables predictoras de mortalidad: Sarnat y Sarnat grave, y ecografía patológica al ingreso. Conclusión. La mortalidad global fue del 11 %. Las derivaciones aumentaron en forma más evidente a partir del año 2018. El horario de inicio de HT fue más tardío que en reportes anteriores. Los signos neurológicos de gravedad según la escala de Sarnat y Sarnat y la ecografía cerebral basal patológica fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad al alta. Los pacientes con NEAS presentaron normalización del trazado del electroencefalograma de amplitud integrada más tardío. El hallazgo más frecuente en la resonancia fue la afectación de los ganglios basales. No se encontraron diferencias clínicas ni de complicaciones estadísticamente significativas entre los pacientes que recibieron eritropoyetina.

Introduction. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) reduces the risk of death or disability in children with moderate to severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Objective. To describe a population of patients with HIE that required TH and their course until discharge. Population and methods. Retrospective, descriptive, cohort study. All patients admitted to TH between 2013 and 2022 were studied. Epidemiological, clinical, monitoring, and treatment data were assessed, together with supplementary tests and condition at discharge. Risk factors were compared between deceased patients and survivors; and, among the latter, those requiring special healthcare needs (SHCN) at discharge. Results. A total of 247 patients were included. Mortality: 11%. Most common sentinel event: prolonged second stage of labor (39%). Treatment initiation: median of 5 hours of life. Seizures: 57%. Intravenous erythropoietin: 66.7%. Abnormal pattern in brain function monitoring: 52%. Normalization of monitoring: median of 24 hours. Pathological magnetic resonance imaging: 42%. Predictor variables of mortality: severe Sarnat and Sarnat staging and pathological ultrasound upon admission. Conclusion. The overall mortality rate was 11%. Referrals increased more markedly since 2018. The time of TH initiation was later than in previous reports. Severe neurological signs as per the Sarnat and Sarnat staging and a pathological baseline cranial ultrasound were independent predictors of mortality at discharge. Patients with SHCN at discharge showed a normalized tracing in the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography performed later. The most common finding in the magnetic resonance imaging was basal ganglia involvement. No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of clinical characteristics or complications among patients who received erythropoietin.

Invasive candidiasis in a pediatric tertiary hospital: Epidemiology, antifungal susceptibility, and mortality rates.

Invasive infections caused by non-albicans Candida are increasing worldwide. However, there is still a lack of information on invasive candidiasis (IC) in the pediatric setting, including susceptibility profiles and clonal studies. We investigated the clinical, epidemiologic, and laboratory characteristics of IC, possible changes in antifungal susceptibility profiles over time, and the occurrence of clonality in our tertiary children's hospital. We analyzed 123 non-duplicate Candida isolates from sterile sites of pediatric patients in a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil, between 2016 and 2021. Data on demographics, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes were collected. Candida species distribution, antifungal susceptibility profiles, biofilm production, and molecular epidemiology of isolates were assessed using reference methods. The range of IC incidence was 0.88-1.55 cases/1000 hospitalized patients/year, and the IC-related mortality rate was 20.3%. Of the total IC cases, 42.3% were in patients aged < 13 months. Mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were common in this group. In addition, ICU admission was identified as a risk factor for IC-related mortality. The main site of Candida spp. isolation was blood, and non-albicans Candida species were predominant (70.8%). No significant clonal spread was observed among isolates of the three most commonly isolated species, and 99.1% of all isolates were biofilm producers. Non-albicans Candida species were predominant in this study. Notably, clonal expansion and emergence of antifungal drug resistance were not observed in our pediatric setting.

The epidemiology of invasive candidiasis has changed over time and there is still a lack of information in the pediatric setting. Non-albicans Candida species predominated in this study, clonal expansion and emergence of antifungal drug resistance were not observed in our pediatric setting.

Bibliometric Analysis of Botulinum Toxin and Bruxism: Impact, Visualization, and Collaborative Networks.

AIM: To analyze the scientific production related to the use of botulinum toxin (BTX-A) in the management of bruxism and evaluate its scope, impact, networks, and new research trends. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive and retrospective study of publications indexed in Scopus from January 2018 to May 2024 was conducted. The bibliometric indicators evaluated were a number of publications, citations, h-index, SCImago Journal Rank 2022, CiteScore 2022, Lotka's Law, Bradford's Law, and keyword co-occurrence analysis. Data were processed using SciVal and VOSviewer. RESULTS: We obtained 98 publications, including original articles, reviews, and other types of documents. Among the most productive authors, most were from South Korea and Turkey. Wonkwang University (South Korea) had the highest number of publications, while Baylor College of Medicine (USA) had the highest impact with 66.5 citations per publication. Toxins had the highest number of publications and the best Cite Score in 2022. Six main topics related to BTX-A in bruxism were identified, highlighting "reviews," "electromyography" and "controlled clinical trials". CONCLUSIONS: The use of BTX-A for the treatment of bruxism has generated increasing interest and scientific output in recent years, especially in South Korea and Brazil. However, there is a disparity in the productivity of authors, with most authors presenting only one publication. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study highlights the need for further research and collaborations to optimize clinical practice and better understand the efficacy and management of BTX-A for treating bruxism. How to cite this article: Villanueva-García M, Ruck-Sanchez N, Tinedo-López PL, et al. Bibliometric Analysis of Botulinum Toxin and Bruxism: Impact, Visualization, and Collaborative Networks. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):599-604.

How did coronavirus disease 2019 affect autonomic balance in young individuals? Analysis by heart rate variability.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 on the cardiovascular autonomic system using heart rate variability in young individuals. METHODS: The study was designed retrospectively by scanning the 24-h Holter electrocardiography records of patients who applied to the Ankara Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Oncology Education and Research Hospital Cardiology outpatient clinic. The study group consisted of 492 patients under the age of 40 years, who did not have additional comorbidities or medication use and had prolonged symptoms after coronavirus disease 2019 during the pandemic. The control group, including 401 patients, was determined during the pre-pandemic period (before December 2019). Heart rate variability parameters were evaluated by scanning the 24-h Holter electrocardiography records of the patients and compared with the non-coronavirus disease 2019 group. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 30 years. Standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN) ≤100 ms was more prevalent in the study group (27 (6.7%) vs 73 (14.8%), p<0.001). In univariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 [(OR 2.41, 95%CI 1.52-3.83), p<0.001] and age [(OR 1.04, 95%CI 1.01-1.07), p=0.016] had a significant effect on the probability of SDNN≤100. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of coronavirus disease 2019 [(OR 2.42, 95%CI 1.52-3.85), p<0.001] and age [(OR 2.42, 95%CI 1.52-3.85), p=0.016] had a significant effect on the probability of SDNN≤100. Frequency domain measures such as, high-frequency values were significantly higher in the study group (p=0.029). The study group's low-frequency/high frequency ratio was significantly lower (p=0.019). The low-frequency/high-frequency ratio's cut-off value was ≤2.77. for determining the differentiation between coronavirus disease 2019 positive and negative cases in the receiver operating characteristic analysis. The sensitivity rate was 80.7%. The area under the curve value is 0.546 (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: This study showed that coronavirus disease 2019 causes reduced heart rate variability and increased parasympathetic activity in young patients. This may explain the prolonged symptoms after coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

The role of first-trimester systemic immune-inflammation index for the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, and platelet-lymphocyte ratios calculated in the first trimester as inflammatory markers in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus diagnosis. METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively at a tertiary center between January 2020 and June 2023. A total of 111 pregnant women with gestational diabetes and 378 pregnant women in the control group were included in the study. Systemic immune-inflammation index, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, and platelet-lymphocyte ratios values were compared between the gestational diabetes mellitus group patients and the healthy group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis curve was used for predicting gestational diabetes mellitus using systemic immune-inflammation index and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio. RESULTS: In pregnant women in the first trimester, systemic immune-inflammation index and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio values based on routine complete blood count parameters were found to be statistically significantly higher in gestational diabetes mellitus patients compared to healthy patients, while neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratios values were found to be similar (p=0.033, p=0.005, p=0.211, and p=0.989). For predicting gestational diabetes mellitus, a cut-off value of 655.75 for systemic immune-inflammation index resulted in 80.2% sensitivity and 34.4% specificity, and a cut-off value of 3.62 for lymphocyte-monocyte ratio resulted in 56.8% sensitivity and 63.2% specificity, indicating good discriminatory ability. CONCLUSION: We believe that systemic immune-inflammation index and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio values measured in the first-trimester complete blood count parameters are effective in predicting gestational diabetes mellitus but are not effective in determining insulin requirement.

Human leukocyte antigen compatibility and incidence of donor-specific antibodies in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Antibody-mediated rejection following liver transplantation (LT) has been increasingly recognized, particularly with respect to the emergence of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) and their impact on graft longevity. While substantial evidence for adult populations exists, research focusing on pediatric LT outcomes remains limited. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches and DSA and evaluate their association with rejection episodes after pediatric LT. METHODS: A cohort of pediatric LT recipients underwent HLA testing at Santa Casa de Porto Alegre, Brazil, between December 2013 and December 2023. Only patients who survived for > 30 days after LT with at least one DSA analysis were included. DSA classes I and II and cross-matches were analyzed. The presence of de novo DSA (dnDSA) was evaluated at least 3 months after LT using the Luminex® single antigen bead method, with a positive reaction threshold set at 1000 MFI. Rejection episodes were confirmed by liver biopsy. RESULTS: Overall, 67 transplanted children were analyzed; 61 received grafts from living donors, 85% of whom were related to recipients. Pre-transplant DSA (class I or II) was detected in 28.3% of patients, and dnDSA was detected in 48.4%. The median time to DSA detection after LT was 19.7 [interquartile range (IQR): 4.3-35.6] months. Biopsy-proven rejection occurred in 13 patients at follow-up, with C4d positivity observed in 5/13 Liver biopsies. The median time to rejection was 7.8 (IQR: 5.7-12.8) months. The presence of dnDSA was significantly associated with rejection (36% vs 3%, P < 0.001). The rejection-free survival rates at 12 and 24 months were 76% vs 100% and 58% vs 95% for patients with dnDSA anti-DQ vs those without, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating DSA assessment into pre- and post-transplantation protocols for pediatric LT recipients. Future implications may include immunosuppression minimization strategies based on this analysis in pediatric LT recipients.

Profile of antimicrobial use and potential use of the defined daily dose in neonatology.

One of the measures for monitoring microbial resistance is the calculation of the defined daily dose of antimicrobial agents. For this calculation, the weight of an adult of 70 kg is used as a standard, so that application in neonatology is not possible. The aim of this study is to describe the use profile and calculate the defined daily dose (DDD) of antimicrobials in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a public hospital in the interior of Bahia, Brazil. From March 2020 to December 2021, the medical records of 712 newborns admitted to a NICU between September 2018 and June 2020 were analyzed. A total of 410 newborns diagnosed with neonatal sepsis were included. The most used antimicrobials per patient were gentamicin (408/410; 99.5%), ampicillin (407; 99.3%), amikacin (29; 7.1%) and oxacillin (21; 5.1%), with a mean (SD) treatment duration of 9.8 (3.9) days. The most commonly used combination of antimicrobials was ampicillin with gentamicin, which was used in 406 patients (99.0%). The values for neonatal DDDs were on average 26 times lower than those for adult DDDs. The neonatal DDDs were similar to those observed in other studies. Ampicilin and cefepime were the antimicrobials for which the greatest differences were observed in neonatal DDDs compared with adult DDDs, which differed mainly between maintenance doses, reflecting the lack of international standards in neonatology. Standardization of DDDs as a surveillance measure has the potential to clarify the pattern of antimicrobial use in neonatal patients worldwide and, in particular, to prevent indiscriminate use and bacterial resistance.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of young patients with lip squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study investigates the clinicopathological features and outcomes of young and elderly patients diagnosed with lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from LSCC patients from Dr. Luiz Antonio Hospital in Natal, Brazil (2000-2015) were analyzed, grouping individuals below 40 and above 60 years old. Demographics, lifestyle habits, clinicopathologic characteristics, and treatment outcomes were examined using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher's tests, and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients was analyzed, being 20 younger and 27 older, finding significant age-related differences (p = < 0.0001). Although in both groups the tumor was more common in males, older patients had a higher rate of females (29.6%) (p=0.0358) and smoking (70.4%) (p = 0.0043) and underwent more modalities of treatments (p = 0.0027). There were no significant differences in the other analyzed clinicopathologic factors, and survival rates did not differ significantly, though younger patients showed slightly better survival metrics in univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: LSCC exhibits some distinct clinicopathological features across different age groups, with significant differences in treatment modalities and progression rates. Age-specific approaches may be required to optimize treatment outcomes.

IMP3, CDK4, MDM2 and ß-catenin expression in Enchondroma and Central Chondrosarcoma: Diagnostic and prognostic utility.

INTRODUCTION: The role of IMP3, CDK4, MDM2 and ß-catenin proteins in Enchondroma and Central Chondrosarcoma is not totally understood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the immunoexpression of these proteins, associating histological grade, clinical data and prognosis to these tumors. METHODS: This is a retrospective-analytical study of 32 Enchondroma and 70 Central Chondrosarcoma. RESULTS: IMP3, CDK4, MDM2 and ß-catenin expression was observed in 22.82 %, 13.82 %, 17.17 % and in 8.8 % of cases, respectively. All Enchondromas positive for these immunomarkers were located in short tubular bones. The positivity for these antibodies is directly proportional to Chondrosarcoma's histological grade increase. No difference was found between Enchondroma and Chondrosarcoma, Grade 1 for IMP3, CDK4 and ß-catenin positivity. Significant metastasis outcome was observed for IMP3, CDK4, MDM2 and death for MDM2 expression. CONCLUSION: IMP3, CDK4, MDM2 and ß-catenin expression in Enchondromas of short bones phenotypically characterizes these tumors. Their expression has not proven to be useful either as diagnostic markers of these neoplasms or in distinguishing between Enchondroma and Chondrosarcoma, Grade 1. The significant immunoexpression of IMP3, CDK4 and MDM2 in metastatic Chondrosarcoma and the lower survival in those with positivity for MDM2 suggest a possible association of these proteins with tumor aggressiveness.

Revision knee arthroplasty using a modular system manufactured in Brazil. Clinical and radiographic results with a mean nine-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the clinical and radiographic results of revision knee arthroplasty using a modular system manufactured in Brazil. METHODS: Between November 2010 and January 2017, 31 revision knee arthroplasties were performed in 30 patients, using the MB-V system. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically after a minimum follow-up of two years using the following scores: Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee Society Score ‒ Function (KSS ‒ Function), and Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation System (KSRES). RESULTS: Among the patients, 19 were women. The mean age at surgery was 68 years. The mean follow-up was 9.1 years. There was no aseptic loosening in this period. The mean values of KSS, KSS-function, and KSRES were, respectively, 82, 77, and less than 4. One patient evolved with postoperative flexion instability. Two knees became infected, requiring the removal of the prosthesis and implantation of spacers loaded with antibiotics. One patient developed arthrofibrosis. One patient had a dislocation with full medial collateral avulsion and had to be re-operated with an insert exchange to a CCK liner and medial collateral reconstruction as proposed by Krakow. CONCLUSION: This implant had 93.5 % survivorship (no cases of aseptic failure) and good results in 27 out of 31 knees (87 % of the surgeries).

Versatility in the use of cadaveric skin grafts for wound management.

BACKGROUND: Cadaveric skin grafts were initially used for the management of acute burn wounds. The biological coverage of the wound improves the quality of the wound bed, which prepares it to receive an autologous skin graft. The benefits of cadaveric skin graft in burn wounds have led to its use in the management of acute and chronic wounds of diverse etiologies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of cadaveric skin graft and subsequent autologous split-thickness skin graft (STSG) in the management of wounds of diverse etiologies at a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients with wounds of different etiologies managed with cadaveric skin grafts followed by a second procedure in which autologous STSG was performed from May 2017 through May 2022 in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of German Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients with wounds of different etiologies were included. The mean affected body surface area (BSA) was 1.87%. The mean engraftment percentage of the cadaveric skin graft was 96.6%. The mean engraftment percentage of the STSG was 90.6%. All patients demonstrated improvement in local edema and inflammation, reduced secretions, and reduced pain after treatment. Two patients (8%) had complications, with 1 case of delayed healing of the donor site and 1 case of hypertrophic scarring. CONCLUSIONS: Cadaveric skin graft with subsequent STSG is a simple, safe, and effective alternative for the management of complex wounds of diverse etiologies. This technique is particularly useful in patients with multiple comorbidities who are at risk of recurrence and of developing multiple wounds during their lifetime.

A cascade of care for diabetes in people living with HIV in a tertiary care center in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes affects 4.5% of people living with HIV in Mexico. This study aims to describe the diabetes cascade of care (DMC) in people with HIV in a tertiary center in Mexico City. METHODS: We conducted a single-center review of people with HIV aged over 18, using medical records of active people enrolled at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán (INCMNSZ) HIV Clinic (HIVC). Our analysis focused on their last visit to describe the DMC, aiming to identify gaps in control goals. We included people who had a consultation within the 12 months preceding May 2020. RESULTS: Out of the 2072 active people, medical records were available for 2050 (98.9%). Among these, 326 people (15.9%) had fasting glucose (FG) abnormalities, of which 133 (40.7%) had diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes among people with HIV was of 6.4% (133/2050). Regarding the DMC, the following proportions of people achieved control goals: 133/133 (100%) received medical care in the last 12 months, 123/123 (100%) had blood pressure (BP) <140/90 mmHg, 73/132 (55.3%) had LDL cholesterol (c-LDL) <100 mg/dl, 63/132 (47.7%) had FG <130 mg/dl, 50/116 (43.1%) had glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <7%. ABC goals (HbA1c <7%, c-LDL <100 mg/dl, BP <140/90 mmHg) were met in 28/109 (25.6%) people. 126/133 (94%) people with HIV achieved HIV-viral load <50 copies/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high rate of viral suppression among people with HIV and diabetes, significant challenges remain in achieving comprehensive diabetes control. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve metabolic outcomes and the overall management of diabetes in people with HIV.

Gram-Negative Bacilli Blood Stream Infection in Patients with Severe Burns: Microbiological and Clinical Evidence from a 9-Year Cohort.

Bloodstream infection is one of the most important and increasing complications in patients with severe burns. Most of the species affecting this population are Gram-negative bacilli that exhibit antimicrobial resistance. We conducted this study to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile and resistance mechanisms of these bacterial infections and their clinical associations on morbidity and mortality. We analyzed a retrospective cohort of burn patients. All patients included in this study had monobacterial blood stream infections during their hospital stay. We performed phenotypic and genotypic tests to determine the antimicrobial resistance mechanism and profile of each strain. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed between variables. We found 109 patients with monobacterial bacteremia. Pseudomonas spp. (50.7%), A. baumannii (46.4%), and Klebsiella spp. (13.8%) were the most common causative microorganisms. The Pseudomonas spp. isolates showed resistance to imipenem (81.5%), mainly by class A and class B carbapenemases. The A. baumannii isolates conferred resistance to imipenem (56.2%), mainly by class D carbapenemases. One quarter of Klebsiella spp. showed resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins. We also observed that a total body surface area greater than 40% and three or more different types of invasive procedures might be related to increased mortality. Multidrug resistance is highly present. The extent of the burned area and a high number of different types of invasive procedures had an impact in decreasing survivorship in burn patients with bacteremia.

[Clinical-demographic characteristics of tracheostomized patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease] / Características clínico-demográficas de pacientes traqueostomizados con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica.

Tracheostomy (TQT) has emerged as a valuable alternative for patients with orotracheal intubation, especially those under prolonged mechanical ventilation (VMP), as in the case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This population presents additional challenges, and the available information regarding their progression in specialized centers is limited in Argentina.A descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted at Santa Catalina Neurorehabilitation Clinic between August 2015 and December 2018. Patients with COPD referred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), tracheostomized, and subsequently referred to the Center for Ventilation Disconnection and Rehabilitation (CDVMR) were included. Cases with missing data or derived from other CDVMRs were excluded. Clinical records and interviews were employed to collect demographic and progression data.Out of the 27 COPD patients included (4.9% of 555), the majority were males (63%) with an average age of 68.1 years. Most were admitted with AVMi, and 11 (45.8%) were successfully disconnected, while 11 (40.7%) were decannulated. Survival and home discharge were more frequent in decannulated patients (81.8% were discharged) compared to non-decannulated ones (50% deceased, and none were discharged).COPD patients undergoing TQT and VMP, who succeed in being decannulated, seem to have better prospects for survival and home discharge compared to those who do not have the cannula removed. There is a suggestion for the need for additional analytical studies to confirm these findings and improve the understanding of this specific population.

La traqueostomía (TQT) es una una alternativa valiosa para pacientes con intubación orotraqueal, especialmente aquellos bajo ventilación mecánica prolongada (VMP), como en el caso de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC). Esta población presenta desafíos adicionales,  la información disponible sobre su evolución en centros especializados es limitada en Argentina.Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y transversal en  Santa Catalina Neurorehabilitación Clínica entre agosto de 2015 y diciembre de 2018. Se incluyeron pacientes EPOC derivados a la unidad de terapia intensiva (UTI), traqueostomizados y posteriormente remitidos al Centro de Desvinculación de Ventilación Mecánica y Rehabilitación (CDVMR). Se excluyeron casos con datos faltantes o derivados de otros CDVMR. Se emplearon registros clínicos y entrevistas para recolectar datos demográficos y de evolución.De los 27 pacientes con EPOC incluidos (4.9% de 555), la mayoría eran hombres (63%) con una edad promedio de 68.1 años. La mayoría ingresó con AVMi, y se logró desvincular a 11 (45.8%) y decanular a 11 (40.7%) pacientes. La sobrevida y el alta domiciliaria fueron más frecuentes en pacientes decanulados (81.8% recibieron el alta) en comparación con los no decanulados (50% fallecieron y ninguno recibió el alta).Los pacientes EPOC sometidos a TQT y VMP, que logran ser decanulados, parecerían tener mejores perspectivas de sobrevida y alta domiciliaria en comparación con aquellos que no se les retira la cánula. Se sugiere la necesidad de estudios analíticos adicionales para confirmar estos hallazgos y mejorar la comprensión de esta población específica.

[Metabolic alterations observed in patients undergoing endocrinological follow-up during the first year of confinement due to Covid-19] / Alteraciones metabólicas observadas en pacientes en seguimiento clínico durante el primer año de confinamiento por Covid-19.

Introduction: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, confinement measures were applied in many states around the world, producing changes in lifestyle and health habits, whose metabolic impact was different in different populations. Objectives: Describe the metabolic and anthropometric changes in office patients in the City of Córdoba during the confinement period and determine possible associated factors. Methods: Retrospective analytical observational study based on the review of the medical records of patients seen in an endocrinology clinic in Córdoba, Argentina. They were followed up during the 1-year period by evaluating metabolic and anthropometric characteristics. Results: 149 patients were included, of which 116 (77.9%) were female and the median:IQR age was 50:36.5-58 years. At the end of follow-up, a significant increase in alcohol consumption (18.1% vs 11.4%, p=0.001) was observed, as well as the number of diabetic patients (diagnosis of 20 new cases). 49.67% of patients increased their body weight, with a median of 3.1 kg (IQR 25-75%: 1.4-7.5 kg). Patients who had longer follow-up (3 or more controls during the year) decreased their Body Mass Index and increased physical activity. Conclusions: Although confinement was generally associated with an increase in obesity, diabetes and consumption of toxic substances, in patients who were monitored more frequently, better control of body weight and increased activity was observed. physical.

Introducción: Al comienzo de la pandemia por COVID-19 se aplicaron medidas de confinamiento en muchas estados del mundo, produciendo cambios en los hábitos de vida y salud, cuyo impacto metabólico fue diferente en distintas poblaciones. Objetivos: Describir los cambios metabólicos y antropométricos en pacientes de consultorio en la Ciudad de Córdoba durante el período de confinamiento y determinar posibles factores asociados. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo analítico a partir de la revisión de las historias clínicas de pacientes atendidos en consultorio de endocrinología en Córdoba, Argentina. Se realizó el seguimiento de estos durante el período de 1 año evaluando características metabólicas y antropométricas. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo analítico a partir de la revisión de las historias clínicas de pacientes atendidos en consultorio de endocrinología en Córdoba, Argentina. Se realizó el seguimiento de estos durante el período de 1 año evaluando características metabólicas y antropométricas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 149 pacientes, de los cuales 116(77,9%) eran de sexo femenino y la mediana:RIC de edad fue 50:36,5-58 años. Al final del seguimiento se observó un aumento significativo del consumo de alcohol (18,1% vs 11,4%, p=0,001), así como también el número de pacientes diabéticos (diagnóstico de 20 nuevos casos). El 49,67% de los pacientes incrementó su peso corporal, con una mediana de 3,1Kg(RIC 25-75%: 1,4-7,5 kg). Los pacientes que tuvieron mayor seguimiento (3 o más controles durante el año), disminuyeron su Índice de masa corporal y aumento de actividad física. Conclusiones: Si bien el confinamiento se asoció en términos generales a un aumento del obesidad, diabetes y consumo de sustancias tóxicas, en los pacientes a los cuales se les realizó un seguimiento más frecuente, se observó mejor control del peso corporal y aumento de la actividad física.

Fatality from COVID-19 does not affect palliative care duration among patients with advanced cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Jomar et al. demonstrated that death due to COVID-19 did not affect the time under exclusive palliative care among patients with advanced cancer, even during the first year of the pandemic caused by a hitherto little-known disease. BACKGROUND: ◼ Fatality due to COVID-19 does not alter the time under oncological palliative care. BACKGROUND: ◼ The retrospective design of this pioneering study allows causal inference. BACKGROUND: ◼ Access to oncological palliative care frequently approaches terminality of life. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at investigating the extent to which COVID-19-induced fatalities affect the duration of palliative care among patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Palliative Care Unit of the Brazilian Instituto Nacional de Câncer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 1,104 advanced cancer patients who died under exclusive palliative care between March 11, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Wilcoxon rank-sum (Mann-Whitney U) and log-rank tests were performed to examine statistical differences between the medians of time, and the Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to graphically illustrate survival over time under exclusive palliative care contingent upon the underlying causes of death of the two experimental groups (cancer versus COVID-19). RESULTS: A total of 133 (12.05%) patients succumbed to COVID-19. In both groups, the median time under exclusive palliative care was less than one month. The exclusive palliative care survival curves did not exhibit any statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Death due to COVID-19 did not modify the duration of exclusive palliative care among patients with advanced cancer.