Parasitic load of the Pacific mackerel, Scomber japonicus (Pisces: Scombridae) from Northwestern Baja California, Mexico.

Globally, the exploitation of small pelagic fish, like Pacific mackerel is of great importance due to food industry demand. However, there are few studies regarding its parasites load and there are no in this geographic zone. This study aimed to assess the parasitic composition, some temporal changes (during spring and summer) in abundance, prevalence and intensity of infection parasitic of the Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus) from Todos Santos Bay, Baja California, Mexico. The parasite fauna of the Pacific mackerel consisted of 1930 parasites (1413 in spring and 517 in summer) distributed in the follow taxa: an Tetraphyllidea (Cestoda), Kuhnia scombri (Monogenea), Didymozoidae (Digenea), Anisakis sp. (Nematoda), Rhadinorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala) and Caligus pelamydis (Copepoda). The nematodes parasite were the most abundant both in spring with a mean abundance of 27.6 parasites and in summer 8.2 parasites compared with the other taxa like Cestoda, Monogenea, Digenea, Acanthocephala and Copepoda (P = 0.003). The mean intensity of the nematodes in spring and summer was 28.1 and 13.4, respectively. The nematodes prevalence was 90 % in spring and 60 % in summer. In general, the parasite load is more abundant in spring than summer. In summer, absence of taxa as Cestoda and Copepoda were registered. Nematode larvae were present in the fish guts mesentery and inside of the stomach, pyloric caeca, intestine. Also the nematodes were found in the liver, muscle and gonads. The most affected organ by nematodes was the intestine mesentery. The most predominant parasite of this study has been Anisakis sp. during spring.

Low-dose radiation therapy for hand osteoarthritis: shaking hands again?

BACKGROUND: Hand osteoarthritis (HOA) is one of the most common causes of pain and functional disability in western countries and there is still no definitive cure. Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT) has anti-inflammatory properties that have shown to be effective in the symptomatic relief of various degenerative musculoskeletal disorders. We designed a clinical protocol using LDRT for symptomatic HOA and present results and tolerance in the first 100 patients included. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 2015 and March 2021, 100 patients with a median age of 60 were treated. Fifty-seven patients suffering from proximal/distal interphalangeal joint pain, 40 patients with thumb arthritis, 2 patients with radiocarpal joint affection and 1 patient with metacarpophalangeal joint pain were enrolled. LDRT comprised of 6 fractions of 0.5-1 Gy on every other day up to a total dose of 3-6 Gy. Clinical response was evaluated according to the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain level and the von Pannewitz score (VPS) for joint functionality. Any patients not achieving subjective adequate pain relief after 8 weeks of treatment were offered a second identical LDRT course. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 10.5 months (range 7.55-12.45), 94% reported an improvement in the pain, with a significant reduction in the VAS level after 3, 6 and 12 months (p < 0.001). Sixty-three patients needed a second course of treatment at a median time interval of 12 weeks (range 9-14). The mean VAS score before treatment was 8 (range 3-10). After treatment, it was 5 (range 1-10). After 3, 6 and 12 months, the mean VAS scores were 4 (range 0-9), 3 (range 0-9) and 3.5 (range 0-9), respectively. Seventy patients reported functionality improvements after LDRT according to the von Pannewitz score. No acute or late complications were observed. CONCLUSION: LDRT appears to be safe and useful for HOA and is associated with good rates of pain relief and functionality improvements. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these promising results.

5-year results of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) with SBRT (stereotactic body radiation therapy) and exactrac adaptive gating (Novalis®) for very early breast cancer patients: was it all worth it?

PURPOSE: To explore the feasibility of image-guided and respiratory-gated Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) in patients with very early breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Selected patients with early breast carcinoma after breast-conserving surgery were enrolled in this phase II trial. A fiducial marker was percutaneously placed close to surgical bed and five external fiducials were set on the skin. A CT scan for planning was acquired at free breathing. The treatment was planned and DVH were assessed according to international recommendations. Prescription dose was 30 Gy in five consecutive fractions of 6 Gy. A 6MV monoenergetic LINAC (linear accelerator) that combines stereoscopic X-ray imaging system and ExacTrac Adaptive Gating technique was used. PTV (planning target volume) intrafraction motion was controlled and PTV was irradiated in a selected gated area of the respiratory cycle. Shifts for a correct, gated set-up were calculated and automatically applied. RESULTS: Between April 2013 and October 2015, a total of 23 patients were included. The median tumor size was 12 mm. The mean PTV volume was 114 cc. The mean ipsilateral lung V9 Gy was 2.2% and for left-sided breast cancers, the volume of the heart receiving 1.5 Gy was 11.5%. Maximum skin dose was 30.8 Gy. Acute toxicity was grade1 in all the patients and 100% experienced excellent/good breast cosmesis outcomes. With a median follow-up of 66 months (range 8-99 months) local-relapse-free-survival reaches 100%. One patient developed a second breast cancer outside the treated quadrant after 25.1 months. CONCLUSION: APBI with SBRT and ExacTrac Adaptive Gating System was feasible. The acute and late toxicities were almost null and cosmesis was excellent. We also found that the margins of 5 mm applied from CTV to PTV were sufficient to compensate for geometric uncertainties.

Moderate hypofractionated post-prostatectomy radiation therapy is feasible and well tolerated: experience from a single tertiary cancer centre.

PURPOSE: Conventional post-prostatectomy radiation therapy comprises 6.5-8 weeks of treatment, therefore, hypofractionated and shortened schemes arouse increasing interest. We describe our experience regarding feasibility and clinical outcome of a post-prostatectomy moderate hypofractionated image-guided radiotherapy schedule MATERIALS AND METHODS: From Oct 2015-Mar 2020, 113 patients, median age of 62 years-old (range 45-76) and prostate adenocarcinoma of low risk (30%), intermediate risk (49%) and high risk (21%) were included for adjuvant (34%) or salvage radiation therapy (66%) after radical prostatectomy (RP). All patients underwent radiotherapy with image-guided IMRT/VMAT to a total dose of 62.5 Gy in 2.5 Gy/fraction in 25 fractions. Sixteen patients (14%) received concomitant androgen deprivation therapy. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 29 months (range 3-60 months) all patients but three are alive. Eleven patients (10%) developed exclusive biochemical relapse while 19 patients (17%) presented macroscopically visible relapse: prostatectomy bed in two patients (2%), pelvic lymph nodes in 13 patients (11.5%) and distant metastases in four patients (4%). The 3 years actuarial rates for OS, bFRS, and DMFS were 99.1, 91.1 and 91.2%, respectively. Acute and late tolerance was satisfactory. Maximal acute genitourinary (AGU) toxicity was G2 in 8% of patients; maximal acute gastrointestinal (AGI) toxicity was G2 in 3.5% of patients; maximal late genitourinary (LGU) toxicity was G3 in 1% of patients and maximal late gastrointestinal (LGI) toxicity was G2 in 2% of patients. There were no cases of severe acute or late toxicity. No relationship was found between acute or late GI/GU adverse effects and dosimetric parameters, age, presence of comorbidities or concomitant treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Hypofractionated radiotherapy (62.5 Gy in 25 2.5 Gy fractions) is feasible and well tolerated with low complication rates allowing for a moderate dose-escalation that offers encouraging clinical results for biochemical control and survival in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy.

A prospective observational study of the clinical and pathological impact of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) as a neoadjuvant strategy of chemoradiation in pancreatic cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S): To improve the curative resection rates and prognoses, a variety of neoadjuvant (NA) strategies have been explored in PDAC. In our institution, non-metastatic PDACs have been treated with a NA intent with induction multiagent chemotherapy and SBRT. The primary endpoint was to increase R0 resection rate. The secondary endpoints were the analysis of the clinical tolerance, the pathological response, the local control (LC) and the OS. MATERIALS/METHODS: All consecutive patients with non-metastatic PDAC underwent SBRT as part of the NA strategy were included. A total dose of 40-62 Gy were delivered in 5-10 fractions. Surgery was performed after SBRT and restaging. RESULTS: Since February 2014 to December 2018, 45 patients were enrolled. Thirty-two patients underwent surgery (71.1%), 10 out of 15 were initially unresectable disease patients (66.75%). R0 resection rate was 93% (30 patients) and pN0 status was achieved in 20 patients (60.6%). Tumour regression grade (TRG): 12 patients with complete response or marked response (TRG 0-1: 37.5%), 16 patients with moderate response (TRG 2: 50%) and four patients with poor response (TRG 3: 12.5%). The median follow-up was 16.2 m (range 6.6-59.6 m) since diagnosis. The LC rate achieved was very high (95.5%). Actuarial 12 and 24 m OS was 67.4% and 35.9% respectively. No grade 3 or higher toxicity related to SBRT was observed. CONCLUSION: The results are encouraging, suggesting that SBRT has a significant role in the management of these patients and further studies will be necessary to prove these findings.

Comparison of clinical and cognitive characteristics of a Mexican adult clinical population with and without ADHD / Comparación de las características clínicas y cognitivas de una población clínica adulta mexicana con y sin TDAH

Abstract Introduction Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 5% of the world population, with symptoms that may persist into adulthood. Despite the findings on the clinical course of this disorder, information regarding comorbidity patterns, psychosocial and executive functioning in adult life in those with and without ADHD in Latin American samples is scarce. Objective The aim of this study is to compare the comorbidity pattern, psychosocial, and executive functioning of adults with and without ADHD from a clinical sample. Method One hundred and fifty-one patients between 20 and 45 years, with screened positively on ASRS-V1.1, were invited to continue an evaluation process as part of clinical research program (PROMETEO): 1) K-SADS-PL Mx interview, 2) MINI-Plus interview, ASRS-V1-1 18 item version, BRIEF self-reported questionnaire, SCQA-ADHD, and 3) Individual case review by clinical expert in ADHD. Results Individuals in the ADHD group had a higher average of comorbid disorders (2.5 SD 1.1 vs. 1.3 SD 1.0 respectively, F = .439; t = -6.621; df = 149; p < .001), more likelihood of procrastinating (OR = 6.5; 95% CI[2.6, 16.2]; z = 4.0) and were more likely to present difficulties in both the behavior regulation index (OR = 104.9; 95% CI[31.8, 345.7]; z = 7.65) and the metacognitive index (OR = 94.79; 95% CI[29.10, 308.76]; z = 7.56) compared to the non-ADHD group, regardless of gender. Discussion and conclusions Our results indicate that the ADHD adult group presented with more comorbidity, and worse psychosocial and executive functioning than non-ADHD adults.

Resumen Introducción El trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo que afecta aproximadamente al 5% de la población mundial, persistiendo hasta la adultez. A pesar de los hallazgos acerca del curso clínico de este trastorno, la información es escasa con respecto a los patrones de comorbilidad, funcionamiento psicosocial y ejecutivo en la vida adulta entre aquellos con y sin TDAH en muestras latinoamericanas. Objetivo Comparar el patrón de comorbilidad, el funcionamiento psicosocial y ejecutivo de adultos con y sin TDAH de una muestra clínica. Método Ciento cincuenta y un pacientes entre 20 y 45 años, quienes inicialmente presentaron un tamizaje positivo del ASRS-V1.1, fueron evaluados dentro de un programa de investigación clínica (PROMETEO) con los siguientes instrumentos: 1) la entrevista K-SADS-PL-Mx, 2) la entrevista MINI-Plus, la version de 18 items del ASRS-V1-1, y los cuestionarios autoaplicados BRIEF y SCQA-ADHD y 3) Revisión de cada caso por un clínico experto en el diagnóstico de TDAH. Resultados El grupo de TDAH comparado con aquel sin TDAH presentó un mayor promedio de trastornos comórbidos (2.5 DE 1.1 vs 1.3 DE 1.0 respectivamente, F = .439; t = -6.621; gl = 149; p < .001), mayor probabilidad de procrastinar (OR = 6.5; 95% IC[2.6, 16.2]; z = 4.0), y mayor probabilidad de presentar dificultades tanto en el índice de regulación de la conducta (OR = 104.9; 95% IC[31.8, 345.7]; z = 7.65) como en el índice metacognitivo (OR = 94.79; 95% IC[29.10, 308.76]; z = 7.56) independientemente del sexo. Discusión y conclusión Nuestros resultados señalan que los adultos con TDAH presentan mayor comorbilidad y peor funcionamiento psicosocial y ejecutivo que los adultos sin TDAH.

Clinical features of Mexican patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis type I.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS-I) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency or absence of α--iduronidase, which is involved in the catabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). This deficiency leads to the accumulation of GAGs in several organs. Given the wide spectrum of the disease, MPS-I has historically been classified into 3 clinical subtypes - severe (Hurler syndrome), intermediate (Hurler-Scheie syndrome), and mild (Scheie syndrome) - none of which is determined by residual enzyme activity. Eleven Mexican patients with MPS-I from northwestern México were evaluated. Diagnoses were confirmed through quantification of GAGs in urine and enzyme assay for α--iduronidase. Regardless of phenotype, all patients had various degrees of infiltrated facies, short stature, dysostosis multiplex, joint contractures, and corneal opacity typical of the disease. A better understanding of the spectrum of this disease can assist in diagnosis, treatment, and improvement in the quality of life for these patients.

Construction of a WMR for trajectory tracking control: experimental results.

This paper reports a solution for trajectory tracking control of a differential drive wheeled mobile robot (WMR) based on a hierarchical approach. The general design and construction of the WMR are described. The hierarchical controller proposed has two components: a high-level control and a low-level control. The high-level control law is based on an input-output linearization scheme for the robot kinematic model, which provides the desired angular velocity profiles that the WMR has to track in order to achieve the desired position (x∗, y∗) and orientation (φ∗). Then, a low-level control law, based on a proportional integral (PI) approach, is designed to control the velocity of the WMR wheels to ensure those tracking features. Regarding the trajectories, this paper provides the solution or the following cases: (1) time-varying parametric trajectories such as straight lines and parabolas and (2) smooth curves fitted by cubic splines which are generated by the desired data points {(x1∗, y1∗),..., (x(n)∗, y(n)∗)}. A straightforward algorithm is developed for constructing the cubic splines. Finally, this paper includes an experimental validation of the proposed technique by employing a DS1104 dSPACE electronic board along with MATLAB/Simulink software.

Retrospective study assessing the role of MRI in the diagnostic procedures for early breast carcinoma: a correlation of new foci in the MRI with tumor pathological features.

BACKGROUND: Use of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect breast cancer has generated significant debate. We analyze the role of breast MRI in the detection of additional disease and the need to perform additional biopsies in early breast carcinoma patients. In addition, we correlate the detection of new foci with tumor pathological features. METHODS: Early breast carcinoma patients that had undergone an MRI as well as a mammography as diagnostic procedures were included in the study. The following pathologic features were studied: carcinoma type, histological grade, estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR), HER2 and Ki67. Univariate analysis was conducted to ascertain significant correlation among detection of new foci and each of the tumor pathological features. RESULTS: Data from 98 patients have been analyzed: median age 49 years (range 35-79); carcinoma type: (a) infiltrative ductal carcinoma (n = 73, 74 %), (b) infiltrative lobular cancer (n = 12, 12 %), (c) ductal carcinoma in situ (n = 6, 6 %); amplified HER2 (n = 18, 18 %); grade III (n = 33, 33 %); Ki67 ≥ 25 % (n = 33, 33.67 %); positive ER and PR (n = 79, 80 %); triple negative tumors (n = 8, 8 %). MRI detected additional disease in 38 cases (39.58 %), and 20 led to an additional biopsy (20.4 %). Thirty-eight patients (39 %) underwent mastectomy. We found a statistically significant correlation between new foci in MRI and high Ki67 ≥ 25 % (p < 0.005). No other statistically significant correlation was established. CONCLUSION: MRI detected additional disease in 39 % cases, requiring an additional biopsy 20 %. Tumors with high proliferative index were significantly correlated with the detection of new foci in MRI.

Utilidad de la espirometría en preescolares de 4 y 5 años / Utility of spirometry in 4 to 5 -years old preschool patients

Background; Spirometry is the most frequently used pulmonary function test. Previous studies have demonstrated the feasibility of carrying out spirometry in preschool patients. Aim: To describe spirometric values obtained in preschool patients studied in a pediatric pulmonary function laboratory. Patients and methods: We reviewed the spirometries performed -from 1996 to 2004- in 180 preschool patients (4- to 6- years old). Records of volume/time and flow/volume curves of spirometries were obtained with a Schiller SP100 spirometer. Variability of baseline measurements of forced vital capacity (CVF) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was analyzed. Results: The average age of the 180 school patients was 5.4 (SD:+/- 0.39) years and 53 percent were male. Either diagnosis or suspicious of asthma was the indication for performing spirometry in 172 (90 percent) of these children. One, two and three acceptable spirometric maneuvers were registered in 18 (10 percent), 99 (55 percent) and 63 (35 percent) patients respectively. Expiratory time was < 3 s in 24.4 percent (n=43), 3 to 6 s in 66 percent (n=116), and > 6 s in 9.6 percent (n=17) of patients. Expiratory time was larger in children >5- compared to <5- years old (4.1 +/- 1.3 s versus 3.1 +/- 0.49 s; p < 0.018). VEF1 variability in 162 children having 2 or 3 acceptable maneuvers was < 0.1 L in 67 percent, < 5 percent in 50 percent and < 10 percent in 80 percent. Spirometry was normal in 80.5 percent, obstructive in 19 percent and restrictive in one patient. Conclusions:We confirmed that most of the preschool patients are able to perform an adequate spirometric test in terms of acceptability and reproducibility. We suggest to study a normal population of preshool children in order to have normal local data available.

Introducción: La espirometría es el método más utilizado para evaluar la función pulmonar. Estudios previos han demostrado la factibilidad de realizar estas pruebas en la edad pre-escolar. Objetivos: Describir los valores espirométricos obtenidos en preescolares derivados al laboratorio de función pulmonar. Material y Métodos: Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva las curvas de volumen/tiempo, flujo/volumen, tiempo espiratorio, CVF y VEF1, de las espirometrías realizadas entre 1996-2004 en 180 preescolares. Se utilizó un espirómetro Schiller SP100. Se analizó el coeficiente de variación para CVF y VEF1. Resultados: Se realizaron espirometrías en 180 menores de 6 años, con edad promedio de 5,4 +/ - 0,39 años, 53 por ciento hombres. La principal indicación de la espirometría fue asma 172/180 (90 por ciento). 10 por ciento de los pacientes realizaron 1 maniobra aceptable, 55 por ciento 2 maniobras y 35 por ciento 3 maniobras reproducibles y aceptables. Considerando el tiempo espiratorio, hubo 43 curvas de < 3 s (24,4 por ciento), 116 de 3 a 6 s (66 por ciento) y 17 sobre 6 s (9,6 por ciento). Comparando los grupos menores y mayores de 5 años, se encontró una diferencia significativa solo en el tiempo espiratorio: 3,1 +/ - 0,49 s en el primer grupo y 4,1 +/ - 0,13 en el segundo (p < 0,018). Al evaluar variabilidad de VEF1 en 162 pacientes que realizaron 2 ó 3 maniobras aceptables se encontró que un 67 por ciento mostraba variabilidad <0,1 L, 50 por ciento < 5 por ciento y 80 por ciento < 10 por ciento. Las espirometrías fueron normales en 145 (80,5 por ciento) preescolares, con alteración obstructiva en 34 (19 por ciento) y con alteración restrictiva en uno (0,5 por ciento). Conclusiones: La mayoría de los preescolares cumplieron con los criterios de aceptabilidad y reproducibilidad. Se sugiere realizar valores normales en población preescolar sana de nuestro país, con el objeto de poder comparar los datos de pacientes con sospecha de patología respiratoria.

Assessment of in vitro mutagenicity in Salmonella and in vivo genotoxicity in mice of the mycotoxin fumonisin B(1).

Fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium moniliforme, is a contaminant of cereals with various and complex cellular effects. FB(1) induces liver cancer in rats and has been linked to esophageal cancer in South Africa and China. The mechanisms of FB(1)-induced carcinogenesis are uncertain and the information on FB(1) mutagenic properties is limited and controversial. FB(1) contamination levels in maize and wheat from Chile were found to be similar to those in other countries. FB(1) was devoid of activity in gene mutation assays with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA100, TA102 and TA98. However, i.p. injection of FB(1) induced an increased frequency of micronuclei in mouse bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes at 25 and 100 mg/kg. We conclude that FB(1) induces in vivo genotoxicity in the absence of in vitro mutagenicity in Salmonella.

Rabies in skunks from Mexico.

An enzootic focus of rabies in skunks in Mexico is described. Fifty three wild animals including two badgers (Taxidea taxus), 32 bats (various species), one bobcat (Lynx rufus), two coatis (Nasua narica) three foxes (Urocyon cineroargenteus), one raccoon (Procyon lotor) and 12 skunks (see below) were tested for rabies by direct immunofluorescence assay from 1991 to 1997 in the central part of San Luis Potosi State, Mexico. Rabies occurrence was 21% of all tested mammals, with 19% in skunks and only 2% in other wild species (one bobcat). Skunks represented 23% of all mammals tested and had a rabies prevalence of 83%. Only 10 individuals were identified: three hog-nosed skunks (Conepatus leuconotus) and seven spotted skunks (Spilogale putorius). All were involved in human attacks; the spotted skunk attacks were inside bedrooms while people were sleeping, and the hog-nosed skunk attacks occurred outdoors. Skunk cases of rabies represented 40% of all rabies cases in 1997, and 100% of cases registered for wild animals in San Luis Potosi state. This situation constitutes an important public health problem and requires further epidemiological research to make the human population aware of the problem and to establish measures to limit further human attacks by rabid skunks.

[Mutations of the p53 suppressor gene in gastric adenocarcinoma]. / Mutaciones del gen supresor de tumor p53 en adenocarcinoma gástrico.

BACKGROUND: We have shown numeric alterations such as hyperploidy and hypoploidy with loss of chromosome 17 in primary gastric cancer. This chromosome maps p53 suppressor gene that induces the transcription of genes related to cellular cycle control, DNA synthesis and repair, cellular differentiation and apoptosis. AIM: To analyze, at a molecular level, the possible alterations of p53 suppressor gene in samples of gastric cancer and non tumoral mucosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tissue samples of gastric carcinoma and non tumoral gastric mucosa coming from 26 patients subjected to a total gastrectomy were analyzed. The mutation of p53 suppressor gene exons 7 to 9 were determined using a conformational polymorphism analysis in single strands of the gene and indirect sequencing in some cases. RESULTS: Alterations in p53 gene were found in 77% of tumoral and 19% of non tumoral samples. T insertions in codons 260, 317 and 321, G insertion in codon 328 and G-T transvertion in codon 302 were found. Aminoacid sequence analysis of p53 protein obtained with sequencing data showed that T insertion in codon 260 could translate three erroneous aminoacids after the mutation and produce a truncated protein due to the creation of a stop codon. No associations between alterations of p53 gene and clinical or pathological variables such as age, sex, tumor localization, histological type and presence of lymph node metastases were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations of p53 suppressor gene are frequent in gastric carcinoma.

[Epidemiological characteristics of liver cirrhosis at the Hospital Civil of Guadalajara]. / Características epidemiológicas de la cirrosis hepática en el Hospital Civil de Guadalajara.

OBJECTIVE: A prospective study of the demographic and epidemiologic characteristics of patients with liver cirrhosis at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara within a period of one year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 157 patients (48 women, and 109 men) from the Departments of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Liver Clinic were studied. Diagnosis of liver cirrhosis had been previously established based on clinical, biochemical or histopathological information. Additionally, a questionnaire specialized on liver diseases was applied to all patients. RESULTS: Alcoholism was the main cause for cirrhosis (38% in women and 95% in men) followed by viral etiology. The alcoholic beverages consumed with greater frequency were tequila and 96 degrees G.L. alcohol. Women were in the Child-Pugh's "B" class while men were in class "C". Complications were mostly gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy. Differences between sexes were observed for various characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Alcoholism was by far the most frequent cause of liver cirrhosis. The second cause, in women, was of viral origin (16.7%). A national committee of vigilance of liver diseases is proposed to generate more complete and detailed information on the epidemiology of liver cirrhosis.