Manejo anestésico de una tormenta tiroidea en un paciente afecto de ataxia de Friederich. A propósito de un caso / Anaesthetic management of thyroid storm in a patient with Friederich's ataxia. A case report

Paciente de 26 años afecto de ataxia de Friederich con una miocardiopatía hipertrófica no obstructiva sometido a una tiroidectomía total por una tirotoxicosis secundaria a amiodarona persistente (a pesar de elevadas dosis de antitiroideos y corticoides), que intraoperatoriamente presentó un episodio sugestivo de tormenta tiroidea.La tormenta tiroidea es una urgencia endocrinológica que asocia una elevada morbimortalidad. Para mejorar la supervivencia es de vital importancia un diagnóstico temprano y un tratamiento precoz que incluya: un tratamiento sintomático, el tratamiento de las manifestaciones cardiovasculares, neurológicas y/o hepáticas y de la tirotoxicosis, así como suprimir o evitar estímulos desencadenantes y practicar un tratamiento definitivo.(AU)

A 26-year-old patient with Friederich's ataxia with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing a total thyroidectomy due to persistent amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (despite high doses of antithyroid drugs and corticosteroids), presented an intraoperative episode suggestive of thyroid storm.Thyroid storm is an endocrine emergency that is associated with high morbimortality. Early diagnosis and treatment, which is of vital importance to improve survival. Treatment includes: symptomatic treatment, treatment of cardiovascular, neurological, and/or hepatic manifestations and thyrotoxicosis, measures to suppress or avoid triggering stimuli, and definitive treatment.(AU)

Anaesthetic management of thyroid storm in a patient with Friederich's ataxia. A case report.

A 26-year-old patient with Friederich's ataxia with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy undergoing total thyroidectomy due to persistent amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (despite high doses of antithyroid drugs and corticosteroids), presented an intraoperative episode suggestive of thyroid storm. Thyroid storm is an endocrine emergency that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment, which is of vital importance to improve survival, includes symptomatic treatment, treatment of cardiovascular, neurological, and/or hepatic manifestations and thyrotoxicosis, measures to suppress or avoid triggering stimuli, and definitive treatment.

Uso de hidrato de cloral a dosis única de 70mg/kg como hipnótico en resonancia magnética nuclear. Estudio prospectivo de 3.132 casos / Use of a single dose of 70mg/kg chloral hydrate as a hypnotic in nuclear magnetic resonance. A prospective study of 3, 132 cases

Objetivo: Valorar los tiempos medios de hipnosis, la estabilidad hemodinámica y la incidencia de complicaciones del uso de hidrato de cloral por vía oral en niños programados para exploraciones de resonancia magnética nuclear (RMN), a dosis de 70mg/kg. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo desde enero de 2000 a enero de 2020, en el que se realizaron 3.132 RMN a pacientes con edades comprendidas entre un día y 5 años, en régimen de anestesia ambulatoria. Se dividió a la población a estudio en 4 subgrupos: A) entre uno y 30 días; B) entre un mes y un año; C) entre uno y 3 años, y D) entre 3 y 5 años. Se registraron el sexo, la edad, el tipo de exploración, así como los tiempos medios de exploración y despertar, la frecuencia cardiaca previa a la RMN y al finalizar, la SatO2 y la incidencia de complicaciones del tipo de: depresión respiratoria (SatO2 inferior al 90%), agitación durante la RMN o al despertar (llanto intenso de más de 2min de duración), sedación prolongada valorada mediante el test de Steward y la aparición de náuseas y/o vómitos durante la RMN, al despertar o en su domicilio. Resultados: No se registraron alteraciones hemodinámicas reseñables. La incidencia de desaturaciones fue de un 0,41%. El despertar durante la prueba fue de un 0,16%, la sedación prolongada de un 1,08% y el despertar agitado apareció en un 1,46% de los casos. Las náuseas y vómitos al terminar la prueba tuvieron una incidencia de un 0,73%. Todos ellos con una p<0,05%. Conclusiones: El hidrato de cloral sigue siendo un fármaco que puede ser referente a dosis de 70mg/kg en sedaciones no superiores a una hora, en procedimientos no invasivos en niños y que asocia una estabilidad hemodinámica adecuada sin prácticamente efectos secundarios.(AU)

Objective: To assess the mean time to hypnosis, hemodynamic stability, and incidence of complications associated with the administration of 70mg/kg oral chloral hydrate in children scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and methods: Prospective study conducted from January 2000 to January 2020 in which 3,132 patients aged between one day and 5 years underwent MRI under anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. The study population was divided into 4 subgroups: A) aged between one and 30 days; B) aged between one month and one year; C) aged between one and 3 years, and D) aged between 3 and 5 years. Study variables were: sex, age, type of examination, mean imaging time, mean time to awakening, heart rate before and after MRI, SatO2, and incidence of complications such as respiratory depression (SatO2 below 90%), agitation during the MRI or on awakening (intense crying lasting more than 2min), prolonged sedation measured on the Steward scale, and nausea and/or vomiting during the MRI, on awakening, or at home. Results: No notable hemodynamic alterations were observed. The incidence of desaturation was 0.41%, awakening during the test was 0.16%, prolonged sedation was 1.08%, and agitated awakening was 1.46%. Nausea and vomiting at the end of the test had an incidence of 0.73%. The P value in all cases was<.05%. Conclusions: Chloral hydrate at a dose of 70mg/kg continues to be suitable in sedation lasting no more than one hour for non-invasive procedures in children, and is associated with adequate haemodynamic stability with practically no side effects.(AU)

Use of a single dose of 70mg/kg chloral hydrate as a hypnotic in nuclear magnetic resonance. A prospective study of 3132 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the mean time to hypnosis, hemodynamic stability, and incidence of complications associated with the administration of 70mg/kg oral chloral hydrate in children scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study conducted from January 2000 to January 2020 in which 3132 patients aged between one day and 5 years underwent MRI under anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. The study population was divided into 4 subgroups: A) aged between one and 30 days; B) aged between one month and one year; C) aged between one and 3 years, and D) aged between 3 and 5 years. Study variables were: sex, age, type of examination, mean imaging time, mean time to awakening, heart rate before and after MRI, SatO2, and incidence of complications such as respiratory depression (SatO2 below 90%), agitation during the MRI or on awakening (intense crying lasting more than 2min), prolonged sedation measured on the Steward scale, and nausea and/or vomiting during the MRI, on awakening, or at home. RESULTS: No notable hemodynamic alterations were observed. The incidence of desaturation was .41%, awakening during the test was .16%, prolonged sedation was 1.08%, and agitated awakening was 1.46%. Nausea and vomiting at the end of the test had an incidence of .73%. The P value in all cases was <.05%. CONCLUSIONS: Chloral hydrate at a dose of 70mg/kg continues to be suitable in sedation lasting no more than one hour for non-invasive procedures in children, and is associated with adequate haemodynamic stability with practically no side effects.

Silver jubilee: 25 years of the first demonstration of the direct effect of phosphate on the parathyroid cell.

Although phosphorus is an essential element for life, it is not found in nature in its native state but rather combined in the form of inorganic phosphates (PO43-), with tightly regulated plasma levels that are associated with deleterious effects and mortality when these are out of bounds. The growing interest in the accumulation of PO43- in human pathophysiology originated in its attributed role in the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in chronic kidney disease. In this article, we review the mechanisms by which this effect was justified and we commemorate the important contribution of a Spanish group led by Dr. M. Rodríguez, just 25 years ago, when they first demonstrated the direct effect of PO43- on the regulation of the synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone by maintaining the structural integrity of the parathyroid glands in their original experimental model. In addition to demonstrating the importance of arachidonic acid (AA) and the phospholipase A2-AA pathway as a mediator of parathyroid gland response, these findings were predecessors of the recent description of the important role of PO43- on the activity of the calcium sensor-receptor, and also fueled various lines of research on the importance of PO43- overload not only for the pathophysiology of SHPT but also in its systemic pathogenic role.

Use of a single dose of 70mg/kg chloral hydrate as a hypnotic in nuclear magnetic resonance. A prospective study of 3,132 cases. / Uso de hidrato de cloral a dosis única de 70mg/kg como hipnótico en resonancia magnética nuclear. Estudio prospectivo de 3.132 casos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the mean time to hypnosis, hemodynamic stability, and incidence of complications associated with the administration of 70mg/kg oral chloral hydrate in children scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study conducted from January 2000 to January 2020 in which 3,132 patients aged between one day and 5 years underwent MRI under anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. The study population was divided into 4 subgroups: A) aged between one and 30 days; B) aged between one month and one year; C) aged between one and 3 years, and D) aged between 3 and 5 years. Study variables were: sex, age, type of examination, mean imaging time, mean time to awakening, heart rate before and after MRI, SatO2, and incidence of complications such as respiratory depression (SatO2 below 90%), agitation during the MRI or on awakening (intense crying lasting more than 2min), prolonged sedation measured on the Steward scale, and nausea and/or vomiting during the MRI, on awakening, or at home. RESULTS: No notable hemodynamic alterations were observed. The incidence of desaturation was 0.41%, awakening during the test was 0.16%, prolonged sedation was 1.08%, and agitated awakening was 1.46%. Nausea and vomiting at the end of the test had an incidence of 0.73%. The P value in all cases was<.05%. CONCLUSIONS: Chloral hydrate at a dose of 70mg/kg continues to be suitable in sedation lasting no more than one hour for non-invasive procedures in children, and is associated with adequate haemodynamic stability with practically no side effects.

Determinants of renal and patient outcomes in a Spanish cohort of patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis and renal involvement.

The classification of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) remains controversial. The main objective of this study was to define the respective values of ANCA serotype-based classification, clinicopathological classification, and histopathological classification in predicting patient and renal outcomes in a Spanish cohort of patients with ANCA with specificity for myeloperoxidase, MPO-ANCA, versus ANCA with specificity for proteinase 3, PR3-ANCA. Two hundred and forty-five patients with ANCA-AAV and biopsy-proven renal involvement diagnosed between 2000 and 2104 were recruited in 12 nephrology services. Clinical and histologic data, renal outcomes, and mortality were analyzed. We applied the Chapel Hill Consensus Conference definition with categories for granulomatosis with the polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), the classification based on ANCA specificity, and the histopathological classification proposed in 2010. Eighty-two percent were MPO-ANCA positive and 18.0% PR3-ANCA positive. Altogether, 82.9% had MPA and 17.1% GPA. The median follow-up was 43.2 months (0.1-169.3). Neither ANCA-based serological nor clinical classification was predictive of renal outcomes or patient survival on bivariate or multivariate Cox regression analysis. Histopathological classification was found to predict development of end-stage renal disease (p = 0.005) in Kaplan-Meier analysis. ANCA specificity was more predictive of relapse than clinicopathological classification in multivariate analysis (HR 2.086; 95% CI 1.046-4.158; p = 0.037). In our Spanish cohort, a majority of patients had an MPO-ANCA-AAV. A classification based on ANCA specificity has a higher predictive value for relapse occurrence and could be used for decision-making with respect to induction treatment and maintenance therapies.

Early Macrophage Infiltration and Sustained Inflammation in Kidneys From Deceased Donors Are Associated With Long-Term Renal Function.

Kidney transplants from living donors (LDs) have a better outcome than those from deceased donors (DDs). Different factors have been suggested to justify the different outcome. In this study, we analyzed the infiltration and phenotype of monocytes/macrophages and the expression of inflammatory and fibrotic markers in renal biopsy specimens from 94 kidney recipients (60 DDs and 34 LDs) at baseline and 4 months after transplantation. We evaluated their association with medium- and long-term renal function. At baseline, inflammatory gene expression was higher in DDs than in LDs. These results were confirmed by the high number of CD68-positive cells in DD kidneys, which correlated negatively with long-term renal function. Expression of the fibrotic markers vimentin, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin was more elevated in biopsy specimens from DDs at 4 months than in those from LDs. Gene expression of inflammatory and fibrotic markers at 4 months and difference between 4 months and baseline correlated negatively with medium- and long-term renal function in DDs. Multivariate analysis point to transforming growth factor-ß1 as the best predictor of long-term renal function in DDs. We conclude that early macrophage infiltration, sustained inflammation, and transforming growth factor-ß1 expression, at least for the first 4 months, contribute significantly to the difference in DD and LD transplant outcome.

Integral pharmacological management of bone mineral disorders in chronic kidney disease (part II): from treatment of phosphate imbalance to control of PTH and prevention of progression of cardiovascular calcification.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD) are associated with costly complications and dismal hard-outcomes. AREAS COVERED: In two comprehensive articles we review contemporary and future pharmacological options for treatment of phosphate (P) imbalance (part 1) and hyperparathyroidism (this part 2), taking into account CKD-accelerated cardiovascular calcification (CVC) processes. EXPERT OPINION: Improvements in CKD-MBD require an integral approach, addressing all three components of the CKD-MBD triad. Here, initial guidance to control hyperparathyroidism is provided, taking into account the presence/absence of CVC. We include also measures for patients at risk of adynamic bone disease or suffering from calciphylaxis. Many epidemiological studies (relating to vitamin D) and thorough analyses of recent randomized clinical trials (of cinacalcet) point towards benefits of attempting to improve biochemical parameters while trying to, at least, avoid progression of CVC by more rational use of intestinal P-binders and low-dose vitamin D derivatives and/or calcimimetics. This approach does not seem to be far away from significantly improving hard-outcomes, at least in the dialysis population. The availability of new drugs and the performance of randomized clinical trials should ultimately lead to define earlier, clearer, and more cost-effective patient stratification and biochemical targets with consequent significant clinical improvements.

Integral pharmacological management of bone mineral disorders in chronic kidney disease (part I): from treatment of phosphate imbalance to control of PTH and prevention of progression of cardiovascular calcification.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorders (CKD-MBD), involving a triad of laboratory and bone abnormalities, and tissue calcifications, are associated with dismal hard-outcomes. AREAS COVERED: In two comprehensive articles, we review contemporary and future pharmacological options for treatment of phosphate (P) imbalance (this part 1) and hyperparathyroidism (part 2), taking into account CKD-accelerated atheromatosis/atherosclerosis and/or cardiovascular calcification (CVC) processes. EXPERT OPINION: Improvements in CKD-MBD require an integral approach, addressing all three components of the CKD-MBD triad. Individualization of treatment with P-binders and combinations of anti-parathyroid agents may improve biochemical control with lower incidence of undesirable effects. Isolated biochemical parameters do not accurately reflect calcium or P load or bone activity and do not stratify high cardiovascular risk patients with CKD. Initial guidance is provided on reasonable therapeutic strategies which consider the presence of CVC. This part reflects that although there is not an absolute evidence, many studies point to the need to improve P imbalance while trying to, at least, avoid progression of CVC by restriction of Ca-based P-binders if economically feasible. The availability of new drugs (i.e. inhibitors of intestinal transporters), and studies including early CKD should ultimately lead to clearer and more cost/effective clinical targets for CKD-MBD.

Clinical Uses of 1,25-dihydroxy-19-nor-vitamin D(2) (Paricalcitol).

The activation of vitamin D receptors (VDR) - (including activation by 25-hydroxyvitamin D) - seems to have not only mineral-metabolism beneficial effects but also important extra-skeletal actions. Paricalcitol is a synthetic vitamin D2 agonist of the VDR approved for the prevention and treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As a result of its selectivity, paricalcitol provides a wider therapeutic window for PTH suppression, minimizing deleterious effects of high serum calcium and/or phosphate concentrations. Paricalcitol also shares, and sometimes improves pleiotropic vitamin-D related systemic effects. For instance, paricalcitol has been repeatedly shown to decrease calcium and phosphate deposition in vessels and to decrease the expression of osteogenic factors preventing the active transformation of smooth muscle vascular cells into osteoblast-like cells in experimental models. In patients, paricalcitol has been associated with improved survival of dialysis patients and it may improve residual albuminuria in diabetic patients. Consequently, paricalcitol may enhance the standard of care in these high-risk patients. Although it seems reasonable to use these potential advantages to guide the individual and integral management of the complex CKD-mineral and bone disorder, it is necessary to recognize that many of these observations have not been proven nor confirmed in prospective clinical trials.

Monocyte implication in renal allograft dysfunction.

Macrophages are involved in the development and progression of kidney fibrosis. The aim of this study was to analyse the phenotype of circulating monocytes and their ability to predict kidney allograft dysfunction in living kidney transplant recipients. Whole blood samples from 25 kidney recipients and 17 donors were collected at five time-points. Monocyte phenotype was analysed by flow cytometry, and interleukin (IL)-10 and soluble CD163 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. One week after transplantation, surface CD163 and IL-10 levels increased significantly from baseline [2·99 ± 1·38 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) to 5·18 ± 2·42 MFI for CD163; 4·5 ± 1·46 pg/ml to 6·7 ± 2·5 pg/ml for IL-10]. This CD163 increase correlated with 4-month creatinine levels (r = 0·4394, P = 0·04). However, soluble CD163 decreased significantly from baseline at 1 week (797·11 ± 340·45 ng/ml to 576·50 ± 293·60 ng/ml). CD14(+) CD16(-) monocytes increased at 4 months and correlated positively with creatinine levels at 12 and 24 months (r = 0·6348, P = 0·002 and r = 0·467, P = 0·028, respectively) and negatively with Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) at 12 months (r = 0·6056, P = 0·003). At 4 months, IL-10 decreased significantly (P = 0·008) and correlated positively with creatinine at 2 years (r = 0·68, P = 0·010) and with CD14(+) CD16(-) monocytes at 4 months (r = 0·732, P = 0·004). At 24 h, levels of human leucocyte antigen D-related declined from 12·12 ± 5·99 to 5·21 ± 3·84 and CD86 expression decreased from 2·76 ± 1·08 to 1·87 ± 0·95. Both markers recovered progressively until 12 months, when they decreased again. These results indicate that monitoring monocytes could be a promising new prognostic tool of graft dysfunction in renal transplant patients.

Mycophenolate as maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis with impaired renal function.

BACKGROUND: Mycophenolate (MF) is effective as a maintenance therapy after induction therapy in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). However, little is known about its role in patients with impaired renal function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MF as a maintenance therapy for LN and its association with renal function. METHODS: Data were obtained for 56 Spanish patients who were receiving MF as a maintenance therapy for LN. Patients were classified into two groups according to renal function at the initiation of MF treatment: group 1 [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)] and group 2 (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). The primary endpoints of the study were the rates of renal relapse and responses, and their relationship with baseline renal function. Secondary outcomes were the appearance of side effects during treatment. RESULTS: At initiation of MF treatment, the only differences between the groups were for age, hemoglobin levels, anti-DNA antibody titer, proteinuria, and renal function. In group 1 (n = 38), the eGFR was 98 ± 34 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and in group 2 (n = 18) the eGFR was 43 ± 14 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Only 3 cases had an eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m(2). No significant differences were observed in the rate of relapse at 6 months (group 1: 20%; group 2: 23%) or at 12 months (group 1: 25%; group 2: 17%). Response rates were also similar in both groups. Side effects were unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS: MF is effective and safe as a maintenance therapy for LN both in patients with normal renal function and in those with renal impairment.

El uso de nuevas técnicas para el diagnóstico de recidiva del feocromocitoma / The use of new techniques for diagnosis of relapse of pheochromocytoma

El feocromocitoma es un tumor secretor de catecolaminas que procede de las células cromafines de la médula suprarrenal y del tejido simpático y parasimpático extraadrenal. Para su diagnóstico se deben realizar pruebas hormonales complementadas con técnicas de imagen como la tomografía (TAC) y/o la resonancia magnética (RM). La confirmación de sulocalización así como la existencia de tumores múltiples requiere el uso de una prueba funcional, siendo de elección la gammagrafía con iodometilbencilguanidina (IMBG). Su sensibilidad disminuye en feocromocitomas de localización extra adrenal o malignos. Se presentan 2 casosen los que, a pesar de una alta sospecha diagnóstica de recidiva de feocromocitoma, la gammagrafría con IMBG fue negativa, siendo la tomografía por emisión de positrones (PET-CT) con18-fluorodesoxiglucosa (18F-FDG) fundamental para el diagnóstico en ambos casos. Además, se comenta la necesidad de hacer un estudio genético en algunos casos con feocromocitoma nosindrómico (AU)

Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor derived from chromaffincells of the adrenal medulla and extra-adrenal sympathetic and parasympathetic tissue. Diagnosis should be made by hormonal tests and supplemented with imaging techniques such as tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MR). To confirm its location and the existence of multiple tumors, it is necessary to perform a functional test, the iodomethyl-benzylguanidine (IMBG) scintigraphy being the test of choice. Its sensitivity decreases in extra-adrenal location pheochromocytomas or malignant tumors. Two cases are reported in which, despite high clinical suspicion of recurrence of pheochromocytoma, the IMBG scintigraphy was negative. The positron emission tomography (PET-CT) using 18-fluorodeoxyglucose(18F-FDG) was essential for the diagnosis in both cases. In addition, the need for a genetic study in some cases of non-syndromic pheochromocytoma is discussed (AU)

[Analysis of the training and teaching situation of anaesthesiology and resuscitation tutors in Spain: a proposal for improvement]. / Análisis de la situación formativa y docente de los tutores españoles de Anestesiología y Reanimación. Propuestas de mejora.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the current situation of the tutors in our specialty as regards resident/tutor ratios, times they have available to develop their work, the training that they have received to perform their function, and whether this is recognised by official bodies, other than by their own hospital. Furthermore, to determine the teaching and research work taught to the residents through the sessions, as well as their participation in publications per year. To find out their opinion of the tutors as regards unifying training contents, whether or not they have objective tests on finishing their residency, and their willingness to take part in the project promoted by the Teaching Section of SEDAR to carry out a common minimum theoretical-practical programme throughout the whole of Spain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire with the aforementioned questions was sent to Anaesthesiology Teach Units through the different regional coordinators, during the years 2008-2010. RESULTS: A total of 77/106 (72.6%) Teaching Units responded. The mean ratio of residents per tutor was 5.6±3.3. More than 60% of the tutors had not attended any training course or even how to join one in the two years of the study; 62.3% did not have specific time available to develop their role as tutors, and in 18.2%, their work was only recognised by health institutions. The number of teaching sessions for residents per year was 5.0±4.0 and the number of publications was 1.6±1.4. Almost all of them (98.7%) believe it was necessary to produce a programme that would ensure similar minimum theoretical-practical training plans and that on their own initiative had been carried out in 70% of Teaching Units, but without uniform criteria. Almost three-quarters (74%) had not presented any resident to the European Examination of Anaesthesia in the last few years, and 87% considered the system of evaluating residents as inadequate, with 79% in favour of having a final exam or test. CONCLUSIONS: The tutor/resident ratio should according to that stipulated. Time needs to be set aside for teaching, separate from care work, and our tutors, in general, lack specific training courses, and these are very disparate. There is a general demand to have a training programme of common minimum theoretical-practical skills. It is considered that the current evaluation system is inadequate, but there is no unanimity in whether or not to have an exam at the end of the residency, although the European Examination could be the model to consider in this regard.

Role of vitamin D receptor activators in peritoneal dialysis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), including patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD), is linked to an important increase in mortality risk. Within the new systemic term CKD-MBD, alterations in vitamin D metabolism are also included. Many adverse events have been associated with vitamin D deficiency or lack of vitamin D receptor (VDR) activation both in the general population and CKD patients, and these associations seem to be maintained in PD patients. Particularities of PD in vitamin D metabolism, calcium balance, low PTH levels and the high prevalence of adynamic bone disease are discussed. We also review the associations of clinical or survival benefits with vitamin D supplementation, VDR or selective VDR activation, although they are low-graded and most of them obtained from HD databases. Nevertheless, we think that the combined approach to secondary hyperparathyroidism seems also to be appropriate in PD patients, and vitamin D (native plus VDR or selective VDR activation) seem an important part of the required integral approach. The later may provide additional benefits but definitive prove is still lacking.

Mycophenolate as induction therapy in lupus nephritis with renal function impairment.

BACKGROUND: Mycophenolate (MF) is effective as induction therapy for lupus nephritis (LN) in patients with normal renal function; however, little is known about its role in patients with impaired renal failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response to MF in LN and its association with baseline renal function. METHODS: Data were obtained for 90 patients from 12 Spanish renal units who were receiving MF as induction therapy for LN. Patients were classified into 2 groups: group 1 (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and group 2 (eGFR <60 ml/min/ 1.73 m(2)). The primary outcome measure was the percentage of patients who achieved any response and its relationship with initial eGFR. The secondary outcome measures were the percentage of patients who achieved a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) and the appearance of relapses during treatment and side effects. RESULTS: At initiation of MF treatment, there were no differences in the main parameters between group 1 (n = 63; eGFR 87 ± 23 ml/min/ 1.73 m(2)) and group 2 (n = 27; eGFR 44 ± 12 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). Exposure to prednisone and MF was similar. The percentages of patients who achieved a response in groups 1 and 2 were, respectively, 69.2 and 43.8% at 6 months and 81.3 and 73.7% at 12 months. CR was more frequent in group 1, whereas PR was similar in both groups. Four patients relapsed and side effects were unremarkable. CONCLUSIONS: MF is effective and safe as induction therapy for LN, and response is even achieved in patients with baseline renal impairment.

[Assessment of learning in blind orotracheal intubation with Fastrach masks using a cumulative sum curves (CuSum) in the SimMan Universal Simulator]. / Evaluación del aprendizaje de intubación orotraqueal a ciegas a través de mascarillas Fastrach mediante curvas de sumas acumulativas (CuSum) en el Simulador Universal SimMan.

OBJECTIVE: To assess training in blind intubation with the Fastrach laryngeal mask in a simulation model by applying the cumulative sums (CuSum) method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six anaesthesiology resident doctors, with no previous experience of the technique, participated, three in their first year, and three in the second. The study was conducted with the help of the SimMan Universal Simulator. Fifty attempts by each one of them over a four month period, divided into two stages: the first 20 with minimum airway difficulty, and the next 30 with limitations of flexion-extension movements to <80°. An unacceptable failure rate was set at 10% after a second failed attempt. The time limit set to be considered a success was 60seconds. RESULTS: A total of 120 attempts in the first stages, and the remaining 180 in the second were analysed individually, all managing to achieve acceptable success rates of 90%: 84% in the first attempt and 13.33% in the second. A total of 2.66% failures were recorded. The learning curve showed that the residents began to achieve an acceptable 90% success rate in case number 25±11.76 of the 50 attempts. CONCLUSIONS: This statistical method and the SimMan simulator, used together, have demonstrated to be very useful tools in assessing learning curves in this technique.