Risk factors and endoscopic treatment for anastomotic stricture after resection in patients with colorectal cancer. / Factores de riesgo y tratamiento endoscópico para estenosis de anastomosis posterior a resección en pacientes con cáncer colorrectal.

INTRODUCTION: Benign strictures are frequent complications following colorectal surgery, with an incidence of up to 20%. Endoscopic treatment is safe and effective but there is not enough evidence for establishing stricture management at that anatomic level. AIM: To determine the risk factors associated with the development of stricture in patients with colorectal cancer and describe endoscopic treatment in those patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with colorectal cancer that underwent surgery and anastomosis, evaluated through colonoscopy, within the time frame of 2014 to 2019. RESULTS: Of the 213 patients included in the study, 18.3% presented with stricture that was associated with the type of surgery. Intersphincteric resection was a risk factor (OR = 18.81, 95% CI: 3.31-189.40, p < .001). A total of 69.2% patients with stricture had a stoma, identifying it as a risk factor for stricture (OR = 7.07, 95% CI: 3.10-16.57, p < .001). Mechanical anastomotic stapling was performed in 87.4% of the patients that did not present with stricture, identifying it as a protective factor (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.16-1.1, p = .04). Endoscopic treatment was required in 69.2% of the patients and provided favorable results in 83.3%. Only 2.6% of the patients had recurrence. No complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Intersphincteric resection and the presence of a stoma were independent risk factors for stricture, and mechanical anastomosis was a protective factor against stricture development. Endoscopic treatment was safe and effective.

La vuelta de los sonidos casi a los 100 años. ¿Cuál va a ser el límite?

Resumen El implante coclear (IC) es el tratamiento estándar para las sorderas profundas en niños y adultos. En adultos mayores esta indicación ha pasado a ser cada día más común. Se describe un abordaje para implantes cocleares en adultos mayores usando como hilo conductor el caso clínico de una mujer de 98 años y 9 meses con hipoacusia neurosensorial severa que ya no se beneficiaba de sus audífonos. Las evaluaciones fueron conducidas por las áreas de otología, cardiología, neurología y anestesiología. Con las aprobaciones de las áreas médicas, la cirugía de implante coclear en el oído izquierdo fue realizada con anestesia local y sedación. No hubo complicaciones intra ni postoperatorias. La rápida recuperación permitió el alta al segundo día posoperatorio. El implante fue activado al mes de operada con todos los electrodos estando activos. Se lograron umbrales para tonos puros de 25 dB HL en campo libre y discriminación en silencio con IC en oído izquierdo y audífono en oído derecho para frases del 76% y para palabras familiares del 100%. El implante coclear fue una alternativa adecuada para esta paciente, posiblemente la implantada de mayor edad en el mundo, y debe ser considerado una alternativa razonable para el adulto mayor con sordera profunda. La decisión quirúrgica debe estar enfocada en las condiciones generales de salud más que en la edad cronológica.

Abstract Cochlear implant (IC) is the standard treatment for profound deafness in children and adults. In the elderly this indication is becoming more common every day. An approach to cochlear implants in the elderly is described, using as a common thread the case of a 98 years and 9 months old woman with severe bilateral gradually progressive sensorineural hearing loss who did not benefit from her hearing aids. She underwent comprehensive multispecialty medical evaluation including otolaryngology, neurology, cardiology and anesthesiology. She underwent cochlear implantation under local anesthesia and sedation. No intra or postoperative complications occurred. Recovery was quick and she was discharged on the second postoperative day. The device was activated at 1-month post-surgery and all electrodes were active. Free field thresholds for pure tones were 25 dB HL and discrimination in silence with IC in left ear and hearing aid in right ear for sentences were 76% and for familiar words 100%. Cochlear implantation resulted in an adequate alternative for this elderly patient, possibly the oldest implanted individual in the world. Cochlear implantation should be considered a reasonable alternative for elderly patients with profound hearing loss. The surgical decision should focus more on the general health conditions than on the chronological age.

Predictors of self-expanding metallic stent dysfunction in malignant gastric outlet obstruction. / Predictores de disfunción del stent metálico autoexplandible en la obstrucción de salida gástrica maligna.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are the ideal treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction (MGOO) in patients with a short life expectancy, but stent dysfunction is frequent. The primary aim of our study was to identify the predictive factors of SEMS dysfunction in MGOO and the secondary aim was to determine the technical success, clinical success, and nutritional impact after SEMS placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, longitudinal study was conducted at the gastrointestinal endoscopy department of the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología in Mexico City. Patients diagnosed with MGOO that underwent SEMS placement within the time frame of January 2015 to May 2018 were included. We utilized the gastric outlet obstruction scoring system (GOOSS) to determine clinical success and SEMS dysfunction. RESULTS: The study included 43 patients, technical success was 97.7% (n=42), and clinical success was 88.3% (n=38). SEMS dysfunction presented in 30.2% (n=13) of the patients, occurring in<6 months after placement in 53.8% (n=7) of them. In the univariate analysis, the histologic subtype, diffuse gastric adenocarcinoma (p=0.02) and the use of uncovered SEMS (p=0.02) were the variables associated with dysfunction. Albumin levels and body mass index did not increase after SEMS placement. Medical follow-up was a mean 5.8 months (1-24 months). CONCLUSIONS: SEMS demonstrated adequate technical and clinical efficacy in the treatment of MGOO. SEMS dysfunction was frequent and diffuse type gastric cancer and uncovered SEMS appeared to be dysfunction predictors.

Mantle cell lymphoma with involvement of the digestive tract. / Linfoma del manto con afección del tubo digestivo.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Mantle cell lymphoma is an aggressive subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and its incidence is 0.5/100,000 inhabitants. Gastrointestinal involvement at diagnosis is 15-30%. The aim of our study was to analyze the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of mantle cell lymphoma affecting the digestive tract. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted, based on a case series of patients with mantle cell lymphoma affecting the gastrointestinal tract that were diagnosed over a 10-year period. RESULTS: Ten patients (11.7%) had gastrointestinal tract involvement. The upper endoscopic findings were polypoid lesions (66%), thickened folds (44%), and nonspecific changes in the mucosa (33%). At colonoscopy, polypoid lesions were viewed in 100% of the patients and ulcerated lesions in 40%. CONCLUSION: Polypoid lesions are the most common endoscopic characteristics in patients with mantle cell lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Upper endoscopy and colonoscopy should be carried out on patients with mantle cell lymphoma, even those with nonspecific symptoms, to check their gastrointestinal status. Gastrointestinal involvement has an impact on disease staging.

Fully covered stents versus partially covered stents for palliative treatment of esophageal cancer: Is there a difference? / Prótesis totalmente cubiertas versus parcialmente cubiertas para el tratamiento paliativo del cáncer de esófago: ¿hay alguna diferencia?

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Malignant dysphagia is difficulty swallowing resulting from esophageal obstruction due to cancer. The goal of palliative treatment is to reduce the dysphagia and improve oral dietary intake. Self-expandable metallic stents are the current treatment of choice, given that they enable the immediate restoration of oral intake. The aim of the present study was to describe the results of using totally covered and partially covered esophageal stents for palliating esophageal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with inoperable esophageal cancer treated with self-expandable metallic stents. The 2 groups formed were: group A, which consisted of patients with a fully covered self-expandable stent (SX-ELLA®), and group B, which was made up of patients with a partially covered self-expandable stent (Ultraflex®). RESULTS: Of the 69-patient total, 50 were included in the study. Group A had 19 men and 2 women and their mean age was 63.6 years (range 41-84). Technical success was achieved in 100% (n=21) of the cases and clinical success in 90.4% (n=19). Group B had 24 men and 5 women and their mean age was 67.5 years (range 43-92). Technical success was achieved in 100% (n=29) of the cases and clinical success in 89.6% (n=26). Complications were similar in both groups (33.3 vs. 51.7%). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the 2 types of stent for the palliative treatment of esophageal cancer with respect to technical success, clinical success, or complications.

[Factor associated in the failure of the ostheosyntesis of transtrocantheric fractures]. / Factores asociados a fallo en la osteosíntesis de fracturas transtrocantéricas.

Pertrochanteric fractures account approximately a half of the proximal femoral fractures. Incidence of these fractures is highest in women, age > 65 years and presents a mortality rate of 14 to 50%. Treatment goals include stable fixation, immediate mobilization and restore activities. Complications after treatment present in 17% and include: nonunion, cut out and varus displacement. OBJECTIVE: Correlation between complications after surgical treatment and presence of instability, inadequate reduction, Tip Apex Index (TAI) > 25 mm, Tip Apex Index to calcar (TAIcal) > 20 mm and parker index. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case control study was conducted in patients with pertrochanteric fractures treated between January 2009 and December 2014, 91 patients were included and complications were measured up to 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: 27 patients were included in group 1, which were the ones who presented complications. Values of TAI measured in this group were 13.7 to 45 mm, and were significantly higher than group 2. Position of the blade/screw central in the lateral view and inferior in the AP view didn´t present complications. CONCLUSIONS: We found 27 patients with complications in the follow up (29%). Initial reduction and stability is determinant to success. We recommend the use of proximal femoral nail in all unstable fractures. It is confirmed that TAI > 25 mm as a predictor of failure.

Las fracturas transtrocantéricas representan la mitad de las fracturas del fémur proximal. La mayor incidencia es en > 65 años, mujeres y presentan mortalidad al año del 14 al 50%. Los objetivos de tratamiento son: fijación estable, restaurar la movilidad y recuperar la función. Las complicaciones tienen una incidencia de 17%, siendo las más comunes: desplazamiento en varo, no unión y cut out. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre falla de la osteosíntesis y los siguientes factores: mala reducción, inestabilidad, índice punta ápice > (TAI) 25 mm, punta ápice modificado al calcar (TAICal) > 20 mm e índice de Parker. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte de pacientes con fracturas transtrocantéricas. De enero del 2009 a diciembre del 2014, se incluyeron 91 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de selección. El seguimiento se hizo a 6 meses para valorar complicaciones. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el grupo 1 a 27 pacientes que presentaron falla y en el grupo 2 a 64 pacientes. Se obtuvieron en el grupo 1 valores de TAI 13.7 a 45 mm y en el grupo 2 valores de 11 a 31.2 mm. Se encontró que la posición central en lateral e inferior en AP no presentó fallo. Conclusiones: Se encontraron 27 pacientes con complicaciones (29%). La estabilidad inicial es un factor determinante, se recomienda fijación con CCM en los casos de fracturas inestables. Se confirmó la validez de un TAI > 25 mm como un predictor de fallo.

Factores asociados a fallo en la osteosíntesis de fracturas transtrocantéricas / Factor associated in the failure of the ostheosyntesis of transtrocantheric fractures

Resumen: Las fracturas transtrocantéricas representan la mitad de las fracturas del fémur proximal. La mayor incidencia es en > 65 años, mujeres y presentan mortalidad al año del 14 al 50%. Los objetivos de tratamiento son: fijación estable, restaurar la movilidad y recuperar la función. Las complicaciones tienen una incidencia de 17%, siendo las más comunes: desplazamiento en varo, no unión y cut out. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación entre falla de la osteosíntesis y los siguientes factores: mala reducción, inestabilidad, índice punta ápice > (TAI) 25 mm, punta ápice modificado al calcar (TAICal) > 20 mm e índice de Parker. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte de pacientes con fracturas transtrocantéricas. De enero del 2009 a diciembre del 2014, se incluyeron 91 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de selección. El seguimiento se hizo a 6 meses para valorar complicaciones. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el grupo 1 a 27 pacientes que presentaron falla y en el grupo 2 a 64 pacientes. Se obtuvieron en el grupo 1 valores de TAI 13.7 a 45 mm y en el grupo 2 valores de 11 a 31.2 mm. Se encontró que la posición central en lateral e inferior en AP no presentó fallo. Conclusiones: Se encontraron 27 pacientes con complicaciones (29%). La estabilidad inicial es un factor determinante, se recomienda fijación con CCM en los casos de fracturas inestables. Se confirmó la validez de un TAI > 25 mm como un predictor de fallo.

Abstract: Pertrochanteric fractures account approximately a half of the proximal femoral fractures. Incidence of these fractures is highest in women, age > 65 years and presents a mortality rate of 14 to 50%. Treatment goals include stable fixation, immediate mobilization and restore activities. Complications after treatment present in 17% and include: nonunion, cut out and varus displacement. Objective: Correlation between complications after surgical treatment and presence of instability, inadequate reduction, Tip Apex Index (TAI) > 25 mm, Tip Apex Index to calcar (TAIcal) > 20 mm and parker index. Material and methods: A case control study was conducted in patients with pertrochanteric fractures treated between January 2009 and December 2014, 91 patients were included and complications were measured up to 6 months after surgery. Results: 27 patients were included in group 1, which were the ones who presented complications. Values of TAI measured in this group were 13.7 to 45 mm, and were significantly higher than group 2. Position of the blade/screw central in the lateral view and inferior in the AP view didn´t present complications. Conclusions: We found 27 patients with complications in the follow up (29%). Initial reduction and stability is determinant to success. We recommend the use of proximal femoral nail in all unstable fractures. It is confirmed that TAI > 25 mm as a predictor of failure.

HIV-related symptoms and patient clusters among Chileans living with HIV.

Identifying both Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related and co-morbid symptoms experienced by people living with HIV (PLWH) who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment is a major challenge for healthcare providers globally. Yet, little research to date has examined the symptoms of illness experienced by PLWH including patients living in Central and South American. To address this gap, this study was designed to identify symptoms of HIV by socio-demographic and/or clinical characteristics among Chilean patients living with the virus. A convenience sample of 209 Chilean PLWH was recruited from an outpatient clinic in Santiago, Chile. A structured interview was used to elicit socio-demographic information and HIV symptoms status. Additional clinical information was obtained through a review of the participants' medical records. Results show that patients' most commonly reported HIV-related symptoms were fear/worries (66%), anxiety (52%), gas/bloating (50%), and thirst (50%). Multivariate analysis revealed a positive association between the number of reported HIV-related symptoms and number of years living with HIV. Having completed college was negatively associated with number of symptoms. Latent class analysis indicated that PLWH in the sample who had completed college were two times more likely to experience a mild intensity of HIV-related symptoms than their lesser educated counterparts. Similarly, logistic regression revealed that college-educated PLWH were twice as likely to be classified in the subgroup reporting mild intensity of symptoms than those who lacked a college degree. Overall, the study's results reveal that many Chilean PLWH, even those with high CD4 counts and low or undetectable viral loads, are not symptom free. The findings point to the need for clinicians to tailor a plan of care for individuals living with HIV that is based on their symptomatology.

Immunological fecal occult blood test vs. serum ferritin for detection of colorectal neoplasia in high risk asymptomatic population.

INTRODUCTION: Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) (biochemical or immunological) are based on the fact that most of the polyps or cancers bleed. Anemia due to iron deficiency is a wellknown sign for colorectal cancer (CRC). Ferritin is frequently used to select candidates for colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the diagnostic value of immunological fecal occult blood test vs. ferritin for the detection of colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps) in high-risk patients. METHODS: A transversal prospective study at National Cancer Institute, Mexico City, in consecutive asymptomatic subjects at high risk for CRC was performed, comparing two tests (immunological against serum ferritin) with colonoscopy plus histopathology. Both tests were performed in a blindly fashion previous to colonoscopy. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study; twenty-eight patients had colorectal neoplasia (21 CRC, 7 adenomas). All immunologic tests for fecaloccult blood were positive in patients with colorectal lesions (sensitivity, 98%). There was no difference between the mean ferritin levels in patients with CRC or adenomas vs. those with negative colonoscopy (p = 0.58). The cutoff point where significant relationship between serum ferritin levels and colon lesions was established was ?46 ng/mL. In anemic patients with serum ferritin levels <46 ng/mL, the test had a sensitivity 53%, specificity 86%, positive predictive value 83%, and negative predictive value of 59% (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The immunological FOBT is a better diagnostic tool than serum ferritin for screening of colonic neoplasms.

[The value of targeted biopsies with endoscopic magnification and narrow band image vs. chromoendoscopy for the diagnosis of gastric metaplasia]. / Valor de la biopsia dirigida con magnificación endoscópica más imagen de banda estrecha vs. Cromoendoscopia para el diagnóstico de metaplasia gástrica.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopy is the better test to detect premalignant lesions, but its main problem is the sampling error. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of endoscopic biopsies using narrow band imaging (NBI) vs. chromoendoscopy for diagnosing gastric intestinal metaplasia. METHODS: Forty one patients were studied with conventional endoscopy, NBI magnification endoscopy and chromoendoscopy (3% acetic acid, 0.6% indigo carmine) for examination of gastric antrum. Biopsies were taken randomly from the antrum, body and incisura angularis. Additional biopsies were taken from areas with villous or crypt pattern according to NBI and chromoendoscopy examination (targeted biopsies). RESULTS: 240 biopsies were taken, 205 randomized biopsies and 35 targeted biopsies. Intestinal metaplasia was found in 25 randomized biopsies and 9 directed samples (12% vs. 25.7%). The NBI and chromoendoscopy had sensitivity of 70% vs. 77%, specificity of 97% vs. 98%, with diagnostic accuracy of 96% vs. 97%, respectively. Random biopsies and targeted biopsies had a sensitivity of 91% vs. 74%, specificity of 51% vs. 95%, and diagnostic accuracy of 93% vs. 86%, respectively. The intra-observer variability showed a k value of 0.86 (range 0.74 to 0.99). CONCLUSION: Targeted biopsies are more specific than random biopsies to detect gastric intestinal metaplasia. NBI and chromoendoscopy may be used similarly to guide biopsies.

Infectious diseases of dogs and cats on Isabela Island, Galapagos.

BACKGROUND: Vaccination and importation of dogs and cats are prohibited in the Galapagos, resulting in a uniquely isolated population. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of infectious diseases of dogs and cats that impact their health, could spill over to native wildlife, or sentinel diseases of concern to humans. HYPOTHESIS: The isolation of dogs and cats in the Galapagos protects them from diseases common in mainland populations. ANIMALS: Ninety-five dogs and 52 cats presented during a neutering campaign. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed. Blood was collected for serological and DNA evaluation of a panel of infectious diseases. RESULTS: Antibodies against parvovirus (100%), parainfluenza virus (100%), adenovirus 1/2 (66-67%), and distemper virus (22%) were present in dogs. Dirofilaria immitis was also common in dogs (34%), with lower prevalences of Wolbachia pipiens (22%), Bartonella sp. (13%), Ehrlichia/Anaplasma spp. (1%), and Mycoplasma haemocanis (1%) observed. Antibodies against panleukopenia virus (67%), Toxoplasma gondii (63%), calicivirus (44%), and herpesvirus 1 (10%) were detected in cats. Feline leukemia virus antigen, feline immunodeficiency virus antibody, or coronavirus antibodies were not detected. Bartonella sp. (44%) infections were common in cats, but only one was infected with M. haemofelis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Despite their relative seclusion from the rest of the world, cats and dogs of Isabela were exposed to many pathogens found in mainland South America. Parasite prophylaxis, neutering, and strict enforcement of animal movement restrictions would control a majority of the diseases. In the absence of vaccination, a reservoir of susceptible animals remains vulnerable to new disease introductions.

Clinical and bacteriologic efficacy of amoxycillin b.d. (45 mg/kg/day) versus amoxycillin t.d.s (40 mg/kg/day) in children with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis.

This randomized, observer-blind, multicenter, parallel-group study compared the clinical and bacteriologic efficacy and safety of amoxycillin, 45 mg/kg/day b.d. and amoxycillin, 40 mg/kg/day t.d.s. after 7 days of treatment in 517 children with acute bacterial tonsillopharyngitis. At the end of treatment, a successful clinical response was recorded in more than 96% of patients in each of the treatment groups. A similar result was obtained at follow-up. Among those patients who were bacteriologically evaluable at the end of treatment, a successful bacteriologic response was achieved in more than 94% in each treatment group. Both treatments were well tolerated. Drug-related adverse events were recorded in just 12 patients (4.6%) in the b.d. group and six (2.4%) in the t.d.s. group. The study demonstrated that a twice-daily regimen of amoxycillin, 45 mg/kg/day, was as effective and as well tolerated as the standard three-times-daily regimen of amoxycillin, 40 mg/kg/day, in the treatment of acute bacterial tonsillopharyngitis in children.

Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy: anatomical-clinical correlation (case report).

We report on a man that had weakness of humeroperoneal distribution associated with limited range of motion of the cervical spine and elbows since he was 5 years old. At age 26 he developed tachycardia episodes. A complex arrhythmia was discovered, and a nodal ablation was done with a cardiac pacemaker implanted. The patient had an arrhythmia and sudden death followed this. Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a rare recessive X-linked muscular disorder where mixed patterns in electromyography and muscle histology (neurogenic and/or myopathic) have caused nosological confusion. The autopsy findings are here described and correlated to the clinical features in an attempt to better understand the ambiguous findings concerning the process etiology.