Análisis de genotoxicidad en eritrocitos de tortugas (Phrynops hilarii) de sitios antropizados y naturales de Entre Ríos, Argentina / Analysis of genotoxicity in erithrocytes of turtles (Phrynops hilarii) from anthropized and natural sites of Entre Ríos, Argentina

El test de micronúcleos (MN) es un biomarcador de genotoxicidad no destructivo que permite detectar daño cromosómico y otras alteraciones nucleares (AN). Phrynops hilarii es un quelonio de agua dulce que habita regiones del centro-norte de Argentina. El objetivo principal fue determinar la presencia de MN y otras AN en eritrocitos de poblaciones naturales de P. hilarii comparando sus frecuencias entre tres sitios, dos antropizados y uno de control (ciudades de Diamante y Paraná) de Entre Ríos, Argentina, durante el periodo 2015-2016. Dieciocho individuos (seis por sitio de muestreo) fueron evaluados en los sitios: 1- PD: Parque Nacional Pre-Delta (control), 2- AG: Salto Ander Egg (agroecosistema) y 3- SU: Caleta Club Náutico (sistema urbano). Se extrajo sangre de la vena femoral. Las muestras se tiñeron con el método May Grünwald-Giemsa y se observaron bajo un microscopio con el objetivo de inmersión. Las frecuencias de micronúcleos (FMN) y alteraciones nucleares (FAN) se determinaron cada 1000 eritrocitos observados. Se encontró diferencia significativa (p<0,05) entre el sitio PD y los otros sitios (AG y SU), tanto para FMN (p=0,0021) como para FAN (p=0,0011). Los valores de las frecuencias más altos correspondieron al sitio AG (FMN: 3,33±0,62; FAN: 4,67±0,56). Finalmente, el biomonitoreo con P. hilarii fue útil, por lo que podría considerarse como especie bioindicadora para evaluar la calidad de los ambientes de Argentina.

The micronucleus test (MN) is a biomarker of non-destructive genotoxicity that allows chromosomal damage and other nuclear alterations (NA) to be detected. Phrynops hilarii is a freshwater chelonium that inhabits regions of central-northern Argentina. The main objective was to determine the presence of MN and other NA in erythrocytes of natural populations of P. hilarii comparing their frequencies between three sites, two anthropized and one of control (cities of Diamante and Paraná) of Entre Ríos, Argentina, during the period 2015-2016. Eighteen individuals (six per sampling site) were evaluated at the sites: 1- PD: Pre-Delta National Park (control), 2- AG: Salto Ander Egg (agroecosystem) and 3- SU: Caleta Club Náutico (urban system). Blood was obtained from the femoral vein. The samples were stained with the May Grünwald-Giemsa method and observed under a microscope with an immersion objective. Micronucleus (MNF) and nuclear alterations (NAF) frequencies were determined every 1000 erythrocytes observed. A significant difference (p<0.05) was found between the PD site and the other sites (AG and SU), both for MNF (p=0.0021) and for NAF (p=0.0011). The highest frequency values corresponded to the AG site (MNF: 3.33 ± 0.62; NAF: 4.67 ± 0.56). Finally, biomonitoring with P. hilarii was useful, so it could be considered as a bioindicator species to assess the quality of Argentina's environments.

[Dose and efficacy of botulinum toxin in pediatric patients with spasticity]. / Dosis y eficacia de la toxina botulinica en pacientes pediatricos con espasticidad.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of botulinum toxin in the treatment of upper and lower limb spasticity in pediatric patients in a real clinical setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted based on information from clinical records of 79 pediatric patients with spasticity in different clinical forms and severity treated with botulinum toxin type A. The improvement of rigidity and mobility was estimated by the attending physician through physical examination, evaluating the gait, rating on the Ashworth scale and measurement of joint mobility angles using a goniometer. The number of injections, the interval between them, the site of application and the dose were recorded, considering the reduction of at least one point on the Ashworth scale or an increase in the degrees of joint mobility as treatment response. RESULTS: Patients received injections in a mean of 10 ± 7 muscles at intervals of 4 to 50 weeks (average: 13 ± 9 weeks). A 90% also received rehabilitation. The knee, ankle and wrist showed presented a higher percentage of improvement. An improvement in the degrees of movement was found in 24% of patients. CONCLUSION: The application of botulinum toxin type A was effective for the treatment of spasticity in the pediatric population.

TITLE: Dosis y eficacia de la toxina botulinica en pacientes pediatricos con espasticidad.Objetivo. Evaluar la efectividad de la toxina botulinica en el tratamiento de la espasticidad de los miembros superiores e inferiores en pacientes pediatricos en un entorno clinico real. Pacientes y metodos. Se realizo un estudio retrospectivo basado en el historial clinico de 79 pacientes pediatricos con espasticidad en diferentes formas clinicas y grados de afectacion tratados con toxina botulinica tipo A. La mejoria de la rigidez y movilidad fue estimada por el medico tratante mediante exploracion fisica, evaluando la marcha, la calificacion en la escala de Ashworth y la medicion de los angulos de movilidad articular mediante un goniometro. Se registro el numero de inyecciones, el intervalo entre ellas, el sitio de aplicacion y la dosis, y se considero una respuesta positiva al tratamiento la disminucion del al menos un punto en la escala de Ashworth o un incremento en los grados de movilidad articular. Resultados. Los pacientes recibieron inyecciones en 10 ± 7 musculos diferentes en intervalos de 4 a 50 semanas (media: 13 ± 9 semanas). Un 90% de los pacientes recibio rehabilitacion. Las articulaciones de la rodilla, el tobillo y la muñeca presentaron un mayor porcentaje de mejoria. En el 24% de los pacientes se encontro mejoria en los grados de movimiento articular. Conclusion. La aplicacion de toxina botulinica tipo A fue efectiva para el tratamiento de la espasticidad en la poblacion pediatrica.

Performance of the clinical index of stable febrile neutropenia (CISNE) in different types of infections and tumors.

PURPOSE: The clinical index of stable febrile neutropenia (CISNE) can contribute to patient safety without increasing the complexity of decision-making. However, febrile neutropenia (FN) is a diverse syndrome. The aim of this analysis is to assess the performance of CISNE according to the type of tumor and infection and to characterize these patients. METHODS: We prospectively recruited 1383 FN episodes in situations of apparent clinical stability. Bonferroni-adjusted z tests of proportions were used to assess the association between the infections suspected at the time of onset and the type of tumor with the risk of serious complications and mortality. The performance of CISNE was appraised in each category using the Breslow-Day test for homogeneity of odds ratios and Forest Plots. RESULTS: 171 patients had a serious complication (12.3 %, 95 % confidence interval 10.7-14.2 %). The most common initial assumptive diagnoses were: fever without focus (34.5 %), upper respiratory infection (14.9 %), enteritis (12.7 %), stomatitis (11.8 %), and acute bronchitis (10.7 %). Lung and breast were the most common tumors, accounting for approximately 56 % of the series. The distribution of complications, mortality, and bacteremia varies for each of these categories. However, Breslow-Day tests indicate homogeneity of the odds ratio of the dichotomized CISNE score to predict complications in all infection and tumor subtypes. CONCLUSION: Despite FN's clinical and microbiological heterogeneity, the CISNE score was seen to be consistent and robust in spite of these variations. Hence, it appears to be a safe tool in seemingly stable FN.

Early Steroid Withdrawal in Recipients of a Kidney Transplant From a Living Donor: Experience of a Single Mexican Center.

BACKGROUND: Early steroid withdrawal (ESW) can improve lipid and hemodynamic profiles without severe acute rejection (AR) events in renal transplant patients. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of ESW on the frequency and severity of AR. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial was performed on renal transplant recipients with a follow-up of 12 months. In the ESW group, patients were selected for corticosteroid treatment withdrawal on the fifth day post transplantation. In the Control group, patients continued with steroid treatment. All patients were over 18 years of age with panel reactive antibody (PRA) class I and II HLA <20%. RESULTS: In total, 71 patients, 37 in the ESW group (52.1%) and 34 in the Control group (47.9%), had comparable AR incidences at the end of the follow-up (16% vs 15%) (NS) (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.32-3.33). Although renal graft survival was similar between the ESW and Control groups (87% vs 94%), renal function was superior in the ESW group (85 vs 75 mL/min). Additionally, hypertension was less frequent in the ESW group (3% vs 35%), requiring the use of fewer antihypertensives (8% vs 50%). CONCLUSIONS: ESW was also associated with better blood pressure control and similar AR risk. The ESW group exhibited stable renal function.

Coexistencia de vitiligo y psoriasis, serie de casos y perspectivas etiopatogénicas / Coexistence of vitiligo and psoriasis, case series and etiopathogenic perspectives

El vitiligo y la psoriasis se observan con frecuencia en la consulta dermatológica; sin embargo, pese a su alta prevalencia, no es frecuente que ambas se encuentren en un mismo paciente. Presentamos los casos de tres pacientes que exhiben esta situación y realizamos una revisión de la literatura, en cuanto a los aspectos fisiopatogénicos comunes, que podrían contribuir a generar la coexistencia de estas entidades.

Vitiligo and psoriasis are commonly seen in the dermatology clinic; yet, despite their high prevalence, it is infrequent to find them together in the same patient. We report three cases exhibiting this situation and we do a literature review regarding common pathophysiologic aspects that could generate the coexistence of these entities.

Coexistencia de vitiligo y psoriasis, serie de casos y perspectivas etiopatogénicas / Coexistence of vitiligo and psoriasis, case series and etiopathogenic perspectives

El vitiligo y la psoriasis se observan con frecuencia en la consulta dermatológica; sin embargo, pese a su alta prevalencia, no es frecuente que ambas se encuentren en un mismo paciente. Presentamos los casos de tres pacientes que exhiben esta situación y realizamos una revisión de la literatura, en cuanto a los aspectos fisiopatogénicos comunes, que podrían contribuir a generar la coexistencia de estas entidades.(AU)

Vitiligo and psoriasis are commonly seen in the dermatology clinic; yet, despite their high prevalence, it is infrequent to find them together in the same patient. We report three cases exhibiting this situation and we do a literature review regarding common pathophysiologic aspects that could generate the coexistence of these entities.(AU)

Efectos clínicos de los probióticos: qué dice la evidencia / Clinical effects of probiotics: what does the evidence says

The scientific advances related to healthy properties of the probiotics have increased in a significant form. It is evident the positive effects on physiological functions. Considering the relevance in these advances, this review presents a summary of the scientific evidence supporting the principal biological effects of the probiotics in digestive function, systemic immune reply and lipid profile, pathologies relevant in the functional food development.

Los avances científicos en relación a las propiedades saludables de los probióticos han aumentado significativamente, mostrando grandes avances en su efecto sobre diferentes funciones fisiológicas. Los hallazgos demuestran que las acciones a nivel fisiológico o clínico son cepa específicos, aspecto que toma cada día mayor relevancia en el desarrollo de alimentos funcionales asociados a probióticos. Teniendo en cuenta la importancia de estos avances, este artículo presenta de forma resumida evidencia que sustenta los principales efectos clínicos atribuidos a los probióticos en enfermedades relacionadas con el sistema digestivo, función inmune y metabolismo lipídico, patologías en las cuales el desarrollo de alimentos funcionales se ha venido enfocando.

Dilatación precoz: evolución y complicaciones en esofagitis caústicas grado II y III en niños / Earily dilatation: evaluation and complications in caustic esophagitis grade II and in children

La dilatación precoz en esofagitis caústica no está bien establecida. Objetivo: Evaluar el beneficio de la dilatación precoz, en la evolución y complicaciones de esofagitis caústicas grado II y III. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de 32 niños, grupo A (dilatación precoz) y B (dilatación tardía). Se utilizo el índice de dilatación periódica para evaluar beneficio de la dilatación precoz. Resultados: edad promedio 2,3 años; 13 (40,62%) hembras y 19 (59,38%) varones; 21/32 (65,62%) desarrollaron estenosis esofágica, 6/15 (40,00%) grupo A, 15/17 (88,23%) grupo B (p=0,0041). Estenosis simples en 12/21 (57,14%), complejas 9/21 (42,85%), recurrentes 2/6 y refractaria 2/6, grupo A; 6/15 recurrente y 5/15 refractarias, 1/15 perforación esofágica, grupo B. El promedio de sesiones de dilatación 17 vs 44,6 (p=0,0297) e índice de dilatación periódica de 3,04 vs 4,11 (p=0.0002) grupo A y B respectivamente. Conclusiones: la dilatación precoz en esofagitis caústica es segura y contribuye a disminuir el número de sesiones de dilatación y complicaciones. Se destaca, la importancia de la prevención de la ingesta accidental de cáusticos.

Early dilatation in caustic esophagitis is not well established. Objective: Evaluate the benefits of early dilatation in the evolution and complications of grade I and II caustic esophagitis in children. Patients and Methods: Prospective study of 32 children, group A (early dilatation) and B (late dilatation). The periodic dilatation index was used to evaluate the benefits of early dilatation. Results: Average age 2,3 years old; 13 (40,62%) female and 19 (59,38%) male; 21/32 (65,62%) developed esophageal stenosis. 6/15 (40,00%) group A, 15/17 (88,23%) group B (p=0,0041). Simple stenosis in 12/21 (57,14%), complex 9/21 (42,85%), recurrent 2/6 and refractory 2/6, group A; 6/15 recurrent and 5/15 refractory, 1/15 esophageal perforation, group B. The average of dilatation sessions was 17 vs. 44,6 (p=0,0297) and periodic dilatation index was 3,04 vs. 4,11 (p=0.0002) group A and B respectively. Conclusions: early dilatation in caustic esophagitis is safe and contributes to decrease the number of dilatation sessions and complications.

Dilema en el diagnóstico de quiste de colédoco: reporte de un caso / Dilemma in the diagnosis of choledochal cyst: report of a case

El quiste de colédoco es una malformación congénita de las vías biliares poco común, que suele presentarse en la infancia. La triada clásica de ictericia, masa y dolor abdominal no siempre esta presente. Caso clínico: escolar femenina de 9 años, con Pancreatitis Aguda de evolución tórpida, ecosonograma abdominal inicial sin alteraciones, y diagnóstico no concluyente de Colecistitis crónica o Colangitis alitiásica por tomografía abdominal y colangioresonancia, respectivamente. Referida para colangiopancreatografía retrograda endoscópica, estudio que fue omitido por ecosonograma abdominal control sugestivo de Quiste de colédoco. Se solicita nueva colangioresonancia, que no visualiza quiste y reporta dilatación de hepatocoledoco y colédoco terminal de aspecto afinado. Se mantiene conducta expectante. La paciente permanece asintomática, con reevaluación 3 meses después. El ecosonograma abdominal revelo: dilatación fusiforme del colédoco en toda su extensión, hallazgo compatible con quiste de colédoco tipo I. Se realiza resección del quiste, con buena evolución clínica. Se concluye que el uso de estudios por imágenes no invasivos son de utilidad en la evaluación hepatobiliar en niños, y el ultrasonido abdominal continua como método de elección para esta patología.

Choledochal cyst is a congenital malformation of the bile ducts rare, usually seen in childhood. The classic triad of jaundice, abdominal mass and pain is not always present. Case report: A school girl of nine years, with Acute Pancreatitis torpid, unaltered initial abdominal ultrasound, and no conclusive diagnosis of chronic cholecystitis or acalculous cholangitis abdominal and from magnetic resonance tomography, respectively. Referred for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, a study that was omitted from control abdominal ultrasound suggestive of choledochal cyst. New requested from magnetic resonance, which displayed no reports cyst and bile duct dilation and terminal hepatocoledoco related aspects. Expectant management is maintained. The patient remains asymptomatic, with reassessment 3 months later. The abdominal ultrasound revealed: fusiform dilatation of the bile duct in its entirety, a finding compatible with type I choledochal cyst Resection was performed, the cyst, cholecystectomy and reconstruction of the bile duct through a hepato-jejunostomy Roux en Y no complications. Liver biopsy reported normal tissue. We conclude that the use of noninvasive imaging tests such as ultrasound is the method of choice due to its sensitivity to determine the presence of cyst and to demonstrate the anatomy of the pancreaticduct.

Erradicación de Helicobacter pylori post-tratamiento en niños con endoscopia control / Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in children post-treatment endoscopy controlled

Introducción: El tratamiento ideal para erradicar el H. pylori en niños, no se ha encontrado. Existe poco consenso sobre indicación de reendoscopia y tratamiento, con preocupación sobre la resistencia bacteriana. Objetivo: determinar la erradicación de H. pylori post-tratamiento en pacientes con indicación de segunda endoscopia, revisión de esquemas terapéutico y seguimiento. Pacientes y Métodos: estudio prospectivo, 73 pacientes seleccionados de 268 niños tratados con triple terapia por 14 días. Variables estudiadas: indicación de segunda endoscopia, tratamiento recibido, porcentaje de erradicación, falla de tratamiento y seguimiento por dos años. Resultados: edad promedio 7,94 años (rango:1-15); 27 (36,98%) varones y 46 (63,01%) hembras. Indicación de segunda endoscopia: dolor abdominal (63,01%), gastritis crónica activa severa (16,43%), cúmulos linfoides (8,21%), atrofia glandular focal (9,58%), metaplasia intestinal (2,73%). Tratamiento inicial indicado: amoxicilina-metronidazol-inhibidores de bomba 47/73 (63,01%), amoxicilinaclaritromicina-inhibidores de bomba 18/73 (24,65%), metronidazol-claritromicina-inhibidores de bomba 6/73/ (8,21%) y amoxicilina-furoxona-inhibidores de bomba 2/73 (2,73%). Se encontró positividad de H. pylori en la segunda biopsia 31/73 (42,46%). Comparando primera y segunda biopsia, una erradicación de 57,53%, (p=0.0001). Una eficacia de amoxicilinaclaritromicina-inhibidores de bomba 77,77% vs. Amoxicilinametronidazol-inhibidores de bomba 48,93%, p= 0.0356. Falla en la erradicación en triple terapia con metronidazol 51,06%. No hubo diferencias significativas con los otros esquemas. En el seguimiento, tercera endoscopia en 10/31(32,25%), en 8/10 la bacteria presente y 4/8 de ellos, con cuarta endoscopia, 3/4 con persistencia de la infección y uno con curación, no pudiéndose determinar si se trataba de recurrencia o re-infección...

Introduction: The ideal treatment to eradicate H. pylori in children has not been found. There is little consensus on the indication of reendoscopy and treatment, with concern over bacterial resistance. Objective: To determine the eradication of H. pylori after treatment in patients with an indication of second endoscopy, review of therapeutic and monitoring schemes. Patients and Methods: A prospective study, 73 patients selected from 268 children treated with triple therapy for 14 days. Studied variables: indication of second endoscopy, treatment received, percentage of eradication, failure of treatment and monitoring for two years. Results: Mean age 7.94 years (range: 1-15); 27 (36.98%) males and 46 (63.01%) females. Indication of second endoscopy: abdominal pain (63.01%), severe active chronic gastritis (16.43%), lymphoid clusters (8.21%), focal glandular atrophy (9.58%), intestinal metaplasia (2.73%). Initial treatment indicated: amoxicillin-metronidazole-pump inhibitors 47/73 (63.01%), amoxicillin-clarithromycin-pump inhibitors 18/73 (24.65%), metronidazole-clarithromycin-pump inhibitors 6 / 73 / ( 8.21%) and amoxicillin-Furoxone-pump inhibitors for 2 / 73 (2.73%). Were positive for H. pylori in the second biopsy 31/73 (42.46%). Comparing first and second biopsy, an eradication of 57.53% (p = 0.0001). Efficacy of amoxicillin-clarithromycin-pump inhibitors 77.77%. vs. amoxicillin-metronidazole-pump inhibitors 48.93%, p = 0.0356. Failure to eradicate metronidazole triple therapy 51.06%. There were no significant differences with the other schemes. Upon follow up, a third endoscopy in 10/31 (32.25%), in 8/10 the bacteria were present and 4/8 of them, with fourth endoscopy, 3/4 with persistent infection and one with healing, unable to determine whether it was a recurrence or reinfection. Eradication therapy is complex, it requires improving the therapeutic strategy and monitoring to increase the healing of the infection.

Videodeglutoscopia en la evaluación y manejo de trastorno deglutorio en niños / Videodeglutoscopia in the assessment and management of swallowing disorders in children

La deglución es uno de los actos instintivos del niño al nacer, comprende un complejo mecanismo, que re-quiere una adecuada secuencia y buena coordinada con los procesos de succión y respiración. La alteración de la deglución, orgánica o funcional, pueden ocasionar desnutrición, deshidratación, neumopatía aspirativa y otopatía entre otras. Se presentan tres pacientes referidos para evaluación por dificultad en la alimentación o disfagia. Caso 1: Lactante menor, masculino, 11 meses de edad, con Epilepsia refractaria al tratamiento y disfagia a alimentos líquidos y sólidos. Caso 2: Preescolar masculino, 2 años, con Encefalopatía epiléptica, Retardo Global del Desarrollo, y dificultad respiratoria con la alimentación. Caso 3: Lactante menor, masculino, 2 meses, quién ingreso a terapia neonatal por succión débil y egresa con dificultad en la alimentación. Se realiza video-deglutoscopia, como parte de los estudios exploratorios y se hace el diagnóstica en el primer caso, fase oral y faríngea alterada con disfagia severa, y se indica gastrostomía; en el segundo caso, disfagia fase oral moderada y faríngea severa, con mejor tolerancia de alimentos blandos o lubricados, se indica modificar consistencia de alimentos, medidas posturales y terapia deglutoria; el tercer caso, trastorno severo de fase oral con aspiración laríngea, se indica terapia degluto-ria y espesante para fórmula láctea y agua. La video-deglutoscopia es una técnica diagnóstica que permite estudiar la fisiología de la deglución, estimar el riesgo de aspiración y orientar sobre la forma más segura de alimentar al paciente, en especial en pacientes con patologías neurológicas.

Swallowing is one of the instinctive actions of the child at birth, includes a complex mechanism, which requires adequate sequence and good coordination with the processes of sucking and breathing. Altera-tion of swallowing, organic or functional, may result in malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia and otopatía among others. We present three patients referred for evaluation by feeding difficulty or dyspha-gia. Case 1: Infant child, male, 11 months of age with refractory epilepsy and dysphagia for liquid and solid foods. Case 2: Preschool male, 2 years with epilep-tic encephalopathy, Global Developmental Delay, and diffi culty breathing with food. Case 3: Infant child, male, 2 months, was admitted in neonatal therapy and graduated with a weak suction feeding difficulty. Videodeglutoscopia is performed as part of exploratory studies, the diagnosis is made in the first case, oral and pharyngeal altered with severe dysphagia, and gastrostomy is indicated in the latter case, dyspha-gia, oral and pharyngeal moderate severe, with bet-ter tolerability soft food or lubricated, states modify food consistency, measures of posture and swallow-ing therapy, the third case, oral disorder severe laryn-geal aspiration, and swallowing therapy is indicated for formula milk thickener and water. The videodeglu-toscopia is a diagnostic technique that allows study-ing the physiology of swallowing, to estimate the risk of aspiration and guidance on the safest way to feed the patient, especially in patients with neurological diseases.

Management of chronic kidney disease: primary health-care setting, self-care and multidisciplinary approach.

INTRODUCTION: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a growing problem, particularly in developing countries. Factors closely related with lifestyle and dietary habits that negatively affect kidney function are rarely modified by isolated medical intervention. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the effect of an educational program with a multidisciplinary health-care approach supported by self-help groups on the lifestyle and dietary habits of patients at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). PATIENTS: 51 patients with overweight/obesity, 45 with hypertension and 88 with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) from a Family Medicine Unit, who had failed to meet clinical practice recommendations, were studied over 6 months. Patients received educational intervention guided by a multidisciplinary health team for 4 weeks (including topics such as emotional management, nutritional patterns, exercise and health-related problems). Reinforcement of goals and group dynamics were performed every 3 months. Additionally, self-help groups were constituted during the first month, and functioned with free activities, selected by patients and supported by the health team, for the duration of the study. A lifestyle questionnaire was administered at baseline and the end of the study; clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed every 3 months. RESULTS: Baseline lifestyle and dietary habits were unhealthy in all groups, particularly with regard to diet and exercise, and clinical and biochemical variables were concordant with inadequate achievement of clinical practice recommendations. After 6 months experience within this program, many of the negative lifestyle characteristics significantly improved. All groups reported a notable improvement in nutritional and exercise habits, as well as in management of the emotions. Only diabetic and hypertensive patients significantly improved the knowledge of their disease and adherence to treatment. None of the groups managed to reduce smoking or to cut their alcohol intake habits; however, relatively few participants had displayed these behaviors at the start of the study. Compared to baseline, all the groups significantly reduced body mass index and waist circumference. Additionally, diabetics and overweight/ obese patients significantly reduced blood glucose and increased GFR, and hypertensive patients significantly decreased systolic blood pressure and tended, although not significantly, to increase GFR. Remarkably, all these changes were independent of drug treatment, because none of the therapeutic interventions that had been formerly prescribed by family physicians had been significantly changed by the end of the follow-up in any of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of educational strategies comprising multiple interventions for patients, guided by health professionals (multidisciplinary teams including primary doctors, dietitians, nurses, social workers), and probably supported by self-help groups, may be very helpful in modifying negative lifestyle and dietary habits. Educational interventions by both doctors and patients should be adopted concurrently and may help to control the enormous and growing problem of ESRD.

Factors associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia in Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a factor related to the development of atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, Hispanics with RA develop high rates of coronary disease; there are no studies about the frequency and factors related to high levels of homocysteine in Mexican patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia in Mexican patients with RA. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two patients with RA were compared with 153 controls. The assessment in RA included clinical characteristics, disease activity (RADAR), functioning (HAQ-Di and global functional status), comorbidity, and radiological damage. Laboratory determinations included total serum homocysteine (tHcy), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and lipid profile. RESULTS: Median levels of homocysteine were higher in RA compared with controls (11.3 vs. 9.3, p<0.001). Twenty per cent of the patients with RA had hyperhomocysteinaemia (>15 micromol/L) compared with 6% in controls (p<0.001). There was statistical association between hyperhomocysteinaemia in RA with male gender (p<0.001), impairment in the global functional status (p = 0.004), higher radiological damage (p = 0.001), and CRP (p = 0.04). There was no association with RADAR, HAQ-Di, or RF, methotrexate dose or duration of use. In the adjusted multivariate model, the two variables associated with higher risk for hyperhomocysteinaemia were male gender (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 2 to 12, p = 0.006) and higher radiological damage (III-IV) (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 9, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show a high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in Mexican patients with RA. More effort is required to evaluate and treat earlier this coronary risk factor.

Regression of papilloma high-grade lesions (CIN 2 and CIN 3) is stimulated by therapeutic vaccination with MVA E2 recombinant vaccine.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the etiologic agent for cervical cancer. In Mexico, a women dies every 2 h, and since 1990 the statistics have shown that the numbers of deaths are increasing. We conducted a phase II clinical trial to evaluate the potential use of the MVA E2 recombinant vaccinia virus in treating high-grade lesions (CIN 2 and CIN 3) associated with oncogenic papillomavirus. Fifty-four female patients with high degree lesions were treated either with an MVA E2 therapeutic vaccine or with conization. Thirty-four women received the therapeutic vaccine, at a total of 10(7) virus particles per dose injected directly into the uterus once every week over a 6-week period. Twenty control patients were treated with conization. By colposcopy, 19 patients out of 34 showed no lesion, in three patients the lesions were reduced by 85-90%, in eight other lesions had reduced by 60%, and in four more patients, they were reduced by 25%. Histological analysis showed total elimination of high-grade lesions in 20 out of 34 patients after treatment with MVA E2. Eleven patients had a 50% reduction in lesion size. In two other patients, the lesion was reduced to CIN 2 and in one more patient the lesion was reduced to low grade (CIN 1). All patients developed antibodies against the MVA E2 vaccine, and generated a specific cytotoxic response against papilloma-transformed cells. DNA viral load was significantly reduced in MVA E2-treated patients. Conization eliminated the lesions in 80% of the patients, but patients did not develop cytotoxic activity specific against cancer cells and did not eliminate the papillomavirus. In addition, three patients treated with conization had recurrence of lesions 1 year later. These results show that therapeutic vaccination with MVA E2 proved to be very effective in stimulating the immune system against papillomavirus, and in generating regression of high-grade lesion.

¿Es costo efectiva la realizacion de los estudios radiologicos rutinarios en los pacientes con trauma cerrado en el servicio de urgencias? / ¿Is cost-effectiveness the rutinary use of radiographs in patients with close trauma in Emergency service?

El objetivo principal del presente estudio es el de determinar si es costo efectiva la realización de las radiografías de columna cervical, tórax y pelvis a todos los pacientes con trauma cerrado que acuden al servicio de urgencias. La percepción, tanto por los médicos del servicio de Urgencias, como por los cirujanos y los radiólogos, es que un alto número de estos estudios tienen resultados normales y que por lo tanto su realización no se justifica. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y los reportes radiológicos de 408 pacientes a los que se les realizó el protocolo de radiografías adoptado por el servicio de urgencias de nuestro hospital por recomendación del ATLS radiografías de columna cervical proyección lateral, tórax y de pelvis) con diagnóstico de politraumatismo secundario a trauma cerrado durante el período de junio de 1997 a mayo de 1998. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes mayores de 15 años con estas características. Se hizo la medición de costos, efectividad y la evaluación de asociación entre los hallazgos clínicos y los resultados de los estudios radiológicos. Encontramos que el examen físico es un mal predictor de la presencia de alteraciones en los pacientes con este tipo de trauma y sólo la presencia de déficit sensitivo en trauma cervical, dolor pélvico en trauma de pelvis y huellas externas en el trauma de tórax se asocian significativamente a hallazgos en la radiografía. La realización de los estudios radiológicos rutinarios, propuesto por la ATLS en los pacientes con trauma cerrado en el servicio de urgencias es costo-efectiva

Association of sex hormone status with the bone loss of renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Bone loss is an important problem in renal transplantation recipients. The role of sex hormones in this setting has not been previously addressed. The objective was to investigate whether sex hormone status is associated with bone mass loss in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: Thirty patients (16 men and 14 women, of which eight were post-menopausal) were studied by bone densitometry and bone biopsy. In women, serum oestradiol levels and menopausal status were determined; in men, serum testosterone levels were assessed. RESULTS: Mean age was 48+/-11 years. Time on dialysis was 13+/-17 months, and time since transplantation was 125+/-67 months. Thirteen patients were on cyclosporine A (CsA) monotherapy, 12 on azathioprine plus prednisolone (PRED) dual therapy, and five on CsA, azathioprine and PRED triple therapy. In men, serum testosterone levels were 19.7+/-6.8 nmol/l (mean+/-SD). In pre-menopausal women, oestradiol serum levels were 209(128-289) pmol/l (median (percentiles 25-75%)), and in post-menopausal women 93(54-299) pmol/l (non-significant). Univariate analysis in women demonstrated that serum oestradiol levels were positively correlated with Z scores of osteoblast surface (r=0.70, P=0.005), osteoid surface (r=0.75, P=0.002) and trabecular wall thickness (r=0.68, P=0.008). In men, a weak correlation was seen between serum testosterone levels and the cumulative dose of PRED (r=-0.52, P=0.06). In the multivariate analysis, two models of multiple regression were employed (one for women and one for men), considering the densitometric and histomorphometric variables (Z scores) as dependent variables. Serum testosterone in men did not predict any of the densitometric nor histomorphometric variables analysed, while serum oestradiol in women was an independent predictor for the osteoblast surface (r=0.81, P=0.003), osteoid surface (r=0.82, P=0.009) and trabecular wall thickness (r=0.54, P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In female renal transplant recipients, serum oestradiol levels independently predict the bone status, while in men, factors other than testosterone seem to influence bone loss. Our results give rise to the hypothesis that sex hormone replacement therapy may play a role in prevention and/or treatment of the bone loss in women following renal transplantation.

[Hypoalbuminemia in dialysis. Is it a marker for malnutrition or inflammation?]. / Hipoalbuminemia en diálisis. Es marcador de desnutrición o de inflamación?

Hypoalbuminemia in dialysis is a highly prevalent condition associated with morbidity and mortality. Hypoalbuminemia, although not synonymous of malnutrition, is highly related to it. Poor nutrient intake, frequently observed in uremia, may cause malnutrition and subsequently hypoalbuminemia. In addition, it has been recently reported that a systemic inflammatory response may participate in developing hypoalbuminemia in chronic renal failure. Uremia per se, or through mechanisms stimulated by the use of current dialysis membranes and/or solutions, seems to trigger the inflammatory process, remarkably associated with hypoalbuminemia. Infections, to which patients on dialysis are particularly predisposed, stimulate production of the inflammatory response as well. Other conditions non-associated to inflammatory response, such as the protein losses through dialysis, may cause and increase malnutrition. Overhydration, frequently present in patients with renal failure, on the one hand causes dilution of serum albumin concentrations, and on the other hand, is cause of onset and/or enhancement of congestive cardiac failure, which in turn may be associate with malnutrition. Patients with chronic renal failure develop hypoalbuminemia due to a complex setting of conditions, with systemic inflammatory response as a major cause; notwithstanding, other factors such as malnutrition and overhydration can also play a relevant role. Therefore, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches should be individualized.

Peritoneal protein loss in patients with high peritoneal permeability: comparison between continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and daytime intermittent peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Dialysate protein loss is involved in the etiology of hypoalbuminemia and malnutrition on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Patients with high peritoneal membrane permeability had the lowest serum albumin (Alb) and highest dialysate protein concentrations and achieved higher small solute dialysis/plasma equilibration in a shorter time than patients with low peritoneal transport. The aim of this prospective crossover study was to evaluate whether protein loss might be decreased in patients with high peritoneal permeability on short dwell-time (DT) peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: Five high and nine high-average peritoneal transport patients were subjected to the following sequential dialysis schemes (four exchanges/day, glucose 1.5%): scheme A, three daytime exchanges (4-6 h DT) and one nightly (8-12 h DT) for 2-3 days, scheme B, 3-h DT each and dry peritoneum at night during 5 days, a wash-out period similar to scheme A, and scheme C, 2-h DT each and dry peritoneum the remainder of day and night during 5 days. Dialysate Alb, IgG, IgA, and IgM losses and adequacy of dialysis were evaluated at the end of each scheme. RESULTS: Dialysate IgM was not detected. All protein losses were reduced with the short DT dialysis schemes; however, dialysis CCl and KT/V(urea) were also decreased. In patients with high peritoneal transport type, the 3-h DT dialysis scheme achieved a reduction in Alb loss without significant reduction of adequacy of dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal Alb, IgG, and IgA losses are significantly reduced in patients with high peritoneal permeability on short dwell-time dialysis and extended dry periods. However, a reduction of dialysis contribution to small solute clearances was also observed, Three-hour dwell-time dialysis may be particularly useful in patients with high peritoneal transport type, as it tends to reduce peritoneal protein loss without notably reducing adequacy of dialysis.

Long-term CAPD survival and analysis of mortality risk factors: 12-year experience of a single Mexican center.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patient and technique survival, and to analyze mortality risk factors in a large Mexican single-center continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) program. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care, teaching hospital located in Mexico City. PATIENTS: All patients from our CAPD program (1985-1997) were retrospectively studied. INTERVENTIONS: Clinical and biochemical variables at the start of dialysis were recorded and considered in the analysis of risk factors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: End points were patient (alive, dead, or lost to follow-up) and technique status at the end of the study (December 1997). RESULTS: 627 patients, 37% with diabetes mellitus (DM), were included. Median patient survival (+/- SE) was 5.1 +/- 0.6 years. In the univariate analysis, the following variables were associated (p < 0.05) with mortality: DM, old age, hypoalbuminemia, low serum creatinine, low serum phosphate, and lymphopenia. In the multivariate analysis, the only significant mortality risk factors were DM (RR 2.56, p < 0.0001), old age (RR 1.01, p = 0.01), hypoalbuminemia (RR 0.77, p = 0.04), and lymphopenia (RR 0.98, p = 0.05). Median technique survival was 4.0 +/- 0.2 years. Peritonitis, hypoalbuminemia, lymphopenia, old age, and DM were all significantly associated (p < 0.05) with technique failure in the univariate analysis, while in the multivariate analysis, only DM (RR 1.78, p = 0.001), peritonitis (RR 1.13, p = 0.004), lymphopenia (0.98, p = 0.04), and hypoalbuminemia (RR 0.80, p = 0.06) were technique failure predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Patient survival in our setting is similar to that reported in other series. Diabetes mellitus, lymphopenia, and hypoalbuminemia were the strongest predictive factors for mortality and technique failure on CAPD. Our 12-year CAPD program is one of the largest single-centers reported in CAPD literature.

[Bilateral ovary massive edema. Unusual gynecologic pathology. Report of 2 cases]. / Edema masivo de ovario bilateral. Patología ginecológica poco frecuente. Informe de dos casos.

We report two cases of bilateral massive ovarian edema occurred in a concentration hospital in the last five years. This condition was first described by Kalstone et al. in 1969. It may be uni or bilateral, the last one is very uncommon, until the moment of this work there have been reported only ten cases in the world literature. The main symptoms are: abdominal pain or distention, menstrual irregularity and infertility. Two features are characteristic of this pathology: 1) Fast growing in size and volume of the ovary, and 2) Abscense of neoplastic changes with extensive edema of the stroma particularly in the medulla. The current treatment is oophorectomy. In bilateral cases may be intended a conservative management with wedge resection and fixation of the ovaries to the uterus in order to prevent further torsion. We conclude that massive ovarian edema is an uncommon pathology more frequent as a cause of abdominal pain and fast growing anexial mass in young women.