Evaluation of naturally acquired immune responses against novel pre-erythrocytic Plasmodium vivax proteins in a low endemic malaria population located in the Peruvian Amazon Basin.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax represents the most geographically widespread human malaria parasite affecting civilian and military populations in endemic areas. Targeting the pre-erythrocytic (PE) stage of the parasite life cycle is especially appealing for developing P. vivax vaccines as it would prevent disease and transmission. Here, naturally acquired immunity to a panel of P. vivax PE antigens was explored, which may facilitate vaccine development and lead to a better understanding of naturally acquired PE immunity. METHODS: Twelve P. vivax PE antigens orthologous to a panel of P. falciparum antigens previously identified as highly immunogenic in protected subjects after immunization with radiation attenuated sporozoites (RAS) were used for evaluation of humoral and cellular immunity by ELISA and IFN-γ ELISpot. Samples from P. vivax infected individuals (n = 76) from a low endemic malaria region in the Peruvian Amazon Basin were used. RESULTS: In those clinical samples, all PE antigens evaluated showed positive IgG antibody reactivity with a variable prevalence of 58-99% in recently P. vivax diagnosed patients. The magnitude of the IgG antibody response against PE antigens was lower compared with blood stage antigens MSP1 and DBP-II, although antibody levels persisted better for PE antigens (average decrease of 6% for PE antigens and 43% for MSP1, p < 0.05). Higher IgG antibodies was associated with one or more previous malaria episodes only for blood stage antigens (p < 0.001). High IgG responders across PE and blood stage antigens showed significantly lower parasitaemia compared to low IgG responders (median 1,921 vs 4,663 par/µl, p < 0.05). In a subgroup of volunteers (n = 17),positive IFN-γ T cell response by ELISPOT was observed in 35% vs 9-35% against blood stage MSP1 and PE antigens, respectively, but no correlation with IgG responses. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate clear humoral and T cell responses against P. vivax PE antigens in individuals naturally infected with P. vivax. These data identify novel attractive PE antigens suitable for use in the potential development and selection of new malaria vaccine candidates which can be used as a part of malaria prevention strategies in civilian and military populations living in P. vivax endemic areas.

Socio-economic determinants of COVID-19 in Mexico.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify and quantify the role that social and economic determinants play in the probability of dying from COVID-19, in the case of Mexico. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study based on secondary data. METHODS: In this study, COVID-19 contagion and mortality data were used, as well as socio-economic variables, from public databases and open access, with which an econometric model was estimated. RESULTS: It shows that the number of deaths can rise when variables related to vulnerable groups increase, such as poverty, lack of services, gender, and age. In addition, having pre-existing medical conditions or lacking access to water can be a significant factor in the increase in deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, this study suggests more policies be developed for vulnerable groups to reduce gaps in inequality, particularly given the current situation in which greater inequality can exacerbate the impact of a disease or an unforeseen situation, as is the case of COVID-19.

Whole-Genome Sequences of SARS-CoV-2 Isolates from the Dominican Republic.

Here, we report the genome sequences of five severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains that were obtained from symptomatic individuals with travel histories during community surveillance in the Dominican Republic in 2020. These sequences provide a starting point for further genomic studies of gene flow and molecular diversity in the Caribbean nation. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that all genomes correspond to the B.1 variant.

Neural inertia and differences between loss of and recovery from consciousness during total intravenous anaesthesia: a narrative review.

Most anaesthetists using target-controlled infusion systems will have observed that the calculated effect-site concentration at loss of consciousness is usually higher than the concentration at emergence. Inertia is the ability of biological systems to keep a functional state at rest or in activity and is an active process of resistance to change in state. Hysteresis is a phenomenon whereby the value of a physical property lags behind changes in the effect that is causing it and this is also seen in anaesthesia pharmacology. Recently, a phenomenon called neuronal inertia has been proposed when trying to explain the resistance observed to changes in consciousness induced by general anaesthesia, independent of drug kinetics. This review discusses the existence of this phenomenon and the conceptual and practical impact it may have on induction and recovery from general anaesthesia.

Estudio retrospectivo: características epidemiológicas de los pacientes con síndrome de apnea e hipoapnea obstructiva del sueño y roncopatía intervenidos por faringoplastia, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, 2011­2016 / Retrospective Study: Epidemiologic characteristics in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome and snoring who underwent pharyngoplasty, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires: 2011-2016 / Estudo retrospectivo: características epidemiológicas dos pacientes com síndrome de apneia e hipoapneia obstrutiva do sono e roncopatia intervindos por faringoplastia, Hospital Britânico de Buenos Aires, 2011­2016

Objetivo: el síndrome de apnea e hipoapnea obstructiva del sueño (SAHOS) y las roncopatías contribuyen al desarrollo de comorbilidades. La primera línea de tratamiento del SAHOS es el CPAP. En pacientes sin adhesión al tratamiento, se propone la opción quirúrgica. Se han descrito múltiples intervenciones adaptadas a cada paciente de acuerdo al grado de obstrucción. Este estudio describe las características epidemiológicas de los pacientes intervenidos por faringoplastias en el periodo comprendido entre 2011 y 2016 en el Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires. Metodología: estudio retrospectivo de pacientes intervenidos por faringoplastias. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 con diagnóstico de SAHOS por polisomnografía y/o roncopatía. Se excluyeron pacientes menores de 18 años y con obesidad mórbida. Resultados: se incluyeron 51 pacientes con una edad media de 44.8±1.7 años, de los cuales el 84.3% fueron hombres. 35.3% (n=18) de los pacientes presentaron alguna comorbilidad, siendo la más frecuente hipertensión arterial. 85% (n=43) de los pacientes presentaban SAHOS, siendo un 29,4% severo y el 35,3% de grado moderado. 15% de los pacientes que optaron por el tratamiento quirúrgico presentaban roncopatía. Conclusiones: en este estudio se encontró que los pacientes fueron en su mayoría hombres con una edad media de 44.8±1.7, sintomáticos (Epworth > 9), con obesidad (IMC 28.9±0.4) y con baja adherencia al CPAP. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue hipertensión arterial. El grado de SAHOS prevalente fue el moderado (35,5%). 15% de los pacientes que optaron por el tratamiento quirúrgico presentaban roncopatía.

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and snoring contribute to the development of comorbidities. The first line of treatment in OSAHS is CPAP. In patients without treatment adherence, the surgical option is proposed. Multiple interventions adapted to each patient have been described according to degree of obstruction. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of patients who underwent pharyngoplasty between 2011 and 2016 at the Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires. Methodology: Retrospective study of patients who underwent pharyngoplasty. Patients over 18 with OSAHS diagnosed by polysomnography and/or chronic snoring were included. We excluded patients under 18 as well as those with morbid obesity. Results: 51 patients were included with an average age of 44.8 ± 1.7, of whom 84.3% were men. 35.3% (n = 18) of the patients presented some comorbidity, where arterial hypertension was the most frequent. 85% (n = 43) of the patients had OSAHS, of which 29.4% involved a severe degree and 35.3% a moderate one. 15% of patients who underwent surgical treatment presented snoring. Conclusions: In this study, it was found that the patients were mostly men with a mean age of 44.8 ± 1.7; they were also symptomatic (Epworth> 9), suffered from obesity (BMI 28.9 ± 0.4), and presented poor adherence to CPAP. The most frequent comorbidity was arterial hypertension. The prevalent degree of OSAHS was moderate (35.5%). 15% of patients who underwent surgical treatment suffered from chronic snoring.

Objetivo: o síndrome de apneia e hipoapneia obstrutiva do sono (SAHOS) e as roncopatias contribuem ao desenvolvimento de comorbilidades. A primeira linha de tratamento do SAHOS é o CPAP. Em pacientes sem adesão ao tratamento, se propõe a opção cirúrgica. Se há descrito múltiplas intervenções adaptadas a cada paciente de acordo ao grau de obstrução. Este estudo descreve as características epidemiológicas dos pacientes intervindos por faringoplastias no período compreendido entre 2011 e 2016 no Hospital Britânico de Buenos Aires. Metodologia: estudo retrospectivo de pacientes intervindos por faringoplastias. Se incluíram pacientes maiores de 18 com diagnóstico de SAHOS por polisomnografia e/ou roncopatia. Se excluíram pacientes menores de 18 anos e com obesidade mórbida. Resultados: se incluíram 51 pacientes com uma idade média de 44.8±1.7 anos, dos quais 84.3% foram homens. 35.3% (n=18) dos pacientes apresentaram alguma comorbilidad, sendo a mais frequente hipertensão arterial. 85% (n=43) dos pacientes apresentavam SAHOS, sendo um 29,4% severo e 35,3% de grau moderado. 15% dos pacientes que optaram pelo tratamento cirúrgico apresentavam roncopatia. Conclusões: neste estudo se encontrou que os pacientes foram na sua maioria homens com uma idade média de 44.8±1.7, sintomáticos (Epworth > 9), com obesidade (IMC 28.9±0.4) e com baixa aderência ao CPAP. A comorbilidade mais frequente foi hipertensão arterial. O grau de SAHOS prevalente foi o moderado (35,5%). 15% dos pacientes que optaram pelo tratamento cirúrgico apresentavam roncopatia.

Acetazolamida como tratamiento del mal agudo de montaña / Acetazolamide for the treatment of acute mountain sickness

INTRODUCCIÓN El mal agudo de montaña es la patología más prevalente relacionada con la exposición aguda a la altura, secundaria a los efectos de la hipoxia hipobárica en nuestro organismo. La acetazolamida se ha utilizado tradicionalmente para su prevención y tratamiento, sin embargo, aún existe controversia respecto al grado de utilidad que tiene este medicamento como monoterapia. MÉTODOS Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un meta análisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES Identificamos una revisión sistemática que incluyó dos estudios primarios, ambos correspondientes a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que no es posible establecer con claridad si el tratamiento con acetazolamida disminuye los síntomas del mal agudo de montaña ni si aumenta el riesgo de efectos adversos, debido a que la certeza de la evidencia existente ha sido evaluada como muy baja.

INTRODUCTION Acute mountain sickness is the most prevalent illness related to acute exposure to high altitude, secondary to the hypobaric hypoxia effects in our body. Acetazolamide has been traditionally used for its prevention and treatment, however, there is still controversy regarding the degree of usefulness of this medication as monotherapy. METHODS We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We identified a systematic review that included two primary studies, both corresponding to randomized trials. We conclude that it is not possible to establish clearly whether treatment with acetazolamide reduces the symptoms of acute mountain disease or increases the risk of adverse effects, because the certainty of the existing evidence has been evaluated as very low.

Genetic Variability of Plasmodium vivax in the North Coast of Peru and the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin.

In the Peruvian North Coast (PNC), the number of Plasmodium vivax malaria cases increased steadily from 2007 to 2010 despite a significant decline in the overall number of cases in Peru during the same period. To better understand the transmission dynamics of P. vivax populations in the PNC and the neighboring Ecuadorian Amazon Basin (EAB), we studied the genetic variability and population structure of P. vivax in these areas. One hundred and twenty P. vivax isolates (58 from Piura and 37 from Tumbes in the PNC collected from 2008 to 2010 and 25 from the EAB collected in Pastaza from 2001 to 2004) were assessed by five polymorphic microsatellite markers. Genetic variability was determined by expected heterozygosity (He) and population structure by Bayesian inference cluster analysis. We found very low genetic diversity in the PNC (He = 0-0.32) but high genetic diversity in the EAB (He = 0.43-0.70). Population structure analysis revealed three distinct populations in the three locations. Six of 37 (16%) isolates from Tumbes had an identical haplotype to that found in Piura, suggesting unidirectional flow from Piura to Tumbes. In addition, one haplotype from Tumbes showed similarity to a haplotype found in Pastaza, suggesting that this could be an imported case from EAB. These findings strongly suggest a minimal population flow and different levels of genetic variability between these two areas divided by the Andes Mountains. This work presents molecular markers that could be used to increase our understanding of regional malaria transmission dynamics, which has implications for the development of strategies for P. vivax control.

Evidence of hysteresis in propofol pharmacodynamics.

It is commonly assumed that loss of responsiveness and recovery of responsiveness occur at similar concentrations of propofol. However, the 'conscious' and 'anaesthetised' conditions produced by general anaesthetics may behave as two bistable states. We hypothesised that loss of responsiveness and recovery of responsiveness occur at different propofol concentrations. Propofol was administered to 19 healthy volunteers by effect-site target-controlled infusion using increasing and decreasing stable concentration steps of 7 min. Propofol serum concentrations were measured from venous blood samples at the end of each 7-min step. A long step of 14 min was performed at loss of responsiveness. At this step, propofol concentrations were measured at 7 and 14 min. Propofol concentrations measured at loss of responsiveness and recovery of responsiveness were 2.6 (1.2-4.7) µg.ml-1 and 1.6 (0.6-3.3) µg.ml-1 , respectively (p < 0.001). Propofol plasma concentration and the corresponding bispectral index values measured at minute 7 and minute 14 of the long step performed at loss of responsiveness were 2.6 (1.2-4.7) vs. 2.6 (1.3-4.3) at recovery of responsiveness, (p = 0.96) and 61.2 (49.0-77.0) vs. 58.4 (45.0-74.0), (p = 0.058), respectively. Loss of responsiveness and recovery of responsiveness appear to occur at different propofol concentrations. However, it is possible that, if equilibration was not achieved between plasma and effect-sites at the end of each 7-min step, the higher concentrations found at loss of responsiveness compared with those observed during recovery of responsiveness could be explained by a possible bias in estimations of the effect-site concentrations of propofol by the Schnider model, rather than neural inertia.

Lymphedema: A General Outline of Its Anatomical Base.

The anatomic research of the lymphatic system has been a very controversial subject throughout due to the complexity of the methods for its visualization. More than 30 years ago, together with Prof. Caplan, we began the vascular anatomy research, focusing on the lymphatic anatomy, developing and adapting different techniques of injection. On the third Normal Anatomy Chair of Buenos Aires University, we summarized the lymphatic drainage of the breast and the limbs to interpret the anatomic bases of lymphedema.

Incorporación del estudio de ADN fetal en sangre materna al cribado de cromosomopatías / Incorporation of the study of fetal DNA in maternal blood to the screening of chromosomal diseases

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la efectividad del cribado combinado de primer trimestre para la detección prenatal de aneuploidías tras 6 años de implantación en nuestro servicio y su repercusión en la disminución de pruebas diagnósticas invasivas. Se propone establecer un protocolo para incorporar el estudio de ADN fetal en sangre materna a partir de las revisiones bibliográficas publicadas. MÉTODO: Se evaluó el riesgo de anomalía cromosómica fetal en 3177 gestaciones mediante cribado combinado de primer trimestre entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2014. Se revisaron las amniocentesis realizadas desde que se instauró el cribado combinado en 2008 comparándolas con las de los 5 años anteriores. RESULTADOS: La tasa de detección del cribado para trisomía 21 fue del 94,4% y la tasa de falsos positivos de 6,4%. En el año 2005 estábamos realizando 194 amniocentesis, tras 6 años de implantación del cribado, en el año 2013 se realizaron 35 amniocentesis lo que implica una disminución del 70%. CONCLUSIONES: El cribado combinado de primer trimestre ha demostrado una mayor tasa de detección para trisomía 21 que el cribado de segundo trimestre y/o la edad materna, además de que ha llevado a una importante reducción en el número de pruebas invasivas. En los próximos años la incorporación del estudio de ADN fetal mejorará la detección de aneuploidías, con una drástica disminución de las pruebas invasivas por lo que se hace necesario la implantación de nuevos protocolos.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of first trimester combined screening in the prenatal detection of aneuploidy after 6 years of implantation in our service and its impact in reducing invasive diagnostic tests. It is proposed to establish a protocol to incorporate the study of fetal DNA in maternal blood from published literature reviews. METHODS: The risk of fetal chromosomal anomalies was assessed in 3177 pregnancies with first trimester combined screening between January 2009 and December 2014. The amniocenteses performed were checked against those of the previous 5 years. RESULTS: The detection rate of screening for trisomy 21 was 94.4% and the false-positive rate was 6.4%. In 2005 there were 194 amniocenteses. In 2013, 5 years after the introduction of screening, 68 amniocenteses were performed, representing a 70% reduction in invasive procedures. CONCLUSIONS: First trimester combined screening has shown a higher detection rate for trisomy 21 that the second trimester screening and/or maternal age, and has substantially reduced the use of invasive prenatal diagnostics procedures. In the coming years, the incorporation of the study of fetal DNA improve the detection of aneuploidys with a drastic reduction of invasive tests so that, the implementation of new protocols is necessary.

Molecular Epidemiology of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Outbreak, Tumbes, Peru, 2010-2012.

During 2010-2012, an outbreak of 210 cases of malaria occurred in Tumbes, in the northern coast of Peru, where no Plasmodium falciparum malaria case had been reported since 2006. To identify the source of the parasite causing this outbreak, we conducted a molecular epidemiology investigation. Microsatellite typing showed an identical genotype in all 54 available isolates. This genotype was also identical to that of parasites isolated in 2010 in the Loreto region of the Peruvian Amazon and closely related to clonet B, a parasite lineage previously reported in the Amazon during 1998-2000. These findings are consistent with travel history of index case-patients. DNA sequencing revealed mutations in the Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, Pfcrt, and Pfmdr1 loci, which are strongly associated with resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, and deletion of the Pfhrp2 gene. These results highlight the need for timely molecular epidemiology investigations to trace the parasite source during malaria reintroduction events.

Técnica de ligadura subfascial mini-invasiva de venas perforantes de las piernas / Treatment of incompetent perforator leg veins by minimally invasive subfascial ligation

Perforator vein incompetence is a specific form of lower extremitiy venous insufficiency characterized by localized hyperpigmentation, venous ulceration or recurrence of varicose veins. Surgical treatment ranges from the extensive conventional open subfascial ligation to percutaneous radiofrequency or laser techniques with unknown late outcome. A minimally invasive technique of subfascial ligation through small incisions described by Queral, with acceptable results, has been successfully used and improved in recent years by our group. Details of the technique and pre-operative managment are described.

La insuficiencia de venas perforantes es una forma de insuficiencia venosa de extremidades inferiores que se manifiesta por hiperpigmentación cutánea localizada, desarrollo de úlceras venosas o recurrencia de várices previamente operadas. Su tratamiento comprende desde cirugías cruentas como la ligadura subfascial abierta a técnicas percutáneas de radiofrecuencia o láser con resultados alejados desconocidos. Dentro de las técnicas mínimamente invasivas se encuentra la cirugía de ligadura subfascial de perforantes con mini-incisiones descrita por Queral, de eficacia demostrada y que hemos realizado y perfeccionado exitosamente en los últimos años. Se describen detalles de la técnica y de la planificación pre-operatoria de pacientes con esta patología.

Cellular mechanisms against ischemia reperfusion injury induced by the use of anesthetic pharmacological agents.

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) cycle in the myocardium is associated with activation of an injurious cascade, thus leading to new myocardial challenges, which account for up to 50% of infarct size. Some evidence implicates reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a probable cause of myocardial injury in prooxidant clinical settings. Damage occurs during both ischemia and post-ischemic reperfusion in animal and human models. The mechanisms that contribute to this damage include the increase in cellular calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration and induction of ROS sources during reperfusion. Pharmacological preconditioning, which includes pharmacological strategies that counteract the ROS burst and Ca(2+) overload followed to IR cycle in the myocardium, could be effective in limiting injury. Currently widespread evidence supports the use of anesthetics agents as an important cardioprotective strategy that act at various levels such as metabotropic receptors, ion channels or mitochondrial level. Their administration before a prolonged ischemic episode is known as anesthetic preconditioning, whereas when given at the very onset of reperfusion, is termed anesthetic postconditioning. Both types of anesthetic conditioning reduce, albeit not to the same degree, the extent of myocardial injury. This review focuses on cellular and pathophysiological concepts on the myocardial damage induced by IR and how anesthetic pharmacological agents commonly used could attenuate the functional and structural effects induced by oxidative stress in cardiac tissue.

Tumores malignos del apéndice cecal en pacientes operados por apendicitis en la IV Región de Chile / Malignant appendicular tumors

Background: The most common malignant appendicular neoplasm is the neuroendocrine well-differentiated tumor (NET). Other malignant tumors are uncommon, reported with a frequency of 0.2 percent of all appendectomies. Aim: To describe the characteristics of appendiceal malignant tumors found in regional hospitals of Northern Chile. Material and Methods: All patients operated for acute appendicitis between 2005 and 2011, in which a malignant appendiceal tumor was found in the pathological study, were analyzed. Clinical and survival information was obtained from medical records and national death registries. Results: We analyzed 8.972 appendectomy records. Appendicular tumors were found in 40 patients (0.4 percent). Thirty patients (0.3 percent) had malignant tumors. NET was the most common tumor found in 19 patients (63 percent). The tumor was smaller than 1 cm in 16 cases (53 percent). In 5 patients (17 percent), the tumor was larger than 2 cm with the appendicular base infiltrated by malignant cells. Most patients (83 percent) presented with stage I tumors. In 23 patients (77 percent, the appendectomy was considered sufficient and definitive treatment. Conclusions: In this series of patients, appendicular tumors had similar characteristics to those reported abroad. All patients had a favorable evolution without associated mortality or tumor relapse...

Introducción: El tumor apendicular maligno encontrado con mayor frecuencia es el tumor neuroendocrino bien diferenciado (NET). Otros tumores malignos se reportan con una frecuencia menor a 0,2 por ciento de todas las apendicectomías. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir las características de los tumores malignos del apéndice en la IV Región de Chile. Material y Método: Se estudió una cohorte histórica constituida por pacientes operados en los hospitales de La Serena, Coquimbo y Ovalle entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2011. Los resultados se reportan mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Se estudiaron 8.972 apendicectomías. En 40 pacientes (0,4 por ciento) se diagnosticaron tumores apendiculares de los cuales 30 (0,3 por ciento) fueron malignos y fueron incluidos en este análisis. El tipo histológico maligno más frecuente fue el NET en 19 casos (63 por ciento). En 16 casos (53 por ciento) el tumor fue menor a 1 cm. En 5 casos (17 por ciento) el tumor fue mayor a 2 cm con compromiso de la base. La mayoría de los pacientes (83 por ciento) se presentaron con tumores en estadio I y los demás con tumores en estadio II. En 23 pacientes (77 por ciento) la apendicectomía fue considerada como el tratamiento definitivo. Conclusiones: Las características generales de los tumores malignos del apéndice en los pacientes operados por apendicitis en la IV Región de Chile son similares a las características reportadas en series nacionales e internacionales. En la presente cohorte, los pacientes tuvieron una evolución favorable sin mortalidad asociada al tumor y sin recurrencias conocidas hasta la fecha actual...

Pioderma gangrenoso en mamoplastía de reducción con pedículo inferior / Pyoderma gangrenosum secondary to reduction mammoplasty

Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an uncommon inflammatory and ulcerative disorder of the skin. It may be associated with immune deficiencies. It is usually located in the extremities and its appearance after reduction mammoplasty is exceptional. We report three patients with the disease. A 54 years old female subjected to a bilateral reduction mammoplasty with an inferior pedicle. She developed a pyoderma gangrenosum and was treated with systemic steroids and local application of Dapsone with remission of lesions and healing after one month of evolution. A 23 years old women subjected to the same surgical procedure, which developed a wound dehiscence with ulcerative lesions, was treated with steroids and Azathioprine, reducing the local inflammation but leaving a severe esthetic sequel. A 21 years old woman subjected to the same surgical procedure, develop bilateral wound dehiscence and ulcerative lesions, she was treated with steroids and antimicrobials achieving a secondary healing...

Introducción: El Pioderma Gangrenoso es una enfermedad poco frecuente, de difícil diagnóstico y manejo. Puede estar asociado a otras enfermedades, en donde la alteración de la respuesta inmune es común. Su presentación por lo general corresponde a lesiones ulceradas de la piel ubicadas con frecuencia en las extremidades, siendo su presentación en las mamas excepcional; y mucho más rara su relación post mamoplastía de reducción. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de pacientes sometidas a mamoplastía de reducción con pedículo inferior, asociadas al desarrollo de pioderma gangrenoso post-quirúrgico, durante un período comprendido entre los años 2000 y 2011. Resultados: Se recolectaron 3 pacientes, se describen sus casos clínicos con respecto a esta ubicación, analizando su presentación, evolución y manejo de la enfermedad. Discusión: La presentación del pioderma gangrenoso post-quirúrgico en relación a la mamoplastía de reducción comparte ciertas similitudes, las cuales deben orientar al diagnóstico precoz y de esta forma evitar manejos erróneos que pueden ser deletéreos, secuelantes e incluso potencialmente mortales...

Técnica quirúrgica y resultados a corto plazo de la hernioplastía incisional intraperitoneal abierta / SurgicaI technique and short-term outcomes of open intraperitoneal incisional hernioplasty

Introduction: A review of current literature failed to find any detailed description on the surgical technique of open intraperitoneal mesh hernia repair. The aim of the present study was to describe the open surgical technique used at our institution to repair incisional hernias with intraperitoneal composite prosthesis, and the short-term outcomes including recurrence, complications and patient satisfaction with the procedure. Patients and Methods: A transversal, observational and descriptive report on open intraperitoneal hernioplasty was designed. Short-term outcomes were assessed at a transversal cut out point at a 12-month interview during the follow-up. The interview included a physical exam and a specific questionnaire inquiring over the patient's satisfaction with the procedure. Results: According to the inguinal ring location, most hernias originated between the xiphoid appendix and the umbilicus (64 percent). Mean surgical time was 2.6 hours. One or more complications presented in 11 patients (19 percent). One year after surgery there was not any recurrence. According to the patient' satisfaction questionnaire final score, 17 patients (29 percent) reported an excellent satisfaction with the procedure, 33 patients (57 percent) reported a very good satisfaction and 8 patients (14 percent) a good satisfaction. Conclusions: Intraperitoneal hernioplasty constitutes a secure option to repair incisional hernias. At short-term follow-up there were no recurrences.

Introducción: No se encuentra en la literatura ninguna descripción detallada de Ia técnica para instalación de prótesis intraperitoneales por vía abierta. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir la técnica que utilizamos en nuestra institución y Ios resultados a corto plazo de estas operaciones: recurrencia, complicaciones y satisfacción del usuario con el procedimiento. Pacientes y Método: El presente es un reporte transversal, observacional y descriptivo de la técnica de Ia hernioplastía intraperitoneal abierta y de los resultados iniciales de esta técnica tomando como punto de corte transversal el control de los 12 meses de seguimiento. El control incluyó una entrevista, examen físico y un cuestionario específico sobre satisfacción con el procedimiento. Resultados: De acuerdo a la localización del anillo herniario, la mayoría de las hernias se originaron entre la cicatriz umbilical y el apéndice xifoides (60,4 por ciento). El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue 2,6 horas. Se presentaron una o más complicaciones en 11 pacientes (19 por ciento). Un año después de la cirugía no se encontró ninguna recurrencia. De acuerdo a la puntuación final del cuestionario de satisfacción usuaria, 17 pacientes (29 por ciento) reportaron una satisfacción excelente con el procedimiento, 33 pacientes (57 por ciento) una satisfacción muy buena y 8 pacientes (14 por ciento) una satisfacción buena. Conclusiones: La hernioplastía intraperitoneal constituye una opción segura para la reparación de hernias incisionales. En el seguimiento a corto plazo no presenta recurrencias.

Desarrollo de resistencia secundaria a imatinib y tratamiento quirúrgico de un GIST gástrico maligno / Secondary imatinib resistance and surgical treatment of a malignant gastric GIST

Introduction. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) constitute a pathological condition whose treatment require the interaction of surgical and pharmacological procedures in primary, recurrent, and metastatic disease. Herein, we discuss the case of a patient operated for malignant primary GIST who suffered recurrence of his disease secondary to the development of imatinib resistance. Case report: A male patient was operated on March 2007 because of a malignant gastric GIST, with wedge resection of the tumor. In June 2008, a computerized abdominal tomography scan (CT) showed the presence of nodules over the porta hepatis, mesocolon, greater omentum and gastric antrum; at this moment imatinib 400 mg/day was initiated. A new CT in June 2010, showed a cystic tumor in the right lower abdominal quadrant besides the previously described peritoneal implants, and surgical treatment was proposed. The surgical findings consisted on a big cystic GIST implanted over the greater omentum, and multiple epiploic nodules over the gallbladder and gastric antrum. All visible tumors were resected including the gallbladder and gastric antrum. A positron emission tomography taken on December 2010, described 2 small hypermetabolic peritoneal nodules. The imatinib dose was increased to 800 mg/day, and at the last control, one year after the last surgery, the CT did not show disease progression. Discussion: This case report illustrates the GIST’s malignant potential. The tumor developed imatinib resistance after an initial period of good response to the drug. To control the disease, a new surgical intervention and an increase in the dose of imatinib was required.

Introducción. Los tumores del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST) constituyen una condición patológica cuyo tratamiento requiere la interacción de procedimientos terapéuticos y farmacológicos en los tumores primarios, recurrencias y metástasis. Reportamos el caso de un paciente operado por un GIST primario que sufrió recurrencia secundaria a desarrollo de resistencia al imatinib. Caso clínico: Paciente que se operó en marzo de 2007 por un GIST gástrico maligno, realizándose resección en cuña del tumor. En junio de 2008, como parte del seguimiento, se tomó una tomografía abdominal que informó la presencia de nódulos en el hilio porta, mesocolon, epiplón mayor y antro gástrico, iniciándose tratamiento con imatinib 400 mg diarios. La tomografía realizada en junio de 2010 demostró en el hemiabdomen derecho un tumor quístico, además de los implantes previamente descritos. Con estos antecedentes se decidió el tratamiento quirúrgico. Los hallazgos consistieron en un GIST del epiplón mayor, múltiples lesiones epiploicas, vesiculares y del antro gástrico. Se decidió resecar todas las lesiones visibles, la vesícula biliar y el antro gástrico. Una tomografía por emisión de positrones de diciembre de 2010 describe 2 pequeños nódulos hipermetabólicos peritoneales. Se aumentó la dosis de imatinib a 800 mg diarios y en el último control a 1 año de la última cirugía, la tomografía no demostró progresión de la enfermedad. Discusión: El presente caso ilustra el potencial maligno de los GIST. El tumor desarrolló resistencia al imatinib después de un período inicial con buena respuesta. Para controlar la enfermedad se requirió una nueva intervención quirúrgica y aumento de la dosis de imatinib.

Tumores primarios del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST) localizados en yeyuno e íleon: reporte de un caso / Primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) presenting in jejunum and ileum: a case report

Introduction. Multiple primary gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are an infrequent finding in patients without known risk factors for this condition, such as type I neurofibromatosis or Carney’s triad. Benign and malignant tumors might coexist in the same patient. We discuss one case of a benign jejunal GIST and a malignant ileal GIST coexisting in the same patient. Case Report. A 46-years-old male patient presented with a distal ileum perforated GIST and a small non-complicated proximal jejunum GIST diagnosed by computerized tomography. The patient was submitted to surgery and both tumors were managed without incidents. Discussion. Radiological and pathological characteristics of GIST are clearly established, this clinical case highlights those characteristics and illustrates an uncommon clinical scenario in patients without known risk factors for multiple GIST.

Introducción: Los tumores múltiples del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST), son un hallazgo infrecuente en pacientes sin factores de riesgo como neurofibromatosis tipo I o tríada de Carney. En estos casos pueden coexistir GIST benignos y malignos en un mismo paciente. El presente reporte discute el caso de un paciente que se presenta con un GIST maligno perforado de íleon distal y con un GIST benigno de yeyuno proximal. Reporte de caso: Paciente masculino de 46 años de edad que se presentó con un GIST de íleon distal perforado y un pequeño GIST no complicado de yeyuno proximal diagnosticados mediante tomografía abdominal. Ambos tumores se resolvieron quirúrgicamente sin incidentes. Discusión: Las características anatomopatológicas y radiológicas de los GIST se encuentran actualmente claramente establecidas, el presente caso remarca estas características e ilustra una situación clínica poco habitual en pacientes sin factores de riesgo para GIST múltiples.

Work-related traumatic spinal cord lesions in Chile, a 20-year epidemiological analysis.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of patients with work-related traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) in Chile. SETTING: Hospital del Trabajador in Santiago, Santiago, Chile. METHODS: Patients suffering from TSCI incurred at the workplace from 1986 to 2005 were identified through records of the Asociación Chilena de Seguridad (ACHS, Chilean Safety Association). RESULTS: The medical records of 173 patients, 172 men and 1 woman, were analyzed. The yearly average incidence was 7.8 per million workers. Age at TSCI onset was 38.2 ± 12.1 years. The principal external causes for TSCI incurred at the workplace were falls from a height in 86 cases (49.7%) and trauma blows to the vertebral spine in 61 cases (35.3 %). More falls occurred in the field construction, and other traumas occurred as a result of traumatic blows caused by tree trunks and stones in forestry and mining sectors. Mortality in this series was 8.7%, and the worst prognosis was for older patients with complete tetraplegia. The paraplegia:tetraplegia ratio was 3.2:1. CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of workplace TSCI are specific to this population. It is important therefore to develop prevention programs for specific work-related TSCI.

Estandarización y validación de una prueba de PCR para el diagnóstico precoz de Leptospirosis humana / Standardization and validation of the polymerase chain reaction for early diagnosis of human Leptospirosis

Objetivos: Estandarizar y optimizar la prueba de PCR dirigida al gen rrs (16S) de Leptospira spp., para luego validar su uso en muestras de pacientes con síndrome febril captados en zonas endémicas del Perú. Material y métodos: Se estandarizó y validó una prueba de PCR para el diagnostico rápido de leptospirosis en muestras de sangre y orina. Se optimizó la prueba con muestras de ADN de Leptospira de diferentes especies, y se determinó en 180 muestras clínicas de pacientes con sospecha de leptospirosis su sensibilidad y especificidad en comparación con la prueba de aglutinación microscópica (MAT) y ELISA IgM. Resultados: El PCR estandarizado amplificó el ADN de 25 serovares de seis especies de Leptospira spp. No amplificó las muestras de ADN de otros microorganismos patógenos. La sensibilidad y especificidad del método fue 100 por ciento in vitro. Su sensibilidad fue de 100 por ciento (IC95: 97,9 - 100 por ciento) en muestras de sangre antes de los ochoprimeros días de enfermedad y de 30 por ciento (IC95: 16,3 - 43-,7) cuando el tiempo de enfermedad fue mayor. El PCR en orina tiene una baja sensibilidad. Conclusiones: El PCR estandarizado es más sensible que las pruebas serológicas en los primeros días de enfermedad y es poco sensible cuando la carga bacteriana es baja en sangre.

Objectives: To standardize and optimize a PCR assay to detect rrs gene (rRNA 16S) from Leptospira spp. to use it with samples of suspected patients of febrile syndrome, in endemic areas from Peru. Methods: We standardized and validated a PCR assay for rapid diagnostic of leptospirosis from blood and urine samples. The PCR assay was optimized with DNA samples from different species of Leptospira. Sensitivity and specificity was determined in comparison with serological test: MAT and IgM ELISA in 180 clinical samples of patients with suspect of leptopirosis. Results: The PCR assay amplified DNA of twenty five serovars of six pathogenic species of Leptospira spp. No amplification was detected with DNA from other pathogens. Sensitivity and specificity was 100 per cent in vitro (culture samples). In blood samples, sensitivity was 100 per cent (95CI: 97,9 - 100) in patients on the first 8 days of disease; and 30 per cent (95CI: 16,3 - 43,7) when the time of disease was greater. In urine samples the PCR assay showed a low sensitivity. Conclusions: The standardized PCR assay for Leptospira was more sensitive than serological tests in the first days of disease. On the other hand, it has low sensitivity when bacterial population is poor.