An artificial intelligence-generated model predicts 90-day survival in alcohol-associated hepatitis: A global cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) poses significant short-term mortality. Existing prognostic models lack precision for 90-day mortality. Utilizing artificial intelligence in a global cohort, we sought to derive and validate an enhanced prognostic model. APPROACH AND RESULTS: The Global AlcHep initiative, a retrospective study across 23 centers in 12 countries, enrolled patients with AH per National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism criteria. Centers were partitioned into derivation (11 centers, 860 patients) and validation cohorts (12 centers, 859 patients). Focusing on 30 and 90-day postadmission mortality, 3 artificial intelligence algorithms (Random Forest, Gradient Boosting Machines, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting) informed an ensemble model, subsequently refined through Bayesian updating, integrating the derivation cohort's average 90-day mortality with each center's approximate mortality rate to produce posttest probabilities. The ALCoholic Hepatitis Artificial INtelligence Ensemble score integrated age, gender, cirrhosis, and 9 laboratory values, with center-specific mortality rates. Mortality was 18.7% (30 d) and 27.9% (90 d) in the derivation cohort versus 21.7% and 32.5% in the validation cohort. Validation cohort 30 and 90-day AUCs were 0.811 (0.779-0.844) and 0.799 (0.769-0.830), significantly surpassing legacy models like Maddrey's Discriminant Function, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease variations, age-serum bilirubin-international normalized ratio-serum Creatinine score, Glasgow, and modified Glasgow Scores ( p < 0.001). ALCoholic Hepatitis Artificial INtelligence Ensemble score also showcased superior calibration against MELD and its variants. Steroid use improved 30-day survival for those with an ALCoholic Hepatitis Artificial INtelligence Ensemble score > 0.20 in both derivation and validation cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Harnessing artificial intelligence within a global consortium, we pioneered a scoring system excelling over traditional models for 30 and 90-day AH mortality predictions. Beneficial for clinical trials, steroid therapy, and transplant indications, it's accessible at: https://aihepatology.shinyapps.io/ALCHAIN/ .

A 60 year wave hindcast dataset in the Caribbean Sea.

This article presents a 60 years wave hindcast from 1958 to 2017, covering the Colombian Caribbean basin. Each output consists on 6-hour field of significant wave height H s , mean wave period T m - 01 , T mm - 10 and mean direction θ m with a resolution of 11.8 km × 11.4 km. The simulation was performed using SWAN model forced with JRA-55 wind fields. Model data is validated against NOAA buoy 42058 located in the central Caribbean. The resolution and time spam of this database allows to perform either coastal engineering projects as well as to perform research in seasonal and interannual wave climate variability including large return periods to evaluate coastal vulnerability.

Corrigendum to 'A 60 year wave hindcast dataset in the Caribbean Sea' Data in Brief, 37 (2021)/ 107153.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2021.107153.].

The Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver (ALEH) position statement on the redefinition of fatty liver disease.

The Latin American Association for the Study of the Liver (Asociación Latinoamericana para el Estudio del Hígado; ALEH) represents liver professionals in Latin America with the mission of promoting liver health and quality patient care by advancing the science and practice of hepatology and contributing to the development of a regional health policy framework. Fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction is of specific concern in the ALEH region, where its prevalence is one of the highest globally, second only to the Middle East. A recent consensus from an international panel recommended a new definition of fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction, including a shift in name from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and adoption of a set of positive criteria to diagnose the disease, independent of alcohol intake or other liver diseases. Given, the importance of this proposal, ALEH invited leading members of regional nations to come to a consensus on it from a local perspective. We reached a consensus to endorse the proposal that the disease should be renamed as MAFLD and that the disease should be diagnosed by the proposed simple and easily applicable criteria. We expect that this change in nosology will result in improvements in disease awareness and in advances in scientific, economic, public health, political, and regulatory aspects of the disease.

Correlación de parámetros estereométricos por tomografía de coherencia óptica de segmento anterior y gonioscopía en una población del nororiente colombiano / Correlation between stereometric parameters by anterior segment coherent optical tomography and gonioscopy in Northeast Colombian populatio

Introducción: La gonioscopía es la técnica utilizada para diagnosticar la sospecha de cierre angular primario (SCAP). Sin embargo, es una medida subjetiva, a diferencia de la tomografía óptica coherente de segmento anterior (OCT-SA). Se realizó un estudio midiendo los parámetros estereoscópicos por OCT-SA y su correlación con la gonioscopía. Objetivo: Comparar la gonioscopía y los parámetros por OCT-SA en ojos con ángulo estrecho y abierto, y evaluar la reproducibilidad intraobservador de estos parámetros. Método: Estudio observacional, analítico, descriptivo y longitudinal. Se recolectó la información de los pacientes valorados en la consulta de glaucoma entre marzo y junio de 2019 sin antecedente de cirugía ni láser ocular a quienes se solicitó OCT-SA. Resultados: De 131 ojos, el 28.25% tenían ángulos estrechos y el 68.7% abiertos. La distancia de apertura del ángulo 500 (AOD) promedio nasal fue de 210 µm (rango intercuartílico [RIQ]: 98-275.5) y el temporal fue de 214 µm (RIQ: 130.5-289). El área del espacio del iris trabecular área 500 (TISA) promedio nasal fue de 0.070 mm2 (RIQ: 0.034-0.093) y el temporal fue de 0.068 mm2 (RIQ: 0.038-0.093). El ángulo del iris trabecular (TIA) nasal fue de 23.77° (RIQ: 12.11-29.92) y el temporal fue de 23.46° (RIQ: 14.37-30.45). Cuanto más abiertos están los ángulos por gonioscopía, mayor área de TISA, TIA y AOD. Existe una buena reproducibilidad intraobservador respecto al AOD nasal, con un coeficiente de concordancia de 0.956 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 0.94- 0.97), y para el AOD temporal de 0.940 (IC95%: 0.92-0.96). Respecto al TISA nasal, el coeficiente de concordancia fue de 0.956 (IC95%: 0.9-0.97), y para el temporal de 0.946 (IC95%: 0.93-0.96). Conclusiones: La OCT-SA tiene una buena correlación con la gonioscopía y una buena reproducibilidad intraobservador. Sin embargo, sigue siendo una ayuda diagnóstica que no reemplaza la evaluación clínicaIntroducción: La gonioscopía es la técnica utilizada para diagnosticar la sospecha de cierre angular primario (SCAP). Sin embargo, es una medida subjetiva, a diferencia de la tomografía óptica coherente de segmento anterior (OCT-SA). Se realizó un estudio midiendo los parámetros estereoscópicos por OCT-SA y su correlación con la gonioscopía. Objetivo: Comparar la gonioscopía y los parámetros por OCT-SA en ojos con ángulo estrecho y abierto, y evaluar la reproducibilidad intraobservador de estos parámetros. Método: Estudio observacional, analítico, descriptivo y longitudinal. Se recolectó la información de los pacientes valorados en la consulta de glaucoma entre marzo y junio de 2019 sin antecedente de cirugía ni láser ocular a quienes se solicitó OCT-SA. Resultados: De 131 ojos, el 28.25% tenían ángulos estrechos y el 68.7% abiertos. La distancia de apertura del ángulo 500 (AOD) promedio nasal fue de 210 µm (rango intercuartílico [RIQ]: 98-275.5) y el temporal fue de 214 µm (RIQ: 130.5-289). El área del espacio del iris trabecular área 500 (TISA) promedio nasal fue de 0.070 mm2 (RIQ: 0.034-0.093) y el temporal fue de 0.068 mm2 (RIQ: 0.038-0.093). El ángulo del iris trabecular (TIA) nasal fue de 23.77° (RIQ: 12.11-29.92) y el temporal fue de 23.46° (RIQ: 14.37-30.45). Cuanto más abiertos están los ángulos por gonioscopía, mayor área de TISA, TIA y AOD. Existe una buena reproducibilidad intraobservador respecto al AOD nasal, con un coeficiente de concordancia de 0.956 (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC95%]: 0.94- 0.97), y para el AOD temporal de 0.940 (IC95%: 0.92-0.96). Respecto al TISA nasal, el coeficiente de concordancia fue de 0.956 (IC95%: 0.9-0.97), y para el temporal de 0.946 (IC95%: 0.93-0.96). Conclusiones: La OCT-SA tiene una buena correlación con la gonioscopía y una buena reproducibilidad intraobservador. Sin embargo, sigue siendo una ayuda diagnóstica que no reemplaza la evaluación clínica

Introduction: Gonioscopy is the technique used to diagnose primary angle closure suspect (PACS). Nevertheless, it is a subjective measure compared to anterior segment coherent optical tomography (AS-OCT). A study was performed by measuring the stereoscopic parameters with AS-OCT and correlating them with gonioscopy. Objective: To compare gonioscopy and AS-OCT parameters in eyes with closed and open angle. Moreover, to evaluate intraobserver reproducibility of those parameters. Method: Observational, analytical descriptive longitudinal study. Data was collected from patients who attended glaucoma service between March and June 2019 and had an AS-OOCT done. Patients were excluded if they had history of laser or intraocular surgery. Results: Out of 131 eyes, 28.25% had closed angles and 68.7% open angles. The average nasal angle opening distance 500 (AOD) was 210 µm ICR (98 ­ 275.5) and the temporal was 214 µm ICR (130.5 ­ 289). The average nasal trabecular iris space area 500 (TISA) was 0.070 mm2 ICR (0.034 ­ 0.093) and the temporal was 0.068 mm2 ICR (0.038 ­ 0.093). The nasal trabecular iris angle (TIA) was 23.77º ICR (12.11 ­ 29.92) and the temporal was 23.46º ICR (14.37 ­ 30.45). The wider the angles by gonioscopy, the greater the area of TISA, TIA and AOD. A good nasal AOD intraobserver reproducibility was observed with a concordance coefficient of 0.956 (IC 95%: 0.94 ­ 0.97) and temporal AOD of 0.940 (0.92 ­ 0.96). Regarding the nasal TISA, the concordance coefficient was 0.956 (IC 95%: 0.9 ­ 0.97) and temporal TISA was 0.946 (IC 95: 0.93 ­ 0.96). Conclusions: AS-OCT has a strong correlation with gonioscopy and a good intraobserver reproducibility. However, it remains as a diagnostic aid that does not substitute clinical evaluation.

Semi-continuous anaerobic co-digestion of flotation sludge from broiler chicken slaughter and sweet potato: Nutrients and energy recovery.

Energy production based on the proper allocation of environmental liabilities is in line with the concept of sustainability. Flotation sludge (S) is a type of waste derived from the physical treatment of the wastewater generated in significant quantities during chicken slaughter in Brazil. If not treated, this wastewater may contribute to pollution, but further treatment provides clean energy and nutrient recycling. The present study aimed at evaluating the reduction of (S) organic load by means of mono and co-digestion with sweet potatoes (P) while promoting its conversion into energy (methane) and nutrients (digestate). Semi-continuous reactors (60 L capacity) were used with a hydraulic retention time of 25 days. The reactors were fed daily with 2.4 L consisting of 60% digestate recirculation, 40% non-chlorinated water and 4.5% total solids (TS). Using nine reactors and six progressive periods, eleven conditions were evaluated with three replicates each. The percentages of (P) and (S) varied from 0 to 100. The best observed condition in terms of energy recovery and TS removal was 60% of P + 40% of S (p ≤ 0.05), as it presented values of at least an increase of 92% in total biogas volume, an increase of 123% in specific methane production, an increase of 98% in specific methane yield and an increase of 44% in TS removal efficiency compared to mono-digestions. The fertilizer potential of the digestate generated in the different conditions was calculated and evaluated according to the area of (P) production. The results varied from 3.6 to 10.8 ha of (P) using 100 m3 of digestate. A multivariate analysis showed that higher amounts of (P) in substrate composition favor energy recycling while higher concentrations of (S) enhance the production of a digestate with valuable agronomic characteristics.

Systematic review of prostaglandin analogues for retained placenta.

BACKGROUND: Medical management of retained placenta could be a safe alternative to manual removal. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of prostaglandin analogues for retained placenta. SEARCH STRATEGY: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, ICTRP, LILACS, and OpenSIGLE were searched without language restrictions from inception to January 31, 2017, by combining terms for retained placenta and prostaglandin analogues. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing prostaglandin analogues with any other intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Trials were independently assessed for inclusion, data extraction, and risk of bias. Data were extracted for meta-analyses. GRADE was used to evaluate the quality of data. MAIN RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials (851 patients) were included. Prostaglandins did not increase the placenta expulsion rate (relative risk [RR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83-2.36) or decrease maternal transfusion (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.43-1.22). In comparison with oxytocin, prostaglandins did not modify the expulsion rate (RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.90-1.78), maternal transfusion (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.27-4.09), or time for delivery of placenta (mean difference -1.56 minutes, 95% CI, -9.25-6.13). Three trials comparing prostaglandins with oxytocin agonists, ergometrine, and manual removal reported similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Prostaglandin analogues do not offer an effective alternative for management of retained placenta.

Listas de chequeo de la Sociedad Colombiana de Anestesiología y Reanimación (S.C.A.R.E. ) para el manejo de eventos críticos en salas de cirugía: traducción y actualización basada en la evidencia / Checklists of The Colombian Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (S.C.A.R.E.) for managing critical events in the OR: Translation and evidence-based update

Abstract Introduction: Critical intraoperative events are rare and may sometimes be managed poorly and too late. Objective: To translate and update the checklists developed by Ariadne Labs for management of critical events in the OR and to adapt the list for managing anesthetic toxicity, based on secondary clinical evidence. Materials and methods : In order to translate and update the checklists, the recommendations given by Ariadne Labs were followed to change the original checklists in accordance with a systematic methodology that comprises three phases: 1) translation of the original lists, 2) systematic literature search, 3) evaluation and selection of evidence, 4) adaptation of the list for managing anesthetic toxicity, 5) changes, deletions, and additions to the translated lists, and 6) layout of the checklists. Results: The 12 original checklists were translated into Spanish and a new list was adapted for managing toxicity from local anesthetic agents. As a result of the systematic literature search, 1407 references were screened, from which 7 articles were selected and included for evidence-based updating of the new checklists. The layout of the new lists was consistent with the design recommendations of the original lists. Conclusion: 12 translated and updated checklists were submitted and a new list was adapted for the management of local anesthetics toxicity, based on a systematic literature review.

Resumen Introducción: Los eventos críticos intraoperatorios son situaciones raras, y su manejo en ocasiones podría ser inoportuno e inadecuado. Objetivo: Traducir y actualizar las listas de chequeo para manejo de eventos críticos en salas de cirugía desarrolladas por Ariadne Labs y adaptar la lista para el manejo de la toxicidad por anestésicos locales, a partir de evidencia clínica secundaria. Materiales y métodos: Para la traducción y actualización de las listas de chequeo se siguieron las recomendaciones de Ariadne Labs para la modificación de las lista de chequeo originales de acuerdo a una metodología sistemática dividida en fases: 1) traducción de las listas originales; 2) búsqueda sistemática de la literatura; 3) evaluación y selección de la evidencia; 4) adaptación de la lista para manejo de toxicidad por anestésicos locales; 5) cambios, sustracciones y adiciones a las listas traducidas, y 6) diagramación de las listas de chequeo. Resultados: Se tradujeron al español las 12 listas de chequeo originales y se adaptó una nueva lista para el manejo de toxicidad por anestésicos locales. Como resultado de la búsqueda sistemática de la literatura se tamizaron 1.407 referencias, de las cuales se seleccionaron e incluyeron 7 artículos con los que se actualizaron las nuevas listas de chequeo con base en la evidencia. Las nuevas listas se diagramaron según las recomendaciones de diseño de las listas originales. Conclusión: Se presentan 12 listas de chequeo traducidas y actualizadas y se adaptó una nueva para el manejo de toxicidad por anestésicos locales. Todo ello a partir de una revisión sistemática de la literatura.

Artritis postestreptocócica en un paciente adulto: reporte de caso / Post-streptococcal arthritis in an adult patient: case report

La artritis postestreptocóccica es una entidad que se manifiesta por compromiso articular secundario a infección orofaríngea secundaria a Streptococcus beta hemolítico del grupo A. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 43 años, previamente sano, que siete semanas después de un episodio de faringoamigdalitis desarrolló un cuadro oligoarticular, aditivo, no migratorio, con lesiones dermatológicas. Se documentaron títulos elevados de antiestrep-tolisina O, cumpliendo con los criterios propuestos por Ayoub y Ahmed, y se diagnosticó artritis postestreptocóccica. El paciente presentó respuesta adecuada a dosis moderadas de corticoesteroides.

Post-streptococcal reactive arthritis is an entity that includes joint involvement secondary to oropharyngeal infectious process associated with beta hemolytic group A Streptococcus. We report a clinical case of 43 year-old man, previously healthy, that seven weeks after a tonsillopharyngitis, developed an additive, non-migratory oligoarthritis, with skin lesions. High titers of antistreptolysin O antibodies are documented, with fulfillment of Ayoub and Ahmed proposed criteria for post streptococcal reactive arthritis. The patient presented adequate response to moderate doses of corticosteroids.

Factors associated with recurrence and survival in liver transplant patients with HCC--a single center retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common primary tumor of the liver and is diagnosed in more than a half million people worldwide each year. This study aims to assess factors associated with the recurrence and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation in a cohort of patients from Medellín, Colombia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a descriptive retrospective study of a consecutive series of liver transplant patients from the Pablo Tobon Uribe Hospital of Medellín from January 2004 to May 2013. Demographic, clinical, imaging, and pathology variables were analyzed. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty liver transplants were performed during the study period, 54 cases (16.4%) had one or more hepatocellular carcinomas in the explant, and 79.6% of these patients were men. Cirrhotic patients had different etiologies, but most of them were due to alcohol abuse (22.2%), followed by hepatitis B virus infection (20.4 %), and hepatitis C virus infection (18.5%). In the pathology specimen, 51.9% had only one focus of hepatocellular carcinoma, 22.2% had two foci and 12.9% had three tumors. Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma occurred in 7.4% patients with an average time of 81 months. During follow-up, 25.9% of the patients died in an average time of 67.9 months (CI95 59.1-80.1 months). CONCLUSION: Recurrence and survival of patients with liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma in this study had a similar behavior as that reported in the world literature. The factors associated with these outcomes were vascular invasion, poor tumor differentiation and satellitosis.

Comparison of placental alpha microglobulin-1 in vaginal fluid with intra-amniotic injection of indigo carmine for the diagnosis of rupture of membranes.

AIMS: The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of an immunoassay for placental alpha microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) in vaginal fluid with the intra-amniotic instillation of indigo carmine for the diagnosis of membrane rupture in patients with an equivocal status. METHODS: A prospective multi-site study was performed involving women reporting signs, symptoms, or complaints suggestive of rupture of membrane (ROM) between 21 and 42 weeks of gestation without obvious leakage of fluid from the cervical os during sterile speculum examination and without confirmation of ROM by traditional methods. RESULTS: A total of 140 patients were recruited with a prevalence of ROM of 19.3%. The PAMG-1 test had a sensitivity of 100.0% [confidence interval (CI) 0.87-1.0], specificity of 99.1% [(CI) 0.95-0.99], positive predictive value of 96.3% [(CI) 0.82-0.99], negative predictive value of 100.0% [(CI) 0.97-1.0], and ± likelihood ratios of 74.6 [(CI) 20.31-274.51] and 0.0 [(CI) 0.00-0.98]. CONCLUSIONS: The PAMG-1 immunoassay in vaginal fluid yielded results that were comparable to those of the instillation of indigo carmine into the amniotic cavity; therefore, we propose that PAMG-1 is a sensitive and specific test to assess ROM in patients with an equivocal diagnosis based on simple tests. This finding prompts consideration for the use of the noninvasive PAMG-1 test in situations where the use of the invasive dye test is not practical.

Infecção por vírus sincicial respiratório como causa de internação na população com menos de 1 ano na Colômbia / Respiratory syncytial virus infection as a cause of hospitalization in population under 1 year in Colombia

OBJETIVO: determinar a frequência, as complicações e a sazonalidade com que a infecção pelo vírus sincicial respiratório (VSR) do trato respiratório inferior causa hospitalização em neonatos com um ano de idade ou menos, em seis cidades da Colômbia. MÉTODOS: estudo observacional prospectivo multicêntrico de um ano que incluiu 717 pacientes, que compareceram ao serviço de emergência com sintomas respiratórios em seis cidades da Colômbia. As crianças hospitalizadas foram testadas para verificar a existência de VSR com teste de imunofluorescência das secreções nasofaríngeas. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e estatísticas da população. RESULTADOS: a população estudada incluiu 717 pacientes com uma idade média de 3,6 meses (DP 3,25), na proporção de 4:3 do sexo masculino para o sexo feminino e uma prevalência de ITRI por VSR de 30% (216 neonatos/cidade, faixa 26-49%). Os fatores de risco para ITRI por VSR foram encontrados em 8,2% da população, dos quais 28,8% foram positivos para VSR. Os grupos positivo e negativo para VSR foram comparados utilizando um teste t bicaudal com IC de 95%, p < 0,05. Não foram constatadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas. Todas as cidades apresentaram trimestres anuais específicos para ocorrência de ITRI por VSR. CONCLUSÕES: o VSR causou uma em três internações de ITRI na população, com uma incidência de 30%. Isso confirma uma circulação contínua do VSR na Colômbia, que varia pela localização geográfica.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency, complications and seasonality at which respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection of the lower respiratory tract causes hospitalization in infants of age 1 year or less in 6 cities of Colombia. METHODS: one-year prospective multicentric observational study that included 717 patients presenting to the emergency department with respiratory symptoms in 6 cities of Colombia. Hospitalized children were tested for RSV with an immunofluorescence rapid test in nasopharyngeal secretions. Descriptive and statistical analyses of the population were conducted. RESULTS: the study population included 717 patients with a mean age of 3.6 months (SD 3.25), 4:3 male: female ratio and a positive RSV LRTI prevalence of 30.0% (216 infants/City, range 26.0 - 49.0%). Risk factors for RSV LRTI were found in 8.2% of the population, of which 28.8% were RSV positive. RSV positive and negative groups were compared using a two-tailed t test with 95.0%CI, p < 0.05. No statistically significant differences were found. All cities presented specific year trimesters in the occurrence of RSV LRTI. CONCLUSIONS: the RSV caused 1 in 3 LRTI hospitalizations in the population, with an incidence of 30.0%. This confirms a continuous circulation of RSV in Colombia varying by geographic location.

Respiratory syncytial virus infection as a cause of hospitalization in population under 1 year in Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the frequency, complications and seasonality at which respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection of the lower respiratory tract causes hospitalization in infants of age 1 year or less in 6 cities of Colombia. METHODS: one-year prospective multicentric observational study that included 717 patients presenting to the emergency department with respiratory symptoms in 6 cities of Colombia. Hospitalized children were tested for RSV with an immunofluorescence rapid test in nasopharyngeal secretions. Descriptive and statistical analyses of the population were conducted. RESULTS: the study population included 717 patients with a mean age of 3.6 months (SD 3.25), 4:3 male: female ratio and a positive RSV LRTI prevalence of 30.0% (216 infants/City, range 26.0 - 49.0%). Risk factors for RSV LRTI were found in 8.2% of the population, of which 28.8% were RSV positive. RSV positive and negative groups were compared using a two-tailed t test with 95.0%CI, p < 0.05. No statistically significant differences were found. All cities presented specific year trimesters in the occurrence of RSV LRTI. CONCLUSIONS: the RSV caused 1 in 3 LRTI hospitalizations in the population, with an incidence of 30.0%. This confirms a continuous circulation of RSV in Colombia varying by geographic location.

Albendazole-induced liver injury: a case report / Lesión hepática inducida por albendazol: reporte de un caso

We report a case of a 47-year-old male, who was referred to the clinical hepatology services at Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital for evaluation of a jaundice syndrome. After undergoing several exams, we diagnosed hepatic hydatidosis and the patient was treated with albendazole; however, after five months of uninterrupted treatment the patient again consulted and his liver test showed marked hepatocellular damage. This time, the patient was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury due to albendazole, based on information from the clinical record, history of drug consumption, clinical and laboratory tests improved after discontinuing the medication and after discarding other possible causes; this diagnosis was supported by the CIOMS/RUCAM scale, which showed a "likely" correlation between hepatocellular damage and drug toxicity etiology.

Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 47 años de edad, quien fue remitido al servicio de hepatología clínica del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe para el estudio de un síndrome ictérico. Tras realizársele varios análisis, se le diagnosticó hidatidosis hepática y recibió albendazol como terapia, sin embargo, después de cinco meses de tratamiento ininterrumpido consultó nuevamente y su perfil hepático mostró marcado daño hepatocelular. Se le diagnosticó entonces una hepatitis toxica inducida por albendazol basados en la información de la historia clínica, el antecedente de consumo del fármaco, la mejoría clínica y en las pruebas de laboratorio tras suspender el medicamento y después de descartar las otras causas posibles; este diagnóstico fue respaldado por la escala CIOMS/RUCAM, que mostró una correlación probable entre el daño hepatocelular y la etiología toxica farmacológica.

Albendazole-induced liver injury: a case report.

We report a case of a 47-year-old male, who was referred to the clinical hepatology services at Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital for evaluation of a jaundice syndrome. After undergoing several exams, we diagnosed hepatic hydatidosis and the patient was treated with albendazole; however, after five months of uninterrupted treatment the patient again consulted and his liver test showed marked hepatocellular damage. This time, the patient was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury due to albendazole, based on information from the clinical record, history of drug consumption, clinical and laboratory tests improved after discontinuing the medication and after discarding other possible causes; this diagnosis was supported by the CIOMS/RUCAM scale, which showed a "likely" correlation between hepatocellular damage and drug toxicity etiology.

Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 47 años de edad, quien fue remitido al servicio de hepatología clínica del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe para el estudio de un síndrome ictérico. Tras realizársele varios análisis, se le diagnosticó hidatidosis hepática y recibió albendazol como terapia, sin embargo, después de cinco meses de tratamiento ininterrumpido consultó nuevamente y su perfil hepático mostró marcado daño hepatocelular. Se le diagnosticó entonces una hepatitis toxica inducida por albendazol basados en la información de la historia clínica, el antecedente de consumo del fármaco, la mejoría clínica y en las pruebas de laboratorio tras suspender el medicamento y después de descartar las otras causas posibles; este diagnóstico fue respaldado por la escala CIOMS/RUCAM, que mostró una correlación probable entre el daño hepatocelular y la etiología toxica farmacológica.

Infección hepática crónica por el virus de la hepatitis B: unarevisión con énfasis en los aspectos terapéuticos / Chronic hepatitis B virus infection: a review with emphasis on therapy

Se calcula que 400 millones de personas en todo el mundo están infectadas crónicamente con el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB). Colombia ha pasado a tener una prevalencia baja con un 2% de la población positiva para el antígeno de superficie de este virus (HBsAg); sin embargo, la prevalencia varía entre las distintas regiones. Los portadores de VHB tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollar hepatitis crónica, cirrosis hepática (CH), falla hepática y carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). El tratamiento de la infección crónica por el VHB busca frenar por completo la replicación viral e inducir la remisión del daño hepático antes de que se desarrolle CH o CHC. Actualmente la terapia farmacológica se hace, entre otros medicamentos, con interferón pegilado alfa 2a, lamivudina, adefovir y entecavir. Los pacientes con hepatitis aguda no necesitan tratamiento, aquellos con falla hepática fulminante se deben evaluar para trasplante y el tratamiento de la infección crónica se debe elegir según la gravedad y características de la enfermedad. El seguimiento de los pacientes con infección aguda por el VHB se debe hacer cada 1-3 meses para detectar la progresión hacia hepatitis crónica; para ese propósito se miden los niveles de aminotransferasas, bilirrubinas, tiempo de protrombina, albúmina sérica, alfa-fetoproteína y ADN VHB; también se hacen recuento de plaquetas, biopsia hepática, ultrasonido abdominal y endoscopia digestiva superior. A los pacientes en tratamiento con interferón pegilado se les deben medir cada seis meses el antígeno e (HBeAg), su correspondiente anticuerpo (anti-HBe) y el ADN VHB. En quienes reciben lamivudina, adefovir, entecavir u otros antivirales, estas mediciones se hacen cada 3-6 meses. Se están estudiando otros fármacos tales como: emtricitabine, clevudine, tenofovir, telmivudina y beta L nucleósidos. Las estrategias inmunomoduladoras incluyen el uso de citoquinas y la vacunación.

Despite vaccination campaigns around the world and the resolution of the disease in immunocompetent adults, it is estimated that 400 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The prevalence rate of this disease in the Colombian population is low, though variable among regions: only 2% are positive in tests for the surface antigen of this virus (HBsAg). Carriers of HBV have a higher risk of developing chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis (HC), liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aims of treatment for chronic HBV infection are to completely control viral replication and to induce remission of liver damage before HC or HCC may develop. Nowadays, pharmacological therapy of HBV infection is done, among others, with pegylated interferon alfa 2a, lamivudine, adefovir, and entecavir. Patients with acute hepatitis do not need to be treated, those with acute liver failure should be evaluated for transplantation, and therapy for chronic infection should be chosen according to the degree of severity and the characteristics of their disease. Patients with acute HBV infection should be monitored every 1 to 3 months in order to detect the progression toward chronic hepatitis; for that purpose the levels of aminotransferases, bilirubin, prothrombin time, serum albumin, alfa-fetoprotein and HBV DNA are determined, and platelet count, liver biopsy, abdominal ultrasonography and upper digestive endoscopy are carried out. In patients being treated with alfa 2ª pegylated interferon HBeAg, anti-HBe and HBV DNA must be measured every 6 months. These measurements should be made every 3 to 6 months in patients who use lamivudine, adefovir, entecavir or other antivirals. Other drugs with immunomodulatory or antiviral properties are being studied. The new antiviral agents include: emtricitabine, clevudine, tenofovir, telmivudine and beta L nucleosides. Immunomodulatory strategies include the use of cytokines and vaccination.

Encefalopatía hepática / Hepatic encephalopathy

En pacientes con enfermedad hepática aguda o crónica la encefalopatía es una complicación progresiva, aunque la mayoría de las veces reversible, que puede reducir la expectativa de vida y deteriorar su calidad. En cuanto a la patogénesis, se han planteado diferentes hipótesis, la más aceptada de las cuales ha sido la neurotoxicidad por amonio, que incluso podría explicar otras como la del edema de los astrocitos y la toxicidad por manganeso. La clasificación actual de la encefalopatía hepática, propuesta en el Congreso Mundial de Gastroenterología en 1998, se basa en la naturaleza de la disfunción hepática y en la duración y características de las manifestaciones neurológicas. Para su diagnóstico, que es principalmente de exclusión, se requiere un buen conocimiento clínico; sin embargo, actualmente se cuenta con los criterios de West Haven para clasificar su gravedad. El tratamiento de los pacientes con este síndrome, para controlar las manifestaciones neurológicas y mejorar la calidad de vida, se basa en aplicar diferentes medidas como la dieta proteica, los disacáridos no absorbibles y la administración de antibióticos; sin embargo, la principal medida terapéutica es el control de los factores precipitantes de la encefalopatía. El objetivo de este artículo fue revisar los conceptos recientes sobre la encefalopatía hepática, con especial énfasis en su patogénesis, clasificación, diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Encephalopathy is a progressive but reversible complication in patients with acute or chronic hepatic disease. It can reduce the expectancy of life and affect its quality. The most accepted pathogenic theory to explain this syndrome is that of the ammonium toxicity, which may also explain other hypotheses such as edema of the astrocytes, and magnesium toxicity. The present classification system for hepatic encephalopathy was proposed in 1998 at the World Congress of Gastroenterology. It is based on the nature of the hepatic dysfunction, and the characteristics of the neurological manifestations. In order to make the diagnosis, a good clinical knowledge is necessary, since it is based mainly on the exclusion of other diseases. The West Haven criteria are presently used to classify the severity of its clinical presentation. To control the manifestations of this syndrome and to improve the quality of life of patients, different therapeutic measures are used, namely: a diet that includes proteins, non-absorbable disaccharides, and the administration of antibiotics; however, the most important therapeutic measure is to control the precipitating factors. The aim of this article was to review recent concepts on hepatic encephalopathy, with emphasis on its pathogenesis, classification, diagnosis, and treatment.

Macroalgal-associated dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Symbiodinium in Caribbean reefs.

Coral-algal symbiosis has been a subject of great attention during the last two decades in response to global coral reef decline. However, the occurrence and dispersion of free-living dinoflagellates belonging to the genus Symbiodinium are less documented. Here ecological and molecular evidence is presented demonstrating the existence of demersal free-living Symbiodinium populations in Caribbean reefs and the possible role of the stoplight parrotfish (Sparisoma viride) as Symbiodinium spp. dispersers. Communities of free-living Symbiodinium were found within macroalgal beds consisting of Halimeda spp., Lobophora variegata, Amphiroa spp., Caulerpa spp. and Dictyota spp. Viable Symbiodinium spp. cells were isolated and cultured from macroalgal beds and S. viride feces. Further identification of Symbiodinium spp. type was determined by length variation in the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2, nuclear rDNA) and length variation in domain V of the chloroplast large subunit ribosomal DNA (cp23S-rDNA). Determination of free-living Symbiodinium and mechanisms of dispersal is important in understanding the life cycle of Symbiodinium spp.

Aplicacion del modelo diagnostico del grupo internacional para la hepatitis autoinmune (GIHA) en una poblacion de pacientes de Medellin, Colombia / Applicability of scoring system proposed by the International Autoinmune Hepatitis group (IAHG) at Medellin's hospital

Objetivo; evaluar la aplicabilidad del modelo diagnóstico propuesto por el Grupo Internacional de Hepatitis Autoinmune (G1HA). Metodología: estudio retrospectivo, observacional, no analítico de 28 pacientes con diagnóstico de Hepatitis Autoinmune (HA1) de la ciudad de Medellín- Colombia. Resultados; se analizaron 28 pacientes con diagnóstico de HAI. Según el modelo de criterios diagnósticos de 1992 aplicado a los pacientes antes del inicio del tratamiento, 25 por ciento tuvieron diagnostico definitivo y 53 por ciento diagnóstico probable. Al aplicar los nuevos criterios, 14 por ciento tenían diagnostico definitivo y 64 por ciento probable. En ambos modelos 22 por ciento de los pacientes no alcanzaron el puntaje para clasificarlos como HA1. La concordancia entre el diagnóstico clínico y los criterios del GIHA fue de 78. 5 por ciento con ambos puntajes. Conclusiones: ambos modelos son útiles para el diagnóstico de hepatitis autoinmune. El modelo de 1998 es más especifico en nuestro estudio

Ejercicio en la rehabilitacion de los pacientes con falla cardiaca / Exercise in rehabilitation of heart failure patient

La falla cardiaca es una patología que se asocia con un alto número de hospitalizaciones y una alta mortalidad, en ella se presentan varios cambios fisiopatológicos que son, en últimas, los responsables de la sintomatología. Los cambios más importantes se dan en el corazón, el músculo esquelético y la ventilación. Contrario a lo que antes se creía, un programa de entrenamiento físico dirigido hace en la actualidad parte del tratamiento de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca, esto probablemente se deba a que en las últimas dos décadas se han realizado una serie de investigaciones que han dilucidado el papel del ejercicio en estos pacientes. Los efectos benéficos del ejercicio al ser realizado de manera adecuada, se deben a los cambios cardiovasculares, morfológicos y hemodinámicos que se producen en el organismo, y que evitan un mayor deterioro de la función ventricular, permitiendo así una mejor calidad de vida, en forma segura y con un bajo costo en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca