Preoperative smoking status and long-term survival after coronary artery bypass grafting: a competing risk analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with severe coronary artery disease who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting consistently demonstrate that continued smoking after surgery increases late mortality rates. Smoking may exert its harmful effects through the ongoing chronic process of atherosclerotic progression both in the grafts and the native system. However, it is not clear whether cardiac mortality is primary and solely responsible for the inferior late survival of current smokers. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, we included all consecutive patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass surgery from 1 January 2000 to 30 September 2015 in an Academic Hospital in Northern Portugal. The predictive or independent variable was the patients' smoking history status, a categorical variable with 3 levels: non-smoker (the comparator), ex-smoker for >1 year (exposure 1) and current smoker (exposure 2). The primary end point was long-term all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were long-term cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular and noncardiovascular). We fitted overall and Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard models. RESULTS: We identified 5242 eligible patients. Follow-up was 99.7% complete (with 17 patients lost to follow-up). The median follow-up time was 12.79 years (interquartile range, 9.51-16.60). Throughout the study, there were 2049 deaths (39.1%): 877 from cardiovascular causes (16.7%), 727 from noncardiovascular causes (13.9%) and 445 from unknown causes (8.5%). Ex-smokers had an identical long-term survival than non-smokers [hazard ratio (HR) 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88, 1.12; P = 0.899]. Conversely, current smokers had a 24% increase in late mortality risk (HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.07, 1.44; P = 0.004) as compared to non-smokers. While the current smoker status increased the relative incidence of noncardiac death by 61% (HR 1.61; 95% CI 1.27, 2.05, P < 0.001), it did confer a 25% reduction in the relative incidence of cardiac death (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.59, 0.97; P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Whereas ex-smokers have an identical long-term survival to non-smokers, current smokers exhibit an increase in late all-cause mortality risk at the expense of an increased relative incidence of noncardiac death. By subtracting the inciting risk factor, smoking cessation reduces the relative incidence of cardiac death.

The additive effects of anaemia and transfusion on long-term survival after coronary artery bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the independent and combined effects of anaemia and red blood cell transfusion on late survival after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 5243 consecutive patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, performed from 2000 to 2015, in a Portuguese Academic Hospital. We identified 1649 patients with preoperative anaemia (A+) and 1422 patients who received a perioperative transfusion (T+)-the 4 possible combinations allowed for the creation of 4 subgroups (A-/T-, A-/T+, A+/T- and A+/T+). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 10 years. We employed inverse probability weighting to control for confounding variables. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent of the patients had preoperative anaemia, and 27.0% had at least one packed red blood cell transfusion. Inverse probability weighting was effective in eliminating differences in all significant baseline characteristics. The primary endpoint of all-cause mortality at 10 years occurred in 568 patients (20.5%) in the A-/T- group, as compared with 204 (24.4%) in the A-/T+ group (hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.00 to 1.31; P = 0.053), 358 (33.8%) in the A+/T- group (hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.38 to 1.71; P < 0.001), 254 (43.6%) in the A+/T+ group (hazard ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.97 to 2.56; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal, population-level study emphasizes the adverse long-term outcomes of preoperative anaemia and perioperative red blood cell transfusion. It stresses the importance of an evidence-based, multimodal and multidisciplinary approach to conserving blood resources and optimizing outcomes in patients at high risk for transfusion.

Body mass index effect on long-term survival after coronary artery bypass surgery: a competing risk analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this sudy was to investigate the presence of an obesity paradox on the long-term mortality of patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass surgery and to uncover whether any discrepancy found could be attributable to cardiovascular or noncardiovascular causes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 5242 consecutive patients with body mass index (BMI) over 18.5 kg/m2 undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass surgery, performed from 2000 to 2015, in a Portuguese level III Hospital. The primary end point was long-term all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were long-term cause-specific mortality (cardiovascular and noncardiovascular). We fitted overall, and cause-specific hazard models, with BMI forced both as a categorical (using World Health Organization predefined cutoffs) and as a continuous variable. RESULTS: Follow-up was 99.7% complete. The median follow-up time was 12.79 years (interquartile range, 9.51-16.61). The cumulative incidence functions failed to uncover any difference in 15-year all-cause (log-rank test, P = 0.400), cardiovascular (Gray's test, P = 0.996) and noncardiovascular mortality (Gray's test, P = 0.305) between BMI categories. Likewise, extensive multivariable-adjusted Cox regression and cause-specific hazards models failed to demonstrate in-between category differences, with BMI forced as a categorical variable. On the other hand, using BMI as a continuous variable, the model identified the optimal BMI as between 25.8 and 30.3 kg/m2 (nadir around 28.9 kg/m2), albeit this was dependent on the definition of the reference value. CONCLUSIONS: In this longitudinal, population-level analysis of patients undergoing isolated primary coronary artery bypass grafting, we could not attest to any protective effect of obesity on long-term survival.

Long-term survival of female versus male patients after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND: Several of the most extensively used risk prediction tools for coronary artery bypass grafting outcomes include female sex as an independent risk factor for postoperative outcomes. It is not clear whether this putative increased surgical risk impacts long-term survival. This study aimed to assess sex differences in 10-year all-cause mortality. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 5340 consecutive patients undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass surgery, performed from 2000 to 2015, in a Portuguese level III Hospital. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at ten years. We employed an overlap weighting algorithm to minimize confounding. Its target population highlights patients with the most overlap in their observed characteristics, and its corresponding estimand is the average treatment effect in the overlap population. RESULTS: We identified that 5340 patients underwent isolated CABG: 1104 (20.7%) were female, and 4236 (79.3%) were male. Sixteen patients were lost to follow-up (0.3%). The median follow-up time was 12.79 (IQR, 9.52-16.66) years: 12.68 (IQR, 9.48-16.54) years for the male patient group and 13.13 (IQR, 9.75-16.98) years for the female patient group. The primary endpoint of all-cause mortality at ten years occurred in 1106 patients (26.1%) in the male patient group, compared with 315 (28.5%) in the female patient group. The unweighted survival analysis for both groups reveals the worst long-term prognosis for the female cohort (hazard ratio, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.35; p < 0.001), while in the overlap weighted survival analysis, such long-term difference in prognosis disappears (hazard ratio, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.09; p = 0.693). CONCLUSION: In this longitudinal, population-level analysis of patients undergoing primary, isolated CABG, we demonstrated that the female sex is not associated with increased long-term all-cause mortality compared to their male counterparts. Thus, sex should not influence the undertaking of an adequate revascularization strategy.

An overlap-weighted analysis on 10-year survival of off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery grafting in multivessel coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The introduction of off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery intended to overcome some of the conventional on-pump procedure limitations by avoiding potentially harmful adverse effects of extracorporeal circulation and aortic cross-clamping. However, the doubt remains on whether it is associated with worse long-term outcomes. To compare long-term survival in patients with multivessel ischemic heart disease undergoing off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 4788 consecutive patients undergoing primary isolated multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, performed from 2000 to 2015, in Northern Portugal. Among the study population, we identified 1616 and 3172 patients that underwent off-pump and on-pump coronary artery grafting, respectively. We employed a propensity-score-based overlap weighting (OW) algorithm to restrict confounding by indication. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 10 years. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 63.9 (±9.8) years, and 951 (19.9%) were females. OW was effective in eliminating differences in all major baseline characteristics. Follow-up was 100% complete. The median follow-up time was 12.80 (9.62, 16.62) years. The primary endpoint of all-cause mortality at 10 years occurred in 431 patients (26.7%) in the off-pump group, as compared with 863 (27.2%) in the on-pump group (hazard ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-1.04; p = .196). CONCLUSIONS: In this longitudinal, population-level comparison of off-pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery for treating multivessel coronary artery disease, the primary outcome of long-term mortality was identical among both patients' groups.

Long-term survival of single versus bilateral internal mammary artery grafting in patients under 70.

OBJECTIVES: As definitive data from randomized controlled trials comparing the effect on long-term survival of using single internal mammary artery (SIMA) or bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) grafting are not yet available, observational studies allow for long-term follow-up in large and representative populations, which might complement the information potentially derived from randomized trials. To compare long-term survival in patients under 70 years of age undergoing SIMA or BIMA grafting. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 3384 consecutive patients under 70 years undergoing primary isolated coronary artery bypass grafting, performed from 2000 to 2015, in a Portuguese level III Hospital. We identified 2176 and 1208 patients from the study population who underwent SIMA and BIMA grafting, respectively. The primary end point was all-cause mortality at 10 years. We employed inverse probability weighting to restrict confounding by indication. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 59.4 (± 7.6) years, and 567 (16.8%) were females. Inverse probability weighting was effective in eliminating differences in all significant baseline characteristics. Follow-up was 99.88% complete. The median follow-up time was 12.82 (interquartile range, 9.65, 16.74) years: the primary end point of all-cause mortality at 10 years occurred in 463 patients (21.3%) and 166 (13.7%) in the SIMA and BIMA grafting groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.92; P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral internal mammary grafting is associated with lower long-term mortality than single internal mammary grafting. Moreover, this survival benefit comes at no increased perioperative morbidity or mortality cost.

ECMO POST-CARDIOTOMY, A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to examine the results of ECMO post cardiotomy in Centro Hospitalar Universitário S. João (CHUSJ). METHODS: Between 2011 and 2019, 13 patients were cannulated for refractory cardiogenic shock post-cardiotomy; 8 (61,5%) male and 5 (38,5%) female. Patients under 18 years old were excluded. Data was collected from hospital archives concerning preoperative comorbidities, open-heart surgery procedure, dates of ECMO cannulation and decannulation, postoperative complications, hospital mortality and cause of death. Follow-up was obtained by review of the last outpatient observation. The outcomes investigated were hospital mortality and survival at 12, 36 and 60 months. RESULTS: After a median ECMO-VA therapy of 6 days (1-16 days), 7 (53,8%) patients were successfully decannulated; from these 2 succumbed from stroke and septic shock, one is still in intermediate care convalescing steadily and 4 were discharged. Overall 8 (61,5%) patients died. 5 (38,5%) survived, 4 were discharged home and 1 is still in intermediate care. Survival (after discharge) at 12, 36 and 60 months was respectively 25%, 16,7% and 8,3%. Regarding postoperative complications, reoperation for bleeding was necessary in 5 (38.5%), stroke was diagnosed in 2 (15,4%), dialysis in 6 (46,2%), leg ischemia affected 5 (38,5%) and mediastinitis occurred in 1 (7,7%). CONCLUSIONS: VA ECMO saves a life in each three patients suffering from refractory cardiogenic shock after cardiac surgery. Despite risks associated with advanced cardiopulmonary support, survivors maintain good health condition.

"Periosteum: An imaging review".

Periosteum is a fibrous sheath, coating the external bone, except in the articular surfaces, tendon insertions and sesamoid bone surface¹. It changes its aspects and characteristics with aging, becoming progressively less elastic and more firm. It is composed of two different layers: outer fibrous (firm, collagen-filled) and inner proliferative (cambium, containing osteoprogenitor cells)². Four vascular systems are responsible for the blood supply of the periosteum: the intrinsic periosteal system, located between fibrous and proliferative layer; the periosteocortical, the main nutritional arteries of the periosteum; the musculoperiosteal, responsible for the callus formation after fractures; the fascioperiosteal, specifically for each bone.³ It is crucial to bone formation and resorption, reacting to insults in the cortical bone, such as tumors, infections, traumas, medications and arthritic diseases. The aggressiveness of the reaction can be suggested by its radiological aspect and appearance4. The periosteum in children is looser compared to adults, resulting in earlier and more exuberant reactions. All these aspects will be detailed, so the essential information all radiologists need to know will be discussed.

Aneurisma de la arteria subclavia izquierda / Aneurysm of the left subclavian artery

Introducción: el aneurisma de la arteria subclavia es una dolencia infrecuente; representa un mínimo porcentaje de los casos de aneurismas arteriales. Sus manifestaciones clínicas son escasas, generalmente se diagnostica de forma incidental tras hallar en una radiografía de tórax una lesión redondeada proyectada sobre o en relación con los ápices pulmonares o en el mediastino superior. Objetivo: presentar un caso de aneurisma de la arteria subclavia izquierda, que por ser poco frecuente requiere de una correcta aplicación del método clínico, lo que resulta de interés para los especialistas de la atención primaria de salud. Presentación del caso: paciente masculino, blanco, de 51 años de edad, fumador, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial para la que lleva tratamiento regular y se mantiene compensado. Acudió a consulta por dolor intenso en el pecho, de varios días de evolución. En el examen físico se constató aumento de volumen en la fosa supraclavicular izquierda, doloroso a la palpación, con soplido, latido, y pérdida del pulso radial izquierdo al elevar el miembro. Se le realizaron exámenes complementarios e imagenológicos. Se diagnosticó aneurisma por compresión de la arteria subclavia izquierda.Conclusiones: la correcta aplicación del método clínico en el nivel primario de atención y la adecuada interrelación con los niveles secundario y terciario, posibilitó el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno del paciente e incidió en su posterior evolución(AU)

Introduction: the aneurysm of the subclavian artery is an infrequent ailment; it represents a minimum percentage of the arterial aneurysms cases. Its clinical manifestations are scarce, it is usually diagnosed incidentally after finding on a chest radiograph a rounded lesion projected on or in relation to the pulmonary apices or in the superior Mediastinum.Objective: to present a case of aneurysm of the left subclavian artery, which, because it is infrequent, requires a correct application of the clinical method. What is of interest to specialists in primary health care.Case presentation: male patient, white, 51 years old, smoker, with a history of hypertension for which he takes regular treatment and remains compensated. He attended the consultation due to severe pain in the chest, several days of evolution. The physical examination revealed an increase in volume in the left supraclavicular fossa, painful on palpation, with blow, beat, and loss of the left radial pulse when the limb was elevated. Complementary and imaging tests were carried out. Aneurysm was diagnosed by compression of the left subclavian artery.Conclusions: the correct application of the clinical method in the primary care level and the adequate interrelation with the secondary and tertiary levels, made possible the diagnosis and timely treatment of the patient and influenced his favorable evolution(AU)

Aproximación a la Medicina Natural y Tradicional desde la óptica de la extensión universitaria / An approximation to the Natural and Traditional Medicine from the university extension point of view

Introducción: como parte de la política de integración de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en la docencia médica, y mediante estrategias curriculares nacionales, se imparten contenidos de Medicina Natural y Tradicional en las carreras de las ciencias médicas. En la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila este trabajo de integración se lleva a cabo, con carácter extensionista, desde la Cátedra Honorífica Juan Tomás Roig.Objetivo: describir los resultados de la labor extensionista para la integración de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en la docencia médica y en la interacción con la comunidad desarrollada por la Cátedra Honorífica Juan Tomás Roig en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila.Método: se consultaron los documentos constitutivos y registros que recogen la actividad de la Cátedra Honorífica Juan Tomás Roig desde su creación y literatura sobre el tema, en formatos impreso y digital.Conclusiones: la actividad extensionista desarrollada por la Cátedra Honorífica Juan Tomás Roig contribuye a la difusión de los resultados de los proyectos de investigación y la información científico-técnica generada en el ámbito de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional para favorecer tanto su introducción o sistematización como conocimiento como la inclusión de sus diversas modalidades terapéuticas dentro de la estructura curricular de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila; promueve estilos de vida saludables a través de acciones de prevención y posibilita la interacción de la Universidad con la sociedad a través de la cooperación y el trabajo coordinado con distintas instituciones de la provincia(AU)

Introduction: as part of the integration policy of the Natural and Traditional Medicine in medical education, and through national curricular strategies, contents of Natural and Traditional Medicine are taught in medical science careers. In the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego de Ávila this integration work is carried out, with extension character, from the Honorary Chair Juan Tomás Roig.Objective: to describe the results of extension work for the integration of Natural and Traditional Medicine in medical teaching and the interaction with the community developed by the Honorary Chair "Juan Tomás Roig" at the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego de Ávila.Method: were consulted the constituent documents and records that reflect the activity of the Honorary Chair Juan Tomás Roig since its inception and literature on the subject, in print and digital formats.Conclusions: the extension activity developed by the Honorary Chair Juan Tomás Roig contributes to the dissemination of the results of research projects and scientific and technical information generated in the field of Natural and Traditional Medicine to promote both their introduction or knowledge systematization as the inclusion of its various therapeutic modalities within the curricular structure at the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego de Ávila; promotes healthy lifestyles through prevention and enables interaction of the University with society through cooperation and coordinated work with various institutions in the province(AU)

Malformación de la unión cráneo-cervical de Chiari. Presentación de un caso / Chiaris malformation of the cranio-cervical union. Case report

Introducción: la malformación de Arnold-Chiari es una enfermedad rara, caracterizada por la presencia de síntomas insidiosos que pueden suponer un retraso en el diagnóstico; consiste, esencialmente, en una agrupación de las estructuras nerviosas de la fosa posterior (cerebelo, protuberancia y bulbo raquídeo), que tienden a desplazarse caudalmente a través del agujero occipital. Objetivo: presentar un caso atendido por la Misión Médica Cubana en Timor Leste, con sintomatología compatible con malformación cráneo-cervical de Chiari, que resulta de importancia por ser una entidad poco frecuente en la práctica médica y, debido a sus características y a la revisión que se efectuó de la literatura, pudiera ser útil como material de consulta para los colaboradores de la Misión Médica Cubana. Presentación del caso: paciente de 14 años de edad, masculino, mestizo, que ingresó con signos de neuritis braquial sensitiva, por lo que inicialmente se sospechó la existencia de un tumor cerebral; durante su estancia en la sala mostró dificultad para la marcha, trastornos del habla, hipersalivación, y vómitos en ocasiones. En los exámenes físico y radiológico se constató la existencia de hidrocefalia, alteraciones de la columna cervical y signos compatibles con compromiso piramidal y de pares craneales bajos; se diagnosticó malformación de la unión cráneo-cervical de Chiari.Conclusiones: el paciente presenta diversos síntomas y signos comunes a la malformación de la unión cráneo-cervical de Chiari; en este caso en particular llama la atención que, a diferencia de lo que reporta la literatura sobre el tema, el paciente no presentó convulsiones ni retraso mental(AU)

Introduction: Arnold Chiaris malformation is an odd disease, characterized for the presence of insidious symptoms that can suppose a delay in the diagnosis; it consists, essentially, of a cluster of nerve structures of the posterior fossa (cerebellum, swelling and medulla oblongata), which tend to move caudally through the foramen magnum. Objective: to present a case treated by the Cuban Medical Mission in Timor Leste, with compatible symptoms with cranio-cervical Chiaris malformation, which is of importance for being a rare entity in medical practice and, due to its characteristics and the revision adopted in literature, could be useful as reference material for the collaborators of the Cuban Medical Mission. Case report: patient of 14 years old, male, mestizo, who was admitted with signs of sensitive brachial neuritis, so initially suspected the existence of a brain tumor; during his stay in the room he showed difficulty in walking, speech disorder, sialorrhea, and occasional vomiting. In the physical and radiological examinations was confirmed the presence of hydrocephalus, alterations of the cervical spine and compatible signs with pyramidal and cranial nerves commitment; a Chiaris malformation of the cranio-cervical union was diagnosed.Conclusions: the patient has different symptoms and signs common to Chiaris malformation of the cranio-cervical union; in this particular case it is noteworthy that, unlike what the literature reports on the subject, the patient had no seizures or mental retardation(AU)

Aproximación a la Medicina Natural y Tradicional desde la óptica de la extensión universitaria / An approximation to the Natural and Traditional Medicine from the university extension point of view

Introducción: como parte de la política de integración de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en la docencia médica, y mediante estrategias curriculares nacionales, se imparten contenidos de Medicina Natural y Tradicional en las carreras de las ciencias médicas. En la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila este trabajo de integración se lleva a cabo, con carácter extensionista, desde la Cátedra Honorífica "Juan Tomás Roig". Objetivo: describir los resultados de la labor extensionista para la integración de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en la docencia médica y en la interacción con la comunidad desarrollada por la Cátedra Honorífica "Juan Tomás Roig" en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila. Método: se consultaron los documentos constitutivos y registros que recogen la actividad de la Cátedra Honorífica "Juan Tomás Roig" desde su creación y literatura sobre el tema, en formatos impreso y digital. Conclusiones: la actividad extensionista desarrollada por la Cátedra Honorífica "Juan Tomás Roig" contribuye a la difusión de los resultados de los proyectos de investigación y la información científico-técnica generada en el ámbito de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional para favorecer tanto su introducción o sistematización como conocimiento como la inclusión de sus diversas modalidades terapéuticas dentro de la estructura curricular de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Ciego de Ávila; promueve estilos de vida saludables a través de acciones de prevención y posibilita la interacción de la Universidad con la sociedad a través de la cooperación y el trabajo coordinado con distintas instituciones de la provincia.

Introduction: as part of the integration policy of the Natural and Traditional Medicine in medical education, and through national curricular strategies, contents of Natural and Traditional Medicine are taught in medical science careers. In the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego de Ávila this integration work is carried out, with extension character, from the Honorary Chair "Juan Tomás Roig". Objective: to describe the results of extension work for the integration of Natural and Traditional Medicine in medical teaching and the interaction with the community developed by the Honorary Chair "Juan Tomás Roig" at the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego de Ávila. Method: were consulted the constituent documents and records that reflect the activity of the Honorary Chair "Juan Tomás Roig" since its inception and literature on the subject, in print and digital formats. Conclusions: the extension activity developed by the Honorary Chair "Juan Tomás Roig" contributes to the dissemination of the results of research projects and scientific and technical information generated in the field of Natural and Traditional Medicine to promote both their introduction or knowledge systematization as the inclusion of its various therapeutic modalities within the curricular structure at the University of Medical Sciences of Ciego de Ávila; promotes healthy lifestyles through prevention and enables interaction of the University with society through cooperation and coordinated work with various institutions in the province.

Bases y fundamentos curriculares del programa de superación en fitoterapia y apiterapia como herramientas terapéuticas de la Atención Primaria de Salud / Bases and curricular reasons of the overcoming program in phytotherapy and apitherapy as therapeutic tools of the Primary health attention

El artículo aborda algunas reflexiones acerca del proceso educativo de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional desde la teoría curricular. Se hace referencia a las bases y fundamentos curriculares que sustentan el programa de superación fitoterapia y apiterapia como herramientas terapéuticas de la Atención Primaria de Salud. Se abordan las principales deficiencias que desde el currículo de la carrera de medicina enfrenta la enseñanza de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional. El enfoque y la tendencia curricular que contribuye a la integración de los contenidos relacionados con el uso de recursos terapéuticos naturales a los tratamientos convencionales en aras de impulsar el desarrollo de una medicina integrativa constituyen los elementos fundamentales de este trabajo (AU)

The current article deals with some reflections about the educative process of Natural and Traditional Medicine taking into account the curricular theory. Here the author makes some references to the base and foundations that support the phytotherapy and apitherapy over coming program as therapeutic tools of the primary health attention. The author also makes some reference to the main deficiencies that the educative process of Natural and Traditional Medicine has to face from the disciplines curriculum and to the curricular approach which contributes to the integration of the contents related to the use of natural therapeutic resources with the conventional treatments in order to boost the development of an integrative Medicine (AU)

La superación en Fitoterapia y Apiterapia: su importancia social como herramientas terapéuticas en la Atención Primaria de Salud / Overcoming in apitherapy and Phytotherapy: its social importance as therapeutic tools in Primary Health Care

El trabajo aborda los aportes de las acciones de superación posgraduada sobre Fitoterapia y Apiterapia al desarrollo socioeconómico, científico y humano de la sociedad, mediante la preparación de los facultativos para la utilización de medicamentos naturales como recursos terapéuticos. Esta superación posibilita que los profesionales apoyen el estudio de aspectos farmacoterapéuticos importantes como las reacciones adversas y efectos toxicológicos tanto de las especies vegetales como de productos terminados, aspectos muy significativos para el desarrollo de la industria farmacéutica que tributa al surgimiento de medicamentos de origen natural para el tratamiento de enfermedades frecuentes en la comunidad. La importancia de la superación de los facultativos del nivel primario para el avance de investigaciones básicas y clínicas bajo criterios científicos, sobre la base integradora de una colaboración interdisciplinaria puede propiciar resultados extraordinarios y proporcionar vastos caminos para la comprobación de la eficacia de nuevos productos terapéuticos y el desarrollo de ventajosos medicamentos naturales

The current Project work is about the contributions given by the post graduated overcoming of phytotherapy and Apitherapy to the socioeconomic, scientific and humane development of society through the preparation of physicians to use natural medicine as therapeutic resource. This preparation makes possible that professionals support to the pharmacotherapeutic study such as adverse reactions and toxicological effects, not only of vegetable species, but also finished products, which are significant aspects to develop the pharmaceutical industry of natural medicine to treat different diseases at the community. The importance of physicians overcoming to achieve the advance of basic and clinic researches may provide extraordinary results and open new doors to the efficiency checking of new therapeutic products based on natural medicine (AU)

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of bone tumours and tumour-like lesions.

UNLABELLED: Bone tumours and tumour-like lesions are frequently encountered by radiologists. Although radiographs are the primary screening technique, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help narrow the differential or make a specific diagnosis when a lesion is indeterminate or shows signs of aggressiveness. MRI can extend the diagnostic evaluation by demonstrating several tissue components. Even when a specific diagnosis cannot be made, the differential diagnosis can be narrowed. MRI is superior to the other imaging modalities in detecting bone marrow lesions and tumoral tissue (faint lytic/sclerotic bone lesions can be difficult to visualise using only radiographs). Contrast-enhanced MRI can reveal the most vascularised parts of the tumour and MRI guidance makes it possible to avoid biopsing necrotic areas. MRI is very helpful in local staging and surgical planning by assessing the degree of intramedullary extension and invasion of the adjacent physeal plates, joints, muscle compartments and neurovascular bundles. It can be used in assessing response to neoadjuvant therapy and further restaging. The post-therapeutic follow-up should also be done using MRI. Despite the high quality of MRI, there are a few pitfalls and limitations of which one should be aware. Applications of MRI in bone tumours will probably continue to grow as new sequences are further studied. TEACHING POINTS: • When a lesion is indeterminate or shows signs of aggressiveness, MRI is indicated. • When MRI does not lead to a diagnosis, biopsy is indicated. • MRI is superior to the other imaging modalities in detecting bone marrow lesions. • MRI is very helpful in local staging and surgical planning. • MRI is used in assessing the response to neoadjuvant therapy, restaging and post-therapeutic follow-up.

Modified Bentall operation - outcomes with emphasis on the aortic index.

OBJECTIVES: Analysis of the early results and long term outcome after the modified Bentall operation with a mechanical prosthesis in a single Institution, emphasizing the use of the aortic index in elective procedures to assist the difficult decision of replacing the ascending aorta in patients with aortic valve disease. METHODS: Prospective study of 126 consecutive patients operated in a 16 year period. In 82 patients (65%) the surgeries were performed electively but the remaining 44 patients were operated urgently for acute aortic dissection or acute bacterial endocarditis. Total follow-up time was 519.96 patient-years. Time related analyses, including freedom from event analysis, were calculated with the Product Limited Method of Kaplan and Meier and tested with the Log-Rank and Cox Regression tests. RESULTS: Early mortality was 7.9% for the entire cohort. There was no mortality on elective primary operations. The aortic index was computed in 93% of the elective procedures, ranging between 1.9 and 6.9 cm2/ m2. For all patients, survival at 15 years was 67.3% and freedom from local complications requiring reoperation was 95.6 % at same time. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Bentall operation can be performed with low mortality and morbidity in selected patients and an exceptionally low rate of local complications in the long term. The aortic index is a valuable tool to help cardiac surgeons to decide when to replace a dilated ascending aorta.

[Surgical management of an innominate artery aneurysm]. / Tratamento cirúrgico de um aneurisma do tronco arterial BR aquiocefálico.

Aneurysms of the innominate artery are rare, representing only 3% of all aneurysms of the supra-aortic trunks. Early treatment of these aneurysms is recommended in order to prevent the occurrence of rupture and/or embolization to the brain or peripheral circulation. The authors report the case of an asymptomatic patient, with an aneurysm of the brachiocephalic trunk with 3.2 cm of greatest diameter, associated to ectasia of the right subclavian artery and common carotid double kinking. A bypass was performed from the ascending aorta to the carotid and subclavian arteries using a Dacron bifurcated prosthesis, through median sternotomy and right supraclavicular approach, to exclude the aneurysm. A review of the literature is made and the clinical features and surgical treatment of such aneurysms are described and discussed.

Long-term survival, autonomy, and quality of life of elderly patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.

AIMS: We reviewed the long-term survival, autonomy, and quality of life (QoL) of elderly patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS: Records of patients ≥75 years old that underwent AVR from 2002 to 2006 were retrospectively analyzed. Functional status was classified with Barthel Index (BI). QoL was presumed as the self-perception of well-being after AVR. Independent predictors of mortality were identified using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: We included 114 patients, with a mean age of 78.5 ± 2.5 years. Seventy (59.8%) patients were females. Mean additive and logistic EuroSCORE were 7 ± 2 and 9 ± 7, respectively. Follow-up on vital status was achieved for 113 (99.1%) patients after a mean period of 47.2 ± 23.4 months. Twenty-seven (23.7%) patients died (including three operative deaths). Survival up to one, three, and five years of follow-up was 94.4%, 86.7%, and 76.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that pulmonary hypertension and diabetes were independent predictors of all-cause mortality. Information on BI score and QoL was obtained for 77 (89.5%) and patients. Among those, 69 (89.6%) were autonomous according to BI and 72 (93.5%) considered having had an improvement in QoL. CONCLUSION: Patients ≥75 years old undergoing AVR presented good medium-term survival. Predictors of an adverse outcome were significant pulmonary hypertension and diabetes. At follow-up, most achieved improvement of QoL and remained autonomous. These results stress that excellent long-term outcomes with AVR can be achieved in appropriately selected elderly patients.