Clinical, molecular, and immune correlates of the Immunotherapy Response Score in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma under atezolizumab monotherapy: analysis of the phase II IMvigor210 trial.

BACKGROUND: In the advanced urothelial carcinoma (aUC) scenario there are no consistent immune checkpoint blockade predictive biomarkers. Recently a novel pan-tumor molecular tissue-based biomarker, the Immunotherapy Response Score (IRS), has been proposed. We conducted a retrospective study to validate the prognostic/predictive utility of the IRS in patients with aUC under atezolizumab monotherapy and to characterize its underlying molecular/immune features in the context of the IMvigor210 phase II trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a post hoc pooled analysis of 261 patients with available clinical, molecular, and immune tumor data treated with atezolizumab monotherapy in the IMvigor210 phase II clinical trial. Efficacy endpoints were overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), and overall response rate (ORR). Survival estimates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and groups were compared with the log-rank test. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate factors independently associated with OS. Factors associated with disease control (DC) and response were tested with logistic regression in univariable and multivariable analyses. Comparisons between patient and disease characteristics were carried out using chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. All P values were two-sided, and those <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: High IRS was significantly associated with a better OS in univariable [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49, P < 0.001] and multivariable (HR = 0.60, P = 0.018) analyses. DCR and ORR were significantly higher among high IRS patients (DCR for high IRS versus low IRS patients: 57% versus 32%, P < 0.001; ORR: 42% versus 10%, P < 0.001). High IRS patients presented a higher probability of DC and response in univariable [DC: odds ratio (OR) = 2.72, P < 0.001; response: OR = 3.92, P < 0.001] and multivariable (DC: OR = 2.72, P < 0.001; response: OR = 3.92, P < 0.001) analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This study validates IRS as a strong independent prognostic and predictive biomarker for OS and DC/response in patients with aUC treated with atezolizumab monotherapy in the IMvigor210 phase II clinical trial.

Procuramiento y uso de aloinjertos cutáneos de piel total criopreservados obtenidos de pacientes sometidas a abdominoplastía / Procurement and use of cryopreserved whole skin cutaneous allografts obtained from patients undergoing abdominoplasty

Resumen Introducción: Los aloinjerto cutáneos (AC) son excelentes sustitutos cutáneos temporales, sin embargo, la donación y procura de piel cadavérica, fuente habitual de AC, es baja. Objetivo: Evaluar la factibilidad de utilizar la piel proveniente de abdominoplastías como fuente de AC y su eficacia clínica. Materiales y Método: Entre el 17 de agosto de 2020 al 28 de febrero de 2021 se analizó una cohorte prospectiva de 14 pacientes femeninas sometidas a abdominoplastía por motivos estéticos, que aceptaron donar la piel del colgajo cutáneo abdominal redundante, la cual fue criopreservada. Se utilizaron los AC de piel total criopreservados (ACPTC) en 10 pacientes con diagnósticos de: pie diabético (4), laparostomía contenida (2) herida compleja extremidad inferior (2), sarcoma de cuero cabelludo recidivado (1) y melanoma (1). Resultados: Se obtuvieron 14 colgajos de piel total, los cuales fueron procesados obteniendo una superficie promedio de 302 cm2 y 8,3 láminas de distintos tamaños de utilidad clínica por paciente. En todos los pacientes en que se utilizó ACPTC hubo un prendimiento inicial del AC para posteriormente, en promedio 21 días, presentar una escara necrótica que al ser retirada presentaba un tejido vital adherido al receptor rico en fibroblastos, siendo algunos pacientes auto injertados y otros manejados con cicatrización por segunda intención como tratamiento definitivo. Discusión: Los ACPTC proporcionan una cobertura intermedia, pues una parte se integra en forma definitiva, actuando como un andamiaje biológico para la formación de una interfase sobre la cual se puede autoinjertar o dejar evolucionar con cicatrización por segunda intención y una parte es rechazada. Conclusión: La procura de piel de donante vivo, en pacientes sometidos a cirugías de contorno corporal es un proceso factible, fuente de ACPTC, los cuales permiten una nueva cobertura intermedia con múltiples aplicaciones clínicas.

Introduction: Skin allografts (SA) are outstanding temporary skin substitutes; however, cadaveric skin donation and procurement, a common source of SA, remains low. Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of using skin from abdominoplasties as a source of SA. Materials and Method: A prospective cohort was analyzed from August 17th, 2020 and February 28th, 2021, with 14 female patients submitted to abdominoplasty surgeries for aesthetic motives, who authorized skin donation from the redundant abdominal flap which was posteriorly cryopreserved. Cryopreserved total skin allografts (CTSA) was used in 10 patients with the following diagnoses: diabetic foot (4), contained laparostomy (2) complex wound of the lower limb (2), relapsing sarcoma of the scalp (1), and melanoma (1). Results: 14 CTSA were obtained, which were processed, obtaining an average area of 302 cm2 and 8.3 sheets of different sizes and clinical applications from each patient. In all patients who received CTSA, an initial attachment was observed, followed by the appearance of a necrotic scar in an average of21 days. The peeling of the latter revealed a vital tissue tightly adhered to the receptor and rich in fibroblasts. Some of the patients received autografts, and others were managed with secondary intention scarring as a definite treatment. Discussion: CTSA provide an intermediate coverage since one part is definitely adhered to, acting as a biologic scaffolding for the formation of an interface that can be autografted or left for a secondary intention scarring, and the host rejects the other portion. Conclusión: skin procurement from a living donor in patients submitted to body contour surgeries is a feasible process and significant source of CTSA, which permits a new intermediate coverage with multiple clinical uses.

Early urinary catheter removal after rectal surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Urinary catheters are placed after rectal surgery to prevent urinary retention, but prolonged use may increase the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). This review evaluated the non-inferiority of early urinary catheter removal compared with late removal for acute urinary retention risk after rectal surgery. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 1980 to February 2019. RCTs comparing early versus late catheter removal after rectal surgery were eligible. Primary outcomes were acute urinary retention and UTI; the secondary outcome was length of hospital stay. Early catheter removal was defined as removal up to 2 days after surgery, with late removal after postoperative day 2. The non-inferiority margin from an included trial was used for analysis of change in urinary retention (ΔNI = 15 per cent). Pooled estimates of risk differences (RDs) were derived from random-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. RESULTS: Four trials were included, consisting of 409 patients. There was insufficient evidence to conclude non-inferiority of early versus late catheter removal for acute urinary retention (RD 9 (90 per cent c.i. -1 to 19) per cent; PNI = 0·31). Early catheter removal was superior for UTI (RD -11 (95 per cent c.i. -17 to -4) per cent; P = 0·001). Results for length of stay were mixed. There were insufficient data to conduct subgroup analyses. CONCLUSION: The existing literature is inconclusive for non-inferiority of early versus late urinary catheter removal for acute urinary retention. Early catheter removal is superior in terms of reducing the risk of UTI.

ANTECEDENTES: Las sondas urinarias se colocan después de la cirugía rectal para prevenir la retención urinaria, pero su uso prolongado puede aumentar el riesgo de infección del tracto urinario. Esta revisión evaluó si la retirada precoz de la sonda urinaria no fue inferior a la retirada tardía del catéter en cuanto al riesgo de retención urinaria aguda tras cirugía rectal. MÉTODOS: Se realizaron búsquedas en las bases de datos MEDLINE, Embase y en el Registro Central Cochrane de Ensayos Controlados desde enero de 1980 hasta febrero de 2019. Se consideraron elegibles los ensayos controlados aleatorizados que comparaban la retirada precoz y tardía de la sonda tras cirugía rectal. Las variables principales fueron la retención urinaria aguda y la infección del tracto urinario. La variable secundaria fue la duración de la estancia hospitalaria. Se consideró retirada precoz cuando ésta ocurrió hasta el segundo día postoperatorio mientras que más allá de ese tiempo se consideró retirada tardía. El margen de no inferioridad de uno de los ensayos incluidos se utilizó para el análisis de la retención urinaria (ΔNI = 15%). Las estimaciones agrupadas de las diferencias de riesgo se derivaron de los modelos de efectos aleatorios. El riesgo de sesgo se evaluó utilizando una herramienta de riesgo de sesgo Cochrane modificada. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron cuatro ensayos que incluyeron un total de 409 pacientes. No se encontraron evidencias suficientes para concluir la no inferioridad de la retirada precoz del catéter versus la retirada tardía para la retención urinaria aguda (diferencia de riesgo, risk difference, RD 9%, i.c. del 90% -1% a 19%, valor de la P para no inferioridad, P value for non-inferiority, PNI = 0,31). La retirada precoz del catéter fue superior con relación a la infección del tracto urinario (RD -11%, IC del 95%: -17% a -4%, P = 0,001). Los resultados de la duración de la estancia hospitalaria fueron mixtos. No hubo datos suficientes para realizar análisis de subgrupos. CONCLUSIÓN: La literatura existente no es concluyente para determinar la no inferioridad de la retirada precoz de la sonda urinaria versus la retirada tardía con relación a la retención urinaria aguda. La retirada precoz de la sonda es superior y reduce el riesgo de infección del tracto urinario.

Surgery Versus Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy For Early and Locally Advanced Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity-Matched Analysis of Survival.

BACKGROUND: The role of surgery in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is controversial. Survival outcomes for resection of stage I-IIIA SCLC compared to chemotherapy-based non-surgical treatment (NST) were examined using propensity matching. METHODS: 29,994 clinical stage I-IIIA SCLC patients, including 2,619 undergoing surgery, were identified in the National Cancer Database. Stage-specific propensity scores for receipt of surgery were created. Resected patients were matched 1:1 to those undergoing NST. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox models. A separate match was performed comparing Stage I/II patients aged <85 with a Charlson score of 0 who underwent lobectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy (and radiotherapy if node positive) to those treated with multiagent chemotherapy and concurrent chest radiotherapy (CRT) of at least 40 gray. RESULTS: 2,089 patients were matched, and cohorts were well balanced. Surgery was associated with longer survival for Stage I (median OS 38.6 months vs. 22.9 months, HR 0.62 95%CI 0.57-0.69, p<0.0001), but survival differences were attenuated for Stage II (median OS 23.4 months vs. 20.7 months, HR 0.84 95%CI 0.70-1.01, p=0.06) and IIIA (median OS 21.7 vs. 16.0 months, HR 0.71 95%CI 0.60-0.83, p <0.0001). In analyses by T and N stage, longer OS was observed in resected patients with stage T3/T4 N0 (median OS 33.0 vs. 16.8 months, p=0.008) and node positivity(N1+ 24.4 vs. 18.3 months p=0.03; N2+ 20.1 vs. 14.6 months p=0.007). In the subgroup analysis, 507 stage I/II patients receiving lobectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy were matched to patients receiving concurrent CRT. In this cohort, lobectomy with adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with significantly longer survival (median OS 48.6 vs. 28.7 months, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection is associated with significantly longer survival for early SCLC. New randomized trials should assess trimodality therapy in stages I/II, and in node negative disease.

Uptake of Cancer Screening Tests Among Recipients of Solid Organ Transplantation.

Population-based cancer screening recommendations are also suggested for solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR); however, recommendation adherence is unknown. In a population-based cohort of SOTR in Ontario between 1997 and 2010, we determined the uptake of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening tests and identified factors associated with up-to-date screening using recurrent event analysis. We identified 4436 SOTR eligible for colorectal, 2252 for cervical, and 1551 for breast cancer screening. Of those, 3437 (77.5%), 1572 (69.8%), and 1417 (91.4%), respectively, were not up-to-date for cancer screening tests during the observation period. However, these rates are likely an overestimate due to the inability to differentiate between tests done for screening or for diagnosis. SOTR with fewer comorbidities had higher rates of becoming screen up-to-date. Assessment by a primary care provider (PCP) was associated with becoming up-to-date with cancer screening (breast relative risk [RR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.76, cervical RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.06-1.57, colorectal RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.15-1.48). Similar results were observed for continuity of care by transplant specialist at a transplant center. In conclusion, cancer screening for most SOTR does not adhere to standard recommendations. Involvement of PCPs in posttransplant care and continuity of care at a transplant center may improve the uptake of screening.

Factors associated with the incidence of serious adverse events in patients admitted with COPD acute exacerbation.

BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is a common cause of hospitalization. Patient outcome and prognosis following AECOPD are variable. The aim of this study is to identify the factors associated with the incidence of serious adverse events (SAE), defined as need for ICU admission, noninvasive ventilation, death during hospitalization or early readmission, in those patients admitted with AECOPD. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of all patients admitted with AECOPD in the University Hospital Complex of Santiago de Compostela in 2007 and 2008. To identify variables independently associated with SAE incidence, we conducted a logistic regression including those variables which proved to be significant in the univariate analysis. RESULTS: 757 patients were assessed (mean age 74.8 years, SD 11.26), 77.2 % male, and 186 (24.6 %) of the patients assessed experienced an SAE. Factors associated with SAE in multivariate analysis were anticholinergic therapy (OR 3.19; CI 95 %: 1.16; 8.82), oxygen therapy at home (OR 3.72; CI 95 %: 1.62; 8.57), oxygen saturation at admission (OR 0.93; CI 95 %: 0.88; 0.99) and serum albumin (OR 0.26; CI 95 %: 0.1; 0.66). CONCLUSION: Oxygen therapy at home, anticholinergic therapy as baseline treatment, lower oxygen saturation at admission and lower serum albumin level seem to be associated with higher incidence of SAE in patients with AECOPD.

Cancer Screening Recommendations for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are at increased risk of developing and dying from cancer. However, controversies exist around cancer screening in this population owing to reduced life expectancy and competing causes of death. This systematic review assesses the availability, quality and consistency of cancer screening recommendations in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). We systematically searched bibliographic databases and gray literature to identify CPGs and assessed their quality using AGREE II. Recommendations were extracted along with their supporting evidence. Thirteen guidelines were included in the review. CPGs for kidney recipients were the most frequent source of screening recommendations, and recommendations for skin cancer screening were most frequently presented. Some screening recommendations differed from those for the general population, based on literature demonstrating higher cancer incidence among SOTRs versus direct evidence of screening effectiveness. Relevant stakeholders such as oncology specialists, primary care providers and public health experts were not involved in the formulation of the screening recommendations. In conclusion, although several guidelines make recommendations for cancer screening in SOTRs, the availability of cancer screening recommendations varied considerably by transplanted organ. More studies are required to inform cancer screening recommendations in SOTRs, and guideline development should involve transplant patients, oncologists and cancer screening specialists.

Conocimiento y perfil de uso de la biblioteca Cochrane en médicos asistentes a un congreso de Medicina Interna / Knowledge and use profile of the Cochrane library in doctors attendees of an Internal Medicine congress

Introducción: las Revisiones Sistemáticas (RS) son herramientas para practicar Medicina Basada en la Evidencia. La Colaboración Cochrane genera RS, pero el conocimiento y uso de la Biblioteca Cochrane (BC) es heterogéneo. Nuestro objetivo fue describir el nivel de conocimiento y el perfil de uso de la BC entre asistentes a una Conferencia Mundial de Medicina Interna (WCIM). Método:estudio transversal vía encuesta electrónica entre asistentes al XXXI WCIM, recabando información demográfica de los participantes; su conocimiento, acceso y usos de la BC. Resultados: 413 asistentes aceptaron participar y 198 (47,9 por ciento) de 24 países respondieron. 91,4 por ciento eran Latinoamericanos, 50,5 por ciento eran internistas. El conocimiento de la BC fue del 96,5 por ciento. El 76% de quienes respondieron usaban la BC al menos una vez al mes. No encontramos diferencias en la frecuencia de uso según edad o ámbito académico. Las principales razones para utilizar RS-BC fueron: toma de decisiones clínicas (67,6 por ciento), actualización (64,2 por ciento) y docencia (31,8 por ciento); 46 por ciento consideraron la BC muy útil para sus propósitos. Los <35 años utilizaban significativamente más la BC para guiar las decisiones clínicas que los >35 años (70 por ciento vs 53 por ciento, p: 0,017). Quienes consideraron muy útil la BC la utilizaron significativamente más para propósitos docentes (41 por ciento vs. 24 por ciento, p: 0,019) y toma de decisiones clínicas (79 por ciento vs. 58 por ciento, p: 0,003) que quienes la declararon como a veces útil o no útil. Hubo también diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la distribución del acceso a la BC según región geográfica (p: 0,001). Conclusiones: encontramos un alto nivel de conocimiento de la BC entre los asistentes a WCIM. Los usuarios describen un uso frecuente para diversos propósitos, considerándola útil para estos. (AU)

Introduction: Systematic Reviews (SR) are tools for practicing Evidence Based Medicine. Cochrane Collaboration generates SRs, but awareness and uses of Cochrane SR, changes over time and across different countries and medical specialties. We aimed to describe awareness and user's profile of Cochrane Library (CL) SR among attendants to a World Conference of Internal Medicine (WCIM). Methods: Cross sectional online survey study among attendants to the XXXI WCIM asking about demographic information, awareness of, access to and uses of CL-SRs. Results: 413 attendants to WCIM volunteered to participate and 198 (47.9 percent) from 24 countries replied; 91.4 percent) were from Latin-America. Mean age was 37 years and 50.5 percent) were general internists or internal medicine subspecialists. Awareness of the CL was 96.5 percent). The frequency of CL-SR use was at least once a month for 76 percent) of responders. We found no difference in frequency of use according to age or academic setting. Main reasons to use CL-SR were: guide clinical decisions (67.6 percent)), personal update (64.2 percent) and teaching (31.8 percent)); 46 percent) considered CL-SR very useful to their purposes. People <35y used CL-SR significantly more for guiding clinical decisions than those >35y (70 percent) vs 53 percent), p: 0.017). Users who considered CL-SR very useful use it significantly more for teaching purposes (41 percent) vs 24 percent), p: 0.019) and for clinical decision-making (79 percent) vs 58 percent), p: 0.003) than those declaring CL-SR as sometimes useful or not useful. Also there was statistically significant difference in distribution of access to CL by geographic region (p: 0.001). Conclusions: We found high awareness of CL-SRs among attendants to WCIM. Users describe frequent use, for several purposes and find it helpful for their purposes; however, access varied across regions. (AU)

Quiste gigante de vesícula seminal: presentación atípica de una patología infrecuente / Giant seminal vesicle cyst: atypical presentation of a rare disease

Se presenta el caso de un niño de 14 años que hizo una consulta de control por un encondroma en el fémur izquierdo. La resonancia magnética (RM) de caderas reveló, accidentalmente, un quiste gigante de la vesícula seminal derecha. Si bien se indicó una urografía por RM, esta fue suspendida por un cuadro de claustrofobia del paciente y se realizó una tomografía computada abdómino-pélvica con y sin contraste endovenoso. La patología de las vesículas seminales (VS) puede clasificarse en congénita o adquirida. El primer tipo tiene baja prevalencia (siendo el quiste y la agenesia los más comunes en la práctica diaria) y puede coexistir, a menudo, con anomalías ipsilaterales del tracto urinario superior y genital, debido a la estrecha relación en los hombres de los sistemas reproductor y urinario durante la embriogénesis. También se ha descrito su vinculación con anomalías óseas y vasculares. La escasa frecuencia de presentación y el amplio espectro de potenciales hallazgos asociados suelen dificultar el diagnóstico. Lo habitual es iniciar la evaluación con una ecografía abdominal o transrectal, según la edad y tolerancia del paciente, y continuar con una RM, aunque para confirmar los hallazgos pueden ser necesarios otros procedimientos, como la vesículo-deferentografía (VDG). Esta fue tradicionalmente el método de referencia para el diagnóstico, pero en la actualidad se aplica en casos seleccionados. El tratamiento de las malformaciones está restringido a pacientes sintomáticos y usualmente consiste en una vesiculectomía, con o sin extirpación del riñón displásico o hipoplásico

The case is presented of a 14 year-old boy with a previous diagnosis of left femur enchondroma. The pelvic and hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unexpectedly revealed a right giant seminal vesicle cyst. He was evaluated by performing abdominal-pelvic computed tomography, with and without intravenous contrast. The pathology of the seminal vesicles (SV) can be classified as congenital and acquired. The first type has low prevalence (cyst and agenesis being the most frequently encountered in daily practice) and often co-exists with ipsilateral abnormalities in the upper urinary tract and genital organs, due to the close relationship of the male reproductive and urinary systems during embryogenesis. The association with bone and vascular anomalies has also been described. Abdominal and trans-rectal ultrasound, followed by abdominal and pelvic MRI, are the most accurate methods for preoperative diagnosis. Vesiculo-de/erentography (traditionally the gold standard test for diagnosis) is only applied in selected cases. The treatment, vesiculectomy, with or without removal of dysplastic or hypoplastic kidney, is restricted to symptomatic patients

Quiste gigante de vesícula seminal: presentación atípica de una patología infrecuente

Se presenta el caso de un niño de 14 años que hizo una consulta de control por un encondroma en el fémur izquierdo. La resonancia magnética (RM) de caderas reveló, accidentalmente, un quiste gigante de la vesícula seminal derecha. Si bien se indicó una urografía por RM, esta fue suspendida por un cuadro de claustrofobia del paciente y se realizó una tomografía computada abdómino-pélvica con y sin contraste endovenoso. La patología de las vesículas seminales (VS) puede clasificarse en congénita o adquirida. El primer tipo tiene baja prevalencia (siendo el quiste y la agenesia los más comunes en la práctica diaria) y puede coexistir, a menudo, con anomalías ipsilaterales del tracto urinario superior y genital, debido a la estrecha relación en los hombres de los sistemas reproductor y urinario durante la embriogénesis. También se ha descrito su vinculación con anomalías óseas y vasculares. La escasa frecuencia de presentación y el amplio espectro de potenciales hallazgos asociados suelen dificultar el diagnóstico. Lo habitual es iniciar la evaluación con una ecografía abdominal o transrectal, según la edad y tolerancia del paciente, y continuar con una RM, aunque para confirmar los hallazgos pueden ser necesarios otros procedimientos, como la vesículo-deferentografía (VDG). Esta fue tradicionalmente el método de referencia para el diagnóstico, pero en la actualidad se aplica en casos seleccionados. El tratamiento de las malformaciones está restringido a pacientes sintomáticos y usualmente consiste en una vesiculectomía, con o sin extirpación del riñón displásico o hipoplásico.(AU)

The case is presented of a 14 year-old boy with a previous diagnosis of left femur enchondroma. The pelvic and hip magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unexpectedly revealed a right giant seminal vesicle cyst. He was evaluated by performing abdominal-pelvic computed tomography, with and without intravenous contrast. The pathology of the seminal vesicles (SV) can be classified as congenital and acquired. The first type has low prevalence (cyst and agenesis being the most frequently encountered in daily practice) and often co-exists with ipsilateral abnormalities in the upper urinary tract and genital organs, due to the close relationship of the male reproductive and urinary systems during embryogenesis. The association with bone and vascular anomalies has also been described. Abdominal and trans-rectal ultrasound, followed by abdominal and pelvic MRI, are the most accurate methods for preoperative diagnosis. Vesiculo-de/erentography (traditionally the gold standard test for diagnosis) is only applied in selected cases. The treatment, vesiculectomy, with or without removal of dysplastic or hypoplastic kidney, is restricted to symptomatic patients.(AU)

Perioperative variables associated with surgical site infection in breast cancer surgery.

Despite the fact that breast operations are usually categorized as clean procedures, higher surgical site infection (SSI) rates are reported. This study aimed to determine the perioperative variables related to SSI in breast cancer patients. Medical records of breast cancer patients undergoing surgery between January 2005 and August 2007 at a university based hospital were reviewed. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data from 199 patients were extracted and analysed. Overall, the SSI rate was 19.1% (38 cases). SSI was associated with a high body mass index (P=0.001), history of diabetes mellitus (P<0.0001), smoking (P<0.0001), or active skin disorders (P<0.0001). Other SSI-related variables included a tumour at an advanced clinical stage (P=0.003) and neoadjuvant therapy (P=0.003). Breast-conserving operations were less frequently associated with SSI than were radical procedures (mastectomy alone and mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction) (P=0.0001).

Presentación inicial de las pacientes con diagnóstico de cáncer de seno en el Centro Javeriano de Oncología, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio / Initial presentation of patients with diagnosis of breast cancer at the Centro Javeriano de Oncología of Hospital Universitario San Ignacio

Introducción. El cáncer de seno es un problema de salud pública en Colombia que amerita atención por su incidencia y crecientes tasas de mortalidad. Las características de su presentación inicial son importantes, puesto que determinan el estadio clínico y, por consiguiente, el pronóstico de la enfermedad; por lo tanto, es importante conocer cómo llegan las pacientes con cáncer de seno a su primera consulta en nuestra institución.Objetivo. Describir las características demográficas y clínicas de las mujeres con diagnóstico de cáncer de seno en el Centro Javeriano de Oncología, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio.Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional descriptivo-retrospectivo de 232 casos consecutivos, de pacientes diagnósticados por primera vez con cáncer de seno, de los cuales se obtuvieron los siguientes datos: edad, motivo de consulta, enfermedad actual, antecedentes relevantes, examen clínico de seno, diagnóstico histológico y estadificación clínica.Resultados. Se encontró una tendencia hacia una población mayor de 50 años (63,4 por ciento), que consultó más frecuentemente por presencia de masa (77 por ciento) y predominio de tumores ductales (91 por ciento). Los estadios clínicos más frecuentes fueron IIIB (25 por ciento), IIA (17 por ciento), IIB (16 por ciento) y I (16 por ciento).Conclusión. En el periodo de estudio, los nuevos casos de carcinoma mamario se presentaron en su mayoría en estadios temprano y localmente avanzado, distribución semejante a la reportada por otros grupos en Bogotá, Colombia.

Introduction. Breast cancer is a public health issue in Colombia that deserves awareness due to its increasing incidence and mortality rates. Initial presentation characteristics are important because these determine the clinical stage, and consequently the prognosis. It is important to understand how women with breast cancer are presenting at our center.Objective. To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of women with breast cancer diagnosed at Centro Javeriano de Oncología, Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (HUSI).Methods. Retrospective, descriptive observational study of 232 consecutive, newly diagnosed breast cancer cases of which the following data was obtained from clinical charts: age, chief complaint, medical history, clinical breast exam, histologic diagnosis, and clinical staging.Results. The population tended to be over 50 years (63.4 percent), generally referred because of the presence of a lump (77 percent); tumors were predominantly ductal, in 91 percent of the cases. The most frequent clinical stages were IIIB (25 percent), IIA (17 percent), IIB (16 percent), and y I (16 percent).Conclusion. In this study, newly diagnosed breast cancer cases mainly presented in early and locally advanced stages, a distribution similar to that reported by other research groups in Bogotá, Colombia.

Cetoacidosis diabética en adultos: causas y su manejo en un hospital regional / Management of diabetic ketoacidosis: retrospective analysis of 117 episodes

Background: In 2005, the Chilean Ministry of Health developed Clinical Guidelines to ensure the correct diagnosis and acute treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Aim: To analyze the real impact of the use of the Clinical Guidelines, comparing the diagnosis and treatment of DKA beforeand after 2005. Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical records of adults with DKA, treated between 2001 and 2008 in a regional hospital. Results: One hundred seventeen DKA episodes, that occurred in 82 patients aged 15 to 90 years (47 percent females), were analyzed. Eightytwo percent of patients were known diabetics. Treatment discontinuation was the cause of DKA in 37 percent of patients, followed by infections in 37 percent and onset of diabetes mellitus in 17 percent. Ninety seven percent of patients previous episode of DKA were using insulin. Two patients died (1.7 percent) and DKA complications were uncommon. Bicarbonate and potassium were over prescribed despite therecommendation of Clinical Guidelines (p < 0.05). The use of infusion pumps increased after the incorporation of the Clinical Guidelines. Conclusions: A low impact of Clinical Guidelines on themanagement of DKA was observed in this group of patients. Insulin users have a higher risk for developing DKA.

Aumento del riesgo de consultas cardiovasculares por contaminación atmosférica por partículas: estudio en la ciudad de Santiago / Increased risk of consultation for cardiovascular problems related to particle atmospheric pollution: a study in Santiago, Chile

Introducción: En la literatura se reconoce que la contaminación del aire por partículas en diversas ciudades determina un exceso del riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Santiago es una de las urbes con mayor polución de partículas MP 10 y MP 2,5 en el mundo. Objetivo: Estudiar la asociación entre la concentración diaria de partículas y la morbilidad cardiovascular en los 6 Servicios de Urgencia de la ciudad. Métodos: Se consideraron el número total de consultas cardiovasculares en el año 2007, el Infarto miocárdico, accidente cerebro-vascular y crisis hipertensiva. La concentración de partículas se obtuvo de los registros de 7 centros de la red de Monitoreo de la Calidad del Aire de la Región Metropolitana (MACAM) y lasvariables temperatura y humedad, del Instituto de Meteorología de Chile. Estadísticamente se implementó un modelo de regresión múltiple GAM. Resultados: Se observó que para todo el año 2007 las concentraciones de partículas ambientales MP 10 estuvieron altas, sobre la norma recomendada por la OMS. Ello se asoció a un incrementó del 10% del riesgo de consultas cardiovasculares durante todo el año 2007. Para las partículas MP 2,5 el riesgo aumentó en un 17 por ciento. En los meses invernales Junio y Julio, el riesgo aumentó en 15 por ciento y 28 por ciento respectivamente. Todas las cifras resultaron altamente significativas (p< 0.001). Para la crisis hipertensiva, los aumentos del riesgo fueron 4 y 13 por ciento, también significativos. Conclusión: Se concluye que la contaminación por partículas se asocia significativamente a un mayor riesgo de consultas por enfermedades cardiovasculares en la ciudad de Santiago y que el riesgo es mayor en presencia de partículas MP 2,5.

Background: Atmospheric contamination due to particles is recognized as a factor related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Santiago has one of the greatest concentrations of MP 10 and MP 2.5 particles in the world.Aim: to determine the association of daily changes in particle concentration and cardiovascular morbidity in 6 emergency consultation centers in Santiago. Methods: Total number of consults, myocardial infarction, stroke and hypertensive crisis were included as endpoints. Concentration of particles was obtained from registries routinely made in 7 centers of a city based environmental agency (“Monitoring quality of air in the Metropolitan Region”, MACAM). Air temperature and humidity were obtained from the Chilean Meteorology Institute. Data were analyzed using a multiple regression model (GAM). Results: Throughout 2007, concentration of MP 10 was above the norm recommended by WHO. This was associated to a 10 percent increase in CV related consultations. In relation to MP 2.5 the risk was increased 17 percent. The CV risk peaked at 15 percent and 28 percent in June and July, respectively. All relations were highly significant (p<0.001) including the 4 and 13 percent increase in hypertension emergencies. Conclusion: Increased particle concentration in the air is significantly associated to a higher risk of cardiovascular consultation in Santiago. The risk is higher in relation to increased MP 2.5 particle concentration.

[Utility of blood cultures on antibiotic therapy in adult bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia]. / Utilidad de los hemocultivos en el tratamiento antimicrobiano de la neumonía neumocóccica bacteriémica en el adulto.

We evaluated the utility of blood cultures in the therapeutic management of patients with bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia admitted to an internal medicine unit, in a retrospective observational study. Forty-nine patients were included, 75.5% were men, mean age 51.1 years. All S. pneumoniae strains were susceptible to penicillin. Four patients died. In 15.5% the treatment was modified narrowing antibiotic spectrum, in 51% cases it was changed to bencylpenicillin or amoxicillin exclusively, but only in 16% within the first 4 days. In 12 cases the prescription coincided with the oral switch therapy to amoxicillin. Due to the benefits and potential advantages of penicillin in diminishing the incidence of antibiotic resistance and reducing costs, it is important to work on prescription habits among physicians. This is especially important in the case of penicillin and the opportune moment of therapy change, improving the use of the microbiological report.