Implementation of High-Dose-Rate, CT-Based Prostate Brachytherapy in an Academic Teaching Hospital and Residency Training Program.

Introduction Prostate brachytherapy provides the most durable local control for prostate adenocarcinoma among all radiation treatment options. However, likely due to decreased trainee familiarity with the technique and resource intensity, it has seen a decline in utilization. Here we outline our experience with starting a high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy program within a residency training program and present our outcome data. Methods Patients were identified and screened using clinical data and volume study for candidacy for brachytherapy implantation. Eligible candidates were implanted and subsequently had radiation planning and delivery in our clinic. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed on our outcomes and dosimetry data and presented in tabular form. Results Seventeen patients were treated for a total of 18 implants (one monotherapy). No implant was aborted. No acute urinary retention requiring catheterization or chronic urethral stricture occurred. Biochemical recurrence-free survival was 94% at a median follow-up of 28.5 months (range 8.2-50 months); the one failure occurred in a very high-risk patient at 37 months following treatment. Dosimetrically, prostate coverage, urethra sparing, and rectum sparing aims were met. Volumetric bladder aims were also met; however, the max point dose to the bladder neck was above the guideline. Conclusion Our department successfully implemented an HDR prostate brachytherapy program. Treatments were effective and there was no grade 3 toxicity to report.

Ferritin levels in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis of systemic onset and children with other causes of fever of unknown origin: A multicenter study of diagnostic tests / Niveles de ferritina en artritis idiopática juvenil de inicio sistémico comparada con otras fiebres de origen desconocido: estudio multicéntrico de pruebas diagnósticas

Introduction: There are no sensitive or specific tests available to diagnose systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Objective: To assess the utility as diagnostic tests of total ferritin (TF) levels greater than 5 times the normal value (TF>5N) and the decreased percentage (less than or equal to 20% of TF) of glycosylated ferritin (GF≤20%) for the diagnosis of sJIA in patients with fever of unknown origin evaluated by pediatric rheumatology. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests in children under 16 years of age hospitalized between 2010 and 2014. The reference diagnostic standard was the fulfillment of the classification criteria or confirmed diagnosis at follow-up. We determined the measures of utility of the tests. Results: We included 40 patients with fever of unknown origin, 11 with sJIA, and 29 with other diagnoses. The median TF was higher in sAIJ (3992 ng/ml) versus other causes of fever of unknown origin (155 ng/ml) (p=0.0027), as well as TF>5N (90.91% versus 51.72%) (p=0.023). The percentage of GF≤20% was higher in patients with other causes of fever of unknown origin (96.5%) compared to sJIA (81.8%) (p=0.178). TF>5N had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 48%, positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 1.76, and negative LR of 0.19 demonstrating greater utility for the diagnosis of sJIA than the combination of FT> 5N with GFR <20%, with a sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 48.3%, positive LR of 1.58, and negative LR of 0.38. Conclusion: In patients with FUO evaluated by pediatric rheumatology, TF> 5N proved useful as a screening test for the diagnosis of sJIA.

Introducción. No se dispone de pruebas sensibles ni específicas para diagnosticar la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica. Objetivo. Evaluar la utilidad diagnóstica de niveles de ferritina total cinco veces por encima del valor normal (ferritina total>5N) y el porcentaje disminuido (menor de o igual a 20 % de la ferritina total) de la ferritina glucosilada (ferritina glucosilada<20 %) para el diagnóstico de artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica en pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido evaluados por reumatología pediátrica. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional de pruebas diagnósticas de corte transversal en menores de 16 años hospitalizados entre el 2010 y el 2014. El patrón diagnóstico de referencia fue el cumplimiento de los criterios de clasificación o diagnóstico confirmado en el seguimiento. Se determinaron las medidas de utilidad de las pruebas. Resultados. Se incluyeron 40 pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido: 11 con artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica y 29 con otros diagnósticos. La mediana de la ferritina total fue mayor en la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica (3.992 ng/ml) comparada con otras causas de fiebre de origen desconocido (155 ng/ml) (p=0,0027), así como la ferritina total>5N (90,91 % Vs. 51,72 %) (p=0,023). El porcentaje de ferritina glucosilada≤20 % fue de 96,5 % en otras fiebres de origen desconocido en comparación con la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica (81,8 %) (p=0,178). La ferritina total>5N tuvo una sensibilidad del 91 %, una especificidad del 48 %; un cociente de probabilidades (Likelihood Ratio, LR) positivo de 1,76 y uno negativo de 0,19, demostrando mayor utilidad para el diagnóstico que la combinación de la ferritina total>5N y ferritina glucosilada≤20 %, cuya sensibilidad fue del 81,8 %, la especificidad del 48,3 %, un cociente de probabilidades LR positivo de 1,58 y un LR negativo de 0,38. Conclusión. En pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido evaluados por reumatología pediátrica, la ferritina total>5N demostró ser útil como prueba de tamización para el diagnóstico de artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica.

Niveles de ferritina en artritis idiopática juvenil de inicio sistémico comparada con otras fiebres de origen desconocido: estudio multicéntrico de pruebas diagnósticas / Ferritin levels in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis of systemic onset and children with other causes of fever of unknown origin: A multicenter study of diagnostic tests

Resumen | Introducción. No se dispone de pruebas sensibles ni específicas para diagnosticar la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica. Objetivo. Evaluar la utilidad diagnóstica de niveles de ferritina total cinco veces por encima del valor normal (ferritina total>5N) y el porcentaje disminuido (menor de o igual a 20 % de la ferritina total) de la ferritina glucosilada (ferritina glucosilada<20 %) para el diagnóstico de artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica en pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido evaluados por reumatología pediátrica. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional de pruebas diagnósticas de corte transversal en menores de 16 años hospitalizados entre el 2010 y el 2014. El patrón diagnóstico de referencia fue el cumplimiento de los criterios de clasificación o diagnóstico confirmado en el seguimiento. Se determinaron las medidas de utilidad de las pruebas. Resultados. Se incluyeron 40 pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido: 11 con artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica y 29 con otros diagnósticos. La mediana de la ferritina total fue mayor en la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica (3.992 ng/ml) comparada con otras causas de fiebre de origen desconocido (155 ng/ml) (p=0,0027), así como la ferritina total>5N (90,91 % Vs. 51,72 %) (p=0,023). El porcentaje de ferritina glucosilada≤20 % fue de 96,5 % en otras fiebres de origen desconocido en comparación con la artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica (81,8 %) (p=0,178). La ferritina total>5N tuvo una sensibilidad del 91 %, una especificidad del 48 %; un cociente de probabilidades (Likelihood Ratio, LR) positivo de 1,76 y uno negativo de 0,19, demostrando mayor utilidad para el diagnóstico que la combinación de la ferritina total>5N y ferritina glucosilada≤20 %, cuya sensibilidad fue del 81,8 %, la especificidad del 48,3 %, un cociente de probabilidades LR positivo de 1,58 y un LR negativo de 0,38. Conclusión. En pacientes con fiebre de origen desconocido evaluados por reumatología pediátrica, la ferritina total>5N demostró ser útil como prueba de tamización para el diagnóstico de artritis idiopática juvenil sistémica.

Abstract | Introduction: There are no sensitive or specific tests available to diagnose systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Objective: To assess the utility as diagnostic tests of total ferritin (TF) levels greater than 5 times the normal value (TF>5N) and the decreased percentage (less than or equal to 20% of TF) of glycosylated ferritin (GF≤20%) for the diagnosis of sJIA in patients with fever of unknown origin evaluated by pediatric rheumatology. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests in children under 16 years of age hospitalized between 2010 and 2014. The reference diagnostic standard was the fulfillment of the classification criteria or confirmed diagnosis at follow-up. We determined the measures of utility of the tests. Results: We included 40 patients with fever of unknown origin, 11 with sJIA, and 29 with other diagnoses. The median TF was higher in sAIJ (3992 ng/ml) versus other causes of fever of unknown origin (155 ng/ml) (p=0.0027), as well as TF>5N (90.91% versus 51.72%) (p=0.023). The percentage of GF≤20% was higher in patients with other causes of fever of unknown origin (96.5%) compared to sJIA (81.8%) (p=0.178). TF>5N had a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 48%, positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 1.76, and negative LR of 0.19 demonstrating greater utility for the diagnosis of sJIA than the combination of FT> 5N with GFR <20%, with a sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 48.3%, positive LR of 1.58, and negative LR of 0.38. Conclusion: In patients with FUO evaluated by pediatric rheumatology, TF> 5N proved useful as a screening test for the diagnosis of sJIA.

Esomeprazole enhances the effect of ionizing radiation to improve tumor control.

The resistance of cancer cells to radiation-based treatment is a major clinical challenge confounding standard of care in cancer. This problem is particularly notable in many solid tumors where cancer cells are only partially responsive to radiation therapy. Combination of radiation with radiosensitizers is able to enhance tumor cell killing. However, currently available radiosensitizers are associated with significant normal tissue toxicity. Accordingly, there is an unmet need to develop safer and more effective radiosensitizers to improve tumor control. Here, we evaluated the radiosensitizing effect of the FDA-approved drug esomeprazole in normal and radioresistant human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells in vitro, and in a mouse model of HNSCC. For the in vitro studies, we used cancer cell colony formation (clonogenicity) assay to compare cancer cell growth in the absence or presence of esomeprazole. To determine mechanism(s) of action, we assessed cell proliferation and profiled cell cycle regulatory proteins. In addition, we performed reverse phase protein array (RPPA) study to understand the global effect of esomeprazole on over 200 cancer-related proteins. For the in vivo study, we engrafted HNSCC in a mouse model and compared tumor growth in animals treated with radiation, esomeprazole, and combination of radiation with esomeprazole. We found that esomeprazole inhibits tumor growth and dose-dependently enhances the cell killing effect of ionizing radiation in wildtype and p53-mutant radioresistant cancer cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that esomeprazole arrests cancer cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle through upregulation of p21 protein and inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) type 1 (Cdk1) and type 2 (Cdk2). In vivo data showed greater tumor control in animals treated with combination of radiation and esomeprazole compared to either treatment alone, and that this was associated with inhibition of cell proliferation in vivo. In addition, combination of esomeprazole with radiation significantly impaired repair following radiation-induced DNA damage. Our studies indicate that esomeprazole sensitizes cancer cells to ionizing radiation, and is associated with upregulation of p21 to arrest cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Our findings have significant therapeutic implications for the repurposing of esomeprazole as a radiosensitizer in HNSCC and other solid tumors.

Incontinencia pigmenti. Estudio descriptivo de la experiencia en dos centros hospitalarios / Incontinentia pigmenti. A descriptive study of experience in two different hospitals

Introducción: La incontinencia pigmenti es una genodermatosis poco frecuente, de herencia ligada al cromosoma X, que afecta a tejidos derivados del ectodermo. Nuestro objetivo es revisar de la forma más completa posible los casos diagnosticados en edad pediátrica en dos hospitales. Material y métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio transversal retrospectivo, recogiéndose datos clínicos, analíticos, radiológicos y genéticos valorados a nivel multidisciplinar de pacientes diagnosticados en la edad pediátrica de incontinencia pigmenti desde el año 2004 al 2018. Resultados: Se incluyeron 13 pacientes diagnosticados de incontinencia pigmenti, todas de sexo femenino. Se realizó estudio genético en 11 de las 13, confirmándose alteraciones compatibles en 10 de ellas. Se observó afectación extracutánea relacionada con la enfermedad a nivel neurológico (con alteraciones radiológicas en 6 casos y expresión clínica en 3 de ellas), oftalmológico (4 casos), odontológico (7 casos) y hematológico (4 casos). Conclusiones: Presentamos el estudio más completo publicado hasta ahora de incontinencia pigmenti en España. Los resultados del estudio de las manifestaciones de la enfermedad fueron similares a las series de casos más amplias publicadas a nivel internacional y refuerzan la importancia de un estudio y seguimiento multidisciplinar

Introduction: Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare genodermatosis of inheritance linked to the X chromosome that affects tissues derived from ectoderm. The aim of the study is to review, as completely as possible, the cases diagnosed in paediatric patients in two hospitals. Material and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out, using the clinical, analytical, radiological, and genetic data of paediatric patients diagnosed with incontinentia pigmenti from 2004 to 2018. The data collected were analysed and evaluated at a multidisciplinary level. Results: A total of thirteen patients diagnosed with incontinentia pigmenti were included in the study. All of them were female. A genetic study was performed on 11 patients, which confirmed findings compatible with incontinentia pigmenti in 10 of them. Extracutaneous involvement associated with the disease was observed at neurological level (radiological findings in 6 cases, and clinical expression in 3 of them), ophthalmological level (4 cases), dental level (7 cases), and haematological level (4 cases). Conclusions: A presentation is given of the most complete study published so far of incontinentia pigmenti in Spain. In this study, the results of the disease manifestations were similar to the largest case series published internationally, which reinforces the importance of a multidisciplinary study and follow-up

[Incontinentia pigmenti. A descriptive study of experience in two different hospitals]. / Incontinencia pigmenti. Estudio descriptivo de la experiencia en dos centros hospitalarios.

INTRODUCTION: Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare genodermatosis of inheritance linked to the Xchromosome that affects tissues derived from ectoderm. The aim of the study is to review, as completely as possible, the cases diagnosed in paediatric patients in two hospitals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out, using the clinical, analytical, radiological, and genetic data of paediatric patients diagnosed with incontinentia pigmenti from 2004 to 2018. The data collected were analysed and evaluated at a multidisciplinary level. RESULTS: A total of thirteen patients diagnosed with incontinentia pigmenti were included in the study. All of them were female. A genetic study was performed on 11 patients, which confirmed findings compatible with incontinentia pigmenti in 10 of them. Extracutaneous involvement associated with the disease was observed at neurological level (radiological findings in 6 cases, and clinical expression in 3 of them), ophthalmological level (4 cases), dental level (7 cases), and haematological level (4 cases). CONCLUSIONS: A presentation is given of the most complete study published so far of incontinentia pigmenti in Spain. In this study, the results of the disease manifestations were similar to the largest case series published internationally, which reinforces the importance of a multidisciplinary study and follow-up.

Radiation for ETMR: Literature review and case series of patients treated with proton therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMRs) are aggressive tumors that typically occur in young children. Radiation is often deferred or delayed for these patients due to late effects; proton therapy may mitigate some of these concerns. This study reviews the role of radiation in ETMR and describes initial results with proton therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of patients with embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR), medulloepithelioma (MEP), and ependymoblastoma (EPL) treated with proton therapy at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. A literature review of cases of CNS ETANTR, MEP, and EPL published since 1990 was also conducted. RESULTS: Seven patients were treated with proton therapy. Their median age at diagnosis was 33 months (range 10-57 months) and their median age at radiation start was 42 months (range 17-58 months). Their median overall survival (OS) was 16 months (range 8-64 months), with three patients surviving 36 months or longer. Five patients had disease progression prior to starting radiation; all 5 of these patients failed in the tumor bed. A search of the literature identified 204 cases of ETMR with a median OS of 10 months (range 0.03-161 months). Median OS of 18 long-term survivors (≥36 months) in the literature was 77 months (range 37-184 months). Of these 18 long-term survivors, 17 (94%) received radiotherapy as part of their initial treatment; 14 of them were treated with craniospinal irradiation. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of patients with ETMR treated with proton therapy are encouraging compared to historical results. Further study of this rare tumor is warranted to better define the role of radiotherapy.

Polimorfismos en los genes de la enzima alcohol deshidrogenasa (ADH1) y la citocromo P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) en pacientes con cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular / Polymorphisms in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1) and cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1) genes in patients with cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma

Introducción. Uno de los principales factores de riesgo del carcinoma hepatocelular es el consumo crónico de alcohol. En estudios en diferentes poblaciones, se sugiere que las variantes genéticas de las enzimas que participan en el metabolismo del alcohol, como la alcohol deshidrogenasa (ADH) y la citocromo P450 (CYP2E1), estarían asociadas con riesgo de enfermedades hepáticas terminales. Objetivo. Identificar y caracterizar las variantes alélicas de los genes ADH1B, ADH1C y CYP2E1 en pacientes colombianos con diagnóstico de cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron muestras de pacientes atendidos entre el 2005 y el 2007, y entre el 2014 y el 2016, en la unidad de hepatología de un hospital de Medellín. La genotipificación de las muestras se hizo mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR) con análisis de los polimorfismos en la longitud de los fragmentos de restricción (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, RFLP). Los resultados se compararon con los de dos grupos de control y con lo reportado en la base de datos del 1000 Genomes Project. Resultados. Se recolectaron 97 muestras de pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular. Los dos factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron el consumo crónico de alcohol (18,6 %) y las colangiopatías (17,5 %). Los genotipos más frecuentes en la población de estudio fueron el ADH1B*1/1 (82 %), el ADH1C*1/1 (59 %) y el CYP2E1*C/C (84 %). Conclusiones. En este primer estudio de los polimorfismos en pacientes colombianos con diagnóstico de cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular, los genotipos más frecuentes fueron el ADH1B*1/1, el ADH1C*1/1 y el CYP2E1*C/C. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuencia de los genotipos entre los casos y los controles. Se requieren estudios adicionales en población colombiana para evaluar el riesgo de la enfermedad hepática terminal por consumo crónico de alcohol y la asociación con los polimorfismos.

Introduction: One of the most important risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is alcohol consumption: Studies in different populations suggest that the risk of liver disease could be associated with genetic variants of the enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism, such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and cytochrome P450 CYP2E1. Objective: To identify and characterize the allelic variants of ADH1B, ADH1C and CYP2E1 genes in Colombian patients with cirrhosis and/or HCC. Materials and methods: We included samples from patients attending the hepatology unit between 2005-2007 and 2014-2016 of a hospital in Medellin. Samples were genotyped using PCR-RFLP. We compared the results with two control groups and the 1000 Genomes Project database. Results: We collected 97 samples from patients with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and/or HCC. The two main risk factors were chronic alcohol consumption (18.6%) and cholangiopathies (17.5%). The most frequent genotypes in the study population were ADH1B*1/1 (82%), ADH1C*1/1 (59%), and CYP2E1*C/C (84%). Conclusions: This first study of polymorphisms in Colombian patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and/or HCC showed genotypes ADH1B*1/1, ADH1C*1/1 and CYP2E1*C/C as the most frequent. We found no significant differences in the genotype frequency between cases and controls. Further studies are necessary to explore the association between polymorphisms and the risk of end-stage liver disease from alcohol consumption.

Utilidad de la fórmula de Adrogué-Madias en la estimación del sodio alcanzado post fluidoterapia en pacientes quemados / Utility of the formula of Adrogué-Madias in the estimation of sodium achieved after fluid therapy in burned patients

Introducción: La fórmula de Adrogué ­ Madias es ampliamente usada en la hiponatremia para estimar el sodio alcanzado por fluidoterapia, pero no se han hecho estudios para ver su utilidad en pacientes quemados. Objetivo: determinar la utilidad de la fórmula de Adrogué ­ Madias en la estimación del sodio alcanzado post fluidoterapia en pacientes quemados. Material y método: estudio de cohorte descriptivo. Población: pacientes con edad < 14 años con quemaduras >10 % de SCQ, y pacientes > 14 años con SCQ >15%, que lleguen en las primeras 24 horas de la quemadura. El volumen de infusión se calculó a partir la SCQ. Se tomaron análisis de gases arteriales al ingreso y terminadas las primeras 24 horas para comparar la natremia. Finalmente se compara el sodio calculado con la fórmula de Adrogué ­ Madias y el sodio real a las 24 horas. Resultados: población: 24 pacientes. El 79,2% de la población tuvo hiponatremia. La prueba t de student para muestras relacionadas comparó el sodio obtenido por la fórmula de Adrogué ­ Madias y el sodio real a las 24 horas, obteniéndose un valor de t = 7,893 (IC 95%, p = 0,000189). El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson no mostró significancia estadística al relacionar las características clínicas con la diferencia entre el sodio obtenido por la fórmula de Adrogué ­ Madias y el sodio real a las 24 horas. Conclusión: la fórmula de Adrogué ­ Madias no es útil en la determinación del sodio post fluidoterapia en pacientes quemados.

[SHTLV-I/II seroprevalence in blood donors of Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank during the period 2014-2015].

INTRODUCTION: The human-T cell lymphotropic virus is a retrovirus with various types known so far. HTLV-I and HTLV-II are of clinically importance as they cause different diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, tropical spastic paraparesis, and human T-lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy (HAM). OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of presumptive and confirmatory reactivity to HTLV-I/II in blood donors of Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank between 2014 and 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information was obtained from the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank database. We analyzed age, sex, place of origin, and place of residence of donors, and the reactivity using the screening test (ELISA) as well as the confirmatory test (immunoblot). RESULTS: The donor population studied included 6,275 men and 8,148 women, for a total of 14,423 donors recruited between March 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. Of all tested donors, 25 were positive for HTLV-I/II by the screening test (ELISA). After performing the confirmatory test (immunoblot), only nine patients were positive for HTLV-I/II (36%), of whom eight were reactive to HTLV-I (32%) and one to HTLV-II (4%), for a global seroprevalence of 0.06% (CI 95%: 0.10-0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings were consistent with those found in similar studies in non-endemic areas of the country and with those from studies at international level reported in the literature.

Seroprevalencia de los virus linfotrópicos de células T humanas de tipos I y II en donantes del Banco de Sangre del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, entre 2014 y 2015 / HTLV-I/II seroprevalence in blood donors of Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank during the period 2014-2015

Resumen Introducción . El virus linfotrópico humano de células T (HTLV) es un retrovirus del cual se conocen varios tipos, entre ellos el HTLV-I y el HTLV-II, los cuales son de importancia clínica por ser los causantes de diferentes enfermedades, como la leucemia y el linfoma de células T del adulto, la paraparesia espástica tropical y la mielopatía asociada al HTLV. Objetivo . Obtener la prevalencia de las reacciones presuntiva y confirmatoria de los virus HTLV-I y HTLV-II en los donantes del Banco de Sangre del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín, entre el 2014 y el 2015. Materiales y métodos . La información se obtuvo de la base de datos del Banco de Sangre del Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe. Se analizaron la edad, el sexo y el lugar de procedencia y de residencia de los donantes, así como la reacción en la prueba de tamización (ELISA) y en la prueba confirmatoria (inmunoblot). Resultados . La población de donantes estudiados incluyó a 6.275 hombres y 8.148 mujeres, para un total de 14.423 donantes reclutados entre el 1° de marzo de 2014 y el 30 de junio de 2015. De ellos, 25 resultaron positivos para HTLV-I o HTLV-II en la prueba de tamización (ELISA). En la prueba confirmatoria (inmunoblot), nueve (36 %) pacientes fueron positivos para el HTLV-I o HTLV-II , y de ellos ocho (32 %) lo fueron para el HTLV-I y uno (4 %) para el HTLV-II; la seroprevalencia global fue de 0,06 % (IC95% 0,10-0,25). Conclusiones . Los hallazgos del estudio concordaron con los de estudios similares en áreas no endémicas del país y con los de los estudios consultados a nivel internacional.

Abstract Introduction: The human-T cell lymphotropic virus is a retrovirus with various types known so far. HTLV-I and HTLV-II are of clinically importance as they cause different diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, tropical spastic paraparesis, and human T-lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy (HAM). Objective: To estimate the prevalence of presumptive and confirmatory reactivity to HTLV-I/II in blood donors of Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank between 2014 and 2015. Materials and methods: The information was obtained from the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank database. We analyzed age, sex, place of origin, and place of residence of donors, and the reactivity using the screening test (ELISA) as well as the confirmatory test (immunoblot). Results: The donor population studied included 6,275 men and 8,148 women, for a total of 14,423 donors recruited between March 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. Of all tested donors, 25 were positive for HTLV-I/II by the screening test (ELISA). After performing the confirmatory test (immunoblot), only nine patients were positive for HTLV-I/II (36%), of whom eight were reactive to HTLV-I (32%) and one to HTLV-II (4%), for a global seroprevalence of 0.06% (CI 95%: 0.10-0.25). Conclusions: Our findings were consistent with those found in similar studies in non-endemic areas of the country and with those from studies at international level reported in the literature.

Polymorphisms in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1) and cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1) genes in patients with cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma / Polimorfismos en los genes de la enzima alcohol deshidrogenasa (ADH1) y la citocromo P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) en pacientes con cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular

Introduction: One of the most important risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is alcohol consumption: Studies in different populations suggest that the risk of liver disease could be associated with genetic variants of the enzymes involved in alcohol metabolism, such as alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and cytochrome P450 CYP2E1. Objective: To identify and characterize the allelic variants of ADH1B, ADH1C and CYP2E1 genes in Colombian patients with cirrhosis and/or HCC. Materials and methods: We included samples from patients attending the hepatology unit between 2005-2007 and 2014-2016 of a hospital in Medellin. Samples were genotyped using PCR-RFLP. We compared the results with two control groups and the 1000 Genomes Project database. Results: We collected 97 samples from patients with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and/or HCC. The two main risk factors were chronic alcohol consumption (18.6%) and cholangiopathies (17.5%). The most frequent genotypes in the study population were ADH1B*1/1 (82%), ADH1C*1/1 (59%), and CYP2E1*C/C (84%). Conclusions: This first study of polymorphisms in Colombian patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and/or HCC showed genotypes ADH1B*1/1, ADH1C*1/1 and CYP2E1*C/C as the most frequent. We found no significant differences in the genotype frequency between cases and controls. Further studies are necessary to explore the association between polymorphisms and the risk of end-stage liver disease from alcohol consumption.

Introducción. Uno de los principales factores de riesgo del carcinoma hepatocelular es el consumo crónico de alcohol. En estudios en diferentes poblaciones, se sugiere que las variantes genéticas de las enzimas que participan en el metabolismo del alcohol, como la alcohol deshidrogenasa (ADH) y la citocromo P450 (CYP2E1), estarían asociadas con riesgo de enfermedades hepáticas terminales.Objetivo. Identificar y caracterizar las variantes alélicas de los genes ADH1B, ADH1C y CYP2E1 en pacientes colombianos con diagnóstico de cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular.Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron muestras de pacientes atendidos entre el 2005 y el 2007, y entre el 2014 y el 2016, en la unidad de hepatología de un hospital de Medellín. La genotipificación de las muestras se hizo mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR) con análisis de los polimorfismos en la longitud de los fragmentos de restricción (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism, RFLP). Los resultados se compararon con los de dos grupos de control y con lo reportado en la base de datos del 1000 Genomes Project.Resultados. Se recolectaron 97 muestras de pacientes con diagnóstico de cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular. Los dos factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron el consumo crónico de alcohol (18,6 %) y las colangiopatías (17,5 %). Los genotipos más frecuentes en la población de estudio fueron el ADH1B*1/1 (82 %), el ADH1C*1/1 (59 %) y el CYP2E1*C/C (84 %).Conclusiones. En este primer estudio de los polimorfismos en pacientes colombianos con diagnóstico de cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular, los genotipos más frecuentes fueron el ADH1B*1/1, el ADH1C*1/1 y el CYP2E1*C/C. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuencia de los genotipos entre los casos y los controles. Se requieren estudios adicionales en población colombiana para evaluar el riesgo de la enfermedad hepática terminal por consumo crónico de alcohol y laasociación con los polimorfismos.

Iatrogenic central retinal artery occlusion after carotid body tumor embolization and excision.

Objective: To report a case of iatrogenic central retinal artery occlusion after embolization and surgical resection of carotid body paraganglioma. Methods: Case report Results: One adult female patient presented with persistent unilateral visual loss after embolization with Embosphere® and Contour® microparticles of carotid body tumor. Fluorescein angiography revealed intraluminal microspheres in the central retinal artery ramifications. OCT revealed intraretinal spherical, hyporeflective particles with posterior shadowing. Conclusions: Central retinal artery occlusion should be assessed as a possible complication after surgical repair of head and neck paragangliomas.

Recuento de células CD34+ en sangre periférica como predictor de adecuada recolección de progenitores hematopoyéticos para trasplante autólogo / Peripheral blood CD34+ cell count as a predictor of adequacy of hematopoietic stem cell collection for autologous transplantation / Contagem de células CD34+ em sangue periférico como preditor de adequada recolecção de progenitores hematopoiéticos para transplante autólogo

Introducción: para llevar a cabo un trasplante autólogo se deben movilizar los progenitores hematopoyéticos a la sangre periférica y posteriormente recolectarlos por aféresis. El recuento de células CD34+ es una herramienta para determinar el mejor momento para la recolección. Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre el recuento de células CD34+ en sangre periférica y la recolección exitosa de progenitores hematopoyéticos. Materiales y métodos: evaluación de una prueba predictiva para determinar la utilidad del recuento de células CD34+ en sangre periférica como predictor del éxito de la recolección de progenitores hematopoyéticos en pacientes a los que se les va a hacer un trasplante autólogo. Resultados: se incluyó a 77 pacientes (mediana de edad: 49 años; rango: 5-66); el diagnóstico predominante fue linfoma (53,2 %). El porcentaje de pacientes con recolección exitosa de progenitores fue proporcional al número de células CD34+ en sangre periférica al finalizar la movilización. Proponemos que se deben tener más de 15 células CD34+/μL en sangre periférica para lograr una adecuada recolección de progenitores hematopoyéticos. Conclusión: el recuento de células CD34+ en sangre periférica es una herramienta útil para predecir la recolección exitosa de progenitores hematopoyéticos.

Introduction: In order to carry out an autologous transplantation, hematopoietic stem cells should be mobilized to peripheral blood and later collected by apheresis. The CD34+ cell count is a tool to establish the optimal time to begin the apheresis procedure. Objective: To evaluate the association between peripheral blood CD34+ cell count and the successful collection of hematopoietic stem cells. Materials and methods: A predictive test evaluation study was carried out to establish the usefulness of peripheral blood CD34+ cell count as a predictor of successful stem cell collection in patients that will receive an autologous transplantation. Results: 77 patients were included (median age: 49 years; range: 5-66). The predominant baseline diagnosis was lymphoma (53.2 %). The percentage of patients with successful harvest of hematopoietic stem cells was proportional to the number of CD34+ cells in peripheral blood at the end of the mobilization procedure. We propose that more than 15 CD34+ cells/μL must be present in order to achieve an adequate collection of hematopoietic stem cells. Conclusion: Peripheral blood CD34+ cell count is a useful tool to predict the successful collection of hematopoietic stem cells.

Introdução: para levar a cabo um transplante autólogo se devem mobilizar os progenitores hematopoiéticos ao sangue periférico e posteriormente os coletá-los por aféreses. A contagem de células CD34+ é uma ferramenta para determinar o melhor momento para a recolecção. Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre a contagem de células CD34+ em sangue periférico e a recolecção exitosa de progenitores hematopoiéticos. Materiais e métodos: avaliação de uma prova preditiva para determinar a utilidade da contagem de células CD34+ em sangue periférico como preditor do sucesso da recolecção de progenitores hematopoiéticos em pacientes aos que se lhes vá fazer um transplante autólogo. Resultados: se incluiu a 77 pacientes (média de idade: 49 anos; faixa: 5-66); o diagnóstico predominante foi linfoma (53,2 %). A porcentagem de pacientes com recolecção exitosa de progenitores foi proporcional ao número de células CD34+ em sangue periférico ao finalizar a mobilização. Propomos que se devem ter mais de 15 células CD34+/μL em sangue periférico para conseguir uma adequada recolecção de progenitores hematopoiéticos. Conclusão: A contagem de células CD34+ em sangue periférico é uma ferramenta útil para prever a recolecção exitosa de progenitores hematopoiéticos.

The optimal timing of surgical resection in high-risk neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: While most high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB) patients are enrolled in cooperative group or institutional protocols, variability exists within these protocols as to when surgical resection of the primary tumor should be performed after neoadjuvant induction chemotherapy. We sought to determine if the number of chemotherapy cycles prior to surgery affects surgical or survival outcomes in HRNB patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all HRNB patients <18years of age from 2000 to 2010, at Texas Children's Hospital. Patients were stratified based on the number of neoadjuvant induction chemotherapy cycles prior to surgical resection. Pre and post- chemotherapy tumor size, MYCN status, iodine-131-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) score at diagnosis, extent of surgical resection, estimated surgical blood loss, post-operative outcomes, and event free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Fisher's exact test, Kaplan-Meier analyses, and Cox regression analyses. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Data from 50 patients with HRNB were analyzed. Patients were stratified by the number of cycles of chemotherapy received prior to surgery. Six patients received 2cycles of chemotherapy (12%), 20 patients received 3cycles (40%), 13 patients received 4cycles (26%), and 11 patients received 5cycles (22%) prior to surgical resection of the primary tumor. The 5-year OS was 33%, 45%, 83% and 36% in patients who received 2, 3, 4 and 5cycles of chemotherapy prior to surgery, respectively (p=0.07). Multivariate analysis revealed that patients who received 4cycles of chemotherapy had a significantly lower mortality (HR: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01-0.87, p=0.04) compared to those with 2cycles of chemotherapy. Among the different cohorts, there were no differences with respect to MYCN status, MIBG score at diagnosis, incidence of bone marrow metastasis, extent of surgical resection, estimated blood loss, incidence of post-operative complications, or length of stay. CONCLUSION: HRNB patients who receive 4cycles of chemotherapy prior to surgical resection have a superior OS than patients who receive 2. Based on the superior survival of patients who received 4cycles of chemotherapy prior to surgery, further studies are warranted to elucidate these differences.

Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 3 in Colombia: Survey in Patients with Clinical Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus is a major cause of outbreaks as well as sporadic hepatitis cases worldwide. The epidemiology of this enterically transmitted infection differs between developing and developed countries. The aims of this study were to describe HEV infection in Colombian patients and to characterize the genotype. METHODS: A prospective study was carried out on 40 patients aged over 15 with a clinical diagnosis of viral hepatitis, recruited from five primary health units in the city of Medellin, Colombia. Fecal samples obtained from the 40 consecutives cases were analyzed for HEV RNA using nested reverse transcription PCR for both ORF1 and ORF2-3. The amplicons were sequenced for phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: Nine (22.5%) cases of HEV infection were identified in the study population. Three HEV strains obtained from patients were classified as genotype 3. No significant association was found between cases of Hepatitis E and the variables water drinking source, garbage collection system and contact with pigs. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective study of hepatitis E in Colombian patients. The circulation of the genotype 3 in this population is predictable considering the reports of the region and the identification of this genotype from pigs in the state of Antioquia, of which Medellin is the capital. Further studies are necessary to establish whether zoonotic transmission of HEV is important in Colombia.

Childhood and adolescent tracheobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC): a case-series and review of the literature.

Tracheobronchial mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MEC) are rare in the pediatric population with literature limited primarily to case reports. Here we present our institutional experience treating MEC in three patients and review the literature of 142 pediatric cases previously published from 1968 to 2013. Although rare, tracheobronchial MEC should be included in the differential diagnosis in a child with recurrent respiratory symptoms. Conservative surgical management is often sufficient to achieve complete resection and good outcomes.

Outcomes for pediatric patients with central nervous system germ cell tumors treated with proton therapy.

PURPOSE: We assessed outcomes after proton therapy (PT) for central nervous system germinomas or non-germinomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs) in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified children with germ cell tumors of the central nervous system who received proton therapy in 2006-2009 and extracted information on tumor response, treatment failures, and toxicity. RESULTS: Of the 20 identified patients (median age 12 years [range 3-16]), 9 had germinoma and 11 NGGCTs; 19 patients received three-dimensional conformal PT and 1 scanning-beam PT. Fourteen patients had craniospinal irradiation (CSI), 4 had ventricular irradiation that excluded the 4th ventricle, and 2 had whole-ventricle irradiation. All received involved-field boosts. At a median follow-up interval of 5.6 years (range, 0.3-8.2 years), 1 patient with germinoma had an out-of-field failure in the 4th ventricle and 2 with NGGCT died from disease progression after CSI. Rates of local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival at 5 years were 89%, 89%, and 100% for patients with germinoma; corresponding rates for NGGCTs were 82%, 82%, and 82%. The most common late toxicity (9 patients [45%]) was endocrinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: PT for CNS germ cell tumors is associated with acceptable disease control rates and toxicity profiles.

Influenza-like illness sentinel surveillance in one hospital in Medellin, Colombia. 2007-2012.

BACKGROUND: The city of Medellin in Colombia has almost no documentation of the causes of acute respiratory infections (ARIs). As part of an ongoing collaboration, we conducted an epidemiologic surveillance for influenza and other respiratory viruses. It described the influenza strains that were circulating in the region along with their distribution over time, and performing molecular characterization to some of those strains. This will contribute to the knowledge of local and national epidemiology. OBJECTIVES: To analyze viral etiologic agents associated with influenza like illness (ILI) in participants reporting to one General hospital in Medelllin, Colombia. RESULTS: From January 2007 to December 2012, a total of 2039 participants were enrolled. Among them, 1120 (54.9%) were male and 1364 (69%) were under the age of five. Only 124 (6%) were older than the age of 15. From all 2039 participants, 1040 samples were diagnosed by either isolation or RT-PCR. One or more respiratory viruses were found in 737 (36%) participants. Of those, 426 (57.8%) got influenza A or B. Adenoviral and parainfluenza infections represented 19.1% and 14.9% of viral infections, respectively. Influenza A was detected almost throughout the whole year except for the first quarter of 2010, right after the 2009 influenza A pandemic. Influenza B was detected in 2008, 2010, and 2012 with no pattern detected. During 2008 and 2010, both types circulated in about the same proportion. Unusually, in many months of 2012, the proportion of influenza B infections was higher than influenza A (ranging between 30% and 42%). The higher proportion of adenovirus was mainly detected in the last quarter of years 2007 and 2010. Adenoviral cases are more frequent in participants under the age of four. CONCLUSIONS: The phylogenetic analysis of influenza viruses shows that only in the case of influenza A/H1N1, the circulating strains totally coincide with the vaccine strains each year.

Evaluación del Estado Nutricional en pacientes con neumonia menores de cinco años atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo / Evaluation of the nutritional status in patients with pneumonia under five years attended in the National Hospital Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo

Objetivo: Evaluar el estado nutricional en pacientes con neumonía menores de cinco años atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Almanzor Aguinaga Asenjo durante los meses Enero­Diciembre2012. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio Observacional-Descriptivo, Tipo Retrospectivo y Diseño Analítico-Transversal; se utilizó una ficha de recolección de datos, en una muestra de 52 historias clínicas de niños entre 0 ­ 5 años. Se realizó un análisis univariado de variables epidemiológicas y un análisis bivariado. El procesamiento y análisis de la información se realizó con los paquetes estadísticos SPSS versión 19,0 y Epidat v. 4.0. Resultados: La clínica encontrada fue Dificultad respiratoria (82,7%) seguido de tos (75%), fiebre (57%) y roncantes ­ hiporexia (55,8%). La desnutrición global fue del 51,9%, resaltando los grados leve (23-32,7%) y moderado (17-21%). Además, el grado de asociación entre neumonía y estado nutricional fue 2,5 (Chi cuadrado) y un p=0,775. Conclusión: El estado nutricional está íntimamente relacionado con neumonía y con mayor grado de severidad de los síntomas