Necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with COVID-19 / Fascitis Necrotizante en paciente portador de COVID-19 / Fasceíte necrotizante em paciente com COVID-19

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection generates a higher risk of complications and mortality in previously ill patients, patients with diabetes mellitus have a weaker immune system and the increase in blood glucose can compromise innate immunity and humoral immunity. Therefore, these patients are more susceptible to soft tissue infections. Objective: To describe the evolution and complications of a patient with type II diabetes mellitus with SARS-CoV-2 infection who presented necrotizing fasciitis on the 15th day of disease evolution. Case presentation: A 52-year-old male patient, white, with type II diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure for which he was treated with slow insulin, metformin, enalapril, and hydrochlorothiazide, was admitted as a positive case of COVID-19, at Fifteenth day of stay began with fever, heat and flushing, swelling beyond the area of erythema and crepitus in both lower limbs, surgical intervention was decided. In the operating room, drainage, debridement, and necrectomy were performed on both lower limbs. Microbiological analysis through culture detected the growth of Pantoea agglomerans . Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus, the use of glucocorticoids, were the risk factors found to cause the state of immunosuppression in the case presented, and the use of biological anti-TNF drugs (Nimotuzumab). It is necessary to be insistent on prevention measures: maximum asepsis in the handling of intravenous access, and judicious use of antibiotics.

Introducción: La infección por SARS-CoV-2 genera un mayor riesgo de complicaciones y mortalidad en pacientes previamente enfermos, los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tienen un sistema inmunológico más débil y el aumento de glucosa en sangre puede comprometer la inmunidad innata y la inmunidad humoral, por lo que estos pacientes son más susceptibles a sufrir infecciones de partes blandas. Objetivo: Describir la evolución y complicaciones de un paciente portador de diabetes mellitus tipo II con infección por SARS-CoV-2 que presentó una fascitis necrotizante al 15to día de evolución de la enfermedad. Presentación de caso: Paciente de 52 años de edad, sexo masculino, blanco, portador de diabetes mellitus tipo II e hipertensión arterial para lo cual llevó tratamiento con insulina lenta, metformina, enalapril e hidroclorotiazida, ingresó como caso positivo de COVID-19, al décimo quinto día de estadía comenzó con fiebre, calor y rubor, tumefacción más allá del área de eritema y crepitación en ambos miembros inferiores, se decidió intervención quirúrgica. En el salón de operaciones se realizó drenaje, desbridamiento y necrectomía en ambos miembros inferiores, el análisis microbiológico a través de cultivo detectó el crecimiento de Pantoea Agglomerans. Conclusiones: La diabetes mellitus, el uso de glucocorticoides, fueron los factores de riesgo encontrados como causantes del estado de inmunodepresión en el caso presentado, y el uso de medicamentos biológicos anti-TNF (Nimotuzumab). Es necesario ser insistente en las medidas de prevención: la máxima asepsia en la manipulación de accesos intravenosos, y el uso juicioso de antibióticos.

Introdução: A infecção por SARS-CoV-2 gera maior risco de complicações e mortalidade em pacientes previamente enfermos, pacientes com diabetes mellitus têm sistema imunológico mais fraco e o aumento da glicemia pode comprometer a imunidade inata e a imunidade humoral. suscetível a infecções de tecidos moles. Objetivo: Descrever a evolução e complicações de um paciente com diabetes mellitus tipo II com infecção por SARS-CoV-2 que apresentou fasceíte necrosante no 15º dia de evolução da doença. Apresentação do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 52 anos, branco, com diabetes mellitus tipo II e hipertensão arterial, para o qual fazia tratamento com insulina lenta, metformina, enalapril e hidroclorotiazida, foi admitido como caso positivo de COVID-19, No décimo quinto dia de internação, ela começou com febre, calor e rubor, inchaço além da área de eritema e crepitação em ambos os membros inferiores, sendo decidida a cirurgia. Na sala cirúrgica foi realizada drenagem, desbridamento e necrectomia em ambos os membros inferiores, a análise microbiológica por meio de cultura detectou o crescimento de Pantoea Aglomerans. Conclusões: Diabetes mellitus, uso de glicocorticóides foram os fatores de risco encontrados para causar o estado de imunossupressão no caso apresentado e uso de drogas biológicas anti-TNF (Nimotuzumab). É preciso insistir nas medidas preventivas: a máxima assepsia no manuseio dos acessos intravenosos e o uso criterioso de antibióticos.

Surgical Resection of an Intravascular Lipoma of the Superior Vena Cava.

Intravascular lipomas (IVL) located in the superior vena cava (SVS) are rare benign primary venous tumors with less than 15 cases reported in the literature. We report a case of a 64-year-old woman with IVL of the SVC extending to the right brachiocephalic vein. She was treated successfully using a hybrid procedure which involved endovascular control of the right subclavian vein and surgical approach via median sternotomy followed by mass resection and use of pericardial patch for vein defect closure.

Design and Development of a Heterogeneous Active Assisted Living Solution for Monitoring and Following Up with Chronic Heart Failure Patients in Spain.

Heart failure is the most common disease among elderly people, and the risk increases with age. The use of smart Internet of Things (IoT) systems for monitoring patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in a non-intrusive manner can result in better control of the disease, improving proactive healthcare through real-time and historical patient's data, promoting self-care in patients, reducing unneeded interaction between patients and doctors, reducing the number of hospitalizations and saving healthcare costs. This work presents an active assisted living (AAL) solution based on the IoT to provide a tele-assistance platform for CHF patients from the public health service of the region of Murcia in Spain, with formal and informal caregivers and health professionals also as key actors. In this article, we have detailed the methodology, results, and conclusions of the prevalidation phase for the set of IoT technologies to be integrated in the AAL platform, the first mandatory step before the deployment of a large-scale pilot that will lead to improving the innovation of the system from its current technology readiness level to the market. The work presented, in the framework of the H2020 Pharaon project, aims to serve as inspiration to the R&D community for the design, development, and deployment of AAL solutions based on heterogeneous IoT technologies, or similar approaches, for smart healthcare solutions in real healthcare institutions.

Vascular complications of pancreatitis.

More than 200000 hospital admissions happen per year for acute pancreatitis and more than 50000 for chronic pancreatitis in the United States of America. Necrotizing pancreatitis accounts for 20%-30% of the cases. One-quarter of the patients with pancreatitis develop vascular complications, which carries a high mortality. This mini-review will address these complications that can help primary care physicians and hospitalists in managing their patients effectively.

Hybrid Procedure for Coexistence of Coarctation of the Aorta and Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Background: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) can either present alone as an isolated condition or in association with other aortic arch or cardiac anomalies. One percent of patients with CoA have concomitant an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). Purpose: We report the case of a 35-year-old woman with uncontrolled hypertension who was found to have CoA and ARSA. Results: The patient was treated successfully using a hybrid procedure comprising ARSA ligation and subclavian to carotid transposition, followed by thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Conclusions: Patients with CoA should be carefully studied, considering the possible coexistence of other congenital aortic arch defects, such as ARSA. Hybrid repair is a safe and effective approach for this condition.

Abnormal liver enzymes: A review for clinicians.

Liver biochemical tests are some of the most commonly ordered routine tests in the inpatient and outpatient setting, especially with the automatization of testing in this technological era. These tests include aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR). Abnormal liver biochemical tests can be categorized based on the pattern and the magnitude of aminotransferases elevation. Generally, abnormalities in aminotransferases can be classified into a hepatocellular pattern or cholestatic pattern and can be further sub-classified based on the magnitude of aminotransferase elevation to mild [< 5 × upper limit of normal (ULN)], moderate (> 5-< 15 × ULN) and severe (> 15 × ULN). Hepatocellular pattern causes include but are not limited to; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcohol use, chronic viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis (variable), autoimmune hepatitis, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, celiac disease, medication-induced and ischemic hepatitis. Cholestatic pattern causes include but is not limited to; biliary pathology (obstruction, autoimmune), other conditions with hyperbilirubinemia (conjugated and unconjugated). It is crucial to interpret these commonly ordered tests accurately as appropriate further workup, treatment and referral can greatly benefit the patient due to prompt treatment which can improve the natural history of several of the diseases mentioned and possibly reduce the risk of progression to the liver cirrhosis.

Abdominal compartment syndrome among surgical patients.

Abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) develops when organ failure arises secondary to an increase in intraabdominal pressure. The abdominal pressure is determined by multiple factors such as blood pressure, abdominal compliance, and other factors that exert a constant pressure within the abdominal cavity. Several conditions in the critically ill may increase abdominal pressure compromising organ perfusion that may lead to renal and respiratory dysfunction. Among surgical and trauma patients, aggressive fluid resuscitation is the most commonly reported risk factor to develop ACS. Other conditions that have also been identified as risk factors are ascites, hemoperitoneum, bowel distention, and large tumors. All patients with abdominal trauma possess a higher risk of developing intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). Certain surgical interventions are reported to have a higher risk to develop IAH such as damage control surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and liver transplantation among others. Close monitoring of organ function and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) allows clinicians to diagnose ACS rapidly and intervene with target-specific management to reduce IAP. Surgical decompression followed by temporary abdominal closure should be considered in all patients with signs of organ dysfunction. There is still a great need for more studies to determine the adequate timing for interventions to improve patient outcomes.

International Response under the Antarctic Treaty System to the Establishment of A Non-native Fly in Antarctica.

Antarctica currently has few non-native species, compared to other regions of the planet, due to the continent's isolation, extreme climatic conditions and the lack of habitat. However, human activity, particularly the activities of national government operators and tourism, increasingly contributes to the risk of non-native species transfer and establishment. Trichocera (Saltitrichocera) maculipennis Meigen, 1888 (Diptera, Trichoceridae) is a non-native fly originating from the Northern Hemisphere that was unintentionally introduced to King George Island in the maritime Antarctic South Shetland Islands around 15 years ago, since when it has been reported within or in the vicinity of several research stations. It is not explicitly confirmed that T. maculipennis has established in the natural environment, but life-history characteristics make this likely, thereby making potential eradication or control a challenge. Antarctic Treaty Parties active in the region are developing a coordinated and expanding international response to monitor and control T. maculipennis within and around stations in the affected area. However, there remains no overarching non-native invasive species management plan for the island or the wider maritime Antarctic region (which shares similar environmental conditions and habitats to those of King George Island). Here we present some options towards the development of such a plan. We recommend the development of (1) clear mechanisms for the timely coordination of response activities by multiple Parties operating in the vicinity of the introduction location and (2) policy guidance on acceptable levels of environmental impacts resulting from eradication attempts in the natural environment, including the use of pesticides.

Hybrid Treatment of Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery Causing Dysphagia Lusoria by Subclavian to Carotid Transposition and Endovascular Plug.

Differences in the common aortic arch branching pattern arise from abnormal embryological development. Aberrant origin of the right subclavian artery is the most common of these anomalies. We report the case of a 47-year-old female with progressive dysphagia, found to have an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) running posterior to the esophagus on computed tomography angiography. She was managed successfully with a hybrid procedure involving a right supraclavicular incision for ARSA ligation and subclavian to carotid transposition followed by endovascular closure of the ARSA origin.

Blunt Aortic / Inferior Vena Cava Injury: Are We Consistently Providing the Same Level of Care?

Major vascular traumatic injuries have a higher pre-hospital and in-hospital mortality rate. The different mechanisms of injury and anatomy of the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) make the management a constant challenge to surgeons and clinicians. Blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI) can occur at the thoracic or abdominal level, each of which possesses different considerations. Blunt traumatic inferior vena cava injury (BTIVCI) also has important diagnostic challenges since the lesion may not be as evident in the IVC as compared to the aorta, possibly due to lower caval pressures or the ability to self-tamponade from adjacent structures. Endovascular management has significantly increased in the past years, and despite an improvement in mortality, the approach to aortic and IVC injuries is not well standardized. Diagnostic imaging helps to classify the extent of the lesions and guide towards the best therapeutic options for each case. Conservative management, in some cases, has shown to reduce mortality, and close follow-up has proven good outcomes. Future research will provide more evidence to determine the best approach to BTAI and BTIVCI for better long-term outcomes. This article aims to provide an updated review of the current literature regarding diagnosis, classification, and management of BTAI and BTIVCI.

Hepatic hemangioma: What internists need to know.

Hepatic hemangioma (HH) is the most common benign liver tumor and it is usually found incidentally during radiological studies. This tumor arises from a vascular malformation; however, the pathophysiology has not been clearly elucidated. Symptoms usually correlate with the size and location of the tumor. Less commonly the presence of a large HH may cause life-threatening conditions. The diagnosis can be established by the identification of HH hallmarks in several imaging studies. In patients that present with abdominal symptoms other etiologies should be excluded first before attributing HH as the cause. In asymptomatic patient's treatment is not required and follow up is usually reserved for HH of more than 5 cm. Symptomatic patients can be managed surgically or with other non-surgical modalities such as transcatheter arterial embolization or radiofrequency ablation. Enucleation surgery has shown to have fewer complications as compared to hepatectomy or other surgical techniques. Progression of the tumor is seen in less than 40%. Hormone stimulation may play a role in HH growth; however, there are no contraindications for hormonal therapy in patients with HH due to the lack of concrete evidence. When clinicians encounter this condition, they should discern between observation and surgical or non-surgical management based on the clinical presentation.

Características de la neoplasia quística mucinosa del páncreas en pacientes atendidos en un Hospital Nacional del Perú / Characteristics of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm in patients treated at a National Hospital in Peru

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de analizar las características clínico, patológicas y quirúrgicas de la Neoplasia Quística Mucinosa de páncreas (NQM), se realizó un análisis de los pacientes del servicio de Cirugía de Páncreas, Bazo y Retroperitoneo del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen en Lima, Perú desde enero del 2009 hasta octubre del 2018. La presencia del estroma ovárico se usó como criterio diagnóstico de NQM. De diez pacientes con edad promedio de 47,8 años, nueve fueron mujeres, las lesiones estuvieron localizadas en el páncreas distal, el tamaño tumoral promedio fue de 88,6 mm. En todos los pacientes se realizó una pancreatectomía distal siendo tres laparoscópicas, no hubo reoperaciones ni fallecidos, dos pacientes tuvieron carcinoma invasor asociado. En conclusión, la presentación de NQM es mayor en mujeres de edad media siendo la localización en el páncreas distal y el porcentaje de malignidad bajo. La cirugía laparoscópica es una alternativa de manejo.

ABSTRACT In order to analyze the clinical, pathological, and surgical characteristics of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), an analysis of the patients from the Pancreas, Spleen, and Retroperitoneal Surgery Service of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital in Lima, Peru, was performed from January 2009 to October 2018. The presence of ovarian stroma was used as a diagnostic criterion for MCN. From ten patients with an average age of 47.8 years, nine were women; the lesions were located in the distal pancreas, and the average tumor size was 88.6 mm. All patients underwent a distal pancreatectomy, three of which were laparoscopic; there were no reoperations or deaths; two patients had associated invasive carcinoma. In conclusion, the frequency of MCN is higher in middle-aged women, being the location in the distal pancreas and the percentage of malignancy is low. Laparoscopic surgery is a disease management option.

[Characteristics of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm in patients treated at a National Hospital in Peru]. / Características de la neoplasia quística mucinosa del páncreas en pacientes atendidos en un Hospital Nacional del Perú.

In order to analyze the clinical, pathological, and surgical characteristics of pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), an analysis of the patients from the Pancreas, Spleen, and Retroperitoneal Surgery Service of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital in Lima, Peru, was performed from January 2009 to October 2018. The presence of ovarian stroma was used as a diagnostic criterion for MCN. From ten patients with an average age of 47.8 years, nine were women; the lesions were located in the distal pancreas, and the average tumor size was 88.6 mm. All patients underwent a distal pancreatectomy, three of which were laparoscopic; there were no reoperations or deaths; two patients had associated invasive carcinoma. In conclusion, the frequency of MCN is higher in middle-aged women, being the location in the distal pancreas and the percentage of malignancy is low. Laparoscopic surgery is a disease management option.

Con el objetivo de analizar las características clínico, patológicas y quirúrgicas de la Neoplasia Quística Mucinosa de páncreas (NQM), se realizó un análisis de los pacientes del servicio de Cirugía de Páncreas, Bazo y Retroperitoneo del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen en Lima, Perú desde enero del 2009 hasta octubre del 2018. La presencia del estroma ovárico se usó como criterio diagnóstico de NQM. De diez pacientes con edad promedio de 47,8 años, nueve fueron mujeres, las lesiones estuvieron localizadas en el páncreas distal, el tamaño tumoral promedio fue de 88,6 mm. En todos los pacientes se realizó una pancreatectomía distal siendo tres laparoscópicas, no hubo reoperaciones ni fallecidos, dos pacientes tuvieron carcinoma invasor asociado. En conclusión, la presentación de NQM es mayor en mujeres de edad media siendo la localización en el páncreas distal y el porcentaje de malignidad bajo. La cirugía laparoscópica es una alternativa de manejo.

Hospital Workers' Confidence for End-of-Life Decisions in their Family: A Multicenter Study.

AIMS: To study whether health-care workers feel capable of making resuscitation decisions for their own families, the confidence in their family to represent their own preferences, and if some health-care workers feel greater confidence in their ability to undertake such decisions for their family than others. METHODS: An anonymous survey conducted among health-care workers of nine institutions in North and Central America. The self-administered questionnaire included demographic and professional characteristics, attitudes, personal preferences, and value judgments on the topic of resuscitation. RESULTS: Eight hundred and fifty-eight surveys were completed; 21.1% by physicians, 37.2% by nurses, and 41.7% by other health-care. Most of the health-care workers (83.5%) stated that they should be unable to determine their own code status and they would allow their family or spouse/significant other to make this decision for themselves. Physicians felt significantly more capable of making a decision regarding the code status of a close family member than other hospital workers (P = 0.019). Professionals who chose to not undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation were less likely to feel capable of determining the code status of their family. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the health-care workers feel capable of making code status decisions for a close family member and most feel equally comfortable having their family or spouse/significant other represent their code status preference should they be incapacitated. There is considerable reciprocity between the two situations. Physicians feel more confident in their ability to make code status decisions for their loved ones than other health-care workers. Regardless of profession, a personal preference for do not attempt resuscitation status is related to less confidence.

"Where we put little fish in the water there are no mosquitoes:" a cross-sectional study on biological control of the Aedes aegypti vector in 90 coastal-region communities of Guerrero, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: In the Mexican state of Guerrero, some households place fish in water storage containers to prevent the development of mosquito larvae. Studies have shown that larvivorous fish reduce larva count in household water containers, but there is a lack of evidence about whether the use of fish is associated with a reduction in dengue virus infection. We used data from the follow up survey of the Camino Verde cluster randomised controlled trial of community mobilisation to reduce dengue risk to study this association. METHODS: The survey in 2012, among 90 clusters in the three coastal regions of Guerrero State, included a questionnaire to 10,864 households about socio-demographic factors and self-reported cases of dengue illness in the previous year. Paired saliva samples provided serological evidence of recent dengue infection among 4856 children aged 3-9 years. An entomological survey in the same households looked for larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti and recorded presence of fish and temephos in water containers. We examined associations with the two outcomes of recent dengue infection and reported dengue illness in bivariate analysis and then multivariate analysis using generalized linear mixed modelling. RESULTS: Some 17% (1730/10,111) of households had fish in their water containers. The presence of fish was associated with lower levels of recent dengue virus infection in children aged 3-9 years (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.45-0.91), as was living in a rural area (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.45-0.71), and being aged 3-5 years (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.51-0.83). Factors associated with lower likelihood of self-reported dengue illness were: the presence of fish (OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.64-0.97), and living in a rural area (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.65-0.84). Factors associated with higher likelihood of self-reported dengue illness were: higher education level of the household head (OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.07-1.52), living in a household with five people or less (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.16-1.52) and household use of insecticide anti-mosquito products (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.47-1.92). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that fish in water containers may reduce the risk of dengue virus infection and dengue illness. This could be a useful part of interventions to control the Aedes aegypti vector.

Editor's Choice- Inside the cold heart: A review of therapeutic hypothermia cardioprotection.

Targeted temperature management has been originally used to reduce neurological injury and improve outcome in patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Myocardial infarction remains a major cause of death in the world and several investigators are studying the effect of mild therapeutic hypothermia during an acute cardiac ischemic injury. A search on MEDLINE, Scopus and EMBASE databases was conducted to obtain data regarding the cardioprotective properties of therapeutic hypothermia. Preclinical studies have shown that therapeutic hypothermia provides a cardioprotective effect in animals. The proposed pathways for the cardioprotective effects of therapeutic hypothermia include stabilization of mitochondrial permeability, production of nitric oxide, equilibration of reactive oxygen species, and calcium channels homeostasis. Clinical trials in humans have yielded controversial results. Current trials are therefore seeking to combine therapeutic hypothermia with other treatment modalities in order to improve the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic injury. This article provides a review of the hypothermia effects on the cardiovascular system, from the basic science of physiological changes in the human body and molecular mechanisms of cardioprotection to the bench of clinical trials with therapeutic hypothermia in patients with acute ischemic injury.

[Hydatid cysts in pancreas: laparoscopic approach]. / Quiste hidatídico de páncreas: abordaje laparoscópico.

Hydatid disease is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus and is endemic in many areas of the world. Hydatid cysts are commonly located in the liver and lung. Pancreas affection is very rare even in endemic areas. CASE REPORT: 36-year-old female with the suspicion of hydatid disease of the pancreas 5 years before her admission. The patient gave history of epigastric pain and weight lose. CT scan and MRI showed a cystic lesion of the tail of the pancreas and the diagnosis of hydatid disease was confirmed with ELIZA and Western Blot. The patient underwent a laparoscopic distal spleno pancreatectomy. The recovery was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Hydatid disease must be considered in the differential diagnosis of the cystic lesions of the pancreas, especially in patients who come from endemic areas.

Beyond muscle destruction: a systematic review of rhabdomyolysis for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical syndrome that comprises destruction of skeletal muscle with outflow of intracellular muscle content into the bloodstream. There is a great heterogeneity in the literature regarding definition, epidemiology, and treatment. The aim of this systematic literature review was to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the epidemiologic data, definition, and management of rhabdomyolysis. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using the keywords "rhabdomyolysis" and "crush syndrome" covering all articles from January 2006 to December 2015 in three databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect). The search was divided into two steps: first, all articles that included data regarding definition, pathophysiology, and diagnosis were identified, excluding only case reports; then articles of original research with humans that reported epidemiological data (e.g., risk factors, common etiologies, and mortality) or treatment of rhabdomyolysis were identified. Information was summarized and organized based on these topics. RESULTS: The search generated 5632 articles. After screening titles and abstracts, 164 articles were retrieved and read: 56 articles met the final inclusion criteria; 23 were reviews (narrative or systematic); 16 were original articles containing epidemiological data; and six contained treatment specifications for patients with rhabdomyolysis. CONCLUSION: Most studies defined rhabdomyolysis based on creatine kinase values five times above the upper limit of normal. Etiologies differ among the adult and pediatric populations and no randomized controlled trials have been done to compare intravenous fluid therapy alone versus intravenous fluid therapy with bicarbonate and/or mannitol.

When a liver transplant recipient goes back to alcohol abuse: Should we be more selective?

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the most common indications for liver transplantation (LT). However, it has always remained as a complicated topic from both medical and ethical grounds, as it is seen for many a "self-inflicted disease". Over the years, the survival rate of transplanted patients has significantly improved. The allocation system and the inclusion criteria for LT has also undergone some modifications. Early LT for acute alcoholic hepatitis has been subject to recent clinical studies with encouraging results in highly selected patients. We have learned from studies the importance of a multidisciplinary evaluation of candidates for LT. Complete abstinence should be attempted to overcome addiction issues and to allow spontaneous liver recovery. Risk factors for relapse include the presence of anxiety or depressive disorder, short duration of sobriety pre-LT and lack of social support. The identification of risk factors and the strengthen of social support system may decrease relapse among these patients. Family counseling of candidates is highly encouraged to prevent relapse to alcohol. Relapse has been associated with different histopathological changes, graft damage, graft loss and even decrease in survival among some studies. Therefore, each patient should be carefully selected and priority is to continue to lean on patients with high probability of success. The ethical issue remains as to the patient returning to drinking after the LT, hindering the way for other patients who could have received the same organ.

Ética y valores en enfermería / Ethics and values in nursing

Resumen:

En la enfermería, la ética sirve de guía para la toma de decisiones adecuadas con el objetivo de que al brindar los cuidados se pase de los hechos a los valores y a los deberes. En la práctica profesional de enfermería se ha observado una marcada deficiencia en la aplicación de estas normas morales. Es por eso que en el presente ensayo se realiza un análisis de autocrítica reflexiva a la formación ético-humanista en sus diferentes contextos: desde el origen familiar, social, educacional e institucional o laboral. Todo ello con el firme propósito de retomar el rumbo en nuestro actuar profesional. Conclusiones: la competencia del personal de enfermería reflejó que aún no se alcanza el nivel de experto, situación que puede repercutir en la calidad de la atención que se presta a los pacientes.

Abstract:

In nursing ethics is a guide to making appropriate decisions with the aim of providing care that goes over facts to values and duties. In professional nursing practice, the application of these moral standards has been a marked deficiency. That is why in this essay a reflective analysis of the ethical and humanistic formation in different contexts is made: from the family, social, educational and institutional or occupational origin. All that, with the firm intention of retaking the course in our professional act.