Successful correction of inverted nipple using silicone implants: A pioneering surgical approach.

Inverted nipples are commonly observed and can lead to challenges in breastfeeding, sexual experiences, and dissatisfaction with one's physical appearance. Currently, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal treatment approach. The use of a smooth silicone implant to reconstruct the nipple-areola complex in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction has recently been proposed. This study presents the first case using this approach in a patient with a grade II inverted nipple who previously failed conventional reconstructive surgical treatment.

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 predicts pneumonia in patients with inhalation injury: Results of a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Several mechanisms play a role in the development of pneumonia after inhalation injury. Our aim was to analyze whether higher concentrations of inflammatory markers or of biomarkers of epithelial injury are associated with a higher incidence of pneumonia in patients with inhalation injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Secondary analysis of a single-center prospective observational cohort pilot study, performed over a two-year period (2015-2017) at the Burns Unit of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. All patients aged 18 with suspected inhalation injury undergoing admission to the Burns Unit were included. Plasma biomarkers of the lung epithelium (RAGE and SP-D), inflammation markers (IL6, IL8), and IL33, as well as soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) levels, were measured within the first 24 h of admission. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with inhalation injury were included. Eight (33.3%) developed pneumonia after a median of 7 (4-8) days of hospital stay. Patients with pneumonia presented higher plasma concentrations of sST2 (2853 [2356-3351] ng/mL vs 1352 [865-1839] ng/mL; p < 0.001), IL33 (1.95 [1.31-2.59] pg/mL vs 1.26 [1.07-1.45] pg/mL; p = 0.002) and IL8 (325.7 [221.6-430.0] pg/mL vs 174.1 [95.2-253.0] pg/mL; p = 0.017) on day 1 of inclusion. Plasma sST2 concentration in the first 24 h demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy for predicting the occurrence of pneumonia in patients with smoke inhalation (AUROC 0.929 [95%CI 0.818-1.000]). A cutoff point of ≥2825 ng/mL for sST2 had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 100%. The risk ratio of pneumonia in patients with sST2 ≥ 2825 ng/mL was 7.14 ([95% CI 1.56-32.61]; p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma sST2 in the first 24 h of admission predicts the occurrence of pneumonia in patients with inhalation injury.

Soluble Suppression Of Tumorigenicity-2 Predicts Hospital Mortality in Burn Patients: An Observational Prospective Cohort Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: The IL33/ST2 pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of different inflammatory diseases. Our aim was to analyze whether plasma levels of biomarkers involved in the IL33/ST2 axis might help to predict mortality in burn patients. METHODS: Single-center prospective observational cohort pilot study performed at the Burns Unit of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona). All patients aged ≥18 years old with second or third-degree burns requiring admission to the Burns Unit were considered for inclusion. Blood samples were taken to measure levels of interleukins (IL)6, IL8, IL33, and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) within 24 h of admission to the Burns Unit and at day 3. Results are expressed as medians and interquartile ranges or as frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients (58 [84.1%] male, mean age 52 [35-63] years, total body surface area burned 21% [13%-30%], Abbreviated Burn Severity Index 6 [4-8]) were included. Thirteen (18.8%) finally died in the Burns Unit. Plasma levels of sST2 measured at day 3 after admission demonstrated the best prediction accuracy for survival (area under the receiver-operating curve 0.85 [0.71-0.99]; P < 0.001). The best cutoff point for the area under the receiver-operating curve index was estimated to be 2,561. In the Cox proportional hazards model, after adjusting for potential confounding, a plasma sST2 level ≥2,561 measured at day 3 was significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio 6.94 [1.73-27.74]; P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma sST2 at day 3 predicts hospital mortality in burn patients.

Técnica de Charles en elefantiasis de extremidad inferior. Caso clínico / Charles procedure in lower limb elephantiasis. A case report

La primera opción terapéutica para el linfedema consiste en medidas conservadoras conocidas como terapia descongestiva compleja, de la que se benefician muchos pacientes. Sin embargo, los casos refractarios severos requieren abordaje quirúrgico. Existen numerosas técnicas disponibles con tasas de recurrencia variables. La técnica de Charles es una alternativa apropiada para los casos más severos. Presentamos nuestra experiencia en un caso en varón de 21 años de edad con elefantiasis masiva de la extremidad inferior izquierda secundaria a linfedema congénito sin respuesta al tratamiento conservador. Tras una valoración clínica y radiológica exhaustiva se propone cirugía ablativa según la técnica de Charles, que llevamos a cabo en 3 tiempos quirúrgicos en 8 meses con resultados globalmente favorables. De paso revisamos la práctica actualmente aceptada para el tratamiento del linfedema de la extremidad inferior y las opciones terapéuticas disponibles (AU)

The first therapeutic option of lymphedema consists on a series of conservative measures known as complex descongestive therapy. Many patients benefit from this program. However, refractory severe cases require surgical management. Many techniques are available with different rates of recurrence. The Charles procedure is an appropriate alternative for severe cases. We present our experience with a 21 years old man with left lower limb massive elephantiasis secondary to congenital lymphedema refractory to conservative treatment. After clinical and radiological assessment, ablative surgery was proposed according to the Charles procedure, performed on 3 surgical times over 8 months, with favorable outcomes. By the way, we review the accepted practice to treat lymphedema in lower limb and the available therapeutic options (AU)

RECENT ADVANCES IN BIOMARKERS IN SEVERE BURNS.

The pathophysiology of burn injuries is tremendously complex. A thorough understanding is essential for correct treatment of the burned area and also to limit the appearance of organ dysfunction, which, in fact, is a key determinant of morbidity and mortality. In this context, research into biomarkers may play a major role. Biomarkers have traditionally been considered an important area of medical research: the measurement of certain biomarkers has led to a better understanding of pathophysiology, while others have been used either to assess the effectiveness of specific treatments or for prognostic purposes. Research into biomarkers may help to improve the prognosis of patients with severe burn injury. The aim of the present clinical review is to discuss new evidence of the value of biomarkers in this setting.