Seroprevalence and epidemiology of hepatitis B and C viruses in pregnant women in Spain. Risk factors for vertical transmission.

BACKGROUND & AIM: Worldwide, measures are being implemented to eradicate hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses, which can be transmitted from the mother during childbirth. This study aims to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV in pregnant women in Spain, focusing on country of origin, epidemiological factors and risk of vertical transmission (VT). METHODOLOGY: Multicentre open-cohort study performed during 2015. HBV prevalence was determined in 21870 pregnant women and HCV prevalence in 7659 pregnant women. Epidemiological and risk factors for VT were analysed in positive women and differences between HBV and HCV cases were studied. RESULTS: HBV prevalence was 0.42% (91/21870) and HCV prevalence was 0.26% (20/7659). Of the women with HBV, 65.7% (44/67) were migrants. The HBV transmission route to the mother was unknown in 40.3% of cases (27/67) and VT in 31.3% (21/67). Among risk factors for VT, 67.7% (42/62) of the women had viraemia and 14.5% (9/62) tested HBeAg-positive. All of the neonates born to HBV-positive mothers received immunoprophylaxis, and none contracted infection by VT. In 80% (16/20) of the women with HCV, the transmission route was parenteral, and nine were intravenous drug users. Viraemia was present in 40% (8/20) of the women and 10% (2/20) were HIV-coinfected. No children were infected. Women with HCV were less likely than women with HBV to breastfeed their child (65% vs. 86%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalences obtained in our study of pregnant women are lower than those previously documented for the general population. Among the women with HBV, the majority were migrants and had a maternal family history of infection, while among those with HCV, the most common factor was intravenous drug use. Despite the risk factors observed for VT, none of the children were infected. Proper immunoprophylaxis is essential to prevent VT in children born to HBV-positive women.

Estudio de casos y controles sobre hiperlaxitud articular generalizada en escolares con trastornos digestivos funcionales según los criterios de roma IV en español / Case-Control Study On Generalised Joint Hypermobility In Schoolchildren With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders According To Rome IV Criteria In Spanish

Introducción: En niños, los resultados que muestran asociación entre la presencia de hiperlaxitud articular generalizada (HAG) y trastornos digestivos funcionales (TDF) son limitados y polémicos. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre HAG y TDF y la búsqueda de factores de riesgo para la HAG en niñas de una Institución Educativa Pública de Tuluá, Colombia. Pacientes y métodos: Las escolares completaron el Cuestionario de Roma IV para identificar TDF. Cada niña con diagnóstico de algún TDF fue apareado con control sano de la misma edad. La laxitud articular se evaluó según el puntaje de Beighton y se consideró HAG cuando fue ≥ 4. Se comparó la prevalencia de HAG en niñas con y sin TDF. Resultados: En el estudio participaron 921 niñas entre los 10 y 18 años de edad. Doscientas diecinueve (23,8%) niñas presentaron algún TDF. Fueron analizadas 169 niñas con TDF y 169 niñas controles sanas. No hubo diferencias significativas en la HAG entre las niñas con y sin diagnóstico de algún TDF (OR = 1,12 IC95% = 0,71-1,77 p = 0,5838) ni se presentaron factores de riesgo. Conclusión: En este estudio no se logró determinar asociación entre HAG y la presencia de TDF, ni ningún factor de riesgo

Introduction: Although results show an association between the presence of generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children, they are limited and controversial. Objective: To determine the association between GJH and FGIDs and the search for risk factors for GJH in girls from a Public Educational Institution of Tuluá, Colombia. Patients and methods: The students completed the Rome IV Questionnaire to identify FGIDs. Each girl with a diagnosis of some FGIDs was matched with a healthy control of the same age. Joint laxity was assessed according to the Beighton score and was considered as GJH when it was ≥ 4. The prevalence of GJH was compared in girls with and without FGIDs. Results: Out of a total of 921 girls between 10 and 18 years of age that participated in the study, 219 (23.8%) of them had some FGIDs. The analysis was performed on a total of 169 girls with FGIDs and 169 healthy control girls. There were no significant differences in GJH between girls with and without a diagnosis of some FGIDs (OR = 1.12: 95% CI; 0.71-1.77, P = .5838), nor were there any risk factors. Conclusion: In this study, no relationship or any risk factor was found between GJH and the presence of FGIDs

[Case-Control Study On Generalised Joint Hypermobility In Schoolchildren With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders According To Rome IV Criteria In Spanish]. / Estudio de casos y controles sobre hiperlaxitud articular generalizada en escolares con trastornos digestivos funcionales según los criterios de roma IV en español.

INTRODUCTION: Although results show an association between the presence of generalised joint hypermobility (GJH) and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children, they are limited and controversial. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between GJH and FGIDs and the search for risk factors for GJH in girls from a Public Educational Institution of Tuluá, Colombia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The students completed the Rome IV Questionnaire to identify FGIDs. Each girl with a diagnosis of some FGIDs was matched with a healthy control of the same age. Joint laxity was assessed according to the Beighton score and was considered as GJH when it was ≥ 4. The prevalence of GJH was compared in girls with and without FGIDs. RESULTS: Out of a total of 921 girls between 10 and 18 years of age that participated in the study, 219 (23.8%) of them had some FGIDs. The analysis was performed on a total of 169 girls with FGIDs and 169 healthy control girls. There were no significant differences in GJH between girls with and without a diagnosis of some FGIDs (OR=1.12: 95% CI; 0.71-1.77, P=.5838), nor were there any risk factors. CONCLUSION: In this study, no relationship or any risk factor was found between GJH and the presence of FGIDs.

Prevalence of markers of celiac disease in Colombian children with diabetes mellitus type 1 / Prevalencia de marcadores de enfermedad celíaca en niños Colombianos con diabetes mellitus tipo 1

Abstract Introduction: Although the association between diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) and celiac disease (CD) is well established; there are only a few studies that focus on South American children, haplotypes and their possible associations. Objective: To determine the prevalence of CD markers in a group of children with T1DM and to analyze the associated clinical, immunological and genetic manifestations. Methods: A prevalence study focusing on children with T1DM who were assessed based on variables including sociodemographics, anthropometric information, disease characteristics, laboratory results and family medical history. In partitipants a positive tTG2 (Ig A anti-transglutaminase), a duodenal biopsy and genotype were performed. The proportion of children with T1DM and CD was estimated (CI 95%). Determinations of central tendency, univariate and bivariate analysis, were also performed; p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Thirteen (8.4%) of the 155 children (53.6% girls, 11.0 ±3.6 years, 2-18 years) with T1DM were tTG2 positive, four had CD (2.6%), seven had potential CD (4.5%) and nine were HLA DQ2/DQ8 positive (5.8%). Children with T1DM and CD had their last ketoacidotic episode (21.5 ±30.4 months versus 69.5 ±38.8 months, p= 0.0260) earlier than children with T1DM and potential CD. There were no differences with anthropometry or with the laboratory results regarding glycemic control. Conclusions: The prevalence of CD in these children with T1DM is higher than that reported in other South American countries. The prevalence of CD was found to be associated with the time of presentation of T1DM and its main allele, the DQ2/DQ8. These findings are different from what has been described in other places around the world.

Resumen Introducción: A pesar que la asociación entre diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DMT1) y enfermedad celíaca (EC) está bien establecida; hay pocos estudios en niños suramericanos sobre haplotipos y sus posibles asociaciones. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de marcadores de EC en un grupo de niños con DMT1, analizando las manifestaciones clínicas, inmunológicas y genéticas. Métodos: Estudio de prevalencia en niños con DMT1 a quienes se les tomaron variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas, de la enfermedad, paraclínicas y familiares metabólicas. A los niños con IgA anti-transglutaminasa (tTG2) positivos, se les realizó biopsia duodenal y genotipo. Se estimó la proporción de niños con DMT1 y EC y su IC 95%; medidas de tendencia central, análisis univariado y bivariado, siendo significativa una p <0.05. Resultados: Trece (8.4%) de los 155 niños (53.6% niñas, de 11.0 ±3.6 años, 2-18 años) con DMT1 fueron tTG2 positivos, cuatro presentaron EC (2.6%), siete EC potencial (4.5%) y nueve HLA DQ2/DQ8 (5.8%). Los niños con DMT1 y EC presentaron más pronto su último episodio cetoacidótico (21.5 ±30.4 meses versus 69.5 ±38.8 meses, p= 0.0260) que los niños con DMT1 y EC potencial. No hubo diferencias con la antropometría ni con los paraclínicos del control glicémico. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de EC en estos niños con DMT1 es superior a la de otros países suramericanos; estando asociada al tiempo de presentación de la DMT1 y su principal alelo el DQ2/DQ8, hallazgos diferentes a lo descrito a nivel mundial.

Prevalence of markers of celiac disease in Colombian children with diabetes mellitus type 1.

INTRODUCTION: Although the association between diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) and celiac disease (CD) is well established; there are only a few studies that focus on South American children, haplotypes and their possible associations. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of CD markers in a group of children with T1DM and to analyze the associated clinical, immunological and genetic manifestations. METHODS: A prevalence study focusing on children with T1DM who were assessed based on variables including sociodemographics, anthropometric information, disease characteristics, laboratory results and family medical history. In partitipants a positive tTG2 (Ig A anti-transglutaminase), a duodenal biopsy and genotype were performed. The proportion of children with T1DM and CD was estimated (CI 95%). Determinations of central tendency, univariate and bivariate analysis, were also performed; p <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Thirteen (8.4%) of the 155 children (53.6% girls, 11.0 ±3.6 years, 2-18 years) with T1DM were tTG2 positive, four had CD (2.6%), seven had potential CD (4.5%) and nine were HLA DQ2/DQ8 positive (5.8%). Children with T1DM and CD had their last ketoacidotic episode (21.5 ±30.4 months versus 69.5 ±38.8 months, p= 0.0260) earlier than children with T1DM and potential CD. There were no differences with anthropometry or with the laboratory results regarding glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CD in these children with T1DM is higher than that reported in other South American countries. The prevalence of CD was found to be associated with the time of presentation of T1DM and its main allele, the DQ2/DQ8. These findings are different from what has been described in other places around the world.

INTRODUCCIÓN: A pesar que la asociación entre diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DMT1) y enfermedad celíaca (EC) está bien establecida; hay pocos estudios en niños suramericanos sobre haplotipos y sus posibles asociaciones. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de marcadores de EC en un grupo de niños con DMT1, analizando las manifestaciones clínicas, inmunológicas y genéticas. MÉTODOS: Estudio de prevalencia en niños con DMT1 a quienes se les tomaron variables sociodemográficas, antropométricas, de la enfermedad, paraclínicas y familiares metabólicas. A los niños con IgA anti-transglutaminasa (tTG2) positivos, se les realizó biopsia duodenal y genotipo. Se estimó la proporción de niños con DMT1 y EC y su IC 95%; medidas de tendencia central, análisis univariado y bivariado, siendo significativa una p <0.05. RESULTADOS: Trece (8.4%) de los 155 niños (53.6% niñas, de 11.0 ±3.6 años, 2-18 años) con DMT1 fueron tTG2 positivos, cuatro presentaron EC (2.6%), siete EC potencial (4.5%) y nueve HLA DQ2/DQ8 (5.8%). Los niños con DMT1 y EC presentaron más pronto su último episodio cetoacidótico (21.5 ±30.4 meses versus 69.5 ±38.8 meses, p= 0.0260) que los niños con DMT1 y EC potencial. No hubo diferencias con la antropometría ni con los paraclínicos del control glicémico. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de EC en estos niños con DMT1 es superior a la de otros países suramericanos; estando asociada al tiempo de presentación de la DMT1 y su principal alelo el DQ2/DQ8, hallazgos diferentes a lo descrito a nivel mundial.

Hepatitis C virus NS5A region mutation in chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 patients who are non-responders to two or more treatments and its relationship with response to a new treatment.

AIM: To determine the number of mutations in the NS5A region of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its relationship to the response to antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 who are non-responders to two or more treatments. METHODS: Sequences within HCV NS5A [PKR binding domain (PKRBD) and the interferon-sensitivity-determining region (ISDR)] were analysed via direct sequencing in a selected cohort of 72 patients, with a total of 201 treatments [interferon-alpha (IFN-α), n = 49; IFN-α + ribavirin (RBV), n = 75; pegylated (peg) IFN-α + RBV, n = 47; first-generation direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), n = 13; and second-generation DAAs, n = 17]. Of these, 48/201 achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) and 153/201 achieved no virological response (NVR). RESULTS: For both regions, treatments resulting in SVR were associated with more baseline mutations than were treatments resulting in NVR (SVR vs NVR; PKRBD: 5.82 ± 3 vs 4.86 ± 2 mutations, P = 0.045; ISDR: 2.65 ± 2 vs 1.51 ± 1.7 mutations, P = 0.005). A decrease or no change in the number of mutations over time between treatments in the PKRBD or ISDR, as shown by sequencing, was associated with patients who usually failed to respond to treatment (PKRBD, P = 0.02; ISDR, P = 0.001). Moreover, patients showing a post-treatment baseline viral load > 600000 IU/mL and increased ISDR mutations with respect to the previous treatment were 9.21 times more likely to achieve SVR (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The obtained results show that among patients who have shown no response to two or more antiviral treatments, the likelihood of achieving SVR increases with the genetic variability in the ISDR region (≥ 2 mutations or number of substitutions from the HCV-J and HCV-1 prototype), especially when the viral load is greater than 600000 IU/mL.

AA-NAT, MT1 and MT2 Correlates with Cancer Stem-Like Cell Markers in Colorectal Cancer: Study of the Influence of Stage and p53 Status of Tumors.

The characterization of colon cancer stem cells (CSCs) may help to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. p53 loss increases the pool of CSCs in colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent reports suggest that the oncostatic effects of melatonin could be related to its ability to kill CSCs. Although there are no data linking the loss of p53 function and melatonin synthesis or signaling in cancer, melatonin does activate the p53 tumor-suppressor pathway in this disease. In this work, we analyze whether the expression of melatonin synthesis and signaling genes are related to the expression of CSC markers and the implication of p53 status in samples from patients with CRC. Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT), MT1, and MT2 expression decreased in tumor samples versus normal mucosa samples in mutated p53 (mtp53) tumors versus those with wild-type p53 (wtp53). Further, AA-NAT and MT2 expression were lower in advanced stages of the disease in wtp53 tumors. On the contrary, CD44 and CD66c expression was higher in tumor versus normal mucosa in wtp53 tumors. Additionally, CD44 expression was higher in advanced stages of the disease regardless of the p53 status. Patients with CD44highCD66chigh and wtp53 tumors in advanced stages showed low expression of AA-NAT and MT2 in wtp53 tumors. These results could indicate a possible interaction of these pathways in CRC.

Expression and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of Poly (ADPRibose) Polymerase-1 in Gastrointestinal Tumours: Clinical Involvement.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a nuclear enzyme that plays a critical role in diverse cellular functions, such as DNA damage detection and repair, transcriptional regulation and cell death. Furthermore, PARP-1 has emerged as a key player in the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases and has become a promising target for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. An increasing body of evidence has linked alterations in the expression levels of PARP-1, enzymatic activity and presence of polymorphism to gastrointestinal malignancies, including oesophageal, gastric, pancreas, liver and colorectal cancers. PARP inhibition has been proposed as a valuable strategy for treating these gastrointestinal disorders. This paper summarises the most significant current literature on the involvement of PARP-1 in gastrointestinal cancer, focusing in particular on its role in the development and occurrence of tumours, providing information about clinical trials and exploring therapeutic possibilities.

Hepatitis C durante la gestación, transmisión vertical y nuevas posibilidades de tratamiento / Hepatitis C during pregnancy, vertical transmission and new treatment possibilities

La infección crónica por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) ha sido reconocida como un problema de salud mundial. Constituye la principal causa de cirrosis, carcinoma hepatocelular y trasplante hepático. Su prevalencia en gestantes es similar a la de la población general y no se asocia con complicaciones obstétricas. La transmisión vertical del VHC (TV-VHC) constituye la vía principal de infección en niños en países desarrollados (> 90%), si bien, el porcentaje de TV-VHC y cronificación es relativamente bajo (3-8%). Sin embargo, la TV-VHC aumenta hasta el 15-20% en madres coinfectadas con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. En esta revisión se analizará la historia natural de la infección en la gestación y en el niño, los factores de riesgo de TV-VHC, los métodos de diagnóstico/seguimiento recomendados y las nuevas posibilidades de tratamiento con antivirales de acción directa, factores claves para la creación de futuras guías clínicas (AU)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been recognised as a worldwide health problem. HCV is the most common cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. The HCV prevalence reported in pregnant women is similar to that found among the general population and does not appear to have an adverse effect on the course of pregnancy. The vertical transmission of HCV (HCV-VT) is a major route of HCV infection in children in the developed countries (> 90%). The overall rate of mother-to- child transmission and chronification is about 3%-8%; however, this rate is higher for mothers who are co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (15-20%). In this review, we analyse the course of HCV infection during gestation, the risk factors associated with HCV-VT, the diagnostic methods/clinical monitoring recommended and the new possibilities of treatment in the era of directacting antiviral agents, which are essential to guide future public health efforts appropriately (AU)

Repercussions of plagiocephaly on posture, muscle flexibility and balance in children aged 3-5 years old.

AIM: The objective of the study was to assess posture, muscle flexibility and balance in children aged 3-5 years old with a history of nonsynostotic plagiocephaly. METHODS: Fifty-two children with previous history of plagiocephaly were evaluated, along with 52 control subjects matched for age, sex, height, weight and physical activity. The outcome measures included static posture, assessed through the measurement of angles and distances between anatomical landmarks; muscle flexibility, evaluated with the Stibor, Shober and finger-to-floor distance tests and balance, assessed by the Pediatric Balance Scale. RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance afforded statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in head position, muscle flexibility (thoracic mobility and trunk and lower limbs muscle shortening) and balance. CONCLUSION: Children with previous history of non-synostotic plagiocephaly present changes in head position, muscle shortening and a poor balance when compared to control children at 3-5 years old.

[Hepatitis C during pregnancy, vertical transmission and new treatment possibilities]. / Hepatitis C durante la gestación, transmisión vertical y nuevas posibilidades de tratamiento.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been recognised as a worldwide health problem. HCV is the most common cause of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplantation. The HCV prevalence reported in pregnant women is similar to that found among the general population and does not appear to have an adverse effect on the course of pregnancy. The vertical transmission of HCV (HCV-VT) is a major route of HCV infection in children in the developed countries (>90%). The overall rate of mother-to-child transmission and chronification is about 3%-8%; however, this rate is higher for mothers who are co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (15-20%). In this review, we analyse the course of HCV infection during gestation, the risk factors associated with HCV-VT, the diagnostic methods/clinical monitoring recommended and the new possibilities of treatment in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents, which are essential to guide future public health efforts appropriately.

Impact of torticollis associated with plagiocephaly on infants' motor development.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether torticollis (congenital or acquired) in infants with plagiocephaly affects the achievement of specific gross motor milestones. METHODS: A total of 175 infants affected by plagiocephaly with or without torticollis were recruited and included in this prospective trial. Anthropometric and clinical variables were recorded at baseline. The infants were included in a physiotherapy treatment program, and they were monthly assessed until hospital discharge. RESULTS: Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the achievement of rolling over, crawling, and standing skills depending on the specific profile (plagiocephaly and plagiocephaly with congenital or acquired torticollis). After adjusting for the severity of the plagiocephaly and the age at referral, the torticollis was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with crawling and standing skills. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the presence or absence of congenital or acquired torticollis is an important factor that affects gross motor development in infants with plagiocephaly.

Synergistic cytotoxicity of the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor ABT-888 and temozolomide in dual-drug targeted magnetic nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis because of a lack of effective treatment options. The objective of this study was to examine a new strategy for HCC treatment, namely the use of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) inhibitor (ABT-888) together with Temozolomide (TMZ) incorporated onto magnetic nanoparticles. METHODS: Magnetic Fe3 O4 /Fe cores were encapsulated within a silica shell to facilitate the simultaneous incorporation of ABT-888 and TMZ. In vitro tests were performed with HepG2, Hep3B and PLC-PRF-5 liver tumoural cell lines and with WRL-68 liver non-tumoural cells. RESULTS: The magnetic nanocarriers were loaded simultaneously with ABT-888 and TMZ. High stability and extended release were achieved in culture medium. Confocal microscopy images showed that drug-loaded particles were uptaken and accumulated into the cytoplasm of liver tumoural cells, inducing the following effects: G2/M cell cycle arrest (P < 0.05), accumulation of DNA damage (P < 0.05), mitochondrial depolarization (P < 0.01), reduction in BCL-xL, FOS, JUND gene expression (P < 0.05), PARP-1 fragmentation, Caspase-3 activation and apoptotic cell death (P < 0.05). Interestingly, drugs loaded onto nanoparticles exhibited better efficiency than free drugs (cell death triggered by drug delivery nanosystem: 53.5% vs. 34.5% by free drugs, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These magnetic nanocompounds are able to incorporate both drugs simultaneously, enter the tumour cells and release them. ABT-888/TMZ/NPs decrease the transcription of key genes involved in tumour survival and induce apoptotic cell death in a more effective manner than is achieved by free drugs.

Variation of transaminases, HCV-RNA levels and Th1/Th2 cytokine production during the post-partum period in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis C.

This study analyses the evolution of liver disease in women with chronic hepatitis C during the third trimester of pregnancy and the post-partum period, as a natural model of immune modulation and reconstitution. Of the 122 mothers recruited to this study, 89 were HCV-RNA+ve/HIV-ve and 33 were HCV-RNA-ve/HIV-ve/HCVantibody+ve and all were tested during the third trimester of pregnancy, at delivery and post-delivery. The HCV-RNA+ve mothers were categorized as either Type-A (66%), with an increase in ALT levels in the post-partum period (>40 U/L; P<0.001) or as Type-B (34%), with no variation in ALT values. The Type-A mothers also presented a significant decrease in serum HCV-RNA levels in the post-delivery period (P<0.001) and this event was concomitant with an increase in Th1 cytokine levels (INFγ, P = 0.04; IL12, P = 0.01 and IL2, P = 0.01). On the other hand, the Type-B mothers and the HCV-RNA-ve women presented no variations in either of these parameters. However, they did present higher Th1 cytokine levels in the partum period (INFγ and IL2, P<0.05) than both the Type-A and the HCV-RNA-ve women. Cytokine levels at the moment of delivery do not constitute a risk factor associated with HCV vertical transmission. It is concluded that differences in the ALT and HCV-RNA values observed in HCV-RNA+ve women in the postpartum period might be due to different ratios of Th1 cytokine production. In the Type-B women, the high partum levels of Th1 cytokines and the absence of post-partum variation in ALT and HCV-RNA levels may be related to permanent Th1 cytokine stimulation.

Analysis of perinatal mortality in newborn infants with a birth weight of less than 1000 grams in Hospital San Cecilio in Granada (Spain) over the 1991-2010 period.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal mortality has significantly decreased over the last decades. Low birth weight and prematurity are amongst the strongest predictors of neonatal death. The main objective is to analyze the evolution of perinatal mortality and its causes in newborn infants with a birth weight of less than 1000 grams over the last 20 years (1991-2010). POPULATION AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive, longitudinal and ecological study. A total of 264 infants weighing less than 1000 g out of a total of 56 024 births during the study period. Different specific perinatal mortality rates by weight were calculated. The Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient was applied to assess the relationship between mortality rates and years of study, and ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare five-year periods and ten-year periods, respectively. RESULTS: There were 131 perinatal deaths, 82 stillbirths and 49 early neonatal deaths; 64.1% of them occurred before 27 weeks of gestation. Only the fetal mortality rate was statistically significant, although perinatal mortality showed a downward trend, without reaching significance. The main immediate causes of death were extreme prematurity, intrauterine hypoxia and infection. The underlying causes related to death in this group of newborn infants were infection caused by premature rupture of membranes, maternal hypertension, uncontrollable preterm labor and twin pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in mortality rates in this group of newborn infants is undergoing a slowdown.

Analysis of perinatal mortality in newborn infants with a birth weight of less than 1000 grams in Hospital San Cecilio in Granada (Spain) over the 1991-2010 period / Análisis de la mortalidad perinatal en nacidos con peso menor de 1000 gramos en el Hospital San Cecilio de Granada (España) durante el período 1991-2010

Introduction. Perinatal mortality has significantly decreased over the last decades. Low birth weight and prematurity are amongst the strongest predictors of neonatal death. The main objective is to analyze the evolution of perinatal mortality and its causes in newborn infants with a birth weight of less than 1000 grams over the last 20 years (1991-2010). Population and Methods. Observational, descriptive, longitudinal and ecological study. A total of 264 infants weighing less than 1000 g out of a total of 56 024 births during the study period. Different specific perinatal mortality rates by weight were calculated. The Spearman's Rho correlation coefficient was applied to assess the relationship between mortality rates and years of study, and ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare five-year periods and ten-year periods, respectively. Results. There were 131 perinatal deaths, 82 stillbirths and 49 early neonatal deaths; 64.1% of them occurred before 27 weeks of gestation. Only the fetal mortality rate was statistically significant, although perinatal mortality showed a downward trend, without reaching significance. The main immediate causes of death were extreme prematurity, intrauterine hypoxia and infection. The underlying causes related to death in this group of newborn infants were infection caused by premature rupture of membranes, maternal hypertension, uncontrollable preterm labor and twin pregnancy. Conclusions. The reduction in mortality rates in this group of newborn infants is undergoing a slowdown.

Introducción. La mortalidad perinatal ha disminuido sustancialmente en las últimas décadas. La prematuridad y el bajo peso al nacer son los factores predictivos más fuertemente asociados a esta mortalidad. El objetivo es analizar la evolución de la mortalidad perinatal en los nacidos con peso menor de 1000 g en los últimos 20 años (1991-2010) y sus causas. Población y métodos. Estudio observacional-descriptivo de tipo ecológico longitudinal, sobre 264 nacidos con peso menor de 1000 g de un total de 56 024 nacidos durante el período estudiado. Se calculan las diferentes tasas de mortalidad perinatal específicas por peso. Se aplica el coeficiente de correlación Rho de Spearman para evaluar la relación entre las tasas de mortalidad y los años de estudio, y las pruebas ANOVA y de Mann- Whitney para comparación de quinquenios y decenios, respectivamente. Resultados. Se han producido 131 muertes perinatales, 82 de ellas muertes fetales y 49 neonatales precoces. El 64,1% sucede antes de la semana de gestación 27. Sólo la tasa de mortalidad fetal presenta una disminución estadísticamente significativa, aunque la mortalidad perinatal presenta una tendencia al descenso, pero sin alcanzar la significación. Las principales causas inmediatas de óbito son la inmadurez extrema, la hipoxia intrauterina y la infección. Las causas fundamentales relacionadas con la muerte de este grupo de nacidos son la infección por rotura prematura de membranas, la hipertensión materna, la amenaza de parto pretérmino incontrolable y la gemelaridad. Conclusiones. La disminución de las tasas de mortalidad en este grupo de nacidos está sufriendo un enlentecimiento.

Analysis of perinatal mortality in newborn infants with a birth weight of less than 1000 grams in Hospital San Cecilio in Granada (Spain) over the 1991-2010 period / Análisis de la mortalidad perinatal en nacidos con peso menor de 1000 gramos en el Hospital San Cecilio de Granada (España) durante el período 1991-2010

Introduction. Perinatal mortality has significantly decreased over the last decades. Low birth weight and prematurity are amongst the strongest predictors of neonatal death. The main objective is to analyze the evolution of perinatal mortality and its causes in newborn infants with a birth weight of less than 1000 grams over the last 20 years (1991-2010). Population and Methods. Observational, descriptive, longitudinal and ecological study. A total of 264 infants weighing less than 1000 g out of a total of 56 024 births during the study period. Different specific perinatal mortality rates by weight were calculated. The Spearmans Rho correlation coefficient was applied to assess the relationship between mortality rates and years of study, and ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare five-year periods and ten-year periods, respectively. Results. There were 131 perinatal deaths, 82 stillbirths and 49 early neonatal deaths; 64.1% of them occurred before 27 weeks of gestation. Only the fetal mortality rate was statistically significant, although perinatal mortality showed a downward trend, without reaching significance. The main immediate causes of death were extreme prematurity, intrauterine hypoxia and infection. The underlying causes related to death in this group of newborn infants were infection caused by premature rupture of membranes, maternal hypertension, uncontrollable preterm labor and twin pregnancy. Conclusions. The reduction in mortality rates in this group of newborn infants is undergoing a slowdown.(AU)

Introducción. La mortalidad perinatal ha disminuido sustancialmente en las últimas décadas. La prematuridad y el bajo peso al nacer son los factores predictivos más fuertemente asociados a esta mortalidad. El objetivo es analizar la evolución de la mortalidad perinatal en los nacidos con peso menor de 1000 g en los últimos 20 años (1991-2010) y sus causas. Población y métodos. Estudio observacional-descriptivo de tipo ecológico longitudinal, sobre 264 nacidos con peso menor de 1000 g de un total de 56 024 nacidos durante el período estudiado. Se calculan las diferentes tasas de mortalidad perinatal específicas por peso. Se aplica el coeficiente de correlación Rho de Spearman para evaluar la relación entre las tasas de mortalidad y los años de estudio, y las pruebas ANOVA y de Mann- Whitney para comparación de quinquenios y decenios, respectivamente. Resultados. Se han producido 131 muertes perinatales, 82 de ellas muertes fetales y 49 neonatales precoces. El 64,1% sucede antes de la semana de gestación 27. Sólo la tasa de mortalidad fetal presenta una disminución estadísticamente significativa, aunque la mortalidad perinatal presenta una tendencia al descenso, pero sin alcanzar la significación. Las principales causas inmediatas de óbito son la inmadurez extrema, la hipoxia intrauterina y la infección. Las causas fundamentales relacionadas con la muerte de este grupo de nacidos son la infección por rotura prematura de membranas, la hipertensión materna, la amenaza de parto pretérmino incontrolable y la gemelaridad. Conclusiones. La disminución de las tasas de mortalidad en este grupo de nacidos está sufriendo un enlentecimiento.(AU)

Importance of IL-10 and IL-6 during chronic hepatitis C genotype-1 treatment and their relation with IL28B.

UNLABELLED: This paper investigates serum levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 (CHC-GT1), the relation of each with clinical and virological characteristics, how they affect the response to combined therapy and their relation with the IL28B polymorphisms rs12979860. Serum level expression and the polymorphism of IL-10, IL-6 and IL28B were determined in 138 CHC-GT1 patients, treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (pegIFN-α/RBV) for 48 weeks, in the following samples: baseline, week-12 (during treatment) and week-72 (post-treatment). 77 patients (56%) presented Sustained Virological Response (SVR) and 61 (44%) were non-SVR. Multivariate logistic regression showed that age ≤ 40 years (aOR=3.7, 95%CI=1.5-8.9, P=0.004), low activity of gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) (aOR=0.9, 95%CI=0.98-0.99, P=0.028), CC genotype of IL28B polymorphism (aOR=2.7, 95%CI=1.0-7.2, P=0.044) and low IL-6 (aOR=0.5, 95%CI=0.3-1.0, P=0.038) were predictor factors of virological response. In all patients, following treatment, IL-6 decreased at week-12 (P=0.004) from baseline and had returned to basal values at week-72. Serum IL-10 concentration was significantly decreased at week-72 only in SVR patients (P ≤ 0.001). When patients were stratified by IL28B polymorphisms rs12979860 CC vs non-CC patients, a statistically significant decrease in IL-10 at week-72 in both groups was observed (P=0.003 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively). None of the polymorphisms of IL-10 or IL-6 studied were associated with SVR. CONCLUSIONS: CC genotype of IL28B and low IL-6 serum concentration are factors associated independently with SVR. Moreover, decreased IL-10 at week-72 is associated with SVR in both CC and non-CC patients, and both factors are important to determine the effectiveness of treatment.

Analysis of perinatal mortality in newborn infants with a birth weight of less than 1000 grams in Hospital San Cecilio in Granada (Spain) over the 1991-2010 period. / Analysis of perinatal mortality in newborn infants with a birth weight of less than 1000 grams in Hospital San Cecilio in Granada (Spain) over the 1991-2010 period.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal mortality has significantly decreased over the last decades. Low birth weight and prematurity are amongst the strongest predictors of neonatal death. The main objective is to analyze the evolution of perinatal mortality and its causes in newborn infants with a birth weight of less than 1000 grams over the last 20 years (1991-2010). POPULATION AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive, longitudinal and ecological study. A total of 264 infants weighing less than 1000 g out of a total of 56 024 births during the study period. Different specific perinatal mortality rates by weight were calculated. The Spearmans Rho correlation coefficient was applied to assess the relationship between mortality rates and years of study, and ANOVA and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare five-year periods and ten-year periods, respectively. RESULTS: There were 131 perinatal deaths, 82 stillbirths and 49 early neonatal deaths; 64.1

of them occurred before 27 weeks of gestation. Only the fetal mortality rate was statistically significant, although perinatal mortality showed a downward trend, without reaching significance. The main immediate causes of death were extreme prematurity, intrauterine hypoxia and infection. The underlying causes related to death in this group of newborn infants were infection caused by premature rupture of membranes, maternal hypertension, uncontrollable preterm labor and twin pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in mortality rates in this group of newborn infants is undergoing a slowdown.

Plasma ribavirin trough concentrations during treatment of chronic hepatitis C in genotype-1 patients.

GOALS: To investigate the correlation between virological response and plasma ribavirin trough concentrations (RBV Ctrough) during the full period of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment. STUDY: Multicenter prospective cohort study. Total 119 patients with CHC genotype-1 were treated with peginterferon alfa-2a (pegIFN) and RBV for 48 weeks. RBV quantification was carried out at week 4 (W4), W8, W12, W16, W24, W32, and W40 of treatment. RESULTS: The mean RBV Ctrough value during treatment was 2.5±0.9 mg/L in total patients. At no time point of treatment were patients with RBV Ctrough average correlated with early and sustained virological response (SVR), but those with RBV Ctrough ≥5 mg/L (95th percentile) at any time point (22/119, 18%) were correlated with SVR (P=0.02). Such high RBV Ctrough values were found from the second to the fourth months of treatment in 73% of these patients (16/22), and this was independently associated with SVR (odds ratio=3.6, 95% confidence interval:1.02-13.2, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Our data do not support RBV plasma monitoring as a tool to optimize treatment in patients with CHC genotype-1, but show that a high RBV plasma concentration could improve SVR rates.