From animal studies into clinical trials: the relevance of animal models to develop vaccines and therapies to reduce disease severity and prevent hRSV infection.

INTRODUCTION: Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is an important cause of lower respiratory tract infections in the pediatric and the geriatric population worldwide. There is a substantial economic burden resulting from hRSV disease during winter. Although no vaccines have been approved for human use, prophylactic therapies are available for high-risk populations. Choosing the proper animal models to evaluate different vaccine prototypes or pharmacological treatments is essential for developing efficient therapies against hRSV. AREAS COVERED: This article describes the relevance of using different animal models to evaluate the effect of antiviral drugs, pharmacological molecules, vaccine prototypes, and antibodies in the protection against hRSV. The animal models covered are rodents, mustelids, bovines, and nonhuman primates. Animals included were chosen based on the available literature and their role in the development of the drugs discussed in this manuscript. EXPERT OPINION: Choosing the correct animal model is critical for exploring and testing treatments that could decrease the impact of hRSV in high-risk populations. Mice will continue to be the most used preclinical model to evaluate this. However, researchers must also explore the use of other models such as nonhuman primates, as they are more similar to humans, prior to escalating into clinical trials.

El servicio en tenis profesional femenino: influencia del ranking y la lateralidad / Tennis Service Performance in Professional Women Players: Influence of Ranking Position and Opponent's Laterality

A pesar de que el saque es el golpe más determinante en el tenis moderno, existen hasta la fecha pocas investigaciones en tenis profesional femenino. El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar las diferencias en la dirección y eficacia del saque en función del ranking; así como observar las diferencias según la lateralidad de la jugadora rival (diestra o zurda) en torneos de Grand Slam. Se analizaron un total de 108 partidos femeninos disputados en los torneos del Abierto de los Estados Unidos y Wimbledon. Los resultados mostraron una mayor variabilidad en la táctica del saque en Wimbledon frente al Abierto de Estados Unidos. Además, se identificaron diferencias en la dirección y eficacia del saque de las jugadoras diestras en función de la lateralidad del rival, en especial cuando se sacó a jugadoras zurdas. Estos resultados contribuyen al conocimiento de las dinámicas y rendimiento del saque en las jugadoras de tenis profesionales. (AU)

Serve is the most important stroke in modern tennis, but the number of studies on professional women’s tennis is scarce. The aim of the present study was to identify differences in service direction and effectiveness regarding players’ ranking position; as well as to observe the differences according to the opponent’s laterality (right-handed or left-handed). A total of 108 matches from the US Open and Wimbledon tournaments were analysed. Results showed a larger variability in service tactics in Wimbledon compared to the US Open. In addition, the direction and effectiveness of the service of right-handed players differed depending on the opponent’s laterality, especially against left-handed players. These results contribute to the knowledge of the service dynamics and performance in professional women’s tennis players. (AU)

Panhipopituitarismo secundario a hemorragia obstétrica profusa / Panhypopituitarism secondary to profuse obstetric haemorrhage

El síndrome de Sheehan o necrosis hipofisaria posparto, constituye la causa más importante de panhipopituitarismo, que de forma ocasional se asocia a hemorragia obstétrica profusa asociada a choque hipovolémico hemorrágico, ocasionando un colapso circulatorio intenso debido a isquemia de la adenohipófisis durante el parto o después del mismo, debido a que esta glándula endócrina sufre importantes cambios anatómicos e histológicos durante el embarazo, los cuales incrementan su volumen hasta en 40%. De esta forma, se produce una secreción reducida de las hormonas que ayudan a regular el crecimiento, la reproducción y el metabolismo, evidenciando en el examen hormonal detallado insuficiencia específicamente de la hormona de crecimiento, foliculoestimulante, luteinizante, estimulante de tiroides, adrenocorticotropica y prolactina predisponiendo a la paciente a inestabilidad hemodinámica a corto plazo así como desequilibrio hormonal permanente. Por esta importancia, es que se presenta el caso de una paciente que ingresó a la Unidad de Terapia Intensiva tras cesárea iterativa debido a acretismo placentario llegando a la histerectomía total intercurriendo con choque hemorrágico, quien cursó durante su estancia en la Unidad con ausencia de recuperación neurológica total y características propias de síndrome de Sheehan, confirmándose el mismo por los niveles hormonales bajos y la ausencia de imagen en la silla turca correspondiente a la necrosis hipofisaria evidenciado por resonancia magnética, realizándose además una sucinta revisión acerca de la literatura relacionada actual.

ABSTRACT Sheehan syndrome or postpartum pituitary necrosis is the most common cause of hypopituitarism and occurs secondary to profuse obstetric haemorrhage with subsequent hypovolemic hemorrhagic shock, with intense circulatory collapse, predisposing to pituitary ischemia during delivery or after the same, due to the hypertrophic changes that occur in this gland during pregnancy. In this syndrome exists a reduced secretion of the hormones that regulate growth, reproduction and metabolism. We present the case of a female patient admitted to the Critical Care Unit after iterative cesarean due to placenta accreta and total hysterectomy, in hypovolemic shock secondary to severe hemorrhage, being suspicious of Sheehan´s syndrome, with characteristic clinical features, low hormone levels and the absence of image in the Turkish chair corresponding to the pituitary necrosis.

Gasometría arterial en residentes a gran altura, El Alto ­ Bolivia 2020 / Arterial blood gas analysis in residents at high altitude, El Alto, Bolivia 2020

INTRODUCCIÓN: la presión barométrica determina la presión parcial de los gases tanto en el medio ambiente como a nivel alveolar pulmonar, por lo que, para una determinada presión barométrica, la presión de oxígeno y dióxido de carbono es distinta. OBJETIVO: el objetivo del presente estudio es caracterizar los valores de gasometría arterial en residentes adultos sanos a muy alta altitud en la ciudad de El Alto. METODOLOGÍA: Estudio serie de casos, realizado durante la gestión 2019 en 22 (73%) mujeres y 8 varones (27%), con una media de edad de 36.07 años. El estudio contó con la aprobación del Comité de Ética Hospitalario. RESULTADOS: a 4150 metros sobre el nivel del mar, el pH tiende hacia la alcalosis (7.43) así como la PaO2 es menor (58.69mmHg), el valor de PaCO2 (26.14mmHg) es menor correspondiente a una ciudad con mayor altitud, el valor de bicarbonato sérico (20.14mmol/L) se encuentra disminuido en compensación a la disminución de la PaCO2 y el valor de la SatO2% (91.7%) es menor al reportado a nivel del mar. Hay que destacar que el índice PaO2/FiO2 no concuerda con el cálculo realizado según la fórmula propuesta dentro de la definición de los Criterios de Berlín. Se evidencia también que, en la muestra, si bien la correlación entre la PaO2 y la SatO2% resulta como alta, no resulta perfectamente lineal. CONCLUSIÓN: resulta imperativo precisar las características propias a la fisiología correspondientes a cada altitud, buscando aplicar parámetros propios como los de la gasometría arterial para el tratamiento de las enfermedades prevalentes en cada región, así como desarrollar investigaciones específicas a gran altura, ensayar posibilidades y documentarlas.

INTRODUCTION: barometric pressure determines the partial pressure of gases both in the environment and at the pulmonary alveolar level, so for a given barometric pressure, the pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide is different. The objective of this paper is to characterize arterial blood gas values in healthy adult residents at very high altitude in the city of El Alto. METHODOLOGY: case series study, carried out during 2019; 22 volunteers (73%) women and 8 men (27%), mean age 36.07 years are included. The study was approved by the Hospital Bioethics Committee. RESULTS: at 4150 meter above sea level, pH tends towards alkalosis (7.43) as well as PaO2 is lower (58.69mmHg), the value of PaCO2 (26.14mmHg) is lower corresponding to a city with higher altitude, the value of serum bicarbonate (20.14mmol/L) is lower in compensation at the decrease in PaCO2 and the value of SatO2% (91.7%) is lower than that reported at sea level. The PaO2/FiO2 index does not match the calculation made according to the proposed formula within the definition of the Berlin Criteria. It is also evident that, although the correlation between PaO2 and SatO2% is high, it is not perfectly linear. CONCLUSION: it is imperative to precise the characteristics corresponding to the physiology corresponding to each altitude, looking forward to apply these parameters, such as those of arterial blood gas, in the treatment of prevalent diseases for each region, and so as develop specific studies at high altitude, also testing and reporting them.

Depuración de lactato a gran altitud / Lactate clearance at high altitude

OBJETIVO: el estudio pretende caracterizar la depuración de lactato (DL) en pacientes críticamente enfermos, a gran altitud. DISEÑO: estudio prospectivo de cohorte. ÁMBITO: unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de Adultos del Hospital del Norte de la ciudad de El Alto, La Paz (Bolivia), a 4 150 metros sobre el nivel del mar, periodo 25 de abril 2016-01 de junio 2018. PACIENTES: todos los pacientes ingresados a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de Adultos, nativos de gran altitud, así como residentes de la misma por lo menos los últimos 6 meses. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 250 pacientes, con sobrevida de 68%, promedio de edad 50 años; en el grupo de 170 supervivientes, poco más de la cuarta parte del lactato de ingreso fue depurado (26%), a comparación del grupo de 80 fallecidos, en el cual incluso el valor de lactato se vio incrementado alrededor de la quinta parte del lactato de ingreso (21%), ambos con p ≤ 0.05 mediante el test de ANOVA. En pacientes críticamente enfermos a gran altitud, el riesgo relativo entre depuración de lactato ≥ 26% y sobrevida es de 2.7 con sensibilidad 0.72 y especificidad de 1. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIONES: la depuración de lactato en individuos críticamente enfermos nativos de gran altitud, se asocia a mayor sobrevida y debería ser considerado como un objetivo durante la reanimación en pacientes críticos, de forma similar a estudios realizados en otras latitudes

OBJECTIVE: to characterize the lactate clearance on critically ill patients, at high altitude. DESIGN: prospective cohort study. FIELD: critical Care Unit of "Hospital del Norte" in El Alto, La Paz (Bolivia), during the period April 25, 2016 ­ June 01, 2018. PARTICIPANTS: critically ill patients residents of high altitude at least the last 6 months, admitted to the Adult Critical Care Unit. RESULTS: 250 patients were included, with survival of 68%, age average of 50 years; in the 170 survivors, lactate clearance average was 26%, in contrast with 80 deceased patients who presented an increased lactate level of 25%, p ≤ 0.05, both of them through ANOVA test. In high landers critically ill patients, relative risk of lactate clearance ≥ 26% and survival was 2.7 with sensitivity 0.72 and specificity 1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: lactate clearance in critically ill high landers dwellers, is associated with survival and it should be considered also as a reanimation objective, comparable to other studies developed in different latitudes

Metas lipídicas: mundo real / Lipid goals: real world

INTRODUÇÃO: Frente à crescente evidência da redução de eventos cardiovasculares relacionados à redução do LDL colesterol (LDL-c), a Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC) propôs em 2017 metas mais agressivas de LDL-c. OBJETIVO: Avaliar em um centro terciário de cardiologia a proporção de pacientes que atingiram metas de LDL-c propostas pela Atualização da Diretriz Brasileira de Dislipidemias e Prevenção da Aterosclerose da SBC conforme estratificação de risco cardiovascular. METODOLOGIA: Foram analisados 2180 pacientes consecutivos em controle ambulatorial quanto à fatores de risco cardiovascular e terapia medicamentosa vigente. Conforme a diretriz, foram classificados em risco baixo, intermediário, alto e muito alto com metas de LDL-c < 130, 100, 70 e 50 mg/dL, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 65 anos, sendo 53% dos pacientes do sexo feminino. Do total, 1225 (56.2%) eram de risco muito alto, 900 (41.3%) alto, 50 (2.3%) intermediário e 5 (0.2%) de baixo risco. Trezentos e noventa e nove pacientes (18.3%) atingiram as metas de LDL-c estabelecidas pela diretriz, sendo 11.1%, 26.2%, 46% e 80% de cada faixa de risco, respectivamente. Destes, 74.5% dos pacientes de muito alto risco, 56.2% de alto risco, 86% de risco intermediário e 40% de baixo risco estavam em uso de estatinas na intensidade e doses preconizadas pela diretriz. Apenas 148 (6.8%) pacientes não usavam estatina. (AU)

Estamos conseguindo atingir as metas atuais de LDL colesterol nos pacientes de muito alto risco cardiovascular? Quantos destes poderiam se beneficiar de inibidores da PCSK9 pelos critérios FOURIER/ODYSSEY e NICE? / Are we meeting current LDL cholesterol targets in patients at very high cardiovascular risk? How many of these could benefit from PCSK9 inhibitors by the FOURIER / ODYSSEY and NICE criteria?

INTRODUÇÃO: Com o aumento de evidências que a diminuição do LDL colesterol (LDL) se relaciona com a diminuição de eventos cardiovasculares, diretrizes de diferentes partes do mundo objetivam menores metas de LDL através da estratificação de risco cardiovascular. A inibição dá para proteína converta-se subtilisina/kexina tipo 9 (PCSK9) reduz os níveis de LDL em até 60%, com subsequente diminuição em desfechos cardiovasculares. OBJETIVO: Nossa meta foi avaliar em um centro terciário de cardiologia a proporção de pacientes de muito alto risco cardiovascular que atingiram a meta de LDL < 50mg/dL atualmente proposto pela diretriz da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia. Adicionalmente, nós averiguamos o número de pacientes que estavam recebendo terapia adequada com estatinas e quantos destes poderiam se beneficiar de inibidores da PCSK9 pelos critérios FOURIER/ODYSSEY e pelas recomendações propostas pelo National Institute for Health and Excellence (NICE). METODOLOGIA: Foram rastreados 2180 pacientes consecutivos de março de 2018 a fevereiro de 2019 para fatores de risco cardiovascular, níveis de colesterol e terapia medicamentosa vigente. Em seguida, foram estratificados conforme o risco cardiovascular, sendo avaliada a adequação à terapia com estatinas recomendada. Em seguida, avaliamos quantos dos pacientes de muito alto risco, que estavam em uso de estatinas de alta intensidade, apresentavam níveis de LDL utilizados para inclusão nos estudos FOURIER/ODYSSEY (≥ 70mg/dL) e recomendados pelo NICE (≥ 140mg/dL) para a introdução de inibidores da PCSK9. RESULTADOS: Dos 2180 pacientes avaliados, 1125 (56.2%) pacientes eram de muito alto risco cardiovascular. Destes pacientes, 136 (11.1%) apresentavam LDL < 50mg/dL, estando 320 (26.1%) pacientes adicionais com LDL < 70mg/dL. Quando avaliado o tratamento com estatinas vigente, 913 (74.5%) pacientes estavam recebendo estatinas de alta intensidade. Destes, 617 (65.9%) teriam indicação de introdução de inibidores da PCSK9 pelos critérios FOURIER/ODYSSEY e 88 (9.4%) pelas recomendações do NICE. CONCLUSÕES: Com metas progressivamente menores de LDL, a busca por níveis ideais de LDL é um desafio para a prática clínica atual. Por mais que pacientes estejam recebendo a terapia recomendada com estatinas, permanece a dificuldade em atingir metas ideais, principalmente no grupo de pacientes de maior risco. Esses pacientes se beneficiariam da inibição da PCSK9, sendo o critério NICE, uma estratégia mais custo-efetiva, ainda aplicável em uma proporção substancial de pacientes. (AU)

Hemangioma cavernoso cardíaco: o relato de um tumor raro / Cardiac cavernous hemangioma: the report of a rare tumor

Os tumores cardíacos são raros e podem ser divididos em primários ou secundários de acordo com sua origem. O acometimento do coração por metástases de outros tumores é o cenário mais comum. Quanto aos tumores primários, em média 75% são benignos e 25% são malignos. A maioria dos pacientes é assintomática até o surgimento de alterações hemodinâmicas ou invasão de estruturas. As manifestações clínicas variam desde intolerância ao exercício, dispneia e dor torácica até síncope e morte súbita. A suspeita diagnóstica tem crescido graças aos avanços na ecocardiografia, mas o padrão ouro para a definição ainda é a biópsia. É importante destacar que os avanços tecnológicos em estudos tomográficos e de ressonância magnética têm contribuído para maior detalhamento das lesões e consequentemente para o diagnóstico diferencial. O tratamento pode ser conservador nos casos assintomáticos e descobertos incidentalmente ou cirúrgico nos casos sintomáticos. Este relato trata de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 53 anos, hipertensa, diabética e tabagista em investigação de dor torácica. Ela foi submetida inicialmente à cintilografia de perfusão miocárdica com dipiridamol que constatou hipocaptação em paredes anterior e septal. Diante disso, solicitou-se coronariografia, a qual evidenciou constrição no terço distal da artéria descendente anterior, associada à imagem radiopaca em topografia justa-cardíaca anterior, sugerindo compressão extrínseca. Um ecocardiograma transtorácico foi realizado e identificou imagem hiperecogênica de aspecto esponjoso e heterogêneo, bem delimitada e com halo hiperecóico, situando-se adjacente às paredes anterior e anterolateral do ventrículo esquerdo. O estudo com Doppler sugeriu fluxo em seu interior. A ressonância magnética do coração destacou câmaras cardíacas de dimensões preservadas, função biventricular dentro da normalidade, ausência de fibrose miocárdica e volumosa massa pericárdica. Após discussão do caso entre as equipes responsáveis e orientação da paciente sobre os resultados, indicou-se a ressecção da massa associada à biópsia. A paciente foi operada no dia 29 de janeiro de 2019, apresentando boa evolução pós-operatória e obteve alta da terapia intensiva no 2º dia pós-operatório em boas condições clínicas. O estudo de anatomia patológica da peça cirúrgica demonstrou Hemangioma Cavernoso Cardíaco. (AU)

Cuidado intensivo en un centro de trauma / Intensive care in a trauma center

OBJETIVO: El traumatismo grave es la causa principal de muerte en pacientes menores de 40 años, siendo el trauma craneoencefálico la primera causa de discapacidad severa, mientras que la hemorragia se mantiene como principal causa prevenible de muerte. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir la casuística de los pacientes atendidos en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Adultos del Centro de Trauma Hospital Corazón de Jesús de la ciudad de El Alto en La Paz (Bolivia). METODOLOGÍA: Estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyen todos los pacientes internados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Adultos del Centro de Trauma Hospital Corazón de Jesús, Unidad Polivalente, ingresados en el periodo 01 Octubre 2016-01 Abril de 2019. RESULTADOS: Se ingresaron 485 pacientes, 273 (56%) varones así como 212 (44%) mujeres, la sobrevida llega al 91% y el 9% de mortalidad corregida. La media de edad corresponde a 48 años (desviación estándar 19 años), la media de estancia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos es de 112 horas (desviación estándar 87 horas). La mayor parte de pacientes proviene del Servicio de Urgencias y Quirófano, con diagnósticos de trauma craneoencefálico grave y hemorragia secundaria a trauma. CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio muestra la casuística de una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de un Centro de Trauma, resultando imperativo describir la casuística concerniente a nuestros Centros Asistenciales con fines de la realización de investigación ulterior de forma multicéntrica.

OBJECTIVE: Severe trauma is leading cause of death in patients younger than 40 years, traumatic brain injury is also the leading cause of severe disability, while hemorrhage remains as main cause of preventable death. The objective of this paper is to describe the casuistic of patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit of Trauma Center Hospital Corazón de Jesús of El Alto City in La Paz (Bolivia). METHODOLOGY: Retrospective study. Includes all patients admitted at Intensive Care Unit, Polyvalent Unit, during the period 01 October 2016-01 April 2019. RESULTS: 485 patients were admitted, 273 (56%) male and 212 (44%) female, survival reaches 91% and 9% of adjusted mortality. Mean age is 48 years (standard deviation 19 years), mean length-of-stay in Intensive Care Unit is 112 hours (standard deviation 87 hours). The majority of patients arrived from the Emergency Department and Operating Room, with main diagnoses of severe traumatic brain injury and hemorrhage secondary to trauma. CONCLUSION: This study shows the casuistic of an Intensive Care Unit of a Trauma Center, resulting imperative to describe the casuistic of other Hospitals for the purpose of conducting further multicentric research.

Relationship between renal function and renal volume in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease the relationship between total renal volume (the sum of both kidneys, TRV) as measured by magnetic resonance and renal function; and its behaviour according to sex and the presence of arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and hyperglycemia. METHOD: Cross-sectional study including patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease who underwent periodic reviews at Nephrology external consultations at Hospital de las Nieves de Granada, and who underwent an magnetic resonance to estimate renal volume between January 2008 and March 2011. RESULTS: We evaluated 67 patients (59.7% women, average age of 48±14.4 years) and found a significant positive association between TRV and serum creatinine or urea, which was reversed compared with estimated glomerular filtration by MDRD-4 and Cockcroft-Gault. Women showed an average serum creatinine level and a significantly lower TRV level compared with males. Subgroups affected by arterial hypertension and hyperuricemia presented average values for serum creatinine and urea, higher for TRV and lower for estimated glomerular filtration. The hypercholesterolaemia subgroup showed higher average values for urea and lower for estimated glomerular filtration, without detecting significant differences compared with TRV. CONCLUSION: The volume of polycystic kidneys measured by magnetic resonance is associated with renal function, and can be useful as a complementary study to monitor disease progression. The presence of arterial hypertension, hyperuricemia or hypercholesterolaemia is associated with a poorer renal function.

Purification and characterization of saxitoxin from Mytilus chilensis of southern Chile.

In the current communication we describe an innovative method to purify saxitoxin (STX), a toxin presents in contaminated muscle of Mylitus chilensis extracted in the southern part of Chile, using a liquid chromatographic methodology based on ionic pairs. The STX was extracted using HCl and treated with ammonium sulfate following a treatment with trichloroacetic acid and hexane/diethyl ether (97/3). The samples were analyzed by a semi-preparative HPLC in order to collect pure fractions of STX and these fractions were eluted in solid-phase cationic interchange SCX extraction columns. The purified STX was stable and homogeneous and its identity was confirmed by LC-MS-MS, which demonstrated a high quality purification of STX, without presence of analogs such as neosaxitoxin (Neo) and decarbamoyl saxitoxin (dcSTX). The STX biological activity was analyzed in a bioassay in mice model and compared to the standard STX produced by the FDA and no significant differences were observed.

[Intestinal and mesenteric trauma]. / Traumatismo intestinal y mesentérico.

The different aspects of closed and penetrating intestinal and mesenteric trauma are presented in this article, with emphasis on its pathophysiology and on an updated diagnostic imaging. Particular details are given on the characteristics of Multidetector Computed Tomography. The direct and indirect signs using this technique are also described, along with their respective sensitivity and specificity values.

Traumatismo intestinal y mesentérico / Intestinal and mesenteric trauma

En este artículo se describen los diferentes aspectos del trauma cerrado y penetrante del intestino y el mesenterio con énfasis en su fisiopatología y en un enfoque actualizado de diagnóstico por imágenes detallando especialmente los aspectos técnicos de la tomografía computarizada multidetector (TCMD) y describiendo los signos directos e indirectos en la TCMD, del trauma intestinal y mesentérico con sus respectivos valores de sensibilidad y especificidad (AU)

The different aspects of closed and penetrating intestinal and mesenteric trauma are presented in this article, with emphasis on its pathophysiology and on an updated diagnostic imaging. Particular details are given on the characteristics of Multidetector Computed Tomography. The direct and indirect signs using this technique are also described, along with their respective sensitivity and specificity values (AU)

[Clinical applications of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography]. / Aplicaciones clínicas de la colangiopancreatografía por resonancia magnética.

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the most important diagnostic alternative that has been developed in recent years for the evaluation of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. The advantages of this technique are: it does not use contrast media or ionizing radiation; it is noninvasive and complication free; and, the examination is relatively short (approximately 20 to 30 minutes). MRCP has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing biliary dilatation and for determining the site and cause of stenosis. Its diagnostic precision for biliary and pancreatic stones is similar to that of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). MRCP has replaced ERCP in biliary and pancreatic anatomic variants. In unsuccessful ERCP, MRCP is nearly the only diagnostic modality for the evaluation of the biliary tract. Other applications include primary sclerosing cholangitis, stenosis after liver transplantation, and the evaluation of bilioenteric anastomoses. This article reviews the clinical applications of MRCP in the evaluation of biliopancreatic diseases.

Aplicaciones clínicas de la colangiopancreatografía por resonancia magnética / Clinical applications of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography

La colangiopancreatografía por resonancia magnética (CPRM) es la alternativa diagnóstica más importante que ha surgido en los últimos años para la evaluación de las vías biliar y pancreática. Las ventajas de este método son: no utiliza medio de contraste ni radiación ionizante, no es invasivo y está exento de complicaciones y el tiempo de estudio es relativamente corto (aproximadamente entre 20 y 30 minutos). Tiene alta sensibilidad y especificidad para diagnosticar la dilatación biliar y para demostrar el sitio y la causa de la estenosis. Para los cálculos biliares y pancreáticos su exactitud diagnóstica es similar a la de la colangiopancreatografía endoscópica retrógrada (CPRE). En variantes anatómicas biliopancreáticas ha reemplazado a la CPRE como método diagnóstico. En la CPRE fallida, la CPRM es casi la única modalidad diagnóstica para la evaluación de los conductos biliares. Otras aplicaciones son la colangitis esclerosante primaria, la estenosis post tranplante hepático y la valoración de las anastomosis bilioentéricas. Este artículo es una revisión de las aplicaciones clínicas de la CPRM en la evaluación de las enfermedades biliopancreáticas (AU)

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the most important diagnostic alternative that has been developed in recent years for the evaluation of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. The advantages of this technique are: it does not use contrast media or ionizing radiation; it is noninvasive and complication free; and, the examination is relatively short (approximately 20 to 30 minutes). MRCP has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing biliary dilatation and for determining the site and cause of stenosis. Its diagnostic precision for biliary and pancreatic stones is similar to that of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). MRCP has replaced ERCP in biliary and pancreatic anatomic variants. In unsuccessful ERCP, MRCP is nearly the only diagnostic modality for the evaluation of the biliary tract. Other applications include primary sclerosing cholangitis, stenosis after liver transplantation, and the evaluation of bilioenteric anastomoses. This article reviews the clinical applications of MRCP in the evaluation of biliopancreatic diseases (AU)

Efecto hipolipemiante de Sevelamer en el paciente urémico / Hypolipidemic effect of sevelamer in the uremic patient

Antecedentes. Sevelarmer es un quelante de fósforo indicado en el tratamiento de la hiperfosforemia urémica. Estudios recientes reportan un efecto hipolipemiante que añade un valor adicional a esta molécula. Con este estudio pretendemos evaluar el efecto de sevelamer sobre el perfil lipídico y su seguridad. Métodos. Estudiamos de manera retrospectiva pacientes urémicos estables en hemodiálisis. Cada paciente participó con uno o más registros, clasificados en tres grupos según el tratamiento recibido: grupo 1, registro de pacientes tratados con sevelamer durante más de 3 meses; grupo 2, registro de pacientes no tratados con estatina ni sevelamer, y aquellos registro procedentes de pacientes antes de iniciar tratamiento con sevelamer; y grupo 3, registros de pacientes tratados con alguna estatina durante más de 3 meses. Recogimos los efectos adversos achacables a sevelamer. Trimestralmente registramos datos relativos al tratamiento fosfo-cálcico, perfil lipídico sérico, y un amplio perfil de seguridad de laboratorio. Resultados. Los valores medios de colesterol total y colesterol LDL séricos fueron significativamente inferiores en el grupo 1 respecto a los grupos 2 y3. El nivel sérico medio de triglicéridos fue semejante en los tres grupos y la variación en valor absoluto de colesterol HDL medio resultó pequeña. No registramos efectos adversos por sevelamer. El perfil de seguridad de laboratorio fue favorable y semejante en los tres grupos, si bien el valor medio de proteína C reactiva sérica en el grupo 1 fue significativamente inferior respecto a los otros. Conclusiones. Este estudio confirma el valor hipolipemiante de sevelamer en pacientes urémicos y sugiere un perfil pleiotrópico de efectos beneficiosos sobre la enfermedad arteriosclerótica de los pacientes en diálisis

Background. Sevelamer is a phosphorus binder indicated in the treatment of uremic hyperphosphoremia. Recent studies report a hypolipidemic effect adding futher value to this molecule. With this study, we aim to assess the effect of sevelamer on the lipid profile and its safety. Methods. We retrospectively studied stable uremic patients in hemodialysis. Each patient participated with one or more record entries, classified in three groups according to the treatment received: group 1, record entries of patients treated with sevelamer for more than 3 months; group 2, record entries of patients not treated with statin or sevelamer, and those record entries of patients prior to beginning treatment with sevelamer; and group 3, record entries of patients treated with any statin for more than 3 months. Adverse effects attributable to sevelamer were collected. On a quarterly basis, data relating to phosphocalcium treatment, serum lipid profile, and a broad laboratory safety profile were recorded. Results. Mean serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol values were significantly lower in group 1 with regard to groups 2 and 3. The mean serum triglyceride level was similar in the three groups, and the change in the mean HDL cholesterol absolute value was minute. No adverse effects due to sevelamer were recorded. The laboratory safety profile was favorable and similar in the three groups, although the mean serum C-reactive protein in group 1 was significantly lower with regard to the other groups. Conclusions. This study confirms the hypolipidemic value of sevelamer in uremic patients and suggests a pleiotropic profile of beneficial effects on arteriosclerotic diseases of patients in dialysis

[Effectiveness and tolerability of addition of risperidone in obsessive-compulsive disorder with poor response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors]. / Efectividad y tolerancia de la adición de risperidona en el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo con mala respuesta terapéutica a inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina.

INTRODUCTION: The addition of typical and atypical antipsychotics in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) resistant to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI) has been reported as a useful augmentation strategy. Although antipsychotic monotherapy has been associated with ineffectiveness and even increase of psychotic symptoms (especially in psychotic patients), antipsychotics as concomitant medications have proven to be effective in several case series and pilot clinical trials. The objective of this case series was to evaluate effectiveness of risperidone as add on therapy to current SRIs treatment in OCD refractory to treatment patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Risperidone add on therapy in moderate and severe treatment resistant OCD patients was reviewed. Case reports were patients fulfilling the following criteria: a) treatment follow-up of at least 12 weeks; b) SRI adequate doses, y c) Y-BOCS score higher than 16 score before starting treatment. A three month follow-up period was reviewed. Risperidone starting dose was low (mean 1.5 mg/day) and was increased following clinical criteria. Therapeutic response and tolerability were evalated with the following scales: Y-BOCS, CGI of change, UKU (neurological subscale) and spontaneous reported adverse events. Response criteria were the following: at least 35% of reduction in Y-BOCS from basal score and final score less than 16 and CGI-C "much improved" or "very much improved" (score 1 or 2). Intention to treat analysis was performed (patients who reported at least one risperidone dose and effectiveness measure). RESULTS: 31 patients had at least one effectiveness evaluation and 21/31 patients (67.8 %) were considered treatment responders. Mean risperidone dose was 3.8 mg/day. In general, risperidone was well tolerated: serious or unexpected adverse event were not reported. CONCLUSION: Risperidone as add on therapy to SRI in moderate-severe, refractory to treatment OCD patients, may be an effective and safe strategy.

Efectividad y tolerancia de la adición de risperidona en el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo con mala respuesta terapéutica a inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina / Effectiveness and tolerability of addition of risperidone in obsessive-compulsive disorder with poor response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Introducción. Existen algunas series de casos publicadas que sugieren la posible efectividad de los antipsicóticos, tanto típicos como atípicos, asociados a los antidepresivos inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina (IRS) en el tratamiento del trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC) con mala respuesta terapéutica, aunque el uso en monoterapia de estos antipsicóticos no parece eficaz o incluso puede exacerbar síntomas obsesivos, sobre todo en pacientes psicóticos. El objetivo de esta recogida de datos fue evaluar la efectividad de la adición de risperidona al tratamiento habitual con IRS en una muestra más amplia de pacientes con TOC con mala respuesta al tratamiento.Material y métodos. Se trata de una recogida de casos en la que se describen pacientes con criterios de TOC moderado-severo y resistente al tratamiento con un IRS en los que se añadió risperidona como tratamiento concomitante. Los casos recogidos fueron pacientes con: a) duración del tratamiento de al menos 12 semanas; b) dosis adecuadas de IRS, y c) puntuación basal superior a 16 en la escala Y-BOCS. Se tomaron datos de la evolución durante 3 meses. La risperidona se administró inicialmente a dosis bajas (media: 1,5 mg/día) y posteriormente la dosis se ajustaba según criterios clínicos. Clínicamente se evaluó la respuesta terapéutica y la tolerancia con las siguientes medidas: Y-BOCS, ICG de cambio, escala UKU modificada y reacciones adversas comunicadas espontáneamente. Se consideraron como criterios de respuesta: descenso de un 35% o más en la puntuación de la escala Y-BOCS respecto al inicio y puntuación final inferior a 16 e ICG de cambio «bastante o muy mejorado» (puntuación de 1 o 2). Se realizó un análisis por intención de tratar, incluyendo aquellos pacientes con al menos una toma de dosis y al menos una evaluación de efectividad.Resultados. En 31 pacientes existía al menos una valoración de efectividad. Veintiún pacientes de estos 31 (67,8%) se consideraron respondedores al tratamiento. La dosis media de risperidona usada fue de 3,8 mg/día. La tolerancia fue en general buena: no se recogieron efectos adversos graves ni inesperados.Conclusión. La adición de risperidona al tratamiento habitual con IRS en casos de TOC moderado-severo con mala respuesta terapéutica al IRS parece una alternativa efectiva y bien tolerada

Introduction. The addition of typical and atypical antipsychotics in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) resistant to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI) has been reported as a useful augmentation strategy. Although antipsychotic monotherapy has been associated with ineffectiveness and even increase of psychotic symptoms (especially in psychotic patients), antipsychotics as concomitant medications have proven to be effective in several case series and pilot clinical trials. The objective of this case series was to evaluate effectiveness of risperidone as add on therapy to current SRIs treatment in OCD refractory to treatment patients.Material and method. Risperidone add on therapy in moderate and severe treatment resistant OCD patients was reviewed. Case reports were patients fulfilling the following criteria: a) treatment follow-up of at least 12 weeks; b) SRI adequate doses, y c) Y-BOCS scorehigher than 16 score before starting treatment. A three month follow-up period was reviewed. Risperidone starting dose was low (mean 1.5 mg/day) and was increased following clinical criteria. Therapeutic response and tolerability were evalated with the following scales: Y-BOCS, CGI of change, UKU (neurological subscale) and spontaneous reported adverse events. Response criteria were the following: at least 35% of reduction in Y-BOCS from basal score and final score less than 16 and CGI-C «much improved» or «very much improved» (score 1 or 2). Intention to treat analysis was performed (patients who reported at least one risperidone dose and effectiveness measure).Results. 31 patients had at least one effectiveness evaluation and 21/31 patients (67.8 %) were considered treatment responders. Mean risperidone dose was 3.8 mg/day. In general, risperidone was well tolerated: serious or unexpected adverse event were not reported.Conclusion. Risperidone as add on therapy to SRIs in moderate-severe, refractory to treatment OCD patients, may be an effective and safe strategy

Efectividad y tolerancia de la adición de risperidona en el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo con mala respuesta terapéutica a inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina (IRS) / Effectiveness and tolerability of risperidone augmentation therapy in obsessive-compulsive disorder with poor response to serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Introducción: Hay algunas series de casos publicadas que sugieren la posible efectividad de los antipsicóticos, tanto típicos como atípicos, asociados a los antidepresivos inhibidores de la recaptación de serotonina (IRS) en el tratamiento del trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo (TOC) con mala respuesta terapéutica; aunque el uso en monoterapia de estos antipsicóticos no parece eficaz o, incluso, puede exacerbar síntomas obsesivos, sobre todo en pacientes psicóticos. El objetivo de esta recogida de datos fue evaluar la efectividad de la adición de risperidona al tratamiento habitual con IRS en una muestra más amplia de pacientes con TOC con mala respuesta al tratamiento. Material y métodos: Se trata de una recogida de casos en la que se describen pacientes con criterios de TOC moderado-severo y resistente al tratamiento con un IRS en los que se añadió risperidona como tratamiento concomitante. Los casos recogidos fueron pacientes con: a) duración del tratamiento de, al menos, 12 semanas; b) dosis adecuadas de IRS; c) puntuación basal > 16 en la escala Y-BOCS (Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale). Se tomaron datos de la evolución durante 3 meses. La risperidona se administró inicialmente a dosis bajas (media, 1,5 mg/día) y posteriormente la dosis se ajustaba según criterios clínicos. Clínicamente se evaluó la respuesta terapéutica y la tolerancia con las siguientes medidas: Y-BOCS, impresión clínica global (ICG) de cambio, escala UKU modificada y reacciones adversas comunicadas espontáneamente. Se consideraron como criterios de respuesta: descenso de un 35% o más en la puntuación de la escala Y-BOCS respecto al inicio y puntuación final < 16 e ICG de cambio "bastante o muy mejorado" (puntuación de 1 o 2). Se realizó un análisis por intención de tratar, en el que se incluyeron los pacientes con al menos una toma de dosis y al menos una evaluación de efectividad. Resultados: En 31 pacientes existía al menos una valoración de efectividad. De estos 31 pacientes, 21 (67,8%) se consideraron respondedores al tratamiento. La dosis media de risperidona usada fue de 3,8 mg/día. La tolerancia fue en general buena, no se recogieron efectos adversos graves ni inesperados. Conclusión: La adición de risperidona al tratamiento habitual con IRS en casos de TOC moderado-grave con mala respuesta terapéutica al IRS parece una alternativa efectiva y bien tolerada

Introduction: The addition of typical and atypical antipsychotics in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) refractory to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRI) has been reported to be a useful augmentation strategy. Although antipsychotic monotherapy has been associated with ineffectiveness and even exacerbation of psychotic symptoms (especially in psychotic patients), antipsychotics as concomitant medications have proven to be effective in several case series and pilot clinical trials. The objective of this case series was to evaluate the effectiveness of risperidone as an augmentation strategy to current SRI treatment in patients with OCD refractory to treatment. Material and Methods: Risperidone add-on therapy in patients with moderate and severe OCD refractory to SRI treatment was reviewed. Cases were patients fulfilling the following criteria: a) Treatment follow-up of at least 12 weeks. b) Adequate SRI doses. c) Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) score higher than 16 before starting treatment. A 3-month follow-up period was reviewed. The risperidone starting dose was low (mean 1.5 mg/day) and was increased according to clinical criteria. Effectiveness and safety were evaluated through the following scales: Y-BOCS, Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGI-C), Udvalg for Kliniske Undersgelser (UKU) (neurological subscale) and spontaneously reported adverse events. Response criteria were the following: a reduction of at least 35% in the Y-BOCS from baseline score and a final score of less than 16, and a CGI-C of "much improved" or "very much improved" (score 1 or 2). An intention-to-treat analysis was performed (patients that reported at least one risperidone dose and effectiveness measure). Results: At least one effectiveness measure was available in 31 patients. Of the 31 patients, 21 (67.8%) were considered treatment responders. The mean risperidone dose was 3.8 mg/day. In general, risperidone was well tolerated: no serious or unexpected adverse events were reported. Conclusion: Risperidone as augmentation strategy of SRI in patients with moderate-severe OCD refractory to SRI treatment may be a safe and effective strategy

Influence of age, sex, and hepatitis C virus infection on peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in stable kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Young age and hepatitis C virus infection (HCVI) are believed to be risk factors in kidney transplantation recipients. The first group is treated empirically with an intensive immunosuppressive regimen, because it is considered to have high immune alloreactivity. The other cohort usually receives a less intensive regimen to avoid excessive immunosuppressive effects. Our aim was to investigate the influence of age, sex, and HCVI on immune status in stable kidney transplant recipients through measurement of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets. METHODS: Absolute CD3+, CD3+, CD4+, CD3+, CD8+, CD19+, CD16+ CD3- lymphocyte counts and CD4/CD8 ratios were assessed at five time points in 65 stable kidney allograft patients over 12 months. The subsets were compared according to age, sex, and HCVI of the recipients. RESULTS: An inverse association was observed between recipient age and absolute CD19+ and CD3+ CD4+ lymphocyte counts, which was significant at all time points with respect to CD19+ counts, and at three time points with respect to CD3+ CD4+ counts. A significant positive association was observed between recipient age and absolute CD3- CD16+ lymphocyte counts at three time points. Female recipients showed significantly lower CD3+ CD8+ counts and significantly higher CD4/CD8 ratios than male recipients at four time points. HCVI recipients showed significantly lower CD16+ CD3- counts at four time points. CONCLUSIONS: We observed links between immune status and age, sex and HCVI in stable kidney transplant recipients that could offer new insights into recommendations for maintenance immunosuppression.