Tratamiento de la fractura conminuta de patela: ¿existen diferencias entre realizar o no una eversión? / Treatment of comminuted patellar fracture: are there differences between performing or not performing an eversion?

OBJETIVO Comparar los resultados clínicos, funcionales e imagenológicos de dos técnicas quirúrgicas para el manejo de fracturas conminutas de patela: con y sin eversión patelar. MÉTODOS En una serie de casos retrospectivos de fracturas conminutas de patela tratadas en el mismo centro entre 2014 y 2017, con un seguimiento ≥ 3 meses, se hizo una comparación entre el grupo con eversión y el grupo sin eversión. Los criterios de exclusión fueron patelectomía parcial o total, reinserción tendínea, o rehabilitación incompleta. Las variables analizadas fueron edad, sexo, tabaquismo, diabetes mellitus, energía del accidente, tipo de fractura, variables quirúrgicas (banda de tensión, tornillos, alambres, nudos, cerclaje circular), rango de movimiento (RDM) articular postoperatorio, presencia de osteosíntesis sintomática, puntaje de escalas funcionales (de Tegner-Lysholm y de Kujala) al alta definitiva, complicaciones (rigidez articular, infección, trombosis venosa profunda), y variables imagenológicos con tomografías computarizadas pre- y postoperatorias (brecha, desnivel articular > 2 mm, elementos de fijación intraarticular). RESULTADOS En total, 20 de 22 pacientes, 13 con eversión y 7 sin eversión, cumplieron con los criterios de selección. El seguimiento fue de 3 a 12 meses, y no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto a las variables demográficas entre ambos grupos, lo cual los hace comparables. Destacaron el tiempo desde el ingreso al alta, con 7 meses para los pacientes con eversión y 5 meses para los sin eversión (p = 0.032), la proporción de pacientes con desnivel articular > 2 mm, con 7.7% para los con eversión y 14.3% para los sin eversión (p = 0.016), y una tendencia a resultados superiores en escalas funcionales para el grupo con eversión. CONCLUSIÓN El tratamiento de fracturas conminutas de patela con eversión parece ser una alternativa viable dados sus resultados imagenológicos y funcionales superiores a los de la técnica habitual.

PURPOSE To compare the clinical, functional and imaging outcomes of two surgical techniques for the treatment of comminuted patellar fractures: with and without eversion. METHODS In a retrospective series of cases of comminuted patellar fractures treated at a single center between 2014 and 2017, with a follow-up 3 months , we performed a comparison between the eversion group and the non-eversion group. The exclusion criteria were partial or total patellectomy, tendon reinsertion, or incomplete rehabilitation. The variables analyzed were age, gender, smoking, diabetes mellitus, the energy of the accident, the fracture type, surgical variables (tension band, screws, wires, knots, circular cerclage), postoperative joint range of motion (ROM), presence of symptomatic osteosynthesis, the scores on the functional scales (of Tegner-Lysholm and of Kujala) at the final discharge, complications (joint stiffness, infection, deep vein thrombosis), and pre- and postoperative computed tomography imaging variables (gap, step-off > 2mm, intra-articular fixation elements). RESULTS In total, 20 out of 22 patients, 13 undegoing eversion and 7 not undergoing eversion, met the selection criteria.. The follow-up ranged from 3 to 12 months, and there were no statistically significant differences regarding the demographic variables between both groups, which makes them comparable. The most remarkable results were the time from admission to final discharge, of 7 months for the patients in the eversion group, and of 5 months for those in the non-eversion group (p » 0.032), the proportion of patients with a step-off > 2 mm, with 7.7% for the eversion group and 14.3% for the non-eversion group (p » 0.016), and a tendency towards higher scores in the functional scales for the eversion group. CONCLUSION The treatment of comminuted patellar fractures with eversion seems to be a viable alternative, given its superior imaging and functional results compared to those of the usual technique.

Luxación expuesta de rodilla: ¿Qué hemos aprendido en los últimos 20 años? / Open knee dislocations: what have we learn about it in the last 20 years?

INTRODUCCIÓN: La luxación expuesta de rodilla es compleja, de incidencia baja con grandes secuelas funcionales. Existen escasos reportes de series en la literatura relativos a su manejo y resultados. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir los resultados obtenidos de todos los pacientes con luxación expuesta de rodilla tratados durante las últimas dos décadas en nuestro hospital bajo un mismo estándar de tratamiento. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en una serie quirúrgica de 11 pacientes con luxación expuesta de rodilla, tratados entre 1994 y 2015. Todos fueron estudiados y manejados según esquema estandarizado: Angiografía/ angioTC, aseo quirúrgico, fijador externo y reparación neurovascular en casos necesarios. Revisión de registros clínicos e imagenológicos consignando datos demográficos, lesiones concomitantes, número y tipo de cirugías, y complicaciones asociadas. Seguimiento promedio fue de 10,7 años con evaluación mediante encuesta funcionales SF-12/IKDC durante el mes de marzo de 2015. RESULTADOS: Diez pacientes eran hombres, 1 mujeres. Edad promedio al accidente 38,6 años. Mecanismo lesional de alta energía; como referencia la clasificación de Schenck, 1 lesión III-M, 4 tipo IV y los 6 restantes una tipo V. 4 lesiones vasculares (36.4%) y 7 lesiones neurológicas (63.6%). Tratamiento definitivo consistió en 4 reconstrucciones ligamentarias, 2 prótesis, 3 artrodesis y 2 amputaciones supracondíleas. Evaluaciones funcionales dieron como resultados un puntaje promedio de 37 y 48,5 para SF-12 físico y mental respectivamente, y de 44,1 para IKDC. CONCLUSIÓN: La luxación expuesta de rodilla es una lesión infrecuente, muy compleja, asociada a accidentes de alta energía, con complicaciones severas, lo que determina resultados funcionales relativamente malos. La estandarización permite sistematizar las distintas etapas de atención, racionalizar los recursos disponibles evitando la improvisación en momentos críticos, lo que podría incidir en la obtención de resultados.

INTRODUCTION: Open knee dislocation is a complex lesion of low incidence and large functional sequelae. There are few series reports in the literature regarding its management and outcomes. OBJECTIVE: Describe the results obtained from all patients with open knee dislocation treated during the last two decades in our hospital under the same treatment standard. METHOD: Retrospective descriptive study in a surgical series of 11 patients with open knee dislocation, treated between 1994 and 2015. All were studied and managed according to a standardized protocol: Angiography/angioCT, surgical debridement, external fixation and neurovascular repair in necessary cases. Review of clinical and imaging records, recording demographic data, concomitant injuries, number and type of surgeries and associated complications. Average follow-up was 10.7 years, with an evaluation through functional surveys SF-12/IKDC during March 2015. RESULTS: 10 patients were men, 1 woman. Average age at accident 38.6 years. High-energy trauma mechanism of injury; Schenk classification as reference, 1 lesion type III-M, 4 type IV and the remaining 6 type V. 4 vascular lesions (41.7%) and 7 neurological lesions (63.6%). Definitive treatment consisted in 4 ligamentous reconstructions, 2 prostheses, 3 arthrodesis and 3 supracondylar amputations. Functional evaluations showed an average score of 37 and 48.5 for SF-12 physical and mental respectively, and 44.1 for IKDC. CONCLUSION: Open knee dislocation is a rare, very complex, associated to high-energy trauma, with severe complications, which determines relatively poor functional outcomes. Standardization allows to systematize the different stages of attention and rationalize available resources avoiding improvisation at critical moments, which could affect the results.

Imported malaria in children in Madrid, Spain, 2007-2013 / Malaria importada en niños en la Comunidad de Madrid, 2007-2013

Background: The majority of malaria cases diagnosed in Europe in the last few years have occurred in people living in non-endemic areas travelling back to their home country to visit friends and relatives (VFRs). Children account for 15-20% of imported malaria, with known higher risk of severe disease. Material and methods: A retrospective multicentre study was conducted in 24 hospitals in Madrid (Spain) including patients under 16 years diagnosed with malaria (2007-2013). Results: A total of 149 episodes in 147 children were reported. Plasmodium falciparum was the species most commonly isolated. Twenty-five patients developed severe malaria and there was one death related to malaria. VFR accounted for 45.8% of our children. Only 17 VFRs had received prophylaxis, and 4 of them taken appropriately. They presented more frequently with fever (98% vs. 69%), a longer time with fever (55 vs. 26%), delay in diagnosis of more than three days (62 vs. 37%), and more thrombocytopenia (65 vs. 33%) than non-VFRs, and with significant differences (p < 0.05). Conclusions: VFRs represent a large proportion of imported malaria cases in our study. They seldom took adequate prophylaxis, and delayed the visit to the physician, increasing the length of fever and subsequent delaying in diagnosis. Appropriate preventive measures, such as education and pre-travel advices should be taken in this population (AU)

Antecedentes: En los últimos años la mayoría de los casos de malaria en Europa se han producido en personas asentadas en zonas no endémicas que viajan a su país de origen para visitar a amigos y familiares (VFR). Los niños representan el 15-20% de la malaria importada, con el conocido alto riesgo de enfermedad grave. Material y métodos: Estudio multicéntrico retrospectivo en 24 hospitales en Madrid, que incluyó pacientes menores de 16 años con diagnóstico de malaria (2007-2013). Resultados: Se registraron 149 episodios en 147 niños. Plasmodium falciparum fue la especie más frecuentemente aislada. Veinticinco niños padecieron paludismo grave y hubo una muerte relacionada con la malaria. Los pacientes VFR representaron el 45,8% de nuestros niños estudiados. Solo 17 de los VFR habían recibido profilaxis y en solo 4 casos la tomaron apropiadamente. Estos pacientes presentaron con más frecuencia fiebre (98% vs 69%), retraso en el diagnóstico más de 3 días (62 vs 37%) y trombocitopenia (65 vs 33%). Conclusiones: Los niños VFR representaron una gran proporción de casos de paludismo importado en nuestro estudio. Rara vez tomaron la profilaxis de forma adecuada. Además estos niños presentaron un mayor retraso en la consulta al médico tras la aparición de síntomas, con el subsiguiente retraso en el diagnóstico. Es necesario tomar las medidas preventivas adecuadas, como la educación o el consejo pre-viaje, en esta población (AU)

Imported malaria in children in Madrid, Spain, 2007-2013.

BACKGROUND: The majority of malaria cases diagnosed in Europe in the last few years have occurred in people living in non-endemic areas travelling back to their home country to visit friends and relatives (VFRs). Children account for 15-20% of imported malaria, with known higher risk of severe disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective multicentre study was conducted in 24 hospitals in Madrid (Spain) including patients under 16 years diagnosed with malaria (2007-2013). RESULTS: A total of 149 episodes in 147 children were reported. Plasmodium falciparum was the species most commonly isolated. Twenty-five patients developed severe malaria and there was one death related to malaria. VFR accounted for 45.8% of our children. Only 17 VFRs had received prophylaxis, and 4 of them taken appropriately. They presented more frequently with fever (98% vs. 69%), a longer time with fever (55 vs. 26%), delay in diagnosis of more than three days (62 vs. 37%), and more thrombocytopenia (65 vs. 33%) than non-VFRs, and with significant differences (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: VFRs represent a large proportion of imported malaria cases in our study. They seldom took adequate prophylaxis, and delayed the visit to the physician, increasing the length of fever and subsequent delaying in diagnosis. Appropriate preventive measures, such as education and pre-travel advices should be taken in this population.

Complicaciones en fracturas de platillos tibiales de alta energía / Complications in high energy tibial plateau fractures

El enfrentamiento y el manejo de las fracturas de platillos tibiales de alta energía representan un desafío para todo cirujano. El compromiso de partes blandas y la conminución articular secundaria a la energía involucrada determinan una mayor tasa de complicaciones y morbilidad. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la tasa de complicaciones en fracturas de platillos tibiales de alta energía. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Estudio clínico imagenológico retrospectivo de fracturas de platillo tibial Schatzker V y VI con mecanismo de alta energía, tratadas con fijador externo y osteosíntesis diferida, entre 2007-2013. Análisis estadístico usando STATA 12.0. RESULTADOS: Cincuenta y dos fracturas se presentaron durante el periodo de estudio, 39 de ellas fueron seleccionadas considerando los criterios de inclusión. Promedio edad 42,4 años, seguimiento 41,8 meses. Complicaciones: neuropraxia 5%, infección Schatzker V (20%) 16,2%, VI (80%) 12,1% (p=0,759). Sin asociación entre infección y edad (p=0,6056), mecanismo involucrado (p=0,131), tiempo de prefijador externo (p=0,0556), ni tiempo en el uso de fijador externo (p=0,53). DISCUSIÓN: Las fracturas de platillos tibiales secundarias a traumatismos de alta energía se asocian a un importante compromiso de partes blandas. La reducción y osteosíntesis inmediata determina altas tasas de complicaciones; utilizar fijador externo transitorio las disminuiría. El abordaje anterior en línea media ha mostrado elevadas complicaciones, mientras que el uso de doble abordaje regularía esta situación. CONCLUSIÓN: Al afrontar el tratamiento de las fracturas de platillos tibiales de alta energía debemos considerar el uso de fijador externo transitorio para un adecuado control de la fractura y de las partes blandas para la cirugía definitiva.

The approach and management of high energy tibial plateau fractures is a challenge for every surgeon. Soft tissue injuries and joint comminution due to the energy involved are associated with a higher rate of complications and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the rate of complications in high energy tibial plateau fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective imaging-clinical study of Schatzker type V and IV high-energy tibial plateau fractures, treated with an external fixation and delayed osteosynthesis, was conducted between 2007 and 2013. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 12.0. RESULTS: A total of 52 fractures were treated during the study period, of which 39 met the criteria for selection. The mean age of the patients was 42.4 years, with a follow-up time of 41.8 months. The complications include, neuropraxia, 5%, Schatzker V infection (20%), 16.2%, and Vl (80%), 12.1% (P=.759). There was no relationship between infection and age (P=.6056), mechanism involved (P=.131), time between accidents and the installation of an external fixator (P=.0556), or the time used for external fixation (P=.53). DISCUSSION: High-energy tibial plateau fractures are associated with significant soft tissue injuries. Immediate reduction and osteosynthesis are determining factors for high rates of complications, while using transient external fixation should decrease them. A midline anterior approach has shown increased complications, while a double approach could improve this situation. CONCLUSION: The approach to high energy tibial plateau fractures must consider the use of a temporary external fixation for an adequate control of the fracture and the soft tissue for a definitive surgical treatment.

Factores de riesgo asociados a candidemia en pacientes críticos no neutropénicos en Colombia / Risk factors for candidemia in non-neutropenic critical patients in Colombia

OBJETIVOS: Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a candidemia en pacientes críticos de 7 unidades de cuidados intensivos de Colombia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de casos y controles pareado, multicéntrico, retrospectivo, en 7 unidades de cuidados intensivos de 3 hospitales universitarios. Se tomaron datos de duración de la estancia hospitalaria global (incluyendo salas generales) y en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 243 participantes (81 casos y 162 controles) entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2012. Se aislaron en orden de frecuencia C. albicans, C. tropicalis y C. parapsilosis. Los principales factores de riesgo identificados fueron: tiempo de estancia hospitalaria global>25 días (OR 5,33; IC 95% 2,6-10,9), uso de meropenem (OR 3,75; IC 95% 1,86-7,5), cirugía abdominal (OR 2,9; IC 95% 1,39-6,06) y hemodiálisis (OR 3,35; IC 95% 1,5-7,7). No se encontraron diferencias en mortalidad entre los grupos de pacientes con candidemia y el grupo control (39,5 frente a 36,5%; p = 0,66). CONCLUSIONES: Se identificaron como factores de riesgo para candidemia en Colombia la larga estancia hospitalaria, la cirugía abdominal, el uso de meropenem y la hemodiálisis

OBJECTIVES: Due to the increase in isolation of Candida spp. in critically ill patients, and the high mortality and economic costs which this infection entails, a study was made of the risk factors associated to candidemia in critically ill patients from 7 intensive care units in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter matched case-control study was conducted in 7 intensive care units of 3 university hospitals. Data on overall length of hospital stay (including both general wards and the intensive care unit) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 243 subjects (81 cases and 162 controls) between January 2008 and December 2012 were included. In order of frequency, C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis were isolated. The main identified risk factors were: overall length of hospital stay>25 days (OR 5.33, 95% CI 2.6-10.9), use of meropenem (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.86-7.5), abdominal surgery (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.39-6.06) and hemodialysis (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.5-7.7). No differences in mortality between patients with candidemia and controls were found (39.5 vs. 36.5%, respectively, P=.66) were found. CONCLUSIONS: In Colombia, a long hospital stay, abdominal surgery, the use of meropenem and hemodialysis were identified as risk factors for candidemia

Risk factors for candidemia in non-neutropenic critical patients in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Due to the increase in isolation of Candida spp. in critically ill patients, and the high mortality and economic costs which this infection entails, a study was made of the risk factors associated to candidemia in critically ill patients from 7 intensive care units in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter matched case-control study was conducted in 7 intensive care units of 3 university hospitals. Data on overall length of hospital stay (including both general wards and the intensive care unit) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 243 subjects (81 cases and 162 controls) between January 2008 and December 2012 were included. In order of frequency, C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis were isolated. The main identified risk factors were: overall length of hospital stay>25 days (OR 5.33, 95% CI 2.6-10.9), use of meropenem (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.86-7.5), abdominal surgery (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.39-6.06) and hemodialysis (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.5-7.7). No differences in mortality between patients with candidemia and controls were found (39.5 vs. 36.5%, respectively, P=.66) were found. CONCLUSIONS: In Colombia, a long hospital stay, abdominal surgery, the use of meropenem and hemodialysis were identified as risk factors for candidemia.

[Retroperitoneal lipoblastoma in an infant. A case report]. / Lipoblastoma retroperitoneal en un lactante. Caso clínico.

INTRODUCTION: Lipoblastoma is a benign neoplasia of the adipose tissue. It is a rare conditionand almost exclusively presents in children under 3 years old. It usually occurs in extremities as a painless volume increase of progressive growth, with the definitive diagnosis being established by pathological and cytogenetic analysis. The treatment of choice is complete resection, and follow-up period of up to five years is recommended due to a recurrence of up to 25%. OBJECTIVE: To present an unusual location of this uncommon condition in an infant, and review the related literature. CASE REPORT: A sixteen-month child with an increase in abdominal growth of six-months progression, associated with a decreased food intake, and with no other symptoms. The imaging study revealed a lipoid-like image compromising almost the entire abdominal cavity, very suggestive of lipoblastoma. A resection was performed on an 18cm diameter retroperitoneal tumour that rejected the adjacent organs. Histological analysis was enough to confirm diagnosis without the need for cytogenetic analysis. The follow-up showed no recurrence of the disease. CONCLUSION: Given the rarity of this disease and its unusual presentation, we communicate this clinical case, in order to be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal mass in chilhood.

Infecciones del tracto urinario bajo en adultos y embarazadas: consenso para el manejo empírico / Lower Urinary Tract Infections in Adults and Pregnant Women: A Consensus for Empirical Treatment

Introducción: La infección no complicada del tracto urinario bajo y la bacteriuria asintomática son causas frecuentes de consulta médica ambulatoria y en el servicio de urgencias en Colombia y el mundo. La falta de pautas y consenso para el manejo, así como la emergencia de resistencia a las múltiples opciones terapéuticas disponibles en los uropatógenos provenientes de la comunidad, hacen necesario elaborar unas recomendaciones que orienten al clínico sobre el abordaje óptimo de estas entidades. Objetivo: Definir un consenso sobre el manejo empírico de la bacteriuria asintomática y la infección del tracto urinario (ITU) bajo en adultos y mujeres embarazadas en Colombia. Metodología: Se lleva a cabo una metodología de consenso con expertos en urología, infectología, medicina interna, ginecología y microbiología basada en la revisión de las referencias bibliográficas disponibles en los términos de búsqueda relacionados, haciendo énfasis en estudios locales. Resultados: Se elaboró un algoritmo de manejo para el tratamiento empírico de la ITU baja no complicada en adultos con antisépticos urinarios como nitrofurantoína y fosfomicina trometamol como primera línea, con recomendaciones terapéuticas específicas para el tratamiento de la bacteriuria asintomática en mujeres embarazadas. Adicionalmente, se formuló un algoritmo de decisión para el procesamiento de cultivos de orina. La recurrencia o recaída frecuente justifica remisión a urología e infectología. Conclusiones: Se generan recomendaciones prácticas de fácil implementación en el diagnóstico y manejo de la ITU bajo en adultos y embarazadas, y de los casos donde es necesario tratar la bacteriuria asintomática, con opciones terapéuticas efectivas y de espectro reducido.

Background: Uncomplicated infection of the lower urinary tract and asymptomatic bacteriuria are frequent causes of visits to outpatient clinics and emergency departments in Colombia and worldwide. The lack of guidelines and a consensus for their management, and the emergence of resistance of community-based uropathogens to the available therapeutic options, make it necessary to develop recommendations to guide clinicians on the optimal approach to these entities. Objective: Define a consensus for the empiric management of asymptomatic bacteriuria and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in adults and pregnant women in Colombia. Methods: We carried out a consensus methodology with experts in urology, infectious diseases, internal medicine, gynecology and clinical microbiology; based on reviewing the available literature on the related terms, and emphasizing local studies. Results: We developed a management algorithm for the empirical treatment of uncomplicated lower UTI in adults with urinary antiseptics such as nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin trometamol as first line, with specific therapeutic recommendations for the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women. Additionally, we created a decision algorithm for processing urine cultures. Frequent recurrence or relapse justifies referral to urology and infectious disease professionals. Conclusions: We generated straightforward and easy-to-implement recommendations for the diagnosis and management of UTI in adults and pregnant women, and in cases where it is necessary to treat asymptomatic bacteriuria, with effective therapeutic and narrow spectrum options.

Caracterización de la onda P300 en pacientes colombianos con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia / Characterization of P300 Wave in Colombian patients with a schizophrenia diagnose

Objetivo: Evaluar la amplitud y latencia de la onda P300 en un grupo de pacientes con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia. Método: Se seleccionó un grupo de 36 pacientes con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia en período de remisión y el mismo número de controles, pareados por edad y sexo, sin antecedentes de enfermedad neurológica ni psiquiátrica. Se realizaron potenciales evocados cognitivos, para obtener la amplitud y latencia de la onda P300 en todos los sujetos, con cuatro electrodos activos ubicados en F3, Fz, Cz y Pz, según el sistema electroencefalográfico 10-20. Se realizó un análisis de varianzas de medidas repetidas para evaluar las diferencias entre los grupos. Resultados: En todos los electrodos se obtuvo una amplitud disminuida y una prolongación de la latencia en el grupo de pacientes; las diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05). Conclusiones: Este es el primer estudio de la onda P300 en esquizofrenia realizado en una población colombiana. Se encontraron resultados similares a los reportados en otros estudios internacionales a partir de los cuales se concluye que las alteraciones de la onda P300 en pacientes con esquizofrenia se pueden considerar un endofenotipo o marcador biológico del trastorno, que podría permitir usar esta metodología en otro tipo de estudios biológicos. Sin embargo, la baja especificidad de la técnica es un gran limitante para su utilización como prueba diagnóstica...

Objetive: To assess the P300 wave amplitude and latency in a group of patients dianosed with schizophrenia. Methods: A group of 36 schizophrenic patients in remission stage and the same number of healthy controls were selected, paired by age and sex, with NO personal history of neurologic disease and NO family history of psychiatric disorders. Cognitive event-related potentials were performed to obtain the P300 wave amplitude and latency, USING four active electrodes PLACED at F3, Fz, Cz and Pz, according to the 10-20 electroencephalographic system. A repeatedmeasures ANOVA test was used to evaluate the differences between the groups Results: A decreased amplitud and a prolonged latency in all electrodes were found in the patient group. The differences were statistically significant (<0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study on P300 wave in schizophrenia performed in Colombia. Similar results to those reported in other international case-control studies were found and, as such, it was concluded that the P300 wave abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia may be considered as an endophenotype, or a biological marker of this disorder that would allow using this methodology in other types of biological studies. However, the low specificity of this technique limits its use as a diagnostic test...

[Triple therapy of short-term with azithromycin, amoxycillin and omeprazole for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori]. / Terapia triple de corto tiempo con azitromicina, amoxicilina y omeprazol para la erradicación del Helicobacter pylori.

BACKGROUND: The high cost and complexity of therapeutic schemes for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori has stimulated the search of simpler and cheaper treatment options. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of 3 days of azithromycin 500 mg od, 7 days of amoxycillin 750 mg tid and omeprazole, 20 (Group A) or 40 mg (Group B) on randomization, as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with endoscopically diagnosed peptic ulcer. METHODS: H. pylori status of peptic ulcer patients was pathologically confirmed by the examination of five gastric biopsies using the Giemsa stain and by rapid urease testing in two gastric biopsies. H. pylori status was reassessed not less than 28 days after completing treatment. Adverse events and compliance were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty four patients (29 men, 25 women, mean age 48 years) were enrolled, 28 in Group A and 27 in Group B. Per protocol the infection was cured in 58.8% of patients (30/51; 95% CI: 45-73%). On an intention to treat basis, H pylori infection was cured in 55%. Minor side effects including diarrhea and nausea were reported by 32% of patients. Ninety-five per cent of patients consumed more than 95% of prescribed medications. H. pylori was successfully eradicated in 61% of group A and 57% of group B patients (p = NS). CONCLUSION: Short term therapy with azithromycin was poorly effective in curing H. pylori infection. The compliance was excellent. Increasing Omeprazole from 20 to 40 mg/day did not improve treatment effectiveness.

Evaluación nutricional de harina y subproductos de kañihua como substituto parcial de trigo en panificación / Nutritional value of bread made with partial replacement of wheat with kañihua: chenopodium pallidicaule

En la elaboración de los panes se utilizó harina de kañihua, harina integral de kañihua y harina de kañihua afrechillo de kañihua (50:50). Se sustituyó el 10 por ciento de la harina de trigo por dichos sucedáneos y se utilizó una formula panadera similar al pan de trigo. Se analizó el contenido nutricional de las harinas subproductos y panes. Los valores del contenido proteico de los panes de kañihua presentaron valores de 12 a 13 g/100 g (base seca) y no demostraron porcentualmente se superiores al pan de trigo. La calidad nutritiva de los panes se evaluó en ratas por los métodos de la utilización de la proteína neta (NPU) y digestibilidad aparente (DAp) de nitrógeno. Los valores promedio del NPU y de DAp de los panes con kañihua fueron: pan con harina de kañihua 39 por ciento y 75 por ciento, pan con harina integral de kañihua 43 por ciento y 80 por ciento, pan mezcla de harina de kañihua y afrechillo 39 por ciento y 79 por ciento, respectivamente. Los valores promedio del NPU y de DAp de los panes de trigo control fueron de 39 por ciento y 90 por ciento, respectivamente. Por lo tanto, los diversos panes experimentales de kañihua no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto al pan de trigo control (p < 0,05)

Development and evaluation of an ELISA to detect Escherichia coli K88 (F4) fimbrial antibody levels.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine IgG antibody levels against K88 (F4) fimbrial antigen from porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) has been developed. The ELISA method was checked with serum samples obtained from rabbits and pigs, and the parameters affecting the method were also analysed. ELISA plates were optimally coated with K88 antigen 0.5 microgram/ml for testing rabbit antiserum or with 1.25 microgram/ml for testing pig serum. Optimal concentrations of H202 (0.5%) and orthophenylene-diamine (OPD) (0.125%) were chosen when a 10-min incubation period was used. The expression of antibody levels as enzyme-immunosorbent units (EIU) significantly decreased the variability of results between duplicate plates, when compared with the expression of results as direct OD values. ELISA-K88 applied to a field study with serum samples from 141 vaccinated and 52 unvaccinated sows was shown to be useful in differentiating between samples from vaccinated and unvaccinated animals.

A comparison of the marginal and internal adaptation of titanium and gold-platinum-palladium metal ceramic crowns.

The marginal and internal adaptation of metal ceramic crowns fabricated by electrical discharge machining and conventional metal ceramic alloys were compared. The crowns were cemented using zinc phosphate cement, embedded in epoxy resin, and sectioned in two planes: diagonal and buccolingual. The crowns were then measured at nine sites. The results showed that there were no statistical differences between the external marginal opening of the titanium and the gold-platinum-palladium crowns. The overall marginal discrepancies for the restorations in this study were 61 microns (+/- 34 microns) for the titanium metal ceramic crowns and 47 microns (+/- 17 microns) for the gold-platinum-palladium metal ceramic crowns.

Kaposi's sarcoma in Colombia.

Seventy-nine cases of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), which correspond to one of every 1,000 malignant tumors, were reviewed at the National Institute of Cancer (NIC), Bogotá, Colombia, from 1935 to 1985. Seventy-four percent of the patients were older than 65 years of age. The male to female ratio was 8:1. In all cases, plaques and nodules first appeared in the lower limbs; they were symmetrical in 47% of the cases and ulcerated in 25%. No generalized or epidemic forms were seen. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma concurrent with KS was observed in one case. KS developed several years after treatment for follicular lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in two patients. An angiosarcomatous variant and one fibrosarcomatous change were seen. Ten cases studied for factor VIII expression through the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) technique were all reactive. We conclude that in Colombia before 1985, KS behaved as a chronic multicentric Stage I disease without a tendency to associate simultaneously with malignant conditions.