Dual neoadjuvant blockade plus chemotherapy versus monotherapy for the treatment of women with non-metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the effect of dual anti-HER2 blockade compared to monotherapy on clinically important outcomes. METHODS: We carried out a systematic review updated until July 2022. The outcomes included pathological complete response (pCR), clinical response, event-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: We identified eleven randomized clinical trials (2836 patients). When comparing paclitaxel plus dual treatment versus paclitaxel plus trastuzumab or lapatinib, dual treatment was associated with a higher probability of achieving a pathological complete response (OR 2.88, 95% CI 2.02-4.10). Addition of a taxane to an anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide and fluorouracil, plus lapatinib or trastuzumab, showed that the dual treatment was better than lapatinib alone (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.41-4.34), or trastuzumab alone (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.13-3.16). Dual treatment may result in an increase in survival outcomes and tumour clinical response, although such benefits are not consistent for all the combinations studied. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dual blockade with combinations of trastuzumab and pertuzumab can be recommended for the neoadjuvant treatment of women with HER2-positive breast cancer. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42018110273.

Síndrome De Herlyn ­ Werner ­ Wünderlich. A proposito de un caso / Herlyn ­ Werner ­ Wünderlich Syndrome. About a case

Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 11 años que presento un cuadro clínico de oligomenorrea, leucorrea y dolor pélvico tipo cólico. Se ha pensado por el dolor abdominal en la posibilidad de apendicitis modificada por lo que se realizó ecografía pélvica con los hallazgos de útero didelfo, quiste anexial derecho y agenesia renal izquierda, datos compatibles con síndrome de Herlyn ­ Werner ­ Wünderlich

We present the case of an 11-year-old patient who presented a clinical picture of oligomenorrhea, leucorrhoea and pelvic pain type colic. It has been thought for abdominal pain in the possibility of modified appendicitis so pelvic ultrasound was performed with the findings of didelphic uterus, right adnexal cyst and left renal agenesis, data compatible with Herlyn ­ Werner ­ Wünderlich syndrome.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in the South American-Caribbean region: An epidemiological overview.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) comprise 13 hereditary neurodegenerative pathologies of very low frequency that affect individuals of all ages around the world. All NCLs share a set of symptoms that are similar to other diseases. The exhaustive collection of data from diverse sources (clinical, genetic, neurology, ophthalmology, etc.) would allow being able in the future to define this group with greater precision for a more efficient diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Despite the large amount of information worldwide, a detailed study of the characteristics of the NCLs in South America and the Caribbean region (SA&C) has not yet been done. Here, we aim to present and analyse the multidisciplinary evidence from all the SA&C with qualitative weighting and biostatistical evaluation of the casuistry. Seventy-one publications from seven countries were reviewed, and data from 261 individuals (including 44 individuals from the Cordoba cohort) were collected. Each NCL disease, as well as phenotypical and genetic data were described and discussed in the whole group. The CLN2, CLN6, and CLN3 disorders are the most frequent in the region. Eighty-seven percent of the individuals were 10 years old or less at the onset of symptoms. Seizures were the most common symptom, both at onset (51%) and throughout the disease course, followed by language (16%), motor (15%), and visual impairments (11%). Although symptoms were similar in all NCLs, some chronological differences could be observed. Sixty DNA variants were described, ranging from single nucleotide variants to large chromosomal deletions. The diagnostic odyssey was probably substantially decreased after medical education activities promoted by the pharmaceutical industry and parent organizations in some SA&C countries. There is a statistical deviation in the data probably due to the approval of the enzyme replacement therapy for CLN2 disease, which has led to a greater interest among the medical community for the early description of this pathology. As a general conclusion, it became clear in this work that the combined bibliographical/retrospective evaluation approach allowed a general overview of the multidisciplinary components and the epidemiological tendencies of NCLs in the SA&C region.

Low-molecular-weight heparin for prevention of preeclampsia and other placenta-mediated complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence on the impact of low-molecular-weight heparin, alone or in combination with low-dose aspirin, for the prevention for preeclampsia in high-risk patients is conflicting. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies published to assess the effectiveness of low-molecular-weight heparin for the prevention of preeclampsia and other placenta-related complications in high-risk women. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was performed to identify relevant studies, using the databases PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, without publication time restrictions. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin or unfractionated heparin (with or without low-dose aspirin), in high-risk women, defined as either history of preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, fetal demise, or miscarriage or being at high risk after first-trimester screening of preeclampsia. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: The systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook guidelines. The primary outcome was the development of preeclampsia. We performed prespecified subgroup analyses according to combination with low-dose aspirin, low-molecular-weight heparin type, gestational age when treatment was started, and study population (patients with thrombophilia, at high risk of preeclampsia or miscarriage). Secondary outcomes included small for gestational age, perinatal death, miscarriage, and placental abruption. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random-effects model. Quality of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation methodology. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies (2795 participants) were included. In high-risk women, treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin was associated with a reduction in the development of preeclampsia (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.90; P=.010); small for gestational age (odds ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.85; P=.003), and perinatal death (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.94; P=.030). This reduction was stronger if low-molecular-weight heparin was started before 16 weeks' gestation (13 studies, 2474 participants) for preeclampsia (odds ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.76; P=.0004). When only studies including low-dose aspirin as an intervention were analyzed (6 randomized controlled trials, 920 participants), a significant reduction was observed in those with combined treatment (low-molecular-weight heparin plus low-dose aspirin) compared with low-dose aspirin alone (odds ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-0.95; P=.030). Overall, adverse events were neither serious nor significantly different. Quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate, mostly because of the lack of blinding, imprecision, and inconsistency. CONCLUSION: Low-molecular-weight heparin use was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of preeclampsia and other placenta-mediated complications in high-risk women and when treatment was started before 16 weeks' gestation. Combined treatment with low-dose aspirin was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of preeclampsia compared with low-dose aspirin alone. However, there exists important clinical and statistical heterogeneity, and therefore, these results merit confirmation in large well-designed clinical trials.

Eligibility criteria for menopausal hormone therapy (MHT): A consortium of scientific societies for the use of MHT in women with medical conditions. Research protocol.

The objective of this project is to create eligibility criteria for the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) similar to those established for contraceptive methods. A consortium of scientific societies coordinated by the Spanish Menopause Society met to formulate recommendations for the use of MHT by patients with medical conditions based on the best available evidence. The project protocol, which was registered in the Open Science Framework platform (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/J6WBC), will be conducted in two phases. As a first step we will conduct a series of systematic reviews on the safety of MHT, addressing eight clinical questions. The findings of these systematic reviews will help to inform a structured process in which a panel of experts will define the eligibility criteria according to a specific framework, which will facilitate the discussion and development process. For the first time, a set of eligibility criteria, based on clinical evidence and developed according to the most rigorous methodological tools, will be defined. This will provide health professionals with a powerful decision-making tool that can be used in the management of menopausal symptoms.

TLR4 and TLR9 polymorphisms are not associated with either rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus in Mexican patients.

Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated signaling pathways induce a proinflammatory microenvironment to eradicate pathogens. However, in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), TLRs can promote chronic inflammation. It has been shown that some TLR4 and TLR9 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are risk factors for RA and SLE, but these findings have not been replicated in all populations; thus, results are inconclusive. We evaluated the TLR4 Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile, - 1892G/A SNPs, and the TLR9 Pro545Pro SNP to assess potential associations with RA and SLE in Mexican patients. This study included 474 patients with RA, 283 patients with SLE, and 424 healthy controls. We used a 5' nuclease allelic discrimination assay to genotype individuals for the four TLR4 and TLR9 polymorphisms. We found that the genotype or allelic frequencies of the TLR4 Asp299Gly, Thr399Ile, - 1892G/A, and TLR9 Pro545Pro polymorphisms were similar between patients and controls. We found no association under different genetic models. A haplotype analysis of TLR4 showed no association with either RA or SLE. We found no significant differences in the allelic or genotypic frequencies of TLR4 Asp299Gly, Thr399IIe, - 1892G/A, or TLR9 Pro545Pro between patients and controls. These findings suggested that these variants are not risk factors for RA or SLE in Mexican patients.

"Atypical" Phenotypes of Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis: The Argentine Experience in the Genomic Era

ABSTRACT Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) refers to a group of inherited lysosomal storage disorders characterized by the intracellular accumulation of ceroid-lipofuscin compounds and neurodegeneration. Fourteen genes are currently recognized with disease-causing DNA variants: PPT1/CLN1, TPP1/CLN2, CLN3, DNAJC5/CLN4, CLN5, CLN6, MFSD8/CLN7, CLN8, CTSD/CN10, GRN/CLN11, ATP13A2/CLN12, CTSF/CLN13, KCTD7/CLN14, TBCK/CLN15. In the frame of the Cordoba cohort, we studied N=51 cases. The aim of this paper is the observational and retrospective analysis of the "atypical" phenotypes. PCR-Sanger sequencing and/or massive exome sequencing were used as a screening methodology. One CLN1 subject showed an atypical prolonged (P) phenotype with null PPT1 activity and a heterozygous compound genotype: E5 c.451C>T, p.Arg151*/g.6302T>G (I3 c.363-3T>G). Other 11 CLN2 individuals (except one girl) showed TPP1 activity decreased to around 10% of the minimum value of the reference interval in leukocytes and saliva. The DNA variants E7 c.827A>T, p.Asp276Val and I7 c.887-10A>G were the most prevalent. One CLN8 individual showed an atypical congenital phenotype with a heterozygous combination of DNA variants: E2 c.1A>G, p.?/E3 c.792C>G, p.Asn264Lys. Massive sequencing was installed as a screening methodology for the precision diagnosis of atypical CLN1, CLN2, and CLN8 phenotypes. A genetic/phenotypic local registry is under construction.

[Mexican consensus on fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in asthma 2020]. / Consenso mexicano en relación con la fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico (FeNO) en asma 2020.

The fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is related to the level of eosinophilic inflammation in the airways and the levels of interleukin-13, as such it could be a diagnostic and monitoring tool in asthma. A working group was convened between pulmonologists, respiratory physiology experts, and allergists to establish criteria for the use of FeNO in asthma in Mexico. Through a simplified Delphi method and group discussion, seven key points regarding the use of FeNO were agreed upon. We agree that the measurement of FeNO serves for the diagnosis of asthma in specialized clinics, both in children and adults, as well as to determine the level of corticosteroid treatment. In severe asthma, we recommend FeNO for endotyping, for detecting poor therapeutic adherence, undertreatment, and the risk of crisis. We suggest FeNO can be used to determine the level of corticosteroid treatment and to identify patients at risk of loss of lung function. We also recommend it in adults to improve the selection of biological therapy and, in this context, we only suggest it in selected cases for children.

La fracción exhalada de óxido nítrico (FeNO) se relaciona con el nivel de inflamación eosinofílica en las vías aéreas y los niveles de interleucina-13, por lo que podría ser una herramienta diagnóstica y de seguimiento en el asma. Se convocó un grupo de trabajo integrado por neumólogos, expertos en fisiología de la respiración y alergólogos, con la finalidad de establecer criterios para el uso de la FeNO en asma en México. Mediante un método Delphi simplificado y discusión grupal, se consensaron varios puntos clave en relación con el uso de la FeNO. Sugerimos que la medición de la FeNO sirve para el diagnóstico de asma en clínicas especializadas, tanto en niños como adultos, así como para determinar el nivel de tratamiento con corticosteroides. En asma grave, recomendamos la FeNO para la endotipificación, detectar la mala adherencia terapéutica, el subtratamiento y el riesgo de crisis. Sugerimos su uso para determinar el nivel de tratamiento con corticosteroides e identificar pacientes con riesgo de tener una pérdida de la función pulmonar. También la recomendamos en el adulto para mejorar la elección de medicamentos biológicos y, en este contexto, solo la sugerimos en casos selectos en niños.

Effects of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in cardiovascular health care quality improvements: A systematic review.

Background: The development of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) has increasing global growth; however, the certainty of impact on patients and health systems, as well as the magnitude of the impact, is not apparent. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of the application of CPGs for the improvement of the quality of health care in three domains: structure, process and results in the patient for the management of cardiovascular disease. Methods: We followed the methods described by the Cochrane Handbook and present a descriptive analysis because of the high heterogeneity found across the included studies. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, as well as the grey literature, between 1990 and June 2016. No language restrictions were applied. Only randomised clinical trials (RCTs) were selected. Three authors independently carried out the data extraction, using a modified version of the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care form. Results: Of the total of 84 interventions included in the nine RCTs evaluated, three (4%) were related to health care structure, 54 (64%) to the health care delivery process and 27 (32%) to patient outcomes. Regarding the impact of using the CPGs, in 55 interventions (65%), there were no significant differences between control and experimental groups. In four interventions (5%), the result favoured the control group, and the result favoured the intervention group on 25 of the interventions (30%). Conclusions: This systematic review showed that CPGs could be useful to improve the process and structure of health care and, to a lesser extent, to improve the results in patients. However, evidence was weak. There are probably still undiscovered variables that interfere with the use of the CPGs and, therefore, with their impact. Therefore, more studies of good quality are needed. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42013003589.

Post-operative pain management among surgical trauma patients in an acute ward: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION: Effective pain management should be one of the main goals of healthcare professionals. The trauma unit of a hospital in an urban area of Spain carried out an implementation project, guided by the evidence-based criteria from JBI, to put in place the processes and initiatives needed to reduce post-operative pain. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this implementation project was to promote evidence-based practice in managing post-operative pain. METHODS: A pre-post implementation audit was implemented using the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System (PACES) and Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tool. Each audit included 30 post-operative patients from a randomized sample who were evaluated before the project started and six months after key strategies had been implemented. The criteria were audited according to evidence-based process criteria. RESULTS: At the baseline audit, the compliance percentages for the evidence-based criteria ranged from 10% to 43%. Seven obstacles were identified in relation to post-operative pain management. Following the GRiP table, the team established a series of strategies and resources to implement the improvement actions. When the implementation period ended, all the criteria had improved. CONCLUSIONS: The quality improvement cycle allowed us to implement the clinical best practice recommendations, with subsequent outcome improvements for patients. Future audits should be performed to drive new cycles of improvement in evidence-based practice.

Preliminary experience of an expert panel using Triangle Wound Assessment for the evaluation of chronic wounds.

OBJECTIVE: Wound assessment is an essential part of wound management and has traditionally focused on the wound bed. The Triangle of Wound Assessment (Triangle) is a new assessment tool that includes a holistic evaluation of the patient with a wound. The aim of this pilot study was to describe the use of the Triangle in our clinical practice in Spain. METHODS: Prospective, consecutive patients, male and female, over 18 years old, with wounds of any aetiology and duration, who attended the centres involved in the study, were recruited between May and June 2017. The TWA was used during the first presentation, to assess the wound bed, edge and periwound skin. The study's expert panel met to discuss the results collected by the assessment, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the system. RESULTS: We recruited 90 patients. Non-viable tissue (necrotic/sloughy) was recorded in 57.8% of the patients, elevated exudate (medium/high) in 52.2%. Approximately 25% of the patients had signs or symptoms of local infection. Maceration was the most prevalent issue recorded on the wound edge and periwound skin assessment, affecting 31.1% and 30.0% of the patients, respectively. The presence of hyperkeratosis was high for the study population as the main aeitologies of the wounds identified here were DFU. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of Triangle Wound Assessment could help in the holistic approach to patient care by focusing on more than local wound care, identifying barriers to achieving wound healing and evaluating wound response and patient compliance.

Probióticos ¿coadyuvantes en el tratamiento médico? / Probiotics: Adjuvant in the medical treatment?

Resumen La microbiota juega un papel importante en el mantenimiento de la homeostasia de mucosas e influye en la función de órganos y sistemas del cuerpo humano. Diferentes factores pueden producir una disbiosis que resulte en diversas enfermedades. La potencial administración de probióticos para restablecer la microbiota aún es un tema poco familiar para la mayoría de los médicos. En consecuencia, es de vital importancia conocer y analizar la información a favor del uso de ciertas cepas de bacterias intestinales como coadyuvantes del tratamiento médico con el objetivo de regular y aprobar su prescripción mediante un enfoque basado en la evidencia.

Abstract Microbiome plays an important role in the maintenance of the mucosae homeostasis and it can exert an influence in the function of organs and systems of the human body. Several factors can lead to dysbiosis which can result in different pathologies. The potential use of probiotics for the re-establishment of gut microbiome is still unfamiliar for most medical doctors. Consequently, it is of major relevance to know and analyze the information in favor of the use of different intestinal bacteria strains as adjuvants in the medical treatment with the aim to regulate and approve their employment by an evidence-based approach.

La función respiratoria en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón / The respiratory function in patients with lung cancer

Introducción: el cáncer de pulmón es una de las principales causas de muerte en el mundo y se asocia al hábito tabáquico. A su vez repercute directamente sobre la función respiratoria del paciente y el deterioro de su calidad de vida. Objetivos: evaluar la función respiratoria en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal con carácter prospectivo y retrospectivo. La muestra quedó constituida por 1 020 pacientes. Se evaluaron los patrones espirométricos asociados al cáncer de pulmón en el período 2010-2015 y se correlacionó con el tipo histológico del tumor y las comorbilidades asociadas, así como el hábito tabáquico. Resultados: la mayoría de los pacientes fueron fumadores, de género masculino y su principal comorbilidad era la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. El principal diagnóstico histológico fue el carcinoma de pulmón de células no pequeñas, este ocurrió en etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad. Conclusión: el patrón espirométrico que predominó fue el obstructivo de moderada intensidad. Se infirió que el tumor de pulmón directamente puede ocasionar una disminución de 1,22 L/min en la caída del volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo, independientemente del daño ocasionado por el tabaco(AU)

Introduction: Lung cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world, associated with smoking. In turn, it directly affects the respiratory function of patients and the deterioration of their quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate the respiratory function in patients with lung cancer. Methods: A prospective and retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out. One thousand twenty (1020) patients made up the sample. Spirometric patterns associated with lung cancer were evaluated in 2010-2015 period and correlated with the histological type of the tumor and associated comorbidities, as well as the smoking habit. Results: The majority of patients smoked, male and their main comorbidity was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The main histological diagnosis was non-small cell lung carcinoma, which occurred in advanced stages of the disease. Conclusion: The obstructive spirometric pattern prevailed as moderate intensity. It was inferred that lung tumor can directly cause a decrease of 1.22 L/min in the fall of the forced expiratory volume in the first second, apart from the damage caused by tobacco(AU)

La función respiratoria en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón / The respiratory function in patients with lung cancer

Introducción: el cáncer de pulmón es una de las principales causas de muerte en el mundo y se asocia al hábito tabáquico. A su vez repercute directamente sobre la función respiratoria del paciente y el deterioro de su calidad de vida. Objetivos: evaluar la función respiratoria en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal con carácter prospectivo y retrospectivo. La muestra quedó constituida por 1 020 pacientes. Se evaluaron los patrones espirométricos asociados al cáncer de pulmón en el período 2010-2015 y se correlacionó con el tipo histológico del tumor y las comorbilidades asociadas, así como el hábito tabáquico. Resultados: la mayoría de los pacientes fueron fumadores, de género masculino y su principal comorbilidad era la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. El principal diagnóstico histológico fue el carcinoma de pulmón de células no pequeñas, este ocurrió en etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad. Conclusión: el patrón espirométrico que predominó fue el obstructivo de moderada intensidad. Se infirió que el tumor de pulmón directamente puede ocasionar una disminución de 1,22 L/min en la caída del volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo, independientemente del daño ocasionado por el tabaco(AU)

Introduction: Lung cancer is one of the main causes of death in the world, associated with smoking. In turn, it directly affects the respiratory function of patients and the deterioration of their quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate the respiratory function in patients with lung cancer. Methods: A prospective and retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out. One thousand twenty (1020) patients made up the sample. Spirometric patterns associated with lung cancer were evaluated in 2010-2015 period and correlated with the histological type of the tumor and associated comorbidities, as well as the smoking habit. Results: The majority of patients smoked, male and their main comorbidity was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The main histological diagnosis was non-small cell lung carcinoma, which occurred in advanced stages of the disease. Conclusion: The obstructive spirometric pattern prevailed as moderate intensity. It was inferred that lung tumor can directly cause a decrease of 1.22 L/min in the fall of the forced expiratory volume in the first second, apart from the damage caused by tobacco(AU)

Citología aspirativa con aguja fina transbroncoscópica en lesiones endobronquiales / Transbronchoscopic Needle Aspiration Cytology in Endobronchial Lesions

Introducción: el diagnóstico temprano del cáncer del pulmón es de vital importancia para tratar de disminuir la mortalidad por esta enfermedad (que es muy alta). La citología aspirativa con aguja fina transbronscoscópica juega un papel significativo en el diagnóstico y estadiamiento del carcinoma broncógeno.Objetivo: determinar la eficacia de la citología aspirativa con aguja fina transbroncoscópica en lesiones tumorales endobronquiales.Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal prospectivo, en pacientes a los que se les realizó citología aspirativa con aguja fina transbroncoscópica en lesiones endobronquiales, en el servicio de Neumología del Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras, en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2015 a enero de 2016. Se tomó en cuenta como variables la ubicación del tumor endobronquial, el diagnóstico citológico, el tipo de lesión tumoral y las complicaciones.Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino, el rango de edad mayor de 60 años y el color de piel blanca. Las lesiones fueron más frecuentes del lado derecho, fue más eficaz el proceder cuando los tumores se ubicaron hacia los bronquios inferiores, y se describían como masa tumoral o tipo mixta. La sensibilidad diagnóstica fue de aproximadamente 70 por ciento. El número de complicaciones fue muy bajo.Conclusiones: la biopsia aspirativa con aguja fina de tumores endobronquiales tiene un alto rendimiento diagnóstico con un número bajo de complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: Early diagnosis of lung cancer is vital in trying to reduce mortality from this disease (which is very high). Transbronscoscopic needle aspiration cytology plays a significant role in the diagnosis and staging of bronchogenic carcinoma.Objective: Determine the efficacy of transbronchoscopic needle aspiration cytology in endobronchial tumor lesions.Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed in patients undergoing transbronchoscopic needle aspiration cytology in endobronchial lesions, in the Pulmonology Department of Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, from January 2015 to January 2016. The location of the endobronchial tumor, the cytologic diagnosis, the type of tumor lesion and the complications were taken into account as variables.Results: Age range was greater than 60, male gender and white skin color predominated. The lesions were more frequent on the right side, the procedure was more effective when the tumors were located towards the lower bronchi, and they were described as tumor mass or mixed type. The diagnostic sensitivity was approximately 70 percent. The number of complications was very low.Conclusions: Spinal biopsy with fine needle of endobronchial tumors has a high diagnostic yield with a low number of complications(AU)

Citología aspirativa con aguja fina transbroncoscópica en lesiones endobronquiales / Transbronchoscopic Needle Aspiration Cytology in Endobronchial Lesions

Introducción: el diagnóstico temprano del cáncer del pulmón es de vital importancia para tratar de disminuir la mortalidad por esta enfermedad (que es muy alta). La citología aspirativa con aguja fina transbronscoscópica juega un papel significativo en el diagnóstico y estadiamiento del carcinoma broncógeno. Objetivo: determinar la eficacia de la citología aspirativa con aguja fina transbroncoscópica en lesiones tumorales endobronquiales. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal prospectivo, en pacientes a los que se les realizó citología aspirativa con aguja fina transbroncoscópica en lesiones endobronquiales, en el servicio de Neumología del Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras, en el periodo comprendido entre enero de 2015 a enero de 2016. Se tomó en cuenta como variables la ubicación del tumor endobronquial, el diagnóstico citológico, el tipo de lesión tumoral y las complicaciones. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino, el rango de edad mayor de 60 años y el color de piel blanca. Las lesiones fueron más frecuentes del lado derecho, fue más eficaz el proceder cuando los tumores se ubicaron hacia los bronquios inferiores, y se describían como masa tumoral o tipo mixta. La sensibilidad diagnóstica fue de aproximadamente 70 por ciento. El número de complicaciones fue muy bajo. Conclusiones: la biopsia aspirativa con aguja fina de tumores endobronquiales tiene un alto rendimiento diagnóstico con un número bajo de complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: Early diagnosis of lung cancer is vital in trying to reduce mortality from this disease (which is very high). Transbronscoscopic needle aspiration cytology plays a significant role in the diagnosis and staging of bronchogenic carcinoma. Objective: Determine the efficacy of transbronchoscopic needle aspiration cytology in endobronchial tumor lesions. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study was performed in patients undergoing transbronchoscopic needle aspiration cytology in endobronchial lesions, in the Pulmonology Department of Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, from January 2015 to January 2016. The location of the endobronchial tumor, the cytologic diagnosis, the type of tumor lesion and the complications were taken into account as variables. Results: Age range was greater than 60, male gender and white skin color predominated. The lesions were more frequent on the right side, the procedure was more effective when the tumors were located towards the lower bronchi, and they were described as tumor mass or mixed type. The diagnostic sensitivity was approximately 70 percent The number of complications was very low. Conclusions: Spinal biopsy with fine needle of endobronchial tumors has a high diagnostic yield with a low number of complications(AU)

El enfoque de vulnerabilidad en los sistemas de información en salud ambiental: aplicación de la metodología diagnóstica del riesgo de la vivienda para la salud (DRVS) en Belém, Brasil / Approach to vulnerability in information systems used for environmental health: application of diagnostic methodology to determine housing risk to health at Belém, Brasil

Este estudio se desarrolla en el marco de la Red Interamericana de Vivienda Saludable, avalada por la OPS/OMS, y surge de la necesidad de fortalecer los sistemas nacionales y locales de vigilancia en salud ambiental con el fin de reconocer las desigualdades sociales para generar alternativas que contribuyan al desarrollo de la región latinoamericana. Con este objetivo se plantea un dispositivo para pensar la vulnerabilidad social y el riesgo de la vivienda para la salud que se traduce en la creación de una metodología diagnóstica denominada, Diagnóstico del Riesgo de la Vivienda para la Salud -DRVS- y el software asociado denominado, Riesgo de la Vivienda para la Salud -RVS v3.0-, basado en redes neuronales y variables difusas. El riesgo se analiza teniendo en cuenta no solamente el daño físico esperado, sino también los procesos sociales, organizacionales e institucionales, relacionados con el desarrollo de las comunidades. En la escala de la vivienda, la vulnerabilidad se examina como un proceso interno de riesgo que se relaciona con la exposición con respecto al contexto material, las fragilidades sociales y la resiliencia de la población propensa, que está asociada a la capacidad de respuesta y recuperación. A partir de estas consideraciones se presenta la aplicación de la DRVS en la ciudad de Belém y se muestra que el análisis de vulnerabilidad social posibilita una comprensión integral del riesgo de la vivienda para la salud.

Abstract This study is carried out within the Inter-American Network of Healthy Housing framework, supported by OPS / OMS, and it springs from the need to strengthen national and local systems of environmental health control and monitoring so as to identify social inequalities and to promote alternative forms that foster the development of the Latin American region. With this objective in mind, the study offers a device for the analysis of social vulnerability and housing risk to health which generates a diagnostic methodology called Diagnóstico del Riesgo Vivienda para la Salud (DRVS) - Diagnosis of Housing Risk to Health- and the related software called Riesgo de la Vivienda para la Salud (RVS v3.0) - Housing Risk to Health, which is based on neuronal networks and fuzzy variables. The risk is analyzed by considering not only the expected physical damage, but also the social, organizational and institutional processes related to the development of communities. At the level of housing units, vulnerability is studied as an internal risk process related to exposure to the material context, social fragilitiy, and resilience of the population prone to this, which is associated with the capacity for response and recovery. The application of DRVS at the city of Belém is going to be presented and described within this framework, and it will show that the analysis of social vulnerability enables a holistic understanding of the housing risk to health.

Enfermedades respiratorias en trabajadores expuestos al polvo lateríco / Respiratory diseases in workers exposed to lateritic dust

Introducción: la inhalación sostenida de polvos inorgánicos en el ambiente laboral puede originar diversas enfermedades respiratorias, conocidas como enfermedades pulmonares de origen ocupacional.Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre la exposición prolongada al polvo de mineral laterítico y la ocurrencia de enfermedades respiratorias en los trabajadores expuestos.Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de cohorte, prospectivo durante los años 2003 al 2012 en una empresa productora de níquel y cobalto, en el municipio Moa.Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino con 91,73 por ciento y el grupo etario más afectado fue el de 45-49 años. De los trabajadores expuestos, 44 presentaron alguna enfermedad respiratoria, con un riesgo relativo de 5,59 y fracción atribuible de 0,8333. La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, la neumoconiosis y la infección respiratoria por micobacterias atípicas, se presentaron en el 61,36 por ciento, 22,72 por ciento y 13,63 por ciento de los pacientes, respectivamente.Conclusión: se halló una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la exposición al polvo de mineral laterítico y la ocurrencia de enfermedades respiratorias en los trabajadores expuestos(AU)

Introduction: sustained inhalation of inorganic dust at the workplace can cause various respiratory diseases, known as lung disease of occupational origin.Objective: determine the association between prolonged exposure to dust from lateritic ore and the occurrence of respiratory disease in exposed workers.Methods: an observational, analytical, cohort study was performed prospectively from 2003 to 2012 in a nickel and cobalt factory, in Moa municipality.Results: male prevailed (91.73 percent) and the most affected age group was 45-49 years. 44 out of the exposed workers had respiratory disease, with a relative risk of 5.59 and 0.8333 attributable fractions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis and respiratory atypical mycobacterial infection, occurred in 61.36 percent, 22.72 percent and 13.63 percent of patients, respectively.Conclusions: a statistically significant association between exposure to dust from lateritic ore and the occurrence of respiratory disease in exposed workers was found(AU)

Enfermedades respiratorias en trabajadores expuestos al polvo laterítico / Respiratory diseases in workers exposed to lateritic dust

INTRODUCCIÓN: la inhalación sostenida de polvos inorgánicos en el ambiente laboral puede originar diversas enfermedades respiratorias, conocidas como enfermedades pulmonares de origen ocupacional. OBJETIVO: determinar la asociación entre la exposición prolongada al polvo de mineral laterítico y la ocurrencia de enfermedades respiratorias en los trabajadores expuestos. MÉTODOS: se realizó un estudio observacional, analítico, de cohorte, prospectivo durante los años 2003 al 2012 en una empresa productora de níquel y cobalto, en el municipio Moa. RESULTADOS: predominó el sexo masculino con 91,73 % y el grupo etario más afectado fue el de 45-49 años. De los trabajadores expuestos, 44 presentaron alguna enfermedad respiratoria, con un riesgo relativo de 5,59 y fracción atribuible de 0,8333. La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, la neumoconiosis y la infección respiratoria por micobacterias atípicas, se presentaron en el 61,36 %, 22,72 % y 13,63 % de los pacientes, respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: se halló una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la exposición al polvo de mineral laterítico y la ocurrencia de enfermedades respiratorias en los trabajadores expuestos.

INTRODUCTION: sustained inhalation of inorganic dust at the workplace can cause various respiratory diseases, known as lung disease of occupational origin. OBJECTIVE: determine the association between prolonged exposure to dust from lateritic ore and the occurrence of respiratory disease in exposed workers. METHODS: an observational, analytical, cohort study was performed prospectively from 2003 to 2012 in a nickel and cobalt factory, in Moa municipality. RESULTS: male prevailed (91.73 %) and the most affected age group was 45-49 years. 44 out of the exposed workers had respiratory disease, with a relative risk of 5.59 and 0.8333 attributable fractions. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumoconiosis and respiratory atypical mycobacterial infection, occurred in 61.36 %, 22.72 % and 13.63 % of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: a statistically significant association between exposure to dust from lateritic ore and the occurrence of respiratory disease in exposed workers was found.