Sonchus oleraceus L.: ethnomedical, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects.

Sonchus oleraceus L. (Asteraceae) is a cosmopolitan species native to Europe commonly known as lettuce, sowthistle, chicory, or fake dandelion, considered a weed. However, for many years in various cultures around the world, it has been used as food and medicinal plant. The aim of this integrative review is to document the ethnomedical, phytochemical, and pharmacological information of this species. Forty-one papers document the use of S. oleraceus to heal of a wide variety of diseases. However, gastrointestinal problems, diabetes, inflammation, infections, hepatitis, wounds, and to consume it as food are the most common uses. On the other hand, only 11 items highlight that the main groups of secondary metabolites in this species are flavonoids and terpene lactones. Finally, 45 items reveal that antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and cytotoxic were the most studied pharmacological activities. In vitro and in vivo studies of extracts and components isolated from different parts of S. oleraceus have provided a concrete overview of the pharmacological properties of this species that supports its ethnomedical uses in cultures from different parts of the world. The reports of this species have focused solely on the study of the complete plant, leaves, and aerial parts, so it is necessary to study other parts of this species to search for bioactive compounds. No clinical studies were found, which creates an opportunity to expand scientific knowledge of this species.

High polarity extracts obtained from Ilex guayusa Loes. leaves, exhibit antioxidant capacity / Extractos de alta polaridad obtenidos a partir de las hojas de Ilex guayusa Loes. exhiben capacidad antioxidante

Background: Ilex guayusa Loes. belongs to the family Aquifoliaceae. It is an evergreen tree native to the Amazon region. According to traditional uses, it is used as a diaphoretic, narcotic, purgative, among other uses. Objective: To evaluate the antioxidant capacity, quantify phenols and total flavonoids of extracts obtained from Ilex guayusa leaves. Methods: Total ethanolic extract was obtained using Soxhlet-type equipment, with subsequent liquid/liquid fractionation with solvents of different polarities (petroleum ether, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate); were reacted with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS•+), determining the inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) and relative antioxidant activity (%AAR), with subsequent statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc). Total phenols and flavonoids were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and complex formation with AlCl3, respectively. Results: The ethanolic extract of leaves showed the highest antioxidant activity in both the DPPH• and ABTS•+ methods with IC50 values of 4.58 and 3.82 ppm, respectively. Conclusions: According to the results obtained in this study, it was possible to corroborate that the ethanolic extract (EE) obtained from the leaves of I. guayusa showed the highest antioxidant capacity, by the DPPH• and ABTS•+ methods. Additionally, it was possible to relate this capacity to the high flavonoids content present in this extract. Based on the above and accompanied by future studies, the Ilex guayusa species could be proposed as an important source of antioxidant compounds with possible application in medicine and the food industry

Antecedentes:Ilex guayusa Loes. pertenece a la familia Aquifoliaceae. Es un árbol perenne, nativo de la región amazónica. De acuerdo con los usos tradicionales es empleada como diaforético, narcótico, purgativo, entre otros usos. Objetivo: Evaluar la capacidad antioxidante, cuantificar fenoles y flavonoides totales de extractos obtenidos a partir de las hojas de Ilex guayusa. Métodos: El extracto etanólico total se obtuvo mediante un equipo tipo "Soxhlet", con posterior fraccionamiento líquido/líquido con solventes de diferentes polaridades (éter de petróleo, diclorometano y acetato de etilo); se hicieron reaccionar con 2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo (DPPH•) y ácido 2,2'-azino-bis-3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfónico (ABTS•+), determinando la concentración inhibitoria 50 (IC50) y la actividad antioxidante relativa (%AAR), con posterior análisis estadístico (ANOVA y post-hoc de Tukey). Los fenoles y flavonoides totales se cuantificaron con el método de Folin-Ciocalteu y el de formación de complejos con AlCl3, respectivamente. Resultados: El extracto etanólico de las hojas fue el que presentó mayor actividad antioxidante tanto en el método DPPH• como en el ABTS•+ con valores de IC50 de 4,58 y 3,82 ppm, respectivamente. Conclusiones: De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos en este estudio, se pudo corroborar que el extracto etanólico obtenido de las hojas de I. guayusamostró la mayor capacidad antioxidante, por los métodos DPPH• y ABTS•+. Adicionalmente, se pudo relacionar esta capacidad con el alto contenido de flavonoides presentes en este extracto. Con base en lo anterior y acompañado de futuros estudios, la especie I. guayusa podría proponerse como una importante fuente de compuestos antioxidantes con posible aplicación en los campos de la medicina y la industria alimentaria

Sífilis congénita atípica con doble VDRL negativo materno. Reporte de un caso / Atypical congenital syphilis with a double negative VDRL from the mother. A case report

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: La sífilis es una infección de trasmisión sexual adquirida a través de una trasfusión sanguínea, por contacto directo con una lesión activa o por vía vertical. La infección puede trasmitirse al feto en cualquier momento del embarazo. Cada año se registran en el mundo 749,000 casos de sífilis congénita. En México, del 2007 al 2017, se reportaron 1030 casos de sífilis congénita (media de 90.6 casos por año). En 50 a 80% de los casos hay complicaciones materno-fetales. OBJETIVO: Reportar un caso clínico de sífilis congénita temprana, con pénfigo bulloso y descamación al nacimiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 25 años, con antecedente de cuatro embarazos, dos partos y un aborto, previamente sana, con control prenatal y pruebas de VDRL y VIH negativas. Los dos últimos embarazos finalizaron con recién nacido, ambos de sexo femenino, con lesiones ampollosas decapitadas, placas blanquecinas de aspecto áspero elevadas sobre una base eritematosa, eritema con descamación gruesa en las manos y pies, y descamación fina generalizada. Ante la sospecha de sífilis congénita se inició la administración de 50,000 UI/kg de penicilina G cristalina por vía intravenosa cada 12 h. La sospecha de sífilis congénita se confirmó. La paciente se dio de alta con citas de seguimiento en la consulta externa. CONCLUSIONES: El control prenatal adecuado, con una o dos pruebas para sífilis, no es suficiente para prevenir la forma congénita. Es necesario el análisis de los casos para encontrar opciones e implementar estrategias de salud pública que prevengan nuevos casos.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection acquired through blood transfusion, by direct contact with an active lesion or by the vertical route. The infection can be transmitted to the fetus at any time during pregnancy. Each year, 749,000 cases of congenital syphilis are reported worldwide. In Mexico, from 2007 to 2017, 1030 cases of congenital syphilis were reported (average of 90.6 cases per year). In 50 to 80% of cases there are maternal-fetal complications. OBJECTIVE: To report a clinical case of early congenital syphilis with bullous pemphigus and desquamation at birth. CLINICAL CASE: 25-year-old patient, with a history of four pregnancies, two deliveries and one abortion, previously healthy, with prenatal control and negative VDRL and HIV tests. The last two pregnancies ended with a newborn, both female, with decapitated blistering lesions, whitish plaques of rough appearance raised on an erythematous base, erythema with thick desquamation on the hands and feet, and generalized fine desquamation. Suspecting congenital syphilis, 50,000 IU/kg of crystalline penicillin G intravenously every 12 h was started. The suspicion of congenital syphilis was confirmed. The patient was discharged with follow-up outpatient appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate prenatal screening, with one or two tests for syphilis, is not sufficient to prevent the congenital form. Case analysis is necessary to find options and implement public health strategies to prevent new cases.

Costo de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar en el Perú / Cost of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Peru

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) es una condición de baja prevalencia para la que existe muy poca información en el Perú. Diversos estudios indican que genera costos importantes para los sistemas de salud en el mundo. Objetivo: Establecer la carga económica de la HAP en el contexto peruano. Métodos: La información de uso de recursos en salud se recolectó por medio de consultas a expertos clínicos y líderes de opinión. La información de costos fue obtenida de dos manuales tarifarios y del Observatorio de Productos farmacéuticos. Resultados: Los expertos indicaron que alrededor del 68% de los pacientes se encontraban en un estadio intermedio de la enfermedad y que el uso de terapia combinada secuencial es predominante en los estados FC III y FC IV, en comparación con estadios más tempranos. El costo de tratamiento anual de la HAP en el Perú fue de $14.842 USD (S/ 25.885), donde el principal rubro fueron los medicamentos (81,72%), seguido del diagnóstico (8,96%) y seguimiento ambulatorio (5,75%). Conclusión: La información sobre la hipertensión arterial pulmonar en el Perú es crítica para los tomadores de decisión, debido al alto impacto económico que conlleva. Más aún, estudios en esta área terapéutica son relevantes para la difusión del conocimiento de la enfermedad a los diferentes profesionales de la salud.

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a low prevalence condition for which there is very little information in Peru. Several studies indicate that it is associated with elevated costs for health systems in the world. Objective: To establish the economic burden of PAH in the Peruvian context. Methods: Information on the use of health resources was collected through consultations with clinical experts and key opinion leaders. Cost data was obtained from two tariff manuals and from the Observatory of Pharmaceutical Products (DIGEMID). Results: Expert consultations indicated that about 68% of the patients were in an intermediate stage of the disease and that the use of sequential combination therapy is predominant in FC III and FC IV stages, compared to earlier stages. The annual cost of PAH treatment in Peru was $ 14,842 USD, where the main cost driver was drugs (81.72%), followed by diagnosis (8.96%) and outpatient follow-up (5.75%). Conclusions: Information on pulmonary arterial hypertension in Peru is critical for decision makers, due to the high economic impact that the disease entails. Moreover, studies in this therapeutic area are relevant for the dissemination of knowledge of the disease to different health professionals.

Consideraciones bioéticas para la investigación científica de plantas medicinales contra el cáncer en México / Bioethical considerations for scientific research on medicinal plants against cancer in Mexico

El presente artículo de reflexión revisa aspectos bioéticos en estudios científicos de plantas utilizadas en medicina tradicional para el tratamiento del cáncer en México. El conocimiento de las plantas medicinales documentadas en la medicina tradicional se relaciona con enfermedades como el cáncer. Esta enfermedad presenta altas tasas de mortalidad en el mundo, lo que incrementa la necesidad de nuevos fármacos para la quimioterapia. Aquí las plantas medicinales juegan un papel importante. Así, al ejecutar un estudio de plantas medicinales se deben considerar aspectos bioéticos fundamentales para la medicina tradicional como el muestreo, el estudio fitoquímico y biológico en líneas celulares de cáncer, basándose en la normatividad vigente, en estándares internacionales del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer y, principalmente, en los cuatro principios básicos de la bioética. Concluimos que es tarea de la comunidad científica avalar o desmentir el uso tradicional de las plantas medicinales para el tratamiento de enfermedades. El estudio de especies vegetales debe cumplir criterios donde la teoría, la investigación y la práctica ofrezcan soluciones a largo plazo y la protección ética de estas, del conocimiento tradicional y de los pacientes que recurren a esta alternativa.

The present reflection paper reviews bioethical aspects in scientific studies of plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer in Mexico. The knowledge of medicinal plants documented in traditional medicine is related to diseases such as cancer. This disease has high mortality rates worldwide, increasing the need for new chemotherapy drugs. Here medicinal plants play an important role. Thus, when executing a study of medicinal plants, fundamental bioethical aspects for traditional medicine such as sampling, phytochemical and biological study in cancer cell lines, based on current regulations, international standards of the National Cancer Institute and, mainly, the four basic principles of bioethics, should be considered. We conclude that it is the task of the scientific community to endorse or deny the traditional use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diseases. The study of plant species must meet criteria where theory, research and practice offer long-term solutions and the ethical protection of plant species, traditional knowledge and patients who resort to this alternative.

[Distribution and risk factors of hydatidosis in an administrative region of Chile between 2010 and 2016]. / Distribución y factores de riesgo de hidatidosis en la Región del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins entre 2010 y 2016.

BACKGROUND: In Chile, hydatidosis is endemic throughout the country and hyperendemic in some regions. It continues to be a public health problem that has been neglected and little addressed at the national level. In the Region of Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, reported cases and hospital discharges still show high values, this area being representative of medium risk. AIM: To estimate the risk of human hydatidosis in this region, studying the relationship of notifications and hospital discharge rates with social and environmental factors such as population, poverty index, schooling, literacy, average temperature, average rainfall and sheep population size. METHODS: Poisson regressions were used to study the factors associated with reported cases and hospital discharge rates and the BYM model for relative risk. RESULTS: We found that the factors most related to absolute risk were the schooling index as a protective factor and the average temperatures as an enhancing factor. The sheep population size was also a relevant factor, especially when analyzing the distribution of relative risk. The areas of greatest risk in the region were La Estrella, Marchigue, Litueche, Santa Cruz and Lolol according to discharge rates, adding Pumanque and Peralillo according to notifications. These reveal a distribution of the zones of risk of hydatidosis towards the coastal mountain range in this region. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The more relevant factors associated to hydatidosis were schooling index, temperature an sheep population.

Distribución y factores de riesgo de hidatidosis en la Región del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins entre 2010 y 2016 / Distribution and risk factors of hydatidosis in an administrative region of Chile between 2010 and 2016

Resumen Introducción: En Chile, la hidatidosis, endémica a lo largo de todo el país e hiperendémica en algunas regiones, sigue siendo un problema de salud pública desatendido y poco abordado por el Estado. En la Región del Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, los casos reportados y los egresos hospitalarios aún muestran valores elevados, siendo esta zona representativa de riesgo medio. Objetivo: Estimar el riesgo de hidatidosis humana en esta región, estudiando la relación de las notificaciones y egresos con factores sociales y ambientales, tales como población, índice de pobreza, índice de escolaridad, alfabetización, temperatura media, precipitación media y masa ganadera ovina. Metodología: Se utilizaron regresiones de Poisson para estudiar los factores asociados a enfermedades de notificación obligatoria y egresos y el modelo Besag-York-Mollie para el riesgo relativo. Resultados: Los factores más relacionados con el riesgo absoluto fueron el índice de escolaridad como factor protector y las temperaturas medias como factor potenciador. La población ovina fue también un factor relevante especialmente al analizar la distribución del riesgo relativo. Las zonas de mayor riesgo en la región fueron La Estrella, Marchigüe, Litueche, Santa Cruz y Lolol según egresos, agregando a Pumanque y Peralillo según notificaciones. Éstas revelan una distribución de las zonas de riesgo de hidatidosis hacia la cordillera de la costa en esta región. Conclusiones: En esta región los principales predictores de riesgo de hidatidosis son el índice de escolaridad, la temperatura y la población ovina.

Background: In Chile, hydatidosis is endemic throughout the country and hyperendemic in some regions. It continues to be a public health problem that has been neglected and little addressed at the national level. In the Region of Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins, reported cases and hospital discharges still show high values, this area being representative of medium risk. Aim: To estimate the risk of human hydatidosis in this region, studying the relationship of notifications and hospital discharge rates with social and environmental factors such as population, poverty index, schooling, literacy, average temperature, average rainfall and sheep population size. Methods: Poisson regressions were used to study the factors associated with reported cases and hospital discharge rates and the BYM model for relative risk. Results: We found that the factors most related to absolute risk were the schooling index as a protective factor and the average temperatures as an enhancing factor. The sheep population size was also a relevant factor, especially when analyzing the distribution of relative risk. The areas of greatest risk in the region were La Estrella, Marchigue, Litueche, Santa Cruz and Lolol according to discharge rates, adding Pumanque and Peralillo according to notifications. These reveal a distribution of the zones of risk of hydatidosis towards the coastal mountain range in this region. Discussion/Conclusion. The more relevant factors associated to hydatidosis were schooling index, temperature an sheep population.

Calidad científica de las pruebas de campo para el cálculo del VO2max. Revisión sistemática / Scientific Quality of Field Tests to Calculate VO2max: Systematic Review / Qualidade científica das provas de campo para o cálculo do VO2max. revisão sistemática

Objetivo: establecer la calidad científica de las pruebas de campo utilizadas para calcular el consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max) en adultos sanos no entrenados. Materiales y métodos: se hizo una revisión sistemática de la literatura científica publicada en español, inglés y portugués, entre 1943 y 2013, sobre pruebas diagnósticas para calcular el VO2max por medio de pruebas de campo, con el propósito de sintetizar los resultados y establecer cuáles son las que mejor se correlacionan con la medición directa (ergoespirometría). Fueron consultadas las bases de datos MedLine, PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, Hinari, Ebsco y BVS. Se siguieron las recomendaciones del Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 2006. Resultados: inicialmente, 952 artículos, de los cuales después del proceso de descarte, se encontraron diez que cumplían con todos los requisitos. Las pruebas de campo analizadas que se correlacionan bien con el protocolo de laboratorio son el UMTT (1984) con r = 0,99, QCST y 1000m para hombres r = 0,95; el RWFT para hombres r = 0,93; 1,000m para mujeres y 1,5M r = 0,86; QCST para mujeres r = 0,83 y RWFT para mujeres r = 0,74; para adultos el UMTT r = 0,96 y 20m-SRT r=0,9. Conclusiones: dado el coeficiente de validez y el SEE, es posible utilizar pruebas de campo para calcular rápida y económicamente el VO2max en adultos sanos no entrenados. Según edad, sexo, condición física y patologías se recomiendan diferentes pruebas de campo.

Objective: To establish the scientific quality of the field tests used to calculate the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) in untrained healthy adults. Materials and methods: A systematic review of the scientific literature on diagnostic tests for calculating VO2max through field tests published between 1943 and 2013 in Spanish, English and Portuguese, , in order to synthesize the results and establish which are the best to correlate with direct measurement (ergospirometry). MedLine, PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, Hinari, Ebsco and BVS databases were consulted. The recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 2006 were followed. Results: Initially, 952 articles were found, after the elimination process was reached, ten of these met all requirements. Field tests analyzed to correlate well with the laboratory protocol are: UMTT (1984) r = 0.99, QCST and 1000m. men r = 0.95; RWFT men's r = 0.93; 1,000m. Women and 1.5M r = 0.86; QCST women r = 0.83 and RWFT for women r = 0.74, for adults UMTT r = 0.96 and 20m-SRT r = 0.9. Conclusions: Given the validity coefficient and the SEE, it is possible to use field tests to swiftly and economically calculate VO2max in untrained healthy adults. Different field tests are recommended according to age, gender, physical condition and pathologies.

Objetivo: Estabelecer a qualidade científica das provas de campo utilizadas para calcular o consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2max) em adultos sãos não treinados. Materiais e métodos: se revisou sistematicamente a literatura científica publicada em espanhol, inglês e português, entre 1943 e 2013, sobre provas diagnósticas para calcular o VO2max através de provas de campo, com o propósito de sintetizar os resultados e estabelecer quais são as que melhor se correlacionam com a medição direta (ergoespirometria). Foram consultadas as bases de dados MedLine, PubMed, ProQuest, Ovid, Hinari, Ebsco e BVS. Seguiram-se as recomendações do Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 2006. Resultados: Inicialmente 952 artigos, dos quais depois do processo de descarte encontramos dez que cumpriam com todos os requisitos. As provas de campo analisadas que se correlacionam bem com o protocolo de laboratório são: o UMTT (1984) com r = 0,99, QCST e 1000m para homens r = 0,95; o RWFT para homens r = 0,93; 1,000m para mulheres e 1,5M r = 0,86; QCST para mulheres r=0,83 e RWFT para mulheres r = 0,74; para adultos o UMTT r = 0,96 e 20m-SRT r = 0,9. Conclusões: Dado o coeficiente de validez e o SEE, é possível utilizar provas de campo para calcular rápida e economicamente o VO2max em adultos sãos não treinados. Segundo idade, sexo, condição física e patologias se recomendam diferentes provas de campo.

Síntomas laringofaríngeos posoperatorios en cirugía electiva. Incidencia y factores asociados / Postoperative laringo-pharyngeal symptoms in elective surgery - Incidence and related factors

Introducción: Los síntomas laringofaríngeos (SLF) son comunes en anestesia. La incidencia de morbilidad laringofaríngea varía en la literatura. Objetivos: Determinar la incidencia de SLF al usar máscara laríngea y tubo endotraqueal en la primera y a las 24h posoperatorias y estimar la asociación de factores de riesgo. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte cerrada que incluyó 451 pacientes. Se indagó la presencia de odinofagia, disfonía y disfagia. Se utilizaron modelos marginales para estimar asociación con variables en estudio. Resultados: La incidencia de SLF durante la primera y 24h posoperatorias fue del 26 y del 13%, respectivamente. A las 24 h, la incidencia disminuyó significativamente. Conclusiones: La incidencia en un centro hospitalario colombiano de SLF en cirugía ambulatoria es importante. Existen diferencias en la reducción con el tubo endotraqueal y la máscara laríngea en el tiempo.

Introduction: To determine cumulative incidence of sore throat complaints (STCs) which occur with the insertion of the laryngeal mask (LM) and endotracheal tube (ETT) during the first hour and 24 hours after elective surgery. In addition, to establish risk factors associated with its occurrence. Methods: In a cohort study, a total of 451 patients scheduled for elective non-cardiac surgery were included consecutively for 6 months (ASA I-II-III, >18 years old) who underwent LM or ETT airway management for general anesthesia. Through a questionnaire with indirect and direct questions the presence of sore throat, hoarseness, dysphagia and the composite endpoint STCs were assessed one and 24 hours after surgery. Marginal models were used to identify risk factors. Results:We found an incidence of STCs of 26.8% and 13.5% at first and 24 postoperative hours respectively. At first hour, they were classified as sore throat (23.9%), hoarseness (6.7%) and dysphagia (6.4%). Each compound was not mutually exclusive. At 24 hours of follow up, incidence of STCs and its compounds decreases significantly but differently to ETT and LM. STCs were associated with female gender (OR=1.53 95%CI 1.00-2.37, p=0.05), ETT intubation (OR=4.20 95%CI 2.19-8.04, p<0.01) and bloodstain on airway device at extubation (OR=2.00 95%CI 1.18-3.36, p<0.01). Conclusions: The incidence of STCs remains important. There are differences in the pattern of reduction between ETT and LM over time and this study confirms risk factors for postoperative STCs like use of ETT, presence of blood during the airway device extraction and female gender.

Bloqueo supraclavicular bilateral con ecografía / Bilateral supraclavicular blockade with ultrasound

El manejo analgésico de los pacientes con trauma bilateral de hombro o tercio proximal del brazo es difícil. La estrategia multimodal basada en administración de anestésicos locales en el plexo braquial parece ser la más efectiva, pero hacer bloqueos bilaterales tiene riesgos asociados, como son: la parálisis del nervio frénico, la toxicidad por anestésicos locales y el neumotórax bilateral. Estos pueden ser disminuidos con una aproximación supraclavicular al plexo braquial y el uso de ultrasonografía. Describimos el manejo de un paciente con trauma bilateral de hombro y tercio proximal de húmero, quien es llevado a cirugía de osteosíntesis bilateral de húmero y presenta dolor postoperatorio severo que no responde a dosis altas de opiáceos y antiinflamatorios. Es manejado inicialmente con bloqueo supraclavicular bilateral guiado por ecografía con volumen bajo de anestésico local y posteriormente administración continua de bupivacaína, con una valoración del dolor de 2/10 a las 24 h y 3/10 a las 48 h. Concluimos que el bloqueo supraclavicular bilateral es una opción para el manejo del dolor agudo en cirugía de hombro y tercio proximal de húmero. La administración continua de anestésicos locales al plexo braquial contribuye a mantener la respuesta analgésica.

Analgesic management in patients with bilateral trauma to the shoulder or the proximal third of the arm is difficult. The multimodal strategy based on the administration of local analgesics to the brachial plexus appears to be the most effective; however, there are risks associated with bilateral blocks, including phrenic nerve palsy, toxicity due to local anesthetics, and bilateral pneumothorax. These risks may be diminished using an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular approach to the brachial plexus. This paper describes the management of a patient with bilateral injury to the shoulder and the proximal third of the humerus. The patient is taken to bilateral humeral fixation surgery and develops severe post-operative pain which does not respond to high-dose opioids and anti-inflammatory agents. He is managed initially with bilateral ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block using a low volume of a local anesthetic followed by continuous administration of bupivacaine. Pain assessment was 2/10 at 24 hours and 3/10 at 48 hours. We concluded that bilateral supraclavicular blockade is an option in the acute management of pain after surgery to the shoulder and the proximal third of the humerus. Continuous administration of local anesthetics to the brachial plexus helps maintain the analgesic response.

A multicenter prospective trial evaluating fetal bovine dermal graft (Xenform® Matrix) for pelvic reconstructive surgery.

BACKGROUND: A prospective multicenter clinical study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a bovine dermal graft (Xenform® Matrix, Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) during vaginal reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Forty-five women with ICS stage 2 or higher pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were enrolled at 4 centers. POP-Q, pelvic floor function (PFDI-20), sexual function (PISQ-12), and patient satisfaction tools were used to assess subjects at baseline, and at 2 and 6 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months post surgery. The significance of symptom score changes at 6 months and 1 year were determined by the t-test for paired data. Forty-three of the 45 patients completed the 12 month study. RESULTS: The majority of the subjects had cystocele (98%) and/or rectocele (84%) defects at study entry. At 12 months, 74% of the defects had improved to a stage 0 or 1. Mean PFDI-20 scores improved by 72% (p < 0.001) at 12 months, and PISQ-12 scores were maintained during the follow-up period indicating no decline in sexual function. Three subjects experienced one serious adverse event each; one of the adverse events (constipation) was deemed by the study physician to be unrelated to Xenform®. One subject had severe pyelonephritis resulting in dialysis. This subject had a previous history of pyelonephritis, sepsis and acute renal failure. The third subject had a reported recurrent cystocele of moderate severity, possibly related to the device. No graft related erosions or pain lasting more than 30 days were reported. No subjects withdrew due to an adverse event. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to investigate the use of Xenform® Matrix in vaginal reconstructive surgery among patients with POP. Significant improvement was maintained at 12 months utilizing both objective and subjective assessment tools, confirming the safety and efficacy of this material in vaginal surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01244165.

An inexpensive polypropylene patch sling for treatment of intrinsic sphincteric deficiency.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate an inexpensive polypropylene sling in patients with intrinsic sphincteric deficiency (ISD). DESIGN: Case series (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Cleveland Clinic Florida teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Analysis of 161 patients with ISD who underwent a surgeon-assembled polypropylene (Prolene) patch sling procedure. INTERVENTION: Polypropylene patch sling surgery was performed in all study patients with urinary stress incontinence due to ISD. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patients underwent urogynecologic evaluation including multichannel urodynamics. Outcome measures included a standardized stress test, patient-reported cure rate, surgical complications, and postoperative voiding dysfunction. Medical records for the 161 patients who underwent the procedure were available for review. Mean patient age was 62.4 years. Twenty-five patients (16%) had concomitant detrusor overactivity. Mean follow-up was 3.6 years. The stress test yielded negative findings in 93.4% of patients. Complete continence was reported by 80.3% of patients, and marked improvement by 7%. The estimated cost of the sling was $17 to $272, depending on the materials used. Two patients experienced urinary retention requiring urethrolysis. Three required sling revision because of healing problems. CONCLUSION: Use of a polypropylene patch sling is an effective treatment for ISD and is less expensive than currently available sling kits.

Anterior repair with or without collagen matrix reinforcement: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of anterior colporrhaphy alone to that reinforced with bovine pericardium graft. METHODS: Women with anterior vaginal wall prolapse were enrolled in a randomized fashion in this grafted compared with nongrafted repair study. Outcome measures included pelvic organ prolapse quantification data, quality-of-life assessment, healing abnormalities, and complications. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients were enrolled. Seventy-two (77%) provided 1-year data, and 59 (63%) supplied 2-year data. Demographics and stage of prolapse were similar between groups at baseline. Postoperative complications consisted basically of low urinary tract infection and were low in both groups (10 in bovine pericardium graft and 16 in anterior colporrhaphy alone). One year after surgery, successful anterior vaginal wall support was obtained in 85.7% of the bovine pericardium graft group and 78.4% of anterior colporrhaphy-alone group (P=.544). For the cohort that comprised 2-year analyses, the success rate was 76.5% for the bovine pericardium graft group and 63% for anterior colporrhaphy-alone group (P=.509). Postoperative Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 and Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire-12 scores were uniformly improved over baseline in both groups. CONCLUSION: The use of bovine pericardium graft for anterior vaginal prolapse does not have higher complication rates or healing difficulties. At 1- and 2-year follow-up, anterior colporrhaphy with bovine pericardium reinforcement did not show a statistically significant improvement over colporrhaphy alone. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00860912 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Safety and effectiveness of Colpexin Sphere in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

Our objective was to determine the safety and effectiveness of Colpexin Sphere in women with advanced genital prolapse. A total of 39 subjects were enrolled in our prospective multicenter clinical trial, and 27 completed the full 16-week assessment. At baseline, subjects were fitted with a sphere, instructed on insertion and removal, and educated on a regimen of pelvic floor muscle exercises performed with the device in place. Efficacy was evaluated by a baseline vs 16-week comparison of pelvic organ prolapse staging and pelvic floor muscle strength assessment. Safety evaluation included, but was not limited to, an assessment of vaginal mucosal integrity. Subjects also completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the study. Improvement in the prolapse of at least one vaginal segment was seen in 81.5% of the subjects, while 63% exhibited improved muscle function on digital examination at 16 weeks. Twenty-five (92.6%) would recommend the device to treat prolapse, and most found it easy to insert (96.3%) and remove (100%). In short-term usage, problems with urination (29.6%) and defecation (72%) were reported, primarily due to device displacement. Two subjects developed superficial vaginal mucosal ulceration, which resolved spontaneously. No significant adverse events were reported.

Safety and efficacy of a testosterone patch for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in surgically menopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Oophorectomy reduces serum testosterone levels. We studied the efficacy and safety of transdermal testosterone in treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder in surgically menopausal women. METHODS: A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial was conducted in women (aged 24-70 years) who developed distressful low sexual desire after bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and hysterectomy and who were receiving oral estrogen therapy. Women were randomized to receive placebo (n = 119) or testosterone patches in dosages of 150 microg/d (n = 107), 300 microg/d (n = 110), or 450 microg/d (n = 111) twice weekly for 24 weeks. Sexual desire and frequency of satisfying sexual activity were primary efficacy outcome measures. RESULTS: Of the 447 women randomized, 318 (71%) completed the trial. Compared with placebo, women receiving the 300-microg/d testosterone patch had significantly greater increases from baseline in sexual desire (67% vs 48%; P = .05) and in frequency of satisfying sexual activity (79% vs 43%; P = .049). The 150-microg/d group showed no evidence of a treatment effect. The 450-microg/d group also was not statistically different from the 300-microg/d or placebo groups. Marginally significant linear dose-response trends were observed for total satisfying sexual activity and sexual desire at 24 weeks (P = .06 and .06, respectively). Adverse events occurred with similar frequency in both groups; no serious safety concerns were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The 300-microg/d testosterone patch increased sexual desire and frequency of satisfying sexual activity and was well tolerated in women who developed hypoactive sexual desire disorder after surgical menopause.

Testosterone patch for low sexual desire in surgically menopausal women: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of a 300 mug/d testosterone patch for the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in surgically menopausal women on concomitant estrogen therapy. METHODS: Five hundred thirty-three women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder who had undergone previous hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy were enrolled in a 24-week, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo or the testosterone patch twice weekly. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline at week 24 in the frequency of total satisfying sexual activity, measured by the Sexual Activity Log. Secondary measures included sexual desire using the Profile of Female Sexual Function and personal distress as measured by the Personal Distress Scale. Hormone levels, adverse events, and clinical laboratory measures were reviewed. RESULTS: Total satisfying sexual activity significantly improved in the testosterone patch group compared with placebo after 24 weeks (mean change from baseline, 1.56 compared with 0.73 episodes per 4 weeks, P = .001). Treatment with the testosterone patch also significantly improved sexual desire (mean change, 10.57 compared with 4.29, P < .001) and decreased personal distress (P = .009). Serum free, total, and bioavailable testosterone concentrations increased from baseline. Overall, adverse events were similar in both groups (P > .05). The incidence of androgenic adverse events was higher in the testosterone group; most androgenic adverse events were mild. CONCLUSION: In surgically menopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder, a 300 mug/d testosterone patch significantly increased satisfying sexual activity and sexual desire, while decreasing personal distress, and was well tolerated through up to 24 weeks of use.

Múltiples aneurismas aterosclerosos periféricos: Informe de un caso / Multiple peripheral atherosclerotic aneurysms: a case report

Los aneurismas periféricos de origen ateroscleroso constituyen un potencial riesgo para la pérdida de extremidades, su diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno evitarán posibles complicaciones y tendrán un mejor pronóstico. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 71 años, con antecedentes de tabaquismo, hipertensión e hipercolesterolemia. Asintomático, detectándose por arteriografía la presencia de cinco aneurismas periféricos localizados en arterias iliacas comunes bilateral, femoral común derecha y poplíteas bilateral, tratados en forma electiva, dos tiempos, con resultados y evolución exitosos.

Eficacia del tratamiento combinado de glibenclamida-insulina NPH para el control metabólico de pacientes con diabetes mellitus no insulinodependiente / Efficacy of glibenclamide-insuline NPH combination treatment for metabolic control of patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

La diabetes mellitus continúa siendo causa muy importante de morbilidad y mortalidad. El propósito del tratamiento antidiabético es alcanzar la normoglucemia y de esta forma evitar complicaciones tardías Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia de combinación glibenclamida-insulina NPH en el índice de control metabólico en pacientes con diabetes mellitus no insulinodependiente. Material y métodos: estudio clínico abierto, prolectivo, longitudinal, de grupo único. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: pacientes de uno y otro sexo, con diabetes mellitus no insulinodependiente, con un tiempo de diagnóstico de 8 años, edad de 40 a 70 años, glucosa sérica en ayuno de 140 a 350 mg/dL, depuración de creatinina en orina de 24 h de 50 mL/min, hemoglobina glucosilada (HbA1c) de 6 por ciento, tratamiento con sulfonilureas y dieta por un periodo mínimo de tres meses previo al ingreso al estudio y que otorgaran el consentimiento informado por escrito. Se les administró glibenclamida 10 mg previo al desayuno y 10 mg antes de la comida, más insulina NPH 6 UI a las 20:00 h. Se realizó historia clínica y exploración física completa y se determinó glucemia en ayunas al ingreso, a las dos semanas y cada mes durante seis meses; hemoglobina glucosilada, colesterol total y triglicéridos al ingreso y a los seis meses. Se calcularon frecuencia y medidas de tendencia central y dispersión de todas las variables; las variables cuantitativas se analizaron mediante prueba de t de Student y las categóricas mediante prueba de Wilcoxon. La significancia estadística se estableció con un valor de p < 0.05. Resultados: las concentraciones de glucosa sérica al ingreso fueron de 243.3: t 52.4 mg/dL y a los seis meses de 118.7: t 8.8 mg/dL (p = 0.0005), la hemoglobina glucosilada de ingreso fue de th 1.06 por ciento y al término del estudio de 6.06 a 0.05 por ciento (p= 0.0005). Conclusiones: los resultados de nuestro estudio demuestran la utilidad de la combinación de glibenclamida-insulina NPH en el control metabólico, pese a dosis máximas de glibenclamida

Eficacia de la combinación glibenclamida-metformina en el descontrol metabólico del paciente diabético no insulinodependiente / Glibenclamide-metformin effiicacy in the treatment of uncontrolled non-insulindependent diabetic patients

Antecedentes: la diabetes mellitus no insulinodependiente (DMNID) es una enfermedad de gran importancia por su incidencia y prevalencia. La DMNID representa casi 90 por ciento del total de pacientes diabéticos del mundo occidental. Su relación con la hiperlipidemia es directa, causa-efecto, y esto incrementa al riesgo de contraer enfermedad coronaría. Su tratamiento incluye: dieta, ejercicio y fármacos. Entre estos últimos se encuentran las biguanidas. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia de la combinación glibenclamida-metformina en el índice de control metabólico en pacientes diabéticos no insulinodependientes. Material y métodos: estudio clínico abierto, longitudinal y prospectivo. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: a) pacientes de uno y otro sexo b) edad entre 40 y 70 años, c) glucosa sérica y en ayunas = 140 mg/dl pese a tomar dosis máximas de glibenclamida, d) depuración de creatinina en orina de 24 horas = 60 ml/min, e) creatinina sérica < 1.4 mg/dl en hombres y 13 mg/dl en mujeres, f) pruebas de función hepática normales. Se incluyeron, de forma secuencial, a los pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de selección. El esquema de dosis de metformina fue 425 mg en 24 horas, con incremento de la dosis cada dos horas. Se estudiaron durante un período de 16 semanas y se determinó: glucemía en ayuno, porcentaje de HbA1c, colesterol total, HDL, triglicéridos al ingreso y cada dos semanas. Se calculó la frecuencia y medidas de tendencia central, así como la dispersión de todas las variables; y las variables cuantitativas se analizaron mediante la prueba t de Student...