Maternal Consumption of Non-Nutritive Sweeteners during Pregnancy Is Associated with Alterations in the Colostrum Microbiota.

Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNSs) provide a sweet taste to foods and beverages without significantly adding calories. Still, their consumption has been linked to modifications in adult's and children's gut microbiota and the disruption of blood glucose control. Human milk microbiota are paramount in establishing infants' gut microbiota, but very little is known about whether the consumption of sweeteners can alter it. To address this question, we sequenced DNA extracted colostrum samples from a group of mothers, who had different levels of NNS consumption, using the Ion Torrent Platform. Our results show that the "core" of colostrum microbiota, composed of the genera Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Cutibacteium, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus, remains practically unchanged with the consumption of NNS during pregnancy, but specific genera display significant alterations, such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. A significant increase in the unclassified archaea Methanobrevibacter spp. was observed as the consumption frequency of NNS increased. The increase in the abundance of this archaea has been previously linked to obesity in Mexican children. NNS consumption during pregnancy could be related to changes in colostrum microbiota and may affect infants' gut microbiota seeding and their future health.

Aspectos inmunológicos en preeclampsia / Immunologic Aspects in Preeclampsia

Resumen La preeclampsia es una patología con alta morbimortalidad a nivel mundial. En esta enfermedad la placenta es un órgano de choque donde la inflamación y la respuesta inmunológica generan el daño que se traduce en el cuadro clínico característico. La tríada clásica en preeclampsia está integrada por hipertensión, edema y proteinuria, por lo que se piensa que el endotelio debe estar afectado por la actividad inflamatoria-inmunológica. El sistema inmunológico actúa en el desarrollo del embarazo y lo hace a diferentes tiempos y regulando de manera fisiológica. Tanto componentes celulares como humorales de la respuesta innata y adquirida han sido estudiados en pacientes con preeclampsia y se ha determinado que su participación es decisiva en la fisiopatología de esta enfermedad. La participación del sistema inmunológico en la fisiopatología de la preeclampsia alcanza un alto nivel de complejidad pues interacciona con otros sistemas (coagulación, renal, cardiovascular y endocrinológico entre otros) favoreciendo así la enfermedad. Es por esto que el tratamiento debe ser integral, con una visión holística del padecimiento y que requiere de un equipo multidisciplinario, que actué armónicamente para así alcanzar el mayor éxito terapéutico con la menor frecuencia de secuelas para el binomio madre-feto o madre-recién nacido. En la gestación se desarrolla la denominada "tolerancia inmunológica del embarazo", en ese estado de tolerancia inmunológica las células B y T pueden reconocer antígenos específicos (por ejemplo, los paternos) y posteriormente activarse y generar la respuesta inmunológica, por lo que la preeclampsia podría ser considerada como una patología autoinmune, donde la perdida de la tolerancia inmunológica sería la piedra angular en la fisiopatología, conocer como limitar o regular esta activación celular anómala podría servir para proponer nuevos acercamientos terapéuticos y controlar así esta enfermedad.

Abstract Preeclampsia is a pathology with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this disease, the placenta is an organ of shock where inflammation and the immune response generate the damage that results in the characteristic clinical scenario. The classic triad in preeclampsia is made up of hypertension, edema, and proteinuria, so it is thought that the endothelium must be affected by inflammatory-immunological activity. The immune system acts in the development of pregnancy and does so at different times and regulating physiologically. Both, cellular and humoral components of the innate and acquired response have been studied in patients with preeclampsia and it has been determined that their participation is decisive in the pathophysiology of this disease. The involvement of the immune system in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia reaches a high level of complexity since it interacts with other systems (coagulation, renal, cardiovascular and endocrinological among others) thus favoring the disease. For this reason, treatment must be comprehensive, with a holistic vision of the condition and requires a multidisciplinary team that acts harmoniously to achieve the greatest therapeutic success with the least frequency of sequelae for the mother-fetus or mother-newborn dyads. During pregnancy, the so-called "immunological tolerance of pregnancy" develops, in this state of immunological tolerance the B and T cells can recognize specific antigens (for example, the paternal ones) and later activate and generate the immune response, which is why preeclampsia could being considered an autoimmune pathology, where the loss of immunological tolerance would be the cornerstone of pathophysiology, knowing how to limit or regulate this abnormal cell activation could help to propose new therapeutic approaches and thus control this disease.

Hemofilia adquirida A en embarazo. Caso clínico de medicina crítica en obstetricia por morbilidad extrema y su abordaje transdisciplinario perioperatorio / Acquired hemophilia A in pregnancy. Clinical case of critical medicine in obstetrics due to extreme morbidity and its perioperative transdisciplinary approach

Resumen: La identificación de múltiples factores de riesgo que predisponen a la hemorragia durante el evento obstétrico, como la hemofilia adquirida que es un trastorno que se desarrolla por la generación de autoanticuerpos inhibidores de factores de la coagulación, la interpretación objetiva de las pruebas de laboratorio rutinarias, el desarrollo de un pensamiento sistematizado en la integración diagnóstico-terapéutica por parte del personal de salud, y la disposición de los recursos farmacológicos hospitalarios, es lo que determina frecuentemente el pronóstico en pacientes obstétricas con morbilidad extrema que requieren atención multidisciplinaria en las diferentes unidades hospitalarias del sector salud de nuestro país. El objetivo es presentar un caso clínico de morbilidad extrema por hemofilia adquirida, su presentación clínica, evolución y desenlace fatal. Se presenta un caso referido de otra unidad del Sector Salud ISEM (Instituto de Salud del Estado de México), atendido en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Obstétricos del Hospital «Mónica Pretelini Sáenz¼, resaltando la importancia en la integración diagnóstico-terapéutica y la interacción multifactorial de variables relacionadas con su desenlace fatal. Conclusiones: Desconocimiento de la patología, retraso en el diagnóstico, múltiples procedimientos condicionantes de hemorragia iatrógena y la limitación en recursos terapéuticos son factores que contribuyen a un desenlace fatal.

Abstract: The identification of multiple risk factors that predispose to bleeding during the obstetric event, such as acquired hemophilia, which is a disorder that develops due to the generation of autoantibodies that inhibit coagulation factors, the objective interpretation of routine laboratory tests , the development of systematized thinking in diagnostic-therapeutic integration by health personnel, and the provision of hospital pharmacological resources, is what frequently determines the prognosis in obstetric patients with extreme morbidity who require multidisciplinary care in the different hospital units of the health sector of our country. The objective is to present a clinical case of extreme morbidity due to acquired hemophilia, its clinical presentation, evolution and fatal outcome. A case referred from another unit of the ISEM (Instituto de Salud del Estado de México) Health Sector, treated at the Obstetric Intensive Care Unit of the «Mónica Pretelini Sáenz¼ Hospital, is presented, highlighting the importance of diagnostic-therapeutic integration, and the multifactorial interaction of variables related to its fatal outcome. Conclusions: Ignorance of the pathology, delay in diagnosis, multiple conditioning procedures of iatrogenic hemorrhage and the limitation in therapeutic resources are factors that contribute to a fatal outcome.

Environmental Nanoparticles Reach Human Fetal Brains.

Anthropogenic ultrafine particulate matter (UFPM) and industrial and natural nanoparticles (NPs) are ubiquitous. Normal term, preeclamptic, and postconceptional weeks(PCW) 8-15 human placentas and brains from polluted Mexican cities were analyzed by TEM and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. We documented NPs in maternal erythrocytes, early syncytiotrophoblast, Hofbauer cells, and fetal endothelium (ECs). Fetal ECs exhibited caveolar NP activity and widespread erythroblast contact. Brain ECs displayed micropodial extensions reaching luminal NP-loaded erythroblasts. Neurons and primitive glia displayed nuclear, organelle, and cytoplasmic NPs in both singles and conglomerates. Nanoscale Fe, Ti, and Al alloys, Hg, Cu, Ca, Sn, and Si were detected in placentas and fetal brains. Preeclamptic fetal blood NP vesicles are prospective neonate UFPM exposure biomarkers. NPs are reaching brain tissues at the early developmental PCW 8-15 stage, and NPs in maternal and fetal placental tissue compartments strongly suggests the placental barrier is not limiting the access of environmental NPs. Erythroblasts are the main early NP carriers to fetal tissues. The passage of UFPM/NPs from mothers to fetuses is documented and fingerprinting placental single particle composition could be useful for postnatal risk assessments. Fetal brain combustion and industrial NPs raise medical concerns about prenatal and postnatal health, including neurological and neurodegenerative lifelong consequences.

Nitazoxanide against COVID-19 in three explorative scenarios.

INTRODUCTION: Nitazoxanide has shown efficacy in vitro against coronavirus infections (MERS, SARS, SARS-CoV-2). The aim of this report is to describe the results of treating COVID-19 positive patients with nitazoxanide in three clinical settings: pregnancy/puerperium, hospitalized patients in an Internal Medicine Service and in an ambulatory setting. METHODOLOGY: This was a prospective follow-up and report of COVID-19 cases in three different situations, pregnant women, hospitalized patients receiving medical attention in an Internal Medicine Service and ambulatory patients residing in Toluca City, and Mexico City. RESULTS: The experience with a first group of 20 women, pregnant (17) or in immediate puerperium (3) was successful in 18 cases with two unfortunate deaths. The five cases treated in an Internal Medicine service showed a positive outcome with two patients weaned from mechanical ventilation. Of the remaining 16 patients treated in an ambulatory setting, all got cured. Nitazoxanide seems to be useful against SARS-CoV-2, not only in an early intervention but also in critical condition as well as in pregnancy without undesired effects for the babies. As an adjunctive therapy budesonide was used that seems to contribute to the clinical improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Nitazoxanide could be useful against COVID-19 as a safe and available regimen to be tested in a massive way immediately.

Morbilidad extrema (near-miss) en obstetricia. Revisión de la literatura / Severe morbidity (near-miss) in obstetrics. Literature review

Resumen: Objetivo: Presentar la evidencia científica más reciente referente a la definición, diagnóstico y consecuencias de morbilidad extrema en obstetricia (MEO). Metodología de búsqueda: Búsqueda en PubMed, The Cochrane Library, OVID, Science Direct, Google Académico, Artemisa, LILACS e Imbiomed de artículos publicados en inglés y español entre los años 2005 a 2018 con las siguientes palabras clave: severe maternal morbidity, near miss morbidity, severe acute maternal morbidity, obstetric near miss and maternal near miss. Se excluyeron estudios cualitativos. Resultados: La MEO (o near miss) se refiere a cualquier complicación aguda que puede presentarse en el embarazo, labor o hasta seis semanas después de haber concluido el embarazo, estas complicaciones ponen en riesgo la vida de la madre, pero no resulta en su muerte. Los indicadores de MEO fueron desarrollados con base a la incidencia y presencia de trastornos hemorrágicos, hipertensivos y otras alteraciones sistémicas y condiciones maternas graves que pueden tener un impacto en la salud de la madre. En la actualidad, se sugiere que el estudio de los indicadores de MEO son de más utilidad que los de muerte materna. Conclusiones: El ejercicio de la práctica médica con base en la mejor evidencia científica, el estudio y la mejora de la calidad de la práctica clínica, de la planificación familiar, la asesoría prenatal y los programas hospitalarios son estrategias que permitirán ayudar a disminuir los casos de MEO.

Abstract. Objective: To provide the most recent scientific evidence about definitions, diagnosis and consequences of severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Research methodology: We searched databases in PubMed, The Cochrane Library, OVID, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Artemisa, LILACS and Imbiomed from 2005 to 2018 with the following keywords: severe maternal morbidity, near miss morbidity, severe acute maternal morbidity, obstetric near miss and maternal near miss. The search was restricted to articles written in the English and Spanish language and published from 2005 to 2018. Qualitative studies were excluded. Results: SMM or maternal near miss event refers to any acute obstetric complication that immediately threatens a woman's survival but does not result in her death either by chance or because of hospital care she receives during pregnancy, labor or within six weeks of termination of pregnancy. The indicators for SMM were developed and based on the incidence and presence of hemorrhagic disorders, hypertensive disorders, other systemic disorders and severe maternal conditions which could have an impact on maternal health. Nowadays it is suggested that the study of indicators for SMM is a more useful indicator of obstetric care than mortality. Conclusions: Use of best evidence-based practices, studying and improving the effectiveness and quality of clinical practice, family planning, prenatal check-up, and hospital obstetric care programs are strategies that could help to reduce cases of SMM.

At 50 years of the description of acute respiratory distress syndrome. / A 50 años de la descripción del síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda.

In 1967, Ashbaugh et al. published in the Lancet the description of a new entity, for which they coined the name "adult respiratory distress syndrome". On that article, they thoroughly described 12 patients who had respiratory distress with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and oxygen therapy-refractory hypoxemia. For its management, emphasis was made on the importance of intubation and mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure. At 50 years of its first publication, great advances on the knowledge of this condition have been achieved, which has influenced on patient management and survival. To celebrate this 50th anniversary, the National Academy of Medicine of Mexico organized a symposium with the purpose to spread the knowledge about this condition, recognize the researchers who made the original description and those who over the course of 50 years of history have contributed to its better understanding. The symposium addressed the topics of lung-kidney interaction, molecular bases of the disease and therapeutic advances.

En 1967, Ashbaugh et al. publicaron en Lancet la descripción de una nueva entidad para la que acuñaron el nombre "síndrome de distress respiratorio del adulto". En ese artículo describieron minuciosamente a 12 enfermos que presentaban insuficiencia respiratoria, con infiltración pulmonar bilateral e hipoxemia resistente a oxigenoterapia. Para su manejo se hizo énfasis en la importancia de la intubación y la ventilación mecánica con presión positiva al final de la espiración. A 50 años de la publicación se han logrado grandes avances en el conocimiento de esta enfermedad, lo que ha influido en el manejo y supervivencia de los pacientes. Para celebrar este cincuentenario, la Academia Nacional de Medicina de México organizó un simposio que tuvo como objetivos difundir el conocimiento de esta enfermedad, reconocer a los personajes que hicieron la descripción original y a quienes en 50 años de historia han contribuido a su mejor entendimiento. El simposio abordó los temas de interacción pulmón-riñón, bases moleculares de la enfermedad y avances en el tratamiento.

Uric Acid in Pregnancy: New Concepts.

The relationship between hyperuricemia and hypertensive disorders is well established; however, until today, the role of uric acid in the clinical course of severe preeclampsia has not been elucidated. Some recent studies suggest that at the time of presentation, subjects with severe preeclampsia frequently have significantly elevated serum uric acid levels, and that the degree of elevation correlates with the severity of the maternal syndrome and fetal morbimortality. In this chapter, we present our workgroup experience. In 2016, we designed a prospective, cross-sectional comparative study. A sample of 200 patients - 100 with severe preeclampsia and 100 with normotensive pregnancy - was obtained. Plasmatic uric acid levels were recorded in units of mg/dL as clinical variables and as laboratory and fetal growth data. We considered uric acid equal to or more than 6.0 mg/dL as the elevated level. To relate the significance of elevated uric acid levels with variables, chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U test were applied. Any p value equal or <0.05 was accepted as significant. We found significant difference (p = 0.05) between serum uric acid levels among both groups. In comparison with the healthy patients, patients with severe preeclampsia and uric acid greater than 6 mg/dl presented significant differences in relation to fetal complications and maternal laboratory and clinical variables. Our conclusion is that values equal to or greater than 6 mg/dL of serum uric acid in patients with severe preeclampsia may be a valuable biomarker for preeclampsia and an association with the presence of adverse fetal and maternal effects.

Point-of-care gastrointestinal and urinary tract sonography in daily evaluation of gastrointestinal dysfunction in critically ill patients (GUTS Protocol).

There is currently a lack of universally accepted criteria for gastrointestinal (GI) failure or dysfunction in critical care. Moreover, the clinical assessment of intestinal function is notoriously difficult and thus often goes unrecognized, contributing to poor outcomes. A recent grading system has been proposed to define acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) in conjunction with other organ function scores (e.g., SOFA). Ultrasonography has become widely accepted as a diagnostic tool for GI problems and pathology. We propose a sonographic examination of the abdomen, using the GUTS protocol (gastrointestinal and urinary tract sonography) in critically ill patients as part of the point-of-care ultrasound evaluation in patients with AGI. This article reviews possible applications of ultrasonography that may be relevant to monitor the GI function in critically ill patients. The GI ultrasound protocol (GUTS) focuses on four gastrointestinal endpoints: gastrointestinal diameter, mucosal thickness, peristalsis, and blood flow. Moreover, it is possible to examine the urinary tract and kidney function. Real-time ultrasound with the GUTS protocol is a simple, inexpensive, bedside imaging technique that can provide anatomical and functional information of the GI tract. Further studies are needed to investigate the utility of GUTS with other parameters, such as GI biomarkers, AGI class, and clinical outcomes.

Comparación de la eficacia de la α-microglobulina-1 placentaria vs cristalografía en factores que modifican el resultado / Effectiveness comparison of α-microglobulin-1 placentary vs crystallography in the presence of factors that modify the result

Resumen Objetivo: Comparar la eficacia de la prueba α-microglobulina-1 placentaria (AmniSure®) versus cristalografía como método diagnóstico de ruptura de membranas en situaciones clínicas que modifican el resultado debido al gel lubricante, vaginosis bacteriana, sangre y escurrimiento genital anormal. Materiales y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, cuasi experimental y exploratorio, efectuado en pacientes embarazadas atendidas en el Hospital General de México, por sospecha de ruptura prematura de membranas. Criterios de inclusión: sospecha de ruptura prematura de membranas, independientemente de las semanas de embarazo, ruptura de membranas acompañada de sangrado, cervicovaginitis, hidrorrea o corioamnioitis; haber sido exploradas con gel lubricante y referir salida de líquido transvaginal. Resultados: Se efectuaron 20 pruebas con α-microglobulina-1 placentaria a la par de 20 cristalografías. Se descartó una prueba de α-microglobulina-1 por mala técnica de uso; se encontró una sensibilidad de 85.7% y especificidad de 100%. La sensibilidad de las cristalografías fue de 78.5% y especificidad de 100%. Conclusiones: Al comparar la efectividad de la α-microglobulina-1 placentaria versus la cristalografía se encontró mayor sensibilidad con la primera. Por tanto, es un método con mayor efectividad para detectar ruptura de membranas, independientemente de la edad gestacional o la coexistencia de factores que modifican el resultado. Ambas pruebas reportaron 100% de especificidad.

Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy of the α-microglobulin-1 placental test (AmniSure®) against crystallography as a diagnostic method for premature rupture of membranes in clinical situations involving impaired outcome such as lubricating gel, bacterial vaginosis, blood and abnormal genital drainage. Materials and methods: A prospective, quasi- experimental and exploratory study was performed on 20 patients admitted to the Hospital General de México, who presented suspicion of premature rupture of membranes (PRM) and met the inclusion criteria: pregnant patients who presented suspicion of PRM, regardless of gestational age, patients with PRM accompanied by bleeding, cervicovaginitis, hydrorrhea and chorioamnioitis, who were reviewed with lubricating gel as well as those who referred transvaginal fluid outflow. Results: Twenty tests were performed with AmniSure® in addition to 20 crystallographies. An Amnisure test was discarded for poor technique of use, finding a sensitivity of 85.7% with a specificity of 100% and in the case of crystallography, the sensitivity was 78.57%, with a specificity of 100% Conclusions: When comparing the effectiveness of AmniSure® with crystallography for the diagnosis of PRM in the presence of factors that can modify the result, 7.2% greater Amnisure sensitivity was found on crystallography and both tests showed 100% specificity.

Monitoreo hemodinámico no invasivo y mínimamente invasivo en la paciente obstétrica grave / Non-invasive and minimally invasive hemodynamic monitoring in the severe obstetric patient / Monitorização hemodinâmica não-invasiva e minimamente invasiva na paciente obstétrica grave

Resumen: El embarazo es un estado que impone un verdadero desafío para el sistema cardiovascular materno. Las pacientes obstétricas que se complican con pre­eclampsia, enfermedad cardiaca, sepsis, hemorragia y tromboembolia pulmonar, se caracterizan por profundas alteraciones hemodinámicas, las cuales representan las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad materna extrema, por lo que existe la necesidad de una correcta evaluación y monitoreo validado de estos parámetros en este tipo de pacientes. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir la tecnología disponible a la cabecera del enfermo para la implementación de este monitoreo hemodinámico en la paciente embarazada de alto riesgo.

Abstract: Pregnancy is a state, which poses a real challenge to the maternal cardiovascular system. Obstetric patients who are complicated by preeclampsia, heart disease, sepsis, hemorrhage and pulmonary thromboembolism are characterized by profound hemodynamic alterations, which represent the main causes of morbidity and extreme maternal mortality, so there is a need for a correct evaluation and monitoring of these parameters, which is validated in this type of patients. The objective of this review is to describe the technology available at the patient's bedside for the performance of this hemodynamic monitoring in the high-risk pregnant patient.

Resumo: A gravidez é um estado que representa um verdadeiro desafio para o sistema cardiovascular materno. A paciente obstétrica que apresenta complicações como pré-eclâmpsia, doenças cardíacas, sepse, hemorragia e tromboembolismo pulmonar, se caracterizam por profundas alterações hemodinâmicas que representam as principais causas de morbimortalidade materna extrema, por isso é necessária uma avaliação correta e a monitorização desses parâmetros, que esteja validado nesse tipo de pacientes. O objetivo desta revisão é descrever a tecnologia disponível à beira do leito para a realização da monitorização hemodinâmica na paciente obstétrica de alto risco.

Hallazgos histopatológicos en síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda / Histopathological findings in acute distress respiratory syndrome / Padrões histopatológicos na síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda

Resumen: El síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda engloba una constelación relativamente uniforme de características clínicas, radiológicas y fisiológicas en pacientes con falla respiratoria de inicio rápido. En la actualidad existen expertos que consideran la necesidad de denominar a este síndrome lesión alveolar difusa debido a sus reportes histopatológicos. El objetivo de este trabajo de revisión es dar a conocer los cambios histopatológicos de los pacientes con síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda y la relación que existe con las clasificaciones clínicas actuales.

Abstract: The acute respiratory distress syndrome, includes a relatively uniform radiological and physiological constellation of clinical features respiratory failure in patients with quick start. At present there are experts who consider the need to call this syndrome Diffuse alveolar injury, by histopathological reports this. The objective of this review paper is to make known the histopathologic changes of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome and the relationship with current clinical classifications.

Resumo: A síndrome da angústia respiratória aguda (SARA) engloba uma constelação relativamente uniforme de características clínicas, radiológicas e fisiológicas em pacientes com falha respiratória de início rápido. Atualmente, existem especialistas que consideram a necessidade de chamar essa síndrome de Lesão Alveolar Difusa pelos relatórios de histopatologia desta. O objetivo deste artigo de revisão é aumentar a consciência das alterações histopatológicas dos pacientes com SARA e a relação com as classificações clínicas atuais.

Encefalopatía posterior reversible en preeclampsia / Reversible posterior encephalopathy in preeclampsia / Encefalopatia posterior reversível em pré-eclâmpsia

Resumen: El síndrome de encefalopatía posterior reversible (PRES por sus siglas en inglés Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome) es una entidad clínico-radiológica con datos claros de afección del lóbulo posterior por imagen por resonancia magnética. Fue descrito por primera vez en 1996 por Hinchey, se caracteriza clínicamente por cefalea, afección laberíntica, así como ceguera cortical, entre otros síntomas. Una de las poblaciones en riesgo de presentar esta complicación neurológica son las mujeres que padecen preeclampsia/eclampsia. El objetivo de este trabajo es exponer un caso de encefalopatía posterior reversible en una paciente con preeclampsia.

Abstract: Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinical-radiological entity, with clear data of vasogenic edema at the posterior lobe by magnetic resonance image. As First described in 1996 by Hinchey, clinical features are headache, labyrinthine affection, and cortical blindness among others symptoms preeclampsia/eclampsia among obstetric patients has been characterized for presenting as a risk factor for this neurologic complication. The aim of this paper is to present a clinical case of posterior reversible encephalopathy in a patient with pre-eclampsia.

Resumo: A síndrome da encefalopatia posterior reversível (PRES, sigla em Inglês) é uma entidade clínica radiológica, com clara evidência da afetação do lobo posterior por IRM.1 Descrita pela primeira vez em 1996 por Hinchey; clinicamente caracterizada por cefaleia, doença labiríntica e cegueira cortical entre outros sintomas. Uma das populações em risco de apresentar essa complicação neurológica são mulheres com pré-eclâmpsia/eclâmpsia. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um caso de encefalopatia posterior reversível em uma paciente com pré-eclâmpsia.

[Metabolic control in the critically ill patient an update: hyperglycemia, glucose variability hypoglycemia and relative hypoglycemia]. / Actualidades en el control metabólico del paciente crítico: hiperglucemia, variabilidad de la glucosa, hipoglucemia e hipoglucemia relativa.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic changes of glucose in critically ill patients increase morbidity and mortality. The appropriate level of blood glucose has not been established so far and should be adjusted for different populations. However concepts such as glucose variability and relative hypoglycemia of critically ill patients are concepts that are changing management methods and achieving closer monitoring. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this review is to present new data about the management and metabolic control of patients in critical areas. CONCLUSIONS: Currently glucose can no longer be regarded as an innocent element in critical patients; both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia increase morbidity and mortality of patients. Protocols and better instruments for continuous measurement are necessary to achieve the metabolic control of our patients.

[Placenta percreta with bladder and rectum invasion]. / Percretismo placentario con invasión de vejiga y recto.

BACKGROUND: Placenta percreta may lead to massive obstetric haemorrhage, haemodynamic decompensation, and ultimately death. Total obstetric hysterectomy is universally accepted as treatment; however, the emergence of new techniques such as the uterine artery angioembolisation approach, and the use of chemotherapy agents such as methotrexate, are alternatives also described in the literature. CLINICAL CASE: A 28 year-old patient, in her fourth gestation, with a previous history of 2 vaginal and 1 caesarean birth 4, in her 28.4 week of pregnancy, by second trimester ultrasound, was diagnosed with placenta percreta with bladder and rectal invasion using magnetic resonance imaging. Multidisciplinary and sequential treatment included: Caesarean with placenta in situ, uterine artery embolisation immediately after caesarean, chemotherapy with methotrexate weekly for 4 doses, and finally obstetric hysterectomy after bilateral hypogastric artery ligation. The outcome was favourable and the patient was discharged in good general condition. CONCLUSIONS: The protocoled and sequential management including selective embolization immediately after caesarean section with placenta in situ, weekly chemotherapy with methotrexate and obstetric hysterectomy, preceded by bilateral ligation of the hypogastric arteries, is a therapeutic alternative to be considered in cases of placenta percreta.

[Atipical uremic hemolityc syndrome in pregnancy]. / Síndrome urémico hemolítico atípico en el embarazo.

Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome is one of the main variants of thrombotic microangiopathy, and is characterized by excessive complement activation in the microvasculature. It is also characterised by the clinical triad; non-immune haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. In addition, 60% of patients have mutations in the genes encoding complement regulators (factor H, factor I, membrane cofactor proteins, and thrombomodulin), activators (factor B and C3), as well as autoantibodies against factor H. Multiple factors are required for the disease to manifest itself, including a trigger and gene mutations with adequate penetration. Being one of the differential diagnoses of preeclampsia- eclampsia and HELLP syndrome means that the clinician must be familiar with the disease due to its high mortality, which can be modified with early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

Hígado graso agudo del embarazo / Acute fatty liver of pregnancy

El hígado graso agudo del embarazo, descrito en 1934, es una complicación gestacional poco frecuente y potencialmente fatal. El daño hepático materno ocurre por depósito citoplasmático perinuclear de microvesículas de grasa en el hepatocito relacionada con deficiencia enzimática autosómica recesiva en la vía de la oxidación mitocondrial de los ácidos grasos del feto. El objetivo de este artículo es exponer un caso de hígado graso agudo del embarazo acontecido en nuestro medio con criterios clínicos compatibles así como estudio histopatológico confirmatorio. Se trata de una paciente de 43 años procedente y residente de la ciudad de El Alto, La Paz (Bolivia), presenta ictericia, coluria, se automedica con paracetamol, asociándose al cuadro clínico nauseas acompañadas con vómitos, ausencia de movimientos fetales de producto único de 35 semanas; durante su evolución en UTI presenta encefalopatía hepática grado II y hemorragia digestiva, fallece a los 3 días de internación en UTI, se realiza necropsia hepática compatible con hígado graso agudo del embarazo. Cabe destacar la realización de estudio histopatológico en el presente caso, la cual no se realiza de manera rutinaria en nuestro medio, el cual reporta esteatosis hepática macro y microvacuolar asociada a proceso inflamatorio crónico activo acentuado difuso compatible con hígado graso agudo del embarazo, lo cual apoya los criterios clínicos de Swansea.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy, described in 1934, is a rare but potentially fatal gestational complication. The damage in mother's liver is produced by perinuclear cytoplasmic deposit of fat micro vesicles in hepatocyte related with autosomal recessive enzymatic deficiency in mitochondrial oxidative fatty acids pathway of fetus. The objective of this paper is present an acute fatty liver of pregnancy occurred with clinical criteria and confirmation histopathological study. The present case is about a 43-year old patient, resident of El Alto, La Paz (Bolivia), with jaundice, choluria, auto medicated with acetaminophen, curses also with nausea and vomiting, absence of fetal movements of 35-week fetus, during her evolution in ICU presents hepatic encephalopathy and digestive hemorrhage, dies at 3th day in ICU, hepatic necropsy confirms acute fatty liver of pregnancy. It's worth mentioning the histopathological study, scarcely performed in our country, which, in this case, reports macro and microvacuolar steatosis in liver, associated to an active diffuse chronic inflammatory process compatible with acute fatty liver of pregnancy, in concordance with clinical Swansea criteria.

[Use of thromboelastography and thromboelastometry for the rational and opportune transfusion of hemoderivatives in obstetric hemorrhage]. / Uso de tromboelastrografía y tromboelastometría para la transfusión racional y oportuna de hemoderivados en hemorragia obstétrica.

Obstetric hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality, responsible of 143,000 deaths every year. Thromboelastography is a tool that allows measuring the viscoelastic, dynamic and global properties of the blood, offering valuable information of coagulation alterations and help to guide early goal directed transfusional therapy. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the evidence of this tool in obstetric hemorrhage and the management of the associated coagulopathy.