Case report: Long-term follow-up of a large full-thickness skin defect treated with a photosynthetic scaffold for dermal regeneration.

It is broadly described that almost every step of the regeneration process requires proper levels of oxygen supply; however, due to the vascular disruption in wounds, oxygen availability is reduced, being detrimental to the regeneration process. Therefore, the development of novel biomaterials combined with improved clinical procedures to promote wound oxygenation is an active field of research in regenerative medicine. This case report derives from a cohort of patients enrolled in a previously published ongoing phase I clinical trial (NCT03960164), to assess safety of photosynthetic scaffolds for the treatment of full skin defects. Here, we present a 56 year old patient, with a scar contracture in the cubital fossa, which impaired the elbow extension significantly affecting her quality of life. As part of the treatment, the scar contracture was removed, and the full-thickness wound generated was surgically covered with a photosynthetic scaffold for dermal regeneration, which was illuminated to promote local oxygen production. Then, in a second procedure, an autograft was implanted on top of the scaffold and the patient's progress was followed for up to 17 months. Successful outcome of the whole procedure was measured as improvement in functionality, clinical appearance, and self-perception of the treated area. This case report underscores the long-term safety and applicability of photosynthetic scaffolds for dermal regeneration and their stable compatibility with other surgical procedures such as autograft application. Moreover, this report also shows the ability to further improve the clinical outcome of this procedure by means of dermal vacuum massage therapy and, more importantly, shows an overall long-term improvement in patient´s quality of life, supporting the translation of photosynthetic therapies into human patients.

A First in Human Trial Implanting Microalgae Shows Safety of Photosynthetic Therapy for the Effective Treatment of Full Thickness Skin Wounds.

Insufficient oxygen supply represents a relevant issue in several fields of human physiology and medicine. It has been suggested that the implantation of photosynthetic cells can provide oxygen to tissues in the absence of a vascular supply. This approach has been demonstrated to be successful in several in vitro and in vivo models; however, no data is available about their safety in human patients. Here, an early phase-1 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03960164, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03960164) is presented to evaluate the safety and feasibility of implanting photosynthetic scaffolds for dermal regeneration in eight patients with full-thickness skin wounds. Overall, this trial shows that the presence of the photosynthetic microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in the implanted scaffolds did not trigger any deleterious local or systemic immune responses in a 90 days follow-up, allowing full tissue regeneration in humans. The results presented here represent the first attempt to treat patients with photosynthetic cells, supporting the translation of photosynthetic therapies into clinics. Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03960164, identifier: NCT03960164.

Colgajo sural superficial a pedículo distal excluyendo nervio sural: casuística / Superficial distally based sural flap with exclusion of the sural nerve: clinical cases

Introducción y objetivo: El colgajo fasciocutáneo sural superficial a pedículo distal ha sido utilizado desde hace tiempo para la reconstrucción del tercio distal de la pierna, tobillo y talón, y su irrigación también ha sido establecida.Presentamos nuestra casuística demostrando que este colgajo puede sobrevivir excluyendo de su composición el nervio sural y por lo tanto conservar la sensibilidad de tercio distal póstero-lateral de pierna y borde lateral del pié, conservando también su irrigación indemne.Material y método.Recogemos 40 pacientes con fractura expuesta de tercio distal de pierna, tobillo y talón, sometidos a reconstrucción con colgajo sural superficial a pedículo distal excluyendo el nervio sural, desde 1998 hasta 2019.Las edades fuctuaron entre 20 y 55 años; 35 hombres y 5 mujeres.En todos los pacientes realizamos prueba de presión cutánea suave con plumilla (pinch test ) y prueba del pinchazo cutáneo (pin prick), y en 4 neurografía sensorial.Resultados.La irrigación del colgajo no se vio alterada al excluir el nervio sural. Hubo 2 necrosis distales del colgajo solucionadas con injerto dermo-epidérmico y/o avance del colgajo. En 3 pacientes hubo edema resuelto con elevación de pierna y vendaje suave. En 4 pacientes hubo celulitis que cedió con antibióticos. La sensibilidad cutánea en el tercio distal de la pierna en su porción posterior y lateral, y en el borde lateral del pie se conservó sin alteraciones.Conclusiones.En nuestra casuística, la exclusión del nervio sural no alteró la irrigación del colgajo En nuestros pacientes, la sensibilidad cutánea del tercio distal de la cara póstero-lateral de la pierna y el borde lateral del pié no se alteró, siendo corroborada por la clínica y por la neurografía sensorial. (AU)

Background and objective: Background and objective. The distally based superficial sural artery flap has been used for lower limb reconstruction for long time. The blood supply for this flap has been studied for many authors.We present our casuistry showing that this flap can survive excluding the sural nerve from its composition and therefore preserve the sensitivity of the distal postero-lateral third of the leg and the lateral border of the foot, also preserving its undamaged irrigation.Methods.We have operated on 40 patients since 1998 to 2019, 35 men and 5 female, age ranged from 20 to 55 years old, using a superficial distally based sural flap, excluding the sural nerve. The pinch and the pin prick test were done in all patients.Results.In spite of excluding the sural nerve, the arterial blood supply to the flap was not compromised. There were 2 distal partial necrosis healed with flap advance and or split thickness skin graft. Edema was presented in 3 patients disappearing with limb elevation and light dressing. Cellulitis was presented in 4 patients and disappeared with antibiotics. Cutaneous sensitivity in the posterior and lateral distal third portion of the leg and in the edge of the foot was unalterable.Conclusions.In our clinical cases, the arterial blood supply to the distally based sural flap is not compromised with the exclusion of the sural nerve. The clinic and neurography show the patency of the sensation in the skin of the lateral and posterior part of the distal third of the leg and the lateral aspects of the foot.These findings allow to exclude the sural nerve from the flap insuring the blood supply and avoiding the possible pressure sores when the workers use their security shoes. (AU)

Manejo de queloides mediante combinación de cirugía y radioterapia con haz de electrones / Management of keloid through combination of surgery and radiotherapy with electron beam

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVO: La formación de queloides condiciona un deterioro en la calidad de vida de los pacientes por causar desfiguración cosmética, dolor y prurito. A pesar de que existe una amplia gama de opciones terapéuticas e incluso combinación de estas, aún existen tasas de recurrencia elevadas que hacen del tratamiento de los queloides un desafío complejo. Recogemos nuestra tasa de recurrencia de queloides en diferentes áreas corporales tras cirugía asociada a radioterapia con haz de electrones en el postoperatorio inmediato mediante un protocolo de radioterapia definido. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio de tipo ambispectivo en los centros de Cirugía Plástica del Hospital del Salvador y Clínica Santa María en Santiago (Chile) entre 2010 y 2017 sobre pacientes intervenidos por queloides mediante cirugía y tratamiento protocolizado con radioterapia de electrones. Excluimos pacientes que no asistieron al tratamiento con radioterapia, o se realizó después de 24 horas, o no se les realizó seguimiento durante al menos 3 meses. Evaluamos datos demográficos, clínicos, antecedentes de procedimientos anteriores frustrados, número de queloides y recurrencia. Utilizamos como prueba estadística chi-cuadrado con significancia estadística p ≤ 0.05. RESULTADOS: Estudiamos un total de 15 pacientes con un total de 32 queloides intervenidos en distintas áreas corporales con seguimiento promedio de 862 días. En todos realizamos el procedimiento sin inconvenientes y con buena tolerancia. El promedio de recidiva total fue del 34%, siendo la zona de mayor recurrencia la dorsal (83%) y la de menor la auricular donde no hubo recidivas. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra experiencia, el tratamiento quirúrgico escisional de los queloides, seguido de radioterapia con haz de electrones según el protocolo expuesto, resultó sin recidivas en la zona auricular

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Keloids cause deterioration in the quality of life of patients due to cosmetic disfigurement, pain and pruritus. Although there is a wide range of therapeutic options and even a combination of these, there are still high recurrence rates that make keloids treatment a challenge. We report our rate of recurrence of keloid in different body areas after surgery associated with radiotherapy electron beam in the immediate postoperative period using a defined radiotherapy protocol. METHODS: An ambispective study was carried out in the Plastic Surgery Unit at Salvador Hospital and Santa María Clinic in Santiago (Chile) between 2010 and 2017, colleting patients operated on by keloids with surgery and protocolized treatment of electron radiation therapy. Patients who did not attend the radiotherapy treatment, it was performed after 24 hours, or they were not followed up for at least 3 months, were excluded. We evaluated demographic, clinical data, past history of frustrated procedures, keloid number and keloid recurrence. Chi-square statistical test was used using statistical significance p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients with 321 keloids in different body areas were treated, with an average follow-up time of 862 days. All patients underwent surgical and radiotherapy treatment without inconveniences and good tolerance. The average total recurrence was 34%, with the greatest recurrence in the dorsal area (83%) and with no recurrences in the auricular one. CONCLUSIONS: Excisional surgical treatment of keloids, followed by beam radiation therapy according to the protocol described, results in no recurrence in the auricular área

Squamous Cell Carcinoma as a Result of Likely Industrial Grade Ruptured Poly Implant Prosthèse Silicone Buttock Implants.

The Poly Implant Prosthèse (PIP) implants were withdrawn from the market in 2010 due to the use of a nonmedical grade silicone filler. In 2012, the French medical authorities and the International Confederation of Societies of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery recommended the extraction of PIP implants. However, during the duration of this scandal, each country in the world did not agree with a uniform procedure, and this rule was not implemented in its entirety. Although laboratory test results on PIP implants were negative for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, there are many reports in the literature of several complications associated with PIP implants, including high rupture rates and the fact that they are 3 to 5 times more likely to produce local tissue reactions. On the other hand, the development of more strange and worse prognosis complications, such as the development of squamous carcinoma associated with the use of silicone implants (not necessarily related to PIP implants), is less known. To date, only 6 cases have been reported, and all are related to breast augmentation. The authors made the first report of primary gluteal squamous cell cancer related to rupture and delayed removal of PIP silicone buttock implants.

Método de aislamiento, cultivo y precondicionamiento con hipoxia de células madre derivadas de tejido adiposo en ratas / Method of isolation, culture and hypoxia preconditioning of adipose tissue stem cells in rats

Introducción y objetivo. Las células madre son candidatas terapéuticas para una amplia gama de enfermedades. Resultan de gran interés en Cirugía Plástica para el tratamiento de heridas crónicas, transferencia de tejido adiposo y colgajos. El objetivo de este estudio es describir el método de aislamiento, cultivo y caracterización de células madre derivadas de tejido adiposo y cómo estas pueden precondicionarse con hipoxia y generar cambios in vitro en su capacidad proliferativa y migratoria. El trabajo es un complemento didáctico a otro publicado por nosotros en esta misma revista utilizando esta metodología en comparación al grupo de retardo de colgajo y grupo control en colgajos cutáneos aleatorizados en ratas. Métodos. Obtuvimos las células madre de tejido graso ínguino-abdominal de ratas adultas: 10 en el grupo de células madre derivadas de tejido adiposo y otras 10 en el grupo de células madre derivadas de tejido adiposo precondicionadas con hipoxia (2% O2 y 5% CO2). Realizamos análisis morfológico directo y con inmunofluorescencia con el marcador vimentina y CD90 y estudio de proliferación y migración celular in vitro. Resultados: Utilizamos en promedio 1.64 +/- 1.13 gr de tejido adiposo en el grupo sin precondicionamiento y 0.93 +/- 0.34 gr en el grupo con precondicionamiento con hipoxia para el aislamiento. Las células madre derivadas de tejido adiposo precondicionadas con hipoxia presentaron un aumento de la capacidad migratoria a las 24 horas de 2.44 +/- 0.85 mm frente a 2.24 +/- 0.82 mm (p ≤ 0.01) y proliferativa 5.42 x105 +/- 1.03 x105 céls/ml frente a 3.26 x105 +/- 8.61 x104 céls/ml) (p ≤ 0.001) de forma significativa en comparación a las sin precondicionamiento. Conclusiones. Describimos en detalle un método de precondicionamiento de células madre mediante hipoxia. Logramos potenciar el efecto de las células madre aumentando en forma significativa su capacidad migratoria y proliferativa de forma precoz

Background and objective. Stem cells are therapeutic candidates for a wide range of diseases. They are of great interest in Plastic Surgery for the management of chronic wounds, adipose tissue transfer and flaps. The objective of this study is to describe the method of isolation, culture and characterization of stem cells derived from adipose tissue and how these can be preconditioned with hypoxia and generate in vitro changes in their proliferative and migratory capacity. This study is a didactic supplement to a paper published by us in this same journal using this methodology in comparison to the group of flap delay and control group in skin flaps randomized in rats. Methods. Stem cells were obtained from inguinal-abdominal fatty tissue of adult rats: 10 in the group of stem cells derived from adipose tissue and another 10 in the group of stem cells derived from adipose tissue preconditioned with hypoxia (2% O2 and 5% CO2). Direct morphological analysis was carried out and with immunofluorescence (vimentin and CD90 marker). Study proliferation and in vitro cell migration was performed. Results. An average of 1.64 +/- 1.13 gr of adipose tissue of the inguinoabdominal area was used in the group of stem cells without preconditioning and 0.93 +/- 0.34 gr. in the group with hypoxic preconditioning for the isolation. Stem cells derived from adipose tissue preconditioned with hypoxia showed an increase in migratory capacity at 24 hours of 2.44 +/- 0.85 mm v/s 2.24 +/- 0.82 mm (p ≤ 0.01) and proliferative of 5.42 x105 +/- 1.03 x105 cells / ml v/s 3.26 x 105 +/- 8.61 x104 cells / ml) (p ≤0.001) significantly compared to those without preconditioning. Conclusions. A method of preconditioning stem cells by hypoxia is described in detail. It is possible to enhance the effect of the stem cells, significantly increasing their early migratory and proliferative capacity

Clasificación y grado de necrosis en colgajo cutáneo aleatorio en ratas tras tratamiento con células madre precondicionadas con hipoxia y retardo del colgajo / Classification and score of necrosis in random skin flap in rats after treatment with transplantation of hypoxia preconditioned adipose-derived stem cells and flap delay

Introducción y Objetivo: Realizar una clasificación de necrosis en colgajos cutáneos aleatorios (predispuesto a necrosis) según los hallazgos macroscópicos e histopatológicos, con o sin tratamiento para aumentar la supervivencia del colgajo, podría ser útil para analizar de forma global el colgajo y evaluar distintas modalidades para disminuir la necrosis. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar si existe más de un patrón de necrosis cutánea del colgajo cutáneo aleatorio al séptimo día de postoperatorio realizando una clasificación de necrosis y comparar la efectividad de los métodos de retardo del colgajo y células madres derivadas de tejido adiposo (ASCs) con y sin precondicionamiento para aumentar la supervivencia del colgajo. Material y Método: Utilizamos 40 ratas macho adultas sometidas a colgajo cutáneo aleatorio en el área dorsal de 2 x 8 cm agrupadas en control, RTC (retardo del colgajo), ASCs y ASCs-H (células madre derivadas de tejido adiposo precondicionadas con hipoxia). Realizamos cálculo del área, puntuación de necrosis y estudio histológico de los colgajos al séptimo día con hematoxilina-eosina, inmunohistoquímica con VEGF (factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular) y cuantificación del colágeno tipo I y III. Resultados: Según la clasificación, el tipo 0 fue considerado como piel normal; tipo 0+ con cambio adaptativo reversible; tipo 1 necrosis menor con inflamación superficial; tipo 2 necrosis menor con inflamación profunda; y finalmente el tipo 3 necrosis en su grado máximo. La piel sana mantiene la coloración y textura elástica y blanda. A medida que progresa la necrosis cambia hacia un tono más oscuro, y la textura y consistencia van aumentando hasta tornarse acartonada y delgada. En los tipos 0+ y 1 observamos focos de reepitelización temprana al séptimo día, mientras que en estadios más avanzados la necrosis fue completa. El grupo de RTC presenta una menor puntuación y por lo tanto necrosis de menor grado respecto al resto de los grupos tratados. Por otra parte, el porcentaje global de necrosis fue menor en los grupos tratados con ASCs y ASCs-H respecto al grupo control (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusiones: La clasificación y puntuación de necrosis parece ser un método adecuado para comprender la evolución de la necrosis del colgajo cutáneo aleatorio y como herramienta para investigación. La necrosis de bajo grado permitiría un afrontamiento conservador y expectante respecto a la de mayor grado. El grupo RTC presentó un puntuación menor al séptimo día con mayor capacidad de reepitelización, mientras que los tratamientos con ASCs y ASCs-H lograron una menor área de necrosis de forma global al séptimo día

Background and Objective: Perform a characterization and classification of necrosis in random skin flaps (predisposed to necrosis) according to the macroscopic and histopathological findings, with or without treatment to increase the survival of the flap, it could be useful to analyze in a global way the flap and evaluate different modalities for decrease necrosis. Our aim is to evaluate if there is more than one skin cutaneous necrosis pattern of the random cutaneous flap on the seventh postoperative day, performing a necrosis classification and to compare the effectiveness of the flap delay and adipose tissue derived stem cells (ASCs) with and without preconditioning methods to increase the survival of the flap. Methods: Forty adult male rats subjected to random skin flap in the dorsal area of 2 x 8 cm grouped into control group, RTC (flap delay), ASCs (adipose-derived stem cells) and ASCs-H (hypoxic preconditioning of adipose-derived stem cells), were used. Area calculation, necrosis score and histological study of flaps on the seventh day with hematoxylin-eosin, immunohistochemistry with VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and quantification of type I and III collagen were performed. Results: According to the classification of necrosis, type 0 was considered normal skin; type 0+ with reversible adaptive change; type 1 minor necrosis with superficial inflammation; type 2 minor necrosis with deep inflammation; and finally type 3 necrosis in its maximum degree. Healthy skin maintains coloring, elastic and soft texture. As necrosis progresses shifts towards a darker tone, texture and consistency increases until it becomes stiff and thin. In types 0+ and 1, foci of early reepithelialization was observed on the seventh day, while more advanced in the classification stages, necrosis is complete. The group of RTC presents a lower score and therefore lesser degree of necrosis with respect to the rest of the treated groups. Moreover the overall percentage of necrosis was lower in the groups treated with ASCs and ASCs-H in the control group (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The classification and the score of necrosis seems to be a suitable method for understanding the evolution of skin flap necrosis and as a tool for research. Low-grade necrosis allows conservative and expectant confrontation with respect to higher grades. The RTC group presented a lower necrosis score on the seventh day with greater reepithelialization capacity, whereas treatment with ASCs and ASCs-H achieved a lower area of necrosis overall on the seventh day

Injerto dermo-epidérmico como tratamiento del siliconoma de extremidad inferior / Dermoepidermal graft as treatment of lower extremity siliconoma

Resumen Introducción A pesar de la evidencia sobre los malos resultados y riesgos del uso de inyecciones subcutáneas de silicona para mejorar el contorno corporal, esta técnica sigue siendo utilizada por personas no calificadas. Caso clínico Paciente de 56 años quien consultó por cuadro de celulitis en pierna izquierda. Se obtuvo el antecedente de intervención con silicona en cara, dorso de las manos, glúteos y piernas el año 2000. El cuadro progresó con múltiples abscesos en la totalidad de la pierna y sepsis. Se realizaron aseos quirúrgicos exponiendo planos fascial y muscular, se utilizó terapia local con sistemas de presión negativa y posterior injerto dermo-epidérmico (IDE). El manejo multidisciplinario se realizó en unidades críticas. Los resultados del manejo fueron satisfactorios, salvando la extremidad con cobertura total, logrando el alta luego de 4 meses. Conclusión A pesar de conocerse los peligros de la inyección de silicona, este sigue siendo un procedimiento frecuente. En nuestra paciente se manifestó como fascitis de la pierna, requiriendo tratamiento quirúrgico agresivo. Conocer esta entidad, su diagnóstico y tratamiento es fundamental para tratar pacientes con complicaciones graves.

Introduction Despite the evidence of poor performance and risks of using silicone subcutaneous injections to improve body contour, this technique is still used by untrained people, generating an iatrogenic entity with serious complications. Case report 56 year old female presented left lower extremity cellulitis. A history of previous intervention with silicone injections in face, back of hands, buttocks and legs in year 2000 was obtained. An inflammatory process progressed locally and systemically with multiple abscesses, subcutaneous thickness in the entire leg and sepsis, requiring multiple surgical procedures, reaching fascial and muscle planes exposition of the left leg. The patient underwent local therapy with negative pressure systems and subsequent dermoepidermal graft. Multidisciplinary management was performed on a critical unit. The results were satisfactory, preserving the limb with full coverage. She was discharged after four months of inpatient management. Conclusion Despite knowing the risks of silicone injection (industrial or medical) it remains a common procedure. In our patient she presented as leg fasciitis, requiring aggressive surgical treatment. Knowing this entity, its diagnosis and treatment is essential to treat patients with serious complications.

Use of 5% lidocaine medicated plaster to treat localized neuropathic pain secondary to traumatic injury of peripheral nerves.

OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of 5% lidocaine medicated plaster (LMP) has previously been demonstrated in post-traumatic localized neuropathic pain. This study evaluated the use of LMP in localized neuropathic pain secondary to traumatic peripheral nerve injury. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled patients with traumatic injuries to peripheral nerves that were accompanied by localized neuropathic pain of more than 3 months duration. Demographic variables, pain intensity (measured using the numeric rating scale; NRS), answers to the Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questionnaire, and the size of the painful area were recorded. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were included, aged (mean ± standard deviation) 41.4 ± 15.7 years. Nerve injuries affected the upper (eight patients) or lower (11 patients) limbs. The mean duration of pain before starting treatment with LMP was 22.6 ± 43.5 months (median 8 months). Mean baseline values included: NRS 6.7 ± 1.6, painful area 17.8 ± 10.4 cm(2) (median 18 cm(2)), and DN4 score 6.7 ± 1.4. The mean duration of treatment with LMP was 19.5 ± 10.0 weeks (median 17.4 weeks). Mean values after treatment were: NRS 2.8 ± 1.5 (≥3 point reduction in 79% of patients, ≥50% reduction in 57.9% of patients) and painful area 2.1 ± 2.3 cm(2) (median 1 cm(2), ≥50% reduction in 94.7% of patients). Functional improvement after treatment was observed in 14/19 patients (73.7%). CONCLUSION: LMP effectively treated traumatic injuries of peripheral nerves which presented with chronic localized neuropathic pain, reducing both pain intensity and the size of the painful area.

Functional results of burned hands treated with Integra®.

INTRODUCTION: Dermal substitutes, such as Integra(®) introduced as a new alternative to our surgical arsenal and its use in burn treatment, in both acute and chronic phases, have gained great importance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the experiment is to describe the results of the functional evaluation of patients with burned hands treated with Integra(®) in both acute and chronic phases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of a transversal cohort. Patient characteristics evaluated were sociodemographic characteristics, burn mechanism, burn extension and depth, treatments received previous to Integra(®) and complications related to its use. Clinical and photographic evaluations were performed evaluating skin elasticity, range of articular movement, prehensile strength, pain and functional evaluation using the validated 400 Point Evaluation Test. RESULTS: A total of 17 burned hands in 14 right-handed patients, were treated with Integra(®), three being bilateral hand burns. Eleven were treated in the acute phase and in nine in the scar reconstruction phase. Range of articular motion was complete in 15 of 17 hands. In 88% of the hands, flexible skin coverage was achieved. No statistically significant difference was observed in prehension strength of the burned hand versus the contralateral non-burned hand. Sixteen hands had a painless evolution. The 400 Point Evaluation score was 92.8 ± 6.3% (80 - 100%). Nearly four-fifths (79%) of the patients returned to normal active working activities.

Treatment of localized post-traumatic neuropathic pain in scars with 5% lidocaine medicated plaster.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of 5% lidocaine medicated plaster (LMP) for treating painful scars resulting from burns or skin degloving. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, observational case series study in individuals with painful scars <70 cm(2) in area, caused by burns or skin degloving. The study included a structured questionnaire incorporating demographic variables, pain evaluation using the numeric rating scale (NRS), the DN4 questionnaire, and measurement of the painful surface area. Patients with open wounds in the painful skin or with severe psychiatric disease were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-one men and eight women were studied, aged (mean + standard deviation) 41.4 ± 11.0 years, with painful scars located in the upper extremity (n = 9), lower extremity (n = 19), or trunk (n = 1). Eleven patients (37.9%) had an associated peripheral nerve lesion. The scars were caused by burns (n = 13), degloving (n = 7), and/or orthopedic surgery (n = 9). The duration of pain before starting treatment with lidocaine plaster was 9.7 ± 10.0 (median 6) months. The initial NRS was 6.66 ± 1.84 points, average painful area 23.0 ± 18.6 (median 15) cm(2), and DN4 score 4.7 ± 2.3 points. The duration of treatment with LMP was 13.9 ± 10.2 (median 11) weeks. After treatment, the NRS was reduced by 58.2% ± 27.8% to 2.72 ± 1.65. The average painful area was reduced by 72.4% ± 24.7% to 6.5 ± 8.6 (median 5) cm(2). Nineteen patients (69%) showed functional improvement following treatment. CONCLUSION: LMP was useful for treating painful scars with a neuropathic component, producing meaningful reductions in the intensity of pain and painful surface area. This is the first time that a decrease in the painful area has been demonstrated in neuropathic pain using topical therapy, and may reflect the disease-modifying potential of LMP.

Double negative pressure for seroma treatment in trocanteric area.

We report the use of topic negative pressure for seromas resulting from mobilization of tensor fascia lata miocutaneous flap in the trochanteric areas for pressure sores. In 5 consecutive patients we successfully treated seroma with the use of external and internal topic subatmospheric pressure.

Infarto cerebral isquémico. Estudio de cinco años / Ischemic stroke. A five-year study

Se realizó un estudio del infarto cerebrovascular isquémico en el quinquenio 1998-2002 en el Hospital Militar de Santa Clara, que contó con un universo de 246 pacientes: 166 trombóticos y 80 embólicos, con 186 egresos vivos y 60 fallecidos. Se determinó que existió un aumento en el número de enfermos ingresados por años, con una tendencia a disminuir el porcentaje de egresados muertos. Se evidenció un incremento de la mortalidad en la medida que aumenta la edad, sin relación estadística entre el tipo de infarto cerebral y la mortalidad relacionada con el sexo. La hipertensión arterial fue el factor de riesgo de mayor incidencia, con predomino de las enfermedades cardiovasculares en los pacientes embólicos. La asociación de 2 o más factores de riesgo favorece las complicaciones y la mortalidad. Un porcentaje importante de la muestra recibió atención médica especializada con una demora de más de 6 h, lo que tuvo una significativa mortalidad. Las manifestaciones clínicas iniciales más frecuentes fueron las alteraciones motoras, y en el infarto cerebral embólico predominaron las alteraciones de la conciencia como síntoma inicial. La causa directa más frecuente de la muerte fue la bronconeumonía bacteriana, mientras la enfermedad aterosclerótica cerebral fue la causa básica determinante en los trombóticos y las enfermedades cardiovasculares en los embólicos. El análisis de las variables estudiadas y algunas deficiencias detectadas en el cumplimiento del protocolo diagnóstico y terapéutico, pueden tributar en punto de partida para emitir e implementar acciones de salud que disminuyan la morbi-letalidad del infarto cerebral isquémico(AU)

A study of ischemic stroke was conducted at the Military Hospital of Santa Clara from 1998 to 2002. 246 patients entered the study: 166 thrombotic and 80 embolic, with 186 live discharges and 60 dead. An increase in the number of patients admitted per year was evidenced, with a trend to reduce the percentage of dead discharges. An increase of mortality with age was observed, without statistical relation between the type of stroke and mortality related to sex. Arterial hypertension was the risk factor with the highest incidence, with predominance of the cardiovascular diseases in the embolic patients. The association of 2 or more risk factors favored the complications and mortality. An important percentage of the sample received specialized medical attention with a delay of more than 6 hours, which had a significant mortality. The most frequent initial manifestations were motor alterations, whereas in the embolic stroke the consciousness alterations prevailed as an initial symptom. The most common cause of death was bacterial bronchopneumonia. The atherosclerotic cerebral disease was the basic determinant in the thrombotic patients, and the cardiovascular diseases in the embolic patients. The analysis of the studied variables and some deficiencies detected in the fulfilment of the diagnostic and therapeutic protocol may act as a starting point to implement health actions that decrease the morbilethality of ischemic stroke(AU)

Drogas viejas vs drogas nuevas: ¿Controversia en el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial? / Old drugs vs new drugs: a controversy about the initial treatment in hypertension?

La Hipertensión Arterial como una enfermedad cuya prevalencia aumenta con la edad; se describe en un mayor por ciento en los mayores de 65 años, con un grupo de factores relacionados, y se promueve la trascendencia del tratamiento lo más precoz posible para prevenir enfermedades, como la insuficiencia cardíaca. Constituye, sin embargo, un acontecimiento de indudable importancia, la posibilidad de disponer de terapéutica antihipertensiva oral en un principio como la hidralazina y hexarnetorio; poco tiempo después, se agregó la reserpina y diuréticos tiazídicos y a partir de la década del 70 y 80, comenzaron a realizarse un grupo de estudios como el SHET, el SIST.-EUR y el SIST.-China, cuyos resultados servirán de base a los que hay que realizar. Al momento de elegir la droga, se plantea para el médico la controversia entre drogas viejas vs drogas nuevas, es decir, diuréticos y betabloqueadores (drogas viejas) en contraposición con calcio antagonista, inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA) y antagonistas de los receptores de angiotensina (drogas nuevas). Como todas ellas han demostrado ser eficaces para hacer descender la presión arterial, hay actualmente un gran interés por conocer qué drogas o grupo de ellas deben ser preferidas como primera elección. En aras de resolver esta controversia, se han realizado numerosos estudios y varios ensayos clínicos, tanto en el ámbito nacional como internacional...

Caracterización de la enfermedad hipertensiva y algunos factores de riesgo asociados en un área de salud / Characterization of the hypertensive disease and some risk factors related to it in an specific health area

Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal con el objetivo de conocer el comportamiento de la enfermedad hipertensiva y algunos factores de riesgo asociados a ella, en el área de atención del Hospital Militar Cmdte Manuel Fajardo de Santa Clara, así como conocer la prevalencia de la misma en dicho área. La muestra estuvo constituida por el total de pacientes hipertensos pertenecientes al mismo. Se comprobó que existía una de un 22,05 por ciento lo cual nos insta a incrementar la pesquisa en la búsqueda de casos ocultos(AU)