Use of Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Noninfectious Inflammatory Dermatoses of the Scalp: A Survey of Practicing Dermatologists and Dermatology Residents Using Delphi Methodology.

Background: Noninfectious inflammatory dermatoses of the scalp are common, and their symptomsin particular, those affecting appearance, can have a psychological effect that may be disproportionate to their clinical severity. Effective, cosmetically acceptable treatments are important to manage these conditions. Topical corticosteroids form the cornerstone of acute treatment for many of these conditions. We surveyed practicing dermatologists and dermatology residents to determine the current clinical practice in prescribing topical corticosteroids for these disorders in their various preparation formats. Methods: A Delphi method was used, consisting of 2 questionnaire rounds. The first round contained 34 questions and was completed by 612 dermatologists and dermatology residents via email. The first round of responses was analyzed, and points that had > 70% agreement were used to form a second questionnaire of 21 statements. This second round was completed by 346 participants, and their responses were used to generate a final report. Participants were practicing in both public and private practices. Results: Clobetasol propionate 0.05% topical solution was considered to be the most appropriate treatment for noninfectious inflammatory scalp dermatoses in general, with 75.1% agreement in the second round of questionnaire. The main advantages of clobetasol propionate over other topical corticosteroids were reported as potency, effectiveness, and broad action spectrum (94.8% agreement). The preferred pharmaceutical format was the solution of clobetasol propionate. Conclusion: Clobetasol propionate was the preferred topical treatment for the management of scalp dermatoses, usually as first-line treatment; solution was the preferred preparation.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Effectiveness in Hospitalized Patients: A Multicenter Test-Negative Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Phase III clinical trials have documented the efficacy of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. Nonetheless, it is imperative to continue analyzing the clinical response to different vaccines in real-life studies. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of five different vaccines in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 during the third COVID-19 outbreak in Mexico dominated by the Delta variant. METHODS: A test-negative case-control study was performed in nine tertiary-care hospitals for COVID-19. We estimated odds ratios (OR) adjusted by variables related a priori with the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its severity. RESULTS: We studied 761 subjects, 371 cases, and 390 controls with a mean age of 53 years (SD, 17 years). Overall, 51% had a complete vaccination scheme, and an incomplete scheme (one dose from a scheme of two), 14%. After adjustment for age, gender, obesity, and diabetes mellitus, we found that the effectiveness of avoiding a SARS-CoV-2 infection when hospitalized with at least one vaccination dose was 71% (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.19-0.45), that of an incomplete vaccination scheme, 67% (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.18-0.62), and that of any complete vaccination scheme, 73% (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.17-0.43). CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program showed effectiveness in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized patients during a Delta variant outbreak.

Vertebral coccidioidomycosis with mechanical instability treated solely with antifungals: A case report.

Surgical treatment of vertebral coccidioidomycosis presents a challenge, with an unpredictable course and uncertain results. We present a 52-year-old man with disseminated infection due to coccidioidomycosis in the thoracolumbar spine, with vertebral instability, and deferral surgical treatment due to SARS-CoV-2 contingency. Treatment with itraconazole was initiated, followed by liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole due to a relapse. The patient was discharged long-term with voriconazole. The axial pain improved without neurological deficits. Surgical treatment was not required. 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Ehrlichia canis Isolates from Three Geographic Regions in Mexico: A Retrospective Study.

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is the most common tick-borne disease affecting domestic dogs and other wild canids. It has a worldwide distribution and is associated with the presence of the brown dog tick. Few studies have been conducted in Mexico to identify and characterize Ehrlichia canis genetic variability. In the present study, 111 dogs of different sex, breed, and age from three geographic regions in Mexico were included. All of them had a previous history of tick infestation and/or the presence of one or more clinical signs compatible with CME. All dogs were tested by a commercial ELISA and nested PCR assay for the detection of E. canis. In addition, we analyzed the E. canis genetic diversity from the 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained in this study, along with 15 additional sequences described for E. canis in Mexico and obtained from GeneBank. Serological detection by commercial ELISA results showed overall infection rates of 85.58% (95/111), including 73.1% (30/41) in samples from Guerrero state; 75% (15/20) in Morelos; and 100% (50/50) in Chihuahua. On the other hand, molecular detection (nPCR assay) showed 31.5% (35/111) overall infection rate, with 41.4% (17/41) in Guerrero state; 55% (11/20) in Morelos; and 14% (7/50) in Chihuahua. We observed a high 16S rRNA gene sequence conservancy in most of the E. canis isolates in the three geographical areas from Mexico, including those analyzed in this research, suggesting a common geographic origin among isolates.

Conocimiento de bioética en personal de salud en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención / Knowledge of bioethics in health care workers in a tertiary care hospital

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de conocimiento sobre bioética en el personal salud que labora en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención, para que los dilemas bioéticos se turnen al Comité Hospitalario de Bioética. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y prospectivo. Mediante un muestreo probabilístico por estratos, se calculó el tamaño de muestra para una población finita n=302 con un 95% de nivel de confianza, se realizó una visita a las áreas por turnos, se aplicó un cuestionario obtenido de 2 cuestionarios validados por Lynch y cols, y Hernández y cols. Dentro de las consideraciones éticas se aplicó un consentimiento informado previo a contestar el cuestionario. Se realizó un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Resultados: Los principios bioéticos que revisa el cuestionario son: Autonomía la cual fue identificada de manera correcta en 17.2%, Justicia en 10.3% y Los principios bioéticos que revisa el cuestionario son: Autonomía la cual fue identificada de manera correcta en 17.2%, Justicia en 10.3% y Beneficencia en 14.6%. Con respecto al nivel de conocimiento se encontró un2% de conocimiento alto, 33% de conocimiento regular, 33% de conocimiento bajo y 32% de conocimiento nulo. Conclusiones: Todos los días se presentan dilemas éticos, el identificarse de manera adecuada por el personal de salud y canalizarlos al Comité Hospitalario de Bioética sería el ideal de todo hospital que permitiría coadyuvar de manera adecuada en una mejor toma de decisiones en la atención al paciente.

Abstract Objective: Identify the level of knowledge about Bioethics in the health care workers in a third level hospital, so that the bioethical dilemmas turn to the Hospital Committee of Bioethics. Materials and Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted. By means of a probabilistic sampling by strata, the sample size was calculated for a finite population n = 302 with a 95% confidence level, a visit to the areas was made in shifts, a questionnaire obtained from 2 questionnaires validated by Lynch et al., and Hernández et al. was applied. Within the ethical considerations, a prior informed consent was applied to answer the questionnaire. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: The bioethical principles that the questionnaire reviews are autonomy which was correctly identified in 17.2%, justice in 10.3%and charity in 14.6%. With respect to the level of knowledge, a 2% high knowledge, 33% regular knowledge, 33% knowledge low and 32% of null knowledge was found. Conclusions: Ethical dilemmas are presented every day, identifying properly by health care workers and channeling them to the Bioethics Hospital Committee would be the ideal of every hospital that would allow us to properly contribute toa better decision -making in patient care.

Hallazgos posoperatorios esperables en cirugías de aorta torácica ascendente con angiotomografía computada multicorte: todo lo que un médico radiólogo debe conocer / Expected postoperative findings in ascending thoracic aortic surgeries with multislice angiotomography: Everything a radiologist should know

Resumen Para la reconstrucción y el tratamiento de anomalías que comprometen la aorta torácica pueden emplearse diversas técnicas quirúrgicas abiertas, las cuales estarán determinadas por la patología que presente el paciente. La angiotomografía computada multicorte (ATCMC) es el método de elección para su control y seguimiento. El médico radiólogo debe estar familiarizado con las técnicas quirúrgicas empleadas (Wheat, Bentall de Bono, Cabrol, entre otras), con las reparaciones estructurales que se realizan y con los materiales protésicos utilizados con el fin de evitar una interpretación errónea de las imágenes. El fieltro espontáneamente hiperdenso, los conductos protésicos y sus anastomosis, tanto con la aorta como con los grandes vasos, puede generar errores en el informe final y en el diagnóstico.

Abstract Multiple surgical techniques can be used for the reconstruction and treatment of abnormalities that compromise the thoracic aorta, which will be determined by the patient’s pathology. Multislice computed tomography angiography is the method of choice for their control and monitoring. The radiologist should be familiar with the surgical techniques used (Wheat, Bentall de Bono, and Cabrol, among others), as well as with the structural repairs that are performed and the prosthetic materials used in order to avoid an erroneous interpretation of the images. Spontaneously hyperdense felt, the prosthetic ducts and their anastomosis, both with the aorta and the large vessels, can generate pitfalls in the final report and error in the diagnosis.

Risk Factors and Outcomes for COVID-19 in Autoimmune Inflammatory Diseases during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with autoimmune disease (AID) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could have higher mortality due to the co-morbidity and the use of immunosuppressive therapy. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the risk factors and outcomes of patients with AID and COVID-19 versus a control group. METHODS: A prospective cohort study included patients with and without AID and COVID-19. Patients were paired by age and sex. Clinical, biochemical, immunological treatments, and outcomes (days of hospital stay, invasive mechanical ventilation [IMV], oxygen at discharge, and death) were collected. RESULTS: We included 226 COVID-19 patients: 113 with AID (51.15 ± 14.3 years) and 113 controls (53.45 ± 13.3 years). The most frequent AIDs were Rheumatoid arthritis (26.5%), systemic lupus erythematosus (21%), and systemic sclerosis (14%). AID patients had lower lactate dehydrogenas, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, IMV (P = 0.027), and oxygen levels at discharge (P ≤ 0.0001) and lower death rates (P ≤ 0.0001). Oxygen saturation (SaO2) ≤ 88% at hospitalization provided risk for IMV (RR [relative risk] 3.83, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.1-13.6, P = 0.038). Higher creatinine and LDH levels were associated with death in the AID group. SaO2 ≤ 88% and CO-RADS ≥ 4 were risk factors for in-hospital mortality (RR 4.90, 95%CI 1.8-13.0, P = 0.001 and RR 7.60, 95%CI 1.4-39.7, P = 0.016, respectively). Anticoagulant therapy was protective (RR 0.36, 95%CI 0.1-0.9, P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AID had better outcomes with COVID-19 than controls. Anticoagulation was associated with a lower death in patients with AID.

Impact of a Novel Social Work Program on Access to Tertiary Care.

Background: In the movement for global health equity, increased research and funding have not yet addressed a shortage of evidence on effectively implementing context-specific interventions; one unmet need is facilitating access to specialty care within the public health sector in Mexico. Compañeros en Salud has been piloting a novel program, called Right to Healthcare (RTHC), to increase access to specialty care for the rural poor in Chiapas, Mexico. The RTHC program incorporates social work, patient navigation, referrals, direct economic support, and accompaniment for patients. Objectives: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the RTHC program. Primary outcomes analyzed included acceptance of any referral and attendance of any appointment. Secondary outcomes included acceptance of the first referral and rate of appointment attendance for patients with an accepted referral. Methods: Using referral process data for the years 2014 to 2019 from a public tertiary care hospital in Chiapas, 91 RTHC patients were matched using 2:1 optimal pair matching with a control cohort balancing covariates of patient age, sex, specialty referred to, level of referring hospital, and municipality. Findings: RTHC patients were more likely to have had an accepted referral (OR 17.42, 95% CI 3.68 to 414.16) and to have attended an appointment (OR 5.49, 95% CI 2.93 to 11.60) compared to the matched control group. RTHC patients were also more likely to have had their first referral accepted (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.29 to 6.73). Among patients with an accepted referral, RTHC patients were more likely to have attended an appointment (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.90 to 8.57). Conclusions: The results demonstrate that the RTHC model is successful in increasing access to specialty care by both increasing referral acceptance and appointment attendance.

Protective HLA alleles against severe COVID-19: HLA-A*68 as an ancestral protection allele in Tapachula-Chiapas, Mexico.

HLA is a polymorphic antigen presenter which has provided valuable information on the susceptibility of populations to viruses. Therefore, the study of HLA can reveal specific susceptibility or resistance alleles to severe COVID-19 in an ethnically dependent manner. This pilot study investigated HLA alleles associated with COVID-19 severity in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. A total of 146 Mexican Mestizos were typed for HLA class I and II using PCR-SSP. The patients were classified according to the outcome (death or improvement) and the infection's severity (mild or severe). In addition, a group of exposed uninfected individuals was included. HLA-A*68 was found to be a protective allele against the severe infection and fatal outcome; pC = 0.03, OR = 0.4, 95% CI =0.20-0.86, and pC =0.009, OR = 0.3, 95% CI =0.13-0.71 respectively. HLA-DRB1*03 also appears to be a protective factor against fatal outcome pC = 0.009, OR = 0.1, 95%IC = 0.01-0.66; however, the low frequency of this allele in the studied population limits the statistical power. The severity and fatal outcome of COVID-19 patients in Tapachula, Chiapas depend more on the lack of resistance than susceptibility HLA alleles.

Severe Acute Kidney Injury Due to Intraglomerular Melanoma: A Case Report.

Metastatic disease in the kidney is relatively uncommon compared to other body sites. In most cases it presents as a unilateral and unifocal mass in the tubulointerstitial region. Intraglomerular metastases are even rarer, and their diagnosis is hampered by the limitations of imaging techniques in detecting them. We describe the finding of intraglomerular metastases in a patient affected by a malignant melanoma considered to be in partial remission, with no evidence of melanoma progression on the previously performed computed tomography scan. This patient developed rapidly progressive kidney failure, proteinuria, and hematuria with dysmorphic red blood cells in the urine sediment. Kidney biopsy showed a marked crescentic proliferation caused by tumor cells, which even invaded the proximal convoluted tubule. Melanoma cells were also found in the lumina of the glomerular capillaries, distending their basement membranes. Our case describes the histologic and electron microscopic findings of this form of intraglomerular metastasis and reminds us of its inclusion in the differential diagnosis of rapidly progressive kidney failure.

Phenotypic Differences in a PRPH2 Mutation in Members of the Same Family Assessed with OCT and OCTA.

Choroidal dystrophies comprise a group of chorioretinal degenerations. However, the different findings observed among these patients make it difficult to establish a correct clinical diagnosis. The objective of this study was to characterize new clinical findings by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in these patients. Four family members with a PRPH2 gene mutation (p.Arg195Leu) were included. OCT was performed at the macula, and the thickness of the outer and inner retina, total retina, and choroid was measured. The features of the vascular network were analyzed by OCTA. Patients showed a decreased outer nuclear layer in the avascular area compared with the controls. Two patients presented greater foveal and parafoveal degeneration of the outer retina, whereas the most degenerated area in the rest was the perifovea. Disruption of the third outer band at the foveola is one of the first-altered outer bands. Slow blood flow areas or capillary dropout were main signs in the deep capillary plexus. Microaneurysms were frequently observed in less degenerated retinas. Vascular loops and intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMAs) were present in the superficial plexus. Extensive degeneration of the choriocapillaris was detected. Phenotypic differences were found between patients: two showed central areolar choroidal dystrophy and the rest had extensive chorioretinal atrophy. These signs observed in OCT and OCTA can help to more appropriately define the clinical disease in patients with choroidal dystrophies.

Comparison of the Impact of Zika and Dengue Virus Infection, and Other Acute Illnesses of Unidentified Origin on Cognitive Functions in a Prospective Cohort in Chiapas Mexico.

Zika has been associated with a variety of severe neurologic manifestations including meningitis and encephalitis. We hypothesized that it may also cause mild to subclinical neurocognitive alterations during acute infection or over the long term. In this observational cohort study, we explored whether Zika cause subclinical or mild neurocognitive alterations, estimate its frequency and duration, and compare it to other acute illnesses in a cohort of people with suspected Zika infection, in the region of Tapachula in Chiapas, Mexico during 2016-2018. We enrolled patients who were at least 12 years old with suspected Zika virus infection and followed them up for 6 months. During each visit participants underwent a complete clinical exam, including a screening test for neurocognitive dysfunction (Montreal Cognitive Assessment score). We enrolled 406 patients [37 with Zika, 73 with dengue and 296 with other acute illnesses of unidentified origin (AIUO)]. We observed a mild and transient impact over cognitive functions in patients with Zika, dengue and with other AIUO. The probability of having an abnormal MoCA score (<26 points) was significantly higher in patients with Zika and AIUO than in those with dengue. Patients with Zika and AIUO had lower memory scores than patients with dengue (Zika vs. Dengue: -0.378, 95% CI-0.678 to -0.078; p = 0.014: Zika vs. AIUO 0.264, 95% CI 0.059, 0.469; p = 0.012). The low memory performance in patients with Zika and AIUO accounts for most of the differences in the overall MoCA score when compared with patients with dengue. Our results show a decrease in cognitive function during acute illness and provides no evidence to support the hypothesis that Zika might cause neurocognitive alterations longer than the period of acute infection or different to other infectious diseases. While effects on memory or perhaps other cognitive functions over the long term are possible, larger studies using more refined tools for neurocognitive functioning assessment are needed to identify these. Trial Registration: NCT02831699.

Caracterización de pacientes con Hepatitis C en el servicio de hemodiálisis. Cienfuegos 2019 / Characterization of patients with hepatients with hepatitis c in the hemodialysis service.Cienfuegos 2019

RESUMEN Fundamento: La infección por el virus de la Hepatitis C ha sido reconocida como problema de salud a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Determinar las características de los pacientes con Hepatitis C que reciben tratamiento en el servicio de hemodiálisis del Centro Especializado Ambulatorio de Cienfuegos, en el periodo de enero a agosto del 2019. Metodología Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, longitudinal retrospectivo con los 54 pacientes en hemodiálisis portadores de Hepatitis C. Las variables utilizadas fueron: edad, sexo, lugar de procedencia, tipo de acceso vascular y tiempo en tratamiento. Se utilizó como fuente de información la base de datos del Centro Provincial de Higiene, Epidemiología y Microbiología en Cienfuegos. Resultados: El mayor porcentaje de personas con Hepatitis C se concentró entre los 50 a 54 años; siendo la edad promedio 53 años, sobresalió el sexo masculino para un 84.93%, y predominó el municipio de Cienfuegos como lugar de residencia. En relación al tipo de acceso vascular, la fístula arterio -venosa aportó el 98.14%, mientras el tiempo de tratamiento que prevaleció fue de más de 3 años para un 77.8%. Conclusiones La Hepatitis C en el servicio de hemodiálisis mostró un comportamiento similar a lo descrito en la literatura.

ABSTRACT Background Infection by the hepatitis c virus has been recognized as a health problem worldwide. Objective: To determine the characteristics of patients with hepatitis C receiving treatment in the Hemodialysis Service of the Cienfuegos Specialized Outpatient Center from January 2019 to August 2019. Methodology An observational, descriptive, longitudinal retrospective study was carried out with the 54 Hemodialysis patients with Hepatitis C. The variables used were: age, sex, place of origin, type of vascular access and time in treatment. The database of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology in Cienfuegos was used as a source of information. Results The highest percentage of people with hepatitis C was concentrated between 50 to 54 years old; The average age being 53 years, the male sex stood out for the 84.93%, with the municipality of Cienfuegos predominating as the place of residence. Regarding the type of vascular access, the arterio-venous fistula contributed the 98.14%, while the treatment time that prevailed was more than 3 years for the 77.8%. Conclusions: Hepatitis C in the hemodialysis service showed a similar behavior as described in the literature.

Mayan alleles of the HLA-DRB1 major histocompatibility complex might contribute to the genetic susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in Mexican patients from Tapachula, Chiapas.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototypic autoimmune disease that disrupts numerous immunity mechanisms with the potential to exert damage to any organ or tissue. Its etiology remains uncertain; however, genetic and environmental factors that differ between populations strongly influence its development. Among the physiopathogenic factors, the genetic ones predominate, notably the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci. A high degree of ethnical admixture makes Mexican Mestizos a thoroughly genetically heterogeneous population. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the MHC polymorphisms associated with SLE development in Mexican Mestizos from Southern Mexico and compare them with patients from Mexico City. METHOD: A transversal study in SLE patients from Tapachula, Chiapas, was conducted. DNA typing of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) classes I and II was performed using single specific primers (SSP). Admixture analysis was performed using the population genetics LEADMIX software. RESULTS: The frequencies of HLA-DRB1*16 and HLA-DQB1*05 were found to have a tendency towards increase in SLE patients, compared to ethnically matched healthy controls. The allele HLA-DRB1*03 seemed to be less associated with SLE in this group of Mexican Mestizos, opposed to other more Caucasian populations. Admixture analysis showed a higher Mayan genetic component in these patients from Chiapas. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic susceptibility for SLE differed in two populations of Mexican Mestizos with dissimilar ethnic ancestries. Autochthonous Amerindian alleles, and not the more widely known Caucasian alleles, might be associated with the susceptibility to SLE in Mexican Mestizos from Tapachula, Chiapas. Key Points • Autochthonous Amerindian alleles, such as HLA-DRB1*16, had a tendency to be increased in SLE patients, compared to healthy controls. • SLE susceptibility alleles vary considerably among regions in Mexico, according to the distribution of the indigenous groups. • Ethnic admixture is a key determinant in the genetic susceptibility of SLE.

Síndrome de hipertermia maligna: una patología infrecuente / Malignant hyperthermia syndrome: A rare entity

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de hipertermia maligna es un trastorno farmacogenético del músculo esquelético de carácter hereditario, que se caracteriza por un estado hipermetabólico relacionado con la exposición a anestésicos inhalatorios o relajantes musculares despolarizantes. Se trata de una afección infrecuente en individuos genéticamente predispuestos, con una incidencia muy baja en pediatría (1 de cada 10,000-15,000 procedimientos anestésicos). Caso clínico: Se presenta un caso de hipertermia maligna relacionado con la exposición a sevoflurano durante una cirugía de adenoidectomía en un paciente de sexo femenino de 6 años de edad. La paciente presentó taquicardia, hipercapnia e hipertermia, que precisaron la administración de dos dosis sucesivas de dantroleno sódico. La evolución posterior fue buena. Conclusiones: El síndrome de hipertermia maligna es un cuadro poco frecuente en la edad pediátrica. Se debe sospechar de forma precoz, ya que es fundamental su detección temprana para iniciar el tratamiento.

Abstract Background: Malignant hyperthermia syndrome is a hereditary pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle characterized by hypermetabolic state related to the exposure of volatile anesthetic gases or depolarizing muscle relaxants. It is an infrequent entity that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals, with a very low incidence in pediatrics (1 in 10,000-15,000 anesthetic procedures). Case report: We report a case of malignant hyperthermia related to exposure to sevoflurane during adenoidectomy surgery in a 6-year-old female. The patient presented with tachycardia, hypercapnia, and hyperthermia, requiring two successive doses of dantrolene sodium administration, with an adequate response to the treatment. Conclusions: Malignant hyperthermia syndrome is a rare condition in pediatric patients that should be detected in early stages since it is essential to initiate the treatment as soon as possible.

Malignant hyperthermia syndrome: A rare entity.

Background: Malignant hyperthermia syndrome is a hereditary pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle characterized by hypermetabolic state related to the exposure of volatile anesthetic gases or depolarizing muscle relaxants. It is an infrequent entity that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals, with a very low incidence in pediatrics (1 in 10,000-15,000 anesthetic procedures). Case report: We report a case of malignant hyperthermia related to exposure to sevoflurane during adenoidectomy surgery in a 6-year-old female. The patient presented with tachycardia, hypercapnia, and hyperthermia, requiring two successive doses of dantrolene sodium administration, with an adequate response to the treatment. Conclusions: Malignant hyperthermia syndrome is a rare condition in pediatric patients that should be detected in early stages since it is essential to initiate the treatment as soon as possible.

Background: Introducción">El síndrome de hipertermia maligna es un trastorno farmacogenético del músculo esquelético de carácter hereditario, que se caracteriza por un estado hipermetabólico relacionado con la exposición a anestésicos inhalatorios o relajantes musculares despolarizantes. Se trata de una afección infrecuente en individuos genéticamente predispuestos, con una incidencia muy baja en pediatría (1 de cada 10,000-15,000 procedimientos anestésicos). Caso clínico: Se presenta un caso de hipertermia maligna relacionado con la exposición a sevoflurano durante una cirugía de adenoidectomía en un paciente de sexo femenino de 6 años de edad. La paciente presentó taquicardia, hipercapnia e hipertermia, que precisaron la administración de dos dosis sucesivas de dantroleno sódico. La evolución posterior fue buena. Conclusiones: El síndrome de hipertermia maligna es un cuadro poco frecuente en la edad pediátrica. Se debe sospechar de forma precoz, ya que es fundamental su detección temprana para iniciar el tratamiento.

Prospective Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Food Supplement in Increasing Photoprotection and Improving Selective Markers Related to Skin Photo-Ageing.

INTRODUCTION: Skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can cause oxidative stress, particularly in the absence of adequate protective measures or in individuals with a sensitive skin type. Most commonly, protection from UVR entails the use of topical sunscreens. Sunscreens, however, have various limitations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of an oral food supplement containing a combination of actives with mainly antioxidative properties (vitamins A, C, D3, E, selenium, lycopene, lutein, as well as green tea, polypodium and grape extracts) in the context of photoprotection. METHODS: Photoprotective efficacy was assessed in a 12-week-long, open, prospective and monocentric clinical study with 30 subjects (27 women and 3 men) having a Fitzpatrick skin type I-III and manifesting clinical ageing signs. The study included several visits (14, 28, 56, and 84 days after starting supplement intake), in which photoprotection was evaluated by the measurement of the minimal erythema dose (MED), while the antioxidant capacity of the skin was assessed through ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays. Additionally, several skin parameters (including radiance, elasticity, and moisture) were evaluated. Product evaluation was performed throughout the length of the study by means of a self-assessment questionnaire, and safety was monitored through a self-recording of all observed adverse reactions. RESULTS: The MED levels increased significantly compared to baseline throughout the study visits, reaching an increase of + 8.1% at T84, p < 0.001. FRAP results also indicated a significant increase in the antioxidant capacity of the skin compared to baseline (+ 22.7% at T84, p < 0.001), while the MDA assay showed a significant decrease in MDA concentration compared to baseline (- 6.4% at T84, p < 0.001) which, in line with the FRAP results, indicated enhanced antioxidative protection of the skin. All assessed skin parameters, including radiance (+ 36.1% at T84, p < 0.001), gross elasticity (+ 13.2% at T84, p < 0.001), net elasticity (+ 28.0% at T84, p < 0.001), and moisture (+ 13.8% at T84, p < 0.001) were also significantly improved. The product was well tolerated as no adverse events were attributed by the investigators to the use of the product. Additionally, the global score obtained from the self-assessment questionnaires provided overwhelmingly positive feedback from the study subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The food supplement evaluated in this study was effective and well-tolerated by the subjects, demonstrating a beneficial effect in terms of photoprotection, enhancing the antioxidative status of the skin and improving general skin condition. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered 3rd October 2019, ISRCTN18121679.

Serial real-time RT-PCR and serology measurements substantially improve Zika and Dengue virus infection classification in a co-circulation area.

BACKGROUND: Real-time RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) is considered the gold standard for Zika virus (ZIKV) infection diagnosis, despite its low sensitivity. Diagnosis using recommended serologic cutoffs in co-circulating Flaviviruses areas maybe inadequate due to in-vitro cross-reactivities of Flaviviruses-specific antibodies. We evaluated Zika diagnosis in symptomatic patients using serial RT-PCR and develop a classification model using serial Dengue virus (DENV) and ZIKV serologies. METHODS: A prospective longitudinal multicentric study in Southern Mexico (NCT02831699) enrolled symptomatic and non-symptomatic participants. In the classification model, true positives were symptomatic (using a modified World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization definition) with RT-PCR positive for ZIKV or DENV. True negatives were non-symptomatic with negative RT-PCR. Serial serology measurements were used to predict disease status. RESULTS: Analyzing ZIKV and DENV RT-PCR at 3 timepoints between days 3 and 13 of symptom onset detected 25% more cases than a single RT-PCR analysis between day 0 and 6. When considering sensitivity and specificity together, the serial serology model predicted all categories of disease and negatives better than manufactures cutoffs. Their cutoffs optimized sensitivity or specificity but not both. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the importance of serial RT-PCR and antibody measurements to diagnose arbovirus infection in symptomatic patients living in regions with co-circulating flaviviruses.

Esclerosis sistémica sin esclerodermia en pacientes mexicanos. Serie de casos / Systemic Sclerosis Sine Scleroderma in Mexican Patients. Case Reports

La esclerosis sistémica sine esclerodermia (ESse) es una forma de esclerosis sistémica caracterizada por fenómeno de Raynaud (FR), afección visceral sin endurecimiento de la piel y anticuerpos anti-centrómeros (AAC). Se estudiaron a 10 pacientes con ESse, con prevalencia del 2%. Manifestaciones clínicas: FR 9/10, esofágica 8/10, hipertensión arterial pulmonar 4/10, neumopatía intersticial 4/10, cardiaca 3/10 y AAC 8/10. Conclusión: En pacientes con FR, dismotilidad esofágica, neumopatía intersticial e hipertensión arterial pulmonar se debe investigar AAC y establecer un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno de ESse

Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma (ssSSc) is a form of systemic sclerosis that is characterized by Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), visceral involvement without thickening of skin and anticentromere antibodies (ACA). We studied 10 ssSsc patients with a prevalence of 2%. The clinical signs were: RP 9/10, esophageal manifestations 8/10, pulmonary arterial hypertension 4/10, interstitial lung disease 4/10, cardiac signs 3/10 and ACA 8/10. Conclusion: In patients with RP, esophageal dysmotility, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension should be tested for ACA in order to establish a prompt diagnosis and treatment of ssSSc