Appropriateness of behavioural scales in the monitoring of pain in the critically ill patient unable to self-report.

Appropriateness is a dimension of quality that evaluates the effective use of technologies, resources or interventions in specific situations or populations, assessing whether our interventions do more benefit than harm. The evidence regarding pain monitoring in the critically ill patient points to the periodic assessment of pain using appropriate tools, with the aim of improving pain management and more efficient use of analgesics in the intensive care unit. The first step would be to assess the patient's ability to communicate or self-report and, based on this, to select the most appropriate pain assessment tool. In patients who are unable to self-report, behavioural pain assessment tools are recommended. When we talk about the suitability of behavioural scales for pain monitoring in critically ill patients unable to self-report, we refer to their use with a clear clinical benefit, i.e. using the right tool for pain assessment to be effective, efficient and consistent with bioethical principles. To our knowledge, there are no published data on the suitability of pain assessment tools in unable to self-report critically ill patients, so, in the framework of continuous quality improvement in pain care, new research should incorporate this approach by integrating the best scientific evidence with current clinical practice.

Respuesta a «La metodología enfermera aplicada a la práctica clínica: ¿realidad o ficción?» / Respons to «Nurse methodology applied to clinical practice: Reality or fiction?»

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Botulismo en la UCI: proceso de cuidados / Botulism in the ICU: nursing care plan

Introducción y valoración del caso. El botulismo es una enfermedad poco frecuente en Europa, causada por la bacteria Clostridium botulinum, de declaración obligatoria, no transmisible de persona a persona y potencialmente mortal (entre un 5 y 10%) si no se trata rápidamente. Se obtuvo el dictamen favorable del Comité de Ética de Investigación Clínica. Se presenta el proceso de cuidados enfermero de un varón de 49 años con diagnóstico de intoxicación bacteriana por Clostridium botulinum, secundario a la ingesta de alubias en mal estado, que estuvo ingresado en la UCI un total de 35 días. Diagnósticos y planificación. Valoración enfermera de forma holística durante las primeras 24 h, con priorización de los sistemas que presentaron un deterioro más rápido: el neurológico y el respiratorio. Se priorizaron 9 diagnósticos según la taxonomía NANDA: riesgo de respuesta alérgica, patrón respiratorio ineficaz, deterioro de la mucosa oral, deterioro de la movilidad física, riesgo de síndrome de desuso, riesgo de motilidad gastrointestinal disfuncional, deterioro de la eliminación urinaria, riesgo de confusión aguda y riesgo de cansancio del rol del cuidador. Discusión. El proceso de cuidados enfermero, estandarizado y organizado con la taxonomía NANDA y priorizado con el método sistemático AREA, garantizó los mejores cuidados basados en la evidencia y prueba de ello fue la mejoría de las puntuaciones de los indicadores de resultado NOC. Resultó imposible comparar la actuación enfermera con la de otros casos documentados

Introduction and case evaluation. Botulism is a rare disease in Europe, caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, notifiable, non-transmissible person-to-person and potentially fatal (between 5 and 10%) if not treated quickly. The favourable opinion of the Clinical Research Ethics Committee was obtained. We present the nursing care plan of a 49-year-old man with a diagnosis of bacterial intoxication caused by Clostridium botulinum, secondary to ingestion of beans in poor condition, who was admitted to the ICU for a total of 35 days. Diagnosis and planning. Holistic nursing evaluation during the first 24hours, with prioritisation of the systems that were deteriorating fastest: neurological and respiratory. Nine diagnoses were prioritised according to the NANDA taxonomy: Risk for allergy response, Ineffective breathing pattern, impaired oral mucous membrane, Impaired physical mobility, Risk for disuse syndrome, Risk for dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility, Impaired urinary elimination, Risk for acute confusion and Risk for caregiver role strain. Discussion. The nursing care plan, standardised and organised with the NANDA taxonomy and prioritised with the outcome-present state-test (OPT) model, guaranteed the best care based on evidence, as the NOC scores improvement demonstrated. It was impossible to compare the nursing intervention with other case reports

Botulism in the ICU: Nursing care plan. / Botulismo en la UCI: proceso de cuidados.

INTRODUCTION AND CASE EVALUATION: Botulism is a rare disease in Europe, caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, notifiable, non-transmissible person-to-person and potentially fatal (between 5 and 10%) if not treated quickly. The favourable opinion of the Clinical Research Ethics Committee was obtained. We present the nursing care plan of a 49-year-old man with a diagnosis of bacterial intoxication caused by Clostridium botulinum, secondary to ingestion of beans in poor condition, who was admitted to the ICU for a total of 35 days. DIAGNOSIS AND PLANNING: Holistic nursing evaluation during the first 24hours, with prioritisation of the systems that were deteriorating fastest: neurological and respiratory. Nine diagnoses were prioritised according to the NANDA taxonomy: Risk for allergy response, Ineffective breathing pattern, impaired oral mucous membrane, Impaired physical mobility, Risk for disuse syndrome, Risk for dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility, Impaired urinary elimination, Risk for acute confusion and Risk for caregiver role strain. DISCUSSION: The nursing care plan, standardised and organised with the NANDA taxonomy and prioritised with the outcome-present state-test (OPT) model, guaranteed the best care based on evidence, as the NOC scores improvement demonstrated. It was impossible to compare the nursing intervention with other case reports.

Barreras y motivaciones de los profesionales de enfermería para la utilización de la investigación en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos y en el Servicio de Emergencias Médicas / Barriers and motivations of nurses for conducting research in Intensive Care Units and Emergency Medical Service

Introducción: La implementación de la práctica basada en la evidencia es clave para la práctica profesional. Sin embargo, continúa siendo un reto en el cuidado crítico del paciente. Objetivo: Identificar las barreras para la utilización de la investigación que perciben los profesionales de enfermería de cuidados intensivos y de los servicios de emergencias médicas, y conocer sus áreas de mayor interés y motivaciones para investigar. Método: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y multicéntrico realizado en 4 Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos y en el Servicio de Emergencias Médicas de Cataluña en 2014. Se utilizó la escala validada al castellano The Barriers to Research Utilization Scale. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y bivariado. Se asumió una significación estadística p < 0,05. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 172 cuestionarios (69,9% respuesta). Del total, 135 eran del ámbito de Cuidados Intensivos, 27 del Servicio de Emergencias Médicas y 10 de ambos. El 57,3% tenía experiencia en investigación, aunque el 44,4% tenía formación relacionada. La dimensión más influyente fue las características de la organización. Las barreras más relevantes fueron: «no hay tiempo suficiente en el trabajo» (3,11 [DE 1,21]), «los médicos no colaboran en la implementación» (2,99 [DE 1,22]) y «enfermería está aislada respecto a otros profesionales» (2,86 [DE 1,32]). Se observaron diferencias significativas en las barreras según la experiencia en investigación y el área laboral. La principal motivación fue estar actualizado con los cuidados del paciente. Conclusiones: Las principales barreras percibidas están relacionadas con la organización. Existen diferencias entre las barreras según la experiencia en investigación y el ámbito laboral

Background: The implementation of evidence based practice is essential in clinical practice. However, it is still a challenge in critical care patients. Aim: To identify the barriers for conducting research that nursing professionals perceive in intensive care and medical emergency departments, as well as to investigate the areas of interest and motivations to carry out research projects. Method: Cross-sectional and multicentre study carried out in 4 intensive care units and in one Medical Emergency Department emergency pre-hospital carein Catalonia on 2014. The instrument used was The Barriers to Research Utilization Scale which had been previously validated into Spanish. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. A statistical significance of P<.05 was assumed. Results: One hundred seventy-two questionnaires were obtained (69.9% response). Of the total, 135 were from critical care, 27 to pre-hospital care, and 10 from both. Just over half (57.3%) had research experience, although 44.4% had related training. The questionnaire dimension considered most relevant was organisational characteristics. The most important barriers were: there is not enough time at work [3.11 (SD 1.21)], physicians do not collaborate in its implementation [2.99 (SD 1.22)], and nurses are isolated with respect to other professionals [2.86 (SD 1.32)]. Significant differences were observed in the barriers according to research experience and work place. The main motivation was to be updated in critical patient care. Conclusions: The main barriers perceived are related to the organisation. There are differences in the barriers according to research experience and work place

[Barriers and motivations of nurses for conducting research in Intensive Care Units and Emergency Medical Service]. / Barreras y motivaciones de los profesionales de enfermería para la utilización de la investigación en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos y en el Servicio de Emergencias Médicas.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of evidence based practice is essential in clinical practice. However, it is still a challenge in critical care patients. AIM: To identify the barriers for conducting research that nursing professionals perceive in intensive care and medical emergency departments, as well as to investigate the areas of interest and motivations to carry out research projects. METHOD: Cross-sectional and multicentre study carried out in 4 intensive care units and in one Medical Emergency Department emergency pre-hospital carein Catalonia on 2014. The instrument used was The Barriers to Research Utilization Scale which had been previously validated into Spanish. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed. A statistical significance of P<.05 was assumed. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-two questionnaires were obtained (69.9% response). Of the total, 135 were from critical care, 27 to pre-hospital care, and 10 from both. Just over half (57.3%) had research experience, although 44.4% had related training. The questionnaire dimension considered most relevant was organisational characteristics. The most important barriers were: there is not enough time at work [3.11 (SD 1.21)], physicians do not collaborate in its implementation [2.99 (SD 1.22)], and nurses are isolated with respect to other professionals [2.86 (SD 1.32)]. Significant differences were observed in the barriers according to research experience and work place. The main motivation was to be updated in critical patient care. CONCLUSIONS: The main barriers perceived are related to the organisation. There are differences in the barriers according to research experience and work place.

Factores relacionados con el cumplimiento de la posición semiincorporada en el paciente con ventilación mecánica según los profesionales: cuestionario CAPCRI-Q / Factors associated with compliance to the semi-recumbent position in the patient on mechanical ventilation: CAPCRI-Q questionnaire

Objetivo: Elaborar un cuestionario (CAPCRI-Q) para determinar los factores relacionados con el cumplimiento de la posición semiincorporada en pacientes con ventilación mecánica. Metodología: Se creó un cuestionario cerrado a través de la revisión de la literatura y la práctica clínica. La versión inicial constó de 61 ítems englobados en 5 categorías: variables del paciente, factores de equipo y profesionales, de actividad, de formación y entrenamiento, y equipamiento y recursos. Para elaborar el cuestionario se usó el método Delphi. En cada ítem se evaluó la comprensión, la pertinencia y la importancia, así como las recomendaciones de los expertos. Se realizó una prueba piloto cualitativa con 9 profesionales y, posteriormente, una prueba piloto cuantitativa con 67 enfermeras de 6 unidades de cuidados intensivos para analizar la consistencia interna del instrumento. Resultados: Se requirieron 3 rondas con 15 expertos para llegar al consenso. La versión final del cuestionario constó de 36 ítems englobados dentro de las mismas categorías que la versión inicial. El análisis de consistencia interna mostró valores superiores a 0,800 para cada ítem, cada categoría y el cuestionario global (0,873; IC 95%: 0,825-0,913). El análisis de las respuestas destacó los factores individuales del paciente, así como los organizativos e infraestructurales, como factores relevantes en el cumplimiento de la recomendación. Conclusiones: El cuestionario creado es fiable y tiene validez aparente y de contenido. Los factores más influyentes en el cumplimiento son los relacionados con el paciente y organizativos. Los resultados pueden usarse para evaluar los factores influyentes en el cumplimiento y establecer estrategias de mejora

Aim: To create a questionnaire (CAPCRI-Q) to determine the factors associated with the compliance of the semi-recumbent position in patients under mechanical ventilation Methods: A closed questionnaire was created using a literature review and clinical practice. The initial version consisted of 61 items placed into 5 categories: patient factors, team and professionals factors, activity, educational and training factors, and equipment and resources. A Delphi method was used to prepare the questionnaire. Comprehension, relevance and importance of each item were evaluated, as well as the recommendations of experts. A qualitative pilot test with 9 healthcare professionals was performed, followed by a quantitative pilot test with 67 nurses from 6 intensive care units to test the internal consistency of the instrument. Results: Three rounds with 15 experts were required to reach a consensus. The final version of the questionnaire consisted of 36 items enclosed in the same categories as the initial version. The internal consistency analysis showed values greater than 0.800 for each independent item, each category, and for the global questionnaire (0.873; 95% CI: 0.825-0.913). The analysis of the nurses’ responses emphasised the importance of the patient factors, as well as organisational and infra-structural factors, for the compliance of the recommendation. Conclusions: The questionnaire created is reliable and appears to have content validity. The most influential factors for compliance are those related to the patient and the internal organisation. The results of the questionnaire can be used to evaluate the factors influencing the compliance and to establish improvement strategies

[Factors associated with compliance to the semi-recumbent position in the patient on mechanical ventilation: CAPCRI-Q questionnaire]. / Factores relacionados con el cumplimiento de la posición semiincorporada en el paciente con ventilación mecánica según los profesionales: cuestionario CAPCRI-Q.

AIM: To create a questionnaire (CAPCRI-Q) to determine the factors associated with the compliance of the semi-recumbent position in patients under mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A closed questionnaire was created using a literature review and clinical practice. The initial version consisted of 61 items placed into 5 categories: patient factors, team and professionals factors, activity, educational and training factors, and equipment and resources. A Delphi method was used to prepare the questionnaire. Comprehension, relevance and importance of each item were evaluated, as well as the recommendations of experts. A qualitative pilot test with 9 healthcare professionals was performed, followed by a quantitative pilot test with 67 nurses from 6 intensive care units to test the internal consistency of the instrument. RESULTS: Three rounds with 15 experts were required to reach a consensus. The final version of the questionnaire consisted of 36 items enclosed in the same categories as the initial version. The internal consistency analysis showed values greater than 0.800 for each independent item, each category, and for the global questionnaire (0.873; 95%CI: 0.825-0.913). The analysis of the nurses' responses emphasised the importance of the patient factors, as well as organisational and infra-structural factors, for the compliance of the recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire created is reliable and appears to have content validity. The most influential factors for compliance are those related to the patient and the internal organisation. The results of the questionnaire can be used to evaluate the factors influencing the compliance and to establish improvement strategies.

[Magnetic resonance imaging in long-term assessment after surgery for aortic coarctation]. / Valoración a largo plazo con resonancia magnética en pacientes corregidos de coartación de aorta.

OBJECTIVES: Spin echo or gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging provides enough information to plan patient management and can be completed with the use of three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography to evaluate the need for reintervention, assess follow-up, or discharge the patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1990-2003, we evaluated 101 patients after initial corrective surgery for aortic coarctation at the age of 3.1 +/- 3 years, with subsequent postoperative assessment at 1 year and again 12.4 +/- 4.2 years later. No mortality was registered during the follow-up. Corrective surgery was performed in 32 patients (31.6 %) before the first month of life. All the patients were evaluated with spin-echo and echo gradient and 34 were evaluated with magnetic resonance angiography. The patients were classified into two groups: group A consisted of 68 patients (11 < 1 month old) with no complications. End-to-end anastomosis was performed in 55, the Alvarez technique in five, the Waldhausen technique in six, and conduit in two. Group B consisted of 33 patients complicated with early aortic recoarctation (21 corrected before the age of 1 month). End-to-end anastomosis was performed in 29, the Alvarez technique in two, and grafting in two. During the follow-up, 43 reinterventions were performed. Isthmus diameter/descending aorta diameter at the diaphragmatic level and repaired site diameter/descending aorta diameter at the diaphragmatic level were measured. RESULTS: Group A: the isthmus diameter/descending aorta diameter at the diaphragmatic level index was 0.92 +/- 0.08 and the repaired site diameter/ descending aorta diameter at diaphragmatic level index was 0.90 +/- 0.05. Twenty-three patients were assessed by means of three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography, which revealed two late stenosis (one in a 10-year-old patient with an end-to-end anastomosis performed previously, and another in an 18-year-old patient with a proximal and distal obstructed conduit). Group B: the isthmus diameter/descending aorta diameter index was 0.84 +/- 0.1 and the repaired site diameter/ descending aorta diameter index was 0.82 +/- 0.11. Eleven patients were assessed by means of three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography, which revealed five stenosis indexes (0.53-0.73) surgically corrected before the age of 2 months, four with an initial technique based on end-to-end anastomosis and one with a graft. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the influence of young age, the use of end-to-end anastomosis and grafts in recoarctation and their late influence on recurrent recoarctation. The patients in group A were discharged in childhood or adulthood after periodic follow-up every 5 years with magnetic resonance angiography for 18 years with results within the normal range, while patients in group B required longer follow-up.

Valoración a largo plazo con resonancia magnética en pacientes corregidos de coartación de aorta / Magnetic resonance imaging in long-term assessment after surgery for aortic coarctation

Objetivos La resonancia con spin-eco o ecogradiente da una información suficiente que puede completarse con la angiorresonancia tridimensional para decidir una reintervención, controlar un seguimiento o dar el alta. Pacientes y métodos Durante el período 1990-2003 evaluamos 101 pacientes intervenidos inicialmente a los 3,1 ± 3 años, con estudio posterior al año y a los 12,4 ± 4,2 años de su intervención. No presentaron mortalidad en el seguimiento. Un total de 32 (31,6 %) fueron corregidos antes del mes de vida. Todos se estudiaron con spin-eco y ecogradiente y 34 con angiorresonancia. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos: grupo A, con 68 pacientes, sin complicaciones (11 menores de un mes) con cirugía término-terminal 55, Álvarez 5, Waldhausen 6 y conducto en 2 casos; grupo B, con 33 pacientes complicados con recoartación precoz (21 corregidos antes de un mes), cirugía término-terminal 29, Álvarez 2 y parche en 2 casos. Durante el tiempo de seguimiento se realizaron 43 reintervenciones. Se midieron índices diámetro istmo/diámetro aorta descendente a la altura del diafragma e índice diámetro zona intervenida/diámetro aorta descendente en el diafragma. Resultados En el grupo A, el índice istmo/aorta descendente a la altura del diafragma era 0,92 ± 0,08 y el índice zona intervenida/aorta descendente en el diafragma, 0,9 ± 0,05. Un total de 23 fueron revisados con angiografía tridimensional. Se vieron dos estenosis tardías en un paciente de 10 años operado de término-terminal y en otro paciente de 18 años, un conducto con obstrucción distal y proximal. En el grupo B: el índice istmo/aorta descendente era 0,84 ± 0,1 y el índice zona intervenida/aorta descendente, 0,82 ± 0,11. De estos pacientes, 11 fueron revisados con angiorresonancia, 5 con reestenosis índice (0,53-0,73) intervenidos antes de los 2 meses, 4 con técnica inicial término-terminal y otro con parche. Conclusiones Nuestros resultados apoyan la influencia de la edad precoz, la técnica término-terminal y el parche en la recoartación y su influencia tardía en la rerrecoartaciones. Los pacientes del grupo A pueden ser dados de alta en edad juvenil-adulta, tras seguimientos periódicos cada cinco años con resonancia magnética durante 18 años si los resultados están dentro de la normalidad, mientras que los del grupo B necesitan controles más prolongados

Objectives Spin echo or gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging provides enough information to plan patient management and can be completed with the use of three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography to evaluate the need for reintervention, assess follow-up, or discharge the patient. Patients and methods From 1990-2003, we evaluated 101 patients after initial corrective surgery for aortic coarctation at the age of 3.1 ± 3 years, with subsequent postoperative assessment at 1 year and again 12.4 ± 4.2 years later. No mortality was registered during the follow-up. Corrective surgery was performed in 32 patients (31.6 %) before the first month of life. All the patients were evaluated with spin-echo and echo gradient and 34 were evaluated with magnetic resonance angiography. The patients were classified into two groups: group A consisted of 68 patients (11 < 1 month old) with no complications. End-to-end anastomosis was performed in 55, the Alvarez technique in five, the Waldhausen technique in six, and conduit in two. Group B consisted of 33 patients complicated with early aortic recoarctation (21 corrected before the age of 1 month). End-to-end anastomosis was performed in 29, the Alvarez technique in two, and grafting in two. During the follow-up, 43 reinterventions were performed. Isthmus diameter/descending aorta diameter at the diaphragmatic level and repaired site diameter/descending aorta diameter at the diaphragmatic level were measured. Results Group A: the isthmus diameter/descending aorta diameter at the diaphragmatic level index was 0.92 ± 0.08 and the repaired site diameter/ descending aorta diameter at diaphragmatic level index was 0.90 ± 0.05. Twenty-three patients were assessed by means of three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography, which revealed two late stenosis (one in a 10-year-old patient with an end-to-end anastomosis performed previously, and another in an 18-year-old patient with a proximal and distal obstructed conduit). Group B: the isthmus diameter/descending aorta diameter index was 0.84 ± 0.1 and the repaired site diameter/ descending aorta diameter index was 0.82 ± 0.11. Eleven patients were assessed by means of three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography, which revealed five stenosis indexes (0.53-0.73) surgically corrected before the age of 2 months, four with an initial technique based on end-to-end anastomosis and one with a graft. Conclusions Our results support the influence of young age, the use of end-to-end anastomosis and grafts in recoarctation and their late influence on recurrent recoarctation. The patients in group A were discharged in childhood or adulthood after periodic follow-up every 5 years with magnetic resonance angiography for 18 years with results within the normal range, while patients in group B required longer follow-up

Tetralogía de Fallot con ausencia de rama pulmonar izquierda. Corrección quirúrgica / Tetralogy of Fallot with absence of the left pulmonary branch. Surgical correction

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[Tuberous sclerosis associated with rhabdomyoma in the left ventricular outlet tract]. / Esclerosis tuberosa con rabdomioma del tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo.

We report a 2-month old newborn with a family history of adenoma sebaceum, achromic spots and renal lithiasis. Echocardiography-magnetic resonance imaging showed a solitary pediculated rhabdomyoma in the left ventricular outlet tract causing a severe systolic aortic valve obstruction. Surgical excision was carried out through the aortic valve with no valvular lesions. The patient presented multiple seizures 24 hours after surgery with good response to medical therapy. Ten days later, computed tomography showed a spot lesion in the subependimary area in the posterior position of the parietal horn, compatible with a hamartoma associated with tuberous sclerosis.

Esclerosis tuberosa con rabdomioma del tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo / Tuberous sclerosis associated with rhabdomyoma in the left ventricular outlet tract

Paciente de 2 meses de edad con antecedentes familiares de adenomas sebáceos, manchas acrómicas y litiasis renal. Fue diagnosticado por ecocardiografía y resonancia de rabdomioma solitario pediculado en el tracto de salida del ventrículo izquierdo, con obstrucción grave en sístole de la válvula aórtica. Se realizó resección por vía aórtica sin afectación valvular. El paciente presentó crisis convulsivas múltiples a partir de las 24 h de la intervención con buena respuesta al tratamiento. A los 10 días, en un estudio con tomografía computarizada se observa en zona subependimaria en la porción posterior del asta parietal del ventrículo lateral derecho una lesión puntiforme que puede corresponder a un hamartoma con esclerosis tuberosa (AU)

We report a 2-month old newborn with a family history of adenoma sebaceum, achromic spots and renal lithiasis. Echocardiography-magnetic resonance imaging showed a solitary pediculated rhabdomyoma in the left ventricular outlet tract causing a severe systolic aortic valve obstruction. Surgical excision was carried out through the aortic valve with no valvular lesions. The patient presented multiple seizures 24 hours after surgery with good response to medical therapy. Ten days later, computed tomography showed a spot lesion in the subependimary area in the posterior position of the parietal horn, compatible with ahamartoma associated with tuberous sclerosis (AU)

[Magnetic resonance imaging and lung perfusion scintigraphy in tetralogy of Fallot following surgery]. / Resonancia magnética y gammagrafía de perfusión pulmonar en casos de tetralogía de Fallot operados.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pulmonary arteries in patients with tetralogy of Fallot following surgery with quantified lung perfusion scintigraphy and magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1985 to December 1999, 47 patients who underwent surgery between 1985 and 1999 were studied. To obtain values of normality, 45 infants with no pulmonary artery disease were assessed with lung perfusion scintigraphy (right lung flow: 54-61%, left lung flow: 38.7-46%) and magnetic resonance imaging axial view (right/left pulmonary artery branch diameter ratio: 1-1.1). Patients with stenosis underwent catheterization. RESULTS: Group 1: 27 patients with normal parameters. Group 2: nine patients with left pulmonary branch stenosis and irregularities in all parameters; left/right branch diameter ratio 0.51 and left lung perfusion 26.3 +/- 7.9%, r correlation ratio 65%, p < 0.005, left branch pressure gradient 34.4 +/- 17.9 mm Hg, rate-gradient r 89%, p < 0.001. Group 3: five patients with right pulmonary branch stenosis and irregularities in all parameters; right/left branch diameter ratio 0.52, reduced right lung perfusion 32 +/- 11%, with a stenotic branch gradient of 40 +/- 19 mm Hg., rate/gradient ratio r 72%, p < 0.005; gradient/perfusion ratio r 82%, p < 0.003. Group 4: Six patients with bilateral stenosis, reduced diameter in the stenotic area with normal perfusion in both lungs and bilateral gradient. Eighteen patients with stenosis underwent re-operation, with favorable outcome in 14. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging and quantified lung perfusion scintigraphy provide useful information in the follow-up of tetralogy of Fallot.

[Tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve in a newborn and infant. Complete surgical correction]. / Tetralogía de Fallot con agenesia de válvula pulmonar en el recién nacido y lactante. Corrección completa.

We report two patients, a newborn and a 7-month old infant, with tetralogy of Fallot and absent pulmonary valve syndrome. Both had severe obstruction at the level of the ring with aneurysmal pulmonary artery branches, which compressed and displaced the trachea and main bronchial tubes. The neonate required mechanical ventilation from birth. Treatment was aggressive in both patients with interventricular septum defect closure, arterioplasty of the branches and homograft in the infant, and resection of the truncus and pulmonary branches with posterior face suture of both branches associated with a valved conduit in orthotopic position in the neonate. We believe that early treatment avoids airway degeneration and right ventricle volume overload.

Tetralogía de Fallot con agenesia de válvula pulmonar en el recién nacido y lactante. Corrección completa / Tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve in a newborn and infant. Complete surgical correction

Se presentan 2 pacientes, un recién nacido y un lactante de 7 meses, con tetralogía de Fallot y agenesia de la válvula pulmonar. Ambos tenían obstrucción grave del anillo con ramas pulmonares aneurismáticas que comprimían y desplazaban la tráquea y los bronquios principales. El paciente recién nacido necesitó ventilación mecánica desde el nacimiento. El tratamiento fue agresivo en ambos, con cierre de la comunicación interventricular, arterioplastia de las ramas y homoinjerto en el lactante y resección del tronco y ramas pulmonares con sutura de la cara posterior de ambas ramas, asociado a un conducto valvulado en posición ortotópica en el neonato. Creemos que el tratamiento precoz evita la degeneración de la vía respiratoria y la sobrecarga de volumen del ventrículo derecho (AU)