Efficacy and safety of fexinidazole for treatment of chronic indeterminate Chagas disease (FEXI-12): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, phase 2 trial.

BACKGROUND: More than six million people worldwide, particularly in vulnerable communities in Latin America, are infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. Only a small portion have access to diagnosis and treatment. Both drugs used to treat this chronic, neglected infection, benznidazole and nifurtimox, were developed more than 50 years ago, and adverse drug reactions during treatment pose a major barrier, causing 20% of patients to discontinue therapy. Fexinidazole proved efficacious in an earlier, interrupted clinical trial, but the doses evaluated were not well tolerated. The present study evaluated fexinidazole at lower doses and for shorter treatment durations. METHODS: In this randomised, double-blind, phase 2 trial, we included adult patients (18-60 years old) with confirmed T cruzi infection by serology and PCR and without signs of organ involvement. We evaluated three regimens of fexinidazole-600 mg once daily for 10 days (6·0 g total dose), 1200 mg daily for 3 days (3·6 g), and 600 mg daily for 3 days followed by 1200 mg daily for 4 days (6·6 g)-and compared them with a historical placebo control group (n=47). The primary endpoint was sustained negative results by PCR at end of treatment and on each visit up to four months of follow-up. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03587766, and EudraCT, 2016-004905-15. FINDINGS: Between Oct 16, 2017, and Aug 7, 2018, we enrolled 45 patients (n=15 for each group), of whom 43 completed the study. Eight (19%) of 43 fexinidazole-treated patients reached the primary endpoint, compared with six (13%) of 46 in the historical control group. Mean parasite load decreased sharply following treatment but rebounded beginning 10 weeks after treatment. Five participants had seven grade 3 adverse events: carpal tunnel, sciatica, device infection, pneumonia, staphylococcal infection, and joint and device dislocation. Two participants discontinued treatment due to adverse events unrelated to fexinidazole. INTERPRETATION: The fexinidazole regimens in this study had an acceptable safety profile but did not prove effective against T cruzi infection. Development of fexinidazole monotherapy for treating T cruzi infection has been stopped. FUNDING: The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative.

Prevalence of malnutrition, anemia, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in preschool-age children living in peri-urban populations in the Peruvian Amazon.

Stunting, anemia, and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are major health concerns for children in extremely poor regions of the world, especially rural and periurban ones. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these three cooccurring conditions in preschool-age children in an extremely poor district on the outskirts of Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon, to inform public health actions. Malnutrition was assessed by standard World Health Organization-recommended metrics; anemia, by hemoglobin levels; and STH, by the Kato-Katz technique. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for our three outcomes of interest. A total of 572 children aged 6-59 months were recruited in March 2019. We found a 31.3% stunting, 47.2% anemia, and 34.1% STH prevalence. Stunting and anemia figures exceeded both regional and national estimates for 2019. Having more children was a risk factor for stunting, whereas married mothers were associated with a lower risk. Risk factors for anemia included younger age and the male sex, whereas those for STH, older age, incomplete vaccination, and a lower socioeconomic status. Mothers' employment outside the home was also associated with a lower STH risk. This recent evidence highlights the need for prompt and integrated clinical attention and public health actions to address both short- and long-term health consequences in this vulnerable child age group. The integration of a monitoring and evaluation framework is important to effectively manage these conditions, optimize resources and accountability, and show their impact.

Screening Protocol and Prevalence of Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19) induces endothelial damage and sustained hypoxia and facilitates immobilization as factors of hypercoagulability. OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to assess the prevalence of venous thromboembolic disease (VTD) in COVID-19 patients and the usefulness of VTD screening based on age-adjusted D-dimer and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). PATIENTS/METHODS: We conducted a single cohort, prospective observational study in 102 consecutive hospitalized patients. RESULTS: A total of 102 POCUS and 39 pulmonary computed tomography angiography (PCTA) were performed diagnosing 27 VTD (26.5%): 17 deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (16.6% positive POCUS) and 18 pulmonary embolism (PE) (46.2% positive PCTA). COVID-19 patients with VTD were older (P < .030), had higher D-dimer (P < .001), higher International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis score (P < .001), and higher mortality (P = .025). However, there were no differences in inflammatory laboratory parameters neither in the cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) development. The ROC curve for D-dimer showed an AUC of 0.91. We have evidenced that patients with D-dimer between 2000 and 6000 ng/mL could benefit from a screening strategy with POCUS given the high sensitivity and specificity of the test. Furthermore, patients with D-dimer ≥6000 ng/mL should undergo POCUS and PCTA to rule out DVT and PE, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, 26.5% of the patients presented VTD. Screening strategy based on age-adjusted D-dimer and POCUS proved high sensitivity and specificity. Future trials focused on screening strategies are necessary to early detect the presence of DVT and PE and determine thromboprophylaxis strategies in patients with COVID-19.

Prevalence of malnutrition, anemia, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in preschool-age children living in peri-urban populations in the Peruvian Amazon / Prevalencia de desnutrición, anemia y helmintiasis transmitida por el contacto con el suelo en niños de edad preescolar que viven en poblaciones periurbanas de la Amazonía peruana / Prevalência de desnutrição, anemia e helmintíase transmitida pelo solo em crianças em idade pré-escolar que vivem em populações periurbanas na Amazônia peruana

Stunting, anemia, and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are major health concerns for children in extremely poor regions of the world, especially rural and periurban ones. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these three cooccurring conditions in preschool-age children in an extremely poor district on the outskirts of Iquitos, in the Peruvian Amazon, to inform public health actions. Malnutrition was assessed by standard World Health Organization-recommended metrics; anemia, by hemoglobin levels; and STH, by the Kato-Katz technique. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for our three outcomes of interest. A total of 572 children aged 6-59 months were recruited in March 2019. We found a 31.3% stunting, 47.2% anemia, and 34.1% STH prevalence. Stunting and anemia figures exceeded both regional and national estimates for 2019. Having more children was a risk factor for stunting, whereas married mothers were associated with a lower risk. Risk factors for anemia included younger age and the male sex, whereas those for STH, older age, incomplete vaccination, and a lower socioeconomic status. Mothers' employment outside the home was also associated with a lower STH risk. This recent evidence highlights the need for prompt and integrated clinical attention and public health actions to address both short- and long-term health consequences in this vulnerable child age group. The integration of a monitoring and evaluation framework is important to effectively manage these conditions, optimize resources and accountability, and show their impact.

El retraso en el crecimiento, la anemia y la infección por helmintos transmitidos por el contacto con el suelo (STH) son los principales problemas de salud de la infancia en las regiones del mundo caracterizadas por la extrema pobreza, especialmente en las zonas rurales y periurbanas. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar la prevalencia de estas tres condiciones concurrentes en niños de edad preescolar en un distrito de extrema pobreza en las afueras de Iquitos, en la Amazonía peruana, con el fin último de informar la acción de salud pública. La malnutrición se evaluó mediante las mediciones estándar recomendadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), la anemia mediante los niveles de hemoglobina y la STH mediante la técnica de Kato-Katz. Se realizaron análisis de regresión logística para identificar los factores de riesgo de los tres resultados de interés. Un total de 572 niños de entre 6 y 59 meses fueron reclutados en marzo de 2019. Se determinó que la prevalencia de retraso en el crecimiento era del 31,3%, la anemia del 47,2% y el STH del 34,1%. Las cifras de retraso en el crecimiento y anemia superaron las estimaciones regionales y nacionales para 2019. Tener más hijos fue un factor de riesgo para el retraso del crecimiento, mientras que el hecho de que la madre estuviera casada se asoció con un riesgo menor. Los factores de riesgo para la anemia fueron la edad más joven y el sexo masculino, mientras que los factores de riesgo para el STH fueron la edad más avanzada, las vacunas incompletas y el nivel socioeconómico más bajo. El empleo de las madres fuera del hogar también se asoció a un menor riesgo de STH. Estos datos recientes ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de una atención clínica y una acción de salud pública rápidas e integradas para abordar las consecuencias sanitarias a corto y largo plazo en este grupo de edad infantil vulnerable. La integración de un marco de seguimiento y evaluación sería importante para una gestión eficaz, la optimización de los recursos y la rendición de cuentas, y para demostrar el impacto.

Desnutrição, anemia e infecção por helmintos transmitidos pelo solo (HTS) são as principais preocupações da saúde infantil em regiões do mundo caracterizadas pela extrema pobreza, especialmente em áreas rurais e periurbanas. Realizou-se este estudo para determinar a prevalência dessas três condições coocorrentes em crianças em idade pré-escolar num distrito de extrema pobreza nos arredores de Iquitos, na Amazônia peruana, com a visão final de informar a ação da saúde pública. A desnutrição foi avaliada utilizando métricas padrão recomendadas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS); a anemia, utilizando níveis de hemoglobina e a HTS, utilizando a técnica Kato-Katz. Realizaram-se análises de regressão logística para identificar fatores de risco para os três desfechos de interesse. Em março de 2019, foram recrutadas 572 crianças de 6 a 59 meses. A prevalência de desnutrição foi determinada em 31,3%, anemia em 47,2% e HTS em 34,1%. Os números de desnutrição e anemia superaram as estimativas regionais e nacionais para 2019. Ter mais filhos foi um fator de risco para a desnutrição, enquanto a mãe ser casada foi associado a um menor risco. Os fatores de risco para anemia foram idade mais jovem e sexo masculino, enquanto os fatores de risco para HTS foram idade mais avançada, vacinação incompleta e menor nível socioeconômico. O emprego das mães fora de casa também foi associado a um menor risco de HTS. Esta evidência recente destaca a necessidade de atenção clínica rápida e integrada e ações da saúde pública para enfrentar as consequências a curto e longo prazo para a saúde nessa faixa etária infantil vulnerável. A integração de um quadro de monitoramento e avaliação seria importante para uma gestão eficaz, otimização de recursos e prestação de contas, e para demonstrar impacto.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis imported into low-incidence countries-a GeoSentinel analysis, 2008-2020.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of imported multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is crucial, but knowledge gaps remain about migration- and travel-associated MDR-TB epidemiology. The aim was to describe epidemiologic characteristics among international travellers and migrants with MDR-TB. METHODS: Clinician-determined and microbiologically confirmed MDR-TB diagnoses deemed to be related to travel or migration were extracted from GeoSentinel, a global surveillance network of travel and tropical medicine clinics, from January 2008 through December 2020. MDR-TB was defined as resistance to both isoniazid and rifampicin. Additional resistance to either a fluoroquinolone or a second-line injectable drug was categorized as pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR) TB, and as extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB when resistance was detected for both. Sub-analyses were performed based on degree of resistance and country of origin. RESULTS: Of 201 patients, 136 had MDR-TB (67.7%), 25 had XDR-TB (12.4%), 23 had pre-XDR TB (11.4%) and 17 had unspecified MDR- or XDR-TB (8.5%); 196 (97.5%) were immigrants, of which 92 (45.8%) originated from the former Soviet Union. The median interval from arrival to presentation was 154 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 10-751 days); 34.3% of patients presented within 1 month after immigration, 30.9% between 1 and 12 months and 34.9% after ≥1 year. Pre-XDR- and XDR-TB patients from the former Soviet Union other than Georgia presented earlier than those with MDR-TB (26 days [IQR: 8-522] vs. 369 days [IQR: 84-827]), while patients from Georgia presented very early, irrespective of the level of resistance (8 days [IQR: 2-18] vs. 2 days [IQR: 1-17]). CONCLUSIONS: MDR-TB is uncommon in traditional travellers. Purposeful medical migration may partly explain differences in time to presentation among different groups. Public health resources are needed to better understand factors contributing to cross-border MDR-TB spread and to develop strategies to optimize care of TB-infected patients in their home countries before migration.

Case Report: COVID-19 with Bilateral Adrenal Hemorrhage.

A 70-year-old Dominican Republic man presented with lower back pain for 10 days. Fifteen days before pain onset, he had low-grade fever, chills, and asthenia, and 4 days before admission, he had constipation, malaise, generalized weakness, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. On admission, the patient was afebrile and hypotensive, with a heart rate of 105 and an oxyhemoglobin saturation on room air of 95%. Hyponatremia, lymphopenia, elevated C-reactive protein, and ferritin were observed in complementary tests. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed findings consistent with COVID-19 bilateral bronchopneumonia, and an increase in size and blurring (loss of the Y shape) of both adrenals indicative of acute bilateral adrenal hemorrhage. The patient tested negative by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of nasopharyngeal swab, yet positive for IgG and IgM by ELISA, suggesting COVID-19 diagnosis.

Algoritmo de tratamiento en las secuelas cicatrizales posquemadura en codo / Treatment algorithm in post-elbow burn scar sequelae

Introducción. Las retracciones cicatrizales secundarias a quemaduras representan un desafío para el cirujano plástico debido a la variabilidad en su complejidad y presentación. La pérdida de movimiento del codo conlleva una limitación funcional con impacto directo en la calidad de vida, por lo que la indicación quirúrgica se hace necesaria. La gran variedad de tácticas quirúrgicas plantean la necesidad de sistematizar el tratamiento de las retracciones cicatrizales. Objetivo. El objetivo de esta presentación es la aplicación de la sistemática en el tratamiento de la secuela posquemadura de codo en el Servicio de Cirugía Plástica del Hospital de Quemados del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante los últimos 10 años. Material y métodos. Mediante un diseño observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, se realizó el presente trabajo sobre pacientes con diagnóstico de retracción cicatrizal posuemadura en codo de agosto de 2008 a agosto de 2018. El criterio de inclusión fue pacientes entre 3 y 65 años sometidos a cirugías reconstructivas para la liberación de contracturas del codo posteriores a una quemadura durante el período mencionado. Se realizó una revisión de las historias clínicas y se evaluaron los casos a través del examen físico y de documentación fotográfica, y se analizaron diferentes variables: sexo, edad, comorbilidades, clasificación de gravedad, grado de retracción pre- y posoperatoria, tipo de reconstrucción empleada y complicaciones. Las variables mencionadas se registraron en tablas. Resultados. Treinta y cuatro pacientes operados, 20 mujeres y 14 hombres. El rango de edad fue de 3 hasta los 50 años, con una media de 21,2 años. La causa más frecuente de quemadura fue el agua caliente. El grado de retracción fue leve en 41,17% (14 casos), moderada en 47,05% y severa en 11,7%. El procedimiento más utilizado fueron los colgajos pediculados (50%), seguido por los colgajos locales (41,2 %) y, por último, se emplearon injertos de piel (8,8%). Dentro de los colgajos pediculados, el más utilizado fue el colgajo antecubital (12 casos) con un 70,6%, seguido por el colgajo braquial lateral con un 23,5% y, por último, con un solo caso, un colgajo propeller, que representó el 5,9%. Dentro de las plásticas locales, los colgajos de avance representaron el 42,8%, seguidos por las zetaplastias en un 35,7%, los colgajos de transposición en un 14,3% y la w plastia en un 7,14%. Todos los injertos de piel realizados fueron de espesor total. Las complicaciones fueron dehiscencia del borde del colgajo y epidermólisis. La ganancia objetiva de extensin en grados fue entre 5 y 80 grados. Conclusiones. Podemos concluir que es posible la aplicación de nuestro algoritmo para el tratamiento en la secuela cicatrizar en codo. Siempre que sea posible, se recomienda utilizar un colgajo fasciocutáneo por su mejor cobertura, resistencia y poca morbilidad de obtención. Todo método quirúrgico debe acompañarse con medidas no quirúrgicas como la ferulización y la rehabilitación kinésica temprana para lograr un resultado sostenido en el tiempo.

Introduction. Burn injuries to the elbow can lead to significant functional impairment and major aesthetic problems. This represents a challenge for the plastic surgeon due to the variability in their complexity and presentation. The elbow can be constructed with a wide range of surgical technique such as skin grafts, local, regional or free flaps. However, contractures vary greatly, depending on the loss of function, depth and extension of tissue involvement, and duration of scarring and, therefore, surgical intervention should be tailored for each patient. Objective. To present our experience and systematic approach for releasing postburn elbow contractures. Materials and methods. A retrospective review of the cases of post-burn elbow contractures treated in our center between August of 2008 and August of 2018 was conducted. Results. Since 2008 we have treated 34 patients. They included 20 female patients and 14 male patients. The average age was 21,2 years (range 3-50 years) at the time of the first corrective operation. Severity of elbow contracture was graded as mild in 41,17% of the cases, moderate in 47,05% and severe in 11,7%. Contractures were treated with fascio cutaneous pedicled flaps in 50% of the cases, with local flaps in 41,2% of the cases and with skin graft in 8,8%.Of the fascio cutaneous flaps employed, 12 patients were treated with an antecubital flap, 4 with a lateral arm flap and 1 with a propeller flap. Among the local flaps, z plasties and advancement flaps were the most commonly used. Elbow excursion improved in all cases between 5 and 80 degrees Conclusions. Severe elbow contracture resulting from burn injury can be treated using a systematic approach according to the physical characteristics of the contracture. Although there are many techniques of soft-tissue coverage to treat elbow contractures, we advocate using well-vascularized fascio cutaneous flaps to provide coverage due to their resistance and low donor site morbidity.

Estado del arte de la plicatura de rectos / State-of-art of rectus shealth plication

Introducción. La abdominoplastia es un procedimiento que se utiliza para definir el contorno corporal actuando sobre todas las capas de la pared mediante la resección del exceso de piel y grasa subcutánea y la reparación del sistema músculo-aponeurótico. Uno de los componentes a tratar en toda abdominoplastia es la diastasis abdominal, que se logra a través de la plicatura de rectos. Muchas controversias han surgido acerca de la efectividad y duración de la corrección, del mejor tipo de sutura y las consecuencias sobre la presión intraabdominal y el embarazo. Materiales y metodos. Se llevó a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura utilizando las bases de datos MEDLINE, LILACS, MEDES y SciELO. Tanto artículos de habla inglesa como hispana fueron tenidos en cuenta. Las palabras clave utilizadas para la búsqueda inicial fueron rectus plication, rectus shealth plication, diastasis, abdominal closure, plicatura abdominal. Resultados. Luego de la búsqueda, 58 artículos fueron seleccionados y revisados. En base a la información obtenida, se dividió la información y se desarrollaron de manera objetiva en puntos separados. Conclusiones. A pesar de que la bibliografía muestra conclusiones disímiles y variables, la plicatura es un procedimiento seguro y potencialmente benefi cioso para la salud tanto en dolores lumbares como incontinencia urinaria, y puede usarse en aquellos casos intratables. Tanto suturas de reabsorción lenta como el PDS y las suturas no absorbibles pueden ser utilizadas para el cierre de la diastasis abdominal con excelentes resultados a largo plazo y sin riesgo de recurrencia

Introduction. Abdominoplasty is a body-contouring procedure for functional and aesthetic improvement that addresses deformity from excess skin and fat and musculofascial laxity. Diastasis repair by plication of the rectus sheath is an integral part of most abdominoplasty procedures. There is no consensus regarding what suture material is best and contradictory information about long term durability, changes in the intraabdominal pressure and pregnancy is seen in the literature. Material and methods. A systematic review of current available literature was performed using the MEDLINE, LILACS, MEDES and SciELO databases. Key words used for initial data bank searches included "rectus plication", "rectus shealth plication" "diastasis" "abdominal closure", "plicatura abdominal". Furthermore, bibliographies and individual plastic surgery journals were searched for additional reference information. Results. Fifty-eight articles met the criteria and were analyzed critically for inclusion. From this information, a narrative synthesis of data was undertaken. Conclusions. Although current literature shows diff erent conclusions, rectus shelth plication can be consider a safe and pottencially benefi tial procedure with signifi cant improvements in posture and quality of life. Absorbable and non absorbable sutures seems to be reliable sutures for the correction of rectus diastasis.

Travel-associated chikungunya acquired in Myanmar in 2019.

Eighteen cases of chikungunya virus infection in travellers returning from Myanmar were reported to the GeoSentinel Surveillance Network, its subnetwork EuroTravNet and TropNet in 2019, reflecting an ongoing local outbreak. This report reinforces the importance of travellers as sentinels of emerging arboviral outbreaks and highlights the importance of vigilance for imported cases, due to the potential for dissemination of the virus into areas with competent local vectors and conducive environmental conditions.

A comparative study of stabilising effect and antioxidant activity of different antioxidants on levodopa-loaded liposomes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of levodopa liposomes co-loaded with three different antioxidants (curcumin, ascorbic acid, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). For this purpose, multilamellar liposomes were prepared. Curcumin was added into the lipid bilayer while ascorbic acid and SOD were placed into the aqueous phase. The influence of preparation technique and surface charge were also investigated. Vesicles were characterised and free radical scavenging potential was determined. From stability study, ascorbic acid showed better stabilising effect. These co-loaded liposomes also exhibited potential radical scavenging activity where ascorbic acid played a key role. From the study of different preparation techniques and charge, we concluded that cationic liposomes made by Thin Layer Evaporation following extrusion offered the best physicochemical and stability properties. A dual mechanism of these liposomes implies the chemical stabilisation of levodopa (dose reduction) and the antioxidant effect, with a preventive effect on Parkinson's disease.

Diagnóstico y prevalencia de trastornos de la personalidad en atención ambulatoria. Estudio descriptive / The diagnosis and prevalence of personality disorders in outpatient services. A descriptive study

Introducción: los trastornos de personalidad (TP) son difíciles de diagnosticar. La literatura científica informa de su elevada prevalencia en muestras clínicas, pero en la práctica clínica diaria su diagnóstico es muy poco frecuente. Objetivos: Este estudio pretende estimar la prevalencia de TP en una Unidad ambulatoria de Salud Mental (USM), en situación real, para primeras citas. Método: Se aplicó el Cuestionario Salamanca (CS) como instrumento de cribado y, con los puntos de corte mínimo (2/3) y máximo (5/6), se comparó con el diagnóstico clínico realizado por un psicólogo clínico o psiquiatra, sin conocer el resultado del cribado con CS. Resultados: El diagnóstico de TP realizado por un profesional fue de un 7%, frente al 100% de positivos obtenido por el CS en el punto de corte mínimo y el 53% con el máximo: 11,8% para Cluster A, 19,8% Cluster B y 21,4% en el C. Conclusiones: La elevada prevalencia de TPs en los centros de salud mental, junto con el infradiagnóstico clínico, son otros factores que ensombrecen el pronóstico de estos pacientes (AU)

Introduction: Personality disorders (PD) are difficult to diagnose. Scientific literature shows a high prevalence in outpatient mental health services, but in daily practice the diagnosis of a PD is infrequent. Objectives: This study aims to calculate the prevalence of PD in outpatient mental health services in real clinic situation among patients who come for the first time. Method: Salamanca Questionnaire (SQ) was used as a screening method with the minimum score cut (2/3) and the maximum score cut (5/6). The results were compared with the clinical diagnose proposed by the psychiatrist or psychologyst, who did not know the result of SQ. Results: Only 7% of patients received PD diagnose although 100% of patients had pathological results with SQ using the lowest score proposed and 53% using the highest score proposed: 11,8% Clúster A, 19,8%, Clúster B and 21,4% Cluster C. Conclusions: The high prevalence of PD in outpatient mental health services and the low diagnosis rate are elements that worsen the prognosis of these patients (AU)

Experiencia con el uso del registrador implantable de eventos en una serie depersonas mayores con caídas y sospecha de síncopes de origen arrítmico / Experience with the use of an implantable loop recorder in a series of older people with falls and suspected arrhythmic syncopes

Objetivo: Describir nuestra experiencia con la utilización del registrador implantable de eventos (REI) en un grupo de pacientes mayores con caídas frecuentes, y factores predictores de síncope de causa arrítmica. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes mayores con caídas, sospecha de síncope y/o alteraciones en el ECG, a quienes tras una evaluación cardiológica se les implantó un REI, para esclarecer si las caídas estaban provocadas por una arritmia. Resultados: Se han analizado 13 pacientes (7 varones con una edad media de 78 a˜ nos), con una media de 3,3 caídas, a los que se implantó un REI como parte del estudio de las mismas. Han sido seguidos durante un periodo mínimo de 24 meses. Seis pacientes han mostrado una arritmia como causa de las caídas, registrada en el REI. En 5 casos se trataba de una bradiarritmia. El otro era una taquiarritmia. Cuatro pacientes no han presentado alteraciones del ritmo cardíaco durante las caídas. Los restantes 3 pacientes no han sufrido nuevas caídas durante el seguimiento. Conclusión: En este grupo seleccionado de pacientes con caídas, el REI ha detectado una causa arrítmica en un apreciable porcentaje de casos (AU)

Objective: To review our experience on using an implantable loop recorder (ILR) in patients with recurrent falls, when an arrhythmogenic cause is suspected. Material and methods: This is a retrospective, observational study of patients with repetitive unexplained falls, suspected syncope, or electrocardiographic abnormalities. All of them had been evaluated by a cardiologist, who decided to implant a loop recorder (ILR) for an accurate diagnosis. Results: A total of 13 patients received an ILR. The average falls rate for the sample was 3.3. The mean age was 78 years, and 46% were female, with a mean follow-up period of 24 months. During this time, three patients did not suffer from a new fall. An arrhythmogenic diagnosis was obtained in 5 patients: bradycardia was identified in 4 cases, and tachycardia in one of them. The symptoms did not coincide with a documented arrhythmia in the rest of the patients. Conclusion: ILR is a helpful tool to establish an arrhythmogenic cause of unexplained and recurrent falls, in this selected sample of older adults (AU)

[Experience with the use of an implantable loop recorder in a series of older people with falls and suspected arrhythmic syncopes]. / Experiencia con el uso del registrador implantable de eventos en una serie de personas mayores con caídas y sospecha de síncopes de origen arrítmico.

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience on using an implantable loop recorder (ILR) in patients with recurrent falls, when an arrhythmogenic cause is suspected. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, observational study of patients with repetitive unexplained falls, suspected syncope, or electrocardiographic abnormalities. All of them had been evaluated by a cardiologist, who decided to implant a loop recorder (ILR) for an accurate diagnosis. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients received an ILR. The average falls rate for the sample was 3.3. The mean age was 78 years, and 46% were female, with a mean follow-up period of 24 months. During this time, three patients did not suffer from a new fall. An arrhythmogenic diagnosis was obtained in 5 patients: bradycardia was identified in 4 cases, and tachycardia in one of them. The symptoms did not coincide with a documented arrhythmia in the rest of the patients. CONCLUSION: ILR is a helpful tool to establish an arrhythmogenic cause of unexplained and recurrent falls, in this selected sample of older adults.

[A single rectal diclofenac dose reduces post-haemorrhoidectomy urine retention: results of a randomised, controlled clinical study]. / Una sola dosis de diclofenaco intrarrectal reduce la retención urinaria tras la cirugía de las hemorroides. Resultados de un estudio clínico controlado y aleatorizado.

INTRODUCTION: Post-surgical urinary retention requiring a catheter has a mean incidence of 15% (1% to 52%) in the post-operative period after anal surgery. The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of topical rectal Diclofenac in reducing post-surgical haemorrhoidectomy urinary retention. Its impact on the reduced need for post-surgery analgesia has also been assessed as a secondary objective. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The 157 patients intervened for symptomatic haemorrhoids were randomised into two groups: Group with 100 mg diclofenac anal suppository after surgery; and Control group without diclofenac. Haemorrhoidectomy was performed with diathermy, without pedicle ligatures and with hyperbaric spinal anaesthesia. No anal dressings were used and the use of drips was restricted during the post-operative period. Metamizole and diclofenac were used as post-surgical intravenous analgesia in all patients. Meperidine was chosen as rescue analgesia. The descriptive variables evaluated in the patient series were: age, sex, grade and number of haemorrhoid groups, and post-surgical complications. The response variables were: need or not for a urethral catheter, post-surgical pain (Visual Analogue Scale) VAS and rescue analgesia requirements. RESULTS: The 86 males (54.6%) and 71 females (45.4%), with a mean age of 54 years (26-82 years) were randomised into 2 groups: 73 (46.5%) in the diclofenac group and 84 (53.5% in the control group. Of the haemorrhoidectomies performed, 95 were open and 63 were closed. There were no differences as regards the distribution by, age, sex, haemorrhoid grade or in the number of haemorrhoid groups extirpated. Only 1 (1.3%) patient in the diclofenac group and 8 (9.5%) in the control group (p = 0.028) had urine retention. Rescue analgesia was required by 9 (12.3%) patients in the study group compared to 20 (33.3%) in the control group (p = 0.002). The assessment of the magnitude of therapeutic effect of diclofenac gave an RRR of 85.6% (95% CI, 12.3-98.2), RAR, 8.2% (95% CI, 1.3-15) and an NNT of 13 (95% CI, 7-77). CONCLUSIONS: The placing of a 100 mg diclofenac suppository at the end of a haemorrhoidectomy reduces urinary retention and rescue analgesia requirements.

Una sola dosis de diclofenaco intrarrectal reduce la retención urinaria tras la cirugía de las hemorroides. Resultados de un estudio clínico controlado y aleatorizado / A single rectal diclofenac dose reduces post-haemorrhoidectomy urine retention: results of a randomised, controlled clinical study

Introducción. La retención urinaria postoperatoria que precisa de sondaje aparece con una incidencia media del 15% (1-52%) en el postoperatorio de la cirugía anal. El principal objetivo de este trabajo ha sido valorar la eficacia del diclofenaco tópico intrarrectal en la reducción de la retención urinaria tras hemorroidectomía quirúrgica. De forma secundaria, también se ha valorado su impacto en la reducción de las necesidades de analgesia postoperatoria. Pacientes y método. Se aleatorizó en dos grupos a 157 pacientes intervenidos de hemorroides sintomáticas: grupo con supositorio de diclofenaco 100 mg vía anal en el postoperatorio y grupo de control sin diclofenaco. En todos los pacientes se realizó una hemorroidectomía con diatermia, sin ligadura de los pedículos y con anestesia raquídea hiperbárica. No se emplearon apósitos anales y durante el postoperatorio se restringió el empleo de sueros. Se empleó metimazol y diclofenaco como analgesia intravenosa postoperatoria en todos los pacientes. Se eligió la meperidina como analgesia de rescate. Se evaluaron como variables descriptivas de la serie: edad, sexo, grado y número de grupos hemorroidales y complicaciones postoperatorias. Las variables respuesta fueron: necesidad de sondaje vesical, escala analógica visual (EAV) del dolor postoperatorio y necesidades de analgesia de rescate. Resultados. Se aleatorizó a 86 varones (54,6%) y 71 mujeres (45,4%), con media de edad de 54 (26-82) años, en dos grupos: 73 (46,5%) al grupo de diclofenaco y 84 (53,5%) al grupo de control. Se realizaron 95 hemorroidectomías abiertas y 63 cerradas. No hubo diferencias en cuanto a la distribución por edad, sexo, grado hemorroidal y número de grupos hemorroidales extirpados. Presentaron retención urinaria 1 (1,3%) paciente del grupo de diclofenaco y 8 (9,5%) del grupo control (p = 0,028). En el grupo de estudio fue precisa la analgesia de rescate en 9 (12,3%) pacientes, frente a 20 (33,3%) en el grupo control (p = 0,002). La valoración de la magnitud del efecto terapéutico del diclofenaco mostró una RRR del 85,6% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 12,3-98,2), RAR de 8,2% (IC del 95%, 1,3-15) y un número de pacientes que es necesario tratar de 13 (IC del 95%, 7-77). Conclusiones. La colocación de un supositorio de diclofenaco 100 mg al final de la hemorroidectomía reduce la retención urinaria y la necesidad de analgesia de rescate The increased use of biomaterials for the repair of abdominal wall hernias has achieved a significant reduction in recurrences and consequently improved the quality of life of patients. However, the appearance of complications such as infection may require the implanted prosthetic material to be removed in a considerable number of patients. A possible treatment option in areas compromised by infection is the implant a biocompatible prosthetic material to generate, or induce the formation of a support tissue so that, in a second stage, the definitive repair of the parietal defect may be undertaken. This is the main goal of bioprostheses. These implants are composed of collagen of animal (usually porcine) or human origin. They should be acellular and fully biocompatible so that they induce a minimal foreign body reaction and immune response (AU)

Introduction. Post-surgical urinary retention requiring a catheter has a mean incidence of 15% (1% to 52%) in the post-operative period after anal surgery. The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of topical rectal Diclofenac in reducing post-surgical haemorrhoidectomy urinary retention. Its impact on the reduced need for post-surgery analgesia has also been assessed as a secondary objective. Patients and method. The 157 patients intervened for symptomatic haemorrhoids were randomised into two groups: Group with 100 mg diclofenac anal suppository after surgery; and Control group without diclofenac. Haemorrhoidectomy was performed with diathermy, without pedicle ligatures and with hyperbaric spinal anaesthesia. No anal dressings were used and the use of drips was restricted during the post-operative period. Metamizole and diclofenac were used as post-surgical intravenous analgesia in all patients. Meperidine was chosen as rescue analgesia. The descriptive variables evaluated in the patient series were: age, sex, grade and number of haemorrhoid groups, and post-surgical complications. The response variables were: need or not for a urethral catheter, post-surgical pain (Visual Analogue Scale) VAS and rescue analgesia requirements. Results. The 86 males (54.6%) and 71 females (45.4%), with a mean age of 54 years (26-82 years) were randomised into 2 groups: 73 (46.5%) in the diclofenac group and 84 (53.5% in the control group. Of the haemorrhoidectomies performed, 95 were open and 63 were closed. There were no differences as regards the distribution by, age, sex, haemorrhoid grade or in the number of haemorrhoid groups extirpated. Only 1 (1.3%) patient in the diclofenac group and 8 (9.5%) in the control group (p = 0.028) had urine retention. Rescue analgesia was required by 9 (12.3%) patients in the study group compared to 20 (33.3%) in the control group (p = 0.002). The assessment of the magnitude of therapeutic effect of diclofenac gave an RRR of 85.6% (95% CI, 12.3-98.2), RAR, 8.2% (95% CI, 1.3-15) and an NNT of 13 (95% CI, 7-77). Conclusions. The placing of a 100 mg diclofenac suppository at the end of a haemorrhoidectomy reduces urinary retention and rescue analgesia requirements The increased use of biomaterials for the repair of abdominal wall hernias has achieved a significant reduction in recurrences and consequently improved the quality of life of patients. However, the appearance of complications such as infection may require the implanted prosthetic material to be removed in a considerable number of patients. A possible treatment option in areas compromised by infection is the implant a biocompatible prosthetic material to generate, or induce the formation of a support tissue so that, in a second stage, the definitive repair of the parietal defect may be undertaken. This is the main goal of bioprostheses. These implants are composed of collagen of animal (usually porcine) or human origin. They should be acellular and fully biocompatible so that they induce a minimal foreign body reaction and immune response (AU)

Interleukin-6 increases rat metalloproteinase-13 gene expression through Janus kinase-2-mediated inhibition of serine/threonine phosphatase-2A.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) increases metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) gene expression by increasing phosphorylated c-Jun and by inhibiting serine/threonine phosphatase-2A (PP2A) activity. We investigated the mechanisms by which IL-6 induces c-Jun phosphorylation and PP2A inactivation in Rat-1 fibroblasts. We show that IL-6 increased MMP-13 mRNA, phosphorylated c-Jun, and activator protein 1 (AP1) binding activity without increasing c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. These effects did not seem to be mediated by ERK, p38 MAP kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, calmoduline-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C (PKC) or protein kinase A since inhibition with specific inhibitors did not abrogate these effects. IL-6 increases PP2A catalytic subunit tyrosine phosphorylation. Inhibition of the tyrosine kinase Jak2, with the specific inhibitor AG490, abrogated this effect. Likewise, this Jak2 inhibitor blocked the effects of IL-6 on c-Jun phosphorylation, AP1 binding activity and metalloproteinase-13 gene expression. We conclude that IL-6 increases MMP-13 gene expression by activation of Jak2, resulting in tyrosine phosphorylation of the catalytic subunit of PP2A, which in turn decreases PP2A activity and prolongs c-Jun phosphorylation.

Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors mediate malondialdehyde-induced collagen alpha 1(I) gene expression in cultured hepatic stellate cells.

Malondialdehyde, the end product of lipid peroxidation, has been shown to stimulate collagen alpha1(I) (Col1a1) gene expression. However, mechanisms of this effect are unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify these mechanisms. Rat hepatic stellate cells were cultured in the presence of 200 microm malondialdehyde, and the effects on collagen gene expression and the binding of nuclear proteins to the col1a1 promoter were analyzed. Malondialdehyde treatment induced an increase in the cellular levels of col1a1 mRNA that was abrogated by pretreating cells with cycloheximide, p-hydroxymercuribenzoate, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, and mithramycin. Transient transfections showed that malondialdehyde exerted its effect through regulatory elements located between -220 and -110 bp of the col1a1 promoter. Gel retardation assays demonstrated that malondialdehyde increased the binding of nuclear proteins to two elements located between -161 and -110 bp of the col1a1 promoter. These bindings were supershifted with Sp1 and Sp3 antibodies. Finally, malondialdehyde increased cellular levels of the Sp1 and Sp3 proteins and Sp1 mRNA. Our data indicated that treatment of hepatic stellate cells with malondialdehyde stimulated col1a1 gene expression by inducing the synthesis of Sp1 and Sp3 and their binding to two regulatory elements located between -161 and -110 bp of the col1a1 promoter.

[Congenital atrioventricular block and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome]. / Bloqueo auriculoventricular congénito y síndrome de Wolff-Parkinson-White.

We report the case of a patient followed since childhood for congenital complete atrioventricular block. At 28 years of age, atrioventricular conduction through an accessory pathway with long conduction times was detected. Periods of atrioventricular conduction alternated with periods of atrioventricular block. Sinus tachycardia and 1:1 exclusive conduction through the accessory pathway developed with increased sympathic activity (exercise, isoproterenol infusion). We discuss the special features of this case.