Elastography in the evaluation of thyroid nodules / Elastografía en la evaluación de nódulos tiroideos

Background: Thyroid nodules are a very common pathology in clinical practice and in imaging studies. Autopsy results indicate a 50% prevalence of thyroid nodules greater than 1 cm in patients with no clinical symptomatology. The goal is to evaluate the accuracy of elastography in the evaluation of thyroid nodules with suspicion of malignancy by comparing the results obtained in qualitative and semi-quantitative elastography with the cytopathological study obtained by BAAF of thyroid nodules and The TI-RADS system. Methods: We included male or female patients over 18 years old, entitled to IMSS, with diagnosis of one or more thyroid nodules, sent to the ultrasound service for FNA and histopathological report at the end of the study. In the statistical analysis, values of sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV) were obtained. Results: The results showed that the qualitative elastography by the Asteria Score presents a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 53%, PPV of 36% and NPV of 92% , for the semiquantitative elastography a sensitivity of 40%, specificity of 87%, PPV of 50% and NPV of 82%. Conclusions: The elastography in its qualitative and semicuantitative mode are useful to help determine the possibility of malignancy of thyroid nodules as an additional element to ultrasound, but it does not replace the citopathologic result or other diagnostic tests, so it should not be taken as a single test. Additionally the high result of NPV is useful to dismiss the possibility of malignancy.

Introducción: Los nódulos tiroideos son una patología común que se enfrenta en la práctica clínica y en estudios de imagen. El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar la certeza diagnóstica de la elastografía en la evaluación de nódulos tiroideos con sospecha de malignidad comparando el resultado obtenido en la elastografía de forma cualitativa y semicuantitativa con el estudio citopatológico obtenido por BAAF de los nódulos tiroideos y el sistema TI-RADS. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años de edad, derechohabientes del IMSS, con diagnóstico de uno o varios nódulos tiroideos, enviados al servicio de ultrasonido para la realización de la biopsia con aguja fina (BAAF) y con reporte histopatológico al término del estudio. En el análisis estadístico se obtuvieron valores de sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) y valor predictivo negativo (VPN). ResultadoS: Los resultados mostraron que la elastografía cualitativa por el Score de Asteria presenta una sensibilidad del 86%, especificidad del 56%, VPP del 36% y VPN del 92%, y para la elastografía semicuantitativa valores de sensibilidad de 40% , especificidad de 87%, VPP del 50% y VPN del 82%. Conclusiones: La elastografía en su modalidad cualitativa y semicuantitativa, resulta útil para ayudar a determinar la posibilidad de malignidad de los nódulos tiroideos como un elemento adicional al ultrasonido, sin embargo no sustituyen el resultado citopatológico ni otras pruebas diagnósticas, por lo que no debe ser tomado como única prueba.

Helicobacter pylori in esplenectomized patients with immune primary trombocytopenia / Helicobacter pylori en pacientes esplenectomizados con trombocitopenia inmune primaria

Background: Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia (TIP) is an autoimmune disease that accelerates the peripheral destruction of platelets and alters megakaryocytopoiesis. Helicobacter pylori infection and eradication has been associated with an increase in the platelet count in patients with IPT. The aim of this article is to evaluate the platelet response after H. pylori eradication in patients with chronic splenectomized IPT Methods: Between 2008 and 2009, adult patients with a diagnosis of chronic IPT, splenectomized; They were given breath test with carbon 13-labeled urea (PAU13C). Patients who tested positive received eradication treatment with amoxicillin, omeprazole and clarithromycin for 14 days. After 6 weeks of treatment, a second PAU13C was performed. Baseline platelet counts were performed and every six months until the completion of two years. Results: 40 patients, 34 women and 6 men were included, PAU13C was positive in 17 patients (42.5%). H. pylori eradication was obtained in 16 patients (94%) confirmed by post-treatment PAU13C. In the follow-up of the patients it was observed that there was increase of platelets in 7 of the patients with eradication of H. pylori, while of the patients not infected in 9 also an increase of platelets was observed. Conclusions: There were no differences in the increase in platelet count among patients positive or negative to the H. pylori breath test at followup at 24 months.

Introducción: La trombocitopenia inmune primaria (TIP) es una enfermedad autoinmune que acelera la destrucción periférica de las plaquetas y altera la megacariocitopoyesis. La erradicación de la infección por Helicobacter pylori se ha asociado al incremento en la cuenta de plaquetas en los pacientes con TIP. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la respuesta de plaquetas después de la erradicación del H. pylori en pacientes con TIP crónica esplenectomizados. Métodos: Entre 2008-2009 fueron incluidos pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de TIP crónica, esplenectomizados; se les realizó prueba de aliento con urea marcada con carbono 13 (PAU13C). Los pacientes que resultaron positivos a la prueba recibieron tratamiento de erradicación con amoxicilina, omeprazol y claritromicina por 14 días. Después de 6 semanas de tratamiento, se realizó una segunda PAU13C. Se realizaron cuenta de Plaquetas basal y cada seis meses hasta completar dos años. Resultados: Se incluyeron 40 pacientes, 34 mujeres y 6 hombres, la PAU13C resultó positiva en 17 pacientes (42.5%). La erradicación del H. pylori se obtuvo en 16 pacientes (94%) confirmado por PAU13C postratamiento. En el seguimiento de los pacientes se observó que hubo incremento de las plaquetas en 7 de los pacientes con erradicación del H. pylori, mientras que de los pacientes no infectados en 9 también se observó aumento de plaquetas. Conclusiones: No hubo diferencias en el incremento en la cuenta de plaquetas entre los pacientes positivos o negativos a la prueba de aliento para H. pylori en el seguimiento a 24 meses.

[High-intensity chemotherapy versus palliative chemotherapy in patients over 60 years with acute myeloid leukemia]. / Quimioterapia intensa frente a quimioterapia paliativa en pacientes con leucemia mieloblástica mayores de 60 años.

BACKGROUND: The use of high-intensity chemotherapy (HIC) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the elderly is controversial. In the present study, it was assessed complete remission and overall survival of AML patients over 60 years treated with HIC or palliative chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients with ECOG ≤ 2 and adequate organic function received HIC with a base of cytarabine for five or seven days, and an anthracycline for three days. If patients achieved complete remission of leukemia, they received one or two cycles of consolidation with cytarabine. Palliative treatment consisted of supported measures and/or oral or intravenous low-dose chemotherapy. RESULTS: Seven patients treated with HIC achieved complete remission versus only one in the palliative group. Only one patient died during HIC treatment. Median survival for HIC-treated patients was 13.25 months, and only 3.35 months for patients treated with palliative therapy (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AML patients of 60 years or older, with good performance status (ECOG ≤ 2) and adequate organ function, may benefit from HIC treatment, with better survival, compared with palliative therapy.

Introducción: el tratamiento con quimioterapia intensa (QTI) en pacientes con leucemia mieloblástica (LMA) mayores de 60 años es controversial. En el presente estudio se evaluó la remisión completa y la supervivencia global de pacientes con LMA mayores de 60 años, tratados con QTI o quimioterapia paliativa. Métodos: los pacientes con adecuada función orgánica y ECOG ≤ 2 recibieron QTI a base de citarabina por cinco o siete días más un antracíclico por tres días y terapia de soporte. En caso de lograr remisión completa de la leucemia recibieron uno o dos ciclos de consolidación con citarabina. El tratamiento paliativo consistió en medidas de soporte o quimioterapia oral o intravenosa en dosis bajas. Resultados: del grupo de QTI siete pacientes alcanzaron remisión completa, comparados con uno del grupo de quimioterapia paliativa. La supervivencia global fue de 13.25 meses para los pacientes con QTI y de 3.35 meses para los pacientes de quimioterapia paliativa (p < 0.05). Conclusión: es posible que los pacientes con LMA mayores de 60 años de edad se beneficien de recibir QTI, comparada con la quimioterapia paliativa.

[Maternal morbidity and mortality in a unit of tertiary care without obstetrics]. / Morbimortalidad materna en una unidad de tercer nivel sin servicio de obstetricia.

BACKGROUND: Maternal morbidity is a health problem for developing countries, the causes of death among obstetric patients varies according to geographic region and other factors, which include health services. The aim of this study was to identify the causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, as well as factors associated with mortality in patients attending on 2011-2012. METHODS: Clinical data of the patients on admission, severity of illness, presence of comorbidity, complications that occurred during treatment and causes of death in pregnant or postpartum patients were analyzed. RESULTS: 137 patients were analyzed, 87 (63.5 %) patients were hospitalized, 36 (41.3 %) cases with severe maternal complication (SMC); most patients with SMC were in the postpartum postcesarean. Eleven patients died, five maternal deaths and 6 late deaths. CONCLUSIONS: SMC and death were more frequent in the postpartum period. The indirect causes of death were more frequent.

Introducción: la morbimortalidad materna representa un problema de salud en los países en desarrollo, las causas de muerte obstétrica dependen de la región geográfica y de otros factores que incluyen la calidad de los servicios de salud. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las causas de morbilidad y mortalidad materna en las pacientes atendidas de 2011 a 2012. Métodos: se analizaron los datos de las pacientes en admisión hospitalaria, el diagnóstico y la severidad de la enfermedad, la presencia de comorbilidad y las complicaciones que ocurrieron durante el tratamiento y las causas de muerte de pacientes embarazadas o puérperas. Resultados: fueron atendidas 137 pacientes de las cuales 87 (63.5 %) requirieron ser hospitalizadas, 36 (41.3 %) presentaron criterios para complicación materna severa (CMS); la mayor parte de pacientes con CMS se encontraban en el puerperio postcesárea, Once pacientes fallecieron, cinco se consideraron muertes maternas indirectas y 6 muertes tardías. Conclusiones: las CMS y las muertes fueron más frecuentes en el puerperio. Las causas indirectas fueron las más frecuentes.

[Blood disorders among workers exposed to a mixture of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX) in a paint factory]. / Alteraciones hematológicas en trabajadores expuestos ocupacionalmente a mezcla de benceno- tolueno-xileno (BTX) en una fábrica de pinturas.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the three blood cell series and identify the presence of hypochromia, macrocytosis, leucopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia in a group of workers exposed to the mixture of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study which included 97 workers from a paint factory in Mexico. The participants underwent conventional blood count and tests for potential cumulative daily dose of BTX fumes, to estimate exposure. RESULTS: From the total of workers, 19.6% showed macrocytosis, 18.6%, lymphopenia, hypochromia 10.3%, 7.2% and 5.2% thrombocytopenia leukopenia. The crude association of macrocytosis with exposure to high doses of BTX mixture was the only with statistical significance (OR: 3.6, 95% CI 1.08 to 13.9, P = 0.02), and the base for a logistic regression model (OR: 6.7, 95% CI 1.33 to 13.55, P = 0.02) adjusted for age, alcohol consumption, and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: All blood cytological components analyzed demonstrated mild changes, potentially associated with exposure to the mixture of BTX. Macrocytosis could constitute an early manifestation worthy for surveillance.

Alteraciones hematológicas en trabajadores expuestos ocupacionalmente a mezcla de benceno- tolueno-xileno (BTX) en una fábrica de pinturas / Blood disorders among workers exposed to a mixture of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX) in a paint factory

Objetivos. Evaluar las tres series celulares sanguíneas e identificar la presencia de hipocromía, macrocitosis, leucopenia, linfocitopenia y trombocitopenia en un grupo de trabajadores expuestos a la mezcla de benceno-tolueno-xileno (BTX). Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal donde se incluyó a 97 trabajadores de una empresa de pinturas de México a los que se les realizó una biometría hemática convencional y les fue estimada la exposición a través de la dosis diaria potencial acumulada para vapores de BTX. Resultados. Del total de trabajadores, 19,6%, mostró macrocitosis, 18,6%, linfocitopenia, 10,3% hipocromía, 7,2% trombocitopenia y 5,2% leucopenia. La asociación cruda de macrocitosis con exposición a dosis alta de mezcla de BTX fue la única significativa (OR:3,6; IC95%: 1,08 - 13,9; p=0,02) y en la que se estructuró un modelo de regresión logística (OR:6,7; IC95%: 1,33 - 13,55; p:0,02) ajustada por edad, consumo de alcohol y tabaquismo. Conclusiones. Todos los componentes citohemáticos analizados mostraron cambios leves; que podrían estar asociados con la exposición a la mezcla de BTX. De ellos, la macrocitosis podría constituirse en una manifestación precoz que merece ser vigilada.

Objectives. Evaluate the three blood cell series and identify the presence of hypochromia, macrocytosis, leucopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia in a group of workers exposed to the mixture of benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX). Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study which included 97 workers from a paint factory in Mexico. The participants underwent conventional blood count and tests for potential cumulative daily dose of BTX fumes, to estimate exposure. Results. From the total of workers, 19.6% showed macrocytosis, 18.6%, lymphopenia, hypochromia 10.3%, 7.2% and 5.2% thrombocytopenia leukopenia. The crude association of macrocytosis with exposure to high doses of BTX mixture was the only with statistical significance (OR: 3.6, 95% CI 1.08 to 13.9, P = 0.02), and the base for a logistic regression model (OR: 6.7, 95% CI 1.33 to 13.55, P = 0.02) adjusted for age, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Conclusions. All blood cytological components analyzed demonstrated mild changes, potentially associated with exposure to the mixture of BTX. Macrocytosis could constitute an early manifestation worthy for surveillance.

Hemoglobin and platelet count effect on platelet yields in plateletpheresis.

BACKGROUND: Platelet transfusion in thrombocytopenic patients, especially those with marrow failure, remains one of the most important support measures available. Treatment success depends on rational use of platelet transfusion. Platelet yield, reflected in transfused platelet dose, influences platelet recovery in the patient and allows prolonging intervals between transfusions. In this study, our main objective was to identify donor laboratory and clinical factors that showed some influence on platelet yield obtained by apheresis. METHODS: Healthy donor laboratory and clinical data were analyzed prior to performing plateletpheresis. Platelet yield was quantified after plateletpheresis procedure was concluded in two different ways: a) prefixed volume of 5,000 mL processed, and b) volume determined according to manufacturer recommendations. Age, gender, hemoglobin concentration, platelet and leukocyte count, height, and weight were included as yield-predicting donor variables. RESULTS: In group A, two variables were significant: donor platelet count and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations with r = 0.554, and in group B, donor platelet count, Hb concentrations, and volume with r = 0.758. CONCLUSIONS: Donor platelet count and hemoglobin concentrations influence platelet yield: higher platelet count corresponds to higher yield, while hemoglobin shows an inverse relationship, i.e., the lower the hemoglobin concentrations, the higher the platelet yield.

High doses of dexamethasone in adult patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

BACKGROUND: High-dose dexamethasone (DXM) has been used in treatment of patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) who are refractory to other treatments such as prednisone and splenectomy; nevertheless, different studies show variable success rates, this postulated as possibly being due to racial differences. The objective of this study was to determine DXM effectiveness at high doses in Mexican mestizo adult patients diagnosed with ITP with and without splenectomy. METHODS: Nonhospitalized adult patients with ITP were included, eight patients previously splenectomized (group 1) and 11 who had not undergone splenectomy (group 2). Patients received DXM 40 mg/day intravenously (i.v.) during 4 consecutive days every 4 weeks until six cycles were completed. RESULTS: There were no differences between the two groups regarding age (mean 39 vs. 33 years of age) and initial platelet count (M 17 vs. 24 x 10(9)/L). Median evolution time was 84 months for group 1 and 7 months for group 2 (p = 0.002). Of 19 patients, nine achieved a favorable response (FR), six belonged to group 1, and three to group 2 (Fisher p = 0.07). Nevertheless, after 6 months only two group 1 patients and two group 2 patients maintained FR (Fisher exact test p = 1). Patients achieving FR to initiation of second cycle maintained FR at the end of six cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the previously mentioned high-dose DXM therapy appears to be useful for both patients with ITP with and without splenectomy and high-dose DXM appears to be a good alternative therapy for postsplenectomy and relapse patients. However, duration of FR to treatment was brief; therefore, other treatment plans might be required to achieve longer remission duration. Response was similar to that observed in other studies carried out in different populations; thus, apparently no genetic or racial variations exist. In addition, whether patients not responding after second cycle should continue until completing the 6-month plan or should try a different therapeutic approach must be considered in the treatment plan.

Niveles séricos de eritropoyetina en sujetos sanos estudiados en el valle de México / Erythropoietin seric levels in healthy student subjects in the Valley of Mexico

La eritropoyetina (EPO) es el factor humoral directamente resposable de la eritropoyesis, y su secreción se relaciona con el grado de oxigenación tisular. En altitudes por arriba del nivel del mar; las concentraciones de oxígeno son menores, lo que podría influir en los niveles séricos de EPO y de esta manera explicar el aumento de las cifras de hemoglobina y hematócrito. Por otro lado, la determinación de sus niveles sanguíneos es de gran importancia tanto en el diagnóstico diferencial de las anemias, como en el estudio de la eritrocitosis, en especial la policitemia rubra vera, enfermedad en que sus niveles son normales o bajos. Por tal motivo estimamos conveniente determinar las cifras que podrían ser consideradas como valores de referencia en población residente en la ciudad de México. Se estudió un total de 220 sujetos sanos, 168 hombres y 52 mujeres. Los niveles de EPO sérica, determinados por radioinmunoanálisis resultaron, en todo el grupo, con una mediana (Md) de 7.5 mU/ml, con un intervalo percentilar, (IP) de 1 a 18; en el sexo masculino la Md fue de 7.6 con un IP de 1 al 18 y en el sexo femenino Md de 7.5 con un IP de 1 a 16.9

Cytogenetic findings in 303 mexican patients with de novo acute myeloblastic leukemia

In this report we show the chromosomal changes seen in a group of 303 Mexican patients with de novo Acute myeloblastic Leukemia (AML). Two hundred forty-two patients were diagnosed and treated at two hospitals affiliated with the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). These are the Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI and Centro Medico La Raza Hospitals; the remaining 61 patients were diagnosed and treated at the Hospital General de Mexico (HGM). Clonal abnormalities were detected in 75.6 percent of the patients; this result agrees with what has been reported in other large series of AML studies. The incidence of changes per hospital was similar in patients from the IMSS hospitals (72-75 percent), while an increase was seen in patients from the HGM (85.2 percent). The cromosomal changes seen in this study in order of frequency were: t(15;17)[18.8 percent], t(9;22)[9.2 percent], miscellaneous chromosomal changes (mainly rearrangementa of chromosomes 1,2,3,12 y 17) [8.2 percent], abnormalities of 16q22 [7.3 percent], t(8;21)[6.3 percent], -7/del(7q)[5.6 percent], t(6;9)[5.3 percent), and abnormalities of 11q23 [4.6 percent]. We reported an increase in the indicidence of certain types of chromosomal changes seen in cases of AML, in comparison with reports from other countries. These differences must not be disregarded. We support this finding when comparing distribution of changes in the population of patients seen in the IMSS hospitals with those from the HGM; the main difference lies in the socioeconomic level

Treatment results of 23 cases of severe aplastic anemia with lymphocytapheresis

We report the results of 23 patients with aplastic anemia (AA) treated with a program of 14 lymphocytapheresis (LC). Treatments were performed with apheresis machines, models Haemonetics 30-S and Baxter CS3000, using the standard program. This procedure was done because AA in many cases appears as a result of the action of a T cell population that inhibits hematopoiesis. Theorically, removal of this clonal population would produce hematopoietic recovery. Of the total of 23 patients, 9 were excluded for final evaluation of treatment results because 7 died during or shortly after treatment (0.7-3 months); one patient abandoned treatment after three LC and another died 7 months later because of transformation to acute leukemia. The ramaining 14 patients were included in the final evaluation of treatment; seven females and seven males, average age 46.1 years (range 22-69); 13 with severe, and one with moderate AA; 11 with recently diagnosed, and 3 with chronica AA; 12 without previous treatment and two treated before with antilymphocyte globulin + oxymetholone (OXN) + cyclosporine A (CsA) with transiet partial remission (PR). Besides lymphocytapheresis, 13 patients received OXM; 4 of them GM-CSF ad one low dose CsA. Four patients had complete remission lasting >59.5 months (range 42-78); eight PR (average duration of >38.6 months), and two minimal remission (>37 and 29 months). Platelet, reticulocyte and granulocyte counts increased on average at 48.7, 73.3 and 91.4 days, respectively. In cocnlusion, 14 (60.8 perecent) of 23 patients with AA showed an improvement related to LC treatment, with a survival probability of 63 percent from the fourth month, the latter with and added beneficial effect of the other therapies used. Larger numbers of patients have to be treated with LC to determine its real usefulness, mechanism of action and the best conditions for its use