Características clínicas y sociodemográficas de pacientes con epilepsia en un hospital pediátrico en Honduras / Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients with epilepsy in a pediatric hospital in Honduras

Antecedentes: La epilepsia es una patología frecuente en pediatría; representa el mayor número de referencias al Servicio de Neurología. En Honduras son pocas las publicaciones recientes del tema. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y sociodemográficas de pacientes con epilepsia en un centro nacional de referencia pediátrica. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo. Se utilizaron expedientes clínicos de pacientes atendidos en Consulta Externa de Neuropediatría Hospital María, Especialidades Pediátricas (HMEP), Tegucigalpa, Honduras, durante mayo 2015-marzo 2019. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: De los 334 pacientes, el sexo masculino fue el más afectado 55.7% (186), procedentes de zona urbana 69.5% (232); la mediana de edad fue 7 años. En 26.3% (88) de los casos, el padre estuvo ausente y el 81.1% (271) de los pacientes eran hijos de madre desempleada. Como etiología se encontró que el 54.4% (182) fue desconocida. El 26.3% (88) tuvo antecedente familiar de epilepsia y el 50.6% (174/344) de los pacientes tuvieron eventualidad perinatal, de estos 24.7% (43/174) presentó asfixia neonatal. El 32.7% (108/330) se encontraban en estado de malnutrición. Las crisis focales fueron más frecuentes y el factor precipitante de crisis más común fue abandono de tratamiento. El 36.6% (126) tenía algún tipo de discapacidad, siendo la cognitiva la más sobresaliente. Discusión: Es necesario reforzar estrategias de salud pública dirigidas a la prevención prenatal, natal y posnatal de la epilepsia, brindar apoyo a las familias monoparentales y asegurar acceso continuo a servicios de salud...(AU)

Comparación de la eficacia de la transfusión de paquetes globulares de ≤ 15 vs ≥ 16 a 40 días de extracción sobre los efectos hemodinámicos y gasométricos de pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico severo en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Comparison of the efficacy of the transfusion of globular packages of ≤ 15 vs ≥ 16 to 40 days of extraction on the hemodynamic and gasometric effects of patients with severe traumatic brain in the Intensive Care Unit / Comparação da eficácia da transfusão de hemácias de ≤ 15 vs ≥ 16 a 40 dias de extração sobre os efeitos hemodinâmicos e gasométricos de pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva

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Abstract: Introduction: since the beginning of blood banks, refinements in laboratory processes have allowed longer red blood cell storage times. While advantageous to the logistics of stock management, the clinical impact of RBC storage duration prior to transfusion remains uncertain and a topic of growing interest. Although the structural, biochemical, and impermeable changes that red blood cells undergo during storage are well described, the evidence that this storage injury translates into adverse clinical outcomes for patients receiving blood with longer storage times remains controversial. Objective: to compare the efficacy of the transfusion of globular packages of ≤ 15 days of extraction vs. globular packages ≥ 16-40 days of extraction in the hemodynamic and gasometric repercussion of patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of HE CMNO. Material and methods: a controlled, single-center, randomized, single-blind, prospective and comparative clinical trial was conducted, where patients between 18 and 80 years of age with severe postoperative cranioencephalic trauma who required blood transfusions were invited to participate. Participants were included in two random groups, group F and group E. Group F was administered packed cells ≤ 15 days of extraction. Group E will be administered globular packages ≥ 16-40 days of extraction. During the study, various hemodynamic and biochemical variables were measured before, during, and after blood transfusion, and a comparison of the results obtained between groups F and E was subsequently made. Results: in the present study, a total of 26 patients with severe TBI were included and who were transfused with red blood cell packs, of the total number of patients, 13 were transfused with a «standard¼ red blood cell pack and another 13 patients with a «fresh¼ red blood cell pack. The average days of transfusion after extraction were 18 and 14 days for the «standard¼ and «fresh¼ packs, respectively (p ≤ 0.001). Twenty-one infectious events were reported, 11 in the group of patients who were transfused with the standard pack and 10 in the fresh pack group. Mortality at 28 days was estimated in 31% of the patients transfused with the standard pack and in 23% of the patients with the fresh pack (RR, for 28-day mortality of 0.90 [95% CI 0.56-144]). The median duration time in the intensive care unit was 8 days for both groups (0.32 SD), and of the days associated with the ventilator, 15 days were observed for the group of patients with the standard package and 7 for the group with fresh package (0.60 SD), without discovering statistically significant differences in these variables. However, in this analysis statistically significant differences were found for the gasometric parameters of central venous oxygen saturation, cardiac output (Fick) and lactate before and after transfusion in favor of the group of patients transfused with fresh pack (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: the results of this study infer that there is no association between the storage time of transfused red blood cells and the presence of adverse clinical outcomes with longer storage times. In both groups, transfusions were equally safe and effective. The researchers refer to the sample size as a limitation for this study.

Resumo: Introdução: desde o surgimento dos bancos de sangue, o refinamento dos processos laboratoriais permitiu tempos de estocagem cada vez mais longos para as hemácias. Embora vantajoso para a logística do gerenciamento de estoque, o impacto clínico da duração do armazenamento de glóbulos vermelhos antes da transfusão permanece incerto e um tópico de interesse crescente. Embora as alterações estruturais, bioquímicas e imunológicas pelas quais as hemácias sofrem durante o armazenamento sejam bem descritas, as evidências de que essa lesão de armazenamento resulta em resultados clínicos adversos para pacientes que recebem sangue armazenado por mais tempo permanecem controversas. Objetivo: comparar a eficácia da transfusão de concentrado de hemácias ≤ 15 dias de extração vs concentrado de hemácias ≥ 16-40 dias de extração nas repercussão hemodinâmica e gasométrica dos pacientes com traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) grave, internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva do HE CMN Occidente. Material e métodos: realizou-se um ensaio clínico, controlado, unicêntrico, randomizado, simples-cego, prospectivo e comparativo, onde foram convidados a participar pacientes com idade entre 18 e 80 anos com traumatismo cranioencefálico grave submetidos a hemicraniectomia descompressiva com necessidade de transfusão sanguínea. Os participantes foram incluídos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos, grupo F e grupo E. Grupo F recebeu concentrado de hemácias ≤ 15 dias após a extração. O grupo E receberá concentrado de hemácias ≥ 16-40 dias após a extração. Durante o estudo, várias variáveis hemodinâmicas e bioquímicas foram medidas antes, durante e após a transfusão de sangue, e posteriormente foi feita uma comparação dos resultados obtidos entre os grupos F e E. Resultados: no presente estudo incluíram-se um total de 26 pacientes com TCE grave e que foram transfundidos com concentrado de hemácias, do total de pacientes 13 foram transfundidos com um concentrado de hemácias «padrão¼ e outros 13 pacientes com um concentrado de hemácias «fresco¼. A média de dias de transfusão após a extração foi de 18 e 14 dias para as pacotes «padrão¼ e «fresco¼, respectivamente (p ≤ 0.001). Relatou-se 21 eventos infecciosos, 11 no grupo de pacientes que receberam transfusão com concentrado padrão e 10 no grupo com concentrado fresco. A mortalidade em 28 dias foi estimada em 31% dos pacientes transfundidos com concentrado padrão e em 23% dos pacientes com concentrado fresco (RR, para mortalidade em 28 dias de 0.90 (IC 95% 0.56-144). A duração mediana na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 8 dias para ambos os grupos (0.32 DP), sendo que 2 dias associados ao ventilador, foram observados 15 dias para o grupo de pacientes com concentrado padrão e 7 para o grupo de concentrado fresco (0.60 DE), sem descobrir diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas referidas variáveis.No entanto, nesta análise foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas para os parâmetros gasométricos de saturação venosa central de oxigênio, débito cardíaco (Fick) e lactato antes e após a transfusão em favor do grupo de pacientes transfundidos com concentrado fresco (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusão: os resultados deste estudo inferem que não há associação entre o tempo de estocagem das hemácias transfundidas e a presença de desfechos clínicos adversos com tempos de estocagem mais longos. Em ambos os grupos, as transfusões foram igualmente seguras e eficazes. Os pesquisadores referem-se ao tamanho da amostra como limitante para este estudo.

Medición de la vaina del nervio óptico mediante tomografía computarizada como predictor de mortalidad en pacientes con traumatismo craneoencefálico grave al ingreso a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Optic nerve sheath measurement through computerized scan as death predictor in patients with serious cranioencephalic trauma on entry to the Intensive Care Unit / Medição da bainha do nervo óptico por tomografia computadorizada como preditor de mortalidade em pacientes com trauma cranioencefálico grave internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva

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Abstract: Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a medical-surgical condition characterized by brain involvement secondary to a traumatic lesion. Patients with severe TBI are at high risk of mortality and this will depend on different factors such as the presence of intracranial hypertension, age, origin of the injury and score on the Glasgow coma scale. Measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) appears to be a good indirect indicator of intercranial hypertension and therefore, a good predictor of mortality. Objective: To determine the most appropriate cut-off point, as well as the measurement of the ONSD usefulness as a prognostic indicator of mortality in patients with severe TBI in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Material and methods: This is an analytical, descriptive, and retrospective study. The universe of study consists of all the case/files with TBI. For the sample selection, all available records of patients with severe TBI sent to the ICU during the period from March 1 to August 31, 2021, will be included. Within the inclusion criteria patients with a Glasgow scale score of < 8 points on entry and with a computerized scan done. The dependent variables to considerer are the outcome understood as death or survival of the patient, the days hospitalized in the ICU, the presence of complications; among the dependent variables is the diameter of the optic nerve sheath measured by computerized tomography. Intervening variables were also considered such as the presence of comorbidities and overweight/obesity, the age and sex of the patient. The project consisted of four phases: 1) request for authorization and access to files, 2) application of selection criteria, 3) performance of ONSD measurements and 4) creation of the database. Finally, once the database is formed, the statistical analysis will proceed; for the descriptive part, prevalence's, means (standard deviation) and medians (percentiles) will be calculated for the variables by sex and by outcome, subsequently the diagnostic capacity of the ONSD will be analyzed through the area under the ROC curve (receiving operating characteristics) for the outcome. Afterwards the performance of this and other cut-off points are compared using the Youden index. Results: Sixty records of TBI patients admitted to the ICU were studied, 51 were men (85%), 45 patients survived (75%) and 15 patients died (25%). The average age was of 50.5 ± 10.6 years, the average Glasgow score on admission was 6.6 ± 1.6 points, the average BMI was 26.42 ± 4.10 kg/m2, and the average number of days spent in the ICU was 9.03 ± 6.4. The diameter of the optic nerve was not a predictor of mortality, but if the Glasgow coma scale was, with an AUC of 0.775 (95% CI: 0.648-0.901, p = 0.002), the best cut-off point was 7 with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 54%. The bivariate linear regression model points to low Glasgow coma score and long hospital stay as predictors of mortality. Conclusions: The results of this study infer that, consistent with current scientific evidence, the sociodemographic characteristics of our population are similar to those reported by other authors, with men over 50 years of age being the most affected by this entity. On the other hand, the measurement of the diameter of the optic nerve sheath has been considered a good prognostic indicator of intracranial hypertension, which in turn is associated with increased mortality. However, in the present study there is no association between the diameter of the optic nerve sheath and the prognosis of mortality.

Resumo: Introdução: O traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE) é uma condição médico-cirúrgica caracterizada por lesão cerebral secundária a uma lesão traumática. Pacientes com TCE grave apresentam alto risco de mortalidade e isso dependerá de diversos fatores, como presença de hipertensão intracraniana, idade, origem da lesão e pontuação na Escala de Coma de Glasgow. A medida do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (DBNO) parece ser um bom indicador indireto de hipertensão intracraniana e, portanto, um bom preditor de mortalidade. Objetivo: Determinar o ponto de corte mais adequado, bem como a utilidade da medida do DBNO como indicador prognóstico de mortalidade em pacientes com TCE grave na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo analítico, descritivo e retrospectivo. O universo de estudo é composto por todos os prontuários de casos/pacientes com TCE grave. Para a seleção da amostra foram incluídos todos os prontuários disponíveis de pacientes com TCE grave encaminhados à Unidade de Terapia Intensiva no período de 1o de março a 31 de agosto de 2021, dentro dos critérios de inclusão foram considerados pacientes com escala de Glasgow < 8 pontos na admissão e com uma tomografia computadorizada realizada. As variáveis ​​dependentes consideradas são o desfecho entendido como óbito ou sobrevida do paciente, os dias de internação na UTI, a presença de complicações; dentro das variáveis ​​independentes está o diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico medido por tomografia computadorizada. Também foram consideradas variáveis ​​intervenientes, como presença de comorbidades e sobrepeso/obesidade, idade e sexo do paciente. O projeto consistiu em três fases: a) Pedido de autorização e acesso aos prontuários, b) Aplicação dos critérios de seleção, c) Desenvolvimento da base de dados. Por fim, uma vez formada a base de dados, procedeu-se à análise estatística. Para a parte descritiva, foram calculadas as prevalências, médias (desvio padrão) e medianas (percentis) das variáveis ​​por sexo e por desfecho. Posteriormente, a capacidade diagnóstica do DBNO foi analisada pela área sob a curva ROC (Receiving Operating Characteristics) para o resultado. Posteriormente, o desempenho deste e de outros pontos de corte foi comparado pelo índice de Youden. Resultados: Foram estudados 60 prontuários de pacientes com TCE que deram entrada na UTI, 51 eram homens (85%), 45 pacientes sobreviveram (75%) e 15 pacientes morreram (25%). A média de idade foi de 50.5 ± 10.6 anos, a média de Glasgow na admissão foi de 6.6 ± 1.6 pontos, a média de IMC foi de 26.42 ± 4.10 kg/m2 e a média de dias de internação na UTI foi de 9.03 ± 6.4. O diâmetro do nervo óptico não foi preditor de mortalidade, mas a Escala de Coma de Glasgow sim, com AUC de 0.775 (IC 95%: 0.648-0.901, p = 0.002), o melhor ponto de corte foi 7 com sensibilidade de 93% e especificidade de 54%. O modelo de regressão linear bivariada aponta para baixo escore de coma de Glasgow e longa permanência hospitalar como preditores de mortalidade. Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo inferem que, de acordo com as evidências científicas atuais, as características sociodemográficas de nossa população são semelhantes às relatadas por outros autores, sendo os homens com aproximadamente 50 anos de idade os mais acometidos por essa entidade. Por outro lado, a medida do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico tem sido considerada um bom indicador prognóstico de hipertensão intracraniana, que por sua vez está associada ao aumento da mortalidade. No entanto, no presente estudo não há associação entre o diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico e o prognóstico de mortalidade.

Manifestaciones cutáneas por COVID-19 / Cutaneous manifestations due to COVID-19

El estudio de las manifestaciones dermatológicas asociadas al Coronavirus tipo 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave, causante de la pandemia de la enfermedad por Coronavirus 2019, contribuye al diagnóstico de COVID-19 en pacientes con manifestaciones cutáneas de evolución reciente asociados a sintomatología respiratoria o pacientes asintomáticos que han mantenido contacto estrecho con pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2 confirmada. La presente revisión tiene por objetivo describir los patrones dermatológicos más frecuentemente asociados a la COVID-19 de acuerdo con la literatura publicada, entre los que se destacan: erupciones maculopapulares, lesiones acrales de eritema-edema con vesículas o pústulas, erupciones vesiculares, erupciones tipo urticaria, lesiones tipo livedo o necrosis y petequias. Se realizó la búsqueda de la literatura en la base de datos PUBMED, utilizando los descriptores COVID 19 OR Coronavirus AND «skin manifestations¼. Se identificaron un total de 119 artículos publicados durante el año 2020 de los cuales se incluyeron 44 artículos referentes a reporte de casos y revisiones para el análisis, efectuándose finalmente un narrativo de los resultados. Se concluye que el conocimiento de las manifestaciones cutáneas asociadas a COVID-19 puede ayudar en el diagnóstico precoz y estratificación de riesgo

The study of the dermatological manifestations associated with Coronavirus type 2 of severe acute respiratory syndrome, the cause of the Coronavirus disease pandemic 2019, contributes to the diagnosis of COVID-19 in patients with recent evolution of skin manifestations associated with respiratory symptoms or asymptomatic patients who have been in close contact with patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present review aims to describe the dermatological patterns most frequently associated with COVID-19 according to the published literature, among which the following stand out: maculopapular eruptions, acral lesions of erythema-edema with vesicles or pustules, vesicular eruptions, type eruptions urticaria, livedo or necrosis type lesions and petechiae. The literature search was carried out in the PUBMED database, using the descriptors COVID 19 OR Coronavirus AND «skin manifestations¼. A total of 119 articles published during 2020 were identified, of which 44 articles referring to case reports and reviews were included for analysis, finally making a narrative of the results. It is concluded that knowledge of the skin manifestations associated with COVID-19 can help in early diagnosis and risk stratification

Mercury and selenium concentrations in the crab Callinectes arcuatus from three coastal lagoons of NW Mexico.

Mercury and selenium concentrations and Se:Hg molar ratio in edible muscle and hepatopancreas of the crab Callinectes arcuatus from coastal lagoons of northwest Mexico were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The three coastal lagoons were Santa María La Reforma (SMLR), Urías (UR), and Huizache-Caimanero (HC); samplings were carried out from December 2016 to October 2017. The mercury ranges in the muscle of C. arcuatus in SMLR, UR, and HC lagoons were 0.31-0.52, 0.15-0.45, and 0.22-0.55 µg g-1, respectively. In hepatopancreas, the values ranged from 0.08 to 0.15, 0.06 to 0.15, and 0.05 to 0.12 µg g-1 in SMLR, UR, and HC lagoons, in that order. For selenium concentrations in C. arcuatus muscle, the ranges 11.64-20.14, 14.88-19.71, and 15.27-29.51 µg g-1 were determined in SMLR, UR, and HC lagoons, respectively. While for hepatopancreas, the ranges were 34.34-44.13, 27.77-40.45, and 15.16-49.80 µg g-1, in that order. No significant relationships (p > 0.05) between mercury and selenium concentrations (in white meat and hepatopancreas) were observed in C. arcuatus carapace width and length. Se:Hg molar ratio values were 98.1 ± 20.8, 171.4 ± 81.6, and 176.8 ± 51.2 for SMLR, UR, and HC lagoons, in that order. This high ratio (> 1) in C. arcuatus edible muscle indicated that selenium concentration was sufficient to neutralize possible mercury toxicity, so it does not represent danger to humans when it is consumed.

Eficacia y seguridad del uso de hierro en el tratamiento de la falla cardiaca: revisión sistemática / Efficacy and safety of the use of iron in the treatment of heart failure: A systematic review

Resumen Introducción: La falla cardiaca asociada a deficiencia de hierro se relaciona directamente con disminución de parámetros funcionales y, por ende, con deterioro de la calidad de vida y pobre pronóstico de los pacientes que la padecen. Se ha encontrado que la corrección de la deficiencia de hierro mejora a corto plazo la clase funcional y otros parámetros de la enfermedad. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad del uso de hierro en el tratamiento de la falla cardiaca. Métodos: De seleccionaron ensayos clínicos que evaluaran el uso de hierro en administración intravenosa u oral vs. placebo en el contexto de pacientes con falla cardíaca y a su vez se eligieron pacientes que concomitantemente sufrieran anemia ferropénica. En la búsqueda se incluyeron bases de datos como MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical trials (CENTRAL), LILACS y WPRIM. Resultados: De 10.729 títulos obtenidos 6 fueron elegibles con 835 pacientes, de los cuales 520 fueron tratados con terapia férrica y 315 con placebo o terapia convencional de falla cardiaca. Debido a la heterogeneidad de los resultados no fue posible hacer un metaanálisis. Conclusión: Se identificó mejoría significativa en múltiples parámetros evaluados, tales como el test de caminata de 6 minutos, clase funcional de la New York Heart Association, consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2 máx.) y valoración global subjetiva. Por consiguiente, la terapia férrica es una opción segura y eficaz en el manejo de pacientes con falla cardiaca ya que mejora significativamente su capacidad funcional, calidad de vida y múltiples parámetros paraclínicos.

Abstract Introduction: Heart failure combined with iron deficiency is directly related with the reduction in functional parameters and, as consequence, with a deterioration in the quality of life and poor prognosis in the patients that suffer from it. It has been found that correction of the iron deficiency improves the functional class and other parameters of the disease in the short-term. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the use of iron in the treatment of heart failure. Methods: Clinical trials were selected that evaluated the use of administering intravenous or oral iron vs. placebo in the context of patients with cardiac failure and at the same time, patients were selected that concomitantly suffered from iron deficiency anaemia. The search was made in data bases such as MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical trials (CENTRAL), LILACS and WPRIM. Results: Of the 10,729 articles obtained, only 6 were eligible with 835 patients, of which 520 were treated with iron therapy and 315 with a placebo or conventional heart failure therapy. Due to the heterogeneity of the results, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis. Conclusion: A significant improvement was identified in several of the parameters evaluated, such as the 6-minute walk test, the New York Heart Association functional class, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max.), and an overall subjective evaluation. This showed that iron therapy is a safe and effective option in the management of patients with heart failure since there was a significant improvement in their functional capacity, quality of life, and several para-clinical parameters.

Recidiva de macroadenoma hipofisario posterior a tratamiento estándar / Pituitary macroadenoma relapse after standard treatment

RESUMEN Introducción: la acromegalia es una patología de larga evolución y compromiso multisistémico, originada por un aumento en la liberación de hormona de crecimiento luego del cierre metafisario de los huesos largos. Su diagnóstico es complejo y suele presentarse entre la quinta y sexta década de la vida. El tratamiento incluye la resección quirúrgica y manejo mediante quimioterapia y radioterapia, así como control endocrino fármacológico. La enfermedad presenta una tasa de recidiva comprendida entre el 2 a 14%. Presentación de caso: paciente femenina de 67 años de edad con diagnóstico de acromegalia hace 15 años, quien luego de ser sometida a tratamiento estándar, presenta manifestaciones clínicas progresivas y compatibles con una función hipofisaria activa. Conclusiones: la paciente en efecto presentó recidiva de la enfermedad con persistencia del tumor benigno, debido a la interrupción del tratamiento y el insuficiente seguimiento del caso; por tanto, es fundamental el seguimiento estricto en el paciente que recibe manejo quirúrgico y tratamiento farmacológico por parte del equipo de salud. MÉD.UIS. 2017;30(2):89-93.

ABSTRACT Introduction: acromegaly is a disease of long evolution and multisystemic involvement, caused by an increased release of growth hormone after the metaphyseal closure of long bones. Diagnosis is often difficult and usually occurs between the fifth and sixth decade of life. The treatment is based on surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as on endocrine control by drugs. The disease has a low recurrence rate of from 2 to 14%. Case presentation: a 67 year old female patient with a diagnosis of acromegaly 15 years ago, who, after being subjected to standard treatment, presents progressive and clinical manifestations compatible with an active pituitary function. Conclusions: the patient relapsed effect of the disease with persistency of the benign tumor, due to the discontinuation of treatment and insufficient monitoring of the case; therefore strict monitoring is essential in patients receiving pharmacological therapy and surgical management by the health team. MÉD.UIS. 2017;30(2):89-93.

Case Report: ALCAPA syndrome: successful repair with an anatomical and physiological alternative surgical technique.

Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, or ALCAPA syndrome, is a rare congenital cardiac disease that can cause myocardial infarction, heart failure and even death in paediatric patients. Only few untreated patients survive until adult age. Here we present the case of a 33-year-old female patient with paroxysmal tachycardia, syncope and mild exertional dyspnoea. She was diagnosed with ALCAPA syndrome and underwent surgical correction with an alternative technique of left main coronary artery extension to the aorta.

Miasis nasal: informe de un caso y revisión del tema / Nasal myiasis: report of a case and literature review / Miíase nasal: informe de um caso e revisão do assunto

La miasis es la infección de los tejidos u órganos de animales y seres humanos por larvas de dípteros; puede afectar a individuos de cualquier grupo etario, pero es más común en pacientes de edad media o avanzada. La miasis nasal, una infección de las cavidades nasales y paranasales por dichas larvas, es común en los países tropicales y en vías de desarrollo. Los casos informados de miasis nasal han sido causados por varias especies diferentes, entre ellas: Lucilia sericata en Corea e Irán, Estro ovis en Argelia y Francia, Lucilia cuprina y Phaenicia sericata en Malasia, Cochliomyia hominivorax en Guayana Francesa, Drosophila melanogaster en Turquía, Eristalis tenax en Irán y Oestrus ovis en Israel. Los principales signos y síntomas están relacionados con la presencia y el movimiento de las larvas, e incluyen sensación de cuerpo extraño, sangrado o secreción nasal mucopurulenta. La prevención se puede hacer con repelentes de insectos. El tratamiento de la miasis nasal se basa en el uso de antiparasitarios y técnicas para la eliminación de las larvas, pero puede incluir el uso de antibióticos profilácticos, sean tópicos o sistémicos, para las posibles infecciones secundarias. Se presenta un caso de miasis nasal y del seno maxilar izquierdo en una mujer de edad avanzada, que evolucionó favorablemente con el tratamiento.

Myiasis is the infection of animal or human tissues or organs by larvae of Diptera. It may affect individuals of any age, but is more common in middle-aged and elderly patients. Nasal myiasis, an infection of the nasal and paranasal cavities by such larvae, is a common disease in tropical and developing countries. Reported cases of nasal myiasis have been caused by several different species, such as Lucilia sericata in Korea and Iran, Estro ovis in Algeria and France, Lucilia cuprina and Phaenicia sericata in Malaysia, Cochliomyia hominivorax in French Guiana, Drosophila melanogaster in Turkey, Eristalis tenax in Iran and Oestrus ovis in Israel. Signs and symptoms are related to the presence and movement of the larvae, and include foreign body sensation, bloody or muco-purulent nasal discharge. Prevention may be done with insect repellent. Treatment is based on antiparasitic drugs and techniques for removal of larvae, but may include the use of prophylactic topical or systemic antibiotics for possible secondary infections. We report a case of nasal and left maxillary sinus myiasis in an elderly woman, whoresponded favorably to treatment.

A miíase é a infecção dos tecidos ou órgãos de animais e seres humanos por larvas de dípteros; pode afetar a indivíduos de qualquer faixa etária, mas é mais comum em pacientes de meia idade ou avançada. A miíase nasal, uma infecção das cavidades nasais e paranasais por ditas larvas, é comum nos países tropicais e em via de desenvolvimento. Os casos informados de miíase nasal tem sido causados porvarias espécies diferentes, entre elas: Lucilia sericata na Coreia e no Iran, Estro ovis na Argélia e na França, Lucilia cuprina e Phaenicia sericata na Malásia, Cochliomyia hominivorax na Guayana Francesa, Drosophila melanogaster na Turquía, Eristalis tenax na Iran e Oestrus ovis em Israel. Os principais signos e sintomas estão relacionados com a presencia e o movimento das larvas, e incluem sensação de corpo estranho, sangrado ou secreção nasal mucopurulenta. A prevenção se pode fazer com repelentes de insetos. O tratamento da miíase nasal se baseia no uso de antiparasitários e técnicas para a eliminação das larvas, mas pode incluir o uso de antibióticos profilácticos, sejam tópicos ou sistémicos, para as possíveis infecções secundárias. Se apresenta um caso de miíase nasal e do seno maxilar esquerdo numa mulher de idade avançada, que evolucionou favoravelmente com o tratamento.

Estenosis pilórica del adulto, a propósito del primer caso registrado en Colombia / Adult Pyloric Stenosis, Regarding the First Reported Case in Colombia

La estenosis pilórica hipertrófica primaria en adultos es una enfermedad poco frecuente, de etiología desconocida, en la cual el diagnóstico solo puede establecerse después de la exclusión de las causas más comunes de obstrucción de la salida gástrica. El abordaje terapéutico, aunque muy diverso, puede estar encaminado a la dilatación o apertura pilórica. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 62 años de edad que ingresó al Hospital San Rafael de Tunja con síntomas de obstrucción gástrica. En esta paciente solo fue posible dar un diagnóstico correcto de estenosis pilórica hipertrófica primaria por medio de estudios imaginológicos, para ofrecer finalmente un tratamiento adecuado.

Primary pyloric stenosis in adults is a rare disease, with an unknown etiology in which the diagnosis can only be established after excluding the most common obstruction causes of gastric transit. The treatment, although very diverse, can be geared towards dilatation or pyloric opening. In this article, we present the case of a 62-year old patient who entered the Hospital San Rafael in Tunja with symptoms of gastric obstruction. In this patient, it was only possible to give a correct diagnosis of primary hypertrophic pyloric stenosis through imaging studies, in order to finally provide adequate treatment.

Lipofuscinosis ceroidea neuronal infantil tardía (Jansky- Bielchowsky). Estudio de casos / Late-Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses (Jansky-Bielschowsky Disease): a Study of a Series of Cases

Introducción: La lipofuscinosis ceroidea neuronal constituye el grupo de desordenes genéticos neurodegenerativos de depósito más común en la infancia, afecta a niños, adultos jóvenes y tiene herencia autosómica recesiva. Objetivo: Presentar un estudio de casos clínicos de 8 pacientes con lipofuscinosis ceroidea neuronal infantil tardía. Metodología: Estudio de casos clínicos de pacientes cuyos diagnósticos de lipofuscinosis ceroidea neuronal infantil tardía es propuesto a través del cuadro clínico: semiología de las crisis epilépticas, cronología de la aparición de las manifestaciones visuales, motoras, cognitivas y regresión en el neurodesarrollo. Resultados: Caso 1. Niño de 6 años de edad, con pérdida progresiva de la visión desde los 3 años llegando a la amaurosis, epilepsia desde los 4 años, ataxia y dificultades motoras y cognitivas a los 5 años. Electroencefalograma interictal patrón epiléptico. Resonancia Magnética de cráneo con atrofia de cerebro y cerebelo e indemnidad de ganglios basales. Casos 2, 3, 4 y 5 muestran el carácter hereditario, presentándose en 2 miembros de la misma familia. Caso 6, de inicio tardío, fue clasificada posteriormente como tipo 3, forma Juvenil, por análisis mutacional. Caso 7, convulsiones como síntoma inicial a los 3 años, resaltando las dificultades conductuales en el relacionamiento con sus pares lo que motiva la consulta con especialista. Caso 8, con una evolución rápida hacia el deterioro global. Conclusiones: La LCN es una entidad a tener en cuenta ante un paciente entre los 2 y 4 años que presente epilepsia refractaria, regresión del desarrollo y compromiso visual. La presencia de epilepsia mioclónica orienta la búsqueda de la etiología, modifica la conducta terapéutica. No existe aún un tratamiento definitivo para esta enfermedad, el manejo se dirige desde las fases iniciales a mejorar la calidad de vida del paciente y la de su familia con medidas generales y de sostén.

Reasons why patients reject digital rectal examination when screening for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reasons why patients reject digital rectal examination (DRE) when screening for prostate cancer. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty men were prospectively evaluated in a prostate cancer educational program consisting of lectures, PSA testing, and DRE. Patients rejecting DRE were compared with those accepting DRE in regard to epidemic, social and cultural variables. RESULTS: DRE was rejected by 8.2% of patients. Refusal rate was not different when patients were stratified by age, prostate cancer family history, school level, family income, and PSA level. Patients with a prior history of DRE had a lower rejection rate than those undergoing DRE for the first time (4.4% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.038). Patients with mild or no lower urinary tract symptoms rejected DRE more frequently than those with moderate or severe symptoms (9.6% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.018). Misconceptions about prostate cancer screening were present in 84.4% of those rejecting DRE vs. 46.9% of controls (p = 0.002); 43.7% expected severe discomfort in the group that rejected DRE vs. 28. 1% in the control group (p = 0.090); fear of finding a cancer during DRE was present in 34.4% of patients that refused DRE vs. 46.9% of controls (p = 0. 121); and 53.1% of patients rejecting DRE responded it was a source of shame vs. 15.6% of patients in the control group (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The main reasons patients reject DRE when attending prostate cancer screening are the lack of lower urinary tract symptoms, misconceptions about prostate cancer screening and shame, especially when undergoing screening for the first time.

Reasons why patients reject digital rectal examination when screening for prostate cancer / Razones por las que los pacientes rechazan el tacto rectal cuando se someten a cribaje de cáncer de próstata

Objective: To evaluate the reasons why patients reject digital rectal examination (DRE) when screening for prostate cancer. Methods: Four hundred and fifty men were prospectively evaluated in a prostate cancer educational program consisting of lectures, PSA testing, and DRE. Patients rejecting DRE were compared with those accepting DRE in regard to epidemic, social and cultural variables. Results: DRE was rejected by 8.2% of patients. Refusal rate was not different when patients were stratified by age, prostate cancer family history, school level, family income, and PSA level. Patients with a prior history of DRE had a lower rejection rate than those undergoing DRE for the first time (4.4% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.038). Patients with mild or no lower urinary tract symptoms rejected DRE more frequently than those with moderate or severe symptoms (9.6% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.018). Misconceptions about prostate cancer screening were present in 84.4% of those rejecting DRE vs. 46.9% of controls (p = 0.002); 43.7% expected severe discomfort in the group that rejected DRE vs. 28.1% in the control group (p = 0.090); fear of finding a cancer during DRE was present in 34.4% of patients that refused DRE vs. 46.9% of controls (p = 0.121); and 53.1% of patients rejecting DRE responded it was a source of shame vs. 15.6% of patients in the control group (p = 0.019). Conclusions: The main reasons patients reject DRE when attending prostate cancer screening are the lack of lower urinary tract symptoms, misconceptions about prostate cancer screening and shame, especially when undergoing screening for the first time (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluar las razones por las que los pacientes rechazan el tacto rectal cuando se someten a cribaje de cáncer de próstata. Métodos: 450 hombres fueron evaluados respectivamente en un programa de educación sobre cáncer de próstata consistente en conferencias, evaluación del PSA y tacto rectal. Se compararon los pacientes que rechazaron el tacto rectal con los que aceptaron hacérselo considerando las variables epidemiológicas, sociales y culturales. Resultados: El 8,2% de los pacientes rechazaron el tacto rectal. La tasa de rechazos no mostró diferencias cuando se estratifica los pacientes por edad, historia familiar de cáncer de próstata, nivel de escolarización, ingresos familiares y nivel del PSA. Los pacientes con historia previa de tacto rectal presentaron una tasa de rechazo menor que aquellos sometidos a tacto rectal por primera vez (4,4% vs. I0,4%,p = 0,038). Los pacientes asintomáticos o con síntomas del tracto urinario inferior leves rechazaron el tacto rectal con mayor frecuencia que los que tenían síntomas moderados o severos (9,6% vs. 1,4%, p = 0,018). El 84% de los que rechazaron el tacto rectal tenían un concepto erróneo sobre el cribaje cáncer de próstata frente al 46,9% de los controles (p = 0,002); en 43,7% del grupo que rechazaron el tacto rectal esperaban una molestia severa frente al 28,1% del grupo control (p = 0,090); el miedo a que le fuera detectado cáncer durante el tacto rectal está presente del 34,4% de los pacientes que rechazaron el tacto rectal frente al 46,9% de los controles (p = 0,121); y el 53,1% de los pacientes que rechazaron el tacto rectal respondieron que este era una motivo de vergüenza, frente al 15,6% de los pacientes del grupo control (p = 0,019). Conclusiones: Las principales razones por las que los pacientes rechazan el tacto rectal cuando se someten a cribaje de cáncer de próstata son la falta de síntomas del tracto urinario inferior, conceptos erróneos sobre el cribaje de cáncer de próstata y la vergüenza, especialmente cuando se someten a cribaje por primera vez (AU)

Translation of an efficacious cancer-screening intervention to women enrolled in a Medicaid managed care organization.

PURPOSE: An earlier randomized controlled trial of prevention care management (PCM) found significant improvement in breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer-screening rates among women attending Community Health Centers but required substantial research support. This study evaluated the impact of a streamlined PCM delivered through a Medicaid managed care organization (MMCO), an infrastructure with the potential to sustain this program for the long term. METHODS: This randomized trial was conducted within an MMCO serving New York City between May 2005 and December 2005. A total of 1,316 women aged 40 to 69 years and not up to date for at least 1 targeted cancer-screening test were randomized to either PCM or a comparison group. Women in the PCM group received up to 3 scripted telephone calls to identify barriers and provide support to obtain any needed breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer-screening tests. Women in the comparison group received a modified version of the MMCO's established mammography telephone outreach program, also in up to 3 calls. Women in both groups received a financial incentive on confirmation that they had received a mammogram. Screening status was assessed through MMCO administrative data. Groups were compared using odds ratios. RESULTS: In an intent-to-treat comparison adjusted for baseline screening status, PCM women were 1.69 times more likely to be up-to-date for colorectal cancer-screening tests at follow-up than women in the comparison group (95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.77). Follow-up screening rates for cervical and breast cancer did not differ significantly between study groups on an intent-to-treat basis. CONCLUSIONS: The abbreviated PCM telephone intervention was feasible to deliver through an MMCO and improved screening for 1 cancer. This approach has the potential to improve cancer-screening rates significantly in settings that can provide telephone support to women known to be overdue.

Sexual function after partial penectomy for penile cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To compare sexual function and satisfaction before and after partial penectomy and to evaluate possible dysfunctions that could modify postoperative sexual functioning. METHODS: A total of 18 patients underwent a personal interview and answered the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire to determine erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction with sexual life. Domain scores were computed by summing the scores for individual answers, and the final scores were compared before and after partial penectomy. RESULTS: The median patient age was 52 years. The medium penile length after partial penectomy was 4 cm in the flaccid state; 55.6% of patients reported erectile function that allowed sexual intercourse. The main reason for not resuming sexual intercourse appeared to be related to feelings of shame owing to the small penis size and the absence of the glans penis found in 50% of sexually abstinent patients. Surgical complications also compromised the resumption of sexual activity after amputation in 33.3% of these patients. However, 66.7% sustained the same frequency and level of sexual desire as before surgery, and 72.2% continued to have ejaculation and orgasm every time they had sexual stimulation or intercourse. Only 33.3% maintained their preoperative sexual intercourse frequency and were satisfied with their sexual relationship with their partners and their overall sex life. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative and postoperative scores were statistically different for all domains of sexual function after partial penectomy.

Coherence stabilization of a two-qubit gate by ac fields.

We consider a CNOT gate operation under the influence of quantum bit-flip noise and demonstrate that ac fields can change the qubit Hamiltonian in such a way that it approximately commutes with the bath coupling. Then the noise effectively acts as phase noise which improves coherence up to several orders of magnitude while the gate operation time remains unchanged. Within a high-frequency approximation, both purity and fidelity of the gate operation are studied analytically. The numerical treatment with a Bloch-Redfield master equation confirms the analytical results.

Quiste de diplicación esofagica, un hallazgo infrecuente / Cyst of duplication esophagical an uncommon discovery

La duplicación esofágica es una patología congénita que puede ser quística o tubular. Se cree que entre la 5 y 8 semana embrionaria por una falla en el proceso de vacuolización para formar la luz del esófago esto da como resultado la formación de los quistes esofágicos los cuales pueden estar recubiertos de diferentes tipos de epitelio, tener contenido y calcificaciones y estar recubiertos por capas de músculo liso, que el caso específico de los quistes de origen esofágico, deben tener doble capa de músculo liso y no tener cartílago bronquiales en su interior. Son un hallazgo infrecuente y constituyen el 0,5 por ciento al 2,5 por ciento de los tumores de benignos del esófago, su localización más frecuente en 1/3 inferior del esófago en cara lateral derecha. Más comúnmente diagnosticados en niños y raros en adultos, que son frecuentemente asintomáticos y diagnosticados en forma incidental. El ultrasonido endoscópico es el método hoy, de elección diagnóstico por permitirnos precisar las características de la lesión submucosa como, capa de donde se origina, patrón de la masa, tamaño y localización exacta, presencia de cartílago, calcificaciones, etc. La cirugía es recomendada por sus posibles complicaciones durante la evolución natural de la enfermedad y para establecer diagnóstico definitivo con la pieza resecada. Muy pocos reportes hay en la literatura mundial, a nuestro entender este seria el primero reportado en Venezuela

Neurocitoma central a propósito de un caso diagnósticado por biopsia estereotáxica / Central neurocytoma a purpose of one case diagnostic for biopsy stereotaxic

El neurocitoma central (NC) es un tumor neuronal frecuentemente intraventricular, que generalmente afecta adultos jóvenes y suele cursar con una evolución clínica favorable. Varios cortes de un bloque celular, obtenido mediante biopsia estereotáxica de una mujer de 29 años con un tumor en el septum pellucidum, fueron evaluados por microscopía convencional e inmunocitoquímica. El tumor estuvo compuesto por células redondas pequeñas dispuestas en una matriz fibrilar y separadas por capilares ramificados, con presencia de pseudorosetas perivasculares. La sinaptofisina y proteína ácida glial fibrilar fueron positivas. Los NC pueden ser indistinguibles de los oligodendrogliomas y ependimomas, por lo cual es importante reconocerlos, dada las implicaciones pronósticas y terapéuticas. El conocimiento de las características clínicas y citomorfológicas del NC es fundamental en la evaluación de tumores intraventriculares de células redondas pequeñas, especialmente cuando se trata de biopsias estereotáxicas

Carcinoma mucoepidermoide bronquial en la infancia: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Carcinoma

Se presenta el caso de una niña de 10 años de edad con antecedente de cuatro hospitalizaciones por neumonías basales derechas a repetición. La radiografía de tórax evidenció infiltrado con tendencia a la condensación, broncograma aéreo e imagen radiolúcida redondeada en base pulmonar derecha. la tomografía computarizada reveló un tumor heterogéneo en el segmento posterolateral derecho. En la fibrobroncoscopia se observó protusión de tumor polipoide en bronquio basal derecho. Se realizó lobectomía inferior derecha. histológicamente el tumor mostró características de un carcinoma mucoepidemoide de bajo grado. hasta 1997, solo habían sido reportados treinta y tres casos de carcinomas mucoepidermoides broncogénicos en la infancia. Clinicamente se manifiestan como neumonías recurrentes o de lenta resolución. Los niños con estas manifestaciones clinicas deben ser evaluados exhaustivamente incluyendo estudios tomográficos y endoscópicos. Actualmente, la resección quirúrgica del lóbulo pulmonar afectado por el tumor, con los respectivos ganglios linfáticos hiliares labores, es el tratamiento más aceptado