Circulating T regulatory cell subsets in patients with untreated lung cancer

IntroductionRegulatory T Cells (Tregs) play an important role in carcinogenesis and tumor immunoediting by preventing the development of effective antitumor immunity. Several reports showed that circulating Tregs are increased in patients with solid tumors, including lung cancer. Treg population could be categorized into “naive,” “effector,” and “memory” subtypes, bearing potential unique functions. However, the data regarding the prognostic impact of these Tregs subtypes is limited in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of different circulating Tregs subtypes in lung cancer and their correlation with clinical outcomes.MethodsWe analyzed the frequency of circulating CD4, CD8 and, Tregs lymphocytes in 66 patients with lung cancer and 32 healthy controls using flow cytometry. Circulating Tregs subtypes: naïve (CD3+ , CD4+ , CCR4+ , CD25+ and CD127low, CD45RO−), memory (CD3+ , CD4+ , CCR4+ , CD25+ and CD127low, CD45RO+) and the expression of the activation marker HLA-DR were correlated with overall survival.ResultsThe percentage and the absolute number of total, memory and activated Tregs was significantly higher in lung cancer patients than healthy controls. Patients with a Tregs percentage higher than 5.4% and higher than 20% of HLA-DR + Tregs had worse overall survival than those with lower levels.ConclusionsCirculating Tregs and activated Tregs are a potential prognostic factor in patients with lung cancer treated with conventional therapy and could be considered a predictive biomarker in patients not eligible for immune blockade treatments. Additionally, it will be interesting to study these Tregs subsets for immune treatments in future clinical trials. (AU)

Circulating T regulatory cell subsets in patients with untreated lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Regulatory T Cells (Tregs) play an important role in carcinogenesis and tumor immunoediting by preventing the development of effective antitumor immunity. Several reports showed that circulating Tregs are increased in patients with solid tumors, including lung cancer. Treg population could be categorized into "naive," "effector," and "memory" subtypes, bearing potential unique functions. However, the data regarding the prognostic impact of these Tregs subtypes is limited in lung cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of different circulating Tregs subtypes in lung cancer and their correlation with clinical outcomes. METHODS: We analyzed the frequency of circulating CD4, CD8 and, Tregs lymphocytes in 66 patients with lung cancer and 32 healthy controls using flow cytometry. Circulating Tregs subtypes: naïve (CD3+ , CD4+ , CCR4+ , CD25+ and CD127low, CD45RO-), memory (CD3+ , CD4+ , CCR4+ , CD25+ and CD127low, CD45RO+) and the expression of the activation marker HLA-DR were correlated with overall survival. RESULTS: The percentage and the absolute number of total, memory and activated Tregs was significantly higher in lung cancer patients than healthy controls. Patients with a Tregs percentage higher than 5.4% and higher than 20% of HLA-DR + Tregs had worse overall survival than those with lower levels. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating Tregs and activated Tregs are a potential prognostic factor in patients with lung cancer treated with conventional therapy and could be considered a predictive biomarker in patients not eligible for immune blockade treatments. Additionally, it will be interesting to study these Tregs subsets for immune treatments in future clinical trials.

Surgical Resection of Tracheal Diverticulum with Haemoptysis as Unusual Presentation.

Tracheal diverticulum is defined as an air cyst located on the lateral wall, congenital or acquired. Most of them are asymptomatic, incidentally found on CT. The common symptoms are chronic cough, stridor, or recurrent respiratory infections. Asymptomatic diverticulum requires no treatment and managed conservatively while surgical excision is indicated in cases of local complications or symptom permanence. We report a case of tracheal diverticulum presented with haemoptysis, a rare symptom. The diagnosis was made with a CT that shows a 15 mm air image on the right lateral trachea wall. Due to symptoms' persistence, we decide to perform surgery with a good outcome.

Simpaticectomía torácica bilateral por videocirugía: diez años de experiencia / Bilateral video-assisted thorascopic sympathectomy: a 10 years' experience / Simpatectomia torácica bilateral videoassistida: 10 anos de experiência

Se define la hiperhidrosis como una excesiva sudoración en respuesta a estímulos térmicos o emocionales más allá de los requerimientos fisiológicos, con una incidencia de 2% a 4% en la población mundial. Si bien existen varios tipos de tratamientos, la opción quirúrgica brinda excelentes resultados con bajas tasas de recidiva. Pacientes y método: estudio retrospectivo de 190 simpaticectomías torácicas videoasistidas realizadas desde 2003 hasta 2013, totalizando 95 pacientes. Se realizó una encuesta mediante un cuestionario sobre calidad de vida y sobre la severidad de los síntomas. Resultados: se logró recabar el cuestionario en 58 pacientes (30% hombres y 70% mujeres) con una media de edad de 25 años. El 90% se dio de alta entre las 24 y 48 horas del posoperatorio. Del total de pacientes, 72% presentaba hiperhidrosis severa. Del procedimiento podemos decir que dos pacientes presentaron recurrencia y un paciente refirió disconformidad por hipersequedad de la piel. El 80% presentó algún tipo de hiperhidrosis compensadora, no siendo este un síntoma de preocupación mayor por parte de los pacientes. No hubo complicaciones de procedimiento. Respecto a la calidad de vida, era mala o regular en el 90% de los pacientes, mejorando en el posoperatorio, siendo buena o muy buena en el 95%. El 94% de los pacientes están conformes o muy conformes con el procedimiento y sus resultados. Como conclusión, podemos establecer que la simpaticectomía torácica bilateral para el tratamiento de la hiperhidrosis es un método altamente seguro y efectivo. (AU)

Hyperhidrosis is defined as excessive sweating as a response of thermal or emotional stimuli beyond physiological requirements, and it incidence is 2 to 4% of the global population. In spite of there being several kinds of treatment, surgery provides excellent results with low relapse rates. Method: retrospective study of 190 video-assisted thoracic sympathectomies performed from 2003 until 2013, accounting for 95 patients. A survey was conducted through a quality-of-life questionnaire and questions on the severity of symptoms. Results: 58 patients completed the survey (30% men and 70% women) with an average age of 25 years old. 90% were discharged from hospital between 24 and 48 hours after surgery. 72% of patients presented severe hyperhidrosis. Based on the procedure, we may state 2 patients presented recurrence and only one patient declared to be uncomfortable with the hyper-dryness of skin. 80% of patients presented some kind of compensating hyperdidrosis, being the no reason for concern among patients. There were no complications arising from the procedure. As to the quality of life it used to be bad or fair in 90% of patients, and improved in the postoperative period, being it good or very good in 95% of them. 94% of patients are satisfied or very satisfied with the procedure and its results. As a conclusion, we may sat that bilateral thoracic sympathectomy is a highly safe and effective method to treat hyperhidrosis.

A hiperidrose está definida como uma sudoração excessiva como resposta a estímulos térmicos ou emocionais superior aos requerimentos fisiológicos; tem uma incidência de 2 a 4% na população mundial. Embora vários tipos de tratamentos estejam disponíveis, a cirurgia tem resultados excelentes com baixas taxas de recidiva. Pacientes e métodos: estudo retrospectivo de 190 simpatectomias torácicas videoassistidas realizadas no período 2003-2013 em um total de 95 pacientes. Realizou-se um questionário sobre qualidade de vida e gravidade dos sintomas. Resultados: 58 pacientes com idade média de 25 anos responderam o questionário (30% homens e 70% mulheres). 90% teve alta entre 24 e 48hs pós cirurgia. 72% dos pacientes apresentava hiperidrose severa. Com relação ao procedimento 2 pacientes apresentaram recorrência e 1 paciente declarou não estar satisfeita devido ao ressecamento excessivo da pele. 80% apresentou algum tipo de hiperidrose compensadora, não sendo este um sintoma de maior preocupação dos pacientes. Não foram registradas complicações relacionadas ao procedimento. Em 90% dos pacientes a qualidade de vida era ruim ou regular melhorando no pós-operatório, a boa ou muito boa em 95% dos casos. 94% dos pacientes relatou estar satisfeito ou muito satisfeito com o procedimento e seus resultados. Como conclusão podemos dizer que a simpatectomia torácica bilateral para o tratamento da hiperidrose é um método muito seguro e efetivo.

Femoral Embolization after Cardiac Gunshot.

Bullet embolism is an uncommon complication from heart gunshot injuries because most of the patients die immediately after trauma. The low frequency of this complication combined with the possible absence of symptoms makes the condition a challenge for the surgeon, delaying diagnostics and leading to severe complications or death. In this case, a small calibre bullet entered the left ventricle and then impacted the femoris artery.

Valoracion del bloqueo pulmonar mediante ecografia en cirugia de tórax. primera experiencia en nuestro medio / Assessment of pulmonary blocking through ecography in torax surgery. first experience in our environment

Objetivo: evaluar validez y eficacia de la ecografía pulmonar frente al método clínico para corroborar intubación selectiva izquierda en cirugía de tórax. Material y Método: estudio transversal, observacional, prospectivo, doble ciego. Se incluyeron en forma consecutiva 59 pacientes en 2 etapas: (etapa 1- n 15 puesta a punto de la técnica; etapa 2- n 44) . Luego de la intubación con un tubo doble luz izquierdo, pinzamiento secuencial de ambas luces, evaluación de posición clínicamente y por ecografía con confirmación posterior por fibrobroncoscopia (gold estándar) . Resultados etapa 2: 56,8% (n=25) de los casos el tubo estaba bien colocado. Validez de la ecografía (correcta colocación): sensibilidad de 84,00% (IC 95%: 63,08-94,75), especificidad de 94,74% (IC 95%: 71,89-99,72), Valor predictivos positivo 95,45% (IC 95%: 75,12-99,76), Valor predictivo negativo de 81,82% ((IC al 95%: 58,99-94,01). Validez de la auscultación pulmonar: sensibilidad de 96,00% (IC al 95%: 77,68-99,79), especificidad de 100.00% (IC al 95%: 79,08-100.00), valor predictivos positivo de 100.00% (IC al 95%: 82,83-100.00) , Valor predictivo negativo de 95.00% ((IC al 95%: 73,06-99,74). Discusión: las diferencias de resultados con otros autores podrían responder a diferencias en la experticia (primera experiencia en nuestro medio), criterios de inclusión más amplios, número de pacientes. Se propone aumentar el tamaño de la muestra ''n '' e incorporar otros signos ecográficos de evaluación. Conclusión: la ecografía se presenta en forma prometedora como una herramienta complementaria a la evaluación clínica.

Goal: assessing the validity and effectiveness of pulmonary ultrasound against clinical method to corroborate left selective intubation on thorax surgery. Material and method: transversal study, observational, prospective, double blind. 59 patients in 2 different stages where included: (1-n 15 technique development; 2-n 44). After intubation with left double-lumen tube, sequential clamping of both lights, both clinically assessment of position and through ultrasound with subsequent confirmation through fibrobronchoscopy (reference standards). Stage 2 results: In 56.8% (n=25) of cases the tube was placed properly. Ultrasound validation (proper collocation): sensitivity of 84,00% (IC 95%:63.08-94.75), specificity of 94.74% (IC 95%: 71.89-99.72), Positive predictive values 95,45% (IC 95%: 75.12-99.76), Negative predictive value 81,82% ((IC at 95%: 58.99-94.01). Validity of pulmonary auscultation: sensitivity of 96.00% (IC at 95%: 77.68-99.79), Specificity of 100.00% (IC at 95%: 79.08-100.00), positive predictive values of 100.00% (IC at 95%: 82.83-100.00), Negative predictive value of 95.00% ((IC at 95%: 73.06-99.74). Discussion: the difference in results with other authors might respond to difference in expertise (first experience on our medium), wider inclusion criteria, and number of patients. We propose increasing the "n" and adding other ultrasonic signs of assessment. Conclusion: ultrasound is presented in a promising way as a complementary tool to clinic evaluation.

Utilización de placas costales de titanio en la reconstrucción de grandes defectos de la pared torácica postresección de tumores / Use of titanium ribs plates for reconstruction of large full-thickness thoracic wall defect after a tumor resection

La reconstrucción de grandes defectos de la pared torácica continúa siendo un tema controversial. Las complicaciones por este tipo de resecciones van de 46% a 69% con los antiguos materiales de osteosíntesis. La reciente incorporación del titanio, debido a que es inoxidable, químicamente inerte y que rápidamente se adapta a la forma de la pared torácica, lo hace un material ideal para este tipo de procedimientos. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 54 años, portador de enfermedad de Von Recklinghausen, en el que se realiza resección de un tumor de la cara anterolateral derecha del tórax, que incluye cuatro arcos costales y sus correspondientes cartílagos reconstruyéndose con placas de titanio y malla de Prolene. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente en el posoperatorio, sin complicaciones. Este tipo de sistemas de osteosíntesis con placas de titanio MatrixRib® brindan un material seguro y con buenos resultados tanto funcionales como cosméticos.

Reconstruction of full thickness thoracic wall defects remains a controversial topic, with older osteosynthesis materials complication rates ranging from 46 to 69%. Recent introduction of titanium in the making of the plates, makes this material ideal for this type of procedures due to being stainless, chemically inert and the fact that the ribs adapt correctly to the thorax shape. We present the case of a 56 year old male, with Von Recklinghausen disease in whom we performed a resection of an anteroateral chest wall tumor, which included four costal arches and the corresponding cartilage. Reconstruction with titanum plates and prolene mesh was performed. The patient had no postoperative complications. This ostesynthesis system with titanium plates matrix rib provides both functional, safe and good cosmetic results.

A reconstrução de grandes defeitos da parede torácica continua sendo um tema controversial. As complicações por este tipo de ressecções variam entre 46% a 69% dos casos com os antigos materiais de osteosíntese. A recente incorporação do titânio, um material inoxidável, quimicamente inerte e que se adapta rapidamente à forma da parede torácica, faz com que seja um material ideal para este tipo de procedimentos. Apresenta-se o caso clínico de um paciente de 54 anos, portador de doença de Von Recklinghausen, que foi submetido à ressecção de um tumor da parede anterolateral direita do tórax, que incluiu quatro arcos costais e as correspondentes cartilagens e reconstrução com placas de titânio e malha de Prolene. O paciente teve uma evolução favorável no pós-operatório, sem complicações. Este tipo de sistemas de osteosíntese com placas de titânio MatrixRib® oferecem um material seguro com bons resultados tanto funcionais como cosméticos.

Hidatidosis hepática: enfermedad por persistencia de la cámara parasitaria / Hepatic hydatidosis: disease due to persistence of the parasitic chamber

A propósito de un caso de enfermedad secuelar post drenaje de un quiste hidatídico de hígado, abierto en vías biliares, se hacen algunas consideraciones sobre la conveniencia de la quistectomía sobre otros procedimientos en el tratamiento de esta afección