Enfermedad de Crohn perianal: implicaciones clínicas, pronósticas y consumo de recursos / Perianal Crohn's disease: clinical implications, prognosis and use of resources

Objetivo: conocer la prevalencia de la enfermedad perianal, los factores fenotípicos asociados, su influencia sobre el pronóstico y el impacto en el uso de recursos sanitarios en los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn.Métodos: estudio observacional retrospectivo unicéntrico en el que incluimos 430 pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn en seguimiento en una consulta monográfica de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Analizamos datos demográficos y fenotípicos de la enfermedad de Crohn, tratamientos farmacológicos y quirúrgicos, pruebas complementarias realizadas e ingresos hospitalarios, realizando estudio comparativo entre los pacientes sin enfermedad perianal y con enfermedad perianal, así como entre las formas simples y complejas.Resultados: la prevalencia de la enfermedad perianal fue del 40,2 % y sus manifestaciones más frecuentes fueron fístulas y abscesos. Su presencia se asoció a la afectación rectal y la existencia de manifestaciones extraintestinales. Los pacientes con enfermedad perianal precisaron con más frecuencia tratamiento inmunosupresor y biológico e ingresos, pero no más cirugía abdominal. Entre los pacientes con enfermedad perianal también fue más frecuente la necesidad de biológicos por la enfermedad luminal (42,8 % vs. 30,7 %). Además, condicionó un mayor consumo de exploraciones dirigidas al estudio de la enfermedad perianal y recto colonoscopias, pero no de entero-resonancia magnética (entero-RM)/entero-tomografía axial computarizada (entero-TAC).Conclusiones: la enfermedad perianal tiene una alta prevalencia en los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn, sobre todo cuando existe afectación rectal. Se asocia a un peor pronóstico y requiere con más frecuencia tratamientos biológicos tanto por la evolución perianal como luminal, especialmente en la enfermedad perianal compleja. Esto condiciona más necesidad de ingresos hospitalarios y realización de exploraciones complementarias. (AU)

Perianal Crohn's disease: clinical implications, prognosis and use of resources.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate the prevalence of perianal disease, the associated phenotypical factors, its influence on prognosis and its impact on the use of health resources for patients with Crohn's disease. METHODS: a unicentric retrospective observational study was performed with 430 patients with Crohn's disease tracked through a monographical consultation of intestinal inflammatory disease. Demographic and phenotypical data of Crohn's disease, pharmacological and surgical treatments, complementary tests carried out and hospital admissions were analyzed. A comparative study between those patients without perianal disease and those with perianal disease was performed, both in simple form and complex form. RESULTS: the prevalence of perianal disease was 40.2 %, and fistulas and abscesses were the most frequent manifestations. These appearances were associated with an affected rectum and the existence of extra-intestinal manifestations. The patients with perianal disease most frequently required immuno-suppressant and biological treatment, but no further abdominal surgery. Amongst the patients with perianal disease, the need for biologics was more frequent for luminal disease (42.8 % vs 30.7 %). Furthermore, more explorations were needed, aimed at the study of perianal disease and recto-colonoscopies, although more magnetic resonance (MR)/computed tomography (CT) enterographies were not required. CONCLUSIONS: perianal disease has a high prevalence among patients with Crohn's disease, especially when the rectum is affected. It is associated with a worse prognosis and more frequently requires biological treatments due to perianal and luminal evolution, especially in cases of complex perianal disease. This condition calls for more hospital admissions and complementary tests.

Consenso de difteria

Consenso acerca de los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, terapéuticos y preventivos más importantes de la Difteria

Consensus about the most important epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and preventive aspects of Diphtheria

Determinación de cepas de Enterococcus resistentes a antibióticos glicopéptidos en pacientes hospitalizados en el Hospital "Santos Aníbal Dominicci", Carúpano, Estado Sucre

Introducción: El impacto clínico de infecciones causadas por cepas de enterococos resistentes a glicopéptidos, es encontrar la terapia adecuada para salvar la vida de ese paciente, además de la transferencia horizontal de determinantes de resistencia. Es un reto determinar el origen de la cepa productora del cuadro infeccioso (endógeno o exógeno). Metodología: Se estudiaron 111 hisopados rectales y muestras de heces de pacientes en hemodiálisis y Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital "Santos Aníbal Dominicci" (HSAD) de Carúpano, Venezuela, durante el período de febrero­julio 2007, con el objeto de determinar pacientes portadores de cepas de Enterococcus resistentes a los glicopéptidos. El aislamiento de Enterococcus se realizó en agar bilis esculina azida con y sin vancomicina (6 mg/ mL); a las cepas crecidas en cribado se les determinó la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI). La detección de la ligasa de resistencia se hizo por PCR múltiple. Resultados: La CMI de vancomicina estaba entre 8 y 16 mg/L, para 5 y 19 cepas respectivamente. Las cepas son intrínsecamente resistentes, tienen el genotipo vanC en 24 aislamientos: 15 vanC1 (815-bp) y 9 vanC2 (827- bp). Conclusiones: Es necesario mantener un sistema de vigilancia mediante cultivos para identificar pacientes colonizados con cepas con alto nivel de resistencia a vancomicina.

Introduction: The clinical impact of infections caused by strains of enterococci resistant to glycopeptides is to find the appropriate therapy to save the life of the patient, in addition to the horizontal transfer of resistance determinants. It is a challenge to determine the origin of the infectious (endogenous or exogenous) disease producing strain. Methodology: One hundred and ten rectal swabs and stool samples from patients in the hemodialysis unit and Intensive Care Unit of hospital "Santos Anibal Dominicci" (HSAD) in Carupano, Sucre state, Venezuela, were studied during February-July 2007 in order to determine which patients carried glycopeptideresistant Enterococcus strains. Isolation of Enterococcus was made via Bile Esculin Azide Agar with and without vancomycin (6 µg/mL). To the strains grown in screening were determined the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Detection of resistant ligases was done by multiplex PCR. Results: Minimun Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) levels were 8 mg/L and 16 mg/L for 5, and 19 strains, respectively. The strains are inherently resistant, have the vanC genotype in 24 isolates: 15 vanC1 (815-bp), and 9 vanC2 (827-bp). Conclusions: It could be helpful to create a surveillance system with a vancomycin screening to detect colonized patients with high level of glycopeptides resistant strains.

Factores asociados a la comprensión lectora en estudiantes de noveno grado de Barranquilla / Factors associated with reading comprehension in students of ninth grade in Barranquilla

Resumen El presente artículo es resultado de una investigación cuyo objetivo consistió en determinar la incidencia de los factores asociados al desarrollo de la comprensión lectora en estudiantes de noveno grado de la Institución Educativa Distrital Jesús Maestro Fe y Alegría de Barranquilla. Asumiendo que la comprensión lectora está presente en la vida como fuente de entendimiento y placer, esta investigación surge porque los docentes en aula han identificado que los estudiantes presentan dificultades en el proceso lector que pueden estar asociadas a factores académicos, socioculturales y personales. El diseño es de carácter mixto (cualitativo-cuantitativo) y las técnicas de recolección de información fueron: entrevista y encuestas con preguntas cerradas y abiertas. Los resultados evidenciaron que el 50 % de los estudiantes poseen la habilidad para comprender lo que leen, pero su contexto familiar no acompaña los procesos y en lo escolar no hay ambientes que motiven la lectura. Lo anterior se evidencia en su desempeño escolar. Ante este problema, la institución debe gestionar estrategias pedagógicas para fomentar procesos lectores en los que se integren las áreas del conocimiento, así como crear espacios para el desarrollo de la lectura y su comprensión.

Abstract This article is the result of research and its main work objective is to determine the incidence of the factors associated with the development of reading comprehension for ninth grade students of School District Jesús Maestro Fe y Alegría of Barranquilla. Based on the fact that reading comprehension is present in life as a source of understanding and pleasure, because when learners read, they are generally motivated to think and respond with answers; this research arises because teachers in the classroom identify those students that have difficulties in the reading process, which in turn may be associated with academic, cultural and personal factors that significantly affect the teaching-learning process.The design is of a mixed nature (qualitative - quantitative) and the techniques of data collection were made through interviews and surveys with closed and open questions. The results proved that 50 % of students have the ability to understand what they read, but from the familiar context does not accompany the process and from the school point of view no favorable environments encourage reading. This of course is evident in school performance thereof. Faced with this situation the institution must manage educational strategies to promote reading processes in the areas of knowledge, thus creating enough spaces for the development of integrated reading and understanding.

Vaginosis citolítica: presentación de un caso clínico / Cytolytic vaginosis: presentation of a clinical case

La vaginosis citolítica, descrita hace 30 años como citólisis de Döderlein, es frecuente en mujeres en la edad reproductiva y, por las características de flujo vaginal blanquecino y síntomas clínicos, es indistinguible de la vulvovaginitis micótica. Se presenta el caso de una paciente, con diagnóstico clínico presuntivo de vulvovaginitis por Candida spp. a repetición, tratada empíricamente con antifúngicos por año y medio sin ninguna mejoría. Luego de estudios microbiológicos, la coloración de Gram, demostró la presencia de 50 bacilos grampositivos por campo y abundantes núcleos celulares desnudos. El cultivo resultó puro para Lactobacillus spp., lo que permitió confirmar el diagnóstico de vaginosis citolítica. La paciente fue tratada con ampicilina-sulbactam y no ha vuelto a presentar recidivas. En conclusión, es fundamental determinar el pH vaginal de las pacientes en la consulta, así como practicar una coloración de Gram de la secreción vaginal para poner en evidencia los cambios celulares por el exceso de ácido en la vagina y así evitar tratamientos antifúngicos innecesarios que acrecentarán los trastornos de la microbiota vaginal.

Cytolytic vaginosis, described 30 years ago as Döderlein cytolysis, is common in women of reproductive age and, due to the characteristics of whitish vaginal discharge and clinical symptoms, is indistinguishable from mycotic vulvovaginitis. We describe the case of a patient with presumptive clinical diagnosis of recurrent vulvovaginitis by Candida spp. treated empirically with antifungal agents for one and a half years without improvement. After microbiological studies, Gram staining demonstrated the presence of 50 Gram-positive bacilli per field and abundant nude cell nuclei. The culture recovered pure Lactobacillus spp. which permitted the diagnosis of cytolytic vaginosis. The patient was treated with ampicillin-sulbactam and since, has not had recurrences. In conclusion, it is essential to examine the pH of the patient vaginal discharge, as well as to practice a Gram staining of the vaginal secretion to demonstrate the cellular changes produced by the excess of acid in the vagina and therefore avoid unnecessary antifungal treatments that will produce undue changes of the vaginal microbiota.

Exposición a fluidos corporales en trabajadores de salud del Hospital Universitario de Caracas: primer reporte: años 1991-1999 Caracas República de Venezuela / Exposure to body fluids in health workers the Hospital Universitario de Caracas: first report: years 1991-1999 Caracas República de Venezuela

Estudio prospectivo diseñado con el fin de evaluar a los trabajadores de salud del Hospital Universitario de Caracas que notificaran exposición a fluidos corporales al Sistema de Vigilancia de Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana y Hepatitis Viral, desde los años 1991 hasta 1999. Las variables estudiadas fueron: fecha y sitio del accidente, categoría del personal, edad, género, fluido involucrado, tipo de exposición, instrumento utilizado, serología basal para Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana y hepatitis viral del paciente índice y del TS, tipo de profilaxis antirretroviral, efectos adversos y seroconversión al Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana. Se utilizó el método descriptivo serie de casos los cuales fueron analizados por Epi-info. Versión 5. Durante el período de estudio fueron evaluados 242 trabajadores de la salud con exposición a fluidos corporales, 65% accidentes fueron notificados los dos últimos años. Ciento sesenta y tres femeninos y 79 masculinos, edad promedio 43 años (rango de 21-65 años). Los trabajadores de la salud que notificaron exposición a fluidos corporales procedían principalmente de los servicios de medicina interna, emergencia y cirugía. El mayor número de los accidentes correspondió a los médicos, principalmente residentes de posgrado. Exposición de tipo parenteral fue observada en 197 casos (179 percutáneas, y 18 salpicaduras en mucosas). Exposición cutánea se observó en 14 y combinada (piel y mucosas) 23 casos. El instrumento utilizado en 179 exposiciones percutáneas fue aguja con lumen en 48%. El fluido corporal involucrado fue la sangre en el 73% de los casos. La fuente fue conocida en 65% de las exposiciones. La profilaxis antirretroviral posexposición fue indicada inicialmente en 52% de los TS. Los efectos adversos se presentaron en 40%, en 7 casos fue motivo de abandono de tratamiento. El seguimiento se realizó en el 80% de los casos. Un trabajador de salud presentó Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana ocupacional...

Prospective study designed to assess the health workers at the Hospital Universitario de Caracas to notify body fluid exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Surveillance System and Viral Hepatitis, from the years 1991-1999. The variables studied were: date and place of the accident, staff category, age, gender, fluid involved, type of exposure, instrument used, and baseline serology for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Viral Hepatitis of health workers and index patient, type of prophylaxis antiretroviral, side effects and Human Immunodeficiency Virus seroconversion. Descriptive method was used series of cases which were analyzed by Epi-info. Version 5. During the study period were evaluated health workers 242 with body fluid exposure, 65% accidents were reported the past two years. 163 female and 79 male, mean age 43 years (range 21-65 years). Health workers who reported exposure to body fluids were mainly of Internal Medicine, Emergency and Surgery. The greatest numbers of injuries were doctors, mainly postgraduate residents. Parenteral exposure rate was observed in 197 cases (179 percutaneous, splash to mucous membranes 18). Dermal exposure was observed in 14 and combined (skin and mucosa) 23 cases. The instrument used in 179 percutaneous exposures was needle lumen in 48%. The body fluid blood was involved in 73% of cases. The source was known in 65% of exposures. Antiretroviral prophylaxis post exposure was initially indicated in 52% of the TS. Adverse events occurred in 40 %, in 7 cases was cause for withdrawals. The monitoring was performed in 80%. A case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus occupational in which it ruled out other risk factors

Tipificación de la meticilino resistencia en cepas de Staphylococcus spp. Hospital Universitario “Antonio Patricio de Alcalá”, Cumaná, estado Sucre, Venezuela / Typification of methicillin-resistance in Staphylococcus spp. strains isolated from University Hospital “Antonio Patricio de Alcalᔠin Cumana, Sucre State, Venezuela

Staphylococcus spp. figura entre las bacterias patógenas más importantes para el ser humano. La caracterización molecular de cepas de Staphylococcus meticilino resistentes (SMR) es necesaria para conocer qué tipo de complejo cromosómico estafilocócico que transporta el complejo mec (SCCmec) circula en una región. Se estudiaron 21 cepas de S. aureus y 29 de Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa (SCN) aisladas en el Laboratorio de Bacteriología del HUAPA (enero a julio 2007) resistentes a meticilina. Se les realizó antibiograma, PCR múltiple y concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) a las cepas positivas para mecA. 19 cepas de S. aureus y 24 de SCN fueron resistentes a oxacilina, correlacionándose con la presencia del gen mecA principalmente en S. aureus; algunas discordancias fueron observadas en SCN. Solo se identificaron Staphylococcus SCCmec tipo I y IV. La caracterización del SCCmec permitió conocer el tipo de Staphylococcus circulante en el hospital, lo que hará posible monitorear cambios futuros en estas cepas.

Staphylococcus spp. figures as one of the most important bacteria for human beings. The molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Sttaphylococcus strains (MRS) is necessary for knowing what type of staphylococcal chromosomic complex transporting the mec complex (SCCmec) circulates in a certain area. Twenty one methicillin-resistant S. aureus and 29 coagulase negative (CNS) Staphylococcus strains isolated at the Bacteriology Laboratory of the HUAPA were studied during the January-July 2007 period. The study included antibiogram, multiple PCR, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination of the mecA positive strains; 19 S. aureus and 24 CNS strains were oxacilline resistant, correlated with the presence of the mec.A gene, mainly in S. aureus since some discordances were observed with the CNS strains. Only Staphylococcus SCCmec type I and II were identified. The SCCmec characterization identified the Staphylococcus type circulating in the hospital, possibilitating the monitoring of future changes of these strains.

[Practice guideline. Diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus]. / Guía de práctica clínica. Diagnóstico y tratamiento de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

Our objective was to develop a guide based on the best available evidence that allow family physicians to establish criteria for screening, diagnosis, prevention, treatment of disease, early detection and management of complications; to standardize the organizing processes of the diabetic patient's care in the primary care level; and to achieve lifestyle modification for patients and promote self-care. Clinical questions were stated according to the diagram and structured patient-intervention-comparison-outcome. We used a mixed methodology-adoption adjustment, and include 32 guides. For recommendations not included in these, the search process was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane Library Plus with these terms: diabetes mellitus type 2, epidemiology, detection and diagnosis, classification, drug therapy, effects, prevention, control and complication. The clinical practice guideline emphasizes the fundamental change in lifestyle (diet and exercise), self-care and proactive participation of the patient, in addition to the dynamic prescription of medications that would achieve metabolic control in order to reduce late complications.

Hidroadenoma papilífero vulvar. Presentación de un caso / Hidroadenoma papilliferum: a case report

El hidroadenoma papilífero (HP) es un tumor benigno de la vulva infrecuente que crece principalmente en la piel de la región anogenital de mujeres adultas. Puede plantear problemas de diagnóstico diferencial con los quistes y abscesos de la glándula de Bartolino, con el lipoma y con lesiones vulvares premalignas/y malignas. Se ha sugerido que pudiera derivar de glándulas análogas a las mamarias dispuestas a lo largo de la región vulvar y perineal femenina. Presentamos un caso de HP que se extirpó en una mujer de 32 años que tenía el antecedente de un parto por cesárea 5 meses atrás (AU)

Hidroadenoma papilliferum (HP) is a rare benign tumor of the vulva that grows mainly in the skin of the anogenital region of adult women. The differential diagnosis between this neoplasm and Bartholin cysts and abscesses, lipoma and some premalignant and malignant vulvar lesions can be difficult. HP may arise from mammary-like glands located in the vulvar and perineal region of women. We report a case of HP that was removed in a 32-year-old woman who had undergone a cesarean delivery 5 months previously (AU)

First-trimester maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 status and pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pregnancy outcome as a function of the first-trimester serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) [25(OH)D] status and to compare the 25(OH)D levels in the first and third trimesters. METHODS: Pregnant women (n=466) tested for serum 25(OH)D levels during the first trimester were followed up until the end of pregnancy, and the obstetric and neonatal outcomes were compared in reference to the baseline 25(OH)D status. The third-trimester 25(OH)D levels were additionally measured in a subset of women (n=148). RESULTS: The obstetric and neonatal outcomes did not vary as a function of the first-trimester 25(OH)D status. Neither did the 25(OH)D levels vary as a function of pregnancy outcomes. Overall, the 25(OH)D levels significantly decreased from the first to the third trimester. The first- and third-trimester 25(OH)D levels of samples initially taken during autumn/winter were significantly lower than those that were initially taken during spring/summer. Interestingly, the decrease in 25(OH)D levels during the third trimester was independent of the season of sampling. CONCLUSION: The pregnancy outcome was independent of the first-trimester 25(OH)D status. Overall, the 25(OH)D levels significantly decreased in the third trimester. More research in this area is warranted.

First trimester serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status and factors related to lower levels in gravids living in the Spanish Mediterranean coast.

OBJECTIVE: To assess first trimester serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status and factors related to deficient levels in pregnant Spanish women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 502 gravids (11 to 14 weeks) living in the Spanish Mediterranean sea coast (near Almería at latitude 36° N, longitude 2° W) to whom serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Logistic and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to assess the influence of ethnicity, immigration status, season of the year at blood sampling, body mass index (BMI), parity and smoking habit over 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range, IQR) serum 25(OH)D levels for the entire sample was 27.4 ng/mL (IQR = 20.9-32.8). Only 35.9% of participants had adequate serum 25(OH)D levels (≥30 ng/mL) whereas in 41.4% and 22.7% these levels were found to be insufficient (20-29.9 ng/mL) and deficient (<20 ng/mL), respectively. Vitamin D status was found to be significantly lower in Arab women as compared to Caucasian women. 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated with gestational age at sampling and inversely with BMI values (univariate analysis). Logistic regression analysis determined that non-Caucasian ethnicity, season at sampling (autumn/winter), and nulliparity were factors related to deficient 25(OH)D levels. Multiple linear regression found a similar model yet also including maternal weight inversely correlating with 25(OH)D levels. CONCLUSION: Despite living in one of the sunniest, warmest, and driest climates of Europe, gravids displayed a high prevalence of first trimester insufficient/deficient serum 25(OH)D levels related to season at sampling, nulliparity, maternal weight, and non-Caucasian ethnicity.

Th1 and Th17 hypercytokinemia as early host response signature in severe pandemic influenza.

INTRODUCTION: Human host immune response following infection with the new variant of A/H1N1 pandemic influenza virus (nvH1N1) is poorly understood. We utilize here systemic cytokine and antibody levels in evaluating differences in early immune response in both mild and severe patients infected with nvH1N1. METHODS: We profiled 29 cytokines and chemokines and evaluated the haemagglutination inhibition activity as quantitative and qualitative measurements of host immune responses in serum obtained during the first five days after symptoms onset, in two cohorts of nvH1N1 infected patients. Severe patients required hospitalization (n = 20), due to respiratory insufficiency (10 of them were admitted to the intensive care unit), while mild patients had exclusively flu-like symptoms (n = 15). A group of healthy donors was included as control (n = 15). Differences in levels of mediators between groups were assessed by using the non parametric U-Mann Whitney test. Association between variables was determined by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient. Viral load was performed in serum by using real-time PCR targeting the neuraminidase gene. RESULTS: Increased levels of innate-immunity mediators (IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1beta), and the absence of anti-nvH1N1 antibodies, characterized the early response to nvH1N1 infection in both hospitalized and mild patients. High systemic levels of type-II interferon (IFN-gamma) and also of a group of mediators involved in the development of T-helper 17 (IL-8, IL-9, IL-17, IL-6) and T-helper 1 (TNF-alpha, IL-15, IL-12p70) responses were exclusively found in hospitalized patients. IL-15, IL-12p70, IL-6 constituted a hallmark of critical illness in our study. A significant inverse association was found between IL-6, IL-8 and PaO2 in critical patients. CONCLUSIONS: While infection with the nvH1N1 induces a typical innate response in both mild and severe patients, severe disease with respiratory involvement is characterized by early secretion of Th17 and Th1 cytokines usually associated with cell mediated immunity but also commonly linked to the pathogenesis of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. The exact role of Th1 and Th17 mediators in the evolution of nvH1N1 mild and severe disease merits further investigation as to the detrimental or beneficial role these cytokines play in severe illness.

Haemoglobin and haematocrit: the threefold conversion is also non valid for assessing anaemia in Plasmodium vivax malaria-endemic settings.

It has been recently reported that the standard threefold conversion from haematocrit to haemoglobin underestimates the prevalence of anaemia and low levels of haemoglobin in children living in areas endemic for Plasmodium falciparum malaria. The data presented herein describes the experience in a malaria-endemic zone in northeastern Venezuela (state of Sucre), where a similar bias between haematocrit and haemoglobin in patients with Plasmodium vivax infection was found. In summary, the relationship between haematocrit and haemoglobin needs to be specifically evaluated according to each particular region or epidemiological setting.

Human recombinant erythropoietin does not promote cancer growth in presence of functional receptors expressed in cancer cells.

Human recombinant erythropoietin (hrEPO) therapy might be associated with tumor progression and death. This effect has been suggested to be secondary to rhEPO binding to its receptor (EPOR) expressed on cancer cells. However, there are several concerns about EPOR functionality when expressed on cancer cells. In this paper we have provided evidence that EPOR expressed in cancer cells could be implicated in proliferation events because a transfection of EPOR siRNA to EPOR-expressing bladder cancer cells resulted in a marked reduction in cell growth. However, these cell lines do not grow in the presence of hrEPO. Furthermore, bladder cancer patients that expressed EPOR in tumor samples had a reduced survival in absence of rhEPO treatment. Therefore, EPOR is implicated in bladder cancer growth but this effect appears to be independent from rhEPO supplementation. Reports which suggest that rhEPO promotes cancer growth due to the expression of EPOR in cancer cells must be observed with caution since in the presence of functional EPOR rhEPO does not promote growth.

Outcomes of imported malaria during pregnancy within Venezuelan states: implications for travel advice.

Prevention of malaria in pregnant women is an utmost priority because the disease can cause serious maternal and neonatal complications. Maternal complications include marked anemia, increased risk of severe disease, and mortality, while the fetus or neonate is at risk of prematurity, anemia, and low birthweight. Pregnant women living in malaria endemic areas may be semiimmune to a particular Plasmodium spp. but when traveling to other regions, sometimes within their same country, where malaria epidemiology is different, may develop severe malaria complications. Here, we describe our experience in northeastern Venezuela associated with unfavorable outcomes of imported malaria cases among pregnant women who traveled to other Venezuelan regions with different malaria epidemiology. Travel medicine practitioners should be aware and educate their pregnant patients regarding the risk of malaria even when living in malaria endemic areas and traveling to other endemic areas such as occurs in Venezuela.

Pregnancy outcomes associated with Plasmodium vivax malaria in northeastern Venezuela.

Although Plasmodium vivax is increasingly recognized as an important cause of morbidity in pregnancy in low malaria-transmission areas of Asia, little is know about the epidemiologic and clinical profiles of P. vivax in pregnant women in Latin America. We describe the clinical features and pregnancy outcomes in a series of 12 cases of P. vivax malaria in pregnant women complicated in some by miscarriage or preterm deliveries and in others with significant degrees of anemia and thrombocytopenia in a population where P. vivax is endemic in northeastern Venezuela.

Anemia and thrombocytopenia in children with Plasmodium vivax malaria.

Clinico-epidemiological features of pediatric patients with malaria due Plasmodium vivax that developed anemia and thrombocytopenia requiring hospitalization are herein reported. Over a 3-year period, 78 children with P. vivax infection were admitted to our Hospital in Sucre, Venezuela. Clinical manifestations at admission were 93.59 per cent fever, 41.03 per cent chills and 14.10 per cent headache, among others. On paraclinical evaluations 94.87 percent presented with anemia (10.26 per cent severe), 25.64 percent with malnutrition, and 10.26 percent had intestinal parasitosis. The mean hemoglobin levels on admission were 8.09 g/dl and mean platelet counts 127 402 cells/mm3. Among these patients 58.97 per cent developed thrombocytopenia (24.36 per cent severe) requiring transfusion in 25.64 per cent of patients. After antimalarial treatment with chloroquine and primaquine and supportive care all patients were successfully discharged. No deaths or further complications were seen, except for persistent mild thrombocytopenia in 17.95 per cent of the patients.