Efecto del contacto piel con piel sobre la presencia de síntomas depresivos post parto en mujeres de bajo riesgo obstétrico / The effect of Mother/Infant skin-to-skin contact on postpartum depressive symptoms in women with low obstetric risk

Antecedentes: La depresión postparto es un problema de alta prevalencia que impacta en la vinculación afectiva de la madre con su hijo(a). El contacto piel con piel se define como el contacto del recién nacido seco y desnudo, en posición prona sobre el pecho desnudo de su madre, cubierto por su espalda con una manta tibia, inmediatamente ocurrido el parto durante al menos una hora. Objetivo: Examinar la relación entre el contacto piel con piel y la incidencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres con embarazos de bajo riesgo obstétrico. Pacientes y Método: Estudio analítico prospectivo de 393 puérperas de bajo riesgo obstétrico que evaluó sintomatología depresiva puerperal y su asociación con variables bio-sociodemográficas y características del contacto piel con piel como variable en estudio. Los datos se recolectaron a través de un cuestionario a las 24-48 h postparto y un seguimiento telefónico para pesquisar síntomas depresivos a través de la Escala de Depresión de Edimburgo a las 8 sem postparto. Resultados: Se reporta una incidencia de 29% de síntomas depresivos. El análisis mostró que el contacto piel con piel y el inicio precoz del amamantamiento están asociado significativamente con la ausencia de sintomatología depresiva postparto. Conclusión: El contacto piel con piel fue la única variable en este estudio capaz de explicar la ausencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres que cursaron embarazos de bajo riesgo obstétrico. Se sugiere su implementación como estrategia preventiva.

Background: Postpartum depression can interfere with bonding between the mother and the child. The skin-to-skin contact is defined as the contact of the new-born, dry and naked, prone on the mother's bare chest and with a warm blanket placed across the infant's back; this contact takes place immediately after delivery, for at least an hour. Objective: To examine the relationship between skin-to-skin contact and the incidence of depressive symptoms in women with low risk pregnancies. Patients and Method: A prospective analytical study was performed in 393 postpartum women with low obstetric risk in order to evaluate the postpartum depressive symptomatology and its association with biodemographic and skin-to-skin contact variables. Data were collected through a questionnaire at 24 to 48 hours postpartum and through telephone follow-up, at 8 weeks postpartum, in order to screen depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Results: 29% of women reported depressive symptoms. The analysis showed that skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding are significantly associated with the absence of postpartum depressive symptomatology. Conclusion: Skin-to-skin contact was the only variable in this study that can explain the absence of depressive symptoms in women with low risk pregnancies. Skin-to-skin contact implementation is suggested as a preventive strategy.

[Development and validation of a clinical predictive model for delirium in hospitalized older people]. / Riesgo de delirium durante la hospitalización en personas mayores: desarrollo y validación de un modelo de predicción clínica.

BACKGROUND: Delirium is a prevalent problem among older patients and it is frequently underdiagnosed. AIM: To develop and validate a clinical predictive model to identify patients at high risk of delirium. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two consecutive prospective cohort studies were used to develop and validate the model. The development cohort included 542 consecutive medical inpatients, 65 years or older. The validation cohort included 85 comparable patients. A predictive score was constructed with a multivariate analysis, using variables independently associated with delirium and subsequently tested in the new cohort. Patients were assessed within the first 48 hours of admission, and every 48 hours thereafter, using the Confusion Assessment Method to diagnose delirium, evaluating also the severity of underlying disease, comorbidities, functionality, and laboratory data. RESULTS: Delirium occurred in 192 patients (35.4%) of the development cohort and was independently associated with age and functional status assessed using the Barthel Index. With these two variables, the predictive score for delirium was developed and tested rendering an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of 0.80 (confidence intervals 0.77-0.85). Cut-off points were chosen to establish low, intermediate, and high-risk groups for delirium. According to these cut-off points, delirium frequencies in the development cohort were 8%, 23%, and 69%, and in the validation cohort 5%, 34%, and 66%, respectively (c² p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This simple predictive model based on age and functional status may be a useful tool for identifying older patients risking delirium.

Riesgo de delirium durante la hospitalización en personas mayores: desarrollo y validación de un modelo de predicción clínica / Development and validation of a clinical predictive model for delirium in hospitalized older people

Background: Delirium is a prevalent problem among older patients and it is frequently underdiagnosed. Aim: To develop and validate a clinical predictive model to identify patients at high risk of delirium. Material and Methods: Two consecutive prospective cohort studies were used to develop and validate the model. The development cohort included 542 consecutive medical inpatients, 65 years or older. The validation cohort included 85 comparable patients. A predictive score was constructed with a multivariate analysis, using variables independently associated with delirium and subsequently tested in the new cohort. Patients were assessed within the first 48 hours of admission, and every 48 hours thereafter, using the Confusion Assessment Method to diagnose delirium, evaluating also the severity of underlying disease, comorbidities, functionality, and laboratory data. Results: Delirium occurred in 192 patients (35.4%) of the development cohort and was independently associated with age and functional status assessed using the Barthel Index. With these two variables, the predictive score for delirium was developed and tested rendering an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of 0.80 (confidence intervals 0.77-0.85). Cut-off points were chosen to establish low, intermediate, and high-risk groups for delirium. According to these cut-off points, delirium frequencies in the development cohort were 8%, 23%, and 69%, and in the validation cohort 5%, 34%, and 66%, respectively (c² p < 0.05). Conclusions: This simple predictive model based on age and functional status may be a useful tool for identifying older patients risking delirium.

[New spirometric reference equations for healthy Chilean adults]. / Proposición de nuevas ecuaciones para calcular valores espirométricos de referencia en población chilena adulta: Sociedad Chilena de Enfermedades Respiratorias (SER).

BACKGROUND: To correctly interpret spirometric results, reference values should come from the same population. Current spirometric reference equations have been under scrutiny due to deficiencies to fit adequately for Chilean population, specially, for those aged over 65 years old. AIM: To develop new spirometric reference values for Chilean adults, based on national studies in which spirometries were performed in healthy non-smoker adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A standardized database of spirometric values was developed combining spirometric data collected from five population-based studies, in which healthy nonsmoker adults participated. Spirometries from 448 males aged 19 to 84 years and from 726 females aged 19 to 94 years, obtained according to guidelines from the American Thoracic and European Respiratory Societies, were analyzed. Using multiple regression models, which included height, gender, and age, the theoretical value and inferior limits of normality were calculated for 1st second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75). RESULTS: Reference values and lower limits of normality (LLN) were constructed for Chilean adults of both genders. The new proposed set of equations had a better fit, when compared with the current reference values used in Chile. CONCLUSIONS: The new spirometric references values derived from this study, fit better than currently used ones. Therefore, they should be used as new references values for Chilean adults.

Adaptación y validación de la escala de bienestar materno en situación de parto: segunda versión para escenarios de asistencia integral / Adaptation and validation of Maternal Welfare Scale (BMSP2)

Antecedentes: La literatura actual ha mostrado escasa información respecto del bienestar materno durante el proceso de parto. Objetivo: Mejorar la exigencia de la Escala Bienestar materno en Situación de Parto (BMSP1), para ser utilizada en modalidades integrales de asistencia, se adapta la versión inicial y se valida estadísticamente. Método: Se utiliza una muestra no probabilística de 223 puérperas de bajo riesgo, que participan como grupo control, previo a la implementación del Centro de Asistencia Integral del Parto en un hospital público de Santiago. A la escala BMSP1 se agregan 10 afirmaciones alineadas con las políticas de parto integral y, posteriormente, se le aplica dos pruebas psicométricas que permiten evaluar su consistencia interna y reagrupar los ítems en nuevas dimensiones-subescalas. Resultados: Se obtiene un instrumento válido y fiable, apto para recoger la percepción de bienestar en modalidades de asistencia integral del parto. Se compone de 7 dimensiones que agrupan a 47 afirmaciones de bienestar o malestar. La primera, referida al cuidado relacional de calidad, concentra la mayor cantidad de afirmaciones. El resto de las dimensiones agrupan, cada una, a lo menos 4 ítems de bienestar o malestar, y se refieren a las condiciones ambientales, a la percepción de contacto precoz con el hijo, al acompañamiento familiar, a las medidas de autocuidado y confort, al cuidado oportuno y respetuoso; asimismo, la que tiene relación con la despersonalización del cuidado. Conclusión: La escala BMSP2 es aplicable para evaluar bienestar materno en escenarios de parto con las exigencias de un proceso integral, de calidad y seguridad.

Background: Current literature has shown scant information on maternal well-being during the birth process. Objective: With the purpose of applying methods of integral childbirth assistance to improve the standards of Maternal Welfare Scale (BMSP1), the initial version of has been adapted and subjected to statistical validation. Method: We have used a non-probabilistic sample of two hundred and twenty three low risk women during their puerperium period, who took part as a base controlled group, before the implementation of the Integral Childbirth Assistance Centre in a public hospital in Santiago. Ten statements that were in line with integral childbirth policies were added to the BMSP1; and two psychometric tests, which allowed evaluation of internal consistency and construct validity. Results: The attainment of a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the perception of wellbeing in integral assistance methods in childbirth. It has seven dimensions that can be grouped into 47 measures of wellbeing or discomfort. The first, which contains a larger number of statements or measures, refers to quality relational care. The remaining dimensions are collections of at least four items of wellbeing or discomfort each, and focus on environmental conditions, early contact with the child, family support, self-care methods, adequate and respectful attention, as well as the correlation with impersonalized care. Conclusion: The BMSP2 scale can be used to evaluate maternal welfare in childbirth scenarios with the standards of an integral, secure and high quality process.

Proposición de nuevas ecuaciones para calcular valores espirométricos de referencia en población chilena adulta: Sociedad Chilena de Enfermedades Respiratorias (SER) / New spirometric reference equations for healthy Chilean adults

Background: To correctly interpret spirometric results, reference values should come from the same population. Current spirometric reference equations have been under scrutiny due to deficiencies to fit adequately for Chilean population, specially, for those aged over 65 years old. Aim: To develop new spirometric reference values for Chilean adults, based on national studies in which spirometries were performed in healthy non-smoker adults. Material and Methods: A standardized database of spirometric values was developed combining spirometric data collected from five population-based studies, in which healthy nonsmoker adults participated. Spirometries from 448 males aged 19 to 84 years and from 726 females aged 19 to 94 years, obtained according to guidelines from the American Thoracic and European Respiratory Societies, were analyzed. Using multiple regression models, which included height, gender, and age, the theoretical value and inferior limits of normality were calculated for 1st second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75). Results: Reference values and lower limits of normality (LLN) were constructed for Chilean adults of both genders. The new proposed set of equations had a better fit, when compared with the current reference values used in Chile. Conclusions: The new spirometric references values derived from this study, fit better than currently used ones. Therefore, they should be used as new references values for Chilean adults.

Efecto del contacto piel con piel sobre la presencia de síntomas depresivos post parto en mujeres de bajo riesgo obstétrico / The effect of Mother/Infant skin-to-skin contact on postpartum depressive symptoms in women with low obstetric risk

Antecedentes: La depresión postparto es un problema de alta prevalencia que impacta en la vinculación afectiva de la madre con su hijo(a). El contacto piel con piel se define como el contacto del recién nacido seco y desnudo, en posición prona sobre el pecho desnudo de su madre, cubierto por su espalda con una manta tibia, inmediatamente ocurrido el parto durante al menos una hora. Objetivo: Examinar la relación entre el contacto piel con piel y la incidencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres con embarazos de bajo riesgo obstétrico. Pacientes y Método: Estudio analítico prospectivo de 393 puérperas de bajo riesgo obstétrico que evaluó sintomatología depresiva puerperal y su asociación con variables bio-sociodemográficas y características del contacto piel con piel como variable en estudio. Los datos se recolectaron a través de un cuestionario a las 24-48 h postparto y un seguimiento telefónico para pesquisar síntomas depresivos a través de la Escala de Depresión de Edimburgo a las 8 sem postparto. Resultados: Se reporta una incidencia de 29 por ciento de síntomas depresivos. El análisis mostró que el contacto piel con piel y el inicio precoz del amamantamiento están asociado significativamente con la ausencia de sintomatología depresiva postparto. Conclusión: El contacto piel con piel fue la única variable en este estudio capaz de explicar la ausencia de síntomas depresivos en mujeres que cursaron embarazos de bajo riesgo obstétrico. Se sugiere su implementación como estrategia preventiva.

Background: Postpartum depression can interfere with bonding between the mother and the child. The skin-to-skin contact is defined as the contact of the newborn, dry and naked, prone on the mother's bare chest and with a warm blanket placed across the infant's back; this contact takes place immediately after delivery, for at least an hour. Objective: To examine the relationship between skin-to-skin contact and the incidence of depressive symptoms in women with low risk pregnancies. Patients and Method: A prospective analytical study was performed in 393 postpartum women with low obstetric risk in order to evaluate the postpartum depressive symptomatology and its association with biodemographic and skin-to-skin contact variables. Data were collected through a questionnaire at 24 to 48 hours postpartum and through telephone follow-up, at 8 weeks postpartum, in order to screen depressive symptoms using the Edinburgh Depression Scale. Results: 29 percent of women reported depressive symptoms. The analysis showed that skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding are significantly associated with the absence of postpartum depressive symptomatology. Conclusion: Skin-to-skin contact was the only variable in this study that can explain the absence of depressive symptoms in women with low risk pregnancies. Skin-to-skin contact implementation is suggested as a preventive strategy.

Determinación de péptidos solubles relacionados a mesotelina para la detección precoz del mesotelioma maligno / Soluble mesothelin-related protein for malignant pleural mesothelioma screening

Introduction: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a tumor of the mesothelial cells related to asbestos exposure. This malignancy is extremely aggressive, with poor response to different treatment modalities, and it has a mean survival of 8 months since diagnosis. With the introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents and trimodality protocols, five-year survival of 40 percent in initial stages has been reported. Serum detection of Soluble Mesothelin-related Protein (SMRP) could be used for screening of MPM. Using the MESOMARK® test, 53 percent of MPM patients had levels greater than 1,5 nM, while 99 percent of control patients had lower concentrations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of this test in Chile and determine its utility for screening ofMPM. Methods: Quantitative blind measurement of serum SMRP by MESOMARK® test. We studied 3 groups: 8 workers exposed to asbestos, 5 patients with diagnosed MPM and 14 age matched workers without known exposure to asbestos. Participants were informed of the study. Results: Mean +/- standard deviation SMRP levels in the control group was 0,53 +/- 0,4 nM, 0,89 +/- 0,46 nM in patients exposed to asbestos and 10,68 +/- 10,28 nM in MPMpatients. Differences between the groups were statistically significant (p = 0,02). In the MPM group, 3 patients were found to have SMRP levels greater than 1,5 nM (17,27 nM; SD 6,95) and 2 patients normal values (0,79 nM; SD 0,32). Using a cut-off value of 1,5 nM, sensitivity of the test was 60 percent and specificity was 100 percent. Conclusions: Detection of SMRP levels allowed to identify patients with MPM, three of whom had very high concentrations. The sensitivity and specificity found is similar to that previously reported. If our results are confirmed in greater studies, SMRP detection could be used for screening of MPM.

Resumen Introducción: El Mesotelioma Maligno (MM) es un tumor de las células mesoteliales relacionado a la exposición a asbesto, altamente agresivo, con pobre respuesta al tratamiento y con una sobrevida promedio de 8 meses después del diagnóstico. Sin embargo, nuevos agentes quimioterapéuticos y protocolos de terapia trimodal han logrado sobrevidas de hasta 40 por ciento en etapas iniciales. La detección en sangre periférica de Péptidos Solubles Relacionados a Mesotelina (SMRP) podría ser útil para el diagnóstico precoz de MM. Utilizando el test MESOMARK® para la determinación de SMRP, 53 por ciento de los pacientes con MM tenían valores mayores a 1,5 nM mientras que 99 por ciento de los controles mostraron valores inferiores. El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar la implementación de este test en Chile y determinar su utilidad para el diagnóstico precoz en MM. Métodos: Medición cuantitativa de SMRP en suero humano por test MESOMARK®. Se realizaron mediciones en forma ciega a 8 trabajadores con exposición a asbesto, a 5 pacientes con MMy a 14 voluntarios sin exposición. Todos los participantes fueron informados del estudio. Resultados: El promedio +/- desviación estándar de SMRP en el grupo control fue de 0,53 +/- 0,4 nM, de 0,89 +/- 0,46 nM en los expuestos sin MMy de 10,68 +/- 10,28 nM en el grupo con MM; encontrándose una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los valores de estos tres grupos (p = 0,02). En el grupo con MM, 3 pacientes tuvieron concentraciones mucho mayores a 1,5 nM (17,27 nM; DS 6,95) y 2 valores normales (0,79 nM; DS 0,32). Utilizando un valor de 1,5 nM como punto de corte, la sensibilidad fue de 60 por ciento y la especificidad de 100 por ciento. Conclusiones: La medición de SMRP permitió diferenciar a los pacientes con MM, presentando 3 de ellos concentraciones muy elevadas. La sensibilidad y especificidad encontrada es similar con datos previamente reportados. De confirmarse estos resultados en estudios con mayor ...

Clima laboral en una escuela de medicina. Estudio de seguimiento / Work environment assessment at a medical school

Background: The work environment of an organization has to do with a set of permanent qualities that are experienced by its members. Aim: To assess the work environment perception of faculty members of a Medical School in two different periods (2005 and 2007). Material and methods: A standardized survey was applied to faculty members and Department chairs of the academic units of our Medical School. The survey used the Likert scale from 1 to 5 and included 59 items, distributed in 8 factors. Additionally, there were two groups of statements, indicating the priorities for the School and for the academic departments. Results: In the study performed in year 2005, the survey was answered by a total of 399 faculty members (68 percent) and in year 2007, it was answered by 408 members (68 percent). The global climate perceptions were 66 percent and 68 percent in 2005 and 2007, respectively (ns). Among the dimensions evaluated, communications (p =0,62) and physical conditions (p =0,008) improved in the two years period. Conclusions: The applied instrument was stable and useful to knowing the requirements of the faculty members and for improving the organizational climate.

[Work environment assessment at a medical school]. / Clima laboral en una escuela de medicina. Estudio de seguimiento.

BACKGROUND: The work environment of an organization has to do with a set of permanent qualities that are experienced by its members. AIM: To assess the work environment perception of faculty members of a Medical School in two different periods (2005 and 2007). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A standardized survey was applied to faculty members and Department chairs of the academic units of our Medical School. The survey used the Likert scale from 1 to 5 and included 59 items, distributed in 8 factors. Additionally, there were two groups of statements, indicating the priorities for the School and for the academic departments. RESULTS: In the study performed in year 2005, the survey was answered by a total of 399 faculty members (68%) and in year 2007, it was answered by 408 members (68%). The global climate perceptions were 66% and 68% in 2005 and 2007, respectively (ns). Among the dimensions evaluated, communications (p =0,62) and physical conditions (p =0,008) improved in the two years period. CONCLUSIONS: The applied instrument was stable and useful to knowing the requirements of the faculty members and for improving the organizational climate.

Bienestar materno durante el proceso de parto: desarrollo y aplicación de una escala de medición / Maternal wellbeing in childbirth: application and development of a scale score

Objetivo: Diseñar y validar un instrumento objetivo y autoaplicable para evaluar el nivel de bienestar que experimentan las mujeres en situación de parto. Método: Se consideró la combinación de las metodologías cualitativas y cuantitativas. A través de grupos de focos y entrevistas individuales, se recogió la percepción subjetiva del bienestar materno, sus indicadores y sus distintas dimensiones. En la tapa cuantitativa, a través de un diseño correlacional de corte transversal, se validó la escala y se exploró el nivel de bienestar materno en 303 mujeres puérperas que tuvieron su parto en un hospital público del área sur oriente de Santiago. Resultados: La Escala de Bienestar Materno en Situación de Parto BMSP, exploró el bienestar materno en tres niveles: óptimo, adecuado y malestar; más de un 60 por ciento de las mujeres reportaron un nivel de bienestar adecuado u óptimo, referido al "buen trato", asociándose significativamente al tipo de parto y la paridad de la mujeres. El puntaje de bienestar no se relaciona con la hora del turno, con la situación de pareja, ni con el nivel educacional y socioeconómico de las mujeres. La dimensión que mejor se correlaciona con el bienestar corresponde al cuidado profesional de calidad, la que reportó mejor puntaje como subescala. Conclusión: El instrumento permitió evaluar el bienestar materno durante el parto

Objective: To design and test an objective and self-administered instrument in order to evaluate the wellbeing of women during childbirth. Method: Combinations of qualitative and quantitative methodologies were considered. Using focus groups and individual interviews, the subjective perception of maternal wellbeing in its distinct dimensions was explored. In the quantitative phase, using a cross sectional correlational design, the scale was tested and validated in 303 women post-partum in a public hospital in the south west section of Santiago, and at the same time the level of wellbeing of women in childbirth was explored. Results: The Scale of Maternal Wellbeing in Childbirth, explored maternal wellbeing in three levels: optimal, adequate and unpleasant; more than 60 percent of the women reported their level of wellbeing as adequate or optimal, significantly associated with the type of delivery and parity of the women. The score of wellbeing was not associated with time of shift, partner status, level of education, or socio-economic status of the women. The dimension that significantly correlated with the wellbeing score was the quality of professional care, this one reported de highest score as a subscale. Conclusion: The instrument allow to evaluate the maternal wellbeing during childbirth

Seroprevalencia de citomegalovirus y toxoplasma gondii en población sana menor de 30 años, en Santiago de Chile / Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus y toxoplasma gondii in health population under 30 years old at Santiago, Chile

Subjects and methods: The prevalence of IgG antibodies against Cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasma gondii were studied in 560 subjetcs under 30 years old, using and ELISA technique. Age, socioeconomic level, breast feeding, assistance to nurseries and number of family members were considered as risk factors for these infections. Results: Infection by Cytomegalovirus and Toxoplasma gondii were studied in 560 subjetcs under 30 years old, using an ELISA technique. Age, socioeconomic level, breast feeding, assistance to nurseries and number of family members were considered as risk factors for these infections. Results: Infection by Cytomegalovirus had a global prevalence of 60 percent. It showed an epidemiological pattern of late adquisition in high socioeconomic levels and a pattern of early infection in medium and low socioeconomic levels. Eighty to 90 percent of sera were positive for the infection in adult subjetcs of the three socioeconomic levels. There was a positive correlation between the duration of breast feeding and the frequency of Cytomegalovirus infection. Infection by Toxoplasma gondii had a global prevalence of 24.6 percent. The rates of susceptible individuals were 80 and 50 percent in high and medium-low socioeconomic levels respectively. Conclusions: The knowledge about the frequency of these infections in high risk populations such as women during their reproductive years and immunodepressed individuals, will allow the implementation of preventive measures

Análisis histopatológico semicuantitativo de la gastritis crónica: índice de extensión y grado / Histopathological semiquantitative analysis of chronic gastritis: extension and grade index

Three endoscopic systematic biopsies were obtained from 261 patients showing chronic gastritis. Histopathologic features of chronic gastritis were graded from 0 to 3 points according to the Sydney System. In addition, an extension and grading histopathologic score was applied. This score was obtained from the sum of qualified grades for each feature in all three samples. Inflammation, activity, atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were predominantly grade 1 and H pylori density was predominantly grade 2. Only 2,6 percent of the sections whith out atrophy showed intestinal metaplasia, while 79,3 percent of the sections depicting grade 2-3 intestinal metaplasia showed moderate to severe atrophy. Inflammation was more severe in antral lesser curvature and the more severe atrophy was present in the antrum than in the corpus mucosa. Sydney System and extension and grading histopathologic score showed more extensive activity in patients older than 45 years. A lower histopathologic score of H pylori was seen in these patients. The presence of H pylori was directly correlated with inflammation severity and inversely with atrophy. These results, in accordance with data shown in the literature, suggest that the Sydney System and extension and grading histopathologic score can be applied to compare chronic gastritis features in different groups of patients

Análisis de 1.017 adenocarcinomas del intestino grueso resecados en 978 pacientes / Analysis of 1.017 large bowel adenocarcinomas resected in 978 patients

Colorectal carcinoma is the fifth cause of cancer deaths among women and the sixth among men. Aim: to retrospectively analyse the distribution of age, sex, localization and the pathological features of resected large bowel adenocarcinomas at a surgical service. All biopsy reports of resected large bowel carcinomas between 1959 and 1995 were analyzed. Twenty six reports were discarded. Available histological slides were re-examined. Twenty five cases (2,5 percent) had 2 synchronous tumors and 14 subjects (1.4 percent) had 2 different resections due to cancer (metachronic tumors). Sixty percent of tumors were located in the rectum and sigmoid, 74 percent were well differentiated, 17 percent poorly differentiated. Mucinous and signet ring cell variants were found in younger subjects and in 5.1 percent and 2.3 percent of all patients respectively. Eighty four percent of tumors were beyond the muscularis at the moment of resection and 38 percent had lymph node increased from 60 to 65 years ols and rectal cancer frequency decreased from 37,8 to 25,4 percent. Colorectal carcinoma is still diagnosed at an advanced stage and the changes of the natural history of the disease observed in the 2 analyzed periods are similar to those reported in USA and Colombia

Frecuencia y caracteres histopatológicos de gastritis crónica en 300 pacientes sin lesiones endoscópicas / Frequency and histopathologic features of chronic gastritis in 300 patients without endoscopic lesions

Three gastric mucosal biopsies were obtained from 300 patients showing a normal upper digestive tract endoscopy. Histologically in 9 percent of the patients the biopsies were normal; in 87 percent showed a common-type chronic gastritis and in 4 percent showed a reactive (chemical or reflux-type) gastritis. Helicobacter pylori was present in 25.9 percent of the patients without gastritis, in 33.3 percent of the patients with reactive gastritis and in 87.7 percent of those with common-type gastritis. In 19.9 percent of the patients with common-type chronic gastritis there was intestinal metaplasia, consisting of type I metaplasia in 14.1 percent, type II in 3.1 percent and type III metaplasia in 2.3 percent. The association of type III intestinal metaplasia with the other forms of metaplasia, its lower frequency and its tendency to be present in older patients supports the hipothesis that type III incomplete colonic metaplasia represents a more advanced stage than complete and incomplete small bowel metaplasia of the gastric mucosa

Asociación de colesterolosis y litiasis de la vesícula biliar: implicancia patogénica y efecto sobre la historia natural de la colelitiasis / Association between cholesterolosis and lithiasis of gallbladder: pathogenic implication and effect over natural history of cholelithiasis

We studied 793 patients subjected to cholecystectomy to determine a) the relative frequency of cholesterolosis and cholelithiasis b) the effect of their association on the natural history of biliary disease, c) the characteristics of gallstones associated to cholesterolosis and d) factors potentially associated to their pathogenesis. The gallbladders of all patients were examined and in 289 subjects a preoperative clinical history was taken. We observed that cholesterolosis is associated to earlier clinical manifestations of biliary disease and cholecystectomy, to a greater frequency of single calculus and to a higher weight/height index. It is concluded that there are relationships between the pathogenesis of cholesterolosis and cholelithiasis and that their association favors the development of clinical manifestations