Vertebroplastia percutánea en fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas / Percutaneous vertebroplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures

La osteoporosis es una enfermedad sistémica que deteriora la calidad del hueso y su arquitectura. Como consecuencia, predispone a fracturas por fragilidad, entre las cuales las fracturas vertebrales son frecuentes. Estas se asocian a una gran morbimortalidad. La vertebroplastia ha surgido en 1984 como alter-nativa terapéutica para tratar algunos tumores vertebrales y fracturas vertebrales osteoporóticas dolorosas. Este procedimiento consiste en la inyección de cemento guiado por imágenes, para estabilizar la vértebra fracturada y disminuir el dolor. La vertebroplastia puede ser realizada con anestesia local, sedación o anestesia general. La fuga de cemento fuera de la vértebra es una complicación común; sin embargo esto no suele tener traducción clínica y solamente se trata de un hallazgo imagenológico. En este artículo revisaremos las indicaciones, contraindicaciones, la eficacia, controversias y las complicaciones de la vertebroplastia percutánea. (AU)

Osteoporosis is a systemic disease characterized by bone quality deterioration. As a consequence of this deterioration, osteoporosis results in high fracture risk due to bone fragility. Fractures to the spine are common in this scenario, and relate to an increased morbi-mortality. Vertebroplasty emerged in 1984 as an alternative to treat painful vertebral tumors and osteoporotic vertebral fractures. This procedure relies on image guided cement injection to achieve pain relief and strengthen the vertebral body. Vertebroplasty can be performed under local anesthesia, mild sedation, or general anesthesia. Among its complications, cement leakage is common but it is rarely associated with any symptoms and it is usually an imaging finding. In this article, we will review indications and contraindications, effectiveness, controversies and complications related to percutaneous vertebroplasty. (AU)

Treatment of actinic keratoses and cancerization field of the face and scalp with 0 015% ingenol mebutate gel in Brazilian individuals: safety, tolerability and patients' perspectives

Abstract: Background: Actinic keratosis (AK) represents a risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma. Ingenol mebutate gel is a novel therapeutic option for field-directed treatment. Objectives: To evaluate the safety, tolerability and patients' perspectives, related to the therapeutic success of managing AKs on the face and scalp with ingenol mebutate gel in Brazilian individuals. Methods: This was an observational, retrospective and descriptive study of 68 areas of actinic keratosis on the face and scalp treated with Ingenol mebutate gel involving a total of 37 patients. The drug was applied for three consecutive days on an area of of 25 cm2 and documentation was performed on baseline and days 4, 8, 15, 60 and 180. On day 4, the composite local skin reaction score was calculated. At the end, a questionnaire was applied to evaluate patients' perspectives about the treatment. Results: Adherence was 100%, no serious adverse events were recorded and the mean composite local skin reaction score (standard deviation) was 8.61±4.22. The treatment was considered optimum by 75.68% of the patients. Study limitations: Calculation of composite local skin reaction score performed only on the fourth day. Conclusions: Treatment with ingenol mebutate gel was considered safe and tolerable in Brazilian subjects. Patients had a maximum adherence rate and a great improvement in self-esteem. The results of this research reproduce the findings of the literature.

Diphencyprone as a therapeutic option in cutaneous metastasis of melanoma. A single-institution experience

Abstract: Diphencyprone has been reported as a local immunotherapy for cutaneous melanoma metastases. We aim to report cases of melanoma patients treated with diphencyprone in a single Brazilian institution and highlight their outcomes. Since 2012, we have treated 16 melanoma patients with cutaneous metastases with topical diphencyprone. To date, we have had 37.5% of complete response, 25% of partial responses, and 31.25% patients without any response. Treatment was well tolerated and local toxicity was easily controlled. We believe topical diphencyprone is a feasible treatment that can be another option for treating melanoma patients, especially in cases of in-transit or extensive disease.

Long-term recurrence of nonmelanoma skin cancer after topical methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy in a dermato-oncology department

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most available studies on the efficacy of topical photodynamic therapy focus on short-to medium-term results. Long-term data are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of photodynamic therapy with topical methylaminolevulinate to treat Bowen's disease and basal cell carcinoma in the clinical practice setting of a dermato-oncology department. METHODS: The study included patients diagnosed with Bowen's disease or basal cell carcinoma, and who received photodynamic therapy from 2004 to 2008. Treatment protocol and clinical follow-up were standardized. The primary endpoint was clinically observed recurrence in a previous photodynamic therapy-treated area. Descriptive and survival analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 31 Bowen's disease lesions and 44 superficial basal cell carcinoma were treated, with a median follow-up of 43.5 months. Recurrence was observed in 14 Bowen's disease lesions (53.8%) and in 11 superficial basal cell carcinoma (33.3%). Significantly higher estimates for recurrence rates were found in patients with Bowen's disease (p=0.0036) or those aged under 58 years (p=0.039). The risk of recurrence was higher in patients with Bowen's disease than in those with superficial basal cell carcinoma and younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrence should be considered when choosing to treat non-melanoma skin cancer with photodynamic therapy. Younger age and Bowen's disease were independent predictors for long-term recurrence, suggesting the need to establish an extended period of follow-up for this subset of patients.

Topical calcipotriol as a new therapeutic option for the treatment of clear cell acanthoma

Although uncommonly diagnosed, clear cell acanthoma represents an original source of speculative interest for dermatologists. Due to its clinical variability, it is often only recognized accidentally after histology. Dermoscopy has improved the reliability of clinical diagnosis of typical clear cell acanthoma thanks to the vascular pinpoint pattern and desquamative, peripheral collarette. Generally, therapy of clear cell acanthoma is oriented towards ablative solutions, such as surgery or cryotherapy. We propose a conservative therapy, based on the application of topical calcipotriol, which has produced complete regression after 2 months and no relapse one year after the end of treatment. A dermatoscope monitored all changes of clear cell acanthoma, showing its utility not only in diagnosis but also in therapeutic follow-up. This new therapeutic approach should support an inflammatory etiology of clear cell acanthoma, although further observations are needed to confirm this.

Nanostructured transdermal hormone replacement therapy for relieving menopausal symptoms: a confocal Raman spectroscopy study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of a transdermal nanostructured formulation of progesterone (10%) combined with estriol (0.1%) + estradiol (0.25%) for relieving postmenopausal symptoms. METHODS: A total of 66 postmenopausal Brazilian women with climacteric symptoms of natural menopause received transdermal nanostructured formulations of progesterone and estrogens in the forearm daily for 60 months to mimic the normal ovarian secretory pattern. Confocal Raman spectroscopy of hormones in skin layers was performed. Clinical parameters, serum concentrations of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, blood pressure, BI-RADS classification from bilateral mammography, and symptomatic relief were compared between baseline and 60 months post-treatment. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02033512. RESULTS: An improvement in climacteric symptoms was reported in 92.5% of women evaluated before and after 60 months of treatment. The serum concentrations of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone changed significantly (p<0.05) after treatment; the values of serum follicle-stimulating hormone decreased after 60 months from 82.04±4.9 to 57.12±4.1 IU/mL. A bilateral mammography assessment of the breasts revealed normal results in all women. No adverse health-related events were attributed to this hormone replacement therapy protocol. CONCLUSION: The nanostructured formulation is safe and effective in re-establishing optimal serum levels of estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone and relieving the symptoms of menopause. This transdermal hormone replacement therapy may alleviate climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women. .

Comparative study of actinic keratosis treatment with 3% diclofenac sodium and 5% 5-fluorouracil / Estudo comparativo do tratamento de ceratoses actinicas com diclofenaco sodico 3% e 5-fluorouracil 5%

BACKGROUND: Actinic keratosis is a frequent lesion which occurs in sunlight exposed areas. Diclofenac sodium and 5-Fluorouracil are effective, non-invasive and easy-to-apply topical treatment options. OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the effectiveness of 3% diclofenac sodium associated with 2.5% hyaluronic acid and of 5% 5-Fluorouracil for the treatment of actinic keratosis, as well as the patient's degree of satisfaction and tolerability. METHODS: 28 patients with a clinical diagnosis of actinic keratosis were randomized to receive diclofenac sodium or 5-Fluorouracil and were clinically assessed before and after treatment as well as 8 weeks after the end of treatment. Modified versions of the Investigator and Patient Global Improvement Scores were used. RESULTS: The average number of lesions in the diclofenac sodium group before and after treatment was 13.6 and 6.6 (p<0,001), respectively, while it was 17.4 and 3.15 (p<0.001) in the 5-Fluorouracil group. There was a significant reduction in the number of lesions in the 5-Fluorouracil group in relation to the diclofenac sodium group (p<0.001). To the non-blinded physician, there was a higher satisfactory therapeutic response in the 5-Fluorouracil group (p<0.001); to the blinded physician, there was a higher satisfactory response in this same group, although not statistically significant (p=0.09). There was a high degree of satisfaction in both groups (73% in the diclofenac sodium group and 77% in the 5-Fluorouracil group; p=0.827). Regarding adverse effects, the diclofenac sodium group presented a higher degree of satisfaction (93.3% vs 38.4%; p=0.008). Erythema, edema, crusts and itching were significantly higher in the 5-Fluorouracil group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that 5-Fluorouracil was more effective; however, it showed lower tolerability than diclofenac sodium. .

FUNDAMENTOS: Ceratose actínica é uma lesão frequente que ocorre em áreas de exposição solar. Diclofenaco sódico e 5-Fluorouracil são opções de tratamento tópico efetivo, não invasivo e de fácil aplicação. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar e comparar a efetividade do diclofenaco sódico 3% associado ao ácido hialurônico 2,5% e do 5-fluorouracil 5% no tratamento de ceratose actínica, assim como a tolerabilidade e o grau de satisfação do paciente. MÉTODOS: 28 pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de ceratoses actínicas foram randomizados para receber diclofenaco sódico ou 5-fluorouracil e foram avaliados clinicamente antes, ao término e após 8 semanas do tratamento. Utilizou-se o Escore de Melhora Global do Investigador e do Paciente, ambos modificados. RESULTADOS: A média de lesões no grupo do diclofenaco sódico antes e depois do tratamento foi de 13,6 e 6,6 (p<0,001) e no grupo do 5-fluorouracil foi de 17,4 e 3,15 (p<0,001). Houve uma diminuição significativa no número de lesões no grupo do 5-fluorouracil em relação ao grupo do diclofenaco sódico (p<0,001). Para o médico não cegado houve uma resposta terapêutica satisfatoriamente maior no grupo do 5-fluorouracil (p<0,001); para o cegado, houve uma maior resposta nesse mesmo grupo, porém não significativa (p=0,09). Houve alta satisfação com o tratamento em ambos os grupos (73% no diclofenaco sódico e 77% no 5-fluorouracil; p=0,827). Já em relação aos efeitos adversos, o grupo do diclofenaco sódico apresentou taxa de satisfação maior (93,3% vs 38,4%; p=0,008). Eritema, edema, crostas e prurido foram significativamente maiores no tratamento com 5-fluorouracil. CONCLUSÕES: Concluímos que o 5-fluorouracil foi mais efetivo, ...

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp successfully treated with oral prednisone and topical tacrolimus / Dermatose pustular erosiva do couro cabeludo tratada com sucesso com prednisona oral e tacrolimus topico

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp is a rare inflammatory disorder of the scalp, affecting elderly patients after local trauma and leading to scarring or cicatricial alopecia. Case Report: An elderly female patient complained of painful pustules on the parietal region bilaterally with progressive enlargement and ulceration. A biopsy suggested erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp and the patient was treated with prednisone 40 mg/day and 0.1% topical tacrolimus. After 10 weeks complete closure of the eroded areas was observed and a stable scarring alopecia developed.

A dermatose pustular erosiva do couro cabeludo é uma doença inflamatória rara do couro cabeludo, de ocorrência preferencial em pacientes idosos após trauma local e com evolução para alopecia cicatricial. O caso relatado é de uma paciente idosa feminina que iniciou com pústulas dolorosas em região parietal bilateral com aumento das lesões e exulceração local. Após o diagnóstico histológico de dermatose pustular erosiva do couro cabeludo, foi iniciada prednisona 40 mg/dia e tacrolimus 0,1% tópico. Após 10 semanas evoluiu com cicatrização completa das áreas erosadas e alopecia cicatricial.

Topical estradiol does not interfere with the expression of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme in photo exposed skin cells / Estradiol tópico não interfere na expressão da enzima metaloproteinase-1 em células da pele fotoexposta

BACKGROUND: In postmenopausal women there is a rapid destruction of dermal collagen, resulting in accelerated skin ageing, which is manifested by cutaneous atrophy, increased number and depth of wrinkles and sagging. This accelerated catabolism of the collagen is due to estrogen deficiency and increased synthesis of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme, which degrades the dermal collagen. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether the use of topical estradiol 0.05% cream on photo exposed skin can inhibit the expression of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme on the dermis and subsequently the rapid loss of collagen in women after menopause. METHODS: We included 40 postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy. Information about lifestyle, lipid profile, blood glucose level, thyroid hormones, mammography, Pap smear and transvaginal ultrasound were obtained to rule out associated diseases. Skin biopsy of the right preauricular region was performed before and after treatment with topical estradiol 0.05% for 30 days. The biopsy specimens were subjected to immunohistochemistry to identify the expression of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference on the expression of the metalloproteinase-1 enzyme in keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells before and after treatment with topical estradiol for 30 days. CONCLUSION: Treatment with estradiol 0.05% cream, in photo exposed skin for 30 days, does not inhibit the production of metalloproteinase-1.

FUNDAMENTOS: Na pós-menopausa, ocorre rápida destruição do colágeno dérmico, com consequente envelhecimento acelerado da pele, que se expressa com atrofia cutânea, aumento do número e da profundidade das rugas e flacidez. Esse catabolismo acelerado do colágeno ocorre por deficiência estrogênica e aumento na síntese da enzima metaloproteinase-1, que degrada o colágeno dérmico. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar se o uso de estradiol tópico a 0,05% em creme na pele fotoexposta pode inibir a expressão da enzima metaloproteinase-1 na derme e, consequentemente, a perda acelerada do colágeno em mulheres na pósmenopausa. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas 40 mulheres na pós-menopausa sem terapia de reposição hormonal. Informações sobre hábitos de vida, perfil lipídico, níveis glicêmicos, hormônios tireoidianos, mamografia, colpocitologia oncótica e ultrassom transvaginal foram obtidas para excluir doenças associadas. Biópsia de pele da região pré-auricular direita foi realizada antes e após tratamento com estradiol tópico a 0,05% por 30 dias. Os espécimes de biópsia foram submetidos à reação imunoistoquímica para identificar a expressão da enzima metaloproteinase-1. RESULTADOS: Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa na expressão da enzima metaloproteinase-1 em queratinócitos, células endoteliais e fibroblastos da pele antes e após tratamento com estradiol tópico por 30 dias. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com creme contendo estradiol a 0,05% em pele fotoexposta por 30 dias não inibe a produção da enzima metaloproteinase-1.

Informe rápido de contexto: características y prevalencia de la epidermolisis bullosa o ampollar / Rapid context report: characteristics and prevalence of epidermolysis bullosa or blistering

Las autoridades del MINISTERIO DE SALUD DE LA NACION solicitan datos sobre prevalencia, carga de enfermedad y clasificación de la Epidermolisis Bullosa o Ampollar, y sobre programas específicos relacionados. Cuáles son las características de la Epidermolisis Ampollar. A cuántos pacientes afecta. Dentro de qué grupo de enfermedades puede clasificarse? ¿Existen programas o actividades específicas en otros países en relación a la enfermedad.Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos bibliográficas (Trip Data Base, BVS), en bases de datos de literatura médica (Pubmed, Lilacs, Cochrane Data Base), agencias de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias, agencias nacionales e internacionales reguladoras y sistemas nacionales de salud. Se utilizaron como palabras clave "epidermólisis bullosa" "epidermólisis ampollar" " epidemiologia" "incidencia" y "prevalencia (en castellano e inglés).Se utilizaron como criterios de inclusión textos en inglés y español, a los que se pueda tener acceso a texto completo, publicados entre 2005 y 2011. Se consultaron las bases de datos "legisalud" y otras para recabar las normas nacionales. Se excluyeron textos en otro idioma, los que no se pudiera acceder a texto completo y los anteriores a 2005. Se priorizó la inclusión de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias, revisiones sistemáticas y meta análisis, informes de prevalencia y epidemiología y registros de enfermedades raras. Lo que suceda depende de la gravedad de la enfermedad. Las formas leves de la E.B. mejoran con la edad y tienen un pronóstico similar al de la población general. La cicatrización de algunos tipos de epidermólisis ampollosa puede restringir significativamente la movilidad y alterar las actividades diarias. Las formas letales de esta enfermedad tienen una tasa de mortalidad muy alta, y generalmente se asocian al tipo juntural o distrófico recesivo. Dentro de éste último, la causa de muerte más común para los pacientes que llegan a la adolescencia es el carcinoma espinocelular metastásico de la piel. Las personas con epidermólisis ampollosa distrófica recesiva a menudo desarrollan este cáncer de piel entre los 15 a 35 años. Además, el cáncer cutáneo puede ocurrir en cualquier parte de la piel, no es más probable que se presente en áreas expuestas al sol. Otra preocupación en todos los tipos de E.B. son las infecciones a punto de partida de las heridas en la piel, ya que estos pacientes funcionan como quemados en forma crónica y superficial, lo que es muy doloroso e invalidante, porque deben ser sometidos diariamente a largas curaciones. El tratamiento consiste en realizar curaciones con vendas, mallas de vaselina y cremas antibióticas para contrarrestar las infecciones. También se los protege con vendas especiales y se advierte de no usar telas adhesivas porque se quedan con la piel al retirarlas, los recién nacidos deben usar la ropa al revés y ésta debe ser 100% algodón, hay que punzar las ampollas y evitar las infecciones. Para las alteraciones de manos, pies y esófago se realizan cirugías reconstructivas. Se administra hierro y suplemento de vitamina D, ya que estos pacientes no pueden estar expuestos al sol. Se puede recurrir a los injertos de piel. La terapia génica es actualmente la única forma de evitar la enfermedad.8 Es posible realizar un diagnóstico prenatal precoz y la fertilización in vitro. En Argentina existe la Fundación DEBRA Argentina, asociación de pacientes y familiares con E.B. o niños mariposa y los centros de referencia son los servicios de dermatología de los hospitales Gutierrez y Garrahan. La Fundación GEISER es la ONG que nuclea a los pacientes con enfermedades raras y sus familiares en Latinoamérica. En Argentina la E.B. no se encuentra cubierta por el Plan Médico Obligatorio de Emergencia, aunque sí puede obtenerse cobertura mediante la declaración de discapacidad.

Morbilidad asociada al empleo de dispositivos de acceso venoso central en paciente pediátricos onco-hematológocicos / Associated morbidity to central venous access devices use in oncohemathologic patients

Los dispositivos totalmente implantables de acceso venoso central continuoi se comenzaron a emplear en pacientes pediátricos hace 15 años.El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es el de describir la experiencia en el uso de la técnica percutánea de implantación de sistemas de acceso venoso continuo tras cateterizacición de la vena subclavia.Se implantaron 40 sistemas en 38 pacientes durante un periódo de 4 años.Se accedio a vena subclavia mediante punción empleando la técnica de Seldinger.Se registraron el tiempo quirúrgico,la duración del catéter y las complicaciones.En 23 casos el diagnóstico fue leucemia aguda,en 4 casos hemofilia y en otros 11 casos procesos onco-hematológicos diversos.El tiempo medio de seguimiento fue de 30 meses.EL tiempo total de seguimiento fue de 22840 días.La duración media del dispositico fue de 532 días(rango 35-1134)El 20 por ciento presentó algún tipo de complicación.Dos pacientes(5 por ciento del total)precisaron recambio del sistema por desconexión y migración del catéter.En ningún caso se presentó infección del sistema ni bacteriemia o sepsis.El uso de sistemas de acceso venoso central totalmente implantables mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes pediátricos sometidos a tratamiento a largo plazo.Para minimizar las complicaciones el implante debe ser realizado por personal jurídico entrenado en condiciones de asepsia estricta con control fluoroscopico intraoperatorio