[Effectiveness and tolerability of zoledronic acid in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer]. / Efectividad y tolerabilidad del acido zoledrónico en el tratamiento del cancer de próstata metastásico.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of zoledronic acid in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases at the hormone-sensitive (HS) and hormone-independent (HI) stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A nationwide, observational, prospective, open and multi-centre trial was devised, with a total of 218 male patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at the HS stage (36%) or HI stage (64%) who were administered zoledronic acid (4 mg/IV/month for 6 months) in addition to their specific oncological treatment. Effectiveness was assessed by the following means: 1) Assessment of the improvement in pain and mobility; 2) Incidence and time to onset of skeletal-related events (SREs) and 3) Analysis of bone markers. Tolerability was assessed by means of registering the number and type of adverse effects. A satisfaction survey was carried out amongst the patients after the end of the trial. RESULTS: Out of the 218 patients, 170 (78%) were evaluable for effectiveness. A decrease in pain ratings at rest and during movement was observed in all patients, whether in the HS or HI groups (p < 0.0001). Improved mobility was observed likewise (p = 0.005), as was quality of life. The global incidence of skeletal events was 11.2%, with a time to onset of SREs of 10.7 months. There were no significant differences observed between HS vs. HI patients. Osteolysis markers (N-telopeptide) decreased significantly with the treatment across both the HS and HI groups. For safety reasons. 212 patients were evaluable (97.2%). The incidence of adverse drug reactions was 16% (34/212) and was found to be significantly higher in HS patients (22.4%) compared with HI patients (11.9%). Overall, the tolerability of zoledronic acid was good, with no significant morbidity in either group (HS and HI). 66% of the patients reported feeling satisfied or very satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Zoledronic acid proved effective in the relief of pain, improving mobility and quality of life as well as reducing or delaying the occurrence of skeletal-related events in prostate cancer patients presenting metastatic bone disease, regardless of the phase, whether HS or HI, they found themselves in. Tolerability and patient satisfaction were rates as good.

[Splenogonadal fusion. Report of a case]. / Fusion esplenogonadal. Presentación de un caso.

We present a new case of splenogonadal fusion in a 27 years old male. This anomaly is the result of an embryological fusion between gonad and spleen. Occasionally there is an association with other congenital alterations (peromelia). Usually it occurs in the left scrotum and, although described in both sexes, it is more frequent in males. Its only symptom is palpable tumor and this makes the surgical approach the only way to make the diagnosis. A frozen section study can avoid unnecessary radical surgery.

[Accidentally diagnosed hypernephromas. Retrospective study and evaluation of their importance in clinical practice]. / Hipernefromas de diagnóstico accidental. Estudio retrospectivo y evaluación de su importancia en la práctica clinica.

Presentation of a retrospective study on 50 hypernephromas seen in our service, including an evaluation of those that were accidentally diagnosed. Nineteen of these were diagnosed by chance and 9 as a result of other investigations required for the study of a gastrointestinal disease, these studies being in most cases an ultrasound recording. Data obtained with this review allows us to compare these results with those from other authors, as well as to evaluate the relevance of such diagnoses in the daily clinical practice. The study concludes that the fact that these tumours are found in earlier stages is more than enough to raise questions on the way in which we could increase the number of this chance diagnosis.

[Surgical renal biopsies: technique, effectiveness and complications]. / Biopsias renales quirúrgicas: técnica, efectividad y complicaciones.

Retrospective study made on 140 renal surgical biopsies (RSB) performed throughout the past 4 years in our Unit. The technique's effectiveness and morbidity are emphasized and the surgical technique and type of anaesthesia described. The sample obtained was enough to perform an essay in 100% cases, and a diagnosis was reached in 98.5%. Thirty-nine patients (27.8%) presented complications, 13 (9.2%) of which were directly related to the surgical technique. No case required blood transfusion and no deaths were reported. The type of anaesthesia used was: local plus sedation in 104 (74.2%) cases, rachianaesthesia in 10 (7.1%) and general in 26 (18.5%). The same approach was used in all patients: minimal subcostal lumbotomy, using Wilde's forceps to obtain the samples. It is believed that RSB is a highly effective, low mortality procedure, easy and quick to perform, and suitable for selected patients.

[Renal biopsy of nephrologic origin. Report of 283 biopsies]. / Biopsia renal de causa nefrológica. A propósito de 283 biopsias.

Two techniques are utilized for renal biopsy (RB): open renal biopsy (ORB) and percutaneous renal biopsy (PRB). We reviewed 283 renal biopsies: 140 ORBs and 143 PRBs. The number of glomeruli obtained were 34.6 and 13.4, respectively. Sufficient biopsy material for the pathological analyses was obtained in 100% of the ORBs and 91% of the PRBs. These were diagnostic in 98.5% and 91%, respectively. The two groups were significantly different. Patients submitted to ORB had a worse general condition (analytically more uremic and anemic). The creatinine and urea values prior to RB were higher for the complicated ORB group versus the overall ORB group. Statistically, the complicated ORB group is related with hyperpotassemia and hypernatremia. The sodium values were higher and the urea values were lower for the complicated ORB group, although we believe the foregoing findings to have no clinical value. The remaining analytical studies were not different for the groups or subgroups of the present study.

[Cyst of the seminal vesicle associated with renal dysgenesis and ipsilateral ectopic ureter. Apropos of 3 clinical cases]. / Kyste de la vésicule séminale associée à une dysgénésie rénale et à un uretère ectopique ipsilatéral. Présentation de 3 cas cliniques.

We discuss the cystic pathology of seminal vesicles, and its relation with ureteral ectopy, as well as the therapeutic options for both entities. We present our experience in the resolution of three typical cases.

[The therapeutic management of the rupture of a kidney graft]. / Actitud terapéutica ante la rotura del injerto renal.

From a consecutive series of 106 renal transplants, we present our experience on spontaneous renal allograft rupture. This complication appeared in 6 patients, which accounts for 5.6% of the overall group: four patients (66.6%) had acute rejection, two (33.3%) developed thrombosis of the renal vein (one of which coincided with rejection), and rupture was attributed to trauma in one patient (16.6%). Rupture was diagnosed within the first two weeks after transplant in five patients and on day 27 in one patient. The therapeutic approach was determined according to the cause of the rupture. In our view, nephrectomy is warranted in those cases with venous thrombosis and in acute rejection correction of hypovolemia and adequate immunosuppression are essential. Drainage of perirenal hematoma is the first step when conservative surgical treatment is required. We use three-dimensional renal corsetage with polyglycolic acid mesh (PAM) for hemostasis and to prevent expansion and fragmentation of the parenchyma. PAM is easy to handle and covers the kidney completely and uniformly. Two nephrectomies were carried out and in both cases thrombosis of the renal vein was diagnosed. PAM was placed in two cases: one with rejection and the other with trauma. The remaining two patients were managed conservatively due to the good response of rejection to immunosuppressor therapy and the patients response to medical treatment. There were no deaths and complications were observed in only one patient (16.6%). All patients with preserved transplant (66.6%) had a good course and renal function was preserved.

Efectividad y tolerabilidad del ácido zoledrónico en el tratamiento del cancer de próstata metastásico / Effectiveness and tolerability oz zoledronic acid in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer

Objetivos: Evaluar la efectividad y tolerabilidad del ácido zoledrónico en pacientes con cáncer de próstata y metástasis óseas en fase hormono sensible (HS) y hormono independiente (HI). Material y Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de ámbito nacional, observacional, prospectivo, abierto, y multicéntrico, Se incluyeron un total de 218 varones diagnosticados de cáncer de próstata en fase HS (36%) o HI (64%) que recibieron, además del tratamiento oncológico específico, ácido zoledrónico (4 mg/IV/mes durante 6 meses). Se evaluó la efectividad mediante: 1) Evaluación de la mejoría del dolor y movilidad; 2) Incidencia y tiempo de aparición de eventos esqueléticos (TEE); y 3) Análisis de marcadores óseos. La tolerabilidad se estudió registrando el número y tipo de efectos adversos. Se realizó una encuesta de satisfacción al paciente tras finalizar el tratamiento. Resultados: De los 218 pacientes, 170 (78%) fueron evaluables para efectividad. En todos ellos, ya fueran del grupo HS o HI, se observó una disminución de la puntuación del dolor en reposo y en movimiento (p<0,0001), una mejora en la movilidad (p=0,005), y en la calidad de vida. La incidencia global de eventos esqueléticos fue del 11,2%, con un TEE de 10,7 meses. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los pacientes HS respecto a los HI. Los marcadores de osteolisis (N-telopéptido) descendieron significativamente con el tratamiento, tanto en los HS como HI. Para seguridad fueron evaluables 212 pacientes (97,2%). La incidencia de las reacciones adversas fue del 16% (34/212), siendo significativamente mayor en los pacientes HS (22,4%) con respecto a los HI (11,9%). Globalmente la tolerabilidad al ácido zoledrónico fue buena, sin morbilidad significativa entre ambos grupos (HS y HI).Un 66% de los pacientes contestaron sentirse satisfechos o muy satisfechos. Conclusiones: El ácido zoledrónico se mostró eficaz para aliviar el dolor, mejorar la movilidad y aumentar la calidad de vida y reducir o retrasarlos eventos esqueléticos en los pacientes con cáncer de próstata con enfermedad ósea metastásica sintomática, independientemente de la fase, HSo HI en que se encuentren. La tolerabilidad y la satisfacción de los pacientes fue buena (AU)

Objetives: To assess the effectiveness and tolerability of zoledronic acid in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases at the hormone-sensitive (HS) and hormone-independent (HI) stages. Materials and Methods: A nationwide, observational, prospective, open and multi-centre trial was devised, with a total of 218 male patients diagnosed with prostate cancer at the HS stage (36%) or HI stage (64%) who were administered zoledronic acid (4 mg/IV/month for 6 months) in addition to their specific oncological treatment. Effectiveness was assessed by the following means: 1) Assessment of the improvement in pain and mobility; 2) Incidence and time to onset of skeletal-related events (SREs) and 3) Analysis of bone markers. Tolerability was assessed by means of registering the number and type of adverse effects. A satisfaction survey was carried out amongst the patients after the end of the trial. Results: Out of the 218 patients, 170 (78%) were evaluable for effectiveness. A decrease in pain ratings at rest and during movement was observed in all patients, whether in the HS or HI groups (p<0,0001). Improved mobility was observed likewise (p=0,005), as was quality of life. The global incidence of skeletal events was 11.2%, with a time to onset of SREs of 10.7 months. There were no significant differences observed between HS vs. HI patients. Osteolysis markers (N-telopeptide) decreased significantly with the treatment across both the HS and HI groups. For safety reasons, 212 patients were evaluable (97.2%). The incidence of adverse drug reactions was 16% (34/212) and was found to be significantly higher in HS patients (22.4%) compared with HI patients (11.9%). Overall, the tolerability of zoledronic acid was good, with no significant morbidity in either group (HS and HI). 66% of the patients reported feeling satisfied or very satisfied. Conclusions: Zoledronic acid proved effective in the relief of pain, improving mobility and quality of life as well as reducing or delaying the occurrence of skeletal-related events in prostate cancer patients presenting metastatic bone disease, regardless of the phase, whether HS or HI, they found themselves in. Tolerability and patient satisfaction were rates as good (AU)

Fusion esplenogonadal. Presentación de un caso / Splenogonadal fusion. Report of a case

Se presenta un nuevo caso de fusión esplenogonadal en un varón de 27 años. Esta anomalía que resulta la fusión de bazo y gónada a nivel embriológico, se asocia en ocasiones a otras alteraciones congénitas (peromelia). Se presenta con más frecuencia en el escroto izquierdo y aunque descrita en ambos sexos, es diagnosticada con más frecuencia en el sexo masculino. Su importancia clínica radica en que su presentación en forma de tumor suele conducir a la extirpación quirúrgica del mismo. Su reconocimiento a tiempo, (estudio intraoperatorio) puede evitar actuaciones demasiado radicales

We present a new case of splenogonadal fusion in a 27 years old male. This anomaly is the result of an embryological fusion between gonad and spleen. Occasionally there is an association with other congenital alterations (peromelia). Usually it occurs in the left scrotum and, although described in both sexes, it is more frequent in males. Its only symptom is palpable tumor and this makes the surgical approach the only way to make the diagnosis. A frozen section study can avoid unnecessary radical surgery