Melatonin controls experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by altering the T effector/regulatory balance.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the experimental model for multiple sclerosis (MS), is triggered by myelin-specific Th1 and Th17 cells. The immunomodulatory activities of melatonin have been shown to be beneficial under several conditions in which the immune system is exacerbated. Here, we sought to elucidate the basis of the melatonin protective effect on EAE by characterizing the T effector/regulatory responses, particularly those of the memory cell subsets. Melatonin was tested for its effect on Th1, Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) cells in the lymph nodes and CNS of immunodominant peptide of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (pMOG)-immunized and EAE mice, respectively. The capacity of melatonin to ameliorate EAE as well as modifying both T cell response and effector/regulatory balance was surveyed. T cell memory subsets and CD44, a key activation marker involved in the EAE pathogenesis, were also examined. Melatonin protected from EAE by decreasing peripheral and central Th1/Th17 responses and enhancing both the Treg frequency and IL-10 synthesis in the CNS. Melatonin reduced the T effector memory population and its pro-inflammatory response and regulated CD44 expression, which was decreased in T effector cells and increased in Tregs. The alterations in the T cell subpopulations were associated with a reduced mononuclear infiltration (CD4 and CD11b cells) of the melatonin-treated mice CNS. For the first time, we report that melatonin protects against EAE by controlling peripheral and central T effector/regulatory responses, effects that might be partially mediated by CD44. This immunomodulatory effect on EAE suggests that melatonin may represent an effective treatment option for MS.

Melatonin treatment improves primary progressive multiple sclerosis: a case report.

We describe the case of a female patient who, at the age of 28, was diagnosed with symptoms of primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Glucocorticoid treatment was immediately initiated. The disease and the demyelinating lesions progressed during the following 9 years reaching Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) 8.0 (patient essentially restricted to bed, a chair or perambulated in a wheelchair). At this point, the patient began taking melatonin at doses ranging from 50 to 300 mg per day. Melatonin was her only treatment for the next 4 years; during this interval, her EDSS progressively recovered to 6.0 (the person needs intermittent or unilateral constant assistance such as cane, crutch, or brace to walk 100 meters with or without resting). This long-lasting improvement is likely due to melatonin usage since it is related in time and because of its exceptionally long duration.

Fracture of a HTR-PMI cranioplastic implant after severe TBI.

A 13-year-old girl with a large left fronto-parietal hard-tissue replacement patient-matched implant (HTR®-PMI) cranioplasty-since she suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) 6 years ago-had a new severe TBI that detached and fractured the implant as well as caused a left subdural hematoma and a large frontal contusion. The hematoma and contusion were removed and the implant was substituted by a provisional titanium mesh. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported about an HTR®-PMI fracture. It is theorized that the bone ingrowth into the macroporous implants, like those of hydroxyapatite, gives strength and resistance to the implant. But in the case we describe, no macroscopic bone ingrowth was detected 6 years after implantation and the traumatic force that impacted over the cranioplasty exceeded its properties.

Indocyanine green videoangiography "in negative": definition and usefulness in spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae.

PURPOSE: Indocyanine green videoangiography (IGV) has proven its effectiveness in the field of exovascular neurosurgery, both in the intracranial and spinal compartment, but is necessary to define a systematic process for the performance of the IGV to facilitate its interpretation during the procedure. We have defined and applied the concept of videoangiography "in negative" (INIGV) to spinal dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVF) for the detection and treatment of arteriovenous shunts, so called because the first phase is performed with the vessel suggestive of being pathological occluded. METHODS: A Pentero-operating microscope with near-infrared IGV-integrated system (Carl Zeiss Co., Germany) was used. At our institution, 24 patients were treated for a spinal dAVF between 1995 and 2011, only in the last 4 cases, INIGV was performed. RESULTS: We describe the IGV in negative procedure and show the most illustrative cases. In all cases, the fistula occlusion was confirmed by postoperative selective digital subtraction angiography (DSA). INIGV demonstrate its capacity in detecting vessels not actually arterialized that should be respected and avoid some of the main limitations of the conventional IGV. This is a technical description about an Indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiographic procedure modification that is superior to merely performing ICG before and after clipping of a dAVF. CONCLUSION: The INIGV results are rapid and easy to interpret procedure and provide great advantages to the dAVF treatment. Nevertheless, further studies are needed with a larger sample size to determine if INIGV may reduce the need to perform immediate postoperative DSA.

Sarcopenia and Mortality in Older Hemodialysis Patients.

(1) Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength. The aim of this study was to determine the association of sarcopenia, defined according to the Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) diagnostic criteria, with mortality at 24 months in very elderly hemodialysis patients. (2) A prospective study was conducted in 60 patients on chronic hemodialysis who were older than 75 years. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to EWGSOP2 criteria. Additionally, clinical, anthropometric and analytical variables and body composition by bioimpedance were assessed. The date and cause of death were recorded during 2 years of follow-up. (3) Among study participants, 41 (68%) were men, the mean age 81.85 ± 5.58 years and the dialysis vintage was 49.88 ± 40.29 months. The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 75% to 97%, depending on the criteria employed: confirmed sarcopenia ranged from 37 to 40%, and severe sarcopenia ranged from 18 to 37%. A total of 30 (50%) patients died over 24 months. Sarcopenia probability variables were not related to mortality. In contrast, sarcopenia confirmation (appendicular skeletal muscle mass, ASM) and severity (gait speed, GS) variables were associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for all-cause death was 3.03 (1.14-8.08, p = 0.028) for patients fulfilling ASM sarcopenia criteria and 3.29 (1.04-10.39, p = 0.042) for patients fulfilling GS sarcopenia criteria. (4) The diagnosis of sarcopenia by EWGSOP2 criteria is associated with an increased risk of all-cause death in elderly dialysis patients. Specifically, ASM and GS criteria could be used as mortality risk markers in elderly hemodialysis patients. Future studies should address whether the early diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia improve outcomes.

Evaluation of the impact of an intradialytic exercise programme on sarcopaenia in very elderly haemodialysis patients.

Sarcopaenia is a highly prevalent condition in persons on haemodialysis (HD). In stable very elderly (75-95 years old) persons on chronic HD, we prospectively studied the European Working Group on Sarcopaenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) steps stability over time in 37 controls and their response to a 12-week intradialytic lower limb exercise programme in 23 persons. Overall dropout was 15% and the main cause for dropout was death (8%). Thus 33 controls and 18 exercise participants were evaluated at 12 weeks. In controls, comorbidity, nutrition, dependency and frailty scales, anthropometric assessments, EWGSOP2 step values and the prevalence of suspected, confirmed and severe sarcopaenia as assessed by EWGSOP2 remained stable. In contrast, in persons who completed the exercise programme, a significant improvement in the five times sit-to-stand (STS-5) test was noted at the end of the 12-week exercise programme (19.2 ± 4.9-15.9 ± 5.9 seconds; P = .001), consistent with the lower limb nature of the exercise programme, that persisted 12 weeks after completion of the programme. Exercise also improved the Fried frailty scale (1.7 ± 1.0-1.1 ± 0.6; P = .004). In conclusion, EWGSOP2 steps remain stable in stable very elderly persons on HD and STS-5 is responsive to a short-term intradialytic lower limb exercise programme. These results may help define EWGSOP2-based primary endpoints in future large-scale clinical trials assessing exercise interventions.

Sarcopenia assessed by 4-step EWGSOP2 in elderly hemodialysis patients: Feasibility and limitations.

BACKGROUND: In 2019, EWGSOP2 proposed 4 steps to diagnose and assess sarcopenia. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP2 diagnostic algorithm and to assess its applicability in elderly patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: Prospective study of 60 outpatients on chronic hemodialysis aged 75- to 95-years, sarcopenia was assessed according to the 4-step EWGSOP2: Find: Strength, Assistance walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, and Falls (SARC-F); Assess: grip strength by dynamometry (GSD) and sit to stand to sit 5 (STS5); Confirm: appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) by bioimpedance; Severity: gait speed (GS), Timed-Up and Go (TUG), and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). RESULTS: The sequential four steps resulted in a prevalence of confirmed or severe sarcopenia of 20%. Most (97%) patients fulfilled at least one criterion for probable sarcopenia. The sensitivity of SARC-F for confirmed sarcopenia was low (46%). Skipping the SARC-F step increased the prevalence of confirmed and severe sarcopenia to 40% and 37%, respectively. However, 78% of all patients had evidence of dynapenia consistent with severe sarcopenia. Muscle mass (ASM) was normal in 60% of patients, while only 25% had normal muscle strength values (GSD). CONCLUSIONS: According to the 4-step EWGSOP2, the prevalence of confirmed or severe sarcopenia was low in elderly hemodialysis patients. The diagnosis of confirmed sarcopenia underestimated the prevalence of dynapenia consistent with severe sarcopenia. Future studies should address whether a 2-step EWGSOP2 assessment (Assess-Severity) is simpler to apply and may provide better prognostic information than 4-step EWGSOP2 in elderly persons on hemodialysis.

Validation of the inverse method for the determination of the access flow with thermodilution.

INTRODUCTION: Thermodiluction is a widely used method for measuring vascular access flow (QA). Among the possibilities of TD, the reverse method (MI) can be beneficial in the execution time, without impact on the dialysis efficacy (Kt). However, it is not a sufficiently studied technique. METHOD: Transversal study of 117 arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). Two QA measurements were taken with the method described by the manufacturer (MR) and another with MI. MI is bases in the obtention of an inverted recirculation registry at the beginning of the session and a single subsequent recirculation measurement with the lines in normal position. In the concordance analysis, the Bland-Altman method and Cohen's Kappa index were used. RESULTS: Very good concordance between MR and MI was evidenced for QA below 700 ml/min, but it worsens as flow increases. The median variability between the MR measurements (intra-method variability) was 3.4% (-17.13). This value did not differ from the median variability generated between MR and MI (inter-method variability), which was 2% (-14, 12) (P = 0.287). The degree of agreement between the two to identify AVFs susceptible to intervention was very good (K = 0.834). The time spent using the MI was significantly shorter (P = 0.000) without evidence of variations in the Kt of the measurement sessions (P = 0.201). CONCLUSIONS: The thermodiluction MI is valid to determine the flow of the vascular access, especially in Qa lower than 700 ml/min, with great time savings, simplification of the procedure and without modifying the dialysis efficiency. The variability between the measurement by MR and MI is similar to that of MR. The concordance between methods in identifying potentially pathological AVFs is very good.

Acute paraplegia after chiropraxis.

Spinal manipulation is a form of back and other musculoskeletal pain treatment that often involves a high-velocity thrust, a technique in which the joints are adjusted rapidly. The main objective of chiropractors is to correct spinal malalignment and relieve the nerves, allowing them to function optimally (Ernst In: Expert Rev Neurother 7:1451-1452, 2007; Oppenheim et al. In: Spine J 5:660-666, 2005). The evidence for the effectiveness of this treatment based on randomized clinical trials still remains uncertain (Cassidy et al. In: Spine 33(4 suppl): S176-S183, 2008; Dupeyron et al. In: Ann Readapt Med Phys 46:33-40, 2003; Ernst et al. In: Expert Rev Neurother 7:1451-1452, 2007; Hurwitz et al. In: J Manipulative Physiol Ther 27:16-25, 2007; Thiel et al. In: Spine 32: 2375-2378, 2007). Several case reports and series have been focusing on the risks of chiropraxis, especially on the cervical spine, although the risk/benefit ratio for certain selected patients could be acceptable (Powell et al.In: Neurosurgery 33:73-78, 1993). We describe the case of a 45-year-old woman who suffered complete paraplegia shortly after a chiropractic maneuver in the thoracic spine. Dorsal CT showed a calcified disc herniation at the T8-T9 level and MRI revealed a diffuse spinal cord ischemia from T6 to the conus medullaris without spinal cord compression at the level of herniation. Despite a normal arteriography, authors suggest a vascular injury as the cause of the deficit.

Validation of the inverse method for the determination of the access flow with thermodilution. / Validación del método inverso para la determinación del flujo de acceso con termodilución.

INTRODUCTION: Thermodilution is a widely used method for measuring vascular access flow (QA). Among the possibilities of thermodilution, the reverse method (RM) can be beneficial in the execution time, without impact on the dialysis efficacy (Kt). However, it is not a sufficiently studied technique. METHOD: Transversal study of 117 arteriovenous fistulas. Two QA measurements were taken with the method described by the manufacturer (MR) and another with RM. RM is based on the obtention of an inverted recirculation registry at the beginning of the session and a single subsequent recirculation measurement with the lines in normal position. In the concordance analysis, the Bland-Altman method and Cohen's Kappa index were used. RESULTS: Very good concordance between MR and RM was evidenced for QA below 700ml/min, but it worsens as flow increases. The median variability between the MR measurements (intra-method variability) was 3.4% (-17.13). This value did not differ from the median variability generated between MR and RM (inter-method variability), which was 2% (-14,12) (P=.287). The degree of agreement between the 2 to identify arteriovenous fistulas susceptible to intervention was very good (Kappa=0.834). The time spent using the RM was significantly shorter (P=.000) without evidence of variations in the Kt of the measurement sessions (P=.201). CONCLUSIONS: The thermodilution RM is valid to determine the flow of the vascular access, especially in QA lower than 700ml/min, with great time savings, simplification of the procedure and without modifying the dialysis efficiency. The variability between the measurement by MR and RM is similar to that of MR. The concordance between methods in identifying potentially pathological arteriovenous fistulas is very good.

Seasonal Variations in Macrophages/Microglia Underlie Changes in the Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis Severity.

Both immune and neurodegenerative mechanisms underlie multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). MS/EAE are triggered by encephalitogenic immune cells, including Th1 and Th17 cells, whereas T regulatory (Treg) cells are involved in inflammation resolution. Pro-inflammatory macrophages/microglia also play a deleterious role in the disease. Seasonal variations in MS relapses, active lesions, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels have been described in MS patients and have been related with both perinatal and adult exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. However, some data in EAE mice suggest that these variations might be, at least partially, endogenously determined. Thus, our objective was to study the effect of the season of birth and disease induction on the course of EAE, and immune cell infiltration in the central nervous system (CNS) in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55)-induced EAE in 8 weeks old, female C57BL/6N mice maintained under constant, controlled conditions. EAE severity as well as pathogenic (Th1, Th17, macrophages/microglia) and protective (Treg) subsets was found to vary according to the season of birth or of EAE induction. Summer-born or summer-immunized animals developed a milder disease, which coincided with variations in numbers of T effector/regulatory subsets, and significantly low numbers of macrophages/microglia. These results suggest that endogenous rhythms in immune responses might cause seasonal variations in EAE severity, and, maybe, in the course of MS, and that they might be related to macrophages/microglia.

Spinal cord lipoma without dysraphism in the infancy that extends intracranially. Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Spinal intramedullary lipoma extending to the posterior fossa is very rare in children. We made a revision of the literature and report the diverse opinions and surgical procedures. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a 16-month-old male infant who was operated on in the Pediatric Neurosurgical Unit of our hospital; his clinical and surgical outcome are related. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary lipoma of the spinal cord with intracranial extension in infancy is a very rare pathology reported in the literature. Our patient was treated with decompression and subtotal removal; he had a critical postoperative course but was recovering slowly after that. Most authors prefer incomplete resection because these lesions do not have a clear-cut margin. Another neurosurgeon performed a decompression only, without resection. Some authors performed the surgical treatment before symptom progression. Another surgeon reported that the surgical indication is debatable when the neurologic manifestations are poor or absent. The surgical indication and the strategy for treatment are controversial and they depend on the clinical situations of the patients.

Modified "Extended" Suboccipital Subtonsillar Clipping of a Ruptured Proximal Pica Aneurysm: Technical Note with Relevant Anatomical Demonstration.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Lesions located lateral to the lower brainstem, such as proximal posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms, are surgically challenging. We report a case of a patient with a left proximal PICA aneurysm that was successfully clipped via a so-called "extended" suboccipital subtonsillar approach, which allowed us to obtain proper vascular control without removal of the atlas. The anatomy relevant for this approach has been studied. METHODS: Three adult cadaveric heads were studied. The relevant neurovascular anatomy related to this approach was exposed. Hence, this technique was applied on the patient herewith reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old man with sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, and vomiting was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography of the brain showed diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage, mainly distributed at the level of the perimesencephalic cisterns. Cerebral angiography revealed a 3-mm aneurysm arising at the origin of the left PICA. The aneurysm was considered unsuitable for coil embolization, so it was treated via a "modified" posterolateral suboccipital subtonsillar route. The modification consisted of accomplishing proper proximal vascular control at the extracranial segment of the vertebral artery (V3), without the need of further removal of the posterior portion of the atlas. The patient was discharged neurologically intact. CONCLUSIONS: The technique we suggested allowed no unnecessary removal of bone, with no need to drill the occipital condyle or remove the atlas, offered proper proximal vascular control in the early stage of the surgical procedure, and limited the quantity of temporary vascular clips inside the intracranial surgical field.

Clasificación funcional del paciente anciano en hemodiálisis y su influencia en la individualización del tratamiento / Functional classification of the elderly haemodialysis patient and its influence on individualisation of treatment

Introducción: La edad de los pacientes en hemodiálisis está aumentando, presentando mayor deterioro.Objetivos: Conocer la situación del paciente ancia­no en hemodiálisis categorizando nuestra población. Ana­lizar la relación entre las escalas de funcio­nalidad, desnutrición y comorbilidad.Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal, pacien­tes 75-95 años. Se midieron: a) Comorbilidad-CHARLSON: alta (>6 puntos). b) Nutrición-MISS: extremadamente des­nutrido (<10 puntos.); desnutrición muy severa (>7-10 puntos); moderada-severa (>5-7 puntos); leve-moderada (>2-5 puntos); normonutrido (<2 puntos); c) Dependencia-BAR­THEL, independiente (100 puntos); dependencia leve (91-99 puntos); moderada (61-90 puntos.); severa (21-60 puntos.); total (<20 puntos). d) Fragilidad-FRAIL, no fragilidad (0 puntos); prefrágil (1-2 puntos); frágil (>3 puntos).Resultados: 60 pacientes, 68%(41) hom­bres, edad media 81,85±5,58 años y tiempo HD 49,88±40,29 meses. Etiología más prevalente, diabe­tes mellitus (28%). MIS: 6,01±3,80 puntos. clasificándose 8(13%) normonu­tridos, 24(40%) desnutrición leve-moderada, 10(17%) desnutrición moderada-severa, 13(22%) desnutrición muy severa y 5(8%) extremadamente desnutridos. BARTHEL: 88,16±18,59 puntos, clasificó 32(53%) independientes, 6(10%) dependencia leve, 17(28%) dependencia modera­da, 4(7%) dependencia severa, 1(2%) dependencia total. FRAIL: 1,98±1,32 puntos, clasificó 10(17%) no frágiles, 31(51%) prefrágiles y 19(32%) frágiles. CHARLSON: 10,01±2,20 puntos. Presentando 60(100%) alta comorbilidad. CHARLSON presentó diferencias entre sexo, mayor en hombres (p=0,002). Se encontró alta correlación entre Barthel y Frail (r=0,647,p<0,001), moderada entre MIS y Barthel (r=0,556, p<0,001) y MIS y Frail (r=0,455,p<0,001). Charlson obtuvo peor correlación. (AU)

Objectives:To know the situation of the elderly patient on hemodialysis, categorizing our population. Analyze the rela-tionship between the scales of functionality, malnutrition and comorbidity.Method:Cross-sectional descriptive study, patients 75-95 years old. Were measured: a) Comorbidity-CHARLSON: high (>6 points). b) Nutrition-MISS: extremely malnourished (<10 points); very severe malnutrition (>7-10 points); mo-derate-severe (>5-7 points); mild-moderate (>2-5 points); normonourished (<2 points); c) Dependence-BARTHEL, in-dependent (100 points); dependency level (91-99 points); moderate (61-90 points); severe (21-60 points); totals (<20 points). d) Frailty-FRAIL, without frailty (0 points); prefragile (1-2 points); fragile (>3 points). Results:60 patients, 68% (41) men, mean age 81.85±5.58 years and HD time 49.88±40.29 months. Most prevalent etio-logy, diabetes mellitus (28%). MIS: 6.01±3.80 points. classifying 8 (13%) as normonourished, 24 (40%) as mild-moderate mal-nutrition, 10 (17%) as moderate-severe malnutrition, 13 (22%) as very severe malnutrition, and 5 (8%) as extremely malnou-rished. BARTHEL: 88.16±18.59 points, classified 32 (53%) in-dependent, 6 (10%) mild dependence, 17 (28%) moderate de-pendence, 4 (7%) severe dependence, 1 (2%) dependence total. FRAGILE: 1.98±1.32pts, classified 10 (17%) non-frail, 31 (51%) pre-frail and 19 (32%) frail. CHARLSON: 10.01±2.20 points. Presenting 60 (100%) high comorbidity. CHARLSON presented differences between sex, higher in men (p=0.002). High coinci-dence was found between Barthel and Frail (r=0.647, p<0.001), moderate between MIS and Barthel (r=0.556, p<0.001) and MIS and Frail (r=0.455, p<0.001). Charlson was the scale with the worst correlation.Conclusions:The results showed a great general deteriora-tion of elderly patients on dialysis, highlighting the need for individualised treatments focused on their recovery, inclu-ding the dialysis technique itself. (AU)

Validación del método inverso para la determinación del flujo de acceso con termodilución / Validation of the inverse method for the determination of the access flow with thermodilution

Introducción: La termodilución es un método ampliamente usado para la medición del flujo de acceso vascular (QA). Entre las posibilidades de la termodilución, el método inverso (MI) puede ser beneficioso en el tiempo de ejecución, sin repercusión en la eficacia dialítica (Kt). Sin embargo, no es una técnica lo suficientemente estudiada.MétodoEstudio transversal sobre 117 fístulas arteriovenosas. Se realizaron 2 mediciones de QA con el método descrito por el fabricante (MR) y otra con MI. El MI se basa en la obtención del registro de recirculación invertida al iniciar la sesión y una única medición posterior de recirculación con las líneas en posición normal. En el análisis de concordancia se utilizó el método Bland-Altman y el índice kappa de Cohen.ResultadosSe evidenció muy buena concordancia entre MR y MI para QA inferiores a 700ml/min, pero empeora a medida que aumenta el flujo. La variabilidad mediana entre las mediciones con MR (variabilidad intramétodo) fue del 3,4% (−17,13). Este valor no difirió de la variabilidad mediana generada entre MR y MI (variabilidad intermétodo), que fue del 2% (−14,12) (p=0,287). El grado de acuerdo entre ambos para identificar fístulas arteriovenosas susceptibles de intervención fue muy bueno (kappa=0,834). El tiempo empleado utilizando el MI fue significativamente menor (p=0,000), sin evidenciarse variaciones en el Kt de las sesiones de medida (p=0,201).ConclusionesEl MI de termodilución es válido para determinar el flujo del acceso vascular, especialmente en QA inferiores a 700ml/min, con gran ahorro de tiempo, simplificación del procedimiento y sin modificar la eficacia de diálisis. La variabilidad entre la medición por MR y MI es similar a la propia del MR. La concordancia entre métodos a la hora de identificar fístulas arteriovenosas potencialmente patológicas es muy buena. (AU)

Introduction: Thermodilution is a widely used method for measuring vascular access flow (QA). Among the possibilities of thermodilution, the reverse method (RM) can be beneficial in the execution time, without impact on the dialysis efficacy (Kt). However, it is not a sufficiently studied technique.MethodTransversal study of 117 arteriovenous fistulas. Two QA measurements were taken with the method described by the manufacturer (MR) and another with RM. RM is based on the obtention of an inverted recirculation registry at the beginning of the session and a single subsequent recirculation measurement with the lines in normal position. In the concordance analysis, the Bland-Altman method and Cohen's Kappa index were used.ResultsVery good concordance between MR and RM was evidenced for QA below 700ml/min, but it worsens as flow increases. The median variability between the MR measurements (intra-method variability) was 3.4% (−17.13). This value did not differ from the median variability generated between MR and RM (inter-method variability), which was 2% (−14,12) (P=.287). The degree of agreement between the 2 to identify arteriovenous fistulas susceptible to intervention was very good (Kappa=0.834). The time spent using the RM was significantly shorter (P=.000) without evidence of variations in the Kt of the measurement sessions (P=.201).ConclusionsThe thermodilution RM is valid to determine the flow of the vascular access, especially in QA lower than 700ml/min, with great time savings, simplification of the procedure and without modifying the dialysis efficiency. The variability between the measurement by MR and RM is similar to that of MR. The concordance between methods in identifying potentially pathological arteriovenous fistulas is very good. (AU)

Variabilidad intramétodo en medidas del flujo del acceso vascular con termodilución: ¿Un enemigo en los programas de seguimiento? / Intra-method variability in the measurements of vascular access using the thermodilution technique: an enemy in follow-up programs?

OBJETIVO: Analizar el impacto de la variabilidad intramétodo de la Termodilución (TD) en las medidas prospectivas de flujo de acceso (QA) y su relación con los parámetros de seguimiento de primera generación. MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo. Se realizaron 2 mediciones consecutivas de QA (M1 y M2) y un seguimiento (M3) en 6 meses. Se recogieron datos demográficos y parámetros de seguimiento de primera generación. RESULTADO: Se analizaron 112 fistulas arteriovenosas (-FAV). La mediana de la variabilidad generada entre M1 y M2 no difiere del porcentaje de variación de QA a los 6 meses (p = 0,123). En el 16,8% (14) de los pacientes el QA ha disminuido más del 25% y en un 28,9% (24) aumentó más del 25%. Se evidenció una ligera tendencia a aumentar el porcentaje de descenso de QAa medida que el flujo de las fístulas es mayor (r=-0,229; p = 0,006). Por otra parte, un descenso de QA superior al 25% no se asoció a menor dosis de diálisis (p = 0,183), ni ha aumento significativo de la presión venosa dinámica (p = 0,823) ni al aumento de incidencias durante la punción (p = 0,823). CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de pacientes con aumento de flujo superior a la variabilidad intramétodo y la no asociación entre un descenso superior al 25% y cambios en otros parámetros de seguimiento, hace sospechar la presencia de errores de medición de QA. Frente a ello es conveniente el uso combinado con métodos de primera generación, tanto para establecer el QA basal como para interpretar los descensos en el seguimiento

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the intra-method variability of thermodilution (TD) in the prospective measurements of the access flow (QA) and the relationship with the first-generation monitoring parameters. METHOD: Prospective study. Two consecutive QAmeasurements (M1 and M2) and a 6-month follow-up (M3) were performed. Demographic data and first-generation follow-up parameters were collected. RESULT: 112 arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) were analyzed. The median variability generated between M1 and M2 does not differ from the percentage of QAvariation at 6 months (p = 0.123). In 16.8% (14) of the patients the QA has decreased by more than 25% and in 28.9% (24) it increased by more than 25%. A slight tendency to increase the percentage of decrease in QA when the fistula flow was higher was evidenced (r=-0.229; p = 0.006). On the other hand, a decrease in QA greater than 25% was not associated with a lower dose of dialysis (p = 0.183), nor did it have a significant increase in dynamic venous pressure (p = 0.823) or an increase in incidences during puncture (p = 0.823). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of patients with an increase in flow greater than the intra-method variability, and the non-association between a decrease greater than 25% and changes in other follow-up parameters, raises suspicions about the presence of QA measurement errors. In relation to this, the combined use with first-generation methods is convenient, both to establish the baseline QA and to interpret the decreases in follow-up

Postoperative epidural hematoma contributes to delayed upper cord tethering after decompression of Chiari malformation type I.

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic arachnoiditis after posterior fossa surgical procedures such as decompression of Chiari malformation is a possible complication. Clinical presentation is generally insidious and delayed by months or years. It causes disturbances in the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid and enlargement of a syrinx cavity in the upper spinal cord. Surgical de-tethering has favorable results with progressive collapse of the syrinx and relief of the associated symptoms. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 30-year-old male with Chiari malformation type I was treated by performing posterior fossa bone decompression, dura opening and closure with a suturable bovine pericardium dural graft. Postoperative period was uneventful until the fifth day in which the patient suffered intense headache and progressive loose of consciousness caused by an acute posterior fossa epidural hematoma. It was quickly removed with complete clinical recovering. One year later, the patient experienced progressive worsened of his symptoms. Upper spinal cord tethering was diagnosed and a new surgery for debridement was required. CONCLUSIONS: The epidural hematoma compressing the dural graft against the neural structures contributes to the upper spinal cord tethering and represents a nondescribed cause of postoperative fibrosis, adhesion formation, and subsequent recurrent hindbrain compression.

Actuación de enfermería ante un paciente con infección aguda por el virus de la hepatitis C en hemodiálisis en tratamiento con antivirales de acción directa / No disponible

No disponible

Efecto de la dirección de la aguja arterial en la medición del flujo del acceso vascular con métodos dilucionales / Effect of the direction of the arterial needle in the measurement of vascular access flow with dilutional methods

Introducción: La medida del flujo del acceso vascular a través de métodos dilucionales exige la punción retrograda de la aguja arterial. Las últimas recomendaciones de canalización del acceso defienden la punción anterógrada. Objetivo: Cuantificar el error de medición producido por la punción anterógrada y analizar su repercusión clínica. Material y Método: Estudio transversal multicéntrico. Se analizaron medidas de flujo con Termodilución y Ultrasonografia dilucional en punciones anterógradas y retrogradas. Se utilizó el método Bland-Altman, el coeficiente de correlación intraclase y el índice Kappa para contraste con Eco-Doppler. Resultados: Se analizaron 37 fístulas. La punción anterógrada respecto a la retrograda generó medidas que sobrestimaban su diagnóstico en un 65% con Termodilución y 59% con Ultrasonografia Dilucional. El coeficiente de correlación intraclase fue 0,831 para Termodilución y 0,724 para Ultrasonografía Dilucional. El grado de acuerdo clínico entre ambos modos de punción para catalogar a las fístulas con flujo menor de 500ml/min fue del 95% (Índice Kappa=0,841) para Termodilución y del 91% (Índice Kappa=0,760) para Ultrasonografía Dilucional. El grado de acuerdo con Eco-Doppler fue del 86% (Índice Kappa=0.586) y 92% (Índice Kappa=0.720) con Termodilución y Ultrasonografía Dilucional del 78% (Índice Kappa=0.349) y 81% (Índice Kappa=0.400) utilizando la punción anterógrada y retrograda respectivamente. Conclusión: La punción anterógrada presenta un sesgo significativo incrementándose en flujos altos. Clínicamente, el grado de concordancia con ambos métodos dilucionales en los distintos tipos de punción y Eco-Dopler es bueno para descarte de intervención (AU)

Introduction: Measurement of vascular access flow through dilutional methods requires retrograde puncture of the arterial needle. The latest cannulation recommendations defend the antegrade puncture. Aim: Quantify the measurement error due to the anterograde puncture and analyse its clinical repercussion. Material and Method: Multicentric cross-sectional study. Flow measurements were analysed with Termodilution and dilutional Ultrasonography in antegrade and retrograde punctures. We used the Bland-Altman method, the intraclass correlation coefficient and the Kappa index for contrast with Eco-Doppler. Results: Thirty-seven fistulas were analysed. The anterograde puncture with respect to the retrograde one generated measures that overestimated the diagnosis by 65% with Thermodilution and 59% with Dilutional Ultrasonography. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.831 for Thermodilution and 0.724 for Dilutional Ultrasonography. The degree of clinical agreement between both types of puncture, to classify fistulas with flow less than 500ml/min, was 95% (Kappa Index = 0.841) for Thermodilution and 91% (Kappa Index = 0.760) for Dilutional Ultrasonography. The degree of agreement, according to the antegrade and retrograde puncture (respectively), with Eco-Doppler was 86% (Kappa Index=0.586) and 92% (Kappa Index=0.720); and with Termodilution and Dilutional Ultrasonography of 78% (Kappa Index=0.349) and 81% (Kappa Index=0.400). Conclusions: The anterograde puncture presents a significant bias increasing in high flows. Clinically, the degree of agreement with both dilutional methods in different types of puncture and Eco-Doppler indicate a good tool as a discarding intervention (AU)

Evaluación de la efectividad y satisfacción del apósito con Gluconato de Clorhexidina 3M(TM) Tegaderm(TM) en el cuidado del catéter central tunelizado para hemodiálisis / Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of 3M(TM) Tegaderm(TM) chlorhexidine gluconate dressing in the care of the central vascular catheter tunneled for hemodialysis

Introducción: Son múltiples los métodos y materiales utilizados para el manejo del orificio de inserción del catéter venoso central tunelizado para hemodiálisis con el fin de prevenir infecciones asociadas a su uso. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el uso del Apósito con Gluconato de Clorhexidina 3M™ Tegaderm™ con respeto al Apósito formado por gasa y esparadrapo en la cura del orificio de inserción del catéter tunelizado para hemodiálisis. Material y método: Se ha llevado a cabo un estudio prospectivo durante 32 semanas en el que se han incluido 9 pacientes portadores de catéter venoso central tunelizado. Se han recogido datos referentes al estado del orificio de inserción del catéter, del túnel, de la zonza colindante, aplicabilidad del material, satisfacción del paciente, percepción del profesional y costes. Resultados: No se ha evidenciado diferencias en la eficacia para la prevención de infecciones entre ambos apósitos. En el análisis de satisfacción, se constata una mayor percepción de seguridad con el uso del apósito con clorhexidina además de una reducción de coste de la técnica. Discusión: Basándonos en los costes, satisfacción del paciente y en la percepción del personal de enfermería responsable de la técnica, el Apósito con Gluconato de Clorhexidina es una buena alternativa para el cuidado del orificio de inserción del catéter tunelizado para hemodiálisis (AU)

Introduction: There are multiple methods and materials used for handling the insertion hole of the central venous catheter tunneled for hemodialysis, in order to prevent infection associated with their use. The aim of this study is to analyze the use of 3M™ Tegaderm™ CHG dressing with respect to the dressing formed by gauze and tape in the cure of insertion hole of the tunneled hemodialysis catheter. Material and methods: A prospective study for 32 weeks was conducted, in which 9 patients with central venous catheter tunneled were included. Data on the state of: catheter insertion hole, tunnel, neighboring area, applicability of the material, patient satisfaction, perception of professional and costs were collected Results: No significant difference in efficacy for the prevention of infections between the two dressings was found. In the analysis of satisfaction a greater perception of safety with the use of the dressing with chlorhexidine was observed as well as a reduction of cost of the technique. Discussion: Based on cost, patient satisfaction and perception of the nursing staff responsible for the technique, the dressing with chlorhexidine gluconate is a good alternative for the cure of insertion hole of the tunneled hemodialysis catheter (AU)