B-Box transcription factor BBX28 requires CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS1 to induce shade-avoidance response in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Shade avoidance syndrome is an important adaptive strategy. Under shade, major transcriptional rearrangements underlie the reallocation of resources to elongate vegetative structures and redefine the plant architecture to compete for photosynthesis. BBX28 is a B-box transcription factor involved in seedling de-etiolation and flowering in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), but its function in shade-avoidance response is completely unknown. Here, we studied the function of BBX28 using two mutant and two transgenic lines of Arabidopsis exposed to white light and simulated shade conditions. We found that BBX28 promotes hypocotyl growth under shade through the phytochrome system by perceiving the reduction of red photons but not the reduction of photosynthetically active radiation or blue photons. We demonstrated that hypocotyl growth under shade is sustained by the protein accumulation of BBX28 in the nuclei in a CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS1 (COP1)-dependent manner at the end of the photoperiod. BBX28 up-regulates the expression of transcription factor- and auxin-related genes, thereby promoting hypocotyl growth under prolonged shade. Overall, our results suggest the role of BBX28 in COP1 signaling to sustain the shade-avoidance response and extend the well-known participation of other members of BBX transcription factors for fine-tuning plant growth under shade.

Biocontrol of L. monocytogenes with Selected Autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria in Raw Milk Soft-Ripened Cheese under Different Water Activity Conditions.

The effect of selected autochthonous Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) against Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated in two elaborations of soft-ripened cheese performed under high and low relative humidity (RH) elaborations, to achieve aw ranging from 0.97 to 0.94 in ripened cheeses. Two selected autochthonous strains of Lacticaseibacillus casei 31 and 116 were used. In each elaboration, 8 batches were physicochemically and microbiologically evaluated throughout the ripening process. The aw and pH decreased during ripening to final values ranging from 0.944 to 0.972 aw and 5.0 to 5.3 pH, respectively. LAB was the only microbial group that increased throughout the ripening in high and low RH elaborations. In batches that were uninoculated with LAB strains, L. monocytogenes was either maintained at the initial inoculation level or showed a slight reduction by the end of the ripening process. However, in LAB-inoculated batches in the two elaborations, steady decreases of L. monocytogenes were observed throughout maturation. L. casei 31 alone or in combination with strain 116 provoked reductions of 2 to 4 log CFU/g in L. monocytogenes over 60 days of ripening, which could be enough as a strategy for biocontrol to deal with the usual contamination by L. monocytogenes during cheese processing.

Mortality Rate and Acute Kidney Injury Prevalence Reduction in COVID-19 Critical Patients Treated with Hemoperfusion.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induces organic damage mainly through the patient's immune overreaction. Hemoperfusion (HPF) can remove inflammatory cytokines and can reduce the negative effects of cytokine storm in COVID-19. We compared the mortality rate, inflammatory response, and acute kidney injury (AKI) prevalence among patients suffering from respiratory insufficiency secondary to COVID-19 treated with and without HPF with HA330 cartridge. Methods: Mortality rate, serum creatinine, and ferritin values were compared between patients suffering from respiratory insufficiency secondary to COVID-19 who received conventional treatment and another group of patients who additionally received four sessions of HPF with HA330. Results: Of 116 patients suffering from acute respiratory insufficiency secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), one group (n: 84) received support treatment and the other group (n: 32) additionally received HPF with HA330 cartridge. Both groups had no renal disease and similar age and comorbidities at admission, except for obesity and mechanical ventilation requirement, which were significantly higher in the HPF group. Mortality rate (61% vs. 31%, P: 0.008), serum creatinine (1.4 vs. 0.5 mg/dl, P < 0.001), and post-HPF serum ferritin (2868 vs. 1675, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the HPF group. Conclusion: Mortality rate, serum ferritin, and AKI were significantly reduced in critical COVID-19 patients who received HPF with HA330 cartridge than in those who did not receive it. These results were obtained despite the HPF group risk factors, such as obesity and mechanical ventilation, worsening its prognosis.

Spatially Preserved Multi-Region Transcriptomic Subtyping and Biomarkers of Chemoimmunotherapy Outcome in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer.

PURPOSE: Transcriptomic subtyping holds promise for personalized therapy in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). In this study, we aimed to assess intratumoral transcriptomic subtype diversity and to identify biomarkers of long-term chemoimmunotherapy benefit in human ES-SCLC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We analyzed tumor samples from 58 patients with ES-SCLC enrolled in two multicenter single-arm phase IIIb studies evaluating frontline chemoimmunotherapy in Spain: n = 32 from the IMfirst trial and n = 26 from the CANTABRICO trial. We used the GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler system to perform multi-region transcriptomic analysis. For subtype classification, we performed hierarchical clustering using the relative expression of ASCL1 (SCLC-A), NEUROD1 (SCLC-N), POU2F3 (SCLC-P), and YAP1 (SCLC-Y). RESULTS: Subtype distribution was found to be similar between bothcohorts, except for SCLC-P, which was not identified in the CANTABRICO_DSP cohort. A total of 44% of the patients in both cohorts had tumors with multiple coexisting transcriptional subtypes. Transcriptional subtypes or subtype heterogeneity was not associated with outcomes. Most potential targets did not show subtype-specific expression. Consistently in both cohorts, tumors from patients with long-term benefit (time to progression ≥12 months) contained an IFNγ-dominated mRNA profile, including enhanced capacity for antigen presentation. Hypoxia and glycolytic pathways were associated with resistance to chemoimmunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This work suggests that intratumoral heterogeneity, inconsistent association with outcome, and unclear subtype-specific target expression might be significant challenges for subtype-based precision oncology in SCLC. Preexisting IFNγ-driven immunity and mitochondrial metabolism seem to be correlates of long-term efficacy in this study, although the absence of a chemotherapy control arm precludes concluding that these are predictive features specific for immunotherapy.

Mucosectomía endoscópica para cáncer gástrico temprano: una alternativa vigente / Endoscopic mucosal resection for early gastric cancer: A current alternative

Resumen La mucosectomía endoscópica ha probado ser una alternativa efectiva para el tratamiento del cáncer gástrico temprano; sin embargo, se requiere de un seguimiento estricto para asegurar una conducta de manejo adecuada en caso de recurrencia. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 54 años, con hallazgo incidental de un carcinoma gástrico temprano, a quien se le realizó mucosectomía endoscópica, con un reporte final de histopatología compatible con adenocarcinoma gástrico temprano y márgenes de resección negativos, con un seguimiento endoscópico e histopatológico a 2 meses negativos para malignidad.

Abstract Endoscopic mucosal resection has proven to be an effective alternative for the treatment of early gastric cancer. However, strict follow-up is necessary to ensure adequate management in the event of recurrence. This is the case of a 54-year-old patient with an incidental finding of early gastric carcinoma. He underwent endoscopic mucosal resection, with a final histopathology report compatible with early gastric adenocarcinoma and negative resection margins. Endoscopic and histopathological follow-up at 2 months showed negative results for malignancy.

Therapeutic plasma exchange in rheumatic diseases: a university hospital experience / Troca plasmática terapêutica em doenças reumáticas: a experiência de um hospital universitário

Abstract Introduction: Each day, evidence accumulates related to the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) in patients with rheumatic diseases. San Ignacio University Hospital has recorded all of the TPE sessions performed by the institution's apheresis group. Objective: To describe the TPE experience of patients with rheumatologic diseases in a hospital setting. Methods: Descriptive, observational, retrospective analysis. This study included analyses of the TPE sessions that were performed in patients with rheumatic diseases from November 2009 to November 2013. Results: The apheresis group performed 136 sessions in 27 patients. The mean patient age was 43 years (SD 18.5), and 59.3% of the patients were female. Regarding the diagnosis, the most frequents ones where: ANCA-associated vasculitis followed by systemic lupus erythematosus and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome. The average number of sessions per patient was 5 (SD 1.8), and the average plasma exchange per patient was 1.3 plasma volume replacement units. The most used replacement solution was frozen fresh plasma (FFP; 63.2% of the sessions). Of all the sessions, 4.4% presented complications, and the majority of the complications were related to vascular access. Fifteen patients required renal replacement therapy (RRT) secondary to the same cause that created the need for TPE, 3 patients required RRT due to causes other than the TPE diagnostic intervention and 1 patient had undergone chronic dialysis. Conclusions: TPE is a therapeutic alternative that is needed for the management of patients with rheumatic diseases with renal involvement and those who are refractory to conventional management. Our clinical results were in agreement with the global literature.

Resumo Introdução: Diariamente acumulam-se evidências relacionadas com o uso da troca plasmática terapêutica (TPT) em pacientes com doenças reumáticas. O Hospital Universitário San Ignacio registrou todas as sessões de TPT feitas pelo grupo de aférese dessa instituição. Objetivo: Descrever a experiência do Hospital Universitário San Ignacio na TPT em pacientes com doenças reumatológicas. Métodos: Análise observacional, retrospectiva, descritiva. Incluiu análises das sessões de TPT feitas em pacientes com doenças reumáticas de novembro de 2009 a novembro de 2013. Resultados: O grupo de aférese fez 136 sessões em 27 pacientes. A idade média foi de 43 anos (DP 18,5) e 59,3% eram do sexo feminino. Quanto ao diagnóstico, os mais frequentes foram: vasculite associada ao anticorpo anticitoplasma de neutrófilos (ANCA) seguida de lúpus eritematoso sistêmico e síndrome antifosfolipídica catastrófica. A quantidade média de sessões por paciente foi de cinco (DP 1,8) e a média de troca plasmática por paciente foi de 1,3 unidade de substituição do volume de plasma. A solução de substituição mais usada foi o plasma fresco congelado (PFC, 63,2% das sessões). De todas as sessões, 4,4% apresentaram complicações, a maioria delas relacionadas com o acesso vascular. Quinze pacientes necessitaram de terapia de substituição renal (TSR) secundária à mesma causa que levou à necessidade de TPT; três pacientes necessitaram de TSR em decorrência de outras causas além da intervenção diagnóstica de TPT e um paciente tinha sido submetido à diálise crônica. Conclusões: A TPT é uma opção terapêutica necessária para o manejo de pacientes com doenças reumáticas com envolvimento renal e daqueles que são refratários ao tratamento convencional. Os resultados clínicos do presente estudo estão de acordo com o que é encontrado na literatura global.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome atypical after kidney transplantation: a case report and literature review / Síndrome hemolítico urémico atípico posterior a trasplante renal: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Abstract Haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a clinical entity characterized by the appearance of non-immune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. It is a disease belonging to the group of thrombotic microangiopathy (MAT) which are part of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura also (PTT) and some other MAT associated with other medical conditions formerly known as secondary MAT. Moreover, the variety known as atypical HUS (aHUS) is an ultra-orphan disease that frequently progresses to chronic renal failure (CRF) and is associated with high morbidity and mortality if not properly treated. If a patient presents its first clinical manifestation of aHUS later receive a cadaveric renal transplant which not only makes it an even more exotic case but involves more complexity in their management is presented.

Resumen El síndrome hemolítico urémico (SHU) es una entidad clínica caracterizada por la aparición de anemia hemolítica no inmune, trombocitopenia e insuficiencia renal aguda. Se trata de una enfermedad perteneciente al grupo de las microangiopatías trombóticas (MAT) de la que hacen parte también la purpura trombocitopénica trombótica (PTT) y algunas otras MAT asociadas a otras condiciones médicas antes conocidas como MAT secundarias. Por otra parte, la variedad conocida como SHU atípico (SHUa) es una patología ultra-huérfana que frecuentemente evoluciona a insuficiencia renal crónica (IRC) y se asocia con elevada morbi-mortalidad si no recibe el tratamiento adecuado. Se examina el caso de un paciente que presenta su primera manifestación clínica de síndrome hemolítico urémico atípico después de trasplante renal cadavérico lo cual no solo lo hace un caso aún más exótico, sino que implica mayor complejidad en su manejo.

Signo y síndrome de Chilaiditi: condiciones infrecuentes pero con importancia diagnóstica en pediatría: casos clínicos / Chilaiditi’s sign and syndrome: rare conditions but diagnostically important in pediatrics: clinical cases

Aunque poco frecuente, la interposición de intestino entre el diafragma y el hígado, signo o síndrome de Chilaiditi (en relación a la ausencia o presencia de síntomas gastrointestinales), constituye una condición clínica de importancia dadas las posibilidades de diagnóstico diferencial, tales como: neumoperitoneo, hernia diafragmática y absceso subfrénico. OBJETIVO: Presentar dos preescolares con signo y síndrome de Chilaiditi, así como resaltar la importancia de esta condición clínica. CASOS CLÍNICOS: Caso 1: Preescolar varón evaluado por cuadro respiratorio sin síntomas abdominales. La radiografía de tórax mostró infiltrados retrocardíacos izquierdos y presencia de aire en región subdiafragmática derecha. En radiografías previas se encontraba la misma imagen. Se concluyó que se trataba de un signo de Chilaiditi asociado a un cuadro de neumonía, se trató con antibioterapia y se dio de alta. Caso 2: Preescolar de sexo femenino, evaluada por distensión abdominal y constipación. Radiografía de tórax, solicitada previamente por cuadro respiratorio, con imagen de colon derecho situado entre el hemidiafragma y el hígado. Enema baritado de colon confirmó los hallazgos. Exámenes de laboratorio normales. Se concluyó síndrome de Chilaiditi, se indicó tratamiento médico, con buena evolución. CONCLUSIÓN: Se resalta la importancia de esta condición clínica que pese a ser infrecuente constituye un reto diagnóstico en los servicios de urgencia.

Although infrequent, bowel interposition between diaphragm and liver, Chilaiditi’s sign or syndrome (without or with gastrointestinal symptoms), are a major clinical condition given the possibilities of differential diagnosis, such as pneumoperitoneum, diaphragmatic hernia and subphrenic abscess. Objective: To report the cases of two preschool patients with Chilaiditi´s sign and syndrome, as well as to highlight the importance of this clinical condition. Clinical cases: Case 1: A male preschooler evaluated by respiratory disease without abdominal symptoms. Thorax X-ray shows left retrocardiac infiltrates and air in right subdiaphragmatic region. Previous radiographies shows the same image. He was diagnosed with Chilaiditi sign associated with pneumonia, antibiotics were used before discharge. Case 2: A female preschooler, evaluated by abdominal distention and constipation. A previous thorax X-ray shows bowel interposition between diaphragm and liver. Barium enema confirmed the findings. Blood test were normal. A Chilaiditi's syndrome was diagnosed. She received medical treatment with favorable evolution. Conclusion: These cases highlight the importance of this clinical condition that, despite being infrequent, constitutes a diagnostic challenge in the emergency services.

Right hepatic artery aneurysm / Aneurisma de artéria hepática direita

ABSTRACT We report a case of an aneurysm of the right hepatic artery and its multidisciplinary management by general surgery, endoscopy and radiology services. Being a case of extremely low incidence, it is important to show its diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

RESUMO Relatamos um caso de aneurisma da artéria hepática direita conduzido de forma multidisciplinar pelos Serviços de Cirurgia Geral, Endoscopia e Radiologia. Em se tratando de caso de incidência baixíssima, é importante mostrar o enfoque diagnóstico e terapêutico usado em seu manejo.

Diagnóstico microbiológico de las hepatitis virales / Microbiological diagnosis of viral hepatitis

La inflamación hepática o hepatitis tiene causas diversas, tanto infecciosas como no infecciosas. Entre las primeras, cabe destacar la etiología viral que es la causa de, al menos, la mitad de todas las hepatitis en el mundo. Se han descrito distintos virus con tropismo primario por el tejido hepático. Estos microorganismos se han ido nombrando sucesivamente con las letras del abecedario: A, B, C, D, E y G. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar este grupo heterogéneo de virus en sus aspectos más básicos, sus implicaciones clínicas, su tratamiento, las principales medidas preventivas frente a estas infecciones y, con especial interés, las aproximaciones diagnósticas, tanto serológicas como moleculares, que se utilizan para su detección, cuantificación y caracterización

Liver inflammation or hepatitis has many different causes, both infectious and non-infectious. Among the former, viral infection is responsible for at least half of all hepatitis worldwide. Different viruses have been described with primary tropism for liver tissue. These microorganisms have been successively named with letters of the alphabet: A, B, C, D, E and G. The aim of this paper is to review this heterogeneous group of viruses in its most basic aspects, including clinical implications, treatment, main control, and prophylactic measures and, of special interest, diagnostic approaches, both serological and molecular, which are used for their detection, quantification and characterization

Síndrome pulmón-rinón: serie de casosdel Hospital Universitario San Ignacio / Pulmonary - renal syndrome: case series Hospital Universitario San Ignacio

El síndrome pulmón-rinón ˜ (SPR) se define como la presencia de hemorragiaalveolar y glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva. Fue descrito, inicialmente, como síndromeantimembrana basal glomerular, aunque existen otros mecanismos más frecuentesimplicados en la lesión, tales como vasculitis ANCA (anticitoplasma de neutrófilo), lupuseritematoso sistémico, síndrome antifosfolípido, crioglobulinemia y microangiopatía trombótica.Objetivo: Describir la experiencia de nuestro centro en el manejo de pacientes con SPR,analizar las variables demográficas, clínicas y sus desenlaces.Métodos: Se revisaron las bases de datos de la Unidad de Nefrología y la historia clínicaelectrónica SAHI del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio.Resultados: Se identificaron un total de 14 pacientes que presentaron SPR, entre enero de2009 y agosto de 2011, todos, inicialmente, manejados en la unidad de cuidado intensivodel hospital, con un promedio de edad de 44 anos ˜ y 57% de sexo femenino. El diagnósticomás frecuente fue vasculitis ANCA positivo en 8 pacientes, lupus en 4, un caso decrioglobulinemia y uno de microangiopatía trombótica. La mayoría recibió tratamiento concorticosteroides, ciclofosfamida y plasmaféresis. La mortalidad fue de 66%.Conclusiones: Presentamos los resultados de 14 pacientes con SPR en nuestro centro. La causamás frecuente fue vasculitis ANCA. Su presentación suele ser agresiva y el tratamientoincluye uso de esteroides, ciclofosfamida y plasmaféresis...

Pulmonary- renal syndrome (PRS) is defined as the presence of alveolar hemorrhageand rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. It was initially described as glomerularbasement membrane syndrome, although other more common causes and mechanisms areinvolved such as, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (ANCA), systemiclupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, cryoglobulinemia, and thromboticmicroangiopathy.Objective: To describe the experience in the treatment of patients with PRS in our centerand analyze the demographic, clinical variables, and outcomes.Methods: The databases of the Nephrology Unit and the electronic medical records of thehospital were reviewed, and a total of 14 patients with PRS between January 2009 and August2011 were identified.Results: A total of 14 cases managed in the intensive care unit of the hospital where analyze,of which 57% were woman and the mean age was 44 years. The most frequent diagnosiswas positive ANCA vasculitis in 8 patients, lupus in 4, one case of cryoglobulinemia, andother with thrombotic microangiopathy. Most of them were treated with corticosteroids andcyclophosphamide, with 10 patients also receiving plasmapheresis. The overall mortalitywas 66%.Conclusions: The results of 14 patients with PRS in our center are presented. The mostcommon cause of this was positive ANCA vasculitis. It is an aggressive disease and itstreatment included the use of steroids, cyclophosphamide and plasmapheresis...

Encefalopatía hepática / Hepatic encephalopathy

La encefalopatía hepática (EH) es una complicación grave de la cirrosis hepática caracterizada por múltiples manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas. La EH suele estar desencadenada por un factor precipitante o presentarse en pacientes con grave función hepática. La EH mínima se caracteriza por pequeñas alteraciones cognitivas difíciles de precisar pero que suponen un riesgo para los pacientes. Se considera que el aumento del amoníaco en sangre con una alteración de la permeabilidad de la barrera hematoencefálica y su metabolismo a glutamina en los astrocitos es el principal mecanismo fisiopatológico de la EH. El diagnóstico es clínico y las técnicas de neuroimagen pueden ser complementarias. El diagnóstico de EH mínima requiere pruebas neurocognitivas específicas. La evaluación clínica debe ir dirigida a identificar el factor desencadenante. Los disacáridos no absorbibles y la rifaximina constituyen el tratamiento de elección así como la profilaxis de nuevos episodios (AU)

Hepatic encephalopathy (EH) is a severe complication of hepatic cirrhosis that is characterized by multiple neuropsychiatric manifestations. EH is usually triggered by a precipitating factor and occurs in patients with severely impaired hepatic function. Minimal EH is characterized by minor cognitive impairments that are difficult to specify but represent a risk for the patients. The primary pathophysiological mechanism of EH is considered to be an increase in blood ammonia with an impairment in the patency of the blood-brainbarrier and its metabolism to glutamine in astrocytes. The diagnosis is clinical and neuroimaging techniques can be complementary. The diagnosis of minimal EH requires specific neurocognitive tests. The clinical evaluation should be directed towards identifying the trigger. Nonabsorbable disaccharides and rifaximin constitute the treatment of choice, along with prophylaxis for new episodes (AU)

Plasmaféresis terapéutica / Therapeutic plasmapheresis

Resumen Introducción: cada día hay más evidencia acerca de la utilidad de la plasmaféresis en diferentes entidades clínicas. Existen múltiples registros internacionales de plasmaféresis; sin embargo, la información en Colombia e incluso en Latinoamérica es limitada. Objetivo: realizar análisis descriptivo de la experiencia en plasmaféresis de una institución académica en Bogotá, Colombia. Analizar las características de la técnica, indicaciones, complicaciones y características demográficas de los pacientes. Material y métodos: se realiza un análisis descriptivo de las sesiones de plasmaféresis realizadas en el Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, en pacientes mayores de 18 años durante el periodo comprendido entre agosto de 2008 hasta agosto de 2011. Todas las sesiones se realizaron mediante la técnica de filtración transmembrana y no se usó anticoagulante en ninguna de ellas. Resultados: se analizaron 278 sesiones de plasmaféresis en 33 pacientes adultos durante un período de tres años. 69.7% de los pacientes eran mujeres, el promedio de edad era 42 años. 57% de las sesiones se realizaron en pacientes con diagnóstico de miastenia gravis y hemorragia alveolar. El volumen promedio de intercambios plasmáticos fue 1.28. El 9.3% de las sesiones presentaron al menosuna complicación. Se documentó frecuentemente hipotensión arterial en las sesiones realizadas con albúmina al 3.5%. 12% de los registros de electrolitos tenían hipocalcemia y 47% hipermagnesemia. No hubo muertes relacionadas con la terapia y pese al no uso de anticoagulante, no se presentó coagulación del circuito en ninguna de las sesiones. Conclusiones: dada nuestra experiencia consideramos que la plasmaféresis es una terapia segura. Es necesario evaluar la necesidad de la administración de anticoagulante al circuito de plasmaféresis, dado que no se documentó coagulación de éste en ninguna sesión y su uso podría estar asociado a eventos adversos. El monitoreo continuo de los electrolitos es fundamental y la reposición de los mismos debe ser individualizada. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 39: 29-34).

Abstract Introduction: there is growing evidence for the usefulness of plasmapheresis in different clinical entities. There are many international records of plasmapheresis, but the information in Colombia and even in Latin America, is limited. Objective: to perform a descriptive analysis of the experience in plasmapheresis of an academic institution in Bogotá, Colombia. To analyze the characteristics of the technique, indications, complications and demographic characteristics of patients. Material and methods: descriptive analysis of plasmapheresis sessions performed in the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in patients older than 18 years during the period from August 2008 to August 2011. All sessions were conducted by the technique of transmembrane filtration. No anticoagulation was used in any of them. Results: 278 sessions of plasmapheresis were analyzed in 33 adult patients over a period of three years. 69.7% of patients were female, with mean age of 42 years. 57% of the sessions were conducted in patients diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and alveolar hemorrhage. The average volume of plasma exchange was 1.28. 9.3% of the sessions presented at least one complication. Hypotension was frequently documented in the sessions performed with 3.5% albumin. 12% of electrolytes records had hypocalcemia and 47% hypermagnesemia. There were no therapy-related deaths and despite the non-use of anticoagulant, no clotting of the circuit in any of the sessions was presented. Conclusions: Given our experience, we believe that plasmapheresis is a safe therapy. It is necessary to assess the need for administration of anticoagulant to the plasmapheresis circuit since no clotting in it in any session was documented and its use could be associated with adverse events. Continuous monitoring of electrolytes is essential and its replacement should be individualized. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 39: 29-34).

Intercambio plasmático terapéutico en enfermedades neurológicas mediadas inmunológicamente: experiencia de cuatro años del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia / Therapeutic plasma exchange in immune-mediated neurological diseases: four-year experience at the University Hospital San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción. El intercambio plasmático (IP) se ha convertido en una alternativa terapéutica para múltiples enfermedades. Cada día hay más evidencia científica que apoya el uso de esta terapia en varias enfermedades neurológicas. Es importante registrar la experiencia local en IP para conocer la respuesta de nuestra población a la terapia. Objetivo. Describir la experiencia del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio en IP realizado a pacientes con enfermedades neurológicas durante un período de cuatro años. Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se describe a los pacientes, la técnica de la terapia, las complicaciones y la respuesta clínica de los pacientes con enfermedades neurológicas tratados con IP. Resultados. Se realizaron 106 sesiones de IP en 16 pacientes. El promedio de edad de los pacientes fue de 43 años, el 81% de los pacientes eran de sexo femenino. El 83% de las sesiones fueron indicadas por miastenia gravis, el resto por síndrome de Guillain-Barré, neuromielítis óptica, neuropatía motora multifocal y encefalitis autoinmune. Todas las sesiones fueron realizadas por técnica de filtración transmembrana. El promedio de recambios plasmáticos realizado fue 1.3. Se registraron 26 complicaciones en 20 sesiones de IP. La respuesta neurológica de los pacientes a la terapia fue la esperada y similar a la reportada en la literatura médica. Conclusión. Según la experiencia de la institución, el IP es una terapia segura y eficaz en pacientes con enfermedades neurológicas.

Introduction. Plasma exchange (PE) has become a therapeutic treatment for many neurological diseases. Each day more scientific papers are being published with evidence that approves PE for patients with immunological mediated neurological disorders. It is important to register our local experience with PE in order to understand the clinical answer to the therapy in our population. Objective. To describe the experience of the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in treating patients with neurological disorders with PE, during a 4 year period. Materials and methods. Observational retrospective study, which describes the patients, PE technique, complications of therapy and clinical answer of patients with neurological conditions treated with PE. Results. 106 sessions of PE in 16 patients, corresponding to 23 procedures. The average age was 43 years, 81% of patients were female. 83% of sessions were done for Myasthenia gravis, the rest were done for treatment of Guillain-Barré, Optical Neuromyelitis, multifocal motor neuropathy and autoimmune encephalitis. All sessions were done by membrane filtration technique. The average plasma volume exchange was 1.3, and 20 sessions presented at least one complication. The neurological response of the patients was the expected and was similar to those reported in the literature. Conclusions. Based on the experience of our medical center, PE is a safe and effective therapy for patients with some immunological mediated neurological disorders.

Actualidad de la enfermedad renalpoliquística / Polycystic Renal Disease: An Update

La enfermedad renal poliquística (PKD) es una enfermedad genética común queconsiste en la aparición progresiva de lesiones quísticas en los riñones, que remplazanel parénquima renal, lo que conduce a enfermedad renal crónica terminal. La PKDtiene dos patrones de herencia: autosómico dominante y autosómico recesivo. Laforma autosómica dominante es más común y menos grave que la autosómica recesiva.Se conoce que la PKD es causada por mutación en varios loci humanos. La formaautosómica dominante puede ser causada por mutaciones en dos genes diferentes(PKD1 y PKD2); en tanto que la forma autosómica recesiva solo tiene un gen causal(PKHD1). Existen numerosas publicaciones que buscan explicar la fisiopatología dela enfermedad. Esto refleja un esfuerzo internacional por comprender la naturalezade la enfermedad, para desarrollar terapias que eviten la aparición de los quistes o laprogresión de los que ya están instaurados. El objetivo de esta revisión es difundirel conocimiento que se tiene hasta el momento, acerca de la enfermedad renalpoliquística. Por lo tanto, realizamos un breve recuento de las características clínicasde la enfermedad y el tratamiento actual disponible...

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a commongenetic condition, which is characterizedby gradual appearance of multiple cysts in thekidneys; this causes the destruction of renalparenchyma leading to chronic renal disease.PKD has two patterns of inheritance: autosomaldominant and autosomal recessive. Theautosomal dominant form is more commonand less severe than the autosomal recessive. Itis known that PKD is caused by mutation in severalhuman loci. The autosomal dominant formcan be caused by mutations in 2 different genes(PKD1 and PKD2). The autosomal recessiveform has only one causal gene (PKHD1). Thereare numerous publications worldwide that seekto explain the pathophysiology of the disease;this reflects an international effort to understandthe nature of the disease, to develop therapiesto prevent the appearance of cysts or the progressionof those already existent lesions. The objectiveof this review is to update the knowledge wehave so far, about polycystic kidney disease thereforewe decided to conduct a brief review ofthe clinical features of disease and the treatmentavailable today...

Sarcoidosis y compromiso renal: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura científica / Sarcoidosis and kidney disease: a case report and review of the literature

Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 30 años, que presentaba síntomas respiratorios y constitucionales de dos meses de evolución. Se documentó exudado linfocitario y proteinuria, y se descartó tuberculosis y neoplasia maligna. Se le practicó biopsia pleuraly de ganglio linfático, que reportaron sarcoidosis. Se tomó biopsia renal por presencia de proteinuria con pruebas serológicas negativas, y se encontró glomerulonefritis membranosa secundaria. Se inició tratamiento con prednisolona...

We describe the case of a 30 years old female with a two month history of respiratory symptoms and malaise. A lymphocytic pleural effusion and proteinuria were documented,tuberculosis and malignancy were ruled out. Biopsy of lymph nodes and pleura confirmed sarcoidosis. Due to non-nephrotic proteinuria with negative serology tests, kidney biopsy was performed, showing secondary membranous glomerulonephritis. Treatment with prednisolone was started...

Prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires, Argentina / Prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Cholelithiasis is an important cause of morbidity in the world and it varies significantly depending on the region of study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study performed in a public hospital with tertiary care in Gastrointestinal Surgery. From July 2010 to December 2011, 1,875 healthy volunteers who underwent liver, gallbladder and pancreas ultrasound imaging were included and a questionnaire containing the individual’s medical history was administered. The presence of cholelithiasis and its eventual risk factors were studied. RESULTS: Of 1,875 individuals, 866 were males (46.2

) and 1,009 females (53.8

), older than 20 years old with an average age of 46.1 + 16.7 years. Cholelithiasis was found in 410 inidviduals (21.9

) diagnosed at the time of the study and 125 (67

) who had already undergone a cholecystectomy due to gallstones. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cholelithiasis in Buenos Aires, capital city of Argentina, is 21.9

. A significant association was found between cholelithiasis and female gender, age, body mass index, history of colic pain, family history of cholelithiasis, smoking, fatty liver and number of pregnancies.

Detección automática de bacterias y hongos en sangre / Automatic detection of bacterial and fungal infections in blood

La sepsis es una de las principales causas de mortalidad y morbilidad en los hospitales. La detección temprana de los patógenos mediante técnicas basadas en ácidos nucleicos puede facilitar el diagnóstico rápido de la bacteriemia y/o fungemia, la rápida adecuación del tratamiento antibiótico, reducir el uso de antibióticos innecesarios y disminuir la mortalidad. Se describen 2 técnicas disponibles comercialmente que ayudan, en un tiempo reducido, a identificar distintas bacterias y hongos productores de sepsis: LightCycler® SeptiFast Test Mgrade (Roche Diagnostic SL) y GenoType Blood Culture (Hain Lifescience). De estas 2 técnicas, mostramos los resultados de un estudio inicial propio con el LightCycler® SeptiFast Test Mgrade. El estudio se realizó con 50 muestras correspondientes a 28 pacientes (1-3 muestras por paciente) con síndrome séptico ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, comparando la nueva técnica con el hemocultivo convencional. La concordancia entre los resultados del hemocultivo y el SeptiFast fue buena, 79%en el primer ensayo, y 89% en el segundo, después decorregir defectos técnicos. Inicialmente se observóinhibición importante de los controles internos para losbacilos gramnegativos, por la presencia de heparina en lasangre empleada y un exceso de ácido desoxirribonucleico(ADN) debido al número de leucocitos. Con la finalidad dedisminuir las inhibiciones, en otro estudio posterior setrabajó con 24 muestras a la mitad de volumen original,llevando el ácido nucleico extraído a dilución 1:4. Con estas modificaciones, se apreciaron reducciones importantes de las inhibiciones. En comparación con el hemocultivo, el SeptiFast diferencia mejor las contaminaciones por estafilococos coagulasa-negativa y especies de estreptococos

Sepsis is one of the main causes of mortality andmorbidity in hospitals. Early detection of pathogens using nucleic acid-based techniques speeds diagnosis ofbacteremia and/or fungemia, aids the rapid application ofappropriate antibiotics, reduces the use of unnecessaryantibiotics, and lowers mortality. Two commerciallyavailable techniques that help to identify different sepsisproducing bacteria and fungi in a shorter time period are: LightCycler® SeptiFast Test Mgrade (Roche Diagnostic SL) and GenoType Blood Culture (Hain Lifescience). We present the results of an initial in-house study using the LightCycler® SeptiFast Test Mgrade. The study was carried out in 50 samples from 28 patients (1-3 samples per patient) with septic syndrome admitted to the intensive care unit by comparing the new technique with conventional blood culture. The concordance between the results of blood culture and SeptiFast was good, 79%, in the first trial and 89% in the second, after correcting for technical defects. We initially observed substantial inhibition of internal controls in Gram-negative bacilli, due to the presence of heparin in the blood used, and excessDNA because of the high number of leucocytes. Tominimize these inhibitions, the second study used 24samples at half the original volume (extracted DNA at 1/4concentration). With these modifications, inhibitions were substantially reduced. SeptiFast is more effective than blood culture in discriminating between contamination by coagulase-negative staphylococci and species of streptococci (AU)