A clinical trial comparing propofol versus propofol plus midazolam in diagnostic endoscopy of patients with a low anesthetic risk.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: propofol and midazolam are two of the most commonly used sedatives in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE). The objective of this study was to evaluate these two sedation regimens administered to patients who underwent an UGE with regard to security, efficiency, quality of exploration and patient response. PATIENTS AND METHODS: a prospective, randomized and double-blind study was performed which included 83 patients between 18 and 80 years of age of a low anesthetic risk (ASA - American Society of Anesthesiologists- I-II) who underwent a diagnostic UGE. Patients were randomized to receive sedation with either placebo plus propofol (group A) or midazolam plus propofol (group B). RESULTS: in group A, 42 patients received a placebo bolus (saline solution) and on average up to 115 mg of propofol in boluses of 20 mg. In group B, 41 patients received 3 mg of midazolam and an average of up to 83 mg of propofol in boluses of 20 mg. There were no significant differences in the adverse effects observed in either group and all adverse events were treated conservatively. The patients in group B (midazolam plus propofol) entered the desired sedated state more quickly with no variation in the overall time of the exploration. The quality of the endoscopic evaluation was similar in both groups and the patients were equally satisfied regardless of the sedatives they received. CONCLUSIONS: the use of midazolam plus propofol as a sedative does not affect the overall exploration time, a lower dose of propofol can be used and it is as safe as administering propofol as a monotherapy while providing the same level of both exploration quality and patient approval.

Poorly Controlled New-Onset Diabetes Mellitus and Other Atypical Signs as an Early Sign of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma.

A 50-year-old man presented with poorly controlled new-onset diabetes mellitus. Six months after diagnosis, episodes of intense abdominal pain with vomiting appeared. Abdominal CT revealed signs of acute pancreatitis with structural changes in the pseudocysts. In the absence of biliary lithiasis or a toxic etiology of acute pancreatitis, the patient progressed unfavorably with increased abdominal pain and fever. Control imaging tests (two and 10 months later) showed the evolution of phlegmonous/necrotic collections, together with portal vein thrombosis and splenomegaly. Given the suggestive signs of possible occult malignancy, such as portal thrombosis, histological analysis of the ascitic fluid revealed a pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Despite the initiation of chemotherapy, the patient died 12 months after diagnosis.

An Acute Infection due to Hepatitis E in the Context of a Patient with Rituximab and Methotrexate Therapy.

Background: This report presents the influence of immunosuppression by new rheumatological therapies on hepatitis E virus infection in a 54-year-old male patient with an anti-synthetase syndrome and treatment with methotrexate and rituximab. Case description: The patient arrived at the Emergency Department with epigastric pain, vomiting and dark urine. Initial examination revealed signs of inflammation and hepatic dysfunction. Subsequent laboratory tests and imaging confirmed acute hepatitis E infection in the context of recent initiation of rituximab therapy. Despite initial suspicion of pancreatitis, subsequent investigations ruled out pancreatic involvement. Treatment with ribavirin, along with supportive measures, led to significant clinical improvement with resolution of jaundice, ascites, and oedema. Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of considering hepatitis E in patients with autoimmune conditions, especially when initiating immunosuppressive therapies, a situation that is not well described in scientific literature and is increasingly common, necessitating proper recognition. LEARNING POINTS: Suspect hepatitis E virus infection in the presence of persistent liver failure of unknown cause.Recognise immunosuppression as a cause of increased risk of hepatitis E infection.Take into account the repercussions of immunosuppressive therapy such as rituximab regarding hepatitis E infections in immunocompromised patients.

[Clinical study on head and neck tulareamia]. / Estudio clínico de la tularemia en cabeza y cuello.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a clinical description of head and neck tularaemia, collating the therapeutic strategies used and the most significant variables that seem to influence its evolution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was performed on the series diagnosed in 2007 with involvement of the head and neck areas. For the definition of clinical cases, the recommendations of the Spanish National Centre for Epidemiological Surveillance, the European Union Network for the Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention were followed. Basic statistics, stage, treatment carried out and evolution were noted. A descriptive statistical study as well as an analysis of the influencing variables in the clinical course of the disease and possible management are provided. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: 27 patients were studied. The clinical profile of the patient type is a middle-aged individual from rural areas, with a 1:1 male/female ratio, asymptomatic but affected by growing laterocervical lymphadenopathies, often appearing in summer, and notable on palpation, without any demonstrable entranceway. However, the profile is subject to variable patterns. The suspected diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of serological determinations (93 %). Two groups were observed: one formed by those with less evident clinical manifestations and an early ganglionar stage that mostly evolved well with specific antibiotic therapy, and another one with major clinical manifestations or advanced stage in which surgical procedures were required although subsequent evolution was good. In areas of high incidence, in summer, it is a disease to be considered in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy syndromes.

[Tuberculous arthritis of the temporomandibular joint caused by Mycobacterium bovis. A diagnostic conundrum]. / Artritis temporomandibular por Mycobacterium bovis. Un problema diagnóstico.

Infrequent variants of extrapulmonary tuberculosis pose a challenging public health problem because of the delay in their diagnosis and treatment. Joint involvement is usually encountered in major joints (hip, elbow, knee and ankle). Tuberculous involvement of the temporomandibular joint is extremely uncommon but must be considered in patients with pain, inflammation or joint stiffness not resolved with conventional treatment.