Non-invasive oxygenation support in acutely hypoxemic COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU: a multicenter observational retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive oxygenation strategies have a prominent role in the treatment of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While the efficacy of these therapies has been studied in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the clinical outcomes associated with oxygen masks, high-flow oxygen therapy by nasal cannula and non-invasive mechanical ventilation in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients remain unclear. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we used the best of nine covariate balancing algorithms on all baseline covariates in critically ill COVID-19 patients supported with > 10 L of supplemental oxygen at one of the 26 participating ICUs in Catalonia, Spain, between March 14 and April 15, 2020. RESULTS: Of the 1093 non-invasively oxygenated patients at ICU admission treated with one of the three stand-alone non-invasive oxygenation strategies, 897 (82%) required endotracheal intubation and 310 (28%) died during the ICU stay. High-flow oxygen therapy by nasal cannula (n = 439) and non-invasive mechanical ventilation (n = 101) were associated with a lower rate of endotracheal intubation (70% and 88%, respectively) than oxygen masks (n = 553 and 91% intubated), p < 0.001. Compared to oxygen masks, high-flow oxygen therapy by nasal cannula was associated with lower ICU mortality (hazard ratio 0.75 [95% CI 0.58-0.98), and the hazard ratio for ICU mortality was 1.21 [95% CI 0.80-1.83] for non-invasive mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: In critically ill COVID-19 ICU patients and, in the absence of conclusive data, high-flow oxygen therapy by nasal cannula may be the approach of choice as the primary non-invasive oxygenation support strategy.

Emotional memory processing in post-traumatic stress disorder affected Colombian youth.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a neuropsychological condition caused by exposure to chronic stressors and extreme trauma. In past decades, Colombia (South America) has experienced high levels of armed conflict, which created an environment of chronic stress, resulting in an increased incidence of PTSD in children. Limited research exists on the effects of PTSD on emotional memory functioning of these Colombian youth living in chronically stressful environments. In the present study, 23 PTSD affected youth and 26 controls were asked to recall items from a memorised word list, as well as remembering details from a short emotional story. Although no significant differences were found for word list memory, deficits for emotional story content were found in the PTSD youth, particularly for facts involving negative emotional details. The latter may suggest a deficit in executive functioning for the integration of emotionally laden stimuli, perhaps induced as a by-product of their traumatic experiences.

Characteristics Associated With Elevated Time Below Range in Elderly Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Using an Automated Insulin Delivery System.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the characteristics associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia, in elderly patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) using automated insulin delivery (AID) systems. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study including patients >60 years, using sensor-augmented insulin pump therapy with predictive low-glucose management (SAPT-PLGM), hybrid closed-loop (HCL), and advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL), for more than three months. A geriatric assessment was performed, and body composition was determined to investigate its association with achieving time below range (TBR) <70 mg/dL goals. RESULTS: The study included 59 patients (47.5% of men, mean age of 67.6 years, glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] of 7.5 ± 0.6%, time in range (TIR) 77.8 ± 9.9%). Time below range <70 and <54 mg/dL were 2.2 ± 2.3% and 0.4 ± 0.81%, respectively. Patients with elevated TBR <70 mg/dL (>1%) had higher HbA1c levels, lower TIR, elevated time above range (TAR), and high glycemic variability. Regarding body composition, greater muscle mass, grip strength, and visceral fat were associated with a lower TBR <70 mg/dL. These factors were independent of the type of technology used, but TIR was higher when using AHCL systems compared with SAPT-PLGM and HCL systems. CONCLUSIONS: In elderly patients treated with AID systems with good functional status, lower lean mass, lower grip strength, and lower visceral fat percentage were associated with TBR greater than 1%, regardless of the device used. A similar finding along was found with CGM indicators such as higher HbA1c levels, lower TIR, higher TAR, and higher CV. Geriatric assessment is crucial for personalizing patient management.

Nosocomial pneumonia in the intensive care unit acquired by mechanically ventilated versus nonventilated patients.

RATIONALE: Most current information on hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is extrapolated from patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). No studies have evaluated HAP in the intensive care unit (ICU) in nonventilated patients. OBJECTIVES: To compare pneumonia acquired in the ICU by mechanically ventilated versus nonventilated patients. METHODS: We prospectively collected 315 episodes of ICU-acquired pneumonia. We compared clinical and microbiologic characteristics of patients with VAP (n = 164; 52%) and nonventilator ICU-acquired pneumonia (NV-ICUAP; n = 151; 48%). Among NV-ICUAP patients, 79 (52%) needed subsequent intubation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Compared with NV-ICUAP, patients with VAP were more severe (APACHE-II 17 ± 6 vs. 15 ± 5; P < 0.001) and pneumonia occurred later in the ICU (8 ± 8 vs. 5 ± 6 d; P < 0.001). Etiologic diagnosis (117, 71% vs. 64, 42%; P < 0.001), nonfermenting (28% vs. 15%; P = 0.009) and enteric gram-negative bacilli (26% vs. 13%; P = 0.006), and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (14% vs. 6%; P = 0.031) were more frequent in VAP, likely caused by more patients with lower respiratory tract samples cultured (100% vs. 84%; P < 0.001). However, in patients with defined etiology only, the proportion of pathogens was similar between groups, except for a higher proportion of Streptococcus pneumoniae in NV-ICUAP (P = 0.045). The hospital mortality also was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a lower proportion of pathogens in NV-ICUAP compared with VAP, the type of isolates and outcomes are similar regardless of whether pneumonia is acquired or not during ventilation, indicating they may depend on patients' underlying severity rather than previous intubation. With the diagnostic techniques currently recommended by guidelines, both types of patients might receive similar empiric antibiotic treatment.

Validation of the American Thoracic Society-Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines for hospital-acquired pneumonia in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: The 2005 guidelines of the American Thoracic Society-Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines for Hospital for managing hospital-acquired pneumonia classified patients according to time of onset and risk factors for potentially drug-resistant microorganisms to select the empirical antimicrobial treatment. We assessed the microbial prediction and validated the adequacy of these guidelines for antibiotic strategy. METHODS: We prospectively observed 276 patients with intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia. We classified patients into group 1 (early onset without risk factors for potentially drug-resistant microorganisms; 38 patients) and group 2 (late onset or risk factors for potentially drug-resistant microorganisms; 238 patients). We determined the accuracy of guidelines to predict causative microorganisms and the influence of guidelines adherence in patients' outcome. RESULTS: Microbial prediction was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (12 [50%] of 24 vs 119 [92%] of 129; P < .001) mainly because of potentially drug-resistant microorganisms in 10 patients (26%) from group 1. Guideline adherence was higher in group 2 (153 [64%] vs 7 [18%]; P < .001). Guideline adherence resulted in more treatment adequacy than did nonadherence (69 [83%] vs 45 [64%]; P = .013) and a trend toward better response to empirical treatment in group 2 only but did not influence mortality. Reclassifying patients according to the risk factors for potentially drug-resistant microorganisms of the former 1996 American Thoracic Society guidelines increased microbial prediction in group 1 to 21 (88%; P = .014); all except 1 patient with potentially drug-resistant microorganisms were correctly identified by these guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: The 2005 guidelines predict potentially drug-resistant microorganisms worse than the 1996 guidelines. Adherence to guidelines resulted in more adequate treatment and a trend to a better clinical response in group 2, but it did not influence mortality.

Non-invasive ventilation after extubation in hypercapnic patients with chronic respiratory disorders: randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive ventilation can prevent respiratory failure after extubation in individuals at increased risk of this complication, and enhanced survival in patients with hypercapnia has been recorded. We aimed to assess prospectively the effectiveness of non-invasive ventilation after extubation in patients with hypercapnia and as rescue therapy when respiratory failure develops. METHODS: We undertook a randomised controlled trial in three intensive-care units in Spain. We enrolled 106 mechanically ventilated patients with chronic respiratory disorders and hypercapnia after a successful spontaneous breathing trial. We randomly allocated participants by computer to receive after extubation either non-invasive ventilation for 24 h (n=54) or conventional oxygen treatment (n=52). The primary endpoint was avoidance of respiratory failure within 72 h after extubation. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT00539708. FINDINGS: Respiratory failure after extubation was less frequent in patients assigned non-invasive ventilation than in those allocated conventional oxygen therapy (8 [15%] vs 25 [48%]; odds ratio 5.32 [95% CI 2.11-13.46]; p<0.0001). In patients with respiratory failure, non-invasive ventilation as rescue therapy avoided reintubation in 17 of 27 patients. Non-invasive ventilation was independently associated with a lower risk of respiratory failure after extubation (adjusted odds ratio 0.17 [95% CI 0.06-0.44]; p<0.0001). 90-day mortality was lower in patients assigned non-invasive ventilation than in those allocated conventional oxygen (p=0.0146). INTERPRETATION: Early non-invasive ventilation after extubation diminished risk of respiratory failure and lowered 90-day mortality in patients with hypercapnia during a spontaneous breathing trial. Routine implementation of this strategy for management of mechanically ventilated patients with chronic respiratory disorders is advisable. FUNDING: IDIBAPS, CibeRes, Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias, European Respiratory Society.

Implicit processing of emotional words by children with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An fMRI investigation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: In the last decade, socio-political violence in Colombia (South America) has created an environment of extreme/chronic stress. In this study, brain imaging technology (fMRI) and behavioral task performance were used to measure potential deficits in executive functioning for emotional processing in Colombian children. METHOD: Participants (22 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD and 22 neurotypical, NT) were asked to perform a word task with implicit emotional salience, which required them to report the color of the ink in which a positive, negative or neutral word was printed. RESULTS: Mixed design analysis of variance showed no group differences in accuracy for determining ink color when presented as a positive or neutral word. However, PTSD children were significantly less accurate (negative words) and notably slower (both positive and negative words) at determining ink color when presented in the context of an emotional word. PTSD processing of positive and negative words was associated with hypoactivation in the superior and middle frontal gyri of the right hemisphere in comparison to NT children. CONCLUSIONS: These results may reflect a deficit in executive functioning for emotionally laden stimuli, perhaps induced as a by-product of their traumatic experiences.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVO: En la última década, la violencia socio-política en Colombia, ha propiciado un ambiente generador de situaciones de estrés crónico/extremo. El presente estudio empleó resonancia magnética funcional, junto con tareas conductuales, para medir posibles déficits en el funcionamiento ejecutivo en una tarea de palabras con contenido emocional en una muestra de niños colombianos. MÉTODO: A los participantes (22 TEPT y 22 controles), se les pidió indicar el color de la palabra impresa, omitiendo el contenido emocional implícito positivo, neutro o negativo. RESULTADOS: El análisis de varianza de diseño mixto, no arrojó diferencias entre los grupos, en número de aciertos al determinar el color en que estaban impresas las palabras positivas o neutras. Sin embargo, los niños con TEPT tuvieron más errores con las palabras de contenido emocional negativo y fueron más lentos que los controles con palabras de valencia positiva o negativa. En cuanto a las palabras positivas y negativas, el grupo con TEPT se asoció a hipoactivación de los giros superior y medio frontal del hemisferio derecho, al compararlos con los controles. CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados sugieren déficits en el funcionamiento ejecutivo para estímulos con contenido emocional, quizás como consecuencia de las experiencias traumáticas vividas por el grupo de TEPT.

Systemic inflammatory response and increased risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory markers have been assessed for the diagnosis and follow-up of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), but their potential role in predicting the risk for VAP is unknown. We prospectively assessed the evolution of cytokines in mechanically ventilated patients and their predictive and diagnostic role for VAP. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Medical intensive care unit. PATIENTS: Mechanically ventilated patients. Exclusion criteria were active infection at admission and subsequent extrapulmonary infection. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sequential measurements of interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were done in 44 ventilated patients. VAP was suspected in 20 cases and microbiologically confirmed in nine. At admission, demographics, severity scores, and clinical and standard laboratory values did not discriminate patients with and without VAP, but the median (interquartile range) serum levels of IL-6 were higher in patients who subsequently developed VAP, compared with those without VAP (235 [141-803] vs. 113 [60-170] pg/mL, p = 0.015). The sensitivity and specificity of IL-6 to predict VAP was 71% and 78%, respectively, using 198 pg/mL as optimal cutoff, with relative risk (95% confidence interval) 8.9 (1.4-56.3). When VAP was suspected, serum levels of IL-6 were higher in patients with confirmed compared with nonconfirmed VAP (1131 [496-1987] vs. 236 [115-357] pg/mL, p = 0.016). The sensitivity and specificity to discriminate between confirmed and nonconfirmed VAP was 71% and 89%, respectively, using 620 pg/mL as optimal cutoff, with relative risk (95% confidence interval) 15.0 (1.2-185.2). CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 at admission is an early and accurate indicator of patients at increased risk for VAP. IL-6 is also accurate in discriminating patients with VAP from other causes of pulmonary infiltrates. Extrapolation of these results to the overall population of critically ill patients is limited by the small number of patients.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the main nosocomial infection in patients receiving mechanical ventilation. Despite numerous advances in the understanding of this disorder, the incidence rate continues in an unacceptable range. In this review, we discuss some important findings of recently published studies on diagnosis, prevention and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: The microbiological sampling of the lower airways may be performed by invasive or noninvasive methods. The use of blind techniques to sample the lower respiratory tree has gained wide acceptance within the critical care setting. The use of cytological parameters such as the percentage of infected cells (cells containing phagocytised bacteria) may add objectivity to the unspecific clinical suspicion of VAP. A lot of information on the subject of prevention of VAP has been published recently that evaluates several preventive measures including new antiseptic-coated endotracheal tubes, new cuff shape and meta-analysis of known techniques. However, the clinicians must choose a bundle of measures and implement them in their intensive care units. The effectiveness of the bundles must be documented. New studies emphasize the key role of an appropriate empirical treatment. The de-escalation strategy increases the reduction of antimicrobials without worsening the outcome of VAP patients. The efficacy of monotherapy in the treatment of this infectious disease has been evaluated in new studies with controversial results. The diagnostic approach and therapy of the VAP patients are clarified with these studies. SUMMARY: In the last year, numerous articles have been published on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of VAP. In this review, we have selected those articles that potentially could lead to changes in clinical practice: Use of noninvasive techniques for diagnosis, new methods and strategies for prevention, and, finally, the efficacy of monotherapy and de-escalation in the treatment of VAP.

Pneumonia severity index class v patients with community-acquired pneumonia: characteristics, outcomes, and value of severity scores.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with a pneumonia severity index (PSI) score in risk class V (PSI-V) is a potentially life-threatening condition, yet the majority of patients are not admitted to the ICU. The aim of this study was to characterize CAP patients in PSI-V to determine the risk factors for ICU admission and mortality, and to assess the performance of CAP severity scores in this population. METHODS: Prospective observational study including hospitalized adults with CAP in PSI-V from 1996 to 2003. Clinical and laboratory data, microbiological findings, and outcomes were recorded. The PSI score; modified American Thoracic Society (ATS) score; the confusion, urea, respiratory rate, low BP (CURB) score, and CURB plus age of >/= 65 years score were calculated. A reduced score based on the acute illness variables contained in the PSI was also obtained. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients were included in the study (mean [+/- SD] age, 79 +/- 11 years), of whom 92 (20%) were admitted to the ICU. Patients in the ward were older (mean age, 82 +/- 10 vs 70 +/- 10 years, respectively) and had more comorbidities. ICU patients experienced significantly more acute organ failures. The mortality rate was higher in ICU patients, but also was high for non-ICU patients (37% vs 20%, respectively; p = 0,003). A low level of consciousness (odds ratio [OR], 3.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2 to 5) and shock (OR, 24.7; 95% CI, 14 to 44) were associated with a higher risk of death. The modified ATS severity rule had the best accuracy in predicting ICU admission and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Most CAP patients PSI-V were treated on a hospital ward. Those admitted to the ICU were younger and had findings of more acute illness. The PSI performed well as a mortality prediction tool but was less appropriate for guiding site-of-care decisions.

Cognitive profiles of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and depression in children and adolescents.

Background/Objective: Several diagnostic criteria of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are remarkably similar to symptoms reported by individuals with depression, particularly as they manifest as cognitive processing deficits in children. Because of this overlap in profile and the high rate of comorbidity of PTSD and depression (48% to 69%), pinpointing similarities/differences in cognitive processes related to each of these disorders is essential to accurate diagnosis. This study aims to examine cognitive performance profiles of 23 children who have been victims of PTSD and to compare their results with 23 children with depression and 24 controls. Method: Empirical study, observational and descriptive methodologies were performed using several neuropsychological tests to assess IQ, attention, memory and executive function. Statistical comparisons between groups were made using the non-parametric Kruskall-Wallis test and post-hoc analyses were conducted using a Mann Whitney U test, as well as Quade's co-variance analysis. Results: Data show different profiles of cognitive performance in those with PTSD compared to those with depression and controls. Conclusions: The findings suggests that PTSD and depressed children differ somewhat in their cognitive profiles, and the differences in IQ found between those with PTSD and those without are not necessarily a confounding variable, but may rather be a consequence of their traumatic experience.

Antecedentes/Objetivo: Varios criterios diagnósticos del trastorno de estrés post-traumático (PTSD, por sus siglas en inglés) son similares a los síntomas de la depresión, particularmente relacionados con aspectos cognitivos de niños afectados por estas condiciones. Debido a esta superposición del perfil cognitivo y dada la alta comorbilidad entre PTSD y depresión (48% y 69%), identificar las características en los perfiles cognitivos de cada trastorno pudiera ser útil para hacer diagnósticos más precisos. El objetivo fue examinar el rendimiento cognitivo en 23 niños con PTSD y comparar sus resultados con 23 niños con depresión y 24 controles. Método: Estudio empírico, observacional y descriptivo mediante aplicación de una batería neuropsicológica que evaluó inteligencia, atención, memoria y función ejecutiva. Las comparaciones estadísticas se realizaron mediante la prueba no paramétrica Kruskal-Wallis. Los análisis post-hoc se realizaron utilizando U de Mann Whitney y el análisis de covarianza de Quade. Resultados: Los datos muestran diferentes perfiles cognitivos del grupo con PTSD en comparación con los grupos de depresión y controles. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren que el grupo de PTSD y el grupo de depresión difieren en sus perfiles cognitivos y que las diferencias en el nivel intelectual encontradas en los niños con PTSD pudieran no ser una variable de confusión sino una consecuencia de la experiencia traumática.

Paquimeningitis hipertrófica idiopática en un anciano. Signo de Eiffel de noche / Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis in an elderly man. Eiffel-by-night sign

Masculino de 71 años, hipertenso, con tabaquismo activo (IPA 51); ingresó a urgencias por disminución progresiva de la agudeza visual bilateral hasta llegar a amaurosis bilateral, no dolor ocular. Asociado a cefalea crónica frontal bilateral, pulsátil. RNM cerebral mostró engrosamiento difuso de la meninge en relación con paquimeningitis. Biopsia de meninge mostró paquimeninge. Se descartaron casusas neoplásicas, infecciosas, autoinmunes, por lo cual se consideró una paquimeningitis hipertrófica idiopática (PHI). La paquimeningitis hipertrófica es una entidad clínica rara caracterizada por engrosamiento localizado o difuso de la duramadre, con o sin una inflamación asociada, produce déficit neurológico progresivo por compresión de las estructuras adyacentes (1). El dolor de cabeza es el síntoma inicial más común, seguido de síntomas oftalmológicos, como pérdida visual y diplopía (2). Su etiología es multifactorial, en estudios de imagen se encuentra engrosamiento dural en la fosa craneal posterior (2), imitando la torre Eiffel iluminada en noche (signo de Eiffel de noche) (3).

A 71-year-old hypertensive male who was an active smoker (IPA 51) was admitted to the emergency room due to progressively decreasing bilateral eyesight to the point of bilateral amaurosis, without ocular pain. This was associated with a chronic bilateral pulsatile frontal headache. A brain NMR showed diffuse meningeal thickening related to pachymeningitis. A meningeal biopsy showed pachymeninge. Neoplastic, infectious and autoimmune causes were ruled out; therefore, it was considered to be idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP). Hypertrophic pachymeningitis is a rare clinical entity characterized by localized or diffuse thickening of the dura mater, with or without associated inflammation. It causes progressive neurological deficit due to compression of the adjacent structures (1). Headache is the most common initial symptom, followed by ophthalmological symp-toms such as vision loss and diplopia (2). Its etiology is multifactorial. Dural thickening in the posterior cranial fossa, mimicking the Eiffel Tower illuminated at night (Eiffel-by-night sign), is found on imaging studies. References 1. Uchida H, Ogawa Y, Tominaga T. Marked effectiveness of low-dose oral methotrexate for steroid-resistant idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis: Case report. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2018 May;168:30­3. 2. Hahn LD, Fulbright R, Baehring JM. Hypertrophic pachymeningitis. J Neurol Sci. 2016 Aug;367:278­83. 3. Dash GK, Thomas B, Nair M, Radhakrishnan A. Clinico-radiological spectrum and outcome in idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis. J Neurol Sci. 2015 Mar;350(1­2):51­60. Figure 1. A: Brain NRM with gadolinium, coronal view. Diffuse meningeal thickening, mainly on the right, with significant enhancement on diffuse gadolinium application, compatible with pachymeningitis. B: Orbital NRM with gadolinium. Diffuse pachymeningitis changes which reach the left and right orbital fissures. Figure 2. Meningeal biopsy (H&E 40X). Fibroconnective tissue can be seen, with fibroblast proliferation, increased collagen, cal-cifications and mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate throughout its thickness, compatible with pachymeninge.

Contributions from functional neuroimaging studies to the comprehension of traumatic child experiences: preliminary findings / Aportes de los estudios de neuroimagen funcional a la comprensión del trauma infantil: estudio preliminar

Abstract This study aimed to describe the cerebral activation patterns using fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) technology in a sample of 15 children with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and 7 with no PTSD. The study used a Quasi-experimental methodology where two experimental tasks were applied: an emotional face task and a version of an emotional Stroop task. The results point out differences in the group of PTSD on the processing of negative stimuli and changes in their frontal lobe activation. These preliminary results suggest that early traumatic experiences affect typical brain development patterns. And explicit and implicit variables involved in the traumatic experiences are discussed as a part of any intervention process.

Resumen El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir patrones de activación cerebral mediante una técnica de Imagen por resonancia magnética funcional -fMRI- (abreviatura en inglés de Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) en una muestra de niños con Trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) y compararlos con un grupo de controles. Estudio cuasi-experimental en el que se tomó un grupo de 15 niños con TEPT y se comparó con un grupo de 7 niños sin TEPT. Se emplearon dos tareas experimentales: una prueba de caras y una versión del Stroop emocional. Los resultados preliminares, señalan diferencias en el procesamiento de estímulos, principalmente de carácter negativo en los niños con TEPT y cambios en los patrones de activación a nivel de estructuras frontales. Se concluye que el trauma a edad temprana afecta el curso normal del desarrollo cerebral y se evidencia la importancia de abordar los aspectos explícitos e implícitos asociados a la experiencia traumática como parte de la intervención.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome in an older black adult. Case Report / Síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz en adulto mayor de raza negra. Reporte de caso

Abstract Introduction: Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS), or basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS), is a rare genetic disease that induces the development of odontogenic keratocysts, skeletal malformations and neoplasms, especially multiple and recurrent basal cell carcinomas (BCC). This condition is rare in black people, being reported in this population in only 5% of the cases. Case presentation: A 68-year-old black man reported the constant appearance for approximately 4 years of multiple papules and non-pruritic and non-desquamating skin plaques, with hyperpigmented margins, of different sizes that grew gradually in scalp, left lower eyelid, arms, forearms, back, and lower limbs. Histopathological study showed multiple BCC, and imaging studies identified calcifications in the tentorium cerebelli and cerebral falx, as well as images suggestive of odontogenic cysts. Based on his clinical history, histopathologic and imaging findings, and physical examination, he was diagnosed with GGS. Conclusions: This is the first case of GGS in an older black adult reported in Colombia. This case highlights the relevance of reviewing the medical records and performing a thorough physical examination when approaching the patient, as well as doing a comprehensive geriatric assessment, since they are key to diagnose this rare disease and initiate a timely multidisciplinary treatment. This will allow obtaining better outcomes in these patients.

Resumen Introducción. El síndrome de Gorlin-Goltz (SGG), o síndrome del nevo basocelular, es una enfermedad genética rara que induce el desarrollo de queratoquistes odontogénicos, malformaciones esqueléticas y neoplasias, especialmente carcinomas basocelulares (CBC) múltiples y recurrentes. Esta condición es infrecuente en personas de raza negra, reportándose en esta población solo en el 5% de los casos. Presentación del caso. Hombre de 68 años de raza negra, quien reportó la constante aparición, durante aproximadamente 4 años, de múltiples pápulas y placas no pruriginosas ni descamativas, de bordes hiperpigmentados, de diferentes dimensiones y de crecimiento gradual en cuero cabelludo, párpado inferior izquierdo, brazos, antebrazos, dorso y miembros inferiores. El estudio histopatológico evidenció múltiples CBC y en los estudios de imagen se identificaron calcificaciones en el tentorium cerebelli y la hoz del cerebro, así como imágenes sugestivas de quistes odontogénicos. Teniendo en cuenta la historia clínica, los hallazgos histopatológicos e imagenológicos y el examen físico, se diagnosticó con SGG. Conclusiones. Este el primer caso de SGG en un adulto mayor de raza negra reportado en Colombia. En este caso se resalta la importancia de la revisión de la historia clínica y el examen físico al momento de abordar un paciente, así como de una valoración geriátrica integral, ya que son fundamentales para diagnosticar esta rara enfermedad y poder iniciar un manejo multidisciplinario temprano, lo que permitirá obtener mejores resultados en estos pacientes.

Respiratory nosocomial infections in the medical intensive care unit.

Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired lower respiratory tract infections include acute tracheobronchitis and hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Nosocomial pneumonia is the second most common hospital-acquired infection and the leading cause of death in hospital-acquired infections. The mortality rate in VAP ranges from 24% to 76% in several studies. ICU ventilated patients with VAP have a 2- to 10-fold higher risk of death than patients without it. Early oropharyngeal colonization is pivotal in the etiopathogenesis of VAP. The knowledge of risk factors for VAP is important in developing effective preventive programs. Once the physician decides to treat a suspected episode of ICU-acquired pneumonia, some issues should be kept on mind: first, the adequacy of the initial empiric antibiotic therapy; second, the modification of initial inadequate therapy according to microbiological results; third, the benefit of combination therapy; and finally, the duration of the antimicrobial treatment. Additionally, a protocolized work-up to identify the causes of non-response to treatment is mandatory. All these issues are discussed in depth in this article.

Respiratory microbiology patterns within the first 24 h of ARDS diagnosis: influence on outcome.

BACKGROUND: Airway colonization and infection are frequent complications during the course of ARDS. The impact on outcomes of microbiological patterns recovered within the first 24 h after diagnosis has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence and patterns of bronchial colonization and lung infection within the first 24 h of ARDS diagnosis and to evaluate the influence on ICU outcomes. METHODS: Prospective study of ARDS patients evaluated within 24 h of diagnosis. Patients were studied with tracheobronchial aspirate and right and left bronchoscopic protected specimen brush. All samples were cultured quantitatively. RESULTS: Fifty-five consecutive patients were included. Twelve patients (22%) were clinically suspected of having nosocomial pneumonia (NP), which was confirmed microbiologically in 7 patients, a frequency of 13%. In those patients without suspected pneumonia, we also found potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) and potentially drug-resistant microorganisms (PDRMs) in 36% and 31%, respectively. Mortality was not significantly higher in those patients with recovery of a PPM (87% vs 73%, p = 0.31), PDRM (89% vs 74%, p = 0.18), or with NP (79% vs 85%, p = 1.0). CONCLUSION: There is a strikingly high rate of PPM recovery in early ARDS. However, neither isolation of pathogenic microorganisms nor the confirmation of NP could be associated with an increased mortality.

Does ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis need antibiotic treatment?

It is difficult to define ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT). The most accepted definition includes fever (temperature > 38 degrees C), new or increased sputum production, a microbiologically positive respiratory sample with counts above the accepted thresholds and absence of pulmonary infiltrates on chest X-ray. Although we have no doubt that this pathologic process exists, the main controversy lies on whether this entity has any impact on the outcome and, thus, a specific therapeutic approach is suitable. We will discuss the strengths and drawbacks of the article on this topic published in this issue by Nseir et al.

Ethics roundtable debate: A patient dies from an ICU-acquired infection related to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus--how do you defend your case and your team?

An elderly patient dies from septic shock in the intensive care unit. This is perhaps not an unusual scenario, but in this case the sepsis happens to have been due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, possibly related to a catheter, and possibly transmitted from a patient in a neighbouring room by less than adequate compliance with infection control procedures. The family decides to sue. We present how experts from four different countries assess the medicolegal issues involved in this case.

Construcción y validación del Repositorio de Expresiones Faciales Emocionales Colombianas / Design and validation of the Colombian Repository of Emotional Facial Expressions

Resumen Los rasgos fenotípicos afectan la respuesta hacia los rostros emocionales. En Colombia, no se ha construido y validado un banco de imágenes de rostros emocionales. El objetivo del presente estudio fue construir y validar un banco de fotografías de rostros emocionales colombianos (alegría, ira, tristeza, miedo, asco, sorpresa y expresión neutral/descanso), a través de una metodología similar a la utilizada en el diseño de otros bancos de expresiones emocionales. El estudio se llevó a cabo con 80 participantes (43 mujeres), a los cuales se les presentó cada una de las 70 expresiones emocionales del Repositorio de Expresiones Faciales Emocionales Colombianas (REFEC). A partir de estudios previos en este campo se tomaron como índices de validez el porcentaje de acierto y el coeficiente de kappa de Fleiss (grado de concordancia entre evaluadores). Además, se midió el tiempo de reacción como índice de demanda cognitiva para el reconocimiento de la expresión emocional. Los resultados muestran un porcentaje de acierto superior al de otros bancos de estímulos de expresiones emocionales y un índice de concordancia bueno/excelente (similar al de otros instrumentos). En conjunto, los resultados sugieren que el REFEC es un banco de imágenes de expresiones faciales emocionales válido para su uso en población colombiana.

Abstract Phenotypic traits affect the response to emotional faces. In Colombia, an image bank of emotional faces has not been built and validated. The objective of this study was to build and validate a bank of photographs of Colombian emotional faces (joy, anger, sadness, fear, disgust, surprise and neutral expression/rest), through a methodology similar to that used in the design of other banks of emotional expressions. The study was carried out with 80 participants (43 women), to whom each of the 70 emotional expressions of the Repository of Colombian Emotional Facial Expressions (REFEC) was presented. From previous studies in this field, the percentage of correctness and the Fleiss kappa coefficient (degree of agreement between evaluators) were taken as validity indices. Additionally, reaction time was measured as an index of cognitive demand for the recognition of emotional expression. The results show a percentage of correctness higher than that of other stimulus banks of emotional expressions and a good / excellent concordance index (similar to that of other instruments). Together, the results suggest that REFEC is a valid image bank of emotional facial expressions for use in the Colombian population.