Impacto del sitio de extracción en la incidencia de hernias incisionales en pacientes sometidos a cirugía laparoscópica por cáncer colorrectal

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la tasa de hernia incisional (HI) tras la extracción de piezas operatorias por mini-laparatomia media periumbilical (MM) versus mini-laparotomía transversa suprapúbica (MTS) en pacientes sometidos a cirugía laparoscópica por cáncer colorrectal (CLCC), y evaluar los factores asociados a su ocurrencia. Material y Método: Estudio de cohorte no concurrente. Se incluyen todos los pacientes consecutivos sometidos a CLCC en nuestro centro entre septiembre 2006 y diciembre 2017, cuya pieza operatoria fuese extraída por una MM o MTS y que contaran con un control tomográfico en el seguimiento. El diagnóstico de HI se realizó mediante tomografía computada, evaluada por dos radiólogos de forma independiente. Se agruparon los pacientes en MM y MTS, y se evaluaron las tasas de HI según sitio de extracción. Además, se realizó una regresión logística para identificar factores asociados a HI. Resultados: Se identificaron 1090 pacientes que tuvieron resecciones colorrectales lapa-roscópicas durante el período estudiado. De estos, 254 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. La edad media de la serie fue de 63 años (53,5% son hombres) con un IMC de 26,4 kg/m2. El sitio de extracción fue una MTS en un 53,1% y una MM en un 46,9%. Se identificó un total de 41 (34,5%) HI en el grupo de MM versus 17 (12,6%) en MTS (p = 0,001) en la TC de seguimiento realizado en una mediana de 18 meses (RIC 12-32) postoperatorios. En la regresión logística, el sitio de extracción (OR = 3,33, IC 95% 1,72-7,14, p < 0,001) y la presencia de patología bronquial obstructiva se asociaron de manera independiente con HI (OR = 3,45, IC 95% 1,11-11,11, p = 0,03). Conclusión: La MTS se asocia a una menor tasa de HI que la MM en pacientes sometidos a CLCC. Esto se debe tener en consideración al momento de elegir el sitio de extracción de pieza operatoria en CLCC.

Aim: To compare the rate of incisional hernia (IH) according to the extraction site in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery (LCCS), and to evalúate the risk factors associated with its occurrence. Material and Method: Cohort study including all consecutive patients undergoing LCCS in our center between September 2006 and December 2017, where the specimen was extracted through a median mini-laparotomy (MM) or transverse suprapubic mini-laparotomy (TSM) and have a tomographic control during follow-up. The diagnosis of IH was made by computed tomography evaluated by two radiologists, independently. The rate of IH was calculated for both groups and a regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with IH. Results: Some 1090 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections were identified during the study period; of these, 254 met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the series was 63 years (53.5% are men) with a BMI of 26.4 kg/m2. The extraction site was a TSM in 53.1% and a MM in 46.9%. A total of 41 (34.5%) IH were identified in the MM group versus 17 (12.6%) in TSM (p = 0.001) in the follow-up CT performed at a median of18 months (IQR 12-32) postoperative. In logistic regression, the extraction site (OR = 3.33, 95% CI 1.72-7.14, p < 0.001) and the presence of obstructive bronchial pathology were independently associated with IH (OR = 3, 45, 95% CI 1.11-11.11, p = 0.03). Conclusión: A TSM is associated with a lower rate of IH compared to a MM as extraction site in patients undergoing LCCS. This must be taken into account when choosing the extraction site in patients having LCCS.

Exactitud diagnóstica de la tomografía computarizada en la estadificación del cáncer de colon / Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography in colon cancer staging

Resumen Introducción: Una terapia emergente para el cáncer de colon es la neoadyuvancia, en casos seleccionados. Dicha selección se basa en el análisis preoperatorio de imágenes mediante tomografía computada. Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo es determinar la exactitud diagnóstica del examen para estadificar el cáncer de colon y su correlación entre radiólogos expertos. Materiales y Método: Estudio de exactitud diagnóstica. Previo cálculo muestral se seleccionaron aleatoriamente 47 pacientes con adenocarcinoma colónico resecado con intención curativa e imágenes hasta 60 días previo cirugía. Se evaluó profundidad de invasión tumoral e invasión linfonodal por 2 radiólogos expertos y ciegos entre sí. Las diferencias fueron auditadas por un tercer radiólogo experto. Se compararon resultados con la biopsia, calculando la sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo negativo, valor predictivo positivo y exactitud diagnóstica del examen. Se calculó la concordancia entre radiólogos mediante el índice de kappa. Resultados: La exactitud para diferenciar tumores T3-T4 de T1-T2 fue del 89,4%. En cambio, la capacidad para diferenciar tumores T4 de los T3 fue de un 65,9%. La exactitud para determinar un N (+) fue de un 66%. La concordancia entre radiólogos fue de 0,929 para identificar tumores T1-2, de 0,602 para T3, de 0,584 para T4. Para determinar un N (+), la concordancia fue de 0,521. Conclusión: La exactitud diagnóstica de la tomografía computada en cáncer de colon es adecuada para distinguir tumores avanzados. Sin embargo, su capacidad para discriminar entre T3 y T4, los N (+) y la baja concordancia entre radiólogos, sugiere la necesidad de buscar técnicas imagenológicas complementarias.

Introduction: Neoadjuvant therapy is an emerging treatment for selected cases of colon cancer. The decision is based on the analysis of preoperative images taken by computed tomography. However, its ability to discriminate those who could benefit from this therapy is unknown. Aim: Our objective is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography to evaluate the colon cancer stage and its correlation among expert radiologists. Materials and Method: Diagnostic accuracy study. After sample size calculation, we randomly selected 47 patients who underwent a colonic adenocarcinoma resection with curative intent and had available images up to 60 days after surgery. The depth of tumor and lymph nodal invasion were evaluated by two expert radiologists, blinded to each other. The differences between radiologists were audited by a third one. The results were correlated with biopsy as the gold standard. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography. The agreement between radiologists was calculated using the kappa index. Results: The accuracy to differentiate T3-T4 tumors from T1-T2 was 89.4%. In contrast, ability to differentiate T4 tumors from T3 tumors was 65.9%. The accuracy to determine an N (+) was 66%. Agreement between radiologists was 0.929 to identify T1-2, 0.602 for T3, 0.584 for T4 tumors. To determine an N (+), the concordance was 0.521. Conclusion: Diagnostic computed tomography accuracy in colon cancer is adequate to differentiate advanced tumors. However, its ability to discriminate between T3 and T4, N (+) and the low agreement between radiologists suggests the need for complementary imaging techniques.

Cost of hospitalization of pediatric covid-19 patients in a tertiary pediatric hospital in the Philippines

BACKGROUND@#Out of pocket expenses still comprises a major share in health financing. A reactive approach in COVID-19 treatment may be problematic for the patient’s finances. National health insurance systems like PHIC have COVID-related care benefits, but whether these offer sufficient coverage is unknown.@*OBJECTIVES@#This study aims to describe the hospitalization costs incurred by pediatric COVID-19 patients admitted at a Filipino tertiary pediatric hospital, to determine the major cost drivers of hospitalization, and to determine how various payment methods provide coverage in paying for hospitalizations costs.@*METHODS@#Financial statements of pediatric COVID-19 patients were reviewed, from which costs were categorized. Deductions were also compared with total hospitalization to determine adequacy of various financial assistance programs.@*RESULTS@#Fifty-six charts and financial statements were reviewed for a 9-month period. Majority of the patients are of the 1-month to 6-year-old group (39.3%), of critical severity (66.1%), and with comorbidities (76.8%). Aggregated hospitalization costs of all COVID-19 patients amounted to PHP 9.5 million; medical costs accounted for the majority of the hospital costs at 35.40%. Mean total hospitalization cost per patient was determined to be PHP 170,170 and mean daily cost was PHP 16,870. PHIC COVID-19 packages may provide deducted as much as 90.56% of the overall costs, but only 28.6% of patients were able to avail of this privilege. Out-of-pocket expenditure remains at 33% of the total hospitalization cost.@*CONCLUSION@#COVID-19 hospitalization in this institution mainly consists of the 1-month to 6 years old, and the costs in the average can reach up approximately PHP 170,000, as basic medical fees drive the majority of the costs. Patients with no known comorbids tend to have higher costs of care but more data is needed to elaborate on the trend. Availing PHIC packages can greatly ameliorate the financial burden of hospitalization. However, checks in timely and accurate filing of claims should be in place to assure those that can avail this assistance are rightfully supported.@*RECOMMENDATIONS@#A larger patient base with equal representation of patient categories is recommended in order to determine more comprehensive cost patterns and make significant associations.

Prevalencia y trascendencia de los hallazgos extracardíacos encontrados en resonancia magnética de corazón / Prevalence and significance of extracardiac findings in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging

Objetivos: Valorar el número de lesiones incidentales detectadas por resonancia magnética (RM) cardíaca, establecer el porcentaje de hallazgos incluidos en el informe y definir el porcentaje de lesiones extracardíacas con implicancia en el manejo del paciente. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron retrospectivamente 918 RM de corazón, realizadas desde mayo de 2006 hasta marzo de 2015, en busca de hallazgos extracardíacos. Estos fueron clasificados en nada/poco relevantes o relevantes, y en relación causa-efecto con la sintomatología cardíaca. Resultados: Se encontraron 271 hallazgos extracardíacos. El 35,7% resultó relevante y el 18,8% tenía una relación de causa-efecto con la sintomatología cardíaca. Los hallazgos extracardíacos relevantes fueron informados en el 58,4% de los casos y los poco/nada relevantes en el 26,6%. Discusión: Diferentes muestras poblacionales y protocolos de RM cardíaca pueden condicionar los porcentajes de los hallazgos extracardíacos detectados. Además, el análisis de estas imágenes tiene peculiaridades que requieren conocimiento y entrenamiento para una correcta valoración. Conclusión: Se detectaron hallazgos extracardíacos de diversa relevancia en un 26,4% de los pacientes. Analizar estos hallazgos y establecer su valoración es parte fundamental del informe radiológico de la RM cardíaca.

Objectives: To assess the number of incidental lesions detected on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in order to establish the percentage of findings included in the report and evaluate the percentage of extracardiac lesions that have implications on patient management. Materials and methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 918 cardiac MRI (performed from May 2006 to March 2015) to search for extracardiac findings. These were classified in not relevant or relevant, and in relation with cause-effect cardiac symptoms. Results: A total of 271 extracardiac findings were observed, of which 35.7% were relevant, and 18.8% had a cause-effect relationship with the cardiac symptoms. Relevant extracardiac findings were reported in 58.4% of cases, and not relevant findings in 26.6% of cases. Discussion: Different sample populations and protocols (performing cardiac MRI) can determine differences when establishing percentage of extracardiac findings. Furthermore, analysis of cardiac MR images has peculiarities that require knowledge and training for proper assessment. Conclusión: Extracardiac findings of distinct relevance were detected in 26.4% of patients. To analyse and to assess the importance of these findings is a fundamental part of the cardiac MRI report.

Safety and efficacy of a novel abluminal groove-filled biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent for the treatment of de novo coronary lesions: 12-month results from the TARGET II trial / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>In the TARGET I randomized controlled trial, the novel abluminal groove-filled biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent FIREHAWK proved non-inferior to the everolimus-eluting stent in nine-month in-stent late loss in single de novo coronary lesions. This study was aimed at evaluating clinical safety and effectiveness of FIREHAWK in a moderately complex population (including patients with small vessels, long lesions and multi-vessels), and at validating the ability of the SYNTAX score (SS) to predict clinical outcomes in patients treated with this latest generation drug-eluting stent.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>TARGET II was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm study with primary outcome of 12-month target lesion failure (TLF), including cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI) and ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization (TLR). Stent thrombosis was defined according to the Academic Research Consortium (ARC) definition. Patients were grouped by tertiles of SS (≤6, >6 to ≤12, and >12). All patients were exclusively treated with the FIREHAWK stent and were followed up at 1, 6, and 12 months, and annually thereafter up to five years.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 730 patients were included in this registry study. The 12-month incidence of TLF was 4.4% and the incidence of TLF components were, cardiac death 0.5%, TV-MI 3.2%, and TLR 2.2%. One definite/probable stent thrombosis was observed at 12-month follow-up. Mean SS was 10.87±6.87. Patients in the SS >12 tertile had significantly higher TLF (P = 0.02) and TLR (P < 0.01) rates than those in lower SS groups. In COX proportional-hazards regression analyses, TLF incidence was strongly related to lesion length (long lesion vs. non-long lesion patients; HR 3.416, 95% CI, 1.622-7.195), but unrelated to diabetic, small vessel, and multivessel subgroups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The low TLF incidence in this study indicates that FIREHAWK is safe and effective in the treatment of moderately complex coronary disease. SS is also able to predict adverse clinical outcomes in FIREHAWK treated patients.</p>

Efficacy and safety of FIREHAWK® abluminal groove filled biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents for the treatment of long coronary lesions: nine-month angiographic and one-year clinical results from TARGET I trial long cohort / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Previous studies indicated that long coronary lesions are one of the key predictors of drug-eluting stent (DES) failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of the long length FIREHAWK(®) stent in long coronary artery disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The long cohort of TARGET I was a prospective, multicenter, single arm trial. It was planned to enroll 50 patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for the treatment of de novo long lesions in a native coronary artery. The major inclusion criteria of the trial was that patients were intended to undergo the treatment of a long target lesion(s) with diameter stenosis ≥ 70% and reference vessel diameter 2.5 mm to 4.0 mm by visual estimate, that needed to be covered by at least one 33 mm or 38 mm stent or multiple long stents overlapped. The angiographic follow-up was planned at 9-month and the clinical follow-up will be up to 5 years. The primary end point was in-stent late lumen loss at 9-month.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Fifty patients (mean age (57.6 ± 10.2) years) with 59 de novo long lesions (reference vessel diameter (2.85 ± 0.44) mm, lesion length (35.2 ± 9.4) mm, and stent length (41.8 ± 11.3) mm) were enrolled. The angiographic follow-up rate was 92% at 9-month. The in-stent late loss was (0.16 ± 0.16) mm. Proximal edge, distal edge and in-segment late loss (mm) were 0.21 ± 0.35, 0.03 ± 0.33, and 0.07 ± 0.26, respectively. No in-segment binary restenosis was observed. At 1-year no death, Q wave myocardial infarction (MI), or stent thrombosis occurred. Non-Q-wave MI occurred in two patients (4%) due to procedural complications.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Treatment of long coronary lesions with the FIREHAWK(®) stent is able to produce similar results as observed in the FIREHAWK(®) FIM clinical trial. Based on this result, we are confident in the treatment prospect of the FIREHAWK(®) for long coronary lesions.</p>

First report of a novel abluminal groove filled biodegradable polymer rapamycin-eluting stent in de novo coronary artery disease: results of the first in man FIREHAWK trial / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Durable polymers used for first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) potentially contribute to persistent inflammation and late DES thrombosis. We report the first in human experience with the rapamycin-eluting biodegradable polymer coated cobalt-chromium FIREHAWK stent with abluminal groove.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 21 patients with stable or unstable angina, or prior myocardial infarction, with single de novo native coronary stenoses < 30 mm in length in vessel sizes ranging from 2.25 to 4.0 mm were enrolled. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30 days defined as the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (Q and non-Q), or ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization. Secondary endpoints include device, lesion, and clinical success rates, 4-month in-stent late lumen loss by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA), proportion of uncovered or malapposed stent struts by optical coherence tomograpphy (OCT) at 4 months, and MACE at 4, 12, 24 and 36-month follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Device success was 95.7%, lesion and clinical success was 100.0%. There were no MACE events at 30 days. One patient died of non-cardiac hemorrhagic stroke 5 days after index procedure. At 4 months, in-stent late loss was (0.13 ± 0.18) mm, and complete strut coverage was 96.2% by OCT with 0.1% strut malapposition. At 4-month follow-up there was no additional MACE events, and a single target vessel (non-target lesion) revascularization.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The FIREHAWK abluminal groove biodegradable polymer rapamycin-eluting stent demonstrated feasibility, safety and efficacy in this first in human experience. OCT findings indicated excellent stent strut coverage 4 months after implantation. Larger studies are required to confirm whether the early FIREHAWK stent results translate into longer term restenosis and thrombosis benefits.</p>

Isoinmunización antikell: manejo clínico de 26 casos / Antikell alloinmunization: clinical management of 26 cases

La principal causa de anemia fetal es la isoinmunización Rh por el desarrollo de anticuerpos frente al antí-geno D. La aloinmunización antiKell es una patología poco frecuente aunque puede producir un cuadro de anemia fetal muy grave. Su incidencia relativa ha aumentado en los últimos años debido al mayor número de transfusiones sanguíneas por disminución de la isoinmunización anti-D. Presentamos 26 casos de isoin-munización antiKell controlados en el Hospital La Paz de Madrid, durante los años 2003-2009 y una revisión de la literatura.

The main cause of fetal anemia is red-cell alloimmunization. Kell alloinmunization is a rare disease, although it can produce severe fetal damages. The relative incidence of antiKell isoinmunization has increased last years due to the blood transfusions has grown also, and anti-D aloinmunization has decreased. We report twenty six cases of pregnant women with isoinmunization antikell controlled in La Paz Hospital, Madrid, between 2003-2009 and a review of the literature.

Sobrepeso y obesidad pregestacional como factor de riesgo de cesárea y complicaciones perinatales / Maternal pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity as a risk factors for cesarean delivery and other obstetrical complications

Objetivo: Comprobar si el sobrepeso y la obesidad materna son factores de riesgo de complicaciones pe-rinatales. Método: Estudio transversal de 1.223 gestantes nulíparas atendidas en el Hospital La Paz entre agosto 2007 y abril 2008. Las gestantes se dividieron en tres grupos según el índice de masa corporal (IMC) al inicio del embarazo: 482 con peso normal (IMC: 18,5-24,9 Kg/m²); 419 con sobrepeso (IMC: 25-29,9Kg/m²) y 322 con obesidad (IMC: >30Kg/m²). Se estudiaron las complicaciones obstétricas, semanas de gestación en el momento del parto, tipo de parto y peso fetal. Resultados: El riesgo de cesßrea en las gestantes con sobrepeso fue casi el doble que el de las gestantes de peso normal (OR: 1,9; IC95 por ciento 1,4-2,5) Las gestantes obesas sufrieron el triple de cesáreas que las de peso normal (OR: 3,1; IC95 por ciento 2,8-4,3). El número de inducciones del parto fue mayor en las gestantes con sobrepeso (OR: 1,7; IC95 por ciento 1,4-1,9) y el doble en las obesas (OR: 2,0; IC95 por ciento 1,8-2,9) con respecto a las de peso normal. El riesgo de macrosomía fetal (>4.000 gramos) fue mayor en las gestantes con sobrepeso (OR: 1,5; IC95 por ciento 1,4-2,2) y en las obesas (OR: 1,9; IC95 por ciento 1,3-2,8) que en las de peso normal. En el análisis de regresión logística multivariante (ajusfando por edad, diabetes e hipertensión gestacionales) persistió la asociación entre sobrepeso y cesárea (OR: 2,1; IC95 por ciento 1,7-2,7) y entre obesidad y cesárea (OR: 3,0; IC95 por ciento 2,6-3,8). Conclusiones: El sobrepeso y la obesidad materna al inicio del embarazo están asociados con un aumento del número de cesáreas y de inducciones del parto. Este riesgo es mayor a medida que aumenta el IMC materno.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine if the maternal prepregnancy overweight and obesity are related to risk of cesarean delivery and other obstetrical complications. Methods: Transversal study of 1223 nulliparous women that delivered in our maternity between August 2007 and April 2008. Women were categorized by the body mass index (BMI): 482 normal weight (BMI: 18.5-24.9 Kg/m²), 419 overweight (BMI: 25-29.9 Kg/m²) and 322 obesity (BMI: >30 Kg/m²). Obstetrical complications, labor and its complications, and neonatal weight were studied. Results: Women who were overweight was nearly twice as likely to deliver by cesarean section as women with normal weight (OR: 1.8; 95 percent CI 1.4-2.9). Obese women experienced a three-fold increase in risk of cesarean section in comparison to normal weight women (OR: 3.02; 95 percent CI 2.6-4.5). Number of labor inductions was higher in overweight and obese group (OR: 1.6; 95 percent CI 1.3-1.9) and (OR: 2.1; 95 percent CI 1.7-2.9) respectively in comparison to control group. The highest risk of fetal macrosomia (weight >4000 g) was in the overweight (OR: 1.5; 95 percent CI 1.4-2.2) and obese women (OR: 1.9; 95 percent CI 1.3-2.8) compared with the normal weight women. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the association persisted between obesity and cesarean delivery (OR 3.0; 95 percentCI 2.6-3.8) and among overweight and cesarean section (OR 2.1; 95 percentCI 1.7-2.7) after adjusting for variables such as age, diabetes and hypertension. Conclusions: Overweight or obesity prior to pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery and labor inductions. This risk increases as the BMI increases.

Evaluación retrospectiva de la vigilancia de Streptococcus pneumoniae causante de enfermedades invasoras en adultos de la Región Metropolitana-Chile: 2000-2006 / Retrospective assessment of laboratory surveillance for invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from adults of the Metropolitan Region (Chile): 2000-2006

Este estudio evaluó el funcionamiento de la norma nacional de vigilancia de Streptococcus pneumoniae recuperado desde procesos invasores en adultos de la Región Metropolitana-Chile. Material y Métodos: Se revisaron las notificaciones correspondientes a pacientes de 15 años o más, recibidas por el ISP en el período 2000-2006, emitidas por establecimientos asistenciales de la región. Paralelamente, se revisaron los resultados de cultivos de fluidos estériles practicados en 14 hospitales estatales que atienden adultos. Resultados: Se encontró documentación de 1.429 aislados de S. pneumoniae provenientes de procesos invasores en pacientes de 15 años o más, incluyendo 1.095 notificados y 334 no notificados. La tasa de sub-notificación estimada para los 14 establecimientos visitados alcanzó a 33 por ciento. La edad y el diagnóstico fueron omitidos en 23 y 78 por ciento de las notificaciones, respectivamente. En 235 de 303 (78 por ciento) cepas aisladas de pacientes de 65 años o más, investigadas mediante reacción de Quellung, se identificaron serotipos capsulares representados en la vacuna polisácarida 23-valente. Conclusiones: El Ministerio de Salud anunció un programa de inmunización con vacuna neumocóccica 23-valente dirigido a los adultos mayores. Con miras a la futura evaluación del impacto de esta medida, los resultados de esta revisión señalan la necesidad de reforzar el cumplimento y la calidad de las notificaciones de S. pneumoniae causante de enfermedades in-vasoras.

This study assessed the performance of the national norm for laboratory surveillance of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults of the Metropolitan Region (Chile). Material and Methods. We reviewed all notifications of isolates from patients > 15 years of age received by the Institute of Public Health of Chile during the period 2000-2006, submitted by health care facilities of the study region. We also reviewed the original records of sterile fluid cultures, in 14 public adult hospitals. Results. We found documentation of 1429 invasive S. pneumoniae isolates recovered from adult patients, including 1095 reported and 334 not-reported isolates. A 33 percent under-reporting rate was estimated for the 14 hospitals where local laboratory records were inspected. Age and clinical diagnosis were omitted in 23 percent and 78 percent of the notifications, respectively. Among 303 isolates from patients > 65 years of age that were investigated with Quellung reaction, 235 (78 percent) had capsular serotypes represented in the 23-valent polysacharide vaccine. Conclusions. The Ministry of Health of Chile announced implementation of 23-valent vaccine immunization program for the elderly. In the perspective of future evaluations of the impact of this intervention, the results of this study indicate the need of reinforcing adherence and improving the quality of notifications of invasive S. pneumoniae.

Programa de transtornos de alimentación en adolescentes y jóvenes chilenos: variaciones a seis meses de tratamiento / Multidisciplinary treatment of eating disorders in Chilean adolescents and young adults: Six months outcome

Background: Eating disorders may have serious organic consequences derived from under nutrition, specific nutrient deficiencies and electrolytic disturbances and reach a mortality as high as 12 percent. Aim: To describe the features and outcome after six months of treatment of patients attending the Eating Disorders Unit at the Catholic University Hospital in Chile. Material and methods: Review of medical records of patients with eating disorders that received a multidisciplinary treatment by a team of nutritionists, psychiatrists and psychologists and were seen at least twice in a period of six months. Results: The records of 81 patients (mean age 16.3±3 years, only one male) were included in the review. Forty nine patients had Anorexia Nervosa of the restricting type, five of the purging type, 22 had Bulimia Nervosa of the purging type and two of the non purging type and three patients had an eating disorder not otherwise specified. Eighty percent consulted within the first year of symptom appearance. Sixty five percent came from families with both parents living together, 57 percent had a rigid and agglutinated family structure and 65 percent had occult crises. Depression or dysthymia was found in 45 percent of patients and drug therapy was required at the beginning of treatment in 25 percent. Obsessive traits (40.4 percent) were significantly related to restrictive eaters. A past history of obesity or overweight was common. After six months of treatment, body mass index increasing significantly in restrictive eaters with obsessive traits and occult family crises was noticed. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary therapeutic intervention improved body mass index and family symptoms in patients with restrictive eating disorders.

Prevalencia de anemia y deficiencia de hierro en escolares jujeños de 12 años / Prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in 12 year old school children from Jujuy

La deficiencia de hierro es una de las deficiencias de micronutrientes más comunes. Los adolescentes son un grupo vulnerable. Un reconocimiento oportuno puede prevenir una anemia ferropénica, etapa final y grave de dicha deficiencia, insuficientemente conocida en nuestro país. El objetivo de este estúdio fue determinar los valores hematológicos en adolescentes y conocer las prevalencias de anemia y deficiência de hierro. Definidas como a) anemia: hematocrito (Hto) <38%, b) deficiencia componente funcional de hierro: saturación de transferrina <16%, c) deficiencia en los depósitos de hierro: ferritina (Ferr) <15 ng/ml. Se estudiaron 2.265 escolares de 12 años, de ambos sexos, en áreas urbanas y periurbanas de San Salvador de Jujuy (1.250 m.s.n.m.). Se determinaron: Hto, hierro sérico, capacidad total de ligadura de hierro a la transferrina por colorimetría y Ferr por ELISA. No se encontró anemia en la población estudiada. La ferrodeficiencia se observo en el componente funcional de hierro, en 25% de mujeres y 21% de varones y en depósitos de hierro em 28% de mujeres y 18% de varones. La deficiencia de los depósitos de hierro en ambos sexos es el dato de mayor interés. Los resultados confirman que la población estudiada constituye un grupo de riesgo. La detección temprana de la deficiencia de hierro contribuirá a un mejor desarrollo físico e intelectual de los adolescente.

Principios activos de la ligaria cuneifolia: una planta medicinal / Active principles of ligaria cuneifolia: a medicinal plant

Ligaria Cuneifolia (R. et P.) Thiegh. (Loranthaceae) es una planta hemiparásita propia de Sudamérica. Es utilizada en Argentina primordialmente como antihipertensivo y antineoplásico. El presente trabajo fue llevado a cabo con el objeto de estudiar los metabolitos responsables de éstas y otras actividades atribuidas a esta entidad en la región centro-oeste de la Argentina. Para ello, se llevó a cabo la separación por cromatografía en columna y en capa fina, variando las fases estacionaria y móvil, purificando mendiante cristalizaciones y recristalizaciones sucesivas. La elucidación estructural se realizó por medio de Resonancia Magnética Nuclear (RMN)de 1H y de 13C y Espectrometría de Masas (EM). Como resultados fueron aislados por primera vez en esta especie dos compuestos mayoritarios que fueron caracterizados como triterpenos pentacíclicos del grupo lupeol: betulina y ácido betulínico.