Variability in the perception of palliative care and end-of-life care among hematology professionals from the same reference center in Bahia, Brazil: A descriptive cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There are several illness-specific cultural and system-based barriers to palliative care (PC) integration and end-of-life (EOL) care in the field of oncohematology. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the variability in the perceptions of PC and EOL care. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Hematology Division of our University Hospital in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. METHODS: Twenty physicians responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire and an adaptation of clinical questionnaires used in previous studies from October to December 2022. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 44 years, 80% of the participants identified as female, and 75% were hematologists. Participants faced a hypothetical scenario involving the treatment of a 65-year-old female with a poor prognosis acute myeloid leukemia refractory to first-line treatment. Sixty percent of the participants chose to follow other chemotherapy regimens, whereas 40% opted for PC. Next, participants considered case salvage for the patient who developed septic shock following chemotherapy and were prompted to choose their most probable conduct, and the conduct they thought would be better for the patient. Even though participants were from the same center, we found a divergence from the most probable conduct among 40% of the participants, which was due to personal convictions, legal aspects, and other physicians' reactions. CONCLUSIONS: We found considerable differences in the perception of PC and EOL care among professionals, despite following the same protocols. The study also demonstrated variations between healthcare professionals' beliefs and practices and persistent historical tendencies to prioritize aggressive interventions.

Divertículo de Meckel con tumor neuroendocrino: presentación inusual / Meckel's diverticulum with neuroendocrine tumor: unusual presentation

El divertículo de Meckel es una malformación congénita que suele presentarse como un hallazgo incidental asintomático. Puede complicarse por procesos inflamatorios o tumores, cursando con sintomatología abdominal sumamente inespecífica, lo que complica su diagnóstico oportuno. Aunque la incidencia de neoplasias malignas en estos divertículos es baja, los tumores neuroendocrinos son los más representativos. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 72 años que consultó por dolor abdominal y deposiciones melénicas, con múltiples nódulos intrahepáticos sugestivos de tumores neuroendocrinos y hallazgo intraoperatorio incidental de diverticulitis aguda de Meckel con metástasis peridiverticular de un tumor neuroendocrino. (AU)

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital malformation that usually presents as an incidental finding. It can be complicated by inflammatory processes or tumors, with non-specific abdominal symptoms which delay its timely diagnosis. Although the incidence of malignant neoplasms in these diver-ticula is low, neuroendocrine tumors are the most representative. We present the case of a 72-year-old female patient who consulted for abdominal pain and melenic bowel movements, with multiple intrahepatic nodules suggestive of neuroendocrine tumors and an incidental intraoperative finding of acute Meckel's diverticulitis with peridiverticular metastasis of a neuroendocrine tumor. (AU)

Epidemiological indicators of Chagas disease in the metropolitan region of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: Chagas disease (CD) is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by triatomines. Historical information from the 20th century demonstrates T. cruzi records in the metropolitan region of Salvador (MRS), the third largest urban agglomeration in the Brazilian Northeast and the eighth largest in Brazil, an area with intense migratory activity from CD-endemic regions. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate CD indicators (prevalence and mortality) in the MRS. Methods: A mixed ecological and descriptive study was conducted using secondary data. We analyzed data from 2008 to 2015: deaths due to CD, self-reported cases of CD, and blood donors that were non-negative for T. cruzi infection. Results: São Francisco do Conde was one of the municipalities with the highest mortality rates due to CD. The seroprevalence rates varied by year and municipality; those with the highest values were 2008: Vera Cruz, 2009: Mata de São João, 2010: Dias D'Ávila, 2011 and 2015: São Francisco do Conde, 2012: São Sebastião do Passé, and 2013 and 2014: Pojuca. Spatial correlations between the municipalities were not detected. Conclusions: We conclude that CD is present in the MRS. The indicators analyzed in the MRS are below-state-level data. Given the importance of indicator analysis for the surveillance and control of CD at the state and national levels, it is important to strengthen the surveillance program at the municipal level, including the regions classified as low risk for T. cruzi vector transmission.

Análisis del impacto presupuestal en Colombia de la prueba de HPV con genotipificación comparada con la citología / Budget impact analysis of primary screening with the HPV test and genotyping against conventional cytology in Colombia

Introducción. La detección del virus del papiloma humano mediante la combinación de la prueba de HPV y otras técnicas como la citología, ha demostrado su eficacia en el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno de lesiones asociadas con el cáncer de cuello uterino. Objetivo. Estimar el impacto presupuestal de la estrategia de detección temprana del HPV mediante la prueba de genotipificación combinada con la citología en comparación con la citología convencional, en mujeres de 30 a 65 años participantes en el programa de tamizaje de cáncer de cuello uterino en una Entidad Administradora del Plan de Beneficios en salud (EAPB) en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Utilizando un árbol de decisiones y un modelo de Markov, se estimaron las implicaciones clínicas y los costos directos anuales de dos ciclos de tamizaje, diagnóstico y tratamiento, en una cohorte de mujeres. Las prevalencias de los resultados clínicos y los costos se tomaron de la base de datos de una EAPB y la información de la progresión, persistencia y regresión de los estados de salud provinieron del estudio ATHENA. Resultados. El esquema de tamizaje con la prueba de HPV, la genotipificación y la citología resultó en un ahorro de costos comparado con la citología convencional. El costo promedio por ciclo de tamizaje con la prueba de HPV se estimó en COP $129'201.363 y con la citología en COP $186'309.952, es decir, un ahorro de COP $57'108.589 (30,7 %). Conclusión. La implementación de la estrategia de tamizaje evaluada sugiere que habría ahorros derivados de la detección temprana de los estados de salud asociados con el desarrollo de cáncer de cuello uterino.

Introduction: The detection of the human papillomavirus (HPV) through the combination of the HPV test and other techniques such as cytology has impacted the detection and timely treatment of lesions associated with cervical cancer. Objective: To estimate the budgetary impact of the strategy of early detection of HPV with DNA test genotyping with reflex cytology versus conventional cytology in women aged 30 to 65 years attending the cervical cancer screening program at a health benefit managing entity in Colombia. Materials and methods: Using a decision tree and a Markov model, the clinical implications and direct costs of screening, diagnosis, and treatment were estimated in a cohort of women. The analysis considered two screening cycles and their annual costs. The data on the prevalence of clinical results and the costs were taken from the health managing entity. The information on the progression, persistence, and regression of the health states were taken from the ATHENA study. Results: The screening scheme with the HPV test, genotyping, and reflex cytology compared to conventional cytology was cost-saving. The average cost per screening cycle with the HPV test was estimated at COP $ 129,201,363 and with cytology at COP $ 186,309,952, i.e., a saving of COP $ 57,108,589 (30.7%). Conclusion: The implementation of the screening strategy under evaluation suggests prospective savings derived from the early detection of health states associated with the development of cervical cancer.

Triatomine fauna in the state of Bahia, Brazil: What changed after 40 years of the vector-control program?

ABSTRACT Background: Neglected tropical diseases are a growing threat to global health, and endemic Chagas disease has emerged as one of the most important health problems in America. The main strategy to prevent Trypanosoma cruzi transmission is chemical control of vectors. This study presents a descriptive analysis of synanthropic triatomines before and after the implementation of a vector-control program in Bahia, Brazil. Methods: Descriptive analysis and geospatial statistics were performed on triatomine data, (1) the relative abundance and (2) proportional spatial distribution, from Bahia during two periods: (A) 1957 to 1971 and (B) 2006 to 2019. Results: We observed a decrease in the relative abundance of Panstrongylus megistus (A: n=22.032, 61.9%; B: n=1.842, 1.0%) and Triatoma infestans (A: n=1.310, 3.7%; B: n=763, 0.43%), as well as an increase in the relative abundance of T. sordida (A: n=8.314, 23.4%, B: n=146.901, 81.6%) and T. pseudomaculata (A: n=894, 2.5%, B: n=16.717, 9.3%). Conclusions: Our results indicate a clear reduction in the occurrence of P. megistus and T. infestans (last record in 2015) and an increase in the relative abundance and geographical distribution of T. sordida and T. pseudomaculata after 40 years of the vector-control program. The high frequency of other triatomine species in the municipalities of the state of Bahia and their abundance in recent years highlight the need to reinforce permanent entomological surveillance actions to prevent Chagas disease.

Dealing with cancer screening in the COVID-19 era

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This article aims to alert health professionals for cancer screening in the face of the possibility of new waves of disease. METHODS: A narrative review was conducted through a search in MEDLINE, Lilacs, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and international medical societies publications. RESULTS: Breast cancer: in high-risk patients (confirmed familial cancer syndrome or with high-risk tools scores), clinicians should act according to usual recommendations; in average-risk individuals, consider screening with mammography with a longer time span (maximum of two years). Cervical cancer: women turning 25 years old who have already been immunized and with no previous Pap test can have the test postponed during the pandemic; if there is no previous dose of Human Papillomavirus vaccination, initiation of screening should be recommended following a more rigid approach for COVID prevention; in women over 30 years of age who have never participated in cervical screening, the first screening exam is also essential. Colorectal cancer: if the individual is at elevated risk for familial cancer, the screening with colonoscopy according to usual recommendations should be supported; if at average risk consider screening with Fecal Occult Blood Test. Prostate cancer: there is a trend to postpone routine prostate cancer screening until the pandemic subsides. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to keep cancer screening must be discussed and individualized, considering the possibility of new waves of COVID-19.

Embolización venosa transcatéter de várices gástricas con coils / Transcatheter venous coil embolization of gastric varices

Resumen Los espirales de embolización (coils o microcoils) son los agentes más comúnmente usados, con un éxito técnico reportado en aproximadamente el 81-100 % de los casos. Los espirales o coils se encuentran disponibles en una amplia variedad de configuraciones y tamaños, lo que permite acomodarse a vasos de distintos calibres; además, por su buena radiopacidad, tienen la ventaja de ser liberados con precisión. Los espirales o coils son el análogo de una ligadura arterial quirúrgica, debido a que producen una oclusión mecánica por su posicionamiento en el lumen vascular, lo que disminuye el flujo sanguíneo, y sus fibras sintéticas tienen un efecto trombogénico adicional. Caso: presentamos cuatro casos del Hospital Universitario Fundación Santa Fe de pacientes con várices gástricas tratadas satisfactoriamente con embolización transcatéter con coils, los cuales tuvieron un buen resultado técnico; además presentamos una revisión de la literatura.

Abstract Coils and microcoils, the most commonly used embolization agents, have reported technical success rates ranging from 81% to 100% of cases. The spirals or coils are available in a wide variety of configurations and sizes which fit into vessels of different calibers. They have good radiopacity allowing for accurate release. Coils are the analogue of a surgical arterial ligation, because they produce mechanical occlusion due to their positioning in the vascular lumen. This decreases blood flow while their synthetic fibers have an additional thrombogenic effect. Case: We present four cases of coil embolization treatment of gastric varicose veins at our institution. All procedures were successful and had good technical results. We also present a review of the literature.

Seroprevalence of trypanosoma cruzi infection among blood donors in the state of Bahia, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD) affects 5.7-7.0 million individuals worldwide, and its prevalence reached 25.1% in the state of Bahia, Brazil. There is an association between the prevalence of CD, the socioeconomic status of the population, and the risk of re-emergence due to non-vectorial transmission, such as blood transfusion. This study determined the seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection among blood donors in the state of Bahia, located in northeastern Brazil, and their epidemiological profile during a 10-year period. METHODS: We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study involving a database review. Data were collected from patients with non-negative results for T. cruzi infection during a 10-year period. RESULTS: A total of 3,084 (0.62%) samples were non-negative for T. cruzi infection in an initial serological screening, and 810 (0.16%) samples were non-negative in the second screening. The correlation between infection and age (30 years or older) and between infection and lower educational level (12 years or less) in the first and second screening was statistically significant. The seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection was higher in men in the first screening. In addition, 99.52% of the municipalities of Bahia had at least one case of CD. Livramento de Nossa Senhora and Salvador presented the highest disease prevalence and recurrence, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of T. cruzi infection in these populations was lower than that found in other studies in Brazil but was comparatively higher in densely-populated areas. The demographic characteristics of our population agreed with previous studies.

Enucleación esofágica de leiomioma asistida por robot: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Case report of robot-assisted esophageal enucleation of leiomyoma and literature review

Resumen Introducción: los leiomiomas esofágicos son tumores benignos, que son resecados por enucleación esofágica cuando son mayores de 5 cm o en lesiones de cualquier tamaño que sean sintomáticos o sospechosos de malignidad. Tradicionalmente, se ha realizado la resección por técnica de enucleación abierta; sin embargo, la cirugía mínimamente invasiva ha surgido como una técnica con grandes ventajas y, en especial, la tecnología robótica parece ofrecer ventajas. Caso clínico: se reporta un caso de leiomioma esofágico del esófago medio con enucleación mediante el uso de una técnica toracoscópica asistida por robot. La esofagoscopia intraoperatoria y la transiluminación fueron complementos útiles para identificar el esófago y desarrollar un plano de disección extramucosa seguro, que junto con la asistencia robótica parecen minimizar los riesgos intraoperatorios, entre ellos, potencialmente la probabilidad de lesión mucosa, y mejoran el tiempo de recuperación postoperatoria.

Abstract Introduction: Esophageal leiomyomas are benign tumors which are resected by esophageal enucleation when they are symptomatic, suspected of malignancy, or larger than 5 cm. Traditional resection uses the open enucleation technique, but minimally invasive surgery has emerged as a technique that has great advantages, especially when combined with robotic technology. Case report: We report a case of leiomyoma of the middle esophagus with treated with enucleation using a robotic-assisted thoracoscopic technique. Intraoperative esophagoscopy and transillumination were useful for identifying the esophagus and developing a plan of safe extra mucosal dissection. Together with robotic assistance this seems to minimize intraoperative risks including that of mucosal injury while also improving postoperative recovery time.

Effect of judo practice on the body composition of children and adolescents: A 9 month intervention

Abstract Aims: To analyze the effects of 9 months of judo training on the body composition of children and adolescents. Methods: 105 children and adolescents aged between 5 and 15 years were divided into two groups: control (n=40) and Judo (n=65), all participants of one Philanthropic institution. Anthropometric measurements, total body composition, and body composition per region were performed using DEXA. The judo intervention lasted 9 months, held twice a week for one hour. The control group did not perform any type of training. Repeated measures ANOVA with adjustments for age, sex, and maturation, and the effect size by Eta Squared were performed. SPSS software version 13.0 was used and the statistical significance adopted was p-value<5%. Results: After the intervention, statistical significance was observed in body fat (kg) (p-value=0.031). There was an increase in BF in both groups; however this increase was much higher in the control group. Conclusion: The practice of 9 months of judo was effective for the maintenance of body fat in children and adolescents.

Uso de equipamento de proteção individual em um serviço de atenção domiciliar / Use of personal protective equipment in a home care service / Uso de equipos de protección personal en servicio de atención domiciliaria

Trata-se de um estudo transversal conduzido num Serviço de Atenção Domiciliar do interior paulista. Teve como objetivos identificar o uso de Equipamento de Proteção Individual, dispositivos de segurança, descarte de materiais perfurocortantes e fatores que dificultam e/ou facilitam o seu uso por profissionais da equipe de enfermagem. A população foi composta por 45 participantes e todos relataram usar Equipamento de Proteção Individual, sendo que 100% referiram usar luvas e os procedimentos frequentes para o uso foram curativos e administração de medicamentos. Apesar de relatarem que não há dificuldade para utilizar os Equipamentos de Proteção Individual e que se preocupam com sua própria segurança, observou-se que a adesão não foi integral. Assim, são necessários estudos futuros capazes de avaliar como ocorre de fato a assistência à saúde dos usuários nos domicílios, para que estratégias de prevenção possam ser identificadas e incorporadas à prática desses profissionais (AU).

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a home care service in the state of São Paulo. The objective of the study was to identify the use of personal protective equipment, safety devices, the disposal of sharp objects, and other factors that make difficult and/or facilitate such use by professionals of the nursing team. The population was made up of 45 participants who reported using personal protective equipment. They all reported using gloves, frequent procedures that required their use were dressings and administration of medications. Although it was reported that the participants did not have difficulty in using personal protective equipment, and that they were concerned about their own safety, full adherence was lacking. Therefore, further studies that are able to evaluate how home care services really occur are necessary, so that prevention strategies can be identified and incorporated into professionals' practice (AU).

Estudio transversal realizado en un Servicio de Atención Domiciliaria del interior paulista, con el objetivo de identificar el uso de Equipos de Protección Personal, mecanismos de seguridad, descarte de materiales punzocortantes y factores que dificultan y/o facilitan su utilización en profesionales del equipo de enfermería. La población se compuso de 45 participantes, todos informaron usar Equipos de Protección Personal, el 100% afirmó usar guantes y los procedimientos para su uso frecuente fueron vendajes y administración de medicamentos. A pesar de informarse que no existe dificultado para utilizar Equipos de Protección Personal y que se preocupan por la propia seguridad, se observó que la adhesión no fue integral. Consecuentemente, existe necesidad de estudios a futuro, capaces de evaluar cómo transcurre de hecho la atención de la salud de usuarios en sus domicilios, para poder identificar e incorporar estrategias preventivas a la práctica de estos profesionales (AU).

Bienestar psicológico y satisfacción vital en adolescentes mexicanos tempranos y medios / Psychological well-being and life satisfaction in Mexicans at early and mid-adolescence

Resumen Con base en la perspectiva del Desarrollo Positivo del Adolescente, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la contribución de las dimensiones del bienestar psicológico sobre la satisfacción vital en adolescentes mexicanos tempranos y medios. Participaron de manera voluntaria 572 estudiantes de 13 a 18 años de edad (Medad=15.24; DE=1.90) de escuelas secundarias y bachilleratos públicos de la Zona Metropolitana de la Ciudad de México. Se aplicó una Cédula Sociodemográfica del Adolescente y su Familia, la Escala del Bienestar Psicológico para Adolescentes y la Escala de Evaluación Afectivo-Cognitiva de la Vida. Los adolescentes presentaron valores por arriba de la media en el bienestar psicológico y la satisfacción vital. Se encontraron relaciones significativas entre las dimensiones del bienestar psicológico y la satisfacción vital. La autoaceptación y el autocontrol predicen la satisfacción tanto en adolescentes tempranos como medios, aunque las relaciones positivas y el propósito de vida fueron predictores significativos en los primeros y los planes a futuro en los segundos. Estos hallazgos podrían orientar el diseño de programas para promover el bienestar psicológico y la satisfacción vital considerando las etapas del desarrollo de la adolescencia.

Abstract Based on the Positive Development of Youth perspective, the aim of this study was to analyse the contribution of psychological well-being and its dimensions on life satisfaction in early and middle adolescence. Participants were 572 students, aged 13 to 18 years (Mage=15.39; SD=1.90), from public high and senior-high schools in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. The Adolescent and Family Sociodemographic Schedule, Psychological Wellbeing Scale, and Affective-Cognitive Life Evaluation Scale were administered. The adolescents studied showed values above the mean for both, psychological well-being and life satisfaction. Significant relationships between the dimensions of psychological well-being and life satisfaction were found. Self-acceptance and self-control predicted life satisfaction for both early and middle adolescents; however, positive relationships and life purpose, were predictors of life satisfaction for early adolescents, whereas future plans were a predictor for middle adolescents' life satisfaction. These findings could help in designing programs to promote well-being and life satisfaction according to adolescent developmental stages.

Acidentes ocupacionais com profissionais de enfermagem de um serviço de atenção domiciliar do interior paulista / Occupational accidents among nursing professionals in a home care service in the state of São Paulo

Trata-se de um estudo transversal com objetivo de identificar e caracterizar os acidentes com material biológico relatado por profissionais de enfermagem de um serviço de atenção domiciliar do interior paulista. Dos 30 sujeitos que trabalhavam no serviço, no período da coleta de dados, 28 concordaram participar e 12 (42,8%) relataram ter sofrido pelo menos um acidente com material biológico durante o exercício profissional no serviço. A maioria das exposições foi percutânea (91,7%), o sangue foi o fluido mais frequentemente envolvido (75%). Em relação ao procedimento, 75% dos indivíduos estava administrando medicamento no momento do acidente e 50% admitiu que estava reencapando agulhas ocas. O presente estudo permitiu identificar as situações relatadas pelos profissionais para a ocorrência dos acidentes com material biológico durante a assistência domiciliar, as quais podem subsidiar medidas preventivas e direcionar futuros estudos que envolvam esse tipo de acidente nos domicílios

This is a cross-sectional study whose objective is to identify and describe accidents with biological material as told by nursing professionals in a home care service in a city in the state of São Paulo. Of the 30 subjects who provided that service in the data collection period, 28 agreed to participate and 12 (42.8%) claimed tohave suffered at least one accident with biological material while carrying out professional procedures for that service. Most of the exposures were percutaneous (91.7%) and blood was the most often involved fluid (75%). Regarding procedures, 75% of the individuals were administering drugs when the accident happened and 50% admitted that they were recapping hollow needles. The current study enabled the identification of situations described by the professionals and which led to the occurrence of accidents with biological material during home care. These findings can support preventive measures and guide future studies that involve this type of accident at homes

Atuação do enfermeiro em oncologia na perspectiva da genética e genômica / Oncology nursing practice from the perspective of genetics and genomics / Práctica de lo enfermero en oncología en la perspectiva de la genética y genómica

Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a atuação do enfermeiro em oncologia, sob a perspectiva da genética e da genômica, e sobre seu papel como membro integrante da equipe multiprofissional e interdisciplinar de aconselhamento genético oncológico. Trata-se de uma reflexão, fruto de leitura minuciosa da literatura da área, acrescida da experiência dos autores e discussões em grupo de pesquisa. No transcorrer desse trabalho, foi possível constatar que o enfermeiro precisa considerar o cuidado de saúde baseado em genômica e apropriar-se de competências essenciais. Essas competências abrangem a habilidade de mobilizar recursos genômicos na coleta da história familiar e nas orientações sobre testes genéticos a famílias em risco para síndromes neoplásicas hereditárias. O profissional de enfermagem pode atuar como referência para os demais membros da equipe de saúde, com potencial para integrar seus conhecimentos no cuidado, no ensino e em pesquisas em oncologia, sob a ótica da genética e da genômica.

This study aimed to reflect on oncology nurses' practice from the perspective of genetics and genomics, and their role as a member of the multiprofessional and interdisciplinary cancer genetics counseling team. This reflection is a result of the detailed reading of literature in the area, increased by the authors' experience and research group discussions. In the course of this work, it was verified that the nurse needs to consider genomic-based health care and incorporates essential competencies. These competencies include the ability to mobilize genomic resources in the family history assessment and in the guidelines on genetic testing for families at risk for hereditary neoplastic syndromes. The nursing staff may act as a reference for other members of the health team, with the potential to integrate their knowledge on care, teaching and research in oncology from the viewpoint of genetics and genomics.

Este estudio objetivó reflexionar sobre la práctica del enfermero en oncología en la perspectiva de la genética y genómica, y su papel como miembro del equipo multiprofesional e interdisciplinario del asesoriamento genético oncológico. Esta reflexión es resultado de lectura atenta de la literatura, además de la experiencia de los autores y discusiones del grupo de investigación. En el curso de este trabajo, fue posible constatar que el enfermero debe tener en cuenta el cuidado de salud basado en genómica y se apropiar de competencias esenciales. Estas competencias incluyen habilidad de movilizar recursos genómicos en la colecta de la historia familiar y orientaciones sobre testes genéticos para familias en riesgo de síndromes neoplásicas hereditarias. El profesional de enfermería puede actuar como referencia para los demás miembros del equipo de salud, con posibilidad de integrar sus conocimientos en asistencia, enseñanza e investigación en oncología, desde el punto de vista de la genética y genómica.

Fracturas C1 del radio distal. Implicancia de las lesiones asociadas en la eleccion del implante / C1 distal radius fractures. Importance of associated lesions in implant selection

Introducción: El empleo de osteosíntesis bloqueadas enel tratamiento de las fracturas de la muñeca ha permitidolograr fijaciones más rígidas y ha posibilitado el iniciode protocolos de rehabilitación más precoces. Sin embargo, en los pacientes en los que coexisten una fractura simple y lesiones asociadas de las partes blandas que requieren una inmovilización posoperatoria más prolongada, la indicación de estos implantes es controvertida. En estos casos, se optimizarían recursos recurriendo a otro método de osteosíntesis efectivo, menos cruento y más económico. Objetivos: Evaluar la implicancia del diagnóstico de las lesiones asociadas sobre la elección del implante en fracturas tipo C1 de la muñeca. Materiales y métodos: Doce fracturas C1 del radio distal fueron tratadas mediante reducción y fijación interna bajo asistencia artroscópica y radioscópica. Se evaluaron las lesiones asociadas con las fracturas, disponiendo de placas bloqueadas palmares y de Kirschner para la fijación en todos los casos.Resultados: En siete casos (58,3 por ciento) se detectaron lesiones ligamentarias agudas (fibrocartílago triangular, ligamento escafosemilunar y lunopiramidal) que requerían inmovilización posoperatoria y que hicieron optar por el uso de clavijas de Kirschner para la fijación ósea. En los restantes cinco casos (41,6 por ciento), sin lesiones asociadas o con lesiones que no requerían inmovilización posoperatoria prolongada, se utilizó una placa bloqueada palmar para la reducción y fijación del radio distal. Conclusiones: El reconocimiento del patrón fracturario y las lesiones asociadas permitiría definir la verdadera“personalidad” de la fractura y optar por un método de fijación y un protocolo posoperatorio adecuados al tipo de lesión, optimizando la costo-eficacia del tratamiento.

Osteosintesis con placa bloqueada palmar de angulo fijo en fracturas de radio distal / Treatment of distal radius fractures with fixed angle volar plate

Introduccion: La utilizacion de placas bloqueadas palmares para el tratamiento de las fracturas de la muñeca permite mejorar la calidad de reduccion y aporta mayor estabilidad, lo que posibilita iniciar protocolos de rehabilitacion mas precoces. El objetivo es describir la tecnica y analizar los resultados del tratamiento de las fracturas de la muñeca con placa bloqueada palmar de angulo fijo. Materiales y metodos: Se analizo retrospectivamente a un grupo de 34 pacientes (35 fracturas) con fractura de muñeca, tratados mediante osteosíntesis con placa bloqueada palmar. Se incluyeron las fracturas cerradas, desplazadas e inestables, clasificadas según los sistemas de AO/ASIF y Fernandez, con un seguimiento minimo de 6 meses. La edad promedio del grupo fue de 57,8 años y el seguimiento promedio, de 9,5 meses. La evaluacion fue radiologica y clínica, e incluyo movilidad, fuerza, dolor y tres puntajes funcionales. Resultados: La evaluacion radiologica final mostro una altura radial promedio de 10,3 mm, inclinacion radial de 21,7° e inclinacion palmar de 5,7°. Los valores promedio del puntaje de DASH y el de autoevaluacion de muñeca (evaluados en 30 casos) fueron 9 y 8,3 respectivamente. Según el puntaje de O’Brien y Green modificado (evaluado en 26 casos) 13 casos resultaron excelentes, 10 buenos y 3 aceptables. Una rotura del implante, una distrofia simpatica refleja, una tendinitis irritativa del flexor largo del pulgar y dos infecciones superficiales fueron las complicaciones observadas. Conclusiones: La osteosintesis con placa bloqueada palmar de angulo fijo permite restablecer y mantener la anatomia del radio distal en casos seleccionados y posibilita un rapido retorno de la funcionalidad...

Fracturas complejas del radio distal. Utilizacion de pastillas de sulfato de calcio como sustituto oseo / Complex distal radius fractures. Use of calcium sulfate pellets as a bone substitute

Introducción: El injerto óseo autólogo de cresta ilíaca es para muchos autores la primera opción en el tratamiento de las fracturas complejas del radio distal. El sulfato de calcio en pastillas como sustituto óseo disminuye la morbilidad del procedimiento y su estructura constituiría una herramienta de gran utilidad a la hora de conseguir la reducción. Se evaluaron los resultados clínicos y radiográficos de fracturas complejas del radio distal en las cuales se utilizaron pastillas de sulfato de calcio para obtener la reducción.Materiales y métodos: Se incluyeron 16 casos con fracturas complejas del radio distal. La edad promedio fue de 67,4 años y el seguimiento promedio, de 22,3 meses. En todos los casos se realizó reducción abierta y fijación interna con una placa bloqueada palmar agregando pastillas de sulfato de calcio por vía dorsal. La evaluación incluyó parámetros radiológicos, clínicos y tres puntajes funcionales. Resultados: Todas las fracturas consolidaron. La incorporación del injerto ocurrió en un promedio de 35,3 días. La reducción inicial obtenida fue satisfactoria en todos los casos. El promedio de dolor fue de 0,7, la media del DASH de 8,2 y la de autoevaluación de muñeca de 6,4. Según el puntaje de Green y O’Brien modificado, cuatro casos resultaron excelentes, siete buenos y uno aceptable. Como complicaciones hubo una rotura del implante, una pérdida de la reducción y una distrofia simpática refleja. Conclusiones: El agregado de las pastillas por vía dorsal puede ser eficaz para obtener y mantener la reducción en casos de gran conminución.