Prevalencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual e infecciones vaginales en grupo de mujeres reclusas de la cárcel de Arica

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) han incrementado su incidencia universalmente en la última década, incluido Chile. Una de las poblaciones afectadas es la privada de libertad. Objetivo: Evaluar la prevalencia ITS en mujeres del Centro de Detención Preventiva de Arica y Parinacota (Chile) y su asociación con factores biodemográficos. Metodología: En 127 mujeres se realizó un análisis bivariado de los resultados de serología para VHB, VHC, VIH1-2 y VDRL, y un estudio de flujo vaginal convencional microbiológico incluyendo Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae y Chlamydia trachomatis. Resultados: El 33,1% de las reclusas tuvo al menos una ITS; aquellas menores de 34 años, las consumidoras de drogas y con más de una pareja sexual tuvieron mayor riesgo. Las ITS prevalentes fueron infección por VIH (15,7%) y sífilis (7,9%) asociadas al consumo de drogas y relaciones sexuales antes de 14 años. Trichomonas vaginalis (12,9%) se encontró en mujeres jóvenes con más de una pareja sexual. El 53,2% tuvo un cultivo de flujo vaginal positivo, principalmente con Gardenella vaginalis (32,3%), asociada al mayor número de parejas sexuales y menor tiempo de estadía en reclusión. Candida albicans (11,3%) tuvo mayor prevalencia en mujeres entre 19 y 24 años no heterosexuales. Chlamydia trachomatis, VHB, VHC y N. gonorrhoeae tuvieron prevalencias menores. Conclusión: Existe una alta frecuencia de infección por VIH, sífilis y T vaginalis, predominio de G. vaginalis en aproximadamente un tercio de las mujeres estudiadas y en sobre la mitad de los casos estudiados se comprobó una disbiosis vaginal.

Abstract Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have increased their incidence worldwide in the last decade, as well as in Chile. One of the affected populations is the deprived of liberty. Aim: To evaluate the STI prevalence in women from the Arica y Parinacota Preventive Detention Center (Chile) and its association with biodemographic factors. Methods: 127 women were studied who underwent a bivariate analysis of the serology results for HBV, HCV, HIV1-2 and VDRL, and a study of conventional microbiological vaginal discharge including Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Results: 33.1% of the inmates had at least one STI, where, women under 34 years old, drug use and more than one sexual partner were at greater risk. The most prevalent STI were HIV infection (15.7%) and syphilis (7.9%) associated with drug use and sexual intercourse before the age of14. Trichomonas vaginalis (12.9%) was identified in young women with more than one sexual partner. 53.2% had a positive culture, mainly with Gardenella vaginalis (32.3%) associated with an increase in sexual partners and a shorter stay in prison. Candida albicans (11.3%) had a higher prevalence in non-heterosexual women between 19 and 24 years old. Chlamydia trachomatis, HBV, HCV and N. gonorrhoeae had lower prevalences. Conclusion: There is a high frequency of HIV infection, syphilis and T. vaginalis, predominance of G. vaginalis in approximately a third of the women studied and about half of the cases studied had vaginal dysbiosis.

Imágenes en endocarditis infecciosa: no todo es ecocardiografía / Imaging in infective endocarditis: not all is ultrasonography

Resumen La endocarditis infecciosa (EI) es una enfermedad de alta mortalidad, caracterizada por una infección endocárdica y frecuentes complicaciones multiorgánicas, que requiere un diagnóstico rápido y preciso, y un manejo agresivo, ya sea médico o quirúrgico. Su diagnóstico se realiza tomando en cuenta criterios bacteriológicos, clínicos y ecocardiográficos. Es objetivo de este artículo realizar una actualización del estudio imagenológico en paciente con EI, con especial énfasis en aquellos exámenes no ecocardiográficos disponibles en nuestro medio. En los últimos años, estudios de imagen avanzados han adquirido un rol creciente en su estudio inicial, particularmente la tomografía computada multicorte (TCMC) cardiaca y el positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), y han sido recomendados como criterios diagnósticos en las guías recientes para el manejo de esta entidad. La TCMC cardiaca proporciona información anatómica detallada de las válvulas cardiacas y tejido perivalvular, identificando pseudoaneurismas, abscesos y dehiscencias valvulares. El PET/CT con F18-fluorodeoxiglucosa (F18-FDG) permite aumentar la sensibilidad en la detección de EI, y pesquisar con alta eficiencia fenómenos embólicos sistémicos, de elevada frecuencia en esta población. Ambos métodos prestan particular utilidad en EI de válvula protésica, donde la ecocardiografía presenta menor rendimiento diagnóstico. La resonancia magnética (RM) cerebral es el mejor método de imagen para descartar eventos isquémicos/embólicos del sistema nervioso central.

Abstract Infective endocarditis (IE) is an entity characterized by endocardial infection and frequent multiorgan complications, resulting in high mortality. It requires a rapid and accurate diagnosis, and a medical or surgical aggressive treatment. Currently, IE diagnosis rests on bacterial, clinical and ultrasonographic criteria. The objective of this article is to update the imaging study in patients with IE, with special emphasis on those non-echocardiographic examinations available in our environment. Last years, advanced imaging had achieved a growing role in IE diagnosis, especially cardiac multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), which have been recommended in recent clinical guidelines to be included as part of diagnostic criteria. Cardiac MSCT provides detailed anatomic information of cardiac valves and perivalve tissue, allowing identification of pseudoaneurysm, abscess and valve dehiscence. F18-FDG PET/CT increases sensitivity for IE detection and shows high accuracy in searching for extracranial systemic embolic events. Both MSCT and PET/CT have particular utility in cases of prosthetic valve endocarditis, where cardiac ultrasonography shows lower performance. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best imaging method for evaluating ischemic/embolic events of central nervous system.

Disfunción tiroidea y corazón / Thyroid dysfunction and heart

Los trastornos de la función tiroidea afectan profundamente al sistema cardiovascular. En esta revisión se presentan algunos aspectos fisiológicos de la interrelación entre tiroides y corazón, como también las consecuencias de la tirotoxicosis e hipotiroidismo sobre el aparato cardiovascular. Se analiza la influencia del hipertiroidismo en la gèc)nesis de la fibrilación auricular y del hipotiroidismo en el metabolismo de las lipoproteínas. Adicionalmente, el artículo se referirá a los potenciales efectos adversos del antiarrítmico amiodarona sobre la función tiroidea y cómo se investigan y tratan. Finalmente, se expone un caso clínico real para ilustrar con mayor claridad la enorme importancia que pueden alcanzar las relaciones fisiopatológicas entre el corazón y las afecciones de esta glándula endocrina.

Disorders of thyroid function profoundly affect the cardiovascular system. Inthisreviewsomephysiologicalaspectsoftherelationship between thyroid and the heart as well as the consequences of thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism on the cardiovascular system are presented. The influence of hyperthyroidism is analyzed in the genesis of atrial fibrillation and of hypothyroidism on lipoprotein metabolism. Furthermore, we refer to the potential adverse effects of the antiarrhythmic amiodarone on thyroid function and how they are investigated and treated. Finally, a real clinical case is exposed to more clearly illustrate the enormous importance that can reach the pathophysiological relationships between the heart and the diseases of the thyroid gland.

Frecuencia del polimorfismo PD-1.3 del gen del receptor de muerte celular programada 1 (PD-1) y su asociación con diabetes tipo 1 / Frequency of polymorphism PD-1.3 of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and their association with type 1 diabetes

Background: The programmed cell death 1 (PDCD-1) immune-receptor is a key element in the negative regulation of peripheral tolerance in T cells. The gene has several polymorphisms and can be associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Aim: To analyze the frequency and distribution of PD-1.3 polymorphism of PDCD-1 gene and explore its possible contribution as a susceptibility gene for type 1 diabetes (T1D). Patients and Methods: We analyzed 248 cases with T1D with recent diagnosis and 160 control children under 15 years of Santiago. Genetic polymorphism in PD-1 gene variant for PD-1.3 (rs 11568821) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Comparison of genotype, allele frequency and consistency with respect to Hardy-Weinberg were analyzed using X2 tests and Fisher exact test. Results: There was a very low frequency of the genotype A/A, both in T1D patients and in controls (< 2 percent). The A/G genotype was more common in diabetic patients than in controls (41.6 and 18.8 percent respectively, p < 0.04). G/G genotype was more common in controls than in patients (79.4 and 56.8 percent respectively, p < 0.02). T1D patients carrying genotype G/G had a higher frequency of anti-GAD65 and anti-A-2 antibodies (81 and 67 percent respectively). Conclusions: The distribution of PD-1.3 genotype frequencies are similar to that reported elsewhere. Possibly, this genetic variant (rs 11568821) does not have an important marker role in Chilean T1D patients.

Utilidad de ePEAT en determinar candidatura para implante coclear en pacientes pediátricos con malformaciones de oído interno: comunicación preliminar / Use of ePEAT to determine candidacy for cochlear implant in pediatric patients with inner ear malformations: preliminary communication

En candidatos a implante coclear con malformaciones del oído interno donde se encuentra un nervio coclear anormal, los estudios tradicionales y las imágenes muchas veces no pueden dar respuesta definitiva acerca de la funcionalidad y presencia del nervio coclear. Para esto ayudarían los estudios de electrofisiología. Se presentan tres casos clínicos de pacientes con malformaciones del oído interno que fueron evaluados con ePEAT para ayudar a determinar su candidatura a implante coclear. Los estudios electrofisiológicos no reemplazan a los estudios tradicionales de evaluación auditiva ni a los estudios por imágenes, sino que los complementan. Los casos presentados, demuestran que en casos de malformaciones de oído interno o CAI muy estrecho, en que se cuestiona seriamente la existencia de un nervio coclear funcional, y en casos de neuropatía auditiva, se hace necesario evaluar la función de la cóclea separadamente de la del nervio auditivo y la función del tronco. Para esto se utilizamos los ePEAT. Los ePEAT entregan información valiosísima ya que nos permite conocer las reales capacidades de los pacientes para transmitir un estímulo auditivo hacia el sistema nervioso central, definiendo mejor las expectativas con el uso implante, asistiéndonos en nuestra toma de decisiones.

In cochlear implant candidates with inner ear malformations, where there is an abnormal cochlear nerve, traditional studies and images cannot often provide definitive answers about the functionality and presence of the cochlear nerve. In these cases, electrophysiology studies can be used. We present 3 cases of patients with inner ear malformations who were evaluated with ePEAT to determine their candidacy for a cochlear implant. Electrophysiological studies do not replace traditional hearing screening studies or imaging studies, but complement them. The cases presented in this study demonstrate that in patients with inner ear malformations or very narrow internal auditory canal, where we question the existence of a functional cochlear nerve, and in cases of auditory neuropathy, it is necessary to evaluate the cochlear function separately from the auditory nerve and from the brainstem. In these cases we use ePEAT. ePEAT give us valuable information about the real abilities of patients to transmit an auditory stimulus to the central nervous system, which help us to define expectations with cochlear implant use, assisting us in our decision-making.

Neurocisticercosis: una enfermedad desatendida en Chile / Neurocysticercosis: an neglected disease in Chile

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is not a notifiable disease in Chile and has received little attention on the national medical literature. In order to evaluate the relevance and clinical features of the disease, we performed a retrospective analysis in a general hospital of five cases of NCC during a 11 years period. Age ranged from 3 to 63 years and all had history of living or visiting southern Chile. Three patients had a solitary parenchymal cyst in vesicular or granulomatous stages and presented with generalized seizures. Their outcome was favorable after anticonvulsant and albendazole therapy and cysts reduced in size and calcified during follow-up. The other 2 patients had extra-parenchymal or mixed forms, including a pregnant woman with intraventricular cysts who developed endocraneal hypertension and recurrent dysfunction of her ventriculoperitoneal shunt. This patient died after discharge despite an initial favorable evolution with steroids and high-dose albendazole. This case series showed that NCC is still an epidemiological and clinical problem in Chile, affects patients within a wide range of age including children, requires multidisciplinary therapeutic interventions, and has two clinical presentations with different prognosis including one malignant form. To control this infection, a surveillance or reporting system should be initiated.

La neurocisticercosis (NCC) no es una enfermedad de notificación obligatoria en Chile y ha recibido poca atención en la literatura médica local. Para evaluar su importancia y perfil clínico se hizo un análisis retrospectivo en un hospital general. Cinco casos de NCC fueron identificados en un período de 11 años. El rango de edad fue de 3 a 63 años y todos tenían antecedentes de visita o residencia en el sur del país. Tres pacientes tenían quistes únicos parenquimatosos en etapas granulomatosas o vesiculares y se presentaron con convulsiones generalizadas. Su evolución fue favorable con terapia anticonvulsivante y albendazol y los quistes se redujeron de tamaño y calcificaron durante el seguimiento. Los otros pacientes presentaron formas extra-parenquimatosas o mixtas e incluían a una mujer embarazada con quistes intraven-triculares quien desarrolló hipertensión endocraneana y disfunción recurrente de su válvula. Ella falleció después del alta a pesar de una evolución inicial favorable con corticoesteroides y albendazol. La NCC es un problema vigente en nuestro país pero de epidemiología desconocida, afecta a un amplio grupo etario, requiere múltiples intervenciones terapéuticas y presenta dos formas de diferente pronóstico, una de ellas maligna. Para controlarla es necesario incluirla en las enfermedades notificables.

Dolor torácico / Chest pain

El dolor torácico agudo es uno de los motivos más frecuentes de consulta en servicios de urgencia. Una de sus causas más relevantes son los síndromes coronarios agudos. Sin embargo, existen muchas otras etiologías de dolor torácico agudo dentro de los diagnósticos diferenciales, algunas de ellas igualmente graves. En esta revisión se presentan las características clínicas que ayudan a diferenciar estos diversos cuadros, como también sus características electrocardiográficas y radiológicas. Se hace mención a los biomarcadores de daño miocárdico, de especial importancia dada su alta sensibilidad y especificidad. Debido a que este número de la Revista Médica CLC tiene como tema central trauma y urgencia, se han incluido aspectos habitualmente ausentes en revisiones de este tipo, como son commotio cordis (“conmoción” cardíaca) y el traumatismo torácico cerrado. Finalmente, se tocan tópicos referentes a las pruebas de provocación de isquemia sin y con imágenes y la tomografía computada de coronarias en la evaluación de pacientes con este síndrome.

Acute chest pain is one of the most common reasons for presentation to the emergency department. One of its most relevant causes is acute coronary syndrome. However, there are many other etiologies for acute chest pain among the differential diagnoses, some of them being severe too. In this review, we present the clinical features that help to differentiate these several clinical conditions, as well as their electrocardiographic and radiological characteristics. We address biomarkers of myocardial injury that have particular importance due to their high sensitivity and specificity. Because this issue of the Journal has as central subject trauma and urgency, we included topics commonly not considered in other reviews like this, such as commotio cordis and blunt thoracic trauma. Finally, we devoted some paragraphs to stress testing (with electrocardiography and imaging) and coronary multi detector computed tomography in the evaluation of patients with this syndrome.

Rol de interleuquina-6 en artritis reumatoide: nuevos conceptos: [revisión] / Role of inteleukin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis: new concepts: [review]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that involves complex and not completely elucidated mechanisms. In the recent years, the development of targeted therapies has given new insights into the nature of immunologic interactions involved in its pathogenesis. Until recently, the RA was thought to be predominantly a Th1 disease. New evidence established the preponderant role of the Th17 axis, of which IL-17 and IL-23 are major components. IL-6 has an important role in the differentiation of the Th17 and T regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes. Herein, we review current evidence regarding the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA, especially in the differentiation of Th17 and Treg systems, as well as the deleterious effects of IL-6 and the molecular and clinical consequences of its blockade.

Reunión clínica inter-hospitales: hipertensión arterial y microangiopatía trombótica en lupus eritematoso sistémico / Inter-hospital clinical meeting: hypertension and thrombotic microangiopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus

Se presenta una paciente portadora de lupus eritematoso sistémico (LES), descompensado por múltiples factores, que desarrolló una nefropatía lúpica e hipertensión arterial severa de difícil manejo, asociadas a disfunción orgánica múltiple y microangiopatía trombótica, tratadas con plasmaféresis e inmunosupresión. Se exponen las causas y mecanismos fisiopatológicos más importantes de la hipertensión arterial (HTA) severa en pacientes con LES. Enseguida se analizará específicamente el púrpura trombocitopénico trombótico como causa y/o efecto de HTA en LES.

We present a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), outweighed by multiple factors, who developed lupus nephritis and severe hypertension difficult to handle, associated with organ dysfunction and thrombotic microangiopathy treated with plasmapheresis and immunosuppression. This document explains the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms leading to hypertension (HT) in patients with severe SLE. Then specifically analyzed as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura cause and / or effect of hypertension in SLE.

Reunión clínica inter-hospitales: síndrome antifosfolípidos catastrófico, un cuadro de microangiopatía / Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome, a case of microangiopathy

Se presenta el caso de una mujer joven, sin antecedentes de importancia, que muestra trombosis de grandes y pequeños vasos. A pesar del tratamiento con anticoagulación y corticoides en dosis altas, desarrolla necrosis cutánea y una importante respuesta inflamatoria sistémica con disfunción orgánica múltiple, por lo que .se le indicó plasmaféresis y, posteriormente, rituximab, con buena respuesta. Se discute el síndrome antifosfolípidos con énfasis en los anticuerpos antiprotrombina y la patogenia de la microangiopatía en el síndrome antifosfolípidos catastróficos.

We present the case of a young, otherwise healthy woman, who developed thrombosis of large and small vessels and capillaries. Despite anticoagulation treatment and high doses of glucocorticoids, she developed cutaneous necrosis and systemic inflammatory response with multiple organ dysfunction. Plasmapheresis and rituximab were administered with good response. We discuss the antiphospholipid syndrome, with emphasis on antiprothrombin antibodies and the pathogenesis of microangiopathy in antiphospholipid syndrome.

Enfermedad ateromatosa carotidea precoz y tratamiento endovascular / Premature carotid atheromatous disease and endovascular treatment

Presentamos un caso clínico radiológico de un paciente joven, de 47 años, con una estenosis carotidea hipercrítica precoz, con una carótida única ya que previamente había ocluido su carótida contralateral. Revisamos imágenes de su evaluación diagnóstica radiológica y también de su tratamiento endovascular, haciendo una breve reseña del marco teórico diagnóstico de este caso.

We present a clinical radiological case report of a young patient 47 years of age with an early onset of a critical carotid artery stenosis, and a contralateral carotid occlusion. We review images of the different diagnostic radiological different diagnostic imaging tools available in the evaluation of such a patient.

Angioplastía y stenting carotideo: serie clínica en Clínica Las Condes / Carotid angioplasty and stenting: clinical series at Clinica Las Condes

En este artículo se describe una serie clínica de angioplastía y stenting carotideo con sistema de protección distal para el tratamiento de la estenosis significativa del bulbo carotideo en Clínica Las Condes. El análisis de trabajos clínicos multicéntricos, junto a nuestros resultados, permite concluir que la angioplastía y stenting carotideo es una alternativa válida y de bajo riesgo para el tratamiento de la estenosis carotidea significativa.

In this article we describe a case series of carotid angioplasty and stenting with distal protection technique for the treatment of significant carotid bulb stenosis in Clínica Las Condes. The results of past clinical trials, and our case series allow us to conclude that carotid angioplasty and stenting is a valid alternative therapy with low risks associated, for the treatment of significant carotid stenosis.

Prevención primaria y secundaria en el accidente vascular encefálico isquémico / Primary and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke

En este artículo se revisan en forma sintética, los principales factores de riesgo y su evidencia en la prevención primaria y secundaria del accidente vascular encefálico isquémico. Se establecen algunas limitaciones en el análisis de factores de riesgo y modelos predictivos. Se enuncian las principales recomendaciones de consenso para evitar un primer episodio o la recurrencia de un accidente vascular encefálico isquémico.

This article reviews in a summarized fashion the main risk factors involved in primary and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. Some limitations of risk evaluation and risk predictive models are established. The main consensus recommendations for preventing a primary episode of ischemic stroke and recurrence thereof are enunciated.

Avances en accidente vascular encefálico isquémico / Advances in ischemic vascular strokes

En el presente articulo se revisan los principales avances en el manejo y enfrentamiento de la patología cerebro vascular isquémica. En concreto, se abordarán aspectos epidemiológicos recientemente comunicados, estado actual de los factores de riesgo, conocimiento de la población de los síntomas de alarma y conducta a seguir, tratamiento del accidente vascular encefálico isquémico agudo con énfasis en trombolisis, estudio etiológico actual, neuroprotección, novedades en la prevención secundaria, utilidad de las unidades especializadas en el manejo de estos pacientes y perspectivas futuras.

The present article reviews the main advances in the management of Cerebrovascular ischemic pathology. Specifically it deals with the latest advances in epidemiology, the state of the art of risk factors, the population's knowledge about warning symptoms and awareness of stroke, treatment with emphasis on thrombolysis, etiologic studies, neuroprotection, the latest advances in secondary prevention, utility of the stroke units, and future perspectives.

Pruebas de provocación de isquemia en el estudio de la cardiopatía coronaria / Tests for detecting coronary artery disease

Se revisan las indicaciones más apropiadas de las pruebas de provocación de isquemia miocárdica, subrayando el concepto de que su mayor utilidad se encuentra en el grupo de pacientes con probabilidad intermedia de enfermedad coronaria. Se analizan las pruebas comúnmente empleadas para este fin: prueba de esfuerzo (PE), cintigrafía miocárdica SPECT (SPECT) y ecocardiografía de estrés (EDE), detallando qué subgrupos de pacientes se benefician más de cada una. El subgrupo constituido por mujeres, aunque presentan PE más equívocas, también puede ser estudiado inicialmente con PE. Se destaca que en pacientes capaces de ejercitarse y sin alteraciones en el electrocardiograma basal (ECG basal), la prueba de elección es PE. En aquéllos capaces de ejercitarse, pero con alteraciones significativas del ECG basal, es necesario recurrir a EDE (idealmente con ejercicio) o SPECT con ejercicio. Una excepción a esta norma, es el paciente capaz de ejercitarse pero cuyo ECG basal muestra bloqueo completo de rama izquierda del haz de His; en este caso está indicado un estresor vasodilatador. En enfermos incapaces de ejercitarse, debe recurrirse a pruebas de provocación con imágenes y estresores farmacológicos. La decisión de elegir entre EDE o SPECT, está determinada por la experiencia de cada institución, ya que ambas poseen rendimientos diagnósticos similares.

This article reviews the most appropriate indications of tests for detecting coronary artery disease, emphazising the concept that its greater benefit is in the group of patients with intermediate probability of disease. The commonly used tests for this aim are analyzed: exercise stress testing (ET), SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (SPECT) and stress echocardiography (SE), indicating what sub - groups of patients benefit more from each. The sub - group of women, although displays more ambiguous ET, also can be studied initially with ET. It is pointed out that in patients able to exercise themselves and without alterations of their baseline electrocardiograms (bEKG), the test of election is ET. In those patients able to exercise themselves, but with significant alterations on their bEKG, it is necessary to carry out SE or SPECT, being used in both cases exercise like stressor. An exception to this rule, is the patient able to exercise but whose bEKG shows a left bundle branch block; in this case, a vasodilator stressor is indicated. In patients unable to exercise themselves, imaging tests with pharmacological stressors should be performed. The decision to carry out SE or SPECT, is determined by intitutions' experience, since both techniques yield similar diagnostic accuracy.

Características de la insuficiencia cardíaca en pacientes con fracción de eyección preservada: Resultados del Registro Nacional de Insuficiencia Cardíaca, Grupo ICARO / Characteristics of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Results of the Chilean National Registry of Heart Failure, ICARO

Background: Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (EF) is a condition of growing interest due to its high prevalence and difficult management. Aim: To evaluate the clinical profile of patients hospitalized with HF and preserved EF in Chilean hospitals. Material and Methods: Prospective registry of 15 centers. Among 649 patients hospitalized in functional class III and IV, an echocardiogram was performed to 353. Preserved EF was defined quantitatively as an EF >50%. Results: Out the 353 patients, 45% presented an EF >50%. Mean age in patients with EF >50 and ­50% was 66±13 and 67±13 years, respectively. Among patients with HF and EF >50%, the proportion of women was higher (73.7 and 36.3%, p <0.001), the proportion of patients with a history of hypertension (76.8 and 65.5%, p <0.05) and the presence of atrial fibrillation was also higher (62.3 and 47.8%, p <0.01) and a history of myocardial infarction was lower (17.1 and 29.5%, p <0.05). The diastolic diameter of the left ventricle was significantly lower in HF with preserved EF (51.0+10 and 63.5+10 mm respectively, p <0.001). No differences in the length of hospital stay and mortality were observed between HF with depressed and preserved EF. Female gender was an independent predictor for the presence of HF with preserved EF (Odds ratio: 2.62; confidence intervals: 1.1-6.1). Conclusions: HF and preserved EF is common among hospitalized patients, particularly in women and subjects with a history of hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Hospitalization length and mortality were similar in patients with either preserved or depressed EF.

Papel de los polimorfismos -238 y -308 del promotor del factor de necrosis tumoral alfa en la patogenia y respuesta al tratamiento anti- factor de necrosis tumoral alfa en artritis reumatoide / The influence of -238 and -308 TNF alpha polymorphisms on the pathogenesis and response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects 0.8 percent of the world population, it affects the synovial membrane of joints and the clinical presentation encompasses a wide spectrum, ranging from a mild to a severe and erosive disease that causes joint and cartilage destruction which finally provokes irreversible structural damage and patient disability. In the last years, there have been important advances in the pathogenesis of this disease, the efforts have been concentrated on pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha). This protein guides numerous events in the synovial and systemic inflammatory process and is encoded in the Major Histocompability Complex (MHC), one of the most polymorphic of the genome. Polymorphisms affecting the TNFalpha gene and its regulatory regions are associated with RA prevalence and course. There is a possible association between these polymorphisms and the clinical response to the use of monoclonal antibodies anti-TNFalpha. The possibility that the determination of genotypes -238 and -308 may have prognostic and therapeutic consequences is debated nowadays (Rev Méd Chile 2005; 133: 1089-95).

Proteína S libre en embarazadas normales: comparación entre dos métodos / Free protein S (PS) in normal pregnancy: A comparison between two analytical methods

Background: Pregnancy is a physiological hypercoagulable state with an increased incidence of thromboembolic phenomena. There is an increase in the concentrations of most clotting factors, a decrease in concentration of some of the natural anticoagulants and reduced fibrinolytic activity. Changes in PS levels have also been reported. Aim: To establish referral range values of functional PS and free PS antigen, during the second (2nd T) and third trimester (3rd T) of normal gestation. Patients and methods: Forty one normal pregnant women were included in our study, 20 during the 2nd T (22-24 weeks) and 21 during the 3rd T (29-38 weeks). Functional PS was measured by a clot based test and free PS antigen by ELISA. Results: Free PS Antigen was 65.8±18.3% during the 2nd T and 62.3±16.5% during the 3rd T. The figures for normal controls were 106±6.5%. Functional PS was 43.8±13.3 and 25.9±14.6% during the 2nd T and 3rd T, respectively. The figures for normal controls were 97±24% (p <0.001 compared with pregnant women). Free PS antigen did not change from the 2nd to the 3rd T (p=NS), however functional PS fell significantly from the 2nd to the 3rd T (p <0.001) and was significantly lower than free PS antigen in both trimesters (p <0.001). Conclusions: Pregnancy is associated to a decrease in PS. This abnormality is more pronounced for functional PS than free PS antigen and functional PS falls progressively during pregnancy. These assays should not be used to screen for PS deficiency during pregnancy because they could lead to a misdiagnosis.

Uso del rituximab(anticuerpo monoclonal anti-CD20) en lupus eritematoso sistémico refractario a tratamiento: Caso clínico / Rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) for refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: Report of one case

New therapeutic approaches that include depletion of B cells using rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the B cell specific antigen CD-20 have been developed for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report the case of a 18 years old girl with SLE that did not respond and experienced adverse effects with the use of hydroxycloroquine, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine and high-dose steroids. Rituximab was given weekly at 375 mg/m2 for four doses. The drug was well tolerated and the patient had no adverse reactions. She remains asymptomatic three months later.