Tumores fibroóseos de cavidades paranasales: experiencia en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile y revisión de la literatura / Fibro-osseous tumors of paranasal cavities: experience in the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile and review of the literature

Los tumores de cavidades paranasales presentan una baja frecuencia. Dentro de éstos, entre los benignos destacan las lesiones fibroóseas que se caracterizan por el reemplazo de hueso normal por estroma celular fibroso. Dentro de estas lesiones se describen osteoma, displasia fibrosa y fibroma osificante. Se revisan 3 casos de pacientes del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile y se presenta una revisión bibliográfica en cuanto a las lesiones fibroóseas, su clínica, diagnóstico, imagenología y tratamiento.

The tumors of paranasal cavities present a low frequency. Among the benign tumors are fibro-osseous lesions characterized by the replacement of normal bone by fibrous cell stroma. Osteoma, fibrous dysplasia, and ossifying fibroma are described within these lesions. Three cases of patients from the Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile are reviewed and a bibliographic review is presented regarding the fibro-osseous lesions, their clinical features, diagnosis, imaging and treatment.

Dilatación precoz de estenosis subglótica adquirida posintubación utilizando tubos endotraqueales / Early dilatation of acquired post-intubation subglottic stenosis using endotracheal tubes

RESUMEN Introducción: La estenosis subglótica adquirida es una causa importante de estridor persistente después de una intubación endotraqueal. El diagnóstico y manejo tempranos pueden llevar a procedimientos menos invasivos con altas tasas de éxito. Si las lesiones agudas posintubación evolucionan hacia una estenosis, las dilataciones endoscópicas usando instrumentos romos o balones podrían lograr restablecer un lumen adecuado. Los balones son efectivos, pero caros y obstruyen la vía respiratoria al momento de la dilatación. Objetivo: Presentar nuestra experiencia con la dilatación progresiva de estenosis subglótica adquirida posintubación utilizando tubos endotraqueales. Material y método: Revisión retrospectiva de las dilataciones realizadas como tratamiento primario en estenosis subglótica pediátrica adquirida. Resultados: Se incluyeron 16 pacientes con estenosis de grados I a III, con una edad promedio de 2 años y 4 meses. El tiempo promedio de intubación fue de 6,6 días. El número de procedimientos promedio fue de 2, con un rango de 1 a 6. El éxito clínico se logró en todos los pacientes, con resolución de los síntomas respiratorios y evitando la traqueostomía. No hubo complicaciones ni mortalidad asociadas. Conclusión: En esta cohorte, la dilatación subglótica con tubos endotraqueales fue eficaz y segura. Estos están ampliamente disponibles y permiten ventilar al paciente mientras se realiza el procedimiento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Acquired post-intubation subglottic stenosis is one of the most important complications causing persistent stridor after endotracheal intubation. Early diagnosis and management can lead to less-invasive procedures with high success rates. If the acute post-intubation injuries progress into a stenosis, endoscopic dilatations can be attempted to reestablish an adequate lumen. These can be performed using blunt instrument or balloons. Balloons are effective but expensive, and obstruct the airway while dilatating. Aim: Present our experience with progressive blunt dilatation of acquired post-intubation subglottic stenosis using endotracheal tubes. Material and method: Retrospective chart review of dilatations performed as the primary treatment in early acquired pediatric subglottic stenosis. Results: 16 patients with grades I to III stenosis were included. Average age was 2 years 4 months, and average intubation time was 6.6 days. The number of procedures ranged between 1 and 6, with a mean of 2. Clinical success was achieved in all patients, with resolution of respiratory symptoms and avoidance of tracheostomy. There were no complications or mortality. Conclusion: In this cohort, subglottic dilatation using endotracheal tubes was effective and safe. Endotracheal tubes are easily available and allow to ventilate the patient while performing the procedure.

Fasceítis necrotizante cervical: consideraciones para el manejo precoz / Cervical necrotizing fascitis: considerations for early management

RESUMEN La fasceítis necrotizante cervical (FNC) es una infección que afecta la fascia cervical y tejido subcutáneo, diseminándose rápidamente a través de los planos fasciales con una alta tasa de mortalidad. Si bien, las imágenes son una herramienta de apoyo fundamental para el diagnóstico, éste sigue siendo eminentemente clínico, presentando una rápida progresión de síntomas en pocas horas. El objetivo de esta presentación fue identificar factores descritos con peor pronóstico en el diagnóstico precoz de la FNC. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de serie de casos de pacientes con diagnóstico de FNC en los últimos 10 años en el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau (HBLT). Se identificaron 5 pacientes, dentro de los cuales, los parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio a destacar fueron el dolor desproporcionado y rápido deterioro de exámenes de laboratorio. En los casos que había signos sugerentes de FNC en la tomografía computarizada, se favoreció el manejo quirúrgico agresivo, mientras que, en quienes no había imágenes sugerentes de FNC, se postergó el diagnóstico y su manejo precoz, provocando un desenlace fatal. La FNC constituye un cuadro grave en el que la sospecha clínica y rapidez de inicio del tratamiento resultan fundamental en el pronóstico.

ABSTRACT Cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) is an infection that affects the cervical fascia and subcutaneous tissue. It is characterized by a rapid dissemination trough the fascial planes, with a high rate of mortality. Even tough imaging results a fundamental diagnostic tool, it is still made by clinic signs with rapid progression of symptoms in few hours. Here, we identify worse prognostic factors in the precocious diagnosis of CNF, from five cases presented in our center. A descriptive case-series study was performed in patients with CNF in the last ten years in the Otolaryngology Department of Barros Luco Trudeau Hospital. Five patients were identified, between the clinical and laboratory parameters. A disproportional pain and rapid deterioration of the laboratory exams were the most highlighted features. In the cases with suggestive signs of CFN in the CT scan, allowed an aggressive surgical management, while in those that had no suggestive images the diagnosis was delayed and therefore their management ended in a fatal outcome. CFN constitutes a severe picture in wich clinical suspicion and a prompt initiation of treatment are fundamental in its prognosis.

Verapamilo en conjunto con las prendas de compresión en el tratamiento de la cicatriz patológica causada por quemadura / Verapamil in conjunction with pressure therapy in the treatment of pathologic scar due burn injury

Abstract Introduction: Keloids and hypertrophic scars are dermal fibro-proliferative disorders unique to humans. Their treatment is a true challenge with multiple options, but not all the time with good results. Unfortunatelythis problem is not uncommon in patients with history of burn injury. Aim: To evaluate use of verapamil andpressure garments in patients with hypertrophic or keloid scar caused by burn injury. methods: We includedpatients with a hypertrophic or keloid scar caused by burn injury that report non-response to treatment withpressure garment. The pathologic scars were evaluated by serial photographic records, Vancouver and Posasscales. The scales of Vancouver and Posas were compared with t Student. Results: We included 13 scars in11 patients. Four scars were located in the legs, 4 in the arms, 4 in the face-neck and 1 in the abdomen. Thedose of verapamil was calculated 0.03 mg per kg. Injections were scheduled every 7 to 10 days until complete 6 sessions. Taking in count Posas scale, patients referred improvement in pigmentation (0.01), thickness(0.005), pliability (0.01), pruritus (0.003) and irregular surface (0.004). In the Vancouver scale the observers mentioned improvement in elevation (0.008), pigmentation (0.014), vascularity (0.022) and flexibility (0.014).No adverse effects were found in verapamil injection. Conclusion: Verapamil was useful in conjunction withpressure garment to improve the condition of the keloid and hypertrophic scar caused by burn.

Resumen Introducción: La cicatriz queloide o la cicatriz hipertrófica son desórdenes fibro-proliferativos únicos de los humanos, cuyo tratamiento representa un reto en donde existen pocas opciones con buenos resultados.Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de verapamilo y las prendas de compresión en pacientes con cicatrización patológicacomo consecuencia de quemadura. material y método: Incluimos pacientes con cicatrización patológica,ya sea queloide o hipertrófica, causada por quemadura que mencionaron no haber tenido beneficio con el usode prendas de compresión. La cicatriz fue evaluada con fotografías seriadas, escala de Vancouver y Posas.Los resultados fueron comparados con la prueba de t de Student. Resultados: Incluimos 13 cicatrices en 11pacientes. La localización de las cicatrices fue en brazos 4, piernas 4, cara y cuello 1, y abdomen 1. La dosisde verapamilo se calculó a 0,03 mg por kg. Las inyecciones se aplicaron intralesionales y se administraroncada 7 a 10 días hasta completar 6 sesiones. Encontramos mejoría en los siguientes parámetros de la escalade Posas: pigmentación (0,01), pliabilidad (0,01), endurecimiento o grosor (0,005), prurito (0,003) e irregular (0,004). En la escala de Vancouver elevación (0,008), pigmentación (0,014), vascularidad (0,022) yflexibilidad (0,014). No encontramos efectos adversos con la administración de verapamilo. Conclusión: Elverapamilo fue útil en conjunto con las prendas de compresión para mejorar las condiciones de la cicatrizqueloide e hipertrófica causadas por lesiones por quemadura.

Pedagogía de la fraternidad en situaciones de riesgo, formación integral para la vida / Pedagogy of fraternity in situations of risk, all round formation for life

El presente artículo pretende aportar en la fundamentación de la pedagogía de la Fraternidad en Situaciones de Riesgo, como una nueva visión de la pedagogía en la que están presentes muchos elementos de otras teorías pero que se asumen desde una perspectiva diferente, cuya meta es: primero, permitir que los procesos educativos lleven a generar una sociedad más justa y fraterna en la que se genere un espacio de amistad, confianza y estima recíproca; segundo, que el conocimiento aumente siempre por el deseo de dar respuestas a las problemáticas de la sociedad y tercero generar un espacio en el que se sienta la familia.

This article aims to contribute to the foundation of the pedagogy of fraternity in situations of risk, as a new vision of the pedagogy in which many elements of other theories are present, but which are taken from a different perspective, whose goal is to allow educational processes that make a fairer and more fraternal society possible, by generating friendship, trust, and reciprocal esteem, in the first place, that knowledge is always increased as a manner to solve the answers to the issues of society, in the second place, and in the third place, it can generate a space in which the family can be felt.

Quality of fruits in Mexican tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) landraces / Calidad de frutos en variedades nativas mexicanas de tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill)

Mexico is a center of domestication and diversification of tomatoes, with various landrace cultivated populations and wild varieties, but the documentation is poor in terms of their physical, chemical and nutritional characteristics. Thirteen accessions were collected and then sown and transplanted in greenhouse conditions under a randomized complete block design with four replications. This process was performed in order to evaluate the lycopene content, ascorbic acid and other physicochemical characteristics, as well as the effect of storage conditions on lycopene loss of a sample of tomato fruits native from different regions of Mexico. The analysis of variance shows significant differences (P < 0.05) among accessions for titratable acidity, pH, lycopene on wet and dry basis, in the CIE chromaticity coordinates L*, a* b*, and in the maturity index. GTO-11, OAX-115, PH-102 and PH-96 accessions stood out for their lycopene content on wet and dry basis with values above 20 and 300 mg 100 g-1, respectively. Lycopene content in samples of ground tomato fruits decreased after storing them at -20ºC; it also decreased in the scalded samples immersed in boiling water.

México es un centro de domesticación y diversificación del tomate con diversas poblaciones nativas cultivadas y variantes silvestres, pero poco documentadas en términos de sus características físicas, químicas y nutricionales. Con el objetivo de evaluar el contenido de licopeno, ácido ascórbico y otras características fisicoquímicas de los frutos de una muestra de tomate originaria de diferentes regionesde México, y evaluar el efecto de almacenamiento sobre la pérdida de licopeno, se hizo una colecta yposteriormente la siembra y trasplante en invernadero de trece accesiones bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones. El análisis de varianza detecta diferencias significativas(P < 0.05) entre accesiones para acidez titulable, pH, licopeno en base húmeda y seca, en las coordenadas cromáticas CIE L*, a* y b*, y en el índice de madurez. Las accesiones GTO-11, OAX-115, PH-102 y PH-96 sobresalen en contenido de licopeno en base húmeda y seca con valores mayores a 20 y 300 mg 100 g-1, respectivamente. El contenido de licopeno en muestras molidas de frutos de tomate y almacenadas a -20ºC, decreció a medida que se incrementó el tiempo de almacenamiento, aún en las muestras escaldadas, inmersión en agua en ebullición.

Estado actual del diagnóstico y presentaciones clínicas de enfermedad celíaca: Estudio multicéntrico / Diagnosis and clinical presentations of celiac disease: A multicenter study

Background: Ample use of serological markers of high sensitivity and specificity led to relevant changes in the epidemiology of celiac disease. The impact of these changes in our country is poorly known. Aim: To assess the diagnostic procedures, clinical presentations and follow up of celiac disease as conducted in current pediatric practice. Material and methods: A multicentric retrospective study of patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2005 in five pediatric hospitals in Santiago, Chile. Data was obtained from clinical records, recorded in electronic spreadsheets and analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: Seventy four of 83 identified patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Mean time to reach the diagnosis was 2.1 years. Cases younger than 10 years presented digestive manifestations such as chronic diarrhea and abdominal distension. Twenty one percent of older patients had atypical presentations (mainly short stature, refractory anaemia). Ten percent of cases were screened because a first degree relative had celiac disease. All patients had significant duodenal/jejunal lesion. IgA-antiendomysial antibodies (n =65) and IgA-antigliadin antibodies (n =23) were the most commonly used screening tests used but often, they were not available for follow up. A second biopsy was planned in all patients but only 26 had it due to repeated dietary transgressions, often due to unnoticed consumption of gluten in poorly labeled products. Conclusions: Digestive manifestations were the main presentation form for celiac disease among patients under 10 years of age. Atypical symptoms become relevant in patients older than 10 years. Antiendomysial and antitransglutaminase antibody measurement should be incorporated for routine screening and follow up of celiac disease in public hospitals. To improve food labeling about their gluten content is needed.

Carcinoma de glándulas sebáceas en un erizo africano (Atelerix albiventris) / Sebaceous gland carcinoma in an African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

A sebaceous gland carcinoma was diagnosed in an adult African hedgehog (Atelerixalbiventris). The neoplasm, was localized in the subcutis of the cervicall region and extendend towards the axilar region and along the thorax. The animal was admitted for surgical removal of the tumor but died during the procedure. It was not possible to rule out metastatic dissemination since the post-mortem study was not authorized by the owner. The aim of this report is to describe the microscopic and ultrastructural morphology of this neoplasm, as well as the clinical and surgical management of the patient, in order to bring information about neoplastic diseases in this species. There is little information on diseases affecting wildlife animals. Currently, in Mexico, there is big interest on acquiring pygmy African hedgehogs as pets. For this reason, it is necessary that veterinarians, working on these type of animals, have more information and take into account the sebaceous gland carcinoma as differential diagnosis among skin tumors in the hedgehog.

Se diagnosticó un carcinoma de glándulas sebáceas en un erizo africano adulto (Atelerixalbiventris). La neoplasia estaba localizada en el tejido subcutáneo de la región cervical y se extendía hacia la zona axilar y parte de la pared torácica. El erizo fue internado para realizar la remoción quirúrgica de la neoplasia, pero murió durante el periodo transoperatorio. No fue posible determinar si existía metástasis, ya que los dueños del animal no permitieron el estudio post mortem. El presente trabajo tuvo como propósito describir la morfología microscópica y ultraestructural de dicha neoplasia, así como el manejo clínico y quirúrgico del paciente, para aportar información sobre enfermedades neoplásicas en el erizo. En general, es escasa la información acerca de las enfermedades que afectan a la fauna silvestre. Actualmente en México muchas personas están interesadas en adquirir al erizo pigmeo africano en calidad de animal de compañía. Es necesario que el médico veterinario dedicado a la clínica de este tipo de animales, tenga la mayor información posible y considere al carcinoma de glándulas sebáceas como diagnóstico diferencial entre los tumores cutáneos del erizo.

Utilidad de la terapia trombolítica con estreptokinasa a dosis baja en infarto agudo del miocardio / Usefulness of thrombolytic therapy with low doses of streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction

Background: The optimal dose of Streptokinase in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction is not well established. Apparently, the thrombolytic efficacy would not increase with doses over 750.000 units. Aim: To compare the effectiveness and safety of treatment with low doses of Streptokinase, ranging from 500.000 to 750.000 units, in patients with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction. Patients and methods: From September 1993 to September 1998, the GEMI register of patients with acute myocardial infarction, was carried out in 37 hospitals, incorporating 4,938 patients. Of these, 1,631 patients received streptokinase. According to the administered dose of Streptokinase, patients were divided in two groups: 1,465 patients who received 1.5 millions U in 60 minutes (classical therapy group), and 166 patients with ischemic chest discomfort and either ST-segment elevation or left bundle-branch block on the electrocardiogram, who received 500.000 to 750.000 U streptokinase administered in no more than 30 minutes, with heparin, within 0 to 6 hours of symptom onset. Successful reperfusion, mortality, complications, and hospital outcome was evaluated in both groups. Results: The low dose group of patients had a better reperfusion criteria profile. No differences between groups were observed in patient evolution, mortality, maximum Killip classification, post myocardial infarction heart failure, ischemic complications, arrhythmias or mechanical complications. Conclusions: These results suggest that streptokinase in low doses is at least as effective as classical therapy, in the treatment of ST elevation acute myocardial infarction.

Cortisol y dehidroepiandrosterona nocturnos como marcadores pronósticos en pacientes críticos / Nocturnal cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone like prognostic markers in critical patients

El cortisol plasmático guarda correlación con la severidad y duración del estado crítico, y el papel de la Dehidroepiandrosterona sulfato (DHEA-S) no ha sido identificado claramente. El paciente crítico muestra una activación máxima inicial del eje suprarrenal, si la situación crítica se prolonga, se puede producir una insuficiencia suprarrenal relativa. Midiendo cortisol y DHEA-S durante la noche de las 24 primeras horas críticas se podría hacer más evidente esta insuficiencia resultando una mejor correlación entre estas hormonas, APACHE II y mortalidad. Diseño: Estudio observacional en pacientes críticos de la UTI del Hospital de Urgencia Asistencia Pública. Cuarenta y ocho (48) pacientes (30 hombres y 18 mujeres) sin antecedentes de: insuficiencia suprarrenal, uso de fenitoína, anticonvulsivantes, rifampicina, ketoconazol, corticosteroides, síndrome de Cushing, patología pituitaria, daño hepático crónico, insuficiencia renal crónica, alcoholismo activo crónico o readmisiones. EL APACHE II fue evaluado al ingreso. Cortisol y DHEA-S fueron medidos a las 00.00 de las primeras 24 h de su ingreso a UTI. Resultados: EL APACHE II (25,1±6,7 contra 16,3±7, p=0,001) y edad (59,5±15,8 contra 44,4±18,1, p 0,011) fueron significativamente más elevados en los fallecidos. En los fallecidos el cortisol mostró una tendencia a niveles más elevados. El DHEA-S mostró niveles considerablemente más altos en los sobrevivientes (5450,9±3824,0 contra 2980,3±2159,3 p= 0,03) junto como el índice DHEA-S/cortisol (12,66±14,19 contra 3,91±4,06, p= 0,004). Conclusiones: La tendencia a niveles más altos de cortisol nocturno observado en las 24 primeras horas induce para pensar que la insuficiencia suprarrenal relativa no desempeñaría un papel en las 24 primeras horas del estado crítico. Los niveles de DHEA-S y el índice DHEA-S/Cortisol son marcadores de sobrevida en nuestra población estudiada.

Cambios en el manejo intrahospitalario del infarto del miocardio en hospitales chilenos / Changes in the in-hospital treatment of the acute myocardial infarction in chilean hospitals

Antecedentes: En comunicaciones anteriores se han descrito los cambios en el tratamiento y la evolución del infarto del miocardio (IAM) intrahospitalario durante 2 período de registro en Chile. Objetivo: Evaluar los cambios en el tratamiento farmacológico y las terapias de reperfusión en pacientes con IAM que ingresaron durante 2001 en la red GEMI. Métodos: El registro 2001 (R3) se efectuó entr marzo y diciembre en 23 hospitales de Santiago y regiones. Fue comparado con los registros 93-95 (R1) y 97-98 (R2). Se recolectó información sobre características demográficas, el tratamiento y la evolución intrahospitalaria de los pacientes que ingresaron con el diagnostico de IAM. Resultados: En R3 se incluyeron 1.091 pacientes, cuya edad promedio fue 63 ± 13 años. El 70,4 por ciento fueron hombres. La frecuencia de uso de los medicamentos en R1, R2 y R3 fue respectivamente: aspirina 93 por ciento, 96,1 por ciento y 94,7 por ciento (p=ns); I-ECA 32 por ciento, 53 por ciento y 60 por ciento (p=ns); bloqueadores 37 por ciento, 55,2 por ciento y 60,9 por ciento (p=ns); heparina 59 por ciento, 55 por ciento y 43,5 por ciento (p=ns): nitratos iv 59 por ciento, 67,6 por ciento y 63,7 por ciento (p=ns); antagonista del calcio 23 por ciento, 12,4 por ciento y 6,2 por ciento (p <0,01); trombolíticos 33 por ciento, 33,7 por ciento y 32, por ciento. La angioplastía primaria no se efectuó en R1, pero R2 y R3 fue utilizada en el 9,5 por ciento y el 7,5 por ciento de los pacientes respectivamente. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue de 11,6 por ciento durante 2001, comparada con el 10,8 por ciento y el 13,4 por ciento obtenida en los registros 97-98 y 93-95. Conclusión: Se aprecia un aumento de la utilización de los I-ECA y (bloqueadores, fármacos de demostrada eficacia para reducir mortalidad en el IAM. Es racional la reducción del uso del calcio antagonista y probablemente la de antiarrítmicos. No se modifica el empleo de trombolíticos y la angioplastía primaria no aumenta debido a que está limitada a algunos hospitales. Se debe continuar estimulando el uso de terapias que mejoren el pronóstico de los pacientes con IAM, especialmente las orientadas a la reperfusión.

Reducción de la mortalidad por infarto del miocardio en hospitales chilenos / Reduction of acute myocardial infarction mortality in Chilean hospitals

Background: The characteristics of patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) admitted to 37 Chilean hospitals (GEMI Registry Group), have been analyzed in the periods 1993-1995 and 1997-1998. Aim: To report the changes in hospital mortality between these 2 periods, with a particular emphasis on the impact of treatment. Patients and methods: Between 1993-1995 we collected information from 2,957 patients and between 1997-1998 we registered 1,981 patients with MI. Analysis of the changes in mortality between periods was adjusted by demographic variables, coronary risk factors, MI location, Killip class on admission and the different therapeutic strategies utilized. The effects of different treatments on hospital mortality were adjusted by the previously determined mortality risk variables. Results: Hospital mortality decreased from 13.3 percent to 10.8 percent between both periods (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.78, confidence intervals (95 percent) (CI) 0.65-0.93). A significant reduction in mortality was observed among patients below 60 years of age, in men, in diabetics and in subjects with an infarction classified as Killip class over II. The use of beta blockers (OR 0.65, CI 0.42-0.99) and intravenous nitrates (OR 0.78, CI 0.61-0.99) and the lower use of calcium channel blockers (OR 0.72, CI 0.60-0.87) were significantly associated with a lower mortality. The administration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors was associated with a 29.3 percent mortality reduction (OR 0.69, CI 0.47-1.02). Conclusions: There has been a significant reduction in the mortality rate for MI in Chilean hospitals during the 2 registry periods analyzed, which was significant among some high risk patients and was related to treatment changes, according to evidence based guidelines

Cambios en los patrones de prescripción de medicamentos en el infarto agudo del miocardio: comparación de dos períodos / Changes in pharmacotherapy for acute myocardial infarction: comparison of 2 periods

Background: Pharmacotherapy of Chilean patients with acute myocardial infarction has been recorded in 37 hospitals since 1993. Aim: to compare pharmacotherapy for acute myocardial infarction in the period 1993 to 1995 with the period 1997-1998. Patients and methods: Drug prescription during hospital stay was recorded in 2957 patients admitted to Chilean hospitals with an acute myocardial infarction in the period 1993-1995 and compared with that of 1981 subjects admitted in the period 1997-1998. Results: When compared with the former period, in the lapse 1997-1998 there was an increase in the frequency of prescription of aspirin (93 and 96.1 percent respectively) ß blockers (37 and 55.2 percent respectively) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (32 and 53 percent). The prescription of thrombolytic therapy did not change (33 and 33.7 percent respectively). There was a reduction in the prescription of calcium antagonists and antiarrhythmic drugs. Conclusions: During the period 1997-1998, the prescription of drugs with a potential to reduce the mortality of acute myocardial infarction, increased. The diffusion of guidelines for the management of this disease may have influenced this change

Infarto agudo del miocardio en hospitales chilenos: resultados finales del estudio GEMI / Acute myocardial infarction in chilean hospitals: results of the GEMI study

Background: Acute myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death in Chile. Aim: To report the main features, hospital evolution, complications and pharmacological treatment of patients admitted to Chilean hospitals with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Patients and methods: Between 1993 and 1995, the GEMI group registered 2,957 patients admitted to 37 hospitals with the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Results: Mean age of patients was 62 ñ 2 years old and 74 percent were male. Forty six percent had a history of hypertension and 40 percent were smokers. During the first five days of admission, 93 percent of patients received aspirin, 59 percent received intravenous nitrates, 59 percent intravenous heparin, 56 percent oral nitrates, 37 percent beta blockers, 32 percent angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, 33 percent thrombolytic agents, 29 percent antiarrhythmics and 23 percent calcium antagonists. Coronary angiograms were performed in 28 percent of patients, angioplasty in 9 percent and 8 percent were subjected to a coronary bypass. Global hospital mortality was 13.4 percent (19.5 percent in women and 11.1 percent in men, p <0.001). Conclusions: This work gives a picture of myocardial infarction in Chilean hospitals. Pharmacological treatment is similar to that used abroad, but certainly it can be optimized

Ramipril vs espironolactona en el remodelamiento ventricular izquierdo post-infarto: estudio randomizado y doble ciego / Ramipril vs spironolactone in the left ventricular remodeling after infarction: randomized and double blind study

Patients and methods: Patients hospitalized for a first episode of acute myocardial infartion were blindly and randomly assigned to receive ramipril (2.5 mg bid), spironolactone (25 mg bid) or placebo. Ejection fraction, left ventricular en diastolic and end systolic volumes were measured by multigated radionuclide angiography, at baseline and after six months of treatment. Results: Twenty four patients were assigned to placebo, 31 to ramipril and 23 to spironolactone. Age, gender; Killip class, treatment with thrombolytics, revascularization procedures and use of additional medications were similar in the three groups. After six months of treatment, efection fraction increased from 34,5 ñ 2,3 to 4,2 ñ 2,4 percent in patients on ramipril, from 32,6 ñ 2,9 to 36,6 ñ 2,7 percent in patients on spironolactone, and decreased from 37 ñ 3 to 31 ñ 3 in patients on placebo (ANOVA between gropus p < 0.05). Basal end systolic volumen was similar in all three gropus, increased from 43,4 ñ 3,4 to 61,4 ñ 6,0 ml/m2 in patients on placebo and did not change in patients on spironolactone or ramipril (ANOVA p < 0.05). End diastolic volume was also similar in the three groups, increased from 70,6 ñ 4,3 to 92,8 ñ 6,4 ml/m2 in patients on placebo and did no change with the other treatments. Conclusions: Ramipril and spironolactone had similar effects on ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infaction, suggesting that aldosterone contributes to this phenomenon and that inhibition of its receptor may be as effective as ACE inhibition in its prevention

Valor pronóstico de los índices no invasivos de reperfusión coronaria en pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio tratados con trombólisis / Prognostic value of non invasive indexes of coronary reperfusion in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with trombolysis

In 807 consecutive patients from the Chilean National Registry of Acute Myocardial Infarction we analyzed the resolution of chest pain and ST segment elevation over 50 percent within the first 90 min, abrupt CK rise within 8 h and T wave inversion in infarct related EKG leads within the first 24 h after thrombolysis. Global in-hospital mortality was 12.1 percent. Mortality of patients with the presence of 3 or 4 markers of coronary artery patency was 5.1 percent, in those with resolution of ST elevation and abrupt CK rise was 6.25 percent and in those with T wave inversion it was 3.9 percent (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis, adjusted by age, gender, risk factors, Killip class and infarct location showed that early T wave inversion was the better predictor of a low in-hospital mortality and its combination with other markers of coronary artery patency did not increase its prognostic power. Early CK rise and the presence of 3 out of 4 reperfusion criteria were also independent predictors of a low mortality. Non invasive markers of coronary artery patency are associated with a lower in-hospital mortality and may serve as surrogate end points in clinical trials

Infarto agudo del miocardio en Chile: diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en su evolución y pronóstico / Myocardial acute infarction in Chile: diferences between male and female in its evolution and prognostic

Gender may be prognostic factor for the evolution of acute myocardial infarction and women may have higher mortality and complication rates. To study if there are differences in the evolution of acute myocardial infarction between men and women, we have recorded information on risk factors, clinical evolution, treatment and complications of 2052 patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction in 36 chilean hospitals. The odds ratio for female sex and mortality was calculated using a logistic regression analysis adjusted for risk factors, treatment, invasive procedures and complications. Twenty six percent of analyzed patients were female. Mortality rates among females and males were 11,8 and 20,2 percent respectively (p<0.01). Women had higher frequency of smoking, diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Blood lipid levels were similar in both sexes. Compared to men, a lesser proportion of women were treated with thrombolytic agents (25 and 35 percent respectively) intravenous heparin (54 and 61 percent respectively), beta blockers (31 and 42 percent respectively) and intravenous nitrates (53 and 61 percent respectively). Also, women were subjected to less invasive procedures. The odds ratio for mortality and sex was 1.72 (confidence interval from 1.13 to 2.62). Female sex is an independent risk factor for acute myocardial infarction mortality