Chagas disease affects the human placental barrier's turnover dynamics during pregnancy

BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi crosses the placental barrier and produces the congenital transmission of Chagas disease (CD). Structural alterations of the chorionic villi by this parasite have been described in vitro, but little is known about trophoblast turnover in placentas from women with CD. OBJECTIVE To analyze the proliferation and fusion processes in placentas from women with CD. METHODS Archived human term placenta paraffin-embedded blocks were used, from women with CD (CDP), and no pathology (NP). Immunohistochemistry tests were performed for Ki67 to calculate the proliferation index (PI) of cytotrophoblast (CTB) and Syncytin-1, a fusion marker of syncytiotrophoblast (STB). Hematoxylin/Eosin stained sections were employed to analyze STB percentages, STB detachment areas and syncytial knots quantity. Non parametric Student's t-tests were performed (p < 0.05). RESULTS Syncytial knots and STB detachment significantly increased in placental villi from the CDP group. STB percentage was significantly lower in the CDP group as well as the PI and Syncytin-1 expression significantly decreased in these placentas, compared with control (NP). CONCLUSION Dynamic of trophoblast turnover is altered in placentas from women with CD. These changes may lead into a gap in the placental barrier possibly allowing the parasite entry into the chorionic villi.

Caracterización clínica y sociodemográfica de la población infantojuvenil entre 2 y 17 años con diagnóstico de deficiencia de extremidades superiores adquirida y/o congénita, en el Instituto Teletón Santiago / Clinical and sociodemographic characterization of the child and youth population between 2 and 17 years old with a diagnosis of acquired or congenital upper limbs deficiency at Instituto Teletón Santiago

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las deficiencias congénitas y adquiridas de extremidades superiores son una condición importante en la población pediátrica, existe poca información respecto de sus características clínicas, sociodemográficas y las asociadas al uso de prótesis. OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas y sociodemográficas de la población infantojuvenil entre 2 y 17 años con diagnóstico de deficiencia de extremidades superiores adquirida y/o congénita, pertenecientes al Instituto Teletón Santiago (IT-S). METODOLOGÍA: Estudio transversal, en población infantojuvenil entre 2 y 17 años, con diagnóstico de deficiencia de extremidades superiores, adquirida y congénita, que se atienden en el IT-S. Se realizó una revisión de fichas clínicas y encuesta para la obtención de datos de características sociodemográficas, clínicas y asociadas al uso de prótesis. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 215 pacientes, 93,9% de etiología congénita y 6,1% adquirida. El nivel de la deficiencia más frecuente fue parcial de mano con 51,6%, seguido del transradial con 33,1%. El 33% de los 215 pacientes estudiados tuvieron prescripción de prótesis. De los pacientes con prescripción de prótesis, 78,9% correspondía a mecánica y 18,3% a prótesis 3D. El 53,5% usaba su prótesis y el 46,4% no la usaba. Respecto a las prótesis 3D, el 84,6% no la usaban. En el nivel parcial de mano, el 83,3% no usaban su prótesis. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio aporta datos de importancia clínica, destacando, una prescripción protésica de inicio temprano y asociada a las características clínicas de los pacientes. Así mismo, existe una alta tasa de no uso de las prótesis 3D, en el nivel parcial de mano.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital and acquired deficiencies of the upper extremities are an important condition in the pediatric population, however, there is almost no information regarding the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics and those associated with the use of prostheses. OBJECTIVE: Describe the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of the child and adolescent population between 2 and 17 years old with a diagnosis of acquired and/or congenital upper limb deficiency, belonging to the Instituto Teletón Santiago (IT-S). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in child and adolescent population between 2 and 17 years old, with a diagnosis of acquired and/ or congenital upper limb deficiency treated in the IT-S. A review of clinical records and a survey were carried out to obtain data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and characteristics associated with the use of prostheses. RESULTS: 215 patients were included, 93.9% of congenital and 6.1% of acquired etiology. The most common level of deficiency was partial hand with 51.6%, followed by transradial with 33.1%. 33% of the 215 patients included had a prescription for a prosthesis. 78.9% of the patients with a prosthesis prescription had a mechanical prosthesis and 18.3% had a 3D prosthesis. 53.5% used their prosthesis and 46.4% did not use it. 84.6% of the patients with 3D prostheses did not use them and an 83.3% of the patients with a partial hand level deficiency did not use their prosthesis. CONCLUSION: This study provides data of clinical importance, highlighting an early-onset prosthetic prescription associated with the clinical characteristics of the patients. Likewise, there is a high rate of non-use of 3D prostheses at the partial hand level.

Manejo laparoscópico del trauma abdominal por arma blanca / Laparoscopic management of abdominal stab trauma

Objetivo: Utilizar la laparoscopia como alternativa terapéutica en pacientes con traumatismo abdominal por arma blanca. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, la muestra estuvo representada por 30 pacientes que ingresaron por traumatismo abdominal por arma blanca, durante el periodo diciembre 2010 ­ agosto 2011. Resultados:Fueron evaluados 30 pacientes, 87% masculinos. El 64% tenían una edad comprendida entre 20 y 40 años. El tiempo de evolución fue menor a 5 horas. El 100% de los pacientes presentaban estabilidad hemodinámica. Se realizaron 30 laparoscopias sin necesidad de conversión a cirugía abierta. Conclusión: En el trauma abdominal penetrante por arma blanca, se demostró que es viable la utilización de la laparoscopia como método diagnóstico seguro y terapéutico(AU)

Objective: To use laparoscopic procedure like a therapeutic technique in patients with stab wounds abdominal trauma. Methods: Prospective study, the sample was represented by 30 patients who were admitted with stab wounds abdominal trauma, since December 2010 ­ August 2011. Results:Were evaluated 30 patients, 87% males. The 64%had an age range between 20-40 years old. The evolution time was less than 5 hours. The 100% presented hemodynamic stability.It was made 30 laparoscopic procedures, without needs to conversión to laparotomy. Conclusion: It proved that in stab wounds abdominal trauma is reliable to use laparoscopic procedures like a safe diagnostic and therapeutic method(AU)