Microcirugía endodóntica: regeneración ósea guiada en defecto óseo tunelizado: caso clínico / Endodontic microsurgery: guided bone regeneration in a through-and-through bone defect: a clinical case

Se presentó a la Cátedra de Endodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Buenos Aires un paciente masculino de 62 años de edad que al examen clínico presentaba una fístula vestibular en la zona de la pieza 1.2 y dolor a la percusión. Al examen radiográ-fico se identificó una lesión apical extensa abarcando las piezas dentarias 1.2 y 1.1 endodónticamente trata-das con alteración severa de la anatomía del espacio endodóntico, así como la presencia de postes metáli-cos que no respetaban el eje del canal radicular. Ante el análisis tomográfico se observó una perforación de la pieza 1.2 y una lesión periapical extensa afectando ambas corticales (vestibular y palatina). Se decidió un abordaje microquirúrgico con técnicas de regenera-ción ósea guiada (ROG) y se realizaron los controles clínico-tomográficos a los 6, 12 y 24 meses. Por otro lado, se evaluó con micromografía de rayos X la ana-tomía de los ápices radiculares resecados. La lesión extirpada fue analizada histológicamente (AU)

A 62-year-old male patient attended the Endodontics department of the Buenos Aires University. He was examined clinically and a vestibular fistula in 1.2 area and pain under percussion were found. Radiographic examination identified an extended periapical lesion compromising teeth 1.2 and 1.1 with endodontic treatment severely altering the root canal anatomy, as well as metallic cast posts that did not preserve root canal axis. Regarding the tomographic analysis, a vestibular root perforation was observed (1.2), and both, vestibular and palatal corticals, were affected. We decided to perform a surgical approach with guided bone regeneration techniques (GBR). Clinical-CBCT controls were done at 6, 12 and 24 months. Furthermore, the anatomy of the resected root apex-es was evaluated with X ray microtomography. The removed lesion was histologically analyzed (AU)

Neurofibromatosis laríngea: a propósito de un caso / Laryngeal neurofibromatosis: a case report

Resumen El neurofibroma laríngeo es poco frecuente, representa menos del 0,1% de las neoplasias benignas de la laringe. Puede presentarse aislado, o más comúnmente asociado a neurofibromatosis tipo I. Se presenta el caso de un paciente varón de 40 años, ya diagnosticado de neurofibromatosis tipo I, que presenta masa supraglótica submucosa asintomática, diagnosticada como hallazgo casual en una intubación por una cirugía previa programada.

Abstract Laryngeal neurofibroma is rare, representing less than 0.1% of benign tumors of the larynx. It can occur in isolation or more commonly associated with type I neurofibromatosis. The case of a 40-year-old male patient, already diagnosed with type I neurofibromatosis, is presented with an asymptomatic submucosal supraglottic mass, diagnosed as a chance finding in intubation due to a previous scheduled surgery.

Tuberculosis como causa de adenopatías cervicales / Tuberculosis as a cervical lymphadenopathy cause

La tuberculosis (TBC) es una enfermedad infecto-contagiosa de distribución mundial causada por Mycobacterium tuberculosis, y otras micobacterias atípicas. La afectación ganglionar es tardía y sus manifestaciones clínicas asociadas suelen ser inespecíficas, por eso, el diagnóstico de tuberculosis ganglionar a menudo se retrasa y es un hallazgo inesperado en numerosas ocasiones. Este artículo pretende realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre la tuberculosis ganglionar y hacer hincapié en que la TBC ha de ser tenida en cuenta como diagnóstico diferencial en las masas cervicales, que muchas veces se presentan con escasa sintomatología acompañante. En este artículo presentamos dos casos de TBC ganglionar diagnosticados en nuestro servicio en los últimos meses, ambos casos se manifestaron exclusivamente como masa cervical de crecimiento lento, sin síntomas pulmonares acompañante y fueron diagnosticados de TBC tras el estudio anatomopatológico resultante de la exéresis quirúrgica de la lesión.

The tuberculosis (TB) is an infect-contagious worldwide distribution disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and other atypical Mycobacteria. Lymph node involvement is late, and its associated clinical manifestations are usually unspecifics, therefore the diagnosis of tuberculosis lymph node is often delayed and is an unexpected finding in numerous occasions. This article aims to carry out a literature review of lymph node tuberculosis and to emphasize that TB must be taken into account as differential diagnosis in cervical masses, which often occur with few associated symptoms. In this article we present two cases of lymph node TB diagnosed in our department in last months, both cases presented exclusively as cervical mass of slow growth, without any accompanying pulmonary symptoms and were diagnosed as TB after the surgical removal of the lesion and its histopathological study.

Comparación de los perfiles de disolución de comprimidos de lamotrigina de 100mg comercializados en Paraguay / Comparison of the dissolution profiles of tablets of lamotrigine 100mg traded in Paraguay

Objetivo: evaluar los perfiles de disolución decomprimidos de Lamotrigina 100mg (Test) con laReferencia (Lamictal®) comercializados en Paraguay.Material y Métodos: Se utilizaron comprimidosde Lamotrigina de 100mg comercializados enParaguay. Se determinaron los perfiles de disoluciónde los productos Test y Referencia, en los tresmedios de disolución recomendados (pHs 1,2 ; 4,5y 6,8). El método analítico se basó en HPLC condetector PDA a 277nm, usando una PhenomenexLuna C18 a 40ºC, con fase móvil de buffer fosfatode sodio 0.05M pH4.0-acetonitrilo (80:20), flujode 1.3mL/min y tiempo de retención de 5 min.Resultados: Los perfiles de disolución del productoTest de Lamotrigina 100mg, fueron similaresen los diferentes pHs al producto de Referencia,liberando más del 85% a los 15 minutos en los 3medios de disolución, no siendo necesaria la comparacióncon el factor f2.Conclusión: Los perfiles de disolución de los comprimidosde Lamotrigina de 100mg Test muestranun comportamiento in vitro semejante al productode Referencia, lo que sugiere que su comportamientoin vivo podría ser también semejante.

Objectives: to evaluate the dissolution profiles ofLamotrigine tablets of 100 mg (Test) and Reference(Lamictal®) marketed in Paraguay.Material and Methods: Tablets of Lamotrigine100 mg marketed in Paraguay were used. Dissolutionprofiles of the Test and Reference productswere determined in the three recommended dissolutionmedia (pH 1.2; 4.5 and 6.8). The HPLCmethod used consisted of a Phenomenex Luna C18column, with mobile phase of 0.05M sodium phosphatebuffer pH4.0-acetonitrile (80:20), flow rateof 1.3mL / min and retention time of 5 min. Thecolumn compartment was kept at 40ºC, and thewavelength detection was 277 nm.Results: The dissolution profiles of the Test productof Lamotrigine 100mg, showed similar behavior tothe Reference product at the three different pHs,releasing more than 85% in 15 minutes in the threemedia dissolution. No calculation using the similarityfactor f2 was needed.Conclusion: Dissolution profiles of the two formulationsof Lamotrigine 100mg were similar in thedifferent pH dissolution media, thus a similar invivo behavior could be expected.

Factores relacionados con eventos adversos reportados por enfermería en unidades de cuidados intensivos. Proyecto multicéntrico / Factors related to nursing-reported adverse events in intensive care units: Multicenter project / Fatores relacionados com a presença de eventos adversos informados pela enfermagem na unidade de cuidados intensivos. Projeto multicêntrico

La atención a la salud a veces puede representar un riesgo para los pacientes, que puede derivar en daño físico, psicológico, social, económico, e incluso la muerte. Estos incidentes se denominan eventos adversos (EA) y se presentan durante el proceso de atención. Objetivo: Determinar la ocurrencia de los EA en las áreas de cuidados intensivos y conocer los factores intrínsecos, extrínsecos y del sistema que están presentes en la aparición de un EA, así como su evitabilidad y gravedad. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, analítico, transversal y observacional, en siete instituciones de salud de carácter público y de alta especialidad en México. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 137 personas durante el periodo comprendido del 1-04-2012 al 31-01-2013. Los datos se recolectaron con la ficha de notificación de EA tomada y adaptada del proyecto SYREC 2007. Se utilizó el programa estadístico SPSS versión 17. Se realizaron pruebas de correlación de Spearman y phi, U de Mann-Witney, Kruskal-Wallis y Chi2. Resultados: El 58% de los EA se presentaron en pacientes masculinos, el 60% en edad pediátrica. Los EA relacionados con el cuidado fueron los más frecuentes con un 29.9%. En el 51% estuvieron relacionados con invalidez temporal. En un 75% de los casos se pudieron evitar. Sobresalen los factores del sistema con un 98%.Conclusiones: La población más vulnerable son los niños y los adultos mayores, los EA están relacionados directamente con el cuidado de enfermería y su mayoría son evitables. Es necesario implementar estrategias para la gestión de la seguridad del paciente para detectar, registrar, prevenir y minimizar su frecuencia.

Health treatment can sometimes involve risk for patients, which can result in physical, psychological, social, or financial damage, and even death. These incidents are called adverse events (AE) and occur during the treatment process.ObjectiveTo determine the occurrence of AE in intensive care areas, and identify the intrinsic, extrinsic, and systemic factors involved in an AE, and to assess their severity and how to avoid them. Methods Multi-centric, analytic, transversal, and observational study conducted on 7 public and high specialty health institutions in Mexico with a sample of 137 individuals. The study was carried out from 04/01/2012 to 01/31/2013. Data were collected through SYREC 2007 project adapted AE notification charts. SPSS version 17 was used. Spearman, Phi, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi2 tests were performed. Results:58% of AE occurred among male patients, 60% among the pediatric population. The most frequent AE were those related to care (29.9%). 51% were related to temporal disability. 75% of the cases could not be avoided. Systemic factors were the prevalent ones with 98%. Conclusions: The most vulnerable populations are children and the elderly. AE are directly related to nursing care and most are avoidable. It is necessary to implement strategies to manage patient safety in order to detect, register, prevent, and minimize the frequency of AE.

A atenção à saúde representa em vários momentos um risco para os pacientes, que pode derivar em dano físico, psicológico, social, económico, inclusivé a morte. Estes incidentes denominam-se eventos adversos (EA), apresentam-se durante o processo de atenção. Objetivo Determinar a ocorrência dos EA nas áreas de cuidados intensivos e conhecer fatores intrínsecos, extrínsecos e do sistema que estão presentes no aparecimento de um EA, bem como a possibilidade de evita-los e a sua gravidade. Métodos: Estudo multicêntrico, analítico, transversal e observacional, em 7 instituições de saúde pública e de alta especialidade no México. A amostra foi de (n = 137) durante o periodo compreendido entre 01-04-2012 e 31-01-2013. Os dados foram recolhidos com a ficha de notificação de EA tomada e adaptada do projeto SYREC 2007. Utilizou-se o programa estatístico SPSS versão 17. Realizaram-se testes de correlação de Spearman e Phi, U de Mann-Witney, Kruskal-Wallis e Chi2. Resultados: Os 58% dos EA apresentaram-se nos pacientes masculinos, os 60% na idade pediátrica. Os EA mais frequentes foram relacionados com o cuidado, com 29.9%. 51% estiveram relacionados com incapacidade temporária. Em 75% dos casos pôde-se evitar. Sobressaem os fatores do sistema com 98%. Conclusões: A população mais vulnerável são as crianças e os idosos, os EA relacionam-se diretamente com o cuidado da enfermagem e a sua maioria são evitáveis. É necessário implementar estratégias para a gestão da segurança do paciente para detectar, registrar, prevenir e minimizar a sua frequência.

UTILIDAD DE PRUEBAS CUTÁNEAS Y OTRAS PRUEBAS DE LABORATORIO EN PACIENTES CON RINITIS ALÉRGICA / Usefulness of skin tests and other laboratory tests in patients with allergic rhinitis

Antecedentes. Existen diferentes pruebas de laboratorio en las que se apoya el alergólogo dentro del abordaje de la rinitis alérgica, que varían en sus ventajas y desventajas, debiendo debiendo correlacionar su prescripción con la clínica del paciente y valorando costo-beneficio. Objetivos. Determinar la utilidad diagnóstica de IgE sérica total, eosinófilos en moco nasal, eosinófilos séricos y pruebas cutáneas para identificar a los pacientes alérgicos. Material y métodos. Se revisaron laboratorios de 400 pacientes con rinitis alérgica y de 57 con rinitis no alérgica, se describieron las variables sexo, edad, niveles séricos de IgE y eosinófilos séricos totales, la frecuencia de positividad de las diferentes pruebas, significación estadística, utilidad diagnóstica, así como correlación y concordancia de las diferentes pruebas de laboratorio y las pruebas cutáneas. Resultados. Se observó diferencia significativa en los niveles de IgE sérica total (p<0,001) y de eosinófilos séricos totales (p<0,001) entre ambos grupos; ambas pruebas muestran baja sensibilidad. Las pruebas cutáneas tienen la mayor sensibilidad y especificidad en el diagnóstico de rinitis alérgica; la correlación entre las diferentes pruebas de laboratorio y las pruebas cutáneas fue en general baja siendo con la IgE sérica total la que mostró mayor correlación 0,20 (p<0,001). Conclusiones. Debido a su baja sensibilidad y concordancia con las pruebas cutáneas, los exámenes IgE sérica total, eosinófilos séricos y eosinófilos en moco nasal no deben solicitarse como pruebas de tamizaje para identificar a pacientes alérgicos.(AU)

Background. There are different diagnosis tests in the approach of a patient suffering from allergic rhinitis; these have pros and cons, allergists should request them considering symptoms and cost-benefit. Objectives. Determine diagnosis utility from total IgE, eosinophils in nasal mucus, eosinophils-cells and skin prick test to identify allergy patients. Materials and methods. We mesured total IgE, eosinophils in nasal mucus, eosinophils-cells and skin prick test in 400 patients with allergic rhinitis and 57 with no allergic rinitis. We described sex, age, total IgE y eosinophils-cells, the positive frequency and stadistic significance, diagnostic value, correlation and concordance of different diagnosis tests. Results. Total IgE (p<0.001) and eosinophils in nasal mucus (p=0.005) showed significant difference, however both test showed low sensibility. The skin prick tests have more sensibility and specificity than others diagnosis tests, the greater concordance was between skin prick test and total IgE. The correlation between three test and skin prick test was low. Total IgE showed greater correlation 0.20 (p<0.001) than other test. Conclusions. Total IgE, eosinophils in nasal mucus, eosinophils-cells should not routilnely because have of its low sensibility and concordance.(AU)

Isolation and identification of main mastitis pathogens in Mexico / Isolação e identificação dos micróbios patogênicos principais da mastite em México

The present work is a large epidemiological study aiming to detect the prevalence of subclinical mastitis and to investigate the major udder pathogens in Jalisco State, western Mexico. For this purpose, 2205 dairy cows, representing 33 Mexican dairy herds, were involved. Of 2205 cows, 752 mastitic animals were diagnosed and only 2,979 milk samples could be obtained for further investigation. All 2979 milk samples were subjected to California Mastitis Test (CMT) to differentiate clinical cases from subclinical ones where 1996 samples (67 %) reacted positively. Of these, 1087 samples (54.5%) came from cows suffering from clinical cases of mastitis. Bacteriological identification of the causative agents revealed the presence of a major group of pathogens including the Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), S.aureus, S.agalactiae, Corynebacterium spp. and Coliform bacteria which were detected in 464 (15.6%), 175 (5.9%), 200 (6.8%), 417 (14%) and 123 (4.1%) of the 2927 investigated quarters, 295 (15.4%), 118 (15.7%), 111 (14.8%), 227 (30.2%) and 109 (14.5%) of the 752 examined cows and in 33 (100%), 22 (66.7%), 19 (57.6%), 30 (90.1%) and 27 (81.8%) of the 33 herds involved, respectively. Other pathogens could be detected in the investigated milk samples such as S. dysgalactiae (0.4%), S.uberis (0.37%), Bacillus spp. (1%), Nocardia spp. (0.6%) und Candida spp. (0.1%). Meanwhile, others were present in a negligible ratio; including the Aerococcus viridans, and Enterococcus spp., Lactococcus lactis, S. bovis.

O trabalho atual é um estudo epidemiológico que objetiva detectar a predominância da mastite subclínica e investigar os micróbios patogênicos principais do úbere no México ocidental. Com esta finalidade, foram utilizadas 2205 vacas leiteiras, representando 33 rebanhos de leiteiras mexicanas. Além dessas 2205 vacas, 752 animais com mastite foram diagnosticados, considerando-se que somente 2979 amostras do leite poderiam ser obtidas para a posterior investigação. Todas as 2979 amostras do leite foram submetidas ao teste da mastite de Califórnia (CMT) para diferenciar casos clínicos dos subclínicos, visto que 1996 amostras (67%) reagiram positivamente. Além dessas, 1087 amostras (54.5%) vieram das vacas que sofrem de casos clínicos de mastite. A identificação bacteriológica dos agentes causais revelou a presença dos Staphylococcus negativos para coagulase (CNS), S. aureus, S. agalactiae, outros spp. Streptococcal, Corynebacterium spp., e as bactérias de coliformes foram detectadas em 464 (15.6%), 175 (5.9%), 200 (6.8%), 109 (3.9%), 417 (14%) e em 123 (4.1%) dos 2927 quartos investigados; em 295 (15.4%), 118 (15.7%), 111 (14.8%), 95 (12.6%), 227 (30.2%) e em 109 (14.5%) das 752 vacas examinadas e, finalmente, em 33 (100%), 22 (66.7%), 19 (57.6%), 30 (90.1%), 30 (90.1%) e em 27 (81.8%) dos 33 rebanhos envolvidos, respectivamente.

Manejo del Triage Obstétrico y Código Mater en el Estado de México / Obstetric Triage and Management Mater Code in the State of Mexico

A pesar de las vanas iniciativas de solución que han sido promovidas en años recientes, la muerte de mujeres durante el embarazo, el alumbramiento, y el postparto sigue siendo un problema grave. El número de muertes maternas ha estado disminuyendo desde el año 2000, sin embargo la tasa aún se encuentra lejos del objetivo de las Metas del Milenio. De acuerdo a la OMS, prevalecen las tres principales causas de mortalidad materna: Trastornos hipertensivos del embarazo, las hemorragias durante el evento obstétrico y sepsis y otras infecciones puerperales. El ISEM consciente de la gran responsabilidad que esta población demanda, implementó una serie de estrategias y protocolos para proveer a las mujeres embarazadas con atención oportuna en la detección de factores de riesgo que determinen un diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano para contribuir a reducir la mortalidad materna. Los protocolos implementados son dos: Triage Obstétrico y Código Mater. El Objetivo de este artículo es difundir los protocolos y estrategias ya establecidos, que han permitido agilizar la atención en la gestante y disminuir la mortalidad materna en el Hospital General de Ecatepec "Las Américas" en el estado de México. Conclusiones: La evidencia sugiere que los protocolos y estrategias implementados contribuyeron significativamente a reducir las muertes maternas en el Hospital. Este resultado se basa en la continua capacitación del equipo multidisciplinara de salud para responder a las emergencias obstétricas.

Despite the various initiatives for a solution which have been promoted in recent years, the death of women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum remains an unsolved problem. Although, the number of maternal deaths has been decreasing since the year 2000, this rate is still far from the target of the Millennium Goals. According to the WHO, the three major causes of maternal mortality are; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, severe bleeding during the obstetric event, and sepsis. The ISEM, aware of the great responsibility which this population demands, implemented a series of strategies and protocols in order to provide pregnant women with timely attention, detect risk factors, determine early diagnoses, and offer appropriate treatments to further contribute to reduce the maternal mortality; the protocols are; The Obstetric Triage and The Mater Code. Objective; To disseminate the established protocols and strategies those have enabled faster care in pregnant women and reduce maternal mortality in General Hospital Ecatepec "The Americas" in the state of Mexico. Conclusions; The evidence suggests that the protocols and strategies implemented significantly contributed to reduce the Hospital's maternal deaths. This outcome can also be attributed to the continued training of the multidisciplinary health team in the response of obstetric emergencies.

Validación de un instrumento de valoración de enfermería cardiovascular con el enfoque de Virginia Henderson / Validation of an instrument for assessing cardiovascular nursing using Virginia Henderson model", "_i": "

La valoración es la base para el cuidado del paciente; a partir de los datos observados se desencadena una toma de decisiones para que las actividades a realizar sean inmediatas y mediatas, constituye entonces un proceso sistemático y dinámico por medio del cual la enfermera a través de la interacción con el paciente, los familiares y otros profesionales de la salud, reúne y analiza datos del enfermo. Objetivo: Validar un instrumento de valoración con el enfoque metodológico de Virginia Henderson, que permita identificar la alteración de las necesidades humanas ante una enfermedad cardiovascular. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal en el cual se diseñó y validó un instrumento de valoración de enfermería en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez de marzo a junio de 2007. La validación se realizó en base a los resultados, la opinión de expertos y confiabilidad interna por medio del coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: El instrumento de valoración se aplicó a 108 pacientes; en 92.7% de los casos aportó datos al personal para la realización de diagnósticos relacionados. Las necesidades identificadas con alteración correspondieron a oxigenación en 14.5%; alimentación con 13.05% y 12.42% para eliminación. La calificación otorgada al formato por el personal que aplicó el instrumento fue de 8.5, en una escala del 1 al 10; la confiabilidad fue aceptable (α = 0.71). Conclusiones: El instrumento de valoración de enfermería cardiovascular con el enfoque metodológico de Virginia Henderson permitió detectar las necesidades alteradas oportunamente del paciente, elaborar diagnósticos enfermeros y proseguir con el resto de las etapas del proceso de enfermería, asimismo, el personal de enfermería lo consideró factible para su implementación.

The assessment is the basis for patient care. From observed data, a decision making process is triggered in order to activities which must to be performed are immediate. Therefore, it is a dynamic and systematic process whereby the nurse gathers and analyzes patient data through interaction with the patient, his/her family and other health professionals. Objective: To validate an assessment tool using Virginia Henderson model, this assessment tool should identify human needs changed due to a cardiovascular disease. Material and methods: Descriptive, prospective and crossover study, in which a nursing assessment tool was designed and validated at the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chavez, from March to June 2007. The Assessment was performed based on the results, expert opinion and internal reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient. Results: The assessment tool was applied to 108 patients. In 92.7% of the cases, it provided data which were used by the staff to get a related diagnosis. The needs identified as changed needs were oxygenation in 14.5% of the patients, feeding in 13.05%, and clearance in 12.42%. The format received a rating of 8.5 from the staff who applied the instrument, on a scale of 1 to 10; the reliability was acceptable (α = 0.71). Conclusions: Instrument for assessing cardiovascular nursing using Virginia Henderson model allowed detecting promptly changed patient needs, developing diagnoses, and continuing with the remaining stages of the nursing process; moreover, its implementation was considered possible by the nursing staff.

Genetic diversity analysis of common beans based on molecular markers

A core collection of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), representing genetic diversity in the entire Mexican holding, is kept at the INIFAP (Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agricolas y Pecuarias, Mexico) Germplasm Bank. After evaluation, the genetic structure of this collection (200 accessions) was compared with that of landraces from the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas and Veracruz (10 genotypes from each), as well as a further 10 cultivars, by means of four amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) +3/+3 primer combinations and seven simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci, in order to define genetic diversity, variability and mutual relationships. Data underwent cluster (UPGMA) and molecular variance (AMOVA) analyses. AFLP analysis produced 530 bands (88.5 percent polymorphic) while SSR primers amplified 174 alleles, all polymorphic (8.2 alleles per locus). AFLP indicated that the highest genetic diversity was to be found in ten commercial-seed classes from two major groups of accessions from Central Mexico and Chiapas, which seems to be an important center of diversity in the south. A third group included genotypes from Nueva Granada, Mesoamerica, Jalisco and Durango races. Here, SSR analysis indicated a reduced number of shared haplotypes among accessions, whereas the highest genetic components of AMOVA variation were found within accessions. Genetic diversity observed in the common-bean core collection represents an important sample of the total Phaseolus genetic variability at the main Germplasm Bank of INIFAP. Molecular marker strategies could contribute to a better understanding of the genetic structure of the core collection as well as to its improvement and validation.

Therapeutic carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproic acid (VPA) monitoring in children using saliva as a biologic fluid / Monitoramento terapêutico de carbamazepina e ácido valproico em saliva de crianças

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze retrospectively carbamazepine (CBZ) and valproic acid (VPA) salivary data collected from epileptic children during a 3-year period. METHODS: Saliva samples stimulated by citric acid were assayed by FPIA method. One hundred and three patients (aged 1-14 years) were in CBZ or VPA monotherapy or in CBZ-VPA combined therapy. RESULTS: VPA salivary levels were linearly related with daily dose, but a non-linear relationship was found for CBZ, in patients under monotherapy. VPA did not alter saliva CBZ concentration. Conversely, CBZ reduced VPA salivary levels. Non-responsive children displayed higher VPA concentrations. CBZ levels in uncontrolled patients showed non-significant difference in relation with controlled subjects even though their daily doses were higher. CONCLUSION: Citric acid stimulated saliva is reliable enough to perform therapeutic drug monitoring. Saliva drug levels in non-responsive patients would be explained according to the generalized efflux transporter overexpression hypothesis.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar retrospectivamente por 3 anos a partir de dados salivares, as terapias com carbamacepina (CBZ) e ácido valproico (VPA) em pacientes pediátricos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas amostras de saliva estimuladas com ácido cítrico por método FPIA em 103 pacientes (idades 1-14 anos) em monoterapia com CBZ ou VPA ou terapia combinada CBZ-VPA. RESULTADOS: Níveis salivares de VPA se relacionaram linearmente com a dose diária, e a relação não linear foi encontrada em pacientes com CBZ. VPA não alterou as concentrações salivares de CBZ, porém a CBZ reduziu os níveis salivares de VPA em pacientes com terapia combinada. Pacientes refratários apresentaram altas concentrações de VPA. Os níveis de CBZ em pacientes não controlados não apresentaram diferenças significativas em relação aos pacientes controlados quando as doses diárias foram mais elevadas. CONCLUSÃO: Saliva estimulada com ácido cítrico é adequada para o monitoramento terapêutico. Níveis da droga na saliva em pacientes que não responderam ao tratamento pode ser explicado pelo transporte de efluxo generalizado.

Consenso sobre las pruebas de sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos en Enterobacteriaceae / Consensus for antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Enterobacteriaceae

En este documento se elaboraron una serie de recomendaciones para el ensayo, lectura, interpretación e informe de las pruebas de sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos para las enterobacterias aisladas con mayor frecuencia de especímenes clínicos. Se adoptaron como base las recomendaciones del National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) de los EEUU, los de la subcomisión de Antimicrobianos, de la Sociedad Argentina de Bacteriología Clínica (SADEBAC), división de la Asociación Argentina de Microbiología (AAM) y de un grupo de expertos invitados. En él se indican las resistencias naturales de los diferentes miembros que integran la familia Enterobacteriaceae y se analiza la actividad de las diferentes beta-lactamasas cromosómicas, propias de cada especie, sobre las penicilinas, cefalosporinas y carbapenemes. Se recomiendan los antimicrobianos que se deberían ensayar, ubicados estratégicamente, para detectar los mecanismos de resistencia más frecuentes y cuales se deberían informar de acuerdo a la especie aislada, el sitio de infección y el origen de la cepa (intra o extrahospitalario). Se detallan los métodos de "screening" y de confirmación fenotipíca para detectar beta-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) que son más adecuados a nuestra realidad. Por último, se mencionan patrones infrecuentes de sensibilidad/resistencia que deberían verificarse y los perfiles de sensibilidad que pueden hallarse en las distintas enterobacterias en relación con los probables mecanismos de resistencia. Se debe resaltar que el contenido de este documento debe ser considerado como recomendaciones realizadas por expertos argentinos basadas en una revisión de la literatura y datos personales.

Taking into account previous recommendations from the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS), the Antimicrobial Committee, Sociedad Argentina de Bacteriología Clínica (SADEBAC), Asociación Argentina de Microbiología (AAM), and the experience from its members and some invited microbiologists, a consensus was obtained for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and interpretation in most frequent enterobacterial species isolated from clinical samples in our region. This document describes the natural antimicrobial resistance of some Enterobacteriaceae family members, including the resistance profiles due to their own chromosomal encoded beta-lactamases. A list of the antimicrobial agents that should be tested, their position on the agar plates, in order to detect the most frequent antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and considerations on which antimicrobial agents should be reported regarding to the infection site and patient characteristics are included. Also, a description on appropriate phenotypic screening and confirmatory test for detection of prevalent extended spectrum beta-lactamases in our region are presented. Finally, a summary on frequent antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and their probably associated resistance mechanisms, and some infrequent antimicrobial resistance profiles that deserve confirmation are outlined.

Improving access to liver transplantation: the University of Puerto Rico experience

Liver transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage liver disease. It is costly, difficult, and not performed in Puerto Rico. For these reasons, it has been a limited option for Puerto Ricans with advanced cirrhosis, especially for those with no medical insurance to cover for the procedure. In an effort to improve access to the procedure and offer this chance of life to more Puerto Ricans facing death from complications of advanced liver disease, the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Division of the University of Puerto Rico, in collaboration with LifeLink Transplant Institute in Tampa, Florida and the Office of Catastrophic Funds of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, opened a clinic for liver transplant evaluation at the Medical Sciences Campus. The purpose of this clinic is to coordinate the pre-transplant evaluation of candidates for this therapy, provide the evaluation by the transplant surgeon in Puerto Rico, expedite the process in seriously ill patients, and offer post-transplant follow-up upon the patient's return to Puerto Rico. The purpose of this article is to describe the experience in this clinic from 1999 to 2003. One hundred ninety-three patients were seen from September 1999 to January 2003. The most common causes for liver disease were hepatitis C and alcohol, alone or in combination. One hundred thirty four were accepted as candidates for evaluation. Of these, 63 had completed the process, 33 were listed for transplantation and 21 had been transplanted by January 2003. Neither education level, marital status, health insurance nor Child score were associated with successful outcome. This clinic offers Puerto Ricans, especially those with limited resources, with a viable access to liver transplantation.

Erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes in Argentina

Erythromycin (ERY) resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes has recently emerged as a problem of growing concern all through the world. We are presenting the comparison of results of the continuous surveillance of erythromycin resistance in S. pyogenes performed since 1989 in the Hospital de Pediatría J.P.Garrahan of Buenos Aires City, with independently observed rates in other five centers of Buenos Aires and seven centers of six other Argentinian cities, obtained between 1999 and 2001. A significant increase of erythromycin resistance was observed among S. pyogenes isolated in the Hospital Garrahan (6.6% in 1998-1999 to 9.9% in 2000). Similar trends were also detected in other centers of other Argentinian cities when recent data were compared to results of a multicenter study performed in 1995. However, lower rates of resistance were recorded in Mendoza, Cipolletti and Neuquén in comparison with data of 1995, 1998 and 1998 respectively. The reason of such decreasing resistance rates deserves to be investigated. The average of ERY-resistance rates obtained in the surveyed centers was 6.7% (range 0.5-14.1%). Control of antimicrobial use should be performed to warrant the future effectiveness of macrolide antibiotics regarding the positive association between use and resistance. These results also suggest that susceptibility tests for macrolides should be performed whenever S. pyogenes is isolated in Argentina.

La resistencia a la eritromicina en Streptococcus pyogenes ha emergido en los últimos tiempos como un problema creciente en todo el mundo. En este trabajo se presenta la comparación de los resultados de la vigilancia continua de la resistencia a la eritromicina que se viene realizando en el Hospital de Pediatría J.P.Garrahan de Buenos Aires desde 1989, con resultados independientes de otros cinco centros de la ciudad de Buenos Aires y siete de otras seis ciudades argentinas, obtenidos entre 1999 y 2001. Se observó un aumento significativo en el Hospital Garrahan (6.6% en1998-1999 a 9.9% en el año 2000) y una tendencia similar en otros centros de diversas ciudades argentinas si secomparan estos datos con los de un estudio multicéntrico realizado en 1995. No obstante, se registraron menoresporcentajes de resistencia en Mendoza, Neuquén y Cipolletti, en relación a lo hallado en 1995, 1998 y 1998respectivamente. La razón de esta disminución merece ser investigada. El porcentaje promedio de resistencia aeritromicina obtenido en los distintos centros participantes de este estudio fue de 6.7% (rango 0.5-14.1%). Debeefectuarse un control en el uso de estos antibióticos para garantizar la efectividad futura de los macrólidos, teniendo en cuenta la asociación estrecha entre uso y resistencia. Estos resultados sugieren que deberían realizarse pruebas de sensibilidad a los macrólidos para todos los aislamientos de S. pyogenes en la Argentina.

Necesidades de adiestramiento en gerontología y geriatría del personal que ofrece servicios en una institución de cuidado geriátrico / The need for training in gerontology and geriatrics among the staff providing services at a geriatric care institution

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and identify the basic training needs of nursing home staff, in terms of attitudes, knowledge and skills required to work effectively with geriatric patients. Three focus groups were performed, two groups of employees, and a group of elderly residents of the institution, in order to explore issues pertaining to the following topics: personal attributes required to work with geriatric patients, basic knowledge and skills needed to provide effective services. Group discussions were transcribed and themes were extracted through consensus reached by the investigators. Results indicated that the interviewed staff lack of formal preparation or continuing education in gerontology or geriatrics. Needs identified were the following: the aging process, caring behaviors, management of common health conditions, administration of medications, transference and mobility of residents, among others. Finding were use to design an educational program aimed in assisting nursing home staff in providing an effective service to their geriatric patients.

Comparación de diferentes métodos para la detección de resistencia a meticilina en Staphylococcus aureus / [Comparison of different detection methods for methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus]

The investigation of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a serious problem for the physician and microbiologist. Accurate and rapid detection is essential for the use of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and for the control of nosocomial spread of the resistant strain. The performance characteristics of the MicroScan Overnight Conventional Pos Combo 12 panels (MOCP), BBL Crystal MRSA ID (CR), E-test and agar screen plate (Muller Hinton agar with oxacillin 6 micrograms/ml and 4

NaCl) (AS) were evaluated for the detection of oxacillin resistance. Thirty S. aureus clinically significant strains with different PFGE (Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis) banding pattern were tested, and 22 of them were mecA positive by PCR. These strains were also analyzed by mecA and Tn554 polymorphism. All mecA positive strains were classified as methicillin resistant by MOCP and E-test. CR and AS failed to detect oxacillin resistance in 2 strains. One false positive was only detected by E-test. Accurate testing for the presence of MRSA may reduce the need for empiric therapy with vancomycin for patients with staphylococcal infections. According to our results the best performance was obtained with MOCP. However, as a rapid method, CR gave acceptable sensitivity for clinical purposes.

Peloideterapia en las cicatrices inestéticas / Peloideterapia in the inestéticas scars

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal de 133 pacientes con el diagnóstico de cicatrices inestéticas vistos en consulta de Cirugía Plástica del policlínico de Especialidades "Saturnino Lora" de Santiago en el período de febrero de 1995 a enero de 1996.Se realizó un segumiento con evoluciones periódicas, de acuerdo a la coloración de la piel, se realizaron biopsias antes del tratamiento con el peloide del tejido afectado y piel sana, la medición de las características de las lesiones después del tratamiento se hizo en base a los criterios de evaluación de eficacia de la cicatrización así como por las declaraciones de los propios pacientes tratados