Dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse therapy outcomes comparing pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus groups in a Brazilian cohort study

Abstract Background Dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse (DCP) and dexamethasone pulse (DP) have been successfully used to treat pemphigus, but DCP/DP outcomes comparing pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are scarce. Objective To compare DCP/DP outcomes in a Brazilian cohort of PV and PF patients according to demographic and clinical data. Methods Retrospective analytical cohort study, reviewing medical charts of PV and PF patients (for DCP/DP Phases I‒IV consult Pasricha et al.16‒18). Results 37 PV and 41 PF patients non responsive to usual treatments were included similarly for DCP or DP therapy. Disease duration was longer among PF before DCP/DP prescription (p < 0.001); PF required a higher number of monthly pulses to acquire remission in Phase I (median 10 and 6 pulses, respectively; p = 0.005). DCP/DP outcomes were similar in both groups: remission in 37.8% of PV and 34.1% of PF after completed DCP/DP cycles following a median of 13 months (1-56 months follow-up); failure occurred in 13.5% of PV and 14.6% of PF in Phase I; relapse in 13.5% of PV and 12.2% of PF, and dropout in 27% of PV and 24.4% of PF in Phases II to IV. Mild side effects were documented. Study limitations The severity of PV and PF disease was not assessed by score indexes. Conclusions PV and PF patients presented similar DCP/DP outcomes. DCP/DP should be initiated earlier in PF patients due to the longer duration of their disease in order to decrease the number of pulses and the duration of Phase I to acquire remission.

Controversia justificada acerca de los esteroides particulados epidurales / A justified controversy about epidural particulate steroids

Introducción: La administración epidural de esteroides constituye un pilar del tratamiento del dolor radicular cervical y lumbosacro. Objetivo: Describir los mecanismos fisiológicos y características farmacológicas de los corticosteroides utilizados en el tratamiento del dolor, así como las complicaciones derivadas de la administración epidural de esteroides particulados. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión no sistemática de la literatura en bases de datos científicas como Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, OVID y el buscador académico Google Scholar, en los meses de julio a septiembre del año 2020. Desarrollo: Los corticoides utilizados en la medicina del dolor son derivados de la prednisolona. Estos se clasifican en particulados (de depósito, de suspensión) o no particulados (de dilución), en función de la presencia o ausencia de un componente molecular sólido (moléculas tipo éster, insolubles en agua). Los fármacos más empleados son la dexametasona, betametasona, triamcinolona y metilprednisolona. Conclusiones: La administración epidural de esteroides particulados está relacionada con la incidencia de complicaciones graves, aunque poco frecuentes, como paraplejía, tetraplejía, infarto de la médula espinal, hemorragia y edema cerebral. La evidencia disponible muestra una efectividad analgésica similar a los compuestos no particulados. Por lo tanto, no se recomienda su utilización rutinaria durante el abordaje del espacio epidural(AU)

Introduction: Epidural administration of steroids is a cornerstone for the treatment of cervical and lumbosacral radicular pain. Objective: To describe the physiological mechanisms and pharmacological characteristics of the corticosteroids used for pain treatment, as well as the complications derived from the epidural administration of particulate steroids. Methods: A nonsystematic review of the literature was carried out, from July to September 2020, in scientific databases such as Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Pubmed/Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, OVID and the academic search engine Google Scholar. Development: The corticoids used in pain medicine are derived from prednisolone. These are classified into particulate (deposit, suspension) or non-particulate (dilution), depending on the presence or absence of a solid molecular component (ester-type molecules, insoluble in water). The most commonly used drugs are dexamethasone, betamethasone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone. Conclusions: The epidural administration of particulate steroids is related to the incidence of serious, although infrequent, complications, such as paraplegia, tetraplegia, spinal cord infarction, hemorrhage and cerebral edema. Available evidence shows analgesic effectiveness similar to that of non-particulate compounds. Therefore, its routine usage is not recommended during the managment of the epidural space(AU)

Feline demodicosis in Santa Catarina state, Brazil / Demodicose felina em Santa Catarina, Brasil

Feline demodicosis is considered a rare dermatopathy and can be caused by Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi and a third species not yet named. An adult male feline was attended with severe pruritus for 9 months and a history of treatment with cephalexin and prednisolone, with progressive worsening. On physical examination, there was alopecia, hyperkeratosis, abrasions and erythema on the head, neck, lumbosacral region, tail and pelvic limbs, in addition to the presence of fleas. For pulicosis, selamectin spot on was prescribed every 30 days and use of amitraz in the environment every seven days. In order to control secondary infection, weekly baths with chlorhexidine were recommended. Deep skin scraping and hair plucking were performed for trichogram and parasitological skin examination, respectively, with diagnoses of demodicosis by Demodex cati, and mycotic dermatitis associated with secondary bacterial infection. The treatment was modified to use selamectin every 2 weeks, but the tutor did not return and reported, after several months, that he had done therapy with selamectin only every 30 days and discontinued baths. For this feline, it was not possible to associate demodicosis with other comorbidities. It is believed that the generalized presentation of the disease occurred due to the pruritus caused by pulicosis.

A demodicose felina é considerada uma dermatopatia rara e pode ser causada pelos ácaros Demodex cati,Demodex gatoi e uma terceira espécie ainda não nomeada. Foi atendido um felino adulto apresentando prurido intenso há 9 meses e histórico de tratamento com cefalexina e prednisolona, com piora progressiva. Ao exame físico, havia alopecia, hiperqueratose, escoriações e eritema em cabeça, pescoço, região lombossacra, cauda e membros pélvicos, além da presença de pulgas. Para puliciose, foram prescritos selamectina spot on a cada 30 dias e uso de amitraz no ambiente a cada sete dias e, para controle da infecção secundária pelas escoriações, foram recomendados banhos semanais com clorexidine. Realizaram-se raspado de pele profundo e arrancamento de pelos para tricograma e exame parasitológico de pele, respectivamente, com diagnósticos de demodicose por Demodex cati, e dermatite micótica associada a infecção bacteriana secundária. O tratamento foi modificado para uso de selamectina a cada 2 semanas, mas tutor não retornou e informou, após vários meses, ter feito terapia com selamectina apenas a cada 30 dias e descontinuidade dos banhos. Não foi possível associar a demodicose, para este felino, a outras comorbidades e acredita-se que a apresentação generalizada da doença tenha se dado pelo prurido causado pela puliciose.

Demodicose felina em Santa Catarina, Brasil / Feline demodicosis in Santa Catarina state, Brazil

A demodicose felina é considerada uma dermatopatia rara e pode ser causada pelos ácaros Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi e uma terceira espécie ainda não nomeada. Foi atendido um felino adulto apresentando prurido intenso há 9 meses e histórico de tratamento com cefalexina e prednisolona, com piora progressiva. Ao exame físico, havia alopecia, hiperqueratose, escoriações e eritema em cabeça, pescoço, região lombossacra, cauda e membros pélvicos, além da presença de pulgas. Para puliciose, foram prescritos selamectina spot on a cada 30 dias e uso de amitraz no ambiente a cada sete dias e, para controle da infecção secundária pelas escoriações, foram recomendados banhos semanais com clorexidine. Realizaram-se raspado de pele profundo e arrancamento de pelos para tricograma e exame parasitológico de pele, respectivamente, com diagnósticos de demodicose por Demodex cati, e dermatite micótica associada a infecção bacteriana secundária. O tratamento foi modificado para uso de selamectina a cada 2 semanas, mas tutor não retornou e informou, após vários meses, ter feito terapia com selamectina apenas a cada 30 dias e descontinuidade dos banhos. Não foi possível associar a demodicose, para este felino, a outras comorbidades e acredita-se que a apresentação generalizada da doença tenha se dado pelo prurido causado pela puliciose.

Feline demodicosis is considered a rare dermatopathy and can be caused by Demodex cati, Demodex gatoi and a third species not yet named. An adult male feline was attended with severe pruritus for 9 months and a history of treatment with cephalexin and prednisolone, with progressive worsening. On physical examination, there was alopecia, hyperkeratosis, abrasions and erythema on the head, neck, lumbosacral region, tail and pelvic limbs, in addition to the presence of fleas. For pulicosis, selamectin spot on was prescribed every 30 days and use of amitraz in the environment every seven days. In order to control secondary infection, weekly baths with chlorhexidine were recommended. Deep skin scraping and hair plucking were performed for trichogram and parasitological skin examination, respectively, with diagnoses of demodicosis by Demodex cati, and mycotic dermatitis associated with secondary bacterial infection. The treatment was modified to use selamectin every 2 weeks, but the tutor did not return and reported, after several months, that he had done therapy with selamectin only every 30 days and discontinued baths. For this feline, it was not possible to associate demodicosis with other comorbidities. It is believed that the generalized presentation of the disease occurred due to the pruritus caused by pulicosis.

Breast cancer and pyoderma gangrenosum: a complication after conservative surgery and radiotherapy

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, ulcerative, and painful neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown cause associated with systemic diseases and/or pathergy phenomenon in 30% of cases. We report the case of a breast cancer patient submitted to oncoplastic conservative surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, with long-term progression to PG. It's rare and challeng ing nature reinforces the need for early diagnosis to increase treatment effectiveness and reduce morbidity.

Glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva de etiología posinfecciosa. Caso pediátrico / Postinfectious rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in a pediatric patient

La glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva de etiología posinfecciosa es rara en la infancia, con una prevalencia estimada del 1-3 %. La mayoría debuta como insuficiencia renal aguda y su tratamiento se basa en el uso de corticoides y ciclofosfamida. Si se realiza diagnóstico precoz, el 70 % presenta una recuperación temprana de la función renal. En los últimos años, se han descrito "glomerulopatías por C3", que presentan características que se superponen. Son útiles, en el diagnóstico diferencial, la inmunofluorescencia y la determinación del factor nefrítico. Se presenta un varón de 4 años que acude por fiebre y cuadro respiratorio. Se observa microhematuria, proteinuria, descenso de filtrado glomerular y descenso de C3, y se sospecha glomerulonefritis aguda. Se realiza una biopsia, cuya microscopía óptica muestra la presencia de semilunas epiteliales, y la electrónica, depósitos subepiteliales en forma de joroba, por lo que se diagnostica glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva de etiología posinfecciosa.

Postinfectious glomerulonephritis is rarely presented as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in children; the prevalence is approximately 1-3 %. Most children have acute onset of renal failure; initial treatment involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy. Early diagnosis improves prognosis. In recent years, an entity known as "C3 glomerulopathies" has been described, presenting characteristics that overlap. In the differential diagnosis, the immunofluorescence and the determination of the nephritic factor are useful. We report a 4-year-old boy with fever, respiratory symptoms and hyporexia. Microhematuria, proteinuria, decline in glomerular filtration and depressed C3 were found. Acute glomerulonephritis was suspected. Renal biopsy showed crescent formation, immunofluorescence staining for C3 and subepithelial humps. Therefore, postinfectious glomerulonephritis with crescent formations was diagnosed.

Polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica: revisión a propósito de un caso / Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: review, case and report

Resumen La polineuropatía desmielinizante inflamatoria crónica (CIDP por sus siglas en inglés) corresponde a un espectro de diferentes fenotipos clínicos caracterizados por lesiones de naturaleza autoinmune, inflamatoria y desmielinizante, que afectan primariamente nervios periféricos y raíces nerviosas. Generalmente, los pacientes con CIDP presentan un curso crónico de discapacidad neurológica, pero hasta un tercio de los casos puede exhibir un curso remitente-recidivante. El fenotipo clásico involucra compromiso simétrico de la fuerza muscular y la sensibilidad proximal y distal, asociado a arreflexia generalizada. El diagnóstico requiere la demostración de la desmielinización de nervios mediante electromiografía o biopsia de nervios. Debido a la afectación de personas relativamente jóvenes, laboralmente activos, y a la gran discapacidad neurológica que puede generar, el tratamiento debiera ser iniciado precozmente. Los pilares de la terapia en su fase inicial son los corticoides intravenosos en altas dosis, inmunoglobulina intravenosa y la plasmaféresis, mientras que la terapia de mantención se basa, principalmente, en el uso de corticoides orales a bajas dosis. Este artículo presenta el caso de un paciente evaluado en nuestro hospital y diagnosticado con CIDP, y expone una revisión bibliográfica actualizada de la enfermedad.

Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) can be defined as a spectrum of different clinical phenotypes which are characterized by autoimmune, inflammatory and demyelinating injuries, primarily affecting the peripheral nerves and nerve roots. Most patients with CIDP have a chronic course of neurological disability, but about a third of cases exhibit a relapsing-remitting course. Classic phenotype of CIDP involves symmetric compromise of proximal and distal muscle strength and sensitivity, associated with generalized areflexia. For an accurate diagnosis, demonstration of nerve demyelination by electromyography or nerve biopsy is required. Due to the affectation of relatively young, labor-active people and the high risk for neurological disability by the disease, treatment should be initiated early. The predominant lines of therapy, in its initial phase, are high-dose intravenous corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin and plasmapheresis, while the maintenance therapy is mainly based on low-dose oral corticosteroids. This article presents a case report of a patient evaluated in our hospital and diagnosed with CIDP and exposes an updated literature review about this disease.

Enfermedades inmunomediadas del sistema nervioso periférico / Peripheral nervous system immunological disorder

Las enfermedades autoinmunes del sistema nervioso periférico son frecuentes en pediatría. Las más importantes son el síndrome de Guillain-Barré, la miastenia gravis juvenil y la dermatomiositis juvenil. Tienen en común ser causadas por acción de anticuerpos específicos que producen la signología clínica, reacción que puede ser gatillada por un cuadro viral o bacteriano, como ocurre principalmente en SGB. La polineuropatía aguda inflamatoria desmielinizante es más frecuente. Existe también la forma axonal motora. Ambas tienen clínica progresiva ascendente. El tratamiento específico es la inmunoglobulina 2 g/ kg. La miastenia gravis juvenil se expresa por signos oculares, generalizados y fatigabilidad fluctuante. Puede comprometer la función respiratoria desencadenando crisis miasténica. Se trata con anticolinesterásicos, corticoides, inmunoglobulinas e inmunosupresores. La timectomía ha mostrado recientemente su efectividad. La dermatomiositis juvenil se expresa por signos cutáneos y musculares. Se diagnostica por elevación de enzimas musculares, biopsia y resonancia musculares y se trata con corticoides, inmunoglobulinas e inmunosupresores. Tanto el síndrome de Guiilain-Barré, como la miastenia gravis y la dermatomiositis juvenil, tienen buen pronóstico.

Autoimmune diseases of the peripheral nervous system are common in pediatrics. Guillain-Barré syndrome, juvenile myasthenia gravis, and juvenile dermatomyositis are the most important. Their common pathogenesis involves the action of specific autoantibodies which are frequently triggered by viral or bacterial infection. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is the most frequent pathological feature. There is also a motor axonal form. Both have a progressive ascending clinical course. The specific treatment is immunoglobulin 2 g/kg. Juvenile myasthenia gravis is expressed by ocular signs and generalized and fluctuating fatigability. It can involve respiratory functions triggering a myasthenic crisis. It is treated with anticholinesterase agents, corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and immunosuppressants. Thymectomy has recently shown effectiveness. Juvenile dermatomyositis is expressed by skin and muscle signs. Elevated muscle enzymes, muscle biopsy, and magnetic resonance imaging contribute to the diagnosis. It is treated with corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, and immunosuppressants. All three disorders, Guillain-Barré, juvenile myasthenia gravis, and juvenile dermatomyositis have a good prognosis.

Estudio Descriptivo: Variación del Índice de Tiempo de Aceleración/Tiempo de Eyección Sistólico del Tronco de la Arteria Pulmonar por Efecto de Maduración Pulmonar con Corticoides en Fetos Prematuros. Clínica Humanitaria. Cuenca ­ Ecuador, 2016 / Descriptive Research: Variation of Acceleration Time/Ejection Time Index of the Trunk of the Pulmonary Arteries Due to the Lung Maturation Effect of Corticosteroids on Preterm Fetus. Clínica Humanitaria, 2016

INTRODUCCIÓN: El nacimiento prematuro representa un problema de salud pública importante a nivel mundial y en especial en países en vías de desarrollo. En el Ecuador, en el año 2014, la tasa de mortalidad infantil fue de 8.35 defunciones infantiles por cada 1 000 nacimientos y las principales causas de mortalidad infantil fueron la dificultad respiratoria del recién nacido y los trastornos con duración corta de la gestación. MÉTODOS: El presente es un estudio observacional, descriptivo y longitudinal, realizado con una muestra censal o por conveniencia de 36 mujeres que cursaron entre 24 y 34 semanas de gestación con feto único vivo, riesgo de parto pretérmino e indicación de maduración pulmonar con corticoides. Se recogió información de flujometría fetal para determinar el efecto del uso de corticoides para maduración pulmonar. Se realizaron pruebas de normalidad Shapiro-Wilk en los resultados obtenidos antes y después de la maduración pulmonar. Para el procesamiento de los datos se utilizaron los programas Microsoft Excel® y SPSS® v.20. RESULTADOS: La edad media de este grupo fue de 25.64 años, las media de semanas de gestación fue de 31.2. La patología más frecuente fue amenaza de parto pretérmino con un 72 %, seguida de ruptura prematura pretérmino de membranas con un 13.9 %. Existió una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los valores de los índices Tiempo de Acelereción / Tiempo de Eyección antes y después de la maduración pulmonar (0.272 ms y 0.310 ms, respectivamente; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONES: La comparación de las medias de los índices Tiempo de Acelereción / Tiempo de Eyección del tronco de la arteria pulmonar pre y post maduración pulmonar con corticoides evidenció una diferencia significativa importante. Los hallazgos sugieren que la maduración pulmonar con corticoides es eficaz para mejorar el flujo de arteria pulmonar en fetos prematuros.

BACKGROUND: Premature birth represents an important public health problem worldwide and especially in developing countries. In Ecuador (2014), the infant mortality rate reached 8.35 deaths per 1 000 births and their main causes were newborns respiratory distress and gestation period short-term disorders. METHODS: This is an observational longitudinal descriptive research; it was performed in a convenience sample that included 26 singlet on pregnant women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation. They also were on risk of preterm delivery and had indication of lung maturation with corticosteroids. Information of the fetal pulmonary arteries flow was collected to determine the effect of corticosteroids in pulmonary maturation. RESULTS: Mean age was 25.64 years and had an average gestation of 31.2 weeks. Most common diseases were preterm labor threat (72 %) and premature rupture of membranes (13.9 %). There was a statistically significant difference between the values of Acceleration Time / Ejection Time indexes before and after lung maturation (0.272 ms vs. 0.310 ms respectively; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of Acceleration Time / Ejection Time indexes from the trunk of the pulmonary arteries before and after lung maturation evidenced an important significant difference. The findings suggest that pulmonary maturation with corticosteroids is effective to improve the pulmonary arteries flow of preterm fetus.

Síndrome de Stevens-Johnson en edad pediátrica / Stevens Johnson Syndrome of a Pediatric Age Case

El síndrome de Stevens-Johnson (SSJ) es una enfermedad inflamatoria aguda, originada por una reacción de hipersensibilidad, secundaria a ingesta de medicamentos o infecciones, que afecta a la piel y las membranas mucosas produciendo lesiones características del síndrome, causadas por apoptosis y posterior necrosis de los queratinocitos; su forma más severa es la necrolisis epidérmica tóxica, que constituye junto al SSJ un espectro de la misma enfermedad, compartiendo aspectos etiológicos, patogenéticos, histológicos y terapéuticos que ponen en peligro la vida del paciente. La afección se caracteriza por una súbita erupción morfológicamente variable, acompañada de estomatitis y oftalmia.En el presente trabajo se presenta el caso de un niño de 8 años de edad,con diagnóstico clínico de síndrome de Stevens-Johnson, con manifestaciones cutáneas, oculares y de la mucosa oral, que iniciaron posterior a ingesta de ibuprofeno, se mantuvo con un protocolo de cuidados que incluyeron soporte de oxígeno, antibioticoterapia, analgesia, corticoides, nebulizaciones, limpieza de lesiones con solución salina, sin debridación y lubricante oftálmico; tras 8 días dehospitalización el paciente evoluciona satisfactoriamente sin complicaciones durante su estancia hospitalaria.

The Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an acute inflammatory disease caused by a hypersensitivity reaction, secondary to medication intake or infections, that affects skin and mucous membranes producing characteristic wounds of the syndrome, caused by apoptosis and subsequent necrosis of keratinocytes; the major form of this disease, is toxic epidermal necrolysis, wich together with SJS is a spectrum of the same disease, sharing etiological pathogenetic, histological and therapeutic aspects, that endanger the patient's life. The affection is characterized by a sudden morphologically varying rash, accompanied bystomatitis and ophthalmic injure. In this work we show an 8 year old patient with a clinical diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, involving skin, eye and oral mucosa manifestations, which began after the intake of ibuprofen , it was mantained with a protocol care based on oxygen support, antibiotic therapy, analgesia, corticosteroids, sprays, cleansing wounds with saline solution without debridement and ophthalmic lubricant, after 8 days of hospitalization, our patient has a satisfactory evolution without acute complications during their time at the hospital.

Hipomanía y corticoides en pacientes oncológicos. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Hypomania and corticoids in oncological patients. Case report and literature review

Resumen Introducción: Cada año aumenta el número de personas que padece algún tipo de cáncer. Los corticoides son ampliamente utilizados en el tratamiento de los pacientes con cáncer y su uso no está exento de efectos adversos, muchas veces muy invalidantes. Objetivo: Presentar un caso clínico de un brote hipomaníaco en una paciente con cáncer de ovario usuaria de corticoides y realizar una revisión de la literatura del tema. Caso clínico: Paciente, portadora de un cáncer de ovario avanzado, tratado con cirugía y quimioterapia, debuta con episodios de vómitos que son manejados con dexametasona. Durante el tratamiento presenta insomnio, verborrea e ideas de grandiosidad, diagnosticándose un brote hipomaniaco secundario al tratamiento esteroidal. Discusión: En el caso de los pacientes oncológicos, e independientemente del uso de corticoides, aproximadamente el 50% de ellos presentará algún tipo de sintomatologia psiquiátrica, ahora bien, si a esto agregamos el uso de corticoides la incidencia puede aumentar hasta un 65% - 75%. La hipomanía da cuenta prácticamente del 50% de los trastornos psiquiátricos inducidos por corticoides. Con dosis menores de 40 mg/día sólo el 2% de los pacientes se verá afectado por este tipo de trastornos, mientras que con dosis entre 40 a 80 mg/día esta incidencia aumenta hasta un 5%. Conclusión: Los corticoides son ampliamente utilizados en pacientes oncológicos, sin embargo, su uso puede provocar trastornos psiquiátricos. Es importante dar a conocer más al equipo sanitario referente a la asociación de corticoides y cuadros psiquiátricos para su rápida detección y manejo clínico.

Introduction: Every year the number of people affecting by cancer increase. Corticosteroids are widely used in the treatment of patients with cancer and their use is not without adverse effects, often very disabling. Objective: Present a clinical case of hypomanic outbreak in a patient with ovarian cancer using corticosteroids and to carry out a review of the literature on the subject. Clinical case: Patient with an advanced ovarian cancer, treated with surgery and chemotherapy, debuts with episodes of vomiting that are managed with dexamethasone. During the treatment he presented insomnia, verbiage and grandiosity, diagnosing a hypomanic outbreak secondary to steroidal treatment. Discussion: In cancer patients, and independently of the use of corticosteroids, approximately 50% of them will present some type psychiatric disorder. With corticosteroids the incidence can increase up to 65%-75%. Hypomania accounts for almost 50% of psychiatric disorders induced by corticosteroids. With doses lower than 40 mg/day only 2% of patients will be affected by this type of disorders, while with doses between 40 to 80 mg/day this incidence increases up to 5%. Conclusion: Corticosteroids are widely used in cancer patients, however their use can cause psychiatric disorders. It is important to make the healthcare team more aware of the association of corticosteroids and psychiatric symptoms for rapid detection and clinical management.

Efeito do uso da metilprednisolona no manguito rotador em ratos. Estudo biomecânico e histológico / Effect of methylprednisolone use on the rotator cuff in rats: biomechanical and histological study

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do tratamento com diferentes doses de metilprednisolona sobre a resistência mecânica, bem como possíveis alterações histológicas do tendão do manguito rotador (MR) em ratos. MÉTODOS: Ratos Wistar machos foram divididos aleatoriamente em quatro grupos de tratamento como sham, veículo, 0,6 mg/kg ou 6 mg/kg de metilprednisolona. Alterações na resistência mecânica (em N) e em parâmetros histológicos (aparência fibrilar, presença de colágeno, edema e proliferação vascular) do tendão do manguito rotador (MR) foram avaliadas. As análises foram feitas após o tratamento com uma (24 horas após), duas (sete dias após) ou três (14 dias após) administrações no espaço subacromial. RESULTADOS: Após sete e 14 dias do início do tratamento a metilprednisolona reduziu, de maneira dependente de dose, a resistência mecânica do tendão do MR (p < 0,05 em relação ao grupo veículo). Também foram observadas modificação em parâmetros histológicos nos dias sete e 14 após a primeira infiltração, principalmente quanto à presença de colágeno e proliferação vascular para a dose de 0,6 MG/kg de metilprednisolona e presença de colágeno, edema e proliferação vascular para a dose de 6 mg/kg do corticoide. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados obtidos demonstram uma relação entre o uso de metilprednisolona por infiltração no espaço subacromial e a redução da resistência mecânica e modificações histológicas no tendão do MR de ratos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of treatment with different doses of methylprednisolone on the mechanical resistance and possible histological alterations of the rotator cuff tendon in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into four treatment groups: sham, vehicle or 0.6 mg/kg or 6.0 mg/kg of methylprednisolone. Changes to mechanical resistance (in N) and histological parameters (fibrillar appearance, presence of collagen, edema and vascular proliferation) of the rotator cuff tendon were evaluated. The analyses were conducted after administration of one treatment (24 h afterwards), two treatments (7 days afterward) or three treatments (14 days afterwards), into the subacromial space. RESULTS: Seven and fourteen days after the treatments were started, it was found that in a dose-dependent manner, methylprednisolone reduced the mechanical resistance of the rotator cuff tendon (p < 0.05 in relation to the vehicle group). Modifications to the histological parameters were observed on the 7th and 14th days after the first infiltration, especially regarding the presence of collagen and vascular proliferation, for the dose of 0.6 mg/kg of methylprednisolone, and also regarding the presence of collagen, edema and vascular proliferation for the dose of 6.0 mg/kg of corticoid. CONCLUSION: The results obtained demonstrated a relationship between methylprednisolone use through infiltration into the subacromial space and reduction of the mechanical resistance of and histological modifications to the rotator cuff tendon in rats.

Mastitis granulomatosa idiopática: 10 años de experiencia en el Centro de Imagenología del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile / Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: 10 years of experience at the Imaging Center of the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile

La mastitis granulomatosa idiopática es una patología inflamatoria de la mama poco frecuente, de etiología desconocida. Dado su forma de presentación clínica e imágenes puede simular tanto patología infecciosa como neoplásica, por lo que es importante sospecharla con el fin de realizar un diagnóstico adecuado y oportuno. La mayoría de los reportes en la literatura sobre esta patología corresponden a series de pocos casos. En este estudio se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de los aspectos clínicos, histopatológicos, ima-genológicos y de manejo de 36 casos diagnosticados mediante biopsia Core bajo ecografía en el Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile entre los años 2004 y 2014. En este reporte, al igual que en la literatura, los hallazgos clínicos e imagenológicos de la mastitis granulomatosa se superponen con los de la patología maligna e infecciosa. Si bien no observamos hallazgos patognomónicos, existen signos que hacen sospechar esta patología. En nuestro estudio encontramos que la presentación clínica más frecuente fue la masa o nódulo palpable, seguida de fístulas a la piel y engrosamiento cutáneo. Imagenológicamente el hallazgo mamográfico más frecuente fue la asimetría y en ecografía fue el área irregular con extensiones tubulares hipoecogénicas. Se revisan además aspectos histológicos, fisiopatológicos y del manejo de esta patología.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is an infrequent inflammatory disease of the breast, with etiology still unknown. Clinical presentation and images can simulate both infectious and neoplastic disease so it's important to suspect it to make a proper and timely diagnosis. Most reports in the literature on this topic correspond to small case series. This study is a retrospective analysis of the clinical, histopathological and imaging features and its management of 36 cases diagnosed by core biopsy under ultrasound at the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile between 2004 and 2014. In this report, as in the literature, clinical and imaging findings in idiopathic granulomatous mastitis overlap with malignant and infectious diseases. Although we observed no pathognomonic findings, there are signs that make you suspect this condition. In our study we found that the most common clinical presentation was a palpable mass or nodule, followed by cutaneous fistula. Radiologically the most common mammographic finding was lobulated or irregular area and in ultrasound the most frecuent is the distorted breast parenchyma with posterior acoustic shadowing. Histological, pathophysiological and management aspects of this pathology was also reviewed.

Influence of corticoids on healing of the rotator cuff of rats – biomechanical study

Objective: To compare healing strength of the infraspinatus tendon of rats with corticoid inoculation, regarding maximum tension, maximum force and rupture force, after injury and experimental repair. Methods: A total of 60 Wistar rats were subjected to tenotomy of the infraspinatus tendon, which was then sutured. Before the surgery, they were divided into a control group (C) inoculated with serum and a study group (S) inoculated with corticoids over the tendon. After repair, the rats were sacrificed in groups of 10 individuals in the control group and 10 in the study group at the times of one week (C1 and S1), three weeks (C3 and S3) and five weeks (C5 and S5). The rats were dissected, separating out the infraspinatus tendon with the humerus. The study specimens were subjected to a traction test, with evaluation of the maximum tension (kgf/cm2), maximum force (kgf) and rupture force (kgf), comparing the study group with the respective control groups. Results: Among the rats sacrificed one week after the procedure, we observed greater maximum tension in group C1 than in group S1. The variables of maximum force (kgf) and rupture force did not differ statistically between the groups investigated. In the same way, among the rats sacrificed three weeks after the procedure, group C3 only showed greater maximum tension than group S3 (p = 0.007), and the other variables did not present differences. Among the rats sacrificed five weeks after the procedure (C5 and S5), none of the parameters studied presented statistical differences. Conclusion: We concluded that corticoid diminished the resistance to maximum tension in the groups sacrificed one and three weeks after the procedure, in comparison with the respective control groups. The other parameters did not show differences between the study and control groups...

Objetivo: Comparar a resistência da cicatrização, com relação a tensão máxima, força máxima e força de ruptura, do tendão infraespinhal de ratos submetidos a inoculação de corticoides após a lesão e a reparos experimentais. Métodos: Foram submetidos 60 ratos Wistar a tenotomia do tendão infraespinhal e suturados. Previamente à cirurgia foram divididos em grupo controle (C), inoculados com soro, e grupo de estudo (E), inoculados com corticoides sobre o tendão. Após o reparo os ratos foram sacrificados em grupos de 10 indivíduos do grupo controle e 10 do grupo de estudo em intervalos de uma semana (C1 e E1), três semanas (C3 e E3) e cinco semanas (C5 e E5). Os ratos foram dissecados com a separação do tendão infraespinhal do úmero. As peças de estudo foram submetidas a teste de tração e avaliadas – tensão máxima (kgf/cm2), força máxima (kgf) e força de ruptura (kgf) – e comparando os grupos de estudo com os grupos controle. Resultados: Dentre os ratos sacrificados com uma semana observamos maior tensão máxima do grupo C1 em comparação com o grupo E1. As variáveis força máxima (kgf) e força de ruptura (kgf) não diferiram estatisticamente entre os grupos pesquisados. Da mesma forma, nos ratos sacrificados com três semanas o grupo C3 mostrou apenas resistência maior na tensão máxima em comparação com o grupo E3 (p = 0,007). As demais variáveis não apresentaram diferenças. Nos ratos sacrificados com cinco semanas (C5 e E5), nenhum dos parâmetros estudados apresentou diferenças estatísticas. Conclusão: A inoculação com corticoide sobre o manguito rotador levou a diminuição da resistência a tensão máxima da cicatriz...

Reativação e distribuição do DNA latente do herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 no encéfalo de ovinos infectados experimentalmente / Reactivation and distribution of bovine herpesvirus 5 DNA in the brain of latently infected sheep

A biologia da infecção latente pelo herpesvírus bovino tipo 5 (BoHV-5) tem sido estudada em bovinos e coelhos, mas vários aspectos permanecem desconhecidos. Este artigo relata uma avaliação de ovinos jovens como modelo para o estudo da infecção latente pelo BoHV-5. Treze cordeiros com idade entre seis e sete meses, inoculados pela via intranasal (IN) com a cepa SV-507/99 do BoHV5 (título de 10(6,8) DICC50/mL) excretaram o vírus em secreções nasais em títulos de até 10(5,5) DICC50/mL, com duração de até 11 dias, desenvolvendo anticorpos neutralizantes em títulos de 16 a 128 no dia 30 pós-inoculação (pi). Os ovinos inoculados apresentaram apenas secreção nasal serosa leve e hipertermia transitória. O PCR de secções do encéfalo de cinco animais inoculados no dia 30 pi revelou a presença de DNA viral latente nos gânglios trigêmeos (TG, 5 de 5 animais), bulbo olfatório (BO, 5/5), ponte (2/5), cerebelo (2/5), córtex cerebral (1/5). Administração de dexametasona (Dx, n=4) ou flumetasona (FluM, n=4) a oito ovinos no dia 65 pi resultou em reativação e excreção viral por 3 de 4 animais de cada grupo. A excreção viral nas secreções nasais iniciou no dia 3 pós-tratamento e durou entre 1 e 5 dias nos ovinos tratados com Dx (títulos até 10(2,8)TCID50/mL) e foi mais tardia, durando entre 1 e 3 dias nos animais tratados com FluM (títulos de 10(2,1) TCID50/mL). Uma análise por PCR do encéfalo dos animais submetidos à reativação, no dia 65 pós-infecção, revelou uma distribuição do DNA latente semelhante àquela observada nos animais não submetidos à reativação. Em resumo, a capacidade do BoHV-5 estabelecer infecção latente, a colonização dos TGs a BOs com DNA viral latente e a reativação induzida por corticoides são achados promissores para o uso de cordeiros como modelo para a infecção latente pelo BoHV-5.

The biology of latent infection by bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5) has been studied in cattle and rabbits, yet many aspects remain poorly understood. We herein investigated the suitability of lambs to investigate aspects of BoHV-5 latency. Thirteen six-month-old lambs inoculated intranasally (IN) with BoHV-5 strain SV-507/99 (titer of 10(6.8) TCID50/ mL) shed the virus in nasal secretions in titers up 10(5.5) TCID50/mL, during up to 11 days, developing virus neutralizing (VN) titers of 16 to 128 at day 30 post-inoculation (pi). The inoculated animals developed only a mild serous nasal secretion and transient hyperthermia. Examination of brain sections of five lambs euthanized at day 30 pi by PCR revealed the presence of latent DNA in the trigeminal ganglia (TG, 5 out of five), olfactory bulbs (OB, 5/5), pons (2/5), cerebellum (2/5) and cerebral cortex (1/5). Administration of dexamethasone (Dx, n=4) or flumethasone (FluM, n=4) to eight latently infected lambs at day 65 pi resulted in virus reactivation and shedding by 3 out of 4 individuals in each group. Virus shedding in nasal secretions started at day 3 post-treatment and lasted up to five days (1-5) in Dx treated lambs (titers up to 10(2.8)TCID50/mL), was delayed and lasted up to three days (1-3) in FluM-treated lambs (titers up to 10(2.1) TCID50/mL). PCR examination of the brains of animals submitted to reactivation, at day 30 post-treatment, showed a pattern of distribution of latent viral DNA fairly similar to that found in those not submitted to reactivation. In summary, the ability of BoHV-5 to establish latent infection, the consistent colonization of TGs and OBs by latent viral DNA and virus reactivation induced by corticosteroid treatment are promising findings towards the use of lambs to study selected aspects of BoHV-5 latency.

Tratamiento médico de la rinosinusitis crónica / Medical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis: literature review

La rinosinusitis crónica (RSC) es actualmente una de las patologías crónicas de mayor prevalencia en nuestra sociedad. Se distinguen dos formas clínicas: la RSC con pólipos (RSCCP) y la RSC sin pólipos (RSCSP). Es considerada, en términos generales, como una inflamación de la cavidad nasal y senos paranasales de una duración superior a 12 semanas. En la actualidad, los posibles mecanismos fisiopatológicos involucrados ubican al componente inflamatorio como entidad central en su etiología. La relación entre inflamación y poliposis nasal es aún objeto de gran debate. Existen distintos tratamientos médicos con evidencia científica de diferentes niveles de calidad, dentro de los cuales se encuentran antibióticos, corticoides, lavados nasales y antileucotrienos. El uso de macrólidos en bajas dosis y por períodos prolongados de tiempo surge como una eficaz alternativa tanto en el control de síntomas como de parßmetros objetivos, principalmente en pacientes con RSCSP. Este artículo efectúa una exposición respecto al tratamiento médico actualmente disponible, su eficacia y evidencia científica, tanto para la RSCP como para la RSCSP.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is currently one of the most prevalent chronic pathologies in Chile. Two forms are distinguishable: Polyp CRS and non-polyp CRS. CRS is condidered, generally speaking, an inflammation of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses lasting longer than 12 weeks. Current possible physiopathological mechanisms involved establish inflammation as a central entity in CRS etiology. The relationship between inflammation and nasal polyposis is still a matter of great debate. Several treatment options are available, supported by heterogeneous scientific evidence; among these are antibiotics, corticoids, nasal rinses and antileucotriens. Prolonged treatment with low-dose macrolides treatment has become a good alternative, effectively controlling both symptoms and objective parameters, mainly in non-polyp CRS. This article reviews the CRS medical treatment currently available, its efficacy and the scientific evidence supporting it, both for the polyp and non-polyp types.

Baixa estatura na doença renal crônica: fisiopatologia e tratamento com hormônio de crescimento: [revisão] / Short stature in chronic kidney disease: physiopathology and treatment with growth hormone: [review]

O atraso no crescimento é freqüente e grave em crianças com doença renal crônica (DRC). Vários fatores contribuem para o comprometimento do crescimento nestas crianças, incluindo as alterações no eixo hormônio de crescimento (GH) - insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), desnutrição, acidose, doença renal óssea e uso de corticóides. Em crianças com DRC, o tratamento do atraso no crescimento é difícil em virtude da presença de doenças associadas que necessitem de adequado tratamento médico. Apesar de as evidências a respeito da segurança e de a eficácia do GH nesta população, este tratamento ainda é pouco utilizado. Esta revisão mostra o impacto, as causas e o tratamento do atraso no crescimento em crianças com DRC.

Growth failure is frequent and a clinically important issue in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Many factors contribute to impaired growth in these children, including abnormalities in the growth hormone (GH) - insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis, malnutrition, acidosis, renal bone disease and glucocorticoid associated treatment. The management of growth failure in children with CKD is complicated by the presence of other-disease related complications requiring medical intervention. Despite evidence of GH efficacy and safety in this population, this therapy is still underutilized. This review shows the impact, the causes and the treatment of growth failure in children with CKD.

Neurotransmisores del sistema límbico. Amígdala. Segunda parte

Resumen: Los neurotransmisores de la amígdala en el sistema límbico comprenden, entre otros, a las monoaminas (noradrenalina [NA]), la acetilcolina (ACh), los corticoides y la histamina. Ciertas drogas infundidas a la amígdala podrían modular la consolidación en la memoria de la inhibición del entrenamiento dirigido a evitar situaciones de estrés. La administración de anta gonistas de los receptores de la β NA en la amígdala afecta la retención en la memoria por un lapso de un día cuando se administra inmediatamente después del entrenamiento, pero no surte ningún efecto cuando se administra a las seis horas. Infusiones intraamigdalinas de NA acompañadas de antagonistas de aquellos receptores atenuarán el trastorno mnemónico. De manera importante, se ha podido determinar que la NA produce un incremento de la consolidación de la memoria, que depende tanto del tiempo como de la dosis de aplicación cuando el fármaco se infunde a la amígdala inmediatamente después de la inhibición de este tipo de entrenamiento. La amígdala, la neocorteza y el hipocampo son regiones meta del sistema cerebral frontal basal colinérgico, que se relaciona estrechamente con diversas funciones del aprendizaje y la memo ria. Cualquier neurotransmisor con actividad fosforiladora o desfosforiladora podrá regular el estado de sensibilidad a la ACh, así como las propiedades funcionales de las neuronas amigdalinas. Es posible, entonces, que exista una modulación entre los estados de aprendizaje y de recuerdo de lo aprendido en la amígdala, la neocorteza y el hipocampo que esté regida por receptores muscarínicos acetilcolinérgicos. Por medio de receptores presinápticos de la histamina 3 (H3) y un mecanismo por el momento aún desconocido, la histamina disminuye o aumenta la transmisión sináptica excitadora en el BLA. Tal modulación histaminérgica de la actividad neuronal cumple un papel importante en los procesos fisiológicos y patofisiológicos del miedo, el aprendizaje y la memoria de la emo ción y los trastornos afectivos.

Abstract: Neurotransmitters of the amygdala in the limbic system include monoamines (noradrenaline [NA]) acetylcholine (ACh), corticoids and histamine. Drugs infused into the amygdala may modulate consolidation in memory of inhibition of training directed to avoid stressful situations. Administration of antagonists of β NA receptors to the amygdala will affect retention in memory for a whole day when given immediately after training, but will have no effect when given six hours after training a test animal. Intra-amygdalar infusions of NA which may be accompanied by antagonists of those receptors will attenuate the memory disturbance. It is worth mentioning that later studies have been able to show that NA will produce an increment of memory consolidation, which will depend on the time as well as on the dose of application, when the drug is infused to the amygdala shortly after inhibition of training directed to avoid stressful situations. The amygdala, the neocortex and the hippocampus are target regions of the frontal basal cholinergic brain system, which has different effects on cognitive functions, such as memory and learning. Any neurotransmitter with phosphorylating or dephosphorylating activity may regulate the sensitive state of ACh, as well as the functional properties of amygdalar neurons. It is possible, then, that modulation mechanisms may exist between learning and recall states in the amygdala, the neocortex and the hippocampus, which could be controlled by muscarinic acetylcholinergic receptors. Through pre-synaptic receptors of histamine 3 (H3) and a currently unknown mechanism, histamine will decrease or increase excitatory synaptic transmission in BLA. Such histaminergic modulation of neuronal activity will play an important role in fear-related physiological and patho-physiological processes, learning and memory of emotion, and affective disturbances.