REBOA as a New Damage Control Component in Hemodynamically Unstable Noncompressible Torso Hemorrhage Patients / El REBOA como nuevo actor en el control de daños del paciente hemodinámicamente inestable con hemorragia no compresible del torso

Abstract Noncompressible torso hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. An efficient and appropriate evaluation of the trauma patient with ongoing hemorrhage is essential to avoid the development of the lethal diamond (hypothermia, coagulopathy, hypocalcemia, and acidosis). Currently, the initial management strategies include permissive hypotension, hemostatic resuscitation, and damage control surgery. However, recent advances in technology have opened the doors to a wide variety of endovascular techniques that achieve these goals with minimal morbidity and limited access. An example of such advances has been the introduction of the Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA), which has received great interest among trauma surgeons around the world due to its potential and versatility in areas such as trauma, gynecology & obstetrics and gastroenterology. This article aims to describe the experience earned in the use of REBOA in noncompressible torso hemorrhage patients. Our results show that REBOA can be used as a new component in the damage control resuscitation of the severely injured trauma patient. To this end, we propose two new deployment algorithms for hemodynamically unstable noncompressible torso hemorrhage patients: one for blunt and another for penetrating trauma. We acknowledge that REBOA has its limitations, which include a steep learning curve, its inherent cost and availability. Although to reach the best outcomes with this new technology, it must be used in the right way, by the right surgeon with the right training and to the right patient.

Resumen La hemorragia no compresible del torso es una de las principales causas de muerte prevenibles alrededor del mundo. Una evaluación eficiente y apropiada del paciente traumatizado con hemorragia activa es la esencia para evitar el desarrollo del rombo de la muerte (hipotermia, coagulopatía, hipocalcemia y acidosis). Actualmente, las estrategias de manejo inicial incluyen hipotensión permisiva, resucitación hemostática y cirugía de control de daños. Sin embargo, los recientes avances tecnológicos han abierto las puertas a una amplia variedad de técnicas endovasculares que logran esos objetivos con una morbilidad mínima y un acceso limitado. Un ejemplo de estos avances ha sido la introducción del balón de resucitación de oclusión aortica; REBOA ( Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta , por sus sigla en inglés ), el cual, ha tenido gran provecho entre los cirujanos de trauma alrededor del mundo debido a su potencial y versatilidad en áreas como trauma, ginecología y obstetricia, y gastroenterología. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la experiencia lograda en el uso del REBOA en pacientes con hemorragia no compresible del torso. Nuestros resultados muestran que el REBOA puede usarse como un nuevo actor en la resucitación de control de daños del paciente con trauma severo, para este fin, nosotros proponemos dos nuevos algoritmos para el manejo de pacientes hemodinámicamente inestables: uno para trauma cerrado y otro para trauma penetrante. Se reconoce que el REBOA tiene sus limitaciones, las cuales incluye un periodo de aprendizaje, su costo inherente y la disponibilidad. A pesar de esto, para lograr los mejores resultados con esta nueva tecnología, el REBOA debe ser usado en el momento correcto, por el cirujano correcto con el entrenamiento y el paciente correcto.

Hemorragia alveolar difusa, desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico / Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is a syndrome causing catastrophic respiratory failure, secondary to pathophysiological processes within the natural history of a variety of diseases and clinical conditions. Should be considered a medical emergency due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated. It represents a diagnostic challenge because symptoms and signs are often nonspecific. It requires a highlevel of suspicion to early recognition, essential step towards the establishment of supportive measures and specific therapy for survival.

La hemorragia alveolar difusa es un síndrome causante de falla respiratoria catastrófica, secundario a los procesos fisiopatológicos presentes en la historia natural de varias enfermedades y condiciones clínicas. Debe considerarse como una emergencia médica debido a la significativa morbi-mortalidad asociada. Representa un desafío diagnóstico ya que a menudo los síntomas y signos son inespecíficos, requiere un alto nivel de sospecha para el reconocimiento precoz, paso esencial para la instauración de medidas de soporte vital y terapia específica requerida para la sobrevida.

Noradrenaline and dobutamine effects on the volume expansion with normal saline in rabbits subjected to hemorrhage

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of dobutamine (DB), noradrenaline (NA), and their combination (NADB), on volume retention in rabbits submitted to hemorrhage. METHODS: Thirty six rabbits were randomly divided into 6 groups: SHAM, Control, Saline, DB, NA, DB+NA. All the animals, except for SHAM, were subjected to hemorrhage of 25% of the calculated blood volume. Control animals were replaced with their own blood. The other groups received NSS 3 times the volume withdrawn. The intravascular retention, hematocrit, diuresis, central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, NGAL, dry-to-wet lung weight ratio (DTWR) and the lung and kidney histology were analyzed. RESULTS: Replacement with NSS and NA, DB or NA+DB did not produce differences in the intravascular retention. After hemorrhage, the animals presented a significant decrease in the MAP and CVP, which were maintained until volume replacement. Regarding NGAL, dry-to-wet-lung-weight ratio, lung and kidney histology, there were no statistical differences between the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of noradrenaline, dobutamine or their combination did not increase the intravascular retention of volume after normal saline infusion.

Pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation under different inhaled concentrations of isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane in pigs undergoing hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES: Inhalant anesthesia induces dose-dependent cardiovascular depression, but whether fluid responsiveness is differentially influenced by the inhalant agent and plasma volemia remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane on pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation in pigs undergoing hemorrhage. METHODS: Twenty-five pigs were randomly anesthetized with isoflurane, sevoflurane or desflurane. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic data were registered sequentially at minimum alveolar concentrations of 1.00 (M1), 1.25 (M2), and 1.00 (M3). Then, following withdrawal of 30% of the estimated blood volume, these data were registered at a minimum alveolar concentrations of 1.00 (M4) and 1.25 (M5). RESULTS: The minimum alveolar concentration increase from 1.00 to 1.25 (M2) decreased the cardiac index and increased the central venous pressure, but only modest changes in mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation were observed in all groups from M1 to M2. A significant decrease in mean arterial pressure was only observed with desflurane. Following blood loss (M4), pulse pressure variation, stroke volume variation and central venous pressure increased (p <0.001) and mean arterial pressure decreased in all groups. Under hypovolemia, the cardiac index decreased with the increase of anesthesia depth in a similar manner in all groups. CONCLUSION: The effects of desflurane, sevoflurane and isoflurane on pulse pressure variation and stroke volume variation were not different during normovolemia or hypovolemia.

Effects of catecholamines on volemic replacement with saline solution and the impact on heart rate variability in rabbits subjected to hemorrhage. A study by spectral analysis

PURPOSE: To verify the effects of different catecholamines on volemic expansion and on the autonomic nervous system in rabbits that were subjected to hemorrhage. METHODS: Twenty four rabbits subjected to hemorrhage (with a 25% loss of blood volume) and were randomly divided into four experimental groups: 1) HEMO Group underwent replacement with their own blood in an equal volume; 2) SS Group underwent replacement with saline solution (SS) in a volume that corresponded to three times the removed blood volume; 3) ISP Group underwent replacement with SS and isoprenaline; 4) FNL Group underwent replacement with SS and phenylephrine. Spectral Analysis of the heart rate and heart rate variability were performed from the recorded data. Hematocrit was measured throughout the experiment. RESULTS: Replacement with SS and an α- or β-agonist did not produce differences in the intravascular retention compared to replacement with SS alone. An analysis of HRV showed that the FNL group maintained the LF/HF ratio better than ISP and SS. CONCLUSIONS: No difference in vascular retention when α- or β- agonists were added to SS during post-hemorrhagic recovery. The animals in the FNL group maintained the integrity of the autonomic response within normal physiological standards during hemorrhagic stress. .

Caracterización tóxica del veneno de Bothrops (Rhinocerophis) alternatus de diferentes regiones de la provincia de Córdoba (Argentina) / [The toxicity of venom of Bothrops (Rhinocerophris) alternatus in different areas of Cordoba State in Argentina].

Snake venoms can show biochemical and toxicological variability even in specimens from the same specie. The geographical localization of the snakes is one of the factors that can influence those variations. By these reasons the venom from specimens of Bothrops (Rhinocerophis) alternatus ("crucera", "yararágrande"), one of the snakes of highest medical importance in Argentina, from three different regions of Córdoba was studied. Lehtal potency, hemorrhagic, coagulant on plasma and thrombin like activities as well as the electrophoretic patterns of venom from snakes of Calamuchita, Traslasierras and the East of the province were determined. The venom from the snakes of the three regions showed the characteristic activities of the venom of the majority of Bothrops, causing hemorrhage, hemostatic disturbances acting on plasma or directly on fibrinogen with a "thrombin like activity". The different samples were very similar regarding their biochemical characteristics and toxic potencies at difference of previous observations on venoms from the same specie in different regions of other provinces fro Argentina. Bivalent antivenom, the one used by the Provincial Ministry of Health to treat the bothropic accidents, neutralized in all the cases the toxic activities of the venom in very similar range of neutralizing potency.

Influence of asymptomatic pneumonia on the response to hemorrhage and resuscitation in swine

INTRODUCTION: Investigation of resuscitation fluids in our swine hemorrhage model revealed moderate to severe chronic pneumonia in five swine at necropsy. Our veterinary staff suggested that we perform a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from these animals. We compared the data to that of ten healthy swine to determine the physiologic consequences of the added stress on our hemorrhage/resuscitation model. METHODS: Anesthetized, immature female swine (40 ± 5 kg) were instrumented for determining arterial and venous pressures, cardiac output and urine production. A controlled hemorrhage of 20 ml/kg over 4 min 40 sec was followed at 30 min by a second hemorrhage of 8 ml/kg and resuscitation with 1.5 ml/kg/min of LR solutions to achieve and maintain systolic blood pressure at 80 ± 5 mmHg for 3.5 hrs. Chemistries and arterial and venous blood gasses were determined from periodic blood samples along with hemodynamic variables. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in survival, urine output, cardiac output and oxygen delivery at 60 min and O2 consumption at 120 min in the pneumonia group compared to the non-pneumonia group. There were no differences in other metabolic or hemodynamic data between the groups. CONCLUSION: Although pneumonia had little influence on pulmonary gas exchange, it influenced cardiac output, urine output and survival compared to healthy swine, suggesting a decrease in the physiologic reserve. These data may be relevant to patients with subclinical infection who are stressed by hemorrhage and may explain in part why some similarly injured patients require more resuscitation efforts than others.

Spontaneous Rupture of a Functioning Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis, and it can be classified as either a functional or nonfunctional tumor. Affected patients usually present with abdominal pain or with symptoms related to the mass effect or hormonal activity of the tumor. Several cases of spontaneously ruptured nonfunctional adrenocortical carcinoma have been reported, but no case of a spontaneous rupture of functioning adrenocortical carcinoma has been described. We report a functioning adrenocortical carcinoma that spontaneously ruptured during a work-up.

[Management of hemorrhagic syndrome]

Bleeding can occur when the vessels are affected by illness or injury. More rarely, a hemorrhagic syndrome can be the consequence of a hereditary or acquired anomaly of the haemostasis. A big number of hemorrhagic diseases are now identified. The notion of familial hemorrhagic disease, the circumstances of intervening of bleedings, as well as their localization, and the using of some drugs can help diagnosis. The diagnosis depends on the clinical analysis and the realization or exploring tests of haemostasis. This article aims at the recall of the different aetiological aspects a haemorhagic syndrome and to propose a pratical way for its management

Antifibrinolíticos e cirurgia cardíaca com circulação extracorpórea / Antifibrinolytics and cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A cirurgia cardíaca é a especialidade cirúrgica que com mais freqüência está associada a sangramento, coagulopatia e necessidade de derivados de sangue. Os agentes farmacológicos aprotinina, ácido epsilon-aminocapróico e ácido tranexâmico são os mais utilizados para auxiliar na hemostasia dos pacientes submetidos à circulação extracorpórea. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar a fisiopatologia do sangramento em cirurgia cardíaca e a atual situação dos antifibrinolíticos quanto à sua eficácia e complicações quando usados nesses procedimentos, dando maior ênfase ao ácido tranexâmico e à aprotinina. CONTEUDO: São discutidos os mecanismos pelos quais a circulação extracorpórea provoca alteração na hemostasia e de que maneira os antifibrinolíticos agem para diminuir o sangramento e o uso de sangue alogênico em cirurgia cardíaca. É dada ênfase ao problema do tromboembolismo que pode ocorrer com o emprego desses antifibrinolíticos, com revisão da literatura. CONCLUSÃO: A fibrinólise é um dos principais fatores relacionados com o aumento do sangramento em cirurgia cardíaca com circulação extracorpórea. A inibição da fibrinólise, juntamente com a preservação da função plaquetária, é, provavelmente, o mecanismo pelo qual os antifibrinolíticos diminuem o sangramento. O emprego desses fármacos reduz o sangramento em cirurgia cardíaca com circulação extracorpórea num percentual que pode chegar a 50 por cento. Com relação à preocupação com o tromboembolismo, os ácidos tranexâmico e epsilon-aminocapróico são opções que oferecem maior segurança que a aprotinina.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac surgery is the surgical subspecialty most often associated with bleeding, bleeding disorders, and the need of blood products. Agents such as aprotinin, episilon-aminocaproic acid, and tranexamic acid are frequently used to aid the hemostasis of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. The objective of this report is to present the physiopathology of bleeding during cardiac surgeries and the current role of antifibrinolytics regarding their efficacy and complications when used in those procedures, with emphasis on tranexamic acid and aprotinin. CONTENTS: The mechanisms of changes in hemostasis caused by cardiopulmonary bypass, how antifibrinolytics decrease bleeding, and the use of alogenic blood in cardiac surgery are discussed. A review of the literature emphasizes the thromboembolism secondary to the use of those antifibrinolytics. CONCLUSION: Fibrinolysis is one of the main factors related with increased bleeding during cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Inhibition of fibrinolysis associated with the preservation of platelet function is, probably, the mechanism by which anti-fibrinolytics decrease bleeding. Those agents reduce bleeding in up to 50 percent in cardiac surgeries with cardiopulmonary bypass. Tranexamic acid and episilon-aminocaproic acid are safer than aprotinin in the prevention of thromboembolism.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: La cirugía cardiaca es la especialidad quirúrgica que más frecuentemente está asociada al sangramiento, cuagulopatía y con necesidad de derivados de sangre. Los agentes farmacológicos aprotinina, ácido epsilon-aminocapróico y el ácido tranexámico son los más utilizados para auxiliar en la hemostasia de los pacientes sometidos a la circulación extracorpórea. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar la fisiopatología del sangramiento en cirugía cardiaca y la actual situación de los antifibrinolíticos en cuanto a su eficacia y complicaciones cuando usados en estos procedimientos dando más énfasis al ácido tranexámico y a la aprotinina. CONTENIDO: Son discutidos los mecanismos por los cuales la circulación extracorpórea provoca alteración en la hemostasia y de que manera los antifibrinolíticos actúan para disminuir el sangramiento y el uso de sangre alogénica en cirugía cardiaca. Se le da énfasis al problema del trombo embolismo que puede ocurrir con el uso de esos antifibrinolíticos, con revisión de la literatura. CONCLUSIONES: La fibrinólisis es uno de los principales factores relacionados con el aumento del sangramiento en cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea. La inhibición de la fibrinólisis, conjuntamente con la preservación de la función plaquetaria es probablemente el mecanismo por el cual los antifibrinolíticos disminuyen el sangramiento. El uso de esos fármacos reduce el sangramiento en cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea en un porcentaje que puede alcanzar el 50 por ciento. Con relación a la preocupación con el trombo embolismo, el ácido tranexámico y el ácido epsilon-aminocapróico son opciones que ofrecen una mayor seguridad que la aprotinina.

Renal function and histology after acute hemorrhage in rats under dexmedetomidine action

PURPOSE: About 50 percent of indications for dialysis in acute renal failure are related to problems originated during the perioperative period. Intraoperative hemodynamic changes lead to renal vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion. Previous studies have not defined the dexmedetomidine renal role in hemorrhage situations. This study evaluated the effect of dexmedetomidine on renal function and histology after acute hemorrhage in rats. METHODS: Covered study with 20 Wistars rats, anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital, 50 mg. kg-1, intraperitoneal, randomized into 2 groups submitted to 30 percent volemia bleeding: DG - iv dexmedetomidine, 3 æg. kg-1 (10 min) and continuous infusion - 3 æg. kg-1. h-1; CG - pentobarbital. For renal clearance estimative, sodium p-aminohippurate and iothalamate were administered. Studied attributes: heart rate, mean arterial pressure, rectal temperature, hematocrit, iothalamate and p-aminohippurate clearance, filtration fraction, renal blood flow, renal vascular resistance, and histological evaluations of the kidneys. RESULTS: DG showed smaller values of heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and renal vascular resistance, but iothalamate clearance and filtration fraction values were higher. There was similarity in p-aminohippurate clearance and renal blood flow. Both groups had histological changes ischemia-like, but dexmedetomidine determined higher tubular dilatation scores. CONCLUSION: In rats, after acute hemorrhage, dexmedetomidine determined better renal function, but higher tubular dilation scores.

OBJETIVO: Cerca de 50 por cento de indicações de diálise em insuficiência renal aguda vêm de problemas do perioperatório. Alterações na hemodinâmica intra-operatória levam a vasoconstrição renal e hipoperfusão. Estudos prévios não definiram o papel renal da dexmedetomidina em hemorragia. Foram estudados os efeitos da dexmedetomidina na função e histologia renais, em ratos, após hemorragia aguda. MÉTODOS: Estudo encoberto com 20 ratos Wistar, anestesiados com pentobarbital sódico intraperitoneal, 50 mg. kg-1, divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos sob sangramento de 30 por cento da volemia: GD - dexmedetomidina iv, 3 æg. kg-1 (10 min), e infusão contínua, 3 æg. kg-1. h-1; GC - pentobarbital. Para estimar depuração renal, administraram-se para-aminohipurato e iotalamato de sódio. Atributos estudados: freqüência cardíaca, pressão arterial média, temperatura retal, hematócrito, depuração de para-aminohipurato e iotalamato, fração de filtração, fluxo sangüíneo renal, resistência vascular renal, análise histológica dos rins. RESULTADOS: Em GD, houve valores menores de freqüência cardíaca, pressão arterial média e resistência vascular, mas valores maiores de depuração de iotalamato e fração de filtração. A depuração de para-aminohipurato e o fluxo sangüíneo foram similares nos grupos. As alterações histológicas foram compatíveis com isquemia e houve maior dilatação tubular em GD. CONCLUSÃO: Em ratos, após hemorragia aguda, a dexmedetomidina determinou melhor função renal, porém maior dilatação tubular.

Influence of S(+)-ketamine analgesia in renal intraoperative ischemia: histological study in rats

OBJETIVO: Investigar, em ratos, o efeito da S(+)cetamina na histologia renal após hemorragia intra-operatória.MÉTODOS: Vinte ratos Wistar machos, anestesiados com pentobarbital sódico, foram divididos, aleatoriamente, em 2 grupos: G1 – controle (n=10) e G2 - S(+)cetamina (n=10), submetidos a hemorragia de 30% da volemia em 3 momentos (10% a cada 10 min) 60 min após anestesia. G2 recebeu S(+)cetamina, 15 mg. kg-1, i.m., 5 min após anestesia e 55 min antes do 1.º momento de hemorragia (M1). Foram monitorizadas a pressão arterial média (PAM), temperatura retal (T) e freqüência cardíaca. Os animais foram sacrificados (M4) 30 min após o 3.º momento de hemorragia (M3). Os rins e o sangue das hemorragias foram utilizados para estudo histológico e do hematócrito (Ht). RESULTADOS: Houve redução significativa da PAM, T e Ht. Na histologia, G1=G2 na dilatação tubular, congestão e necrose. A soma total dos escores foi significativamente diferente e G2>G1. CONCLUSÃO: Hemorragia e hipotensão determinaram alterações na histologia renal. O aumento da concentração sangüínea de catecolaminas provavelmente determinou escores mais altos de alterações histológicas com o uso de S(+)cetamina.

Regulation of cardiovascular functions during acute blood loss.

Sudden blood loss of moderate degree causes fall in blood pressure, which is compensated to certain extent by baroreceptor mediated rise in heart rate and vasoconstriction. In case of severe haemorrhage fall in blood pressure is accompanied by bradycardia indicating failure of baroreceptor mediated recovery in blood pressure. In such conditions partial recovery in the blood pressure with time is possible due to mechanisms other than baroreflex. Therefore, in the present study the regulation of cardiovascular functions on increasing severity of blood loss in the absence of any therapeutic intervention was examined to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the recovery of blood pressure under such conditions. Two groups of animals were studied: (a) In the first group (n = 10) 20% of the total blood volume loss was induced, (b) In the second group (n = 10) 35% of the total blood volume loss was induced. In both the groups cardiovascular parameters were evaluated for one hour after the induction of haemorrhage to record any recovery due to natural compensatory mechanisms. In both the groups there was a significant fall in mean arterial pressure, cardiac output, stroke volume, right atrial pressure and base deficit. A significant increase in heart rate and total peripheral resistance was produced after 1 min of haemorrhage in 20% blood loss while a fall in total peripheral resistance and no rise in heart rate was produced after 35% blood loss. There was a recovery in cardiac output and mean arterial pressure with time in both the cases of blood loss. While a rise in heart rate and stroke volume was produced in 20% blood loss however an initial increase in stroke volume alone and later rise in heart rate alone was produced during recovery phase in 35% blood loss. These finding suggest that 20% blood loss is compensated by baroreflex while 35% blood loss is not accompanied by tachycardia so mechanisms other than the baroreflex, like increase in the vagal tone, contribute to the initial recovery in blood pressure and cardiac output.

Edematogenic and myotoxic activities of the Duvernoy's gland secretion of Philodryas olfersii from the north-east region of Argentina

Philodryas olfersii is found in South America, from Amazonas to Patagonia. It is important to characterize the venom of P. olfersii, who inhabits the North-East region of Argentina, since snake venoms are known to exhibit considerable variability in composition and biological activities. In this work, mice weighing 18-20 g (n = 4 for each experimental group) were used. For the edematogenic activity mice were injected s.c. in the right foot pad with 50 microl of solutions containing different amounts of venom, whereas the left foot pad was injected with 50 microl of PBS. Two hours after injection mice were killed by cervical dislocation and both feet were cut off and weighed individually. For the myotoxic activity mice were injected i.m. with 100 microl of solutions containing 40 microg of venom. Blood samples were extracted after 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 24 h of venom injection to determinate serum CPK activity and mice were sacrificed at the same time intervals to obtain the inoculated gastrocnemius muscle. They were fixed with Bouin solution and stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin. Results showed that P. olfersii venom exhibits a high edematogenic activity (MED = 0.31 microg) and a moderate myotoxic activity. Myonecrosis reached its highest level after 12 h of venom injection as shown by plasmatic CPK levels (5,401 +/- 330 IU/l) and microscopic assay. It demonstrates the potential toxicity of the venom of P. olfersii, who inhabits the North-East region of Argentina. It also reinforces the original warning concerning the potential danger of bites by colubrids.

Hemorragia pulmonar de causa no reumática: descripción de una serie de casos / Pulmonary hemorrhage non rheumatic cases series description

Introducción. La hemorragia pulmonar (HP) se caracteriza por sangrado de la microvasculatura pulmonar y manifestaciones cardinales como disnea, hemoptisis, infiltrado alveolar difuso y descenso súbito en la hemoglobina. Las causas condicionantes son: reumáticas y no reumáticas, siendo el reconocimiento temprano vital para orientar la terapia específica. Objetivo. Reconocer las causas no reumáticas de HP, sus manifestaciones clínicas, paraclínicas y letalidad. Métodos. Serie de casos retrospectiva, revisando los expedientes con diagnóstico de HP de 1987 a 1997 en el INNSZ. Definiciones operacionales. HP fue considerada cuando se confirmó por broncoscopia, biopsia, autopsia o cuando el paciente tenía 3 de los siguientes criterios: a.- Disnea súbita, b.- Hemoptisis, c.- Disminución en la Hb de 1 g/dL o más, d.- Infiltrado alveolar reciente. Análisis estadístico: Estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Nueve casos de HP. La mediana de edad fue 34 años. Seis casos sexo masculino, con patología principal consistente en nadir de quimioterapia en 3 pacientes. La evolución de la enfermedad al momento de la HP fue de 1 a 73 meses. Todos presentaron disnea, estertores crepitantes, taquicardia, disminución de la Hb e hipoxemia, con mediana de 2 g/dL y 53.4 mmHg respectivamente. El infiltrado intersticial difuso predominó en 6 casos y la broncoscopia se realizó en 3 pacientes. Siete murieron, 6 por hemorragia pulmonar masiva y otro por SIRPA. Conclusiones. La HP está presente en enfermedades hematológicas acompañada de trombocitopenia severa e infecciones pulmonares agresivas. Tiene alta letalidad, por lo que es de importancia el reconocimiento temprano de la causa para dictar el tratamiento definitivo.