COVID-19: una revisión radiológica en medio de la pandemia / COVID-19: a radiological review in the middle of the pandemic

Resumen La actual pandemia SARS-CoV-2 ha cambiado nuestra manera de trabajar y relacionarnos. Fue notificada en Wuhan, provincia de Hubei, en China, en diciembre de 2019. Habían existido dos brotes previos importantes de Coronavirus: el SARS, en 2002-2003 y el MERS, en 2012. Este artículo pretende ser una breve revisión acerca de algunos aspectos de la infección COVID-19 desde los aspectos fisiopatológicos, hallazgos por imagen y de las principales indicaciones de las pruebas de imagen, si bien estas siempre serán individualizadas. Tampoco podemos dejar de lado la posibilidad de que algunos de estos pacientes presente una evolución a fibrosis pulmonar. Finalmente, mencionaremos algunas recomendaciones para protegernos en nuestro puesto de trabajo.

Abstract The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed the way we work and interact. It was notified in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, in December 2019. There had been two previous major outbreaks of Coronavirus: SARS in 2002-2003 and MERS in 2012. This article aims to be a brief review of some aspects of the COVID-19 infection from the pathophysiological aspects, imaging findings, as well as the main indications for the imaging, although these will always be individualized. We cannot ignore the possibility that some of these patients may present evolution to pulmonary fibrosis. Finally, we will mention some recommendations to protect ourselves in our workplace.

Factores de riesgos socio-ambientales asociados al diagnóstico precoz del cáncer de labio en Camagüey

RESUMEN El trabajo constituye un análisis de los diferentes factores que interfieren en el diagnóstico precoz del cáncer de labio en la población de Camagüey. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, desde la perspectiva del enfoque Ciencia, Tecnología y Sociedad, que incluyó a todos los pacientes diagnosticados con la enfermedad en el período comprendido de enero del 2015 a diciembre del 2020.Se describen los factores socio ambientales que juegan el papel más importante en el origen de las neoplasias de labio que pueden ser modificados desde la comunidad.

ABSTRACT The work constitutes an analysis of the different factors that interfere in the early diagnosis of lip cancer in the population of Camagüey. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out, from the perspective of the Science, Technology and Society approach, which included all patients diagnosed with the disease in the period from January 2015 to December 2020.The socio-environmental factors that play the most important role in the origin of lip neoplasms that can be modified from the community are described.

Metástasis cutáneas como primera manifestación de neuroblastoma primario de glándula suprarrenal en un paciente pediátrico / Cutaneous metastasis as the first manifestation of primary adrenal gland neuroblastoma in a pediatric patient

Resumen Introducción: El neuroblastoma es el tumor maligno más frecuente en el primer año de vida y el tumor sólido extracraneal más frecuente en la infancia. Solo el 1% de los casos debuta con metástasis cutáneas, caracterizadas por nódulos azulados subcutáneos. Se presenta el caso de un lactante con un neuroblastoma suprarrenal izquierdo en el que las metástasis cutáneas constituían el síntoma principal. Caso clínico: Lactante de sexo femenino, de 2 meses de edad, sin antecedentes de importancia para el padecimiento actual. Acudió por presentar dermatosis diseminada en la región cervical y occipital, el abdomen, el muslo derecho y el pie izquierdo. La dermatosis se caracteriza por nódulos subcutáneos, sólidos, bien delimitados, < 1 cm, de color azulado, que iniciaron su aparición a los 7 días de vida en el hipocondrio derecho, con crecimiento progresivo, asintomáticos. Se realizó biopsia de un nódulo y se reportó la presencia de células pequeñas con núcleo denso hipercromático, escaso citoplasma y dispuestas en nidos. La inmunohistoquímica fue positiva para cromogranina y enolasa neuronal específica. Los hallazgos fueron compatibles con metástasis cutánea de neuroblastoma. Se solicitó valoración y abordaje por oncología pediátrica, que reportó un estadio 4 de la enfermedad y se inició el tratamiento correspondiente. Conclusiones: Los pediatras y los dermatólogos pediatras son los primeros en atender a niños con alguna lesión cutánea. Se deben tener en cuenta las metástasis cutáneas, que pueden aparecer antes o simultáneamente al diagnóstico de un tumor primario. Por lo tanto, se debe realizar un correcto abordaje con el fin de mejorar el pronóstico y la calidad de vida del paciente.

Abstract Background: Neuroblastoma is the most common malignant tumor in the first year of life and the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. Only 1% of cases present with cutaneous metastases characterized by subcutaneous bluish nodules. We report the case of an infant with a left adrenal neuroblastoma in whom skin metastases were the main symptom. Case report: Two-month-old female infant with no relevant history for the current condition. The infant presented disseminated dermatosis affecting the head in the cervical and occipital region, abdomen, right thigh and left foot. Dermatosis was characterized by subcutaneous nodules, solid, well limited, < 1 cm, bluish color that appeared at 7 days of life in the right upper quadrant, with progressive growth, asymptomatic. A biopsy of a nodule was performed, which reported the presence of small cells with a dense hyperchromatic nucleus, scarce cytoplasm, arranged in nests. Immunohistochemistry was positive for chromogranin and specific neuronal enolase. Findings were consistent with cutaneous neuroblastoma metastasis. An assessment and approach by pediatric oncology were requested, reporting disease stage 4 and initiating the corresponding treatment. Conclusions: Pediatricians and pediatric dermatologists are the first to attend to children with a skin lesion. We must consider that skin metastases may appear prior to or simultaneously with the diagnosis of a primary tumor. Therefore, we should carry out a correct approach in order to improve the prognosis and the quality of life of the patient.

The sum of kidney donor profile index and estimated post-transplant survival scale and their correlation with egfr decline in deceased donor kidney recipients

Background: The impact of donor quality on post-kidney transplant survival may vary by candidate condition. Objective: Analyzing the combined use of the Kidney Donor Profile Index (KDPI) and the estimated post-transplant survival (EPTS) scale and their correlation with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline in deceased-donor kidney recipients (DDKR). Methods: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study. We included DDKRs between 2015 and 2017 at a national third-level hospital. Results: We analyzed 68 DDKR. The mean age at transplant was 41 ± 14 years, 47 (69%) had sensitization events, 18 (26%) had delayed graft function, and 16 (23%) acute rejection. The graft survival at 12 and 36 months was 98.1% (95% CI 94-100) and 83.7% (95% CI 65-100), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the percentage reduction in the annual eGFR and the sum of EPTS and KDPI scales was r = 0.61, p < 0.001. The correlation coefficient between the percentage reduction in the annual eGFR and the EPTS and KDPI scales separately was r = 0.55, p < 0.001, and r = 0.53, p < 0.001, respectively. Conclusions: The sum of EPTS and KDPI scales can provide a better donor-recipient relationship and has a moderately positive correlation with the decrease in eGFR in DDKR.

Reliability of Bystander Recognition of Clinical Features in Pre-Hospital Classification of Acute Cerebrovascular Syndromes: Preliminary Findings

ABSTRACT Background: The recognition of stroke symptoms by patients or bystanders directly affects the outcomes of patients with acute cerebrovascular disease. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the predictive value of the medical history and clinical features recognized by the patients’ bystanders to classify neurovascular syndromes in pre-hospital settings. Methods: We included 150 stroke patients of two Mexican referral centers: 50 with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 50 with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and 50 with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The performance of clinical prediction rules (CPR) to identify the stroke types was evaluated with features recognized by the patients’ bystanders before hospital arrival. The impact of CPRs on early arrival and in-hospital mortality was also analyzed. Results: Overall, 72% of the patients had previous medical evaluations in other centers before final referral to our hospitals, and therefore, only 45% had a final onset-to-door time <6 h, even when the first medical assessment had occurred in ≤1 h in 75% of cases. Clinical features noticed by the patients’ bystanders had low positive predictive values (PPV) for any stroke type. The CPR “language or speech disorder + focal motor deficit” had 93% sensitivity and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 84% to distinguish AIS. In SAH, headache alone showed a sensitivity of 84% and NPV of 97%. No CPR had an adequate performance on ICH. CPRs were not associated with final onset-to-door time. Altered consciousness, age ≥65 years, indirect arrival with stops before final referral, and atrial fibrillation increased in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Clinical features referred by the witness of a neurovascular emergency have limited PPV, but adequate NPV in ruling-out AIS and SAH among stroke types. The use of CPRs had no impact on onset-to-door time or in-hospital mortality when the final arrival to a third-level center occurs with previous medical referrals.

Neurological manifestations in coronavirus disease 2019 / Manifestaciones neurológicas en la enfermedad del coronavirus 2019

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is currently hitting the world in the form of a pandemic. Given that some reports suggest that this infection can also occur with neurologic manifestations, this narrative review addresses the basic and clinical aspects concerning the nervous system involvement associated with this disease. More than one third of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 can present with both central and peripheral neurological manifestations. The former includes dizziness and headache, while the latter includes taste and smell disturbances. Other reported neurological manifestations are cerebrovascular disease and epileptic seizures. According to published reports, neurological disorders are not uncommon in COVID-19 and can sometimes represent the first manifestation of the disease; therefore, neurologists should consider this diagnostic possibility in their daily practice. Since maybe not all COVID-19 neurological manifestations are due to SARS-CoV-2 direct effects, it is important to monitor the rest of the clinical parameters such as, for example, oxygen saturation. Similarly, follow-up of patients is advisable, since whether neurological complications may develop lately is thus far unknown.

Resumen La enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), infección causada por el coronavirus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo grave (SARS-CoV-2), actualmente afecta al mundo en forma de una pandemia. Debido a que algunos reportes apuntan a que esta infección puede cursar también con manifestaciones neurológicas, en esta revisión narrativa se abordan los aspectos básicos y clínicos concernientes a la afectación del sistema nervioso por esta enfermedad. Más de un tercio de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 pueden presentar manifestaciones neurológicas, tanto centrales como periféricas. Entre las primeras se encuentran el mareo y la cefalea; y entre las segundas, las alteraciones del gusto y el olfato. Otras manifestaciones neurológicas reportadas son la enfermedad vascular cerebral y las crisis epilépticas. Según los informes publicados, los padecimientos neurológicos no son infrecuentes en COVID-19 y en ocasiones pueden representar la primera manifestación de la enfermedad, de modo que los neurólogos deberán considerar esta posibilidad diagnóstica en su práctica cotidiana. Dado que no todas las manifestaciones neurológicas de COVID-19 pudieran deberse a efectos directos de SARS-CoV-2, es importante monitorear el resto de los parámetros clínicos, por ejemplo, la oxigenación. De igual forma, es recomendable el seguimiento de los pacientes, ya que hasta el momento se ignora si las complicaciones neurológicas pueden desarrollarse tardíamente.

Salud renal para todos en todos lados - de la prevención a la detección y acceso equitativo a la atención / Kidney health for everyone everywhere - from prevention to detection and equitable access to care

La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) será la 5.ta causa más común de años de vida perdidos para 2040. Su comienzo y progresión son, con frecuencia, prevenibles.La campaña del Día Mundial del Riñón 2020 resalta la importancia de las intervenciones preventivas. La prevención primaria debe focalizarse en modificar los riesgos y reducir la exposición a factores ambientales y nefrotoxinas. El control de la tensión arterial y de la glucemia deberían ser una de las principales intervenciones en personas con enfermedad renal pre-existente. El manejo de las comorbilidades (uremia, enfermedad cardiovascular) es altamente recomendado para evitar o postergar el uso de diálisis o trasplante renal. Con frecuencia faltan políticas específicas dirigidas a la educación, la pesquisa, el manejo y el tratamiento de la ERC.Es urgente aumentar la concientización sobre la importancia de medidas preventivas en la población, los profesionales y los responsables de políticas de salud a nivel mundial

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rapidly becoming the 5th most common cause of years of life lost globally by 2040. Crucially, the onset and progression of CKD is often preventable. The World Kidney Day 2020 campaign highlights the importance of preventive interventions on CKD. Primary prevention should focus on risks modification as well as reduced exposure to environmental risk factors and nephrotoxins. Blood pressure optimization and glycemic control should be one of the main interventions in persons with pre-existing kidney disease. Management of co-morbidities such as uremia and cardiovascular disease is highly recommended to avoid or delay dialysis or kidney transplantation. Globally, specific policies directed toward education and awareness about CKD screening, management and treatment are often lacking. Hence, there is an urgent need to increase the awareness of the importance of preventive measures throughout populations, professionals and policy makers around the world.

Utilidad de la eritropoyetina en el paciente quemado grave con anemia. Revisión del tema / Usefulness of erythropoietin in seriously burned patient with anemia. Topic review

RESUMEN Fundamento: La quemadura grave representa el tipo de agresión biológica más severo que puede sufrir el organismo y ponen en peligro la vida del paciente por el permanente riesgo de sepsis y falla multisistémica progresiva. La anemia incide en la morbilidad y mortalidad del quemado en estado grave; su tratamiento ha pasado por diversos momentos en la historia y su corrección depende de las transfusiones sanguíneas que aumentan el riesgo de complicaciones y reacciones adversas. Objetivo: Actualizar los conocimientos sobre la utilidad de la eritropoyetina en el tratamiento de la anemia en el quemado grave. Desarrollo: La gravedad de la quemadura está determinada por la intensidad de la temperatura y la duración de la exposición. La anemia es una de las complicaciones más frecuentes en los quemados graves y su tratamiento en ocasiones se limita al uso de transfusiones de sangre, sin embrago la eritropoyetina es una alternativa terapéutica; pertenece a la familia de las citoquinas, alcanza la médula ósea, donde estimula células progenitoras cuyo objetivo es lograr su transformación en eritrocitos. La administración de eritropoyetina humana recombinante en el paciente quemado grave con anemia se considera eficaz, ya que al estimular los mecanismos de la eritropoyesis, produce una elevación paulatina pero mantenida del hematocrito acompañándose de otros efectos beneficiosos. Conclusiones: La eritropoyetina humana por sus características farmacológicas, se muestra como una opción de tratamiento para el paciente quemado grave con anemia al permitir la recuperación de manera sostenida de los valores de hemoglobina con un mínimo de complicaciones, disminuye el uso de transfusiones de sangre que pueden aumentar la morbilidad de estos enfermos.

ABSTRACT Background: The serious burn represents the most severe type of biological aggression the body can suffer and endangers the patient's life due to the permanent risk of sepsis and progressive multisystem failure. Anemia affects the morbidity and mortality of seriously burned patient in serious condition; its treatment has gone through different moments in history and its correction depends on blood transfusions that increase the risk of complications and adverse reactions. Objective: To update knowledge about the usefulness of erythropoietin in the treatment of anemia in seriously burned patient. Development: The severity of the burn is determined by the intensity of the temperature and the duration of the exposure. Anemia is one of the most frequent complications in seriously burned patient and its treatment is sometimes limited to the use of blood transfusions. However, erythropoietin is a therapeutic alternative; it belongs to the family of cytokines, reaches the spinal cord, where it stimulates progenitor cells with the objective of achieving their transformation into erythrocytes. The administration of recombinant human erythropoietin in seriously burned patient with anemia is considered effective, since by stimulating the mechanisms of erythropoiesis, it produces a gradual but sustained elevation of the hematocrit accompanied by other beneficial effects. Conclusions: Human erythropoietin, due to its pharmacological characteristics, is shown as a treatment option for seriously burned patient with anemia by allowing the sustained recovery of hemoglobin values with a minimum of complications, reducing the use of blood transfusions that can increase the morbidity of these patients.

Procalcitonina como biomarcador de daño renal agudo en pacientes con sepsis y choque séptico / Procalcitonin as a biomarker for acute kidney injury in patients with sepsis and septic shock

Resumen Introducción: hasta el 60 % de los pacientes con sepsis desarrollan daño renal agudo. La procalcitonina indica la presencia de sepsis y puede predecir un daño renal agudo. Objetivos: determinar los valores de procalcitonina como biomarcador predictor de daño renal agudo y sus complicaciones en el espectro de sepsis. Métodos: estudio transversal. Se midió procalcitonina durante las 24 horas de hospitalización. Se determinó el área bajo la curva, el error estándar, la sensibilidad y especificidad de los valores de procalcitonina relacionado con daño renal agudo. Resultados: un total de 72 pacientes con edad de 51 años (rango 18 -79); 35 (48,6 %) casos eran hombres, 44 (61,1 %) presentaron sepsis, 14 (19,4 %) choque séptico, 11 (15,3 %) sepsis severa y 3 (4,2 %) hipotensión inducida por sepsis. Encontramos una elevación de procalcitonina (≥0,5 ng/mL) en 54 (75 %) pacientes; presentaron daño renal agudo 42 (58,3 %) casos; estadio KDIGO 1 en 19 (45,2 %), KDIGO 2 en 12 (28,6 %) y KDIGO 3 en 11 (26,2 %) pacientes; de ellos 37 (88,1 %) presentaron procalcitonina ≥0,5 ng/mL (OR 5,65, IC 95 % 1,73 - 18,42; p<0,01). El área debajo de la curva 0,75 (IC 95 % 0,63 - 0,86 p <0,0001); el valor de procalcitonina de 2,565 ng/mL tuvo la mayor validez prediciendo daño renal agudo, con sensibilidad de 61,9 %, especificidad de 80 %, un valor predictivo positivo de 44,52 %, valor predictivo negativo de 56,18 %, LR+ de 0.80 y un LR- de 0.77. Conclusión: en el espectro de sepsis, el nivel de procalcitonina ≥2,565 ng/mL al ingreso hospitalario predice daño renal agudo.

Abstract Introduction: Up to 60% of patients with sepsis develop acute kidney injury. Procalcitonin indicates the presence of sepsis and could predict acute kidney injury. Objectives: To determine the values of procalcitonin as a predictive biomarker of acute renal injury and its complications in the sepsis spectrum. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Procalcitonin was measured during the 24 hours of hospitalization. We determined the area under the curve, standard error, sensitivity and specificity of procalcitonin values related to acute renal injury. Results: A total of 72 patients aged 51 years (range 18-79); 35 (48.6%) were male, 44 (61.1%) presented sepsis, 14 (19.4%) had septic shock, 11 (15.3%) severe sepsis and 3 (4.2%) sepsis-induced hypotension. We found an elevation of procalcitonin (≥0.5 ng / mL) in 54 (75%) patients; presented acute renal injury 42 (58.3%) cases; KDIGO 1 in 19 (45.2%), KDIGO 2 in 12 (28.6%) and KDIGO 3 in 11 (26.2%) patients; of them 37 (88.1%) had procalcitonin ≥0.5 ng / mL (OR 5.65, 95% CI 1.73-18.42, p <0.01). The area under the curve 0.75 (95% CI 0.63 - 0.86 p <0.0001); the value of procalcitonin of 2,565 ng / mL had the highest validity predicting acute renal injury, with sensitivity of 61.9%, specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of44.52%, negative predictive value of 56.18%, LR + of 0.80 and an LR - 0.77. Conclusion: In the sepsis spectrum, the level of procalcitonin ≥2,565 ng / mL at hospital admission predicts acute kidney injury.

Características de parejas infértiles en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba / Characteristics of infertile couples in Santiago de Cuba

Introducción: La incidencia de la infertilidad ha aumentado y, de acuerdo con médicos expertos y diversos organismos especializados, existe una clara relación entre el sistema de vida actual y la disminución de la fertilidad. Objetivo: Caracterizar a las parejas infértiles según variables clínico-epidemiológicas seleccionadas. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal de 132 parejas infértiles asistidas en la consulta de Infertilidad y Reproducción Asistida del Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso, durante el año 2018. Resultados: Un elevado número de las féminas tenían edades superiores a los 40 años (32,2 %), 7 % de las parejas estudiadas fueron diagnosticadas con infertilidad secundaria y existió 33,3 % de prevalencia del hábito de fumar, con predominio en el sexo masculino. Conclusiones: La edad de las féminas, las infecciones de transmisión sexual y el antecedente de abortos previos pudieran ser las principales causas de infertilidad en la provincia de Santiago de Cuba.

Introduction: The incidence of infertility has increased and, according to expert doctors and diverse specialized organizations, a clear relationship exists between the system of current life and the decrease of fertility. Objective: To characterize the infertile couples according to selected clinical-epidemiological variables. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of 132 infertile couples assisted in the Infertility Service and Assisted Reproduction of Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital, was carried out during 2018. Results: A high number of women were older than 40 years (32.2%), as long as, seven percent of the studied couples was diagnosed with secondary infertility and thirty three point three percent presented nicotine addiction, with prevalence in the male sex. Conclusions: The age of women, sexually transmitted infections and history of previous abortions could be the main causes of infertility in Santiago de Cuba.

Correlación de los valores de sFlt-1, PlGF y su cociente en preeclampsia con criterios de severidad en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Correlation of the values of sFlt-1, PlGF and its precilampsy court with severity criteria in an Intensive Care Unit / Correlação dos valores de sFlt-1, PlGF e seu coeficiente em preeclampsia com critérios de gravidade em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva

Resumen: Introducción: La detección del desequilibrio entre los factores proangiogénicos/antiangiogénico (sFlt-1, PlGF, cociente sFlt-1/PlGF) en la sangre materna son herramientas de pronóstico y diagnóstico en preeclampsia. Objetivo: Determinar la correlación entre los valores sanguíneos de sFlt-1, PlGF, cociente sFlt-1/PlGF y las complicaciones en mujeres con preeclampsia severa. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron a mujeres que ingresaron a la UCI con diagnóstico de preeclampsia con criterios de severidad y se determinaron las variables clínicas y de laboratorio. Las concentraciones séricas de sFlt-1 y PlGF se realizaron con un equipo automático KRYPTOR compact Plus. Resultados: Encontramos que 33.3% fue preeclampsia temprana y 66.7% tardía. Los criterios de severidad fueron: 66.7% crisis hipertensiva y 33.3% encefalopatía hipertensiva. Existió una correlación negativa entre los valores de sFlt-1 y urea, creatinina, proteínas de orina en 24 horas, presión sistólica (TAS) y presión diastólica (TAD). La correlación fue pobre y no fue estadísticamente significativa. Existió una correlación positiva y estadísticamente significativa para ácido úrico. Existió una correlación negativa entre los valores de PlGF en TAS, TAD. No existió correlación entre los valores cociente sFlt-1/PlGF y las variables medidas como TAS, TAD. Conclusiones: Este estudio confirma que es posible identificar un desbalance angiogénico en mujeres con preeclampsia severa. Sin embargo, los marcadores angiogénicos no presentaron una correlación estadísticamente significativa con respecto a las variables clínicas y bioquímicas de preeclampsia en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos.

Abstract: Introduction: The detection of the imbalance between proangiogenic/antiangiogenic factors (sFlt-1, PlGF, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio), in maternal blood are prognostic and diagnostic tools in preeclampsia. Objective: To determine the correlation between blood values of (sFlt-1, PlGF, sFlt-1/PlGF ratio) and complications in women with severe preeclampsia. Material and methods: Women who were admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of preeclampsia with severity criteria were studied, clinical and laboratory variables were determined. Serum concentrations of sFlt-1, PLGF were performed with a KRYPTOR compact Plus automatic equipment. Results: 33.3% were early preeclampsia and 66.7% late. The severity criteria occurred with 66.7% with hypertensive crisis and 33.3% with hypertensive encephalopathy. There was a negative correlation between the values of sFlt-1 and urea, creatinine, urine proteins in 24 hours, systolic pressure (ASD), diastolic pressure (ADT). The correlation was poor and not statistically significant. There was a positive and statistically significant correlation for uric acid. There was a negative correlation between PlGF values in TAS, TAD. There was no correlation between the sFlt-1/PlGF quotient values and the variables measured as TAS, TAD. Conclusions: This study confirms that it is possible to identify an angiogenic imbalance in women with severe preeclampsia. However, the angiogenic markers did not show a statistically significant correlation, with respect to the clinical and biochemical variables of preeclampsia in the Intensive Care Unit.

Resumo: Introdução: A detecção de desequilíbrio entre fatores pró-angiogênicos/antiangiogênicos (sFlt-1, PlGF, coeficiente sFlt-1/PlGF) no sangue materno são ferramentas de prognóstico e diagnóstico na pré-eclâmpsia. Objetivo: Determinar a correlação entre os valores sanguíneos de (sFlt-1, PlGF, coeficiente sFlt-1/PlGF) e complicações em mulheres com pré-eclâmpsia grave. Material e métodos: Foram estudadas mulheres admitidas na UTI com diagnóstico de pré-eclâmpsia com critérios de gravidade, determinou-se variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais. As concentrações séricas de sFlt-1, PLGF foram realizadas com um equipamento automático KRYPTOR compact Plus. Resultados: 33.3% eram pré-eclâmpsia precoce e 66.7% tardia. Os critérios de gravidade ocorreram com 66.7% com crise hipertensiva e 33.3% com encefalopatia hipertensiva. Houve correlação negativa entre os valores de sFlt-1 e uréia, creatinina, proteínas da urina em 24 horas, pressão sistólica (PAS) e pressão diastólica (PAD). A correlação foi ruim e estatisticamente não significante. Houve uma correlação positiva e estatisticamente significante para o ácido úrico. Encontrou-se uma correlação negativa entre os valores de PLGF no TAS, TAD. Não houve correlação entre os valores do quociente sFlt-1/PlGF e as variáveis medidas como PAS e PAD. Conclusões: Este estudo confirma que é possível identificar um desequilíbrio angiogênico em mulheres com pré-eclâmpsia grave. No entanto, os marcadores angiogênicos não apresentaram correlação estatisticamente significante com relação às variáveis clínicas e bioquímicas da pré-eclâmpsia na unidade de terapia intensiva.

Enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa y enfermedad de sustancia blanca en sujetos sin historia de infarto cerebral o isquemia cerebral transitoria / Atherosclerotic Carotid Disease and White Matter Disease in Subjects Without a History of Cerebral Infarction or Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa (ECA) es un factor de riesgo importante para enfermedad vascular cerebral. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre factores de riesgo vascular mayores con ECA y leucopatía cerebral en pacientes sin historia de ictus isquémico. Método: Se evaluaron factores de riesgo en sujetos con exploración de carótidas mediante ultrasonografía Doppler dúplex. No se incluyeron casos con historia de infarto cerebral o ataque isquémico transitorio. Los sujetos contaron con resonancia magnética cerebral y se excluyeron aquellos con lesiones isquémicas de grandes vasos. Se construyeron modelos multivariable para la predicción de ECA, estenosis carotídea significativa, carga de ateromas y leucopatía cerebral. Resultados: Se estudiaron 145 sujetos (60.7 % mujeres, edad de 73 años). Se documentó ECA en 54.5 %, estenosis carotídea ≥ 50 % en 9 %, carga de placas de ateroma > 6 en 7.6 % y leucopatía periventricular o subcortical en 28.3 % (20.6 % tenían concurrentemente ECA y leucopatía). Los factores asociados independientemente con ECA fueron edad e hipertensión; con estenosis ≥ 50 %, hipertensión; con cargas de ateromas > 6 placas, edad; con leucopatía, edad, diabetes e hipertensión. La obesidad no se asoció con las variables independientes analizadas. Conclusiones: En los sujetos asintomáticos sin historia de ictus isquémico, la edad y la hipertensión fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes para enfermedad macrovascular. La diabetes mellitus se asoció con enfermedad microvascular. La obesidad por sí sola no fue un determinante mayor de ECA o leucopatía cerebral.

Abstract Introduction: Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease (CAD) is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. Objective: To analyze the association of major vascular risk factors with atherosclerotic CAD and white matter disease (WMD) in patients without a history of ischemic stroke. Method: Risk factors were assessed with carotid examination using Doppler duplex ultrasound. Cases with a history cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack were not included. Subjects had brain magnetic resonance imaging scans available and those with large-artery ischemic lesions were excluded. Multivariate models were constructed for the prediction of atherosclerotic CAD, significant carotid stenosis, atheroma burden and WMD. Results: One-hundred and forty-five subjects were assessed (60.7% were females, mean age was 73 years). Atherosclerotic CAD was documented in 54.5%, carotid stenosis ≥ 50% in 9.0%, > 6 atheroma plaques in 7.6%, and periventricular or subcortical WMD in 28.3% (20.6% had atherosclerotic CAD and WMD concurrently). Risk factors independently associated with atherosclerotic CAD were age and hypertension; hypertension was associated with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis; age was associated with > 6 atheroma plaques; and age, diabetes and hypertension were associated with WMD. Obesity was not associated with any of the analyzed independent variables. Conclusions: In asymptomatic subjects without a history of ischemic stroke, age and hypertension were the most important risk factors for macrovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus was associated with microvascular disease. Obesity alone was not a major determinant of CAD or WMD.

Theory of mind impairment in Huntington's disease patients and their relatives / Déficits en teoría de la mente en pacientes con enfermedad de Huntington y sus familiares

ABSTRACT Huntington disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric symptoms. Relatives of HD patients experience a great burden as the latter suffer from altered social conduct and deterioration of interpersonal relationships. Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to attribute mental states (to oneself and others). Deficits in ToM are thought to have a role in the changes in empathy and interpersonal difficulties that HD patients face. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study to compare ToM task scores of patients with mild to moderate HD, their relatives (spouse or at-risk first-degree relative with a negative gene test) and controls.Individuals with dementia or depression were excluded. The ToM test battery included Spanish versions of the Reading Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), Happé's Strange Stories (Social and Physical Stories subtests) and the Hinting Task. Results: The series comprised 12 HD patients, 12 relatives and 12 controls. The HD patients showed lower affective ToM scores than controls (RMET 19 [3.5] vs 23.9 [2.7], p = 0.016). Cognitive ToM tasks scores were lower in HD patients than controls as well (Happé's Social Stories 9 [2.6] vs 13 [1.9], p = 0.001; the Hinting Task 13.6 [3.4] vs 17.5 [4.0], p = 0.009). In the Hinting Task, HD relatives had lower scores in than controls (13 [3.2] vs 17.5 [4.0], p = 0.009) and similar scores to controls in the rest of the battery. Conclusion: The HD patients with mild to moderate disease severity and their relatives show ToM deficits.

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Huntington (EH) es una enfermedad genética autosómica dominante caracterizada por trastornos del movimiento, deterioro cognitivo y síntomas psiquiátricos. Los familiares de las personas con EH experimentan gran carga dado que los pacientes sufren de conducta social alterada y deterioro de relaciones interpersonales. La Teoría de la mente (ToM) consiste en la habilidad para atribuir estados mentales (a uno mismo o a otros). Se piensa que déficits en ToM tienen un rol en los cambios en empatia y en las dificultades interpersonales que los pacientes con EH enfrentan. Métodos: Condujimos un estudio transversal para comparar el desempeño en puntajes de tareas de ToM en pacientes con EH leve a moderada, sus familiares (pareja o familiar en riesgo con prueba genética negativa) y controles sanos. Se excluyó a sujetos con demencia o depresión. La batería de pruebas de ToM incluyó versiones en español de la prueba de lectura de la mente en los ojos (RMET), Historias Extrañas de Happé (subpruebas Social y Física) y Hinting Task. Resultados: La serie consistió de 12 pacientes con EH, 12 familiares y 12 controles. Los pacientes con EH mostraron puntajes menores de tareas de ToM afectiva que los controles (RMET 19 [3.5] vs 23.9 [2.7], p = 0.016). Los puntajes de tareas de ToM cognitiva fueron inferiores a los controles en los pacientes con EH (Historias Sociales de Happé 9 [2.6] vs 13 [1.9], p = 0.001; Hinting task 13.6 [3.4] vs 175 [4.0], p = 0.009). En la Hinting task los familiares de pacientes con EH mostraron puntajes inferiores que los de los controles (13 [3.2] vs 175 [4.0], p = 0.009) y puntajes similares a aquellos de los controles en el resto de la batería. Conclusión: Los pacientes con EH con enfermedad leve a moderada y sus familiares muestran déficits en tareas de ToM.

Características clínico-epidemiológicas de pacientes con diabetes mellitus de tipo 2 en un área de salud / Clinical and epidemiological features of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 in a health area

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y trasversal, en el 2016, en 350 personas con diabetes mellitus de tipo 2, pertenecientes al Policlínico Docente Julián Grimau García del municipio de Santiago de Cuba y seleccionadas por muestreo probabilístico, bietápico, sistemático en fase, a fin de caracterizarles según variables clínicas y epidemiológicas. En la casuística predominaron el sexo femenino y el grupo etario de 60-69 años, así como la hipertensión arterial y la obesidad entre las comorbilidades; la neuropatía diabética y la enfermedad vascular periférica fueron las complicaciones referidas con más frecuencia, y primaron las personas diabéticas con 10 años o menos de tiempo de evolución. El tabaquismo y la ingestión de bebidas alcohólicas resultaron más frecuentes en los hombres, mientras que la ingestión de bebidas azucaradas y el sedentarismo se manifestaron de manera similar en ambos sexos. Los hipoglucemiantes de consumo oral constituyeron el tratamiento farmacológico preponderante, en tanto los conocimientos sobre la enfermedad resultaron adecuados, pero la conducta fue incorrecta en cuanto al cumplimiento terapéutico, y existió una pobre práctica de estilos saludables, así como insuficientes percepción y práctica del autocuidado y la autorresponsabilidad.

A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in the 2016 with 350 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, belonging to Julián Grimau García Teaching Polyclinic of Santiago de Cuba municipality who were selected through systematic in phase double-staged probabilistic sampling aimed at characterizing them according to clinical and epidemiological variables. Female sex and the age group 60-69 prevailed in the case material, as well as the hypertension and obesity among the comorbilities; diabetic neuropathy and the peripheric vascular disease were the most common complications referred more frequently, and diabetic patients with 10 years or less of clinical course prevailed. The smoking habit and alcohol consumption were more frequent in the men, while the consumption of sugared drinks and sedentarism had similar patterns in both sexes. Hypoglucemics of oral consumption constituted the predominant pharmacological treatment, while the knowledge on the disease was appropriate, but the behaviour was not adequate as for the therapeutic fulfillment, and there was a poor practice of healthy styles, as well as scarce perception and practice of self-care and self-responsability.

The charming physician (El médico encantador): neurological conditions in a short story by Silvina Ocampo / O médico encantador (El médico encantador): doenças neurológicas em um conto de Silvina Ocampo

ABSTRACT The Argentinian author Silvina Ocampo (1903-1993) left us a vast body of works which are considered outstanding in many ways. In 1960, she published a short story, entitled "El médico encantador" (The Charming Physician), in the renowned literary magazine Sur. The central character of this piece is a family doctor named Albino Morgan, who had a secret truth: in any house he visited, all variety of disease also entered. He brought with him the viruses he disseminated. The narrator of this short story—one of his patients—describes four of Morgan's diseases. These imaginary neurological conditions allowed Ocampo to explore improbable situations in everyday life.

RESUMO A autora argentina Silvina Ocampo (1903-1993) deixou-nos uma vasta obra que é considerada excelente de várias maneiras. Em 1960, publicou um conto, intitulado "El médico encantador" (O médico encantador), na famosa revista literária Sur. O personagem principal desta obra é um médico de família chamado Albino Morgan que possuía uma verdade secreta: em qualquer casa que ele visitava, também entrava toda a diversidade de doenças. O narrador deste conto -um dos seus pacientes- descreve quatro das doenças de Morgan. Estas condições neurológicas imaginárias permitiu a Ocampo explorar as situações improváveis da vida quotidiana.

Mean platelet volume is decreased in adults with active lupus disease / O volume plaquetário médio está reduzido em adultos com lúpus ativo

ABSTRACT Background: Only a few biomarkers are available for assessing disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Mean platelet volume (MPV) has been recently studied as an inflammatory biomarker. It is currently unclear whether MPV may also play a role as a biomarker of disease activity in adult patients with SLE. Objective: We investigated the association between MPV and disease activity in adult patients with SLE. Methods: In this retrospective study, we compared two groups of adult patients divided according to disease activity (36 per group). Subjects were age- and gender-matched. Results: MPV was significantly decreased with respect to those of inactive patients (7.16 ± 1.39 vs. 8.16 ± 1.50, p = 0.005). At a cutoff level of 8.32 fL, MPV has a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 41% for the detection of disease activity. A modest positive correlation was found between MPV and albumin (r = 0.407, p = 0.001), which in turn is inversely associated with disease activity. Conclusions: In summary, MPV is decreased in adult patients with active lupus disease, and positively correlated with albumin, another biomarker of disease activity. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate the prognostic value of this biomarker.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Existem poucos biomarcadores disponíveis para avaliar a atividade da doença no lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES). O volume plaquetário médio (VPM) foi recentemente estudado como um biomarcador inflamatório. Atualmente não está claro se o VPM também pode desempenhar um papel como um biomarcador da atividade da doença em pacientes adultos com LES. Objetivo: Investigou-se a associação entre o VPM e a atividade da doença em pacientes adultos com LES. Métodos: Neste estudo retrospectivo, compararam-se dois grupos de pacientes adultos divididos de acordo com a atividade da doença (36 por grupo). Os indivíduos foram pareados por idade e gênero. Resultados: O VPM esteve significativamente diminuído nos pacientes com doença ativa em comparação com os níveis em pacientes com doença inativa (7,16 ± 1,39 versus 8,16 ± 1,50, p = 0,005). Em um nível de corte de 8,32 fL, o VPM tem uma sensibilidade de 86% e uma especificidade de 41% para a detecção da atividade da doença. Encontrou-se uma correlação positiva modesta entre o VPM e a albumina (r = 0,407, p = 0,001), que por sua vez está inversamente associada à atividade da doença. Conclusões: Em resumo, o VPM está diminuído em pacientes adultos com lúpus ativo e positivamente correlacionado com a albumina, outro biomarcador da atividade da doença. São necessários estudos prospectivos para avaliar o valor prognóstico desse biomarcador.

Emisores políticos, mediáticos y ciudadanos en internet: hacia un nuevo marco comunicativo en la jornada de reflexión en España / Political broadcasting, the media and citizens on the Internet: towards a new communication milestone for the day of reflection in Spain

Resumen La campaña electoral en España está regulada por la ley orgánica de régimen electoral general 5/1985, que no contempla ninguna medida específica para la cibercampaña. Este vacío legal motiva a los emisores a realizar una interpretación de la norma cuando se comunican en internet durante este periodo. Con el fin de explorar si el nuevo tempo y forma de comunicación en internet se corresponde con un nuevo espacio comunicativo, este estudio analiza los mensajes que políticos, periodistas y ciudadanos se intercambiaron en la jornada de reflexión de las últimas elecciones generales españolas (2011) y muestra cómo esta jornada, comprendida hasta la fecha como un día de reflexión silenciosa, cobra un nuevo sentido en internet.

Abstract Electoral campaigns in Spain are governed by Organic Law 5/1985 on the general election system, which does not include any specific measures on cybercampaigns. This legal vacuum has led the media to come up with their own interpretion of the regulations when engaging in Internet communications during this period. In order to explore whether the new speed and style of communicating by Internet is matched by a new communication space, this article analyzes the messages that politicians, journalists and citizens exchanged during the day of reflection in Spain’s last general election (2011), showing how what has, until now, been seen as a day of silent reflection takes on a new meaning with the Internet.