Anemia hemolítica autoinmune en Chile: un análisis retrospectivo de 43 pacientes / Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: review of 43 cases

Background: Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is an uncommon disease. In its presentation, it can be severe and even lethal. There is only one clinical report concerning this pathology in Chile. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and evolution of adult AIHA inpatients. Materials and Methods: Retrospective review of clinical records of adult AIHA inpatients between January 2010 and June 2018 was done. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic information was analyzed. A descriptive, analytical and survival analysis was performed. Results: Forty-three adult patients diagnosed with AHIA were hospitalized in a period of 8 years. Median age was 63 years (range 22-86 years), mostly women (72%). Warm antibodies were detected in 36 cases (84%) and cold antibodies in seven. Seventy two percent of the patients had an underlying cause, and 58% were secondary to lymphoproliferative neoplasms. All patients except two, received steroids as initial treatment, with response in 37 (90%) of them. Three refractory patients received rituximab, with response in all of them, and relapse in one. Median follow-up was 38 months (range 2-98 months). Five year overall survival was 72%. Conclusion: AHIA in adults inpatients is a heterogeneous disease, mainly due to warm antibodies, and to secondary etiology.

Evaluación del tratamiento de linfoma de Hodgkin con esquema ABVD en Chile / Treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma: analysis of 915 patients

Background: Hodgkin lymphoma has a high rate of curability, even in advanced stages. Aim: To assess the results of Hodgkin lymphoma treatment using the ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine) chemotherapy regimen. Material and Methods: Analysis of a database held by the Chilean Ministry of Health, including all patients treated at accredited cancer treatment centers. Results: Data for 915 patients, median age 35 years (range 15-86 years) and followed for a median of 97 months (range 1-347 months) were analyzed. Forty-one percent had localized disease. Overall survival at five years for localized and advanced stages was 92% and 74%, respectively. The figures for progression free survival were 87% and 64%, respectively. Patients with relapse who received autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) had a five year overall survival of 92%, compared to 64% among those who did not undergo this procedure (p < 0.01). The Guarantees in Health Program set up by the Ministry of Health, was associated with earlier stage disease at diagnosis. Conclusions: The ABVD regimen achieves high rates of cure in localized stages of the disease but the results in advanced stages are not optimal. ASCT significantly improves survival in patients with relapse. The Guarantees in Health Program is associated with earlier diagnosis of the disease.

Miastenia gravis y su asociación con trastornos linfoproliferativos: casos clínicos / Myasthenia gravis and its association with lymphoproliferative disorders: a case series

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction. It is characterized by variable weakness and excessive fatigability of skeletal muscles. In the last few years, numerous reports have been published showing the association between autoimmune diseases, such as systemic erythematous lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, with lymphoid neoplasias. The association between MG and lymphoid neoplasia seems to be less frequent. To analyze this association we reviewed the MG patients in the Department of Neurology, Hospital Salvador of Santiago, Chile. During a three-year period we identified four patients who developed different lymphoproliferative disorders: two with B-cell lymphoma, one with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and one plasmacytoma with an associated amyloidosis. The MG was generalized but mild, all cases classified as type IIa according to the definition proposed by the MG Foundation of America. The neoplasia appeared two to 36 years after the onset of MG. These cases provide additional evidence of the association between MG and lymphoproliferative disorders.

Abandono del hábito tabáquico tras un primer ingreso en el Servicio de Neumología / Smoking cessation after first admission in a respiratory unit

Some authors suggest that hospitalization is an ideal moment to stop smoking. It is unknown the outcome of smokers admitted for the first time in the pulmonology department, which interventions are carried out to achieve smoking cessation and which are the dropout rates once they are discharged. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of a first hospital admission in a service of Pneumology on smokers. Epidemiological variables, smoking habit, specialized interventions carried out on these subjects and rate of withdrawal after discharge were studied. It is necessary to train specialists to diagnose and treat the patient in the process, so that on every hospitalized smoker a cessation intervention should be carried out.

Algunos autores defienden que el ingreso hospitalario constituye un marco ideal para dejar de fumar. Se desconoce lo que sucede con los fumadores que ingresan por primera vez en el Servicio de Neumología, sobre las intervenciones que en ellos se lleva a cabo, así como sus tasas de abandono una vez que son dados de alta. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar el impacto que tiene un primer ingreso hospitalario en el Servicio de Neumología en sujetos fumadores. Conocer sus variables epidemiológicas, el hábito de tabáquico, las intervenciones que el personal médico especializado realiza sobre estos sujetos y las tasas de abstinencia posteriores al alta. Es necesario formar a los especialistas para diagnosticar y tratar al paciente en dicho proceso, de tal forma que sobre todo sujeto fumador hospitalizado se realice alguna intervención.

Presentación atípica de meningioma de células claras en cauda equina sin implantación dural / Atipic presentation of nondura-based clear cell meningioma in cauda equina

Introducción: El Meningioma de Células Claras (MCC) es un raro subtipo de meningioma. Se han descrito más de 100 casos de MCC a nivel mundial, de ellos sólo se han publicado 17 con duramadre indemne, presentándose generalmente en mujeres jóvenes. El objetivo es presentar un caso clínico inusual y atípico, conociendo manejo y pronóstico. Presentación del caso: Se trata de un varón de 75 años con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y leucemia linfoide crónica en tratamiento, que consultó por dolor polirradicular y paresia de extremidades inferiores con posterior compromiso esfinteriano. La resonancia nuclear magnética de columna evidenció un tumor intradural a nivel de L1-L3. Se realizó exéresis tumoral bajo neuromonitoreo, observándose un tumor amarillo-grisáceo adyacente al cono medular y a la cauda equina, sin afección de la duramadre. El estudio histológico e inmunohistoquímico demostraron MCC. El paciente evolucionó con regresión completa de su sintomatología preoperatoria. Discusión: En la cauda equina, incluso sin implantación dural, debe plantearse la posibilidad de un meningioma, enfatizando en la resección completa de la lesión a causa del fuerte factor predictor de recidiva.

Introduction: The Clear Cell Meningioma (CCM) is a rare subtype of meningioma. Have been reported more than 100 cases of CCM in the world, of which only 17 cases are nondura-based CCM, more frequently in young women. The aim is to present an unusual case knowing management and prognosis. Case report: This is a man of 75 years old with a history of hypertension and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in treatment, who consulted for polirradicular pain and paresis of lower extremities with subsequent sphincteric compromise. The magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal tumor in L1-L3. Tumor resection was per-formed under neuromonitoring and observed a nondura-based tumor adjacent to the medullary cone and the cauda equina. The histological and immunohistochemical study showed CCM. The patient developed complete regression of preoperative symptoms. Discussion: In horsetail, even without dural implantation, it should consider the possibility of a meningioma, emphasizing in the complete resection of the lesion given strong predictor factor of recurrence

Lesiones cutáneas en mieloma múltiple: Descripción de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Cutaneous involvement in multiple myeloma: Report of one case

Cutaneous involvement in multiple myeloma (MM) is extremely rare. It may correspond to plasmocytomas, secondary amyloidosis, paraneoplastic syndromes or drug reactions. We report a 75-year-old female with skin lesions, corresponding to extramedullary plasmacytomas (EPs), as a manifestation of MM progression. Most EPs appear in the upper airway and gastrointestinal tract, but have also been described in the genitourinary tract, lung, kidney, thyroid and in 2% of cases, in the skin. Cutaneous lesions are generally associated with terminal stages of the disease and a poor prognosis.

Linfoma primario cutáneo agresivo epidermotrópico de células T citotóxicas CD8 positivo: Caso clínico / Primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic CD8 positive T cell lymphoma: Report of one case

Primary cutaneous aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic CD8 positive T cell lymphoma, is an uncommon disease, with an aggressive clinical behavior. Differentiation with other types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) that express a CD8+ cells, is based only on clinical grounds and in certain morphological characteristics, such as a marked epidermotropism with squamous cell necrosis. We report a 50-year-old male presenting with painless cutaneous lesions appearing in trunk, limbs, scalp and face, suggestive of cutaneous lymphoma. He was admitted to the hospital in bad conditions, with confluent papules and tumors, some of them ulcerated and with foul smelling honey-colored crusts, involving the complete body surface. Cutaneous biopsy demonstrated a CD8 positive epidermotropic cytotoxic T cell lymphoma. He was treated with chemotherapy with an excellent initial response, but cutaneous lesions reappeared after four cycles. He did not respond to rescue chemotherapy and died seven months after diagnosis.

Chemical composition of ice pops produced in a microindustry from hidalgo, Mexico / Composición quimica de paletas congeladas producidas en una microindustria de hidalgo, México

The chemical composition of water and milk based ice pops produced by a microindustry in Hidalgo, Mexico were determined. Fifteen samples of several flavors were analyzed. The proximate composition was carried out according AOAC techniques. The identification and quantification of fatty acids in the milk based ice pops was performed by Gas Chromatography provided with a flame ionization detector. Water based ice pops did not present a significant nutritional value. Regarding milk based ice pops all samples contained from 6.83 to 12.7% offat and some samples showed interesting contents of protein (3.55 and 4.21%). The fatty acid profile revealed higher contents of unsaturated fatty acids compared with saturated fatty acids. Trans fatty acids were detected in five of seven milk based samples, representing 20-60% of total fatty acids. Analysis showed that the mixes used to prepare ice pops are different according to their flavor, kind, and amount of fruit which alters their nutritional value and the levels of trans-fatty acids.

Se determinó la composición química de paletas congeladas, en base agua y en base láctea, producidas por una microindustria en Hidalgo, México. Se analizaron quince muestras de diferentes sabores. La composición proximal se llevó a cabo de acuerdo a las técnicas de la AOAC. La identificación y cuantificación de ácidos grasos en las paletas base láctea se realizó por cromatografía de gases con detector de ionización de llama. Las paletas base agua no presentaron un valor nutricional significativo. Con respecto a las paletas base láctea, se observaron contenidos de grasa de 6.83 a 12.7%; algunas presentaron valores interesantes de proteína (3.55 y 4.21%). El perfil de ácidos grasos reveló altos contenidos de ácidos grasos insaturados comparados con los saturados. Cinco de las siete paletas de base láctea analizadas presentaron ácidos grasos trans, representando 20-60% del total de ácidos grasos. Los análisis realizados han mostrado que las mezclas usadas para preparar las paletas son diferentes de acuerdo a su sabor, tipo y cantidad de fruta la cual modifica el valor nutricional y el nivel de ácidos grasos trans.

Asociación entre niveles de TNF-a en fluido crevicular gingival de dientes con periodontitis apical asintomática / Levels of TNF-a increase in gingival crevicular fluid of teeth with asymptomatic apical periodontitis

Introducción: Como consecuencia de necrosis pulpar séptica, el ingreso de productos bacterianos en el periápice induce la producción de citoquinas pro-inflamatorias como el Factor de Necrosis Tumoral (TNF)- a, que entre otras funciones participa en la diferenciación y activación de los osteoclastos para inducir reabsorción ósea, fenómeno característico de la periodontitis apical asintomática (PAA). El fluido crevicular gingival (FCG) ofrece un gran potencial como fuente de factores asociados con la actividad osteoclástica. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar los niveles de TNF- a en FCG de dientes con PAA y controles sanos contralaterales. Métodos: Se incluyeron 14 pacientes en la Clínica de Endodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Chile con diagnóstico clínico de PAA y se obtuvieron muestras de FCG con tiras de papel a partir de los dientes afectados y sanos contralaterales por un periodo estandarizado de 30 segundos. Se determinaron las concentraciones de proteínas totales mediante el método del ácido bisciconitico y los niveles de TNF- a, mediante ensayo ELISA. Los datos se analizaron con Test-t pareado utilizando el programa StataV11. Resultados: Se detectaron niveles de TNF- a significativamente mayores en el FCG de dientes con PAA estandarizados, tanto por 30 segundos de toma de muestra como por mg de proteínas totales. Conclusiones: Este estudio provee evidencia preliminar de que los niveles de TNF- a en el FCG reflejan la presencia de PAA y podría ser de utilidad como complemento al diagnóstico clínico y monitoreo del estado de salud o enfermedad de los tejidos perirradiculares.

Introduction: As a consequence of septic pulp necrosis, the entry of bacterial products into periapical tissues induces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- a. This pleiotropic cytokine is involved in the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts to induce bone resorption, a hallmark of asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) has a great potential as a source of factors associated with osteoclastic activity. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of TNF- a in GCF of teeth with PAA and contralateral healthy controls. Methods: A total of 14 patients with clinical diagnosis of AAP were enrolled from the Clinic of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile during 2009 and 30-second GCF samples were obtained with paper strips from AAP teeth and contralateral healthy controls. Total protein concentration and TNF- a levels were determined through bisciconitic acid method and ELISA assay, respectively. Paired t test and StataV11 software were used for statistical analysis. Results: Levels of TNF- a were significantly higher in GCF from teeth with AAP than controls when standardized by either 30s of sampling and total protein content. Conclusions: The present study provides preliminary data supporting that TNF- a levels in GCF reflect periapical status. Screening of TNF- a levels in GCF might represent a useful side-diagnostic tool to the monitoring of the apical status.

Amiloidosis extrema asociada a mieloma múltiple e insuficiencia renal terminal: Caso clínico / Primary amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma and renal failure: Case report

We report a 53-year-old female on chronic dialysis, presenting with weight loss, the development of big soft masses in the shoulders ("shoulder pads"), forearms and buttocks, macroglossia and rigidity of hands and lower limbs. Laboratory confirmed the presence of amyloidosis and myeloma with lambda chain restricted plasma cell infiltration of bone marrow. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma associated with primary amyloidosis in a patient with terminal renal failure, was reached.

Anatomía quirúrgica de la arteria dorsal de la escápula: su participación en la irrigación del colgajo miocutáneo de trapecio / Surgical anatomy of the dorsal scapular artery: its participation in the blood supply to the miocutaneous trapezius flap

Objetivo: confirmar y documentar la presencia deuna rama de la arteria dorsal de la escápula (ó dorsalescapular) como un pedículo constante, de diámetroadecuado y fuente principal de irrigación del colgajo detrapecio inferior.Alrededor de 1980 se utilizó el colgajo de trapecio inferior para cubrir defectos de la región posterior ylateral de cuello, cuero cabelludo y calota craneana (1).Sin embargo su uso fue disminuyendo al publicarse laalta incidencia de necrosis del colgajo. Una de las causas de los fracasos fue el desacuerdo respecto a suaporte arterial principal: la arteria cervical transversa(transversa colli) o la arteria dorsal de la escápula -ADE-(2,3). Esto incentivó la investigación para definir su anatomía vascular, así como comprobar el origen y la frecuencia de un vaso arterial que irrigue el segmento caudal del trapecio.Materiales y Método. Se utilizaron 44 cadáveres formolizados al 10% y 1 cadáver fresco; adultos, 24femeninos y 21 masculinos en la Cátedra de Anatomía Normal, Fac. de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacio-nal de Córdoba.Resultados. En 89 especímenes (98,9%) se identificó un pedículo que irriga la porción inferior del trapecio: la rama trapecial de la arteria dorsal de la escápula.Este vaso fue identificado, documentado y utilizado comopedículo principal en los angiogramas de piezas anató-micas y en las cirugías reconstructivas realizadas.Conclusiones. El tercio inferior del trapecio tieneun pedículo vascular constante que es la rama trapecialde la arteria dorsal de la escápula, la cual emerge en laregión paraescapular medial entre el músculo romboidesmenor y mayor. Se compara y discute la literatura con los hallazgos anatómicos de este trabajo realizado en Córdoba.

Objetive: corroborate y record the presence of onebranch of the dorsal scapular artery as a constant pediclewith appropiate diameter and as the major contributor tothe blood supply to the lower trapezius flap. Around 1980,the lower trapezius flap was used to cover defects in backand lateral neck regions, scalp and skull cap. However,its usage decreased when the high incidence of flap ne-crosis was published. One of the probable causes offailures was the disagreement as regards its principalarterial contribution: the transverse cervical artery or thedorsal scapular artery. This motivated research to defineits vascular anatomy, and confirm the origin and thefrequency of an arterial vessel which irrigates the trapeziuscaudal segment.Materials and Method we used for this study 44bodies fixed in 10% formaldehyde and 1 fresh cadaver.All were adults , 24 female and 21 male, and thedissections were perform in the Cátedra de AnatomíaNormal, Facultad de Cs Médicas, Universidad Nacionalde Córdoba .Results: in 89 specimens (98,9%) we found apedicle that contribute to the irrigation of the lowertrapezius: the trapecial branch of the dorsal scapular artery.This vessel was identified, recorded and used as mainpedicle in the anatomical specimen ́s angiograms andduring the reconstructive surgeriesConclusions: the lower third of the trapeziusmuscle have a constant vascular pedicle: the trapeziusbranch of the dorsal scapular artery, wich arise in themedial para-scapular area, between the rhomboideusminor and rhomboideus major. The internationalliterature was com pared and discussed with theanatomical findings of this work carried out in Córdoba.

Valor pronóstico del nuevo sistema de etapificación internacional en mieloma múltiple: Comparación con el sistema de Durie-Salmon / Prognostic value of the new international staging system in multiple myeloma: Comparison with Durie-Salmon staging system

Background: Since 1975, the Durie-Salmon staging system (D&S) has been a widely accepted prognostic classification of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Recently, the new International Staging System (ISS) was developed using only the values of albumin and betaZ-microglobulin. Aim: To compare survival of patients with MM treated in six medical centers in Chile according to the D&S system and the new ISS. Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of demographic information, clinical features and survival rate of patients treated between 1998 and 2002, and grouped according to both systems. Results: Information of 81 patients aged 38 to 90 years (43 women) was retrieved. According D&S system 11 percent were in stage I 12 percent in stage II and 73 percent in stage III According to ISS, 34 percent were in stage I 35 percent in stage II and 31 percent in stage III Median of survival of all patients was 32 months. Both staging systems had a prognostic value. However, median survival for the three stages of the ISS system was significantly different (67, 29 and 14 months in stages III and III, respectively, p =0.02). Patients in advanced stages II and III of the ISS, had a higher frequency of anemia, hypercalcemia, renal failure and hypoalbuminemia. In stages II and III of ISS the presence of renal failure was associated with a non significantly different lower survival. Conclusions: The ISS is a simple and effective grouping method for patients with MM, that predicts survival. The presence of renal insufficiency might identify a subgroup of patients included in stages II and III of ISS with a higher mortality.

Mieloma múltiple en Chile: características clínicas y sobrevida / Clinical features and survival of Chilean patients with multiple myeloma

Background: Mortality rate records are the only data available in Chile about the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Aim To characterize clinical features, survival rate and factors related to mortality in cases with MM treated in six large medical centers in Chile. Material and Method: Retrospective analysis of demographic data, clinical features and survival rate records of patients with MM, collected between 1998 and 2002. Survival curves were generated and a multivariate analysis of factors associated to early mortality was carried out. Results: Data from 245patients aged 38 to 95years (129 women) was collected. Fifty two percent had an IgG myeloma, 25 percent had and IgA and 6.1 percent had light chains myeloma. According to Durie and Salmon staging system, 8,2 percent were in Stage 112.6 percent in Stage II, 60.5 percent in Stage III and in 18.8 percent the information about staging was not available. Fifty percent had an hemoglobin level below 10 g/dL, 30 percent had a serum creatinine over 2 mg/dL and 28 percent had a serum calcium level over 10.5 mg/dL. Median survival was 33 months. Twenty percent of patients died within the first six months after diagnosis (early mortality). Predictive factors for early mortality were male sex, thrombocytopenia, anemia, renal failure, hypercalcemia, a beta2-microglobulin >5.5 mg/L and a serum albumin level <3.5 g/dL. There was a correlation between the number of bad prognosis factors present and the probability of early mortality. Conclusions: This group of Chilean patients with MM presented a short survival time, and 20 percent died within the first six months after diagnosis. More than a half of cases were diagnosed at an advanced stage (Durie and Salmon Stage III). Several factors were associated to early mortality, two of which (beta 2-microglobulin and serum albumin), are included in the new International Staging System for MM.

Linfoma de Hodkin en Chile: Experiencia de 15 años del Programa Nacional de Cáncer del Adulto / Hodgkin lymphoma in Chile: Experience of the national adult cancer program

Background: Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly curable disease. Aim: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and the treatment results of Hodgkin lymphoma patients of the National Cancer Program in Chile. Patients and methods: Prospective assessment of 682 patients treated in 18 adult cancer centers. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated. Median follow up was 127, 95, 87, 72 and 50 months for C-MOPP, radiotherapy (RT), C-MOPP/ABV, NOVP and ABVD, respectively. Results: Median age was 37 years (15-84). Nodular sclerosis and mixed cellularity were equally expressed. Advanced stages (III & IV) were present at diagnosis in 61 percent of cases. Age over 40 was an adverse prognostic factor (p <0.001). The rate of PFS at 5 and 10 years for early stages was 73 percent and 66 percent with RT, 80 percent and 74 percent with C-MOPP+RT, 73 percent and 71 percent with C-MOPP/ABV, 59 percent and 59 percent with NOVP+RT, and 81 percent with ABVD+RT, at 5 years, being significantly lower for NOVP (p =0.02). The rate of OS at 5 and 10 years for advanced stages was 82 percent and 70 percent with RT, 82 percent and 76 percent with C-MOPP+RT, 82 percent and 80 percent with C-MOPP/ABV, 68 percent and 60 percent with NOVP, and 85 percent with ABVD at 5 years, also significantly lower for NOVP (p =0.04). For advanced stages, the rate of PFS at 5 and 10 years was 49 percent and 43 percent with C-MOPP, 69 percent and 62 percent with C-MOPP/ABVD or C-MOPP/ABV, and 71 percent at 5 years with ABVD, significantly lower for C-MOPP (p =0.01). The rate of OS at 5 and 10 years was 52 percent and 46 percent with C-MOPP, 70 percent and 63 percent with C-MOPP/ABVD or C-MOPP/ABV and 76 percent with ABVD at 5 years, significantly lower for C-MOPP (p =0.0002). Conclusions: Age over 40 years was an adverse prognostic factor. C-MOPP/ABVD, C-MOPP/ABV and ABVD had comparable results and reached a high tumor control and overall survival in both early...

Frecuencia de los genes de fusión TEL/AML1 y BCR/ABL en pacientes pediátricos con leucemia linfoblástica aguda / Frequency of TEL/AML1 and BCR/ABL fusion genes in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background: t(12;21) (p12;q22) and t(9;22) (q34;q11) translocations have prognostic significance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The fusion genes TEL/AML1 y BCR/ABL, generated by these translocations, can be easily detected using molecular biology technique. Aim: To study the frequency of TEL/AML1 y BCR/ABL fusion genes in children with ALL. Material and methods: Fifity six children with ALL (age range 1 month- 14 years) were studied, thirty eight from our Temuco Hospital and 18 from the Metropolitan Region. TEL/AML1 y BCR/ABL fusion genes were detected in bone marrow samples using a reverse transcriptase nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: TEL/AML 1 and BCR/ABL fusion gene transcripts were detected in 13 (23 percent) and 2 (4 percent) children, respectively. No differences in survival were observed between children with positive or negative transcripts for TEL/AML1 fusion gene. However, those positive for BCR/ABL fusion gene, had a significantly lower survival. Conclusions: The frequency of TEL/AML1 and BCR/ABL fusion gene transcripts in these children with ALL is similar to that described by other authors.

Restauración de la inmunidad innata en pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA después de inicio de terapia antirretroviral / Innate immunity restoration in patients with HIV/AIDS infection associated with antiretroviral therapy

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV/AIDS infection induces an important reduction of the viral load (VL) and an immune system reconstitution. CD4+ T lymphocyte count is the immunological measurement commonly used for the follow up of HIV/AIDS patients. Aim: To study prospectively the restoration of the innate immune system in patients with HIV/AIDS infection during their first year on HAART. Patients and Methods: 25 naive HIV/AIDS patients, from San José Hospital and University of Chile Clinical Hospital, Santiago, Chile, were studied between years 2002-2003. Every 4 months after HAART initiation, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD16/56+ natural killer (NK) cells were quantified by flow cytometry. NK cell cytotoxicity was measured using radioactive chrome liberation (Cr51). Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and viral load was determined using Amplicor HIV-1 from Roche Diagnostics Systems. Results: Thirteen of the 25 patients continued in the study. They were all males, average age 35 years old (23-50). At baseline average CD4+ count was 146 cells/µL (31-362) and average viral load was 82.000 copies/mL (4.000-290.000). A raise in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD16/56 cells was noted at months 9-12 of therapy. Viral load became undetectable in the same period. NK cell function was decreased at the beginning of the therapy (1-4 months), reaching its highest values at months 9-12. There was no significant change in IL-10. TNF-a increased in six patients during the study. Conclusions: In this group of patients, innate immunity was restored during HAART. These results should be confirmed in studies with a longer follow up period and also measuring cytokines such as MIP-1a, MIP-1ß and RANTES.