Impacto de las exacerbaciones en la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Impact of Exacerbations on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es la tercera causa de muerte en todo el mundo. Sin embargo, ante la falta de herramientas diagnósticas precisas en el primer nivel de atención médica, como la espirometría, es difícil determinar la prevalen-cia real de la EPOC.Por otro lado, la falta de una definición clara y precisa de las exacerbaciones de la EPOC hace que se subestime su impacto en la salud pública; habitualmente, los pacien-tes con EPOC que cursan una exacerbación retrasan la búsqueda de atención médica inmediata porque se acostumbran al deterioro asociado a la enfermedad o lo confun-den con cambios por la edad avanzada. Esto puede provocar un aumento de la mor-bilidad y la mortalidad, asimismo, mayor utilización de los recursos sanitarios y mayor carga económica. Por lo tanto, es importante sensibilizar sobre la importancia del diagnóstico temprano y el tratamiento adecuado de las exacerbaciones de la EPOC, del mismo modo que el mayor conocimiento público de los síntomas, las causas y los factores de riesgo de la EPOC. Con ello, se podrán aplicar estrategias de prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento más eficaces que mejoren la calidad de vida de los pacientes y disminuyan la carga de la enfermedad para la sociedad.Esta revisión ofrece un análisis crítico de la definición más reciente y esboza las impli-caciones del comportamiento de las exacerbaciones, su impacto en los distintos ám-bitos del sistema sanitario, así como en las diferentes esferas de la vida de los pacien-tes con EPOC. (AU)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common disease and the third leading cause of death worldwide. However, due to the lack of accurate diagnostic tools at the first level of care, such as spirometry, the true prevalence of COPD is difficult to determine.In addition, the lack of a clear definition of COPD exacerbations means that its pub-lic health impact is underestimated. Patients with COPD often do not seek immediate medical attention because they become used to the deterioration associated with the disease. This can lead to increased patient morbidity and mortality, as well as increased utilization of healthcare resources and higher economic costs. Therefore, it is important to promote greater awareness of the importance of early di-agnosis and proper management of COPD exacerbations, as well as increased public awareness of COPD symptoms, etiologic agents, and risk factors.By better understanding COPD exacerbations, more effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies can be implemented to improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the burden of the disease on society.This review aims to provide a critical analysis of the most recent definition and to out-line the implications of the behavior of COPD exacerbations and their impact on the dif-ferent settings of the health care system, as well as on the different spheres of patients' lives. (AU)

Cystatin C is a marker for acute kidney injury, but not for mortality among COVID-19 patients in Mexico

ABSTRACT Background: Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 can develop acute kidney injury (AKI), associated with adverse clinical outcomes. In Mexico, an AKI incidence of 60.7% was reported in patients with COVID-19. Serum cystatin C is a well-known marker for AKI. It has been postulated as a marker for mortality in Chinese patients with COVID-19. Information regarding levels of cystatin C in COVID-19-infected patients is nonexistent among Mexican or Latin American populations. Aim: This work aimed to assess the level of cystatin C as an indicator of AKI and mortality among COVID-19 patients from Mexico. Methods: A cross-sectional study among 38 adults was performed in the Regional High Specialty Hospital of the Yucatan Peninsula in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. Baseline characteristics and clinical and biomechanical parameters were collected, and serum levels of cystatin C were measured by ELISA. Results: A total of 71% (27 patients) with COVID-19 developed AKI; 78% were men, and 22% were women. In addition, 60% of individuals (16 men; 7 women) died due to COVID-19 complications. Serum levels of cystatin C were higher in those individuals who developed AKI (p = 0.001). A logistic regression model indicated that individuals with serum levels of cystatin C above 0.84 ng/mL had a 23-fold increased risk of developing AKI (OR, 23.7, 95% CI, 2.59-217.00, p = 0.005). However, increased cystatin C was not independently associated with mortality in the Mexican population (HR, 1.01, 95% CI, 0.66-1.56, p = 0.959). Conclusion: The results suggest that serum levels of cystatin C indicate AKI in COVID-19 patients. Although we recommend caution when using serum cystatin C levels as an indicator of mortality among the Mexican population, it is essential to note that cystatin C elevates earlier than creatinine, which is an advantage for timely clinical interventions.

Riesgo de desnutrición prequirúrgico como factor causal de estancia hospitalaria prolongada en cirugía gastrointestinal / Risk of pre-surgical malnutrition as a causal factor of prolonged hospital stay in gastro intestinal surgery

Resumen Introducción La desnutrición corresponde al déficit de energía y nutrimentos. Contribuye con mayor número y gravedad de complicaciones en diversas enfermedades. En procedimientos quirúrgicos, la desnutrición se ha relacionado con infecciones intrahospitalarias e incremento en mortalidad. Se ha postulado que una valoración nutricional adecuada identifica de forma oportuna el riesgo de desarrollar complicaciones. Objetivo Identificar la frecuencia de riesgo de desnutrición preoperatoria y sus efectos en pacientes sometidos a intervención quirúrgica por patología gastrointestinal. Material y métodos Estudio clínico observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo, que incluye la totalidad de expedientes de pacientes que fueron intervenidos por cirugía gastrointestinal de enero a diciembre de 2016. La asociación entre variables con el desenlace primario se realizó mediante análisis de regresión logística. Resultados Se incluyeron 138 expedientes. La frecuencia de riesgo de desnutrición preoperatoria fue del 4%. El grupo con riesgo de desnutrición tuvo una mediana de estancia hospitalaria de cinco vs dos días en el grupo sin riesgo (p = 0.014). No se observaron diferencias estadísticas en complicaciones postquirúrgicas. La hipoproteinemia es el principal factor sérico relacionado con la existencia de desnutrición preoperatoria (OR 5.91, IC 95% 1.12-31.1, p = 0.036). Finalmente, la presencia de riesgo de desnutrición preoperatoria se asoció con estancia hospitalaria prolongada (OR 1.33, IC 95% 1.07-1.64, p = 0.008) Conclusiones La existencia de riesgo de desnutrición preoperatoria se relaciona con estancia hospitalaria prolongada en pacientes intervenidos por cirugía gastrointestinal. Estudios subsecuentes deberán enfocarse en implementar estrategias nutricionales que incidan en menor tiempo de estancia en hospital.

Abstract Introduction Malnutrition consists of deficit of energy and nutrients. It can contribute to increase the number and severity of complications of the disease. Among surgical procedures, malnutrition its related with nosocomial infections and higher mortality. It has been postulated that an adequate nutritional assessment reduces the risk of developing complications. Objective To determine the prevalence of preoperative malnutrition and it's effects in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal pathology. Material and methods This is a clinical observational, descriptive and retrospective chart review of patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery from January 2016 to December 2016. The association between risk factors and main outcome was analyzed with logistic regression analysis. Results Our population consisted of 138 files of patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery. The prevalence of malnutrition was 4%. The group at risk of preoperative malnutrition had a median hospital length of stay of 5 vs 2 days in the group without risk (p = 0.014). There were non-statistical significant differences in post-surgical complications. Hypoproteinemia is the main serum biomarker related to the existence of preoperative malnutrition (OR 5.91, 95% CI 1.12-31.1, p = 0.036). It was identified that the existence of risk of preoperative malnutrition is related to prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.07-1.64, p = 0.008) Conclusions The evidence of risk of preoperative malnutrition is related to prolonged hospital stay in patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery. Subsequent studies should focus on nutritional interventions that could shorten hospital length of stay.

Manejo del empiema complicado con ventana torácica y sistema de presión negativa / Management of complicated empyema with thoracic window and negative pressure system

Introducción: El empiema torácico se define como derrame pleural purulento. La causa más frecuente es el infeccioso paraneumónico, sin embargo, puede presentarse en escenarios posquirúrgicos o postraumáticos. El empiema sigue una evolución progresiva trifásica y el tratamiento debe enfocarse a la causa de la enfermedad, fase evolutiva, y el estado general del paciente. Algunos casos requieren toracotomía con drenaje abierto tipo ventana torácica para solucionar el padecimiento. Materiales y Método: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y descriptivo basado en una serie de casos. Se analizaron datos de pacientes consecutivos con empiema intervenidos con toracotomía con drenaje abierto tipo ventana torácica y uso de sistema de presión negativa en un Hospital de 3er Nivel del Sureste de México de octubre 2015 a junio 2017. Resultados: Se analizaron seis casos, la mediana de edad fue 46 años (rango intercuartílico 34-47) y 67% eran hombres. El sistema de presión negativa se colocó en el periodo posquirúrgico con una mediana de 6 días (rango intercuartílico 5-7). El tiempo medio de permanencia fue de 61 días (RIC 43-148). Finalmente, el tiempo de estancia hospitalaria fue de 72 días (RIC 49-87). El 67% de los casos evolucionó con cierre de la ventana torácica y adecuada expansión pulmonar. Conclusiones: En pacientes con empiema crónico, la terapia integral que incluya toracotomía con ventana torácica y el uso de sistema de presión negativa es una estrategia aceptable de tratamiento. Se requieren más estudios que ratifiquen los resultados de forma más objetiva.

Background: Thoracic empyema is defined as a purulent pleural effusion. Its most common origin is parapneumonic, nonetheless, post-surgical or post-traumatic empyema can also occur. Empyema has a progressive three-phase evolution and the treatment must focus to the evolutionary phase, cause of the disease and overall state of the patient. Some cases would undergo through thoracotomy with thoracic window open drainage to solve the disease. Material and Methods: This is an observational, retrospective and descriptive study based on all consecutive patients with empyema who underwent thoracotomy with thoracic window open drainage in a 3rd level hospital in the southeast of Mexico between october 2015 and june 2017. Results: We identified 6 cases. Median of age was 46 years (IQR 34-47) and 67% were male. The negative pressure system was placed in the 6th day of surgery (IQR 5-7). Median time of use was 61 days (IQR 43-148). Finally, the length of hospital stay was 72 days (IQR 49-87). 67% of the cases had chest window closure with adequate lung expansion. Conclusions: when we face a clinical scenario with chronic empyema, an integral therapy that includes thoracic window thoracotomy with a negative pressure system is an acceptable treatment strategy. Subsequent studies are required in order to ratify the results

Management of Complicated Empyema with Thoracic Window and Negative Pressure System

Introduction: the thoracic empyema is defined as a purulent pleural effusion. Its most frequent cause is infectious parapneumonic effusion; however, postsurgical or posttraumatic empyema can also occur. The empyema has a progressive three-phase evolution and its treatment shall focus on the cause of the disease, the evolutionary phase and the general condition of the patient. In order to cure this condition, some cases require thoracotomy with open thoracic window drainage. Materials and Method: observational, retrospective and descriptive study based on a series of cases. We analyzed data from consecutive patients with empyema who underwent thoracotomy with open thoracic window drainage and using a negative pressure system in a third-level care hospital in the southeast of Mexico between October 2015 and June 2017. Results: we analyzed 6 cases. Median of age was 46 years (interquartile range 34-47), and 67% were male. The negative pressure system was placed during the postsurgical period, with a median of 6 days (interquartile range 5-7). The mean permanence time was 61 days (IQR 43-148). Finally, the length of hospital stay was 72 days (IQR 49-87). 67% of the cases had thoracic window closure and adequate lung expansion. Conclusions: in patients with chronic empyema, an integral therapy including thoracic window thoracotomy with a negative pressure system is an acceptable treatment strategy. More studies are required in order to ratify the results more objectively.

Pérdida recurrente del embarazo e hipertensión pulmonar idiopática / Recurrent pregnancy loss and idiopatic pulmonary hypertension

Resumen La pérdida recurrente del embarazo ocurre cuando una mujer tiene 2 ó más pérdidas de embarazos clínicos antes de las 20 semanas de gestación. Existen múltiples factores de riesgo relacionados con este padecimiento, entre ellos, la presencia de Hipertensión Pulmonar (HP) se vincula con elevada mortalidad (30-56% de los casos) y riesgo de abortos entre las semanas 9 y 12 de gestación. No se conoce con precisión la frecuencia de asociación entre las condiciones clínicas referidas. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 31 años de edad que ingresó al hospital con un aborto en evolución, en el periodo posterior al legrado evidencian Hipoxemia Grave e Insuficiencia Cardiaca Derecha; durante el abordaje diagnóstico se confirma que la causa primaria de la recurrencia de abortos se encuentra asociada con la presencia de Hipertensión Pulmonar Idiopática.

Abstract Recurrent pregnancy loss occurs whenever a woman has 2 or more miscarriages of their clinical pregnancy before 20 weeks of gestation. There are multiple risk factors relates to this condition, among, them, the presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) is linked with high mortality (30-56% of cases) and risk of miscarriages between 9 weeks and 12 of gestation. The prevalence of both conditions are not well known. Here, we present the case of a 31 year-old women who was admitted to the hospital with an abortion in evolution, immediately after the curettage, the patient exhibit severe hypoxemia in association with Right Heart Failure; the medical approach established that the primary cause of recurrent abortions was an uncontrolled idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.

Hemotórax: etiología, diagnóstico, tratamiento y complicaciones / Hemothorax: etiology, diagnosis, treatment and complications

Resumen La sospecha de hemotórax inicia con una historia clínica adecuada, particularmente, el padecimiento actual, por ejemplo, casos con trauma torácico. El paso inicial de la evaluación es diferenciar los derrames pleurales hemorrágicos de los verdaderos hemotórax. Confirmar el diagnóstico de manera temprana es fundamental, dado que, conforme progresan las fases de organización del coágulo, se van desarrollando adherencias entre la superficie del parénquima pulmonar y la pleura parietal, aspecto que dificulta evacuarlo mediante drenaje pleural convencional. La radiografía de tórax continúa siendo el estudio complementario inicial, sin embargo, es importante realizar estudios adicionales que permitan orientar la decisión terapéutica; la elección del análisis paraclínico puede justificarse con base en la experiencia y disponibilidad de recursos en el centro de atención. La instalación del tratamiento primario es crucial e inicia con el drenaje de la cavidad torácica vía sonda pleural en la mayoría de los casos; el uso de fibrinolíticos se considera de segunda línea y particularmente en hemotórax coagulado o casos que tienen riesgos significativos de complicaciones al someterse a un procedimiento quirúrgico mayor (Por ejemplo. decorticación). Las complicaciones se pueden disminuir al sistematizar el enfoque diagnóstico-terapéutico.

Abstract Initial approach of cases with suspected hemothorax begins with a complete clinical history (eg. recent thoracic trauma). The first step is to differentiate hemorrhagic pleural effusion of true hemothorax; then, prompt diagnosis is essential. We must keep in mind, as time progresses, the clot firmly adheres to the lung and pleural surface making it difficult to treat; therefore, any delay in this process diminishes the opportunity to evacuate the hemothorax through conventional thoracostomy with chest tube insertion and pleural drainage. Chest X-ray still the initial study, however, complementary tests should be performed in order to guide therapeutic decisions. The choice must be justified on local availability and experience. Undoubtedly, primary evacuation is mandatory; fibrinolytics are reserved as second-line treatment, also can be considered in coagulated hemothorax or patients who are at a high risk of surgical complications. In order to diminish any morbidity it is advisable to perform a systematic diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Atelectasia lobar. Manifestación infrecuente de traqueobroncomalacia en adultos / Lobar atelectasis unusual presentation of tracheobronchomalacia in adults

Resumen Las alteraciones dinámicas del sistema respiratorio que condicionan colapso del lumen traqueobronquial durante la espiración favorecen síntomas inespecíficos o no atribuibles a una enfermedad respiratoria en particular. El diagnóstico preciso de la entidad clínica tiene implicaciones terapéuticas y pronosticas. La traqueobroncomalacia se diagnostica cuando existe una disminución en el lumen traqueobronquial mayor al 50% visible mediante exploración con broncoscopía. La etiología más frecuente en adultos es la forma adquirida y es rara la asociación con atelectasia.

Abstract Respiratory dynamic abnormalities that contributes with collapse of the airway luminal during expiration can cause nonspecific symptoms or not related to a respiratory disease. Accurate diagnosis of the clinical entity has therapeutic implications and is important for the prognosis. Tracheobronchomalacia is diagnosed when there is a decrease in the lumen tracheobronchial greater than 50% visible through exploration with Bronchoscopy. The main etiology in adults was the acquired form and association with lung atelectasis was rare.