Clinical and histopathological features of follicular thyroid cancer in Chile

ABSTRACT Objective: Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is less frequent but has a worse prognosis than papillary carcinoma. The available evidence on pre-operative characteristics of FTC is controversial. Our objective was to characterize the clinical, ultrasound and histopathological presentation of FTC patients treated Chile. Subjects and methods: Retrospective analysis of 97 patients treated for FTC in 6 large centers in Chile. We analyzed their ultrasonographic features and classified the nodules according to ATA risk of malignancy and TI-RADS score, as well as the cytological findings according to the Bethesda system. We described their clinical and histopathological findings at diagnosis and classified their risk of recurrence and mortality according to ATA 2015 recurrence risk category and the eighth edition of the AJCC/UICC staging system, respectively. Results: Median age was 48 years and 73.2% were females. The median diameter was 38.8 mm; only 9.5% of them were microtumors. According to ATA risk of malignancy, 86% of the nodules were low or intermediate suspicious, while 78% were category 3 or 4A nodules according to the TI-RADS. Regarding the Bethesda system, 65.9% had indeterminate cytology (20.6% category III and 45.3% category IV). At histological examination, most were minimally-invasive and angio-invasive tumors with less than 4 foci (54.7% and 28.4% respectively). More than 90% of FTC were unifocal and there was no lymphovascular or extrathyroidal invasion or lymph node involvement. Four patients (4.1%) had distant metastases at diagnosis. Most patients (95%) had stage I or II disease according to the AJCC/UICC staging system, while the risk of recurrence was low at 51.5% when using the ATA risk of recurrence scale. Conclusions: At diagnosis, most FTCs were nodules of low or intermediate suspicion at ultrasound, nearly two thirds had indeterminate cytology according to the Bethesda system, and nearly 50% of them were of low risk of recurrence.

Caracterización de tumores secretores de hormona de crecimiento de acuerdo al patrón granular y su rol en el pronóstico / Prognostic value of granular pattern of growth hormone secreting tumors

Background: Classification of growth hormone (GH) - secreting tumors by the granular pattern might predict their clinical behavior in acromegalic patients. There are several other prognostic factors. Aim: To compare the features at presentation and cure rates of patients with GH secreting tumors according to the granular pattern, and to define independent prognostic factors for surgical treatment in these patients. Material and Methods: A retrospective, observational study of 85 active acromegalic patients surgically treated in two medical centers. Results: Seventy-four patients (87%) were classified as having densely granulated (DG) and 11 (13%) as sparsely granulated (SG) tumors. The latter were less active biochemically, had a higher rate of macroadenoma and cavernous sinus invasion and had a lower rate of biochemical cure than the DG group. Several characteristics were associated with disease persistence but only age (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.93) and cavernous sinus invasion (OR = 21.7) were independently associated in the logistic regression model. Conclusions: The sparsely granulated pattern is associated with a more aggressive behavior, but the main determinants of prognosis are age and cavernous sinus invasion.

Estudio y manejo de nódulos tiroideos por médicos no especialistas. Consenso SOCHED / Study and management of thyroid nodes by non specialist physicians: SOCHED consensus

The thyroid nodule is a frequent cause of primary care consultation. The prevalence of a palpable thyroid nodule is approximately 4-7%, increasing up to 67% by the incidental detection of nodules on ultrasound. The vast majority are benign and asymptomatic, staying stable over time. The clinical importance of studying a thyroid nodule is to exclude thyroid cancer, which occurs in 5 to 10% of the nodules. The Board of SOCHED (Chilean Society of Endocrinology and Diabetes) asked the Thyroid Study Group to develop a consensus regarding the diagnostic management of the thyroid nodule in Chile, aimed at non-specialist physicians and adapted to the national reality. To this end, a multidisciplinary group of 31 experts was established among university academics, active researchers with publications on the subject and prominent members of scientific societies of endocrinology, head and neck surgery, pathology and radiology. A total of 14 questions were developed with key aspects for the diagnosis and subsequent referral of patients with thyroid nodules, which were addressed by the participants. In those areas where the evidence was insufficient or the national reality had to be considered, the consensus opinion of the experts was used through the Delphi methodology. The consensus was approved by the SOCHED board for publication.

Caracterización de los procesos de atención prenatal a las gestantes con morbilidad materna extremadamente grave / Characterization of prenatal care processes applied to pregnant women with extremely severe maternal morbidity

La identificación de la morbilidad materna extrema grave ofrece una oportunidad para la investigación de muertes maternas. El cumplimiento de los procesos de atención y determinación de los posibles riesgos asociados, es indispensable para evitarla. Objetivo: describir los procesos de atención de las gestantes con morbilidad materna extremadamente grave en la atención prenatal en el 2009. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo cuyo universo fueron las 63 gestantes que se diagnosticaron con morbilidad materna extremadamente grave en los servicios de ginecobstetricia de los hospitales generales y maternos de La Habana. La información se obtuvo de los registros hospitalarios y las historias clínicas de las gestantes en la atención prenatal y hospitalaria; esta se recogió a través de un instrumento creado al efecto y se introdujo en una base de datos en Access. Resultados: los principales riesgos identificados fueron la hipertensión arterial, la anemia, la infección vaginal y la pre eclampsia. La consulta de reevaluación realizada por el especialista en ginecobstetricia se reflejó en un 33 por ciento, el promedio de 10 consultas durante el embarazo se constató en el 69,8 por ciento de las gestantes. La complicación por shock hipovolémico ocupó el primer lugar, seguido del shock séptico y la eclampsia. Conclusiones: la identificación de riesgos en la atención prenatal probablemente intervenga en la evolución de la MMEG en la Habana(AU)

Identification of extremely severe maternal morbidity provides an opportunity for research into maternal death. Fulfillment of care processes and determination of potential associated risks are indispensable to prevent extremely severe maternal morbidity. Objective: describe the prenatal care processes applied to pregnant women with extremely severe maternal morbidity in 2009. Method: a descriptive study was conducted with a universe of 63 pregnant women diagnosed with extremely severe maternal morbidity at gynecobstetric services of general and maternal hospitals in Havana. A dedicated tool was used to collect data from prenatal and hospital registries and medical records of the pregnant women. The data were stored in an Access database. Results: the main risks identified were hypertension, anemia, vaginal infection and preeclampsia. Re-evaluation by a gynecobstetrician was conducted in 33 percent of the cases. The average 10 prenatal consultations were performed with 69.8 percent of the pregnant women. Hypovolemic shock ranked first among complications, followed by septic shock and eclampsia. Conclusions: risk identification during prenatal care may play a role in the evolution of extremely severe maternal morbidity in Havana(AU)

Derivación submandibular para garantizar la vía respiratoria en la traumatologia facial / Submandibular bypass to secure the airway in facial trauma

Introducción: uno de los recursos más efectivos en traumatismos maxilofaciales es el empleo de la traqueostomía, esta se conoce desde hace más de doscientos años. Pocas intervenciones quirúrgicas han salvado tantas vidas como la traqueostomía pues esta, permite garantizar una vía respiratoria segura para el paciente, pero como todo proceder quirúrgico no está exenta de complicaciones. La derivación endotraqueal submandibular se presenta como una alternativa viable en los casos que se requiera una traqueostomía temporal, esta consiste en el paso del tubo endotraqueal de la boca para el exterior a través de una incisión en la región submandibular. Se denomina fractura panfacial cuando las lesiones comprometen los tercios superiores, medio e inferior da la cara y que resulta en una perturbación grave de la arquitectura facial. Objetivos: dar a conocer siete casos realizados desde el 2006 hasta la actualidad, cuatro en el Hospital General Docente "Abel Santamaría Cuadrado" de Pinar del Rio, Cuba, y tres en la Clínica Multiperfil de Luanda, Angola. Métodos: se exponen la técnica descrita por Altemir y detallada por Guevara Mantilla y cols en sus cuatro fases. Los pacientes fueron llevados al quirófano de forma urgente y electiva mediante coordinación con el Servicio de Anestesiología y Reanimación. Se realizó, primero la derivación submandibular y seguidamente el proceder programado para cada paciente. Conclusiones: el proceder permite un adecuado control de la vía respiratoria y constituye una alternativa segura y eficaz en pacientes con traumas complejos del tercio medio facial. No se han encontraron complicaciones ni durante ni en el posoperatorio.

Introduction: tracheostomy is one of the most effective resources in the treatment of facial trauma. This technique has been used for more than two hundred years. Few surgical interventions have saved as many lives as tracheostomy, since it makes it possible to secure a safe airway for the patient. However, as with all surgical procedures, tracheostomy may also have complications. Submandibular endotracheal bypass is a viable alternative when temporary tracheostomy is required. It consists in the passage of an endotracheal tube from the mouth outwards through an incision in the submandibular region. It is called panfacial fracture when the lesions compromise the upper, middle and lower thirds of the face, resulting in serious disturbance of the facial architecture. Objectives: present seven cases treated from 2006 to the present: four at Abel Santamaría Cuadrado General Teaching Hospital in Pinar del Río, Cuba, and three at the Multiprofile Clinic of Luanda, Angola. Methods: a presentation is provided of the four stages of the technique described by Altemir and detailed by Guevara Mantilla and cols. Patients were carried to the operating room for emergency and elective surgery prior coordination with the Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Service. Submandibular bypass was performed first, followed by the procedure scheduled for each patient. Conclusions: the procedure allows appropriate control of the airway and constitutes a safe, effective alternative for patients with complex trauma of the facial middle third. No complications were found during surgery or in the postoperative period.

Uretroplastía: experiencia del servicio de urología del Hospital Regional de Talca / Urethroplasty: experience of urology of the regional Hospital of Talca

Analizar en forma retrospectiva nuestros resultados con uretroplastías en 2 grupos según la técnica utilizada. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: En el periodo 1997-2012 se efectuaron 58 Uretroplastías, 32 de sustitución (grupo 1) en los que se utilizó principalmente colgajo de piel de pene (77 por ciento) y 26 Uretroplastías anastomóticas (grupo 2). Motivo de análisis son 30 y 24 casos respectivamente. Un buen resultado se definió por un factor subjetivo (relato del paciente), Flujometría igual o mayor de 10 ml/seg. c/s IPSS igual o < 9.RESULTADOS: En el grupo 1 el 77 por ciento la lesión era >4 cm y con 83 por ciento de buenos resultados a una mediana de seguimiento de 41meses. El 23 por ciento, requirió procedimientos complementarios. El 61 por ciento tuvo algún compromiso de vascularización de piel de pene. En el grupo 2 el 46 por ciento fue por fractura de pelvis con una tasa de buenos resultados de 92 por ciento con una mediana de seguimiento de 25.5 meses, 21 por ciento de procedimientos complementarios de retoque y sin complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestra serie tiene resultados comparables con lo publicados en la literatura.

Throughout this study the researcher(s) personal experience in urethroplasty during the period 1997-2012 was analyzed. To conduct it, the studied cases were divided into two different groups; the first group were 30 cases of substitution urethroplasty with a forty-one-months median follow-up, where the success rate was 83 percent. The most frequent complications were impairment of vascular supply of the penile skin secondary the use of distal penile circular fascio cutaneus flap(61 percent). The second group (group nº2) was composed by 24 cases of anastomotic urethroplasty with a median follow-up of 25,5 months, in this group the success rate was 92 percent and no complications were observed. After this study, it is possible to assert that the obtained results are in concordance with what is stated in the international literature.

Importancia de la tiroglobulina sérica preablativa en la predicción de sobrevida libre de enfermedad en cáncer diferenciado de tiroides / Preablative serum thyroglobulin as predictor of disease-free survival in differentiated thyroid cancer

Background: Serum thyroglobulin (sTg) is an excellent marker of persistence or recurrence of disease in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), however its role as prognostic factor has not been fully established. Aim: To assess the value of the preablative thyroglobulin (pTg) as predictor of disease-free survival in DTC. Patients and Methods: Retrospective study of 104 patients with low and intermediate risk DTC subjected to total thyroidectomy and 131iodine ablation. TSH, pTg and thyroglobulin antibodies (AbTg) were determined by chemiluminescence. Patients with distant metastases or presence of AbTg were excluded. Results were analyzed using receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: During the 40 ± 29 months of follow-up (range 6-132), 14 of 104 (13%) patients had recurrence of disease. pTg was an independent indicator to predict disease-free survival. Using a pTg cutoff of < 10 ng/ml the negative predictive value was 99%, sensitivity 93%, specificity 82%, positive likelihood ratio (LR) 5.2 and negative LR 0,087. Conclusions: pTg value is useful as a prognostic marker in predicting disease-free survival in DTC patients with low or intermediate risk of recurrence.

Caracterización del proceso hospitalario de atención a la morbilidad materna extremadamente grave / Characterization of the care hospital process of extremely severe maternal morbidity

Introducción: el término morbilidad materna extremadamente grave o severa, se considera de gran utilidad al ser este un indicador muy asociado a la muerte materna y un estadio intermedio en prácticamente la totalidad de las fallecidas.Objetivo: caracterizar los procesos de atención hospitalaria a la morbilidad materna extremadamente grave en La Habana en el año 2009.Métodos: se realizó una investigación descriptiva en 6 servicios ginecobstétricos de hospitales generales y maternos de La Habana, en el período comprendido de enero-diciembre del 2009, con el objetivo de caracterizar los procesos de atención hospitalario a las maternas extremadamente graves. Para ello se consultaron las historias clínicas y se completó un formulario creado al efecto, cuyos resultados se vaciaron en una base de datos en Access. Los resultados se expresan a través de promedios y porcentajes y se muestran en tablas y gráficos.Resultados: la clasificación por código de colores y la identificación del riesgo obstétrico mostraron valores de 80,6 % y 73,1 porciento respectivamente. El seguimiento de los signos precoces de shock hipovolémico solo alcanzó un 81 porciento y el 77 porciento de estas pacientes fueron sometidas a la realización de una cesárea de las que el 75,5 porciento tuvieron una complicación durante o después de este proceder. La morbilidad materna extremadamente grave por enfermedad específica con mayor frecuencia, fue por el shock hipovolémico.Conclusiones: el no cumplimiento de los procesos de atención pudiese influir negativamente en la atención a la morbilidad materna extremadamente grave e inclusive incrementar la mortalidad materna

Introduction: the term extremely serious or severe maternal morbidity is considered very useful as this is an indicator highly associated to maternal death and an intermediate stage in virtually all of the deceased cases.Objective: to characterize the processes of hospital care to extremely severe maternal morbidity in Havana during 2009.Methods: a descriptive study was conducted in six gynecological and maternal services in Havana from January to December 2009, in order to characterize the hospital processes of care to extremely serious maternal cases. Medical records and forms were completed for this purpose. The arising results were taken in a database in Access. Results are expressed through averages and percentages and are shown in tables and graphs.Results: classification by color coding and identification of risk obstetrics showed values of 80.6 per cent and 73.1 per cent respectively. Tracking early signs of hypovolemic shock only reached 81per cent and 77per cent of these patients underwent a cesarean, out of which 75.5 per cent had a complication during or after this procedure. Hypovolemic shock was the extremely severe maternal morbidity for specific disease.Conclusions: non-compliance of care processes could adversely affect the care of extremely severe maternal morbidity and even increased mortality

Tratamiento alternativo de la obesidad exógena / An alternative treatment of exogenous obesity

Introducción: la obesidad es una de origen multifactorial caracterizada por acumulación excesiva de grasa o hipertrofia general del tejido adiposo en el cuerpo; factor de riesgo conocido para múltiples enfermedades, con repercusión estética y social. Objetivo: obtener el peso ideal en pacientes obesos mediante la combinación de dieta, homeopatía e implantación de catgut en puntos de acupuntura, tratando de equilibrar la energía y cambiar estilos de vida. Material y método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, y prospectivo en el servicio de Medicina Tradicional y Natural del Hospital General Docente Abel Santamaría Cuadrado de Pinar del Río en el año 2011. El universo y la muestra coinciden estando constituidas por 80 pacientes, a todos los pacientes se les realizó en la primera consulta historia clínica y se les calculó el índice de masa corporal. Los pacientes se valoraron mensualmente y tratados con dieta y homeopatía (grupo I) y dieta, homeopatía y siembra de catgut en puntos de acupuntura (grupo II). Resultados: se obtuvo un predominio de la obesidad grado II, en el sexo femenino entre 27 y 37 años. Las alternativas de tratamiento utilizadas para la obesidad fueron efectivas en un 93,8 % de los pacientes y la mayoría de los que alcanzaron el peso ideal lo hicieron entre el cuarto y sexto mes de tratamiento. Conclusiones: la asociación de dieta, homeopatía e implantación de catgut en puntos de acupuntura para el tratamiento de la obesidad exógena fue más efectiva que la utilización solo de dieta y homeopatía.

Introduction: obesity is a multifactorial-origin disorder that is characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat and general hypertrophy of adipose tissue in the body; a risk factor known as multiple diseases with esthetic and social repercussion. Objective: to achieve the ideal weight in obese patients by means of combining the diet, homeopathy and implantation of catgut suture in acupuncture points, trying to balance the energy and changing lifestyles. Material and method: a descriptive, longitudinal and prospective study was conducted in the service of Natural and Traditional Medicine at "Abel Santamaria Cuadrado" Pinar del Rio, during 2011. The target group and the sample coincided, both were comprised of 80 patients, a clinical history was made to each patient and body mass index was calculated. Patients were monthly assessed and treated using diet and homeopathy (group I), as well as diet, homeopathy and catgut applied on the acupuncture points (group II). Results: degree II of obesity prevailed in female sex from 27 to 37 years old. The alternatives of treatment used to treat obesity were effective in 93,8% of patients and the majority reached the ideal weight between the 4th and 6th months of treatment. Conclusions: the association of diet, homeopathy and implantation of catgut in acupuncture points to the treatment of exogenous obesity was more effective than the purely use of diet and homeopathy.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia: the Chilean experience

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 1 and 2 are genetic diseases that are inherited as autosomal traits. The major clinical manifestations of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 include the so-called "3 P's": parathyroid, pituitary, and pancreatic tumors, including gastroenteroneuroendocrine tumors. Genetic testing can be performed on patients and the potential carriers of the menin gene mutation, but the genotype-phenotype correlation in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 is less straightforward than multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Most likely, the main advantage of genetic testing in MEN1 is to exclude from further studies those who are negative for the genetic mutation if they belong to a family with a known history of MEN1. In Chile, we started with rearranged during transfection proto-oncogene genetic testing (MEN2) 15 years ago. We carried out a prophylactic total thyroidectomy to prevent medullary thyroid carcinoma in a three-year-old girl who presented with microscopic medullary thyroid carcinoma. More than 90% of the individuals who tested positive using a genetic test achieved a biochemical cure compared with only 27% of patients who receive a clinical diagnosis. Mutations are mainly located in exon 11; the most common is C634W, rather than C634R. Hypertensive crisis was the cause of death in three patients, and extensive distant metastases occurred in nine (including two patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B) of 14 patients. Earlier recognition of medullary thyroid carcinoma and the other features of the disease, especially pheochromocytoma, will improve the survival rate of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Autotrasplante de células madre adultas en defecto óseo de rama mandibular por quiste dentígero / Autotransplantation of adult stem cells in an osseous defect of the mandibular branch per dentigerous cyst

Propósitos del estudio: indagar en la formación ósea de cavidades quísticas de los maxilares a partir de células madres adultas. Método: se realiza la presentación de un paciente que presentaba un quiste dentígero en rama mandibular izquierda y que había provocado gran destrucción ósea, lo cual se comprobó al examen físico y estudios complementarios, tomografía axial compuarizada (TAC) e imágenes gráficas (Fotos). Se decide colocar las células madres adultas, previa valoración y preparación del paciente con el servicio de hematología y medicina transfusional. Se describe la conducta médico-quirúrgica realizada y su diagnóstico anatomopatológico. Se presenta de forma gráfica la evolución clínico radiológico del paciente, inmediato, a los tres meses y a los dos años de evolución. Resultados: quedó identificado que las células madres adultas inducen la regeneración ósea en las cavidades quísticas de los maxilares. Se discutió la evolución del paciente según la literatura consultada. Conclusiones: Se puede expresar que lo identificado en este caso confirma el uso de células madres adultas en la regeneración ósea de cavidades quísticas de los maxilares, además de abrir nuevas perspectivas en el tratamiento de otras afecciones del territorio maxilofacial como fracturas, artrosis de la ATM, defectos por lesiones oncológicas, por lo que se justifica la realización de proyectos investigativos que apoyen la utilización de esta nueva terapéutica.

Purpose of the study: to investigate about the osseous formation of cystic cavities of the maxillaries from adult stem cells. Method: a patient presenting a dentigerous cyst in the left mandibular branch that provoked a large osseous destruction, which was confirmed by means physical examination, complementary studies, Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) and graphic images (photographs). Adult stem cells were placed, in view of a prior assessment and preparation of the patient in hematology service and transfusion medicine. Medical-surgical approach and pathological diagnosis were described, presenting in graphics the clinical and radiological improvement almost immediately, at three months and at two years. Results: it was identified that adult stem cells induce osseous regeneration in the cystic cavities of maxillaries. The evolution of the patient was discussed according to the medical literature reviewed. Conclusion: the use of adult stem cells to treat the osseous regeneration of cystic cavities of the maxillaries was confirmed in this case, and new perspectives of treatment for other maxillofacial illnesses can be opened, as for fractures, osteoarthritis of the Temporal Mandibular Articulation and defects provoked by cancer lesions, etc. Research projects sustaining the use of this new therapy are necessary.

Paragangliomas múltiples asociados a mutación del gen SDHB: Caso clínico / Multiple paragangliomas associated to a SDHB gene mutation: Report of one case

Paragangliomas are tumors arising from sympathetic and parasympathetic tissues. The classic associated syndromes are neurofibromatosis type 1, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 and von Hippel-Lindau. Germline mutations of succinate dehydroge-nase subunits genes, are associated with familial paraganglioma syndromes 1,2,3 and 4. We report a 29-year-old woman with a family background of pheochromocytoma and history of paroxysmal headache, nausea, sweating, palpitations, associated with severe hypertension. The patient had elevated plasma noradrenalin and urinary normetanephrines. Imaging studies revealed three retroperitoneal extra-adrenal masses. The clinical and laboratory study of classic syndromes associated with para-ganglioma was negative. The patient was operated and the pathological study of the surgical specimen was consistent with paragangliomas. The genetic study showed a mutation in the SDHB succinate dehydrogenase gen, Exon 2 of CCTCA c.300_304 (p.P56delYfsX5).

Insuficiencia suprarrenal y crisis addisoniana como primera manifestación de cáncer de pulmón y metástasis suprarrenal bilateral: Caso clínico / Addisonian crisis caused by metastatic lung cancer: Report of one case

Addisonian crisis as a first manifestation of metastatic disease secondary to cancer is uncommon. We report a 63-year-old man with a history of one year of fatigue, weakness, weight loss and repeated symptomatic hypoglycemia. The cortisol stimulation test with ACTH confirmed primary adrenal insufficiency. While receiving adequate treatment with oral hydrocortisone, he presented an adrenal crisis that was treated properly. A CT scan of the lung demonstrated a nodule in the upper right lobe and bilateral adrenal tumors. The biopsy of the lesion revealed a lung adenocarcinoma. The staging with positron emission tomography using 18 fluoroglucose (PET/CT18F- FDG) showed hypermetabolic uptake in the primary lung tumor and in both adrenal glands, suggesting metastatic implants.

Enfoque actual de la salud ambiental / Current approach of environmental health

La salud de una comunidad está directamente relacionada con factores que condicionan la relación entre salud y enfermedad, y la necesidad básica humana de un ambiente seguro. La salud ambiental ofrece el marco conceptual para lograr mejores condiciones desde el punto de vista sanitario, ambiental y socioeconómico, y para esto incorpora múltiples sectores y disciplinas. Este trabajo tiene la finalidad de exponer los aspectos más importantes y actuales en relación con la salud ambiental, así como la necesidad de aplicar con más énfasis el enfoque ecosistémico en la salud humana. El enfoque ecosistémico para la salud humana (Ecosalud) presenta muchos desafíos, ya que atraviesa las fronteras tradicionales de la investigación. De hecho, constituye un nuevo enfoque que conecta la gestión ambiental integrada con una comprensión holística de la salud humana, tomando en cuenta los factores sociales, económicos y culturales inherentes a un ecosistema dado.

Community health is directly related to factors fitting the relation between health and disease and the basic human need of a safe environment. The environmental health offers a conceptual frame to achieve better conditions from the health, environmental and socioeconomic point of view and thus incorporate multiples sectors and disciplines. The aim of present paper is to expose the more significant and current features in relation to environmental health, as well as the need to apply with a great emphasis the ecosystem approach in human health. Above mentioned approach (Ecohealth) has many challenges, since cross the traditional frontiers of research. In reality, it is a new approach connecting the integrated environmental management with a holistic comprehension of human health, taking into account the social, economic and cultural factors inherent to a given ecosystem.

Ventilación mecánica en trauma de tórax severo: aspectos fisiopatológicos y nuevas perspectivas de manejo / Mechanical ventilation in severe chest trauma: pathophysiological aspects and new management perspectives

El trauma severo de tórax es una patología con una alta morbilidad y mortalidad, siendo responsable aproximadamente de un 50% de las muertes en los pacientes politraumatizados. Los aspectos fisiopatológicos relacionados con el mecanismo de lesión, el estado de salud previo del paciente y el tiempo de evolución del trauma son factores importantes que determinarán el tipo de soporte ventilatorio que debe recibir el paciente que lo requiera. Los modos no convencionales de ventilación mecánica así como los dispositivos de asistencia ventilatoria se han convertido en herramientas útiles con un impacto importante en los resultados del paciente con trauma de tórax severo.

Prevalencia del cáncer de próstata en la comuna de Talca, VII región Chile / Prevalence of prostate cancer in the seventh region of Chile

Background: In 1998, there were 1,218 deaths in Chile caused by prostate cancer. This figure results in a death rate of 16.6 per 100,000 males for this disease. Aim: To assess the prevalence of prostate cancer in the Seventh Region of Chile. Material and methods: A probabilistic sample of 327 males aged 40 to 59 years old was studied. In all, a codified questionnaire was applied, a digital rectal examination was performed and a blood sample was drawn to measure prostate specific antigen. All digital rectal examinations were performed by the same observer. Patients with an abnormal rectal examination or prostate specific antigen were subjected to a prostatic biopsy under ultrasound guidance. Results: In 14 subjects, the digital rectal examination was considered abnormal and in seven, prostate specific antigen was over 4 ng/ml. All subjects with elevated prostate specific antigen had an abnormal rectal examination. In three of the 14 subjects, the biopsy showed a well differentiated adenocarcinoma. All three were aged over 50 years old. The resulting calculated prevalence of prostate cancer was 9.2 per 1,000 males (CI 4.2-14.1). Conclusions: the cost effectiveness of screening for early diagnosis of prostate cancer must be calculated, to decide its incorporation in preventive medical examinations

Feocromocitoma bilateral: cirugía laparoscópica en dos casos / Bilateral pheochromocytoma: laparoscopic adrenalectomy in 2 cases

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy, if done by skilled surgeons, is now the first choice for treating most adrenal tumors, including bilateral pheochromocytoma. We report two women, aged 35 and 34 years old, with bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma successfully excised by laparoscopic surgery. Both had severe hypertension, high urinary catecholamine values (epinephrine + norepinephrine: 528 and 1083 ug/24h) and bilateral adrenal tumors at CT scan. After 4 weeks of doxazosin treatment, a laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy was done (Gugner's technique), with surgical times of 7 and 5 hours respectively. Both patients received hydrocortisone and only the second one required one unit of packed cells. Postoperative evolution was uneventful and both patients were discharged at the fifth postoperative day. At two months of follow up, both patients are asymptomatic and normotensive