Relación entre la compresión maxilar y potencial impactación del canino superior: Scoping review

El canino maxilar permanente corresponde al segundo diente más frecuentemente impactado en el arco dental. La etiología de esta patología aún no está totalmente definida, sin embargo, investigadores plantean la deficiencia del ancho del hueso maxilar como una posible causa. Objetivo: Investigar la evidencia que asocia menores dimensiones transversales del maxilar a la ocurrencia de la impactación de caninos superiores y esclarecer la posible relación. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática exploratoria a partir de una búsqueda amplia de la literatura en bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane, EBSCO y Multibuscador UNAB. Los artículos fueron recopilados, identificados y filtrados según el diagrama de flujo de declaración PRISMA. Resultados: La búsqueda identificó 755 estudios, de los cuales 14 fueron incluidos. Los estudios varían en diseño, edad de estudio y métodos de diagnóstico. La mitad de los estudios reporta una asociación positiva entre compresión maxilar e impactación canina superior, mientras que la otra mitad una asociación negativa. Conclusiones: No hay evidencia suficiente para poder asociar compresión maxilar con impactación de caninos superiores. Estudios con métodos de diagnóstico rigurosos son necesarios para una mejor comprensión. No obstante, se enfatiza la importancia de un diagnóstico precoz, para garantizar mejores resultados y pronóstico más favorable.

The permanent maxillary canine is the second most frequently impacted tooth in the dental arch. The etiology of this disease is not completely defined, yet some researchers propose the deficiency of the width from the maxilla as a possible cause. Objective: To investigate available evidence correlating smaller transverse maxilla dimensions with the occurrence of potential impaction of upper canines and clarify the possible relation. Materials and methods: A systematic exploratory review was carried out based on comprehensive search of the literature in databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, EBSCO and UNAB multi search engine. The articles were compiled, identified and filtered systematically according to the PRISMA flow diagram. Results: Our search identified 755 studies, 14 of which were included. These studies vary in design, patients age, and methods for detection. Half of the studies show a positive correlation between maxillary compression and potential upper canine impaction, whereas the other half show a negative correlation. Conclusions: There is not enough evidence to link maxillary compression to upper canine impaction. Studies with rigorous diagnostic methods for detection are necessary for a better understanding of this relation. Nonetheless, the importance of early diagnosis must be emphasized to guarantee better results and a more favorable prognosis.

Biomarcadores en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: ¿sabe cómo utilizarlos? / Biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease

Biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease are an essential tool in clinical practice. They allow a non-invasive evaluation of patients and thus guide decision-making at different stages of the disease, including diagnostic suspicion, severity assessment, relapse prediction, and treatment response. Although biomarkers in blood such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, are the most commonly used biomarkers, because their low cost and accessibility, they lack specificity. Currently, fecal biomarkers offer greater reliability, applicability, and specificity. Fecal calprotectin is the most commonly used marker. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease, as well as their clinical applications and new biomarkers currently under research.

Efecto del envejecimiento en el estudio y manejo de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico / Effect of aging on the study and management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

The prevalence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) seems to increase in the elderly population, being more severe and associating more complications than younger subjects. A high frequency of atypical symptoms (chest pain, dysphagia, vomiting, and respiratory symptoms) and less frequently heartburn and / or regurgitation that are of mild intensity are described, due to the decrease of the visceral sensitivity of the esophagus with age, which delays the diagnosis. Factors associated with aging predispose to the development of GERD in the geriatric population: the reduction of salivary flow and bicarbonate secretion, alterations in esophageal motility and the greater frequency of hiatal hernias are some of them. Given the high frequency of complications of reflux (erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, stenosis and ulcers, and esophageal cancer), elderly patients benefit from an early endoscopic study. Its management must be aggressive and start with changes in lifestyle and dietary modifications. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) continue to be the first line of pharmacological treatment as well as in the youngest population. Surgical treatment is reserved in selected patients considering risks/benefits.

La prevalencia de la enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE) parece aumentar en la población adulto mayor, siendo más severa y asociando más complicaciones que en los sujetos más jóvenes. Clínicamente se caracteriza una alta frecuencia de síntomas atípicos (dolor torácico, disfagia, vómitos, síntomas respiratorios) y menos frecuentemente por pirosis y/o regurgitación que son de leve intensidad, debido a la disminución de la sensibilidad visceral del esófago con la edad, lo que hace retardar el diagnóstico. Factores asociados al envejecimiento predisponen al desarrollo de ERGE en la población geriátrica: la disminución de la secreción salival y de bicarbonato, las alteraciones de la motilidad esofágica y la mayor frecuencia de hernias hiatales, son algunos de ellos. Dada la alta frecuencia de complicaciones del reflujo (esofagitis erosiva, esófago de Barrett, estenosis y úlceras y cáncer de esófago), los pacientes adultos mayores se benefician de un estudio endoscópico precoz. Su manejo debe ser agresivo e iniciar con cambios de estilo de vida y modificaciones dietarias. Los inhibidores de bomba de protones (IBP) siguen siendo la primera línea de tratamiento farmacológico al igual que en la población más joven. El tratamiento quirúrgico queda reservado en pacientes seleccionados considerando riesgos/beneficios.

Las alteraciones de la microbiota intestinal en la patogenia del hígado graso no alcohólico / Alterations of the intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently considered in Chile and worldwide, as the main cause of cirrhosis and liver transplantation. It is therefore one of the main public health objectives for reducing its prevalence. In last years, it was suggested that the intestinal microbiota (IM) might contribute to the pathophysiology of NAFLD, as well as in the progression toward nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. It is known that changes in the composition of IM are associated with alterations in intestinal permeability and the production of inflammatory metabolites. These alterations are part of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to the development of NASH. However studies on MI in patients with NAFLD and NASH in Chile are scarce. Through a research grant, recently awarded at the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, we aim to confirm and characterize the intestinal dysbiosis associated with NAFLD in Chilean patients and to establish the relationship between the changes in microbial composition with the progression of liver damage. The description of these alterations represents an opportunity to explore new therapeutic approaches for future interventions. In effect, through the restoration of an intestinal microbial environment towards homeostasis in these patients, we expect to reverse or improve the progression of damage provoked by this disease. (AU)

Retención de cápsula endoscópica en enfermedad de Crohn ¿cómo manejarla? / Retained capsule endoscopy in Crohn´s disease: how to manage it?

Capsule endoscopy is a technique that allows the study of the small intestine, through a device that is swallowed by the patient, capturing images as it travels through the digestive tract. Capsule retention is the most serious complication. We report the case of a 69 year-old male presenting with iron deficiency anemia, with normal upper endoscopy and colonoscopy; but obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was diagnosed and therefore a study with capsule endoscopy was requested. The patient evolves with retained capsule in the small intestine with ulcerated stenosis as shown by imaging. This finding was confirmed by enteroscopy with biopsy, without being able to extract the capsule. Medical management with corticosteroids was indicated for intestinal obstruction secondary to inflammatory stenosis in the context of Crohn's disease: The capsule was expelled after 21 days of ingestion, with a positive outcome

La cápsula endoscópica es una técnica que permite el estudio del intestino delgado, mediante un dispositivo que es deglutido por el paciente y captura imágenes en su recorrido por el tubo digestivo. La complicación más grave es la retención de la cápsula. Se reporta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 69 años con anemia ferropénica, con endoscopia alta y colonoscopia normal; planteándose sangrado gastrointestinal de origen oscuro por lo que se solicita estudio con cápsula endoscópica. El paciente evoluciona con retención de la cápsula en intestino delgado, visualizándose en las imágenes la presencia de estenosis ulcerada, hallazgo que se confirma mediante enteroscopia con toma de biopsias, sin lograr extraer la cápsula. Se indica manejo médico con corticoides por obstrucción intestinal secundario a estenosis inflamatoria en contexto de enfermedad de Crohn, expulsando espontáneamente la cápsula al día 21 de su ingestión, sin complicaciones.

Parasitosis ilusoria intestinal y dermatológica: casos clínicos / Delusional parasitosis intestinal and dermatological: clinical cases

Illusory parasitosis, better known as delusional parasitosis, is a neuropsychiatric syndrome in which patients have the belief of suffering a parasitic disease, that can not be demonstrated after an exhaustive medical study. These patients are characterized by being polyconsultants in different medical specialties and, many of them, have antecedents of psychiatric disorders, some of them undiagnosed. Knowing the existence of the clinical picture, diagnosing early and empathizing with the patient, could give to clinician some clues for a timely and assertive psychiatric referral, and improve patient adherence to the proposed treatment.

La parasitosis ilusoria, más conocida como delusión parasitaria, es un síndrome neuropsiquiátrico donde los pacientes tienen el convencimiento de padecer una infestación parasitaria, que no puede ser demostrada tras un exhaustivo estudio médico. Estos pacientes se caracterizan por ser policonsultantes en distintas especialidades médicas y, muchos de ellos, poseen antecedentes de trastornos psiquiátricos, algunos de ellos no diagnosticados. Conocer la existencia del cuadro, diagnosticar precozmente y empatizar con el paciente, pueden dar al médico clínico algunas claves para una derivación psiquiátrica oportuna y asertiva, y mejorar la adherencia del paciente al tratamiento propuesto. Se presentan cuatro casos clínicos que consultaron por esta extraña condición.

Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction: Clinical and Manometric Characteristics in the Chilean Population

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare syndrome characterized by a failure of the propulsion of intraluminal contents and recurrent symptoms of partial bowel obstruction in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Regional variations of the intestinal compromise have been described. Intestinal manometry can indicate the pathophysiology and prognosis. Our objective is to establish the demographic and clinical characteristics of group Chilean patients and analyze the motility of the small intestine and its prognostic value. METHODS: Patients with symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction with dilated bowel loops were included, in all of whom a manometry of the small intestine was performed using perfused catheters. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients included, 51 women (average age 41.5 ± 17.6 years), 54 primary and 10 secondary CIPO were included. Dilatation of the small intestine was the only finding in 38 patients; in the remaining, the compromise was associated with other segments, primarily the colon. Forty-nine patients underwent 65 surgeries, mainly exploratory laparotomies and colectomies. Intestinal manometry was performed on all patients; 4 “patterns” were observed: neuropathic (n = 26), myopathic (n = 3), mixed (n = 24), and a group without motor activity (n = 11). The most relevant findings were the complex migrating motor disorders and decreased frequency and propagation of contractions. The 9 patients who died had a severe myopathic compromise. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, isolated small bowel compromise was the most common disorder. Neuropathic motor compromise was observed in most of the patients. Mortality was associated with severe myopathic compromise.

Hinchazón/distensión funcional: un enfoque práctico / Functional abdominal bloating/ distension: a practical approach

Although abdominal bloating and distension are frequent symptoms, they are considered a challenge in medical practice. Treatment alternatives with varying efficacy levels, associated to the lack of knowledge about this problem, generate difficulties in the doctor­patient relation, and patient's frustration and anxiety. Advances in understanding their etiopathogenetic factors have lead treatment of these patients towards a personalized approach. The purpose of the article is to provide a brief description about abdominal bloating and distension, and ultimately give a practical approach of this condition.

A pesar de que la hinchazón (bloating) y la distensión abdominal son síntomas altamente frecuentes, son considerados un desafío en el quehacer médico. Alternativas terapéuticas con grados de eficacia variables, asociado a un desconocimiento en el enfrentamiento clínico, generan dificultades en la atención de estos pacientes por parte de los médicos, además de frustración para el paciente. Avances en la comprensión de su etiopatogenia han permitido dirigir el tratamiento de estos pacientes de manera personalizada. Este artículo tiene como objetivo realizar una breve descripción del cuadro, y dar finalmente un enfoque práctico frente a esta condición.

Parasitosis y síndrome de intestino irritable / Parasitosis and irritable bowel syndrome

El síndrome de intestino irritable (SII) es un trastorno funcional digestivo de etiología multifactorial. En su fisiopatología se describen diversos factores, tanto biológicos, como psicológicos y ambientales, que afectan el estado de activación de células inmunes en la mucosa intestinal. Entre los factores ambientales se incluye la presencia de alguna parasitosis intestinal. El síndrome de intestino irritable post-infeccioso (SII-PI) es reconocido como un subgrupo de estos trastornos, cuya aparición de los síntomas es posterior a una infección intestinal provocada por agentes microbianos. A pesar de que en Chile hay pocos estudios respecto a la relación entre SII y parasitosis intestinal, se ha descrito la existencia de una asociación positiva entre SII e infecciones por Blastocistis hominis, uno de los parásitos prevalentes en Chile. En otros países, se ha descrito además una relación entre SII, amebiasis y giardiasis. Por la alta prevalencia de parasitosis en nuestro país, existe la necesidad de ampliar los estudios para clarificar la fuerza de la asociación entre parasitosis y SII.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterised by multi-factorial aetiology. In IBS physiopathology are involved diverse factors between them biological, psychosocial, and environmental components which affect the immune activation status of gut mucosa. Among these factors is recognized the intestinal parasitosis. Post-infection IBS (PI-IBS) is recognised as a subgroup of functional disorders whose symptoms onset appear after a symptomatic intestinal infection caused by microbial agents. There are few studies regarding of relationship between IBS and intestinal parasitosis in Chile. However, is has been well described a positive association between IBS and Blastocystis hominis infections, one of prevalent parasites in Chile. In other countries, is also described a relationship between IBS and amebiasis and giardiasis. Both, characterized by a common mode of transmission through water as well as contaminated food. Because the high prevalence of parasitosis in our country it is necessary to expand the association studies to clarify the strength of the parasites ethiology in IBS.

Ventajas de la medición de niveles plasmáticos de infliximab en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Advantages of level measurement of infliximab in patients with with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease includes Crohn´s disease, ulcerative colitis and unclassified colitis. Conventional therapies used for treating these diseases are often insufficient orcontraindicated and biological agents have proved to be effective and safe in these cases. Infliximab is a quimeric IgG1 monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody that is capableof inducing and mantaining clinical remission in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Despite its proven efficacy a considerable group of patients lose response requiring changesin therapy. Serum Infliximab trough levels are correlated with clinical response, endoscopic remission and mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Monitoring and adjusting therapy guided by drug serum levels have proved to be more cost-effective and safer than empiric adjustments. Current international guidelines recommend the measurement of Infliximab trough levels in the global evaluation and management of these patients to improve treatment, avoid adverse events and unnecessary costs.

Influencia del polimorfismo genético rs2927488 de Bcl3 en el síndrome de intestino irritable / Influence of genetic polymorphism rs2927488 of the Bcl3 irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort associated with changes in bowel habit and increased intestinal sensitivity. It is one of the most common disorders of digestive health in Chile as well as in the world. Although the pathophysiological mechanisms of IBS have yet to be fully established, it is known that (epi-) genetic factors are involved in the development of the disorder. Bcl3 (B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 3) is a regulatory protein of the intestinal inflammatory response, specifically, with regard to the signaling pathways of NF-kB (Nuclear Factor-kB). Among the variability of the human genome, the gene encoding Bcl3 contains the polymorphism SNPs rs2927488 (variants A/G) which has been associated with susceptibility to developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Furthermore, the presence of this polymorphic variant has been correlated with increased levels of Bcl3 gene expression in patients with Crohn’s Disease. Our laboratory is focused on understanding the potential relationship between Bcl3 and IBS. Our preliminary studies describe an increased expression of Bcl3 at the intestinal mucosal epithelium in IBS patients with a diarrheal-phenotype (IBS-D). We are now interested to investigate if the presence of the variant SNP rs2927488(A/G) is a susceptibility factor for IBS development and to understand the significance of its relationship with Bcl3 expression, in Chilean IBS patients. In this review, we focus primarily on the relationship between rs2927488(A/G) polymorphism of Bcl3 gene, its protein expression and its mechanisms of control over the inflammatory response...

Activación sónica versus ultrasónica de EDTA al 10% para remoción de barrillo dentinario en el tercio apical del canal radicular / Sonic versus ultrasonic activation of 10% EDTA for smear layer removal in the root canal apical third

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de la activación sónica y ultrasónica del ácido etilendiaminotetraacético (EDTA) al 10% para remover barrillo dentinario en el tercio apical y el grado de erosión producido sobre las paredes del canal radicular. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo experimental in vitro. Se instrumentaron 40 dientes manualmente con la técnica step-back hasta lima maestra número 55 y fueron asignados a 4 grupos según protocolo de irrigación final: I: agua destilada estéril sin activación, II: EDTA 10% sin activación por 30 segundos, III: EDTA 10% activado sónicamente por 30 segundos y IV: EDTA 10% activado ultrasónicamente por 30 segundos. Las muestras fueron observadas en MEB a una magnificación de 5000X. Se evaluó la presencia de barrillo dentinario remanente y grado de erosión según criterios de Torabinejad et al. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis y Post Hoc de Tukey con un nivel de significancia 5% (p=0,05). El grupo I (agua sin activación) presentó mayor cantidad de barrillo que el resto de los grupos (p<0,01). En cuanto a la presencia de barrillo, entre los grupos II (EDTA sin activación), III (EDTA con sonido) y IV (EDTA con ultrasonido) no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. En cuanto a la erosión, el grupo II presentó una mayor erosión que el resto siendo significativa con los grupos I y III (p=0,006). Entre los grupos I, III y IV no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas. La activación sónica y ultrasónica del EDTA 10% no produjo una remoción de barrillo significativamente superior al compararlo con la irrigación convencional, pero sí hubo diferencias en cuanto a erosión, siendo menor con la activación sónica

The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of passive sonic and ultrasonic irrigation with 10% Ethilenediaminotetracethic acid (EDTA) on smear layer of the apical third of instrumented root canals as well as the level of erosion produced on the canal walls. For this quantitative experimental in vitro study 40 teeth were hand instrumented with step back technique until master file num 55 and divided in four groups according to the final irrigation protocol: I: distilled water without activation, II: 10% EDTA for 30 seconds without activation, III: 10% EDTA sonic activated for 30 seconds, IV: 10% EDTA ultrasonic activated for 30 seconds. Samples were prepared for MEB observation at 5000X. The presence of smear layer and erosion on dentine walls was quantified according to Torabinejad et al. criteria. Data were submitted at Kruskal-Wallis test and Tukey Post Hoc with a significance level of 5% (P=0.05). When evaluating the smear layer presence, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups II, III and IV. Group I had a highest amount of smear layer (p<0.01). As for erosion, group II showed higher erosion than the others, being significant with groups I and III (p=0.006). Among groups I, III and IV there were not statistically significant differences. Sonic and ultrasonic activation of EDTA 10% did not produce a significantly superior removal of smear layer when compared with conventional irrigation. Erosion of root canal walls was significantly lower after sonic activation

Sobrecrecimiento bacteriano intestinal y pseudoobstrucción intestinal crónica: una relación poco conocida / Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is the most severe intestinal motility disorder. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is frequently associated to dysmotility. In spite of this association, there is scare data on the relation between CIP and SIBO. To establish occurrence of CIP in SIBO patients in inter-crisis periods. To compare clinical and manometric characteristics of SIBO and non-SIBO patients. Retrospective analysis of 40 CIP patients (average age: 41 years; range: 18-76 years; 75 percent women). The following elements were registered: symptoms (such as pain, distention, vomit, constipation, diarrhea and weight loss); findings of the intestinal manometry (neuropathic, miopatic and mix pattern; intestinal motility index); and SIBO using lactulose H2 breath test, defined as an increase > 20 ppm in 2 or more figures in the first 60 minutes. Statistical analysis: t-test y and comparison of two ratios. SIBO was observed in 60 percent of the patients with CIP. Three or more symptoms were observed in 70.8 percent of the patients with SIBO 50 percentwithout SIBO (p = NS). In patients with SIBO, the most frequent symptom was abdominal pain (70.8 percent p= 0.032). There were no differences between SIBO patients and the different motility patterns, however, the intestinal motility index was lower for the SIBO group (9.7 +/- 44 12.3 +/-7; p < 0.001). : There is a high prevalence of SIBO in CIP patients. This is associated to a major compromise of intestinal motility assessed by the intestinal motility index...

Introducción: La pseudoobstrucción intestinal crónica (POIC) es el trastorno más grave de la motilidad intestinal. El sobrecrecimiento bacteriano intestinal (SBI) se asocia frecuentemente a estados de dismotilidad. A pesar de esta asociación existen escasos datos sobre la relación entre POIC y SBI. Objetivo: Determinar SBI en pacientes con POIC en período inter-crisis. Comparar características clínicas y manométricas de pacientes con y sin SBI. Material y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de 40 pacientes con POIC (edad promedio: 41 años, rango: 18-76 años; 75 por ciento mujeres). Se registraron síntomas (dolor, distensión, vómitos, constipación, diarrea, baja de peso), hallazgos en manometría intestinal (patrón neuropático, miopático o mixto, índice de motilidad intestinal (IMI)) y SBI con test de H2 con lactulosa, definido como la elevación > 20 ppm en 2 o más cifras en los primeros 60 min. Análisis estadístico: t-test y comparación de 2 proporciones. Resultados: Se observó SBI en 60 por ciento de los pacientes con POIC. Tres o más síntomas se presentaron en 70,8 por ciento de los pacientes con SBI vs 50 por ciento en POIC sin SBI (p = NS). El síntoma dolor abdominal fue más frecuente en pacientes con SBI (70,8 por ciento vs 31,2 por ciento, p = 0,032). No hubo diferencias entre pacientes con SBI y los distintos patrones de motilidad, sin embargo, el IMI fue menor para el grupo con SBI (9,7 +/- 1,44 vs 12,3 +/- 1,7, p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Existe una alta prevalencia de SBI en pacientes con POIC. Esto se relaciona con mayor compromiso de la motilidad intestinal evaluado por el IMI.

Septin 7: Actin cross-organization is required for axonal association of Schwann cells

Myelin sheaths present two distinct domains: compacted myelin spirals and flanking non-compacted cytoplasmic channels, where lipid and protein segregation is established by unknown mechanisms. Septins, a conserved family of membrane and cytoskeletal interacting GTPases, form intracellular diffusion barriers during cell division and neurite extension and are expressed in myelinating cells. Septins, particularly septin 7 (Sept7), the central constituent of septin polymers, are associated with the cytoplasmic channels of myelinating cells. Here we show that Schwann cells deprived of Sept7 fail to wrap around axons from dorsal root ganglion neurons and exhibit disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Likewise, Sept7 distribution is dependent on microfilament but not microtubule organization.

Emergencia de infecciones por Enterococcus sp resistente a vancomicina en un hospital universitario en Chile / Emergency of vancomycm-vesistant Enterococcus infections in a teaching hospital in Chile

Introducción. En Chile, se desarrolla una vigilancia activa de portación intestinal de Enterococcus resistente a vancomicina (ERV) desde el año 2000. Sin embargo, no hay publicaciones sobre casos clínicos. Objetivo: Describir casos de infección por ERV en un hospital de nivel terciario. Pacientes y Método: Se obtuvieron de los registros del laboratorio las muestras clínicas o intestinales positivas para ERV (2001 al 2006) y se analizaron en los pacientes afectados los factores de riesgo potenciales, manifestaciones clínicas, tratamiento y evolución. Resultados: Se identificaron 23 casos (tasa de incidencia año 2005 de 0,07 y año 2006 de 0,09/1.000 días camas ocupadas). El promedio de edad fue 62,0 ± 17 años. Antecedentes: cáncer (39,l por cientoo), procedimientos quirúrgicos recientes (54,1 por ciento), hemodiálisis (26,1 por ciento), corticoterapia (26,1 por ciento). El 87 por cientoo había recibido dos o más antimicrobianos, casi un tercio fue transferido desde otros hospitales y 22 por ciento había reingresado antes de 30 días. Los pacientes habían estado principalmente en UCI (60,9 por ciento), el resto en salas nefrológicas u onco-hematológicas. Los cuadros clínicos incluyeron bacteriemias (30,4 por ciento), infecciones del sitio quirúrgico o abscesos (26,1 por ciento), infecciones urinarias (26,1 por ciento) u otros. Tres pacientes fueron asintomáticos (13 por ciento). Los aislados fueron identificados como E. faecium en 82,6 por cientoo del total, el resto como Enterococcus sp. El 66,7 por cientoo de las cepas mostró susceptibilidad intermedia a vancomicina. En 14 cepas con estudio completo para vancomicina y teicoplanina, predominó el fenotipo VanB (85,7 por ciento), seguido de los fenotipos VanA (7,1 por ciento) y VanB/VanD (7,1 por ciento). Quince pacientes fueron tratados en forma médica o médico-quirúrgica, hubo respuesta favorable en 80 por cientoo de ellos. Ocho pacientes no recibieron tratamiento (34,8 por ciento), en dos...

An active surveillance of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) intestinal colonization in selected group of patients has been developed in Chile since year 2000. Nevertheless, no reports of clinical cases have been published. Aim. To describe main clinical and microbiological features of patients infected by VRE in a tertiary-level teaching Hospital. Patients and methods. Intestinal and clinical samples positive to VRE were provided by laboratory, and a retrospective analysis of potential risk factors, clinical features, treatment and outcomes was performed. Study encompassed years 2001 to 2006. Main results. 23 cases of infections were identified, all cases occurring during 2005 and 2006. Incidence rate was 0.07 and 0.09 cases per 1000 occupied bed-days, respectively. The mean age was 62.0 ± 17 years. A significant proportion of patients had cancer (39.1 percent), recent surgical procedures (54.1 percent), were on dialysis (26.1 percent), or were using steroids (26.1 percent). Most patients had received 2 or more antimicrobial (87 percent), almost a third represented transfers from other hospitals and an additional 22 percent readmissions before 30 days of latest discharge. Patients were mainly hospitalized in the ICU (60.9 percent) but nearly 30 percent were associated exclusively to nephrological or onco-hematological wards. Clinical manifestations included bacteremia (30.4 percent), surgical site infections or abscesses (26.1 percent), urinary tract infections (26.1 percent) and others. . Three patients (13 percent) did not have symptoms. After identification was possible, all isolates were identified as E. faecium (82.6 percent of total), the rest as Enterococcus sp. Most strains showed intermediate susceptibility to vancomycin (66.7 percent). For 14 strains studied both with vancomycin and teicoplanin, , phenotype Van B was predominant (85.7 percent), followed by VanA (7.1 percent) and VanB/VanD type (7.1 percent). No molecular...

Evaluación ultrasonográfica del volumen vesical / Ultrasonographic evaluation of the vesical volume

Se estudiaron 12 pacientes de sexo femenino del Policlínico de Ginecología del Hospital del Salvador, efectuándose mediciones de varios parámetros ultrasonográficos de la vejiga (diámetros y perímetros), con volúmenes conocidos instilados por sonda. Los resultados se someten a estudio matemático y estadístico computarizado, obteniéndose una fórmula de fácil aplicación para calcular volumen vesical. Se compara esta fórmula con otras de la literatura observándose que presenta un mayor grado de certeza y confiabilidad. Se destacan las ventajas del método ultrasonográfico para determinar volumen vesical en pacientes con patología uroginecológica