Análisis de sobrevida en pacientes de edad avanzada que inician hemodiálisis crónica en Servicio de Salud Chileno / Survival of older patients starting hemodialysis in Chile

The proportion of older people with end stage renal disease is increasing. Their prognosis is characterized by a high mortality and poor quality of life. Aim: To analyze the survival of patients starting chronic hemodialysis (CHD) according to their age. Material and Methods: Patients admitted to CHD in the East Metropolitan Health Service of Santiago in a 2-year period were analyzed. Four age groups were created, separating patients older than 70 years in a special group. Results: During the study period, 459 patients were admitted to CHD and were followed for an average of 27 months. The frequency of cardiovascular comorbidity, cancer, and chronic renal disease of unknown cause (attributed to nephrosclerosis) increased along with age. Mortality was higher at older ages. There was a significant association between starting CHD with a catheter, Charlson comorbidity index and increasing age with mortality. For those aged over 80 years, mortality at three months and one year was 25 and 43% respectively. Conclusions: Age, Charlson index and vascular access are predictors of mortality in older adults entering hemodialysis. This study suggests the importance of considering comorbidities, assessment by specialists and creating an arteriovenous fistula in this age group.

Resultados a largo plazo en trasplante renal de donantes con criterios expandidos / Long-term outcomes with expanded criteria donors in kidney transplantation

Background: Kidney transplantation of expanded criteria deceased donors (DCE) has become a common clinical practice. However, DCE outcomes are inferior compared to kidney transplants from standard criteria donors (DCS). Aim: To evaluate intermediate and long-term outcomes of DCE transplanted patients. Material and Methods: Cadaveric kidney transplants were evaluated using a retrospective cohort of eight consecutive years. Complications and long-term function of the transplant were assessed in DCE and DCS kidney recipients. Results: Of 213 patients analyzed, 34 (16%) underwent DCE transplantation. DCS recipients spent more time on the waiting list for transplantation (p = 0.04). DCE recipients showed higher frequency of surgical complications (p = 0.04), vascular complications (p = 0.02), acute transplant rejection (p = 0.05), and hospitalizations (p = 0.01). Creatinine (mg/dL) in DCE and DCS recipients was 2.3 and 1.5 respectively at year one (p < 0.01) and 2.6 and 1.6 respectively at year five (p < 0.01). Graft survival in the DCE group was significantly lower at 5 years (61 and 89% respectively, p < 0.01). Conclusions: DCE grafts are associated with lower survival, higher hospitalization rate and commonly develop surgical complications and rejections.

Tromboembolismo pulmonar masivo con respuesta exitosa a trombolisisfarmacológica: Caso clínico / Massive pulmonary thromboembolism treated successfully with streptokinase: Report of one case

Massive pulmonary thromboembolism has a high mortality. Early thrombolysis is the treatment of choice. We report a 79-year-old man admitted in shock. A chest angio-CAT scan showed a massive pulmonary thromboembolism. A transthoracic echocardiography showed a right cardiac dysfunction. Although the patient was in hemodynamic instability, he was subjected to thrombolysis with streptokinase, assisted with noradrenaline support and invasive mechanical ventilation. Parenteral anticoagulation was started thereafter. A second echocardiography, performed 72 hours later showed an improvement in right ventricular function. The patient had a nosocomial pneumonia that was treated. Noradrenalin and mechanical ventilation were discontinued nine and 15 days after thrombolysis. A new angio-CAT scan, 23 days after the procedure, was normal. The patient was discharged in good conditions 27 days after admission.